HOSPITAL INVESTIGATED FOR BURRESS COVER UP: Plus, staffer suspended after failing to report gunshot wound as required per law.
*The New York State Department of Health has launched an investigation to determine if the hospital that treated Plaxico Burress engaged in a conspiracy to hide information.

BEYONCE TO HEADLINE ESSENCE MUSIC FEST: Discount packages for annual July event in New Orleans being offered through Jan. 31.
*Beyonce was announced Tuesday as the first artist confirmed for next year's Essence Music Festival, which returns to New Orleans July 3, 4 and 5, 2009.

FATMAN HAS 'SCOOP' ON CONTROLLING DIABETES: Grammy winner has upper hand on disease with his 'Scoop of Greens' product.
*Though his livelihood depends on listeners, Grammy-winning, famed rough voiced, hip hop promoter and radio personality Fatman Scoop wasn't always a good listener. The New York music man suffered from symptoms of diabetes, but didn't pay much attention until a friend's intervention.

EBONY'S OBAMA EXCLUSIVE ON STANDS TUESDAY: Magazine was first to interview President-elect following election.
*The January 2009 issue of Ebony, featuring the first interview with President-elect Barack Obama since winning the Nov. 4 election, will hit newsstands on Dec. 9, the magazine announced.

KANYE-PRODUCED JAY-Z SONG IN 'NOTORIOUS': Also, Biggie's son may appear on 'One More Chance' remake for soundtrack; plus, old Jay-Z videos at Thumbplay.
*Jay-Z's new track "Brooklyn (We Go Hard)," produced by Kanye West and featuring Santogold, will be the first single off the soundtrack to "Notorious," the forthcoming biopic of late rapper Notorious B.I.G.

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