Music Industry

(Newser) - Michael Jackson has followed the path of fellow entertainer Cat Stevens in converting to Islam, a source tells the British tabloid the Sun . Jackson—now called Mikaeel—recently went through a ceremony at a friend’s Hollywood Hills home, after being swayed by pals who said the faith had made them better people. Stevens, now Yousef Islam, stopped by to offer his congratulations. More »

(Newser) - The Blink-182 boys are hanging out again, ending a nearly 4-year hiatus after drummer Travis Barker dodged death in a fiery plane crash, E! reports. The trio met up for what vocalist Mark Hoppus calls “positive conversations,” deciding recent events trump the past. As for a reunion, “None of us know,” he writes on his blog. “Life is too short.” More »

(Newser) - Fans can get an early online taste—legally—of the latest albums from Guns N’ Roses and Paul McCartney thanks to MySpace, Reuters reports. Members can stream the music free starting today but can't download it. Early reaction to the first GN'R album in 17 years is generally positive; Entertainment Weekly calls it "unapologetically huge music, not fit for tiny iPod earbuds." More »

(Newser) - Kanye West has declared himself “the voice of this generation,” comparing himself to basketball’s biggest star and running down Justin Timberlake in the process, the AP reports. “When Justin went on vacation I made albums,” said the Grammy-winning rapper-producer. “It's one thing to say you want to do it and it's another thing to really end up being like Michael Jordan.” More »

(Newser) - Shakir Stewart, who took over at Def Jam Records when Jay-Z stepped down in June, was found dead yesterday, Billboard reports. The rap executive apparently committed suicide, though few details are available. Stewart had signed artists such as Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, and Karina Pasian to his label, and in a previous stint at Hitco snagged Beyoncé. More »