4/24/09 Kirk Franklin
Fighting the fight has turned out to be a good thing for gospel music sensation Kirk Franklin. During the 40th annual GMA Dove Awards, the platinum-selling pint-size holy roller's latest opus, 'The Fight of My Life,' won the award for urban album of the year. Considered the "biggest night in gospel music," the Dove Awards is the longest running and most prestigious televised ceremony recognizing achievement in all genres of Christian and gospel music. Some of the industry's biggest acts came out for the event, which took place at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn., on April 23. According to Franklin's longtime publicist, Gwendolyn Quinn, this is the singer's 13th Dove Award honor.

4/24/09 Raekwon
Fellow Wu-Tang Clan rhyme slinger Raekwon has finally found a home with EMI Music to release his long-awaited, highly-anticipated album 'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2' this summer. "The wait is finally over," he said in a statement. "Words cannot describe how extremely happy I am to work with EMI Music to put out my album." The album, which is the followup to Rae's 1995 classic solo debut, will feature collaborations by Dr. Dre, RZA, J Dilla, Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes, Bun B, and The Game among others.

4/21/09: Smokie Norful
Gospel music dynamo Smokie Norful has a reason to smile. The Little Rock, Ark., native's latest project is the top-selling gospel album in the country. The 'Live' opus debuted at number one on Billboard's Top Gospel Albums chart this week – netting the Grammy Award winner his second chart-topping debut and third number one project. "Smokie's hard work, talent and commitment to the ministry shine through on his new album," stated Ken Pennell, president of EMI Gospel, who released the project last week. 'Live' was recorded in front of a standing room audience at the Cannon Center in Memphis, Tenn. The 10-track CD was produced by Norful and Jason Tyson and includes guest performances by Tony Award winner Heather Headley and Stellar Award winner Tye Tribbett.

4/21/09: Kanye West
With his debut Nike shoe, "The Air Yeezy," in stores, Kanye West is looking to capitalize off his new endorsement with a cameo in this year's NBA playoffs. West's latest single, 'Amazing,' with rapper Young Jeezy is featured in a new NBA playoffs commercial promoting this year's slogan: "Where amazing happens." Recently, West and Jeezy wrapped up shooting the single's video in Hawaii, which was directed by Hype Williams.

4/21/09: Keyshia Cole
R&B-singer-turned-reality-star Keyshia Cole is gearing up for yet another tour in support of her latest album, 'A Different Me.' Beginning May 13 in Cincinnati, Cole, alongside singer-songwriter Keri Hilson, The Dream, and Bobby Valentino, will hit the road for a 20-city trek. For Cole, connecting with fans through touring is the "most intimate" aspect of her career. "The most gratifying thing for me in show business is having the ability to be intimate with my fans. Singing directly to them is the most intimate thing I can do," she said in a statement. 'A Different Me' tour ends June 20 in Los Angeles.

4/21/09: T.I.
As T.I. prepares to serve his one-year sentence on May 19 for felony weapons charges, he also has plans to re-release his platinum-selling album 'Paper Trail.' 'MTV News' reports the Grammy Award-winning rapper will include five new songs, including collaborations with The Dream, Ciara and a unreleased verse from Kanye West. A release date for the project was not revealed at press time.

4/21/09: Black Eyed Peas
Back by popular demand, Grammy Award-winning group the Black Eyed Peas have finally released their latest single, 'Boom Boom Pow,' from their forthcoming album, 'The E.N.D.' According to group member Fergie, the song is "kind of to the left" for a first single, which she says transcended into the concept for the video's single. "The concept is the Peas' birth into the digital afterlife," she recently told 'MTV News.' "So the transformation is us going into a sort of birth or cocoon and coming out the other end as forms of energy. It's a parallel to the music industry. Now everything is downloaded." 'The E.N.D' (The Energy Never Dies) is set to hit stores in June.

4/21/09: LeToya Luckett
Former Destiny's Child member LeToya Luckett is readying the release of her sophomore solo album, 'Lady Love,' on June 23. True to the album's title, Luckett focuses on the many aspects of love and relationships expressed from a woman's point of view -- a topic contrary to her 2006 debut. "The first album was more about getting adjusted to being solo and finding my lane," Luckett explained to the 'Hollywood Reporter.' "It's still about soulful feel-good music. However, I didn't want to be stuck in a comfort zone. I wanted to be freer, more daring vocally and lyrically, to reflect the situations I've experienced."

4/21/09: Cam'ron
Despite being on hiatus for few years, Harlem-bred MC Cam'ron is set to make his return to the hip-hop scene next month with his new album, 'Crime Pays.' The former Dipset front man recently revealed to Billboard that he's taking advantage of the World Wide Web to help generate interest for the project. "The idea was to put out a video every week to warm people up to the album," he said. "I didn't care about putting out singles. I just wanted people to know the album was coming. That's what I love about the Internet. Instead of having to wait on radio to play your song or TV to play your video, I can use the Internet as a tool to get my music out earlier." 'Crime Pays,' which features 'I Used to Get It in Ohio' and 'Cookies and Apple Juice,' hit stores May 12 via Asylum Records.

4/21/09: Sean "Diddy" Combs
Multifaceted media mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs recently landed an upcoming role in 'Get Him to the Greek.' The Nicholas Stoller-directed film, which also stars Russell Brand, finds Combs playing the role of Sergio, a record label executive, while Brand plays an out-of-control rock star named Aldous Snow. 'Get Him to the Greek' is scheduled to hit theaters next year.

What Happens In Vegas
It's no secret, people love to gamble. And the premier destination to do it – big – is Las Vegas, Nevada. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, over 37.5 million people visit the west coast capital of fun each and every year. Boasting 17 of the 20 biggest hotels in the U.S., it's obvious that there is more to do in Sin City than win and lose money. BlackVoices.com give you an inside look at some of the hottest spots to stay, play, eat and treat yourself in the most populous city in America. Check it out.

Best Overall Las Vegas Restaurant: Le Cirque in The Bellagio
To say that this restaurant is in a league of its own would be an understatement. The Maccioni family's iconic restaurant has dominated the world of French cuisine in Manhattan for 35 years and the exquisitely decorated, intimate dining room -- where you can view Bellagio's famed water show -- is just as legendary. The service at Le Cirque is impeccable and it matches the morsels. To get your money's worth, we'd suggest sticking with Le Cirque's signature dishes – Salade de Homard, a delicate lobster salad appetizer, Escargot and the Filet de Loup de Mer, a perfectly cooked filet of Seabass wrapped in crispy potatoes. This is a meal you'll never forget and worth every penny. Plus, what's a Vegas trip if you don't go all out. Website: Le Cirque in The Bellagio Average check: $98 for an appetizer, entrée and dessert.

Best Overall Deal: Rio's World Buffet and Village Seafood Buffet
At the new Village Seafood Buffet, for $38 per person you can feast on everything from sushi, lobster, crab, fresh fish, shrimp, oysters and lots more. Talk about a bargain meal. And you won't wait too long for the favorites as lobster gets refreshed every ten minutes. Meanwhile, the Carnival World Buffet, which has long been voted the best buffet in Vegas, offers over 300 dishes so there's truly something for everyone under Rio's roof. Website: Village Seafood Buffet Average Check: $20

Best Trendy, but Affordable Dinner: Stack at The Mirage
Sure, the Mirage offers up the likes of big name restaurants like California Pizza Kitchen and Carnegie Delicatessen, but Stack is a hot, new trendy spot that remains reasonably priced. Start at the restaurant's lively bar with a signature cocktail like the Cantaloupe Mojito and then move back to the more intimate dining room for your meal. Try the Hot Rocks appetizer, which is a tray of thinly sliced, marinated sirloin that you cook tableside on a hot stone. Some of good picks include Stack's take on Pigs in a Blanket, the humongous Bone-In 24 oz Cowboy Steak, and the delectable Seabass with Lobster Risotto. Sides such as the Truffle laced Parmesan Crunchy Steak Fries and the Adult Tater Tots are also noteworthy. Website: Stack at The Mirage Average Check: $50

Best Laid Back Meal: BLT Burger
Chef Laurent Tourondel opened the follow-up to his popular New York burger joint at the Mirage Resort and Casino and it stays pretty packed. Though most may try out the signature BLT Burger, which is dressed in a special sauce, we'd suggest getting the Kobe Slider Trio, which includes a miniature BLT Burger. But the Colorado Lamb burger, enhanced by tasty mint-cilantro yogurt sauce, cucumber, olives, tomatoes and red onion, is most pleasing to the palet. Throw in some chili cheese fries, the enormous 5 spice Chinese chicken salad and a spiked milkshake and you're sure to leave satisfied. Just don't forget to take the Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding home...you'll thank us in the morning. Website: BLT Burger Average Check: $22

Best Celebrity Chef Restaurant: Table 10
Las Vegas has no shortage of celebrity chef restaurants but one of the top ones comes courtesy of Food Network's most colorful personality, Emeril Lagasse, who has recreated his New Orleans staple in the heart of the Palazzo Resort. And even though he's not manning the kitchen, he's trained the cooks on how to pull off some his signature dishes, like his seafood gumbo with andouille sausage and the new New Orleans Oyster Fritters with Rockefeller dipping sauces. The personable staff oozes Southern charm and is friendly, knowledgeable and incredibly attentive. If you're able to luck up on a special like the Coca-Cola duck, and Lagaasse's Baked Trfuffle Mac and Cheese will surely be happy you stopped by. Website: Table 10 Average Check: $100

Best Non-Vegas Restaurant in a Vegas Casino/Resort: Sushi Samba
Sushi Samba at the Palazzo is the Vegas outpost of one of New York's hippest spots. Sin City's version, however, has a private room called Sugarcane, where intimate performances from the likes of folks like Andrew Dice Clay takes place. With a cocktail menu twice the size of its food menu, lots of bachelorette and bachelor parties make this an early evening stop for small plate snacks -- like the filet and jumbo prawn Robatas and sushi specialties like the Samba strip roll and the Capoeira roll -- before hitting the Strip hard. Website: Sushi Samba Average Check: $55

Best Pre-Show Dinner: Joe's Stone Crab
Situated in the legendary Forum Shops at Caesars, this Miami-based chain is located at the perfect spot to do a little shopping pre-dinner, nestle into a cozy booth for a filling meal and then skip a few steps to the Coliseum at Caesar's Palace, once long-time residency for Celine Dion and now home to the iconic music legends Cher, Elton John and Bette Midler, who alternate weeks at Caesar's. The eatery's namesake stone crabs are to die for but another recommendation is to try side dishes like the fried asparagus and the cottage fried potatoes. Website: Joe's Stone Crab Average Check: $70

Best Splurge on Lunch: Sensi at Bellagio
You're reminded you're in an AAA Four Diamond Award-winning establishment once you pass the hostess stand and make your way to the intricately designed booths surrounding the four glass-encased kitchens that sit in the middle of the restaurant and dole out Italian, Asian, American and seafood specialties. That's Sensi. And the fare doesn't disappoint either. Sample it all and pass around such delights as the Crunchy Thai Shrimp Wraps, the Clay Pot Chicken Special and the Lobster salad. Website: Sensi at Bellagio Average Check: $80

Getting to Las Vegas and getting around once you get there could pose a dilemma but we've found a way to save you both time and money with Virgin America's flights to Las Vegas and the Monorail's efficient and cost-effective transportation throughout the Strip. Go ahead and treat yourself, you're in Vegas, after all.