The Walt Disney empire is to buy the superheroes stable Marvel Entertainment for $4bn (£2.5bn) in a star-studded Hollywood deal that unites family names such as Mickey Mouse with lucrative characters including Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk and the X-Men.

Disney hopes to put Marvel’s 5,000 characters to work on its television channels and in video games, theme parks and movies. The agreed takeover is for a mixture of cash and stock, with Disney shares accounting for roughly 40% of the buyout price.

The tie-up unites two companies with similar business models – they both take characters which capture the popular imagination and promote them vigorously around the world on every possible media platform and through third-party licensing deals.

While Disney has traditionally been known for its wholesome family creations ranging from the Little Mermaid to Lion King, Hannah Montana and Pocahontas, the purchase of Marvel adds an edgier, more violent element – it recently scored a box office success with Iron Man, a movie starring Robert Downey Jr as a billionaire inventor who creates a hi-tech suit of armour to battle evil.

Marvel’s characters, who include superhero Captain America, tend to chime particularly well with teenage boys and young men, while Disney has been stronger in appealing to a female audience.

Disney’s chief executive, Bob Iger, said Marvel had a “treasure trove” of intellectual property that “transcends gender, age, culture and geographical barriers”.

“There are so many opportunities to mine both characters that are known and characters that are not widely known,” Iger said.

The tie-up is one of the largest US corporate transactions of the summer and marks a remarkable turnaround for Marvel, originally a comic book company, which filed for bankruptcy in 1996 under heavy debts as it faced a slump in comic book sales.

The two companies hope to complete the deal by the end of the year. Marvel’s chief executive, Ike Perlmutter, will be the largest personal winner, scooping $1.4bn in cash and Disney shares in return for his 37% stake in the business.

Perlmutter has been involved in running Marvel since helping to buy the business out of bankruptcy in 1998.

Marvel’s chairman, Mort Handel, described Disney as a “perfect home” for his company’s library of characters. “Both companies have their roots in great storytelling and innovative artistry,” he said.

Marvel had sales of $676m last year but employed just 300 people. Disney, in contrast, had a turnover of $37.8bn and a payroll of 150,000 staff at businesses varying from its Hollywood film studios to ABC television, theme parks on three continents and a high-street chain of Disney merchandise stores.

“This helps give Disney more important exposure to the young male demographic that they have sort of lost some ground with in recent years,” said David Joyce, a media analyst at stockbroker Miller Tabak.

He added: “When you look at the kind of TV shows on their cable networks, and the Disney consumer products line for the princess and fairies – the Hannah Montana kind of stuff – it shows that they have a lot of strength addressing the young female demographic.”

In a research note, Citigroup analyst Jason Bazinet said: “Disney will also be able to monetise Marvel’s brands across its entire ecosystem from TV to parks, movies, consumer products and video games.”

Marvel’s shares shot up by 26% to $48.78 during early trading on Wall Street. The buyout values Marvel at $50 per share.

Cops say rapper Too Short was too far over the legal limit to be driving around Las Vegas.

According to law enforcement, Short — real name Todd Shaw — was arrested for DUI, possession of less than one ounce of marijuana, speeding and exhibition of power (burning rubber) by Las Vegas Metro Police at around 4:00 AM.

It’s the second time Short’s been popped for DUI — in Las Vegas — in the last three months.

BET enjoyed a huge night in the ratings on Tuesday, August 25, as the season finale of the little show that could, TINY & TOYA, attracted more than 1.9 million total viewers. TINY & TOYA finished the season with an average of 1.8 MM viewers, making it the #1 original series in BET history, according to Nielsen Media Research.

The blockbuster night was capped off by the season premiere of the spin-off series, FRANKIE & NEFFE, which garnered 1.9 million total viewers. The premiere of FRANKIE & NEFFE stands as the #2 series debut in BET history.

“TINY & TOYA” chronicled the everyday lives of two ordinary women, brought together in friendship by their shared experiences surviving the pitfalls of fame alongside superstar significant others. While the brand new series FRANKIE & NEFFE follows the R&B Keyshia Cole’s mother (Frankie) and sister (Neffe) as they strive to gain financial independence and take charge of their own lives.

Cops tell us DJ AM — also known as Adam Goldstein — was found dead this morning in New York City.

Sources tell us he was found in his apartment at around 5:20 PM. We’re told drug paraphernalia was found at the scene.

Our sources say DJ AM had not been seen or heard from for a few days — one of his friends went to check on him, but got no response after knocking on his apartment door.

We’re told the friend called the cops — but it was the fire department who finally entered his apartment and found the body.

Back in September of 2008, DJ AM and Travis Barker survived a plane crash in South Carolina. Four people died in the crash — which was caused when the airplane aborted takeoff and then ran off the runway. DJ AM and Barker were the only survivors.

Sources tell TMZ prescription pill bottles were found near DJ AM’s body this afternoon.

We’re told his body was found at around 5 PM at his apartment in New York City — he was shirtless and wearing sweatpants.

UPDATE 8:10 PM ET: Sources say a pipe commonly used to smoke drugs was also found inside the bedroom.

UPDATE 7:51 PM ET: We’re told his body has not been removed from the apartment.

He was just seen Sunday throwing out the last pitch at Citi Field

10. Scott Storch

In Scott Storch’s prime, rappers paid big bucks to secure a surefire hit from the self-proclaimed, “Tuff Jew.” Working his way up the ranks from keyboard player for The Roots, to Dr. Dre’s secret weapon, Storch soon stood on his own two, making it rain for everyone from pop juggernauts like Beyoncé (”Baby Boy”) and Christina Aguilera (”Fighter”) to rap’s elite, Jadakiss (”U Make Me Wanna”) and Fat Joe (”Lean Back”). Now clean and sober, hopefully he can now lean back into more success.

9. Wyclef Jean

When the Fugees debuted with Blunted on Reality in 1994 hip-hop fans were mostly indifferent, but Wyclef sure did change things didn’t he? Not only was the group’s 1996 follow-up an undisputed hip-hop classic, but The Score went on to go 18 times platinum worldwide. Then there was his 3 million-plus solo debut, The Carnival, in 1997. Since then, Clef has gone on to bless Destiny’s Child (”No, No, No”), Carlos Santana (”Maria Maria”), Shakira (”Hips Don’t Lie”) and T.I. (”You Know What It Is”) with his Caribbean flavored heat. Sure Canibus was a bust, but no one seems to hold that Firm fiasco against Dre. Right?

8. The RZA

There’s no denying that Robert Diggs’s footprint is firmly planted into the annals of hip-hop. Initially making a mark by crafting a slew of classics for the Wu-Tang Clan as the crew’s mastermind, the Abbott later transitioned into movie scores— working with the likes of Jim Jarmush (Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai) and Quentin Tarantino (Kill Bill). Though he juggles production duties with movie roles alongside Russell Crowe (American Gangster) and Seth Rogen (Funny People) these days, RZA still finds time to bang out gems for his Wu brethren as he continues to push the envelope beyond hip-hop’s myopic scope. Bong bong!

7. Swizz Beatz

Although it’s easy to forget Swizz Beatz’ contributions to hip-hop, major props are due. When his aunt and uncles formed Ruff Ryder in the late ’90s, Swizz hopped on board and became the label’s chief boardsmith, providing hits for DMX (“Ruff Ryders Anthem”) and Eve (“Love is Blind”). Along with a signature high-octane sound, Swizz’s appeal lies in his ability to reinvent through the ages— from Jay-Z (“Money, Cash, Hoes”) to Cassidy (“I’m a Hustla”) to Beyoncé (“Upgrade U”). Not to mention, a solo album, One Man Band Man. These days, Kaseem Dean is still a monster. For proof, see: Jadakiss’ “Who’s Real,” Maino’s “Million Bucks” and, yes, Whitney Houston’s “Million Dollar Bill.” Extra points for trying to put a ring on Alicia hand?

6. Jermaine Dupri

When it comes to boardsmen, JD is reigning king of hip-hop soul. He made the So So Def stamp the most coveted remix aside from Diddy’s, lending R&B troupes like Jagged Edge (“Where the Party At (Remix)”) and Dru Hill (“In My Bed (Remix)”) some hip-hop flavor. And luckily, Dupri doesn’t discriminate—even women (Da Brat) and children (Kris Kross, Bow Wow) can get hits.

5. The Neptunes

Circa early millennium, the jingling of a Neptunes beat was virtually inescapable. While the Virginia duo (Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo) flooded hip-hop with singles like Noreaga’s “Superthug,” Jay-Z’s “I Just Wanna Love You,” Mystikal’s “Danger” and Snoop Dogg’s “Beautiful,” an impeccable résumé earned them three Grammys, overflowing clientele and crossover appeal (Britney Spears, ‘N Sync). Moonlighting as artists, the pair sold respectably as two-thirds of N.E.R.D. Waning dominance aside— and a poor Pharrell solo effort— the Neptunes remain active, recently producing for Common’s Universal Mind Control, Mos Def’s Ecstatic and Jay-Z’s The Blueprint 3. Sky’s no limit.

4.Timbaland

You know exactly what to expect when you come knocking for a Timbaland track: A head-bopping bounce, bizarre sounds, electric funk and—most importantly—intoxicating music. After 15 years of making club infernos for the likes of Jay-Z (”Big Pimpin’”), Missy Elliott (”Get Ur Freak On”), Madonna (”4 Minutes”), Justin Timberlake (”Sexy Back”), Nelly Furtado (”Promiscuous”), Ludacris (”Roll Out”) and Björk (”Innocence”), Timbo should offer a money-back guarantee that his beats will score top 40 smashes. You don’t think Welcome to Our World really went platinum because of Magoo’s rapping, do you?

3. Kanye West

Heralded as one of the best artists in rap today, Kanye West got his big break by climbing atop the producer food chain. Handling the bulk of Jay-Z’s The Blueprint, with fellow Hip-Hop Since 1978 producer, Just Blaze— ‘Ye helped resurrect soul sampling by churning out hits for the likes of Alicia Keys (”You Don’t Know My Name”) and Ludacris (”Stand Up”). Yeezy has also helped break new aritsts (John Legend) and given CPR to failing careers (Common). Though he now keeps his best beats for himself, the Louis Vuitton Don’s work on Jay-Z’s The Blueprint 3 and upcoming efforts from Young Jeezy, Drake and Kid Cudi, shows he’s still one of the most sought after boardsmen in hip-hop today. Can’t tell him nothing.

2. Sean “Puffy” Combs (Not Diddy)

One of hip-hop’s most prolific producers, there is truly no one like Sean “Puffy” Combs. He cemented his rap legacy when he introduced the world to the late, great Notorious B.I.G. But it didn’t stop with Big Poppa, Puff has helped shaped the sounds of Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Ma$e and Faith, among many others, and put his midas touch on records for New Edition (”You Don’t Have To Worry” Remix), Lil’ Kim (”No Time”) and Jay-Z (”Roc Boys”). Sure he had talent like Chucky Thompson, Nashiem Myrick, Mario Winans and more recently Sean C. and LV behind him, but when it comes down to smash records, Puff is the head hitman. Take that, take that!

1. Dr. Dre

Unlike most producers on this list, Andre Young has never cornered the market per se. To this day some of the game’s sickest MCs are dying to cross Dre off their wish lists. Rather than spread himself thin, the obsessively meticulous producer works with a chosen few and chases perfection with every project. In addition to his own two classics (The Chronic & The Chronic 2001), Dre has masterminded arguably more masterpieces than anyone in hip-hop history. Sure, he’s topped the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and contributed tracks to legendary MCs like Busta Rhymes (”Break Ya Neck”), Nas (”Hustlers”) and Jay-Z (”Lost One”), but it’s the good doctor’s ability to break legends (N.W.A., Snoop Dogg and Eminem), legends-in-training (50 Cent) and superstars (The Game) over the last 20 years, that makes him the G.O.A.T. Some producers make hits, but Dre’s undoubtedly a slugger.

Sen. Edward Kennedy, the indefatigable liberal icon whose 47 years in the Senate were often overshadowed by his twin roles as keeper and casualty of the Camelot myth, died late Tuesday night after a long battle with brain cancer.He was 77, and passed away at the famed Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port, Mass.

“We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever,” the heartbroken Kennedy family said in a statement.

“We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice.”

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said, “We have lost our patriarch.”

“Maria and I are immensely saddened by the passing of Uncle Teddy,” said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose wife, Maria Shriver, is the late Senator’s niece.

“Teddy inspired our country through his dedication to health care reform, his commitment to social justice, and his devotion to a life of public service.”

Kennedy was diagnosed in May 2008 with a malignant brain tumor, discovered after he suffered a seizure at the Hyannis Port compound.

Doctors initially said the cancer could kill Kennedy within a year. But the tough old Democrat fought bravely to outlast the grim prognosis.

His large family took advantage of the extra time.

“It let us have the chance to tell him how much we love him,” said his son Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) “and him to be there to hear it.”

Kennedy was largely absent from Washington after the diagnosis.

Rumors of his deteriorating condition heated up when Kennedy missed three big August events: His sister Eunice’s funeral, the confirmation vote for Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor, and the ceremony where he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Kennedy’s low profile over his last month was a dramatic contrast with his tumultuous life.

Thrust into the role of family patriarch by the assassinations of his two brothers, the star-crossed Kennedy endured a heartrending series of tragedies - several of them self-inflicted.

The Massachusetts Democrat never fully escaped the taint of Mary Jo Kopechne and Chappaquiddick. He struggled with alcohol, and suffered through the untimely deaths of nephews David by drug overdose, Michael in a skiing accident and JFK Jr. in a plane crash.

He never reached the White House, absorbing a stinging defeat in his 1980 challenge to incumbent Jimmy Carter. Critics said he lacked his brother John’s intellect and his brother Bobby’s passion.

He just had to lick his lips at da end hugh...mr botox!

Police in Las Vegas say they’re searching boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s Rolls-Royce at his home after witnesses reported it was involved in a shooting outside an ice skating rink. Lt. Patrick Charoen said Monday that police obtained a warrant to search the vehicle at one of Mayweather’s Las Vegas-area homes after the shooting late Sunday night outside the Crystal Palace Skating Center.

Charoen (shar OHN’) says no one was hurt in the shooting, but a vehicle was hit with several bullets between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Mayweather isn’t named as a suspect. Charoen says witnesses only identified his vehicle, which drove away.

The 32-year-old Mayweather is scheduled to fight a welterweight bout Sept. 19 against Juan Manuel Marquez.

Its a story of what could’ve been for the Adidas sneaker company. In this interview clip, Mr.Jordan explains how he never wore Nike’s before signing a contract to them and how he always liked Adidas but negotiations failed when it came endorsement time and Nike stepped up to the plate. The ”Jordan” series has gone on to become the most successful and profitable sneaker, enduring popularity long after the star who made them famous retired from the game.

For someone who hates hip hop so much, Bill O'Reilly definetly keeps a close eye and ear out to whats new on the rap scene. In this clip we get to see him check out Jay-Z's new track ''Off That'' in which he takes jabs at both O'Reilly and Rush Limbaugh in letting them know that a lot of progress has been made since the Civil War days.