Motown songwriter Nick Ashford dies

NEW YORK (AP) – Nick Ashford, one-half of the legendary Motown songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson, has died at age 70.

His longtime friend and former publicist Liz Rosenbergtold the Associated Press that Ashford — who along with wife Valerie Simpson wrote some of Motown's biggest hits — died Monday in a New York City hospital. He had been suffering from throat cancer and had undergone radiation treatment.

Among the songs Ashford & Simpson penned are Ain't No Mountain High Enough, You're All I Need To Get Byand Reach Out And Touch Somebody's Hand.

He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Common Leaves Universal

Chicago rapper Common has departed his longtime label, Universal, and signed a new deal with Warner Brothers. The announcement was made yesterday during an outdoor concert in New York City.

“I'm very grateful to be a part of this family, to be a part of this team,” Common told the crowd. “We have very inspirational, exciting music to team up with you. We're just open to what this change can bring."

This is Common's third label, starting his career on Relativity Records in 1992, where he remained for three albums before switching to Universal in 2000. When he released Like Water for Chocolate. He enjoyed more commercial success and visibility on Universal.

Ironically, his last album for the label was 2008's Universal Mind Control.

Drake Blasts Universal Motown

Drake took to Twitter to blast Universal Motown for taking down his music. The rapper apparently believes the label isn't maximizing his music's airplay. Drizzy says that his music is for his fans and he took exception to the label deciding to limit the places where his latest singles can be heard.

"Universal needs to stop taking my f*cking songs down. I am doing this for the people not for your label," he tweeted.

Drake famously feuded with former labelhead Sylvia Rhone prior to the release of his debut album. His second project, Take Care is due later this year.