News Bites on Eminem, Lil Wayne & Petey Pablo

Eminem leads this year’s nominations at the American Music Awards. The Detroit Lyricist is in the running for five trophies including Artist of the Year, Favorite Male Artist (Pop), Favorite Album (Pop), Favorite Male Aritst (Rap) and Favorite Album (Rap). Nods were also given to B.o.B and Drake. The show is set to air on November 21 on ABC.

Lil Wayne delivered another letter today (October 13) on his website, weezythanxyou.com, despite his announcement last week that that would be his last note to fans. In the letter he thanks fans for purchasing his latest release, I Am Not A Human Being, and explains why he’s currently in solitary confinement. “By now I’m guessing that you all have heard about my recent relocation to the bing, which is punitive segregation,” he said. “Basically, no T.V., no radio, no snacks/junkfood, and one phone call a week. This punishment has been handed to me for my earlier MP3 incident. I admit, I fu#ked up and now I must deal with the consequences. As I write this, I only have 25 days left, and it’ll be even less than that when you read this. So honestly, I’m fine. Obviously, this gives me a lot of time to myself and a lot of alone time with my thoughts, which can be creatively dangerous. I do miss being able to hear from my family everyday but once a week will have to suffice. To them, I apologize. I’m still able to receive mail so reading and responding is still a huge part of my day. I’d like to thank everyone that sent me B-Day cards and wishes… that was terrific. You all are wonderful, simply wonderful.” Wayne is scheduled to be released from jail on November 4.

Petey Pablo is set to surrender himself to authorities today, after he was arrested for trying to board a plane at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport in his hometown of North Carolina on September 11. The rapper’s reps told TMZ.com that the gun was not his and he was unaware it was in his carry-on bag. PP is being charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a stolen firearm and attempting to take the gun onto an airplane. —Elan Mancini