Sony is top of global music production after buying EMI

So today it would appear that the European Union (a.k.a. the EU) gave their approval for the purchase of EMI, a music publishing business, by a group headed by Sony.

"Sony and Mubadala have offered to divest valuable and attractive catalogues containing bestselling titles as well as works of successful and promising authors," announces the European commissioner for competition issues, Joaquin Almunia. "I am therefore satisfied that the competitive dynamics in the online music publishing business will be maintained so as to ensure consumer choice and cultural diversity."

This deal puts Sony at the top of music production, which means we should effectively see more of the company pervading the market (though it already stretches over a vast range of music-related productions).

What does this mean for the average college Joe, just wanting to enjoy a bit of music? Well, it shouldn't actually mean much at all, since the Sony group will likely continue much of what is already going when they purchase EMI. So, no worries, your music should be safe.

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony filing for divorce

Turns out Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez are ending their marriage of seven years officially, as Marc Anthony has filed for divorce. Fans and followers will find this as nothing new -- the couple have cited their "irreconcilable differences" before and have planned to split since July.

They certainly look happy -- but that is their job.

Under his real name of Marco Muniz at the Los Angeles Superior Court, Anthony began the process to end their union officially. He also filed for join physical and legal custody of their young, 4 year old twins, Emme and Max.

So how are the two singers taking their big split?

Axl Rose declines induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

A weird turn of events for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recently -- one of their nominations has actually declined his own induction, which is usually seen as an artistic honor.

The daring nominee? Axl Rose, the frontrunner of Guns N' Roses. Rose said that he didn't feel respected or welcomed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremonies, turning down his invitation to the 2012 Ceremony as well as being "inducted in absentia," as Rose put it.

"I won't be attending The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction 2012 Ceremony and I respectfully decline my induction as a member of Guns N' Roses to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame," is the news from Rose himself via a publicly-released letter through his spokeswoman.

Moroccan rapper El-Haqed imprisoned for "insulting public authorities"

As if the vast continent of Africa did not have enough turmoil on its hands, one more story seems to have piled itself up on top: a rapper from Morocco, who goes by "El-Haqed" was imprisoned recently for "insulting public authorities," through one of his songs.

Apparently, a YouTuber played the El-Haqed song "Kalib Addawla" (in English, "Dogs of the State") to a video clip of images edited together with such pictures as a policeman with a donkey's head, and many more. Outraged, the monarchy locked him up with no hope of bail.