Fast Track: Rapper Heavy D has died at 44

A roundup of entertainment headlines for Wednesday:

Rapper and actor Heavy D, who helped shape rap music, has died at 44. (Los Angeles Times)

Heavy D is reported to have seen a doctor about a cough just days before his death. (Los Angeles Times)

Brett Ratner quits his Oscars producer gig after using an anti-gay slur. The academy is scrambling to find a replacement for the telecast. (Los Angeles Times)

Michael Jackson’s household items, including his deathbed, are going up for auction. (Los Angeles Times)

A Conrad Murray juror talks about squabbles in the jury room leading up to the conviction of Michael Jackson’s doctor. (Los Angeles Times)

Nancy Grace gets booted from “Dancing With the Stars.” (Los Angeles Times)

The “Glee” sexpisode gets blasted by protest groups. (Entertainment Weekly)

Kelly Ripa signs on for five more years with “Live!” (Entertainment Weekly)

Kris Jenner says Kris Humphries will remain in Kim Kardashian’s new show. (Today)

Rosie O’Donnell says she couldn’t be bothered with the Kardashian clan -- “the new Gabor sisters.” (Los Angeles Times)

“Twilight,” “Harry Potter” and “Pirates” franchises bask in the love of the People’s Choice Awards nominations. (Los Angeles Times)

Soap operas, science fiction, mainstream mysteries: “Castle” star Nathan Fillion has found success across genres. (Los Angeles Times)

Mariah Carey drops 30 pounds of baby weight in three months. (Us Weekly)

Jamie Lynn Spears, Britney’s little sister, takes the spotlight on stage in Nashville. (NY Daily News)

Jessica Simpson says she won’t marry Eric Johnson until after she has the baby. (Access Hollywood)

Chelsea Handler and Andre Balazs have split up. (Daily Mail)

Publishers are spending big money to produce full-blown trailer commercials for books. (Los Angeles Times)

-- Noelene Clark

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