Rapper Sentenced; Etheridge Ailing

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SENTENCED: After having pled guilty to drug charges in April, Russell Jones, better known as the rapper ODB, on Wednesday was ordered to serve 2 to 4 years behind bars. The New York State Supreme Court judge also recommended that state correction authorities determine whether Jones, 32, needs psychiatric or substance abuse treatment. In July 1999, Jones ran a red light and was stopped by police, who found cocaine and marijuana in his car . . . WAYLAID: Melissa Etheridge, 40, has been ordered to bed with a bad case of the flu, her publicist said Tuesday, though the rock singer will not miss any of her upcoming tour dates. Her first show is scheduled for Aug. 4 in Washington, D.C. Etheridge, however, has had to put her current publicity tour for her new album, "Skin," and her new autobiography, "The Truth Is . . . ," on hold . . . NOMINATED: Colombian rock artist Juanes, 27, got the nod Tuesday for six Latin Grammy awards including record of the year, album of the year, song of the year and best new artist, the Latin Recording Academy announced. Another strong contender in the Sept. 11 awards in Miami will be Spanish artist Alejandro Sanz, with five nominations (record of the year, album of the year, song of the year and best male pop vocal) . . . DEMANDED: The watchdog group Media Action Network for Asian Americans is seeking an apology from NBC's "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" after a racial epithet was used by comedienne Sarah Silverman during a joke on July 11, reports the Associated Press. The group also wants Silverman to apologize. Reps for "Late Night" and Silverman had no comment.