Artsandentertainment: Flash

Jennifer Lopez's controversial use of the N-word in her latest song has her in hot water, reports the New York Post. She was blasted by listeners of the first radio audience to hear I'm Real, played on Hot 97 in New York. In the song, about her failed relationship with rap star P. Diddy, she sings: "People are always asking me what's up with so and so. I tell those n------ mind their business, but they don't hear me, though." Listeners flooded the station with calls condemning the song. Even disc jockey Troi Torain, who played the song, slammed J.Lo, calling her "common Bronx trash." "I'm sure a lot of young Spanish kids use the N-word, but when you reach her level -- a level where you have a platform -- why is she using a word that's derogatory to blacks?" he told the Post. "If you're a so-called role model, don't spit in the face of African-Americans." Lopez, who was born and raised in the Bronx to a middle-class family but who has popularized a style of dress dubbed "ghetto chic," had no comment on the song.

Short takes

MAKING MATERNAL: Kelly Ripa will take an extra week of leave from Live with Regis and Kelly to spend time with her new baby girl. Regis announced Friday that Ripa won't be back until July 16.

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD: New Orleans is renaming its airport in honor of jazz master Louis Armstrong. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International will open Aug. 2, two days before the horn-blower's 100th birthday.

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