Drummer Clyde Stubblefield dies

Clyde Stubblefield, one of funk's defining drummers, whose solo in a James Brown song became a standard sample for hip-hop, but earned him little money, died on Saturday. He was 73.

He died from kidney failure. In 1965, he joined funk legend James Brown's band and became best known for the 1970 track Funky Drummer, in which he breaks out a solo at the singer's urging.

The solo, danceable while projecting utter confidence, years later would become one of the most frequent samples in music history as rappers built on its beat.

Niki Caro to direct Mulan remake

Fast-rising Hollywood director Niki Caro will direct the live-action remake of Disney's classic Mulan, the BBC reported. The New Zealander, who directed Whale Rider (2002) and the upcoming The Zookeeper's Wife, will be the fifth woman to direct a movie budgeted at more than US$100 million (S$142 million).