An animal trainer on the U.S. set of rapper RICK ROSS’ new video is recovering in hospital, after he was savagely attacked by a tiger.The big cat, which featured in the background of one of Ross’ scenes for the promo of his new single Here I Am, turned on the unnamed trainer when he tried to coax the fierce creature out of its cage during filming earlier this week (begs05May08). The tiger’s keeper suffered severe bite wounds to his right leg and was rushed to hospital after the attack. No one else on set was injured.

A federal judge has reinstated a wrongful death lawsuit brought against Los Angeles city officials by the family of slain rapper NOTORIOUS B.I.G. – five months after the case was originally thrown out of court. In December (07), U.S. District Judge Florence Marie Cooper ruled the rap star’s family members did not file a claim against the city and a disgraced Los Angeles cop, believed to be involved with the 1997 murder, by an agreed deadline.

The lawsuit alleged a former police detective and two partners were responsible for the drive-by shooting death of the rapper – real name Christopher Wallace. But, according to court papers revealed on Thursday (08May08), the Wallace family successfully appealed, and now Cooper is giving them another chance to file a new lawsuit – as long as the paperwork is completed within 20 days. This is the second time the Wallaces have tried to hold L.A. authorities to account for B.I.G.’s untimely demise – a judge declared a mistrial in a 2002 wrongful death case after learning Los Angeles police officials had withheld evidence. The 24-year-old’s death remains unsolved.

DMX was busted again this morning at his home in Arizona — and the Sheriffs tell us he barricaded himself in his bedroom when they came to get him!

DMX was arrested at 3:00 AM at his home in Cave Creek on seven misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and four felony drug possession charges. During a search of his home, cops found more than they bargained for — including a number of weapons and drugs, as well as five pit bull puppies — and filed additional charges against him.

According to Sheriff Arpaio, DMX attempted to barricade himself in his bedroom at the time of the search warrant but eventually came out, offered no further resistance, and was booked. And how’s this for weird? The dogs were taken to the First Avenue Jail, where they will remain under the care of female inmates.