Dr. Dre—the man behind seminal rap albums The Chronic and 2001, for who many matters are in fact "Nothin' But a G Thang," and the hitmaster behind the rise of such prominent rappers as Eminem and Snoop Dogg (né Doggy Dogg)—is finally enshrined in immortality by entry into the New York Times crossword puzzle answer pantheon, as the answer to today's (SPOILER ALERT) 26-Down clue, "Rap's Dr. ___."

Previous honorees of this designation include:

• Ghostface Killah [May 7, 2012]
• Ice-T [May 25, 2012]
• Eminem [May 27, 2012]
• Ja Rule [June 9, 2012]
• Fat Joe [June 22, 2012]
• N.W.A.* [July 4, 2012]
• Tone Loc [July 18, 2012]

The Observer's Crossword Puzzle Research Department has only taken the most cursory of looks, but it would initially appear that this summer, more rappers have appeared within the pages (or rather, letter boxes) of the Times crossword puzzles than any year prior to it. As such: We've emailed Times crossword master Will Shortz to validate or invalidate our theory, and will update if we hear back. In the mean time, if you can think of any other examples of rappers appearing in the Times crossword pages—either this year, or at any point before it—by all means, let us know (either via email or the comments).

[PREVIOUSLY: New York Times’ Crosswords Going Premium-Premium, Even for Subscribers]

*Of which, Dr. Dre was a founding member, but was not individually recognized in the clue.

fkamer@observer.com | @weareyourfek

The Post reported on Sunday that Manhattan lawyer James McMillan—an entertainment lawyer whose firm represents acts like the Clipse, Ron Browz, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Too Short and Slim Thug, among others—was claiming that he had his watch effectively stolen by half-Jewish, half-Canadian, recently re-Bar Mitzvah'd rapper Drake.

As the story goes:

1. McMillan took his Rolex in to be cleaned by Rafaello & Co., the midtown store where he purchased it. Their client list, according to the Post, counts Alicia Keys, Jamie Foxx and Carmelo Anthony among its customers.

2. Supposedly, Rafaello & Co. owner Rafael Aranbayev loved the watch, and decided to wear it.

3. McMillan thought his watch would be returned.

4. His watch was never returned.

5. He was offered a replacement watch to hold on to instead.

6. He was told that his watch had been sold.

7. Drake says that the Rolex he wears belongs to him.

If this story doesn't make sense to you, that's because you're a sensible human being. Questions:

- Why didn't McMillan, a lawyer, report his watch missing to police the moment it went missing?

- Why didn't McMillan, a lawyer, think there was something odd when he was told the owner decided to commandeer his $30,000 Rolex Presidential, and report it to police?

Finally, why would the New York Post print this quote in their story about Drake's denial of the watch?..

A source close to Drake said he got it directly from Rolex — and “never heard of this jeweler."

..When a simple Google search would turn up not just a NY Daily News story tying Drake to the jeweler...

"When Drake came in a few months ago it was 6 in the evening. A lot of the stores were already closed, but there was foot traffic. They saw he was here and then it was crazy. I had maybe 1,000 people outside."

...but a picture of Drake, with the guys from Rafaello & Co., in front of a Rafaello & Co. background, as featured on the Rafaello & Co. blog?

That said, the single Yelp review for Rafaello & Co, if you're interested, is three stars:

Rafaello and Co reached out to me concering a review I had posted about them. Their owner has taken steps to rectify the situation and I appreciate their dedication to customer service.

So maybe they'll sort this entire thing out. Until then, we have an early entry for oddest story of the week. Also, good to know that "off-the-back-of-a-truck-market" is (possibly) alive and thriving in Manhattan once again.

fkamer@observer.com | @weareyourfek

If you thought the Linsanity merchandising gravy chain had slowed down, think again.

Former correctional officer, narrative genius, luxury car hobbyist, and "Stay Schemin" poet Rick Ross—who, as it happens, is performing in New York this Tuesday night—Tweeted an Instagram'd picture a few moments ago, detailing the recent shopping excursion he took a colleague on:

The fruits borne by this trip? They are, technically, herbs:

Yes, Jeremy Lin now has a marijuana strain named after him, one that appears to be sold in an undisclosed (but fairly reputable-looking, judging by the handiwork on the label) marijuana dispensary. Wonder if he's going to file for trademark infringement?

Either way, the Jeremy Lin/Linsanity gravy train continues to ride strong, if not, now, slightly hungrier for something to eat, possibly covered in actual gravy. Or some movie popcorn. Either/or.

fkamer@observer.com | @weareyourfek