fan-tastic...

Ron Artest, left, with Havoc, Littles and Prodigy.

Artest called ESPN.com to protest the fast-spreading notion that he's trying to become a rap artist at the expense of his team. The album coming out Nov. 23, which Artest referenced in interviews Wednesday night, is an R&B release from Allure. Artest is the CEO of TruWarier Records and executive producer on the Allure album.