MIAMI — The FBI investigated whether Anna Nicole Smith plotted to kill her tycoon husband's son as they battled for his father's fortune, newly released files show, but the former Playboy Playmate who died in 2007 was never prosecuted.

Smith's FBI records, obtained exclusively by The Associated Press, say the agency investigated Smith in 2000 and 2001 in a murder-for-hire plot targeting E. Pierce Marshall, who was at the center of a long legal fight to keep her from collecting his father's oil wealth, valued in the hundreds of millions. The younger Marshall died in 2006 of natural causes.

There is no indication how authorities became aware of the alleged scheme, but agents interviewed Smith on July 3, 2000. When told why she was being questioned, "Smith began crying and denied ever making such plans," a report said.

The documents released under the Freedom of Information Act depict an investigation going on as the fight raged over J. Howard Marshall II's estate.

PALIN GRANDCHILD'S DAD TO POSE NUDE

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Levi Johnston is going for the ultimate exposure — his bare body.

Posing nude for Playgirl is next for the 19-year-old father of Sarah Palin's grandchild. Johnston's attorney said yesterday that a formal agreement has not been reached with the online magazine but adds it's a "foregone conclusion" it will happen.

Playgirl spokesman Vincent Stevens could not immediately be reached for comment.

Johnston fathered a child with Bristol, the 18-year-old daughter of Sarah Palin, the former Republican vice presidential candidate and former Alaska governor.

ROCK ENTANGLED IN LAWSUIT OVER HAIR FILM

LOS ANGELES — A filmmaker is suing Chris Rock for at least $5 million and trying to block the release of his upcoming documentary "Good Hair."

Regina Kimbell sued Rock and several film companies in federal court in Los Angeles on Monday, claiming Rock's project is a copycat of her film, "My Nappy Roots."

Kimbell says she screened her film for the comedian in 2007. "My Nappy Roots" traces the business and cultural history of black hair care and has otherwise only been shown at colleges and film festivals since its completion in 2006.

"Good Hair" will be released nationwide on Oct. 23.

SOUL TRAIN AWARDS RETURNING TO TUBE

ATLANTA — The Soul Train Awards plan to return to the air after a two-year hiatus to recognize those who helped shape R&B music.

Record executive Antonio "L.A." Reid, singers Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, Chaka Khan and Charlie Wilson will be honored on the two-hour music special to be taped in Atlanta.