DJ Dramachecked check in on the Crisco Kidd Block Party to debut his new single “My Moment,” off his upcoming album, Quality Street Music, in stores September 18. Drama discusses the meaning behind the record and what it means to people, his connection with Meek Mill, 2 Chainz’ father passing as the single was released and what makes this T-Minus’ produced track so special. He defines what “Quality Street Music” is and also talks how he’s grown as an artist since his Gangsta Grillz mixtape series.
In this #CKBP EXCLUSIVE, Drama unveils more artists who will appear on the album, listen to find out who!
Ever since photos of Rihanna and Drake going out to dinner together in downtown Montreal, Canada surfaced online, many assume that their old fling is back on. However, Drizzy told ExtraTV.com, “We were just in the same place. It was just like a one isolated time with a lot of photos from that one time.” There you have it.
RZA LANDS NEW FILM ROLE
According to Variety.com, The Rza has landed a new role in the upcoming film, G.I. Joe 2: Cobra Strikes. The rapper will portray a martial arts expert named “Blind Master.” The emcee will star alongside Dwayne Johnson in the 3D sequel, which opens later this year.
CHRIS BROWN REMIXES “MARVIN’S ROOM”
Shortly after Jo Jo and Teyana Taylor remixed Drake’s free song “Marvin’s Room,” Chris Brown released his version of the tune via his Twitter page. The singer tweeted, “No diss record either for all the slow people out there! Just writing from the other perspective!” In addition, Drizzy issued the visual for the song, which you can check out NOW!
· Brown’s version includes contributions from RichGirl’s Seven and a verse from his “Deuces” collaborator Kevin McCall.
WANNA BUY DIDDY’S NJ MANSION?
The New York Post reports Sean “Diddy” Combs has just put his New Jersey mansion up for sale. The mogul’s residence, which includes over 12-thousand square-feet, is listed for 13.5-million dollars. Puff purchased the pad back in 2004 for six million and lived there with his then-girlfriend, Kim Porter, and their son, Christian.
· Diddy has decided to sell because he spends more time on the West Coast.
· He also has homes in Miami, New York and Atlanta.
ALICIA KEYS BACKS NEW BROADWAY SHOW
We’ve just learned Alicia Keys has helped produce the upcoming Broadway production, Stick Fly. The singer said in a statement, “This is a story that everybody can relate to.” She added, “I’m passionate about this play because it is so beautifully written and portrays Black America in a way that we don’t often get to see in entertainment. I know it will touch all audiences, who will find a piece of themselves somewhere inside this house.” You can expect the show to open on Broadway on December 8th, with preview performances beginning on November 18th. Tickets are now on sale at Telecharge.com.
· The Kenny Leon-directed play will be held at the Lyceum Theatre (149 W. 45th Street).
KELLY ROWLAND LEAKS COVER FOR HERE I AM
According to her official fansite, Kelly Rowland has released the artwork for her upcoming album, Here I Am. The singer’s third solo effort will be available in stores on July 26th.
· Her single, “Motivation,” is number one on the Billboard R&B Chart for its fifth week.
· Rowland’s first project for Universal Motown features with production from David Guetta, Tricky Stewart, Rodney Jerkins, and Rico Love.
· Many people have said that Kelly’s cover looks almost exactly like Alicia Keys’ As I Am cover art. Which do you like better?
VS.
DETAILS ON ODD FUTURE, NAS COLLABORATION
According to Pitchfork.com, MellowHype from Odd Future spilled new information regarding the rap group’s much-talked about collaboration with Nas. Mellow explained that the “song is almost finished. We’re just waiting on a verse. It will be Frank Ocean, Tyler, Hodgy Beats, and Nas. I’m just stoked to be on a song with him. I know I’ll meet him eventually.” No word on when the song will be released.
JEREMIH, 50 CENT GO PLATINUM WITH “DOWN ON ME”
According to RapRadar.com, Jeremih and 50 Cent recently received a double platinum plaque for their duet, “Down On Me.” The duo accepted the plaque during this past weekend’s Powerhouse 2011 concert in L-A. The song is lifted from the singer’s latest album, All About You, which is in stores now.
ACE HOOD TO DROP HIS ALBUM THIS SUMMER
According to his official Twitter page, Ace Hood has released the official artwork for his upcoming album, Blood, Sweat & Tears. DJ Khaled’s protégé is scheduled to drop his highly anticipated project on August 9th.
JANELLE GETS BOOST IN SALES AFTER GLASTONBURY
Following her outstanding performance at the Glastonbury Festival, Janelle Monae’s latest album, Archandroid, has gotten an increase in sales. In fact, the disc is now listed in the top ten on Amazon.co.uk because her project experienced a 4928 percent increase in sales. If you missed it, check out the singer’s amazing showcase:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICOLE SCHERZINGER!
Former Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger is celebrating her 33rd birthday today! She was born Nicole Presovia Elikolani Valiente Scherzinger in Hawaii on this day, back in 1978. Her solo debut album, Killer Love, was released back in March.
· Nicole became the winner of the tenth season of Dancing with the Stars in early 2010
· She will judge the American version of The X Factor, which will air on FOX this fall.
50 Cent is getting ready to invade your Blackberry with a new application for Twitter. The mogul partnered with UberMedia to create free software that fans can use to communicate with 50. In addition, if you purchase the deluxe version for $1.99, you will be able to use voice effects from the rapper and even have 50 shout you out in a tweet. Visit Uber50.com to learn more.
· 50 currently has over 4.4-million followers on Twitter.
ARETHA WANTS J-HUD OR FANTASIA FOR BIOPIC
First Aretha Franklin wanted Halle Berry to take on the lead for her upcoming biopic, but the Queen of Soul is now pursuing other candidates. According to SingersRoom.com, the diva would love for either Fantasia Barrino, Jennifer Hudson or Patina Miller, who starred in Whoopi Goldberg’s musical Sister Act, to play her. While nothing is confirmed just yet, Franklin is also looking to include Denzel Washington and Terrence Howard in the flick. We’ll keep you posted.
· Considering Jennifer just lost all that weight, do you think she’d take on this role and agree to putting on extra pounds?
· “Finally we’ve got the financing, we’ve got the right producer. I’m waiting for the script.”
NICK CANNON IS NERVOUS, MARIAH IN HOSPITAL
According to AllAccess.com, Nick Cannon was scheduled to provide a keynote address during the Worldwide Radio Summit in L-A today (4/29) but he cancelled because his wife, Mariah Carey, was reportedly rushed to the hospital. While the parents-to-be are expecting twins, a boy and a girl, it’s currently unknown if the singer is in labor or not. We will keep you posted with further details!
· The news comes as Nick told Rap-Up.com that he has a “nervous feeling” about being a father. Nick added, “When it gets down to the wire, a lot of doctors and opinions start getting involved, all you’re thinking about is I just want healthy children. We’re at that stage where that’s all that’s on my mind.”
TYRESE BECOMES A NY TIMES BEST SELLING AUTHOR!
Tyrese Gibson has attracted a lot of praise since releasing his first book, How To Get Out Of Your Own Way. The singer-turned-actor has just been added to The New York Times Bestseller list. This is a must-read! Be sure to purchase your copy in stores now.
LLOYD CHANGES ALBUM RELEASE DATE
According to his Twitter page, Lloyd has announced a new launch date for his upcoming studio album, King Of Hearts. The “Lay It Down” crooner tweeted that the disc will now arrive on June 28th.
TINIE TEMPAH PREPS DISC-OVERY
22-year-old rapper Tinie Tempah will release his album, Disc-Overy, on May 17th. The U-K phenom has already scored a hit with “Written in the Stars,” which climbs one spot to number 13 on this week’s Billboard Hot 100 chart.
· Tinie Tempah’s Disc-Overy album debuted at number one in his native U-K and has spawned four top five singles.
JEREMIH LOOKS FORWARD TO MAKING MORE HITS
A lot of people will agree that 50 Cent did Jeremih a big favor by appearing as a guest feature on the singer’s hit song, “Down On Me.” With a new buzz surrounding his sophomore album, the Chicago native says he’s more confident and excited to continue recording bigger and better material. “Down On Me” is lifted from the crooner’s All About You LP, which is available now.
CIARA LOVED RECORDING BASIC INSTINCT
In our opinion, Ciara had one of the most slept-on albums of the 2010 with her latest album, Basic Instinct. Apart from the solid singles, including “Ride” and “Gimme That,” the overall project had a great flow to it. It’s unknown if she has begun recording her next studio album but we’ll keep you posted.
JENNIFER LOPEZ TALKS REDONE AND LADY GAGA!
Jennifer Lopez will release her new album, Love?, tomorrow. Along with the platinum single, “On The Floor” featuring Pitbull, the album features a Lady Gaga-penned tune called “Hypnotico,” which was produced by Gaga collaborator RedOne. Lopez told us how they hooked up.
“I heard a demo not with her (Lady Gaga) on it, but with someone else on it. And I really liked it and I asked who produced this and who’s involved with this and I was told it was RedOne and Lady Gaga and that is how RedOne and I actually started working together. I got on the phone with him and I told him I really liked the track and he’s like, ‘If you and I work together, I’d like to actually get into the studio with you and really, really create stuff from scratch,’ which is what we ended up doing.”
RedOne also produced “On The Floor” and three other songs on the album. J. Lo’s Love? is out tomorrow.
CLICK ALBUM COVER TO ORDER NOW!
24 HOURS OF GAGA ON HBO ZONE THIS WEEKEND!
Following the debut of Lady Gaga’s HBO special on Saturday, May 7th at 9 PM, the HBO Zone channel will play the two-hour concert for 24 hours straight. Lady Gaga Presents The Monster Ball Tour: At Madison Square Garden will run for 24 hours from midnight on Saturday through midnight on Sunday. This marks the first time any HBO channel has been devoted to a single show for an entire d
Usher’s “Hot Tottie” record featuring Jay-Z and Ester Dean is an undeniable hit. We recently sat down with Mr. Raymond to get more information on how the song came together and why he initially wanted Hova to spit a verse . The cut sits at the number 14 spot on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart. Be sure to get the crooner’s latest Versus album, which is in stores now.
* In case you didn’t know, “Hot Toddy” is actually a name
given to a mixed drink, one that usually includes alcohol and is always
served hot.
WYCLEF HOSPITALIZED FOR STRESS?
BallerStatus.com has learned Wyclef Jean was reportedly hospitalized for
stress and fatigue. The Fugees member voluntarily checked himself into a New
Jersey hospital and his rep says the musician will remain there for part of
the week. The news comes after Jean was not permitted to run for president
of Haiti due to residency requirements.
DR. DRE SCRAPS DETOX LEAKS
Dr. Dre has decided to axe any unauthorized leaks from his long-delayed Detox album, including the rumored lead single, “Under Pressure” featuring Jay-Z. During an interview at Yankee Stadium for Eminem and Hova’s concert,
the producer confirmed, “There’s no leaks that came out that’s gonna be on the record.” He added, “I got hard new sh**, had a little bit of leak in my security and what have you, but I got new sh** coming and trust me…y’all
n****s gonna love this s**t.”
J. COLE READIES COLLEGE TOUR
According to XXLMag.com, newcomer J. Cole is scheduled to headline his first
North America college tour. The emcee, who recently opened for Jay-Z and
Eminem at Yankee Stadium, is expected to kick off the 35-city trek at
Alabama’s A&M University on Friday. The rapper will hit campuses in
Virginia, California, Arizona and his home state of North Carolina before
wrapping on December 5th at New York City’s Highline Ballroom. Visit
JColeMusic.com to view the complete list of dates now.
* Before he officially blew up, Drake also embarked on
a college tour for his popular So Far Gone mixtape. Do you think J. Cole
will ever experience the same success as Drizzy?
KANYE TO PRODUCE JOHN LEGEND’S NEXT LP
Just days after releasing his joint Wake Up! project with The Roots, John
Legend revealed to Billboard magazine that he’s already “started [recording]
the next solo album.” The crooner added that Kanye West will serve as the
co-executive producer for Legend’s upcoming fourth disc. In addition, John
spilled he’s “also worked on Kanye’s album a little bit, on the ‘POWER’
remix and other stuff. But God only knows what Kanye is actually going to
put on the album and what’s going to be on the other five-song album he’s
putting out.”
* There is no confirmed release date for the singer’s fourth studio
effort at this time.
* Kanye’s Dark Twisted Fantasy is reportedly due to be released on
November 16th.
50 CENT NAMES FEATURES ON LLOYD BANKS’ LP
50 Cent took to his Twitter account to give new updates on Lloyd Banks’ upcoming Hunger For More 2 album. The mogul tweeted that the disc will include contributions and guest spots from Eminem, Kanye West, Styles P,
Ryan Leslie, Swizz Beatz, Jermih, Raekwon, Tony Yayo and Chris Brown. 50 added that he’s also on the project, promising fans that “HFM2 is gonna be crazy!” You will be able to grab the LP on November 23rd.
GUCCI DROPS THE APPEAL, PRAISES WAKA FLOCKA
While promoting his album The Appeal: Georgia’s Most Wanted, Gucci Mane
recently told us that he’s so proud of his artist, Waka Flocka Flame. Flame’s single, “No Hands” featuring Roscoe Dash and Wale, is currently the number 18 song on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart. Gucci spoke about it. The Drumma Boy-produced cut is off Waka’s upcoming debut album, Flockaveli, which will be released on October 5th. In related
news, fans can now purchase Gucci’s The Appeal, which includes “Gucci Time” produced by Swizz Beatz. It’s in stores and online now.
KANYE AND JAY-Z JOINT ALBUM COMING SOON!
In addition to completing Dark Twisted Fantasy, Kanye West is working on a
joint album with Jay-Z. The multi-tasker announced that his project with
Hova is titled Watch The Throne and will arrive early next year.
BallerStatus.com reports fans will be able to purchase a five-song EP from
the moguls on November 23rd via Def Jam as well as Ye’s highly anticipated
Dark Twisted Fantasy effort on November 16th.
* The rappers have previously created hit records
together in the past, but do you think their upcoming joint album will stand
out as a hip hop classic?
MARIAH FALLS DURING CONCERT
Rap-Up.com has learned Mariah Carey took a spill during a Saturday night
performance at LG Live’s 2010 Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix. The
songbird fell while singing “Make It Happen,” only to jump back up and tell
the crowd: “I did that on purpose!” If that wasn’t enough, Mi Mi then spoke
over the song and requested her assistant take off her ten-thousand dollar
heels for her. She concluded the rest of the concert barefoot!
JEREMIH DROPS ALL ABOUT YOU
If you enjoy Jeremih’s new single “I Like” featuring Ludacris, then you’re
going to love his latest album, All About You. The “Birthday Sex” singer
told us that he’s so humbled by the response he’s gotten from the song, even
if people still mistake him for other artists. “I Like”
sits at the number 28 spot on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart. You can
pick up All About You today.
* Jeremih told SingersRoom.com that he’s single and ready to mingle.
He’s “looking for someone that will hold me down. Someone that can be my
best friend before anything else. Obviously you can’t just be looking for
someone with a good mind and spirit when all you are looking at is the
physical. So I like beautiful women. I don’t think I have a type, I think
anyone can fall in love anyone. I don’t think anyone has a type. A woman
that has a good heart and that can hold me down would be my pick.”
KID CUDI PLEAS GUILTY FOR POSSESSION
TMZ reports Kid Cudi recently pled guilty to “criminal possession of acontrolled substance.” The rapper, who is currently working on his sophomore album, only faces two days of community service for the misdemeanor charge.
However, Scott will need to steer clear of any further violations for the next six months.
* Back in June, authorities found the unspecified substance on the
rapper when he got into an argument with an unnamed woman.
AKON GRABS RICK ROSS FOR NEW SONG
We’ve just learned Akon has leaked a new song from his upcoming album,
Akonic. The singer recruited Rick Ross on a track called “Give It To Em,”
which is believe to be the lead single. Fans can expect Akonic to arrive in
stores on November 23rd.
In case you missed it, Rick Ross recently appeared in the new “Nike: Boom”
commercial. In the clip, the Miami rapper enters a jewelry store to
purchasing a huge double-headed customized chain. The diamond studded-bling
prompts the emcee to say “Boom,” which is then followed by a series of
professional athletes repeating him.
JAZMINE SULLIVAN GIVES “10 SECONDS”
Rap-Up.com reports Jazmine Sullivan has released a new single called “10
Seconds.” The Salaam Remi-produced cut will be included on the soulful
singer’s highly anticipated sophomore album, Love Me Back. Led by her
current smash, “Holding You Down (Goin In Circles),” you will be able to
purchase the disc when it lands on November 2nd.
A new video featuring the music of Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake,
Britney Spears, Bruno Mars, Gnarls Barkely and others has created a buzz on
the Internet. The brilliant 16-song mash-up was created by Norwegian
Recycling and also features clips from songs by Survivor, Taylor Swift,
Jason Derulo, Leona Lewis, Lady Gaga and more.
Sisterella, Larry Hart’s version of Cinderella, is the only musical project ever financed, executive produced or presented by Michael Jackson that was not something he created. The show played in L-A 14 years ago and now comes news that it will be back. An updated version of the production will open in L-A in the spring of 2011. No word on the cast or premiere dates yet, but we’ll keep you posted.
MADONNA TO EXPAND MATERIAL GIRL LINE
Madonna’s new fashion line, Material Girl, started as a fashion line for
juniors, but it seems that there are already talks about expanding the
brand. According to PerezHilton.com, the CFO of Iconix Brand, the company
behind the line, said that they want Material Girl to branch out into
“additional categories,” including “swim and intimates,” as well as a “full
footwear collection.”
Jay-Z and Coldplay’s Chris Martin are ready to Viva Las Vegas. The rap and rock duo, who have a history of performing together, are slated to headline an invite-only New Year’s Eve gig at the brand new Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for a multi-million dollar paycheck.
The lavish show is being handled by party planner Colin Cowie (Oprah, Lil Wayne) with plans for each artist to play his own material before teaming up for a joint set broadcast on the hotel’s 65-foot marquee overlooking the Vegas Strip. The pals recently performed together at Jay-Z’s “Home & Home” concert at Yankee Stadium.
Rumor has it that Hov’s wife Beyoncé is also scouting out a location to play a New Year’s Eve performance so she won’t be far from her hubbie.
JEREMIH PREPS SOPHOMORE EFFORT
After releasing the lead Ludacris-assisted single “I Like,” fans are eager
to find out what Jeremih is cooking up on his sophomore album. According to
BallerStatus.com, the “Birthday Sex” crooner recently gave a preview of his
new album, titled All About, at an exclusive event in New York City. The
disc reportedly delivers great baby-making songs, like “Down on Me,” as well
as upbeat cuts, “X’s and O’s.” The effort is slated to land in stores on
September 28th via Def Jam.
?UESTLOVE TO RELEASE A BOOK?
According to his official website, ?uestlove has announced that he’s looking
to release a book called Mommy, What’s A ?uestlove. The Roots drummer will
provide readers with a deep perspective on his “music, life and famous
friends.” OkayPlayer.com reports that there is no confirmed release date for
the novel, however it will be distributed through onGrand Central
Publishing.
BRUNO MARS ARRESTED FOR COCAINE POSSESSION
Following his arrest early Sunday morning in Las Vegas, Bruno Mars was all smiles in this newly released mug shot. More details have emerged on the “Just the Way You Are” singer’s run-in with the law.
Though it was previously revealed that he was busted for narcotics possession in the bathroom of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, TMZ has learned that the hitmaker was in possession of 2.6 grams of cocaine, discovered on his person after security guards confronted him.
Bruno was released shortly after his arrest, heading down to Texas to do radio promo. “Texas is dope! Im in dallas rite now looking foward to meeting some folks @ the radio stations. tune in for a special live performance,” he tweeted.
The setback comes amidst a busy promo schedule for Mars. He will release his debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans on Oct. 5, followed by his tour kickoff with Maroon 5 and OneRepublic, and his “SNL” debut on Oct. 9.
T.I. TO APPEAR BEFORE JUDGE
According to TMZ, T.I. is scheduled to appear before a judge in Atlanta
after traces of codeine were allegedly found in the rapper’s car. The outlet
is also saying that Tip reportedly tested positive for the substance, which
was said to have been found in Styrofoam cups in his vehicle. In addition,
Clifford is charged with violating two other agreements of his probation
during the stop, including possession of ecstasy and associating with a
convicted felon. We previously reported the “Got You Back” rapper and his
wife, Tiny, were arrested two weeks ago for drug possession.
KID CUDI HAD DRUG PROBLEM?
In the October/November 2010 issue of Complex magazine, Kid Cudi admits to
doing cocaine in the past to help him get through the day. Scott stated the
drug helped him during interviews when “people wanted to know a lot about
[his] personal life.” To mask his coke usage, Cudi would “smoke weed” to
calm himself down. However, the rapper says he QUOTE “never thought it was a
problem, but I was definitely high-fiving death a couple of times.” Fans
can expect the emcee to address topics like this on his next studio album,
Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager.
B.O.B. BEGINS WORKING ON NEXT ALBUM
B.o.B recently revealed that he’s already begun working on his sophomore
album. We previously reported that 50 Cent was looking to work with the
Grand Hustle artist, however the Atlanta native filled us in on the
likelihood of that happening (See Related Cut #1). No further details are
known about the follow-up to this year’s The Adventures Of Bobby Ray. We’ll
keep you posted.
NICKI MINAJ’s UNRELEASED ACTING FOOTAGE
Young Money rapper Nicki Minaj‘s theatrical debut has hit the Internet with the leak of her movie role in the 2009 film, Stuck on Broke. You may already be familiar with her aliases Roman Zolanski, Nicki Lewinsky, and Harajuku Barbie. Now Nicki Minaj takes on a new role in this lost scene from the 2009 independent movie Stuck on Broke starring OJ Da Juiceman. A stripped-down Minaj, seen without her colorful wigs, plays the part of Veronica in this emotional scene, cut from the flick after she was unable to shoot additional scenes due to scheduling conflicts. “We recognized Nicki’s talent early, [but] unfortunately it didn’t work out,” said the film’s producers. (Rap-Up)
As of now, Minaj is focused on the November 23rd release of her debut album, Pink Friday. Minaj definitely has a lot to say about the politics of being a woman in the 21st-century music biz. “Everybody knows I can go out and pick a dude and date him,” she says. “But I want to do what people think I can’t do, which is have the number 1 album in the country and be the first female rapper to sell records like dudes in this day and age.”
M.I.A. - STORY TO BE TOLD
M.I.A. continues to go viral in the dizzying video for “Story to Be Told,” fresh off her third album /\/\/\Y/\. Premiered on her new website yesthelittlepeoplewillneverwinbuttheycanfuckshitup.com (try typing that on your iPhone), the clip sees the Sri Lankan singer taking lyrics of the song and putting them in the style of Captcha, fading them into the background as the track progresses.Maya, who’s recently been in the studio with Kanye West, will kick off her North American tour tomorrow in Montreal, Canada, with opening act Rye Rye. Click here for dates.
Eminem has unleashed his much-hypedRecovery album. The disc includes contributions fromRihanna,Pink and Lil Wayne, as well as production fromDr Dre,Just Blaze andJim Jonsin. The follow-up toRelapse leaked two weeks early, which forced the record to be pushed up one day early. Fans can purchase the physical copy ofRecovery today! <WM>
EMINEM RELATED FACTS AND HONORS:
In 2008, readers ofVibe Magazinevoted Eminem “The Best Rapper Alive” overJay-Z,Lil WayneandKanye West to name a few.
He won theGRAMMY forBest Album Of The Year in 1999 (The Slim Shady LP), 2001 (The Marshall Mathers LP), and in 2003 (The Eminem Show).
“My Name Is” was the first rap video to hit the top spot onMTV’s TRL.
“Lose Yourself” was the first rap song to win anOscar forBestSong.
Eminem was the first artist to have a top album (Music Inspired By The Motion Picture 8 Mile), top song (Lose Yourself), and top movie (8 Mile) at the same time.
Despite having a five-year gap in studio albums, over the last decade Eminem has sold more albums than any other group or artists (32.2-million), just beatingThe Beatles.
After years of bashing homosexuality,Eminem has announced that he is ok with gay marriage.
DRAKE’S TOP FIVE HIP HOP IDOLS!
In this month’s issue ofPeople magazine,Drake revealed his top five hip hop idols. The rapper, who is featured as the magazine’sBreakout New Artist, looks up toLil Wayne,Andre 3000,Kanye West,Jay-Zand Nas. The crazy thing is the young rap sensation has already worked with three out of the five icons. Be sure to grab Drizzy’sThank Me Later album today. <WM>
RICK ROSS REACTS TO “SUPER FLY” VIDEO
Rick Rosspulled out all the stops for his “Super Fly” video withNe-Yo. However, the rapper told us he can’t take all the credit. ActressStacey Dash plays the love interest in clip, which is the first offering from Rick’s upcomingTeflon Don album. While the disc won’t arrive until July 20th, you can watch the rapper’s “Super Fly” video onMTV.com now. <WM>
JEREMIH DRAFTS LUDACRIS FOR NEW SINGLE
Jeremih has recorded a new song that has the potential of being just as big as his hit debut single, “Birthday Sex.” TheDef Jam artist teamed withLudacris on a record called “I Like.” The track is the first cut from the singer’s sophomore effort,All About You. No word on when the disc will be released, however you can download “I Like” oniTunes now. <WM>
T-PAIN GOES ON STRIKE?
T-Pain has made a risky decision. The Auto-tune king toldMTV News that he’s officially gone on strike and refuses to release his album until sales pick back up. The “Reverse Cowgirl” singer stated he has the“mastered version of [his] album,”however nobody will ever hear it“until these artists start selling records again.”Pain says everyone except forSusan Boyleand Miley Cyrus should follow his approach. It’s unknown when or if the singer will drop his forthcoming effortRevolveR. <WM>
NEW YUNG JOC AND GAME COLLABO
Yung Joc toldXXLMag.com about the recording process for his new single, “We Do It B.I.G.” featuringGame. The formerBad Boy artist revealed the collaboration came together by accident, after Game heard a beat from an up-and-coming producer passing out CDs. Recorded in an Atlanta studio, Joc revealed it only took two hours for the track to be completed and by 9 AM the next day it was on the radio. Crazy! <WM>
LIL BOOSIE FACES DEATH PENALTY?
After being indicted by a grand jury,Torrance “Lil Boosie” Hatch could face the death penalty stemming from a first degree murder charge. Hatch and two other men are accused of shooting and killing a man namedTerry Boyd. The news comes as the rapper continues to serve his two year prison sentence for an unrelated case on drugs and weapons charges. VisitBallerStatus.com to learn more. <WM> NEW KANYE WEST STUDIO FOOTAGE
Kanye West is pushing his artistic ability to the limits for his upcoming album,Good Ass Job. We found new footage of ‘Ye working on a new beat inside a studio in Hawaii. WithAmber Rose by his side, West looks confident that he has a smash on his hands.<WM>
WATCH ICE CUBE’SARE WE THERE YET?
If you haven’t seen the newIce Cube-producedTBS showAre We There Yet?, you are missing out! The series follows a husband, played byTerry Crews, trying to adjust to his wife’s children and all the drama that come with them. Are We There Yet?airs every Wednesday night at 9 PM Eastern onTBS. <WM>
EMINEM HOSTS RAP COMPETITION
XXLMag.com reportsEminem is looking for hip hop’s next best rapper. During theRed Bull EmSee: The Road to 8 Mile competition, rap acts will be tested lyrically in three rounds. Em is looking for“somebody to stand out, to be unique and to say the sickest, most ridiculous, most retarded s**t you can say, something that makes somebody want to quit.”The contest begins today at New York’sBowery Ballroom, then hits select cities before Slim Shady crowns the winner next month. VisitRedBullUSA.com/EmSee for more info. <WM>
LIL JON PICKS FAVORITE SONG FROMCRUNK ROCK
Unlike other artists who struggle to pick a favorite song from their albums,Lil Jon told us why he’s so in love with “Out Of Your Mind.”
“My favorite track on the album, I like ‘Out of Your Mind.’ I think it’s because it’s a record that no matter where you from, what nationality you are, when it comes on it makes you kind of lose your mind and kind of, wild out.”
The song happens to be the lead offering from the hitmaker’s latestCrunk Rockalbum, which is in stores now. <WM>
DIDDY TO APPEAR ON ENTOURAGE
Diddy intends to expand his acting resume by appearing onHBO‘s hit show,Entourage. Fans can expect Puff to be approached on a golf course with a potential business proposition alongside actorMark Walberg. The mogul is the latest hip hop act to appear on the show, following the footsteps of people likeSnoop Dogg,Kanye West,Bow Wowand 50 Cent. The seventh season ofEntourage kicks off June 27th. VisitTheBoomBox.com to learn more. <WM>
WILL.I.AM TO GET STAR ONHOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME
According toThe Associated Press,will.i.am from theBlack Eyed Peas is set to receive a star on theHollywood Walk of Fame. The L-A native will be the fourth hip-hop act to receive the honor.Diddy received a star two years ago. As yet, no date has been set for the ceremony. Other people set to get stars includeOprah Winfrey,Penelope Cruz,Rascal Flatts,Melissa Etheridge and The Muppets. <JC>
TRINA ON THE SUCCESS OFAMAZIN’
After telling us about the importance of evolving as an artist,Trina filled us in on how she feels about the success of her latest album,Amazin’. The disc peaked at the number two position onBillboard’sRapAlbums chart. It currently sits at number eleven and has sold over 62-thousand units. <WM>
RIHANNA’S TOUR RIDER!
TheSmokingGun.comgot their hands on the rider forRihanna’sLast Girl on Earth Tour. The rider reveals Rihanna asks for animal print cushions and a throw rug to decorate her dressing area, as well as vases of white tulips and lavender roses. The singer also requests an“ice-blue” color scheme and“no sequins” on any of the pillows or sofas, and most importantly, the bathroom must be“spotless” and the toilet given a“deep clean.”<JC>
JUSTIN BIEBER PREFERS BRAINS OVER BEAUTY
Justin Bieber prefers brains to beauty. According toContactMusic.com, the 16-year-old singer is currently single but knows what he is looking for in a potential girlfriend. At the top of the list: Good conversation. Bieber wants a girl with a nice personality, a good sense of humor, nice eyes and a brain. He added that he likes natural girls and doesn’t like when ladies wear a lot of make-up. <JC>
