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Hear ‘Ye, hear ‘Ye. Kanye West has unveiled the official cover for his sixth album Yeezus. A blank CD appears behind a clear plastic case with a piece of red duct tape attached to the side and the title scrawled out in Sharpie.
Kim Kardashian and members of Yeezy’s crew previously tweeted photos of a different cover that appeared to have a melted Jesus piece and the red tape.
When you mouse over the cover on KanyeWest.com, you can hear 13 seconds of a new song reportedly titled “Bound.” (If you can’t access the site, listen to the audio below.)
The packaging was designed by DONDA, Kanye’s creative company, which also did the art for 2 Chainz’ Based on a T.R.U. Story and Lil Wayne’s I Am Not a Human Being II.
There will reportedly be no pre-orders in advance of the June 18 street date. Kanye debuted his new Frank Ocean-assisted song “New Slaves” via projection screens across the world and performed new material for the first time on “SNL” earlier this month.
What do you think of the cover art? Let us know in the comments below.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/31/album-cover-kanye-west-yeezus/
One of the most anticipated collaborations on Wale’s album The Gifted is the remix to “Bad” featuring Rihanna. The MMG rapper gave Sway a first listen to the song during his visit to “Sway in the Morning.” He played a snippet featuring the “original bad girl” on his phone while on air.
RiRi can be heard singing Tiara Thomas’ part and even adds some rhymes. “Bad girls want a real ni**a,” she declares, while Wale raps, “Bad girls always end up unapologetic.”
In addition to Rihanna, The Gifted (due June 25) features collaborations with Nicki Minaj, Juicy J, 2 Chainz, Wiz Khalifa, Meek Mill, and more.
Beyoncé invaded Berlin during her “Mrs. Carter Show World Tour” earlier this month. Now the private superstar has shared some personal photos from her trip on her official website.
Jay-Z holds his wife in his arms as they pose in front of the graffitied Berlin Wall in Germany. They also dine at a posh restaurant, where Bey sips from a glass of wine as she sits in her hubby’s lap (further downplaying the pregnancy rumors).
The European leg of the tour wraps tomorrow in London. She is also set to perform at the Chime for Change benefit concert featuring Jennifer Lopez, John Legend, Rita Ora, Iggy Azalea, and more.
See more pics of the adorable couple below.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/31/beyonce-and-jay-z-share-candid-pics-from-berlin/
Willow Smith shot to superstardom at the age of 10 with her hit “Whip My Hair,” but after signing to Roc Nation and collaborating with Nicki Minaj, her debut album Knees and Elbows was never released.
Now 12 years old, Willow has re-emerged with a whole new image and sound. She joins forces with DJ Fabrega to form the duo Melodic Chaotic (she’s Melodic on the vocals, he’s Chaotic on the beats). She showcases her new music on “The Intro,” the first release from their four-song EP, due in July.
The spacey production features a more mature Willow cooing lyrics beyond her 12 years. “I look at you, you look at me, and we both know it’s not a game,” she sings.
What do you think of Willow’s new sound? Listen to Melodic Chaotic’s debut below.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/31/new-music-melodic-chaotic-the-intro/
When she released her new song “Neurotic Society” earlier this month, Lauryn Hill had some listeners dissecting her lyrics while others were left scratching their heads. Now she breaks down the message behind the song. In a letter posted on her Tumblr page, Ms. Hill provides us with the CliffsNotes. She states that the record is not about anyone in particular.
“I am not targeting any particular group of people, but rather targeting everyone in our society who hides behind neurotic behavior, rather than deal with it,” writes the 37-year-old Fugees frontwoman, who launched her own label, Obverse Creation Music, with Sony.
She hopes her music will encourage change. “The overarching message of my music is to get up and stop compromising! And hopefully it will stimulate and motivate the changes that our society needs.”
Ms. Hill was sentenced to three months in prison for failing to pay taxes on about $1.8 million in earnings. She has until July 8 to surrender.
Read her full explanation below.
Neurotic Society is a song about people not being, or not being able to be, who and what they truly are, due to the current social construct. I am not targeting any particular group of people, but rather targeting everyone in our society who hides behind neurotic behavior, rather than deal with it.
The world we live in now is, in many ways, an abhorrent distortion, an accumulation of generations and generations of response to negative stimuli. Many don’t even have a concept of what normal is, by virtue of having lived afraid, ashamed, as victims of abuse, or inadequately handled for so long. I believe in coming up from under that fear and allowing the psyche/soul to truly heal. I understand that healing is a process, but I also believe that it is our responsibility to seriously care for ourselves, so that we can extend that level of concern for others and positively affect our environment.
I want what is best for Humanity. Humanity, aligned with the Spiritual principles, that help each individual conquer fear, and transcend limited circumstance. I believe in healing and dealing with the traumatizing events of our lives, both in this lifetime, as well as those passed down to us, or inherited, so we can live as fully as possible.
The whole world suffers from a lack of honest dialogue. Character and integrity have suffered at the hands of political correctness and corporate agenda, while our society moves further and further towards unhealthiness and breakdown. I oppose these trends.
Everyone has a right to their own beliefs. Although I do not necessarily agree with what everyone says or does, I do believe in everyone’s right to protest.
The overarching message of my music is to get up and stop compromising! And hopefully it will stimulate and motivate the changes that our society needs.
Artists are constantly under media and public scrutiny. This is not a one-way street. Those of us with the charge of putting out faithful vibrations, have a responsibility to report what we see, and to write about what we know. I have seen some of the best and also some of the worst representations of human behavior. The same way that I exalt that which is high, is the same way I expose that which is abusive, in order to motivate and remind if not all of us, than as many as possible, of the Higher Calling.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/31/lauryn-hill-shares-meaning-behind-neurotic-society/
André 3000 celebrates the “good shit” in life on Capital Cities’ “Farrah Fawcett Hair.” The OutKast icon shares his appreciation for “kids with thick glasses that laugh when they run” and American Apparel ad girls over the jazzy beat, which features narration from Frank Tavares of NPR.
The song can be found on the indie rock duo’s album In a Tidal Wave of Mystery, available June 4.
Roc Nation Sports rolled out the red carpet for its new client Skylar Diggins. Jay-Z was on hand to welcome the former Notre Dame women’s basketball star to NYC at a private reception at the 40/40 Club on Thursday.
Earlier this month, Roc Nation also bought Skylar a brand new Mercedes-Benz as a gift for graduating from Notre Dame.
“Got surprised with a new mercedes! Thanks so much to Jay and @rocnation, and @dancyautogroup!” tweeted the 22-year-old, who was drafted third overall by the Tulsa Shock in the WNBA draft.
In addition to Skylar, Jay-Z’s agency has signed New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano and New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith as clients.
While the mood was celebratory, the hip-hop mogul and his company are currently under scrutiny. The NFL Players Association has launched an investigation into just how involved Jay-Z was in recruiting Smith to Roc Nation Sports.
Under a 2012 NFLPA rule, only NFLPA-certified agents may be involved in the recruitment of clients (Smith’s Roc Nation agent, Kim Miale, is certified, but Jay is not). If Jay-Z had any role in recruiting Smith, Roc Nation would be in violation of NFLPA recruiting rules.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/31/jay-z-and-roc-nation-sports-host-welcome-reception-for-skylar-diggins/
Mindless Behavior is growing up before our eyes. Rap-Up TV was on set as the teen sensations shot the mature video for “Used to Be,” the latest single off their sophomore album All Around the World. Prodigy, Princeton, Ray Ray, and Roc Royal took over a multi-million-dollar mansion in Beverly Hills earlier this month with director Phil the God at the helm.
Despite a rigorous rehearsal schedule and 3 a.m. call time, the fellas didn’t miss a beat while showcasing some new moves on the rooftop of the lavish pad. “The choreography is very Mindless mixed with Jodeci mixed with New Edition,” said Princeton. “You’re definitely gonna see our grown man side here.”
In addition to the dance studio, they hit up the gym to get in shape for their sexy scenes. “You might catch some shirts off here and there,” teased Ray Ray.
When it comes to their style, they took inspiration from New Edition, rocking white dress shirts, bow ties, and Chuck Taylors. “I think this is one of the most eclectic videos we’ve done so far,” said Princeton, while Ray Ray added, “It feels good to actually show the fans the real us, the real age, and how we’re maturing over time.”
Check out the behind-the-scenes action below.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/31/rap-up-tv-mindless-behavior-shows-grown-man-side-in-used-to-be-video/
Since releasing his debut in 2011, J. Cole has earned bragging rights. In advance of the June 18 release of his sophomore album Born Sinner, the Roc Nation star drops another joint for his fans called “Niggaz Know.” He takes a moment to bask in his success and admits to being a changed man on the reflective song.
“Gettin’ more hos than that nigga John Legend,” boasts Cole, while confessing to copping chains and making it rain. “I ain’t the same.”
Hear Cole get on his flashy flow.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/30/new-music-j-cole-niggaz-know/
Calling all Tamartians. With summer just around the corner, mom-to-be Tamar Braxton delivers the fun and flirty video for her summertime anthem “The One.” The pregnant “Braxton Family Values” star dances on the Santa Monica Pier and plays carnival games with her hunky co-star in the feel-good clip, directed by Gil Green.
“The concept of the video is just a summer throwback,” Tamar told Rap-Up TV. “It kinda gives you that feeling when you was in high school and you was with your boyfriend or your girlfriend and you go to the park and you hang out and you get all cutie, and it’s just funners.”
“The One,” which samples the Notorious B.I.G.’s classic “Juicy,” is the second single off Tamar’s album Love and War, due this fall on Epic/Streamline.
Watch the premiere below.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/30/video-tamar-braxton-the-one/
Moments after Mariah Carey announced her departure from “American Idol,” Nicki Minaj has also officially confirmed that she is leaving the show.
She took to Twitter to share the news. “Thank you American Idol for a life changing experience! Wouldn’t trade it for the world! Time to focus on the Music!!! Mmmuuuaahhh!!!” tweeted a gracious Nicki.
Producers for the singing competition released a statement confirming her exit. “Nicki Minaj is a superstar who brought a level of honesty and passion to ‘American Idol’ and who had a tremendous positive impact on so many contestants this season,” Fox and Idol producers FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment said in a joint statement. “Given her extremely busy career, we understand and respect her decision and wish her the best.”
The rapper has been in New York filming scenes for the revenge comedy The Other Woman starring Cameron Diaz.
She is also working on her third album, which will mark a return to her hip-hop roots. “I’ve just been getting back to that place where I was right before I dropped my first album, which is kill everything,” she told Hot 97 morning host Peter Rosenberg.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/30/nicki-minaj-says-goodbye-to-american-idol/
Jadakiss salutes the grown folks on “Big Boy Dialogue” featuring The-Dream. The New York MC, who celebrated his 38th birthday this week, raps about the finer things in life and boasts about his status in hip-hop (“Top 5 dead or alive, no stoppin’ me”), while Terius lays down the sultry hook.
Press play on Kiss’ sexy and sophisticated new joint.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/30/new-music-jadakiss-f-the-dream-big-boy-dialogue/
Mariah Carey and “American Idol” are parting ways. After one season, the pop diva has officially announced her exit from Fox’s singing competition.
Her PR rep made the announcement. “W/ global success of ‘#Beautiful’ (#1 in 30+ countries so far) @MariahCarey confirms world tour & says goodbye 2 Idol,” tweeted PMK-BNC.
Mariah isn’t the only judge leaving the show. Randy Jackson previously announced his departure after 12 seasons and Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban are also rumored to be out. According to TMZ, Jennifer Lopez is in talks to return next season.
In addition to a world tour, Mariah is also working on a new album, due this summer. The first single “#Beautiful” featuring Miguel is currently No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, while the album will feature production from Jermaine Dupri, The-Dream, Rodney Jerkins, and more.
The Grammy-winning singer will celebrate Independence Day by performing at the “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular.” Hosted by her husband Nick Cannon, the two-hour show will air on July 4 at 8 p.m.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/30/mariah-carey-exits-american-idol-plans-world-tour/
While most celebrities left town after Memorial Day weekend, Ashanti kept the party going. The “Army Wives” star enjoyed some fun in the sun in Las Vegas earlier this week.
She proudly showed off her voluptuous body and toned abs on Instagram, modeling a yellow bikini that accentuated her curves while lounging in a cabana and splashing in the pool at the Palms.
She kicked it with Flo Rida and her momager Tina Douglas. “Not a lot of people can honestly say that their mom is one of their best friends,” said Ashanti. “We can hang out, talk about life.. & jus kick it.. She gives some of the best advise & will check a ########## in a heartbeat! lmaooo I love my mom she is truly beautiful inside & out!”
See more sizzling pics of Ashanti in Sin City.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/30/ashanti-bares-bikini-body-in-las-vegas/
B.o.B’s new album Underground Luxury is on the way, but he continues to release visuals off last year’s Strange Clouds. In the latest video for “Chandelier,” the ATLien gives us a peek into his jet-setting lifestyle, traveling around the world with his team in the personal footage.
It also serves as a showcase for his Atlantic Records labelmate Lauriana Mae. The blonde beauty lights up the screen in a sparkly dress as she performs against a giant chandelier.
Mae has been debuting videos as part of her “Month of Mae” series. Her three-song EP Love Mae was released in November featuring the single “Money Mae.”
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/30/video-bob-f-lauriana-mae-chandelier/
Karmin scored a deal with L.A. Reid at Epic Records after their YouTube covers of Nicki Minaj and Chris Brown went viral. Now the pop duo, who released their 6-song EP Hello last spring, is putting the finishing touches on their full-length debut.
They recorded 25-30 songs for the album, which is pretty much done and due this fall. The first single is set to drop in early June. “We’re really excited about this. It’s a very unique track,” Nick told Rap-Up TV at the BMI Pop Awards.
While they wouldn’t reveal too much, Amy did say that she will be rapping on the track and there may be some familiar faces in the video. “We’re trying to see if we can get some cameos at least in the video,” said the newly-blonde singer.
They also plan to tour this summer with another act and may bring a furry new friend on the road. “I want to get a dog,” said Nick.
Frank Ocean is spending his summer overseas. The R&B sensation has announced dates for an international tour.
The globe-trotting trek kicks off on June 25 in Munich, Germany, and travels to Sweden, The Netherlands, France, Norway, Belgium, the U.K., Australia, and Canada throughout July and August.
Along the way, he will play festivals including Drake’s 4th Annual OVO Fest in Toronto on August 4.
Ocean toured briefly in the U.S. last year in support of his Grammy-winning album channel ORANGE. He is currently working on his second album for Def Jam.
See tour dates below.
Frank Ocean International Tour Dates
June 25 – BMW World – Munich, Germany
June 27 – Tap 1 – Copenhagen, Denmark
June 28 – Bravalla Festival – Norrkoping, Sweden
July 2 – Heineken Music Hall – Amsterdam, The Netherlands
July 3 – Le Zenith – Paris, France
July 4 – Hovefestival – Arendal, Norway
July 6 – Rock Werchter – Rotselaar, Belgium
July 9 – Brixton O2 Academy – London, United Kingdom
July 10 – Brixton O2 Academy – London, United Kingdom
July 12 – Wireless Festival, Olympic Park London – London, United Kingdom
July 13 – Phoenix Park – Dublin, Ireland
July 14 – T in the Park – Kinross, United Kingdom
July 16 – Laugardalshollin – Reykjavik, Iceland
July 28 – Splendour in the Grass Festival – Byron Bay, Australia
August 3 – Osheaga Music and Arts Festival – Montreal, QC
August 4 – Molson Canadian Amphitheatre – Toronto, ON
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/30/frank-ocean-announces-international-tour-dates/
After releasing “Ready” with Chris Brown, Fabolous enlists Def Jam his labelmate 2 Chainz for his new single “When I Feel Like It,” produced by David D.A. Doman. Loso’s Way 2: Rise to Power is due in late July.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/30/new-music-fabolous-f-2-chainz-when-i-feel-like-it/
Cassie is heating up the pages of Esquire. The Bad Boy babe models barely-there outfits for the men’s magazine. She strips down to her panties and a cleavage-baring metallic top in one shot and poses in a sheer white leotard in another.
The 26-year-old singer also cracks some corny jokes and reveals how not to propose to your girlfriend in a series called “Esquire Cares.”
Cassie recently shot a video for the Fabolous-assisted “I Love It,” which appears on her mixtape RockaByeBaby.
See more photos from the sexy shoot below.
Photo credit: Chris Fortuna/Esquire
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/30/cassie-strips-down-and-tells-jokes-for-esquire/
Snoop Lion remembers the loved ones lost in the video for “Ashtrays and Heartbreaks.” The rapper-turned-reggae star blows smoke as he reflects on the memories, whether it’s the loss of a family member or a couple breaking up. His co-star Miley Cyrus appears via reflections in mirrors, while the rest of the PR Brown-directed clip was shot in downtown L.A.
The song, produced by Major Lazer and Ariel Rechtshaid, appears on Snoop’s reggae album Reincarnated, which debuted at No. 16 last month.
Miley has announced that her first single “We Can’t Stop,” produced by Mike WiLL Made It, will be released on June 3. She also appears on “23,” Mike WiLL’s single featuring Wiz Khalifa and Juicy J.
Blaze up the video below.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/30/video-snoop-lion-f-miley-cyrus-ashtrays-and-heartbreaks/
Miguel brought his talent overseas, but this time nobody was harmed. After making headlines for his Billboard Music Awards performance, the Grammy-winning crooner made his U.K. TV debut on BBC Two’s “Later… with Jools Holland.” But despite the Billboard mishap, he still put on an energetic set with his band, even including his trademark spins and slides.
He plans to revive his Art Dealer Chic series this summer. The first of the three-song EPs will drop in July, the second in August, and a third in September. They will be available to download for free online.
Watch Miguel invade the stage below.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/29/video-miguel-performs-adorn-on-later-with-jools-holland/
While “Stay” remains in the top 10 on the Billboard 200, Rihanna has announced that the David Guetta-produced “Right Now” will serve as the next pop single off her album Unapologetic. She revealed the red-and-white artwork via Twitter, sporting short hair on the cover.
“#RIGHTNOW #BRANDNEW #SINGLECOVER #Unapologetic #SummerAnthem #NavyTakeOva,” tweeted RiRi, who is currently traveling across Europe on her “Diamonds World Tour.”
She recently shot a video for her urban single “Pour It Up” featuring pole dancers, blonde wigs, and dollar bills emblazoned with her face.
What do you think of the artwork? Weigh in below.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/29/single-cover-rihanna-f-david-guetta-right-now/
Ariana Grande soared to new heights while making her television performance debut on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” on Wednesday. The 19-year-old Nickelodeon star showed off her multi-octave pipes and brought out Mac Miller for her Big Pun-sampled single “The Way.” The charming rapper cozied up to his collaborator before kissing her on the hand and exiting the stage.
He returned at the end of the performance to give Ellen a hug. “I definitely hugged @TheEllenShow four times. That was awesome,” tweeted Mac, whose album Watching Movies with the Sound Off will be released on June 18.
Watch their fun and flirty performance below.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/29/video-ariana-grande-and-mac-miller-perform-the-way-on-ellen/
Andre “3000” Benjamin is mourning the loss of his mother, Sharon Benjamin-Hodo, who passed away on Monday.
A representative for the OutKast rapper confirmed the sad news to Billboard.
According to unconfirmed reports, she was found dead in her Atlanta home on her son’s 38th birthday.
Benjamin-Hodo was the founder of the Starlight Camp for underprivileged children, and served as a manager for Andre and Big Boi early in their career.
Andre’s peers including Jermaine Dupri and Janelle Monáe sent their condolences. “Our Prayers and love go out to our friend André 3000 & family during this time,” tweeted Janelle.
The Benjamin family asks for the continued support of the Starlight Camp in lieu of sending flowers.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/29/andre-3000s-mother-passes-away/
After rapping about a “Semicolon” with Solange and incest on the T-Pain-assisted “I Fu**ed My Aunt,” The Lonely Island drops more crazy rhymes on “Go Kindergarten,” the latest installment in their “Wack Wednesdays” series.
In the video, people dance with paper bags on their heads as hash tags fill the screen, much like Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” clip.
They encourage the ladies to “shake that ass” and the fellas to “whip your dick out,” while Swedish pop star Robyn sings the hook.
The Wack Album is due June 11 featuring Pharrell, Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, and more.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/29/new-music-the-lonely-island-f-robyn-go-kindergarten/
Nicki Minaj has opened new doors for female rappers, but who did she look up to? During her visit to Hot 97, Young Money’s First Lady shared her favorite femcees.
Her short list includes Foxy Brown, Lauryn Hill, Remy Ma, and even her rival Lil’ Kim. “When Remy came out, I was very, very excited about her,” the Queens-bred MC told Peter Rosenberg. “With Foxy, Kim, and Remy, they were all from New York too, but it’s no disrespect to any other female rappers, but those are the ones that I felt like, ‘Yeah, I could get into that.’”
She was able to relate to them. “They sounded like me when I spoke. I just thought they made an impact.”
Nicki also gave props to Missy Elliott and the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. “I always loved Missy ’cause she was playful and I always said, Missy and Left Eye, they weren’t afraid to be goofy at times and I loved that as well.”
She is currently filming The Other Woman with Cameron Diaz in New York and is working on her third album, which will mark a return to her hip-hop roots. “I’ve just been getting back to that place where I was right before I dropped my first album, which is kill everything,” she said.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/29/nicki-minaj-gives-props-to-lil-kim-foxy-brown-and-remy-ma/
K. Michelle airs out her dirty laundry every week on VH1′s “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta,” but there’s more to her than what you see on TV. The Memphis soulstress shares another side of her story in the video for “Half of It,” her version of Rihanna’s Emeli Sandé-penned cut off Unapologetic.
“Saw me on the television, actin’ up and slappin’ bitches/ And I ain’t proud of how I’ve been livin’/ I pray the Lord my soul’s forgiven,” sings the red-haired diva on set of a photo shoot.
She admits to not being able to handle her liquor and trying to be a role model for young women. “‘Cause I want them to be better than me, better than the fool they see me act on TV.”
Just last week, she debuted “V.S.O.P.,” the first single off her upcoming album Rebellious Soul, due July 30.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/29/video-k-michelle-half-of-it/
From the streets of the Bronx to the top of the Billboard charts. French Montana makes his debut on the Billboard 200 this week at No. 4.
The Bad Boy rapper’s album Excuse My French sold 56,000 copies in its first week, according to Nielsen SoundScan. He also lands atop the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Rap Albums charts.
The album, which was executive produced by Diddy and Rick Ross, spawned the hit singles “Pop That” and “Freaks,” and boasts appearances from The Weeknd, Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Wayne.
The No. 1 spot goes to Daft Punk, whose album Random Access Memories sold 339,000 copies, marking the second-largest sales week of the year following Justin Timberlake’s The 20/20 Experience.
Elsewhere, the Jay-Z-produced soundtrack to The Great Gatsby falls 4-5 with 54,000.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/29/french-montana-makes-top-5-chart-debut/
Following her appearances on “American Idol” and the Billboard Music Awards, Jennifer Lopez made her way overseas to the U.K. The hot mamacita put on another over-the-top performance of her single “Live It Up” on “Britain’s Got Talent.” But this time, she rocked the stage solo with her dancers (Pitbull didn’t make the trip).
J.Lo has been working on her 10th album with Chris Brown, Future, and RedOne, whose label 2101 Records/Capitol Records she is signed to. “The album is almost done,” RedOne told Rap-Up TV. “It has at least four or five bangers, incredible hits.”
Watch J.Lo’s electrifying performance below.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/28/video-jennifer-lopez-performs-live-it-up-on-britains-got-talent/
Shanell has been covering R&B classics each week as part of her “Throwback Music Thursday Series.” Now the Young Money singer releases two original songs off her upcoming mixtape Midnight Mimosas, which drops June 4. On “Catch Me at the Light,” she searches for a man with whip appeal, while the bouncy “Dedicated” is a ’90s-inspired jam with a mean guitar riff.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/28/new-music-shanell-catch-me-at-the-light-dedicated/
In addition to sharing the stage with Iggy Azalea, Angel Haze debuted “No Bueno,” the first single off her upcoming debut Dirty Gold, during her show at Scala in London earlier this month. The rising star delivers some aggressive rhymes over a rock-driven instrumental.
“I’ve been very vocal about the fact that I am not a fucking rapper. When I say rock star, I mean that shit,” she told the crowd.
The song hits iTunes on June 4, while the video is set to debut on June 11.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/28/video-angel-haze-debuts-new-single-no-bueno-in-london/
Kelly Rowland is embracing her R&B roots on her new album Talk a Good Game, but she hasn’t abandoned her dance fans. Kelly connects with Norwegian duo Madcon in the feel-good video for “One Life.” The R&B diva looks stunning as she models some avant-garde fashions while spreading positive vibes in the Ray Kay-directed clip. Watch them toast to life.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/28/video-madcon-f-kelly-rowland-one-life/
Gucci Mane welcomes you to “Trap House 3″ in the gritty visuals for the title track off his latest mixtape, which is now available on iTunes. Guwop gets in business with a scarf-sporting Rick Ross as they carry out an undercover deal and watch the money pile up. But things take a turn when a rival crew storms the complex and fires shots. Watch it all go down.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/28/video-gucci-mane-f-rick-ross-trap-house-3/
One year after her infamous blowout with Hot 97, Nicki Minaj came face to face with morning host Peter Rosenberg, who caused her to pull out of Summer Jam by dissing her song “Starships.” The two explained their sides of the story and put their differences aside.
While the Barbz may not forgive him, Nicki has moved on. “It’s cool. It’s water under the bridge,” she told Rosenberg. “It’s so long ago, I can’t even act like I care anymore. I don’t care, I really don’t. I appreciate you guys having me.”
She did admit that she should have still performed despite the situation. “In hindsight, I should of just did the show because I’ve never allowed anyone—no matter what I’ve gone through personally or professionally—I’ve never allowed that to make me let my fans down,” she said. “In hindsight, I should of just came out ’cause it’s my hometown, especially. They shouldn’t have been brought into whatever we were going through. I wish I woud have came out and did the show, and I apologize for not coming out and doing the show ’cause they had nothing to do with that.”
While she never saw or heard the controversial remark, she did let Rosenberg know how she felt about him. “I never found you funny. I never found you entertaining. I never found you smart. I just found you annoying,” she said. “To me, you don’t have enough of a résumé to make those comments, but you did and it is what it is. For whatever reason, our paths were meant to cross like that, so it’s over.”
Her next album will be a return to her hip-hop roots. “If I really wanted to right now, I could go back in and make another pop song like that to sell all this stuff, and I’m choosing not to do it. I’m choosing to get back to my essence and just feed the core hip-hop fan.”
Don’t expect to hear another “Starships” on the album. “I feel like I did it, I don’t need to do it again. I don’t know how I’m gonna feel after the third album, but I know for the third album, I’ve just been getting back to that place where I was right before I dropped my first album, which is kill everything.”
But she has no regrets and is happy with her career choices. “I would do every single thing the same exact way.”
When asked if she is a diva, she responded, “I handle my business and also I speak up for myself. If I was not like this, so many people would have taken advantage of me,” she said. “I just dealt with a lot of stuff from guys, and plus my father was so crazy with his alcohol and drug abuse, I just always felt like I’m never gonna let anyone pull me down, make me feel small. I’m never gonna let a man do that.”
Hot 97 program director Ebro extended an invitation for her to come out at this year’s Summer Jam, but she has to check her availability.
She reflected on her experience on “American Idol” and her feud with Mariah Carey. “Now looking back, I can say, ‘Hmm, they’re very calculated. They knew a lot of things, but they gave me a great opportunity.’ … I did have a good time.”
Plus, she spoke about accepting her homosexual fans, her attraction to non-celebrities, and shooting the revenge comedy The Other Woman with Cameron Diaz.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/28/nicki-minaj-buries-beef-with-peter-rosenberg-returns-to-hip-hop-roots-on-third-album/
Dallas Austin and TLC topped the charts with hit after hit in the ’90s, and 20 years later, they’re rekindling the magic. The legendary producer has been in the studio with T-Boz and Chilli working on a new album to commemorate TLC’s 20th anniversary.
During the BMI Pop Awards, Austin shared more details about the project. “We took a lot of the old songs and remastered them. We mixed them just to tweak them, make them better,” he told Rap-Up TV.
TLC has also collaborated with some of today’s biggest stars. “They did something with J. Cole, they might be doing something with Drake,” revealed Austin.
In addition to new music, T-Boz and Chilli serve as consultants and executive producers on the VH1 biopic Crazy, Sexy, Cool: The TLC Story starring Lil Mama, KeKe Palmer, and Drew Sidora.
“They look so much like the girls and their characters act so much like the girls, I think it might be the closest casting I’ve seen so far,” said Austin, who was on set. “I think it’s gonna touch a lot of people because they’re so good at being the characters.”
The film was shot in Atlanta and is set to premiere in November.
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/28/rap-up-tv-dallas-austin-talks-tlc-biopic-20th-anniversary-album/
Mac Miller will face off with Kanye West and J. Cole when his sophomore album Watching Movies with the Sound Off drops on June 18. With just weeks to go, the Pittsburgh MC reveals the official tracklisting and debuts a new Diplo-produced song called “Goosebumpz” via iTunes.
The 19 tracks include appearances from Odd Future’s Tyler, the Creator and Earl Sweatshirt, TDE’s ScHoolboy Q and Ab-Soul, and Action Bronson.
“I’ve been working harder on this album than any project I have ever been a part of,” Miller said of the follow-up to his 2011 debut Blue Slide Park. “This is by far the most time I have spent on an album.”
To promote the project, he will launch “The Space Migration” tour on June 25 with Earl Sweatshirt, Action Bronson, Chance the Rapper, The Internet, and Vince Staples joining him on select dates.
See the tracklisting below.
Watching Movies With the Sound Off Tracklisting
1. “The Star Room”
2. “Avian”
3. “I’m Not Real” feat. Earl Sweatshirt
4. “S.D.S.”
5. “Bird Call”
6. “Matches” feat. Ab-Soul
7. “I Am Who Am (Killin’ Time)” feat. Niki Randa
8. “Objects in the Mirror”
9. “Red Dot Music” feat. Action Bronson
10. “Gees” feat. ScHoolboy Q
11. “Watching Movies”
12. “Suplexes Inside of Complexes and Duplexes”
13. “Remember”
14. “Someone Like You”
15. “Aquarium”
16. “Youforia”
17. “Goosebumpz”
18. “O.K.” feat. Tyler, the Creator
19. “Claymation”
via Rap-Up.com http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/28/tracklisting-mac-miller-watching-movies-with-the-sound-off/
