Beyoncé and Jay Z: ‘Drunk in Love’ in London

Beyoncé touched down in London town on Friday and she brought her hubby along with her. Mrs. Carter was joined onstage by Jay Z during her first of six shows at O2 Arena.

Following their Grammy performance last month, the superstar couple showed off their chemistry while performing their duet “Drunk in Love,” which remains at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week. Jay marveled at his gorgeous wife, who stunned in a sparkly Vrettos Vrettakos catsuit.

After wrapping her London shows on March 6, Queen Bey will bring the “Mrs. Carter Show World Tour” to Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Spain, and Portugal.

While Bey burns up the stage in Europe, she is coming under fire back home. According to The Smoking Gun, the Carters’ “Drunk in Love” Grammy opener prompted more than 40 viewers to file indecency complaints with the FCC, claiming they were offended by the steamy set.

Watch them recreate the magic overseas.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1eyz6Ib

Read More

Chris Brown Ordered to Remain in Rehab

Chris Brown will be extending his residency at a Malibu treatment facility. The R&B superstar has been sent back to rehab for two more months.

Brown appeared in an L.A. courtroom on Friday for a progress report update in the Rihanna assault case. Los Angeles County Judge James Brandlin ordered him to remain in the anger management and drug rehab program he entered three months ago, reports CNN.

Brown’s probation officer said that the 24-year-old singer “continues to make great improvement” in dealing with anger, stress, and drugs. However, the judge decided that he can’t go free yet and must first be tried on his assault charge in Washington, D.C.

After the April 23 hearing, the judge will decide whether Brown should go to jail for violating his probation in the Rihanna assault case.

Brown, who was joined in court by his mother, appeared disappointed by the decision. He closed his eyes and seemed to meditate while his lawyer, Mark Geragos, met with the judge and prosecutor.

According to court documents (via TMZ), Brown’s anger issues were triggered by bipolar disorder, severe insomnia, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

“Never really goes the way u plan. #LIFE,” tweeted Brown following his court appearance.

He is scheduled to remain in rehab until April 23. It’s unclear how this will impact his album X, which is slated for a May 5 release.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1eIwu5O

Read More

Kendrick Lamar’s Sophomore Album Slated for September

TDE has a busy year ahead. With ScHoolboy Q’s album Oxymoron set to debut at No. 1 next week, the label is readying new albums from the rest of its roster including Kendrick Lamar.

The Compton rapper’s sophomore set is expected to arrive in September, Top Dawg Entertainment CEO Anthony Tiffith tells Billboard .

Kendrick has been in the studio working on the follow-up to his acclaimed 2012 debut good kid, m.A.A.d city.

2014 will also bring new projects from Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, Isaiah Rashad, and singer-songwriter SZA.

If that wasn’t enough, TDE plans to drop the first album from Black Hippy, the supergroup comprised of Kendrick, Q, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul.

In the Billboard cover story, Kendrick shares his reaction to the apologetic text (“You got robbed. I wanted you to win”) he received from Macklemore after the Grammys.

“That text surprised me, but Macklemore is a genuine dude,” he said. “However it panned out, I wish him much success. He touched people’s souls, and no one can take that away. Really, the whole Grammy moment was incredible. Not everyone gets that shot.”

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1jGGa68

Read More

Candice Glover Returns to ‘American Idol’

After winning “American Idol” last year, Candice Glover returned to the stage on Thursday’s live results show.

The reigning “Idol” champ performed two songs off her debut Music Speaks including “Same Kinda Man” and the emotional ballad “Cried,” earning applause from the new contestants and judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, and Harry Connick Jr.

The South Carolina songstress’ album debuts at No. 14 this week with 19,000 copies.

Watch her return to where it all began.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1oc50uK

Read More

Rihanna: Red-Hot and Risqué at Dior Show

Rihanna continues to wow with her fashion. After attending the Balmain and Lanvin shows during Paris Fashion Week, the “Pour It Up” singer let it all hang out at the Balmain after-party on Thursday.

RiRi wasn’t shy at all, showing off her breasts in a mesh top while mingling with the fashionable crowd including Jeremy Scott and Jessica Alba.

On Friday, she turned heads once more at the Christian Dior show. A cleavage-baring RiRi modeled garter stockings, a red fur coat, and shades as she grabbed a seat alongside movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. Backstage, she congratulated creative director Raf Simons on his fall/winter collection.

Earlier this week, it was announced that she is working on a concept album based on the animated film Home and in August, she will tour with Eminem.

Check out more pics of RiRi’s red-hot look below.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1dJYGWk

Read More

New Music: The Menace f/ Chris Brown – ‘Put On My N*ggas’

The streets keep calling Chris Brown. The R&B singer kicks it with Compton rapper The Menace (formally Compton Menace) on the latter’s new single, “Put On My N*ggas.” Over the LongLivePrince production, Breezy spits a gritty verse and lays down a smooth hook.

“They wanna know what I’m doing and why I’m so addicted to the street life / And my mama said a ni**a ain’t livin’ right,” he sings.

The song is from Menace’s upcoming album R.O.M.E featuring The Game, Problem, Gudda Gudda, and more.

Menace will kick off his tour with Da Mafia 6ix tonight in Memphis.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1hqSYgQ

Read More

Robin Thicke Dedicates ‘Lost Without U’ to Paula Patton at Tour Kickoff

Robin Thicke is lost without Paula Patton and he won’t stop until he wins her back. During his tour kickoff last night, the R&B crooner opened up about his breakup with his wife of nearly nine years.

After delaying three dates on his tour, Thicke returned to the stage for the first time since the couple announced their separation on Monday.

While wearing his wedding ring, the “Blurred Lines” hitmaker dedicated “Lost Without U” to Patton at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Va.

“For those of you that don’t know, my wife and I got separated a few days ago, but I want everybody here to know that I’m trying to get my girl back,” he told the crowd.

“You know she told me, she said you should go out there and tell them the truth. You should tell them that you’re trying to get me back. She’s a good woman, you know. I want to dedicate this song to her. I wrote this about her,” he said before launching into the heartfelt ballad.

Earlier in the day, he echoed the sentiments. “I’m just trying to get her back,” he told TMZ while walking through the D.C. airport.

To add to his rough week, Thicke’s three-year-old son Julian was involved in a minor car accident in L.A., according to ET. No injuries were reported.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1kwMBZi

Read More

New Music: A$AP Rocky f/ Gesaffelstein – ‘In Distress’

In addition to Pia Mia and Chance the Rapper (“Fight for You”), A$AP Rocky lends his jiggy touch to the Divergent soundtrack. On “In Distress,” the fashion killa links with French DJ Gesaffelstein, who co-produced “Black Skinhead” and “Send It Up” for Kanye West’s Yeezus.

“Knowledge is power and power is knowledge / And then you divide and conquer / I devoured and conquered,” raps Rocky over the industrial beat.

Due March 11, the soundtrack also features contributions from Kendrick Lamar, Ellie Goulding, Snow Patrol, and more.

[Complex]

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1hqyZyB

Read More

Chris Brown and Ariana Grande Rehearse for New Video

In addition to Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, and Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown’s upcoming album X is set to feature a collaboration with Ariana Grande.

The R&B superstar took to his new Instagram account to share a photo of the singers rehearsing for the music video. A shirtless Breezy stared into Ariana’s eyes while performing some intimate dance moves.

Ariana wore ballet shoes as she wrapped her arm around Chris’ neck.

“First time back up en pointe in years,” said the former ballet dancer. “I missed it so much but my toes certainly didn’t #blisters #bloodytoez.”

While the song title is currently unknown, they did share some of the lyrics: “Dug a single seed into the ground, I hope it grows / In a year or two if you’re around, you’ll see a rose.”

Breezy’s album X is due May 5, while the song will debut in March.

Earlier this month, Chris shot a video for his banger “Loyal” featuring Lil Wayne, French Montana, and Too $hort at Universal CityWalk.

He will appear in court today to face a judge for a progress update. “Court tomorrow. Prayers and Positivity. Thank you so much GOD and team breezy for everything you do,” he tweeted.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1bRRnk4

Read More

Rap-Up TV: August Alsina Enlists Rick Ross, Pusha T for ‘Testimony’

August Alsina is ready to testify. Following his 2013 EP Downtown: Life Under the Gun, the New Orleans crooner is sharing his story of struggle, hustle, and survival with his full-length debut Testimony. While opening for 2 Chainz in L.A. on his “2 G.O.O.D. to Be T.R.U. Tour,” the 21-year-old singer told Rap-Up TV what his fans can expect.

“Nothing is held back on Testimony,” he said. “I struggled with it for a minute. … I never want nobody to feel like I’m talking about them or putting people’s business out there, but then at the same time, this is my story. This is what it is, so let me give it to you.”

While he doesn’t want to overload the album with features, he has collaborated with his Def Jam labelmate Rick Ross on a song called “Benediction.”

“It’s like the ending track on the album and it just simply says, let us in with the benediction,” he revealed. “Why not go get Ross? And he spit that shit on it too.”

He’s hoping that his tourmates 2 Chainz and Pusha T will also get on board. “Pusha is actually recording a verse for me today for the album,” he said.

Testimony is due April 15 featuring the Jeezy-assisted single “Make It Home.”

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1eFFkkM

Read More

Drake Brings Out Kanye West at Berlin Show

After sharing the stage with Rihanna in Paris, Drake brought out Kanye West during his “Would You Like a Tour?” stop in Berlin on Thursday. Yeezus, who was overseas for Paris Fashion Week, blessed the stage with a performance of “Black Skinhead.”

Despite Drizzy’s controversial comments in Rolling Stone about Yeezus, the rappers showed that they remain on good terms.

“I want you to understand this is my dear friend,” Drake told the crowd at O2 World. “This is the reason why I’m standing in front of you today. This is the mentor, this is the God. This is the genius of all geniuses. This is the man that is Kanye motherfu**in’ West.”

Earlier this month, Kanye defended Drake against the media during his show in New Jersey and brought him out at his Toronto show in December.

Watch the rap titans join forces overseas.

Photo via Instagram

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1pDiyD9

Read More

Juicy J and Wiz Khalifa Perform on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’

Taylor Gang took over “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on Thursday. With some help from Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J performed his latest Stay Trippy single “Talkin’ Bout.” The Memphis rapper also turned the indoor stage into a strip club with his rump-shaking anthem “Bounce It.”

Just last week, Juicy launched his “Never Sober” tour with Travi$ Scott and Project Pat.

He is currently in the studio working on the follow-up to Stay Trippy, due later this year.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1pCbgPQ

Read More

Drake Splits with PR Firm After Rolling Stone Controversy

Drake has parted ways with his PR firm in the wake of his Rolling Stone cover debacle.

ID-PR had been handling Drake’s publicity for the past year and worked on the campaigns for his third album Nothing Was the Same and “Would You Like a Tour?” According to Billboard, ID initiated the split soon after the Rolling Stone controversy.

ID arranged the magazine feature, which prompted a series of tweets from Drake upon its release. The Canadian rapper slammed the publication for replacing his cover with a Philip Seymour Hoffman memoriam and for including his off-the-record comments about Kanye West’s Yeezus.

“I’m disgusted with that. RIP to Philip Seymour Hoffman. All respect due. But the press is evil,” he said in the tweet, which was later deleted. “I’m done doing interviews for magazines. I just want to give my music to the people. That’s the only way my message gets across accurately.”

He soon after apologized for his comments on his OVO blog. “Today I was forced out of my character and felt the need to react swiftly,” he said. “These days are the worst ones. Waking up after a great night in the studio and it’s your day to be picked apart. After dwelling on it for a few hours or days you will come to the conclusion that you brought it on yourself almost every time.”

In a statement to Billboard, ID said, “Drake is an incredibly talented artist and we’re proud of our results for ‘Nothing Was The Same’ and Would You Like A Tour? We wish him the best.”

According to multiple sources who’ve worked with Drake, the rapper has a history of being difficult when it comes to print interviews. He often schedules photo shoots and interviews at the last minute, forcing magazines to make difficult decisions at press time.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/N9rNfm

Read More

Robin Thicke on Paula Patton: ‘I’m Just Trying to Get Her Back’

Paula Patton may want a divorce, but Robin Thicke isn’t ready to throw in the towel just yet. The “Blurred Lines” crooner is making an attempt to save his marriage.

“I’m just trying to get her back,” Thicke told TMZ as he arrived in Washington, D.C. on Thursday.

Earlier this week, the singer and actress announced their separation in a joint statement. “We will always love each other and be best friends, however, we have mutually decided to separate at this time,” they told PEOPLE.

TMZ claims that the breakup was triggered by Thicke’s racy performance with Miley Cyrus at the 2013 VMAs. According to their sources, Paula felt “utterly disrespected” by his antics. However, Robin told TMZ that is not true.

Following their split, Robin canceled the first few dates of his tour, which resumes tonight at D.C.’s Patriot Center.

In a statement on his website, he thanked his fans for their support. “I want to thank everyone for the well wishes these last few days,” he said. “My fans mean everything to me. I’m looking forward to getting back on out on the road and performing in Washington DC this Thursday, and the rest of the tour. Looking forward to seeing everyone out there!”

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1eCd1DM

Read More

Rihanna Struts Her Style at Paris Fashion Week

Following her rendezvous with Drake, Rihanna served up some fierce looks at Paris Fashion Week. Rocking an olive green leather dress, the bad gal stepped out to the Balmain womenswear show on Thursday, where she met up with creative director Olivier Rousteing, who bowed at her feet.

“@olivier_rousteing my fashion soul mate!!!” tweeted RiRi, who is the face of the French designer’s spring/summer 2014 campaign.

“In front of the camera, she makes you feel like she is the only girl in the world,” said Rousteing. “When the woman that inspires you wears your creations, your vision feels complete.”

After changing into a fur shawl and fedora, she made her way to the Lanvin show, where she sipped champagne alongside her assistant Jenn Rosales and stylist Mel Ottenberg. Backstage, she caught up with creative director Alber Elbaz.

See more pics of the fashionista’s head-turning looks below.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1jE8fek

Read More

Kanye West to Bring ‘Yeezus’ Film to Theaters

Yeezus is headed to the big screen. The G.O.O.D. Music mastermind is readying a film based around his latest album and tour.

The project, directed by Hype Williams, documents his epic “Yeezus Tour,” which launched in October. Kanye previously worked with Williams on 2010′s short film Runaway.

The announcement was posted on KanyeWest.com along with a trailer, which shows footage from the tour.

“YEEZUS FILM DIRECTED BY HYPE WILLIAMS COMING TO THEATERS,” read the site.

Earlier this month, Kanye wrapped his U.S. dates and will tour Australia in May with special guest Pusha T.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1dFokvp

Read More

Pharrell Williams Talks New Album and New Outlook in GQ

On the eve of his second solo album G I R L, Pharrell Williams sits down with GQ for a candid interview. The 40-year-old hitmaker, who is now married and has a four-year-old son named Rocket, speaks about finding purpose in his life and why his 2006 solo album In My Mind was a personal and professional failure.

“I wanted to be like Jay. I wanted to be like Puff,” said Pharrell. “Those are their paths. I got my own path. But I didn’t know what my path was. I knew that I was meant to do something different. I knew that I needed to inject purpose in my music.”

He also reveals that he has produced a song for Usher called “Year of the Horse,” and that he wants Hype Williams to direct the video.

Read on to find out how Pharrell found his happiness and what Tyler, the Creator had to say about his idol.

On 2006′s In My Mind: “I wrote those songs out of ego. Talking about the money I was making and the by-products of living that lifestyle. What was good about that? What’d you get out of it? There was no purpose. I was so under the wrong impression at that time.”

On the title of his new album: “I instantly knew that the name of the album was called G I R L, and the reason why is because women and girls, for the most part, have just been so loyal to me and supported me. There is no breathing human being on this planet that did not benefit by a woman saying yes twice. Yes to make you, and yes to have you. Point-blank.”

On his diamond Rubik’s Cube: “I was out of my mind. It was ridiculous. But that’s how caught up I was.”

Tyler, the Creator on Pharrell’s influence: “Being a young black kid, especially at that time, I was different from all my other peers. So when I seen that this dude was saying he was open to rock and jazz and fucking skateboarding and all this other stuff that I was interested in, I was gravitating toward it because it was like: ‘All right, I’m not the only black dude who’s probably called weird every fucking day.’”

For the full interview, visit GQ.com.

Photo credit: Paola Kudacki/GQ

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1ftYTCF

Read More

New Music: Pia Mia f/ Chance the Rapper – ‘Fight for You’

Fresh off inking a deal with Interscope Records, Pia Mia links with Chicago rapper Chance the Rapper on “Fight for You” off the soundtrack to the sci-fi thriller Divergent.

The 17-year-old singer-songwriter harnesses her ethereal powers, while Chance evokes a Jamaican flow on the triumphant anthem.

Pia’s six-track debut EP The Gift hit iTunes this week and she is currently working on her full-length debut.

The Divergent soundtrack arrives March 11 featuring appearances from Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, and Ellie Goulding.

[Nylon Mag]

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1hlFz9L

Read More

Video: Puff Daddy – ‘Big Homie’ [Trailer]

King Combs is back to claim his throne. The music mogul returns to his roots in the trailer for “Big Homie,” his first solo single in nearly four years. A fur-clad Puff rides through Harlem in his Rolls-Royce in the Itchy House Films-directed clip, which plays out in reverse.

The street anthem, which leaked on Wednesday, features Rick Ross and ad-libs from French Montana.

The video, shot in Atlanta, Miami, and New York, is a throwback to his days as Puff Daddy, and features cameos from A$AP Rocky, Meek Mill, Wale, Nelly, Ashanti, and more.

Witness the return of Puff Daddy.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1ccpNyw

Read More

ScHoolboy Q Performs ‘Man of the Year’ on ‘Arsenio’

Following his appearance on “Conan,” ScHoolboy Q hit up “The Arsenio Hall Show” on Wednesday for another lively set. Dressed in a camouflage coat, bucket hat, and sunglasses, the Black Hippy and his band rocked the stage with his Oxymoron single “Man of the Year.”

His album is expected to debut at No. 1 on next week’s Billboard 200 with 150,000 to 160,000 copies sold.

He celebrated the news by performing an impromptu concert for his fans in the Hooters parking lot in downtown L.A.

“TonigHt was amazing!!!!!!!!!! I love my fans!!!!! I AINT SHIT WITOUT YALL!!!!!” tweeted Q.

Watch the “Man of the Year” light up late night.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1eAxTv5

Read More

Iggy Azalea Pays Homage to ‘Clueless’ in ‘Fancy’ Video

She traveled to India for the Bollywood-themed “Bounce” and paid homage to Showgirls in “Change Your Life,” and now Iggy Azalea is going back to high school in the Clueless-inspired video for “Fancy” featuring Charli XCX.

During her visit to Power 106, the Aussie rap sensation chatted with Yesi Ortiz about the cinematic clip, which she shot in L.A. earlier this month. Iggy plays Beverly Hills socialite Cher Horowitz in her remake of the 1995 cult classic starring Alicia Silverstone.

“We did the highway scene and we shot down the highway. We got a crazy grandma and trucks, and it was a lot. It was very fun,” said Iggy.

She tried to arrange a cameo from Silverstone, but wasn’t able to pull it off in time. However, she hopes the actress will enjoy the video.

“Hopefully Alicia thinks that I did it justice,” said Iggy.

The “Fancy” visuals are expected to premiere in a week or so, while her debut The New Classic drops April 15 featuring collaborations with T.I., Mavado, and Watch the Duck.

Plus, hear what Iggy had to say about her steamy GQ spread with her NBA star boyfriend Nick Young.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1fVnCut

Read More

New Music: Lupe Fiasco f/ Ty Dolla $ign – ‘$nitches’

Lupe Fiasco calls out the “$nitches” on his collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign. The Chicago MC, who is readying his new album Tetsuo & Youth, puts the gold diggers and groupies on notice (“Keep an open mind, but I ain’t messin’ with the doorstops”), while Ty adds his smooth touch to the radio-friendly record, which samples OutKast’s “Rosa Parks.”

Listen to DROGA$ meet DOLLA $IGN.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1kkrgSH

Read More

Nipsey Hussle, Lauren London Attend Maurice Hennessy Tasting Dinner

Hennessy rolled out the red carpet at its Maurice Hennessy Tasting Dinner at the plush Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood on Monday.

Maurice Hennessy, eighth generation of the Hennessy family and Global Brand Ambassador, hosted an intimate evening with a select group of celebrities and tastemakers including Nipsey Hussle and “The Game” stars Lauren London and Jay Ellis.

The VIP guests sampled Hennessy’s finest cognacs including Hennessy X.O, Paradis, Richard Hennessy, and the $2,700 Paradis Impérial, which comes in a crystalline glass decanter created by French Baccarat designer Stephanie Balini.

Mr. Hennessy discussed the brand’s legacy and its impact on hip-hop during the three-course meal, which capped off with a delicious Hennessy Privilege chocolate mousse dessert.

Following the dinner, guests made their way onto the poolside patio, where they smoked handmade cigars and enjoyed views of Los Angeles.

Check out more photos from the exclusive event below.

Photo credit: Noel Vasquez

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1dBCXQj

Read More

New Music: Asher Roth – ‘Tangerine Girl’

In the five years since his debut Asleep in the Bread Aisle, Asher Roth has been in and out of the spotlight. After releasing a series of mixtapes and scrapping his sophomore album Is This Too Orange?, the 28-year-old rapper is gearing up for the independent release of RetroHash, due April 22.

“RetroHash, as a whole, is a record of renewal and self-discovery,” he told Billboard. “It’s not Asher trying to be this or that—it’s just me trying to be me.”

The project was produced entirely by Blended Babies and includes collaborations with ZZ Ward and Vic Mensa.

He will host a “live listening session” at South By Southwest on March 15 before hitting the road for four shows in Philadelphia, Boston, New York, and L.A.

Hear him vibe out on the wavy “Tangerine Girl” below.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1dBdzKs

Read More

New Music: Diddy f/ Rick Ross – ‘Big Homie’

Sean “Diddy” Combs dusts off the mic with his first new single in nearly four years, “Big Homie.” The Bad Boy boss proclaims his supreme status on the boastful anthem featuring Rick Ross.

“I be calling all the shots, I’m big homie,” raps the multi-million-dollar mogul, who topped Forbes’ “Cash Kings” list.

Earlier this month, a fur-clad Diddy took to the streets of Atlanta, Miami, and Harlem to shoot a video, with cameos from French Montana, A$AP Rocky, Meek Mill, Nelly, Ashanti, and more.

He has been working on a new project entitled MMM, which he’s been teasing on social media.

Listen to King Combs reclaim his throne.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1dB8tOh

Read More

Jennifer Hudson Flaunts Edgy Style in V Magazine

It’s a whole new J-Hud. Jennifer Hudson shows off a sexy new image to go along with her sexy new sound in the pages of V Magazine‘s Music Issue. The Oscar and Grammy winner rocks a BLK DNM leather jacket, suspenders, and wet hair in the edgy Terry Richardson shoot, styled by Mel Ottenberg.

In the magazine, the 32-year-old singer talks about her upcoming ’70s-inspired album, which features production from Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, and Babyface.

Tracks include the super-soul jam “It’s Your World” featuring R. Kelly and the empowerment anthem “Whatever Makes You Happy” with lyrics such as, “We don’t give a shit / We don’t EVEN give a shit.”

“Earlier in my career I was just a soloist singing other people’s songs,” said Hudson. “Now I really want to be an artist. I want to lift the people up, have fun, create a moment. I have my own visions that I want to bring to life. People think I sit in church all day or stay at home and stare at my Oscar. It’s like I’m a nun or the president or something. I realized that people don’t really know who I am. It just feels like it’s time to take the training wheels off, you know? Let them see me.”

See more pics from J-Hud’s stunning shoot below and read the full article at VMagazine.com.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1k9XdjA

Read More

Pharrell Williams’ ‘Happy’ Hits No. 1

It’s a “Happy” day for Pharrell Williams. The Neptunes hitmaker has scored his first solo No. 1 single.

The Oscar-nominated song off his upcoming album G I R L dethrones Katy Perry’s “Dark Horse” and rises to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 this week. It also spends a second week at No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.

This is Pharrell’s fourth Hot 100 No. 1, but first as a lead artist. He previously shared the honors with Snoop Dogg (“Drop It Like It’s Hot”), Ludacris (“Money Maker”), and Robin Thicke (“Blurred Lines”).

Next up, he will perform the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack cut at Sunday’s Academy Awards and release his second solo album G I R L on March 3.

Elsewhere on the Hot 100, John Legend lands his first top 10 as his piano ballad “All of Me” jumps 11-4.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1cQP7Ib

Read More

New Music: Kid Ink – ‘Woke Up This Morning’

In honor of reaching 500,000 Twitter followers, Kid Ink has liberated a leftover from his My Own Lane recording sessions. On “Woke Up This Morning” featuring Devin Cruise, the L.A. rapper recounts his wild night at the strip club and looks forward to doing it all over again.

“This was one of our favorite records for months in 2012,” he said, “but near the end of the album process, it got shaved off the tracklist as it didn’t really fit the overall sound of the album.”

On April 1, Kid Ink will hit the road for his 21-date “My Own Lane” tour with King Los and Bizzy Crook.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1hTGSzn

Read More

New Music: Rico Love – ‘Bitches Be Like’

Rico Love has no filter. On his latest song “Bitches Be Like,” which he produced with Danja, the Division1 hitmaker calls out the gold diggers (“You ain’t from D.C. / But you had the Million Man March up inside of you”), who chase after a rich husband in the club and document their phony lifestyle on Instagram.

“No talent, but she know Jimmy Fallon / No house, no car, but she be stylin’,” he raps.

Rico recently shot a video for the remix to “They Don’t Know” with Ludacris, Trey Songz, Tiara Thomas, T.I., and Emjay, and is currently working on his full-length debut Turn the Lights On.

Listen to him put bitches on blast.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1cnpjQE

Read More

Video: Rick Ross – ‘Oyster Perpetual’

With his album Mastermind just days away (and now streaming), Rick Ross drops a video for his freestyle “Oyster Perpetual.”

From the Las Vegas Strip to the strip club, Rozay gives us another peek into his bossy lifestyle in the black-and-white clip. He puffs a cigar while overlooking Sin City and hits up King of Diamonds in between shots of his album listening and label meetings.

Odd Future’s Tyler, the Creator praised the clip, writing, “DUDE THIS IS SICK.”

See how the Mastermind gets down.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1ptL5e9

Read More

New Music: Dawn Richard – ‘Dark Horse (Unicorn Remix)’

In between recording her sophomore album Blackheart and preparing for Danity Kane’s comeback, Dawn Richard puts her dark spin on Katy Perry’s No. 1 PRISM single “Dark Horse.”

The leader of the Hearts teams with producer Noisecastle III (“Valkyrie”) on the mysterious “Unicorn” remix, which boasts a reworked beat and Dawn’s haunting vocals.

“It’s always fun to be in the lab with Noisecastle III,” said Dawn. “We were working on the Danity Kane project and decided to randomly take a break and this happened. Something only the Hearts can appreciate. We always do things with our little twist. Done in true Heart music form.”

Listen as Dawn brings Katy’s hit into her own world.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1ptDyMo

Read More

Stream Ashanti’s New Album ‘Braveheart’

Four years after The Declaration, Ashanti ventures out on her own with her long-awaited fifth album Braveheart (Written Entertainment/eOne). In advance of its March 4 release, the R&B songstress has made the album available to stream on Pandora.

The 13 tracks include the Rick Ross-assisted single “I Got It” and dancehall jam “First Real Love” with Beenie Man, plus collaborations with French Montana and Jeremih.

“A lot of people counted me out and that feeds my hunger and ignites my passion to continue my journey,” says Ashanti on the album intro. “I will continue to thrive, continue to prosper, I will continue to be brave. I am Braveheart.”

Get a taste of Ashanti’s new music below.

Click here to stream the album on Pandora.

Braveheart Tracklisting

1. “Intro/Braveheart”

2. “Nowhere”

3. “Runaway”

4. “Count”

5. “Early in the Morning” feat. French Montana

6. “3 Words”

7. “Love Games” feat. Jeremih

8. “Scars”

9. “Never Should Have”

10. “She Can’t”

11. “Don’t Tell Me No”

12. “I Got It” feat. Rick Ross

13. “First Real Love” feat. Beenie Man/Outro

What do you think of Braveheart? Weigh in below.

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1c8euap

Read More

K. Michelle Performs ‘Can’t Raise a Man’ on ‘Arsenio’

Before she hits the road with Robin Thicke on Thursday, K. Michelle stopped by “Arsenio” last night for a performance and brief interview.

The Memphis songstress shared her love for country music. “I actually grew up loving country music,” she said. “I play classical piano. I play guitar. And my parents, they put me in a closet. It wasn’t child abuse, don’t get scared. They put me in a closet and it was the biggest closet in the house and I would just sing to the top of my lungs.”

The self-described “ghetto girl with table manners” revealed that she can yodel (“Don’t ask. I ain’t gon’ do it”) and how her vocal coach introduced her to other genres.

“The first tape that I ever got was The Judds,” she said. “I saw The Judds, I loved The Judds, [my vocal coach] taught me how to yodel, and then I got a scholarship to Florida A&M University.”

K, who will star in her own VH1 series “No New Friends,” also defended her behavior on “Love & Hip Hop.” “I don’t think it’s fair at all because you don’t know me,” she said. “You would react the same way as me to a lot of those situations. I’m just bold enough to do it in your face and I can. Those reactions from those blogs and everything, I make their hits go up, so they should thank me or maybe even send me a check.”

She also shut down the stage with a rousing performance of her latest single “Can’t Raise a Man.”

via Rap-Up.com http://ift.tt/1kgo2iY

Read More