Saturday, January 31, 2015
Bobbi Kristina Brown Hospitalized After Being Found Unconscious
Whitney Houston’s daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown was found unresponsive in a bathtub in her home in Roswell, Georgia, on Saturday morning.
According to CNN, the 21-year-old was not breathing when her husband Nick Gordon and a friend found her at about 10:25 a.m. They called 911 and performed CPR until police and paramedics arrived and took over.
She was then taken by ambulance to North Fulton Hospital, where “she is still alive and breathing.”
Doctors have reportedly stabilized her breathing and she is currently in ICU.
It’s unclear why she fell unconscious. Police are talking to friends and family and obtaining a warrant so they can search the residence.
Three years ago on February 11, Brown’s mother, Whitney Houston, was found dead in a bathtub at The Beverly Hilton, just hours before Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy bash.
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Friday, January 30, 2015
Big Sean Reveals ‘Dark Sky Paradise’ Cover, Tracklisting
Big Sean has unveiled the cover art and tracklisting for his third album Dark Sky Paradise.
The follow-up to 2013’s Hall of Fame, which is now available for pre-order on iTunes, includes the E-40-assisted hit “I Don’t F**k With You” and “Blessings” featuring Drake.
We really put our heart into this. Thanks for all the love and support. http://t.co/l2XGXaR5Ke
— Big Sean (@BigSean) January 31, 2015
Other guests on the 15-track deluxe edition include Ariana Grande, Kanye West, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Ty Dolla $ign, Jhené Aiko, John Legend, and PARTYNEXTDOOR.
“It’s something honest, [I] kept it real,” Sean told Rap-Up TV. “It’s definitely different than anything I’ve done. I kinda treated it like when I work on my mixtapes—don’t think about it, set a goal, focus on it, and just knock it out and have fun with it.”
Dark Sky Paradise arrives Feb. 24 via G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam.
Dark Sky Paradise Tracklisting
1. “Dark Sky (Skyscrapers)”
2. “Blessings” (feat. Drake)
3. “All Your Fault” (feat. Kanye West)
4. “I Don’t F**k With You” (feat. E-40)
5. “Play No Games” (feat. Chris Brown & Ty Dolla $ign)
6. “Paradise (Extended)”
7. “Win Some, Lose Some”
8. “Stay Down”
9. “I Know” (feat. Jhené Aiko)
10. “Deep” (feat. Lil Wayne)
11. “One Man Can Change the World” (feat. Kanye West & John Legend)
12. “Outro”
13. “Deserve It” (feat. PARTYNEXTDOOR)
14. “Research” (feat. Ariana Grande)
15. “Platinum and Wood”
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New Music: Kid Ink feat. R. Kelly – ‘Dolo’
In just four days, Kid Ink will release his second major-label album Full Speed . In addition to collaborations with Usher (“Body Language”), Chris Brown (“Hotel”), and DeJ Loaf (“Be Real”), the Batgang leader enlists R. Kelly for “Dolo.” On the snapping Nic Nac production, the fellas kick game to the ladies, with the hopes of taking one home.
“You work that pole like your bill’s overdue / Got so much talent, I’m thinkin’ ’bout sponsoring you,” sings Kellz.
Full Speed also features Trey Songz, Migos, and Young Thug.
Kid Ink recently sat down with Larry King to discuss Full Speed, Iggy Azalea vs. Azealia Banks, his many tattoos, and the ongoing racial tension in Ferguson. Plus, he surprised Larry with a special gift.
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Mariah Carey Reunites with L.A. Reid at Epic Records
Mariah Carey and Antonio “L.A.” Reid belong together.
The pop diva is reuniting with her former label boss at Sony Music via Epic Records, reports Billboard.
Reid helped bring Carey to Island Def Jam in 2003 and oversaw her 2005 comeback album The Emancipation of Mimi before he departed the label in 2011.
However, her Epic deal is a far cry from her record-setting $80 million contract with Virgin Records. “Sony’s was the only deal on the table, and it came in far lower than she expected,” a source tells Billboard. Carey “was asking for a $3 million advance; she didn’t get it.”
The singer’s most recent album, 2014’s Me. I Am Mariah…The Elusive Chanteuse, has posted her lowest sales to date with 117,000 sold.
Carey will join the Epic roster which includes Future, Ciara, Meghan Trainor, Bobby Shmurda, and Fifth Harmony.
As part of her comeback, Mariah will also launch her “#1’s” residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas in May and is planning a re-release of her 1998 album #1’s later this year.
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Jay Z Makes $56 Million Bid for Music Streaming Company Aspiro
Look out, Spotify. Jay Z is entering the music streaming business by acquiring Swedish tech company Aspiro.
Project Panther, which is owned by Jay Z’s S. Carter Enterprises, has bid $56 million to buy the publicly-held company, reports TechCrunch.
Aspiro operates the ad-free WiMP and the high-definition Tidal music services. According to The Verge, both services are geared towards the “committed audiophile,” and offer daily track recommendations, curated playlists, and audio in the lossless FLAC format.
WiMP, which boasts 512,000 paying users, is currently available in Denmark, Germany, Norway, Poland, and Sweden, while Tidal launched in the U.S. and U.K. in September.
Norwegian media company Schibsted, which owns a majority share in Aspiro, accepted the bid Friday while Aspiro’s board has “unanimously recommended” that shareholders accept the offer.
The acquisition would expand Jay Z’s Roc Nation empire, which already includes entertainment and sports divisions.
Jay Z is not the first rapper to take on music streaming. Dr. Dre launched his Beats Music service, which was acquired by Apple in a $3 billion deal last year.
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Juicy J to Executive Produce A$AP Rocky’s Album
Stay jiggy. A$AP Rocky has called on Juicy J to executive producer his sophomore album.
The “Bandz a Make Her Dance” rapper took to Twitter to make the announcement and promise that it would be “classic.”
I'm co excutive prod @asvpxrocky new album it's gone be classic
— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) January 30, 2015
This is not their first time working together. A$AP appeared on “Scholarship” off Juicy’s 2013 album Stay Trippy, and Juicy can be heard on A$AP’s single “Multiply.”
Juicy J joins the list of executive producers including Danger Mouse and the late A$AP Yams. In a recent interview with Billboard, Rocky said the follow-up to his 2013 debut Long.Live.A$AP was “basically done.”
“Danger Mouse and Yams—I’m really intrigued for people to hear how that combination sounds,” said the Harlem rapper. “Yams manifested his powers into it.”
Juicy continues to work on his sophomore album The Hustle Continues as well as his mixtape Blue Dream & Lean 2.
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Thursday, January 29, 2015
New Music: Big Sean feat. Drake – ‘Blessings’
Following their 2013 hit “All Me,” Big Sean and Drake team up again on Drake on the Vinylz-produced “Blessings” off Sean’s upcoming album Dark Sky Paradise. Sean raps about his grandmother’s death (“I’m the man of the house / So every morning I’m up, I can’t let them down”), while Drake coins a new catchphrase.
“I’m way up, I feel blessed,” he raps on the hook.
Dark Sky Paradise drops Feb. 24.
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Report: Missy Elliott to Join Katy Perry for Super Bowl Halftime Show
Missy Elliott is set to touch down at the Super Bowl. The rapper will reportedly join Katy Perry during Sunday’s halftime show.
A source tells The Associated Press that Missy is slated to make a surprise appearance during Katy’s performance at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
Missy was featured on a remix to Katy’s 2011 hit “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.).”
During a press conference on Thursday, Katy hinted at an “old school” surprise guest.
“I’m very excited about this guest because I thought long and hard about it and wanted to kinda bring someone back, a throwback of sorts, that definitely needed some more shine,” she said. “All I can say is that it will be a real female fun night.”
She promised that the surprise would captivate viewers. “When you hear the first ring of the chord, I think jaws will drop and faces will melt.”
While Missy hasn’t been officially announced by the NFL, Katy has confirmed that Lenny Kravitz will join her on stage.
“I think I’m gonna play on my strengths, which I think are humor, incredible joy,” she told reporters. “I think my songs are anthemic. I just hope at the end of the day that over 100 million people are all smiling in unison.”
Super Bowl XLIX airs Sunday at 3:30 p.m. EST on NBC.
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Ciara Performs ‘I Bet’ Acoustic
Ciara stripped things down while performing an acoustic version of her single “I Bet.” In the black-and-white video, the singer was accompanied by three background singers, a pianist, and a guitarist as she belted out the emotional tune, which is rumored to be about her ex-fiancé Future.
“I bet you start loving me / As soon as I start loving someone else / Somebody better than you”
“As a songwriter, I always pull from my life experiences as well as the experiences shared by others,” Ciara told PEOPLE. “It is important to me that my music feels real.”
The Harmony Samuels-produced song is the first single off her sixth album Jackie, which was named after her mother.
“As soon as I had my son, everything changed,” said the new mom, who gave birth to son Future Zahir Wilburn in May. “I am now experiencing what [my mother] must have when I was young. [Becoming a mom] has inspired my creative process…and given me clarity both with songwriting as well as musicality for the album.”
Watch CiCi go acoustic.
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Iggy Azalea Rips Steve Madden Over ‘Disgusting’ Photo Shoot
Iggy Azalea is not exactly head over heels for Steve Madden. The “Fancy” rapper took to Twitter to blast the shoe designer.
Iggy collaborated with Madden on a spring/summer collection of footwear. But she was furious when she saw the creative displayed on Madden’s Tumblr page on Thursday (Jan. 29). According to Iggy, the designer did not consult with her about the model photos that were posted online.
“@SteveMadden kinda ruined the creative direction when u added those gross extra pictures to a random tumbler page I had no part in creating,” said an upset Iggy.
“Everything in a collaboration is supposed to be mutually approved. But Steve madden did the most disgusting photo shoot ever and never even told me about it,” she added. “I’m just now seeing it as its uploaded on some random tumblr page and i am livid.”
She continued to voice her disapproval. “I worked really hard on the creative direction of both the shoes and the shoot I WAS involved with and in. I really feel it’s been tainted with these God awful images that Steve madden took appon themselves to create and share without my knowledge. Gross gross gross.”
Iggy later deleted her tweets and Steve Madden’s Tumblr page was removed.
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New Music: Ludacris – ‘Truffle Butter (Freestyle)’
Fresh off his custody win, Ludacris cooks up a short and sweet freestyle to Nicki Minaj’s Pinkprint cut “Truffle Butter” as part of his weekly LudaVerses series. The newly-married rapper plugs his movie Fast & Furious 7 and album Ludaversal, and declares “money over bitches.”
Earlier this week, Luda was granted primary custody of his one-year-old daughter Cai Bridges.
“After review of all the evidence, the testimony of the witnesses, the report of the guardian ad litem, and the claims made throughout this entire case, I am gratified that the judge found me to be the most fit and proper parent to have primary physical custody of our beautiful daughter,” he said in a statement.
Hear Luda’s fast and furious flow below.
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Ellen DeGeneres Honors Kanye West with Rap
In celebration of her birthday, Kanye West paid a visit to his friend Ellen DeGeneres on Thursday. In addition to premiering the Spike Jonze-directed video for “Only One” starring his daughter North, the hip-hop mogul sat down to discuss his adidas deal, expanding his family with Kim Kardashian West, and his new album, which is still untitled.
.@KanyeWest @JustinBieber @SamSmithWorld #BirthdayShow #Backstage #Incredible http://ift.tt/1vaMufT
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 29, 2015
Ellen also honored Kanye with her very own rap, which she taped for BET Honors. Damon Dash presented Yeezy with the Visionary Award at the ceremony in Washington, D.C. over the weekend.
As part of her tribute, Ellen decided to perform a “white girl’s rap,” where she praised ‘Ye for being one-of-a-kind and a visionary.
“I wish you could see what he shows to me—kindness, brilliance, true artistry,” she rapped.
Ellen was nervous at first, but Kanye loved her rhymes. “It was really awesome. It was very stuntastic when it showed at the awards,” he told her, adding, “That was one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me.”
Watch the touching tribute below.
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New Music: ILoveMakonnen feat. Snoop Dogg – ’21st Street (Remix)’
Snoop Dogg goes up on a Thursday with a remix to ILoveMakonnen’s “21st Street,” produced by DJ Spinz and Dun Deal. The Doggfather adds his laid-back flow to the bumbling track, which originally appeared on the “Tuesday” hitmaker’s 2013 mixtape Drink More Water 4.
Snoop is gearing up to release his Pharrell-produced album Bush in March and recently announced the first single, “Peaches N Cream.”
He can also be seen alongside comedian Gilbert Gottfried in a Super Bowl commercial for food delivery service EAT24.
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Video: The-Dream feat. T.I. – ‘That’s My Shit’
The-Dream brings his dark fantasy to life in the opulent video for “That’s My Shit” featuring T.I. The Radio Killa throws on his finest and hits up a mysterious mansion party, where lingerie-clad ladies strut around—from the boardroom to the pool. He meets up with a dapper Tip for a game of dice before retiring to his throne.
The platinum hitmaker has reunited with his production partner Tricky Stewart for his EP Crown, which drops March 31. It will be followed by his Jewel EP in June, both to be released via his Contra Paris label.
“Crown is more modern R&B, and Jewel will be more what you might think of as my songwriter side, the songs I might have given to other artists before,” said The-Dream. “If you put me in a box, Jewel is more what you get when that box is open. But I’m not limited by any box I’ve been put in—every year I’m expanding and growing, and it makes for a more interesting plot.”
Step inside Terius’ sexy soirée below.
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Justin Bieber Owns Up to His Past: ‘I’m Not Who I Was Pretending to Be’
Justin Bieber has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, but he’s ready to start anew. After taping a surprise appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” on Wednesday, the 20-year-old singer released an apologetic video via his Fahlo account. In the clip, entitled “Here we go,” he admitted that he was “really nervous” about his interview and owned up to his mistakes.
“I was afraid of what people are thinking about me right now,” said Bieber. “It’s been a minute since I’ve been in a public appearance and I didn’t want to come off arrogant or conceited, or basically how I’ve been acting in the past year, year-and-a-half. I’m not who I was pretending to be. Often we pretend to be something we’re not as a cover up of what we’re truly feeling inside, and there was a lot of feelings going on in there.”
He showed a more vulnerable side as he addressed his past. “Being young and growing up in this business is hard. Growing up in general is hard, but I felt awkward up there,” he explained. “I felt like people were judging me and I really want people to know how much I care about people, and how I’m not that person to say, ‘I don’t give a fuck.’ I’m not that kid. I’m a person who genuinely cares.”
He plans to be a better person going forward. “Although what’s happened in the past has happened, I just want to make the best impression on people and be kind and loving and gentle and soft. Although people can call me a softy, that’s how my mom raised me.”
To celebrate his 21st birthday, Bieber will be roasted by comedians during a Comedy Central special in March. “I think it’s just cool to be able to laugh at yourself,” he told Ellen. “I’ve done some things that might not have been the greatest. I just want to be able to laugh about it and own up to some of the things.”
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Rihanna Covers i-D Magazine’s Music Issue
To celebrate her upcoming eighth album, Rihanna rules the cover of British magazine i-D . The bad gal rocks box braids and a Céline top for the Music Issue, which was shot by photographer Paolo Roversi in Paris.
“She really is one of the most creative, talented and inspiring women I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with,” says i-D’s Fashion Director Alastair McKimm. “The energy and enthusiasm she brings is intense. She’s the ultimate icon of our time.”
Over the weekend, RiRi dropped R8’s first single “FourFiveSeconds” featuring Kanye West and Paul McCartney, but details on the project still remain scarce. She has logged studio time with Mike WiLL Made-It, Ne-Yo, DJ Mustard, and Rae Sremmurd, and the album is rumored to arrive as soon as next month.
There are reports that she will perform “FourFiveSeconds” with ‘Ye and McCartney at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 8.
She can also be heard opposite “Big Bang Theory” star Jim Parsons in DreamWorks Animation’s animated film Home, which hits theaters on March 27.
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Video: Kanye West feat. Paul McCartney – ‘Only One’
Kanye West shows a softer side in the video for his Paul McCartney-assisted single “Only One,” which he premiered on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” on Thursday.
The short and sweet clip, directed by Spike Jonze, features personal footage of the hip-hop superstar and his daughter North West. Yeezy holds the one-and-a-half-year-old in his arms and gazes lovingly into her eyes while standing in an empty field. As it starts to rain, the protective father covers her head.
The sentimental song, which debuted on New Year’s Eve, was written from the perspective of Kanye’s late mother Donda West, who passed away in 2007.
During his visit to Ellen, Kanye spoke about his plan to grow his family with his wife Kim Kardashian West. “We’re trying,” he said. “I just want whatever Kim wants.”
His new album is still untitled. “We’re still trying to find the vibe,” explained ‘Ye. “This transition from what I felt when I did Yeezus to what I feel now and we’re just creating, so we haven’t found it yet.”
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Wednesday, January 28, 2015
New Music: Juicy J – ‘A Tale of 2 Citiez (Freestyle)’
In honor of J. Cole’s 30th birthday, Juicy J flips a freestyle to Cole’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive cut “A Tale of 2 Citiez.” Over the Vinylz-produced beat, the Memphis rapper delivers his own gritty tale of the streets.
“Everybody know that you the plug / You that ni**a that they wanna be / But it’s somebody waiting on you, my ni**a, don’t sleep,” he raps.
Oohhh shit I keep forgettin to drop this remix I did over jcole's beat " A tale of 2 citiez , Imma up load it now
— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) January 29, 2015
While his album The Hustle Continues awaits a release date, his new mixtape Blue Dream & Lean 2 is “coming soon.”
Juicy J will head to the Grammys next month. His Katy Perry collaboration “Dark Horse” is nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
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Video: T.I. feat. Jeezy – ‘G’ Shit’
T.I. makes a movie with fellow ATLien Jeezy in the 12-minute video for “G’ Shit,” the latest single off his album Paperwork. Directed by Chris Robinson, the prohibition-inspired clip features appearances from WatchTheDuck and more.
“We’re gonna give you a slice of life that you’ve probably never been able to experience before,” Tip told REVOLT. “You can live vicariously through us.”
For their next act, Tip and Jeezy intend to release a joint album reportedly called Dope Boy Academy. As of November, they had recorded six or seven tracks.
“Our personal relationship allows us to be honest with each other when one feels the other can be better,” said the Hustle Gang chief. “He don’t have to mix his words or find a way to say, ‘Hey man, let’s try this a different way.’ And vice versa. And in that we’ll be able to challenge each other and bring out the best of one another for the betterment of the project.”
Until then, watch them team up in the action-packed caper and go behind the scenes below.
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Lil Wayne Sues Birdman for $51 Million
Lil Wayne is taking Birdman to court. The Young Money rapper has officially filed a lawsuit asking a judge to release him from Cash Money Records.
According to TMZ, Wayne claims Birdman violated the terms of their deal by withholding tens of millions of dollars Cash Money owes him for his oft-delayed album Tha Carter V.
Since Cash Money is refusing to pay, Wayne says he’s entitled to cancel the contract.
Not only does Weezy want his freedom, he’s also suing for a whopping $51 million.
Wayne wants the judge to give him joint copyright ownership of all Young Money recordings including those of Drake, Nicki Minaj, Tyga, and more. He plans to take his artists with him off Cash Money.
However, if Birdman pays, Wayne’s camp will allow Cash Money to release Tha Carter V. Wayne was supposed to get an $8 million advance when he started recording in December 2013 and another $2 million when he completed the album a year later, but so far he’s received nothing.
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Video: Run the Jewels – ‘Lie, Cheat, Steal’
Run the Jewels set it off in the explosive video for “Lie, Cheat, Steal” off one of 2014’s most critically-acclaimed albums, Run the Jewels 2. Directed by Ruff Mercy, the trippy clip (via Noisey) features one of four new pieces from the duo’s Tag the Jewels worldwide art initiative. El-P and Killer Mike don presidential masks while carrying out their campaign.
“Lie, cheat, steal, kill, win / Everybody doin’ it”
On Friday, Run the Jewels will open for Jack White at Madison Square Garden. You can also catch them at festivals worldwide including Coachella, Bonnaroo, and Reading Festival.
Additionally, the MCs are the subject of a new interactive documentary for BBC.
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Sam Smith Would Give His Album of the Year Grammy to Beyoncé
Sam Smith is up against Beyoncé for Album of the Year at the Grammys, but if he wins, he plans to give the award to his hero.
“She deserves it way more than I do,” the British Crooner told Rolling Stone . “I’d be embarrassed if I got it over her. If I got it, I’d give it to her.”
“She deserves it way more than I do.”
Smith is a longtime member of the BeyHive and has been known to sing “Drunk in Love” in the shower and even knows the dance moves from the video.
The “Stay With Me” singer and Queen Bey both lead the pack with six nominations at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards.
In the Album of the Year category, Smith’s debut In the Lonely Hour and Beyoncé’s self-titled album will face competition from Pharrell Williams’ G I R L, Ed Sheeran’s x, and Beck’s Morning Phase.
Find out who takes it home when the Grammys air live on Feb. 8 on CBS.
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Migos Criticized for $1,000 High School Donation
Migos is giving back. The “Versace” trio donated $1,000 to a local high school, but it didn’t come without some backlash.
On behalf of their label Quality Control Music, they presented the oversized check with fellow rappers OG Maco, Skippa Da Flippa, and Rich the Kid at Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta.
“GIVING BACK TO WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL IN ATLANTA @johnpopi @yrnflippa @whoisrichthekid @ogxmaco #YRN #QC,” they wrote on Instagram.
Despite the good deed, they were slammed by critics who didn’t feel the amount was substantial enough, and were named “Donkey of the Day” by Charlamagne Tha God on “The Breakfast Club.”
Migos should've skipped the check and donated one of their chains to the high school.
— truffle butter (@FrenchKass) January 28, 2015
Maybe Migos actually donated more money to the school & the rest of the zeroes somehow fell off that giant check.
— Black Pacino (@Pacino718) January 28, 2015
it was pretty obnoxious for migos to be wearing chains and designer clothing, posting that check on IG but still charity is charity.
— Jelani A-Mahluli (@iamthe1Jelani) January 28, 2015
We want it on a BIG ASS CHECK. RT @Migos: @cthagod Cait Wait To Donate To Tha Breakfast Club Foundation Only A Thou #YRN Tha Album
— Charlamagne Tha God (@cthagod) January 28, 2015
But they responded to those on social media who criticized them for not giving enough.
Give $1 Dollar To A Homeless Is A Blessing
So Givin Back Anything To Help A Cause Is A Blessing #YRN Tha Album
— MIGOS™ (@Migos) January 28, 2015
Migos is gearing up to release its joint mixtape with Bobby Shmurda. Earlier this week, they released the first two tracks, Rich the Kid’s “What You Talmbout” and a freestyle to Rowdy Rebel’s “Computers.”
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Rita Ora to Perform at Oscars
Rita Ora is bringing her blonde ambition to the Oscars.
The British singer will take the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood to perform her Oscar-nominated song “Grateful” from the romantic drama Beyond the Lights. The Diane Warren-penned song is up for Original Song.
I’m excited to announce @TheAcademy invited me to perform on the #Oscars on Feb 22nd!
— Rita Ora (@RitaOra) January 28, 2015
“The mixture of her incredible voice and glamour makes a perfect combination for our show,” said Oscar producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron.
Common and John Legend will also perform their Oscar-nominated song “Glory” from the movie Selma, while Adam Levine will sing “Lost Stars” from Begin Again.
The 87th Academy Awards, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will air live on Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. EST on ABC.
Rita can currently be seen on “The Voice” in the U.K., and stars as Christian Grey’s sister in the upcoming Fifty Shades of Grey movie. Her sophomore album is due this spring.
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Tuesday, January 27, 2015
J. Cole: I Wanted to Sign Kendrick Lamar
J. Cole stopped by “The Combat Jack Show” for in-depth interview this week. During the two-hour conversation, the North Carolina MC spoke at length about the inspiration behind his new album 2014 Forest Hills Drive, staying out of Drake’s lane, protesting in Ferguson, and wanting to sign Kendrick Lamar.
Cole was introduced to the Compton MC in 2010 before either rapper had released their debut albums. “I met Kendrick at a time when all I had out was The Warm Up, nobody knew who he was, he didn’t have a deal,” he said. “He was signed to Top [Dawg]—I didn’t know he was signed to Top.”
But he immediately knew that K-Dot was a star. “I actually wanted to sign him, but I didn’t have my business right. I didn’t know he was with Top [Dawg],” explained Cole. “But in my mind, he was the first person I ever found. … I remember tellin’ everybody like, ‘Yo, I’m tryna sign this kid. Like yo, this ni**a’s nasty!'”
“I actually wanted to sign him, but I didn’t have my business right.”
He went to a release party for an L.A. group named UNI and saw Kendrick perform for the first time. “I’m lookin at this short, dark-skinned kid like, ‘Yo, who is this kid?’ and then he gets on the mic and murders. I’m a rapper’s rapper and I’m not easily impressed, and when I heard him I was instantly [impressed].”
He approached Kendrick to give him props, and K-Dot reminded him that they had met before at the XXL Freshman shoot with Jay Rock. “He was like, ‘I was asking [the editors] to give me your spot.’ But they didn’t know who he was.”
Later that night, Kendrick emailed him two songs, “Pussy and Patron” and “Cut You Off.” “I was like, ‘Yo, I’m fuckin’ with this ni**a. I wanna sign this ni**a! From there, I felt compelled to always give him any jewels I could.”
He even helped put Dr. Dre on to him. “When I was in the studio with Dre I had to tell Dre like, ‘Yo, you ain’t never heard of Kendrick?’ And he was like, ‘Oh, Kendrick? Yeah, I’m supposed to be meeting with him soon.’ And I was giving him the crazy co-sign like, ‘You gotta fuck with Kendrick.'”
“I didn’t know the ni**a would go platinum before me, but I definitely saw it for him.”
And the rest is history. “This ni**a blew the f**k up and reached levels that I hadn’t reached. … I didn’t know the ni**a would go platinum before me, but I definitely saw it for him. I believed and believe.”
During the interview, Cole also touched on his infamous run-in with Diddy at a VMA after-party in August 2013. “It was just a quick disagreement that turned into something,” said Cole. “Never been a beef, never is a beef. … It was too quick to really be considered a fight.”
Listen to the full two-hour interview below.
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Kid Ink and DeJ Loaf to Headline ‘Scream Tour’
The “Scream Tour” is coming back with an all-new lineup.
Kid Ink and DeJ Loaf will headline “Scream Nation: The Reintroduction Tour,” with more artists to be announced.
“I’m excited to be a part of the reintroduction of such a prestigious touring brand as Scream,” Kid Ink told Billboard. “It’s a brand I grew up respecting and admiring. I can’t wait to hit the road and get this started.”
Despite initial reports, Jeremih will not be joining the lineup.
To mih Fans, I will not be on the Scream Tour. Late Nights Tour "To Be Announced"
— Jeremih (@Jeremih) January 28, 2015
The 26-city trek, a joint venture between Live Nation and Scream Nation, kicks off March 12 at the Peabody Opera House in St. Louis and wraps its six-week run at the State Theatre in Minneapolis on April 26.
Throughout its 15 years, the “Scream Tour” has featured many chart-topping acts including Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Bow Wow, T.I., and Ciara.
Tickets go on sale starting Jan. 31.
Scream Nation: The Reintroduction Tour Dates
March 12 – St. Louis, MO – Peabody Opera House
March 13 – Chicago, IL – Aragon Ballroom
March 14 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
March 17 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium
March 19 – Phoenix, AZ – Comerica Theatre
March 20 – Las Vegas, NV – The AXIS at Planet Hollywood
March 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium
March 22 – San Jose, CA – City National Civic
March 26 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom
March 27 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
March 29 – Nashville, TN – Nashville Municipal Auditorium
April 2 – Southaven, MS – Lander’s Center
April 3 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
April 4 – New Orleans, LA – UNO Lakefront Arena
April 7 – Miami, FL – The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater
April 9 – Clearwater, FL – Ruth Eckerd Hall
April 11 – Jacksonville, FL – Moran Theater at the Times-Union Center
April 12 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Special Events Center
April 16 – Norfolk, VA – Ted Constant Convocation Center
April 17 – Washington, DC – DAR Constitution Hall
April 18 – Camden, NJ – Susquehanna Bank Center
April 19 – New York, NY – Kings Theatre
April 23 – Cleveland, OH – Playhouse Square Center
April 24 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace
April 25 – Kansas City, MO – Independence Events Center
April 26 – Minneapolis, MN – State Theatre
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Video: Tiara Thomas – ‘Fly as Hell’
Tiara Thomas proves she’s not only a badass singer-songwriter, but also a rapper in the one-take video for “Fly as Hell.” The Indianapolis native, best known for her “Bad” collaboration with Wale, pulls up in a parking garage in her white Wrangler and jumps out before proceeding to spit some bars over a sample of Mos Def’s “Ms. Fat Booty.”
Tiara recently parted ways with Rico Love’s Division1/Interscope Records. “I just think that musically I have an idea on who I think she should be and she has an idea on who she thinks should be and we just don’t agree on it,” Rico told MTV News.
Earlier this month, Tiara premiered a video for a new song called “Best Kept Secret” off her upcoming debut The Bad Influence.
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Stream Ne-Yo’s Album ‘Non-Fiction’
Over two years since his last album, Ne-Yo returns with his sixth LP Non-Fiction, in stores today. Inspired by “true stories” and “real people,” the follow-up to R.E.D. boasts appearances from T.I., Jeezy, and ScHoolboy Q, with production from Shea Taylor, Stargate, Key Wane, and Glass John.
The singer-songwriter takes it to the dance floor with David Guetta (“Who’s Taking You Home”) and Pitbull (“Time of Our Lives”), hits the strip club with Juicy J (“She Knows”), and channels Michael Jackson (“Coming With You”).
“It’s quality music at the end of the day. I wanted to get to the place where people don’t consider genre when they think of me,” said Ne-Yo. “It might be dance, it might be R&B, it might be polka, but it’s gonna be good.”
Rolling Stone gave it 2.5 out of 5 stars, while USA Today awarded it 3 out of 4.
Stream the 19-track deluxe edition below via Spotify.
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Common and John Legend to Perform at Oscars
Common and John Legend are headed to the Oscars. The rapper and singer will perform their nominated song “Glory” at the 87th Academy Awards next month.
The powerful anthem, taken from the civil rights drama Selma, scored a nomination for Original Song.
Other nominees include “Everything Is Awesome” from The Lego Movie, “Grateful” from Beyond the Lights, “I’m Not Gonna Miss You” from Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me, and “Lost Stars” from Begin Again.
I'm humbled and blessed to announce that @TheAcademy invited me & @johnlegend to perform at the #Oscars on Feb. 22nd! http://t.co/yybXm76vN3
— COMMON (@common) January 27, 2015
I'm so honored to announce that @TheAcademy invited me and @common to perform at the #Oscars on Feb. 22nd!
— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 27, 2015
The duo, who won Best Original Song at the Golden Globes, joins previously announced performer Adam Levine, who will sing “Lost Stars” from the film Begin Again.
The 87th Academy Awards will air live on Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. EST on ABC.
Before he takes the stage at the Oscars, Legend will perform “America the Beautiful” during the pre-game festivities for Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale, Ariz. on Sunday.
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Video: N.E.R.D. – ‘Squeeze Me’
N.E.R.D. gets animated in the quirky video for “Squeeze Me” off the soundtrack to The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water. The trio of Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo, and Shae Haley transform into square versions of themselves and take a trip to Bikini Bottom with SpongeBob, Patrick, and friends for some fun under the sea. They build sandcastles, chow on Krabby Patties at the Krusty Krab, and even blast into space.
The soundtrack also features two other new N.E.R.D. songs including “Patrick Star” and “Sandy Squirrel.”
The film hits theaters on Feb. 6.
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New Music: Fifth Harmony feat. Tyga – ‘Like Mariah’
In addition to linking with Kid Ink on “Worth It,” the ladies of Fifth Harmony pay homage to Mariah Carey on “Like Mariah,” a track off their debut album Reflection. Over a sample of the pop diva’s 1996 hit “Always Be My Baby,” the “X Factor” alums sing the praises of their men.
“Your lovin’ takes me higher / You set my heart on fire / When you touch my body, got me singin’ like Mariah.”
Tyga also tears up the feel-good track with a fiery verse on which he shouts out two of music’s leading ladies: “You’re so sadiddy / Like Aaliyah, Mariah Carey / You stay winnin’.”
Reflection drops Feb. 3, but you can stream it now in its entirety via iTunes Radio.
On Feb. 27, 5H will launch “The Reflection Tour” with special guests Jacob Whitesides, Jasmine V, and Mahogany Lox.
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Travi$ Scott Drops 2 New Songs, Announces Tour with Young Thug
While you were sleeping, Travi$ Scott surprised his fans by debuting two new songs. The Houston rapper teams with Future on “High Fashion,” produced by Metro Boomin, Southside, and WondaGurl. He also links with PARTYNEXTDOOR and Young Thug on the Boi-1da-produced “Nothing But Net.”
Additionally, Travi$ has announced a joint tour with Young Thug. The month-long trek, which features a DJ set from Metro Boomin, kicks off March 1 in Santa Ana, Calif. and travels to Chicago, New York, Houston, Atlanta, and L.A., with a stop at SXSW on March 20-22.
Tickets for the “Rodeo Tour” go on sale Jan. 30, with a pre-sale beginning Jan. 28.
Rodeo Tour Dates
March 1 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory
March 2 – Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theater
March 4 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theater
March 6 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
March 8 – Chicago, IL – Concord Music Hall
March 9 – Detroit, MI – Saint Andrew’s Hall
March 10 – Toronto, Canada – The Danforth Music Hall
March 11 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
March 12 – New York City, NY – Webster Hall
March 14 – Philadelphia, PA – Trocadero Theatre
March 15 – Silver Spring, MD – Fillmore Silver Spring
March 16 – Norfolk, VA – The Norva
March 17 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore
March 18 – Atlanta, GA – Center Stage
March 19 – Memphis, TN – Minglewood Hall
March 20-22 – SXSW
March 23 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
March 24 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues
March 26 – Phoenix, AZ – Live Wire
March 27 – San Diego, CA – Observatory Northpark
March 28 – Los Angeles, CA – Club Nokia
March 29 – San Francisco, CA – Regency Theater
March 31 – Seattle, WA – Showbox
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New Music: Jodeci – ‘Every Moment’
Jodeci’s comeback continues. After reuniting at the Soul Train Awards in November and debuting the B.o.B-assisted “Nobody Wins,” the Bad Boys of R&B take it back to basics on “Every Moment,” the official first single off their upcoming album.
DeVante Swing, Joel “JoJo” Hailey, Cedric “K-Ci” Hailey, and Dalvin DeGrate serenade the ladies on the tender R&B jam that will transport you back to the ’90s.
“Every moment is so sweet / When you’re laying next to me,” they sing.
The group’s first album in 20 years is due on Epic Records/Sony Music. They have been in the studio with hitmakers including Timbaland, and plan to launch a reunion tour.
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Monday, January 26, 2015
Lil Wayne Wants to Take Drake and Nicki Minaj Off Cash Money
Lil Wayne wants out of Cash Money, and he’s taking Drake and Nicki Minaj with him.
The Young Money chief plans to sue Birdman for his release from Cash Money, and also claims that Birdman owes him an $8 million advance for his album Tha Carter V.
In addition to demanding money, TMZ reports that Wayne will sue Birdman to ensure that Young Money’s artists remain under his control.
In addition to Drake and Nicki, this includes the rest of the Young Money roster—Christina Milian, Lil Twist, and Mack Maine, who doubles as the label’s president.
Weezy believes the artists should go with him because their contracts are with Young Money.
Cash Money has a distribution deal with all of Young Money’s acts. The issue will likely have to be settled in court, but Wayne is adamant about taking his crew with him.
He also seems confident about Drake and Nicki’s loyalty to him. On his remix to “CoCo” off his mixtape Sorry 4 the Wait 2 , he boasts, “I ain’t trippin’, I got Barbie, I got Drake too.”
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Migos and Bobby Shmurda Debut ‘Shmigo Gang’ Singles
Bobby Shmurda and Migos teased their collaborative mixtape Shmigo Gang last year and today they make it official with the debut of the first two songs, Migos’ freestyle to Rowdy Rebel’s “Computers” and Rich the Kid’s “What You Talmbout.” The tracks (via Complex) also feature intros from the incarcerated “Hot Ni**a” himself, who was indicted on gun and drug charges. He is currently being held at Rikers and awaits a court date.
#ShmigoGang mixtape on the way ' @BobbyShmurdaGS9 @RowdyRebelGS9 @IAmRichTheKid @DomKicknShit
— MIGOS™ (@Migos) December 13, 2014
The mixtape, which awaits a release date, will also feature Rowdy Rebel, Rich the Kid, and Migo Domingo. Get a first taste of Shmigo Gang below.
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John Legend and Chrissy Teigen Heat Up GQ
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen sex up the February issue of GQ. The hot couple, who wed in September 2013, invite cameras behind closed doors for the intimate shoot in New York City.
With his supermodel wife sprawled on the table, the “All of Me” crooner makes love to her before whisking her away to the dance floor. Legend dons spring’s coolest sweaters, while Teigen wears next to nothing.
They take it from the streets to the sheets—cuddling up in bed with their bulldogs, Puddy and Pippa, and Legend sips champagne as a naked Teigen takes a bubble bath.
When asked what makes for a bad date, the couple named live music at dinner and karaoke as romance killers. But one thing they do both love is spooning and dog videos, as they shared in the video below.
Go behind the scenes of their sexy spread and check out more at GQ.com.
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G-Unit Readies ‘The Beast Is G-Unit’ EP for March
The Beast is back. After reuniting at Summer Jam in June, G-Unit is readying its second EP in a year. Following The Beauty of Independence, 50 Cent, Young Buck, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, and Kidd Kidd will unleash The Beast Is G-Unit on March 3.
The six-track EP, which they revealed on iTunes (via HHNM), includes the Young Buck-led banger “Bring My Bottles.”
Upon its release in August, The Beauty of Independence debuted at No. 17 on the Billboard 200 with 21,000 copies sold.
See the tracklisting below.
The Beast Is G-Unit Tracklisting
1. “Ballin'”
2. “I’m Grown”
3. “Bring My Bottles”
4. “Doper Than My Last One”
5. “Boy Boy”
6. “Choose One”
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Video: Future – ‘My Savages’
With his Beast Mode mixtape in rotation, Future resumes his #MonsterMonday series with the video for “My Savages” off last year’s Monster mixtape.
In the Cricket-directed clip, which was shot in Memphis, the Atlanta rapper pays homage to his fallen friends and homies behind bars, who continue to ride for him. He hits the block and the convenience store while surrounded by his Freeband Gang.
“I got love for all my savages with itchy fingers,” raps Future on the Will-A-Fool-produced track.
He is back in the studio with Mike WiLL Made-It working on his third album for release this year.
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Big Sean Reveals New Album ‘Dark Sky Paradise’
While the East Coast braces for a winter storm, Big Sean is getting ready to unleash a whirlwind of his own. The G.O.O.D. Music rapper took to social media on Sunday night to mysteriously announce his new album. He posted an image of a black sky with the words “Dark Sky Paradise” written on it.
Earlier in the day, he tweeted “done,” a likely reference to the completion of his third album.
His friends including Drake, E-40, DJ Mustard, Travi$ Scott, Ty Dolla $ign, Pusha T, Jhené Aiko, and girlfriend Ariana Grande posted the same artwork on Instagram. They are possibly all featured on the album.
Sean also teased a new song featuring Drake on his new Snapchat account bigseansnapped.
The Kanye West and DJ Mustard-produced single, “I Don’t F**k With You” featuring E-40, has already gone platinum, while the album marks his most personal work yet.
“It’s something honest, [I] kept it real,” Sean said of the follow-up to 2013’s Hall of Fame. “It’s definitely different than anything I’ve done. I kinda treated it like when I work on my mixtapes—don’t think about it, set a goal, focus on it, and just knock it out and have fun with it.”
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Sunday, January 25, 2015
New Music: Lil Wayne feat. Migos – ‘Amazing Amy’
While he battles it out with Cash Money, Lil Wayne continues to release new music. Less than a week after dropping his mixtape Sorry 4 the Wait 2, Weezy links with Migos on the London On Da Track-produced “Amazing Amy” (via Miss Info). Tunechi falls head over heels for a psycho chick named Amy.
“Amazing Amy / That bitch so crazy, that bitch gon’ kill me, then she’ll be famous,” he raps. “I’m in love with that ho though / Even though she loco.”
Migos praises Amy’s skills in the bedroom (“She swallow the dick like a Heineken”) and gets their Will Smith on (“Can you be my Jada?”).
Wayne was also recently in the studio with 2 Chainz. “Me and my Lil brudda working on a suprise for ya,” said 2 Chainz.
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Saturday, January 24, 2015
Report: Lil Wayne to Sue Birdman for Release from Cash Money
Lil Wayne and Birdman are officially at war. Weezy plans to sue his mentor after settlement talks failed.
TMZ reports that the two tried to come to a resolution, but now Wayne will take Birdman to court to free him of Cash Money’s control.
Wayne says Birdman has violated their contract by withholding the release of Tha Carter V, and claims that Birdman owes him an $8 million advance for the album.
Birdman has held his ground, saying that he will release the album “in due time,” but that hasn’t appeased Wayne.
The Young Money rapper will continue to record and release his music outside of Cash Money.
Weezy has been very vocal about his beef with the label. He most recently declared his independence from Birdman on a remix to O.T. Genasis’ “CoCo” off his mixtape Sorry 4 the Wait 2 .
“Cash Money is an army, I’m a one-man army / And if them n**as comin’ for me, I’m goin’ out like Tony / Now I don’t want no problems, I just want my money,” he raps. “All I got is Young Money, no more Cash, ni**a.”
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Friday, January 23, 2015
New Music: Kid Ink feat. DeJ Loaf – ‘Be Real’
On Feb. 3, Kid Ink will release his second major label album Full Speed featuring the Usher and Tinashe-assisted hit “Body Language,” plus appearances from Chris Brown, R. Kelly, Young Thug, and DeJ Loaf, who guests on “Be Real.” The Batgang leader reps the west, while the “Try Me” MC spits the truth over the bouncy DJ Mustard production.
Earlier in the day, Kid Ink stopped by “The Breakfast Club” to discuss his love life, tattoos, and collaborating with Chris Brown and Fifth Harmony.
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New Music: Ty Dolla $ign – ‘Stand For (DJ Mustard Remix)’
After giving Beyoncé’s “7/11″ the remix treatment, DJ Mustard adds his platinum touch to Ty Dolla $ign’s Diplo and DJ Dahi-produced single “Stand For.” The West Coast hitmaker turns it up a notch with a slapping beat that will have the clubs going up.
Mustard is back in the studio with YG and recently reunited with “2 On” singer Tinashe to work on her sophomore album.
Meanwhile, Ty’s debut Free TC is due this spring featuring Kendrick Lamar, R. Kelly, Jagged Edge, YG, and Wiz Khalifa. He has also collaborated with Kanye West, Rihanna, and Paul McCartney on a song for ‘Ye’s album.
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TLC Raises Over $200,000 in Kickstarter Campaign
TLC’s fans have spoken. The girl group has raised over $200,000 as part of their Kickstarter campaign.
After launching the fundraiser on Monday, T-Boz and Chilli surpassed their initial goal of $150,000. The funds will go towards the recording of their fifth and final album.
As of Friday, they had amassed over $205,000, and they still have 26 days to go. In return for their donations, fans will receive perks including a TLC digital scrapbook, autographed lyrics, photo shoot, and listening party.
Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who donated to our campaign!! Xx We are thrilled to have so much love and support from fans! It means so much!
— TLC (@OfficialTLC) January 22, 2015
Various celebrities have also supported their campaign including Soulja Boy, Russell Simmons, and Bette Midler. New Kids on the Block pitched in $20,000, and Katy Perry earned herself a slumber party with T-Boz by donating $5,000.
“Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for our fans for all of their amazing support. We feel so blessed to know that not only do our fans love us, but they believe in us,” the group told PEOPLE. “We have received support from longtime listeners that attended our first concerts, plus new fans who have only just started listening. We were also so humbled by the outpour of support from other artists like Katy Perry, New Kids on the Block, Dev Hynes, Russell Simmons, Soulja Boy, Bette Midler and more!”
The album, which will just consist of T-Boz and Chilli (Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes died in a 2002 car crash), will mark the first new material from the group since 2002’s 3D. “Our final album will stay true to the TLC sound, always confronting the real issues and life experiences that we all must face every single day, everywhere,” they told fans. “Of course, Lisa’s spirit will always be present in our music. That will never change.”
TLC will also join New Kids on the Block and Nelly on “The Main Event” tour this summer.
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Chris Brown and Tyga Reveal ‘Fan of a Fan: The Album’ Release Date, Cover Art
It’s official. Chris Brown and Tyga’s joint project, Fan of a Fan: The Album, is coming sooner than you think.
Tyga took to Twitter to reveal the Feb. 24 release date and album artwork. The duo pays homage to Kris Kross on the colorful ’90s-inspired cover art and promo photos.
#FanofAFan The Album in stores and on iTunes on feb 24th @chrisbrown @Tyga http://ift.tt/1yDXzW9
— T-Raww (@Tyga) January 23, 2015
They recently went in front of the lens in L.A. to shoot a video for the first single, “Ayo,” with director Colin Tilley.
Fan of a Fan: The Album marks the follow-up to their 2010 mixtape, which spawned the hit single “Deuces.”
On Jan. 28, Breezy and Tyga will embark on the “Between the Sheets Tour” with Trey Songz.
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Video: R. Kelly – ‘Happy Birthday’
In honor of his 48th birthday earlier this month, R. Kelly throws the wildest party of the year in the NSFW video for his turn-up anthem “Happy Birthday.” The ladies’ man wakes up in a bed full of women, and tries to remember what happened the night before.
We see him hit the strip club and make it rain, and take it back to the hotel with some lingerie-clad ladies who make out with one another and take shots while Kellz films it all on his iPhone. He even plays the bongos on two girls’ booties, while women strut around in panties that say “Happy Birthday Kellz.”
“As promised… The Official Birthday Anthem of 2015,” he tweeted.
Watch Kellz get wild for the night.
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New Music: Fall Out Boy feat. Wiz Khalifa – ‘Uma Thurman (Remix)’
We dem boyz. Wiz Khalifa joins Fall Out Boy on the Boys of Zummer remix to “Uma Thurman” off the band’s new album American Beauty/American Psycho.
Amber Rose’s ex declares his bachelor status (“I just canceled that old, so I’m about to get a new girl”) and dubs himself “Brad Pitt in a Cool World.”
The two will hit the road this summer on their 40-plus date “Boys of Zummer” tour, which kicks off June 10.
Hear them collide.
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Rae Sremmurd Performs ‘No Type’ on ‘Conan’
Rae Sremmurd brought SremmLife to “Conan” on Thursday night. With skateboard in hand, Swae Lee and Slim Jimmy turned all the way up with their platinum single “No Type” off their debut album, which entered the Billboard 200 at No. 5.
The Mississippi duo will share the stage with Rihanna, and possibly even debut a collaboration, during the Super Bowl festivities next weekend.
Watch them unlock the swag on late night.
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Thursday, January 22, 2015
Pharrell to Guest Star on ‘The Simpsons’
Pharrell Williams is headed to Springfield.
The “Happy” hitmaker (and his famous hat) will make a cameo as himself on the Feb. 8 episode of Fox’s animated comedy “The Simpsons,” reports EW.
The episode, entitled “Walking Big & Tall,” is based on the true story of a composer, who writes a city-pride song, and ends up shopping the same song to other cities. In this case, Springfield learns that their song is actually a carbon copy of multiple cities. But Pharrell comes to the rescue and writes a new anthem for the town.
On the same day the shows airs, the GQ cover star will perform at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards in L.A., where he is nominated for six awards.
He has also contributed four original songs to the movie Dope , which will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival this week.
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Video: Chris Brown feat. Kendrick Lamar – ‘Autumn Leaves’
Chris Brown returns with the long-awaited video for “Autumn Leaves” off his Grammy-nominated album X. The Asian-inspired clip, directed by Colin Tilley, does not feature Kendrick Lamar, but it does co-star his on-again, off-again girlfriend Karrueche Tran.
Breezy and Tyga recently shot a video for “Ayo,” the first single off their joint album Fan of a Fan 2. On Jan. 28, he and Trey Songz will kick off their “Between the Sheets Tour” in Hampton, Va.
Watch the love story unfold below.
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New Music: Ludacris – ‘Throw Sum Mo (Freestyle)’
For this week’s installment of LudaVerses, Ludacris unleashes some fast and furious rhymes on a freestyle to Rae Sremmurd’s SremmLife single “Throw Sum Mo.” Over the Mike WiLL Made-It and Soundz-produced beat, the newly-married rapper dangles his competition out the balcony like Suge Knight and gives them a lesson.
“I teach you about some manners, I teach you about respect, I teach you about that gold chain hanging around your motherf**kin’ neck,” he spits.
Luda is getting warmed up for his album Ludaversal, which drops March 31.
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Ariana Grande to Perform at NBA All-Star Game Halftime Show
Ariana Grande is bringing her Everything to the 2015 NBA All-Star Game. The pop superstar will perform at next month’s halftime show.
The game will be held at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Sunday, Feb. 15, and air live on TNT at 8 p.m.
Pop Superstar @ArianaGrande to headline 2015 #NBAAllStarNYC halftime show (2/15 @NBAonTNT)! #JBLEntertainment http://ift.tt/1EwvO2u
— 2015 NBA All-Star (@NBAAllStar) January 22, 2015
Prior to the All-Star Game, Ariana will take the stage at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 8. She is up for two awards including Best Pop Vocal Album for My Everything and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Bang Bang” with Jessie J and Nicki Minaj.
She joins an illustrious list of divas who’ve headlined the All-Star Game halftime show including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, and Alicia Keys.
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Lupe Fiasco Performs ‘Deliver’ on ‘Late Night’
With his new album Tetsuo & Youth in stores, Lupe Fiasco stopped by “Late Night with Seth Meyers” on Wednesday night. Accompanied by singer PJ, the Chicago MC hit the stage to perform his powerful single “Deliver.”
“A song like ‘Deliver’ is the autobiography of a myth in the hood,” Lupe told Billboard. “You don’t really recognize it until you are there. The hood doesn’t really have the basic amenities that things that aren’t the hood has.”
His album is expected to sell 30-35,000 copies in its first week.
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Wednesday, January 21, 2015
New Music: Fat Joe feat. Troy Ave – ‘How U Luv Dat’
Crack is back. Fat Joe links with fellow New Yorker Troy Ave for “How U Luv Dat.” Over a soulful beat, Joey boasts about swimming in Givenchy trunks and pouring champagne until he capsizes, while Troy gets his shine on.
During Troy’s show in November, Joe co-signed the 29-year-old rapper. “I don’t co-sign too many ni**as, but I co-sign Troy Ave,” said Joe. “It’s like real ni**as is extinct in this fu**in’ business right now. If you ain’t a pussy ni**a with a skateboard, you can’t get on these days. I salute a real ni**a right here. That’s the type of ni**a I want representing New York City.”
In addition to music, the Don Cartagena has scored a gig as president of the urban and Latino division of Market America, an Internet-based marketing company.
Also be on the lookout for Troy’s upcoming project Major Without a Deal/White Christmas 3.
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Tyga’s ‘Gold Album’ Delayed Again
Tyga fans will have to wait a little longer to get their hands on The Gold Album: 18th Dynasty.
The rapper’s fourth LP was scheduled to drop on Jan. 27 via his label Last Kings, but it has been pushed back until further notice. Tyga attributed the delay to his ongoing battle with Cash Money.
The gold album won't be released the 27th still fightin with Label on my release. But will keep u guys updated.
— T-Raww (@Tyga) January 21, 2015
He has been trying to get out of his contract with YMCMB and took to Twitter in October to call out Birdman’s label for “holding him hostage.”
Gold album been done. my label holding me hostage so i can't release nothing. might just leak it for my fans then let them make $ off it.
— T-Raww (@Tyga) October 10, 2014
In the meantime, his joint album with Chris Brown, Fan of a Fan, is scheduled for release this spring. They recently shot a video for the first single “Ayo” in L.A. with director Colin Tilley.
Ayo ,make it work on iTunes. Fan of fan album will be dropping really soon.
— T-Raww (@Tyga) January 21, 2015
The Gold Album has already produced the singles “Make It Work” and the Kanye West-produced “40 Mill” (go behind the scenes).
Starting Jan. 28, Tyga will join Chris Brown and Trey Songz on their “Between the Sheets Tour,” which kicks off in Hampton, Va.
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Kid Cudi Begins Work on ‘Man on the Moon III’
Kid Cudi is back in the lab working on Man on the Moon III. The rapper has rounded up the old gang including Plain Pat, Emile Haynie, Dot Da Genius, and A-Trak for the third installment in his Man on the Moon trilogy.
“And so it begins,” said Cudi along with a photo of him in the studio with Haynie.
MOTM III follows 2010’s Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager and his 2009 debut Man on the Moon: The End of Day, which spawned the hit “Day ‘N’ Nite.”
Last February, he released the MOTM III prelude Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon.
He spoke about the album in a 2013 interview with Music Connection. “Man on the Moon III will show a whole other level of maturity, and it will answer a whole lot of questions,” said Cudi. “There’s a lot of missing links between MOTM and MOTM II. I also think that they were both very ignorant albums, so I think I’ll eliminate a lot of that ignorance.”
I can't/won't make MOTM3 w/o Pat, Emile & A Trak in the studio. We started together, we finish this together. It's time I assemble the team.
— Scott Mescudi (@KidCudi) January 20, 2015
We all had a vision we shared for this story. I can't create the magic yall want with out their energy and genius to bounce off of.
— Scott Mescudi (@KidCudi) January 20, 2015
Cudi can also be seen in Coach’s spring 2015 “Dreamers” campaign alongside actress Chloë Grace Moretz.
“Kid Cudi’s effortless ease and coolness could not better embody the spirit of the spring ’15 men’s collection,” Coach creative director Stuart Vevers told WWD.
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Video: Jhené Aiko – ‘Spotless Mind’
Jhené Aiko trades the dark underworld of “Wading” for a sunnier side in the lighthearted video for “Spotless Mind,” the latest release from her debut album Souled Out.
In the Wes Anderson-inspired visuals, which premiered on ELLE, the R&B sensation takes on a variety of personas—from a hippy chick to a goth girl to a whip-wielding dominatrix. Her boyfriend, played by her real-life baby daddy O’Ryan (Omarion’s brother), tries everything to please her, but her wandering ways eventually cause him to leave.
Jhené debuted the breezy song at Coachella last year. She is nominated for three awards at next month’s Grammys including Best Urban Contemporary Album for Sail Out and Best R&B Song for “The Worst.”
Watch her share her many sides in the cheeky clip.
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New Music: Lil Wayne feat. Drake – ‘Used To’
On Tuesday night, Lil Wayne launched his mixtape Sorry 4 the Wait 2 featuring appearances from 2 Chainz and his Young Money family including Shanell, Mack Maine, and Drake, who guests on “Used To.” Over a bass-heavy beat, produced by WondaGurl (Jay Z’s “Crown”), Weezy and his protégé share their views from the top.
“They never told me when you get the crown, it’s gon’ take some gettin’ used to / New friends all in their feelings now / They don’t love you like they used to,” they rap.
Hear the teacher and the student come together once again.
Tunechi also turns up in the sheets with his girlfriend Christina Milian on a raunchy remix to Beyoncé’s “Drunk in Love.” Weezy skips the romance and plays rough in the bedroom (“I’ma f**k the shit out ya, no more Mr. Nice Guy”), while Tina Turn Up fantasizes about riding her man’s “skateboard.”
“We gon’ be fu**in’ all night / We ain’t makin’ love,” she sings.
Hear their steamy duet below.
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Video: The Weeknd – ‘Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)’
XXXO. The Weeknd gets his Christian Grey on in the titillating video for “Earned It,” the first single from the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack. The seductive clip, shot at the Palace Theatre in downtown L.A., was directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, who also directed the film, and co-stars Fifty Shades actress Dakota Johnson. The Canadian crooner watches while scantily-clad ladies strut their stuff for him in a private peep show.
“I feel like the film and my music is a match made in heaven,” said The Weeknd. “If you listen to my album, even the past work I’ve done, it’s very Fifty Shades of Grey.”
Due Feb. 10, the soundtrack also features another new song from The Weeknd called “Where You Belong,” plus Beyoncé’s remix to “Crazy in Love.”
The erotic thriller, starring Johnson, Jamie Dornan, and Rita Ora, hits theaters on Feb. 13.
Step inside The Weeknd’s sexual fantasy.
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Tuesday, January 20, 2015
New Mixtape: Lil Wayne – ‘Sorry 4 the Wait 2′
The martian is back. While his album Tha Carter V awaits a release date, Lil Wayne holds fans over with his mixtape Sorry 4 the Wait 2. The follow-up to his 2011 tape boasts appearances from Drake, 2 Chainz, Shanell, Mack Maine, and his rumored girlfriend Christina Milian, who appears on a remix to Beyoncé’s “Drunk in Love.”
Weezy also spazzes over popular hits including Rae Sremmurd’s “No Type,” Bobby Shmurda’s “Hot Ni**a,” and OG Maco’s “U Guessed It.”
To listen, download the My Mixtapez app on iOS, Android, or Windows.
Sorry 4 the Wait 2 Tracklisting
1. “CoCo”
2. “Sh!t”
3. “Trap House”
4. “Selsun Blue”
5. “Used to” feat. Drake
6. “No Type”
7. “Fingers Hurting”
8. “Hot Ni**a”
9. “HolyWeezy”
10. “Drunk in Love”
11. “U Guessed It”
12. “Try Me” feat. Mack Maine
13. “Preach” feat. 2 Chainz
14. “Alphabet”
15. “No Haters”
16. “Admit It” feat. SNL
17. “Dreams and Nightmares”
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New Music: Pia Mia feat. G-Eazy – ‘F**k With U (Remix)’
Pia Mia turns up with G-Eazy on the remix to her bouncy banger “F**k With U,” which she debuted in November. Over the Nic Nac-produced beat (“Loyal”), the Bay Area rapper sets it off before Pia makes it pop for her dude.
“I know you want to too, I just wanna f**k with you,” she sings.
The 18-year-old singer, who released her six-track EP The Gift last year, is currently in the studio recording her Interscope Records debut.
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Nicki Minaj to Headline X Games Austin
Nicki Minaj is pushing it to the limit. The hip-hop superstar will headline the X Games in Austin, Texas, this summer.
ESPN’s annual extreme sports event will take place June 4-7 at the Circuit of the Americas.
“I look forward to channeling the energy and spirit from the X Games into a performance Austin will not forget,” Nicki told TheWrap.
The bill also includes Talib Kweli, Pennywise, and Deltron 3030. Additional headliners and musical performers will be announced at a later date.
Nicki Minaj will perform at #XGames Austin, June 4-7!
Tickets will go on sale this Friday, Jan. 23. http://ift.tt/1BBtt83
— X Games (@XGames) January 20, 2015
“Having Nicki Minaj headline one of the nights of X Games Austin is going to be really fun,” said Tim Reed vice president, X Games. “We still have other headliners to announce in the upcoming months but the mix of Nicki Minaj with world-class athletes will make for a must attend event in Austin.”
Kanye West headlined last year, while performers included The Flaming Lips, Pretty Lights, Dillon Francis, and Gary Clark Jr.
Tickets for X Games Austin go on sale Jan. 23 at 4 p.m. CT. Three-day tickets start at $109.
Before she heads to Austin, Nicki will embark on the European leg of “The Pinkprint Tour” on March 16. She will be joined by special guest Trey Songz on the 17-date trek, which wraps April 12 in Glasgow.
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