Chris Brown: Michael Jackson Tribute Was ‘My Ultimate Apology’
August 30, 2010
Shortly after tweeting, “Check 106 and park today. I’mmmm baaacckkk,” Chris Brown hit BET’s “106 & Park” stage to discuss his BET Awards Michael Jackson tribute, the rumored tour with Usher and to teach his fans how to dougie.
Lindsay Lohan has a friend in Lil’ Wayne
August 28, 2010
Whatever the future has in store for Lindsay Lohan, Lil’ Wayne has her back.
In his most recent letter to his fans, Lil’ Wayne brings the masses up to date on his life in prison. Weezy, who is expected to return home from a stint on Riker’s Island in November, gave shout outs to his fans, friends, family and Lohan, who was released from a brief stint in jail in early August and is now in a treatment facility.
Lauryn Hill Debuts On Charts After Over 10 Years
August 23, 2010
Just weeks after a track titled “Repercussions” leaked on the internet, the elusive Lauryn Hill debuts on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at No. 94 — her first debut as a lead artist in over 10 years.
The last time the West Orange, New Jersey, native charted as a lead artist on the tally was back in November 1999, when “Turn Your Lights Down Low,” featuring Bob Marley, peaked at No. 49. In 2006, the Method Man track “Say,” featuring Hill, charted at No. 66 after 10 weeks on the chart.
Nicki Minaj: The Associated Press Breaks Down Her Success
August 23, 2010
In the last year, Nicki Minaj has single-handedly brought female MCs back to the forefront of hip-hop music. In recognition of that, the Associated Press interviewed some of hip-hop’s biggest names to break down the success behind the Harajuku Barbie.
Jazz Singer Abbey Lincoln Dies at Age 80 in NY
August 23, 2010
Abbey Lincoln, a jazz singer and songwriter known for her phrasing, emotion and uncompromising style, died Saturday in New York at age 80.
She had been declining in health for the past year. Her death was confirmed by friend and filmmaker Carol Friedman, who has been working on a documentary on Lincoln’s life.
R&B star Faith Evans arrested on drunken driving charge
August 23, 2010
Grammy-winning singer Faith Evans has been arrested after being stopped at a drunken driving checkpoint in the Los Angeles area. Officer Cleon Joseph of the LAPD says the 37-year-old Evans was arrested Saturday night near Marina del Rey on suspicion of misdemeanor drunken driving.
Swizz Beatz Signs New Record Deal, Readies Album
August 23, 2010
After honeymooning with wife Alicia Keys in the Mediterranean recently, Swizz Beatz is back to business. The producer/rapper has inked a deal with Everest Entertainment and Atlantic/Warner Records for the release of his as-yet-untitled sophomore album.
“I couldn’t ask to be in a better place right now,” Swizz, who was previously signed to Universal Motown, said in a statement. “Both Everest and the Atlantic/Warner team have been great and I’m looking forward to sharing this project with true fans of good music.”
Jay-Z Still Hip-Hop’s Cash King, but Beyonce is the Couple’s Top Earner
August 19, 2010
Forbes released its ‘Hip-Hop Cash Kings 2010′ list, reporting that Jay-Z is still the music genre’s top earner. The rapper and business mogul, who’s real name is Shawn Corey Carter, earned $63 million in the past year. That’s a $28 million bump over his 2009 crowning total of $35 million.
Lil Wayne debuts new single ‘Right Above It,’ calls radio station from jail
August 19, 2010
Incarcerated rapper Lil Wayne did his first interview since he entered New York’s Rikers Island last March. Phoning New York’s Hot 97 radio DJ Funkmaster Flex from jail, Wayne ran through his daily routine (“I call my my mother, my kids. You know I’ve got a lot of kids to call”) and promoted his upcoming I Am Not a Human Being EP. “It’s going to drop before Tha Carter IV, only on the internet,” Wayne said. “This is stuff that I recorded right before I came here.” The EP hits e-waves on his birthday, September 27.
Aretha Franklin Breaks Ribs in Fall
August 19, 2010
Aretha Franklin suffered broken ribs and abdominal pain in a fall Sunday and will miss two upcoming free concerts in Brooklyn, The Associated Press reported.
The Queen of Soul’s office said doctors have advised the recovering musician to undergo tests.
Freddie Gibbs Revives Gangster Rap
August 13, 2010
Freddie Gibbs has nothing against rap artists who embrace catchy hooks to land on pop radio, but that’s not his style. He didn’t need a hit single to draw attention to both of his 2009 mixtapes, and he’s about to delve deeper into hardcore street rap on his new EP, “Str8 Killa,” due Aug. 3 on Decon Records.
Alicia Keys Wedding: Pregnant Singer Marries Swizz Beatz
August 13, 2010
A pregnant Alicia Keys tied the knot with Swizz Beatz in a ceremony on Saturday at a private home by the Mediterranean Sea.
The singer’s rep confirmed the nuptials, which were conducted by the couple’s friend, Dr. Deepak Chopra.
New Michael Jackson album due in November
August 13, 2010
If Michael Jackson mania has faded in the 13 months since his death, get ready for it to begin again. Plans are in place for a new album from the Jackson vaults – a collection of unreleased songs, due in November.
T.I. Marries Tameka “Tiny” Cottle – Twice
August 13, 2010
Rapper T.I. and longtime partner Tameka “Tiny” Cottle tied the knot over the weekend – twice.
After marrying on Friday in Miami, the couple had another ceremony on Saturday.
J. Cole discusses HBCU cheerleader controversy
August 13, 2010
Fayetteville State University’s cheerleaders joined J. Cole’s in his video for his uber-hot track, entitled “Who Dat.” Unfortunately, controversy followed shortly there-after as the administrators of Fayetteville State expressed disappointment with the cheerleader’s appearance. According to the Fayetteville Observer;
