Pusha T Addresses Consequence Beef With G.O.O.D. Music

The Clipse member fires some shots at the bitter rapper.

As a member of Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music family, Pusha T recently came in Consequence’s crosshairs after he released the diss track “The Plagurist Society.” Speaking with 107.5 WGCI’s The Morning Riot (via FSD), the Clipse member addressed the controversy, taking light jabs at Cons.

After the show hosts said they would love to hear Pusha engage in a battle with Cons, he laughed off the prospect of putting it on wax. “Really? You’re like the first person to ever say that. I don’t ever think anyone’s wanted to see Consequence,” he jested. “Never no radio personality, DJ has ever said they want to hear Consequence!”

He also stated that he’s unsure if he will respond to the record, as there’s no upside to engaging in a rap battle.

“At the end of the day, I am an artist and this is sort of fun to me still. This whole rap thing is sort of fun to me, so I won’t say you won’t hear nothing. But a go-back-and-forth between me and him, it’s not right. You can’t get anything out of it,” he continued. “People are disrespectful. What can you say? ‘Ye is a great guy. He’s done a lot for me, he’s done a lot for everybody. He’s ever embraced in this music game, he tries his hardest for everybody.”

Jay Rock Talks Tech N9ne's Influence, Praises Kendrick Lamar

The Watts, California spitter explains why he's got love for his Strange Music cohort.

With his debut album Follow Me Home releasing via Strange Music, Jay Rock has gleaned some influence from his new boss Tech N9ne. Speaking with MTV2’s Sucker Free, the Watts, California native explained that Tech’s relentless grind has rubbed off on him and his work ethic.

“One thing I learned about Tech N9ne is just hard work. That dude don’t sleep. I ain’t ever seen this dude really sleep. He work from seeing him signing 7,000 pre-order CDs, this dude work non-stop. He love it,” he explained. “That’s what give me the motivation to keep going, man. I’m still hungry, too. I ain’t made it yet. This is the beginning of my career, and like I said, I just gotta keep going, man. That dude hustle like he broke. That’s the attitude I got from him.”

He also bigged up his Black Hippy brethren Kendrick Lamar, claiming that out of all the up-and-coming MCs, K-Dot’s got next.

"My little bro Kendrick Lamar. I’ve been saying it for the times even when I was on Warner when everybody knew him as K-Dot. I used to tell people all the time, watch when K-Dot step out the box, he’s going to be a problem. Look at him now. I’m proud of him. He been working hard, he deserve it man. Straight up."

Salaam Remi Reveals That He & Amy Winehouse Were Working On An Album Prior To Her Death

Amy Winehouse featured on the cover of Vibe magazine's "Juice” issue, producer Salaam Remi speaks on his last memories of the singer.

Following the recent death of singer Amy Winehouse, Vibe magazine has decided to make their “Juice” issue a double cover with Winehouse and Kelly Rowland both featured on separate covers.

The issue will also feature an exclusive interview with producer Salaam Remi who was supposed to attend a wedding with Winehouse the weekend she passed away. According to Remi, he and Winehouse were in the middle of working on the singer’s next album.

“They went ahead with the wedding. All I could do was sit there and imagine how many jokes she would have been cracking with me,” Remi explained to Vibe. “We were in the middle of working on the album. She finished writing the record. We just hadn’t recorded.”

Remi also revealed that Winehouse planned on celebrating her 28th birthday with Nas in Barbados later this year.

“For the last couple of weeks we were video chatting regularly,” said Remi. “I was just talking to Nas. Both her and Nas were born on September 14, so we were going to Barbados with all of them for her birthday. She really doesn’t look forward to her birthday; you know what I’m saying?”

Following Winehouse’s death Remi took to his Twitter account to express his grief over the singer’s sudden passing.

“Very Very Sad Day. Just lost a Great Friend and a Sister. RIP my baby SiS Cherry Winehouse. Love ya always. i Didnt hear a gunshot, n i dont see any blood, but i Feel a DEEP PAIN in my heart. A part of ME died today RIP CHERRY,” Remi Tweeted following her death.

Winehouse passed away on Saturday, July 23rd. The cause of her death has yet to be discovered.

DJ Drama Discusses Unreleased Drake & Gucci Mane, Outkast Mixtapes

Mr. Thanksgiving also reveals that a mixtape with G-Unit and The-Dream never saw the light of day.

DJ Drama has helmed mixtapes to remember as part of his Gangsta Grillz series, but a few big collaborations never saw the light of day. Speaking with Sermon’s Domain, Mr. Thanksgiving recalled working with G-Unit and The-Dream on a few mixtapes that never surfaced.

“The G-Unit one was just one of those situations where they were busy and I’m a busy person. It was a conversation that Fif and I had trying to put it in motion. It wasn’t able to happen. Plus, Whoo Kid kept stealing all the music and leaking it,” he laughed. “The-Dream tape. What happened with that? I’m trying to remember. I think Dream’s album was about to come out and it was too close to the album date. To be honest, I really don’t remember. It was either that or a decision by the label. Dream is still the homie, though.”

He also spoke on mixtapes that never happened, including a full-length collaboration between Drake and Gucci Mane. “One of the hottest tapes that never happened would’ve been the Drake and Gucci [Mane] tape. The three of us had spoke about it at a period. It was going to be a Drake and Gucci Gangsta Grillz. The two songs that had both of ‘em on it – I think one of them had Killer Mike on it ['Street Cred' off Guccimerica] and the other one was Sean Garrett’s 'In My Business.' It was around that time period when the tape was supposed to happen.”

Another tape that never materialized was a collaboration with Drama and Outkast. “They called me, I think before the Idlewild album, and was like we want to do a Gangsta Grillz before the album. Of course, I was like, “definitely.” It didn’t wind up happening. They got kind of busy and it got close to the album. That’s when the guys called me like, “look, we’re not going to be able to do the tape, but we got you on a song for the album.” That’s two big tapes that almost could’ve would’ve should’ve happened.”

J-Live Discusses Upcoming Album "S.P.T.A. (Said Person Of That Ability)"

The Brooklyn mainstay gets a fall release date for his upcoming LP with production from Diamond D and Nicolay.

On the heels of the release of his Undivided Attention EP, J-Live is currently prepping the release of his fifth album S.P.T.A. (Said Person of That Ability), due in August. Speaking with The Pace Report, the multifaceted artist explained that running his shingle Triple Threat (“I’m known as a producer, DJ and an MC”) influenced the new album.

“Just in terms of that, the phrase ‘Said Person of That Ability,’ it’s about having those three dimensions of my music sort of split three ways,” he said. “So on this record, I’m approaching certain songs and approaching the overall album as a three-man group rather than as a soloist. So there’s songs where I’m coming in and out of myself, there’s sort of chemistry where we approached some of the vocals high, some low and in between as if they’re three different characters on the song.”

J-Live chalks it up to the responsibilities that come with having a platform to spread ideas to the Hip Hop community.

“It’s really speaking towards the opportunity and the responsibility of an artist such as myself, who was raised on a certain kind of Hip Hop with a certain standard and a certain quality and certain work ethic and a certain social commentary,” he continued. “It sort of adds on. So ‘Said Person of That Ability,’ if i have the ability to teach and give social commentary and offer my perspective as a black man in America, as a father, as a son, as a teacher, as a student, then if I have the avenue to do so through music, that’s part of my responsibility as ‘Said Person of That Ability.’”

Watch the rest of the interview below, where he speaks on the difficulties of being an independent artist and serving as both an MC and a producer.

Smoke DZA Taps ASAP Rocky, Bun B & More For "Rolling Stoned”

The Kushed God explains what listeners can expect on his upcoming album.

Smoke DZA has revealed some of the guest features for his upcoming album Rolling Stoned, releasing on August 30th via iHipHop Distribution. In anticipation of the LP’s release, the Kushed God reveals that ASAP Rocky, Bun B, Big K.R.I.T., Dom Kennedy and more contribute to the project, which aligns with previous releases.

“What you can expect from Rolling Stoned is pretty much what can expect of my other projects,” he says. “It’s a lot of features, but it’s the right features. So I think it balances out pretty well.”

DZA also explained how he came up with his album title, stating that it was tossed out during a brainstorming session and stuck.

“Shit, I don’t know. I was just throwing around album names. Pretty much how I came up with George Kush Da Button ,” he continued. “Just talking to my team, like ‘I’m naming my next joint Rolling Stoned.’”

RZA Explains The Origin Of His New Headphone Line For WeSC

The RZArector explains how he struck the deal to launch his "Chambers" line.

This week RZA unveiled his new line of WeSC "Chambers by RZA" headphones, but last month Hypebeast caught up with The Abbott during a press run in Berlin.

“It took about a year to get it to where we’ve got in now and it’s still a work in progress,” RZA said, of his new line. “This is the first run, but we have a lot of ideas to make a better headphone that’s good for DJs, the regular person with their iPods and also good for fashion.Some guys are wearing headphones like jewelry and if that’s the case, we thought of ways to design the headphones so that it fit’s the spirit you want to have when you’re wearing jewelry,” he continued.

RZA explained that it wasn’t originally his idea to launch a headphone line, but after meeting WeSC's CEO Gregor Hagelin and getting the blessing to create it himself, he was on board. “It wasn’t like take my name and stick it on the headphone, that’s corny," he said. "I got to create it and really be involved with it.”

Papoose Announces Independent Album "Nacirema Dream”

Pap enlists Erykah Badu, Jadakiss, Jim Jones and Thugacation for the upcoming project.

Papoose has announced his new album Nacirema Dream, releasing via his independent label Honor B4 Money Records.

For the project, the Brooklyn, New York native enlists guest appearances from Erykah Badu, Jadakiss, Jim Jones and Thugacation. The album has already spawned the tracks “Party Bout to Pop (Remix)” featuring Busta Rhymes and Lloyd Banks, as well as “Bucked Naked (Remix)” featuring Remy Ma and “Donk Jumping.” Last week, Pap dropped his remix to “Otis” to stir up some buzz.

Papoose originally intended to release Nacirema Dream after signing to Jive Records in August 2006. He was unable to release the album under the imprint, and left the label the following year. The release date for the project is currently unknown

Devin The Dude Explains His Production Sound, Inspiration For "Pick My Brain"

The veteran triple-threat breaks down when aspiring industry folk get out of pocket, and his evolving sound.

HipHopDX recently spoke to Devin The Dude about his Fresh Brew album with The Coughee Brothaz. Throughout Devin's 17-year career of releasing music, the Florida native has self-produced many of his works, in addition to emceeing and singing. DX asked Devin about his production style, as last year's Suite #420 was largely self-produced.

"[I have been] staying focused on the real soulfulness that we was trying to establish like in the early '90s," began Devin. "Like we did with Rap-A-Lot [Records], [starting with] me and Rob Quest digging in the [record] crates. [We are] just going through and asking what can we find new in the music and still have that real soulful mood. We would just always look for that unique mood and what the fans would feel. It hasn't been hard to stay on that because now everything is sounding pretty much the same, especially when it comes to the clubs and what's on the radio," explained The Dude. "It's no problem for me not to go that route because it's always easier for me to stay where I am."

Looking at his peers, Devin added, "There's quite a few people out there like myself who really try to hold on to the soulfulness of the music. When you hear something you can feel before the lyrics are even added in. It's a matter of feeling, more so then what's hot and trendy."

One self-produced Devin The Dude song from last year was "Pick My Brain," a stellar album cut from Suite #420. The song deals with industry wanna-be's invading the veteran's personal space. Always jovial, Devin revealed the real-life inspiration behind the record.

Rapper Tim Smooth Dead At 39 Years Old

The NoLa Rap pioneer succumbed to his long battle with cancer.

Rapper Timothy "Tim Smooth" Smoot passed away yesterday morning at the age of 39. According to NoLa.com, the New Orleans, Louisiana native succumbed to his long battle with cancer.

The southern emcee, often credited as a pioneer in NoLa rap, made his mark on the Hip Hop community with his first single “I Gotsta Have It,” released on Yo! Records in 1991. His debut Straight Up Drive ‘Em released in 1994 via Rap-A-Lot Records, with which he put out several more albums.

During his life, he had a working relationship with Mystikal, who featured him as a guest at his House of Blues show in December 2010. "Had I never met Tim, I would be a totally different artist," he said. "He even co-wrote the title cut with me on 'Mind of Mystikal.' Thanks for the memories."

His sister, Nicole Smoot, also commented on her brother’s passing. “I hope they remember how he was – he was a friend to everybody, everybody loved him,” she said. “He never had a fight in his whole life, and he was 39 years old. He was a happy person. He was always cracking jokes, and even with the cancer, he never didn’t have a smile on his face.”

50 Cent Cancels New Album, Blames Interscope Records For Single Leak

Fif takes to Twitter to put Interscope in the dog house and seeks revenge by threatening to leak Dre's new single.

50 Cent has canceled his upcoming album, which was set for a November release. The G-Unit soldier took to Twitter last night to break the news after his new single "I'm on It," produced by The Cataracs, leaked to the Internet, causing him to seek retribution by threatening to release Dr. Dre's new single "Psycho" today at 2 p.m.


UPDATE: 50 Cent has backpedaled from statements threatening to leak Dr. Dre's new record. Taking his Twitter podium once again, Fif explained that he would never sabotage Dre's project but that Interscope was behind the leak of his new track. In the end, he encouraged fans to check out the single.

Tech N9ne Calls Black Hippy "The New N.W.A."

Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q and Ab-Soul get praise from Tech N9ne, who calls them "the new N.W.A." in the game.

With the release of Jay Rock's Follow Me Home, Strange Music is able to showcase another artist who is making a name for himself. While on the road, the Strange crew stopped and discussed a few topics with Dubcnn. Among those topics was the Jay Rock signing, how Tech N9ne met the Watts emcee and how Rock feels as part of the label.

"I heard him on the set of my 'Like Yeah' video," Tech noted of his introduction to Jay Rock. "I was sitting at home and saw a video of his and was like, 'That shit is dope! That's the nigga that was at my video shoot!' I think my publicist Richie had given me like a mixtape or something and I heard niggas on there."

Tech went on to praise Jay Rock for his work, but also added that his group, Black Hippy, is "the new N.W.A." to him.

"I remember I ran into Jay Rock and was like 'Who is that dude on there rapping with you?' I think that was how I met Kendrick Lamar. But seeing Jay Rock's video was enough for me, I knew he was a MC and that he rolled with MC's like Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Kendrick Lamar - Black Hippy. That's the new N.W.A. to me. I'm trying to get my money up so I can get them all over here!"

For Jay Rock, the Strange Music signing was "the right move," as he put it.

"Yeah, I knew this was the right move to make, because what I learned by signing to Strange Music is that it's all about the fans. At the end of the day, that's what it's all about and we've been stressing that since day one. That's why I'm doing this music thing - the fans. And I saw how Tech was connecting with his fans and I was like 'Man, that's amazing.'"

Rihanna Makes Acting Debut In "Battleship," Trailer Released

The Bajan songstress flexes her acting chops in the trailer for the upcoming humans versus aliens flick.

Rihanna is slated to make her big screen debut in the upcoming flick Battleship, adapted from the famed board game. The film, releasing May 18, 2012, follows the story of a fleet of ships that are “forced to do battle with an armada of unknown origins in order to discover and thwart their destructive goals.”

Directed by Peter Berg, Battleship also stars Liam Neeson, Alexander Skarsgard, Taylor Kitsch, Brooklyn Decker and Josh Pence.

The Roots Announce New Album "Undun,” Due Late 2011

The Philly crew is back in the studio working on their thirteenth album.

The Roots have announced their upcoming thirteenth album Undun, releasing via Def Jam Records later this year. The group began work on the album yesterday.

Kool G. Rap Speaks On Origins Of Necro Collaboration Album, His Influences

The Juice Crew alum explains how his LP with Necro came to be.

Kool G. Rap and Necro recently announced the joint project titled The Godfathers, a project that came to fruition thanks to the latter MC. Speaking with AntiSellout, Kool G. explained that the album is in the works and that fans of both artists will be pleased.

“Necro was reaching out and then he finally reached out and connected with somebody in my camp and me and Necro had a meeting, we sat down and we talked and we agreed on doing this project and we still in the process of completion to the project,” he said. “Everything has been going good. I’ve been doing it with him. I think very highly of Necro, as far as his lyrical capability. It’s going to be hot. I think the fans are going to really appreciate it. Me and Necro have a very sort of similar fan base, because of the type of rap artists that we are.”

The Juice Crew alum also spoke on his influences, explaining that even though he was one of the foundation MCs in Hip Hop, he still molded his style by listening to other artists.

“It’s a combination of people with me. It’s Kool Moe Dee, Grandmaster Caz, Melle Mel and Silver Fox,” he continued. “I think when G. Rap really developed into this style that he would be legendary with, it was a combination of all those different artists, all combined in one. The storytelling might have come from a Grandmaster Caz influence. Dealing with real life issues, street life in particular, came from a Melle Mel influence. The sounding intelligent and coming across intelligent and to make sense with what I spit came from a Kool Moe Dee influence. Flow-wise, to have my flow not be the ordinary A-B-C kind of flow but to be technical and have different paths, twists and turns in it, that came from a Silver Fox influence.”

Big Sean Discusses Consequence Beef With Kanye West, Game's "Uncle Otis" Diss

The man with the Supa Dupa flow addresses the various beefs between his G.O.O.D. Music family and a few disgruntled rappers.

As a member of Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music family, Big Sean has the potential to get roped into beefs between label mates and other rappers. But with Consequence lashing out at G.O.O.D. and ‘Ye, the Detroit, Michigan native explains that he's steering clear of the drama.

“Kanye, that situation with him and Consequence, that’s way personal. That’s not a random dude dissing. That was somebody who was part of the fam, was all in the fam together and then they had their problems,” he told Power 105’s The Breakfast Club.

But he was quick to clarify, stating that G.O.O.D. Music is like family. “We all got each other’s back,” he continued. “It’s really a family business. There’s been times when we got into real arguments about like, ‘Man, this ain’t right, this ain’t family!’ There have been times where people have really crossed the line, it’s been times where we had to really check one another. But he’s respectful, just like family is.”

As for Game’s latest diss “Uncle Otis” that took shots at him and Jay-Z, the “My Last” rapper shrugged it off. “I didn’t even take it as a diss. I took it as him doing what he do. Don’t he got an album that’s about to come out?”

Jay Rock Says New Black Hippy Album Will Arrive In 2012

The Left Coast spitter also speaks on gangs and what their intentions should be.

Jay Rock released his debut album Follow Me Home on July 26th, via Strange Music, and KarmaLoop TV caught up with the Los Angeles, California native to talk about his current projects, including his work with Black Hippy.

Rock revealed that he and fellow group members Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul and Schoolboy Q plan to release a new album after securing their individual projects. “My insight on Black Hippy is that we’re up next man, we’re just four talented young brothers that’s doing this good music,” he said, adding that fans should expect a new project from the collective in the beginning of 2012.

The West Coat rapper also touched on the subject of gangs, explaining what he felt were the benefits of having a close-knit crew. “With gangs, there could be a positive outlook because it takes the older guys to come school these younger guys on the right roles,” he explained. “I’ve got big homies that done been through the same thing I’ve been through and they made it out, changed their life and they come back and snatch young cats up and lecture them and let them know right way to do it.”

“We just need more father figures and more older people to come and school these youth, because there will be a lost generation,” he continued. “And that’s what a gang’s supposed to be, protecting family and doing what you’ve got to do for your loved ones.”

During a recent studio session, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg praised Jay Rock's new album and commended him for representing the West Coast.

2Pac's "Greatest Hits" Goes Diamond Status

Over a decade since its release, Pac's 1998 greatest hits collection finally hits 10 million copies sold.

It's been 15 years since his murder, but Tupac's legacy continues on. Just weeks after his 40th birthday anniversary, which featured a performance of Meek Mill and Rick Ross's "Tupac Back," the late Shakur gets another victory, with his Greatest Hits album reaching Diamond status on the Billboard charts.

Earlier this June, the RIAA announced that the two-disc collection sold another million copies, pushing its total sales since its 1998 release to 10 million. The album has ultimately edged-out '96s All Eyez on Me to become Shakur's biggest selling album and marks his first time reaching Diamond status in his career.

Greatest Hits is noted for featuring four previously unreleased tracks from the legendary rapper and a number of re-edited versions of previously released songs. The album's single "Changes" also helped earn Pac the first and only posthumous Grammy Award nomination since for Best Rap Solo Performance.

The song "God Bless the Dead" is particularly well known for a lyric in Pac says, "Rest in peace to my motherfucker Biggy Smallz." While many misinterpreted to be a reference to former foe Notorious B.I.G., who passed after Pac's death, the lyric was actually a reference to an assoicate of Stretch of the Live Squad, who was featured on the very song.

Joe Budden Putting Solo Career On Hold To Focus On Slaughterhouse

Jumpoff Joey touches on an upcoming LP of which he's unsure of whether or not he'll support.

Joe Budden recently announced that he’ll be giving away a free EP this fall, but he’s remaining mum on anything else on the solo front. Speaking with emtheories.com, Jumpoff Joey explained that he has an album coming out on E1 Music but isn’t sure if he’ll be supporting the project.

“All throughout my career, whenever there’s been something up in the air in limbo, I’ve always managed to give the people music,” he said. “There’s never been a dry spell. As far as my next studio album, I’m not really quite sure just yet. I have an album coming out on E1. I don’t even know the name of it, I don’t even know if I’m going to support it. But I have one coming out. As far as after that, I can’t tell you.”

Right now, he’s focusing on his duties as part of Slaughterhouse, which is recording its Shady Records debut. “I think all four of us are diverting all attention into just that. We put our solo careers to the side for the bettering of the group,” he continued. “I’ve always said that as long as Slaughterhouse is in the right situation, which we happen to be in, then Joe Budden can come second. I never intended on being signed to a record deal. I was just rapping because it helped me. That’s still what I do now. It’s just that people happen to like it.”

CyHi Da Prynce Says Beyonce Told Kanye West To Sign Him To G.O.O.D. Music

One of 'Ye's latest signees says the deal was done after Bey encouraged him to get him on the label.

CyHi Da Prynce got one of his first big looks by sneaking a guest verse onto Kanye West’s “So Appalled,” an appearance that led ‘Ye to sign him to his G.O.O.D. Music label. But what most listeners don’t know is that after playing the cut for a group of people that included Beyonce, the songstress urged him to ink a deal with CyHi.

“He called me one day like, ‘Yo,’ cause I guess he was playing the music for everybody, like Beyonce or whatever, and I guess he left the song on too long and my verse came on and he was like, ‘Congratulations, you made the album,’” he told PosterchildJ1.com. “I was like, ‘Ya!’ Beyonce told him to sign me. People don’t know that. Beyonce was like, ‘You need to sign him.’”

Kendrick Lamar Recalls Seeing Death In His Neighborhood, Talks Responsibility

Rapper Kendrick Lamar says there aren't many things worse than seeing death, reveals that he has a "great responsibility.”

In a recent radio interview with the Femme Fatale Mixshow, Compton rapper Kendrick Lamar revealed a more personal side as he spoke on seeing death in his community and hopefully shining a positive light on his city through music.

The rapper revealed that growing up in his neighborhood he constantly heard about death before seeing it first-hand.

“I think nothing can get worse than just seeing death. I don’t like to speak on it a lot because it plays back in your head over and over again,” Lamar explained. “I’ve been in a lot of situations where I’ve seen [cats I’ve] known personally get killed in front of your face. It’s a trip because as a kid you grow into this environment where you think that you supposed to see that all the time because you’re so used to hearing people talk about it. You’re so used to seeing it from a distance. Then when you see it close up it’s like, ‘Damn, that’s what it really is?’”

After speaking on his experience, Lamar was asked if he felt a sense of responsibility to his community since he was able to make it out.

“I definitely have a great responsibility. I have a greater responsibility for the people that weren’t blessed with the blessings that I have. I didn’t have the roughest life, but I know cats who did who didn’t have they father in they life. I had my pops in my life and my mother. And they was both active,” said Lamar. “I mean they weren’t perfect. My pops was still in the streets doing his stuff, but at the end of the day I had them there to pick my battles and tell me ‘Don’t do that, cause that got a consequence’…At the end of the day I feel it’s only right for me to, if I have some type of positive light, I can shed through my music however it comes for the city I’m gonna do that.”

Young Jeezy Announces TM103 Tour Dates, Freddie Gibbs To Open

Gangsta Gibbs joins the Snowman for dates this week through September in a city near you.

Today, Young Jeezy announced his full tour dates for the upcoming September TM103 (Thug Motivation 103) album. The Atlanta, Georgia native will bring his most recent CTE artist Freddie Gibbs on the road with him to the following dates:

7/31 - New Orleans, LA @ House Of Blues (early show)

7/31 - New Orleans, LA @ House Of Blues (late show)

8/2 - Charlotte, NC @ Fillmore

8/3 - Myrtle Beach, SC @ House Of Blues

8/4 - Richmond, VA @ The National

8/5 - Norfolk, VA @ NorVa

8/6 - New Haven, CT @ Toad's Place

8/7 - Philadelphia, PA @ TLA

8/9 - Boston, MA @ House Of Blues

8/10 - Providence, RI @ Lupo's

8/12 - Cleveland, OH @ House Of Blues

8/13 - Dayton, OH @ Hammer Jacks

8/14 - Louisville, KY @ Mix Factory

8/15 - Grand Rapids, MI @ Orbit Room

8/17 - Fargo, ND @ The Hub (Outdoor)

8/18 - Sioux City, IA @ Tyson Center

8/19 - Milwaukee, WI @ Rave

8/21 - Lincoln, NE @ Pershing Auditorium

8/22 - Tulsa, OK @ Elm Casino

8/23 - Denver, CO @ Ogden

8/24 - Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue

8/25 - Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theatre

8/26 - Las Vegas, NV @ Pearl @ Palms

8/30 - Los Angeles, CA @ House Of Blues

8/31 - San Francisco, CA @ Mezzanine

9/1 - Portland, OR @ Roseland

9/2 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox at the Ma

Trina Speaks On Past & Future Work With Rick Ross

Miami's Trina opens up about the mutual support between her and Rick Ross and adds that she's "done with the label."

During a recent trip to Los Angeles, Trina spoke to DJ Skee about upcoming work with longtime friend Rick Ross as well as her new label situation. The Miami rapper said she's excited to get back in the booth with Ross and added that she's always been a supporter of his.

"I'm very excited. I love him," she said of Ross. Trina explained that she had love for Ross' music before he took off to chart-topping success. While he was still making a name for himself, Trina says she would take his mixtapes out on tour and promote his work.

"I was on tour and I was taking his mixtapes on tour, promoting, pushing him before people knew who he was."

The favor has been returned. According to Trina, Ross is heavily involved with her projects, lending his ear and advice when needed in the studio.

"He's so supportive. Whenever I'm in the studio, he comes through...I always feel safe when he's around, especially when it comes to music. I feel he has that ear."

Trina also added that she's in a transition period as she changes her label situation.

"I'm actually done with the label. I'm having a new situation, which is a secret," she added.

Wiz Khalifa Earns Gold Certification For "Rolling Papers"

The Taylor Gang leader gets another plaque, this time for shipping 500,000 copies of his debut.

Wiz Khalifa has earned gold certification for his debut album Rolling Papers, released March 29, 2011. The Taylor Gang leader celebrated crossing the 500,000 units mark with a celebration at Rostrum Records and Atlantic Records.

So far, Wiz has several platinum plaques thanks to the success of the album. His smash “Black and Yellow” has been certified triple platinum for sales of over three-million units, while his follow-up “Roll Up” earned platinum status in June.

Rolling Papers bowed at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with 197,000 copies sold in its first week.

Freestyle Fellowship To Release "The Promise” On October 4th

The Left Coast crew is back in action after nearly a decade since its last release.

Los Angeles, California quintet Freestyle Fellowship has announced its new album The Promise, releasing October 4th via Decon Records. The LP, led by the single “We Are,” features production from Eligh, Exile and Black Milk.

The crew, consisting of Aceyalone, Myka 9, P.E.A.C.E., Self Jupiter and DJ Kiilu Grand, last released its 2001 studio offering Temptations. After performing at a 2009 reunion show in L.A., the group was inspired to write and record its first album in nearly a decade.

Check the tracklist below.

1. Introduction
2. We Are (produced by Eligh)
3. The Write Here
4. Step 2 The Side (produced by Exile)
5. Ambassadors
6. Dart
7. Gimme
8. Government Lies
9. Introspective
10. Daddies
11. Candy (produced by Black Milk)
12. Know The Truth
13. Popular
14. Promise

Nicki Minaj Fined For Using Expletives At Concert In Jamaica

he Harajuku Barbie absently paid the fines for cussing up a storm during her recent performance.

Following her performance this past weekend at Jamaica’s Reggae Sumfest, Nicki Minaj has been fined for using expletives during her set and pleaded guilty to the charges (via RR). The Harajuku Barbie absently paid the J$1,000 fine, which roughly equates to $11.70.

Minaj, who was not in court, sent her local attorney Hugh Thompson to handle the case. He entered an ex parte guilty plea on behalf of his client, who may or may not have been on the island while court was in session.

The Young Money rapstress was handed the summons as she exited the stage early on Sunday morning.

Young Jeezy Announces Release Date For "Thug Motivation 103"

Jizzle reveals that his oft-delayed album will be landing sooner than anticipated.

After several delays, Jeezy has announced the release date for his third solo LP Thug Motivation 103. During last night’s anniversary concert for Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101 in New York City, New York, Jizzle closed the show by revealing that the long-awaited album will land in stores on September 30th.

“My nigga Kinky B. just told me that TM103 will be in stores September 20th,” he said before exiting the stage.

The Snowman has already released a few tracks from the album, including the street single “Ballin’” featuring Lil Wayne and “Shake Life,” which he debuted last week on Hot 97.

Casey Veggies Talks Leaving Odd Future, Meeting Jay-Z

The former Wolf Gang member talks going for dolo and meeting Hov.

As Odd Future continues to be one of the most talked-about new acts in Hip Hop, former member and DXnext alum Casey Veggies has explained why he chose to leave.

"My whole life I wanted to my own thing," he said in an interview with thesermonsdomain.com. "Going into anything, I always wanted to do my own thing. That's just how I am. ...It's just me putting out my own albums and music. Having my own movement."

"Me and Odd Future, we come from the same thing," he continued. "We come from the same niche. It's no stopping that. Everyone knows that. It's all love, we got love for each other. We still gonna work, we still gonna make music."

Veggies was fortunate enough to meet Jay-Z, who allowed him to listen to some of his recordings before the general public does. "It was crazy. He played me [Watch the Throne]. We chilled out a little bit, talked about music a little bit, I told him about myself and where I came from, and after that it was over. But it was dope."

Could this meeting mean that a possible deal with Jay's Roc Nation is in the cards? "It's definitely a possibility. I don't see why I wouldn't. You never know."

R. Kelly Owes $837,000 In Delinquent Federal Taxes

Kellz faces another financial woe in the wake of his home going into foreclosure.

In addition to his Chicago, Illinois mansion going into foreclosure, R. Kelly is facing other financial woes. According to DETNEWS, the Pied Piper owes more than $837,000 in delinquent federal taxes. The lien was filed against Kellz on January 6, 2010, with the Cook County Recorder of Deeds.

Fortunately for Kelly, previous financial problems were resolved in June. According to reports, the IRS lifted a $1,036,858 tax against him, lightening his debt.

Kelly was recently rushed to the hospital for an emergency surgery to drain an abscess on his tonsil. He was released shortly after, though he will take an indefinite hiatus from performing.

DJ Khaled Reminisces On Big Pun & Fat Joe Memories

The Miami, Florida DJ recalls some of his favorite experiences with his Terror Squad family.

DJ Khaled recently chopped it up with Hard Knock TV about his favorite Big Pun and Fat Joe memories as a member of Terror Squad. During the interview, he recalled sitting in on studio sessions with Pun and feeling blessed to be included in the making of his albums.

“Memories of Fat Joe and Big Pun are amazing. Joe, that’s my brother. Me and him, we made so much history together. I got to see all his history. He signed Big Pun and I got to witness Big Pun in the booth, I got to witness his albums being created, I got to witness being his friend,” he said. “Pun was just a great person and a funny guy, and Joe is just the dawg. I got to see his story and Pun’s story.”

In particular, the “I’m on One” hit maker reflected on Pun driving all the way to Miami to play him his album in its entirety.

“I got a great memory of Pun. Pun drove all the way to Miami to play me his album. We went in front of Wet Willie’s in a big van, opened the doors up, he put the big chain on it and turned up his album, let me hear his album,” he reflected. “Everybody started surrounding the car. It was just a memory because he actually drove all the way to Miami to let me hear his album. I was just amazed, because I love music so much and Pun is one of the greatest in the game. So I got to hear all these records before they came out.”

Explaining that he’s still close with Fat Joe, Khaled noted that the rapper is currently in the studio working on the follow-up to The Darkside Vol. 1 with a healthier lifestyle. “Joe’s in the studio right now working on his new album. I was actually in the studio with him about a month ago. We keep putting out music,” he continued. “He lost a lot of weight. He’s happier than ever. Working out, eating better... Life is motivational. I’m happy for him.”

Mixtape Release Dates

July 26

Alley Boy – "Definition of Fuck Shit 2"

August 2

NuJerZy Devil – "Mr. RED Bottoms"

August 5

Chris Brown – "Boy In Detention"

August 11

Meek Mill – "Dream Chasers"

TBA

Game x DJ Skee – "Condoms & Candy Corona"

Gucci Mane x Future – "Free Bricks"

French Montana, Three 6 Mafia & Project Pat – "Cocaine Mafia"

Cam'ron and Vado – "Boss of All Bosses 3"

Consequence – "Movies On Demand 3"

Zaytoven – "Zaytown 3"

Wale – Untitled

Raekwon – Untitled

Ludacris – Untitled

Kyle Rapps – "On Air"

DJ Holiday – "Holiday Season Vol. 4"

OJ Da Juiceman – "The Lord of the Rings"

SL Jones – "The Number 23: Editor's Cut"

Jackie Chain x Nick Catchdubs – "After Hours"

Yo Gotti – "CM6: Gangsta Of the Year"

Freddie Gibbs – "A Cold Day In Hell"

Maffew Ragazino – "Rare Gems: The Collection Pt. 2"

Jay-Z & Kanye West Announce North America Fall Tour As "The Throne"

Hov and 'Ye go on a fall tour under the new moniker "The Throne."

With their collaborative album Watch the Throne on the way, Jay-Z and Kanye West have announced an upcoming North American tour in the fall under the group name "The Throne."

The trek kicks off on September 22nd at Detroit, Michigan’s Palace of Auburn Hills, with additional pit stops including a pair of dates in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Chicago, Illinois and Los Angeles, California, respectively. The venture wraps up at Boston, Massachusetts’ TD Garden on November 3rd.

Pre-sale tickets go on sale July 28th at 10 a.m. EST. Fans can RSVP to their local gig to get early access to the pre-sale password, while general tickets go on sale on August 8th. Purchasers who purchase pre-sale tickets at Livenation.com will receive a free digital copy of the album.

Check the tour dates below and head over to their website for more information.

9/22/11 Detroit, MI Palace of Auburn Hills

9/24/11 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre

9/25/11 Montreal, QC Bell Centre

9/27/11 East Rutherford, NJ Izod Center

9/28/11 East Rutherford, NJ Izod Center

9/29/11 Washington DC Verizon Center

10/4/11 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center

10/6/11 Chicago, IL United Center

10/7/11 Chicago, IL United Center

10/8/11 Minneapolis, MN Target Center

10/10/11 Denver, CO Pepsi Center

10/13/11 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome

10/14/11 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena

10/16/11 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion

10/17/11 Sacramento, CA Power Balance Pavilion

10/19/11 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center

10/20/11 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center

10/21/11 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena

10/25/11 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center

10/26/11 Houston, TX Toyota Center

10/29/11 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena

10/30/11 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum

11/1/11 Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Arena

11/3/11 Boston, MA TD Garden

Otis Redding's Daughter Talks Jay-Z & Kanye West "Otis" Track

Karla Redding-Andrews talks about how the "Otis" sample was cleared, and how her father landed a feature credit on the track.

As Jay-Z and Kanye West's "Otis" makes its way around the internet and airwaves - to great acclaim - the daughter of the late Soul singer after whom the song is named has revealed the back story to the track.

"We first heard about the song in early July, end of June," said Karla Redding-Andrews in an interview with Billboard. "Concord Music Group has the masters and Bill Belmont and Michele Smith from Concord brought it to us. There was a back and forth about whether the name of the song would be 'Otis' or 'Otis Redding.' And we just wanted to make sure lyrics and references in the song worked with the legacy of my father. To have two current, legendary artists use the legendary music of Otis Redding-we were quite honored."

Redding-Andrews explained that she didn't meet with either Hov or West, the latter of whom previously sampled Redding on Late Registration's "Gone," but explained that the determining factor in deciding whether or not co clear the sample is that "[i]t always amounts to respect to Otis."

Fans will notice that "Otis" is listed as "featuring Otis Redding." When asked about how that came to be, Redding-Andrews simply replied, "The estate was offered the option to have 'Otis' receive a 'featuring Otis Redding' credit, and agreed."

Watch the Throne is due in digital form on August 8.

Jay-Z And Kanye West's "Watch The Throne" Gets New Digital Release Date

Release dates for Hov and Yeezy's collaborative project continue to jump around.

With so much star power driving Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne, it's a wonder the project has seen so many delays and so few hard release dates.

It appears, however, that iTunes has finally provided the latter. Maybe.

The digital retailer has revealed that Monday, August 8, is the "expected release" date of the album. With that caveat of "expected" in mind, standard and deluxe editions of the album are available for pre-order.

HipHopDX previously reported that the official release dates were August 1 and August 5 for digital and physical releases, respectively. It is unclear whether the physical release date has been affected

Drake's "Take Care” To Feature Rick Ross & Lil Wayne

Drizzy also wants to collaborate with DJ Premier, Florence + the Machine's Florence Welch, The Weeknd and the xx's Jamie Smith.

Drake has revealed some of the guests on his upcoming sophomore album Take Care, dropping October 24th. Rolling Stone recently paid a visit to Noah “40” Shebib’s Toronto, Canada studio, where Drizzy previewed cuts from the fall release.

During the session, Drake played the likely album opener “Shot for Me,” described as a “marvel of melancholy bravado” where he sings, “Bitch, I’m the man.” Rick Ross makes a guest appearance on “Free Spirit” that touts the refrain, “Tat my name on you so I know it’s real,” while Lil Wayne appears on “The Real Her,” a “narcotically woozy love song with detuned pianos.”

Addtionally, Drake revealed that he wants to collaborate with The Weeknd, DJ Premier, Florence + the Machine’s Florence Welch and the xx’s Jamie Smith.

DJ Spinna, Ali Shaheed Muhammad Help Kick Off "Bbeats" In Brooklyn

Brooklyn Bodega and Fat Beats team up to bring a beer garden and pop-up store to Downtown Brooklyn, with a kick-off party featuring A Tribe Called Quest and Jigmastas founding members.

Two legendary New York City deejay/producers, DJ Spinna and Ali Shaheed Muhammad will be on hand this weekend (July 23 and July 24) at Brooklyn, New York's Dekalb Market to kick off Bbeats. The space, located in the former location for Albee Square Mall, is a newly-created collaboration between Brooklyn Bodega, who produce the yearly Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival and Fat Beats, the legendary record store-turned-Hip Hop label.

Bbeats, on the corner of Flatbush Avenue and Willoughby, will be open seven days a week, featuring a pop-up Fat Beats store, a beer garden (The Cooler) and more. The partnership also includes Urban Space and Youngwoo & Associates. This weekend's kick-off event has free admission, and is open to the public.

Last week, Shaheed, a founding member of A Tribe Called Quest, performed during the seventh annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival week. DJ Spinna, a founding member of The Jigmastas, has recently produced for artists such as Homeboy Sandman and Phonte.

Producer Dame Grease Working On New Albums By DMX & Kreayshawn

The Harlemite also reveals that he's put in studio time with Curren$y and Jae Millz.

Producer Dame Grease has revealed that he’s currently working on DMX’s comeback album and Kreayshawn’s major label debut, as well as tracks with Jae Millz and Curren$y. Speaking with Futuristic Blogger, Dame explained that the songs he’s cooking up with Dark Man X are exactly what’s missing from the game.

“First and foremost, I’m pretty sure the world know about it,” said Dame, who produced the bulk of X’s debut It’s Dark and Hell is Hot. “[DMX] came home two days ago, we’re working on a brand new album with [him] right now. Was in the studio last night, we back in the studio tonight. We’re working on a brand new album, good energy, the songs is phenomenal. It’s actually a good dose of what we need in Hip Hop right now.”

The Harlem, New York native also shared that he’s in the studio with Sony’s latest signee Kreayshawn, confirming that her deal with the imprint was for $1 million.

“I’m working with a brand new artist from the Bay that’s taking over the globe right now. Her name is Kreayshawn, I’m pretty sure everyone’s heard of her,” he continued. “If y’all didn’t, you will. We’re working real hard right now. I’m doing a couple of tracks on her album. I actually was working with her before she got signed, she got signed to Sony for $1 million. So that’s how valuable she is right now.”

Listen below to hear the interview and Dame’s explanation for starting the rumor that 50 Cent was bailing out Max B for $4 million.

Kendrick Lamar Talks His Generation's Issues, Ice Cube Inspiration

K-Dot speaks on what inspired him to veer in a political direction with his newest album.

Kendrick Lamar recently dropped his new album Section.80, which is framed around the shortcomings of his generation and the products of the Ronald Reagan administration. Speaking with Brooklyn Bodega, the Compton, California native explained that his frustration with the generation’s apathy prompted him to put his pen to pad.

“I was really just sitting back in my house and thinking about why my generation is so fucked up. Why is all my homeboys locked up or dead? I’m probably the last, of like ten of us, that’s really survived and can provide for them and their kids,” he said. “None of my friends have fathers. They momma was on crack. They stay with they grandma. That’s the story of everybody’s life. Period. It’s just more on my generation because that’s the era when it really cracked down on it. I just wanted to make an album about it. I went into the whole thing as a mixtape but it was coming out so crazy that I was like, ‘You know what, I’m gonna put the name on it. I’ma slap it on there.’ Whatever y’all wanna call it, it’s gonna be good music at the end of the day. And it worked.”

His political leanings have drawn comparisons to fellow Los Angeles, California native Ice Cube, who addressed societal ills with N.W.A. and in his solo career. For K-Dot, the similarities have a basis.

“I think a mission I took from Cube was the raw element of [Los Angeles] but not glorifying it. Cube was telling a story. That’s why a lot of people accepted him and really appreciated his music because it was raw. He was overdoing it to where it sounds like a cliche movie but it was actually real life. From the people he grew up around; from the experiences he had; from everybody else’s experiences. And that’s me, man. I’ve been alive 24 years and seen a lot of shit, man. A lot! I just want to spread that message, man, and hopefully it’ll bring a better light to the city.”

Suspect Accuses Lil Boosie Of Encouraging Murder Of Rapper Nussie

Boosie's name has been dragged into a lawsuit where the suspect alleges that he played a part in a slaying.

Eighteen-year-old Michael “Marlo Mike” Louding has accused Lil Boosie of playing a part in the murder of local rapper Chris “Nussie” Jackson.

According to The Advocate, Louding told Baton Rouge Police Department detectives that Boosie wanted Jackson “stamped out” and later told him, “I like what you did to that boy.” Boosie’s statements were played in court, while the hearing will continue next week.

Louding is charged with first-degree murder, as well as several other counts of first- and second-degree murders. Boosie is not charged in the Jackson slaying, but rather is charged for the first-degree murder of Terry Boyd. Louding is also charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of Boyd, and prosecutors purport that Hatch hired Louding in the killing.

Drake Reveals First Single From "Take Care"

Producers Matthew "Boi-1da" Samuels and Noah "40" Shebib man the boards for the project's first offering.

Drake has been tossing out new tracks over the past few weeks, including "Marvin's Room" and "Dreams Money Can Buy." Now, the Young Money rapper is gearing up to release the first official single off his sophomore album Take Care, dropping October 24th.

"Headlines," produced by frequent collaborators Matthew "Boi-1da" Samuels and Noah "40" Shebib, serves as the first single, which Drake promised would arrive in a few weeks earlier this month. The Toronto, Canada native hinted at the title in a tweet, later revealed by Serm Knight and confirmed by producers Chase N Cashe (via HHNM).

DJ Khaled Still Hopes For Eminem Collaboration

Mr. "We the Best" is still on the hunt for an ever-elusive collaboration with Slim Shady.

Nearly a year ago this day, DJ Khaled announced that he was hoping to record with one of rap's biggest stars, Eminem.

While that dream has yet to materialize, Khaled believes that it is a real possibility.

“I wanted Eminem,” said Khaled in an interview with Hot 97’s Angie Martinez. “I really want to make it happen, I think it’s gon’ happen.”

Shady, who is known for having a precious few allegiances outside of the Shady/Aftermath family (among them Jay-Z, Lil Wayne and T.I.), has not been easy to get a hold of, according to the Terror Squad deejay.

“I never really sat down and talked to him,” he explained. “I’m a fan of him and I’m cool with him, but he doesn’t know me like that. I really don’t know what route to get him.”

Khaled added that he has a track picked for the master lyricist. “Ya’ll A&R That.”

Jeezy Talks Recording "Thug Motivation 103" & Taking Time Off

The Snowman explains why he's been missing from the game.

Young Jeezy stopped by Angie Martinez’s Hot 97 radio show on Thursday to premiere his new single “Shake Life” and gave a few details on the process of recording his upcoming album Thug Motivation 103.

Jeezy said he first began to record in Miami but got too distracted by the celebrity scene. “It took a long time to get the direction I was going, but when I got in the zone everything locked up,” he said, explaining that he also needed a break in between projects.

“I had to go back and recollect because it got to a point where I was so far away from what I know and what was helping me articulate my music,” Jeezy said. “I’m on tour with [Lil] Wayne, so that’s that rapstar superstar life--and I love it by the way--but then I had to go back home just to see what was really real, so I could take that from the streets and spread the word.”

He also confirmed that “Shake Life” is the first official single from the album, despite the fact that “Ballin’” debuted a few months earlier. Fans hoping for classic Jeezy might be in luck, “I didn’t want to get influenced by the label and what was going on, or what type of records people making, I make records for my people, I make records for the struggle.”

Jay-Z, Kanye West Record Dubstep Track for "Watch the Throne"

The two titans have apparently flipped the script on Hip Hop and recorded over a dubstep-inspired beat for "Watch the Throne".

With the release of the complete tracklist and latest leak "Otis", anticipation for Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne album has reached fever-pitch levels. Now, one of the album's featured songwriters, Verse Simmonds, sheds a bit of light on the upcoming album and the Roc Boys' wide range of musical influences.

According to a recent interview with MTV, Simmonds revealed that Hov and 'Ye looked to the dubstep genre for one of the album's songs, titled "Who Gon' Stop Me." Simmonds, who wrote the chorus to the track, explained that he and co-producer/Jugganauts partner Sak Pase came up with the song's concept after a discussion about the rising influence of dubstep on modern music.

"What we did is, we locked in a week, we just went crazy on everything Jay and Kanye," Simmonds told MTV News. "I remember telling Sham, I was like, 'Yo, I think this dubstep stuff is going to be the next new flavor that everybody gotta be on. It gotta have a Hip Hop feel to it still'...we started creating the track, and it just started to come crazy, so we came up with the concept. It was like, 'Who gon stop me, huh? Black cards, black cars, whole lot of money.'"

Simmonds also discussed the chorus that he penned for the Hip Hop legends. He explained that he tapped into Jay and Kanye's creative flair and lyrical patterns to create the hook.

"When I recorded it, everybody was like, 'Yo, you sound just like Kanye, you sound just like Jay-Z,'" he recalled. "It's just crazy, because I felt like, at that moment in time, I was them. I got into that mode of: 'What would these guys say? How would they say it?' I think they heard it the first time and loved it."

R. Kelly Released From Hospital After Throat Surgery

According to Billboard.com, R. Kelly has been released from Northwestern Memorial Hospital today after undergoing emergency surgery on Tuesday. It is currently unclear if he will be able to resume touring and performing in the near future.

Mary J. Blige Recalls Childhood Abuse, Alcoholism On VH1's "Behind The Music”

MJB reflects on the dark periods in her life in her upcoming episode, airing this Sunday.

Mary J. Blige opens up about her troubled past in her upcoming episode of VH1’s “Behind the Music,” airing on Sunday, July 24th at 10 p.m. EST. On the show, she speaks on how sexual abuse as a child haunted her for years and how it gave way to self-esteem issues.

“When I was 5 years old I was molested and just, you know. I remember feeling, literally right before it happened, I just could not believe that this person was going to do this to me.…That thing followed me all my life. The shame of thinking my molestation was my fault. It led me to believe I wasn’t worth anything.”

The Queen of Hip Hop/Soul also touches on her struggles with alcoholism and how a near-death experience made her hit rock bottom. “The problem had snowballed into this thing that was bigger than me,” she says. “It was bigger than me. And it was definitely going to kill me. So I was like this is it and let’s go. And I remember sitting on my bed. I swear, I don’t know what death feels like, but I felt like my spirit was trying to leave my body. And I was crying, and I was going please God, no no, not now, I don’t want this. I prayed, like I remember saying a prayer I said God, send me someone to help me.”

Crediting her husband Kendu Isaacs as her savior, MJB shares her inspirational story of overcoming her adversity. “This could have been a tragic story. Every single chapter… I am the living proof that any person going through any kind of tragic situation in their lives. Any molestation, any self-hatred, anything terrible, you can get out, you can make it.”

Fashawn Talks J. Cole, Odd Future, Blu & Next Album

Fresno's Fashawn speaks on working with J. Cole, Odd Future's "refreshing" nature and more collaborations with Blu. The F also promises an album before 2012 and more.

During a recent stop in Santa Cruz, California, Fashawn spoke with Amadeuz TV about a slew of topics including J. Cole, Odd Future and rhyme partner Blu. The Fresno emcee also spoke about his upcoming performance at Rock the Bells and his forthcoming album, the follow-up to his critically acclaimed Boy Meets World debut.

When speaking about J. Cole, who Fash has worked with in the past, the Dirty Science crew member had pleasant things to say. He also shared his feelings about the "refreshing" nature of the Odd Future movement.

"J. Cole's one of the dopest artists out, as far as the new generation of emcees. I met him a few years ago and we've been in contact ever since," he said, before complimenting another act. "I think [Odd Future is] refreshing. I respect the audacity they have to be them. That's cool."

Fashawn supporters have been able to catch more of Fash on mixtapes, but his next full-length is something many have been waiting for. Fans won't have to wait long. According to him, he has been working on new material with the Dirty Science collective, a crew that also features Blu and Exile, among others. He has also started working on his next solo endeavor, an album set to come out later this year. In addition to all of this, he said he will try his hand at writing a movie.

"[Expect] more music from me, trying new things and experimenting. I feel like if it's not taking a risk, you shouldn't even do it. It's not even worthy enough to be called an idea. New innovative stuff from Fashawn, expect me to branch out. I might even do a movie. I might write a movie. I'm not a big actor, I write."

When asked about his performance with Blu and Exile at Paid Dues this year, he said fans can expect an even better set for Rock the Bells.

"It's going to be even crazier because I'm also bringing my band...It's going to be like the Paid Dues set but on crack.
We haven't stopped recording material. It's just a matter of time before y'all get the new music. We'll be performing some new shit at Rock the Bells, as well. Expect some stuff from the clan, man. Dirty Science is the crew. Exile is the general of that movement, I feel."

While promising an album "before this year's over," he also added, "I don't have an exact date because I'm still working on it."

50 Cent Explains The Benefits Of Delaying His Fifth Solo Album

Fif speaks on how he approached penning material with his upcoming LP.

50 Cent has been taking his time with his untitled fifth solo album, a tactic that’s allowed him to better focus on his material. During a press conference at the Festival de Casablanca 2011, Fif explained that he was always racing to meet deadlines with previous albums, but took the Eminem and Dr. Dre approach with this LP.

“I’ve worked longer on this album than any of my other projects. I’ve had the opportunity to evaluate the things that I created initially, and go back and revamp things and change things around a bit,” he said. “Both Em and Dre have had opportunities to critique themselves, when I was always on the shot clock. So this time, I get a chance to really make sure I feel like it’s going to be the right music for this time period.”

Like with his debut Get Rich or Die Tryin', the G-Unit general is looking towards his personal life for inspiration on his next release, but realizes the stakes are high.

“My material comes from my actual experience. In a lot of ways, the things that I’m saying, it doesn’t necessarily reflect my mind state at the time, but my first album had all of the dysfunction that I was being exposed to. It went on to be the largest debuting Hip Hop album, selling 12 million records. The task of recreating that came up. So I had to figure out new ways to write things or new portions of my experience to create music based on those things. Now, this album, it’s more creative, I feel like, because I’ve’ had to find things away from those things that I’ve done continuously.”

Wale To Release Sophomore Album "Ambition" This Fall

The Maybach Music Group member is in the studio working on the follow-up to his debut "Attention Deficit."

Wale is currently laying down his sophomore album Ambition, keeping fans hip to his progress during the recording process. According to XXLMag.com, listeners won't have to wait much longer to get the follow-up to 2009's Attention Deficit, with his sophomore set slated for release on November 1st.


Ambition comes on the heels of Attention Deficit, released in November 2009. The album, which featured guest appearances from Lady Gaga, Bun B, Pharrell Williams and more, debuted at No. 21 on the Billboard 200 chart with 28,300 copies sold in its first week.

50 Cent Signs Genasis To G-Unit Records

Fif continues to expand his roster with another addition to his growing family.

After signing Shawty Lo to a partnership deal and adding Kidd Kidd to his roster, 50 Cent has another addition to his growing G-Unit family. The media mogul has signed Genasis to the imprint, with the West Coast native making the announcement on his Twitter page (via RR).

DJ Khaled Brands Rick Ross' Upcoming Album A "Classic In The Making”

According to Khaled, Rawse's next album will be one for the history books.

Taking a break from promoting his latest album We the Best Forever, DJ Khaled shed some light on his associate Rick Ross’ upcoming LP God Forgives, I Don’t. Speaking with MTV News, the Miami, Florida mogul explained that the upcoming Rawse album will defy expectations.

“God Forgives, I Don't is a classic-in-the-making. Let me tell you something right now: This album is so crazy from the beginning of what I've been in the studio hearing already," he said. "I can't give you too much because I'm going to let him do that, because that's his project, but I could tell you right now it's classic and he is talking that talk."

The follow-up to last year’s Teflon Don and the Maybach Music Group compilation Self Made Vol. 1, Ross’ impending release is a sign of the times, says Khaled.

“God Forgives, I Don't, it fits the time because right now it's no rules," he continued. "We don't see 'em; we going hard and that's what Ross is doin'."