Justin Timberlake's Bodyguard Goes to Jail

The guy who protects the singer may have gone too far.

Justin Timberlake may be beating folks down in his upcoming film In Time, but it's his bodyguard who gets in fisticuffs in real life.

The Sun reports that while the Friends with Benefits actor was on his way to have dinner at Nobu in London with his costar Mila Kunis, the man he pays to have his back was kicking the crap out of some sorry paparazzo, literally.

A big man in a suit is shown standing over a cowering man who's already down on the ground.

Around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, police were called to the scene for an alleged assault.

Although the cameraman didn't need medical attention, a spokesperson for Scotland Yard told The Sun, "Officers later arrested a 45-year-old man at a central London hotel on suspicion of common assault. He is being held at a central London police station. Enquiries are ongoing."

Justin Timberlake’s "Suit & Tie" Breaks Billboard Record

Singer’s new single scores most first-week spins ever.

Justin Timberlake didn’t just make any old ordinary comeback to music last week, he made history. The pop star, who hasn’t released an album since 2006, saw his new single "Suit & Tie" climb the Billboard charts at a record pace.
On its way to debuting at No. 14 on the Billboard 100 chart, the Jay-Z-assisted song recorded the highest first-week plays total in the charts 20-year history. According to Nielsen BDS, which monitors mainstream Top 40 radio airplay, "Suit & Tie" garnered 6,045 spins for the week of Jan. 14 to 20. That mark eclipsed the previous high of 4,602 set by Lady Gaga’s "Born This Way."
JT also claimed the crown for the highest-debuting song by a male artist on the Pop Songs charts. Digital sales of the single came in just over 310,000 for the first week.

Kanye West, Kim Kardashian Rumors Won't Stop

From property to life insurance policies, the latest Kimye gossip.

If the amount of gossip written about you is an indication of your popularity, then Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are flying high.

The couple has been grabbing headlines ever since announcing on December 30 that they are expecting their first child, and rumors about their relationship and future are in overdrive. Kardashian, who is still legally married to her estranged husband Kris Humphries, is said to be "furious" over his refusal to grant her a divorce and will likely still be married to him when she gives birth in the summer.

Meanwhile, RadarOnline.com reports that Kim's momager Kris Jenner is trying hard to get her hooks into Kimye by attempting to convince the couple to buy a house close to the family compound in posh Hidden Hills, California. “Kris is desperate to be close to Kim during her pregnancy, so she hand-picked a property for her daughter and Kanye."

However, the Kardashian family matriarch may find Kanye harder to persuade than her other sons-in-law. A source claims Yeezy's simple reponse was, "over my dead body." The parents-to-be have reportedly bought an $11 million mansion in Bel Air, California, about an hour away from the Kardashian compound.

The rapper and his baby mama's mama do, however, agree on one thing: life insurance. Once again, RadarOnline.com reports that Jenner insisted Kanye take out a $10 million policy, naming Baby Kimye as the primary beneficiary and Kim as secondary. "Kanye is absolutely on board," a source reveals, adding, "Kanye is in perfect health but travels a lot and performs all over the world, sometimes in not so safe locales."

The expecting couple have also reportedly decided to take a vow of privacy when it comes to their baby, refusing six-figure offers for exclusive pictures and claiming Baby Kimye will not be a part of Kim's many reality shows. This goes against E! Network's statement that the channel "looks forward to sharing the joy" of Kim's pregnancy and birth on-camera.

Thankfully, the constant rumors and gossip can't seem to wipe the pregnancy glow from Kim's face. While she describes pregnancy as "difficult," Kardashian says she is "so happy" to be expecting her first child with her boyfriend of nearly one year.

Future Gushes About Relationship With Ciara

The rapper says, "She makes me happy, I make her smile."

For those who still questioned how true those rumors were, Future recently confirmed that he and Ciara are an item. From the sound of things, the man is definitely smitten by the singer. During an interview with Atlanta's Posterchild J1, Future talked about how incredible Ciara is and says that they've been making each other happy both in and out of the studio.

"She's a beautiful woman, amazing, incredible, everything that comes with those words, that's what she represents," Future said. "I can tell you, all the negativity that comes with me and her is not true. Our personal lives is our personal lives. Sometimes people present it like it's true and they think they have facts, but at the end of the day, we know what's true and we know what's not true and anything negative from that situation, we [are] not even representing that. What you see is what you get."

"We are at a time where, I am on Epic, she's on Epic, I love music, she loves music. And we love being in the studio with each other. We love being around each other and that's just what it is. The chemistry is there. It's amazing. She makes me happy, I make her smile."

Future also addressed the negativity in regards to rumors about an alleged ex-girlfriend/baby mama, but said that if they can move past that, then his relationship with Ciara will have a chance to grow into something special.

"I believe at the end of the day, once the media passes over and all of the foolishness goes past, we gon' be able to be good. And we gon' be good. It's only comments, rumors and certain speculations. As long as we have that understanding, no one can ever come between us."

Future Settles Child Support Case

DNA test proves rapper is father of a 10-year-old son.

Atlanta rap star Future has amicably reached a settlement in a child support case after a DNA test proved he is indeed the father of a 10-year-old boy.
 A Georgia judge signed off on the case once the test results confirmed with 99.9 percent certainty that Future fathered a child with an Atlanta woman named Jessica Smith in 2001.
Now that the child’s paternity is definite, Future has agreed to be legally recognized as the father and will pay $1,662 a month in child support. He will also foot the bill ($889) for the DNA test.
The "Same Damn Time" rapper has been in the news as of late due to a rumored romance with R&B singer Ciara.

Whitney Houston’s Brother Admits to Introducing Her to Crack

Michael Houston makes painful confession about his late sister’s drug use.

For years Bobby Brown has been blamed by the public for causing Whitney Houston’s battle with drug addiction, but last night the person really responsible for introducing the singer to drugs came forward.
In his first televised interview since his sister’s passing almost a year ago, Michael Houston confessed to Oprah Winfrey that he played a major role in Whitney’s introduction to drugs. During his appearance on Oprah’s Next Chapter, Michael owned up to being the first person to do crack cocaine with his sister back in the 1980s.
Houston blamed their use of the drug on the free-wheeling Hollywood party scene that didn’t eschew such activities during that time.
"You gotta understand at the time…the '80s…it was acceptable," he explained as he sat next to his weeping mother, Cissy.
"It’s painful…I feel responsible for what I let go so far."
Michael admits he turned to drugs to help him cope with his sister’s death, but he has now been clean for the last three months.
Whitney Houston drowned to death in the bathtub of a Beverly Hills hotel on February 11, 2012. The coroner’s report revealed that heart disease and cocaine use were contributing factors to her passing.

Frank Ocean Busted for Marijuana Possession, Speeding

Singer avoids arrest, but receives citations for infractions.

After a breakout year in 2012, Frank Ocean has gotten off to a shaky start in 2013. California police popped the Odd Future crooner on New Year's Eve for marijuana possession and speeding.
Ocean was pulled over for doing 90 in a 65. During the traffic stop police detected the scent of weed emanating from the luxury BMW. Upon searching the vehicle they found a small bag of marijuana in the car. They also discovered that the singer was driving with a suspended license.
Though he was not arrested on the scene Ocean was cited for marijuana possession, driving with a suspended license and for having tinted windows. Though the police took the "Bad Religion" singer's driver's license, they were kind enough to give him a ride home for his troubles.

Chris Brown, Frank Ocean Fight at a Los Angeles Studio

The singers reportedly were involved in an "all-out" brawl.

more finer details on Chris's brawl:
 the pop star was involved in a fight with Odd Future crooner Frank Ocean at a recording studio in Los Angeles late Sunday night.
According to the celebrity news site, Brown was attempting to leave L.A.'s Westlake Studio, where he had been working with one of his artists, when Ocean and his crew approached him. A source who witnessed the altercation told TMZ, Ocean allegedly blocked Brown's exit and said, "This is my studio, this is my parking spot."
Brown purportedly tried to calm the situation by attempting to shake Ocean's hand, but he was attacked by a member of Ocean's crew. From there the source says things got crazy and a brawl ensued between the singers and four others.
Police were called to the scene and spoke to Ocean, who made a statement but did not want to press charges. Law enforcement has yet to speak to Brown, who was no longer at the studio when the cops arrived. 
After speaking with the cops, Ocean took to Twitter to give his account of the fight, which he said was over the parking spot.
"Got jumped by Chris and a couple guys. Lol. I only wish Everest [his dog] was there. Cut my finger now I can’t play w two hands at the Grammys," Ocean tweeted.
This is not the first time Brown has had a run-in with the "Bad Religion" singer. In 2011 the music stars were involved in a Twitter argument that led to some bad blood between Brown and the Odd Future crew.

Chris Brown Sports Hand Injury Post Frank Ocean Fight

Breezy spotted wearing a cast on his right hand.

Chris Brown claims to be the victim in his recent brawl with Frank Ocean, but his fist may be telling a different story.
Breezy was spotted in Los Angeles on Tuesday, just two days after the altercation, rocking a cast covering his hand and knuckles. It's a suspicious development (or an unfortunate coincidence) after Brown has insisted he did not throw the first punch in the clash. He has said via his lawyers that he's willing to talk with LAPD to resolve the matter. Law enforcement, meanwhile, hasn't ruled out the idea of charging Brown with a hate crime if they determine he started the fight because of his alleged "anti-gay sentiments," a charge that could land him jail time. 
Frank Ocean also claimed hand injuries after the fight, which erupted after an alleged dispute over a parking space at a West Hollywood recording studio. While security cameras missed the crucial beginning of the fight, which started in the parking lot, it did capture a brawl that later erupted between the superstars' respective entourages. 
So far, neither Brown nor Ocean have been formally charged in the incident.

Pusha T Disses Lil Wayne, Praises Drake

P approves of Drizzy's music, but is not a fan of Weezy's.

Though all has been quiet recently on the G.O.O.D. Music / Young Money feud, there's still no love lost between Pusha T and Lil Wayne. In an interview yesterday with DJ Drama for Atlanta's Hot 107.9, Push didn't mince words when asked how he feels about Weezy's music of late.
"I don't like Wayne's music. Like, right now it's not good," he said. "And you're talking about somebody who's got like Carter II, III... like I've got mixtapes."
Pusha said he downloaded Weezy's most recent release, Dedication 4, but quickly deleted it.
"I downloaded 4 and I had to get that joint off my joint," he said with a chuckle.
The Clipse rapper did have kind words for his other Young Money foil, however, praising the output he's heard from Drake.
"Drake be rhymin', Drake be bustin'" he said. "He be gettin' busy. He says his peace and I like that."
Pusha is currently at work on his solo album and said he's been inspired by the success of other artists, including Kendrick Lamar and 2 Chainz.

“To be totally honest, I gotta really say that 2 Chainz was a big motivation for me,” he said. “Straight up. To even watch what he was doing and to watch how he just took a hold of the game. A lot of his music it was just about hustle. He had records; he had three to four records in the club at any given point in time in 2012. And just to watch that blossom…I took that spirit, I took that motivation, and I really appreciate him for that.”
Listen to the full interview over at Nah Right.

SOME OF KENDRICK'S BEST WORKS!!!

Cassidy: Beef With Meek Mill Not Personal

But don't expect the Philly MCs to be friends again.

The beef between Cassidy and Meek Mill reached its apex last week, when Mill matched a diss track from Cass ("Me, Myself and iPhone") with one of his own ("Repo"). But despite the rivalry's increased pitch, Cassidy says that, at least from his perspective, the beef isn't personal.
"It's not personal beef. I don't wanna see anything happen to him or anybody around him," he said in an interview with MTV News. "I'm just competitive and I take my music seriously. At first I was gonna leave it alone. I thought he wanted to battle me, like he was calling me out, but when I found out he wasn't, I left it alone — until he started tweeting certain things about me and being disrespectful."
The two Philadelphia rappers have traded barbs on Twitter for month, following a dispute over who would have the higher standing in a proposed rap battle. Mill has assailed Cassidy's street cred in Philadelphia, while Cass has pointed out that, at this point, he has had the longer and more successful career.
Cassidy had agreed to a rap battle, supported by fans, with Mill but the MMG rapper scoffed at the idea.
"I got a phone call saying that Meek Mill wanted to battle me, and I thought with me being on the level I'm on and Meek Mill having a certain type of fanbase, it'd be good for hip-hop," Cassidy said. "I feel like hip hop is not focused on bars and being competitive anymore, but it's slowly going back to where it originated, so I wanted to play a large part in bringing it back where it needed to be. I thought it'd be a big battle for hip hop, so I agreed to do it."
Known for having built his name on his prowess as a battle rapper, Cassidy believes that a battle would have been the ideal way for the two men to resolve their issues.

"I felt like if we had anything to say to each other, we could put it in a rap battle and prove to the streets who's really the best, who really run the city that we're both from and who's qualified to be talking crazy," he said. "That's all it was about."
As for a musical reconciliation between himself and Meek, Cassidy said fans shouldn't hold their breath.
"I don't think I'll do a song [with him] again unless he really apologized for the things that he did, the things that he said," he added. "He dropped 'Repo' being real disrespectful, spreading a lot of lies about me, so unless he apologized and I feel as though it's a sincere apology, I don't think I'll do a song with him."

A$AP Rocky Declares He Is Evolving Society on Homosexuality

The rapper parallels his fashion sense to activism.

A$AP Rocky is proclaiming himself a fashion icon and inspiration for society's progressing understanding of homosexuality. In a recent interview with Hard Knock TV, he shared how many people saw his sense of style as a sign of being gay. However, he explained that his relentless fashion statements have impacted numerous urban communities and shifted their views of homosexuality.

"We made it cool — I kicked down the door for kids that's my age, older and younger, to be able to wear Jeremy Scott sneakers, rips in their jeans and not feel gay," the rapper said. "That's what the society of the urban community tries to portray. If you do certain things like snug fashion, high-end fashion, other things that's out really in the criteria of the small state of mind of the urban community, you're 'gay.' Weird is 'gay' where they come from. But they're slowly learning because of a guy named A$AP Rocky."

The self-dubbed hero admits that he used to be homophobic, but has matured to a more progressive view himself. The Harlem hip hop artist no longer judges others on their sexual orientation or skin color. He hopes that his views are a role model for others, as he continues to defend his fashion sense as not being "gay."

"That s--t ain't gay. That's just different. That s--t ain't gay. I'm a heterosexual man. I never been gay a day of my life. I used to be homophobic, but as I got older, I realized that wasn't the way to do things. I don't discriminate against anybody for their sexual preference, for their skin color... That's immature. Not only that, not only do I know the difference between that, but I'm wise enough to know that that's just stupid and wrong, and I'm just trying to spread that to everybody. Yo, you don't have to worry about what he's doing. If he's gay, that's his business. Why does it matter? If you gay, why do you care? I don't give a f--k about gay people. I don't! I don't give a f--k about straight people. I don't care. It don't matter to me. I'm getting b----es, I'm getting money — not to get into my hip hop form, but that's just what it is. I'm just trying to set the bar that you can do what the f--k you want to do because the world is yours."

All that being said, A$AP Rocky is doing him and working on his debut album, LongLiveA$AP, which is set for an early 2013 release date.

A$AP Rocky Covers Complex

The Harlem rapper opens up about his fallout with friend-turned-rival SpaceGhostPurrp.

(Photo: Complex Magazine)

A$AP Rocky is opening up about soured creative relationships in his new cover story for the upcoming issue of Complex magazine. On the cusp of his widely anticipated debut album, the 24-year-old rising star talks about the damage done by the collapse of his partnership with longtime friend and producer SpaceGhostPurrp. Last week, Purrp and members of his Raider Klan crew were detained after attacking the A$AP Mob at a venue in Miami.

"I look on the Internet and every time we put something out he gets his Raider Klan people to be like, 'You’re biting,' and it’s like, 'You’re just mad I’m bigger than you.'" Rocky says. "His life revolves around hating on me, and this is a guy who used to live in my house. My mom took care of him. Before I had a record deal we were sharing dinner plates and s--t."

Despite still being stung from the beef, A$AP said it had given him new perspective and that he's made his peace.

"It happened. It’s like it was meant to happen. It is what it is," he said. "When the heat came down, he was the only scared one."

In addition to Purrp, Rocky also addressed his falling out with Dominic Lord, the rapper and fashion designer from Harlem who was once affiliated with the Mob.

"I brought him in as a little brother, and then he didn’t want to wait," he said. "A$AP Mob, they’re waiting their turn. He left and started telling these labels that he’s the creative motherf---er behind A$AP and all this other s--t. Shouts to him. It’s whatever. I’m just saying, there’s no more room for outsiders. We learned that lesson with Spacemonkey and Dom."

ASAP ROCKY

Rapper With a major tour lined up and a $3 million deal with RCA Records, this rap newcomer is already running the industry. His Houston sound and Harlem-boy demeanor attracted millions to his music when he released his first singles, "Purple Swag" and "PeSo," earlier this year.  He even caught the attention of Young Money spitter Drake, who recruited Rocky for his Club Paradise Tour, which kicked off in November 2011. With his mixtape "Live, Love, A$AP" keeping fans abuzz, and endorsements from hip hop's elite, A$AP Rocky is looking like the next big thing. 

Rihanna

Singer Born on the island of Barbados, Robin Rihanna Fenty traveled to the U.S. at age 16 with dreams of stardom. In 2004 the singer auditioned in the office of then Def Jam President Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, and he was so impressed that he wouldn’t let her leave until she’d signed a contract. Since then Rihanna's career has been a straight climb to the top. Her first reggae-flavored hit, “Pon De Replay,” paved the way for a string of #1 singles—from “S.O.S.” to “Umbrella” featuring Jay-Z to “What’s My Name” featuring Drake in 2011. Rihanna has sold more the 25 million albums worldwide. She has also modeled for Gucci and launched her own fragrances, Reb’l Fleur and Nude. The winner of five Grammy Awards, Rihanna is an honorary cultural ambassador of Barbados. The platinum-selling singer released her sixth album Talk That Talk in November 2011 and made her acting debut as Officer Cora Raikes in 2012’s Battleship. Rihanna also founded the Believe Foundation to help terminally ill children.

WIZ KHALIFA

• Wiz Khalifa

• 25
• Musician

Wiz Khalifa doesn't usually wear dress shoes. But as the lanky rapper cycles through his options at a photo shoot, one pair catches his fancy—a black-on-matte-black-checked pair of Louis Vuittons—so stylish he'd consider buying his own. "I gotta take my two front teeth off my Christmas list," he says with a laugh. Khalifa doesn't need to wait for Santa Claus. Fueled by the success of the single "Black and Yellow," the 25-year-old rapper raked in $20 million over the past two years, twice landing on FORBES' Hip-Hop Cash Kings list. Next up: a new album, a wedding to model Amber Rose, and, Khalifa hopes, a leap to international superstardom. If his freestyling skills are any indication, he's well on his way: "My flow's so sick you might want to absorb this. Best believe every year young Khalifa gonna make that Forbes list." -- Reported by Zack O’Malley Greenburg

Wiz Khalifa, Rihanna, Frank Ocean Make Forbes' 30 Under 30 List

Young sports stars like Deron Williams and Gabby Douglas also made the cut.

Forbes has released its annual list of the 30 impressive minds under 30-years-old across 15 different categories. Wiz Khalifa, 25; Rihanna, 24; and Frank Ocean, 25, are among those who made their mark in the music industry this year. Khalifa, who was the featured artist for the category, made a reported $20 million in the past two years.

On the sports list you'll find Brooklyn Nets point guard Deron Williams, 28, who signed a five-year, $100 million contract instead of going to the Dallas Mavericks. Usain Bolt, 26; Gabrielle Douglas, 17; LeBron James, 28; and Robert Griffin III, 22, are some of the other star athletes who came out on top in 2012.

As for art & style, 28-year-old fashion designer Carly Cushnie won a coveted spot on the short list for her styles that have already been spotted on Michelle Obama, Rihanna, Jessica Alba and Elizabeth Hurley.

T.I.’s Trouble Man: Heavy Is the Head Debuts High on Billboard Charts

The Grand Hustle CEO enjoys impressive first week sales with Trouble Man LP.

Veteran Atlanta rapper T.I. may have dubbed his eighth studio album Trouble Man: Heavy Is the Head, but after debuting atop the Billboard charts, the king can certainly rest easy. Coming in at No. 2, Tip’s latest opus moved an impressive 179,000 copies in its first week, beating out Bruno Mars’s Unorthodox Jukebox by 2,000 units.
Pulling out all the stops and enlisting help from Andre 3000, A$AP Rocky, R.Kelly, Meek Mill and others for the star-studded LP proved to be a great move for the Hustle Gang bossman. This is the “Ball” rapper’s eighth consecutive Top 10 album.
The first week results come in as an improvement for the Atlantic/Grand Hustle recording artist whose previous album, No Mercy, debuted at No. 4 and sold 20,000 copies less in its first week.
Trouble Man: Heavy Is the Head is in stores now.

T.I. Says Andre 3000 Beat Him on His Own Album

The rapper dishes on his collaboration with 3000.

T.I. is hyping up his eighth studio album, Trouble Man, named ceremoniously after his recent experiences. After two years in jail and several run ins with the legal system, he's jumping back into the music game again with this new record. The album features everyone from Kendrick Lamar and Lil Wayne to R. Kelly and Pink. However, the most anticipated collaboration might be T.I.'s track with Andre 3000.

Produced by Jazze Pha, "Sorry" puts the two ATL hip hop heads on the same song. Yet, T.I. was clear about who ended up being the star. "He s--t on me on my own record," T.I. said of his track with 3000. He seemed rather excited about it though and continued to reflect on the the expansion of his artistry.

"To expect for me to be one-way every time you see me is to expect me to be a one-dimensional man, which I've never been," he explained. "I've always applauded my efforts to be diverse and multifaceted."

With that spirit in tow, T.I.'s forthcoming album hits stores December 18.

Kendrick Lamar and Andre 3000 'Vibe' in the Studio

The Compton MC hosts a private listening session for Three Stacks.

While ordinary fans eager to hear the new Kendrick Lamar album,  Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, are availing themselves of leaks trickling out online, the Compton up-and-comer reserved a far more intimate preview of the record for the likes of Andre 3000. Talent was in abundance when K. Dot, Dr. Dre and Three Stacks recently hit the studio together for a friendly listening session in advance of the album's release on Monday.
In a video posted to RollingStone.com, the three artists are seen vibing out to "B---h, Don't Kill My Vibe," a smooth head-nodder that serves as the album's second track. When the song concludes, Andre offers a short but sweet note of approval. "Excellent," he says.
The Outkast member and Lamar haven't collaborated... yet. Good Kid, M.A.A.D City does feature appearances by Jay Rock, Drake, MC Eiht and Dr. Dre.

Andre 3000 wasn't the only hip hop star giving Kendrick the stamp of approval. Mega producer Pharrell Williams took to Twitter today to show Lamar some love:

"@kendricklamar is this era’s Bob Dylan. Masterful story telling. Listen to it, it will elevate you. And just like that music has changed. … @kendricklamar Sick hooks, beats, perspective and zero MSG. Individuality always wins. Goodnight me too’s and blendinables.#OTHER"

Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d. city Goes Gold

The critically acclaimed album reaches another milestone accomplishment.

Hip hop's golden boy of 2012 has officially gone Gold. good Kid, m.A.A.d. city, the debut album from Kendrick Lamar, has been certified Gold by the RIAA. 
The LP crossed the threshold of 500,000 in sales as of December 13, less than three months after its debut. good kid also had the biggest opening week of a hip hop album this year, bowing at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with 242,000 copies sold.
As for how he's had so much success, Kendrick said he focuses on originality first and foremost in a recent interview with KillerHipHop.com.
"I really can’t speak on other artists, but for me what I try to do is just stay as original as possible. And have my own sound that nobody can really duplicate," he said. "Nobody can really make sense of doing it easily. It's really my niche and that’s what I think everybody in the game should have, their own niche. Nobody really follows each other. Cause when you do original things you elevate the art and culture of hip hop."

Kendrick Responds to High Praise From Nas

Lamar is humbled after the rap great compliments good kid, m.A.A.d. city.

Nas paid freshman rap star Kendrick Lamar quite the compliment when, during a recent interview, he called his debut album, good kid, m.A.A.d. city, his favorite album of last year. Lamar first learned about the comments while speaking with Fuse recently and seemed genuinely surprised and humbled.
"That's crazy, I didn't hear that," he said. "That's amazing, just off the fact that it's Nas."
Lamar said the props were particularly meaningful given how much he's looked up to the Queensbridge icon.
"You can hear the influence on my music, you hear the influence on my storytelling," he said. "For somebody that's been an elite player in this game for so many years, a veteran as far as longevity and skill, that's an accomplishment just on words alone."
Speaking with the Associated Press earlier this month, Nas said he was "really happy" about GKMC, Lamar's major label debut for Interscope.
"I needed that," he said. "His record reaches you. It gives you hope."
Watch Kendrick's full interview with Fuse on HipHopDX.

Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre Explain “The Recipe”

The Compton MC cooks up a new single with the good doctor.

Kendrick Lamar and his mentor Dr. Dre dominated Internet chatter this morning with a just-released new single called "The Recipe." But the song, which features a rare rapping appearance from Dre, had another name before the West Coast tag-team decided to change it.
“Old title was ‘Women, Weed & Weather,” The good doctor revealed on Big Boy's Power 106 radio show this morning. “That’s the three things you need in life. ‘The Recipe’ is when you mix it all up,” Kendrick elaborated.
"The Recipe" shot to the top five of Twitter's worldwide trending topics shortly after its release. Though it features Dr. Dre, production was handled by LA beatsmith Scoop Deville (Snoop Dogg, Game).
“This track was done by a guy named Scoop Deville, and we just went into the studio and added our elements to it," Dre said. "I mixed it up. Kendrick wrote the words. It came together and we fell in love with it.”
The song is the first single from Lamar's highly anticipated major label debut with Aftermath, Good Kid in a Mad City, due later this year.

Beyoncé Announces New Destiny's Child Music

The group is set to release first song in eight years.

(Photo: Beyonce/Facebook)

Beyoncé is coming back guns blazing in 2013, and it looks like she won't be doing it alone. In a surprise announcement this morning, Bey revealed that Destiny's Child will release their first new music in nearly a decade.
"I am so proud to announce the first original Destiny's Child music in eight years!" she wrote in a Facebook post.
DC have recorded a new Pharell Williams-produced track titled "Nuclear" for the upcoming compilation album, Love Songs. The compilation is set for release on January 22 on Sony Legacy and is currently available for pre-order from Amazon.
In addition to "Nuclear," Love Songs will feature Destiny's Child classics recorded between 1997 and 2004, including "Now That She's Gone" and "Cater 2 U."
DC announced their breakup in 2005 while touring in support of their fourth album, Destiny Fulfilled. Bey, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams have released three, two and one solo albums in the interim, respectively.
After taking a step back from music in 2012 following the birth of her first child, Beyoncé has been announced as the halftime performer for this year's Super Bowl. She will also be the focus of a documentary to be released in February on HBO. Yesterday, Bey made headlines  for a sexy cover shoot in GQ magazine as one of the "Sexiest Women of the 21st Century." 

Beyoncé Caught Up in Lip-synching Controversy

Bey's rendition of the national anthem during inauguration raises question.

Was it lip-synched or live? That's the raging debate over Beyoncé's high-powered performance of the national anthem at President Barack Obama's inauguration.

The skeptics say she was definitely helped by a pre-recorded voice track during the performance seen across the nation. On the flip side, the Bey-lievers argue that she did use a music track, but the vocals were all hers.

What do you believe?

It's hard to pick a side, especially after reps for the U.S. Marine Band spent Tuesday flip-flopping on their accounts of the event.

Early in the day, a rep for the Marine band, Master Sgt. Kristin duBois, told The New York Times Knowles was definitely helped by a pre-recorded vocal track.

"We all know Beyoncé can sing.... We don't know why she chose to use the pre-recorded track."

Later on, however, Marine Corps spokesman Capt. Gregory Wolf told a different story.

"Regarding Mrs. Knowles-Carter's vocal performance," Wolf's statement said, "no one in the Marine Band is in a position to assess whether it was live or pre-recorded."

Wolf would only confirm that in the minutes leading up to her performance the Marine Band was notified that the international superstar would be using a pre-recorded music track. Due to her lack of rehearsal time with the band, Bey choose the support of the track over the band that is responsible for playing all the inaugural music.

Using pre-recorded tracks at inauguration is not unusual. In 2009, cellist Yo-Yo Ma sparked a "hand-synching" controversy when he performed for Obama's first inauguration. Ma revealed that instruments weren't functioning properly in 19-degree weather.

Neither Beyoncé or anyone from the White House has addressed the topic.

Keri Hilson Addresses Beyoncé Beef

Hilson pulls the plug on rumors swirling about her on-going feud with Bey.

It’s no secret that Keri Hilson has been dubbed Beyoncé’s number one hater, but in a recent interview with HipHollywood Hilson definitely puts the breaks on the all the rumors. Perhaps all the drama started back in 2008 when Miss Keri Baby wrote the lyrics on her release “Turnin’ Me On” which say, “She can sing, but need to move it ‘to the (left)’ / She need to go have some babies / She needs to sit down, she fadin’… / Go ‘head and tell them folks how long I been writing your songs / I been puttin you on, just check the credits ho.”
In the interview when asked about her supposed Beyoncé beef, Hilson insisted that no such beef existed with Bey or any other female artist.
"No, I don’t have a beef with any female artist. I think it’s just interesting that we live in such a gullible world. Anything that’s written, anything that is posted, and a picture that is interpreted one way, is truth. It’s like bible now. You can Photoshop something, put it out and everyone believes it," Hilson explains.
She goes on to express how hurtful all the gossip can be.
"I’m human and it is hurtful. It’s not okay to make up something about someone in their personal lives especially. Professionally, fine. Scrutinize me all you want, I know I can’t please everyone. But, personally let’s just leave it alone, it’s going too far," she added.

Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar is a Compton, California, native who has demonstrated a penchant for mesmerizing lyrical displays and thoughtful songwriting. He originally rapped under the moniker K. Dot and released a series of mixtapes starting in 2003. In 2010, he released O(verly) D(edicated) under his birth name, Kendrick Lamar. He followed up with the acclaimed Section .80 mixtape that earned him a BET Hip Hop Award nomination and shined a light on societal ills and the struggle of Generation Y. He is also a member of the Black Hippy collective. he is the illest MC in the Westcoast and known for the following tracks:::RECIPE,SWIMMING POOLS,MONEY TREES,SING BOUT ME,POETC JUSTICE....He is simply one fresh artist with the classic twist in his deep lyrics....more about him stay posted on the latest on your no.1 music blog!

Lauryn Hill Concert Review: “I Was Always on My Way Back”

The controversial performer was on time for a 90-minute plus performance at Manhattan’s Highline Ballroom.

"No what matter people said, I didn't abandon you. I was always on my way back," said the legendary Lauryn Hill to a packed house for a one-night-only performance in New York City this past Saturday night at the Highline Ballroom. Despite her reputation for tardiness, the eight-time Grammy winner was promptly on stage at 9:30 p.m. for a 20-song set, taking the excited crowd on a journey of her timeless music.

In leading up to the concert, fans swapped stories of waiting over four hours for Lauryn. Therefore, when the DJ announced Lauryn Hill at 9:30pm sharp and an a capella version of "I Get Out" played, the crowd went delirious. Ms. Hill graced the stage, nodding her head, hands in prayer and mouthing, "Thank you." Lauryn looked healthy, beautiful and secure in her artistry. She opened with a shortened version of "Killing Me Softly" and swiftly went into renditions of "Everything Is Everything," "Superstar" (repeatedly singing, “Come on baby, light my fire”), Bob Marley's "Concrete Jungle" and "Forgive Them Father."  

Lauryn and her phenomenal band rearranged most of the songs with an up-tempo rhythm — including the ballads, for which she has been widely criticized. Nonetheless, the fans were satisfied. One audience member said: "If people want to hear the album versions, go home and press play!" And even against the bombastic band, Hill's voice delivered undeniable emotion and her signature soul. There was a pleading in her vocals as she talked in between sets about love and survival, "It's been a struggle. We are pushing through. People forget how young I was when I started… I just needed time."

Hill had several intimate interactions with the audience. She told Philadelphia native Nicole Ray, "I see you, I acknowledge you," pointing to her as Ray uncontrollably sobbed. Right before "Ex Factor," Texas native Jorge Lander showed Hill a massive tattoo on his forearm, which was a long quote from Lauryn. Ms. Hill stopped the show for several minutes and kneeled down as Lander revealed that in 2006 he was considering suicide and her music saved his life. For some, seeing Lauryn Hill was a religious experience. 

The best moment of the night was Lauryn bringing her nephew and some of her kids on stage. All of them spit rhymes (except for her eldest daughter Selah) and clearly inherited the lyrical flow of their mother — one of the boys burst into tears after forgetting the lyrics, but mommy Lauryn consoled him.

Let's not forget, Lauryn is arguably one of the greatest MCs of all time — male or female. Hill effortlessly delivered lyrics from her old school days as a member of Fugees. L Boogie brought the diverse crowd to a frenzy when she spat, "I'll be Nina Simone and defecatin' on your microphone!" — one of her most famous lyrics from "Ready or Not."

Hopefully, Hill's performance at the Highline Ballroom, which was slated as a celebration of 1998’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, is a positive sign of a new album, which is long overdue.

Below is the complete set list:

"I Get Out"/"Killing Me Softly" Intro
"Everything Is Everything"
"Superstar" 
"Concrete Jungle" by Bob Marley & the Wailers
"Forgive Them Father" 
"Final Hour" 
"Zion"
"Sweetest Thing"
"When It Hurts So Bad" 
"I Used to Love Him"
"Nothing Even Matters"
"Lost Ones" 
"Ex-Factor" 
"How Many Mics" by Fugees
"Fu-Gee-La" by Fugees
"Ready or Not" by Fugees
"Killing Me Softly" by Fugees

Encore:
"Turn Your Lights Down Low" by Bob Marley & the Wailers
"Could You Be Loved" by Bob Marley & the Wailers
"Doo Wop (That Thing)"

Shaggy: I’m Not Dead

Reggae star deflates the latest celebrity cyber-death hoax.

Nope. Shaggy is not going to participate in the Internet’s "fake dead reggae star" hoax—not this time. Mr. Boombastic is clearing up a wild rumor that’s been circulating about his death.
Internet pranksters, who are responsible for falsely reporting the deaths of numerous celebrities, made Shaggy their latest victim. There was chatter earlier this week that the reggae star died after being stabbed during a bar brawl in Los Angeles.
TMZ spoke to a rep close to the Jamaican-born dancehall artist, who confirmed Shaggy was alive and well. “[Shaggy] is like a cat with nine lives … but I can happily report that he’s alive and kicking and in the same building as me right now as we speak.”
So there you have it. Another cyber-death hoax debunked.