Kendrick Lamar: "They Look at Me Like I'm a Savior of Music"

Compton up-and-comer speaks about his new album's impact, Wu-Tang's influence and his project with J. Cole.

With a star-making cameo on Drake's Take Care, which debuted at No. 1 this week, Kendrick Lamar keeps hitting new highs. Currently on tour to support his latest album, Section.80, the Compton MC sat down recently with 90.5 FM KSJS in San Jose, California, to talk about his bubbling career, his influences and a rumored album with J. Cole.

"These cities I've been going to, everybody been real receptive to it," Kendrick said of his music. "All the people in high school, when I go back in these schools today, they look at me like I'm a savior of music—of our generation's music. That makes me feel like, 'Mission accomplished.'"

One of the highlights of Section.80 is "Ronald Reagan Era," which features Wu-Tang Clan Svengali RZA. Kendrick revealed that the Wu was a major influence on his own music and career. "Just that raw element of Hip Hop, you know?" he said of the Staten Island crew's impact. "To do what I want to do, and to have my own voice. That was a group of individuals that had an individual sound. Nobody sounded like each other, and everybody went for self and did what they wanted to do. And that's hip hop. Being yourself and expressing yourself."

Kendrick also confirmed the rumors about his album with Roc Nation rapper J. Cole. "We got the music," he said. "We just gotta find and situate ourselves and sit down, because he got an album out. Great album...and he's touring off it. I put Section.80 out, and I'm touring off of that. It's just about sitting down and actually composing all the music we've got together."

Jay Z and Beyoncé are Forbes' Highest-Paid Celebrity Couple

Pop stars take No. 1 spot for the second year in a row.

'03 Bonnie and Clyde are now 2013's highest-paid celebrity couple, according to Forbes magazine. Jay Z and wife Beyoncé top the list for the second year in a row, having brought in a combined $95 million between June 2012 and June 2013.
As musical artists, of course, their most significant income comes from touring. Jay's Watch the Throne jaunt with Kanye West averaged $1.4 million per night. Beyoncé's The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour averaged $2 million. By the end of the earnings period, Bey had outpaced her husband by $11 million.
Their diverse portfolios also added to the tally. Although Jay is reportedly selling his stake in the Barclay's center, it was counted this year, as was Beyoncé's House of Dereon clothing and fragrance collections.
The couple bested NFL player Tom Brady and his supermodel wife, Gisele Bundchen, who came in at the No. 2 slot with $80 million; and actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who earned $50 million.
In 2012, Jay and Bey moved up to the world's highest-paid celebrity couple spot with a combined annual income of $78 million (in 2011 they were No. 2 with $72 million, beat out by Brady and Bundchen's $76 million).
Earlier this year, according to the International Business Times, the two were named pop music's first billion-dollar couple.

Melanie Fiona Writes Open Letter to Lauryn Hill

Singer shares heartfelt gratitude for L-Boogie.

Music Matters artist Melanie Fiona wrote a heartfelt open letter to Lauryn Hill after attending a moving performance Tuesday night (May 14) at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, where Hill, backed by a ten-piece band, delivered classics from her catalogue following an hour-long DJ set from Q-Tip.
"I have had many blessed, spiritual, and unforgettable moments in my life... But none more inspiring and life altering than last night. For those of you have ever listened to my music as a full body of work, heard any of my interviews, or have been to any of my live shows... Knows, that Lauryn Hill is a driving force of inspiration in everything I do. There would be no first audition for me if couldn't sing her version of "his eye is on the sparrow," she posted to her Instagram along with a photo of her with L-Boogie captured after the show.
Citing why Hill is such an inspiration, Fiona continued, "There wouldn't be the artist you see today who isn't afraid to bare her soul about life and love. And last night, I got to tell her that. After seeing her murder the stage...I personally got to express my teary eyed gratitude. A REAL dream come true for me. Lauryn Hill is the true essence of artistry that I aspire to represent... One who can break barriers, colour lines, industry standards, and ignorant minds... All while making amazing heartfelt educated music."
Fiona concluded with more gratitude directed toward L-Boogie. "Thank You #LaurynHill... You are singlehandedly, hands down, the greatest to ever do it ALL... Triple Threat... And to inspire a musical generation so starved that we still anticipate any and everything that you will do in the future. With Love, Respect, Support and Gratitude, MF xo."
Hill's other recent performances had been critical fodder as the industry and fans grapple with the noticeable chasm caused since her last album, 2002's MTV Unplugged No. 2.0, and the controversy surrounding her tax evasion jail sentence (about which she wrote her own open letter).
She announced earlier this month that she has a label deal with Sony and is readying new music.

Kendrick Lamar, Tamar Braxton Announce 2013 BET Awards Nominees

Chris Tucker to host, Chris Brown and R. Kelly confirmed to perform.

By Evelyn Diaz

Posted: 05/15/2013 08:45 AM EDT

Filed Under Chris Tucker, Celebrity News, Kendrick Lamar, BET Awards, Tamar Braxton

The temperature may have been over 100 degrees in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday morning, but it was nothing compared to the heat coming to the BET Awards '13.
Kendrick Lamar and Tamar Braxton woke up early to announce the nominees. Drake leads the pack with 12 nods (including Best Male Hip Hop Artist and Video of the Year), followed by K. Dot and 2 Chainz with eight nominations apiece. Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake snagged four nominations each, and Braxton herself is up for Best Female R&B Artist and the Centric award for her single "Love and War."
After the nominees were announced, BET Director of Music Programming & Specials Stephen Hill introduced this year's host, Chris Tucker, along with Chris Brown, who is confirmed to perform. Legendary hit maker Charlie Wilson also joined the group. The singer will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
"I'm excited to be nominated for my first BET Award," said Lamar. "I'm still fairly new at all this, so an award of any caliber means a lot to me."
"The theme of the show is 'anything can happen,'" added Tucker, who had the crowd erupting in laughter with his impression of Chris Brown. "We're gonna have a great time on June 30."
BET executive Hill explained the reason behind this year's unprecedented BET Experience three-day event. "We just wanted to make official something that has been organic," he said. "For many years I've been hearing people talking about coming out to L.A. for the BET weekend, even if they weren't going to the awards show. So we just brought it all together."
"I don't want to give away too much, but I'm definitely gonna be doing something new and original," teased Brown when asked what audiences can expect from his performance this year. It will be his sixth time hitting the stage at the BET Awards. "I'm not so much into theatrics, but it's all about giving the fans what they want."
Though he wouldn't give away any more details about his performance, Breezy did reveal that his top-secret collabo for his new album, X, due out this summer, is none other than the late R&B siren Aaliyah. Brown will be sampling her never-before-heard vocals for his track "They Don't Know."
Breezy also gave deets about the video for the track, shot in Kendrick Lamar's old 'hood, Compton, California. "I shot it in the 'hood," Brown told reporters. "I went to 60th Street and Cedar Block. [I'm] bringing both worlds together and trying to uplift the poverty side of the community and show them where I'm from. I'm from Virginia, but everybody comes from a broken home or being broke. I remember when I was."
For a complete list of nominees, click here. Tune in to the BET Awards '13 on Sunday, June 30.

Jaden Smith Seeks Emancipation From Parents

Will Smith's 14-year-old wants to have his own place.

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith's children really are growing up before our eyes!

Jaden Smith, the A-list couple's 14-year-old son, is seeking emancipation from his parents, Will confirms. He tells British newspaper The Sun, "I know if we do this, he can be an emancipated minor." The After Earth star adds, "because he really wants to have his own place."

The blockbuster actor seems to be taking Jaden's request in stride, but admits, "That's the backlash. On the other side, if kids just want to have command of their lives, I understand."

Will and Jada have said that they prefer to treat their children as individuals and not impose harsh rules or strict discipline on them. Jada even recently penned an open letter on Facebook talking about having a blended family, which includes Will's ex, Sheree Fletcher, and their son, Trey.

Despite his desire to live apart, Jaden is still happy to share the screen with his old man. Father and son star in After Earth, hitting theaters on May 31.

YOUNG MONEY*

In 2005 Lil Wayne was announced the president of Cash Money Records, which is a record label that was founded by Bryan “Birdman”  Williams, and developed his own label Young Money Entertainment at the same time. YM was modeled directly after Cash Money Records and is also distributed by Universal. Lil Wayne still remains CEO of Young Money, but in 2007 stepped down from running both of the labels and handed management of Young Money Entertainment over to Cortez Bryant. The structure changed one more time in 2009, when Mack Maine began serving as president of the label, effectively relieving Cortez Bryant of his position.

Young Money had a big year in 2009, when We Are Young Money was released on December 21^st. This is a record that was a collaboration of some of the leading artists of YM and was the start of a Young Money Tour. Success was building for this record upon the earliest release of the single “Every Girl”, which is a song that features Lil Wayne, Jae Millz, Gudda Gudda, Drake, and Mack Maine. This song peaked at the number 10 spot on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Following the success of “Every Girl”, the single “Bedrock” was released on November 14, 2009. Although this track was meant to be the third single, “Bedrock” was leaked and actually became the second. This song featured Lil Wayne, Drake, Gudda Gudda, Jae Millz, Nicki Minaj, Tyga and Lloyd. Peaking at the number 2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, this was the most successful single of the record, and really spring boarded the success of Young Money Entertainment. The album We Are Young Money hit 9 on the US Billboard 200 chart, and sold 142,000 copies within the first week alone. It has since been certified gold in the United States, selling over 500,000 copies.

In 2010 Young Money Entertainment had three top 10 hip hop album sales of the year with Drake’s “Thank Me Later”, Lil Wayne’s “Rebirth” as well as “I Am Not a Human Being”. This was an amazing accomplishment for this label that was only 5 years old at the time. In recent years Young Money has signed Christina Milian, Cory Gunz and Torion Sellars. There are many future releases planned in 2013 for this label including albums from artists Lil Wayne, Tyga, Lil Twist, Drake and many others.

Listed below are artists that are signed to Young Money:

Lil Wayne

Name: Dwayne Michael Carter Jr.

Born: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

About: Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., or simple Lil Wayne, is known primarily as an American rap artist from New Orleans. Lil Wayne Started out on Birdman’s Cash Money Records when he was just 14, as part of the duo The B.G.’z. He grew with the label and founded Young Money Entertainment in 2005 after he was made president of Cash Money Records. In his extensive career, Lil Wayne has received 15 Grammy Award Nominations and has won 4.

Christina Milian

Name: Christina Flores

Born: Jersey City, Jersey, USA

About: Christina Flores, known professionally as Christina Milian, is a singer-songwriter, model, actress, and dancer from Jersey City, New Jersey. Although Milian started professionally as an actress and had minor roles in movies like “American Pie”, however she now prefers music and has released three studio albums. She became the Social Media Correspondent for “The Voice” in 2012, and also signed with Young Money. Her fourth studio album release by Young Money is expected in 2013.

Cory Gunz

Name: Peter Cory Pankey Jr.

Born: Bronx, New York, USA

About: Cory Gunz is a rap legacy, born to famous rapper Peter Gunz. Cory had his own reality show on MTV “Son of a Gun” which followed him around after he signed to Young Money in 2010. Since the start of his career Gunz has released 8 mixed Tapes, and his first studio album will be released in 2013. Cory also has his own record label, “Militia”.

Drake

Name: Aubrey Drake Graham

Born: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

About: Drake is well known as an R&B Singer, Songwriter, and Rapper from Toronto. However, when he first made it big he was acting as character Jimmy Brooks on “Degrassi: The Next Generation”, a television show. Drake has released several mixtapes early in his career and signed to Young Money in 2009 after the release of “Brand New”. Since his addition to the Young Money crew, Drake has released two albums, and both have been certified platinum.

Flow

Name: Widner DeGruy

Born: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

About: Flow is a known rapper from New Orleans, and is typically associated with his music with The Flame aka Flame Gang Muzik Group. He appeared on Lil Wayne’s “Sorry for the Wait” mixtape, and was signed to Young Money in 2012. Flow is expected to drop a new mixtape in 2013.

Gudda Gudda

Name: Carl Lilly

Born: San Jose, California, USA

About: Gudda Gudda is an American rapper originally from California, but grew up in New Orleans. Double G has been friends with Lil Wayne since he was a teenager, and that’s how he was introduced to rap. Before teaming up with Young Money, Gudda was part of a rap group named Squad Up with Lil Wayne and T-streets.

Jae Millz

Name: Jarvis Mills

Born: Harlem, New York, USA

About: Jae Millz was born in Washington Heights, Harlem, and that’s where he was first introduced to rap. Jae Millz originally received recognition for performances legendary underground rap battles in NYC. In 2008 he signed with Young Money and is completing “Nothing is Promised” and this debut album is set to be released in 2013.

Lil Chuckee

Name: Rashad Ballard

Born: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

About: Lil Chuckee is a teenage rapper that relocated to Atlanta when Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005. He is the second youngest member of Young Money and was discovered when he was only 9 years old. Lil Wayne spotted Lil Chuckee when he was at a video shoot.

Lil Twist

Name: Christopher Moore

Born: Dallas, Texas, USA

About: Christopher Moore, known by Lil Twist, as a Singer, Songwriter, Rapper and Actor that was born in Dallas, Texas. When this teenager opened for Lil Wayne at a concert in Texas he was immediately signed to Young Money. Lil Twist, also known as Twizzy, will release his debut album in the spring on 2013 named “Don’t Get it Twisted”.

Mack Maine

Name: Jermaine Preyan

Born: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

About: Mack Maine is a recording artist from New Orleans, and he has known Lil Wayne his whole life. They grew up together from the age of 8, and are still really good friends. He is currently the president of Young Money. His main role is to keep an eye on daily operations, but he still finds time to head into the studio every now and then.

Nicki Minaj

Name: Onika Maraj

Born: St. James, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

About: Nicki is a world-wide star known as a singer, rapper, and actress who was raised in Queens, New York. She met up with Lil Wayne after he saw her on “The Come Up: Volume 17” DVD. She then signed with Young Money in August of 2009. Originally recognized for her verse in the Young Money collaboration “Bed Rock” she has soared to success and her debut album “Pink Friday” has been certified Platinum. She currently is a judge on American Idol, and working on her third studio album “Pink Friday: The PinkPrint”.

PJ Morton

Name: Paul Morton Jr.

Born: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

About: PJ Morton is a jazz and soul singer that has been singing in New Orleans since he was 8 years old. PJ Morton may have started singing in his church, but is now singing for Young Money. Lil Wayne, Birdman, and Mack Maine signed him in the beginning of 2012 after hearing his unique voice. He is currently working on his 5^th career album, but this will be his debut album for Young Money.

Shanell

Name: Shanell Woodgett

Born: Anaheim, California, USA

About: Shanell, also known as SnL is a choreographer, and singer-songwriter that lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Shanell is known for writing for Lil Wayne’s “Prom Queen”, and being a member of a group named “The Girls Club”.  She is currently working with other artists like Ne-Yo, Jay-Z, and Usher on upcoming songs.

Short Dawg

Name: Supreme Williams

Born: Houston, Texas, USA

About: Supreme is from Houston and is known by Short Dawg or Elvis Freshley. He is known for his appearance on Lil Wayne’s single “Me and My Dank” in 2008. After Lil Wayne and Short Dawg had been friends for a few years, Short was officially signed to Young Money. Currently, Short Dawg is working on his debut album which is titled “Fresh”

Torion

Name: Torion Sellers

Born: Atlanta, Georgia, USA

About: Torion is a 14 year old rapper, singer, and dancer that was discovered performing at his church. David McPherson, his manager, was in attendance and spotted his talent from his pew, and he was signed to Young Money in 2011. Torion had already released a few mixtapes but is now working on his debut album that is expected to be released in 2013.

Information On Torion : News, Wallpapers, Quotes, Music, Pictures, Videos, Lyrics, Official Music Videos

T-Streets

Name: Carl Watts

Born: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

About: T-Streets is a rapper that grew up on the streets of New Orleans and originally wanted to have a professional sports career. However, that athletic goal changed the minute he met Lil Wayne and fell in love with rap. He was a member of Squad Up with Gudda and Weezy when he was a teenager. T-Streets released a mixed tape in 2012 titled “The Street is Watching”.

Information On T-Streets : News, Wallpapers, Quotes, Music, Pictures, Videos, Lyrics, Official Music Videos

Tyga

Name: Michael Stevenson

Born: Compton, California, USA

About: Tyga is an American rapper, director, producer and porn star from Compton that was signed to Young Money in 2007. He met Lil Wayne through Travis McCoy, frontman of Gym Class Heroes. Tyga’s first career album “No Introduction” was released in 2008. He released his debut Young Money album “Careless World” at the beginning of 2012. Tyga recently crossed over into the adult industry and produced, directed and starred in “Rack City XXX”.

 

Drake's Father Speaks on Son's Success

Dennis Graham talks Memphis' influence on Young Money star.

Drake's father, Dennis Graham, was featured on Fox News' Action News 5 in Memphis, Tennessee, speaking for the first time about his son's success. In the segment, Graham explains that although Drake reps Toronto as his home town, the summer's he spent visiting his dad in the White Haven area of Memphis played a huge role in influencing his music.

"That's why his metaphors are so phenomenal now because he's been in Memphis," he says. "[Drake] considers Memphis home more than he does Toronto."

Graham, the brother of soul singer Larry Graham, is also a musician and a former drummer for legendary rocker Jerry Lee Lewis. He says that he exposed Drake to music, taking him to the infamous Royal Studios where artists like Al Green recorded. The elder Graham recalls encouraging his young son to pursue music.

"Appleville, which is Shelby Drive and Nealy, that's where we always came to … I used to hold him in my office, while I played the piano … I told him, I said, 'Drake, you got a beautiful voice.'"

Although Graham doesn't speak to the media often, he took the time out to express how proud he is of Drake's success. "My god, I look at him and I think, 'Oh my god! This kid's got it.' I said, 'Drake, you've done it, man,'" Graham said.

Kanye West Is Upset With Placement on MTV's "Hottest MCs"

Yeezy reacts to being ranked No. 7 on the controversial list.

The hip hop brain trust at MTV had their say, now Kanye West wants his. The music superstar broke his self-imposed media ban to express his displeasure with being ranked No. 7 on the "Hottest MC in the Game" list. The annual hip hop power ranking normally stirs heated debate among rap heads and this year is no different.
Mr. West called in to New York's Hot 97 radio to tell DJ Enuff that he is bothered by his placement. MTV's rap experts had a grueling debate over where to place Kanye, but in the end the Watch the Throne MC came in at No. 7, one spot below his G.O.O.D. Music protege Big Sean. Though he admits to being "happy for Sean" he still thinks the Detroit MC "should be on top 5," for "the way he just be bodying records, like the way he started off that 'Mercy.' "
Most upsetting for Mr. West was the rationale the rap round table used to justify his spot.
"To me, I feel like in order for them to put me as No. 7, they had to bring up things that they didn't like," West explained. "Like they didn't like the Cruel Summer album, and I'm like, 'That's just [a] compilation — it ain't all rappers on G.O.O.D. Music.'

West championed the merits of the singles-heavy album.

"I mean, Cruel Summer got "[I] Don't Like" remix, "Mercy," "Cold," "New God Flow," oh and "Clique"! You can't name five records like that on no album," he continued. "But they wanna dis me, and be like, 'He did Cruel Summer, and he can't say he ain't part of it 'cause he did eight records. ... Ain't nobody bringing up that [Rihanna] "Diamonds" remix verse, like there was no verse in a year that was f---in' with that verse!"

As more evidence for his case to be ranked higher West recalled one of his most quotable lines of the year.

"I don't think it's them really going bar for bar: I said, 'Lucky I didn't have Jay drop him from the team!' " he said, quoting a line from his track "Cold," which alluded to his girlfriend Kim Kardashian's brief marriage to NBA player Kris Humphries, who now plays for Jay-Z's Brooklyn Nets. "Ain't no bar, ain't no bar in the entire past four months hotter than that bar. That's one bar! I come from this battle rap; that's how I grew up. I'm from Chicago."

Even though Yeezy made a strong case that he deserved a higher ranking, he still chose someone other than himself to wear the crown of "Hottest MC."

"I think that [Lil] Wayne is the number-one rapper in the world," Ye said to the surprise of Enuff. "Him and Jay, and Eminem and certain people are like the greatest rappers of all time."

It didn't take Weezy long to show his appreciation for being regarded in such high esteem.

"That's the ultimate compliment coming from a humble, great, extremely creative, & superior genius...I appreciate that Yeezy!," Wayne wrote via Twitter.

The MTV Hottest MCs debate continues this week with only four spots remaining. Meek Mill (#10), Future (#9), A$AP Rocky (#8), Ye, Sean, and Drake (#5) will know soon enough who joins them on the list.

Lil Wayne Responds to Pitbull Diss

Weezy seems a little disappointed the Miami rapper went on the attack.

The tension between Lil Wayne and local stars in his adopted home city of Miami continues to boil over in the wake of his inflammatory comments about the Miami Heat. Wayne's apology for his vulgar statements did not satisfy 305 legends Luther "Uncle Luke" Campbell, Trick Daddy and Pitbull, who have all publicly expressed their distaste for the New Orleans native’s disrespect.
Pitbull recently released a diss track aimed at Weezy, telling him "don't s--t where you eat," over Baauer’s Internet hit "Harlem Shake." Wayne took to Twitter early this morning (February 27) to reply, tweeting "Dam pit bull bro I thought u was kool." Pitbull’s freestyle "Harlem Shake (Welcome 2 Dade County)" mocked the Cash Money MC’s financial situation with the rhyme, "You got money, yeah that's sweet / But we all know Slim and Baby really eat / You talk Miami, yes you talkin' Heat."
Trick Daddy and Uncle Luke are using the sports-related beef to fuel a movement to get Wayne’s Young Money artists out of rotation on local radio and return the shine to Miami-based musicians. "We came up in a city that we lived through three, four or five hurricanes and two major riots. I can’t go nowhere else, this my home," said Trick to Miami’s 99 Jamz last Thursday. Former 2 Live Crew front man Luke penned a scathing editorial about Weezy in the New Miami Times that called for the city and its stars to stop letting Wayne treat Miami “like his b---h."
Wayne was apologetic for his rant in a call to 99 Jamz on February 21. "As far as the city of Miami, I do wanna apologize for the misunderstanding and whatever has everybody thinking that I have something against the city, because that’s totally wrong," Wayne said. "These people accepted me with open arms since day one, since I was a Hot Boy. It’s just totally sports, this ain’t got nothing to do with the city of Miami."
Wayne, who’s album I Am Not a Human Being II is due later this year, did not back down from personal jabs taken at Heat players Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, though.

Cash Money Daughters Write Novel

Lil Wayne and Birdman proud to see their little girls pen a fictional adaption of teen life.

In the latest news from Cash Money Content, the literary division of the recording powerhouse, Lil Wayne’s daughter, Reginae Carter teamed up with Birdman’s daughter, Bria Williams to write a novel loosely based on their experience of being "unintentionally famous,"
"Paparazzi Princesses" focuses on two teenagers, named Kyla Jones and Promise Walker, as they navigate a world of media attention, young love, and two-faced friends.
Karyn Langhorne Folan, author of "Don’t Bring Home a White Boy," helped the real life teens navigate the world of writing.
Via a statement to the press, Lil Wayne said, "I’ve got to be honest. It’s inspiring to see what these girls have done. It wasn’t easy, and they did it all by themselves.'‘Proud' doesn’t even begin to describe how me and the Birdman feel. I can’t wait for everybody else to experience their story."
"They took an idea, worked extremely hard, and brought it to life," Birdman added. "It’s the kind of story that everybody can feel, and it’s only the start of much bigger things for these two wonderful young ladies.”
The book is set to release June 4 via Cash Money Content’s deal with Simon & Schuster. Other Cash Money authors include Evelyn Lozada (of Basketball Wives fame), pimp-turned-author Iceberg Slim, and street novel legend K’Wan.

PEACE PREVAIL!

A whole new world is on the brink of beginning. We are all active participants creating how this new world will be, whether we are conscious of it or not. In order to bring in the new consciousness that is awaiting our preparedness we need to learn to live with awakened minds, wide open hearts and fully functioning connections with God within us.So I found it wise to compose this simple peace-oriented poem for KENYA to read and hold close all through these times when lifting that 'panga' is easier than huggin  or shaking hands>>>

' One Love '

One Love........

KENYANS Breathing
Together Breathing
Breathing Together
Breathing as One!

KENYANS Smiling
Together Smiling
Smiling Together
Smiling as One!

KENYANS Being
Together Being
Being Together
Being as One!
KENYANS Dancing
Together Dancing
Dancing Together
Dancing as One!

KENYANS Laughing
Together Laughing
Laughing Together
Laughing as One!

KENYANS Hugging
Together Hugging
Hugging Together
Hugging as One!

KENYANS Sleeping
Together Sleeping
Sleeping Together
Sleeping as One!

Snoop Lion to Release Reincarnated Album in April

The reggae album will feature Drake, Chris Brown and more.

Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion will be adding on to his Rastafarian rebirth this April 23 with the release of his new reggae and dance-hall influenced album, Reincarnated. The Diplo and Major Lazer-produced LP will trail the release of Snoop's critically acclaimed documentary of the same name that's set to hit select theaters in two weeks. 
Reincarnated the album is the culmination of the "Lighter's Up" rapper's year-long journey into the Rastafarian culture. "No Guns Allowed" will serve as the next single for the LP, which will be released via Mad Decent/VICE Music/RCA Records. The project will include features from big-ticket acts from various genres like Drake, Chris Brown, T.I., Busta Rhymes, Rita Ora and Akon as well as dance-hall heavyweights Mavado and Popcaan.
Reincarnated the film will open in select cities March 15.

Ne-Yo Reveals He Used to Be Married

The singer tied the knot, got annulment at 19.

Ne-Yo's been keeping the kind of secret that could inspire another hit song.
The sultry singer has been married before. Ne-Yo says he jumped the broom at the young age of 19, but that he had the marriage annulled just a few months later. He claims his ex-wife was not supportive of his career and said he'd never make it as a singer.

As for why he never before talked about the relationship, he replies, "nobody ever asked."

The "Forever Now" singer was rumored to be engaged to longtime girlfriend Monyetta Shaw in 2011, which he denied. The couple have two children.

Though he must have gone through heartbreak with the end of his marriage, looks like it's Ne-Yo who has the last laugh!

Ja Rule to Be Released From Jail in July

The rapper will finish out his time at a Brooklyn correctional facility.

Freedom is just around the corner for Ja Rule. The Murder Inc. rapper served almost two years in a state prison in central New York for illegal gun possession. According to the Associated Press, he has been transferred to Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center to serve additional time in federal custody for a tax evasion case.
The detention center acts as a waiting area for prisoners close to release. Ja's expected release date is July 28.
Ja Rule began his sentence in 2011 on the gun charge stemming from a 2007 incident. As far as the tax evasion, he admitted to failing to pay up for more than $3 million earned between 2004 and 2006.

J. Cole: Joint Album With Kendrick Lamar Still Happening

Cole promises the highly anticipated project will be released.

J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar have been teasing the hip hop world with the possibility of a joint album for over a year now. During an interview with Hartford, Connecticut’s HOT 93.7 yesterday (February 28), Cole confirmed that the highly anticipated collaboration is “still happening.”
"We got in (the studio) a few times," said Cole to Jenny Boom Boom before promising fans an incredible project and comparing working with Kendrick to working with his little cousin. "There’s not a lot of fronting involved with either of us. I feel like that’s the new wave."
In November 2012 Kendrick told fans to expect the still untitled album to drop unexpectedly without a release date. "We gon drop that out the sky," said Kendrick. "I ain’t gonna give no dates, no nothing. I'm just gonna let it fall," the Compton MC told the LA Leakers.
With both coming off of wildly successful debut albums, Cole’s Cole World: The Sideline Story and Kendrick’s good kid m.A.A.d. city, fans are starving for more from the rising stars. Cole’s sophomore effort, Born Sinner, is expected to drop in summer 2013 while Kendrick recently explained to Miss Info that he’s not ready to begin work on his follow up and is currently content to "live in the moment."
"I haven't locked in album mode," revealed K Dot. "I write every day, though. I have ideas all the time, but me going in the studio and locking in, and making the next album — I don't wanna force things." Cole recently released the lead single for Born Sinner, an experimental collaboration with Miguel titled "Power Trip."
"Commercially, I just hope it’s successful again," said Cole in reference to his follow up. "I hope it’s even more successful. I hope it crushes it in terms of sales and critical acclaim. So I just want those two things to happen."

Wale Storms Announcer's Booth After Drake Diss

The MMG rapper takes offense to an off-the-cuff remark at NBA game.

What's with all the drama between rappers and the NBA these days?
Last night’s Washington Wizards-Toronto Raptors game got a little heated when Wale confronted Raptors announcer Matt Devlin after Devlin took some sarcastic jabs at the rapper. "Supposedly this fan is a well-known local rapper — Wal-Aye. I'm sure somebody on Twitter can tell me exactly if they've ever heard of Wale. He's not Drake, that's for sure,” joked Devlin on air.
The comments came after Wale was playfully teasing the Raptors' new forward Rudy Gay. The Maybach Music MC fired back tweeting "@MattDevlinRaps watch ur mouth" and then was caught on video charging toward the announcer booth clearly angry.
However, a Raptors rep says that the announcer’s comments were "meant to be making fun of himself for not knowing who Wale is, especially a Grammy-nominated artist with more than 2 million Twitter followers."
And adds, "We have reached out to Wale’s management group to see if we can turn this into a positive. We’d like to have him join Matt on the broadcast when we return to Washington at the end of March." 
No word from Wale on whether he'll take the Raptors up on their offer.

Amber Rose, Wiz Khalifa Welcome Baby Boy

Sebastian Taylor was born on Thursday, Feb. 21.

There's a new member of hip hop royalty! 
Amber Rose and Wiz Khalifa welcomed their first child, Sebastian Taylor, in Los Angeles on February 21, 2013, the couple confirmed via Twitter.
"Happy Birthday!!!" wrote Khalifa, 25. “Everyone welcome this perfect young man into the world.”
The rapper gave fans a hint at the good news on Tuesday when he posted a photo of a fetal heart monitor to Instagram with the caption "coming soon." The couple had picked out the name for their baby boy in January, telling L.A. radio station Power106 at the time, "It's a total boss name for a boy."
Added Rose, 29, "It's funny because I came up with the name for our boy and immediately he came up with a rapper [nickname] for him."

Congratulations to the happy family!

Beyoncé Opens Up About Miscarriage

The singer says, "It was the saddest thing I've ever been through."

Her husband, Jay-Z, first mentioned the miscarriage she suffered in the past in his 2012 song "Glory," but up until now Beyoncé has never opened up about that moment. In her upcoming HBO documentary, "Life Is But a Dream," Beyoncé talks about losing her first pregnancy and how she dealt with the pain.

"About two years ago, I was pregnant for the first time. And I heard the heartbeat, which was the most beautiful music I ever heard in my life," she said. "I picked out names. I envisioned what my child would look like ... I was feeling very maternal."

Unfortunately, a trip to the doctor for a checkup revealed that the baby's heart had stopped beating. So she retreated into her music to help her cope with the tragic loss.

"I went into the studio and wrote the saddest song I've ever written in my life," she says. "And it was actually the first song I wrote for my album. And it was the best form of therapy for me, because it was the saddest thing I've ever been through."

She later became pregnant again and gave birth to daughter Blue Ivy in January 2012.

Beyoncé is expected to reveal more personal details of her life in the documentary, which airs Feb. 16 on HBO.

Beyoncé Credits OMG Girlz for Naming Her Instagram

"Baddie Bey" was inspired by the teen pop stars.

Beyoncé is used to being a role model for young girls and aspiring singers, but now she's revealing the influence that three up-and-coming teen pop stars have had on her. In a recent post to her Instagram, Bey gave a shout out to the OMG Girlz, whom she credited for inspiring her Instagram handle, "Baddie Bey."
In a video last November for MyIsh TV, the OMG Girlz called Bey one of their "all-time idols" and counted down "7 Reasons Why Beyoncé Is Such a Baddie."
Beyoncé was thankful for the love, and the nickname.
"Hey Beautiful Young Ladies," she began in one of her signature handwritten Instagram posts. "Thank you so much for the sweet things yall said. You named my instagam !!FYI!!"
Mrs. Carter ended the letter by saying she was "very proud" of the Atlanta trio and that she hoped to see them soon. Since joining Instagram in November, @baddiebey has amassed over one million followers

Lil Wayne Signs Daughter Reginae Carter to Young Money

Weezy’s little girl is stuntin’ like her daddy. 

The Young Money crew welcomes its newest member, Reginae Carter. The 14-year-old singer, formerly of The OMG Girlz, will be taking her talents to the label her father, Lil Wayne, has made famous. During Cash Money’s Pre-Grammy party, Rap-Up TV caught up with Young Money president Mack Maine and announced, "Wayne’s daughter, Reginae, is actually signed to Young Money now."
Mack Maine sang Reginae’s praises and insists she is destined for success because of her talented blood line. "Just expect greatness. She’s Toya [Wright's] daughter and Wayne’s daughter, so that’s a great combination. She’s a mega-star."
In 2010 Reginae left the OMG Girlz, a group assembled by Tameka "Tiny" Cottle, before the trio became a teen pop success. The young Carter will have a lot of pressure on her to bring it as a solo act given that she is the heiress to the Young Money throne.
Mack Maine also revealed some other recent signings by the label which include newbies PJ Morton, Torion Sellers and We the Future.
“Right now, I’m trying to get the Young Money young’ns going,” said Maine.

Lil Wayne: I Slept With Chris Bosh's Wife

Weezy accuses the Miami Heat of ordering his ban from NBA events.

The beef between Lil Wayne and the Miami Heat just got really personal. The hip hop superstar unleashed a flagrant attack on the Heat's Big Three, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, at an All-Star weekend event on Sunday.
In a video that was captured by TMZ, Weezy revealed to partygoers at a Houston nightclub, "The NBA banned me from all NBA events ... because the Miami Heat told them to ban me."
On a weekend that saw the biggest names in music and sports converge on H-town, Wayne believes he was shut out from partaking in All-Star festivities at the request of the Miami organization. So he vented to an audience that came to see him perform alongside Drake and Cash Money boss Birdman.
"When I say f--k, you say NBA! When I say f--k, you say Miami Heat!"
He added, "F--k LeBron. F--k She Wade. F--k Chris Bosh. F--k all y'all."
Of the players named, Weezy aimed his most personal attack at Bosh.
"I f----d Chris Bosh wife."
The rapper is referring to Adrienne Bosh, who wed the perennial NBA All-Star in 2011.
TMZ reached out to Bosh and the Miami Heat organization for comment, but no one has responded.
Though the NBA has not confirmed that they blacklisted the rapper from all events, the rift between the "No Worries" rap star and Miami's star players stems from an incident that occurred last week. During a nationally televised game between the Heat and Los Angeles Lakers, Wayne alleged that the Miami organization kicked him out of the arena for cheering for the visiting Lakers.
"So I’m @ da Heat game right, rootin 4 da Lakers kuz dats my team & would you believe they got police 2 make me leave? Wow! F--k da Heat," Wayne wrote on Twitter.
There were reports that Weezy exchanged words with a Miami fan and was escorted from the arena for making a gun gesture at the fan. There has been a history of bad vibes between Weezy and the Heat.
In a 2011 Rolling Stone article, the rapper blasted Heat stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
"Them n----s never speak to a n---a," Lil Wayne said. "They don’t chunk me the deuce or nothing. N---a spent all that money on them f-----g tickets…Come holla at me. We sit right by them little b---h a-- n----s. At least come ask me why I’m not rooting for you."
Stay tuned to see if Weezy continues to put the full court press on the Heat players.

Family of Emmett Till Writes Open Letter to Lil Wayne

The firestorm over his offensive lyrics on Future's "Karate Chop" remix isn't dying down.

The row over Lil Wayne's offensive lyrics about civil rights movement catalyst Emmett Till — the 15-year-old murdered in 1955 for allegedly whistling at a white woman — on a Future remix continues.

Yesterday, Till's family posted an open letter to Lil Wayne on VIBE.com. "When you spit lyrics like 'beat that p---y up like Emmett Till,' not only are you destroying the preservation and legacy of Emmett Till's memory and name, but the impact of his murder in black history along with the degradation of women," the letter, written by Airickca Gorgon-Taylor, Till Family representative and executive director of the Mamie Till Mobley Memorial Foundation, read.

The letter went on to ask Lil Wayne to "restore honor to Emmett Till's name and legacy" by allying with the Till Foundation to "ignite a modern-day movement." The letter also quoted Stevie Wonder, who last week said the lyric offended him as well.

The song in question, an unofficial remix to Future's "Karate Chop," leaked online last week and has been causing controversy ever since. After Till's family objected, Epic Records, Future's label, apologized for the song and promised it would attempt to take it down from the Web. The label said the song would eventually be re-released without the offending lyrics.

Lil Wayne, however, has yet to comment on the matter — maybe he's too busy talking about Chris Bosh's wife?

Family of Emmett Till Responds to Lil Wayne Lyric

Weezy’s reference to the late Civil Rights figure is considered "offensive."

Anyone who has ever listened to one of Lil Wayne's albums knows that the emcee has a penchant for the shocking, frequently evoking both sexual and violent themes. But some think his latest effort goes too far.

Released online over the weekend, his verse on the remix of Future's "Karate Chop" has created quite a bit of controversy. The lyric at the center of the controversy reads, "Beat that p---y up like Emmett Till." In an interview with Your Black World's Dr. Boyce Watkins, the family of Till expressed their displeasure with the lyric.
"He was murdered for whistling at a white woman in 1955, so to compare his murder and how brutally beaten and tortured he was to the anatomy of a woman was really very disrespectful," said Airickca Gordon-Taylor, Till's cousin, and the founding director of the Mamie Till Mobley Memorial Foundation. "We found it dishonorable to his name and what his death has meant to us as a people and as a culture. It was offensive, but not only to us, but to our ancestors and to women and to themselves as young, black men," Gordon-Taylor said. "I just couldn’t understand how you could compare the gateway of life to the brutality and punishment of death. And I feel as though they have no pride and no dignity as black men."
A 14-year-old Emmett Till was kidnapped, brutally beaten, shot and drowned by white men on August 28, 1955, in Money, Mississippi. His death, and the subsequent acquittal of his murderers, is considered a major catalyst in the civil rights movement.
"Our family was very, very offended, very hurt," Gordon-Taylor said. "Disturbed by it…Our young people they emulate what they see, what they hear and what they’re immersed in. And then we question them as they grow up and become citizens and they’re supposed to be productive in society and they’re not productive. And society is already criminalizing our young, black men at every opportunity that they have. So it just really concerns us that here you are using Emmett Till’s name in such an egregious way, and you’re not having any respect for yourselves as well as our family. And that’s the biggest concern. We’re concerned about our young people as well as the image of Emmett Till."
It's not the first time Till's name has been used in a song. Bob Dylan's "The Death of Emmett Till" tells the story of his murder and the legal battle. Rapper Remy Ma used it in Terror Squad's "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah," and Kanye West did the same in "Through The Wire."
Gordon-Taylor and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition are calling for a boycott of "Karate Chop," charging that the artists should have had enough integrity to not release the song. 
Till's family has reached out to both Future and Weezy, but have not yet heard from them.

Kim Kardashian, Kanye West Expecting Baby Girl

"They're over the moon," say friends of the couple.

Kanye West is getting his wish!
The rapper and girlfriend Kim Kardashian are expecting a baby girl, a source close to West confirms to Us Weekly. The couple, who are due in July, are said to be "over the moon" by the news. "Kanye always wanted a girl," the friend says.
Yeezy's daughter will undoubtedly be one of the best-dressed infants in the world. "If anyone knows Kanye, they just know how into fashion he is, and I think he's going to have things specially made," Kim said of her aspiring fashion designer beau in January. "So I don't think hand-me-downs are going to work."
Kardashian is no less a fashionista than West. The reality star has been rocking edgy, figure-hugging ensembles throughout her pregnancy.

Hopefully, Kim's divorce drama will be resolved well before Baby Girl KimYe arrives. The mom-to-be is expected to face off against her estranged husband Kris Humphries in court this May.

Miguel to Perform With Wiz Khalifa at Grammys

The already packed show just got bigger.

Go ahead and add Wiz Khalifa and Miguel to the already star-studded list of performers for the 55th Annual Grammy Awards. Wiz and Miguel, who were announced as performers for the show today, will join Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Frank Ocean, the Black Keys and many more on Sunday, Feb. 10 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Miguel has been nominated for a total of five Grammy Awards including Song of the Year for "Adorn" and Best Urban Contemporary Album for Kaleidoscope Dream.  Khalifa also has a few nominations of his own for his collaborations with Maroon 5 ("Payphone") and Snoop Dogg ("Young, Wild & Free").
It’s more than likely that the two will perform the "Adorn (Remix)," which was a bonus track on Kaleidoscope Dream.

Wiz Khalifa Releases “Started From the Bottom” Remix

Wiz adds a verse to Drake’s latest anthem.

Taylor Gang capo Wiz Khalifa wasted no time putting his twist on Drake’s newest single, “Started From The Bottom.”  Just two days after the YMCMB rap star let the infectious new track loose, Wiz made sure to add his own verse to a remix.
Khalifa, who released his sophomore LP, O.N.I.F.C., this past December, issued a brief statement about his motive for hopping on the Mike Zombie production. He says, “I know that song juss came out lol but i think it speaks to all of us so i put my verse on it before everyone else does :-)”
Keeping his bars in line with Drake’s origin of rhyme story, Wiz addresses past events including his now defused issues with Waka Flocka and even how he once turned down an offer to join Drizzy on tour. From the sound of Wiz’s verse, however, the Pittsburgh rapper is now extending an olive branch for Taylor Gang and OVO to stack some collective show money. 
While there are sure to be a barrage of “Started From the Bottom” remixes in the next few weeks, coming from the top notch to the bottom of the barrel, who can be mad at how Young Khalifa sets if off.

Drake to Release New Single on Grammy Night >>>TONITE!

Fans will hear first song from Drizzy's untitled third album on February 10.

Looks like Drake isn't satisfied with just being nominated for an award on the biggest night in music. Universal Music just confirmed that the Young Money emcee will release the first single off his highly anticipated third album on the evening of the 55th Annual Grammy Awards. The show will air on CBS on February 10 ,thats tonite.
No word yet on the name of the song, but sources say it might be "Started From the Bottom" or "The Start From the Bottom." Either iteration is an apt description of the rapper's career; Drake burst onto the scene as an unknown with his 2009 mixtape So Far Gone and quickly rose to the top of the game, where his music has dominated the charts.
At this year's show, Drizzy's Grammy Award nominations are for Best Rap Performance for "HYFR (Hell Ya F---ing Right)," Best Rap Song for "The Motto" and Best Album for his sophomore project, Take Care. The album debuted at the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart, and has sold 1.9 million copies to date, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
His forthcoming project is still untitled, but is expected to be released this year. Tune in to the Grammy Awards to see how the Toronto rapper fares against veterans like Nas and Jay-Z, and newcomers Wale and 2 Chainz.

Joe Budden Arrested in New York Before Slaughterhouse Show

An outstanding warrant for a 2007 traffic violation lands the rapper in jail.

Hip hop supergroup Slaughterhouse was in NYC to rock the stage last night, but one member of the band found himself in the slammer instead. Joe Budden was conspicuously absent from the concert, having been apprehended by police on a warrant for a 2007 traffic violation.
The other three members of the Shady 2.0 collective, Royce Da 5'9", Joel Ortiz, Crooked I, broke the news to the audience midway through a set at the packed Best Buy Theater in Midtown, MTV news reports.
After the crowd learned of Joe Budden's arrest, they spontaneously erupted in a show of support, chanting "Joey, Joey, Joey." After the chants resumed whenever the group performed a song with a missing Budden verse, Royce Da 5'9" had to interject.
"We love Joey too, chanting for him ain't gonna get him outta jail," he quipped.

Budden's might have actually brought this attention on to himself. In a recent interview with Power 105's Breakfast Club radio personalities Charlemangne, DJ Envy, and Angela Yee, the New Jersey rapper talked very candidly about his troubles with law. He even mentioned leaving the scene of an accident in the past.

Joe Budden Speaks on Dangers of Molly

The rapper says he was addicted to a popular drug.

It might be the subject of an often repeated line in Trinidad James' hit single "All Gold Everything," but Joe Budden says he knows firsthand that Molly is not a laughing matter.
The New Jersey rapper says he spent last summer binging on the designer drug — which is a powdered form of MDMA, the main chemical in Ecstacy — and barely made it out alive.
"I didn't see a problem with the fact that maybe five days would go by without sleeping," Budden told a Fox affiliate in New Jersey. "I didn't see a problem with the fact that maybe I was hallucinating at times. I didn't see a problem with the fact that I just couldn't get up and walk sometimes."
The drug has been a fixture in clubs for more than a decade, but it is seeing a surge in popularity after being shouted out in lyrics from several artists, including Kanye West, Wale and Rihanna. It's thought of as a "pure" form of Ecstacy, but as Budden's ordeal illustrates, its addictive high can give way to troubling side effects, including paranoia, sleep problems, tremors, blurred vision and more. Responsible for thousands of emergency room visits each year, it also has potential long-term effects, including liver, heart and kidney failure, and even death. And some studies have found that it can cause long-term damage to the brain.
"It just altered your thinking process dramatically and for a thinker like myself that was like nothing I'd ever experienced before," says the MC, who's third studio album, No Love Lost, was released this week.
He says he kicked the habit with the help of his loved ones, and thinks it's important to speak up about his experience. "Now everyone is speaking about Molly like it's the thing to do," he says. "I thought it was important for somebody, anybody, to stand up and say, 'you know, I did that, it's corny.' I'm just hoping that at the end of the day, it won't be me versus the entire music industry when it comes to who a 13-year-old should listen to regarding drugs."
Budden is currently starring in VH1's Love & Hip Hop.

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.