VIDEO: 'BE INSPIRED' THE LIFE OF HEAVY D

on 2/29/2012

To many who knew of the late great Heavy D, as a fan he was the gentleman emcee who had a comfortable swagger with killer dance moves and lyrical content that would make the ladies blush. But to those who knew the late Dwight Arrington Myers he was the positive, uplifting individual who showed a character of inspiration and love to those around him.

In honor of the late great rap pioneer, Centric aired a tribute special showcasing the quality of the man known the world over as 'Heav' with interviews from close friends and colleagues such as Will Smith, Chuck D, Queen Latifah, Johnny Gill, Russell Simmons and many more.

Watch the video after the jump.

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NOTE: CEE-LO GREEN PENNING MEMOIR

on 2/28/2012

Word on the urban net is that  music impresario Cee-Lo Green has plans to pen his first memoir.

According to Billboard, the Goodie Mob/Gnarl's Barkley alum will be teaming up with Rolling Stone writer David Wild to write his first memoir which he is set to release in 2013. The as-of-yet untitled autobiography is already picked up by Grand Central Publishing, and will feature contributions about Cee-Lo's life from long time Goodie Mob member Big Gipp.\

"He dresses in sequined capes, performs with the Muppets and Madonna, and does 360° flips with a grand piano at his fingertips. Imagine all that outrageously unique and creative talent channeled into a book," said Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of Paperbacks at Grand Central Publishing Beth de Guzman.

In a press release regarding the book deal, Cee Lo stated, "FORGET YOU? After reading my book, there will be no doubt that I am meant to be. You will enter into the supernatural, the surreal, and extraordinary. As CeeLo Green, a.k.a. 'everybody's brother,' I will make you a believer. I talk about art imitating life; YOU discover CRAZY."

Billboard

VIDEO: BRIANNA PERRY 'REALITY SHOW'

on 2/27/2012

For the model-physiqued college kid Brianna Perry, life is like a reality show, well at least she can grab the mic and tell it. With an addictive beat worth knockin your head to and a flow dope enough for true Hip-Hop heads to give notice, the young lady repping Poe Boy Music puts a Twenty40-directed visual with her band as she spits about a life behind cameras.

Watch the video after the the jump.

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MUSIC: TEYANA TAYLOR FT. FABOLOUS & JADAKISS 'D.U.I.'

on

With some already notable tracks hittig the streets as of late, Harlem-bred multi-talent Teyana Taylor releases another dope track to the public.

Taking some serious notes from Janet Jackson's "Pleasure Principle," Taylor seductively sings about the bad habit of driving while intoxicated with Jadakiss and Fabolous on the track.

“You might think I’m crazy, but I’m serious.
I think it’s best that you know now.
That when I’m with you boy, I get this feeling
and I don’t wanna slow down
It’s so unusual.
The doctor can’t prescribe the kind of stuff I’m on.
It’s you.
Something beautiful
Distracted behind the wheel. The way I lose control
For you."

Check the audio after the jump.

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NOTE: ANDRE 3000 SPEAKS ON SOLO PROJECT + OUTKAST ALBUM RUMORS

on

Seeing 3 Stacks back on the scene has been a plus for many a rap aficionado since many have been dying to hear the southern gentleman spit another flow.

In an in depth interview with GQ, the other half of ATL Hip-Hop duo Outkast spilled the beans on whats been going on with him which includes if there will be another Outkast album.

On plans for a new ‘OutKast’ album!
There’s been a lot of talk on the Internet about an OutKast album and I have to say that as of now, there are no plans for another OutKast album. There’s a lot of music on the horizon. I’ve been living off the excitement of new artists. I’ve been privileged to have these new artists kind of reach out and grab back and say, “Hey, Andre, we want you on this song.” So I’ve been taking those calls and for the last two years, I’ve been doing collaborations. So these new artists have kind of been keeping me alive. I’ve just really been feeding off of that and this year I think I’m planning to do a solo project. I don’t know when it will come out, but hopefully it’ll come out this year. As far as OutKast, I really don’t know if or when that will happen.

On What To Expect from his new album
The only thing I can really say is I’m going to get back to having fun because that’s what it was all about when I started this in high school—with OutKast—those were like high school dreams. I’m 36 now, so I have grown-man dreams. This album will just be me being myself as normal.

Expectations for your next album couldn’t be higher. What are you most afraid of?
The biggest fear is me thinking about it too much—and that’s why I’m just trying to catch the energy just like I’ve done before. What you all have heard before, I was not thinking, I was just going on cruise control. I was just going at it like any artist. When you look at the Wayne, when you look at the Kanye… I can tell when an artist is in the zone because they’re not thinking and that’s when you’re at your best. So I’m just hoping, at this point, I don’t let my history get in front of my future. You know what I mean?

SPEAK: NICKI MINAJ ADDRESSES BEING LABELED A 'SELL OUT'

on 2/26/2012

Jamie McCarthy, Getty Images

It's no surprise that after the shocking Grammy performance of "Roman Reloaded" that the Hip-Hop world would be a buzz with what in the world was Nicki Minaj doing with her brand. Hot 97's Peter Rosenberg when as far as to call the Young Money First Lady a 'Sell Out' while many of her fans and followers felt left out of the mix seeing that this isn't the music that they remember the 'Head Barbz in Charge' to be making since her early days.

In an interview this past week with Hot 97 and Funkmaster Flex, Nicki Minaj addressed the matter at hand and had this to say:

I would hope that people know at this point that I’m smart enough to know what I’m doing. I always intended putting out something urban right after ‘Starship’ because I knew ‘Starship’ was a monster. I didn’t feel the pressure to be honest. I feel really, really good. I feel like Hip-Hop cares enough that they have something to say and I remember when I was hoping that somebody had something to say about me on the radio or cared enough. Maybe it would be a problem if I couldn’t deliver records like ‘Roman Reloaded’, but I can. Once again, I write my own lyrics so it’s never a problem. Whatever I feel … I can write and I can create it, so I’m good.

I think that people sometimes get blown away by the magnitude of the pop stuff because the pop stuff reaches every where. Then I feel like my Hip-Hop fans or Hip-Hop culture starts getting a little bit afraid that I’m going to leave but this is who I am. I’m not going to change. I’ve just added on to my brand and if you don’t understand that then it’s probably why you don’t travel, you don’t see the world and I probably can’t even have a conversation with you anymore.

[Roman Reload] is not about anyone in particular. My fans, they’re voices are the loudest voices. A critic has never meant a thing to me and that’s why I keep winning. So we’re really good on this side Flex and ‘Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded” drops April 3rd and the Barbz and Romanz Empire will be good, really good.

NecoleBitchie

VIDEO: THE-DREAM "ROC"

on 2/23/2012

After teasing his many followers with some new music before 2011's demise, The-Dream finally puts a visual to his 90s influenced sex anthem "ROC."

For those who like your standard upscale barbecue fare (Burgers, Hot Dogs, Sushi, Popcorn, etc.) with plenty of hot women in either bikini or freakum dress, won't be disappointed in the Radio Killa's new video set at a mansion fit for your favorite bank-earning rap artist, or in this case, your favorite Producer/Singer/Songwriter. It's just needs more rump-shaking like what you get in 2Pac's "I Get Around" video.

Watch the video after the jump.

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MUSIC: KILLER MIKE FT. BUN-B, T.I. & TROUBLE "BIG BEAST"

on 2/21/2012

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the lines between mainstream and indie are well beyond blurred. At least I can attest to Killer Mike's latest single produced by El-P for their upcoming effort R.A.P. Music.

Featuring the lyrical talents of fellow southern rhyme-slayers Bun-B and T.I., (with Trouble on the hook), Killa Kill breaks into "Big Beast" with no mercy:

"Hard Core G ****, Homie I don't play around,Ain't **** sweet bout the Peach, this Atlanta clown,Home of the dealers and the strippers and the club tho',Catcha comin out that Magic City with a snub h**,"

And the rest of the track playing like a rock-rap classic with equal lyrical damage coming from the rest of the emcee line-up.

Check the audio after the jump.

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NOTE: T-PAIN ANNOUNCES TITLE OF NEW MIXTAPE

on

T-Pain wants his avid followers and avid naysayers to understand his love for the music, which is what he plans to do with his next mixtape he's entitled The Heath Ledger Project.

Taking inspiration from the late actor, who died in 2008 shortly after filming The Dark Knight, the Rapper-Turnt-Sanga explained to HipHopDX that the project's title references the Ledger's passion for pursuing a character (like the Joker role that ultimately killed him) as it translates into his passion for pursuing music:

“Well, you know how [Ledger] died. He kind of went crazy because he was so into being the Joker,” he explained. "After they finished shooting [The Dark Knight], he couldn’t stop being the Joker. I think he went so crazy trying to master his craft that he died for what he loved doing. He died mastering his craft...It’s going to be called The Heath Ledger Project because that’s how much I love music. That’s how much passion I have for music. I want to master my craft like [Ledger] tried to do before he died.”

 HipHopDX

VIDEO: GLC "REACH FOR THE TOP"

on

Unless your scared to death of being at the top of the food chain, your probably like GLC and have the intention of doing such.

Rhyming over a dope live drum pattern using a sped-up sample from Sade's 1985 classic "Jezebel," GLC spits his usual sermon about the strive for success, wealth and all of the luxurious things in between. The track comes from his latest free effort Eternal Sunshine of The Pimpin Mind.

Watch the video after the jump.

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MUSIC: MELANIE FIONA FT. B.O.B. "CHANGE THE RECORD"

on 2/20/2012

After earning 2 Grammys (one of which was her duet with Cee-Lo Green for "Fool For You") at this years awards ceremony, Toronto-bred singer Melanie Fiona keeps the show on the road by releasing a new cut off of her upcoming studio effort The MF Life.

The track, entitled "Change The Record," is a bob-your-head worthy uptempo Pop/Rock joint featuring B.O.B. with Fiona singing about a man who, to plainly put it, ain't no good.

The MF Life is set to drop on March 27th and feature tracks with the likes of J.Cole, Nas and T-Pain.

Check the audio after the jump.

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VIDEO: PHARRELL WORKING ON NEXT 'WATCH THE THRONE'?

on

Since he's already credited with producing Jay-Z's heartfelt collabo effort with newborn daughter Blue Ivy Carter for "Glory," folks in the urban blogging world are wondering what is Pharrell's have up next for us.

There is speculation that the super producer is set to work on the next Watch The Throne LP with Jay-Z and Kanye West.

In a recent interview with MTV News, the prominent record producer had this to say:

"Uhh...we're working on something, it's crazy. You know he's very discrete about details and stuff. I'm just a filmmaker, musically. I let everyone else play the roles."

Knowing Pharrell's penchant for delivering dope product, we can only imagine that if he is working on the already highly anticipated project that it will more than likely exceed our expectations.

Get More: Pharrell Williams, Music News

D.A.: REMEMBERING 'THE VOICE'

on

This past Saturday the world got to pay it's respects to the late Whitney Elizabeth Houston. To her devoted fans and followers she was just Whitney Houston, to her family and close friends she was Nippy, and to all that were well aware of her vocal ability she was 'The Voice,' and oh what a voice it was.

I was introduced to that voice in 1990, I was watching the music video to "I'm Your Baby Tonight" on MTV (or was it BET?) at the tender age of 6. I thought it was one of the coolest things I had ever seen. Watching this rich chocolate milk-complexioned sista on my tv screen with big hair, rockin different outfits in different scenes and singing with a voice I had never heard before. At the time I was  a hardcore Michael Jackson fan (still am), there was nothing you could say or do to make me want to add anyone else to the list, but ooooh when I heard that voice.

To many like myself it was an experience seeing such a small woman bring such a powerful gift into the world and still keep it in line with the uptempo nature of the song she was singing.

Read more after the jump.

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LIVE: THE WHITNEY HOUSTON MEMORIAL SERVICE

on 2/18/2012

Broadcasting live with Ustream

NOTE: BEYONCE DROPPING 2 ALBUMS IN 2012

on

Given that it's only been a month since Beyonce gave birth to, most likely, the world's youngest female recording artist, Blue Ivy Carter, she isn't showing any signs of letting up.

According to MTV UK, Ryan Tedder, frontman for Pop/Rock band OneRepublic, is already in talks to work on some new material with the superstar mom who he says has plans to release 2 albums this year.

"The conversations about her next album literally just started and there [are] two projects happening. 

"All I can say is you kind of feed her the best that you have and she's this phenomenal filter and she takes it all in."

LIVE: MARK RONSON WITH ERYKAH BADU, DAP-KINGS & ZIGABOO MODELISTE PERFORM "A LA MODELISTE" ON DAVID LETTERMAN

on 2/17/2012

Everyone was just about present for Mark Ronson's production of "A La Modeliste," Ronson's take on R&B mixed with New Orleans Jazz for the Re: Generation Film Project. Each did their part to give the Letterman crowd a true taste of the iconic New Orleans sound. Erkyah Badu delivered, as always, for the vocals as Ronson led on the piano, Zigaboo Modeliste worked the drums and The Dap-Kings shined on the horns and guitar. Given that the crew was missing Trombone Shorty and Mos Def, everything went according to plan with the ending result in a standing ovation.

Watch the performance after the jump.

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VIDEO: A$AP MOB IN ATLANTA

on

A$AP Rocky feels that he hasn't accomplished anything yet, or as he so bluntly puts it: "I ain't do s***." The Harlem emcee with the heavily southern influenced style of Hip-Hop has made some serious waves before 2012 hit, and even though many would deem his current rise in popularity as a sign of his success, he admits that he won't sleep until he's made entrepreneurs out of everyone in the A$AP Mob.

During their stop in Atlanta for a show at the Masquerade, the A$AP Mob hit up HOT 107.9 for an interview with DJ Drama where A$AP Rocky spoke on whether he still considers himself an underdog before him and A$AP Ferg spit a freestyle. The collective continue their media run at Shade 45 with DJ Green Lantern where Rocky explains his perfectionism and what being at an A$AP show is all about and more.

Watch the video after the jump.

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NOTE: ORGANIZED NOIZE'S SLEEPY BROWN & RICO WADE LAUNCH RECORD LABEL

on

Legendary production team Organize Noize have announced the launch of their new label, 13 Black Records. Known for putting their unique sound on critically acclaimed projects from the likes of Outkast, Goodie Mob and En Vogue are soon to announce some of their first acts.

Rico Wade and Sleepy Brown, credited for bringing Southern Hip-Hop into the mainstream with the renowned Hip-Hop collective The Dungeon Family with Ray Murray, have already placed their stamp on 2011 with their most recent production of the Nappy Roots LP Nappy Dot Org. According to HipHopDX, Ray Murray will not be involved in the new venture.

MUSIC: AUGUST ALSINA FT. CYHI THE PRYNCE "PARTY & BULL****"

on 2/16/2012

We first saw R&B up-and-comer August Alsina make an impact on YouTube with some of his notable renditions of popular songs such as Drake's "Trust Issues" and Lil Wayne's "How To Love." After gaining well over 2.5 million views and 10,000+ subscribers to his YoutTube channel, the talented singer from New Orleans is putting out his own brand of music.

Using the beat from Lil Wayne's popular bass-heavy leak "P**** Money Weed," August comes out with "Party & Bull****," a track featuring G.O.O.D. Music's Cyhi The Prynce where the 18-year-old sings about the lifestyle of "party after party," plenty of alcohol and observing "freaky women doing real freaky things." No word on if there is an upcoming project in the works.

Check the audio after the jump.

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VIDEO: AUSTIN BROWN "MENAGE A TROIS"

on 2/15/2012

If everyone thought like Austin Brown in the sense of the french word for threesomes, then I think there would be less people with dirty minds.

In an effort to put himself out there more. The 26-year-old singer/songwriter/producer pulled out all the stops for his latest single "Menage A Trois" a heavily Motown influenced upbeat track about loving two women at the same time.

The song is about a love triangle, unexpectedly falling in love with two different women in two different ways. We wanted to take a saying that has a known meaning and flip it to reflect something that people might find themselves going through.

Austin's plan is to release a new song through his label The Royal Factory every week via his website at live.austinbrown.com in an effort to get more true fans and followers to listen to his unique brand of new but classic Pop/Soul & R&B.

Watch the video after the jump.

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NOTE: DAWN RICHARD LEAVES BAD BOY WITH NEW MUSIC

on

Okay, I gotta confession to make: I too have been guilty of referring to the talented Dawn Richard as the Americanized Dawn Richards, thinking that was her name the whole time. But oh was I wrong when I found out in an 106 & Park Interview that the up-and-coming solo artist not only didn't have an "s" at the end of her name, but it was French in it's pronunciation. So I quickly saw the error in my ways and dually-noted that if I want to get cool points with the beautiful and talented Dawn... It's Richard (pronounce Reh-Shard)... not Richards. My Bad!!!!

Now that I've got that out the way, it has been reported on Necole Bitchie that the up-and-coming singer/songwriter has left Bad Boy Records to continue on an independent solo career. Known for her stint as a member of both Danity Kane and Diddy-Dirty Money, Dawn has been building quite a fan base with her own sound since she released her first mixtape The Prelude to A Tell Tale Heart back in 2010. Even though many viewed the split as a business relationship gone sour between Dawn and Bad Boy Label head Sean "Diddy" Combs, She asserts that there is none and that she will still be working on new material with Diddy-Dirty Money.

Read more + New Music after the jump.

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VIDEO: SIR MICHAEL ROCKS FT. JEREMIH "MISS JANE"

on

Sir. Michael Rocks is convincing us that there is a Miss Jane... and she's taken.

Still fresh off of releasing his latest mixtape Premier Politics, Mikey Rocks delivers the latest video for the R&B-laced uptempo track "Miss Jane" with Jeremih. Using a concept of live artwork in a fancy picture frame, the Chicago emcee shows some psychedelic imagery to convey how much he digs being with "Miss Jane."

Watch the video after the jump.

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MUSIC: USHER "CLIMAX"

on

In an effort to show a departure from the high energy Dance/Pop sound found on his 2010 release Raymond V. Raymond (and Versus), Usher returns to his more soft and seductive side with the release of "Climax," a slow jam strongly reminiscent of his earlier works.  The Diplo produced track features the veteran using his signature falsetto to swoon whoever the lovely lady is he's singing to with a modern, pop-inspired down-tempo beat. At least thats what it sounds like.

Check the audio after the jump.

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NOTE: CEE-LO GREEN ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM + GOODIE MOB

on

2012 has been good to Cee-Lo Green, after winning Best Traditional R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for "Fool For You" (his duet with Melanie Fiona), I'd say that the Soul Machine is ready to tackle 2012 with some more of his entertaining blend of Eclectic Soul and R&B music.

According to urban gossip and entertainment blog Rap-Up.com, Cee-Lo hit up his twitter account to announce that he will be releasing his follow-up to 2010's The Lady Killer with an album entitled Everybody's Brother.

In addition to the exciting news, the singer also announced the new title of Goodie Mob's next album We Sell Drugs Too. The group, who's last release (technically) was in 2004 with One Monkey Don't Stop No Show (minus Cee-Lo), has decided to do a name change and call the upcoming project Age Agsainst The Machine.

Cee-Lo got his start in the early 90s as a member of Goodie Mob both as a singer and an emcee, he is currently serving as a judge on the second season of popular NBC music competition The Voice.

D.A.: HOW THE BET HONORS EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS + WHO IS LUKE JAMES?

on 2/14/2012

It's a safe assumption that many feel a great deal of pride after they've watched a show like The BET Honors, the network's yearly formal celebration honoring African-American luminaries in the categories of Entertainment, Media, Education, Service and etc. At least I can speak for myself and say that I was inspired after watching.

Similar in taste to such grande occasions as The NAACP Image Awards and UNCF's An Evening of Stars (Which also airs on the network), The BET Honors showcases thoughtful recognition to it's award recipients (identified as Honorees) with a focus on each person's body of work. The show is livened up with celebrity presenters and live performances that are for the most part "spot on." 2012's ceremony wasn't any different with this year's occasion honoring Legendary musician and singer Stevie Wonder, Airforce veterans The Tuskegee Airmen, Veteran Filmmaker Spike Lee, Univ. of Texas, Austin Track & Field Coach Beverly Kearney and Poet and American Icon Maya Angelou with actress Gabrielle Union taking on hosting duties (and being as funny as she wanted to be).

Read more + Who is Luke James after the jump.

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VIDEO: LUKE JAMES "I WANT YOU"

on

For many, the introduction to R&B singer Luke James came in the form of an awe-inspiring performance of his new song "I Want You" at last nights airing of the BET Honors. The New Orleans born crooner came onstage generally an unknown, but after hearing him belt out his tune about a woman he can't live without with comfortable ease, he left with a standing ovation (and a serious jump in Twitter followers). Many swore that regardless of the talent of R&B artists that did well in 2011, the state of R&B was still in trouble.... well, that was before they saw James last night.

Watch the video after the jump.

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MUSIC: BOBBY HILFIGER "WHEN WE WERE YOUNG"

on 2/13/2012

Using a name that references an American iconic brand in fashion as his stage presence, Bobby Hilfiger expresses his desire to create timeless Hip-Hop with the piano-laden Jazz-influenced track for the C.J. Francis produced "When We Were Young." The 21-year-old emcee from Lithonia, GA reminisces the highlights and observations of his younger days:

"Instead of children out here reminiscin' about their first kiss, Lil' Timmy's in the house, turnin up the free bricks,
Probly' cursin at his friends callin every girl a b****, Often worry bout her future with these problems that exist,"

Check the audio after the jump.

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D.A.: ADELE SHUTS DOWN THE GRAMMYS, NICKI MINAJ HAS AN EXCORCISM!?

on

Even though I'm what you would call a devoted Grammy Awards spectator and fan, this years awards were.... okay at best. If anyone knows me, then you know I'll watch only for the performances and nothing else (I never keep my hopes up for the nominees) and last night's just wasn't hittin for me except for a few that impressed me. 

I'll just cut to the chase and give you what I thought were my set of spot on performances, so here goes. Of those who hit the stage at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards (and who really caught my attention) were the likes of legendary Rocker Bruce Springsteen and The E. Street Band (who started the show off with a necessary bang), overtly talented Hooligan Bruno Mars doing some serious footwork in honor of James Brown, R&B soulstar Alicia Keys & Bonnie Raitt singing a great tribute to the late great Etta James, and Country musician Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson doing a great performance even thought Jason's mic got cut off near the conclusion of the performance (and I don't even dig Country music). I was really enjoying myself as I watched them all perform. 

Read more + my take on Nicki Minaj's Grammy Performance after the jump.

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NOTE: JENNIFER HUDSON TO HONOR WHITNEY HOUSTON WITH TRIBUTE AT TONIGHT'S GRAMMY AWARDS

on 2/12/2012

After hearing yesterday's tragic news of Whitney Houston's passing, tonights Grammy Awards will honor the late entertainer with a tribute. According to Billboard, the show's producer Ken Erhlich told CNN that Recording Academy President Neil Portnow has confirmed Jennifer Hudson to take part in a tribute to the late Pop Icon.

"Whitney was a multi-Grammy winner, she appeared on the show a number of times. We're very saddened, and we don't want to rush into anything that wouldn't be respectful," Ehrlich said.

RIP: WHITNEY HOUSTON DIES AT 48

on 2/11/2012

With the Grammy's set to air tomorrow night it has been reported on CNN that legendary singer and entertainer Whitney Houston was found dead in her Beverly Hilton Hotel room today. The singer, age 48, was in town for Clive Davis's Pre-Grammy celebration and other Grammy festivities when her bodyguard founder her body at 3:55pm (6:55 p.m. ET).

The late singer got her start in the industry at the young age of 19 in 1985 as a protege for Clive Davis. The model-turned entertainer made a splash onto the scene with her powerhouse vocals singing some of the worlds most memorable Pop and R&B tunes which include "How Will I Know," "Greatest Love of All," "I Wanna Dance With Somebody," "I Will Always Love You," and many many more which have garnered her numerous awards (including a slew of Grammys) and a career selling over $170 million records.

Even though many would note her talent as a Pop singer, Houston would make a name for herself on the silver screen with starring roles in such films as The Bodyguard with Kevin Costner, Waiting To Exhale with Angela Bassett, Loretta Divine and Lela Rochon and The Preacher's Wife alongside Denzel Washington. Before her passing, Houston would work alongside Jordin Sparks for the remake of 1976 period film Sparkle.

The singer's last performance was at Kelly Price's Pre-Grammy concert on Thursday, February 9th where she performed "Jesus Loves Me."

MUSIC: TEYANA TAYLOR FT. HONEY COCAINE "BAD BOY"

on 2/10/2012

Were we ever really shocked that Teyana Taylor could flow knowing she's one hot tomboy with a deep Harlemite accent to match?! Not exactly, anyone already familiar with the NY native would know that she's a talent to be reckoned with seeing that she's got singer, songwriter, dancer and actor posted allover her resume these days.

As far as the track is concerned, Mizz Taylor effortlessly spits about her preferred "Bad Boy" with Tyga-affiliated artist Honey Cocaine on a bass track worthy of the background music for a dope action flick trailer (Hey, maybe Bad Boys 3... hmmmmm). No word on whether this will be on Teyana's upcoming EP entitiled The Misunderstandings of Teyana Taylor.

Check the audio after the jump.

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VIDEO: BTS OF REVAUGN BROWN'S "SAME OL' B.S." + OFFICIAL VIDEO

on

If you were to ask Ne-Yo to give you something about his upcoming artist Revaugn Brown, then it would go something like:

Stuff that isn't so common is how good of a person she is, how... how serious she is about her craft..... Even if not above talent, then even at the level of talent, what you need in order to get into this business is work ethic..... That's who Revaugn is, she's serious about this, she walks, talks, lives and breathes this music. 

Shooting the official video for "Same ol' B.S." Revaugn Brown emits a character of focus, the kind you only see when you know someone wants it. Or as Ne-Yo so eloquently puts it "walks, talks, lives and breathes..." it. Shot on location in Atlanta, GA you get to see the woman at work as she's set to make you believe she's just not finding the right guy wherever she goes.

Watch the video + more after the jump.

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NOTE: GORILLAZ ANNOUNCE COLLABO WITH ANDRE 3000 & JAMES MURPHY

on

The last time you heard from virtual Alternative Pop/Soul band Gorillaz was way back in 2010 when they delivered their free  project The Fall to their undying number of fans. Now the animated outfit of musical talent is teaming up with Andre 3000 and James Murphy for a new track entitled "Do Ya Thing" for Converse's 'Three Artist's, One Song' campaign. The band will also be releasing a line of retooled converse kicks for the series set for February 23rd.

Fader

VIDEO: ONE CHANCE "WALK OF SHAME"

on

What happened to the talented 4 known to devoted listeners/followers allover as One Chance? Most can say that they had so much promise seeing that (sadly) a majority of the quality music that they made under Usher's US Record Label was leaked after an unsuccessful bout to release the material via a debut album. So the story is where are they now? Well, theres  good news. After being dropped from US Records, the band of singers kept hope alive and headed to T-Pain's Nappy Boy Imprint in 2009, and not only were they featured on the label's compilation mixtape in 2010, Nappy Boy All-Stars Vol. 1 (Hosted by Exclusive J) but they put out their own free music in 2011 with Ain't No Room For Talkin'. Now the band of brothers are back and ready to give us their particular brand of laid-back R&B, and hopefully with no problems.

Putting a visual to the track "Walk of Shame," the quartet delve into the mindset of a man who has to make the ultimate decision to walk away all while telling it through red and blue displays. The story is depressing but ultimately eye-catching seeing that in most scenes you see what R&B joints have been missing for quite a while... a Ballet dancer. Things were so much classier in the early 90s, glad to see these guys brought it back.

The song comes from a yet-to-be-titled debut album the group is releasing sometime this year.

Watch the video after the jump.

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MUSIC: LABRINTH FT. BUSTA RHYMES "EARTHQUAKE" REMIX + MORE

on 2/09/2012

UK Singer/songwriter and Producer Labrinth has already made a name for himself across the pond since he signed with Simon Cowell's Syco label in 2010 and has has people noticing with his intense take on the music. Now the multi-talent is seriously gearing up to release his debut Electronic Earth to the public in March and has re-released his electro smash hit "Earthquake" (which hit the airwaves back in October of 2011 with Tinie Tempah) with a gruesome lyrical feature from Busta Buss. To those unfamiliar with Labrinth's sound should look no further than  the intergalactic madness that is the high-energy track.

Check the audio + more after the jump.

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VIDEO: JAY-Z & KANYE WEST "N***AS IN PARIS"

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What makes a dope track even doper? I know wait wait, don't tell. a visual that compliments it well. Not to sound like a broken record but if a track is already causing religious conversions coupled with adrenaline rushes then the video set to show all it's dopeness should make you run to your computational device or television and make you a life member. Well, that might have just happened with Jay-Z and Kanye West's latest mad scientist project of sorts.

With the announcement that the duo would be dropping a visual to accompany their crazy hit single sometime this week, the only thing people really didn't know was WHEN it would happen like it ever really mattered. Well thats messed up Jay & Ye seeing that people love chanting "That ish Cray" or "Ball So Hard..." multiple times to themselves they might have needed a Catholic priest to come in and perform an exorcism. Oh look, it's the illuminati ya'll...

Watch the Throne err... um... video after the jump.

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NOTE: BEYONCE NEEDS A REMIX FOR "END OF TIME"

on

Anyone can take a wild guess and make the assumption that Mrs. Carter (known to the world over as Beyonce) is back on her grind again even after successfully bringing baby Blue Ivy Carter into the world. This time she's looking for the next big thing with a contest to see who can do the do on the Remix to her hit single "End of Time" off of her critically-acclaimed 4 album that dropped early 2011. The top 50 submissions with the most votes will get a second look and the ultimate winner will receive the grand prize of $4,000 and their remixed track featured as an upcoming release.

Visit BeyonceOnline for more details.

UPDATE: ANDRE 3000 FEATURED IN GILLETTE'S 'MASTERS OF STYLE' AD

on

You've probably already seen it, but just in case you haven't, 3 Stacks is featured in the latest in a series of Gillette Commercials where he shows off his signature style and discusses what makes him so clean cut and fresh.

Watch the updated video after the jump.

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VIDEO: G-SIDE FT. STALLEY & JOI TIFFANY "GETTIN IT"

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It's amazing when you know theres talent in the room, I can recall seeing Joi Tiffany once do her thing on the mic as host of an event at Focus Lounge (now called Focus Live) in good ol' Huntsville, AL. As a student attending Alabama A&M I witnessed the charismatic young singer ad lib her hosting gig with jazzy accolades to (at the time) her love of Mescato wine, and to see her allover the urban blogosphere now is crazy (I just WISHED ya'll hit me up at least... dang).

Compared to the likes of Hip-Hop greats OutKast, G-Side is a hip-hop duo to be reckoned with both in the department of lyrics and music, I remember doing those flyers for their live shows in and around Huntsville (Joi was the main contact) and word on Facebook these guys have something good going for them. Their latest video for "Gettin It" is just one of many I hope to see from them off of their studio release iSLAND.

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MUSIC: BEI MAEJOR FT. WAKA FLOCKA "LIGHTS DOWN LOW"

on

I normally wouldn't dare post anything with Waka Flocka's name on it, even if it features a collabo with one of my preferred singer/songwriter/producers Bei Maejor. Nothing against ya boi, it's just I never really dug the man's stuff, but I've had a change of heart recently and seeing that I do like this new joint I decided to let it ride.

According to HipHopWired the new joint will appear on Bei Maejor's upcoming EP entitled Upscale.

Check the audio after the jump.

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LIVE: IGGY AZALEA "PICTURE ME ROLLIN"

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I feel bad for not posting anything about Australian femcee and up-and-comer Iggy Azalea. To be quite honest it had nothing to do with the fact that she was white and she could rap, but everything to do with the fact that she was an interesting breed of emcee. She's a haute couture model-type who raps like your favorite southern emcee, can bust a freestyle in a minute and has an undying love for the late great Tupac Shakur all while still keeping it sexy. Now call me crazy, but doesn't that sound a bit too far-fetched?! maybe.

But to finish off my positive rant, the 21-year-old Australian standout caught my attention like the rest of the world when she dropped the oddly controversial video to "Pu$$y" (inspired by a certain scene in 90s flick Boomerang) and later on "My World" (starring D-Bo) and "The Last Song" before 2011 ended. I'd be ignorant if I didn't say this chick doesn't have massive potential, her early work (which includes numerous viral videos of her freestyles on YouTube) speaks for itself and the fact that T.I. reached out and is now Executive Producing her debut entitled The New Classic  geared for a summer release tells me that she really is just getting started. So am I regretful for not believing the hype about the upcoming talent, Yes... Greatly.

Yesterday the rising star did a live show at Dim Mak Studios in L.A. to perform some of her more notable tracks and premier a new joint off her debut called "Picture Me Rollin" inspired by (you guessed it) 2pac.

Watch the performance after the jump.

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VIDEO: NICKI MINAJ & LL COOL J FEATURED IN GRAMMY PROMO

on 2/08/2012

The 54th Annual Grammy Awards are coming up and to get get people hyped for the momentous occasion CBS aired the new promo video featuring Queens representatives Nicki Minaj and LL Cool J for a hilarious promo. While LL is beatboxing, Nicki shakes her rump to the music only to find that the Hip Hop Legend can't keep up.

LL will be hosting this years event while Nicki is currently nominated in 4 categories and will be premiering a new track entitled "Roman Holiday" at the event airing Sunday.

Watch the video after the jump.

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NOTE: WCLK'S NICOLE SWEENEY AND THE STATE OF RADIO

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Since I was a youngin living my early teenage life in the A-Town (back when there really was a Freaknik), I do recall hearing the seductive voice of a Ms. Nicole Sweeney on Atlanta's critically-acclaimed Midday Jazz Swing. Yes, it's true, I'm a Jazz junkie, and it serves me right that I am becuase without this genre of American iconography, I wouldn't grow to appreciate the urban sounds I know and love. Nicole agreees with me, well according to her Rolling Out interview me and her would concur. In the brief interview the radio personality delves into what got her into the radio game, her take on the state of the industry and of course, her love for the music.

Heres some excerpts from the interview:

On her choice to work in radio
I listened to radio like it was my life. When I was growing up in New York I didn’t have a TV in my room, but I did have a radio. So when I was on punishment and my parents sent me to my room, I would turn on the radio and record shows for two hours-

On how radio has changed
It’s more about the music than the radio experience. Even now the music is so different. Back then music really spoke to you and it made you feel good. There is music now that makes you feel a little off and a little weird.

On the contradictions between Jazz and Contemporary Music
I interviewed a saxophone player out of New Orleans named Donald Harrison, Jr., who was a mentor to Biggie Smalls. He had Biggie listening to some of the greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Bill Evans. … Jazz has been the common denominator that connects us to many so many types of music.

Read more at RollingOut.com

VIDEO: PLAYBOY TRE "PATRON & INSTRUMENTALS"

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Looking to release his free album Patron & Instrumentals soon, Playboy Tre gets his followers set with the video for the album's namesake, a reflective and laidback joint that puts the Decatur emcee in a rare moment as he's ready to become a father.

Watch the video after the jump.

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