the chal banz blog

Just in time with the release of Ludacris' new album; "Battle Of The Sexes"; Ludacris teams up with Trojan Magnum condoms. Given the free promotion Magnum gets from rappers; why not and I'm not too surprised to see an artist like Ludacris team up with them anyway. Read more below about Ludacris as well as stories on Aretha Franklin's tax troubles and Usher becoming a father again! Condom brand Trojan Magnum is using hip hop – by way of Ludacris – to promote its new nationwide campaign celebrating men who choose Magnum as their primary protection of choice. The Magnum Live Large Project encourages safe sex by having participants write and record rhymes about their use of Magnums, Trojan’s largest line of condoms. Contestants can visit MagnumLiveLarge.com to download a base track to which they can record their own Magnum-inspired lyrics. Visitors will vote for their favorite and a panel of judges, including Ludacris, will pick the top ten based on creativity...

Toni Braxton had multiple hit singles from her 1993 self-titled debut album and "Breathe Again" is just one of many. Listening to this song just brought back a lot of memories for me. Check it out!

Toni Braxton's "More Than A Woman" is one of her least successful albums but it doesn't mean that the material here is not good. In fact Toni Braxton remains very consistent on this album as she is on any other album of hers. "More Than A Woman" was released in late 2002 and went gold primarily off of Toni's name alone. The singles here weren't successful but still strong songs like the first single; "Hit The Freeway" featuring Loon and produced by The Neptunes. Toni would later denounce this album since it was not as successful as her others. But Toni did work with a lot of outside producers on this album like Rodney Jerkins[on "Do You Remember When"] and Irv Gotti[on "Me & My Boyfriend]. The album opens up strong with "Let Me Show You The Way(Out)" which to me should of been a single. Mannie Fresh shows up on the kiss off; "Give It Back"(which is a personal favorite). Andrea Martin[who co-wrote Melan...

For iheartradio Usher performs "There Goes My Baby"; one of the many songs he has on radio from his newest album; "Raymond v. Raymond" in stores now! Check it out! ---------------- Now playing: Young Money - Every Girl In The World via FoxyTunes

Monica was caught completely off guard when asked about her notorious stank attitude. Obviously Monica never knew such a reputation existed but I definitely always remembered reading and hearing Monica had a really bad attitude but at the same time it could of been mistaken for a very mature and confident woman which you see in the video. Monica's 'Still Standing' album is in stores now and her new single; 'Here I Am' should be impacting really soon if it hasn't already.

Everyone has had something to say about Nicki Minaj and rap legend; Pepa[of Salt N Pepa] speaks on Nicki Minaj and her image. Read more below about that story as well as 2Pac's mother's arrest and Eve's fall out with Interscope Records. “Not everyone’s role model material, but we do have a sense of responsibility because kids listen more to us than they would their parents. But [Nicki's] young, so how’s she gonna enlighten?’ She’s new, she’s excited and what happens when you have a male camp backing you? Yeah, you might be singing those kinds of lyrics,” she says with a laugh. “That’s what happens when you have a male camp dictating how you should be.” 2Pac's Mother Arrested For Drug Possession! Late rapper Tupac Shakur's mother, Afeni, was arrested earlier this month on a drug possession charge after being busted by North Carolina police. According to reports, Afeni was arrested on April 16. The mother of late rapper Tupac Shakur was arrested earlier t...

When Justin Timberlake released his debut album; "Justified" it was a really big deal and with The Neptunes at the production helm; Justin couldn't go wrong. With "Rock Your Body"; it was just another huge single from his catalog and ironically it would become the song that Justin would perform with Janet during the infamous Super Bowl performance that exposed her nipple. Justin has been taking his time releasing a new album but he does appear on the new Jamie Foxx song; "Winner" which also features T.I.

Mariah Carey's "Butterfly" is one of her sultriest and classiest albums in her catalog. No Mariah is not doing her signature belting but she is softer and more subtle. It would become a style of singing she would also explore in later albums. The songs featured on "Butterfly" are beautifully arranged and it marks Mariah's official divorce from Tommy Mottola. Strangely enough instead of leaving Sony which was run by Mottola at the time; Mariah stayed at the label for another two years before moving to Virgin Records then Island Def Jam. The debut single; "Honey" featured Mariah as we had never seen her before and the title track; "Butterfly" was just like any other signature Mariah Carey ballad. "My All" went to #1 and "Breakdown" was the B-Side and also got the video treatment. One of my favorite songs is "Fourth Of July" and it perfectly captures the romantic sentiment between two lovers during the holidays....

Check out the single cover for the new Sade single! Sade's "Soldier Of Love" album recently went platinum! Music Biz: Ashanti To Appear On The Biggest Loser! It’s one of the most eagerly anticipated events every season — The Biggest Loser makeover episode! First, the remaining six contestants get $1,000 shopping sprees at their favorite stores before heading to the salon to meet celebrity hair stylist Jonathan Antin and begin their makeovers. Then it’s time for amazing reveals and emotional surprise reunions, when the made-over players show off their incredible new looks to loved ones flown in to help them celebrate their big day. Later the contestants and their guests are treated to an unforgettable concert from recording artist Ashanti, who shares her inspirational music. This week’s challenge finds the players climbing Jacob’s Ladder cardio machines while suspended over a pool, with the winner getting a weigh-in related prize. And finally, two contestants fall below th...

T.I. is back with a vengeance as he is poised to release his new album; "King Uncaged" in stores August 17. "I'm Back" leaked out awhile ago and now the single is getting the video treatment. Check it out! I'm not noticing a lot of recent videos being filmed in black and white. Of course this is no new thing but Young Jeezy's new video is in black and white too and some others too; I just can't think of them right now. ---------------- Now playing: Dru Hill - In My Bed via FoxyTunes

Monica's beef with Brandy is industry legend and when they were younger the two did a duet; "The Boy Is Mine" which was a monster single. Here; Monica talks about her old beef with Brandy; growing up; and the possibility of a duet between the two again. Check it out!

Fantasia made it clear in 2006 that the kinda man she wanted was none other than a "Hood Boy" and the song and video kinda ruffled some feathers. The song wasn't a hit on the pop charts but it peaked at #21 on the R&B charts. Fantasia recently signed on for a second season of her reality show; "Fantasia: For Real". Fantasia's first single; "Bittersweet" from her upcoming untitled album recently leaked out so make sure you all look out for that.

Mario's "Go" was a departure from his previous albums since Mario became more grown up and more explicit. The explicit title track was produced by The Neptunes and is one of my personal favorites. There is a lot of star power here in the form of producers including Akon on "Do Right" and Timbaland on "No Definition"(another favorite of mine). The star power and Mario's consistency on this album was somewhat overlooked since the majority of this album leaked out nearly a year before it was released in stores. The constant push backs of this album didn't make matters any better. Mario did manage to crank out a few hits including another favorite; "Crying Out For Me" which always reminded me of an Usher song. The first single; "How Do I Breathe" never really took off. It was pretty much denounced as as "Let Me Love You" like retread. All in all this was one of the better albums of 2007 and though Mario didn't have...

Music Biz: Mariah Carey Plans Second Christmas Album! It’s only April, but Mariah Carey is already getting in the holiday spirit. The pop diva recently shot the packaging for her new Christmas album with famed photographer David LaChapelle. U.K. newspaper The Times interviewed LaChapelle while he was prepping for his festive shoot with the singer at his Los Angeles studio. He photographed Carey for her 1999 album Rainbow and directed her “Loverboy” music video. The seasonal visuals called for a graffitied city backdrop, fake snow, a “hideous” silver tree, and wooden cutout reindeers. “Mariah wanted real ones,” said LaChapelle. “Flown from Nebraska. Can you imagine, real reindeer?” Despite her request for real reindeer, he insisted the songbird “isn’t a diva,” adding, “She never pisses on the little people.” Carey hinted that she was working on a new project after scrapping plans for her Angels Advocate remix album. She has been in the studio recording with Jermaine Dupri,...

He could perhaps be best known for his extensive work with Brandy but also artists such as Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson. Rodney Jerkins rose to prominence through his work with Brandy on her second album; "Never Say Never". It was after that album's success where his star started to rise. He would eventually create a sound[with Brandy] that would serve as a sound for many of the artists Rodney would work with. This signature sound upset Brandy and led her to speak out. Brandy's speaking out has created friction between the working and personal relationship between her and Rodney Jerkins. First appearing as a producer on Gina Thompson's debut album; "Nobody Does It Better"; Rodney was a virtual unknown but showed a lot of promise. Rodney would later appear on Mary J. Blige's 1997 album; "Share My World"(which is one of my personal favorites). The list below represents some of the songs Rodney Jerkins has blessed us with over the years...

Lately there has been an overwhelming amount of celebrities who have had naked leaked pictures surface. Now some of these leaks are by mistake and some are for the advancement of those said artists' perspective careers. Now a little nudity never hurt anybody now has it? The following artists below have all fallen victim to naked leaked pictures in recent months. Trina - During last year's BET's Hip Hop Awards; Trina's phone was stolen and inside contained numerous pictures of Trina naked and pictures of Trina breaking out in hives. Of course Trina was devastated by the leak and claimed she would take further suit. Que[formerly of Day 26] - Que was quite the dysfunctional member in Day 26 but he never bit his tongue whenever there was a problem. After Day 26's seasons of "Making The Band" have been off air; Que has been pretty low profile until last week when nude pictures leaked of him. There wasn't an official word on the leaked photos at press time...

Jennifer Lopez appeared on "Lopez Tonight" taking on a Marilyn Monroe inspired costume and sings Happy Birthday. Check it out! Jennifer Lopez is currently starring in the new movie; "The Back Up Plan" which debuted at #2 this weekend at the box office with an estimated $12.5 million dollars. ---------------- Now playing: Alicia Keys - Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready) (featuring Drake) via FoxyTunes

This was the first single and video from Aaliyah's "One In A Million" album which would go 3x platinum I believe. This is one of my favorite songs from the album and the video is good too. Check it out!

For Aaliyah's second album; "One In A Million" she hooked up with the then unknown production team of Missy Elliott and Timbaland. While Timbaland supplied the beats; Missy wrote the songs. The album resulted in a 17 song collection of songs that deal with everything you would come to expect of any R&B album in the late 90s era. This album was released in 1996 during the time there was no Brandy or Monica album on shelves. It gave Aaliyah a great time to reintroduce not only herself but Timbaland and Aaliyah. The album took a minute to catch on but once it finally did; it took off in a really big way. There were the singles; the sassy; "If Your Girl Only Knew" and the slow groove; "One In A Million". There are a lot of fun songs here and they are all very memorable. Some of my favorite songs are "A Girl Like You" featuring Treach of Naughty By Nature; "Giving You More"; and "I Got'cha Back". Just thinking about the...

Since Nicki Minaj has taken off due to her guest appearances on many songs; everyone seems to have an opinion on this young rap star. Watch what Nicki has to say about haters; female rap; and her video for "Massive Attack". Music Biz: Anita Baker, Mary J. Blige To Record Duet! Among her fans is "Queen of Hip-hop Soul," Mary J. Blige, who has asked Baker to join her on a jazz album. "Mary and I — I have a song, and we've talked about it," says Baker. "I have a retro piece that we're cutting today that I'm going to send to her." Baker says she looks forward to the collaboration. "These young ladies have just really empowered me for the 21st century. I mean that just touches me. And just the support that these ladies give me is amazing. They just give me an energy that I didn't know I would have right now."

New female rapper Keys has not hid her dislike for Nicki Minaj and everything she stands for. Some people feel like she is doing this for attention; which I feel she is. Why couldn't she just come out with her own song? Maybe she has. I'm not sure. But anyway Nicki Minaj released a video awhile back responding and made it pretty clear she wouldn't respond back and personally I don't blame her.

2010 must be the year of the R&B singer turned rapper. We've seen it in Ciara's latest video and Brandy is thinking about it with her Bran'Nu alias. Now Chris Brown is rapping and personally after hearing this; its clear she should just stick to dancing. Music Biz: Rihanna Hospitalized! A media outlet in Switzerland reported that Rihanna was rushed to the hospital Monday night after performing a sold-out show in Zurich. According to Swiss news provider Blick, the singer was taken from the Hallenstadion venue to the Hirslanden private clinic in a blacked-out Mercedes after midnight. She was reportedly treated for an unknown condition before leaving the hospital at around 2:55 a.m., when she was taken back to the venue. “The singer Rihanna came yesterday evening to the emergency room. We do not know the details,” said Alenka Ambroztold, head of the clinic’s corporate communications. Rihanna was reportedly deemed fit enough to continue her tour in Lyon, France last nig...

This was truly a ladies night as Lil' Kim not only featured the guest vocalists on the song in this video but everyone from Queen Latifah to Changing Faces to Xscape to Mary J. Blige were in this video. It is truly an entertaining and fun video to watch. Check it out!

Originally "Da Real World" was named after Missy's first single; "She's A Bitch" but Missy opted for a different title in order to not promote a bad message. "Da Real World" is easily one of my favorite Missy Elliott albums. I think out of all her albums; this one really gives a futuristic feel thanks to Timbaland's production. It should be noted that the production here is a little darker and thematic. Missy has a lot of guest artists on this album but she remains the star on this album. She is never overwhelmed or outdone by the guests here. Each Missy album has always been notorious for featuring the hottest artists[at the time] on her albums including Eminem who appears on "Bust A Rhyme". I remember the summer this album came out and my sister bought it. Listening to the album then; I realized what a great album it was. I would eventually purchase my own copy of this album and its one of the many in my collection. I haven't pl...

Teairra Mari's "Sponsor" single may be out and doing well but Teairra is already planning on her next single; "Automatic" which features Nicki Minaj. The song is not exactly new as it leaked eons ago but it is a pretty hot song. Music Biz: 50 Cent To Trace Ancestry On VH1 Special! The soon-to-be tattooless 50 Cent will trace his family roots as part of an upcoming VH1 Rock Doc titled “50’s Roots,” the network announced. The rapper, based in South Jamaica, Queens, will head to the deep south and meet with living family members en route to discovering more about his slave lineage. The “Rock Doc” is being produced in conjunction with 50 Cent and Roadside Entertainment and is part of 44 new shows VH1 unveiled today for 2010. The new programming reflects a study VH1 conducted, to gain insight into what viewers of the network actually wanted to see. “They told us that they want to connect even more with our characters, our artists and our celebrities – but in a more g...

I must of missed the memo but I thought King magazine folded but apparently not. I do remember reading that Trina would be on King magazine but I figured it was a mistake. I guess not. I think this is Trina's fourth or fifth time gracing the cover and its just in time as her new album; "Amazin'" is due in stores on May 4. Make sure you check it out and cop the new King magazine when it lands on newsstands. Music Biz: Nicki Minaj Wants To Work With Beyonce! There’s no stopping Nicki Minaj. The Young Money femcee can check Mariah Carey, Usher, and Ludacris off her growing list of collaborators, and now she’s eyeing the next prize. The rising star’s plan of attack includes penning a song for another dominant force in pop music. “I think I could come up with some crazy stuff for Beyoncé,” she tells BET. “I have things that I write for girls, like R&B singers.” After being co-signed by Jay-Z, Lil Wayne’s protégée wants to share some of her Barbie swagger with Mrs...

It's been a long time in the making but Big Boi's debut solo album is finally being released this summer. One listen to his first single; "Shutterbug"; you will definitely be grooving like I was and possibly interested in this album. Read below for more information on the upcoming album as well as stories on Nas' and Damien Marley's canceled tour dates and Janet Jackson's newest biopic! After a number of delays, the first solo album from Outkast member Big Boi, “Sir Lucious Leftfoot: The Son of Chico Dusty,” will finally see the light of day on July 6, reports Billboard.com. The Def Jam album features first single, “Shutterbug”, as well as 14 other tracks, including the bassy, piano-based “Turns Me On,” featuring Sleepy Brown; “Tangerine,” featuring T.I. with tambourines and guitars; and the Lil Jon-produced “Hustle Blood,” which features Jamie Foxx, reports Billboard. Big Boi said that particular track is “for the ladies.” Ten days after the relea...

The video and song features Ludacris who has appeared on many tracks with Ciara over the years. The video is very nice and Ciara is bumping and grinding like its nobodies business. Check it out! Music Biz: Brandy Talks About Bran'Nu Alias! Here's how Bran'Nu came about. I was in the car one day rapping. I was just listening to a beat and started flowing off the top of my head. It was crazy. I was like, “Oh my God, I’m learning!” I’ve always loved hip-hop, could always quote all of the verses from rappers like Eminem, Lil Wayne and Jay-Z. Sometimes I prefer hip-hop over R&B. So I could always do that. But never really seemed to fit. Then I did it one day. I was like “OMG, I could rap, I could rap, I know I can rap, let me call my brother and get confirmation." So I called my brother to get the confirmation, called my cousin, and I rapped for them and they were like, "B’ you’re onto something." I did it as a hobby for a while and then Timbaland was...

I don't care what anyone says but the Mariah Carey here is definitely a lot different than the Mariah Carey today. Of course in 20 years; your bound to change. Back then though Mariah didn't take herself too seriously as an artist. She had fun! She had personality! She danced! You see all that here. This is one of my favorite Mariah Carey videos. Check it out!

With Brandy's new reality show; "Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business" airing on VH1; the drama of the show is finally starting to unravel. Last week we got a behind the scenes look at all the drama on "For The Love Of Ray J" and now Brandy will supposedly open up about her disdain for Rodney Jerkins and the failure of her last album; "Human". I have read that Rodney and Brandy have since patched things up but for a time the singer was obviously mad at Jerkins and the direction of the album. I wonder was this said because the album didn't do well. Read more in the article! Also we mourn a Hip-Hop legend and Erykah Badu gets set for a tour. Brandy blames producer and friend Rodney Jerkins for the dismal performance of her last album. Singersroom.com reports that the R&B singer has some harsh words about Rodney’s supposedly shoddy work in an upcoming episode of “Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business.”

 When Ray J discusses his interest in wor...

The-Dream is back with his new album; "Love King" which will be in stores June 22. The album is led by the title track single. Also on June 22; Diddy will release his long awaited album; "Last Train To Paris" which features his group Dirty Money. There have been multiple singles that have come from this album but none have yet to take off. Usher will release "Guilty" featuring T.I. as the next and last single from his album; "Raymond v. Raymond" and its funny because the album was just released last month. Usher has been dominating radio with so many singles; I guess there aren't many single options left. Pretty sad if you ask me. The album is somewhat under performing too so that might be a reason why the label may decide to stop promotion. There could also be a change of heart very soon so let's hope for the best. I really like the "Raymond v Raymond" album. Some singles you should look out for in the coming weeks is Omarion...

Right now Ciara has everyone talking right now. She is prepping the release of her fourth album; "Basic Instinct" in stores June 29. She recently released the video for her title track; "Basic Instinct" where the singer is reportedly taking a swipe at Keri Hilson. Ciara dons her thuggish like gear to take on her army of doubters and haters. It is a move that has re sparked interest in Ciara and her new album. Ciara burst onto the scene in 2003 with a style all her own and a swagger that was undeniable. The shy 20 something singer sung about her "Goodies" and the "1, 2 Step". Many years later she would become known for her fascinating dance moves and very sexy image. Now with a new album and buzz brewing; Ciara is reminding fans and listeners alike why we all first fell in love with her. With ambition and pure determination; the spotlight is on Ciara.

Ciara is really trying to erase the bad taste she left in our mouth with "Fantasy Ride" by creating a buzz with her upcoming album; "Basic Instinct" and I must say it is working. The video features The-Dream who more than likely produced this song and is executive producing the new album. The opening few minutes of this video is said to be a direct dis to Keri Hilson who allegedly dissed Ciara and Beyonce on the "Turn My Swag On Remix" or whatever song it was. Keri Hilson is known for her shady behavior anyway so I wouldn't be surprised that this song is about Keri. ---------------- Now playing: Jon B - Jon B. - I Do(What'cha Say Boo) via FoxyTunes

Monica is everywhere performing her hit single; "Everything To Me" from her #1 album; "Still Standing". Check it out! I'm really happy Monica is doing well cause I know she put a lot into this album. You can truly say the hard work is paying off. ---------------- Now playing: Xscape - Your My Little Secret via FoxyTunes

If you watched Fantasia's reality show; "Fantasia: For Real"; word is the show will be returning for a second season. The first season saw Fantasia as she dealt with money woes; getting her recording career back on track; and emotional distress with her family. I'm sure the second season will feature even more drama and then some. You tuning in? There was a story circulating around that Teairra Mari's "Sponsor" video was banned on BET. I guess that story couldn't of been more far from the truth since I saw the video last night on "106 & Park". There has been some raised eyebrows about the message of the song but it's not the first time people have heard a song like this. Relax! Brandy & Ray J who are starring in their own reality show on VH1; "A Family Business" are set to appear on "The Wendy Williams Show" this Thursday April 22. The sister and brother duo will take the stage with their parents; Willie and ...

Janelle Monae gets kudos for her album cover for her new album; "The ArchAndroid". I'm not sure when the album will be out in stores but it is executive produced by Big Boi of Outkast and Janelle is signed to Bad Boy. 1. Overture II 2. Dance or Die 3. Faster 4. Locked Inside 5. Sir Greendown 6. Neon Gumbo 7. Oh, Maker 8. Come Alive [War Of The Roses] 9. Mushrooms & Roses 10. Overture III 11. Neon Valley Street 12. Make The Bus 13. Wondaland 14. 57821 15. Say You'll Go 16. Ba Bop Bye Ya Music Biz: Erykah Badu Waiting On Nudity Citation! Erykah Badu says she has yet to see the fine that was supposedly issued to her after someone complained about her nude stroll down a Dallas street. The artist, who stripped off all of her clothing during a video shoot for her current single “Window Seat,” was reportedly fined $500 by authorities after a woman complained that she and her two children were distressed at the spectacle. But Badu told Vibe: “To tell you the truth, ...

Sade is really making the rounds this go round with new album; "Soldier Of Love" in stores now. The album recently went platinum. Check out her performance here!

Mary J. Blige takes on the classic "Stairway To Heaven". Check it out!

Mary J. Blige performs the title track to her new album. Check it out! I like this performance and it makes me like the song a little more. ---------------- Now playing: Tamia - Officially missing you via FoxyTunes

Plies is getting ready to release his new album; "Goon Affiliated" on May 25th as this video indicates. Plies recently performed the song on BET's "Spring Bling" festivities. Check out the video! ---------------- Now playing: Trina feat. Pitbull - Stop Traffic via FoxyTunes

Khia returns with her new video; "Been A Bad Girl" and awhile back pictures leaked from the video and you can see all those in this video. The song is not bad and it shows Khia being a little more open and trying something different. This is more than likely the first single and video for her upcoming album; "Khia Samone/Motormouf". Check it out! ---------------- Now playing: Ralph Tresvant - Sensitivity via FoxyTunes

Ciara is starting to pick up a little buzz for her new album; "Basic Instinct". Check it out as she talks about the new album; her big break, and who she'd like to work with. The video for first single; "Ride" featuring Ludacris will premiere on VEVO on April 21. Make sure you check it out! ---------------- Now playing: Lil Wayne - Lil.Wayne - Nothin On Me (Featuring Juelz Santana & Fabolous) (Produced By Alchemist) via FoxyTunes

If you didn't know "Here I Am" is Monica's second single from her "Still Standing" album. The single is produced by Polow Da Don and co-written by Ester Dean[of "Drop It Low"]fame and Monica herself. The song has become an instant fan favorite and the song is said to be remixed featuring Jamie Foxx. Make sure you look out for the new single; video; and request it on your favorite radio station. Music Biz: Jay-Z Sues Over 40/40 Club Name! Jay-Z and a business partner are suing slugger David Ortiz, claiming the Boston Red Sox star named his Dominican nightclub after the mogul's chain of 40/40 clubs. The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Manhattan Federal Court, accuses Ortiz of calling his Santo Domingo club Forty-Forty in the hopes of trading on the rap star's fame. Jay-Z's string of bars can be found in Manhattan, Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Lawyer Peter Raymond tells the New York Daily News that Ortiz had visited the clubs twice and ...

Husband and wife Jay-Z and Beyonce team up to perform Jay-Z's latest hit single; "Forever Young". Check it out! ---------------- Now playing: Foxy Brown - SuperFreak via FoxyTunes

Erykah Badu followed up her wildly popular debut album; "Baduizm" up with the 2000 release; "Mama's Gun". The album; to me was a continuation of "Baduizm". Here; the melodies were more soulful; more drawn out; and the creativity more expounding. One of my favorite songs from this album is "Didn't Cha Know" which was also a single. The video was very tantalizing as it featured Erykah alone in a desert unsure of which way to go. What was even more interesting was that Erykah finally revealed what she had under her signature headwraps. The album is also interesting since the tracklisting on the album doesn't match what's on the actual album. Erykah Badu does note that the tracklisting was changed at the last minute and only a few of the album's tracks contains lyrics. It is somewhat bizarre but this is Erykah Badu we are talking about. But back to the music; there is cool, relaxing jazzy undertones of "Orange Moon", the...

Maxwell finally unleashes the video to the single that's been in radio rotation for quite awhile. Check it out! ---------------- Now playing: Gladys Knight - Save The Overtime via FoxyTunes

Ciara is on the fast track to releasing her new single; "Ride" featuring Ludacris as well as the accompanying video. Check out this video as she shares her good news with everyone. Ciara is looking really nice in this little clip. I hope she really brings it this time. The-Dream & Tricky Stewart are executing producing this album. They did a good job doing Mariah Carey's "Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel" and I'm hoping they do the same for this. ---------------- Now playing: Christina Milian - So Deep So Fast via FoxyTunes

Eve was on top of the rap world when she released this single. It is from her second album; "Scorpion" which was released in 2001. Check it out! Eve returned this year to the rap world on Ludacris' "My Chick Bad Remix" featuring Trina and Diamond. Eve has a new album coming out later this year called "Flirt" make sure you check that out. ---------------- Now playing: Amerie - The Flowers via FoxyTunes

One of the most anticipated albums of this year will probably be from Drake. His new single; "Over" is already climbing the charts. Like most R&B/Hip-Hop albums; Drake's debut "Thank Me Later" had been pushed back a time or two but the rapper insists June 15 is the final date. Read more about that as well as Nas' new focus and Keri Hilson's latest endeavor. Drake has stepped up to the plate and taken blame for the delay on his debut record 'Thank Me Later.' The album apparently missed its deadline on May 25 because the Toronto-based artist was trying to culminate a unique series of songs that pleases a wide-ranging fan base. In this era of everything-gets-delayed, this is not such a big deal, but Drake was adamant that taking the extra time worked out for the best. "The album comes out on June 15th," Drake said in an interview with Music On Campus. "It was really just about me getting into the right creative head space ...

Who doesn't have some sort of tattoo nowadays? I got my one and only tattoo at age 17. I haven't had much of a desire to get anymore. I have heard many people say that tattoos are pretty addictive; that would explain these artists and their love for body art. Check out this list of artists who are known for their body art. The Game - It seems like every time we see The Game he has a new tattoo and definitely too many to name. One of his most famous tattoos is located on his face which is a red star. 50 Cent - 50 Cent's muscular physique is adorned with tattoos but recently he has removed some of his signature tattoos. Why? Maybe because he is growing up and wanting to be taken more serious perhaps as an actor. I just feel like don't get tattoos you will later regret. Pharrell Williams - Like 50 Cent; Pharrell has undergone some procedures to remove tattoos on his body. There were pictures or some type of footage I remember where Pharrell was wrapped in a cast but ...

It looks like Nicki Minaj will be changing managers again soon if she plans on being managed by Diddy. We all know Diddy has a track record for promoting all things; himself! All I can say is that we all learn from our mistakes! Read more about that as well as stories on new albums from T.I. and Soulja Boi. VIBE has confirmed that Sean “Diddy” Combs has signed on as Nicki Minaj’s new manager. News broke a week ago that the Young Money rapper sent her former manager, Debbie Antney, a termination letter via a lawyer, stating that Antney could no longer conduct business for her. Earlier this month, Nicki dropped out of a tour with Rihanna and pop newcomer Ke$ha, stating on her Twitter account (@NickiMinaj): "Barbz I'm sorry 2 say I will not be going out on RiRi's tour. I've decided 2 use that time 4 the completion of my album." The rapper is currently prepping her much anticipated debut and recently released the lead single and music video, “Massive Attack,”...

Monica's "Still Standing" spends its third week in the top 10 this week; a sign that this album will be hanging in there for the long run. Monica talks about the album success; her kids; and more. Check it out! ---------------- Now playing: The Isley Bros. - Between The Sheets via FoxyTunes

He has been keeping the gossip pages and blogs afloat with his relationship with Alicia Keys; now Swizz is turning the attention to the music. He talks about working on upcoming albums from Busta Rhymes, Eve, and Nicki Minaj. Check it out! ---------------- Now playing: Nicki Minaj - MassiveAttack [Dirty] via FoxyTunes

Toni Braxton didn't just release one new video; "Make My Heart" but two and you can hear this on her upcoming album; "Pulse" in stores May 4. I think this video is cool. I know the reaction to "Make My Heart" hasn't been so flattering. ---------------- Now playing: Usher - OMG (Ft. Will.I.Am) via FoxyTunes

And I can't say I knew what to expect for Kelis' new album cover but definitely something different. Kelis is looking like a goddess of some sort and who just celebrated her big win from ex husband Nas in a big pay off after their bitter divorce. Kelis' "Flesh Tone" album will be in stores July 6 in the states. May 17 will be the release overseas. The first single here is "Acapella" which recently went to #1 on the dance charts. So what do you all think about the album cover? Yay or nay? Music Biz: Drake Films Video For New Single! Less than a day after premiering his brand-new video for “Over,” Drake is already on to the next one. The 23-year-old singer-rapper went in front of the lens again for his new single. Drizzy is in Kingston, Jamaica, this week shooting a video for “Find Your Love,” the second single from his debut album Thank Me Later, Rap-Up.com has exclusively learned. Anthony Mandler (Rihanna, Jay-Z) is back in the director’s chair for...