the chal banz blog

You would have to have been hiding under a rock not to hear about the fight between Rick Ross and Young Jeezy. The shoving match which resulted in shots being fired took place in Atlanta where the BET Hip Hop Awards are being filmed.  I'm surprised as is everyone else. Rick Ross and Young Jeezy are the last two I would expect to have any altercation.  In other news 50 Cent had quite the night as he got into altercation with Gunplay(Rick Ross protege) and ended his beef with Fat Joe during a tribute to Chris Lighty(who took his own life awhile back).  The BET Hip Hop Awards is no stranger to controversy. A few years back T.I. was arrested shortly after his performance and began a lengthy prison sentence.  The BET Hip Hop Awards airs next month on BET. 

Alicia Keys performed her hit single New Day in the UK.  Alicia's new album Girl On Fire will be in stores and online November 27.

From her upcoming mixtape release TrapGold available on October 11.

Faith Evans speaks on her hit reality show R&B Divas which airs Mondays on TVOne.  The R&B Divas compilation album will be in stores and online October 2. The album features the Faith Evans single Tears Of Joy and Dumb . 

Lil' Wayne flips Future's hit Same Damn Time . The track appears on Lil' Wayne's recently released mixtape Dedication 4 .

Rumors have been circulating that Beyonce is with child again. Husband Jay-Z has come out and denied the rumors.  In other Beyonce news her current single Dance For You from her most recent album 4 is now a top 10 R&B hit. 

While in Chicago during American Idol auditions Mariah Carey connected with R. Kelly. Mariah describes the duet with R. Kelly as a "total classic".  The two previously collaborated on the song Betcha Gonna Know from Mariah's Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel album but their version was unreleased.  Mariah Carey's new untitled album is set to be released early next year. 

Lil' Wayne has pushed back the release of his upcoming album I Am Not A Human Being II . The album was originally set to be released in November but now it will be released on December 11. The album contains the singles No Worries featuring Detail and My Homies Still featuring Big Sean. 

Luxury appears on Azealia Banks' most recent mixtape release FANTASEA .

During her launch for her perfume Pink Friday Nicki Minaj revealed her reality TV plans through E! Though its yet to be officially announced Nicki has announced that she has a reality TV show in the works with the E! network.  In the meantime Nicki is readying the re-release of her album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded - The Re-Up in stores and online November 21. The album features the single The Boys featuring Cassie. Nicki describes the re-release as having a mixtape feel complete with five to six new tracks. 

From his upcoming album Les Is More available on October 22.

Ester Dean is famous for writing hit songs for Beyonce and Rihanna. Now the singer/songwriter is releasing her new single How You Love It featuring Missy Elliott.  It is the first single off her upcoming album tentatively titled Story Never Told . 

Lupe Fiasco sits down with Ashanti(host of Fuse News ) to discuss his all black album cover.  Lupe's new album Food & Liquor II is in stores and online now.  

Dawn Richard - '86 by user8019 Dawn Richard releases the first single '86 from her upcoming album Goldenheart . The album will be available on October 16.  You can currently download '86 on iTunes.  

Add Lil' Wayne to the list of artists releasing albums this Fall. Wayne's I Am Not A Human Being II will arrive in stores on November 13. The album features the singles My Homies Still featuring Big Sean and No Worries featuring Detail.

As we near the end of the year the next few months are jam packed with music releases. Whitney Houston's much hyped about greatest hits album I Will Always Love You - The Best Of Whitney Houston will be released on November 13.  The album features all of her greatest hits, an unreleased song Never Give Up , and I Look To You a duet with R. Kelly.  Another album to look forward to is Wiz Khalifa's much delayed O.N.I.F.C. which is due on December 4. The album features the newest single Remember You featuring The Weekend. Other guests and producers include Jim Jonsin, Pharrell Williams, 2 Chainz, Cam'ron, and more. 

Chris Brown was back in court on Monday for a probation progress report hearing in his 2009 assault on Rihanna. After testing positive for marijuana during a random drug screening, a judge decided not to revoke his probation. Brown appeared with his lawyer Mark Geragos in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom for the first time in over a year. Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg said community service logs from Brown’s home state of Virginia were “somewhat cryptic” and further review was needed to determine whether he had adhered to his probation. According to a probation report, the “Turn Up the Music” singer admitted to smoking marijuana in California, where he has a medical marijuana prescription, but he failed the test in Virginia, where weed is illegal even with a prescription. “You are not an average person sitting in a living room,” said Judge Schnegg. “You are not only in the public eye, but you are on probation.” Earlier in the day, Rihanna wished him well. “I’m pra...

Rihanna has revealed that her new album is titled 7 World Wonders . The album is slated for release in November. The album's first single is Diamonds which is said to leak out later this week.

I totally didn't see this coming but word is that Mary J. Blige will release a new single next week titled Can't Stop . The song was written by Mary and Crystal Johnson and produced by Bryan Michael Cox, Jermaine Dupri, and Pharrell Williams.  The song is said to be the first single off Mary's upcoming My Life II: The Journey Continues Act II .  

Rihanna has finally let the cat out the bag in regards to her new single titled Diamonds . The single which Rihanna describes as "happy and hippy" will premiere on September 26.  Rihanna is said to embark on her Diamonds Tour in March of 2013. 

Anita Baker is back with a new album Only Forever . The album was originally slated to be released on October but has since been pushed back to December 4.  The album's first single is Lately which is currently #19 on the R&B charts. Lately is a remake of hit made famous by Tyrese. 

Lil' Wayne brought out Keyshia Cole during the iHeartRadio concert in Las Vegas. They performed their hit single Enough Of No Love .  Enough Of No Love appears on Keyshia Cole's new album Woman To Woman which currently has no release date(that I'm aware of).

Kanye West is reportedly the subject of a new sex tape that is being shopped around. Apparently the video was made shortly before Kanye started dating Kim Kardashian. Word is that Kanye was literally in "tears" upon finding out about the sex tape's impending release. Kanye is doing anything and everything to make sure this tape doesn't leak.  In other Kanye West news Roscoe Dash has lashed out on a few key artists including Kanye. Word is that Roscoe Dash is upset and took to Twitter over not being credited for songs he claims he wrote.  One of the songs that is being questioned is Wale's #1 hit single Lotus Flower Bomb .  The accusations have turned into a war of words over Twitter between Roscoe Dash and Miguel(who sang on the chorus of Lotus Flower Bomb ) and more.  I mean at the end of the day who cares if Roscoe Dash wrote the songs or not? 

From his upcoming album Lace Up in stores and online October 9. The album features collaborations with Young Jeezy, DMX, Ester Dean, Bun B, and Waka Flocka Flame. 

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French Montana has revealed that his new album Excuse My French will feature a host of guests including Lil' Wayne, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, Lana Del Ray, M.I.A, Wiz Khalifa and more.  Excuse My French is slated to be in stores later this year. The album is being executive produced by Diddy and Rick Ross. 

Legendary singer Teena Marie who passed away nearly two years ago will release her final album in January. The album titled Beautiful is executive produced by her daughter and will be distributed by Universal Records.  R.I.P. Teena Marie 

Brandy plugs her new album Two Eleven in stores and online October 16. Check it out!

Trina - Actin Up ft. 3D Na'Tee Trina will release her new mixtape Back 2 Business on September 28. 

“The Voice” is singing a new tune. NBC’s singing competition has hired Usher and Shakira to fill in for Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green next season.   The R&B superstar and Colombian bombshell will coach on the spring edition of the series, while Green and Aguilera take breaks to focus on their careers. Both are expected to return to the show next fall. “Having award-winning artists as coaches means they need to be able to tour,” said executive producer Mark Burnett (via EW). “Whether in the red chair or on tour, our coaches have their chairs for life. This is exactly why, after three seasons, we needed to allow them to rotate out so they can get on the road amongst their fans. Meanwhile, we’re incredibly excited to have singular artists like Usher and Shakira joining the fold.” Aguilera will spend her time promoting her upcoming album Lotus. “Since this year NBC and ‘The Voice’ have decided to tape back-to-back seasons, requiring a full-year commitment, it ...

Celebration is the first single and video from Game's upcoming album Jesus Piece due this December. The album features collaborations with Nicki Minaj and Trey Songz.  Game will star in the VH1 reality show Married to The Game airing this November. 

Kreayshawn performs her new single Go Hard on The Jimmy Kimmel Show . The rapper's debut album Somethin' 'Bout Kreay is in stores and online now.  The album features the hit single Gucci Gucci and collaborations with Kid Cudi and 2Chainz. 

During a UStream segment last night Missy Elliott gave some insight to her new album. As for the title its a toss between Class Dismissed or Block Party . Missy said she wants fans input on the final decision.  Missy also revealed that there is a track featuring Eve & Lil' Kim and that she has a Pussycat Remix featuring Janet Jackson in the vaults. She plans on contacting Janet to see if its okay to leak it out.  Missy recently unveiled her new singles 9th Inning and Triple Threat both featuring Timbaland.  In other album news T.I. revealed via 106 & Park last night that his long awaited album Trouble Man will be released on December 18. The album features appearances by R. Kelly, Cee-Lo Green, and Andre 3000 just to name a few.  You can currently see T.I. in his hit reality TV show T.I. & Tiny: A Family Hustle which airs on Monday nights on VH1. 

Elle Varner releases her third single and video for the song I Don't Care . It appears on her recently released album Perfectly Imperfect . 

Brandy has been in complete grind mode promoting her new album Two Eleven in stores and online October 16.  The singer talks about her upcoming projects and reveals her bucket list. Check it out! 

During a recent press junket Mariah Carey denied all rumors of a feud with Nicki Minaj. The rumors started once it was announced that Nicki Minaj would join the judging panel of American Idol .  I can see why such a rumor would start being that its two women attached. The media likes to pit women entertainers against each other anyway.  If you remember Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj collaborated for a remix of Mariah's single Up Out My Face back in 2009. I seriously doubt there is a beef.  The new season of American Idol will air in January on Fox!

Brandy recently performed in Atlanta and took time to talk about working with Frank Ocean, Frank Gatson(choreographer), marriage, and more. Check it out!  Brandy's new album Two Eleven will be in stores and online October 16. 

This season of American Idol may be one for the record books. Nicki Minaj has been announced as the newest judge on FOX's hit reality show. Nicki joins country star Keith Urban, Mariah Carey, and Randy Jackson.  American Idol will premiere in January! Will you be watching? 

Bell Biv DeVoe released their hit single and video When Will I See You Smile Again? back in 1990.    Bell Biv DeVoe comprised of New Edition cohorts Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe. New Edition holds the distinction of being one of the very few groups where every member has has been successful outside of the group.

Nas gives a sneak peek to his new single and video Cherry Wine from his #1 album Life Is Good .

Game is readying his new album Jesus Piece for release this Winter. The album features the first single Celebration featuring Chris Brown and a host of others. The star studded album will feature Trey Songz and Nicki Minaj among others.  This November will see the release of Game's new reality show Married To The Game airing on VH1. 

Ne-Yo's new album R.E.D. will be in stores and online November 6. You buying?

Ciara finally unleashes the single and video for Sorry . The video features a 50 Cent look alike. The song was produced by Jasper Cameron(worked with Lloyd).  Ciara's new album One Woman Army will be in stores and online on December 4.  You all ready for a new Ciara album? 

Ashanti is back in the studio with Nelly and T.I. Producer Get Cool(worked with Cee-Lo) is reportedly the producer behind the scenes of the said collaboration between the artists.  Ashanti's new album Braveheart is due in January.  The Weekend(famous for his work on Drake's Crew Love ) has been signed to Universal Records. The Weekend's first album Trilogy will be available this Winter. Look out for it!  The Weekend has gained a cult following online through a series of mixtapes. 

Nicki Minaj has hooked up with Cassie for the new single The Boys. Its the first single from her upcoming album re-release Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded The Re-Up . The album will be available on November 21.  Speaking of new albums Rihanna is said to release a new album this Holidays. The album's first single is said to debut this Monday.  In other Rihanna news her most recent album Talk That Talk was recently certified Platinum here in the States. 

Usher opens up to the one and only Queen of Talk Oprah Winfrey in a no holds barred interview. The singer discusses everything from his divorce to the custody of his children. Catch a sneak preview of the episode airing this Sunday above.

Ciara has kept fans in suspense in regards to her next career move. Now it has been revealed that the singer will premiere her new video for the single Sorry on BET's 106 & Park on September 13. Ciara tweeted lyrics to the song awhile back.  The upcoming album One Woman Army will be released on December 4. The album will also feature another Good To Me which will coincide with the release of the new album.  For the new album Ciara worked with Jasper Cameron(who wrote Sorry), Rodney Jerkins, 2 Chainz(on Sweat), and Jermaine Dupri. 

Presidential appears on Rick Ross' recently released album God Forgives I Don't .

Nicki Minaj has revealed that her new single The Boys will either be released Tuesday or Wednesday of this week. The song is said to feature another female artist who Nicki describes as "real pretty". Could be anyone.  Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded - The Re-Up will be a double disc with 5-8 new songs. The album is set to be released on November 21.  In other Nicki Minaj news she is rumored to be featured on Missy Elliott's new album Block Party . 

Beyonce speaks on performing in front of Blue Ivy, changing diapers, motherhood and more.

Marsha Ambrosius has revealed that her new album is titled Friends & Lovers . On the new album Marsha collaborated with Pop & Oak(worked with Elle Varner) and Dre & Vidal(worked with Mariah Carey) among others. There is word yet on the release date.  In the meantime you can hear Marsha on the G.O.O.D. Music Cruel Summer album on a track called The One. Cruel Summer will be released later this month...I think. 

R. Kelly has been all about romance on his last two albums, but the self-proclaimed Pied Piper of R&B says he isn't going to abandon the explicit music that helped make him famous. "Absolutely not, and I tell people all the time man," R. Kelly said in a phone interview last week. "Make no mistake about it, R. Kelly is not going anywhere, it's just that R. Kelly has such a unique talent, and I've been blessed to be able to do all type of genres of music... I'm exploring my gift right now." Kellz's recent "Write Me Back" and 2010's "Love Letter" were a departure of sorts for the singer-songwriter, whose hits include classics like "Your Body's Callin'." He described those acclaimed albums as a way of taking a break from his typical explicit material to try something new. "When you've done twentysomething years, man, of giving people what they want, and satisfying people -- people lik...

Faith Evans unveils the cover art for her new single Tears Of Joy . The song will appear on an upcoming compilation from her new TVOne show R&B Divas .  Tears Of Joy was the most added song at Urban AC(Adult Contemporary) radio last week. 

Nicki Minaj has announced plans to re-release her current album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded . The re-release will be released in November complete with new songs, new album packaging, and a new single to debut next week.  Seems like Nicki should just release a new album without the Pink Friday tag attached to it. It also seems like Nicki is doing anything and everything to make sure Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded reaches its full potential(meaning go Platinum). Currently Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded has sold 647,387 copies. 

Miguel has revealed that his new single is titled Do You(Drugs) . The single will the be second single lifted off his upcoming album Kaleidoscope Dream due on October 2. The album features the hit single Adorn which is currently #2 on the R&B/Hip Hop Songs charts.

Ashanti sits down with the Today show and dishes on her upcoming show Fuse News airing on September 10.  She also talks a little about her upcoming album Braveheart . 

It has been revealed that Tamia will release the song Give Me You as her album's second single. Her new album Beautiful Surprise was released last week and is estimated to have sold over 10,000 copies in its first week. The title track which serves as the first single is currently in the top 40 of the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart.  Tamia is rumored to be joining R. Kelly on tour in the coming weeks. 

Definition Of Sexy appears on 50 Cent's recently released mixtape 5(Murder By Numbers) .  50 Cent will release his new album Street King Immortal this November. The album contains the hit single New Day featuring Alicia Keys & Dr. Dre.

Missy Elliott is hitting us with a double whammy! The rapper/producer is releasing two new singles 9th Inning and Triple Threat on September 10. The songs appear on her upcoming album Block Party . The release date is currently unknown.

Big Sean releases his latest video from his new mixtape Detroit which is available now.

Ginuwine's collaboration with Sole on the single It Wasn't Me was the beginning of a love affair that started 12 years ago.  Sole starred as Ginuwine's love interest in his video None Of Ur Friend's Business .  Ginuwine and Sole eventually married and are still together today. They frequently pop up together at award shows.  It Wasn't Me appears on Sole's one and only album Skin Deep which was released in 1999. 

While we await new music from Ashanti she has been keeping busy filming a new show for the Fuse network. Titled Fuse News the show is set to debut later this month. The show set in New York will air live Monday through Friday. Ashanti will also executive produce the show.  In the press release the show is described as being "live" but I'm thinking it means in front of a live audience or some segments may be prerecorded. I say this because there have been photos floating around through Ashanti and other blogs where Ashanti has been seen interviewing the likes of Justin Beiber and Rick Ross among others.  As for music Ashanti is still recording music for her oft-delayed album Braveheart which still has a release date of next year. Ashanti did mention on Twitter that she sent out vocals for the song She Can't(Mine) . Maybe its the next single? Maybe not? Ashanti is supposed to make a few announcements concerning her career on the Today show tomorrow morning. Stay ...

Appears on Gucci Mane's mixtape I'm Up .

I must of missed the memo when Azealia Banks proclaimed that she was filming a video to the title track of her recently released EP. 1991 happens to be one of my favorites from the four song EP released a few months back.  Azealia Banks is readying her debut album Broke With Expensive Taste due in February 2013. 

Brandy performs her hit single Put It Down sans Chris Brown on the MDA Show Of Strength.  Brandy's new album Two Eleven will be in stores and online on October 16. 

Alicia Keys will debut three versions of her new single Girl On Fire when it hits iTunes on September 4. There is the standard version, a blue light version and an inferno version which features Nicki Minaj.  Girl On Fire is the first single from Alicia Keys' new album of the same name. The album will be released on November 27. Alicia will perform the new single on MTV during the Video Music Awards airing September 6.  For the new album Alicia Keys enlisted the help of Pop & Oak(worked with Nicki Minaj), Babyface, Swizz Beats, Rico Love(worked with Usher), Salaam Remi(worked with Amy Winehouse), and Jeff Bhasker(worked with Beyonce).  Are you all excited for the new Alicia Keys album? 

Originally scheduled for release later this month Vivian Green's new album The Green Room has been pushed back to October 9. The album features the first single Anything Out There which samples TLC's Diggin' On You .