the chal banz blog

Drake called Meek Mill a "pussy" while in Philly, Meek Mill's hometown. I guess it looks like these two won't be making up anytime soon. Drake is obviously feeling himself and with good reason. It's being reported that Andre 3000 threw some shots at Drake on Frank Ocean's "Blond" album. I heard the track in question but I didn't listen very closely to notice any jabs. Azealia Banks said she would smash Jay Z and she's mad at Beyoncé for standing her up in the studio. She claims Beyoncé bolted to the club to make sure Jay Z wasn't cheating. Azealia later cleared this story up saying she would sign to Jay Z in a heartbeat if he gave her a deal. But I don't see that happening being that she is so vocal in regards to Beyoncé, his wife. Besides Jay Z just signed another female rapper to his Roc Nation label. Her name is Rapsody. Have you heard of her? Due to the #SoGoneChallenge spearheaded by Chance The Rapper, reports say the so...

Any news is good news. Greetings on this beautiful Sunday. The lovely Faith Evans will be bringing us new music to our ears very soon. The singer has enlisted Missy Elliott for her new single I Deserve It along with Missy's artist Sharaya J.(Who?). The new single was produced by longtime collaborator Chucky Thompson(worked with Mary J.) Faith's new album Incomparable is due later this year. I'm just hoping that Faith really brings it this time. Her last two albums sucked monkey balls and I'm a Faith Evans fan. With a title like 'Incomparable' she better deliver! If that's not enough to look forward to, check out Ms.Alicia Keys! She is joining forces with Pharrell(who is also working on Alicia Keys' new album) alongside Kendrick Lamar for a collaboration for The Amazing Spider-Man 2 soundtrack. The track titled, It's On Again will appear on the soundtrack due on April 22 while the film arrives in theaters on May 2. While we await that collabor...

Brandy hooks up with Jessie J. The singer known for her hit single Price Tag revealed the news exclusively in the UK. We all know Brandy is no stranger to collaborations having collaborated with artists like Kanye West, John Legend, Ginuwine, and more throughout the years. Catch Brandy in the new season of The Game on BET when it returns on July 2. Speaking of BET...its cousin VH1's star Lil' Scrappy of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta is checking into a rehab facility. Scrappy has had a couple of run ins within the last few months primarily during the LHHATL's run on TV. Will the star be strong enough to beat his addiction to weed? I guess we will have to wait and see. Sad news to report...Andre 3000's mother was found dead in her home. There is not much more information to report at this time but prayers are with Andre 3000 and his family. Very sad indeed!

Hello all! It's Lamar here with yet another music news update for the music news obsessed. Read below for info on the new collaboration between Beyonce and Andre 3000 and album news on Ashanti, Chris Brown, and Usher. It's all here. Beyonce is pulling out all the stops to ensure that her new album Mrs. Carter (currently no release date) will be a sure fire success. The singer is linking up with former collaborator Andre 3000 to remake Amy Winehouse's song Back To Black . The collaboration will appear on the soundtrack to the upcoming remake of The Great Gatsby . The movie will be in theaters May 10. Jay-Z is coincidentally EP(Executive Producer) on the soundtrack. All this added exposure for Beyonce(collaborations, magazine covers, buzz singles, upcoming tour) are all the perfect set up for her upcoming album Mrs. Carter . One singer that used to always be compared to Beyonce was Ashanti. Though I think the comparisons were mostly spearheaded by Irv Gotti. I never tho...

Frank Ocean presented his Def Jam debut Channel Orange at a listening session in New York last night. The singer-songwriter delivers a soulful set, with features from André 3000 and Earl Sweatshirt.   The OutKast rapper adds his trademark flow to the vulnerable, dark cut “Pleasure,” on which he raps, “Models are made for modeling, thick girls are made for cuddling.” Elsewhere, his Odd Future affiliate Earl Sweatshirt pops up on “Super Rich Kids,” which Ocean debuted at his live shows last year. Billboard describes the Mary J. Blige-sampled record as “soliloquies of heartbreak and abandonment, and confessionals.” Other tracks on the highly-anticipated follow-up to 2011’s Nostalgia, Ultra include “Thinking About You,” “Sweet Life,” “Voodoo,” and “Forrest Gump.” Before Channel Orange arrives on July 17, Ocean will embark on a North American tour beginning July 13 in Seattle.

There's a couple of new albums on the horizon that may or may not be worth looking forward to. You decide. First up is Frank Ocean who just leaked out the first single Pyramids . It will appear on his upcoming debut album Channel Orange in stores and online July 17. The singer who is signed to Def Jam has been working on his debut album release for awhile and its been quite anticipated. Let's hope he will deliver on that anticipation and something tells me that he will. #teamfrank Trey Songz originally planned to release his new album Chapter 5 last month but the new release date is August 21. The album features the first hit single Heart Attack . For the album's second single Two Reasons Trey enlisted the help of T.I. The song will be available on iTunes on June 12 followed by radio adds on June 26.  If your anticipating an Outkast reunion it looks like you will have to wait even longer. One half of Outkast Big Boi has chosen November 13 for the release date...

Azealia Banks will be dropping her long awaited EP 1991 (the year she was born) soon and the first single Jumanji is said to be released with Friday. In addition to that an untitled mixtape will be released this Summer followed by debut album Broke With Expensive Taste to follow in the Fall.  Former American Idol album Leah Labelle is back in the spotlight thanks to her new single Sexify produced by Pharrell Williams. Besides Pharrell, Jermaine Dupri and L.A. Reid will handle production duties on Leah's untitled debut album on Epic/So So Def Records.  Leah has kept her name out there by doing mostly cover songs from a variety of artists and posting them on YouTube in addition to some background work for Eric Benet and Keri Hilson.  Andre 3000 is playing legend Jimi Hendrix in a new biopic that will begin shooting shortly. The rapper is currently overseas to being shooting the movie. 

Lil' Kim appeared on MTV's "Rap Fix Live" with VJ Sway Calloway. Lil' Kim talked about some of her experiences with Biggie. One incident(which I remember hearing about) was that Biggie dragged her by her coat when she was caught talking to Mr. Dalvin of Jodeci. The famed group had been feuding with Diddy at the time. Biggie and Diddy felt Kim(along with Keisha of another famed group Total) were being disrespectful by talking to their foes(at the time). She also spoke candidly about Whitney Houston involving a flight where she claims Whitney talked her head off(in a good way of course). Kim shared this story on Bravo's "Watch! What Happens Live" as well. She also spoke about Whitney Houston giving her advice for dealing with a stalker. Of course Lil' Kim talked music but she didn't divulge much because there seems like there isn't much to divulge anyway. I know Kim has been keeping a tight lip on what she's doing musically but her fans...

These artists were featured on songs that got the video treatment. When it came time to film the video; they were suspiciously absent. Find out why! Andre 3000 It was recently revealed that Andre 3000 wouldn't appear in the video for Beyonce's "Party". It's her current single that's tearing up the R&B/Hip Hop charts. Andre Benjamin has a guest vocal. Label politics are being to blame for the slight. The same can be said for Andre's non-appearance in Lloyd's "Dedication To My Ex(I Miss That") which he is also featured on. T-Pain Lil' Kim scored a hit single with her T-Pain collaboration; "Download". When it came time to film the video; T-Pain was unable to attend the video after a freak accident involving a golf cart. Jay-Z Jay-Z didn't initially appear in the original video for Mariah Carey's "Heartbreaker". Playing on the fact that Jay-Z was absent from the song while his verse played in the video; Mariah ...

So much can be said about money. It is the root of all evil. It makes the world go round; hence the title. Songs about money or feature money in the title are here. Check it out! Millionaire, Kelis featuring Andre3000 Who'd ever think that being a millionaire could be so sad? Money, Charli Baltimore This was the debut solo single from the Philly's own Charli Baltimore. The song was from her unreleased album, "Cold As Ice". Ain't Got No Dough, Eve featuring Missy Elliott If you plan on approaching Eve, you better have some dough. This explains why every man Eve dates is some type of tycoon. Plenty Money, Plies Plies apparently has more money than he can spend. The rapper recently did a nice gesture by paying a young girl $1,000 to leave his show. Damn parents! Stick Up, Kelis Kelis plays with the phrase 'stick up' and turns it into an anthem of love. Straight To The Bank, 50 Cent He isn't one of the richest men in Hip Hop for nothing.

Hello all! I apologize if you all feel like there's been a shortage of updates but I haven't been able to update as much as I normally do. I still try my best to keep you all updated with the latest music news and more. Drake discusses his new album meanwhile Whitney Houston falters in her first performance for her new album, "I Look To You" and the first two day(s) numbers are out for her album as well. Check that out and more! Drake Talks New Album! Although Drake is still riding high off the success of his mixtape "So Far Gone", the young rappers main focus is his debut album "Thank Me Later", which he recently revealed a few new details about on Thursday to DJ Drama, I'm trying to make this song happen, man," he said "It'd mean the world to me. I'm trying to make this happen for my album. It'd be me, Andre 3000 and Sade." Drake also confirmed that he's been in the studio with Justin Timberlake. "I'm o...

Water company Crystal Geyser has paired up with none other than Beyonce to film a commercial in Japan! Check it out! Video: Beyonce Commercial Music Biz: Kelly Rowland Leaves Columbia Records! NEW YORK, March 31, 2009 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ ----The Grammy-winning R&B/pop superstar Kelly Rowland will no longer be recording with Columbia Records as a solo artist, it was officially announced today by the label. Rowland, a founding member of Destiny's Child, the world's top-selling female group, will continue her relationship with Columbia Records in her ongoing role in the iconic ensemble. I am really glad to finally see Kelly taking control of her career. First letting go of Mathew Knowles and finally Columbia Records, great move Kelly! Timbaland Sues Record Label! Timbaland is going after his record label, Blackground Records, claiming they didn't utter a peep when he first decided to make his move from "performer" to "producer." But then things got ...

In My Own Words: John Legend has chosen "Everybody Knows" as the 2nd single off his latest album, "Evolver". John Legend has been riding high(for quite awhile) with his single, "Green Light" feat Andre3000. Audio: RL - Bicycle The forner member of Next releases new track! RL kinda sounds somewhat like Avant on this song or is it I could just hear Avant singing a song like this? Video: Mariah Carey - Hero No this is not a throwback! This is a new video and newly recorded vocals from the diva herself! From her upcoming "Ballads" album in stores soon! Music Biz: Solange on Prince! "A week or two after that happened [on FOX] I got invited to Prince's house and that was such a big moment for me because I know all cool people get to go to Prince's house. He was standing there and I was with a bunch of people and they were like, 'You're being such a p**sy right now.' 'Cause I was like, 'I'm just gonna sit here.' ...

She does it again! Beyonce has graced yet another cover of a magazine; this time JET. Of course this picture is her actual album cover("I Am..Sasha Fierce")but in color. Audio: Swizz Beats feat Lil' Wayne - Up In This Club New track! Music Biz: Notorious B.I.G. Soundtrack Unveiled! Some of Notorious B.I.G.'s greatest hits and early, little-known recordings fill out the soundtrack to "Notorious," the forthcoming biopic about the legendary Brooklyn rapper. Slated for release on January 13 on Bad Boy/ Atlantic, the soundtrack features hit singles that endeared Biggie to the masses as well as some of his demos, appearances from his family and brand-new records some of his closest peers, including Jay-Z and Jadakiss. (The movie is slated for release January 16 through Fox Searchlight Pictures.) "Notorious" soundtrack track listing, according to Bad Boy Records: 1. "Notorious Thugs" (featuring Bone Thugs-N-Harmony) 2. "Hypnotize" 3. ...

Video: Kanye On Ellen Degeneres Check out vid for "Love Lockdown". Audio: Cassie - Hard Produced by Polow Da Don. Uses the same beat as Ciara's recently leaked, "Yearbook" song. Music Biz: Another one bites the dust. Keri Hilson's upcoming album, "In A Perfect World" has been pushed back to December 9. This is the upteenth time the album has been pushed back. I think the album is getting pushed back because songs keep leaking. She is more than likely reworking the album. John Legend Evolves! John Legend will begin a short fall tour Nov. 19 in Minneapolis in support of his upcoming album, "Evolver," due Oct. 28. Columbia labelmate Raphael Saadiq will support on the trek, which wraps Dec. 13 in Durham, N.C.The singer's current single, "Green Light" featuring Andre 3000, is No. 32 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart this week. "Evolver" also features appearances from Kanye West, Estelle and Brandy....

Audio: Robin Thicke - Cry No More Here is of 1 of 2 newly leaked tracks from Mr. Robin Thicke. His upcoming album, "Something Else" will be in stores September 30. I actually like this song. It kinda reminds me of "Protype" from Andre3000. Audio: Robin Thicke - You're My Baby Here is the 2nd song from Robin Thicke. Check it out!

Check out the new album cover for John Legend. His new album, "Evolver" will be released on October 28. The album is preceded by first single, "Green Light" featuring Andre 3000(this song has been in my head lately for some reason). The album sports collaborations from Kanye West, Brandy, Estelle, and more. Video: Maino feat T.I. Swizz Beats, Plies, Jadakiss, Fabolous, and Mya - Hi Hater(Remix) Audio: Omarion - Vroom This song is not exactly new as it leaked out awhile back. I thought I would put it up anyway for those who hadn't heard it. I heard it awhile back and I thought it was just ok, now I like it. Check it out! I read that Omarion's new album is called, "Still The Same". Recently Omarion left Columbia Records to sign with Timbaland's Mosley Group Music. Music News: After a failed record deal and now defunct TGT(Tyrese,Ginuwine,Tank), Ginuwine is pushing forward with a new album and a new label. Read below to learn more! R&B singer ...

Video: Foxy Brown Performs At Alexander Wang's After Party For New York's fashion week Foxy Brown is always sure to crawl out of the hole she is hiding in. Anyway designer Wang personally requested Brown to perform some of her hits at his party. Check it out! Video: Amerie 4 Music Commercial Check out Amerie in this clip for music station 4 Music which is a station identity. It is just a random piece that some networks use to let viewers know what station they are watching. Music News: T-Pain's new album, "Thr33 Ringz" has been pushed back to November 11. The album originally scheduled to be released September 30 contains the first single, "Can't Believe It" featuring Lil' Wayne. T-Pain can be heard on Ciara's new single, "Go Girl" which I just heard on radio yesterday. John Legend will release his new album, "Evolver" on October 28. The album is preceded by first single, "Green Light" featuring Andre 3000. The a...