the chal banz blog

A few days ago a video surfaced of rapper Lil'Kim's new video and single. The untitled single was viewed at an unknown media event in which Kim attended. Later, more footage was released with Lil' Kim speaking indicating that the new single and video serves as a precursor to her new project slated to be released at the top of next year. Let's just hope that Kim sticks to her guns in releasing this video, single, and new album. We all know her history of failing to release albums, singles, EP's, and mixtapes. I can't fault Kim entirely as I know she hasn't been surrounded by people that had her best interests at heart in my opinion. I also can't just call out Kim because when it comes to female rappers in general, they are all pretty well known for pushing back projects, getting albums shelved, etc. Are you all ready for Lil' Kim to come back? Ashanti has been pretty quiet on the music front lately but you can always believe that she is cooking up...

Does Ashanti have new music on the way? Well that's the way it looks judging from her social media pages. The singer posted a video of herself adorned in a glittery dress walking in slow motion over an intoxicating instrumental. Ashanti included the hashtag #JustWaitOnIt signaling there is new music on the way. Are you all here for i? I know I am. I like Ashanti and I'm ready for some new music. Trey Songz, Migos and Bruno Mars are the first names announced as performers at this year's BET Awards. As much as I like Trey Songz, I'm not really sure why he gets a performance spot considering his latest album, "Tremaine" did horribly in sales as did the singles. I just found the whole project underwhelming. None of the singles grabbed me and I just felt like the whole sex thing this time comes off more as desperate than believable. Trey is currently on tour and now in his act, he brings a woman on stage; seduces her and attempts to pick them up without injuring ...

Ashanti revealed that she has new music on the way during a recent interview. She says the song, "Lose Yourself" is unlike anything we've ever heard from her. We will be the judges of that but I do hope it is good. Ashanti recently wrapped up an overseas tour. I believe she is featured on the upcoming 2 Pac biopic soundtrack. It was produced by her friend and collaborator, LT Hutton(worked with Da Brat). Remy Ma is featured on the remix to Mariah Carey's single, "I Don't". It is a shady move from Carey who famously feuded with Remy's current nemesis, Nicki Minaj when they appeared on "American Idol" together. There is no word on whether or not Remy took a swipe at Nicki on the song but apparently Nicki has a lot more to say in regards to Remy. In addition to shooting a video for "No Frauds", Nicki has a few jabs for Remy on her latest collaboration with David Guetta and Lil' Wayne.  In other news.. Future reveals in ...

"I Don't..." Mariah Carey previewed her new single, "I Don't(Like To Sing Live Anymore)" last night on her show, "Mariah's World". The single will be available on iTunes on February 3. The song samples the 1997 hit, "Where I Wanna Be" from Donnell Jones. Mariah posted a video of herself in the studio lip syncing the song. I will say the song doesn't sound bad and it may due well because the Lambs want Mariah to have another hit and she just might.  Trey Songz may be dealing with a lawsuit from kooky actress Keke Palmer but that hasn't stopped him from being the ladies man that he is. It was revealed on Instagram that Trey Songz said he will "shoot his shot" towards singer Ashanti after a picture of her vacationing has since gone viral. Ashanti even commented with a bunch of emojis showing her excitement and embarrassment. So what do you all think of Ashanti and Trey Songz dating? I would be interested in hear...

Aww baby!!! There's a lot of little news stories going around, many of them not noteworthy at all but I'll mention some of them just because. So here goes... Waka Flocka Flame is caught up in the groupie mess once again. Some chick is claiming he was cheating. But to be honest I really didn't follow the whole story but by the looks of it, its getting really messy. Don't expect any new music from Ashanti anytime soon and I guess that's okay since she has plenty of hit songs to perform on tour. Ashanti, who is currently on tour with Ja Rule in Australia is about to hit Europe, this time with R&B singer; Joe. The trek stars February 22 in Paris and ends March 4 in Berlin. Get that money Ashanti!  Kelly Price says she will be singing the National Anthem at the boxing fight between Chris Brown and Soulja Boy. I still can't believe this is going to happen but I suppose. Speaking of Chris Brown, he was seen in the same club as his ex, Rihanna. Maybe he ...

Ashanti on tour Ashanti and her pal Ja Rule are on tour as part of their Natural Born Hittas tour. The tour just started and lasts for about a month I believe. Will you be seeing Ashanti and Ja Rule?  Azealia Banks says her new music will not be released through the digital channels, i.e. iTunes. The rapper, obviously frustrated by a number of things says her next album, if and when she releases it, will be released in physical form. Hey! As long as you give me new music, I don't care how she releases it. I'm here for it!  The 911 call made by Tamar Braxton has been released. Remember Tamar and her husband Vince Herbert had an altercation. I saw a link for the 911 call but I wasn't interested in hearing it.  Usher is set to release his new album, "Hard 2 Love" on September 16 according to overseas reports. The cover art was released as well and let's just say he looks a stone cold fool. He could of kept it to be honest! You''ll have to fi...

It was reported yesterday that through Ashanti's Snapchat account that she got into an altercation. Her and Ja Rule were filming a promo spot for their Natural Born Hittas tour when they were in a car and someone was asking them to step out of the car. Ashanti asked why they were being asked out the car before stepping out. That was all we seen of the situation because it flashed to the next day of Ashanti at the gym. She did state however that she had an altercation but didn't give specifics. I'm wondering was this something that was simply staged and part of her tour promo. No one knows! In other music news, Ray J has come out and denied stories that he has DM'ed(Direct Message; a term used when you message a person through Instagram; in case you don't know) President Obama's daughter Malia Obama. Ray says he's getting married Friday and he would do no such thing. I read of the story a few days ago and I figured it was bogus but then again you never know...

Remy Ma has a new song out with Fat Joe and French Montana and Fat Joe's son. The song is called "Cookin" and its from their upcoming album due very soon. I've heard a snippet of the song and its very much in the vein of "All The Way Up" so if you like that, you'll like this. And Eminem has been in the news a lot lately for someone who doesn't have a record out. First it revealed that he plans to come out and dis Drake and now another story has surfaced that Suge Knight wanted Eminem dead! A former bodyguard has recently spoken out saying that there was an incident at the Source Awards in 2001 which led to Suge wanting Em dead. Suge Knight is a big bully! I can't believe this man. Apparently they are looking for a new host to replace Tamar Braxton on "The Real". In the running is Mel B. of the Spice Girls, Ashanti, Monica, and Eve(I believe she is the fourth name I read). I do know Ashanti already spends a lot of time in L.A. which ma...

Janet Jackson is one of the many artists who is speaking out against the recent killings of innocent black men by police officers. Janet posted a video to her Facebook account called, "Can't Be Stopped" featuring several hashtags dedicated to the those whose lives were lost.  Beyoncé had a moment of silence during her "Formation World Tour" and listed all the names of the various victims that have lost their lives over a big screen. Other stars that have spoken out during this genocide include Ashanti, Demi Lovato, Pink, Taraji P. Henson(show: "Empire"), etc. Many are upset at those artists who have chose not to speak up but that is their choice. It doesn't mean they don't care or are not personally affected by this genocide, but we should keep that in mind. But I think as a public figure nowadays when their all practically very active on social media posting business ventures, trips, music, etc, you would think they would take the time to p...

New York's yearly Summer Jam festivities happened last night not without some drama though. Apparently one of the headliners, Future wasn't about to perform on the main stage for some reason. Fat Joe and Remy Ma performed and brought out Ashanti. I didn't see much else footage from the show except for that. In other music news, Tyrese has been seen cuddling up with actress Sanaa Lathan. Sanaa had most recently been linked up with French Montana and before that Denzel Washington. In reality TV news, Joseline and Stevie J of "Love & Hip Hop" fame have been beefing on Twitter and airing out each others personal business. Joseline has accused Stevie of being gay and liking trans girls among other things. Stevie on the other hand has alleged that he and Joseline were never married and that she's a "hoe". This is getting messier by the day and by the time the reunion comes, its going to be one for the books. You know they always say, more drama goes...

So word on the street is that Ashanti is secretly dating The Game. I read a story last night on another online blog and I believe it. I remember this same blog posted a screenshot of Ashanti liking one of Game's infamous underwear selfie pics. If that's not enough Game was said to be overheard but not seen on Ashanti's Snapchat, the same was said about Game. Both artists were visiting a club in L.A. Ashanti has been spending a lot of time in L.A. as of recently. Her sister has a place there and she's doing a lot of business over there. I think she's signed a record deal to one L.A. based label but don't quote me on that. It would be interesting if Game and Ashanti are dating though given their past history. Both artists recorded for labels that were once foes, Murder Inc. & G-Unit. While most of the beef has been patched up over the years there's still some ill feelings between Ja Rule & 50 Cent, Irv Gotti & Ashanti, and Game and 50 Cent. Asha...

Iggy Azalea is back with a new single titled, "Team". It the first single from her new album,"Digital Distortion". The famed rapper spoke candidly recently in an interview saying she was "suicidal" during the times everyone was taking jabs at her. I wouldn't of guessed she felt that way being that she always responded back to everyone who came at her, but that still doesn't mean that those words didn't affect her. Well I hope she is okay now! In other music news..Ashanti's stalker has been found guilty. Ashanti and her stalker both appeared in court and he defended himself and grilled Ashanti about the lewd text messages he sent her. And 2 Pac's mother Afeni Shakur is getting a divorce and her estranged husband wants half of 2 Pac's estate. Say what? And the Game is being sued after threatening to break a man's jaw! Nothing new there! And on top of that he spoke explicitly about singer Kehlani on IG and she clapped back. Game ...

Foxy Brown has spoken out after being misquoted in a news article for saying that she was endorsing Trump. The famed rapper says she is not endorsing Trump and showed love for Hilary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. Foxy recently received the key to the city for her hometown of Brooklyn. One thing I don't like to really discuss is politics esp after work because I feel like things can get out of hand. Kanye West says he's releasing three albums next year or is it this year. Anyway do we care? Or will we be listening? I do hear his "The Life of Pablo" album is good. He will also do another fashion show for his "Yeezy" fashion line. Ne-Yo's new wife just gave birth to their baby. I believe this is the third or fourth child for Ne-Yo. Congrats to Ne-Yo and his family. A duet may possibly be brewing between Tyrese and Ashanti. Ashanti had Tyrese on her Snapchat over the weekend and the two were in the studio. Are you guys interested in hearing what a Tyrese and...

Ashanti appeared on "The Real" where she was grilled about her new man who she described as 6 foot 4 and 290 lbs. She stated that her new boo is not in the music industry either. We did some digging and its none other than San Francisco 49ers player Darren Dockett. Though this is not new news to most people. The two have actually been dating for quite a while. I believe the two met over Twitter where they have exchanged convo in the past. Interesting thing about Dockett is he's rumored to be gay and I thought he had a domestic dispute in the past. But if she likes it, I love it! In other music news, Rich Homie Quan called out Young Thug last night at a concert and now the two are beefing on social media. Apparently Quan made some homophobic comments and name dropped Young Thug. If I'm correct I believe these two had fallen out before over some other stuff, not sure what though. But the way these two carry on, one would think that they were more than friends! :) And ...

Ashanti is expected to share some big news tomorrow and many are thinking its regarding new music. Stay tuned for more details! Lil' Wayne's mansion was raided and his possessions seized after failing to pay $2 million dollars to a private jet leasing company. Meanwhile Lil' Wayne will release his new mixtape "No Ceilings 2" on Thanksgiving day. Eddie Murphy and his girlfriend are expecting a child together. This makes Eddie's 9th child! Happy Birthday to Diddy! The rapper/producer/businessman turns 46! Well until next time folks! Thanks for reading! :)

Janet Jackson has been ordered to rest her vocal chords which has forced her to cancel some of her upcoming tour dates. Get well Janet! One of Janet's former collaborators, Nelly has been embroiled in an Internet feud with an old acquaintance. The guy who goes by @loosecannonslim on IG(Instagram) has been poking fun at Nelly's current boo, all the while posting and showing his admiration for Nelly's ex, Ashanti. I believe this all started when Nelly allegedly dissed the guy's baby Mother or maybe I have the story mixed up. Who knows? But the whole story is crazy nonetheless! Don't you think? And Wale was on "The Breakfast Club" a few days ago and I finally got around to hearing some of the audio to the shocking interview. In addition to airing out his beef with Meek Mill, he went on to make a statement about suicide if he is not successful. Boy! I thought Wale was successful, obviously not successful as a Kanye West but more successful than a B.O.B. What...

It's the battle of the R&B Divas. The Battle of the R&B Divas will basically profile two R&B Divas and the origin of their beef and where it stands today, if it's been resolved or what have you. Tonight I'm profiling Keyshia Cole & Ashanti. There were always rumors of a rift to between Keyshia Cole and Ashanti but it was very seldom brought up until years down the road. Keyshia Cole and Ashanti shocked fans when they did a duet for the title track for Keyshia Cole's album, "Woman To Woman". Of course everyone wanted to know how they hooked up and according to Ashanti, they were in the same studio working next door to one another. Ashanti says Keyshia came in and said "yo I got this record I want you to hear". And Ashanti said it was "dope" and she said a few weeks later, they were recording. When it came time for Ashanti to promote her album, "Braveheart" a year later after their duet, Ashanti says she was told b...

It's Flashback Friday today as you can see evident on the picture I posted today! Ha! This has to be at least from 2008-09 but I digress. Lil' Kim's baby daddy, Mr. Papers revealed on social media that he is coming for his daughter, with lawyers in tow! What's funny is I didn't know this man still existed. I thought he faded into oblivion. But apparently not! If you missed it yesterday, I revealed Ashanti has her a new man but she is also embarking on an Australian tour with Ja Rule. The tour will feature the famed duo together on a few spot dates starting in July. Australian readers, will you be attending? Mariah Carey says she won't be returning to "American Idol" in its final season! She called the show "fake" and said the show pitted two females against each other. That is true! "Idol" used the beef between Mariah and Nicki Minaj to lure viewers in. Some people may feel that was the beginning of the end of "Idol" whi...

Ashanti has a new man! The word is Ashanti is dating NFL player Darnell Dockett who plays for the San Francisco 49ers. Ashanti tweeted her new boo yesterday wishing him a Happy Birthday! What's crazy is that I seen this tweet but just thought it was one of her super fans she was tweeting. I had no idea! I am happy for Ashanti though! Aww baby! Speaking of happy, a lot of people, including myself is happy for the return of Janet Jackson. The reclusive star was spotted going into a dance studio in L.A. They say Janet is rehearsing for her new tour but also said recording some type of video. Of course everything is hush hush but Janet herself shared the article on her timeline, complete with pictures. There's still no word on when we can expect this new music but Janet is keeping everything under wraps. I actually admire the secrecy because it leaves a lot to the imagination. It makes you anticipate it more and we don't anticipate a lot of albums nowadays. And I'm antici...

Lots of news so I'm going to keep it short. MUSIC BITS: Beanie Sigel is out of the hospital after being shot awhile back. Lupe Fiasco is beefing with an artist who is upset over some beat and some other nonsense. Foxy Brown is still being as messy as her weave by trying to involve Nelly in her quest to get back at Ashanti after Ashanti posted a picture with Spragga Benz, Foxy's ex-boyfriend? Or maybe it is her boyfriend. You never know with Foxy though. No new music but yet you have time to try and pick a fight with Ashanti who is obviously paying you dust. Kevin McCall of Chris Brown Dueces fame is trying to win back his ex girlfriend and baby mama Eva Marcille by proclaiming his love for her via social media. Aww how cute! Until next time folks! Have a good one and thanks for reading!