the chal banz blog

Baby boy. Hey! I have lots of news today! It just so happens that today is one of those big news days and so early in the year makes it even better. The big news has been Chris Brown acting like a sociopath but Janet Jackson has finally given birth and everyone is talking about that and I think people have finally stopped talking about Mariah and her non-performance. I know I'm tired of hearing about it. Aren't you?  Eissan Al Mana is the name of Janet's first child with her husband Wissam Al Mana. Janet announced early last year that she was cancelling her "Unbreakable" tour to start a family. The move drew much criticism and people weren't kind. Janet did assure fans that once she had her baby she would continue her tour. Just don't count on that to happen right away guys!  Chris Brown has been sparring with Soulja Boy online and now he's turned his sights on his ex-girlfriend; Karrueche Tran after she commented on the back and forth between...

Apologetic Azealia I know we all are tired of hearing about Azealia Banks especially when it has nothing to do with music. But after all the drama, it seems as if Azealia is taking a step in the right direction. A few days ago the controversial rapper shared a letter she penned to Zayk Malik of One Direction fame. Months ago Azealia went on a big rant towards the singer when Azealia mistook something he said to be towards her. It seems like that always happens with Azealia but its good she is moving forward and being positive. Now whether or not Zayk has accepted the apology is unknown. Kanye West says he will not attend Grammys if Frank Ocean is not nominated for his album, "Blond". Kanye must of missed the memo that Frank forgot or didn't submit his album for Grammy consideration before the deadline. In more Kanye West news, it seems as if his relationship with Jay-Z is rocky as Kanye has stated there won't be a "Watch The Throne 2" but I could car...

Trina has new video Trina keeps busy even when she's not touring the world. The rapper just released a visual to her newest single, "Overnight". The song features Trina rapping about the ups and downs she's experienced as a rapper and in her personal life. Trina has been working on her sixth album, rumored to be titled, "6" and last I heard, it was supposed to be released this Summer. Summer won't be here too much longer so I'm hoping we'll get an album by years end. Friend, K. Michelle recently tweeted that she just recorded a song for Trina's new album. Last I read, Trina said Rico Love(worked with Brandy) was executive producer of her new album. I'm not sure if that's still true but hopefully we'll know something soon.  Frank Ocean's new album, "Blond" is set to debut at #1 on the Billboard charts. I read that "Blond" is actually Frank's first album as an independent artist. Many of us though...

Trina makes cameo in video Frank Ocean finally released his new album via Apple Music as reported. The album, now titled, "Blond" features Ocean with green hair and his face covered. "Boys Don't Cry", the album's original title is now part of a book that Ocean will feature in several pop up shops around the world including in Chicago and L.A. As far "Blond" guests include Beyoncé, Jazmine Sullivan, and Kanye West. I'm currently listening to the album as I speak. I'm going to be honest, I'm not really feeling what I've heard so far. I've noticed that if I like a particular album by an artist and I like it hardcore, I usually don't like the follow up album. I was nervous this would happen. Have you listened to Frank Ocean's new album? Trina makes a cameo in the first single and video to Frank Ocean's "Nikes", which is the opening track on the new album, "Blond". Speaking of Trina, her ex-boy...

Kelly is waiting on Frank So in the wee hours of this morning Frank Ocean dropped a visual album titled, "Endless" exclusively to Apple Music. The visual featured Frank in a workshop and played songs including Aaliyah's cover of "At Your Best(You Are Love)". Evidently this was not many people's first time hearing this song since it was released back in January but I don't even remember. Anyway it was definitely a highlight for me as far as the other songs. I didn't listen or watch the visual album all the way through. By this time it was like 3 a.m. and I figure I'd go to bed. "Endless" is just one of two projects Frank is supposed to release. Frank's long awaited and oft-delayed album, "Boys Don't Cry" is supposed to drop sometime this weekend. It wasn't long ago when this was reported and we got nothing.  Diddy and Cassie have reportedly broken up for the 50th time. The two apparently had a lover's qu...

I was on Twitter earlier and I was reading that the long awaited and rumored duet album between Jay Z and Beyoncé is nearing completion. Reportedly the album is said to be dropping very soon and their currently in Hawaii laying down the finishing touches. Are you all ready for the new duet album between Jay and Bey? I'm sure we'll get that album before we get Frank Ocean's. And Bow Wow says he's putting out one more album and it will be executive produced by Snoop, who discovered Bow Wow. I don't think anyone cares to hear any new music from Bow Wow at this point. Tamar Braxton is still being very petty towards her former "The Real" co-workers. Tamar says "Real friends don't need press" in regards to interviews conducted by hosts Loni Love and others. I think Tamar should just let this go and focus on her new album. Nene Leakes may not be coming back to "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" but her show, "To Tell The Truth" h...

Mariah Carey recently spoke out about her time on "American Idol" for the 59th time. She calls the experience "abusive" and even told the reporter that she was being drove to drink just from talking about the past experience. What a diva Mariah! "American Idol" was last year! I wish people would stop asking Mariah about her time on there. We all know it wasn't a good experience for her. Faith Evans is being sued by a promoter who paid her upfront for an upcoming concert performance. It turns out after booking the gig, Faith also booked the gig to do the "Bad Boy Reunion Tour". Faith is one of the featured artists on that bill and people are expecting to see her on both tours. What's a girl to do? So another week has passed and Frank Ocean's upcoming album, "Boys Don't Cry" has not been released. Many reports said that the album would be released on iTunes on August 5 but so far no album has surfaced. I don't recall...

Beyoncé is said to be starting her own educational TV network; should be interesting! And Rachel Roy(aka "Becky with the good hair) is blaming the Beyhive for hacking into her e-mail and iCloud accounts. She says her phone number was also changed without her knowledge. Do you believe the Beyhive is responsible for such a thing? Perhaps! And Frank Ocean is said to finally release his long awaited album, "Boys Don't Cry" on August 5. The singer previewed a video stream on his website complete with snippets but they still leave a lot to the imagination. It's being said that there will be a video released on August 5 and the accompanying album is said to be an iTunes exclusive for the first two weeks of release. Frank Ocean recently hinted that his album would release in July but July has come and gone so let's see if this August 5th date sticks. *fingers crossed* I read that Iggy Azalea owes back taxes then again what celebrity doesn't these days. What hap...

Azealia Banks has the internet talking again! This time she's taking on the whole skin lighting controversy which has plagued the black community in recent years. Many stars have been accused of lighting their skin either for financial gain or for their own personal insecurities. In typical Azealia Banks fashion she shot back at critics who has criticized her. Azealia posted several videos on her Facebook and Instagram account explaining her decision to lighten her skin and what it means to her. What do you think about stars lighting their skin? Most recently Lil' Kim came under fire for a much lighter complexion. Are stars getting out of control? Brandy has been forced to cancel her European tour due to vocal strain. She was advised to take a vocal rest or she would severe her vocal chords and we can't have that. Brandy thanked fans for their support and promised to make up the dates in the future. How unfortunate! I know Brandy was performing her ass off every night an...

So I was on my way to the gym last night, and I was listening to radio. I turned the dial to one of our local radio stations here and Frank Ocean's "Thinkin' About You" was on. Even though its a few years old, it was still refreshing to hear and it sounded brand new even to this day. It led me to wonder though, "Where the hell is Frank Ocean?" He promised us a new album in July and he ain't been seen on heard from since. I take it, he is perfecting the album or just going through the motions. Anyway I can't wait until we get a new album and I really hope its good if not better than "channelOrange" and certainly better that Miguel's "Wild Heart", who claims to make better music than Frank Ocean. It's funny because "this better music" that Miguel has been making lately has fallen on deaf ears. But on to some other news, Meek Mill and Wale was beefing a few days ago but luckily Rick Ross stepped in to help the men...

Azealia Banks is headed to the big screen in the feature film, "It Doesn't Have To Rhyme" previously known as "Coco". The film stars Banks as a up and coming rapper who enrolls in college and when she's not easily accepted by her peers, she discovers her love for slam poetry. Jill Scott costars as Azealia's teacher as well as Common who stars as a mentor. RZA directs the film which starts production this week. Me being an Azealia fan I'm already sold on this and will be looking forward to it when its released. Another release I'm looking forward to is the upcoming album from Frank Ocean titled "Boys Don't Cry Part 1: States". It turns out that Frank created a new Soundcloud account with the new album title but purposely left it empty though a tracklisting has been revealed. No word on when we will hear the new music but I'm guessing its pretty soon. Nowadays we are seeing more and more artists drop music unannounced choosing t...

Chris Brown should of be ashamed of himself. This is just sad. Personally I think this is another cry out for help. He's hurting. And it doesn't help to have a group of nothing ass guys behind you pumping you up. Like why are you beefing with Tyson Beckford of all people? I mean Chris Brown once beefed with Frank Ocean of all people so I guess no one is off limits. Hey y'all! Happy Memorial Day! I hope you all are enjoying or have enjoyed your weekend festivities. I know I did! And while we were all cooking, drinking, dancing, laughing, etc. a feud has erupted between Chris Brown and model Tyson Beckford. And to be honest I'm still saying what the fuck? It is probably one of the most interesting and awkwardest feuds thus far of the year. It all started when Tyson and Chris' ex Karrueche Tran took a picture. And we all know Chris Brown being the person he is, felt some type of way about this and blasted Tyson. Chris got his chain gang in tow and headed to Vegas but...

Happy Friday y'all! MAN UP: Has Ciara snagged a new man? Well that's what rumors suggest. The singer is reportedly dating Seattle Seahawks player Russell Wilson. The two was spotted together at an event a few days ago. One thing is for sure, Ciara keeps a man, kind of like how J.Lo does. Though I think this is the longest J.Lo has reportedly been single. What do you think about the Ciara cozying up to a new man? I mean anything is possible especially after how crappy Future was towards her. OCEAN'S WATER: In other music news, Frank Ocean has legally changed his name to Frank Ocean, his stage name. Frank filed the documents in court over a year ago and they were finally settled after Frank had to clear up his driving record. If you didn't know Frank's real name is Christopher. Funny being that he once had been with another Christopher. Chris Brown! I thought about changing my name. Still considering it. TIDAL WAVE: Something that is likely being considered is a join...

OCEAN DRIVE: Frank Ocean has revealed that his new album, "Boys Don't Cry" will be released this July. It's been nearly 3 years since Frank released his Def Jam Records debut. I'm ready for a new Frank Ocean album are you? JAIL BIRDS: Do you recall when Keyshia Cole said she was going to jail for 30 days? Well it looks like she won't be going to jail after all since her DUI case was thrown out. And The Game is being sued by the police that he punched. Game claims he punched the police only after the police threatened to take a gun out of his bag and shoot him. As we know Game is about that life and he will fight anyone anywhere. There are plenty videos online of game fighting other rappers, fans, and just overall rude assholes. MOVIE TIME: Miguel is said to be starring in a romantic drama directed by John Legend! For some reason this doesn't surprise me. Somewhere along the lines Frank Ocean should be cast as well if you get my drift and I think you do. :...

It is that time of the year where you all will start seeing every blogger post their year end list of favorite albums and the like. Since there isn't much news really worth reporting today, I figure I'll take some time to mention my favorite albums of 2014. There weren't many albums that I found all that amusing like most of you. I usually don't like most albums as a whole. I usually only like a handful of songs but these albums mentioned below struck a chord with me. I'll first start with Bravehear t by Ashanti. It was a long road to getting this album released but once she did, it debuted in Pop top 10 signifying Ashanti's staying power over the years. For such a long wait I felt the music on Braveheart was really good and Ashanti previewed a lot of the music beforehand so there was a lot to look forward to. My favorite song is Early In The Morning featuring French Montana. Oh when I first heard it, the song stayed on repeat. I even got my niece liking it....

LOVE NO LIMIT: Trina just released a new single Fuck Love exclusively on iTunes. On the song the fiery rap vixen spits fire at an unknown ex. Many are saying the song is about French Montana and Khloe Kardashian but Trina put a disclaimer out saying the song means otherwise. Have you heard the song? And if so what do you think? Honestly I think the song is hot and its just the song Trina needs to get back out there with. OCEAN'S DRIVE: Frank Ocean is working on a new album and he has enlisted Rodney Jerkins(interesting) and Hit-Boy for production duties. Frank has also switched management firms. There is no release date set for the new album. I was a big fan of Channel Orange and I'm hoping this new album is just as good as that if not better. I often feel like when I like an album from someone, I usually don't typically like the follow up for whatever reason. Hopefully Frank breaks the mold. MUSIC BITS: Rick Ross will release new album in November as will Whitney Housto...

END OF THE ROAD: Danity Kane has officially called it quits. After the quintet reformed as a quartet before ending in a trio, the group released the single Lemonade . The song was released to huge fanfare on iTunes. The ladies were working on an upcoming album. After group members Aubrey O'Day and Dawn Richard got into a fist fight, the hope that existed among fans that the group would come back strong has now gone down the drain again. Poor girls! I think Dawn needs to stay out of groups period. She's had no luck with them. Remember when Dawn was apart of Diddy's Dirty Money group? Then again maybe the ladies can reform again in the future when everyone has matured and are clearly ready to partake in a proper reunion. FRANK-LY SPEAKING: Frank Ocean is said to be tying the knot to his transgender lover. The singer is planning the wedding to coincide with the release of a new album coming soon. Frank shocked some earlier in the week when he revealed himself with blue and gr...

Any news is good news. Greetings on this Tuesday morning! I was doing some reading and I found out that Frank Ocean is back in the studio. This was news some time back ago but the singer has posted pics on his Tumblr account proclaiming the news. The upcoming album will be the follow up to his 2012 debut channel Orange. I know how much I liked channel Orange so I'm hoping the new album is just as good if not better. I know sometimes I can like an album by an artist and when the next one arrives, I absolutely hate it. Let's hope this is not the case. Speaking of new albums, J-Lo is talking about her 10th album due June 17. While the album has no title, J-Lo has opened up about the many collaborations. They include Wiz Khalifa, Robin Thicke, Maxwell(song: I Wanna Love ), Chris Brown(song: Same Girl ), French Montana(single: I Luhh Ya Papi ), Detail(producer: Drunk In Love ), etc. Whew! Sounds like quite the list of people. Let's just hope the music is as good as the gue...

Chal is serving the TEA! So....I just read that Frank Ocean is filming the video to his first single off his new album. Say what? If the sound of the first single and accompanying album is anything like his Def Jam debut consider me sold. Speaking of sold, Ashanti's new album is out and its on track to sell upwards of 18-21K(thousand) copies in the first week. That's good considering she is an indie artist now. During her press rounds Ashanti revealed that she is working on the score to the upcoming Tupac biopic due in 2015. What do you all think about that? Well why you think about that Pharrell, who released his own album G I R L this week is producing on Alicia Key's next album. He describes Alicia's new work as "super next level" but we'll be the judge of that when we hear it. Right?

Chal is serving the TEA! Hey y'all! T-Pain is speaking out against some unnamed rappers who won't work with Frank Ocean! First of all I don't think Frank Ocean is hurting in the money dept. He gets called on to appear on songs from Jay Z and Kanye, two of the biggest rappers in the world. Who needs these other rappers when he has Jay and Kanye calling him. I'm just saying. But anyway, I was supposed to save my rant for the end. So what do you all think? Do you think Hip Hop is and will always be homophobic or will they give in eventually?