the chal banz blog

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...

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...

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...

Fresh off the heels of R&B Divas L.A . Lil' Mo is taking her show on the road with old pal Ja Rule. The singer will tour the south later this year along with Ja Rule and a host of other artists including Vita(remember her?) and Charli Baltimore(remember her?) Lil' Mo instantly became my favorite on R&B Divas L.A . and I can see more big things for her in the future. On a totally different note Sean Kingston is being sued for sexual assault. According to a fan a meet and greet was to take place in a hotel room. When the fan got to the room she found Kingston in the bed naked and forced to have sex with him, his bodyguard and other band member. The fan or should I say victim is requesting $5 million dollars for things stemming from depression and panic attacks. Kingston is counter suing the victim! Interesting! Last but not least R. Kelly will release his new album Black Panties this December. The album features the first single My Story featuring 2 Chainz. I hope everyon...

After releasing the red hot cover for her new album Talk A Good Game Kelly Rowland has revealed the album tracklisting. There are 12 songs in total which you can check out below. It's also been revealed that Kelly's new single is Dirty Laundry produced by The-Dream. 01. #1 02. Gone (ft. Wiz Khalifa) 03. Dirty Laundry 04. Kisses Down Low 05. You Changed (ft. Beyoncé & Michelle Williams) 06. Talk a Good Game 07. Stay Awake 08. Ice (ft. Lil Wayne) 09. I Want You Back 10. Red Wine 11. Feet to the Fire (ft. Pharrell) 12. Skywalker ...and if that's not enough in regards to new music news, peep this! Robin Thicke is releasing a new single titled Give It To Me featuring 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar. His current single Blurred Lines featuring T.I. and Pharrell is on fire. Adding to the fire is Jaheim who returns with new single Age Ain't A Factor . It is the first single to be released off his upcoming album Appreciation Day due this Fall. J-LO just released her new sin...

Ashanti has been making the rounds as she promotes her new role in the Lifetime show Army Wives. Ashanti opens up about her new album Braveheart, Ja Rule, and competition in R&B. Check it out!

Jay-Z linked up with then label mate Ja Rule and upcoming female rapper; Amil for this cut that appeared on the "Rush Hour" soundtrack(I believe). Amil was in the short lived group; The Dynasty along with Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, and Memphis Bleek. I'm not sure what's become of her as of late but one of the funniest rumors I did hear was that she was an associate at K-Mart's. As we know Ja Rule is currently in jail and the last I heard of him was through Ashanti who said she spoke to him for three hours and hashed out some of their differences over the years.

While the news has been brewing for a minute regarding Brandy's label situation; the star finally confirmed the rumors via twitter. In addition to her J Records signing; Brandy signed a deal with Chameleon Entertainment which is owned by Sony/BMG Records. Last week I posted the preview for Brandy's new docu series; "On My Own". The series documents Brandy as she balances motherhood and working on her new album. What network will the show air on? It's anyone's guess but I think VH1. Ja Rule will release his new album; "Pain Is Love 2" on October 11. I have no idea what the first single is but the rapper is currently or about to serve a prison sentence. The-Dream will release a free album on August 31 titled; "1977". The album serves as a precursor to his upcoming album; "Diary Of A Madman". That album is said to be released this Winter. Going back to the free album; "1977" the album will be released under The-Dream's ...

Kelly Rowland will tap back into her R&B roots for her upcoming album due later this year. The singer's new single; "Motivation" is climbing the charts and is a favorite of mine right now. Producer Rico Love(worked with Pleasure P) is producing a bulk of the album and is responsible for the R&B sound that will be present. Personally I like R&B Kelly and I prefer that over anything else. I just think she needs the right push and promotion and she will be fine. Lil' Wayne's "The Carter IV" will now be released on June 21 and not June 3. This is the album's third pushback. Let's see how long this sticks. As we all know pushing back albums for R&B/Hip Hop releases is standard. The artists formerly associated with Murder Inc or The Inc; Ashanti, Ja Rule, and Lloyd came together during Diddy-Dirty Money's "Coming Home" Tour(or whatever the name is) and performed a medley of their hits including; "Always On Time" ...

Before Ja Rule jets off to prison he will release a new album; "The Renaissance Project" in stores June 7. The album is being released one day prior to his prison term. No word yet on the first single yet but I really wonder is anyone even interested in a Ja Rule album? I guess time will tell. Rihanna is pressing on with her fourth single; "California King Bed". I'm not sure when the single will be released but surely very soon. We all know Rihanna pushes out these hits faster than a pregnant woman pops out a baby! Rihanna recently turned down the role to star in a remake of "The Bodyguard". So who will fill those shoes made famous by Whitney Houston's star turn? In other Rihanna news I think its funny how rumors suggest that Jay-Z is urging Rihanna to take a break to make room for Beyonce. You've might or might not have read that Beyonce is supposed to be releasing a new single next month; the same day Kelly releases the video to her new singl...

Jennifer Lopez was truly at her peak by the time she starting collaborating with the team of Ja Rule, Ashanti, and Irv Gotti. Now it looks like J-Lo might have a second chance at a music career thanks in part to her turn on "American Idol" which premieres this Wednesday on FOX. Make sure you check it out! ---------------- Now playing: Jennifer Lopez - Ain't It Funny via FoxyTunes

Who might that be you ask? None other than rapper Ras Kass who you may or may not know. Ras Kass is a West Coast rapper. His baby mama is singer Teedra Moses. He also happens to be an affiliate of 50 Cent and G-Unit. Go figure! Well three years ago Ras and Game had an altercation where Ras allegedly got punched by Game. Skip to three years later; the rappers have squared off again resulting in both rappers trading insults on their twitter accounts. Ras Kass claims to have a picture of a busted and wounded Game. I'm waiting to see! Ja Rule is set to release a new album; "Renaissance" before his impending jail sentence. If you recall the rapper was caught carrying a loaded gun. The rapper is no longer signed to The Inc. Instead the album will be released under his own label; MPire Music Group. There is no word on a first single or release date but I can't suspect anyone is actually anticipating this album. At least not until we hear some music anyway. So everyone has le...

As Mariah Carey nears her due date(whatever day that is) we continue to learn more and more details about her pregnancy. Apparently Mariah Carey let it slip to the President and First Lady when inquired about her pregnancy that she was pregnant with twins. Husband Nick Cannon confirmed the rumors. Congrats to the couple! Just when you thought the beef between Ja Rule & 50 Cent was over, its not. Due to Ja Rule's recent indictment, 50 Cent got on twitter and ridiculed his nemesis. The insults just lead to a back and forth taunt between the two emcees. Grow up guys! I just read that Kanye West and Cam'ron has patched up their beef. I remember reading they had a beef but I was never sure of the origin. Anyway its good to know they patched it up because most beef between rappers is usually pretty senseless anyway. Besides Kanye and Cam'ron make good music together particularly "Down & Out" which Kanye produced by Cam for his "Purple Haze" album. ----...

By this time the duo of Ja Rule & Ashanti was simply unstoppable and possibly at their peak. One of their many hits together, "Mesmerize" featured a video that payed homage to the movie "Grease".

Ashanti is outdoing herself with everything affiliated with "The Wiz" as she sings "Somewhere Over The Rainbow". Ashanti has the kind of voice for these type of songs but I wasn't too thrilled by her version of this. I am an Ashanti fan but this just didn't do it for me. Meanwhile Ashanti hooked up with Ja Rule for the VH1 Hip Hop Honor awards which will be airing next month. This year's show pays homage to Def Jam and many of its artists; past and present. Ashanti, along with Ja Rule performed a medley of their biggest hits. ---------------- Now playing: Mariah Carey - Betcha Gon Know via FoxyTunes

Whitney Houston is definitely on fire. The buzz for her new album has reached a fever pitch. The album's first single, "Million Dollar Bill" leaked out today and the reaction to the song has been overwhelmingly great! The title track, "I Look To You" has also made an impact already in the top 20 of the R&B charts. My only gripe with the new album is that its only 11 songs and I've(and most of us) have heard a lot of the songs already. Check out the promo pic for Whitney and the new single below! Music Biz: Ludacris, Shawnna Plan Duet Album! Before Ludacris wages war on the charts with his next solo album Ludaversal, he’s going to battle with his female counterpart Shawnna. Despite previous efforts, no male and female rappers have recorded an entire album together. “I know that Jay-Z and Foxy [Brown] might have talked about doing it before and maybe Nas and somebody else,” he explains. “But there’s never really been an album with a male rapper and a femal...

Ja Rule Takes On 50 Cent! Ja Rule is still talking about 50 Cent. Well click here to see what he has to say now about the rapper. Mariah Carey Pushes Album Back! According to Amazon site, they have Mariah Carey new album Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel pushed back to September 15th and it has been confirmed it got pushed back. It was suppose to be release on August 25th. There are reports that the album was not completed in time to make the original release date. It will also miss the cut-off for 2010 Grammy Awards nominations and will now go head-to-head on the charts with Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 (Sept. 11) and Kid Cudi’s Man on the Moon: The End of Day. As recently as this morning, she tweeted that she was still in the studio finishing the project. A video for the “Obsessed (Remix)” featuring Gucci Mane will premiere this Thursday. I'm surprised about the pushback especially since the album was pushed up. I happen to follow Mariah on twitter and a lot of her status messages indicated ...

Check out the single cover for Amerie's new single, "Why R U". The video debuted last week on "106 & Park" and Amerie has slowly begun promoting the single and album. The new album will feature appearances by Trey Songz among others. Music Biz: Ja Rule Talks New Album! "I'm working. I'm not in a rush," Ja said about his upcoming album. "I'm doing good work in the community with my Life Foundation. That's always a plus." "But as far as the music side, I'm in the studio working every day. I'm about to go in the studio and work right now and finish up on the album. The album's coming out incredible. It's very different. I wanted to make it special. I wanted the album to be out of this world, and it's definitely shaping up to that." "I'm not in a rush. I got a new situation — my Empire Music Group. Gotti's got Murder Inc. We're both still together — there's no separation. We...