the chal banz blog

Hey guys! Sorry for the lack of updates! I'm always keeping up with what's going on in popular culture but me coming here and discussing it(typing it) is a whole different story. I compiled the last week of news stories and speak briefly on some of those you have heard about and some you may of not heard about. So here goes... Remember the rumors going around suggesting that singer Brandy was pregnant with her rumored ex-boyfriend(who's alleged to be married) lovechild? Well her friend, actress; Jenifer Lewis(show: "black-ish") was asked during a red carpet event if Brandy was pregnant and she replied "No!". So there you have it! Brandy is not pregnant!  R&B group Xscape are heading out on tour this Fall with singer Monica and Tamar Braxton. The group also landed a reality show titled, "Still Kickin' It"(I believe) and it will air on the Bravo network directly after "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" starting on November 5....

So this groupie girl is alleging that Drake has got her pregnant and now he is ignoring her. The girl in question has receipts of text conversations with Drake and papers claiming her pregnancy. This could be true and this could also be a bunch of bullshit. Who knows and who cares? In other Drake news, his album, "More Life" has been #1 for 3 weeks. No surprise there! Drake has recently called out a popular spot known as the Madison Club for their mistreatment and racism. The company responded by reaching out to Drake and planning to fix the situation. One situation that will need to be fixed and definitely addressed is allegations of Chris Brown assaulting a photographer. The photographer in question has receipts which includes a bloody lip. We all know Chris Brown is known to fly into a rage from time to time so this is pretty believable. I wonder has Chris posted a video or meme about this? A few days ago someone "hacked" Mary J. Blige's Twitter which inclu...

Some music news for you all today! Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. Beyoncé is being eyed for the new "The Lion King" movie. Mary J. Blige says she did not ask for her vocals to be removed from Faith Evans' debut album contrary to rumors. Faith Evans was on "The Breakfast Club" awhile back and said she received a call that Mary wanted her vocals removed from the song and Faith never knew why. Mary went on to say that she liked the duet and always wondered why her vocals her removed. Tamar Braxton recently revealed on "Braxton Family Values" that she suffered a miscarriage amidst her firing from "The Real" and all the other drama with her sisters. Drake's "More Life" album is slated to be the #1 album for a second week in a row.

Nicki's new record Nicki Minaj sets a new record! She just scored her 70th Hot 100 hit. This week, her new single, "Black Beatles" debuts at #65 giving Nicki her 70th chart hit. Aretha Franklin holds the distinction of the most Hot 100 hits with 73. Something tells me Nicki Minaj will top Aretha next year. What do you think?  Speaking of Nicki Minaj, another female, rapper Remy Ma has been drawing criticism from some who insists she is throwing shade at Nicki in various raps. One minute Remy is congratulating Nicki then the next it seems Remy is shading her. I personally think its just the name of the game. I think its a friendly competition if anything. But we know Nicki is going to throw a few bars Remy's way very soon. Remy contends if she doesn't say your name then its not about you. But how many rappers actually say that and mean it? What do you think? Do you think Remy is going at Nicki? Remy went on a social media post binge with memes of lyrics and...

The tea is hot! Rick Ross was performing at a concert when he shouted out Kanye and made claims that Kanye's "breakdown" was simply that of a publicity stunt. Could be true? But I still think there is something seriously wrong with Kanye. I see he is walking around with the blond hair looking like Kid Cudi and Frank Ocean but hey whatever makes him happy. Do you think Kanye is faking it until he makes it?  Mary J. Blige has been going through a bitter and very public divorce. Her ex-husband Kendu Issacs apparently has some possessions of Mary's and he refuses to give them back. They include 2 Grammys and 2 Mercedes Benzes. Mary claims that she wants her Grammys back and he can keep one of the Mercedes. It's amazing to me how greedy this man is being when he's the one whose done Mary wrong. Give Mary her shit back Kendu!  Chris Brown has announced that he will be releasing a new single soon called "Party" featuring Usher and Gucci Mane. Chr...

An old banner Mary J. Blige, who is currently going through a publicized divorce has threatened to expose her ex-husband if he keeps humiliating her in the media. Allegedly Mary warned her ex-husband that she will reveal pictures of all the woman he cheated on her with. One of those women is said to be the infamous Karrine "Superhead" Steffans. If you don't know who she is, Google her!  Meanwhile Mary's new single, "Thick of It" is #1 on the Urban AC radio. She is also currently on tour with Maxwell. Mary's new album, the aptly-titled; "Strength of A Woman" will be released in December. VH1's popular reality TV show, "Love & Hip Hop Hollywood" just wrapped up its season and now "Love & Hip Hop New York" will return on November 21. Will you be watching?  Monica is co-hosting on the TV show "The Real" all this week. Monica is one of the many women in the running to be a permanent host on the sh...

An old banner. Good evening everyone! Kanye West is mad at Jay-Z for not visiting his home after Kim Kardashian was robbed. Kanye blasted Jay during a recent concert and of course the video footage made the rounds on social media. If Jay couldn't visit Kanye and Kim, he could of called at least, right? Well we know Jay isn't going to respond to this and if he does maybe he will via a song or a guest appearance on a song.  RZA has FINALLY spoken out after the whole Azealia Banks and Russell Crow debacle. RZA says Azealia was "choked" but not called the "N word". He also states that Azealia was "drunk" and "violent" and threatened to cut a woman with a glass. RZA also details how he came to Azealia's defense when he went to bat for her for his feature film, "Coco". He also talked about how he got Azealia a record deal, flew her out to L.A. and yadda yadda. In typical Azealia Banks fashion, she has since responded and ...

I got the tea. Tamar Braxton apparently unfollowed Monica and Toya Wright on social media for appearing on "The Real". As we all know Tamar Braxton was unceremoniously fired from "The Real" and it was a really big ordeal. And it still continues to be a very big ordeal when she is doing stuff like that. Personally I don't think its that serious but Tamar Braxton is Queen Petty without a doubt. Just like Tamar, Monica and Toya Wright have things to promote just like the next chick. I don't think their intentions were to be disrespectful to Tamar but Tamar personally needs a slice of humble pie. Just when we thought the divorce between Mary J. Blige and husband Kendu Issacs would be a quiet one, he is now asking her for spousal support. Mary and Kendu married 13 years ago and he also served as her manager. Mary, who sings the new theme song on season 20 of "The View" said during a recent guest appearance that her new album is slated for a Decembe...

Remy in ATL Remy Ma and Trina will both be performing live in ATL on Saturday, September 3 at Premiere One. If your in the Atlanta area, will you be checking out the ladies? Hopefully we get another Remy Ma and Trina collab, that would sound good right about now. I'm really happy at how Remy has turned her life around and got back on her grind. She is doing really well right now. Her, Fat Joe, and French Montana have a new record out now called, "Cookin", have you heard it?  The big story yesterday was Chris Brown getting arrested for allegedly pulling a gun out on a woman. The woman called the police then called TMZ. The woman, turns out to have quite the extensive criminal record has been blasted on social media by fans and celebrities alike. When I first read about this, I believed her because of Chris' past behavior. Then I realized though something must of taken place for her to make up such a story. Either the hoe ain't get no coke, no dick, or somet...

Bey & Jay Lately it seems like there's been an influx of industry relationships that have gone awry in recent weeks. I'm here to break down all the drama. You ready? Mary J. Blige & Kendu Issacs - Mary J. Blige shocked everyone when it was announced that she was divorcing her husband/manager of 13 years. It's been pretty hush hush as to the extent of the divorce but Issacs was questioned about the divorce on social media. He kept his response light and very professional citing that he simply tried to love Mary and care for her etc. This certainly isn't the end that we will hear of this divorce. Mary has a new album in the works which was all set to go but now with this divorce looming, there's fresh material to draw from. Unfortunately I think everyone is looking forward to Mary's new album for all the wrong reasons and I'm one of those people. :) Beyoncé & Jay Z - Divorce rumors regarding Hip Hop/R&B's premier couple have been r...

Amid rumors of infidelity in her marriage, its being reported that Monica is pregnant. The reports haven't been confirmed as of yet but we will have to wait and see just how true this is. If so, congrats to Monica and her family. Drake performed in Chicago last night and brought out Chicago's own Kanye West who took a dig at Taylor Swift. The outspoken rapper thanked his wife, Kim Kardashian for having Snapchat. If you recall Snapchat was where the phone call between Kanye and Taylor Swift was shown. And shocking news today involving Mary J. Blige! She is reportedly filing for divorce from her husband after 13 years of marriage. There had been reports of trouble in paradise in the past but this story is everywhere. Mary J.'s husband is also her manager. VH1 continues to make BET look like crap with yet another Black-themed show titled, "Hip Hop Squares". The show is take on the classic game show, "Hollywood Squares". The show is being executive produc...

So Ne-Yo's girlfriend, Crystal has confirmed that she is indeed pregnant and posted the ultrasound to prove it. This was basically news a few weeks ago and everybody went in on Ne-Yo after making his ex-wife get her tubes tied. In other news, Mary J. Blige and Tamar Braxton are going on tour. Safaree, Nicki Minaj's ex has hooked up(pun intended) with K. Michelle. The two have collaborated for K.'s third album. He thanked the singer on social media and took a stab at Nicki by insinuating he ghostwrote her lyrics, a rumor that has been going on for quite awhile. If you recall K. Michelle had beef with Nicki Minaj because she stole her song with Meek Mill, which was title track for her album; "Anybody Wanna Buy A Heart?". And Lil' Wayne and Christina Milian have reportedly broken up but did they ever really admit they were together. In the midst of their breakup, the two have released a collaboration titled "Do It". To be honest I'm surprised Chri...

MUSIC BITS: Nicki Minaj visited August Alsina in the hospital. The singer has been in the hospital ever since he collapsed at a concert. Rah Digga is questioning Iggy Azalea's authenticity like so many others have. Iggy just can't catch a break. The R&B Divas L.A. Reunion airs tonight on TV One at 10 PM EST. I'm excited for the reunion mainly because Wendy Williams is hosting. The season as a whole was pretty boring but I know Wendy will dig up some dirt as usual. Mary J. Blige recently visited The Breakfast Club radio show and talked about her new album The London Sessions due December 2. The album's first singles are Therapy and Whole Damn Year . She also opened up about the Burger King controversy which she says left her in a brief dark space due to the negative reaction. Azealia Banks has just released her new single Chasing Time . It's the latest single to be released from Azealia's long awaited album Broke With Expensive Taste . 

MUSIC NEWS: Nicki Minaj has revealed that her new album The Pink Print will be available on November 24. The album contains the hit single Anaconda . Mary J. Blige will release her new album The London Sessions on December 2. The album's first single is titled Therapy and will be available on iTunes on September 23. If you know Mary, you know its typical for her to release her albums in December. 

MUCH OBLIGED: Mary J. Blige spent the Summer in London recording what will be her next album, Mary J. Blige: The London Sessions . The album pairs Mary up with an array for UK artists and producers. The album includes such acts as Disclosure and Sam Smith. The ten track album is due in stores this Fall. RAY OF LIGHT: Ray J has accepted a plea deal after a May 30 incident. The incident in question is when Ray J acted a plum fool in a Beverly Hill hotel. I believe the VH1 cameras were filming as well for Love & Hip Hop Hollywood . Anyway Ray J groped a girl and something else transpired. I forget what but I'm over Ray J and his foolish antics. Grow up! 

 Mary J. Blige has reportedly left Interscope Records for Capitol Records. Mary's last few albums have all been released under the Interscope label. Mary J. recently released the Think Like A Man Two soundtrack and previous to that she released her successful Christmas album last year. I definitely wasn't here for the Think Like A Man soundtrack. I wasn't feeling the Suitcase song nor any of the other songs. I never heard Mary's Christmas album but I know it sold decently in its initial run. I am however looking forward to a new Mary J. album, something more so along the lines of some of her best albums like My Life, Share My World, and The Breakthrough . I guess we will just have to wait and see what Mary J. does next.

Any news is better than no news.  RIH RIH: It's refreshing to hear something regarding music with Rihanna. Usually we are hearing about her checking someone on Twitter or we're seeing her come out of a club. Well the production duo of Stargate(worked with Ne-Yo) have revealed that Rihanna is focused more than ever on her new music. They also revealed that her vocals are in top form. There is still no word on when we can expect new music from Rihanna. But if I had to take a wild guess, she may drop new music around Thanksgiving, the time in which she typically drops new albums. THINK LIKE A MAN TOO: Mary J. Blige has been tapped to headline and perform new music for the soundtrack to the new music Think Like A Man Too. The movie which stars Kevin Hart features Mary on the album's first single, Suitcase. Other guests on the album include Pharrell and Kanye West. Mary's contribution to the Think Like A Man Too soundtrack is the vein of how Whitney Houston carried The ...

Any news is better than no news.  MARY MARY: Mary J. Blige will release a new song in the coming days. It is the first single to be released from the upcoming soundtrack to Think Like A Man Too. There is word that Mary J. will receive top billing on the soundtrack as if it were her own studio album. Mary teased fans with a snippet of her new untitled single. FIGHT CLUB: Early Sunday morning T.I. swung at famed boxer Floyd Mayweather at Fatburger on the Vegas strip. The swing resulted in a melee that was caught on tape. The fight in question resulted from T.I.'s wife Tiny hanging out with Mayweather at one of his events in Vegas. Apparently T.I. was hosting an event not far from where Floyd threw his. Tiny appeared at Floyd's event and not T.I.'s. No surprise there right? I say that because its been documented that there's been trouble in paradise between T.I. and Tiny for awhile. Tiny hasn't wore her wedding ring in months. T.I. was pictured with some groupie g...

Any news is good news. Greetings! If your looking forward to the new album from Michael Jackson, Xscape , now you will have more of a reason to. It has been revealed that D'Angelo and Mary J. Blige will appear on a song together with Michael. The untitled track was produced by D'Angelo and it can be heard on Xscape due May 13. Xscape is now available for pre-order on iTunes. Speaking of iTunes, it was just this past December when Beyonce' surprise-released her self-titled album to fans. Now Beyonce is getting a surprise of her own. The singer is being named in a lawsuit by two fans who attended her concert in Chicago. According to the fans, they were trampled on by a mob of fans upon entry to the concert. Excuse me ladies but Beyonce' is not the one you should be suing. If anything you all should be suing United Center. They are more than responsible since the ladies missed the show since they suffered broken bones and multiple other injuries. The venue should of ...

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...