the chal banz blog

Social media was on fire yesterday as pictures of Rihanna and a mystery man made the rounds. Rihanna and said man were seen canoodling in a pool and had many wondering who exactly the guy was. The guy was later identified as a man who has ties to Toyota overseas(I seen the man's name but I can't remember and I believe he is of Arab descent). Rihanna's new mystery man is also said to be model Naomi Campbell's ex. Now it all makes sense as to why Naomi Campbell threw shade at Rihanna when appearing on "Watch What Happens Live" earlier this year. So it seems like Rihanna may of been dating this guy for awhile and this is our first time seeing it. When exactly did Naomi Campbell date this man is unknown. But this is all very interesting, I think. Well not really but Rihanna is a big superstar(as we all know) so anytime she starts dating(or messing around) with someone its going to be a big deal. Speaking of relationships, it seems as if the relationship between ...

So the Billboard Music Awards were revealed today and Rihanna and Drake lead with the most nominations. No surprise there. Drake scored 22 nominations and Rihanna has 14 nominations. The Billboard Music Awards air in May. Will you be watching? In other news, Mariah Carey has broken up with her boy toy back up dancer. Did we see that lasting long? I didn't! It turns out that the boy toy was jealous of Mariah according to reports. He probably didn't like the fact that Mariah is still cool with her ex-husband Nick Cannon. I personally think Mariah needs an older mature gentleman but obviously not James Packer but hey what do I know? Mariah is also forging ahead with new music. She recently inked an imprint with Epic Records called Butterfly MC Records. She is slated to drop a new album sometime this year. I think she should hold off on the live performances in the meantime. But she will tour in Caesar's Palace again this Summer and she is still set to tour with Lionel Richie...

So..the Grammys were Sunday and I watched bits and pieces of the telecast. The Grammys were on the same time as "RHOA" so that had my attention. I did see Chance The Rapper win for Best New Artist. I saw the tail end of Beyoncé's performance which had everyone talking...of course. As for the winners, Beyoncé won for Best Urban Contemporary Album. Adele won in the major categories like Album Of the Year etc. I would say Rihanna was the best dressed and she gave 0 fucks in the audience as she was seen blowing kisses to Beyoncé and drinking from a flask. I do admire that about Rihanna that she is so badass and she give 0 fucks. Other winners included Drake for "Hotline Bling" and Solange for "Cranes In the Sky". Sunday saw the release of several of Prince's catalog released to several streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. Princes' catalog was previously already available on Tidal music. I was glad to hear this because I could fi...

Bank(s) on this! Another day. Another Azealia Banks feud. Though this is not the first time Azealia has feuded with Rihanna. I do think this is the first time Rihanna took time to respond. Azealia was originally featured on Rihanna's "ANTI" album and for whatever reason she was cut from the album and Azealia took it personal. Though things like this happen all the time. Azealia threw some shade at Rihanna but Rihanna never responded that I know of. Fast forward to a year, Rihanna commented on social media regarding the immigration ban set forward by President Trump(can't believe I'm saying that). Azealia spoke out citing that Rihanna isn't from the states and yadda yadda. Azealia's comments soon forced Rihanna to respond and the two went back and forth via social media. Rihanna called Azealia a "weirdo" and Azealia shot back with Rihanna's alleged phone number on her Instagram account. A part of me was tempted to call it and see if it we...

That "bitch" Actor Charlie Sheen appeared on the TV show, "Watch What Happens Live" and when host Andy Cohen asked him about Rihanna, he referred to her as "that bitch!". Rihanna's fans heard the jab and went in on Charlie Sheen. Now I can only imagine the things they said about him considering all that you can say about Charlie Sheen. The jab stems back from Rihanna refusing to take a picture with Charlie Sheen and his girlfriend awhile back. Depending on when you can encounter Rihanna, she can be nice or she can be "that bitch". Depends.  Soulja Boy's Hollywood home was robbed. Immediately when I read that headline, I figured Chris Brown and his henchmen had something to do with it or the goon squad he was showing on in front of on video awhile back. Who knows?  Fans rejoiced when it was revealed that late singer, Aaliyah's "Ultimate Aaliyah" album was on Apple Music for streaming and purchasing. Many rushed to ...

"Damn" Trina! Trina posted a live video to her Facebook account on the set of her new video "Damn". The video will serve as the first single and video from her upcoming album. Trina said the song will be released on January 6 and it features Canadian singer Tory Lanez who was also present in the live video. The live video was from a club in Philly where Tory is currently touring at. No word on when Trina's new album will start but I am happy that Trina is moving right along and putting out her long awaited follow up to "Amazin" which was released back in 2010 believe it or not.  Rihanna's new single, "Love On The Brain" has just reached the top 20 on the Pop chart and it sets a new record for Rihanna. "Love" becomes Rihanna's 40th top 20 single! Congrats Rihanna! Rihanna was recently nominated for Grammy's and next month will mark her album, "Anti" 1 year anniversary. Can you believe its already been a ...

Beyoncé leads Grammy nods The Grammy award nominations were revealed yesterday and Beyoncé, Adele, Drake, and Rihanna scores multiple nominations. Congrats to all the nominees. I could really care less about the Grammys this year or for the last few year to be honest. It's always the same artists getting nominated. I was however glad to see Remy Ma get her first nomination in 11 years and I was also glad to see R&B trio King get a nomination. If you don't know who King is you should look them up. They're a trio based out of L.A. and their debut album is titled, "We Are King". Speaking of Rihanna and Beyoncé, Rihanna had to clear up a post she liked on Instagram of a fan blasting Beyoncé's multiple Grammy wins and how Rihanna should of been nominated for Album of the Year. Rihanna responded after a backlash and said that she simply liked the post without really reading it and added that people shouldn't pit women against each other. People are p...

Jay-Z's "Here". Good evening people! I just finished watching "Love & Hip Hop Hollywood" and I can't get over the guy A1 who is married to Lyrica. He wears black finger nail polish and its just something about him that seems off. Then again woman nowadays like feminine men. Anyway I have some small updates for you, just enough to quench your music news thirst. Read on for more. Alicia Keys performed live in New York City and she brought Jay Z on stage for their hit song, "New York State of Mind". If that weren't enough Alicia dragged presidential nominee, Donald Trump in regards to comments he made about "grabbing women by their pussy". Alicia said as a matter of fact that Donald wouldn't be "grabbing [her] by the pussy". Alicia Keys' new album, "Here" will be released on November 4.  Speaking of Alicia Keys, I saw a news excerpt regarding Alicia and her new makeup free face. But according to he...

Lil' Kim teams up with Faith Faith Evans posted to her Instagram that she just did a collab with Lil' Kim for her "The King & I" album. Faith expressed her love for the track she did with Kim and Kim returned the love back via Instagram. The two have patched up their rivalry back sometime ago. It all started a few years ago when they were seen hugged up to more recently Faith introducing Lil' Kim during her VH1 Hip Honors ceremony. What do you think of Lil' Kim and Faith collaborating? Is it long overdue?  Cassie has signed to Epic Records. It's been reported that a new single is also on the way. I believe Bad Boy is under Sony Records so this would make perfect sense.  Rihanna and Drake are said to be an actual item now. Rihanna even got a shark tattoo commemorating Drake. What do you think of the new couple? Do you think they make a cute couple? Drake is definitely smitten for Rihanna and has been for awhile.

Beyoncé big winner So I am a day late on my recap of the Video Music Awards. I didn't watch the telecast and nowadays you don't have to because most, if not all performances become readily available on social media and YouTube. There were many highlights as well as shocking moments,typical of all award shows these days. I took the liberty to cover some of the moments. Check it out!  Beyoncé was one of the big winners at the Video Music Awards. She now holds the record for the most awarded female surpassing Madonna. Beyoncé graced the red carpet with her daughter, Blue Ivy in tow. Jay-Z was noticeably absent. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or bad thing. I do notice when Beyoncé does attend award shows without Jay-Z, she seems more gracious and personable as opposed to when she is with him, she comes off as rather icy and cold, just my opinion. She also performed several songs from her "Lemonade" album. People were criticizing Alicia Keys for not w...

Mariah's "Empire" Mariah Carey will be guest starring on the new season of "Empire" which premieres on September 21. Some pictures surfaced a day or so ago of Mariah in the studio with star, Jussie Smollet(Jamal) so I'm guessing Mariah is probably playing herself? Will you be watching the new season?  Fresh off of their alleged altercation/argument, Diddy and Cassie are back on. Diddy recently helped Cassie celebrate her 30th birthday with a huge lavish party with family and friends. Speaking of Diddy, Future is said to allegedly have called Diddy an "old ass bitch". Some say the audio may be of Desiigner who sounds eerily like Future but Future has remained mum on the news.  Yung Joc has everyone talking with his new hairdo. The Atlanta rapper and star of "Love & Hip Hop Atlanta" has a blowout and his new hairstyle has influenced a bevy of memes ridiculing the rapper. The rapper has taken everything pretty well. To see Joc...

Rihanna will be starring in the last season of "Bates Motel" as Marion Crane. If your familiar with the character of Marion Crane, she is the guest at the Bates Motel on the run after taking off with a boatload of money. She meets Norman Bates who speaks of his ill mother. It's Marion Crane who suggests she be put in an asylum much to the dismay of Norman Bates. Of course this all from the movie "Psycho" which Bates Motel is based on. Are you ready to see RiRi on your TV? Speaking of TV, The Game was the guest last night on "The Amber Rose Show" where he admitted that he's slept with some of those who has sent him messages in his DM(Direct Message) on Instagram. This is in response to Amber asking Game about his infamous dick print pictures. He says the pictures are not photo shopped and if you want to see, come over! Ha! So there you have it peeps! Game's dick print pictures are real! Speaking of dick(I do apologize to some of my readers fo...

Rihanna has cancelled her tour in France after the attack in France. She also cancelled her performance at Lollapalooza[sp] after concern for the Zika virus. Tamar Braxton and her husband, Vince Herbert may be headed for divorce according to reports. Apparently Tamar was said to have stepped out on the marriage but there had also been rumblings that Vince also stepped out on the marriage. I'm not sure what is true at this point but stay tuned for more details as they become available.

Rihanna and Drake are not only collaborators but also they have tied for most successful albums of the year so far. Their perspective albums, "ANTI" and "Views" have both been certified double Platinum for sales and streams totaling 2 million. Congrats to both! In other music news, Chaka Khan and her sister have both checked into rehab for addiction to prescription pain medication. Sources say Chaka was touched by friend Princes' death and his addiction to pain medication that she prompted to get clean. Good luck Chaka! You are in our prayers! It's funny because Chaka has a history of drug and alcohol abuse over the years. It hasn't seemed to affect her voice though, I will say that. On the reality TV front, Porsha Williams of  "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" has an arrest warrant out. If you recall back in December, Jami Ziegler; an one time associate and employee of Porsha's was beaten down by Williams during a Christmas party while f...

Rihanna just released her video for her new single, "Sledgehammer" from the "Star Trek" soundtrack. From what I saw the video looks a little trippy and Rihanna looks demonic. I read the song was written by Sia(worked with Christina Aguilera). Rihanna also just collected her 21st top 5 hit with "This Is What It's Made For" featuring Calvin Harris(I believe that's the name of the song). Congrats to Rihanna! Rihanna is currently overseas on her "ANTI World Tour" and interestingly enough Beyoncé is overseas as well on her "Formation World Tour". The Academy Awards has finally decided to "blacken" their Academy by announcing 46 new members to the Academy. This year the Academy came under fire for the lack of Black actors and black movies being recognized. This has been an issue over the years and its a good thing they took the broadening seriously. Now if these other award shows would stop being political, then we'd ...

Rihanna has caused a storm of controversy after posting several posts on her Instagram page regarding Lebron James. Rihanna, on several occasions has referred to the married James as "bae" upon congratulating him on his win in the NBA Finals last night. A few weeks ago Rihanna posted a picture of herself with the #23 on her body, which looked like it was sprayed in whipped cream. The act was seen as sexually suggestive and very inappropriate to many. So the question today on New York's "The Breakfast Club" radio show was, did Rihanna go too far in her love and admiration for Lebron James? If you recall Rihanna has referenced Lebron on her hit song, "Bitch Better Have My Money". Do you think Rihanna is being inappropriate or simply fanning out like the rest of the Lebron James' fans? In other music news, it looks as if things are over for couple, Iggy Azalea and her NBA player boyfriend, Nick Young. Iggy posted on social media she can no longer t...

So there's a lot to report today so I'm going to keep it relatively brief. Rihanna has paired up with Dior for a sunglasses line. Gucci Mane is out of jail. Shots rang out at T.I.'s concert. It seems like trouble follows T.I. wherever he goes even though he wasn't directly involved. Rapper Troy Ave was caught on tape shooting at who many assumed to be rapper Maino. Maino denied it was he and confirmed that the two had a great working relationship. Meanwhile Troy Ave's dumb ass shot himself and shot someone in the stomach. Three people were injured. What a hot ass mess! Keyshia Cole was seen hanging out with Floyd Mayweather who just bought her a luxury truck. Hmmm. Well guys there you have it. Thanks for reading! :)

Hey people! I know its very rare that I greet you all personally but I wanted to say this post is being labeled the "Shade Edition". A lot of shade was thrown last night and over the last few days. So I'll start with Lee Daniels, creator of "Empire" who shad some words for his dear friend Mariah Carey. He said "Mariah shouldn't do reality TV!". Mariah responded by saying her new show, "isn't a reality show". Take that Lee Daniels! Ha! On a totally different note, Madonna is facing a backlash after her Prince tribute fell on deaf ears. Madonna was joined by Stevie Wonder for a somber duet of Prince's "Purple Rain". While I feel the tribute left a lot to be desired, at least Billboard did pay tribute to Prince, had they not, people would of been upset about that. Immediately after the performance, BET shaded Madonna by posting a 15 second clip with the caption, "Yeah, we saw that. Don't worry. We got you"....

Rihanna News: Tinashe is mad!!! The singer took to social media and disclosed that her album, "Joyride" which was set to be released in the coming weeks is not being ripped apart. The title track was given to Rihanna and will be included in a rumored "Anti" re-release. Tinashe took a jab at Beyoncé claiming she was the first to use an inspired makeup idea that Bey debuted in the video for "Sorry". Sounds like its been a bad week for Tinashe or should I say a bad last week. If that ain't enough, Chris Brown blasted her after she spoke out against him for disrespecting Kehlani. Oh shucks! Stuff like this happens all the time. Songs are passed around left and right in the industry. So good luck to Tinashe though. Maybe she should go independent. What do you think? And more on the whole Beyoncé debacle. It is being reported that Rachel Roy is indeed "Becky" and that's what Beyoncé allegedly referred to her all along. During the infamous fi...

Drake sells 600K+ copies in the first day of his new album,"Views". "Views" is an iTunes exclusive for an entire week before it lands in stores and other streaming apps. Upon its release on April 29, the album and its song titles were all trending on Twitter. Drake samples Brandy on "Fire & Desire" and Mary J. Blige throughout the 20 track. Drake touches on his relationship with Nicki Minaj and Meek Mill. Rihanna, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Future, Pimp C, and OVO artists round out the guest artists. Have you all heard the new Drake album and what do you think of it? In my opinion the album is not bad. I think it takes a couple of listens to fully get into it but reviews for the album have been mixed. But those sales are throughout the roof. In other music news, Khia dragged Beyoncé and Serena Williams on social media over her video for "Sorry" and the Beyhive came back and dragged Khia in return. Even the Game clapped back at Khia for her comments. W...