the chal banz blog

ABORT MISSION: I'm back after a brief time away for the Holidays. I was going to blog over the break but I left my laptop at home. So anyway on the news, Nicki Minaj opens up on the cover story of Rolling Stone magazine. She says she had an abortion at an early age and the decision has haunted her ever since. It looks like she also took another shot at her nemesis Iggy Azalea by implying that certain artists brag about not writing their material. Then again I'm not sure if she were talking about Iggy but if I had to take a wild guess I'd say she was the intended target. Though I can't quite recall Iggy ever saying she didn't write her rhymes as its been suggested by Minaj. In other Nicki news a video of her performing an acting scene in school has leaked out and they say she was not happy about it. Why? I don't know. Nicki's album The Pink Print is doing well on the charts and now I'm eager to get my hands on it now because all of a sudden I have a rene...

I mean of course with Swizz Beats being Alicia Keys' husband and everything he is going to hype her new album. I mean its only right...right? Find out what Swizz has to say about Alicia's upcoming album and his own project. Alicia Keys has walked down the aisle, welcomed a son, and produced a play in the two-plus years since releasing her last album, 2009’s The Element of Freedom. Now the Grammy-winning singer is plotting her return to music with her fifth album, which Swizz Beatz calls “timeless.” Her husband was beaming with pride as he spoke about his wife’s upcoming music. “She’s working on a timeless piece,” Swizz told Angie Martinez. Expect Alicia to get personal on her first album since giving birth to baby Egypt. “The topics that she’s speaking about are super deep and from the heart, and to me what music has been missing,” added the producer, who dropped his new single “Street Knock” featuring A$AP Rocky. “It’s the thing that makes us special as an artist. I tell her, ...

Monica may of just released the video for her song; "Anything(To Find You)" but her official first single will debut this Friday. That's according to her appearance on "106 & Park" today. So the Missy Elliott produced; "Anything" is just a buzz single with a video. Monica's new album; "New Life" will now be released on November 29. This album release date just keeps being pushed back further and further. After tying to knot(I forgot they were married or are they?) and having a baby; Swizz Beats is rumored to be cheating on Alicia Keys. So soon? Apparently the rapper/producer sent pics and text messages to a woman he is trying to hook up with. Say what! I was seeing some people make comments like "what goes around comes around". Rightfully so. If its true. We know how Swizz did Mashonda so you can't be surprised if it happens to you.

I have no idea what this is but this is absolute garbage! I would expect better from these two especially together but then again this is Swizz' song. This must be from an upcoming album but I definitely won't be checking for it. Much better is his song; "Everyday(Coolin')" featuring Eve. You all should check that out! ---------------- Now playing: ‪Swizz Beatz Ft. Alicia Keys -- International Party [MUSIC VIDEO]‬‏ - YouTube via FoxyTunes

Diddy-Dirty Money releases their latest video, "Ass On The Floor" which features Swizz Beats and its from their debut album, "Last Train To Paris" which will arrive in stores and online December 14. ---------------- Now playing: Mario - Ooh Baby via FoxyTunes

Sammie is back with a new song and video. The video is presented through the wonderful folks at Worldstarhiphop.com. I'm not sure if Sammie has an album or mixtape in the works but its safe to assume that he does. When I find out more info about his upcoming projects; I will let you all know. I see Sammie is going through that phase that most teenage stars go through. They feel a need to become overtly sexual showing folks that their grown up. We've seen it many times over the years and Sammie is just the latest in a long line. Music Biz: Swizz Beats To Become A Professor! Swizz Beatz is getting a late start to the school year. He was recently named NYU's first producer-in-residence at the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music at the Tisch School of the Arts. The star producer will provide students with one-on-one sessions, group lectures and mentoring. 
For any student hoping to break into the business, this is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. Just thi...

Chrisette Michele is back merely a year after her last album, "Epiphany" was released with "Let Freedom Reign" due in stores and online November 30. The album is led by the first single, "I'm A Star". The album features backing vocals from Jazmine Sullivan and Ne-Yo. Chuck Harmony; who was responsible for the production on the last album is the main producer of the new album. I know I put my friend up on Chrisette Michele's last album and she really took to it. I think she started to like it a little more than I did. Music Biz: Cassidy, Swizz Beats Sued Over Hit Song! Royalty issues stemming from Cassidy and Swizz Beatz hit " My Drink N My 2 Step " may cost them seven figures. Cassidy and producer Swizz Beatz are being sued for $1.5 million for unpaid royalties. Antawnn Frost co-produced Cassidy's 2007 hit "My Drink N My 2 Step" with Swizz, the hit single from B.A.R.S. Frost, who claims he has been cheated out of royalti...

Love is definitely in the air this weekend. T.I. and his longtime fiance Tameka "Tiny" Cottle finally got married this weekend. It ends all the questions that Tiny would be hoarded with. I'm happy for them. You can read about their two ceremonies they had and they outstanding guest list. You can also read about another famous wedding below as well as rapper Wiz Khalifa's newest recording home! Cottle's bridal court included Xscape band mate and Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burruss, reality show cast mate Antonia "Toya" Carter, and songstress Monica. Former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young officiated the ceremony as Usher Raymond, hip-hop mogul Jermaine Dupree, former DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones, TLC's Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, and rappers Bow Wow, Trina and Killer Mike were in attendance. For the Cottle and T.I., who's real name is Clifford "Tip" Harris, marriage was so nice, they did it twice. A day after the couple...

Trina releases the second video from her album, "Amazin'" in stores now. I never found out why there was no video for "Always" with Monica. Music Biz: Lloyd Prepares New Album! R&B singer Lloyd is prepping for the release of his next album. Titling the effort "King of Hearts," Lloyd hopes to have the album in stores by year's end, calling it his "masterpiece". As previously reported, Lloyd's next album has been linked to producers The Runners, Jim Jonsin, Polow Da Don, Dr. Dre, and Rico Love. "King of Hearts" follows Lloyd's 2008 album "Lessons in Love". Swizz Beats A Dead Beat Dad? That baby moms over in is making some sensational allegation against Swizzy. Apparently that Russian Baby Moms he has is real and she's being vocal that he's not taking care of his daughter they have. Her name is Jahna Sebastian and here is the baby: Apparently, Swizz was making some form of payment to the baby/bab...

Swizz Beats rose to prominence thanks to DMX and the Ruff Ryder crew. His production work there led to more high profile production gigs. Like other producers; he has thrived as a solo artist. He has released two albums; "One Man Band" being the most recent. Some of his hit singles include "It's Me Snitches" and "Money In The Bank". He started Full Surface Records; an imprint of J Records which housed such acts as ex-wife; Mashonda and Cassidy. He went through a publicized divorce with Mashonda after it was revealed that he and Alicia Keys were dating. Now two years later; the couple is engaged and expecting their first child. Swizz Beats has offered us some rather varied production over the years and if you weren't listening; you might of missed these productions listed below. Check On It; Beyonce OOC; Mariah Carey Touch It; Busta Rhymes Stop Snitchin; Ice Cube Dog & A Fox; Foxy Brown feat. DMX Teenage Love Affair Remix; Alicia Keys Pac's ...

That's of course when she finishes her jail sentence! Da Brat is still in prison serving a few years for striking an aspiring model in the head with a bottle of rum. That's Da Brat for ya! She was able to visit producer JD and that's where the news derived from. Make sure you be on the look out once Da Brat returns. If you didn't know Da Brat is the first female rapper to earn a platinum album! There had been tons of pictures and rumors going around about Alicia Keys being pregnant! Well it turns out that it is true. Alicia Keys' rep has confirmed that the star is pregnant and engaged to boyfriend Swizz Beats. Now we all are aware of how these two came to friction and its best told by Swizz Beats ex-wife singer; Mashonda. Mashonda was obviously scorned and took to twitter(just like an average celeb) and expressed her disdain with Alicia and Swizz. It's all old news now though but congratulations to the couple! Kanye West is rumored to be releasing his new album;...

Another one bites the dust. It is no longer surprising when an album is pushed back. I guess as long as it comes out that is all that really matters. Read more below about Game's album pushback as well as stories on Jae Millz arrest and Mashonda's lawsuit against Swizz Beats! The release of rapper The Game’s fourth studio album The R.E.D. Album has been pushed back a week. The album was originally scheduled to be released on June 29, but will now hit store shelves on July 6. Game’s latest project will now arrive in stores the same day as Big Boi’s upcoming solo album, Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty. That leaves two major releases still set for June 29th: Diddy’s forthcoming album Last Train To Paris and Paul Wall’s project Heart of A Champion. Game’s latest single “Ain’t No Doubt About It” will be available for purchase on iTunes starting on Tuesday, May 18. R.E.D. features collaborations with Gucci Mane, Timberland, Jim Jones, Nate Dogg, Jadakiss, Akon, Justin ...

He has been keeping the gossip pages and blogs afloat with his relationship with Alicia Keys; now Swizz is turning the attention to the music. He talks about working on upcoming albums from Busta Rhymes, Eve, and Nicki Minaj. Check it out! ---------------- Now playing: Nicki Minaj - MassiveAttack [Dirty] via FoxyTunes

Teairra Mari appeared on "The Mo'Nique Show' last night(Tuesday) and performed her hit single "Sponsor". The singer also talked about the meaning of the song and her role in the new movie; "Lottery Ticket"(I think it's called that) with Bow Wow. You don't see or hear all that here; this is just the performance. Enjoy! Music Biz: Alicia Keys & Swizz Beats Go Public With Relationship! Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz have kept their relationship mostly private, but now the couple is ready to show the world they’re in love. The “Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart” songstress and her super-producer boyfriend Swizz Beatz made their first official public appearance together at Gotham magazine’s annual gala at Capitale in New York City on Monday (March 15). The lovebirds were all smiles as they held hands and posed for photos with Alicia’s mother Terri Augello and Busta Rhymes. Alicia will perform at Madison Square Garden on St. Patrick’s Day. ---...

I do remember seeing that Jay-Z was going to premiere the video for his newest single, 'On To The Next' on New Years Eve or New Years Day. Either way here it is; check it out! Music Biz: Shyne Working On New Album! Recently-freed rapper SHYNE has recruited producer SCOTT STORCH to help him make his first new music in more than a decade. Shyne walked free from prison in October (09) after serving eight years of a 10-year sentence for his part in a 1999 shooting in New York. He was subsequently deported to his native Belize but he's now back in the studio working on new tracks with Storch, who has faced his own financial and legal troubles. Storch tells AllHipHop.com, "Shyne's my man. I've been talking to him and I was talking to him all through his prison sentence. He's always remained a loyal person to me. "We became friends after he was already in (jail) and I found out he was a fan and he's just a hell of a cool guy. I'm looking forward to do...

Alicia Keys & Swizz Beats step out and party it up in celebration of Alicia Keys' new album release, 'The Element Of Freedom'. Never before have I seen these two on camera interacting the way they are. They look like they are having a good time and enjoying each other. It's sad because due to this relationship with Swizz Beats, it has tarnished Alicia's image a little bit. Her new album is expected to sell around 300-350 units in its first week. It is a far cry from her 700K she did a few years ago. ---------------- Now playing: Sterling Simms - Sexual Healing [HOT RNB] (2009) via FoxyTunes

Now that the fourth quarter of music releases is under way, you can expect a major shake up in release dates. Everyone is trying to get a piece of the holiday sales that come along with Black Friday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and afterwards. 'Super Tuesday' is a phrase used to describe a huge number of releases for that given Tuesday specifically for albums. In the next month or two you will see plenty of 'Super Tuesday[s]' and December 15(which is on a Tuesday) is good enough to write about hence the post title. Check out the the releases and some slight info below! Alicia Keys, The Element Of Freedom First single, "Doesn't Mean Anything" isn't exactly setting the charts on fire like a typical Alicia Keys release. There seems to be a bit of backlash from the whole Swizz Beats/Mashonda incident and "Doesn't Mean Anything" sounding too much like "No One". I don't care much for Alicia Keys but I do like a handful of her son...