Trey Songz Wants to Duet with Beyoncé

Trey Songz may have collaborated with a who’s who of the music industry, but he’s got his sights set on one artist in particular. The R&B crooner reveals that Beyoncé tops his wish list and that he’s already reached out to her and her husband to make it happen.


“I want that powerful duet,” Songz tells “Extra’s” Mario Lopez. “A big ballad kind of like the Usher, Alicia Keys ‘My Boo.’ Maybe one of those. I reached out to Beyoncé. Of course, I asked Jay-Z if that was OK to see what we can do.”

Trigga Trey also spoke about his latest album Passion, Pain & Pleasure and tour with Usher, which keep him from pursuing a relationship. “Well, I’m single right now. It’s definitely hard at this point to maintain something real and to make sure because women need attention, women need to know that they are loved and need to be shown that,” explains the bachelor. “And right now going city to city and being so focused on my career, I don’t want to put a woman through that right now.”

So how does he spend his free time when he isn’t on the road or promoting a project? “I’m a simple man. I like to bowl, I like to play Xbox. I like to do just the simple things, spend time with my family. I got two younger brothers and a big family. I like to enjoy the normalcy of life.”

New Music: Diddy-Dirty Money f/ Trey Songz – ‘Your Love’

Prepare to party with Diddy-Dirty Money and Trey Songz on “Your Love,” a club-ready track included on the Bad Boy mogul’s upcoming album Last Train to Paris. Trigga Trey takes first verse duties on this romantically-inclined tune, where Dawn and Kalenna encourage their men to skip the foreplay and get down and dirty. Diddy comes in at the end on the self-aggrandizing song, repping for the fans with a toned-down verse. Get gritty by listening below.

11-diddy dirty money-your love feat trey songz by Spa_Water

New Music: R. Kelly – ‘You Are Not Alone’

R. Kelly pays homage to his mentor Michael Jackson with his version of “You Are Not Alone,” a bonus track included on his new album Love Letter. Kellz originally wrote and co-produced the chart-topping ballad for the King of Pop in 1995. “In love and memories of my hero, MJ forever,” says the Pied Piper before belting out the famous lyrics.

15-r. kelly-you are not alone (bonus) by Spa_Water

5 Must-Hear Songs on Jamie Foxx’s ‘Best Night of My Life’

Jamie Foxx has a ball on his fourth album Best Night of My Life, the follow-up to 2008′s platinum Intuition. Featuring guest appearances from Drake, T.I., Justin Timberlake, Rick Ross, Rico Love, Ludacris, and Soulja Boy, the LP is heavily steeped in love, touting upbeat fare for the clubs and sultry ballads about romancing the ladies. In anticipation of its December 21 release.


“Best Night of My Life” featuring Wiz Khalifa
Jamie is having fun and feeling good on the sexy title track, produced by Eric Hudson. The optimistic tune, accented by finger snaps, light piano chords, and tinny instrumentation, features the Grammy winner crooning about wanting to take a girl back to the crib to get it on. “Oh baby, how I love the smell of your perfume/ And if we were kids, I’d be breaking curfew to stay up with you,” he sings before Wiz steps in for a verse about taking home a young hottie.

“Hit It Like This”
Like an R&B version of Lil Wayne’s “A Milli” (and featuring a sample similar to that on the tune), this Mel & Mus-produced track is prime for the clubs. “Knock back shots so we all gettin’ stupid,” sings Foxx in an attempt to get a girl to leave the spot on his arm. “First we start to touching, then we start to kissing/ Girl I’mma, girl I’mma give you what you missing.”
“Gorgeous”
Woozy synthesizers introduce this slow jam, produced by Eric Hudson. On the scintillating song, Foxx shares just how lucky he is to have found the woman in his life, showering her with anything that money can buy. “This must be a match made in heaven/ Feels like dice when I roll a seven/ Girl, I’m so, so lucky I found you,” he sings, likening her to an angel that’s fallen from the sky.

“Freak” featuring Rico Love
Foxx gets nasty on “Freak,” produced by Danja and Rico Love, who spits a verse on the uptempo banger. Featuring a spastic synthesizer and echoing percussion, the sizzling joint has an ’80s feel, boasting a heavily Auto-Tuned chorus where the singer begs his girl to be her freak. “The floor appears to be yours/ Go ‘head, pop the champagne,” encourages Rico on his brief verse.

“Yep Dat’s Me” featuring Ludacris and Soulja Boy
This joint is strictly for the club heads. “Yep Dat’s Me,” produced by Eric Hudson and sporting a dank, sparse beat, is all the way swagged up, with Foxx pandering to the female fans. “Ladies if you out and getting paper/ Do yourself a favor/ Don’t forget to tell all of them haters/ Yep dat’s me!” sings Foxx while Soulja Boy chants the song’s title on the chorus. Luda comes in with a fourth quarter 16, rapping about making his way through the club like a juggernaut.

DJ Khaled Recruits Lil Wayne, Chris Brown for New Album

DJ Khaled is currently prepping his first album on Cash Money Records, We the Best Forever, and he’s got big plans for the lead single. The Miami DJ has let the cat out of the bag that Lil Wayne will be one of several artists featured on the “movie”-like track, which he plans to drop in January.


“When I work with Wayne… On my records, I always got some of the most classic verses. And this verse I’ve got for my new record is… Woo!” Khaled told MTV News. “It’s one of those anthems that I do. The streets is going to embrace it on another level. It’s one of them records that when you first hear it, you’re going to be like, ‘This is what I’m talking about.’ It’s that anthem.”

Khaled also worked with Chris Brown and Keyshia Cole, both of whom appear on a motivational track. “I’ve always been a fan of Chris. This song I got with him is so inspirational. It’s something where the person holds [the torch] and runs for the Olympics,” he said of the tune.

Guests expected to make the final cut include Rick Ross, T-Pain, Birdman, Young Money, and Cee Lo Green, with whom he’s been wanting to collaborate for years. “I’ve got a special record with him,” he said. “[It's about] never sleeping. Describing your life and my life, we out here hustling every day and we ain’t gon’ never stop.”

Chris Brown Wows Big Sean with Rap Skills

Watch it Glitter! from Mechanical Dummy on Vimeo.

Chris Brown and Big Sean do it big in the studio while recording a pair of original collabos for Breezy’s recent mixtape In My Zone 2. In the first of a series of webisodes on the way, the friends chop it up in the lab, with Chris explaining how “Shit Got Damn” and “Glitter” made the final cut of his DJ Drama and DJ Babey Drew-hosted tape.

“On the mixtape, it was all love. We was both in Miami at the same time, so I said, ‘I got these beats, come by the studio.’ When he came by, he started listening to a couple of the records. We caught a vibe,” explained Chris, who brought him in the studio and played him a few cuts off his forthcoming album F.A.M.E.

The pop star also shared that he was scared to bust a rhyme for the G.O.O.D. Music rapper. “When Big Sean came in and heard me rap, I was kind of almost intimidated, because I thought this dude was probably going to think I was wack. Because I’m not really amongst the rapper alumni. So he was just like, ‘Dawg, you can rap!’” he said. “From there, I just tried to have fun. I don’t consider myself a rapper. I just try to have fun with it.”

Black Eyed Peas Earn Third Top 10 Debut, Soulja Boy Stumbles on Chart

The Black Eyed Peas return to the top 10 on the albums chart with the follow-up to their multi-platinum release The E.N.D., but their labelmate Soulja Boy didn’t fare as well in this week’s sales.


Will.i.am, Fergie, apl.de.ap, and Taboo’s sixth album The Beginning comes in at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 with 119,000 copies sold in its opening week. In comparison, The E.N.D. topped the charts with 304,000 in the summer of 2009. The group earns their third top 10 entry based on the success of the Dirty Dancing-sampled single “The Time (Dirty Bit),” which peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The Peas can blame Susan Boyle, who bumps Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy from the top of the chart down to No. 7 with 108,000. Nicki Minaj’s debut Pink Friday drops six spots to No. 8 with 103,000.

R&B powerhouse Jazmine Sullivan blows in at No. 17 with 57,000 units sold of her sophomore set Love Me Back, while fellow songbird Chrisette Michele’s third LP Let Freedom Reign enters at No. 25 with 42,000 units.

Meanwhile, Soulja Boy finds his third album The DeAndre Way with meek first-week sales. The “Speakers Going Hammer” rapper only managed to sell 13,000 copies of the disc, putting him way down the chart at No. 79. Comparatively, his 2008 album iSouljaBoyTellem debuted at No. 43 with 45,500 copies.

J. Cole Sees Grammy in His Future

While J. Cole missed out on this year’s Grammy nominations, he hopes to hear his name called at next year’s ceremony. The rising Roc Nation star has just the song that may win him a golden gramophone.


“I have an incredible song that I hope wins a Grammy,” the North Carolina MC excitedly tells of the undisclosed Danjahandz production. “I pray to God. It’s such an incredible song. I love it.”

Cole enjoys the track so much that he can’t even believe he wrote it. “It’s a really J. Cole song, but in single form, big radio form, but still emotional, really deep, thought-provoking type of song,” he shares. “It’s still commercially acceptable with a really super duper hook that sometimes I can’t believe I wrote like, ‘Man, how did this hook come to me?’”

He even has someone ready to jump on the record. “I wanna get somebody on the hook in particular and I just spoke with that person too, so we’re gonna make that happen.”

Cole’s as-yet-untitled debut is tentatively due in March.

Royce Da 5'9" Plans Next Album, "Success Is Certain"

Nickel Nine makes a follow-up title reference to his 2004 independent gem.

Detroit, Michigan emcee Royce Da 5'9" released an acclaimed 2004 album, Death Is Certain. Led by the DJ Premier-produced single, "Hip Hop," the sophomore album - and first with Koch Records (now known as E1 Entertainment) was a critical success to the Bad Meets Evil alum.

Seven years later, Royce Da 5'9" - now reunited with Eminem, announced that his next solo album will be called Success Is Certain. Having released two studio albums since Death Is Certain, the next effort will celebrate Royce's persistent ascent from the underground to the mainstream. There is no word yet which label will release the album, although the Slaughterhouse member confirmed the title today.

Last year, Royce released Street Hop, which was executive produced by DJ Premier.

It ol be Death is certain part 2 but the word Death will be crossed out and under it will be Success.. Sooo.. "Success is Certain" 2011less than a minute ago via EchofonRoyceDaFive9
TheRealRoyce59

Bad Azz, Techniec, Lil C-Style's LBC Crew Album To Finally Be Released

Death Row is bringing the Doggystyle Records original 1996 group's album to the masses in early 2011.

At the height of Death Row Records' success, Snoop Dogg was given his Doggystyle Records imprint. On his 1996 hit, "Snoop's Upside Ya Head," the Long Beach rapper confirmed this with "Doggystyle Records is now official." Although he would revive the imprint several years later, the rapper had initially signed an impressive would-be roster of Tray Deee, Soopafly and The LBC Crew. The last outfit, consisting of Bad Azz, Techniec and Lil C-Style would release an album that would never be released, as Snoop Dogg departed the imprint in 1997.

Bad Azz would go on to find a successful solo career with 19th Street and subsequently Priority Records. Techniec later signed with Mack 10's Hoo Bangin' Records, also a Priority affiliate. Lil C-Style, younger brother of 19th Street Records founder Big C Style, would later release material through Daz Dillinger's DPG Records.

Fifteen years after its recording, Death Row Records is releasing The LBC Crew's Haven't You Heard? (We Givin' Somethin' Bacc To The Street) on February 8, 2011 - this, according to E1 Entertainment, the label's latest distributor.

Ski Beatz Says, "I Definitely Wanna Work With J. Cole."

Fellow North Carolina native Ski Beatz tells SoulCulture about trying to link the Roc's past and future by working with J. Cole.

While not an official member of Roc-A-Fella Records, Ski Beatz was very instrumental during the Roc’s formative years. Ski supplied the beats behind Reasonable Doubt’s “Feelin’ It,” “Politics As Usual,” and “22 Two’s.” While Roc-A-Fella’s founding members have gone their separate ways, Ski maintains a connection. The North Carolina native is behind the boards for most of Curren$y’s recent work, and Curren$y now finds his album bearing the Roc-a-fella/Def Jam logo.

Having rebranded his label as Roc Nation, Jay-Z has given another NC resident the stamp of approval, and Ski is also apparently interested.

“I wanna do a track with J. Cole ‘cause he’s from NC an I’m from NC,” Ski told SoulCulture. A fan apparently saw the video and echoed the suggestion via Twitter, as did Ski. “It’s that NC shit. That’s what we do—we rap and produce ourselves.”

I would LOVE to hear @JColeNC on one of @Skibeatz instrumentals! That should be a must! Classic Hip-Hop right there.about one hour ago via webSkibeatz
Skibeatz

Ski shrugged off being deterred by the rift between Jay-Z and Damon Dash, citing both former partners as friends.

“Jay’s my friend and Dame’s my friend,” he added. “Hey if I can do a record with J. Cole, and Jay says, ‘Yeah, cool do it,’ and Dame’s like, ‘I Don’t give a fuck,’ then we’re gonna do it.”

Ski added that the issue of what label a potential collaboration with J. Cole would be released on could be a bit of an issue, it wouldn’t matter to him because fans would love the final product.

Cypress Hill Backup Singer Files $250 Million Suit Against Rockstar Games

Michael "Shagg" Washington says Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas based the Carl Johnson character on his childhood without permission.

Since its release in 2004, “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” has raked in over $1 billion in profits. The game featured lead character Carl “C.J.” Johnson, which was voiced by rapper Chris “Young Maylay” Bellard. And while ”GTA: San Andreas” had a Hip Hop feel courtesy of voiceovers from fellow emcees Game, Yo Yo, MC Eiht and others, Michael “Shagg” Washington has filed a suit alleging the makers of the video game used and profited from elements of his life.

A complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, states the following:

“The plaintiff had never seen the game. He did not own or play video games, but it seemed possible that he had been included in the game. He then recalled the meeting in or about 2003, and it began to dawn on him that his image had been stolen for the game. Upon examination of images of ‘CJ’ and comparison to his photos from that year and other evidence, it became clear that Rockstar (the developer of Grand Theft Auto) had stolen his image and never paid him.”

Washington is reportedly listed among the “GTA: San Andreas” credits. According to a statement given to The Hollywood Reporter he has also worked as a background singer for Cypress Hill and a model.

Washington’s suit, which charges Rockstar with misappropriation of likeness and copyright infringement, calls for $250 million—roughly 25 percent of the profits earned from the game.

Too Short Says That He Wants To Be The Oldest Active Rapper

Twenty five years ago, Too Short named his debut album "Don't Stop Rappin'," and after a few retirement pauses, he hasn't since.

With over 18 full-length releases, Oakland, California's Too Short is one of the more enduring rappers of all time. In a recent interview with DubCNN, Short claimed that he's ultimately seeking the title of the oldest rapper still releasing albums. "I think I just kind of set a goal for myself to play it as long as it can go. I just wanna do it longer than anybody else say they did it," said the onetime Dangerous Crew leader. "I wanna make more songs than anybody, I wanna be the oldest rapper who is active. I didn't set out to do this, but now that I'm doing it, I might as well do it to the fullest, like Brett Favre?"

Whereas Brett Favre has 18 years under center in the National Football League, Too Short boasts a catalog of music that dates back to 1985's Don't Stop Rappin' on the 75 Girls label.

Other 25 years Rap alumni who have recently released music include Ice-T, D.M.C., Just-Ice, Dr. Dre, LL Cool J and The Beastie Boys, among others.

Will.i.am Talks Mortgage Relief Program, Producing U2's Next LP

The Black Eyed Peas frontman talks about his mortgage relief company and working with Bono of U2 on the group's upcoming LP.

Having already conquered music and movies, Will.I.Am is now taking on the current mortgage crisis, one family at a time. The Black Eyed Peas frontman recent launched his i.am.home Mortgage Relief Program, a business dedicated to supporting homeowners facing foreclosure on their houses and helping the unemployed persons find jobs. Although will.i.am explains that not all cases end as happily as most would hope, he says that he expects the company to make a difference in many peoples' lives.

"I rescue families who are losing their homes because they have no jobs and they can't pay the mortgage and the banks are foreclosing on their homes," he said. "All the people we help are debt free, they don't have to pay me back, but we've had some hiccups. There was one lady whose home we rescued and we found her a job at a hospital. Then she didn't show up to work on her first day and got fired."

Yet helping to alleviate the strains of the economy isn't the only task the super-producer has on his plate. Irish rock group U2 recently enlisted Will.I.am to produce their next as-of-yet untitled album. will.i.am explained what is was like to work with the legendary rock group and how U2 frontman Bono inspires him.

"Just being around Bono and the guys is inspiring," he said. "It's like how a government should be. Bono for president of the world, I say…there's only one type of music and that's good music, no matter what genre it is. Bono is one of those guys who sees it that way and there's no right or wrong. There are no rules once you lift the veil off."

He later added, "I went to Bono's house for lunch and George Clooney and Cindy Crawford were there. I played some of the songs we'd been working on together and everyone was blown away. They all left the finger food to come and hear."

Freddie Gibbs Says Hi-Tek, Ski Beatz, Jim Jonsin To Produce "Baby-Faced Killer

Gangsta Gibbs lets some light on his full-length debut, and says that too many rappers make songs for "soccer moms," as he credits Yukmouth & The Luniz for keeping it real and mainstream.

In a recent Boston, Massachussetts interview with Peter Parker, Gary, Indiana emcee Freddie Gibbs touched upon his upcoming full-length debut, Baby-Faced Killer. After releasing his retail EP, Str8 Killa with Decon

Records this summer, the veteran gangsta rapper is working with some high-profile producers in addition to longtime collaborator, Josh The Goon.

"I just got it in with Jim Jonsin," said Gibbs about recording the album. He also revealed that he's working with Ski Beatz, Develop and Hi-Tek. Working with hit-makers for Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, T.I. and Reflection Eternal, Gibbs simply stated, "I'm just makin' moves. I'm just gonna come with a quality sound...I'm just workin' how I want to work, and makin' my masterpiece the way I want to make [it]." That attitude comes as the rapper spent years on Interscope Records without releasing an album, largely due to creative differences.

Although Gibbs' resume now boasts an XXL cover and work with veteran Hip Hop elite, his sound will remain the same. "That same raw street that I been makin', I'ma keep makin' that. If it catch on the mainstream or radio, so be it," Freddie told Peter Parker. "But I could care less what some old-ass dude and some soccer mom want me to be. 'Cause I live in L.A., and I hear the radio stations, and they play songs for soccer moms. Them the bitches that ain't at work everyday."

Confirming a recent recording with Oakland, California's Yukmouth, Freddie Gibbs pointed to 1995's hit single as an example on how to break the mainstream without compromising. "The Luniz, they came out [with their first single, 'I Got 5 On It'] being a weed song. Wasn't nobody trippin'. My grandma was singin' 'I Got 5 On It!' That's what I gotta do: I gotta stand for somethin', or I'ma fall like the rest of these mothafuckas."

Death Row Records To Release Debut LP From Dr. Dre Protege Sam Sneed

Dr. Dre will be featured on the album from the veteran Pittsburgh producer/emcee. Tracklisting revealed.

One of the more anticipated albums of the 1990s was Street Scholars by Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania producer/emcee Sam Sneed. As a Death Row Records artist, Sneed released 1994 hit single "U Betta Recognize" featuring Dr. Dre from the Murder Was The Case soundtrack. However, after co-production and writing credits on label hits between 1994 and 1996, Sneed's album has remained shelved.

Death Row Records, now owned by Toronto, Canada's WIDE Awake Entertainment, announced that is going to change. In the last two years, the new regime at the label founded by Dr. Dre, Marion "Suge" Knight and attorney David Kenner in 1991 has released shelved material from Snoop Dogg, Danny Boy and Kurupt. Sneed's Street Scholars, according to E1 Enterainment, Death Row's present distributor, will be released on January 25, 2011.

Prior to working with Dr. Dre in 1994, Sneed was known as a member of PMD's Hit Squad, producing for Long Island, New York emcee K-Solo (who would also later sign with Death Row). In addition to "U Better Recognize," Sneed worked alongside Dr. Dre on hits such as "Natural Born Killaz" and "California Love."

After Dr. Dre left the label he co-founded in 1996, Sneed soon followed after a fight with Suge Knight and Tupac Shakur that has been profiled in several books, most notably Ronin Ro's Have Gun Will Travel.

In the years since Death Row, after surviving a reported brain tumor, Sam Sneed has produced for Busta Rhymes, Capone-N-Noreaga, Beanie Sigel and former Posion Clan emcee JT Money.

Street Scholars is believed to feature Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Dayton, Ohio emcee J-Flexx. (November 20)


The tracklisting for Street Scholars is as follows:

1. Cold World
2. Gorilla Pimpin’
3. Uncle Sam
4. U Better Recognize (feat. Dr. Dre)
5. Marriage
6. Weather Man
7. I Keep A Check
8. The Survivor
9. New World Over
10. The Exodus
11. What I’m Lookin’ For
12. Lady Heroin
13. Goin’ Hollywood
14. Drug Related
15. Kingdom Kome

Rolling Stone Names Kanye's Album Best Of 2010

Kanye West was recently awarded the top spot in Rolling Stone's year-end album issue.

West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, which came out November 22nd and received a five-star rating review from the magazine, sold almost 500,000 copies in the first week of its release.

Rolling Stone’s review of  Kanye’s album said that his project was filled with "music as sprawlingly messy as his life" and that songs on the project are "hip-hop epics...full of the kind of grandiose gestures that only the foolish attempt and only the wildly talented pull off."

Akron, Ohio, blues-rock duo the Black Keys, known to work along side Dame Dash, scored the number two spot with Brothers, which featured one of the year's top songs, "Tighten Up Rock"

Drake's Thank Me Later took the #6 spot and Eminem's Recovery took the #9 spot helping round out the top 10.

Young Jeezy's Manager Denies Arrest Reports

 Young Jeezy's manager has denied claims that the Atlanta rapper was arrested in the Bahamas last weekend.

According to the rapper's manager Demetrius "Kinky B" Ellerbee, the reports of Jeezy's arrest in New Providence are false.

"It's not true," Ellerbee told MTV News, dismissing a report by Bahama-based newspaper The Tribune, who claimed Jeezy was booked before a show in the tough, Fox Hills section of the island.

According to reports, the rapper was simply "in the wrong place at the wrong time" when he was arrested and released, just before his performance at Club Luna, later that evening.

Police in the Bahamas have yet-to-reveal any more details about the alleged arrest.

Michael Jackson - Hold My Hand Featuring Akon (Official Music Video)

RL of Next explains NUDE Photo!

Dj Envy, Angela Yee, and Charlamagne Tha God Interview Ray-J [Responds to Raz B, talks Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj beef, relationship with Brandy + More]

Video: T.I. f/ Rick Ross – ‘Pledge Allegiance’

T.I ft. Rick Ross - Pledge Allegiance from Motion Family on Vimeo.

Keri Hilson Reveals Childhood Nicknames, Performs on ‘Lopez Tonight’

Keri Hilson followed fellow diva Nicki Minaj and appeared on Tuesday’s “Lopez Tonight.” Miss Keri discussed her all-girls slumber birthday party, shooting a 12-gauge shotgun, getting a massage from a mysterious man, and her childhood nicknames, Keri-aoke and Big Bird (“I was tall and yellow”). Plus, she strut across the stage with a remixed version of “Pretty Girl Rock.” Watch below.
 

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Lil Wayne Stands Tall on ‘Carter IV’ Single

Ready for that new Weezy? Barely a month after getting out of jail, Lil Wayne is ending the year on a high note by breaking his silence with the first single off the long-awaited Tha Carter IV. Young Money president Mack Maine has revealed the name of the highly-anticipated track.


The song, titled “6’7”,” will arrive before the year’s end, according to Maine. “We definitely dropping it before the end of the year,” he told MTV News. “We ready to go now; we getting it mixed.”

Maine also hinted that the frenetic banger could feature YM’s newest member, Cory Gunz. “Just make sure you all remember two words: Cory Gunz. Incredible,” he later tweeted.

Wayne’s close associate DJ Scoob Doo previously described the song as a “2010 Version Of A Milli..But On [Steroids].”

In addition to dropping off new music, Wayne will make his return to television by performing “No Love” with Eminem on the December 18 episode of “SNL.”

Review Roundup: T.I. – ‘No Mercy’

T.I. turns somber on his seventh album No Mercy, reflecting on his roller coaster ride of the past year. Kanye West, Eminem, Christina Aguilera, Chris Brown, Trey Songz, and more lend their troubled friend a hand during his tough times. While the incarcerated rapper seeks redemption, the critics have offered their ruling on his latest work. Find out how he fared.


USA Today: Sonically, he’s got loads of radio-friendly material with guests such as The-Dream, Trey Songz, Young Dro, Pharrell, Drake, and Eminem. Christina Aguilera helps close out the album with the standout “Castle Walls.” Fans have stuck by T.I., and his album is worthy of their attention. 3 out of 4

Los Angeles Times: Whereas he once toyed with tricky time shifts, his flow lingers conservatively in the pocket. Repeatedly confessing to his own fallibility, T.I. turns his attacks on gossip website TMZ and people who post Twitpics—uncomfortably interrupting his own celebration to snarl. 2.5 out of 4

The Boston Globe: “Castle Walls” has a terrific Christina Aguilera vocal and shows introspection, but throughout this disc there’s an unsettling celebration of the untamed life without any reflection on the consequences T.I. often laments.

Boston Herald: T.I. owns up to his personal failures and promises to do better in the future. But evidence of improved decision-making is scant on this solid if unremarkable effort. … Sparks fly when T.I. surrounds himself with top talents Eminem and Scarface, guys who know a thing or two about overcoming hard times. B

Newsday: On “That’s All She Wrote,” he trades well-crafted rhymes with Eminem, who delivers a wild, raging cameo as strong as anything on Recovery. B-

Behind the Video: Jamie Foxx – ‘Fall for Your Type’

Mary J. Blige Learns French for Film Role

Mary J. Blige paid a visit to the “Today” show earlier this morning to promote her new fragrance My Life. Clad in a black overcoat, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul spoke on how her perfume sold 60,000 bottles in six hours on HSN and how a dollar of every purchase goes to her FFAWN foundation to better women.

“Educating them, empowering them, and encouraging them,” said Mary of her intentions. “Giving them a second chance, whether they be young or old. You have some people give up in life. I was one of those women who gave up, and I just want to be one of those women to reach out and show women that if I can do it, we all can do it.”

MJB also provided an update on the status of the oft-delayed Nina Simone biopic in which she stars. “They keep pushing it back. It’s not my fault. I’m ready,” she told hosts Kathie Lee and Hoda Kotb. “I went to the acting class, I learned ‘Ne Me Quitte Pas.’ I know all French, whatever—so I’m doing my job.”

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Melanie Fiona Debuts New Material from Sophomore Album

Melanie Fiona gets personal on a new ballad off her sophomore album The MF Life, which she debuted at a gig at London’s The Luminaire. The soft-edged tune soon bursts into a fiery confection with lyrics of realization that her man has left and isn’t coming back.

After performing the vulnerable track, the Toronto native spoke to the audience about the follow-up to her 2009 debut The Bridge. “Thank you guys so much. It felt so good to perform that song. I can’t wait for you guys to hear the new music,” she told the crowd. “The new album is called The MF Life, coming out early 2011. And I hope you guys enjoy it even more than you enjoyed The Bridge. I really, really do.”

The album will go beyond the music. “The MF Life is not just about songs,” explained the Grammy nominee. “It’s a lifestyle, y’all. I’ve been all over the world as a new artist, and I’ve been so blessed to do so many amazing things.”

Wyclef Drops New Haitian Inspired EP As Country Braces For Election Results

 Wyclef Jean has revealed his thought process behind a new six-song EP titled If I Were President: My Haitian Experience, which is being released on the heels of the controversial presidential election in the country.

According to Wyclef, the album is "the life story of an immigrant" that was inspired by politically charged artists like Bob Dylan, Fela Kuti and Bob Marley.

The first single from the album is titled "Election Time," which was inspired by Pink Floyd's classic single, "Another Brick in The Wall."

"It's the voice of the youth. It is the voice of this generation," Wyclef Jean said of the album. "It's the artist once again doing what the politicians should be doing.  This is about inspiring the voice of this generation."

The video for "Election Time" was shot by Haitian director Steve Halloun in the pair's native country of Haiti, creating jobs for local residents, actors and technicians.

Today, officials are sorting through ballots and preparing to release the results of the contested November 28th Presidential election, which many have deemed as fraudulent.

Three leading contenders are vying for the Presidential title, including Michel Martelly, Jude Celestin and former first lady Mirlande Manigat.

Shortly after the elections, every candidate condemned the voting process in an official joint statement, due to rampant fraud and voter intimidation.

Even the last three candidates are sharply divided as to who has won the popular vote, although most believe Martelly will emerge as the winner, including Wyclef Jean, who encouraged youngsters to remain faithful in the concept of democracy.

"We have had a long history of dictatorship in Haiti," Wyclef Jean said. "It's not a Haitian right to vote that we are talking about. We are talking about a world right.  Take your right.  Your true weapon is your voting card.  Use your weapon and use it wisely."

If I Were President: My Haitian Experience, is available for purchase on iTunes now.

Game's Three Month Old Daughter Undergoes Surgery

Compton, California rapper The Game is celebrating an operation that went successful to help his daughter with an unknown condition.

The rapper took to Twitter yesterday to reveal that his three-month-old daughter, Cali Dream Taylor, was undergoing surgery at Cedar's Sinai Pediatric Ward, for a condition that has worsened over the past several months.

The Game, who landed in Vienna, Austria just hours ago, lamented that he couldn't be in the hospital to support his daughter and the child's mother.

"She's only 3 months old so it's extra HARD to fathom but through God's strife she is already healed, still I pray that all goes as planned," the rapper tweeted before his young daughter went in for the surgical procedure.

Afterwards, Game was overjoyed to see that the surgery was successful.

"Cali Dream Taylor a.k.a. Superwoman," Game tweeted. "Strong lil chubby baby ha ha ha... Again, thank God as well as her mother & all of u 4 the blessings."

Young Jeezy Arrested, Released Before Bahamas Concert

The Atlanta based emcee gets arrested and released before a highly anticipated show in the Bahamas. 

This weekend, Young Jeezy was arrested in the Bahamas. It seems the emcee was arrested on Saturday, December 4, after an incident that occurred before a concert in New Providence. The emcee was released before this show in the Bahamas and was able to hit the stage.

"He was here with us a short while, he passed through the station briefly on Saturday," Superintendent Ashton Greenslade, the officer-in-charge of the Wulff Road Station told The Tribune. "He was booked in here and taken to CDU (Central Detective Unit)."

No additional details were given as to why Jeezy was arrested. Jason Cartwright, a promoter, confirmed the news on Facebook, noting that, "People tried to shut us down, yea' Jeezy was locked up, he out now (about) to beat the stage bad tonight."

Jim Jones Sentenced to Anger Management

Jim Jones was sentenced to a 10-week anger management course following an assault earlier this year.

Diplomats capo Jim Jones was sentenced to an anger management course following an assault on a motorist earlier this year. The Harlem rapper plead guilty to third degree assault and will undergo a 10-week anger management course.

According to reports, Jones crashed his Bentley into another person's car on the Henry Hudson Parkway this past January. He then punched the other driver, kicked his car twice, pushed him onto the highway and threw the driver's keys onto the parkway.

News of Jones's sentencing comes on the tails of the kick-off performance of the Dipset Reunion Tour this past weekend at the Hammerstein Ballroom. A video of the performance can be seen below, courtesy of MissInfoTV.

LMNO Talks Tenth Album Release of 2010

LMNO talks about the release of his tenth album this year, 'LMNO is Dead'.

LMNO recently caught up with the Los Angeles Times to talk about his tenth album release in 2010. His upcoming album LMNO is Dead will conclude the Visionaries alum's ten LP James Kelly anthology. The Long Beach rhymer explained that while some doubted him, he feels fans respect the fact that he has followed through with his plans.

"People were like, ‘Who does he think he is, Lil Wayne?'," he said. "At certain points I didn’t think it would happen...I wasn’t out there parading. I’m not just an all-talk kinda cat. So I think at the end a lot of people could respect that." (LATimes.com)

Although some artists may spend a couple of years crafting an album, LMNO said it only took him six months to record the entire anthology. He says that the most difficult aspect of completing the anthology was arranging the guest production. Working with a variety of producers, including Georgia Anne Muldrow, Kev Brown and Astronote. He noted that working with as many producers as he did pushed him outside the confines of the studio.

"I've always been one to be locked in the studio," he said. "But I was forced to step outside of that and put on more than one hat [while working with so many producers]." (LATimes.com)

His tenth album LMNO is Dead is set for a December 14 release on Up Above Records.

Q-Tip Explains His Dispute With The A Tribe Called Quest Documentary

The Abstract sat down with Elliott Wilson at Shade 45 to explain why he thinks the film he co-produced with Michael Rapaport isn't audience-ready.

Fans of A Tribe Called Quest rejoiced when a trailer of the long-awaited documentary on the group, directed by actor Michael Rapaport, hit the Internet. However, Q-Tip pumped everyone breaks when he shortly relayed via Twitter that he was not in support of the film.

The Abstract spoke further on his issues with the pending documentary this morning on Shade 45 with Elliott Wilson of RapRadar

“I can’t really, ya know, go to much into it, but what I will say is that a lot of people when they look at that they automatically assume that I’m speaking just as the subject,” said Q-Tip. “I’m a producer on this film. [A Tribe Called Quest] is a producer on [this film]. When I speak, I’m speaking for the whole group. A lot of people think that I’m speaking individually, even though I addressed it as I’m not supporting it.”
Q-Tip explained that he felt the film is simply incomplete. 

“In reality as producers, there’s just different things that need to be done edit wise. The sentiment of the film is there. We feel it’s 80% there, it’s just not done.”

Ironically, Q-Tip’s angst against the documentary has probably made people want to see it even more. Rapaport has submitted the film for competition in the Sundance Film Festival. However, according to Q-Tip, he may have jumped the gun.

“There’s some holes in it,” said Q-Tip. “Ya know, it’s tough when you’re an up and coming director and you’re working on something out of your pocket, and you’ve been working on it a long time, you kind of want to see it. Okay here it is let’s go! And you start speeding a little. Not saying that this is the case, but one can connect the dots.”

In the nearly five minute long trailer artists like ?uestlove and the Large Professor are seen given their praises about ATCQ. Another prominent storyline in the clip is that of Q-Tip versus Phife Dawg. Q-Tip insisted that this is not the cause of his concern.

“Everybody knows that there’s been issues between Phife and I. Like I said in the Spin magazine [interview], I never really had problems with Phife, Phife just had issues with me. Those things are included in the film and we’re not by any means trying to sweeten it or take any of that out. What happened happened. We’re still brothers. I’ve known the nigga since we three, four years old. You’re gonna have that shit.”

Perhaps the biggest problem with documentary not being ready for prime time is that it needs to correlate with the impact and influence of A Tribe Called Quest, and their peers, on Hip Hop culture.

“A Tribe Called Quest in this film is easily analogous to N.W.A, Public Enemy, Run-DMC, Jay-Z, Grandmaster Flash…this is probably the first extensive cinematic documentary done of a Hip Hop group,” said Q-Tip. “So it’s so much riding on this. It’s not only Tribe’s story, it’s all of our stories. So we got to make sure that shit is done right. We can’t just brush over it.”

Q-Tip expressed confidence that the issues would be resolved. Another point of contention that came to light during the interview was the proposed title of the doc.

“It’s not Beats, Rhymes & Fights, that’s Mike Rapaport being funny,” said Q-Tip. “We shut him down with that. But that’s a very old trailer that he put together and it got leaked for some reason.”

Q-Tip continues, “I’m going to get in trouble for this, ya know that right? They were like, Don’t say anything, and now I just said everything. Our goal is to let this come out ‘cause it’s landmark and it’s great. But, we’re not going to just let it come out any old way. That’s not going to happen.”

Q-Tip and Wilson went on to discuss the book the emcee has coming out with author dream hampton, Industry Rules on Random House, and the title of his next project, a concept album called The Last Zulu.

Drake Says He Strives To Make Albums Like Kanye West

Drake hopes to achieve the level of quality Kanye reaches with his albums

It isn't often that albums live up to their hype anymore. Considering the hype surrounding Kanye's fifth album, it is remarkable the near unanimous love My Beautiful Dark Twisted Family has received. Virtually every major publication has given the album a perfect or near perfect rating. This is the kind of response that Drake wants to receive when he creates a new album.

"Kanye put together a great album. It's a really solid project. I think people had so much time to sit with the songs, that it threw them off a little bit when the album came out and so many of those songs were already on it," Drake told The Source. "But at the same time, when you get that project and you can imagine getting all those songs on one day and we didn't have to deal with the power of leaks and internet stuff. I definitely understand why people hold that album at such high regard. It's a great project and it's definitely given me something to strive for, because perfect scores are hard to come by nowadays and I've seen a lot of them on that album. That definitely lets me know what I'm gunning for on this next project."

Drake is preparing his sophomore album, which he said will be called Take Care. The Toronto native has sought out 9th Wonder and DJ Premier for production. The LP is expected in 2011.

Wesley Snipes Visits Larry King. Says Tax Trial That Got Him 3 Year Jail Sentence Was Unfair

In probably his last interview before he reports to a federal prison for three years, Wesley Snipes sat down with Larry King.

Snipes was convicted of failure to file taxes in 1999, 2000 and 2001, a misdemeanor. He is scheduled to report to McKean Federal Correctional Institution on Thursday to begin his sentence.

The 48-year old actor told Larry that he felt he was being made an example of by the judge and prosecutors in the case. He explained that his financial advisors were given power of attorney, in order to handle his taxes for him.

Prosecutors said Snipes earned $40 million since 1999 but had filed no returns and had been involved in a tax resisters group

"This is another thing that has been misreported. It has been framed that I was a conspirator and that I was an architect in a scheme by an organization that has been characterized as tax protesters. The press hasn't reported that I was a client of people who I trusted [who] had knowledge and expertise in the areas of tax law that would protect my interests," Snipes said.

Frank Tuttle, who served as a juror in Snipes' trial, told CNN that several jurors had already made their minds up that the actor was guilty before the trial even began.

"There was one juror that said they knew Mr Snipes was guilty when they saw him during jury selection. I told the juror that was not right, and it went against what the judge had told us before the trial was to begin. Two others then agreed, and said that they thought he was guilty when they first saw him, before the trial began.

We were deadlocked on our decision about Mr Snipes before this happened. I was not expecting to hear that from a juror and most jurors felt the same. That's when a deal was made to find him guilty on the failure to file taxes [a misdemeanor]. And not the federal tax evasion charge. We did not think he would go to jail." Tuttle stated.

Snipes became a household name by starring in the films, New Jack City, White Men Can't Jump and Blade.

His only hope of avoiding jail tme is a last minute reprieve by the Supreme Court.

50 Cent Responds to Criticism Over Flaunting Money on Twitter

50 Cent is responding to criticism he's received for his antics on Twitter, including one incident where he posed with and “ate” a reported $50,000 in cash.

As previously reported, 50 posted pics in November showing him stacking cash and cutting it with a fork and knife like a meal.

Since then, he's been the subject of scrutiny and accused of being insensitive to fans who may be hurting in this declining economy.

Addressing the issue, 50 sat down for an interview with Black Enterprise and said that the criticism comes with the territory.

“Everyone has a right to their opinion on you when you're public property…Some people who may not be in a good financial state are angry that you have the ability to do that.”



According to the rapper, who was also named as one of the magazine's “40 Next”, his online antics are meant to be entertainment and not taken seriously.

“I sent a joke on Twitter at the wrong time and it was completely misinterpreted.”


50 also adds that despite the criticism, his household name evokes emotions---both good and bad.

He tells Black Enterprise,

“You could say my name and it will provoke emotion. Some people love it. Some people hate it. Some people don't have enough interest in it to care either way, but they [still] know who you're talking about.”

And knowing his celebrity makes him a prime target for discussion, Jackson says criticism like what he received after posting his Twitpics is unavoidable.

“They’ll say something negative [about] where you can put that money,” Jackson explains. “Then, when you have no money, they’ll have something negative to say about that [too], whichever way, whatever situation you’re in, they have something to say about it, regardless.”

Bow Wow Speaks On Raz B Situation & His Suicidal Tweets "I Didn't Mean It Like I'm About To Kill Myself Right Now

Young Money artist Bow Wow has seen his name tied to a couple of negative internet rumors recently.

One is that he is going to commit suicide, after tweets he made saying he would be better off dead.

The other is the rumor that he is somehow linked to the B2K, Raz B, Marques Houston homosexual molestation drama.

Bow sat down with Angie Ange of 93.9 WKYS to clear things up.

Is he suicidal?

Bow: You know what it is? You seen that movie with Macaulay Culkin - you seen Richie Rich before? Remember when he went to the baseball park, and he saw all the kids in the park? And the kids look at him like 'yo you got a mansion, and an amusement park.' He don't care about that, cuz that's all he knows. That's similar with me, it's the same story, it's all I know is the business. I aint had time to go play football, or do none of the regular stuff. So it's kind of like at times it haunts you. I'm unbalanced because I've only seen one side of life. So, it's like I didn't really mean it like 'yo I'm about to kill myself right now.' I wonder when I'll ever get peace, I guess I'll get it when I'm dead.

What was the Kat Stacks situation like, the things she was saying about him?

Bow: It's easy to deal with something that never happened. I've been in the game long enough, I'm a vet. I done heard it all, done it all. I can't handle shorty if she got a kid and gotta lie on rappers..

What about the Raz B situation?

Bow: A lot of these young cats have no guidance. They wasn't surrounded by official dudes who got that respect. It all starts with your camp and who you run with. Me it was a different story, so I aint got them problems. I was around some OG's in the game, whether it was Snoop, who discovered me, then Jermaine [Dupri] and now Stunna. So I aint around no suckas, I never been around no suckas. If you got some squares in your camp then you gotta get rid of that. I feel sorry for dude, I feel like it's a better way he probably could go about his situation. If it's that serious, then it's a better way you can handle that

Kim Kardashian Denies Pregnant With Kanye West's Child

Kim Kardashian has shot down rumors she is pregnant with Kanye West's child, branding the reports "absolutely not true". The reality TV star sparked speculation she's dating the rapper after they were spotted together on several occasions earlier this year.

On Monday, December 6, online gossips were sent into a spin when website MediaTakeOut.com reported Kardashian is expecting her first child with West. An insider told MTO, "Kim has been seeing Kanye (West) off and on for years now. But this summer, they (hooked up) five or six times."

But Kardashian has been quick to laugh off the speculation, telling People.com, "The rumors are absolutely not true. I'm not pregnant."

Hip Hop Legend Doug E Fresh Reportedly Owes The IRS $2.3 Million In Unpaid Taxes

The IRS is starting to look like the black plague to entertainers these days.

Hip Hip legend Doug E Fresh is the latest star to get caught in Uncle Sam's web.

The Detroit News is reporting that the "La Di Da Di" beat box maestro owes $2,276,848 in unpaid federal taxes. Thats according to a lien filed with the New York City Register's Office.

No word yet from the 44-year old entertainer's camp on how they plan to handle this situation.

Detroit Radio Station Pranks Trey Songz For His Birthday: Blonde Fan Interrupts Interview & Asks "How Bout I Give You Some A** For Your Birthday?" [Video]

Trey Songz recently celebrated his 26th birthday

The Virginia crooner was visiting Detroit radio station 102.7, giving an interview when he was surprised by a fan.

The female fan makes Trigger an offer he didn't quite know what to think if, until the crew let him in on the joke.

Check out the video below.

Susan Boyle Pulls in $16.5 Million Since 'Britain's Got Talent'

 
The staggering amount of money was pulled in from Susan Boyle's record sales, official autobiography and various TV appearances.

Scottish singing sensation Susan Boyle has amassed an estimated $16.5 million since appearing on TV contest "Britain's Got Talent" last year. The 49 year old shot to fame competing on the U.K. show and has achieved great success ever since - selling 10 million albums and receiving a Grammy Award nomination last week.

And her triumphs are now reflected in her bank balance, which has swelled to a staggering $16.5 million thanks to her record sales, her official autobiography and various TV appearances. Cliff Dane of Britain's Sunday Times Rich List says, "Unlike a lot of artists who write songs and have heavy touring commitments, most of Susan's income has come from old-fashioned record sales, mostly CDs as opposed to downloads due to the nature of her fanbase."

"I estimate she is currently worth £11 million based on royalties and advances accumulated to date."

T.I. Pens Letter To Fans On Album Release Day

Tip took to his site again to write a message for his fans. He also mentions that the title of the next LP is ready and will be announcing soon. Apart from the letter below, he thanked a long list of people that you can read here. No Mercy is out now.

So here it is…NO MERCY, the most honest and intimate installment of my life story as promised. Hope y’all enjoy it and it lives up to the very high standards I’ve set for myself or anyone who’s to be considered one of the best. I must admit it takes a lot to go through as much as I have and still keep the love in your heart and in your art. But at the end of the day, if that’s what it takes to produce the music that keeps the world of hip-hop evolving on it’s axis….Then even the lowest of the lows of my life was all worth it. Thanks again for your prayers, your time and attention. And remember….It does’nt matter how long it’ll be before the next time you see me. What matters is that I’ll be a better man before that time comes. The longer I sit, the smarter I get.

I’d like to give a vey special thank you to all the fans who’ve been writing me and lifting my spirits everyday. I read all of them. Although I would never be able to write you all back…I’d like to list as many of you individualy as i can and thank the others collectively. It’s a relief to know that there still are people who see a man with a life and not just another headline in the news. Most of you sound very concerned and optimistic at the same time about my situation. Let me assure you all that I am deffenitely keeping my head up. I don’t consider myself done by far. Also many of you are convinced as I am that God has a plan for me that he’s preparing me for. How do you tell God Almighty that all you wanna do is LIVE LIFE ??? What if all you wanna do is be a father to your kids, a husband to your wife, and son to your mother while providing insightful motivation through music and lending a helping hand when posible to those who need it most. Well guys…That’s the topic of discussion between me and the MOST HIGH at the moment. I’ll keep you posted on how it turns out. Who knows maybe you can look foward to hearing the dialogue between us set to music on the next album…which I’ll be announcing the official title to sooner than later. But until then, thanks again for all your understanding, love and support. Y’all take it light and be eazy.

Kim Kardashian Is Highest-Paid Reality-TV Star Of 2010

MTV reports:

We mock them, sniff at their "stardom" and use their antics as punch lines, but laugh all you want because reality stars are making some real cash these days. The Daily Beast released its first-annual ranking of the year's highest-paid reality stars, and topping the list is "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" star Kim Kardashian.

The ubiquitous red-carpet walker rolled up an estimated $6 million thanks to deals with everyone from Skechers to Kotex and Quick Trim and a personal appearance fee that is rumored to range up to $75,000 per step and repeat.

The Beast praised Kardashian for her diversity, noting that in addition to licensed perfumes, a cupcake mix, sponsored tweets, a swimwear line called Beach Bunny Swimwear, the book "Kardashian Konfidential" and a stake in an online shoe company called ShoeDazzle, she also has a part of a licensed clothing line, K-Dash by Kardashian, and in the chain of Dash retail stores.

Coming in just behind Kardashian is former "The Hills" and "Laguna Beach" star Lauren Conrad, who banked an estimated $5 million courtesy of her fast-selling fashion line at Kohl's and a trio of young adult books, including her latest, "Sugar and Spice," which has sold more than one million hardback copies. Conrad has also sold more than 40,000 copies of her "Lauren Conrad Style" guide.

"The Real Housewives of New York" cast member Bethenny Frankel amassed an impressive $4 million last year, most of it courtesy of her spin-off show, "Bethenny Getting Married" and her series of nutrition books ("Naturally Thin" and "The SkinnyGirl"), margarita mixes, an endorsement deal with Pepperidge Farm and a slot on "Skating With the Stars."

Another "Hills" alum, Audrina Patridge fills out the top five with $3.5 million, which came as a result of Carl's Jr. and Bongo jeans endorsement deals, a production deal with reality maven Mark Burnett for a 2011 VH1 series and a hosting job on the Internet network Yobi.tv.

Patridge is tied with one of the most polarizing reality figures, "Kate Plus 8" mom Kate Gosselin, who raked in a reported $250,000 per episode for her TLC show, in addition to cash for speaking engagements, hefty sums for her four books and her fees for a stint on "Dancing With the Stars."

Coming in at #6 is everyone's favorite "Jersey Shore" cash machine, Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino. Reportedly the show's highest-paid star, he pulls down anywhere from a rumored $15,000 to $50,000 per personal appearance and is reported to have nailed a six-figure advance for his autobiography and additional dough for his just-released book "Here's the Situation: A Guide to Creeping on Chicks, Avoiding Grenades, and Getting in Your GTL on the Jersey Shore." Sitch is also working on his own line of colognes, has appeared in ads for Reebok and Vitamin Water, released a best-selling iPhone app and fitness DVDs, endorses nutritional supplements and is part owner of the vodka company Devotion.

Rounding out the list are Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian ($2.5 million each), Pauly D of "Jersey Shore" ($2 million) and E! star Kendra Wilkinson ($2 million).

Even those who didn't make the list this year garnered mentions. The Beast reported that "Jersey Shore" breakout star Snooki earned $750,000 in 2010 and recently signed a deal with the Happy Feet slipper company for a line of nighttime footwear.

Nicki Minaj Talks the Lack of Unity Among Female Emcees

Nicki Minaj opens up to the New York Times about the lack of unity among female emcees.

Young Money star Nicki Minaj recently sat down with the New York Times to discuss the success of her recently released debut Pink Friday and her upcoming line of lipstick. She also touched on how that she feels there is little camaraderie among female emcees. She says that all female rappers face the same kinds of industry pressures, and that she hopes they can foster a greater sense of unity as female artists.

"Well, it’s hard to be a female rapper but it’s more tough being credited with the work that you put in as a female rapper because people assume that you’re not the brains behind the operation or that you’re not the one doing writing these lyrics," she explained. "So letting people come into my world and see that I am doing these things is good for all girls...the thing that I want to promote is that if you see someone doing their thing, give them their props. We all have it hard and face the same challenges as female emcees. Show some mutual love and respect for each other so that it doesn’t get nasty." (NYTimes.com)

Nicki also talked about her recent documentary My Time Now and what it was like to open up about her family life. She explained that she was surprised when the director first asked her about her father's drug abuse and her grandmother's passing, but that she hopes her struggle inspires others else in similar situations.

It’s very hard and to be honest, [the documentarian] kind of caught me off guard when he asked me about my grandmother," she said. "I wasn’t prepared to answer that question. But that’s when you get the raw emotion and if being open about the things that have happened in my life inspires someone then it’s cool with me. I’ve done my part." (NYTimes.com)

Harlem World Reunites For A Song, Mase Not Included

While more than half of the group is noticeably absent, Harlem World's Cardan and Meeno reunite and bring newcomer Suga J into the fold. 

After the death of Huddy Combs (a/k/a Huddy 6), it seems part of Harlem World has been inspired to reunite. While Mase, Loon and Blinky Blink are not attached to this comeback, it seems only Cardan and Meeno are. The two are joined by newcomer Suga J.

Mase's absence is highlighted by a recent Harlem World track, "Start It Up (Remix)," where Cardan rhymes, "The cake batter bape sweater / Eighth letter, ace heffas / Ace sippers, no Mase Betha."

Former Harlem World member Huddy Combs died recently in a car accident. News also surfaced that Cam'ron and others were outraged that Mase did not attend the funeral services for the Combs.

Dr. Dre Says He Sold His Record Collection, And Reveals What He Kept

In VIBE's cover-story outtakes, Dr. Dre reveals that he parted ways with his 80,000 records, but spoke on what he decided to keep.

On the inserts to Dr. Dre's last album, 1999's 2001, the Compton, California music icon and then-production partner Mel-Man were photographed in a room filled with records, including titles scattered on the floor. During Dre's recent VIBE cover-story conversation with Jerry L. Barrow, Aftermath Entertainment's founder was asked about the status of his vinyl vaults.

"The record collection is gone now," Dre answered, revealing that his collection was approximately 80,000. Claiming that he wasn't using the records anymore, Dre prepared to part with the accumulated collection. "What I did was just went through and jotted down everything I was in love with so I could order it [later]."

In the Nodfactor.com outakes to the final published interview, Barrow asked Dre which records he kept. Three among the set aside records were Curtis Mayfield's Super Fly soundtrack, Nirvana's 1989 debut Bleach and Barry White's Greatest Hits. Speaking about the Grunge record, Dre acknowledged, "That’s one of my favorite albums ever made. I still listen to that shit to work out."

Dr. Dre's third solo album, Detox, is planned for early 2011.

David Banner Talks Mixing Branding And Social Consciousness

With music in Gatorade ads, on the movie Megamind and a new album with 9th Wonder, David Banner hopes to "surround people" with his music.

Prior to his recent single, “Be With You” reaching number 78 on Billboard magazine’s Hip Hop/R&B chart this week, David Banner hadn’t been on the Pop charts since 2008’s “Get Like Me.” But Banner says in addition to some acting and producing, part of his hiatus came from the fact that he wasn’t particularly happy with his role in the music scene.

“I was watching how American black men were being portrayed [in Europe],” Banner told Billboard. “It bothered me, and I was a big part of it. I didn’t do music for like seven months, it fucked with me that bad. The epiphany that I had is that there’s nothing wrong with that part of me, but the problem is balance.”

Banner balanced things out musically by enlisting 9th Wonder for his upcoming album, Death of a Pop Star. Tracks like “Hip-Hop” and “Something Is Wrong,” which was released in the aftermath of Derrion Albert’s murder, showcase a different side than what Banner showed on “Like A Pimp.” On the business side, Banner diversified his b.i.G.f.a.c.e. Entertainment imprint to include crafting “I’m Mad” for the movie Megamind. Banner also created the music behind Gatorade’s “Evolution” campaign.

“It’s bigger than just a record,” Banner added. “Maybe you don’t like [me or 9th Wonder], but I bet you like Jordans. If you don’t like Jordans, maybe you’ll like the move, or the comic book. It’s sort of a way to surround people.”

The details of Banner’s graphic novel and proposed shoe have yet to be released. But Megamind grossed $88 million during its opening weekend, and the Gatorade commercials are still on the air. Death of a Pop Star will be released December 21 via E-1 Records.