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Monday, January 19, 2015
TLC Is Using Kickstarter to Help Finance Their Final Album [VIDEO]
After four albums in a career that spans over 20 years, TLC is making their final album, and through the crowdfunding website Kickstarter, you could help finance it.
According to the Associated Press, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, joined the popular website and are asking for $150,000 in donations to help with recording and promotional costs. They’ll also need money to pay for the studio musicians who will help craft the album.
In an Kickstarter video, Chilli says the group rather finance their new album this way, so they can do it how they want and make out-of-the-box music that the fans will hopefully enjoy.
“We want to be able to be creative, think outside-of-the-box, and just be free to do what we really want to do,” she stated. “We want to give you guys the quality of work that we have always given you. You guys will be financing our last TLC album. How cool is that.”
T-Boz said they’re already fast at work on the new album, but they’ll need more money to complete it. Those who pledge $5 will get to communicate with the group during the recording process and get digital samples of songs. Those who pledge more will get concert tickets, a fitness class taught by Chilli herself and free TLC clothes.
You can visit the group’s Kickstarter page here.
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Fabolous Went to Ferguson to Meet Michael Brown's Father [PHOTO]
A photo posted by Fabolous (@myfabolouslife) on Jan 17, 2015 at 6:21pm PST
He doesn’t just pop bottles and ride around in fancy cars with beautiful women, Fabolous is also aware of societal issues. On Saturday (Jan. 19), the veteran rhyme-slinger traveled to Ferguson, Mo., to meet with Michael Brown’s father.
In an Instagram photo, Fabolous and Michael Brown Sr., along with another gentleman, held their hands up to symbolize the “Please Don’t Shoot” protest sign.
Fabo, who is a father himself, said it was imperative for him to go to the city where the 18-year-old teen was tragically gunned down by a Ferguson police officer.
“Brother Shaheed, Myself & Michael Brown Sr. coming to St. Louis,” he wrote in the caption. “It was important to me as a brother, as a man, & as a father to go to Ferguson and see it for myself and to also meet Michael Brown Sr. His strength gives us all strength. My heart prayers & respect goes out to the Brown family. Thank you @loosecannonslim for makin this happen.”
In just two days, the post received over 42,000 likes, which doesn’t only show how popular the New York rapper is, but it also shows how many people are still bothered by the injustice in Mike Brown’s case.
At this time, there’s no information on what Fabolous and Michael Brown Sr. discuss at their meeting. Nevertheless, it’s good to see an artist participate in the ongoing activism to seek justice for Mike Brown, as well as for Eric Garner.
See 20 Rappers’ Real Names Revealed
Fabolous Went to Ferguson to Meet Michael Brown's Father [PHOTO]
A photo posted by Fabolous (@myfabolouslife) on Jan 17, 2015 at 6:21pm PST
He doesn’t just pop bottles and ride around in fancy cars with beautiful women, Fabolous is also aware of societal issues. On Saturday (Jan. 19), the veteran rhyme-slinger traveled to Ferguson, Mo., to meet with Michael Brown’s father.
In an Instagram photo, Fabolous and Michael Brown Sr., along with another gentleman, held their hands up to symbolize the “Please Don’t Shoot” protest sign.
Fabo, who is a father himself, said it was imperative for him to go to the city where the 18-year-old teen was tragically gunned down by a Ferguson police officer.
“Brother Shaheed, Myself & Michael Brown Sr. coming to St. Louis,” he wrote in the caption. “It was important to me as a brother, as a man, & as a father to go to Ferguson and see it for myself and to also meet Michael Brown Sr. His strength gives us all strength. My heart prayers & respect goes out to the Brown family. Thank you @loosecannonslim for makin this happen.”
In just two days, the post received over 42,000 likes, which doesn’t only show how popular the New York rapper is, but it also shows how many people are still bothered by the injustice in Mike Brown’s case.
At this time, there’s no information on what Fabolous and Michael Brown Sr. discuss at their meeting. Nevertheless, it’s good to see an artist participate in the ongoing activism to seek justice for Mike Brown, as well as for Eric Garner.
See 20 Rappers’ Real Names Revealed
T-Pain Pays Tribute to His Grandmother in 'Okay to Smile' Video
Rapper-singer T-Pain is using music to heal his pain. The Florida native recently dropped a new video called ‘Okay to Smile,’ which he dedicated to his late grandmother whom he affectionately calls Grandma Gladys.
“This subject touched my heart,” he prefaces in the clip. “This song is not only for my grandmother, but also for anybody that’s lost anybody. I hope this song makes you feel better. It’s okay to smile.”
The song finds T-Pain more somber than usual, singing by himself in the studio.
“I know it’s okay to smile. You gotta be the light side. Every once in a while,” he sings. “I’m losing touch with everybody…please don’t leave me now.”
We are loving T-Pain’s Nappy Boy Unplugged Summit video series. Last week, the crooner released the touching ballad ‘Say the Word (I’m Gone),’ which warmed our hearts.
Hopefully, T-Pain will release his long-awaited new album, ‘Stoicville: The Phoenix,’ this year.
T-Pain Talks Lil Wayne and Collaborating with Taylor Swift in ‘Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction’ (Part 2)
Fleeing Michigan Man Involved in Head-On Collision With Police
A Michigan native is facing a long list of charges after stealing a family member's vehicle and colliding it with a patrol car.
A$AP Ferg Honors A$AP Yams at Maryland Concert [VIDEO]
The hip-hop community is still reeling over the sudden death of A$AP Yams. On Sunday (Jan. 18) A$AP Ferg went on stage at the Fillmore, in Silver Spring, Md., and asked the crowd for a moment of silence to honor his fallen comrade.
“Rest in peace A$AP Yams,” he said, holding a peace sign in the air, as the hushed crowd held their smartphones up in solidarity.
Ferg also predicted what the A$AP Mob founder would have said if he’d been on stage with him. “If Yams was here partying with us right now, he might have told you he’ll f—ed your bitch,” he said, before launching into ‘Dump Dump’ off his debut album, ‘Trap Lord.’
Although the cause of Yams’ death is still unknown, A$AP Ant went on VLAD TV to dispel rumors that the enterprising rap mogul died of a drug overdose.
“People keep talking saying he overdosed on Xanax and s— like that,” he said. “No, that’s not what happened at all. I don’t want to talk on it and I’ll let people find out by themselves but it wasn’t that at all.”
Watch A$AP Ferg’s tribute to A$AP Yams above.
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Puma Becker Leather OG
Sportswear company Puma is retro-ing Boris Becker’s classic sneaker in not one but three colorways. The dynamic Puma Becker Leather OG keeps things simple and the results look stylish and classic.
The tennis-based leather sneakers will come in white, black and blue tonal colors. The white stripe logo pops on the blue-colored model, while a bright red stripe is featured on the white pair. The black shoe is remains dark with a white outsole.
If you’re looking for sneakers that are totally different and yes, classic, these are a great collection to pick up. Check with your local Puma retailers for availability.
[Via Highsnobiety]
August Alsina Gets in Backstage Brawl With Concert Promoter
While August Alsina has certainly built up a reputation as a guy who doesn't take any mess, many fans have yet to see the "No Love" singer actually swing or get swung on.
Future Releases 'Blood Sweat and Tears' MLK Tribute Video
On what traditionally has been considered a day of service, the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday is the perfect time to remember a man who did so much for the world. And that’s probably what Future was thinking when he released a touching tribute video for the slain civil rights leader.
Using his song ‘Blood Sweat and Tears’ from his ‘Honest’ album, the Astronaut Kid put together some of King’s famous speeches and his important marches in his inspiring clip.
The Freebandz leader chose the right song out of his repertoire to dedicate to MLK who would have turned 86 on Jan. 15.
“I gave my blood, sweat and tears / You couldn’t have known what I did for this / You couldn’t have known, you couldn’t have known / You couldn’t have known what I did for this,” he raps.
Check out the timely video above and have a wonderful MLK Day.
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August Alsina Gets Into a Fight at Non-Violence Concert [VIDEO]
It doesn’t look like August Alsina is letting go of that bad boy of R&B title anytime soon. On Saturday (Jan. 17), the New Orleans singer got into a huge brawl backstage at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, where, oddly enough, a non-violence concert was taken place.
The dispute started when concert promoter Loose Cannon Slim confronted Alsina for apparently arriving late at his State Of Emergency 2 event. The ‘No Love’ artist didn’t take too kindly to Slim’s admonishment, words were exchanged, and suddenly, fists were flying.
In the catpured footage (provided by TMZ), Alsina’s crew is seen trying to hold him back as things got heated. Their efforts didn’t work as Alsina was seen charging at his opponents and Slim was eventually knocked to the ground in the skirmish. A woman is heard screaming, “No, get off of him,” in a shrill voice during the fisticuffs.
Toward the end, Fabolous — who was also scheduled to perform — is seen watching from a distance as he’s holding his drink, possibly bewildered that a fight was happening at a non-violence concert.
Meanwhile, Loose Cannon Slim went on Instagram to show that he didn’t get hurt in the melee. Watch his video below.
A video posted by LooseCannon S.L.I.M. (@loosecannonslim) on Jan 19, 2015 at 1:20pm PST
10 Rappers & Singers Promoting Unexpected Products
Amber Rose Sports G-String In Hottest IG Pics Yet (@DaRealAmberRose)
Amber Rose loves showing off her curves for the 'gram and the model didn't hold back with her latest batch of Instagram photos.
Nike Air Trainer 3 PRM QS 'Super Bowl' 2015
With the 2015 Super Bowl approaching it’s time for all of the casual football fans out there to get behind their team and cheer them on. However, if you can’t decide on a team then Nike has designed this very noncommittal pair of Air Trainer 3′s to help you out.
The colorway of the Nike Air Trainer 3 is dressed in a weathered tan nubuck that is further complimented by a gum outsole. The plastic portions of the shoe come in pink and brown and both colors pop up again on the ankle collar in the form of a cool graphic image.
If you are undecided on who you want to root for in the Super Bowl XLIX matchup between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, you can remain neutral in these stylish kicks.
Look for them on Jan. 22 at retailers like Oneness.
Miley Cyrus Shares Up-Close Shot of Hand in Her Shorts on IG
While the general public is aware that Miley Cyrus isn't exactly the shy type, she still continues to shock with just how free she is with her language and actions.
Chris Brown Compares Himself to Michael Jackson and James Brown
Who’s the greatest entertainer of all time? If you ask Chris Brown, he is. The singer took to Twitter over the weekend to tout that he’s one of the best and put himself in the same company as the late soul icons Michael Jackson and James Brown.
“I WILL BE THE GREATEST!,” Breezy tweeted proudly before listing the Godfather of Soul and the King of Pop, and stating that he will be the third greatest in that order. “When knowledge speaks wisdom listens,” he said. “JAMES BROWN, MICHAEL JACKSON, CHRIS BROWN. In that order.”
Reactions to Brown’s comments were mixed as some fans were in agreement while others felt that the ‘New Flame’ singer has quite a long ways to go before he can reach the levels of Brown and Jackson.
“Naw @Usher before ya bruh,” wrote one commenter, while another follower commented, “Okay, I see you legend [smiley face].”
Brown has definitely showed his love for Michael Jackson since the beginning. “My mama can tell you — ever since I was little, watching Michael Jackson on the TV screen and imitating him,” he said in an early interview. In 2010, Breezy performed an emotional tribute to Jackson at the BET Awards that ended with him in tears.
What do you think? Is Chris Brown anywhere near Michael Jackson or James Brown’s level? Tell us in the comments below.
10 Best Comebacks in Hip-Hop and R&B
LHHH's Moniece Slaughter Confirms Relationship With Rich Dollaz
It looks like the Love & Hip Hop franchise may have spawned a brand new couple in Lil Fizz's ex and son's mother Moniece Slaughter and Rich Dollaz of Love & Hip Hop: New York.
Exclusive! Dion Waiters on Westbrook: "He's Like a Created Player"
Going through an adjustment period with his new team, Oklahoma City Thunder's Dion Waiters has been an integral part of their resurgence as of late.
Miley Cyrus Promotes Masturbation in Risque Instagram Post
While the general public is aware that Miley Cyrus isn't exactly the shy type, she still continues to shock with just how free she is with her language and actions.
Exclusive! Kevin Durant Shuts Down Question About Possible Player Trade
Recently we got a chance to sit with OKC's biggest star Kevin Durant for an exclusive interview.
Nicki Minaj's 'My Time Again' Shows Rapper's Emotional Side
Nicki Minaj’s MTV documentary, ‘My Time Again, was an emotional rollercoaster ride. The doc, which premiered Sunday night (Jan. 18), was filmed last summer as the Queen Barbz was on her promotional grind for her hit single, ‘Anaconda,’ and working on her album, ‘The Pinkprint.’
In the opening scene we watch as the 32-year-old rapper is planning to release the ‘Anaconda’ single and prepping for her performance at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards. Of course, we all know that Minaj had suffered a wardrobe malfunction backstage but bravely went on stage and performed her song anyway.
We also get to see Minaj visit her grandmother and spend time with her friends in her hometown of Queens, N.Y. “It’s so therapeutic, we just laugh, laugh, laugh, laugh, and I think me being around my family, takes care of me,” she said.
The ‘Only’ rapper does get emotional later on in the documentary when talked about ending her relationship with her longtime boyfriend Safaree Samuels. Minaj says the break-up helped her write very personal stories for ‘The Pinkprint’ album.
“I think I was very broken when writing this,” she said before tearing up. “The brokenness is okay as long as it can inspire people. I didn’t want to make an album that was fake happy, I wanted to deal with it and move on, and be real happy.”
“I didn’t know when I set out to make this album that it would entail an emotional rollercoaster in my own real life,“ she added.
Minaj says she will now focus on her career and not on her tumultuous past. The future’s looking bright for the Young Money starlet.
“I’m no longer putting my career over who I love because it’s not worth it,” she says. “You need that for your soul just to be able to enjoy life.”
Watch Nicki Minaj’s documentary ‘My Time Again’ above.
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Rapper Gzus Piece Locked Up on Heroin Trafficking Charges
Chicago rapper Gzus Piece was recently arrested in Ohio and charged with drug possession and heroin trafficking after police pulled over his 2015 Buick Verano and found substantial amounts of drugs and cash in the car.
Miss Info Shares Her Thoughts on Funk Flex's Issues With Jay Z (@MissInfotv @S_C_)
Miss Info opened up on Twitter about Funkmaster Flex's rant on Jay Z.
Rihanna Shuts Down Beyonce Super-Fan Asking Her to Prom
While Rihanna is never one to hold back, she actually decided to dismiss one Beyonce stan in the simplest way possible, as HolyYonce on Instagram was brave enough to ask the "What's My Name" singer to prom if they were able to reach 100,000 retweets of the message.
Exclusive! Lord Jamar: LeBron Is a Better Player Than Kobe Right Now (@lordjamar)
Lord Jamar shared his thoughts on the frequent Kobe vs.
Exclusive! Logic: I Only Work With Producers Who Really Feel My Music (@logic301)
Def Jam rapper Logic touched on what comes into play when choosing the producers he works with during a recent chat with VladTV.
Exclusive! Rich Homie Quan: My Fans Will Help Pick Single for Upcoming EP (@richhomiequan)
Rich Homie Quan broke down what he has in the works during a recent chat with VladTV.
Lupe Fiasco Spits Blistering Rhymes For Nine Minutes on 'Mural' Track
Atlantic Records Lupe Fiasco has a lot on his mind these days. After going back and forth with folks about Iggy Azalea on Twitter, he recently quit being active on social media altogether. However, the Chicago rhymer recently broke his silence by releasing a nine minute-long track called ‘Mural.’
Over The Buchanans-produced instrumental, the Chicago native spits heavy rhymes over stirring pianos without any pauses or breaks.
“As I perform a nerve storm, I prefer my pictures in word form / Bury the hatchet like how a bird born / As I paint cold pictures like Kool-Aid facing condensation / And having conversations with flavorful combinations / Slave to my concentration, so that’s OJ the Juiceman meets OJ with two hands,” he raps.
The song is off his forthcoming release, ‘Tesuo & Youth,’ which will be his last project on Atlantic records. There’s no word on when he’ll tour for the album. However, you’ll be able to catch Lupe at the Hangout Music Festival 2015 in Gulf Shores, Ala., in May.
Listen To Lupe Fiasco’s Song ‘Mural’
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D'Angelo to Perform First U.S. Concert at the Apollo Theater in February
Talk about coming full circle. After winning ‘Amateur Night at the Apollo’ in 1991 when he was 16 years old, D’Angelo will be headlining his own concert at the famed New York theater on Feb. 7. This will mark his first U.S. show since the 2014 release of his surprise album, ‘Black Messiah.’
According to the Gothamist, the beloved soul singer won three nights in a row at ‘Amateur Night at the Apollo,’ under his original group name Michael Archer and Precise. From there, he took the winnings to buy studio equipment, which would be the same gear used to make songs for his 1995 debut album, ‘Brown Sugar.’
D’angelo hasn’t said this publicly, but it’s possible that he feels indebted to the theater, which is located in Harlem, N.Y., since it was the place that started his musical journey.
Nevertheless, it’s a good reason to start his first U.S. show in support of ‘Black Messiah,’ which critics heralded as one of the best R&B albums of 2014.
Tickets will go on sale this Wednesday (Jan. 21) and pre-sales will begin on Jan. 19 via the Apollo Theater’s official website.
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Game Stunts Around in His New Polaris Race Car (@thegame)
Game is known for his love of cars, and the West Coast rapper showed off his latest toy on Instagram.
Police Slammed for Using Images of Black Men as Target Practice
A woman from the National Guard exposed the North Miami Beach Police after noticing mugshots of black men were being used for target practice; including her own brother.
Model Ashlee Monroe Posts Photo From Lil Wayne's Bed?
While Lil Wayne's alleged romance with Christina Milian has been making waves in recent weeks, model Ashlee Monroe is claiming that they are "lovers and friends.
50 Cent Stands in a Vault, Surrounded By Mountain of Cash
50 Cent made a deal in late 2014 for $78 million to promote FRIGO Revolution Wear, an underwear company, and the Queens native rubbed in his wealth on Instagram.
Georgia Officers Survive Near-Fatal Car Crash With Suspect
Two officers from Georgia were able to walk away from a car crash resulting from a high speed chase in Douglas County.