The song (sans 2 Chainz) can be found on Hit-Boy’s debut HITstory, which dropped in August.

[GWHH]

The Lil C-produced track serves as the kickoff to the “America’s Most Wanted Music Festival,” which launches July 9 and runs until September 1.

T.I. is officially a free agent. The song is being released independently via his digital Hustle Gang imprint, distributed through EMPIRE Distribution.

Fox announced today that Kelly will join the singing competition when itreturns for its third season this fall. She will grab a seat alongside returningjudges Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato, along with Latina pop star Paulina Rubio.

“I am very excited to be reuniting with Simon Cowell and ‘The X Factor’ family,” said the Destiny’s Child diva, who was previously a judge on the show’s U.K. edition. “It feels great to be able to take this journey here at home in the States!”

Simon Cowell added, “It’s taken more than a decade but I’m delighted to finally be on a panel with three girls (I think!). Paulina and Kelly both have great taste and massive experience in the music industry and together with Demi, this is going to be a fun panel. It just feels like the time to do something different.”

In addition to her new gig, Kelly will hit the road with The-Dream on the “Lights Out” tour starting May 23 and release her fourth solo album Talk a Good Gameon June 18.

The misfortunes of Virginia crooner Chris Brown continue to mount as news of various death threats the singer has received have begun to surface. According to TMZ, Brown’s lawyer, Mark Geragos, received a number of anonymous phone calls at his office threatening the singer’s life.

Specifics on the nature of the threats remain scarce, but were taken “very seriously” by Brown’s lawyer.

Authorities were immediately contacted by Geragos and the threats are currently being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Geragos previously represented Brown during both the arrest and trial that stemmed from his 2009 assault on fellow singer and former girlfriend Rihanna.

Despite news of the death threats, the singer still managed to perform at last night’s (May 19) Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas and even went on to send a handful of Tweets following his performance.

Over the weekend, Fab brought out Cassie to perform “Diced Pineapples” with him and Trey Songz at his L.A. show at Club Nokia.

The singer-songwriter finds true love on the tender ballad, which he will perform with Kelly this evening on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”

“Just a signature R&B duet record, no games, no nothing, straight down the middle,” The-Dream tells Rap-Up.com of the record, which he co-produced with Da Internz. “It was a chance for me to bond with another friend now that I have, which is Kelly.”

In addition to Kelly, IV Play features Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Big Sean, Pusha T, Gary Clark Jr., and more.

Wearing a top hat and tails, the Black Eyed Peas frontman performs with a band and a flapper girl in the black-and-white clip. He also shows off his tap-dancing skills as he mixes old school with new school.

Roar back to the ’20s with will.

The song is indicative of his upcoming album. “It’s gonna have one sound. It’s very, very soulful,” he previously told Mina SayWhat on Power 99. “It’s a little nostalgic, a little vintage, but the sounds will make you feel on this album.”

He received a positive response from his fans. “Wow. So much love for the newsingle . I appreciate this more than y’all know #lovehateTHING,” tweeted Wale.

The Gifted is due June 25.

“You’re gonna hear sonically and soundwise as a producer how I’ve grown,” Cole said of the follow-up to his 2011 debut Cole World: The Sideline Story. “I’m not trying to make my old stuff and I’m not trying to make anything that was made in the past. I’m trying to concoct new creations.”

The album, which has spawned the Miguel-assisted single “Power Trip,” will now arrive a week earlier on June 18 and compete directly with Kanye West’sYeezus.

“Kanye West is one of the greatest artists of our generation,” tweeted Cole. “Which is exactly why I’m moving my release date up.”

Selena Gomez — ”Come & Get It”

The Band Perry — ”Better Dig Two”

Chris Brown & Orianthi — ”Fine China”

Icona Pop — ”I Love It”

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis — ”Thrift Shop”

Taylor Swift — ”22″

Kacey Musgraves — ”Merry Go Round”

Justin Bieber — ”Take You”

Pitbull & Christina Aguilera — ”Feel This Moment”

Miguel — ”Adorn”

Ed Sheeran — ”Lego House”

will.i.am & Justin Bieber — ”#thatPOWER”

Jennifer Lopez & Pitbull — ”Live It Up”

Nicki Minaj & Lil Wayne — ”High School”

Prince — ”Let’s Go Crazy”

Wearing a white mermaid gown, the pop diva belted out song after song. She started with her 1990 debut single “Vision of Love” before moving into “Make It Happen,” “Hero,” “My All,” and “We Belong Together,” ending with her latest, “#Beautiful,” which debuted at No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week. Her duet partner Miguel was absent, but she was joined by fellow judge Randy Jackson on bass.

Watch MC’s soaring set below.

The DJ Khaled-hosted project will drop on Thursday, May 23, consisting of theirrecordings from 2008.

They made the announcement in an online video (via Derick G.).

“We did so much music and we’ve just been sitting on it,” said Ross. “Stunna just hit me like, ‘Man, let’s go and feed the streets with that.’”

Birdman reminisced on their lost sessions. “We were speaking from the heart, trying to come up on the shit we speaking about now.”

Watch them make it official in the PSA below.

IV Play is due May 28 featuring Jay-Z, Beyoncé, 2 Chainz, Kelly Rowland, Big Sean, Pusha T, and more.

“IV Play is me jumping into the future and trying to leave the past behind,” The-Dream told VEVO. “This album probably maintains about 25 percent of thefabric of what I’ve done musically, but the rest of it, I’ve really opened it up.”

Skip right ahead and watch “IV Play” below.

“I think my album wasn’t what the execs wanted and they just put it on the shelf,” she said, referring to her former deal with Interscope.

She spoke about launching her own label (From the Rib Music), moving toLondon, and her relationship with fellow Ruff Ryder DMX (“If he ever needed me, I’d be there”).

Wendy pointed out her tendency to date rich men. “There’s a certain lifestyle that I want to live. I’m gonna do it on my own, I work hard, but at the same time, I don’t want to be with somebody that [I gotta take care of],” she said.

Eve, who is now dating British entrepreneur Maximillion Cooper, previously dated Stevie J. “I was young and it was what it was, and God is good,” she said of her relationship with the “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” star. “I’m here where I am. I’m happy in love.”

She gave props to Nicki Minaj, Azealia Banks, and Angel Haze, and discussed her latest work. “I hope that when my ladies hear this album that they feel the energy of just being happy and confident,” said Eve.

Next on her agenda is starting a family. “Oh, it’s time to pop something out,” said the 34-year-old. “Let me not pretend.”

He debuted an Auto-Tuned song called “Awesome,” where he sings about the special lady in his life (aka Kim Kardashian). “I’d rather do nothing with you than something new with somebody new,” sang ‘Ye as his baby mama sat in the audience.

He also delivered another one of his famous rants, addressing his recent run-in with the paparazzi. “Somebody asked me when you do ‘SNL,’ are you gonna do a skit about the paparazzi and shit and humanize yourself?” said Yeezy. “I ain’t here to apologize to no motherfuckers, man. It ain’t about me humanizing myself. At what point did I become unhuman where I had to turn myself back? Or maybe I was demonized or maybe I was treated inhumane…”

He continued, “I ain’t no motherfu**in’ celebrity. I ain’t running for office. I ain’t kissing nobody’s motherfuckin’ babies. I drop your baby and you sue me and shit. I’m tryna make some music that inspires people to be the best they can be, and I don’t want nobody to ask nothing else of me.”

While an official announcement has yet to be made, Kanye’s sixth solo album is reportedly done. He has played it for his label and hinted at a June 18 release.

Watch footage from last night’s event below.

 

[KTT + Miss Info]

Also check out a behind-the-scenes clip from the “Body Party” video.

Ciara’s self-titled album is due July 9 featuring Nicki Minaj and Future.

The concert will return to Toronto’s Molson Canadian Amphitheatre for two days in August. Frank Ocean and James Blake will perform on August 4, while Drake headlines Day 2 on August 5 with some special guests.

Tickets go on sale Friday, May 24, at 10 a.m., with prices starting at $49.50.

Last year’s festival included performances from A$AP Rocky, The Weeknd, and 2 Chainz. At the inaugural festival in 2010, Drake brought out Jay-Z, Eminem, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, Bun B, and Fabolous.

The YMCMB crew took over a mansion in Miami with some video vixens and briefcases full of cash, making it rain for the cameras. Twelve-time BET Awards nominee Drake rocked a throwback Dada outfit, while Rozay and Khaled popped Belaire Rosé champagne. Ace Hood and Birdman stopped by to make cameos in the Colin Tilley-directed clip.

See them live it up on set below.

The album’s first single “Bad” featuring Tiara Thomas is currently No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the follow-up “LoveHate Thing” will premiere on Monday.

He has also recorded a mysterious collaboration with Rihanna.

The multi-city festival will feature performances from the Black Hippy crew, Kid Cudi, Big K.R.I.T., Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Common, Wu-Tang Clan, Tyler, the Creator, Earl Sweatshirt, Juicy J, Jhené Aiko, Hit-Boy, and many more.

Following the resurrection of Tupac at Coachella last year, Rock the Bells has commissioned virtual hologram performances by the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard and Eazy-E.

The four-city concert will take place on Sept. 7-8 in San Bernardino, Calif., and Sept. 14-15 in Mountain View, Calif. It will also travel to the East Coast, playing Washington, D.C., on Sept. 28-29 and Rutherford, N.J., on Oct. 4-5.

See the full lineup below.

In addition to The Weeknd, French’s debut Excuse My French features Nicki Minaj, Snoop Dogg, Drake, Lil Wayne, Scarface, Raekwon, and Ne-Yo, plus production from Harry Fraud, Young Chop, Mike WiLL Made It, and Rico Love.

A video for “Gifted” was recently shot in Miami and features some sexy ladies and a pair of tiger cubs named Ike and Tina.

[Karen Civil]

The song contains never-before-heard vocals from the late singer. “I got something special for my fans. It’s called ‘They Don’t Know,’” Chris told reporters at the BET Awards 2013 press conference on Tuesday. “All new stuff that’s never been heard before.”

He shot a video for the song in L.A. over the weekend. “I shot it in the ‘hood. I went to 60th Street and Cedar Block,” he said, while explaining the concept.

“[I'm] bringing both worlds together and trying to uplift the poverty side of the community and show them where I’m from. I’m from Virginia, but everybody comes from a broken home or being broke—I remember when I was.”

“They Don’t Know” will appear on Chris’ sixth album X, due July 16. In addition to Aaliyah, the guest list includes Nicki Minaj and Kendrick Lamar, plus production from Timbaland, Polow Da Don, Danja, Pharrell, and Drumma Boy.

Listen to a snippet of the song from the video set below.

The 26-year-old is nominated five times in the Video of the Year category for his own singles “Started From the Bottom” and the Lil Wayne-assisted “HYFR,” plus collaborations with Kendrick Lamar (“Poetic Justice”), 2 Chainz (“No Lie”), and A$AP Rocky (“Fu**in’ Problems”). He will compete against Rihanna’s “Diamonds,” Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z’s “Suit & Tie,” Kanye West’s “Mercy,” Miguel’s “Adorn,” and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ “Thrift Shop.”

Kendrick Lamar and 2 Chainz each pick up eight nominations, A$AP Rocky nabs five, and Miguel grabs four. Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, and Miguel earn three apiece.

Chris, Kendrick, Tamar Braxton, and Charlie Wilson were on hand to announce the nominees at the press conference in L.A. on Tuesday.

“I’m still fairly new at this thing right here, so to receive an award of this caliber means a lot to me,” said a humbled Kendrick, who will perform the night before during the BET Experience 2013.

Chris Tucker will host, while Chris Brown and R. Kelly will perform during the ceremony at the Nokia Theater L.A. Live on June 30.

See a full list of nominees below.

BET Awards ’13 Nominations

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Beyoncé
Tamar Braxton
Alicia Keys
Rihanna
Elle Varner

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Chris Brown
Bruno Mars
Miguel
Justin Timberlake
Usher

Best Group
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Mary Mary
Mindless Behavior
Slaughterhouse
The Throne (Kanye West & Jay-Z)

Best Collaboration
2 Chainz f/ Drake – “No Lie”
A$AP Rocky f/ Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar – “Problems”
French Montana f/ Rick Ross, Drake and Lil Wayne – “Pop That”
Kendrick Lamar f/ Drake – “Poetic Justice”
Justin Timberlake f/ Jay-Z – “Suit & Tie”
Kanye West f/ Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz – “Mercy”

Best Male Hip Hop Artist
2 Chainz
A$AP Rocky
Drake
Future
Kendrick Lamar

Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Azealia Banks
Eve
Nicki Minaj
Rasheeda
Rye Rye

Video of the Year
2 Chainz f/ Drake – “No Lie”
A$AP Rocky f/ Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar – “Problems”
Drake – “Started From The Bottom”
Drake f/ Lil Wayne – “HYFR”
Kendrick Lamar f/ Drake – “Poetic Justice”
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis f/ Wanz – “Thrift Shop”
Miguel – “Adorn”
Rihanna – “Diamonds”
Justin Timberlake f/ Jay-Z – “Suit & Tie”
Kanye West f/ Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz – “Mercy”

Video Director of the Year
A$AP Rocky & Sam Lecca
Benny Boom
Director X
Dre Films
Hype Williams

Best New Artist
Azealia Banks
Joey Bada$$
Kendrick Lamar
Trinidad Jame$
The Weeknd

Best Gospel Artist
Deitrick Haddon
Lecrae
Tamela Mann
Mary Mary
Marvin Sapp

Best Actress
Angela Bassett
Halle Berry
Taraji P. Henson
Gabrielle Union
Kerry Washington

Best Actor
Don Cheadle
Common
Jamie Foxx
Samuel L. Jackson
Denzel Washington

YoungStars Award
Gabrielle Douglas
Jacob Latimore
Keke Palmer
Jaden Smith
Quvenzhané Wallis

Best Movie
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Django Unchained
Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap
Sparkle
Think Like a Man

Subway Sportswoman of the Year
Gabrielle Douglas
Brittney Griner
Candace Parker
Serena Williams
Venus Williams

Subway Sportsman of the Year
Victor Cruz
Kevin Durant
Robert Griffin III
LeBron James
Ray Lewis

Coca-Cola Viewers Choice Award
A$AP Rocky f/ Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar – “Problems”
Drake – “Started From The Bottom”
Kendrick Lamar – “Swimming Pools (Drank)”
Miguel – “Adorn”
Rihanna – “Diamonds”
Justin Timberlake f/ Jay-Z – “Suit & Tie”

Centric Award
Tamar Braxton – “Love and War”
Fantasia – “Lose To Win”
Miguel – “Adorn”
Nas – “Daughters”
Charlie Wilson – “My Love Is All I Have”

Best International Act: Africa
2Face Idibia (Nigeria)
Toya Delazy (South Africa)
Donald (South Africa)
Ice Prince (Nigeria)
R2Bees (Ghana)
Radio and Weasel (Uganda)

Best International Act: U.K.
Marsha Ambrosius
Estelle
Labrinth
Rita Ora
Emeli Sandé
Wiley

“High Art Just a Fuckin Real Fun Energetic Summer Song!!!!!!!!!!!” tweeted Dream, who has also been working on Jay’s upcoming album with Timbaland.

“I make love to my girl and I get high with my ni**as,” sings The-Dream on the catchy hook, while Jay burns up the track and shouts out his wife (“I’m backhome to my BB”).

Due May 28, IV Play is set to feature collaborations with Beyoncé and 2 Chainz (“Turnt”), Kelly Rowland (“Where Have You Been”), Big Sean and Pusha T (“Pussy!”), Mary J. Blige (“Divine”), and more.

While the Compton rapper waited for a flight at the airport in Denver, Ms. Badu asked him all sorts of questions ranging from his favorite cereal to whether he would let a girl paint his toenails.

He also shared his top 10 MCs (Jay-Z, Nas, Tupac, Snoop, B.I.G., Eminem, André 3000, Rakim, Kurupt, and DMX) and learned the definition of an “asshole-checker.”

Check out some of the highlights from their enlightening conversation below.

BADU: How do you choose chicks from backstage?
LAMAR: How do I choose chicks from backstage?
BADU: Yeah, what is the protocol?
LAMAR: I try not to. [laughs] I’m too scared. Anybody who knows me knows that I’m probably the most scared person when it comes to that because I’m so caught up in the act of sex, of something going crazy, going out of my control. I’m too paranoid.
BADU: [laughs] So you just pass?
LAMAR: I’ve got to because I’ve seen a situation where it got totally out of hand, where something seemed so innocent, and now this person has got allegations on them. It spooked me. This was before my career really started, though—before any “Kendrick Lamar.” And that right there? It changed my whole perception about certain things. I’ll always keep that in the back of my head.

BADU: So who is your asshole-checker?
LAMAR: Who is my what?
BADU: Your asshole-checker—the person in your crew or your family who let’s you know if you’re being a asshole.
LAMAR: I have two, actually. [both laugh] But the main one is a friend of mine—a lady friend who has known me since high school. She has always been someone, since day one, who has said something whenever I’m an asshole, or also if I’m doin’ something positive—but more so when I’m out of my element.

BADU: What’s your favorite cereal?
LAMAR: Fruity Pebbles. When people ask for my rider, they think I’m crazy: Fruity Pebbles, baked chicken, bottle of Hennessy, and some Polo socks.

BADU: What do you, as a man, envy about what it means to be a woman?
LAMAR: There’s just a certain knowledge instilled in a woman. There are these things that women have that men just can’t grasp: the understanding of love; the understanding of being; having a certain type of care in your heart and knowing when to be compassionate; knowing how to be a confidante…
BADU: That’s a good perspective. Something I envy that men have is that ability to grow a goatee. I think that’d be really hot on me.

BADU: Would you ever let a girl paint your toenails, just for fun?
LAMAR: Paint my toenails for fun? I don’t know—I’d have to be in that type of moment…But I don’t think so. [laughs]
BADU: Even if she promised to take it off right afterwards? After she took apicture…
LAMAR: After she took the picture? No. She’s gonna leak the picture. [laughs]

Read the full Q&A on Interview’s website.

The Don Cannon-produced song is set to appear on his upcoming debut My Name Is My Name, due July 16. The album features production from Kanye West, Pharrell, The-Dream, Knottz, Don Cannon, and Swizz Beatz, plus collaborations with Kanye, Rick Ross, Future, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar.

Watch Pusha cast his dark spell below.

The 32-year-old mogul recently shot a video for the track. In the funny visuals, he challenges Efren Ramirez (Pedro in Napoleon Dynamite) to a dance-off.

The album will have a comedic edge and feature collaborations with hitmakers including Afrojack, Flo Rida, Pitbull, and Polow Da Don

He missed the actual gala because his plane had to make an emergency landing. According to TMZ, he was flying on a private jet out of Burbank when the cockpit filled with smoke after takeoff.

The pilot immediately turned the plane around and performed an emergency landing back at Burbank airport. But Chris was undeterred and decided toboard another private jet, missing the Met Gala but making it in time for the after-party, where he hung out with Pharrell and Rita Ora.

A blond Breezy showed no signs of the drama that unfolded as he entered with a smile on his face.

He fires off rapid rhymes over the good kid, m.A.A.d city cut, while giving props to Jay-Z and rocking all-black-everything.

“Almost done with my ‘Operation Kill Everything’ mixtape !!!!!!! Y’all gone fuck wit this hard !!! Let the workd know #OKE is comin !!!” tweeted Game.

Did he kill it? Listen below.

According to TMZ, the 37-year-old departed Ray Brook Federal Prison in New York on Tuesday morning. His wife reportedly picked him up around 10 a.m. and drove him home. He will remain on home confinement until July 28.

Rule pled guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon in 2010 and was sentenced to two years behind bars stemming from a 2007 incident when a loaded weapon was found in his car.

In July 2011, the “Put It On Me” hitmaker was ordered to serve 28 months in prison for tax evasion. He served the tax evasion sentence at the same time as his gun possession sentence.

He was originally set for release in July, but was let out early.

Rule previously shared his post-prison plans to launch a world tour. “I want the bus to come straight to the prison and take me to my first show,” he toldRap-Up.com in 2011. “Put my family on the bus, have them come to the first few cities, send them back home, and let me keep going. It’ll be international; 40 cities in 40 nights.”

The album arrives June 18 featuring contributions from Wiz Khalifa (“Gone”), Pharrell (“Feet to the Fire”), The-Dream (“Dirty Laundry”), Harmony, The Runners, and Mike WiLL Made It, who produced the lead single “Kisses Down Low.” She also reunites with fellow Destiny’s Child divas Beyoncé and Michelle Williams on the soulful “You Changed.”

Kelly will kick off the “Lights Out” tour with The-Dream on May 23 in Minneapolis.

The 32-year-old singer has announced dates for “The 20/20 Experience World Tour,” an international tour that will run through 2014. His first tour in six years will visit dozens of countries throughout North America, Europe, South America, and Australia.

The global trek will kick off in Montreal on October 31 before traveling to cities across North America including Las Vegas, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Atlanta, and more.

Tickets go on sale in select markets beginning May 13 at 10 a.m. local time. Timberlake’s new fan club, The Tennessee Kids, will have access to a pre-sale starting on May 7 at 10 a.m. local time.

He also announced that a second part to his platinum album The 20/20 Experience will arrive on September 30 featuring 10 new songs, while his“Legends of the Summer” arena tour with Jay-Z kicks off July 17 in Toronto.

“The 20/20 Experience World Tour” Dates

Oct. 31 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
Nov. 13 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena
Nov. 15 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Nov. 16 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
Nov. 18 – Memphis, TN – FedEx Forum
Nov. 19 – St. Louis, MO – Scottrade Center
Nov. 21 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
Nov. 29 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena
Dec. 2 – Phoenix, AZ – US Airways Center
Dec. 4 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
Dec. 5 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
Dec. 11 – Indianapolis, IN – Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Dec. 12 – Cleveland, OH – Quicken Loans Arena
Dec. 14 – Pittsburgh, PA – Consol Energy Center
Dec. 15 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center
Dec. 17 – Atlanta, GA – Philips Arena
Dec. 19 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center

2014

Jan. 13 – Edmonton, AB – Rexall Place
Jan. 17 – Seattle, WA – Key Arena
Jan. 22 – Denver, CO – Pepsi Center
Feb. 7 – Fargo, ND – Fargodome
Feb. 9 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
Feb. 10 – Omaha, NE – CenturyLink Center

*All dates and venues subject to change. Additional dates to be announced.

A video, directed by Joseph Kahn, is set to premiere Wednesday on “American Idol.” Mariah will also kick off the “Good Morning America” Concert Series on May 24 in Central Park.

The follow-up to 2009’s Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel is expected to arrive inlate June/early July featuring production from Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox, Big Jim Wright, Hit-Boy, The-Dream, Mike WiLL Made It, and Rodney Jerkins.

Chris was presented with a cake in the shape of his Black Pyramid clothing line logo and had a few too many drinks while DJ Que and DJ Triple XL worked the turntables.

“Do too wasted at the party. Threw up crazy!! Lol!” tweeted a drunk Breezy, whose actual birthday is today.

Go inside Breezy’s birthday bash below.

The outspoken Fugees frontwoman raps about “toxic society” and the perils of the industry on the four-minute track. She was “required” to release the songnow due to her financial troubles (She is scheduled to be sentenced for tax evasion on May 6).

“Here is a link to a piece that I was ‘required’ to release immediately, by virtue of the impending legal deadline,” writes Ms. Hill. “I love being able to reach people directly, but in an ideal scenario, I would not have to rush the release of new music… but the message is still there.”

The song is especially poignant in the days following the tragic death of Kris Kross member Chris Kelly. “In light of Wednesday’s tragic loss (of former label mate Chris Kelly), I am even more pressed to YELL this to a multitude that may not understand the cost of allowing today’s unhealthy paradigms to remain unchecked!” she explains.

Hear Ms. Hill’s powerful message below.

“Beat that pu**y up like Emmitt Till,” raps the New Orleans MC on the originalremix to Future’s single “Karate Chop.”

The offensive lyric was later removed and Wayne sent a letter to Till’s familyoffering his empathy. But it wasn’t enough.

“I was not impressed,” said Airickca Gordon-Taylor, a cousin of Till’s. “I think that he’s kind of been pressured or he’s been admonished to make a statement to the family because of the ongoing negative publicity and attention and the pressure we’ve put onto his endorsement with Mountain Dew.”

Mountain Dew’s parent PepsiCo took action and dropped the 30-year-old rapper. In a statement issued Friday, the company said that Wayne’s “offensive reference to a revered civil rights icon does not reflect the values of our brand.”

Mountain Dew also came under fire this week after a commercial directed by Odd Future’s Tyler, the Creator was deemed racist and pulled from the Internet.

Wayne has appeared in Mountain Dew commercials and the soft drink maker is also a sponsor of his upcoming “America’s Most Wanted Music Festival,” set to kick off this summer.

Last month, Rick Ross was dropped by Reebok after he rapped about raping a woman on Rocko’s song “U.O.E.N.O.”

The controversy was sparked in part by Syracuse University professor Dr. Boyce Watkins, who called the online ad “arguably the most racist commercial in history.”

In the 60-second spot, a battered white woman is asked by a police officer to identify a suspect out of a lineup of black men that includes members of OddFuture and Trash Talk, along with Tyler’s character, Felicia the Goat. Some viewers took offense to the ad, noting that all the suspects were black and all of the cops were white.

Tyler defended his art in an interview with Billboard. “There’s no type of hate being portrayed in that work of art at all—which I’m confused by,” he said. “But this older black dude, Dr. Boyce Watkins, I guess he found it racist because I was portraying stereotypes, which is ridiculous because, one, all of those dudes [in the lineup] are my friends.”

He continued the conversation on Twitter. “This Man Keeps Bringing Up Black People. STOP! Everything Does Not Have To Do With The Color Of Skin. How Do You Think Like That?” he tweeted. “Some People Keep Feeding Into This Racism Cycle That They Claim They Are Trying To Rid From The World… Yeah Right Dr.”

Dr. Watkins posted a 22-minute video sharing his thoughts. “I refuse to hate or fight this dude. I would gladly support him in his deal with Mountain Dew as long as there is adequate oversight,” he said. “When u put images in media, u have to think about the images u send out. Black kids don’t need to be further brainwashed into criminality.”

Mountain Dew has pulled the ad, which was never intended to air on television. “We apologize for this video and take full responsibility,” the company said in a statement. “We have removed it from all Mountain Dew channels and Tyler is removing it from his channels as well.”

Tyler has directed at least one more commercial for Mountain Dew, but it’s unknown if it will see the light of day.

Sidora plays Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Palmer is Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, and Lil Mama channels the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes in a look inspired by the cover of TLC’s 1992 debut Ooooooohhh… On the TLC Tip.

The two surviving members of the group, Chilli and T-Boz, have signed on as consultants and executive producers for the biopic, which was shot in Atlanta and is set to premiere in November.

“Thanks for letting us come down, for real,” said the Young Money chief. “Cause we like convicts and shit and you don’t really invite people like us to the house.”

Wayne introduced himself to Vinny’s Italian mother and gave her a big hug before sitting down in their living room for an interview, where Weezy revealed that he’s engaged.

“My fiancée’s Italian,” he said of his girlfriend Dhea Sodano.

He showed off his tattoos and met Vinny’s crazy Uncle Nino. Before leaving, Vinny’s mother gave him some food to go. They headed to the skate park and Weezy gave him some skating tips.

“There’s no other talk show that can get this. I don’t care what question you ask me, I’m not gonna sweat like this,” said Wayne as sweat poured down his face.

Watch the full episode below.

The 20th annual radio-sponsored event will take place at Sunday, June 2, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with performances from Wale, Miguel, 2 Chainz, Fabolous, A$AP Rocky, French Montana, and Joe Budden.

Prior to the big show, Action Bronson, Joey Bada$$, A$AP Ferg, Vinny Cha$e, Smoke DZA, Bodega Bamz, Troy Ave, Kid Ink, and Radamiz! will perform on the Festival Village stage.

Summer Jam made headlines last year after Nicki Minaj pulled out at the last minute following a comment made by on-air personality Peter Rosenberg.

The hip-hop fest has featured memorable appearances in the past from MichaelJackson, Jay-Z, Eminem, Kanye West, and the late Notorious B.I.G.

The “Lights Out” trek kicks off May 23 in Minneapolis and wraps June 28 in San Francisco. Along the way, the two will play shows in Boston, New York, Atlanta, Detroit, and Chicago.

“I’m so excited to hit the road with The-Dream this Summer in support of my new album Talk a Good Game,” said Kelly.

Both artists have collaborated on each other’s albums. The-Dream will appear on Kelly’s Talk a Good Game, due June 18, while Kelly duets with Dream on “Where Have You Been” for his album IV Play (May 28).

Tickets are on sale now. See tour dates below.

“Lights Out” Tour Dates

May 23 – Myth – Minneapolis, MI
May 24 – Midland Theatre – Kansas City, MO
May 26 – Fillmore – Washington, D.C.
May 28 – Ram’s Head – Baltimore, MD
May 29 – Wilbur – Boston, MA
May 30 – Best Buy Theater – New York, NY
May 31 – Theatre of Living Arts – Philadelphia, PA
June 4 – Venue to be determined – Raleigh, NC
June 5 – Center Stage – Atlanta, GA
June 6 – House of Blues – Orlando, FL
June 7 – House of Blues – Myrtle Beach, SC
June 13 – Thalia Mara Hall – Jackson, MS
June 14 – Varsity Theatre – Baton Rouge, LA
June 15 – Arena Theatre – Houston, TX
June 16 – Palladium – Dallas, TX
June 19 – Kool Haus – Toronto, Canada
June 20 – Royal Oak – Detroit, MI
June 21 – House of Blues – Cleveland, OH
June 22 – Bogarts – Cincinnati, OH
June 23 – House of Blues – Chicago, IL
June 26 – Woodlake Hotel – Sacramento, CA
June 28 – Regency/Mezzanine – San Francisco, CA

“Took that Taylor Swift to 100 fu**ing million, bitch!” raps the former drugdealer, who serves as the film and soundtrack’s executive producer.

Due May 7, the soundtrack also includes contributions from Beyoncé and André 3000, Fergie, Lana Del Rey, Emeli Sandé, will.i.am, Florence + TheMachine, and more.

“June Eighteen,” tweeted the G.O.O.D. Music chief on Thursday morning. He also deleted all of his previous tweets.

He didn’t provide any more information, but there is speculation that his sixth solo album will arrive that day. The date falls on a Tuesday when albums are typically released in the U.S. However, Kanye’s label Def Jam has not confirmed anything.

All signs are pointing towards new music. The hip-hop mogul has been in Parisrecording the follow-up to his 2010 solo album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. He will also perform on the May 18 season finale of “SNL.”

During a trip to New York last month, the father-to-be stopped by his label to play music. Hot 97 host Peter Rosenberg claims the album is done and has a “dark” tone. “Everyone at the label listened to the album and loved it,” he said. “I heard it’s dark, but really good.”

Details surrounding his recording sessions remain under wraps, but he has been in the studio with Daft Punk, who programmed drums for the project. “It was very raw: he was rapping—kind of screaming primally, actually,” Thomas Bangalter of the French duo told Rolling Stone. “Kanye doesn’t give a fuck.”

June is shaping up to be a big month for Kanye. His girlfriend Kim Kardashian is also expected to give birth to their first child.

To anyone not completely familiar with the DJ and EDM worlds, there were quite a few unknown names on thefull roster, but one name even had the rave kids scratching their heads: Jack U. As MTV points out, Diplorevealed in a tweet that Jack U is his collaboration with Skrillex. Head below to see his message to fans.

Diplo and Skrillex have already worked together in a professional capacity, launching YouTube channel POTATO along with A-Trak. And just as Diplo has another collaborative side project, so does Skrillex with Dog Blood, his project with Boys Noize.

While the official MDBP lineup doesn’t have Jack U performing until the final show on September 15 in San Diego, there’s already rampant speculation that the duo will make their debut at the first show in Calgary on July 19.

As reported yesterday, JLo is also set to perform on the American Idol finale a few days before these awards. And we know she’s been working on a song with, sigh, Chris Brown — could they be debuting the track at the Billboard Awards? As for Icona Pop, this announcement comes on the heels of their first foray into the top 10 of the Hot 100 with “I Love It.” So we’re witnessing their breakout moment in real time, and that’s really cool!

Previously announced performers at the show include Christina Aguilera, Pitbull, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Miguel, Bruno Mars and Prince. Oh, you’d be forgiven if you forgot that, ya know, there are actual awards to be won at this thing. Swift, Maroon 5 and fun. lead the pack with nominations in 11 categories each.

The ceremony airs live Sunday, May 19 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

01 Freshman Class 2013 – Bars
02 Action Bronson – November Rain (prod. Party Supplies)
03 Ab-Soul – Back Then (prod. Harry Fraud)
04 ScHoolBoy Q – She Like (prod. Sap)
05 Joey Bada$$ – Beyond A Reasonable Doubt f. Action Bronson (prod. Chuck Strangers)
06 angel haze – Lofticries (prod. HiriiThe$kyGod)
07 Travi$ Scott – God Level (prod. Travi$ Scott)
08 Kirko Bangz – So Trill f. Big K.R.I.T. (prod. Platinum Handz)
09 Logic – Gone (prod. Kevin Randolph)
10 Trinidad Jame$ – I Need Mo (prod. SMKA)
11 Dizzy Wright – Maintain f. Joey Bada$$ (prod. DJ Hoppa)
12 angel haze – Element (prod. HiriiThe$kyGod)
13 ScHoolboy Q – Yay Yay (prod. Boi-1da & The Maven Boys)
14 Kirko Bangz – Long Time (prod. Knucklehead)
15 Dizzy Wright – Impeccable (prod. DJ Hoppa)
16 Trinidad Jame$ – No Hook f. Gucci Mane
17 Travi$ Scott – Upper Echelon f. T.I. & 2 Chainz (prod. Travi$ Scott)

DOWNLOAD: DJ Drama Presents: 2013 XXL Freshmen (Mixtape)

The rapper, known as “Mac Daddy,” was found unresponsive at his Atlanta home and was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead, the Fulton County medical examiner’s office told CNN.

Kelly, along with Chris Smith, rose to stardom in 1992 with the hit “Jump,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks.

Kelly and Smith were 13 when they were discovered in 1991 by Jermaine Dupri.

In February, the duo reunited and performed at the 20th anniversary concert for J.D.’s So So Def label.

Celebrities took to Twitter to send their condolences. “R.I.P Chris Kelly. May GOD embrace your soul & lift up your family,” tweeted LL Cool J, while Nicki Minaj added, “So sorry to hear that. Sending love to his family. RIP Chris.”

UPDATE: Kelly’s mother, Donna Kelly Pratte, and So So Def have released a joint statement.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce that our beloved Chris Kelly has passed away on May 1. To millions of fans worldwide, he was the trendsetting, backwards pants-wearing one-half of Kris Kross who loved making music. But to us, he was just Chris—the kind, generous and fun-loving life of the party. Though he was only with us a short time, we feel blessed to have been able to sharesome incredible moments with him. His legacy will live on through his music, and we will forever love him.”

—Donna Kelly Pratte (mother) & The So So Def Family

NOTE: No further comments or interviews with the family or So So Def will be granted at this time. We appreciate your understanding.

In honor of his upcoming 24th birthday, Chris Brown liberates a freaky new song for his fans. On the R-rated “Give It Away,” Breezy delivers some sexual commands to his girl.

“That’s my pu**y, baby/ You better not give it away,” he sings on the bedroombanger, which he previously performed live on tour.

“My birthday so ima give y’all free music that ain’t on the album. Y’all probably know this one,” tweeted Brown, who turns 24 on May 5.

His sixth album X arrives July 16.

The R&B diva puts on her stilettos and hits the streets of New York. She dancesin an alleyway as graffiti artists tag the lyrics to the Swizz Beatz-produced song off her album Girl on Fire, and performs a concert for her fans.

Alicia wrapped the U.S. leg of her “Set the World on Fire” tour with Miguel last month and will head to the U.K. on May 18.

Watch her celebrate life in the feel-good video.

“As Promised. Another Thank You for your patience,” the Roc Nation MC told his fans.

In February, he debuted the first installment of Truly Yours consisting of five tracks that won’t be on his sophomore album Born Sinner, due June 25.

In addition to his own album, Cole has been in the studio with TLC working on music for the duo’s new album.

Add to your Cole collection with the free gift.

Download: J. Cole – Truly Yours 2

Truly Yours 2 Tracklisting

1. “Cole Summer”
2. “Kenny Lofton” feat. Young Jeezy
3. “Chris Tucker” feat. 2 Chainz
4. “Head Bussa”
5. “Cousins” feat. Bas
6. “3 Wishes”

“That’s one of my favorite, favorite tracks,” she tells Rap-Up TV. “I think if any track on this album was me, that’s it for sure.”

The song appears on her first album in over a decade, Lip Lock (due May 14), along with collaborations with Missy Elliott, Snoop Dogg, Chrisette Michele, Dawn Richard, Pusha T, Juicy J, and more.

Also catch Eve performing “Make It Out This Town” with Gabe Saporta and The Roots on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” on Friday.

According to Pitchfork, the follow-up to 2010’s Flesh Tone is tentatively titledFOOD. The album was produced by TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek and will be released on his label Federal Prism.

“I’m really excited, my album is done,” tweeted Kelis. “It sounds like love andsummer balled up into one!”

The Sitek-produced first single surfaced earlier this month under the title “Call on Me.” It has now been officially released as “Jerk Ribs.”

“Ready” is the first single off Fabolous’ upcoming album Loso’s Way 2: Rise to Power, due June 18. In addition to Chris Brown, the project featurescollaborations with Trey Songz, Rick Ross, Future, and Young Jeezy.

Grab your popcorn and push play on Loso’s flick.

The West Coast native has worked with a long list of artists including Young Jeezy, Joe Moses, YG and others.

“I’m excited to take my career to the next level with Roc Nation, and Jay Brown!” said the producer in a statement. “Looking forward to working with Roc Nation artists.”

To further confirm his new move, Mustard posted this tweet on his timeline.