New Music: Fat Joe – ‘The Darkside, Vol. 2’ [Mixtape]

Fat Joe ventures to the dark side once again on The Darkside, Vol. 2, the sequel to his 2010 album. The Don Cartagena, who recently shed nearly 100 pounds, returns to his hardcore hip-hop roots, enlisting Cool & Dre and Macho as executive producers and Mark Henry for the bulk of production. The 10 street tracks feature collaborations with Jadakiss, French Montana, and Raekwon.

“I love making hardcore hip-hop shit. That’s where my heart is at,” the Bronx MC told Rap-Up.com. “It’s just some more of that Fat Joe; that hardcore shit. That smokin’ weed and driving a car-type shit.”

Crack open Joey’s Halloween gift below.

Download: Fat Joe – The Darkside, Vol. 2

The Darkside, Vol. 2 Tracklisting
1. “Welcome to the Darkside” feat. French Montana
2. “Dopeman” feat. Jadakiss & Dre of Cool & Dre
3. “So Fly” feat. Arland
4. “Big Business”
5. “Angels Say”
6. “Pushing Keys” feat. Raekwon
7. “Drop a Body”
8. “My Lord”
9. “F**k Them Other Ni**as”
10. “Around the World” feat. Arland

Nicole Scherzinger Performs ‘Try With Me’ on ‘X Factor’ [Video]

Nicole Scherzinger was back in black on Britain’s “X Factor” results show. The newly single singer, who recently shot down rumors that she’s dating Drake, stunned in a lacy black gown while performing her new single “Try With Me” for the first time on television. She will repackage her solo debut Killer Love for release in the U.K. on November 14, with a U.S. release to follow in December.

Keyshia Cole, Christina Milian, Big Boi, & More Show Off Halloween Costumes

Halloween is still a day away, but the stars got into the spirit early by dressing up for the weekend festivities. Holly Robinson Peete piled on the chains, dreads, tattoos, and grill while attending the Dream Halloween Los Angeles AIDS benefit as everyone’s favorite martian, Lil Wayne. “Think I scared the kids,” joked the actress, who called herself “Lil Holleezy.”

“The Voice’s” new social media correspondent Christina Milian debuted two costumes in one night. She played a sexy nurse before changing into a barbarian woman while attending a Halloween bash at the Playboy Mansion.

Asher Roth partied on as Wayne from Wayne’s World, Big Boi and his wife hosted their annual costume party as a zombie sheikh and Wonder Woman, Adrienne Bailon leaned like a chola, Rye Rye looked fierce as a Native American warrior princess, and Kevin Cossom chilled out as a rastaman with production duo The Runners.

Keyshia Cole and her husband Daniel “Boobie” Gibson turned the holiday into a family affair, going as Vanity and Bruce Leroy from The Last Dragon, while their son DJ was a karate kid.

Who had the best costume? Browse the first round of outrageous outfits below.

Keyshia Cole and family

Christina Milian

Christina Milian

Big Boi and his wife

Holly Robinson Peete

Rye Rye

Asher Roth

Adrienne Bailon

Kevin Cossom and The Runners

Tyga Unleashes Wild Style in ‘Careless World’ Promo Photos

Tyga makes a flashy fashion statement in a new set of photos to promote his upcoming album Careless World: Rise of the Last King, dropping December 20.
The Young Money rapper drips in gold jewelry and an open-chested Versace shirt in one of the images taken by photographer Pamela Littky. In subsequent shots, he shows off his tatted arms in a fur vest and gray hoodie, rocks a studded leather jacket and SUPER sunglasses, and sports not one, but two gold Rolexes on the same wrist.

Tyga’s Drake-assisted single “Still Got It” is quickly shooting up the charts and he can currently be seen performing across the country on Chris Brown’s “F.A.M.E.” tour.

Nicole Scherzinger and Drake: Are They an Item?

Roughly a week after splitting from Formula One racer Lewis Hamilton, her boyfriend of four years, Nicole Scherzinger was spotted last week with another famous fellow, Canadian hip-hop star Drake.

Drizzy and the former Pussycat Doll -- now a solo singer and judge on 'The X Factor' -- were seen Tuesday (Oct. 25) having dinner at the restaurant Cecconi's in West Hollywood, the Vh1 Fab Life blog reports.

Scherzinger is said to have been wearing a slinky black and cream tube dress, and while it may seem she's moving on and getting back in the romance game, Fab Life suggests the singer and TV star is still suffering from a broken heart.

"Nicole and Lewis have tried to make it work but realized it's just not happening so have called it a day once and for all," a source told the site. "They've spoken at length about it but agreed there's no point as they never see each other. They spend their whole time on opposite sides of the world. Although they came to an amicable decision, Nicole is actually devastated about it. She thought Lewis was the one."

50 Cent Public Service Announcement Pt. 2

Fif’s got a few more things to get off his chest with another PSA. This time, he directs his “aggressive content” towards the politicians, businesses and declares his support of Occupy Wall Street.
slumz

How fucked up that we have evidence that the big Banks have been corrupt, yet our governments aren’t punishing those that have stolen from the pension funds.
Our Politicians are puppets for whoever pays them into office. That’s how !!ed our system is. Their broken promises for change cant happen especially when the system is corrupt. And children who need a meal go without because our politicians won’t stop thinking of themselves long enough or how to win the next election, too look around them and see how bad it is.
You aren’t helping Mr politician, things are getting worse here in the US, in Europe, Africa everywhere! Im fuckin angry that Children are dying everyday. There’s hard working people out there who do give a !!.
Problem is those with the power – government and big business, want this system to keep going. Its suits them I don’t want to do business with these !!ers anymore. Do you?
if a company isn’t giving back, stop buying from them. Buy a pair of shoes from TOMS (who give another pair to someone in need), look for companies that aren’t paying lip service to community / charity. We are more powerful than the big business and politicians realize……we have the power to stop buying their products, banking with them. Your dollar, that you worked hard for, does have power. Together we can say – WAKE UP A-HOLES! The game is over.
50 cent
- want to shout out to Occupy Wall Street groups around the world. You are waking up the world, including me. Please keep up the peaceful protest, you are making a difference.

Kanye West Reigns at ‘Watch the Throne’ Tour After-Party

Following opening night of the Watch the Throne tour at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Kanye West joined Def Jam VP of A&R Bu Thiam to celebrate his 38th birthday at an after-party at his newest nightclub Reign. Over 1500 guests were in attendance to mark the kickoff to the highly-anticipated tour. Wearing a denim jacket with wolves pictured on the back, a smiling Yeezy sipped on a cocktail as he partied the night away with guests including Tracee Ellis Ross and Fabolous.

Trey Songz Readies ‘Top of the World’ Video

Trey Songz is ready to take his fans to the “Top of the World.” The ladies’ man will premiere a video for his mixtape cut on Tuesday, November 1, on “106 & Park.” The song will appear on one of his upcoming mixtapes #Lemmeholdatbeat2 and Anticipation II, both available on the same day via TriggaMusic.com. While you wait, check out some stills from the shoot.

Justin Timberlake Re-Teams with Jimmy Fallon for ‘History of Rap 3′

Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon are at it again. The dynamic duo returned for the third installment in their popular “History of Rap” series on Friday’s “Late Night.” Backed by The Roots, J.T. and J.F. served up another impressive hip-hop medley including old school classics like Kris Kross’ “Jump” and LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out” to newer hits such as Kanye West’s “Stronger” and Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass.” Brush up on your hip-hop history with their latest lesson.

Jay-Z and Kanye West Kick Off ‘Watch the Throne’ Tour in Atlanta

It was a crowning moment for Jay-Z and Kanye West as they kicked off the Watch the Throne tour to a packed house at Philips Arena in Atlanta on Friday night (Oct. 28). The hip-hop kings, collectively known as The Throne, opened the most anticipated hip-hop tour of the year with a bang, emerging on two cube-shaped mini stages to the operatic sounds of “H•A•M.”

During the two-and-a-half hour extravaganza, each rapper took turns performing solo material and came together for their collective efforts off Watch the Throne as images of Rottweilers, tigers, and sharks filled the screens and lasers beamed across the arena.

After their joint opener, Kanye exited the stage letting Jay-Z shine on his own with “Where I’m From.” He encouraged the audience to sing along to “Empire State of Mind” and told them to throw their diamonds up as he ran through his catalog of classics including “Dirt Off Your Shoulder,” “Big Pimpin’,” and “Hard Knock Life.”

As always, Yeezy’s swagger was on a hundred thousand. The trendsetter sported a T-shirt with the beastly image of himself from the Riccardo Tisci-designed album artwork and pulled off a leather kilt while dropping hit after hit off his five albums. He appeared to be on the verge of tears during “Runaway,” pouring his emotions into the song.

“Atlanta, you are now looking at black excellence at its finest. Make some … noise!” Jay said at one point while putting his arm around Kanye.

The historic evening concluded with a powerful performance of “Made in America” as Hov asked the audience to hold up their phones and lighters in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Jay and ‘Ye followed with “Why I Love You,” affirming their status as two of the greatest who ever did it.

[Photos via Twitter and Virgil Abloh]

Video: Jill Scott f/ Paul Wall – ‘So Gone (What My Mind Says)’

Jill Scott is looking for a quick fix in the sensual video for “So Gone (What My Mind Says),” the latest single off her fourth album Light of the Sun. The Philly songstress enlists the adult services of Diamond Chip Dick, played by Paul Wall, when she’s feeling lonely.

“It’s a song about a girl who is being celibate because she’s respecting herself and trying to do something completely different. In the meantime, she’s still a boss and she could use a little [sex],” explained Scott. “She gets a phone call from her girlfriend who says, ‘Why don’t you call Diamond Chip Dick?’ Diamond Chip Dick is a service where they come and please you and take the trash out when they leave. But it’s too good. She’s gotten Dickmatized. Paul Wall plays the gentleman from the Diamond Chip Dick company. He basically says what he does that’s got her sprung.”

Scott will join Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Jessie J, and more at “VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul,” airing December 19.

Rick Ross: ‘I’m Stronger Than I’ve Ever Been’

The Boss is back on Twitter. Rick Ross returned to the social networking site for the first time since a medical emergency landed him in the hospital.


Rozay sent out his first tweet in two weeks, writing “#thebossback. stronger than Ive ever been.. richer than I ever wuz..” He did not directly address the two seizures he had while flying in a plane to his concerts.

He subsequently canceled his scheduled appearances in Memphis, Greensboro, Atlanta, and Los Angeles following the incident.
His Maybach Music signee Wale said exhaustion is to blame for his boss’ recent health woes. “He need to get some rest. He’s been working himself real, real hard,” he told Angie Martinez. “Every other day he text me, make sure you get some rest.”

Rozay will return to his promo grind. His fifth album God Forgives, I Don’t is due December 13.

Video: Common – ‘Blue Sky’

Sky’

Common reaches for the stars in the uplifting video for “Blue Sky,” the first single off his album The Dreamer/The Believer, due in December. The Parris-directed clip, which was shot at the Barclay Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, includes vignettes of people chasing their dreams including a violinist, ballerina, artist, and basketball player.

“We’re able to show the inspiration that the song creates,” Common told Rap-Up TV on set. “Now we’re able to take these vignettes and show people aspiring to get their dreams and that’s really what the song is about, like saying go get it.”

Report: Nicki Minaj, M.I.A. to Appear on Madonna’s Single

Pop divas Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera have all had the pleasure of working with Nicki Minaj. And now pop queen Madonna has reportedly enlisted the Young Money raptress and M.I.A. for a new single from her upcoming album.


According to JustJared.com, the trio will debut their collaboration, entitled “Give Me All Your Love,” during Madonna’s cheerleading-themed Super Bowl XLVI halftime show on February 5 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The catchy tune was produced by French DJ Martin Solveig and will appear on Madonna’s 12th studio album, described as having a “pop dance” vibe.
Nicki and M.I.A. are no strangers to collaborating. The Sri Lankan artist called on the Harajuku Barbie to remix her song “Teqkilla” off last year’s /\/\/\Y/\.

The new collaboration was first reported by MadonnaTribe.com.

New Music: Justin Bieber & Mariah Carey – ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You (Remix)’

Justin Bieber duets with Christmas queen Mariah Carey on a “SuperFestive” version of her classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which was released when Justin was less than a year old. The remake, featured on his holiday album Under the Mistletoe, stays true to the original, with Mariah opening the song and the teen idol coming in on the second verse.

The pop diva suggested that they do a duet after Justin approached her with a separate Christmas collaboration. “I was very honored,” he told “Access Hollywood.” I really wanted to do the song and I couldn’t do it better than her. To have her on the song with me, it gives me the stamp.”

How does the remix compare to the original? Tell us below.

Chris Brown Announces ‘Fortune’ Singles

Chris Brown is sharing his Fortune with his fans. Breezy has revealed the singles from his upcoming fifth album.


The R&B singer took to Twitter to announce that Tha Bizness-produced “Strip” and The Runners-produced “Biggest Fan” will serve as the lead singles from Fortune. “STRIP is one of the singles off of FORTUNE so request at RADIO!” he said of the Kevin McCall-assisted track, which appears on his latest mixtape Boy in Detention. “I’m also really excited about the release of my single titled ‘BIGGEST FAN’ produced by the RUNNERS!”

The songs are currently being mixed and will likely arrive later this year, with the album to follow in 2012. Meanwhile, he is still promoting his F.A.M.E. single “Wet the Bed” featuring Ludacris.

His friend and frequent collaborator Kevin McCall said the new album is basically done. “The Fortune album is really done. Chris Brown has four albums done if he wants to,” he told Rap-Up TV. “But the album’s done and it’s great. I like it better than F.A.M.E. personally.”

Sean Kingston Comes ‘Back 2 Life’ on New Album

Sean Kingston has a new lease on life. After surviving a near-fatal jet ski accident and open heart surgery, the “Beautiful Girls” singer is ready to make his return to music.


Kingston took to Twitter to announce the title of his third album Back 2 Life. “Just Got The Title To My New Album My New Album Is Going To Be Called Back 2 Life !!!! Get ready For It Fans!!!!” he tweeted.

He is back in the studio working with longtime producer J.R. Rotem on the follow-up to 2009’s Tomorrow, due next year on Epic Records. “I’m going back to the whole reggae, island, pop thing, doing that type of feel. I’m going back to my roots,” he previously told MTV News.

Last year, he released the singles “Party All Night (Sleep All Day)” and the Nicki Minaj-assisted “Letting Go (Dutty Love),” but it’s unknown whether they will appear on the final tracklisting.

Oprah's BFF Tattoos 50 Cent's Name and Face on Her Arm

 

50 Cent has a new woman in his corner and his fans may be surprised at who she is. Oprah Winfrey's best friend, Gayle King, welcomed the entertainment mogul to her OWN talk show recently and displayed a shocking piece of artwork he inspired.

King showed off a temporary tattoo of both 50 Cent's name and his face during the visit. Located on her left bicep, the rapper-turned-actor appears with a do-rag and fitted cap in the fake body ink. During the visit to her show, Fif, who has a cat named Gayle and a dog named Oprah, blushed while being questioned and brought up the first time he and the host met in Las Vegas.

"@50Cent: From the original G-Unit, I now feel so close to you....Thanks for being such a good sport! pic.twitter.com/miyXHdZM," King posted to her guest via Twitter.

Twitter.com

At one point, King joked about the possibility of a relationship together and how the tabloids would react to such a story. "If 50 Cent and Gayle got together, do you know the scandal that would cause?" she said with a laugh.

50 Cent's main priority during his sit-down was to address the act of bullying, an act which he has been notorious for committing during his career. "The actual environment that I grew up in, if you didn't create an example of you not being afraid of the altercation or situations that could possibly take place, there was a higher probability that you'd be involved on the other end of it," Fif stated.

Watch 50 Cent's Interview With Gayle King

 

Lil Wayne Gets in the Halloween Spirit With New Twitpic

It's that time of year again -- the leaves are changing, the temperature is dropping and Lil Wayne is rapping about "the most wonderful time of year" -- Halloween that is. The MC recently gave his Twitter fans a frightening treat by posting the words "Happy holidays" followed by a pic of Weezy in a scary ski mask.

Wayne's mask looks pretty similar to Tyler the Creator's signature zodiac disguise, but that's probably just a coincidence (right?). As The BoomBox recently reported, it's not just Wayne that's getting into the holiday spirit. The rapper's Twitpic-or-Treat comes just days after Nicki Minaj paid tribute to Weezy in Cash Money boss Birdman's new video 'Y.U. Mad.' Sporting blonde and pink dreads and a completely dazed look, Minaj invokes Lil Wayne to a tee.

As reported earlier this week, Google's top costume searches for Halloween this year include hip-hopper Minaj, Charlie Sheen, a Smurfette and the now-iconic Angry Birds. So what do you think? Is Lil Wayne's skeletal green mask a good enough costume or could he do a bit better? Tell us about your hip-hop costumes below!

Keri Hilson Gets Jacked in the Face by Own Bodyguard -- Video

Keri Hilson is a new-school diva. A jet-setting singer full of ambition, who packs the house at every show. The latter may have been a detriment. According to MediaTakeOut.com, the 'Pretty Girl Rock' singer recently took the stage in Paris and was greeted by an overzealous fan during her last song. As the video below shows, a man climbs up on stage and, feeling overwhelmed by his love for Hilson, pulls her in for a full embrace.

Initially the blonde-haired chanteuse probably thought, "Oh, this is nice. I like hugs," but then, several bodyguards bull-rush the stage, grabbing Hilson as she is still locked in her fan's embrace. Then, the unthinkable happens. In an attempt to loosen the fan's grip, one member of her security team throws a fearsome punch. But it didn't hit the right target.

The punch lands directly on the side of Hilson's face. Even though this ended the onstage episode, we're pretty sure that this diva is done playing Paris for awhile. Check out the footage below. Hopefully she didn't get too hurt -- because she seriously got clocked.

Watch Keri Hilson Get Punched

Cops Arrive at Nicki Minaj's L.A. Home, Maid Pushed Around

Nicki Minaj let her temper get the best of her while having a run-in with a maid at her L.A. home a short time ago. TMZ reports that the 'Pink Friday' creator was involved in a confrontation with the hired help, which resulted in LAPD arriving on the scene.

According to the tabloid site, police officials revealed that, several weeks ago, a maid hired by Minaj retrieved a discarded photo the rapper threw in the trash. Apparently the maid had asked the Queens native to autograph the photo of herself and that's when she let the employee have it, eventually firing her.

Today (Oct. 27), the maid arrived at the Young Money signee's Hollywood residence and a verbal argument ensued, with Minaj demanding she leave her property and the maid counter-demanding that she not "be treated like an animal." A source tells TMZ that the rapper lost her cool and threatened, "I'll show you how to treat someone like an animal. Get the f--- out of my house!"

However, it seems as if Nicki Minaj may have mistaken the maid that arrived at her home today for being the one that she actually fired -- the maid she saw today was reportedly a new employee and not the same maid the 'Super Bass' performed originally fired.

TMZ also claims the wig-wearing MC's boyfriend -- which rumor has it is her hype man Safaree -- physically pushed the maid with his body. A battery report was filed with the LAPD and the maid inquired about a citizen's arrest, most likely for Minaj's boyfriend who had harmed her. However, no arrests have been made.

Jay-Z on How Hip-Hop Is Changing America -- Video Q&A

From high fashion labels to everyday language, the hip-hop community is redefining American culture. To coincide with the release of marketing executive Steve Stoute's debut book, 'The Tanning Of America: How the Culture of Hip-Hop Rewrote the Rules of the New Economy,' our colleagues at HuffPost Black Voices present the first episode in an ongoing video series, 'The Tanning Effect.'

Check out part one of the exclusive interview, featuring Jay-Z discussing the meaning of his joint album with Kanye West, 'Watch the Throne,' which debuted at number one in 23 countries; on his epiphany that his music has a substantial impact on mainstream America; and on being an unpaid spokesman for Cristal champagne.

Get the full story + more exclusive photos of Jay-Z here and watch part one of Jay-Z' interview with Steve Stoute below.

Watch Exclusive Jay-Z Interview With Steve Stoute (Part One)

 

Ne-Yo, Trey Songz & T-Pain 'Love the Way You Move' -- Watch

Ne-Yo enlists fellow crooners/strip club enthusiasts Trey Songz and T-Pain to join him on 'The Way You Move,' an ode to the ladies of the pole, which will appear on DJ Boy Wonda's mixtape 'Tough Love.'

In the provocative Clifton Bell-helmed visual, a typically dapper Ne-Yo, who just had a third child a couple weeks back, attempts to encourage a dancer to keep "doing what's in her soul," accompanied by his seemingly more experienced associates, Songz and Pain, who would rather take her with them.

Awash in blue, red and purple lights, Ne-Yo and co. continue to drop impassioned one-liners, while receiving lap dances in the visual, which you watch after the jump.

"Body language, she's a poet/ She's so bad and what's so sad/ Is she doesn't even know it," Ne-Yo croons.

"The more I drink the more you look like wife material/ If you ready to ride with me girl, here we go," Pain hilariously adds. "You hit the stage and you make the music stop/ Then your booty go left cheek, right cheek/ Girl I love the way you move."

Watch Ne-Yo's 'The Way You Move' Feat. Trey Songz and T-Pain

 

Big Sean Takes Plea Deal in Sex Abuse Case

Kanye West protégé Big Sean has managed to avoid jail time after being charged with sexually assaulting a woman in upstate New York, back in August.

According to his reports, the G.O.O.D. Music rapper accepted a lesser charge in court yesterday (Oct. 26), pleading guilty to unlawful imprisonment, a misdemeanor and paying a mere $750 fine.

"I am pleased to announce that after further investigation the Niagra County District Attorney's Office decided not to pursue any of the sexual misconduct allegations against Mr. Anderson," Big Sean's lawyer, Scott Leemon, told XXL. "As a result in order to get this entire ordeal behind him Mr. Anderson agreed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of unlawful imprisonment with a $750 fine. Mr. Anderson regrets any misunderstandings that occurred that day and reiterates he did not engage in any type of sexual misconduct."

The incident allegedly took place during a stop the Lewiston, N.Y. stop on Wiz Khalifa's Rolling Papers tour on Aug. 4, where an unidentified woman claimed that she had been touched against her will by Big Sean and an associate, Willie Antonio Hansbro, who has also accepted the same plea deal.

Both men were arrested and summarily charged with third-degree sexual abuse, second-degree unlawful imprisonment and forcible touching, but were released after posting $500 bail.

Sean's reps have yet to make a statement regarding the case.

Future Says 'Tony Montana' Video Is 'Long Overdue' -- Watch

Atlanta rap upstart Future is at the center of hip-hop's horizon for his 'Scarface'-inspired single 'Tony Montana,' and the accompanying Jessy Terrero-directed visuals, which debuted today (Oct. 27). He may be a newcomer to some, but his lyrical hustle has a history. From features on mixtapes to an assist on YC's stack-happy anthem 'Racks,' this former basketball player is thrilled to have the ball in his court now -- Future scored a meeting with L.A. Reid and inked a fresh deal with Epic Records just a few months ago. Currently, his 'Streetz Calling' mixtape is heating up the rap scene, but that's just a preface to the "astronaut music" he's creating for his debut LP, 'Pluto,' which will also feature his follow-up single 'Magic.' "I'm a trendsetter," he tells The BoomBox. "It's astronaut music 'cause it's music without limitations."

Read on as the dreadlocked rhymer shares his love of Shakespeare, tells the story of his rap sibling and explains the concept behind his 'Tony Montana' video.

What can people expect from you in the video, being that it's the first time your officially showing off visuals for a song?

The concept of the video, [it's] me going from Atlanta over to Santo Domingo, it was a robbery going on and I'm supposed to come over and see what's going on, like who was behind the schemes and who's all involved in the robbery. I come over and meet the modern day 2011 Tony Montana. It's more of a movie than a video.

Was this the first time you traveled to the Dominican Republic?

That was my first time being in D.R. We had to go to D.R. to make it feel international. It's an international record. We wanted to make the Spanish community feel like they were a part of the whole movement.

The song's been out for awhile. Do you feel like you should've released a video to support the track earlier?

To be honest, I think it's long overdue. But it's always timing. Timing is everything. Only time will tell how big the video can actually be. The song's been out for five months now.

Watch Future's 'Tony Montana'