LL Cool J to Get 'The Message' on Grammy Nomination Special

Kevin Winter, Getty ImagesThere's nothing like a song about poverty, prostitution, drugs, murder and overriding hopelessness to kick off the lead-up to "music's biggest night."

On Wednesday's (Nov. 30) hour-long 'Grammy Nominations Concert Live,' set to air on CBS, LL Cool J, Common, Lupe Fiasco and Rick Ross will join hip-hop icons Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel and Scorpio in performing their 1982 classic 'The Message.'

The track was recently inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and while the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences doesn't have the best track record with rap music -- it took them until 1989 to begin honoring the genre -- 'The Message' is certainly a deserving track.

With its hard-hitting lyrics and enduring chorus -- "It's like a jungle sometimes/ It makes me wonder how I keep from goin' under" -- the song will give LL and the gang plenty to sink their teeth into.

Other artists slated to take the stage at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles for Wednesday's nomination celebration include Rihanna, Ludacris and Usher. In addition to rapping as part of the 'Message' tribute, LL will hold down hosting duties.

The 'Grammy Nominations Concert Live' airs at 10PM EST on CBS. The 54th Grammy Awards air at 8PM EST on Feb. 12, 2012.

Watch Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five's Video for 'The Message'

Wyclef Jean: Yele Haiti Foundation Spending Badly

Jerritt Clark, WireImage Wyclef Jean is coming under fire for a recent report that shows his Yele Haiti Foundation has spending practices that did little to help victims of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.

The New York Post reports that the 42-year-old rapper-singer's organization earned $16 million in 2010, as a result of donations given to the company to aid earthquake victims. However, less than a third of the profits went to emergency efforts -- just $5.1 million of that money was used for emergency relief efforts -- and a Miami, Fla.-based "food distributor" titled Amisphere Farm Labor Inc., which doesn't seem to exist, received $1,008,000 in funds for services reportedly not linked to helping Haitian victims.

Amsterly Pierre, owner of Amisphere Farm Labor Inc., apparently bought three properties in Florida last year, including a condo in an upscale waterfront community. His business address is actually an auto-repair shop in Miami's Little Haiti neighborhood -- an employee for the shop revealed that he wasn't familiar with Pierre nor his company.

The Post also came across shady spending of $577,185 from Yele Haiti to a company called Samosa SA, based out of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The business, labeled as a "bulk water supplier," used a portion of those funds to rent a home for Yele Haiti volunteers. The cost of the rental home: $35,000 a month.

According to Wyclef, who once ran in the election for president of Haiti, he told the Associated Press that he's proud of the way his charity responded to the earthquake in 2010.

Last year, the Fugees member stepped down from his role as leader of Yele Haiti. Businessman Derek Q. Johnson took over the responsibilities of the foundation while Wyclef went to work on his presidential campaign.

In early 2010, the company was in the spotlight for paying out unusually high salaries to its employees. Zakiya Khatou-Chevassus, who at the time was Wyclef's personal assistant, Yele Haiti's vice president and his rumored mistress, earned a whopping $42,000 increase in salary from 2008, bumping her overall annual income to $147,000. The final amount was nearly $15,000 more than the charity's president.

Watch 'Wyclef Jean on the Yele Foundation'

 

Soul Train Awards 2011: Cee Lo, Common, Whodini Perform

There were trophies to hand out at the 40th annual Soul Train Awards, which took place earlier this month in Atlanta and aired last night (Nov. 27) on BET, but as with any show of its kind, the real highlights were the live performances.

Cee Lo Green, who won the prize for Best Male R&B/Soul Artist, turned in one of the night's many killer duets, getting into lover-man mode with singing partner Melanie Fiona. The soul eccentric and sometime Gnarls Barkley member performed barefoot in a flowing '70s-style white fringe get-up, looking easy like Sunday morning.

The prize for Best Hip-Hop Song went to Nicki Minaj, and while she wasn't on hand to offer up the winning tune, 'Moment for Life,' ace rhymer Common represented for the genre, offering a sort of visual counterpoint to the Cee Lo-Fiona team-up. Rocking a dark suit and bow tie, the Chicago rapper joined Marsha Ambrosius -- also dressed in black -- for the inspirational jam 'Blue Sky.'

It was an especially good night for Ambrosius, who took home Record of the Year honors for 'Far Away.' Other winners included Miguel, who was named Best New Artist; Chris Brown, whose 'F.A.M.E.' was deemed Album of the Year; and Kelly Rowland, who nabbed Song of the Year for 'Motivation.'

Rowland's BFF Beyonce, meanwhile, earned Best Dance Performance for 'Run the World (Girls).'

No awards show is complete without at least one star-studded tribute, and this year's Soul Train broadcast had two. On the R&B tip, a group of singers including Ambrosius, Tamar Braxton and Natalie Cole honored living legend Gladys Knight, while old-school hip-hoppers Doug E. Fresh, Naughty by Nature, Whodini, Big Daddy Kane and Kurtis Blow big-upped fallen homie Heavy D.

Beyonce 'Dance for You' Video: A Pre-Baby Bump Chair Dance

After teasing out a preview for her forthcoming visuals, Beyonce has debuted her sixth '4' album music video, 'Dance for You'. The pregnant super star is seen without her now-famous baby bump in the black-and-white clip, which was shot before, or during the very early stages of her pregnancy.

In the video for the '4' album deluxe edition track, Bey makes a fedora-sporting man -- who is not her hubby Jay-Z, by the way -- melt as she gyrates and grinds office desks and arm chairs.

Beyonce rocks the racy shoot in satin hot pants, garters and a slinky wrap dress, and is later joined by a team of provocative backup dancers for the chair-dancing routine.

Queen B herself co-directed the 1940′s film noir-inspired clip, alongside her 'Party' video co-director Alan Ferguson. The sexy 'Dance for You' video will be featured on the deluxe edition of Beyonce's 'Live at Roseland' concert DVD, out Nov. 29, but until then, watch the full vid below!

Watch Beyonce's 'Dance for You' Video

Robin Thicke: Paula Patton and the Singer Have 'Great Sex'

 Robin Thicke has always made anthems celebrating relationships. For his forthcoming album 'Love After War,' the singer will focus on tracks that convey much of the same message for this new effort but he'll add a bit of a twist.

The 34-year-old, who became parent to son Julian last April with his wife, actress Paula Patton, is set to incorporate some of the joys of fatherhood into his new music.

"My lady and I have a one-and-a-half year old now," Thicke tells The BoomBox. "Once you see what a woman has to go through to have a baby, you really learn what real compassion and understanding and patience is all about. That's absolutely what inspired the whole album, because I love my wife very much and I'm trying to learn how to do it correctly."

Juggling his career being a father and his marriage to Patton is no easy task for Thicke, but he's found a way to keep things fresh. After more than a decade together, the couple looks forward to spending intimate time in between their busy schedules.

"Lots of sex, its the only way to keep everything on par," he explains. "My wife is an actress and a mother and a wife, and I'm a husband, a father and a singer, so we haven't seen each other a lot in the last couple of weeks and we won't see each other until Christmas pretty much so it's very difficult."

In the past, Thicke has used Patton as his muse casting her in his music videos, the latest of which finds the couple getting extra steamy, for the album's title-track, 'Love After War.' In the visuals, Patton dons a blonde wig, but instead of gushing over her lover, the video's premise chronicles a tumultuous love affair, and shows the two fighting up then making up, and then fighting again. "I think the only thing that gives us fire is we have great sex together," Thicke shares. "There is never enough [sex]. When it does happen, it goes on for hours."

Aside from mixing business with pleasure in the video, Thicke also took a very hands-on approach in creating 'Love After War.' He added Lil Wayne to the single 'Pretty Lil Heart,' which marks the album's only guest appearance. "With this new album I felt like I had so much to talk about and so much to say," he said, revealing that he also wrote and produced the entire project.

'Love After War' is due Dec. 6.

Watch 'Robin Thicke Dishes on New Album 'Love After War' at 2011 AMAs'

 

Soulja Boy Says New Album, 'Promise,' Shows 'Maturity'

Soulja Boy is ready for his comeback. One year after the dismal reception of his third album, 'The DeAndre Way,' the 21-year-old wants the public to know that they shouldn't count him out just yet. "Right now I'm working on my new album," he tells The BoomBox. "It's called 'Promise' -- my fourth album to release from Interscope Records. It'll be in stores top of 2012. I want everybody to support."

Having become a millionaire at 18, Soulja Boy has changed a lot since his 'Crank That,' days and hopes that his transformation will reflect in his music. "[The album is] just really showing the growth and maturity of Soulja Boy," he reveals. "It's going to be dope. It's going to be lot of great records on it, a lot of dope features, a lot of great production. I want all my fans to check it out."

The Atlanta native is also reflecting on the past year, which has included the tragic death of his brother, being arrested for marijuana possession and angering the public with what were deemed as anti-army lyrics. "[I'm] thankful for my family, very thankful for my family," he continues. "I'm very thankful to be in the position that I'm in right now, just to touch so many people and be a role model for all the young people that's trying to come up in this world, and thankful to be alive."

Soulja Boy's most recent release came by way of the mixtape 'Last Crown,' which was available for download in early September.

Birdman, Nicki Minaj and Weezy Unveil 'Y.U. Mad' Video -- Watch

On the brag-heavy single 'Y.U. Mad,' Birdman and guests Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne explain why haters have been hating on them. They're jealous -- not only of the YMCMB artists' money, but also of their microphone skills.

In the official video, which hit the web last night (Nov. 26), the trio flaunts its riches and nimble rhymes, with Nicky -- first up on the cut -- leading the way. Rocking a blonde Lil Wayne-style wig -- fitting, since she declares herself "the female Weezy" in the opening bars -- she boasts about a level of success she's beginning to find boring.

"Yeah we share, gold cluster," she raps, looking bodacious as ever in an eye-popping white strappy outfit. "As for your career, dead: Ghostbusters."

Birdman and Weezy follow up her showstopping verse with raps of their own, and while Wayne's mugging is as entertaining as ever, this clip is really about the Miami scenery: gleaming rides, palm trees, ladies lounging poolside and the bricks of cash thrown around during the boardroom scenes.

"Party time, excellent," Weezy says at the end of his verse, reveling in the spoils of stardom. "Wayne's World!"

Watch Birdman's Video for 'Y.U. Mad,' ft. Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne

 

50 Cent to Drop 10-Song Mixtape, Videos Drop Next Week

Getty ImagesBefore you could find 50 Cent 'In Da Club,' hanging with Eminem and Dr. Dre, writing books, starring in movies, hawking Vitaminwater or doing any of the other things the hip-hop superstar does these days, he was a mixtape MC looking to build a name.

Nothing if not sentimental, Fiddy has taken to Twitter to announce the release of the 'Big 10' mixtape, a collection meant to commemorate the 10th anniversary of '50 Cent is the Future,' a 2002 indie release XXL has called the best mixtape of all time. The new batch of songs -- "smoking hot tracks," according to his tweet -- is due out sometime next week, and fans of the Queens-born MC will get more than just music.

"I'm shooting videos for every song on the tape," the ryhmer born Curtis Jackson III tweeted. "The BIG 10 I got something for a haters ass it called hits lol."

No word yet on whether 50's long-awaited fifth album, once titled 'Black Magic,' will materialize before the end of the year, as he's indicated in interviews.

Loon Arrested in Belgium, Faces Drugs Charges in US

Al Pereira, Michael Ochs Archives Onetime Bad Boy rapper Loon was arrested last week in Belgium and will return to the United States to face drug charges, XXL reports.

The former member of Mase's Harlem World posse had sought asylum in Algeria back in May, after he was indicted on felony heroin distribution charges. According to XXL, the official indictment alleges that Loon -- born Chauncey Hawkins -- "knowingly and intentionally" intended to sell at least one kilogram of heroin from early 2006 through September 2008 in North Carolina.

Best known for rapping on the 2002 Diddy hit 'I Need a Girl (Part One)' and its remix sequel, Loon dropped out of the rap game in the latter half of the '00s and converted to Islam. After changing his name to Amir Junaid Muhadith, he spoke openly about the "evils of hip-hop," insisting he would never go back to making music.

The drug charges aren't Loon's first brushes with the law. In 2004, XXL reports, he was arrested in connection with the stabbing of a security guard at nightclub in Los Angeles. He was charged with attempted murder but never convicted.

Watch Loon Explain 'The Evils of Hip-Hop'

 

Lauren London Says She's Not Having The-Dream's Baby

Jason Merritt, Getty Images Twitter isn't just for facilitating fights between pop divas -- it's also a great way to spread false rumors about celebrity pregnancies.

Just ask actress Lauren London, who took to the social-networking site earlier today (Nov. 26) to deny reports she's pregnant with producer and songwriter The-Dream's baby.

"Morning Rumors," London tweeted. "Blah blah blah. No I'm not pregnant or Nor do I even know the Dream like that. Now back to real life. God Bless."

Her denial followed a tweet from a bogus Fox News account that claimed TMZ was the source of the story, Aceshowbiz.com reports.

The-Dream, aka Terius Nash, already has a daughter, Violet, from his marriage to actress Christina Milian. The couple announced their split in July of last year, after photos of Nash vacationing with his assistant led to allegations of infidelity.

Best known for her roles in the films 'ATL' and 'Madea's Big Happy Family,' London had a baby boy with rapper Lil Wayne in September 2009.

Watch The-Dream's Video for 'Falsetto'

 

Nicki Minaj and Cher Clash on Twitter over Alleged Diss

What happens when a veteran pop diva clashes with an outrageous newcomer over a misunderstood lyric? Why, a Twitter fight, naturally.

Yesterday, a Cher super fan tweeted the 65-year-old singer, actress and cultural phenomenon to inform her that Nicky Minaj had "dissed" her on the 'Pink Friday' track 'Did It On 'Em." The lyric in question: "If you could turn back time, Cher/ You used to be here, now you're gone, Nair."

Always one to speak her mind, Cher shot back with a tweet of her own, writing, "Ive seen lots of people come & go! No biggie!" according to the website Rap-Up.com.

That prompted an angry reply from Scaff Beezy, a friend of Nicki and card-carrying member of Team Minaj.

"[Y]o @cher listen to the words b4 you say dumb s--- on twitter," he wrote. "[D]o you know what a rap metaphore [sic] is??? TM is a cult you dont want it with!!"

Cher later deleted the anti-Minaj posts, but not before admitting she was wrong, writing, "Someone said I was dissed ... I've been dissed b4, but instead of finding out ... I just got defensive! I should have known better! Dumb."

It seems Minaj has yet to accept her apology, as she responded with the rather abrupt tweet that may well be this battle's closing shot: "@Cher #stopit5."

Rihanna Spends Time With Mother, 'Gran Gran' in Video

While millions of families unite for a Thanksgiving feast today (Nov. 24), Rihanna is celebrating the essence of family togetherness in her own way by giving fans an intimate look inside her home in Barbados.

The 23-year-old 'Talk That Talk' creator stripped down to the bare essentials -- she wears no makeup and sports a simple black dress -- while sitting with her mother, grandmother and younger brother Rajad in her quaint home. In the clip, narrated by Jay-Z, Ri sifts through old photographs of her family and even checks out a report card from her days in grade school -- from the looks of it, grades of A were splashed across the paper.

"These are the people who make you who you are," Hov states while the 'We Found Love' performer sits next to her Gran Gran. "They've helped you grow. They're responsible for the countless lessons in life that you've learned. It's the memories of who you were that make 'em proud to see what you've become."

During the visuals, Rihanna's mother showcases her parental opinion about Rajad's Facebook use, which causes the pop star to giggle in a corner. The Bajan songstress also gifts her Gran Gran with a sentimental token of appreciation from Cartier. Watch Rihanna embrace family time below.

Watch Rihanna Spend Time With Her Family

Watch 'Behind the Shoot With Rihanna'

 

Rihanna 'Talk That Talk' Album: Experts Weigh In on Her Career

If the music industry is a machine, then Rihanna is a well-educated engineer, finely crafting a career that has taken her from a would-be pop clone to an artist etching out her own lane, controlling her sound, look and persona over the course of six years. Jay-Z once likened her to the Madonna of her generation, and with over 80 million albums and singles sold, more than 50 million fans on Facebook and legions of designers tripping over themselves to dress her, she's well on her way to entering the prestigious club of one-named music legends.

In September 2011, while still on tour promoting her 'Loud' album, the 23-year-old began to work on her latest release, due today (Nov. 21), and sixth LP, 'Talk That Talk' -- a sexier and decidedly raunchier project living between both the pop and dance worlds. The album's lead single, 'We Found Love,' written by Scottish singer-songwriter Calvin Harris, is an extraordinary, albeit erratic, thumping dance track that explores a new take on love's hangover. The single not only provided Rihanna with her 11th No. 1 single, but took her in a whole new direction.

"She's grown from the type of artist where the label and everybody picks records for her," vocal producer Kuk Harrell tells The BoomBox. Harrell, whose client roster includes Justin Bieber and Jennifer Lopez, produced all of the vocals for 'Talk That Talk' and first began working with the singer on her 2008 Grammy-winning song 'Umbrella.' The two have since developed a strong relationship making Harrell her go-to person whenever she's ready to record.

"It's a great chemistry because as a vocal producer my main thing is to have [the artist] feel comfortable and to allow them to be them before we even record anything," he states. "They have to feel like they trust me. When she gets in the booth that's a very vulnerable state for her. She's going to make mistakes as we're recording. Her tone is so distinct, she's brilliant as an artist, she knows what's right for her."

Nicki Minaj Wins 2011 AMAs for Favorite Artist, Album

Besides opening up the 2011 American Music Awards alongside David Guetta, performing their hit 'Turn Me On,' Nicki Minaj also walked away a big winner for the night.

The 'Pink Friday' creator scored a trophy for Favorite Artist in the category of Rap/Hip-Hop Music. Minaj, who donned a curly pink coif and silver get-up during her set, beat out her Young Money boss Lil Wayne and fellow 'Monster' collaborator Kanye West.

While taking the stage to accept her award, she had to be escorted by an AMAs representative, who served as her support system as she walked to the microphone to make an acceptance speech for her first award of the night. The Queens Barb, who wore a tight lace top and forest green flowing princess dress, name-dropped a slew of people and was visibly touched while in front of her peers. "There's so much love in this room," she exclaimed, after almost toppling over on the stage due to her sky-high stilettos. "I have to thank god... Kane, Ester Dean... I have to thank Taylor Swift."

When she entered the stage a second time, to accept her trophy for Favorite Album in the Rap/Hip-Hop Music category, Minaj was almost moved to tears. Beating out Jay-Z and West's 'Watch the Throne' and Weezy's 'Tha Carter IV,' she fought from crying but it was apparent the rhyming pop star didn't expect to come home a winner in the category. "I have to thank Lil Wayne because if it wasn't for him I wouldn't be here," she admitted. Before she left the mic, she left her loyal supporters with some lasting words. "Chase your dreams," she shouted.

AMAs 2011: Winners List

Getty Images

The 2011 AMAs featured music's biggest names live from Los Angeles' Nokia Theater for a star-studded night of performances and awards. The evening belonged to the ladies, with Taylor Swift taking home the top prize for Artist of the Year as well as Favorite Country Album and Country Female Artist. Adele walked away with the awards for Favorite Pop Female, Pop Album and Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist. Nicki Minaj also had her hands full at the end of the night -- the Pink Lady took home Favorite Hip-Hop Album and Favorite Hip-Hop Artist. Missed the show? Check out the full list of winners below!

Artist of the Year - Taylor Swift

Sprint New Artist of the Year: Hot Chelle Rae

Pop Music:
Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group: Maroon 5
Favorite Male: Bruno Mars
Favorite Female: Adele
Favorite Pop Album: Adele, '21'

Country Music:
Favorite Female: Taylor Swift
Favorite Male: Blake Shelton
Favorite Band, Duo or Group: Lady Antebellum
Favorite Country Album: Taylor Swift, 'Speak Now'

Latin Music:
Favorite Artist: Jennifer Lopez

Soul/R&B Music:
Favorite Female: Beyonce
Favorite Male: Usher
Favorite R&B Album: Rihanna, 'Loud'

Rap/Hip-Hop Music:
Favorite Artist: Nicki Minaj
Favorite Hip-Hop Album: Nicki Minaj, 'Pink Friday'

Alternative Rock Music:
Favorite Artist: Foo Fighters

Contemporary Inspirational
Favorite Artist: Casting Crowns

Adult Contemporary Music
Favorite Artist: Adele

AMAs 2011: Performance Recaps

The 2011 American Music Awards offers a slew of performances. From Nicki Minaj giving new meaning to the term "super bass" to Jennifer Lopez and will.i.am stepping out in glow-in-the-dark get-ups, The BoomBox serves up a recap of the night's show-stealing performances.

Nicki Minaj and David Guetta, 'Turn Me On'

Speakers proved to be the focal point of David Guetta and Nicki Minaj's American Music Awards performance. Guetta, whose 'Nothing But the Beat' album dropped in August 2011, manned the turntables and threw up his hands to get the party started before Minaj came out and gave a stellar performance. The pink-wig wearing MC gave audience members a surprise when she showed off her backside first, which sported a pair of bass-pumping speakers as she moved through her song with the DJ, 'Turn Me On.' Dressed in a silver, hip-hugging pantsuit, the Queens native closed out the set with her 'Pink Friday' single 'Super Bass.'

Chris Brown, 'All Back,' 'Say It With Me

The R&B crooner let his lyrics star during his set rather than showcase an outfit that grabbed eyes and turned heads. Wearing a plain white T-shirt and minimal jewelry, he stood behind the mic and dropped syrupy lines from 'All Back.' 'Say It With Me' was the follow-up and the track the 'F.A.M.E.' creator used to display his captivating dancing abilities. Chris Brown decided to don a cool white jacket as he glided across the floor with graphics of himself doing similar motions on a screen behind him.


Ludacris and Enrique Inglesias, 'Tonight (I'm Lovin' You)'

ATLien Ludacris emerged from the audience to support Enrique Inglesias as he sang his chart-climbing record 'Tonight (I'm Lovin' You).' Dressed in a wintery sweater and rocking shades, the MC, who just released the mixtape '1.21 Gigawatts: Back to the First Time' last week, he rapped lines like "Tonight I'm gonna do everything that I want with you/ Everything that you need/ Everything that you want/ I'm gonna, honey, I wanna stunt with you/ From the window to the wall/ Gonna give you my all."


Jennifer Lopez, 'Papi;' 'On the Floor' Feat. Pitbull

Bronx bombshell J.Lo opened up her performance looking like an angelic goddess, with a champagne colored flowing gown covering her curvy frame. Though she started off slow, the mother of two kicked her set up a notch when she sang the lyrics to her 'Papi' track but not before shedding some of her ensemble. A crew of shirtless male dancers supported Jennifer Lopez, who pumped her fists and displayed some fancy footwork. Her long hair flowing, she then pulled more pieces off her awards attire to showcase a form-fitting body suit, with glittery gems covering her bosom and other regions. Pitbull supported the pop superstar for their joint track 'On the Floor.'


Pitbull, 'I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho);' 'Give Me Everything,' Feat. Lil Jon; 'Rain Over Me' Feat. Marc Anthony

Lil Jon called on his shouting skills to hype up the crowd during Pitbull's stage show extravaganza. The shades-wearing MC served as DJ, yelling out to audience members, making sure there was not one dull moment before Pit took the mic. Snippets of his songs 'I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)' and 'Give Me Everything' -- two undeniable club bangers -- played before the Miami native showed face. But first, Marc Anthony, sang through his part on their joint track 'Rain Over Me.' Then the smooth pop rap star, decked out in a red blazer, grabbed up the mic to serve up his verse on the song.


Mary J. Blige, 'Mr. Wrong'

The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J. Blige stepped out in an all-white number -- white blazer and matching pants -- shining in the spotlight while performing 'Mr. Wrong,' a song off her forthcoming album, 'My Life II... The Journey Continues (Act 1).' The 40-year-old R&B songstress took center stage, holding the microphone while standing on a spinning base decorated with columns. She stepped down closer to the crowd and was joined by six female dancers, who thrusted and moved to her sound.


Drake, 'Headlines'

Joined by a backing band, the Toronto native looked like he stepped right out of his 'Headlines' video and onto the American Music Awards stage. Wearing the same black hoodie and black gloves from the visuals, the 25-year-old Young Money MC rapped through the track, which appears off his sophomore LP, 'Take Care,' released last week. Drizzy jumped around in the spotlight and waved his hands in his signature manner before thanking the AMAs audience for their support.


Will.i.am and Jennifer Lopez, 'T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)'

Jennifer Lopez rocked a side ponytail and a Tron-esque glowing dress as she opened up for the Black Eyed Peas frontman on his new single, 'T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever),' his foray into solo work. Will.i.am emerged from the shadows, sporting a glowing tracksuit, and planted himself in front of a sea of anonymous ball-holding dancers that moved into formation and created shapes like an arrow. Mick Jagger appears on the song but made a "cameo" by showing up on a video screen, screaming out his vocals in a snazzy suit.

Chris Brown Deletes Twitter Timeline, Rants About Rihanna

If only living down past indiscretions were as easy as deleting your Twitter timeline.

Earlier this week, in an angry tweet aimed at those who continue to dwell on his 2009 physical altercation with then-girlfriend Rihanna, Chris Brown announced he was leaving the social-networking site.

His account is once again active, but only only a pair of tweets remains in his timeline. The latest, dated Nov. 15, reads, "Live LIFE!"

That seemingly positive message is a far cry from the rant he unleashed on Thursday (Nov. 17), when the R&B superstar blasted online haters.

"Don't say s--- to anybody and everyone feels its cool to attack me. GROWN ADULTS!!!!" Brown wrote. "That s--- happened three years ago. TWITTER GETS WACK REAL FAST! I LOVE ALL THE POEPLE WHO SUPPORT MY MUSIC! i never said i was a LEGEND. people please grow up. Ive never dealt with so much negativity in my life! its to the point now that its just ridiculous! IM NOT A POLITICIAN! MY MUSIC DOESNT PROMOTE VIOLENCE nor will it ever! only thing it will increase is the pregnacy rate!"

He followed that up with what appeared to be a reference to Rihanna, writing, "I know a lot of you wack a-s (OLD) celebrities probably wanna f--- my ex, but talking s--- on me wont get you far! and to be REALLY HONEST, ya'll wonder why n-a spazzes all the time?"

Brown added that he "can't wait" for the American Music Awards, which take place tonight in Los Angeles. The singer is up for Favorite Male Artist in the soul/R&B category, and he's also slated to perform.

"U dont have to respect me now... but u will," he tweeted.

Soul Train Awards 2011: Heavy D Gets All-Star Tribute

This year's Soul Train Awards kicked off at Atlanta's Fox Theatre on Thursday night (Nov. 17) with Morris Day and the Time performing a mishmash of their classic hits. The audience, a mix of music lovers young and old, rose to their feet as Day and the band did some funky choreographed moves. Dancers in sequined hot pants surrounded the singer, gyrating to the old-school grooves, and surprisingly, he never seemed to lose a step.

Host Cedric the Entertainer made his entrance to the stage via a Soul Train line (of course!), moving through at full speed, jerking, popping and locking vigorously to Montell Jordan's 'This Is How We Do It' and T.I.'s 'Big Things Poppin'.' When he was finished, the heavyset comedian doubled over, took a gulp of air and quipped, "I'm outta breath. My leg hurt, and that was this morning when I was just making a sandwich."

Cedric remained witty all night, cracking jokes current enough for young folks and charming enough for older ones.

Other performers included Lloyd, Miguel, Cee-Lo, Common and Marsha Ambrosius. Cee-Lo had one of the better sets. As he warbled the emotion-filled lyrics to his latest single, 'Fool for You,' the eclectic rapper-turned-singer donned a white suit fitted to his rotund stomach and detailed with long fringe at the sleeves. As he sang, women in fur-trimmed mini dresses twirled about, and big, fluffy snowflakes descended from the ceiling. It was a very nice touch.

Common turned in a fiery performance of 'Blue Sky,' the first single from his upcoming album, 'The Dreamer, The Believer.' He rapped the lyrics to the inspirational song with the renewed energy he's been displaying on wax as of late. Each step across the stage was purposeful, and each line was filled with urgency. Common's performance was confident, assertive and satisfying to the hip-hop heads in attendance. Ambrosius brought a touch of class, adding her honeyed voice on the hook.

Ambrosius took the stage several times during the evening. She performed in a tribute to Gladys Knight and gave a moving speech as she accepted the newly minted Ashford & Simpson Songwriter and Record of the Year award for 'Far Away.' The teary-eyed singer stammered over her words and shook her head, finally saying, "I'm just a girl from Liverpool ... I moved to Atlanta first, so it seems crazy to receive this here."

Accepting his award for the Best Male R&B/Soul, Cee-Lo also said he was grateful to be recognized in Atlanta, his hometown. Philadelphia's Jill Scott accepted her accolade for Best Female R&B/Soul with her signature grin and self-assured poise -- both of which have come with being in the business for 11 years. She thanked industry associates, fans and the rough North Philly neighborhood where she grew up.

The most touching part of the night was the Heavy D tribute that came midway through the ceremony. The big screen over the stage ran a clip of the late rapper accepting a Soul Train award for 1990's 'Big Tyme.' An eerie silence fell in the theater as attendees recalled that only a month ago, he appeared up the street at Atlanta's Civic Center, looking healthy, strong and light on his feet at the BET Hip Hop Awards.

The cheerful Heavy tribute included Big Daddy Kane, Naughty By Nature, Kurtis Blow and Goodie Mob performing some of the Overweight Lover's bounciest hits. The medley ended on a bittersweet note, as after 'Nuttin' But Love,' Heavy's final tweet was displayed in the background: "Be Inspired."

The Soul Train Awards air Nov. 27 at 9PM on BET and Centric.

Heavy D Funeral: President Obama Sends Heartfelt Note

Heavy D was so beloved that even President Obama has expressed his condolences to the family of the fallen rap legend.

During a funeral service held at the Grace Baptist Church, in Hev's native Mount Vernon, N.Y. earlier today (Nov. 18), Rev. Al Sharpton read a letter from the President, praising the 'Now That We Found Love' rapper for his positivity and "many contributions to American music."

"We extend our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time," read Obama's note. "He will be remembered for his infectious optimism and many contributions to American music. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers."

Friends and family from the music community appeared in full force to honor the "Overweight Lover," including Will Smith, Jay-Z, Diddy, Usher, John Legend, Q-Tip, Queen Latifah and many more.

"He became my friend. He became my brother, and I'm not talking about friend-brother like we cavalierly use the word, I'm talking about a real friend, a real brother," Diddy said in praise of his fallen comrade. "Somebody I shared my dreams and my secrets with, somebody that's been there for me at my lowest point, my darkest hour when nobody wanted to be beside me."

Heavy D, born Dwight Arrington Myers, died in Los Angeles on Nov. 8, as a result of complications from pneumonia. He was 44.

Watch Heavy D's 'Nuttin' But Love'

Watch 'Rapper Heavy D Dies at 44'

Lupe Fiasco Handcuffed, Detained at Airport

Lupe Fiasco had a memorable traveling experience Thursday (Nov. 17) for all the wrong reasons. The Chi-town native was detained when trying to board a flight at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Not many details have emerged regarding the incident but the 'Words I Never Said' creator took to his Twitter account to disclose information. "WOW...Fresh outta handcuffs @ LAX," Lupe tweeted before hit the stage in Rhode Island last night.

Apparently Fiasco was held in custody due to "technical equipment" he was carrying. Sources reveal to AllHipHop.com that he was not permitted to bring the item on the plane.

No charges were filed against the rhymer, who was eventually cleared and headed to his destination.

"Airport PD officer was just doing way too much," Lupe posted to his Twitter account. "Even OD'd on TSA...let the arrest get before the CHARGES. We good tho...#TimeForPrivateJets. Shout to all the good airport cops and TSA folks...don't let the bad apples spoil the bunch!!"

The 29-year-old didn't let the circumstances prevent him from performing for fans in Rhode Island, where he took the stage at the Ryan Center.

Young Jeezy, Jay-Z, Andre 3000 Release Song, 'I Do'

Young Jeezy's often-delayed fourth LP, 'TM103,' will finally see the light of day on Dec. 20, and to give fans something more to look forward to, the southern rhymer has released the highly anticipated Jay-Z and Andre 3000-assisted track 'I Do.'

The song finds Jeezy spitting verses about a woman he'd like to "smack it down" with. "I said I see some ladies in here tonight I might marry/ Gon' off the Belve and 'Tron, it's too scary/ Baby, you can have whatever you like, the tooth fairy," the 34-year-old rapper throws out.

Hov serves some grown raps on the mellow cut. "Honor the code, not bring drama to mama's peephole/ Life's a bitch but she's the only love that I know," he rhymes.

Though Andre 3000's verse leaked way before the finished track debuted, he rounds out the effort with, "So if we ever woop-dee-woo, I want all that bleep-de-bleep/ On this nasty carpet, Bixby down on one knee."

 

Magnolia Shorty's Husband Murdered in New Orleans

Almost a year has passed since Magnolia Shorty was gunned down in New Orleans on Dec. 20, 2010, and now friends and family members of the slain rapper are feeling the loss of her husband, Carl Bridgewater, who was shot Thursday (Nov. 17).

Bridgewater, 31, became the 181st homicide of the year for the city of New Orleans.

"Senseless," his uncle, Terry Bridgewater stated about the murder.

The victim was recently released from jail, after being arrested in March 2010, for cocaine possession with intent to distribute. In November 2001, Bridgewater was taken into custody for distributing heroin and possessing a firearm -- he was a felon. The District Attorney's office shot down the charges stemming from 2001, according to records.

In Magnolia Shorty's death, the 28-year-old rapper and another man were shot dead while riding in a vehicle in New Orleans. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

Listen to Magnolia Shorty's 'By Your Side'

 

Ludacris the Subject of Justin Bieber's New Freestyle

Controversy surrounding Justin Bieber's rap skills emerged last month after famed hip-hop producer DJ Premier revealed that the pop star wanted to take part in the 2011 BET Hip-Hop Awards cyphers but was shut down from participating because he failed to deliver original material.

"...We heard, 'Oh, he wants Luda [Ludacris] to write his rhyme,'" DJ Premier stated. "I was like, 'Oh no, no, no, no. If you ain't writing your own rhyme, you can't do it.' So Justin, you gotta take a backseat. Write your own rhymes, honey. You gotta call him honey on that one."

In an effort to prove that he could in fact spit rhymes straight off the brain, Bieber showcased his skills on the Cipha Sounds & Rosenberg morning show on New York City's Hot 97.

"Cheese like gouda and my soul like buddha/ And my goal right through ya and I'm so much cooler/ And I don't need Luda to know that I'm the ruler/ And I'm so much cooler, you should call me Ferris Bueller," the Canadian native rapped.

'DWYCK' was the beat of choice for Bieber, who just released his 'Under the Mistletoe' holiday album. Gang Starr, which is the hip-hop collective DJ Premier was a member of alongside the late Keith "Guru" Elam, put out the track in 1994.

Watch Justin Bieber Freestyle to Gang Starr's 'DWYCK'

 

Pharrell Helped Justin 'Break Out of Boy Band Land'

Musician and entrepreneur Pharrell Williams has collaborated with many great artists in his day. But probably one of his most successful partnerships came in the form of Williams' work on 'Justified' -- Justin Timberlake's debut solo album. Prior to the CD's release, J-Tims was primarily seen as just another boy bander. But as Pharrell tells Huffington Post's Black Voices, he saw more.

"Well Justin knew he wanted to break out of boy band land," Pharrell shares. "And at the time [prior to 'Justified'] he wasn't really talking about going solo at all. We used to talk all the time and I used to tell him, 'Listen man, you gotta break out of this skin.'"

Since Pharrell and JT had grown close during their work on *NSYNC's 'Celebrity' album, the producer felt confident Justin was ready to take his talents to the next level. "I know your personality now and there's so much more to who you are and what you're into," Pharrell remembers telling Timberlake at the time. "'Cause [Justin's] taste in music was so expansive, but you would get that from the way he dressed at the time because he was in a mold."

Of course Pharrell was right, with Justin's CD selling thousands of copies. Watch the super-producer reminisce about the recording of 'Justified,' along with details of the unexpected call he received from Michael Jackson during the process below. Memories like this are all we have to hold onto until Justin finally decides to record a new CD.

Watch 'Steve Stoute's 'The Tanning Of America' With Pharrell Williams"

Watch 'Justin Timberlake Tries To Rap On FreeSol Track'