Video: Bow Wow f/ Lil Wayne – ‘Sweat’

Bow Wow celebrates new beginnings in the futuristic video for “Sweat,” the first single from his Cash Money debut Underrated, due March 13. The 24-year-old rapper is joined by his YMCMB family including Lil Wayne and Birdman in the CGI visuals. He rides through in a Bugatti, while his female co-star takes a guitar and smashes his plaques.

“Each of these plaques resembles my old albums,” explained Bow Weezy. “She gonna take the guitar and she gon’ smash all of ‘em. It’s representing a new beginning, my coming up with YMCMB. Out with the old, in with the new plaques.”

Video: B.o.B f/ T.I. & Young Jeezy – ‘Strange Clouds (Remix)’

T.I. and Young Jeezy storm the remix video for B.o.B’s “Strange Clouds,” the first single from his sophomore album of the same name, due March 13. Jeezy fires first, mean mugging alongside Bobby Ray, who sports a grill and pilot’s cap. Grand Hustle captain Tip stacks his paper and joins his protégé in subsequent scenes, which were shot in an ATL warehouse.

Nicki Minaj 'Stupid H--' Video Banned on BET, According to Reports

What does it take to get a video banned on BET, a network that, over the years, has aired hundreds, if not thousands, of violent and-or sexually suggestive hip-hop clips? Whatever it is, it's in Nicki Minaj's 'Stupid H--' visuals, which the cable channel refuses to air, TMZ reports.

According to the gossip site, BET won't say for certain why it banned Nicki's Hype Williams-directed clip, but a source revealed the new video is "too explicit for TV."

Marcy Polanco, a BET spokesperson, tells The BoomBox officially that Minaj's video will not receive any play. "The video will not be airing on BET or CENTRIC," she states.

It might have something to do with the lyrics, as Minaj -- presumably dissing Lil' Kim -- uses the titular putdown over and over again. Or perhaps BET's censors don't like that part where the Queens rapper dons a leotard and makes like Grace Jones on the cover of 'Island Life,' contorting herself in a rather unnatural fashion.

Or might it be the part where Nicki writhes around in a leopard cage? She's certainly picked a mighty and majestic animal to morph into, but at first glance, the segment isn't exactly empowering to women. Ditto the part where the 'Pink Friday' creator shows her exaggerated special-effects-enhanced -- we hope -- badonkadonk in profile -- yet another possible reason BET pulled the plug.

Not that Nicki needs BET to get on TV. 'Twenty twelve, I'm at the Super Bowl,' she raps in the final verse, reminding us all of the Madonna team-up that, come Sunday, will put her and her outrageous sense of humor in front of millions of people around the world.

The Young Money MC will debut her sophomore LP, 'Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded,' April 3.

Watch Nicki Minaj's 'Stupid H--' Video

 

Elephant Man Arrested for Raping Woman in His Jamaican Home

Reggae crooner Elephant Man was taken into custody Monday (Jan. 30) for charges that he raped a woman at his home in Jamaica.

TMZ reports that the 'Jook Gal' creator was arrested for sexually assaulting a woman, whose name was withheld, after officials launched an investigation following a report she filed with local police. The rape, which took place earlier this month, allegedly occurred in his St. Andrew residence.

Born Oneil Bryan, the dancehall artist was questioned in front of his lawyer by authorities working for the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse. He was subsequently arrested and charged with grievous sexual assault and rape.

Last August, Elephant Man, known as the "Energy God," was charged with energy theft after police claim that they discovered several appliances in the reggae performer's apartment, which were connected to an illegal connection.

Meek Mill 'House Party' Video: French Montana, Rick Ross Show Up

Maybach Music Group signee Meek Mill debuts the Dre Films-directed visuals for his appropriately titled party anthem 'House Party.' The Philly native, hot off the heels of his 'I'ma Boss' success, showcases just exactly how he gets down with his crew when he's outside of the club.

In the opening scene, Meek stays true to his lyrics by grabbing a pretty lady by the hand and leading her to a nearby bathroom. "I tell her meet me in the bathroom, I f--- her while the water runnin'," he belts out.

Rick Ross, DJ Drama and French Montana all take part in the festivities, throwing up cups likely filled with Ciroc. There's a table set up in classic beer pong fashion, women in midriff-baring tops and even a cameo by comedian Lil Duval.

Rapper Young Chris comes in with an assist, grabbing the mic while two neon Spandex-wearing women shake their derrieres.

"I'ma hit her from the back, Meek get her face," he raps. "Got the whole house packed/ You can get your spouse back."

Twista and Yo Gotti make appearances and Meek even takes the party to the basketball court.

Watch Meek Mill's 'House Party' Video

 

Don Cornelius Dead: 'Soul Train' Creator, Host Dies of Apparent Suicide

Don Cornelius, who helped popularize black music and culture through 'Soul Train,' a show he created and hosted for more than two decades, was found dead earlier today (Feb. 1) in Sherman Oaks, Calif., the Los Angeles Times reports. He was 75. According to sources, the cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police arrived at Cornelius' apartment at around 4AM, and while they apparently found no signs of foul play, they are investigating the case, the Times reports.

A TV institution, Cornelius launched 'Soul Train' in 1970 and hosted the show until 1993. As the face of the so-called "Hippest Trip in America," the stylish, smooth-talking Cornelius presented numerous R&B, soul, funk and hip-hop superstars -- everyone from Aretha Franklin and Barry White to Heavy D and Ice-T -- to eager fans.

Famous for its dance lines -- which allowed audience members to show off their best moves and flashiest outfits -- the show continued for more than a decade after Cornelius' departure and went off the air in 2006.

Just two years ago, Cornelius spoke to the Times about a 'Soul Train' movie he was looking to develop.

"We've been in discussions with several people about getting a movie off the ground. It wouldn't be the 'Soul Train' dance show, it would be more of a biographical look at the project," he said. "It's going to be about some of the things that really happened on the show."

Grammy Awards 2012: Drake Presenting at 54th Annual Ceremony

Drake may not be up for a Grammy Award as a solo artist this year but he's in the running for some assists on a few lovely ladies LPs. While he was likely to attend based off a nomination Nicki Minaj received for Best Rap Performance for his collaboration on 'Moment 4 Life' and one Rihanna scored for Album of the Year Award for her 'Loud' album -- he shows up on 'What's My Name?' -- he's been confirmed to present at the prestigious ceremony as well.

The official Grammy Awards Twitter account posted a message revealing the news Tuesday (Jan. 31). "Happy to announce that @Drake will be presenting at the 54th GRAMMY Awards Feb. 12th on @CBS! #GRAMMYs," a representative for the account tweeted.

Besides his work with Nicki and RiRi, the 25-year-old Toronto rap star is also nominated for an award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for DJ Khaled's 'I'm on One' featuring Rick Ross and Lil Wayne. His lyrics on Rihanna's 'What's My Name?' are also up for an award in the same category. He may also score some shine if Minaj's 'Pink Friday' album wins in the Best Rap Album category.

Drizzy has made headlines recently for his war of words with fellow rapper Common, who he took jabs at on Rick Ross' 'Rich Forever' mixtape track 'Stay Schemin',' in response to his earlier remarks. He has expressed disappointment in the veteran entertainer's decision to call him out for showcasing his lyrical talents in much the same way the Chi-town MC did on the come-up.

The 54th Annual Grammy Awards will air live from Los Angeles' Staples Center, Feb. 12 at 8PM ET on CBS. See the full list of nominees in all genres here.

Too $hort 'No Trespassing': 50 Cent, Twista, Snoop Dogg, E-40 on Album

Bay Area rap legend Too $hort is gearing up to release his 19th album, and has revealed some information about the release, titled 'No Trespassing,' which hits shelves on Feb. 28.

On the strength of the tracklisting alone, 'No Trespassing' appears likely to be $hort Dog's biggest LP in years, featuring 16 songs with guest features from Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Twista, Devin The Dude, Kokane, Richie Rich and longtime collaborator E-40 on the single 'Money on the Floor.'

While the album is being promoted as "sonically more diverse" than recent projects, fear not fans, as "'bitch, suck my d---' anthems are balanced out by reflections on relationships, life and Harley Davidsons," according to the press release, and the album features song titles like 'Respect The Pimpin',' 'Shut Up Nancy,' 'Boss,' 'Porno Bitch,' and 'Hog Ridin'.'

Too $hort and E-40's long-awaited collaboration album 'The History Channel' is currently still in the works, along with Short's biography of sorts, "comprised of anecdotes and stories from his life and times in Oakland," and an Oakland-based film.

Check out the album artwork here and the tracklisting below. 'No Trespassing' hits shelves on Feb. 28. Stay tuned to Too $hort's exclusive interview with The BoomBox in the coming weeks.

1. 'What The F---'
2. 'Got Her Like'
3. 'Playa Fo Life' feat. Dom Kennedy & Beeda Weeda
4. 'Trying to Come Up' feat. C.O.
5. 'Cush Cologne' feat. Rico Tha Kidd & DJ Upgrade
6. 'The Magazine' feat. Chase Hattan
7. 'I Got Caught' feat. Martin Luther
8. 'I'm a Stop' feat. 50 Cent
9. 'Hog Ridin'' feat. Richie Rich
10. 'Porno Bitch'
11. 'Shut Up Nancy' feat. Kokane
12. 'Boss' feat. Silk-E
13. 'Hey' feat. Silk-E
14. 'Money on the Floor' feat. E-40
15. 'Double Header' feat. Wallpaper
16. 'Respect The Pimpin'' feat. Snoop Dogg

Watch Too $hort's 'Blow the Whistle'

Rihanna Headlines Charity Gig Same Day as 2012 Grammy Awards

As Rihanna prepares for the 54th Annual Grammy awards Feb. 12, where she's earned a nod for Album of the Year for her 'Loud' LP, the Bajan songstress will also headline a charity event on the same day.

Rolling Stone reports that the 23-year-old 'You Da One' performer is performing at a charity concert alongside her 'We Found Love' collaborator Calvin Harris, in addition to Deadmau5 and Sebastian Ingrosso of Swedish House Mafia. The event, brought forth as a partnership between Roc Nation and the Three Six Zero Group, takes place at the House of Blues in Los Angeles following the Grammy Awards.

Tickets, which begin at $1,000, will benefit the Children's Orthopaedic Center and The Mark Taper-Johnny Mercer Artists Program at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Live Nation will be selling tickets at 5PM PT/8PM ET Tuesday (Jan. 31).

The 54th Annual Grammy Awards air live from the Staples Center at 8PM EST on Feb. 12. For a full list of nominees, visit grammy.com.

Drake: Common Beef 'Disappointing,' Vanessa Bryant Diss Not Personal

 In recent weeks, much of the talk about Drake has centered on Common and Vanessa Bryant, both of whom he disses on the Rick Ross track 'Stay Schemin'.' In an interview with Nah Right, the Canadian MC weighed in on both, explaining why he won't continue feuding with his Chi-town rap rival and insisting that he meant no harm against NBA player Kobe Bryant's soon-to-be ex-wife.

Speaking first about Common, who started the wax war back in November with his cut 'Sweet' and struck again earlier this month with his 'Stay Schemin'" remix, Drake said theirs isn't a "battle for the sake of musical integrity," but rather a "ploy for attention."

"More than anything, it was just disappointing, 'cause what kid isn't a fan of what Common has done for our genre," Drizzy said. "A guy who made such an incredible career for himself based off expressing genuine feelings about life and love is now targeting me for sharing my story."

As for Vanessa, the subject of the seemingly vitriolic line, "Bitch, you wasn't with me shooting in the gym," Drake said he "never intended to offend" her. He was merely thinking about what it might be like to lose a great deal of money, as Kobe will when the couple divorces.

"That line had everything to do with me and what goes on in my head as a 25-year-old man with this much income flowing in," he said. "Kobe is and always will be a friend and an icon to me."

For the time being, Drake doesn't need to worry about going broke. He's about to embark on the Club Paradise Tour, and while crosses North America and Europe, he'll continue recording the follow-up to last year's 'Take Care.'

"I have begun working on new music already and I'll be recording during the whole college tour with 40," Drake said. "Making better music and building myself as a business is all that's on my mind. Hopefully some acting as well."

Lil Wayne 'Mirror' Video: MC Crucifies Himself as Bruno Mars Watches

Lil Wayne turns inward in the video premiere of 'Mirror' featuring Bruno Mars. The visual opens with a tour of Weezy's tattoos, highlighting pieces like 'Fear God' on his eyelids and 'Life's a Gamble' on his shoulder.

But, like many rappers before him, Wayne's blasphemous symbolism may anger religious groups. With red paint on his hands -- representing blood -- the New Orleans native works on what appears to be a large scale, chaotic, Jackson Pollock-esque painting. Bruno Mars adds to the work with a chorus of "Mirror on the wall. Here we are again. Through my rise and fall, you've been my only friend."

The painting and tattoos serve as Wayne's reflection while the lyrics delve into his past. After several allusions to Jesus, the viewer quickly realizes that the painting is not chaotic but a clear image of Weezy -- crucified on a treble-clef cross.

The "misunderstood" -- he has the word inked over his eye -- rapper flows with, "I see the change; I see the message. And no message coulda been any clearer, so I'm starting with the man in the..." crediting Micheal Jackson for teaching him to look within.

Watch Lil Wayne's 'Mirror' Video Feat. Bruno Mars