T.I. is among an elite group of rappers that dominated the charts without sacrificing his integrity as a hip-hop artist. However, since his release from prison, he has found it hard regaining his musical popularity. With a stale mixtape and singlesfailing to generate any buzz, fans are forced to relish in Tip’s past projects. One project in particular is his debut, I’m Serious.
Tip, who was 20 at the time of the LP’s release, told stories of a young man growing up in the streets of Atlanta. Many listeners (myself included) may not have experienced what he detailed, but his illustrative storytelling was so vivid listeners could easily visualize the story. Looking back, I’m Serious is one of the more underrated rap debuts in recent history. Read More →
Leah Labelle’s lovely voice stunned viewers during the tribute to the late Teena Marie at the Soul Train Awards. Since, the “Sexified” singer has landed a spread in Pynk magazine.
On Lauryn Hill influence… “Her lyrics, her melodies, her stories, her voice, her tone, her runs, everything about her—I studied her. I thought I was her at one point. She was really my inspiration in forming my sound.”
On love for R&B… “My heart didn’t beat as fast with other music, but when I heard R&B, it was something about it that made me feel a lot different. I live in my feelings. So, I was happy to be able to connect in that way.” Read More →
Eddie Murphy‘s classic Beverly Hills Cop franchise is being rebooted to a CBS TV show. Actor-comedian Brandon T. Jackson has been cast as Aaron Foley, son of Axel Foley, in CBS’ Beverly Hills Cop reboot. Murphy, who is executive producing the show, portrayed Alex in the classic franchise and will reprise his role in the pilot and recur throughout. Eddie reportedly selected Jackson for the role himself.
Deadline reports, the series centers on Axel’s blue-collar police officer son, Aaron, who helps take down the criminal elements of the rich and famous in Beverly Hills while trying to escape the shadow of his larger-than-life father. Murphy will reprise his role as Axel in the pilot and may recur if the pilot goes to series. Read More →
Kelly Rowland has slowly become the go-to singer for rappers looking to add some R&B flavor to their songs. Aside from completing her duties as a featured artist, Kelly has been tucked away in the studio crafting Year of the Woman, the follow-up to 2011’s Here I Am. Weeks ago, she premiered the Matthew Rolston-directed video for “Ice,” which features Lil’ Wayne’s verse but not him physically.
She chatted with Billboard at the AMAs about the video, and writers and producers she has enlisted for the vunerable record. Fans should expect contributions from legendary duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Kvin Cossom, T-Minus, Detail, Sean Garrett and more. Read More →
If you’ve ever witnessed Ciara “black bag” a stage, you may be aware that Janet Jackson is clearly one of her biggest inspirations. Crisp choreography, fluid dance moves and unrivaled sex appeal are all things Janet conquered during her reign, and Ciara naturally incorporates those things in her shows. If that wasn’t clear enough, the “Sorry” singer has listed Janet as her unendorsed guru.
Unfortunately, Janet has yet to officially “pass the torch” to Ciara, cementing her as an honorary Jackson (“CiCi Jackson”). What makes it even more unfortunate is both of their careers could use a high dosage of steroids and this could potentially be the remedy.
While promoting her fifth album, One Woman Army, Ciara said her dream collaboration would be with none other than Miss Jackson. Read More →
Kevin Durant raps. Yes, the guy that led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the finals raps. Surprisingly, unlike the long list of NBA rappingNBAplayers before him, his flow isn’t that bad. Granted, hearing him use profanity is unsettling, but I’m sure he’s said worse on the court. With better beats and ghostwriting from fellow DC native Wale, maybe KD is on to something. (Who am I to crush someone’s ill-conceived dreams?) Listen to “The Formula” below. Read More →
Wiz Khalifa’s promotion for O.N.I.F.C. has been seemingly light, especially considering it’s due out next week (12/4).
“Rise Above” is a cut that appears on the opus, and it features Pharrell, Tuki Carter and Amber Rose. Although unlikely, Wiz seems sober during his verse, where he raps about jealousy and envy being a “bitch trait.” Wiz coos the airy chorus before Skateboard P plugs his Twitter during his forgettable verse. Tuki clinches the track with his eager verse, and Amber closes things with an exaggerated Philly accent. Read More →
Unapologetic singers Rihanna and Chris Brown have mastered the art of attention whoring. Despite claiming their love affair is “Nobody’s Business” but theirs, they continue making it ‘everybody’s bidness’ by allowing it to play out on social media. She uploaded a photo of herself embracing Chris with the caption, “fuckyopictures i dont wanna leave!!! Killed it tonight baby!!!” Read More →
