DJ Khaled Suffering From Sneaker Habit

DJ KHALED SNEAKER COLLECTION

DJ Khaled has been showing off his Sneaker Collection on Instagram, which appears to be growing daily. 

From Loboutins and Balenciaga Arenas, to unreleased Jordan andReebok Retros, Mr. We the Best has been rapidly adding depth to his sneaker game. 

With more and more artists and celebrities becoming the first sources for many of the latest releases, DJ Khaled has added his name to a must follow list for glimpses of the latest drops in 2013. 

Rumor: Kanye West Reportedly Invests Almost $2 Million In Two Bullet-Proof Cars

Kanye West is reportedly purchasing two bullet-proof vehicles for himself and Kim Kardashian.

As much as Kanye West hates the paparazzi, they love him right back. The latest rumor report from The Daily Star says that 'Ye is dropping almost $2 million for bullet-proof cars, for him and his baby mama.

The gossip site reports that Kanye is investing in 'kid-nap proof' cars. The first, for himself, is a Chevrolet Kodiak based on "Limo One," which is the car President Obama rides around in.

The second car, for Kim Kardashian, is reported to be the Prombron Iron Diamond, made to "military specifications" by Latvian company Dartz Motorz Company. This vehicle is built to withstand landmines and rocket-propelled grenades (which the couple may encounter when driving around L.A?).

The Daily Star cites a source who says that Kanye has a fear of someone kidnapping his baby, although no outright threats have been made, that we know of.

While this could all very well be rumors, if it isn't, do you think they're going overboard? 

Pharrell and Future Spotted In The Studio

Pharrell and Future were spotted together in the studio.

 There's definitely no doubting Pharrell's work ethic. After working with everyone from Nicki Minaj, Schoolboy Q, Mike Will Made It, Miley Cyrus, and just about anyone else you can think of, Pharrell's most recent artist he's been spotted in the studio with is Future.

The Neptunes producer posted a photo on Instagram of the pair posed with praying hands while out in a studio in LA. Could they be hinting at a possible song title? Who knows. What we do know is that Future just recently dropped the title track to his upcoming album "Honest", which is set to drop on November 26th.

Future has also previously revealed that he’s recorded with other big names including Kanye West, Rihanna, Diplo, Kelly Rowland, and more. Its just a matter of time before we know which of those records will appear on his new album.

Gucci Mane Sued For Attempting To Play Two Shows In One Night - In Different States

Gucci Mane is being sued by a concert promoter for skipping out on a show early to perform in a different state the same night.

Gucci Mane is known for his prolific output, but not only does he unnecessarily cram more than one mixtape release into a day, he apparently does the same thing with shows.

Empire Entertainment is filing a lawsuit against GuWop, claiming that they didn't get the show they paid for, seeing as Gucci skipped out to do a gig in another state after taking the stage for 15 minutes. 

The promoters apparently gave the rapper $22,500 to perform in Little Rock Arkansas, but became concerned when they saw advertising for a Gucci show in Tennessee the same night.

Gucci and his people assured Empire there were no other shows planned, despite GuWop himself promoting it on Twitter.

Yet when the time came, the rapper only performed three songs in Little Rock before gunning it for Tennessee to play the other gig. On top of that, he drove back to stay in the hotel Empire provided him with after the second concert.

The company claims their sales were compromised by the stunt, and are suing for breach of contract and fraud. Empire is looking to be compensated for Gucci's booking fee, travel, hotel and promotions.

Mac Miller Speaks On "Larry Fisherman" Moniker & Other Personas

Mac Miller speaks on his various personas, and how his music has evolved while staying consistent.

Mac Miller has his share of pseudonyms. The rapper has used the short-lived Larry Loverstein moniker, as well as the increasingly present Larry Fisherman producer name. In an interview with HardKnockTV, Mac spoke of which aspects of his personality these characters represent, and the consistencies and changes from his old music.

"I like creating these characters because I feel like the identity of Mac Milleris... to me, I don't even know who 'Mac Miller the Artist' is, like what I represent, what I stand for.' He explained. "The thing I like about these characters is I feel like I can bring all these pieces of myself and emphasize them."

"Larry Fisherman represents the part of me that's a completely nasty studio rat," Mac said of his producer tag. "In reality, I'm a pretty gross human being. I don't shower until like 9:30 PM, right before I go on stage. When I'm in the studio, I'll just go weeks straight. So that's the studio rat aspect of me."

Mac also touched on the "Larry Lovestein" character brought to life on his You EP from 2012.

"I'm also a big softy at heart," he admitted. "I think everyone always knew that. I don't think I ever really gave off the tough vibe. But there's that side of me as well. Larry Lovestein is...I've kinda have always had this random fantasy of being a seventy-year-old Lounge Jazz singer with a hairy chest that I always show to people, and a thick 'stache, because I can grow facial hair everywhere beside the mustache. Pisses me the fuck off. Why can't I grow a nice, illustrious 'stache? So Larry Lovestein is kinda that, the old-fashioned, classic Jazz singer guy."

Miller then spoke of the people's perception that his music had changed drastically from his early work, which he agreed with to some extent, but also drew some consistencies between WMWTSO and his previous projects. 

"This is the funny thing: everywhere I go, I hear people talk about this huge shift and change in music. 'Oh, you never touched on anything in your music before, and you're suddenly [doing that].' I think that the difference was that this one just had more of it." he said.

Mac concluded that perhaps he had just expanded on certain ideas he'd already touched on in the past. "All that music was always there; it just never took up the majority of the album. I think this one's a little more like that. I think I'm just getting more comfortable with the idea of an album not having all these singles that are things that lead to albums but having these pieces  in there. Which is cool."

Drake Wants To Collabo With Ma$e & Possibly Sign Him

Drake talks about wanting to work with Ma$e in the future, and the possibility of signing him.

Drake brought in a list of hip hop celebrities at this year's OVO Fest in Toronto, and among them were Diddy who was reunited with Ma$e on stage after nine years.  Talking about M-A-Dollar Sign-E, Drizzy talked about possibly signing him. 

In an interview with MTV, the YMCMB talent said that him and the Harlem rapper had talked about working together in the future, " Funny enough, me and Ma$e have just been talking about what the future holds, about what he wants to do," Drake told MTV News." 

Speaking about what Ma$e has brought to the game, Drake calls him "the original fly guy" and mentions that he wants to work with him, and references how Kanye West used him on Cruel Summer and is interested, "I would love to be involved...I know Kanye took an interest in Ma$e as well, because Ma$e is like the original fly guy...Those guys got out there and proved why there are who they are. Two kings doing what they were born to do."

Coming straight out and saying it, Drizzy says he wants to work with him, and told the Harlem World rapper that he hopes they work together soon, "I'd love to work with Ma$e to be honest. I told him, 'man I hope tonight's not our last conversation.' It's been cool, we kicked it and just went out and and got something to eat."

Chris Brown Had A Seizure Last Night In The Studio

Chris Brown reportedly suffered a seizure last night in the studio.

Paramedics rushed to the studio late Thursday night as Chris Brown had apparently suffered a seizure. 

TMZ reports that at 1:09am on Friday morning, 911 was called into Record Plant studio in Hollywood after it was reported that Brown has suffered from a seizure.  He appeared to be ok once they arrived and refused treatment and did not want to go to the hospital. 

Apparently, this is different than the “seizures” that reportedly Lil Wayne suffered, as the R&B artist was known to have them as a child.  At this time it is not confirmed that Breezy indeed had a seizure, but reports indicate that he most likely did.

Big Sean Says New Album Is A "Classic" & Talks Meeting Eminem

 Big Sean says his upcoming album is a "classic," and retells the time he first met Eminem.

Fans have been patiently awaiting Big Sean’s new LP Hall Of Fame, especially after his Detroit mixtape did so well.  Now with a late August release date, and after revealing the full tracklist, the Detroit born rapper is ready to drop the LP, and in a recent interview even used the word “classic” to describe it.

Not wanting to dig himself too deep of a hole, Sean uses the word when referring to Hall Of Fame, but he means it in the sense that the project is a complete and cohesive album.  Telling Rolling Stone in an interview, "But I don't want to hype it up too much or anything.  People hear 'classic' and they expect like Jesus Christ to be on there rapping. What I mean by 'classic' is it's a pure body of work; there's quality songs."

He then talks about meeting his boyhood idol, Eminem, and getting the opportunity to spend over 12 hours in the studio with the rap legend, “That was probably one of the best days of my life.  Not only because I met Em' and we talked and exchanged stories, but because not only was I playing him my music but he was just so enthusiastic about it and loved it.”

Although this album will not feature Slim Shady, the anticipated album finally drops August 27th.

Drake Says His & J. Cole's Apologies Were Not "Cop-Outs"

Drake says his and J. Cole's apologies for the autism line on "Jodeci" were genuine.

J. Cole and Drake came under fire when they dropped their “Jodeci” freestyle, as Cole World’s “I’m artistic, you niggas is autistic, retarded” offended people.  The NC rapper later penned a heartfelt apology, which was shortly followed by Drizzy offering up his own apologies.  In a recent interview with MTV, Drake says that the apologies were genuine.

Some scoffed at the fact that the two rapper apologized only because of the negative media attention, and the YMCMB rapper addresses this, and says that both he and Cole just believed it was the right thing to do.  “It was just important to reinforce that. A lot of people see it as a cop-out — 'oh, you're apologizing,’” the Toronto native adds, “but sometimes it doesn't pay to be that rebellious. If an apology is what it takes, then [fine]."

Overall he does says it’s just rap, and that the role of the emcee is to let his thoughts flow, which occasionally can touch on subject matter that offends certain people, “At the end of the day, we rap, we say things, and sometimes you can't factor in everybody that's going to be personally offended by the bars that you write.” Drake goes onto say, “there is something to be said for being careless with your lyrics, but writing is a free-mind thing. That's what rap is — it's just wherever your mind goes."

Big Sean Fires At Those (Danny Brown) Saying He's Not From The Hood Of Detroit

Big Sean defends his credibility as being from the hood of Detroit.

The city of Detroit has been in the news often lately, as its state of disrepair has come to the forefront of national media.  Recently, the D’s Danny Brownwas speaking about his hometown in an interview and the subject of Big Sean came up, and Brown questioned the G.O.O.D. Music rapper’s credibility.  Now Sean fires back.

In an interview, the Hall Of Fame rapper doesn’t mention Danny by name, but calls out anyone that questions where he’s from and his love for Detroit, “Fuck whoever talking about Big Sean and don't know nothing about Detroit or the streets of Detroit.  I be in there.”

Further explaining how deeply vested he is in the 313, Big Sean talks about how he has given back to the community, and helping out in impoverished areas, “Matter of fact, not only do I be there and be in the hood, I be helping the hood and giving back to the hood.  I'm the only one at all of ya'll rappers or even new rappers who was paying for Thanksgiving dinners last year, buying Christmas gifts.  He then emphatically adds, “So if you ever talking shit about me like I ain't be up in the hood, nigga you crazy." 

Hard to tell if these comments are directly aimed at Danny Brown, but considering the timing it certainly appears so. 

First Week Sales Revealed For Tech N9ne's "Something Else"

Tech N9ne makes an admirable debut with his new independent release "Something Else".

Tech N9ne has had a long career, which took him through many major label deals, but since going independent the rapper's popularity had been steadily growing. His latest project, Something Else is looking like it could be his biggest yet, sporting collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, T-Pain, Big K.R.I.T., Wiz Khalifa and more.
His first week sales are definitely an accomplishment, especially for an independent artist. Something Else moved 58,324 copies this week, making it the second highest charting hip hop album behind Jay Z, and the fourth overall.
Congratulations to Tech for his admirable debut!

Iggy Azalea Reveals Tracklist For "The New Classic"

Iggy Azalea reveals the tracklist for her upcoming album, "The New Classic."

Iggy Azalea is working on her debut album, The New Classic, slated for release in the fall. She's already dropped her single "Bounce" and is gearing up to drop another, "Change Your Life," featuring her Hustle Gang boss, T.I.




 Today Iggy revealed the tracklist for her LP, although no features yet. Check out the tracklist below.

1. Walk The Line
2. Goddess
3. Don’t Need y’all
4. Lady Patia
5. Rolek
6. Leave it
7. live a little
8. New Bitch
9. Cheeks
10. Impossible is nothing
11. Change Your Life
12. F*ck love
13. Last Plane
14. Hilike
15. Monkey
16. Didey Sound

Beyonce Cuts Her Hair, Shows Off New Look

Beyonce decided to change up her style with a new hair cut.

Beyonce followed in the footsteps of Rihanna and has drastically changed her hairstyle. The singer who is usually seen with long and full tresses (although Bey often wore extensions), decided to chop them all off, now sporting a boyish pixie cut.
Bey posted the pictures on Instagram of her new blonde look, and quickly started trending on Twitter because of it. There seem to be a lot of mixed reactions about the new do.
What do you think of it? Does she rock it?

Cee Lo Green Talks Andre 3000's Hiatus & "Severe Case Of Stage Fright"

The Goodie Mob crooner has explained Three Stacks' absence.

In a recent interview with RapFix Live, Goodie Mob/Gnarls Barkley's Cee Lo Green opened up about Andre 3000's lengthy hiatus from music. The two have been friends since they were kids, and the recent death of the latter's mother and Cee Lo's grandmother has brought them closer together.
"I've known Dre since the third grade and it was just on my spirit really heavy to just reach out to him and speak to him... he just said he was bothered by this bar that had been set and maybe he wants to do something different, and he'll always be his worse competition, his worse critic and maybe he don't want to live up to what people think he should do," said Cee Lo. "He just said he had a severe case of stage fright and [had] just kind of been away from the game and didn't know if he could truly live up... ah, I just feel like I'm talking too much personal stuff. I hope he don't mind."
Although BET executive Stephen Hill has tweeted about a new solo album from Andre 3000 in early 2014, the Atlanta emcee's reps have yet to officially confirm the project. Goodie Mob's Big Gipp is confidant we'll be hearing something soon, though. "I know he doin' somethin', that's ol' possum right there," he said.
Cee Lo maintains the utmost faith in his childhood friend. "He's always been exceptional and ahead of his time anyway, so anything he decides to do, next year or the year after that, we'll still be catching [up] with what's on his mind."
No doubt. Y'all looking forward to new music from Three Stacks?

Usher Speaks Out For First Time Since Son's Pool Accident

Usher issues a statement concerning his child's recent pool accident and near-death experience.

As we reported earlier this week, Usher's son suffered a near-fatal accident at his home in Atlanta, when he was swimming in his pool and his hand got caught in the drain trying to reach for a pool toy.
Following the incident, 5-year old boy was brought to the ICU, where he's been recovering since. While his mother and Usher's ex-wife Tameka Raymond was obviously upset with what happened, she has ignited a custody battle. Tameka filed for primary custody on Tuesday, and a hearing has already been set.
In the midst of this, Usher has spoken out for the first time since the accident. Usher released a statement, expressing his gratitude to his family and the men who saved his son's life.
"I would like to thank my Aunt Rena as well as the doctors and nurses who are working with us around the clock. I would especially like to thank the two men who saved my son’s life, Eugene Stachurski and Ben Crews. They are true heroes and I am deeply grateful to them."
The r'n'b singer continued,  "I am blessed and fortunate to say that my son Usher V is doing well and is recovering. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayers, love and support for my family’s well-being."

Drake Speaks On If He'll Be Involved In Big Tymers Album

Drake talks about the possibility of a Big Tymers album, revealing that Birdman has yet to reach out about it.

We heard a few months back about the possibility of a new Big Tymers' album from Lil Wayne, who said that Drake may be thrown into the mix. Shortly after, it was revealed that one of the original Big Tymers, producer Mannie Fresh, would be taken out of the mix.
Mannie Fresh had something to say about this, declaring that Lil Wayne and Drake are not Big Tymers. More recently though, it sounds like Mannie Fresh is being included in the reunion album. Birdman said that he's been in talks with Mannie. It appears he hasn't yet talked to Drake about this project though, as Drake told MTV News he has yet to receive the call about it.
Nonetheless, Drizzy is certain he'll be involved. "I didn't get the phone call about that," Drake said, caught off guard. "But I'm sure I'll be involved."
"I would've loved to bring the Big Tymers out [at OVO Fest], that would've been crazy," he continued. "But maybe we'll save that for next year."
The Toronto native went on to say he has not spoken with Baby directly about a Big Tymers album, but heard about it as everyone else did, when Birdman initially revealed plans for one.
"Mannie Fresh is an incredible guy and of course Birdman is one of a kind," Drake said. "I think I heard about it or watched some of it, and then I got people being like, 'You'll never be a Big Tymer, your shit is terrible — just going off on me."
Drake continued, "So I'm not the one being like, 'Oh I'm a new Big Tymer'." He added, "[But] I'm down though, to work on anything. If Birdman calls me to work on something I'ma work on it."

Nas Raising Money For Homeless Family In Washington D.C.

Nasir's latest move is a charitable one.

Two weeks ago, a Washington, D.C. family lost their apartment above a grocery store after a serious fire. Stanley Young, an unemployed construction worker and single father, has been living in a Holiday Inn with his seven children ever since. Although he's been working with the Red Cross, the District of Columbia Office of the Tenant Advocate and his church, he's running low on funds, and is required to leave the hotel by August 13th.
Enter Nas, who caught a news report on the situation earlier this week and took action. Using a CrowdTilt page, he's called for a show of financial support for the Young family. His initial target was $20,000, but the current total is $26,675 with 10 days left in the campaign. He was the first contributor.
"Stanley Young is an unemployed construction worker and single father. Two weeks ago, a fire destroyed his home. His family is stuck in a hotel, but time is running out. I could barely watch his tragic story on the news," reads Nas' CrowdTilt message. "Help me give his family a miracle."
The mother of Young's children passed away a year ago.

DMX To Appear Alongside Chris Rock In Upcoming Film

Dark Man X is returning to the big screen.

Despite recent legal and financial troubles, DMX is returning to acting. He'll be making a cameo appearance in an upcoming film starring Chris Rock, and is also working on a crime film called "Blame It On The Hustle".
The veteran emcee shared a photo from the set of the Chris Rock flick on his Instagram after the two had shot a jail scene.
"The scene is comedic which allowed X to show off his versatility as an actor," says X's publicist. "X and Rock played well off each other and Rock’s character even gets DMX to lead the inmates in a song. There are more acting roles to come and DMX is also planning on attending the Sundance Film Festival in January."
That's all the information we have for now, folks. How do you think these flicks'll turn out?

Andre 3000 Will Reportedly Be Releasing A Solo Album In 2014

Andre 3000 is reportedly planning to put out a solo album in 2014.

While this news hasn't been confirmed by the artist himself yet, it's been reported that Andre 3000 will be releasing a solo effort in 2014, on top of the Jimi Hendrix biopic he's starring in. 

The report comes from Stephen G. Hill, the President of Music Programming and Specials for BET Networks. Hill was backstage at Lil Wayne and T.I.'s America's Most Wanted Tour in Washington, D.C. last night and spoke to Three Stacks who shared some exciting information-- we'll be getting new music from the Outkast member at the top of the year.

That's all we've heard about it for now, so we'll keep you posted when any more details surface.

Machine Gun Kelly Believes He's A Top 5 Dead Or Alive Rapper

During an interview with DJ Green Lantern and Boss Lady on Invasion Radio, Machine Gun Kelly opened up about maturing as an artist and not getting the respect HE BELIEVES he deserves. According to MGK himself, he believes that he should be in ANY top 5 rapper discussion.

There’s no way I’m not in the top 5 rappers discussion today. -Machine Gun Kelly

During the interview MGK also reveals that he believes he influenced the way many rappers perform today.

MGK is currently promoting his upcoming Black Flag mixtape, and his previous project Lace Up had first week sales of just over 50,000, and a debut at #4 on Billboard.

Kelly Rowland Talks On "Dirty Laundry," Collaborating With Beyonce & Michelle

Kelly Rowland talks about "Dirty Laundry," and collaborating with her former Destiny's Child members, Beyonce and Michelle.

Recently Kelly Rowland had a scare when the private boat she was on broke down at sea, leaving her and her friends lost at sea for a good twelve hours. Since she's recovered, she's already back on her grind, promoting her latest album, Talk A Good Game.

The album produced the much-talked about single, "Dirty Laundry," which aired out Kelly's feeling on her Destiny's Child groupmate, Beyonce, and also revealed encounters with domestic violence. In a new interview with Noisey, Kelly touches on all those things and more. 

Read excerpts from their interview below. Read the full interview here.

I’m really curious about the line “You don’t know the half of this industry” in “Dirty Laundry.” Have you experienced sexism in your career, and is that line in response to it?
Yeah, I think that when you’ve been in the music industry for as long as I have, you know that some things when you first experience them will shock you: people, business moves from people, just different things that you start to find out, the older you get and the more you start to understand business. People don’t know the half of it. You know what I’m saying?

Is that something you’re still dealing with?
It’s not something that you experience everyday but, when it’s something that kind of takes you back for a sec, it happens on occasion. But some things do shock you. I don’t want get into stories because that’s nobody’s business but I do think that it happens.

You also bravely reveal your experience with domestic violence in that song. Do you think that pop stars have a responsibility to their fans to be role models?
I think that when you get into this industry you’re immediately a role model. No one asks for it. That’s just the way it is.

The thing that I love most about the new song with you, Beyoncé, and Michelle, “You Changed,” is that each of you guys are singing backup for each other. How have been able to maintain that collaborative mindset since all of your solo careers took off?
I think that it’s always going to be there because we harmonized together and worked together for so long. You pretty much know when to put it on and off. But I will say that when we finished the record, I remember getting an email from the girls and them saying, “Oh my god, we sound so good together.” We forgot because it had been so long since we sang together. I thought that was so funny.

So do you have plans to get back into the studio together?
It’s not anything that we’ve talked about recently. I just saw Bey yesterday. We just have a good time when we’re together. It’s not necessarily something that we bring up. Bey is finishing up a tour, Michelle is about to put out a new album, and I’m promoting my album, doing X-Factor, and I have plans to tour at the top of next year so we’re all busy doing our solo things, supporting each other, and still being there for each other. Not in the way that some people would like for us to be in the limelight, singing on stage. But we’re still very much involved in each other’s lives.

Lil Wayne Says He Was "Trying To Be Underground" With "IANAHB2"

Lil Wayne says that he approach his "I Am Not A Human Being II" album as "trying to be underground."

Lil Wayne's I Am Not A Human Being II album was generally deemed not his best work yet, receiving mixed reviews from fans and critics alike. In a new interview with XXL Magazine (via MissInfo), Weezy F reveals he was actually trying to be 'underground' with the album-- could this be where he went wrong?

Check out excerpts from the interview below, where he also talks about the young cats he currently listens too.

Have you felt that urge to get back in the studio? Is there a Carter V in the future that you’re thinking about, or are you focused on something else right now?
I think about it, but I have to be focused on something else right now.

Were you happy with how I Am Not A Human Being II came out and the public response to it?
Overall I felt good about the project because I approached it in a manner of—and this may sound silly—trying to be underground.

The Carter series and the I Am Not A Human Being series are drastically different. Human Being comes off as an underground album or mixtape series that might not have even been put in stores years ago. Releases from Tha Carter series seem more like moments.
Yeah, that’s the way I approach them.

Who have you been listening to? If you are still listening to music with all that skateboarding…
I do. I listen to a lot of Odd future. I’ve been listening to a lot of old stuff, though. Recently I’ve been listening to a lot of Bone Thugs. East 1999, that album. Stuff like that. The first album. I listen to a lot of UGK. A lot of 8 Ball &MJG. And that’s kinda it. As far as new, I listen to future, to a lot of the older mixtape stuff. A$AP Ferg.

First Week Sales For "Rich Gang" Compilation Album

YMCMB's "Rich Gang" compilation debuts within the top 10 of the Billboard 200.

The numbers are in for the Rich Gang compilation album. Even without Drake, the YMCMB family and friends collaborative record debuted within the top 10 of the Billboard 200.

The album pushed 24,000 units off shelves, debuting at #9. In other chart news, Jay Z has been pushed from the #1 spot to #2 on the Billboard 200, making room for Selena Gomez' album.

T.I. Says Trayvon Martin Verdict Is "Bullshit"

T.I. says that if what happened to Trayvon Martin happened to his own child, he'd be on trial, for killing the man who killed his child.

We've heard from a lot of rappers at this point about their feelings on the Trayvon Martin case. Most express the same sentiment-- one of anger, disbelief, and a feeling that something needs to be done. T.I. is no different. While talking with Power 98's DJ No Limit Larry, Tip reflects on the verdict and how he feels about it.

The Kang of the South called bullshit on the verdict, "Man, it was some bullshit," Tip said. He continued to extend his condolences to Travyon's family, and said that if it would have happened to him, he would be on trial-- for killing George Zimmerman.

"My hat goes off to the Martin family, because if it was me and my child, there wouldn’t have been no trial," T.I. continued. "I’d have been on trial. It would’ve been the trial of the father who killed the man who killed [his child]. That would have been my story. My hat goes off because [the Martin family] are much more clear and level-headed thinkers than [myself]."

Apart from discussing the case, the King also spoke briefly on his follow-up to Trouble Man. "I’ve been working on this one since the last one dropped," T.I. said of Trouble Man II: He Who Wears The Crown. "I haven’t decided exactly where I’m going to take (the new album) yet as far as a company for distribution, but wherever I take it, there’s going to be some happy people in that building."

Chance The Rapper On The Cover Of Dazed & Confused Magazine

Chance The Rapper graces the cover of the August issue of Dazed & Confused magazine, who were nice enough to post the cover story online for your reading pleasure. In the story, writer Phoebe Lovatt follows Chance to Venice Beach and then to The Temple, a mansion studio where he was hanging with Childish Gambino and putting the finishing touches on his album. Chance even comments on his stylistically polar opposite Chief Keef:

In that spirit, he refuses to diss Chicago’s other young rap upstart, Chief Keef. There is a clear disparity between Chance’s soulful, sophisticated storytelling (“He could write about a doorknob and make it fascinating,” notes Skrillex) and 17-year-old Keef’s rudimentary drill music, which celebrates the gun culture that Chance condemns. Still, Chance insists that Keef’s nihilistic tales of hittas and “snitch ni**as” – delivered over producer Young Chop’s menacing, trigger-happy beats – are just as valid as his own.

“Coming from my city, I can tell you he is not bullshitting about anything,” Chance insists. “He’s telling a story and he made a living off of it — a killing off of it — and I’m proud of him.” Chance rejects any comparison of their styles: “People want there to be two sides because they like the destruction of things, but we’re from the same place. Chief Keef is from Englewood, 69th and Normal. I’m from 79th and Princeton. We live 12 blocks from each other. It’s not like we’re coming from two different sides of the world at all. We’re just two different people.”

Drake Announces Ovo Fest 2013 LineUp

The lineup for Drake‘s 2013 OVO Fest have just been announced. The festival which will span two days, has Frank Ocean and James Blake performing on August 4th. The following day, Drake will hit the stage with various guests. Tickets go on sale May 24th.

Nothing Was The Same is coming soon.

Update: Unfortunate news for festival goers. Day 1 of the event has been cancelled as a result of Frank Ocean‘s recent vocal tear.

DMX Files For Bankruptcy [Update: DMX's Publicist Releases Statement]

DMX filed for bankruptcy on Monday.

Just days after DMX was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence, the rapper finds himself in more trouble, this time financial. Court records show that DMX filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection following his arrest in South Carolina.

The Wall Street Journal reports that DMX filed the documents Monday in the Manhattan bankruptcy court. His Chapter 11 petition apparently lists that his assets amount to less than $50,000 and he has $1 million to $10 million in debt. In his court papers the rapper said he filed in order "to enable me to reorganize my financial affairs."

Among his debts, X owes more than $1.24 million in child support and more than $21,000 on an auto lease.

DMX's dropped an album last September, Undisputed, which only sold 17,000 units in its opening week.

[UPDATE: DMX's Publicist Releases A Statement Concerning Bankruptcy] 

HHDX has received a statement regarding DMX filing for bankruptcy. His publicist says, 

"DMX's financial strains have been inhibiting his career for several years. Poor financial management by prior representation have caused him to be ineligible to retain a passport. The purpose of this bankruptcy filing is for reorganization so he can perform for his fans oversees. We are currently planning a tour in Europe and Africa for the fall of 2013."

First Look: Nicki Minaj's New Fragrance Coming

Check out the newly released photo above, revealing the bottle-design of Nicki Minaj's new fragrance scheduled to be released this fall!

"Minajesty" is described as a passionate love affair. Mysterious and sexy. An unforgettable and hypnotizing scent. It opens with juicy notes of peach, red currant, and lemon. Magnolia, pink frangipani and tiger orchid are in the heart, while the base consists of tonka, vanilla, and musk notes.

Rick Ross To Perform With "1500 Or Nothin" Band, Concert To Be Broadcasted Nationally

Rick Ross will be performing with the "1500 Or Nothin" band live from Club Nokia in August.

The promotion for Rick Ross' upcoming album, Mastermind, is about to begin. The rapper announced today that he'll be performing live with the "1500 Or Nothin" band on August 14th at Club Nokia for L.A. LIVE. 

The "1500 Or Nothin" band or "The Fifteen Hundreds" as they are often referred too, are an 8-piece band that have toured around the world with artists such as Snoop Dogg, Lupe Fiasco, and T.I. As the press release states, Ross has "prepared a brand new show with a look and sound unlike anything anybody has seen from him before."

Ricky Rozay commented on the upcoming one-night only event, saying, "It’s never been done like this… we’ll be performing everything from 'Tears of Joy' to 'Aston Martin Music,' all with a live band. It’s time to remind everyone what Maybach Music is all about."