Rhymefest & Kanye West Spearhead "Got Bars" Music Program For Chicago Youth

The Chicago natives are giving back to their community.

Kanye West and fellow Chicagoan emcee Rhymefest have teamed up to create a free music program for at-risk youth in their city. Titled "Got Bars", it's a collaborative effort with West’s non-profit organization, Donda’s House (named after his late mother) and the ARK of St. Sabina youth center. 

"My mom spent her life as an educator and I am happy that Donda’s House can pick up her torch and honor her life’s mission," said West of the initiative. 

Rhymefest, who is the co-founder and Assistant Director of Donda’s House, expressed similar sentiments. "I am so happy to launch Got Bars to honorKanye West’s mother’s memory and to fulfill one of my Aldermanic campaign goals... [it] will change our youth musically, get them healthy and keep them busy in a creative, peaceful environment." 

The "Got Bars" program is a 10-week music production course open to aspiring artists between the ages of 15 and 24. Rhymefest and his wife Donnie Smith (a high school English teacher) will oversee operations, with 'Fest working directly with students on the musical aspects. Each student will "learn life-lessons, improve their physical health and create an original written piece that will be recorded or published and performed". 

The initiative begins in August, and applications can either be submitted through the official Donda's Housewebsite or directly at the ARK of St. Sabina, located at 7800 S. Racine Avenue in Chicago.

Rick Ross Makes His Acting Debut As "Butterball" On Magic City

It was recently announced that Rick Ross will make his acting debut onStarz television show Magic City. Today more details were revealed aboutRicky Rozay‘s acting debut and when you can watch it. According to a new ad shared by Maybach Music Group on Instagram, Rick Ross is debuting in the TV series Magic City this Friday on season 2/ episode 6, playing a Bolitia boss named “Butterball.”

Rick Ross making his acting debut in “Magic City” on Starz.

Nas, Eminem, Jay-Z & Justin Timberlake "Sinatra In The Sands" Prod. By: Timbaland (Coming Soon)

Nas, Eminem, Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake collaborated on a new song for Nas‘ upcoming LP titled “Sinatra In The Sands.” In an interview withRevolt TV, Timbaland broke the exciting news himself, revealing he produced the song. Let’s hope we hear this monstrous collaboration soon!

The Game Changes "Rolex Records" Label To "The Firm" After Obvious Legal Issues

Well no surprise here. The Game and Stat Quo recently announced their new label Rolex Records, but have quickly been forced to rename it due to issues with the luxury watch brand that just won a lengthy legal battle against the artists. It has now been announced that the new name of the label will be The Firm. Here is what The Game had to say about the situation:

“ATTENTION: All artist & producers !!!!!! So after a 6 long month legal battle with Rolex watches over the name “Rolex Records” we lost & had to fully change the name of the label & it’s logo away from the likeness of Rolex’s crown & stay away from any & everything resembling Rolex. Can’t use “Roley Boyz” or “Roley Records” either……. But today a new regime starts & I am officially the CEO of “The Firm” & we are looking for elite artists to be a part of a new movement. With that being said…. Upload your SOUNDCLOUD in my comments NOW !!! Me & @leauxsteez will be listening to your music all day today…. So FOLLOW @leauxsteez & upload your SOUNDCLOUD or Tag someone who will benefit from the start of my new label & have them upload the link to their music on mine & @leauxsteez page NOW. Thanks… & I’m looking forward to all the dope new music”

– The Game

Action Bronson Confirms "Blue Chips 2" Is On The Way

Action Bronson says that "Blue Chips 2" may arrive in August or September.

Action Bronson seems to enjoy doing one-producer projects. Lately he's been busy touring in support of his recent EP with Harry Fraud, Saaab Stories, prior to that he dropped Rare Chandeliers which was produced entirely by The Alchemist, and he's also done Blue Chips with producer Party Supplies. He's not calling it quits just yet, in a new interview he revealed Blue Chips 2 should arrive by the end of the summer, and that yet another collaborative effort with The Alchemist is in the works.

Talking to NahRight, the New York native spoke on Blue Chips 2, confirming it's next up. "Blue Chips 2 is 100 percent next. I’m not really sure when, but I’m thinking end of August, September. But probably closer to September for it to drop. I’m probably gonna do another video for Saaab Stories, then drop this Blue Chips 2 shit. Then drop the actual ‘album’ album at the top of next year that’s going to be on a major fucking record label," Action said.

He continued to talk about his pattern of working with one producer, revealing he has another project with The Alchemist. "I was bullshitting [when I told Whoo Kid I was done with one producer projects]. I have another one coming with Alchemist, too," Action revealed. "Obviously I’m gonna do them. I love these guys, I could never not work with them. Alchemist, we already have another project to put out. Me and Party Supplies had another project to put out right after Blue Chips came out."

He added, "I’m very excited about it. I’m excited about all projects, but [the] Blue Chips [series] is definitely one of my favorite things to do. It’s actually what kind of popped me off."

Check out the full interview here, where Action discusses touring overseas, performing, Saaab Stories, what he packs in his suitcase, and more.

Lil Kim Announces New Mixtape "Hard Core: Back 2 Da Streetz"

Lil Kim announces a new mixtape, "Hard Core: Back 2 Da Streetz."

Lil Kim has announced a new mixtape which shares it's name somewhat with her debut album, Hard Core. The cover art for the mixtape, titled Hard Core: Back 2 Da Streetz, also pays homage to her 1996 debut, but replacing Kim on the rug is a white tiger, who is apparently sipping on Ciroc and has a ton of cash.

Lil Kim released the artwork via her Twitter, tweeting, "#HARDCOREMIXTAPE BACK 2 DA STREETZ #TeamLilKim I love all my fans!!!!! ❤❤❤"

R. Kelly Announces New Single With 2 Chainz, Reveals Artwork

R. Kelly has announced a brand new single with 2 Chainz, titled "My Story".

R. Kelly has been re-establishing his presence in music with a guest appearance on YMCMB's Rich Gang compilation, and a huge headlining performance at last week's Pitchfork Music Festival. The legendary crooner has now announced plans to release a new single, which suggests their may be another full length project in the works.

Kellz' new track will touch down on Monday, and feature a guest appearance from the ever-prolific 2 Chainz. Kelly announced the single on twitter, with an accompanying photo of the R&B heavyweight smoking a cigar.