Usher Talks Failed Marriage, His Two Kids and Future Love - Singersroom.com

 R&B singer Usher does not regret marrying Tameka Foster even though their marriage failed. In a new interview with People, the “OMG” superstar opens up about the union, despite the fact it ended in divorce.

"I appreciate the relationship for what it was. Even though it didn't work out, I'm glad we got together. I love her as the mother of my children; we just couldn't be married," he told the magazine.

Usher admits that shortly after the birth of their second child, he and Foster started to disagree over everything from parenting style to his busy schedule.

"We're two different people and we have two different goals. It just was never going to work out 100 percent," he said.

Having two kids from the failed marriage made it all worthwhile for Usher, who says the boys have a lot of energy.

"Usher [V] is always in everything. He's an instigator. He's the one who leads his brother astray. I was like that when I was his age... if one gets in trouble, the other one does, too. They both have a lot of energy. They can wear me out."

But he says his ex-wife spoils the boys.

"She spoils them. She lets them do everything that she wouldn't let me do. Sometimes, when I'm scolding the kids, I sound just like my mom. I'm like, 'how did Jonetta get in here?' "

So will Usher ever get married again?

"I still believe in love. I believe in marriage. When I fall in love again, everyone will know. I'll sing about it."

Lyfe Jennings Heading On Tour To Support Final Album 'I Still Believe' - Singersroom.com

Lyfe Jennings Heading On Tour To Support Final Album 'I Still Believe' - Singersroom.com
R&B/soul singer Lyfe Jennings will hit the road in support of his reported final album, 'I Still Believe,' playing in clubs in major markets throughout the nation this fall.

The trek will kick off September 11 in New Orleans, followed by another 16 shows spread across the U.S.

Jennings will drop his fourth studio project 'I Still Believe,' Tuesday (8/31), the follow-up to his 2008's 'Lyfe Change.'

The 13-disc track is what Lyfe considers a reflection of his “greatness.” Despite the personal and public trials in his life, Lyfe Jennings still believes in this love. “I keep a lot going on. It’s tragic; I think I have a horribly charmed life. But I think God puts me through stuff and keeps me there so I can talk about it.”

He carries these experiences into the album. “[The album] is about all kinds of relationships,” says Lyfe. “How we try to hold on sometimes for the sake of holding on. But, in reality, no matter how many breakups turn into make-ups, sooner or later we realize that this person is who they are and we need to let go. No grudges, no regrets. Just realization. Just acceptance. Just life.”

The set's lead single, "Statistics," was inspired by comedian Steve Harvey's relationship-focused book, "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy and Commitment.” Lyfe breaks down the lyrical content of the single in an exclusive round table with Singersroom.com readers (watch here).

Game Wishes Aids & Death On Kat Stacks

     West Coast's own, rapper The Game, recently went after professional groupie, Kat Stacks. Via his Twitter account, Game attacked Stacks in every way including, her role as a mother.

"@ihatekatstacks B*TCH, wantin u 2 catch AIDS & die is probably the only thing me & @50cent got n common. Go swallow a teaspoon of rat poison," Game tweeted Thursday (August 26).
"@ihatekatstacks B*tch you are a tour bus. "ya p*ssy smell like the exhaust, ya a**hole BLOWN like a tire & you can fit 30 n*ggas in you."
"@ihatekatstacks all you do is fly around America suckin d*cks 4 FREE."
"da bureau of child welfare got ya son & instead of fightin 4 him back, u suckin wee wee's & tweetin. #deadBEATmommysomebody help this b*tch"
"& the sh!t u just said about my grandma RIP gone get u jumped by 6 buff midget b*tches. ah would tell u stay low, but thats where they'll b"
"@ihatekatstacks One day you gone Internally Drown in all that cum in ya stomach. More kids in ya stomach then all the projects in New York."

     Kat Stacks being, well Kat Stacks, fought back with insults and messages towards The Game. Also on her Twitter Account, Kat said...
"Your mom taught me how to suck d*ck & your dad taught me how to get money when a d*ck up my a** @thegame," she tweeted yesterday.
"B*tch what are you talking my son is at home with me go f*ck your dead grandmother @thegame."
"f*g with butterfly tatted on ur face claiming its for dead wh*re grandmother why did u cover it up then @thegame.
"i dont know whos face looks worse, urs or ur dead grandmother 6 feet under @thegame."

50 Cent Offers To Help Soulja Boy With Groupie

 
After a video leaking showing 20-year-old rapper Soulja Boy being played and used by professional groupie Kat Stacks, the net started spreading it like a virus. During the posted video, Stacks says "this motherf*cker is a motherf*cking coke head. This motherf*cker's been doing dope all motherf*cking day. That's why n*gga can't f*ck me right. I f*cked this n*gga three times. The first two times he came in five seconds, the third time he couldn't get hard and the n*gga still came. This n*gga's a motherf*cking coke head yo. Yo, check this out yo. Look at this sh*t man [showing lines of cocaine], this n*gga's a motherf*cking coke head yo. It's funny as h*ll." [Video Below]

     Now Soulja Boy is being offered help from, of all the people in the world, 50 Cent. Taking to twitter account, 50 wrote "Soulja Boy my little n*gga They just cought him snow mobilingIts cool. I got a n*gga dat a handle dat kat stacksB*tch for him right quick," 50 tweeted Thursday (August 26) night."

B.o.B Gets Unplugged With Robin Thicke (Video)

 
B.o.B, Bobby Ray (or whatever you want to call him) is having a lot of success with his debut album, "B.o.B vs Bobby Ray." With his second third straight top 10 hit ("Nothin On You," and "Airplanes"), "Magic" features Weezy frontman, Rivers Cuomo.

     B.o.B will perform at this years' MTV Video Music Awards, joining other artists like Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Drake and even Usher. Mr. Ray broke out the new "Magic" single during his Unplugged show (airing September 1st). Among others (Five Total), B.o.B is nominated for 'Video of the Year' and 'Best Male Video.'

     "It's very special to me. I think it's a lot more special than the success of the singles, because this reflects the work I've put in over the years and the word of mouth I've helped create," B.o.B said. "It's definitely amazing. I'm trying to find the words to explain it, but I can't. It's inexplicable. I'm a real simple man, so, you know, I accept every gift with generosity and gratitude."

Billboard Top 20 Tweets of the Week: 8/27/10

Here's our round-up of singers', rockers' and rappers' 20 coolest and funnest tweets from the past seven days. Be sure to tag @billboarddotcom to your favorite music retweets (and don't forget to follow us!)

	@kanyewest: On set of the movie... this doe just refuses to sit still... I told the deer... "what would Bambi do?" & she looked at me like I was crazy
	@souljaboy: God knows I didn't do that. that's all that matters, you are nothing but humans. Pow
	@50cent: I was kicking it wit swiss last night That nigga happy he got alicia keysHe was smiling and shit That nigga showed me all his teeth
	@lindsaylohan: Clearly.. Paparazzi shouldn't be allowed to take pictures or video while someone's driving or at a stop light. 4every1's sake #trafficpolice
	@nicolerichie: nicolerichie WOW so honored! Hell to the YES! http://www.blackweb20.com/2010/08/24/the-100-most-powerful-black-women-on-twitter/
	@joelmadden: My one and only @nicolerichie is named one of the 100 most powerful black women on twitter. My life is like twitter. She runs it.
	@benjaminmadden: @nicolerichie Now that ur 1of the 100most powerful Black Women on twitter can U get me a date w/ @Ciara or @Nickiminaj i'm over bein single
	@tyrese: iPhone is the worst sometimes.. When you write Homey or Homie the spell check turns it to HONEY. I sent that to Michael Jordan.. Not Cool :(
	@arze(Ezra Koenig - Vampire Weekend): When u see ppl writing a novel at Starbucks or poetry at Cosi are u bummed or r u like "hell yeah! art is eternal!"?
	@julietsimmsall (Juliet Simms - Automatic Love Letter): i hate how they call it Penalty fees when youre trying to change your flight! Its not like i kicked the opposite soccer team in the head
	@billy (Billy Corgan - Smashing Pumpkins): People have always wondered what was going on between me and J-Lo...
	@estelledarlings (Estelle): uhm....miss universe...yeah seems a lil "mad men"/dated/barefoot and pregnant to me....is it just me?
	@julianperretta: just read how Chris Brown has joined a charity which supports women who are victims of domestic violence. If you can't beat them, join them.
	@raekwon: Best seat in the house watchin the homie snoop do his thang! http://tweetphoto.com/40848111
	@travisrclark (Travis Clark - We The Kings): I am seriously gonna show up at somebody's school today, I miss the first day vibe...good luck everybody :)
	@misskellyo (Kelly Osbourne): Thanx in touch for your bullshit story looks like I will be taking all my friends on Holliday courtesy of you! You are really pathetic!
	@markhoppus: Look. I'm not falling for it. Moldy bread does NOT count as "bleu cheese bread!"
	@mariosoultruth: I'm a man and I admit that sometimes we do the stupidest s***t!!
	@paulscheer: What size garbage bag do you recommend for medium sized human bodies? #latenighttweets
	@owlcity: This morning I saw an elephant jogging down the street in my pyjamas. How he got into my pyjamas, I'll never know.

2 Pac Upcoming Biopic Details Leak (Video)

A new upcoming Biopic for the late Tupac Shakur (2Pac) is starting to move forward and now not one, but two Oscar-nominated screenwriters will be attached to the film. Other "leaked" information includes the fact that the story will focus on the entire last day of Tupac's life. Below is an excerpt from New York Magazine, check it out for yourself!

Oscar-nominated screenwriters Stephen J. Rivele and Chris Wilkinson (Ali, Nixon) have just been hired to write the Tupac Shakur biopic, which means the Antoine Fuqua-directed film could begin shooting by mid-November. (No cast yet; Fuqua is looking for an unknown to play the late rapper.) While the writing partners are known for adapting true lives and stories -- they also worked on the Moneyball script, and an upcoming Jackie Robinson story -- Wilkinson tells Vulture that the key to this script is an approach that "is not in any way biopic-y." That's a big change in direction for the project. An initial draft written by Steven Bagatourian (2005's American Gun) was largely documentary in style, simply laying out the facts of the slain rapper-poet-actor's brief 25-year life. But Wilkinson says that their script will center on the last day of Tupac's life, flashing back to show the final four years leading up to it. (NY Mag)

Drake and Nicki Minaj: Just Married?

Did Drake and Nicki Minaj get married, or are they just using Twitter to faux-fulfill their fans' dreams of a royal hip-hop coupling?

Young Money's prince and princess tweeted each other on Friday afternoon (Aug. 27) about supposedly getting hitched, and their followers went into a re-tweeting frenzy when Minaj wrote, "Yes, its true. Drake and I tied the knot."

Shortly afterward, Drake tweeted, "Please refer to @nickiminaj as Mrs. Aubrey Drake Graham and dont stare at her too long. She's finally mine. :)"

Asked whether Drake and Minaj really did get married, a source close to both artists would neither confirm or deny the tweets, but alluded to them being a joke.

This isn't the first time Drake has expressed marital affection for Minaj. On the track "Miss Me" off his debut album "Thank Me Later," the Toronto rapper rhymes, "I love Nicki Minaj, I told her, I'd admit it/I hope one day we get married just to say we f***ing did it/And girl, I'm f***ing serious with it if you with it/'Cause your verses turn me on, and your pants are mighty fitted."

POTW: Chris Brown, Drake, Ke$ha, George Michael, Britney

Drake and Chris Brown threw up gang signs, Ke$ha made a toast, George Michael got swarmed by the paps, Britney Spears looked angelic in white, Lauryn Hill rocked "Rock The Bells," Bret Michaels got his hosting duties on, Swizz Beatz, Estelle and Mary J. Blige celebrated art, Katy Perry wore sparkles, Taboo bought sneakers, Billy Corgan got intimate with his guitar and Carlos Santana, Chris Daughtry, India.arie and Gavin Rossdale shared a smile. It all happened this week and we've got the pics to prove it.

Young Money's Drake & Nicki Minaj "Tie The Knot"

Young Money's two new huge stars, Nicki Minaj and Drake, recently talked about the feelings they have for eachother. Nicki, via twitter asked Drake if he was goin to make the announcement or not. "U scurred? @drakkardnoir u ready to make the announcement or wha?," Nicki tweeted Friday (August 27). She continued, "Yes, its true. Drake and I tied the knot. > RT @drakkardnoir@nickiminaj Baby I am never scared. PROUD is more the word I would use."

     Now, it became Drake's turn... The freshman Young Money rapper took to his twitter account to not only respond to Nicki Minaj, but announce his feelings for her. "@nickiminaj Baby I am never scared. PROUD is more the word I would use," Drake posted, adding "Please refer to @nickiminaj as Mrs. Aubrey Drake Graham and dont stare at her too long. She's finally mine. :)"  

     Previously, Drake talked about his feelings for Nicki Minaj. "When I was on tour ... I saw Nicki for the first time and, like, literally fell in love," he said in an interview with DJ Envy. "She had this snap-back hat on that said 'Minaj.' She used to wear that every single day. She was like a theater student and she was so cold at rapping...I remember one of the first nights that we were out in Miami and I went to Jerry's [Famous Deli]. I was like [to Minaj], 'You want food, you hungry?,' and she was like, 'Yeah, I want some food.' I was like, 'I'm in, we gon' eat food together.' I came to her door and she took the food and shut the door in my face! I was just like, 'Man, this is gonna be a long road for us.' ... I've always really, actually, really had a crush on her, always really loved her, and she's always just looked at me as, like, her little brother."

Fabolous & Ryan Leslie Team Up For Heineken

Rapper Fabolous, teaming up with singer Ryan Leslie, is set to be just one of many artists who will perform this Saturday (August 28th). Although the event is still in the "planning" stage, Fab and Ryan will not be takin the stage somewhere near Los Angelous.      Fans, who must be at least twenty-one years old, will have access to unique on-site will have a chance to do many things including creating a t-shirt, test their video game skills (via a DJ Hero on-site area) plus, of course, a drink station fully stocked up with Heineken.

Drake, Eminem, Usher Try To Prove Who Is Best Male: Better Know A VMA Category

The 2010 MTV Video Music Awards are fast approaching, which means that in only a few weeks you'll be treated to an excellent night of performances and appearances by the likes of Eminem, Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Drake, Florence and the Machine, B.o.B and Deadmau5 (who will serve as the house DJ at the show). While people tend to remember the classic performances and the unhinged moments, the coveted Moonman is the reason why people show up and tune in. This year, there are 16 categories wherein some of the biggest music stars in the universe will compete for the coolest trophy in awards shows. Today, we take a look at the nominees in the Best Male Video category.
Though most every category at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards is absolutely stacked, the list of men competing for Best Male Video might be the most impressive lineup of the entire roster. Each one of the five nominees is a true superstar, lead by Eminem ("Not Afraid"), Drake ("Find Your Love"), Usher ("OMG"), Jason Derulo ("In My Head") and B.o.B ("Airplanes"). Each guy has a case for taking home the Moonman, but only one will reign supreme.
The past winners of Best Male Video include legends like David Bowie ("China Girl," 1984), Prince ("U Got the Look," 1988), Beck ("Where It's At" and "Devils Haricut," 1996 and 1997), Will Smith ("Just the Two of Us" and "Miami," 1998 and 1999) and Justin Timberlake ("Cry Me a River," 2003). Eminem is no stranger to Best Male Video, as he has been nominated for the award a total of seven times, taking home two (for "The Real Slim Shady" in 2000 and "Without Me" in 2002). Usher has also won the prize in the past (he took it home for "Yeah!" in 2004). Drake, B.o.B and Derulo are all newcomers, but considering Best Male Video is the type of prize that tends to announce the arrival of new stars, it's possible that Drake has the best argument for victory. But anybody winning would not only be logical but also a big deal for the artist in question. Who will be declared the alpha male? There's only one way to find out.
The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12 at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 for Verizon subscribers) to vote for the winners from now through September 12.

Dr Dre Hires Top Ghostwriter To Finish Detox

It looks like Dr Dre is trying to finish his upcoming "Detox" album as he promised fans recently he soon would. Multiple sites are reporting that Dre hired ghostwriter slash collaborator Rico Love to help with the project. During a recent interview, Rico Love taked about "Detox" and his reaction after he was hired to hep with it.

     "Yeah, I'm working on a few records with him on Detox," Rico revealed. "We got in last week in LA and we're gonna be doing some more in the near future but I will tell you this. He played me some stuff that I was bugging over, I was like, 'This album is ready to go right now! You don't even need me here!'" Everybody [who has heard the album] is saying the same thing because it's all true. Dre has some music that you would be like, 'Why don't you just put this out?' But like [I've] said, we can't get into the brains of these guys. They believe their music should have a certain standard beyond what other artists are thinking."

Akon Sued for Millions for Pulling No-Show

A promoter is suing Akon for pulling out of a concert eight days before the scheduled date despite allegedly receiving $125,000 from his booking agent for the concert.

According to a lawsuit filed in the Supreme Court of the State of NY, Lofraco Belgium contends Kon was slated to perform at the show alongside Kardinal Offishall and Colby O'Donis, but cancelled, citing "scheduling conflicts."
Kon is being sued for breach of contract, fraud and concealment and  Belgium is seeking $250,000 in expenses and millions in punitive damages.

Rick Ross Crowns Himself King Boss (Audio)

Florida's own Rick Ross recently decided to crown himself as the biggest boss in the hip hop slash rap game, via a new song that is. "King Boss" hit the net yesterday (August 26th) and it even features a little jab at Texas rapper Slim Thug, since Slim calls himself "Boss Hogg."

     "I be in it for a minute," Ross raps referring to a female companion. "She dated Slim Thug, but now she f*ck with me/She finally made it to the biggest boss, l uckily/Rick Ross, see my life dog, similar to Phife Dawg's..." ("King Boss")

T.I. Explains Not Doing Swagga Like Us Video

   With huge stars like T.I., Kanye West, Lil Wayne and even Jay-Z all on the same song...You would expect to see a music video for the track and TIP says it started off that way. First talking abotu the video's concept, T.I. says it would have been based on the 1990 cult film, "Reservoir Dogs," adding "Actually, we had an idea and concept for "Swagga Like Us," and it was taken from Reservoir Dogs."

     T.I. went on to talk about why they didn't make the video. "For videos, we are at times greatly inspired by them. Schedules conflicted and we weren't able to make that happen before my sit down, but I think that would have been an iconic moment."

Rick Ross' 'B.M.F.' Fuels The MTV News Fantasy Football Draft

Thursday night (August 26) was extra long for a dozen MTV News staffers, as once the news-gathering day ended, the fantasy football day began. The 2010 NFL season begins on Thursday, September 9 when the Minnesota Vikings visit the New Orleans Saints in a rematch of last season's NFC Championship game (for the rest of the league, the season starts on Sunday, September 12 — the same day as the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards). Once again, 12 members of the MTV News team have come together to square off against one another for fantasy football greatness.
Though the predominant attitude among fantasy football players seems to suggest a move away from the running back-centric focus of past years, but the MTV News fantasy football draft kept a strong focus on runners (13 of the first 24 picks were backs), but there were plenty of curve balls. There was a big run on receivers in the second round (Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Roddy White and Randy Moss all got snapped up) and many players seemed genuinely unconcerned about the running-back-by-committee situations on the Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins.
Like any event here in the MTV News offices, the start of the MTV News fantasy football draft required an appropriate song to kick off the festivities. Before MTV News Rock Editor James Montgomery made his opening pick (he chose Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson), the league cranked up Rick Ross' "B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast)," the unofficial song of the summer here in the MTV Newsroom. We got so wrapped up in the track that somebody even tried to draft Larry Hoover. We ended up having an excellent draft, so apparently the secret to an excellent evening begins with a little Maybach Music.

MwanaFA & AY - Dakika moja/Usije mjini

UNAWEZA KUZISIKILIZA NYIMBO ZA CHIDI BEENZ KUPITIA PROFILE YAKE YA MYSPACE

Kwa sasa unaweza kusikiliza ngoma za Chidi Beenz na kuzinunua pia kupitia account yake ya

• http://www.myspace.com/chidibeenz

The 2010 VMA Countdown: Usher Makes It Rain In Miami

The 2010 MTV Video Music Awards are only a few weeks away. The biggest party of the year features nominated clips by Lady Gaga, Eminem, Jay-Z, Ke$ha and Katy Perry and will feature performances by Kanye West, Eminem, Drake, Paramore, Usher, B.o.B and Florence and the Machine (with many more to be announced). In order to properly prepare yourself for what's to come, every day the MTV Newsroom Blog will deliver a classic moment in the history of the MTV Video Music Awards. Today's installment: Busta Rhymes makes a new best friend.
Generally speaking, the MTV Video Music Awards have been either a New York or Los Angeles event (this year, they head back to L.A. for the first time since 2008), but in 2004 and 2005, the show decided to head south for some fun and sun in Miami. Artists loved the way-down-south shows, as they allowed them to do interesting things with fashion, arrivals and performances that captured the vibe of the city and that would otherwise be impossible in other cities. For example, 2004's show saw a handful of artists arriving via watercraft — including Usher, who performed on the show, won the awards for Best Male Video and Best Dance Video (for "Yeah!") and bragged about the size of his yacht during the pre-show.
Once he hit the stage, Usher unleashed his gigantic hit "Yeah!" with the assistance of Ludacris and Lil Jon. It was wild and lively, but Usher kicked it up a notch when he literally made it rain on stage (a trick that Kelly Clarkson would borrow the following year when she closed the show with "Since U Been Gone"). No word on what Usher will do when on stage at this year's VMAs, but you can count on it being funky, fresh and surprising.
The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12 at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 for Verizon subscribers) to vote for the winners from now through September 12.

Drake Writes The Late Aaliyah A Love Letter

 
Young Money's new upcoming star, Drake, recently wrote a 'love-type' letter, to the late singer Aaliyah. Nine-years after her death, Drake opens up about the personal feelings he had towards Aaliyah Dana Haughton, as the government knows her.

     "I've never lost a parent, a friend, or a lover but I will never forget this day for the rest of my life. I remember getting the news that you had passed and it connected with my heart like a clean shot from Muhammad Ali. I was crushed. Not only was I one of your biggest fans but I was truly in love with you. I loved the way you carried yourself, the way you dressed, the confidence with which you addressed passion and relationships in your music. I said to myself that even if we never met, I wanted a woman in my life just like you. I am pained that we will never get to connect now that music ended up being my career path. But you should know, we all listen to you everyday and we remain inspired and moved by all that you've given the world. I hope I make the right life choices so I can end up in heaven where I know you rest your head. I'll continue to make music in your honor until the day we finally meet. Dinner's on me!"

New Lil Wayne single on iTunes:

New Lil Wayne single on iTunes:: "http://bit.ly/RightAboveit Lil Wayne New Lil Wayne single on iTunes: 'Lil Wayne - Right Above It (feat. Drake)' Get it here - http://bit.ly..."

...: Lil Wayne welcome home concert?

...: Lil Wayne welcome home concert?: "Drake announced on his UStream session late last week that he has something special planned Lil Wayne when he’s released from Riker’s Island..."

Nick Cannon Wont Say If Mariah Is Pregnant

America's Got Talent" television show host, Nick Cannon, recently avoided questions about his wife, some girl who calls herself Mariah Carey, being pregnant or not. Recently a picture leaked showing Mariah performing with a little more of a round plump than she usually has.

     "I've said it before and I'll say it time and time again -- when my wife feels like talking about whatever she wants to talk about, you will hear it directly from her. We know that we're public figures and that's something but...that's something that you want to keep near and dear... until you're 100 percent sure in any situation...There's a certain time limit that you're supposed to wait before you actually can officially say that you are. You've got to take all those things into factor and it gets really heightened when you're one of the most famous people in the world because you don't want to mislead anybody."

Chris Brown Explains BET Awards Meltdown

 
Chris Brown recently broke his silence over his meltdown during his performance at this years BET Awards, which took place in June. With tears rolling down his face during his Michael Jackson tribute, Chris says that not only was it not staged but it was actually really hard for him to continue.

     "A lot of people don't know, I was going to see Michael Jackson the day he died," said Brown, who has long talked about his admiration for the late King of Pop. "I was on my way to the Staples Center to see him [the day he died] ... When I heard 'Man in the Mirror,' the words started speaking to me in my personal life. It just touched me. It wasn't fake. I know people were trying to put extras on it, but everything was genuine. That was my ultimate apology, hands down."

http://www.rapbasement.com/chris-brown/082510-chris-brown-explains-his-meltdown-at-this-years-bet-awards-watch-here-click-now-for-details.html

Nicki Minaj Was Forced To Release Album Early

The first lady of Young Money, Nicki Minaj, recently told her fans how she planned on putting out her long-awaited debut album next year but Cash Money Records pressured her into changing her mind and put it out two months from now. It just happens to be the same month that Young Money slash Cash Money head-man Lil Wayne gets out of prison.

     "I love him very much," Minaj said about her incarcerated boss. "I miss him and he's such a sweetheart and all of that good stuff. But I will see him soon. The album release just so happened, [Cash Money Records co-founders] Baby and Slim, they were like, 'November,' and I was like 'No, no, no,' I wanted to put my album out next year. I don't feel like people really know me yet." 

http://www.rapbasement.com/nicki-minaj/082510-young-moneys-nicki-minaj-says-she-wanted-to-delay-her-album-but-she-was-forced-to-drop-in-nov.html

Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Eminem Look Good For Best Cinematography:

The 2010 MTV Video Music Awards are fast approaching, which means that in only a few weeks you'll be treated to an excellent night of performances and appearances by the likes of Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Drake, Florence and the Machine, B.o.B and Deadmau5 (who will serve as the house DJ at the show). While people tend to remember the classic performances and the unhinged moments, the coveted Moonman is the reason why people show up and tune in. This year, there are 16 categories wherein some of the biggest music stars in the universe will compete for the coolest trophy in awards shows. Today, we take a look at the nominees in the Best Cinematography category.
Though the main event of the music video tends to be the song, most should be able to work even if the sound is put on mute. That's where cinematography comes into play. How does the clip look? Does it match the tone of the song? Does it fit the narrative being told? The MTV Video Music Award for Best Cinematography incorporates visual style, lighting, color composition and all the other visual cues that help tell the story. Past winners in this category include Bill Pope (who won for Sting's "We'll Be Together" and later shot "The Matrix" trilogy as well as the recent "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World"), Harris Savides (who scored for both Madonna's "Rain" and R.E.M.'s "Everybody Hurts" and also worked on a trio of Gus Van Sant films as well as a pair of movies for fellow VMA winner David Fincher) and Lance Acord (whose collaborations with Spike Jonze include the video for Fatboy Slim's "Weapon of Choice" and the features "Being John Malkovich" and "Where the Wild Things Are").
This year, there are five worthy nominees in Chris Probst (Eminem's "Not Afraid"), Adam Frisch (Florence and the Machine's "Dog Days Are Over"), John Perez (Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind"), Thomas Kloss (Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance") and Ben Magahy (Mumford and Sons' "Little Lion Man"). Each of them has a great deal of experience in them music video game, but this one seems like Kloss' to lose. The striking visuals of "Bad Romance" are crisp, and the camera moves extremely well. However, don't be surprised if dark horse John Perez and his gorgeous black-and-white images for "Empire State of Mind" come out on top. Either way, a truly visually striking clip will take home this particular Moonman, so everybody will come out a winner.
The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12 at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 for Verizon subscribers) to vote for the winners from now through September 12.

Aaliyah's Death: Still Shocking Nine Years Later

On this day in 2001, the music world lost one of its true visionaries when Aaliyah, who was only 22 years old at the time, died in a plane crash along with eight other passengers after filming a music video in the Bahamas. Her tragic passing came just as she was releasing her finest album Aaliyah, which had come out only a month prior to hear death. Though she was only 22, she had still managed to become an industry veteran, as she appeared on "Star Search" at the age of nine and signed her first record deal at 12. She recorded her first album Age Ain't Nothing But a Number when she was only 14, and she had two Gold singles and a platinum album before her 16th birthday.
Because she was so young, the early part of Aaliyah's career was devoted to being something of a cipher, first for R. Kelly (who produced her debut album and also married her well before she was of age) and then for Timbaland (who, along with Missy Elliott, produced much of Aaliyah's second album One in a Million). But it's hard to argue with the results, as Aaliyah's extensive list of hits — including "Back & Forth," "We Need a Resolution," "Are You That Somebody?" and "Try Again" — reflects an incredible ear for envelope-pushing sounds and funky, radio-friendly grooves.
Though Timbaland's presence still loomed large (he co-wrote a handful of tracks and informs much of the album's sound), Aaliyah was the album that appeared to represent the singer truly coming into her own. She was exploring new directions in the form of rhythmic tricks like "Loose Rap" and punchy anthems like "More Than a Woman." Ironically, she passed away after making a video for "Rock the Boat," one of the better and stranger tracks on the album and a possible indication of things to come.
Aaliyah's passing was tragic, and her absence still stings in the modern hip-hop and R&B community. But her songs live on, including the beyond-catchy "Try Again."

50 Cent Says "F*ck You" With Cee-lo's Help

G-Unit leader 50 Cent has been filming a lot of movies lately but that doesn't mean he still can't make great music. Check out a recent remix that the New York rapper did of Cee-Lo Green's new "Fuck You" track along with 50's tweet's about it.

"About to drop this new freestyle yall ready??," he tweeted.
"check out my new freestyle "F**k You" Freestyle -- Hot!!!"

Diddy Says He Never Robbed His Artists

Hip Hop mogul, Sean "Diddy" Combs, recently denied all the recent rumors going around that he had been stealing from his artists ex-artists. Diddy addresses the critics and defends himself in the new interview with VIBE.

"There's an off perception that needs to be addressed about me that I have ever robbed somebody or mistreated somebody. Or tried to be ruthless or whatever in this game. Like, all this year I've heard people say, 'Where's Carl Thomas, where's Black Rob, where's G.Dep? Where are these artists?' And for some reason they go ahead and equate that, cause those artists aren't with me, that I've done something wrong or malicious or conniving. It's something that I do have a problem with because they don't have no proof that I've ever done nothing like that."

Diddy - Footage/Interview (Denies Robbing Any Bad Boy Artists)

T.I. Plans "Lil Homies" Animated Series | TI | Rap Basement

T.I. Plans "Lil Homies" Animated Series | TI | Rap Basement

Although he is not even finished his upcoming "King Uncaged" album, T.I. recently let fans know that he is also working on an upcoming animated series (cartoon) called "Lil Homies." With a spot as a producer on the new show, TIP also says he might even be the voice of a character.

"I'm actually working on a TV show right now as a producer," he told Eminem's Shade 45 show host, Angela Yee. "[It's] a cartoon ... called 'Lil Homies.' I may do, like, voice over [work] ... like a narrator." TIP added that the cartoon doesn't have a network yet but he also joked he would give Angela Yee the "neighborhood freak."