Hearings on gun violence and gun control begin today

The National Rifle Association and gun control advocates including former Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and husband Mark Kelly descended upon Capitol Hill this morning to give testimonies on the first Senate hearing on gun control. It's clear both sides are divided on the issue of protecting Second Amendment rights and increasing the safety of Americans and how lawmakers can curb gun violence.

Rihanna to Rolling Stone regarding Chris Brown - I'd rather live my truth

Rihanna is on a roll this era. It seems as though she's on a new magazine cover every month. This time, it's Rolling Stone, and this interview may be the one many have been waiting for. Rihanna is gorgeous on the cover - but whats new? Her beautiful hazel eyes steal the attention right off, but a glance towards the bottom of the page and her story title jumps out at you, "Crazy in Love". Is she finally REALLY opening up about her and Chris Brown's relationship now?

While Rih hasn't been one to explain herself in recent interviews she was rather candid this time about her relationship with Chris. Rih Rih's recent decision to publicly reunite with ex boyfriend Chris Brown has carried much backlash from media and some fans alike. She tells RS that the ultimate reason she reconciled was for her own happiness above everything.

I wasn't going to let anybody's opinion get in the way of that. Even if it's a mistake, it's my mistake. After being tormented for so many years, being angry and dark, I'd rather just live my truth and take the backlash. I can handle it.. He made a mistake, and he's paid his dues..He's paid so much. And I know that's not a place he would ever want to go back to. And sometimes people need support and encouragement, instead of ridicule and criticism and bashing.

Boy has the backlash come! Not just for her, but for Chris as well, who Rihanna says is disgusted by his actions towards her in 2009. She explained that she didn't just jump back into a situation, but had to find some resolve within herself to know that this time would be different.

That's just not an option. I can't say that nothing else will ever go wrong. But I'm pretty solid in the knowing that he's disgusted by that. And I wouldn't have gone this far if I ever thought that was a possibility

As if opening up about it wasn't enough she went on to explain just how different their interactions are. She hints that at 19 their ability to communicate wasn't very good (who's is?). She suggests they've found better ways to communicate:

When you add up the pieces from the outside, it's not the cutest puzzle in the world. You see us walking somewhere, driving somewhere, in the studio, in the club, and you think you know. But it's different now. We don't have those types of arguments anymore. We talk about sh*t. We value each other. We know exactly what we have now, and we don't want to lose that.

While many people will focus solely on the negative statistics the truth is every individual is different. Their decision hasn't totally rubbed everybody the wrong way. Some of us realize our own imperfections and limitations. It's obvious they have the support of friends and family- follow any of their best friends or  relatives on social media sites and it's obvious that they support them. As for their fans, there's a whole fan base (and a darn solid one at that) who has had their backs throughout this whole time- Chrianna. Even some celebrities have stood up for Rihanna's decision- including Oprah surprisingly.

It is a touchy subject no doubt, but it doesn't have to be a negative one. Chris and Rihanna may just be the rare occurrence of a non repeat situation. We don't know, as much as we'd like to speak as if we do. Most importantly in this situation is their resolve to live their truths and focus on their happiness which can be so easily stripped away when you're a huge celebrity.

I say, as I've always said that the public's response can be as passionate in either direction about their reconciliation as we'd like, but- the decision, the life, the relationship, the mistake (if it is one) belongs to Chris and Rihanna. I personally wish them the very best. I know that people make mistakes in their youth, and sometimes it takes you being stripped of some things to learn their true value.

I'm happy that Rihanna is deciding in this moment to stand up for herself - so much of her life is for the public, she deserves to be able to own her heart.

CHICAGO I am OVER the violence: 15 yr. Old Hadiya Pendleton Killed by Gunfire

In what appears to have been a random act of violence, 15yr. old honor student Hadiya Pendleton was gunned down in the south suburbs of Chicago. According to witnesses Hadiya and her friends were standing under a canopy to avoid a sudden shower of rain, when a gunman jumped over a fence and opened fire.

The teenagers managed to run away but Hadiya didn't make it far, collapsing just a few steps away.  Another victim, an unnamed teenage male was shot in the leg. Both were transported to Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, but Hadiya didn't make it.

Oh this is just frustrating. Chicago has always been my home away from home. I spent a lot of my childhood on the west side of Chicago. I witnessed a lot! Real dope dealers on the corners , cop chases, brutal fights, and even then, my friends on the block were dying left and right. I'm not sure what it's going to take for Chicago's violence to end. So many people have stood up against it. 

People like Pastor Corey Brooks even lived on the roof of a building in the dead of last year's dreadful winter to try to do something about it. I honestly don't know what the solution is. I know we need to get these guns out of the hands of kids, and get them on a better life path. I know that it's time to pray for our youth, enforce some strict laws, and stop patticaking it up with these gangs and violent criminals. There have already been over 40 deaths in Chicago THIS YEAR. Something has to give! Chicago residents have to refuse to let the little minor things go. Our children need a firm and solid reaction to any and all violence at this point. 

My heart hurts for Hadiya's family. She was a volleyball player, majorette, and had just returned from the Presidential Inauguration where she and her band performed.

Rick Ross and Girlfriend Target of Drive By?! (Photos)

Rapper Rick Ross and his girlfriend Shateria (above) have had one heck of a morning. As fellow rappers and hip hop heads took to twitter to wish him a happy birthday he was dodging bullets and crashing his Rolls Royce.

Yes. Just this morning after leaving a restaurant celebration for a new year, Rick Ross and his girlfriend were blasted with bullets.

Witnesses claim a vehicle pulled up beside them and someone in the car opened fire. The two managed to drive away, but it wasn't long before Rick's Royce crashed into a near by building. Cops say that the shooters got away but not before spraying bullets into a couple of nearby establishments.

Thankfully no one was hurt, and only Rick's fancy car suffered physical damage. The gun violence these days is just frightening. I'm sure this isn't the way Ross hoped to bring in a new year, but at least he made it through it. Photo of his car below.

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Chris Brown in the Studio with Sevyn, Mario, Eric Bellinger for New Album "X" (Photos)

Sorry the quality is a bit low- it's from someones phone, but you get the picture anyway. This morning Chris Brown was in the studio with some pretty amazing talent. I always talk about how hype I am for his CBE artists to really drop because they are all so talented, and I'm really glad to see Sevyn (girl on left) not making me have to eat my words.

Her joint I Like It is doing it's thing on radio and making everybody stop and ask the infamous question- "Yo.. WHO is this?!" .. yep Sevyn is coming to slay your r&b/pop radio stations with her incredible voice and dope pen game. Speaking of her pen game, last night she was in the studio along with singer/songwriters Mario, Eric Bellinger, Rocc Star, and other CBE artist Sabrina putting magic together for Chris' new album.

Yessss dude is about to release another album, and sooner than you think. According to sources close to Chris he's banging out like 4-6 songs a night. If you've ever recorded one song, you know how crazy that stat is. His next album will be titled "X" and it's promised to be something special.

I knooowwwwww some of you want me to say something about this whole Frank Ocean thing, but I'm already annoyed by it. What I will say is it's ironic that sources who were there say the whole thing was started by Frank O, but everybody is still ready to demonize Chris. Since I wasn't there and vowed not to be a part of the bash Chris Brown crowd I chose to post about something we know to be fact... dude is cooking up some HEAT! 

Mac Miller Cleans up Niiiiice- Complex Magazine's "Man of Next Year"

Mac Miller has had an interesting career so far. He's been through quite a bit already as a minority in the hip hop industry. It's interesting that even after he's proven himself to be a legit rapper some still won't embrace him..because he's white. Even still he's stayed focused.

He opens up to Complex Magazine for their Man of Next Year cover story and explains how his journey has been from his perspective. He talks about Mac Miller before his fame, as well as what he has coming up next. His next album Watching Movies With the Sound Off is on it's way as well as Pink Slime which is his project with the incomparable Pharrell Williams. 

We should be hearing way more from Mac Miller this year as he's able to put a lot of his legal issues behind him and focus solely on his craft.

Lets Play Caption This: New Beyonce Photo

Beyonce (Motha as I call her) is gearing up to give an epic Superbowl performance, and her fans are anxiously awaiting her new documentary Life is But a Dream set to air on HBO on February 16th.

SEE ALSO: Beyonce Shows Blue Ivy's Sonogram in Life is But a Dream Trailer!!!

While we all wait for our next encounter with the global hot mama, we have some brand new exclusive photos of Beyonce in rehearsal that were just released on her site.Out of all of the beautiful black and white photos posted the above one is my favorite. 

It captures a move we all have come to know and even imitate from one of our favorite Beyonce/Jay Z collaborations. So, I figured why not post it and have you tell me what it is Bey is rehearsing in this picture!! SO excited for this performance AND her documentary! Caption this picture!

#PressPlay: Tboz - Champion

The deep and intriguingly robotic voice we all loved from TLC is back. T-Boz just released her debut single as a solo artist. The song- Champion is very personal for the mother who has overcome so many obstacles in her personal life and career.

T-Boz has recently resurfaced with a hit reality show- Totally T-Boz that gives fans an inside look at her life overall. T-Boz is shown being a mother and working out the kinks of her career to launch as a solo artist. The choice to release Champion as the first single is great considering the theme of the show.

Check out the record below and be sure to get it from iTunes! Proceeds from sales will be donated to sickle cell and leukemia research! I'm happy for T-Boz!

Karrueche Tran to Shekinah and Rolling out - "Rihanna is dope." (Video)

In what seems to be the most exhausting love triangle I have ever seen, the most telling interview so far  just came from the most unexpected place. On a recent trip to Atl to host a "celebratory party" for her line- The Kill, in connection with Karrueche's cover story for Rolling Out, she sat down with hairstylist, the hilarious and  adorable Shekinah.

In the video Shekinah gets RIGHT to it, hitting Karrueche with the hard questions every other interviewer has sort of danced around. She asks Karrueche about long nights after the "break up", told her that we all love Rihanna and so it has to be hard for her to be in this situation with someone we all love. Karrueche agrees with a simple, "oh yea yea..she's dope."

It is important to note that almost all of the negative energy surrounding this situation has come from media, and overly passionate fans. Even Rihanna has addressed her fans on IG to stop the negativity-though no media outlet has wanted to report that. I believe it's become a good wholesome girl vs. bad gal situation among media- which is a whole other sad story based off of assumption.

 As much as we think this situation insane, we've all been in a complicated relationship or two (if you've lived long enough.) Things are not always black and white. Sometimes your emotions take you from one extreme to the next. The wisdom comes is knowing when to think and not feel.

After saying she was walking away, we've come to see Karrueche with Chris on a couple of occasions since his public re-connection with Rihanna. Most recently last night as he partied with her at the celebration for her Rolling Out cover and his other ex Draya's birthday party.

While the jury is still out on whether Karrueche's line will launch pending legal issues with another line with a similar name, Karrueche is definitely using this spotlight time to get her name and face out there.

Hosting parties and doing magazine covers for a line that doesn't really have a release date yet may make people question her, "not in it for the fame." comment, but either way people have to do what they think they have to do. Considering the way Chris and Rihanna have been tied at the hip for the past few months, she may be smart to try and establish a name for herself save Chris Brown's.

Karrueche is adorable that's for sure, but what's next for her? Do you guys think we'll see much of her for long? Does she have industry staying power?

Again, can I say shout out to Shekinah... you DID this interview girl!

Bizarre News: Ohio teacher may lose job over duct-taped students

Every now and then teachers make headlines for bizarre lessons and this teacher is no different. Melissa Cairns is a math teacher at Buchtel Community Learning Center and faces losing her job over a Facebook photo of her students with their mouths covered with duct tape. 

#MissThis? President Obama's 2013 Inaugural Speech

What a beautiful ceremony this was! It was short and sweet. President Obama, along with his family were the center of attention today as he was sworn in for another ride as the leader of the free world. It was the cutest thing to see his gorgeous wife and beautiful girls there having a ball as well.

The President was calm and seemed a little more at ease this time around. He delivered a solid speech that pointed out exactly what he hopes to bring to the country this go round. He was very clear on gay rights which is a first for a President on this stage, and made sure to make the connection between the history of African Americans in this country and his incredible current circumstances.

I loved this ceremony. If you missed his speech you can hear it below.

Miss This?! #Jayonce Shines at Inauguration + Beyonce Sings National Anthem (Vid)

Following a beautiful ceremony to honor this country's Inaugural tradition, Beyonce graced the stage to sing one of the most important songs ever written- our  National Anthem.

Beyonce and her husband Jay Z were among the First Family and a host of other VIPs to celebrate President Obama's second term. The Carters looked like perfection as usual. Beyonce adorned in a hot black Pucci gown accessorized with Lorraine Schwartz emeralds, while hubby Jay Z was head to toe in Tom Ford. Motha Beyonce delivered on her performance... as usual! Check her out below.

Hear Beyonce's Inaugural National Anthem Soundcheck

All I have to say is this is one of my favorite songs to hear and sing. The lyrics and melody are perfection. When someone like Beyonce sings it, thats even better.

We are grateful to whomever sneaked this audio!! Ironically, we've heard her sing this before, but Motha still slays this! Get ready to hear her sing it live tomorrow as our President Barack Obama is sworn into his second term!

This Oprah Video Could Change Your Life

One of my closest friends sent me this video clip from Oprah's LifeClass. This session was with one of the most popular ministers of our time- Rick Warren. I can't really prepare you for what you're about to interpret..it can be nothing to you or it may actually change your life perspective. I mean, this has been the hardest year of my life and most of you have no clue just how much I've been forced to come through. This video was perfect for me. It changed me a little..in a good way. No it didn't change what I've struggled through, but it did remind me of the power in perspective, and keeping faith. Hope it does the same for you.

Yes! Beyonce Sizzles Behind The Scenes of GQ Spread (Video)

Motha (Beyonce) is continuing to show us why she is King! Beyonce and GQ recently wowed us with one of the baddest cover/spread photo shoots we've seen in a long time. Bey looks amazing, especially being that she's just one year removed from being pregnant. Her body is just crazy! She's cute and flirtatious in most of the video. Don't get too excited though fellas... Bey makes sure to rock her hubby Jay Z's Roc-a-fella chain so you know it's real!

Entertainment Tonight captured Bey shooting for GQ's Sexiest Woman of the 21st Century Spread. Bey has really opened up to fans more recently. In a recent trailer for her HBO special, Life is but a Dream, she attributed this to wanting to break free of the industry facade she's been forced to live for so long.. being "independently" herself. Trust me Bey, NONE of us are complaining!

Check out this hot video of Beyonce working what Mama Tina gave her. Remember Bey has a few appearances coming up- one being with Destiny's Child!!!!

Rih Rih's BAWSE Moves Continue - To Debut Her River Island Collection at London Fashion Week!

Sheesh. I am trying to keep up! Our fave bad gal Rihanna does not make that an easy task. Rih is forever slayin it up! Her Complex Magazine spread and interview dropped this week.

 (Check out brand new outtakes-talks Unapologetic details- not featured in initial interview HERE).

The 24 yr. old cutie took a walk down memory lane shooting a cover for all seven of her beloved albums. It was really fun to see her many phases all in one set. Fresh off of the announcement of her next two singles Stay and Pour it Up by popular demand, and the debut of their covers..Rih hit her Navy with some more exciting news.

For a while now she has been working hand in hand with UK design house River Island. She's been talking about it with her fans online, she's shown off a couple of pieces here and there, and she even instagrammed  a few photos with some real life supermodels on set of the promo SHE directed.

Just when you think the hype couldn't grow any bigger, here comes the biggest news I'm sure none of her Navy expected. Not only is the line set to drop soon, but the Bajan pop mogul empress will debut the line at one of fashions biggest international  events-the catwalk at London Fashion Week!!!!! Rih says of her big debut-

Launching at London Fashion Week is a dream come true for me,I have wanted to design my own collection for a long time and to present my collection for River Island alongside all of the other great design talent at LFW is a real privilege. I can’t wait to see the reaction from my fans and the fashion press!

River Island Chief Executive Ben Lewis is just as excited as Rih is. When asked about her debut he replied:

We are very excited to present our Rihanna for River Island collection at London Fashion Week. This is the perfect platform to showcase Rihanna’s design talent and ambition.

Sweet. This girl is non stop. Her album Unapologetic has not let up on momentum since it dropped a few months ago. The girl is working!!!!!!!

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#JamIt!! Mindless Behavior's Brand New Single- Keep Her On the Low

In case you Mindless Behavior fans were close to a conniption  no worries.. the little cuties are back! From what seemed to be a world dominating first impression, the boys sky rocketed to the top of every teenage girls list. The teen quartet group that has stolen many girls' hearts is readying their sophomore project for their adoring fan base. The album, All Around the World is set to drop on March 12th, and features some magic by some pretty heavy hitters- Ester Dean, Walter Millsap, Rob Wells, etc!

This is the first listen at their brand new single, Keep Her on the Low produced by Sean Garrett and Team S. Dot. The record is blazing. It stays true to their youthful sound, but you can tell they've grown up a little bit. From the lyrics the focus is still on the girls (as it usually is for teenage boys), but the topics I'm sure will become a little more mature as this group grows. KHOTL will be available on iTunes on January 22..the fellas are also gearing to release the video shortly after!

If THAT isn't enough Mindless fans will surely get a treat out of the news I just got regarding this project! The fellas - Prodigy, Roc Royal, Ray Ray, and Princeton will all have their own individual album covers-exclusively available at Target!! Yep, so, no matter who you're mindless for.. you'll be able to have a cover with your fave on it! The fellas will also be featured in their first big screen release, Mindless Behavior:All Around the World which is a documentary and concert movie - fans are sure to love. That will be released March 15th!

Mindless fans! You've waited and they are surely about to deliver! Check out their latest single Keep Her On the Low below  and prepare for another Mindless takeover! Fans in DC should also be on the lookout for the group this month! They will be in DC for the Kids' Inaugural Concert on January 19th! Major!! 

Rock with Me: C80's ft. Jhene Aiko & Common - Fly *ss Pisces

I'm posting this just because it's almost that time of year again.. #PISCES season!! That annnnnnnd this song jams. Signer/Songwriter James Fauntleroy's genius is at it again, this time bringing along the same of Jhene Aiko and my beww Common.  This collaboration of Pisces feels really good- as does the whole project Cocaine 80s just dropped- the Flower of Life. It's hard for some to overlook the deliberate reference to drug use from this conglomerate of music makers, but the music itself is something you can't deny. I have every.single.mixtape!

New Music- Fabolous ft. Chris Brown- Ready!

The full record won't be released until later but in the meantime, you can get a sneak listen at what to expect from these two below. Grown folks music in a nutshell. Chris is fresh off of his European leg of the Carpe Diem tour and lots of promo for his Black Pyramid clothing line. He's set to be releasing a new album already this year. Fab fans are excited to have some new music from him. He's easily one of the most underrated rappers in the game. His next project Losos Way II is coming soon! Check out some of Ready below!

#PressPlay TIP's artist Kris Stephens Covers "One In A Million" Produced by Tank

Today the world celebrates the life of the beautiful singer/actress Aaliyah. Affectionately referred to as Babygirl, Aaliyah was such a sweet spirited person who many feel left this life way too soon.

Before her death Aaliyah dropped a few classic records at the hands of mega producers Timbaland and Missy Elliott among others. One of her most loved releases was definitely the heavy based jam, One in a Million. In tribute to her today, Singers/Songwriters Kris Stephens and Tank teamed up in the studio to remake the classic.

Kris Stephens is an up and coming artist and already established songwriter newly signed to T.I.'s label I'm sure you'll be hearing more from her soon. What do you think of her cover?

Aaliyah was def a trendsetter and a great artist. Happy Birthday Babygirl!

New York is first state to tighten up on gun control since #Newtown massacre

On Tuesday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a sweeping new gun control bill into law, called NY SAFE Act that toughens the ban on assault weapons. This came just one month after the rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, where a young man shot and killed 20 schoolchildren and six adults before killing himself.

It's HERE! #NewMusic Justin Timberlake ft. Jay Z Suit & Tie

Well, if you couldn't wait until tomorrow for Justin Timberlake's return you don't have to wait any longer! His musical comeback has landed on iTunes already and to much of our excitement. Justin Timberlake's musical hiatus has been one of the most talked about among pop/r&b fans.

JT set the bar really high with  hit after hit a few years ago. Fans have campaigned and begged for him to come back for years. Instead, he made other business moves and got married.

To much of our oblige, he is finally back and with a bang. Suit & Tie features his longtime friend and collaborator my fave Jay Z. It's a really grown and fresh record! The song is reminiscent of something you'd expect from JT & Hov. It's for the Grown and sexy!

 Check it out below & get Suit & Tie on iTunes!! Do you dig JT's big return record?!

Beyonce Shows Blue's Sonogram in new Life is But a Dream Trailer!! (Video)

Aww so cool. This new documentary, Life is but a Dream, is something fans have been long waiting for. Beyonce is one of the most commercially successful and private artists of all time. You know very little about her as a real person because she has kept that so hush.

In this trailer you get a glimpse of what you can expect from the full documentary that will air February 16th at 9pm EST on HBO. In the below trailer you hear Queen Bey talking about her struggles. Her most precious moment realizing she was with child, and then the frustration with trying to hide her pregnancy. She also gives you a shot of her belly while pregnant.

Blue Ivy just turned one and she's the media's favorite little baby to find photos of. We want to know so much about her little life. Bey & Jay are definitely going to make us wait on that, but at least she'll give us a better glimpse into what it's really like to be her on the 16th of Feb. Check the trailer out below.

Brandy Sings Backstage Before Her Show

Bran had a show the other night in New York. Just before show time she was hanging out backstage and struck up one of the most popular spiritual songs known, His Eye is On The Sparrow. Brandy sings from her heart and even through the video you can really feel it. This is reminicent of her bathroom performances we loved so much.


READ MORE BRANDY POSTS!

I'm sure the people in the room felt it too. If you listen closely you can hear a few amens in the back. Brandy may be one of the most celebrated voices in r&b but she came from the church like most of us. She hasn't forgotten where her help comes from. Sometimes you've got to just pull away and minister to yourself! Yes Brandy! Sing!!

Destiny's Child is BAAAAACK ...New Music- Nuclear!

Yes Lord!!! Let me take this in. My favorite girl group is set to reunite and hit the stage again at the Superbowl. It was already made known that Bey was doing the halftime show. Now it's being reported that Bey is bringing two of her favorite girls along with her..Michelle and Kelly. This is what fans have been waiting for.

We haven't seen these three on stage together since 2006! We've seen them grow so much musically and personally. It's going to be awesome to see their energies collide on stage together again. The trio will also be releasing an album this year. It's set to be a compilation album with one new record titled, Nuclear on it.

Well I can't think of anything more exciting for a girl like me who grew up with these ladies..wait.. maybe LaTavia and LeToya walking out- but what are the chances?! I'll just take what I can get.

Check out their new single Nuclear produced by Pharrell by heading to Mashable! Click HERE

Karrueche's Exclusive Rolling Out Trailer (video)

Wow. So Rolling Out.com is really giving the drama with this exclusive on Karrueche Tran. She hasn't said much outside of a few subliminal tweets, instagram posts, and such-that we assume are about her situation with Chris Brown. For years she's sorta just rode the wave low key. With his recent public reconnection with Rihanna- Karrueche is in the spot light more than ever.

She sat down with Vibe a few days ago to talk about how she's been on a "roller coaster" for a while now and how she's not happy with her love life, but she understands it could be worse.  She admits that she and Chris will probably always be friends and that she'll always love him (sound familiar) but that they are business partners with her upcoming line- The Kill. It was set to drop on 12.12.12 but has been postponed.

I'm not sure when the next date is, but I know she's riding the publicity wave while it's hot and getting her interviews in. Even if under the guise that  it's about her clothing line- we all know why people want to hear from Karrueche. She's about to grace Rolling Out's cover and in the below trailer you get to see her speak on her fashion choices in the shoot.

While I'm not really feeling this all black look, we all know again that fashion has little to do with these magazine interviews. People want to know about why she hasn't, "walked away" as she claimed she was going to do when Chris and Rih first stepped out together. They want to know how she manages to stay even linked to a man who has publicly returned to the woman everyone assumed he'd return to. A woman people assume he never actually got over,  a woman  has been fearless in declaring her love for him despite the public backlash.

People want to know how much gut Karrueche has to have to stick around in such a situation that makes her look like she'll take anything. A situation that is only benefitting to her financially as far as the public is concerned. My mind tells me that this situation is far from over. I personally have steered clear of it because it's SO exhausting!!!!!!!!!! We can all say what we would do, but I know from experience the impossibility it is to walk away from someone you think you love..

On the flip side.. I'm also sure most of us would agree..we wouldn't take this much for anyone.. unless there is something major.. major to benefit from it. In Karrueche's case.. she seems like a really sweet girl who is willing to take whatever for whatever that benefit is. I just hope she never looks back and regrets any of it. Check out the Rolling Out Trailer below.

Beyonce's Levels of BAD on Feb GQ Cover

I mean. Motha is NOT playing with this new Feb GQ cover. Photos from her hot shoot leaked online yesterday and all of us bloggers ran at the opportunity to post the distorted camera phone image. Today GQ was kind enough to release the official photo to us and well, well, Bey is simply BAD. Bey strips down to basically nothing on the cover. The photos inside are just as hot as the mother of one yr old Blue Ivy shows off her perfect post baby body!

Bey's lining up an exciting first quarter for the Bey Hive. It was just announced that she will be singing at the President's Inauguration on January 21st, annnnnd we learned a while ago that she's the performing act for the Superbowl which is always huge! Yessss Queen Bey is slaying!

Be sure to get the February edition of GQ Magazine when it hits shelves on January 15th! The hot mama was shot by celeb photographer Terry Richardson!

 I'm just gonna leave this here. 

Aww #HelloBlue A clearer photo of Blue Ivy Playing Uno

This is amazing! It's hard to believe that Jay Z & Beyonce's baby girl Blue Ivy is REALLY a one year old! It's crazy. It seems like she was just born. In honor of her birthday her daddy posted a very cute little photo of her on his blog LifeAndTimes.com.

The picture taken on their last day of vacation depicts his little babygirl playing with deck of UNO cards on a table. Knowing Jay Z his title, UNO represented not only the cards, but the fact that his baby had just turned one! While you can't really see her face, it's obvious that she's grown so much. She's so big!!! 

Hopefully soon we'll get a clearer photo of the little princess.. I tried to lighten it up a bit.  In the meantime you can check out the few pictures of her they have released over time right here: BLUE IVY PHOTO HISTORY.

Happy Birthday again to Blue Ivy!!

Gabrielle Giffords does TV interview two years after Tuscon mass shooting

Yesterday marked the second anniversary of the mass shooting in Tucson, Arizona, where Jared Lee Loughner shot and killed six people and injured 13, including former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. While remembering the victims and wounded on Tuesday, Giffords and her husband Mark Kelly announced an initiative, Americans for Responsible Solutions, to help raise money to support greater gun control efforts and take on the powerful pro-gun lobby.

Did Kanye and Kim REALLY buy this $11 Million mansion together?

According to TMZ... yes. The site claims to have information from a "source close to the couple" that they purchased and have started remodeling this huge living space in preparation for their new baby. No word has come out about a wedding or marriage, but these two definitely seem to be in it for the long run in one way or another.

The 14,000 sq. ft. home is being loaded with everything the popular couple would need and wayyyyy more. It reportedly has a full hair and makeup salon, bowling alley, indoor and outdoor pool, gym, and more! I'm sure Baby Kimye's headquarters will be decked out too.

While people seem to think of them as two of the most attention seeking celebrities we've seen, it appears that they aren't carrying that over into parenthood. The two have reportedly already turned down multi million dollar offers for pics of the baby once he or she arrives.

Joe Budden & Tahiry Speak on Him Hiding Under Her Bed

The Joe Budden/Tahiry saga is ongoing. This morning they both popped up on the Breakfast club to shed some more light on exactly whats going on between them. The on and off again couple is supposedly donezo according to Tahiry. Their relationship was something special from the beginning though. They seemed to have really been in deep. Now, that is over if you ask Tahiry. They, "aren't even friends right now." according to her.

It doesn't seem that way from Joe's point of view, even though he is clearly boo'd up with someone else. I just don't believe his "platonic" comments. On last night's premiere of Love and Hip Hop New York it was clear that the two still have contact with one another even though they have "moved on". According to Tahiry, she definitely cares for Joe, but doesn't see him growing up. She expressed that she was concerned about his drug use (that he admitted to this morning), but that her concern wasn't because she wants a relationship with him.

Tahiry also was sure to make it clear that she's close with his mom. Anytime a woman is in good with moms it's harder to replace her. I like Tahiry. She told her side of the story like, this is what it is. Joe is interesting. I like him a little more though being able to actually see and hear him outside of his music. Their relationship is interesting. The dude hid under her bed! He still has keys to her place... I'm just saying................. Check out their interviews below.

Yessss! A Peek into Brandy's Rehearsal!!

Yess honey! Bran and her soon to be hubby Ryan Press are too cute in this photo! They've been spotted everywhere together. It's clear they aren't trying to hide that crazy rock on her finger.

Thanks to our friends over at TrueExclusives.com we are always getting the new on Brandy. The recently engaged R&B icon has had something like an amazing year! She released her best charting album in years, Two Eleven, has been EVERYWHERE, and she just seems to be in great spirits.

Fans are loving her more and more, if that is possible. Below we get a sneak peek into her rehearsing one of my personal faves from her album a song titled, Scared of Beautiful. Bran is just amazing. She just stands there executing every run and riff with that insane tone of hers! Lord... ladies and gents.. THIS is why she's my fave!

MempHitz, Toya, and their girls Make a Little Girl's Christmas special!

What we know about Toya Wright is that she's gone from being known for her personal business to being one of the hottest business women in the game. She's the owner of two boutiques- Garb in New Orleans, and Garb Shoetique in Atlanta, a New York Times Best Selling Author, a huge reality tv star, and Lord knows what else is up Toya's sleeves.

Another thing Toya has stayed true to is her love for family. She's a great mom to her daughter Reginae and step daughter, a sister/daughter who goes to bat for her siblings and mom, and the woman LOVES her hubby Memphitz. Follow her on any of her social media accounts and if you'll learn nothing else, you'll learn that she loves her family. So, I wasn't very surprised when I learned she and her family had stopped by a lucky little girl's house and had given her a Christmas she'll always remember.

No one in the family has said much about what they did outside of sharing a few photos on IG. From my few encounters with this family, I'm encouraged to believe they truly wanted to just be a blessing to someone else. Heres what the recipient Nena Jones had to say about her encounter with the Wrights!

Wow. When I learned MempHitz, Toya, and their family wanted to bless a child who was less fortunate than themselves, and that my child was going to be that child, I was lost for words. Knowing that I was not able to provide anything for my daughter, I was overwhelmed. After hearing a message in church two weeks prior at Living LIFE Worship Center about miracles, I accepted this random act as just that, a miracle.  

The experience was a very humbling, and full of joy. To see my daughter receiving what I could not provide for her made me happy. Toya, MempHitz,and their daughters, are so kind to have done this. Even if it where not my family chosen, this was a selfless act of kindness that they did not have to do. I am forever grateful for the smile they brought to my daughters face. She loves everything she received, she especially loved the Hello Kitty back pack (she wears it every where, and sleeps with it).. :)

Yall know I love love LOVE this!

Rihanna Gets a New Look & Is Spotted Out With Her Love!

Over the course of Rihanna's impeccable career there have been a few consistencies. Rih will have a hit song on the radio, she will slay the fashion scene, and she will be holding hands somewhere with her lifelong bff photographer Melissa Forde.

Thanks to IG and such, we can determine that the two have been spending some time apart to be with their other BFFs (wink) over the holidays. It seems the universe is a bit off set when they aren't together. Even Rihanna reached her breaking point on IG yesterday telling Mel that her boo had had her to himself for too long and that she needed to get her behind home! Of course this was said in a waaaaayy more colorful manner.

Looks like Mel is finally back as she and Rih were seen out in Hollywood together last night. I spotted a few pics of them on Just Jared. Yep, that's Rihanna rocking her new look. Can we discuss how Rih just switched it up again? Werrrk ma'am! Do you dig her new look?

Good to see them back into trouble together..isn't that what we love about our bff's?

Rih is preparing to kick off her Diamonds Tour this year. Her latest album Unapologetic is crazy and the sales /charts are proof! I have a feeling this tour is going to be a special one for her.

P.S. Mel is just BAD to me... I mean....

OMG! Pretty Hustle's OMG Girlz Are Making MAJOR Moves!

What a fun ride it has been for the three adorable young women of Pretty Hustle's girl group- The OMG Girlz. Thanks to reality tv, we've been able to watch Star, Beauty, and Baby Doll make the idea of another fresh girl group a reality.

The group finished up two tours, released two really hot singles Gucci This and Where the Boys At, performed for the BET Pre-Awards show and much more all in  a span of a couple of years... that Pretty Hustle brand is REAL. The Girlz were just made aware that they are among the nominees for the annual NAACP Image Awards. They've been nominated for Outstanding New Artist and for good reason.

Among their major work ethic, the ladies also recently started their own charity- OMG Cares which focuses on the betterment of young women ages 12-21. Through this initiative they combat educational, domestic, and social issues facing girls today. The Girlz hope to combat some of the negative imagery young women see in the media. How dope is that?!

Even Beyonce loves them! She recently wrote them a cute little note telling them that they inspired her IG name!

I've said from the beginning that I am totally excited about their careers. They have the full support and backing of vets in the game- Tiny & Tip, they're all talented, swagged out, and just really sweet girls. I'm excited to watch what 2013 will be like for them!

Watch them on the 44th NAACP Image Awards on February 1, 2012  at 8EST on NBC.

Matt Kemp is FINE... oh & He Wants to Give You a Reminder (Vid)

I have no reason to post this other than to look at this man. He's freakin gorgeous. The athlete is currently in a showdown for the new MLB13 cover. So, if you will and can stop staring at this photo and resist all urges to Google him for more pics.. run over to their site and  vote for him! You can also vote by tweeting #MLB13Kemp!

Matt and I are doing just fine together for all asking.. lolololol j/k

New Video: Sevyn Streeter- I Like It

One of music's freshest songwriters debuted the visual for her brand new single, I Like It today. Sevyn Streeter has written for the likes of Chris Brown, Brandy, and others. She's a former member of the group Rich Girlz and is no newbie to the industry at all.

Her refreshing writing talent and amazing vocal skills have been some of Chris Brown's  best kept secrets over the past couple of years. Recently signing to his CBE label, the writer first met Brown in the studio..their writing chemistry was undeniable from the beginning. Since then, she's been featured on every project he's done and been preparing herself for her own solo career.

Today her video premiered on BET's 106 & Park and I was totally into it. Chris surprised her and showed up unexpectedly! I'm here for Sevyn..She can sing, she's cute (her bawwwwdy is just>> ), and the track goes. Check it out below and stay tuned for more from Sevyn Streeter.

Kendrick Lamar Decodes "Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst"

The masses have come to love the Compton bred rapper Kendrick Lamar. I fell for him while listening to a Jhene Aiko mixtape, but since then, he's released his own album Good Kid M.A.A.D. City to much praise from peers and critics too.

The rapper who is praised for his deep and honest interpretation of his day to day life sat down with Jay Z's Life and Times to discuss one of his more personal songs from his debut. This short clip gives you a little insight into what it's like for Kendrick to create.

He shares the real life heart wrenching experience that inspired him to write Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst, and why it was so important to get it on the album. Check out the exclusive below.

Chris Brown and Rihanna Out in LA Together- Rih Makes Chris' BP Line look HAWT

Chrianna spent the new year together cuddled up in Chris Brown's bed. They shared photos on IG sometime New Years Day to confirm that they were indeed with one another. The pics showed Chris laying in his bed with a black and white comforter, and Rih's picture features the same bedding. This was no surprise, but eyes are all out to capture any moment these two are together. 

               

The two stepped out yesterday with Chris' bodyguard Big Pat for a little shopping and slurpees! Rih looked so casual and cute rocking a cropped red BP sweatshirt (Chris' clothing line), some jeans, and sneaks. She's accidentally modeling in it, as she accidentally models everything. The girl is just bad!! 

She and Big Pat who's maintained his relationship with Rih even through CB's other relationships- were seen smiling as  they hung out. A lucky fan was probably among the happiest as she captured the young lovers exiting the gas station. Rih posed for a picture with her before getting into Chris' brand new Porsche.

You have to admit they are stylish together. The two also stopped by Brooklyn Projects for a bit. Check out more pics below!

Somebody Churched Rihanna's Pour It Up...........................

"All I need is Christ- all I need is Jesus Christ.."

These gospel remixes are interesting... he thought this thing on through!

Yes! Jay Z Scoring New Gatsby Film

My favorite Hip Hop mogul never ceases to amaze me. Just when you think he's done the most he does something else really cool. His most recent venture is one I'm sure he's enjoying. Producer Jeymes Samuel revealed to twitter that he and Jay Z were working on the score for the upcoming release of The Great Gatsby!

I mean! This is major. This film is classic. Leonardo DiCaprio is set to star in the film and Jay Z will have a hand in telling the story through the music- epic. This makes a little more sense if you recall one of the earlier trailers for the highly anticipated remake featuring The Thrones' No Church in the Wild.

I'm totally here for Jay Z expanding into the movie world behind the scenes. He's a brilliant story teller and I'm sure he could write/direct some amazing films. In the meantime we'll have to settle for those old Roc-a-fella flicks and his scoring abilities in the Great Gatsby when it drops!

Check out the old trailer featuring No Church in the Wild if you missed it..and stay tuned for the release of this classic film.

New Music: Marian Mereba- Go to London

Just before the release of her debut EP Room For Living, highly celebrated Ethiopian -American artist Marian Mereba is letting us know what can be expected. The beautiful and multi-talented musician has gained the love of fans through her honest and sweet appeal. Her debut single, Go to London depicts with raw honesty the moment two lovers have to part ways. The lyrical beauty is accompanied by Marian's soul filled vocals and a track that humbly sits back to let them shine. It's lovely.

Marian & Famo Since 1991 are set to release her debute EP this month. The singer/songwriter worked with the likes of Producers John Key (India Shawn) and Roman GianArthur of Wondaland Arts Society (Janelle Monae). Room for Living is sure to showcase Marian's universal and refreshing sound, and was actually recorded in her own living room.

I recently (finally) had the chance to hear Marian live and my excitement was through the roof. Her live shows are very intimate and that same true connection is felt even while listening to this single. Hear Go to London below and stay tuned for Marian's debut EP Room for Living!

Get Go To London HERE!