New Music: J Cole- Truly Yours 2

One of my favorite rappers in the game right now just released the second part to his Truly Yours mixtape series. Cole grabbed the likes of fellow rappers 2 Chainz and Jeezy this time around. From the moment I heard J Cole on his first and critically acclaimed mixtape The Come Up I pretty much knew we had a problem on our hands.

J Cole has consistently kept my attention as a lyricist since then. This latest mixtape is sure to hold us over a few more days until his album Born Sinner drops June 25th. Now while Cole is known for having a very colorful choice of words- I rock with him because when he's on lyrically and metaphorically he is ON!

This mixtape samples a couple of your fave records such as the classic Nothing Even Matters by Lauryn and D'Angelo. Download Cole's Truly Yours 2 mixtape HERE.

New Music: Chris Brown- I Can't Win

Chris Brown never leaves his fans without new music for long. Tonight the crooner dropped a heavy lyrical r&b record for fans entitled, "I Can't Win".

The song speaks of his love for a woman and how they both have their hang ups. One can't help but  wonder where Chris' inspiration for this latest release comes from. He recently unfollowed Rihanna on twitter and she soon followed Drake on Instagram causing the media to make up whatever stories they can.

What I've learned of Chris is that he puts his all into his music, whatever you want to know is there- no need for speculation. So, I try to stay clear of that media game, but if this record is about Rihanna, it's quite a peek into Chris' love for her, and his hope that it works.

I actually really dig this record. It's a great write, and of course the vocals are on point. I love when Chris releases random songs. This guy is so underrated as a vocalist. Truly an overall artist for this generation.

Chris made it clear that this record is not on his highly anticipated album, X which drops this summer, but I'm sure fans appreciate it none the less.

Michael Jordan weds Yvette Prieto

Congratulations is in order for Michael Jordan, a newly married man as of Saturday!

New Video: Sean Kingston ft. Chris Brown & Wiz Khalifa- Beat It

These guys obviously like to goof around. They're often seen hanging out together outside of work, so to see a collaboration is not surprising.

Sean Kingston & his friends are talking about what most celeb boys their age are talking about.. girls. The fellas released a behind the scenes video of their studio session recording the song not too long ago, but I'm sure fans are still glad to get the official release.

Seems Like Rihanna Makes #HistoRih for a Living - Grabs New Billboard Record

I tweeted that I feel like this is becoming a monthly thing for me. Trying to keep up with Rih's accomplishments is proving to be work! The Pop star was captured this past weekend sharing some pool time with friends and this ADORABLE little guy in Miami. Great weekend.. and she's off to a great week!

Today Billboard officially announced that our girl Rihanna has grabbed yet another record on their charts- most Pop No. 1s!! For a while now she's been tied with her industry gal pal Katy Perry, both having blazed the Pop charts with 9 No. 1 singles.

With what's arguably one of her most praised songs recorded to date, Rihanna's single, Stay has won the hearts of the masses. So much so that this unconventional record by the Bajan princess has made Billboard history. In it's 20 yrs. of existence, Rihanna is the first artist to have 10 Pop No. 1s!

Stay is a beautiful ballad written and performed with singer Mikky Ekko. While Rihanna is known for some amazing dance, club records, her live performance of Stay has mummed many critics and gained the Pop Icon a few fans as well.

Well... even though I feel like I'll be back saying this in about a month or so, congrats to Rihanna on her latest record breaking success.

Somebody tell them Hip Hop Took it This Far: Jay Z the face of what Hip Hop can really do

In the song So Ambitious from Jay Z's Blueprint III album, he addresses his life in the hood and the struggle to get out of it. He creatively ties in his upbringing and the obvious forces working against what he felt he could become. In the second verse he sums it up:

I had to lace up my boots even harder, Father is too far away to father Further-more all the kids either- smoke reefer or either move white, theres few righteous in my cypher, So they made... light of.. my type a dreams seem dumb..They said wise up, how many guys a you see making it from here? The world don’t like us, is that not clear? 

Alright but.......... 

I'm different, I can’t base what I'm gon' be off a what everybody isn’t. They don’t listen, just whispering behind my back,No vision, lack of ambition,So wack!

Interesting enough this guy who no one could see becoming anything more than a reefer head or drug dealer is now gracing the cover of Time Magazine's Top 100 Influential people. Amazing right? I was a bit taken a back by an irrational headline today concerning Hip Hop and the suspect in Boston's bombing. Like, really what do they know about Hip Hop? While many lyrics do tell stories of hardship and violence, Hip Hop at it's essence has changed so many lives in a positive way. Jay Z and this cover was the first thing that came to my mind when I thought about that headline.

If not for Hip Hop, where would Jay Z be? What about his many contributions to his hometown, his neighborhood? The opportunities he's afforded so many others...? What about his efforts to engage youth in political process? What about his story (which may even be your story) of struggle being shared around the world, and how it may have even landed in the ears of people with a little power to change things. What about how  his words have helped change the perspective of many concerning the reality of many black men in this country. What about the basic concept that lives in the minds of many young black boys in the hood because of Jay Z, the idea of, "If he can do it, so can I"?

What about these things? They all stem from a simple love of rhyming and a gift of words. They all stem from Hip Hop.

Everyone knows Jay is my favorite Hip Hop mogul. He's just an inspiration. Along with covering Time, he and wife Beyonce were named the first Billionaire couple in music this week. He has an adorable toddler, beautiful family, growth, maturation, a presence, and respectable name that many who start life with silver spoons in their mouths never attain.

I'm proud of this guy. Hip Hop definitely took it this far.

Three dead, 130 injured by explosions at Boston Marathon

Two bombs exploded near the finish line at the Boston Marathon on Monday, injuring 130 people and killing three. According to reports, injuries include dismemberment, shrapnel wounds, open fractures and limb injuries. An 8-year-old boy is one of three known dead, multiple news outlets reported.

PressPlay New Music: Drake & James Fauntleroy- Girls Love Beyonce

Drake promised fans this week that he'd drop some new music for them. Looks like he's a man of his word.

Today he released a track, "Girls Love Beyonce" featuring one of my favorite creatives James Fauntleroy. The record samples the infamous Say My Name record released by Destiny's Child years ago.

Hear what Drake has to say about this known fact below.

You dig it?

Jada Pinkett Smith READS you Rumor Mills DOWNE concerning her marriage!

For some reason, Will and Jada P. Smith's marriage is always up for discussion. Part of me believes that the overwhelming majority of Americans (and dare I say it -specifically African Americans) can't bear to stand the idea that maybe, just maybe, they are a black couple in Hollywood with no tricks. One that is just truly standing the test of time.

The conversation is always about how open their relationship is, if Will is gay, or even if Jada is seeing other people. While this isn't the first time one of the two powerhouses have addressed these rumors, Jada was so on point this time, that I had to share it. Just moments ago she jumped on FB to address these same rumors that have popped up again in main stream media after a comment she recently made.

While this applies to her situation, she gives some serious relationship gems overall. Check her post out below!

Please teach us Jada!

Drake Says He Makes Chris Brown Insecure in New Interview & so on....

Tonight Drake caught up with Elliott Wilson to discuss everything. New music, business ventures, YM, Wayne, a whole lot was discussed. What seems to be the highlight though is Drake finally speaking his mind on the ongoing beef he has with Chris Brown.

The world speculates that Chris and Aubrey (Drake) are at ends because of Rihanna. What did Rih do..? Tell two grown men to interview beef over her and throw bottles? I doubt that.

Chris has made a few comments, he's had some twitter moments, they've been in the media for bottle fights... a lot has happened.

Tonight to my partial delight, Drake made a lot of valid points, I was riding with him for a lot of what he said. He was mature about some of it, but before I could cozy my cute little bum into my seat, the shade came pouring in.

It was extremely subtle but defiiiintely there. He talked about the media playing on Chris' insecurities.

According to Drake, he(Drake), "makes better music than him (Chris), is more popping than him, and at one time the woman he (Chris) loves fell into my lap, and I did what any real nigga would do and treated her with respect."

Interesting enough just a few more seconds down the interview and the "respect" for Rih is out of the window when he clarifies that he's not thinking about "that girl" (Rihanna).. Elliott immediately says "All respect to her" and Drake replies, "I guess. You can put the cordial words in there." Drake. Dude. Come on. The "I guess" was such an "I guess" that a woman gives with her eyes rolling and her mouth turned up.

Chris made sure to come online and tweet, "Lol" almost immediately after the interview aired.

I'm saddened by this. It's funny on the surface, but foolish overall. They are so emotional!!!!!! LOL

Christopher and Aubrey and these high or low levels of testosterone or lack there of need to figure it out. No need to compliment one another or even defend one another in one sentence, only to shade or diss in the next. I have respect for both of these men as artists, but this whole Bajan War V is becoming trite, and for what? Find some grown man and use it guys.

Annnnywho, I've written more than I planned. Check out the full interview  below. Part 4 has all of the Chrianna talk.

When Hov Responds: #NewMusic Jay Z - Open Letter

There's been a lot of talk lately about my fave. Everybody from politicians to Clueless prelebs taking shots at him.

The main problem folks are having is that he and his lovely wife Beyonce took a trip to Cuba for their anniversary. People are feeling like Jay Z invested money into an oppressive culture. I say... you can't really talk to a black man born and raised in inner-city New York...in AMERICA about another country's oppression.

If it's not that, folks are talking about his new ventures in sports. It's always something. I never know if my favorite Hip Hop mogul is going to respond to things. Most of it is beneath him, but I'm always glad when he does.

Check out this new record just recorded last night, produced by two of his good friends and incredible producers, Timbaland and Swizz!!!! This week must've inspired him! Ha! Yessss HOV!

Video of the Moment: Chris Brown #FineChina

I can't describe how much I'm loving this song at the moment. This is the lane I love Chris Brown  in.

Of course he's an epic pop artist and makes a lot of dance tracks, but truth be told, the boy is a SINGER. He needs records that display that too on the radio.

This song has been receiving praise from everybody. It's fresh and gives  a Michael Jackson groove in 2013. It's just great!

Chris went on an epic promo tour for this single and video (which is also something unique and MJ-esque) hitting up radio stations and answering questions he has been swerving for years.

It 's clear to me that something is going right in Chris' life at the moment. I hope he stays focused on his incredible gift and abilities. This new album X is sure to be something special!

#PressPlay New Music- Britney Holmes Covers Drink in My Cup

One of my favorite tweeties Britney Holmes is finally releasing some fresh music for us. Britney has been behind the scenes as a writer for a while, but is getting ready to release her solo project finally.

She'll be releasing a few other covers in  the coming months. Get INTO her cover of Drank in My Cup. Her delivery is incredible. This cover has been receiving lots of love on twitter. I know she has a few more coming! Stay tuned for more from my girl Britney!

Source says Beyonce and Jay Z trip to Cuba approved

One of our favorite couples in music caused quite a stir while celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary. Jay-Z and Beyonce spent time in Havana, Cuba, attracting large crowds wherever they went. The trip also drew criticism far and wide because of a decades-long U.S. trade embargo against Cuba preventing most Americans from traveling to the communist island for tourism and leisure purposes, without a license granted by the U.S. government.

When Brandy is Your Mom

Starz are getting to see a lot more of Brandy's personal life as of late. She's really opened her heart to us in behind the scenes videos and things like that. I got to see her interact with her adorable daughter Sy rai when she was here a few months ago. One thing is clear, Bran loooooooves her baby.

In the below footage we get to see what we already knew.. Sy rai has heard some SINGIN in her life. When Brandy is your mom you're definitely afforded an incredible ear in music by default. Listen...when her phone calls sound like that... babygirl's impression is probably hard to come by. Sy rai is a little cutey. I wonder if she'll continue the tradition of music like her family or maybe go into something else creative.

It's just really cute for me to see Bran as a mom. It seems like Sy rai grew up over night really. Check out a random phone call between mommy & daughter below. Also check out a few hilarious moments thanks to Bran and her team's Japan adventure. She is hilarious.

#PressPlay New Music: Mylah-Silver & Gold EP

Atlanta has been holding on tightly to an artist that I know the masses will love. Mylah is a singer/songwriter residing here in ATL. I've had the pleasure of knowing and sharing the stage with her a few times, she's incredible. Over the years Mylah has stayed true to her sound and her approach. She's got this sexy, blunt, and true r& b feel to her that we all love. When she hits the stage or the studio, all of that comes through.

Mylah just released her latest project, Silver & Gold, a small collection of some of her most recent work.The EP is one of two projects Mylah will be dropping this year! Produced by the epic Bryan-Michael Cox, Mylah is giving us the r&b music we really want on this project. Fan favorite "Honest" goes OFF to the tune of a woman simply asking her dude to keep it real, regardless. She kills this one live too!

I'm really excited for what this year is going to bring Mylah! She's so focused and dedicated to her art, and talented on top of that. I've been a fan .. and I'm ready! 

Listen & Download Mylah's full EP here!

Colorado prosecutors seek death penalty for shooting suspect

Remember this creepy looking guy, James Holmes? He's the suspect in last year's shooting at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, in which 12 people were killed and dozens injured. Prosecutors will seek the death penalty for Holmes after the defense attorneys suggested Holmes would be willing to plead guilty in exchange for life in prison without parole, according to news reports.