Watch: A Young Nicki Minaj Shows of Her Acting Chops

Onika is known now as Nicki Minaj the infamous rapper, but she started as an actress.

Diddy Spends Christmas in St. Barth with Kids, Kim Porter, Russell Simmons & Fam, + Andre Harrell & Fam

Every year Diddy is posted up somewhere nice with his kids for Christmas.. or any day of the year really. Diddy is one of our favorite celebrity dads. He seems to always have his kids, or at least he posts about them all day every day, and they love him back.

Ludacris pulls off Mile High Proposal to Longtime Girlfriend Eudoxie!

Luda pulled off the perfect "Mile High Proposal" for long time girlfriend the beautiful Eudoxie Mbouguiyengue. The two are currently on a couples trip with a few other celeb couples we love. Headed to Costa Rica, Luda popped the question in a super cool way. As you see above the aerial view was beautiful, and Eudoxie looked completely stunned.

New Music: Brandy & India Arie- Silent Night!

Brandy and India. Arie are two artists who are appreciated all over the world for being incredibly gifted. To have them come together for a Christmas classic like Silent Night is everything.

Merry Christmas: India Shawn Sings Oh Holy Night & I cried

We'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! May we celebrate the birth of Christ with our loved ones and count our blessings! This is my favorite Christmas song and you guys know India is one of my favorite voices. This is perfect!

107.9 Quickies!

If you've been paying any attention to hip hop news lately, you know that a few people are in their feelings over the success of rapper Iggy Azalea. The general consensus for some is that Iggy is just another example of the ever present "white washing" of black culture. There are some people (including Iggy) who can't seem to understand what  the problem is.

Yes! It's Here! New Music: Jade Novah- Christmas Medley 2014

These two are something else. I just love them. Jade Novah and producer Devin Johnson are now holiday staples. Every year we can expect an exceptional addition to our Christmas playlists. This years offering is a medley of remakes of today's hits ranging from pop and r&b to a Disney classic!

Stream: D'Angelo Releases First Album in 14 years- 'Black Messiah'

My excitement is so real right now. Music lovers have waited 14 long years for one of the best contributors to music history to drop another album. D'Angelo is arguably this generations best soul artist. He captured listeners almost twenty years ago with his incredibly smooth falsetto and his effortless sex appeal.

New Video: Jhene Aiko- Wading!

This is Jhene Aiko like you've never seen her. Yesterday she premiered the visual for a fan favorite from her debut album, a song called Wading. In it, the usual chill and simply dressed Jhene is a sexy thigh high leather rocking glam doll.

Watch: Beyonce Releases Short Film- 'Yours and Mine'

Beyonce is celebrating one year since the release of arguably her most talked about album- Beyonce. She surprised and shocked us all by secretly releasing it to the world a year ago. 

Hollywood Comes Out to Support Rihanna at First Diamond Ball for Her Clara Lionel Foundation!

Just a bit ago, Rihanna announced the launch of her charitable effort, the Clara Lionel Foundation. We've kept track of a couple of things Rih and her team have been able to do with this charity, and it's been great to watch. Recently rumors started to swirl about a ball being held as a fundraiser for the foundation. Turns out it wasn't a rumor at all.

Midweek Inspiration with YogaPhD- Surrender

When I left the projects in Cincinnati in 2004, for Spelman College. I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I knew that I was going to become an educator to provide an equitable opportunity for all students, regardless of race, class, gender, or socioeconomic status, to learn. I was blessed with the opportunity from Ms. Sellers at Western Hills High School, to attend college. I knew that I always wanted to go to college, but didn't know how I was going to get there. She helped me bring this dream to fruition, and I want and do the same things for students of color in Prince George's County Maryland.

Jay Z Helps Organize To Get Athletes "I Cant Breathe" Shirts + Jayonce Meets The Royals

Yesterdays Cavs vs. Nets game was super cool for a couple of reasons. For starters Jay Z and the athletes used their platform to get behind the social movements for justice. The hashtags #BlackLivesMatter and #ICantBreathe have been circulating the Internets for days now following the murders of unarmed black men and women at the hands of "police". We've been following a few of the stories. Mainstream celebrities like Jay Z are always scrutinized by people who feel like they don't take a stand and get involved. Last night Jay Z posed with a few athletes pregame wearing black I Cant Breathe shirts, but of course this wasnt enough.

Hot 107.9 Quickies! Lil Wayne Wants Out of Cash Money + Chris Brown & Karrueche Split ...again

While we've heard talk of Cash Money records mishandling their artists and their artists' money before, I doubt that any of us ever thought it would be Wayne speaking on it. This week rapper Lil Wayne- who by all means has carried Cash Money on his back took to his personal twitter account to share with fans the real reason his highly anticipated Carter V album has yet to be released.

Brandy's Exclusive Interview with The Brandy Blog- Talks New Album, Spirituality, & Wanting to work with Jhene Aiko

Well this is a little glimmer of sweetness in a pretty frustrating day for me! We Starz know and love Vaughn for giving us the Brandy Blog (.com) and for always having the genuine sitdowns with Bran. She does some of her best interviews with him.

Movement Music: Alice Smith x Sam Dew x David Sitek .. SHELL SHOCK #BlackLivesMatter

Music and artistic expression is usually at it's best during time of personal struggle or celebration. This best is magnified when that struggle or celebration is shared with others. America as a whole is definitely struggling right now.

Just yesterday, it was announced that the cop responsible for the death of Eric Garner would not be indicted. This announcement came on the heels of the announcement that Darren Wilson would not be indicted for killing Mike Brown. Many people took to the streets in protest (me being one of them). The wheels have started to turn more vigorously, and people are strategizing and plotting ways to better affect necessary change in our society regarding the worth of black lives.

#TBT Happy 45th Birthday Jay Z

Wah! Today is my fave's birthday. If you want an example of how you can make change as a human being (even though he's suggested that he'd never change) take a minute to learn up on Shawn Carter. As a fan I always believed that this guy was a family guy, and someone who really did want to live in a better society than that which birthed and raised him.

Chris Rock May Have Given the Best Interview Ever Talks Obama, Ferguson, & Race

Chris Rock is arguably one of the funniest people to ever live, so to say he's smart is sort of like a given for me. Most really great  comedians are smart. They have to be. They have to be extremely witty, quick on their feet. They also have to be one of those people who just knows everything.. random things.. smart.

Chris recently sat down with Frank Rich from New York magazine and gave one the most brilliant interviews I've ever read from top to bottom. He covered the tough questions with so much simplicity and accuracy(in my opinion) that it feels like he needs a job as an advisor somewhere. I won't say much more because his interview is quite lengthy, but man is it good. Salute to Frank Rich too because a good interview always starts with the questions. Rich's questions are in bold.. Rock's answers follow

See Solange's Beautiful Honeymoon photos!

Solange married her boo a couple of weeks ago in what appeared to be the coolest ceremony ever. The photographs released depicted Solange and her love Alan's very stylish and cool approach to life. Surrounded by family and friends the occasion was the talk of social media for days.

Halle Berry Takes Ex Gabriel to Court for Straightening & Dyeing 6 yr old Nahla's Hair

Todays media culture LOVES the dismantling of romantic celeb relationships. We praise them until they collapse and then we indulge in their demise. Halle's separation from model Gabriel has been a spectacle for media attention mainly because caught at the center of this is their darling little girl- Nahla. The relationship has been of little interest to me, until now.

New Music- James Fauntleroy- The Warmest Winter Ever Christmas EP

One of our favorite artists/songwriters to ever do it- James Fauntleroy just released 10 brand new tracks for the Christmas season. He tweeted last night that his Christmas record was nothing but slow jams and that fans would be getting their hands on it soon. As promised the soundcloud link to The Warmest Winter Ever was posted shortly after.

In Memory of Mike Brown: Lauryn Hill- "I Find it Hard to Say"

I don't have many words to say right now at this time. They will come later, but I do send up prayers for the family of Mike Brown, the people who have peacefully protested on the streets of cities worldwide, and our black children in this country.

Just wanted to post something for him today. As most times, when I'm out of words to say.. music comes through with the boom to get my point across. This song, "I Find it Hard to Say" written and performed by Lauryn Hill at her infamous, Unplugged session for MTV is perfect for this moment. When Lauryn speaks of rebelling.. she's calling for us to go outside of the norm to excite change.

Run For Justice! Londrelle Hall & Ray Mills Run over 540 Miles From Atlanta To Ferguson

In the wake of a tragedy like the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, many people find incredible ways to stand up for their beliefs and move a cause forward. Thats the case for Londrelle Hall and Ray Mills. These two men decided to run more than 540 miles from Atlanta, GA to Ferguson, Missouri in an effort to not only bring awareness to whats happening there, but really whats happening to our boys around the nation.

New Video: Beyonce- '7/11'

Yonce is full of surprises lately. This week two of her unreleased records "leaked" to the internets. Fans went crazy over the fun & ratchet "7/11" song as well as one where Beyonce apparently sings to her mom about divorcing her dad - a song titled "Ring Off". Both songs are set to be on the rerelease of Bey's self titled album that she sprung on us.

World News: Nobel prize winner Malala Yousafzai gives $50,000 to reconstruct schools

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl shot by the Taliban for simply getting an education, won the Nobel Peace Prize this year, and she's donating her earnings towards the reconstruction of schools in Gaza.

#Share2Inspire: Lessons Learned from Jada

Resilient. Sensual. Confident. Brave. Strength. Beauty. Wisdom. Passionate. Genuine.  

These are just a few of the words that come to mind when I think of Jada Pinkett-Smith. She wears many hats in the industry that range from actor/writer/director to an active advocate for women. She is also happily married to actor, Will Smith, and mother to Willow, Jaden, and stepson Trey. One of my favorite things about Jada is her vulnerability and passionate expression about the things that are important to her, whether it be about family or fighting against sex trafficking (Check out the trailer for the documentary "Rape for Profit"executive produced by Jada Pinkett-Smith). She exudes a calming and peaceful energy and insurmountable strength. And I think it's safe to say that she epitomizes the essence of womanhood and female strength.

New Music: Gospel Favorite Fred Hammond Releases New Album- 'I Will Trust' + See New Video

I've been really trying to hold on to my seat about this album guys, and it's finally here. Fred Hammond is solely respondible for my love of Christian music. At a very early age, he was my favorite. His sound, his lyrics, the fact that his background and band was always so solid.. I just loved it. I remember my mom going out and buying me the new albums and/or DVDs when they dropped- I was that into it.

Solange Knowles Marries Her Boo Alan Ferguson- See the flawless photos!

I have long been smitten with this relationship. Solange Knowles and director Alan Ferguson were married in a beautiful ceremony in New Orleans. From the few photos we have just seen from Vogue, the two kept to their ultra simple, but incredibly fashionable sense of style for their big day.

The Concert For Valor Was Star Studded - Jessie J, Rihanna, Eminem, JHud, Carrie Underwood, & more! (vid)

HBO aired a special tribute for Veterans Day. The live show featured some of music's biggest names, as well as others in entertainment. The celebrities yielded their talents to pause and celebrate Veterans day right in the heart of our nation's capital.

New Music: Omarion ft. Jhene Aiko + Chris Brown- Post to Be

Omarion has been in the news lately because of his role on hit reality show Love & Hip Hop Hollywood. Just last night we witnessed his girlfriend give birth to their son. It was a beautiful scene and we're wishing their new family nothing but the best.

Monday Motivation with Yoga PhD You think you know, but you have no idea!

When I began my doctoral program two years ago, I knew it would be hard, but I really had no idea! I have always been really good in school, and have maintained A's throughout high school, college, and grad school. But this PhD life required another level of thinking! I felt like each day that I left class, I didn't know or understand anything that the professor went over that day! What always trips me up, are theoretical frameworks! There are hundreds of theoretical frameworks, that a doctoral student can utilize to frame or guide their research study. But I am always finding too many that could definitely guide my dissertation. Every professor says, you do not have a study if you don' have a theoretical framework. Just know that I have one semester left to find a theoretical framework.

He's a Business, Mann! First Jay Z Made Ace of Spades Popular- Now He Owns It

Jay Z is a trend setter. He's used to introducing products to the masses and them becoming "the it thing." From whats hot to wear, to whats hot to collect, and even whats hot to drink- Jay is one of a handful of celebs who hugely impact the culture. We used to hear him rap about Cristal in every rhyme until his boycott of the brand back in 2006. He soon switched over to "Ace of Spades" and has been rocking with it ever since.

Oh Baby! Kelly Rowland and Husband Welcome Baby Boy- Titan Jewell

Well, that felt quick! Maybe for everybody but Kelly and her husband Tim. They welcomed their new baby boy Titan Jewell yesterday afternoon. He's a healthy baby weighing 7.5 lbs!

Bizarre World News: Father invites daughter's alleged rapist for dinner, murders him

Seeking revenge for his young daughter's rape, an Indian father took matters into his own hands, according to The Indian Express newspaper.

New Video: Ariana Grande ft. The Weeknd - Love Me Harder

Ariana Grande just released her new visual for her jam Love Me Harder. The video features her collaborator for the track- The Weeknd, and it's pretty sensual and graphic. The footage gives us a look at Grande's sexier self which is not surprising. It's my guess that she and her team are slowly but surely trying to break away from the little girl image that Ariana  is known for. This transformation also comes on the heels of a new boo- Ariana is now openly dating rapper, Big Sean.

Beyonce and Blue Ivy are Janet & Michael Jackson for Halloween! (pics)

Beyonce and her little girl are getting into Halloween by honoring another very famous family- the Jacksons. Photos have emerged of Blue, Jay Z, and Beyonce in New York, and Bey and Blue are in full costume!

Mo'ne Davis is Featured in Teen Vogue

 Mo'ne Davis was first feature on here a few months ago after she made Little League World Series herstory ;) Since then, she's been everywhere showing off real girl power.

Recently, she was photographed for a Teen Vogue feature. She strikes a power pose in the above photo, and I think it's befitting. Mo'ne is gorgeous, but more important she's super talented. She's established her name and arm as a force among young and old athletes alike.

Relationships Advice: Sarah Jakes & Her Fiance' Pastor Toure' Roberts Talk Relationships!

Before I get into talking about this video, I want to let you guys know how awesome Sarah is. In the spirit of social media.. let me give her my W.oman C.rush W.ednesday!  Sarah Jakes was introduced to me on twitter. I knew of the last name, but I didn't really know anything about her. We followed one another on twitter, and then she heard my weird cry of having 999 followers on IG, and she came through with the BOOM to get me away from that weird number (LOL). She just comes off as genuine and querky, and semi reserved in a sense. As I started to pay Sarah attention I saw a lot of myself in her.

We have very similar backgrounds.. popular Pastor dads, powerful mothers, talented siblings, and the all too familiar microscopic lens on our lives because of it. As I read her book, Lost & Found I read so much of my own life story.Of course Sarah being Bishop Jakes' daughter was a whole next level kind of situation. Even though my microscope was city wide and hers nation wide, I felt her heart SO much. The lessons found in Sarah's life speak to all people, but as a Pastors kid, I was really thankful that there was finally a voice that not only spoke on our behalf, but that could also help Pastors and other leaders learn about what their children face. Excellent work.

Rihanna Stops Through ATL to Celebrate First Ever "ROGUE" Men's Fragrance Launch

This weekend was amazing for Atlanta Rihanna Navy. Rih flew into Atlanta for just one day to celebrate the launch of her Men's fragrance ROGUE here at Macy's (Lenox Mall). The first few hundred fans to purchase the fragrance on Friday were guaranteed a meet and greet with Rihanna when she stopped by.

Tiny Confirms She Changed Her Eye Color- Would You Ever Do It?

Last week there was a buzz on the internets that singer/writer & business woman Tameka Tiny Harris (also TI's wife) had posted a photo on instagram claiming to have permanently changed her eye color. At first sight, I assumed it was just another random photo shopped photo floating around twitter, because obviously that’s a popular occurrence.

Monday Motivation from Yoga PhD: Put Yourself Out There!!!!!

When I first started my doctoral program, I was super lost! I am pursuing my PhD in Teaching and Teacher Education and minor in Education Policy. Because I am pursuing PhD and not an EdD, it requires a different level of thinking. I had never taken an philosophy course, or statistics course in my life! I began to doubt my abilities and my purpose of changing the arena of education for students of color. I knew that I was supposed to be in a doctoral program, but the only way that I was going to survive was to build relationships with people to develop skills that I lacked in, and further develop my strengths. This seems like a no-brainer right, but it was a bit intimidating being the only Black person in classes advocating for students of color that didn't reflect a deficit paradigm. (This is a different subject for another post.)

Love It! Dwyane Wade's 1 on 1 Game With 90 yr. old Grandma Nelly Made Me Cry!

Yall, this is the most beautiful thing I've seen all week. I cried. 90 yr. old Illuminada Magtoto  "Grandma Nelly" is a huge fan of Wade and the Heat. Just before turning 90, she posted the cutest video challenging one of the most known basketball players to a one on one game.

World News: U.S.-led air strikes kill hundreds of Islamist fighters

The United States has been carrying out air strikes against the Islamic State in Iraq since July and in Syria since September with the help of Arab allies, Britain and France, according to a report by Reuters.

New Music: Thoughts on Joe Buddens OLS4 (explicit)?

Music in any form has always been about expression, feeling, emoting.. Some rappers are better story tellers because they better express themselves in their lyrics. It's honorable in today's music scene to have a rapper who will be open and express their sensitive side vs rap about clubs, money, hoes, things that don't mean anything in the end.

Tyga Opens Up: Says Drake is Fake, Talks Why He Had to Take a Break From Chyna & More

Young Money seems to be one of the tightest crews in the game. The artists are forever repping their set, with very few instances of any one of them showing unhappiness with the way things work over there. We've heard rumors in the past about Drake being unhappy at times, money issues, people not seeing checks, but that stuff usually comes and goes..until recently.

11yr. old Madyson Symphony Covers Ariana Grande's "Almost Is Never Enough"

Madyson Symphony has been stealing hearts with her beautiful voice on youtube since she was 3. Now, she's in the 6th grade, and her voice is still just as beautiful.

When she isn't singing around her home town, Madyson is enjoying playing basketball for her school, Bloomington Jr. High.When asked why she chose Ariana Grande this time, she said that she just loves her voice. She said that Ariana has a skill and tone that she really likes, "her songs are singable" is how she put it.

Yess! Brandy, MC Lyte, YoYo, & Queen Latifah Reunite for I Wanna Be Down Remix Performance

Brandy fans have been celebrating 20yrs of Brandy's reign as the best vocalist in the game all year. The BET Hip Hop Awards paused to recognize the singer and her throwback jam premiere single- I Wanna Be Down. The remix featured some of hip hops best MCs who happen to be women.

World News: President Obama reviews foreign, domestic response to #Ebola

With all the hysteria among Americans about the Ebola virus making its presence known in the United States, President Barack Obama implored his national security and public health officials to incorporate lessons from the most recent infection in Texas into our country's response to the deadly virus.

Share 2 Inspire: Inspired by TDE's SZA

Sometimes we all just need a moment to reflect and music has always been a way for me to escape. Certain artists have the ability to create music that inspires me to just travel with my thoughts. Erykah Badu, India Arie and Jill Scott to name a few but lately, TDE Recording Artist SZA has been taking me to another place with her recent EP release, Z.

Patience Tested...Yoga Improved

The year I started my doctoral program, I was still a full time 12th grade AP English teacher. I didn't realize just how much patience I didn't have until, one day I asked my students to pass up papers. The students began to pass the papers toward my desk. Not even a second later, I said pass up the papers. Then one more second passed, and I said it again. If you know 12th grade students, one of my kids said: Ms. Woods, chill! We are passing the papers up.

New Video: Reality Stars and Atlanta's Who's Who Make Cameos in Dri Jack's New Video for GOSSIP!

Tonight I joined a crowd of movers and shakers, creatives, and media outlets for an exclusive viewing of Glam Rock Soul Princess Dri Jack's new video for her banger Gossip. The room was packed as we mingled and prepared for the premiere. Dri entered decked out in a black and white number. She's so small and unassuming, but her personality and voice are huge! We all sat in anticipation of what Dri and her team had come up with for the visual.

Jagged Edge & B. Cox Host Private Listening Session for New Album- JE Heartbreak II

Last night just as stores were closing, some exclusively invited guests packed out the location where a private listening session was being held for Jagged Edge. The place filled up quickly, and the energy was thick. The fellas have written and produced (along with Bryan- Michael Cox who sort of MC'd the whole session) an album that fans and supporters will love. 

Jagged Edge maintains the same sound and approach to music that they've had since the beginning. Brandon and Brian elaborated on why that was important saying that they simply sing to and about women. The twins were there for the entire night. They were joined towards the end of the night by other member Kyle, but made sure to make note that they are still a group, the other two fellas were just unavailable.

First Steps: Yoga PhD Explains How Yoga Became A part of Her Life

I will never forget the day I was riding in the car with two women I admire, Traci and Nahliah, expressing how stressed I was. I had just finished my first semester as a part-time doctoral student, and a full time 12th grade Advanced Placement teacher. Nahliah, stated, "Kisha you have to take care of yourself." It wasn't something I hadn't heard, since Spelman. My parents did not have money to help me throughout college, so I worked full time at the Atlanta Airport and Forver21 to cover my bills, while going to Spelman full time.

Tid bits on my Luke James Experience Sunday! (video)

                                                  
Be sure to get Luke James' self titled debut album in stores now!

Brandy Does Track By Track Recall for 20th Anniversary of Debut- "Brandy" album

This past weekend, Brandy celebrated the 20th anniversary of her first album, Brandy. For many artists and music lovers alike, that album introduced us to a voice and talent that we'd never experienced before. Since that release, Brandy has continued to set the bar very high when it comes to vocal production and musicality.

Photo Of the Moment Double Date Jay & Bey Chill with Swizz & Alicia Keys

How cute. Over the weekend music lovers got a huge treat in the form of the Global Citizen festival. Jay brought Beyonce out as a surprise (maybe not), and many more artists/celebs were in attendance. This photo shows the Deans and the Carters hanging out in the cut- probably having regular married couples convo.