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Stars Align For Stevie Wonder Tribute Special

The Grammy’s have put together a musical celebration of excellence, honoring icon Stevie Wonder with an all-star tribute tonight called “Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life — An All-Star Grammy Salute” currently airing on CBS. With over 25 Grammy awards under his belt, Wonder has blazed a path that few will ever be able to find.

Artists participating include; Beyonce, Ariana Grande, Babyface, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, Pharrell, Jill Scott and more, in a nod to the an entire generation that has been influenced by “Little Stevie Wonder.”

Taped shortly after the 2015 Grammy Awards, Wonder recently told The Times, “These moments are just incredible.”

Take a look at Beyonce & Ed Sheeran’s performance below:

Hip-Hop Rumors: Future Claps Back At Ciara

In a war of the words Future looks like he’s fed up with Ciara throwing shots his way and recently shot back with some lyrics of his own.

In Cici’s latest single ‘Bet You’ she sings,

“You actin’ like you upgrading me,

I upgraded you.”

Not only did Future post a pic of Ciara’s sworn enemy Rihanna, he also clapped back via Instagram with an interesting yet simple caption:

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Benzino Unveils Althea Heart's Upcoming "Controversy" EP During All-Star Weekend

Producer, entrepreneur and reality star Benzino teamed up with long standing outwear brand Pelle Pelle for a listening party over this year’s NBA All-Star weekend for his fiance Althea Heart, who has ventured into music ahead of her debut EP, Controversy. Held as a feature of the Hip Hop Weekly Interview Lounge, the event was presented in conjunction with Tiny’s Tequila Art of Luxury Beauty/Grooming Lounge, which also treated attendees to luxury spa services and specialty cocktails as Tiny and “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Demetria McKinney served as the hosts for the evening.

Also in attendance was “Empire” star Seraya and Marcus Scribner from ABC’s#### show “Black-ish,” who was also gifted with an official Pele Pelle jacket. Other faces in the crowd included, Tara Wallace of this season’s “Love & Hip Hop NY and artist Rahzel from The Roots.

Proudly introducing Althea “Thi Thi” Heart, Benzino also served as the executive producer and revealed that the album will be a joint venture between AMS Music Entertainment. The reality star couple, who starred in last season’s record breaking “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta” series, are also rumored to be announcing another reality show in addition to the a one-hour special titled “Being” which is currently in production with Centric.

 

PHOTO CREDIT – kenthephotographer / GTM

Eddie Murphy Returns To SNL, Sort Of

Despite not having appeared on Saturday Night Live since leaving the cast in 1984, famed comedian Eddie Murphy left a string of memorable sketches including his version of James Brown, Gumby, Buckwheat and more. After the long running sketch comedy show announced that Murpy would (finally) return for their 40th Anniversary special, many anxiously awaited his return, only to be disappointed by a brief cameo that lasted all of 73 seconds.

Yes you read that right.

Fellow comedian Chris Rock, who joined the show in the early 90s, gave an introduction in which he recounted the road that Murphy had paved for them all before joking “He came out and did a yo mama joke. I’m serious. This was on national TV. He came out and he said, ‘Your mama got a mouth on the back of her neck and the b#### chew like this.”

Murphy then came to the stage to share a few brief words of his own, “This show is such a big part of who I am and my life, and I’m so happy to be back here and it’s just a magical feeling,” he said. “Actually, it feels like going back to my old high school kind of. It’s a good feeling. I’m really happy that so many people here value the stuff that I did 35 years ago on the show. It really makes me really happy.”

David Banner Ft. Ernestine Johnson – "Evil Knievil"

David Banner is a key player in hip hop activism and over the last couple of years, has been spreading the message through his music. As Banner preps for the release of his forthcoming The God Box album, he releases the official video for “Evil Knievil,” the album’s first single featuring Ernestine Johnson.

Check out the video for  “Evil Knievil” as David Banner continues to do his part to bring social awareness to hip hop. The God Box coming soon.

Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj Reunite For NBA All Star Peformance

In a star-studded weekend that included performances from Ne-Yo and more, this year’s NBA All-Star game halftime show featured pop star Ariana Grande who grabbed reigning rap Queen Nicki Minaj for a 12-minute set that featured her infectious single “Problem” and the Minaj assisted “Bang Bang.”

Grande is currently gearing up for The Honeymoon Tour, which will officially kick off on February 25.

Take a look at the duo below:

Rick Ross Announces "Artists First" Partnership With Dina Marto & Talent Search For Next MMG Artist (VIDEO)

(AllHipHop News) Earlier this evening (February 16), Maybach Music Group boss Rick Ross traveled to Atlanta to announce a new partnership with Twelve Music Group founder Dina Marto. The “Movin’ Bass” rapper and the former Island Def Jam executive have joined forces to launch the new platform Artists First.

[ALSO READ: Rick Ross Announces New MMG Mixtape To Be Released During NBA All-Star Weekend]

Not only will Ross and Marto work together to discover and develop aspiring writers, producers, and performers through Artists First, the new tandem will host a talent search to find the next member of the MMG roster as well. The imprint home of Wale, Meek Mill, Stalley, and Omarion is also opening an office in Atlanta at Marto’s Twelve Studios.

“This is the new home for Maybach Music,” reveals Marto. “Their artists will be recording here. Executives will have offices here, so they can get work done while they’re in the city of Atlanta.”

Marto opened Twelve Studios in 2012. Hit singles such as Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” and Miley Cyrus’ “We Can’t Stop” were produced at the site.

The 31-year-old Jordan born, Georgia raised businesswoman was also presented a proclamation by Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall. The Council honored Marto for her entrepreneurial success in the city and her contributions to the music industry.

Marto previously worked with L.A. Reid and Shakir Stewart as an A&R coordinator at Island Def Jam. The Oglethorpe University graduate also helped develop the careers of Ross and Young Jeezy, and she has worked on projects by Nas, LL Cool J, and Janet Jackson.

“I was signed to Def Jam by Jay Z, and I was actually pulled out of Miami by a young man named Shakir Stewart – rest in peace. Shakir was one of the dudes that I got closest to in this game,” says Ross. “I’d be calling Shake in the middle of the night, and he’d cut his phone off… The next morning he’d say, ‘Rozay, if you can’t get my phone, hit Dina.’ Me seeing her out here grinding, doing her thing, I feel it’s only right that she know she got family here.”

[ALSO READ: Rick Ross – “IDFWU” (Remix)]

Watch footage of Rick Ross announcing the new Artists First platform with Dina Marto and the MMG talent search below.

A video posted by Yohance (@hueymixwitriley) on

A video posted by Yohance (@hueymixwitriley) on

Myniakal – "Wallace and Gromit"

Goldsoul and Myniakal are a hip hop duo from Toronto, Canada; the 20 year old Myniakal is a lyricist, while the 21 year old Goldsoul is a producer. This week, The Signal highlights the trippy visuals for their melodic record, “Wallce and Gromit,” from Goldsoul’s album Soul Music. The video was actually edited and shot by the multi-facected Myniakal, in their hometown of Toronto. Check it out above.

Ila – "10 x 100" Ft. Money Green (P###. By Kings Tomb)

Producer, Ryan King, of the Southern-based, Kings Tomb production, is striving for longevity. Ila, the flagship artist representing the Kings Tomb-collective is ready. The Alabama-bred MC understands what it means to make it out the mud. Relying on both grit and God, Ila, has been blessed with the opportunity to share his story through sincere sixteens.

“10 x 100” features fellow MC, Money Green; take a listen.

 

 

Amber Rose Beefs With Khloe Kardashian…

I swear to you. This stuff is stupid.

Amber Rose said something about Tyga dating Kylie Kardashian on the Power 105 Breakfast Club and all hell broke lose.

Cat and hen

Here is the jist of it all. Amber expressed disappointment in Tyga dating young ass Kylie Kardashian, who is underaged.“She’s a baby, she needs to go to bed at 7 o’clock and relax. [Tyga] should be ashamed of himself. That’s how I feel. For sure. He has a beautiful woman and a baby and left that for a 16-year-old who just turned 17.”

Then big Khloe got into it.
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Is The Kanye Album Finished, But Not “Ready”

Did Kanye West already finish his album and there is an issue? Apparently, this is the case. The issue? The Roc Nation team allegedly has the whole thing, but won’t put it out since there is no furor over the music KW has been releasing. Now, here is the crazy part. Drake and Beyonce have shown and proved that you don’t need that traditional marketing buzz to set the internet ablaze. There is reported worried atmosphere surrounding this project so there may be a concerted effort to get with bigger and bigger names to have a broader impact. Hence, Paul McCartney, Rihanna and a purported song with Taylor Swift. It is definitely all eyes on Kanye. What will he do?

Raheem DeVaughn "My Heart Belongs To You" + "I'm Going Down" Covers

R&B crooner Raheem DeVaughn has been on a roll delivering brilliant R&B covers. The soulful singer is preparing for the release of his much anticipated fifth studio album Love, Sex, Passion (due out Feb. 17). The R&B veteran has released two new noteworthy covers.

One is a soul-stirring cover of Jodeci’s classic, “My Heart Belongs To You,” and second is a remake of “I’m Going Down” by Rose Royce and remade by Mary J. Blige.

Take a listen to both below and pre-order Love, Sex, Passion on iTunes now.


Video By Singersroom.com

Or CLICK HERE for “My Heart Belongs To You”

Amar'e Stoudemire Is No Longer On The New York Knicks

To say that the New York Knicks have had a rough season is an understatement. The team currently has the worst record in the NBA, with only 10 wins and 43 losses for the season. The last few seasons have been turbulent and because of the constant losing one of the team’s stars has decided to jump ship. As of today, Amar’e Stoudemire is no longer a New York Knick.

It has been reported that he and Knicks have reached a buyout agreement regarding his five-year, 99. 7 million contract. Stoudemire wants to join a playoff ready team and is considering joining the Dallas Mavericks. The Los Angeles Clippers and his previous team the Phoenix Suns are also interested in signing him.

Teammate Carmelo Anthony said he respects Stoudemire’s decision.

“One of the main reasons I’m a New York Knick today was because of him. To see him leave, to see the situation where it’s at today, I know what he wants and you have to respect that as an athlete as a competitor,” Anthony said. “When he came [to New York] he brought back some excitement to the game of basketball here in New York. There was hope when he came back. People started believing in the New York Knicks again. He was the main reason for that belief and for that hope.”

EXCLUSIVE: Chrissy Monroe Of 'Love & Hip Hop' Talks Relationship Drama And How Reality TV Has Changed Her Life

Chrissy Monroe is the newest member to the Love and Hip Hop cast and she fits like a glove. She’s sweet as pie but has a fierceness and street savvy that has made her a season five favorite.  AllHipHop caught up with her at the “40z & Waffles Brunch” during All-Star Weekend and she dished on how she has been dealing with her new found fame and her relationship with Chinx Santana.

The Baltimore native says that she joined the show to “bring something new” to the cast and has had no complaints since bringing her life onto the small screen.

“I don’t know why reality TV gets such a bad rep,” Chrissy told All Hip Hop. “It’s been a very positive experience for me personally.”

The show’s creator Mona Scott-Young has gotten backlash from some cast members who felt that they were exploited, set up for fights and portrayed in a negative light. Chrissy says Mona isn’t the blame and that producers/editors can only edit what is given to them.

“So if I wanna come on and act ratchet that’s on me! They can only use what I give them. If I choose to conduct myself as a classy woman then they’re gonna use that. Actually, they focus more on our relationships. They don’t condone violence whatsoever on the show contrary to what a lot of people think. They actually don’t want us fighting. It’s Love and Hip Hop. It’s supposed to be about love and out our relationships so I don’t know how some people take it left.”

Her relationship with her boyfriend, producer Chinx Santana, has had its ups and downs on the show and took a turn for the worst when she revealed to him that she stopped taking her birth control without telling him. The lovebirds later reconciled and agreed to work on having a baby, but last week’s episode showed that Chinx’s family was not willing to support his new love. A convo with his brother revealed that his father and the rest of his family were not willing to accept any other woman in his life accept his wife, who Chinx is separated from.

When asked about the resistance from Chinx’s family, Chrissy called their reaction “wack” and said they could either take her or leave her.

“I remain myself and I don’t take no s###… It’ll play out when you guys watch. I think I’m a wonderful person so we’ll see what happens. My whole take on that topic is that I’m with Chinx. I’m not laid up with his family. Yes, it would be nice if they accept me but if they don’t I’m not losing any sleep at night either. I’m dating one man not the whole family. Can’t please everybody.”

Chrissy isn’t just a reality star, though. She also runs a model management company, Le Jeu, and has been using the show as a platform to become involved in charitable causes. Before our chat she had attended a Celebrity Cat Walk event with her beloved dog Marge Tiffany, which benefits local pet rescues, and says that she wants to continue to give back and not only focus on helping our furry friends but inner city women as well.

“So many people come on this show and it’s all about them. You’d be a fool not to go on and give back and make differences in other people’s lives…I can reach so many people and teach them about things that they may want to get involved in or where they can donate money, time and resources to help save animals or whatever other causes. I’d like to work with inner city women and youth and encourage them to follow their dreams. A lot of these ladies don’t have any mentors or anyone to look up to just to teach them the basic things in life.”

Chrissy says she would also like to become an author, penning an autobiography and a book about relationships. Someone who could probably take a page from the book about love is her cast mate Rich Dollaz, who Chrissy wishes could find that special someone.

“He really goes through it with the women,” she said about Rich. “He needs one good girl and I think his life would be complete.  He’s not a bad dude and he really treats his women nice. He’s a classy guy but he just can’t seem to find the right chick.”

Besides enjoying the New York seasons of Love and Hip Hop, Ms. Monroe says she loves watching the Atlanta cast, specifically Joseline Hernandez.

“I love Joseline and Stevie J. She is just so over the top. I love her. She’s so real and I love the way she dresses. I love her ‘I don’t give a f###’ attitude. I think they really struck gold when they casted her.”

Tune into Love and Hip-Hop on Mondays at 8 p.m EST on VH1.

Ryan B Hyeeze – "The New Kid"

New artist Ryan B Hyeeze hits the strips in South Beach promoting his brand Shut Your Mouth Music and Performing Fat Tuesdays giving the people music based on reality, the struggle and the come up. Check out the music video for his single “The New Kid”. Download Ryan B Hyeeze’s latest project Elm City Prince now on Datpiff.

Adrian Marcel Releases Fifty Shades of Adrian: Unplugged

Adrian Marcel has dropped his Fifty Shades of Adrian: Unplugged. The mixtape features four acoustic versions of songs from his mixtape 7 Days of Weak & Weak After Next, plus a cover of an Avril Lavigne track and a slow-burning take on the currently resurgent Screamin’ Jay Hawkins classic “I Put a Spell on You.” Subjective or not, Marcel is one of the few artists staying true to the sound of “real R&B.” The R&B singer gives fans more acoustic material best suited for the bedroom. Light some candles, grab that special someone and enjoy! Take a listen below.

Audemars Piguet To Take Legal Action Against Ray J Over RSNL Watch Line

Ray J recently began tackling a new business venture when he signed a deal with his business partner David Weintraub and became the face of RSNL Watches last year. Before the jewelry line could get up and running they have been hit with a major blow.

[ALSO READ: Ray J Partners Up With A Watch Company]

It has been reported that Ray J has been hit with a cease and desist letter from luxury watch company Audemars Piguet because they feel that the RSNL watch is a clone of their Royal Oak watch. They claim that there are too many similarities in between the two lines, like the hexagonal screws on the octagon-shaped face of the watch.

audemar piguet rnsl watches

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Watch                                            RSNL Watch

Audemars Piguet had given the Love and Hip Hop star until Feb. 3rd to put an end to this watch venture but Weintraub told TMZ that they are continuing with the launch, which means a lawsuit is on its way.

 

Lil' B To Give Lecture At Carnegie Mellon University

Lil’ B has been penning speeches instead of songs for a while now. He has been invited to give food for thought at some of the country’s top schools and he has snagged yet another invitation. The Based God announced on Twitter that he would be taking the stage at Carnegie Mellon University on Feb. 25th.

The global research university is stationed in Pittsburgh, PA and is a world leader in robotics and green power and is one of the top 25 universities in the world.  The Wall Street Journal also ranked CMU  at number one in computer science, fourth in finance and seventh in business.

The Bay area rep has also given lectures at New York University, UC Riverside, Virginia Tech and Massachusetts Institute Technology.

Bobby Brown To Take Bobbi Kristina Off Of Life Support This Week

Bobby Brown has reportedly decided to take his daughter Bobbi Kristina off of life support at the end of this week. She has been in a medically induced coma at Atlanta’a Emory Hospital after being found face down in her bathtub on Jan. 31st.

A source told Radar Online that Brown came to this decision after talking with Whitney Houston’s family and that he is praying that she survives. It was recently reported that the 21-year-old would be taken off of life support on Feb. 11th, which was the anniversary of her mother’s death, but it was later revealed that those reports were false. Last week, Bobby Brown’s sister, Leolah, told FOX Atlanta that Bobbi Kristina was “doing well” and that her condition was “improving.”

How Bobbi Kristina came to be unconscious is currently being investigated.

 

Three Questions With Kenn Starr

Virginia rapper Kenn Starr began to build a following back in 2006 with his debut Starr Status. Not long after the album grabbed the attention of Hip Hop fans and media, the Low Budget Crew member’s label folded. The set back halted Starr’s musical progress, but he eventually found a new label home at indie powerhouse Mello Music Group.

Even with a new business situation, the DMV artist’s meticulous approach to crafting a project caused more time to elapse between albums. Before he knew it, 9 years had passed. Fortunately, 2015 finally saw the return of the man also known as Kenneth Cold with the 13-track LP Square One.

Starr teamed back up with his fellow Low Budget comrade Kev Brown to handle half of the production on Square One. For Starr, working with the Maryland maestro again was a no-brainer. He credits Brown with bringing out the best in him like on the previous cuts “Relentless” and “Another Day.”

The new album also features beats by Black Milk, 14KT,  Roddy Rod, and Kaimbr. Square One includes guest appearances by Sean Born, Melanie Rutherford, Hassaan Mackey, yU, Wordsworth, and Supastition as well.

AllHipHop.com connected with Kenn Starr for participation in the “Three Questions” series. As part of the interview, Two Nz Two Rz names his picks for the greatest Hip Hop representatives from DC/Maryland/Virginia and shares advice to some rap hopefuls struggling to find their way.

[ALSO READ: Three Questions With Jay IDK]

Who would you put on the Mt. Rushmore of DMV Hip Hop?

Kev Brown and Diamond District (Oddisee, Uptown XO & yU) because they’re dope as hell, and I gotta represent my folks.

If you could possess the powers of any superhero for one day, who would you pick and what would you do for that day?

Superman. Between flying, x-ray vision and being invincible, I would do whatever the hell I wanted for that day. Who’s gonna tell me otherwise?

Can you share one lesson for “dumb rappers” about the definition of making it happen rapping?

Take pride in your craft! Regardless of what lane you’re in, put some genuine effort and sincerity into how you present yourself. It goes a long way!

[ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Diamond District Returns To Encourage Washington DC Hip Hop To March On]

Follow Kenn Starr on Twitter @kennethcold and Instagram @twonztworz.

Stream/purchase Kenn Starr’s Square One below.