News: Hip Hop Single Sales: Rihanna, The Weeknd, Drake

By Nemmy Kim.

Two months into 2015 and "FourFiveSeconds" continues its reign as the most successful single of the year. Just below, The Weeknd's soundtrack original "Earned It" is still on the rise thanks to the success of the 50 Shades Of Grey movie and Drake manages to break into the Top 3 with one of his surprise album tracks.
Lower down the list Wiz Khalifa and Iggy Azalea debuted a new single in the Top 10, Juicy J features on a pair of R&B hits, and Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Lil Wayne manage to hold on to their spots at #4 and #10.

Top 10 R&B/Hip Hop Single Sales For Week Ending 02/22/2015

#1. Rihanna & Kanye West & Paul McCartney - "FourFiveSeconds" - 172,608 (805,587)
#2. The Weeknd - "Earned It" - 119,503 (546,854)
#3. Drake - "Energy" - 76,791 (140,254)
#4. Nicki Minaj feat. Drake & Lil Wayne - "Truffle Butter" - 65,465 (308,538)
#5. Flo Rida feat. Sage The Gemini - "GDFR" - 63,896 (684,856)
#6. Natalie La Rose feat. Jeremih - "Somebody" - 59,879 (184,374)
#7. Usher feat. Juicy J - "I Don't Mind" - 59,676 (705,587)
#8. Ne-Yo feat. Juicy J - "She Knows" - 47,433 (469,359)
#9. Wiz Khalifa & Iggy Azalea - "Go Hard Or Go Home" - 40,195 (40,195)
#10. Nicki Minaj feat. Drake & Lil Wayne - "Only" - 39,955 (949,493)
 Last Week's Sales

News: Lionel Richie Upset By Kanye West's Usage Of N-Word During Brit Awards

By Nemmy Kim.

Kanye West has been deemed a polarizing figure in both his music and his controversial personality. His shows often draw criticism usually stemming from 'Ye's song interludes that contain his distain for certain people and the media. It isn't often that the Chicago-based producer and rapper is criticized for his usage of swear words.
In a recent Mirror article, Lionel Richie expressed his displeasure with West's recent performance of "All Day" at the Brit Awards. According to Richie, the N-word shouldn't be used by anyone.
“Am I fan of the N-word? Not coming from the 1960s and 70s. Whereas the new world has embraced it," Richie said when addressing Kanye's usage of the N-word. "I don’t think it’s OK for a black man to use the N-word. I don’t like it – and I am a black man. I don’t think it should be said and become normal.”
The famed '60s musician also claims Kanye West is providing his generation "shock value" and that his voice is speaking louder than his actual music.
“Kanye is giving us the generation shock value. How he carries on for the next 10 years we will see," he said. “The music business is more attention driven, but you have to let it pass. Don’t even focus on it. Because what we have going on in the world is so over the top. I mean, who are we fighting?
“There is more hunger and famine in the world today than there was when we did 'We Are The World.'”
According to 3am sources told the publication that West had rehearsed a censored version of the "All Day" a day prior, but opted out of it an hour before the show to delete the changes

News: The Top 10 Hip Hop Singles Of The Week: French Montana, Yelawolf, Big Sean

B y Nemmy Kim.

This week saw a new video for “Bad Bitch” off French Montana’s forthcoming effort Mac & Cheese: The Album. Meanwhile, Yelawolf released a new lyric video off his upcoming Love Story album and Big Sean surprised fans with a gem off his Dark Sky Paradise.
Lower down the list, Drake set a billboard record, Kanye West premiered a new fiery track overseas and Project Pat dropped off a brand new video for his “Twerk It” cut featuring Ty Dolla $ign, Wiz Khalifa and
Wale.
1. French Montana feat. Jeremih “Bad Bitch” [Video]
2. Yelawolf “Whiskey In A Bottle” (Lyric Video) [Video]
3. Big Sean feat. Kanye West “All Your Fault”
4. Drake Sets Billboard Record & Big Sean Sales Projections [Video]
5. Kanye West Premieres “All Day” At 2015 Brit Awards
6. Project Pat feat. Ty Dolla $ign, Wiz Khalifa & Wale – “Twerk It” [Video]
7. Ed Sheeran Covers O.T. Genasis’ “Coco” [Video]
8. Young Buck feat. Troy Ave & 50 Cent – “Drug Money”
9. G-Unit – “I’m Grown”
10. T.I. & Young Thug – “Off-Set”

News: J. Cole Says He's Looking For A Female Rapper/Singer, Explains Social Media Silence

By Nemmy Kim.

                  
J. Cole has quietly become an A&R and talent searcher over the last few years and has assembled a label with a variety of very formidable artists.
Recently hopping on the phone with Hot 97 and Funkmaster Flex, the North Carolina native talked about his artists and says he's still looking to find an "Aaliyah-type" singer or a "Missy-type" rapper.
“We in that new age, Flex where artists don't really need the label.” J. Cole said when asked about his Dreamville imprint. “They need that stamp and they gone. They build everything on they own... I’m still looking forward to scooping that singer, that Aaliyah-type or that Missy type that I can put that Timbaland touch on and really give my sound to. But in the meantime, I just got some real monsters that don’t even really need me. So, I’m just pushing them, showing them the way as much as possible.”
Cole is also someone who is known to stay off of social media and out of interviews for the most part. He addressed why explaining that mystery is a good thing.
“With so many people listening, I don't know what I would say to five/six million people," he explained. "I don't even know what I want to talk about to them... I believe in staying away until you got something to say. I don’t believe in the art of talking to be talking or talking to be heard."
Also during the interview, Funkmaster Flex and J. Cole talked about NASCAR, his relationship with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and highlighted the strengths of Dreamville's Cozz, Omen and Bas. Cole released his latest album at the end of last year with 2014 Forest Hills Drive.

New Music: Trina feat. T-Pain & Young Cash – ‘Lean On Me’

By Nemmy Kim.

                 

 Trina takes Bill Withers’ ’70s hit “Lean On Me” and turns it into a club smash. With some help from Nappy Boy’s T-Pain and Young Cash, the Baddest Bitch gets drunk on Patrón and wakes up in Vegas. A tipsy T-Pain leaves the thug life for the club life (“I’m the party version of Tupac”), and balls out on the Auto-Tuned hook.

New Music: Ab-Soul – ’47 Bars’

By Nemmy Kim.

             

 In honor of his 47-city “These Days…” tour, Ab-Soul drops his “47 Bars” freestyle for your weekend listening pleasure. Over The Alchemist-produced beat, the L.A. rapper calls out the dudes wearing dresses (“It do cost a lot to live this here lifestyle”), his TDE labelmates (“I was thinking longterm before I met them”), and thanks his fans for their support.
“I’ve been through hell and back, I deserve heaven,” he raps.

News: Taarifa iliyonifikia kuhusu MBUNGE aliyefariki leo Dar es Salaam… #RIP

By Nemmy Kim.

         
MBUNGE wa Mbinga Magharibi, Kapten John Komba amefariki dunia jioni hii jijini Dar es Salaam.
Katibu wa Itikadi na Uenezi wa CCM, Nape Nnauye amethibitisha kutokea kwa kifo hicho, hata hivyo hakuwa tayari kuelezea kwa undani kwa madai kuwa taarifa hizo zimemfikia sasa hivi. Mmoja wa watoto wa Komba ambaye aliyejitambulisha kwa jina la Herman amethibitisha kutokea kwa msiba huo na akasema, huku akilia, msiba wa baba yake upo nyumbani kwake Mbezi Tangi Bovu, Dar.
Habari zinasema asubuhi ya leo Komba alikwenda kwenye shughuli zake za kikazi kama kawaida lakini baadaye akajisikia vibaya, hivyo akaamua kurudi nyumbani ambako alizidiwa ndipo familia yake ilipoamua kumkimbiza Hospitali ya TMJ lakini alipopimwa na madaktari ikathibitika kuwa alikuwa tayari ameaga dunia. habari zaidi zinasema kuwa hivi sasa mwili wa marehemu umehifadhiwa katika hospitali ya Jeshi ya Lugalo.

RIP Kapteni Komba.

THE UPDATE: Chris Brown Teases Deorro Collaboration ‘Five More Hours’

By Nemmy Kim.

                   
Chris Brown has teamed up with Deorro on a remix of the DJ’s international hit “Five Hours” entitled “Five More Hours.” The song was played on Power 106 earlier today and will premiere in full next week.
Over the bouncy bassline, Breezy calls for a celebration. “This right here is my type of party / Five more hours, we just gettin’ started,” he sings.
Chris was forced to cancel his sold-out shows in Montreal and Toronto after he was denied entry to Canada, but he will resume his “Between the Sheets Tour” with Trey Songz and Tyga tonight in Rosemont, Ill.

News: Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz Reveal First Photo of Baby Genesis

By Nemmy Kim.

             
Oh baby! Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz have revealed the first photo of their two-month-old son Genesis Ali Dean.
The family portrait, which Alicia shared on Instagram, shows the doting mother holding her adorable baby as her husband, four-year-old son Egypt, and Swizz’ son Kasseem Jr. look on.
Swizz also shared a pic of the newest addition to the Dean family, who was born Dec. 28.
This is the second child for the couple. Swizz has a daughter, Nicole, and two sons, Prince Nasir and Kasseem, from previous relationships.

News: Kanye West Performs ‘Only One’ on ‘Skavlan’

B y Nemmy Kim.

It’s been an exciting week for Kanye West fans. After debuting his new song “All Day” at the BRIT Awards and sitting down with Zane Lowe on Thursday, Yeezy capped it off with an appearance on Norwegian-Swedish talk show “Skavlan” on Friday.
Dressed in a blue wide-neck sweatshirt, Mr. West performed his tender tribute to his mother and daughter, “Only One.” Much like his Grammy performance, the simple set featured Kanye under a spotlight that changed shapes. At the end, he looked up into the light in acknowledgement of his late mother, Dr. Donda West.
For the past six months, Kanye has been working on a video game inspired by the song. “The idea is my mother going through the gates of heaven, and you gotta bring her to the highest gates of heaven by holding her to the light,” he told “The Breakfast Club.”

News Music: Ishi Ft. Pusha T_Push It.

Nemmy Kim.

                
Push it to the limit. Pusha T rocks with Swedish hip-hop producer iSHi on “Push It.” King Push lays down his grimy flow over the industrial electro beat.
“The kingpin of every street corner / You can’t say I didn’t ever warn ya,” spits Push.
The song is the debut single from iSHi, whose credits include Tinie Tempah’s “Written in the Stars” and Professor Green and Emile Sandé’s “Read All About It.” He has also been in the studio with Rihanna.

News: Azealia Banks Announces Tour Dates

B y Nemmy Kim.

Azealia Banks is taking her show on the road this spring. The Harlem rapper has announced select tour dates.
The brief trek includes headlining shows at L.A.’s Club Nokia on April 16, New York City’s Irving Plaza on May 11, Chicago’s Concord Music Hall on May 15, and Boston’s Paradise Club on May 19.
Banks will also return to this year’s Coachella Festival with performances on April 10 and 17.
Her critically-acclaimed debut Broke With Expensive Taste was released to digital retailers in November. A physical CD will hit stores on March 3 via Prospect Park Records.

News: Common Shares Jay Z’s Reaction to His Oscar Win

B y Nemmy Kim.

Just days after his win for Original Song at the Academy Awards, Common continued his victory tour with a visit to “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Thursday. With his Oscar in hand, the “Glory” rapper revealed what Jay Z told him following his big win.
“Jay Z told me don’t put it down though. He said, ‘Carry it everywhere,'” said Common.
He caught up with Hov at the after-parties. “He just was really proud. He said something to me that really touched me,” said Common. “He felt that I represented all of us. People from hip-hop, as black men, as people of love, children of God, he felt that John [Legend] and I were representing that with this Academy Award.”
Common also spoke about leaving Oprah hanging at the Oscars. He wasn’t sure if her high five was meant for him or John Legend. “We talked the next day and it was like, ‘I wasn’t trying to play you out,'” he said.

New Music: Jack Ü feat. Justin Bieber – ‘Where Are Ü Now’

By Nemmy Kim.

                 

While you were sleeping, Skrillex and Diplo aka Jack Ü pulled a Beyoncé and dropped their surprise album Skrillex & Diplo Present Jack Ü. The 10 tracks feature appearances from Missy Elliott, 2 Chainz, AlunaGeorge, Bunji Garlin, and Justin Bieber.
The pop sensation pours his heart out on the tender “Where Are Ü Now,” while Skrillex and Diplo lay down the hypnotizing beat.
“When you broke down, I didn’t leave you / I was by your side, so where are you now that I need you?” sings JB.
Skrillex and Diplo are in the middle of a 24-hour marathon DJ set, which is livestreaming now at Jack Ü’s website.

Video: Iggy Azalea feat. Jennifer Hudson – ‘Trouble’

By Nemmy Kim.

During her absence from social media, Iggy Azalea premieres the video for “Trouble,” the latest single off her album Reclassified. The Aussie rapper teams with Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson in the cinematic clip.
In the opening scene, Iggy unknowingly assist her bad boy boyfriend in robbing a bank. Once he’s behind bars, she devises a plan to help him escape. The lovers speed through the streets of downtown L.A. in Iggy’s getaway vehicle, while Jennifer Hudson plays a sassy cop. In the end, Iggy and her boo are hauled off in cuffs to jail.
T.I. orchestrated the Iggy-JHUD collaboration. “[T.I.] heard that the Jennifer Hudson track [‘He Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere’], they were looking for a rapper and he was like, ‘You should give Iggy a try,'” Iggy told Ryan Seacrest. “So I tried the verse not knowing if I would be accepted or not and she loved it and that’s how I started working with Jennifer.”
Iggy is currently working on her sophomore album and will kick off her “Great Escape Tour” with Nick Jonas and Tinashe on April 14 in Fresno, Calif.

News: Kanye West Debuts ‘All Day’ at BRIT Awards 2015

By Nemmy Kim.

              
Kanye West got lit with an explosive performance at the BRIT Awards 2015 at London’s O2 Arena on Wednesday. Following an introduction from his wife Kim Kardashian West, the G.O.O.D. Music mogul debuted his Vellous-produced single “All Day,” which he first spoke about in his 2014 interview with GQ.

“How long you ni**as ball? (All day) / How much time you spent at the mall? (All day) / How many thots do you got on call? (All day)”

Yeezus mobbed the stage with flamethrowers and a massive crew—clad in all black—including Skepta, Krept, Konan, and Novelist. Theophilus London and Alan Kingdom took turns on the mic, while an awestruck Taylor Swift and Lionel Richie looked on from the audience.

News: Drake Sells 187,000 Copies in Second Week

By Nemmy Kim

            
After a massive opening week, Drake falls to No. 2 with his surprise mixtape If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.
The project, which was released to digital retailers on Feb. 12, sold 187,000 units (down 65 percent) in its second week, according to Billboard.
IYRTITL debuted at No. 1 and has sold 624,000 copies since its release 10 days ago.
Additionally, his Grammy-nominated single “0 to 100 / The Catch Up” was recently certified platinum by the RIAA.
Rock band Imagine Dragons dethrones Drake for the top spot on the Billboard 200 with their album Smoke + Mirrors, which sold 195,000 units.
Meanwhile, the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack featuring The Weeknd and Beyoncé falls to No. 3 in its second week on the chart, shifting 165,000 units (down 36 percent).
Sam Smith’s In the Lonely Hour slides 3-6 with 72,000 units (down 56 percent), while Nicki Minaj’s The Pinkprint returns to the top 10 (12-9 with 41,000 units).

Video: Wiz Khalifa feat. Ty Dolla $ign & Chevy Woods – ‘Still Down’

By Nemmy Kim

TGOD. Wiz Khalifa puts on for his people in the video for “Still Down,” a cut off his album Blacc Hollywood. The six-and-a-half-minute clip features testimonials from his homies, fellow Taylor Chevy Woods, and Ty Dolla $ign, who reps for his “day ones.”
On June 10, Wiz will kick off his “Boys of Zummer” tour with Fall Out Boy.

Video: Big Sean – ‘Dark Sky (Skyscrapers)’

By Nemmy Kim.

In addition to his freestyle to Beyoncé’s “Me, Myself, & I,” Big Sean delivers a video for “Dark Sky (Skyscrapers),” the title track from his album, which hits iTunes tomorrow. In the dark and triumphant clip, directed by Dylan Knight and Andrew Hines, Sean sets up the anthemic tone of the album as he walks through an elevator shaft and makes his way to the rooftop.
“I started rapping Biggie Smalls in the basement / And now we headed to the tallest skyscrapers,” he proclaims.
Watch Sean rise to the top.