Singers With Talent: Brandy & Monica Talks About The Death Of Their God-Mom Whitney Houston, Relationships & Working Together Again

In the latest issue of People magazine, singers Brandy and Monica talks about the death of their God-Mom Whitney Houston, relationships and working together again. The night before her death, Whitney Houston stopped by Brandy and Monica’s Pre-Grammy party rehearsal and gave the platinum-selling singers some advice. The twosome recently released their new single ”It All Belongs To Me”, which will be feature on both of their upcoming albums. During an interview with Jenny Boom Boom of Hot 93.7, Monica revealed that the two are currently working on an upcoming summer tour. Below are some excerpts:

On what happened when Whitney Houston stopped by their Pre-Grammy party rehearsal

Brandy: She was like our godmom. I kept asking, ‘Does it sound good?’ and she said, ‘It sounds great but turn the band down’

Monica: She was lively and she us to make her proud. I thank God for those last few moments with her.

On what it was like for them to work together again

Brandy: I’m honored. It doesn’t feel like work [tears up]

Monica: Don’t start. In the studio she’d have glassy eyes. I’m like ‘Brandy!’ She’s very emotional.

On how they both been affected by death

Monica: Death made me appreciate life. After burying my first love, I realized life was too short.

Brandy: I wish I had spoken to Monica after that terrible accident. It was a very hard time. My life had to be perfect; I didn’t want to show my mistakes. I learned the hard way you had to take responsibility.

On their relationships

Monica: I sing differently since I’ve met my husband. And he is so attentive to my kids [Rodney 6, and Romelo, 4 with rapper Rocko Hill].

Brandy: My daughter Syrai [9; dad is producer Robert Smith] loves Ryan, and he loves me for me. But I don’t have a ring.

Monica: Girl, I got you. I talked to Ryan. You’re good.

Brandy: You did? I told Ryan I’d marry him with a bubble-gum ring!

Spotted: Necole Bitchie via Brandy Net

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The Notorious Queen Bee: Lil Kim Spotted Partying At Tabu Nightclub & Will Be Appearing On 106 & Park (March 9th)

The Notorious K.I.M. is back and better than ever. Lately, Kim has been making her rounds. She was photo’d sitting front-row at The Blonds “Live Fast, Dye Blond” Fall 2012 Fashion Show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Milk Studio, NYC, made an appearance at Expo Club , was a guest on Bravo’s hit show ‘Watch What Happens Live’ with Andy Cohen and released her new single “If You Love Me”. In her latest appearances, Kim was spotted partying at Tabu nightclub. She was all glammed-up, styling on them hoes. On March 9th (which marks the 15th year anniversary of Biggie Smalls death), Lil’ Kim is scheduled to appear on BET’s video countdown show 106 & Park. For audience tickets, e-mail audience106@BET.com (put “Lil’ Kim” in the subject line).

Pictures via AllTheParties

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Private Listening Session: Tyga Speaks On Being Consistent, Careless World & Working With Nas

Yesterday Tuesday (February 21), Tyga released his new album, entitled Careless World: Rise of the Last King. The disc has collaborations with Nas, Wale, Chris Richardson, Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj. The Compton native invited popular Hip-Hop site AllHipHop.com out to a private listening session last week in Santa Monica, California, where they got a chance to preview the album. Tyga chatted with AHH for a few minutes about being consistent, his new album and working with Nas. Below are some excerpts:

In 2008, there were a lot of other New West artists that had a nice buzz going, but it seemed like you just came out of nowhere at that time.

I’ve been consistent since then. Maybe a lot of fans who were more in to the commercial than underground, feel like I came out of nowhere with “Rack City.” My fanbase has been there, and I think that’s another reason why “Rack City” is so big. Everything I do now is more impactful, because I’ve built such a good fanbase.

Why did you chose Careless World for the album title? And what else do you have on the horizon?

I wanted to do a theme album – something that relates to the world in my own words. I have the Careless World tour starting on February 21. We are doing that for about two and a half months here in the States, and then we’re going to take it overseas.

You’ve got Nas on this record – a Hip-Hop legend! How did you land that feature?

I sent him a record about seven months prior to the “Kings and Queens” song. He never got back to me. One day, he just called me out of the blue and congratulated me on my success and asked if I had anything that he wanted to send to him. So I sent him the “Kings and Queens” song that night, and he sent it back the next day. Shout out to Nas – that sh*t is crazy.

Source: AllHipHop

Picture copyrighted SDOTB

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New Music: J. Cole “Grew Up Fast”

Jay-Z’s protegé J. Cole put the soul back in music on his new track “Grew Up Fast”. Jermaine released the song as a celebration for hitting two-million followers on Twitter. The soulful offering was produced by Canei Finch and samples former Temptation David Ruffin’s 1969 record “The Double Cross.” Listen to the audio below:

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Taking Their Talents Overseas: Jay-Z & Kanye West Announce ‘Watch The Throne’ European Tour Dates

Jay-Z and Kanye West aka The Throne are taking their talents Overseas. Hova and Yeezy recently announced the 2nd leg of their “Watch The Throne” tour. The tour kicks off in the UK at London’s famous O2 Arena. Hova and Yeezy will also be hitting Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Belgium, Germany and Ireland. UK fans can buy tickets here. Peep the dates below:

May 2012

Sunday 20th – O2 Arena, London
Thursday 24th – Zurich Hellenstadion, Switzerland
Saturday 26th – Herning Arena, Denmark
Monday 28th – Oslo Telenor Arena, Norway
Tuesday 29th – Stockholm The Globe, Sweden

June 2012

Friday 1st – Paris Bercy, France
Saturday 2nd – Paris Bercy, France
Sunday 3rd – Antwerp Sportpaleis, Belgium
Tuesday 5th – Frankfurt Festhalle, Germany
Friday 8th – Dublin O2 Arena, Ireland
Monday 11th – Manchester, UK – MEN Arena
Wednesday 13th – Birmingham, UK – LG Arena

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This Really Is A Careless World: Tyga’s New Album Already Pulled From Stores

This Tuesday (February 21), Tyga will be releasing his new album Careless World: The Rise Of The Last King. He seems to be having  a little trouble at some stores. Music retailers such as Best Buy and iTunes are pulling the album because of an unauthorized Martin Luther King speech being used. The MLK speech can be found on the album’s first track “Careless World”. The label is working hard to resolve this issue. Hopefully this matter is resolve soon, to avoid future lawsuits.

Tyga also took to his official Twitter account @Tyga to respond and says that his album will in fact be in stores on February 21st.

Source: XclusivesZone

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Going In On The Radio: A$AP Rocky & His A$AP Mob “Cosmic Kev (Come Up Show Freestyle)”

Harlem’s rapper A$AP Rocky and his A$AP Mob recently made a recent trip to Philly. While there, they stopped by  DJ, DJ Cosmic Kev “Come Up” radio show on Power 99 FM. After their interview, the Mob dropped some bars to a few instrumentals. Listen to the crew freestyle for 10 minutes straight below:

A$AP Rocky is working on his debut solo album, an A$AP Mob compilation album and a collabo album with Schoolboy Q. Earlier in the week, A$AP Rocky hit the road with Drake and Kendrick Lamar as part of the “Club Paradise” tour.

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Agree Or Disagree? Timbaland Calls Rick Ross The ‘Reincarnated B.I.G.’

In my opinion, besides Jay-Z and Kanye West, Miami’s rapper Rick Ross is the dopest rapper in the game. While on the set of his “MMG Untouchable” visual shoot, Ross got a co-sign from super music producer Timbaland. The V.A. Grammy Award winning producer has compared the platinum-selling rapper to the late Notorious B.I.G.

Let me show ya’ll how to take it to the next level. The best with the best,” said Timbaland, while on set of Rozay’s video for “MMG Untouchable.” “He’s the newest, reincarnated B.I.G. and that’s coming from the heart, a ni**a who worked with B.I.G. I’m telling you like it is. I know rap stars and he’s one of the biggest rap stars who ever done it. I’m happy to be a part of it.”

Rozay and Timbo have been in the studio working on new music for Ross’ upcoming album God Forgives, I Don’t. “We putting some magic together that’s finna come to ya’ll real soon in a major way,” said Rozay. Peep the visual below:

Props: Rap-Up

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Gotta Have It: Jay-Z And Pharrell Working On Something ‘Crazy’

Some rappers might want to push their albums back or hurry up and drop it because Jay-Z is returning to the scene. Last year, I reported that Jay-Z was in the studio with Frank Ocean, Pharrell Williams and we might get another solo album from him and a second Throne album in 2012. MTV News caught up with Pharrell Williams earlier this month, and he said that he is working on something ‘crazy’ with Jay.

We’re working on something, it’s crazy,” Skateboard P said after a long pause.

Pharrell also produced “Gotta Have It” to last year’s Watch the Throne album and also laid the beat for Jay’s Blue Ivy dedication, “Glory.”

With things still in the works, Pharrell is reluctant to let go of any info. Instead, he’d rather just let Jay speak on things when he is ready. “Well, you know, he’s very discreet about details and stuff,” P said. “I’m just a filmmaker, musically. I let everybody else play the roles.”

Source: MTV News

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Styling On Them Lames: Fabolous Wearing A $210 Givenchy College Rottweiler Tee-Shirt

Over this past weekend, Fabolous began shooting the visual for his single “She Did It,” which is featured on his latest mixtape, entitled, There Is No Competition: Death Comes In 3′sThe visual is being directed by Aristotle  and feature guest appearances by French Montana, Juelz Santana and Lloyd Banks. In the visual, Loso was wearing a $210 Givenchy  College Rottweiler Tee-Shirt, which is sold out in some upscale boutiques including PolyvoreShopstyle, Luisaviaroma and TheStyleCure. This shirt is from Givenchy’s Fall/Winter 2011 collection. In 1952, French fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy founded Givenchy. The brand which is now owned by luxury goods behemoth LVMH consist of clothing, accessories, footwear, perfumes and cosmetics. Givenchy has been very popular in the Hip-Hop culture. Peep the pictures below:

Pictures via Nigel D My Fabolous Life

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