New Music: J. Cole – ‘Nothing Like It’

J. Cole unleashes a new track called “Nothing Like It” for your Friday night enjoyment. The Roc Nation rapper spits fire over a soulful beat. “Don’t make me pull the trigger/ I think you ni**as is daring me/ Go f**k around and get your new favorite rapper embarrassed, see/ I’m the supplier of that fire and the kerosene,” boasts a confident Cole. Listen to Cole’s cold words below.

J. Cole – “Nothing Like It”

Video: Nelly Opens Up About Losing Sister

In an emotional preview of his episode of VH1’s “Behind the Music,” premiering March 7 at 10 p.m., Nelly opens up about his sister Jackie’s death from leukemia. The “Just a Dream” rapper painfully recalls how family members tried to hide the severity of her illness and his final conversation with her before she passed in 2005.

“Nobody wanted to tell me how severe and how close things had gotten,” Nelly says. “She wasn’t telling me the truth, and everybody around her that knew wasn’t telling me that, ‘Yo, she’s not gonna make it.’”
His last words with Jackie took place 25 minutes before her body failed. “She gets off the phone and she lays down and she’s gone. They said the only thing that kept her alive was that she wanted to talk to me before she left, and I was enraged,” continues Nelly, who was so distraught that he destroyed a door and a TV. “I just broke down. In one of the rare moments, I did cry.”
When Jackie was diagnosed with leukemia in 2003, Nelly established the non-profit 4Sho4Kids organization and the “Jes Us 4 Jackie” campaign to help raise awareness about the need for bone marrow donations in the African-American community.

Willow Smith to Debut New Single Monday, Perform on ‘Oprah’

She had everyone whipping their hair and now Willow Smith is ready to take listeners into the 21st century. The 10-year-old superstar will premiere “21st Century Girl,” the follow-up to her breakout hit, on Monday at 10:30 a.m. EST on “On-Air with Ryan Seacrest.” The dance record from her forthcoming Roc Nation debut will hit iTunes on Tuesday at midnight.
The youngest Smith shot a video for the song in the streets of downtown Los Angeles and desert last month. She will perform it for the first time on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Listen to a snippet of “21st Century Girl” below.

Rap-Up TV: Travis Barker Talks Lil Wayne Tour, ‘H•A•M’ Remix, & Favorite Rappers

These days, a song is not a certified hit unless it gets the Travis Barker treatment. The Blink-182 drummer has added his touch to rock remixes for Eminem, Rihanna, and Jay-Z, but for his main act he’s calling on his famous friends. His solo debut Let the Drummer Get Some, due March 15, features appearances from hip-hop heavyweights including Lupe Fiasco, Pharrell, and Lil Wayne, who guests on the first single “Can a Drummer Get Some?” along with Game, Rick Ross, and Swizz Beatz.
Rap-Up TV caught up with the rock star at a listening session for his album, where he spoke about being embraced by the hip-hop community, touring with Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj on the “I Am Music II” tour this spring, and remixing “H•A•M” for Kanye West and Jay-Z. He also shared the bittersweet story behind his dark collaboration with Slaughterhouse (“Devil’s Got a Hold”) and who his favorite new rappers are.
Give the drummer your undivided attention.

Kanye West Goes Home for Bulls Game

Kanye West kicked it courtside at Thursday night’s Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat game at the United Center in his hometown of Chicago. Arriving late to the arena, a smiling Yeezy bundled up for the occasion, rocking an olive green peacoat with fleece collar and his signature shades as he posed with Bulls mascot Benny the Bull.
While he watched his home team defeat the Heat alongside his manager Don C., ‘Ye faced surprising backlash after some fans reportedly booed the rapper, who was shown on the JumboTron as his latest single “All of the Lights” blared through the stadium.
The G.O.O.D. Music chief also recently faced controversy over the video for “Lights” featuring Rihanna and Kid Cudi. YouTube temporarily suspended the clip after epilepsy advocacy groups claimed the flashy visuals could induce seizures. It now carries a warning before viewing: “This video has been identified by Epilepsy Action to potentially trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.”



Photo credit: Chicago Tribune and Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Video: Jamie Foxx, John Legend Groove at the White House

There’s a new super-group in town. On Thursday night, Jamie Foxx, John Legend, Nick Jonas, and Seal teamed up to serenade the First Family and Vice President at “The Motown Sound: In Performance at the White House” concert in honor of Black History Month and Motown Records. The quartet covered a medley of The Temptations’ classics including “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Get Ready,” and “I Can’t Get Next to You.”
Catch the special, which also features performances from Smokey Robinson, Jordin Sparks, and Natasha Bedingfield, when it airs Tuesday at 8 p.m. on PBS.

Carmelo Anthony: Kicks, Tats, Hair: New York's New Knick

Since his days as an OrangeMan, Carmelo Anthony, New York's New Knick, had a certain style and swagger we admired. When news spread of his trade to New York, we knew we had to do something on this gentleman baller's style. His tattoo's took on a life of their own, his hair, straight-back braids or zig-zag plaits, seemed like 1990's throwback but were always forward leaning; and his kicks were sick. Anthony has a sneaker collection to kill for as well as possesses one of the rarest sneakers Nike ever published. That said, we wanted a closer look at what Anthony did with his style. After the jump, get ready for some history.

Since his days as a rookie with the Denver Nuggets, we've been enthralled by Carmelo Anthony's style: his kicks collection had no equal.

Carmelo Anthony wears a wave cap to shield his braids in 2009.

Carmelo Anthony wears maze-like braids during a game.

Six Degrees Of Kanye West And Abortion (PHOTOS)

When Kanye West tweets, people listen. Over 2.5 million people follow the Louis Vuitton Don on twitter and they were witness to one of West's most controversial tweets ever. Kanye tweeted, “an abortion can cost a ballin' nigga up to 50gs maybe a 100. Gold diggin' bitches be getting pregnant on purpose. #STRAPUP my niggas!”
STORY: Dear Republicans, How The Fu*k Do You Redefine Rape?
As the debate on abortion continues to be a divisive issue in America, Kanye has made his thoughts clear on the issue when it comes to abortions, women and gold diggers. Kanye later tweeted, “It ain’t happen to me but I know people.”

Kanye West's new beat protege, Justin Bieber, who has his own views on abortion stating in this month's "Rolling Stone" magazine, “I really don't believe in abortion. It's like killing a baby?” On abortion in cases of rape: “Um. Well, I think that's really sad, but everything happens for a reason. I guess I haven't been in that position, so I wouldn't be able to judge that.”

An anti-abortion billboard featuring a young black girl and the slogan "the most dangerous place for an African-American is in the womb" has provoked sharp criticism in New York.

The 2011 XXL Freshman Class Revealed (PHOTOS x VIDEO)

Kendrick Lamar: The 23-year-old boasts futuristic style via his witty word play. He'll also appear on Dr. Dre's long awaited “Detox” album and the highly anticipated mix-tape with J Cole. Listen to "Vanity Slave" Feat. Gucci Mane below.

Mac Miller: This 19-year-old from Pittsburgh has been gaining fans for a few years now off of his laid back, college aged rhymes and mature beats. He's dropping yet another mixtape, "Best Day Ever" on March 11th. Listen to "Kool Aid and Frozen Pizza" below.

Lil Twist: 18-year-old Twist hails from the Young Money crew also made a cameo appearance in the movie "Lottery Ticket" with Bow Wow. Mack Maine had reported on the Young Money website that Lil Twist is currently recording a mixtape with Justin Bieber. Listen to Twerk Team and Lil Twists' "Gotta Alotta Of Money" below.

YG: YG is short for Young Gangsta and is a straight West Coast rapper out of Compton, California. He's currently working on his debut album due out later this year. Listen to "Toot It and Boot It" below. Plus there's an exclusive GG interview with YG coming soon!

Diggy Simmons: Rev Run's cool son is also a dope MC. He already has two mixtapes under his belt, "The First Flight" and "Airborne," and was signed to Atlantic Records on his fifteenth birthday! Listen to "Everybody Late" below.

Lil B or "TheBasedGod": This 23-year-old began rapping at age 16 with The Pack and their song "Vans" became a big hit. B just released his first studio album "Angels Exodus," a prelude to his forthcoming album titled "Glass Face." Listen to "Look Like Jesus" below.

Big K.R.I.T.: This 24-year-old from Mississippi released his album, "K.R.I.T. Wuz Here," gaining the new MC widespread praise and earning him a deal with Def Jam. He's appeared on mixtapes with Wiz Khalifa and Curren$y. Listen to "Children Of The World" below.

Cyhi Da Prynce: Cyhi hails from Atlanta and is signed to Kanye West's GOOD Music Label and Def Jam Recordings, also appearing on Kanye West's "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy." He's released four mixtapes and is working on yet another, called "Allies" to be released in March. Listen to "Living Wonderful" below.

Yelawolf: Yela is signed to Shady Records and lives in Alabama with a wife and two kids. Yet he's also a talented MC, after quite a few mixtapes his first studio album in six year, "Radioactive" is due in March. Listen to "I Just Wanna Party" below.

Fred The Godson: Representing the New York area, Fred is known for his fired up mixtapes and freestyles. Plus he always comes out with some killer punchlines. Listen to "King Kong" below.

Meek Mill: 23-year-old Mill hails from Philly and was on the brink of recording a collabo with T.I. when he was sent to prison for 7 months. Mill was just signed to Rick Ross' Maybach Music and Maybach just inked a deal with major label Warner Bros. Expect a full length record from Mill soon. Listen to "Believe Me" below.
YO ON THE REAL THE HIP HOP GAME IS ABOUT TO BE HOT

Carmelo Anthony's Empire State Of Mind Guide To NYC (PHOTOS)

Now that Carmelo Anthony is in a New York state of mind and has returned to the city of his birth. The Red Hook Projects kid (that would be in Brooklyn, New York) needs to know a thing or two about NYC—from the different neighborhoods he can live in, to the hot spots for the best eats.
STORY: Carmelo Anthony Big Time Baller Moments In The Streets of New York City 
Coming back to New York Carmelo has his options on where to eat, sleep and party, like Jay-Z said “now I'm down in Tribeca, right next DeNiro." Carmelo needs a Jay-Z  “Empire State of Mind” guide to living in New York City, that's the only way he can make it in NY. So let's help Carmelo get through New York City with a little help from Jay-Z.

"Yeah, I'm up at Brooklyn, now I'm down in Tribeca, right next DeNiro, but I'll be hood forever."
One of the best spots to get your grub on, the Tribeca Grill has it all, and standing 6 feet 8 inches tall we know Carmelo has a big appetite.

"I used to cop in Harlem, all of my Dominicanos, right there up on Broadway, brought me back to that McDonald's."
One of those Dominicanos is Washington Heights own, Alex Rodriguez, a frequently vistor to Madison Square Garden

"Took it to my stash spot, 560 State Street"
Just a funny photo shopped picture of Jay-Z walking out of building 560.

"Cruising down 8th Street, off-white Lexus."
Looking for a ride while living in New York City, the off-white Lexus is a good look.

"Me, I'm up at Bed-Stuy, home of that boy Biggie."
226 St James Pl should be a hip-hop landmark, that was the actual address and home of Bed-Stuy's Notorious B.I.G.

"Sitting courtside, Nicks and Nets give me high fives."
Carmelo's going to get plenty of high fives, from Spike Lee to Jay-Z, New York celebs are frequent visitors of Madison Square Garden.

"Catch me at the X with OG at a Yankee Game."
During the off season there's nothing better than going to a Yankee game, just take the 4 train to 161st Yankee Stadium, you can't miss it.

"Statue of Liberty..."
You are not a New Yorker until you've visited the Statue of Liberty, a landmark that never gets old.

"Long live the World Trade..."
Gone but not forgotten, long live the World Trade indeed

First Look at Chris Brown’s ‘Look at Me Now’ Video with Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes

Chris Brown went back to the future to shoot the video for “Look at Me Now,” one of the lead singles from his fourth album F.A.M.E. (March 22), in Los Angeles on Wednesday (Feb. 16). Directed by Colin Tilley, who helmed “Deuces” and “Yeah 3X,” the clip co-stars Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes, who both appear on the Diplo and Afrojack-produced banger.
“It’s a crazy video right now we shooting,” said Weezy in a Ustream session. “Chris got a billion people dancing. He got these crazy contacts in. I would’ve put them in too, but I’m straight.”
In the first images from the nighttime shoot, the trio is seen standing on top of an ambulance in front of an industrial building. Another scene features a DeLorean DMC-12 sports car from the 1985 film Back to the Future. Singer-songwriter Kevin McCall and Diplo stopped by to show support, as did other members of the Young Money family.
Get a first look at “Look at Me Now” in the photo gallery below.

ONLY THING I GOT TO SAY IS DAMN.............

New Music: Lupe Fiasco – ‘H•A•M’ (Freestyle)

Lupe Fiasco goes “H•A•M” over Jay-Z and Kanye West’s instrumental, dropping a freestyle while visiting BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Tim Westwood. The Chi-town rapper bigs up his lyrical abilities, sonning the competition by flaunting his rhymes. “I ain’t goin’ ham, I’m goin’ bacon, goin’ pig/ I’m goin’ whole cow, n***a look at me, look what I did/ You wish you could, but you just kid, I’m a grown man on it,” he spits. Listen as Lupe goes off the dome below.

Chris Brown Scoops West Hollywood Crib

Chris Brown is going Hollywood. The R&B singer has purchased a 3,000-square-foot West Hollywood penthouse for $1.6 million, reports the Los Angeles Times.
The bachelor pad occupies the entire top floor of the four-story building, and includes three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms. Other features in the modern condo are floor-to-ceiling windows that exit to a balcony overlooking the Los Angeles skyline, as well as sleek bamboo wood floors, contemporary décor, stainless steel kitchen appliances, and direct elevator access.
Breezy is treating himself to the lavish property in anticipation of his upcoming fourth album F.A.M.E., which has spawned the singles “Look at Me Now” and “Yeah 3X.” The LP is due in stores March 22.
Check out where Chris will soon call home below.

CHRIS THIS IS A HOT CRIB, WE SEE THE JOB IS GOING GOOD

FOR SOME PEOPLE