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Chaka Khan has struggled with her weight over the years, but at the 38th Anniversary Benefit Concert For Jazz in Atlanta, she stepped out on stage to reveal her new slim and toned body.  She celebrated her 59h birthday this past March, and it's safe to say she has been living a healthier lifestyle to ensure her later years will have as few health problems as possible.

She has really been turning over a new leaf with her lifestyle and food choices ever since being diagnosed with diabetes and having found out that she has high blood pressure.  One major change that she made to increase her health, was letting go of her former struggles with substance abuse eight years ago.  She's been clean for eight years now and is focused on staying healthy.

Check out these pics of Chaka Khan's new look.

Source: huffingtonpost.com

Jimmy "Henchmen" Rosemond, CEO of Czar Entertainment and long time manager of Compton rapper Game, is allegedly the leader of a group of criminals who have participated in the distribution of narcotics, and have made millions of dollars doing so.

His trial is now underway, with opening statements being made on Monday in a Brooklyn Federal Court.

Gerald L. Shargel, attorney for Rosemond, says that someone was needed to take the blame for the situation and his client is "a perfect scapegoat for accusation." He continued, "James Rosemond never touched a kilo of cocaine. He is not that kingpin that the government says he was."

An indictment that was drawn up in 2011 says that Rosemond has been the head of an illegal enterprise since 2007 and has managed to make over $10 million in his time spent doing so.

The judge residing over the case, John Gleeson, looked at the jury at one point and said "Like you, I don't really know what's coming", in reference to how long this trial could potentially take.

Source: xxlmag.com

Scarface stepped up to the mic effortlessly to spit a freestyle while multitasking on his Twitter account on Shade 45's "Sway in the Morning."  He began spitting off the top of his head to the beat from Amil's "4 Da Fam."  He didn't care about dropping a story or anything like that, he just flowed and rhymed whatever came to his mind while constantly checking his Twitter.  After his freestyle, Sway stopped the music and let Scarface spit an unheard verse off of his upcoming solo album Rooted.

A heartfelt and comical story of the final bus ride home for a group of young high school students and graduates. As kids depart the bus for the last time, we get to learn about these graduates as they step into the world -- their love, their conflicts, their despair and their hope.

2 Chainz and Kreayshawn linked up for this horror video to their Murder collaboration track.  In this video, 2 Chainz and Kreayshawn play two crazy murderers, living under the same home, chopping up body parts and grubbing down on them for dinner.  They never show exactly what it is that they are eating in the video, however with all of that raw red meat, you get the sense that they are giving off the impression that they are cannibals.  If this is the case, then it is symbolic to say that they are sending off the message that they "eat other rappers alive".

Check it out, it's murderous.

Since Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have started dating, they've been pretty much inseparable and not afraid to show their love for each other in public. 

But when Kanye makes his appearance(s) on "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" for its new season, he and Kim won't seem like girlfriend and boyfriend, as it has been reported that their relationship won't be displayed during the taping of the show, leaving us to wonder what role he will play on the reality series.

Kim says "I want to show my life. If we are having dinner and he does show up, I'm sure we're not going to go, 'Stop the cameras!'"

This could serve as the reality television show's biggest season yet if they plan to have Kanye appear on multiple occasions.

Source: xxlmag.com

Lousiana rapper Lil Boosie was found not guilty of murder, stemming from a 2009 charge where Boosie allegedly ordered a hit on a victim.

After the verdict was reached celebrities took to Twitter to share their thoughts.

Source: Twitter

This year's Rock The Bells music festival is going to feature an extensive lineup of artists.  Since so many new young talents have sprung onto the scene recently, this year's Rock The Bells festival will blend the old with the new, offering performances from musical veterans to new school young artists who are booming at the moment.  

The line up of new school rappers will consist of Wiz Khalifa, Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, A$AP Rocky, 2 Chainz, Mac Miller, among other names.  Rap veterans such as Nas, Cam'Ron, Kid Cudi, Slick Rick, Too $hort, Method Man & Redman, Bone Thugs n Harmony, and the return of Missy Elliot accompanied by Timbaland.

Rock The Bells should be insane this year.

Source: hiphopwired.com

"I f*ck with the young G's.  I network with y'all, I love y'all.  As long as you respect me, I'ma respect you," is what E-40 told Hip-Hop Wired recently, and he stayed true to his word by recruiting young gunners Kendrick Lamar and Droop-E for his "Catch A Fade" video.  Kendrick kicks off the track dropping non stop bars, then he's followed up by Droop-E and E-40, as they both do the same as Kendrick - drop bars. 

Aside from the quality lyrics, the video is hard-core.  Throughout the video are scenes of a bunch of different guys throwing hands (fighting) one-on-one.  Kendrick, Droop-E, and E-40 each throw a few punches in the video too.

This track is off of E-40's three-disc, 60 song album, The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 1, 2 & 3 which is currently available on iTunes.  

Lupe Fiasco released the art work for his first announced single off of his upcoming album, Food & Liquor 2, which is a sequel to his 2006 album, Food & Liquor.  His first single is titled "Around My Way (Freedom Ain't Free).  The cover art for the single shows the stars and stripes of the American flag in black and white.

It will be released to the ears of the public on May 22nd, while his newest, and highly anticipated album is set to drop later this year. Lupe Fiasco commented on the hard work he's been putting into this album, and how he is really working hard to make this album far greater than his first Food & Liquor album.

"With this record, I just wanted to go back to the essence of what made that record so special.  The musicality that was on Food & Liquor that the original hardcore Lupe fans appreciated, we put it on this record, but to the tenth power."

Source: rap-up.com

Monica has been a known presence in the R&B realm for a long time and her hard work over the years was recognized by so many celebrities who came out to her New Life album release party at Club LIV in Miami this past Sunday, May 13th (Mother's Day).  All sorts of celebrities and fellow artists were in attendance including Lil Wayne, Trina, Ludacris, P. Diddy,and Kevin Hart.  And of course the love of her life Shannon Brown was by her side the whole night.

Check out the pics of the bottle poppin' party here. 

Source: inflexwetrust.com

Converse and Champs present "Hooked Up", a contest featuring hip hop artists Chiddy Bang.

Enter to inspire Chiddy Bang's next track by visiting Champ's Facebook application and selecting words to create a customized phrase. If chosen, the grand prize winner will be flown to NYC to watch Chiddy Bang record the exclusive track at Converse Rubber Tracks. The final track will be available for free download via Champs' Facebook page in July.

"Hooked Up" is in support of the Converse's Chuck Taylor All Star Padded Collar shoe and apparel available exclusively at Champs locations nationwide this summer.

Submissions will be accepted from May 9 - May 22. Go here to enter the contest.

Grand Hustle's commander, T.I. announced the release date for his upcoming (8th) album Trouble Man, during his visit with Angie Martinez' radio show Tuesday, May 15th.  He said that September 4th is the date that he is aiming for to release his newest project to the masses. 

Rico Love, one of Tip's associates, spoke to Rap-Up.com about a few collaborations that he recently did with fellow Atlanta native, Usher, and Trey Songz.  

"It's just a dope, dope collabo. Usher and Tip, two Atlanta natives.  This time I finally feel like they got a record that's gonna be a humongous hit."

Mark your calendars for T.I.'s release of Trouble Man, you won't want to miss out on picking up his newest big selling album.

Source: rap-up.com

Mother can't seem to handle her bad kid. Does he need a timeout or a spanking?

While in Albuquerque, New Mexico, French Montana, Waka Flocka, J. Cole, and 2 Chainz took a break from their daily routine of musical production, and brought out the basketball and Break-A-Way Rim for a friendly game of 21.  They really went hard, playing for what might have been an hour straight.  

J. Cole showed he has a good jump shot, and Flocka clowned around saying that "he should put the mic down and get a scholarship" for having good ball skills.  French Montana broke out a frew Bronx dribbling moves to shake off his defenders, while Waka and 2 Chainz used their natural size to get to the rim.  

Much like the old school Rap City did with its use of "The Booth," BET's 106 & Park will now be featuring a freestyle rap segment for famous and/or up and coming aspiring rappers in their new installment, "The BackRoom."  This new addition to 106 & Park will allow all sorts of rappers the opportunity to freestyle or spit already written verses over a wide variety of exclusive beats.  

The president of music programming and specials for BET Networks, Stephen Hill, commented on the new installment of "The BackRoom."

"The BackRoom is the place where freestyle will reign.  Truth is, we've missed having a place like 'Rap City's' 'The Booth' and now we've got it. In The Backroom, it doesn't matter if you're famous or not. You just have to be a skilled emcee."

"The BackRoom" will launch this Friday, May 18th on 106 & Park, and its first featured rapper to step up to the mic, will be the growing fan favorite, 2 Chainz.

Source: allhiphop.com

New music video by Soulja Boy called "Savage."

Jeremy Lin's season-ending knee surgery put to rest quite a remarkable year for the New York Knicks point guard. He missed the opportunity for playoff action, but can look forward to summer workouts now that their season is over.

But he'll be around other NBA stars during the off-season, because the Harvard grad has been named to the USA Select Team, which is a group of players who work out and compete against the Men's National team who will be participating in this year's Summer Olympics.

Some of the other young talented athletes to join Lin on the squad is this year's Rookie of the Year, Kyrie Irving, the Wizards' John Wall, and Taj Gibson of the Chicago Bulls, just to name a few.

The coaching staff of the Men's Basketball Team will observe those on the Select Team for consideration in future Olympic games.

This movement has been talked about for some time, and Pharrell has finally launched his highly anticipated company, i am Other.  Aside from being viewed as just a musical label, Pharrell has pushed forth the idea that this is an actual "cultural movement", that "welcomes Thinker, Innovators and Outcasts."  It's a movement that allows anyone to be whoever they want to be and fit in with others like them, instead of being ousted by society because they are different.

I am Other, provides a family for anyone who decides to live their lives on a unique path rather than follow the standardsof the majority.  His most recent artists who joined his label Buddy, Maxine Ashley, and Leah Labelle are featured in the video along with Pharrell. 

Will you join the movement?

Former Bad Boys rapper Shyne has been keeping busy as of late, still keeping his faith strong in his new found religion and even embarking in new business ventures and opportunities. 

Recently, he spoke on what he has planned musically, stating that he has multiple albums dropping before the year is up and even one coming in the beginning of 2013.

"Yeah, I have the "Gangland" street album coming out in July. And then I have another album coming out in December. You know, just music to feed the people and reestablish the brand. And then my official solo album is going to come out probably out in the spring of 2013."

Despite his aspirations for dropping three albums in a short time frame, he says he is currently an independent artist and will be releasing the LPs in that manner.

"I'm independent. I'm really all about entrepreneurship, and that's what All Our Power is about. All Our Power is understanding that you don't have to think what the big corporations to tell you. I never liked bullies. I was always the dude that would get up on the table and try to knock the bully out. I like to stand up for what is right. And it's the same thing with my music and with my business. In today's world especially, you definitely don't need to be with a major [label]."

Anyone anxious to hear new music from Shyne Po?

Source: huffingtonpost.com

Iviona Hatch, Lil Boosie's young daughter, reveals that she's planning to cook up some tunes with her dad in the studio as soon as he's released from prison.

Fans have been screaming for Jay Electronica to release his album, Act II: Patients of Nobility (The Turn), and fear not, for it will be happening soon.  Jay-Z announced to MTV News on Monday May 14th, that Electronica's album is finally "really close" to being done.  It's been a long time coming but all the hard work and effort put into making this album is finally paying off.

This was the update Jay-Z told MTV News regarding Jay Electronica's upcoming album:

"I love that, I want to support that sort of energy. I want people to be creative and not traditional, not just a single at this time, this time, and this time.  You know, he operates at his own time, but the album is really close.

It's exactly what it should be — it's amazing. Him as a lyricist is almost scary. He's scary good.  I'm doing something to it that's really untraditional, so we'll see how it works."

Source: xxlmag.com

Jay-Z explained to MTV News during a recent interview, what exactly inspired him to come up with the classic black and white logo for his new basketball team, the Brooklyn Nets.  For him, being born and raised in Brooklyn before he blew up to become the rap legend and business icon that he is, Brooklyn was a hard and gritty place.  It wasn't the way it is now, being a new center for the "hipster" party life.  Brooklyn in general has undergone some serious remodelling over the years, but Jay-Z explained that his Brooklyn Nets logo represents the Brooklyn of old.  It represents the hard, and rough Brooklyn, that is full of heart and strength to push forward.

Here's what Hov had to say:

"It's real gritty and Brooklyn is not about flash —well, sometimes. Just the roots of Brooklyn as this very bold, strong, simple logo.  It was really a take off the old subway signs, if you look at the old subway signs they were in black and white. It was that strong, beautiful, iconic black and white. I wanted to pick something that would stand the test of time and be here forever."

Source: vibe.com

Pittsburgh native Mac Miller and popular clothing brand Diamond Supply are embarking on a new venture in which the two will collaborate on a special snapback which will be featured in a colorway of Mac's choosing. 

In the video, Mac can be heard saying that he wants the snapback to come in a black/lime green/grey color scheme, but no word if that will be the official design. 

When it is completed, the snapback will be released in limited numbers on Karmaloop.com on May 28th.

The young but extremely talented producer, Hit-Boy, sat down for an interview with Noisey TV of VICE, to talk about his upcoming single "Jay-Z Interview".  Hit-Boy linked up with fellow producer BINK to help out with the track.  He mentioned how Jay-Z loved the title when Hit-Boy spoke to him about it, and he also opened up on his relationship with other artists from previous work that he's done.  

Former Crime Mob member, Diamond, was out celebrating her birthday early this year with her friends at Club Goldroom in Atlanta.  She will turn 24 on May 20th, but couldn't resist the urge to go out and party hard.  Many pictures were taken of the night, and it really looked like she had a blast.  

She sure is young and beautiful.  Diamond sported a tight lime green dress that really accented her nartural curves to the fullest.  She enjoyed a birthday cake in the shape of a giant milkshake, along with some drinks and dancing to bring in her birthday the right way.  

Check out the pics of the epic birthday bash here.

Harlem rapper Azealia Banks is getting set to drop a three-song EP titled 1991 and recently let loose the artwork for the upcoming project, which sees her dressed in throwback, early 90s gear.

The EP, which will consist of the tracks "212", "Liquorice", and "Van Vogue" will see an online digital release on May 29th while physical copies will be available on June 12th. 

Banks is also prepping her Fantastic mixtape which will come before the release of her debut album Broke With Expensive Taste being released on Interscope Records.

Source: missinfo.tv

G.O.O.D. Music artist Big Sean paid a visit to a high school in his hometown, and performed as he played Principal for a Day. Check it out.

The famed rapper/producer explains who he thinks are the best producers of all time, and reveals who he'd bring back as a hologram

The Grammy award winning producer and songwriter details new projects he's working on with a slew of A-list artists, including Usher, T.I., Mase and Trey Songz. Love also shares his thoughts on the current state of R&B and which artists stand out to him.

50 Cent and DJ Drama have been prepping their first Gangsta Grillz mixtape together, and the artwork for the The Lost Tape has been revealed. 

Late last month, 50 Cent took to Twitter to announce that the mixtape would be dropping May 15th. 50 will be in New York City later on in the day to debut new music from his joint on the Funk Flex Show on Hot 97.

Check out the cover and let us know if you're excited about the release of 50's latest music.

Source: rap-up.com

Going on night number seven tonight, Drake added a new act to the tour: L.E.P. Bogus Boys.

They announced on their Facebook page, "We have just been added to the Drake tour!!  We will be posting dates on our website ASAP!!  WWW.LEPBOGUSBOYS.COM."

The Club Paradise Tour hits Dallas, TX tonight at the Gexa Energy Pavilion and hits Houston's Toyota Center tomorrow night.

Source: inflexwetrust.com

One of the world's pound-for-pound boxing kings of this era, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, has dug himself a huge hole with his recent statements made against gay marriage.  As it is a well known fact, Pacman is a highly religious individual.  He kneels down in the corner of the ring and prays to God before and after every fight that he has.  It is because of this that he voiced his opinion negatively against President Obama's recent announcement that he supports gay marriage.  

"God's words first ... obey God's law first before considering the laws of man. God only expects man and woman to be together and to be legally married, only if they so are in love with each other. It should not be of the same sex so as to adulterate the altar of matrimony, like in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah of Old."

It is because of this ill-advised statement made by Pacquiao, that one of his major sponsors, Nike, has been pressured to drop Pacman from their endorsements by The Courage Campaign.  Nike has always been an advocate supporting the equality of marriage over the years greatly, and The Courage Campaign feels as though Pacquiao is tarnishing their "pro-equality" stance on gay marriage, for they feel as though he is a "negative role model."

Pacquiao has since come forward to defend his comments, that he does in fact not believe that gay people should be allowed to marry due to his religious beliefs, however, he has firmly denied allegations that he quoted from the Book of Leviticus 20:13 in the Bible.  Pacquiao has stated that he hasn't even read the book of Leviticus yet, and that journalist Granville Ampong added that part himself.  Ampong has supported Pacquiao's denial of citing Leviticus, and admitted that he added that part to Pacquiao's speech on his own.

Here is what Pacquiao said in his defense:

"I didn't say that, that's a lie ... I didn't know that quote from Leviticus because I haven't read the Book of Leviticus yet. I'm not against gay people ... I have a relative who is also gay. We can't help it if they were born that way. What I'm critical off, are actions that violate the word of God. I only gave out my opinion that same sex marriage is against the law of God."

The Book of Leviticus speaks on gay people being put to death, so this is why Pacquiao has so adamantly denied saying this.

Source: thinkprogress.org

Nicki Minaj took it back to the 90's wearing her puffed up denim hat, pink leather jacket, velour pants, and cheetah rain boots when she landed in Sydney, Australia.  The moment she stepped off of the plane her fans went nuts!

She stopped to show love to her barbie followers as she posed for pictures.  She even brought one fan to tears when she gave her a hug.  She went on to perform in front of a sold out crowd.  It's easy to see from the pictures and Nicki's tweets, that the concert was a major success. 

Source: theybf.com

Tailormade is a documentary film about a promising young amateur boxer named Bucky and the Rise and Fall of the Junior Black Mafia aka "J.B.M". In 1986, Bucky strapped for cash puts his dream of becoming a professional fighter on hold when he joins the ranks of Philadelphia's ultra violent JBM. Its an emotional tale of promise, heartbreak and tragedy. You'll also learn about the inner workings of the Junior Black Mafia and what lead to its ultimate demise. Exclusive interviews include family members, friends and frank talk from ex-JBM members.

The autopsy report of Trayvon Martin has been disclosed and the findings within the report may or may not support the story behind the injuries to the head of George Zimmerman. 

WFTV stated that the the 17-year-old suffered a gun shot wound but also had abrasions to his knuckles, possibly suggesting physical action on the part of Martin during the struggle.

"WFTV has confirmed that autopsy results show 17-year-old Trayvon Martin had injuries to his knuckles when he died. The information could support George Zimmerman's claim that Martin beat him up before Zimmerman shot and killed him."

"The autopsy results come as Zimmerman's attorney, Mark O'Mara continues to go over other evidence in the case. O'Mara wouldn't comment on the autopsy evidence, but WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer said it's better for the defense than it is for the prosecution."

"WFTV has learned that the medical examiner found two injuries on Martin's body: The fatal gunshot wound and broken skin on his knuckles."

Late last month, it was reported that Zimmerman may have suffered a beating from Trayvon and in defense, killed the 17-year-old. But nothing has been confirmed as of yet.

Source: globalgrind.com

While at a Miami nightclub most recently, Lil Wayne took the stage and expressed his love for long time female rapper Trina, which had many people buzzing over what could come of this headline.

As Weezy grabbed a mic on stage, alongside comedic actor Kevin Hart, he simply said ""I just want to say if Trina's in here, hey Trina. ... I love you and I miss you baby".

Check out the actual video of Wayne expressing his love for the baddest b*tch.