The Boombox Music Blog

Teenage Girls, Rap Music and Why Kitty Pryde is the Savior

Caitlin White — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST

Roger Kisby, Getty Images At the end of January, a 19-year-old white girl from Florida dropped her latest project. Kitty (formerly Kitty Pryde) raps about wetting the bed, relates the pain of unrequited love and getting unfollowed on Twitter, and even offers her own rendition of Wu Tang's "C.R.E.A.M." (which reveals her struggles with anxiety rashes). Needless to say, this mixtape irked hip-hop's inner circle of "heads," among others, to no end. These unlikely topics coupled with her laissez-faire recording style have raised hackles among those who still stratify human experiences in strictly black and white terms like "important" and "unimportant." In hip-hop, a genre founded expressly to give to the voiceless, it seems odd that the old vanguard has reacted with such resistance to mutant strains like Kitty and other artists of her ilk. ...

Teenage girls are among the most embattled groups in society and where is their voice? Plenty of voices speak to them -- marketers, media outlets, magazines, advertising. The women in the music industry who speak to teenage girls include a 28-year-old pop star like Katy Perry, who essentially equates the concept of a teenage dream to a wet dream. Meanwhile, she insists she's not a feminist. No shit.

But who speaks for teenage girls? Who tells the terrors of deciphering text messages from crushes, navigating sexual behavior and finding self-esteem in a world increasingly riddled with negative, harmful messages? Kitty once described her songs as diary entries, and they sound very much like confessionals. Her vocal curlicues feel like the doodles of a teenage girl's handwriting, while her level of honesty is at times almost an affront to the unexpecting ear. But her rhymes are clever and original, and her songwriting is clear and concise even when centered on troubling topics. The production on D.A.I.S.Y. rage feels like a mix of floral frippery and some sort of concentrated hate. It's the best of two diametrically oppositional themes.

It's easy to see why older (and let's keep it real, mostly male) critics are at odds with Kitty's music. Many of them are rap traditionalists, and her music relates an experience they will never understand. Plus the flippancy with which she creates her musical pastiche upsets those with purist roots, because to them, hip-hop is still, well, hip-hop.

But I would counter that part of my growing love for the weird, twisted genre of hip-hop/rap/R&B is that it tells stories I would never otherwise hear. I will probably never experience anything that Kendrick Lamar raps about on g.o.o.d kid, m.A.A.d. city, and that's undoubtedly part of the reason that record speaks to me. Even though his specific experiences are divergent from my own, I feel the power of his opportunity to relate them. I feel the universal implications of his chance to speak.

There aren't many narratives in our culture that tell the real tale of life as a teenage girl. Contrary to popular belief, it isn't very pretty. It's confusing, full of messy physicality and disorienting emotions -- and no one speaks to it. The cultural stories told about adolescent girls rarely acknowledge the struggles this experience holds. The offered anecdotes are saccharine or sexualized, covered in ideas about adolescent women as naive, stupid, boy-obsessive, silly or ultimately meaningless outside of their sexuality. Almost every description and instruction in mainstream culture about life as a teenage girl is related to sex, or more pointedly, how to be conceived of as a sexual object.

Kitty certainly doesn't shirk the topic of sexuality but instead addresses it as part of her own centrifugal force. She relegates it to a mere radial topic that emanates from her core. She is able to address things like her complicated relationship with her mother. Her urge to interact with the world in new and taboo ways, coupled with a desire to please her mom. She raps about complicated friendships, power dynamics in relationships and the deadening pull of money and fame. For a 19-year-old, Kitty is wise and eloquent. She talks in her own language -- in the memes of a teenage girl in 2013 -- and her words are pouring out and into a cultural void that desperately needs to be filled.

The post-modern era has opened a gateway into absurdism and irony -- the possibility that every phrase spoken is both true and false simultaneously. The chance to drape anything statement in sarcasm, thus blunting the force of its impact.

This disingenuous behavior has spilled into art with surprising results, though. Absurdism is the philosophical underpinning that gave us Tity Boi's reinvention as 2 Chainz -- and his outrageous success in this role. In many ways Kitty is also tapping into the absurdism of playing the role of "teenage girl" to the fullest. Nuanced and developed though, her portrayal of the character of "teenage girl" is equally compelling to 2 Chainz depiction of the role "rapper." Just keep in mind, in both cases, Tauheed Epps and Kathryn Beckwith are fully aware of the stage they are on and the characters they are inhabiting.

Don't discount Kitty because you haven't been a teenage girl. Don't discount her because she giggles, because she raps about social media or rashes or bed-wetting -- these are real experiences and to someone though perhaps not you, they matter immensely. Don't try to silence a voice that is the only real, tiny growth in an otherwise barren field of sexualized tropes and calorie-free figures. Certainly don't discount her by saying she can't rap. She definitely can.

Just realize that she is purposefully rapping as a teenage girl, purposefully relating a perspective that has been kept in a darkened corner for most of recorded time. Cosigns from Antwon and Lakutis as features on the project weren't needed to prove Kitty's chops, but certainly her curation of these two outer-edge yet highly specific flow styles further illustrates her musical discernment. You don't have to like Kitty's music, but you can no longer write her off as meaningless. That would be like saying teenage girls on a grand scale are meaningless. Both are more powerful and complex than they appear on the surface. So is Kitty.

Stream Kitty's D.A.I.S.Y. rage Mixtape

D.A.I.S.Y. rage by ♡kitty♡

Watch Kitty's "Dead Island" Video

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Chris Brown Community Service Hours: Lawyer Fires Back and Singer Goes on Social Media Rant

Caitlin White — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:15:00 EST

Jason Merritt, Getty Images Chris Brown has not been having a good week, but at least he has a good lawyer. Yesterday the prosecuting attorney from his assault case for beating girlfriend Rihanna suggested that he never properly completed the community service hours we was sentenced to do as punishment, but Brown's attorney has fired back vehemently denying this allegation. His lawyer, Mark Geragos, told the Los Angeles Times that the accusations made by the Los Angeles District Attorney are completely unfounded. ...

"Apparently the district attorney's office has completely lost their minds," the lawyer said. "They are making scurrilous, libelous and defamatory statements and apparently have lost their ability to read their own reports."

The motion made against Brown cites the fact that his mother Joyce Hawkins provided most of the confirmation of the times of service at Tappahannock Children's Centre as she was formerly a director there.

The embattled singer spoke out on the charges himself on his now private Instagram account, insisting that he has faced enough scrutiny and deserves respect. MTV has a screenshot of the rant. After his recent brawl with Frank Ocean, Brown also compared himself to Jesus for the prosecution he faces from the media.

Does Chris Brown deserve our respect? Or is he really just an asshole? Sound off on Twitter at @TheBoomBox.

Chris Brown Compares Himself to Jesus

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Frank Ocean, Chris Brown Brawl: Homophobic Slur Involved

Caitlin White — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:25:00 EST

Getty Images During his brawl last week with Chris Brown, someone called Frank Ocean a "faggot." This, according to the the official police report the singer filed. According to the report, obtained by TMZ, the fight began after Ocean approached Brown about taking his parking spot at Westlake Studios. Brown then tried shaking Ocean's hand, but Ocean refused the offer and again told him he was in his spot. Brown then punched Ocean in the face before two men from Breezy's entourage jumped in and tried to kick him. ...

Ocean says he heard someone use the word "faggot" during the fight, but wasn't sure who it was. It could have been Brown.

In private, he told police that he wants to see Brown in jail.

Watch Frank Ocean's "Pyramids" Video

Watch "Chris Brown Deletes Instagram Following Frank Ocean Fight" Video

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Kanye West, Lord Jamar Diss Song: Brand Nubian MC Thinks 'Ye is Gay

Caitlin White — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:45:00 EST

Getty Images Kanye wore a leather Givenchy skirt for his performance at the 12-12-12 Sandy Relief Concert and rapper Lord Jamar, of legendary rap group Brand Nubian, thinks it's deplorable. 'Ye originally started wearing the skirt for his Watch the Throne tour with Jay-Z, but when he wore it for the Madison Square Garden show, a barrage of conversations erupted surrounding his fashion choices. Now, a homophobic diss track from Jamar has surfaced. ...

The song -- random as it might be -- manages to be both grotesquely hateful and sexist, while not exactly good either. It traffics in conversational elements that perpetuate tired gender norms and the parts during which he actually raps utilize slurs that imply that Kanye is... well... gay.

Considering he recently announced that his very feminine reality TV star girlfriend Kim Kardashian is pregnant, we have pretty strong confirmation that 'Ye isn't into the D.

But that doesn't mean the Chicago MC is any stranger to the "He's gay!" treatment.

Back in 2005, he told MTV News that he grew up a 'mama's boy.'

"When you go to high school and you wasn't out in the streets like that, and you ain't have no father figure, or you wasn't around your father all the time, who you gonna act like? You gonna act like your mother," he explained. "And then everybody in high school be like, "Yo, you actin' like a f--. Dog, you gay?" And I used to deal with that when I was in high school."

He said that he reacted to this ridicule by becoming homophobic, before learning that one of his cousins was gay and thus altering his perception of gay people.

"Everybody in hip-hop discriminates against gay people," he said. "Matter of fact, the exact opposite word of "hip-hop," I think, is "gay." Like yo, you play a record and if it's wack, "That's gay, dog!" And I wanna just come on TV and just tell my rappers, just tell my friends, "Yo, stop it fam."

Hey Lord Jamar, stop it fam!

Listen to Lord Jamar's "Lift Up Your Skirt" Track

See 10 Things For Kanye West to Do Besides Date Kim Kardashian
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Big Sean Feat. J.Cole, Raekwon on '24k of Gold' Produced by Detroit Newcomer Key Wayne

Caitlin White — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST

Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images Big Sean is on his grind this year. After dropping "Guap" late last year, the new G.O.O.D music signee is prepping his sopohomore album Hall of Fame to drop sometime in the next month. For this track though, he's paired with J.Cole and on this remix, Raekwon, for the track "24k of Gold" which features production from Detroit newcomer Key Wayne. The song is on Wayne's mixtape So Many Keys that is available for download here. The song feels breezy and floats along a staccato piano motif that repeats into a diminishing high-hat drum and Big Sean's vocals are all croons here. ...

Raekwon and J.Cole both appear, but the song absolutely floats on the production and Big Sean's hook.

Looking forward to more from Key Wayne. Stream the track below.

See Photos of Big Sean in GQ Magazine
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Waka Flocka Flame, Lil Wayne Team For 'Stay Hood' off Forthcoming 'DuFlocka Rant 2' Mixtape

Caitlin White — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 18:15:00 EST

Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images for BET Waka Flocka Flame's mixtape DuFlocka Rant 2 is set to drop tomorrow, but in the meantime the latest track to leak features a Lil Wayne guest verse and Lex Luger on the production. "Stay Hood" features Waka's typical high energy rapping and a promise to never forget his hood roots. Wayne's verse echoes the same sentiments, possibly the best line is his cough syrup shout out, "the mother f---ers like Robitussin." ...

The "Hard in Da Paint" rapper will release his sophomore album, Flockaveli 2, sometime this year via 1017 Brick Squad/Asylum/Warner Bros. Stream the track below and look for Waka's new tape tomorrow.

Listen to Waka Flocka Flame's "Stay Hood" Feat. Lil Wayne

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LMFAO Beef: Do Solo Careers Have MCs Competing?

Caitlin White — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 17:40:00 EST

Frazer Harrison, Getty Images Although Los Angeles party rock duo LMFAO are on on hiatus while they pursue their respective solo careers, their individual success stories are still linked. And according to MC Sky Blu, the competition between him and bandmate Redfoo is a healthy one -- that keeps them at their best. "I'd say it's healthy -- me and Foo are always competitive," he tells 92.3 NOW/New York. "We always play basketball and ping-pong together and we come from a serious, competitive in an interview family. It's all good, but the most important thing is for the LMFAO fans to understand that me and Foo, separately and together, are LMFAO. So support us both." ...

Sky Blu premiered the video for his track "Pop Bottles" a few weeks ago on AOL Music and the song details his rockstar lifestyle. Perhaps it's that lifestyle lead to the group's problems.

"When you reach a level of success - and this is real - things happen, man," he said. "Friends change. You get some friends that are there for the moment and then if you hurt your back they're not there no more. But you know, no matter what everywhere we go around the world people know who we are and people want to have a good time and party."

Although the album title for his solo project is yet to be announced, Sky Blu plans to drop the record on July 4th of this year.

Watch LMFAO's "I'm in Miami Trick" Video

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Future 'Long Live the Pimp' Video Features Trae Tha Truth, Pays UGK Respect

Caitlin White — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST

Rick Diamond, Getty Images Future is back with a new video for "Long Live the Pimp," a track from his 2012 major label debut Pluto. The clip was directed by Trae Tha Truth, who also provides a lengthy guest verse for the song. Future ditches his southern Atlanta roots for a trip through Houston -- but stays namechecking southern hip hop greats, mentioning Texas legends Bun B and Pimp C and admitting that they're both "a legend in his memory." ...

The "Turn on the Lights" rapper is now directing his attention to his upcoming sophomore album Future Hendrix, slated for release some time this year. The first track, "Karate Chop," features Casino and is streaming on Future's Soundcloud.

Watch the clip to catch Future's familiar slur and Trae's slick drawl against a backdrop of bright lights and dark streets.

Watch Future's "Long Live the Pimp" Video

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Curren$y 'New Jet City' Celebrates Weed, Features Rick Ross, Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J & More

Caitlin White — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST

Curren$y Curren$y released a taste of his new mixtape last week when "Choosin," a track with Rick Ross and Wiz Khalifa, hit the net. Yesterday (Feb. 3), New Jet City became available in its entirety at Datpiff. Aside from featuring veterans Wiz and the Bawse, the tape also includes guest spots from Juicy J and Jadakiss. Elsewhere, he teams with French Montana and Trinidad Jame$. ...

And of course the tape includes plenty of cuts that reference Spitta's number one lady -- Mary Jane. For more on Curren$y's smokey inspiration, check out our exclusive interview with the rapper about his last studio album The Stoned Immaculate.

Watch Curren$y's "Chandelier" Video

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Did Beyonce Give Birth via Surrogate? Singer Says No.

Caitlin White — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 13:45:00 EST

Christopher Polk, Getty Images Beyonce's documentary "Life is But a Dream" debuts this month and reveals many of the singer's deepest and most private moments -- including her denial that she used a surrogate for her pregnancy. "To think that I would be that vain," Beyonce says in a clip from the film. "I respect mothers and women so much. To be able to experience bringing a child into this world, if you're lucky and fortunate enough to experience that, I would never ever take that for granted." ...

Beyonce recently open up about the miscarriage she had before giving birth to Blue Ivy. In "Glory," a track Jay-Z penned in his daughter's honor, he references the tragedy. This, however, is the first time Beyonce has addressed the miscarriage directly.

Still, pregnancy was obviously a positive influence on her life.

"My baby was born out of a conflict in my life and that struggle had to be settled," the "Halo" singer said. "I wouldn't have gone through the pain if I hadn't gone down the path. There's something so relieving about life taking over you like that. You're playing a part in a much bigger show and that's what life is, it's the greatest show on earth ... I felt like God was giving me a chance to assist in a miracle."

Despite her many accomplishments and star-studded career, the Grammy winner still cites motherhood as the most important thing she has yet to undertake.

"It's the most powerful thing you can do in your life -- and especially after losing a child, the pain and trauma from that just makes it mean that much more ... A child, you don't play around with that."

It's been a busy year already for Queen Bey. Facing criticism over lip syncing the National Anthem at the Presidential Inauguration, she sang it live at a press conference yesterday. She'll also perform at the Super Bowl this Sunday (Feb. 3).

Watch Beyonce's "Love on Top" Video

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Cash Money Rapper D-Boy Killa Stone Dies in Prison

Caitlin White — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 11:45:00 EST

Cash Money Degreez Young Money affiliate rapper D-Boy Killa Stone died in jail from natural causes on Tuesday (Jan. 29) of this week. Cash Money Degreez broke the new that the Louisiana rapper, born Alvin Nelson, was a member of Cash Money Degreez and the duo D-Boyz along with his partner Lac. Nelson was born in New Orleans and entered the music industry as a manager for the artist Soulja Slim. Later, he began his own career as a rapper and worked with artists as varied as Mac 10, Juvenile, T.I., and Lil Wayne. He and Lac are also responsible for penning Big Tymer's hit song "Still Fly." ...

Killa Stone was mourned by both Juvenile and Lil Wayne on Twitter.

Just lost one of my best friends today Remember to tell your people you love while they still here Rest In peace Alvin Stone My big homie
- JUVENILE (@juviethegreat) January 29, 2013

RIP Killa Stone. Real ni55a forever!Another UPTOWN legend.
- Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) January 29, 2013

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Beyonce Performs National Anthem Live at NFL Press Conference

Caitlin White — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST

Justin Heiman, Getty Images That settles it, right? After the media maelstrom that erupted surrounding Beyonce's decision to lip sync the National Anthem at President Obama's inauguration, the singer took a stand today (Jan. 31). At a press conference for the NFL, Queen Bey opted to perform the song live to silence all her haters. "I am a perfectionist," the R&B superstar said. "I did not have time to rehearse with the orchestra. This was an emotional show for me, and due to the weather I did not feel comfortable taking a risk. This day was about President Obama." ...

In the press conference she also addressed whether or not she will be performing live at the Super Bowl.

"I will absolutely be singing live," she said. This is what I was born to do."

Watch her deliver on a live rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" below, then ask the reporters -- ahem, the doubters -- in attendance if they had any questions. Notably, none did.

Watch Beyonce Perform "The Star Spangled Banner" Live at an NFL Press Conference

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BJ the Chicago Kid Talks R&B Solidarity, Outside Influences & Working With Kendrick Lamar

Caitlin White — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:45:00 EST

Facebook A giant question mark has loomed over the R&B lately- is the form changing? Not in the eyes of BJ the Chicago Kid. As the latest balladeer to burst out of the windy city's blossoming music scene, it's all about the motivation. "The soul man, where I sing from," he says while posted up in an office at Island Def Jam. "That will never change, the place where I come from when I sing, that will never change." ...

Last year was life-changing for BJ. He released his mixtape Pineapple Now-Laters in February and by August he'd inked a recording contract with Universal/Motown. He dismisses the term alt-R&B, and says his influences range from Jodeci to indie rockers Kings of Leon.

"I'm such a fan of different types of music and how they pour their heart into it," he says. "Their recipe of coming up with this finished product. It's all about the individual and what inspires them, what gives them their individuality and how they show that. I think that's what begins to create the branches of the tree."

As for BJ's branch, it stems from a much more traditional blues and jazz background. Still, Pineapple Now-Laters includes cuts with rising Compton rapper Kendrick Lamar, and he's got a noticeable hip-hop swag.

"We did like three or four records for good kid, m.A.A.d city," BJ explains. "Those records I have will come out after good kid... and everyone loves his record! I don't look [at the songs not making it onto his album as a] negative at all. I got called there to work. Kendrick, if he called me today, I'd be there today. That's how we work."

2013 has a lot in store for the young singer as he works on his major label debut and adjusts to life as a full-time artist. Which is, well, an adjustment.

"I put out projects and released music without a label before," he says. "That was work. It's still work here now. It just continues; the grind increases. The hours increase. Less sleep, of course. [But I have to ] put the proper time where it's needed."

Download his latest mixtape Pineapple Now-Laters here and watch the video for "Good Luv'n" -- a song off the tape -- below.

Watch BJ the Chicago Kid's "Good Luv'n" Video

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Rick Ross, Shooting: Rapper Hires 24 Hour Guard After Assassination Attempt

Caitlin White — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST

Larry Busacca, Getty Images According to TMZ.com, after Rick Ross' recent involvement in a shooting and car accident, the rapper has opted to hire a 24 hour armed guard for protection. This past Monday, on Rozay's birthday no less, the Maybach Music Mogul was shot at from a nearby car and crashed his car in attempt to escape. Although he was unharmed in the incident, Ross isn't taking anymore chances and will now be accompanied by a guard packing heat around the clock. He previously enlisted security details for big events or public appearances but will now be guarded day in and day out. ...

TMZ's sources close to Ross indicate that he's been threatened a lot recently but has brushed them off. He's paying attention now, though.

Whoever made the attempt should probably be watching their back right now too, Ross' latest record title was God Forgives I Don't ... ominous at best.

Watch Rick Ross' "Diced Pineapple" Video

See Photos of Maybach Music's Meek Mill New York Listening Party

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Lil B, Joey Bada$$ Beef: Rappers Trade Diss Tracks

Caitlin White — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST

Getty Images | Facebook Lil B and Joey Bada$$ are beefing! The Berkeley, California rapper is typically a positive presence on Twitter, but a tweet from Joey Bada$$ hit a sore spot for The Based God and he hopped in the studio. The offending tweet quotes a Capital STEEZ line from the song "Survival Tactics" ("They say hard work pays off/ Well tell the Based God don't quit his day job"), but Lil B clearly took it as a personal affront and dropped a diss track. He also wrote a series of tweets directed at Bada$$ but later deleted them. ...

Tell the @lilbthebasedgod dont quit his day job!!
- oG $wank. (@joeyBADASS_) January 28, 2013

The above tweet sparked Lil B's release of the track below called "I'm the Badass" -- which Joey responded to in turn with his own diss track called "Don't Quit Your Day Job."

Listen to Lil B's "I'm the Badass" Diss Track

Joey Bada$$ spits his lines over a classic Janet Jackson sample "That's the Way Love Goes" and despite dissing Lil B gives shout outs to other Bay Area hip-hop greats like E-40 and Mac Dre.

Listen to Joey Bada$$'s "Don't Quit Your Day Job" Diss Track

Which track is better? Do either matter? Sound off on Twitter -- @TheBoomBox. Personally, we're choosing Based God forever.

Hip-Hop and R&B Albums: Grammy Wins Vs. Losses
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Whitney Houston's Brother Introduced Her to Drugs

Caitlin White — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 15:10:00 EST

Jason Merritt, Getty Images A shocking new interview with Whitney Houston's brother Michael Houston reveals that he was the one who introduced the singer to drugs, including cocaine, which tragically helped contribute to her untimely death last year. Candidly, he spoke to Oprah about the fact that he was the first person that the "I Will Always Love You" singer ever used drugs with -- not her husband Bobby Brown as many assumed. ...

Michael Houston Discusses Sister's Drug Use

"You gotta understand at the time ... the '80s ... it was acceptable," he said. "It's painful ... I feel responsible for what I let go so far."

Houston's death on Feb. 22 of last year was officially ruled as an "accidental drowning," but the coroner's report confirmed that she had used cocaine just prior to her death -- which led to cardiac disruption.

"I'm living, but I'm not alive without her. I felt responsible, I always have, always. I just felt like I should've took better care of her," he said.

The singer is survived by her siblings, her mother and her daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown.

See Whitney Houston Funeral Photos

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Wiz Khalifa, Amber Rose Discuss Baby Names, Male Baby Shower and More

Caitlin White — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:55:00 EST

Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images Wiz Khalifa and his girlfriend Amber Rose announced at the 2012 VMA Awards that they are officially having a baby, and now the due date is swift approaching -- Amber only has five weeks left! The couple stopped by Power 106 in Los Angeles, CA to talk about baby names and how their lives will change as parents, including the Philly rapper's focus on fatherhood instead of music. "I could be moping around trying to be like this cool rapper or whatever, but I'm really excited about being a daddy," the 24-year-old said. "I can always entertain and make music. But I'm a new dad, I'm trying to be the best. I'm really staying around because this is an important time for Amber, she really need that support." ...

Wiz's 2nd major label LP, O.N.I.F.C., dropped in early December, but for now his plans are to stay home with Amber. And while the pair remained mum on what the baby's name will be, Rose insists it will be a "total boss name" (whatever that means).

The pair revealed that Wiz is looking forward to a male baby shower, of all things.

"I don't care what the hell ya'll drink," Amber said. "Drink it out of a bottle and bring some gifts."

Watch the ensuing discussion about baby shower drinking games in the rest of the interview below.

Watch Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose Talk Baby Names on Power 106 Video

Wiz Khalifa, French Montana Perform for Heineken Red Star Access

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In House with Rockie Fresh: Talks 'Electric Highway' Mixtape, Advice From Rick Ross

Caitlin White — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:05:00 EST

Gino DePinto, AOL Music Drill music isn't the only thing coming out of Chicago these days. Maybach Music Group rookie Rockie Fresh dropped his new mixtape, Electric Highway, last Monday (Jan. 21). On it, the 21-year-old Chicago native blends hip-hop with alt-rock, electro, funk and jazz. He's a man of many influences. Rockie credits his diverse background growing up in Chicago for the mixture of sounds in his music and has collaborated with artists as diverse as Sasha Go Hard, Curren$y and Lunice of TNGHT. He stopped by to talk to The BoomBox about advice from label boss Rick Ross and what inspired the title for his new tape. He also sounded off on the issue of gun control in America. Read the interview after the jump and download his mixtape for free at Datpiff. ...

It's been few months since you signed with Maybach Music Group, how has your life changed since then?

I moved. I stayed in Chicago but I just moved closer to downtown. I was able to get a bigger spot. But most importantly I am able to record a lot more music. Now I'm able to be in the studio a lot more because it's my full time job now. With that, I've been making better records.

There was some potential drama between you and Chief Keef back in October. He was questioning whether or not you were from Chicago.

Yeah I think it was just a misunderstanding or something like that, because after he tweeted -- before I could even respond -- he tweeted about where I was from in the city, where somebody had told him I was from. He followed me [on Twitter] and I followed him back, end of story.

Is there any relationship between you and Chief Keef? Have you ever thought about collaborating?

No. I've never met him but he's another Chicago artist, so I want to see him win, just like everybody else. I would collaborate with him. If the situation presents itself correctly that's something I would look into.

Talk to me about the meaning behind the title Electric Highway.

My last project was titled Driving 88. It was specifically off the movie "Back to the Future." The car had to go 88 miles per hour for them to be able to reach their destination in the future, and that one was more about the pace that I choose to do music. The style that I choose is something signature to my career. So Electric Highway is more the road that I'm on now that I'm signed and I have an opportunity. I'm a lot closer to achieving a lot of the things that I dreamed about when this first started. It's still futuristic. I'm still really focused on the stuff I plan on doing in the future, and Electric Highway was just a good way to sum that up.

How do you think this tape compares to your other projects? What's different about it?

A lot of my past work was really about me rapping and getting recognition, kind of with the fear that I wasn't going to even be accepted. But now with me growing up in Chicago and living there, and seeing all the stuff that's going on in the city, I think my voice could be powerful with the set up that I have. My concept now is more to motivate and be an example for other people that are watching.

How do you choose who you collaborate with? Sasha Go Hard is on the project. Are you friends?

Sasha Go Hard is definitely a friend of mine. She's somebody that showed a lot of respect for my music and when I found out about her music I was really impressed. Like, lyrically she's insane. They did some type of Chicago day on MTV and our videos were both on the countdown and she was just going HAM telling people about my video. I've always got somebody else from Chicago that's featured on [one of my] projecst and she was one of my favorite Chicago artists at the time -- and still is -- so we had to do that.

What's up with the Curren$y song "Roll Up Right Now?"

I went out to New Orleans when I was doing the Electric Highway tour and he was supposed to come through the show, but he ended up taking a little tree nap and so I went to his body shop. He fixes cars out there, that's one of his passions. I went out there and we just smoked and chilled and went out to the car and he was like, "Let me hear some new stuff." So I played him the record that he's on and he was like, "Yeah I need a verse on that," so we ended up working.

How was working with Lunice from TNGHT on "Superman OG" different from working with other producers?

The thing about Lunice is that me and him went on tour together. We rode in the same vehicle. Some nights we stayed in the same hotel room and he kind of grew into being a real close friend, like a brother. So then when he started playing me these beats it was a mindset of one, these beats are pretty tight but then two, I want to see this dude win with me.

What kind of lessons has Rick Ross been giving you?

Being comfortable with yourself and being in tune with all sides of you so that you can make universal music. And then also to always be recording. You'd be surprised at how many songs Ross records in a week.

Your style is a mix between a bunch of different things. You incorporate a lot of different elements. What do you attribute that to?

Being from Chicago. Because even when I went to school in the suburbs there was a situation where a lot of the projects were getting torn down, and a lot of the kids were able to come and stay out in the suburbs. So we were all going to school together, and they were going to school with races they had never even seen before in their lives outside of walking on the street. So just seeing the different influences, and people that got along with each other, reasons why people didn't get along, and me being in the middle of that. Because I was this kind of short kid who dressed different and people never really picked on me. So I just got to be kind of be a fly on the wall for a lot of things.

What are your plans for the next few months?

I definitely plan to drop a lot more singles so the people constantly have music from me. And we're setting up a tour as well. I went on an Electric Highway tour before the tape came out and we're putting together some things from Electric Highway part two. Until then I'll just be popping up in different cities doing a few one off shows and releasing more music.

Watch Rockie Fresh's "Nobody" Video

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Tyga, Wiz Khalifa 'Molly': Rappers Collaborate on MDMA Anthem

Caitlin White — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST

Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images Add Tyga to the list of artists hopping on the Molly train. Citing powder MDMA as its inspiration, the Cash Money MC recently unleashed "Molly," an ode to the drug. Featuring a guest verse from Wiz Khalifa and vocals seemingly culled from Cedric Gervais' club hit "Molly," the tune finds the rappers -- what else? -- looking for Molly. But where the French house DJ's tune was all four-on-the-floor and sweeping synths, here the track is re-purposed with tinkling minor key embellishments and a distinctive trap-style 808 rhythm track. It's essentially a whole new song. ...

"Molly" is off Tyga's upcoming project called Hotel California, slated to hit stores March 26. Stream the track below.

Listen to Tyga's "Molly" Feat. Wiz Khalifa

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Pusha T: Mixtape Drops Today, New Track 'Only You Can Tell It' Features Wale

Caitlin White — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:15:00 EST

Tasos Katopodis, Getty Images Pusha T's new mixtape Wrath of Caine is set for release today and it has been generating hype through the release of several singles since late last year. The tape is a precursor to the new solo record that the former Clipse member will release through Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music label. The latest track released from the record hit airwaves last night. "Only You Can Tell It" features Wale and samples "Without Hope You Cannot Start the Day," from English prog-rock band Yes' 1991 LP, Union. Produced by G.O.O.D. music affiliate Boogz Da Beast, the track follows up "Blocka" and the Rick Ross collaboration "Millions," which will be on his official LP set to drop on Def Jam later this year. ...

Stream the track below via Billboard and download Pusha's new mixtape after 7 PM tonight at Datpiff.

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Cassie, Trina, Lola Monroe: 'All Gold, All Girls' Appropriates Trinidad James Track For Feminine Purposes

Caitlin White — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST

Getty Images The shiny track "All Gold Everything" from hip-hop's latest viral sensation Trinidad James has been given quite the makeover by Cassie, Trina and Lola Monroe. Renamed "All Gold, All Girls," the ladies unite on the chorus adding a softer side to the swagging assertions, then each take their own verse. Have to say that Trina's flow is still far superior to Cassie's and her verse is the best. She has her own new mixtape that came out last year -- Back 2 Business -- which features several tracks with French Montana and has contributed to rumors of a romance between the two. ...

Trina also does the honor of reappropriating the infamous "popped a molly I'm sweatin'" line changing it to "popped a molly I'm dancin'" -- complete with backing giggles from the other girls.

Other feminine changes include discussions of shopping in Paris, gold nails and an "all gold Chanel" outfit in place of James' references to the women that he loves to, uh, hang out with.

The track will be on Cassie's forthcoming mixtape Rock-A-Bye-Baby, a project that is also rumored to include collaborations with Jeremih, French Montana, Rick Ross and Pusha T.

Stream the track and watch the original song by Trinidad James below.

Watch Trinidad James' "All Gold Everything" Video

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Skylar Grey, Eminem: 'C'mon Let Me Ride' Singer Was Nervous to Work With Rapper

Caitlin White — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 13:20:00 EST

Getty Images Recently AOL Music debuted a behind the scenes clip for Skylar Grey's "C'mon Let Me Ride" video and got a chance to hear the new singer sound off about her relationship with Eminem. Not only is he featured in her video, but the rapper is also executive producing her album, Don't Look Down -- a fact that she admits had her a bit shaky. "I was really nervous when I first met him but then I came to realize that he's super cool," Grey told Radio.com. "He makes fun of me and makes me laugh a lot." ...
Em is giving her project a lot of attention.

"[He's] making suggestions of where he thinks I can improve bits," she says. "[He's] doing whatever he thinks will add to the project. It's awesome to have somebody there that I can trust to bounce stuff off of and get good feedback."

Watch the rest of the interview below and look for her debut album coming this spring!

Watch "Skylar Grey Admits to Being Nervous to Work With Eminem" Video

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Rihanna, Blunt Photo: Singer Instagrams Herself Smoking Weed Again

Caitlin White — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:55:00 EST

Instagram Rihanna posted a photo of herself on Instagram with a blunt in her mouth -- sound familiar? It's hard to tell if RiRi's more addicted to photos of herself or photos of herself being a good girl gone bad. We're all for sexy selfies and documenting that rockstar lifestyle, but lately the "Diamonds" singer's Instagram feed feels more like a cry for help than a brag reel. Or maybe this is Rihanna's not-so-subtle attempt at responding to Lena Dunham's recent criticism of both her marijuana habit and her relationship with abusive ex-boyfriend Chris Brown. Either way, the gag is starting to get old. ...

Instagram

Rihanna also posted another photo of just the blunt to her account, captioning it "Every day, every night ... all the time." Okay, girl, we get it, you like to get high -- just invite us over next time instead of posting photos after the fact!

Watch Rihanna's "Diamonds" Video

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Future, Ciara Relationship: Rapper Opens Up

Caitlin White — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 21:30:00 EST

Getty Images | jpistudios.com Rumors have been swirling around a Future and Ciara romance for the past few months, and though the Atlanta rapper has mostly brushed them off, a recent interview reveals a little bit more about their connection. In an interview with Hot 107.9′s DJ J 1, the rapper directly addressed the rumors circling the pair, and seemed to imply that once the media frenzy dies down something more than a friendship will blossom between the two. ...

"We are at a time where, I am on Epic, she's on Epic, I love music, she loves music," Future said. "And we love being in the studio with each other. We love being around each other and that's just what it is. The chemistry is there. It's amazing. She makes me happy, I make her smile."

Of course, there are rumors about the Pluto creator's former boo circulating as well -- is he really single? Only time will tell... what do you think of the couple's potential romance? Sound off on Twitter @theboombox.

Watch Future's "Neva End (Remix)" Video Feat. Kelly Rowland

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Chief Keef, 'I Got Cash': New Music From Jailed Rapper

Caitlin White — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST

Interscope Chief Keef may be behind bars due to a botched interview with Pitchfork at a gun range, but that isn't stopping his crew from releasing new music from the incarcerated rapper. "I Got Cash" features Dro along with an unusual amount of auto-tune for the Chicago rapper. In keeping with the spirit of the song title, "I Got Cash" finds Keef bragging about his mountains of moola. Six million dollars worth of it, if reports about the potential value of his deal with Interscope Records are accurate. In that case, bragging is definitely in order. ...

After his debut album Finally Rich debuted on Interscope last fall, Keef -- born Keith Cozart -- sparked a lot of controversy for a tweet that laughed off the death of a rival and lyrics that celebrate violence.

His most recent brush with the law is a violation of parole for holding a gun, he was previously suspended for pointing a firearm at a police officer.

Watch Chief Keef's "I Got Cash" Feat. Dro Video

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50 Cent 'Major Distribution' Video Features Snoop Dogg, Young Jeezy & Gunplay's Chain

Caitlin White — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:30:00 EST

Todd Williamson, Invision By now you've probably heard 50 Cent's Snoop Dogg and Young Jeezy-assisted cut "Major Distribution." But if by chance you haven't, 50 Cent went ahead and released the hazy, drug-fueled video for the cut last night. Though the three MCs together in one clip are an interesting sight in their own right, the most eyebrow-raising cameo is Gunplay's MMG chain -- a symbol of his affiliation with Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group label -- which 50 still has in his possession, apparently. ...

The long-standing beef between Gunplay and Fif reached a boiling point at last years BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta, and the physical altercation between the two rappers ended with G-Unit snagging Gunplay's prized necklace. That he taunts Gunplay with it in the video is a little beyond though... how will MMG respond?

Also check the video below for Snoop's colorful, gem studded glasses. Lion or Dogg, he keeps making drug dealing look like it's all fun, games and cool accessories.

Watch 50 Cent's "Major Distribution" Feat. Snoop Dogg and Young Jeezy Video

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Omarion 'Admire' Video Features Problem & Tank, NSFW Imagery

Caitlin White — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:35:00 EST

Mark Von Holden, Getty Images Omarion signed on to Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group label last May and released his debut EP, Care Package, in November. Today (Jan. 22), he dropped a video for one of the EP's strongest cuts, "Admire." But while the song is catchy the clip is hardly reinventing the wheel. Set in a strip club, there's pole dancing and the like to accompany Omarion's singing about his very pointed admiration for a woman. Not exactly the cleverest thing we've seen. Warning: this video is not safe for work and watching it kind of feels like actually being in a strip club. Except in a real strip club they don't let you dance with strippers on top of the bar. ...

Watch Omarion's "Admire" Ft. Problem and Tank Video

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Guns in America, Rockie Fresh Sounds Off (EXCLUSIVE)

Caitlin White — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST

Gino DePinto, AOL Music In light of the recent executive orders that President Obama issued regarding the issue of gun control, and the multiple devastating shootings that have swept across America, AOL is dedicating a week of coverage specifically to the discussion of Guns in America. One city that is particularly plagued by gun violence is Chicago, so when Rockie Fresh, a rising rapper from the windy city stopped by for an interview with The BoomBox yesterday, we had to get his opinion on the topic. Read his musings below and sound off on Twitter with your own thoughts. ...

"It's definitely real out there. I feel like a lot of people that traumatize us with the usage of guns are the people who are going to get guns regardless. Whether you put tight gun control on it or not, these people are getting guns because they can easily access them. And with that, it's like they're already out here now.

So if you wanna try to control people who are trying to go about it the right way, and we're the ones that's kind moreso in danger at this point because we don't have anything to protect ourselves with. So I think it's something that the government needs to think about deeply and takes into consideration all sides.

In Chicago, I mean these are 16, 17, 18 year old kids committing murders. And they're getting these guns - not from their parents. So its not like an in house type of thing. And with that, it has to be bigger than just upping the gun control I think. And I don't know what it's going to take, if I did, I'd probably be running for president."

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50 Cent, Sleek Audio: Rapper Sues Former Business Partner

Caitlin White — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 13:10:00 EST

Todd Williamson, Invision 50 Cent is embroiled in yet another legal battle. After winning a lawsuit just yesterday Curtis Jackson is back in court-- this time with his former headphones business partner Sleek Audio, Tampa Bay Business Journal reports. The company, which is located in Bradenton, FL. partnered with Jackson's G-Unit, LLC back in 2011 for a line of wireless over ear headphones called "Sleek by 50." Around May of 2011, the companies announced they were going their respective ways, and now 50 Cent is claiming that Sleek Audio owes him a hefty $261,000. ...

He alleges that the company signed a promissory note for $285,000 plus interest to be repaid before July 2011 or that it was due "when the company received aggregate gross proceeds of more than $750,000 through private offerings of debt or equity in the company."

The "In Da Club" rapper says the note was never repaid and is now suing. Court records show that he was granted an arbitration for the money that he was owed, and he is now asking the court to confirm.

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T.I. Record Label Shopping: Rapper Wants $75 Million to Sign

Caitlin White — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 11:45:00 EST

Ethan Miller, Getty Images T.I.'s recently released album Trouble Man: Heavy Is the Head may be the last he releases through Atlantic Records. TMZ reports that TIP's ten-year deal with Atlantic ended last month, and that he's already shopping around for a new one. TIP's proposal is centered around three albums, corporate endorsement deals and the exclusive signing of all Grand Hustle artists. The price tag? A whopping $75 million. In the running are Dr. Dre and Interscope, as well as Universal. Jay-Z is attempting to recruit him for Roc Nation and Sony reportedly has a deal on the table already for $50 million. ...

But Sony may be in over its head. The beleaguered electronics giant just sold their iconic Manhattan building for a little over a billion dollars, sending it stock soaring. Still, that could leave them with money on the table for something like a T.I. acquisition or be a sign that things are just that bad at the famed record label.

T.I. seems pretty serious about his offer from Interscope -- he was spotted at West Hollywood sushi haven Katana with Dr. Dre, potentially discussing business-- but is also set to meet with Universal this week.

Whatever T.I. decides to do, it seems like he'll net himself a pretty penny. One can't help but think of the $80 million Mariah Carey stood to earn from signing with Virgin Records back in 2000, and how she failed to deliver the goods. Hopefully T.I. will fare better.

Watch T.I.'s "Go Get It" Video

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Rockie Fresh, 'Electric Highway': Chicago Rapper Unveils Tracklist

Caitlin White — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 18:15:00 EST

Facebook Rockie Fresh has released the track list for his new mixtape, Electric Highway, which is due out next week (January 21st, to be exact). The Chicago rapper is Maybach Music Group's latest addition and this will be the first project he's releasing under the wing of Rick Ross. The 21-year-old worked closely with producer The Gift, and the tape will feature a collaboration with Ross himself. Just in case there were any doubts about whether or not the big homie was riding with the young gunner for real. ...
Other acts that put in appearances are Nipsey Hustle, Curren$y and Sasha Go Hard.

We'll be bringing you an exclusive interview with Rocky Fresh soon. So definitely keep checking back here for that.

The full tracklist for Electric Highway is below.

MTV

Electric Highway Tracklist & Producer Credits

1. The Future [Prod. By Quincey Tones & Jo Caleb]
2. The Lights [Prod. By Lifted & The Gift]
3. Thick Bitch (Hit My Jack) [Prod. By The Gift]
4. Superman OG (Feat. Lunice) [Prod. By Lunice]
5. The Warnings [Prod. By The Gift]
6. Life Long (Feat. Rick Ross & Nipsey Hussle) [Prod. By Boi1da & The Maven Boys]
7. Hold Me Down [Prod. By Big Jerm & Sayez for IDLab]
8. Barrell Of A Gun [Prod. JD Walker]
9. I'm Wit It [Prod. By D Rich]
10. Show Me Sumthin' (Feat. Sasha Go Hard) [Prod. By The Gift]
11. Roll Up Right Now (Feat. Curren$y) [Prod. By The Gift]
12. Ride Slow [Prod. By The Gift]
13. Father Forgive 'Em [Prod. By The Gift]
14. Nobody [Prod. By LPeezy, Sampled from Breakage & Clare Maguire]
15. Lights Glow [Prod. By The Gift]
16. I'm Ready [Prod. By The Gift]

17. Something Special [Prod. By Ayo]

Watch Rockie Fresh's "Nobody" Video

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Raekwon, The Combat Jack Show: Wu-Tang MC Speaks on History, New Mixtape

Caitlin White — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 13:31:00 EST

The Combat Jack Show Wu-Tang Clan alum Raekwon stopped by The Combat Jack Show to discuss the iconic group's twenty-year history and his love for house music. Who knew he was such a big fan of the disco classic "The Hustle?" The Chef also discusses what it was like coming up in rap's golden age. Scroll to right around 30:00 to hear the interview with one of Shaolin's finest. Lastly, Rae dropped a mixtape two days ago called Lost Jewelry with 12 brand new tracks. Don't be a fool and miss this one. Download it at Datpiff. ...

Watch Raekwon's "100 Rounds" Video

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Oxygen Network Cancels Shawty Lo's Reality Show, Rapper Fights Back With His Own Petition

Caitlin White — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 17:10:00 EST

Brad Barket, Getty Images Shawty Lo and his band of significant others will have to wait for their day in the sun. Lo's upcoming reality TV show All My Babies' Mamas has been canceled by the Oxygen Network, where it was set to air. "After multiple conversations with Oxygen Media executives, the company informed us via email that a decision was made to cancel All My Babies' Mamas late this afternoon," said ColorOfChange.org Executive Director Rashad Robinson in a statement. "The tremendous response from over 40,000 ColorOfChange.org members, coupled with national outrage from Black folks, sent a clear message that exploitative television shows like All My Babies' Mamas are unacceptable. But the Atlanta-bred MC isn't taking this news laying down. He's fighting back with his own petition (which you can sign by clicking HERE), and hopes to swing things back in his favor. ...

"It's a sad day in America, when people attempt to reject a father that steps up to the plate, a father who is actively supporting his children & their mothers, not just monetarily but emotionally as well," says the petition, launched by his rep Kali Bowyer. "Other networks that currently showcase polygamy, promiscuity, and alcoholism, are on the air, with multiple mothers and magnitudes of children. So what's the difference? Because Shawty Lo is black and a rapper?"

Lo' has eleven children with ten different mothers and has taken a major drubbing in the press for looking to cash in on his abnormal family life. And while the show reportedly intended to explore the highly complex, often dysfunctional relationships within the family, whether he's got a petition looking to save it or not, it will just have to wait for now.

Will you sign the petition to keep All My Babies' Mamas on the air?

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Vote for Lil B to Perform at the 2013 Grammy Awards

Caitlin White — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:45:00 EST

Isaac Brekken, Getty Images CBS and The Grammys have launched a contest called "Gig of a Lifetime" to let one aspiring artist perform at the 2013 Grammy Awards and by some far-fetched stroke of luck, hip-hop oddball Lil B is on the ballot. Thing about Lil B is he may seem like he's living in an alternate reality-- and he probably is-- but there is something intriguing about the prolific, young musician. His cult following has already been hitting up various prominent social networks promoting the campaign. The winner of the contest receives three days of live coverage leading up to the awards show as well as the chance to perform live to the Grammys. ...

The contest started on Jan. 10 and will run until Jan. 29. Fans can vote for Lil B through the Grammy Awards Facebook app, earning an extra vote if they publicize their choice with a tweet.

Although the rapper recently trolled the entire internet with a terrible song that featured his cat, it would still be awesome to watch him perform in front of thousands of people who don't understand what "based" even means.

Absurd as he may be at times, the kid is clearly talented and deserves mainstream fame -- or at least a shot at it.

Watch Lil B's "I Love You" Video

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Foals Lead Singer Yannis Philippakis Thinks David Guetta Is Ruining Hip-Hop

Caitlin White — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST

Getty Images Another outcry against the death of hip-hop has been issued. This time not by a well-respected MC, but by a member of an indie rock band. And he thinks a French DJ is behind its demise. Wait, what? "I don't like David Guetta and I don't like that style," Foals lead singer Yannis Philippakis tells Digital Spy. "What bothers me more really is that a lot of hip-hop is being played over those backing tracks, and I find that a shame because I like hip-hop a lot." The music has gotten so bad that Philippakis says he can't stomach it anymore. ...

"I can't listen to current hip-hop because the MCing isn't the skill of it anymore," he explains. "It's more putting it over super-garish club tracks. If you compare it to what DJ Premier was doing in the early '90s and RZA with Wu-Tang, that's got real artistry and grit. When I don't hear that, it feels like hip-hop has lost something rather than progressed."

Don't fret, though! With all art you have to take the good with the bad.

"It's not even something that really makes my blood boil because it is just bulls--t," he says. "It is an abomination but there needs to be bad music around. You need Jilly Cooper novels and pulp, trashy culture."

Fair point. But the counter-argument is that hip-hop sounded pretty stale for while-- how many songs built on 808s and stock synthesizer sounds can we have?-- and guys like David Guetta have given it a sonic refresh. Not everything can sound like 1993. After all, it's 2013.

But what do you think-- is hip-hop in decline? Is David Guetta the reason?

Watch David Guetta's "Where Them Girls At" Video

Hip Hop For Dummies
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Chief Keef Jailed Over Pitchfork Gun Range Video, Parole Violation

Caitlin White — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST

Interscope Rising Chicago rapper Chief Keef was jailed on Tuesday (Jan. 15) after a judge found that his interview with Pitchfork Media at a gun range was a violation of his parole, reports the Chicago Tribune. Keef, born Keith Cozart, is on 18-month-probation for pointing a gun at a Chicago police officer back in 2011.The judge ruled that by holding a gun for the on-camera interview with Pitchfork he breached the terms of his 18-month-probation, and ordered him into custody. Although Pitchfork has since taken the video down, the court ordered the footage be released in order to determine a verdict. The 17-year-old will be sentenced on Thursday and will be held in juvenile holding facility until then. ...

The sentence comes only a few week after the release of Keef's debut album Finally Rich on Interscope -- a record that has been highly divisive within the music community and sparked a number of debates about hip-hop journalism and greater cultural concerns.

Police interest in Keef became more pointed when he posted a tweet taunting a Chicago contemporary, rapper Lil Jojo, only 18 hours after Jojo was murdered. However, no ties have been found between Cozart and the slaying.

Cozart's lawyer, Dennis Berkson, insists that the rapper was only holding the gun for promotional purposes and should not face criminal charges.

"It was a promotion. Just like a movie," the attorney said. "There was no intent on his part to possess a gun."

Cook County judge Carl Anthony Walker will hand down the final verdict tomorrow. In the meantime, Keef's fans have taken to Twitter, popularizing the hashtag "#FreeSosa" to show solidarity with the rapper using his nickname. Pitchfork has yet to comment on the situation.

Watch Chief Keef's "I Don't Like" Video

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Andre 3000 Shuts Down Outkast Reunion Rumors, Says Big Boi Remixes Aren't Official Songs

Caitlin White — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 17:48:00 EST

Getty Images Outkast never officially broke up. But it's looking more and more like they'll never be getting back together either. Well, officially, that is. Big Boi recently added a verse to Frank Ocean's "Pink Matter," a track that originally featured a guest verse by Andre 3000. There's also a planned remix of TI's "Sorry," which will feature Big. This has all lead to speculation that the pair were due to reunite. Welp. No dice. 3-Stacks says these unofficial remixes are just sending the wrong impression. In a statement released today, he admitted as much. ...

"It's important for me to be clear about the origins of my contributions to 'Pink Matter' and 'Sorry,'" he explained. "I was approached as a solo artist by both Frank Ocean & Tip. I discussed musical direction with each artist and completed my verses. It was after that when Big Boi's name came up."

The collaborations went as planned-- sans Big Boi-- and everything was fine. Until now.

"I never want to mislead our audience," Dre continued. "I worried that some would think these were Outkast collaborations. These songs are not Outkast collaborations. I discussed this rationale with Big, Frank and T.I. and everyone agreed. That is why I was surprised to read about these remixes. I understand that anyone can put out an unofficial remix to any song but I have an obligation to be honest with fans about what this is ... and what it isn't."

We wish these two would get it together. However, we're in agreement with Andre that having both Outkast members feature on other people's songs would just be weird and not the correct way to reintroduce the group.

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Kid Cudi Covers Complex Magazine, Wants to Work With A$AP Rocky and Schoolboy Q

Caitlin White — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:45:00 EST

Complex Kid Cudi might not be getting much attention from his record label, but maybe that won't matter soon. He covers Complex magazine's February/March issue and speaks at length about his new side hustle-- producing. "I would love to produce something for [A$AP Rocky and Schoolboy Q]," he says. "Just make a beat and a hook and let them do their thing. I'm down to make a beat and let ni--as kill it. That's fun to me. I can separate myself and not feel like I'm missing out because my production is me. That's just another way of me showing off." ...

If Cudi's taken to beatmaking quickly, it's only because he's been in the company of the best in the business. After dropping his mixtape A Kid Named Cudi in 2008 he was signed to G.O.O.D. Music and fell under the tutelage of Kanye West. He also worked closely with his then-managers Plain Pat and Emile Haynie-- producers in their own right-- on his first two albums. And then there's Dot Da Genius, who Cudder essentially co-produced the entire WZRD album with.

"I learned how to make beats by being around Dot Da Genius, Kanye, Pat, and Emile," he says. "No one taught me anything, but I watched them and they didn't know I was watching. I was learning when I didn't even know I was learning. Then, when I started to make my own shit, I was like, 'Whoa, this feels like I've been making beats my whole life.' I used to make beats as a kid, so I was always fucking around with the shit-- never to this magnitude though."

With his newfound passion for beatmaking, Cudi expressed some sadness over the fact that he didn't contribute more to Cruel Summer.

"I was a little disappointed," he says. "But Kanye had a vision for that. Whatever that vision was didn't include much of me. [Laughs.] I was bummed because I could've contributed. I'm a good asset. But he had a different vision. Everyone that was showcased on the album did their thing and they needed that at that time."

Cudi's next album, the forthcoming Indicud, is due out in March. For now it seems a chit-chat with none other than Jay-Z has helped him put his label woes behind him, and it's back to the basics-- beats and rhymes.

Watch Kid Cudi's "King Wizard" Video

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In House With Future: 'Pluto' Creator Talks New Mixtape, Album & Superstar Collaborations

Caitlin White — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:30:00 EST

Gino DePinto, AOL Music While last year saw the release and subsequent re-release of Future's debut album, Pluto, the Atlanta-bred rapper is showing no signs of slowing down. Today (Jan 15), he dropped his highly-anticipated mixtape Future Presents FBG: The Movie. And while we'll certainly need some time to digest his latest offering, there's something to be said for what the 27-year-old has been able to accomplish already. Witness the staying power of his airy hook-heavy singles and how meme-ready catchphrases like "racks on racks on racks" and "at the same damn time" have become firmly embedded in our conversation. "It feels good to have coined [phrases] like that," he tells the BoomBox. "It feels good I made my step in hip-hop." ...

But it's been a slow grind for Future. Pluto didn't exactly light up the charts when it was released in April, moving a mere 41,000 units in its first week. Still, the project was buoyed by word-of-mouth buzz and critical praise. By November, the album -- now dubbed Pluto 3D -- was given a re-release featuring remixes with with Kelly Rowland, Ludacris and P. Diddy, as well as three new songs.

Gino DePinto, AOL Music

"Since I had the love ballads, the melodic tracks like 'Neva End' and 'Turn on the Lights,' I wanted to go back to the clubs," he explained. "To give the DJs something to play going into the new year. [But] at the end of the day, the slow songs are catching on too. It's the emotional songs that have substance."

While the direction of his next project isn't fully fleshed out yet -- or perhaps he's just keeping mum about it -- his second LP, Future Hendrix, should drop this year.

"I have it about 50 percent completed," he revealed. "I've collaborated with people but I don't know for sure if they're going to be on the album. I've been working with Drake, Kanye, Pharrell and working with Timbaland -- my usual. I'll work with whoever comes along."

Hopefully Future Presents FBG: The Movie will hold us over until then.

Background Graffiti, Courtesy of Sue Works.

Watch Future's "Neva End (Remix)" Video Feat. Kelly Rowland

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Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z: 'Suit & Tie' Song Debuts After Video Tease

Caitlin White — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 09:50:00 EST

Getty Images After causing a fan frenzy with his long-awaited new music announcement last week, Justin Timberlake debuted his new single "Suit & Tie" on his website. The R&B song even features a guest verse from Jay-Z, and two sing about their love for tuxedos and suits. Along with the new track, Justin posted an open letter to fans, revealing that his album, titled The 20/20 Experience, will be released sometime this year. "This year is an exciting one for me," Justin writes. "Back in June of last year, I quietly started working on what is now, my next journey with the thing I love called MUSIC," he writes. "The inspiration for this really came out of the blue and to be honest, I didn't expect anything out of it." READ THE FULL STORY ON AOL MUSIC BLOG ...