The Boombox Music Blog

Beyonce Premieres 'Standing on the Sun' With New H&M Video

Cameron Matthews — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST

H&M Beyonce strikes again! The singer released her newest song, "Standing on the Sun," via an H&M ad this morning -- and it's pretty hot (the video that is). Mrs. Carter dances and writhes about in the sand, while modeling several fashionable bikinis from the H&M Summer Collection on the shores of Nassau. ...

This is the second Beyonce single in 2013 to premiere in an ad campaign. Her previous song "Grown Woman" was featured in an ostentatious Pepsi commercial.

"Standing on the Sun" was co-written by Greg Kurstin and Sia (who tweeted about her involvement in the new song). The clip was directed by wunderkind videographer Jonas Åkerlund.

The song itself features a rigid drum beat through which Beyonce swoops in and out, delivering angular pop melodies. Check it out for yourself below.

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'Vanilla Ice Goes Amish' in New Show, Will.i.am Admits Stealing & More

Cameron Matthews — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:49:00 EST

AP Photo, DIY Network Vanilla Ice has finally found a job that's just the right fit - construction. As CBS reports, the "Ice, Ice Baby" rapper will appear on the upcoming DIY Network show "Vanilla Ice Goes Amish." The premise of the show? Van Winkle gets his manual labor on, building stuff for the god-fearing people of an Amish society. You can probably expect the hip-hopper putting a glossy finish on some hand-made end tables. Heck, he might even frame a house or two. [CBS News] In other Hip-Hop News ... ...

Will.i.am Admits Stealing: The Black Eyed Peas mastermind has confessed to using an unlicensed sample on his new song "Let Go." The rapper did not get written permission to use the original track "Rebound," from producers Arty and Mat Zo. So he used it anyway. [NME]

Gucci Mane in Need of Therapy: The Southern Trap rapper keeps winding up in jail. He was booked last month for assault, and upon release in April, was arrested again for a parole violation. Will Gucci ever get it straight? Nicki Minaj think her troubled friend is in need of a hip-hop intervention. Someone call Iyanla! [Rapfix]

Killer Mike Gets Political: The conscious rapper thinks people need to take a closer look at how the Democratic Party affects the black community. "You deserve some reciprocity for loyalty given to this party for the last 50 years. You deserve more than pictures of Robert Kennedy and Dr. King on your wall," he says while insinuating that the Republican Party might be an option in the future. [HipHop DX]

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Jay-Z, 'Open Letter' -- New Song

Cameron Matthews — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST

AP Photo Brace yourselves -- a brand new Jay-Z single is here, co-produced by Swizz Beats and Timbaland. "Open Letter" begins as a creeping, simplistic beat and transforms into one of Hova's most honest moments. Controversy has been circling the rapper since his trip to Cuba with wife Beyonce last week. Many conservatives in Congress wondered how two prominent Americans could have traveled to the embargoed country without expressed permission. ...

"Politicians never did shit for me/except lie to me, distort history."

Jay blasts political skeptics who wanted a full investigation of the power couple's vacation in Havana. But wait, there's more ...

"They wanna give me jail time and a fine -- Fine, Let me commit a real crime Obama said, "Chill you're going to get me impeached'/You don't need this shit Anyway, chill with me on the beach."

That's not all the rapper has to say in his "Open Letter." Jay-Z's also been accused of abandoning his native Brooklyn after selling his shares in the New York borough's NBA team, The Nets.

"I woulda moved the Nets to Brooklyn for free/Except I made millions off you fucking dweebs/I still own the building, I'm still keeping my seats/You buy that bullshit, you better keep your receipts."

Jay-Z recently signed the Yankees' Robinson Cano to the new sports management arm of Roc Nation. The Brooklyn rapper also wants to represent basketball stars, which forces him to relinquish shares in any NBA team.

Jay throws a few other subtle barbs in the short but reference-heavy single. Hell, he even claims to be the Bob Dylan of rap. And when you think about it -- his idiosyncratic, non-rhythmic, lazy style coupled with Jay's cultural important to hip-hop -- that sort of makes sense. But hey, we know why you're here. Check out the song below.

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Ray J EXCLUSIVE Q&A: Singer Side Steps Kim Kardashian Questions, Talks 'I Hit It First' and Tina Fey

Cameron Matthews — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST

Facebook R&B singer Ray J is on the verge. He's come to the precipice -- a space between household stardom and total collapse -- several times in his career. But this time, the smile-inducing performer might have something Big on his hands. "I Hit It First," Ray J's latest single, has been the topic of conversation everywhere the past few days. The song, which is presumably about Kim Kardashian, boasts a frenetic '90s-style rhyme scheme, and some very tongue-in-cheek lyrics. In case you don't remember, Ray J made an infamous sex tape with the celebrity socialite back in 2003. Since then, the singer's career has taken odd twists and turns while Kardashian has made millions on reality TV. We wanted to find out if Ray J still hasn't gotten over his old fame, or if he was just having a little fun. ...

Everybody is talking about "I Hit It First." You say it's not about Kim K. But...

It's about life. People are misunderstanding me when I say that it's not about -- it's about me -- I'm not saying it's not about anybody. But the main subject is about me and how turnt up I am and just my lifestyle and what I've been through ... more so than anything.

I like the album art a lot. I think it's very artsy.

You know we wanted to do something that might be modeled in the Getty museum; we wanted to take it to a creative place where nobody's ever taken it before.

It's pretty cool. You know ... some people say it's a picture of Kim K that you just pixelated.

And some people say it's Basquiat ... [Laughs loudly]. People have their own opinions about everything, you feel me?

In the song, you sing 'I had her going North and her ass going South, but now baby choose to go West.' There's a lot of emphasis on 'West', can you talk about that?

You know I wanted to represent the West Coast as best -- you know as much as I could. So that was pretty much throwin' up the W.

Getty Images

Have you ever met Kanye West?

Yeah, he's a great dude. I have nothing but respect. Even in these interviews I don't really go into a lot of detail about that situation because it's not my place to. For me it's staying focused on the concept at hand and to me that's Ray J, that's this wild lifestyle that we live and the experiences that we have within this lifestyle.

I don't think Kanye's mad at you for releasing 'I Hit It First.'

If I was anybody listening to the song I would be like, 'This kid is keeping it real.'

I think you're keeping it real, I think you are.

Spread the word! It's the AOL love and there's no love like AOL love.

Thank you. But even in "Clique" Kanye says, "Break records at Louis, eat breakfast at Gucci, my girl's a superstar all from a home movie." So he credits you with how he met Kim Kardashian. He would have never heard of her before if it weren't for you.

That kid is keeping it real.

WireImage

He's keeping it real and so are you. Now there's another quote I want to ask you about. 'And if you were to come back to me girl, we'll make another movie.' Do you miss Kim?

Well listen, I have a talent agency, so for me it's kind of like, if you come back to the agency there's a lot more movie opportunities that might take place when you come back to the agency. So I mean, people have to look at it a lot more from a business stand than anything else. We have clients, we have great people that we try to help make their dreams come true, so it was one of those kind of lines.

Would you ever make another sex tape?

No man, I'm done. That was a time in our life where we took something negative and we tried to spin it into something positive in our life and we tried to move forward. And that's what we did and now looking back, we were just having fun. We're taking things that happened in our life and we're poking fun at it, we're laughing at it, we're giving the crowd something to talk about and enjoy and laugh and that's what this is. And I can't wait for people to see the video because it's one of those ... people watch SNL, people watch other stuff that you can look at and sort of chuckle at. That's what this is. It's nothing more than that. Lighten up, let's have fun, let's go into spring and summer the right way.

So would Ray J ever want to do SNL?

I would love to do SNL. I would actually love to hang out with the girl ... she's probably married but ... what's her name? Tina? Oh, she's hot.

Tina Fey!?

She's married? Well, she's off limits. But she's hot, she's creative.

The woman from 30 Rock?

Yeaaah.

Tina Fey.

Love a funny, intelligent, independent woman. I love the glasses, I love her sense of humor, I love her dry humor and I kind of like her swag, you know, she's sexy.

She's kind of dorky too, you like dorky girls?

Love dorky women. Oh my god. I love a woman with a good head on her shoulders if you know what I mean.

Getty Images

Hey, have you ever met Krris Humphries?

Yeah, one time.

Was he cool to you?

I mean he's a great guy, a great athlete, I have nothing but respect.

You're a nice guy Ray J.

You know, I'm a good guy. I think people look at me in a different way until they talk to me or get to know me. Listen -- we party, we have fun, we live life to the fullest. But we're also professional, we also wake up every day and stay on time for our meetings and we also have a structure and a certain structure and a certain substance behind the brand. It's not just luck.

Do you feel like Kim Kardashian owes you a lot for her fame?

I feel like everybody that's successful owes everything to God.

Are you happy for Kim and Kanye with their baby on the way?

I'm happy for everybody.

Are you happy it's not your baby?

I'm happy for everybody, I'm happy for all of my baby girls that I love in this world.

Any baby girls you want to give a shout out to?

Um, I want to give a shout out to the girl from 30 Rock.

Tina Fey.

I don't know her yet, but she's definitely my baby girl.

Alright, we'll try and hook that up.

No she's married, so tell her I'm sorry, that I respect her talent.

WireImage

Yeah. Ray J, your last name is Norwood. Are you familiar with the Charles Portis book Norwood?

Nah, I'm not familiar with that.

Well there's this guy named Charles Portis and he wrote a book called True Grit, it was a big movie like two years ago.

Ah yeah, that's the, um - who played the guy in True Grit?

Jeff Bridges.

It was him and like a young girl, right? I watched that movie, it was pretty good.

Yeah, so you should check out Norwood. It's about a young man who enjoys the company of ladies and he goes on an excursion.

Really?

Yeah.

Is that a good movie to write?

Yeah, it would be. You should check it out.

Alright, I'll check it out. Norwood by Clin - Clinnon - Clinnon Portis.

Charles Portis.

Oh shit, alright. Charles Portis.

Tell me about what you're doing with Bad Girls Club.

The biggest show on Oxygen right now, their biggest franchise. 14 of the baddest bad girls coming together to battle for the crown and for a lot, a lot of money.

Are you ever worried when you're around them that they might beat you up?

Well there were a couple times where I almost got beat up, so you know, it's a must see show. It's something that I think people are going to gravitate to. Not only because of the controversy and the emotional rollercoaster but just because of the motives that the girls have and the reason that they're trying to win the money and stuff like that. It's a really, really good show.

You have any girlfriends right now?

Right now I'm working, right now I'm working. Right now I'm hustling.

Has that kind of been your life motto? When you're working you're not with anybody?

Yeah, it's almost like not having sex before a game. You've got to keep your mind clear.

Because there are terrible repercussions if you do.

Yeah, and you know relationships take a lot of energy and you know you don't want to be tired when you're going into work. You want to have a clear mind, get money and f' the rest.

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Waka Flocka Flame Interview (Part 2): 'Spartacus,' Aliens, Feminism & More

Cameron Matthews — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:08:00 EST

Gino DePinto, AOL Part One of our interview with Waka Flocka Flame illustrated the rapper's fast-paced mind. From obsessing over high-end bottled water, to gushing over blockbuster film "Titanic," Waka Flocka has something to say about almost anything. Part Two of our interview reveals the trap man's fear of aliens and his love for "Spartacus." Check it out below! Have you ever worked an office job? Nah, I'm down with it, though. This shit be boring, I don't know how niggas work here. I'ma just be real -- if I worked here, I'd get the fuckin' TV on and talk. I'd make people meet each other and be like, "Hey, she's her and he's him." I like live shit, man. What else would you change here at AOL? I'd get y'all a stripper pole, right in the middle of the office. And whoever do the worse gotta dance on that shit. With an apron on ... I think this office deserves a jukebox. ...

________________________________

"They ain't gonna go through

the black/white shit.

They all gonna fuck around and

just walk a straight line."
________________________________

But then there's always somebody that complains and says, "can you lower the music?" That's what happens to us. We can't even turn on the TV. There are too many squares here.

You gotta play the square music. I dunno. I don't really have good ideas. I'm an in-the-moment man.

What do you think of all these white people who like trap music a lot?

I'ma be real with you. Anything white people like is like ... their grandmothers, grandparents probably was annoyed. As they grew up, that was part of our generation. And people don't understand it 'cause they so old to the antique shit that the new and improved -- like, yo kids gonna be even worse. My kid's gonna be worse. They ain't gonna go through the black/white shit. Like, they all gonna fuck around and just walk a straight line. I feel like it's just getting better and better. How you feel about white women lookin' good right now? How you feel about that? Do you speak black? Spanish girls is taken -- no, used to be black girls was the baddest shit, you know what I mean? Spanish, J-Lo be poppin' ... white women are poppin' right now, man. They fuckin' poppin'. Imma just be real.

... Do you have any favorites?

Psh... Hell nah, they all look good. I like women. I ain't got no taste.

Gino DePinto, AOL

Are you kind of a feminist?

Feminist? What's that?

You know, like you're pro-women.

Yeah. As in?

As in, you're for women's rights, you think of women as equals.

They are, though. Eve made Adam eat the apple. So they always ... you always gotta watch 'em, you know what I'm saying? But shit, women is important. They damn sure can cook, great sex, they will listen to you. They got all the fashion swag -- women dress better than men any day. A woman, know how they want a man to look to be sexy to their eyes. So if that woman feel like that, gotta be a couple more million think just like that woman. You get good ideas from 'em, you just can't follow 'em.

You got a girlfriend?

Nah, I got rid of that problem.

________________________________

"White women are poppin' right now.

They fuckin' poppin'. Imma just be real."
________________________________

What was the big problem?

Ain't spendin' time, man. Feel fucked up and shit. You can't spend no time ... and then the temptation of other women, shit is crazy. Probably sleep with another girl and be like, "Damn, I just cheated on my girl, I fucked up. I ain't seen her too much, my dick hard. I'm sorry." It's just for the moment shit, it ain't out of spite. Plus, it's like, I never knew how to be a boyfriend. Honestly, I never had a girlfriend. I only had like four or five girls my whole life. My first girlfriend, I was like 18 years old, real girlfriend. Like, I don't even know how to be no boyfriend to her right now. I feel like I learned -- sorry for the ones that I dated, they all taught me how to be a boyfriend -- but I ain't lookin' for no girl now. I ain't got no kids or nothing.

So you'll never settle down?

Bachelor, motherfucker. Fuckin' bachelor.

What do you think about getting a nice house out in the suburbs, white picket fence ...?

Nah, man. Niggas like Tiger Woods ... girl be takin' $200 million from him. I can't do shit like that. I can't bounce back from a $100-million lawsuit. I can't. I'ma be fuckin' schizo.

Gino DePinto, AOL

You ever spend time on Rap Genius?

Hell yeah, I fuck with Rap Genius! I met the guy who got the site. That shit was crazy. He was like "Man, I'm Rap Genius!' I'm lookin' like, "Who? Man, kick his ass out, he playing with me right? Kick his ass out." And he be like, "Dude, I'm Rap Genius, the fuckin' website." Cool ass shit.

You ever look through your lyrics on there and see what people try to define your lyrics as and they're totally wrong?

Man, they be addin' my words wrong. 80% of my lyrics they write, all my words be wrong. I'm like, "Dang, y'all thought I really said that?" That's why they be thinkin' I'm fuckin' crazy or stupid or somethin'. Yo, they had a whole three or four sentences of words I didn't even say. But we so country, though. I talk low. 'Cause when I'm talkin' to people, I think at the same time. I got a bad habit of that shit. I could be talkin to you and be thinking of, like right now, fuckin' thinking about "Spartacus." Season 8 -- seriously.

Tell me about "Spartacus."

You fuck with "Spartacus?"

I don't know. You're talking about the show right?

Hell yeah, that shit is poppin'. You never seen "Spartacus?"

No, I need a rundown of the show.

Yo, bro, that shit is basically like -- you like gladiators?

________________________________

"When I'm talkin' to people,

I think at the same time.

I got a bad habit of that shit.
________________________________

Yeah.

You gonna love "Spartacus.

Is that an HBO show?

Bro, Showtime. [Ed. note: It's actually on STARZ] I promise, they on Season 3, that's the hardest shit ever. Ask anybody -- I go to my house, I sit downstairs in the basement the whole fuckin' day and watch it. That shit is hard, it's graphic. They cut heads off, guts, eyes, splittin' a head through the middle, lot of fuckin' in it. That shit hard as hell.

Have you seen "Game of Thrones?"

Hell yeah -- killin' it! That's my shit, though, I ain't gonna lie. That's a real thinkin' man movie. That's a real thinker, a real strategic ... war. "Spartacus" is just like that, but that shit's just about one guy, trying to lead like, what you call -- the slaves. The people, they be little. And he just gather 'em up from the whole fuckin' land, create a whole fuckin' army, and he just takin' out the Romans. Takin' out the head guys. That shit is crazy. You gonna love that shit.

Gino DePinto, AOL

We just need to have you review every awesome show that's out there right now.

"Walking Dead." You seen "Walking Dead?"

Zombies, right?

I believe in it! You can't tell me right now they don't got no shit so that, when your body stop, they ain't got nothing to make your body start moving again.

Would you ever build a safe room?

Hell yeah. I even already got one ... underground house. They sell underground house for $40,000. They'll come build that shit underground.

How does the plumbing work?

I don't know. I don't even think about fuckin' tornadoes or the end of the world, 'cause shit like that happen, bitch, I'm closing my eyes. Fuck it. Pop some [Percocet], smoke some weed and ... fuck that, I ain't tryin' to fight that shit.

So you're not afraid of the end of the world.

Oh, hell no. I can't wait to see what's next. I lived this one, trust me, I already had too much fun. [But] this last week that just passed, I caught a fuckin pop party, rave party. I never go to that shit 'cause my friends are fuckin' hard, wannabe gangstas, like, "Fuck we ain't goin' to rave parties, that shit ain't poppin'." That shit is jumpin'! I went in a rave party, I was like, "Oh shit!" That shit is unstoppable. They don't stop partying, bro. Ain't even play music, they just play beats and shit. We high as fuck, all we thinking about was ... let's act like a robot.

There's trap EDM.

I like trap EDM. Trap EDM is like Waka Flocka. Techno and shit is like Jay-Z. You know, like a grown, older crowd. Like it's more antique. That trap shit is new, younger, it's fuckin' our generation havin' fun. I feel like the hippie shit is comin' back, like the good old times ... We live in a world though of punks -- not me, like, "heeey," those kind of men [makes effeminate hand motion]. It's cool to be lame. So I feel like the hippie world will come back. I just can't wait for that. I do have some crazy dreams, man.

You've had bad dreams lately?

About girls turning into aliens and shit. Fuckin' em ... they heads start growin'.

I don't know what to say about that. I think you might need to talk to somebody. Do you believe in aliens?

Yeah! They real.

I think so too.

They really real.

I caught one on tape when I was young.

Stop bullshittin'.

I'm not bullshitting. I saw it fly over my house, it was 6PM.

You're being super serious.

I'm being super serious. I got it on a little video camera.

You never put it up?

Gino DePinto, AOL

No. This is before YouTube.

Oh shit. What'd they do to you? They kidnap you?

No. Are you afraid of being kidnapped?

Yo ... I wanna see what they doin' up there. There gotta be somethin' up there.

They might probe you, though.

... I heard.

________________________________

"Ain't no tellin' what the fuck

They look like up there.

They could have one fuckin' leg."
________________________________

I mean, it's a risk you're gonna have to take.

I heard, honest to god truth, I was reading philosophy and shit, and I heard that they got some shit like ... shit out like 2015, they got a different kind of species. This some crazy shit. I fuck with the nerds too, they're my niggas. They be like facts, they be like government facts! Some spots where alien shit crashed at, they built a city over it. Seriously, there's documents, literally documents. They say they got some shit with aliens, they gonna come show us cures for certain stuff, but they preparin' us for another planet. Beings that eat humans, and why they tellin' us that? 'Cause they need our water. Like, other planets can't get our water.

Are you a Scientologist?

In a sense. With no education. [Note: He definitely thinks we meant scientist.]

Would you ever be open to it?

Hell, it's different, you gotta use your brain. That is new shit, like say, two-headed sharks. Ain't no tellin' what the fuck they look like up there. They could have one fuckin' leg.

Have you ever seen "Predator?"

Hell yeah.

I think that guy looks like T-Pain.

He looks like that guy from "Star Wars." With the ugly-ass face? He has dreads. He looks just like him. [Note: He means Jar Jar Binks.]

Yeah, he looks just like T-Pain.

Man, you ever met T-Pain? That's a crazy motherfucker.

He's crazy?

Bro, he crazy, bro. Like, "HEY! T-PAIN! HEY HEY! HEY! HEY!" That shit is crazy. Shout out.

Do you like vacationing?

I went on two of 'em so far. I'm about to go to Dubai. They got a hotel on the ocean, on the water and shit, sharks swimmin' around.

Gino DePinto, AOL

You can face your fears now.

Man, I might sleep in the bed, wake up ... ridin' fishes. You can't smoke over there, though. They catch you, they'll lock you up for like 60 years.

You gotta be good over there.

Yeah. I'ma do hash.

You gotta bend the rules sometimes.

Gonna do weed brownies.

Anything else you wanna tell our Boombox readers?

I'm coming out with glow-in-the-dark water.

What's that?

Glow-in-the-dark water.

Literal glow-in-the-dark water.

Yeah, and 3-D music. Later, though. I put the headphones in, you can hear a car going, dogs barking, water running.

And you invented this?

Nah, of course. I didn't invent the peanuts, I just want the credit for the peanuts.

And glow-in-the-dark water.

That shit hardcore, dog. You know why I thought of glow-in-the-dark water? Because like, EDM shit. I'm thinkin' like, from a business standpoint of view. You have a commercial, a soccer commercial, it's night time, they won a championship, motherfuckers spit water out. That's where my mind be at.

Is that stuff safe?

Fuckin' right! I wanna drink it. I can't wait to drink it on stage at my show. Dark as fuck, drinkin' it.

Are there different colors and stuff?

Right now there's only one color. The turtle-green shit. You know "Ninja Turtle" ooze? Shit's like ooze, man. That shit be funny, but you might not wanna drink it. You might grow another chest.

Waka Flocka Flame Interview Part 1

Watch "Get Low"

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Waka Flocka Flame Is Completely Insane -- EXCLUSIVE Interview (Part 1)

Cameron Matthews — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 14:38:00 EST

Gino DePinto, AOL Waka Flocka Flame is insane. Or, he's got life all figured out. It's hard to tell. When he walked into The Boombox office last week he was brimming with delight. See, the Southern Trap king has recently moved back to New York, where he finds pleasure in the day-to-day bustle of America's most frustrating city. He towers over everyone like a smiling linebacker. And he lounges hard, like a sea lion in the sun. Waka speaks with a bearish growl and ponders thoughts typically not thought by most ordinary humans. Somehow embroiled in drama with his former BFF Gucci Mane -- which he downplayed -- he's let go of gangsta and embraced a life of peace, supported by the soul-quenching spring waters and kush weed. Waka's got his new LP Flockaveli 2 completed and ready for release later this year, as well as two mixtapes. But we wanted more. We wanted to get to the unguarded core of the rapper. And what we found was pretty eye opening. Read Part 1 of our EXCLUSIVE interview with Waka Flocka Flame to see what we mean. ...

Gino DePinto, AOL

James Franco is in Spring Breakers. He plays a Riff Raff-type character. Would you let him get on a Waka track?

Nah, he can be a hype man or something. He can be my drummer or some shit.

I don't think he can drum.

We'll get him a special kit. He can be a backup drummer.

How has your diet changed since you've been famous?

I don't eat red meat. Hell no. I probably haven't eaten red meat ... almost a solid four years. Shit's disgusting. I can't eat it no more. Them bougie plates. I just don't have the taste for that shit no more.

So you're staying healthy.

For the most part, yeah. Smoke kush, man. Kush cleanses anything. Any sickness you ever have: Kush is the father.

You did a campaign for PETA a while back. Did you have to sign an agreement that's like, "I'm not going to eat animals anymore," or can you still eat delicious animals?

I got with PETA for a fur campaign, specifically for fur. I feel like if I was gonna go further, I have to graduate as a person and as a man.

Why don't you like furs?

It's ugly to me. It's nasty as hell. Every time I think about furs I just think about pimps and big-ass rings and somebody trying to be too extra. You wear fur, it's like you trying to be something you not. You get fur, you can spend the same money on like, 30 jackets. And it's gonna do you better, that shit gonna keep you warm.

Are you an environmentalist too?

In some kind of sort.

Is that going to be on your presidential platform?

Yeah, possible. That and fuckin' taxes. God damn ... Fuckin' taxes be killin' you. You can make a thousand dollars and after taxes, that's damn near $600. Who the fuck is gettin' my money?

___________________________________

"You can make a thousand dollars

and after taxes, that's damn near $600.

Who the fuck is gettin' my money?"
___________________________________

But Waka, you're helping make roads and stuff.

Right right, but not in New York. That shit is dangerous. You see people's hubcaps flyin' off in the fuckin' street. His brother [points to a friend] was driving and hit a pothole. His fuckin' wheel flew [off]. I can't go for that. They need to fix it. If they take my tax dollars in New York, they gotta fix that. I'm complainin'.

You should complain. There's an App for that.

What?

You take a picture of the pothole...

Get the fuck out.

And then it goes to the government...

That'd be hard though.

I'm serious.

You dead serious?

Gino DePinto, AOL

It geo-locates your photo, so it uses the GPS in your phone and then they find out where the pot hole is and within like, five days, they go there and they fill it.

Seriously. Yo, we need that shit in New Jersey.

What would Waka Flocka's app be?

I started a video game. It's for ... like a gangsta nerd. ... it's crazy. It's an action game -- killin' monsters and shit. I got a character on there though... that shit hard.

Is it out yet?

It's about to come out, it's in the process right now.

What's it called?

Don't got a name though, that's the fucked up part. We gotta find a name.

Are you the main character?

Yeah.

What's the storyline?

Killin' monsters. Perfect app. I got swords, knives, all kinds of stuff. I tried to do a technique with my dreads, but that shit ain't work. I was lookin' like the girl from X-Men with the long hair. I wasn't feeling it, so I swapped it out.

What's something that you want do right that you haven't been able to do yet?

Shark diving.

Some fishermen just caught a two-headed shark off the Florida coast.

What?!

It's got two heads and it's terrifying. Can you imagine encountering that?

I wanna see a mermaid. I believe in mermaids. You believe in mermaids?

_____________________________

"I don't fuck with the ocean water.

That's my biggest fear, I swear to God."
_____________________________

Did you watch that mermaid show The Body Found on Discovery channel?

Is she real?

No. But they made it look like it was real. And everybody was Googling it the next day, like, "Is this shit real?"

I'm down. You believe in mermaids? I believe in 'em.

You believe in them?

Hell yeah. You don't believe in them?

Not really. But you must have heard the siren song. They're going to take you out into the ocean.

But I really do believe in them.

You know what they do when they take you out there, singing you toward the blue deep?

What?

They kill you!

Word? I believe you. I don't fuck with the ocean water. That's my biggest fear, I swear to god. I used to be scared of heights and all that shit. That's why I wanna go shark diving, but "Titanic" fucked me up.

Titanic made you afraid of the ocean?

I promise to god, I used to love water. I seen "Titanic" and I was like, "Aw hell no." And that's possible. You are in the middle of who knows what.

Was it the love story that really got to you, or was it the fear of what's below?

That shit was kind of sad. Real niggas don't shed tears, but that shit was real.

Did you see Life of Pi?

No. I gotta write that down.

That's might mess up water for you again.

Life of Pies?

No, Life of Pi. P-I.

Like regular pie?

No, like the number.

Did you see Hall Pass?

I did not see Hall Pass.

What?! Fuckin' Hall Pass. I like comedy shit. Action movies is wack, man. Only action movies is hard is like, fuckin' Iron Man, Spider-Man ... other than that, you don't got like Terminators no more, we don't got that no more, so that's out the window. All they make is like, love, hardcore, basketball, football, bullshit-ass easy stories. I want that comedy.

Gino DePinto, AOL

You want comedy. But you also want something a bit more sophisticated, it sounds like. Like Titanic.

I like love shit. Dramatic ... yeah. You know, I got a side to me.

So if you're on a date, and you're like, "Come back to my place and watch this movie," what do you put on?

Porn. I'm like, you seen them moves right there? Now Imma try 'em! [laughs]

So you just cut right to the chase.

Fuck it, ain't no playin'. You supposed to open the door in boxers, man.

What do you serve up? Wine? Vodka?

Water.

You serve water.

Water. That shit ... that's the best thing.

You're a complicated man. What is your favorite bottled water?

Fiji or Dasani. That shit is good. I even drink faucet water; I don't give a damn. You know what's a crazy water that'll fuck with your mind? SmartWater. You fuckin' drink SmartWater you're like, damn, that shit might make me smart. That's why niggas buy it, they like, "Damn that's some smart shit to drink."

When I walk into a store and I see the shiny bottle of water -- the one that looks the sleekest -- that's the one I buy. I'm a total consumer. I go and see the shiny things, and I buy them. Are you like that?

Hell yeah. Whatever look good, I buy it. Like the miniature ketchups.

Do you have any new tattoos?

I ain't got no new tattoos. I'm supposed to go get some this week. I'm getting ... like the devil and god arm wrestling. Then I'm gonna get a King Kong. ... I like having people I don't know around when I get tattooed beause you can't be a pussy to them. You got to sit there and go "Grrrrrrrrrrr!"

You have tattoos on your feet?

No, I'm about to. I'm about to get skeleton shit. I was gonna put "Look up" on one foot and "Bitch" on the other. People look down, and it be like, "Look up, bitch."

Read Part 2 of Our Interview With Waka Flock Flame

Watch "Rooster in My Rari"

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Busta Rhymes Goes on Homophobic Rant in Miami Restaurant -- REPORT

Cameron Matthews — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST

Bryan Bedder, Getty Images If you do not get Busta Rhymes' cheeseburger order correct, then he might just come after you. The Miami New Times reports that the aging hip-hopper entered Cheeseburger Baby around 6AM this morning after an evening of partying. The restaurant is pretty popular in the wee hours of the morning, so naturally, there was a line. ...

Stephanie Vitori, the burger joint's owner, says the rapper grew very upset when he wasn't allowed to cut to the front of the queue -- you know, because he's famous.

Busta then hurled insensitive slurs at Vitori, calling her a "bitch" repeatedly.

"He got very upset when we wouldn't take his order first when he was the last one to come in," she tells The New Times. "We treat everyone as equals here at CBB. You can't skip the line of 10 people waiting in front of you."

"We have had everyone from Jay-Z to Anthony Bourdain eat at Cheeseburger Baby," she adds. "Never have we had a problem with a celebrity. That changed last night."

Busta went back into his car to wait for his order, but that didn't stop him from calling the delivery man a "fag." Apparently, Rhymes didn't like that Cheeseburger Baby employees put the salt, pepper, ketchup and mayo on the side -- a policy at the restaurant.

Vitori says that the rapper didn't leave until she threatened to call police. But it doesn't end there. Busta allegedly called the restaurant later to tell Vitori and co. that they forgot to add cheese to his burger, which the owner claims is a false accusation. Busta then threatened to "come get [them]."

"I deal with drunk and disorderly people all the time," Vitori says. "I have been doing this for 11 years, but never in my life have I felt more disrespected as a business owner or woman."

We have reached out to Busta's representatives, but as of press time have not received any comment.

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Gucci Mane Denied Bond: Rapper Staying in Jail for Assaulting Soldier

Cameron Matthews — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:15:00 EST

AP Photo, Atlanta Journal-Constitution Yesterday, The Boombox reported that Southern trap king, Gucci Mane, had turned himself in on assault chargers. According to The Associated Press, the rapper had been partying earlier this month at an Atlanta nightclub, where he allegedly assaulted a soldier with a champagne bottle. The performer, born Radric Davis, appeared in court on Wednesday (March 27) and was denied bond. He has been in Fulton County Jail in Atlanta since Tuesday, and will not be up for release until April 10. ...

Gucci definitely has a history of run-ins with the law. He has previously been wanted for murder, but the charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence. The rapper has also been arrested for cocaine possession, reckless driving and other offenses.

"Mr. Davis has a history, we're not going to skirt that issue, and that history made it difficult for him to get bond today," defense attorney Drew Findling told local Georgia station WSBTV.

SPIN reports that Gucci's counsel plans to appeal the denial of bond to a higher court, and that the legal team has already procured several witnesses from the evening in question.

In other Gucci news, we spoke to Waka Flocka Flame about his former mentor's incarceration -- check out the interview right here.

Gucci Mane Loses Court Case

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Waka Flocka Flame Talks Gucci Mane Beef and Selena Gomez -- EXCLUSIVE

Cameron Matthews — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST

Gino DePinto, AOL Waka Flocka Flame stopped by The Boombox's Manhattan office today to share a few anecdotes about life in New York, working with producer Lex Luger and weird shit ... like Scientology and two-headed sharks. But we'll get to that stuff later. Since Waka's kinda sorta beefing with his ex-mentor Gucci Mane -- he seemingly dissed him two nights ago at the Dipset concert at B.B. King's in New York -- we wanted to know how he felt about Gucci being jailed for allegedly hitting a man with a champagne bottle in Atlanta. "I don't know, man," he demurred. "I ain't got no thoughts, it's just like ... a sunny day [today]. It's sunny today, what's tomorrow [bring]? It's not even a thought." ...

Details are slim, but on March 15, Gucci called out his protégé on Twitter, saying that he was fired from Brick Squad (he later claimed his Twitter account was hacked). Waka has since fired back at the fellow hip-hopper through several careful re-tweets, and the aforementioned slights at the Diplomats show.

Pressed for details, Waka seemed to indicate that the two had just grown apart.

"The equator used to be tight, but it just gets wider as the years go," he explained. "Shit happens."

And those wacky rumors that it was Spring Breakers star Selena Gomez who drove them apart? They're just that -- rumors.

"She ain't bad enough," Waka said. "She fine as hell, but she ain't bad enough. Ain't no woman on earth that bad that can go between family members or friends. Especially not a little young girl."

Stay tuned for our full interview with the illustrious Waka Flocka Flame.

A Day in the Life of Waka Flocka Flame

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That One Time Bobby Brown Sat in Jail for Nine Hours

Cameron Matthews — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:30:00 EST

AP Photo After turning himself in to Los Angeles police, Bobby Brown has served a whopping 9 hours in jail. The New Edition singer surrendered to authorities yesterday after pleading no contest to his third D.U.I. and driving without a license back in February. Brown was supposed to begin a 55-day prison sentence but was released the same day he entered. ...

According to TMZ, the singer entered L.A. County Jail just before 10AM on Wednesday (March 20), only to leave just before 7PM that evening.

The tabloid has insinuated that most of Los Angeles' jails are so overcrowded that there really wasn't any room for the celebrity. However, Brown still has to attend alcohol classes for 18 months. He'll also be on probation for four years.

See kids, sometimes it pays to be famous.

Bobby Brown Sentenced

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M.I.A. Hit With Restraining Order After Threatening to Take Child to London

Cameron Matthews — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST

Marc Piasecki, Getty Images As The Boombox previously reported, rapper M.I.A. and her ex, music mogul Benjamin Bronfman, are reportedly in a legal dispute over their son Ikhyd. The couple split up last year, but both remained residents of Brooklyn, N.Y. where they raised the 4-year-old jointly. According to Page Six, the hip-hop fashionista has threatened her ex with moving their son to London. READ THE REST OF THE STORY ON SPINNER ...

Frank Ocean, Grammys 2013: 'Channel Orange' Wins Best Urban Contemporary Album

Cameron Matthews — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 21:14:00 EST

Jason Merritt, Getty Images Frank Ocean has won his very first Grammy! The singer and Odd Future associate's highly-lauded Channel Orange has been awarded Best Urban Contemporary Album, beating out Miguel's Adorn and Chris Brown's Fortune. ...

Watch Frank Ocean's "Novacane" Video

Grammys 2012 Coverage

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Lil Wayne Cut His Dreads -- UPDATED

Cameron Matthews — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 12:35:00 EST

Instagram UPDATE: Looks like the above photo of Lil Wayne might just be an optical illusion. Entertainment journalist Kelley L. Carter tells The Boombox exclusively, "Lil Wayne didn't cut those iconic dreadlocks. He had them pulled back in some sort of bun, with a few strands hanging down his back. I can see why people thought he cut them off ... The pictures certainly make it look that way. But his hair is still all there." Carter even snapped a photo of Weezy's dreads, still intact while at the Madden Super Bowl party in New Orleans -- see it here. Original Story Below Lil Wayne and Big Boi are hanging out in New Orleans to celebrate the Super Bowl match up between the San Fransisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens. But one thing is seemingly different about Weezy in the above photo -- where's his hair at?! As Complex reports, this is not Photoshop -- it's the 'Lollipop' rapper's real hair, rendered dreadless but some sharp shears. ...

Big Boi was probably surprised by his friend's new do, so he posted it to Instagram late last night, shocking fans all over the rap world.

After their combined crews had an evening out in the Big Easy, they all went to grab an early morning breakfast at Waffle House. All is well in hip-hop. All is well.

Lil Wayne Got a New Face Tattoo

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Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Jay-Z: Superstar Collaboration in the Works?

Cameron Matthews — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:55:00 EST

Getty Images Justin Timberlake is a tease. We've tried to coax the Myspace owner into coming back to pop music but the dude just keeps making movies about social networks and friends that have extra benefits. So when we saw his latest tweet, we starting scratching our heads. Could the 'N Syncer be releasing a sequel to "Bye, Bye, Bye?!" Probably not (killing a piece of my tween heart) but he might be putting out a brand new solo record! READ THE FULL STORY ON AOL MUSIC BLOG ...

Paris Hilton, Lil Wayne's 'Last Night': Electro Track Makes Light of Socialite's Sex Tape

Cameron Matthews — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:10:00 EST

Getty Images Once upon a time, socialite blonde person Paris Hilton, rapper Lil Wayne and Afrojack landed in the same sonic realm and ended up making a song together. This unholy trinity's collusion resulted in one of this year's most confusing collaborations, known simply as "Last Night." According to Rapfix, the Afrojack-produced single is supposed to land on an upcoming "album" from the Hilton heiress. In the video below, you can hear Paris' altered vocals being layered over some thick club beats. It is pretty run of the mill electro stuff ... that is, until Weezy gets involved. ...

"Last night was awesome/super fuckin' awesome," Wayne says right out the gate, before ramping up his rhymes to full throttle. There's a lot to discuss in the short guest spot he's given. One topic Wayne references is the infamous Paris Hilton sex tape "One Night in Paris," to which he gleefully raps "Excuse my french, but fuck the cameras/I wanna spend a night in Paris."

Compelling.

Check out the full leaked song below. And remember ... you cannot unhear this.

Watch "Last Night"

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Action Bronson's 'Rare Chandeliers' Cover Is Amazing

Cameron Matthews — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:05:00 EST

ActionBronson.com New York-based chef/rapper Action Bronson is absolutely winning the internet today. His newest mixtape Rare Chandeliers has hit the blogosphere and it's blowing up like a double barrel shotgun. The GIF cover above features Bronson in a Wolf-skin hat (complete with teeth) surrounded by a menagerie of odd characters: An alligator with a laser turret affixed to its head is juxtaposed by the bouncing booty of a knife-wielding minx. Yes! ...

There's so much here to consume, but let's not forget about the music.

Action turned to producer Alchemist for these 13 new songs below. Schoolboy Q, Roc Marciano, Styles P, Sean Price and Meyhem Lauren all have guest spots alongside some seriously throwback funk and soul beats.

You can download Rare Chandeliers here are just stream it below. The choice is yours kid.

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Solange Knowles, TSA: Singer Gets Afro Pat Down at Miami Airport

Cameron Matthews — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 09:30:00 EST

Getty Images The TSA are weary of Solange Knowles' afro. The singer, and official Blue Ivy babysitter, recently took to Twitter to tell fans about her hairy run-in with the Transportation Security Administration at a Miami airport. "I kid you not. This just happened to me," Solo tweeted, linking to a story about a woman who had gone through an embarrassing fro pat-down at an Atlanta airport. Knowles was asked to remove her wig as well, in order to prove there was nothing hiding in it. Of course, no weapons were found. "Discrim-FRO-nation," she later tweeted. "My hair is not a storage drawer. Although, guess I couuld hide a joint up in here. *Blames 'Romnesia' (my wigs name)," ...

Despite her chipper attitude (and perfectly placed, last-ever mention of 'Romnesia' by anyone) she couldn't help getting in a few more jabs at the TSA.

"Lets play a little game called: 'What did TSA find in Solange's Fro?'" Hilarity ensues.

So what did we learn today? If you've got a big fro, the TSA will probably want to take a closer look at it. Oh, and Solange is still awesome.

Solange Gives Parenting Advice to Beyonce

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LL Cool J Mourns Death of Father James Nunya

Cameron Matthews — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 09:10:00 EST

Michael Buckner, Getty Images LL Cool J has lost his father, James Nunya. The rapper-actor recently took to Twitter to tell fans of his dad's passing at the age of 65. "RIP to My Father James Nunya. You passed away ... But The lessons you taught me live on in my heart. Thank you. I love you," he wrote online. LL later thanked fans for their supportive tweets, writing "I thank you all for your prayers and love. I truly appreciate you." ...

The "NCIS: Los Angeles" star, born James Todd Smith, didn't specify what took his father's life, according to Contact Music.

People magazine reports LL was raised by his mother Ondrea Smith in Queens, N.Y. She and Nunya divorced when the rapper was only 4 years old.

Watch "LL Cool J Takes Down Burglar"

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Nick Gordon Tweets Gun Photo

Cameron Matthews — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 09:10:00 EST

Frazer Harrison, Getty Images Nick Gordon, Whitney Houston's unofficial adopted son, is in hot water after posting a photo of himself and a handgun on Twitter yesterday. Gordon appears to be driving while brandishing the pistol in his right hand. His girlfriend, the late Houston's daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown, tweeted encouraging words soon after the pic was published. Though her comments and the photo have since been deleted, Bobbi Kristina claimed that she and Gordon "always have been" collectors of guns. "I apologize for posting a picture with my registered gun. That's not what we stand for and I didn't harm by it, it's a collectors item," the firearm owner tells fans online. ...

Twitter

"Moving forward I'll obviously be more mindful/thoughtful about how my actions influence others and reflect on the ppl [sic] I love and care about."

Do you think that the troubled daughter of Whitney Houston should be collecting guns? Let us know on Twitter @TheBoombox.

Bobbi Kristina and Nick Gordon Engagement

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Coolio's Son Grtis Ivey Sentenced, Faces Major Jail Time for Robbery

Cameron Matthews — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department via Getty It may be awhile before Coolio's eldest son Grtis Ivey is out from behind bars. Ivey was charged in November 2011, for staging a heist in a Las Vegas apartment. Now, due to a plea deal, he faces some serious jail time. According to TMZ, the "Gangsta's Paradise" rapper's son stormed the dwelling armed with a gun. Ivey forced the tenant to stay in the bathroom while the 22-year-old's "female prostitute friend" took apart the home, searching for valuables. Earlier this week, Ivey agreed to the plea deal. He plead guilty to a felony robbery charge. In exchange, prosecutors will drop the remaining felonies against the hip-hopper's troubled son. ...

Ivey could serve between 42 months and 10 years in prison.

See 15 of the Best Hip-Hop & R&B Albums of 2012 (So Far)

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Nas 'Cherry Wine': Amy Winehouse Shines on 'Life Is Good' Track

Cameron Matthews — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST

YouTube Amy Winehouse's posthumous vocals will show up on Nas' upcoming 10th studio album Life Is Good, and you can hear the final product, "Cherry Wine," right now, Spinner reports. "Cherry Wine" features an old school drum beat, and some of Winehouse's hookiest melodies. Nas is also in full form, pulling his new album title from this very song. Winehouse and the influential rapper also worked together on "Like Smoke," from the late British songstress' Lioness: Hidden Treasures LP. ...

Check a radio rip of "Cherry Wine" below, or head over to Nah Right to hear a higher quality version.

Listen to Nas' "Cherry Wine" Feat. Amy Winehouse

Watch Amy Winehouse's First U.S. Performance in Spinner's Studios

See Nas in 10 Outrageous Hip-Hop & R&B Weddings

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Usher Has a Stalker Who Thinks They Are Married, Arrested for Trespassing

Cameron Matthews — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 10:05:00 EST

Stuart Wilson, Getty Images Usher has a scary stalker. According to TMZ, the singer recently obtained a restraining order against 26-year-old Darshelle Jones-Rakestraw, a woman that believes she's married to the "Climax" creator. Court documents reveal that Darshelle showed up to Usher's Georgia home uninvited on June 23 and proceeded to bang on his front door, demanding to be let inside. Police were called to the scene and issued the overzealous fan to leave the property. However, Darshelle returned the next day and authorities were called once again to remove her from the area. When questioned by local cops, Darshelle claimed she was Usher's wife and simply forgot her keys inside. ...

She was then placed under arrest. Usher was granted a temporary restraining order soon after which he hopes to make permanent in an upcoming court hearing.

In a bizarre twist, Darshelle has since taken to YouTube to tell the world about her affiliation with Usher. "I'm not a stalker ... [Usher] has officially slandered me and defamed my character," she says in the video below. The super fan also claims Usher has been sending her cash for months, promising to help her with her living situation and her music career.

According to the video, she plans to file defamation charges against Usher.

Watch Darshelle Jones-Rakestraw Talk About Usher

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Lana Del Rey 'National Anthem' Video: A$AP Rocky Stars as JFK, Kisses Singer

Cameron Matthews — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 12:35:00 EST

YouTube Lana Del Rey has outdone herself. The singer's new video for "National Anthem" has the fiery temptress of big hair and long fingernails play both Jackie O and Marilyn Monroe while A$AP Rocky does the honor of playing JFK, Spinner reports. It's very well shot, with flashes of Cape Cod through sepia tones warming the cockles of your skeptical heart. The only thing that distracts from this video is the song actually. Her rapping is simultaneous heinous and pretty cool. But don't take our word for it, watch the video ya'self! ...

Watch Lana Del Rey's "National Anthem" Video

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Stevie Wonder Extortion Case: Singer's Nephew Appears in Court

Cameron Matthews — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 10:00:00 EST

Getty Images Stevie Wonder's nephew, Alpha Lorenzo Walker, is due in court today to face felony extortion charges. According to the LA Times, Walker threatened to reveal embarrassing information about his soul-singing uncle unless he was awarded $5 million. Walker threatened to tell tabloid papers that he was actually Wonder's son, born out of an incestuous relationship between the "I Just Called to Say I Love You" singer and his sister. As The BoomBox previously reported, Wonder's nephew and girlfriend Tamara Eileen Diaz were arrested in early May after an undercover officer, posing as a Wonder liaison, unraveled their plot. ...

Walker and Diaz drastically reduced their multimillion dollar extortion attempt to $10,000 during negotiations with police, but were ultimately stopped altogether. Walker has plead "not guilty" but will have to answer to a Los Angeles court today.

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Stevie Wonder's Nephew in Court for Extortion Charges

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Drake May Be Charged in Club Fight With Chris Brown

Cameron Matthews — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 15:28:00 EST

AFP Photo, Geoff Robins, Getty Images Drake's recent "fight" with Chris Brown may land the Take Care creator in hot water with the NYPD. According to Rolling Stone (via New York Post), Drake could face reckless endangerment charges for his alleged scuffle with Brown at the SoHo club W.I.P. As The BoomBox previously reported, Brown, Drake and their respective entourages were partying at W.i.P. nightclub in New York City. Sources say that Breezy sent Drake and fellow rapper Meek Mill a bottle of alcohol to their table, which they denied. ...

Though many conflicting reports are currently circling the internet, Brown and Drake's posses confronted each other. Multiple people sustained injuries, including Brown, whose chin was busted open after a bottle was reportedly thrown by Drake.

Brown is now cooperating with the NYPD and might pursue charges against Drake, claiming he has produced physical evidence that points the finger at the rapper. "I have turned over evidence that it was Drake who instigated this. The evidence makes it clear that Chris is the victim in all of this," attorney Mark Geragos tells The Post.

"I believe the police are building a case against Drake and his thugs. Clearly, Drake was the instigator, and there is evidence he threw glassware."

The two performers have both been connected to pop superstar Rihanna in the past, whom many people believe was the subject of their fight.

Details of Chris Brown and Drake's Fight

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Lil Phat Dead: 19-Year-Old Rapper Shot and Killed in Atlanta

Cameron Matthews — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 17:37:00 EST

Facebook Lil Phat, a 19-year-old rapper, was shot and killed Thursday evening outside Atlanta's Northside hospital. According to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Melvin Vernell III (Lil Phat's birth name) was shot multiple times inside a parked vehicle inside the hospital's parking deck. Police spokesman Capt. Steve Rose said authorities are on the lookout for two males "seen running from the location at the time of the shooting." There is currently no known motive for the brutal killing. ...

Lil Phat was signed to Trill Entertainment and contributed to Webbie and Lil' Boosie's 2008 Billboard hip-hop hit, "Independent." Check back here on The Boombox for updates on this tragic story.

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Bobbi Kristina, Underage Gambling: Whitney Houston's Daughter Won't Face Charges

Cameron Matthews — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 10:10:00 EST

AP Whitney Houston's daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, will not be charged with underage gambling. As The BoomBox previously reported, the late singer's 19-year-old daughter had recently been captured on security camera footage at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, facing a slot machine next to her "adopted" brother and rumored love interest, 22-year-old Nick Gordon. The casino takes underage gambling very seriously and was investigating whether Bobbi Kristina had actually played the slots herself. If found guilty, Bobbi could face a $1,000 fine or six months in county jail. ...

However, according to TMZ, the case has been closed by the Nevada Gambling Control Board due to insufficient evidence. "We have completed our investigation and there is not enough evidence to support criminal charges," Deputy Chief David Salas tells the celebrity news site. "We are going to close the case."

Bobbi Kristina Will Not Face Underage Gambling Charges

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T-Boz, Honda: Car Company Sues Singer, May Repossess 2005 Vehicle

Cameron Matthews — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:40:00 EST

Don Emmert, AFP, Getty Images As The BoomBox previously reported, T-Boz hasn't had much luck with her creditors lately. After neglecting to file all the necessary paperwork to declare bankruptcy, the TLC singer was denied federal protection. Honda is now entering the mix. According to TMZ, the car company has filed a lawsuit in Georgia requesting to repossess Tionne Watkins' 2005 Honda Civic. She has reportedly not been making timely payments on the vehicle. T-Boz is currently over $700,000 in debt. Since her failed attempt to declare bankruptcy back in February, the singer has been at the mercy of her creditors. She can re-file after 180 days, but until July, companies she owes are free to pursue T-Boz's assets. ...

Hopefully Tionne can get it together this time. Perhaps that "reunion tour" with a resurrected Left Eye will squelch her financial woes?

Watch "TLC to Tour With 'Resurrected' Left Eye"

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Shahin Najafi Forced Into Hiding, $100,000 Bounty Placed on Iranian Rapper's Head

Cameron Matthews — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:40:00 EST

YouTube.com Iranian Rapper Shahin Najafi has been forced into hiding after Iranian clerics placed a $100,000 bounty on the performer's head. According to The Independent, Najafi's latest single "Naqi" -- named after Ali an-Naqi, an important imam to Shia muslims -- was released on May 7. The song itself satirizes the current Tehran regime and calls for the the Islamic cleric to save Iran. Many hardline Muslims have not taken kindly to the new song. Over 100 people have since signed an online petition calling for the death of the Iranian rapper. ...

"I am still in disbelief. I'm only 31 with my whole life ahead of me," Najafi said in a recent interview. "Each person has to pay a price for what they want. I will never apologise for my art or for speaking the truth about the Iranian government."

The rapper fled Iran in 2005, after Iranian intelligence accused him of staging underground concerts. Najafi now resides in Germany.

Listen to the song that's creating all the controversy below.

Listen to Shahin Najafi 's "Naqi"

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Whitney Houston, Raffles van Exel: Late Singer's Friend Threatens Legal Action Over Drug Claims

Cameron Matthews — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:25:00 EST

Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images Mysterious consultant to the stars Raffles van Exel is attempting to clear up any rumored connections he has with Whitney Houston's death. As The BoomBox previously reported, the enigmatic van Exel performed a postmortem sweep of Houston's hotel room, clearing it of any drugs just after the singer perished. The celebrity lackey has also been tied to the gruesome casket photo of Whitney Houston that was sold to the National Enquirer. With rumors abounding, Ruffles won't stand by without fighting any longer. Speaking to TMZ, van Exel claims he was "neither the architect nor the culprit of the sudden demise of Whitney Houston." ...

Several reports have pegged van Exel as Houston's cocaine supplier. Since then, Raffles has been shipping off cease and desist letters to any media outlets that report on the rumored link.

No one is quite sure what Raffles van Exel does or who he is and why he's been tied to big stars (Michael Jackson) in the past.

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Houston Family Signs on for Reality TV Show

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Serena Williams, Rapper: Listen to the Tennis Player's New Song

Cameron Matthews — Fri, 11 May 2012 09:18:00 EST

Slaven Vlasic, Getty Images Serena Williams is mostly known for her aggressive style out on the tennis court, but did you know she also has mad skills as a rapper? In a leaked demo, obtained by TMZ, Williams is trying out the world of hip-hop, and she's not half bad! Serena laid down some tracks last year at B Major Music Group studio in Florida, and now the first track from the session has finally surfaced. ...

The unnamed tune is all about winning and Serena's self-proclaimed dominance on the tennis court. She even gives a shout out to frozen pizza and "beats so good they'll blow ya speakers." Oh yeah, you know you want to listen to it now! Check out the princess of tennis' track below and let us know what you think in the comments section.

Listen to Serena Williams' Rap Song

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Beyonce 'Run the World (Girls)': Diplo Admits Song Started as a 'Joke'

Cameron Matthews — Thu, 03 May 2012 10:20:00 EST

Getty Images Diplo's producing mastery on Beyonce's "Run the World (Girls)" started as a joke. According to Newsbeat, Bey's anthem of female empowerment has a very funny beginning. "I still think a lot of people don't even realize where that song came from," Diplo reveals. "That song never really had a push. It was a joke song we did. Kind of like a funny joke kind of song." ...

Even though it began as something humorous, "Run the World" is now a staple in Beyonce's live show and the lynchpin behind her latest album, 4.

If Dip and Beyonce made this tune while joking around, think of what they could do if they were actually serious!

Watch Beyonce's "Run the World (Girls)" Video

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Diplo Talks Beyonce's Baby

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J Dilla Record Collection: Thousands of Late Producer's LPs Found in Abandoned Storage Unit

Cameron Matthews — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:39:00 EST

Stones Throw Records The late J Dilla, considered by many to be one of the greatest hip-hop DJs ever, left behind an extensive treasure trove of records. According to The Detroit News (via Pitchfork), the beat maestro's cache of LPs was found in an abandoned storage unit and are now being sold at a Royal Oak, Mich., store called UHF. Between 7,000 and 8,000 records are being sold through the Detroit area retailer. Owner Jeff Bubeck could hardly believe that he had stumbled upon such a massive collection. ...

"It was pretty shocking," Bubeck tells The Detroit News. "I was like, 'Are you kidding me?'"

Among piles and piles of Earth, Wind and Fire LPs, the UHF owner found a box of cassettes marked "Jaydee Beats," junk mail addressed to James Yancey (Dilla's actual name), and his parents Beverly and Maureen Yancey.

The store released half of the collection last weekend during Record Store Day. Many customers clambered to own a piece of hip-hop history. UHF owners say they'd like to donate a portion of their earnings to the J Dilla Foundation but attempts to reach Maureen Yancey were unsuccessful.

"A lot of people were saying, 'I just want one record that was his," UHF co-owner Scott Hagen says. "They just want to own something that once belonged to Dilla."

J Dilla passed away in 2006 at age 32 due to complications from lupus.

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Lil Scrappy Hospitalized: Asthma Attack Rendered Rapper Breathless

Cameron Matthews — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:23:00 EST

Taylor Hill, Getty Images Rapper Lil Scrappy was rushed to an Atlanta area hospital on Wednesday (April 18) after suffering from an asthma attack. According to TMZ, the "Head Bussa" rhymer was drinking pretty heavily on Monday night (April 16) which caused the 28-year-old to experience breathing problems. "I damn near died ... if it weren't for my driver, mom and rap artist I would have been dead," Scrap tells TMZ. When the MC woke up Tuesday morning (April 17), he could barely breath or speak. Thankfully, Scrappy's crew brought him to Emory University Hospital where he was treated and later released. ...

"I felt like I was dying," the rapper says of the whole ordeal. He now has a "breathing machine" to help him with certain asthma symptoms and claims he "will never leave anywhere without it again."

Watch Lil Scrappy's "Addicted to Money (ft. Ludacris)"

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Whitney Houston Funeral Cost: Newark Mayor Cory Booker Addresses City's $187,000 Bill

Cameron Matthews — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:55:00 EST

WireImage As AOL Music previously reported, Whitney Houston's funeral cost New Jersey $187,000. With taxpayers angry over the high dollar amount, the mayor of Newark, Cory Booker, has issued a statement. "As with any major event, and Ms. Houston's funeral was an international event, our police department's priority is to keep both citizens and visitors alike safe when they come to our city." According to CBS New York, the large cost of the funeral was due to Newark police overtime. However, the cash-strapped city's major funding of Houston's funeral service has outraged residents who claim there are better things to pay top dollar for -- including crime reduction and homeless assistance. ...

Despite the funeral taking a 5 percent bite out the city's police budget, Newark Councilwoman Mildred Crump claimed "If they [the police] had not been there, someone may have been trampled, seriously hurt."

Remembering Whitney Through Photos

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Whitney Houston's Final Autopsy Results

Watch Whitney Houston's 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' Video

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Tyler, the Creator 'Punk'd': Bam Margera Pranks Rapper -- Video

Cameron Matthews — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST

MTV Tyler, the Creator probably deserves to get pranked, so that's exactly what Bam Margera and MTV's newly resurrected "Punk'd" did. In a brand new episode of the celebrity shenanigans show, Tyler is coaxed into signing his autograph on a food truck that will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to charity. Little does the Odd Future frontman know things are about to go terribly wrong. After he makes himself a taco on Wee-Man's truck -- he's a "Jackass" veteran -- the vehicle explodes into a raging ball of fire. A man close to the truck is covered in flames and he runs away from the scene. ...

Most people would be afraid at this point, but Tyler whips out his camera phone and begins to film the fiasco. However, when a "charity" official accuses the hip-hop kid of igniting the fire, things gets real.

"I can't go to jail if I f---ed up, right?" Tyler says as firefighters put out the smoldering truck.

Check out the video to see what happens below!

Watch Tyler, the Creator Get Punk'd

The New Season of "Punk'd"

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Theraflu, Kanye West: Cold Medicine Company Doesn't Endorse New Song

Cameron Matthews — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 09:45:00 EST

Getty Images Kanye West's explosive new track 'Theraflu' isn't just making Kris Humphries angry. As NME reports, the makers of the anti-cold medicine have spoken out against West's latest single. "We in no way endorse or approve of the references or use of the image and likeness of Theraflu in this manner," a spokesman for the company tells TMZ. ...

Theraflu makes no mention of suing the rapper for his unlicensed use of their product, but their disapproval of the song may lead the way to legal proceedings. The DJ Kahled collaboration broke across the internet yesterday at the same time West was spotted with recently divorced reality superstar Kim Kardashian.

"I'll admit I fell in love with Kim/ Around the same time she fell in love with him/ Well that's cool, baby girl, do your thing/ Lucky I ain't have Jay drop him from the team," Kanye West rhymes about his supposed new lady and her basketball star ex-husband.

"Theraflu is an over-the-counter product used to help relieve cold and flu symptoms that millions of consumers rely on," the company's statement continues. It sounds like Theraflu is pretty sick from Kanye's new tune. Is this the beginning of a legal cold for Kanye West, or does the cough medicine enjoy the free advertising?

Listen to Kanye West and DJ Kahled's "Theraflu"

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Kim Kardashian Dating Kanye West?

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Timbaland, Missy Elliott Debut New Songs at New York's Highline Stages

Cameron Matthews — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:32:00 EST

Jemal Countess, WireImage As The BoomBox previously reported, rapper Missy Elliott and producer extraordinaire Timbaland are back as hip-hop's dynamic duo, working on new material and performing live. According to HipHop DX, the cosmic pair debuted new tunes last night at New York's Highline Stages in celebration of Hennessy's White Rabbit campaign. After being introduced by soulstress Erykah Badu, Tim launched into a throwback set featuring "Promiscuous Girl" and "SexyBack" before Missy rushed the stage. Jumping in the mix to thunderous applause, Missy stepped out in a bedazzled track suit to spit brand new rhymes, one of which quoted Run-D.M.C.'s "Here We Go (Live at the Funhouse)." ...

If you weren't at this show, you were definitely missing out on some amazing hip-hop nostalgia. Check out the untitled new song below.

Watch Missy Elliott & Timbaland Perform New Songs

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Beyonce Tumblr: Singer Has One So You Should Probably Look at It

Cameron Matthews — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:20:00 EST

Beyonceonline.com Beyonce Knowles is crashing a big party called "The Internet" today by launching her very first tweet and an intimate Tumblr site. "Hey World, It's B! I'm so excited to invite you to my new http://beyonce.com - we've been working hard, and it's finally ready for you XO," she tweeted to 3.5 million fans. The notoriously private singer rarely gives glimpses into her personal life; now it looks like B has changed her tune. From the looks of her Tumblr account "I Am," Bey is on permanent vacation, hitting the beach with sister Solange, hanging out with her hip-hop husband Jay-Z and posing for endless glamor shots. ...

"I Am. This is my life, today, over the years - through my eyes. My friends, my travels, my love. This is where I share with you, this will continue to grow as I do," the singer writes on the newly minted site. If you scroll closely you can even find a video of Bey revealing the origin of her baby daughter's name.

When Blue Ivy Carter was born, the music power couple launched an equally intimate Tumblr account, posting photos of the newborn baby in the hospital. Check out a few choice shots from Bey's new site below!

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Watch Beyonce Reveal the Origin's of Blue Ivy's Name

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Beyonce and Jay-Z Share Fourth Wedding Anniversary

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Joe Budden Arrested for NYC Traffic Violation Stemming From 2007

Cameron Matthews — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:45:00 EST

Bennett Raglin, WireImage for Reebok There was a noticeable absence at the Slaughterhouse show Thursday night (March 29) at New York City's Best Buy Theater. According to MTV, rapper Joe Budden was arrested for an outstanding warrant stemming from a traffic violation in 2007. Joell Ortiz, Crooked I and Royce Da 5'9" took to the stage with noticeable gusto, but it was apparent to the crowd that something was wrong. After performing two songs, the MCs notified the crowd that Budden had been taken into custody by the NYPD before the show. ...

"Joey! Joey! Joey!" the crowd began to say in unison, without any prompting from the onstage rappers. Their support for the incarcerated Budden came out in between songs all throughout the night.

"We love Joey too," Royce told the crowd. "Chanting for him ain't gonna get him outta jail." Apparently Joe Budden has been released.

Watch Joe Budden's "Follow My Lead" Video

Watch "The Conscious Rap and Hip-Hop" Video

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