The Boombox Music Blog

In House With Ciara: Singer Pushes Boundaries, Stresses Importance of Working With Female Writers

Georgette Cline — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 15:22:00 EST

Gino DePinto, AOL "Turnt up" is a phrase that decorates Ciara's vocabulary. Rarely known to party hard like its definition suggests, the songstress uses the phrase to describe her forthcoming album, One Woman Army, and she even has one song on the effort dedicated to the term: "Super Turnt Up." The track, which was co-produced by Jasper Cameron and Ciara, is "mean and aggressive," according to the singer. "It's super swagged out," she tells The BoomBox. "I love this song 'cause it just feels very unique to me." There's also an unexpected collaboration fans can look forward to when listening to the song. "I remember when I was writing the record, how I was playing around with the concept of it. That song is actually me featuring me. You'll hear me in a different way on that record. I don't want to give away too much." ...

Ciara is hush-hush about who will eventually show up on the final One Woman Army project, but she's not stressing that aspect of the recording process. "I have been very blessed to work with a lot of cool artists," the 27-year-old reveals. "The funny thing in this process, what organically happened, the guestlist is very light."

With no set release date for the R&B opus in sight, she could very well find herself teaming up with a big-name artist in the near future. "Anything can happen towards the end, as we're finalizing the record. It just really turned into a one-woman army concept. I'm kinda rolling alone for the most part." Duly noted.

2 Chainz is the only featured rapper as of yet -- he appears on "Sweat" -- however, Ciara's locked down producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins and songwriters Ali Tamposi and Livvi Franc for a few other notable tracks. Darkchild, who is responsible for producing some of the singer's past songs, including "Can't Leave 'Em Alone" and "Make It Last Forever," worked with Ciara to construct the frenzied sounds of "Got Me Good."

Watch Ciara's In House Visit With The BoomBox

"I like Rodney for so many reasons," Ciara explains. "He's a friend of mine but musically, he's one of the few music geniuses left that have had the history of the old school seasoning and the modernized way. He has it all in one. That's what makes him very special.

"Creatively, we just have a strong creative connection that it was only right [to work with him on One Woman Army]. I think it makes the experience so much more fun. We're all about the challenge." Take a listen to "Got Me Good" to witness how the duo successfully completed that challenge.

Female songwriters like Timposi and Franc assisted the Atlanta native with writing songs for her new album, specifically "Washaway," produced by the Underdogs. They both respectively bring a wealth of skill to the table -- Timposi has penned projects for Kelly Clarkson ("What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)") and Beyonce ("Save the Hero"), while Franc has written for Rihanna ("What Now") and Christina Aguilera ("Red Hot Kinda Love"). "These girls are just so talented," Ciara says enthusiastically. "They've had success beyond me, however, when we got together, I feel we formed something special. The vibe is so crazy."

Working with a group of women also helped Ciara move One Woman Army in the right direction. "I think it's so fun when I get to work with women writers in particular because we really understand the core story or foundation as women," she shares. "That's so important to me that the authenticity is there, you know, from the place that I speak from for my women. Having other females with me helps me dig deeper. We just gelled well. And that just poured into the music."

Eight years ago in 2004, this blonde, statuesque entertainer stepped into the spotlight with her debut album, Goodies. She's changed a lot since those days -- her hair, wardrobe and choice in men to name a few. She's also let down her guard, which can be heard in the selections featured on One Woman Army. "Vocally, I'm definitely pushing out more," Ciara states. "That feels good. It's very freeing. I've always been very private and consciously private. Now it's kinda like, 'Who cares.' I'm gonna be free and gonna be me. I feel good." The welcoming smile on her face proves that sentiment.

With the recording of her fifth LP coming to a close -- she's hoping for a winter release - there's still more Ciara has to accomplish. Along with being a singer and dancer, she's also an actress -- catch her in the 2012 comedy "That's My Boy" to view her acting chops. At the moment, she's looking for the right movie role but fans won't have to wait long to see her grace a screen.

"There's a really cool TV moment that's coming up that I can't announce yet but I'm excited about it," she discloses. "So definitely more things to come." Her army of fans -- the C-Squad -- are prepared for them all.

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Alicia Keys Debuts 'Brand New Me,' Speaks on Personal Growth -- Exclusive

Georgette Cline — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:04:00 EST

RCA Alicia Keys is celebrating a change within herself. Listen to the debut of her new power ballad "Brand New Me" to understand where she's coming from. She's left behind the naysayers in her life and found a renewed sense of strength and self. "'Brand New Me' is about the journey it takes to get to a place where you are proud to be a new you," Keys tells The BoomBox. "There is nothing wrong with growing. There may be people in your life that knew you for a long time and they think of you only as the person you used to be and not the person you now are. "And this song is a conversation introducing them to the new you. Where nothing can hold you back and no one can hold you down." ...

"It's been awhile, I'm not who I was before/ You look surprised, your words don't burn me anymore," she coos on the piano-driven track.

Listen to Alicia Keys' "Brand New Me"

"Brand New Me" is one of the 13 songs featured on the R&B beauty's forthcoming fifth album, Girl on Fire, arriving Nov. 27. With collaborations from the likes of singer-songwriter Emeli Sande on "Not Even the King" and rapper Nicki Minaj on the "Inferno Version" of the album's title track, there will be something for every fan when Alicia Keys drops her brand new LP.

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Bodega Bamz, 'Thrilla' Video: Flatbush Zombies Team Up With Spanish Harlem Rapper

Georgette Cline — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:15:00 EST

YouTube Halloween may have passed but that hasn't stopped Spanish Harlem rapper Bodega Bamz from hanging out with a few zombies and ghosts in mid-November. Bamz teams up with Brooklyn-based rhymers Flatbush Zombies for the visuals to "Thrilla," an eye-grabbing spectacle zooming in on bloody organs, mummies, "Scream" masks and a Dia De Los Muertos lady friend. "Ignore the pain, we the New New York... Y'all rappers look pale/ Learned to survive since Oregon Trail," Bamz spits on the track, featured on his new mixtape, Strictly 4 My P.A.P.I.Z., which can be downloaded here. Rik Cordero directs the video while Ohla joins in on the production side. Witness the thrill of the Tan Boys and the New New York below. ...

Watch Bodega Bamz's "Thrilla" Video Feat. Flatbush Zombies

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Kendrick Lamar, 'Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe (The LG Mix)': Lady Gaga Unveils Original Version

Georgette Cline — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 11:25:00 EST

Gino DePinto, AOL Fans of both Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga were left feeling disappointed when tracks the two collaborated on, like "Partynauseous," were left off the West Coast MC's debut album, good kid, m.A.A.d city, due to Mother Monster refusing to relinquish creative control. But it seems Gaga has had a change of heart and is releasing one of the projects: her version of Lamar's "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe." The effort is actually the original song the artists recorded, not what is heard on the rapper's LP. ...

Titled "The LG Mix," the global pop star is heard commencing the track and singing the hook. "I am a sinner who's probably gonna sin again/ Lord forgive me, lord forgive me, things I don't understand/ Sometimes I need to be alone/ Bitch, don't kill my vibe," Gaga coos.

Before she unveiled the tune, the "Born This Way" songstress added this sentiment, serving as a play off the title: "We feel bad about killing your vibe, so here's the demo you never got to hear."

Listen to Kendrick Lamar 's 'Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe (The LG Mix)' Feat. Lady Gaga

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Pusha T Talks New Rick Ross Collaboration, Producers on Solo Album & No Malice's Support

Georgette Cline — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 18:15:00 EST

Invision for CP3 "Now that he's onboard, everything else is perfect," Pusha T tells The BoomBox. The G.O.O.D. Music rapper's brother, No Malice, is the man he's referring to. Formerly known as Malice of the Clipse, he converted to Christianity last year, and ditched the drug trade raps that once permeated his rhymes. Pusha's current lyrics, which will comprise his forthcoming solo album, are still fueled by much of the cocaine tales his sibling now renounces. However, they've recently come to a meeting point regardless of their respective beliefs. "Me and him were just talking and he was like, 'You know, like, I really support you and as long as your soul is with god I think everything else is gonna be fine. You're gonna do all of the great things you want to do,'" the MC explains. "We talked for like two hours. He was like, I'm good now, I'm really good." ...

Pusha, who is bringing his dog to the vet while simultaneously speaking on his new LP, delivers verses reminiscent of his early Clipse days on his latest single "Pain." "Arm & Hammer for the breakup/ Turn one into two, watch the brick kiss and makeup," he rhymes. Kanye West crafts the beat while Future lends a vocal assist. The latter's addition to the effort came as a result of Pusha realizing he was a hot commodity.

"I came and collaborated with 'Ye when we started making music for the album and we were just discussing who was hot and what was going on right now," the Virginia native states. "I told him that I liked Future. I just came from home, there were seven songs in the club that Future was being played on. I felt out of wack cause these things were huge. I wasn't familiar with all of his records."

Listen to Pusha T's "Pain" Feat. Future

He describes how Future's haunting lyrics came into play in the studio. "I think I hear him a little bit differently," says Pusha, born Terrence Thornton. "There's something eerie about [his voice]. 'Ye made this beat -- it was pain, it was dark. I was like, 'With this, we should see what [Future] comes up with.' It was purely an effort to juxtapose how people usually hear him and try to pull out what we wanted from him."

While "Pain" will likely sit on the tracklist for his upcoming untitled hip-hop opus, so will a Rick Ross track, which was recently recorded. Pusha has yet to name the song, also produced by Kanye, yet he promises both verses by him and the Maybach Music Group bawse will be a "rap fan favorite."

"It's hard and emotional; it's what people wanna hear... as a rap purist," he reveals. "It almost has the same qualities to me that 'Sixteen' with [Ross] and Andre 3000 [had]. Not that the song sounds anything like that, but just the fact that you want to hear rap. Like you just hear two guys blacking out over verses.

"My first lines on that record are, 'I sold more dope than I sold records.' It's just a reality-based record. I think on it we both embrace the ills. We embrace the ills of the lifestyle of music, the ills of the street."

Besides Ross and Future, Pusha has no other collaborations in the can. Right now, he's solely focused on the soundscape. "My collaborations are just producer-based from Swizz [Beatz] to Rico Beats to [The-]Dream to Kanye to Pharrell to No I.D. to Young Chop," the 35-year-old rhymer discloses. "As far as [artist] collaborations go, I'm not really focused on them quite, quite yet. Once I live with the body of work I can see or feel who's gonna be good on this record and so on and so forth."

As the full body of work comes together, ardent Clipse supporters and fans of Pusha's solo artistry are patiently awaiting his album title reveal. He's tight-lipped about what his Def Jam debut will officially be called but he assures rap enthusiasts that the first single paints a vivid picture of what's to come. "'Pain' embodies the whole theme of the album," he says. "Every aspect of the album."

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Ciara Shares Sports Knowledge, Reveals Michael Jordan's Influence -- Video

Georgette Cline — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:50:00 EST

Gino DePinto, AOL Did you know Ciara is a sports buff? The statuesque singing beauty isn't one of those women who studies a "Football for Dummies" book just to impress a guy. She can actually carry on an intelligent conversation on teams and their respective players without sounding like an airhead. Don't let the blonde hair fool you. "I love sports because I feel like it runs parallel to what I do, whether it's in the competitive spirit or just the need to perform under pressure," the 27-year-old Atlanta native tells The BoomBox. "I feel like a lot of times, athletes are faced with that challenge. "I relate to that in so many ways, whether it's getting ready for a performance or knowing that you have a certain amount of time to do something and you gotta show up when it's time. Just that spirit of drive and will and ambition, getting fit for something." ...

Most fans of the songbird, whose fifth album, One Woman Army, arrives in early 2013, know her for gyrating seductively in music videos not screaming at the TV when a bad play is called. So which teams does she root for on the court and field?

"I don't necessarily have one team in the NFL or NBA," Ciara shares. "It's a very fun time in sports when it pertains to those fields. You have the new era of Cam Newton, Andrew Luck, RGIII [Robert Griffin III], you've got that whole movement. Then you have the Tom Bradys, and the Aaron Rodgers, it just goes on and on. The transition of all of [those players in sports is what] makes a game very exciting to me."

Musically, Michael Jackson is one of her influences but it may come as a surprise that so is lauded basketball player Michael Jordan. The "Sorry" singer expresses her excitement for how the revered "greatest basketball player of all time" has become inspirational in her personal and professional life.

Witness Ciara praise MJ in The BoomBox's exclusive video interview below.

Watch Ciara Talk to The BoomBox About One of Her Biggest Inspirations

Produced by Kelly Mahan and Pierre Verna

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will.i.am, Wyclef Jean and Wale Are One Person According to WSVN's Blake Burman -- Video

Georgette Cline — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 11:55:00 EST

Getty Images Are Wyclef Jean, Wale and will.i.am the same person? Apparently so, according to a Miami news reporter. Blake Burman, who covers the political scene for WSVN 7 NEWS, needs his hip-hop card revoked immediately after he failed to properly identify Black Eyed Peas leader will.i.am not once, but twice while reporting live from Barack Obama's headquarters Tuesday night (Nov. 6). The initial mistake was made while will.i.am was giving an interview with another reporter a few feet away from Burman. As the camera panned in the entertainer's direction, Burman nodded and adamantly said, "That's Wyclef Jean giving an interview." Wrong. ...

He then tried to fix his rap blunder after someone off-camera corrected him. "Sorry, who i...? Wale," Burman stated. "Excuse me, Wale. Got my artists mixed up." Wrong, again.

Finally, he proceeded to give the right answer after being corrected off-camera once more. "will.i.am! Good grief am I tired," Burman disclosed, obviously embarrassed. "It's will.i.am. I'm sorry, I'm mixing up my artists here."

Witness the TV blooper below.

Watch WSVN's Blake Burman Mistake will.i.am for Wyclef Jean & Wale

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Rihanna, 'Unapologetic' Tracklist: Eminem, Chris Brown & Future Lend Talents

Georgette Cline — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 10:30:00 EST

Def Jam Rihanna is about to tour the world for seven days in support of her forthcoming seventh album, Unapologetic, but before she boards that Boeing 777 jet, she's giving her fans a special treat. The pop star has unveiled the tracklist for the effort, just two weeks before it arrives. Revealing all 15 tracks via a handwritten Instagram photo, RiRi collaborates with some big names and even one that may still come as a shock to others. Eminem, who tapped the singer for his 2010 hit "Love the Way You Lie," appears on "Numb," while Future shows up for "Loveeeeeee Song." ...

Chris Brown is the crooner who may boggle the minds of some fans who think the on-and-off again lovers should steer clear of one another due to their sordid past. He lends his talents to "Nobodies Business" -- shouldn't there be a grammar check on that title?

Monday (Nov. 5), The BoomBox reported that Emeli Sande penned a track for Unapologetic, though the U.K. songstress has yet to disclose what the title of the effort is in a recent interview.

Unapologetic arrives Nov. 19.

Unapologetic Tracklisting

1. "Fresh Out the Runway"
2. "Diamonds"
3. "Numb" feat. Eminem
4. "Pour It Up"
5. "Loveeeeeee Song" feat. Future
6. "Jump"
7. "Right Now"
8. "What Now"
9. "Stay" feat. Mikky Ekko
10. "Nobodies Business" feat. Chris Brown
11. "Love Without Tragedy"/"Mother Mary"
12. "Get It Over With"
13. "No Love Allowed"
14. "Lost in Paradise"
15. "Half of Me" (Bonus)

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Rihanna Taps Emeli Sande for New Song on 'Unapologetic' Album

Georgette Cline — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:00:00 EST

Gino DePinto, AOL Music Rihanna fans, did you even see this one coming? The 24-year-old global pop star chose to work with one stellar songwriter when crafting her forthcoming Unapologetic album: Emeli Sande. The Scottish-born, U.K. native joined forces with the the Bajan songstress to pen a track that will be featured on the new LP. Sande, who also assisted Alicia Keys in writing "Not Even a King," off of her upcoming Girl on Fire album, gave a few details on Rihanna's new song during a red carpet run at the MOBO Awards last week. ...

"I love it," the Our Version of Events creator said of the project. "I love the lyrics. I can't wait to hear what she's done with it."

She was rather tight-lipped on the song's subject matter but the secrecy can only mean it'll be worth the wait. Eager listeners can hear the Rihanna-Emeli Sande collaboration when Unapologetic arrives Nov. 19.

Watch Emeli Sande Speak About Writing a Song for Rihanna's Unapologetic Album

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Ciara Reveals 50 Cent's Love Issues, Shares Traits for Ideal Companion

Georgette Cline — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST

Getty Images While many men would love to have Ciara as their lady, one guy that had her on his arm and then lost her was 50 Cent. The two were an item two years ago but parted ways and even engaged in a heated Twitter battle regarding their relationship. Obviously love was a battlefield for the entertainers and the One Woman Army creator sheds some new light on the subject. During an interview with the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Ciara divulged some shocking information about the Queens, N.Y., rapper that only she would know. When it comes to love, Fif is apparently "afraid." ...

Listen to Ciara's revealing interview here and check out what she's looks for in the perfect mate.

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King L: 10 Things to Know About the Chicago Rapper Including Bad Weed Blues

Georgette Cline — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 15:55:00 EST

Damon Dahlen, AOL Chicago rapper King L is a weed enthusiast. He'd also like for the special lady in his life to share his passion for the sticky green. Listen to the chill vibes of his new single, "My Hoes They Do Drugs," featuring Juicy J and Pusha T, to find out what else women are getting into when he invites them out for some hang time. The song is just one chapter in the story the 24-year-old rapper tells on his debut LP, Dope & Shrimp, set to arrive in the coming months via Epic Records. While fans await that project, his current mixtape, Showtime, is out for public consumption and he's already got another, Drilluminati, in the works. One track that could very well find its way on the latter, in addition to his forthcoming album, is "Feelin' Like a Million Bucks." The J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League-produced effort is similar to what one might hear from a certain Miami bawse. "That's just one of my favorites due to the fact like, I listen to a lot of Rick Ross and that's who be doing a lot of his beats," he tells The BoomBox. "So I used to be thinking, 'I wish I had one of them beats.' I actually met [J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League] and they gave me quite a few beats. It's one of the best songs I recorded. It's some boss, playa music." Hailing from a city riddled with crime, the tattooed "Val Venis" creator doesn't come off angry or violent. He's quick to laugh, crack a big smile, tell jokes and share personal stories of his come-up -- and love of seafood. Maybe all that smoke is good for the mind and body after all. The BoomBox invites King L to give the people some insight on his life since he's a fresh face on the hip-hop scene. Read on as he reveals 10 things about himself -- his worst dating experience and bad weed blues included -- that his fans need to know. ...

1. His Royal Rap Name Comes With a Price

"It was like a mix-up, [the record label] couldn't get [King Louie] bought. It's still King Louie though. Now we getting to the bottom of it that we probably can use it. Once you get to know me and you my friend, you'll know that King Louie is what you really should call me. My name is Louis, my government name my mother gave me.

"My best friend Marquis, he's actually incarcerated now, but he gave me the name King Louie years back, when I was rapping years back."

2. First Album He Bought Is a 'Shocker'

"Silkk the Shocker, Made Man. I ain't even buy it honestly; my uncle bought it for me. I had a good report card. No Limit was my favorite label back then. That's what was rockin', poppin' back then. I liked the whole movement or whatever. It was a pretty dope album. I liked how the cover looked though, the real flamboyant covers.

"If you look at [the Made Man cover], one of [Silk's] legs look like they were skinnier than the other one."

3. Dating His 'Baby Mother' Held Him Back

"I just wasted like hella years of my life with my baby mother. That's my worst dating experience. I thought it was cool but everybody was telling me, 'No.' I got my daughter out of it so I like it 'cause of that. It was holding me back. As soon as I stopped messing with her I got my record deal.

"So I think I could've been got my deal if I hadn't been messing with her. That was the biggest mistake. It was like six years."

4. Stupid People & Bad Weed Irk Him

"Just like stupidity. Just stupid stuff. It's cool if you act silly but stupid people just irk me. I don't know what it may be, but if you ask a person, 'How could you be so stupid?' It just irks me. People who make stupid decisions. And bad weed. I smoke a lot of good weed."

5. Weed-Centered Movies Are His Favorite

"'Friday.' Shout out Ice Cube. I remember back when I was a shorty my uncles and them used to be in the basement getting high, smoking weed. I'd be upstairs eating crackers with like, you know you cut the bologna up and put it on the crackers. I'd just be watching 'Friday.' I was a kid back then so I just remember watching it over and over. That's my all-time favorite movie though."

See The BoomBox's Exclusive Photos of King L

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6. A Former Rapper Gives Him Advice

"My brother, Doe. CEO Doe, Big Homie Doe. Before I was rapping, he used to be rapping. We was in high school, I didn't used to tell people I knew how to rap or whatever; I was kinda shy. I'm still kinda shy. Back then he was the rapper. Everybody in school knew he rapped and all that. I seen him come up. Then I started putting my stuff together. He just used to give me advice all the time.

"I was trying to get to where he was at. Now he just help me out with my stuff going on. He ain't never steered me wrong. He always keep it 100 with me."

7. Dope & Shrimp Album Title Is Inspired by Good Eats

"Well I told y'all I like marijauna, that's called dope. Shrimp, that's one of my favorites. I was actually supposed to release that as one of my mixtapes. The summer that I was supposed to release [Dope & Shrimp] -- I ain't have no record deal back then -- all I did was hustle, smoke dope and eat shrimp all the time at Lawrence's [in Chicago]. That's why I named my mixtape that. Now it's gonna be an album.

"All my mixtapes [and albums], I try to name them after something that gotta do with me. When I go do a project, I go into the project for that."

8. His Fans Come in All Forms

"It kinda tripped me out 'cause when we were on our way [to an event in Chicago], there was a guy, he was a lawyer. He was a white guy. He was in a trenchcoat and he looked like a federal agent or some shit. We was walking to the [pizza shop] and hes like, 'King Louie!' I told you like before the rap stuff we used to be hustling and all that.

"I was annoyed, like, 'Who's buddy?' and then he just came out like, 'Yeah, I'm a big fan. Woo, woo!'' It kinda tweaked me out. It was a dope experience. All of this was new to me."

9. A Rap Career Was an Afterthought

"I ain't always think I was gonna be a rapper. I just wanted to have money no matter what I had to do. Just to feed me and my family. Rapping is just something I used to do. Then I met Larry and [manager] John Monopoly [of Lawless Inc. record label].

10. Success Is a Priority

"I learned like in this [music industry], now that I'm in the game, the people that you listen to and you like, or whatever, you won't like 'em once you meet 'em. I just want to be successful. If I do songs with people that's cool, down-to-earth people, real invididuals, I hope the project, whatever we do, is successful. I don't really get into all of that, 'I wish I can work with...' I just want to be successful."

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CeeLo Green Accuser Says Crooner Gave Her Drugs, Had Sex With Her

Georgette Cline — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 12:50:00 EST

Victoria Will/Invision/AP The current sexual assault case against crooner CeeLo Green is playing out like a good night turned horribly wrong. The Goodie Mob member's accuser has revealed he slipped her drugs and had sex with her without her consent. TMZ reports that the woman accompanied CeeLo to an L.A. restaurant in July. She claims they sipped on cocktails but remembers nothing after that moment. According to her, she woke up lying naked in a bed and CeeLo was in the room. Apparently the "Fuck You" singer is recorded on tape apologizing to his accuser for the incident and speaking of the drug MDMA -- he never admits to placing it in her drink, however. A source has come forward stating that CeeLo told the woman the drug would "help them have an exciting time together." ...

LAPD detectives are currently handling the case. They plan to inform the L.A. County District Attorney's Office when the investigation is complete.

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Jay-Z Will Join President Obama at Ohio Campaign Rally

Georgette Cline — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST

EVAN AGOSTINI/INVISION/AP The countdown to who will become the nation's next president has begun! Five days remain until Election Day (Nov. 6) and Jay-Z is helping to spread the word on the right candidate for the job. The Brooklyn-born MC will throw his support behind President Obama once again, as he's set to perform at Monday's (Nov. 5) campaign stop in Columbus, Ohio. Hov will also have the honor of introducing President Obama at the rally in Ohio, which is deemed as a "swing state" -- a U.S. state where voters are liable to swing from one political party to another. Rocker Bruce Springsteen is also set to perform. ...

The Commander-in-Chief and the Reasonable Doubt creator are no strangers. Obama revealed that Jay was among those artists he listens to regularly on his iPod and Jigga hosted a campaign fundraiser for him, with the help of Beyonce, in September.

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Meek Mill 'Harassed, Violated' by Police in Philadelphia

Georgette Cline — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:30:00 EST

Getty Images Life imitated art last night for Meek Mill, who was unfortunately held by police in his hometown of Philadelphia. The rapper lived out the cover of his debut album, Dreams and Nightmares, released earlier this week, as he was forced to wear handcuffs alongside his Rolex watch, similar to the effort's artwork. Late Wednesday night, the Maybach Music Group signee, born Robert Williams, revealed the incident via Twitter, sharing the news with his 1.9 million followers. "cops cost me a lot of money tonight .....taking pics of me like I'ma fuckin joke....no charges just holding," the "Young & Gettin' It" MC tweeted with a photo of himself handcuffed on a bench while a police officer snaps a shot of him. ...

Instagram

According to Philly.com, Meek was in a vehicle that was stopped at 8:04PM. Philadelphia police officer Tanya Little stated the reason the car was stopped was unknown, however, the rhymer "was not arrested or detained."

He assured fans that weapons weren't involved either. "I ain't get locked up...definitely not in NYC with no gun! Cops just harassed and violated me last night in Philly just for being famous!" Meek posted to Twitter.

The 25-year-old was forced to miss a scheduled Atlanta album release event as a result of the incident. After he was let go, the reality of the situation set in for Meek, who shared his disbelief once again on the social networking site. "The crazy part about is I really had a handcuff and Rolex on my wrist yesterday.... Really #DreamsAndNightmares," he tweeted.

Listen to Meek Mill's Dreams and Nightmares Album Here

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Kanye West Arrives as Batman, Chris Brown Is a Terrorist & More Star Halloween Costumes

Georgette Cline — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 12:35:00 EST

John Parra, WireImage Some of hip-hop and R&B's most familiar faces got into the spirit of Halloween last night (Oct. 31) by stepping out in shocking costumes. Kanye West came to save the day as Batman while his lady Kim Kardashian showed up as Catwoman. Chris Brown caused quite a commotion when he debuted terrorist-inspired attire and his on-and-off again flame Rihanna paid homage to Mary Jane as a green goddess. ...

Find out what other celebs like Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys, Wiz Khalifa and Drake, among others, chose to wear for Halloween below.

See Kanye West, Chris Brown, Jennifer Lopez & More Stars' Halloween Costumes

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Rihanna Earns Queen of West Hollywood Title

Georgette Cline — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST

Getty Images Royal Highness Rihanna is in the building! The Unapologetic creator celebrated Halloween Wednesday night (Oct. 31) by rocking a glittering tiara while being crowned queen of West Hollywood during the city's annual Halloween Carnaval. She posed for photos on the red carpet for the event wearing a black lace dress and ditched her short 'do for some longer tresses. With her mother Monica in attendance, she also accepted the key to the city, which was presented to her by the West Hollywood mayor. ...

"Thank you guys so much," the 24-year-old pop star exclaimed. "I feel really special. I do feel like a queen right now. I'm not even from this city, so it's a big deal to be honored in the city and by the gay and lesbian community. I will make you guys very proud."

Queen RiRi has a busy month ahead of her. The songstress will embark on her 777 tour -- she's performing seven shows in seven countries in seven days -- beginning Nov. 14, release her seventh studio album, Unapologetic, Nov. 19 and appear as the musical guest on "SNL" Nov. 10.

Watch Rihanna Crowned as Queen of West Hollywood

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Ludacris, 'Rest of My Life': Usher, David Guetta Show Up on Rapper's Dance Tune

Georgette Cline — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 10:30:00 EST

Def Jam Ludacris is embracing the sounds of EDM. The southern spitter's new track, "Rest of My Life," is a dance-inspired tune that finds him serving his usual bold raps, Usher crooning and David Guetta behind the beat. "They say what don't kill me can make me stronger/ So two drinks a night should help me live longer," Luda rhymes on the celebratory effort. A video for the track was shot earlier this month. "Rest of My Life," a follow-up to the Kelly Rowland-assisted "Representin'" will appear on Ludacris' forthcoming album Ludaversal, due in early 2013. ...

Listen to Ludacris' "Rest of My Life" Feat. Usher & Davi Guetta

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Mariah Carey Celebrates Halloween With Nick Cannon and Dem Babies -- Photo

Georgette Cline — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:50:00 EST

DemBabies.com Leave it to Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon and "dem babies" to carry on their yearly tradition of celebrating Halloween in full costume. Before their double bundle of joy arrived in 2011, the married couple stepped out for prior Halloween parties as cookies and milk, firefighters and even a pair of angels. Once Monroe and Moroccan were born, they joined their parents in rocking costumes inspired by the Disney animated film "The Incredibles." ...

Now the entire family shows off their 2012 Halloween costume as Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Cannon was Papa Bear while his twins dressed up as Mama and Baby Bear. Carey sported pigtails and a yellow dress to carry off her role as Goldilocks.

Do you think the Carey-Cannon clan had the best costumes this year? Let us know on Twitter @theboombox.

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Rihanna, 777 Tour: Singer Performing for Seven Days to Support 'Unapologetic' LP

Georgette Cline — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:55:00 EST

Getty Images for Clear Channel Seven is Rihanna's lucky number. In support of her forthcoming seventh album, Unapologetic, the Bajan songstress is set to embark on a performance spree next month -- the 777 tour. She'll perform new songs like the Sia-penned "Diamonds" at seven shows over the course of seven days in seven countries. Billboard reports the 777 tour kicks off Nov. 14, five days before her LP is set for release on Nov. 19. The 24-year-old pop star is inviting a select group of fans from her Rihanna Navy fan club to witness this monumental feat. In addition, 150 journalists from 82 countries will join Rihanna on a Boeing 777 twinjet to travel to each scheduled show. ...

Before she heads out on the 777 tour -- details on how to obtain tickets are yet to be announced -- Rihanna will take the stage as a musical guest on "SNL" Nov. 10. This marks the fourth time the Def Jam signee has appeared on the show.

Fans eager to purchase her Unapologetic album can get in on the action before the release date. Two limited edition deluxe box sets are available for pre-sale via RihannaNow.com. The packages -- Diamonds Deluxe Edition Box ($79) and Diamonds Executive Platinum Box ($250) -- include exclusive images of the singer and accessories such as a T-shirt, a custom-made View-Master and poster.

November is a busy month for Rihanna with her "SNL" appearance, 777 tour and album release scheduled. She also leads the pack of nominees -- alongside Nicki Minaj -- at the 2012 American Music Awards, set to air Nov. 18. Chances are she won't attend the ceremony, considering she'll be jetsetting around the country on tour.

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Game Talks Benefits of Being Bipolar, James Brown's Suit Up for Auction & More

Georgette Cline — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST

Jason Merritt, Getty Images While some people steer clear of others labeled as bipolar, rapper Game is talking about the benefits of being tagged as such. Is he crazy? [Rickey Smiley] You can look "Super Bad" just like James Brown once did in his prime -- if you have some cold, hard cash. A suit worn by the Godfather of Soul is currently up for auction. [Contact Music] Congratulations, Kendrick Lamar! The West Coast MC has landed at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with his debut LP, good kid, m.A.A.d. city. Find out just how many copies he sold to the right. [Rap-Up] ...

If you missed Toni Braxton's VH1 "Behind the Music" special, watch the entire episode here. [ThisIsRnB]

Check out the wild costumes Christina Milian and her daughter Violet decided to wear for Halloween. [SingersRoom]

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Eminem, Skylar Grey Unite for New Album, Rapper Sings on 'C'mon Let Me Ride'

Georgette Cline — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 13:05:00 EST

Getty Images Slim Shady is bringing his expertise to a new project. Eminem will executive produce singer Skylar Grey's forthcoming album, Don't Look Down, due in spring 2013. The two previously collaborated on the rapper's 2010 hit "Love the Way You Lie," featured on his Recovery album. "When I was working on Recovery I was introduced to Skylar by Alex Da Kid and I was blown away with her talent as both a songwriter and vocalist," Eminem said in a statement. "This album is really going to give her a chance to connect with the fans who probably know her music, but might not know her yet. I think they will be as impressed as I am." ...

The first single to come from the effort is "C'mon Let Me Ride." Em lends his vocals to the song, produced by Alex Da Kid. Rolling Stone reports that he sings the hook of Queen's "Bicycle Race" on the track, arriving Dec. 11.

A video for "C'mon Let Me Ride" was recently shot in Eminem's hometown of Detroit.

Don't Look Down, Grey's debut LP, comes courtesy of KIDinaKORNER/Interscope.

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CeeLo Green Accused of Sexual Assault

Georgette Cline — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:45:00 EST

Victoria Will/Invision/AP CeeLo Green seems to be the picture of positive career moves recently, with the upcoming release of his Christmas album, CeeLo's Magic Moment, and his judging position on "The Voice." However, accusations of sexual battery are tarnishing his name. The Atlanta native is at the center of a sexual battery investigation being conducted by the LAPD. The female victim, whose identity is being withheld, filed a police report with law enforcement officials, accusing CeeLo of assaulting her in a sexual manner. ...

TMZ reports that CeeLo, 38, denies any wrongdoing. Details of the investigation are scarce, yet news of police visiting a L.A. restaurant named in the case has emerged. Employees and a manager at the location are being questioned.

A source close to the entertainer supports his claims of innocence. "I have never seen CeeLo act in a physical way toward anybody," the insider states.

Is CeeLo innocent? Let us know over at Twitter @theboombox.

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Shanell, 'Last Time': Busta Rhymes Gets Sexy With Young Money Singer

Georgette Cline — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 10:45:00 EST

Young Money The heat is on! Young Money/Cash Money songstress Shanell is all things sexy on the FKI-produced track "Last Time," which features Busta Rhymes and appears on her mixtape, Nobody's Bitch. She sings of experiencing one last romp with her guy after he did her wrong. "Touch me right there like you miss me already/ See I'ma make make you wish you never did what you did to me/ And when I leave you there I'ma make you beg, beg for me," she coos. ...

She lets him know she'll "make you feel good for the last time" before Busta comes in to change her mind.

"Let me put my face so far in it I can probably see your lung/ Soon as I'm coming up for air I'ma kiss you on the mouth so you can taste your soul on my tongue," he raps.

What do you think of "Last Time" -- hot or not?

Listen to Shanell's Last Time" Feat. Busta Rhymes

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Game, 'Celebration (Remix)': Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Unite for Weed-Centered Ode

Georgette Cline — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 13:45:00 EST

Jason Merritt, Getty Images It's a party full of weed and lyrical skill on Game's remix to his West Coast-flavored ode "Celebration," where he taps rap vets Bone Thugs-N-Harmony to deliver their quick-paced rhymes. On the remix, Game samples Bone Thugs' classic track "1st of tha Month." The original tune features an all-star list of entertainers including Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, Tyga and Chris Brown. "Celebration (Remix)" is part of Game's Sunday Service campaign. He's releasing a new song every Sunday leading up to the release of his fifth album, Jesus Piece, due Dec. 11. ...

If lighting one is your thing, take a toke and get in the zone with his new track below.

Listen to Game's "Celebration (Remix)" Feat. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

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Rick Ross Opens Up About Fat Boy Swagger Crew

Georgette Cline — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 12:45:00 EST

Getty Images for BET One look at Rick Ross' bulging belly and it's apparent the bawse loves to indulge in fine dining. At awards shows, he's never one to be shy, pulling off his shirt to showcase his stomach and a neck full of glittering gold chains during his performance. Obviously, Ross likes to look good while showing off his hefty asset. During an interview with the Russ Parr Morning Show, the God Forgives, I Don't creator opened up about creating the Fat Boy Swagger Crew, considering Ross enjoys donning pricey wares of the big and tall kind, after all. "I feel good and I rep big boys worldwide," the Miami native explains. "That's what a bawse do, baby." ...

Check out more of what Ross has to say about being a sex symbol here.

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Kendrick Lamar Talks Brandy Crush, Beating Up a Female Bully & College Regrets

Georgette Cline — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 10:50:00 EST

Getty Images for Samsung Could Kendrick Lamar and Brandy become the next Jay-Z and Beyonce? Perhaps a romance could very well be in the works after the "Put It Down" songstress finds out she's on the good kid, m.A.A.d. city creator's list of crushes. In a new interview with Fuse, the Compton rapper reveals his childhood "love" for Brandy Norwood. "When I was 7 years old, I found a four-leaf clover and I picked it and I wished I could meet Brandy," he shared. "But the wish didn't come true." ...

K-Dot also speaks on beating up a female bully in second grade after she pulled his ears ("I lifted her up and slammed her") and missing out on the college experience, one of his biggest "regrets" ("Now that I'm deep into my music career it's going to be hard to find the time").

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Nicki Minaj 'Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded the Re-Up' Tracklist

Georgette Cline — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 10:15:00 EST

Amazon Are you ready for the re-up? Nicki Minaj is serving up some fresh lyrics on her new album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded the Re-Up. The Young Money rap star offers the tracklist for the effort, which features eight new tracks along with 19 songs off her previously released album. Available on Nov. 19, the LP's tracklist includes "High School" with Lil Wayne, "I'm Legit" supported by Ciara and the Cassie-assisted tune "The Boys." Check out the girl-on-girl action in the song's video here. Fans of the wig-wearing MC will also get an added bonus: a DVD documenting her tour performances around the world. ...

Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded the Re-Up Tracklist

Disc 1
1. "Up in Flames"
2. "Freedom"
3. "Hell Yeah" feat. Parker
4. "High School" feat. Lil Wayne
5. "I'm Legit" feat. Ciara
6. "I Endorse These Strippers" feat. Tyga & Thomas Brinx
7. "The Boys" feat. Cassie
8. "Va Va Voom"

Disc 2
1. "Roman Holiday"
2. "Come On a Cone"
3. "I Am Your Leader" feat. Cam'ron & Rick Ross
4. "Beez in the Trap" feat. 2 Chainz
5. "HOV Lane"
6. "Roman Reloaded" feat. Lil Wayne
7. "Champion" feat. Nas, Drake & Young Jeezy
8. "Right By My Side" feat. Chris Brown
9. "Sex in the Lounge" feat. Lil Wayne & Bobby V
10. "Starships"
11. "Pound the Alarm"
12. "Whip It"
13. "Automatic"
14. "Beautiful Sinner"
15. "Marilyn Monroe"
16. "Young Forever"
17. "Fire Burns"
18. "Gun Shot" feat. Beenie Man
19. "Stupid Hoe"

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A$AP Rocky, 'F---in' Problem': Drake, 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar Fall Victim to Ladies

Georgette Cline — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 17:45:00 EST

Getty Images The ladies are giving some of rap's power players some big problems. A$AP Rocky debuts a fresh new track titled "Fuckin' Problem," which finds himself, 2 Chainz, Drake and Kendrick Lamar rhyming about some of the baddest women they've met. The Noah "40" Shebib-produced song comes courtesy of Complex and commences with A$AP ("They gettin' bent up off the liquor/ She love my licorice/ I let her lick it") and sees 2 Chainz serving the hook ("I love bad bitches, that's my fuckin' problem/ And yeah I like to fuck/ I got a fuckin' problem") over a beat that the core of could very well sit on a soundtrack for an '80s flick. ...

Drake is up next with some boasts and jokes ("I will pay to make it bigger, I don't pay for no reduction") and Kendrick rhymes of having a threesome ("The irony I fuck at the same damn time/ She eyein' me like a n--- don't exist/ Girl I know you won't that d").

"Fuckin' Problem" will likely appear on A$AP's RCA Records debut LongLiveA$AP.

Listen to A$AP Rocky's "Fuckin' Problem" Feat. Drake, 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar

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Nicki Minaj, 'The Boys' Video: Cassie Embraces Her Masculine Side, MC Busts Out in Bikini

Georgette Cline — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:50:00 EST

VEVO Girl on girl action? Watch Nicki Minaj's new video for "The Boys" to catch a glimpse of just that as the MC gets close to Cassie and touches her in ways that millions of men only wish they could. Pink is splattered everywhere in the Collin Tilley-directed clip, which takes place, for the most part, in a barber shop, as the pair take turns delivering their respective lines, dressed in eye-catching wares. ...

Nicki shows off a blue-and-pink wig paired with neon yellow leggings in one scene and gives a full look at her fit frame in a tight pink bikini. Then there's Cassie, who embraces her masculine side in a blue suit -- she's also bra-less -- and shaved green hair.

Catch the craziness below. "The Boys" appears on Nicki's re-release Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded -- The Re-Up, arriving Nov. 19.

Watch Nicki Minaj's "The Boys" Video Feat. Cassie

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Gucci Mane 'Trap God' Mixtape Debuts, Rick Ross, Future Show Up

Georgette Cline — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 10:50:00 EST

WBR If you couldn't live without 20 new tracks from Gucci Mane, well, you're in luck. The Southern rapper with the syrupy drawl has just released a new mixtape, Trap God, featuring a slew of hip-hop notables. While Gucci's recent Young Jeezy diss record "Truth" doesn't show up on the effort, there's much more to get excited for with collaborations from Meek Mill, Rick Ross, Waka Flocka Flame, Birdman and Future. Meek lends an assist on "Get Money N----s," Future does his usual rap-crooning on "Fuck the World" and Ross appears like the boss that he is on "Head Shots." ...

Take a listen to Gucci's latest effort here and get in the zone by imagining that you too have an ice cream cone tattooed on your face.

Trap God Tracklisting

1. "Intro" (Prod. by Lex Luger)
2. "Head Shots" feat. Rick Ross (Prod. by Tarentino, 808mafia)
3. "Money Habits" feat. Young Scooter (Prod. by 808mafia)
4. "Crazy" feat. Waka Flocka Flame (Prod. by Drumma Boy)
5. "Get Money Nigga" feat. Meek Mill (Prod. by 808mafia)
6. "Rollies Up" feat. Young Scooter & Waka Flocka Flame (Prod. by Mike Will Made It)
7. "Fuck the World" feat. Future (Prod. by Mike Will Made It)
8. "Act Up" feat. T-Pain. (Prod. by T-Pain)
9. "Never See" feat. Verse Simmonds (Prod. by Shawty Red)
10. "That's That" feat. Kevin McCall (Prod. by Kevin McCall)
11. "Servin" (Prod. by 808 Mafia)
12. "Shooter" feat. Young Scooter & Yung Fresh (Prod. by Zaytoven)
13. "Dead Man" feat. Young Scooter & Trae The Truth (Prod. by Metro Beats)
14. "Baby Wipes" feat. Waka Flocka Flame (Prod. by Zaytoven)
15. "Don't Trust" feat. Young Scooter
16. "Suckaz" (Prod. by Shawty Redd)
17. "Gas and Mud" (Prod. by C4)
18. "Fuck Something" feat. Kirko Bangz, Waka Flocka Flame & Young Scooter (Prod. by 808Mafia)
19. "I Fuck With That" (Prod. by Mike Will Made It, Southside, CNote)
20. "Get Lost" feat. Birdman (Prod. by Detail)

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Kendrick Lamar, 'Poetic Justice': Drake & West Coast MC Call on Janet Jackson -- Listen

Georgette Cline — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 18:30:00 EST

Getty Images for BET Kendrick Lamar and Drake breathe some new life into an old tune on their collaborative effort, "Poetic Justice," featured on the West Coast MC's debut LP, good kid, m.A.A.d city. The Scoop DeVille-produced track finds Drizzy and Lamar serving verses about their respective lady love. The gem on this project is the sampling of Janet Jackson's 1994 hit "Any Time, Any Place." "Poetic justice, if I told you that a flower would bloom in a dark room would you trust it,? the Black Hippy member raps on the song, which shares the same title of the 1993 film Jackson starred in alongside Tupac Shakur. ...

good kid, m.A.A.d city, arrives Oct. 22.

Listen to Kendrick Lamar's "Poetic Justice" Feat. Drake

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Eminem's 11 Crazy Career Moments in Honor of His 40th Birthday -- Photos

Georgette Cline — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EST

Kevin Mazur, WireImage Can you believe Eminem is 40 years old today? It seems like only yesterday the Detroit native was lyrically disposing of his ex-wife Kim's murdered body on his controversial record "97 Bonnie & Clyde," featured on his 1999 album, The Slim Shady LP. That was 13 years ago, and since then, Marshall Mathers has lived a life full of accomplishments and accolades as well as triumphs and tribulations. He's released seven albums, created a successful record label with Shady Records and earned a title as one of the best-selling music artists in the world. But he's also found himself in trouble along the way for mocking certain celebrities and having run-ins with the law. On his born day, The BoomBox takes a look back at some of his crazy career moments -- both good and bad. After all, these are the memories that make the man. ...

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Big Sean, GQ Magazine: Rapper Ditches Gold Chains for Quilted Vests -- Photos

Georgette Cline — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 11:55:00 EST

Tom Schirmacher, GQ Big Sean's signature look usually includes a T-shirt and numerous gold chains hanging from his neck. For the November issue of GQ magazine, the G.O.O.D. Music affiliate trades in his casual wares for a more tailored look. He poses in winter-centric vests and ditches most of his flashy jewelry in the process. The 24-year-old rapper, whose sophomore LP, Hall of Fame: Memoirs of a Detroit Player, is due to arrive later this year, helps solve "a style conundrum for men in the winter." How does a dude stay warm without looking a hot mess in a bulky coat? Sean models a variety of quilted field vests that give style conscious males another option this winter. ...

The new issue of GQ featuring Big Sean's fashion spread hits newsstands Oct. 23.

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Keyshia Cole 'Woman to Woman' Tracklisting: Meek Mill, Ashanti, Robin Thicke Join

Georgette Cline — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 10:15:00 EST

Amazon Her Woman to Woman album cover may have startled us a bit, but Keyshia Cole's tracklisting for the effort doesn't disappoint. The LP features 12 tracks with collaborations from five special guests. Crooner Robin Thicke shows up for Cole's fifth studio effort on "Next Move" while Maybach Music Group's Meek Mill delivers his rhymes on "Zero." Earlier this year, Ashanti revealed that she had worked with Keyshia Cole on the song "Woman to Woman," though she wasn't sure if the track would appear on the completed album. Luckily, the title track featuring both ladies does indeed show up on the tracklisting. Elijah Blake ("Wonderland") and Lil Wayne ("Enough of No Love") also lend their talents to the LP. ...

Woman to Woman, the follow-up to Cole's 2010's Calling All Hearts, arrives Nov. 19. The album is available for pre-order via iTunes Nov. 2.

Woman to Woman Tracklisting

1. "Enough of No Love" feat. Lil Wayne
2. "Zero" feat. Meek Mill
3. "Missing Me"
4. "Trust and Believe"
5. "Get It Right"
6. "Woman to Woman" feat. Ashanti
7. "Wonderland" feat. Elijah Blake
8. "I Choose You"
9. "Stubborn"
10. "Hey Sexy"
11. "Next Move" feat. Robin Thicke
12. "Signature"

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Watch Keyshia Cole's "Enough of No Love" Video

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Alicia Keys Offers a Sonic Journey With 'Girl on Fire' at New York's Lincoln Center

Georgette Cline — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 15:05:00 EST

Citi Call her fancy feet. Alicia Keys, her hair slicked back and donning an elegant black-and-white pantsuit, removed herself from behind the piano Monday night (Oct. 15) at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall in New York City to dance to the sounds of her forthcoming fifth opus, Girl on Fire, due Nov. 27. The Big Apple native was in visibly high spirits as she shimmied and twirled around the stage, performing hits from her past LPs as well, all for the Citi AAdvantage Love the Journey concert series. Citi provided The BoomBox with tickets to the memorable event, one that the R&B songstress commenced with engaging words. "I'm gonna take you to many different places," she announced. "Let's start here." ...

See Photos of Alicia Keys Performing for the Citi AAdvantage Love the Journey Concert

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Seated at the piano, she made a bold statement by kicking off the night with her 2004 hit "Karma." Keys may have began with an ode centered on an ill-fated romance but she moved to "a good 85 degrees" and switched the mood with the refreshingly flirtatious track "You Don't Know My Name."

Keys seemed to give the room an audible hug as she moved to a sythensizer to play "Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart," all while she was cloaked in a blue hue from the stage lights above. She also paused between songs to give more personal anecdotes. The 31-year-old prefaced "A Woman's Worth," off her debut LP, Songs in A Minor, with a story of penning the track after watching an ad on TV.

"I was on the couch after Thanksgiving, 'cause I ate too much," Keys said with a laugh. "I saw this girl [in a commercial] flinging her hair and she said, 'Because I'm worth it.' I was like, 'That's good!" Then it all came together."

Her vocals were crisp and trenchant; her storytelling drew laughs and cheers from the audience; and her command of the ivories on the piano only further supported the notion Keys is an undeniable force to be reckoned with in the R&B landscape.

"Listen to Your Heart," an uptempo dance-inspired ditty off Girl on Fire, came next. The effort was a first listen for many of the concert-goers. "He says take a chance... Listen to your heart.. You say I'm a little bit scared/ Just hold on we're almost there," Keys sang. The album's inspirational title track in addition to her don't-be-mad-I-changed-for-the-better" ode "Brand New Me" -- a track Alicia Keys tags as her "autobiography" -- were also sonic treats served. The latter earned her a standing ovation.

Before the night's end, she grooved through "Fallin'" -- the song that put her on the map 11 years ago -- "Empire State of Mind" and "No One," with the audience on their feet. She thanked her band for their unyielding support and exited the stage, however, like any fan knows, an encore soon followed. The chanteuse capped off the festivities with another new song, "Not Even a King," and the throwback "If I Ain't Got You."

For an entertainer usually stationed at the piano, Alicia Keys' dancing onstage was a highlight of the night. The endless applause she subsequently received proved her title as a "girl on fire."

Watch a Past Performance of Alicia Keys' "A Woman's Worth "

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Jay-Z, D'USSE Commercial: Rapper Opts for Slow Motion Ad

Georgette Cline — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 17:25:00 EST

Getty Images In Jay-Z's world, things tend to happen fast. After all, big bucks aren't earned by waiting on others. However, in the new commercial for D'USSE cognac -- the liquor he launched earlier this year -- the Brooklyn-born rapper slows things down a bit. Sometimes it's necessary to experience a moment at a slower pace. In the ad, Jigga dons a black tuxedo while seated inside a pricey pad overlooking what appears to be the Brooklyn Bridge. By his side is a bottle of D'USSE, which retails at around $44.99 per 750-ml bottle. Take a closer look at what the Reasonable Doubt creator chooses to get a grip on -- in slow motion -- during the clip. ...

Watch Jay-Z's D'USSE Commercial

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Hip-Hop Slang With Nelly: Rapper Offers Lesson on Genre's Nuances -- Video

Georgette Cline — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:25:00 EST

Gino DePinto, AOL Nelly has always been a hip-hop savant and a wordsmith of sorts. Four years ago, the St. Louis, Mo., native taught fans the meaning behind some of the key words in his vocabulary when he starred in "Nelly's St. Louis Hip-Hop Slang" on our sister site Spinner. His slang included gems like "derrty," "finna" and "y'her me." Take a listen to his past albums -- Country Grammar, Sweat and 5.0, among them -- to understand how he uses the terms in his lyrics. These days, the rap star, born Cornell Haynes, Jr., has a more extensive selection of words to choose from when crafting rhymes or speaking to members of his entourage. Take "marry" for instance. Nelly delivers a refreshing meaning of the word on his single, "Marry Go Round," featured on his forthcoming seventh album, M.O. Take a seat as Professor Nelly offers a lesson in hip-hop slang with "marry." Class is in session. ...

Watch Hip-Hop Slang With Nelly

Produced by Kelly Mahan, Graphics by Miguel Mir

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T.I., 'Ball': Lil Wayne Shows Up on Rapper's New Orleans Bounce Record

Georgette Cline — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:05:00 EST

Getty Images for AKOO Clothing T.I. enlists the lyrical help of Lil Wayne on his new single, "Ball." The New Orleans bounce record will appear on Tip's forthcoming album, Trouble Man, due Dec. 18. Produced by Rico Love and Earl & E, the effort is an uptempo track that finds Weezy and T.I. rhyming of a good night out on the town. "This club so packed, these hoes so drunk," the latter raps on the chorus. Wayne's hometown of New Orleans will serve as the backdrop for the "Ball" video. The visual should arrive in the coming weeks. ...

Listen to T.I.'s "Ball Feat. Lil Wayne

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Keyshia Cole Slept With Diddy? Singer Denies Gucci Mane's 'Truth'

Georgette Cline — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:45:00 EST

Getty Images for BET Keyshia Cole and Diddy had a fling? Well, one listen to Gucci Mane's new song "Truth" finds the singer caught up in a past love triangle it seems. Gucci Mane and Young Jeezy are currently at odds, throwing out insults at one another and delivering diss tracks. "Truth" is the latest to come from the rapper with the ice cream cone tattooed on his face. If fans believe the rap tale Gucci delivers in his lyrics, it seems Cole and Mr. Bad Boy Records were once lovers --- remember their 2006 collaborative hit "Last Night"? -- and Jeezy was the victim of a broken heart. "I did a song with Keyshia Cole and I know you still miss her/ But Puff was fucking her while you was fallin' in love with her," Gucci Mane spits on "Truth." ...

According to Cole, the information Gucci Mane serves up in "Truth" is a lie. The 31-year-old Oakland native, who's dropping her fifth studio album, Woman to Woman, Nov. 15, took to Twitter to address the accusations. Read her series of tweets -- she also responds to fans -- below.

"That ain't my business!! he's lying! its all G tho. RT @imbrittanyduh: Gucci Mane wrong for putting @keyshiacole buisness out there."

"Putting all ya trust in some of these "Hood Rappers".. How u gone be a G, and u spreading lies, To sell mix tapes! Where ya talent at??"

"I will continue 2 build what I'm working so hard accomplish! I'm married with a child, and don't have no place in that none sense!"

"Basically. Dude ain't have 2 lie tho! could've kept me out of it. RT @tokiorose: @keyshiacole Mediocrity always attacks excellence."

Do you believe Gucci Mane's claims? Is Keyshia Cole lying? Leave us your thoughts on Twitter @theboombox.

Listen to Gucci Mane's "Truth" (Young Jeezy Diss)
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Nicki Minaj Bashed by Sharon Osbourne

Georgette Cline — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 12:45:00 EST

Getty Images Nicki Minaj's outburst against Mariah Carey at the "American Idol" judges' table is still the talk of the town. The latest celebrity to voice an opinion on the catfight is none other than shock rocker Ozzy Osbourne's wife Sharon Osbourne. Think she's Team Mariah or Team Nicki? Well, the answer may surprise you. Sharon weighed in on the hot topic while doing an interview on the Kyle and Jackie O radio show in Australia. "She's out of her league," Sharon said of Nicki Minaj. "Do not mess with the Mariah 'cause she will kick your booty, missus." ...

Obviously, Mrs. Osbourne is standing behind Carey but she did offer a kind word for the rapper, calling her "fabulous." But the remarks didn't stop there.

"Nicki Minaj is all new to this world," she continued. "Mariah's been having hit records for 22 years. She writes, produces, sings. Don't mess with Mariah."

Are you shocked by Sharon Osbourne's comments? Let us know what side you're choosing on Twitter @theboombox.

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