Freedom – Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj’s new track “Freedom” is a surprisingly intimate reflection of her success in the rap industry and her rise to stardom. Off her upcoming album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – The Re-Up, Nicki suppresses her usual animalistic antics rapping confidently but tamely. She sings also sings the slow hook, and actually has a pretty controlled set of pipes on her. It’s a very non-Nicki track, but a welcomed change. The Re-Up features collaborations with big names like Ciara, Tyga, Cassie, and Lil Wayne. The record drops Nov. 19.

Blank Page – Christina Aguilera

In a pop music world dominated by scantily clad young girls, hard beats, auto-tune, and dubstep drops, poor Christina Aguilera has had a hard time trying to fit in and stay relevant (does anyone remember the monstrosity that was Bionic?) Finally, the songstress seems to have found her own with her upcoming album Lotus. “Blank Page,” the latest track to be released, is very  reminiscent of “Beautiful,” with a soft piano, and X-tina’s inhumanely powerful voice being showcased in all its glory. We aren’t sure whether Blank Page will be released as a single, but it could make for an extremely successful ballad. Lotus hits stores Nov. 12.

Yellow Tape – Fat Joe (ft. Lil’ Wayne, A$AP Rocky & French Montana) Read more…

Yes, there is such a show called Hip Hop Squares and it premiered last night on MTV2. It’s like Hollywood Squares but instead of minor TV stars it features rap legends.

Last night’s panel included Fat Joe, DJ Khaled, Kat Graham, Donnell Rawlings, Tech N9ne, Ghostface Killah, Childish Gambino, Mac Miller, and MGK. Ummm, yea, that’s all. Just everyone.

Childish Gambino was the standout of the night, correctly answering a dirty question about the Olympics. He quickly identified the “snatch” and the “clean and jerk” as weight-lifting moves (get your mind out of the gutter).

If I was a contestant on the show I’d definitely pick Donald Glover, considering he’s a comedian, actor and pop culture nerd on top of being Childish Gambino. Who’d you choose?

Childish Gambino:

Mac Miller:  Read more…

Rapper FAT JOE has been dragged into a Florida police investigation after he was identified as a potential witness to a fatal double shooting.

The Lean Back hitmaker was reportedly riding in the same black Cadillac Escalade as the two victims of a Memorial Day shooting outside David’s Cafe II in South Beach.

A police spokesman believes Joe, real name Joe Cartagena, was an acquaintance of the two victims, Lessli (corr) Paz, 25, and Joey Navarro, 26, who both died shortly after the shooting.

Jermaine Chamberline has already been arrested on charges of second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was jailed hours after the incident, according to Billboard.com.

Police believe Chamberline started shooting after a “verbal altercation” between two rival groups.

A representative for the rapper has so far refused to comment.

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Ford and Sony have announced the creation of Fusion Flash Concerts, a free, “unannounced until the last minute” series of concerts that will feature many popular and up and coming artists.

Artists already announced include:
- Jermain Dupri
- Fat Joe
- Yellowcard
- Pete Yorn
- The Roots

To find out the secret locations and to get tickets to these free concerts, fans must register online at http://www.fusionflashconcerts.com or they can text the word ‘Go’ to 35274 using their cell phone.

The concerts will help Ford launch its 2006 new Fusion sedan.

“We’re really excited to get this summer-long party started in New York,” said The Roots’ ?uestlove. “With our music fusing together an audience of hip hop, rock, jazz and funk fans, we’re a perfect fit for this one-of-a-kind concert series.

“There’s a spontaneity factor unique to this concert series,” said Jermaine Dupri, multi-platinum-selling solo artist, songwriter and producer. “The last minute release of show details and ongoing interaction with fans really builds energy and excitement.”