Natelege Whaley
T.I. Talks ‘Challenge’ of ‘Boss’ Role, Gives Scoop on ‘Identity Theft’ Film
T.I. is everywhere these days. Besides working in the studio on the release of his new album, Trouble Man, he's also been flexing his acting muscles on both TV and the silver screen.
On the Starz series "Boss," the rapper has a recurring role as Trey Rogers, a reformed gang member who has his eyes set on a career in City Hall...
Best Hip-Hop and R&B Albums of 2012 (So Far): Nas, Elle Varner, R. Kelly, Odd Future and More
To say that 2012 has been an eventful year in music is an understatement. Some of hip-hop and R&B's biggest albums this year have been released in the eye of controversy. From divorce stories from Nas to Frank Ocean's Tumblr note released amidst rumors of his homosexuality, the two have gone through a heap of media attention this summer. Bu...
T.I. Reveals Location for ‘Ball’ Video Shoot, Recalls Andre 3000 Studio Session
As rapper T.I. gears up for the release of his eighth studio album, Trouble Man, the Atlanta native announces that he's currently planning the music video for the Rico Love-produced "Ball" featuring Lil Wayne.
"That's coming up soon in New Orleans," T...
The Hip-Hop Effect: 20 R&B Songs Sampling Rap Beats and Lyrics
During the late '80s and early parts of the '90s, R&B was dominated by the new jack swing era, with artists such as Janet Jackson, New Edition and Boyz II Men being some of the subgenre's most successful acts. Those were good times up until a young chick from Yonkers rose up to the ranks to change the game. Wi...
K’La Speaks on Homeless Past, Old Soul Sensibilities & Nas-Assisted Song ‘Blame’
K'La has never been coy about defying reality to reach her dreams. The rapper and singer has come a long way from being a starving artist in Atlanta to now being one of Def Jam's newcomers. She's currently riding with her single "Blame," assisted by rap legend Nas, and moving forward with her career by juggling single parenthood -- she has two young daughters...
Shanell Says ‘Nobody’s Bitch’ Mixtape Is a ‘Party,’ New Album Shows Vulnerability
At a moment when Kanye West announced he recorded a song called "Perfect Bitch," an ode to his girlfriend Kim Kardashian, Young Money songstress Shanell's upcoming mixtape, titled Nobody's Bitch, could not be more timely -- though it was purely coincidental...
Fountain of Youth Faces: 20 Rappers and Singers With Adolescent Looks
No one would have guessed Nas would steal the summer, but the veteran rapper has it "on smash," as he recently released his 10th studio album, Life Is Good, last month. On the effort, he unveils his personal stories about divorce and also the hardships of being a single father raising a daughter...
2 Chainz Brings Strippers, New Edition, Lil Wayne to ‘Based on a T.R.U. Story’ Listening Session
Rapper 2 Chainz made a grand entrance for his Based on a T.R.U. Story album release party at the 40/40 club Monday night (July 30). He was also in good company with radio veteran Angie Martinez and DJ Khaled joining the event, which was filled with the who's who of the music industry...
Dwele Debuts ‘Greater Than One’ Album, Raheem DeVaughn, Lalah Hathaway Join
Singer Dwele held a listening session for his fifth studio album, Greater Than One, at Jungle City Studios in New York City Tuesday evening (July 24). With the lights dimmed, guests sipped champagne and mingled as songs off the project played in the background...
Hip-Hop’s Most Expensive Album Covers: Jeweler Estimates Bling on Classic Rap LPs
Earlier this month, 2 Chainz revealed the artwork for his Def Jam debut, Based On a T.R.U. Story, due Aug. 14. Featuring two gold chains dangling over a black background, the cover follows in the grand tradition of rappers sporting heavy, flashy jewelry on their album covers...