Hip Hop News

Kanye West might not want to be on baby mama Kim Kardashian's family show, but it seems he might be taking advice from Kardashian's "momager," Kris Jenner, based on his latest publicity stunt. Rolling Stone magazine reports Yeezy debuted the latest track off of his upcoming album "Yeezus" in a big way - literally. 

West premiered "New Slaves" by projecting visuals, including his face, on the front of 66 buildings around the world. Cities that got a taste of West's new sound include New York, Toronto, Chicago, London, Paris and Berlin. West made the event a bit more special in his home city of Chicago by having the video shown at the famous Wrigley Field. 

Though West has yet to announce when his sixth studio album will drop, it's been rumored fans will be able to get their hands on the new record June 18. They Daily Loud reports the rapper is making the rounds to get his new music out - he even performed on "Saturday Night Live" May 18.

Are you excited about West's new sound? Do you like how he released "New Slaves"?

Some fans might have thought Jay-Z would struggle to find his groove as a sports agent, but his latest move might have even the most critical haters out there changing their tune. Taking a note from other famed agents, Jay opted to show college basketball star Skylar Diggins, a recent Notre Dame graduate, he wants her on his team.

BET reports Hov surprised the graduate with a brand new Mercedes-Benz to congratulate her on her accomplishment and getting picked in the draft. Diggins was selected third overall at the 2013 WNBA draft pick and she signed to Jay's Roc Nation Sports agency in April. Diggins signed with the Tulsa Shock and was just that - shocked - by her expensive gift from Jay. 

"I got 99 problems, but a Benz ain't one," Diggins posted on her Instagram and Twitter accounts along with a photo of her new ride. 

Jay seems to be showing the love to women athletes and agents, as Forbes reports the business savvy rapper recently hired Kimberly Ann Miale from Boston, Ma., as a contract advisor for Roc Nation Sports. Miale was brought on board to help represent any football players Jay's new company scores. 

Do you think Jay is doing well as an agent? Are you surprised by the gift he got Diggins?

​Rapper T.I. seems to be on cloud nine - not only does he have a successful album out, but also a clothing line and a reality TV show that airs on VH1. It's all of these positive and money-making endeavors that has the MC thinking record labels should be bending over backwards to sign him. The Atlanta native recently ended his 10-year contract with Atlantic Records, and he's putting the word out there that he's ready to be picked up - for the right price. T.I. discussed what he's looking for in a record label with Billboard magazine. Even though he's good, some are speculating he might be setting the bar a bit too high, since he's asking for an eight-figure deal.

"They going to cut that check, man, and it's going to be eight figures. I ain't doing no deal if it ain't eight figures. I don't even wanna sit down with you. I don't wanna waste your time nor mine. I can do this [expletive] on my own. $5 million, $2 million, $4 million, $3 million - I can do that [expletive] on my own," T.I. told the publication. "I got that in the pipeline already. Don't even talk to me if it ain't eight figures. If y'all don't feel like I'm worth it, I'ma show you."

Despite his somewhat cocky attitude, the rapper also makes it known that he takes care of his protege's. During an interview with AllHipHop, T.I. opened up about his love for helping younger artists achieve their dreams, as long as they're willing to put in the work.

Do you think T.I. deserves an eight-figure contract, or do you think he's getting a bit greedy?

Bullying is one topic that has continued to evolve and progress for the worse in recent years, largely due to kids' ability to tease and harass other youngsters via the Internet. Recently rapper and mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs teamed up with the WWE to help take a stand against bullying. BET reports Diddy's Public Service Announcement first aired during the May 6 "Monday Night Raw" show. 

Diddy spoke out against bullies of all kinds while wearing a shirt that read, "Invisible Bully," a famous line from Diddy's friend, the late Notorious B.I.G.

"Bullying takes on many shapes and forms. And in this digital age sometimes it just doesn't stop when the days end," Diddy said in his PSA message. "No matter the form or the location, it's gotta stop. If it's not you being bullied, help someone who is."

According to USA Today, Diddy will be speaking out against bullies as an ambassador for the Be a Star campaign created by the WWE and The Creative Coalition. The goal of the initiative is to reach out to kids and teach them that being a bully isn't cool and that learning how to be tolerant toward one another is.

Do you think bullying is an important problem for Diddy to get behind? Do you think he'll be able to make a difference?

Just call him Jerry Maguire because Jay-Z is looking to show some athletes the money. Spanish newspaper Sport is reporting the rapper-turned-sports-agent has his sights set on signing Brazilian soccer star Neymar to his Roc Nation Sports agency. Neymar plays for Santos, and the 21-year-old athlete is certainly a hot commodity. 

The young Santos star also boasts personality, a flair for fashion and good looks, making him a perfect fit for Jay and his latest endeavor. In fact, SportsPro Magazine named him as the world's most marketable athlete in 2010, with the editor claiming he's a triple threat.

"Neymar is very much the perfect storm: young, gifted and with an Olympics and a home World Cup on the horizon," editor David Cushnan said back in 2010. "He is already a superstar in Brazil, one of the world's most robust economies and a vast market to boot."

Sport newspaper is also reporting Jay has his sights set on signing a few other Brazilian-born athletes including PSG's Lucas Moura and Leandro Damiao who plays for Internacional.

Do you think the rumors are true? Do you think these players would consider signing to Jay's label?

New York's top spot for hip hop and R&B is of course Hot 97, and this year, like every year, the radio station is gearing up to host its most popular concert, Summer Jam. According to BET, this year's lineup is even more stacked than ever since the radio station is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Summer Jam.

This year fans heading to MetLife Stadium June 2 will be able to see a slew of world famous artists including Wu-Tang Clan, Miguel, Kendrick Lamar, Chris Brown, Wale, Fabolous, 2-Chainz, French Montana, A$AP Rocky, Joe Budden and a special appearance by "the biggest surprise guests in hip hop," Hot 97's official website reports. 

Even though most people heading to the summer event will be going to see these big name acts, the radio station also tries to help those in attendance take in some fresh talent. Prior to the main acts hitting the stage, hip hop and R&B newcomers will entertain the crowds at the Hot 97 Summer Jam Festival Village, the news outlet reports.

Noted for being a great place to get one's name out, the festival will introduce the crowds to up-and-coming artists like Action Bronson, Smoke DZA, Vinny Cha$e, Bodega Bamz, Troy Ave and Kid Ink. Kendrick Lamar, who is one of the headliners of this year's Summer Jam concert performed at the festival a few years back. Other now-famous rappers like Pusha T have also been given a chance to shine during this event. 

According to the Hot 97 website, the winner of this year's Who's Next Battle for the Best title, Radamiz will also hit the stage at the festival. The contest, run by Hot 97 and Power 106, looks for the best new MC's from both New York City and Los Angeles. This year's contestants battled it out during a concert in Austin, Texas, in March.

Are you going to Hot 97's Summer Jam? Are you interested in seeing the new acts performing at the festival? 

Following success with "Milkshake" and a custody battle with ex-husband Nas, many fans might have thought singer Kelis was done for good. However, the crooner is once again back in the studio putting the finishing touches on her latest album, "FOOD."

It seems like Kelis is looking to continue with the culinary theme, as her first single, which recently dropped, is called "Jerk Ribs." According to Kelis' official Twitter, the singer hinted to fans that her lasted record is perfect for the laid back vibes of summer.

"I'm really excited, my album is done. It sounds like love and summer balled up into one!" she wrote to fans.

Kelis may be following the successful pattern of her hit "Milkshake," but she's branched out in terms of who she's working with and what label she's on. Billboard reports Kelis has been working on "FOOD" with Dave Sitek from the band TV on the Radio. Sitek also signed Kelis to his label, Federal Prism. 

Are you excited to hear new music from Kelis? Do you think she'll gain as much popularity as she did with "Milkshake"?

Kelly Rowland has been in the spotlight as of late to promote her new album and other endeavors. "Talk a Good Game" is set to drop June 18, while she already has a watch line out with TW Steel. It seems her first passion, making music, will soon be her main focus. She recently announced she'll be heading on tour this year with R&B crooner The Dream, whose next album,"IV Play," is set to hit stores May 28.

According to BET, the Lights Out tour will be making 10 stops around the nation. The R&B duo will embark on their musical journey in Kansas City, Mo., and will continue to Maryland, Massachusetts, New York City, Mississippi, Louisiana, Ohio and Illinois. 

The pairing seems like a match made in heaven, not only because both artists have new music coming out in early summer, but they've also worked together in the studio. Global Grind reports Rowland is actually featured on a track on Dream's late May album. 

Are you excited about this tour? Are you looking forward to hearing both artists' new albums?

Jay-Z makes everything he does look so easy that other rappers are beginning to think anything Jay can do, they can do better. Case in point: Snoop Lion, aka Snoop Dogg, recently announced he has interest in becoming a sports agent.

Snoop opened up about his future endeavors while discussing sports and his latest album, "Reincarnated," with The Boom Box. When asked how he felt about Jay opening up Roc Nation Sports, Snoop had nothing but love for his fellow MC, adding it makes sense to him that people from the music industry would mix well with the sports avenue.

"We're influential to athletes and we're very business-minded and savvy so what better way to do than our way?" Snoop told the publication. 

According to BET, Snoop might not have had a stake in any professional sports team like Jay, but he does have plenty of experience coaching. The rapper and father of three launched the Snoop Youth Football League in 2005 in California and has since branched out to many other inner cities around the nation. The goal of the outlet is to use sports to "teach discipline, self-respect and the value of teamwork ..." according to the league's official website.

Do you think Snoop would be a good agent or do you think he should stick to coaching and making music?