2 Chainz Signs With Def Jam Records

Rumors had been spreading this week that 2 Chainz had inked a major deal with Def Jam, and Tity 2 Necklaces confirmed the rumor today in an interview with XXL. Looks like the hottest free agent finally has a home!

“It’s the Real University, Two Gun Gang, Street Executives. It’s not DTP no more. I’m actually behind [Ludacris], he’s still my homie. I just took another route as far as running my own company and bossing up. But on the other hand, I’m still working with him. He has an album coming out this year, as well. Matter of fact, we are label mates, now, which is crazy. So, yeah, that’ll be cool. I’m looking forward to that."

Tomorrow, he'll make his official announcement on MTV's Rap Fix Live at 4 PM, so I'll make sure to keep you posted!

Props to Rap Radar

Previously: Nicole Wray ft. 2 Chainz - I Like It [Music Video]

Slaughterhouse Announces Album Release Date + 2 Month North American Tour [Dates]

It looks like Slaughterhouse is finally geared up and ready to drop their Shady debut album.  I've been waiting on this ever since I played their first album to death in my car.  Their sophomore project welcome to: OUR HOUSE has been announced for a May 15th release via Interscope. To top it all off, they will be embarking on a world tour beginning in March that spans about two months.  Hit the jump to see if the slaughter is coming to your area!

Gangstas Use Emoticons Joins SOPA & PIPA Protest, Blacking Out 1.18.12

Tomorrow, January 18, 2012, Gangstas Use Emoticons will be blacked out in protest of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA), which threatens the very survival of blogs just like mine as well as Internet giants such as Google, YouTube, Wikipedia, Reddit, and Twitter. To join the protest or to learn more about the injustices of these acts, visit and SOPA Strike and let your voice be heard!

Tyga's Careless World Pushed Back Again To April 24th

Tyga has been getting quite the attention with his surprise mixtape success "Rack City," and it seems like the perfect time to release his Young Money debut, Careless World.  Unfortunately, the Cali emcee's album has been pushed back yet again (it was originally slated for a December 20th release) to an unknown time early this year April 24th.

Careless World is rumored to feature artists ranging from Young Money diva Nicki Minaj and Big Sean to QB's finest, Nas.  For now, keep rapping "Rack City" with your grandma and Careless World will be here before you know it.

Props to Rap-Up & D Dot Omen

Previously: Tyga - Rack City [Official Music Video]

YMCMB Announces New Additions To Its Roster -- PJ Morton & Chris Richardson [VIDEO]

I'd heard a few rumors for the past month or so that Maroon 5's sixth man PJ Morton signed with Young Money Cash Money, but the New Orleans singer-songwriter formally announced his deal today, saying:

"I’m very happy to be a part of such a force in the music industry. Not only that, but a label that promotes being creative and being who you are,” an ecstatic Morton stated about the signing. “I couldn’t have asked for more." XXL

Also announced as a new member to the YMCMB family is former American Idol contestant Chris Richardson. Very smart to see that they're diversifying their assets and reaching out to dominate the Pop markets with Chris and Jay Sean. Check out the official PSA announcement video below!



Props to XXL

Previously: PJ Morton - Built For Love feat. Jazmine Sullivan

Got Beef? The Weeknd Has Drake's Back

Uh oh! Looks like The Weeknd has inserted himself into his first rap beef! The Toronto crooner took to Twitter yesterday after Common released his "Stay Schemin'" remix dissing Drake with no sort of remorse saying:

I personally think it was a great diss track (although I'm not too sure why Common's putting so much energy into this anyway), but I understand that the Weeknd's just taking up for his homie.

In other news, The Weeknd has been announced as part of the lineup for this year's Coachella music festival.  Check out the entire schedule HERE!

Yelawolf Gets In Fight During Performance [VIDEO]

There must be something in the water.  Every week it seems like an artist has to throw hands because someone's found their way on stage. This weekend during Yelawolf's show in Santa Ana, CA a guy mustered up some liquid courage and pulled the sucker card and knocked the Bama over during his tribute to Johnny Cash. Why oh why did he do that....



Props to RM

Previously: Yelawolf Performing On BET's 106 & Party [VIDEO]

DMX Attacked During Performance [VIDEO]

During his live show at Long Beach's Cafe Sevilla, a fan jumped onstage and attempted to attack DMX .  Thankfully, security caught him in a choke hold almost instantly and allowed for the show to go on.  Watch the full incident below, and help me out here.  Did the assailant (over-dramatic word) have a weapon in his hand when he went after DMX's neck?



DMX's gangsta reaction:¯\_(ツ)_/¯ *Kanye Shrug*

Props to TMZ

Previously: DMX & The Ruff Ryders - World's Greatest

Meek Mill, John Wall & More Support Kicks For Kids [VIDEO]

Meek Mill & John Wall luh the kids! This holiday season the two superstars were seen giving back at Reebok's Kicks For Kids event in Maryland's The Sneaker Suite.  Watch below to see clips of their autograph signing, as well as shots from Meek Mill, Uptown X.O., Black Alley, Kingpen Slim, Godsilla, and Pro'verb's performances!



Props to Cool Kids Forever Films

Previously: Meek Mill - Lean Wit It [Prod. by Cardiak]

Super Songwriter Ester Dean Signs Management Deal With Roc Nation

Looks like things are only getting bigger for uber-accomplished songwriter Ester Dean!  The secret weapon behind the hits sung Rihanna, Beyonce, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Chris Brown and more has joined forces with Roc Nation.  Her new management deal with Roc Nation means that we will definitely see Ester Dean's name on more music and who couldn't be happy about that! 

Along with her management deal, Ester Dean is signed as a solo artist on Zone 4/Interscope Records.  This year she's already set to co-star in the comedies Pitch Perfect and Ice Age: Continental Drift. Congratulations!

Props to Rap-Up

Previously: Machine Gun Kelly feat. Ester Dean - Invincible

Kanye West Debuts His DJ Alter Ego, Yeezy World Peace [VIDEO]

Instead of spending his New Years Eve performing live on a television special like most rappers, Kanye West brought in the new year spinning for a party in Las Vegas. His DJ alter ego Yeezy World Peace had already made appearances throughout Europe, but this New Year's Eve celebration was his U.S. debut.

Watch him get the crowd hype to (what else) "Niggas In Paris" below, and hit the jump to find out how to book Yeezy World Peace in your city!

Uh Oh! Looks like Pill's Unhappy At Maybach Music Group!

Uh oh...looks like someone's unhappy over at MMG. I figured with all its star power, someone would emerge with some not so positive words about their rank on the label's priorities.  Atlanta rapper Pill let the tweets fly earlier today about his frustrations:

Maya Angelou Upset With Common Over Use Of "Nigga" During Collaboration On "The Dreamer"

Photo Courtesy of Zimbio

Looks like Common has ruffled a few feathers with literary legend Maya Angelou.  On his album The Dreamer/The Believer, which hits stores tomorrow, Mrs. Angelou gives a guest appearance on "The Dreamer." Along with the word "nigga," he uses explicit language throughout the song including a line ending with "exquisite thick bitches" during the first verse and the word "f**k."

Angelou reached out to the New York Post saying:

"I had no idea that Common was using the piece we had done together on [a track] in which he also used the ‘N’ word numerous times...I’m surprised and disappointed. I don’t know why he chose to do that. I had never heard him use that [word] before. I admired him so because he wasn’t singing the line of least resistance.”

Common responded promptly saying that the poet laureate is already aware that he uses "nigga" in his songs. "She knows I do use the word. She knows that’s part of me." According to the NY Post, he didn't tell her that he would be using the controversial word during their collaboration.

Listen to their collaboration track "The Dreamer" below, and tell me if you think Common is wrong for saying "nigga" in their track or if Maya Angelou is overreacting by hitting me up on Facebook or Twitter!

Props to MTV

Previously: Common - 16 Bars [VIDEO]

Jhené Aiko Signs With Def Jam!!

Score 1 for the underground!! Jhené Aiko, one of my personal favorite artists out, has Sailed her Soul(s) to Def Jam for a deal with the No I.D., the head of the Cocaine 80s family. I'll have more info as it comes, but make sure you give her a shoutout on Twitter for the business move.

And for the diehard fans worried that she'll change, just listen to her music! Plus she's joining an incredible team of singer songwriters signed to Def Jam like The-Dream, James Fauntleroy & Frank Ocean so I feel like the sky's the limit for the Cali beauty.

Previously: Jhene Aiko - In Love We Trust ft. Casey Veggies

Rick Ross Announces New Mixtape To Drop Before "God Forgives, I Don't"

Instead of having Def Jam put out God Forgives, I Don't this December, it looks like Mr. Rozay is going to be dropping a mixtape before the album drops.  Glad we get to hear new material from him, and I wonder if his trip to South Africa will enlighten some of the content he releases.

Lupe Fiasco, Pharrell & Tyler, The Creator Are In The Studio!!

Looks like Lupe Fiasco, Pharrell & Tyler The Creator are cooking up something real nice for us!  Last night, this photo surfaced on Lupe's blog and Tyler The Creator couldn't hide his enthusiasm about working with artists he's looked up to for years.  Can't wait to hear the end product, and you know G.U.E. will have it as soon as it drops!

Props to MTV RapFix

Previously:

• Lupe Fiasco - American Terrorist III
• T.I. ft. Pharrell - Here Ye, Hear Ye [Music Video]
• Tyler, The Creator On The Regular Show [VIDEO]

Mystikal Is Officially The Newest Member of YMCMB

Looks like Cash Money's added another vet to their roster!  Just weeks after announcing that Busta Rhymes is officially down with YMCMB, former No Limit soldier Mystikal has signed to the team too.  Check out Mystikal and Birdman's official statements after the jump!

Drake Confronts Rumors That He's Leaving Young Money [VIDEO]

Ever since Drake signed to Lil Wayne's Young Money label in June 2009, there has been doubt that he would stay there for long.  During his Club Paradise Tour's recent stop in Hartford, CT, Drizzy faced the still-present rumors head on. Check it out below.



Drake may not have left his label, but he did recently leave his former management company, ICM.   The change seems to only be for consolidation purposes and he is still represented by his team from Hip Hop Since 1978. For more information about his ICM departure, click here.

Props to XZ

Previously: Drake - The Homecoming, Part 1 [VIDEO]

Kanye West Says He Didn't Get Album of the Year Nod Because He Dropped 2 Albums [VIDEO]

Kanye West has never had a problem with being open about his feelings.  Despite receiving the most Grammy nominations of the year, he was still snubbed from Album of the Year. At the final night of the Watch The Throne Tour's stay in Chicago, 'Ye let his hometown know that he would've been nominated if he didn't release two albums in the same year.  Watch the speech below, and hit me up on Facebook or Twitter and let me know if you think Kanye's frustrations are merited!



Props to XZ

Previously: Kanye West & Jay-Z - Watch The Throne Tour Behind The Scenes, Episode 1

Kid Cudi, Childish Gambino, MC Lyte, and Tyler The Creator Star In New Episode of The Regular Show [Full Episode]

It's a perfect time to take a lunch break and watch some Cartoon Network.  Yesterday on Regular Show, Kid Cudi, Tyler, The Creator, Childish Gambino and MC Lyte lent their voices to the show's latest episode  "Rap It Up." Check out the full episode below, and hit the jump for a full synopsis of the episode!