Vogue Magazine‘s latest issue covers this year’s Met Gala, and who better to sit on the cover from that event than King Bey and Rih Rih. Enjoy the cover above and check out more snaps from the Met Gala here.
SALES PREDICTIONS: The Black Keys, Michael Jackson
Hits Daily Double has revealed predictions for this weeks releases, and — according to the numbers — Michael Jackson’s posthumous effort Xscape may not even make the number one spot.
The Black Keys’ Turn Blue is projected to push 145,000 to 155,000 units, and the aforementioned Xscape 140,000 to 150,000. We are a long way from Thriller.
Report: Solange & Jay Z Fight Tape Sold For $250K (Details)
Page Six reports:
“…bosses at The Standard were desperately trying to track down who leaked the surveillance tape to TMZ for up to $250,000.
“This was being shopped for five days to the highest bidder,” said a source who confirmed the tape was sold for $250,000. The Standard has hired Hollywood lawyer Marty Singer, who is investigating who shopped the tape. “There are only a handful of people who’d have access to that tape,” our source said. “The Standard owns that tape.” But, “Once it was out, Jay Z’s people felt they couldn’t control it. They were reluctant to try and publicly fight this.”
Meanwhile The Standard Hotel released the following statement regarding the security breach.
“We are shocked and disappointed that there was a clear breach of our security system and the confidentiality that we count on providing our guests. We are investigating with the utmost urgency the circumstances surrounding the situation and, as is our customary practice, will discipline and prosecute the individuals involved to our fullest capacity.”
Tank Exposes Gay Minister On Instagram
Some ‘minister’ apparently sent a DM to R&B singer with the intentions of scoring of down low action, and instead got the above public response (above). Ah well.
Jay Z Agrees To Be Kanye West’s Best Man (Details)
Radar Online reports:
After receiving the official RSVP from Beyonce and Jay, West was shocked to receive a surprise gift.
“The best news came when Jay sent a gift to Kanye with an inscription referring to Jay Z as the rapper’s ‘Best Man.’ The gift was a gold-plated, diamond-encrusted flask, delivered with a $10,000 bottle of scotch, for Kanye to have for his wedding day,” an insider told Radar.
“Kanye was almost jumping up and down, he was so excited. He was running around Kris‘ house to find Kim saying, ‘Baby, look! Look! Jay and B are coming!’ Kanye has been begging Jay to reconsider his decision not to come to the wedding, an even more devastating decision that left Kanye groomsman-less when he declined being his best man during the televised nuptials.”
According to the insider, Kardashian and West have got a lot of backlash from their real friends about the wedding plans, so they scaled back filming plans with the E! Network and made certain parts off limits — for instance, using their daughter North West as a pawn.
“They used the loophole in Nori’s contract that they can say no to any life moment she is a part of being filmed, so it would not be in breach of contract,” the source revealed.
“E! understood in the end, because Kanye has been a trooper since joining the Kardashian clan. They are afraid of pissing him off! They will now film before and after the ceremony but not during.”
And besties Beyonce and Jay have refused to participate in the filming.
“Both Jay and Beyonce are refusing to participate in any filming, so E! will get to air some wedding photos, but none with them in it,” the insider told Radar.
“E! wants to shoot the rehearsal dinner, but Jay is putting his foot down. So the drama continues. Instead, Kim and Kanye are now in talks with Vogue to publish some wedding photos, after their cover did so well.”
The source added, “Jay and Bey don’t mind that at all, as there will be a write-up with it, and they can promote their dual tour.”
As Radar previously reported, the France nuptials are set to take place in Paris on May 24.
Is Rihanna The Reason For The Fight Between Solange & Jay Z?
Several news reports are now stating that the now-infamous elevator brawl between JAY Z and Solange was the result of using JAY’s name to get into Rihanna’s party…from the NY Daily News:
Tensions were already running high when Jay Z — while walking to the now-infamous Standard Hotel elevator — said he was going to the Rihanna bash rather than heading home with Beyoncé.
“Why can’t you go home?” a drunken Solange Knowles said to her brother-in-law as they left the swanky May 5 Met Gala after-party, a source told The News.
Then the 27-year-old singer turned to her 32-year-old big sis Beyoncé.
“Why does your husband need to go to the club right now?” Solange asked, according to the source.An incensed Jay Z took offense to Solange getting involved in his business.
“You’re one to talk,” he shot back at Solange, the source said.
Jay Z’s sharp reply sent Solange into a violent rage. She attacked Jay Z with a series of furious kicks and punches in a three-minute outburst that was caught on surveillance video and leaked Monday.
The bad vibes between Jay Z and Solange started 15 minutes earlier when a group of Solange’s nonfamous friends from Brooklyn showed up uninvited at the star-studded soiree, a source told The News.
“Two of her friends, who were not dressed for the Met ball, showed up at the Standard and caused a scene downstairs,” the source said.
“They wouldn’t leave and kept name-dropping Jay Z. They were pretending they were guests of his and not hers. Management went to Julius (Beyoncé’s bodyguard) and said there’s a problem.”
A source said Jay Z got wind of it and snapped at Solange — saying “don’t use my name.”
Solange said she wanted to leave the party. Jay Z agreed to go but said he was going to head to Up & Down on W. 14th St., where Rihanna was holding her own post-Met Gala bash, a second source said.
Jay’s camp had called ahead of time to say he would be coming alone and “didn’t need extra security” because Beyoncé wouldn’t be attending, the source said.
That apparently didn’t sit well with Solange, who “appeared drunk and irritated” and flipped out on Jay Z as soon as the elevator doors closed, a source said.
Jay Z — who didn’t raise a hand to Solange as she fired off punches and kicks before getting restrained by a bodyguard — ultimately decided against heading to the Rihanna party.
Reps for Beyoncé, Jay Z and Solange did not return requests for comment.
You can read plenty more here.
JAY Z & Solange Were Reportedly Spotted Jewelry Shopping Post-Elevator Fight
Spotted on TMZ:
Jay Z and Solange Knowles went looking for jewelry together Tuesday afternoon at a high-end NYC jewelry store … TMZ has learned.
Our sources connected with the store say Jay and Solange were in Mr. Flawless, where they were looking for women’s jewelry for around 20 minutes.
We’re told the pair showed no signs of strife, and looked at gems with Mr. Flawless himself. They looked, but tried nothing on. They left the store without buying anything.
Jay and Solange didn’t talk much inside the store … they pretty much just browsed quietly.
Hall Of Fame Worm Announces Mixtape With DJ Esco
Hall Of Fame announces his new mixtape with Future’s DJ Esco, which is set to drop sometime this Summer…the project will feature appearances from FreeBandz’ Test (and other members of that group). Look out for the first visual from the project coming very soon.
Compton Mayor Offers Dr. Dre A Key To The City
Spotted on TMZ:
Dr. Dre is about to get knighted … Compton-style — the music mogul’s hometown wants to hand him a key to the city … TMZ has learned.
Mayor Aja Brown tells us she’s reached out to Dre’s camp to offer the honor to commemorate his entrepreneurial spirit, and no doubt … that pending $3.2 billion deal to sell Beats Audio to Apple.
Brown tells TMZ she’s also asking the Doc to help her restore the city … saying it would be great if Dre got involved in sponsoring performance arts or music programs in Compton.
Either way … Brown says the key is Dre’s if he wants it.
Solange Deletes Pictures With Beyonce From Her Instagram
Spotted on New York Daily News:
A day after video leaked showing Beyoncé’s sister attacking Jay Z, the hot-headed sibling scrubbed pictures of Queen Bey from her social media accounts.
Solange Knowles apparently deleted dozens of Beyoncé photos from her Instagram account — triggering speculation that a deep rift has developed within one of hip-hop’s most exalted families.
By Tuesday afternoon, Jezebel pointed out that only one photo of Beyoncé remained — a throw-back pic showing the two sisters posing next to music video director Melina Matsoukas.
“You forgot to delete this,” one cheeky commenter wrote.
“This is the only picture remaining of Beyoncé,” posted another.
Solange hasn’t spoken out since video surfaced Monday showing the 27-year-old singer hurling punches and kicks at Jay Z inside The Standard hotel elevator following the Met Gala after-party.
Apparently, Dame Dash’s ex Rachel Roy received some of Solange’s wrath that same night…you can read more on that here.
Gucci Mane to Remain in Prison Until 2016
According to TMZ, Gucci Mane agreed to a plea deal for his gun possession charge. He was facing 10 years for the charge, but is now only expected to be sentenced to 39 months. Gucci will be officially sentenced in July and has been behind bars since September.
Iggy Azalea & Ariana Grande To Perform At This Year’s Billboard Music Awards
Spotted on Billboard:
The 2014 Billboard Music Awards has a huge problem on its hands. Breakout stars Ariana Grande and Iggy Azalea will perform their hit single “Problem” at this year’s ceremony, being held on Sunday, May 18 in Las Vegas. Azalea is also scheduled to perform her song “Fancy” during the live ABC telecast.
Grande and Azalea join previously announced performers including Miley Cyrus, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, 5 Seconds of Summer, Florida Georgia Line, Jason Derulo, Imagine Dragons, Luke Bryan, John Legend and OneRepublic. Lorde will perform her new single “Tennis Court” for the first time on television, and Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood will do the same with their duet “Somethin’ Bad.”
PICS: JAY Z & Beyoncé Courtside At The Nets/Heat Game
The only reason I’m really posting this is because it’s the first time we’re seeing the dynamic couple following the revelation of a pretty big blowup betweeen JAY and sister-in-law Solange during a Met Gala after party.
The pictures really say nothing, expect for maybe “I’m still rich and doing rich things, so we’re going to smile, wave and enjoy the show”….the bigger question is, who is going to get that interview where we get to hear somebody’s side of the story (I’m looking at you, Elliott Wilson).
Raekwon & RZA Have Apparently Squashed Their Issues….
According to the non-informative post on Wu-Tang’s official website. Stay tuned.
PREVIOUSLY: RZA & Raekwon Are At Each Other’s Necks Again
Young Thug Covers ‘Complex’
Young Thug graces the cover of Complex magazine June/July issue. In the cover story, Thug speaks on possibly signing with Cash Money (excerpt below). Read the full story here.
Whether as manager or big brother, Birdman has definitely taken Young Thug under his wing. And so it would seem that big things are guaranteed. Thug is already making music with Nicki Minaj, Drake, Tyga, and Lil Wayne. The whole YMCMB team is riding with him.
Birdman says he’s not Thug’s official manager and that he wants him to join Cash Money “in time.” For now, he says it’s about more than business: “Really, he’s like my little brother. I just want to make sure his business is straight, and that he takes care of himself. I just want to make sure he gets the right treatment wherever he goes. His talent is going to speak for itself. By nature he’s Rich Gang YMCMB. He’s part of us, before he even met us.”
VIDEO: Solange Attacks Jay Z At Standard Hotel In New York (UPDATE)
UPDATE: Extended clip revealed. ’99 Problems’, revisited…
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Thanks to TMZ, we see some video footage of what looks like Solange physically attacking Jay Z at a Met Gala after party at the Standard Hotel in New York. No word on what caused this, but hopefully we get some information soon….post-fight, you can see Jay Z getting into a separate car from the sisters below:
LATE PASS: Kanye West Sends Message To His Late Mother; Buys Lavish Gifts For Mother-In-Law
hi Mom pic.twitter.com/rP0xlyt4Eq
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) May 11, 2014
Yesterday, Kanye West sent the above message out on Twitter: a warm hello to the late Donda West in the heavens. Below, his soon-to-be-mother-in-law expresses joy over the gifts that she received from West and daughter Kim Kardashian.
ARTWORK/TRACKLISTING: Afrojack – Forget The World
Afrojack’s forthcoming project is released 19th May and featuring a mixed bag of artists, from Sting to Wiz Khalifa (and much more). You can check out the tracklisting below and preorder here.
01. Afrojack – Ten Feet Tall (ft. Wrabel)
02. Afrojack & Matthew Koma – Illuminate
03. Afrojack – Born To Run (ft. Tyler Glenn)
04. Afrojack & D-wayne – Freedom (ft. Jack McManus)
05. Afrojack – The Spark (ft. Spree Wilson)
06. Afrojack – Dynamite (ft. Snoop Dogg)
07. Afrojack – Too Wild (ft. Wiz Khalifa & Devin Cruise)
08. Afrojack – Three Strikes (ft. Jack McManus)
09. Afrojack – Catch Tomorrow (ft. Sting)
10. Afrojack – We’ll Be OK (ft. Wrabel)
11. Afrojack – Mexico (ft. Shirazi)
12. Afrojack & Matthew Koma – Keep Our Love Alive
13. Afrojack & Thirty Seconds to Mars – Do Or Die Afrojack vs. Thirty Seconds to Mars Remix)
KiD CuDi Developing Short Film For Balmain
Developing a short film for "Balmain Jeans", a story about a spontaneous electric connection between two strangers. The vibes :)
— Scott Mescudi (@ducidni) May 10, 2014
The Balmain jeans brand just linked with KiD CuDi for what will apparently be a pretty deep short film. Stay tuned.
Big Boi Signs With Epic Records (Effectively Reuniting With L.A. Reid)
Spotted on Huffington Post (and courtesy of writer Paul Cantor):
“I just signed a deal with Epic Records,” Big Boi told me last night (May 9), exclusively. “So I’m back with L.A. Reid and Sylvia Rhone. Got a brand new situation. I signed the deal the day after the first Coachella date, that Saturday.”
…Big was visibly excited about his new deal, which sees him reuniting with Antonio “LA” Reid, who signed Outkast to his LaFace Records imprint back in 1992.
“That’s my mentor,” Big explained. “He understands my music. And one thing about L.A. Reid, there are no creative restraints. He trusts my ear and let’s me make the music I want to make. We love being in business together. That’s my big brother.”
Although a release date isn’t set, a new solo album is certainly on the way, and according to Big Boi, material from the forthcoming LP may very well drop while he’s on the road with Andre 3000 this summer.
“The album I’m not gonna rush,” he said. “I wanted to put something out before the end of the year. It depends, because me and Dre got a lot of work to do from now until the end of October. [But] you’re definitely going to get some brand new Big Boi material. Two or three singles before the fall.”
Until then, he’s focusing on the slew of upcoming Outkast tour dates, as well his own solo shows.
You can read more here.
Diddy Receives An Honorary Degree From Howard University (VIDEO/PICS)
UPDATE: Full speech added below.
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Spotted on Billboard (and you can check out pics above):
Add Dr. Combs to the long list of names for Sean Combs.
The music mogul, who recently changed his name back to Puff Daddy, received a honorary degree in humanities from Howard University during a commencement ceremony on the morning of May 10.
“Ain’t no homecoming like a Howard homecoming,” Combs joyously announced during his speech at Howard University, where he received a standing ovation and “Diddy” chants from the Class of 2014. “And it feels so good to be home.”
Others honorees during ceremony were CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer, surgeon Clive Callender, jazz great Benny Golson and PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi.
“We are honored to have Mr. Combs serve as our speaker,” interim Howard President Wayne Frederick said in a statement before the event. “He sat in classrooms where our students sit, walked ‘The Yard,’ and like many students, his entrepreneurial spirit was sparked at Howard.”
Past Howard graduation speakers also have included Oprah Winfrey, Hillary Clinton, Colin Powell and Maya Angelou.
Micheal Sam Drafted By St. Louis Rams; Becomes First Openly Gay Pro Football Player
The wait is over for Michael Sam, as the St. Louis Rams have selected the Missouri standout in the 7th round. Sam avoids the designation as the only SEC Defensive Player of the Year to go undrafted. – Bleacher Report
Chris Brown Admits Probation Violation, Gets 131 More Days In Prison
UPDATE: Chris Brown’s attorney wants you to know that, while admitting a probation violation, Brown did not confess to the alleged assault in D.C.
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Spotted on the New York Daily News:
Chris Brown has admitted he violated his probation, and has been sentenced to serve an additional 131 days in jail.
The R&B singer appeared in a Los Angeles court Friday and admitted that he committed a crime in Washington, D.C., last year. Superior Court Judge James R. Brandlin sentenced Brown to serve 365 days in custody, but gave him credit for 234 days he has spent in rehab and jail.
The Grammy winner has been in custody since mid-March, when he was arrested after being dismissed from a court-ordered rehab sentence.
The singer faces a misdemeanor assault charge in Washington after a man accused the singer of hitting him outside a hotel in the nation’s capital.
It is unclear how many days in custody Brown will actually serve.
Brown has been under court supervision after pleading guilty in 2009 to beating pop singer Rihanna, his then-girlfriend.
Dr. Dre & Jimmy Iovine Could Be Taking Senior Positions At Apple
According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple’s $3.2 billion acquisition of Beats could also land both Dr. Dre & Jimmy Iovine top positions within the company. As of right now, there’s no confirmation of what those jobs could be.
Winning.