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Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown » “No Air” » LISTEN » (Full) » This is a new “rumored” single, “No Air,” featuring Chris Brown from American Idol’s own, Jordin Sparks. This is definitely a solid single, courtesy of The Underdogs, the only con I have is she oversings a tad towards the latter. Other than that I think this is a stellar pop ballad that is sure to top the charts almost effortlessly.

Usher feat. Ludacris » “Dat Girl” » LISTEN » (Full) » New material from Usher, say what? Yep, this is said to be a Rich Harrison production. The moment I heard this, I went into several mild seizures. Then it grew on me, tentatively, it’s different. My music tastes are a little weird, I know, but this may be that hit factor Usher needs. Some might disagree (or jump me), yeah, but just imagine if this came on in the club! I’m telling you, let it marinate, it will grow on you too… Look how dangerously big “Yeah” was.

M.I.A> » “Paper Planes” » LISTEN » (Full) » “Paper Planes” is said to be UK rapper M.I.A.’s next single from the critically proclaimed album Kala. Finally, I’m overzealous about how the video might turn out. “Paper Planes” is possibly one of my most songs off of the album Kala.

Fergie feat. Will.i.am » “Pick It Up” » LISTEN » (Full) » “Pick It Up” is a new track, featuring producer Will.i.am, that can be found on the Japan re-release of Fergie’s certified double platinum-selling album, The Dutchess. Ooh, I like this! Nice, mellow, guitar driven ballad. Will.i.am was also a nice touch to “Pick It Up,” as he always is.

I was debating on posting this or not but what the hey! Rapper Jay-Z joined a certain someone in an elite forum discussion not too long ago on PBS — a Mr. CHARLIE ROSE. I say, if that isn’t the most rare interview I’ve seen… proof that all that gangster crap is bs. CHARLIE FOCKING ROSE PEOPLE! Anyway, aside from that, it was a great interview! Well done.

“Hustlers” is the yet-to-be-released single from Nas’ Hip Hop Is Dead in stores now. I still haven’t gotten that album quite yet, I heard it was whack. The song features rapper The Game and production by Dr. Dre. The video leaked onto the internet on November 9th, shouts out to ON SMASH and Eskay.

KANYE & MRS. WEST AT A BOOK SIGNING BACK IN JUNE 2007 // PHOTO: WIRE IMAGE

Donda West, the mother of Kanye West and former chairwoman of Chicago State University’s English department, passed away Saturday from undisclosed causes, according to a spokesman for the family. She was 58. According to multiple sources, West was in Los Angeles and her death may have been the result of complications from a surgical procedure; more specific information was unavailable at press time. Although widely known as the mother of Kanye, Dr. West was a noted scholar and an active college professor for 31 years; she left the profession in 2004 to assist with Kanye’s career, according to her biography on the Web site of the Kanye West Foundation, an educational nonprofit of which she was chair. She was also chief executive of West Brands, the parent company of her son’s businesses. She began her teaching career in the early 1970s at Brown College in Atlanta and began working at Chicago State University in 1980, according to the site; she was also a Fulbright Scholar, among other awards. Dr. West raised Kanye in the Chicago area along with her husband, from whom she separated when Kanye was 3. CONTINUE READING

These particular photos (courtesy of Rihanna Glam) have been making their rounds across the blogs and they show Rihanna in some very strange poses with other females. What’s strange is that all of a sudden she’s admitting to dating Josh Hartnett, something she’s denied in the past. Anyhow, I can’t wait to see how this all is gonna pan out once this hits the media!

PHOTOS BY STEVEN HIRSCH FOR SPLASH NEWS » Here Jeff Atkins (Ja Rule) can be seen entering Manhattan Criminal Court for his court appearance this past Wednesday. But what’s funny is that he wasn’t the only rapper with a court date that morning! Remy Ma, Lil’ Wayne (Birdman was there to support), and Busta Rhymes all had an “appointment” with the same judge. If you were just passing through, you’d probably think it was the damn BET Hip-Hop Awards or something. Peep candids of Wayne, Remy, and Busta after the cut. CONTINUE READING

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SPLASH NEWS » The media circus welcomed OJ Simpson yesterday as he left court for the first day of his preliminary trial in Las Vegas. The ex American football star turned actor faces charges of Kidnapping and armed robbery. The star left court in a green Hummer and sped off. Peep more candids of OJ leaving court after the cut! CONTINUE READING

You better get it Beyoncé ! I ain’t mad, LOL! Urgh, but screw DirectTV, Comcast is where it’s at!