Kelly Rowland shows off that bangin’ body of hers on the cover of her new album ‘Talk A Good Game.’

In the black-and-white image, Kelly goes braless as she strikes a seductive pose, wearing nothing but a sheer top and black panties, and using her hair to cover her breasticles. They say “sex sells” so whatever she’s selling, I’M BUYING!

Led by the Mike Will Made It-produced single “Kisses Down Low,” and also featuring collaborations with The Dream, Wiz Khalifa, Pharrell and her Destiny’s Child sisters Beyonce and Michelle Williams (for the reunion record “You Changed”), Rowland’s fourth studio album is due in stores on June 18th.

In related news, Kelly will kick off her “Lights Out” tour with The Dream in Minneapolis later this month on May 23rd.

The official track listing for Weezy’s 10th studio album ‘I Am Not A Human Being II’ has been revealed.

The album will feature 11 artists with a total of 15 songs on the album. Some of those features include Nicki Minaj, Gunplay, Big Sean, 2 Chainz, and Juicy J. The album’s hit single “Love Me,” featuring Drake and Future is currently sitting at number 10 on the Hot 100 chart.

Now, Weezy is usually a two or three feature type of guy … but since he has a lot of friends in the industry, and people he wanted to help out, he decided to let them take part in his 10^th masterpiece.

Say what you want about Weezy but one thing you can’t deny is his longevity in the game. To have accomplished 10 studio albums is a big deal. Some artists don’t even make it past their sophomore album.

Aside from all the scrutiny the YMCMB rapper has been facing due to his onstage outburst against the city of Miami and the Miami Heat, we’re sure this album will still do just fine, even though Weezy probably lost a decent number of fans in Miami.

Besides working on the album Weezy recently signed his daughter Reginae Carter and her friend LoLo, who are officially music artists under the YMCMB umbrella. Don’t think they made the cut for Weezy’s album just yet, but it will be interesting to see what musical talents they will bring to the game.

Take a look at the track list for Weezy’s new album below:

1.”IANAHB”
2. “Curtains” feat. Boo
3. “Days and Days” feat. 2 Chainz
4. “Gunwalk” feat. Gudda Gudda
5. “No Worries” feat. Detail
6. “Back to You”
7. “Trigger Finger” feat. Soulja Boy
8. “Beat the Shit” feat. Gunplay
9. “Rich as Fuck” feat. 2 Chainz
10. “Trippy” feat. Juicy J
11. “Bitches Love Me” feat. Drake and Future
12. “Romance”
13. “God Bless America”
14. “My Homies Still” feat. Big Sean
15. “Lay It Down” feat. Nicki Minaj

‘I Am Not A Human Being II’ is set to be released on March 26^th!

Justin Timberlake made waves when he returned to music with “Suit and Tie” featuring Jay-Z. The gentleman’s anthem reminded everyone that the veterans of both the Pop and Hip Hop worlds still have something to offer listeners of today.

In the lead up to his Grammy performance this Sunday, JT’s camp has let unveiled the artwork and track listing for his Timbaland produced album ‘The 20/20 Experience.’

The cover itself is self explanatory, but the black and white portrait style achieves a vintage effect. Once again Justin appears in his suit and tie demonstrating a mature look. JT definitely has his eyes set on something, but listeners will have to wait until March 19 in order to find out.

The track list keeps up with the album’s simple aesthetics, appearing in black and white. There is still a hint of mystery as features are not revealed, just the titles of each song. Justin always has some good features up his sleeve so it’ll be interesting to see who he’s called in.

Whatever doubt remains will surely be cleared up in the coming weeks, and make sure to tune into the 55th Annual Grammy Awards this Sunday to see what Mr. Timberlake has in store for viewers.

He may not be as gracious as Beyonce and allow his old NSYNC buddies to share the stage, but it will surely be a treat.

2 Chainz is gearing up to give fans yet another single from his solo debut “Based On A T.R.U. Story.”

With the cover art for his brand new single “I’m Different,” the Atlanta rapper pays homage to his home state of Georgia by featuring peaches. The peach on top of the pile is golden signifying it’s difference from all the others in the crowd.

The imagery is consistent with the rest of 2Chainz campaign for the album because it is minimalist, but manages to get the point across — quite similar to the infamous album cover that Kanye West’s creative firm DONDA created for him.

The song is produced by the awesomely named DJ Mustard who most will remember for Tyga’s infectious hit “Rack City.”

2Chainz also made a statement regarding the visual for the single, and hinted at him having some involvement directing.

Speaking with MTV, the rapper formerly known as Tity Boi commented,  “I wrote the treatment for that and I’m really excited to continue pushing the envelope and giving the fans something to see, some excitement again, really building that curiosity up with hip-hop again — I’m happy to be one of the frontrunners for that campaign.”

Let’s hope that the difference 2 Chainz presents shines similarly to the peach in the single art. Listen to the single below, and see what it’s like to be “different” according to 2Chainz.

Rihanna doesn’t care what you think about her, and she shows that in the cover art for her newest album, appropriately titled “Unapologetic” — which we think is a nicer way to say “Zero F*cks Given.”

Rihanna’s new single “Diamonds“ serves as the first offering from the album, which is due for a November 19th release.

What do you think about Rihanna’s new album cover?

Rihanna has unveiled the official artwork for her new single “Diamonds,” which shows the Pop star rolling up a blunt filled with diamonds, instead of her first choice — weed.

“Diamonds” is the first single from Rihanna’s upcoming seventh album (yes, Rihanna is on album #7 now), and it’s scheduled to be released on iTunes and the radio Wednesday morning (Sep 26).

Rihanna’s “Diamonds” World Tour is also scheduled to kick off next March, and will wrap up in May at the new Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn.

Whoever created the hilarious Tumblr blog Emceez Ansari — which shows a number of popular rap albums with Aziz Ansari‘s face Photoshopped into them — deserves an award.

“Thanks to whoever made this blog!!!” the pint-sized actor/comedian wrote on his own Tumblr.

Flip through some of our favorites below!

Wiz Khalifa likes to play dress-up.

Rocking a fur coat that only Cruella de Vil could love, and Americana skinny jeans that look like they came straight out of Jimi Hendrix‘s closet … Khalifa looks like an H&M ad gone horribly bad in the artwork for his sophomore album “O.N.I.F.C.”

And in case you’re wondering what the hell O.N.I.F.C. stands for, according to the album’s Wikipedia page, it’s an acronym for “Only Niggas in First Class,” or on the edited version,” One Night in First Class.”

The album hits stores on September 18th.

What do you think about the album cover?

Frank Ocean has released the cover art and announced the official track listing for his debut album “Channel Orange,” the follow-up to his critically acclaimed mixtape “Nostalgia, Ultra.”

The 17-track album features guest appearances from Andre 3000, OFWGKTA member Earl Sweatshirt and John Mayer.

“Channel Orange” tracklisting:

1. “Start”
2. “Thinkin’ Bout You”
3. “Fertilizer”
4. “Sierra Leone”
5. “Sweet Life”
6. “Not Just Money”
7. “Super Rich Kids” feat. Earl Sweatshirt
8. “Pilot Jones”
9. “Crack Rock”
10. “Pyramids”
11. “Lost”
12. “White” feat. John Mayer
13. “Monks”
14. “Bad Religion”
15. “Pink Matter” feat. André 3000
16. “Forrest Gump”
17. “End”

Nicki Minaj‘s sophomore album “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded” is set to drop in just a few weeks, and to build suspense for the project, the Young Money rapper officially revealed the very colorful artwork for the album’s cover.

The always eccentric Barb rocks a bleach blonde wig and is covered in splashes of paint as she appears against a paint-splattered backdrop on the cover of the album, which is preceded by the release of the songs “Roman in Moscow,” “Starships,” “Roman Reloaded” (F/ Lil Wayne) and the highly controversial “Roman Holiday,” which she performed at this year’s Grammy Awards.

“Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded” hits stores on April 3rd!

“April 3 is gonna be a doozy. It’s gonna be crazy,” Nicki said of her album release date. “It’s gonna be important for just hip-hop culture and pop culture. It’s gonna be very big.”

What do you think about the album cover?
And will you be purchasing Nicki’s new album when it hits stores?

Chris Brown suits up like a futuristic version of the Men in Black on the cover of his new album “Fortune.”

Last night, the R&B crooner revealed via Twitter that the album will be released on May 8th.

“I hope this album shows growth and positivity to all my fans and will inspire them to live life to the fullest!!! #FORTUNE”

“The reason for may 8th is so you (the fans) can have more music to make ur decision on if u want #FORTUNE” He tweeted.

What do you think about Breezy’s album cover?

Chris Brown is ready to blow the speakers out in his new single “Turn Up The Music!”

The track is from Breezy’s upcoming album “Fortune” due in stores in March.

Take a listen below:

 Trey Songz went ahead last night and released the cover of his next album Chapter V, due in stores next year.

Ladies, what do you think about the cover?

Rihanna takes a puff on a cigarette on the cover of her latest single "You Da One"

Rihanna released a sneak preview of her new album “Talk That Talk” yesterday, and today, the singer fulfilled the appetite of her hungry fans once again with the release of her new single “You Da One!”

Listen to the track below:

[See post to listen to audio]

Check out the official cover for Rick Ross‘ upcoming fifth studio album God Forgives, I Don’t.

Ricky Rozay claims this one will be bigger and better than Teflon Don.

“My vision for this album is so clear, everything’s falling into place. I’m excited to see the response to this album—I expect it to be bigger than my previous one.”

It’s due in stores December 13th. Will you be buying???

Your thoughts?

Justin Bieber is giving us the chills in the cover art for his upcoming Christmas album.

Ttled Under The Mistletoe, the album will feature guest appearances from Usher, Boyz II Men and The Band Perry.

The album is due out November 1st and is “not your normal christmas album,” as noted by JB on his Facebook page last week.

What do you think about the cover?

Drake, surrounded by gold, looks like he is in deep thought and concentration on the cover of his new album “Take Care.”

Preceded by the single “Headlines,” Drake’s sophomore album “Take Care” is due in stores on the rapper’s 25th birthday on October 24th.

See what Drizzy posted to his blog regarding his new album below:

Feels like it’s been so long. Is life moving so fast in this generation that when we desire something it begins to move in slow motion? Are we just used to getting what we want right away? Or do we require one another to feel right about all that is going on around us? Maybe our anticipation is justified by the fact that we genuinely cannot wait to share a moment again? Either way, your life and mine are scheduled to meet on October 24…I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

See you soon.

Drake

What do you think about Drake’s album cover?

Check out the official artwork from Kanye and Jay-Z‘s next single “Niggas In Paris.” (Look familiar?)

We must say … it isn’t much, but at least it isn’t wayyyyy over the top!

Before he releases his hotly anticipated album TM 103 … rapper Young Jeezy will be dropping yet ANOTHER mixtape with DJ Drama titled “The Real is Back 2″ and here is the official cover!

TM 103 will be in stores September 20th.

What are your thoughts on the cover???

Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci is the guy behind the “beastly” artwork (seen above and below) for the newly released joint rap album from Hip-Hop heavyweights Jay-Z and Kanye West.

In the deluxe edition, which will be available from Best Buy from August 12th to 22nd, two individual photos of the rappers see them transformed into wild beasts with scars, sharp teeth and quills.

If you are more interested in the regular physical CD than the Tisci deluxe edition package, copies of the project will be available to purchase beginning this Friday.

In the newly released cover artwork for her “Born This Way” album’s fourth single “You and I,” pop singer Lady Gaga has re-introduced her male alter ego Jo Calderone.

Calderone was first introduced by Mother Monster when she was styled last year for a photo shoot for the September 2010 issue of Vogue Japan. Stylist Nicola Formichetti helped debut the alter ego on the two part cover and posted an interview with “him” where he revealed what “his” relationship is with Gaga.

“I met her at a shoot Nick Knight was doing. She’s f*ckin beautiful, and funny, and interesting. I was a little nervous for Nick to start shooting. She said, ‘Don’t be baby, you were ‘born this way.’ I took her out after. The rest is private ;)” he disclosed.

That damn Gaga…

The Dream has released the cover for his new 10-song LP 1977, which will available at the end of the month for free.

He also tweeted a few words in response to those who claimed he stole from the cover of Jay and Hov’s “Watch the Throne” album:

They say my album cover is a Rip from [Watch The Throne] , if so i think its a great Rip gotta keep it in the Family ROC-KILLA

Lets make it clear, I do music now because I love it. We all know my album sales doesnt give me the liberty to release free music ,my writing career does. im not afraid of sales. I’ve sold records! It’s about the music. Im not mainstream, I’m not pretty and I’ll never use music as [an] abuse tool. My music is about the culture and im blessed to be able to express my self without fear! If one person listens, I’ve succeeded. My impact will never be about sales it’s about influence. I can say with out a doubt just as I have been influenced, I am now Influencing others…. and theres no amount of money that can compare especially when you are successful. My purpose is to serve music.

When its time to make money we do. Right now its time to give back. 1977 Track listing will appear on Radiokillanation.com Aug 20th. Album cover will be inspired by my Mother.

Are you looking forward to The Dream’s Terius Nash’s free LP?

Chris Brown shows off his bad boy side on the cover of his upcoming Hip-Hop mixtape “Boy in Detention.”

The mixtape will be released August 5th.

Will you be checking it out?

Can you say hot mama???

Ashanti takes her beauty to the desert in a new promo pic (shot by photographer Robert Ector) released for her upcoming album.

The R&B singer has been in the studio with Dr. Dre, Game and Lil Wayne, and is currently in the works to release a new single in the next few weeks.

What do you think about the pic?

As the world impatiently waits for Lil Wayne to drop his highly anticipated “Tha Carter IV” album this August, we were able to get a hold of the cover art for the album’s deluxe version, as well as a rumored track-list.

Artists set to appear on the album include Young Money rappers Cory Gunz, Nicki Minaj and Drake, as well as R&B singers John Legend and Cee-Lo Green, rappers Nas, Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes and more. Black Eyed Peas’ frontman Will.i.am even makes a guest appearance on “Tha Carter IV.”

Check out the rumored tracklist below:

1. It’s Weezy’s… (Intro)
2. 6 Foot 7 Foot (feat. Cory Gunz)
3. Triple Exclusive
4. Nightmares of The Bottom
5. My Wife Hate My Life (feat. Cee-Lo Green)
6. How to Love
7. Block My Black Heart
8. Bad Stripin’ (Girl’s Bad)
9. Pray to Big Mason (feat. Drake & Nicki Minaj)
10. Life is A Goal
11. Fast Track (feat. Tech N9ne & Busta Rhymes)
12. Destny is Over, You Got Real
13. Retire My Royal
14. I’m Ready for You (feat. John Legend)
15. You & Me
16. My Ghost On It
17. Sometimes I Think About Her (Move) (feat. will.i.am)
18. Wayne’s World
19. Big Power (Outro) (feat. Nas, Shyne and Jadakiss)

Deluxe Edition:
1. ‘Flowers’ (Feat. Lil Twist)
2. ‘John (If I Die Today)’ (Feat. Rick Ross)

Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka “I”d rather work at Walmart than rap” Flame have released the cover of their new collaborative album Ferrari Boyz.

The album hits stores August 9th.

Your thoughts on the cover?

Big Sean suits up in black and white along with his mentor Kanye West on the cover of his latest single “Marvin Gaye and Chardonnay”.

A music video for the track was recently shot in New York by Hype Williams.  The G.O.O.D. Music rapper’s debut album hit stores June 28th.

What are your thoughts on the cover????

As anticipation builds for the release of Jay-Z and Kanye West‘s joint collaboration album “Watch the Throne” … the cover has been released!

The project also now has a new official release date AND an official track list.

1. Lift Off (Feat. Beyonce & Bruno Mars)
2. Murder To Excellence
3. Illest Mother Alive
4. Why I Love You So (Guilt Trip)
5. That Shit Crazy
6. Living So Italian
7. Who Gonna Stop Me
8. Whole Lifetime
9. We Are Young
10. Anthem

According to new reports … “Watch the Throne” is currently available for pre-order (as of Monday July 4th) and will be available online and in stores on August 2nd! And as you can tell by the track listing … “H.A.M.” did not make the cut.

What do you think about the “Watch the Throne” cover?

And the Beyonce train just keeps on pressing forward! The singer just released a bunch of goodies, including an official tracklisting and a brand new song, to hold fans over until the release of her highly anticipated fourth studio album “4.”

Beyonce’s upcoming album has 12 tracks, and shortly following the release of the project’s debut single “Run the World (Girls),” Beyonce has now unveiled the second single from the album.

Check out the full “4″ track-list, as well as her new single “1 + 1″ below:

1. 1+1

1. 1 + 1

2. I Care

3. I Miss You

4. Best Thing I Never Had

5. Party (Featuring Andre 3000)

6. Rather Die Young

7. Start Over

8. Love On Top

9. Countdown

10. End of Time

11. I Was Here

?12. RunTheWorld (Girls)

Beyonce’s new album “4″ is set to hit stores on June 28th!

Beyoncé has revealed the official cover for her upcoming fourth studio album 4.

On the cover, Bey beautifully rocks a fur vest and gold jewelry.

The album is due in stores June 28, 2011.

What do you think about Bey’s cover??? Tell us…..

Katy Perry transforms into the head of the geek squad on the cover of the remix to her “Last Friday Night (TGIF)” single.

The shot was taken during the pop star’s hosting of the 2010 Teen Choice Awards.

What do you think about Katy Perry’s “unique” single cover?

Lil Wayne revisits his elementary days on the cover of his upcoming highly-anticipated album Tha Carter IV.

The Young Money head honcho is dressed up in his second grade cap and gown with his current tattoos and piercings plastered on his face.

Tha Carter IV is scheduled to drop June 14th.

Are you feeling this cover???

Check out the crazy cover for Lady Gaga’s upcoming album Born This Way, due in stores May 23rd.

What are your thoughts?

Check out Gucci Mane‘s cover for his upcoming mixtape The Return of Mr. Zone 6.

The project is set to drop on March 22nd and will features collaborations from Waka Flocka Flame, Birdman, Wale, OJ the Juiceman and more.

“This is my hardest mixtape thus far” Gucci told MTV‘s RapFix. “I’m cranking it up for the Summer. I have 100 songs in the can. We taking the streets over.”

Below is the tracklisting:

1. “24 Hours”
2. “Mouth Full of Gold” feat. Birdman
3. “This Is What I Do” feat. Waka Flocka Flame & OJ Da Juiceman
4. “Reckless” feat. Cap & Chill
5. “Shout Out to My Set” feat. Wooh Da Kid
6. “I Don’t Love Her” feat. Rocko & Webbie
7. “Better Baby”
8. “Brinks” feat. Master P
9. “Pretty Women” feat. Wale
10. “Pancakes” feat. Waka Flocka Flame & 8Ball
11. “Hell Yeah” feat. Slim Dunkin
12. “My Year”
13. “Trick or Treat” feat. Slim Dunkin, Wooh Da Kid, & Waka Flocka Flame

Check out Lil Kim’s cover for her new Black Friday mixtape. She appears to have decapitated Nicki Minaj’s head….

Yesterday on Twitter, the Queen Bee claimed to have sold more than 113,000 copies of the mixtape through PayPal in 28 hours. (Where they do that at???)

“Thanks to you guys!! #lilkimblackfridaymixtape sold 113,000 copies in 28 hours which made me the #1 seller on paypal ever =) !!! THANK U! Sorry 4 the link issue too many hits shut the paypal system DOWN! LOL,” she tweeted.

Nicki Minaj shortly afterward responded:

“Bwaahhhhahhahahahahahahhahahhhaaahhhhhaaahahahahhhaha!!!!!!!! *lifeless* *leaves on stretcher* *cant go on*.”

C’mon son!! (Where’s Ed Lover when you need him???) Kimmy Blanco is going to need more people on this one!

Thoughts?

Chris Brown has finally released the cover for his upcoming album F.A.M.E.

The album, due in stores March 22, will include his hit singles “Yeah 3x” and “Look At Me Now” as well as guest appearances from Lil Wayne to Justin Bieber.

What are your thoughts on the cover???

A naked Lady Gaga shows up in black & white, and bares her tattoos for the cover for “Born This Way,” the lead single for her album of the same name. Gaga is due to perform the track, which she will premiere Friday, at this Sunday’s the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards.

Lady G’s upcoming album is scheduled to be released on May 23rd.

What do you think about the cover?

A beautiful, slimmer Jennifer Hudson revealed her cover for her upcoming sophomore album I Remember Me via Twitter yesterday!

The radiant shot was taken by director-photographer Anthony Mandler. Jennifer Hudson will show up on Oprah tomorrow (check your local listings) to discuss her dramatic weight loss and perform her first single, “Where You At,” which was penned by singer-songwriter R. Kelly. Jennifer Hudson’s new album will feature collaborations with Ne-Yo, Alicia Keys, and more.

What do you think about the cover?

Snoop Dogg has released the cover for his upcoming 11th album Doggumentary, due in stores March 29th.

What are your thoughts???

Chris Brown has released the cover for his newest single “Beautiful People.” The track will be on his forthcoming studio album F.A.M.E., due in stores March 22nd, and should be released to radio any day now.

Your thoughts on the cover?

Britney Spears is on the verge of a comeback…

As she prepares for this year’s release of her new album (the follow up to 2008′s Circus), pop singer is gearing up for the release of the album’s lead single “Hold it Against Me,” which will hit iTunes AND the radio next Tuesday (1.11.11). An early demo of the track leaked to the internet this week, and Spears confirmed that her official version of the song will be released next week.

“Heard an early demo of my new single leaked. If u think that’s good, wait til you hear the real one Tuesday,” Britney Spears tweeted.

The song’s producer Dr. Luke later added: “That version of hold it against me is really really old. It don’t sound like that anymore… it’s WAY better.”

Listen to the song’s demo leak below!

Thoughts?

Kanye West is back to promoting….

Yeezy revealed on Twitter at midnight (Dec. 7th) the title and release date of the first single off his and Jay-Z’s upcoming album Watch The Throne. The track is titled “H.A.M.” and will drop on January 11th!

“1.11.11″ Ye tweeted.

He also posted the artwork for the single. Check it out below:

What do you think about the album cover?

]]> http://gossiponthis.com/2011/01/07/kanye-west-unveils-ham-single-cover/feed/ 0 http://gossiponthis.com/2010/11/08/michael-jackson-posthumous-album-due-in-stores-december/ http://gossiponthis.com/2010/11/08/michael-jackson-posthumous-album-due-in-stores-december/#comments Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:24:35 +0000 The Master Chief http://gossiponthis.com/?p=80792

Here is the official album artwork for the new posthumous Michael Jackson album titled Michael.

The project, to be released by Epic Records, is due to hit stores just in time for Christmas (Dec 14) and will feature the single “Breaking News,” which was recorded in 2007 and released online TODAY. More »

Here is the official album artwork for the new posthumous Michael Jackson album titled Michael.

The project, to be released by Epic Records, is due to hit stores just in time for Christmas (Dec 14) and will feature the single “Breaking News,” which was recorded in 2007 and released online TODAY. You can expect the record to also feature unreleased recordings for the King of Pop that were either started or completed before his death last year.

However, there are questions surrounding the legitimacy of the songs featured on the record, and whether the songs are purely Michael or just a product of studio manipulation and advanced sound engineering. In layman’s terms, people close to Michael are saying that some of the tracks are FAKES, especially the lead single “Breaking News” (which Jackson left unfinished in his vault and never used it on album).

So we’ll just have to wait and see how the songs sound when the album comes out next month in order to determine if they’re genuine.

What do you think about the idea of a new Michael Jackson album?

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Kanye West says his label blocked his first idea for the cover of his upcoming 5th studio album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy……so now he’s firing back with 5 more! The first of the five is above and the second can be found when you click the link below…

We understand the first one but we’re not sure what direction Kanye’s going with that second one… Guess it really is his “beautiful dark twisted fantasy” huh?

Your thoughts?

Nelly teams up with Chris Brown and Plies in this new track called “Long Gone”, leaked from the St. Louis rapper’s upcoming 6th studio album 5.0, which is due in stores next month (Nov 16). Check out the new track above and continue reading to peep the official cover for Nelly’s new album!

Rapper Kanye West still having trouble getting public approval.

On Sunday (Oct 17), Yeezy unveiled the official cover artwork for his upcoming fifth studio album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and revealed that the cover has been banned in the USA! Peep the cover (and Kanye’s Twitter rant) below:

“Banned in the USA!!! They don’t want me chilling on the couch with my phoenix!” the rapper tweeted. “So Nirvana can have a naked human being on they cover but I can’t have a PAINTING of a monster with no arms and a polka dot tail and wings. In the 70s album covers had actual nudity…It’s so funny that people forget that…Everything has been so commercialized now,” West went on to say. “I know that cover just blew yall minds…I wish yall could see how hard I’m smiling right now!!!”

An anonymous rep for Def Jam (Kanye’s label) hit up the Los Angeles Times, and told them that they urged the rapper to consider a different cover but also told him that if he wanted to use his proposed cover, “the label would stand behind him.”

According to the source, had Def Jam approved the cover, mass-market retailers like Best Buy and Walmart would likely decide not to stock the album due to the cover’s explicit nature, which would probably hurt sales. So in the end, Def Jam had to make the executive decision to ban the cover here in the States to avoid a situation like that.

So it sounds like Kanye is going to have to come up with another cover for the U.S. version of the album…

“My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” is due in stores November 22nd!

Young Money femcee Nicki Minaj looks like the perfect Harajuku Barbie Doll on the cover of her debut album “Pink Friday,” due to hit stores November 23rd November 22nd!! (Our friends over at Rap-Up say the album’s release was pushed UP a day)

What do you think about the cover?

Here is the official cover art for Willow Smith‘s catchy debut single “Whip My Hair.”

The 9-year-old, who calls Will Smith & Jada Pinkett Smith daddy and mommy, will premiere the video for the single (directed by Ray Kay) this Monday (Oct 18) on BET and VEVO!! The video is said to feature several “guest stars” who will be whipping their hair in the clip.

“I’m very excited to work with such a unique artist as Willow, and I’m happy to help present her to the world as a new and fresh artist,” Ray Kay told Rap-Up.com of Jay-Z’s nine-year-old Roc Nation signee, who took the Internet by storm. “I’m also really happy to be involved with a project that has such a positive message as this one, and I’m certain people that are watching the video will feel inspired to develop their own individuality and freedom and express their own art after seeing Willow in this video.”

Check out a couple of pics from the video shoot below!

It’s not even October yet and Mariah Carey is already in the spirit of Christmas! The R&B diva has revealed the cover artwork for her upcoming Merry Christmas II You album, her first Holiday-themed album in over 15 years and her 13th studio album.

Check out the offcial press release for MC’s new Christmas album (due in stores Nov. 2) below:

As autumn leaves begin to fall, interna­tional superstar Mariah Carey puts the finishing touches on MERRY CHRISTMAS II YOU, her second career album of holiday tunes, arriving November 2nd on the Island Def Jam Music Group. Highlighting the long-awaited new album is a brand new recording of Mariah’s all-time standard, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”

In addition to traditional yuletide fare – “The First Noel,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “O Come All Ye Faithful” and more – MERRY CHRISTMAS II YOU also contains four original songs composed by Mariah, including the new single, “Oh Santa,” and many more surprises for the fans. Producers on the new album include American Idol’s Randy Jackson, multi-platinum hit-making producer Jermaine Dupri, James Poyser (acclaimed producer for Aretha Franklin, The Roots, Lauryn Hill and more), and five-time Oscar nominee and Grammy/Tony/Emmy award winning composer Marc Shaiman.

MERRY CHRISTMAS II YOU is Mariah Carey’s 13th studio album, and follows up her worldwide multi-million-selling Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel (released September 2009), her multi-platinum E=MC? (2008), and worldwide 10 million selling The Emancipation Of Mimi (2005). The Emancipation Of Mimi generated three Grammy awards (including Best Contemp­orary R&B Album), two #1 singles, and countless more honors during its 18-month chart stay. Soundscan’s biggest-selling album of 2005, Mimi featured “We Belong Together” (Grammy winner for Best Female R&B Vocal and Best R&B Song) and “Don’t Forget About Us,” Mariah’s 16th and 17th #1 career singles respectively. They tied one of the most enduring chart records in Billboard Hot 100 history, Elvis Presley’s 17 #1′s.

Three years later, Mariah surpassed Elvis when “Touch My Body” (from E=MC?) became her 18th #1 Hot 100 hit. “Touch My Body” spent two weeks at the top, Mariah’s 78th and 79th cumulative career weeks at #1, which tied Elvis’ long-standing all-time high of 79 weeks at #1, as calculated by Billboard. Mariah is now positioned as the only active recording artist in the 50 years of the Hot 100 (which began in 1958) with the potential to surpass the Beatles’ all-time high of 20 #1 hits. The success of E=MC? brought total sales of Mariah’s albums, singles and videos to more than 200 million worldwide, distancing her even further from the pack as the top-selling female recording artist in history.

Source: Mariah Carey’s Official Website

Rapper Gucci Mane takes on several different looks on the cover of his upcoming album The Appeal: Georgia’s Most Wanted.

The first single off the album is “Gucci Time” produced by Swizz Beatz. The album also includes collaborations with Ciara, Nicki Minaj, and more.

The Appeal: Georgia’s Most Wanted is due in stores September 28th.

What do you think about the cover?