The stars shine for Urban music’s biggest calendar night – the 2017 BET Awards!

Hosted by comedienne Leslie Jones, the show airs live tonight from Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theater.  See and sound off on the fashion hits and misses of the industry’s biggest stars as they arrive to the scene.

*Keep refreshing as snaps are being added live realtime*

Your thoughts?

[Photo credit: Getty]

With the likes of Beyonce, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Justin Bieber and more of a star-studded lineup that only he could assemble, it’s safe to say DJ Khaled came out swinging for his 10th album, ‘Grateful.’

Preceded by hits ‘Shining,’ the recently released ‘Wild Thoughts,’ and ‘I’m the One’ (Khaled’s first ever #1 single on the Hot 100), the set – delivered courtesy of Epic Records – has seen the famed DJ dominate radio, streaming, and hit many-a-top venue in its support since the turn of the year.

Now, just two days after its release, analysts are turning in reports to indicate whether its high profile guest list and ongoing promotion will be enough to grant the ‘Major Key’ star major first week numbers:

(more…)

Lil Kim may have more legal woes on her hands.

Fresh from news hitting the wire that her home has gone into foreclosure, the female rap pioneer is once under in the spotlight of law enforcement – ironically over a home.

Per reports, it all centers on a house the Queen Bee had rented for a pre-BET Awards party.

The tea via TMZ:

We’re told Sunday at 2 AM Kim and her crew went to check out the house, didn’t like it and demanded their money back from either the owner or property manager. The money wasn’t forthcoming, an argument erupted and cops were called. Police arrived and told them it was a civil matter and they could do nothing … so they left.

We’re told Kim and her crew also left, but at 4 AM, a group of people showed up at the house with ski masks and weapons and got what they were after … Kim’s deposit check and cash, totaling at least $20k. Law enforcement sources say the robbers weren’t done … they also slashed all of the victim’s tires and stole a hubcap.

A robbery investigation has been launched and, as at writing, there has been no word back from Team Kim.

Your thoughts?

[Photo credit: Getty]

Mel B has refused to spice up her former lover’s financial life after he requested an inordinate amount of money from her in spousal support.

The pair announced their plans to divorce months ago and have been locked in an intense legal fight as Stephen Belafonte seeks the legal system’s support in his bid to get his hands on Mel’s money.

What he’s asking for?

$4,300 per month for food and groceries, $2,000 for a monthly clothing allowance, $11,000 for housing and $750 for his monthly phone bill.

Mel has rejected his request and urged him to seek gainful employment and filed a legal documents she hopes will see his dreams of securing her cash shattered.

She isn’t the only entertainer battling an ex over money.

Click here to learn  Mary J. Blige’s story.

Your thoughts?

Caitlyn Jenner is under fresh fire this week.

After coming face to face with criticism at a dinner party thrown by Katy Perry, the former athlete and Trans superstar has learned that Janet Mock is unimpressed by her.

Why?

Mock, who is also transexual, feels Jenner’s experiences (rooted in power and privilege) make her a poor representative for the community.

Her estimation of the former Kardashian clan leader below…

I’m not Caitlyn’s publicist, I’m sure she has a whole team on that mountain in Malibu protecting her. But most of my community isn’t protected in that way. So I find it really problematic that they say ‘trans activist or advocate Caitlyn Jenner.’ No, it’s Caitlyn Jenner, who’s a very specific person with a specific set of experiences that are very monied, very white, very privileged. She can say [those things] on behalf of herself, but I don’t think on behalf of the community.

Do you agree?

In the Black diaspora, the “barber shop” has become more than a transformative space.

Indeed, in many ways its end-product (a “fresh cut”) is often “added value” to its most powerful facet of being a public sphere for Black men.

It’s a debate space, a therapist’s room, a sports stadium, a cinema, and a religious pulpit.

Sewn into the scent of clipper oil and Afro hair products is a pervading portion of testosterone – warm in temperature and inviting more than intimidating.

It provides a hearty hotbed for conversations about love, life and lineage, as well as acting as a willing wall to lean on during times of hurt and hardship.

Playwright Inua Ellams draws on all of this for his critically acclaimed production ‘Barber Shop Chronicles.’

An intense and immersive offering, the play journeys from a barber shop in London, to Johannesburg, Harare, Kampala, Lagos and Accra.

A fusion of the hard-hitting and the humorous, the production dissects the semantics of Black masculinity and sets out to remould how it’s rationalised.

Through enlightened writing and powerful performances, ‘Chronicles’ succeeds in its intent. Sure it entertains, but it more crucially educates, empowers, and expands understanding of one of the most maligned groups in history.

A must see.

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Following a sold-out initial run, ‘Barber Shop Chronicles’ returns to The National Theatre this Fall. Click here for dates and details. 

[Photo credit: Marc Brenner]

Naturi Naughton may be heavily pregnant, but she’s pushing ahead with promotion for the hotly anticipated new season of ‘Power.’

The actress, who plays Tasha on the hit STARZ series, stopped by Hot 97 to discuss the show and a whole lot more.

One of the most notable topics covered was the headline-grabbing apology she received from Adrienne Bailon – her former 3LW bandmate.

Historically, Naughton has been candid about the trying times that were her final days in the group; a journey that culminated, she says, in a KFC two-piece meal being thrown in her face by Kiely Williams.

Taking account for her role in the group’s various dramas, Bailon publicly attempted to mend fences.

Watch below as Naughton opens up about her true feelings on the matter, the mess their former manager tried to start after, and a whole lot more…

Great interview.

The term “real” is criminally overused, but that’s exactly what Naturi comes across as – real.

She’s obviously beyond the BS at this point and is winning at life right now after so much adversity. So more power to her.

Your thoughts?

Camila Cabello is continuing to make power moves.

The former Fifth Harmony singer is attempting to strike it big as a solo act after an acrimonious split from the group last December.

Now, she’s following up her slew of collaborations and current single ‘Crying In The Club’ with a coveted spot on the North American leg of Bruno Mars‘ ’24k Magic Tour.’

Together with Brits Dua Lipa and Jorja Smith, Cabello will serve as opener on several dates of the trek – which has already been a mammoth success in Europe.

The announcement came courtesy of Bruno today:

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Well come through Camila!

In a day and age where aggressive “promo” almost seems like an outdated concept (with “minimalism” now ruling the roost), it’s warming to see an act go all out to build a base.

Ms. Cabello undoubtedly has an active fandom, but the reality is that she still has a way to go before her solo foundation is firm enough to make a measured mark.

By signing on to one of the hottest tours of the year, she’ll be exposing herself to a whole new audience.

Smart play.

Your thoughts?

Taraji P. Henson is slaying the TV arena as Cookie on FOX’s ‘Empire,’ however the actress still has the big screen on her mind.

Having earned critical and commercial acclaim with 2016’s ‘Hidden Figures,’ the star has reunited with Tyler Perry for her next project.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 46-year-old will star in ‘Tyler Perry’s She’s Living My Life.’

Set to hit theaters on March  30th 2018, the Lionsgate movie will see Henson play a dutiful wife who, after growing tired of standing by her devious husband, gets enraged when it becomes clear she’s being betrayed.

The project reunites Henson and Perry after two previous collaborations: 2008’s ‘The Family That Preys’ and 2009’s ‘I Can Do Bad All by Myself.’

In other news, Taraji has been announced as a recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

Your thoughts?

Just one week remains until JAY-Z unleashes his 13th studio album ‘4:44.’

Beyond its arrival date, much of the project (rumored to be produced entirely by NO I.D) has been shroud in secrecy.

However, that will all be ending on the eve of its release.

For, Jigga – who is reported to have welcomed twins with wife Beyonce last week – has announced a unique fan experience to launch the LP.

Together with Sprint (who bought a sizeable chunk of his TIDAL streaming service), the mogul will make the album available to hear in several cities across the US on June 29th.

He’s staging a number of listening parities – where the set will spun in its entirety – at select Sprint stores.

Attendees will also be able to win tickets to the Made In America Festival and future JAY-Z performances.

Peep the full list of locations below and click here to enter for a chance to go:

ATLANTA: 2007 MOUNT ZION RD MORROW, GA
HOSTED BY: DJ INFAMOUS

BOSTON: 65R BOSTON ST STE 100 DORCHESTER, MA
HOSTED BY: DJ CHUBBY CHUB

CHICAGO: 3513 W DEVON AVE CHICAGO, IL

HOSTED BY: DJ PHARRIS

LAS VEGAS: 9821 S. EASTERN AVE, SUITE 2 LAS VEGAS, NV

 HOSTED BY: DJ FRANZEN

LOS ANGELES: 3396 W. CENTURY BLVD INGLEWOOD, CA

HOSTED BY: DJ MIKE DANGER

LOS ANGELES: 364 SOUTH LA CIENEGA BLVD WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA

 HOSTED BY: DJ DAMAGE

MIAMI: 1201 LINCOLN RD MIAMI BEACH, FL

HOSTED BY: DJ E-FEEZY

NEW YORK: 175 5TH AVENUE NEW YORK, NY

 HOSTED BY: DJ CIPHA SOUNDS

NEW YORK: 456 FULTON STREET BROOKLYN, NY

HOSTED BY: DJ ENUFF

NEW YORK: 57 W 42ND STREET NEW YORK, NY

HOSTED BY: DJ KAST ONE

PHILADELPHIA: 4640 ROOSEVELT BLVD. SUITE 12 PHILADELPHIA, PA

  HOSTED BY: DJ RL

WASHINGTON, DC: 8501 FENTON ST SILVER SPRING, MD

HOSTED BY: DJ QUICKSILVA

‘4:44’ lands June 30th and is exclusive to subscribers of TIDAL and Sprint.

Your thoughts?

Trina teams with R&B star K. Michelle for brand new single ‘If It Ain’t Me’ – the video for which premiered moments ago.

Directed by Michael Garcia, the visual features rapper Dave East as the Queen of Miami’s wayward lover.

The release is the latest to be issued from the 38-year-old’s sixth studio album, which is executive produced by Rico Love and is due later this year.

Speaking in a recent interview, the Hip-Hop veteran christened the track a cousin of fan-favorite ‘Here We Go.’

And with its rap-sung, easy-on-the-ear qualities, it’s clear to see what she means.

Watch the video below…

Simple, but cute.

Both ladies looked great and the clip compliments the track well.

We approve, do you?

Your thoughts?

PARTYNEXTDOOR and Drake have reunited for a musical cause.

The name of their latest bop? ‘Freak in You’, a remix to PARTY‘s cut of the same name.

Young and in control, even when they stoop low. I see anything is anything and everything’s a go.

Listen below…

As for the original? That can be found on PARTY’s ‘Colors 2‘ project and was released as he celebrates the success of ‘Wild Thoughts‘, the jam he penned for DJ Khaled, Bryson Tiller and Rihanna.

Your thoughts?