J. Cole isn’t the only up-and-comer seeing a release on record shelves as fans know ‘Don’t Wanna Go Home’ hitmaker Jason Derulo‘s sophomore set ‘Future History’ also landed in stores today.

But while the cd may be taking off in record stores, Derulo was spotted getting down at New York’s JFK Airport as  headliner for JetBlue’s Live From T5 Concert Series.  Dipping and twirling through a throng of hits, Miss Sparks new boo’s set was said to be show-stopping.

Fans can see more pics of the Miami dance machine below:

Your thoughts?

Rap rookie J. Cole is celebrating the release of his inaugural LP today.  The set, ‘Cole World:  A Sideline Story’, has been met with favorable reviews from fans and critics alike.  Preceded by ‘Can’t Get Enough’ and the soon-to-be-released Missy Elliott-assisted ‘Nobody’s Perfect’, Cole’s debut  is certainly set to make a dent on charts next week.

While his promo rounds have seen him grace many-a-print or web feature (i.e. Billboard, Rolling Out, etc), most recently the emcee was seen in the October issue of hip-hop publication ‘The Source’.

Now, fans can check out the North Carolina native behind the scenes of the accompanying photoshoot after the jump:

(more…)

(Photo source)

Rehearsals are already underway for the remake of famed 1976 musical ‘Sparkle’.  The Whitney Houston-headed production is starring (from left to right) Carmen Ejogo, Jordin Sparks, and Jason Derulo’s ‘It Girl’ Tika Sumpter.

Said to be snapped on the trio’s first day of rehearsals, the ladies are prepping to join an illustrious cast of movers and shakers for the film including Cee Lo Green, Omari Hardwick, Mike Epps, Derek Luke, and of course, Miss Whitney Houston.

As reported yesterday, famed R&B singer-songwriter R. Kelly has been tapped to create an original score for the movie’s accompanying soundtrack.

Shooting reportedly begins next month.

Your thoughts?

(Photo source)

As reported here, Patti Labelle, Jill Scott, and Marsha Ambrosius were just a few of the names lending their talents to the UNCF’s ‘An Evening With the Stars’. The event, also featuring , Musiq SoulChild, Erykah Badu, Miguel, and more, taped live on August 14th from Pasadena, but aired September 25th on BET.

Peep all of the night’s performances after the jump:

(more…)

‘SuperWoman’ songstress Alicia Keys (joined by husband Swiss Beatz) was spotted with actresses Jennifer Aniston and Demi Moore at the ‘Lifetime Five’ premiere at Skylight Soho in NYC last night.

The trio (Keys, Aniston, and Moore) took the director’s seats in their joint effort for the women’s network to produce ‘Five’:  a series dedicated to sharing the stories of breast cancer victims and how the disease has affected their lives.

See more pics of the starlets in action below:

Set for an October 10th debut, fans can take a peek at the trailer here.

Your thoughts?

Peep more snaps from Rihanna‘s ‘We Found Love‘ video shoot in Northern Ireland.

Photographed in less ‘telling’ fashions that the ones got her into trouble the day before, the model spent breaks being greeted by locals who were ecstatic to see the star in the flesh – quite literally.

Expect the clip to premiere in its entirety within the coming weeks.

More images below…

(more…)

The long-awaited manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson’s doctor, Conrad Murray, finally commenced today in Los Angeles.

Prior to the start of proceedings, the King of Pop’s sister and fellow icon Janet Jackson led the renown family into the court-house. Other Jackson’s in attendance include parents Joseph and Katherine, LaToya, and Randy (pictured above).

Legal analysts predict the case will go on for 6-8 weeks, with evidence from medical experts, security, and those rehearsing will Jackson for the ill-fated ‘This Is It’ shows, is ploughed through.

More pics via Rap-Up below…

Sidenote: Anyone who has followed the evolution of the site will know just how much Michael meant to yours truly. As such, the case definitely brings to the surface the sad reality that MJ is no longer here. That said, given the prosecution’s opening statements, Murray has an uphill struggle to prove he wasn’t negligent nor responsible for the actual event of MJ’s death.

Your thoughts?

Despite moving over 10 million copies worldwide since its release earlier this year, it would seem the promotional campaign behind Adele’s ‘21‘ has no intentions of slowing down any time soon.

For just minutes ago, a sneak peek of the video for her single ‘Someone Like You‘ surfaced online.

The video is expected to premiere in its entirety in coming weeks, in a bid to generate even higher sales for its already multi platinum supporting album.

Check it out below…

(more…)

Today marks the global release of J.Cole‘s debut album ‘Cole World: The Sideline Story’.

The hotly anticipated set was was preceded by a slew of hype-building mixtapes, as well as a fair share of drama (see: delays, rumoured Roc Nation split). However, with all that now a figment of the past, the North Carolina native moves onto pastures new with the release – one which is being billed by Hip-Hop enthusiasts as one the year’s most awaited.

Yet beyond the hype which oft greets such releases, we’re keen to hear what you think. Will you be buying ‘Cole World’? Already heard it or have it; does it live up to expectation?

[polldaddy poll=5537940]

Kelly Rowland‘s show-stopping set on Jimmy Kimmel Live last night set many a tongue wagging.

And while viewers got a taste of the seasoned solo performer the Ms. Kelly has become, it was fans in attendance who got the full-on good good, when the singer treated them to a number of songs off-air.

Check out Rowland and her troop of male dancers getting down to her 2007 hit ‘Like This’ below. New choreography, buckets of sass, and one foxy lady await…

(more…)

Check out behind the scenes footage taken from the set of Rihanna‘s ‘We Found Love’ video.

Shot in Ireland, the visual will be the first to support the entertainer’s upcoming album which is due for release on November 21st.

Watch Ms. ‘SOS’ in action below…

(more…)

Just hours ago, ‘Rich Whores‘ entertainer Kreayshawn celebrated her 22nd birthday party at Hollywood’s  Freak City.

Joined by her fellow White Girl Mobbers and a number of her closest friends, the party comes just days after the song bird shot an exclusive interview with That Grape Juice.Net.

Discussing everything from racial discrimination in Hip Hop to why she feels Nicki Minaj handled herself with class during her feud with fellow Rapper Lil Kim.

Watch both the party and the interview below…

(more…)