Kanye & Jay-Z Perform For Sweet 16

Kanye West and Jay-Z were the entertainment at a lavish party in the Big Apple. The duo performed for a teen girl's Sweet 16 party at the Carlton Hotel.

The party was for Leslie Taylor, the daughter of a Jay-Z business associate. The theme of the party was the Oscar-nominated Black Swan film. The joint performance with Jay and 'Ye was a week after Jay-Z couldn't make it to Kanye's G.O.O.D. Music Showcase.

Ryan Leslie was also on-hand to sing “Happy Birthday” to Taylor before Jay and Kanye performed and posed with the birthday girl.

Kanye Compares Big Sean To Beyonce

Kanye West appeared at a listening party for G.O.O.D. Music's Big Sean and had some high words of praise for the young rapper. Kanye proceeded to compare Sean to Beyonce and then signed off with a subtle hint towards his highly-anticipated upcoming album, Watch the Throne with Jay-Z.

"Big Sean's story is one of the most amazing ever because he literally got signed off of a freestyle," West said. "To now...having the potential to be one of the biggest artists in the world...What Beyonce is to R&B...Big Sean can be to rap.....And I apologize for being late, I had a Throne to watch."

Jada Pinkett Smith On Parenthood

Jada Pinkett Smith addressed the criticism of she and her husband, actor Will Smith, and the fact that their two youngest children, actor Jadan and singer Willow, have become pint-size celebrities in their own right. Jada stressed that she and Will aren't harming their kids by allowing them to pursue their dreams under the glare of the spotlight.

“There are so many other kids you can worry about," Jada told Uptown magazine. "My kids? They’re going to be all right. I get why people would criticize. But people need to know that Will and I would never put our children in a situation that would bring them detriment, my kids have no idea how I grew up, Even in knowing my story, they couldn’t know what that means. They have no RE-ALI-TY. None."

"My feeling is, my kids need to have challenges," she continued. "In a safe way. If I survived everything that I survived in Baltimore and Will survived everything he survived in Philly, these kids surely can survive the Hollywood game."

"With so many heavyweights surrounding them—from Beyoncé and Jay-Z to Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith to Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony—if they can fail in a circle like that, then they weren’t going to win in the first place," she added. "All I want for Trey (Will’s oldest son from his first marriage), Jaden, and Willow is happiness."

Jay-Z Closes 40/40 Club

Rapper/mogul Jay-Z and his business partner Juan Perez have announced that they are temporarily closing their midtown Manhattan 40/40 Club for the summer. According to the New York Daily News, the closing is due to pending renovations on the club.

“Starting June 1st, The 40/40 Club’s New York City flagship location will undergo a complete transformation from floor to ceiling,” read a letter from the two owners. “Lead by world renowned designer Jeffery Beers, The 40/40 Club’s makeover will draw inspiration from the energy, grandeur and opulence of New York City nightlife. We are eager to re-open our doors in September and re-introduce a revolution in luxury sports watching and nightclub experience. We appreciate your patience and continued dedication to our growing brand as we vow to return to the scene stronger than ever.”

Other than 'in September,' there is definitive date for the club's re-opening.

Beanie Sigel Apologizes To Jay-Z

Beanie Sigel has issued a public apology to mentor-turned-rival Jay-Z, following almost two years of feuding. The Philly rapper has had a change of heart regarding the man who helped launch his career, but who Sigel subsequently accused of turning his back on him.

"What Mike Epps say? 'Gangstas f**k up too,'" Beanie Sigel told XXLMag. "Whatever I felt this dude Jay did wrong to me, it can't outweigh the one thing he did do for me - he gave me an opportunity. Dude gave me an opportunity."

Beans also said he regretted releasing diss tracks aimed at Jay.

"I got caught in the moment and put my feelings out there, Beanie SigeI said. "I should have never done that."

Nicki Minaj Loves Jay-Z

Nicki Minaj graces the cover of 5 Magazine this month and in the cover story she reveals that Jay-Z has always been her favorite rapper. The Young Money starlet said that the Brooklyn legend always kept her attention because he was a rapper with brains.

"It was like whatever Jay-Z says is the gospel because he was smart," Minaj says. "I was raised attracted to intelligent rappers. Like if you can make me think…that’s why I’m so into metaphors. I love double meanings of things. Just having people look at things in a different way because all my favorite rappers [Lil’ Wayne] that’s what they do, that’s what intrigued me."

Good Videos! Anyone??? By Steph

Good Videos! Good Videos! Come out! Come out! Where ever you are!!!!!!!!!

When is the last time you’ve seen a hip hop  video that was so good you wanted to watch it over and over again?  (I am going to exclude Kayne &  Jay-Z). Crickets…I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a video that I was blown away by.  I understand that budgets for videos have dramatically decreased but why can’t people still find creative ways to make good videos.  I blame both artist as well as directors.   Artist because they keep accepting these same video treatments that those directors throw at them.  Directors because they are suppose to be the visual architects who make the song come to life and hopefully make people like the song even more.   These videos just aren’t doing that for me.  Ok, honestly the last video that I liked was Lil Wayne’s video for  “6’7” because of the Inception concept but even that video I didn’t have a desire to watch over and over. 

I was completely disappointed by  Ace Hood’s “Hustle Hard” both the original and the remix video.  It was such a hard song that it needed a strong visual to commitment it but that did not happen.  The remix video even more because that was the more popular version of the song.  They took so long to release the video and honestly they shouldn’t have released one at all because the finished product was terrible!  I think I could have directed a better video then that.  All the director did was literally take everything that was said in the video, threw some beautiful  girls in workout outfits sprinkle in a few rappers and put in front of a green screen.  Really?!!!!  And it looked cheap! (in pray it didn’t cost any money lol) Every video can’t be money, cars, hoes and the hood!  Give me something different.  Even if I may not understand the complete concept I will appreciate the fact that something different was tried.  

I really wonder if some artist watch their videos and think to themselves “This video is some bulls*it did I really pay for this?!!!” because I know that what I think when I watch most of them.   Now don’t get me wrong some of the videos are cool but I don’t have the desire to watch them over and over again, which to me defeats the purpose of making a video at all.  I laugh everytime I see these behind the scenes or sneak peeks at the videos because in the end they leave a lot to be desired  and set the public up to be disapointed by the finished product. Will I never again see a “Victory” type video???    I know that records aren’t selling like they use to but I need labels to open these video budgets up; and artist and directors  have to use some originality and spend the money wisely.   I want  to be left in awe when I finish watching a video, is that too much to ask?!!!

Written By https://twitter.com/#!/thinmint215

Last night, Jay-Z threw a not so top-secret performace at the Roseland Ballroom to informally announce his partnership with Adult Swim and Cartoon Network. Details of the new deal are scarce but it is being reported that an animated series with Jay-Z at the helm is in the works. Peep footage from the event below. 

Jay-Z, Charlie Sheen, And Bill Gates In Investigation

Jay-Z is one of several celebrities being named in an internal investigation conducted by the Washington, D.C. Police Department. The investigation centers on celebs who have received police escorts from Washington, D.C. officers. Troubled actor Charlie Sheen and Microsoft head Bill Gates are also among the celebrities named.

Authorities are looking to put a stop to the escorts, which are a violation of department protocol.

D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier has said that the escorts are only meant for top officials and dignitaries. "It's president, vice president, visiting heads of state, mayor and others if there's a public safety issue," the chief said.

There are conflicting reports from the Police Department, which could lead to a hearing--which DC Council member Phil Mendelson is considering.

Young Chris Could Reunite With Jay-Z

Young Chris, formerly of Roc-A-Fella Records, recently revealed that he could be reuniting with Jay-Z. The rapper reportedly spoke to Jay about possibly managing his career. Chris is currently affiliated with Division 1 Records.

"I spoke to Jay the other day, he was in Paris," Young Chris said during an interview. "I was talking to them about Roc Nation management. There's a few other guys I was talking to, too. So we'll see…"

Chris also spoke on his relationship with other former Roc artists.

"[Neef], that's my brother. I tell everybody, we started together. We didn't start in music together. We come from the streets together. Middle school, we moved with our moms five miles away from each other, it was a different relationship," Young Chris said. "That'll never go nowhere. Same with Beans, Petey, the rest of the guys, man. State Property. They my brothers. No matter what they went through with Jay and all that s**t, I'm my own man, so I got my own relationship with all of them."

Kanye's Emotional Performance

Kanye West performed at the Museum of Modern Art's annual charity event Party in the Garden last night (May 10) and the event raised $4 million in funding for the museum. Kanye gave an hour-long performance, including hits like "Gold Digger" and "Monster" and a surprising cover of Stevie Wonder's somber "They Won't Go When I Go."

Performing an extended version of his single "Runaway." West thanked his fans and acknowledged his past mistakes.

"Thank you for coming out," said West. "Thank you for loving me when they told you not to love me. Every bone in my body, I give it all to you…I’m sorry for y'all up there who ever had to argue for me. I’m sorry I put you through that - I just can't sit down and listen to this bullsh*t over and over. They say I’m racist, but how can I be racist, I f**k with so many different faces?"

"They say I’m such a bad person until they meet me in person," West continued. "They try to make me run away, but tonight, New York City, they can hear us five blocks away. Do you know what it feels like to be hated, when the nicest thing someone can say is that I don't believe what people say about you? One day the real will rise to the top. One day, one day all will be perfect. I’m sorry for when I f**ked up. I’m sorry for my ego. Nobody is perfect. You gotta realize I lost my mind. You make me feel so good. And I know she's looking down right now."

The highlight of the evening was Kanye bringing out surprise guest Jay-Z, with the two performing "Empire State of Mind" and other hits.

J. Cole Denies Jay-Z Rift

Roc Nation rapper J. Cole dismissed rumors of any kind of ill will between he and Jay-Z. The young rapper addressed whispers that Jay was upset over the fact that the North Carolina emcee's debut album has been delayed. Cole says there is no truth to the rumor at all [video here].

"Y'all believe that? That's so not true. It was a cool rumor at first, I guess. It didn't really get too big," Cole said. "It's just funny to see how rumors work like that. They don't even have sources. But nah, that's the furthest thing from the truth."

Beyonce Denies Royal Rumor

Beyonce's people are denying reports that the singer and Jay-Z will be performing at the Royal Wedding this Friday for Prince William and Kate Middleton (April 29.)

“The ceremony is not on her schedule and she has a shoot in New York on Saturday," a rep said. The Daily Star previously reported that "William and Kate are massive fans of Beyonce and Jay-Z."

Beyonce and Jay-Z are holed up in the Hotel Le Meurice, a lavish hotel in Paris, which only further fueled the rumors. The two are actually in France to promote Beyonce's "Girls Who Run the World" project.

Jay-Z Appearing On U2's "Duals" Album

A Jay-Z-assisted version of U2's classic "Sunday Bloody Sunday" will be appearing on the band's upcoming collaborations album Duals. The rapper toured with the Irish megastars last summer and performed a new, original verse to the political song.

A live performance of the song and a new mix of "Stranded" with both Jay-Z and Rihanna will also appear on the album's limited editions.

"Sunday Bloody Sunday" was released in 1983, and focuses on the "Bloody Sunday" massacre in 1972 when unarmed protesters were shot and killed by British soldiers in Derry, Ireland.

Lupe Fiasco Talks Big

Lupe Fiasco may have been spent the past few months criticizing his own album and oversharing his own emo tendencies, but let's not forget the man can rhyme. Lupe reasserted his lyrical dominance in a recent interview with XXL. The Chicago emcee wants everyone to know that no one in the game is even standing close to him right now.

"I can actually make the argument, seriously, that, Yo, I'm better than all y'all," he boasted. "You have people who can say that. Jay-Z can say that. Eminem can say that. Canibus can say that--if we are going line for line. If you want to relate me to the newer cats, let's go. Let's go line for line and bar for bar. If it's all about spitting and metaphors and MCing and lyrics and entendres, I will eat 99 percent of you dudes up."

Jay-Z Praises His Women

Jay-Z was recently interviewed by his longtime friend, actress Gwyneth Paltrow. In a convo for the GOOP Newsletter, Gwyneth told Hov he was the coolest man on earth and asked "how the f" he got that way. Jay explained exactly what makes him seem that way.

"I'm around great women, starting with my mom," Jay said. "Women keep men cool. The hotter the chick the cooler the guy--that sounds like a really bad rap line!"

A certain pop diva will no doubt be happy to hear that answer.

Jay-Z Prepping Concept Album

Producer/engineer Young Guru recently revealed some details regarding two forthcoming releases involving Jay-Z. Not only did Guru talk about the highly-anticipated Jay/Kanye West album Watch the Throne, he also revealed that Jay's next solo project would be a concept album. 2007's American Gangster was a pseudo-concept LP, with Jay 'assuming' the persona of a drug dealer that he insisted was fictionalized. But according to Guru, Jay's in full creative mode with both new projects.

“Watch The Throne is almost done," Guru said. “’Ye’s records grow. If you listen to a Kanye record when if first starts it’s in one form. And he adds stuff, takes away stuff. He’s a real perfectionist. So that’s what he does, he grows his records. We’re in the process of just finalizing the album.”

“Once we get done with [Watch the Throne], Jay’s gonna start another album which I can’t tell you the concept of yet. [But] it’s an incredible concept,” Young Guru said, “It’s in a different lane; it’s a different thing for him to do. When people see it they’re gonna be like, 'Oh wow! He should have done that with, like, the first album!' It’s incredible.”

Roc Nation Acquires Digital Label

Jay-Z's Roc Nation label has acquired German-American digital label Block Starz Music, LLC. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed but Roc Nation now owns the independent label. The digital label, founded in 2008, is expected to contribute to developing new talent.

The move is only the latest in a number of savvy signings and acquisitions Roc Nation has been involved in over the past few months--including signing young talents like J. Cole and Santigold--while deflecting several minor copyright suits. To obtain Block Starz Music, Roc Nation reportedly outbid bosses at Universal and Jive Records.

Jay-Z Lands Sade

Despite the fact that she had previously shrugged off attempts to collaborate, Sade has finally relented and will be appearing on a track with none other than Jay-Z. Sade has been notoriously evasive about guest appearances, despite the fact that she has been wooed by several of the top artists in music.

Sade will be collaborating with Jay-Z on a track called "Moon & the Sky," which is to be released on Jay-Z's Ultimate Collection slated for release later this year. Jay will be the first hip hop artist to work with the "Sweetest Taboo" singer.

50 Cent On Face Tats

50 Cent recently shared his views on the current face tattoo fad that seems to be catching fire in hip hop. Gucci Mane, Yung LA and Diamond of Crime Mob have all gotten face art in recent months. To 50, it seems to be a poor long-term decision when considering what many artists aspire to accomplish outside of music.

“That’s the craziest thing," 50 told VIBE. "Not necessarily Gucci, but to tattoo your face says that there’s not a possibility that you can actually walk into a legitimate establishment without makeup covering your face every day. That does not work. It creates a separation. It says, “I’m an artist.” That’s it. That’s the statement you make when you go and tattoo your face…But know that the public will not have interest in you as an artist for life. You have to be phenomenal."

"Talk to the best that do it and they will tell you that it will take more than you being an artist," he continued. "It takes marketing, maneuvering to generate for that long. When you got 40-year-old rappers in the game, those guys have maneuvered and survived.”