THE BLACK EYED PEAS PLANNING FREE CONCERT IN NYC
The Black Eyed Peas will perform a free concert in New York City’s Central Park on June 9th. The Peas’ Concert 4 NYC will benefit the Robin Hood Foundation, a charity targeting poverty in New York City. Although the show is free, concertgoers must have tickets to enter. More than 50-thousand tickets are available through an online giveaway. VIP tickets will also be sold online. Learn more at BlackEyedPeas.RobinHood.org.
MARIAH TWEETS ABOUT DEM BABIES
Now that Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon can enjoy their healthy set of twins, the singer has taken to her Twitter account to show appreciation for everyone who sent personal messages of encouragement before she went into labor. Mi Mi wrote, “I wish I could personally thank all those around the world who continue to send congrats and prayers for #dembabies! They’re doing great! And they are the most incredible gifts we could ever have imagined!” The couple is yet to announce the names for their little boy and girl.
KATY PERRY ON THE COVER OF VANITY FAIR
Katy Perry is on the cover of the forthcoming issue of Vanity Fair. In the interview inside, she opens up about a number of subjects, including her religious upbringing, her marriage to Russell Brand and much more. Pick it up at newsstands beginning on Thursday, and check out the cover now at VanityFair.com.
LMFAO AND ADELE TOP U-K CHARTS
For the third straight week, Britain’s bestselling single is LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem” featuring Lauren Bennett and Goonrock. Bruno Mars’ “The Lazy Song” is at number two and Jennifer Lopez’s former chart-topper, “On The Floor,” holds at number three. Chris Brown’s “Beautiful People” featuring Benny Benassi at number four and Snoop Dogg’s “Sweat” is at number five. Meanwhile, Adele’s 21 scored a 13th aggregate week at number one on the new U-K album chart, according to the Official Charts Company.
J.LO BEING SUED BY EX
According to RadarOnline.com, Jennifer Lopez’s ex husband, Ojani Noa, is filing a lawsuit against the singer and actress, claiming the song “One Love” off her new album, Love?, is about him. According to an agreement between Noa and Lopez, negative references to Noa are prohibited. He states that J. Lo is in breach of the contract and will also be bringing a separate civil action over the song.
PWT’S SINGLE GOES PLATINUM
The Plain White T’s hit single, “Rhythm of Love,” has been officially certified Platinum. According to a press release, the tune has now been downloaded more than one-million times. The song is off of their most recent album, The Wonders of the Youngers, and the next single will be the tune “Boomerang.”
JASON DERULO PREPS NEW SINGLE!
According to Rap-Up.com, on Monday, Jason Derulo will release his new single, “Don’t Wanna Go Home.” The song is the first single off his second album, Future History, which will arrive sometime this summer.
Check out the latest webisode of Future History here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ZTLZWC9_OZg.
ASHLYNE HUFF TO OPEN FOR NKOTBSB
Ashlyne Huff will be joining the highly anticipated NKOTBSB tour this summer. Ashlyne joins Jordin Sparks on the outing for 25 dates starting May 25th when the tour kicks off at the Allstate Arena in Chicago. Ashlyne’s new album, Let It Out, will be released on June 7th. Learn more at AshlyneHuff.com.
NEW BOYS COLLAB WITH CHRIS BROWN
We’ve just learned New Boyz have linked up with Chris Brown for a new song called “Better With The Lights Off.” The cut will appear on the rap duo’s upcoming new album, Too Cool to Care, which is due out on May 17th.
LEONA LEWIS WRITES A “VENOMOUS ODE”
Leona Lewis is planning on releasing an album a little later this year, and apparently, she’s venting some frustration on a few tracks. According to British paper the Sunday Mirror, the former X-Factor winner has written a “venomous ode” about her former long-term boyfriend, Lou Al-Chamaa. The song is reportedly titled “Trouble,” and a source says that the rest of the album is going to be “daring and innovative.” No official word on when we can expect to hear some new music.
NICOLE FROM PCD TO HOST X-FACTOR?
Some more info is slowly being revealed about Simon Cowell’s forthcoming American version of The X-Factor. As has been rumored, People.com is reporting Pussycat Dolls lead singer Nicole Scherzinger will indeed be the host of the show after she did such a good job as a guest judge on the British version of the program last summer. As usual, take it for what you will because nothing is set in stone until Simon makes the official announcement.
COLBIE CAILLAT’S ALBUM IS COMING JULY 12TH
Colbie Caillat’s new album, All of You, is coming out July 12th. It had been listed in some places as coming out earlier than that, but it seems that right around mid-July is when we’ll be getting to hear all the brand new material. Colbie filled us in on what we can expect when it’s released (See Related Cut #5). For updates on Colbie, follow her at Twitter.com/ColbieCaillat.
LIL KIM CALLS NICKI MINAJ A COWARD
And the beef continues between Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj. The Queen Bee got upset when she learned that her nemesis allegedly tweeted that Kim is “next,” following the news that Osama bin Laden was killed. Since the message isn’t on Nicki’s timeline, Kim then responded with: “What type of coward lame ass bitch tweets some shit and then deletes it. Real bitches stand by what they say Bozo. You cheap stocking cap glued $10 bag hair wig wearing bitch. Get a lace front!!! FYI Indian hair don’t come in green bitch.” As usual, the Young Money princess is yet to respond.
NICKI MINAJ TO PERFORM ON DWTS
According to Rap-Up.com Nicki Minaj is scheduled to perform on Dancing With The Stars. The fem-cee, who has recently dished out multiple lap danced on stage, will take stage to perform “Moment 4 Life” tonight on ABC at 8 PM Eastern!
ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL LINE-UP
The official itinerary for the 2011 Essence Music Festival has been released and it looks like concertgoers will get to see Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Boyz II Men and many others on the first night. During the second night of the three-day event, Kanye West, Jill Scott, Chaka Khan and El Debarge will showcase their talents. On the final night, Mary J Blige, New Edition, Trey Songz and a gang of other acts are scheduled to take stage. It’s not too late to score passes for the festival, which takes place during July Fourth weekend in New Orleans. Be sure to visit EssenceMusicFestival.com to learn more.
HERE’S THE FULL RUNDOWN:
Friday, July 1: Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Boyz II Men, Macy Gray, Dwele, Alexander O’Neal and Cherrelle, Soul Rebels Brass Band, Tank, Miguel, Mavis Staples, Irma Thomas
Saturday, July 2: Kanye West, Jill Scott, Charlie Wilson, Chaka Khan, El Debarge, Eric Benet, Timothy Bloom, Mint Condition, Hot 8 Brass Band, Stephanie Mills, Charmaine Neville Band, Naughty by Nature, To Be Continued Brass Band
Sunday, July 3: Mary J Blige, New Edition, Trey Songz, Kem, Hal Linton, Kourtney Heart, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Rebirth Brass Band, Kelly Price, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Trin-i-Tee 5:7, Brian Courtney Wilson, MC Lyte, Doug E. Fresh, Shamarr Allen and The Underdawgs.
MONICA TO GUEST STAR ON THE VOICE
According to CNN.com, Monica has reportedly been tapped to appear on NBC’s new voice competition, The Voice. The talented singer will not judge the contestants rather she will “offer words of wisdom and help to choose songs that best suit each singer’s vocal style.” It’s currently unknown when Mo’s episode will air but to be on the safe side, just tune in every Tuesday at 9 PM Eastern on NBC.
JAY-Z WINS EMMY AWARD?
Yes you read the headline correctly. Jay-Z has reportedly won a Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Composition/ Direction/ Lyrics for Hova’s rendition of “Run This Town.” The rap mogul performed the song during this year’s Super Bowl XLIV opener.
VIDEO TO TYLER’S SOLO SINGLE TO PREMIERE ON IDOL
Aerosmith singer and American Idol judge Steven Tyler is working on solo music and on May 12th’s episode of Idol, he’ll premiere the video to his first-ever solo single, “(It) Feels So Good.” The clip was shot last month in L-A and was described by an observer as “everything you would expect to get from a classic Aerosmith video… pure, classic Steven Tyler in all of his rock star glory.” Check it out when Idol airs on FOX on May 12th.