Paul Walker Dead at 40: "Fast and the Furious" Star Dies In Car Accident

Paul Walker of the Fast and Furious series died this afternoon (Nov 30) in a single-car accident.

TMZ reports that, Walker died in a car accident and explosion in Southern California. The actor was reportedly riding in a Porsche that lost control for an unknown reason and hit a post or a tree causing the explosion. 

Other sources have told TMZ that the actor and another person were killed in the accident. It is also reported that Walker was in Santa Clarita for a car show to support the relief effort for the Philippines typhoon and took the Porsche out for a test drive that ended in a crash. 

Walker's team released this statement: 

"It is with a truly heavy heart that we must confirm that Paul Walker passed away today in a tragic car accident while attending a charity event for his organization Reach Out Worldwide. He was a passenger in a friend's car, in which both lost their lives. We appreciate your patience as we too are stunned and saddened beyond belief by this news. Thank you for keeping his family and friends in your prayers during this very difficult time. We will do our best to keep you apprised on where to send condolences. - ‪#‎TeamPW‬."

Walker died at the age of 40. 

This is an developing story, please check back for updates. 

Nipsey Hussle Announces "Crenshaw" Tour Dates

Nipsey Hussle released his mixtape Crenshaw last month which has been a great success. Let's not forget the bright idea he came up with to sale hard copies of his mixtape for $100 and Jay-Z brought 100 them!

Hussle is now ready to take Crenshaw on the road and hit a stage near you. The Crenshaw rapper will embark in a 31 city tour beginning January 9 in Sacramento, California and end in Albuquerque, New Mexico on February 13.

Check out the official tour dates below:

1/9 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
1/11 – San Diego, CA – Porters Pub
1/12 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge
1/13 – Englewood, CO – Gothic
1/14 – Lincoln, NE – The Grove
1/15 – Minneapolis, MN – Mill City Nights
1/17 – Chicago, IL – Reggies Rock Club
1/18 – St. Louis, MO – Pop’s
1/19 – Cleveland, OH – Grog Shop
1/20 – Columbus, OH – Skully’s
1/21 – Pittsburgh, PA – Altar Bar
1/22 – Boston, MA – Venue Nightclub
1/23 – Danbury, CT – Eclipse Nightclub
1/24 – New York City, NY – Highline Ballroom
1/25 – Washington D.C – The Howard Theatre
1/26 – Charlotte, NC – The Neighborhood Theatre
1/27 – Carrboro, NC  – Cat’s Cradle
1/28 – Atlanta, GA – Vinyl
1/30 – Jacksonville, FL – The Roc Bar
1/31 – Miami, FL – Villa 221
2/1 – Tampa, FL – The Orpheum
2/3 – Orlando, FL – Firestone Live
2/4 – Gainesville, FL – High Dive
2/5 – Birmingham, AL – Work / Play
2/6 – New Orleans, LA – Howling Wolf
2/7 – Houston, TX – Warehouse
2/8 – Dallas, TX – Prophet Bar
2/9 – Lubbock, TX – Wreckers
2/11 – San Antonio, TX – Backstage Live
2/12 – El Paso, TX – Tricky Falls
2/13 – Albuquerque, TX – Launch Pad

TLC Performs "Waterfalls" at 2013 AMA's With Lil Mama As Special Guest

TLC took the stage at yesterday's (Nov 24) American Music Awards and they had help from a special guest. Rapper Lil' Mama joined them as they performed their classic hit "Waterfalls" in tribute to the late Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez. 

On October 15, the group released their greatest hit album titled 20. A week later Last month's TLC"s CrazyZexyCool biographical movie on VH1 had drawn millions of viewers. The movie told the full TLC story; how the group changed the music industry and the tragic death of Left Eye. 

The film stars Keke Palmer as Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, Niatia "Lil Mama" Kirkland as Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes, and Drew Sidora as Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins.  

Critics and fans reviewed the biopic and gave Lil Mama high praise of playing the role of Left Eye. This is one surprise I'm sure none of us seen coming right? In case you missed it, check out the performance below. 

Ciara Brings "Body Party" to the American Music Awards

Ciara brought her own “Body Party” to the 2013 American Music Awards tonight (Nov 24) at the Nokia Theatre LA Live in Los Angeles. CiCi rocked a short bob haircut with an amazing graphic see-through J Mendel dress from his 2014 Spring/Summer collection on the red-carpet. This year, the 28-year-old songstress was nominated for Favorite Female Artist-Soul/R&B, along with Alicia Keys and Rihanna. Though didn’t take home the award but I’m sure if there was a best dressed category Ciara would have definitely won it, hands down!

Rihanna Accepts Icon Award From Her Mother at the American Music Awards

(ABC) 

Rihanna receives the Icon Award at the 2013 American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Sunday (Nov 24) in Los Angeles. The singer was presented the award by her mother Monica Fenty. Before accepting her award, Rihanna performed her hit single “Diamonds” from her LP Unapologetic. Congrats RiRi on all of your success.

New Music: Future - "Regular Party"

After recently getting engaged to singer Ciara and celebrating his birthday, Future is back at it as he prepares to release his forthcoming album Honest. The Atlanta native has dropped a few tracks off the new LP such as “Honest” but this time he’s back with a club banger “Regular Party”. Check out the track below.

Jhene Aiko's "Sail Out" EP Reaches No. 1 On R&B Billboard Charts

Congratulations to Def Jam singer, Jhene Aiko as her EP Sail Out has reached the No 1. Spot on the Billboard R&B charts and number eight on the Billboard Hot 200 charts in the country. 

 The 25-year-old made history at ARTium/Def Jam where she achieved the label’s biggest ever EP debut week, selling over 33,000 in its first week. 

 Aiko continues to promote her EP as she prepares for her debut LP Souled Out which is projected to release sometime in 2014. She has also made special appearances on Drake’s Would You Like A Tour and currently shooting a video for her single “The Worst”. Once again congratulations on all of your success.

T.I. & Grand Hustle Signs to Columbia Records

With the completion of T.I.’s 10-year contract with Atlantic Records, T.I. takes his talents and Grand Hustle label to Columbia Records under a new deal. 

His forthcoming album Trouble Man: He Who Wears The Crown will be released in the new year of 2014 under his new deal. Pharrell, Timberland and DJ Toomp will be featured on the album along with others. 

Read the full press release below: 

“We’re very excited to welcome T.I. to the Columbia family. With his massive US success and career history, we are going to make him an even bigger superstar on a global level.” – Rob Stringer, Chairman/CEO Columbia Records “I’m honored to be partners with such a successful, passionate and creative conglomerate like Columbia Records, who respects and supports the vision of their artist and partners. Nothing but love, respect & appreciation for Doug Morris, Rob Stringer and the entire staff. Also, a special thank you to my big bruh, Sk8board P, for always believing in me and also executive producing my upcoming project.”- T.I. “We’re excited to be in business with Columbia Records and it’s team of leadership. I’m now looking forward to spreading our music on a global level.”- Jason Geter, Grand Hustle Source

Stay tuned for more updates. 

Jay-Z Signs Jeezy to Roc Nation

2013 has been a big year for Jeezy, from dropping Young from his name, released new projects, signed new artists to his CTE label and is dropping new music back to back! Last week Jeezy went to Twitter to vent about his frustrations with Def Jam threatening that he would leak his own album if certain needs aren't met. As a result of his unsatisfactory with Def Jam, he decided to partner with Jay-Z's Roc Nation's label and possibly his CTE imprint who's under Atlantic Records. Earlier today, Jeezy took a picture with Jay-Z with the caption reading "It's Official Now. CTE x Roc Nation x It’s Tha World" announcing the new partnership. Details of this deal have yet to be revealed.

New Music: Beyonce - "God Made You Beautiful"

For weeks we have been waiting on the full audio of Beyonce’s new record “God Made You Beautiful” and here you have it! The song serves as a vocal tribute to her daughter Blue Ivy; opening with “When you were born, the angels signed with delight”. The song will be a part of the release of the Life Is But A Dream DVD, available this coming Tuesday. Check out the track above.

Ciara Flaunts Body In GQ Photo Spread

Who knew that Ciara’s return with her hit single “Body Party” and relationship with now fiancé Future that she would be the hottest topic in the R&B world. In a new spread for GQ Magazine CiCi flaunts her amazing body for the camera, proving to fans that she still has her “goodies”. Ciara talks about her return to the industry, success of her latest album, her style do’s and don’ts for men and more. To get more deets about the hot spread check it out here.

Eminem's "MMLP2" Tops Billboard Charts

Eminem’s The Marshall Mather LP 2 was expected to sell roughly 750,000 copies during its first week of sales according to predictions. However it exceeded that by 42,000, bringing a grand total of 792,000 units sold in the first week. MMLP2 is the seventh consecutive album to debut at No. 1 on the charts for Em. 

 This makes Em second to Justin Timberlake’s The 20/20 Experience (968,000) as far as having the most first week sales this year. In third place is Drake’s Nothing Was the Same (658,000). Eminem is the first artist since The Beatles in 1964 to have four singles listed in the Top 20; “Berzerk”, “Rap God”, “Survival” and “The Monster”. 

 Congrats Em on your success, Im sure MMLP2 will be platinum in no time!

Joe Budden & Tahiry Talk Love & Hip Hop NY, Marriage and Music With HOT 97 Morning Show

As part of promotion for the latest season of Love and Hip Hop New York, Joe Budden and Tahiry stopped by the Hot 97 Morning Show to talk about their roles, marriage; clearing the rumors that they are not married or engaged. They also discuss individual projects and if they felt they were being outshined by Peter Gunz and his love triangle with Tara and Amina. Check out the full interview above.

Pusha T Graces Cover of The Source Magazine & Releases "Hold On" Video Feat. Rick Ross

Pusha T graces the cover of the December issue of The Source Magazine in what is his first major placement on a print cover in his career. In this month’s issue of The Source you’ll read how Push has been influenced by working with Kanye West, life as a former drug-dealer from Virginia and more. 

 Pusha T has also released a visual for the track “Hold On” featuring Rick Ross from his debut album. Check out the video below. Last month Pusha T released his debut album, My Name Is My Name which is available on iTunes and on store shelves.

New Music: Jeezy Feat. Rocko & 2 Chainz - "Benihana"

Jeezy is turning it up a notch with his latest track “Benihana.” He is also joined by Rocko and 2 Chainz for a dope collaboration! Jeezy and the CTE family are working hard to finish their upcoming project Its Tha World Vol. 2 dropping November 27. Check out the track below.

New Video: Casey Veggies Feat. Dom Kennedy - "She In My Car"

Inglewood rapper Casey Veggies released a visual for his track “She In My Car” featuring Dom Kennedy. The video was directed by Zack Warren while showcasing the rappers living his lavish life in his luxury home with an amazing view over the city of Los Angeles. The track can be found on Casey’s latest project Life Changes. Watch the video above and download the mixtape below.

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10 Year Anniversary of Jay Z's "The Black Album"

Today, (Nov 14) marks the 10-year anniversary of Jay Z’s LP The Black Album. Back in 2003, Hov lead many people to believe that this would be his last album. This album features hits such as “99 Problems, “Change Clothes”, “Encore”, and “What More Can I Say.” Today Hov is honored for his great contribution to the hip hop culture and for making music everyone will remember.

New Mixtape: Omarion - "Care Package 2"

Former B2K member and new MMG signee, Omarion is back with the the second installment of his Care Package series. This new EP is hosted by Def Jam Vice President of A&R Don Cannon. He also welcomes a few of his industry friends such as Nipsey Hussle, Audio Push and Cassie Veggies. Check out the mixtape below.

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New Video: The Game - "All That (Lady)"

 Newly appointed signee to Cash Money Records, The Game has finally released a visual for his single “All That (Lady)” from his latest album Jesus Piece. The rapper was inspired by the D’Angelo record, so the video shows him spending quality time with his girl. The song features Lil Wayne, Big Sean, Jeremih and Fabolous. Check out the video above. The Game’s new mixtape Operation Kill Everything is available now.

New Video: Tyga - "Throw It Up"

YMCMB signee Tyga teamed up with Revolt TV to premiere the visual for his new track “Throw It Up.”It seems as if Tyga was in the Halloween spirit when he developed this concept. The video shows the rapper in ghoul attire with models acting as blood-sucking vampires. The DJ Mustard produced track is now available on iTunes and will be featured on the fourth installment of his Well Done series coming soon. Check out the video.

Gabrielle Union Graces Cover of December Issue of Essence Magazine

Gabrielle Union who recently celebrated her birthday snagged the cover of Essence magazine December issue. In December’s issue Union sat down with Essence’s entertainment editor Cori Murray to discuss her role as Mary Jane, how she deals with rejection in Hollywood and being a former mean-girl.” 

 What most of you may not know is that Gabrielle Union was rejected for the lead role as Olivia Pope in the ABC hit series Scandal which is played by Kerry Washington. Another role she didn’t get was the lead role in Jumping The Broom. You may wonder why someone with such great acting skills didn’t get these roles, right? Well you’re going to have to pick up the new issue of Essence and find out. 

 However rejection can be good in some situations. Union’s rejection opened doors for a great opportunity such as Being Mary Jane. While auditioning for Jumping The Broom, she impressed Salim Akil so much he recommended her for Mara Brock-Akil’s latest project, Being Mary Jane. So I guess it safe to say that good things come to those who wait. Union’s show Being Mary Jane will premiere January 7th on BET. 

 Aside from her new lead role and how she deals with rejection from Hollywood, Union also discusses changing her life for the better and how “living your truth takes real courage.” She even mentions her love life with NBA player Dwayne Wade. 
 Be sure to catch the full interview in the December issue of Essence on stands now.