First Look: Mr. Hudson – “Straight No Chaser” Album Cover Art, Album Sampler & Tracklisting

Here is look at Mr. Hudson’s upcoming album’s cover art and tracklisting. There also a nice surprise included in this post…an album sampler. So preview G.O.O.D Music artist Mr. Hudson album “Straight No Chaser” and see if it an LP you’ll be checking for. Album in stores October 5.

Tracklisting:

1. Supernova (w/ Kanye West)
2. White Lies
3. Straight No Chaser
4. Knew We Were Trouble
5. Way Out
6. Instant Messenger
7. Anyone But Him (w/ Kanye West)
8. There Will Be Tears
9. Everything Is Broken (w/ Kid Cudi)
10. Stiff Upper Lip
11. Lift Your Head From Your Hands
12. Time

Mr. Hudson – “Straight No Chaser” Album Sampler

To see the previous album cover, click

Video: Mr. Hudson Feat. Kanye West – “SuperNova”

 

If  you are not familiar with Mr. Hudson just yet; don’t worry you will be. Mr. Hudson is the Brit crooner signed to Kanye West’s very talented music label G.O.O.D Music. Here is a video for Mr. Hudson’s “SuperNova” and features Kanye West. Word id Mr. Hudson may be feature on up to 3 tracks on Jay-Z’s upcoming album “The Blueprint 3″ including a spectaular track called “Forever Young.”

Mr. Hudson, “Straight No Chaser” album in stores October 5.

First Look: Vibe Magazine Aug. ’09 (The Final Cover) – The Dream & Christina Milian

Thanks to Rap Radar we get a first look at what turns out to be the final cover of Vibe Magazine. The cover features the Dream holding his rumored fiancé, Christina Milian, by the ta-ta’s.

Props RR

Pics of the Photo Spread:

 

Vibe Magazine Shuts Down Shop; Closes It’s Doors

The legendary magazine Vibe has officially closed for business.  Vibe appears to be the latest casualty in the combined effect of a bad economy and the rising news alternative of blogs, social networking sites, etc. The mag was founded by music innovator and legend Quincy Jones back in 1993. Here’s what Editor-in Chief Danyel Smith (YN’s wife) had to say:

On behalf of the VIBE CONTENT staff (the best in this business), it is with great sadness, and with heads held high, that we leave the building today…We were assigning and editing a Michael Jackson tribute issue when we got the news, It’s a tragic week in overall, but as the doors of VIBE Media Group close, on the eve of the magazine’s sixteenth anniversary, it’s a sad day for music, for hip hop in particular, and for the millions of readers and users who have loved and who continue to love the VIBE brand. We thank you, we have served you with joy, pride and excellence, and we will miss you.”

First Look: Diamond Supply Co.’s Michael Jackson Tribute Tee

Diamond Supply Co. is known for their highly popular Hip-Hop influenced apparel. Well DSC has created a new Michael Jackson tribute tee.  The tee features a young Mike from his J5 days with a pick in the Afro and “RIP MIKE” on the front.

The shirt will be made in VERY limited quantities and will be available at their DSC online store at 11am PST (2pm EST) Wednesday July 1 and in-stores July 3rd.

50 shirts will be available online while 25 shirts will be available in-store.

The jury is still out for me on this one though…

Drake Signs With Lil’ Wayne’s Young Money/Universal Label

After months of rumor and speculation Drake officially has a label home. Home being the operative word because he has signed with his “home” team…Young Money. Drake is already affliated with Young Money; it’s the click he claims and is the protegé of rapper/Young Money boss Lil’ Wayne. So I guess it’s only natural he signs where he feels he’ll get the most support. Drake’s deal also gets distribution through Universal Republic (home to Young Money & Cash Money).  Here are the details:

 

Drake’s official debut LP, Thank Me Later, is currently in production and due later this year, with Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Jay-Z listed as possible collaborators.

Michael Jackson’s Final Rehearsal Photos

Despite specualation of a failing health; Michael’s final bow and rehearsal disputes the claim.  Seen in his final rehearsal for his combak tour “This Is It,” Michael seems energetic, vibrant and truly happy in his element. The rehearsal took place June 23, just two (2) days before Michael would to succumb to cardiac arrest on June 25.

Here are some of the pics from Mike’s final performance.  Also his full rehearsal was taped and recorded and has the possibility of being released as a DVD and live album.

Rapper Tru Life Pleads Not Guilty To 2nd Degree Murder Charge

Rapper & former Jay-Z signee Tru Life made an appearnace in court to enter a plea. He plead not guilty to a second degree murder charge. Here are the details surrounding the charges.  

gang members looking to avenge the shooting of a drug dealer stabbed two men — one fatally — in a Manhattan apartment building lobby earlier this month on June 15.

At the time, it was believed that the man was shot as part of an ongoing fight between Black (one of the men stabbed) and the brother of Tru Life.

As of last week, police believe the rapper knifed Christopher Guerrero, who later died, and agreed to turn himself into police Tuesday night (June 23).

the rapper was also charged with gang assault and is currently being held without bail.

Audio: Young Chris Feat. Freeway & Beanie Sigel – “The Last Two”

Here’s the latest track to leak off of Young Chris’ upcoming mixtape “The Network;” the track is called “The Last Two” and is produced by North Carolina native 9th Wonder. The track features Young Chris’ State Property members Beanie Sigel and Freeway.

Young Chris feat. Freeway & Beanie Sigel - “The Last Two”

Rumors: Did Jay-Z Shut Down A Chris Brown Tribute Performance At The BET Awards? Or CoverGirl?

Rumors are swirling that Jay-Z is the reason the Chris Brown was not allowed to perform a tribute to Michael Jackson. There’s no confirmation but speculation is that Jay-Z threatened not to perform if BET allowed Chris Brown to step foot on the stage. For obvious reasons, Jay-Z’s close relationship with Rihanna, it’s easy to believe that, that’s what took place. Not so, say some reliable sources at BET; Necole Bitchie  is reporting that the real reason C Breezy didn’t get time to shine and pay respects is because of cosmetic giant Cover Girl.  Read details below:

Why Didn’t BET allow Chris Brown to perform?
If you are like me, you were under the impression that BET would allow Chris Brown to perform a tribute to Michael Jackson this year at their awards show. Especially after an appearance from Don Cornelius (who beat his wife), I thought the Chris Brown performance was a “go”. However the BET AWards show ended with a performance by Ne-Yo (who had took to the stage atleast 3 times prior) and Jamie Foxx but no Chris Brown.

From what I hear, Chris Brown really wanted to perform at this year’s Awards show and was willing to pay to make it happen (hmmm). In fact, I hear BET eventually gave him the green light to perform before calling him back with the news that it probably wouldn’t be in their best interest. Why??? Let’s just say, Cover Girl (endorsed by Rihanna) was one of the sponsors of this year’s BET Awards and they threatened they would pull their sponsorship from the Awards show if they allowed Chris to perform. Of course whatever the amount was that Chris “allegedly” was willing to pay wouldn’t offset the money lost from the Cover Girl sponsorship and BET would be better off turning Chris down than to tarnish their relationship with CG. *this could be rumor but I heard this from a very reliable source.