The U.S. leg of Rihanna’s “LOUD” tour came to a close in Boston on Sunday (July 24). Along the way, she was joined by her pals Drake, Jay-Z, and Kanye West, who performed “All of the Lights” and “Run This Town” with her at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, New York. In this behind-the-scenes footage, the superstars are seen preparing to go on stage. Watch as they meet up backstage, mingle with Heidi Klum, and perform “All of the Lights.”
Jay-Z and Kanye West have combined their talents to create a group dubbed “The Throne” and will release their collaborative album exclusively to iTunes on August 8. It will be available at additional physical and digital retailers on August 12, featuring the lead track “Otis,” as well as collaborations with Beyoncé, Frank Ocean, and Mr. Hudson.
On the same day as the iTunes release, tickets for their fall tour will go on sale to the public. The North American trek kicks off September 22 in Detroit and travels to cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, and Boston.
Starting July 28, fans that visit Live Nation’s website will have access to pre-sale tickets, which includes a digital copy of the album.
Watch the Throne Tour Dates
Sept. 22 – Detroit, MI – Palace of Auburn Hills
Sept. 24 – Toronto, ON – Air Canada Centre
Sept. 25 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
Sept. 27 – East Rutherford, NJ – Izod Center
Sept. 28 – East Rutherford, NJ – Izod Center
Sept. 28 – Washington, D.C. – Verizon Center
Oct. 4 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Oct. 6 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Oct. 7 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Oct. 8 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
Oct. 10 – Denver, CO – Pepsi Center
Oct. 13 – Tacoma, WA – Tacoma Dome
Oct. 14 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
Oct. 16 – San Jose, CA – HP Pavilion
Oct. 17 – Sacramento, CA – Power Balance Pavilion
Oct. 19 – Los Angeles, CA – Staples Center
Oct. 20 – Los Angeles, CA – Staples Center
Oct. 21 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena
Oct. 25 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
Oct. 26 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
Oct. 29 – Atlanta, GA – Philips Arena
Oct. 30 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum
Nov. 1 – Baltimore, MD – 1st Mariner Arena
Nov. 3 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
I CAN’T WAIT!!!!!
Washington, DC rapper Wale is among the African artists who are banding together to present the African Connection Relief Event (A.C.R.E.).
The event is aimed at promoting awareness about the plight of the African continent, in addition to bridging gaps between African entertainers and American artists of all types, within the community.
The event also serves as a fundraiser for the group’s organizations, Artists for Charity (AFC).
A number of widely celebrated African musical artists will perform during A.C.R.E.’s event, which will take place at the Patriot Center on the campus of George Mason University.
In addition to Wale, whose parents hail from Nigeria, 2011 BET International Artist of the Year Tuface Idibia and International Recording artist M.I. will make appearances.
Other artists to hit the stage during the evening include Wande Coal, Wiz Kid, Banky W, Naeto C and Skales, while a special guest appearance will be made by DJ Tay James, the official DJ of Justin Bieber. Sources told the Associated Press that the group will hold a press conference on Friday (July 29), to unveil more details about the African Connection Relief Event as well as the Artist for Charity organization.
For more information visit http://www.acreconcert.com.
Prosecutors have accused rapper Lil Boosie of paying $15,000 to have rival rapper Christopher “Nussie” Jackson murdered. Prosecutors played a videotaped statement from Michael “Marlo Mike” Louding in court this week. Louding confessed to detectives that Lil Boosie wanted Nussie killed, after the rapper was allegedly disrespectful to one of Lil Boosie’s associates during an altercation. According to The Advocate, Lil Boosie hired Louding and another associated named Michael “Ghost” Judson to murder Nussie, as well as another man named Terry Boyd. Only Michael Louding is on trial for the murder of Christopher “Nussie” Jackson, because Judson is dead.
Louding’s trial for murdering Nussie is just the start, as he has been charged with five other murders between 2009 and 2010. Rapper Lil Boosie, born Torrence Hatch, is also charged with first-degree murder in one of the killings. Prosecutors claim to have evidence that Lil Boosie hired Louding to shoot a man named Terry Boyd in October of 2009. Lil Boosie, 28, was not charged in the death of Christopher “Nussie” Jackson, because he did not have direct contact with Michael Louding prior to Nussie’s murder.
Earlier this week, Lil Boosie was accused of attempting to smuggle drugs into a second state prison in Louisiana. The rapper was indicted for trying to smuggle codeine into Angola State Prison, as well as the Dixon Correctional Institute at Jackson, where he was previously incarcerated, while serving a 10-year sentence for possession of marijuana. Prosecutors are still debating if they are going to seek the death penalty against Lil Boosie.
Many people like myself are in total disbelief as the news of Amy Winehouse’s death reaches the masses. I honestly loved her music, both of her CD’s Frank and Back to Black evoke a certain musical genius that many artists can’t tap into. Its’ so unfortunate how alcohol and drugs, and other self-destructive patterns can affect us all in the long run. I hope others who may be experiencing her type of troubles will learn from this and seek help.
Jessie J:
“The way tears are streaming down my face. Such a loss. RIP Amy. Man…. Something tells me that we’ll be talking about Amy in 30 yrs time in the same way we tlk about other music legends who’s lives ended early.
Rihanna:
Dear God have mercy!!! I am SICK about this right now! I am genuinely heartbroken about this. #DearAmy U made a MAJAH impression on this industry and throughout the world, in such a short space of time…too short! #ICONSneverDIE
Alexandra Burke:
Omg Amy Winehouse. I am so so sad… My heart goes out to her family. She was so talented and such a lovely lady. May her soul rest in peace. Gone too soon and so young
Nicki Minaj:
Please tell me Amy Winehouse didn’t die. Is this some sick joke?
Monica:
I appreciate artists with true talent that aren’t afraid to be an individual, Amy Winehouse was that. U nor your music will be forgotten.
Melanie Fiona:
I’m so terribly saddened by the death of Amy Winehouse. One of music’s finest and my favourites. Tragic. Smh. #RipAmyWinehouse
Katy Perry:
RIP Amy Winehouse. May she finally find peace
JLS (Oritse):
I can’t believe what i’ve just been told! Amy Winehouse you are one of my all time music heroes! You are now in a better place…times like this remind me why its so important to live live to the fullest!! Amy Winehouse you will be a legend in all out hearts!
Usher:
I’m so sad to hear the horrible news of Amy Winehouse’s death. I’m so happy I knew you Amy…Rest Well. Gone Too Soon…we’ll miss you!
Rita Ora:
RIP Amy Winehouse…Drugs are evil…the devil preys on the weak, don’t support him. Such a loss
Bruno Mars:
Kanye said it best ‘If you admire somebody, you should go ‘head and tell em’ People never get the flowers while they can still smell em’
Estelle:
Beyond hurt right now.
Keri Hilson:
Amy Winehouse…so tragic. I loved her. She inspired me! I kept hoping she’d find a happier place than her self destructive state…damn.
Diddy:
RIP Amy Winehouse
Authorities confirmed that a 27-year-old female was pronounced dead at an apartment in Northern London’s Camden Square, but the cause of death was not immediately known. Amy Winehouse, who was not identified by name, had died before ambulances arrived at the scene.
“Police were called by London Ambulance Service to an address in Camden Square NW1 shortly before 16.05hrs today, Saturday 23 July, following reports of a woman found deceased,” read a press release from the Metropolitan Police. “On arrival officers found the body of a 27-year-old female who was pronounced dead at the scene. Enquiries continue into the circumstances of the death. At this early stage it is being treated as unexplained.”
The soul-jazz singer rose to fame with the release of her 2006 album Back to Black, which won five Grammys and made the beehived singer one of music’s most recognizable stars.
She publicly battled an addiction to drugs and alcohol and was in and out of rehab several times throughout the years.
Celebrities flooded Twitter with their condolences, including Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, and Nas. “R.I.P Sis. Why u couldn’t chill???? why the F*ck U Leave? Love U Sis!” wrote a saddened Nas.
In what comes as tragic news, singer Amy Winehouse was found dead in her London home today. She was 27. Reports confirmed by the UK Press Association.
Story Developing…
Chris Brown’s raps will soon have a home. The singer has announced plans to release a hip-hop mixtape called Boy in Detention.
Breezy took to Twitter to share the news with his fans. “New(chris brown) hip hop mixtape called ‘Boy In Detention’ coming soon!” he wrote.
He has released several R&B mixtapes in the past, including last year’s Fan of a Fan, In My Zone, and In My Zone 2, but this will mark his first full rap release.
“And people… Yes I’m a singer so if this mixtape doesn’t reach your quota for hip hop! Simply don’t listen,” he forewarned skeptics.
The 22-year-old star has been brushing up on his rhyme skills in the last week with the release of freestyles “Real Hip-Hop Shit # 3” and “Real Hip-Hop Shit #4” produced by 9th Wonder.
R. Kelly has been forced to take a break from touring as he undergoes emergency throat surgery.
“R&B superstar R. Kelly will be laid up for an indefinite amount of time after undergoing an emergency procedure at Northwestern Memorial Hospital yesterday to drain an abscess on one of his tonsils,” stated his rep.
The 44-year-old entertainer had visited a throat specialist after complaining of severe throat pain. After a preliminary exam, he was rushed to Northwestern Memorial for the procedure.
It is not known when Kelly, who recently wrapped the U.S. leg of his worldwide “Love Letter” tour, will return to the stage. He had to cancel a show scheduled for Friday at the Reggae Sumfest festival in Jamaica.
“I’d like to thank everybody for their love, concern and support. I WILL BE BACK!” tweeted Kellz.
After confirming an early August release date for “Watch The Throne,” Jay-Z and Kanye West have released a new song from their highly anticipated collaborative album. “Otis,” a hard-hitting track built around an Otis Redding sample, hit the web tonight via Funk Master Flex’s blogsite.
After months of waiting, “Watch The Throne” is set to be released digitally on Aug. 1 and hit shelves four days later. Full production credits for the album leaked yesterday after the deluxe track listing revealed guest spots by Beyonce, Frank Ocean, and Mr. Hudson.
Dre Black So Fresh 