What started off as a joke via twitter will mark the first leg of Lupe Fiasco’s “building minds faster” effort as the Chicago emcee starts a book club.

Fiasco tweeted “Chris Hedges’ Empire Of Illusion check-in. Who picked it up? Gettin’ my “Lupe Winfrey’s Rules 2 Rule Book Club” on! Hahaha…” and once a fan responded that he would join Lupe Fiasco’s book club, Fiasco took the idea and ran with it.

This week’s book is Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle by Chris Hedges. Fiasco is giving club members of #TheReaders a week to read a book and at the end of the week he’ll hold a Ustream chat to discuss the book. This may be a step in the right direction for Fiasco as he tries to strengthen the relationship with his fans in the time leading to the release of his forthcoming album, LASERS as well as expand their minds.

- Letese’ Clark

Ryan Leslie introduces the first single “You’re Not My Girl” off his forthcoming sophomore album, Transition, with a vibe that gets fellas nodding heads both to the beat and in agreement, instantly bringing about a two-step. “You could call my phone, you could swing over my way…just remember that you’re not my girl.” A montage of several musical creations such as Lloyd’s “All Around the World” and Jamie Fox’s “Digital Girl,” the video paints a colorful canvas with vibrant lights and lasers. The group of women flocking around him confirms that he is not interested in a sole lady.

–Letese’ Clark

Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJkpxxs-BhM