Fresh off the heels of “Marvin’s Room” and “Dreams Money Can Buy,” the Toronto emcee has dropped yet another free download in anticipation of his forthcoming album, Take Care. “Trust Issues” is a spin-off of Drake’s feature in DJ Khaled’s “I’m on One” alongside Rick Ross and Lil Wayne.

Drake describes the record as, “my own little thing using some other thing I did. You know,” on his blog, October’s Very Own.

Take Care is scheduled for an Oct. 24 release—Drake’s birthday. in the meantime, you can catch the Degrassi star in Toronto headlining Ovofest on July 31 with special guests Rick Ross and The Weeknd.

Drake - Trust Issues


DJ Khaled - I’m On One Ft. Drake, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne


Drake - Marvin’s Room


Drake - Dreams Money Can Buy

What do you think of all the new material Drake has been releasing?

In the small hours of June 5, Kanye West released the official video for “Monster” featuring Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj and Rick Ross on his official website. Previously, an unfinished version of the video had leaked in February featuring decapitated models and a sadomasochistic Nicki Minaj segment. New to the official version of the video–a disclaimer.

In what appears to be an attempt by West’s camp to deter a public relations scandal, the video opens with a disclaimer instead of it’s original Rick Ross cut. In February, the leaked version of the video prompted petitions to Universal Music Group and MTV asking senior management to cut support for the video due to images of “eroticized violence against women.” Despite garnering over 15,000 signatures on the online petition, few changes have been made to the video and instead, a disclaimer was added to the final production. After a minute into the video this much is clear, Kanye West certainly has a controversial interpretation of what it means to be a “monster,” one he’s well aware he will have to defend in the wake of the release.

The frontman of the California rap collective, Odd Future has a released the video for his next single, “She” off of his label debut, Goblin.  The video follows Tyler, the Creator as he tries to encroach on the relationship that vocalist, Frank Ocean has with a girl new to the neighborhood. After some unsuccessful stalking, Tyler is arrested and harassed by an angry, suspecting father but that doesn’t stop him from winning over the new girl in the end. What? Thought all Wolf Hayley made was “horrorcore?”

Lately, Beyonce has been all anyone could talk about. Twitter was recently a flutter with statuses lauding her performance on the Oprah finale today in addition to the leak of her new single “Till the End of Time” and “Run the World (Girls)” video. Today, Beyonce headed to Chicago to perform at the sold-out United Center to give a surprised performance of “Run the World (Girls)” for fellow media and entertainment titan, Oprah Winfrey.

Photo: Complex

What do you think of Beyonce’s performance and menswear inspired attire?

Fresh off the heels of Beyonce’s “Run the World (Girls)” video debut, the next single from her forthcoming album, 4, has leaked to the web. “Till the End of Time” is  a diversion from her first, girl power anthem and an impassioned call for everlasting love.

“Come take my hand, I wont let you go/ I’ll be your friend, I will love you so/I will be the one to kiss you at night, I will love you until the end of time”

The production is a fusion of styles and pulls from a Beyonce favorite, big band horns, in addition to African drum beats, synthesizers and  techno. Read more for a listen of “Till the End of Time.”

Photo: LA Times

What do you think, did Beyonce make another hit?

What do you think of Kreayshawn?

Remember The Weeknd? He’s the Canadian crooner who had the blogosphere and music critics a flutter with the release of his debut project, House of Balloons. To our contentment, Mr. Tesfaye has released a video for his single, “What You Need.” Don’t expect The Weeknd to make an on-screen appearance though, actor Wesley Jonathan is the star of this project. Read more to peep the visuals.

To bring their Drybag collection to the next level, collaborators Stone Island and outdoor gear company, Ortlieb enlisted Italian film makers Lele Saveri and Giulia Maria Venturini to produce “Stone Island Drybags: An Interpretation.” The video features a PVC, waterproof bag bouncing around Milan. Drybags retail for $258 – $360 and are available in their online store. Read more to see the Drybag’s film debut.

Stone Island_Drybags – An Interpretation. from Stone Island on Vimeo.

Last Thursday may have been, perhaps, DC’s most dazzling night of 2011. April 14, marked ReadysetDC’s third installment of its budding fashion showcase, Fashion:District at the chic Longview Gallery in Washington, D.C., a location that certainly added to the razzle-dazzle of the event with its avant-garde art pieces. The night brought out the best of D.C.’s stylish community and 25 Magazine was on the scene to mix, mingle, and document the affair. The sold-out event boasted pop-up shops from Toucan Boutique, ARTAYA, Ginger Root Design, and other great designers.

After an hour of networking, the fashion showcase began which featured clothing and accessories by Durkl, Clockwise Clothing, Hugh & Crye, Derringer Friday, Ginger Root Design, ARTAYA, and SAINTCHiC. The attendees were tipsy, the music was rocking, cameras were flashing, and proceeds from the ticket sales will go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society—all components of a fine evening. ReadysetDC achieved its goal; Fashion:District illuminated Washington, D.C.’s ingenious boutiques, brands, and certainly its glamorous people. Read more for our behind-the-scenes video.

Pacific Division, better known as, Pac Div, have released a video for “Anti-Freeze,” the first single off their recent mixtape, Mania. Their forthcoming album, Grown Kid Syndrome, has no release date but is expected to drop this year. Read more for a stream of Mania.

Pac Div – Mania! (Mixtape) by uristocrat

This weekend, Drake hosted the Juno Awards, a prestigious event honoring the best in music his countrymen have to offer (Read: the Canadian GRAMMYs). The awards were held in Toronto and to open the ceremony Drake led with a skit about his new music business initiative, “Old Money.” Despite having six nominations, Drake did not walk away with any wins this weekend.

“We’re called Young Money because we appeal to a younger demographic and everyone in the label…has a lot of money,” says Drake.

“For this new one coming out this year which is called ‘Take Care’ I think I’ve devised a plan. I really think I’ve stumbled upon an untapped gold mine and instead of Young Money, today, it’s all about ‘Old Money.’”

It’s been some time since Aubrey Graham’s acting days in Canadian teen drama, “Degrassi,” but as far as his Juno skit goes, he’s got comedy down. Read more to see the skit and select winners for the Juno Awards.

Juno Awards Winners:

Juno Fan Choice Award Winner: Justin Bieber

Artist of the Year: Neil Young

Group of the Year: Arcade Fire

New Artist of the Year: Meaghan Smith

New Group of the Year: Said the Whale

Album of the Year & Alternative Album of the Year: Suburbs, Arcade Fire

International Album of the Year: Teenage Dream, Katy Perry

Pop Album of the Year: My World 2.0, Justin Bieber

Single of the Year: “Wavin’ Flag,”  Young Artists for Haiti

R&B/Soul Recoding of the Year: “Stars,” Quanteisha

Rap Recording of the Year: TSOL, Shad

Reggae Recording of the Year: “Likkle But Mi Tallawah,” Elaine Lil’Bit Sheppard

What do you think, did Drake nail the skit?

Former half of British neo-soul duo, Marsha Ambrosius, just released the video to her single, “Far Away” her album “Late Nights and Early Mornings.”  The video doubles as a P.S.A. and plead from Ambrosius to end bullying against members of the LGBT community. In the video Ambrosius writes a letter to fans stating that she lost a friend to suicide and asking that fans not condone bullying and support people with “alternative lifestyles.” Read more for the official video and a behind-the-scenes look.

Behind-the-Scenes of “Far Away”:

What do you think of the video’s concept and execution?

Rihanna hit her home country Barbados to shoot the video for “What’s My Name?” featuring Drake and looked amazing, expect some high cut shorts, fishnet stockings and pinstripes. Read more for the official video.

Yet another Xtra Normal video creation has hit YouTube with viral success. “Black Marriage Negotiations” is a hilarious animation of a black man and woman negotiating the terms of a potential marriage. The woman complains of the lack of “good black men” to the man’s chagrin, who meets all of her unreasonable exceptions–six-figure-salary, willingness to be emasculated, among others–but falls short because he is not 6’5, and for the black woman, it’s a deal breaker. Read more to see the viral video that pokes fun at a popular perspective in the black relationships conversation.

Gotta love the internet for its viral musings. This weekend some hilarious and cute mash-ups of mini-diva, Willow Smith’s “Whip My Hair” and Sesame Street’s “I Love My Hair” hit the web. There are several versions circulating on the web but few took the time to sync the Sesame Street muppet to Smith’s lyrics making @mecjaggar‘s production king. Read more to see the original Sesame Street video for “I Love My Hair,” a song that celebrates Black hair for young children.

Sack like a slacker, hello Mr. Brady /Tell em’ leave the hair for the guy who sings Baby

Justin Bieber’s got skills. The 16-year-old pop star most popular for his multiplatinum single “Baby” and dancing and singing alongside mentor, Usher, can now add rapping to his resume. A video released yesterday pictures the teen heartthrob spitting a suave freestyle over Cam’ron and Vado’s “Speaking Tongues”—and get this, it’s kind of good. Ok, it’s really good. Read more for the video and lyrics.

And because you were wondering, here are the lyrics–courtesy of @HisShawtyMane:

Speaking in tongues
Yaba-diba-diba-da-da
Voila, I’m killing this–caca
Call up Lady Gaga
On my, on my telephone
Hello, dawn
You’re my girl, beats no Metronome
My new chick, she a yellow bone
I buy her yellow stone cause I like the way she got that yellow on

So I’m a raptor, tearin’ it up like a tractor
Matter of fact, I’m killin’ this track, you’re a slacker
Sack like a slacker, hello Mr. Brady
Tell em’ leave the hair for the guy who sings “Baby”
Baby, someone try to save me, lately,
I’ve been hearing these things that sound crazy.

Like….da- da- da
Speaking in Tongues….alright

Alright, stop, drop and roll, Justin Bieber is on fire
It’s time to realize it’s time to call me young sire
You’re the seller, I’m the buyer
You’re the teller, and I’m higher
I’m higher than the highest point and yes, I’m flyer
and I’m wired to the game,
stay dry when it rains
I’m tired of the fame, are you proud of the pain
yes, we’re the same, yes I’m insane
and my mane hangs down, I’m a puppet, got strings

I murdered that man,
(laughs) ok
Shawty Mane, Shawty Mane,
What you Doin Shawty Mane?

haha I’m Justin Bieber
You guys might know me, uh as the guy that sings “Baby”
You know uh I’m a singer
a pop singer
uh I’m white!
But um I just wanted to do this..
just to prove that uh i got skills on the rap game.
so…yea, what up Julkeyz
I killed that, alright peace.

Photo: Bonciz

Drake “Miss Me” from John W on Vimeo.

Drake debuted his video for “Miss Me” on MTV last night. Looks like Lil Wayne made an appearance after all. The video has been getting mixed reviews, what do you think?

Maya “M.I.A.” Arulpragasam has never been a fan of native Sri Lanka’s government. As a result of her public opposition, she has received several death threats. This coupled with her son, Ikhyd Edgar Arular Bronfman, greatly influenced the creation of her upcoming album /\/\/\Y/\ (or, Maya). “XOXO” is one of the LP’s lead singles. Read more about her comments here.

The New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) knows funny. In an effort to promote the NYILFF this week–July 27 to Aug. 1– a series of videos were released. The videos pay homage to those who have supported independent Latino film makers when resources were limited. The NYILFF strives to celebrate the independent Latino film community and will come to a close this weekend. Read more for details on two free panels being offered today in the city.

SATURDAY, JULY 31
HBO PRESENTS “ART OF THE SHORT”
12 – 2:00 PM @ Industry Lounge
Explore the key elements of creating a compelling narrative short – one that showcases a unique style, talent, and point of view – in an intimate workshop hosted by HBO development executives.

“RETHINKING FILM DISTRIBUTION: DOING IT YOURSELF”
2:30 – 4:30 PM @ Industry Lounge
This panel offers an in-depth examination of how to realign your marketing and distribution strategies to capitalize on the new independent distribution landscape, including digital marketing tools, synchronous online/theatrical releases, Video On Demand (V.O.D.) and limited ‘do it yourself’ theatrical runs.

Source: Kiss My Black Ads | NYILF

H.O.P.E.- Bliss from itscalmatic on Vimeo.

“Bliss” will be on Compton emcee, H.O.P.E. upcoming Believe in Hope Wright and features Y-O of U-N-I.

At this year’s Comic Con, Marvel Studios announced the cast of highly anticipated comic adaptation film, The Avengers, featuring famed characters, the Hulk and Captain America.

The Avengers will assemble famed Marvel Comics characters into a super group for the film and is expected to debut in 2012.

Here’s a run-down of the all-star cast:

The Hulk — Mark Ruffalo

Nick Fury — Samuel L. Jackson

Agent Colston — Clark Gregg

Black Widow — Scarlet Johanssen

Thor — Chris Hemsworth

Captain America — Chris Evans

Iron Man — Robert Downey Jr.

Hawkeye — Jeremy Renner

Director: Joss Whedon

Robert Downey Jr. says the film will be more ambitious than hyped, Inception.

“Has everybody seen Inception?” Downey said. “I think that was probably just about the most ambitious movie I’ve ever seen.”

“Marvel Studios is going to take all of their top super heroes and they’re going to put them all together in The Avengers, that’s the most ambitious movie.”

Inspired by the 2008 election, John Legend and The Roots have teamed up to release Wake Up!, an LP filled with soul covers scheduled to drop Sept. 21.“The Fire” is one of 11 tracks on the album and the video was directed by Rik Cordero.

“‘The Fire’ is one of my favorite tracks off HIGO and really feels like something you’d hear in the theater. The line ‘you don’t say good luck, you say don’t give up’ inspired me to create a period piece narrative that stays true to the lyrics while adding another layer to the interpretation,” says Codero.

Joe Budden music makes you want to jump off a bridge, or at least according to his friends. In the latest, and perhaps long overdue, edition of Joe Budden TV, the crew discusses whether Joe Budden’s music qualifies as “emo.” Take a listen to Joe Budden’s latest, “Short Summer” Ft. Emanny and see for yourself.

HBO’s Entourage highly anticipated new season will premiere this Sunday at 10:30 p.m. EST. Watch a preview of the first episode. Looks like Turtle is up to something this season, stay tuned.

Last week, the long awaited follow-up to mixtape, So Far Gone (2009), Thank Me Later has garnered early success. Drake’s debut album allegedly sold 447,00 copies in its first week and debuted at No. 1 on the “Billboard 200″ chart. A considerable high in light of his album’s web leak and overall decline in record sales.

Thank Me Later, featured artists Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, T.I., The Dream and fellow Young Money label mate, Nicki Minaj. Drake is often credited with “microwave success” due to his rapid rise to fame, MTV’s documentary attempted to delve in to the man behind the music. If you missed it last night, read more for the highlights.

Part 2: Drake Just Wants People To Be Confident In His Abilities

Part 3: Drake Puts The Finishing Touches On Thank Me Later

Part 4: Drake’s Biggest Fear Is Losing His Producer, Noah ‘40? Shebib

Part 5: Drake’s Show At Governor’s Island Is Canceled

Part 6: Drake Believes He Gets ‘Everything Good In Life’ From His Mom

Part 7: Drake Sells 446,680 Copies Of Thank Me Later In The First Week

The funny people at UCB, released this hilarious parody of the devastating BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico last week. Their accuracy is uncanny.

And for those who may have been living under a rock, read more for the latest on the oil spill.

On April 20, 2010 the Deepwater Horizon oil in rig exploded off the Louisiana coast in the Gulf of Mexico, killing 11 workings and injuring several others—the largest oil spill in American history. The drilling unit was leased to BP, British Petroleum, and they are being held accountable for the spill and resulting devastation by the U.S. government.

Several unsuccessful attempts have been made to plug the oil leak one mile below the surface, including a procedure referred to as “top kill.” Top kill used a mixture of mud and cement and “junk shots”—think golf balls and rubber tires.

Relief wells have been set up in an effort to contain spewing oil.  Though estimates have fluctuated as more information has become available, scientists estimate that oil is leaking from the blown well at up to 60,000 barrels a day. Government officials estimate that oil will continue to leak into the relief wells into August, according to The New York Times.

Soul music rose to fame in the 1960s, a cross road of gospel and rhythm and blues. What started as Ray Charles’ “I Got A Woman” (1954) and Solomon Burke’s “Cry To Me” (1960) developed into an expansive field of music with many subgenres—think Motown, Neo Soul, Nu Jazz. “A Brief History of Soul Music” video pays tribute to what creator, Adam Grabowski, considers the golden era of music.  Read more for some tracks from the honored artists.

Fenton Robinson – “You Don’t Know What Love Is” (1974)

Herbie Hancock – “Chameleon” (1973)

Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes – “I Should Be Your Lover” (1980)

The Four Tops – “Walk Away Renee” (1968)

Ramsey Lewis – “Sun Goddess” (1974)

James Brown – “I Got You” (I Feel Good) (1965)

Actor Lance Gross prepares for a new short film giving fans a look into his newly single life. His new feature, “Day in the Life of Lance Gross,” will be coming soon.

(Photo: NecoleBitchie)

DMV artist Phil Ade debuted the video for “The Letter” via Twitter. It is the first song off his Don Cannon hosted tape, The Letterman. The video was directed by 1st Impressions Studio. The Letterman will be presented on July 6th on Okay Player, DJ Booth, and Sneaker Pimps.

Essence Magazine debuts the video for Trey Songz’s seventh single, “Yo Side of the Bed,” featuring Keri Hilson as the love interest. Songz steers away from his usual sexual persona and delves into a more emotional, family oriented role for this video.