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frank-ocean-grammys

Fresh off winning and performing at the Grammy Awards, Frank Ocean made his way across the Atlantic to London, England this week. The singer took time from his busy schedule to catch up with BBC Radio 1′s Zane Lowe on Tuesday afternoon. During their on-air conversation they discuss his unforgettable night at the GRAMMYs, and name drops Prince as the one artist he would’ve love to have met that evening.

The two also discuss recently working with Pharrell, an upcoming studio session with Dangermouse, and being a fan of U.K.’s King Krule. When it comes to his sophomore album, Frank reveals that he’s deep into the new record and that he’s planning to rent a place in Bora Bora to work on his new project following his London trip.

“I’m like 10, 11 songs into this next thing. It’s another cohesive thing, bordering on a concept record again. At the end of channel, ORANGE there’s “Golden Girl,” and it’s this beach scene. And I kind of want it to extend that feel into the next record all together, kind of make it that theme.”

Listen to the full 28-minute interview below……

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2pac

It’s been seven years since we last saw a posthumous 2Pac release — with 2006′s Pac’s Life — but it sounds like his catalog is set to grow once again. According to Billboard, the legendary West Coast rapper’s mother, Afeni Shakur, is eager to have his entire body of work made available to his fans. This sounds hopeful as ‘Pac’s estate was recently signed over to Jampol Artist Management. Tom Whalley, the A&R executive who first signed ‘Pac to Interscope in the early ’90s, will be working with Jampol to release the material. In a statement, Afeni said:

I believe it is our responsibility to make sure that Tupac’s entire body of work is made available for his fans. My son left many incomplete pieces and even more unfinished ideas. Using the blueprints he gave us, I am committed to fulfilling this duty.”

Related:
New Music: James Brown and Tupac “Unchained (The Payback/Untouchable)”
Dr. Dre Says Tupac Hologram Was Only for Coachella 2012
Afeni Shakur Approved Tupac Hologram Tribute at Coachella 2012

ghostface killah

It’s been a painful few years of waiting, but the sequel to Ghostface Killah’s classic 2000 LP, Supreme Clientele, will finally see the light of day this year. Tony Starks shared the good news in an interview with Montreality, in which he elaborated that Supreme Clientele 2: Blue & Cream could release anywhere between July and September — but most likely in August (don’t hold him to it, though).

Touching on other upcoming projects, Ghost clarified that his collaborative LP with MF DOOM will also arrive in 2013 (most likely around Halloween) and revealed that RZA is enlisting “real magicians,” no sample-based beats, for the potential 20th Anniversary Wu-Tang album. It sounds like internal disagreements has held up progress thus far, but here’s to hoping the crew put aside their differences and bless us with that good music.

Meanwhile, Ghostface Killah’s collaborative album with producer Adrian Younge, Twelve Reasons to Die, is due out April 16. Listen to its first single, “The Rise of Ghostface Killah,” here.

Watch Ghostface’s interview with Montreality after the jump…

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sean9

He may take his fair share of fashion tips from ‘Ye, but there’s no denying Big Sean’s reputation as one of the best-dressed men in hip-hop today. In an announcement that will come as a surprise to few, the G.O.O.D. Music rapper has launched his own clothing and lifestyle brand, Aura Gold. Sean will debut the company’s first fashion line, Finally Famous, at ProjectMVMNT in Las Vegas, which runs from Feb. 19-21. He also offers us a sneak peek at the collection (modeled by himself) in VIBE‘s Feb/March “Style” issue.

Launching my own label is a dream come true for me. Even though I have a lot to learn about fashion and the industry, I do know what I like and the small details that make something stand out to me. I look forward to evolving the line with more colors, fabrications and offerings to show the other dimensions of my style progression over time.

Check out VIBE‘s pics of Big Sean’s very first fashion line after the jump…

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Ne-Yo performs before the NBA All-Star game

All eyes are on Houston, Texas tonight as some of the NBA’s best come together for the 2013 All-Star Game. Right before tipoff at Houston’s Toyota Center, Ne-Yo kicked off the evening by performing a medley of “Lets Go,” “Let Me Love You,”and  “Forever Now” during the player introductions. Dealing with sound issues, the R&B star took to Twitter and reacted to viewers who felt his performance was underwhelming.

Shout out to those showing love. Everybody has an off day….all good. Fuck any and all haters. Talk it while I live it bitches!!!

Check out Ne-Yo’s performance below…..

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beyonce-oprah

Just hours before her recent HBO documentary Beyoncé: Life Is But a Dream documentary, Beyoncé sat down with Oprah for a one-on-one sit down. In the hour-long conversation, the two discuss her electric Super Bowl performance, and the preparation leading up to it which she says “I’ve never worked so hard for 12 minutes in my life.” They touch on her her documentary and opening up like we’ve never seen before, from wanting to make love with husband Jay-Z, to the status of her relationship with father and former manager Matthew Knowles.

Bey discusses her tragic miscarriage, and going through a second pregnancy leading to the birth of her daughter Blue Ivy. She also touches on the major role husband Jay-Z plays in her life, not using Twitter, and her plans for 2013.

Watch as the full episode of “Oprah’s Next Chapter” with Beyoncé below……

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omarion

Omarion released his first project on Maybach Music Group last year with the Care Package EP, but now he’s readying his first full-length album since joining Rick Ross’ empire. The LP will be titled Love & Other Drugs (yeah, the namesake of the 2010 rom-com starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway). In an interview with VIBE, Maybach O revealed that the album — his fourth in total — will speak “from more of an honest place” and will look to revive that classic R&B sound of old, à la R. Kelly and Jodeci. Jhené Aiko is a confirmed guest.

I’ve matured and experienced older women, experienced certain things in love and to life. It’s like I’m speaking differently. Speaking from more of an honest place where I’ve actually experienced [things]. Because when men go through something with a woman it’ll change your whole point of view. It’ll make you poetic and all kinds of shit.

Related:
New Video: Omarion feat. Problem and Tank “Admire”
New EP: Omarion ‘Care Package’
New Video: Omarion Feat. Wale “M.I.A.”

reginae carter

Young Money just got, well, younger. In an interview with Rap-Up at Cash Money’s Pre-Grammys Party, President Mack Maine made a surprise announcement that the label has signed Lil Wayne’s 14-year-old daughter, Reginae Carter. Mack had high praise for their teenage signee, calling her a “megastar” and said that we should “expect greatness.” Reginae was previously part of the girl group OMG Girlz, who saw viral success with their 2012 pop-rap track, “Gucci This (Gucci That).” If you remember, she was also seen rapping in the 2009 Lil Wayne documentary, The Carter.

Wayne’s daughter, Reginae, is actually signed to Young Money now,” he said. “Just expect greatness. She’s Toya [Wright's] daughter and Wayne’s daughter, so that’s a great combination. She’s a star, put it like that. A megastar.

During the interview, Mack Maine also spoke on Young Money’s other new additions, which include PJ Morton (who has a single with Stevie Wonder coming soon), Torion Sellers and We the Future.

Watch the interview after the jump…

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yo gotti

Yo Gotti has become the latest rapper to merge his imprint with a major label. The Memphis native has announced a partnership between between his CMG imprint and Epic Records. The multi-million dollar, multi-tier deal offers CMG a complete distribution and promotional opportunity. Gotti explains that he was fielding large figure deals from a number of labels, but he felt that the offer from Epic made the most business sense. This comes just a few days after Gotti posted the above picture of himself and Epic Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid.

This is a solid partnership that allows me to do what I do on bigger platforms, with the respect and support of the Epic team. Throughout L.A. Reid’s career, I realize he has been a part of creating some of the biggest superstars in the industry. I feel there is no better person to partner with.

A lot of labels were talking big checks, but the money didn’t interest me. I wanted a partner that wasn’t afraid to work as hard as I do. I knew that by sticking to my independent business mind frame and continuing to chase my dream, that the right situation was going to come.

Related:
New Music: Kirko Bangz Feat. Yo Gotti “Disrespect”
New Music: Gunplay ft. Yo Gotti “Definition of a Plug,” Plus Busta Rhymes x Trey Songz
Yo Gotti Reacts to Gucci Mane’s Diss: “I’m More Disappointed”

kid cudi indicud

Good news, Cudi fans: Indicud finally has a release date. The Lonely Stoner took to Twitter early this morning to announce that his third solo album is scheduled to arrive April 23. The LP, which has already spawned two well-received singles in “Just What I Am” featuring King Chip and “King Wizard,” was last expected to drop in March, but it’s possible label issues (which Cudder didn’t hold his tongue about) could have caused the slight push back. “Immortal,” Indicud‘s official second single, is expected to release soon. Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, Common and Ratatat are all expected to guest on the album.

Related:
Kid Cudi Is Reborn: Opens Up on Depression, Family Stability, ‘Cruel Summer’ with Complex
New Video: Kid CuDi “King Wizard”
New Music: Big Boi Feat. Kid Cudi “She Hates Me”

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