After rumors of Whitney Houston’s death hit Twitter, our inboxes were flooded with all kinds of reports both denying and verifying claims. However, the AP has officially confirmed the legendary singer has died. Whitney’s publicist spoke to the outlet earlier this evening. Stay tuned for more details as no further information has been released on her death at this time.

Publicist Kristen Foster said Saturday that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unknown.

UPDATE: Whitney’s body was found at the Beverly Hills Hotel at 3:55pm PT. Paramedics could not revive her.

CNN confirms Whitney’s body guard, named Ray, found her body. It was not Ray J as first reported.

CNN also says Jennifer Hudson may perform Whitney tribute during Grammy Awards

Simon Cowell says he had Whitney in mind for the next season of X-Factor.

JustJared says Whitney’s camp confirmed the Clive Davis party is cancelled and a small gathering of friends and family will take place instead.
CNN says the parry will be happening tonight. Info says invited guests have told her the same thing.

Mariah Carey tweeted: “Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston. My heartfelt condolences to Whitney’s family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth.”

Whitney was just spotted at Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party with Brandy and Monica…
She also performed “Yes, Jesus Loves Me” at a Grammy party 2 days ago…
footage after the jump…

While details are still coming in regarding the tragic, shocking and unfortunate death of the great Whitney Houston, many celebrities have taken to Twitter to express shock and their condolences to one of the greatest voices of our time.

RIP Whitney Houston.

Reactions from all corners of the entertainment industry after the jump…..

Previously: Rest In Peace: Whitney Houston, Dead At Age 48

Childish Gambino and an unknown female take a trip for a little rendezvous in “Heartbeat.” The single is off Gambino’s Camp LP that’s out now.

Purchase on iTunes

More videos from Freeway, Phonte, and Maino, after the jump….

We heard the single, here’s the accompanying video for Freeway’s new single off the upcoming Freedom of Speech project. Mike Tom Larkin handles the directorial duties.

The day-to-day struggles some go through. Phonte plays the workforce in his latest video for “The Good Fight,” the 9th Wonder-produced cut off last year’s standout Charity Starts At Home album.

Maino brings a true story to life in the video for “Criminal,” watch out for them jack boys and download Maino’s I Am Who I Am mixtape.

No one could of ever imagined the amount of success Jeremy Lin has had in the past couple weeks. Admitting doubts of Lin not being able to play defense and finishing at the basket, his own coach Mike D’Antoni was even weary of giving him a legitimate chance. But as the Harvard graduate continues to fuel the Knicks with a three game win streak without their star powers, averaging 25.3 points and 8.3 assists over his past three games, we’re amped Linsanity continues.

Either Kobe Bryant has been living under a rock, or just doesn’t keep up with NBA’s daily headlines, as he said he had no idea of Lin’s emergence. During his post game interview after beating the Celtics last night, the fifth highest scoring player in NBA history said he wasn’t aware of the Linsanity movement.

“What? I have no idea, I mean I know who he is, but I don’t really know what’s going on too much with that.”

Make sure you tune in tonight when the Knicks square off against the Lakers at 8PM, televised on MSG and ESPN.

(UPDATE): Catch Lin’s career high 38-point performance against the Lakers. Plus, Metta World Peace’s Pre-Game Interview: “Get some swag,” and more all after the jump.

Has Lin finally found a place to stay besides on his brother’s couch? More coverage of Linsanity after the jump.

Note:
- Lin set an NBA record by scoring the most points (89) by any player in their first three starts since the ABA/NBA merger in 1976-77.
- In Lin’s post-game interview with the press, he mentioned his brother like relationship with Yao Ming. The interview can be seen here.

Plus: Metta World Peace, Lakers forward and Queens native, weighs in on Jeremy Lin during a pre-game interview.

“Q: Did the Lakers talk about him in the locker room?
A: Yeah, we talk about him. We think he needs a better haircut. I don’t like that style. You’re in New York, the fashion capital. Change your haircut, OK? You’re a star now…
Q: Do you wear leather pants?
A: No, I won’t wear them, but he should wear leather pants. He’s the type of guy who should wear leather pants, some nice shoes and change his fashion. You’re Jeremy Lin, for godsakes…Get some swag.”

Also: With 38 Points, the Legend Grows (NYT) | Lin’s Appeal: Faith, Pride and Points (NYT) | Jeremy Lin on Kobe Bryant, God, and His Fast Break to Fame (WSJ) | Lin Keeps His Cool; Around Him, Heads Spin (NYT)

Even though it’s only been three games, Lin has proven he’s a point guard not to underestimate. And while many question if he’ll be able to sustain his numbers for the rest of the season, we’re still amazed by his recent performance against the Wizards.

From Harvard to the NBA, here’s a little summary of the ups and downs he’s been through since finding success with the Knicks.

If all the nicknames, gifs and raps about Lin aren’t enough, the Fung Brothers present “The Lin Effect.”

(BONUS): Add Retailers to the List of Those Who Never Saw Him Coming (NYT) | Houston Rockets General Manager Regrets Cutting Lin (ESPN)

Previously:
Asian NBA Star Jeremy Lin Sparks New York Knicks Excitement

On Thursday, we caught Surf Club member Hit-Boy in his Watch The Throne-produced single’s video for “Ni**as In Paris.” Friday, the other leading face from the collective, Chase N. Cashe, released The Heir Up There. For his follow up to 2011’s Gumbeaux, the rapper/producer enlists Hit-Boy, Tha Bizness, araabMUZIK, and more on the DJ Drama-hosted project.

Catch the tracklisting and download link after the jump….

DOWNLOAD: Chase N. Cashe – The Heir Up There (Mixtape) (Hosted by DJ Drama)

Previously: Chase N. Cashe - Gumbeaux (Mixtape)

Friday marked the six-year anniversary of James “J-Dilla” Yancey. In honor of the great producer hailing from Detroit, Big Sean released a freestyle over a classic from Jay Dee’s Donuts.

New Music: Big Sean – “Two Can Win” (prod. by J-Dilla)

In honor of J. Dilla being one of the most influential producers of all time, I decided to lay a verse to one of my favorite tracks off of J. Dilla’s Donuts. Being from Detroit I feel I have a responsibility to honor his legacy n continue it in my own way. His soul will live forever… RIP J. Dilla

via Big Sean

New collabs from Freddie Gibbs Feat. Young Jeezy, and Raheem DeVaughn Feat. Snoop Dogg, after the jump….

New Music: Freddie Gibbs Feat. Young Jeezy – “Mobbin” (No Tags)

It’s CTE or nothin’ as Freddie Gibbs and Young Jeezy keep it in camp for their latest off the upcoming It’s The World project. (Props to OnSMASH)

New Music: Raheem DeVaughn Feat. Snoop Dogg – “Be The One”

With his new Destination Loveland EP set to drop on Valentine’s Day, Radio Rah gives us the Snoop Dogg-featured “Be The One” off the project.

WOW! Beyoncé and Jay-Z are sharing their world in a way we’ve never seen before. The happy parents debuted photos of their newborn daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, and don’t even front…the baby is adorable : )

I also think it’s a nice change that the Carters eschewed the whole tabloid bidding war tackiness, instead choosing to post the photos on the Blue Ivy’s own tumblr page, lol. (Do you think tumblr had to come up off something though?)

Check out more super cute photos of hip hop’s first family: Jay-Z holding his daughter, close-ups of Blue Ivy’s face and more…
After the jump

Previously:
Beyoncé’s Post-Baby Body Is Bananas…At Hubby Jay-Z’s After-Party
Phew! Jay-Z Will Still Curse and Beyonce Won’t Share With Tabloids
EgoTripLand x MissInfo Present: 10 Other Ways Jay-Z Could Celebrate Daughter Blue Ivy’s B-Day
Blue Ivy Carter: 10 Things We Know (or Think We Know) About Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s Baby
Jay-Z Samples His New Baby’s Cries on “Glory” Feat. Blue Ivy Carter! (Updated with Lyrics)
Congratulations to Beyoncé and Jay-Z on the Birth of their Baby Girl! (UPDATE: Blue Ivy Carter)
Rihanna, Gwyneth, Diddy and Snooki?! Wish Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s Blue Ivy Carter a Happy Born Day

Young Jeezy already has his TM103 song “I Do” packed with the star power of Jay-Z and Andre 3000, but now he’s added on Drake for good measure. The original version was recorded two years ago, so maybe the Drake verse is to refresh it.

New Music: Young Jeezy Feat. Jay-Z, Drake, and Andre 3000 – “I Do” (Alternate)

(Thanks BoBo!)

Andre 3k is the king of intermittent rap blessings, but he stays busy grooming himself, lol…see after the jump…

Related: The Goofiest Photo of Drake and Rihanna (From “Take Care” Video Shoot)
Behind The Scenes: Waka Flocka Flame Feat. Drake “Round Of Applause” (Video)
Young Jeezy feat. Jay-Z and Andre 3000 “I Do”: Is This The Song That Brings Jeezy Back?

After having Pete Rock kick off the “Black Fist Fridays” Throwback at Noon series, Mister Cee tapped Questlove to spin his favorite tunes this afternoon. He mixed it up with an incredible selection of classics from J. Dilla, Mos Def, Tribe, and all the oldies. Quest dedicated his set to Dilla, who he says was his mentor.

It was also hilarious that Questlove said one of the main reasons he was able to remain great friends with Jay-Z for over decade was because Hov is also a secret nerd at heart. The Roots drummer admitted their bond comes from a nerd-like place.

Listen: Questlove’s Black Fist Friday Guest Mix on Hot97

Download: Questlove’s Black Fist Friday Guest Mix on Hot97 (Audio)

Hit the jump to see 10 Facts About J Dilla You Might Not Know.

1. His Father Ghost-Wrote “It’s a Shame” For The Spinners
2. His First Job Was As A Junior Police Cadet
3. He Studied To Become An Air Force Pilot
4. His First Musical Mentor Was Amp Fiddler, Not Q-Tip
5. NBA Star John Salley Once Managed Him

Click here to see the full Complex feature, written by Chairman Mao!

Related: Mister Cee’s Big Pun ‘Throwback at Noon’ Tribute Mix
Ed Lover x Hot97’s ‘Yo! MTV Raps Classic Cuts’ Throwback Mix
Mr. Cee’s ‘Throwback At Noon’ Big L Tribute
Remembering Heavy D: Mr. Cee’s Tribute Mix, Pete Rock on Hot97, and More

Killa Cam raps about a relationship that went “So Bad.” He links up with Queens native Yummy Bingham, a singer and song writer who is also the god child of Chaka Khan.

New Music: Cam’ron Feat. Yummy “So Bad”

Download “So Bad” here

New tracks from Cassie and Freeway after the jump...

After releasing the trailer for her second studio album two months ago, the Bad Boy recruit releases the full version of “King of Hearts.” Expect the video for this track to be released on Valentine’s Day.

Freeway’s first offering off his upcoming 12-track project Freedom of Speech, presented by Karmaloop Music and Rocksmith.

Related:
Super Bowl Foolery: Cam’ron Loses His ‘NY Giants’ Chain to Cousin Bang
New Music: Mac Miller Feat. Cam’Ron “Dig That”, Plus T.I. And Common
Diddy Speaks On New Signings, Past & Present of Bad Boy with Funkmaster Flex