There’s always a special place in our hearts for Big Pun. It’s been 12 years this day since the legendary emcee passed away, but his legacy will forever be cherished. Hot 97’s DJ Mister Cee paid homage to the Big Punisher on Hot 97’s “Throwback at Noon” today by putting together a 60-minute tribute mix. Take a listen below.

Audio: Mister Cee’s Big Pun Tribute ‘Throwback At Noon’ Mix (2-7-12)

Hit the jump to see DJ Whoo Kid reminisce on the time he cursed out Big Pun…

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The Grammy’s performance lineup just got twice as exciting. Three years after canceling his 2009 performance due to his incident with ex-girlfriend Rihanna, it looks like Breezy will be back on stage Sunday night according to The Associated Press. As we all know that we can count on his electrifying dance routines. He’s also nominated for three Grammy’s, Best R&B Album, Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song.

It’s also should be interesting because Rihanna is also scheduled to perform that night. There’s seems to be something a brew between the former lovers….

The performance lineup also features Rihanna, Coldplay, Adele, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj, who made a surprising announcement about what she’ll be performing.

More details after the jump…

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In celebration of Black History month Hot 97’s Mister Cee welcomed legendary producer and DJ onto the first Black Fist Friday Takeover to spin during the Throwback At Noon mix. After taking over the airwaves, Pete Rock sat down with Mister Cee to talk about his iconic career. Rock also talked about working with Heavy D and if the unreleased tracks will ever surface.

“We did one song, it’s like popp-ish hip hop, but it’s dope. God does things for a reason, before he passed, I spent hella time with him. Like one whole weekend with him, spent the night, made the music, ate well, drank well, we did it up.”

Full audio interview with Pete Rock and Mister Cee after the jump.

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It’s a rarity to see an athlete of Asian descent competing in one of the most competitive sports leagues in the world. There was the brief, yet, remarkable career of Yao Ming and the sub-par NBA careers of Wang ZhiZhi and Sun Yue, but for the first time in history the New York Knicks have a Taiwanese-American, Harvard graduate as the spotlight of city, all in the midst of the Giants celebrating their Super Bowl victory. Whether you’re on the Jeremy Lin bandwagon or not, there’s something special about the 6’3 point guard that seems to be completely revitalizing the New York Knicks basketball. Where’s Spike at?

We can call him the Tim Tebow of the NBA and refer to his movement as “Linsanity” or “Linning,” but let’s just hope he’s the solution to the Knicks’ point guard struggle. And while race probably does play a huge factor in the excitement around Lin, there’s a deeper meaning behind his faithful story. After being waived by the Warriors and the Rockets, then being sent down to the D-League, it’s incredible to see how confident and levelheaded Lin is on the court. So if you haven’t kept up with the recent hoopla, hit the jump to see the highlights.

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Beyoncé made her first public appearance since giving birth to Baby Blue Ivy Carter on Feb. 7, 2012! Beyoncé joined hubby Jay-Z at the after-party for his United Way Carnegie Hall charity concert. Are you even surprised that she looked completely flawless less than one month after having a baby? I’m not.

The lighting and the background, plus the fact that we know all the styling credits of her outfit, point to these photos being more planned than impromptu but no matter, fans have all been eager for a glimpse of Mrs. Carter. She’s curvier than her standard “promo-weight” and glows with that new-mom confidence : )
Beyoncé’s dress is by Temperly, jewelry by her pal Lorraine Schwartz, clutch by Alexander McQueen and embroidered shoes by Louboutin…

But Beyoncé had her baby on her mind tonight…
She paid tribute to her daughter with her manicure, of course!

Check out Beyonce’s amazing post-baby figure…
After the jump!
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Jay-Z made history in New York City on Monday night, performing the first of two sold-out shows at Carnegie Hall. Backed by ?uestlove and the Illadelphonics, Jay kept the event true to his city as special guests Alicia Keys and Nas joined him on stage for “N.Y. State of Mind” and “If I Ruled The World (Imagine That).” Throughout the evening tribute segments to Frank Sinatra, Billy Joel, Gil-Scott Heron, and the NY Giants were played and displayed on the main stage’s backdrop. The night was also a first as Jay-Z performed his first-born dedication, “Glory” was done live.

The back-to-back shows are in support of Jay-Z’s Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation and the United Way. Which benefits low-income New York City-area students in a position to attend college.

via Nigel D/RTNY

After the jump, more footage and photos from opening night….

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T.I. and Tiny maybe expecting a new member to their big family soon. In episode nine titled “Baby Fever,” Tiny is flirting with the thought of having a baby. When she reveals what’s on her mind the family doesn’t seem to sit well with the idea.

Previously:
T.I. & Tiny: ‘The Family Hustle’ (Episode 8 )
T.I. & Tiny: ‘The Family Hustle’ (Episode 7)

The time is almost here. MTV’s set to unveil its annual “Hottest MCs List” soon, until then they’ve announced the 25 candidates that will be cut into a final list of ten. Starting next week we’ll find out #10-#6, with the top five coming on a special roundtable show on Sunday, February 19th at 10:30 p.m. EST on MTV2.

View the 25 candidates and Pharrelll gives MTV his pic for 2011’s ‘Hottest MC’ after the jump….

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A championship win isn’t stamped without an official team anthem. You knew this was coming as Funkmaster Flex premiered French Montana’s ode to the 2012 Super Bowl Champion New York Football Giants. The official championship parade goes down tomorrow at 11 a.m. in Battery Place ending at City Hall with a special ceremony from Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

New Music: French Montana Feat. Charlie Rock – “Shot Caller (NY Giants Remix)” (prod. by Harry Fraud) (Dirty/No Tags)

via LowKey/UHTN

Flava Flav celebrates with NY Giants coach Tom Coughlin after the jump….

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It’s been fourteen years since Monica and Brandy took over the charts with their #1 hit “The Boy Is Mine.” For the first time since their Grammy-winning duet, the R&B diva’s come together on the empowering single “It All Belongs To Me.” Two versions of the song will be released, one on Monica’s upcoming New Life album due on April 10th and the other on Brandy’s yet-to-be-titled RCA/Chameleon debut coming this Spring.

New Music: Monica & Brandy – “It All Belongs To Me” (prod. by Rico Love)

Previously: Monica – “Until It’s Gone” (Video)