As previously reported the Barbie has the first single by a female emcee to top the Billboard Rap Songs category in over seven years with her hit “Your Love.”

With the success of the single pushing her names further into headlines, Minaj has announced that her album will hit stores November 23.

The album still remains untitled but Minaj made a brief announcement about the date on Twitter saying,

Nicki recently shot the video for “Your Love” and is said to be working with Kanye on his new album.

As previously reported she graced the cover of Hype Hair magazine and talked to the publication about her colorful wig obsession.

“We knew from the beginning that we wanted to have Afrika as a theme in the music. So that played a part in terms of making a conscious effort to bring that out when we chose the topics of the songs. Otherwise than that, the whole process was real natural. We just let the vibrations carry us.” - Jr. Gong

The much anticipated collabo-effort from pioneering Queensbridge lyricist Nas and the Jamaican reggae musician Jr. Gong was recently introduced to an invitation-only listening session at the Harlem offices of Digiwaxx.

The off-springs of the legendary cultural-icon - Robert Nesta Marley – and  the renowned jazz musician – Olu Dara – both spoke about the influences their fathers have made upon their lives, as well as on their music careers, before a sneak peak at their new album.  The artists also touched on their intentions for uniting their creative forces to produce their opus collage – scheduled for release this May 18th.

[More On This Insightful Album After The Jump] More

Junior Gong, who partially derives his attribute from his father's label – Tuff Gong Records - established:

“We knew from the beginning that we wanted to have Afrika as a theme in the music.  So that played a part in terms of making a conscious effort to bring that out when we chose the topics of the songs.  Otherwise than that, the whole process was real natural.  We just let the vibrations carry us.”

Nas explained the influence reggae had on him as a youth after being exposed to Musical Youth's 1982 classic - “Pass The Dutchie” [On The Left Hand Side], and the revolutionary sounds of Peter Tosh and  Bob Marley.   He also mentioned Super Cat and  Shine Head as inspirations before delving into the Caribbean roots of the Bronx-bred Hip-Hop culture, stemming from its Jamaican-birthed Founding Father - DJ Kool Herc.

“Jamaican music has also been a heavy influence.  I would say…probably as much as James Brown,” assessed the MC formerly known as Nasty Nas.

Kool Herc used to bring his ‘sound system' out on the Bronx block of Sedgwick & Cedar Ave. as he spun the classic vinyl cuts of that time,  meshing Reggae recordings with Funk & Soul sounds  as to provide entertainment for those living within the confines of the concrete jungle during the late ‘60s & early ‘70s.

The first track shared was “As We Enter”  as Nas opens with his precise lyricism, while Jr. Gong adlibs over the up-tempo track.  At the initial recordings' conclusion, audience members displayed their approval with thunderous applause.

“This one is real, real Jamaican! [sounding],” Nas commented, as the listening audience laughed, prior to the playing of the following track,  “Promised Land” produced by Damian Marley.  Tha Rasta Man opens with the lead vocals while Nas added-on his lyrical dexterity as they  painted a picture about liberating themselves as a people.

“This one has a double meaning because we talk about ‘Despair' as a physical weapon, and also as desperation,” Jr. Gong stated before the DJ spun it.  “It has a dancehall flavor ‘bout it, yet it's different because it's all life.”

The audience members were in full support of the other tracks which were shared with them.  Most of which reminded some of a time when many artists felt that there was a responsibility to incorporate viable messages within their art as they paid homage and respect to their culture & social living conditions.

Supporters of true art are sure to appreciate Distant Relatives.  This effort is reminiscent of a time, not that long ago, when the roots culture from ‘Y'ard' inspired the initial stages of the Hip-Hop culture.  It is a return to responsible creativity, where thought-provoking conceptual ideas and  thumping beats are what drive the music, and not the simple-minded, compromising, materialistic nursery rhymes of the current generation of artists.

After ingesting the content contained within, one is left with the optimistic impression that the talking drum is once again alive and  well, after being co-opted by the powers-that-(don't) B for so long.

This album, if supported and promoted properly, has the potential to regenerate ambitions amongst artists to create and deliver powerful messages over their talking drums, and reverse the current trend of – ‘Money, bi*ches & ho*s!'

It'll take you back to a time before the lyrics got away from the positive messages, which in Hip-Hop peaked during its Golden Era of the late ‘80s into the early ‘90s, to the self-promoting materialistic aspects of the current generation.

“Where do I see myself?  I'm waiting for the rap game to catch up!  That's a generational thing,” emphasized Nas.

Musical Youth - Pass The Dutchie

Hurricane Season, which co-stars Lil' Wayne, Bow Wow, Isaiah Washington, Taraji P. Henson and Michael Gaston  is a film based on the inspirational story of a New Orleans high school basketball coach whose team of cast-off kids wins the state championship.

Although the film was packed with heavyweights both in the acting and Hip-Hop world, it wasn't enough for the Weinsteins to send to the theatres.

According to the movie house, the film “didn't test well” during the screening process, which aided in the decision to go straight to video.

Whitaker,  who is currently filming a biopic about famed Jazz musician Louis Armstrong, is not appeased by the reasoning and had some very milled words to say about the decision.

"I think that was a travesty.  It's not just about me, the fact that they didn't do what they said they were going to do is amazing to me. I think that is the modus operandi. But a lot of people are telling me they saw the video on DVD and really responded to it and don't understand why it wasn't released and I say, 'You'll have to talk to the Weinsteins [about that], I can't help you.”

Fans have had a chance to see the movie outside of the screening due to the movie being leaked in December of 2009.  Whether the bootlegging ultimately played a part in the Weinstein's decision to release the film straight to DVD is unclear, but what seems to be very clear is the fact that the decision surprised everyone who was involved.

Bow Wow tweeted the following in response to the decision:

“Ay but thanks for yall liking the film. just wish yall had the chance to experience it the way you have all my other movies.”

This is hardly the only Weinstein project that, thanks to the company's financial woes, has ended up going straight to video, but it's a movie that deserved better.

Hurricane Season is in stores now.  Peep some footage from the flick below:

According to reports, police responded to a call from a neighbor who reported that they smelled marijuana smoke coming from the rappers home.

When police arrived at the house, according to reports, they were not only greeted by Juve's producer who had a small amount of marijuana “on his person,” but a published report police states that “the presence of marijuana was strong” enough that it gave “probable cause” to search the rapper's home.

Upon their search, police discovered a small amount of marijuana in a kitchen drawer, which Juvenile stated belonged to him.

Authorities said Juvenile and Edwards were booked with misdemeanor possession of marijuana and both have posted bond.

With all of the issues surrounding rappers and drugs, it seems as if Dr. Drew is going to have to start a new season of celebrity rehab, aptly titled Hip-Hop Edition...SMH.

Right before his commander in chief leaves for jail, Drake is announcing a 25 date college tour around the country.

His first solo tour dubbed the “Away From Home” tour will be part of the 5th Annual Campus Consciousness Tour.

The tour produced by Pretty Polly Productions and non-profit environmental organization Reverb promotes eco-friendly tours around the country.

In support of the cause Drake will be using biodiesel fuel in his tour bus and biodegradable and recycled products on his bus and backstage.

Joining Drake onstage will be another Canadian rapper, K-Os and synth-pop band Francis & The Lights.

The tour kicks off April 6 at Eastern Illnois University with stops at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival as well as Penn State, Furman and New Jersey's Bamboozle Festival.

For more information and tickets visit Prettypolly.com

The tour dates for Drake's “Away From Home” tour are below.

4/06/2010
Charleston, IL
Eastern Illinois University

4/07/2010
Columbus, OH
Private Location

4/09/2010
State College, PA
Penn State University

4/10/2010
Boston, MA
Private Location

4/11/2010
Lock Haven, PA
Private Location

4/14/2010
East Lansing, MI
Michigan State University

4/15/2010
Rochester Hills, MI
Oakland University

4/16//2010
Morgantown, WV
West Virginia University

4/21/2010
Orlando, FL
University Central Florida

4/22/2010
Greenville, SC
Furman University

4/23/2010
TBA

4/24/2010
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

4/26/2010
Kansas City, MO
University of Missouri – Kansas City

4/27/2010
Lexington, KY
University of Kentucky

4/29/2010
Lowell, MA
University Mass Lowell

4/30/2010
Syracuse, NY
Private Location

5/01/2010
Boston, MA
Private Location

5/01/2010
East Rutherford, NJ
Bamboozle Festival

5/04/2010
Worcester, MA
Holy Cross

5/05/2010
Towson, MD
Towson University

5/06/2010
Cheney, PA
Cheyney University

5/07/2010
Ithaca, NY
Private Location

5/08/2010
Plymouth, NH
Private Location

Prosecutors have sentenced the last man responsible for the shooting, 41-year-old Padron Thomas.

As previously reported Thomas pled guilty to manslaughter after receiving a lesser sentence for testifying against his brother.

He appeared in federal court Friday where has was sentenced to 10 years behind bars.

In 2006 T.I. and his entourage left a club in Cincinnati after getting into a fight inside. While trying to leave T.I. and his camp were chased down and their cars were sprayed with bullets at the hands of Thomas' brother Hosea Thomas while Padron drove a getaway car . Three people were injured and Philant Johnson was killed.

Hosea Thomas received 66 years in jail and will not be eligible for parole until 2074 when he's 100 years old.

Trina's new single features Keri Hilson and the Bad Boy CEO decided to step in to lend a cameo to the visual.

In this video clip Diddy speaks on making Trina an “official Ciroc girl” and his new partnership with the Diamond Princess.

Peep the video after the jump... [More]

As previously reported Soulja Boy, real name DeAndre Way, spent a day in jail after police arrested him at a video shoot after receiving complaints about noise.

When police arrived on the scene he and an estimated 40 other people scattered before he was caught and charged with obstruction of justice.

Now four months later he's appeared in a federal court room to receive his fate, 12 months probation and a minor $1,000 fine.

Although on probation Soulja Boy is expected to continue the production of his new book, “Teenage Millionaire” set to release this spring.

Additionally he is said to have a reality show in the works.

The internet was abuzz yesterday after news broke of investigators wanting to question Eve in connection with a foreign money scandal.

As previously reported the Ruff Ryders' first lady was reportedly tied to an elicit corruption case based on her relationship with former boyfriend Teodorin Nguema Obiang.

Not happy with having her name brought up, Eve is stepping up to clear her name and took to Twitter to deny the allegations.

Speaking on the case Eve says that none of is it true and urged her fans not to believe everything they read.

“Non of that is true….Please don't believe everything you read on the internet. It's negative and I don't f*ck wit negativity. People trynna Test me. Now listening 2 Sizzla "praise ye Jah" and "head over hills"

After getting positive responses from some of her 4,000 plus followers Eve continues on to say,

“Thank ya'll 4 the support!!!!! Life is crazy 4 everyone and we all get tested. My friend Suzette just said 2 me she tells people u hate on me, U hatin on God's works.... Fu&% em. ”

No word on whether she's still wanted by investigators in connection to the case.

In a recent interview with HipHopWired the soulful singer spoke on his plans to do just that and while not divulging details on any new releases, Lloyd says his ultimate goal for the year is “to live more in the moment.”

“My goal is to live more in the moment, to capture more moments that I live in. To take advantage of more of the opportunities that are in front of me and really learn how to really be in that moment.”

Keeping in line with his new goal, Young Goldie's been busy in the studio putting together arrangements and making new hits.

His latest concoction is a remix of his soon-to-be Young Money family's current anthem “Bedrock.”

Calling it “Bedrock Part 2”, Lloyd blesses the track with a new spin on his vocals in between verses from Lil Wayne and Drake.

Listen to Lloyd's “Bedrock Part 2” below.