Lil Twist, Car Accident: Rapper Gets in Alleged Hit-and-Run While Driving Justin Bieber's Car

More bad news for Justin Bieber. While the singer collapsed on stage during a London concert and spent some time recovering at the hospital, his Fisker Karma car, back in LA, was not doing too much better. According to TMZ, Justin's friend, rapper Lil Twist was driving around JB's car (yes, again), and was involved in an alleged hit-and-run. The site reports that the rapper crashed into cement poles protecting a wall at a San Fernando Valley liquor store, "damaging the poles and badly damaging the front-end of the car." Instead of reporting the accident, TMZ states that a BMW arrived and the driver told Twist and the other passengers, "Get all the pieces from the car [that fell] and put it in the car [BMW]." After putting Justin's car parts in the BMW, the three men left in the BMW, leaving the Fisker behind. While one of the passengers was rumored to be Chris Brown, his rep tells TMZ that Brown was not in the car. It's unclear if the police are investigating the crash, but TMZ notes that it is a crime to leave the scene of an accident that causes injury or property damage without exchanging information with the victim. Twist has been involved in other serious incidents while behind the wheel of Justin's car. On Jan. 1, he was driving the same car while paparazzi were chasing him and one photographer died after being hit by a car.

Lil Twist, Justin Bieber Paparazzo Death: Young Money Rapper Was Behind Wheel of Pop Star's Ferrari

Young Money rapper Lil Twist was apparently behind the wheel of Justin Bieber s Ferrari yesterday (Jan. 1), when a paparazzo was struck by a motorist and killed.

The 19-year-old Lil Wayne protege was spotted with Bieber at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills prior to the accident, and left in the singer's white Ferrari, without Bieber.

Unfortunately, Twist quickly caught the attention of California Highway Patrol, who pulled him over for speeding on the 405 freeway. Photographer Chris Guerra, who had been tailing the car, parked across the freeway, attempting to snap photos of Bieber, whom he allegedly believed to have been smoking marijuana in the car earlier.

Guerra was advised by police to return to his car, but was sadly struck and killed crossing the highway.

"Hopefully this tragedy will finally inspire meaningful legislation and whatever other necessary steps to protect the lives and safety of celebrities, police officers, innocent bystanders and the photographers themselves," Bieber said in a statement.

A representative for Lil Twist claims that while he did not see the actual accident occur, he sends his thoughts and prayers to the family of the photographer.

Bieber and Twist have been photographed partying together for the past several weeks, popping bottles in Mexico on New Year's Eve, where they are both of legal drinking age.

Macy Gray Explains Why Stevie Wonder Makes Her 'Nervous' With 'Talking Book'

Macy Gray has two new projects in the works. She recently revealed her new EP of original material called Boys and she's also reworking Stevie Wonder's 1972 LP Talking Book. The singer is preparing to release the latter effort before the year's end.

Cover albums aren't new for Gray. She's confidently covered other high profile artists on her most recent album Covered -- Radiohead's infamous track "Creep," Kanye West's "Love Lockdown" and Nina Simone's "Buck" to name a few. However, Gray admits she's nervous for Stevie to hear her versions of his classic album.

"I hope he'd say he likes it," she tells The BoomBox. "I haven't played it for him yet. But, I been kinda nervous about that. I'm looking forward to it, for him to hear it for sure."

Despite her nerves, Gray said she would still love to have Stevie be a part of the project.
"I wanna do [a collaboration] in the future, as soon as he's available," the 43-year-old entertainer reveals. "It's just hard getting schedules together and stuff but I definitely want him to be a part of it."

The goal is for her version of Talking Book to come out on Oct. 28, which marks the 40th anniversary of the original album's release date. However, putting together an album often takes longer than expected.

"Ideally it would come out on the anniversary of the album, so that's the idea," Gray says. "But you know things go crazy. So we're not sure if it's going to make it on that date, but that's when you'll at least start really hearing about it and it'll be getting around."

As a devoted Stevie Wonder fan, Macy says there are some records that can be covered, and others that simply should not be touched.

"I'm a great fan of all his albums -- well I can't say I know all of them -- but most of them anyway," she explains. "But, you know, some stuff you shouldn't re-do. I would never do Songs in the Key of Life. That's just so precious. Not that Talking Book isn't, it just would be hard to re-create. So yeah, Talking Book is probably the only one that I would re-do."

Chris Brown, Drake Sued Again Over NYC Club Brawl

NEW YORK (AP) - A model who was injured during a bottle-throwing nightclub brawl between Chris Brown and Drake is suing both singers and the owners of the New York nightclub.

Romain Julien said in a lawsuit filed Monday that he suffered severe injuries during the June 14 melee, including a severed tendon in his right hand. Julien is seeking actual and punitive damages.

He is also suing the operators of the club Greenhouse and its basement lounge, W.i.P. The lawsuit was filed in New York Supreme Court.

Representatives for the nightclub, Brown and Drake had no immediate comment.

No criminal charges have been filed in the fight. Brown, NBA star Tony Parker and others were also injured. Police say the fracas started after members of Drake's entourage confronted Brown on the dance floor.

Mariah Carey Photoshop Fail: 'American Idol' Promo Image Shows Impossibly Tiny Waist

Let's start by giving credit where credit is due -- Mariah Carey's body (above left) is the fierceness. It is not, however, the ridiculously proportioned silhouette imaged (above right) in her new "American Idol" promotional photo. This is what we call an epic photo-retouching fail.

Since giving birth to twins Moroccan and Monroe back in April 2011, Mariah has been working hard to shed the baby weight and live up to her duties as a Jenny Craig spokesperson. But it looks like MiMi has gone on a digital diet, with 'Idol' retouchers instantly removing that extra 10, 15 ... 50 pounds with the click of a mouse! I mean, come on -- seriously with that waist?

The 42-year-old diva is, of course, no stranger to the slimming and reshaping wonders of Photoshop.

BET Awards 2012 Winners: Beyonce, Jay-Z, Kanye West Score Big

The 2012 BET Awards brought out the best of the best Sunday night (July 1), with Beyonce, Jay-Z and Kanye West sitting front row and even the latter's girlfriend Kim Kardashian showing up for the ceremony.

There was much to talk about, from the riveting Whitney Houston tribute to Chris Brown's zombie-inspired makeup and acrobatics during his set. Those in the crowd moved to the sounds of Frankie Beverly and Maze as if they were at a backyard barbecue, proving that the spirit in the air was a positive one.

Some of the night's big winners were well-deserving of their accolades. Big Sean nabbed a Best New Artist award, Bey earned Best Female R&B Artist, Jay-Z and West scored Best Group, Wale and Miguel landed the Best Collaboration for their hit "Lotus Flower Bomb."

Rap Genius Top Lines From Jay-Z and Kanye West's 'No Church in the Wild'

The release of Romain Gavras' powerful, protest-themed video for Jay-Z and Kanye West's existential anthem "No Church in the Wild" has sparked a resurgence of interest in the track. One of the most powerful numbers from the duo's superb and oft-misinterpreted Watch the Throne collaboration album, the song is full of meaningful, evocative lyrics and thoughtful meditations on philosophy, history, morality and religion -- plus a dirty joke or two. Courtesy of Rap Genius, we're looking at the top 3 lines from the track.

5. "Thinking 'bout the girl in all leopard/ Who was rubbing the wood like Kiki Shepard," -- Kanye West

Ye's verse on this tune is nowhere near as thoughtful and wide-ranging as his rap big brother's. However, he does have some strong moments, such as this pun on "wood." Shepard is the long time co-host of "Showtime at the Apollo," a show where performers famously rub a section of the legendary Tree of Hope that the theater owns for good luck before performing. Kanye, of course, is referring also to a more naughty interpretation of the word "wood" here. He may well have been inspired in this rhyme by Redman, who wanted to "make girls like Kiki Sheparrd get naked" on his debut album. Even more directly, OutKast's Big Boi rhymed "Kiki Shepard" with "ho in a leopard print" on "So Fresh, So Clean" over a decade ago. Wherever Kanye found inspiration, though, the "rubbing the wood" double-meaning makes the Beavis in us chuckle every time.

4. "We formed a new religion/ No sins as long as there's permission/ And deception is the only felony/ So never fuck nobody without telling me," -- Kanye West

While conspiracy theorists the world over hopped on these lines (especially the first two) as proof of Jay and Kanye's submission to some imaginary Illuminati cult, Kanye's real meaning is far more interesting. In these lines, he stresses a relationship based on communication and consent, without the restraints of conventional monogamy. While he is certainly not the first public figure to advocate for polyamory (perhaps most prominently, popular relationship-sex columnist Dan Savage has been talking about "monogomish" couples for years), it is a welcome and thoughtful departure from the standard player-pimp pose that dominates so much of the genre. The lyric also touches on the religious themes and imagery that work their way through all of Watch the Throne (the threesome that Kanye is involved in during this verse nods to Jay's verse-ending Holy Trinity reference, for example), and makes explicit the song title's rejection of codes of conduct imposed from on high.

3. "Is Pious pious 'cause God loves pious?/ Socrates asked whose bias do y'all seek?" -- Jay-Z

The rap icon deftly sums up the central dilemma of Plato's Euthyphro in only a few words, with an extra nod to the dozen or so Popes named Pius and their piety or lack thereof. We're definitely letting Jay take our Philosophy 102 final for us!

2. "Lies on the lips of a priest/ Thanksgiving disguised as a feast," -- Jay-Z

One of the things that sets Jay-Z apart from many rappers is that he understands the importance of restraint. Since his very first record, he's gotten that a weary "Believe you me, son/ I hate to do it just as bad as you hate to see it done" is far more menacing than any number of "I'll shoot you point-blank"-type exclamations. Here, he uses beautiful, alliterative ("Lies on the lips") language to call up a range of associations about trust, betrayal, religion and its misuse, and America's promise and threat. The latter topic is also dealt with masterfully on Watch the Thone's "Made in America".

1. "Jesus was a carpenter, Yeezy he laid beats/ Hova flow the Holy Ghost, get the hell up out your seats, preach," -- Jay-Z

We would be remiss if we didn't include this verse-ending couplet. Jay's setting himself and Kanye up as right up there with the real God's Son (no disrespect to Nas) proves a powerful boast in the context of this song's heavy use of religious imagery. It also sets up the album's central theme of our dynamic duo wrestling with their status as members of a black elite class, a concept that is, in America, almost completely new. Last but certainly not least, the "get the hell up out your seats" sets up both the imagery of a church congregation rising to its feet and a stadium audience doing the same thing. The latter scene, played out night after night on the duo's tour, was a stunning

Stalley's American Dream: Rapper Begins Blog Series & Tackles National Ethos

As Rick Ross' newest signee to join the Maybach Music Group roster, Ohio native Stalley has all eyes in his direction. The rapper has been serving music to the masses for quite some time but his affiliation with the MMG brand has launched his lyrical prowess to new levels. Last year, he debuted his 'Lincoln Way Nights' album and is keeping the momentum going with his 'Songs by Me, Stalley' series. He's currently up to his eighth track, 'Volley Express,' and has debuted the Chad Hugo-produced 'Mind Made Up,' which all serves as a preface for his forthcoming release 'Savage Journey to the American Dream.'

Stalley is constantly searching for what he believes is the "American Dream." The bearded MC kicks off his blog series with The BoomBox by explaining his thoughts on the topic, which is one that everyone -- hip-hop fan or not -- can relate to.

"The American Dream is something I'm still struggling to define. The more I think about it and reflect on my past, the more I question what the American Dream may be. When I was younger, my dream was to be a professional basketball player. I lived, slept and ate basketball in Massillon, Ohio, where high school sports are everything and viewed as a way out of a small town. I think becoming a professional athlete is a dream that many kids have, especially from small towns in the Midwest, where cities and land are more spread out.

You hear stories about people leaving their town to follow their dreams and 'make it.' I wanted to make it. But for me, personally, my dreams shifted because injuries prevented me from becoming the athlete I wanted to be. Now my goals are totally different. I'm still in pursuit of the American Dream, and one day I'll define it."

Chris Brown, Grammys 2012: Did R&B's Bad Boy Deserve a Second Chance?

Earlier this month, Grammy Awards executive producer Ken Ehrlich explained the decision to welcome known woman beater Chris Brown back to the show by using two words familiar to the R&B star's defenders: "second chance." Three years after the singer pleaded guilty to beating up then-girlfriend Rihanna on the eve of the 2009 Grammys, some feel Breezy has done his time and deserved to be at last night's ceremony, where he performed twice and took home the trophy for Best R&B Album.

"If you'll note, he has not been on the Grammys for the past few years, and it may have taken us a while to kind of get over the fact that we were the victim of what happened," Ehrlich said in an interview with ABC News Radio.

Nicki Minaj 'Marilyn Monroe': Tribute to Fallen Sex Symbol -- Listen

After performing with Madonna and M.I.A. during the controversial Super Bowl halftime show Sunday night (Feb. 6), Nicki Minaj dropped off a new song entitled 'Marilyn Monroe' to whet fans' appetites for her highly anticipated sophomore album 'Pink Friday:Roman's Revenge: Roman Reloaded.'

The somber piano-driven track serves as a melancholy backdrop for Minaj's musings on her personal struggles and the price of fame on 'Marilyn Monroe,' a notable about-face from her foul-mouthed new single 'Stupid Hoe,' which was recently banned from BET.

"Call me the cursed/ Or just call me blessed/ If you can't handle my worst / You ain't getting my best / Is this how Marilyn Monroe felt?" she croons, alluding to one of Monroe's best-known quotes. "It's like all the good things/ May fall apart like Marilyn Monroe."

While it is not yet known whether the song will appear on 'Roman Reloaded,' which was recently pushed back to an April 3 release date, Minaj has promised to leak several more "surprises" in the near future, tweeting "New Album Date: April 3rd. Pink Friday: ROMAN RELOADED. But have no fear. Tons of surprises before then ;). Love Always, HB."

Nicki Minaj, David Guetta 'Turn Me On' Video Teaser Has Horses and Fire

Nicki Minaj and David Guetta put on a bass-pumping performance of their 'Turn Me On' collaboration at the 2011 AMAs. Now the duo is preparing to debut the visuals for the track, which officially drops on Jan. 31. To hold loyal supporters over until its release, they deliver a new teaser video.

In the clip, which is a quick 42 seconds, water is heard trickling as a damp and dark brick-lined cell is shown. A woman, most likely the Young Money rhymer, is decked out in a pair of designer shoes and saunters her way through the dimly lit space. As her footsteps echo, she drags an axe along the floor.

Guetta makes an appearance, wearing a mechanical eye contraption, looking like a mad scientist. Minaj rides on a galloping horse in one scene, appears flashing her eyes wide open, as if she's just come alive, in another and stands hidden in the shadows with fire blazing behind her in yet another.

'Turn Me On' sits on David Guetta's fifth studio album, 'Nothing But the Beat,' released last year. Minaj will debut her sophomore LP, 'Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded,' April 3.

2012 Predictions: Beef, Lana Del Rey, Diddy Make Our List

With 2012 in full swing, it's time to look forward to what the new year will bring in the hip-hop and R&B worlds. With game-changers, newsmakers and a host of new albums on the way, the next 12 months will shape up to be a very interesting year in music, which is why we've compiled a list of industry predictions.

Far from wishful thinking, The BoomBox relied on hard facts, some lyrical beef and even a celebrity baby to formulate 10 moments we think will occur and grab your attention this year. Whether it be Common and Drake putting an end to their 'Stay Schemin' ways or indie darling-turned-major label fixture Lana Del Rey collaborating with some soulful crooners or rap gods, there's something for any hip-hop and R&B fan to talk about.

Aside from their day jobs, Lil Wayne and Diddy have something else in common: they love the ladies. Diddy has fathered six children by four different women and Wayne has four offspring by four separate women, but they both appear to be on the brink of monogamy. Weezy met girlfriend, Dhea, last year and has been gushing over her ever since. Meanwhile, the perpetually single Diddy is rumored to be getting up close and very personal with actress Cameron Diaz, even kissing her in public. Here's hoping these guys can finally find true love in 2012.

Iggy Azalea, ASAP Rocky Dating: Rapper 'Loves Him'

Looks like one of The BoomBox's Artists to Watch in 2012 has found a love interest that shares his penchant for rapping the spoken word.

Harlem representative A$AP Rocky, known for his intriguing hit 'Peso' as well as his recent signing to RCA Records, is reportedly dating Australian-born, Los Angeles resident rapper Iggy Azalea.

According to Vibe.com, the 21-year-old 'Ignorant Art' creator is involved in a romantic relationship with the buzzworthy MC. Azalea sparked rumors when she recently tattooed A$AP Rocky's latest mixtape title, 'Live, Love, A$AP,' on her fingers -- her own upcoming debut album, 'The New Classic,' is inked on her other hand.

"I love him and that's all there is to it," the blonde-haired entertainer revealed. "We have our own thing going on and I'm not the only one that [got the tattoos]. I'll tell you that. [ Laughs] I'm just the only one with it on my fingers!"

She went to explain that she met A$AP through producer Chase N. Cashe, known for his work on Eminem and Lil Wayne's track 'Drop the World.' A$AP Rocky hasn't confirmed his relationship with Azalea to the public yet, but by her remarks it seems he has some permanent ink of his own dedicated to the 'P----' rapper.

Amber Rose: Kim Kardashian to Blame for Kanye Breakup

In an interview with Star magazine, Amber Rose has opened up about what -- or rather who -- caused her breakup with Kanye West. It seems the Chi-Town superstar couldn't resist the wily charms of one Kim Kardashian.

"She's a homewrecker!" Rose said of Kardashian, according to a preview of the Star piece posted at Radar Online.

As Rose tells it, Kim seduced Yeezy by calling, texting and sending dirty pictures of herself. At the time, the reality TV star was dating NFL star Reggie Bush, but that evidently didn't stop her from putting the moves on the rapper.

"She was sending pictures, and I was like, 'Kim, just stop. Don't be that person,'" said Rose, who has since found love with another rhymer, Wiz Khalifa.

At one point, Rose said, she emailed Kardashian to get her side of the story, but the curvaceous, newly divorced socialite didn't hit her back.

"I thought at least she'd be woman enough to respond to me," Rose said. "She never responded."

Drake, Dollicia Bryan: Rapper and Model Are Dating

Drake has a new lady on his arm and her name is Dollicia Bryan. The Toronto native's lyrics -- see 'Underground Kings' off his sophomore LP 'Take Care' -- prove he only cares about two things: "b----es and rapping," and this 27-year-old lady just happens to be one on the voluptuous side.

Dollicia and Drizzy stepped out together for a night out in Hollywood Wednesday (Dec. 28). The 25-year-old MC wasn't trying to keep his date discreet either, as he posted a photo -- for the world to see here -- of the Smooth magazine cover model eating cotton candy during their visit to Saddle Ranch in L.A., where he took part in a karaoke performance with a fan.

For the naysayers, Dollicia's rep confirmed the romance to TheYBF.com. "Yes, Drake & Dollicia are dating [sic]," her rep stated. "They're both in L.A. right now spending the Holidays together."

The Young Money rhymer, once sprung on Rihanna, and the video vixen, who's been linked to actor Hill Harper, rapper Bow Wow and reality TV star Rob Kardashian, met at her birthday party in January of this year.

There has been no confirmation from Drake regarding his new love interest, who has a 7-year-old son, Kova Sky.

Willow Smith 'Fireball' Video Heats Up With Nicki Minaj

At long last, Willow Smith's Hype Williams-helmed, Nicki Minaj-featured clip for 'Fireball' has touched down.

The much-heralded video, which was preceded by a 30-second trailer, finally debuted on BET's '106 & Park' on Dec. 7, during a special appearance by the 11-year-old singer, who also announced the title of her debut, 'Knees & Elbows,' which is scheduled for an April 3 release.

Introduced by a 'Star Wars'-referenced opening scene, replete with signature roll-up text -- Willow was 22 years away from being born when 'Star Wars' premiered -- the petite entertainer gets the party started with a bejeweled eyepiece, backed by some fancy footwork in the streets, pyrotechnics and a toned down, big sis-style guest verse from Nicki, rocking a fluorescent teddy bear dress.

"Nicki Minaj is absolutely an amazing person. She has so much energy and working with her was like just a spark. We were coming together with all our art and everything and it was amazing," Willow recently told Ryan Seacrest. "We didn't really give each other ideas. We were just kind of talking about what, like, kind of what a fireball is. A fireball is somebody -- it doesn't have to be a girl or a boy -- somebody that just goes out there and does what they want to do and is just so outgoing and tries new things and just is true to who they are."

Madonna, 50 Cent: New Interscope Labelmates Feud

As reported by AOL Music Blog, Madonna finally has a new platform from which to stage her highly-anticipated musical comeback. The pop icon has signed a lucrative record deal with Universal Music Group's Interscope, but one of her new labelmates is not exactly rushing to welcome Madge aboard. Rapper 50 Cent has publicly voiced his anger with Madonna over an alleged song title stealing incident.

The beef all started after the rapper found out that Madonna is apparently working on a new track entitled 'Girls Gone Wild.' Problem is, 50 is also currently recording a single with that same name. Coincidence? Fiddy thinks not, and he took to his Twitter page to let everyone know about the label snub.

Madge is no stranger to drama when it comes to record labels. Her split with label of 25 years, Warner Music Group, in 2007 wasn't exactly on the friendliest of terms. Madonna then signed with Live Nation for a $100 million "360 deal," which covers touring and merchandise. Madonna will release her highly-anticipated new album, her first sinc

Ryan Leslie Prepares Release of First Visual Album

Producer-singer Ryan Leslie has announced that he will be releasing his third record 'Les Is More' using alternative methods.

The long-delayed album, which was initially scheduled for a July 4, 2011 release, was pushed back indefinitely, when Leslie declared via various social media outlets "I will not drop this album without a proper campaign!"

However, R-Les has since partnered with talent agency Baron + Baron to provide creative direction and packaging for his upcoming "visual album" 'Les Is More,' which will be released one song at a time over the next year. According to Leslie, each track is introduced in two parts, the first being a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the studio recording and the other a "paparazzi-style, documentary-themed music video that showcases the flair for life that is the inspiration for the album's stories of romance, travel and personal discovery."

While we're not entirely sure what all of this means, Leslie appears to be releasing the album independently some time in 2012. He launched his visual campaign with the video for 'A Beautiful Lie' last week, a stark black-and-white video shot against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, accompanying Leslie's shamelessly Kanye West-influenced rhymes. Check that out below.

T.I. Reality Show: Rapper Sheds Light on Project -- Exclusive

Last night (Dec. 1), T.I. and wife Tameka "Tiny" Harris attended the premiere of their new VH1 reality TV show, 'T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle,' at New York's posh hotel Yotel. T.I.'s AKOO clothing brand hosted the event, which included celebrity guests like Swizz Beatz, and The BoomBox was there to get the details on the show that chronicles Tip's re-acclimation to his career and family, with his wife and six kids, following his release from prison back in September.

Originally jailed in 2009, after his arrest for attempting to buy unregistered weapons, Tip's most recent 11-month stint behind bars resulted from a violation of his probation on drug charges. So now that he has a new lease on life and a new set of priorities -- "God, family, hustle. In that order" -- who is T.I. feeling the pressure from to get it right this time?

"Always the family," he reveals to The BoomBox. "I don't owe the industry nothing but hot music. Hot music and hot material, you know what I'm saying? Because, if I had never gotten into trouble, if I would had never gone to prison, if I stayed on my best behavior at all times and never made hot music, you wouldn't give a damn about me, no way. The process of entertaining and creating the most compelling material, that's what I owe to the public. To my family -- completely different."

The family man insists he is open and honest with his six children -- they range in age from 3 to 15 years old -- about his incarceration and troubled past. "My kids, they know I get in trouble. They've seen it all, from guns to drugs," Tip admits before quickly backtracking to clarify.

"I mean they haven't seen drugs, but they've heard from the other kids in school about the lifestyle I used to live and we have very candid conversations. Not only from me, but from their mothers. Tameka tells them how it was before they were born. And the children that I had before I met Tameka, their mothers tell them stories of how it was before. Hearing those stories and seeing where I am today, they see that growth, they see that evolution." His supportive wife Tiny wrapped her arm around her man and chimed in, "They just want their daddy. They don't care what's going on."

But in the premiere episode of their new family show, the supportive wife says she won't tolerate any more screw-ups from her husband, who was behind bars for three years of their 10-year relationship. "It was just to let him know that he has a lot at home, to be at home for, and to make sure that he stays on track, which he will!" Tiny shares. "I would never leave him," the self proclaimed "ride-or-die chick" asserted. The couple agrees that despite all of Tip's ups and downs and time away, their relationship hasn't changed a bit. "It's just catching up," Tiny said.

T.I. is busy balancing family life with his hectic career, currently working on 'Trouble Man,' his eighth studio album, named after the 1972 Marvin Gaye hit. "The album is called 'Trouble Man,' and every song on there is about something that can get me in trouble -- guns, drugs -- things that I am not currently involved in," he explains. As T.I. raps about subjects from what he now identifies as his past life, the reality show will serve as a "documentation" of his new life.

"If it takes you years to make a masterpiece, at the end of the day, as long as you have a masterpiece do you care how long it took you to make it?" T.I. asked, describing himself as a work-in-progress.

Chaka Khan Attends AMAs With 25-Year-Old Model Boyfriend

In 1984, when Chaka Khan won a Grammy for her cover of Prince's 'I Feel for You,' her new boyfriend wasn't even born. Dating young isn't just for dudes anymore.

On Sunday night (Nov. 20), the 59-year-old soul-funk legend showed up at the 2011 American Music Awards with a 25-year-old male model, according to numerous reports. Looking a bit like an N'Sync member or Ken doll come to life, Khan's new beau rocked a black velvet blazer and coal gray shirt.

A grinning (and why not?) Khan, meanwhile, wore a black robe-style coat over a sheer cranberry-colored dress, looking plenty chic enough to justify the cougar move.

Listen to Mariah and Legend's 'When Christmas Comes'

Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' has ruled the holiday season pop airwaves since its 1994 debut. After revamping the Christmas classic with Justin Bieber for his new 'Under the Mistletoe' album, Mariah has hit the studio with John Legend to give the same remix-duet treatment to her holiday tune, 'When Christmas Comes.'

MiMi somehow found time between taking care of "Dem Babies," dropping 70 pounds and becoming a new Jenny Craig ambassador to recruit soul singer Legend for a remake of her tune. The song originally featured on her 2010 album, 'Merry Christmas II You.'

The singers met in California over the weekend (Nov. 12-13) to shoot a music video to accompany the collaboration, which features scenes of the two frolicking in fake snow and jamming at a grand piano. Carey's husband Nick Cannon also got into the holiday spirit, dressing up as Santa Claus for the shoot. After all, the holidays are about family!

Listen to the new track below and stay tuned for the premiere of the 'When Christmas Comes' music video, coming soon.

Webbie Says He's 'Slapping the F---' Out of Terrence J

Louisiana-born rapper Webbie has kept out of the spotlight in recent months but his return to headlines isn't marked by his new music or videos. The 26-year-old is involved in a public spat with BET's '106 & Park' host Terrence J, one that has him firing off threats.

On Oct. 14, Webbie was a guest judge during the countdown show's Freestyle Fridays segment. Without warning, host Terrence J announced that the 'Independent' creator would no longer be allowed on '106 & Park' and was further banned from appearing on BET.

No details emerged as to why such an extreme measure was taken in regards to Webbie, but rumors surfaced reporting that he had reeked of marijuana and whispered an offensive remark to show co-host Rosci. While the rhymer himself had not come forward to discuss the incident right away, websites show that he took to his Twitter account to bash Terrence and threaten to "beat him up" upon their next confrontation. At this time, it seems the rhymer has deleted the threatening post he previously wrote.

The southern entertainer isn't keeping mum about the incident, though, where, in a videotaped interview, he doesn't give exact reasons for his boot from BET or the beef but he does spout off at the mouth with more warnings toward the VJ-turned-actor. "Should I say this, bruh?" Webbie asks. "I'm slapping the f--- out of Terrence when I see him."

Rihanna & Chris Brown Compete for 2011 Soul Train Awards

The 2011 Soul Train Awards finds former flames Rihanna and Chris Brown competing for a trophy in the same category. The exes, whose breakup was made public after a physical altercation between the two erupted, are both nominated for Best Dance Performance for their respective hits 'Only Girl in the World'/'What's My Name' and 'She Ain't You.'

Virgina native CB earned the most nods throughout the 11 categories. With a total of five nominations, Brown also sees himself up for Best Male R&B/Soul Artist, Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year, Song of the Year and Album of the Year.

Former Destiny's Child frontwoman and '4' creator Beyonce comes right behind Breezy with four nominations in categories for Best Female R&B/Soul Artist, Best Dance Performance, Record of the Year (The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter's Award) and Album of the Year.

Hosted by Cedric "The Entertainer," this year's show will also feature performances from R&B veteran Keith Sweat, crooners Robin Thicke, Lloyd and Miguel, and songstresses Jill Scott and Melanie Fiona, among others.

The 2011 Soul Train Awards tape in Atlanta on Nov. 17 and will premiere on CENTRIC and BET Nov. 27.

Check out the full list of nominees for the 2011 Soul Train Awards below.

Best New Artist
Bruno Mars
Marsha Ambrosius
Miguel
Frank Ocean

Best Male R&B/Soul Artist
Trey Songz
Chris Brown
Cee Lo Green
R. Kelly
Eric Benet
Miguel

Centric Award
Ledisi
Raphael Saddiq
Bilal
Anthony David
Aloe Blacc

Best Caribbean Performance
'Bend Over' - Machel Montano
'Man Down' - Rihanna
'Delilah' - Movado
'Wotless' - Kes The Band
'Summertime' - Vybz Kartel

Best Gospel Performance
'I Smile' - Kirk Franklin
'Walking' - Mary Mary
'Heaven Hear My Heart' - Trin-I-Tee 5:7
'I Believe' - James Fortune feat. Shawn McLemore
'More' - Cece Winans

Album of the Year
'Passion Pain & Pleasure' - Trey Songz
'21' - Adele
'F.A.M.E.' - Chris Brown
'Light of the Sun' - Jill Scott
'4' - Beyoncé
'Watch the Throne' - Jay Z & Kanye West

Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year
'Moment for Life' - Nicki Minaj
'All of the Lights' - Kanye West
'Look at Me Now' - Chris Brown featuring Busta Rhymes & Lil Wayne)
'Out of My Head' - Lupe Fiasco
'Otis' - Jay Z & Kanye West

Best Female R&B/Soul Artist
Kelly Rowland
Beyonce
Marsha Ambrosius
Jennifer Hudson
Jill Scott
Mary J. Blige

Song of the Year
'So In Love' - Jill Scott featuring Anthony Hamilton
'Motivation' - Kelly Rowland featuring Lil Wayne
'Sure Thing' - Miguel
'Rolling in the Deep' - Adele
'She Ain't You' - Chris Brown
'All of the Lights' - Kanye West

Record of the Year (The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter's Award)
'Rolling in the Deep' - Adele
'Far Away' - Marsha Ambrosius
'Best Thing I Never Had' - Beyonce
'Good Man' - Raphael Saddiq
'Hold My Hand' (duet with Akon) - Michael Jackson

Best Dance Performance
'Motivation' - Kelly Rowland
'Only Girl in the World'/'What's My Name' - Rihanna
'Run the World (Girls)' - Beyonce
'She Ain't You' - Chris Brown
'Walking' - Mary Mary
'Pretty Girl Rock' - Keri Hilson

Y-Love, Andy Milonakis in 'The Takeover' Video -- Exclusive

Jewish rapper Y-Love is enlisting the rhyming skills of one unlikely guy for the video to his Diwon-produced track 'The Takeover': Andy Milonakis.

In the visuals, Y-Love, reggae crooner TJ Di Hitmaker and funny guy Milonakis forego the use of pricey rides or voluptuous women by their sides. They let their lyrics -- and their wardrobe selections -- speak for themselves.

"I feel like, with this album ['See Me'], I'm redefining myself as an artist and breaking out of the mold I set for myself with my previous albums," Y-Love tells The BoomBox. "'The Takeover' is the first track from the new Y-Love, and this collaboration is the perfect banger to set it off with."

The Brooklyn native commences the video with lines like, "Y-Love, just a pinch of this/ Is gonna make 'em move fast like the Exodus/ Wanna see you move every inch to this/ Makin' all heads spin, Exorcist/ This is God's world, I run the Internet/ I do a rap thing, ya'll get into that."

TJ joins in, lacing the track with his Caribbean vibe. "The whole song came together when Diwon played a beat in the studio while Y-Love was in the booth thinking he would lay down 16 bars as an interlude to his album," he shares. "I was feeling the vibe of the beat and thought it would make a killer single, I dropped my verses, there you have it, 'The Takeover.'"

Milonakis, known for his zany antics, closes out the song, tipping his lyrical hat to the likes of Jay-Z and Bob Marley. "Takeover, yes I'm a soldier/ I am the man, you can call me A-Hova/ I can do it better than my next competitor," he raps. So what does this 35-year-old comedian think of this mash-up? "Let this unassuming group of crazies take over your eyebuds and earholes with this hyped up mix of hip-hop and dancehall reggae," he reveals.

For 'The Takeover' producer, Milonakis' feature was a welcomed one. "This song was one of the most fun records I ever produced, it bridges hip-hop and dancehall, blending Y-Love and TJ Di Hitmaker's style," Diwon explains. "When Andy Milonakis heard the draft, he quickly put together one of my favorite Milonakis verses ever. We laid it down and then hit a sound stage. The video lets the fans really feel like they are right there with the artists -- it's up close and in your face and the video editing takes a spastic DJ scratch-and-blend style creating an ADHD reggae hip-pop video."

Wale Enlists Rick Ross on 'Tatts On My Arm' -- Listen

Preparing for the release of his sophomore album, 'Ambition,' Wale has leaked a new song, 'Tatts On My Arm,' featuring Rick Ross.

Wale and Ross go back and forth on the hook of the Southside-produced slow-burner -- all 808's and keys. The D.C. native handles the verses, alternately bragging, complaining and shouting out his MMG debut, 'Ambition,' though it does not appear that this track will actually appear on the album.

"Ambition is a way of life. It's a mindset, follow me," Ross rumbles, introducing his Maybach Music Group signee.

"I ain't with the rappin'/ See I'm just tryna focus/ 'Cause the loudest n---- in the room/ Is usually the brokest," Wale raps. "Tatts all on my arm/ These dreads all in my eyes/ I put these poems all in these songs/ For the paper I'm a grind/ It's my ambition, n----."

Wale's 'Ambition' drops on Nov. 1, and will feature the recently-leaked 'Lotus Flower Bomb,' featuring Miguel. While the tracklisting has yet to pop up online, the album art is

Wale, Rick Ross Are Having the 'Best Night Ever' -- Listen

Wale enlists Rick Ross and Kevin Cossom for his 'Best Night,' a soulfully mellow beat replete with lyrics of doting on a special lady.

The Maybach Music Group signee opens with lines like, "And her mind is amazing different kind of connection/ Love is for optimistics, no she's tryna convince me." "No top on the car, we're out with the stars/ You're on your way to the best night ever," Kevin croons on the chorus.

"Open your eyes wide, ridin' in the Rolls Royce/ Keep your mouth closed, you're f---in' with a d--- boy," Rozay rhymes.

Wale's sophomore album, 'Ambition,' is set for release Nov. 1. The D.C. rap star will set out on a 31-city tour of the same name before that, when it commences on Oct. 2 in Minneapolis, Minn. at the Epic Concert Venue and closes out on Dec. 8 in Atlanta, Ga. at the Tabernacle.

Busta Rhymes Helps K. Briscoe Do the 'Dishes' -- Watch

• Posted Sep 15th 2011 12:00PM by Theo Bark

Busta Rhymes returns with his rapid-fire 'Look At Me Now' flow on the Ciroc-sponsored video for Kansas City, Mo. native K. Briscoe's debut single 'Dishes.'

The 26-year-old Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, whose production team The Outsyders -- no relation to the former Eminem and Fugees affiliated Outsidaz -- has penned and produced hits for Britney Spears, Keri Hilson, Jay-Z and more, promises to literally do her lover's dishes over the 808-powered beat. The Benny Boom-helmed video does pretty much what you'd expect in turn, featuring the sexy apron-clad singer putting in that kitchen work, and even doing a little 'Dishes' dance to boot.

"After you put that thing on me baby/ I'm filled with so much energy," K. Briscoe croons. "What can I do for you?/ So good ya make me wanna do your dishes ."

Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Birdman Unite on 'Y.U. Mad' -- Listen

With Lil Wayne's 'Tha Carter IV' earning first week totals of 964,000, the new Birdman song he's featured on has an appropriate title for the time: 'Y.U. Mad.' The song, which serves as the first single off of the Cash Money head honcho's forthcoming 'Bigga Than Life' album, premiered Thursday night on Funkmaster Flex's Hot 97 radio show.

Nicki Minaj is also featured on the drum and bass-heavy track, opening up with lines like, "I am the female Weezy/ This s--- is easy/ Pull up in that new new/ B---- get a squeegee/ Yeah my flow sick, yeah my flow queasy/ Haha they was sleepin' on me/ Z-z-z-z-z/ This p---- clean, this p---- squeaky/ That p---- old, that p---- creaky." She also serves up the chorus.

Birdman follows with an expletive-laden verse. "Man f--- y'all n----s/ Get down or lay down/ Shoot up anything except for school or playground/ Triple O.G. n----/ These h--s know me/ Shiny AK, blood just like a trophy/ I'm old school, I'll smack a b----/ Get money like a motherf---in' cracka b----/ What you know about it, take notes n----/ YMCMB head coach n----," he raps.

Weezy closes up the track with pompous rhymes filled with some comedy and talk of, what else, but women. Take a listen below to hear the New Orleans native's verse.

'Bigga Than Life,' Birdman's fifth studio album, is scheduled for a Nov. 21 release.

2011 MTV VMAs Performance Recaps -- Watch

Cobra Starship and Sabi -- 'You Make Me Feel' (Pre-Show)

Cobra Starship's Gabe Saporta and Sabi kick off the VMA's Selena Gomez-hosted pre-show with a high-energy performance of Cobra's single 'You Make Me Feel,' featuring the Femme Fatale-touring songstress, and as promised by Sabi in an exclusive interview with AOL Music, they brought it! Gabe looked dapper in a suit and tie, while Sabi went sexy-casual in metallic skinnies, cropped pink tank and white blazer. 'You Make Me Feel' ready for the VMAs!

Jay-Z & Beyonce Top Forbes List For Highest Paid Music Couples

Though he earned almost half as much in 2011 as he did in 2010, Jay-Z and wife Beyonce have scored the No. 2 spot on Forbes Magazine's Highest-Paid Celebrity Couples list, making them the highest-earning husband and wife in music.

The superstar couple brought home $72 million from May 2010 to May 2011, a figure which was almost equally split between the two, due to her fashion line with Dereon and endorsement deals with L'Oreal, DirecTV, General Mills and his 10-year $150 million Live Nation deal and stakes in the New Jersey Nets, 40/40 Clubs and advertising firm Translation.

No music couple came remotely close to Jay and Beyonce, who were only narrowly beat out for the No. 1 overall slot by NFL star Tom Brady and supermodel wife Gisele Bundchen, with combined earnings of $76 million, most of which was brought in by Bundchen, who could likely become the world's first supermodel billionaire.

Hollywood couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt came in at a distant third on the Forbes list, with a combined $50 million income.

In related news, Jay-Z was also recently crowned Forbes' Hip-Hop Cash King once again, and attempted to break the world record for bottle-popping, spending a reported $250,000 on bubbly at his 'Watch the Throne' record release party in Miami on Sunday (Aug. 14).