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Amy Winehouse's 'Back to Black' Climbs Back Up the Charts

In the wake of Amy Winehouse's death, the late singer's smash albums 'Frank' and 'Back to Black' have climbed back onto the Billboard album charts, with the later coming in at No. 9.

Just a week before her death, 'Back to Black' moved only 1,000 physical units while this week it topped at 37,000 copies sold and the numbers are expected to rise. 'Frank' has since climbed to No. 57 on the Billboard 200.

The tragic songstress, who passed at the age of 27, was buriedyesterday (July 26) in London in a private ceremony, and her passing has affected the musical community with tributes and covers dedicated in the singer's honor. It's no surprise Winehouse's music is back in everyone's ears.

Lauryn Hill Opens Up About Rohan Marley Rumors

The saga continues in the relationship between Lauryn Hill, 36, andRohan Marley, 39, who last month seemed to write off any involvement in fathering Hill's sixth child. Now the Fugeesfrontwoman is speaking out on her affairs with the father of her five other children, as well as her newborn.

In an open letter to fans she released via Twitter, Hill addressed the media speculation surrounding the pair's relations, her very publicized pregnancy and recent birth, which occurred on Saturday, July 23.

"Mr. Marley and I have a long and complex history about which many inaccuracies have been reported since the beginning. To speculate without the facts can only cause people to form the wrong conclusions. We both value privacy and for that reason defend and preserve our right to it. Contrary to the numerous reports, Mr. Marley did not abandon me while pregnant with his child. We have had long periods of separation over the years but our 5 children together remain a joy to both of us. Thank you for your concern and I appreciate all of the well wishes regarding the birth of my son," she revealed in the letter.

On Monday (July 25), Rohan Marley took to Twitter and tweeted sentiments that may have caused the 'Everything Is Everything' performer to craft a follow-up to what media, critics and fans may have thought suggested the two were not on good terms. "I'm forwarding all well wishes to Ms. Hill on the birth of her new son. I'm sure she'll appreciate the love being sent to her RASTAFARI R.M." hewrote.

While Hill's public note may keep the heat off her for now, there's still talk of Marley's new arm candy, 28-year-old Brazilian supermodel Isabeli Fontana, who he reportedly left the songstress for to canoodle with.

50 Cent Says He Will Not Release Another Album

In the ongoing battle between 50 Cent and his label Interscope Records, the rapper has recently made an interesting threat. Fif announced via his Twitter account that he will no longer release any albums.   "Man, I'm not releasing an album i can't believe Interscope is this f*cked up right now. I apologize to all my fans," he wrote. According to 50, however, he's not going to stop rapping altogether, rather he just won't do an album for the label. "I will work with other artists on [their] projects but I will not put out another album. They dropped the ball with me one time [too] many."   The G-Unit rapper continued on his rant, and even mentioned that he would release a Dr. Dre song later today. "I LOVE DRE but I'm putting out his next single Psycho out tomorrow at 2:00." 50 went on to explain that the Dre song didn't deserve to get a proper set up since they weren't promoting his music the right way.

50 Cent Preps Comic Book Adaptation Of “The 50th Law” Article Source 50 Cent Preps Comic Book Adaptation

Rap mogul 50 Cent is expanding his business portfolio by venturing into the lucrative comic industry.

50 recently announced that he will release a comic book adaptation of the book The 50th Law, which he co-authored with Robert Greene.According to reports, Fiddy will be teaming up with comic book company SmartComics to release the book. They hope to inspire and reveal keys to success to business leaders and innovators without boring amounts of text.”50 Cent book “The 50th Law,” was published in 2009, debuted on the New York Times Bestseller list.

Kelly Rowland Album ‘Here I Am’ Hit Stores Today Article Source Kelly Rowland Album ‘Here I Am’ Hit Stores Today

R&B singer Kelly Rowland’s new album, ‘Here I Am’ hit stores today via Universal Motown. ‘Here I Am’ is loaded with features from your favorite artists such as Lil’ Wayne and Big Sean.

The album is available on iTune.

Track listing can be found below:

1. I’m Dat Chick
2. Work It Man (feat. Lil Play)
3. Motivation (feat. Lil Play)
4. Lay It On Me (feat. Big Sean)
5. Feelin’ Me Up Right Now
6. Turn It Up
7. All of the Night (feat. Rico Love)
8. Keep It Between Us
9. Commander (feat. David Guetta)
10. Down for Whatever (feat. The Wav.s)

Delux:
11. Heaven & Earth
12. Each Other
13. Motivation (Rebel Rock Remix) [feat. Lil Wayne]
14. Commander (Urban Remix) [feat. Nelly]

Rihanna Reveals Single Cover For New Single “Cheers” [Photo]

Rihanna lets the top down and goes for a ride on the cover for her new single “Cheers (Drink to That).”“Cheers” is the next single from her platinum-selling album LOUD and was produced by The Runners and samples Avril Lavigne’s “I’m With You.” Rihanna recently announced a repackaging of her album due this fall.

West Coast rapper Game is looking to join Lil Wayne and Birdman’s Cash Money Records

West Coast rapper Game is looking to join Lil Wayne and Birdman’s Cash Money Records.

According to the Red Nation rapper, he only has two album obligations before getting freed from Interscope. Game said he expects to reach a new agreement with Cash Money sooner rather than later. “We been playing with the idea of going over to Cash Money or trying to marry that and Black Wall Street,” he explained.“So, we’ll figure it out before the end of the day. I definitely think that’s where I’ll probably end up. Cause they winning, they want to win and I been winning and want to continue to win.”

Nicki Minaj, Rumored Boyfriend Fight at Photo Shoot

It appears that Nicki Minaj has had yet another incident with rumored boyfriend-hypeman Safaree.

Two weeks after she was reportedly assaulted at a boutique hotel in Dallas, Texas, the Young Money rapper and Safaree reportedly got into another blowup, this time on the set of a photoshoot forCosmopolitan Magazine, in Miami, Fl..
MediaTakeOut cites an "insider" on the set, who claims that Nicki and her man got into a "heated altercation" when he objected to the sexual nature of the shoot.

"He thought Nicki was being too sexy and so he spoke up," MediaTakeOut's insider explained. "Nicki told him to stay out of it ... and then they began [arguing]."

The feuding couple then requested that the entire crew leave the set while they finished their dispute, leaving several staff members concerned for Nicki's safety.

"I was scared for Nicki," continued the source. "We shouldn't have left her alone."

Though their argument appeared to have been resolved, the photoshoot was reportedly wrapped for the day, and there is no word as to whether the photos will see the light of day.

Nicki vehemently denied reports that she had been assaulted by Safaree at the Hotel Palomar in Dallas earlier this month, tweeting, "The fact that u believe a man either slapped or punched me in the face & didn't leave on a stretcher w/his balls hangin off? #getaF%cknLife."

However, a spokesperson for the Dallas Police Department confirmed to MTV that they had responded to a call to the hotel, and that she had, in fact, been wounded, as reported. "We responded to her and a friend arguing over a suitcase, and one of them let go and it hit her in the lip," the Dallas PD spokesperson said.

Kelly Rowland Discusses Lil Wayne, New Single, 'X Factor'

The weight of expectation can be crushing. Yes, there is the undeniable springboard of being a former member of one of the most successful girl groups of all time. After all, during Kelly Rowland's time in the multi-platinum-selling trio Destiny's Child, success became almost a foregone conclusion. Starting with their self-titled 1998 debut, the Houston-based act went on to sell roughly 50 million albums. But Rowland's career post D.C. has been a classic hit-or-miss exercise in stardom. Inevitably, the questions start to loom. How do you compete with the ghost of past commercial triumphs? Is it possible to find success on your own terms at the same time when Destiny's Child frontman BeyonceKnowles rules the music landscape as a world-beating, pop supernova? Will Kelly Rowland ever become a solo star?

The answer to the latter is, yes. That much is clear judging from the immense it-girl coronation that Rowland is currently experiencing with the mammoth chart and radio success of her single 'Motivation.' It's nearly impossible to avoid the omnipresent Lil Wayne-featured track, which finds the cutesy Rowland in a frisky, sex-kitten mood. With the recent July 26 release of her buzz-heavy third album 'Here I Am,' the underrated vocalist seems to have found her mojo. The BoomBox sat down with Rowland to discuss how having patience pays off, why she loves Weezy and Kanye West and judging alongside Simon Cowell on 'The X Factor.'



Your career journey up to this point has been filled with highs and lows. Now you are experiencing an across-the-board hit like 'Motivation' as a solo act. Do you feel critics and music fans are finally starting to see you as a talented solo artist beyond your work with Destiny's Child?



I think it speaks to hard work. I have a great team around me, and I've watched so many artists for years have so many different opportunities. I would look and them and say, "Oh my Gosh... I want to do that style of music... I want that record." For me it was really about being honest with myself.


In what way?



It was me saying, "Kelly, are you really working hard enough? Are you really going the extra mile?" That's what you have been seeing from me. I've been working extra hard. I now have the proper team around me. That's what happened with 'Motivation.' Above anything radio has been so incredible. And my fans have been very supportive. I can't say that enough. They call the radio stations up and text and tweet and go on Facebook and every other social network that you can think of that I probably don't even know exists [laughs]. I have the best fans. I am so incredibly blessed.


When you first heard 'Motivation' did you know it was going to be a hit?



I knew that I loved it and I knew that I wanted everyone to love it the way I did. That was my only thing. You only hope that you people love your song the way you love it.


Were you at all worried about the suggestive nature of 'Motivation?' It's become an unofficial strip club anthem.



[Laughs] Well, for me, being in Destiny's Child, we were very much about female empowerment. And that was because other women had come before us and empowered us in different ways. So I felt like I was in a place where I was coming into my own sensuality. There's nothing wrong with that. Sensuality is a very empowering place as well. It makes you feel strong sexually.


There's an undeniable chemistry between yourself and Lil Wayne, who appears on 'Motivation.' It sounds like you guys could even record a full album together. What is it about Wayne that makes him such a transcending presence on that track?



You know what, Wayne brings a lot of sex appeal to that record. With the things that he says and the fact that he is giving you the whole play on everything. He proves that your imagination can go anywhere. He's great with that, at telling stories. I just love Wayne because he's a true artist.


He seems to be really intense in the studio, huh?



Yes. When he loves something he just goes for it. He's not a Hollywood-type person. He believes in music and artistry. I just really appreciate that about him. There's no Hollywood B.S. about him.


When you were working on the 'Here I Am' album what was your frame of mind in terms of your artistic direction?



This record 'Here I Am' is all about the title. I'm showing that I'm very happy in the place that I am. I'm coming into my own -- where I am in my life as a woman and as an artist. You can hear it.


In past interviews you have given a lot of credit to your producers for lighting the spark of creativity on 'Here I Am.' Can you elaborate?



Well, it all started with Rico Love and Jim Jonsin in the studio. We recorded 'Motivation.' And then Rico was getting tracks from other producers. He would tell me, "Oh, I got 'All Of The Night," which is another song on the record. Then I worked with Tricky Stewart and it was just like we had known each other for years. And I was able to work with Rodney [Jerkins] again, and we made magic together with 'Work It Man' and 'Turn It Up.' It was just awesome watching everything just kind of mold itself together. That's exactly what I wanted.


Were you aiming for a sexy, conceptual album?



I was just aiming for a strong album. I wanted to build a record where people would say, "Oh, she's here. She's not playing." When I started to play the record for everybody they were like, "Oh, my God... We've been waiting for this album." And I'm like, "Thank you! So have I." [laughs].


There was a time when it seemed like you would never make that out-the-ball-park Kelly Rowland album, especially coming off the immense success of your single with Nelly ('Dilemma'). Why do you think it has taken quite a few attempts for you to completely break through as a solo artist?



I completely believe that timing is everything. And my timing has not always been the best timing. I truly believe that God's timing works way better than mine. Everybody is just really excited. I think a big contribution has been the fact that everything is different from my first record ['Simply Deep']. I have a great support system. There are people who come up to me, who I don't even know, and they tell me, "I'm so proud of you!" And I'm like, "What?" [laughs] That feels really, really great. I want them to know that I am definitely here working hard. I feel blessed. I appreciate the support.


Have you already decided on the next single?



The next single is this record I did with Ester Dean and Hitboy called 'Lay It On Me.' Big Sean is featured on it. And I love Big Sean. Love, love, love him.


You spoke of your love for Wayne and Big Sean. If I were to check out your iPod, who would be some of the other MCs that I would find on there?



Of course, you all know I listen to big brother Jay [Jay-Z]. But also I'm a huge Kanye West fan. I love Kanye and I'm so excited about what him and Jay are doing together. I can't wait for the ['Watch The Throne'] album.


Wow. Kelly Rowland is the all-around American girl?



[Laughs] I'm into everything. I'm looking forward to doing a tour in support of the record. Right now I'm in the U.K. I'm actually one of the new judges for 'The X Factor.' It will be running until December. I'll probably be working and doing spot dates up until 'The X Factor' ends.


Sounds like fun. Don't let Simon Cowell intimidate you.



Oh, no. Simon is really cool. The funny thing about him is he really does want people to win. He wants to bring the best out of people. I'm really excited.

R. Kelly Owes $837,000 in Delinquent Federal Taxes

Several weeks after news broke that he was facing a possible home foreclosure in Chicago comes reports that R&B crooner R. Kellyowes an exorbitant amount of money to the government.

The Detroit News reports that the 'Love Letter' creator owes $837,000 in delinquent federal taxes. The IRS filed the tax lienagainst the 44-year-old Chicago native on Jan. 6, 2010, with the Cook County Recorder of Deeds.

While the whopping amount is unsettling, it pales in comparison to the $1,036,858 tax lien against Kelly that the IRS lifted last month.

The lauded singer-songwriter, who holds 10 albums to his name and is a multi-Grammy winner, seems to have hit a rough patch as of late with his recent money troubles and health issues. Kelly was recently rushed to the hospital for emergency throat surgery, in which an abscess on his tonsil was draine.

50 Cent Talks About Album Delay

In case you didn't hear him the first three or four times, 50 Cent wants you to know that he's pushing his album back...again. The rapper recently held a press conference at Festival de Casablanca 2011 and announced that his yet to be titled fifth album is more creative because he's taking his time, according to hiphopdx.com.


"I've worked longer on this album than any of my other projects. I've had the opportunity to evaluate the things that I created initially, and go back and revamp things and change things around a bit," said the rap mogul.


50 compared his time to that of Eminem and Dre, who he said "have had opportunities to critique themselves," while he was "on the shot clock." Eminem, Dre and 50 all fall under the Interscope Records umbrella.


50 also reminded everyone that his debut was the largest debuting hip hop album, while hinting where he is going with his fifth. "Now, this album, it's more creative, I feel like, because I've had to find things away from those things that I've done continuously."


Outside of his own project, Fif has been keeping his ear open for fresh new rap talent. He recently signed two upstart rhyme slingers in New Orleans native Kidd Kidd and Genasis, the rapper behind the catchy single "Jackie Chan."

More Details Revealed In Amy Winehouse Death

As the music community continues to look for answers in the death of singer Amy Winehouse, a rep for the singer reveals new details. TMZ is reporting that Winehouse was discovered in her bed by a bodyguard that had been assigned to look after her. "She was in her bedroom after saying she wanted to sleep and when he went to wake her he found she wasn't breathing," says Chris Goodman, identified as both a rep and a friend of Winehouse's. Goodman also notes that the guard, who has not been named, called emergency services "straight away." Says Goodman, "He was very shocked. At this stage no one knows how she died. She died alone in bed." The 27-year old singer was found dead in her apartment early Saturday morning (7/23). The cause of death is still unknown

Lauryn Hill Welcomes Her Sixth Child |

Congrats are in order for Lauryn Hill! The Grammy Award-winning singer/rapper welcomed a new baby boy on Saturday evening (July 23). The child is Hill’s sixth with longtime boyfriend Rohan Marley. According to a source that spoke to blackcelebkids.com, the baby is doing well after a little scare took place in the delivery room. “The baby came out the womb with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck. All is well now and everyone is happy.” The singer's delivery comes just a month after she confirmed reports of her pregnancy.

Rick Ross Gets Off In Doggie Death Case

Rick Ross is off the hook in the case of a dead pooch. After a woman blamed him for the death of her beloved dog, an Atlanta judge threw the case out of court, saying the suit was improperly filed.
Ross had been targeted regarding the violent death of a Yorkie named Banks, who was viciously attacked by the superstar rapper's pitbulls after they escaped the yard of his mansion. Ross received a citation, but the grieving pet owner wanted $15,000 in damages.
"We tried to do good business," said Ross's manager to TMZ. "We paid the vet bill...but it was an unfortunate accident that [Banks' owner] tried to capitalize off of."
The dog's owner will reportedly seek to refile the case in court, but for now, it's Ross who has been thrown a bone.

Drake To Throw Out First Pitch At Cleveland Game |

Young Money/Cash Money artist Drake will be throwing the first pitch in Progressive Field Friday when the Cleveland Indians take on the Chicago White Sox. The Toronto native will also be on hand the following day to celebrate Cleveland's 215th birthday at the Ohio Homecoming. He will headline a concert that will reunite Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. "They ain't seen us, all five, since Flesh came out [of prison in 2008]," Bizzy Bone told MTV News. "We ain't been able to really put on a showcase for 'em, and this is a beautiful platform. It's gonna be thousands and thousands and thousands of people there, and it's Cleveland's birthday." Bizzy Bone also talked about Drake's decision to participate in the city's festivities despite having cancelled a performance last week due to his uncle's passing. "His uncle just passed away and he had to cancel a performance to fly up there to take care of his uncle and all of the business that goes around that," he said. "I was speaking with the promoters and the promoters were like, 'He’s still doing this show.' The brother is classy and I'm very grateful and thankful to know that in this industry those ones still exist."

Mary J. Blige Opens Up About Being Molested

Mary J. Blige is talking about her life in the upcoming VH1 Behind The Music special. But despite her success, she hasn't always been happy. In one of the most revealing interviews of her career, the Queen of Hip Hop and R&B is coming clean about some of the struggles she's had to overcome. "When I was 5 years old I was molested and... I remember feeling, literally right before it happened, I just could not believe that this person was going to do this to me," she says. "That thing followed me all my life. The shame of thinking my molestation was my fault. It led me to believe I wasn't worth anything." In addition to talking about the sexual abuse, Blige also comes clean about her struggle with alcoholism. "It was bigger than me. And it was definitely going to kill me. So I was like this is it and let's go. And I remember sitting on my bed. I swear, I don't know what death feels like, but I felt like my spirit was trying to leave my body," she says. 

Kelly Rowland Says "Motivation" Opened Up A New

Since her days in Destiny's Child ended, Kelly Rowland has kept herself motivated. Though there were glimpses of her solo potential (i.e. Nelly's "Dilemma"), Kelly's status as one of the other girls in one of R&B's most successful groups seemed to overshadow her hard work. Now with her first number one single burning up the charts, Kelly is poised to do some damage. 
“Number one feels like number one.  It feels wonderful. Especially for it to be on the charts so long,” Kelly tells BET.com in an exclusive interview. “I think ‘Motivation’ opened up a different chapter for me. It really did.” 
"Motivation," a song that Rowland describes as “grown and sexy,” is the first single from her forthcoming Here I Am album, dropping on Tuesday (7/26). And she says there’s more where that came from. “[The album] is along the same lines when it comes to an urban sound. When I listen to everything back to back, when I was sequencing it, that’s when it felt really good in my spirit.” 
The success of Kelly's first single landed her a performance spot on the 2011 BET Awards stage, where she pulled off one of the most memorable performances of her own career. 
"I was dreaming about performing on the BET Awards stage," an excited Kelly exclaims. "I would dream and pray about it. When you ask God for it ,he’ll deliiver. Then he wants to throw Trey Songz in it. Trey and I had really great chemistry. We rehearsed. We were prepared and excited." 
Chemistry is an understatement, as Kelly and Trey gave each other the most. At the end of the performance, Trey landed a sensual kiss on Kelly's neck, one she says she doesn't even remember. 
Kelly laughs. "I wasn't expecting that kiss, trust me. I didn't even know he did that until after. When you're on stage and you're moving...it was really weird," she admits. For the first time in her career, Kelly is the "it" girl. Even 50 Cent spoke about his admiration for her in a recent interview. Kelly was unaware of 50's recent admiration. 
But for every admirer, there's always a non-believer, and Kelly's recent rise to success doesn't come without some criticism. Producer Jeff Bhasker, a hitmaker who has worked with Beyoncé and Alicia Keys, took to his Twitter to discredit Kelly's record. 
"How can this KR song with the weakest beat and melody of all time be the #1 song on urban!? Oh yeah. [Lil] Wayne,” he tweeted. Later, he wrote "I just listened to 'Motivation' again to see if I was to harsh in my critique. I wasn't. The lyrics are horrid as well." 
When asked about it, Kelly shakes it off. "You know what, the record speaks for itself," she responds. "Opinions are like **sholes, everybody’s got one. He’s made wonderful music with my sister and other artists. There’s no reason for me to say anything negative." 
A stark contrast to the followup tweet from Bhasker who claimed that Twitter followers live for the negative tweets. Not Kelly though. 
She adds, "'Cause I won’t tell you the thought that is really in my head. I'll just kill ‘em with kindness." Spoken like a true lady.