Kendrick Lamar to Induct N.W.A Into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Isn't this some exciting news? N.W.A had a great 2015 with the release of their biopic ‘Straight Outta Compton’, we were even more lucky as we heard new music from Dr Dre with his album ‘Compton’. 

The year ended on a high for N.W.A as towards the end of the year it was reported that the legendary hip hop group are Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2016 inductees. And now details regarding their induction have surfaced.

Pusha T Becomes President of G.O.O.D. Music

Pusha T photographed in 2012. Courtesy of Def Jam Recordings via billboard.com

As reported on Billboard.com, hip-hop heavyweight Pusha T has been announved as the president of Kanye West's infamous Def Jam imprint G.O.O.D. Music. Home to musical icons such as Q-Tip and Pusha himself as well as rising talent like Teyana Taylor and Kacy Hill, G.O.O.D. Music has built a reputation as one of the most successful and exciting imprints within the industry.

Discussing his new role, Pusha explains, "I just look at capitalizing on everything that I feel like G.O.O.D. Music brings to the music industry, our following, and the culture." He goes on to say his focus will be "just really executing all the different avenues of music, art, culture and fashion as well."

Congratulations to Pusha T on his new role at G.O.O.D. Music, read the full interview here: Billboard

words: official press release

Monique Releases Debut EP ‘The Gift’

Following on from the success of her well-received comeback single ‘The Gift’, Birmingham's very own singer, songwriter and producer Monique is proud to release her brand new debut EP of the same name ‘The Gift’.

Inspired by her pregnancy and the joy of embracing motherhood, which birthed its title track ‘The Gift’, Monique's new 5-track EP, in her own words, "explores the theme of time and moments in a world that moves so fast that we rarely stand in the present. There are moments that bring us face to face with ourselves and others that are willing us to take a look in the mirror. To stop and consider our course of just to simply enjoy, be thankful and content."

Hoping to leave listeners with overriding questions, "what would happen if we chose to live in the present?", "what if we dared to live without fear of  tomorrow?", "what would happen if we gave our all today?", this record is more than a creative reflection of where Monique is as an artist in 2015, it is a statement of her personal journey to self acceptance, and a call for fans and critics to stand in the present with her, even if for the eighteen minutes, it takes to listen to ‘The Gift’.

Mr. Garbe Competition: Winners Picked and Competition Answers Announced!

Last week I held a competition on the blog in collaboration with Mr. Garbe - a UK based t-shirt label, that ended yesterday (July 31st). And today, the competition winners have been picked and contacted!

Here are the answers to the competition questions

What State is Burna Boy originally from? Port Harcourt

Name a Northern state in Nigeria? Kano 

What does 'Ile Ife' mean in English? Home of love

What was Abacha's job occupation? Abacha was a Nigerian soldier and politician!

Congrats to Charles, Tosin, Sef, and Eleanor for winning the t-shirts and answering the questions correctly! Your t-shirts are on their way! And for those that were unlucky, you can purchase a t-shirt here! 

Look out for more competitions on It's Just Mobolaji coming up soon! Special thanks to Bella Adeleke of Mr. Garbe for providing these amazing t-shirts to give away!

2014 BET Awards: Winners [Full List]

On Sunday evening in Los Angeles at the Nokia Center, the 2014 BET Awards took place and boy, was it eventful. Stars graced the red carpet in their best dressed, whilst there were pre-show performances from Tinashe, French Montana, Rick Ross, Meek Mill and DJ Khaled to name a few. 

Model/stylist Karrueche Tran hosted the official BET Digital live stream and done an okay job especially as it was her first time, and as she's not a presenter. The night was hosted by comedian/actor Chris Rock he kept guests entertained all night with his jokes and banter, some of which I hope no one found offensive - especially Rick Ross. And just like the Oscar awards he took a leaf out of Ellen Degeneres book and handed out food, this time not pizza but the popular Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles.

Chris Brown, Pharrell, Missy Elliott, Nicki Minaj, all performed on the night - with powerful couple Beyoncé and Jay Z closing the night with a pre-recorded performance of ‘Partition’ accompanied with a whole new opening verse from Jay, as they are currently on their ‘On The Run’ tour across the States.

Beyoncé, Pharrell and newcomer - August Alsina all won big at the awards as they bagged two awards each. Kerry Washington lost out to Lupita Nyong'o who won 'Best Actress' and first time nominees - African act Davido, and UK duo Krept and Konan won 'Best International Act' in their respected categories.

Congratulations to all those nominated, and those who won! Check the full list of winners below!

Moelogo Signs Major Record Deal to Island Records Through EGA Records, Announces Upcoming Single ‘My Sweetie’

It's a great week for Afrobeats as singer Moelogo has signed a major record deal with Island Records through EGA Records, making him the first Afrobeat artist under their roster.

[Read the official press release about Moelogo's signing to the record label below]

History was made this week as fast-rising Afro-Pop/Afrobeats star Moelogo became the first Afrobeats artist to sign a major label deal with renowned and iconic record label Island Records - home to the likes of Drake, Dizzee Rascal, legendary King Sunny Ade and the late great Bob Marley - in collaboration with EGA Records.

Under the Edgie Lartey-owned 233 Connect and managed by Ismail Oshodi and prolific producer/songwriter Bayoz Muzik, Moelogo has gone from strength to strength, ever since he burst unto the Afrobeats scene in 2012. First with his breakthrough single ‘Pangolo’, then with his critically acclaimed self-titled EP featuring collaborations with the likes of Fuse ODG, DRB LasGidi and Dee Moneey, and recently with his massive single ‘The Baddest’.

Now Moelogo is ready to take his talents to the biggest stage of them all, following his game-changing record deal with EGA/Island Records, by announcing the forthcoming release of his upcoming single titled ‘My Sweetie’ produced by long-time collaborator Bayoz Muzik and SOS.

Coming on the back of the success of ‘Boogie Down’ which was playlisted on BBC 1Xtra, supported heavily on BEAT FM and featured on all the leading Afrobeats online publications, and adding his signing to EGA/Island Records, the anticipation for Moelogo's next single is now at a fever pitch. To be released in only a matter of weeks, get ready as the "Year of Moelogo" is set to continue with ‘My Sweetie’.

Well a huge congratulations to Moelogo for that - that's a big deal to be signed, we look forward to ‘My Sweetie’ - wonder if it'll top ‘The Baddest’... Only time will tell! The heat is on

Ciara and Future Welcome Baby Boy ‘Future Zahir Wilburn’

Earlier this week - singer Ciara and her fiance, rapper Future welcomed their baby boy - Future Zahir Wilburn.

After announcing her pregnancy back in January, the singer has been seen with a huge stomach doing all sorts such as crip walking, sexy fashion shoots, going to the gym and a whole lot more - that pregnant women don't usually do. Ciara made pregnancy look way too easy, like a walk in the park.

Congratulations to Ciara and Future on a healthy little boy - the baby is Ciara's first child and Future's fourth child, but their first child together. We can't wait to see the little Prince!

Davido to Release ‘Skelewu’ in The UK + Announces "#CanUSkelewu" Competition with CASH Prize!

Just when we thought we couldn't get enough of artist Davido, he announces the official UK release of his huge hit single ‘Skelewu’.

The song which fans instantly fell in love with took over the dance floors at clubs, parties, weddings and all the other events you could think of in both Africa and Europe; and has even been a chart topper reaching #1 on the UK club charts.

Only 21-years-old, multi-platinum selling artist Davido's infectious single has been co-signed by some of Africa's biggest UK premiership strikers - Emmanuel Adebayor and Samuel Eto'o and will see its release on March 17.

In honour of the official single release to keep the momentum going and to gain even more buzz Davido and his team have announced a ‘Skelewu’ competition online called #CanUSkelewu. The rules for the competition are so simple, details as seen below about the competition and the prizes! #Exciting!

Think you've got what it takes, then just ask yourself one question. #CanUSkelewu?

To celebrate the release there is a competition being run for Davido's fans with big money prizes to be won. A similar competition took place in Africa and was a huge success with hundreds of videos sent in so we have high hopes for similar success here.

Upload your videos to YouTube and Instagram and don't forget to hashtag #CanUSkelewu and tag @lifeofdavido on Instagram. Then email your YouTube links to davido@iamdavido.com. Davido will watch every video posted so we want to be seeing some serious shapes being thrown and your best Skelewu.

Competition entry closes @ 10pm Sunday 16^th March and the winner will be announced on 17^th March (the day of release)

Competition CASH prizes:

1st Prize: £1000

2nd Prize: £500 

3rd Prize: £250 

And it's that simple! Get entering, best of luck to all the entrees! ‘Skelewu’ will be released via 20/20 Media Limited and HKN records - March 17. Support the Afrobeats movement and buy the song off iTunes. Watch the video to ‘Skelewu’ below

Who Knew? Lil Kim is Pregnant! Shows off Baby Bump at NYFW!

Seriously, who knew Lil Kim was pregnant? Kim officially holds the crown for surprise pregnancies - because boy oh boy, did she keep this one a secret! We didn't even get a pin drop of a hint from her! Love it!

Last night, Lil Kim attended The Blonds fashion in New York City for NYFW and unveiled her baby bump. Claire Sulmers of Fashionbombdaily.com broke the news via her Instagram account as she was also in attendance, alongside heiress — Paris Hilton, and Beyoncé's stylist — Ty Tyrone, blogger — Perez Hilton, singer-actor — Joe Jonas and more.

Congratulations to Kimmy Blanco for the pregnancy, and although though we don't know who the father is, it's good to see the 39 year old rapper pregnant and healthy. 

We can't wait to see her little bundle of joy!

Courtesy of FashionBombDaily

JoJo Signs Deal with Atlantic Records, (Finally) Released From Blackground!

The angels are singing! I don't know what song, but they're singing alright!

Singer JoJo has finally been released from Blackground records. For those who know, JoJo had been in a constant battle with the record label and has now been released from her contract after the long fight. After filing a lawsuit from the record label who is owned by Barry Hankerson (uncle to the late Aaliyah), in July - JoJo has finally won! At one point JoJo even revealed to the world in an interview with MaximoTV stating "I don't own my voice", that's how deep it got!

Well now, according to the good folks over at LA Times, it reports that JoJo has been released from the messy situation and has now signed to Atlantic Records (back in December 2013) - where she'll release her third studio album later this year.

JoJo's loyal fans stuck with her throughout the whole battle and even took to twitter to campaign for her release from the label. And I'm sure they're more than over the moon for her victory!

After having a bumpy 2013 - 2014 is looking up for the ‘Andre’ singer will also star in a new high school comedy titled ‘G.B.F.’ out this coming Friday in the States.

Congratulations to JoJo for WINNING! #SheWon! Great news to start 2014! Now if we could just get that music...

Read more details about the release and the new signing over at LA Times!

Eve To Star in New "Interracial Romantic Comedy" TV Show on ABC

Well, isn't this an irony. It might as well just be an autobiography on her life.

Executive TV producer - Aaron Kaplan is excited to announce that the newly-engaged rapper - Eve will appear in his new TV now. 

Eve has been in an interracial relationship with British fashion designer - Maximillion Cooper since 2010, got engaged in December 2013; so this show comes at perfect timing for her.

Eve is no stranger to the small screen, after she had three seasons of her own scripted television show titled ‘Eve’ where she played a boutique business owner by the name of Shelly Williams, and was broadcast on the channel UPN. She has also starred in the movies ‘Barbershop’ one and two, ‘The Cookout’, ‘4.3.2.1’, ‘The Woodsman’ and much more.

The Aaron Kaplan project will begin it's development season in 2014-2015, I'll be keeping you updated on the show. In the meantime - congratulations to Eve on her engagement and new endeavor.

Spotted at Hollywood Reporter.

[Watch] - Ciara FINALLY Announces Her Pregnancy on ‘The View’ & Stops by HuffPost Live!

Congratulations are in order for Ciara and fiancé Future. After a while of speculation - Ciara announced on ‘The View’ yesterday morning her pregnancy to Future. I knew she was pregnant, but like everyone else - we was just waiting for Ciara to announce it herself.

Looking happier than ever - we see a glowing Ciara show off her baby bump - who is rumored to be at 8 months already. Instantly, Ciara began trending and was on everyone and anyone's Instagram feed with the baby bump. 

Ciara and Jenny McCarthy 

Baby or no baby. Ciara is not planning on stopping work anytime soon - she plans to tour after her album and do even much more. After making her appearance at ‘The View’, the ‘Body Party’ singer stopped by to chat with Marc Hill over at HuffPost Live about her new album, which she began recording just after Thanksgiving 2013, her Grammy Awards after party performance next month, her life changing in 2013 and she even talks about how close she was to working with her icon - Janet Jackson. Ci-Ci dishes just a little bit on her pregnancy - and calling Future's two other children's mothers her 'family'. 

Ciara is clearly in a happier place in her life - and it's good to see her so bubbly, positive and smiling. Watch ‘The View’ and ‘HuffPost Live’ both below.

Congratulations to Ciara and Future once again, on their blessing!

Ciara announcing her pregnancy with the ladies of ‘The View’. Loved Jenny McCarthy's reaction of excitement for Ci-Ci:

Ciara chats with Marc Hill on HuffPost Live:

New Music: Ariana Grande - You'll Never Know

Congratulations are in order for Ariana Grande as yesterday saw the release of her debut album ‘Yours Truly’ as it went straight to number one in 30 different countries on the iTunes chart. 

‘You'll Never Know’ is just one of the many songs on the album produced by Kenny 'Babyface' Edmonds and is bound to be another favourite along with ‘The Way’, ‘Baby I’ and ‘Right There’.

This album is currently the talk of the town, and if you don't have it make sure you download it via iTunes as soon as.. (iTunes UK/iTunes US)

New Video: 2Face - Rainbow

Awwwwwwww!

This is one of the sweetest videos ever! 2Face Idibia expresses his love for his beautiful wife Annie Idibia in this new video "Rainbow". 2Face shows us scenes from his traditional wedding in Nigeria, as well as from his white wedding in Dubai.

2Face and Annie are more than in love with each other, love their chemistry. And happy married life! God bless this union!

XXL 2013 Freshman Class Cover Unveiled!

THEY GOT IT RIGHT THIS YEAR!!!! *round of applause for XXL Magazine*

A round of applause is in order for XXL magazine as they have FINALLY got their yearly freshman class list right. Year after year, they seem to get it wrong or miss out on someone but this year, it seems just about accurate. And on top of that they've even added their 11th freshman to the list - Chief Keef. Two of TDE's very own - ScHoolboy Q and Ab-Soul grace the cover and so does 'All Gold' everything rapper Trinidad James, and of course a female rapper had to join the league of the big dawgs! Check out the full list below and decide on whether they got it correct this year or not!

XXL 2013 Freshman Class official list: 

Schoolboy Q

Trinidad James

Joey Bada$$

Ab-Soul

Logic

Action Bronson

Kirko Bangz

Travi$ Scott

Dizzy Wright - 10 spot people's champion winner!

Angel Haze

11th Freshman - Chief Keef

I look forward to each of their individual project releases out later on this year! Congratulations to them all! keep a look out for their freestyles, cyphers and all that other good stuff with XXL Magazine! 

Congratulations: Lola Monroe & King Los Welcome Son! Brixton Royal Coleman

Sending out a HUGE congratulations to Taylor Gang rapper - Lola Monroe and her boyfriend King Los who is currently signed to Bad Boy Records, as they welcome their son - Brixton Royal Coleman on March 12, 2013.

Both Lola Monroe and King Los took it to their Twitter accounts (like they did on Christmas day) tweeting: 

To God be the Glory!!!!! Our royal gift has arrived!!! I just gave birth to our baby....!!!! LOVE 💙💙💙💙 - Lola Monroe

A KING IS BORN!!!!! 

Later on tweeting: God did some amazing things for us today !!!!! - King Los

Congratulations were in order for Lola Monroe and Los coming from their friends - Wiz Khalifa & Amber Rose - who recently just gave birth to their son Sebastian, Cassie, Juicy J and more.

The happy couple showed off their baby boy via Instagram captioning it...

Lola Monroe:

"On 3/12/13 me n My King @iamkinglos brought royalty at it's finest into this world...Meet "Brixton Royal" ...I couldn't ahve asked for a better Man to have this INDESCRIBABLE blessing with. Can't take my eyes off of this beautiful creation. Thank you Lord*"

King Los

"Hello world, On 3•12•13 @Thee_LolaMonroe gave birth to my magnificent son "Brixton Royal" ... May God bless his life in Jesus name!"

Brixton Royal is the latest addition to the Taylor Gang family! Congratulations to the happy couple once again!

Congratulations! Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose Welcome Son!

Finally, he's here!! 

Wiz Khalifa and fiancé Amber Rose have welcomed their son into the world once and for all. Last year, the Rosebud announced her pregnancy at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards in September.

The couple said they plan on having a small wedding before the birth of their son wanting to do it the right way, then a big wedding after he was born, no word on if they actually went ahead with the wedding. The Rosebud and the Taylor Gang Rosestud named their son Sebastian 'The Bash' Taylor Thomaz. No surprise that they named their son 'Taylor'.

Congratulations to Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose once again, I cannot wait to see the face of their little bundle of joy... I am very happy for them and their new family. So sweet. 

Congratulations: Lola Monroe is Pregnant!

Female rapper Lola Monroe is expecting her first child.

The first lady of Taylor Gang records posted the good news on her twitter account alongside the father of the baby - rapper King Los who is currently signed to Diddy's record label Bad Boy.

Both Lola and Los hail from the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia areas) shared the good news with their fans and supporters saying:

Lola Monroe: “Merry Christmas from my family to your ❤ … #BlessedBeyondWords,” 

King Los: “Christmas 2012 with @thee_lolamonroe + 1 ... Best gift of all !!!!”

Congratulations to them both!! Can't wait to see what the little one looks like.

Lola Monroe plans on releasing her new mixtape 'Lipstick N Pistols' in 2013!

Future: Announces Partnership With Epic Records, New Mixtape and Releases New Video

Future is making some major movements this year! The rapper who has teamed up with pretty much everyone from Kelly Rowland to Rihanna has now announced a new venture his doing with Epic Records. Future who re-released his album Pluto 3D in November says: 

“L.A. Reid and the team at Epic made a great impact on my career helping me to reach an incredible level of success with Pluto. It made perfect sense to fully partner with them with my label Freebandz.”

The joint partnership allows Future to release his own albums, which he has already done and also to sign new artists of his choice.

The 'Turn On The Lights' rapper is also planning on releasing a new mixtape Future Presents F.B.G.: The Movie out January 13 of the new year. 

Future has also released the official video for his song 'Hard'. 

Trinidad James: Signs To Def Jam

Congratulations Trinidad James!

[Article taken from Rap-Up.com]

Trinidad James is taking his buzz to the bank. The “All Gold Everything” rapper has signed a lucrative deal with Def Jam Recordings.

Hot on the heels of his ubiquitous single, Billboard.com has confirmed that the 25-year-old will join the label’s star-studded roster, which includes Kanye West, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, and Young Jeezy.

After being pursued by several labels including Atlantic Records, he chose Def Jam as his new home. The deal, rumored to be worth $2 million, also includes a joint venture with James’ Gold Gang Records.

“We’re excited to welcome a young talent like Trinidad James to the Def Jam family,” the label’s president, Joie Manda, told Billboard. “Def Jam prides itself as both a cornerstone of hip-hop’s rich tradition, and as a vital, forward-thinking label dedicated to breaking and nurturing emerging artists. Trinidad James represents the cutting-edge of what’s happening in the culture today. We are thrilled to have him at the label, and look forward to growing his already massive buzz.”

The Atlanta-bred rapper dropped his mixtape Don’t Be S.A.F.E. on iTunes earlier this month, while his single “All Gold Everything” has become a viral sensation, racking up 2.8 million views on YouTube and receiving the remix treatment from rappers including Tyga.

“Def Jam, thank you for believing,” said James, who can also be heard on “That Turn Up” off Mike WiLL Made It’s upcoming mixtape Est. in 1989 Pt. 2.5.

Unfamiliar with who Trinidad James is? Check out his single "All Gold Everything" below.