Billboard.biz - Rhythm and Blues Hip Hop Genre News

Briefs: 50 Cent, Harry Fox, Rocket Science, Jordin Sparks

By Ed Christman and Cortney Harding, N.Y. — Mon, 09 Nov 2009

50 Cent at iTunes; Harry Fox Agency offers publishers option of licensing Gracenote; Rocket Science to offer new funding support and label services in collaboration with Sony/RED and more.

Best Buy Clears Floorspace For Dr. Dre

By Alex Palmer, Nielsen Company — Mon, 09 Nov 2009

Best Buy is aiming to become a destination for DJs. The retailer has partnered with Monster Cable and Beats by Dr. Dre headphones to launch its new in-store “Club Beats” area.

Ciara Onboard For LG, Verizon Push

By Mike Shields, Mediaweek — Mon, 09 Nov 2009

As a lot of attention falls on high-end smartphones, LG is focusing where much of the volume is—the middle of the market—with a marketing plan that calls for more spending and celeb endorsements

Video: Clive Davis On Hits, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys and More

By Billboard staff — Fri, 06 Nov 2009

Clive Davis sat with Billboard editorial director Bill Werde on Wednesady for an exclusive one-on-one conversation as part of an event commemorating the 35th anniversary of Davis’ Arista Records imprint.

Billboard, Fox Partner On New Year's Eve TV Special

By Ayala Ben-Yehuda, L.A. — Thu, 05 Nov 2009

Billboard and Fox will ring in 2010 with "Billboard's New Year's Eve Live,"
a special broadcast of musical performances from the Las Vegas Strip by hot acts on the Billboard charts.

Jay-Z Reveals Additional North American Tour Dates

By Mariel Concepcion, N.Y. — Thu, 05 Nov 2009

The second leg of Jay-Z's North American tour will begin on Feb. 22 in Houston.

Lil Wayne, Birdman Hit With Copyright Suit In NYC

By Associated Press — Fri, 30 Oct 2009

A Florida man wants rappers Lil Wayne and Birdman to show him respect — for using his voice on a song with that title.

Blige, Saadiq Sing A 'Precious' Song

By Ayala Ben-Yehuda, L.A. — Fri, 30 Oct 2009

During the recording of an original song for the forthcoming film "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," director Lee Daniels "made me pull every single thing from my guts," Mary J. Blige told a packed house Friday at The Hollywood Reporter/Billboard Film & TV Music Conference.

John Legend To Sing National Anthem At World Series

By Associated Press — Thu, 29 Oct 2009

John Legend is going to the World Series.

Jay-Z, Alicia Keys To Perform At World Series

By Associated Press — Mon, 26 Oct 2009

The New York Yankees have been blasting Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" during their playoff run. Now, the team is having the rap king perform the song live to kick off Game 1 of the World Series.

Alicia Keys' New Album Gets Pushed

By Mariel Concepcion, N.Y. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009

Alicia Keys upcoming album has been pushed back two weeks, the artist revealed yesterday on her Twitter account.

Lil Wayne Pleads To Attempted Gun Possession

By Associated Press — Fri, 23 Oct 2009

The Grammy-winning rapper Lil Wayne has pleaded guilty to attempted weapon possession, and expects to receive a one-year jail sentence.

Beyoncé, Maxwell, Keri Hilson Lead Nominations For Soul Train Awards Return

By Gail Mitchell, L.A. — Fri, 23 Oct 2009

With four nominations each, Beyoncé, Keri Hilson and Maxwell head the list of nominees for the return of the Soul Train Awards.

R&B/Hip-Hop Briefs: DJ Premier, TINU, 'Unsung,' Ludacris

By Gail Mitchell, L.A. — Thu, 22 Oct 2009

DJ Premier is the executive producer of the new album by Royce Da 5'9": "Street Hop;" TINU will release her sophomore album, "Addicted," Oct. 27.; Teena Marie, Bootsy Collins, Klymaxx and Roger Troutman & Zapp comprise the lineup of acts who will be spotlighted during the third installment of TV One's "Unsung."

Jay Sean Recaptures Hot 100's Top Slot

By Silvio Pietroluongo, N.Y. — Thu, 22 Oct 2009

Jay Sean's "Down" returns to the top slot of the Billboard Hot 100 for a second time, just one week after Britney Spears' No. 1 debut bumped him to runner-up status.

Lil Wayne Due For DNA Hearing In NYC Gun Case

Associated Press — Wed, 21 Oct 2009

Lil Wayne has a date in a Manhattan courtroom, but DNA science will take center stage.

Rihanna's 'Rated R' Set For November Release

By Mariel Concepcion, N.Y. — Tue, 20 Oct 2009

Rihanna fourth studio album, "Rated R," is set for release on Nov. 23, according to Def Jam Records.

Chris Brown Announces 'Fan Appreciation' Tour

By Mariel Concepcion, N.Y. — Tue, 20 Oct 2009

The trek begins at the House of Blues in Houston, Texas on Nov. 14 and makes stops in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Brown's hometown of Richmond, Virginia, before ending on Dec. 13 in Philadelphia, Pa.

R. Kelly To Release 'Untitled' Album In December

By Mariel Concepcion, N.Y. — Tue, 20 Oct 2009

R. Kelly will be releasing his tenth studio album, "Untitled," on Dec. 1.

Beyonce Delays Malaysia Show Amid Muslim Criticism

Associated Press — Mon, 19 Oct 2009

Beyonce has postponed a planned concert in Malaysia, the event's organizer said Monday, following accusations by Islamic conservatives that the show would be immoral.