NICKI MINAJ ADDRESSES SELLING OUT BY MAKING POP SONGS

Nicki Minaj explains that she's just adding on to her brand and isn't turning her back on her Hip Hop roots.

Nicki Minaj created a stir with the release of her past few records, most recently confusing her Hip Hop fan base with the pop-friendly "Starships. " During an interview with Hot 97's Funkmaster Flex, the Young Money rapstress explained that she hopes people know that she's smart enough to calculate each move.

"I would hope that people know at this point that I'm smart enough to know what I'm doing all the time. But I guess they still kind of waiver. I always intended on putting out something urban after 'Starships,' because I knew 'Starships' was a monster. I didn't feel the pressure. To be honest, I feel really, really good. I feel that Hip Hop cares enough that they have something to say. I remember when I was hoping that someone had something to say about me on the radio, or cared enough."

Nicki, who also premiered her Lil Wayne-assisted cut "Roman Reloaded," said that the pop songs have more reach than her urban songs and that she's not going to apologize for making music for the masses.

"Maybe it would be a problem if I couldn't deliver records like 'Roman Reloaded,' but I can. I write my own lyrics. Once again, I write my own lyrics. So it's never a problem. Whatever I feel, I can write, I can create it. So I'm good. I think people sometimes get blown away by the magnitude of the pop stuff, because the pop stuff, it reaches everywhere and then I feel like my Hip Hop fans or Hip Hop culture starts getting a little bit afraid that I'm going to leave. But this is who I am. I'm not going to change - I'm just adding on to my brand. And if you don't understand that, then it's probably why you don't travel and you don't see the world and I probably can't even have a conversation with you anymore."

GBENGA AEYINKA AND FRIENDS RETURN TO IBADAN ON APRIL 9

Popular stand comedian and show host Gbenga Adeyinka will cause major commotion in the ancient city of Ibadan when he revisits that city in April with his hit show ‘Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends’.

Adeyinka popularly referred to as Comedian of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR) is heading to Ibadan on Easter Monday, April 9, 2012 with an entourage of performers that’ll include Terry G, 9ice, Capital F.E.M.I, Alibaba and Koffi.

Adeyinka, who’s also a TV host and magazine publisher tells us ‘I don’t know why I’m so particular about Ibadan but I guess the love they showed me the first time proved my point that Ibadan remains the home of comedy’, comedian Adeyinka says.

Other performers include KSB, Jahbless, Lord of Ajasa, Skuki, Chuddy K, DJ Tony Blaze, Laff Up, Jedi, Jayru, Rayce, Shiaman, Morac, Lepacious Bose, Gordons, Omobaba, Tony Tetuila and a host of others.

The first edition of the show took place on August 21, 2011. Watch highlights below…

LIL WAYNE CONFIRMS CASH MONEY SIGNED LIMP BIZKIT, ASHANTI MAY BE NEXT

Lil Wayne shares that Limp Bizkit is now signed to Cash Money and says they may be working with Ashanti as well.

Over the years, Cash Money Records has opened its doors as a home to established and new artists alike. Recently, Lil Wayne revealed that Cash Money signed the Rock/Rap group Limp Bizkit. He then shared that Ashanti may become part of the Cash Money collective as well.

"Every other day I hear about somebody new signed to Cash Money," Wayne explained in an interview with Kissing After Dark. "For example, the other day I just found out that Limp Bizkit signed to Cash Money. So they're signing everybody. Every body's getting a chance."

Weezy also went on to fuel rumors of Ashanti signing to the label. While acknowledging that it was not a sure thing, Wayne shared that Ashanti may be the next artist on the Cash Money roster.

"I don't want to step across any boundaries but I think we're working with Ashanti right now."

DMX DOES NOT LIKE DRAKE, IS NOT IMPRESSED BY RICK ROSS

DMX says Jay-Z tried to get rid of him and adds that he doesn't like Drake. He also shares that he is not impressed by Rick Ross.

In a recent interview, DMX was candid about his feelings towards several emcees. The New York rapper shared that he feels Jay-Z tried to "eliminate the competition" during his time as Def Jam President. He also explained that he does not like Drake or "anything about Drake" and that he is not impressed by Rick Ross.

When speaking about Jay-Z, X said that he feels he wasn't treated fairly by Def Jam when Jigga was the head of the label.

"I see what's really good. You trying to eliminate the competition. At first you retire, then get me off the label and now you're back rapping again," he added as a guest on The Breakfast Club. "That was just some bullshit. You know what it is. That was getting rid of the competition."

Later, he was open about his feelings towards Rick Ross. X shared that he is not impressed and added that he feels Ross' subject matter is not diverse.

"I'm just not impressed," he said when a radio personality inquired about Rick Ross' lyrical skills. "He's aight, man. He talks about eating and girlfriends too much. How much can a nigga eat? How much weed can you smoke? Let's talk about something else...I see a whole 'nother side of the coin, son."

He was then asked if he liked Drake, to which he replied with a simple, "No." He then went further by saying he doesn't like anything about the Young Money emcee.

"No," he confirmed. "I don't like anything about Drake. I don't like his fucking voice. I don't like what he talks about. I don't like his face. I don't like the way he walks. Nothing."

An emcee he was complimentary towards was J. Cole, saying "J. Cole is nice." X also confirmed that he's on a new reality show with his ex-wife. He then added that he still drinks and smokes but says that he's not doing "hard" drugs. DMX also shared that he does not know how to use a computer and that he's not a fan of Twitter.

NNEKA APPOINTED ARTS AMBASSADOR

Nigerian-German singer Nneka Egbuna has been appointed Ambassador for the Arts by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) in a ceremony held at the AWDF House in Accra, Ghana.

‘I feel good; I feel it is another way to get my message out there. It compliments my music and the consciousness within my music. It is a way to share my music and empower people, empower women and empower the youth. My songs raise awareness about issues that the African Women’s Development Fund also addresses, so it’s a good partnership’ says the singer who’s getting set to take her musical offerings to American fans with live performances of her songs at Gramercy Theatre, New York on March 27, 2012.

Meanwhile, the singer, whose musical career is steadily on the rise, on Wednesday, February 22, 2012, released a new video for her single ‘Shining star’ (featuring Black Thought of The Roots), off her upcoming album, ‘Soul heavy’.

Although she’s yet to get the big break back home and abroad, Miss Egbuna has garnered worldwide accolades and attention, due to the conscious and politically charged themes of her music; and, remarkably, she has worked with a growing number of international acts including Nas, Talib Kweli, and Damien Marley.

ANDRE 3000 DISMISSES OUTKAST REUNION ALBUM RUMOURS, PLOT SOLO LP FOR 2012

Andre 3000 hopes to release his solo album this year, but promises that more new music is on the way.

Fans have been hoping that Andre 3000 and Big Boi would reunite for an Outkast album over the past few years, but they’ll have to wait a bit longer. During an interview with GQ.com, Three Stacks dismissed rumors that an Outkast album is in the works but that fans can expect more music from him in the near future.

“There's been a lot of talk on the Internet about an Outkast album and I have to say that as of now, there are no plans for another Outkast album,” he said. “There's a lot of music on the horizon. I've been living off the excitement of new artists. I've been privileged to have these new artists kind of reach out and grab back and say, ‘Hey, Andre, we want you on this song.’ So I've been taking those calls and for the last two years, I've been doing collaborations. So these new artists have kind of been keeping me alive. I've just really been feeding off of that and this year I think I'm planning to do a solo project. I don't know when it will come out, but hopefully it'll come out this year. As far as Outkast, I really don't know if or when that will happen.”

The dismissal of an Outkast reunion album comes as a surprise, considering that the group was reportedly heading to Epic Records to release a new LP. 3K did confirm that a solo album is on the way, and that it will take his sound back to the lively energy of early ‘Kast music.

“The only thing I can really say is I'm going to get back to having fun because that's what it was all about when I started this in high school—with Outkast—those were like high school dreams. I'm 36 now, so I have grown-man dreams. This album will just be me being myself as normal.”

DMX BRINGS OUT SWIZZ BEATZ DURING SOLD OUT NEW YORK CITY SHOW

DMX reunited with Swizz Beatz during his homecoming show.

Last night, DMX returned to New York City, New York to perform a sold-out show at S.O.B.'s.

During the performance, Dark Man X graced the stage alongside his Ruff Ryders cohort Swizz Beatz to perform "Ruff Ryders Anthem (Remix)" and "Get It On the Floor." Without Swizzy, the energetic rapper performed "We Right Here," "Who We Be" and "One More Road to Cross."

EVA LONGORIA HELD UP IN HOLLYWOOD

"Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria bordered on having a wardrobe malfunction as she left her restaurant Beso in Hollywood last night ... by barely wearing a little black dress with a very deep and interesting plunging neckline.

Despite being smokin' hot, the glowing 36-year-old did her best to contribute to the nip in the air.

RIHANNA: STUDIO SEXY IN LONDON

She’s always up to something, and Rihanna was spotted at a studio in London, England earlier today (February 24).

The “We Found Love” songstress looked playful as she frolicked around in a black cap, white top, and black trousers as the cameras rolled.

And though she’s resolved to work with her abusive ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, Rihanna hasn’t received the blessing from her mentor Jay-Z.

An insider told press, "Jay was absolutely disgusted by what Chris did to Rihanna. Jay doesn't understand how a man could ever lay hands on a woman; it just goes against who he is and about. Chris is absolutely dead to Jay, he wants nothing to do with him ever. Now that Rihanna is hooking up with Chris and recording songs with him, Jay is deeply disappointed in her actions.”

“He can't fathom why Rihanna is doing the things she is doing. He understands the need for forgiveness, but he is adamant that Rihanna shouldn't forget what Chris did to her. Jay wonders what kind of message this is sending to Rihanna's young female fans. Rihanna knows how Jay feels about Chris, but she doesn't care, she is going to do what she wants.

COMMON CONFIRMS HE SQUASHED BEEF WITH DRAKE AT GRAMMY AWARDS

Common also assures that the beef did not stem from Drake dating Serena Williams.

Common previously revealed that the beef with Drake had ended, but the two hadn't bumped into one another until the 2012 Grammy Awards. Though rumors floated around that the rappers engaged in a scuffle backstage at the award show, Com says that they used the face-to-face opportunity to patch up their differences, explaining that he's got nothing but love for the Young Money emcee.

"We had a talk, we had a conversation. It was a face-to-face, man-to-man, a positive thing. It was a good conversation. I’ve learned to respect him even more. I already thought he was a talented guy, but just from the conversation we had, I hold even more respect for him," he said during an interview with Cabbie Richards. "We saw each other and the conversation was initiated. It was just a respectful conversation that needed to be had, so he knew that I’m not at him trying to destroy him as a human being. It was a Hip Hop battle to me. I had to put all of those things into Hip Hop... I gave him a pound, gave him a boom and it was all love."

He also denied that the beef stemmed from Drake dating his ex-girlfriend Serena Williams. Though he admits that many fights begin because of relationship faux pas, the Chicago, Illinois emcee says that it stemmed from Drizzy taking shots at him.

"Nah, it wasn’t about Serena. First of all, that is a past situation. The battle is over, it’s all love. But it was more based on the fact that I felt like Drake was taking a couple of shots at me, and saying a couple of things that I felt like were towards me. Once that was said, I felt a little disrespected and it kept going on and I decided to say what I needed to say at that point. I think first and foremost, he’s a very talented guy and I send much love to him and to continue to do what he’s doing. I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing. It was a good battle, we got it done, it’s done. It’s over. It’s not over any woman."

NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS EBUBE NWAGBO SHOWS INCREDIBLE CURVES (PHOTO)

Here is Nollywood actress Ebube Nwagbo showing incredible curves.

A part of us is beginning to wonder if Ebube is now the official Nollywood’s version of Kim Kardashian.

What do you think?

CHRIS BROWN ACCUSED OF STEALING FAN'S iPHONE

Chris Brown has been accused of angrily snatching some girl's iPhone outside a nightclub in Miami this weekend ... and driving off with it -- law enforcement tells TMZ.

A rep for the Miami Beach PD tells TMZ, 24-year-old Christal Spann filed a police report Sunday (below) for "robbery by snatching" -- claiming she followed Chris and rapper Tyga out of Cameo nightclub early in the morning (see photo above) ... and snapped a picture of Chris getting into his Bentley.

Christal told cops ... Chris flipped out when he saw her camera phone-- then grabbed it through the car window, saying, "Bitch, you ain't going to put that on no website."

According to the police report, Chris then rolled up his window and drove off -- $500 iPhone in hand.

A rep for the Miami Beach PD tells us, no arrests have been made and no warrant has been issued yet. We're told the incident is currently under investigation.

BTW, Chris is still on probation for the Rihanna beating and if he's arrested he could be thrown in jail on a probation violation.

 The full police report can be found here >>> http://www.tmz.com/2012/02/23/chris-brown-miami-phone-robbery/#.T0bkcHJSSgk

PHARRELL WILLIAMS TO GUEST JUDGE ON "PROJECT RUNWAY ALL STARS"

Pharrell Williams is set to guest star on an episode of "Project Runway All-Stars" as a judge.

It's no small secret that super-producer Pharrell has a hand in the fashion industry. Now, it looks like Skateboard P is taking his fashion sense to the next level by acting as a guest judge on "Project Runway All-Stars."

According to a recent report from MTV, the Star Trak impresario will be a guest judge on an upcoming episode of the popular fashion design show. A brief description of the episode indicates that the Neptunes producer will judge the contestants' use of lighting technology.

Pharrell is also collaborating with composer Hans Zimmer as a music consultant for the Academy Awards this Sunday. The episode of "Project Runway All-Stars" featuring Pharrell airs this March 1.

SASH BARON COHEN ISSUES STATEMENT ON OSCAR BAN

With the Academy having issued a warning to Paramount Studios in regards to their unwillingness to allow Sacha Baron Cohen to turn the Oscars red carpet into a publicity stunt for his upcoming movie "The Dictator," the comedic actor has just issued a statement on the matter.

Milking the headline-making news for all it's worth, the 40-year-old English comedic actor's web posting told that his character, Admiral General Aladeen, will be offering a complete press statement on the controversy on Friday (February 24).

Cohen's message placed on "The Dictator" website read: "Admiral General Aladeen will deliver a formal response tomorrow morning to being banned from the Oscars by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Zionists."

While it was initially reported that Cohen was banned from attending the red carpet event this Sunday, the Academy has since noted that the "Hugo" star is more than welcome as long as he behaves himself.

“The Academy would love to have Sacha at the show," a spokesman told The Hollywood Reporter. "We’ve let him know how we feel about using the red carpet for a movie stunt and we’re waiting to hear from him.”

MICHEAL JACKSON ESTATE: JUDGE APPROVES MOVE TO SELL MICHEAL'S HOUSE

The Michael Jackson Estate just got the ok from a judge to sell the Hayvenhurst mansion which Michael and the rest of the family called home for decades, and buy another home for Katherine and MJs kids.

But here's the thing.   We've learned the Estate doesn't want to sell Hayvenhurst -- at least for now, because it's being extensively renovated.  But the Estate now has the green light to proceed whenever it chooses.

And the judge made another order -- allowing the executors to put $30 million in the Jackson Family Trust for the benefit of Katherine, Michael's kids, and his charities.

I DIDN'T BREAK MONALISA CHINDA'S MARRIAGE - ACE FILM-MAKER EMEM ISONG

Emem Isong is one producer whose name precedes her. Ever since she came into Nollywood, she has remained behind the cameras leaving her works to speak for her. Although shy and somehow a loner, this multi-talented chic is an icon to reckon with when it comes to script writing and movie producing.

For her, writing scripts and producing movies is the core of film production. She has been doing these for over a decade, with recognitions from both home and abroad. She equally made some Nollywood stars that have become part of the most sought after in the industry today.

Months back, she was accused of causing the breakup of the marriage of talented actress Monalisa Chinda.

In a recent interview,the ace filmmaker finally opens up, distancing herself from the unfortunate circumstance that led to the crash of Monalisa Chinda’s marriage.

I felt very bad and I wonder why they will even say something like that.Am I God? How can I scatter somebody’s marriage? It’s unfortunate that it happened.

Monalisa has been my friend.She would come to my house every now and then.At the time she had issues if she came to my place to stay,I don’t see how that made me a part of those that led to her marriage breaking apart.

It’s something that I still have not been able to understand till today.It’s unfortunate,but God knows the truth

TOP ACTRESS OMOTOLA FINALLY OPENS UP ON 5TH PREGNANCY RUMOURS

Star actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has dismissed widespread gist making the rounds that she is pregnant with baby Number 5.

Last week, there were gists around town that the actress was pregnant and that was the reason why she has kept herself from the public scene.

The talented thespian took to social networking site, twitter and could not hide her amazement at why people have been going about town saying that she was hiding her pregnancy from the public.

‘So we started with power outage and ended with pregnancy rumour! Legendary!hahaha…’

Some minutes later she tweeted ‘What City People write, city people read’

Omosexy as she’s fondly called by fans turned 34 on February 7, 2012,and has four children with her hubby Matthew Ekeinde.

VIDEO: P-SQUARE, AKON & MAY D IN "CHOP MY MONEY" REMIX

Check out the highly anticipated brand spanking new video from P-Square for Chop My Money (Remix) which dropped few hours ago (we don’t play over here o!)

The remix and the video features Senegalese/American Akon of Konvict Music and the first artist signed to Square Records May D.

The Jude “Engees” Okoye & Ben Marc directed visuals were shot in Miami & Atlanta, USA

Flashy Cars, Hot Girls & Club Scenes… Lol

Are you feeling the video and the Akon Remix?

TOP ACTOR YINKA QUADRI BAGS CHIEFTAINCY TITLE

On Saturday,February 18,2012, star actor and film maker,Alhaji Olayinka Akanni Quadri,simply called Yinka Quadri was honoured with a chieftaincy title,Agbaakin of Oro Land,in his home town,Oke Ola,Oro,Irepodun local government,Kwara State.

In a recent interview,the talented thespian opens up on this good development.

First,it feels great to be honoured in my home town.Also,it’s a challenge for one to live up to expectation.One thing is that a good name comes before chieftaincy title.

My father happened to be the Asaoye of Oro kingdom,the title stands as third in command to the Oba.Then after the death of my father,another person from the family took after him.

But for the fact that the monarch really liked me and the interest he has in the whole Quadri family,he also felt the impact of the name in the town,in Nigeria as a whole,expecially in Yoruba land.He now deemed it fit to honour me with a chieftaincy title,Agbaakin of Oroland.

Although,it’s a honourary title,the traditional ruler didn’t want to categorize it as that.He decided to also put it on the same level with other chieftaincy titles.

Asked,what do you intend doing with the title;he said It’s just to develop the place for the people to know that I am from Oke Ola,Oro,Irepedun local government,Kwara State.

I am proud to be one of the illustrious sons of Oro land.It’s only when you’re into shady deals that you won’t want the people to know who you are and where you’re from.That was why I accepted the title.

ASA BATTLES QUESTIONMARK OVER ALLEGED COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT

Nigerian international singer Asa has threatened take legal action against her former record label Questionmark Entertainment for allegedly infringing on the singer’s trademark by ‘preparing to go into commercial production of a purported Asa music production’.

A press statement released by Asa’s reps, Red Nigeria, alleges that Questionmark, in partnership with a marketing-distribution company MacKings Limited have commissioned the production of a ‘purported Asa music production titled ‘Down On Me’’.

The production according to the RED Nigeria was commissioned to a CD factory Nigerian Chronotech Limited. Chornotech however contacted Asa’s management to confirm the authenticity of this production.

‘We have informed our lawyers and appropriate action will be taken against any individual, body or corporate entity associated with this’, the statement further stressed.

Questionmark did not immediately offer comments when contacted. A rep assured us they will soon release a statement concerning the matter.

Asa’s famed battle with Questionmark owned by Kevin Luciano-Gabriel dates as far back as 2006 when the singer walked out of her production deal, alleging, amongst many other things, that the label was trying to sign her on to a foreign label without her consent, and insisting that the circumstances surrounding her deal with Questionmark were suspect ab initio.

After much highly publicised legal tussles between her and the label, she eventually walked out of the deal and released her self-titled debut album in 2006.

Asa is currently also in court with a Lagos-based publication.

JUSTIN BIEBER HAS ISSUES WITH BEAVERS

Justin Bieber is pissed over a Beaver ... TMZ has learned.

Let us explain.  A company called RC3 has created a mobile app called Joustin' Beaver.  The app is a cartoon game, in which the user floats down a river, defending Joustin' from the phot-hogs.

Of course, the Beev looks like Biebs, and that has rankled him so, his lawyers have fired off a cease and desist letter to RC3, demanding they cease production and sales, stat.   Lawyers for Justin (the person) want the app removed from iTunes and they want an accounting of all revenues collected by RC3.

But RC3 says hogwash and will continue selling the 99 cent app, claiming it's a parody and therefore protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution.

Dam beavers.

TOP ACTRESS,IYABO OJO OPENS UP ON MARRIAGE PLANS

Top actress Iyabo Ojo is no doubt one of the most beautiful, stylish and most sought after actresses in the Nigeria movie industry, who has carved a niche for herself in the industry, based on her agility in displaying what she knows how to do best, which is acting.

She’s one of the actresses that make things happen in the Nigerian entertainment industry,especially in the Yoruba movie genre.

The beautiful mother of two in a recent interview opens up on her marriage plans.

She said; Everybody keeps asking me when I am going to get married.Maybe when the right guy comes knocking on the door,I will open.I wouldn’t say I haven’t found the right person,I have,but it is not easy to find a nice person who is a friend who is a life time partner.

Having made the 1st mistake,I wouldn’t want to make the 2nd mistake.I am not someone who believes in having too many children,that is another problem.I am so contented and satisfied with my kids,and if I have to marry,it has to be a man who would love my kids,and love them like they are his own.

And it is so difficult to find such for me.I haven’t really come across someone who will really,really love my kids for who they are.

And most of the time maybe I’m in a relationship with someone who is taking care of me and also showing love to my kids,maybe we are not just compatible for marriage.There are a lot of things you need to go into before getting married.

Asked,will being a star or a celebrity not make it difficult to find a true husband;she said Yes,that makes it more difficult because being a star attract so many guys to you.Many of these guys come because of the stardom.

Many of the guys who come chasing me come because of the Iyabo they watch on the screen,they don’t really know me.I am different from the person you watch on the screen.

Most of the guys who come after us,we actresses,are guys who just want it said that I am dating so,so,actress.Unknown to you,many of them already have a life and they hide that life away from you.And when eventually you find out it hurts and you then decide I don’t want to be part of this mess.

This is why I have to take my time.I often tell people,if you rush into marriage,you are going to rush out.

I GOT SEPARATED FROM MY WIFE BECAUSE OF MY GAY MOVIE--ACE FILM-MAKER DICKSON IROEGBU

I stop directing for 4 years, I went on Sabbatical leave, because my gay movie affected my person, when I was called Gay, a lot of people distance themselves from me, and then I was always not comfortable with the perception people had about me so I felt I should do some internal restructuring, so I have done and I have to use motion pictures to address the issues of the society.

I am separated from my wife but I am not divorced, it has been 3 years now, we love our kids and we are taking care of them, there are issues we need to address, if is the will of God, we will come back.

Husband and wife get together to agree or disagree, I think my wife couldn’t contain with some of the stories that came with the filmmaking, when a man and woman are in a marriage, and there is no trust, they should probably not be together.

Like what I told you earlier when I brought the newspaper publication home and she responded that way my passion for commitment in the marriage dwindle completely, and I didn’t pretend about it, I am not a pretender because life is different from the movies.

Every man wants a woman that can talk to the king of him, even if I was a criminal or even involved in the act and my case would have been decided with mercy but for her comment I could be dealt with it.

It was her fault any way, she is the best of woman any man would have wanted for keeps, as a wife, I couldn’t cope with the challenges of my personal life so I said, Let us give ourselves a break, that is all.

Source: http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/15961/5/celebrity-quote-i-got-separated-from-my-wife-becau.html