John Legend and The Roots were given the reigns today at YouTube in support of their project Wake Up! On the site’s homepage, the factions highlight some of their favorite clips inspired by the album.

Time to chuck the deuces? Rumors are circulating today that Def Jam has fired L.A. Reid. For six years, Reid has served as the label’s Chairman after founder Lyor Cohen’s departure. Although he’s had success with artists like The Killers and Justin Bieber, he faced scrutiny for signing acts like Jennifer Lopez and Shyne. Let’s see how this one unfolds. UPDATE: XXL reached out to a label rep who said, “[The rumors] are completely untrue and without merit.”

Radio personality Devi Dev and producer Terrace Martin have joined forces and are set to release their collaborative experience, Here, My Dear next week. Below is one of the recordings featuring Mr. Kendrick Lamar.

Trae Tha Truth appeared on The Morning After With Angela Yee today and spoke on his ban from Houston radio. He said before Pimp C passed in 2007, he faced a similar dilemma with H-Town’s 97.9 The Box. He then played audio of him throwing programmer Terri Thomas under the bus. Can’t Ban Tha Truth next Tuesday. Break 1: Break 2: Sidebar: Throwback rants here and here.

Jay Rock’s been keeping a low profile as of late, but today, he emerges with some new material. It’s not as aggressive as his previous efforts, but its noteworthy nonetheless. So on and so forth.

On October 15th, Lupe Fiasco fans plan to rally outside of Atlantic Records demanding the release of his long-delayed album, Lasers. In July, fans organized a petition for the distribution of the project to no avail. Protesters are asked to bring picket signs and sport the Lasers uniform. Here’s to taking it to the streets. lupeend

Gucci Mane’s a weirdo. In fact, let him tell it hisself on this new leak off The Appeal. Although the disc drops next Tuesday, it’s available for pre-order here. Previously: Gucci Mane Ft. Pharrell x Nicki Minaj “Haterade”

Redman’s new album, Reggie is on course to be released on December 7th. But before then, he tests out the waters with this new street single. Not sure if this one’s going to fly over too well.

[vodpod id=Video.4481255&w=425&h=350&fv=videoId%3D610388167001%26amp%3BplayerId%3D1184514352%26amp%3BviewerSecureGatewayURL%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fconsole.brightcove.com%2Fservices%2Famfgateway%26amp%3BservicesURL%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fservices.brightcove.com%2Fservices%26amp%3BcdnURL%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fadmin.brightcove.com%26amp%3Bdomain%3Dembed%26amp%3BautoStart%3Dfalse%26amp%3B] At the Music & Advertising conference this past Wednesday, David Banner chopped it up with Billboard and discussed his recent endorsements and reveals that he wrapped up the trailer music for the animated film, Megamind starring Brad Pitt and Will Ferrell. samthehypebeast

This past June, 9th Wonder and J.Cole attended a function sponsored by EA Sports in support of NBA Elite 11. Shortly after, 9th spoke to Rap Radar about scoring the soundtrack to the video game. Now months later, it was announced that the Tar Heels created the lead track for the game entitled, “The Plan”. Here’s what Cole had to say: “As a big sports video game fan, it’s an honor to be a part of EA Sports NBA Elite […]