[vodpod id=Video.3520522&w=425&h=350&fv=configParams%3Dvid%253D511212%2526uri%253Dmgid%253Auma%253Avideo%253Amtv.com%253A511212] In case you haven’t heard, Sha Money XL was recently named Senior VP of A&R at Def Jam Records. Congrats! Sha talked to MTV about his new job and possibly bringing 50 and the Unit to the house Russell built. “I spoke to Fif, to [his manager Chris] Lighty. I would love to see that there,” Sha admitted. “Banks has an amazing record right now, independently. If things work out, then yeah, I would love to see that […]

Jay Elect opened up the N.E.R.D. show at Fillmore auditorium last night. Here, he does his Nasir tribute, “My World” over the classic instrumental. Electromatic. Ha. More from his set after the jump.

Wave for me baby. Performing across the pond isn’t the only thing Rihanna has been up to. The pop star spent her days off shooting her next video at a white castle in Paris. No Harold and Kumar. And once again, she links back up with video director, Anthony Mandler. This is Ri everyday, no days off. More pics after the jump. Rap-Up

Above, the artist formerly known as Killer Mike speaks on the passing of Guru, which later escalated into him doing a freestyle over the “Mass Appeal” instrumental. Click away! Maurice Garland

No, your ears are not fooling you. It appears that Maino had his hands on Boi-1da’s beat first for his sophomore album, The Day After Tomorrow. But instead, it ended up as Eminem’s single, which dropped earlier today. Don’t know the reasoning, but the whole thing kinda makes ya boy wonder. Lowkey

[vodpod id=Video.3517417&w=425&h=350&fv=videoid%3D81692635001%26codever%3D1%26publisherid%3D1612833736%26playerid%3D10032373001%26stillurl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fpdl%252Estream%252Eaol%252Ecom%252Faol%252Fbrightcove%252Fus%252Fmusic%252Fboombox%252F2010%252Fbehindthevideo%255Fthedreamboombox%255Fvideo%255Fstill%255F480%252Ejpg] A few weeks ago, the BoomBox caught up with The-Dream as he talks about his remix with Luda while shooting the visual for the collab in Brooklyn. Conjure in full effect.

Earlier this month, Lupe announced the formation of the All City Chess Club. The crew consists of: Asher Roth, B.o.B., The Cool Kids, Charles Hamilton, Blu, Diggy, Wale, J.Cole and Lupe himself. This afternoon on Hip Hop Nation, Lu explained how the clique came together, fearing Blu, and the “Beaming” remix. Sean via UMD

[vodpod id=Video.3517123&w=425&h=350&fv=] This looks like a scene from one of those horror films. You know, those ones where zombies ambush their victims’ vehicles? Anyway, out in West Africa, Akon’s security captures natives going apeshit for the singer. I’m sure Scooter Braun would’ve sent a text out for this. KC

As part of the Live Earth For Water event at Prospect Park in Brooklyn last week, John Legend and The Roots cover Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes’ classic. As we previously reported, the band is producing John’s entire album Wake Up. HHNM

YRB paints a new picture of Dame Dash in their Spring 2010 issue. In the excerpt below, Dame speaks on his pursuit of happiness and his distaste for Rocawear clothing. There is no business model for this. I don’t have no business plan. For once I’m really going by what I really love. Like, I did all of that shit, and it doesn’t work out to being happy. It works out to making money, but not as much money as […]

[vodpod id=Video.3516566&w=425&h=350&fv=configParams%3Dvid%253D511038%2526uri%253Dmgid%253Auma%253Avideo%253Amtv.com%253A511038] On the set of “Super High”, Rick Ross explains to 1515 the reasoning behind hiring Diddy as his manager and what he’s got planned next. “I expressed my interest in developing and designing my own clothing label,” Ricky Rosé said. “I expressed interest in branching off into liquor endorsements, book deals. I’ve yet to headline my own major tour yet, which I’ve never had a problem with, because I love the intimacy of clubs. I love when I […]

Yesterday in Atlanta, Big Boi shot the video for his first single, “Shutterbug” off his upcoming album, Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son Of Chico Dusty . Antwan brought out the caddy, the band and as always the eye-candies, so we can expect something pretty dope and fresh coming soon. Album drops July 6th. DGB

Since Mystikal’s release, we only heard a verse off his feature collab with Lloyd, but for The Man Right Chea’s official first song, he recruits his fellow former No Limit soldier, Fiend. Hey, if you don’t like it, I’ont care. Dirty Glove Bastards

YAF got to premiere Jeezy’s new video “Hood Politics” off his upcoming mixtape, Trap Or Die 2. Trapublicans are gon love this.

From his tour bus in Lexington, Kentucky, Drake and Slim Williams got on the horn this afternoon and held court for the DJs and some media. In the clip blow, Drizzy speaks on Jay-Z’s feedback on “Over” and coming straight outta Toronto. After that, he talks about J.Cole again and wanting to work with him and Lupe on a bonus song for his album, Thank Me Later.

Here’s mo’ flicks from Game and P’s upcoming video which they shot earlier this week. The clip will feature cameos from Rae, Nipsey, and plenty others. More pics after the jump.

The NY Daily News reports that Amelia Negron was relieved of her duties as a prison guard on Rikers Island for allegedly sneaking into an unauthorized unit where Lil’ Wayne’s being held. “I don’t even like rap. I like rock and alternative music and didn’t know much about him when they said I tried to see him. None of it’s true. The door to the area was unlocked, and so I went in to say hello, and that officer said, […]

This is the song Drake shot a video for in Jamaica. It’s produced by Kanye West and second single off his debut Thank Me Later, which by the way, is finished. Post midnight leaks are bad for business. Sidebar: Drake says “Find Your Love” is a huge risk. UPDATE: CDQ

Cam was on Hip Hop Nation’s Invasion Radio this past Monday with Green Lantern and DJ Drama and  dodged questions regarding a Diplomat reunion album. Sorry, but at the end of the day B, I don’t think this is ever going to happen. Previously: Jim Jones & Cam’Ron On Good Terms UPDATE: According to our political connects everything is still love, love yo. Dipset forever!

If you were planning to have hot fun with N.E.R.D. on June 15th, you’re going to have to wait a lil’ longer. Rap-Up reports that the group’s fourth album will now be released on July 6th. Three weeks? Oh, that’s nothin’. Earlier: N.E.R.D. “Rock Star” (FNYC)