This Banks album is tough. Don’t sleep!

[sparkart-clique site=”rap_radar” video=”oprahdecoded”] Oprah held her annual (and final) favorite things episode this afternoon. Along with diamond watches and flatscreen 3-D TVs, she gave the studio audience copies of Jay-Z’s new book, Decoded. NY Times bestseller list, here we come!

Image: Mel D. Cole Nicki Minaj has no time for Lil’ Kim. During her Hot 97 VIP Lounge session with Angie Martinez, Nick stings the Queen Bee. Might be time to get a new social security card, ma.

It’s the story we’ve heard over and over again. But reportedly, Dr. Dre’s Detox is scheduled to be released in early 2011. The project’s lead single “Kush” featuring Snoop Dogg and Akon is available now on iTunes. Previously: J.Cole Working With Dr. Dre

Sigh. Oh, Plies. Rap’s most affiliated goon returns with DJ Scream for the second installment of his You Need People Like Me mixtape series. From the looks of it, Plies needs a better graphic designer as well. Titles and download after the jump. hhnm via kingz

[sparkart-clique site=”rap_radar” video=”bankspt2″] Here’s another snippet from Shaheem Reid’s viral campaign, Portrait Of My Life. In this clip, Banko speaks on his breakthrough verse, “Banks Victory”. Sound familiar? Ha!

[vodpod id=Video.4946545&w=425&h=350&fv=configParams%3Did%253D1652628%2526vid%253D599231%2526uri%253Dmgid%253Auma%253Avideo%253Amtv.com%253A599231] While on set with Jeremih, 50 spoke on his upcoming project and named some of the producers he has worked with so far which include, Swizz, Boi-1da & Alex Da Kid. He also says that he might be hitting the studio with Kanye very soon.

Karen Civil celebrated her 27th birthday (again) this week at Club Ole in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Funkmaster Flex was on the turntables with close to 6,000 folks in attendance. Whoa. Nicki Minaj came through with Keyshia Cole and performed portions of “Roman’s Revenge” and “Monster”.

Hate Flo Rida? Fine. But here’s something every guy’s sure to love: Ass. And lots of it! Man. God bless, Brazil. This looks like Rump Shaker 2.0! Book a flight and cop Only One Flo Pt. 1 on Nov. 30th. hhnm

Young Chris’ new mixtape, The Re-Introduction was prematurely leaked a day early. But all isn’t lost. Here’s his new video in support of the project. He also held a listening session for it yesterday in Philadelphia.