Everyone was in town for the Essence Music Festival this past weekend in New Orleans and Jay Electronica put on for his city for the Heineken Red Star Series Inspire NOLA Event at the Republic Saturday evening. Others on the bill included Swizzy and Sir Lucious. More performances underneath.

During MJB’s concert last week in Central Park, she revealed that she recently received an honorary high school diploma and was accepted into Howard University in Washington D.C. Congrats. If Mary decides to enroll this fall, she will be part of the 2014 graduating class. Doubt she qualifies for financial aid though.

Drake donated a heap of money—well, $25,000 to be exact, to help fund the “Drake and Mavado Peace Center” in Cassava Piece, Jamaica. Drizzy shot his video, “Find Your Love” on the island last April, but was panned by the tourism board for its imagery. He told local newspaper,  The Jamaica Star: “I had a great time when I was in Jamaica and the people of Cassava Piece showed me a lot of love. I just wanted to show back […]

Extra, extra, read all about it. Yesterday the New York Knicks acquired free agent Amar’e Stoudemire. As part of the deal, the power forward will receive close to $100 million over the next five years. Like that Bron Bron? Anyway, Fat Joe celebrated the acquisition last night with Spike Lee, Chris Rock, head coach Mike D’Antoni and former Knickerbockers John Starks and Allan Houston. Let’s go Knicks! Sidebar: Adios Duhon

Young Memphis tries his hand at Rick Ross’ ode to Big Meech’s former operation. Seems like everyone’s got money to blow. yk2

[vodpod id=Video.3970364&w=425&h=350&fv=] Move over Lark Voorhies, there’s a new woman in Asher’s life. After grinding on Toni Braxton last May in Vegas, Ash dedicated a song to the singer on his mixtape, Seared Foie Gras with Quince & Cranberry. And now, he has a video to, um, back it up.

The producer explains to NodFactor that his The Wonder Years project may never see the light of day. 9th says he wants to get his artists off the ground first and isn’t down with sending beats to every label. No need to wonder any longer.

Before performing at the Wireless Festival yesterday, Jermaine stopped by Tim Westwood’s show on BBC1xtra. He gave a brief Q&A and then freestyled over some classic instrumentals. Part 1: Interview Part 2: Freestyle

We’ve been down this road before. Come tomorrow, DMX will be released from an Arizona jail. X is serving time for five counts of probation violation. Hopefully the Dog keeps his nose clean. yk2

Diddy and Rozay weren’t the only team players on deck Saturday night. Red Cafe, Loso, and Joey Crack were also on hand to rep for the Dream Team at the House of Blues at the Showboat Casino in Atlantic City. Sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare? nigel d