Super producer 9th Wonder and Murs released the official tracklist – including exclusive iTunes bonus cuts, for their last collabo album The Final Adventure. The iTunes edition will include two bonus tracks, while the iTunes deluxe version includes the bonus tracks and all of the instrumentals.
The Final Adventure hits stores on November 13th along with 9th Wonder’s new joint effort with Buckshot The Solution. Murs recently released This Generation, his collaboration album with Fresno rapper Fashawn on Duck Down.
Following where her 2003 star-making debut album, The Soul Sessions, left off, singer Joss Stone is back with The Soul Sessions Volume 2. The Soul Sessions Volume 2 is a stunning exercise in vocal poise, passion and power, showcasing some great songs and an artist at the peak of her vocal powers.
Stone had been thinking for a while that it would be fun to revisit where it all began and re explore the vibe of the first Soul Sessions album – this time as a fully formed artist, just turned 25, with the life experience now behind her that was, by definition, somewhat limited first time around at 15 years of age. A phone call with the man who signed her as a teenager, Steve Greenberg at S-Curve Records, and as is often the case with Stone, an idea quickly became a reality – The Soul Session Volume 2 and was released in July of this year.
Stone commented: “I really had fun revisiting The Soul Sessions idea and I’m really pleased with the results. I’ve committed long term to my label Stone’d Records, but it felt right to team up with Steve and S-Curve again for this release. I think there are some great songs on the album and I loved performing them with such brilliant musicians – so I hope people enjoy it.”
Stone is currently on tour supporting ‘The Soul Sessions Volume 2’ and performed at Chicago’s Vic Theatre on October 7th.
Worldwide superstar Rihanna – the “#1 Person On Facebook” with over 61.7 million Likes – has once again ignited record charts around the world with “Diamonds,” the fastest-rising single of her career to date, with first-week postings at #1 iTunes in 27 countries and Top 5 iTunes in 55 countries. Now, Rihanna announces the global release of her 7th studio album for Island Def Jam in just seven years: UNAPOLOGETICarrives in stores worldwide on Monday, November 19th.
In the U.S., “Diamonds” debuted this week at #16-bullet on the Billboard Hot 100, tying Rihanna’s previous highest debut, last year’s worldwide #1 smash, “We Found Love” (featuring Calvin Harris). “Diamonds” amassed 41.5 million total audience, her biggest first-week audience ever on the Hot 100 Airplay Chart where it debuted at #28-bullet, tying her previous highest debut, last year’s “You Da One.”
Now, as Billboard unveils its new, updated methodology and tallying formulas, “Diamonds” leaps to the #1 spot on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, aided by strong multi-format airplay and digital downloads.
In the UK, “Diamonds” has earned Rihanna her 6th #1 single on both the iTunes and the national chart, topping a summit of 27 countries where the song has also reached #1 at iTunes including France, Spain, Australia and Germany. “Diamonds” is her fastest growing airplay hit in the UK, France and Germany.
Following Rihanna’s award winning social media marketing campaign last year, UNLOCKED, and as Forbes’ and Billboard’s #1 Social Media artist, she continues her digital media domination with #R7, launching on Monday, October 15th. #R7 is an interactive gaming experience where fans visit www.Rihanna7.com and explore this site to “RIHveal” exclusive content and prizes. Each week fans are assigned weekly trivia questions. When answered correctly, fans have a new mission to exclusive Rihanna announcements and “RIHwards,” bringing fans closer to her 7th album, UNAPOLOGETIC.
This year marked the seventh annual BET Hip Hop Awards hosted by funnyman Mike Epps. The BET Hip Hop Awards delivered an exceptional night filled with hip hop’s biggest stars and highly anticipated performances.
Wiz Khalifa opened the show with a performance of “Work Hard / Play Hard” featuring Juicy J and Young Jeezy accompanied by a live band. Other highlights included Meek Mill’s performance of “Amen” and “Young and Getting’ It” featuring Kirko Bangz; Kendrick Lamar introducing a medley of his popular songs, “The Recipe” and “Swimming Pools;” G.O.O.D. music star 2 Chainz taking the stage to perform “Birthday Song” and “I’m Different,” Rick Ross’ performance of “Hold Me Back” joined by Omarion for their single “Ice Cold;” Atlanta’s own T.I. entertaining the crowd with newest singles “Trap Back Jumpin” and “Go Get It;” Future featuring Diddy, French Montana, Machine Gun Kelly and Uncle Luke had everyone on their feet with “Turn on the Lights,” “Same Damn Time,” “Wild Boy” and “Pop That;” and closing out the show, Violator artists reunited on stage in honor of music executive, Chris Lighty culminated with pure star power – a Tribe Called Quest, Missy Elliott, Missy Elliott, Spliff Star, 50 Cent and Fat Joe paid their respect during an unforgettable performance with some of Violator Music’s biggest hits and Chris Lighty’s personal favorites.
Rakim was presented and honored by his peers with this year’s “I AM HIP HOP ICON” Award for his seemingly effortless style and delivery that stems not just from Hip-Hop, but from Jazz and R&B influences. Rakim has a style like no other. Always a key highlight at the awards are “The Cyphers.” Snoop Dogg, T.I., DMX, A$AP Rocky, Cassidy, Mystikal, Talib Kweli, B.o.B, Eve, Boy Jones, Brianna Perry, Childish Gambino, Chipmunk, Lil Chuckee, The Kid Daytona, Driicky Graham, E-40, YG, Hopsin, Iggy Azalea, Joey Bada$$, K’La, Kendrick Lamar, Kosha Dillz; Kurupt; Mac Miller, Mystikal, Murda Mook, DJ Quik, RZA, ScHoolboy Q, Tito Lopez, Trae Tha Truth, Xzibit, Angel Haze and Ab-Soul.
The following are the list of winners from the BET Hip Hop Awards 2012:
Best Hip Hop Video: “HYFR” – Drake f/ Lil Wayne
Reese’s Perfect Combo Award (Best Collabo): “Mercy” –Kanye West f/ Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz
Best Live Performer: The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West)
Lyricist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar
Hip Hop Video Director of the Year: Hype Williams
DJ of the Year: DJ Khaled
Producer of the Year: Kanye West
MVP of the Year: Rick Ross
Track of the Year: “Ni**as In Paris”– Produced by Kanye West, Hit-Boy and Mike Dean (The Throne – Jay-Z & Kanye West)
CD of the Year: Watch The Throne – The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West)
Rookie of The Year: 2 Chainz
Hustler of The Year: Jay-Z
Made-You-Look Award (Best Hip Hop Style): Kanye West
Best Club Banger: “Ni**as In Paris” – The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West)
Best Mixtape: “Dreamchasers2″ – Meek Mill
Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse: 2 Chainz – “Mercy” (Kanye West f/ Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz)
Impact Track: “Daughters” – Nas
People’s Champ Award Powered by Verizon: 2 Chainz f/ Drake – “No Lie”
Best Hip Hop Online Site: World Star Hip Hop
Best Cyphers of the night (below) featuring: Talib Kweli, Jean Grae, Ab-Soul and Sarkodie
Super producer 9th Wonder and Murs released the official tracklist – including exclusive iTunes bonus cuts, for their last collabo album The Final Adventure. The iTunes edition will include two bonus tracks, while the iTunes deluxe version includes the bonus tracks and all of the instrumentals. 
