Brandy ft. Chris Brown “Put It Down” + Bonus Throwback Video

After a fan favorite track with Monica, Brandy is still letting us know she is back! Check out her new track with Chris Brown titled “Put It Down” written by Sean Garrett.

In the spirit of her recent Behind the Music episode and her new song trending on Twitter, I thought it was only right to kick off our Throwback Thursday (#tbt) Video series with an oldie but goodie from Brandy. Check it out below.

Aspiring Actress’ Billboard Plea to Tyler Perry

In a bold move, Racquel Bailey a 23-year-old single mom from New Jersey spent her last pay check to the attention of Tyler Perry.

The aspiring actress is so ready for her big break on the big screen! Bailey paid for a billboard 2 miles away from Perry’s Atlanta film studio that read: “Let me be your next leading lady.” She has received lots of attention from the billboard but still no call from Tyler Perry.

Click here to read Essence’s Exclusive Interview with Racquel Bailey.

Rick Ross’ Reebok Campaign Commercial

Since wanting to spark some interest in their brand and become a staple in hip hop fashion again, Reebok has aligned its self with the self-proclaimed “Boss” Rick Ross.

Ross welcomes us to his city and takes us all the way to his MMG home while wearing the Reebok Classic Sneaker in his new commercial for the brand’s “It Takes A Lot to Make A Classic” Campaign. Watch below.

Ross also sat down with Reebok for a short promo interview.

BTS: Making of “Where Have You Been”

Rihanna gives us a behind-the-scenes look into her dance rehearsal with choreographer Hi-Hat  for her new video “Where Have You Been.” In the video you will hear Rihanna explain how she wouldn’t do the video justice unless full choreography wasn’t involved. I’m excited to see the video! It’s about time we get a full dance video from her.

Are you feeling it so far?

Nicki Minaj’s First Fragrance Due Out This Fall

2012 has already proven itself to be a major year for the Platinum rapper Nicki Minaj. Within a month, Minaj has announced campaign deals with Pepsi, Adidas and now Give Back Brands on top of her other partnerships with M.A.C Cosmetics and OPI Nail Polish.

Give Back Brands and Minaj will partner to launch her first fragrance in department stores this fall. Give Back Brands LLC is the same company that is behind Justin Beiber’s popular “Someday” scent so Minaj is in good hands.

“I am so excited about my fragrance debut, and am proud to partner with Give Back Brands for such a personal project,” said the “Starships” hitmaker. “I have always been a huge fan of great fragrances; this is yet another extension of my creative expression and I can’t wait to share it with the world. I designed this scent and bottle with my Barbz in mind; I know they will love it!” [SOURCE]

Nicki Minaj is becoming a role model business woman as she will be involved in every aspect of her fragrance which includes development, packaging and advertising.

“Signing Nicki Minaj was a simple decision; her talent and extensive reach present a platform with tremendous global opportunity,” added Paul West, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Give Back Brands. “This partnership will further strengthen Give Back Brands’ portfolio of fragrances, and continues to build upon our overall vision of collaborating with top artists to create world-class products that will ultimately make a difference.” [SOURCE]

The Roman Reloaded rapper is always all over the place with her style, I can’t imagine what direction she is going to go in with this fragrance. Sweet or Spicy? I can imagine a little bit of both. Either way, I can’t wait to pick it up!

Keri Hilson Teams Up with DoSomething.org for an Epic Book Drive

In an effort to spread the importance of literacy, DoSomething.org started the Epic Book Drive, a nationwide initiative to provide books to kids in low-income neighborhoods.

Singer Keri Hilson teamed up with the non-profit and this is what she had to say about her involvement:

“Joining DoSomething.org’s newest effort to provide for people in need with Epic Book Drive was the easiest decision ever! I truly believe providing access to those who want to learn is the key to bettering lives around the country. And helping kids find healthy outlets, such as books, has always been a passion of mine. So my involvement here is a natural fit.” [SOURCE]

See how you can get involved at http://www.dosomething.org/epic

Must See Video: Tupac Performs at Coachella 2012

A hologram of late Tupac Shakur hit the stage, during Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg’s Coachella set. In an innovative performance moment Pac performed “Hail Mary” and “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted”. I’m sure those who got the chance to see this live it was like a trip to Disney. I’m grateful for the video. I hope somebody does a hologram of Biggie or Aaliyah next!

Who would you like to see a hologram of?

NEW Video: @JadeAlston – “Searching”

Today, Jade Alston gives us her first visual from “Single On A Saturday Night”.  “Searching”, a fan favorite was written by Alston, produced by MPIII Productions and the video was directed by Gianni Lee.

“Searching” is the first among a series of visuals to support Alston’s mixtape so I am sure we will see a lot more from the Philly native. Watch the video below!

Amber Rose in Philly for Virgin America

Who better to help Virgin America celebrate their first flight out of Philadelphia than Amber Rose. The Philly native and model/ music artist looked comfy and colorful as she spent the day with Virgin America for the launch of flights out of the city of brotherly love.Virgin Chief Sir Richard Branson picked the right person to be by his side on the Airline’s special day.

PETA Responds to Kanye West’s Lyrical Jab

I must have heard Kanye West‘s new single “Theraflu” on the radio at least 12 times today and that’s not including the eight hours I was at work. Today’s hot topic was Kanye and everything he had to say during the song. Some were just happy to hear a solo Kanye track and others were obsessed with the fact that he FINALLY professed his love for Kim Kardashian. Animal Rights Group, PETA on the other hand was not that impressed.

In his lyrical jab at PETA he said, “Tell PETA my mink is draggin’ on the floor.” PETA did not hesitate to respond. PETA’s Senior Vice President Dan Matthews sent the following statement to XXLMag.com:

“What’s draggin’ on the floor is Kanye’s reputation as a man with no empathy for animals or human beings,” said Matthews. “He’s a great musician but doesn’t seem to have the fashion sense to design anything more than caveman costumes. We keep hoping that one day he’ll find his heart and join evolved style icons—including Russell Simmons, Pink, and Natalie Portman—who have dropped animal skins.”

One thing is for sure. Both PETA and Kanye  have strong views and are very outspoken. I respect it! You weigh in. How do you feel about Kanye’s jab at PETA?