Music News: Nicki Minaj & Jay-Z Win Big at the BET Hip-Hop Awards

Nicki Minaj doesn’t even have an album out yet, but she was one of the biggest winners at the 2010 BET Hip-Hop Awards, which were taped on Saturday, October 2 in Atlanta for an upcoming broadcast. The Young Money rapper took home Rookie of the Year, People’s Champ, and Made You Look (style) awards, MTV News reports.

Fitted to kill in a black dominatrix-like outfit, NYC-ish blond bob hairdo, pink nails and lipstick, Minaj grabbed her awards and “ran.” Minaj made sure to thank her “Barbies” as she accepted the award for “Favorite By Fans.”

“Last year, I was here in anticipation of the cypher,” she told the crowd, referring to the artist rap freestyles that run in between the award presentations and performances. “Now I’m here in anticipation of my debut. [‘Pink Friday’, set for release November 23.]

“I’m paving the way for girls,” she continued. “I wanna thank all the girls of hip-hop.”

Jay-Z, who was not in attendance at the awards, was also able to bag three awards. Tied Minaj’s award total, taking home trophies in the categories of Perfect Combo (Alicia Keys duet “Empire State of Mind”), CD of the Year, and Best Live Performer. Other awards went to Rick Ross (Club Banger of the Year and Track of the Year for producer Lex Luger, both for “B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast)”), Salt-N-Pepa (I Am Hip-Hop), Diddy (Hustler), Swizz Beatz (Producer of the Year), and DJ Khaled (Best DJ).

Now let me remind you, the 2010 BET Hip-Hop Awards kicked off on quite the high note as Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, and Diddy opened with “B.M.F.,” one of the year’s biggest hits. To the surprise of those in the audience Ross‘ set then segued into an unexpected performance from MC Hammer, who danced frantically with a group of dancers as he performed ‘2 Legit 2 Quit.’

The 2010 BET Hip-Hop Awards welcomed a number of newcomer’s including Alabama’s own Yelawolf who performed alongside Big Boi for their hit song “You Ain’t No DJ.”

“I feel overwhelmed, you know, coming out with Big Boi from OutKast and doing our record. I never thought it would lead to here, but I’m taking it in. I’m happy and I’m honored to be a part of it,” Yelawolf explained to The BoomBox.

The Hip-Hop Awards cypher’s proved yet again to be one of the highlights of the show with a number of artists taking part in this Hip-Hop Awards staple. Kanye West gave folks a taste of G.O.O.D. Music with a cypher that featured verses from himself, Common, Big Sean, Pusha T, and Cyhi Da Prynce.Ice Cube and Rev. Run kept it all in the family with a cypher that consisted of performances from Diggy Simmons, JoJo Simmons, OMG, and Doughboy.

More images from the performances below and after the cut.

This year’s 2010 BET Hip-Hop Awards, hosted by Mike Epps, will air Oct. 12 at 8 P.M. on BET. Will you be tuning in? Which award categories are you most looking forward to seeing televised?

Source: B.E.T.com

Out & About: Alicia Keys & Swizz Beats – Beyoncé & Jay-Z and more at The 7th Annual Keep A Child Alive Black Ball

Even the heavy New York City winds couldn’t dim the star power at Keep a Child Alive’s 7th Annual Black Ball at Hammerstein Ballroom on Thursday night (Sept. 30). The star-studded charity gala, which raised money for HIV/AIDS treatment, featured appearances and performances by Sade, Whitney Houston, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Usher, Swizz Beatz, Jennifer Hudson, Janelle Monáe, and more.

The belle of the ball, host Alicia Keys, lived out her dream by singing with Sade. “It was the most difficult thing I ever had to do in my life, to try to pick one song,” revealed the pregnant songstress, who finally decided upon “Love Is Stronger Than Pride.” “I lost sleep over it actually.”

Janelle Monáe gained new fans with her “Tightrope” walking and Swizz Beatz joined Jay-Z for “On to the Next One,” as his pretty in pink wife looked on. Alicia helped Jay cap the evening in their hometown by channeling Frank Sinatra with an impromptu performance of “New York, New York,” before closing with “Empire State of Mind.”

Keep a Child Alive charity brought in a little over $2.4 million for children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India.

Check out some more photos and a few videos from the event below….

Alicia Keys & Sade – Love is Stronger Than Pride – Keep A Child Alive Black Ball 2010.

Sade – Soldier of Love (Keep A Child Alive Black Ball 2010 )

Alicia Keys & Jay-Z Perform Sinatra At annual Black Ball 9-30-10

Source: Rap-Up.com/Global Grind.com

Just In: Baby Bump & Wedding Bells For Alicia Keys!

Alicia Keys is in a motherhood state of mind: She’s pregnant with her first child and officially engaged to Swizz Beatz.  Alicia is indeed 4 months pregnant will be married at a private ceremony later this year.  Representatives for the couple confirmed the news Thursday night.

Beatz and Keys have been friends for several years and worked together on one song for her current album, “The Element of Freedom,” the publicist said.  He has also written hits for Beyonce‘, Jay-Z amongst others.

Keys last year teamed up with Jay-Z for a hit song about New York called “Empire State of Mind.” She’s among a string of international artists slated to perform at a June 10 concert to mark the start of the World Cup soccer tournament in South Africa.

Swizz Beatz, — whose real name is Kasseem Dean — has one son from his marriage to Mashonda Tifrere.  He also has a second son from a previous relationship.

They would not say when the child is due, but weeks of photos have shown Keys noticeably fuller in the mid-section and sporting a collection of loose-fitting black tops.

“They’re very happy,” a source close to the couple said.

Check out more photos of the couple and Alicia performing below…

 

Source: Yahoo News, CNN, necolebitchie

I am so happy for them. I wish them the best. Congrats Alicia & Swizz!

Music News: Jay-Z and Alicia Keys to Perform together at the VMA’s

There’s much anticipation of Jay-Z’s “The Blueprint 3” album release and benefit concert at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on September 11. Jay-Z and Alicia Keys are set to perform at the 26th Annual MTV Video Music Awards. They will be performing the ode to New York single “Empire State of Mind” for the first time. The show will air live from Radio City Music Hall on September 13 at 9 p.m.

Source: Rap-Up