interview

Avery Sunshine: Soul singer radiates warmth

**Photography by Dre Barnes The Philadelphia area has produced many powerhouse vocalists over the years, from Patti LaBelle to Jill Scott. Singer-songwriter-pianist Avery Sunshine is

The Jay-Z-Belafonte controversy: Do blacks need more celebrity activism?

An activist is defined as one who is an especially active, vigorous advocate of a cause—especially a political or social cause. The most celebrated and effective activists of the 20th century were especially devoted to their activism; it was their life’s work. Mr. Belafonte represents the rare celebrity whose life is as much about activism as it is entertaining—perhaps even more so.

Nicki Minaj’s response to DJ Khaled: ‘He’s not attracted to me’

DJ Khaled’s video proposal to Nicki Minaj has been the talk of hip-hop fans and media; after the Miami-based DJ presented a ring and declared his love for his labelmate while visiting the MTV offices. After several days of media and fans chattering about the stunt, Minaj herself has finally broken her silence regarding Khaled’s proposal.

The Weeknd finally explains his mysterious image: ‘I hated how I looked …’

The Weeknd is close to releasing his official debut studio album Kiss Land in August, and the reclusive singer-songwriter is finally warming up to the idea of doing press. Notoriously mysterious since he emerged two years ago, the 23-year old gave a rare interview to Complex magazine and admitted that he’s been quiet because he didn’t feel he was that interesting.

Jay-Z says he ‘can only have love’ for Dame Dash (audio)

Jay-Z visited New York City’s Hot 97 yesterday (July 10th) for the first time in more than two years. With most of the interview dealing with his new album, Magna Carta Holy Grail, fatherhood, his superstar wife Beyonce, and his touring plans; host Angie Martinez eventually asked the hip-hop superstar about his former Roc-A-Fella Records partner, Dame Dash

Freddie Gibbs says Jeezy black-balled him

Freddie Gibbs continues to air out his former mentor Young Jeezy. Gibbs broke free of Jeezy’s CTE (Corporate Thugz Entertainment) camp late last year, and