KANYE WEST DEMO TAPE LEAKS

This weekend saw uncovered Kanye West demo tracks hit the internet, which included renamed versions of an up-tempo ‘All Falls Down’ (‘Dream Come True’) and an early version of ‘Bring Me Down’ (‘Have It Your Way’). This was shortly followed by ‘The Prerequisite’ surfacing online, an entire 15-track demo mixtape filled with material which is believed to have been recorded in the 'College Dropout' era, in around 2001...

A very young and raw sounding Kanye can be heard on the demo material, which are original versions of officially released music, plus a few previously unheard tracks.

The tape also features original demo versions of ‘Jesus Walks’, ‘Hey Mama’ and ‘Family Business’, plus more. If you are a Kanye West fan and miss some of the old 'Ye, this is a must listen! 

Kanye West - The Prerequisite (2001 Demo Tape) Tracklist

1. Home (Windy)
2. Jesus Walks
3. Have It Your Way
4. Out Of Your Mind
5. Wow!
6. Need To Know
7. Gotta Pose
8. Never Letting Go (The Stalker Song)
9. Hey Mama
10. Know The Game
11. Family Business
12. Dream Come True
13. Freestyle
14. Last Freestyle
15. Heartbeat

COACHELLA 2013 HIGHLIGHTS..

This weekend saw the 14th edition of the weekend long musical celebration in the Californian desert that is Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. 

The 3 day music gathering boasted performances from the likes of Blur, Ben Howard, Janelle Monae, Jesse Ware, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, 2 Chainz, La Roux, James Blake, Wu-Tang Clan, Disclosure plus many many more.

Highlights of the weekend included a collaboration with Solange Knowles and contemporary band The XX who came together to perform songs taken from Solange's 'True' EP, as well as a hot rendition of the late Aaliyahs classic, Timbaland produced 'Hot Like Fire'.

Other surprise collaborations from the sunny festival included Day 1 headliners, French Indie Rock band Phoenix as they were joined on stage by Grammy Award winner R Kelly. After much speculation that Phoenix would be joined by Daft Punk, the R'n'B star took to the stage.The collaboration saw R Kelly perform his 2002 smash 'Ignition' mixed in with the bands current hit '1901'.

STOOSHE TALK 'FRUSTRATING' ALBUM LEAK

In an interview with Digital Spy, girl group Stooshe spoke on their frustrations of their debut album leaking online last year. The trio have been reworking the renamed album 'London With The Lights On', which is due for release next month, and the girls are hopeful the LP will be successful in the album chart…

Courtney Rumbold explained: "It was frustrating of course, but because we knew we were going back in the studio and changing things up it didn't matter so much. We still feel confident about it. In a way it was a good thing as it meant people were talking about it."

She added: "We've added a few new tracks but the majority of what was on it is still there. The mixing and mastering on the songs has changed a bit.”

Their new single 'Slip' which is out on 12 May has been added to the album as well as two new songs, 'Put The Kettle On' and 'Fly Again'.

Stooshe release their album 'London With The Lights On' on 27 May. 

SO SOLID CREW ANNOUNCE FINAL TOUR DATES

UK pioneers So Solid Crew kicked off their reunion tour earlier this year, which saw the crew perform together for the first time in 10 years. Following the huge success of the reunion tour which sold out almost instantly, it has been announced via Twitter that more tour dates will commence this autumn across the UK...

Dates will include the London 02 Arena for the grand finale on October 5, with reports stating it will be their final tour. 

Guest performances confirmed for the final performance include Ms Dynamite, Chip, Wretch 32, Lethal Bizzle, Skepta and Charlie Sloth.

If you have missed out on the reunion tour so far, tickets go on sale for the added dates on Friday 19 April at 9am.

RAY J: 'NEW SONG IS NOT ABOUT KIM KARDASHIAN OR KANYE WEST’

Days after releasing a song titled 'I Hit It First', Ray-J has spoken out about the song in an interview with Hot 97, denying that the song is in relation to ex lover Kim Kardashian…

Despite the song’s artwork being a pixelated image of Kim Kardashian and lyrics such as "I had her head going north and her a** going south, but now baby chose to go West" and mentions of sex tapes, basketball players and rappers, Ray-J insists the song is nothing more than a "concept" song.

He went on to say that it is "not a diss song" adding "we just having fun. People digging into it too deep."

When Kanye West was mentioned, Ray-J was quick to be clear that he is "not trying to create no war, it's all love."

BEYONCE STARS IN 'EPIC' FILM AS QUEEN TARA

To be reigning Queen of the music game appears not enough for Beyonce, as she takes on the role of a Queen in new movie. Whilst the singing sensation was laying low from the spotlight, she was busy lending her distinctive voice to the big screens new Fox animation 3D movie Epic, playing the role of Queen Tara…

According to Rap-Up.com, an excited Beyonce spoke on her role in the fantasy-adventure movie, saying: "Everything about this movie is big. The action, the characters - this is the one time where the movie really lives up to its title."

Perhaps forgetting that she is hailed by her fans as Queen B, the 31 year old continued, "I've always imagined being in an animated film. I've always wanted to be a queen. Queen Tara is very important in Epic. She's preserved the beauty of her natural world and the safety of her people."

The anticipated box hit also stars Hollywood’s Colin Farrell, Amanda Seyfried and Aziz Ansari and is expected to be released on May 24.

MODEL CARA DELEVINGNE TO MOVE IN WITH RIHANNA?

UK model and fashions 'It' girl of the moment Cara Delevingne may very well become roomies with Bajan beauty Rihanna. Walking 25 catwalk shows and rocking 67 outfits in one week across London, Milan, Paris and New York for fashion week, the 20-year-old wants to take a break from modelling…

Feeling 'burnt out', a source told The Sun that she will 'move to LA to recuperate' and has been offered a room in new BFF Rihanna's LA home to cool off from her hectic work schedule.

If conquering the fashion world wasn't enough, Delevingne also allegedly fancies a go at becoming a singer. According to the newspaper, "she’s had several chats with Rihanna over the past few weeks about it.

"Rihanna has also promised to introduce her to some record label bosses about starting a music career.”  With Riri's contacts, Delevingne could be catapulted to superstardom.

SNOOP LION ALBUM TO FEATURE DRAKE & RITA ORA

The recently rebranded Snoop Dogg, now known as Snoop Lion, is soon to drop his fittingly titled 'Reincarnated' album and has enlisted the support from some of music’s hottest assets to feature on the upcoming project. Part of Snoops rebranding process following a trip to Jamaica, included the evolution from rapper to reggae artist which is reflected in this next album…

'Reincarnated' is set to drop on April 23 and hosts heavyweight collaborations with Drake, Chris Brown, Rita Ora, T.I, Busta Rhymes, Akon as well as dancehall artist Mavado.

Speaking on his album and new sound, according to Digital Spy he said: "It's so much a part of who I am, and this record is all about paying homage and giving respect to those who created and love reggae music, and hopefully introducing it to a whole new audience. We were searching for true reggae music and the message of peace and hope it reflects."

His first single from the Major Lazer produced album is expected to be 'No Guns Allowed' featuring his daughter Cori B.

On March 15 Snoop will also release a 'Reincarnated' documentary.

RIHANNA DEBUTS RIVER ISLAND COLLECTION AT LFW

One of the most anticipated dates in this year’s London Fashion week saw Rihanna finally showcase her clothing designs over the weekend at The Sorting Office in London. The 'Diamonds' singer launched her debut fashion collection in association with high street label River Island, and stepped out on stage wearing a sleek black dress from the collection alongside designer Adam Selman…

Rihanna For River Island reflects the singers cool, sexy, edgy style and flavour which include string vest dresses, thigh-high leather buckle boots, baseball caps, floral prints, bra-style crop tops, and skirts with thigh-high splits.

A string of models strutted the catwalk in the ever-cool collection wearing large gold hoop earrings, red lipstick and slicked back hair.

Fellow Roc Nation artist Rita Ora attended the show as well as Mollie King from The Saturdays and fashion model Cara Delevingne.

Rihanna for River Island launches in UK stores on March 5.

BEYONCE COVERS VOGUE'S 'POWER' ISSUE

Beyonce would like to remind us all ‘Who Runs The World’. Following a raunchy GQ cover earlier this year and storming through her Superbowl half time performance, Queen B follows in the footsteps of Lady Gaga and Adele as she graces the cover of Vogue's 2013 ‘Power’ issue…

Elegant as ever on the cover, Mrs Carter poses a 60's classic look with her hair pinned up in a striking black and white Givenchy outfit.

A month before the magazine hits stores, images from the Vogue shoot have leaked online with the tagline "Beyonce rules the world". 

Since her return to the music scene, Beyonce is reclaiming her crown as she prepares to start ‘The Mrs Carter Show’ world tour which kicks off this spring. If that isn't enough global domination, her highly-anticipated HBO documentary ‘Life Is But A Dream’ debuts February 16. 

Clearly living by her own song lyrics, "Strong enough to bare the children, then get back to business". Beyonce is officially back in the game. 

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE AND JAY-Z FILM 'SUIT & TIE' VIDEO

Following a six year break from music, Justin Timberlake has had the Twittersphere eating out of the palm of his hand as he announced his return to the music scene through a series of online teasers, keeping his fans in suspense and on their toes…

Timberlake released his first serving; the Timbaland-produced 'Suit & Tie' featuring heavyweight Jay-Z, and the pair have since been spotted in L.A shooting for the official music video. The musicians can be seen on set laughing and messing around whilst both wearing matching suave attire including white dress shirts, bow ties and slacks.

Last week Timberlake released arguably one of the most detailed and high end lyric videos online as a form of yet another teaser for his fans. If the lyric video is anything to go by, the official video of ‘Suit & Tie’ will surely not disappoint.

According to MTV RapFix, rapper T.I gave an insight into what we can expect from Timberlake’s forthcoming '20/20 Experience' album, revealing: "They were working on a record together, and I had the pleasure of assisting them on their particular record." 

T.I also revealed the title of their collaboration, saying "I think it's called 'Goodbye Homey’” explaining the song as a "goodbye to something that is very special to you. Not necessarily a person; it could be a time of your life, it could be an experience, it could be a relationship, it could be a friend that's passed on. 'Goodbye Homey' has so many meanings and definitions. So when you hear it, you absorb it, and then whatever it means to you is what we intended."

FRESH: PUSHA T FEAT. WALE – ‘ONLY YOU CAN TELL IT’

Following a string of teasers, G.O.O.D Music rapper Pusha T premiered another exclusive track from the highly-anticipated 'Wrath of Caine' mixtape just one day before its release. 'Only You Can Tell It' sees Pusha T team up with Maybach Music's Wale as they spit about the rap game over the Boogz Da Beast production…

Pusha T told Miss Info why it's "near and dear" to him working with Wale saying, "It's really good because we're both from the DMV area. He's known for his poetry and him just getting real deep, so me and him just collaborated on a record."

Talking about the forthcoming mixtape, Pusha T described it as: "something that I feel like has no boundaries, no parameters. It's about more of what I want to hear for myself and what my fans want to hear. They want to hear lyrics. They want to hear street... it's just the whole street life perspective."

FRESH: CIARA FEAT. FUTURE – ‘WAKE UP, NO MAKE-UP’

Rumoured couple and record label mates Ciara and Future have delivered yet another new collaboration 'Wake Up, No Make-Up' produced by hot producer of the moment Mike Will Made It ('Bandz A Make Her Dance')…

The pair who have been spotted spending a lot of time together in Beverley Hills have worked on remixes for Ciara's 'Sorry', taken from her 'One Woman Army LP' as well as Futures 'Turn On The Lights'.

Best known for his collaborations with Rihanna and Drake, Future's mixtape 'Future Presents F.B.G: The Movie' is said to be released on Tuesday and will include their collaboration 'Wake Up, No Make-Up'

LIL WAYNE TALKS CLOTHING LINE TRUKFIT: 'IT'S NOT THE NORM'

Following last week’s announcement of his approaching retirement, it looks like Lil Wayne will have a lot more free time to focus on his clothing brand TRUKFIT. Lil Wayne explained in an MTV interview that the name TRUKFIT stems from childhood memories growing up in New Orleans, "There was a truck that would come around the neighbourhood for the less-fortunate people that can't go to those stores, and he would have those same items — those Polos, those Tommys — for less. If you were known to have that outfit, then it was not called an 'outfit,' it was called a 'truckfit…"

Revealing why he believes his brand is becoming increasingly popular, he says: "I think because it's not trendy and it's not what's the norm.

“People are tired of everything just being 'what's cool.' Everybody's wearing such and such, everybody's doing such and such, and I don't believe that's what Trukfit is. Trukfit is just a bunch of little characters on a shirt, a bunch of sayings and stuff."

The rapper also went on to say that he was receiving a lot of interest from public figures: “My designer sends [drafts] over to me in an email and I decline or approve, it's that simple," he said. "And the kids are enjoying it.

“And not only the kids, I have pro athletes hitting me up , sending me their addresses, like, 'I need a box of that sent to me every month' or 'I'mma wear that to my press conference' or 'I'm gonna wear that when I sign my deal' — so it's really moving."  

NICKI MINAJ TALKS MARIAH CAREY 'BEEF' AND LOVE FOR LIL WAYNE

The ever controversial Nicki Minaj gave an insight into her hectic life this week on the latest episode of her reality show ‘Nicki Minaj: My Truth’. The E! reality show sees the rapper rehearsing with celebrity choreographer Laurieann Gibson for her upcoming tour, where most would be surprised to see the usually overtly sexual Minaj hesitate to include pole dancing in her routine…

Lil Wayne features in the episode to record a verse for Nicki's song, where she refers to him as "my heart and my soul". Whilst in the studio, the pair reflect on the strains of their professional relationship; footage from four months ago is shown as Lil Wayne talks about his artists, saying: "They don't wanna f**k with me no more.

"I help 'em out, you know I put 'em on and then they just go to buy matching Bentley's and all this type of stuff… and they don't think about the lil n***a no more, nothin".

As Nicki is seen laughing off this ‘touchy subject’, Lil Wayne goes on to suggest it isn't just her he is referring to and mentions ‘Toronto' - an obvious hint towards fellow YMCMB artist Drake.

Never one to shy away from a little beef, Nicki also addresses her recent documented feud on American Idol with co-judge Mariah Carey. Nicki tells the president of Young Money, Mack Maine: "She admitted that she did not want another female doing the show thinking that somebody was coming to steal her shine.”

She goes on to describe their situation as 'passive aggressive' but is seen adamantly saying, "I did not say I'm a gangster. I would never say that!" 

Further highlights of the episode include her filming in a Malibu mansion for her collaboration with Alicia Keys, ‘Girl On Fire’.

WU-TANG CLAN TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM IN 2013

It was revealed last month that the pioneering rap group Wu-Tang Clan are to make a comeback. Following the breakthrough success of their legendary debut album 'Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)', the members went on to pursue solo careers and various album projects. To mark the 20th anniversary of their debut album, the rap crew's founder RZA said he wants to reunite with the original members…

RZA told The New York Times what it will take to ensure Wu-Tang’s next album is a success, saying: "we need to, one time, completely, efficiently, properly, professionally represent our brand. One more time. But this time, showing up on time for press and for concerts and studio. Do it one time, perfect."

Ghostface Killah, who was once named "rap's finest storyteller" by Q Magazine, has revealed to MTV News that he has recorded tracks for Wu-Tang's new album whilst working on his solo material: “While I was doin' my 'Supreme Clientele' s**t, the second one, 'The Wally Era', I was doin' joints for the next Wu album."

According to Ghostface Killah, he and the clan are willing to let RZA take control and lead the crew for their next project, saying: "He knows what it takes to go ahead and get there. He done studied the game now."

Wu-Tang Clan's new album is expected to drop by November 2013.

Miguel to collaborate with Beyonce

R&B's fastest rising star of 2012 Miguel could not believe his luck or contain his excitement when he heard he would be working with the one and only Beyonce. Stunned at the news of his collaborative plans, Miguel told MTV News: "I heard it from my team, and I was like, 'Are you serious?' 'Are you sure?' 'Are we talking about the Beyoncé?

“After taking a second to confirm and double confirm and triple confirm, I'm excited to hear the direction of her new material, and hopefully come up with something that's really special and really showcases her perspective."

The Queen B has been spotted heading in and out of studio sessions for the first time since giving birth earlier this year to daughter, Blue Ivy to work on her fifth upcoming album.

Miguel admitted, "I don't really know what she sees for herself or what direction she'd like to go with this album and I think that's the exciting part about it. You just ride the wave and see where it goes, so I'm really excited."

The 26-year-old singer/songwriter who is currently enjoying the success of his super smooth single 'Adorn' went on to tweet a photo of himself looking rather smug alongside a fresh faced B. The combination of Miguel's soulful style and Beyonce's power vocals are bound to create a highly anticipated smash.