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.

WIRELESS FESTIVAL 2012

Wireless Festival this year was bigger and badder than before with headlining acts from Deadmau5, Drizzy Drake, and Rihanna.

I had the pleasure of catching up with some of the performers for my Radio Show. Check out the backstage footage below:

Backstage at Wireless Festival interviewing artists

Delilah and myself

Lloyd & A$ap Rocky

The Dream

Dbanj

The Weeknd

Wretch 32 

BBC RADIO 1 HACKNEY WEEKEND 

REVIEW

BBC Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend witnessed a mighty Roc Nation takeover this weekend.

Almost a year ago Hackney and East London was sprawled all over the news and papers due to the eruption of the riots. This weekend, live coverage was streamed onto BBC3 of the star studded musical celebration that was BBC Radio 1’s Hackney weekend.

Hackney hosted a festival of artists across the 6 stages, many of which hail from the East London area.

Locals such as Leona Lewis, Labrinth and Professor Green took to the stages and performed 30 minute segments of their hits to date. Rizzle Kicks, Example, and Ed Sheeran proved most popular on the first day of the weekender, while headliner Jay-Z took to the main stage in front of 50,000 people bringing on cameos from his Roc Nation label signees Rihanna, Kanye West and Londoner MIA who suffered from a mute mic for the majority of her limp performance.

Viewers at home watched what was a mini Jay-Z concert combined with Watch The Throne medley with label mate Kanye West. While Jay-Z performed his whopping hour and 15 minute set, Beyonce was seen watching her husband and rapping along to his verses as well as moshing in the crowds. On the sideline Roc Nations newbie Rita Ora watched following her short set on the 'Introducing' stage.

Jay-Z & Rihanna perform Run This Town

Jay-Z and Kanye West perform Ni**as in Paris

Newcomers Azealia Banks and Lana Del Rey received the best reception from the crowds on Sunday with ‘212’ and ‘Blue Jeans’ being the favourites. After an outburst of rainy showers (luckily at this point I was sheltered in the BBC 1xtra tent watching Kano, Lethal B and Sway) the sun started beating down onto the Hackney Marshes as Jessie J took to the main stage and performed her generic songs.

Azealia Banks performs 212

A personal favourite performance of mine was Florence & The Machine on the main stage when they performed the feel good ‘Shake It Out’. From that point onwards I was not to budge from my spot until the end of the festival, meaning I unfortunatley missed Hip Hops very own Nas on the 1xtra stage and superstar dj David Guetta in the Dance tent.

Following many rumours on the identity of Sundays special guest which included Beyonce and Cheryl, I was not going to miss this long awaited surprise. After a 30 minute wait it was revealed to be Hackneys finest, Dizzee Rascal. However, it was hard to avoid the sounds of tens of thousands of people tutting with disappointment at the surprise. Yet his rave-pop chart-friendly tunes quickly turned this around into a sea of lunatic and not to mention fickle ravers.

Florence & The Machine performs Shake It Out

Then it was time for the headlining act, Roc Nations reigning Princess, Rihanna. With an Ancient Egyptian stage set up, bongo drums and smoke began and there she was in a very casual attire of trainers, stockings and a t-shirt. I did wonder if she was running late and hadn’t enough time to get into her outfit. Nevertheless, the show begun and all other stages were abandoned as the sun began to set and the Bajan beauty sung and danced to her best tracks from her current and last album. 

The 24 year old singer interacted with the fans and we got to see her personality through her performances if not for the first time. For those who missed out on Saturdays headlining act, were in for a treat and went into an absolute chaotic frenzy as RiRi bought Mr Jay-Z onto the stage where they performed Umbrella, Run This Town and Talk That Talk for the first time together.

To finale Rihanna performed We Found Love which was undoubtedly the best performance of the entire weekend. Every single human body in the crowd was moshing and jumping to the Calvin Harris beat almost recreating field scenes from the We Found Love music video. Rihanna left the stage as the sky was alight with fireworks saying ‘Hackney you f****in rock. Oh sh*t I dont wanna go, I love you guys so much. Thank you’

Rihanna performs We Found Love

It was a star studded event which everyone in London enjoyed whether it be those who were at Hackney Marshes or those watching from home. However for the Roc Nation team it was way more than a festival it was a very a bold statement to the music industry, they are here for the takeover.