Nicki Minaj is chilling on Bowery, her petite glamour neutralizing the dank of Manhattan’s original Skid Row. Buxom and physically expressive, wearing a plush black fur jacket and thigh-high patent leather stiletto pumps, she looks like a snow bunny lost in the frigid city, except instead of a designer pocketbook, she’s clutching an open box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Half a block from her luxury room at The Bowery Hotel, a small crowd is gathering and gawking at her silhouette, a couple dudes weakly trying to holler from across the street. One 40-something Boricua with a camera phone musters the courage to ask for a picture, excited to send it to her son, and Minaj sweetly obliges. The scene’s not quite paparazzi status, but in the middle of winter, on a block half flophouse and half condo, this buzzing group of various onlookers is a testament to Nicki Minaj’s universal appeal.

As a young boy or girl, did you ever day dream about becoming a respected lyrical beast also known as a rapper? Were there times you imagine yourself in the boxing ring rapping LL Cool J’s classic “Mama said Knock You Out” or on boat Jay-Z filmed “Big Pimpin” on? Well now there is a way for you to become the rap phenomenon you always dreamed to be.

Recently Chicago Review Press has released the book “How to Rap: The Art & Science of the Hip-Hop MC.” Written by Paul Edwards, this exclusive read gives the reader a full access to the many methods and processes used to formulate a success rapping technique. With the foreword written by legendary MC Kool G Rap, over 100 lyricist lent their voice and professional intel on what it takes to be a successful and efficient rapper. Read rest of story…

Females in the entertainment industry today are often judged by their achievements and losses. It is rare to find one who has not succumbed to the flashing lights and become a distant memory. However once in a while a group of elite women are able to break away from the fold of failure and become women to be honored. Phenomenal women as their called who have paved a path to success are some to be admired. KarenCivil.com own head honcho Karen Civil joins this group of intellectual babes as they are honored by Honey Magazine as being the Females Freakin The Industry.

To check out these bodacious women take a peak after the jump…

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Thanks! Karla Moy Almond Joy – Cole

With last year’s class acclimating  themselves with the real world (some better and more successfully than others), XXL returns with the much anticipated Class of 2010. If you remember, an early version of this list was leaked online which was later proven as inaccurate. Thanks to the world’s greatest confessional, also known as Twitter, look for these names to grace the cover. Read rest of story…

The Hugh Hefner of golf, Tiger Woods, pumps iron shirtless on the new cover of Vanity Fair. The photo spread, shot by Annie Lebovtiz, depicts Tiger in all his glory before the news of his numerous affairs broke.  The magazine showcases a full portfolio of never-before-seen photos of a raw, unguarded golfer.

Tiger, who has been accused of having over fourteen extramarital affairs in the past decade has been keeping a low profile since the scandal came to light. Recent reports suggest that he has been going through cosmetic surgery to repair a bruised and scarred cheek bone damaged during his thanksgiving car crash.

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 J.Cole  is gracing  the cover of  Beyond Race Magazine.  J.Cole, who recently signed to Roc Nation, sat down and briefly discussed his journey from an unknown artist from North Carolina to being signed to rap supernova Jay-Z’s new label Roc Nation.

In the sit down, J.Cole addresses his views on major recording labels verses independent ones as well as how his feature on Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 has impacted his life.

To see behind the scenes footage and the brief interview check out the video.

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From the back blocks of N’awlins to one of the biggest names in pop culture…in the world. Whether you happen to be one of Wayne’s biggest fans to one of his biggest antagonists, his work ethic has become the stuff of legend and afforded him the opportunity to release some of the most coveted music this decade. Jon Caramanica of the NY Times saw this and formulated his own piece which was featured on the publication’s website today. An interesting look at Weezy’s brief “hiatus” from music, to his sudden “reemergence” with the release of We Are Young Money and the leak of Rebirth to his impending prison sentence. It’s all there. In case you’re still not sold, read this snippet:

For someone who made ubiquity his art form, Lil Wayne has done a stupendous job of disappearing this year. Sure, he was on tour and at the Grammys, but the stream of mixtapes and freestyles on which he built his reputation slowed to a drip. While he was taking a breather, others — in particular, Gucci Mane, and Lil Wayne’s protégé Drake — took his template and ran with it.

On Feb. 9 Lil Wayne will appear in State Supreme Court in Manhattan to be sentenced in connection with a 2007 charge for gun possession. He is expected to begin serving his sentence that same day: an enforced absence instead of the voluntary break he has been taking.

But as the days count down, Lil Wayne is re-emerging. On Tuesday his extended crew Young Money released its debut album, “We Are Young Money” (Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Motown). And this month his rock album, “Rebirth” (Cash Money/Universal Motown), leaked to the Internet after Amazon.com accidentally shipped some 500 copies to customers who had preordered it. Just like that, Lil Wayne is omnipresent again.

To read the entire article, click here. We Are Young Money is on shelves right now.

Just checked my mailbox..and what do I see? Excuse me while I flip thru and see what Rihanna has to say.

Got a minute? Just before the release of Til the Casket Drops, brothers Pusha T and Malice, sound off on their international fans, what they’re cooking, and why they might just invest in skinny jeans with Detailed Magazine.

Details: Where’s the most exciting place you’ve played to promote the new album?
Malice: I can honestly say that every place we perform is exciting. It is never dull. The Clipse fans are die-hard. Even overseas—just to see people that really don’t speak your language but speak your music. It’s inspiring. Sometimes, when I write a song, it hits me so hard that I get chills—like, “Oh, that’s a crazy line.” But then I become numb to it. When I perform and see a fan out there who says it with passion, it reminds me how I felt. So they keep me on point.

Details: Your song “Door Man” is about coke. What did you use for drugs in that video?
Pusha T: I wasn’t there, but I will say this: I think they went out in really bad places to take that shot. Whatever it is, it’s probably not too far off.
Malice: I was there. It was just baking soda. Those dudes are definitely on their grind out there—that’s why we shot there. But it was just baking soda.

Details: How much do you worry about what people say about you on blogs?
Pusha T: I love it because it’s a way to get the music out. I don’t think you can always take it that seriously. Certain people are just, like, out for blood. Then there are certain guys that just speak the gospel. They just tell it like it is, and you can tell the difference. The comments change so quickly. You have two guys dissing you, and then three guys will diss them.

Details: Last year you guys started a clothing line, Play Cloths. Are there any fashion rules to live by at your shows?
Pusha T: It’s hip-hop. There are definitely rules to it, but I don’t really have any disagreements. Besides, if fans are out there seeing the show, I ain’t complaining. They could come out in a G-string and a pink wig and I’d be happy.
Malice: Just be yourself, man. At the end of the day, there are no rules to it—not to me anyway. So as long as you act like it’s right, it’s right. A lot of people are angry at the skinny-jean craze, but these guys are getting all the girls. I don’t know why. If I don’t figure it out soon, I might buy a pair.