Earlier today on 106 & Park, the official video for Nick Cannon‘s “Die Young” was premiered and if you were not tuned in, you’re in luck because the official video is above. “Die Young” is the official first single from Nick and will appear on his upcoming album which still has not been named.

Incase you weren’t tuned into Hot97 with Funk Flex, here is a little treat he premiered moments ago. Ludacris and Diddy join Future for the remix to his anthem that has clubs going crazy. This remix could have used a verse from 2 Chainz as well but nonetheless, this remix is pretty good. Pluto in stores now.

2. Adele – 21 – 101,351 - In related news, the sky is blue, too.

9. Tank – This Is How I Feel – 33,031 - It’s summer time which means the always-fun summer fling. And here’s your theme music.

21. Nick Minaj – Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – 17,638 - Let it be known I’m none too pleased with Nicki getting up close and personal with Nas and Chris Brown in her new video. She is, however, almost gold.

32. Rihanna – Talk That Talk – 11,799 - She’s about 130K away from platinum. And she will get there. Slowly but surely, she’ll get there; especially when radio stations play “Cake” 100,000 times a day.

33. Whitney Houston – Greatest Hits – 11,006 - Regardless of what will be said about her over the years, fact still remains she had the greatest pure voice of all time. That and it feels like she’s been gone for a year now. Technology is something else.

59. Maroon 5 – Hands All Over – 7,675 - Have I told you “Moves Like Jagger” is still my sh*t? I haven’t? Well, “Moves Like Jagger” is still my sh*t.

85. Young Jeezy – TM103 – 5,644 - I’m still going to need an official video for “Way Too Gone,” Young.

128. Beyonce – 4 – 3,845 - Mama Knowles hasn’t been on the Billboard Breakdown in awhile, but she’s platinum and I’m pretty sure she’s busy with maternal duties and working on her next album to pay attention to where this is on the charts. Or not.

Nicki Minaj finds love with her co-star Nas, who plays her leading man in the video for “Right By My Side” featuring Chris Brown. The Benny Boom-directed clip shows the more romantic side of YMCMB’s leading lady.

When she told the fans it was going to be “Fu*kTastic & Raw #noPauzNeeded” she wasn’t lying. The conclusion of this video will definitely stir up questions, you just got to check it out for yourself.

Make sure you pick up Nicki’s sophomore album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded.

Wild 94.9 got a chance to sit down with Kendrick Lamar to talk about his new album, his joint album with J. Cole, and his feelings on the 2pac hologram. He also speaks on his Twitter Pet Peeve of the “Mad Rapper Syndrome”.

Below Kendrick named his top five rappers of all time, and which celebrities he would Hump or Dump? Check out the video above to see if Kendrick would hump or dump celebs like Rihanna, Jenifer Lopez, Halle Berry, and More.

Top 5 Rappers of All Time ( Dead or Alive )

1. 2pac: because of the emotion he put into his music.
2. The Notorious B.I.G.: because of his wit and his confidence.
3. Jay-Z: because of how personal and personable he is on the record.
4. Nas: because he’s a great storyteller.
5. Eminem: because he’s an amazing wordsmith.

Hump It or Dumb It:

1. Rihanna: Umm…
2. Katy Perry: Naw
3. Jennifer Lopez: “I’m humping J’Lo”
4. Ke$ha: Dumb It
5. Lady GaGa: “Naw… She would prolly scare the hell out of me…”
6. Mariah Carey (Not Married): Definitely…
7. Halle Berry: FoSho
7. Oprah: “Yup… I gots to do Opra… ha”

You can watch the full interview above.

After a bit of a hiatus from releasing material, Sid Sriram is back with his original record, Elevate featuring Sonny Shotz of the Deans List. Sid produced and wrote this record, coming up with an eclectic mix of urban/indie, electronic, and live elements. Be one of the first to check it out above.

DOWNLOAD: http://hu.lk/ds1sbz23149e

Fly Society’s Terry Kennedy explains the opportunity that skateboarding gave him in a brand new commercial. Kennedy wants to one day give someone the opportunity he was given. Also look out for new summer tees and tanks from Fly Society coming soon as well. Check out the new “Opportunity” Campaign video above.

“Without opportunity… Greatness is never known”. – Terry Kennedy

“Hey Ma” is the latest video from Chance The Rapper who pays homage to his mother, family, hometown of Chicago, and guarantees his spot in the game with this soulful and inspirational track.  Directed by Elijah Alvarado, the homely colors and locations makes this video the perfect accompaniment to one of the favorited tracks on his free album #10Day.  Featuring  Lili K & Peter CottonTale, produced by Zak “Fox” Jablow and MC Tree. I think he’s next up; Put That On My Mama!

It seems with any urban artist you meet nowadays, they all share one thing in common: their love for all-things Michael Jackson. From early Jackson 5 recordings of “Ill Be There” to “ABC” and then to solo pop superstardom, MJ was the man for all the little kids growing up aspiring to be in the music biz. Call it the “MJ rule” if you want. That rule applies to Brandon Hines, the authentic R&B/Soul singer who is fittingly from Motown. Growing up in Detroit and being introduced to the soulful sounds of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations and Jodeci to name a few, the latest Epic Records signee Hines has been working on filling in the rhythms and blues void that’s been somewhat in the grey area lately with today’s pop-sounding, crossover influence. The smooth vocalist with the baritone is hoping to bring a sense of soul, emotion and feeling through the notes he belts out –something that will make females feel sexy listening to and have the fellas wanting to up their game.

After going through the motions of being independent and fighting his way up, Hines recently signed onto Epic Records. The former American Idol contestant and break-dance crew member has been doing what any artist would do, which is hit the studio. Following his first single, “Yes You Are,” Hines is currently three quarters of the way finished with his debut album, working under the tutelage of legends such as LA Reid and Jermaine Dupri. KarenCivil.com recently caught up with Brandon Hines on the eve of his Greenhouse NY appearance and talked about changes to his lifestyle, his earliest memory of MJ, horoscopes, his first purchase after signing the deal and more.

So first off, how’s life as an Epic Records artist?
Life has been great. Life is always great but it has been better ever since I signed with Epic [Records]. They’ve been a great label home to me so far.

What was the first thing you did after you got signed?
Actually, the first thing I did was buy an iPhone. [Laughs] Then I started doing some window shopping.

So you’re not a BlackBerry guy?
Nah, I am a BlackBerry guy. I was a BlackBerry guy for the longest time but the iPhone kind of swayed me into purchasing one. I love it.

How has your lifestyle changed since getting signed?
It’s definitely been a lot more focused. Focused meaning on being on schedule. As far as being a new artist, I’m trying to get better and better each day. Working out a regiment, being in the studio and on top of that, I’ve been doing a lot of things I didn’t really expect. Its all been great and a good learning experience. This is new to me. These are the first weeks of getting out there.

Has your daily routine changed drastically now that you’re a record label artist?
Not drastically, but it’s changing week-by-week. The better I do and how I well I want to do as an artist. The routine is going to keep changing as I incorporate more stage presence as well as the instruments. As I get bigger, it just keeps increasing.

Now, you’re on a huge platform for the world to see. You’re also working for guys like LA Reid. Do you view that stuff as positive stress because there’s more pressure on you now to meet expectations?
Yeah, yeah. It’s definitely positive. I don’t like the word stress but I know it comes with it. I know it’s positive. It’s an opportunity for me to get my shit totally on point as a person, as a man, as an artist, to be a great performer, to leave a legacy, and to make great music. It’s definitely positive stress, like getting on the ball and go get this shit. That’s the mentality.

And to kick everything off, you have the first single, “Yes You Are.” What is it about that record that made you decide that it would be your first single?
“Yes You Are” is a nice “hello” record. It’s a nice dedication record. I look at it like that record is a hallmark card. Like back in the day –Marvin Gaye, I reference him because he’s one of my favorite artists. My distant lover that lady that I want, who I know she knows. You know, I’m speaking to her. She’s on a video. Instead of me sending her a card or a letter. That’s basically what the record was. To say hello and let the world know Brandon Hines is working and he’s coming. I’m trying to do it big. Yes you are. [Laughs]

So an album is currently in the works?
Yeah. The album is in the works right now. I’ve been working hard on the album. It’s going to be great. I’m about 75% done with it. Expect a lot of surprises in there. I got some cool features in there for lack of a better word. I want to bring that real R&B and soul music back without being cliché with it.

You said surprises and features. Can you give a little preview for us?
[laughs] Features, man. That’s going to be the surprise. We’re working on it now. I’m constantly working and writing. I have some good ideas for features that I would like.

And in “Yes You Are,” you dropped some horoscope references. Are you big on that stuff?
[Laughs] I mean, I wouldn’t say I’m big on it, but I definitely pay attention to it. There’s definitely some truth to it as far as I’m concerned. I’m knowledgeable. I’ll put it that way.

With today’s R&B music, do you think it lacks soul? Like do you think R&B today isn’t what it used to be?
I wouldn’t say that. I think it’s variety. I think each artist is bright in their own way. They’re doing what they love to do and expressing it in their own way. What’s happening as I see is a lot of genres are crossing. The music is good as far as I’m concerned. The music I’ve been hearing is good but I want to put my stamp and essence in there. I sing real passionately and my take and stance on things is a little different. It’s definitely soul and music still, but I want to take it and expand on it.

Also, you’re a Motown guy. When people think of Motown, they think of guys like The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Jodeci, Four Tops and Isley Brothers. Is it safe to say that Brandon Hines is a product of that soul music environment you grew up in?
Yeah. It’s safe to say that. Definitely. I would definitely hope that my name will be mentioned in the names of those legends who came from Motown. A lot of it too has to do with the radio stations in Detroit. They were really good at playing a lot of different music that got the Detroit people moving and doing things both good and bad. The music has definitely taught me a lot about music, if that don’t sound crazy but it’s true.

We all know you’re a big fan of Marvin Gaye, but who else from the Motown era are you a big fan of?
Stevie Wonder, Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Prince, Michael Jackson, I love the Beatles. But yeah, I’m a really big fan of a lot Motown acts. Diana Ross, too. Just her star quality. But really, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Michael have probably the biggest influence on me.

What’s your earliest memory of Michael Jackson?
Oh man. [Laughs] Earliest memory of Michael was mimicking the Jackson 5 when I was young, doing the “ABC.” The shocking moment was when Michael bust out that fucking moon walk. That was probably everyone’s biggest Michael moment but I remember doing Michael Jackson and Jackson 5 impressions early on. I was watching the tapes and all that. Jackson 5 performances were probably my earliest memory of Michael.

I read on your twitter bio, it says “Mad Scientist.” What does that mean?
Well, you know. I have a doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hide personality sometimes. I’m big on history and science and I like to study it. But in my music –in the lab– I like to mix it up a little bit and get crazy sometimes. Mad scientist is like a mad chef, putting different ingredients and trying different things to see if it works and how it relates to people.

So then what’s your vibe like when you’re in the studio? Are you real chill or are you the type of guy where it’s like, “Let’s get this shit done in one take” type of person?
[Laughs] It’s different when I’m working with different artists and producers. It varies. Sometimes I come in there and be real chill and relaxed. Anytime I get up to record, I try to perfect it. If I can get it done in six takes, then that’s perfect. The less takes and more perfect on note I am, the better. When it comes to writing, I’m easy to work with. I’m chill and like to fish out for ideas that I think will work. It’s easy for me to work with other people. I’m getting more tight on time with recording. I’m more of a perfectionist with it but still trying to be someone people will want to work with.

And tonight, [Ed. note: This interview was conducted the day of the event] it’s the event at Greenhouse with Jermaine Dupri. You guys have been chillin’ with one another a lot lately so are there some music projects you guys are working on behind the scenes that we should expect sometime soon?
Of course. We’re still working on my album. Also Leah Labelle is a new artist. She’s great. Tonight at Greenhouse, it’s going to be poppin’. Poppin’ bottles and all that.

Follow Brandon Hines on Twitter
Interview + Words by Michael Nguyen

“Damn, I swear sports and music are so synonymous. Cause we want to be them, and they want to be us”.

Currently on Drake’s Club Paradise Tour, J.Cole, Waka Flocka, 2 Chainz, and French Montana take a break from the mic to pick up a ball. They decided to play a game of 21, which is every man for himself, including foul shots ( or 3pt shots ) after a made basket. It seemed like Cole was taking it back to his high school and college days when he played ball, 2 Chainz is clearly the trash talker, while Waka tries to go hard in the paint, and French Montana just maintains his nonchalant demeanor.

Make sure you on the look out for Drake’s Club Paradise tour, also including Meek Mill, coming to a city near you. Waka seems to think Cole should have got a scholarship for playing ball. Check out the video above and let us know what you think?

“That boy good. He need to put that mic down. That boy needs a scholarship” – Waka Flocka