NEWS: Raekwon Defends Iggy Azalea

Raekwon Defends Iggy Azalea

Raekwon and Peter Bailey chill waterfront in Miami and talk hip-hop, cultural appropriation, and Iggy Azalea.

Esteemed journalist Peter Bailey is the host of NiteCap, in which he has intimate discussions with hip-hop stars and pop-culture icons. The YouTube series is now reliable for some of the most authentic interviews on the web. His latest guest is Wu-Tang legend Raekwon, and the two sit down to talk about where hip-hop started and where it is now. What started as a creative medium for unheard, marginalized communities is now heard all over the world, undeniably influencing people from all walks of life.

This bridges the discussion to a controversial, and often touchy, subject--namely, cultural appropriation--and the woman who's been a focal point in that conversation: Iggy Azalea. Many think Iggy has no rights to the sound she's profiting from. Leading this charge is Azealia Banks, among many others. Rae, on the other hand, thinks the Iggy hatred is unwarranted.

"She was able to take it from somewhere so far away where she was at, to here and nobody's gonna ever wanna give it up because of course she's a white girl, pretty and she's got talent ... Music is for whoever knows how to it make it, man. We have to say to ourselves, 'If you're talented, you're talented.'"

Rae then relates the story to the Morocco-born Bad Boy French Montana. He feels the fact that hip-hop is now more inclusive, and more worldwide, is undeniably a positive; "I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s somebody from Mongolia that come out and sell 100 million records."

2015 marks the 20th anniversary of Raekwon's seminal Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... At the end of the interview, Rae announces his next album will be called Fly International Luxurious Art.

Agree? Disagree? Watch the full interview below:

[via]

NEWS: T.I. Says It’s Time For Iggy Azalea To Tweet Less & Rap More

T.I. Says It’s Time For Iggy Azalea To Tweet Less & Rap More

T.I. -- Iggy Azalea Needs to Shut Up ... and Be More Like Tom Brady - Watch More Celebrity Videos or Subscribe

Tip is ready for the drama to subside

The only thing that’s put a damper on Iggy Azalea‘s breakout year is the drama she’s experienced outside the booth. A #1 single, 4 Grammy nominations and a debut album slowly inching towards Gold status would be enough for any rapper to celebrate a 12 months well spent. Unless, of course, you’re being accused of stealing black music, culture appropriation and racial undertones like Iggy Azalea is. She’s battled everybody from Azealia Banks to Q-Tip on Twitter on the issue of the categorization of her music, and has been debated by scores of music critics. Not to mention, she’s currently upset about Steve Madden’s unapproved release of some photos they took of her, and we’re only a couple weeks away from The Grammy Awards, where Iggy Azalea slander will probably be at an all-time high in the Hip-Hop community.

In light of all this, Iggy’s label head and avid supporter, T.I., revealed some of his thoughts in a quick Q&A with TMZ. He mentioned that he believes that Iggy needs to focus more on the music instead of all the smaller confrontations that present themselves on a daily basis, and went on to compare her situation to Tom Brady and #DeflateGate. Watch the quick, impromptu interview above.

INTERVIEWS: Macklemore Says He Betrayed Kendrick Lamar’s Trust

 Macklemore Says He Betrayed Kendrick Lamar’s Trust

Much like he and producer Ryan Lewis’ 2012 album, The Heist, Macklemore’s race and the discussion thereof has become inescapable. From regional underground artist to NPR curiosity to the Grammys, the Seattle populist has been picked up and dissected by most Americans concerned with popular culture. So in a period with such unrest—from the unpunished killings of Mike Brown, Eric Garner, and others, to the ongoing panic over Iggy Azalea’s place in hip-hop—who better to turn to?

Macklemore sat down with Hot 97′s Ebro and Peter Rosenberg to discuss all that and more, including his skin color’s role in radio reaction and parental acceptance. In one of the year’s most thoughtful, nuanced interviews, the “Thrift Shop” rapper explained that, while he curses on records and is simply following in a long line of rappers making socially-aware songs, he hears often from white parents who tell him he’s “the only rapper [they] let [their] kids listen to.” Euphemisms like “relatable” rattle around in comment sections, and Macklemore sees it—and is well aware.

He also discusses his worry about his role in the wake of Darren Wilson’s non-indictment. Though he felt a strong impulse to join the movement, he worried about—in appearance or in reality—co-opting the movement for his own business. “It’s important to listen,” he said. “It’s important to be humble.” (Macklemore did ultimately lend his face and voice to protests, yet did not release music on the subject.)

Also on the table was the radio station’s recent interview with Azealia Banks, the black rapper from New York who has been unspoken in her distaste for Macklemore and other white rap artists, chiefly Iggy Azalea, and the general attempt to “smudge out” black contributions to American culture. Macklemore declined to respond directly to her comments, but commended the power of the interview and agreed with her thesis.

Finally, Macklemore goes further in depth in the thought process behind his infamous Instagrammed text message to Kendrick Lamar after The Heist beat the Compton rapper’s good kid, m.A.A.d. city for Best Rap Album at the 2014 Grammy Awards. In an interview with Hot 97′s Ebro In The Morning show, Kendrick Lamar said that he felt like it was “uncalled for” when Macklemore posted the text message conversation between the two, which Mack agreed with.

“I betrayed Kendrick’s trust,” Macklemore said “That’s my homie…I betrayed his trust, that’s wack.” Watch the interview above.

NEWS: T.I. Addresses Q-Tip & Iggy Azalea, Azealia Banks Says He's "Indoctrinated"

 T.I. Addresses Q-Tip & Iggy Azalea, Azealia Banks Says He's "Indoctrinated"

"Not all white people out to steal [black] culture," said T.I.

T.I. once again came to Iggy Azalea's aid today on Twitter. Responding to Q-Tip, who sent Azalea a long-winded history lesson on social media earlier this week, Tip decided to share his feelings on white people in the hip-hop industry, claiming "not all white people out to steal our culture." He then addressed Iggy herself, telling his protege not to let the negativity get her down--that it's "a part of the territory."

Read the King's argument below. 

Yes @IGGYAZALEA @QtipTheAbstract all these facts are true. This is useful info to absorb as U find yourself in da midst of several people

— T.I. (@Tip) December 22, 2014

who U may not share many things in common with besides #HipHop. Understanding the plight assists U in knowing how to accept,respect...

— T.I. (@Tip) December 22, 2014

& live in harmony even without a boatload of similarities.

— T.I. (@Tip) December 22, 2014

Also what I think my big Bruh kinda left out is that OUR people (blacks in America,& HIPHOP) have had much less qualified White People

— T.I. (@Tip) December 22, 2014

come along & manipulate our culture for their own pers gain. This lead to an almost incoherent overly defensive, paranoid sense of...

— T.I. (@Tip) December 22, 2014

"All White People Wanna Steal Our Shit" mentality. Now as difficult as this is to believe.... We think all white people who do our shit...

— T.I. (@Tip) December 22, 2014

gotta kiss our ass or we don't like em!!! "Dey shady!!!" (Lol No pun intended) But me knowing U,Eminem,and a handful of other...

— T.I. (@Tip) December 22, 2014

There are some that merely wish to contribute to it. And I'd be less than ME if I didn't say that... If WE don't allow u guys the same...

— T.I. (@Tip) December 22, 2014

...rights & respect we KNOW WE DESERVE in other areas of humanity... WE'RE ALL JUST A BUNCH OF HYPOCRITES. AND THATS NOT HIP HOP!!!!

— T.I. (@Tip) December 22, 2014

So in a nutshell, absorb da info...apply it where most useful,and above all KEEP SHINING,FOLLOW YOUR HEART,& STAY TRUE TO WHO U ARE!!!

— T.I. (@Tip) December 22, 2014

I know u don't deserve all da negative shit that comes your way. But like I've told u before, it just kinda comes wit da territory...

— T.I. (@Tip) December 22, 2014

when u gain so much positive attn SO FAST! It all balances out. I know u been broke,hungry& disgusted before,so I know u know just like I do

— T.I. (@Tip) December 22, 2014

It COULD BE A LOT WORSE. If dis all U gotta put up wit/sacrifice to earn our very above average lifestyles....

— T.I. (@Tip) December 22, 2014

#FUCK-IT-WE-UP-LIKE-A-MUUUFUCKA!!!! #HustleGangOvaErrrthang!

— T.I. (@Tip) December 22, 2014

Following Tip's tweets, Azealia Banks sent out a few of her own in response.   

I'm REALLY starting to realize how indoctrinated and conditioned T.I is. And I don't think I should tease him about it anymore.

— AZEALIA BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) December 22, 2014

He actually has no clue.....

— AZEALIA BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) December 22, 2014

NEWS: Iggy Azalea Bought Nick Young A 1962 Impala For Christmas

Iggy Azalea Bought Nick Young A 1962 Impala For Christmas

Swaggy drove off bumping "Boyz-N-The-Hood" EAZY-E pic.twitter.com/vQ2EgS5QuN

— Beto Duran (@DuranSports) December 22, 2014

Nick 'Swaggy P' Young is going to be on the road this Holiday season, as he and the Los Angeles Lakers will be playing the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on Christmas Day and the Mavericks in Dallas the following night. Since he won't be around to enjoy Christmas with his girl, Iggy Azalea, she blessed him with an early Christmas gift- a blue 1962 Chevy Impala.

No word on what Nick Young got Iggy for Christmas, but he's certainly got his work cut out for him this year. 

NEWS: Q-Tip Schools Iggy Azalea In Hip-Hop History

Q-Tip Schools Iggy Azalea In Hip-Hop History

After chiming in during yesterday's Twitter debate that involved Azealia Banks, Iggy Azalea and Action Bronson, Q-Tip gets historical on Iggy's ass.

Yesterday, Q-Tip was dragged into an argument between Azealia Banks and Action Bronson, questioning Bronson on his word choice on a few occasions. Today, the former Tribe Called Quest member targeted Iggy Azalea, who made some remarks about Banks on Twitter yesterday. In essence, Tip delivered a history lesson on hip-hop's place within the black community as a means of celebration, escape and self-love, situating it alongside post-Vietnam war strife and the heroin epidemic. His words are below, and are very much worth reading.

@IGGYAZALEA HipHop is a artistic and socio-political movement/culture that sprang from the disparate ghettos of NY in the early 70's

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA Coming off the heels of the CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT and approaching the end of the Vietnam war it was a crossroads 4 America

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

Coming off the heels of the CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT and approaching the end of the Vietnam war it was a crossroads 4 America

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA our school systems here in NY dungeon traps with light for learning

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA specially for blacks in the US our neighborhoods were PROLIFERATED w/a rush of HEROINE

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA these men had families but due to these events and throw into the mix the public emasculation...

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA they proved to be handicapped parents. The surrogate parents? The STREETS

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA the streets of gangs, crimes, and the hustlers coddled us and swept us up

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA but! Being a spirited, rhythmic & expressive people music art dance outlined our existence

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA it proved a way for us to exhault to scream to dance to laugh and find OUR VOICE

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA we weren't at the time skilled musicians as kids. We had records, turntables, ideas and INGENUITY

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA being natural chemist we took from whatever was availed to us and we created something mighty and special

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA we cut breakbeats back n forth we took a hybrid of Jamaican toasting along w/ radio jock rap( hank Spann, Gary Byrd, ect.) and

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA we put our rap down..

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA it was a neighborhood thing really. Black and Latino Kids were carving out their space and it became infectious

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA eventually Keith Cowboy coined the phrase hiphop . Yrs later the first rap record was recorded and now we r moving

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA but during these strides this country still had the monster of racism and racial insensitivity breathing and ruling

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA believe it or not young black n Latino lives specifically weren't acknowledged in mainstream American culture unless Ofcourse..

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA the convo was abt gangs , being criminals or uneducated. And hey! Like I stated early our families were rushed our schools

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA sucked and we were left to put devices to survive

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA but HIPHOP showed that we had DEPTH, fire, and BRILLANCE

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA the music was undeniable! It moved from NY N became national and even GLOBAL

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA hiphop now was FOR EVERYBODY!! All of those who cld relate to the roots, the spirit, the history, the energy.. It reached YOU

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA it touched your spirit n took u up. We magnetized you! That's what BRILLANCE does

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA now u are fulfilling your dreams ... BUT!

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA you have to take into account the HISTORY as you move underneath the banner of hiphop. As I said before

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA hiphop is fun it's vile it's dance it's traditional it's light hearted but 1 thing it can never detach itself from

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA is being a SOCIO-Political movement. U may ask why ... Well

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA once you are born black your existence I believe is joined with socio-political epitaph and philos

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA based on the tangled and treacherous history SLAVERY alone this is the case

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA it never leaves our conversation... Ever. WeAther in our universities our dinner tables our studios or jail cells

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA the effects still resononates with us. It hurts... We get emotional and angry and melancholy

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA did u know president Clinton was the ONLY PRESIDENT to apologize for it?

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA did u know that remnants of slavery exist today thru white privilege? When certain "niceties" r extended your way because of

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA how u look? Isn't that crazy? I say this 2 say u are a hiphop artist who has the right 2 express herself however she wishes

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA this is not a chastisement this is not admonishment at ALL this is just one artist reaching to another hoping to spark insight

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA into the field you r in. I say this in the spirit of a hopeful healthy dialogue that maybe one day we can continue

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA I've been on twitter a long time and this will probably be my last series of tweets pretty much but

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

@IGGYAZALEA I'm Kool with it as long as I got to share this w u. Zzzzzzz's up! Peace!

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 20, 2014

NEWS: Iggy Azalea Responds To Azealia Banks Emotional Interview On Hot 97 [Update: Anonymous Threatens Iggy]

Iggy Azalea Responds To Azealia Banks Emotional Interview On Hot 97 [Update: Anonymous Threatens Iggy]

Azealia Banks got quite emotional when discussing the appropriation of black culture on Hot 97, Iggy Azalea offered up a response. Sort of.

Yesterday you may have seen the interview with Azealia Banks on Hot 97, where she got pretty emotional mid-way when discussing racism and the appropriation of black culture, particularly in relation to hip-hop. This was brought on by a discussion of Iggy Azalea, Azealia's nemesis.

While Azealia may get a tad too emotional during this discussion, it just proves how passionate she is about these topics (which is probably why she goes off on twitter so often). In the midst of the conversation, she did make some good points, one of which is: "That Macklemore album wasn't better than the Drake record. That Iggy Azalea shit isn't better than any fucking black girl that's rapping today. When they give those awards out...Because the Grammy awards are supposed to accolades for artistic excellence. Iggy Azalea is not excellent."

"Cause it's bigger than just playing the shit on radio, I don't give a fuck, that's fine bitch, do what you're gunna do. I have a problem when you're saying that it's hip-hop and putting it up against black culture," Azealia added.

Iggy Azalea caught wind of this interview, and she may or may not have actually listened to it, judging from her response. Read what she said in a series of tweets below.

If you haven't seen Azealia's full interview, watch it below.

Special msg for banks: There are many black artists succeeding in all genres. The reason you haven't is because of your piss poor attitude.

— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 19, 2014

Your inability to be responsible for your own mistakes, bullying others, the inability to be humble or have self control. It's YOU!

— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 19, 2014

you created your own unfortunate situation by being a bigot and don't have the mental capacity to realize yet. Probably never will.

— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 19, 2014

Now! rant, Make it racial! make it political! Make it whatever but I guarantee it won't make you likable & THATS why ur crying on the radio.

— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 19, 2014

Enjoy continuing to bang your head against that metaphoric brick wall & Savor this attention. I'm the only way you get ANY.

— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 19, 2014

You're poisonous and I feel genuinely sorry for you because it's obvious at this point you are a MISERABLE, angry human being. Regards!

— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 19, 2014

[Update: Anonymous Threatens Iggy]

Having pissed off Azealia Banks and hip-hop fans everywhere, Iggy Azalea has now incurred the wrath of hacking collective Anonymous, who threatened her to apologize to Banks on Twitter last night. They claim to have knowledge about her sex tape, but say they will not release it. Instead, they say that if she doesn't apologize, "memory of you will burn from the public faster than the moment you surfaced." Read the tweets below.

MESSAGE: @IGGYAZALEA, you have exactly 48 hours from now to release a statement apologizing to @AzealiaBanks and the protesters in NYC...

— TheAnonMessage (@TheAnonMessage) December 20, 2014

MESSAGE:@IGGYAZALEA if you do not do so, the memory of you will burn from the public faster than the moment you surfaced. We're not kidding.

— TheAnonMessage (@TheAnonMessage) December 20, 2014

You are guilty of misappropriating black culture, insulting peaceful protesters, and making light of Eric Garner's death. @IGGYAZALEA

— TheAnonMessage (@TheAnonMessage) December 20, 2014

You have 48 hours, @IGGYAZALEA.

— TheAnonMessage (@TheAnonMessage) December 20, 2014

There's an X rated tape of you, we bet you'd certainly don't want public, are we right? @IGGYAZALEA....and this is nothing. Comply or else.

— TheAnonMessage (@TheAnonMessage) December 20, 2014

Now about that sex tape. We wont release the actual video. We have values to live by.

— TheAnonMessage (@TheAnonMessage) December 20, 2014

The problem is why this tape even exists. It involves a man in a business suit, a kardashian-like attempt at fame, and a record label.

— TheAnonMessage (@TheAnonMessage) December 20, 2014

To reiterate, no sex tape of any kind will be released. Again, we are not in the business of porn. That doesn't mean we don't have it.

— TheAnonMessage (@TheAnonMessage) December 20, 2014

NEWS: Iggy Azalea Responds To Azealia Banks Emotional Interview On Hot 97

Iggy Azalea Responds To Azealia Banks Emotional Interview On Hot 97

Azealia Banks got quite emotional when discussing the appropriation of black culture on Hot 97, Iggy Azalea offered up a response. Sort of.

Yesterday you may have seen the interview with Azealia Banks on Hot 97, where she got pretty emotional mid-way when discussing racism and the appropriation of black culture, particularly in relation to hip-hop. This was brought on by a discussion of Iggy Azalea, Azealia's nemesis.

While Azealia may get a tad too emotional during this discussion, it just proves how passionate she is about these topics (which is probably why she goes off on twitter so often). In the midst of the conversation, she did make some good points, one of which is: "That Macklemore album wasn't better than the Drake record. That Iggy Azalea shit isn't better than any fucking black girl that's rapping today. When they give those awards out...Because the Grammy awards are supposed to accolades for artistic excellence. Iggy Azalea is not excellent."

"Cause it's bigger than just playing the shit on radio, I don't give a fuck, that's fine bitch, do what you're gunna do. I have a problem when you're saying that it's hip-hop and putting it up against black culture," Azealia added.

Iggy Azalea caught wind of this interview, and she may or may not have actually listened to it, judging from her response. Read what she said in a series of tweets below.

If you haven't seen Azealia's full interview, watch it below.

Special msg for banks: There are many black artists succeeding in all genres. The reason you haven't is because of your piss poor attitude.

— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 19, 2014

Your inability to be responsible for your own mistakes, bullying others, the inability to be humble or have self control. It's YOU!

— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 19, 2014

you created your own unfortunate situation by being a bigot and don't have the mental capacity to realize yet. Probably never will.

— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 19, 2014

Now! rant, Make it racial! make it political! Make it whatever but I guarantee it won't make you likable & THATS why ur crying on the radio.

— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 19, 2014

Enjoy continuing to bang your head against that metaphoric brick wall & Savor this attention. I'm the only way you get ANY.

— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 19, 2014

You're poisonous and I feel genuinely sorry for you because it's obvious at this point you are a MISERABLE, angry human being. Regards!

— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 19, 2014

TOUR: Iggy Azalea Announces "The Great Escape Tour"

Iggy Azalea Announces "The Great Escape Tour"

Iggy Azalea, Tinashe and Nick Jonas will be hitting the road for "The Great Escape Tour" in 2015.

When she wasn't being nominated for Grammys or flipping off her fans this year, Iggy Azalea spent most of the year touring behind her album The New Classic (which, despite its title, isn't showing up on too many year-end lists). Now it looks like that'll continue on in Spring 2015, as she's just announced "The Great Escape" tour with Tinashe and Nick Jonas. Check out the dates below.

Tuesday, April 14: Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center
Thursday, April 16: Sacramento, CA – Sleep Train Arena
Friday, April 17: Oakland, CA – The Oracle Arena
Sunday, April 19: Glendale, AZ – Gila River Arena
Tuesday, April 21: Los Angeles, CA – STAPLES Center
Thursday, April 23: San Diego, CA – Valley View Casino Center
Saturday, April 25: Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Arena
Monday, April 27: Denver, CO – Pepsi Center
Thursday, April 30: Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
Friday, May 1: Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena
Saturday, May 2: Auburn Hills, MI – The Palace of Auburn Hills
Sunday, May 3: Toronto, ON – Air Canada Centre
Wednesday, May 6: Boston, MA – TD Garden
Thursday, May 7: Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Friday, May 8: Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
Sunday, May 10: Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Tuesday, May 12: Washington, DC – Verizon Center
Wednesday, May 13: Baltimore, MD – Royal Farms Arena
Friday, May 15: Orlando, FL – Amway Center
Saturday, May 16: Miami, FL – AmericanAirlines Arena
Tuesday, May 19: Atlanta, GA – Philips Arena
Friday, May 22: Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
Saturday, May 23: Houston, TX – Toyota Center
Sunday, May 24: Austin, TX – Frank Erwin Center

NEWS: Spotify Names Their Most Popular Artists & Songs Of The Year, Pharrell Wins Big

Spotify Names Their Most Popular Artists & Songs Of The Year, Pharrell Wins Big

Spotify breaks down the most popular music of the year on their service, and Pharell, Eminem, Iggy Azalea, Ariana Grande and Beyoncé are among those included.

By now, it's no secret that streaming giant Spotify has eclipsed nearly every other comparable service in its field, so its new list of the "top" (or most popular) music of the year is probably one of the best gauges of America's listening habits that we have. Including categories for male and female artists, albums and songs, the list includes several artists from the hip-hop/R&B world (alright, mostly the R&B one).

Check out the lists below.

Top Male Artist:

1. Ed Sheeran

2. Eminem

3. Calvin Harris

4. Avicii

5. David Guetta

Top Female Artist:

1. Katy Perry

2. Ariana Grande

3. Lana Del Rey

4. Beyonce

5. Lorde

Top Album:

1. Ed Sheeran — x

2. Sam Smith — In the Lonely Hour

3. Iggy Azalea — The New Classic

4. Pharrell — G I R L

5. Ariana Grande — My Everything

Top Songs:

1. Pharrell — “Happy”

2. Clean Bandit Feat. Jess Glynne — “Rather Be”

3. Calvin Harris — “Summer”

4. Katy Perry — “Dark Horse”

5. John Legend — “All of Me:

6. Pitbull — “Timber”

7. Magic — “Rude”

8. Mr. Probz — “Waves”

9. Ariana Grande — “Problem”

10. OneRepublic — “Counting Stars”

Are any of these surprising to you? Let us know with some comments

NEWS: Iggy Azalea's Reps Tried to Quash Racy Footage of Her Wardrobe Malfunction

Video has been circulating of an Iggy Azalea performance at a Bar Mitzvah in which her pants split. Her reps have allegedly attempted to get it taken down. When your parents can afford to have Iggy Azalea perform at you Bar Mitzvah, you and your friends are going to want to document the occasion. Thus, while a 'no cell phones' rule was applied to the November celebration of Julian Kemper (grandson to MGM mogul Kirk Kerkorian), some footage managed to slip through the cracks. Unfortunately, the clip that caught the most attention was a wardrobe malfunction in which Iggy's pants split during some inspired twerking to Jennifer Lopez' "Booty" remix. According to Billboard, Azalea's team made as many phonecalls as they could to guests in order to get the clip taken down, but 13-year-olds aren't the easiest people to reason with, and the footage is still up on YouTube. Iggy performed the song with J. Lo malfunction-free at the AMAs last week. You can watch that here.