Music Matters Daily: Kendrick Lamar to Perform on Final Colbert Report
Plus, J. Cole talks with NPR about new album.
1 / 19
K-Dot Helps Stephen Colbert Say Farewell - Stephen Colbert is ending his 10-season run with a bang. The political commentator who has brought thought-provoking and hilarious satire to TV is moving on and enlisting Kendrick Lamar for the final episode. The Compton rapper will probably perform his new single "i" on the farewell show. But who knows what's going to happen with Colbert calling the shots. President Obama was also among the invited guests to countdown to the end of the series.— George Chapman, Jr.(Photo: Jeoffrey Maitem/Getty Images)
2 / 19
J. Cole Talks Childhood With NPR - If you've ever listened to J. Cole's music you know that he's one of the most conscious rappers to date. He's insightful yet always learning and his most recent interview with NPR sheds light on this growth as he prepared to release new, highly-acclaimed album. "You'll never have enough success if success is what you seek. You'll always be reaching. And I realize that if you're trying to attain something that's unattainable, you will never be happy," the rapper said. Read more of the really personal interview here. (Photo: PA Photos/Landov)
3 / 19
Big Sean and Kendrick Lamar to Feature on Ransome - Mike WiLL Made It is a hitmaker for sure. So it's no wonder his new mixtape, Ransome, has a feature from anybody who's anybody. The 20-track project features songs with Lil Wayne, Rae Sremmurd, Big Sean and Kendrick Lamar. You can grab your copy on Monday. (Photo: Mike Will Made It via Instagram)
4 / 19
J. Cole Sheds Light on Ferguson Tragedy With 'Be Free' - J. Cole remains an active participant in the fight for justice following the non-indictments of the police officers who killed Eric Garner and Michael Brown. The rapper, who just dropped his highly anticipated 2014 Forrest Hills Drive, appeared on The Late Show With David Letterman to perform "Be Free," a song he penned specifically for the tragedy. Check out the moving tribute here.(Photo: CBS)
5 / 19
Jessie J Talks Possible Adele Collaboration - Many people don't know this, but Jessie J and 11-time Grammy winner Adele attended school together in the U.K. Even more spectacular is that they both would go on to be household names. Jessie sat down with people to talk Adele, possible collaborations and more. "She's on my wish list. I would love to hear our voices together because we're so different vocally. We wouldn't do a classic pop song, though, but something deeper," says Jessie of her friend. Find out what else Jessie revealed here.(Photos from left: John Parra/Getty Images for Logo TV, Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)
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6 / 19
K. Michelle Transforms Into Billie Holiday - K. Michelle is showing immense growth on her new album, Anybody Wanna Buy a Heart?, both vocally and creatively. As she continues her string of appearances following her new project, she drops the visuals for her new song, "Something About the Night," where she channels her inner Billie Holiday. In the video she not only looks the part, but plays up the entire era of the 1920's Harlem Jazz Scene. Watch the cinematic new video here. (Photo: Atlantic Records)
7 / 19
ScHoolboy Q Wants to Be Remembered for Quality - ScHoolboy Q sat with Blare magazine to talk everything you've always wanted to know about the L.A. rapper. In probably his most telling interview to date, Q held nothing back. "If I ever see somebody doing the Nae Nae to my music, I’m gonna be so mad I made one of those f**king songs. I want my s**t to stay creative. I mean there is a time and place for that," says Q on people looking at his project as a full body of work. Read what else makes Q mad here.(Photo: Bizu/WENN.com)
8 / 19
Kendrick Drops "I Am" Promo for New Reebok Team Up - Reebok has teamed up with the ever socially conscious Kendrick Lamar to create programs designed to offer kids in the rapper's hometown an alternative to the streets. "Kids that listen to my music are looking for inspiration. It’s important that I continue that message in anything I represent," said Kendrick on the collaboration. Alongside the implementation of these programs will be Kendrick's spin on the classic Reebok Ventilator shoe for Fall/Winter 2015. Check out the Anthony Mandler-directed promo here.— George Chapman Jr.(Photo: MC Saatchi Sport & Entertainment)
9 / 19
Jessie J Is Becoming a 'Masterpiece' - It's always great to see an artist start from the bottom and grind their way to the top. Vocal great Jessie J documents just that in her video for her new single, "Masterpiece." The Sweet Talker singer wakes up early to head to the airport, sign autographs, heads to a photo shoot and records all in one day, yet she's still humble and hungry. Check out the heartfelt personal video from our favorite Brit. (Photo: Lava, Republic Records)
10 / 19
J. Cole Drops Visuals for 'Apparently' - Not only has North Carolina rapper J. Cole just dropped one of the most anticipated albums of the year, but he's giving fans the visuals to the collection's first single, "Apparently." The video is simple, but like always, the lyrical content is far from it. The rapper sings and raps on this track thanking his mom for believing in him before spitting some of the toughest bars you've heard. What can't J. Cole do?(Photo: Roc Nation)
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11 / 19
New Albums From K. Michelle and J. Cole - Music Matters Artists K. Michelle and J. Cole dropped their highly anticipated albums Anybody Wanna Buy a Heart? and 2014 Forest Hill Drive, respectively, today. Both albums are available for purchase now on iTunes while Cole's goes physical tomorrow.(Photos from Left: Atlantic Records, Roc Nation)
12 / 19
Kendrick Lamar Tracklist Leak - Kendrick Lamar has done a pretty impressive job of keeping the details surrounding his forthcoming album a secret... until now. A photo of a tracklist leaked showing features from Ron Isley, Dr. Dre, Pete Rock and labelmate Jay Rock. However one of the TDE execs is already denying that it's the real deal. That's fine, K-Dot, we don't need to know yet. We love ourselves!(Photo: Angelo Merendino/Getty Images)
13 / 19
Adrian Marcel Covers R. Kelly's 'Bump N' Grind' - Adrian Marcel hit up B.B. King's in NYC to open up for fellow Music Matters artist Elle Varner on one of her intimate tour stops. The West Coast newcomer performed his hit single "2AM," new music and even a cover of R. Kelly's "Bump N' Grind." Check out the smooth performance here.(Photo: Adrian Marcel via Instagram)
14 / 19
Estelle Answers Rapid Fire Questions for VH1 - Estelle stopped by VH1 to play their fun game Stop/Watch, where she performed a song in 60 seconds in one segment and answered rapid fire questions in another. Always looking fab, the U.K. singer belted out an acoustic version of her single "Conqueror" and answered questions about the first CD she bought, her favorite concert she's been to and more. Check out the funny vid here. (Photo: VH1)
Photo By Photo: VH1
15 / 19
ScHoolboy Q to Headline Axecess Jozi in South Africa - ScHoolboy Q is continuing to grow his brand and his name as he's been announced as next year's headliner for Axecess Jozie in Johannesburg. The "Studio" rapper will share the marquee with Tyga as the main acts as more are being announced. The huge music festival kicks off March 7 at the Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown.(Photo: Axe South Africa via Twitter)
Photo By Photo: Axe South Africa via Twitter
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