Kendrick Lamar narrates a tragic love story in the cinematic video for “Poetic Justice,” his collaboration with Drake. The West Coast’s new king takes it back to the streets of Compton, where he falls in love with a girl in his neighborhood. But their budding romance is quickly shattered by gunfire that breaks out in the crowd.
We’re left wondering who’s been hit as Drake calls Kendrick’s girl to leave a voicemail while sitting in a bedroom with a chick waiting for him. The camera cuts back to a bullet-riddled K. Dot, who is seen lying on the floor protecting his girl as an ambulance rushes to their rescue.
The song, which samples Janet Jackson’s ’90s hit “Any Time, Any Place,” appears on Kendrick’s acclaimed debut good kid, m.A.A.d city. He pleaded for the pop icon to appear in the video. “This is a young boy that looked up to you for years. Please, yeah, video, Janet Jackson ‘Poetic Justice.’ It’ll only be right,” he told MTV News in December.
Watch Kendrick put it all on the line in the name of love.
Emeli Sandé has been winning over fans and critics alike with her acclaimed debut Our Version of Events. During her U.S. tour, Rap-Up TV caught up with the breakout British sensation at her MySpace ChapStick Sessions concert at the Key Club in L.A. The 25-year-old, who is nominated four times at the BRIT Awards, spoke about the transition from the U.K. to the U.S. and writing for superstars like Rihanna and Alicia Keys.
Emeli penned “Half of Me,” which appears on the deluxe edition of Rihanna’s album Unapologetic. “When I heard it, you can really feel that she has connected to the track. I love how she’s interpreted it and made it completely her own,” said Emeli, who met the pop star during a visit to L.A. “She was really sweet, really cool.”
She also ended up writing with Alicia Keys after opening for her at Royal Albert Hall in London. “She’s such a big inspiration,” said Emeli, who co-penned “Brand New Me” and “Not Even the King.” “That was a dream come true. We really connected as people as well as musicians, so it just worked and it doesn’t always work like that.”
The U.K. darling is already plotting her sophomore album and plans to hit the studio after touring in May. “I think about the next record every day. Can’t wait to get back and write again.”
She also shared her love for American rappers including Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, and Drake. “His lyrics are mind blowing. I really love how he words everything,” she said of the Young Money MC.
Right now, Emeli is basking in her four BRIT nominations. “The hard work this year has paid off and to have that acknowledgement feels wonderful.”
Drake took over Houston during NBA All-Star Weekend. After attending the Slam Dunk contest and “Two Kings” dinner with Jay-Z and LeBron James, the Young Money MC capped off his Saturday evening at Drink Houston nightclub.
He got on the mic with 2 Chainz to perform their hit “No Lie.” After telling the crowd to put their Hs in the air, he delivered his new single “Started From the Bottom” for the first time live, while 2 Chainz threw in some ad-libs.
“I want to dedicate this next song to everybody that came to Warehouse Live and used to bump ‘November 18th,’” said Drizzy before delving into the So Far Gone mixtape cut.
The hottest ticket in town during NBA All-Star Weekend in Houston was Jay-Z and LeBron James’ 6th annual Sprite “Two Kings” dinner. The hip-hop mogul and NBA titan dressed in their best and held court with power players in the fields of music, sports, media, and tech at the swanky dinner at RDG + Bar Annie on Saturday night.
While her documentary was airing on HBO, Beyoncé celebrated with her husband and famous friends including Drake, Ne-Yo, Diddy, and Kevin Hart. Guests feasted on a three-course menu including lobster salad, foie gras, prime rib, and red snapper, and danced to music by DJ Mick Boogie.
See the stars align under one roof at the esteemed event.
The stars packed the Toyota Center in Houston for the NBA All-Star Saturday Night festivities during All-Star Weekend. Sunday’s All-Star Game halftime performer Alicia Keys made it a family affair, sitting courtside with her husband Swizz Beatz and son Egypt, who is an avid basketball fan.
A passionate Drake awarded a 10 to Toronto Raptors’ Terrence Ross, who went on to win the Sprite Slam Dunk contest.
2 Chainz got turnt up on stage with Fall Out Boy, Nick Cannon hosted, and Monica played correspondent for NBA.com. Following his performance, 2 Chainz snapped some pics with Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
Other courtside sightings included Diddy, Irv Gotti, and Spike Lee.
Following last weekend’s Grammys, the stars migrated from L.A. to Houston for NBA All-Star Weekend. Beyoncé returned to her native H-town with Jay-Z to celebrate Michael Jordan’s 50th birthday at the Museum of Fine Arts. A dapper Ludacris and Nas also rubbed elbows with music and sports MVPs at the swanky soirée on Friday.
Across town, Diddy hosted a kickoff party at The Drake with guests including Drake, Trey Songz, and French Montana.
Meek Mill dropped racks at the strip club with Future and Trae Tha Truth, and hit the stage with Fabolous, Pusha T, and DJ Drama. “#real #flyest #respected ni**as in da game #houston the life is so exciting!” said the MMG MC.
The party continues tonight at the annual “Two Kings” dinner hosted by Jay-Z and LeBron James. See more pics from Friday’s festivities below.
Lil Wayne gets plenty of love from the ladies this Valentine’s Day in the video for “Love Me” featuring Drake and Future. The Young Money chief lives out his fantasy, swimming in women as he performs in a bedroom full of water.
“The concept of the video is really just to create awesome scenery, a scenery that everyone wanna be in,” Weezy told MTV News of the Hannah Lux Davis-directed clip.
He also performed scenes with Drizzy and Future, who gave him the track. “I appreciate them for even doin’ this ’cause I’m quite sure they hella busy just like I am, but I ain’t never too busy to get in bed with three women with water everywhere,” said Tunechi.
The Mike WiLL Made It-produced single appears on Weezy’s upcoming album I Am Not a Human Being II, due March 26.
