Michael Jackson spoke to “Good Morning America” over the phone about turning 50.

Jackson commented on the new generation of artists who have been inspired by his music. “I think Chris Brown is doing wonderful and [Justin] Timberlake. I really admire what they are doing.”

He said that if he could celebrate his birthday with anyone, it would be the late Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, and James Brown.

Listen to the full interview below.

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Rap-Up.com caught up with Cassie last week in Hollywood for a quick Q&A. The singer, who turns 22 today, discussed her forthcoming sophomore album, which artists and producers she’s working with, collaborating with Lil Wayne on her first single, and her favorite song right now.

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Rap-Up.com caught up with John Legend backstage at Wednesday’s “FNMTV” taping for a quick Q&A. Read what he had to say about his third studio album Evolver.

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Rapper Shwayze and his producer Cisco Adler are heating up the summer with their MTV reality show “Buzzin’” and hip-rock single of the same name off Shwayze’s self-titled debut album, in stores and online August 19th.

We caught up with the Malibu rapper to discuss his newfound fame, the stinky surprise one fan left him, which hip-hop acts he’d like to collaborate with, and his affection for Rihanna. Chris Brown better watch his girl.

Shwayze: Malibu’s Most Wanted

David Banner may have physically slimmed down, but his lyrical content and message are still as heavy as before. Banner spoke exclusively to Rap-Up.com about Senator Barack Obama’s camp condemning Ludacris’ lyrics, why there are no Republican rappers, and how his fans have gone from bottle throwers to sexy ladies.

To get a glimpse of the suave David Banner, tune into MTV’s “FNMTV” tonight at 8 p.m. EST/PST as he premieres his new video, “Shawty Say,” featuring Lil Wayne.

Read the full interview here.

In an exclusive interview with Rap-Up.com, Lil’ Mama revealed that she is “very disappointed” with the promotion of her first album, VYP: Voice of the Young People, which debuted at No. 25 on The Billboard 200 selling 19,000 copies its first week.

“I’m very disappointed in my label, Jive Records, for not promoting my record properly. I’m not a rapper first and foremost. I’m the birth of hip-pop. I’m an innovator and everything that I do is fresh. When you have something so new and fresh in your hands, you’re supposed to know what to do with it. By signing with a label, I signed knowing that everyone was on the same page as me and understanding what was going on. But that wasn’t what I thought it was.”

Read the complete interview where Lil’ Mama also talks about judging the second season of MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew,” her respect for Lil Wayne (”He’s a role model.”), and the upcoming presidential election.

Lil’ Mama: Loud and Clear

“No I.D. my mentor, now let the story begin,” Kanye West raps on “Big Brother” off his Graduation album. In addition to being Kanye’s mentor, Chicago-based producer No I.D. is the man behind such beats as Usher and Jay-Z’s “Best Thing,” Common’s “I Used to Love H.E.R.,” Bow Wow and Omarion’s “Let Me Hold You,” G-Unit’s “Smile,” and Janet Jackson’s “Do It 2 Me.”

Rap-Up.com spoke with the hitmaker about mentoring ‘Ye, his relationship with Jermaine Dupri, his favorite tracks, and working on new projects for Nas and Amerie.

Interview: No I.D. Necessary

Photo above (L to R): Kanye West, MC/producer Diamond D, and No I.D.

Bad Boy’s Donnie Klang will become the latest “Making the Band” artist to release an album when his debut Just a Rolling Stone hits stores on August 19th.

Currently on tour with Danity Kane and Day26, the blue-eyed soul singer dished to Rap-Up.com about his music, remaining humble (”My mom would kick my butt if I changed.”), the status of his relationship with DK’s Aubrey O’Day, and his celebrity crush (Hint: She’s married and “Desperate.”).

Donnie Klang: It Was All a Dream

Michelle Williams has a brand new look to match her brand new “dance-Euro-club-pop” sound. The Destiny’s Child diva heats things up on her third solo album Unexpected (August 12), taking fans from the church to the club.

Rap-Up.com caught up with Michelle in New York City to talk about her new music, Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s private relationship, Mariah and Nick’s wedding, and her sensual video for “We Break the Dawn.”

Michelle Williams: Not That Innocent

“We have a strong understanding of what life is about; that’s what makes [our family] strong enough to move on. There’s different ways that you can go about things. I could have stayed in the house and cried and cried sick.”

Teen rapping sensation Lil’ Mama sat down with Rap-Up.com in New York City to discuss how she coped with the recent passing of her mother, dancing with Chris Brown, judging others on MTV’s hit show “America’s Best Dance Crew,” and her thoughts on labelmate Britney Spears. She may only be 18, but there’s nothing lil’ about this mama.

Read our exclusive interview below.

Lil’ Mama: A Promising Tomorrow