Rihanna returned to the “American Idol” stage with another electrifying performance on Wednesday’s finale. Emerging from a box, the Bajan babe sported dreadlocks as she performed her dance smash “Where Have You Been,” breaking out some funky moves with her troupe of tribal dancers. Watch her sizzling set below.
Wiz Khalifa reps for the everyday man in the video for “Work Hard Play Hard,” the lead single from his album O.N.I.F.C., due August 28. A construction worker, football player, and ballerina put in work so they can party later. The Taylor Gang leader, who channels Jimi Hendrix with his hippie look, lets loose at the bar with his friends once the day is over.
Jay Sean makes a play for song of the summer with the Gil Green-directed video for “I’m All Yours,” the first single off his fourth album Worth It All. The lavish visuals, shot in Miami, feature fast cars, exotic women, and an appearance from Mr. 305 himself, Pitbull. The Cash Money Millionaire eyes a hottie on the beach and before she knows it, they’re partying on the YMCMB yacht with Birdman and making out on a speed boat. Now that’s the life.
Maybach Music introduces its newest member Omarion in the video for “Let’s Talk” featuring Rick Ross. Maybach O cavorts with scantily-clad women, shows off his slick moves, and rolls with the Bawse in the clip. He even teaches French Montana a move or two.
The former B2K member is working on an EP and is featured on MMG’s Self Made, Vol. 2 compilation, due June 26.
Shanell steals the spotlight in the smoldering video for “So Good” featuring Lil Wayne and Drake. The Young Money crew pulls into a drive-in movie theater, where Lil Wayne pops the trunk on a Porsche Panamera and unveils his sexy protégée. Drizzy appears on the projection screen as Ms. Shanell flirts with Denver Broncos running back Willis McGahee.
As the sun rises the next morning, she puts the moves on her hunky co-star, with her seductive song “6 AM” serving as the soundtrack.
Shanell is working on her long-awaited debut album and will release her mixtape Nobody’s Bitch next month.
After his win and performance at this weekend’s Billboard Music Awards, Justin Bieber hit up “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” on Wednesday. Wearing a letterman jacket with “Boyfriend” on the back, he showed off some fancy footwork while performing his Mike Posner-produced single. The recent high school graduate was even given a graduation ceremony by Ellen.
Bieber has announced dates for his North American “Believe” tour, kicking off September 29 in Glendale, Arizona.
Due June 19, his album Believe features appearances from Nicki Minaj, Drake, Big Sean, and Ludacris. Also look out for the remix to “Boyfriend” with 2 Chainz and Mac Miller.
Ed Sheeran has already broken records overseas with his full-length debut +, and now he has his sights set on America. During a recent trip to Los Angeles, Rap-Up TV caught up with the U.K. sensation to discuss his genre-bending album (due June 12 via Elektra Records), the British invasion, and linking up with Yelawolf.
“I’m happy to be in America and start off at the bottom,” said the red-haired singer-songwriter. “To be given the opportunity to do it is the hardest part.”
With the success of Adele and Jessie J, it may seem like U.K. stars are conquering the U.S., but Sheeran reminds us that it’s nothing new. “We’ve been swapping acts for years. You gave us Hendrix and Dylan, we gave you the Beatles and the Stones,” he said. “Now we’re swapping again. We give you Tinie [Tempah], you give us Lil Wayne. We give you Adele, you give us Rihanna.”
Earlier this year, he collaborated with Yelawolf on The Slumdon Bridge EP. “He will write a verse in 15 minutes and then go and do it in one take,” he said of the Alabama MC. “Musically he was teaching me stuff that I didn’t know and I was the one with the guitar.”
Plus, find out some of his favorite American rappers, which legendary singer he would like to work with, and the five songs currently on his iPod.
Following a press conference earlier in the day, Big Sean, A$AP Rocky, Astro, Diggy, Melanie Fiona, and Mindless Behavior celebrated their BET Awards nominations on “106 & Park.” They shared their excitement, congratulated their fellow peers, and discussed what they’ll be wearing and who they’ll be bringing to the show on July 1.
“[My] family’s proud,” said Sean, who will release the follow-up to his debut Finally Famous in September. “I ain’t ever seen my mama so happy.”
Fresh off her nomination for Best Female R&B Artist, Melanie Fiona performed “4 AM” and Best New Artist nominee A$AP Rocky hit the stage with “Peso.”
