Music Matters Daily: J. Cole Talks Negative Stereotypes

Plus, Luke James covers OOB Magazine.

Ariana Grande and Big Sean Hit Up The Stage Once Again - This dynamic couple hits the stages once again! Big Sean and Ariana Grande performed a duet while they were filming ?A Very Grammy Christmas? but that?s not all, it is rumored that the couple might be working on a song together. According to Hollywood Life Sean and Ariana sung at the event to promote her new single which will be featuring Sean. Sources say that when the two heard the news that they would be performing together they were really excited. (Photo: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)

1 / 18

Ariana Grande and Big Sean Hit Up The Stage Once Again - This dynamic couple hits the stages once again! Big Sean and Ariana Grande performed a duet while they were filming “A Very Grammy Christmas” but that’s not all, it is rumored that the couple might be working on a song together. According to Hollywood Life Sean and Ariana sung at the event to promote her new single which will be featuring Sean. Sources say that when the two heard the news that they would be performing together they were really excited. (Photo: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)

Big Krit Scores The NUmber One Spot On The Charts - Big Krit is doing big things! He scores the number one spot on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. “Cadillactica” made 44,000 in his first week of sales. According to Nielsen, that was Big Krit best week. Krit’s sales were similar in 2012, making 41,000 in sales from his album “Live From the Underground.”  His new album features Wiz Khalifa, Raphael Saadiq, and Rico Love. Krits’s second single “Pay Attention” made the Billboard and twitter top at number 24 in August, according to Billboard. We see you Krit! (Photo: Brad Barket/Getty Images for Electus Digital)

2 / 18

Big Krit Scores The NUmber One Spot On The Charts - Big Krit is doing big things! He scores the number one spot on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. “Cadillactica” made 44,000 in his first week of sales. According to Nielsen, that was Big Krit best week. Krit’s sales were similar in 2012, making 41,000 in sales from his album “Live From the Underground.”  His new album features Wiz Khalifa, Raphael Saadiq, and Rico Love. Krits’s second single “Pay Attention” made the Billboard and twitter top at number 24 in August, according to Billboard. We see you Krit! (Photo: Brad Barket/Getty Images for Electus Digital)

Melanie Fiona and Other Musical Talents Performed At ADD52's Event - Melanie Fiona was one of the many performers in attendance for music moguls Russell Simmons and Steve Rifkind event. According to Rolling Out the event was to showcase ADD52, a music platform that was partnered with Milk Music, and Samsung. There is nothing better than ending the night with a performance with Melanie Fiona, Too Short, Marsha Ambrosius, and Erykah Badu with their rendition of ?Bag Lady.?     (Photo: Rachel Murray/Getty Images for All Def Digital)

3 / 18

Melanie Fiona and Other Musical Talents Performed At ADD52's Event - Melanie Fiona was one of the many performers in attendance for music moguls Russell Simmons and Steve Rifkind event. According to Rolling Out the event was to showcase ADD52, a music platform that was partnered with Milk Music, and Samsung. There is nothing better than ending the night with a performance with Melanie Fiona, Too Short, Marsha Ambrosius, and Erykah Badu with their rendition of “Bag Lady.”     (Photo: Rachel Murray/Getty Images for All Def Digital)

J. Cole Gets Into How the Mind Works With FADER - J. Cole has been a pretty consistent conscious lyricist, so it’s not surprising that that comes with a whole heap of introspection. Before hitting the stage at a recent show, he shared some thoughts about the five-year anniversary of The Warm Up and what he thinks about negative stereotypes.“I read this book called How the Mind Works," he said. "I couldn’t make it all the way through. I probably made it halfway through because I felt I was in over my head in terms of how smart it was… But it was all about how the mind works and the mind works in patterns… If the mind does work like that, in patterns, then stereotypes would be natural, I would think.” Check out more of what Cole had to say.— George Chapman, Jr.(Photo: Fader TV)

4 / 18

J. Cole Gets Into How the Mind Works With FADER - J. Cole has been a pretty consistent conscious lyricist, so it’s not surprising that that comes with a whole heap of introspection. Before hitting the stage at a recent show, he shared some thoughts about the five-year anniversary of The Warm Up and what he thinks about negative stereotypes.“I read this book called How the Mind Works," he said. "I couldn’t make it all the way through. I probably made it halfway through because I felt I was in over my head in terms of how smart it was… But it was all about how the mind works and the mind works in patterns… If the mind does work like that, in patterns, then stereotypes would be natural, I would think.” Check out more of what Cole had to say.— George Chapman, Jr.(Photo: Fader TV)

Luke James Gets His Model On for OOB Magazine - When Luke James isn’t singing his heart out on stage or cuddled up with new boo Jessie J, he’s landing magazine covers, because yes, he just is that cool. This time Luke channeled his inner Grace Jones –– or is it Beyoncé circa On the Run? –– for this high fashion, abstract photo shoot for OOB magazine’s Issue #3. View more images here.(Photo: OOB Magazine, Issue #3)

5 / 18

Luke James Gets His Model On for OOB Magazine - When Luke James isn’t singing his heart out on stage or cuddled up with new boo Jessie J, he’s landing magazine covers, because yes, he just is that cool. This time Luke channeled his inner Grace Jones –– or is it Beyoncé circa On the Run? –– for this high fashion, abstract photo shoot for OOB magazine’s Issue #3. View more images here.(Photo: OOB Magazine, Issue #3)

ADVERTISEMENT
Estelle Talks True Romance on The Real - Estelle’s trendy fashion choices and bubbly personality allowed her to fit right in during her visit todaytime talk show The Real this week. On the episode, Estelle spoke on the four themes behind her new album and played a fun matchmaking game with the ladies. “… [The album's about] lies he tells and the lies I tell — you know myself and stuff. Courage is like kind of having the wherewithal to face that stuff that you do yourself. You know passion, being passionate about everything you are about. Hopefully you get to true romance on your terms. That's the point of it.”Check your local listings to find out what else she revealed.(Photo: Estelle via Instagram/ The Real)

6 / 18

Estelle Talks True Romance on The Real - Estelle’s trendy fashion choices and bubbly personality allowed her to fit right in during her visit todaytime talk show The Real this week. On the episode, Estelle spoke on the four themes behind her new album and played a fun matchmaking game with the ladies. “… [The album's about] lies he tells and the lies I tell — you know myself and stuff. Courage is like kind of having the wherewithal to face that stuff that you do yourself. You know passion, being passionate about everything you are about. Hopefully you get to true romance on your terms. That's the point of it.”Check your local listings to find out what else she revealed.(Photo: Estelle via Instagram/ The Real)

Jessie J and Ariana Grande to Remake 'The Boy Is Mine' - Jessie J and Ariana Grande clearly enjoy working together because the "Bang Bang" duo are doing it again, this time to remake a classic. Rodney Jerkins, the famed R&B hit-maker confirmed that “The Boy Is Mine,” a '90s classic originally made popular by Brandy and Monica, will be featured on his 20th anniversary project. The album will include some of his most popular tracks as well as some new remakes with today’s artists, including Sam Smith.(Photo: Kevin Winter/MTV1415/Getty Images for MTV)

7 / 18

Jessie J to Perform at the American Music Awards - With the help of one single and her blessed vocals, Jessie J. went from an artist mostly known in the UK to an artist to watch in the States. She kicked off this summer with a huge hit single, a series of live performances that rival many of R&B’s vocal greats and now she’s appearing at every awards show you can think of. Adding to her already busy schedule, Jessie is being recruited to perform at this year’s American Music Awards alongside friend Ariana Grande. The duo will perform “Bang Bang” of course and we can’t wait to hear it.(Photo: Kevin Winter/MTV1415/Getty Images for MTV)

BJ Has Music for Days - BJ the Chicago Kid is full of surprises and music apparently. The singer, who has seemingly released a new song almost every week this fall, has released an impromptu EP called The M.A.F.E. Project for his fans. The 12-track project features some previously released songs as well as some new tracks featuring Sasha Go Hard and Smoke DZA. Not to mention that this EP is preceding his forthcoming studio album due out in 2015. How can one man have so much talent (Kanye voice)? (Photo: Motown Records)

8 / 18

BJ Has Music for Days - BJ the Chicago Kid is full of surprises and music apparently. The singer, who has seemingly released a new song almost every week this fall, has released an impromptu EP called The M.A.F.E. Project for his fans. The 12-track project features some previously released songs as well as some new tracks featuring Sasha Go Hard and Smoke DZA. Not to mention that this EP is preceding his forthcoming studio album due out in 2015. How can one man have so much talent (Kanye voice)? (Photo: Motown Records)

Elle Varner Tackles Global Climate Change - Elle Varner has been quite vocal these days about her position in politics and views on society with her inclusion in series like BET’s What’s at Stake. Now she’s lending her actual singing voice to a similar cause. Elle, alongside Ne-Yo and Raheem DeVaughn, will be featured on an album for climate control with the People’s Climate Music movement.(Photo: Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week)

9 / 18

Elle Varner Tackles Global Climate Change - Elle Varner has been quite vocal these days about her position in politics and views on society with her inclusion in series like BET’s What’s at Stake. Now she’s lending her actual singing voice to a similar cause. Elle, alongside Ne-Yo and Raheem DeVaughn, will be featured on an album for climate control with the People’s Climate Music movement.(Photo: Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week)

Jessie J Is NewNowNext - 2014 is turning out to be just the year that Jessie J needed to make her mark in the U.S. She’s been seen everywhere since her MTV opening performance with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj, and we’re excited for her. Adding to her list of appearances, Jessie is scheduled to rock the stage on Logo TV’s annual NewNowNext Awards in Miami. The singer is being summoned for her breakout year at the awards show that honors who’s up next in music, movies and TV.(Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Musicians On Call)

10 / 18

Jessie J Is NewNowNext - 2014 is turning out to be just the year that Jessie J needed to make her mark in the U.S. She’s been seen everywhere since her MTV opening performance with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj, and we’re excited for her. Adding to her list of appearances, Jessie is scheduled to rock the stage on Logo TV’s annual NewNowNext Awards in Miami. The singer is being summoned for her breakout year at the awards show that honors who’s up next in music, movies and TV.(Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Musicians On Call)

ADVERTISEMENT
B.o.B and Trey Songz Debut 'Not Too Long' Video - B.o.B and Trey are all fun and games in their new video for the single “Not Too Long.” The pair are dancing and serenading their love interest in the laid-back visuals. Check out the video here.(Photo: Atlantic Records, Grand Hustle)

11 / 18

B.o.B and Trey Songz Debut 'Not Too Long' Video - B.o.B and Trey are all fun and games in their new video for the single “Not Too Long.” The pair are dancing and serenading their love interest in the laid-back visuals. Check out the video here.(Photo: Atlantic Records, Grand Hustle)

K. Michelle's New Video  - Remember when we mentioned that rumors were flying that K. Michelle's new song, "Maybe I Should Call," was possibly about Idris Elba? Well, we haven't confirmed that the latter is actually true, but the good news is there's a video for the song. The leading man in the video is chocolatey and fine like Idris Elba. Subliminal much? Watch it here.  (Photo: Atlantic Records)

12 / 18

K. Michelle Is a Ghost Hunter - K. Michelle is taking full advantage of her multiple endeavors these days, cross-promoting her music and her television show. For example, if you're tuned into K and her new reality series, then you got a chance to check out the premiere of the video for her single "Maybe I Should Call," from her forthcoming album, Anybody Wanna Buy a Heart? In the video, K tries to get that old thing back with a former love who keeps disappearing, literally. Check it out here. (Photo: Atlantic Records)

Jessie J Talks DJ Mustard Collaboration - Jessie J has worked with a bunch of producers and hit-makers for her recent album Sweet Talker, but in a recent interview, Jessie reflects on her experience with one of the hottest to top the charts these days, DJ Mustard. “I hope that gets used. We’ll finish that up. I definitely want that on the next album,” she says of the as-yet-unheard collab. “We never got to finish it because he’s so busy! It didn’t make the album this time, but I really want to use it. So, I hope no one comes along and asks for it that I can’t say 'no' to.” We hope so too.(Photos from left: Brad Barket/Getty Images for iHeart Media, Steve Granitz/WireImage)

13 / 18

Jessie J Talks DJ Mustard Collaboration - Jessie J has worked with a bunch of producers and hit-makers for her recent album Sweet Talker, but in a recent interview, Jessie reflects on her experience with one of the hottest to top the charts these days, DJ Mustard. “I hope that gets used. We’ll finish that up. I definitely want that on the next album,” she says of the as-yet-unheard collab. “We never got to finish it because he’s so busy! It didn’t make the album this time, but I really want to use it. So, I hope no one comes along and asks for it that I can’t say 'no' to.” We hope so too.(Photos from left: Brad Barket/Getty Images for iHeart Media, Steve Granitz/WireImage)

K. Dot Hits the Famed Stage for the Second Time - Kendrick Lamar stopped by SNL to deliver a cryptic rendition of his new single, ”i,” complete with blacked out contacts and a little dancing. However, no SNL visit is complete without a few laughs. Being a good sport, Kendrick participated in a sketch called “New Tarts and Old Farts.” In the sketch, young artists team up with older artist to cover iconic songs, and the results are hilarious. Click the link to see all the parodies.(Photo: NBC)

14 / 18

K. Dot Hits the Famed Stage for the Second Time - Kendrick Lamar stopped by SNL to deliver a cryptic rendition of his new single, ”i,” complete with blacked out contacts and a little dancing. However, no SNL visit is complete without a few laughs. Being a good sport, Kendrick participated in a sketch called “New Tarts and Old Farts.” In the sketch, young artists team up with older artist to cover iconic songs, and the results are hilarious. Click the link to see all the parodies.(Photo: NBC)

K. Michelle Asks 'How Do You Know?' - K. Michelle isn’t wasting any time pushing out singles as she’s ready to deliver her third single from her forthcoming album, Anybody Wanna Buy a Heart. The sultry singer tells another love story with her follow-up single to “Maybe I Should Call,” this time doubting her ability to love again post-break up. K. Michelle is definitely speaking truth on this track. Check it out here.(Photo: Atlantic Records)

15 / 18

K. Michelle Asks 'How Do You Know?' - K. Michelle isn’t wasting any time pushing out singles as she’s ready to deliver her third single from her forthcoming album, Anybody Wanna Buy a Heart. The sultry singer tells another love story with her follow-up single to “Maybe I Should Call,” this time doubting her ability to love again post-break up. K. Michelle is definitely speaking truth on this track. Check it out here.(Photo: Atlantic Records)

ADVERTISEMENT
Big K.R.I.T Looks Up to Bun B - Now-a-days as a result of social media, artists no longer have to wait for magazine features to discuss issues or converse with their fans. K.R.I.T. talks his Southern rap influence and more during his HipHopDx fan driven Q&A. On who he looks up to, K.R.I.T. wrote, “I would say Bunb because i know him personally and hes giving me so much positive advice and insight in this game.” Read more of his responses here.(Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

16 / 18

Big K.R.I.T Looks Up to Bun B - Now-a-days as a result of social media, artists no longer have to wait for magazine features to discuss issues or converse with their fans. K.R.I.T. talks his Southern rap influence and more during his HipHopDx fan driven Q&A. On who he looks up to, K.R.I.T. wrote, “I would say Bunb because i know him personally and hes giving me so much positive advice and insight in this game.” Read more of his responses here.(Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

Big Sean, @BigSean - Tweet: "I've prolly seen more in my 26 years than most will see ever n I'm thankful everyday for it. Wait til u hear what we been workin on! #GOOD" Big Sean shares gratitude for his success in celebration of his 26th birthday, while bracing fans for some new tunes. #MamaHeMadeIt(Photo: Steve Jennings/Getty Images for Free The Children)

17 / 18

Big Sean Hits the Stage With Chance the Rapper - This weekend Big Sean hit the stage to perform his hater anthem "IDFWU" as part of Chance the Rapper's set during Red Bull’s Sound Select 30 Days in LA. While shutting down the stage, Chance brought out Big Sean to turn up the madness just a little more. Watch the fun performance here.(Photo: Steve Jennings/Getty Images for Free The Children)

Stalley Talks Debut With Billboard - Maybach Music’s shining rookie Stalley sat with Billboard magazine to discuss his success with the recent release of his debut album, Ohio, collaborating with artists like De La Soul, and much more. “It's my debut album, it's just good to have it out here, to give it to the world. The response has been amazing — a lot of people are loving it, and I couldn't be more happy now. This has been an amazing week for me. It was my birthday, and then with the album coming out its been like that little cherry on top.” Check out more of what Stalley had to say here. (Photo: Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images)

18 / 18

Stalley Talks Debut With Billboard - Maybach Music’s shining rookie Stalley sat with Billboard magazine to discuss his success with the recent release of his debut album, Ohio, collaborating with artists like De La Soul, and much more. “It's my debut album, it's just good to have it out here, to give it to the world. The response has been amazing — a lot of people are loving it, and I couldn't be more happy now. This has been an amazing week for me. It was my birthday, and then with the album coming out its been like that little cherry on top.” Check out more of what Stalley had to say here. (Photo: Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images)