Longtime rap veteran Earl “DMX” Simmons is back on the comeback trail after a release from prison this past summer and a spirited performance at this year’s BET Hip Hop Awards. The Yonkers rapper made a surprise appearance at the awards show with some help from his Ruff Ryder cohort Swizz Beatz.
 
Amid chatter that he has missed some shows and appearance obligations, DMX and his new management team have taken steps to clear the air surrounding the growing controversy and to reintroduce Dark Man X to the masses properly. Read More...

Tags , , ,

Nobody can deny the pure fact that Detroit superstar rapper Eminem has commanded the attention of hip-hop fans ever since his quirky Dr.Dre-produced “Hi My Name Is” smash hit single way back in 1999.

Some 12 years later during the eve of the rapper’s 39th birthday, RapFix fans have been showering the Motor City bad boy with loving adoration on his big day – with fans offering glowing words to the veteran rapper, producer and Shady Records boss. Read More...

Tags , , , ,

Megastars Jay-Z and Kanye West kick off their North American tour on October 28 in support of their joint album Watch The Throne amid much fanfare, with Atlanta getting first dibs on the roughly two month trek for the pair. However, soaring ticket demands from fans who wish to see the twin titans of hip-hop in action has inspired Yeezy and Hov to add additional shows to the tour – bumping up the tour stops to 33 dates.

New York and Chicago, the hometowns of the two, both get upgraded to two night stands along with Los Angeles. Atlanta, New Jersey, Toronto and Vancouver – already part of the original tour schedule –all share the doubled up dates as well. Read More...

Tags , , , ,

When news that celebrated dancehall reggae artist Adidjah “Vybz Kartel” Palmer was releasing a brand of skin lightening creams this year, it continued the swirling controversy surrounding the application of “cake soap” (also known as “blue soap) – a soap that contains bleach and traditionally used to clean white fabrics that eventually morphed into individuals in Jamaica and abroad using the product on their skin.

At the top of the year, Vybz turned heads with his new light complexion to which he attributed to the bleaching soap. This month, the gruff-voiced deejay will be releasing his own "Vybz" brand of skin cosmetic products. Read More...

Tags ,

After teasing a two-minute clip of her breezy song “Love On Top” last Sunday (October 9), R&B diva Beyoncé premiered the full version last night (October 16) much to the delight of fans awaiting the clip.

Although pulling inspiration from boy band pioneers New Edition and their fan favorite “If It Isn’t Love” video, Bey adds her own flair and twist to the video with some clever and daring costume changes that compliment her infamously curvy figure. After the video’s debut, fans on the Web chimed in with their thoughts.

“I said it once...and I'll say it again. NO ONE can touch Beyoncé performance wise!” said an excited @DamoneRoberts of the clip. Fan @calinative also enjoyed the video by saying, “I think this is my fave video of the album so far.” A supportive @Mica4Life added, “I really liked it. Paid homage to different groups throughout history. Wished the 2nd verse wasn't omitted though.” Read More...

Tags , , ,

Today (October 17) is celebrated rapper Marshall “Eminem” Mathers’ birthday and the Detroit bad boy of Hip Hop will be reaching a huge milestone of his last year in his 30s by turning 39.

The list of accomplishments that Slim Shady has achieved over the course of his nearly twenty year career are staggering to say the least. Already one of the most successful recording artists of any genre, Em continues to move units in a time where sales are lacking and his name still has arena filling drawing power. Armed with a label that boasts a powerhouse roster and alliances with some of the biggest names in Rap music, Eminem’s storied career show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Read More...

Tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It appears that Lil’ Kim is preparing to reclaim her throne after dropping a new single over the weekend. Premiering on New York’s Hot 97 station with DJ Absolut, the Queen Bee’s latest track “Spend A Mill” finds the pint-sized diva waxing poetically on all things opulent and high-end on the new release – and after making rounds throughout the Web, fans have chimed in regarding the Auto-Tune heavy selection from Kim. Read More...

Tags , , ,

Tennessee’s native son Usher Raymond, who began his outstanding career as a teen heartthrob, is having a big day – but this time, it isn’t related to his music. Today, the handsome singer and entertainer is celebrating his 33rd birthday. Read More...

Tags , , , ,

R&B singer-songwriter and already proud papa Shaffer “Ne-Yo” Smith and his girlfriend Monyetta Shaw have another reason to be all smiles again after this this past Sunday.

On October 9, the cute couple welcomed their second child into the world, Mason Evan Smith. Little Mason will now have to vie for the attention of his parents in true sibling competition with big sister Madilyn Grace – who was born just a scant 11 months ago herself. Read More...

Tags , ,

Last week (October 5), Murder Inc. mogul Irv Gotti graced the couches of “RapFix Live” with our host Sway and chopped it up on the state of the industry, his past success and his tense dealings with Jay-Z. However, the Queens-bred livewire raised a few eyebrows with his bold assertion that he should be named president of famed Hip Hop label Def Jam.

In the passing days since the RapFix appearance, some of rap’s most notable names – including Def Jam’s current Vice President – have chimed in about Gotti’s ambitious aims. Read More...

Tags , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

About

RapFix is MTV News’ hub for breaking hip-hop stories, features, exclusive behind-the-scenes content and everything in between. The conversation begins on the blog and continues on our weekly show “RapFix Live,” hosted by Sway Calloway.

Follow us on Twitter:
@MTVRapFix

Like us on Facebook:
Facebook.com/RapFix

Watch full episodes of “RapFix Live”:
RapFixLive.MTV.com

Managing Editor
Nadeska Alexis

SPONSORS
AD:
©2013 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. MTV and all related titles and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.