Nicki Minaj Addresses Selling Out By Making Pop Songs

Nicki Minaj explains that she's just adding on to her brand and isn't turning her back on her Hip Hop roots.

Nicki Minaj created a stir with the release of her past few records, most recently confusing her Hip Hop fan base with the pop-friendly "Starships. " During an interview with Hot 97's Funkmaster Flex, the Young Money rapstress explained that she hopes people know that she's smart enough to calculate each move.

"I would hope that people know at this point that I'm smart enough to know what I'm doing all the time. But I guess they still kind of waiver. I always intended on putting out something urban after 'Starships,' because I knew 'Starships' was a monster. I didn't feel the pressure. To be honest, I feel really, really good. I feel that Hip Hop cares enough that they have something to say. I remember when I was hoping that someone had something to say about me on the radio, or cared enough."

Nicki, who also premiered her Lil Wayne-assisted cut "Roman Reloaded,"  said that the pop songs have more reach than her urban songs and that she's not going to apologize for making music for the masses.

"Maybe it would be a problem if I couldn't deliver records like 'Roman Reloaded,' but I can. I write my own lyrics. Once again, I write my own lyrics. So it's never a problem. Whatever I feel, I can write, I can create it. So I'm good. I think people sometimes get blown away by the magnitude of the pop stuff, because the pop stuff, it reaches everywhere and then I feel like my Hip Hop fans or Hip Hop culture starts getting a little bit afraid that I'm going to leave. But this is who I am. I'm not going to change - I'm just adding on to my brand. And if you don't understand that, then it's probably why you don't travel and you don't see the world and I probably can't even have a conversation with you anymore."

Lil Wayne Confirms Cash Money Signed Limp Bizkit, Ashanti May Be Next

Lil Wayne shares that Limp Bizkit is now signed to Cash Money and says they may be working with Ashanti as well.

Over the years, Cash Money Records has opened its doors as a home to established and new artists alike. Recently, Lil Wayne revealed that Cash Money signed the Rock/Rap group Limp Bizkit. He then shared that Ashanti may become part of the Cash Money collective as well. 

"Every other day I hear about somebody new signed to Cash Money," Wayne explained in an interview with Kissing After Dark. "For example, the other day I just found out that Limp Bizkit signed to Cash Money. So they're signing everybody. Every body's getting a chance." 

Weezy also went on to fuel rumors of Ashanti signing to the label. While acknowledging that it was not a sure thing, Wayne shared that Ashanti may be the next artist on the Cash Money roster. 

"I don't want to step across any boundaries but I think we're working with Ashanti right now."

The Carter IV Dropping After VMA's

Lil Wayne plans to make his upcoming album, Tha Carter IV, available at digital retailers at midnight after he performs on the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards this Sunday (August 28.) The album has been delayed several times, but it looks like he is timing its release to coincide specifically with the program.

“I am extremely excited to be the first artist to utilize such an amazing idea. I hope that I can open the door for others," said Wayne in a statement.

The strategy of releasing an album digitally prior to its street date has helped prevent leaks and also helped Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne break the iTunes record for most digital first-week sales.

Lil Wayne Faces Another Lawsuit

Rapper Lil Wayne is once again at the center of a controversial lawsuit. Rapper Rich Rick claims that Wayne's hit "How to Love" was stolen. Rich Rick filed a lawsuit earlier this week in Los Angeles County Superior Court, according to TMZ.

Rick says that he purchased several master recordings between 2006 and 2008, including the beat to "How to Love," from producers Drummer Boyz.

Rick claims that Drummer Boyz pitched the same beat to Wayne in November 2010, which Wayne acquired in exchange for a 35% royalty agreement. Now Rick has filed suit against Drummer Boyz and Wayne for breach of contract and other charges.

Drake to be Honored

Toronto native Drake will be honored with the 2011 Allan Slaight Award. The award is given to someone making a difference philanthropically in sports, music, literature, technology, film or performing arts.

Drake will be awarded a $10,000 honorarium during Canada's Walk of Fame Awards, which he says will be presented to Dixon Hall, a community-based service focused on creating opportunities for people in low income neighborhoods around Toronto.

"I am a proud Canadian, and I am grateful to Canada's Walk of Fame and the Slaight Foundation for this award," Drake said via press release.

"At 24 years of age, Drake has already achieved what has taken others a lifetime to do. He is kind, smart, talented, philanthropic and driven. He is an inspiring example to all, and we are proud to recognize him this year as our young Canadian making a positive impact," said Peter Soumalias, Founding Director, Canada's Walk of Fame.

Birdman on "Watch The Throne": "It's older versus younger"

Birdman shared his thoughts on Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne album. The Cash Money founder says that the album reflects an older perspective in hip hop, and he still believes that hip hop is a younger man's game.

He also alluded to Lil Wayne and Drake doing something similar.

"It's older versus younger," Baby said in an interview. "I listened to a few songs [off Watch The Throne] and it feels like an older feel to me. I think with Drake and Wayne, they young. They young cats. You got 23 and 28. Then you got Jay-Z and them, who are older and really on their way out the game. Then you got Wayne and Drake and them, who are still youthful [...] So, it's two different types of music all the way across the board. But what they're doing is great -- I think it's great for the game, great for the business, great for retail as a whole. I just think when Wayne and Drake get together is going to be something real special also because we more youthful."

Lil Wayne Believes in Drake & Nicki

Lil Wayne has complete and total faith in Young Money superstars Drake and Nicki Minaj. Weezy says that he looks to be fine going forward, due in part to the ongoing success of his proteges-turned-megastars.

"You already know what I expect," Weezy says. "I expect to eat, and eat well. I expect [Drake] to be a lot more successful than he has ever been. I mean, this guy's a superstar. He is the definition. That's what I told y'all before he was: 'That's the definition of a superstar.' And like Nicki, he's only breaking ice. He has yet to be who he's going to be. I'm banking on them."