This time around Puff Daddy and the family take us on a trip to the auction. “Auction” is the newest single off Puffy’s “MMM” album he released back in November of 2015 on his birthday.  It trails the previous single and video “Blow A Check” that features French Montana and Zoey Dollar hi-jacking the Bad Boy office.

However, this go round, the Bad Boy crew gathers together in all black like the omen for the Hype Williams directed video.  The 90’s inspired video has them doing their performance with a white backdrop, with Lil Kim sitting front and center.  “Auction” is another video Puffy joined forces with Hype for. He has also directed the other video for the album as well (Workin.)

Puffy has been busy in the studio putting the finishing touches on the highly anticipated “No Way Out 2,” which is the sequel to his 1997 ht album.  As we wait for the new studio album we’ll just anticipate the rumors of the Bad Boy crew embarking on reunion tour.  Following last years BET Awards where the Bad Boy roster took the stage to celebrate 20 years in the industry.  Rumors sparked that the label who formally held acts such as Faith Evans, 112, Total, and The Lox, were going to hit the road for a reunion tour with Lil Kim and new Bad Boy members as an addition.  As no official dates have yet to be issued, the talk is still circulating as if the tour may lead up to the release of “No Way Out 2.“

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Most notable for his production for Ciara’s “Promise” to Ms. Fergie screaming his name at the beginning of her smash, “London Bridge,” Polow Da Don exemplifies a pillar of strength and resilience in the music industry. Polow’s unique ability to urbanize pop music, and bring mainstream success to urban artists, emphasizes that music essentially has no boundaries, and that hit records are driven by one thing, creative innovation.

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Since being arrested back in December 2014 on multiple felony charges, Epic Records signee Bobby Shmurda hasn’t had much go in his favor since. On Tuesday June 23rd,  The ‘Hot N***a’ rapper was arrested once again, but this time for “promoting prison contraband” after he allegedly received a “sharpened metal instrument”. The Class D Felony is defined as “knowingly and unlawfully introduc[ing] any dangerous contraband into a detention facility,” or, “Being a person confined in a detention facility [who] knowingly and unlawfully makes, obtains or possesses any dangerous contraband” according to the New York penal code. While Shmurda’s October 5th trial date looms near, this new charge will not be discussed, and rather will be addressed at a later date and will be tried in the Bronx Criminal Court. Stay tuned to RESPECT. for the latest updates.

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Although he has been locked up for months, Bobby Shmurda continues to make headlines. The ‘Hot N***a‘ rapper told the New York Times he is looking to sever ties with his current record label, EPIC Records.  The frustration comes in large part from the failure of EPIC Records to post Shmurda’s $2 Million bail. “When I got locked up, I thought they were going to come for me,” he said in an interview from the Manhattan Detention Complex, “but they never came.” Shmurda also goes on to say,  “I’m going to try my best to go back on the deal.” Read the full article here.

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When Long Beach is in the house, you get the style of the West Coast’s best but with a lyrical flair. Introducing the man you’ll be seeing a lot of in the future, NameBrand. He recently signed to Epic Records and looks to release his Great Tape II on November 24th. Thanks for giving NB. Get familiar with his sound with the “Whips” single and visuals. This dude is going to be around for a while.

Bonus: “Suicide City” straight spittin’.

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Cheer$ Club capo Vinny Cha$e is back with more free music for the masses. Believed to be the final mixtape the Harlem rapper releases prior to his Epic Records debut, King’s Landing is 18 tracks of his signature sound, complete with production from Kid Art, Young Chop, Don Cannon and others. We also get guest verses from Waka Flocka, Yo Gotti and, most notably, Ma$e. Cha$e describes the feature as “some ’96 Murda Ma$e like from the blue cover joint.” Stream the tape below and download it here.

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The first series kicked off this past Saturday, August 3rd at Baruch College in NYC. A sold-out crowd awaited to hear from a panel of industry greats that included Kevin Storey (Brand Manager at Epic Records), Rob Markman (Senior Writer at MTV News), and Margeaux Rawson (SVP of Operations at Vested in Culture). The panelists offered inspirational stories about how they got started in the industry, and the trials and tribulations they have overcome throughout the years. Kevin Storey and Margeaux Rawson both grinded during college, completing internship after internship while Rob Markman worked a 9-5 in a mailroom, simultaneously cranking out freelance work.

The panelists discussed topics such as branding, social media, and the ongoing debate of print vs. digital media. They offered advice to the audience during a Q&A segment, followed by a mixer that allowed you to personally pick the brains of the three guest speakers. If you have a passion for the entertainment industry and are trying to get your foot in the door, then this is a series you don’t want to miss. Check out http://mindsbehindthemusic.org for more information.

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