Akon Launches Konvict Fragrance
03:00PM ET March 19, 2010
Contributor : Jecquea Howsie
A Rocky Williform Company

A long way from the prison walls that allegedly used to confine him, Konvict music front-man, Akon, figured out a way to triple his money. Like many celebrities, he's decided to launch a fragrance.

If you are a big fan of Akon or jail picking up Akon's newest scent-with matching handcuffs, should do the trick. Although the cheaper version sells for $35, Akon reportedly has an upscale version called Aliaune (his given first name) on the way for $55.

Unlike many other celebrities, Akon's deal is not a licensing deal. The singer will independently produce his own lines through a newly-formed company called Konvict Cosmetics Int'l.

Erykah's All About The Romance
12:00PM ET March 19, 2010
Contributor : Jecquea Howsie
A Rocky Williform Company

Erykah Badu is back with a vengeance; her new album New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh drops March 30^th.

As an album that "taps" into Erykah's emotional side, focusing on romance and relationships, Erykah says, "With Part I, I was standing at an apex, looking at what was going on around me politically, socially, and economically," she explained. "With Part II, I'm hovering over me, looking at what's going on inside of me."

The album's artwork reflects Badu's state of mind. It pictures her with a literally open mind. The artwork is made by EMEK, the artist who previously designed cover art of her New Amerykah Part 1.

Badu will be appearing on several talk shows starting March 25 including Jimmy Kimmel, Wendy Williams and Chelsea Lately.

Rude Boy Goes #1
06:00AM ET March 19, 2010
Contributor : Madame C
A Rocky Williform Company

R&B and pop sensation Rihanna has bagged her sixth number one single to date since she debuted as Jay-Z's protégé in 2005 hailing from the small island of Barbados with her debut album Music of the Sun. The island beauty's latest single "Rude Boy," an up-tempo and flirtatious track, has inexcusably bypassed other singles in the nation and currently sits at the top spot.

This recent accomplishment is noteworthy as her latest album Rated R was dismal in sales compared to her past releases which were instant hits. Many believe that the album's dark and gloomy concept did not sit well with fans and listeners alike. Yet, must we not forget the tumultuous and horrific place the singer was in a year ago as a victim of domestic abuse at the hands of one-time boyfriend and singer Chris Brown. It might be safe to say that Rated R was a therapeutic album of healing and "Rude Boy" is a ray of joy in an album saturated in pain.

The singer is currently in the studio working on her follow-up album and has been reported to be collaborating with talented singer and songwriter Sean Garrett. Nevertheless, with six number one singles and counting, Rihanna can be as rude as she wants to be.

Sade Turns Drake Down
06:00AM ET March 19, 2010
Contributor : Madame C
A Rocky Williform Company

New kid on the block, rapper Drake literally has the world at his fingertips. The talented MC can literally have anything he asks for, from covering your favorite magazine, having numerous endorsement deals, songwriting credits, and features to having the backing of some of music's elite-all except one that is.

Earlier this year the rapper professed his longing and desire to collaborate with the legendary soul singer Sade on his upcoming debut studio album, Thank Me Later. Amid numerous interviews of a gushing and anxious Drake, Sade declined his offer, breaking the rapper's musical heart. The renowned soul legend said about her refusal:

"I've never collaborated because I've always avoided working outside my safety zone — I can be exactly who I am and can fail or succeed within the moment. I feel safe working like I do. I wouldn't want to work in a situation where I am expected to deliver, because I think I wouldn't deliver."

The mysterious and somewhat mystifying singer rarely collaborates with other artists, so when Drake received the news he understood. Perhaps he will just have to prove to Sade that he is indeed worthy of collaborating with after the release of Thank Me Later which is expected this May. Drake said of being rejected:

"Other people's visuals, other people's songs, stepping outside your zone can jeopardize your brand. It can bring you down as opposed to bring you up. I personally feel we could have done something amazing. But I don't think she really knows who I am, really, my genre of music. I put it out there. It was more of a hopeful thing. It was a very early stage where I was at when I said that I was hoping. One day. Maybe after this album comes out." Apparently Drake didn't catch wind of Sade saying she was feeling Raekwon's OB4CL2 album. This proves that she is definitely aware of the genre.

There just might be hope for a future collaboration between the budding rapper and the historic singer. Yet again, it might be wise not to hold your breath.