Check out the behind-the-video from sultry Amerie’s recent photo shoot for GIANT.

1. Barack Obama: One thing the president of the United States can’t be accused of lying about are the feelings that still surround the 9/11 attacks. On the eight year tragic anniversary Obama has marked September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

2. Jay-Z: HOV laid out the blueprint to his life surrounding The Blueprint 3, marriage, and owning the New Jersey Nets when he appeared on “The Late Show With David Letterman,” Wednesday night. The multi-mogul, in a recent interview pouted about not getting enough credit for all he’s done as the president of Def Jam. Right, because your millions are pions and you couldn’t possibly be satisfied could you Jigga.

3. Rihanna: The quiet spoken diva was all look and flair while she galavanted around NY for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week’s “Fashion Night Out.” RiRi looked fierce in her all black dress while paparazzi clang to the superstar singer like a bee to honey. Other R&B sexy ladies attended “Fashion Night Out” including Amerie, Solange, and Keri HIlson.

4. 50-Cent: Curtis Jackson’s been a real business thug, I mean man lately. The rapper was in NYC yesterday promoting his new book ‘The 50th Law,’ and he just released a new single with Ne-Yo called “Baby By Me,” for his upcoming fifth studio album Before I Self-Destruct. Hope the book sells more than his last album did.

5. Mary J. Blige: The paparazzi couldn’t seem to get enough of the veteran R&B singer as she left her Manhattan hotel wearing a dazzling black leather jacket, black pumps, and blue rolled up jeans number. As usual the paparazzi were on the prowl in NY also catching Jamaican rapper Sean Paul leaving Bryant Park and Chris Breezy arriving at the JFK International Airport Thursday morning. Aren’t you suppose to be doing community service mister?

6. Keri Hilson: The sultry singer/writer is letting it all out in her new music video “Slow Dance.”

7. Drake: The Canadian newby and Weezy F. Baby can’t seem to get enough of each other. Seems like Wayne is taking the place of Birdman as a teacher and Drake has taken over the role of Wayne as the pupil. The duo released another track called ‘My Darlin’ Baby.” Let’s just hope there’s no kissing on the mouth in the future for these two man-crushes.

8. Kanye West: With a jigsaw-puzzled new haircut Ye had to have known he was going to win at the famed BMI Urban Music Awards last night. Among the other winners to take home awards were LIl’ Wayne and Keri Hilson.

9. Michael Jackson: When will they leave leave MJ at peace in his grace? Now, the scheduled tribute concert for the late great King of Pop has been cancelled because of scheduling conflicts. It’s probably not happening because all the celeb singer’s that were supposed to be involved denied affiliation. Hopefully Jermaine Jackson wasn’t lying about the tribute to get some attention.

10. Whitney Houston: After the circulating rumors that Whitney cracked on the Oprah Winfrey Show turned out to be more of a publicity stunt Grammy winner has been going full force with her brand new video for her hit single “I Look To You.” The R&B singer is currently #1 on the Billboard charts.

1. Diddy: Check out this Bad Boy getting all Dirt Money in his newest video, “Angels.” The track features the late great Notorious B.I.G. Diddy’s Last Train To Paris album should be leaving sometime next year.

2. Kanye West: This bi-polar superstar was all smiles with Dame Amber Rose at the movie screening for the highly anticipated film Precious, starring Mariah Carey, GIANT Paula Patton, and funny woman Mo’Nique. Yeezy’s was in rare paranoia form last week when he threw a temper tantrum because the paparazzi were following him while he was shopping. Cool it down Yay, I don’t think Amber would approve.

3. Ciara: Seems like after that short weave, I mean cut, CiCi’s hair, shoot, I mean weave just keeps getting longer and longer. The singer was spotted leaving the hair salon with that good import from Taiwan.

4. Raekwon: The buzz around  this former Wu-Tang Clan member is getting crazy. Kwon’s Only Built For Cuban Linx… Part II is getting so much attention, it’s even giving HOV’s Blueprint III a run for its money.

5. Jamie Foxx: Smh… C’mon now Jamie, you couldn’t blame these nude pics on alcohol. It’s about time you admitted to the photos, but did you admit to much with the large gay following?

6. T-Pain: The auto-tunes king spoke on his Jay-Z beef this morning when he called into the Power 105 Morning Show and did a little venting. Pain was actually a little salty because he felt like Jigga was dissing him on the low… well duh!! Everyone’s getting a little tired of that screechy voice and probably those ridiculous top hats. HOV might have done you a favor.

7. Barack Obama: Guess some parents didn’t want their their little chaps to hear President Obama’s back-to-school speech. The president called for all schoolers to work hard and focus on their school work instead of outside nonsense. Yea parents, Obama’s speech was definitely bad and too much for the precious children to bear.

8. The Dream: Wonder how long The Dream and Christina Milian will be together now that they’re officially married. As long as there’s no sex-tape surfaced,  cheating, domestic abuse, money stealing, subliminal disses on records, or infatuation with Amber Rose the happy couple should do just fine.

9. Mary J. Blige: Did this R&B diva have an alter-ego named Brook-Lynn long before Beyonce introduced us to Sasha Fierce? Seems like Mary is quite as contrary as she proclaimed to be…

10. Chris Brown: Seems like the Virginia native is having a lot of fun at his tricked out crib lately. Breezy tweeted some of his household toys to his fans. Hope the singer’s remorse for woopin’ up on Rihanna was genuine. Still can’t get over that baby-blue boe-tie.

In 1995, the Wu-Tang Clan’s most reliable wordsmith, Raekwon the Chef, plated up a delectable entree with the classic Only Built For Cuban Linx. Rae’s homemade cuisine was a creatively designed menu  of Ballantine-battered beats, well-seasoned MC’s and choice cuts of succulent lyricism, all in a glaze of cinematic storytelling. This September will see the table set for his long-anticipated return to form, with Only Built For Cuban Linx II.

It’s been almost six years since Raekwon’s last solo release, The Lex Diamond Story. Now signed to EMI Records and boasting his own imprint, Ice H2O, Raekwon is ready to remind the rap game why he was once so revered. “What held this off, basically, was business. Not only am I an artist that cares about his music, but I also care about what house I’m in and whose handling the product,” reports the 41-year-old about his sabbatical from recording. “It took me a minute to really surf around for the right company.”- Devin Barrett

For the rest of the Raekwon interview check out GIANT’s September 2009 issue in stores now.

1. Chris Brown: I know everybody’s tired of hearing about Chris Breezy and how he danced all over Rihanna’s face but if you didn’t have laughs for that baby blue bow tie he wore during his interview on Larry King Live that aired last night then you’re a stiff and colorblind.

2. Amber Rose: As if Yeezy’s blonde breezy Amber Rose didn’t look good enough, the sexy vixen was spotted leaving the gym in West Hollywood yesterday after working it out to Kanye’s work-out plan.

3. Jay-Z: Now that HOV’s Blueprint 3 album’s been leaked will his album sales flop like Whitney Houston’s or will he rise above the naysayers, still holding the Roc in the air.

4. Christina Milian: Now that she’s married to one of the hottest producers in the game, The Dream, maybe Chris should focus on her music versus coming out with teeny-bopper movies like Bring It On: Fight To The Finish.

5. Tyra Banks: Smh… I guess Tyra is following in Oprah’s daytime, mogul footsteps because the former top model is being sued. Well, it’s only $5,820 but it’s still that talk show money.

6. DMX: This Ruff Ryder seems a bit salty that Jay-Z’s been able to topple the rap game while he’s still asking where his dogs are at. Unfortunately sir, I don’t think anyone cares at this point how greedy Jay-Z is but you.

7. Barack Obama: We all hope that the president can get this healthcare address thing together because he sure did spend a lot of time vacationing at Martha’s Vineyard.

8. Muhammad Ali: How funny is it that the greatest to ever step in the boxing ring always ran his mouth after he changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali, and it turns out that he’s part Irish. Ha! The irony.

9. Eminem: Marshall Mathers must have ignited fire in his baby momma after beefing with Mariah Carey because now she’s flipping the script, and releasing bed talk.

10. Rihanna: RiRi was out-and-about on the West Coast last night looking very sexy and poised after her ex Chris Breezy spilled his heart out via attorney on CNN.

Everybody’s gotta have a best bud in this business we call entertainment. Sometimes today’s superstars need that shoulder to lean on after that embarrassing public break-up or even to galavant around town for some good ol’ paparazzi love. If you don’t see these trendsetting and controversial celebs with their favorite “pals” and “gals” then their probably sleep or getting dropped by their music label. GIANT highlights the bond of the industry relationship and its topsy turvy ways.

Today’s hottest celebs rock the flyest clothes, drive the paparazzi wild, and make controversy the new “it” factor. But, before these trendsetters started shopping at Louis Vuitton and chowing down on calamari they were struggling to find their place in the entertainment world. Through their bumpy transitions, a little money in the bank, and help from a good publicist today’s attention getters have made an even better name for themselves. Check out the GIANT alterations that made these lack luster appearances pop into household stars.

Nelly hasn’t had a hit since his controversial “Tip Drill” video and Ashanti’s just never been able to rise above in the enormous pool of R&B singing ladies. Now that their breakup is official, who could the two possibly latch on to for support in reviving their early 2000′s presence? Well you know the old saying, “misery loves company.”

Check out some of the folks that are in the same boat that, if matched up, could possibly launch a Rihanna-esque improvement.

On the verge of an ending summer the hottest in the game are rearing forward with music leaks, performances, and your expected “shop-till-you-drop” frenzies, while other celebs are ending their summer with break-ups, behavior leading towards break-ups, and just the usual bodyguards taking the fall for their richly puppet masters. Check out the buzz from this week’s GIANT A-listers.

1. Snoop Dogg: The D-o-double-g is taking his A-list status from last week and running with it. The West Coast rapper was caught showing some Cali love to a pretty lil’ young thang in the club while Mrs. Dogg was at home with the pups. Smh … Snoop, get it together.

2. Ashanti: Looks like the midwest swang and the Jersey girl hair wasn’t enough to keep Nelly and Ashanti together. The couple broke up and it rumor has it that Nelly was dipping out with a certain “tip drill” named Jessica Rabbit.

3. Jay-Z: Of course you had to have known that it wouldn’t have been long before Drake did a song with HOV. Ironically Drake’s comedic lyrics behind “Best I Ever Had” match up pretty well with Jay-Z’s nonchalant play on women on his leaked track from The Blueprint 3, “Off That.”

4. Day 26: Day 26 are feeling “So Good” in their new video. Hopefully Diddy doesn’t replace any of them with folks from his shows Starmaker and Making His Band.

5. Rihanna: RiRi’s been running through every town this summer galavanting all types of couture fashion. The newly nicknamed “Ms. New Booty” was in Las Vegas popped into Las Vegas to chill with Kings of Leon, came back to NY to work on her album in the studio, and then partied like a rock star in the NYC club scene. Slow down Rihanna, you can’t possibly think Chris Breezy is gonna keep following you around.

6. Ciara: It was only a matter of time before CiCi realized that naysayers and gossipers would get tired of her short cut/weave. The singer sported her longer weave shopping in Beverly Hills over the weekend with her little doggie. Tiz a shame that she was driven to conform, but, ah well, she looks ten times better.

7. Chris Brown: Maybe there is hope for the youngster to make a comeback from his slap-boxing days with ex-girl Rihanna. Breezy’s new track, “Drop It Low” featuring new artist Ester Dean is making some waves in the music world. But the question is will it be enough to push the young star back into the limelight???

8. Kelis: Doesn’t seem like Kelis is struggling at all after her big b-day celebration at the Hotel Griffou in NY. Nas‘ baby momma’s been trying to rake him to the coals in there divorce settlement by asking for close to $100,000 a month. Kelis, stop partying and get a job!

9. Lady GaGa: It’s just becoming wrong that nobody knows if its Lady GaGa or Mr. Gaga. The poker face blondie performed over the weekend in England. Seems like the singer is having fun keeping her fans and the paparazzi guessing about her sexuality. Any who, it doesn’t matter because her music speaks for itself.

10. Beyonce: After the vacation gone bad, The Carters are back in NYC but not without a Croatian court date for Bey’s bodyguard, Julius. The bodyguard’s camera equipment throwing match between the paparazzi brought on charges and a court sentence.

These A-listers can’t keep themselves out of the public. Find out which celebs are making headlines and have made today’s GIANT list…

1. Fabolous: Du du du du damn! Fabolous keeps up his grind with a little BK love from the Jigga man. Check out Loso’s latest video featuring Jay-Z . Fabolous ft. Jay-Z- “When The Money Goes.”

2. Lil Wayne. When your the reigning mix-tape king you can’t be stopped! You know Weezy had to find some time outside of Young Money touring and taking care of his baby mommas to do what he does best. Best believe Wayne is strapped throughout The Leak-Reloaded Mixtape.

3. Beyonce: More and more unreleased tracks seem to keep popping up from Bey’s I Am Sasha Fierce Album. You be the judge on whether “Slow Love” is Beyonce or her alter ego Sasha Fierce.

4. Rihanna: RiRi ran the town this weekend  in Santa Monica while she was spotted babysitting Jay-Z’s nephew. The femme fatale along with HOV and Kanye West will premiere their anticipated video “Run This Town” this week.

5. T.I.: Seems like T.I.’s jail time has reformed the Atlanta rapper so much that he’s apologizing for his baby mama dis on the track “That’s The Way You Want It.”

6. Teyana Taylor: Teeny bopper Teyana Taylor hit the West coast for some Southern Cali love while supporting all her homies on The America’s Most Wanted Tour. The miniature diva shook up things in the rumor mill when she posed for quick pics with Rihanna. Despite numerous outlets claiming Teyana was a “Rihanna Knock off,” the ladies kept their composure.

7. Jamie Foxx: Seems like Jamie is getting really reckless these days with his personal business. First, the shocking secretive baby, and then the “Stephon Marbury” inspired necked pics pop up. Apparently the risque leaked pics are for an upcoming movie role… hmmm… if you say so Jamie.

8. Chris Brown: Paparazzi recently caught Chris Breezy kickin it skater style with some models and video chicks in Cali. Ironically, the pop singer’s leaked track, “Changed Man” seems to be directed at ex-gal pal, Rihanna. With a whisper of “It aint over,” at the end of the track it’s fine time the youngster makes a decision about his love life.

9. Mary J. Blige: With MJ’s upcoming guest judge appearance on American Idol and a brand new video, “I Can Do Bad All By Myself” it doesn’t seem like the 37-year-old is doing bad at all.

10. Kanye West: Mr. West and his “Robocop” girlfriend, Amber Rose were spotted on the set of “Whatever You Want,”a new video for John Legend and rapper Consequence over the weekend.

Some of the hottest flicks from back-in-the-day are paving the way for the fashion, music, and overall culture of the present and future era. The iconic movie characters that rocked the clothes, drove the dopest rides, and had the flyest kicks are inspiring the hottest stars in the game. With so many genres GIANT profiles the era of the “hip-hop” flicks from the early 90′s and replaces the stars of yesteryear with today’s trendsetting celebs.

Word around town is that Yeezy’s puppy dog love for his heartbreak blondie Amber Rose may be reaching a higher plateau. With the “preggos” buzz surrounding the trendy couple, you can’t help but wonder what  Ye’s oh so amazing swag and Amber’s seductive stiletto’s could possibly birth. If  the twosome had a boy would he mirror Pharell’s edgy style or would they introduce to the world a baby girl resembling Keri Hilson’s chic whip appeal. Check out the love child possibilities for hip-hop’s most controversial couple.

Instantly after the rumor hit the streets that two of hip-hop’s baddest boys and  pop’s femme fatale were planning on forming a “supergroup,” fans around the world have been awaiting for what seems like the second coming. If the dream team of Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Rihanna really do join forces for the greater purpose of music’s forthcoming then the expectations are damn near superhuman. The capabilities of this dynamic trio equate to superhero powers. Check out the superheroes that we compared these trendsetters to and why with their powers combined, they really do run this town.

Who better to represent the swag of this Brooklyn native  then the Dark Knight. Both heroes pose as everyday business moguls, Jay holding his own in numerous ventures in NYC and Bruce Wayne as the heir to a corporate throne in Gotham City. But when Mr. Carter turns into the unstoppable rapper known as Jay-Z his lyrical superpowers strike deadly blows to his villainous counterparts. When Bruce Wayne’s alter ego, Batman dons his cape, the winged marauder demolishes crime and takes no prisoners. These silent dopple-gangers are truly running this town.

Not only do these two ladies have duplicate sex appeal but the bombshells also have the strength to bring a man to his knees… literally. Rihanna has proven in the past two years that her superpowers not only evolve through appearance but if your bold enough to lay a finger on her, sorry Chris Brown, than there’s a fat chance your ending up serving jail time or re-evaluating the success of your career. X-Men’s Rogue is also known for luring the bad guys in with her sensual seduction, but when those couture gloves come off shall we say paraplegic? The shuttering effect of these women definitely let all offenders know who runs this town.

When it comes to having your swagger on a hundred thousand trillion! Yeezy and Iron Man make superheroes look smooth. Both Kanye West and Tony Stark are known for their flashy big ego’s but when it comes to putting on that glow in the dark and crimson armor these heroes go harder, better, faster, and stronger than anyone. When the paparazzi get ugly Yeezy’s “can’t tell me nothing” attitude match the powers of Iron Man’s robust weaponry maneuvers. If you think their arrogance is an achilles heel well guess again because Ye and Iron Man couldn’t have a more unique arsenal to run this town.

Hip-hop’s newest “wabbit” Speed “Buggs Tha Rocka” Walton III is starting to turn heads with his fresh and upbeat rhymes. With aggressive flows like Freeway and lyrical content similar to Lupe it’s no wonder DJ Mick Boogie’s been mixing this kid’s music. This freshmen is just itchin to become mainstream with a highly anticipated album ready for the takeover.  Check out a “hip-hop supa hero” in the making. To download Buggs mix tape click here: http://www.zshare.net/download/6315662518beb067/

“HIP-HOP SUPA HERO” BUGGS THA ROCKA from Ragged on Vimeo.

The summer of ’09 has played host to some of the best, worst, and unexpected concerts that we’ve seen in years. From Young Money’s paragon, Drake “Drizzy,” to Beyonce’s Sasha Fierce-like performances, this summer’s artists got ya bobbin ya head to the beat or making you question your recent ticket purchase. Yes indeedy, this summer’s cinematic concerts have earned the right to administer their own awards show: the CTA’s.

Check out the categories below and who’s taking home that prized mantle piece or that disappointing dust collector.

And the first CTA Award goes to: Drake for “Best Epic Fail”

Taking a cue  from his role as Jimmy on Degrassi: The Next Generation, hotshot rapper Drake shocked fans at an “America’s Most Wanted” tour performance in Camden, New Jersey, when the Canadian superstar flopped to the stage in pain just seconds into his hit single, “Best I Ever Had.” It is said that the Young Money youngster, unaffected by the doctor’s orders prior to the concert, decided that the show must go on, even after injuring his ACL. Drizzy, along with Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne, and Soulja Boy have teamed up for the “America’s Most Wanted” tour, one of summer’s most anticipated hip-hop performances. Drake will be twittering his performance speech along with his up-to-date surgery schedule

CTA’s second award goes to: Beyonce for “Future Comeback Queen”

The bombshell diva has been touring all summer promoting the presence of her alter ego Sasha Fierce in her “I Am” tour which has had its ups and downs as far as success goes, with rumors floating around of hubby Jay-Z  buying a lump sum of tickets to boost her concert sales. Nevertheless, Bey has always reigned supreme and come out on top, but with thoughts of temporarily stepping off stage to have S Dot Carter’s children, there’s no mistaking that Beyonce earned this award. A mini-Bey onstage with the original Sasha Fierce makes a hiatus all worthwhile.

The third CTA Award goes to: Jay-Z for “Till I Croak”

With his long awaited Blueprint III LP on the way, Mr. Carter has pulled out all the cards for his summer 10-city tour. The seasoned rapper, best known for his sellout shows, insists on being relevant in the rap game until “death do them part.” Even though the Jigga followers are staying consistent, it’s evident that HOV has reached his pinnacle. In an ever-changing hip hop world the ROC proprietor refuses to separate that diamond and bask in his millions.

The CTA’s present an all new category for the 4th award given to: Kid CuDi, Asher Roth, & 88 Keys for “New Skool”

Hip-hop’s freshmen class, Asher Roth, Kid CuDi, and 88 Keys are kicking butt and taking names. The kickoff of  ”The Great Hangover” Tour have placed these young bucks in a class of their own. The 19-city tour began at the legendary House of Blues and has been rocking out-of-spacers and college-lovers all over. This trio will definitely be collecting more and more awards as their careers launch forward.

And last but not least, the final CTA Award goes to: Kanye West & Lady GaGa for “Wonder Twins Power”

The Louis-Vuitton Don is teaming up with pop music’s newest bad girl, Lady GaGa for one of the most anticipated tours since “The Glow In The Dark.” The Kanye West/Lady GaGa Tour is sparking so much buzz that fans are squirming over tickets to see the co-headliners. The flashing lights surrounding both superstars have catapulted a movement above and beyond, marking the un-slated tour as one of the best in hip-pop history.

You make think the style of today’s trendsetting celebs is unique but it ain’t hard to tell that Beyonce’s mini-mini’s and rocking legs make her this generation’s Tina Turner. Or, Maxwell’s dapper look and smooth singing makes him today’s Nat King Cole.

Flip through the gallery below to check out some celebs who seem to be cut from the same cloth as the stars of yesteryear.

The makers of Guitar Hero have really outdone themselves this time with their newest video game edition, equipped with a little surprise for hip-hop heads.

DJ Hero: Renegade Edition creates an all new interactive music experience by allowing you to scratch and spin your way through over 100 songs into over 90 mixes.Learn the basic and advanced techniques by filtering through different set lists and expert modes.

The Renegade Edition along with a turntable controller and a carrying case that transforms into a performance-ready DJ stand introduces an exclusive Jay-Z and Eminem 2-CD pack filled with unreleased tracks. If you and some friends want to collabo on the one’s and two’s to some tracks from HOV and some Slim Shady lyrics,  then this is the game for you.