Solange Knowles at the 2008 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans on Saturday. The second day of the festival featured performances from LL Cool J, Musiq Soulchild, Patti LaBelle, and Chrisette Michele. Pics below.

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Rev Run’s eldest son JoJo Simmons and his group Team Blackout have released the first single off their debut album Lights Out, which drops August 19th. The track was co-produced by Chris n Teeb and Rockwilder. The new season of “Run’s House” premieres July 16th on MTV.

Watch Team Blackout’s video for “J5 on ‘Em” here.

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Here’s a sneak peek at Plies’ video for his second single “Please Excuse My Hands” featuring Jamie Foxx and The-Dream. The video was directed by Zipper On Butta-Fly Leather.

Nick Cannon DJed at the grand opening of Christian Audigier The Nightclub at Treasure Island Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on Friday.

Despite rumors that Cannon’s relationship with wife Mariah Carey is on the rocks, Cannon told PEOPLE that married life is “amazing,” adding, “It’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Solange Knowles with son Daniel Julez Smith at the first day of the 2008 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. Watch our interview with Solange on Rap-Up TV.

Rihanna, Chris Brown, Kanye, and more below.

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Here’s some new music from Brandy reportedly off her fifth studio album. The song is called “List” and was produced by The Underdogs (Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown’s “No Air”).

In addition to The Underdogs, Brandy is working with Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins on the new album, which will be released on Epic Records. See what the super producer had to say about working with the singer on Rap-Up TV.

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Sean Garrett follows up his first single “Grippin’” with “Come On In,” a collabo with Plies and Akon off his debut album Turbo 919. The song will be released digitally on July 15th.

Garrett recently revealed to Rap-Up TV that he wrote a song with the Pussycat Dolls for their new album called “Bottle Pop.”

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Keri Hilson shot the video for her first single “Energy” last week in Los Angeles. Melina (Beyoncé, Solange, Eve) directed the clip, which portrays Keri as a boxer and her boyfriend as her trainer. Get a sneak peek at the video here.

Keri’s debut album In a Perfect World… drops September 23rd. Watch our interview with the singer/songwriter on Rap-Up TV.

The passport files of 150 American celebrities have been improperly viewed in the last six years, according to a probe from the State Department’s Inspector General. Nine of these files were opened more than 100 times. One that reportedly was accessed most frequently was that of Beyoncé Knowles.

Looks like Def Jam wants to keep LL Cool J around a little longer. The hip-hop veteran’s final album for the label, Exit 13, has been pushed back yet again. Originally slated for a July release and then moved to August 5th, the thirteenth studio album from LL will now be released on August 26th. Exit 13 features collaborations with 50 Cent, Bon Jovi’s Richie Sambora, and Wyclef Jean.

Find out who LL faces competition from on the 26th.

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