Jay-Z is continuing his reign as the King of Hip-Hop - he's been named the best rapper alive in a new poll by MTV.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Beyonce will perform at the BET Awards. Show organizers say the pop star will attend the ceremony, as will her husband, Jay-Z.

Rap superstar Jay-Z stunned concert goers in New Jersey on Sunday when he made a surprise appearance at the annual Summer Jam event to debut his new song.

Beyonce and T.I. will lead the way at the 2009 BET Awards after landing five nominations each.

ATLANTA (AP) - Even though Soulja Boy had the world doing his eponymous dance two years ago thanks to the No. 1 sensation "Crank That (Soulja Boy)," the teenage rap star was still dismissed as a lightweight and even a joke in some rap circles,

A concert headlined by rapper Young Jeezy at the University of Delaware has been scrapped by school officials after an outbreak of swine flu in the state.

ATLANTA (AP) — The hip-hop world is a less bling-bling place these days. The music genre has been defined as much by diamond-encrusted watches and platinum chains as its gritty urban lyrics.

Multi-platinum singer Ciara is teaming up with her Jive Records label mate Justin Timberlake on her newest single, "Love Sex Magic." Co-written by Timberlake and produced by The Y's,

It's been a long eight years for America…longer for some than others (see New Orleans). Luckily, we have some very creative musical artists out there suffering along with us. For them, the first amendment is expressed through their music.