Mjsbigblog — Fantasia took the stage at BET’s Black Girls Rock awards show, which aired Sunday night, and immediately kicked off her shoes before launching into a rousing version of “Brand New Day” from The Wiz. Fantasia was joined on sta... more info

Guardian Music — We asked you to select tracks that would best introduce a newcomer to hip-hop. So here's your playlist for rap rookiesTo quote Kritik from yesterday's blog about Jay-Z's choice of hip-hop tracks for rap rookies: "Picking a playlist is tough." That it... more info

MTV.co.uk News — Hip-hop icon Missy Elliott has explained the reason why she hasn’t been in the spotlight for a while. She told MTV News US: "People are always like, 'Where you been?' but you gotta... more info

Starpulse — Missy Elliott was honored as a positive role model for the African-American community at the 2010 Black Girls Rock! Awards on Saturday. The Get Ur Freak On hit-maker accepted the Visionary prize... more info

ContactMusic — MISSY ELLIOTT was honoured as a positive role model for the African-American community at the 2010 Black Girls Rock! Awards on Saturday (16Oct10).The Get Ur Freak On... more info

Topix — They are of different genres and different generations, yet Ruby Dee and Missy Elliott will be among those honored as part of the Black Girls Rock! awards show on BET . more info

USA Today Music — They are of different genres and different generations, yet Ruby Dee and Missy Elliott will be among those honored as part of the Black Girls ... more info

Guardian Music — A recent documentary offered female rappers the chance to tell their story in a bid to answer: where did all the women go?Earlier this year, American journalist Latoya Peterson wrote about the rise of Nicki Minaj and what it meant for the role of wom... more info

Mjsbigblog — Asia’h Epperson has just been charged with misdemeanor battery.  She faces six months in jail, reports TMZ. The Season 7 Top 16 Idol  was arrested in the early morning hours of August 12 for allegedly beating down another gir... more info

Spinner.com — Pink Floyd, Joy Division and Sonic Youth -- now with more meat, cheese and crunch. [Tumblr] Missy Elliott, Eve, Chuck D and others talk about the state of the female emcee. [PreFixMag] The Walkmen cover R.E.M. [Stereogum] A golden retriever dance... more info