Did You Hear?

:: Justin Bieber is so poised and mature for his age, sometimes we forget he’s only 18. So here’s a refreshing reminder: “Dear mariah yeeter…we have never met…so from the heart i just wanted to say…” he posted via Twitter, followed by a taunting clip from Borat. Now that’s exactly the kind of revenge a teenage boy should dole out when some stranger pretends he illegitimately fathered her tyke. [Twitter]

:: In other potential baby mama drama, Drake may be the father of a stripper’s young’un. Which makes us wonder if his “Practice” video ends moments before the conception… [Huffington Post]

:: Hear Dev cover the bounciest song ever written about nuclear holocaust, “99 Red Balloons.” [Arjan Writes]

:: Lil Kim has announced her “Return of the Queen” tour. Think this Queen Bee can still generate a buzz? [Rap-Up]

:: Apparently Nicki Minaj can’t handle the fact that not every single human being on this planet digs Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. In addition to quitting Twitter, she’s now pretending to contemplate retiring from music altogether (while still doing press to promote her album). Cry for attention much? [Complex]

After the jump, we reveal which late-night show is the most “fun.” tonight:

Music on TV:

:: Late Show with David Letterman (CBS) — fun.
:: Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC) — Train
:: Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC) — The Hives
:: Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC) — Band of Skulls

In another installment of the hip-hop feud that has overstayed its welcome, Lil Kim appeared on Watch What Happens Live and had a few choice things to say about her rap nemesis Nicki Minaj. The rapper, showing some amazing restraint, refuses to call the Pink Friday MC as the artist she thinks is the most overrated, and sarcastically declares “Who?” when asked about a particular criticized Grammy performance. But she couldn’t play coy for long, finally saying, “If you have to make a song called ‘Stupid Hoe,’ you must be a stupid hoe.”
Can someone please release a diss track slamming both Nicki and Kim and end this rap beef once and for all?

Though our specialty is reviewing music, we’re often distracted from an artist’s tunes by their amazingly awful album cover. In 2011, there were 10 (mostly) high-profile releases with cover art so ridiculous, so badly designed, and just so straight-up weird that we had to share them with all of you. Last year, MGMT nabbed the highest honor here for their hallucinatory surf’s-up-kitty album cover art for Congratulations — but even that hot mess looked like it should be hanging in a museum compared to this year’s entries. Check out our 10 picks for worst cover art for albums and mixtapes released in 2011 (with one exception), and check back tomorrow for a palate cleanser of the year’s 10 best.

Unfortunately, Dr. Dre’s Detox — which Lil Kim claimed she’d be making an appearance on — never materialized in 2011. But fans of the razor-tongued rapstress at least have her five-song EP, which should be arriving any day now, to look forward to. Ahead of it, Kim teased the release by tweeting a glammed-up pic of herself on December 25. “Hey Guys!!! I have a little Gift for U. A little preview of what’s to come. Merry Christmas :) !!!!!” she wrote. Don’t you want to just paw at her sleeves?

Lil Kim has released a new track called “Spend A Mill,” but before we listen to it, let’s take a moment to reflect back on her turbulent career. The Black Friday songstress was once a hip hop powerhouse with such memorable hits as “Ladies Night,” “Lady Marmalade,” and of course, the deliciously nasty “How Many Licks.” After a stint in prison, however, the Dancing With The Stars diva has fallen on hard times, raising petty beef with Nicki Minaj, catching hate from Biggie’s mom, and other such underwhelming shenanigans. Okay, all caught up? Now take a deep breath, prepare to be very much not impressed, and head below to listen.

Even with the above-mentioned misfires, we think “Spend A Mill” might be a new low for Kim, on which she is Auto-Tuned within an inch of her life. Spend a mill? It sounds like she spent, at most, five bucks on this cheap tune.

Why, Kim, why?

To wash the bad taste from “Spend A Mill” out of your mouth, here’s a tasty (and Tootsie-approved) treat to remind us that Lil Kim was once a very talented rapper:

Are you similarly put off by Lil Kim’s new track? “Spend A Mill” gets zero licks from us.

Wilson Phillips’ Chynna Phillips will cha-cha her way onto Season 13 of Dancing With The Stars, and the “Hold On” singer expressed her excitement to put her former ballet training to work with the Venetian Waltz. (She also hopes her recent movie cameo in Bridesmaids will encourage viewers pick up the phone to vote this Fall.) We’re stoked to see the 43-year-old join the ranks of 12 seasons worth of pop star contestants when the competition kicks off September 19. Dance down memory lane as we remember some of our favorite music acts to tango onto DWTS.

Uh-oh — looks like the Queen Bee wants her throne back! After quite some time out of the spotlight (not to mention behind bars), Lil Kim has been vying to reclaim her fame lately. But thus far, the highs of her heyday have eluded her (with no help from Notorious B.I.G.’s mom). Now the Rihanna fan is eyeing The Throne in hopes of winning some fans, taking after hip hop royals Jay-Z and Kanye West by dropping her own verse from “It’s All About The Benjamins” over “Otis” at Melbourne’s WinterBeatz Festival. (Yeah, it’s winter there.) Catch it below.

Lil Kim has been busy Down Under, tributing (?) Michael Jackson and performing old cuts. Is this a fun way to pay homage to Watch The Throne, or is Lil Kim just using someone else’s success to get attention again?

Did You Hear?

:: Will Smith is apparently tired of being the world’s biggest movie star (or he’s just jealous of his daughter Willow), and wants to release another rap album. He’s reportedly “working” (however vague that means) with producer La Mars “Mars” Edwads, who’s collaborated with Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa.  [PopCrush]

:: The Justin Bieber Way street sign in Texas was stolen two days after it was erected. Was it a Belieber, or a Bieber hater? Either way, a new sign is being put up, so everyone wins. Especially the town’s 11-year-old mayor. [Ocean Up]

:: It’s been way too long since we’ve had some new Garbage tunes, so check out an extremely brief preview of the band’s new song. [Pink Is The New Blog]

:: 50 Cent and Lil Kim heat it up Down Under with the very first live performance of their 2003 song “Magic Stick”. [Music & Lyrics]

:: Josh Groban has signed on to play the brother of Andy Bernard (portrayed by Ed Helms) on The Office. We can’t wait for the inevitable a cappella duet these two do on the show. [Huffington Post]

After the jump, find out which music acts will be appearing on the tube today.

Music On TV:
:: Tonight Show with David Letterman (CBS) — Tim Robbins & the Rogues Gallery Band (repeat)
:: Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC) – Randy Travis featuring Josh Turner (repeat)
:: Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC) — Luke Bryan (repeat)
:: Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC) – Beyonce (repeat)
:: Last Call with Carson Daly (ABC) – the Greenhornes (repeat)
:: The View (ABC) — Broadway cast of Anything Goes
:: Ellen DeGeneres (ABC) – Lil’ Jon, Christina Perri (repeat)

Did You Hear?

:: Boundary-pushing pop auteur Björk looks like a cosmic Pointer Sister on the cover of her new album, Biophilia. [Pink Is The New Blog]

:: Neon Hitch has followed up her Wiz Khalifa cover by tackling Mac Miller’s viral hit “Donald Trump”. [Arjan Writes]

:: AC/DC release their own wine collection – please drink responsibly while driving the Highway to Hell. [Pop Dust]

:: “Witches’ Brew” songstress Katy B shows why she we nominated her as one of 2011′s leading ladies of pop with a killer Live Lounge set. [Music & Lyrics]

:: Lil’ Kim pays tribute to Michael Jackson by donning a white glove and grabbing her crotch. [Rap-Up]

After the jump, find out which music acts will be appearing on the tube today.

Music On TV:
:: Tonight Show with David Letterman (CBS) — Gomez (repeat)
:: Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC) — Amos Lee
:: Last Night With Jimmy Fallon (NBC) — Big Sean (repeat)
:: The View (ABC) — Toni Braxton
:: Regis & Kelly — Nicole Scherzinger

Who’s a big fan of Lil Kim? Monica. Who’s not? Biggie’s mom, Voletta Wallace. That’s what we’ve taken away from the controversy over the “Love All Over Me” singer’s new single “Anything (To Find You),” which Lil Kim has already laid down her vocals for and Monica is happy with, but now may not be released as is. The Missy Elliot-produced track samples Notorious B.I.G.’s “Who Shot Ya,” and since his mother now controls the late rapper’s estate, she gets the final say on who appears on the cut — and it appears she’s playing for Team Minaj. Find out more below.

Seems like the Lil Monster runs into controversy just about everywhere she goes these days (though most of it she instigates herself). At least Monica’s got her back.

In a series of tweets, Monica stated:

“I am just finding out what has happened to my single and myself & Missy are beyond hurt that @LilKim was removed. She’s our friend, a legend & @LilKim will get the respect she deserves at all cost. The clearance was revoked & I’m fighting to get it reinstated by the Biggie Estate. We respect all parties involved & were gonna do WHATEVER to keep the song as is because @lilKim the bizness on the record…I am as thorough as they come and I LOVE @LilKim bottom line is Ms Wallace has the final say and she said No. If we put it out we get SUED. Your directing your anger in the wrong place & I am far 2deep in the game 2play games. These r facts. Still fighting 4 Kim to be on it…..”

For now, there’s still time for Voletta Wallace to reconsider. Lil Kim recently announced a forthcoming LP and single of her own, regardless of what happens to her guest rap on Monica’s track.

And the feud goes on! More than just temporary nemeses, Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj are on track to become full-on mortal enemies for life now that the wiggy Trinidadian has taken a swipe back at the former jailbird who devoted an entire mixtape to this she-brawl. That swipe comes in the form of the snippet “Tragedy,” produced by Hit-Boy and rumored to be from Lil Wayne’s upcoming Tha Carter IV. Amongst other clever digs, Harajuku Barbie compares her nemesis to a very different type of doll: “Last name Ann, first name Raggedy.” Ouch! Hear the minute-long snippet below.

Nicki Minaj - Tragedy (snippet)

We can’t say Lil Kim didn’t have this coming after gruesomely decapitating the Songs for Japan artist on her Black Friday cover art (not to mention the video). But Nicki’s already clearly come out ahead in this battle royale thanks to all her recent success, while Lil Kim came off as a has-been struggling to stay relevant by cashing in on controversy she herself created. Is a response from Nicki necessary? Absolutely not — but you’ll never hear us complaining about new music from this “Fly” girl, especially when the result is as delightfully catty as “Tragedy.”

This week Glee aired a noteworthy episode that featured the return of Gwyneth Paltrow and a touching storyline involving Brittany and Santana. There was also plenty of new music from Britney Spears, Chris Brown and Lil’ Kim. Meanwhile, Adam Lambert popped up all over the place: on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show, on American Idol and in our Top 13 look-a-likes gallery. Head below to see how our readers processed all this pop commotion!

:: Ty wasn’t exactly falling over after checking out Hear A Clip Of New Britney Spears Song “(Drop Dead) Beautiful”: “Sounds like ke$ha but even more annoying.” [NOTE: we think he meant to say amazing.]

:: SB found a winner on Chris Brown, Timbaland And Big Sean Play “Paper, Scissors, Rock” On New Track: “I love all the tracks I’ve heard with Breezy recently! ‘My Last’ with Big Sean and ‘Bomb’ with Wiz are both hot tracks. Can’t wait until 3/22, F.A.M.E. is gonna be unstoppable!”

:: tweetygirl found plenty to chirp about on Ever Wonder What Lil’ Kim’s Version Of Rihanna’s “Man Down” Would Sound Like?: “She ruined this song. All the west indians need to slap her when they see her for impersonating and making a mockery of their accent.”

:: della thought we had beer goggles on for The American Idol Top 13 Face Their Look-A-Likes: “No way, no how !!! Adam is totally gorgeous. James is totally not and bears no resemblance to Adam. They don’t look alike, they don’t sing alike, and they have vastly different personalities. James strikes me as phoney, while Adam is as genuine and sincere as they come. I wish James well, but the comparison with Adam just doesn’t work.”

:: Vicki approved of Adam Lambert’s “Aftermath” Gets A Billboard Remix: “This is my favorite song off of the CD. I saw him perform it at the 3 Glam Nation concerts I attended. It’s a beautiful song with a beautiful message. I also love the remix version. I am looking forward to hearing him perform it on tonights Idol. Adam is mesmerizing.”

:: Jen liked what she saw on Glee: Gwyneth Paltrow Gets Sexy, Naya Rivera Gets Real: “First of all I want to say that the scene between santana and brittney was amazing, you ladies finally had a chance to show off your acting chops, my hats off to both of you. 2nd as much as I want them to be together, I think it showed that brittney does have a heart and is not just a school slut that she didnt want to just break up with artie to be with santana. So good move glee cant wait to see how this plays out, but I am pulling for brittney and santana!!!”

:: And Jaymee was hoping for more sweet lady kisses, too: “Naya needs an emmy! I heard a ‘Landslide’ the night after episode 14 aired, and I played it over and over, and I knew Naya and Gwenyth would be singing it, but I never could have imagined she’d sing it to Brittany. And im my opinion, it was sad that Brittany’s lack of intelligence made it that much harder for Santana to try and explain that she loved her. No matter what though, i’ve always shipped Brittana/Santittany, and I will fight for them!”

:: Tania stood up for all that is glam on American Idol: Adam Lambert Returns, Casey Abrams Hospitalized Again: “Anyone who says that Adam’s performance sucked big time has deep inner issues they have to deal with! Adam sang flawless, showed us why the world loves him, looked gorgeous and this song is amazing, I love it!!”

:: ML also assessed the performances on the Idol results episode: “Diddy was Diddy – was fine. Skylar Grey was great ‘tho, glad she got the exposure. Glad Lambert got the exposure too – that dude’s so freakin’ good, get on board people, you’re missing out. You don’t have to love every little thing about Lambert, but damn that guy is… well hell, just entertaining.”

Last month Lil’ Kim declared that Rihanna is her “favorite pop artist right now,” and that she thinks the red-headed “S&M” singer is “just phenomenal.” In fact, Kim is apparently so enthralled with Ri Ri’s music, she decided to do leak her own version of reggae-tinged Loud track “Man Down.” Hear it below.

Kim strips out Rihanna’s verses on her own version and takes the part of the other woman on “Man Down” (i.e. the one who didn’t do the shooting).

“I can’t imagine what I’d do if I were in her shoes / ’cause if he did this to me I’d probably kill him too,” Kim sings (with the aid of what sounds like Auto Tune).

We’d sit here wondering why she even bothered (much like Rihanna’s probably doing right now), but, then again, we’re just glad she’s doing something other than trashing Ri Ri’s pal Nicki Minaj for once.

Last week Lil’ Kim was unleashing her venom for Nicki Minaj—with the cover of her Black Friday mixtape, the video for the tape’s title song and in her interview with Rap-Up.com. However, the site has posted part two of its one-on-one with Kimmy Blanco, and in addition to news that she’s collaborating with Dr. Dre, the diminutive rapstress is singing a much friendlier tune when it comes to other pop stars like Rihanna, Usher and Lady Gaga.

“Well, just so you know, I’m on Dr. Dre’s Detox album and I can’t wait, wait, wait, wait for that,” Kim informs Rap-Up. “The song is freakin’ phenomenal. It’s definitely something that my Hard Core fans are going to love, love, love, love, love. In return he’s doing a song for me on my album.” Sigh. No reunion with Sisqo then, we take it?

Of course, let’s just hope (for Kim’s sake) that Detox actually comes out. The Notorious One went on to praise Rihanna and (naturally) got another jab in at Nicki Minaj in the process.

“She’s my favorite pop artist right now. I think she’s just phenomenal,” Lil’ Kim said, when asked about a possible collaboration between Rihanna and herself. “I do have three people on my radar that I wanna work with so bad, but I’m not gonna tell you who they are. You know why I’m not gonna tell you? Because there were two people that I wanted to work with that [Nicki Minaj] ended upworking with and I feel like it’ll just jinx it when you say it out loud.”

Rihanna and Nicki, of course, paired up for the songs “Raining Men” and “Fly.”

The “Black Friday” MC went on to praise Usher (“…I’m loving him again.”), Wiz Khalifa (“I like him a lot. I think he’s a dope artist.”) and Lady Gaga (“Anything she does, I love.”).

And while “Born This Way” isn’t her favorite song by Gaga, Kim says “she’s just phenomenal. She is so cute.”

Geez—we’re not quite sure what to make of this kinder, gentler Lil’ Kim. You can catch the full second part of the interview over at Rap-Up.com. Warning: approach the “How Many Licks” diva with caution!

The past seven days have been pop-packed and full of punch. We witnessed the 53rd Grammy Awards, heard Lady Gaga’s brand new single “Born This Way,” saw a whole lot of hatred lobbed at Nicki Minaj by hip hop icon Lil’ Kim and finally viewed Britney Spears’ music video for her latest #1 single “Hold It Against Me.” And along the way, our readers had plenty to say about all this music mayhem. Read on!

:: ZMH thought Mother Monster was more of a drag than a queen on Lady Gaga Expresses Herself In New Single “Born This Way”: “I just don’t like this song, at all…it sounds very old. in fact it reminds me a lot of late 90s euro dance sound. while i’m (still) completely digging bad romance era, i’m not sure, is it a little bit too ealier to revisit the late 90s?”

:: Alex was just tired of the Material Girl comparisons: “LOL, many artists have been influenced by Madonna. Gaga has not been the only one. (See: Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, any other pop stars) So for all the people that think they’re so smart for seeing this song has Madonna influnces, NICE JOB. YOU HAVE ALL OFFICIALLY EARNED YOUR RANKS AS CAPTAIN OBVIOUS.”

:: Michael English felt Lady Antebellum needed to do a little more research now on Live Blog: The 2011 Grammy Awards: “that would have been a nice tribute to Teddy P, except that he didn’t write it and was the 4th person to record it. Sorry Lady Antefailure.”

:: And there was no love in this club from Derek when it came to Usher’s Grammy performance: “…why does Usher even bother performing? He never sings live. And standing ovation?? Really???”

:: Jamie had just one burning question on Grammy Awards 2011: The Performances: “IS christina pregnant again??”

:: Want to know what Kesha thought about Nicki Minaj: 2011 Grammy Awards Red Carpet Photos?: “hot messsssssss!”

:: Brandon Hall gave the smackdown on Justin Bieber Disappointed He Didn’t Win Best New Artist — And So Are His Fans: “If he would have won the Grammy for best new artist by all means the Grammys would officially be a joke not to be taken with an ounce of credibility. You know we’re in a bad place for music when someone like him can think he deserves a Grammy for best new artist for the complete rubbish he has put out in the past however long he’s been relevant.”

:: Charlotte thought a nasty web was being spun on Lil’ Kim Attempts To Stay Relevant By Beheading Nicki Minaj On Her Album Cover: “Once again Kim’s attempt to stay relevant in the rap world even though she hasn’t made a hit for years and no one really gives a damn about her anymore. No one wants to work with her ass, not drake, jay z, eminem, kanye and rhianna just to name a few. Stay professional bitch maybe you’ll get somewhere in life.”

:: Aaron Howard noticed that the wrong stars were colliding on Katy Perry Beams Kanye West Into Her “E.T.” Mix: “This is the second time he screwed up one of my favorite pop songs. ‘In for the Kill’ feat. Kanye? A disaster!”

:: Getting back to the female MC diva-off, Shanaynay LaChild sided with K.I.M. on Lil’ Kim Tells Nicki Minaj To Stick Her Head In A Tornado In her “Black Friday” Video: “love or hate kim she brought it and the raps are tight and hilarious. and after this many years in the business even if she’s not as big as she was she’s still an icon and a legend. will sticky nikki’s wig be here in 15 years? if so we can revisit the issue then.”

:: Caleb Galore expressed his disappointment on Britney Spears Smiles For The Cameras In Her “Hold It Against Me” Video: “I used to love watching her videos. She was an insane dancer. Now I watch every new video hoping that time will bring her back to her former glory. I gave her a pass on Circus and it’s videos because she was still getting back into performing but it’s been 2 years now. Why is it that she still can’t dance? and why does no one seem to care? Nevermind that this video made absolutely no sense.”

:: Joaqfer was equally as non-plussed on Review Revue: Critics React To Britney Spears’ “Hold It Against Me” Video: “She is just disengaged… That was the word I was looking for… Doesn’t make me interested in neither the dancing nor the video nor the wardrobe… Anything… No emotion… Does she even care about having her career? That is the question…”

The brave folks at Rap-Up.com had a one-on-one with fiery female rap icon Lil’ Kim, who, as we know from the cover of her Black Friday mixtape and the video for the title track, is clearly not a fan of fashionable hip hop upstart Nicki Minaj. But the site didn’t shy away from asking Kimmy Blanco exactly what she thinks of her new nemesis. And the answers she gave? Hold on to your flashlights, gang—because there is some heavy shade below!

7 CLASSY QUOTES (ABOUT NICKI MINAJ) FROM LIL’ KIM’S RAP-UP.COM INTERVIEW

* “I couldn’t listen to the whole thing [Pink Friday]. I’ve heard some songs from it. I’ve never deemed her to be a horrible artist, I just think that people give her more credit than she actually deserves.”

* On Whether Or Not She’d Ever Cut A Record With Nicki: “The only way that’s gonna happen is it’s definitely gonna take a check. ”

* At the end of the day, I’m not with Atlantic Records anymore, I’m not with a record company anymore, so anything you see me doing, I’m using my own money, I’m maneuvering my own self, I’m my own boss. She works for a boss. I cut my checks, she gets checks cut to her or probably for her.”

* On Minaj’s Manager Diddy, a close friend of Kim’s deceased mentor Biggie Smalls: “I don’t speak to Diddy. He basically showed his side and what he wanted to do, so he can go over there and run with it.”

* “This is nowhere near beef. It’s an insult to even call this beef to people who really have beef in the streets and overseas and other countries where it’s real beef. This is nothing to even take to a different level. I’m not gonna let nobody disrespect me or my family or my freakin’ money.”

* “People gotta know that I’m not stupid, but I’m having fun. I’m protecting my brand and my empire at this moment.”

* “A lot of people don’t know, before this situation happened, I was making alliances with Cash Money because I saw them trying to pattern this girl after me. I figured she’s somebody that I could actually help and we both could rock together, but she didn’t want it like that. I have someone on my team by the name of Fendi that used to manage her and he said that she was always jealous of any female that they even brought around to try to put in the group or make situations with.”

Oh, ladies—can’t we just bury the hatchet? Wait, we didn’t mean like that! Kim, put the axe down and step away from Nicki!

Catch the full Lil’ Kim interview over at Rap-Up.com.

Lil’ Kim just ratcheted up the tense bitchery between her and Nicki Minaj about 100 fold with her video for “Black Friday,” the title track off her latest mixtape. In the (cheap but effective) clip, a dimwitted Nicki lookalike bops around in various colored wigs while the Notorious K.I.M. launches an all-out rap assault on her. Watch below, but keep in mind the video is totally NSFW.

“Ho, I see they really got you gassed like I’m a thing of the past / Better slow down, dummy, you about to crash,” Kim chides the Pink Friday Barbie. And that’s just the tame part!

Kimmy Blanco also trashes Minaj’s label chief Lil Wayne: “You think you’re hot, sippin’ that shit Wayne on? / I get top dollar for whatever my name on.”

Later she sticks to the “Young Money bastards” with this zinger: “Fuck your whole team, all I see are a bunch of weirdos / You think you’re head bitch? Scarecrow!”

We’d actually write this off as another eye-roll-worthy batch of sour grapes if it wasn’t so hysterical. “You and Diddy? Sorry bunch of swagga jackers / I mothered you ho’s, I should claim you on my income taxes!”

Well, that ought to help her cause and endear her to her contemporaries. Hey—at least she’s keeping it real. Stay classy, Kim!

[Via Rap-Up.com]

The feud between Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj is far from over, at least as far as Lil Kim is concerned. The album art for Kim’s Black Friday mixtape depicts the rapper drenched in the blood of a Minaj-inspired figure, dressed in the fairy princess get-up from her Pink Friday cover. Ladies, let bygones be bygones already — we can’t handle any more terrible album art this week. [EW Music Mix]

Did You Hear?

:: Turns out MTV is tired of waiting for the “Hold It Against Me” video too. So they took the initiative and made their own — and it reminds us how h-o-t she can be. [MTV Buzzworthy]

:: Diddy has been sued for $900 billion for knocking down the World Trade Center. No matter what he says in “Coming Home”, sometimes it’s hard to be Puff too.  [RadarOnline]

:: We applaud Ricky Martin for having the courage to take on the big issues. But he should not have taken on the challenge of frosting his own tips. [Pink Is The New Blog]

:: Lil Kim throws a verse on Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “H.A.M.”… with heavily Auto-Tuned vocals. How can she go H.A.M. when she can’t even go gold (much less platinum)? [Rap Radar]

:: Ashton Kutcher and his step-daughter Scout sing an ode to coffee, “My Sober”. Sure, she has pipes, but that barely diminishes the creepiness. [Just Jared]

After the jump, find out why late night TV will never be the seem. Well, never say never.

Music On TV:
:: Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC) — Justin Bieber
:: Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC) — Fitz & The Tantrums (repeat)
:: Last Call With Carson Daly (NBC) — Matt & Kim
:: The Ellen DeGeneres Show (syndicated) — Amos Lee

All the ladies who independent, throw your hands up at Keri Hilson, who sings about men who need to “shut it up ’til you show me the dollas” in her new No Boys Allowed track,”Buy You”, featuring Lil Kim throwing down a verse. That’s right — for once this year, Nicki Minaj is not the guest rapper on a track. But would Nicki have done more with her verse than Kim? Is that even a question? Catch the track below.

This Polow Da Don-produced clubber can be added to the pile of tracks of women dissatisfied with their freeloading boyfriends (ie. almost every Destiny’s Child song ever). This  tune doesn’t necessarily feel single-worthy to us, and we’re not particularly feeling Kim’s uninspired verse.

After hearing Harajuku Barbie liven up every track she appears on with her relentless, nonstop spit-firing, in comparison, Kim sounds like she’s sleeping through this one. She’s going to have to step it up to stay relevant now that Nicki’s the go-to guest rapper du jour.

What do you think of the TLC fan’s latest contribution to the dancefloor? Tell us below.