Jay-Z & Kanye West kicked off the European leg of their Watch The Throne Tour yesterday in London’s O2 Arena. Kanye’s famous lady friend, Kim Kardashian, also made the trip as well. After the break, watch them perform ‘N***as In Paris’ and peep some more photos including one of Kanye & Kim heading for a dinner with Jay-Z & Beyonce.

Props HHNM

MORE ON HIP-HOP WIRED!

• 10 Photos Of Celebs Looking Awkward Next To Jay-Z [PHOTOS]

• Mercy: 10 Hip-Hop Artists Who Chose To Die Another Day

• 5 Reasons Why Blue Ivy Carter Will Have A Better Rap Career Than Lil B

• 10 Dope Rap Acts Who Could Not Top Their Freshman Albums

• Bangin Candy: Rico Love’s Division 1 Recording Artist, Rabbit

• Mexico’s Deadly Drug War: A Look At The Violent 5-Year Conflict

• The Awkward Moments Between Jay-Z And Freeway At The Made In America Press Conference [PHOTOS]

• 7 Female Rap Beefs (That Didn’t Involve Lil Kim)

Rappers love to bite the hand that feeds them. The music game can be a bumpy ride, and at some point the public glare becomes too much to stomach. Retiring is definitely within their rights, but with so many people claiming to be done with music—but never actually making steps to leave the spotlight— but threatening to  walk away from music has become more of a publicity stunt, and less of a believable proclamation.

Earlier today, T.I. became the latest MC to announce that he “wants out” of the music game, because he doesn’t like the direction in which things are going. Being that he runs a record label, and is the self-proclaimed King of the South, the idea of him completely walking away seems farfetched, but we’ll humor him anyway. In honor of Tip’s unofficial announcement, here are six other rappers who said they’d walk away from the game—but never did.

MORE ON HIP-HOP WIRED!

• 10 Photos Of Celebs Looking Awkward Next To Jay-Z [PHOTOS]

• Mercy: 10 Hip-Hop Artists Who Chose To Die Another Day

• 5 Reasons Why Blue Ivy Carter Will Have A Better Rap Career Than Lil B

• 10 Dope Rap Acts Who Could Not Top Their Freshman Albums

• Bangin Candy: Rico Love’s Division 1 Recording Artist, Rabbit

• Mexico’s Deadly Drug War: A Look At The Violent 5-Year Conflict

• The Awkward Moments Between Jay-Z And Freeway At The Made In America Press Conference [PHOTOS]

• 7 Female Rap Beefs (That Didn’t Involve Lil Kim)
–
Photo: Studio Noize

Kanye West has announced that he is releasing a short art film called Cruel Summer. Also, the highly anticipated G.O.O.D. Music compilation will share the same title as a press release notes that film was inspired by the said album.

Cruel Summer, the film, will  debut at the Cannes Film Festival on May 23rd, accompanied by a two-day art installation. The short, which is written, produced and directed by the producer/rapper/designer, is being touted as an “immersive ’7 Screen Experience’.” A look at the film’s poster (see below) reveals that comedian/actor Aziz Ansari is involved.

When not kicking it with Kim Kardashian, West was recently spotted not so secretly filming in Qatar, which may have been for Cruel Summer. If you happen to be in Cannes, which is in France, you are able to RSVP for a  screening, for two days after it world premiere, here. Also, the film seems to be is part of Yeezy’s DONDA venture.

MORE ON HIP-HOP WIRED!

• 10 Photos Of Celebs Looking Awkward Next To Jay-Z [PHOTOS]

• Mercy: 10 Hip-Hop Artists Who Chose To Die Another Day

• 5 Reasons Why Blue Ivy Carter Will Have A Better Rap Career Than Lil B

• 10 Dope Rap Acts Who Could Not Top Their Freshman Albums

• Bangin Candy: Rico Love’s Division 1 Recording Artist, Rabbit

• Mexico’s Deadly Drug War: A Look At The Violent 5-Year Conflict

• The Awkward Moments Between Jay-Z And Freeway At The Made In America Press Conference [PHOTOS]

• 7 Female Rap Beefs (That Didn’t Involve Lil Kim)
–
Photo: WENN

Now that he’s with Kim Kardashian, Kanye West is stepping his reality TV game up. The Chicago rapper will appear on the forthcoming season of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, premiering this weekend. If you blink, you might miss him, but Ye most definitely pops up in the trailer, sitting next to his lady.

Check out the clip after the jump.

MORE ON HIP-HOP WIRED!

• Mercy: 10 Hip-Hop Artists Who Chose To Die Another Day

• 5 Reasons Why Blue Ivy Carter Will Have A Better Rap Career Than Lil B

• 10 Dope Rap Acts Who Could Not Top Their Freshman Albums

• Bangin Candy: Rico Love’s Division 1 Recording Artist, Rabbit

• Mexico’s Deadly Drug War: A Look At The Violent 5-Year Conflict

• The Awkward Moments Between Jay-Z And Freeway At The Made In America Press Conference [PHOTOS]

• Behind The Scenes Of Rihanna’s “Where Have You Been” Video [PHOTOS]

• 7 Female Rap Beefs (That Didn’t Involve Lil Kim)

–
Photo: Getty

Let’s face it: Jay-Z is a mythical creature. The rapper/mogul/husband is one of a rare breed of celebrity whose spirit makes anyone and everyone want to stand next to him—possibly pass him a demo—and pray for for the opportunity to walk with him the way Teairra Mari did. Okay, that doesn’t sound right, but you know what we mean.

Hov is that dude, and people like to be around him.The “Politics As Usual” MC emits success, whether you like it or not. Often times in photos, celebrities will look—how shall we say—out of place next to Mr. Carter. We’ve found ten different flicks to prove that. Check out the awkwardness.

MORE ON HIP-HOP WIRED!

• Mercy: 10 Hip-Hop Artists Who Chose To Die Another Day

• 5 Reasons Why Blue Ivy Carter Will Have A Better Rap Career Than Lil B

• 10 Dope Rap Acts Who Could Not Top Their Freshman Albums

• Bangin Candy: Rico Love’s Division 1 Recording Artist, Rabbit

• Mexico’s Deadly Drug War: A Look At The Violent 5-Year Conflict

• The Awkward Moments Between Jay-Z And Freeway At The Made In America Press Conference [PHOTOS]

• Behind The Scenes Of Rihanna’s “Where Have You Been” Video [PHOTOS]

• 7 Female Rap Beefs (That Didn’t Involve Lil Kim)

–
Photo: MTV

Nicki Minaj’s “Right By My Side” single has hit the ‘Net, and the Young Money star is getting extra close with fellow Queens rapper Nas. Minaj casts Nas as her love interest in the video for the Chris Brown-assisted track. It’s kind of awkward watching Nas and Nicki tongue wrestle, but it’s all for the good of her craft.

Peep the video after the jump.

MORE ON HIP-HOP WIRED!

• 10 Dope Rap Acts Who Could Not Top Their Freshman Albums

• Bangin Candy: Rico Love’s Division 1 Recording Artist, Rabbit

• Mexico’s Deadly Drug War: A Look At The Violent 5-Year Conflict

• The Awkward Moments Between Jay-Z And Freeway At The Made In America Press Conference [PHOTOS]

• Behind The Scenes Of Rihanna’s “Where Have You Been” Video [PHOTOS]

• 7 Female Rap Beefs (That Didn’t Involve Lil Kim)

• Lark Voorhies (“Lisa Turtle” From Saved By The Bell) Fell Off [VIDEO/PHOTOS]

• A Bad Azz Timeline: How Lil Boosie Ended Up On Trial For Murder
–
Photo: Getty

Not exactly sure how this slipped our radar, but the lovely Amber Rose recently had lunch with the good folks over at The Life Files, and they spoke on everything. Amber says she doesn’t really know Kanye West as a person anymore, flaunted her new engagement ring, and…oh what the hell, she looks gorgeous here. Just watch the video. 
MORE ON HIP-HOP WIRED!

• 10 Dope Rap Acts Who Could Not Top Their Freshman Albums

• Bangin Candy: Rico Love’s Division 1 Recording Artist, Rabbit

• Mexico’s Deadly Drug War: A Look At The Violent 5-Year Conflict

• The Awkward Moments Between Jay-Z And Freeway At The Made In America Press Conference [PHOTOS]

• Behind The Scenes Of Rihanna’s “Where Have You Been” Video [PHOTOS]

• 7 Female Rap Beefs (That Didn’t Involve Lil Kim)

• Lark Voorhies (“Lisa Turtle” From Saved By The Bell) Fell Off [VIDEO/PHOTOS]

• A Bad Azz Timeline: How Lil Boosie Ended Up On Trial For Murder

Death is serious business. Nobody knows that like the people who’ve had experiences that have left them knocking on heaven’s door. Near death experiences aren’t foreign to those in the Hip-Hop arena. There are plenty of Hip-Hop artists that can attest to that.

Whether the catastrophic moment was caused by getting shot, a car accident or a plane crash, there have been dozens of rappers who have punched death in the snotbox and kept it moving. Here are 10 Hip-Hop artists who told death, “I’ll holla.”

MORE ON HIP-HOP WIRED!

• 10 Dope Rap Acts Who Could Not Top Their Freshman Albums

• Bangin Candy: Rico Love’s Division 1 Recording Artist, Rabbit

• Mexico’s Deadly Drug War: A Look At The Violent 5-Year Conflict

• The Awkward Moments Between Jay-Z And Freeway At The Made In America Press Conference [PHOTOS]

• Behind The Scenes Of Rihanna’s “Where Have You Been” Video [PHOTOS]

• 7 Female Rap Beefs (That Didn’t Involve Lil Kim)

• Lark Voorhies (“Lisa Turtle” From Saved By The Bell) Fell Off [VIDE

–
Photo: YouTube

Forbes released their yearly rank of the most fiscally powerful celebrities in the United States. According to Forbes, the list is based on “entertainment-related earnings plus media visibility (exposure in print, television, radio and online), from  film and television actors, TV personalities, models, athletes, authors, musicians and comedians. Jennifer Lopez scored the #1 spot this year followed closely by Oprah, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga rounding out the top 5. Beyonce Knowles snagged the 16th spot on the list, while her husband, Jay-Z place #38. Dr. Dre stayed steady at 26th, while Diddy, Kanye West and Lil’ Wayne placed 42nd, 45th, and 69th respectively. Check the full list below. 

Rank	Name	Pay	Money Rank	TV/Radio Rank	Press Rank	Web Rank	Social Rank
1	Jennifer Lopez	$52 M	30	10	22	13	19
2	Oprah Winfrey	$165 M	1	1	13	19	18
3	Justin Bieber	$55 M	24	4	9	9	3
4	Rihanna	$53 M	27	23	11	5	2
5	Lady Gaga	$52 M	30	3	1	8	1
6	Britney Spears	$58 M	20	26	34	15	11
7	Kim Kardashian	$18 M	77	5	35	6	16
8	Katy Perry	$45 M	36	21	18	7	4
9	Tom Cruise	$75 M	13	22	26	32	42
10	Steven Spielberg	$130 M	3	38	10	46	80
11	Taylor Swift	$57 M	22	17	42	14	7
12	Tiger Woods	$58 M	20	6	4	25	45
13	Angelina Jolie	$20 M	75	18	16	3	83
14	Donald Trump	$63 M	17	2	29	35	62
15	LeBron James	$53 M	27	7	15	23	22
16	Beyonce Knowles	$40 M	43	9	12	12	9
17	Elton John	$80 M	11	29	32	48	58
18	Simon Cowell	$90 M	9	19	28	84	79
19	Rush Limbaugh	$69 M	15	12	56	31	66
20	Tyler Perry	$105 M	6	51	73	64	30
21	Paul McCartney	$57 M	22	34	25	2	52
22	Jennifer Aniston	$11 M	93	28	41	17	94
23	Glenn Beck	$80 M	11	43	77	58	53
24	Adele	$35 M	53	16	5	20	12
25	Bon Jovi	$60 M	18	62	51	55	17
26	Dr. Dre	$110 M	5	88	82	28	40
27	Kobe Bryant	$50 M	33	32	27	27	26
28	Brad Pitt	$25 M	70	11	8	4	94
29	Ryan Seacrest	$59 M	19	33	74	71	34
30	Howard Stern	$95 M	7	52	87	69	67
31	Roger Federer	$52 M	30	41	2	68	28
32	David Beckham	$46 M	35	44	17	26	6
33	Manny Pacquiao	$67 M	16	47	53	73	51
34	Ellen DeGeneres	$53 M	27	30	48	60	23
35	Michael Bay	$160 M	2	79	68	74	91
36	George Lucas	$90 M	9	70	57	75	94
37	James Patterson	$94 M	8	97	75	90	49
38	Jay-Z	$38 M	48	24	31	16	20
39	Jerry Bruckheimer	$115 M	4	91	90	96	82
40	Peyton Manning	$42 M	41	8	24	57	94
41	David Letterman	$45 M	36	13	46	45	78
42	Sean “Diddy” Combs	$45 M	36	60	67	22	36
43	Kristen Stewart	$34 M	55	61	50	21	63
44	Cristiano Ronaldo	$42 M	41	93	7	38	5
45	Kanye West	$35 M	53	53	40	10	31
46	Leonardo Dicaprio	$37 M	49	49	39	42	38
47	Rafael Nadal	$33 M	58	14	3	54	25
48	Phil Mickelson	$48 M	34	42	33	87	88
49	Toby Keith	$55 M	24	71	86	85	54
50	Lionel Messi	$39 M	46	87	6	40	10
51	Ashton Kutcher	$24 M	72	56	38	18	15
52	Floyd Mayweather	$40 M	43	35	62	77	46
53	Kenny Chesney	$44 M	40	48	80	79	37
54	package Wolf	$70 M	14	100	99	100	94
55	Sandra Bullock	$25 M	70	54	64	56	89
56	Johnny Depp	$30 M	62	31	21	1	85
57	Adam Sandler	$37 M	49	57	59	70	13
58	Will Smith	$30 M	62	37	52	43	14
59	Cameron Diaz	$34 M	56	46	47	37	94
60	Tom Brady	$27 M	64	15	14	61	61
61	Gisele Bundchen	$45 M	36	77	88	53	64
62	Mark Burnett	$55 M	24	90	95	99	92
63	Alex Rodriguez	$34 M	56	36	30	65	71
64	Jerry Seinfeld	$40 M	43	58	81	86	69
65	Tom Hanks	$26 M	67	20	36	66	44
66	Stephen King	$39 M	46	81	55	59	76
67	Taylor Lautner	$26 M	66	67	58	36	21
68	Brad Paisley	$32 M	61	39	79	80	41
69	Lil Wayne	$27 M	64	75	63	10	8
70	Dwayne Johnson	$36 M	51	84	72	83	29
71	Maria Sharapova	$26 M	67	59	20	76	33
72	Ben Stiller	$33 M	58	73	65	81	43
73	Khloe Kardashian Odom	$11 M	93	63	92	24	27
74	Seth MacFarlane	$36 M	51	92	94	92	55
75	Charlize Theron	$18 M	77	65	61	34	75
76	Sofia Vergara	$19 M	76	71	100	41	56
77	Serena Williams	$13 M	90	40	19	63	47
78	Alec Baldwin	$15 M	85	27	60	44	70
79	Janet Evanovich	$33 M	58	95	91	97	72
80	Julia Roberts	$16 M	84	45	43	49	77
81	Eva Longoria	$15 M	85	65	69	29	39
82	John Grisham	$26 M	67	89	78	91	48
83	Meryl Streep	$12 M	91	25	23	66	94
84	Tiesto	$23 M	73	98	89	62	24
85	J.K. Rowling	$17 M	83	67	44	50	68
86	Sarah Jessica Parker	$15 M	85	69	49	51	73
87	Li Na	$18 M	77	74	37	94	87
88	Hugh Laurie	$18 M	77	83	70	82	57
89	Reese Witherspoon	$9 M	96	50	54	30	84
90	Jeff Dunham	$22 M	74	96	97	88	32
91	Larry The Cable Guy	$18 M	77	78	82	93	65
92	Skrillex	$15 M	85	98	85	33	35
93	Tina Fey	$11 M	93	54	66	72	81
94	Kate Moss	$9 M	96	86	45	39	74
95	Ray Romano	$18 M	77	85	93	98	93
96	Zooey Deschanel	$9 M	96	80	71	52	50
97	Bethenny Frankel	$12 M	91	82	98	78	60
98	Tim Allen	$14 M	89	76	84	95	86
99	Melissa McCarthy	$6 M	100	64	76	89	90
100	Adriana Lima	$7 M	99	94	96	47	59

MORE ON HIP-HOP WIRED!

• 10 Dope Rap Acts Who Could Not Top Their Freshman Albums

• Bangin Candy: Rico Love’s Division 1 Recording Artist, Rabbit

• Mexico’s Deadly Drug War: A Look At The Violent 5-Year Conflict

• The Awkward Moments Between Jay-Z And Freeway At The Made In America Press Conference [PHOTOS]

• Behind The Scenes Of Rihanna’s “Where Have You Been” Video [PHOTOS]

• 7 Female Rap Beefs (That Didn’t Involve Lil Kim)

• Lark Voorhies (“Lisa Turtle” From Saved By The Bell) Fell Off [VIDEO/PHOTOS]

• A Bad Azz Timeline: How Lil Boosie Ended Up On Trial For Murder

–

Photo: Rap-Up

The mythical album of Jay Electronica‘s is apparently completed and has been heard by real human ears. Those ears happen to belong to Jay-Z and he says that as a lyricist he’s almost “scary good.” Wow.

Let’s hope this isn’t another rap fairy tale. Hit the jump to see Hov talk to our boy Rob Markman about Act 2: The Patents Of Nobility. 

MORE ON HIP-HOP WIRED!

• The Awkward Moments Between Jay-Z And Freeway At The Made In America Press Conference [PHOTOS]

• Waka Flocka Flame Covers 5th Anniversary Issue Of Urban Ink Magazine [PHOTOS]

• Behind The Scenes Of Rihanna’s “Where Have You Been” Video [PHOTOS]

• 7 Female Rap Beefs (That Didn’t Involve Lil Kim)

• Kanye West & Kim Kardashian Courtside At Lakers vs. Nuggets Game [PHOTOS]

• Lark Voorhies (“Lisa Turtle” From Saved By The Bell) Fell Off [VIDEO/PHOTOS]

• 10 Reasons Why Justin Bieber Has Earned His Hood Pass

• A Bad Azz Timeline: How Lil Boosie Ended Up On Trial For Murder

–

Photo: MTV News