Kanye West Honors A Tribe Called Quest's Phife Dawg

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Kanye West paid tribute to Phife Dawg at a memorial service for the A Tribe Called Quest rapper. Hundreds gathered at New York City's Apollo Theater Tuesday to pay their respects to the musician (born Malik Taylor), who died from diabetes-related complications last month at age 45. Stars including Lauryn Hill, LL Cool J and L.A. Reid were seen in the crowd. In addition to West, André 3000, Chuck D, Michael Rapaport and Busta Rhymes addressed the audience, while D'Angelo,Grandmaster Flash, The Roots and others performed. A Tribe Called Quest'sJarobi and Ali Shaheed Muhammad Q-Tip eulogized Taylor at the end of the four-hour service.

West spoke for eight minutes, saying he owed his career to Taylor.

"I might say something wrong as always, but I thought it'd be more wrong not to say nothing. When I see the power in this room...Low End Theory was the first album I ever bought and I stayed in the suburbs of Chicago with my stepfather," West said. "I'd always get into trouble for listening to music during the week and then I would have to go to detention or study hall, but I enjoyed it 'cause I had that Tribe tape and it didn't really matter how long that walk was."

"I think about stories I hear about [Queen] Latifah when she was young; how she knew what she was gonna be in life. I look at the power in this room. I know [Hot 97 DJ Peter] Rosenberg said something about [Led] Zeppelin and you know me: I'm very sensitive about things like this. But I don't want to hear Zeppelin mentioned at Phife's funeral," the rapper added, referencing Rosenberg's earlier comments. "One hundred years from now, we're gonna all be with Phife and this country was built off our back. I live next to the dentist. I stay in a $20 million crib next to the dentist.Dave Chappelle, you know what I'm talking about. We had an event a year ago and I would just go over to Tip's house like when they was doing Low End Theory andPete Rock came down. And I be at these events in Hollywood and I be at these events here and I'm looking at how many more people inspire us and the walls that we have on our finances. Out in Hollywood, everybody got a mink coat and $500,000 car. And it's the way the music industry was set up was that all the people that run the industry and sign everybody from out of Queens, the Bronx, South Side of Chicago, Atlanta make sure that they get that crib."

NEWS: A Tribe Called Quest reacts to Phife Dawg's death

"I'm sorry, but that's what was on my f--kin' mind when I was sitting here thinking about how much these people inspire me and how powerful the influence of the music was and how it made that walk to study hall so short. How it meant everything. It is everything. Music was stolen from us and corporatized and anybody that spoke up was demonized. Anything I ever did wrong, blame Tip and Phife 'cause y'all raised me," West said. "I don't want to hear about Led Zeppelin tonight. Every time y'all started the rap, you give me one line of 'Scenario,' I'll do the whole joint all the way through. Y'all made it okay in a city of Al Capone—No. 1 murder capital city—for me to be me. Tribe made Kanye West. Made the kid with the pink Polo. Made it so I could dress funny. I'm not sorry if I said something wrong."

"[Consequence] know. He said honor and maybe there wasn't no punch lines with it. Me and Cons were on the same thing, sitting at Baseline Studio. We ain't never stopped; cameras on/off, we ain't never stop. Honor. Honor that work. That influence. That ability to chop that sample. That ability to put that rap together. Honor that," West continued. "Maybe it ain't no David Stern that figured out to turn everybody in rap to multi-millionaires the way they turn ballplayers to multi-millionaires. But they got to honor it. I'm picturing the Grammys right now, it's going to be a real quick [tribute]. Short, like when the Michael Jackson joint was short. Or when you get to Michael Jackson status, somebody say, 'Aw, you crazy 'cause you said the truth out loud.' You get in trouble for the truth."

"Honor, man. They gotta honor us; honor what hip-hop is. It should not be surprising to you when the sports announcer [Scott Van Pelt] was influenced by Tribe. That should not be a surprise! That's the absolute truth!" West said. "I love y'all and I'm not sorry. Rest in peace to Phife Dawg."

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ARE JAKE AND SADIE A PERFECT — ALBEIT AWKWARD — MATCH?

Gentlemen prefer blondes, and we have a sneaking suspicion Awkward’s resident bully might unwittingly dig ’em too.

On tonight’s episode, in an attempt to heal her broken heart, Sadie pulled out all the stops to make ex-boyfriend Sergio jealous. The former lovebirds had agreed to put their relationship on hold while Sadie was away at college, but Sadie, who was sure they’d reunite once she returned home for summer break, was met with a different harsh truth: Sergio had moved on…like, really moved on.

Rather than sulk, Sadie wrangled arm candy to show off at Sergio’s food truck. And she wrangled more arm candy. And more arm candy. Unfortunately for her, Palos Hills’ most GQ-worthy men weren’t enough to knock Sergio off balance, and he continued to ignore Sadie’s love games. Defeated, she seemed ready to concede…until one particular friend swooped in to help.

Jake, who’d always been on decent terms with Sadie, agreed to escort Sadie to the food truck for one last attempt at Mission: Make Sergio Jealous. Sergio remained unmoved, though, until Jake stepped up and tossed a trusty grenade into the other camp’s trenches.

“I’m gonna do something, but you’ve gotta promise not to punch me in the balls,” Jake said before he leaned in and planted a kiss on Sadie that could have silenced cannonades.

Finally, Sergio – who watched from a distance – admitted he was a liiiittle envious. But is Sadie overlooking a clearer fit?

Think about it: If opposites attract, Jake might be a perfect complement to Sadie’s boorish rudeness. Where she’s dismissive, he’s inclusive; where she’s cutting, he’s an instinctive healer (who else would have agreed to Sadie’s seemingly ludicrous plan?). For all of the relationship merry-go-rounding on Awkward over the years, Jake and Sadie have never considered going out, but now that their first post-high school year has passed, it might be the perfect time to consider new romantic frontiers.

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NATHAN SYKES LINKS WITH G-EAZY ON SLICK NEW SINGLE ‘GIVE IT UP’

More than two years after The Wanted announced an indefinite hiatus, Nathan Sykes is continuing to churn out solo material, leading up to the release of his debut album.

Following his reworked version of “Over and Over Again” featuring ex Ariana Grande, Nathan is back with a slick and soulful new single, “Give It Up.” The funked-up track samples Blackstreet’s ‘90s R&B hit “Don’t Leave Me,” and finds Nathan begging a special someone to stay with him and give him all the lovin’ he so desperately craves. To boost the radio-friendly factor, “Give It Up” also features a cool, confident guest verse from buzzy rapperG-Eazy, who spits about his lonely life on the road. (But do you really think it’s Beatlemania every time he leaves his hotel, like he claims? Hmmm.)

Last month, Nathan told Digital Spy that the breezy new single is exactly what you think it’s about: “It’s just about getting someone into bed really!” he said. “I’m not going to beat around the bush! It does what it says on the tin.

“I think it’s quite unexpected for me,” he continued. “I mean, it’s not explicit or anything like that. I’ve obviously tried to keep an element of class to it.”

The 22-year-old’s long-awaited debut solo album is expected to arrive this year.

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BEYONCÉ PROTÉGÉES CHLOE X HALLE RELEASE MUSIC VID FOR DEBUT SINGLE ‘DROP’

Between announcing a new single, a tour, and anathletic line — not to mention, hopefully prepping a new album — it’s easy to forget that Beyoncé has another budding business venture up her sleeve: her own music label with an already-thriving roster of talent. One of her first signees to Parkwood Entertainment was sister duo Chloe x Halle, whose YouTube cover of “Pretty Hurts” captured the attention of Queen B herself and skyrocketed them into viral superstardom.

Now, the teenage Bailey sisters have released their first single and music video for “Drop,” a certifiable jam with haunting verses, booming bass, and even a dose of swagged-out rap. The stylish clip was shot on the same California ranch where Django Unchained was filmed, and features footage of rolling green hills, Chloe and Halle’s entangled hair, some delicate choreography, and, most importantly, a cute horse.

Chloe, 18, and Halle, 16, recently opened for Michelle Obama’s keynote at South by Southwest, and even appeared on the FLOTUS-sanctioned charity single “This is for My Girls,” along with Kelly Clarkson, Missy Elliott, and Zendaya.

Beyoncé recently told Elle magazine about her roster of talent under Parkwood Entertainment, saying, “It’s exciting, but having the power to make every final decision and being accountable for them is definitely a burden and a blessing. To me, power is making things happen without asking for permission. It’s affecting the way people perceive themselves and the world around them. It’s making people stand up with pride.”

She continued, “I want to take all my resources and give these artists the support of the best, to nurture them and allow they to be who they really are.”

And with the sheer force of Beyoncé behind them, it’s safe to assume Chloe x Halle are destined to be stars in no time.

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Khloe, Kim and Kourtney Kardashian Join the Family for a Snowy Getaway in Vail

Splash News

The Kardashian family is hitting the slopes.

E! News has learned that the famous family is currently freshening up on their skiing and snowboarding skills by jetting off for a white getaway to Vail for some fun in the sun snow.

Khloe Kardashian was photographed preparing to conquer the fresh powder with her skis, while Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick were spotted rocking head-to-toe snow gear, making them absolutely unrecognizable (and also giving us someDaft Punk vibes).

Khloe was also seen getting together with Kendall Jenner, who opted to steer away from the family's all-black trend and wore a colorful snow suit. Meanwhile, Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian took to social media to share their snaps of the family trip.

LOOK: Kardashian-Jenner Family Enjoys a Day at the Museum and North West Steals the Show

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Kim, who has become quite the Snapchatter, shared a number of sweet moments from the family getaway, including some precious father-daughter moments between Kanye West and North West.

Nori, who had matching braids with Auntie KoKo and cousin Penelope Disick, joined her rapping dad for a FaceTime session on keys for success with the master himself, DJ Khaled. "They don't want them to have the furs #facetimingwkhaled," Kim wrote on the snap.

Meanwhile, Kylie, who was joined on the trip by boyfriend Tyga, showed fans that the famous kin took some time to get nostalgic and go through old family photos.

How precious is that?!

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Janet Jackson Delays World Tour to Plan Her Family

Twitter

Janet Jackson is going to be a mom!

The singer addressed fans in a Twitter video early Wednesday morning. "Hey, you guys. On Aug. 31, as you probably, know I launched the Unbreakable World Tour. First I just want to thank all the fans for coming out and seeing the show. Thank you so much," the 49-year-old "BURNITUP!" singer said. "You guys made it so enjoyable each and every night. We're in the second leg of the tour and there actually has been a sudden change. I thought it was important that you would be the first to know my husband and I are planning our family, so I'm going to have to delay the tour. Please if you can try to understand that I do this now. I have to rest up, doctor's orders. But I have not forgotten about you. I will continue to tour as soon as I possibly can."

Jackson, who wed Qatari business magnate Wissam Al Mana in 2012, did not offer further details regarding what her family planning will entail. In December 2015, Jackson announced that the second North American leg of her tour would be postponed as she required surgery. All concert dates were rescheduled except for one date in Lexington, Ky., as the venue was scheduled to undergo renovations. In January, Jackson addressed reports about her health. "Remember…believe it when you hear it from my lips. The rumors are untrue. I do not have cancer. I'm recovering," she told her Twitter followers. "My doctors have approved my concert as scheduled in Europe, and as I promised, the postponed shows will be rescheduled. Thank you for your prayers and love." In March 2016, however, the European leg of the tour was postponed.

NEWS: Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch is on sale for $100 million

"I want to thank the dancers, the band, my entire crew. You guys were so professional, so incredibly talented, so supporting and loving each and every night. Thank you so much and I can't wait for us to get started again. Thank you to Live Nation for your loyal partnership and support. You guys are the best at what you do in your field and know that that's why I'm with you. Once again, thank you again to all the fans for your love, your undying love, your loyalty. That means so much to me. You're truly appreciated. It's been a long journey and you guys have been there each and every step of the way and I really do appreciate that. Thank you so much," the five-time Grammy winner said, adding, "I will see you soon. I love you. Bye."

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Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna Are Engaged

After three months of dating, the couple announced their engagement viaInstagram overnight. Blac, 27, shared the first photo of her ring, writing, "YES!...!...!" Rob, 29, later shared a picture of his bride-to-be flashing her rock while holding a stack of dollar bills. Blac and Rob celebrated their engagement at the L.A. gentlemen's club Ace of Diamonds, as she had been hired to host a party prior to Rob popping the question. No modern engagement would be complete without a Snapchat story, of course. In one of the videos Blac shared with her fans, she and Rob were grinning from ear to ear as they listened to Kanye West's "Highlights" in the car, in which his brother-in-law, 38, raps, "Blac Chyna f---king Rob helped him with the weight."

Three sources close to Blac confirmed the engagement to E! News Tuesday. "They are so happy," an insider said. "Chyna's been texting her friends how excited she is!" Rob had asked Blac's family for their permission before proposing, two sources add. Her mom, Tokyo Toni, gushed about the engagement via Instagram Tuesday, writing, "Chy and Rob are my favorite two people in the world. They both have shown strength diversity and triumph. These kids are fabulous and both are great role models to young old or children. I have so much respect for this couple and all attached." As for a wedding date, Tokyo played coy, telling her followers, "To be continued."

PHOTOS: Blac Chyna's sexiest Instagram shots

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According to one source, Rob bought the ring a week or so ago. "They were serious from the time they started dating," the source says. "He knew he wanted to marry her."

Blac's BFF, Amber Rose, gave the couple a shout-out on Instagram Tuesday, writing, "Congratulations to my Family @blacchyna and @robkardashian!!! Pease don't let nothing or no one tear u guys apart! I never seen my sis so happy and I couldn't be more happy for her! Sometimes we find love in the strangest places Lol God Bless you 2! Now let's get this wedding together so y'all can start making some babies #TrueLove #putaringonitsouknowitsreal #BlacRob."

VIDEO: Amber Rose is happy for Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna

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Though it seems to be a happy time for the twosome, some fans were quick to question whether the engagement is real, and if so, whether it will last. After all, Blac has played into engagement rumors with Rob before. Together since January, this will be the first marriage for both Blac and Rob. The Lashed salon owner was previously engaged to Tyga, with whom she has a 3-year-old son, King Cairo Stevenson.

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