Grammy Awards, The Nominations:

Will.i.am, Busta Rhymes, T.I., Gnarls Barkley, Missy Elliott, Eminem, Lupe Fiasco and others are up for awards during the 49th Annual Grammy Awards, which takes place Feb. 11 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The nominations for the Grammy Awards were announced yesterday at The Music Box @ Fonda in Hollywood, with celebrities as Chris Brown, Ludacris, James Blunt, Evanescence’s Amy Lee and Mary J. Blige in attendance.

Blige’s album The Breakthrough led all nominees with eight nods including Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Album, Song Of The Year and others.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers earned six, while James Blunt, the Dixie Chicks, John Mayer, Danger Mouse, Prince, Rick Rubin, will.i.am and John Williams were each nominated a total of five times.

T.I., Beyoncé, Gnarls Barkley and Justin Timberlake each earned a respectable four nominations.

“These nominations truly reflect a diverse and vibrant community of music makers and creators who represent some of the most remarkable music of the year,” said Neil Portnow, President of The Recording Academy. “Once again, the Grammy Awards process has delivered a well-rounded group of excellent nominees, which promises music lovers a spectacular show filled with dynamic performances and “Grammy Moments” that can only be seen on the Grammy Awards telecast.”

Gnarls Barkley’s album St. Elsewhere will compete for the coveted Album Of The Year Award against The Dixie Chicks (Taking The Long Way), John Mayer (Continuum) the Red Hot Chili Peppers (Stadium Arcadium) and Justin Timberlake (FutureSex/LoveSounds).

The 49th Annual Grammy Awards will be broadcast live from the Staples Center on February 11 from 8 – 11:30 p.m. on CBS.

Nas & Mobb Deep Beef?

Havoc and Prodigy can talk ish about Nas all they want. The Queensbridge lyricist isn’t fazed by any of it. During a recent interview on Baltimore, MD’s Power 92.1 Jamz, God’s Son responded to Mobb’s claims that he signed to Def Jam in response to the Queens duo joining the G-Unit roster. “Mobb Deep signing to G-Unit is a disgrace to hip-hop,” Nas told DJ Rosetta Devine during the interview. “I love them little brothers, but don’t speak on Nas. It doesn’t make sense. You learned from me. That’s the bottom line. “

Mr. Jones then stated his position, sharing that he’s now past feuds and wishes for rap artists to unite. “What we do is a form of unity,” Nas explained. “It’s easy to sell records if I diss you. Who can sell records on love?” “It’s easy to tattoo somebody’s crew on your knuckles and act like you tough,” the lyricist continued. “But be a man, let’s see how far you get. And I believe in Mobb Deep. I believe that they will prosper even though they say negative stuff. They my little duns. Those are my little babies.”

Watch Beyonce – ‘Listen’ music video clip (world premiere)

The R&B powerhouse presents an emotional soul ballad from her upcoming feature film Dreamgirls.

Find more beyonce – ‘listen’ music video clips or check out the related video tags: Beyonce Dreamgirls Listen r&b Soul Dreamgirls Soundtrack soundtracks Music Videos

Ludacris: Kick Me AIDS Campaign

Gangster rapper Ludacris is promoting AIDS awareness as a spokesperson for the International Youth Aids organizations “Kick Me” campaign.

Luda recently visited Northwestern University Students in Chicago and met with U.S. Senator Barack Obama. The rapper talked safe sex and condoms to the students and held a one-hour Q and A.

The Atlanta rapper said in a statement to the students, “I talk about sex in my music, but you don’t ever hear me talk about condoms. I can’t speak for other rappers, but I think it’s important that I let you know to be safe when you’re having sex.”

The rapper then met with Senator Obama after the session with the students. The meeting was closed to the press however, he says he and the senator talked about empowering youth. Obama declined to comment on the meeting.Ludacris ordered the media out of the room after introducing his mission because he says he wanted the students to feel free to ask him honest questions, and he wanted to be able to respond freely.

The rapper then met with Senator Obama after the session with the students. The meeting was closed to the press however, he says he and the senator talked about empowering youth. Obama declined to comment on the meeting.