50 Cent’s shrewd approach to business just might be the linchpin to his success. Crafty investments—like how he snagged a stake in Vitamin Water just before the company was acquired by Coca-Cola, or his purchase of a wireless headphone company to launch his own brand of hardware, SMS Audio, rather than licensing his likeness to a manufacturer—are arguably most responsible for fueling the recent career of “Formula F-50.” Curtis Jackson seems to always find a unique way to capitalize on industry trends. In a recent interview with Vibe, 50 Cent … → read more

Pepsi is a soda brand as American as its red, white, and blue label. The soft drink titan has gone tan in major ways in 2012, from Nicki’s multimillion dollar deal, to its use of Paula Patton and Eva Longoria’s beautiful faces to endorse their healthier new line, Pepsi Next. Now the brand will pay homage to the pop superstar who helped make it a household name. Michael Jackson’s likeness will be featured on Pepsi cans this year. The brand has smartly aligned itself with warm nostalgia of the past, … → read more

In the snarling world of pop art, few if anything ever falls out of bounds. Clashing expressions unite like Wonder Twins, creating an electrifying collage of painting, photography, illustrations, et al. At it’s best, at least. For his latest mixed media collection, pop artist Kendrick Daye, better known as GREATeclectic, juxtaposes Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, and Barack Obama with Ronald Reagan, the Mona Lisa, and more. Click through and enjoy. [Source]

President Obama announces support for gay marriage. [Huffington Post] Jimi Hendrix estate says it is not yet on board with biopic, All By My Side, starring Andre 3000. [Wall Street Journal] Jay-Z launches D’usse cognac in partnership with Bacardi. [Complex] Nelson Mandela clothing line set to come to America. [Huffington Post] Maroon 5, Wiz Khalifa collaborate on “Payphone.” [Xclusive Zone]

After a long battle with throat cancer, musical legend and Beastie Boys great, Adam “MCA” Yauch, passed away on Friday, May 4, 2012. Over the past weekend, an outpouring of love, admiration, and respect has flowed in from all corners of the globe. The impact of MCA’s contributions to society and sound can not be measured, but they can—and should—be appreciated forever. From his ground breaking work as part of The Beastie Boys, to his diligence in working to improve the plight of the people of Tibet, to the conscious … → read more

Coldplay covers the Beastie Boys’ “Fight for Your Right” at the Hollywood Bowl, in tribute to the late Adam Yauch. [Rolling Stone] Rihanna designs her second collection for Armani. [Soul Culture] Usher is featured on the cover of Billboard magazine, and talks about the genre-blending sound of Looking 4 Myself, his upcoming album. [Billboard] The cast of NBC’s hit show Smash perform a rendition of Donnie McClurkin’s gospel song, “Stand.” [TV Guide]