Hip Hop's revolutionary voice, Kanye West is back with his eagerly anticipated new album Graduation featuring the hit single 'Stronger'. If you can't wait until Tuesday, then head to MTV, MuchMusic, or Sympatico/MSN to preview the album!

Pick up Graduation in stores September 11th.

VP Records keeps coming stronger with each release. Assassin is ready to put the charts on smash this September with the drop of his second album Gully Sit'n. You may know Assassin from his early days as a deejay/songwriter, or the track he wrote for Spragga Benz. More recently Assassin has released a number of hits on the most popular riddims alongside veteran artists Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Spragga Benz, and Penthouse Label mate Buju Banton. Much like Buju Banton, Assassin's major start also happened at the ripe age of 17.  Now at 22 he's one of the youngest riddim riders in the game.  His pre-album/pre-record deal singles boast number one status and more than a few top five slots on the reggae charts globally. Plus, he's part of the Penthouse Records roster, the label that manages the careers of Buju Banton, Wayne Wonder, and Tony Rebel. Assassin's definitely competing for the favor of his contemporaries, most of whom are about ten years his senior. So far Assassin has released enough songs to complete two albums. Make sure you willy bounce on down to your local retailer and pick up that fire Gully Sit'n on Tuesday September 25.

Keyshia Cole is back with her brand new album Just Like You! It includes the smash single 'Let It Go' featuring Missy Elliott and Lil Kim.  If you haven't heard this by now, I don't know where you've been!  It's just burning up Urban radio everywhere!  If you're not familiar with Keyshia, her first album The Way It Is garnered critical acclaim all across the world.  Women everywhere found themselves relating to her lyrics and to her struggle to survive.  In 2006, Keyshia was all over the place.  From doing her reality show The Way It Is, to recording with various artists, she was in the limelight so much that her popularity exploded. Despite her tremendous success, Keyshia Cole is out to prove that she is still indeed, "Just Like You".  On this new album, Keyshia makes it a point to empower young women everywhere by showing them that they too can rise through hard times and achieve their goals. The second season of The Way It Is will hit the air this year and she'll be making her big screen debut alongside Samuel L. Jackson in Lakeview Terrace.  As well, be sure to catch Keyshia on Sept. 6th as she performs the National Anthem at the RCA Dome in Indiana alongside the Voices Of Unity Youth Choir in celebration of the 2007 NFL Kickoff!  Didn't we tell you things are poppin' off for this rising superstar!! One thing is for certain, if you loved The Way It Is, then you've got to get to the stores on September 25th, cause Just Like You will be an absolute must! Stay locked to universalurban.com for more details.

Just a few days left until Chicago native Common drops his much anticipated album Finding Forever on Tuesday July 31st! This mutli-talented Grammy Award nominee has been steady on the grind doing everything from designing his own line of hats entitled "SOJI", to shooting films such as American Gangster alongside Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe and Wanted starring Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman. One could only wonder how he finds time to even record an album! Well put that thought to rest, cause' your man Common has definitely done it again. Hes enlisted some of the games top producers and artists including the late J Dilla, DJ Premier, Will.I.Am, D'Angelo, Lily Allen and long time friend Kanye West on the first official single entitled 'The People'. Expect nothing less than a true Hip Hop masterpiece from this Chi-Town lyricist when Finding Forever hits the streets on July 31st!

The most anticipated R&B album of the year is here with the release of Ne-Yo's BECAUSE OF YOU! The album showcases Ne-Yo's growth as a singer/songwriter and all around entertainer. Ne-Yo hones his craft by dueting with Academy Award Winner Jennifer Hudson on "Leaving Tonight" and Def Jam President/CEO Jay-Z who contributes a verse to "Crazy." Ne-Yo's smash lead single "Because of You" effortlessly blends sophisticated lyrics with a laid back melodic flow (a winning formula for Ne-Yo) and his follow up single, "Do You" (the musical sequel to last year's smash "So Sick") is proving to be a winner with fans!

Purchase the album now at Itunes and other retailers!

Pharoahe's highly anticipated album, Desire, has now moved to a release date of June 26. Recently, Pharoahe made it to Toronto as a guest speaker for a conference on gun culture and violence in the urban community. While here he also had time to bless his fans with a timeless performance at the Opera House. In front of a packed audience, Pharoahe commanded the crowd the way "Simon Says" is supposed to. Check out the webisode on the Asphalt Regime page!

www.universalurban.com/site/web/asphaltregime/

Pharoahe's highly anticipated album, Desire, has now moved to a release date of June 26. Recently, Pharoahe made it to Toronto as a guest speaker for a conference on gun culture and violence in the urban community. While here he also had time to bless his fans with a timeless performance at the Opera House. In front of a packed audience, Pharoahe commanded the crowd the way "Simon Says" is supposed to. Check out the webisode on the Asphalt Regime page!

www.universalurban.com/site/web/asphaltregime/

Damian "Jr Gong" Marley won the Boomshot Award this week at the Vibe Awards. Damian, received a room full of cheers for his hit song "Welcome to Jamrock." The Boomshot Award was created to honor and show appreciation for exceptional Caribbean music.

Catch a 30 sec. peep of Damian Marley's new video from his next single "Road To Zion" featuring Nas right here on UniversalUrban.com.  

Click on the links to check it out: Windows Media Link or Real Player Media Link.  

Remember to stay tuned to the site to catch the full premiere of the video.

With his new album What The Game's Been Missing dropping October 25th, Juelz is out there 24/7, putting in work and repping Harlem to the fullest. The Dipset MC just recently finished shooting 2 brand new videos for "There It Go" and "Shottas" directed by Scott Franklin in Santana's home town of NYC, and you'll be able to check 'em out right here as soon as they're done. Word has it that these videos are crazy so keep an eye out for them bubbling up real soon and keep coming back to universalurban.com for all the latest info on Juelz and the new album.

The Wally Champ is back with another surefire classic album set for a release in December 2005. The brand new album Fish Scale features Ghost throwing dartz like nothing you've ever heard before. Check for the new single "Be Easy" right here on defjam.com later this week and make sure to hit up the request lines to get Tony Starks some airplay early in the game! Keep coming back here for all the latest.

The debut video from Daf Jam's new recruit Ne-Yo has officially wrapped up and you'll be able to check it out online real soon. Right now you can hit up the photo gallery for exclusive snapshots from the set of "Stay" featuring Peedia Crakk and get a taste of what's to come from one of the hottest new singer/songwriters in the game. Click Here to check out the brand new photos of Ne-Yo!

LIVE 8 SGT. PEPPER RUSH-RELEASED WORLDWIDE AS DIGITAL DOWNLOAD FROM UNIVERSAL MUSIC

Unique recording only available online from 200+ stores in 30 countries

LONDON, July 2, 2005  The historic opening of todays Live 8 concert in London  U2 and Sir Paul McCartney collaborating on the Beatles Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band  has been rush-released worldwide by Universal Music Group as a digital download, for sale only one hour after its performance on the Hyde Park stage.

The unique recording is available to buy through more than 200 online music stores and services in 30 countries, including Live8Live.com, and the proceeds from the download sales are being donated to Live 8.

Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band is thought to be the fastest-ever worldwide commercial download release from a major music event.  It has been achieved by the co-operation of the artists, the Live 8 organisation and the events broadcasters, working with the Universal Music technology team and dozens of online music outlets.  Guinness World Records is closely monitoring this aspect of Live 8, to see if the achievement qualifies for a Guinness World Records seal of approval.

Music fans have an opportunity to set a world record of their own, by buying the downloadable Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band more than any other track previously released online.  The recording will not be available in physical form.

Immediately after its performance today, Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band was transmitted by satellite to the BBC Television Centre in London, and relayed to U.K. broadcaster Capital Radio.  A direct digital recording was captured there for Universal Music, which edited, mastered and transmitted the track to its production centre in Hanover, Germany.  The final master was sent to the companys global electronic distribution warehouse in the U.S., followed by real-time delivery to online retailers around the world, for sale as the first Live 8 download.

We just put up a ton of shots from the MuchMusic Video Awards. The Killers, Ashlee Simpson, Black Eyed Peas, and Alexisonfire.... Take a peek and there is still more to come.

For those who don't know by now, Keyshia Cole is the next songstress to raid the scene.  Hailing from the Bay area (Oakland) this 22 year old used her street smarts and experiences to write and produce this album.  Since working with Kanye West on her first single "I Changed My Mind" all eyes are on Keyshia.  Now she is dropping her debut album "The Way It Is" and the follow up single "I Just Want It To Be Over" produced by Krucial Keys, is blazin the radio and all over the TV. Don't expect a Brandy, Monica or Beyonce album!  Keyshia has that street edge advantage over all her competition...that being said get ready for the ghetto princess' street hymns telling you the this is the way it is!

The time has come for our rising star to shine!  Rochester AKA Juice is set to release his debut album "A New Day" this Tuesday June 21st. Building a rep by winning the first Flow talent search and hitting 'em immediatly with his buzz track "Do It (Like we do it)", Rochester made a lasting impact in the streets.  His first single "A New Day" feat. Kolor Brown has set the stage for the release of his first LP titled the same.  Canada needs an album like this!  When last have you heard pure, real HOME GROWN hip hop !  Rochester AKA Juice is here to let people know that he is the one to lead a new movement of Canadian hip

hop... so support you own and go out and buy this sh*t!

So by now, we're sure that you've heard the crazy club, whip and gentlemen's club dancing track "Wait" (The Whisper Song) and have seen the crazy hot video directed by Little X (if not click "Wait"). But you know Universal Urban is always coming with a little something extra for the kids, so we're giving you the first listen to the next single off their new album United States of Atlanta, coming June 28, 2005, "Badd" featuring the one and one Mike Jones.

Click the link: Badd

Ottawa-based Canadian R&B singer/ songwriter Massari is raising the bar and setting a new standard for urban music in Canada.  Massari's self-titled debut album is in stores now.  The first single entitled "Smile For Me" features former Bad Boy artist Loon.  Accompanied by one of the hottest videos by a Canadian artist, "Smile For Me", has garnered much attention from media outlets across the country.  Look out for the next single "Be Easy" that has already begun to heat up in the clubs and with a video in medium rotation at Much, this promises to be a major success.

Most urban people in Canada have already known for the last few years that when you need a vocalist to shut the house down, you call Divine Brown.  When Brown belts out her typically tender soul music numbers, it's as clear a partnership of soul, pop and jazz as you'll hear in the clubs, or on the airwaves.  The most common views held about her vocal tapestry?  Octoave range.  Untouchable.  Her pipes must be the product of another time period, when vocal chops really mattered  With her self-titled debut, Brown makes a successful leap from slightly-blow-the-radar local vocal phenomenon to full-on, ready for the world soul chanteuse...who after one week broke a radio record with the release of her first single "Old Skool Love"!

Get ready ya'll on June 21st, Jully Black's new album "This is Me" is hitting stores. By now, I am sure you've seen the new hot video for "Sweat Of Your Brow" and heard the track on radio. Jully is delivering on all levels with "This Is Me", showing that nothing can hold her back.  Make sure to look out for Jully, she's doing it big this summer. You can catch her opening for the Black Eyed Peas and presenting at this year's MMVA's.  This album is a true representation of her sultry soul laced with hip-hop, pop, reggae and dub. She wrote 13 songs on the album and worked with great producers such as Soul Diggaz, Agile and Saukrates.

Look out for Jully at these Black Eyed Pea dates as she will be opening

for them:

* July 11 London - John Labatt Centre  

* July 15 Winnipeg - MTS Centre  

* July 16 Saskatoon - Credit Union Centre  

* July 17 Edmonton - Rexall Place  

* July 18 Grand Prairie - Canada Games Arena  

* July 19 Calgary - Pengrowth Saddledome  

* July 21 Victoria - Save on Foods Centre  

* July 22 Vancouver - Deer Lake Park  

* July 23 Kelowna - Prospera Place  

Haven't heard the new Jully Black?  Peep the link below.

Jully Black Jukebox

Known for the commercial hits from their TVT debut "Me & My Brother", "Salt Shaker feat. Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz" and "Whats Happenin! Feat. Trick Daddy".  As the south became more popular, more "commercial" artists would look to capitalize.  That same year Ying Yang twins (D-Roc & Kaine) appeared on Britney Spears album "In The Zone" and her television special of the same name.  Now they're back and "U.S.A. (United State Of Atlanta)" is the most anticipated creation from the Source Magazine's Group of The Year (2004).  The new album features the likes of music's many heavy hitters.  Everyone from Adam Levine (maroon 5) to B.G. to Anthony Hamilton to Teedra Moses and Pitbull are featured on this album.  It's crazy.  The first single, "Wait (the Whisper)" is blowing up everywhere.  Medium rotation at Much & Heavy at Vibe. But if you're really hardcore then you've already heard the remix featuring: Mike Jonze, Missy Elliot and Busta Rhymes.  Trust, look out for that.  The guest appearances on USA are crazy too. Especially on what looks to be our 3rd single "Live Again", which invites Maroon 5's Adam Levine on the hook.  Produced by Midnight Black, "Live Again" is an interpretation of Al Green's gospel classic "Belle".  Other confirmed guests include: Lil Jon, Mike Jones, Three 6 Mafia, Anthony Hamilton, Teedra Moses, Pitbull with production by Mr. Collipark, Lil Jon and Three 6 Mafia  The southern movement is definitely one not to miss out on.  The first single off the album is "Wait", already blowing up radio everywhere. U.S.A is in stores on June 28th, 2005.  Don't sleep.   

If you haven't seen the video by now, where the hell have you been?  

Peep the link

Lookin for that ultimate CD with all the hottest joints on it from the clubs to the streets. Well look no further cause Ill Vibes is in stores now and is sure to please with all the tracks from your favorite artists.

For more info check out the link Ill Vibes.

As you know your boy 50 Cent  has got his hands in everything from clothing to music and even films. But word on the street is that 50 is currenlty developing a new video game entitled Bulletproof for release in winter of '05. Check out the link for more info and to see a trailer of the video game.   

Bulletproof

Black Eyed Peas have teamed up with Justin Timberlake once again. After the success of 2003s collaboration, "Where Is The Love" BEP tapped JT for their new album "Monkey Business" which hits stores on June 7th. Other special guests include James Brown, John Legend, and Jack Johnson. Sting also appears on a track based on his own hit, "An Englishman in New York."

Hey kids, if you've ever wanted to know what it would be like to be a member of Canada's top street team Universal Urban's Asphalt Regime well nows your chance. Take a look at the web episodes featured on the Street Team page of UniversalUrban.com to find out what a day in the life of is all about.

Check out Compton's own The Game as he chat's with UniversalUrban.com on everything from business to the streets.

Check out some sneak peek photos from Ray Robinson's recent video shoot.

Pitbull recently completed the video for his new single "Toma" featuring Lil Jon. With the help of Lil Jon who co-produced the video for Toma, and Director Jessy Terrero (video for Candy Shop) Pit is transformed from the low ranks of a bus boy to a high roller dabbling in all the goods that Miami has to offer...and you know it got crunk.

Click here to check out the pics form the video shoot and click here to see the Toma Ecard

With over 5 million albums sold worldwide, Bad Boy/ Def Soul Recording artists 112 are back with a new album entitled "Pleasure And Pain" set to hit the streets on March 29th! Giving us such hits as "Peaches And Cream", "Cupid", "Only You" and "Hot Tonite", Q, Slim, Mike and Daron have returned with another solid album that's guaranteed to show the masses why they are indeed among R&B music's elite. Did I mention that they also boast a repertoire that includes 3 platinum plus albums, several Top 5 singles and to top it off... a GRAMMY! It don't get any more serious than that! The first single off the album is "U Already Know" and the video for it should be appearing on your television screens anyday now! If you want to find out even more about this dynamic foursome, be sure to keep it locked on www,universalurban.com as well as their official site www.one12.com It's all going down on March 29th!

Click here to watch the video for "How We Do" from The Game's Debut Album "Documentary"