So Beyonce’s pregnant. Finally. For real this time. And not with something metaphorical, but an actual child from Jay-Z’s loins. Making the announcement official last night at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards (by publicly cupping and rubbing her belly), fans, friends and family screamed (and Tweeted) in shock and awe. 

But, had you been paying attention to the couple’s lyrics over the last decade, you would have known this day was coming! It was just all about timing.

 

Who: AZIATIX

From: New York, California and Boston

Why You Should Know Them: Because one million YouTube viewers can't be wrong.  

If you were at all worried that The Weeknd would sell out and return with a "sophomore" - let's forget these are mixtapes for a moment - album comprised of "I love you" letters and lessons, fear no more. The sudden burst of color on his Thursday mixtape cover is more ironic than indicative. And though I didn't think it was possible, he divulges more about his debaucherous (and decadent) life of sex and drugs than he did on his debut House Of Balloons.

 

Who: Rockie Fresh

From: Chicago, Illinois

Why You Should Know Him: Because Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy says so.  

In Jay-Z & Kanye West’s “Otis” video, the two legends, a mentor and his equally-great predecessor, look different: Jay, 20 years younger than we know him to be, and Kanye much happier than his rants allow us to believe.

 

Who: Dom Kennedy

From: Leimert Park, CA

Why You Should Know Him: Because in the world of digital Hip Hop, he's making moves offline.  

It's very hard not to like Luke James. In fact, it's impossible. And this conclusion came after witnessing all the things that could have come across completely cheesy at his showcase last week at New York's Dominion lounge.  

Two masters of the double-entendre made it a night with the stars on Monday (August 1st), as Kanye West and Jay-Z debuted their collaborative effort Watch the Throne amidst both constellations and celebrities.