While you were probably sleeping last night, everyone’s favorite Black Barbie Nicki Minaj hit up CBS’s “The Late Show” with David Letterman and performed her new single “Check It Out” featuring Will.i.Am. Can’t knock Nicki’s hustle, but she should leave the dancing to Ciara, Beyonce and the rest of the other pop chicks. But, I’ll give her an “E” effort though. For some reason her performance just lacked something, aside from all her constipated-like faces…it was just dry.

In case you missed Nicki’s flat performance, “check it out” below…

Sidebar: What’s up with Nicki’s hypeman break dancing towards the end of her performance. He looks out of place…kinda like how Lil Mama looked when she crashed Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ performance at the VMA’s.

Spotted @ Fader

Back in the day, the DJ was responsible for spinning exclusive tunes and decided what was earworthy and what wasn’t. Well, Black Eyed Peas star Will.i.Am wants to honor the DJ by launching his very own awards ceremony, the Data Awards. The ceremony will take place on January 30, 2010—one night before music’s biggest night, the Grammys. Earlier this week, during a press conference Will.i.Am announced the big news. He said,

“There’s a lot of things going on in music nowadays; record stores falling, the internet… One of the most important factors in this is that the DJs and artists are still very much active. During (Grammy) week we are celebrating and honoring the DJ by announcing the Data Awards and giving them the top awards. We’re starting off small with four awards: Best DJ, Best DJ Solo/Group, Best Remix and Best Original Track. I’m really excited about that.”

The Data Awards will also coincide with Will.i.Am’s new art exhibition, “Who Killed The Music?, and he’s turning the whole week of events into one big fundraiser by donating money from the sale of the artworks to the Grammy Foundation and his own “I Am” scholarship fund.

Last week, Kelis had the internet buzzing with the announcement of her comeback as well as her new track “Acapella”. After being dropped from Jive, the eclectic singer has a new label to call home. It was announced yesterday that Kelis inked a deal with Interscope Records through Will.i.Am Music Group. The “Milkshake” hitmaker’s upcoming album is currently untitled, but it features production from Will.i.Am, Free School, Boyz Noize, Burnz DJ Ammo and David Guetta. In an issued statement, Kelis said:

“I love that I am now a new part of the Interscope family. 2010 is around the corner and I can’t wait to put out new music and spend time with real music fans on tour again.”

There’s no denying that this is definitely Kelis’ year! Don’t you agree?! First, Nas is required to give her $44k a month in child support and now she’s on a new label. Anywhoo, Kelis is soooo effin dope…can’t wait to her what she has in store for us!

If you live in NYC come and experience the unveiling of Dr. Dre’s latest venture with Best Buy “Club Beats” at Best Buy’s Union Square location tomorrow, November 19th. The festivities will begin at 4 p.m. with appearances by Dr. Dre, Jimmy Lovine (Interscope Records & Geffen A&M), Will.i.am, David Guetta and more!

To learn more and to find out how you can get access, visit www.bestbuy.com/clubbeats!

Seems like no one has quite enough swagger like Jay-Z ’cause he hasn’t released an album in a minute, yet he managed to snag the No. 1 spot on The Source magazine’s “Power 30″ list. According to the publication, Jay-Z deserves the top spot because he’s an industry leader and a top businessman, thus taking into consideration his ventures with Live Nation and Rocawear as well as his part-ownership of the New Jersey Nets. Take note that Jay isn’t a businessman, he’s a BUSINESS man! Other notable celebrities who made the list include, Diddy, 50 cent, Lil Wayne, Will.i.Am., Snoop Dogg, T-Pain and Miss Fabulosity herself Kimora Lee Simmons. President Barack Obama also gets an honorable mention because of his great influence on the new hip-hop generation.

In related news, the moment you’ve all been waiting for is finally here…well not exactly, but it’s almost here! It’s official, Jay-Z will release his anticipated album Blueprint 3 on September 11th. Word is a formal announcement will be made at Hot 97′s Summer Jam concert on Sunday.

Cop the June/July 2009  issue of The Source hitting newsstands June 16th!