beat it up

Nas has announced he will change the name of his forthcoming album from the controversial N****r to Nas.

Listen to Usher team up with Jay-Z on a new track, "Best Thing."

At least 22 people have been killed by anti-immigrant violence in South Africa. Mobs of South Africans angered by rising food prices and electricity shortages are beating, raping and murdering migrants from neighboring Zimbabwe and Mozambique, accusing the foreign workers of stealing jobs and driving up crime rates. Zimbabwe has been devastated by a bloody dictatorship and a broken economy – they recently issued a $500 million bill to keep up with inflation. (via FP Passport)

Reggaetón forefather Nando Boom is reportedly suing Wisin y Yandel for using part of his song, "Enfermo de Amor," on "Te Sigo Buscando." (via Lossip)

Japanese pop culture icon Hello Kitty has been named Japan's tourism ambassador.