Jay-Z Set to Re-Issue "Decoded" in Paperback; 11/01/11

Via Roc Nation:   The highly acclaimed New York Times bestselling book—DECODED—by multi-platinum, 13-time Grammy Award-winning artist, entrepreneur, and icon JAY-Z, will release on November 1 in a new, expanded paperback edition featuring a new Afterword and three new decoded songs. 

What still excites me about rap is that it’s an open thread, a cipher that listeners find their own meanings in. The point of this book is not to settle arguments or transform rap songs into neat stories with a beginning, middle, and end. Rather, I’m trying to point readers to some ideas and information, get them to see deeper into the music than they saw before and learn more about worlds different from their own (or find new ways of looking at the worlds they already know)—to find their own meanings and connect them back to their own lives. I want readers to see the craft and learn the context—and I want them to still be able to feel the magic, and enjoy the show.                       —JAY-Z, from the new Afterword 

Video Fresh: King Hov Talks, The Sport of Rap Beefs

--Princess Carter

Credit MTV.

Beyoncé Surprises Students at UH + Tina Knowles Becomes a "Living Archive"

Via Beyonceonline: Beyoncé shocked a packed crowd at the Rockwell Pavilion of the University of Houston's M.D. Anderson Library when she showed up to support her mother, Tina Knowles, during the "Living Archives" series on Monday.

Royal Preview: Check Out A Preview Of Queen B's "Countdown"; Beyonce's Countdown Set to Debut on 10/6

The video for Countdown, one of the many jewels from Beyonce's critically acclaimed 4, will debut on 10/6.  Here's what MTV had to say about the clip:

From the "Countdown" video sneak peek, we can surmise that Beyoncé's been watching a little "Funny Face" since she's channeling her inner Audrey Hepburn in the classic black turtleneck/slim-fit cigarette pants Audrey made instantly iconic. (Also, pumpkin-colored nails, WHUT?) Yes, Beyoncé can look impeccable in just a black turtleneck, black pants and white socks. But you knew that.

Beyoncé turns into a human clock behind a classic 1960s psychedelic, black-and-white-striped background, then a human art gallery as she morphs into a series of Lichtenstein girls come to life in primary-colored bathing suits. All this before "Countdown," which samples Boyz II Men's "Uhh Ahh," starts referencing The Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night" split-screen motifs. We'll take it because it means more Beyoncés to go around. Seriously, we will watch Beyoncé doing ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING if that's not already clear.

Pix of The Day: B Celebrates in Paris with Jay's Grandmother & Family

--Princess Carter

Video Saturday: Queen B Edition, Beyonce's "4" in Video

As we impatiently await the video premieres for, Party and Countdown enjoy B's first three videos from her critically acclaimed 4th solo album, 4.  Hopefully both will premiere within the next week or so.

Video Fresh: The Keys' Judges' Houses Audition; Perform Beyonce's, 'Best Thing I Never Had" (The X Factor 2011 Judges' Houses)

The Keys' sang B's, Best Thing I Never Had, as part of their Judges' Houses Audition.

B is supposed to be a part of the finale for this season's UK X-Factor.  She'll be helping Kelly (who's a judge this season) with her girl group.  Can't wait to see what the Queen does!

--Princess Carter