Backstage Pass

Hot 97's annual Summer Jam is the New York hip-hop mainstay's way of planting its flag, taking over a stadium for a workday's worth of sets by the biggest names -- some of whom are announced in advance, some aren't. The announced bill for Sunday night's 20th installment of the festival split the difference between hip-hop legends (the also-turning-20 Staten Island collective Wu-Tang Clan; the Brooklyn-born...

Beyonce has gotten pretty good at keeping her still-untitled album project from springing any leaks. Today, however, “Grown Woman,” the song from her Pepsi commercial that debuted last month, has emerged in full, though, as usual, there aren’t many details available.

No confirmation on whether the song will be on the new album or if it’s her new single. It’s a catchy track, reportedly produced...

When Jay-Z has something to say, he doesn’t call a news conference or tweet about it. He drops a new song. (Hear it on his Life & Times website. BTW, there are expletives in the song. You have been warned.)

On Thursday, Hova unleashed “Open Letter,” a roundup of rhymes about his recent mentions in the news, using “Y’all gon’ learn today.” Here’s what he had to say, um, rap:

ABOUT...

Candice Glover really belonged on a different show last night.

Her jazzy interpretation of The Cure’s “Lovesong” was both emotionally and technically stunning, showing off a connection to the lyrics during “Songs I Wish I Wrote Week” that didn’t just make it seem like she wrote the British new wavers’ hit, it seemed like she lived it. Her risky, well-executed version (man, that controlled...

So Beyonce promised a big announcement Thursday at 9 a.m.

What was it? A new single? The release of her cover of Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black" from "The Great Gatsby" soundtrack? Something about her new album?

No, it was a new Pepsi ad.

At some point, she's gonna end up the Bey who cried wolf. Not yet, though, apparently, given how the #BeyHereNow tag exploded...

Beyoncé isn't backing down.

After the brouhaha over her supposed lip-synching of the national anthem (which ended up being untrue), her Super Bowl Halftime Show appearance and her self-directed documentary, controversy has been trailing her everywhere. It's not going to stop now.

Beyoncé dropped new music Sunday night on her website, where she raps and swears a lot. She offered...

Music is integral to the Super Bowl experience, especially this year when Beyonce's halftime show will likely draw bigger ratings than the game itself. We'll be liveblogging from the pre-game festivities through all the game's commercials.

10:21 p.m. More thoughts on Beyonce's halftime show.

9:35 p.m. Awww, the Budweiser commercial featuring Stevie Nicks' "Landslide" is sweet.

9:24...

President Barack Obama's inauguration playlist, featuring artists who performed at official concerts throughout the weekend and others who will hit the stage Monday, includes superstars Beyonce, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor and a bit of the Long Island sound.

Brookville's Marc Anthony, who will perform at the Commander-in-Chief's Ball on Monday, is represented by his song “Mi Gente.” Far East...