Ashanti stopped by Good Morning America earlier today to not only talk about her new album, but to also pay tribute to the late Whitney Houston by performing her hit “I Have Nothing.” Watch her version of the song below.

When asked about Whitney’s influence, Ashanti said, “Such an amazing, amazing talent and spirit, and such a pioneer for us as women in this industry. She will be truly, truly missed.”

Watch on: YouTube

Last week, Beyonce and Jay Z shared photos of their beautiful new daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, with the world.

Now, Demont Pinder, on-stage painter and Art Director for Grammy nominated artist Raheem DeVaughn, has taken baby Blue’s image and recreated it on his iPad.

With Jay Z’s “Glory”, his ode to his daughter, playing in the background, Pinder takes you through his entire process of the painting. Watch below.

You can catch up with Demont, and his incredible art, by following him on Twitter @demontpeekaso.

Watch on: YouTube

June Ambrose, the Queen of Color block, gives these mod infused platforms her stamp of approval. They are the perfect complement to those who love the idea of color blocking but don’t want to overwhelm the office.

The added platform adds the comfortability factor for the long days at the office and after hours at happy hour.

Designer: Dolce Vita
Shoe name: Babette Platform Sandal
Price: $198.95
Colors available: Magenta suede, grey suede

- @jay_dee_moni for Free’s World

Turn the page to to take a look at Ivanka Trump’s Prehni Sneaker.

It was really only a matter of time before some organization came after Nicki Minaj for her showing during last night’s 54th Grammy Awards.

During her performance of new material from her upcoming album, a song called “Roman Holiday,” Nicki used a number of symbols related to the Catholic Church, all after playing a pre-taped video of a mock exorcism.

Most people were left speechless (however you want to take that) by the performance, but apparently the Catholic League isn’t happy with Nicki at all, or the Grammy organization.

Bill Donahue, President of the Catholic League, issued the following statement, calling Nicki’s performance vulgar, especially “the sexual statement that showed a scantily clad female dancer stretching backwards while an altar boy knelt between her legs in prayer.” Read his full statement below.

Nicki Minaj, fresh off looking like a fool with Madonna at the Super Bowl, showed up last night on the red carpet at the Grammys with a guy dressed like the pope. This was just a prelude of what was to come.

Minaj’s performance began on stage with a mock confessional skit. This was followed by a taped video depicting a mock exorcism. With stained glass in the background, she appeared on stage again with choir boys and monks dancing.

Perhaps the most vulgar part was the sexual statement that showed a scantily clad female dancer stretching backwards while an altar boy knelt between her legs in prayer. Finally, “Come All Ye Faithful” was sung while a man posing as a bishop walked on stage; Minaj was shown levitating.

None of this was by accident, and all of it was approved by The Recording Academy, which puts on the Grammys. Whether Minaj is possessed is surely an open question, but what is not in doubt is the irresponsibility of The Recording Academy. Never would they allow an artist to insult Judaism or Islam.

It’s bad enough that Catholics have to fight for their rights vis-à-vis a hostile administration in Washington without also having to fend off attacks in the entertainment industry. The net effect, however, will only embolden Catholics, as well as their friends in other faith communities.

What did you think of Nicki’s performance last night? Did she go too far? Or is it not that serious?

Source: Billboard

More of your financial questions are being answered. If you have ever wanted to start a business, but weren’t sure how, then the answer for today’s edition of Ask Ash Cash may be of some help.

Dear Ash Cash:

- Jerrod E (Baltimore, MD)
_____

A: If this were a classroom and I asked how many people have a “side hustle,” I can guarantee that almost everyone would raise their hands.

When I say “side hustle” I mean something that you love doing that gives you extra money, but is not your main source of income. It can be DJing, Promoting parties, your Hip-Hop blog, or selling your mixtapes on the weekend. We all have our “side hustles” and if this were a perfect world our “side hustle” would be the main. But why isn’t it?

Starting a business is not an easy task but with the right preparation, dedication, and focus you can free yourself of that dreaded job you hate so much. All action isn’t created equal, so it’s important that you follow certain steps so that you can increase the chances of your endeavor being successful. Starting a business should be done in an effective way instead of just doing it for the sake of just doing it.

The following are a few steps to take in order to start a business effectively:

1. Find time – First you need to put aside at least two to three hours
a day to focus on your business. No matter how crazy you may think your life is, I can guarantee you that with proper time management you can find two to three hours.

2. Set goals – Once you’ve flushed out all of your ideas and have come
up with a strategy to execute them, make sure you set goals for you and your business so that you have something to be held accountable to.

Make sure that your goals are S.M.A.R.T., which stands for Specific – Measurable – Achievable – Realistic – & Time bound. They should also be broken up into short and long term.

3. Take care of the legal and administrative stuff – Now that you know where you’re going and how you’re going to get there, you have to search for and create a business name.

Once you find an available name go to either DreamHost.com or GoDaddy.com to register it and create your website. Complete forms on LegalZoom.com or WeThePeople.com to legally set up your business as a sole proprietorship, Corporation, LLC, DBA, or LLP. Lastly, you need to go to the IRS and get a Federal Tax ID number. It’s free and you can print it out in seconds by visiting IRS.gov.

4. Learn more about your business – There’s never a such thing as too much knowledge. Whenever you have some free time, preferably on the weekends make sure you are taking online classes, workshops, and seminars, pertaining to your business.

5. Launch and spread the word – Now you’re ready to start making some money! Once you launch your business, its imperative that you tell your friends, family, co-workers, church congregation, classmates, strangers and whoever else you run across.

6. Stay focused and committed – Now that you’re officially a business
owner, you have to remember one thing: not all days are going to be the same. Some days business is going to be great and others not so great. The important thing is to work your plan and stay committed to your success.

Congratulation! You are truly a boss! Keep grinding and make those dreams become reality! Again, NOTHING CAN STOP YOU!

THE WORLD IS YOURS!

If you have any financial questions for Mr. Cash, please email him at AskAshCash@FreesWorld.com.

Previously: Ask Ash Cash – Q: Why Is Credit Important And How Can I Take Control Of It?

MTV has started to reveal the rappers that made the cut for its highly debatable “Hottest MCs In The Game VII” list. Coming in at #10 is Maybach Music Group artist Wale. So, what all added up for him to make the list?

Yomi Desalu, MTV’s senior director of music and talent programming strategy said, “Wale really touched on a broad scale, when it comes to an audience, it’s hard to dispute that.”

Check below for the other reasons MTV gave Wale the #10 spot.

Hot Streak

Album: Ambition

Selected Mixtapes: The Eleven One Eleven Theory

Singles: “That Way” (featuring Jeremih and Rick Ross), “Lotus Flower Bomb” (featuring Miguel) and “600 Benz” (featuring Jadakiss and Rick Ross)

Street Bangers: “Bait,” “Chain Music”

Key Guest Appearances: Waka Flocka Flame’s “No Hands,” Shawty Lo’s “Pocahontas” and Trae Tha Truth’s “I’m On.”

Meteoric Metrics: Two #1 rap albums with Ambition and MMG’s Self Made, vol. 1, #1 Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop single “Lotus Flower Bomb.”

Business Ventures: N/A

Tours: Dates with Rick Ross

Monumental Moment: Signing to Rick Ross’ Maybach Music and notching a #1 Rap Album with his sophomore effort Ambition

Forecast: After his 2009 debut, Attention Deficit, yielded less-than-stellar results, Wale reinvented himself as a member of Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group. After setting himself up properly with appearances on MMG’s Self Made, Vol. 1 and his own The Eleven One Eleven Theory mixtape, the D.C. spitter’s Ambition should solidify him as a major player in rap for many years to come.

Click here to see a list of the rappers nominated for this year’s Hottest MCs In The Game, and look for the full show to air on MTV2 on February 19 at 10:30PM ET.

Some of the biggest winners at last night’s Grammys were Adele, Kanye West, and comeback kid Chris Brown. Though Kanye won 4 awards, he wasn’t in attendance, but Adele and Chris were on hand not only to perform, but also to step to the mic to give their acceptance speeches for their golden trophies.

Taraji P. Henson and Common both looked surprised as they read off Chris’ name for winner of the Best R&B Album award (his first Grammy). Chris immediately thanked his fans for their support and the Grammys for allowing him to return to the show for the first time since 2009.

And the story of the night had to be Adele. The London native, whose 21 album has taken over the charts since its release last year, won all 6 of the awards she was nominated for: Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Pop Vocal Album, and Best Short Form Music Video.

Diana Ross and host LL Cool J presented the Album of the Year award to Adele and she broke down in tears while accepting it.

Congratulations to Chris, Adele, Kanye, and all of the winners at last night’s Grammys!

Watch on: VEVO

More details surrounding Whitney Houston’s death have emerged, while her daughter Bobbi Kristina is reported to have been rushed to the hospital twice since her mother’s passing; the 54th Grammy Awards honor Whitney with a prayer and tribute performance by Jennifer Hudson, all in today’s The E With Free. Listen below.

Previously: The E With Free: Grammy Performance Updates

Beyonce has taken to her official website to remember the impact and greatness of legend Whitney Houston. Read her letter below.

“The loss of Whitney Houston is painful. I remember meeting Whitney for the first time when I was 15. She was the ultimate legend. The ultimate woman. Not only was she confident, poised, stunningly beautiful and intelligent, but she was sincere and kind. She took the time to make everyone feel like they were very important to her.

“I, like every singer, always wanted to be just like her. Her voice was perfect. Strong but soothing. Soulful and classic. Her vibrato, her cadence, her control. So many of my life’s memories are attached to a Whitney Houston song. She is our queen and she opened doors and provided a blueprint for all of us.

God bless her.”

- Beyoncé

Previously: The Houston Family Releases Statement