We recently chopped it up with the self-proclaimed "Grand Hustle Muscle," Alfamega, to talk about his upcoming debut, trying to be as big as his label head T.I. and his plans to record a joint album with Busta Rhymes.
Alfamega grew up in an Atlanta housing project and by age nine, he already found himself caught up in a life of crime.  Though rap was always a hobby, Alfa didn’t begin to hone his craft until he was sentenced to seven years in jail.
Within weeks of being released the rapper landed a deal with Universal Records and when that deal dissolved, his childhood friend T.I. was there to embrace him.
“I got with Tip, we did a handshake deal, never signed no contracts or nothing,” Alfamega explains.  T.I. eventually helped the rapper secure a deal with Capitol Records through his own label, Grand Hustle.

After catching heat for negative statements made against Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin, hip-hop mogul Diddy has come forward to praise her recent acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention (RNC).
In a video clip released earlier this week, Diddy was caught apologizing to the Alaska governor for jokingly questioning black people’s presence in her home state and calling out her inexperience with minorities. After Governor Palin Made a rousing speech at the RNC on Wednesday night (September 3) in St. Paul, Minnesota, the Bad Boy CEO applauded the hopeful’s fortitude via his video blog.

Marking a new chapter in his music career, Lemar, is set to release his fourth studio album The Reason and the lead single If She Knew this November.
Almost 5 years ago, Lemar released his debut album Dedicated, ushering in a new exciting juncture in UK soul music. Since then, Lemar has become the most successful black British soul artist of our time, commandeering the UK’s radio airwaves with the hit singles 50/50, Dance (With U), If There’s Any Justice and Its Not That Easy. With 3 top ten UK albums, Lemar has sold well over 2 million albums, and most notably been awarded 2 MOBO Awards and 2 BRIT Awards.

Kid Rock is obsessed with Amy Winehouse.
The 'All Summer Long’ singer can’t get enough of Amy’s vintage soul sound, and thinks it could have a place in his own music.
Rock, who has turned his back on his trademark rap-rock sound, said: 'The only thing I’ve been listening to lately is Amy Winehouse. She’s got me back into that old-school soul thing. Her album is so great it’s made me go through all my old Stax and Motown records again.
'I’d really like to add a little of that flavour to my music. Hip-hop’s turned into bad pop music. People don’t believe in half of the current rappers and especially don’t believe in what they have to say. No-one’s really a killer or a gangster – that’s why I’m singing more.'

David Beckham has been wearing a mystical necklace to improve his sex life.
The Los Angeles Galaxy soccer star – who is married to former Spice Girls singer Victoria – wears the libido boosting beads around his wrist.
The necklace, made by Energy Muse, is made up of gems and crystals and includes a scroll promising the wearer better sex, health and work success.
A friend said: 'David is a happy guy. The gems were bought as a bit of fun, but David and Victoria have certainly been smiling more recently.
They have always had a strong sex life but are willing to try anything to keep things fresh.'

Victoria Beckham spent over £8,000 on champagne in one night last week.
The former Spice Girl enjoyed dinner with friends at the Ithaca restaurant in Manchester and her party made its’ way through twelve £650 bottles of Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque Blanc de Blancs champagne.
Victoria was treating her management team and 20 perfume consultants to a night out ahead of the launch of her new fragrance 'Signature’.
Arnie Hira, owner of the Japanese restaurant, said: 'Suffice to say that everyone said they had a great time at the restaurant and said they would definitely come again.'
Victoria and her guests ate a selection of fine dishes including Chilean sea bass, Wagyu beef and soft shell crab.

Kanye West reportedly spent $15,000 getting 50 pairs of his favourite sunglasses shipped to America.
The 'Stronger' singer - who is a huge fan of Italian shades company Carrera - was so desperate to get his hands on the exclusive eyewear that he paid the staggering amount to ensure delivery before the new range was released in the US.
A source said: "Kanye loves Carrera sunglasses. He thinks they are trendy and make him look really suave.

Britney Spears is set to open the MTV Video Music Awards this weekend.
The 'Toxic’ singer – who stunned fans with her shambolic performance of 'Gimme More’ at last year’s ceremony – has not revealed exactly how she will be kicking off the prestigious Los Angeles event, but confirmed she has something 'exciting' planned.
Britney – who is nominated for Best Female Video, Best Pop Video and Video of the Year for her promo for 'Piece of Me’ – told People magazine: 'MTV has long played an important role in my career. How can I not be there to kick off their 25th VMAs? I'm excited to open the entire show, to say hi to my fans and to be nominated.'

Beyonce Knowles is "over being a pop star".
The 'Crazy in Love' singer - who shot to fame in hit R'n'B group Destiny's Child - admits she now feels it is time she is considered an "icon" in the music industry.
She said: "I'm over being a pop star. I don't want to be a hot girl. I want to be iconic. And I feel like I've accomplished a lot. I feel like I'm highly respected, which is more important than any award or any amount of records. And I feel like there comes a point when being a pop star is not enough.
"I now think I'm opening doors for more black women, just like Halle Berry and Diana Ross opened doors for me."

Coldplay, Oasis and Metallica are among the contenders for the Best Act In The World Today honour at this year's Q Awards.
The world-famous bands will battle Muse and Kings of Leon for the prestigious prize at the ceremony held by the British music magazine.
Elsewhere, Australian star Gabriella Cilmi is up against British singers Duffy and Adele, as well as Santogold and Bon Iver, for the Breakthrough Award. Duffy also features in the Best Track category for her hit single 'Mercy', but will have to beat Keane's 'Spiralling', Coldplay's 'Violet Hill', Katy Perry's 'I Kissed A Girl' and The Ting Tings' catchy single 'That's Not My Name'.