Nas Responds to Charleston Church Mass Murder: “Racism Is Rotting America”

Following Wednesday night’s horrific shooting at Charleston’s Emanuel AME Church, celebrities and talking heads from all worlds offered reflection and condolences. President Obama said he’s angry (and not-so-subtly pushed a gun control agenda). Killer Mike wished the victims had been armed. Solange asked the heartbreaking question, “Where can we be Black?”

Nas wasn’t short on words either when asked about the terrorist attack (let’s call this what it is) last night at the premiere of the Sacha Jenkins-directed documentary on hip-hop fashion, Fresh Dressed. “Racism is rotting America,” the rap legend said while on the red carpet. “It’s been rotting America since [its] inception. So this is a very serious time that we’re moving into in 2015… We have to live our life in this zoo. How do we heal the people that are mentally ill today? How do we make them more respectful of each other no matter what race they are?” So many questions; so few answers.

Read it at Vibe.

Thundercat Announces Mini Album Featuring Flying Lotus Production

A few crucial members of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly players are reuniting for an EP. Thundercat has announced a new six-song project called The Beyond / Where the Giants Roam, which will feature three records produced by Flying Lotus. Herbie Hancock tickles the ivories on one song from the mini-album, Thundercat’s first since 2013’s Apocalypse. The Beyond / Where the Giants Roam drops Monday (June 22), but the funky, Lotus-produced “Them Changes,” which also features Kamasi Washington, is available now.

Read it at Rolling Stone.

Rihanna Passes Beyoncé on Billboard’s All-Time No. 1 Dance Club Songs Chart

Looks like the Navy has a new bragging right over the Beyhive. Rihanna has trumped Beyoncé in all-time no. 1 Dance Club Songs on the Billboard chart, becoming second to only Madonna. Rih’s ratchet knocker “Bitch Better Have My Money” hit No. 1 on this week’s chart (June 27), marking her 23rd trip to the top. Bey last crowned the dance song chart in February with the pure-fun favorite “7/11.” But you’d have to combine Bey and Rihanna’s No. 1 dance songs (22 and 23, respectively) to add up pop diva Madonna’s 45 No. 1s. Someone please create that playlist on Spotify Tidal and send it to us, mmkay?

Read it at Billboard.