Rihanna’s new album Rated R to be released November 23.  Check out the photo shoot for her album packaging.

Opening in only 18 theaters in four American cities: New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago the film Precious  grossed $1.8 million. Mary J. Blige discusses her contributions to the films soundtrack.

50 Cent continues to take the marketing background he’s learned making and promoting movies to his album release strategy. As reported, 50’s album release of “Before I Self Destruct” will also contain a movie of the same name.

In true Hollywood (although it took place in New York) fashion, 50 threw a premiere for the movie yesterday. Even if his album doesn’t end up moving units I still give him major ups for doing something different with his marketing strategy. Well…it also shows how bad 50 wants to be a full blown movie star. Via: RR

Dayam I wish this was a real movie. Love the freakin’ Wu. Don’t forget to watch Part I. Here’s hoping Part III doesn’t end up with RZA’s head in a box.

Queen Latifah x Ford. The Queen has one of the best current running promotions these days with Ford and the 2010 Mustang. The car is prominently featured in her new video “Fast Car” but more important, the money Ford has put behind Latifah is well worth millions in publicity and media dollars. Here is a behind-the-scenes video for the making of “Fast Car.” Plenty of Mustangs galore.

Talk about a new marketing tactic. If this were any other artist it would be considered pretty morbid but since this is Lady Gaga we are talking about, well….it’s fitting. Iovine and friends over at Interscope have announced the official Lady Gaga re-release of her album Fame Monster with a deluxe version priced at a hefty $99.98.

But as we just mentioned, for this low low price you get a real lock of Lady Gaga’s hair. Not to mention you also get an official Lady Gaga paper doll collection, picture books, 3D glasses and a poster. Oh yea…and the album. Let’s just hope Jimmy doesn’t convince Diddy to use the same tactics for his upcoming album. I don’t think anyone wants a curl of Diddy’s hair.

Chris redeems himself to some point with this video. Hate to compliment the guy but this is pretty creative. Optimus Prime would be proud.

The official album art for Rihanna’s “Rated R” which is set to release November 23rd. We like the barbed wire better. She looks like Grace Jones meets Mad Max in this. Via: PopEater

Although Common’s Universal Mind Control album is over a year old there always is room for a new music video. Here is the new video to “Make My Day” which features Cee-Lo.

Alicia gets sexed up in this new promo pic for her upcoming album “The Element of Freedom.” Will be interesting to see if any of her females fans have been turned off by her homewrecking activities. By the way…interesting spikey jeans. Would hate to get kneed in the groin with those.

50 Cent shows his desire to further his acting career in his new video “Crime Wave.” The start even uses the Universal Pictures intro as if it’s a movie. Loving the filming style though and at least it shows some originality. We think the video is better than the song though…not a bad thing.

A whole new group of guest artists appear on Timbaland’s next compilation album including Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, The Fray, Chris Daughtry, Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger, Brandy, Drake, and Keri Hilson. Album hits stores November 23rd from Universal Music. Via: ProHipHop

With Weezy and Swizz Beatz. Looks like CB is trying all he can to get back in people’s good favors. Don’t know if we are feeling the outfit though. Check more pics after the jump. Via: Bossip

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The latest single from Alicia Keys’ upcoming album “The Element of Freedom” which hits stores December 1st.

Here is the official music video to Queen Latifah’s “Fast Car.” As we previously reported, as part of Latifah’s partnership with Ford Motor Company, the Mustang is prominently featured in the music video. The Queen might be taking product placement to the next level but at the same time she is getting a nice promotional fee from Ford.