Today, Azealia Banks released “Jumanji,” the first song off her Fantastic mixtape, coming soon. If all you’ve heard from Azealia Banks is “212” and wondered if she can straight up spit bars, this is your answer in the affirmative; yes, she can.

Cycle it back two, three times to untangle the lyrics.

Azealia Banks will be peforming at HOT 97s’ Summer Jam; songs like this are going to go over well. Check out the cover art. I know the concept is supposed to bounce off Jumanji, the movie, but my interpretation is little different: I see her hooking up with the elephant, the symbol of the Republicans, the 1%, the cash. That’s where I’m taking it.

Just 13 years ago, Steve Francis was a premier NBA point guard. Drafted no. 2 in the 1999 draft, he went on to win Rookie of the Year; was a three-time All Star (2002-2004); and participated in two dunk contests - including the Vince Carter classic in 2000.

After nine years, playing for three playoff-caliber teams — feel free to deduct the short-stint with the Knicks — Steve Francis was waived by the Houston Rockets in 2008. Which gave him the opportunity to take his talents to China - that didn’t last.

Life after basketball is a big question mark for NBA players: they miss the thrill of competiton and of course those regular 5 - 6 figure checks.

Apparently, Steve Francis has his money flow under control: he’s invested in several small business, including a music label named Mazerati Music; with four signed artists, releasing albums and mixtapes.

What is life like after the NBA? Steve Francis is here to let you know: fine and finer.

Yes, Steve Francis is rapping. I know, the first reaction is to laugh. But if you take into consideration he’s only doing his best Ja Rule impression during the choruses, while his artists do the mic work, then - it’s not terrible.

The summer time locales; his wife Shelby is in the video; he’s showing and showering her with love.

The restaurant shots with his kids. What’s not to like?

Mark it down, today is the day that you got to see Taraji P. Henson in the flesh and nothing more. The 41-year-old actress was photographed for Allure magazine’s annual “The Naked Truth” issue. If you’re shocked, well, you don’t know her like that.

“My friends won’t be surprised by this shoot. Whenever we go to the beach, I’m like, ‘Is this a nude beach? Can I take my top off?’”

Taraji said she parades around naked in her NYC apartment all of the time: no shades, no curtains, no blinds. Clearly, she’s proud of her body and deservedly so. Not sure if there are more photos in the magazine, but if you feel cheated by what’s basically a side view, look at the picture again, eyes on her right foot, in the mirror. #jackpot.

Here is a behind-the-scenes look featuring all five actresses.

Meek Mill is one of the few rappers I’m waiting to hear from this year. His debut album? It’s still in the pressure cooker; getting those last minute bits of flavor flowing. Until then, Meek touched up Drake’s “The Ride” and made it his own: “Faded Too Long” with reflective lyrics about the kids who are lacking even the basics of life and at the same time putting a frame around his ambitions to make his life different, despite those - the D.A. - who wish him different.

This will likely appear on his soon-to-be-released “Dreamchasers 2” mixtape. If you want to believe Shaheem Reid (and why wouldn’t you) Meek Mill’s album is some of this and more.

Heard songs from @MeekMill new mixtape and his debut album. Lots of substance, ferocious story telling. Album is meeting the expectations.

— ShaheemReid (@ShaheemReid) April 13, 2012

When Diddy formed Dirty Money we knew Dawn, but who was that chick to his left with the half-shaved dome? Where did she come from? How did she fast-forward past the cheesecake runs on Making the Band and still make the big come up? Those questions were answered. But even with Kalenna’s success in Dirty Money, when they broke up, Kalenna storming stages as a solo artist wasn’t a serious thought. What would that sound like?

Well that question has been answered. “Chamber of Diaries” proves she is bonafied talent. It sounds organic. Nothing forced. Perfectly seasoned production with edgy bits, balanced by Kalenna’s smooth vocals, thought-through lyrics and the occasional rap that kept my attention from tracks 1 - 17.

Outside of business/paperwork, I see zero, zip reasons why this isn’t her official debut album. It’s that good and the music industry/we need new faces on the scene.

That’s for them to figure out. Right now, enjoy!

Kalenna “Chamber of Diaries” ← [download]

You know what happens when you grow up? You look at pictures from your past and ask, “what was I wearing?” Trina is in that stage of her life and career; when her younger self doesn’t exactly represent her anymore. So with a new album on the way, she called superstar stylist June Ambrose for a makeover. The results were revealed on the second episode of VH1’s Styled by June.

June’s first piece of advice? Give those thighs a stiletto workout. June then shocked her with a new doo suggestion: a Mohawk down to her butt. Trina was understandably uneasy, but the motto with stylists is, “in your hands I trust” - otherwise, why be there?

The Mohawk was for a Paper Mag photoshoot and interview - Trina Gets a New Look Courtesy Of Stylist June Ambrose” She discusses working with June Ambrose and the sound of her new album.

“I’ve done five albums with so many different looks and I just think that this time with the music and the sound—it’s a lot of Euro, it’s a lot of techno, it’s a lot of house and dance and I think that the look has brought out a different phase in me. It’s easy to do a sexy record, it’s easy to do a raw explicit record, it’s easy to do a pretty love ballad but I just wanted to try something different. I love dance music, I love techno, I love that and I’m in these different spots and I’m performing and everything is like fist pumping and so it just gets you crazy and erotic and wild.”

That explains the sound of her new single “Outer Space” feat. Kid Cadet & Vinny Venditto

I like this. Sure, it’s light years away from “Naan”, but it’s not 1998.