1. J. Cole Hosts “Nobody’s Perfect” Essay Contest in Hometown
J. Cole is something of a hometown hero in his native Fayetteville, North Carolina, and the rapper’s latest charity effort is likely to enhance that reputation even further. Cole, a BET Music Matters artist, recently announced an essay contest via his Dreamville Foundation that will ask kids to pay homage to their mothers. [MORE]

2. Yasiin Bey and Dead Prez Prep Trayvon Martin Tribute
The hip hop community continues to come together for justice in the Trayvon Martin tragedy. Footage recently emerged of underground icons Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, and dead prez recording a new tribute to the murdered teen. [MORE]

3. Alicia Keys Covers Vibe Global Issue
Alicia Keys graces the cover of Vibe magazine’s new “Global Issue,” and the celebrated singer/songwriter took some time out from her busy schedule for a joint interview with her husband Swizz Beatz.

In the interview, Keys and Beatz, née Kaseem Dean, talk about the serendipitous way they started dating. [MORE]

4. Kanye West and G.O.O.D. Music Drop “Mercy”
Just a day after his Hit-Boy-produced “Theraflu” dropped unexpectedly and took over the Internet, ‘Ye is back with a new single, “Mercy” — and he brought along some talented backup for good, or G.O.O.D., measure. The song also features 2 Chainz, G.O.O.D. Music artists Big Sean and Pusha T, and is the first official single from the highly anticipated G.O.O.D. Music compilation. [MORE]

TAGS: 2 Chainz, Alicia Keys, BET MUSIC MATTERS, Big Sean, dead prez, Dreamville Foundation, Fayetteville, G.O.O.D Music, Global Issue, Hit-Boy, J Cole, Kanye West, Kaseem Dean, Mercy, Mos Def, North Carolina, Pusha T, Swizz Beatz, Theraflu, Trayvon Martin, Vibe Magazine, Yasiin Bey