1. Bobby Brown: I’m Not the Reason Whitney Houston’s Gone
Bobby Brown is not going to take the blame for the tragic passing of music icon Whitney Houston. In his first interview since the death of his ex-wife in February, Brown talks with Matt Lauer of the TODAY Show, about his image in the media, his relationship with daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown and why he’s not to blame for Whitney’s death. [MORE]

2. Maino and Prodigy Speak Out Against Street Violence
Rappers join panel discussion on violence in urban community; urge youth to discover a different path. [MORE]

3. Jadakiss on Mase Comeback: “This Game Ain’t to Be Played With”
After years out of the game, Mase popped up on the remix to Wale’s “Slight Remix,” and the whole industry seemed to welcome him back with open arms. French Montana recruited the former Bad Boy for the song.

Rumors had Mase signing to Rick Ross’s Maybach Music Group. And Hot 97 DJ Funkmaster Flex talked to Mase last week in an on-the-air interview in which the rapper-turned-preacher confirmed that he’s eyeing a comeback. But at least one of Mase’s old running mates is skeptical. In an exclusive interview with BET.com, Jadakiss told Mase, in the words of Big Daddy Kane, ain’t no half-stepping. [MORE]

4. Queen Latifah Will Perform at Gay Pride Concert
Queen Latifah is headlining a gay pride event. The rapper, actress, cover girl and budding movie mogul will be the main attraction at the Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Festival on May 19, organizers confirm. The festival and parade will draw around 75,000 attendees over two days. [MORE]

TAGS: Bad Boy, BET.com, Big Daddy Kane, Bobbi Kristina, Bobby Brown, DJ Funkmaster Flex, French Montana, gangs, gay pride, Hot 97, Jadakiss, Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Festival, Maino, Mase, Matt Lauer, Maybach Music Group, Prodigy, Queen Latifah, Slight Work Remix, TODAY show, violence, Wale, Whitney Houston