1. Fans Push for Beyoncé Monument in Houston
My Fox Houston reported that two locals have launched an effort to erect a monument honoring the iconic singer in the Bayou City. [MORE]

2. Simon Cowell Fires X Factor Judges
The love is still mighty between Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul.

Even though Cowell fired Paula from her judge post on X Factor (along with fellow judges Steve Jones and Nicole Scherzinger), he’s assured the public of his bond with his former American Idol co-hort. [MORE]

3. Cymphonique Miller Learns How to Rock
Master P’s daughter and Romeo’s sister talks to BET.com about following in her famous family’s footsteps. [MORE]

For more music news and information, visit BET.com/news/music

1. Estelle Takes Honest Approach on All of Me
Estelle took three years to complete her sophomore album and a lot of people have been scratching their heads trying to figure out why, especially after her U.S. debut hit “American Boy.” But Estelle’s answer to this is simple — she was traveling nonstop, she wanted this project to mean something, and she got personal. [MORE]

2. D’Angelo Performs for First Time in 11 Years
It’s been a long time coming for Grammy Award winning neo-soul icon D’Angelo but he finally got his first performance in 11 years out of the way. The troubled singer hit the stage at Filadelfiakyrkan in Stockholm, Sweden, on [January 25] reports Hip Hop DX. [MORE]

3. BET.com Exclusive: Jaime Foxx’s Thunder Soul Clip
The event and the lives of  [Conrad] Johnson and his former students is captured in funkdafied style in Thunder Soul, an award-winning documentary directed by Mark Landsman and executive produced by Jamie Foxx. Think Glee, only with an abundance of tight ‘fros and bell-bottoms. [MORE]

4. Report: Jay-Z, Beyoncé Ask Oprah to Be Blue Ivy’s Godmother
She’s already got the most powerful couple in music as parents, and now Blue Ivy Carter may be blessed with the most influential woman in the world — Oprah Winfrey — as a godmother. RadarOnline.com reports that proud parents Beyoncé and Jay-Z have asked the media mogul to provide their daughter with spiritual guidance, along with, presumably, other hook-ups. [MORE]

For music news and information, visit BET.com/news/music

1. Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith Developing DJ Talent Show
The power couple is teaming with X-Factor’s Simon Cowell for a new reality show. [MORE]

2. Etta James’s Record Sales Rise After Her Death
In the days following the death of soul icon Etta James, music lovers have rushed to their nearest retailer to purchase her timeless collection of songs.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, James’s catalog of albums sold 30,000 copies, resulting in a 378 percent spike in sales. James, who died last Friday (January 20) at the age of 73 after losing her battle with leukemia, made a profound impact on the Billboard charts during the week ending January 22. [MORE]

3. Kelly Rowland Says Blue Ivy Is “Absolutely Beautiful”
A beaming Kelly Rowland recently sat down with E! and said her new niece, Blue Ivy Carter, is “more precious than a jewel.” [MORE]

4. Mary Mary’s Erica Campbell Gives Birth To Girl
Erica Campbell, one half of the Grammy winning Gospel sister duo gave birth to a baby girl on Tuesday.

Her daughter Zaya Monique was born weighing in at a healthy 6 pound and 12 ounces. The singer, who is married to producer-songwriter Warryn Campbell, said in a statement, “…feeling so thankful and so blessed to have our sweet Zaya finally make her grand entrance into the world! God is awesome, our family couldn’t be more happy than we are today!” [MORE]

5. Mary J. Blige Upset Over Oscar Snub
When the nominees for the 84th Annual Academy Awards were announced, Blige and her song “Living Proof” from the film The Help didn’t make the cut. [MORE]

For more music news and information, visit BET.com/news/music

1. Beyoncé on Etta James Passing: "A Huge Loss"
Beyoncé had nothing but love for legendary singer Etta James upon hearing word of the soul singer's passing. The pop superstar reacted to the sad news by reflecting on the impactful legacy James left behind.

"This is a huge loss. Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time," Beyoncé wrote in a statement on her website. "I am so fortunate to have met such a queen. Her musical contributions will last a lifetime." [MORE]

2. Trial Date Set For Jennifer Hudson's Family Murder Case
Three and a half years after a senseless killing spree took the lives of her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew, Jennifer Hudson may finally see justice done in a court of law. The man accused of the murders, William Balfour, will stand trial beginning April 23. [MORE]

3. Nicki Minaj Delays Release of Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded
There will be no love for Nicki Minaj fans who were expecting the rapper’s sophomore album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, on Valentine’s Day. [MORE]

4. Diggy Announces Title of Debut Album, Unexpected Arrival
The young MC gears up for spring release of debut with mini-tour. [MORE]

For more music news, visit BET.com/news/music

1. Bruno Mars Cleared in Drug Case
Bruno Mars is free and clean, having succeeded in getting his 2010 cocaine arrest stricken from his record. Las Vegas prosecutors have dropped charges against the hit singer/songwriter after he completed his end of a plea deal. [MORE]

2. Beyoncé Post-Baby Interview “Completely Made Up”
Despite Star Magazine’s breathless claims on Tuesday of having secured Beyoncé’s first post-baby interview, a rep for the pop star and new mom says the story is “completely made up.” [MORE]

3. Astro Signs With Epic Records
Astro, the 15-year-old Brooklyn rapper who made waves on The X Factor and clashed with Simon Cowell, has landed his first record deal with Epic Records. [MORE]

4. LL Cool J to Host 2012 Grammy Awards
LL Cool J will be playing a new role at this year’s Grammy Awards. The hip hop pioneer will go from Grammy winner to Grammy host. According to People magazine, the rapper/actor has been tapped to host the 54th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony next month and he couldn’t be happier about it.

The BET Hip Hop Awards 2011 I Am Hip Hop Icon Award-winner will be the first person to host the award show since Queen Latifah was given the honor in 2005. [MORE]

5. Nick Cannon Recovering After Kidney Failure
Two weeks ago, Nick Cannon gave the world — and his wife Mariah Carey — quite a scare when he was hospitalized for mild kidney failure. But now the rapper/actor is back on his feet, giving interviews and even making an appearance alongside his wife when she was awarded at the BET Honors 2012 on Saturday in Washington, D.C. [MORE]

For more music news and information, visit BET.com/music

1. Lil’ Wayne To Release Prison Memoir
Gone Till November, a diary of Weezy’s time in jail will hit book shelves on November 28. [MORE]

2. Blue Ivy Carter Makes Billboard Chart History
Beyonce and Jay-Z’s baby girl is the youngest person to ever appear on the Billboard charts. [MORE]

3. Nicki Minaj to Perform at 2012 Grammy Awards
Nicki Minaj is sure to make a loud entrance at this year’s Grammy Awards, and not just because of her sure-to-be crazy outfit. Minaj, the most followed rapper on Twitter, has just been announced as a performer for the music industry’s biggest night, where she’ll also be up for a number of awards. [MORE]

For more music news, visit BET.com/news/music

1. Solange Blasts Beyoncé Critics
As Beyoncé faces rumors that she faked her pregnancy, she used a surrogate and that she shut down the maternity floor of Lenox Hill Hospital, little sister Solange has taken to Twitter to defend Bey from the hate. [MORE]

2. BET.com Exclusive: Joyful Noise Feature and an Interview with the Queen
Latifah talks her new film, female rappers and how Dolly Parton’s “assets” inspired her. [MORE]

3. Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg to Headline Coachella
Coachella has announced its full 2012 lineup, and, as usual, the California music festival is stacked to the hilt with top-tier talent. Perhaps the lineup’s biggest surprise is the closing night headliner, which this year will be none other than Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg — two of the West Coast’s finest. [MORE]

4. J. Cole’s “Work Out” Goes Platinum
J. Cole just earned his first platinum plaque.

The Roc Nation star has sold a million copies of his hit single “Work Out,” news he announced to his fans on Twitter Wednesday. [MORE]

For the latest music news visit BET.com/news

1. Beyoncé Gives Birth to Baby Girl
In the most anticipated baby news of the year, Beyoncé Knowles, 30, gave birth [yesterday] at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Congratulations to Beyoncé, Jay-Z and family!
 [MORE]

2. Rihanna Named Best-Selling Digital Artist of All Time
In her relatively short career, Rihanna has managed to pull off what some might consider a crowning achievement. The 23-year-old Barbadian pop star was just recognized by Nielsen as the best-selling digital artist of all time. [MORE]

3. Gawker Writer Fired for Using the N-Word in Kanye West Post
Kanye West’s late-night Twitter manifesto has made its fair share of ripples online the past two days — in some places more so than others. Over at Gawker.com, a staff writer was fired for his post about the series of tweets, in which he decided to employ not-so-tasteful usage of the N-word. [MORE]

4. Frank Ocean Promises “Sonic Goodies” on Def Jam Debut
The much-anticipated album from the R&B rookie is slated for a spring release. [MORE]

5. Aretha Franklin Spills Wedding Details
Aretha Franklin is in love, and she’s not afraid to talk about it. The 69-year-old soul singer, who is engaged to her longtime friend Willie Wilkerson, spilled details about her wedding to the Associated Press. She also dropped a scandalous secret — hints of an affair with a late night talk show host in her past. Arsenio? Leno? Jimmy Kimmel? We may have to let our imaginations run wild with that one….[MORE]

For more music news, visit BET.com/news

1. Jay-Z And Kanye West Bank $6 Million For Private Performance
It’s known celebrities make big bucks doing private performances and appearances. From Beyoncé to Michael and Janet Jackson, it really pays to be a star. Jay-Z and Kanye West definitely got paid. According to MTV.com, the duo raked in $6 million dollars for performing at a Sweet Sixteen Party. The show was a gift from Sheikh Mansour, the owner of the Manchester Football Club, to his niece. [MORE]

2. C-Murder’s Life Sentence Appeal Falls Through
It’s been a long, intense struggle for C-Murder who has been trying to prove his innocence for shooting a 16-year-old in 2002. The Louisiana No Limit rapper, born Corey Miller, has tried to appeal a court decision ordering him to a life sentence in jail for the crime. He was convicted of second degree murder. The Washington Post reports his legal efforts were overturned as a three-judge panel in a Louisiana appeal court upheld the original 2009 murder conviction. [MORE]

3. Rihanna’s Loud Tour Grosses $90 Million
Although it may have appeared like all eyes were on Jay-Z and Kanye West this year, R&B singer Rihanna actually earned the biggest pay day as far as touring is concerned. According to Pollstar’s Top 25 Worldwide Tours of 2011, Rihanna’s Loud tour ranked at No. 7, topping some of the biggest pop acts in the country, including Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. The six-month tour in promotion of her 2010 album Loud rolled through 78 cities and grossed more than $90 million. [MORE]

4. Keri Hilson: Why I Won’t Date Another Celeb
Bad news for rappers, ballers, actors and other famous bachelors: you won’t get far trying to score with Keri Hilson. The “No Boys Allowed” singer is taking her anthem to heart, telling EurWeb.com that she doesn’t want a man to ever use her “as a publicity stunt.” [MORE]

Want more music news? visit BET.com/news

As 2011 comes to an end, it seems EVERYONE is creating year end list of what was hot, not, the worst, and the greatest. Well, Beyonce—the King Bey—is jumping on the bandwagon. The singer released her list of the top ten songs that had her—and her unborn child—moving.

1. Big Sean featuring Nicki Minaj— “Dance (A$$)”

2. Future —”Tony Montana”

3. Jay Z & Kanye West—”Ni**as in Paris”

4. Kelly Rowland—”Motivation”

5. Adele— “Someone Like You”

6. Drake—”The Motto”

7. Rihanna— “Man Down”

8. Justin Bieber and Chris Brown—”Look At Me Now”

9. James Blake—”The Wilhelm Scream”

10. Frank Ocean—”Novacane”

Do you agree with her list?