Released online as financial markets took a historic plunge, the full-length collaboration between Jay-Z and Kanye West revels in self-described "luxury rap." Two of hip-hop's biggest stars tell us in rhyme form that even in this economy, they can afford fine art, haute couture, even top-tier German home appliances.

Chicago blues great Buddy Guy now has his own street.

Violinist Brandon Keith Brown was thrilled when he was selected by the Vienna Philharmonic to become a resident at the Salzburg Festival this year and chosen by conductor Lorin Maazel to serve as his apprentice. Brown also performed at The 2010 Castleton Festival and in 2009 David Zinman selected him as a fellow in the American Academy of Conducting. As the only United States candidate, Brown will compete in October as one of 16 semi-finalists in the 2011 Lovro Matacic International Competition For Young Conductors.

A spokesman for R. Kelly says the R&B singer is out of the hospital following throat surgery this week.

Jennifer Hudson has publicly remarked that singing is therapy for her in the wake of the tragic deaths of her mother, brother and nephew in October 2008.

Internationally famous saxophone virtuosos Ray Silkman and Skinny Williams will star in a tribute to saxophone legends Wednesday sponsored by Fifth Third Bank and hosted by the DuSable of African American History. A second installment will be held August 17, both in the garden of the museum, 740 E. 56th Place.

A longtime songwriting partner of Aretha Franklin has sued her publishing company, claiming it did not sign a royalty agreement for a song on her recently released album.

MUNTU’S 2011 Summer Concert THIS FAR BY FAITH features the debut of two new works by Reggie Wilson and Theo Jamison at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St., Saturday.

A Tribe Called Quest fans now have the opportunity to learn about the trials and tribulations of the beloved group in a new film –– “Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels Of A Tribe Called Quest” –– released Friday.

Singer Natalie Cole took the audience on a musical odyssey of jazz, pop and R&B at the 2011 Taste of Chicago on June 30. The 61-year-old daughter of legendary crooner Nat “King” Cole is a legend in her own right too. She has eight Grammy Awards to help prove it.