By the end of every week there are a bunch of music-related stories, cool links, videos, and other internet ditties that are a little on the trashy side.

As a remedy to this, we’re happy to introduce you to our regular Trash Can column – our avenue for sharing the funny, the weird, and the downright tacky music stories of the week. Enjoy! 

R. Kelly Has A Sex Hotline, Now. Ugh.


“Yo what up ya’ll this ya boy Kellz. Thanks for hitting up the Black Panties hotline. Let’s turn up and take it to another level. Press 1 to officially tap into Black Panties.” That’s something you can hear. On your phone. GROSS! In a bid to promote his new album, Black Panties, R. Kelly has set up this hotline for fans that just can’t get enough. Lord knows what the content is, we’re honestly a bit frightened to sign up (and apparently there’s a whole lot of pestering texts if you call then hang up), but judging from the album art, and R. Kelly in general, it’s probably going to be on the naaasty side of things. Similarly, if you pre-order the album you can also get your very own pair of “black panties” to drop in your own time.

So let’s get this straight: R. Kelly has a creepy hotline, an album cover that’s borderline pornographic and is literally giving out lingerie as a promotion, yet it’s people like Lily Allen that are accused of degrading women? The internet should be angry about this.

Beyonce Banned From Visiting Pyramids

She may be our Queen Bey, but it seems her kingdom doesn’t stretch too far from the Nile, being “banished” from the Pyramids on a recent trip to Egypt. Allegedly, the singer was late and unapologetic to tour guide and archaeologist Zahi Hawass, before a clash between photographers (that both Bey and the guide had provided) led Hawass to call the whole thing off: “I said Beyonce was stupid and I left”. All hope may not be lost, a rep of Beyonce’s spoke to E! News and claims the whole story to be a complete lie. “This never happened… The last time she was in Egypt was on tour in 2009. Nothing like this happened. Lies and more lies.”

Hawass had previously given Beyonce a tour in 2009, and is described as a sort of controversial Egyptian Indiana Jones – weird. We’re pretty confused over this whole thing, and as to why someone would lie about turning down a tour from Bey if she was never even in the country BUT if Beyonce is harmed under any form of Egyptian curse  there will be hell to pay.

Prince William Is ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’. Because Dignity Doesn’t Matter Anymore.


Taylor Swift has made another attempt at dorkiest thing to ever happen ever and this time she has company. Proving that three is most definitely a crowd, the singer joined Bon Jovi on stage with none other than his royal highness Prince William (yes, really) performing “Livin’ On A Prayer” at a charity gala in Kensington Palace earlier this week. The unlikely trio all seem super uncomfortable with what’s going on, lots of awkward uncomfortable dancing (we’re looking at you T-Swift) and some unnecessary hi-fiving going on. It remains uncertain how this came about (or why anyone thought it was a good idea), but really it doesn’t matter because there is now footage of a future King belting the karaoke classic and that’s pretty awesome – even if a cover of ‘Royals’ would have been funnier.

Lily Allen Keeps Kicking Goals

Speaking of, here’s some positive reinforcement of things that are good in the world. Allen has released a short clip that proves she really is just the best person ever. The clip is a shot behind the scenes reel from her latest single, “Hard Out Here”, and documents the process of Allen preparing via some intense twerking lessons.
In what is potentially a jab at those accusing the songstress of objectifying and degrading her back up dancers, we see Allen, sweat pants and all working pretty damn hard to bring her moves up to scratch. Criticism are only gently touched upon with the inclusion of the singers doubts on the routine: “I wouldn’t want it to feel like I’m looking down on these girls, as if I’m too good for that”, and while such comments won’t appease the angry masses, it is a sure sign that Lily Allen knows what she is doing and she’s doing it with some respect.
Also she looks totally amazing and this definitely makes us feel like we’re all totally capable of becoming incredible dancers with a few days of blood, sweat and tears.

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