After a long hiatus, singer Maxwell gets a jump start on increasing the summer heat index with the release of “Lake By The Ocean” today. It’s the first single from the Grammy winner’s forthcoming album “Black Summer’s Night”. Seven years in the making, the project is the second of a three album trilogy that began with 2009’s “Blacksummer’sNight. “black Summer’s Night” will be released by Columbia Records on July 1. The seductive yet intense track revolves around Maxwell’s favorite subjects: Love, heartbreak and relationships. With the singer’s silky, smooth tenor at the forefront, the track was produced by Musze (aka Maxwell), along with his long time collaborator Hod David. The upcoming “black Summer’s Night” has set in motion a 25-date tour. Beginning on June 18, the trek includes a headlining stint at the Essence Music Festival. Regarding his 20-year career, Maxwell told Billboard magazine that he never would have envisioned it. It’s great to have him back on the music scene. Despite being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, iconic rap group N.W.A. won’t be performing at the ceremony, which will be held at the Barclay’s Center on Friday. During an interview with the New York Times, Ice Cube revealed that the surviving members of the group won’t reunite for a performance siting that the group felt it wasn’t supported enough. He also addressed comments from Kiss member Gene Simmons, who stated that hip hop artists shouldn’t be inducted into the hall.  Cube said: “I respect Gene Simmons, but I think he’s wrong on this because rock and roll is not an instrument and it’s not singing. Rock ‘n’ Roll is a spirit. N.W.A. is probably more Rock ‘n’ Roll than a lot of people he thinks belong there over hip hop. We had the same spirit as punk rock, the same as the blues.” Neither representatives for Ice Cube nor the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have commented publicly. Rapper Chance the Rapper brings blessings to the city of Chicago in the visual for the single “Angels” featuring Saba. In the clip Chance plays the tracks’ titular character, soaring over his hometown before parking on top of an “L” train to spit some verse. Meanwhile, Saba plays an inspired messenger riding along, before the two team up on the street for some fun choreographed dance routines. Chance revealed that he plans to release a mix tape this month as well. That’s something fans can look forward to. Last night, actor/comedian Chris Rock took to Instagram to share a photograph that now has the hip hop world buzzing with excitement. The star-studded selfie included fellow comedian Dave Chappell, DJ D-Nice, Jarobi White, and hip hop icons Common and Andre 3000. The caption hinted that Andre 3000 was working on a new album. It’s unclear whether this was just fun and games or if the most anticipated album of the year is in the works. Stay tuned.