Jay-Z announced to headline Radio 1's Hackney Big Weekend

And there we have it - announced this morning on Chris Moyles' show, it has been confirmed that Hip-Hop superstar Jay-Z will be headlining this year's Radio 1 Big Weekend, which is set to take place 23rd-24th June in Hackney. The line-up was already looking strong with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Professor Green, Wretch 32, Michael Kiwunaka, Emeli Sande, Chase & Status,Calvin Harris & Swedish House Mafia on the bill - but the addition of Mr. Carter takes the weekend to a whole new level.

You can still register for (free) tickets HERE, but you only have till March 19th. Get going!

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Greg James, Gemma Cairney & Jameela Jamil land new Radio 1 shows

Earlier today Radio 1 & 1Xtra Controller, Ben Cooper, announced changes and brand new signings to the Radio 1 & 1Xtra schedules. From Monday April 2nd Greg James will move to weekdays 4-7pm, swapping places with Scott Mills who also gets a new show, moving to weekdays 1-4pm. Brand new signing Jameela Jamil will be joining the station to host the Radio 1 Request Show which will be now broadcast on Sunday’s from 7-9pm, and Gemma Cairney will be taking over the weekend breakfast show 7-10am, moving over from sister station, 1Xtra where she has been presenting the afternoon show since January 2011. Hit the jump to see the full statement from the BBC Press Office and what the DJs have to say.

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Ed Sheeran - Drunk x Empire State of Mind (Live Lounge)

As part of Fearne Cotton's special Brit Awards week on Radio 1, Ed Sheeran dropped into the Maida Vale studios this morning to perform his latest single and a mystery cover of a track from a previous Brit winner. Following an ever-flawless rendition of 'Drunk', the 20 year-old singer/songwriter decided to take on the Jay-Z & Alicia Keys' monster collaboration 'Empire State of Mind', putting his own unique soulful twist on it and absolutely smashing it to pieces. This was Ed's first live lounge with a full band (Chris, Mark & John), and for me it was his best to date. Listen to/download both performances after the jump - Slumdon Bridge has had 120,000+ downloads in less than 24 hours. Bawse.

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Radio 1 - Hackney Marshes Big Weekend 2012 (Emeli Sandé, Ed Sheeran, Michael Kiwanuka & more)

Hackney Marshes in London has been the venue confirmed to host this years Radio 1 Big Weekend event, on Saturday 23-24th June, with a line-up that includes Ed Sheeran, Emeli Sandé, Michael Kiwanuka, Dappy, Plan B, Jessie J, Labrinth, Florence, Lana Del Rey, Tinie Tempah, Rizzle Kicks and more. The event's director, Jason Carter, explains: "This is a concert in the heart of East London and we will use it as an opportunity to shine a light on and celebrate the young people of east London too". Registration for Hackneys Radio 1 weekend is now available, and will be open for six weeks - 100,000 tickets will be up for grabs, but you can bet your bottom dollar that they'll be gone in a flash. Registration details after the jump.

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DJ Wire - Radio 1 Mix for Jaguar Skills

As part of Jaguar Skill's incredible takeover show on Radio 1 last night; DJ Wire, best known for being Example's tour DJ and the label manager of MTA Records (Chase & Status), dropped a monstrous 10 minute mix, which included a few of his favourite tracks at the minute, some fresh MTA material and even a new track of his own. You can listen/download the mix below, listen to the whole show HERE and find DJ Wire on Twitter HERE. One of the best DJs in the world.

The use of Yonkers is so sick...

Ed Sheeran - The A-Team (Live @ Radio 1 Teen Awards)

Spotted over at @SoulCulture, here is Ed Sheeran performing his hit single at the Radio 1 Teen Awards, which took place today. As well as winning Best British Single at the awards, The A-Team also remained in the Top 20 this weekend, which means it has been there for 5 consecutive months now. Onwards and upwards.

Last Ones Standing x Teenage Dream

Example dropped into Radio 1’s Live Lounge today and performed his new single, Last Ones Standing, along with a cover of Katy Perry’s smash hit, Teenage Dream. Hear them both below and download the MP3’s for free.

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