Tag: Jay

  • Pam Grier: Blaxploitation Icon to Join Cast of TV’s ‘Smallville’

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    Pam Grier will return to television early next year…and will be playing a bad guy.

    Well, a bad girl.

    Again!

    The CW announced that the 60 year-old 1970s Blaxploitation film icon is joining the cast of the hit drama series ‘Smallville,’ which is based on the DC Comics Superman series.

    The savvy casting choice is the first for the ‘Jackie Brown’ actress since Showtime’s ‘The L Word’ ended last year.

    Grier will play a villainess named Agent Amanda Waller, who brought on the destruction of Smallville in one of part of the Superman mythology.

    In the storyline, the character escaped the infamous Chicago Cabrini-Green housing projects with her surviving family after her family was murdered. She became a congressional aid and then a member of the elite semi-secret government agency, the Suicide Squad, where she earned the nickname ‘The Wall.’ Later, Agent Waller served as Secretary of Meta-human Affairs under President Lex Luthor.

    According to TV Guide, Grier will make her debut in January and she will appear in multiple episodes throughout the season.

    2008 Deaths

      Odetta Holmes
      “The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement” was a singer, actress, guitarist, songwriter and activist.
      December 31 1930 – December 2 2008.

      Ray Tamarra , Getty

      Bernie Mac
      Comedian, Actor
      Oct. 5, 1957 – Aug. 9, 2008.

      AP

      Isaac Hayes
      Singer, songwriter, record producer, composer and actor.
      August 20, 1942 – August 10, 2008

      Reuters

      Miriam Makeba, “Mama Africa”
      South African folk singer and anti-apartheid activist.
      March 4, 1932 – November 10, 2008.

      Reuters

      Jennifer Hudson’s 57-year-old mother, Darnell Donerson, brother, Jason, and 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, were killed in 2008.

      AP

      Shakir Stewart
      The Island Def Jam executive who became head of the legendary rap label following Jay-Z’s departure, killed himself on Nov. 1. He was 34 years old.

      Getty

      George Carlin
      Stand-up comedian, actor and author.
      May 12, 1937 – June 22, 2008

      Getty Images

      Madelyn Dunham
      Barack Obama’s grandmother
      October 26, 1922 – Nov 3, 2008.

      Getty Images

      Levi Stubbs
      Oct. 17: The iconic lead singer, second from left, who gave voice to Four Tops classics like “Reach Out I’ll Be There” and “Baby I Need Your Loving” died at 72 from complications of cancer and a stroke. Abdul Fakir, far left, is now the sole living member of the original quartet.

      Corbis

      Dee Dee Warwick
      Oct. 18: The soul songstress died after months of declining health. Warwick, the sister of soul legend Dionne, also achieved a great deal of success, both as a solo artist as well as with her sister.

      Corbis

     

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  • Beanie Sigel Ft. 50 Cent-I Go Off [Jay-Z Diss]

    Posted by: forbezdvd

    Beanie Sigel Ft. 50 Cent-I Go Off [Jay-Z Diss]

  • Janet Jackson: Open American Music Awards, Keeping Busy with New Projects

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    janet jackson

    janet jackson open american music awardsOn the heels of the announcement that Whitney Houston would take the stage at the 37th Annual American Music Awards – the ‘I Will Always Love You’ singer’s first performance at the show in a decade – comes more big news.

    Janet Jackson has just signed on to open the Nov. 22 live broadcast with a special opening medley.

    This marks the second time the ‘Control’ singer has opened a major award show this year. A few months ago, she performed ‘Scream’ in tribute to her late brother Michael Jackson at the ‘MTV Video Music Awards.’

    American Music Awards producer Larry Klein couldn’t be happier to have Jackson on the show’s roster. He said, “We’re thrilled about having Janet Jackson open this year’s show. She is an incredibly dynamic performer and I think the audience will be excited to see what she has in store.”

    Jackson joins previously announced performers include Rihanna, Green Day, Shakira, Lil’ Wayne, Mary J. Blige, Keith Urban, Lady Gaga, Eminem, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, The Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie UnderwoodbDaughtry and Adam Lambert.

    Jackson has a busy schedule lined up in the next few months. On Nov. 18, she will sit down with Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts for her first interview since the death of her brother. Her second compilation album, a two-disc set called ‘Number Ones’ will be released on Nov. 17. The album includes a new single ‘Make Me,’ produced by Rodney Jerkins and Jackson. She also is hitting the big scree, again. Jackson just wrapped shooting of ‘Why Did I Get Married Too,’ the sequel to the successful 2007 Tyler Perry-helmed flick. A trailer for the film hit the Web last week.

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    Janet Jackson Pictures
    PARIS – OCTOBER 03: Janet Jackson attends the Jean-Paul Gaultier Pret a Porter show during Paris Womenswear Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010 on October 3, 2009 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
    Getty Images
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    BlackVoices.com

    Janet Jackson Photos

      Singer Janet Jackson (R) and musician Will I. Am (L) attend the UFC 104: Machida vs. Shogun Celebrities In Attendance at Staples Center on October 24, 2009 in Los Angeles, California..UFC 104: Machida vs. Shogun Celebrities In Attendance.Staples Center.Los Angeles, CA United States.October 24, 2009.Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.com..To license this image (17011175), contact FilmMagic.com

      WireImage.com

      Singer Janet Jackson attends the UFC 104: Machida vs. Shogun at Staples Center on October 24, 2009 in Los Angeles, California..UFC 104: Machida vs. Shogun Celebrities In Attendance.Staples Center.Los Angeles, CA United States.October 24, 2009.Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.com..To license this image (17011173), contact FilmMagic.com

      WireImage.com

      Musician Will I. Am (L) and singer Janet Jackson (R) attend the UFC 104: Machida vs. Shogun at Staples Center on October 24, 2009 in Los Angeles, California..UFC 104: Machida vs. Shogun Celebrities In Attendance.Staples Center.Los Angeles, CA United States.October 24, 2009.Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.com..To license this image (17011174), contact FilmMagic.com

      WireImage.com

      Singer Janet Jackson (R) and Musician Will I. Am (R) attend the UFC 104: Machida vs. Shogun Celebrities In Attendance at Staples Center on October 24, 2009 in Los Angeles, California..UFC 104 Los Angeles – Celebrities In The Crowd.Staples Center.Los Angeles, CA United States.October 24, 2009.Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.com..To license this image (17011172), contact FilmMagic.com

      WireImage.com

      Janet Jackson attends the ‘Mario de Janeiro Testino’ book launch at Cafe Carmen on October 5, 2009 in Paris, France..”Mario de Janeiro Testino” Book Launch – PFW Spring/Summer 2010.Cafe Carmen.Paris, France.October 5, 2009.Photo by Julien Hekimian/WireImage.com..To license this image (58567448), contact WireImage.com

      WireImage.com

      PARIS – OCTOBER 03: Janet Jackson and photographer Patrick Demarchelier attend the Jean-Paul Gaultier Pret a Porter show during Paris Womenswear Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010 on October 3, 2009 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

      Getty Images

      PARIS – OCTOBER 03: Janet Jackson attends the Jean-Paul Gaultier Pret a Porter show during Paris Womenswear Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010 on October 3, 2009 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

      Getty Images

      PARIS – OCTOBER 03: Janet Jackson attends the Jean-Paul Gaultier Pret a Porter show during Paris Womenswear Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010 on October 3, 2009 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

      Getty Images

      PARIS – OCTOBER 02: Janet Jackson arrives at the Lanvin Pret a Porter show as part of the Paris Womenswear Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010 on October 2, 2009 in Paris, France (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

      Getty Images

      PARIS – OCTOBER 02: Janet Jackson arrives at the Lanvin Pret a Porter show as part of the Paris Womenswear Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010 on October 2, 2009 in Paris, France (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

      Getty Images

     

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  • Whitney Houston: Returning to the American Music Awards in a Big Way

    Whitney Houston I Look To You


    Whitney Houston is ready to show just how strong she is on primetime television.

    On Nov. 22, the 46 year-old entertainer will sing her Diane Warren-penned ballad ‘I Didn’t Know My Own Strength’ on the ’37th Annual American Music Awards’ telecast. The song is a featured single from her seventh studio album ‘I Look To You,’ which debuted atop the charts and remains marked the biggest first week sales of her career.

    The ‘I Will Always Love You’ singer’s AMA performance will be her first time on the show in a decade. She previously performed ‘Until You Come Back’ and ‘My Love Is Your Love’ with Babyface and Wyclef Jean on the 1999 telecast. I

    t will also mark her first primetime U.S. network performance in five years since appearing on the ‘World Music Awards’ in 2004.

    According to a rep for Dick Clark Productions, Houston will also be presented with the American Music Awards International Artist Award, in recognition of “special artists who have gone beyond the borders of their own country to be acknowledged for their superstar status around the globe.” She becomes the eighth honoree to join a elite group of award-winning recipients, including Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart, Led Zeppelin, the Bee Gees, Aerosmith, Madonna and Beyoncé.

    Previously announced American Music Award acts include Rihanna, Green Day, Shakira, Mary J. Blige, Keith Urban, Lady Gaga, Eminem, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, The Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry and Adam Lambert. The American Music Awards will broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Nov. 22 at 8 PM EST on ABC.

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    Whitney Houston Through The Years
    Just Whitney
    Since releasing her 1985 self-titled debut, Whitney Houston has become one of the best-selling female artists of all time. Though her signature voice and amazing vocal range made her a household name, this New Jersey native made headlines for her marriage to New Edition singer Bobby Brown, her alleged drug use and her recent relationship with Ray J. On the cusp of Houston’s latest comeback album, ‘I Look to You,’ Blackvoices.com takes a look at the singer throughout the years.
    Retna / Getty Images / AP / WireImage

    BHM MEDIA NEW

      While on a family vacation with Tom and Suri, Katie Holmes hit the beach near Rio de Janeiro in this blue one piece.

      bauergriffinonline.com

      Rihanna hits the stage at the NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Concert in a pair of knee-high black boots. What do you think about the pop singer’s look?

      Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images for NFL

      Mischa Barton wore this Elie Saab couture mint green gown to the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville. Is Mischa’s look a hit or miss?

      Eric Ryan, Getty Images

      Heroes star Hayden Panettiere arrives at the NBC Universal Pre-Super Bowl event at Portofino in a black tuxedo jacket and dress with a plunging neckline. Is the Hollywood starlet hot or not?

      Gerardo Mora, Getty Images

      Diane Kruger wore Nina Ricci for the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville. Is her dress a mess or amazing?

      Eric Ryan, Getty Images

      Kim Kardashian opted for this floral strapless Tracey Reese dress for the 2009 Moves Magazine Super Bowl Party at The Venue Club. Let us know what you think about Kim’s look.

      Tim Boyles, Getty Images

      Burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese wore an ice blue Elie Saab (left) satin dress at the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville.

      Dominique Charriau, WireImage

      Spanish actress Penelope Cruz appeared at the the 2009 Goya Cinema Awards in Madrid in this black lace Chanel gown. Is it a win or a loss?

      Carlos Alvarez, Getty Images

      Amy Adams wore a Jasmine di Milo gold and silver sequin backless dress and Christian Louboutin heels to the 61st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards.

      Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

      Being thousands of miles away didn’t stop Meryl Streep from celebrating the inauguration. The actress wore this Catherine Malandrino flag dress to the Paris premiere of Doubt.

      Julien Hekimian, WireImage

     

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  • Jay Z vs. Beanie Sigel: It’s Nothing but Business as Usual

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    Consider it a strange dream, but I had some thoughts about the Jay-Z beef with the rapper Beanie Sigel. No, I’m not here to talk about keeping street cred. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Half of the artists in the hip hop industry are not nearly as hard or as real as they claim to be. They’re too smart for that. The guys who are really as hard as most rappers claim to be are either in a jail cell or a casket. That’s the truth.

    What got my attention was when Charlamagne Tha God was fired from 100.3, “The Beat” in Philadelphia. I’ve known Charlamagne for years from our work on The Wendy Williams Show, so this made me a little upset. What was even sadder is the allegation that Jay Z may have played a role in getting Charlamagne fired, in large part because Charlamagne conducted an interview with Jay-Z’s new rival, Beanie Sigel. This incident represents more than the standard thuggery that some might see on the surface. Instead, it brings forth a plethora of issues that relate to business, entertainment, money and corporate power. Here are some quick thoughts:

    1) Getting Charlamagne tha God Fired? An allegedly weak move, but a lesson on corporate influence. The smartest artist I’ve ever seen in hip hop is 50 Cent. He writes songs about going to the club, but he doesn’t go to clubs. He gets you to bob your head and pop bottles of Vodka and Petrone, but he doesn’t drink himself. Effectively, he knows the power of getting others addicted, while keeping himself from being vulnerable to the very addictions he is using to control you (remember Ice Cube’s famous line, “Don’t get high on your own supply”?). Jay-Z is similar, as he has rejected the ridiculous, “bling yourself to death and then get shot or go to jail” mindset that many rappers seem to possess. Instead, he preoccupies himself with being a businessman, which means he has ultimate control over his fate.

    So, in spite of the fact that I am irritated at the very weak and unethical move allegedly committed by Jay Z, the teachable moment here is that the corporate monsters are the ones who control hip hop or any other art form for that matter. Most rappers only work to get a place on the plantation, not to actually own one.

    2) The Jay Z beef with Beanie Sigel has been played out thousands of times throughout human history. Ever since the beginning of entertainment, there has always been a natural beef between the sources of capital and the entertainers themselves. Artists are natural risk takers and many of them don’t spend two seconds thinking about the business models that finance their activities. Many artists put their energy into their craft rather than engaging in the boring task of understanding accounting, finance, marketing and distribution. The corporate captains, on the other hand, are not natural risk takers and they are the ones who decide if the show is going to even take place. Given that the corporate chiefs are making the financial choices, and the artists themselves want to push their work out at any cost, there is typically going to be a conflict of interest. The truth, however, is that when these conflicts occur, the artist almost always loses the fight. Those who provide the capital control much of the process.

    3) You’ve got to take good care of the people who work for you. Some have criticized Jigga and Diddy for not taking good care of their artists. I am not sure if this is true or not, but I do know that if you are tempted by corporate greed, you can find yourself enslaving people rather than empowering them. The greatest temptation in hip hop is to take advantage of another person’s obsessive commitment to fulfilling their personal dream. Thousands of artists get signed to Draconian contracts that are skewed heavily in favor of the manager rather than the artist. The problem, however, is that when you design business models to exploit other people, you may find that it comes back to hurt you later on down the road.

    4) There is a financial value of manufactured beef. This might surprise you, but a lot of so-called “beefs” in hip hop are actually branding mechanisms designed to get media attention to sell records. Ever notice how there are a lot of artists who want to stab and shoot each other one minute and then end up making records together the next? Much of this is due to the fact that the lifeblood of any artist is media access. No media means you don’t eat. Given that artists are effectively hired slaves for the record labels who can be used up and dropped at any moment, they are willing to engage in any desperate ploy imaginable to get the cameras pointed in their direction.

    Want to sell some albums? Go out and get arrested. Want to build your brand for “keeping it real”? Get caught in the club with a gun on your hip. Want to keep your job at the record label? Start a beef with a popular artist and get him to respond to you. As hyper-masculine as most hip hop artists pretend to be, the reality is that they are scared little boys on the inside; absolutely petrified that their label is going to find another talented brother from the projects and give him the spotlight they’ve bet their life on. This is not always such a great place to be, which is why any athlete or entertainer needs to get educated.

    Hip hop is an enlightened and exciting industry. At the same time, it’s the same corporate machine controlling people of color and distracting us from true power by keeping us engaged solely in the act of entertainment. As much as I might criticize Jay Z for allegedly going after my friend Charlamagne tha God, the truth is that Jigga seems to be the only one who gets it. Hip hop is not about entertainment, it’s strictly business.

    If you want to hear an artist’s perspective on all of this, I spoke with the Kansas City rapper, Vigalantee about the beef between Jay Z and Beanie Sigel. Click below to hear the conversation:

    Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University and author of the book, “Black American Money.” To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

     

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  • Audio: Curtis Talks Beans/Jay-Z & Album Leak

    Posted by: nahright.com

    [0:55-1:10] I’m pushing the record up, it’ll be out on the 16th. I’m expecting it to do good because of the response I’ve heard on the web.
    [12:10] I feel good that it was leaked in its entirety, in sequence. So people can hear my vision.

    [3:35-4:00] [What’s your take on the Beanie Sigel/Jay-Z?] That whole sh*t is a mess. I understand where his frustration comes from, because there was a point where— He would’ve had a serious check…

    [6:15-7:10] A lot of the times when I say Jay is a cool punk, don’t get it f*cked up, he’s a smart guy. You can’t take away from him what he’s done in the actual business and in the game. But since he lost to Nas, he hasn’t competed… Everytime somebody came, Beans went out in the front with Jadakiss. He had the Cam’ron issues. Then when Cam’ron came back and it was issues again, the Tru-Life deal was signed. And when Tru-Life got into an altercation with him, that one stopped. That’s what stopped the Cam beef.

    [8:05-9:00] [Do you feel like that Beanie Sigel has some legitimate complaints for Jay-Z?] I think he did have legitimate complaints because of my choices. Like— When they tell me you was giving the n*gga $1250? [Silence.] A group? [Silence.] A motherf*cker can’t even afford no p*ssy with $1250. [Laughs.] These n*ggas is staying in nice hotels. If a b*tch order room service twice, you’re done. [Laughs.] You know what it is, it’s traditional business. My business model comes from the curb so I’ma take care of my n*ggas a little different, cuz they my people.

    zShare: Curtis Calls Gomez Bros (10/31/09) [17min]

     

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  • Tameka’s Running Her Mouth Again

    Posted by: KanYeezy

    Tameka Foster Glover Raymond Speaks About Usher’s Mom, Jay-Z & Wedding Bands on V-103

  • X-Xilla Rated Pics Of The Week **PHOTOS**

    Posted by: BlogXilla

    This week we saw a lot of celebrity skin, read about divorce papers, and seen the return of an urban legend put on hold and delayed. Despite all of this I was still able to gather the sexiest pics of the week. So buckle up and lets take a ride back down the week that was… very X Xilla Rating. (Green text is a link to the full story)

     

     

    Kendra Wilkerson boobs got bigger this week, making her think she was going to explode… She wanted to get a reduction, but instead she released pics of when her boobs were smaller. One of the side effects were a lot of men thought they would explode.

     

     

    Christina Millian isn’t letting that baby bump keep her from popping that thing like… as she was out and about dancing and showing the world her beautiful pregnant glow. For more pics of C-Milli Click Here

     

     

    Also this week Rihanna outed Katy Perry as her wh*re friend, and it seems like Russell Brand got the memo because he wifed her. *Sidenote* I always thought that the muppets were freaks, maybe Katy is trying to tell her something. Either way we love it. 

     

     

    Russell Simmons reminded us that his girlfriend Julie Henderson is one of the hottest women on the planet as almost every day this week there was a different picture of her on the beach looking amazing. You all do know he sleeps on a bed of models and memory foam right?. Happy Birthday Rush

     

     

    Jay-Z already told us he wanted to rhyme like Common and I’m willing to put money on a bunch of other men wishing they were him after he had both Ashanti & Eve on his arm. Not to mention Common’s girlfriend is naked on the cover of ESPN the magazine this month

     

     

    I told y’all Aubrey was sending twitpics of her whooty, but she also sent out some great shots of her other body parts as well. We love you Aubrey, thank you for giving us… You. 

     

     

    I really need to start watching 30 Rock. Really. Katrina Bowden took some time off from filming the sitcom to enjoy a nice day on the beach. You can see all of her photos via the Superficial. 

     

     

    I told y’all Julie Henderson and Russell Simmons were on the beach all week right? She likes to read crime novels while taking in some sun. 

     

     

    *Note to self* Watch more 30 Rock because Katrina Bowden is hot!.

     

     

    Coco & Amber got to know each other a little better at the Good Hair Party. Also Coco took Aubrey’s lead and sent out some of the sexiest twitpics in the history to twitpicdom. You can see them all here

     

     

    Teairra Marie reminded me how much women love a sponsor when she dropped her new song SPONSOR f. Gucci Man & Soulja Boy. She told me on twitter I give a bit too much information in my twitter messages, but I still love @Teairra_Monroe you should follow her.

     

     

    Rihanna was overseas this week showing the world that SHE IS FASHION WEEK. It’s been rumored that Justin got a lap dance from Riri that made Grandma speak to the press. That must of been one heck of a dance. 

     

     

    Usher called the cops, Nicki is a 5 star chick and Tameka wrote a blog. This has been on amazing week, and we know next week will only be better. 

     

    Until then this is Xilla the gossip and entertainment editor signing off. 

    Follow me on twitter. Twitter.com/BlogXilla

    email me tips, invites, and interview request here. Xilla@globalgrind.com

     

    All pics via (thesuperficial & necolebitchie.com)

     

  • Full “DJ Hero” Track List, All-Star Blends Announced

    Posted by: www.rollingstone.com

    The makers of DJ Hero have revealed the full list of 93 new blends and mash-ups that will feature on the upcoming Activision game, which will allow players to spin to combinations like David Bowie vs. 50 Cent, Blondie vs. the Beastie Boys, Rihanna vs. the Killers and Eminem vs. Jay-Z. Those last two rappers play a prominent role in DJ Hero, as do Daft Punk, who Rolling Stone revealed will contribute their likeness, awesome stage show and some exclusive mixes for the game, due out October 27th.

    DJ Hero also features new mixes from DJ Shadow, DJ Z-Trip, Grandmaster Flash, Cut Chemist and the late Adam “DJ AM” Goldstein. As Rolling Stone previously reported, Grandmaster Flash will provide the voiceovers for the game’s tutorial mode, as well as appear in the game as an avatar.

    For the entire DJ Hero on-disc track list, click below:

    • 2Pac – “All Eyez On Me” vs. The Aranbee Pop Orchestra – “Bittersweet Symphony (Instrumental)”
    • 50 Cent – “Disco Inferno” vs. David Bowie – “Let’s Dance”
    • 50 Cent – “Disco Inferno” vs. InDeep – “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life”
    • Afrika Bambaataa – “Zulu Nation Throwdown” vs. Freedom Express – “Get Down”
    • Beastie Boys – “Here’s A Little Somethin’ For Ya” vs. DJ Shadow – “The Number Song (2009 Version)” (Produced and mixed by DJ Shadow)
    • Beastie Boys – “Intergalactic” vs. Blondie – “Rapture”
    • Beastie Boys – “Lee Majors Come Again” vs. Daft Punk – “Da Funk” (Produced and mixed by Cut Chemist)
    • Beck – “Where It’s At” vs. DJ Shadow – “Six Days (Remix ft. Mos Def)”
    • Bell Biv DeVoe – “Poison” Beat Juggle
    • Bell Biv DeVoe – “Poison” vs. Beastie Boys – “Intergalactic” (Produced and mixed by DJ AM)
    • Bell Biv DeVoe – “Poison” vs. Cameo – “Word Up!”
    • Benny Benassi – “Satisfaction” vs. Tiësto – “Elements Of Life”
    • Billy Squier – “The Big Beat” vs. N.E.R.D. – “Lapdance” (DJ-Guitar mix)
    • Black Eyed Peas – “Boom Boom Pow” vs. Benny Benassi – “Satisfaction”
    • Bobby “Blue” Bland – “Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City” vs. 2Pac – “How Do You Want It”
    • Bobby “Blue” Bland – “Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City” vs. Connie Price & The Keystones – “Fuzz And Them”
    • Boogie Down Productions – “Jack Of Spades” vs. David Bowie – “Let’s Dance” (Produced and mixed by DJ Shadow)
    • Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers – “Bustin’ Loose” vs. The Zombies – “Time Of The Season” (Produced and mixed by DJ Shadow)
    • Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers – “Bustin’ Loose” vs. Young MC – “Bust A Move”
    • Common – “Universal Mind Control (U.M.C.)” vs. Masta Ace – “Jeep A** Gutter (Aaron LaCrate & Debonair Samir RMX)” (Produced and mixed by The Scratch Perverts)
    • Cypress Hill – “Insane In The Brain” vs. Classics IV – “Spooky”
    • Cypress Hill – “Insane In The Brain” vs. David Axelrod – “The Edge”
    • Daft Punk – “Around The World” vs. Young MC – “Bust A Move”
    • Daft Punk – “Da Funk” vs. N.A.S.A. – “Strange Enough ft. Karen O, ODB & Fatlip”
    • Daft Punk – “Megamix 1″
    • Daft Punk – “Megamix 2″
    • Daft Punk – “Robot Rock” vs. Hashim – “Al Naafyish (The Soul)” (Produced and mixed by The Scratch Perverts)
    • Daft Punk – “Robot Rock” vs. Queen – “We Will Rock You”
    • Daft Punk – “Short Circuit” vs. Boogie Down Productions – “Jack Of Spades”
    • Daft Punk – “Technologic” vs. Gary Numan – “Cars”
    • Daft Punk – “Television Rules the Nation” vs. No Doubt – “Hella Good”
    • David Axelrod – “The Edge” vs. Eric B. & Rakim – “Eric B. Is President”
    • Dizzee Rascal – “Fix Up, Look Sharp” vs. DJ Shadow – “Organ Donor (Extended Overhaul)”
    • Dizzee Rascal – “Fix Up, Look Sharp” vs. Justice – “Genesis”
    • DJ Shadow – “Six Days (Remix ft. Mos Def)” vs. D-Code – “Annie’s Horn”
    • Eminem – “My Name Is” vs. Beck – “Loser”
    • Fedde Le Grand – “Put Your Hands Up For Detroit” vs. Sandy Rivera and David Penn – “I Can’t Stop (David Penn Remix)”
    • Foo Fighters – “Monkey Wrench” vs. Beastie Boys – “Sabotage” (DJ-Guitar mix)
    • Foreigner – “Juke Box Hero” vs. DJ Z-Trip ft. Murs – “DJ Hero” (Produced and mixed by DJ Z-Trip)
    • Foreigner – “Juke Box Hero” vs. DJ Z-Trip ft. Murs – “DJ Hero” (DJ-Guitar mix, produced and mixed by DJ Z-Trip)
    • Gang Starr – “Just To Get A Rep” vs. Mobb Deep – “Shook Ones, Pt 2″ (Produced and mixed by J. Period)
    • Gorillaz – “Feel Good Inc.” vs. Blondie – “Atomic”
    • Grandmaster Flash’s – “Boom” vs. “Tap” (Produced and mixed by Grandmaster Flash)
    • Grandmaster Flash, DJ Kool, DJ Demo – “Here Comes My DJ” vs. Gary Numan – “Cars” (Produced and mixed by Grandmaster Flash)
    • Gwen Stefani – “Hollaback Girl” vs. Gorillaz – “Feel Good Inc.”
    • Gwen Stefani – “Hollaback Girl” vs. InDeep “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life” (Produced and mixed by DJ AM)
    • Gwen Stefani – “Hollaback Girl” vs. Rick James – “Give It To Me”
    • Herbie Hancock – “Rockit” Beat Juggle
    • Herbie Hancock – “Rockit” vs. N.E.R.D. – “Lapdance” (Produced and mixed by Grandmaster Flash)
    • InDeep – “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life” vs. Cameo – “Word Up!”
    • Jackson 5 – “I Want You Back” vs. Gang Starr – “Just To Get A Rep” (Produced and mixed by DJ Yoda)
    • Jackson 5 – “I Want You Back” vs. Third Eye Blind – “Semi-Charmed Life” (DJ-Guitar mix)
    • Jackson 5 – “I Want You Back” vs. Third Eye Blind – “Semi-Charmed Life”
    • Jay-Z feat. Pharrell – “Change Clothes” vs. 2Pac – “All Eyez on Me”
    • Jay-Z – “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” vs. Eminem – “My Name Is”
    • Jay-Z – “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” vs. Jackson 5 – “I Want You Back”
    • Jay-Z – “Excuse Me Miss” vs. Rick James – “Give It To Me”
    • Jean Knight – “Mr. Big Stuff” vs. Masta Ace – “Born To Roll”
    • Jurassic 5 – “Jayou” vs. Billy Squier – “The Big Beat”
    • Jurassic 5 – “Jayou” vs. Herbie Hancock – “Rockit”
    • Kid Cudi – “Day ‘N’ Nite” vs. Black Eyed Peas – “Boom Boom Pow”
    • Kool Moe Dee – “How Ya Like Me Now” vs. Reel 2 Real featuring The Mad Stuntman – “I Like To Move It”
    • Little Richard – “Tutti Frutti” vs. Shlomo – “Beats” (Produced and mixed by DJ Yoda)
    • M.I.A. – “Paper Planes” vs. Eric B. & Rakim – “Eric B. Is President” (Produced and mixed by The Scratch Perverts)
    • M.I.A. – “Paper Planes” vs. Wale – “Lookin’ At Me”
    • Marvin Gaye – “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” vs. David Bowie – “Let’s Dance”
    • Marvin Gaye – “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” vs. Gorillaz – “Feel Good Inc.”
    • Motörhead – “Ace Of Spades” vs. Noisia – “Groundhog” (DJ-Guitar mix)
    • N.A.S.A. – “Strange Enough ft. Karen O, ODB & Fatlip” vs. Isaac Hayes – “Theme From Shaft”
    • Noisia – “Groundhog” Beat Juggle (Produced and mixed by The Scratch Perverts)
    • Paul van Dyk – “Nothing But You” vs. Sandy Rivera and David Penn – “I Can’t Stop (David Penn Remix)”
    • Public Enemy – “Shut ‘Em Down” vs. Beck – “Where It’s At”
    • Public Enemy ft. Zakk Wylde – “Bring The Noise 20XX” vs. Justice – “Genesis” (Produced and mixed by DJ Z-Trip)
    • Public Enemy featuring Zakk Wylde – “Bring The Noise 20XX” (DJ-Guitar mix)
    • Q-Tip – “Good Thang” vs. Billy Squier – “The Big Beat” (Produced and mixed by J. Period)
    • Queen – “Another One Bites The Dust” vs. Beastie Boys – “Brass Monkey” (Produced and mixed by DJ Z-Trip)
    • Queen – “Another One Bites The Dust” vs. Daft Punk – “Da Funk”
    • Rihanna – “Disturbia” vs. Kid Sister – “Control”
    • Rihanna – “Disturbia” vs. The Killers – “Somebody Told Me” (DJ-Guitar mix)
    • Rihanna – “Disturbia” vs. The Trammps – “Disco Inferno”
    • Shlomo – “Beats” vs. Billy Squier – “The Big Beat”
    • Street Sweeper Social Club – “Fight! Smash! Win!” vs. Beastie Boys – “Intergalactic” (DJ-Guitar mix)
    • Tears For Fears – “Shout” vs. DJ Shadow – “Six Days (Remix ft. Mos Def)”
    • Tears For Fears – “Shout” vs. Eric B. & Rakim – “Eric B. Is President” (Produced and mixed by DJ Jazzy Jeff)
    • Tears For Fears – “Shout” vs. Eric Prydz – “Pjanoo”
    • The Aranbee Pop Orchestra – “Bittersweet Symphony (Instrumental)” vs. LL Cool J – “Rock The Bells” (Produced and mixed by DJ Jazzy Jeff)
    • The Scratch Perverts Beats and Pieces (Produced and mixed by The Scratch Perverts)
    • The Killers – “Somebody Told Me” vs. Eric Prydz – “Pjanoo”
    • Vanilla Ice – “Ice Ice Baby” vs. MC Hammer – “U Can’t Touch This”
    • Vanilla Ice – “Ice Ice Baby” vs. Paula Abdul – “Straight Up”
    • Wale – “Lookin’ At Me” vs. Black Eyed Peas ft. Tippa Irie – “Hey Mama”
    • Weezer – “Beverly Hills” vs. Evidence, The Alchemist, Aceyalone, Rakaa & 88 Keys – “Fresh Rhymes And Videotape” (DJ-Guitar mix)
    • Wild Cherry – “Play That Funky Music” vs. Gang Starr – “Just To Get A Rep” (DJ-Guitar mix)

    Related Stories:

    Daft Punk Bring Exclusive Mixes, Mash-Ups and Masks To “DJ Hero”
    Inside “DJ Hero”: Grandmaster Flash on Game’s Big Names, Ideas

  • The Week That Was: T-Boz Opens Up About Brain Tumor, More to Mo’Nique’s Movie Drama

    Filed under: , , , ,

    TLC CrazySexyCoolTLC singer T-Boz's brain tumor brain cancer People magazine
    News is spreading like wildfire about TLC singer T-Boz‘s revelation that she battled a brain tumor.

    The 39-year-old Grammy Award winner told People magazine that she waged that battle in secret for three years.

    In the Oct. 12 edition of the magazine, she revealed having a seven-hour surgical procedure back in 2006 during which doctors peeled the tumor away from the brain stem.

    The divorced single mother of one said she was battling the tumor during her stint on Donald Trump‘s popular reality competition ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ but didn’t want to make it known to the public. “I didn’t want pity. I was there to help sick children.”

    On the most recent season of the series, which was won by comedienne Joan Rivers, T-Boz (born Tionne Watkins) competed to help raise funds for the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia. As a child, she was diagnosed with the lifelong blood disorder.

    Named one of the “50 Most Beautiful People” by the magazine in 1994 and 2000, T-Boz said that people are “shocked” when she tells them the news, but added “I won’t let you feel sorry for me.”

    *****

    So there may be more to the hype of Mo’Nique sabotaging her big chance at being nominated for an Academy Award for her much-buzzed about role in the Oprah Winfrey/Tyler Perry-produced movie, ‘Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire.’ There may actually be a smear campaign in place so that another one of the film’s co-star can capitalize on any negative press that the former ‘Showtime at the Apollo’ hostess endures. Yes, Mo’Nique hasn’t been available at glitzy film festivals touting the film, but sources tell us that the married mother of three has been prioritizing getting her new late-night show – which debuts Oct. 5 on BET – off the ground. We don’t know the promises that were made to her by the filmmakers of ‘Precious,’ but there may be some validity to her high demands. As for the Hollywood Reporter story about publicist Tresa Sanders resigning due to Mo’Nique’s difficulty, that’s not true. Sanders, who has help launch the careers of Jay-Z, Jermaine Dupri, Keyshia Cole, and handled publicity for Da Brat, Mary J. Blige, Pretty Ricky and Nelly Furtado, said Roger Friedman ‘s report is not accurate. “Contrary to the rumors, I did not quit,” she said. “Mo’Nique is one of the most talented actors in Hollywood. It was an honor to work with her and to get to know her as a human being. She’s at a point in her life where her achievements should be heralded.”

    *****

    If renowned civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton is the new lover in actress LisaRaye McCoy Misick‘s life, no one seems to be talking. Well, at least not anyone from their respective camps. Queries made to McCoy Misick‘s off-and-on publicist Lynn Allen Jeter have gone unanswered. Meanwhile, Sharpton’s longtime rep, Rachel Noerdlinger, told us: “Since Rev. Sharpton publicly announced the end of his marriage in 2004, he has chosen not to comment on personal matters.”
    But insiders have seen the “couple” painting the town since the 42-year-old former first Lady of Turks and Caicos accompanied Sharpton to Michael Jackson‘s September memorial service. Tongues have wagged. Natasha Eubanks of the black celebrity gossip Web site Young, Black Fabulous put the alleged affair on blast earlier this week, saying that “Lisa knows she’s not getting onto any of these ‘society and political’ events without a man who could bring her along. She’s also starved for attention from the media–surprise, surprise–so Al is her ‘in’ into that world.” Wowza.

    *****

    Looks like people are loving ‘The Cleveland Show.’ The Black-oriented spin-off of FOX’s animated romp ‘The Family Guy’ drew the best numbers among adults between the ages of 18-49 during its Sunday night debut. According to Nielsen, the animated series – featuring the voice of Tony Award and Emmy Award-nominated actress Sanaa Lathan — was the second-best overall behind the premieres of the much-hyped ‘Jay Leno Show‘ two weeks ago. And rapper Kanye West didn’t even have to shed a tear.

    *****

    Late, great author E. Lynn Harris‘ latest book, ‘Mama Dearest,’ has debuted on the New York Times Best Seller List. According to the tome’s publisher, Karen Hunter, the book will land at number 15 on the prestigious list next week. ‘Mama Dearest’ follows the scandal and drama of a singer/actress and her recently imprisoned mother. Harris died unexpectedly on July 23. The new novel is his 11th book to chart on the best-sellers list, and there may be more where that comes from. According to unconfirmed reports, seven unpublished manuscripts written by the groundbreaking author have been recovered from his computer’s hard drive. Computer forensic experts reportedly were able to locate and open password-protected files that were found on Harris’s personal laptop.

    Black Music Notes June 1

      6/1/09: Minnie Riperton
      A very fitting homage will be paid to late, great songbird Minnie Riperton when a new batch of the acclaimed TV One docu-series ‘Unsung’ hits the small screen this month. Best known for her signature ballad ‘Lovin’ You,’ the Chicago-born singer/songwriter’s career and life were cut short after a three-year battle with breast cancer in the late 1970s. After Riperton’s cancer diagnosis, she went public instead of retreating, serving as a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. . She was only 31 years old when she died at the prime of her career. ‘Unsung’ premieres June 7 at 8 PM ET, repeating at 11 PM, as well as Thursday, June 11 at 10 PM and Friday, June 12 at noon and midnight.

      Wire Image

      6/1/09: Grace Jones
      The one and only Grace Jones has been tapped to perform live at the ‘We Love’ festival in Ibiza on Aug. 9. For the first time ever, the ‘Pull Up To The Bumper’ singer will grace the Spanish island’s celebrated summer concert series, as part of the Wall Of Sound recording company’s 15th anniversary. Last year, festival organizers bought The Chemical Brothers back to the Ibiza after a ten-year hiatus. This year, they are ready for Amazing Grace, who recently released a new music project titled ‘Hurricane’ on the United Kingdom based label. “We are putting on a line-up to inspire and one that will take all lucky enough to be there on a journey they will never ever forget,” Wall of Sound founder Mark Jones said.

      Getty Images

      5/28/09: Chaka Khan
      Fresh from a headlining gig at the 2009 St Lucia Jazz Festival, Chaka Khan is ready to take on the nation’s capital. The 10-time Grammy Award winning diva will fill in for previously announce headliner Natalie Cole, who is recovering from a live saving kidney transplant surgery, at ‘The 18th Annual Capital Jazz Fest’ running June 5 – June 7. The ‘I Feel For You’ chanteuse will join a slew of noted musical acts at the lovely wooded setting of Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. According to a spokesperson for the event, the line-up includes performances by Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten, George Duke, Al Jarreau, Lalah Hathaway, Fourplay, Norman Brown, Roy Ayers, Will Downing, Kirk Whalum, Pieces of a Dream with special guest Phil Perry, Guitars & Saxes (f/ Jeff Lorber, Euge Groove, Jeff Golub and lady saxophone newcomer Jessy J) , Regina Belle, Marion Meadows and trumpeter Joey Sommerville.

      AFP/Getty Images

      5/28/09: Grandmaster Flash
      Grandmaster Flash will be honored with the Living Legend award at the Urban Music Awards USA 2009, set to be held at New York City’s Highline Ballroom on July 17. According to a spokesperson for the event, more than 175,000 music fans across the world have voted online for the hip hop veteran to receive the honor. “Flash is an absolute legend and he remains an inspiration to the hip hop culture all together by flying the flag from its inception to the success it has become today,” said Jordan Kensington, who is the C.E.O of Invincible Group & Founder of the Urban Music Awards. Nominees for the inaugural awards show include Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Bobby Valentino, M.I.A, Day 26, The Dream, Estelle, Kat de Luna, Akon, Kanye West, Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo and Eminem.

      Getty Images

      5/21/09: Jay-Z
      Despite stepping down from his Def Jam presidency in late 2007, hip hop mogul Jay-Z has finally left the label as an artist. Rumors started surfacing online that the platinum-selling lyricist, who owed the label one last album, brought himself out of his contract for $5 million. “I can honestly say, working with Doug Morris and LA Reid has been a unique and fulfilling experience and I respect them immensely,” he revealed to hip hop site Rap Radar. “I’ve been in the family for almost my entire career. Doug and I spoke directly and had one of the most unique ‘negotiations’ ever…I thank him for allowing me to be a completely independent artist. Not every artist can say they own or are given the opportunity to own all of their music.”

      Frank Micelott, Getty Images

      5/19/09: Mary J. Blige
      Mary J. Blige recently expanded her brand by signing with The William Morris Agency. According to Variety, the diversified entertainment agency, which also represents Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Kanye West, and Prince (to name a few), will assist the Queen of Hip Hop Soul in all areas of her career including the expansion of her entertainment company, Matriarch Entertainment. This fall the Queen of Hip Hop Soul will make her feature film debut in Tyler Perry‘s ‘I Can Do Bad All by Myself,’ scheduled to hit theaters September 11. She can be heard in the trailers for the Oprah Winfrey-presented drama ‘Precious,’ due out in November.

      Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

      5/19/09: The Dream
      Following in the veins of fellow hip hop stars DMX and Tupac Shakur, singer-songwriter The Dream is planning on releasing his second album of 2009 entitled, ‘Love King.’ The R&B crooner, who recently released his certified gold album ‘Love vs. Money’ in March, revealed to Billboard magazine that he already has seven songs in the can and expects the album to hit stores in December. “I have to pace myself ’cause there’s so much time between here and then,” he said, “but the seven records I do have are timeless records. Whether they come out now or later it’s not really going to matter what kind of records they are.” In between recording sessions for ‘Love King,’ fans can now catch The Dream on tour with Keyshia Cole.

      Getty Images

      5/19/09: The Whispers
      After releasing classic hits such as ‘In The Mood’ and ‘Rock Steady,’R&B stalwarts The Whispers are set to release their first gospel album on Kingdom Records. Grammy Award-winning gospel star Fred Hammond is expected to produce a bulk of the tracks. “We’ve been wanting to do this for ten years,” explained founding member Nick Caldwell. “God has been really, really good to the Whispers. He was looking out for us even when we were ignoring Him. He allowed us to live long enough to do this inspirational CD that we want to use to inspire people to get closer to God.” The as-yet-untitled anticipated album is tentatively scheduled for release later this year.

      5/19/09: Mariah Carey
      On May 23, Mariah Carey is set to perform a one-hour set at the opening of the most expensive resort in Europe, The Mardan. Carey alongside legendary British soul singer Tom Jones will reportedly be paid £1 million each to perform at the exclusive £926 million Turkey development, which features five acres of fresh water swimming pools and a sunken aquarium. Actress Sharon Stone and Paul McCartney are among the many guests invited to the 560 room hotel opening.

      Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

      5/19/09: Will Downing
      Overcoming his bout with the muscle disorder Polymyositis, Will Downing has set the stage to release is latest musical offering, ‘Classique.’ The balladeer’s 14th album and second Peak Records project features his signature baritone vocals over 10 smooth-sensual tracks. Vocalist Phil Perry joins the ‘After Tonight’ singer for Marvin Gaye penned ‘Baby I’m for Real.’ Other album highlights include ‘Love Suggestions,’ ‘More Time,’ ‘Something Special’ and Barry White‘s classic hit ‘I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby.’ ‘Classique’ hit stores June 16.

      Verve

     

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  • Jay-Z Pisses Off His Racist Neighbors

    Posted by: KanYeezy

    Jay-Z, knowing that his neighbors didnt want him in the building, decided to get back at them.

    He told BBC radio, “My neighbors didn’t want me in the building. It was a whole big thing; it was really racist. They didn’t want me in so I bought the biggest place there. They have a board and voting is based on how much of the property share you have, so I have the biggest share and I go down just to vote on things I don’t care about just to tick ’em off.” He continued, “I guess they think I’m having parties and there’s shootings going on, but I have normal breakfasts and lunches. My friends come over accountants and bankers & and I make them all wear black so the neighbors think they’re gangsters. It’s fun.”

  • The Week That Was: Fela! Sure to Wear Broadway Out, Chris Brown Has the ‘Power’

    Filed under: , , , , , ,


    This fall, the Great White Way will feel one hell of a jolt when the new musical ‘Fela!’ hits the boards at New York’s Eugene O’Neill Theater, starting Oct. 19. The show, which chronicles the life and music of groundbreaking African composer, performer and activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti, was all the rave during its very limited and sold-out run at the 37 Arts Theater last fall. Created by Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones, the masterfully produced tour de force attracted fans such as Jay-Z, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Toni Morrison, Lou Reed, Fiona Apple and Charlize Theron.

    This week, BV Newswire was invited to an exclusive preview of this provocative hybrid of concert, dance and musical theater that will dazzle audiences for generations to come. (See VIDEO below.) Now wonder it won the 2009 Lucille Lortel Award for best musical. Two-time Emmy Award winner Kevin Mambo and Tony Award-winning vocal powerhouse Lillias White (pictured above, center and right) have been added to the multitalented cast, which is led by Sahr Ngaujah, whose breakout performance as the Afrobeat icon who died of AIDS in 1997, was a work of sheer theatrical genius. Tickets start at $27. For more information about ‘Fela!,’ visit www.FelaOnBroadway.com.

    *****

    Nick Cannon may be having the best year ever. The dashing and debonair host of NBC’s ‘America’s Got Talent’ is getting a windfall of media attention on the day before wife Mariah Carey releases her new album, ‘Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.’

    For those who don’t know, the San Diego native is the new chairman of Nickelodeon’s teen network, TeenNick.

    On Sept. 28, The N (current name) will rebrand itself as TeenNick and we will be airing a celebrity promo spot in connection with the launch.

    Various celebrities — including wifey, Ellen DeGeneres, Taylor Swift, Sharon Osbourne, Tony Hawk, Keke Palmer, and Ice Cube — are all featured in this promo congratulating Cannon on his chairman position.

    *****Fela

    LL Cool J‘s latest foray into television is off to a good start. According to the Hollywood Reporter, CBS scored big with its new series ‘NCIS: Los Angeles,’ which features the hip-hop superstar and movie star Chris O’Donnell. Apparently, Tuesday marked the network’s most-watched premiere night since 1993, thanks to the triple threat of drama in the form of ‘NCIS’ (20.6 million viewers), ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ (18.7 million) and Julianna Margulies‘ new series ‘The Good Wife’ (13.7 million). From 1995-1999, LL Cool J (real name James Todd Smith) starred in the NBC sitcom ‘In the House.’

    *****

    Chris Brown is getting back to work – the kind that pays. The beleaguered R&B crooner with the dazzling smile and mean right hook can breathe a sigh of relief. His battery and assault of girlfriend Rihanna hasn’t hurt him among hip-hop fans. The Jive Records artist is due to headline the “Powerhouse” concert, an event hosted by New York City’s hip-hop radio station Power 105. According to EURweb.com, the ‘Run It’ singer’s Oct. 27 performance at the Izod Center in New Jersey is his first official live show since his February altercation with the Cover Girl spokesmodel earned him probation and community service. Also on the “Powerhouse” lineup: the-Dream, Fabolous, Keri Hilson, Trey Songz, Mario and Ginuwine.

    Black Music Notes June 1

      6/1/09: Minnie Riperton
      A very fitting homage will be paid to late, great songbird Minnie Riperton when a new batch of the acclaimed TV One docu-series ‘Unsung’ hits the small screen this month. Best known for her signature ballad ‘Lovin’ You,’ the Chicago-born singer/songwriter’s career and life were cut short after a three-year battle with breast cancer in the late 1970s. After Riperton’s cancer diagnosis, she went public instead of retreating, serving as a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. . She was only 31 years old when she died at the prime of her career. ‘Unsung’ premieres June 7 at 8 PM ET, repeating at 11 PM, as well as Thursday, June 11 at 10 PM and Friday, June 12 at noon and midnight.

      Wire Image

      6/1/09: Grace Jones
      The one and only Grace Jones has been tapped to perform live at the ‘We Love’ festival in Ibiza on Aug. 9. For the first time ever, the ‘Pull Up To The Bumper’ singer will grace the Spanish island’s celebrated summer concert series, as part of the Wall Of Sound recording company’s 15th anniversary. Last year, festival organizers bought The Chemical Brothers back to the Ibiza after a ten-year hiatus. This year, they are ready for Amazing Grace, who recently released a new music project titled ‘Hurricane’ on the United Kingdom based label. “We are putting on a line-up to inspire and one that will take all lucky enough to be there on a journey they will never ever forget,” Wall of Sound founder Mark Jones said.

      Getty Images

      5/28/09: Chaka Khan
      Fresh from a headlining gig at the 2009 St Lucia Jazz Festival, Chaka Khan is ready to take on the nation’s capital. The 10-time Grammy Award winning diva will fill in for previously announce headliner Natalie Cole, who is recovering from a live saving kidney transplant surgery, at ‘The 18th Annual Capital Jazz Fest’ running June 5 – June 7. The ‘I Feel For You’ chanteuse will join a slew of noted musical acts at the lovely wooded setting of Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. According to a spokesperson for the event, the line-up includes performances by Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten, George Duke, Al Jarreau, Lalah Hathaway, Fourplay, Norman Brown, Roy Ayers, Will Downing, Kirk Whalum, Pieces of a Dream with special guest Phil Perry, Guitars & Saxes (f/ Jeff Lorber, Euge Groove, Jeff Golub and lady saxophone newcomer Jessy J) , Regina Belle, Marion Meadows and trumpeter Joey Sommerville.

      AFP/Getty Images

      5/28/09: Grandmaster Flash
      Grandmaster Flash will be honored with the Living Legend award at the Urban Music Awards USA 2009, set to be held at New York City’s Highline Ballroom on July 17. According to a spokesperson for the event, more than 175,000 music fans across the world have voted online for the hip hop veteran to receive the honor. “Flash is an absolute legend and he remains an inspiration to the hip hop culture all together by flying the flag from its inception to the success it has become today,” said Jordan Kensington, who is the C.E.O of Invincible Group & Founder of the Urban Music Awards. Nominees for the inaugural awards show include Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Bobby Valentino, M.I.A, Day 26, The Dream, Estelle, Kat de Luna, Akon, Kanye West, Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo and Eminem.

      Getty Images

      5/21/09: Jay-Z
      Despite stepping down from his Def Jam presidency in late 2007, hip hop mogul Jay-Z has finally left the label as an artist. Rumors started surfacing online that the platinum-selling lyricist, who owed the label one last album, brought himself out of his contract for $5 million. “I can honestly say, working with Doug Morris and LA Reid has been a unique and fulfilling experience and I respect them immensely,” he revealed to hip hop site Rap Radar. “I’ve been in the family for almost my entire career. Doug and I spoke directly and had one of the most unique ‘negotiations’ ever…I thank him for allowing me to be a completely independent artist. Not every artist can say they own or are given the opportunity to own all of their music.”

      Frank Micelott, Getty Images

      5/19/09: Mary J. Blige
      Mary J. Blige recently expanded her brand by signing with The William Morris Agency. According to Variety, the diversified entertainment agency, which also represents Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Kanye West, and Prince (to name a few), will assist the Queen of Hip Hop Soul in all areas of her career including the expansion of her entertainment company, Matriarch Entertainment. This fall the Queen of Hip Hop Soul will make her feature film debut in Tyler Perry‘s ‘I Can Do Bad All by Myself,’ scheduled to hit theaters September 11. She can be heard in the trailers for the Oprah Winfrey-presented drama ‘Precious,’ due out in November.

      Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

      5/19/09: The Dream
      Following in the veins of fellow hip hop stars DMX and Tupac Shakur, singer-songwriter The Dream is planning on releasing his second album of 2009 entitled, ‘Love King.’ The R&B crooner, who recently released his certified gold album ‘Love vs. Money’ in March, revealed to Billboard magazine that he already has seven songs in the can and expects the album to hit stores in December. “I have to pace myself ’cause there’s so much time between here and then,” he said, “but the seven records I do have are timeless records. Whether they come out now or later it’s not really going to matter what kind of records they are.” In between recording sessions for ‘Love King,’ fans can now catch The Dream on tour with Keyshia Cole.

      Getty Images

      5/19/09: The Whispers
      After releasing classic hits such as ‘In The Mood’ and ‘Rock Steady,’R&B stalwarts The Whispers are set to release their first gospel album on Kingdom Records. Grammy Award-winning gospel star Fred Hammond is expected to produce a bulk of the tracks. “We’ve been wanting to do this for ten years,” explained founding member Nick Caldwell. “God has been really, really good to the Whispers. He was looking out for us even when we were ignoring Him. He allowed us to live long enough to do this inspirational CD that we want to use to inspire people to get closer to God.” The as-yet-untitled anticipated album is tentatively scheduled for release later this year.

      5/19/09: Mariah Carey
      On May 23, Mariah Carey is set to perform a one-hour set at the opening of the most expensive resort in Europe, The Mardan. Carey alongside legendary British soul singer Tom Jones will reportedly be paid £1 million each to perform at the exclusive £926 million Turkey development, which features five acres of fresh water swimming pools and a sunken aquarium. Actress Sharon Stone and Paul McCartney are among the many guests invited to the 560 room hotel opening.

      Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

      5/19/09: Will Downing
      Overcoming his bout with the muscle disorder Polymyositis, Will Downing has set the stage to release is latest musical offering, ‘Classique.’ The balladeer’s 14th album and second Peak Records project features his signature baritone vocals over 10 smooth-sensual tracks. Vocalist Phil Perry joins the ‘After Tonight’ singer for Marvin Gaye penned ‘Baby I’m for Real.’ Other album highlights include ‘Love Suggestions,’ ‘More Time,’ ‘Something Special’ and Barry White‘s classic hit ‘I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby.’ ‘Classique’ hit stores June 16.

      Verve

     

    Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  • Touré: New Gig In ‘Hip Hop Shop’

    Filed under: , ,

    Former Rolling Stone scribe Touré just signed on to host a new weekly music video show on Fuse called ‘Hip Hop Shop.’ This marks the television network’s new push to include music-centric shows hosted by experts of the respective genre.

    Fuse hinted that Touré would be getting a new gig when he nailed the job of sitting down with Jay-Z for a two-part special that aired before the Brooklyn MC’s live 9/11 tribute concert, which took place at Madison Square Garden. He also served as a backstage correspondent during the concert special.

    Black Music Notes June 1

      6/1/09: Minnie Riperton
      A very fitting homage will be paid to late, great songbird Minnie Riperton when a new batch of the acclaimed TV One docu-series ‘Unsung’ hits the small screen this month. Best known for her signature ballad ‘Lovin’ You,’ the Chicago-born singer/songwriter’s career and life were cut short after a three-year battle with breast cancer in the late 1970s. After Riperton’s cancer diagnosis, she went public instead of retreating, serving as a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. . She was only 31 years old when she died at the prime of her career. ‘Unsung’ premieres June 7 at 8 PM ET, repeating at 11 PM, as well as Thursday, June 11 at 10 PM and Friday, June 12 at noon and midnight.

      Wire Image

      6/1/09: Grace Jones
      The one and only Grace Jones has been tapped to perform live at the ‘We Love’ festival in Ibiza on Aug. 9. For the first time ever, the ‘Pull Up To The Bumper’ singer will grace the Spanish island’s celebrated summer concert series, as part of the Wall Of Sound recording company’s 15th anniversary. Last year, festival organizers bought The Chemical Brothers back to the Ibiza after a ten-year hiatus. This year, they are ready for Amazing Grace, who recently released a new music project titled ‘Hurricane’ on the United Kingdom based label. “We are putting on a line-up to inspire and one that will take all lucky enough to be there on a journey they will never ever forget,” Wall of Sound founder Mark Jones said.

      Getty Images

      5/28/09: Chaka Khan
      Fresh from a headlining gig at the 2009 St Lucia Jazz Festival, Chaka Khan is ready to take on the nation’s capital. The 10-time Grammy Award winning diva will fill in for previously announce headliner Natalie Cole, who is recovering from a live saving kidney transplant surgery, at ‘The 18th Annual Capital Jazz Fest’ running June 5 – June 7. The ‘I Feel For You’ chanteuse will join a slew of noted musical acts at the lovely wooded setting of Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. According to a spokesperson for the event, the line-up includes performances by Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten, George Duke, Al Jarreau, Lalah Hathaway, Fourplay, Norman Brown, Roy Ayers, Will Downing, Kirk Whalum, Pieces of a Dream with special guest Phil Perry, Guitars & Saxes (f/ Jeff Lorber, Euge Groove, Jeff Golub and lady saxophone newcomer Jessy J) , Regina Belle, Marion Meadows and trumpeter Joey Sommerville.

      AFP/Getty Images

      5/28/09: Grandmaster Flash
      Grandmaster Flash will be honored with the Living Legend award at the Urban Music Awards USA 2009, set to be held at New York City’s Highline Ballroom on July 17. According to a spokesperson for the event, more than 175,000 music fans across the world have voted online for the hip hop veteran to receive the honor. “Flash is an absolute legend and he remains an inspiration to the hip hop culture all together by flying the flag from its inception to the success it has become today,” said Jordan Kensington, who is the C.E.O of Invincible Group & Founder of the Urban Music Awards. Nominees for the inaugural awards show include Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Bobby Valentino, M.I.A, Day 26, The Dream, Estelle, Kat de Luna, Akon, Kanye West, Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo and Eminem.

      Getty Images

      5/21/09: Jay-Z
      Despite stepping down from his Def Jam presidency in late 2007, hip hop mogul Jay-Z has finally left the label as an artist. Rumors started surfacing online that the platinum-selling lyricist, who owed the label one last album, brought himself out of his contract for $5 million. “I can honestly say, working with Doug Morris and LA Reid has been a unique and fulfilling experience and I respect them immensely,” he revealed to hip hop site Rap Radar. “I’ve been in the family for almost my entire career. Doug and I spoke directly and had one of the most unique ‘negotiations’ ever…I thank him for allowing me to be a completely independent artist. Not every artist can say they own or are given the opportunity to own all of their music.”

      Frank Micelott, Getty Images

      5/19/09: Mary J. Blige
      Mary J. Blige recently expanded her brand by signing with The William Morris Agency. According to Variety, the diversified entertainment agency, which also represents Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Kanye West, and Prince (to name a few), will assist the Queen of Hip Hop Soul in all areas of her career including the expansion of her entertainment company, Matriarch Entertainment. This fall the Queen of Hip Hop Soul will make her feature film debut in Tyler Perry‘s ‘I Can Do Bad All by Myself,’ scheduled to hit theaters September 11. She can be heard in the trailers for the Oprah Winfrey-presented drama ‘Precious,’ due out in November.

      Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

      5/19/09: The Dream
      Following in the veins of fellow hip hop stars DMX and Tupac Shakur, singer-songwriter The Dream is planning on releasing his second album of 2009 entitled, ‘Love King.’ The R&B crooner, who recently released his certified gold album ‘Love vs. Money’ in March, revealed to Billboard magazine that he already has seven songs in the can and expects the album to hit stores in December. “I have to pace myself ’cause there’s so much time between here and then,” he said, “but the seven records I do have are timeless records. Whether they come out now or later it’s not really going to matter what kind of records they are.” In between recording sessions for ‘Love King,’ fans can now catch The Dream on tour with Keyshia Cole.

      Getty Images

      5/19/09: The Whispers
      After releasing classic hits such as ‘In The Mood’ and ‘Rock Steady,’R&B stalwarts The Whispers are set to release their first gospel album on Kingdom Records. Grammy Award-winning gospel star Fred Hammond is expected to produce a bulk of the tracks. “We’ve been wanting to do this for ten years,” explained founding member Nick Caldwell. “God has been really, really good to the Whispers. He was looking out for us even when we were ignoring Him. He allowed us to live long enough to do this inspirational CD that we want to use to inspire people to get closer to God.” The as-yet-untitled anticipated album is tentatively scheduled for release later this year.

      5/19/09: Mariah Carey
      On May 23, Mariah Carey is set to perform a one-hour set at the opening of the most expensive resort in Europe, The Mardan. Carey alongside legendary British soul singer Tom Jones will reportedly be paid £1 million each to perform at the exclusive £926 million Turkey development, which features five acres of fresh water swimming pools and a sunken aquarium. Actress Sharon Stone and Paul McCartney are among the many guests invited to the 560 room hotel opening.

      Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

      5/19/09: Will Downing
      Overcoming his bout with the muscle disorder Polymyositis, Will Downing has set the stage to release is latest musical offering, ‘Classique.’ The balladeer’s 14th album and second Peak Records project features his signature baritone vocals over 10 smooth-sensual tracks. Vocalist Phil Perry joins the ‘After Tonight’ singer for Marvin Gaye penned ‘Baby I’m for Real.’ Other album highlights include ‘Love Suggestions,’ ‘More Time,’ ‘Something Special’ and Barry White‘s classic hit ‘I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby.’ ‘Classique’ hit stores June 16.

      Verve

    The new show will feature in-studio interviews with musicians and celebrities.The premiere episode of ‘Hip Hop Shop’ will feature former 3LW singer Natauri Naughton, who will discuss her new role in the upcoming remake of ‘Fame.’

    Since dropping out of Emory University to intern at Rolling Stone, Touré, who has served as a contributing editor for the magazine since 1997, has written cover stories on everyone from Lauryn Hill to Alicia Keys. The Boston native has also penned three books ‘The Portable Promised Land, which is a collection of short stories, as well as a novel called ‘Soul City’ and a collection of his pop culture writings called ‘Never Drank the Kool-Aid.’

    Most recently, the 38 year-old father of two served as CNN’s pop culture correspondent for ‘American Morning’s 90 Second Pop.’

    Fuse’s ‘Hip Hop Shop’ debuts on Sept. 23 aToure Never Drankt 7:00 pm ET.

     

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  • The Week That Was: People are Praying for Maia Campbell

    Filed under: , , , , ,


    Video clips have surfaced of actress Maia Campbell. The former ‘In the House’ star became a top 10 trending topic on Twitter yesterday after the Web site WorldStarHipHop.com posted a video allegedly showing the actress-turned-prostitute on a drug-induced rant in Compton, Calif.

    According to EURweb.com, the trending topics “#Maia Campbell” and “#pray4maiacampbell” were among the top five on the popular social networking portal. Actress Holly Robinson Peete (@hollyrpeete) were among the many Twittering out of sadness and concern for the 32-year-old Campbell, who is the daughter of late best-selling author BeBe Moore Campbell. Robinson Peete wrote: “Hope Maia Campbell being trending topic can get her HELP IF that’s really her in that video. (Amen – that video hurt my ?!)” Previous articles written about Campbell for Black Voices also became a hot search term topics over the last 24 hours.

    YOU LIKE CELEBRITY PHOTOS? Check Out ‘Hot Shots’

    The national tour of Oprah Winfrey‘s musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’ has launched a Hurricane Katrina fundraising campaign to build as many houses as possible in New Orleans by the time the show arrives there for its run at the newly refurbished Mahaila Jackson Theater, from Dec. 1 – 6. The show currently stars ‘American Idol’ winner Fantasia Barrino in the lead role.

    Starting with this week’s engagement in Chicago at the Arie Crown, the tour will allow audiences to donate at each stop along the route. ‘The Color Purple’ is partnering with a local New Orleans’ organization, the St. Bernard Project (stbernardproject.org), a grassroots, volunteer-based nonprofit that rebuilds homes in less than 12 weeks for approximately $15,000 each. To kick off the fundraising initiative, the show’s producers and Alice Walker announced that they have collectively pledged to pay for the rebuilding of the first three houses.

    “[We are] honored to be part of the first theater season in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina. Since our show is so much about triumph over adversity, we would like ‘The Color Purple’ to give something back to the people of New Orleans,” said Lead Producer Scott Sanders. “We love the idea of ‘The Color Purple’ putting families into new homes for the holidays this year.”

    *****

    Tia and Tamara Mowry are reuniting on screen. The ‘Sister, Sister’ actresses will star in the Lifetime movie ‘Double Wedding,’ which is a story about siblings who wind up dating the same man. Production on the project begins this month, with the goal of a June premiere, reported Daily Variety. The twin actresses and their mother, Darlene, are serving as the movie’s executive producers, along with Howard Braunstein and Michael Jaffe. The former child stars have cultivated flourishing careers in their adult years: Tamera appeared on the Lifetime series ‘Strong Medicine,’ while her sister appeared on the CW’s popular sitcom ‘The Game.’

    *****

    Taye Diggs and his wife, actress Idina Menzel, welcomed their first child on Sept. 2. The ‘Private Practice’ star and Tony Award-winning actress are celebrating the birth of Walker Nathaniel Diggs this week. “Mother, father and son are all doing well,” the couple’s rep said in a statement. The couple, who wed in 2003, met on the Broadway production of ‘Rent’ in 1996. Diggs currently stars on the ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ spin-off, and Menzel dazzled audiences in The Great White Way’s production of ‘Wicked.’ They both revived their roles for the movie adaptation of ‘Rent’ in 2005.

    *****

    With the release of the film adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical ‘Passing Strange,’ director Spike Lee is returning to his roots. The ‘She’s Gotta Have It’ filmmaker will be among the presenters of ‘County of Kings,’ a show written and performed by the poet Lemon Andersen that will be performed at the Public Theater in New York City this fall. According to the New York Times, ‘County of Kings’ was featured at the Public’s “Under The Radar” festival earlier this year and tells Andersen’s story about growing up in Brooklyn during the birth of hip-hop. Jayson Jackson, who previously oversaw the careers of Lauryn Hill, D’Angelo and Tony Award winner Sarah Jones, will also present ‘County,’ while Elise Thoron will direct. It is scheduled to begin performances on Sept. 29, with an official opening of Oct. 12.

    *****

    Rick Fox will be bringing the heat to ‘Melrose Place.’ The forBeBe Moore Campbell 72 Hour Holdmer-NBA-all-star-turned-actor has been tapped to play a recurring role on the new CW series, which is a resurrection of the popular 1990s FOX nighttime soap. According to Reuters, Fox will play the owner of the restaurant where all the aspiring actors on the show work. His previous acting credits include ‘He Got Game,’ ‘Oz,’ ‘One Tree Hill,’ ‘The Game’ and the movie ‘Meet the Browns.’ He even starred on ‘Ugly Betty,’ where he was featured alongside his ex-wife and series star Vanessa Williams.

    Black Music Notes June 1

      6/1/09: Minnie Riperton
      A very fitting homage will be paid to late, great songbird Minnie Riperton when a new batch of the acclaimed TV One docu-series ‘Unsung’ hits the small screen this month. Best known for her signature ballad ‘Lovin’ You,’ the Chicago-born singer/songwriter’s career and life were cut short after a three-year battle with breast cancer in the late 1970s. After Riperton’s cancer diagnosis, she went public instead of retreating, serving as a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. . She was only 31 years old when she died at the prime of her career. ‘Unsung’ premieres June 7 at 8 PM ET, repeating at 11 PM, as well as Thursday, June 11 at 10 PM and Friday, June 12 at noon and midnight.

      Wire Image

      6/1/09: Grace Jones
      The one and only Grace Jones has been tapped to perform live at the ‘We Love’ festival in Ibiza on Aug. 9. For the first time ever, the ‘Pull Up To The Bumper’ singer will grace the Spanish island’s celebrated summer concert series, as part of the Wall Of Sound recording company’s 15th anniversary. Last year, festival organizers bought The Chemical Brothers back to the Ibiza after a ten-year hiatus. This year, they are ready for Amazing Grace, who recently released a new music project titled ‘Hurricane’ on the United Kingdom based label. “We are putting on a line-up to inspire and one that will take all lucky enough to be there on a journey they will never ever forget,” Wall of Sound founder Mark Jones said.

      Getty Images

      5/28/09: Chaka Khan
      Fresh from a headlining gig at the 2009 St Lucia Jazz Festival, Chaka Khan is ready to take on the nation’s capital. The 10-time Grammy Award winning diva will fill in for previously announce headliner Natalie Cole, who is recovering from a live saving kidney transplant surgery, at ‘The 18th Annual Capital Jazz Fest’ running June 5 – June 7. The ‘I Feel For You’ chanteuse will join a slew of noted musical acts at the lovely wooded setting of Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. According to a spokesperson for the event, the line-up includes performances by Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten, George Duke, Al Jarreau, Lalah Hathaway, Fourplay, Norman Brown, Roy Ayers, Will Downing, Kirk Whalum, Pieces of a Dream with special guest Phil Perry, Guitars & Saxes (f/ Jeff Lorber, Euge Groove, Jeff Golub and lady saxophone newcomer Jessy J) , Regina Belle, Marion Meadows and trumpeter Joey Sommerville.

      AFP/Getty Images

      5/28/09: Grandmaster Flash
      Grandmaster Flash will be honored with the Living Legend award at the Urban Music Awards USA 2009, set to be held at New York City’s Highline Ballroom on July 17. According to a spokesperson for the event, more than 175,000 music fans across the world have voted online for the hip hop veteran to receive the honor. “Flash is an absolute legend and he remains an inspiration to the hip hop culture all together by flying the flag from its inception to the success it has become today,” said Jordan Kensington, who is the C.E.O of Invincible Group & Founder of the Urban Music Awards. Nominees for the inaugural awards show include Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Bobby Valentino, M.I.A, Day 26, The Dream, Estelle, Kat de Luna, Akon, Kanye West, Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo and Eminem.

      Getty Images

      5/21/09: Jay-Z
      Despite stepping down from his Def Jam presidency in late 2007, hip hop mogul Jay-Z has finally left the label as an artist. Rumors started surfacing online that the platinum-selling lyricist, who owed the label one last album, brought himself out of his contract for $5 million. “I can honestly say, working with Doug Morris and LA Reid has been a unique and fulfilling experience and I respect them immensely,” he revealed to hip hop site Rap Radar. “I’ve been in the family for almost my entire career. Doug and I spoke directly and had one of the most unique ‘negotiations’ ever…I thank him for allowing me to be a completely independent artist. Not every artist can say they own or are given the opportunity to own all of their music.”

      Frank Micelott, Getty Images

      5/19/09: Mary J. Blige
      Mary J. Blige recently expanded her brand by signing with The William Morris Agency. According to Variety, the diversified entertainment agency, which also represents Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Kanye West, and Prince (to name a few), will assist the Queen of Hip Hop Soul in all areas of her career including the expansion of her entertainment company, Matriarch Entertainment. This fall the Queen of Hip Hop Soul will make her feature film debut in Tyler Perry‘s ‘I Can Do Bad All by Myself,’ scheduled to hit theaters September 11. She can be heard in the trailers for the Oprah Winfrey-presented drama ‘Precious,’ due out in November.

      Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

      5/19/09: The Dream
      Following in the veins of fellow hip hop stars DMX and Tupac Shakur, singer-songwriter The Dream is planning on releasing his second album of 2009 entitled, ‘Love King.’ The R&B crooner, who recently released his certified gold album ‘Love vs. Money’ in March, revealed to Billboard magazine that he already has seven songs in the can and expects the album to hit stores in December. “I have to pace myself ’cause there’s so much time between here and then,” he said, “but the seven records I do have are timeless records. Whether they come out now or later it’s not really going to matter what kind of records they are.” In between recording sessions for ‘Love King,’ fans can now catch The Dream on tour with Keyshia Cole.

      Getty Images

      5/19/09: The Whispers
      After releasing classic hits such as ‘In The Mood’ and ‘Rock Steady,’R&B stalwarts The Whispers are set to release their first gospel album on Kingdom Records. Grammy Award-winning gospel star Fred Hammond is expected to produce a bulk of the tracks. “We’ve been wanting to do this for ten years,” explained founding member Nick Caldwell. “God has been really, really good to the Whispers. He was looking out for us even when we were ignoring Him. He allowed us to live long enough to do this inspirational CD that we want to use to inspire people to get closer to God.” The as-yet-untitled anticipated album is tentatively scheduled for release later this year.

      5/19/09: Mariah Carey
      On May 23, Mariah Carey is set to perform a one-hour set at the opening of the most expensive resort in Europe, The Mardan. Carey alongside legendary British soul singer Tom Jones will reportedly be paid £1 million each to perform at the exclusive £926 million Turkey development, which features five acres of fresh water swimming pools and a sunken aquarium. Actress Sharon Stone and Paul McCartney are among the many guests invited to the 560 room hotel opening.

      Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

      5/19/09: Will Downing
      Overcoming his bout with the muscle disorder Polymyositis, Will Downing has set the stage to release is latest musical offering, ‘Classique.’ The balladeer’s 14th album and second Peak Records project features his signature baritone vocals over 10 smooth-sensual tracks. Vocalist Phil Perry joins the ‘After Tonight’ singer for Marvin Gaye penned ‘Baby I’m for Real.’ Other album highlights include ‘Love Suggestions,’ ‘More Time,’ ‘Something Special’ and Barry White‘s classic hit ‘I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby.’ ‘Classique’ hit stores June 16.

      Verve

     

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  • The Problem With Amber Rose

    Posted by: Russell Simmons

    I noticed that every time we post a story about Amber Rose, it gets lots of attention. People have very strong opinions…they either hate her or love her. Some people (the haters) get upset because we, the editors of Global Grind, can’t find a lot of bad things to say about her. We leave that for sites that are less creative and less responsible.

    Anyhow, when I closely examine the “Amber” phenomenon, I can’t see what she’s done to hurt the planet, the animals or the people. So sorry haters, I really can’t really find fault with her. One thing good spiritual people should be good at is practicing “non judgment.” So as long as Datwon (the COO of Global Grind) allows me to be involved and be Editorial Director of Global Grind, we are gonna try to stay positive. I’m gonna continue to see my team executing my view or if not, people here will get fired!!! But mostly they will be given another chance…but if it
    don’t work out… fired. Ok, back to the point. The best reason to practice disdain for something or someone is that it hurts your spirit. Maybe sometimes you don’t want those actions that are performed by another to become your own? And the best way to do that is to point
    fingers? I noticed that the greatest haters of gays are mostly frustrated gays themselves…or maybe in Amber’s case, the sexy girl in you wants to walk around your party in a swimsuit…but that’s a fantasy because you are way too afraid to do that.

    I believe that most people who become popular are just trying to make their way, and the constant negative pressure from the media tearing them down can sometimes destroy their self image, ruin their chances of becoming more successful or more importantly, destroy their chances of achieving lasting happiness. Here’s a scenario seldom discussed. The pop culture that has 3 million people following Ashton Kutcher on twitter, but only 15 thousand following His Holiness, the Dali Lama could be subject to some judgment? But I guess as a good yogi, I should look past this and pray that we find the good in Ashton, Puff, Kim Kardashian, Amber Rose or any entertainer or celebrity that stole our focus and now has such a powerful affect on our society. We, the collective consciousness, choose Hulk Hogan, Lil Wayne, Paris Hilton, Jay-Z or Amber Rose to focus our attention on, so why does it make us feel so
    good to tear them down?

    Advice. Practice living a full life. Use your Bible, Koran, Torah, yoga sutras, Buddhist scripture as YOUR guide. Be the best you can be. Tearing other people down will not make you a better Christian, Muslim or Jew. But finding the good in them and protecting them and wishing them well, will!! Try not to pass out bad energy or judgment because the karmic affect is more devastating to your self-image and happiness than it is to theirs’.

    PS. I’m not holier than anyone reading this…just pointing out some things that I noticed in me that may be operating in you.

    -Russell

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Jay-Z-Hate Feat Kanye West.mp3

    Posted by: Illmatic

    Jay-Z-Hate Feat Kanye West

  • The Week That Was: Vibe magazine to get fresh blood, Ola Ray wants pay

    Filed under: , , ,

    Vibe magazine seems to be rapidly rising from its proverbial ashes with new owners, who this week announced that Jermaine Hall will helm the resurrected title. A native of St. Lucia, raised in Queens, Hall is the former editor-in-chief of King magazine, and previously served stints as a music editor of The Source, and a webmaster of Vibe. He will now serve as the editor-in-chief of Vibe and its website. “I’ve always been very confident about anything dealing with editorial, so I’m definitely not intimidated,” the Iona College graduate told the website mediaite. “I’m very excited. I love all the eras of Vibe but one of my favorite eras is Alan Light‘s tenure [1994-1997] – the book was at its broadest during that time. I’m looking to recapture that feel, but bring it up to date.” The Quincy Jones-founded urban music magazine shuttered in June, after 16 years of publication, when its previous owners could not find new buyers or restructure the company’s debt. It was bought earlier this month by InterMedia Partners, a private equity fund and now is managed by the Vibe Lifestyle Network, led by Vibe’s original business leaders Robert Miller and Leonard Burnett and Uptown magazine co-founder Brett Wright. A new issue is planned for November/December.

    *****

    It’s time to pay Ola Ray. Or that’s what she says. The original music video girl, who starred in Michael Jackson‘s seminal ‘Thriller’ video and appeared in its best-selling ‘Making Of’ home video, is seeking unpaid royalties for her work from 25 years ago. Ray’s attorney filed Los Angeles court documents stating she is a creditor to the singer’s estate and is owed an undetermined amount of money.

    The actress, whose most recent “acting” credit dates back to 1987, sued Jackson in April, claiming he had failed to pay her royalties that she was due for the past four years. That suit, and two others filed by the video’s director John Landis, remains unresolved.

    According to reports, one of Landis’ lawsuits claimed he also hadn’t been paid royalties on the “Thriller” video for several years.

    When Jackson died in June, the St. Louis native – who has a Grammy Award in her possession (that she accepted on his behalf) made the media rounds. “I am freaking out, I can’t believe that he is gone,” she said. “He was my hero as well as my mentor. And I really respected him as an entertainer and we made history together, and he will always be the best.” Now she’s listed as one of the creditors of his estate.

    *****

    Now that Chris Brown has been officially sentenced and ordered to stay away from Rihanna for five years, his mother is speaking out – in the name of Jesus. “I just want to say from the bottom of my heart thank you for your continued support. I’m sorry I wasn’t allowed to speak to anyone as this case was ongoing,” Joyce Hawkins wrote on her son’s official web site TheChrisBrownFanClub.com. “I made a promise. I would never be ashamed of him no matter where I am or who I talk to. You see this whole thing isn’t about Chris, it’s about God. He wants to show all of you the goodness of him through Chris. Chris will be addressing all of his fans very soon. We love you so much and so does God.” During an interview last year on ‘The Tyra Banks Show,’ Brown revealed he witnessed his mother being physically abused by her spouse.

    *****

    LaToya Jackson will not be doing ‘Dancing with the Stars’ (as previously rumored in the press), but will be spread like butter on other ABC-affiliated shows. This week, the network announced that the best-selling author and former Playboy magazine cover girl will guest co-host ‘The View’ on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18. The woman comedian Paul Mooney once referred to as “La Dangerous” will also sit down with Barbara Walters for a one-on-one interview on the network’s newsmagazine ’20/20,’ scheduled to air on Sept. 11. She will discuss her relationship with late brother Michael Jackson and to explain for her belief that he was murdered.

    Black Music Notes June 1

      6/1/09: Minnie Riperton
      A very fitting homage will be paid to late, great songbird Minnie Riperton when a new batch of the acclaimed TV One docu-series ‘Unsung’ hits the small screen this month. Best known for her signature ballad ‘Lovin’ You,’ the Chicago-born singer/songwriter’s career and life were cut short after a three-year battle with breast cancer in the late 1970s. After Riperton’s cancer diagnosis, she went public instead of retreating, serving as a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. . She was only 31 years old when she died at the prime of her career. ‘Unsung’ premieres June 7 at 8 PM ET, repeating at 11 PM, as well as Thursday, June 11 at 10 PM and Friday, June 12 at noon and midnight.

      Wire Image

      6/1/09: Grace Jones
      The one and only Grace Jones has been tapped to perform live at the ‘We Love’ festival in Ibiza on Aug. 9. For the first time ever, the ‘Pull Up To The Bumper’ singer will grace the Spanish island’s celebrated summer concert series, as part of the Wall Of Sound recording company’s 15th anniversary. Last year, festival organizers bought The Chemical Brothers back to the Ibiza after a ten-year hiatus. This year, they are ready for Amazing Grace, who recently released a new music project titled ‘Hurricane’ on the United Kingdom based label. “We are putting on a line-up to inspire and one that will take all lucky enough to be there on a journey they will never ever forget,” Wall of Sound founder Mark Jones said.

      Getty Images

      5/28/09: Chaka Khan
      Fresh from a headlining gig at the 2009 St Lucia Jazz Festival, Chaka Khan is ready to take on the nation’s capital. The 10-time Grammy Award winning diva will fill in for previously announce headliner Natalie Cole, who is recovering from a live saving kidney transplant surgery, at ‘The 18th Annual Capital Jazz Fest’ running June 5 – June 7. The ‘I Feel For You’ chanteuse will join a slew of noted musical acts at the lovely wooded setting of Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. According to a spokesperson for the event, the line-up includes performances by Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten, George Duke, Al Jarreau, Lalah Hathaway, Fourplay, Norman Brown, Roy Ayers, Will Downing, Kirk Whalum, Pieces of a Dream with special guest Phil Perry, Guitars & Saxes (f/ Jeff Lorber, Euge Groove, Jeff Golub and lady saxophone newcomer Jessy J) , Regina Belle, Marion Meadows and trumpeter Joey Sommerville.

      AFP/Getty Images

      5/28/09: Grandmaster Flash
      Grandmaster Flash will be honored with the Living Legend award at the Urban Music Awards USA 2009, set to be held at New York City’s Highline Ballroom on July 17. According to a spokesperson for the event, more than 175,000 music fans across the world have voted online for the hip hop veteran to receive the honor. “Flash is an absolute legend and he remains an inspiration to the hip hop culture all together by flying the flag from its inception to the success it has become today,” said Jordan Kensington, who is the C.E.O of Invincible Group & Founder of the Urban Music Awards. Nominees for the inaugural awards show include Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Bobby Valentino, M.I.A, Day 26, The Dream, Estelle, Kat de Luna, Akon, Kanye West, Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo and Eminem.

      Getty Images

      5/21/09: Jay-Z
      Despite stepping down from his Def Jam presidency in late 2007, hip hop mogul Jay-Z has finally left the label as an artist. Rumors started surfacing online that the platinum-selling lyricist, who owed the label one last album, brought himself out of his contract for $5 million. “I can honestly say, working with Doug Morris and LA Reid has been a unique and fulfilling experience and I respect them immensely,” he revealed to hip hop site Rap Radar. “I’ve been in the family for almost my entire career. Doug and I spoke directly and had one of the most unique ‘negotiations’ ever…I thank him for allowing me to be a completely independent artist. Not every artist can say they own or are given the opportunity to own all of their music.”

      Frank Micelott, Getty Images

      5/19/09: Mary J. Blige
      Mary J. Blige recently expanded her brand by signing with The William Morris Agency. According to Variety, the diversified entertainment agency, which also represents Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Kanye West, and Prince (to name a few), will assist the Queen of Hip Hop Soul in all areas of her career including the expansion of her entertainment company, Matriarch Entertainment. This fall the Queen of Hip Hop Soul will make her feature film debut in Tyler Perry‘s ‘I Can Do Bad All by Myself,’ scheduled to hit theaters September 11. She can be heard in the trailers for the Oprah Winfrey-presented drama ‘Precious,’ due out in November.

      Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

      5/19/09: The Dream
      Following in the veins of fellow hip hop stars DMX and Tupac Shakur, singer-songwriter The Dream is planning on releasing his second album of 2009 entitled, ‘Love King.’ The R&B crooner, who recently released his certified gold album ‘Love vs. Money’ in March, revealed to Billboard magazine that he already has seven songs in the can and expects the album to hit stores in December. “I have to pace myself ’cause there’s so much time between here and then,” he said, “but the seven records I do have are timeless records. Whether they come out now or later it’s not really going to matter what kind of records they are.” In between recording sessions for ‘Love King,’ fans can now catch The Dream on tour with Keyshia Cole.

      Getty Images

      5/19/09: The Whispers
      After releasing classic hits such as ‘In The Mood’ and ‘Rock Steady,’R&B stalwarts The Whispers are set to release their first gospel album on Kingdom Records. Grammy Award-winning gospel star Fred Hammond is expected to produce a bulk of the tracks. “We’ve been wanting to do this for ten years,” explained founding member Nick Caldwell. “God has been really, really good to the Whispers. He was looking out for us even when we were ignoring Him. He allowed us to live long enough to do this inspirational CD that we want to use to inspire people to get closer to God.” The as-yet-untitled anticipated album is tentatively scheduled for release later this year.

      5/19/09: Mariah Carey
      On May 23, Mariah Carey is set to perform a one-hour set at the opening of the most expensive resort in Europe, The Mardan. Carey alongside legendary British soul singer Tom Jones will reportedly be paid £1 million each to perform at the exclusive £926 million Turkey development, which features five acres of fresh water swimming pools and a sunken aquarium. Actress Sharon Stone and Paul McCartney are among the many guests invited to the 560 room hotel opening.

      Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

      5/19/09: Will Downing
      Overcoming his bout with the muscle disorder Polymyositis, Will Downing has set the stage to release is latest musical offering, ‘Classique.’ The balladeer’s 14th album and second Peak Records project features his signature baritone vocals over 10 smooth-sensual tracks. Vocalist Phil Perry joins the ‘After Tonight’ singer for Marvin Gaye penned ‘Baby I’m for Real.’ Other album highlights include ‘Love Suggestions,’ ‘More Time,’ ‘Something Special’ and Barry White‘s classic hit ‘I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby.’ ‘Classique’ hit stores June 16.

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  • Communication Is The Backbone Of Romance and Intimacy

    If communication is the recipe for a healthy relationship, romance and intimacy are the key ingredients. For most men, the concept of genuine, truthful communication in a relationship is an alien concept, let alone understanding the concepts of romance and intimacy. For most men, the idea of romance is equated to “game” or trying to get a woman into bed and the concept of genuine honesty is incomprehensible to many. Men have been convinced that crying, a natural, healthy, biological release of emotion makes a man weak. Reality check. If men weren’t supposed to cry, they would not have tear ducts. Crying is as natural as sneezing, it is necessary to help an individual process emotion, yet we have an entire population of men that think that shedding a tear means an individual less than a man. Black men in particular have been impressed upono for generations to deny their feelings and never taught to process or share those emotions with another human being. To have feelings is to be considered weak or gay. When we look at all the false perceptions that are in place to keep men from being fully functioning, emotionally mature human beings it’s no wonder that the state of Black relationships is in such peril.

    Being someone that has dedicated her life to showing Black sexuality in a healthy light, men often come to me to share their desires, secrets and fantasies when they have wives, girlfriends, and lovers that should be that confidant. Day in and day out, brothas come to me and share with me, a total stranger, their most intimate desires. They always seem to preface it by saying, “My wife would never understand . . .” News flash, your wife should be the first person you go to share your feelings and if she’s not, you need to re-examine your relationship and take the steps necessary to make that so. Your wife is your partner and your mate, if you don’t have a relationship where you can be open and honest with her, there’s something drastically wrong with that. Let’s assume that you married a woman with whom you share common ideologies, goals, and beliefs. If all of those things are in place, then you have the makings of fantastic communication and all that needs to be done is learning how to open up and share with your partner your thoughts.

    The number one fantasy that Black men come to me and share as their secret desire is to be submissive to a (in most cases, Black) woman. We must be cautious how we use the term submissive in this particular case because mainstream society would lead us to believe that being submissive means being beaten and whipped and assuming an inferior position in some sadomasochistic exchange. While in some cases, that may be the desire, more often than not they mean that they want to put aside their satisfaction for that of their partner. Unfortunately, the term submissive is the closest term Black men have to describe their fantasies of catering to a woman’s needs. I hear it time and time again, “I want to satisfy my woman . . . her pleasure is more important than mine . . . I want to do whatever it takes to make her cum until she passes out.” Society would have us believe that a Black man is supposed to “kill it” to use his dick as a weapon and that pleasing a woman is of no concern. Imagine Jay-Z making a rap where he says that he gave a woman pleasure without concern for his own. That’s not going to happen in this lifetime because Black men have to live up to the stereotype that women are for their pleasure, not the other way around. Again, the absurdity of the concept and the extent to which we as a people hold on to it is causing us to perish.

    When Black men approach me about their fantasies, they tend to be somewhat forthcoming with the details. Conversely, when I approach Black men about their fantasies their responses tend to be either, “I don’t have any fantasies,” or, “I have done everything that I want to do, I prefer the real thing.” When they do admit to a fantasy it’s the standard “threesome” scenario. Black men aren’t adept at expressing their fantasies or allowing themselves to creatively explore their sexuality. It’s only after intense and directed questioning that they can admit to having other fantasies. Conversely, white men tend to be able to describe in great detail their fantasies and have very involved and complex scenarios. Fantasies are a natural, normal part of our existence and allow us to experience different realities in a safe way. Going out and engaging in unhealthy behaviors rather than learning to express healthy fantasies is dysfunctional. Not being comfortable enough to share one’s fantasies with one’s partner and then going out to explore those fantasies as a reality with someone outside one’s relationship is unhealthy. We must, as a people, reexamine the guidelines that are keeping us dysfunctional.

    There seems to be a tremendous difficulty in men understanding that women crave romance and intimacy, a reluctance to embrace any personal responsibility in creating romance and intimacy in their relationship and even a difficulty understanding those terms. There is a belief that men seem to have that is reinforced by a society that says that women have to do the work to keep a man, not the other way around. Men, understand this if you understand nothing else I say. If you want peace in your relationship, if you want your woman to treat you like a king, then the single-most easiest way to do that is to treat her like a queen. For every one step you make to make a woman feel special, she will take ten in return to make you feel special. Surprise her with a small token that lets her know you are thinking of her, that she crosses your mind during the day. It needn’t be something extravagant or expensive. There are more things than just flowers, candy, or a designer purse that you can give that will show her that you care. Sadly, men don’t seem to understand the erotic potential and possibilities of anything other than material gifts as indications of romance have been conditioned to, thus they are limited in their creativity and expression.

    I would be remiss if I didn’t discuss Black women’s responsibility in fostering healthy communication and intimacy in relationships. Sadly, there are a great many women that will judge and condemn a man for sharing his thoughts and fantasies with her, no matter the level of honesty or intimacy he is showing. We’ve been conditioned to either view any expression of sexuality outside of missionary sex as vulgar, or conversely, we view sexuality as a tool of manipulation, source of income, or as recreation. As Black women, we’ve also been socialized to narrowly define manhood and equate it with sexual prowess and earning potential, not realizing that emotional depth and intimacy are things that men are capable of giving. We must be held accountable for our false perceptions and debilitating belief systems but the change must be partnered with Black men in an effort to grow together.

    Getting a woman to be receptive to your fantasies is not as difficult as one might think. Increasing communication, romance and intimacy in your relationship is not an impossible task. The most effective way to introduce your fantasies to your partner is to get her to a heightened state of arousal and subtly introduce the new concept to her. She will be more receptive to any new ideas that are initiated during that time. Getting her to a heightened state of arousal takes work on your part. It means that you must be willing to ask questions about what arouses her, to set aside everything that you’ve learned about what turns a woman on, and set aside your preferences for the things that turn you on. The benefits will be amazing and you will lay the foundation for a partnership with outstanding potential.