Black Man Black Woman

Tag: Perry

  • Tasha Smith: On A Roll, Coaching Actors & Readying Tyler Perry’s ‘Married’ Sequel

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    Tasha Smith: On A Roll, Coaching Actors & Readying Tyler Perry's 'Married' Sequel
    Tasha Smith     — the scene-stealing diva from Tyler Perry‘s 2007 romantic drama ‘Why Did I Get Married?’ — is enjoying the success of another box-office success story this year; she has a cameo in Vince Vaughan‘s latest comedy, ‘Couples Retreat.’

    Many don’t know that Smith is a pro at acting roles due to the fact that she’s a sought after acting coach who has worked with some of the more popular black television and film actors on the scene. Why Did I Get Married, 2007The Camden, New Jersey native is bringing her acting workshop to New York City this weekend, and is confirmed for a jaunt in Atlanta at the top of the year. (Official details here.)

    Smith just wrapped the sequel to ‘Why Did I Get Married,’ which is expected to arrive in theaters on April 2, 2010.

    “I loved working on the sequel,” Smith told BV Newswire today. “What was on the page in the script does not compare to what we ended up doing once we started filming on the set. Tyler took it to a whole new level. If you thought [my character] Angela was wild and crazy in the first one, you will not believe what my character is doing in the sequel. I can’t wait for everyone to see it!”Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married

     

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  • Tyler Perry: Responding to Spike Lee’s ‘Coonery’ Criticism

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    Tyler Perry: Responds to Spike Lee

    With eight consistent films under his belt, Tyler Perry has overcome the odds of not only his upbringing but also setting the bar as one of Hollywood’s most relentless and profitable directors. As his dear friend and mentor, Oprah Winfrey recently stated, “Do not play him small, because he is not some lucky rich negro!” This and much more was all discussed on tonight’s episode of the long-running newsmagazine show ’60 Minutes,’ where the critically acclaimed director-actor discussed an array of topics including being abused by his father, Emmitt, as a child to firing back at Spike Lee‘s controversial comments comparing Perry’s body of work to “coonery and buffoonery.”

    Check out a video clip of Tyler Perry’s reaction to Spike Lee below.

    http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,entry&id=472016&pid=472015&uts=1256517979
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    Six Degrees of Tyler Perry
    Six Degrees of Tyler Perry
    In just four years, Tyler Perry has become the toast of Hollywood. Could you name another director black or white who can boast of having released six feature movie projects within a three year period? Nope. Check out Six Degrees of Tyler Perry.
    WireImage for TV Guide / Everett / FilmMagic
    BlackVoices.com

    Six Degrees of Tyler Perry

      Six Degrees of Tyler Perry
      In just three years, Tyler Perry has become the toast of Hollywood. Could you name another director black or white who can boast of having released six feature movie projects within a three year period? Nope. Not only did the New Orleans native write all of the storylines for the films, he starred in four. Combined, five of the films have grossed upwards of $250 million worldwide, some within budgets below $6 million. And with the major money train also comes associating with some of the biggest names in and out of the entertainment business. BlackVoices.com takes an introspective look at how a former homeless man turned chit’lin circuit theater czar has connections to the likes of Michael Jackson, Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston and Will Smith, to name a few. Check out Six Degrees of Tyler Perry.

      Tyler Perry
      The best-selling playwright turned Hollywood hot-shot (real name: Emmitt R. Perry, Jr.) was born Sept. 14, 1969 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

      Ray Nagin
      Another New Orleans native, Ray Nagin, Jr. was elected into the office of Mayor of the Crescent City on March 6, 2002.

      Labelle
      Known as the music capitol of the Gulf Coast, New Orleans was also the setting for ‘Lady Marmalade,’ a hit song from 1970s glam-soul trio Labelle, comprised of Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx and Sara Dash.

      Lenny Kravitz
      Modern day rock & roll demigod Lenny Kravitz is one of the top-notch talents chosen to produce Labelle’s long-awaited reunion album, ‘Back to Now,’ due out later this year via Verve Records.

      Lisa Bonet
      ‘The Cosby Show’ and ‘A Different World’ star Lisa Bonet eloped with Lenny Kravitz in November 1987. Their daughter Zoe Isaballe Kravitz was born the next year. The couple separated in 1991.

      Gary Dourdan
      ‘C.S.I.’ actor Gary Dourdan played Cree Summer‘s character’s love interest Shazza Zulu on the NBC sitcom ‘A Different World,’ which was originally developed as a spin-off vehicle for Lisa Bonet. The Philadelphia native appeared on 13 episodes from 1991 to 1992.

      Janet Jackson
      Gary Dourdan also played the love interest of Janet Jackson in the music video for her chart-topping ballad, ‘Again,’ in 1993.

      Tyler Perry
      Janet Jackson starred in the lead role of Tyler Perry‘s box office smash, ‘Why Did I Get Married?’ The twice divorced pop star won an NAACP Image Award for her performance.

      Ruben Cannon
      One of the most respected executives in Hollywood, Ruben Cannon has served as a casting director of film and TV projects dating all the way back to 1977. He co-executive produced Tyler Perry‘s ‘Why Did I Get Married?’

     

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  • 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)

     

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

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    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

     

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

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    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.

      Verve

     

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