Being part of the next level does not just mean knowing whats cool, and dressing fly, it entails much more than that. It entails being educated, and aware; understanding the events that are happening in the world around us. By understanding the world of the present we will be much better equipped to form the world of tomorrow...
Melanie Fiona
YRB Magazine Radar Alert!!!
by Justin Holmes
http://yrbmagazine.com/radar3.html
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As she explains it, music came natural to her. “There is this great story told to me by my mother… When I was born I came out clearing my throat, and the doctor said ‘Oh, we have a singer!’ From that moment on, my mother couldn’t put me to sleep without having music blasting near my crib… Instinctively, I always knew that music was gonna be a big part of my life.”
Growing up in Toronto, Melanie’s Guyanese heritage added some West Indian rhythms such as reggae, calypso and soca to her rich musical diet of great soul singers like Johnnie Mathis, Sam Cooke, Roberta Flack and Patsy Kline. “In my own time, I always go back to the music that I grew up on, the music that makes me feel best. Listening to these classics really takes me back to my childhood, a place where I love.”
By middle school Melanie decided that music would be her focus. At the end of high school, she dedicated herself to her passion and worked her way into the music industry. “My big break happened right when I graduated from high school, around 17 or 18. I met my executive producer, Carmen; she said she wanted to work with me. She flew me out to LA and gave me the opportunity to work with producers she had on deck… It was a dream come true. It was a long road of hard work, but here I am, signed, and ready to release my album.”
Even with a voice that screams talent, Melanie initially had a tough time finding her voice in the music industry. “A lot of people, a lot of labels, just didn’t get it. They didn’t get the sound I wanted to have, or my style, but fortunately I met Steve Rifkind. He believed in me from day one and allowed me to make the album I wanted to make.”
Now signed to Title 9/SRC/Universal Motown and managed by Jay-Z’s label Roc Nation, Melanie is ready to bridge the gap between genres and musical eras. “The album is The Bridge. It’s something refreshing in the music industry, something that stands out next to current music on the radio. It’s live instrumentation with fusions of pop, hip-hop, reggae and R&B… It’s what real music is, something that people have never lost a love for, and I really just want everyone to feel me on this.”
The Man that moved the WORLD... Long Live the memory of The King Of Pop
Thursday June 25, 2009
I honestly wondered what this day would be like, how the world would react, how music would change, how my mother, the biggest MJ fan in the world (to my knowledge) would react, but contemplating this tragic night did not lessen the shock, the wonder, and the pain I feel. Michael Joseph Jackson, the biggest music star the world has ever seen, died Thursday afternoon after suffering cardiac arrest. This devastating shock came just weeks before he was scheduled to begin his first concert tour in decades, at age 50 no less. Michael's death is not just painful for me, but the entire music community, the African American community, and the World community. He was admired/idolized for his music, his talent and image. He was not just a dynamic singer, legendary songwriter, or world shaping entertainer, but a legendary ICON, a man who revolutionized pop music, music videos, tours, marketing, commercialism, and world culture. Michael was adored by audiences worldwide, his talent and music helped lessen cultural differences,broke racial barriers and ushered African American music and culture, and the beauty of our 'cool' all around the world. His popularity, and his ability to send millions into a frenzy made him seem almost divine. Michael Jackson's Thriller album owns the record for the highest selling album in music history, selling 750,000,000 copies. He owns 13 Grammy's, His name is tied to over 18 #1 hits, and his style, his innovative music videos, and the Legendary dance moves including the out of this world "moon walk" are arguably responsible for the creation of pop music as we now know it. His Music has created emotional connections, memories, and inspired music cross genre's.
Though I obviously didn't know Michael Jackson personally, he was a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Some of the most cherished memories I have with family, with my mom, and of my youth, involved his art. His was the music I was raised on, the songs we sang as a family, the dance moves and style that we imitated. He was the King, he set the standard to which everyone else was compared, and how my music tastes were initially formed. Michael Jackson was undoubtedly the most famous figure in entertainment in the modern era.
His untimely and most unfortunate death leaves me putting my thoughts into perspective, one of which I would like to leave with you all...
None of us live forever, but we can only hope to create something that does. Michael has... 
Michael Jackson 1958-2009
"Long Live the Memory of the King Of Pop"
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean
Uploaded by hushhush112. - Explore more music videos.
Michael Jackson - Remember The Time
Uploaded by hushhush112. - Watch more music videos, in HD!
YRB MAGAZINE
On the "Radar" Electrik RED
http://www.yrbmagazine.com/radar7.html
“We’re some fucking ladies!” Ladies indeed with drinks in their cup - Electrik Red, Def Jam’s hot new female quartet, takes what Vanity 6 started in the ‘80s and revamps it for the new millennium. Imagine a R-rated version of the Spice Girls or the Pussycat Dolls, with a little more snap in their necks, roll in their hips and finger snapping; yeah, that’s Electrik Red.
With the release of their debut album, How To Be A Lady, completely written and produced by The Dream and Tricky, the group dispatches their first attempt at world domination. The girls explain it this way, “We want to defy the norms out there right now, with ladies being so poised…We want to show people it’s okay to be yourself, saying what you want without having to filter…you don’t have to be perfect...If we win a Grammy we just might do cartwheels across the stage in our gowns. How To Be A Lady contradicts all the stereotypes of how a lady is supposed to be and sets new boundaries for us as women.”
The ladies of Electrik Red - Naomi, Sarah, Binkie and Lesley - got great on-the-job experience as backup dancers for the likes of present greats Usher and Ciara. In fact, the group was initially formed while the ladies were on tour with Usher. “Me [Binkie], Sarah and Lesley were all in the room with Usher, and we all connected while in there. That’s where the idea for the power group came about…” However, the ladies’ bonds of friendship go further back than being on tour with Usher. Naomi and Sarah are childhood friends from elementary school, and Lesley and Binkie went to the same high school (where they were rivals in high school dance competitions).
The name Electrik Red was brought to life by Binkie. “I came up with it while in Lesley’s car. We were driving through New York City and were trying to come up with other names for the group, the original name was Two Coconuts and a Fortune Cookie, [among others] but then I came up with Electrik Red. It came out of my loins, I felt like I gave birth to it, right there in Lesley’s car. It became our baby.”Now all grown up, and with world domination on their minds, Electrik Red looks to follow in the steps of past greats. Binkie explains, “Inspiration-wise we pull from everyone who has been great…We wanna be the next artists that leave a mark on the world…We wanna kick everyone in the head! We have a voice, amazing style, and we have some things we wanna talk about. It’s going to be a good time!”
Jay-Z bout to take Hip-Hop to The Next Level
"THE CORPORATE THUGS BE LIKE NAH HOV
TALK THAT SHYT".
And so he speaks. Word on the street is that Jay-Z is about to close a huge deal with his old pals, Top Music Industry Executives at Atlantic/Warner Music Group, Vice President Kevin Liles and Chairman and CEO Lyor Cohen. Together the hip-hop trinity is known for the big moves they made with Def Jam, but now the new movement is the Carter Music Group. If Jay-Z makes his move to WMG it will also include Jay's Roc Nation label, which is reportedly worth $150 million. However this is not the only deal sitting on the table for Jay. According to Billboard, Jay is 95% complete with signing a distribution deal with Sony Epic Records for his upcoming studio album the BluePrint III in the fall.
http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/05/28/2009-05-28_jayz_eyeing_move_to_warner_music_group_after_split_from_def_jam.html
Blame it on Barack!
The funny guy who brought you, "Barack: Single Ladies Inaugural Address", is back at it with his new spoof, "Blame It On The Economy". I just can't help but think the Barack and Michelle really would be bumping to something like this, they are just so fly. Lol Enjoy!
Star Studded Hennessy Black Launch Party Recap.
Henney Doin' it Different
Hennessy brand congac served it up big last night in NYC! High above the city lights in the World Trade Center building, Hennessy officially launched their new blend, Hennessy Black with a hot party full of beautiful people, fly celebrities, great music, and of course flowing drinks all night long. Hennessy Black, represents the congac brand’s first new release in 48 years, and according to Andy Glaser, Senior Vice President of Hennessy Business, it is the brands attempt to take Hennessy beyond just a congac. Besides all the free alcohol, the party was a great look! The city’s VIPS flocked to the event to get their drink on. The event kicked off with a star studded black carpet photo op session and then the real fun. Seen mixing in the crowd was Idris Elba co-star of the hit movie Obsessed, Power 105.1’s mixtape master DJ Clue, rapper Fabolous, Fantasy ryder Ciara was pop lock and dropping it like it was burning in the VIP section, a whole slew of basket ball players were there, including NJ Nets forward Vince Carter. Also in the building, legendary music video director Hype Williams, Making The Band co-star Donnie Klang. Adding to the long list of models, was Americas Next Top Model, cycle 8 winner Jaslene Gonzalez, who was fiercely drinking her Hennessy, Fashion Designer Edwing D’Angelo, Flava of Love season 2 winner Deelishis, and not to neglect tons of other notable mentions, who managed to escape my keen eye. Capping off the night of awesomeness was performances by America's Best Dance Crew winners The JabbaWockeeZ and renowned rapper and producer Swizz Beats who set the place on fire, singing everything from, Money In The Bank, to The Ruff Ryders Anthem, to Swag Surfin. Henney didn’t just do this party different. They did it right!
Hibernation time is almost over, but as we get those last precious "5 more min" of sleep, we will leave you with these amazing articles published in YRB Magazine. Be Up SOOOOOON
-Welcome2TheNextLevel Staff.
YRB MAGAZINE
Profile: Kristen Kreuk
(Chun Li) Spinning Bird Kick!
http://www.yrbmagazine.com/profile2.html
Kristin Kreuk
by Justin Holmes
From the fairest of them all, Snow White, to Superman’s super hot, on and off again girlfriend, Lana Lang, and now everyone’s favorite spinning bird-kicking Street Fighter, Chun-Li - the beautiful, and dare I say exotic, Kristin Kreuk sure knows how to pick some legendary roles. Born to a Chinese-Indonesian mother and Canadian father, the actress/model got a jump start to her acting career in her native of
YRB: Your schedule is extremely hectic this time of the year, what are you currently working on?
Kristin: [I recently had] my last three days with [Smallville], ever, and now I’m off and away…My character, Lana Lang, is back for five more episodes ending in a pretty epic arc for the character. A lot of unexpected stuff happens, I can’t give too much away, but the entire story is very bittersweet. I think it’s totally not what people would expect…but I think it ended pretty well; I was quite pleased with it. There’s a lot of drama and sci-fi goodness.
YRB: How have you enjoyed your stay on the set of
Kristin: My stay in Smallville has been amazing! I’ve been here for seven years. I grew up on this show. The people here I adore…there came a point when I was ready to move on and work on new things in my life...To come back here and see everybody again was really lovely, and to know it’s the end gives it a different feeling…I think it feels a little bit more enjoyable because I have solid understanding of when it will end…I kinda feel like my life is just getting started, now that I’m leaving here, now that I have more options with my time.
YRB: After being Lana Lang what’s up next for you?
Kristin: February 27th my film, Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li, comes out, which I left Smallville for. We shot in
YRB: Did you do any of Chun-Li’s signature moves?
Kristin: We did the Spinning Bird Kick, but we didn’t say, “Spinning Bird Kick!” There is a bunch of great stuff that the fans of the video game will recognize. It doesn’t look like the video game completely, but there are a lot of elements of the video game in it. I was born in ’82, so I grew up playing the game and watching my friends play it, so I know Street Fighter pretty well…
YRB: How was it to play Chun-Li - a character that you grew up watching? Did you ever pause for a minute and say ‘Oh wow, I’m Chun-Li for real?’
Kristin: It’s funny because almost every character I’ve played in my career has been a “legendary character.” To me it’s not about looking at the character that way, it’s really important to look at them as a person and not objectify them. Me, I may be like ‘Wow, that’s neat that I’m playing, whoever it may be - Snow White, Lana Lang, Chun-Li - but it’s just so important to study the character and see where they are coming from in the context of the material and invest as much life into them as possible…With playing characters like these, there are so many expectations. There is just no way you can meet everyone’s expectations no matter what, even in your personal life you can’t live up to everyone’s expectations, it’s not possible, and nor would I want to…Needless to say, it was neat playing Chun-Li; it’s been a very interesting experience.
YRB: Did you do any of your own stunts? How did you enjoy the action?
Kristin: The action was awesome! A big part of why I took the role was to go and train for five weeks with their great stunt team and do the action scenes. I got to go in there and train, learn a lot of the wirework before hand. It was really fun, I loved it! I did a bunch of my own stunts…I had about three doubles, two girls and one guy! It was kinda funny.
YRB: Did you get to do the Spinning bird Kick?
Kristin: I did a big part of it… We did it in cuts so you’ll see what I mean. I’m an ex-gymnast, so I can do a lot of the acrobatics, but yeah, I didn’t do all of it.
YRB: You have some other projects other than Smallville and Streetfighter, tell us a little bit more about that,
Kristin: I have a company I’ve built, and have been busy developing the data for, an online social networking contact creation site for teen girls to help build self-esteem. That’s been spending a larger portion of my time on. It’s called Girls by Design, right now we don’t have much on there except for a blog, some videos, and some fun stuff, but that’s isn’t the template for the site will be when its completed, but right now we don’t want to give too much away. We’ve been trying to keep it really quiet.
YRB: What is the purpose of Girls by Design? What does it do for teenage girls?
Kristin: Its about inspiring young women to introspect and go out an create the things they want in their lives from small little projects to bigger ones. It’s about empowering and encouraging young women to discover their true nature and feel confident in their expression, whether it’s as scientists, artists… we want to help them come to them come to that place.
YRB: Are there any expected launch dates or other celebrities names tied to the project?
Kristin: We don’t have a launch date yet, but we have a weekend workshop/ holistic retreat for 35 contest winners in LA where the girls can learn about things like Yoga, building self-esteem, and building projects together, in an empowering atmosphere.
YRB MAGAZINE
on the "Radar"
Alana a.k.a "Lanz"
http://www.yrbmagazine.com/radar2.html
Alana “Lanz” Josephs
New Jersey
by Justin Holmes
The first black President of the United States and New Jersey rapper Alana have a lot more in common than what meets the eye. No, she never ran for office, and no Barack has never spit a hot 16 (well as far as we know). What makes these two so much alike is their ability to blaze pathways, making lanes where there were none before. Yeah, that’s a real maverick for you! Alana, previously known as “Lanz,” first came on the scene as a young, angry, hardcore chick, rapping about “real life.” With a style that most would attribute to black male gangster rappers like Tupac, Snoop Dogg or Notorious B.I.G., Lanz told her story. The hurt and anger a child goes through watching her mother in abusive, drug-filled relationships. A child raising herself and going for the things she wants in life, accomplishing her dreams, even if that means dropping out of high school at 14.
“When you love something you can’t be afraid to sacrifice for it, and I did that. After I left high school I began working as an intern at a recording studio in Manhattan, sometimes scrubbing the floors and the toilets. There were those times when I would stop and ask myself, ‘did I really just drop out of high school to be here scrubbing floors and cleaning toilets?’ But I believed that somehow, some way this is gonna pay off.”
Staying true to who she was, Lanz went hard on the New York underground rap scene, eventually gaining the recognition of some industry heavy hitters, and a couple meetings later she was signed to Interscope Records. Even though she is no longer with Interscope, Lanz explained, “Getting signed was the culmination of everything. The interning without pay, performing 4 1/2 years on the underground open mic scene, watching my friends in high school graduate, and me - not having any guarantees. This was my moment…”
From there Lanz worked with some of the hottest in the industry, and even toured with the infamous Snoop Dogg. “Touring with Snoop Dogg was the best teacher! It was like high school all over again, except this time I actually liked it! I was the only opening act. Crowds were hesitant at first - here you had everyone blunt smoking, and I walk out on stage looking like a vanilla ice cream cone, and people are like ‘Who is she? What the fuck is she gonna do?’ But after a while they really felt me.”
Now all grown up, and no longer going by the name Lanz, Alana wants to show she is more than an angry, baggy sweatsuit-wearing girl tryna ride with the boys. “Alana is me, as honest as I can be. I wanna be true to myself…I wanna redefine and create a new lane in hip-hop, I wanna give it a new voice. My whole movement is truth music.”
YRB MAGAZINE ICONS OF OUR AGE
RUSSELL SIMMONS & JERMAINE DUPRI
http://yrbmagazine.com/feature3.html
Jermaine Dupri &
Russell Simmons by Justin Holmes
With hundreds of screaming fans, tons of bodyguards, flashing lights, cameramen everywhere and reporters asking all types of questions, it’s just another day at the office for two of hip-hop’s most successful entrepreneurs. Even if that day at the office is actually sitting around answering questions in a gaudy, sardine can-packed trailer, parked in the middle of the infamous Rucker Park on a rainy day in Harlem NYC, Jermaine Dupri and Russell Simmons are always about their business and this day was no different.
As one of the youngest people to be named president of a major record label, Jermaine is a cut above the rest. At age 19 he began his catalogued career. He laid the building blocks for the new music capital that the ATL has become and helped establish the careers of many artists, from Kriss Kross to Mariah Carey. An artist in his own right, JD teamed up with heavy hitters like Jay-Z and Ludacris to make smash hits, including “Money Ain’t a Thang,” and “Welcome 2 Atlanta.” He is also the President and CEO of his own, very successful, music label, SoSo DEF Records, and current President of Urban Music at Island Records.
Alongside the man who was named one of the most influential people in the world by USA Today in 2007, Russell Simmons has inspired, educated and entertained for years. Since the late 1970s Russell has been leading the charge on putting hip-hop and urban culture at the forefront of mainstream America. Call him the embodiment of the rags to riches story, he has paved the way for young hip-hop entrepreneurs and helped them understand the full spectrum of the business possibilities outside of rap. He has infused urban culture in every aspect of life, from fashion to film, finances to philanthropy, print, television and, of course, radio.
Adding to the argument that these two men are more than just business men, or hip-hop moguls, but really urban icons, JD and Russell recently broke new ground in the hip-hop industry, signing a multimillion dollar endorsement deal with TAG Body Spray, which gave life to the new music label TAG Records. On hand, in Rucker Park at the TAG Records “Survival of the Freshest” MC Battle, JD and Russell sat alongside Brooklyn rapper Q, the first artist signed to the new label, to chop it up with YRB and let us know what it means to be an icon.
YRB: The inception of TAG Records is a groundbreaking collaboration in the world of hip-hop - how do you feel this is going to impact the hip-hop scene?
JD: I’m trying to make this the first real endorsement deal for the hip-hop community. Hip-hop sells so much stuff, all types of products, but we don’t have any real endorsement deals…With TAG Records this man here, [Q], will have a real endorsement deal. TAG and its products are backing Q one hundred percent, and they will be behind him for the duration of his deal…He will be a part of all their advertising campaigns. It’s the beginning of real branding in hip-hop…It’s gonna make other companies understand the power of hip-hop culture.
RS: Hip-hop is the best brand building community. There are stars outside of hip-hop, who have comparative media impressions, but their inspirational influence is zero compared to us. We decide what is hot. The emotional connection TAG is making within the community, with these grants they are giving out, is a big deal and that makes TAG hot. The hip-hop community makes the most impression around the world, and there is no reason why the hip-hop community shouldn’t get the kind of endorsements that equal the kind of influence it has.
YRB: What personality traits do you attribute your
success to?
JD: My deep focus and belief in myself. I focus on doing what I do…I don’t pay attention and watch what everyone else is doing; I just try to create my own lane….
RS: My resilience and deep faith.
YRB: What were some of the toughest obstacles that you had to overcome in order to achieve your level of success?
JD: Being the youngest person out here doing what I do. Regardless of how old I get, I’m still the youngest executive and CEO competing with a group of older men, and even today I get the young kid treatment…Another hurdle for me was trying to convince big cities like New York to listen to artists from ATL, before the south basically exploded on the music scene. Back then the idea was southern people were country, and we would never become a Mecca of music. When I first came there was no Outkast, no T.I., no Jeezy, it was just me, and I was fighting for all of us.
RS: The toughest obstacles I had to face were personal. I had to learn how to calm anxiety and learn how to operate more in abundance. After I realized the key to those things, I saw I had everything I needed to achieve success…
YRB: Do you ever feel like you don’t garner enough recognition for the things that you do, or don’t get the recognition you deserve for the work you’ve done?
JD: Of course! But I feel that’s the path that God chose for me to make me work harder and go for more things. If I sat back when I was younger - I started when I was 19…if I was thinking about all the recognition that I got with Kriss Kross I probably would not have kept going, but when you don’t get what you want you keep going. That’s why sometimes I look at it as a plus. When people don’t give me the recognition that I need I just keep going harder and harder…
RS: I get so much media for the little work I’ve contributed; it’s unbelievable. I have little kids run up on me and say, “Look it’s Uncle Russell,” because they recognize me from MTV. I say I’m blessed. I have so many new businesses and it’s easy for me to get them launched because I have support,
and that’s coming from recognition, the little bit of media I
get…The recognition I receive is more than I deserve, but I just keep trying to use it for good and God keeps giving it to me so I keep giving back. It’s a cycle. I think I get a lot of recognition so I just try to make sure that I give a lot.
YRB: What does the word icon mean to you?
JD: An icon is something like Barry Gordy or Quincy Jones. Those men have lasting titles that will forever follow them as all time greats in their field…that’s where I wanna be.
RS: An icon stands for something. A true icon establishes an empire, starts a movement, a new way of life, where multitudes of people believe, follow and prosper. An icon’s name is synonymous with an ideal or something revolutionary, some form of greatness in their community. I have been around for a very long time, made music, established companies, did community outreach, and to me there is so much more to do. If anyone refers to me as a hip-hop or pop culture icon, I am deeply appreciative. That means I’m doing the right work, but to me it’s not really about being recognized, it’s about following my faith, doing what’s right and fulfilling my destiny - that’s where I get my happiness.
YRB: What do you want your legacy to be?
JD: I want to have a legacy similar to Barry Gordy or Quincy Jones. They have ultimate titles in music. Quincy Jones created the most successful album of all time, and Barry Gordy established the most successful music label of all time. So I gotta have one of those titles before I go.
RS: My legacy is not something I think about much. To me that’s just people’s perceptions about you…There’s always going be a need, a reason for the work we do. All successful people were givers first, and that’s how they became great getters. I dedicate my efforts to lifting other people up. The lasting image I want to have is of someone who helps people.
NAPTIME...
Sorry, we're on a short hiatus, but when the NEXT LEVEL returns the evolution will begin...We will look better than ever! Until then Thanks for the support, and see you soon!
8-26-08
Speak Sista! Speak!
Michelle Obama and Sen. Edward Kennedy Move Mountains with Speeches at Democratic Convention
The Democratic National convention took place last night at the Pepsi center in Denver Colorado.
While the night was chalk full of boring speeches by stiff collard democrats, two speeches in particular were very moving and worth tuning in for. Senator Edward M. Kennedy, who is suffering with brain cancer, and repeatedly admonished by his doctors not to attend, gave a stirring speech solidifying why Barack Obama needs to be our next president. Michelle Obama, as eloquent as ever, closed out the evening. Chronicling how she and her husband met, her upbringing, and why she and her family are the right ones to lead. This was an important step for the Obama campaign. In her speech, Michelle Obama, was able to erase a lot of question marks about her motivation and background and connect with voters... Tonight it's Hillary's turn to 'big up' Barack. Now this should be interesting...
8-25-08
7 years; Still loving the beautiful
Angel Aaliyah!
Aaliyah; "The Highest most exhalted One". Soo fly, soo cool, soo smoothe, there was something intrinsically beautiful about this young woman, and it radiated in out of her with everything she did, even if she was just standing there doing nothing, you could see it. Rather than write a four page letter telling why she was so great, and why I loved her so much, I'll just share some beautiful moments "baby girl" left us. -I said it back in the day and I say it now, there is no one who can even compare to Aaliyah!
Luv you Baby Girl!
1979-2001 R.I.P
One In A Million
Four Page Letter
Rock da boat
More Than A Woman
8-21-08
Ummmmm... Ewww...
Dead man stands wit a gangsta lean.
-I really don't know how to tell this story, all I know is, I was extremely creeped out, had to share it wit ya'll.
Ap Associated Press
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - A Puerto Rican man has been granted his wish to remain standing — even in death. A funeral home used a special embalming treatment to keep the corpse of 24-year-old Angel Pantoja Medina standing upright for his three-day wake. Dressed in a Yankees baseball cap and Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses, Pantoja was mourned by relatives while he stood propped upright in his mother's living room...Pantoja was found dead Friday underneath a bridge in San Juan and buried Monday. Police are investigating.
-DG sunglasses seriously? wowI guess he went to "Thug Mansion". (2Pac reference)
8-17-08
Ellen ain't no-ones bride
Over the weekend Talk show host/comedian Ellen DeGeneres had a intimate marriage ceremony for her and her lover(wife?) the beautiful Portia de Rossi. The ceremony took place in the couples LA mansion. the legality of the marraige is still up for debate, but it is what it is. Congratulations to the happy couple
-Do you Ellen... Damn your wife is hott!
8-15-08
SPIT YO GAME... TALK YO SH*#
Calling all MC's, Lyricists, & Rappers!
Here is your chance to display your talent, and move the crowd with your mastery of lyrical assault. Jermaine Dupri and his new movement, TAG Records, is looking for the Next Hip-hop Superstar. They have already signed up and coming Brooklyn rapper, Q, to TAG Records and now they're looking for you!
BE THE SECOND TO WIN A RECORD DEAL WITH JERMAINE DUPRI & TAG RECORDS!!!
Click on the flyer below for times and locations. NYC Don't Sleep! The competition is taking place this weekend. Don't miss your chance to be NEXT!!!
8-14-08
New Hip-Hop Swag...
Champion Spotlight
M BARS
Soaked with Swagger, like it was sweat dripping from his pores after a hard played basketball game; this ex b-ball 2guard turned rapper/song
writer, has been an all-star champion ever since his song, Going Hard, won him the largest hip-hop competition in the New York Tri-State area; The Hot 97 and Sprite Sponsored New Jersey Nets theme song competition. Since then, homie has been putting in work; writing, rhyming over hot tracks, taking flicks, and working the crowds across the NYC underground hip-hop circuit. Now going hard to get a record deal, Michael Barnes a.k.a. M Bars, is focused, looking to score a record deal in the fourth quarter, and bring a new level of cool to the hip-hop scene…
As the fourth winner of the I Got Next music competition, We got a sample of what this champion possess, and YOU decided that he has what it takes to be Hip-hop’s next super-star. Now let’s hear from him on why he’s what’s Next!
*De_King*- I’m glad I can sit here and introduce my audience to somebody that I have faith in, somebody who is dope! You are the 4th winner of the I Got Next competition. Congratulations… Introduce yourself to the audience, let them know where you’re from.
M BARS - I’m from Uptown Manhattan;
*De_King*- Give us a lil background; Who is MBars?
M BARS- I was always that cool kid in the neighborhood; the guy everyone was cool with; wanted to be friends with, chill wit; have play-dates with; you know play Nintendo and all that. I’m just an all around cool dude.
*De_King*- What was your favorite Nintendo game?
M BARS- Yo, I had every game system so it’s hard to pick… I mean Everything! Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis…The sh*t that came out after Genesis; [Sega Saturn] Nintendo 64, all the PlayStations. Now I’m rocking with the Xbox 360… I was spoiled, I can’t front, I had a good life, but I had to work hard for the things I had… I did well in school. I killed in basketball; I really excelled, [and] mom and [grand] pops definitely looked out…
*De_King*- How did M Bars get started? How was your talent discovered?
M BARS- I was discovered in college, basically... I would go through the dorms and I met a lot of kids who were into music; you know lil producers and rappers. They would play tracks for me, but they wouldn’t take me serious when I told them I wanted to get on the mic... One day I wrote a hook for them and, they was feelin it. After that they told me I should write songs. From there I started writing my lil 8 my lil 16 [bars]… The national recognition came after I won NJ NETS theme song competition.
*De_King*- What was that experience like for you?
M BARS- It was a huge experience for me. One day I was in the crib listening to Hot 97, and heard Angie Martinez say something about a competition, with Jay-Z, The NJ Nets and a new theme song. I just went at it. It took me like ten minutes to get the concept together, then I wrote it, linked up with some friends, recorded it and submitted it online. Like three months later they still didn’t announce the winner, but I knew I won, I could just feel it, I was that confident. I later realized I accidentally registered an e-mail that I never use. I was fortunate because when I logged on I found madd e-mails from Hot 97 saying, “Where are you?” ”We’re waiting on you.” The last email said they were going to move on the next contestant if I don’t respond immediately, I replied just in time. The day I called they announced me, and the next week I was performing during the halftime show with Jay-Z in front of 22,000 people. It was cool man!
*De_King*- Give us a lil bit of your musical background; your influences, people you admired; Your favorite time in music; Who were you feelin back in the 90’s; like in 1997?
M BARS- I listened to a lot of Biggie, Big Daddy Kane, The LOX, a lil bit of 2Pac. I think the first dude I really looked up to, had to be Fab [Fabolous]. Can’t leave out Jay, he’s always my go to, but his whole movement was just developing… My favorite time in music had to be with the whole Bad Boy Camp! Puffy and em’ was doing it back then… That whole movement was dope… My favorite song had to be All about the Benjamins… I liked Mase, he was cool he had that swag. Black Rob, was dope with that song, Whoa! It was just a real good time in music, a whole different atmosphere. People was just havin good time, sweating in the club and sh*t…
*De_King*- At that time hip-hop was really alive on the East Coast. What do you say to people who say East Coast hip-hop is dead now. What do you think?
M BARS- We lost that good music, that feel. It seems like everybody is putting out a negative persona; and most of it’s false! I doubt most of these cats live the way they sound on wax…. We don’t have to talk about negativity; the killing, the drugs, the battles, all the evilness just feels forced. It’s unnecessary lyrical content, that doesn’t need to be there. I don’t get it… Music is supposed to make you feel good, that’s what I try to do with my music. When people listen to it, I want them to escape, I want them to trade places wit me; imagine they’re in the club, steppin fly with that killer swag; They feel good, drunk or maybe they don’t drink, whatever; they’re in the zone! I’m not in my zone if I hear, “F*ck You!” or “I shoot this and that”. That’s not my zone, some people might wanna hear that, but not me… Not everything gotta be party, but it just has to relate to life… Fun is what we lack in East Coast music.
*De_King*- Is there any zone or [region] in particular you feel is holding it down in music right now?
M BARS- Right now I gotta say
*De_King*- Why did you choose peruse music? What makes you different from others? What will make you successful in the music industry?
M BARS- My gift is songwriting. When I go to the [music] studio I work! I do what I do... [When I listen to music] I don’t hear a lot of hooks or lyrics that move me…I’m a strong songwriter… my hooks are like THE HORN ON THE UNICORN; they’re what leads, after that comes the lyrics. Writing is my strength, I’m a strongwriter... I came into music, with hopes of displaying my writing talents, collaborate with great artists, and do my thing... I differentiate myself with the image I display… I don’t lead with the negative persona, I didn’t come into the game acting like I was selling drugs before I was put on. Everyone knows I work, I have a 9-5… I bring something positive… [Hip-hop] music needs a brandable face. There are not that many roll-models out there, that’s why I’m gonna be different. I’m just gonna do me.
*De_King*- To be a successful hip-hop artist is it necessary to be “hood approved”? Is the dope game in hip-hop necessary? Why is it so prevalent?
M BARS- No not all. Talking bout the dope game is prevalent because it’s just the lane dudes choose to use. But the guys who talk about that, are they really successful? I don’t think so… When I come out you’ll see. I’m not gonna talk about no dope, not killing… no drama, and I’ll be just as successful if not more…
*De_King*- What is the New York Hip-Hop Scene missing?
M BARS- Me…
*De_King*- Are there any record labels you are currently looking at?
M BARS- -Laughs- I’m looking at anyone who’s looking at me…
Going Hard M Bars
8-12-08
MUSIC FROM THE MOON
The Future has arrived! Janella Monae the artist that has captivated the music industry, is now available in stores, with her Special Edition Limited EPMetropolis:The Chase Suite.
Make sure you get a piece of this musical revolution.
Go out & Cop It!
8-10-08
SPINNING BIRD KICK!
Back in the day I used to love Street Fighter (the video game). Chun Li was one of my favorites, and I could take anyone down with her. I ranked so many points with her, I made it to legend status, well the people at 20th Century Fox are looking to do the same thing, bringing Chun Li to the silverscreen with her very own movie, Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li. (ummmm... yeah, I don't know how I feel about this one...)
There are some big names tied to this project. Kristen Kreuk Stars as Chun Li ( Lana from Smallville) , Michael Duncan plays Balrog, and Taboo from Black Eyed Peas, plays Vega! The movie will not feature primary video game characters like Ken or Ryu, and is said to have a dark tone, following Chun Li on her quest for justice and her journey to become a legend.
-Kristen Kruek??? I thought Chun Li was Chinese... I guess... All I know is she better do her lightning kick and Spinning bird kick.
R.I.P. #1 SOUL BROTHER
L.A. TIMES http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-hayes11-2008aug11,0,7289497.story
In one of the most unfortunate weekends in the black entertainment world, soul singer Issac Hayes was found dead in his Tennessee home early Sunday morning 08-10-09. While the cause of death is not known, no foul play is suspected. Issac Hayes, legendary song writer, musician, and composer, was primarily known for his award-winning theme song for the television series Shaft. A very odd and sad coincedence in this situation is that comedian Bernie Mac, who has also died this weekend, Star together in the upcoming movie SOUL MEN which is slated for a winter 2008 release.
Hayes was 65. Hayes is survived by his wife, 12 children, 14 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.
http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-hayes11-2008aug11,0,7289497.story
8-09-08
FAREWELL TO A KING
CHICAGO TRIBUNE http://www.chicagotribune.com/
While rumors from earlier in the week were false, early this morning (Saturday, August 9th) in Chicago, Comedian Bernie Mac died at the age of 50, due to complications stemming from pneumonia. Bernie was checked into the hospital August 1st for his pneumonia, and preliminary test showed he was recovering well, on the 5th when his health began to fail. Bernie was in health battle a long time lung disease called sarcoidosis which flared up recently and presented the entertainer with further health problems.
The King of Comedy is survived by his wife Rhonda McCullough, their daughter, Je'Niece, a son-in-law and a granddaughter, Jasmine.
-Our hearts go out to Bernie Mac's family & friends. LONG LIVE THE KING!!!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-bernie-mac,0,1521239.story
8-06-08
Brand New Day!
You know it's a 'Brand New Day' when the presidential First Lady hopeful covers Ebony Magazine ( and really belongs on the mag)
7-30-08
Order in the Court!
By now all of us heard about the 5.4 Earthquake that shook Los Angeles yesterday, 7-29-08. Fortunately no one was killed or seriously injured, however the earthquake did interrupt one of my mom's favorite shows... Watch what happened at a Judge Judy taping when the earthquake hit...
The ART of Music
I want one too...
Day 26, P.Diddy's successful urban boy band from his MTV Reality series Making The Band, has caught on to the new urban art swag, and was photographed strolling through Time Square all rocking the new graffiti bombed Tatoot backpacks. From the Subways to the Streets! . -Thought this was kinda dope cause i just featured Tatoot on the fashion page!
Tatoot is an urban lifestyle fashion brand that manufactures backpacks and messenger bags.
7-26-08
Bill O'Reilly comes for Nas!!!
Last Wednesday July 23rd, Nas held an anti-racsim protest outside Fox News, where he and http://www.blogger.com/www.Colorofchange.org demanded that Fox News stop racist attacks on Senator Obama, and black America. Nas went as far as calling Fox News, "not a news organization, but a propaganda machine", -Watch Here
After the Nas' protest, Bill O'Reilly played Nas, on his show the O'Reilly Factor (on the Fox News Channel) saying that no-one paid Nas any mind, and the only reason why he was doing the protest was to get media attention, because his album was a disaster! Selling less than half this opening week, compared to his previous album. -Watch for yourself.
-WAIT. I'm a little confused... How can you call someone's album a disaster, as if it's not successful, when it's #1 on the Billboard charts? http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/genre_index.jsp hmmm???
7-24-08
Grumpier old man
Vanity Fare http://www.vanityfair.com/
As the rivals that they are, Vanity Fare decided to release a counter cover to The New Yorker's controversial Barack Obama cover of last week. The Vanity Fare cover is a limited edition, which is only available online. The cover depicts John McCain as a feeble, mean, sun-spotted, old man, fist bumping his wife; who is holding two handfuls worth of bottled pills. Burning in the fireplace is the US Constitution, with a portrait of a "bafoonish" looking President George W. Bush, hanging above.
-LOL VANITY FAIR got jokes!
The Dark Knight
"Best comic book movie ever!"
I co-sign on this review all the way, but let my man LA tell it.
A viewpoint from "L.A."
The Real Black Super-hero
-L.A. Williams was an editor at DC Comics (producers of Superman, Batman) wrote a thesis on the history of black characters in superhero comics for the
-Warning: This review contains spoilers
Should you hang with The Batman?
Warner Brothers’ “The Dark Knight” set an opening weekend record and why not? It has iconic characters, a major marketing campaign, the momentum of being a blockbuster sequel, and months of unexpected free publicity that came because the film features the final full performance of a young hot star who died during the peak of his career a lá Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Aaliyah and Bruce Lee. Hell, even Christian Bale's alleged beef with his moms on the front page of our local papers helped sell tickets.
So the fact is that a lot of people went to see “The Dark Knight”. But if you haven’t, your question may be, is it worth YOUR cash?
Here’s a view from
“The Dark Knight” is a winner from the start. Director and co-writer Christopher Nolan starts off the movie with a well-planned robbery that is intriguing, fast-paced, and surprising. By doing so, he’s giving you the pulse of the bulk of “The Dark Knight” from the very beginning.
If you don’t know or remember anything about the proceeding movie, “Batman Begins”, -- or Batman period -- here’s the meat of 49 years of his history in one paragraph. Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) strives to improve
Elements that worked well in “Batman Begins” return in “Knight”. We’re reminded that while it may be exhilarating for the audience to watch Batman in action, (driving his cool Batmobile, gliding from rooftops, etc.) this is NOT an enjoyable life for Bruce Wayne. Yes, his body is buff in Batman’s uniform and Bruce’s designer suits, but when he takes off his shirt, we don’t admire his physique; we gasp at the scars that his clothing hides. Rachel Dawes is a reminder of the love and normal life Bruce has sacrificed.
But in “The Dark Knight”, Batman has new challenges. His primary weapon against criminals has been intimidation, but in this film, he faces the Joker, a villain too insane to intimidate. Even worse, Batman has effectively combated and frightened
Not everything in the movie works. Examples? Midway through the film, Bruce decides to retire as Batman. Are you mad that I revealed a major plot twist? Did I break the “Spoiler Alert Ethics Code?” C’mon! Even the 8-year-old sitting next to me knew that if the movie wasn’t over, Batman would be back. That plot device is starting to feel like a super-hero movie sequel prerequisite! (Chronologically, it’s happened in “Superman II”, “Spider-Man 2,” “The Incredible Hulk” and “The Dark Knight”). That bit’s cheesy, tired, even insulting, and it stands out because the rest of the movie is so smartly written. Batman’s “scary voice” is occasionally accidentally comical. The movie’s final words are so corny you may gag. And the fast pacing works against the film in one aspect: D.A. Harvey Dent is played admirably by Aaron Eckhart who should’ve been allowed to show his acting range more gradually with such a rich and integral character.
Instead, the luxury of screen time and showing full acting range is given to Heath Ledger as the Joker, and he makes the most of it. The script calls for a Joker that’s insane, yet who also has a keen understanding of how most people think and who can use that understanding to get people to do exactly what he wants. An insane man who can concoct intricate plots. An insane man that can explain his own insanity and make the others around him question their sanity. A consistent laugher who isn’t funny. A villain whom you hate yet admire. It’s a lot to throw at an actor and –
7-23-08
WNBA SMACKDOWN!
Who said women are the gentler of the species?
After being awarded 2 Espy awards and being named best rookie player, the attractive Candace Parker of the LA Sparks (the second only woman to dunk) was the center of the FIRST Ever WNBA Brawl. (girlfight!!!) The drama unfolded after some sketchy plays, where Parker was fouled by Cheryl Ford of the Detroit Shock. The melee started when Parker and Detroit's Plenette Pierson got tangled up and both stumbled to the ground, Pierson subsequently ran down Parker and knocked her back down to the ground, with fists flailing. In midst of the fight, Cheryl Ford hurt her knee and had to be wheelchired off the court, and Lisa Leslie(first woman to dunk) was pushed to the ground by the Shock's assistant coach Rick Mahorn who was subsequently ejected from the game, along with the basketball brawlers.
http://sports.espn.go.com/wnba/recap?gameId=280722003
-Sorry for the small break in posts, I took a short nap...
7-21-08
The Black Entertainment Television Panther
Last week Marvel Comics and BET announced they've teamed up to Bring Marvel's premier black Super Hero, The Black Panther, to life, on their new division BET Animation. This is the first collaboration of it's kind, and the first Primetime series solely dedicated to the Black Panther.
-I'm extremely skeptical, but excited at the new direction of marvel animation. I just hope BET doesn't F this one up.
http://forum.bcdb.com/forum/BET_Marvel_Animation_unveil_The_Black_Panther_P90113/
7-14-08
New Yorker Terrorist fist
The New Yorker Magazine http://nymag.com/
The New Yorker Magazine went in hard on Presidential Candidate Barack Obama, with the cover of their latest issue. The cover depicts the Obamas in the oval office; Barak in traditional muslim garb, Michelle with an afro and a machine gun, giving her husband a fist bump, while a portrait of Osama Bin Laden hangs over the fireplace with an American flag burining... hmmm Obama's campaign is very angry, and calls the cover offensive; The New Yorker calls it a right winged caricature, satire. - You be the judge...
-I'm a fan of satire, probably more than your average king, and I definitely understand what the artist was saying, but wow! This is almost as bad as BET's " Read A Mother F**kin Book" campaign. Remember that? Well if not let me refresh you memory...
7-11-08
Looks Like the KING of POP is About to DROP.
7-5-08
The Championships at Williamsdon
2008 Wimbledon Ladies Champion Venus Williams
For the fifth time, Venus Williams held up the Wimbledon Venus Rosewater dish as the valiant champion. Defeating her lionhearted sibling (Serena Williams) for the title, in which proved to be one of the most outstanding displays of power, speed, accuracy, and mental fortitude.
This match was the absolute best played match in their head-to-head match ups. With this victory, Venus Williams made history becoming the third all time best player at the "All England Club", having won the highest amount of Wimbledon titles; third in front of Billie Jean King and behind Steffi Graf and Martina Navoritolova. This win also solidifies Venus as the best grass court player of her generation. This win is the 7th Grand Slam title to Venus Williams career, and makes the Williams sisters the most decorated and accomplished active players on the WTA Tour.
b.t.w
The Williams sisters went on to win the Wimbledon doubles title together later that day. Their 3rd Wimbledon doubles Title together and their 7th doubles grand slam title overall.
http://www.wimbledon.org/en_GB/index.html
7-4-08
Why leave the comfort of your computer to watch fireworks, when you can watch them right here.
Happy 4th of July!!!
Bang Pow How You like me Now!
7-3-08
SISTER 2 SISTER!
F
or the 3rd time this decade the tennis world will see an all-Williams Championship Final at Wimbledon. The Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, have dominated women's tennis, and have owned the most prestigious championship of the all, The Championships at Wimbledon with 6 singles titles between them, in the last 8 years (not to mention their 2 doubles titles). Venus Williams the "Queen of grass" has won 4 Wimbledon Championships, and will attempt to join an elite group of historic Tennis champions if she wins her 5th title this year, while little sister Serena Williams has won 2, and is looking for her 3rd. 2008 is the first time in 5 years that the 2 will meet in a Grand Slam Final.
Show your support for this historic event!
Wimbledon Ladies Championships Saturday, July 5th 9am on NBC
-WOOOHOOOO I'm So hyped! I love you Serena, but GOOOO VENUS!!!
Ucgh! ucgh! (Cough cough! Choke! choke!)
WHAAA?
Paramount Studios has announced plans to release a new energy drink featured in the upcoming Ben Stiller movie Tropic Thunder. No the drink is not Tropic Thunder, it's... (get ready)
BOOTY SWEAT!!!
-Sounds like something you would drink at a strip club.
I'm Officially convinced Amy Winehouse is a C****H***
Check out this video clip from her performance at historic Glastonbury Festival in London, over the weekend. Amy punches, and tries to fight an audience member for throwing a hat at her.
-WOOOOOW!
6-28-08
THE X-MEN LIVE!!!
For all my 90's kids, if you were a comicbook fan, you knew that X-Men The Animated series on FOXkids was the best show EVER! The second cartoon and movies proceeding the animated classic, didn't do our heroes justice. Well FirstServe Toons and Marvel Studios are prepared to take cartoons to the NEXT LEVEL, with their new X-Men adaptation. Wolverine & The X-MEN.
- I'm so excited I can barely contain myself!!! I just hope this is not solely centered around Wolverine, I'm soo over him and all his hype. The return of sophisticated animated entertainment has arrived.
Check out the following previews.
6-27-08
FRIDAY JUNE 27th is National HIV Testing Day. If you are sexually active and have ever had unprotected sex, or ever shared needles, please get tested for HIV. Knowledge is power.
http://www.hhs.gov/aidsawarenessdays/days/testing/index.html
Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Right to pack a pistol.
Thursday, 6-26-08; The Supreme Court made a historic ruling on the Second Amendment, giving Americans the right to bear arms. Stemming from controversy surrounding Washington DC's 32 year ban on hand guns, Justice Antonin Scalia stroke down the ban, saying, "The District's ban on handgun possession in the home violates the Second Amendment..." Individuals in opposition fear that this will just compound the governments attempts to improve public safety, and by the tight split decsion, (4-5) its apparant that some of the justices felt the same way.
-All I have to say is, "Guns don't kill people, people kill people." & so do EVIL MONKEYS.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/06/23/ST2008062300649.html?hpid=topnews
6-18-08
What a wonderful View
Keep it real, it's not like any of us care what the old hens of ABC's show The View, have to say but they did have Michelle Obama on the show, and she's definetly what's NEXT so here is a snipet of what happened... Who would have known that the next 1st lady would be fly?
- Yooo doesn't Whoopi Goldberg sound like a female version of Bill Cosby?
Weezy S Baby #1
"A million Here... A million There..."
He predicted it, and it came true. Billboard has announced today according to Soundscan, that Lil' Wayne's Tha Carter III, has sold over a million copies, the highest weekly sales since 50 cent in 2005.
-Seriously ya'll, this dude is killing it! I'm actually excited about hip-hop again... Whoever thought that the Lil' Wayne who used to run with Juvenile would turn into one of the Kings of the hip-hop game???
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003817736http://
6-16-08
YoRaps http://www.yoraps.com/
Hi my name is... SLiM sHAdy
Hate him or love him, he's coming back!!!
50 Cent leaked the news that the "shady one", was in the studio working on tracks, and now Mr. Eminem confirms that he is working on a new project.
-I don't know why people are acting so surprised, This was a given; What rapper can really stay in retirement???
http://www.yoraps.com/news1.php?subaction=showfull&id=1213591570&archive=&start_from=&ucat=1&
6-13-08
TMZ http://www.tmz.com/
R.Kelly back on the Prowl.
Just in time for the weekend, R&B singer and alleged child molester
R.Kelly, has been acquitted on all 14 counts of child pornography charges. A jury of 9 men and 3 women took less than a day to deliberate the verdict.
http://www.tmz.com/2008/06/13/r-kelly-not-guilty-urine-the-clear/uilty-urine-the-clear/
To see what really went down at the R. Kelly trial proceedings, watch the video below:
THE TRIAL OF R.KELLY
6-12-08
New York Post http://www.nypost.com/
SHUT IT DOWN!!!
Did Wendy Williams' husband put a hit out Miss Jones???
The Queen of drama continues her reign, as new allegations surface in a lawsuit filed Wednesday, June 11th by Wendy Williams' ex talent booker, Nicole Spence. The lawsuit alleges that Kevin Hunter (Wendy's husband) put a hit out to murder rival DJ, Hot 97's Miss Jones because she was talking mess about Wendy.
SOO Ghetto! This is too much!
Sidebar
-Wow, isn't it funny how after being fired, Nicole gets more publicity for Wendy, than she did when she was working for her. SMH
http://www.nypost.com/seven/06122008/news/regionalnews/suit__djs_hubby_put_hit_on_rival_115141.htm
For more Wendy drama, scroll down to the bottom of the page and read my article,
Wendy Hoooow You doooing.
6-11-08
Lil' Kim becomes a Konvict at R&B Live's One Year Anniversary?
Last Night I had the pleasure of attending R&B Live's one year anniversary in New York City. The heat was out of control, and the thought that Akon and his label, Konvict Muzik, would providing the entertainment, led me to believe this night would a be a hott mess, however the 4 strong drinks I got from the bar help me cope with the heat, and the Konvicts. I actually enjoyed myself and brought back a story for you. Towards the end of the night Akon invited certain celebrities on stage. Lil' Kim to came on-stage with him, and he asked her whats up with her record label situation. He announced to the crowd that he will sign Lil 'Kim to Konvict Muzik right here, right now. Akon said it would be a perfect fit, since Lil' Kim is an actual convict. (lol) Kim hugged him; he raised her hand and they went back stage...
Hmmm... You heard it here first! Lil' Kim could be jumping off to Konvict Muzik. Given her current state, it might be a good look.
Damn Serena!
After her embarrassing third round exit from The 2008 French Open, champion tennis player, Serena Williams, aims to put a smile on all her fan's faces by blessing the cover of Ebony magazine, for there summer fun and swimsuit issue.
-Absolutely the best images I have ever seen of Serena Williams. She looks soo Sexy! It's unbelievable what make-up and hair weave can do...
WOW! CHECK THE VID FROM THE PHOTO SHOOT:
6-7-08
The Pill of Youth???
Scientist are on the cusp of breaking the most significant discoveries in longevity research, effectively making 50 the new 80...
http://www.ajc.com/services/content/health/stories/2008/06/03/anti_aging_drugs.html?cxtype=ybuzz?referrer=search_buy
5-26-08
Straight from the horses mouth...
Tiffany Pollard aka Ms. New York speaks about her new show coming out... SMH Oh god not again...
DISCLAIMER: Video contains offensive language.
5-26-08
Summer Love
Spring has bloomed and so have celeb relationships. Check out the exclusive photos of the happy and not-so happy summer couples caught over the weekend.
-sigh- I think I need a summer love...
Jigga getting jiggy wit Bootilicious Beyonce.
(lol sorry bout that, I couldn't help myself.)
The Carters (Jay-Z and Beyonce) showed the world how the hip-hop royal couple get their boogie on at an exclusive VIP party at Palm Beach Casino in Cannes.
08 Bonnie and Clyde; Chris Brown and Rihanna, having some fun, taking flicks while working in the studio together. They are such a good look!
Lindsay Lohan on the DL??? Lindsay, here, caught 'swaping spit' with "close freind" Samantha Roson, then getting upclose and personal with Diddy. Hmmmm
David Beckham hit's a foul at a Lakers Game. Not a good look David! He has all the women in three feet radius of him upset. I can hear him now... "Vikki I didn't mean it that way your bum is much rounder than that skeezer in front us".
5-21-08
INTERVIEW: The first female champion of Welcome 2 The Next Level's I Got Next Music Competition, Round 3, Ade Marie, is off to a winning start. Like the try winner she is, she gains more and more fans after every win, and now this champion definitely has me in her cheering squad. Find out just what this champion is all about.
“I got this, it’s all about me, this is my moment.” You take a couple deep breaths trying to relax. You struggle to still your legs as they shake nervously. Your heart is pounding, you can feel your blood throb as it courses through your veins. “Concentrate, Concentrate!” You tell yourself, while trying to phase out the screams and cheers of the thousands of fans. A couple more deep breaths, you close your eyes; everything fades to black. It’s just you and silence; you’re in the zone. Then, BOOOM! The crowd erupts in thunderous cheers. It’s showtime, your time to shine.
*De_King* Here on the Next Level I strive to keep my audience up on hot new artists and great talent. Introduce yourself to the audience. Tell us a little bit about you; Age, Zodiac Sign and where you were born?
Ade Marie I’m 22. I’m a Pieces, and I was born in*De_King* What was your favorite 90’s cartoon growing up?
Ade Marie Dexter’s Laboratory. I loved Dexter, he reminded me a lot of myself.*De_King* Dexter? Hmm ok I didn’t expect that. I thought something more energetic
Ade Marie You thought Power Puff Girls was all me huh? I loved them too.*De_King* That or Power Rangers [laughing]…
Ade Marie Ewww no man! NeverPower Rangers [laughing] Why does everyone deny watchingPower Rangers? You know you watched Power Rangers.
*De_King* No way! I was X-MEN all the way!Ade Marie It really hasn’t. I wasn’t raised in the Nigerian culture, I’m American all and all.
*De_King* Growing up who were some of your favorite female artist from OUR generation?Ade Marie There is two. Whitney Houston and Brandy. I loved Brandy, absolutely loved her! Brandy always reminded me of a young Whitney Houston. Whitney is my first love though, Whitney is the first song I ever sang in front of an audience, “Greatest Love Of All”. I was four. It was the way I got the part of singing the song for our [pre-school] graduation. The teacher was teaching us this new song [greatest love of all] and I wasn’t interested in learning it because I was a huge Whitney fan and already knew the song. The teacher tried to put me on the spot and said “If you know the song so well, then why don’t you sing it.” So I sang the song for her and she said “oh my god you have to sing that for graduation", and I did. My first singing debut, they held my up to the microphone podium and I sang.
*De_King* Do you have that on video? You have to post that on Youtube.*De_King* You say that you’ve had a desire to sing since you were about four. Tell us how you discovered your desire to sing.
Ade Marie I had that desire since I could talk. [laughs] I came out the womb singing happy birthday to me.
*De_King* Wow I bet. Where do you get your desire from? At a young age, you have such a strong drive and determination. What do attribute that to?Ade Marie First and foremost I attribute my drive to God. Without his guidance through his Word and Love I wouldn’t be able to do anything, I wouldn’t have the willpower; Also my family and my friends. My mother was a singer, so my desire also stems from her.
*De_King* What about your inner qualities? What makes you different than other people when it comes to your drive and motivation?Ade Marie I have a deep burning desire, I’m competitive by nature, I’m also an athlete so my entire life I had to compete, so I guess it’s something that is just inherent in me. I’ve always had a desire to be number 1 in everything that I do.
*De_King* So you compete. What did you do?
Ade Marie I was a sprinter. I ran 55meters- the 400.*De_King* I was a bit of a track star myself. My specialty was the 200meters.
*De_King* With that competitive nature of yours it might be a tough battle…
Ade Marie My most memorable competition had to be a year ago when I narrowly missed beating the school record in the 55 yard dash, It was my last track meet. I got second place, which wasn’t great, but it was an excellent performance, and a personal best. I ran a 6.4 and my school record was a 6.399. I wasn’t pleased with second place, I was happy with my timing which also broke the facility record.
*De_King* What would be you dream collaboration?Ade Marie My dream collabo would be with Michael Jackson. I always dreamed of working with him. That would be HOT man!!! That would be a dream come true.
*De_King* Your going straight to the top with the King of PoP. You should do a Michael remake, that might get his attention.Ade Marie That’s… That’s a great Idea Justin! Thank you!
*De_King* While on stage performing, or watching you in a music video, what can we recognize to be signature Ade Marie, any particular style or move? What is Ade all the way?Ade Marie What you see is what you get. I’m like a gem, I don’t need much polishing for you to see me shine.
*De_King* When you are performing what do you feel? What goes through your mind?Ade Marie When I’m on stage I feel an unbelievable rush of passion joy, appreciation. Appreciation because I have a chance to live out my dream and do what I love to do, and that being singing. I also have a feeling like being at home, and I’m just overwhelmed with joy and glee!
*De_King* WOW! All that huh? Do you ever feel nervous?Ade Marie I think the two go hand and hand, I always compare singing to track. You know trackstar! Ofcourse I’m nervous my energy is rushing, but this is what I’ve been called here to do, so I say a quick pray and just do what I gotta do.
*De_King* How have you been able to follow your dreams amid disappointment and rejection?
Ade Marie I pray a lot. I do nothing without putting God first. Sometimes there are times when I need to get away and be by myself, and sometimes I need to talk to someone, and I’m fortunate enough to have people in my life that I trust, people who are there for me.*De_King* Are the stresses of working in the music industry more difficult than the stresses of day to day life?
Ade Marie The only stresses that I have are just knowing who really is on my team. Who is looking out for Ade Marie’s best interests. There are a lot of snakes in the industry and I just want to stay clear of them. It can be stressful tryning to deal with people who only seen you as a product and don’t care about me as a person. A lot of people make promises which are empty so I just pray that God gives me a decerning heart. Also dealing with men oooh, they sometime don’t take women serious especially in this industry, NOT all men, but a lot.*De_King* A word of advive to young girls who want to work in this industry, and want to become a singer?
Ade Marie You have to a dream, desire and vision. And in everything you do, you have to put God first, and be patient.2008 French Open
http://www.rolandgarros.com/
The 2nd Tennis Grand Slam of 2008 begins Sunday May 25th, The French Open at Roland Garros! Here at the Next Level I try to bring my audience something hot, new and a little different. I'm a sports fan; Basketball, Football, Track & Field all that is cool, but Tennis is definitely what's NEXT! Check out some of the young faces representing the U.S. in Paris.
Tennis is serious. Get into it!
Tennis Coverage can be seen daily on ESPN 2 & The Tennis Channel
5-20-08
Idolator http://www.Idolator.com
Nas losing his edge? I don't Think soo....
After long consideration and an intense decision making process due to intense pressure from his label, Nasty Nas, has decided to change the title of his forth coming album, from the controversial title Nigger, to Nas. I know a lot of people are saying "Whew! We avoided that mess." But the brother still has a vision and a message he wants to get across.
Check out the single, from the forthcoming album Be a Nigger Too, along with it's promotional poster for the video. It's a bit shocking and offensive, but it definitely gets his point across.
CNN http://www.cnn.com
Controversial Landmark win for Gay marriage in California.
California's Supreme Court has overturned it's ban on same sex marriage Thursday, in a 4-3 vote. This will lead to even more controversy in this year's presidential election. http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/05/15/same.sex.marriage/index.html
Movies/Yahoo http://news.yahoo.com/
"Nothing Happens The Same Way Twice"
That's for sure! Prince Caspian the second installment of The Chronicles of Narnia completely surpasses its predecessor. The Narnia sequel roars into first place at the box office knocking Iron Man. Let Me be the first one to tell you that this film was AMAZING !!! Easily my favorite film of the year! Beautifully done. http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080518/ennew_afp/entertainmentfilmuscanadaboxoffice_080518221609
Concerts http://www.blogger.com/www.LiveNation.com
ROCK THE BELLS? Word to your Mother, Son!
Live Nation concert and event producers are coming hard for all my true hip-hop heads. Check out the roster for their Rock the Bells concert August 3 2008 Jones Beach New York... A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, Mos Def, Method Man & Redman, De La Soul, The Pharcyde with Raekwon, Ghostface, Immortal Technique, Dead Prez, Murs, Supernatural, Scratch, Spank Rock, Kid Sister, The Cool Kids, Santogold, B.O.B., kidz in the hall, Flosstradamus This aint no joke.
http://www.livenation.com/event/getEvent/eventId/327706
The Fader http://thefader.com/magazine
Honoring the Angel Aaliyah.
The Fader pays tribute to the baby girl for their annual Icon issue.
The issue will feature interviews with her family, friends, colleagues, and review her influence on music, her fans and the industry, years after her tragic death.
Love You Baby Girl!!!
http://www.crunktastical.net/2008/05/09/fader-honors-legacy-aaliyah/
Trinidad Express http://www.trinidadexpress.com/
It wasn't good, but it's okay... they'll come to see you anyway.
Politics
http://www.nytimes.com/
5-18-08
We've come to see the Wizard
Campaigning in Oregon, Barack Obama drew crowds of an estimated 80,000 people. This was record setting attendance for any presidential candidate, or party nominee for that matter. Just look at the size of that crowd
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7388741.stm
Unforgettable!
Barack Obama's A More Perfect Union speech
Hoooow Yooou Doooing?
I have the inside scoop the drama between Wendy Williams her talent booker Nicole Spence, and her husband Kevin Hunter. Check me out!
Hoooow You Doooing? Hate her or love her, many of us recognize the flamboyant greeting of the Wendy Williams radio show. The nosey, getting into peoples business, trash talking, queen of gossip radio, has made a career airing out peoples’ dirty laundry, but now it seems that Ms. Wendy is sitting at the epicenter of gossip and controversy herself. Whispering voices from WBLS and certain online gossip hubs, are saying that Ms. Wendy can ‘Put [her show] where? Back there’, because she might be getting suspended indefinitely due to this latest scandal.
Last Tuesday her former talent booker Nicole Spence made headlines in the New York Post, as she filed a suit with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against Wendy and her husband Kevin Hunter. The claims allege Kevin sexual harassed her. Nicole states, "Mr. Hunter repeatedly sexually propositioned me at work in the most crude and vulgar ways, telling me over and over that he wanted to f*** me." Nicole also claims that Wendy and Kevin were constantly fighting and made a hostile work environment, causing her to fear her safety. Nicole claims that in one instance Kevin stormed into the studio demanded that all other employees leave, and in front of her, pinned Wendy against the wall in a choke hold. When asked about the allegations Kevin said, "The allegations are so far from the truth, it’s insane." Wendy said much of the same adding, "the bitch is out of her mind." As an ex-Wendy Williams intern myself, I have witnessed first hand all the behind the scenes drama, and the hostile environment of the Wendy Williams Experience. I completely believe Nicole’s allegations, however I do agree with Wendy about one thing, Nicole is a "bitch".
During my time as an intern I was present the first time Nicole got fired, yes, I said the first time. Though the exact reasons were shrouded in secrecy, her termination was at the request of Kevin. After the termination of the amicable talent booker Alisa Payne, in which Kevin also had a part, Nicole was brought back to assist in booking the show. Nicole’s exceedingly rude and conceited attitude made me cringe, and after spending a short time around her, it was evident that her hunger for fame and the spotlight was paramount in her life. I remember one instance when she was preparing to meet the mother of a famous actor. She was desperate to make a good impression on the mother in hopes of wooing the son, so she could in her words, "get put on." I’ve also spent time around Wendy’s husband Kevin. Though I never feared for my safety around him, many of my female counterparts said they felt very uncomfortable around him. Kevin was definitely the man pulling the strings behind the scenes. He kinda embodies the essence of the east coast’s version of Suge Knight. I remember being so disappointed when I saw Kevin tell Wendy to give a shout out to someone or compliment their album, because of some side deal he had with them. Foolish me, I though it was because Wendy was "keeping it real" and she really like their music… On one occasion I drove with Kevin and sat quietly in his car while he was jonesing on the phone with some woman. When he got off the phone, he proceeded to give advice on how to handle being married, women, and my career. He told me "Give them ‘all’ a lil piece of what they want; so they always want you, you keep them quiet, and you stay in control." Good advice, I guess, just not the type of advice I would have expect from the in charge, big bad Queen of all media’s husband.
On the eve of her new television talk show, all this drama and gossip seems like the last thing Wendy Williams would want… Or is it? Is there a chance that this drama monger is mongering all this drama about herself as a publicity stunt? Well one thing I have learned from my time around Wendy is that, she may be a hater, a gossip, ghetto, a freak, and maybe even fake, but one thing she’s certainly not is stupid! That woman is a tactician! She is always on her grind.
I hope you enjoyed your 15 sec. of fame Nicole. Times up!
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