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Monday, May 31, 2010

Jaden Smith and Justin Bieber Collaborate



All I can say is :Get That Money!!! Jaden. Right now Jaden is starring in the new Karate Kid movie and now this. I'm not mad at him. I see Will and Jada are teaching him well.

Memorial Day: Tribute to artists who have served in the Military



Mullage members B'Boi and B'Town met while serving in the US navy.



Surprise!The man who battled congress over free speech served 4 years in the US Army after high school.


Jimi Hendrix enlisted in the army in 1961 but it is rumored that he said he was gay to get an early discharge.


90's rapper Mystikal served in the Gulf War




Actor/ Comedian/Motivational Speaker/Model Father Bill Cosby served in World War II as a member of the Navy





90's Rapper and reality TV star, MC Hammer served in the Navy as a Aviation Storekeeper 3rd Class.



Talk Show Host and Motivational Speaker Montel Williams enlisted in the Navy in 1974 and graduated from Annapolis naval academy in 1980. Williams served until 1988 when he began his motivational speaking career. He left the Navy with several honors including the rank of lieutenant, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal.

VII magazine would like to take this time to honor our veterans and current soldiers.

Rick Ross covers the Source

Video: Dream discusses Aaliyah Remake, retiring, and other ish



I feel like no one loves the Dream more than the Dream.

Rick Ross pops his Twitter Cherry



My 1st tweet...last nite I cried tears of joy,wut did I do to deserve this?vacheron on my wrist,a year ago I didn't kno the bitches exist... @rickyrozay)

Check out Rick Ross' new mixtape Albert Anastasia http://onsma.sh/fiysw

Video: Big Boi- Shutterbug


Who said a break means not having to work?



Those of you who thought Beyonce was going to go away quietly, thought very wrong. Beyonce may not be out and about like she usually is but trust and believe Queen B is not going anywhere. It seems as if Beyonce drops an alternative version to a video every week, performs for the president, or releases new photos. Either way, Beyonce is not going away. Here is the alternative video for "Me, Myself, and I" off of Beyonce's first album Dangerously in Love

Is the hatchet buried?

According to published reports, Beyonce and Kelly have buried the hachet after Beyonce visited Kelly in her hotel. I don't want to be cynical but I don't know if I'm buying it. I'd like to know what went down in the first place to make Bey and her oldest friend no longer cool. Me thinks it has something to do with Daddy Knowles.

Beyone Knowles and Kelly Rowland are still tight after their days together as
members of Destiny’s Child. Just after Rowland checked into the Empire Hotel
Thursday night, Knowles arrived there with her bodyguard, who waited two hours
in the lobby while she visited her old bandmate in a suite upstairs.

(Bossip)

Lebron's next career?



You know Drake is the biggest star in the world when the biggest basketball player in the world acts as your hype man.

Lil' Wayne ft. Nicki Minaj- Knockout

Friday, May 28, 2010

R.I.P Gary Coleman


Different Strokes star Gary Coleman is now asking the angels "What 'chu Talkin' Bout?" because the 42 year old star passed away at 12:05 mountain time. That's about 2:05 in eastern time. The child star passed away after suffering from intracranial hemmorage after hitting his head on Wednesday. Cole's wife, Shannon made the decision to pull the life support plug this morning.

REMY MA ON NICKI MINAJ & KEYS

So apparently they have when all the way to Rikers Island NY state Pen to talk to the Rapper Remy ma why was incarcerated for shooting her friend and sentenced to 8 years in prison, the rapper who is married to papoose is definitely in great spirits and had allot to say about the competition in female hip hop hear is a video from street Heat of the interview that show Remy Ma speaking on the industry

T.I., DJ Drama, DJ MLK F@CK A Mix Tape






Download Mixtape Free LiveMixtapes.com Mixtape Player

New Video: Lil' Wayne-Da Da Da

Frankie to detox on Celebrity Rehab 4


Frankie, who serves as the resident trainwreck on Frankie and Neffe will be checking into Celebrity Rehab 4. No word on exact details, just know that this will be interesting.

In other Keyshia Cole family news, Soullow and Neffe are shopping their own reality show, which will star his son, Neffe's four kids, and their daughter called Neffe and Soullow Family Tree. No word on any takers but I can predict which network this will premiere on. Either BET or VH1 but I don't know if BET will go for that.

(Insert Long Sigh Here)



I am not pro or anti Beyonce but I need Farrah Franklin, the chick who spent five months in Destiny's Chilc before deciding it was not for her, to sit back and be quiet. I say this because she hasn't been in the group in ten years but now she's very vocal about her time in Destiny's Child. All I can offer is: Beyonce and her family are not concerned about you, Michelle, Kelly, they're barely concerned about Solange. Take it for what it's worth.


DON’T PULL A KNOWLES
“Naturally, you’re going to look out for your family.
There’s a lot of things I didn’t understand at 18 and there’s a lot of things I
knew, that [the girls] didn’t understand. [Hiring family] gives a little
favoritism. [In Destiny's Child] I felt like I was put aside… Matthew [Knowles]
was our manager, then Tina [Knowles] did hair and styling, then our road manager
was Beyonce’s cousin, then our assistant road manager was Beyonce’s other
cousin, then we had an attorney that was Beyonce’s other cousin, and Solange
that was traveling with us. Her whole family was on tour with them… If there was
someone else I could’ve spoken to outside of the family, I think it would’ve
been a lot better.”

WATCH OUT FOR PORN STARS
“[One of Pheenix's
girls did porn] in the past, but no one had any knowledge about it. There was so
much money put into the situation and the types of endorsements we were looking
forward to getting, unfortunately we would’ve been able to get those types of
deals without her having done that. The main thing is that she wasn’t honest.
Everyone has a past, but I found out from a friend randomly calling me, like,
‘Yo, you need to come over, I can’t tell you I gotta show you.’ Background
checks are very necessary because there was a lot of money spent on that deal… a
lot of producers, a lot of time and guess who has to pay that back?…’”

IF YOU’RE NOT THE BEYONCE, FALL BACK
“If you’re getting in a
[Destiny’s Child] type group, then that’s what you’re getting into. But if that
wasn’t explained to you and there were some other things that could’ve been
talked about like ‘How ’bout some people are able to sing this part’… you have
to really understand what you’re getting into and what your role is. As long as
everyone understands that then you can do well, but if you don’t understand that
it can be confusing…

It was so crazy, because although Beyonce is who
she is today, we were friends first and I was already doing my own thing. I
already had a $650,000 house. I already had a Beamer and Benz. To be honest with
you, my cars were better than theirs. That’s how I was meeting them. My man was
a manager for K-Ci & Jojo, so we were well off, plus I was working three
jobs on top of that, including modeling here and there. So I didn’t feel like
the playing field was too much different. I’ve been doing this since I was
4-years-old. I was always the captain of my team…”

Welcome Back Kanye



It's nice to see Kanye finally bouncing back after that Taylor Swift thing. Here is Mr. West's new song "Power" off of his upcoming album Good Ass Job. In case anyone is confused, the albums go as such, College Drop Out, Graduation, and Good Ass Job.


Kanye West - (To much power) "Power" by VIIMAG

New Video: Rihanna- Te Amo

It looks like Rihanna and Trey Songz are taking a page out of Beyonce's book on how to stay relevent. Rule #1: even when you're on a "break" keep working and dropping new material. Rule #2: pimp your album until there are no more singles to release. Rule #3: make as many videos as possible and drop them at random times. Rule #4: keep yourself relevant by not letting people miss you.


Erykah Badu Gets Naked and Painted for Vibe and Talks Cheating

Here is the second cover for Vibe's June/July issue. Vibe has also released a snippet of Erykah Badu's interview where she speaks about being okay with infedility. No word on what Nicki Minaj is talking about in her interview but I can only guess..


Erykah On raising three kids as a single mother
No one chooses to raise children alone. When you’re in a relationship you want it to work. My parents did, I did. But we are not taught how to make it work. We don’t know how to perform in relationships. I did math,science, English but we weren’t taught about human interaction, about relations with the opposite sex.”

On Whether Cheating Was the Reason For Past Break Ups
“No. Infidelity is not a deal-breaker for me. We’re all born sexual beings. I myself am not someone with a very high libido. I don’t require sex for happiness – I need companionship. I need a partner I can depend on, that I can love and grow with. But I do understand the nature of these men I’ve been with, and men in general. They have a need to chase.”

On whether she tolerates cheating:
In my own kind of way. I’m having to recondition my brain, ’cos the first thing I got was a doll named Barbie and she had Ken and that’s how it was supposed to be. You’re conditioned to think that way, and when it doesn’t happen you feel you’re a failure. What we have in common, me and the brothers I’ve known, is that we are all trying to evolve.

“We talk a lot about things that men want. Because I want them to be happy and the more I see how the male of the species behaves, the more I understand, and the less I blame him. It’s just who he is. Is there a solution?” “Honesty is it. It will get you everywhere. Mind you, I have friends who are in polygamous relationships – they’re no more happy or sad than we are. But at least the b*tches know what’s comin’ next!”

(necolebitchie.com)

I'm Confused - William Hung?

A couple days ago, I was channel surfing when I came across the American Idol Finale, that's not what confused me although I am a bit confused on why the show is still going on after Simon has left and all the other judges are clearly bored. Forgive the run on sentence. Anyway, I was extremely confused once General Larry Platt hit the stage with his dancers. Yes, he is the "Pants On the Ground Man" who was too old to audition for AI anyway. I'm done throwing shade for now So he was on stage, he danced a bit, sang a word every now and then, and all of a sudden William Hung appears. Yes, that is the asian student, who seemed a bit "special" who sold a few hundred thousand records singing "She Bangs." He hit the stage in all his baggy clothing and barely sang a note. I'm just confused, check it out for yourself.


He who is without sin....


I start this post with that quote because I know more than a few people will try to throw stones at Alicia Keys and Swizz Beats. Their rep has just confirmed what the blogosphere has been buzzing about for months, Alicia Keys and Swizz beats are expecting their first child and will be getting married on July 4. This statement was issued to people mag via people: "Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz are expecting a baby and are engaged to be married in a private ceremony later this year. They're very happy."

The ink on Swizz Beats' divorce from Mashonda is barely dry and he's already engaged. We know she is going to have a few choice words about this. Like I said before, he who is without sin.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Big Boi's Shutterbug

Diddy's Last Train To Paris Album Cover

Simplicity at it's _FILL IN THE BLANK_.

Thoughts?

Pictures of Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson in new film Things Fall Apart

25cent
Here's 50 Cent looking like 25 Cent Christian Bale in the Machinist (google it). No Curtis isn't sick, he's starring in a new drama wherein he will be playing a running back "who faces personal tragedy and his own mortality during his senior year of college."

For nine weeks, Fiddy went through a liquid diet and three-hour-a-day treadmill walks. He dropped from 214lbs to 160lbs in around 2 months. Maybe his next endorsement will be with nutrisystem or jenny craig (jokes people).

The Mario Van Peebles film, Things Fall Apart, also stars Ray Liotta, Lynn Whitfield, and Steve Eastin.

Jay-Z and Jack White In The Studio

20100525-JAYJACK7
Pictures of Jay-Z and Jack White (of The White Stripes, Raconteurs, Dead Weather, etc.) have surfaced bringing truth to earlier reports of The Stripe working with Hov on his new experimental LP.
20100525-JAYJACK4

“I just did a record with Jay-Z,” said White. “We did a song together a few weeks ago. It was incredible. I played him something that I’ve been kicking around for a while and he immediately came out with words for it. It’s unbelievable-sounding.” (via GQ)

20100525-JAYJACK2

20100525-JAYJACK

20100525-JAYJACK1
I see you B, you too Amy! Beyonce was probably just tagging along to the session, but hopefully we can at least get a collabo with Amy Winehouse on the album. She is always backed by great production. Let's hope she brought the horns with her, we all know Hovie luh 'dem horns. It wouldn't seem too far-fetched since they both worked together in the past on Amy's "Rehab" remix. Maybe we can get something more organic on this release.

Sneak Peek at Vibe's June/July 2010 Starring Nicki Minaj

NickiVibe

Roman Zolanksi Nicki Minaj covers Vibe's June/July 2010 issue. Do you think she was going for a French maid Barbie? Looks like it would make a good cover, unfortunately it is only an outtake from the article.

What do you think about the shot?

Bonus:

Here's a preview of Lil Wayne's "Knockout" video from his Rebirth LP featuring Nicki Minaj:

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Video Fab: Ludacris ft. Trey Songz- Sex Room

Drake - "Miss Me" feat. Lil Wayne

drizzy

"Drake stands for Do Right And Kill Everything"

Here is Thank Me Later's third single featuring the martian. This will be in rotation on radio and video outlets sooner than later, so thank me now. ;D

Drake - "Miss Me" feat. Lil' Wayne - (Dirty) by VIIMAG

Roll Tape: Kyonte Soul: What's That Sound






Producer and songwriter KyontĂ©, recognized for his Grammy Nominated work with Raheem DeVaughn and Ledisi, steps from behind the writer’s table to release his debut album “831 Vol. 1: What’s That Sound?”.

831 Vol 1 "What’s That Sound?” depicts music diversity at its best. This album is a “must have” that reflects KyontĂ©s songwriting ability to transcend life and love into the perfect musical melodies which speak to the soul. When you ask KyontĂ© the true meaning of “831 Vol. 1 What’s That Sound,” he says “Eight Letters. Three Words. One Meaning. A love that is reflective of body language, a passion that not only reflects the love of a person or a thing, but a zest for living and experiencing life.”

Following in the footsteps of a host of his favorite musicians, “831 Vol 1 What’s That Sound?”, is the quintessence of listening pleasure, a musical compilation of life and love that brings the element of timeless music that reminds you of an eclectic blend of legends Prince, Luther Vandrosss, and Donny Hathaway, all rolled into one. The album’s lead single “Body Shop” shows KyontĂ©s musical versatility with an up-tempo club banger about inviting an already perfect woman into his life or “shop” for display.

Having worked alongside many talented artists across the genres of R&B and gospel, KyontĂ© is making his mark as a solo artist. A native of Washington, DC, KyontĂ©s hometown has already recognized him as both the 2008 Entertainer of the Year as well as the 2008 Artist Most Likely to Succeed. His over 15 years of live performance experience and classically trained vocals ensure a stage presence unlike any you’ve seen in a long time.

The official “831 Vol. 1: What’s That Sound?” was released on February 23, 2010 at the legendary Blues Alley in Washington, DC!

Get ready to experience another level of music...831!!!
(soulcialista.com)

Lupe Fiasco's Cross Country Venture for the Kids


Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco is starting a new tradition on Tuesday (May 25), an annual cross-country run ... for the kids, of course.

Fiasco will begin his first annual cross-country trek at midnight on Tuesday, where he will travel from Chicago all the way to Los Angeles.

He will drive a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS, alongside his friend Caleb Garrett.

"The 1st annual run to the sun starts tonight @ midnight! Starting Line: Chicago. Finish Line: Los Angeles. Drivers: Lupe 'Laser 1' Fiasco & Caleb 'Stuntman' Garrett. Weapon of Choice: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS a.k.a Skull Leader Zero," Lupe blogged on his official website, LupeFiasco.com.

"Why? For the Love and For The Kids!!! Support your local homeless shelters and food pantries! Stop the Violence!!"

Further details regarding the run were unknown at press time. But, you can definitely follow him on Twitter @LupeFiasco to track his progress.

Lupe is currently hard at work on his next album, Lasers, which is "coming soon", according to his website.

(ballerstatus.com)

Chris Brown & Tyga Ft. Kevin McCall- Deuces

Eminem Recovery Dual album covers and Not Afraid Single






Beautiful monster by Ne-yo




It seems Ne-yo has taken the same route as Usher with the techno/house pop approach with a single of his upcoming CD later this year entitled LIBRA SCALE

Heres the song for your listening pleasure


Ne-yo beautiful monster by VIIMAG

Rihanna-Rockstar 101

Monday, May 24, 2010

Lauryn Hill To Perform 'Miseducation' at Rock The Bells 2010


She's back and she's headlining this year's Rock The Bells! She will be performing The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill in full length (maybe she'll bring D'Angelo out for "Nothing Even Matters"). A Tribe Called Quest will be co-headlining the event with Ms. Hill (Mrs. Marley?), so tru-schoolers mark your calenders. More information will be announced this evening at the press conference for the 2010 Rock The Bells at the Key Club in West Hollywood.

Don't believe the hype. Yesterday, URB.com reported that R&B recluse Lauryn Hill would headline this summer's Rock the Bells tour, performing her 1999 masterpiece "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" in its entirety. Scratch that. Today, the magazine blames "leaked information," but does claim that other artists will be performing their classic albums on this summer's hip-hop mega-tour. According to URB,Slick Rick will perform "the Great Adventures of Slick Rick," Krs-One will revisit "Criminal Minded," Rakim will perform "Paid In Full," and theWu-Tang Clan will perform "Enter the 36 Chambers." That's cool, but it's no L Boogie. (via Washington Post)

:( Well at least we got a cover.

Lil Kim x Clipse = RocNation??


According to major media outlets Lil' Kim has just signed with Jay-Z's record label RocNation. Although it is not officially announced, media insiders report an announcement will take place in the upcoming weeks.

It is being reported that Jay-Z will helm executive producer duties on her RocNation release. No word on whether her most recent song "Download" feat. Charlie Wilson & T-Pain will make the album.


There are also rumors circulating of the Thornton brothers joining the roster as well. While details are sparse, it is assumed that the signing will be for the release of their upcoming solo albums and their ReUp Gang imprint.

"I didn't even know [the deal] got off the ground," said Malice to BrooklynBodega.com. "I'm not even talking about that ... I would tell you. When we're ready, we'll talk about that."

The Clipse have been one of the few artists invited to Hawaii to work with Kanye West on his highly anticipated Good Ass Job LP.

The management, music publishing, and entertainment company was founded by Jay-Z in 2009. Kanye West is the current CEO of this joint venture between LiveNation and Jay-Z.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Trey Songz ft. Keri Hilson- Yo' Side of the bed





Trey Songz and Keri Hilson are teaming up for Trey's upcoming video "Yo Side of The Bed" seems like a prolific love story. I see Trey is taking notes from the R&B masters because "You Belong to Me" sounds like an early R. Kelly hit and this has a bit of Prince fused into it.

A Lil' Akeys/Swizz on the way


This photo has been circulating the net for the last week or so and bloggers are convinced that Alicia Keys has a gut full of Swizzy. I don't know what to think yet. Maybe Akeys has been hitting the fish and chips spots a bit too much. I'm going to give this a few months or wait for a statement of denial. Whichever comes first but I doubt it's the latter.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

I will not be following you


(dlisted.com)

What has twitter done to us? This chick does not have a tattoo asking people to follow her. If she was going to do that, she could have at least written her name so we can actually follow her.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Tell Em' Why You Mad: Monica Fans

The List of nominees for the 10th annual BET awards are out and Monica fans are not happy. The songstress, who has been in the game for 15 years, was only nominated for one award. Don'
t know how to feel about this one. We all know award shows are one big click. Beyonce will be nominated whenever she puts out new music, so will Jay-Z, and we also know Drake and Nicki Minaj won't go away empty handed.

Jay-Z leads the pack with five nominations at the BET Awards 2010, it was announced today. His wife BeyoncĂ©, Alicia Keys, Trey Songz, and Melanie Fiona follow with four nods each, while BeyoncĂ© and Lady Gaga (“Video Phone”), B.o.B and Bruno Mars (“Nothin’ on You”), Melanie Fiona (“It Kills Me”), and Jay-Z (“Empire State of Mind” and “Run This Town”) will compete in the Video of the Year category.

The 10th annual show will feature performances from Trey Songz, Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Diddy-Dirty Money, who was on hand to announce the nominations, along with Oscar nominee Queen Latifah, who will serve as host.

The BET Awards 2010 will air live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 27, at 8 p.m. Click below for the nominees.

Best Female R&B Artist
Beyoncé
Mary J. Blige
Melanie Fiona
Alicia Keys
Rihanna

Best Male R&B Artist
Chris Brown
Raheem DeVaughn
Maxwell
Trey Songz
Usher

Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
Ester Dean
Lil’ Kim
Nicki Minaj
Rasheeda
Trina

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
B.o.B
Drake
Fabolous
Jay-Z
Ludacris

Best New Artist
Justin Bieber
Melanie Fiona
Nicki Minaj
Wale
Young Money

Best Gospel
The Anointed Pace Sisters
Kirk Franklin Presents Artists United For Haiti
Tamela Mann
Marvin Sapp
Vickie Winans

Best Group
Black Eyed Peas
Clipse
Diddy-Dirty Money
New Boyz
Young Money

Best Collaboration
BeyoncĂ© f/ Lady Gaga – “Video Phone”
B.o.B f/ Bruno Mars – “Nothin’ on You”
Drake & Trey Songz – “Successful”
Drake f/ Lil Wayne, Kanye West & Eminem – “Forever”
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind”
Trey Songz f/ Fabolous – “Say Aah”

Video Director of the Year
Benny Boom
Gil Green
Anthony Mandler
Chris Robinson
Hype Williams

Video of the Year
BeyoncĂ© f/ Lady Gaga – “Video Phone”
B.o.B f/ Bruno Mars – “Nothin’ on You”
Melanie Fiona – “It Kills Me”
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind”
Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West – “Run This Town”

Viewer’s Choice
BeyoncĂ© – “Sweet Dreams”
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind”
Monica – “Everything to Me”
Rihanna f/ Young Jeezy – “Hard”
Trey Songz f/ Fabolous – “Say Aah”
Young Money (Lil Wayne, Gudda Gudda, Nicki Minaj, Jae Millz, Drake, Tyga) f/ Lloyd – “Bedrock”

Best International Act
Kojo Antwi (Ghana)
Chipmunk (UK)
Dizzee Rascal (UK)
Estelle (UK)
Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP) (South Africa)
K’NAAN (Somalia)
M.I. (Nigeria)
P-Square (Nigeria)
Corinne Bailey Rae (UK)
Sade (UK)

Centric Award
Melanie Fiona
Maxwell
Chrisette Michele
Monica
Sade

(rap-up magazine.com)

Rick Ross feat. NeYo - "Super High"

The Boss (BAWSE!) and The Gentleman go Biker Boyz off of Ricky's first single from his third LP, Teflon Don, which is dropping tentatively on July 6 (...I say tentatively because we all know by now how these rappers labels and release date announcements tend to work out). Stay after the end credits for a look at the making of "Super High".



Starring

Rick Ross

NeYo


Co-Starring


Stacy Dash


Directed by


Gary F. Gray


Def Jam Records 2010


Bonus:
Behind The Scenes footage:

Download:
FLVMP43GP

There's Something Different About NeNe Leakes


Maybe it's just me, not really, but NeNe Leakes of Real Housewives of Atlanta has apparently had a nose job. What someone does to their face is none of my business, but I feel like NeNe looked better before her nose job. She just looks pinched in and like she smells something nasty. Not a good look.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Lloyd feat. Mystikal - "Set Me Free"



Mystikal didn't waste no time to get back in the studio. After six years off the scene, The-Man-Right-'Chea jumps on this cut from Lloyd's upcoming project, Like Me: The Young Goldie Project.

Diddy Covers XXL For The First Time



Diddy graces XXL's June Dub-Dime cover for the first time(o,rly?). In celebration, he brought an XXL size of his ego along with him.

“I am the champion of hip-hop...Hands down, undisputed, I’m the undisputed heavyweight champion of hip-hop. We are going to have to deal with those facts. There is nobody that can fuck with me with what I do, which is getting busy. We are going across the board, as an entrepreneur, innovator, motivator. Who was there first? Who traveled to Europe first? The first. The first. The first. The first. I was the first.”
[sic]

Besides ego-preening that only Mr. Combs could do (take that, take that), the Diddy discusses Last Train To Paris, his grind to top of hip-hop's circle of moguls, and insight into his business acumen.

XXL's June issue will be on newsstands nationwide on June 1, 2010.

Jamaican Official Upset Over Drake Video


A music video shot in Jamaica by international recording artiste Aubrey 'Drake' Graham, featuring dancehall heavyweight David 'Mavado' Brooks, has prompted Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett to warn local acts to be careful about the way they portray Jamaica.

"We just have to say that care has to be taken by all, including our creative artistes, in portraying images of our destination and people," Bartlett told The Gleaner yesterday, when quizzed about the video for the single Find Your Love, which had a viral premiere Monday night at 11.

The video, which was shot in April in sections of Kingston and St Andrew, stars Drake as a foreigner who falls in love with a woman who is romantically linked with a 'gangster' called Puffy, played by Mavado.


Drake's Find Your Love is beautifully shot with a plot that some may feel recalls bits and pieces of Hype Williams' hip-hop classic film, Belly. It's the end of the video that has the Minister of Tourism upset.

In an ending soliloquy, Puffy tells Drake that he is out of place for coming to Jamaica and trying to get with his girl, telling him that, "Anyting de a Jamaica belongs to the Gully Gad", in obvious reference to Mavado's other moniker. Puffy instructs his woman played by video model Maliah Michel to "done him". The video ends with the woman apparently pointing the gun at Drake's head before three shots are heard ringing out synched to the words 'Find Your Love'. Drake is not actually shown being shot.

Bartlett said artistes should be mindful that the message that is conveyed about Jamaica is wrong.

"Gun culture, while not unique to Jamaica, is not enhancing (the island's image)," he said.

Mavado's manager, Julian Jones-Griffith, said that while he understands the concerns of anyone who might have a problem with the content of the video, he believes Mavado is just playing a role and that the creators of the music video came to Jamaica with a concept.

"The concept that they came up with, where did they come up with that? If Mavado did not do it, another Jamaican actor would have done it. There are a broad range of issues which need addressing if people from California want to portray a love story like this," he said.

Jones-Griffith stressed that people should look at the video as Mavado acting and nothing else. He said Mavado has been doing positive songs, and has even had another cameo with Haiti-born rapper Wyclef Jean in a video, which was dedicated to victims of the Haiti earthquake earlier this year.
(via The Gleaner)

Watch Find Your Love here.

Swizz Beatz Adopts Art School



Swizz Beatz is giving back to the community. The famed hip-hop producer has adopted a charter school in his hometown of the Bronx, pledging to support their arts program.

Swizzy appeared on 106 and Park yesterday with Diddy and Dirty Money to speak on his contributions. “I just came from the Bronx Charter School For the Arts,” he said. “I’m in the middle of sponsoring them, funding them, helping to rebuild them. Shout out to them, they got an art auction coming up.”

The public elementary school is located in the Hunts Point neighborhood of the South Bronx. For more information on the school visit www.bronxarts.net.
(via XXL)




"I've been doing things in that world [of art], but I wanted to take it up another notch and get really involved," Swizz said.

"A lot of people can go to charities and donate certain things and go back to their life — that doesn't mean the problem is over or the demand or need for a youth is over. I just feel that it's so important
to really be a part of something that's so amazing and helpful full-time."

Swizz hopes that when influential and successful individuals get involved in charities they sincerely care about the work. "[I hope they mean it], as opposed to, 'I'mma go to this charity so I could feel better' — that's how people look at it. 'It's a good look if I do this.' But I think it's a good look if you do it for real and maintain for real. I'm from the South Bronx and the school is not too far from Jackson Avenue, where I used to live — St. Mary's projects. It's just super amazing to see kids that come from the 'hood with so much positive energy in this negative world. "It's always something amazing going on,"
(via Mtv)

Swizz will also be donating a portion of his upcoming album sales to the arts and music program. In addition to his upcoming album, tentatively titled Life After The Party, Swizz is working on a film score for a hush-hush project he says will be bigger than Avatar. Uh...yeah, okay buddy. I'd like to hear more about this top secret film before I say anymore.

Artist Profile: Mr. Hudson


Although you may not know who Mr. Hudson is or own one of the UK's newest sensation albums, you definitely listen to Mr. Hudson. He is the haunting voice behind the chorus of Jay-Z's forever young. As if having the power of Jay-Z behind him isn't enough, Benjamin Hudson Mclldowie, also has the power of Kanye West behind him. His sophomore album, Straight No Chaser, was released on Kanye's G.O.O.D Music label and was executive produced by him. We all know that no matter how crazy Kanye may seem, he can still produce a hit record. Mr. Hudson is garnering lots of attention and it is no question that his unusual voice will gain him millions of US fans.

Have you heard: VV Brown


You probably have spent at least thirty seconds bopping your head to VV Brown's music. Her song, L.O.V.E is currently featured in Bally Total Fitness' new summer campaign. VV Brown is not your typical 26 year old artist. The british artist born, Vanessa Brown, was named by the LA Times and UK's the Independent as one of 2009's top artists to watch. Brown describes herself as a musical mash up.If you listen to her music, it's a mix of 50's swing, pop vocals, soul, R&B, and a tiny dash of hip hop. If you're lucky enough to catch VV Brown stateside, her performance style is reminiscent of Janell Monae. Her debut album, Travelling Like The Light was a top 40 success in Europe, with more success to come once she lands stateside.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Cam'ron & Vado - Boss Of All Bosses 2.5

Dj Drama presents...




Download Mixtape Free LiveMixtapes.com Mixtape Player

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Press Release: DiskUs Publishing



ENTERTAIN, EDUCATE, AND ENJOY TECHNOLOGY THIS SUMMER!


Before your child screams "I'm bored!" this summer, check out various educational stories or activity books by author Sarah Richard .

Dundalk, MD – May 5, 2010 – Entertain children while reviewing basic reading, writing, and math skills this summer! Summer Alphabet is one of many children's ebooks available at DiskUs Publishing by author Sarah Richard. Summer Alphabet encourages children to review phonemic awareness skills by naming summer words using each letter of the alphabet. It is available for download at DiskUs Publishing, http://www.diskuspublishing.com/ for around $2.50.
Other titles include I See Seashells, Is Christmas Coming?, and Knock Knock Trick or Treat. These titles encourage readers to review basic counting skills. 10 Ways I Can Be Green aims to educate children about the environment, or curl up with the story I Cannot Sleep! if you're having trouble sleeping at night! The stories and activity books are geared toward ages 3-7.

About the Sarah Richard
Sarah grew up in the New Orleans (Metairie), LA area before she relocated to Baltimore, MD. She holds a Master of Arts degree in education, and she has taught for five years. Many of her stories have been published through various print and on-line publishers.

For more information about Summer Alphabet or any of the additional titles, please contact DiskUs Publishing, C/O Marilyn Nesbitt, P.O. Box 43, Albany, IN 47320, USA or contact Sarah Richard at 443-503-6775. Feel free to visit her website at
www.diskuspublishing.com/sarahrichard.html.

How not to win your case 101


I really don't know what to say about Siohvaughn Wade. It seems as if she is trying to lose her case. She recently filed a lawsuit against Gabrielle Union, now she has pissed off the judge presiding in her case by not showing up to a hearing on Monday.

Wade turned herself in, with the $10,000 bond, after a warrant was issued for her arrest by Judge Marya Nega, who was not amused by her antics.

“When things don’t go according to Mrs. Wade’s way all of a sudden the phone’s turned off,” said Nega, when Wade’s attorney claimed she couldn’t reach her. The judge also said Siohvaughn was “beginning to spiral out of control.”

For example, Nega said, Siohvaughn Wade has not followed an order to make sure the couple’s two children talk to their father every day. Nega also noted the children were not at their Chicago school last week to be picked up by Dwyane Wade’s sister as the judge had ordered.

The judge said her main concern was what the couple’s ongoing divorce was doing to the children and suggested she may order custody be given to Dwyane Wade.

“Maybe it’s time for the kids to go live with Dad for a month or two,” the judge said.


I've never been in a lawsuit before but I bet one way you win, is by not pissing off the judge. If I was D-wade, I'd kick up my multi million dollar feet and let her self destruct. I'm pretty sure she may end up with nothing if things keep going this way.

Siouhvaughn, get it together. ASAP

Lil' Wayne Can't Catch a Break...


In addition to having two lawsuits filed against him in prison, one for $500,000 in royalties for " A Milli" off his 2008 album, The Carter III and for a documentary, the "best rapper alive" is in trouble with Riker Prison officials after being caught with contraband. Before you think Lil' Wayne found a way to make syrup in prison, Wayne was caught with an iPod. This wouldn't be so bad, except inmates are not allowed to have electronic devices.


The MP3 player was discovered in the cell of another inmate in the unit. And, in a kind of tragic detail, it turns out Lil Wayne had hidden the original contraband–the charger and headphones–in a snack bag in the garbage can of his cell.) He’s being charged with an infraction–possession of contraband, says our source. Inmates are allowed to purchase an AM/FM player and earphones from the commissary, but what Wayne had wasn’t authorized. Before you yawn, realize that everyone in Rikers–even the celebrities–is forbidden to possess any form of non-sanctioned mobile electronics, whether cell phones, videogames, or otherwise, and the fact that Lil Wayne was found with an iPod in his cell means that someone had to smuggle it into him.

This means that Lil' Wayne will have additional time added on to his sentence.

Don't know what to tell you....