Maxim Does it Again
Feb 29, 2008 Album Release, Album Review, Black Crowes, Nas
Maxim garnered a strike when they did a music review for the Black Crowes’s new album ‘War Paint’ without listening to the album. They have since apologized for the screw up but it doesn’t prevent them from doing it again. And that they did. Maxim has done a review for rapper Nas’ new album even though he hasn’t even finished recording it yet. Maxim has also apologized for the review but Nas doesn’t seem to care saying “I’d prefer [a review from] Playboy. That kind of stuff doesn’t reach my radar or affect anybody around me. I don’t know what a music rating from Maxim is . . . I don’t know what it even means really.”
Ashanti Fakes It
Feb 28, 2008 Ashanti, FUN, Music Videos, Performance, Photography, Song
Ashanti took the most beautiful mugs shot I’ve ever seen when the R&B songstress, aka Inmate #03529480 struck it nasty. But if you think that she was arrested for DUI or drug possession then you’re wrong. Unlike most celebrities today, Ashanti is only faking it. The picture is actually from the new version of her ‘The Way that I Love You’ music video which is expected to drop on Wednesday. She goes to prove us wrong and that there are still some relatively good girls in the industry. You are not going to pop this girl for anything anytime soon.
Noel Gallagher puts it Bluntly
Feb 27, 2008 James Blunt, Noel Gallagher, Oasis, Records Sale, Rocker
Noel Gallagher is flogging his Ibiza villa to get away from pop irritant James Blunt.
The rocker has put the gaff up for sale for $10 million, because it is too close to Blunt’s. Lord Noel can’t relax in his holiday Oasis knowing Blunt is just a CD’s throw away. He is also worried about bumping into the annoying-voiced Blunt out and about on the sunshine island.
A pal revealed: “Noel has been going to Ibiza every summer for years. But he wants to find a new holiday destination. He’s fed up of hearing James Blunt bang on about Ibiza like he owns the place. It’s taken the charm out of it for him so he’s put his villa up for sale. It’s very close to Blunt’s place, and he says he can’t stand the thought of Blunt writing cr*p tunes up the road.”
Charming.
Noel stands to make a tidy profit on the sale. He bought the villa for $5million in 1999 from Tubular Bells creator Mike Oldfield. He even kept some of Oldfield’s specially made carpets, which had the Tubular Bells symbol woven into them.
Eminem Writes
Feb 26, 2008 Books, Eminem, Rapper, lyrics
Eminem was once a rapper, tried to be an actor and is now wanting to be an author. The Detroit native is working on a tell-all memoir which will include details on his life story, photos, journal notes, hand-drawn sketches and lyrics. This would have been hot news if only it happened 5 years ago!
‘Eminem: The Way I Am’ is to be published by Orgion Books. The book is scheduled for release in the UK on October 16 of this year. Eminem’s team is said to be none too happy with the leak of this info as they claim it’s still a work in progress.
Sheryl Crow on Amy Winehouse
Feb 23, 2008 Amy Winehouse, Duets, Sheryl Crow, Soul Music
Much like Britney Spears, Amy Winehouse is the talk of the town. But unlike Britney, people have more positive things to say about the British singer these days – save for Natalie Cole. Sheryl Crow is the most recent celebrity to comment on Wino and here’s what she had to say: “I want to collaborate with Amy [Winehouse] because she’s really hot and cool right now. I know one song ‘Rehab’ was very popular particularly because a lot of young people are in rehab as well. In fact I’m thinking about going. It looks like loads of fun and I know my career will benefit from it.” Weird, but eh.
Elton John and Mary J. Blige duet
Feb 22, 2008 Award, Duets, Elton John, Mary J. Blige
It’s an unlikely pairing, but Elton John and Mary J. Blige will perform a duet at his post-Oscars party.
The superstar singers will take to the stage at Elton’s annual AIDS Foundation bash after the Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday.
Blige said: “Elton John is one of the most inspirational musicians and philanthropists in this industry for me. I respect him with all my heart and it is truly a pleasure to be performing with him on such an important night as we look to raise awareness and vital funds for the fight against HIV and AIDS.”
This is not the first time the pair have collaborated. In 1999, Elton played the piano on the 37-year-old star’s single ‘Deep Inside’. Elton’s annual Oscar party has raised more than $15 million for his charity over the past 15 years.
Erykah Badu Smells
Feb 21, 2008 Celebrity, Erykah Badu, Fashion
If there have been legions of others that came before you, is it still considered selling out when you partner up for something that completely commercializes you? I guess there’s no such thing as selling out anymore as Erykah Badu is the latest celebrity to cash in on her fame by becoming the spokesperson for a beauty brand. The neo-soul singer has been named the face of Tom Ford’s new fragrance which is yet to be named. I wonder what it would smell like. Would it smell like the scents that Erykah likes – incense and weed? If so, should it have to be legalized?
Carrie Underwood Sings the Gospel
Feb 20, 2008 Album, Album Review, Carrie Underwood, Country Music, Hit Songs, New Single
Carrie Underwood sings the title track ‘How Great Thou Art’ off of the album ‘How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites from the Grand Ole Opry’. The American Idol champ joins legions of country music’s finest on the album which also features the likes of Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley, The Charlie Daniels Band with Mac Powell, Sara Evans, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Patty Loveless, Loretta Lynn, Ronnie Milsap, Brad Paisley and Ricky Skaggs and the Whites. The album is available in stores now so don’t forget to get your hands on it. Carrie has truly made a name for herself in the industry by being asked to work with such fine talent.
Yayo is Free
Feb 19, 2008 News, Prison, Rapper, Yayo
Rapper and 50 Cent protégé Tony Yayo has finally gotten his name cleared of assault charges after the guy he was arrested with came clean and said that Yayo had nothing to do with the alleged crime. Marvin ‘Yayo’ Bernard was in court in New York on Thursday where the assault case against him was dismissed. The rapper actually pleaded guilty to a violation but it won’t go on his record as Lowell Fletcher, his co-defendant, told cops that he was the one responsible for the beating of the young victim and that Yayo was actually trying to restrain him.
McCartney snubs Ozzy duet
Feb 18, 2008 Award, Duets, Ozzy Osbourne, Paul McCartney
Sir Paul McCartney has disappointed pal Ozzy Osbourne by declining an opportunity to duet with the rocker at the 2008 Brit Awards.
The former Black Sabbath singer, who will co-host the ceremony with his wife and manager Sharon, was ecstatic at the prospect of fulfilling his lifelong dream of sharing the stage with the former Beatle.
But McCartney, 65, has since decided to perform a simple solo set instead. He says, “You can either go for something wow or just do a couple of hits – I’ve opted for the latter. I’m quite happy to be just doing stuff that I hope the audience will like.”
He adds, “This year will be outstanding – because Ozzy is presenting.”
Rappers Delight
Feb 16, 2008 Blues, Busta Rhymes, Common, Concert Gig, Kanye West, Live Music, Rapper
Going to a concert is always a fun thing to do. It’s especially fun if artists have a little something planned too. Fans at the House of Blues in LA on Wednesday night got fun, more fun and even more fun.
Common was the one scheduled to take the stage but after a couple of songs, Kanye West came out to perform ‘Can’t Tell Me Nothing’ and ‘Good Life’. If that wasn’t enough for you, Busta Rhymes also busted out on the stage and performed too. Essentially, that’s 3 shows for the price of one – how lucky can you get?
Juvenile Busted
Feb 16, 2008 Juvenile, Rapper, Scandal
It looks like celebrities like to keep the police busy and on alert. Rapper Juvenile is the most recent felon to be caught as he was arrested in Meridian, Mississippi on Tuesday for possession of under an ounce of marijuana. The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department said that he was in a car pulled over for expired tags though it’s still unclear whether Juvenile was driving or was just a passenger. He was booked and released later that day. There is still no word on when his next appearance in court will be. Calls to the rapper’s reps have not been returned.
Mariah Carey Disappoints
Feb 15, 2008 Album Review, Mariah Carey, New Single, Song
Mariah Carey’s new single off of her new album dropped on Tuesday and I am sad to say that it was very disappointing. A lot of people were really looking forward to it but it just didn’t live up to expectations. The song isn’t really bad. It’s actually worse. It’s just average. And we all know that mediocrity kills in the music industry. ‘Touch My Body’ is a very generic mid-tempo song. There was just nothing special about it. Better luck next time Mariah. You’re not going to get the same success for this album like what you got from ‘The Emancipation of Mimi’.
The Game’s Plea
Feb 14, 2008 Rapper, Scandal, The Game
60 days in jail, 150 hours of community service and 3 years of probation – that’s the sentence that rapper The Game received when he pleaded no contest to possession of a firearm in a school zone. Jayceon ‘The Game’ Taylor faced 3 felony counts for making criminal threats and exhibiting a firearm in the presence of a peace officer. The other two counts were dismissed are part of a plea agreement. Taylor allegedly got into an altercation in February 2007 which resulted in him punching a guy and pulling a gun from his Escalade to threaten to shoot the victim. He has until March 3 to turn himself in.
Yoko VS Lennon
Feb 13, 2008 Beatles, John Lennon, Music Bands
A hard-working heavy metal rocker is in danger of losing her identity all because Yoko Ono wants to destroy another career for having the name Lennon. Lennon Murphy, a singer/songwriter whose band is called Lennon, has been sued by Yoko for “tarnishment” of her widow’s name and for “fraudulently” registering the name as a trademark. In court papers, Yoko is claiming that Murphy is intentionally exploiting the name, confusing people by using it and wants the trademark cancelled.
Murphy shot back on her MySpace page that Yoko and her lawyer were asked back in 2000 about using the name for her debut CD and they didn’t object. Murphy writes “If Yoko prevails, Lennon might never be able to tour or release records using the name Lennon.”
And the Grammy Winners Are
Feb 13, 2008 Award, Grammy Award, Top Music List
The 50th Annual Grammy Awards are over and the winners are in. Here’s a list of the most notable awards of the night. Amy Winehouse was short one Grammy to make a clean sweep.
Album of the Year: “River: The Joni Letters,” Herbie Hancock.
Record of the Year: “Rehab,” Amy Winehouse.
Song of the Year: “Rehab,” Amy Winehouse
New Artist: Amy Winehouse.
Producer of the Year, Non-Classical: Mark Ronson.
Pop Vocal Album: “Back to Black,” Amy Winehouse.
Female Pop Vocal Performance: “Rehab,” Amy Winehouse.
Male Pop Vocal Performance: “What Goes Around…Comes Around,” Justin Timberlake.
Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: “Makes Me Wonder,” Maroon 5.
Rock Song: “Radio Nowhere,” Bruce Springsteen, songwriter (Bruce Springsteen).
Rap Album: “Graduation,” Kanye West.
Rap Solo Performance: “Stronger,” Kanye West.
Wyclef Gives to Parolees
Feb 12, 2008 Blues, Concert Gig, Wyclef Jean
He may not be all that nice to his fans of over 200 lbs. but he is nice to his homeless ones. Wyclef Jean was feeling charitable at his show at the House of Blues this past weekend. He actually decided to give a free concert ticket to a random, homeless parolee he met outside. He didn’t catch the show though. The grateful man grabbed the ticket and immediately went after some scalpers because seeing a show probably wasn’t very high on his “I need to get my life together” list. It was a nice try Wyclef. It would probably be better if you threw a twenty next time.
Rihanna at Pre-Grammy Party
Feb 11, 2008 Grammy Award, Live Music, Los Angeles, Review, Rihanna
Six-time Grammy nominee Rihanna arrived at the legendary Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Party which was held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday in Beverly Hills, California covered up head to toe in a patterned dress. I don’t know what is up with her lately but she’s wearing more fashion misses that could take away her crown for being a style queen.
But let’s talk beyond style. Rihanna will be singing a duet with 80s band The Time at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony which is scheduled for tonight, Sunday, in Los Angeles at the Staple Center and will air live on CBS.
Not Too Short Tempered
Feb 11, 2008 Rapper
Rapper Too Short was mobbed by fans just as he was leaving Tokio in Hollywood on Friday but one fan got a little too close for comfort and actually kept getting in the rapper’s face. The frenzied fan kept telling Too Short that he was from South Central. I’m not sure why but I’m guessing that he got confused about his facts because Too Short actually hails from Oakland.
Too Short looked annoyed and a little disgusted by the guy but he played nice. He’s too cool for drama. He just decided that the crazy guy wasn’t worth all the effort and trouble of being caught up in some issue.
Jay-Z’s Next Comeback
Feb 9, 2008 Hip Hop, Jay-Z, R&B, Record Label
Jay-Z has retired from hip hop and came out of retirement about three times already. He’s also just retired from the record exec racket a few months ago. But as his track record goes, he’s coming out of retirement from that too.
Rush & Molloy report that the rap mogul could be on his way back to starting his own label again. This time, with a guy who used to be his rival. He and Lyor Cohen of Warner Music are in talks about putting together the Carter Music Group which is a reference to Jay-Z’s real name of Shawn Carter.