When you lose someone you love, you just can’t help but grieve. And that’s what the Weslyn ‘Mama Wes’ Monroe, the mom of the late Pimp C, did in an interview with KFDM News.“C’s business manager found his body in his hotel room in Los Angeles and we know he died in his sleep. Past that, we don’t know anything. This is a terrible shock. Mama is just a little tougher than most, but I break too.”
She also added how she has received a great amount of support from family, friends, artists and other entertainers. “The phone won’t stop ringing. It feels good, if anything can feel good now.”
There appears to be congratulations in order for singer Usher and his wife; as their first child arrived into the world at 9.30pm on Monday (26-11-07). Originally, they named baby son, Usher. Usher Raymond V to be precise.
So is that like calling him Junior? Well, if so, little Jr. was a healthy 7lb 9oz; and the couple are overjoyed. “We are so happy and proud of our beautiful son. What a blessing!”
I have to say it’s lovely and refreshing to not be writing about crazy stars doing drug related, alcohol related or generally weird related things for once. I have already mentioned this week the planned wedding of Kanye West and his girlfriend; and now the happy family here. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy… until tomorrow when someone is bound to have done something stupid. Again.
After a rollercoaster ride of emotions, rapper Kanye West finally buried his mother, Dr. Donda West, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma earlier this week.
The ceremony was held at the True Vine Ministry church which could hold up to 2,500 people. The funeral was attended by members of the music industry as reported by AccessHollywood.com. Beyonce and Jay-Z attended the services where John Legend and Anita Baker performed in honor of Donda.
Kanye reportedly broke down inside the church as he was giving his eulogy and talking about his mother. He said, he wanted her to not “rest in peace, but rest in paradise.”
While Nelly Furtado won her own award and should get an award for being fabulous with her red carpet look, I can’t say the same for Avril Lavigne. Honestly, I would never say it even if she looked like Charlize Theron. She looked like a wannabe prom queen from the 80s.
The 23-year old ‘Girlfriend’ singer picked up the award for Most Addictive Track at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2007 in Munich, Germany on Thursday. Avril accepted the award and said “This is amazing. I’d like to thank the fans for voting for me.”
It’s not that they wanted to. It just so happens that the song is so annoying and was stuck in their heads during the whole voting process.
When you’ve built up a back catalog of eight studio albums and walk the earth as one of the biggest, most high-profile artists of the ’90s and 2000s, you’re bound to get some mixed signals from those who pay attention to you.
While several tracks connected to specific scenes are also rooted in productions trading in the regal grit that made up so much ’70s soul, the album is not a straight narrative, broken up by tracks like the boom-clap of “Hello Brooklyn” (produced by Bigg D) and the glitzed-out pair of “I Know” (a half-icing Neptunes layer cake) and “Ignorant Shit” (where Just Blaze transforms the Isleys’ quiet storm staple “Between the Sheets” into a high-gloss anthem). And while Jay mentions American Gangster and protagonist Frank Lucas directly, and intersperses some tracks with dialogue, the connection does not overshadow the album. It’s not like he’s yelling “Shaft’s Big Score 2K7!” or “Leonard Part Six, Part Two!” It’s all as natural as Scarface riffing off Scarface.
And that might be the most common complaint about the album — it’s really just another case of Jay-Z being Jay-Z, albeit with different presentation. Unless you know each verse from Reasonable Doubt through Kingdom Come, it might sound like he’s dealing with no variation on well-worn themes, the exact same thoughts and emotions, that make up older tracks about his past as a drug dealer — the rise, the arrogance, the conflictedness, the fall, and all stages in-between. One could say that’s not really saying much, but regardless of context, this is a very good Jay-Z album. He is, for the most part, doing what he has done before: what he does best.
50 Cent has picked a new feud with rap rival Lil’ Wayne - just because the Louisiana hitmaker is a terrible songwriter. The tough-talking rapper lost out to Wayne - real name Dwayne Carter - in a recent MTV poll, which credited the Shooter singer as hip-hop’s most important name. When is this guy going to learn to behave at least if not always then at least sometimes, I hope he can manage to behave that much or am I asking for too much. First he lost to Kanye West in the battle of album releases and as a consequence he did not make his tour to Europe. Kanye is not too good either after saying that he is not going to attend MTV bashes after not received any awards at the MTV VMAs. Now 50 Cent is such a waste and a person without work that he can keep finding ways to get into some lame fight so that he is written about in the blogs. Once there should be someone who tells him on his face that he is all things that he tells other are.
Jay-Z, that one-time retired now very much back-with-a-vengeance rapper who holds as arm candy that divalicious diva herself Beyonce Knowles formerly of Destiny’s Child before she broke free into a solo career, is going on tour and you had better believe that you are not going to want to miss out on seeing him perform live!
Highlights of this mega-brand performer’s touring schedule include gigs at such locales as the House of Blues in both West Hollywood, California on November 6 and in Chicago, Illinois on November 7 and Rams Head Live! in Baltimore, Maryland on November 9 as well as Hammerstein Ballroom in New York, New York on November 11, and the Fillmore - TLA in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 12.
You had better believe that you are not going to want to miss out on this chance to see this rapper-entity do his thing live so get yourself tickets today.
Pop star Madonna is close to leaving her long-time Warner Bros. Records label for a wide-ranging $US120 million deal with concert promotion firm Live Nation. Madonna would receive a mix of cash and stock in exchange for allowing Live Nation to distribute three studio albums, promote concert tours, sell merchandise and license her name. Like 120 million dollars is I think way too much that the company is dishing out for a 49 year old singer who doesn’t tour much. I think Live Nation shall find hard and very tough to recover their investment and though she is a world reowned artist and her name is very popular but still given the positives of the brand name ‘Madonna’ it will be tough going. She is over the years becoming very predictable with her music and only some nice videos that come out help her sell the album.
If he’s a man of his word, 50 Cent would be announcing his retirement any day now. The votes are in when it comes to the UK because their new album chart says that Kanye West’s new album ‘Graduation’ is the #1 album on the other side of the Atlantic. 50 Cent’s album ‘Curtis’ came in at the runner up position.
50 is also expected to lose to Kanye in the US as Kanye’s album is predicted to outsell 50’s by 200,000 units. But 50 might find a way out of retirement by making up some blatant lie.
But then again, 50 might have also felt the heat from Kanye’s victory as he has cancelled his European tour which was supposed to kick off this weekend. Wow!
Tony Bennett and pop star Christina Aguilera, who is btw about six months pregnant, performed “Steppin’ Out (With My Baby)” at the 59th Emmy Awards on September 16th. It’s been a long time i don’t see Christina performing so this is really cool. She looked great
Fall is upon us and so are the divas. It seems that all the divas that we know and love are coming out with new records this fall season.
Much like Kanye West and 50 Cent, some divas are going head to head with their releases. Celine Dion and Britney Spears will battle it out first when both of their upcoming albums drop on November 13. We would then see another diva showdown a week later in the form of Mary J. Blige with her upcoming album ‘Growing Pains’ to be released on the same day, November 20, as Mariah Carey’s new record.
It seems that the only diva missing from that list is Madonna. When is her album coming out?
Luciano Pavarotti’s adult daughters chastised the media Tuesday night about reports claiming they are squabbling with the late tenor’s second wife, and said they were not aware that their father made any changes to his will as he neared death. Money is money, and look his daughter is already giving an indication that money matters the most when she is speaking about changes to the will by Pavarotti. If the will is in their favor then I am sure that they will have no problems with anything that is said in the media, but if Pavarotti made any changes that give his second wife a few goodies from his wealth which his daughters are not aware then see what kind of drama is created, all the ladies would come out on the streets making all false comments and derogatory remarks against one and another.
Jennifer Lopez has released some promo shots for her upcoming album ‘Brave’ which is due out on October 9.
When asked to comment about the sound of her new album, Jennifer said that “This album is more of what people and my fans are used to. You know, just kind of dance, funk, R&B, hip-hop, all that stuff, all mixed up together to make some great pop music.” It sounds more like she’s trying to be the female Justin Timberlake if you ask me.
Later on in the month, Jennifer and her husband Marc Anthony will co-headline a worldwide tour which will kick off in New Jersey on September 29.
I dislike all this feuding when there is so much more to think about. We have a war going on and president who has no clue of what he is doing. With the money you all have should invest in putting music back in schools. You are role models for not just the young but everyone. Step back and stop thinking about self. In the dope game it is said, “There is a lot of money for all of us.” Greed is the problem. Can’t we all get along anymore? The war is not against one another it is those who did the 911 attacks. Get your mind in the swing of things. We all have little people looking at our behavior, what message are you sending them? It is time to grow and take a stand as adults. Ridiculous, but this was going to happen, all long Kanye and Curtis have been saying that who will be outselling whom. And now the game has just begun.
Led Zeppelin’s announcement of a one-off reunion show has caused the concert’s official website to crash - as millions of fans across the world rush to register their names for the ticket ballot. This is an incredible event that I bet no-one even imagined could happen. I thought that Led Zep was History! But these guys have an uncanny knack of dong the unthinkable when you think they are done with for good and the least expected. Anyways, what a nice thing to do for a friend or loved one. That’s absolutely Cool! Well done Guys You show what compassion means by actions. And what a great action. I have some words for these sites owners too, may be they just didn’t expect such a great response from the fans but still they should have had arrangements in place for such an event. I haven’t heard of a site break down in years, means like what could have been so drastic that the site stopped functioning.
Rapper/actress Eve is launching her own film production company later this year - so she can retire from the entertainment industry financially secure Eva and Eve sounds quite similar, well that not the only thing that similar they both want to be rich and successful as quickly as possible, may over night if it could happen. But folks let me tell there’s nothing wrong if she wishes for a secure future, we all want it, a future that’s full of joys and happiness, a future were we do not have to think twice on the kind of vacation expenditure we can afford or what we like to splurge on a Rolex watch, some great golf accessories and hence forth, I am of the view that if at 28 she think a production company would give her the ammunition to forge ahead and zoom her onto a big bank balance the babes go for it, no risk no gain. If the risk pays off then you are one in a million and if not then no need to sulk, not everyone’s a genius born to become some Einstein.
Chris Brown and Rihanna’s collaborative performance can easily be labeled as the best performance of the night from the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards.
If Rihanna’s massive hit ‘Umbrella’ wasn’t enough to bring the house down, then maybe you would settle for Chris’ smooth dances moves. From dancing to his songs ‘Wall to Wall’ and ‘Kiss Kiss’ to an inspired homage to Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
When asked about what he thought of the performance, Justin Timberlake said “Nobody likes to be reminded that they’re getting older. And whatever Chris Brown just did reminded me of how I’m getting older – ’cause damn. It’s just exciting to see.”
For the past few weeks there has been a lot of hype surrounding Spears’ supposed ‘comeback’ performance but let’s just say it was less than mediocre. She was wearing heels that she could barely walk in and her performance consisted of her going from one side of the stage to the other in a jeweled bra and panties lip-syncing. Its sad seeing someone I idolized growing up, completely bomb on stage. There was so much hype surrounding this performance, not only from fans but from fellow celebrities. You would think that she would have done a better job at performing, but she gave up. She’s gained a lot of weight, her dancing was lame and her lip synching was worse than Ashlee Simpson. What a disappointment. That was so simple. As everyone we all were expecting something shocking, amazing, magic, and something strong. This was really bad for her and her career. Is not the worst thing in the world but is not the best and it was supposed to be the best for a comeback. I hope her music video for the song gets better than this. Is so sad to see her without self esteem and confidence. She needs help and that’s the down line.
Nelly Furtado attended to a Pre-Vma’s party at Jet Nightclub at the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on September 7th. She showed there her brand new blonde hair. Not that bad at all!!!
Finally! I was wondering when something… anything… would come along and deflate Kanye West’s huge, bloated, retarded ego. And I think this competition just may be it! In the hip-hop world, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is facing off against Kanye West to see who the King of Hip-Hop is. The two are currently gracing the cover of Rolling Stone magazine in an obvious face-off. The two artists have new albums dropping on September 11, 2007. But let’s accept the fact though the whole release date thing has been blown out of proportion, the two singers have been the real ones trying to be in the news all the time for their respective release. If these things don’t prove he’s a complete tool, then I’m not sure what to tell you!) Kanye has said of the competition, “This is real. It’s a moment.” Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson said, “From a hip-hop perspective, it’s the biggest event possible.” It’s nice to have to wacky person fight it out in the media as this is what gives us blokes the material to make fun on their speaks. Go on you guys, you driving us too.
Veteran rocker Ringo Starr has been tipped to finally be honored in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame next year, according to some industry insiders. The former Beatles drummer is the only member of the Fab Four not to be inducted into the prestigious Hall Of Fame, with the late George Harrison the last to receive the honor in 2004 - three years after his death in 2001. I think it is like justice being delayed a bit in his case. He should have been long before have been included in the Hall Of Fame. I love Ringo and the Bee Gees and all of the Beatles and am I glad to see him join the other is his rightful place in The Hall Of Fame. HE HAS EARNED THE HONOR. Why is always with some people that they get their honor much more later than a few who really never deserve to be there in that esteemed list of greats. But a better way to look at it would be that may the ones who get a later recognition savor it more than the one who get it early but fail to understand the value of it all.
R&B hot stuff Chris Brown is a big fan of Akon. And I do mean big. The singer even goes as far as copying Akon’s famous dance and hump incident with a fan at his New York City concert over the weekend. The difference, Chris’ dance partner was legal and she’s quite heftier than Akon’s skinny little 15-year old. He’s a mighty strong man then. And a big sport too. Must stop the puns.
Anyway, Chris shared the stage with reggae sensation Elephant Man at ‘On Da Reggae Tip’ which was sponsored by the New York City radio station Hot 97.
Dixie Chicks singer Natalie Maines has paid $5.6 million for a home in the upscale Los Angeles suburb of Brentwood, the Los Angeles Times reported on Sunday.
Maines, 32, already has homes near Austin,
Texas, and in New York City, the paper added. The newest addition, in a gated community, boasts five bedrooms and seven bathrooms.
The Dixie Chicks, country music’s darlings until Maines criticized U.S. President George W. Bush during a concert four years ago, won five G
rammy Awards earlier this year in a measure of the trio’s respect within the music industry at large.
Maines’ husband, actor Adrian Pasdar, appears in the TV series “Heroes,” requiring his presence in Los Angeles for lengthy stretches, the Los Angeles Times said.
Ozzy Osbourne’s touring Ozzfest show has been marred by another controversy after an off-duty police officer was attacked while trying to make an arrest on Tuesday night. According to North Carolina police, one officer suffered minor injuries in a scuffle at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre show in Charlotte, where he was working as a security guard. The crowds at these concerts are so unruly and badly behaved that either there should limited entry or adequate security arrangements should be put in place before there is any confirmation on the concert taking place. But police officials insist this was one incident during an otherwise trouble-free event. Hey like if the police do not have problems tackling these maniacs then I should not be saying this, all you boys and girls go out there and have a ball. Smash some window panes and rip off the concert coz the police ain’t fear struck of you.
Is a must buy for real hip hop fans. Album drops July 31
Common ft. Lily Allen - Drivin’ Me Wild
The track is the second single off his new album “Findin Forever” in stores now and the video premiered today via MT
Scottish rocker KT Tunstall longs for a split with her boyfriend - because it will give her inspiration for songs. The singer briefly split with long-term boyfriend Luke Bullen - and it inspired her to write song Someday Soon which features on new album Drastic Fantastic. And she now plans to have more arguments in a bid for musical success. Nonsense that you need to have split with your boyfriend to find inspiration to write love and emotional songs, that way to write rock and rap songs one would have to spend a few nights with a prostitute or a gay to write these woeful songs. I thing she’s completely looking at the wrong way to find inspiration to write songs, rather than a break up she could well sit on the pot and find better inspiration. We are looking for love songs that make us happy not sad and remorseful about our past relationships gone wrong. KT don’t spoil a relation for just trying to find inspiration dear, go have some coke and cheer up.
Newton Faulkner’s debut album includes the single Dream Catch Me
Singer-songwriter Newton Faulkner has hit the top spot in the UK album chart, confirming him as one of this year’s hottest new artists.
Hand Built By Robots was released last month and now sits above Elvis Presley and Amy Winehouse in the rundown.
Faulkner rose to prominence supporting James Morrison and Paolo Nutini.
In the singles chart, Kanye West’s Stronger has held onto number one for a second week, holding off a challenge from Sean Kingston’s Beautiful Girls.
Soft rocker, acoustic alien, folk fantasist and blues boy are just a few of the nicknames you may fancy labelling Newton Faulkner. And if his personality is as laidback as his sound, the Surrey-bred Brit probably couldn’t care less what you tag him. As long as it’s not cheesy.
He’s rapped about it, made movies about it and is even nicknamed because of his love about it. But in a shocking turn of events, Method Man is going to educate people about the dangers of using it. What is it? Weed of course!
The Wu-Tang Clan member is ‘thrilled’ at his plans to discuss everything he knows about the evils of weed. He’s going to be speaking to students from 15 New York City high schools as part of a plea deal from getting busted with drugs this year.
Well that figures. It’s all a publicity stunt for the judge.
A handgun stolen from an exhibit during last week’s commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death has been recovered.
Surveillance video showed a man reaching into a display case at the “Elvis After Dark” exhibit at Graceland, Presley’s mansion, and removing a black, 9 mm Smith & Wesson pistol on Aug 14.
Travis Brookins turned the gun over to police Monday after the theft was reported by news media.
Brookins said he was cleaning portable toilets behind the exhibit hall last Thursday when he found the gun in the muck. Unaware the weapon had been stolen, Brookins took it home and cleaned it.
“He called us and said he thinks he had the gun and brought it to us,” Memphis police Lt. Jerry Gwyn said.
Gwyn said he believes the thief may have accidentally dropped the gun into the toilet.
“Of course, whoever dropped it wouldn’t go in there,” he said.
Presley died at Graceland on Aug. 16, 1977, and is buried in a small garden beside the house.
Tens of thousands of fans were in Memphis last week for various ceremonies marking the anniversary of Presley’s death.
Check out these promotional shots of Rihanna and Kanye West for this year’s MTV Video Music Awards. World famous photographer David LaChapelle did the elaborate photo shoots of not only Rihanna and Kanye but also Fall Out Boy, Foo Fighters and Chris Brown.
All of the above mentioned artists are featured as performers for this year’s VMAs along with Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen. And FYI, Justin Timberlake will be hosting a Fantasy Suite party with good pal and partner Timbaland.
The 2007 MTV Video Music Awards will air on September 9. And if the photos are any measure of the hotness of the show, then prepare to take on the heat!
Jennifer Lopez has released some promo shots for her upcoming album ‘Brave’ which is due out on October 9.
