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MIXTAPE DOWNLOAD: Dom O Briggs: Gr8Summer
Daily Word: Love Yourself First!!
Happy Wins-day, my Extraordinary Beings!
Welcome to the day that you begin to take credit for who you really are! Marianne Williamson said it the best… “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not
to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.”
As you set out on your journey, remember this saying! Take heed to it, and realize how extremely important it is to have confidence in self and let your light shine! Not only is it your right, but it is your absolute duty and obligation! Happiness will always start with you! It is impossible to truly love someone else if you don’t love yourself first! It is impossible to get the success you deserve if you don’t believe you deserve it! Love Yourself First! You deserve it more than anyone else on this planet!
-Ash’Cash
“We cannot think of being acceptable to others until we have first proven acceptable to ourselves.” -Malcolm X
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing that it is stupid.” -Albert Einstein
“Most of the shadows of this life are caused by standing in one’s own sunshine.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
“The most important opinion you have is the one you have of yourself, and the most significant things you say all day are those things you say to yourself.” -Unknown
“A diamond doesn’t start out polished and shining. It once was nothing special, but with enough pressure and time, becomes spectacular. Be that diamond.” -Solange nicole
“Having a low opinion of yourself is not ‘modesty.’ It’s self-destruction. Holding your uniqueness in high regard is not ‘egotism.’ It’s a necessary precondition to happiness and success.” -Bobbe Sommer
“Believe in your dreams and they may come true; believe in yourself and they will come true.” -Unknown
“Don’t you dare, for one more second, surround yourself with people who are not aware of the greatness that you are.” -Jo Blackwell-Preston
TO HEAR THE AUDIO VERSION OF THE DAILY WORD – CLICK HERE.
Ash’Cash is a Business Consultant, Motivational Speaker, Financial Expert and the author of Mind Right, Money Right: 10 Laws of Financial Freedom. For more information, please visit his website, www.IamAshCash.com.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Chris Lighty’s Wife Speaks Out – Adds More Mystery To His Suicide
Veronica Lighty, the wife of late business architect Chris Lighty, has finally broken her silence about the recent suicide of her husband. The NY Daily News caught up with her outside of her house yesterday, and instead of clearing up some of the questions surrounding his death, her interview seems to fuel the fire even more and added more questions into the equation. Check out what she told the paper:
“My husband was too smart of a man. He was a genius. No smart man is going to leave his children for fighting with his wife. That makes absolutely no sense.”
“We had a passionate relationship. We fought all the time.”
“I had filed for divorce last year, but retracted it two days before Father’s Day. That was my gift to him.”
My question is, if they were reconciling, why was there a moving truck outside of their house and reports that he was moving out the day he killed himself?
Veronica did clear up the rumor about debt being the root of Lighty’s depression.
“We were not in debt $5 million,” she said.
The Associated Press reported Friday that Lighty had used the proceeds from the sale of the Chelsea apartment to pay off most of the IRS debt. But he still owed more than $330,000 in state and federal taxes, the AP reported.
And, a bank sued him in April for being overdrawn by $53,584, the AP reported.
His widow would only say, “Chris had a lot of weight on his shoulders.”
So much mystery surrounding the reason behind Chris Lighty’s suicide. I can only hope his family finds some closure soon. You can read the full story and interview here.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Has Chad Ochocinco Gone Crazy?! Tats Evelyn’s Face On His Leg!
Okay, I’m sure people have asked this question before, but I beg to ask again, has Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson gone completely crazy? The man is definitely crazy in love, I tell you that! Just a few weeks after Evelyn filed for divorce from him for head butting her, Chad is determined to win her back, and has inked a huge portrait of her face onto his leg. Check out the new ink below:
Chad also seems to be in denial about the status of their relationship a.k.a. imminent divorce. He hit one of his Twitter followers with his signature “child please” when they brought up Evelyn filing for divorce. Check out his tweets below:
So, is Chad delusional, or do you think this gesture will get Evelyn clamouring to be back in his arms?
Sidenote – Just last week, Evelyn broke her silence about the violence she’s endured from Chad. You can check out her full interview below:
It sounds like Evelyn still has a lot of emotional dealing to do before she takes Chad back. Do you think she should give him another chance?
EXCLUSIVE: Twista Plans To Combat Chicago Violence With New Youth Center
(AllHipHop News) The violence in Chicago has been making national news as of late, with an exorbitant amount of people getting shot and killed on their streets everyday. Just last week, 19 people were shot over the weekend and according to the Chicago Tribune, gun violence has soared over 60 percent compared to the same time last year.
Rapper Twista was born and raised in Chicago, and he believes that gang violence is at the epicenter of the rise in homicides.
“The gangs, I hate to say it, but they’re taking it back to the whole vibe of getting into it with each other,” said Twista. “Gangs are going against gangs.”
Twista is on a crusade to save the streets that he grew up in, and believes that creating more youth centers will help give the kids something to do and help “steer them the right way.” To lend a hand in the efforts, Twista plans on opening up his own youth center in the heart of Chi-town.
“We’re trying to do something positive in the city of Chicago, especially now with all of the killings going on, and everybody running wild the way they’re doing.
“I remember growing up in the ‘hood, and there were a lot of people that would have probably been out there doing something bad if they had not have been at a YMCA or some type of club,” Twista recalled.
Check out the interview below with Twista where he speaks about the climbing violence in Chicago and his plans to open a youth center:
Twista has not yet revealed when the youth center will open, but he is working on finalizing the details.
Download his new mixtape, Twista: Reloaded here.
Football and Hip-Hop: ESPN Anchor Stan Verrett on His Saints Nation, the Culture of Rap and Dodging the N-Word
The 2012 NFL Season kicks off tonight! Much respect to the schedule makers for opening the season with the Dallas Cowboys and World Champion New York Giants. Thank you for showcasing one of the toughest divisions and heated rivalries in the NFL right out of the gate. The entire night will have the feel of a blockbuster event.
The Pregame Concert will star Mariah Carey and No Doubt. Not exactly Hip-Hop – unless Ma$e makes an appearance in a shiny suit, or Eve avoids questions about Stevie J long enough to perform “Rich Girl” with Gwen Stefani. 90’s collabos aside, I’m ready for some football, and I’m equally ready for the media coverage.
After the big game, tune in to ESPN SportsCenter to check out New Orleans own Stan Verrett. Stan alongside Neil Everett, the hosts of “SportsCenter” from L.A. at 1am ET / 10pm PST – 9am ET/ 6am PST. Stan sat down with AllHipHop.com to talk about the first rap song he memorized, his early days in Radio, and to clear up an on-air misunderstanding which leaked onto social media:
Stan’s reaction to Hurricane Isaac causing disaster in his hometown of New Orleans
My family and friends there weren’t affected by Isaac as compared to Katrina. Isaac caused power outages. And there are still people going without power. Hurricane Katrina really devastated my family. My parents lost their home, family members lost their homes. So along those standards, Isaac wasn’t really that bad. The levies held up better this time around. But some of the people in the outlining areas, such as Plaquemines Parish which is south of New Orleans, right on the Gulf were hit very hard. We’re praying for those people, and hoping they’ll be able to put their lives back together.
Stan talks about his deep roots in Hip-Hop
My initial career was in Radio. I went to Howard University. I worked all throughout college at the Hip-Hop/R&B station DJ 100 in D.C. Fresh out of college, I worked at Z93 Charleston, South Carolina. Then I went to 103 Jamz in Norfolk, Virginia, hich at the time was the #1 Urban Station in the country. This was back in the early ’90s. Steve Crumbley (Program Director), he was the only director playing Hip-Hop all day! Other program directors thought he was crazy, but he was way ahead of the curve. I did a morning show there. Music has always been a part of my life. Music was my job, the way sports is my job now.
I remember when “Rapper’s Delight” came out. Once I’ve heard it, I knew I had to memorize all the words to it. I listened to it all the way through, then recorded it on cassette the next time I heard it. I sat there with my tape deck and wrote down every lyric. It was easy to see how huge Hip-Hop was going to be back then.
Long before Reasonable Doubt
My passion for Hip-Hop grew in the mid to late ’80s. Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick! I remember when “The Show” came out. If you went to a party in 1984 and ’85, once Doug E. came on, that’s when the party started. Slick Rick had the most underrated Rap album of all-time: The Great Adventures of Slick Rick. KRS-ONE was doing his thing (Criminal Minded).
PE (Public Enemy) came along at the right. PE really summed up the life and times for us at Howard University. The students took over the administration building. There was a strong sense of activism that we were worried we’ve lost. Everybody was trying to be Cosby Kids in the late ’80s, or get MBA’s and work on Wall St. Howard has always been about that, but for me it was about the activism. When “Fight the Power” came out, it summarized not just what was happening out Howard, but consciously across the country. PE has always been my favorite group.
Stan circles back to Jay-Z
We played singles on the radio. Songs like “Can’t Knock the Hustle”, “Ain’t No…” with Foxy. But I didn’t really appreciate Reasonable Doubt until a couple years later when I was able to sit down and listen to the entire album. Reasonable Doubt is in my Top 5 albums, along with The Blueprint. I felt like the Blueprint catapulted Jay into the top spot. The soul hooks and soul samples, the concepts and storylines all on one album, were historic for Hip-Hop.
One Nation, under The Saints
I am Saints Nation for life! I am a diehard Saints fan! I’ve been to 38 games the past three seasons. I’ll be attending every home game this season. That’s my home! I’m trying to make a few road games, too. I’m excited to see Drew Brees, Jimmy Graham, Darren Sproles, Marques Colston, Mark Ingram, Lance Moore, Devery Henderson! That Saints Offense is LOADED! I can’t wait to get out there and see them do their thing. And our defense coached by Steve Spagnuolo should be proven this year. Anybody who knows me, knows I’m diehard about the Saints. Covering the NFL is the reason why I’m a sportscaster.
Hip-Hop bonds with Sportscasting
I’m 46 years old. Every person in my generation who grew up Black in America was influenced by the Hip-Hop Culture. It’s a part of Black Culture that grew into National Culture. I look at the wordplay of a Kanye West, of Lil’ Wayne especially, the concepts they’re able to convey. Essentially, we’re all in the same field of communications. We’re all in the same business. We’re communicating ideas, using our words in a clever manner. The best MCs are able to convey ideas in a clever way. You want to get a rise out of the crowd; make them say, “WHOA!” That’s the same way with us. Whether it’s a catchphrase or how you flow through highlights, we’re trying to bring a reaction out of our audience. I’d pull up older Rap songs on YouTube for inspiration. And while I’m thinking about it, a song I feel a lot of people have slept on is ‘Time’s Up” by OC.
If Stan could book the perfect Rap Tour
Slick Rick, Public Enemy, Jay-Z & Lil’ Wayne.
Stan addresses AllHipHop.com about a misunderstanding
There was a show a few months ago, where word got around that during the highlights, I used the N-word (Time… Distance… N-word with a problem). I said, “Time… Distance… neither one a problem.” There was this kid who made a video trying to insinuate I’ve said otherwise, and AllHipHop.com shared the video as well. I’m trying to clear that up the best I can. But once a week, someone on Twitter would reference that, and I’d be like, “Dude, that’s not what I’ve said.” So to everyone reading this on AllHipHop.com, I’d like to say one more time that I didn’t say that. If I didn’t, I’d be fired from ESPN if I said it.
Photo credit:ESPN.com
“For The Record” AllHipHop.com Speaks “Off The Record” With Brooklyn MC Torae
AllHipHop.com caught up with a Coney Island, Brooklyn MC whose lyrical ability is definitely a wild ride! Torae filled us in on everything from his thoughts on preparing for live shows, to his beverage making abilities, and “Off The Record” the new EP he just dropped. Check out how AllHipHop.com got “Off The Record” with NYC’s own Torae:
AllHipHop.com: OK, so for those who think you are a new artist, or that you have only featured on other artists’ projects, can you give a brief overview of how long you’ve been out here working on this music thing, and what some of your favorite projects are that they should check for?
Torae: Well, professionally I’ve been putting out music since 2006. My official first 12” single was “Promises” with my group, The Coalescence. As far as my own projects, I think you should check for all five, but if I had to pick just one, I’d say my debut album, For The Record.
AllHipHop.com: You are known for a lot of things, lyrical acrobatics being just one, but what would you personally like to be known for? What would make you overjoyed to read it about yourself?
Torae: I make the world’s best red Kool-Aid!! Once the Kool-Aid man busted into my living room for a glass, it was awesome.
AllHipHop.com: I hope the readers take note that you said “Red Kool – Aid” – this is very important! I salute you, sir! [laughter] But seriously, anyone who’s seen you live knows you really go all out with each performance. What all do you do to prepare for a show?
Torae: Show preparation for me is key. I’ve seen countless performers lose the crowd by not being prepared and not interacting with the crowd. Me and my DJ E Holla definitely get in that rehearsal space and work on giving the people a dope live show. Guys like Busta Rhymes, Masta Ace, Big Daddy Kane, Meth & Red, as well as Kanye West, inspire me to want to bust *ss on that stage.
AllHipHop.com: Totally understood. What do you think about MCs that rhyme over their own vocals in a live show? Would you ever do it?
Torae: I think that’s “THE WORST SH*T EVER” like, really, you’re just going to go on stage and rap over your raps. I think it’s super unprofessional and sounds horrible. With that being said, if it’s an impromptu something that’s different, but doing a whole set of vocals is not hot, period. If I wanted to hear your song vocals, I’d stay home and listen to the song!
AllHipHop.com: Let’s talk about this project you have out now. Talk to us about the highs and lows while making it. What was your favorite part of creating this effort? What made you wish you never started it in the first place?
Torae: Well, my current project is an eight-song EP titled Off The Record. It’s a spin-off of my debut album, For The Record, which was released last year. These eight songs are joints that for whatever reason weren’t included on For The Record. Not because they’re wack or anything, but just because I recorded a few songs with certain producers, then picked the one that I felt fit best on the album. The only lows with putting this project out was me not wanting people to judge it as an album. It’s just eight dope songs, and that’s it. It’s not conceptual like my previous works, and it’s not as well-rounded. It’s just eight records I wanted to present to the people.
AllHipHop.com: What if anything, did you learn about yourself while working on this project?
Torae: I learned how much I care about releasing product that tells a story. The one hang up I have about Off The Record is that, although the songs are dope compared to a fully thought out Torae release, this isn’t even close. It’s still dope, but not like For The Record, Double Barrel, or even Heart Failure conceptually.
AllHipHop.com: Who did you work with on this new EP? And do you have any interesting stories about putting it together that you would like to share?
Torae: Pretty much everyone who appears on the EP is also on the album, and these songs were made during the same sessions. So there’s 9th Wonder, Marco Polo, Eric G, E. Jones, and Da Beatminerz, and the lead single, “Getting’ Biz”, is produced by Khrysis. Funny thing about that song is the chorus you hear isn’t the original one I wrote. I had something different, and I told Khrysis I wanted him to get on and say the chorus as well. This fool went and wrote something brand new and laid it down. I was taken back initially, but I couldn’t front it added a dope element to the song so we kept it.
AllHipHop.com: Will you be shooting any videos for this EP?
Torae: Definitely want to shoot “Getting’ Biz”. It’s a really fun song, and I think it would make for an ill video. If you’ve every seen any of my visuals, you know I like to drop dope clips, so if we can come up with something fun and entertaining, it’s on.
AllHipHop.com: So, what is this we’re hearing about you being a radio star, as well as everything else you have going on? We’re hearing the show is pretty serious!
Torae: [laughter] Nah, I’m not a radio star, just doing my part to put on for the culture. But yes, every Sunday night on SiriusXM’s Hip Hop Nation, DJ Eclipse and I have a show called “Rap Is Outta Control” – two hours of dope Hip-Hop music. Not what you hear all over terrestrial radio all day long. DJ Eclipse breaks new records and artists weekly, while I provide the humorous conversation and questions. It’s been working well the last two years, so maybe after the stage, there’s a place for me on the air. I have a face for radio.
AllHipHop.com: Get out of here, face for radio! [laughter] OK, then would you like to do a “radio shout out” to anybody? [laughter]
Torae: Actually, yes, shouts to DJ Eclipse for giving me a shot on radio. Also big shout to the bosses Ron Mills and Reggie Hawkins for not getting rid of me every time I did something wrong!
AllHipHop.com: Torae, if you could only use five words, to describe your music in five words, what five words would you choose?
Torae: Passionate, lyrical, insightful, fun and aggressive.
AllHipHop.com: Nice, very nice. Where can the readers check for you online?
Torae: ChristianMingle.com. Either that or Twitter and Facebook. [laughter]
Be sure to check out “Off The Record” and Torae every Sunday on Serius/XM’s Hip Hop Nation.
Catch up with AllHipHop.com contributor Skyyhook on Twitter (@SkyyhookRadio) and at SkyyhookRadio.com.
Tech N9ne Signs Georgia Rapper Rittz to His Strange Music Imprint
(AllHipHop News) Rapping technician Tech N9ne has signed Georgia rapper Rittz to his Strange Music label. The Kansas City chopper recently explained on YouTube how he discovered the rapid rapping MC while working with fellow Southerner Yelawolf on his All 6’s and 7’s album.
“I was working with this guy on All 6’s and 7’s. He said, ‘Man, I know this one dude; he’s the clearest spitter I ever heard.’ I’m like, ‘Hmmm.’”
Said Tech N9ne in his trademark mumble, “After I met the guy the first time, I went to one of his shows, and I was like, ‘Damn.’ It was so good that I had to say, ‘Trav, we’ve got to see what we can do about this.’”
Before working with Tech N9ne, Rittz’s quick and crisp rhymes were featured on Yelawolf’s “Box Chevy Pt 3” on his 2010 street album, Trunk Muzik, as well as Rittz’s own White Jesus mixtape series. Although, Rittz is signed to Strange Music, he still maintains a strong affiliation with Slumerican records, which was founded by his tourmate Yelawolf.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to see my face on a CD cover in a store,” says Rittz. “I’m so excited, man. And don’t get it twisted, it’s still Slumerican for life. Strange is the label. We’re about to make good music, man. I can’t wait.”
View footage of Rittz’s Strange Music signing below:
Nicki Minaj Receives Death Threats Over Mitt Romney Rap Line
(AllHipHop News) Nicki Minaj has raised the ire of seemingly radical Democrats on Twitter with a rap line that implies she will be supporting Mitt Romney in the upcoming presidential election.
“I’m a Republican voting for Mitt Romney / You lazy b***hes is f-ing up the economy,” Minaj raps on Lil Wayne’s new mixtape Dedication 4.
The move, whether or not she means it, has caused a seemingly endless flow of insults to the rapper.
Minaj has not commented on the matter, via Twitter or otherwise.
Here are some of the tweets, courtesy of Weasel Zippers:
Hip-Hop Rumors: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West HOUSE HUNTING?
Oh yeah, oh yeah…Kim K. ain’t going nowhere! Beyonce may not want to sit next to her, but Kim K. is here to stay. She and Yeezy are reportedly working on getting a house together. Now that sh*t CRAY. Peep the story from EntertainmentWise.com.
It looks like Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are moving their relationship up to the next level- they’ve been photographed house-hunting in New York!
Kimye were spotted sneaking into a grand looking property in posh NY suburb Westchester earlier today. According to Splash News the couple were checking out the house with a view to buying.
The publicity seeking pair suddenly came over camera shy and seemed keen to keep their visit underwraps as they were spotted keeping an eye out for paps as they made their way into the house.
Kim, who was still wearing the frankly horrific boots that she was sporting earlier in the day, was also seen talking on her phone in the doorway, perhaps the business savy girl was keen to seal the deal?
If the couple did move in it would mean a big change for one of them. Kanye’s main base is in New York but Kim would have to swap coasts, leaving her home in LA near the rest of the Kardashian clan. The loved-up pair have barely left each others sides since getting together earlier this year and with Kim jetting around the world to be with her busy beau, a home together only makes sense.
(Photos: Splash News)
Flo Rida Hits DNC To Support Veterans
(AllHipHop News) Miami rap star Flo Rida is in Charlotte, North Carolina tonight (September 4), for the Democratic National Convention.
The rapper is in town to support Got Your 6 and Lifetime Television’s “Your Life. Your Time. Your Vote” campaign.
Got Your 6 collaborates with dozens of non-profit partners, who support veterans using programs focused on jobs, education, health, housing, family and leadership.
The goal of the latest campaign is to help over 1 million U.S. military veterans reintegrate into society.
In addition to Flo Rida, special guest Eva Longoria will host the event, which is expected to attract Democratic Governors, and members of Congress.
The private, invitation only event takes place at Amos’ Southend in Charlotte.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Rock The Bells Rumors! Dr. Dre’s Son-Making A Run At The Throne? Hav & P Tweet Beef!?
DR. DRE’S SON MAKING ANOTHER RUN?
I am hearing that Curtis Young, Dr. Dre’s son is about to make another run at Hip-Hop. You may remember Curtis as the rapper/producer Hood Surgeon, which wasn’t the best rap name. Anyway, you have probably heard this a million times but Curtis is supposedly working on something major. My source suggested a feature with his father? I don’t know. But there’s something in the works that will include other West Coast Legends.
Here is his new look.
Here is the old look as Hood Surgeon:
Much improved!
ROCK THE BELLS RUMORS!
I have nothing really of salacious note with the Rock The Bells fest over the weekend in NJ. But, there are a few things. For one, the rain messed everything up. Erick Sermon of EPMD, I heard, was totally p##### off that the second stage got rained out. The group was there to perform with the rest of the Hit Squad in the unprecedented reunion. It never happened. The rain. Anyway, I guess he took a plane from ATL to do that show. I guess he should be mad at Mother Nature.
Redman, AZ and somebody else famous (can’t remember who) were eagerly watching Nas perform, I heard.
I heard Slaughter House killed it and Joell Ortiz was lingering around after to check out other acts.
There were lots of groupies and the rapper’s indulged!
For more: Nas, Common, J. Cole, Lauryn Hill and More “Rock The Bells” In New Jersey
I will get more rumors as I hear more rumors.
THE DAILY BS
And why were Hav and Prodigy duking it out over the net in the aftermath of Chris Lighty’s death. God bless the dead.
BREAKING HEAT: @XZIBIT Ft. @E40 “Up Out The Way”
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Hip-Hop Rumors: Is Mariah Carey Cheating On Nick Cannon With A Famous Singer?
Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon seem to have a strong relationship, even more so after the birth of their twins, daughter, Monroe, and son, Roc. Unfortunately, there are rumors circulating about the strength of their marriage, and there seems to be trouble in paradise.
According to the National Enquirer, Nick Cannon is extremely jealous about his wife’s relationship with singer Lenny Kravitz, and things came to a head when Mariah posted a photo of her and Lenny on her Twitter page. Along with the photo, Mariah urged her fans to reach out to the producers of “Idol” to get Lenny hired.
Mariah told Nick to relax because Lenny probably wouldn’t even consider doing the show,” said the source. But Nick told her,”That’s not the point! I know how you feel about him!”
Another source has confirmed that Mariah and Lenny have had a crush on each other for a few years, but would never act on their emotions. Nick Cannon is allegedly not taking any chances, and has allegedly ordered his wife to stay away form Lenny. Mariah is a true diva. Do you think she will respect Nick’s wishes?
Shyne Ft. Pusha T “Meyer Lansky”
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CONCERT REVIEW: Mary J. Blige’s “Liberation Tour” Hits Houston, TX
Photo Credit: Bobbie A
The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, brought her “Liberation Tour” to Houston, Texas at the Toyota Center on September 2.
Mary has several hits and her fierce discography has always been able to fill venues and bring people to their feet sing her music, and Sunday was no exception. Mary sang songs like hits including “Family Affair”, “Real Love”, and “Be Without You”, which all brought the house praising her years of great music we continue to enjoy.
The “Liberation Tour” started with the introduction of Mary J Blige’s new artist, Starshell (watch her most recent video HERE). Starshell first receive notoriety for co-writing “Love Lockdown” on Kanye West’s 808s and Heartbreaks, and now she is opening for Mary and getting ready to release her own album also called Liberation. Starshell proved she is a new budding star as she sang for thousands as the people were still filling in their seats.
Next, Melanie Fiona, also part of the “Liberation Tour,” came out and performed new music from her recent release, The MF Life.
Many of the fans roared with excitement after seeing a sight many have not seen in years – D’Angelo. The Richmond, Virginia crooner had the crowd rocking to an up-tempo jazz infused set, where he slipped in a hot new rendition of “Brown Sugar”. He brought several screams out of some ladies with his song “Cruisin'”, and of course, when D’Angelo hit the piano to play the intro of “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”, he stood up to receive the thunderous applauds and curiosity of whether or not he was going to appease those women with a shirtless performance. However, he sat back down and sang, complete with his shirt on.
One could clearly see a star-powered difference when Mary’s show began, complete with stage lights and a full band. Mary radiated like a living legend to the now sold-out crowd in Houston, Texas. Mary has so many classic songs, and when she started her song “Real Love”, she allowed the crowd to sing about 90 percent of the epic song that first brought her to prominence.
After going into a homage of Old School song like “Outstanding” – with a Mary twist to it – she continued to give the crowd more like “Everything” and “No More Lies”.
Since she was in Houston, Mary gave a shout out to Beyonce and any of her family in the building, and continued on to rock song like “No More Drama”, “Be Happy”, and “You Bring Me Joy”.
With nine Grammys, two decades in the game, and over 50 million albums sold worldwide, there are high expectations, and Mary (and her “Liberation Tour” artists) exceeded all expectations.
Check out dates below for Mary J Blige’s “Liberation Tour”:
Sep. 7- The Pearl Concert Theater @ The Palms Casino Resort – Las Vegas, NV
Sep. 8- Sleep Train Pavillion – Concord, CA
Sep. 9- Gibson Amphitheatre – Universal City, CA
Sep. 13- United Center – Chicago, IL
Sep. 14- DTE Energy Center – Clarkston, MI
Sep. 15- Verizon Wireless Amphitheater – Charlotte, NC
EXCLUSIVE: Legal Battle Breaks Out Over Playaz Circle Logo
(AllHipHop News) Ludacris’ label Disturbing Tha Peace and Island Def Jam Music Group have been hit with a civil lawsuit over the use of the name and logo for Playaz Circle, a Hip-Hop group that featured rapper 2Chainz aka Tity Boi and his partner, Dolla Boy.
Torrey Cook filed the lawsuit on August 30, in the United States District Court for the Northern Division of Atlanta.
According to the lawsuit, Torrey Cook is the owner of the Playaz Circle trademark, which marketed the group under the same name as the label.
Cook says he has been using the Playaz Circle name in commerce since 1995, as a consultant to new artists.
The lawsuit claims that Disturbing Tha Peace has released three compilations or albums that included recordings of the group Playaz Circle, the group that featured 2Chainz, prior to his rise to mainstream solo success.
Cook admits that he worked with 2Chainz, born Tauheed Epps and Dolla, born Earl Conyers, as Playaz Circle, but said he never gave the pair permission to use the name and trademark.
“Mr. Cook made it very clear to all involved, at every juncture, that the name Playaz Circle was trademarked and that it belonged exclusively to him,” the lawsuit reads. “Further Mr. Epps and Mr. Conyers confirmed that they understood that the Mark belonged to Mr. Cook.”
It appears that Cook has no issue with 2Chainz or Dolla, since neither of the rappers are named in the lawsuit.
The lawsuit claims that counsel for Torrey Cook attempted to contact Disturbing Tha Peace and Def Jam reps and when they finally reached an agreement, it was never executed, because the reps simply stopped replying.
Disturbing Tha Peace and Island Def Jam are accused of profiting off of the name and logo for Playaz Circle.
Disturbing Tha Peace and Island Def Jam Music Group are being sued for trademark infringement, trademark dilution by blurring and attorney fees.
Check out copies of the lawsuit below:
Hip-Hop Rumors: Nas And Kelis On A Date?
What the hell-o is going on? There is a crazy rumor going on that Nas and Kelis were recently seen on a date. Now, Nas has been doing shows like crazy recently, so I cannot call it fully. But, according to iamjasonlee.com, they did just that out in Cali. Here is what they had to say over there:
Not sure how deep the relationship is these days, but we definitely know they’re still real close. The Milkshake rapper Kelis brought the boy, Nasty Nas to the yard on Thursday night in Hollywood where the two were spotted on a date night. Hollywood Bowl played home to love music last Thursday night as the one and only Anita Baker and Esperanza Spalding gave concert goers a night of love music. Well we were there and guess who we ran into on a date. Nas & Kelis!
Kelis exited the area and came over to take the picture with me and she walked down a bit which seemed weird. Until after we took the picture. Kelis began walking out and then when I looked back, Nas pulled his fishermans hat down and tried to walk out quickly. So I yelled out, “hey Nasty Nas” and he just smiled and walked by.