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Rappers React to Soul Train Founder and Host Don Cornelius’ Passing

By: Jake Crates Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) A number of rappers are reacting to the death of Soul Train founder/host Don Cornelius, who was found dead today (February 1) after committing suicide.

While details are still being confirmed, early reports said that Cornelius shot himself in the head in his Sherman Oaks, California home.

“We are overwhelmed with the news regarding the passing of Don Cornelius. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with his family at this time,” said Kenard Gibbs, CEO of Soul Train Holdings. “He was a true television visionary and his contributions to African American culture, music, and entertainment are incomparable. The outpouring of affection and tributes to his legacy are a true testament to the profound impact that his life’s work had on many generations.”

Don Cornelius is largely credited as being a pioneer in the development of urban culture through music on television.

“Every Saturday morning I looked forward to watching Soul Train, as did millions of other people,” said Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Soul Train Holdings Chairman. “Soul Train taught the world how to dance! Don’s contribution to us all is immeasurable. He will truly be missed. I thank him for trusting me with his Soul Train brand and I will carry on his legacy through it. My condolences to his son and my good friend Tony Cornelius and the entire Cornelius family.”

If the messages on Twitter are indicators, Don Cornelius will be greatly missed by the Hip-Hop community, despite his well known views on the genre.

“JUST WOKE UP TO SOME SAD NEWS, R.I.P. Don Cornelius founder of SOUL TRAIN,” Wyclef Jean said via Twitter.

“Rest in Peace, Love & Soul…Don Cornelius,” Ice Cube said in remembrance of Cornelius.

Don Cornelius had plans to make a movie about the Soul Train legacy in the coming years, but nothing had come to fruition as of late.

“We’ve been in discussions with several people about getting a movie off the ground. It wouldn’t be the ‘Soul Train’ dance show, it would be more of a biographical look at the project,” Don Cornelius told the L.A. Times in a 2010 interview.

“So sad about Don Cornelius,” Russell Simmons Tweeted.

“May u rest in peace and thank u 4 ur platform. U will always be remembered R.I.P. Don Cornelius,” Q-Tip expressed through his Twitter page.

“RIP Don Cornelius…Thank You for all you have done for us…” DJ Jazzy Jeff told fans.

Don Cornelius had just been in the spotlight, when he was featured on a popular episode of TVOne’s “Unsung” featuring Full Force.

The group was supposed to present Don Cornelius with a plaque for his unwavering support throughout the years.

“He couldn’t make it because of root canal he had earlier. I spoke to him early last week too, for 40 minutes,” Bow Legged Lou told AllHipHop.com.

“Don Cornelius and his creation of ‘Soul Train’ and its legacy had a great impact on American culture. Don’s vision allowed for African-American artists to be exposed to people all over the world through the power of television,” said Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who wrote the #1 theme song for Soul Train.

“We were glad to help Don Cornelius fulfill his dream and legacy by creating the theme song for his hit show. The ‘Soul Train’ and TSOP brands will forever be inseparable. We thank Don Cornelius for his tremendous contributions to the entertainment world.

“Our deepest sympathy goes out to Don’s family and everyone he touched.”

More news as funeral details are announced.

Check out Full Force’s plaque to Don Cornelius, as well as some ads congratulating the legend on his show over the years.

Also below are some Hip-Hop performances from Soul Train.



Heavy D & The Boyz on Soul Train

Run DMC performs Hit and Run on Soul Train

Michael Jackson with The Jackson 5 – Soul Train I Want You Back

The O’Jays perform “Backstabbers”

Watch The Don Cornelius & Soul Train Documentary – A Must SEE!

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur) Updated Category: Features
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Few television series were as innovative and influential as Soul Train. Set first in Chicago, and later in Los Angeles, the Soul Train dance party reached national significance and became the longest running syndicated show in television history. In commemoration of its 40th anniversary, “Soul Train: The Hippest Trip In America” is a 90-minute documentary celebrating the show’s many contributions to pop culture, music, dance and fashion. From 1970-2006 the series offered a window into the history of Black music, and its charismatic host, Don Cornelius was The Man responsible for a new era in Black expression.

A trained journalist, Don created a media empire that provided an outlet for record labels and advertisers to reach a new generation of music fans. As the epitome of cool, many of his expressions entered the popular American lexicon: “A groove that will make you move real smooth,” “Wishing you Peace, Love and Soul!” The documentary will feature performances and great moments from the show, as well as behind-the-scene stories and memories from the cast and crew. In addition, popular musicians, comics and actors of yesterday and today will comment on growing up with the show and will share their stories of how Soul Train affected their own lives. – VH1

Non Hip-Hop Rumors: Is the Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Kandi Burruss On a Sex Shop Tour?

By: ginatorres27 Updated Category: Rumors
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Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter and Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member Kandi Burruss has been dabbling in the word of sexuality for some time now.  The self proclaimed “freak in the bed” currently hosts her own online sex talk-show, Kandi Koated Nights and the reality TV star has recently won AVN’s “Best Overall Sex Toy,” one of the highest honors in the adult entertainment industry for her intimate luxury product line, “Bedroom Kandi.”

“We have one button if you choose you can connect it to your stereo or mp3 [player], iPod or whatever and that vibrates to whatever song is playing on the stereo system,” said Kandi

As part of her promotional duties for the product, Kandi is on a sex shop tour, appearing at several specialty stores with names like the P############# and Good Vibrations.  Kandi is really going all out to promote this product isn’t she?  And if what I hear about her is true, she utilizes these toys to their fullest potential!

Mixtape Review: Rockie Fresh’s “Driving 88”

By: K1ng Eljay Updated Category: Features
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Rating: 8/10

One of the easier things to do when hearing a new artist is to compare them to things one may have already heard. Some things are just easier to label when categorized, so don’t be surprised when you hear critics comparing Rockie Fresh to Curren$y or Wiz Khalifa because of his initial sound. After getting past that, however, it becomes clear to see why there’s a growing buzz concerning his music – the short reason being simple: it’s really good. With the number of people observing his fast-expanding movement now more than ever, Rockie delivers a great entry into his growing catalog with Driving 88, proving that he deserves every bit of the buzz he’s been building on his own.

Named after the Illinois Interstate 88, Driving 88 as a whole is as smooth-flowing as driving the highway itself (minus the rush-hour traffic, of course). All of the tracks seem to flow together rather well, and the production – although at times eclectic – never feels out of place with the overall mellow vibe of project. The features here are all nice in their own right as well; Casey Veggies delivers a solid verse on the title track, Rebecca Jordan’s vocals sets the song “Don’t Worry” off in a good way, King Louie rambles charismatically through his 16 bars on “How We Do”, and Phil Ade delivers a brash verse in contract to Rockie’s smooth raps on “Where I Wanna Be.”

All of that is impressive, but not as much as the man of the hour himself. The features are nice in their own right, but even without them Rockie Fresh would’ve been just fine. He delivers dope verses throughout, occasionally even dropping knowledge or incredible lines within the bars stealthily (case in point, on “Never Never” he spits, “If you say you got a gift, make ‘em appreciate your presence”, which plays off the gift/present auditory illusion) . He uses punchlines, but he doesn’t rely on them heavily (a la Fabolous, no diss), and he always seems to have a purpose for what he’s spitting.

All of this comes together to deliver an incredibly well-done project in Driving 88. The production fits Rockie’s style like a glove, and combined with all of the aforementioned elements, it’s a project that’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a new artist to add to your iPod/MP3 Player/Zune rotation… if you still have a Zune for whatever reason. Give Rockie Fresh a spin.

Busta Rhymes and Alicia Keys Join Will.i.am. For Star-Packed New Album

By: seandrasims Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Anyone doubting whether Will.i.am. can top his last solo album may be able to rest easy soon. The Black Eyed Peas rapper/producer has gathered fellow rhymesayer Busta Rhymes and R&B songstress Alicia Keys for his upcoming release, #willpower.

During an interview with the U.K. radio station Capital FM, Will.i.am.confirmed the involvement of Rhymes and Keys for the follow-up to 2007’s Songs About Girls, as well as Britney Spears, Shakira and former X Factor judge/Pussycat Doll member, Nicole Scherzinger.

“I have a song with Alicia Keys – me, Alicia and Swedish House Mafia,” Will.i.am said. “I have a song with The Beats, which is pretty grand. Me and Shakira have been trying to finish the stuff we started, and me and Britney is really crazy.”

“So we got a song with me, LMFAO and Eva Simons,” he continued. “A song with me and Busta Rhymes and Swizz Beatz. I got a whole other bunch of collaborations.”

Rhymes’ contribution to #willpower marks the second time the former Leader of the New School rapper has worked with Will.i.am. The two first collaborated on Rhymes’ hit single “I Love My Chick.” The tune, which also featured Kelis, is taken from the entertainer’s 2006 opus, The Big Bang.

Spears, Rhymes and Keys represent a star-packed roster of artists working with Will.i.am on #willpower. According to the rapper/actor, the album will feature a collection of “uplifting songs” that would surprise fans.

“#willpower is just a reminder to myself of staying contestant with the dream – keeping the dream alive,” Will.i.am said. “It was all a dream when I was 15 years old – 20 years later I managed to take the dream from an idea to physicality. So #willpower is uplifting songs, encouragement for those that need it.”

The forthcoming album, which includes the single “T.H.E (The Hardest Ever),” featuring Mick Jagger and Jennifer Lopez, is slated for release later this year.

Daily Word: Adjust If Necessary!!!

By: seandrasims Updated Category: Lifestyle
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Happy Wins-Day, my wise and intellectual!

It’s the first of the month, and welcome to the 32nd day of 2012! By now, you should have a decent grasp as to how the year is shaping up for you so far. Some may think it’s too early, but in no way are we waiting until June. How is your progress? Are you still working off the same enthusiasm or do you need an adjustment? Is everything going according to plan or are you due for some minor tweaks! Always remember to be honest with yourself!

If this year is really going to be your year, you must be constantly checking your progress and making the adjustment if necessary! The days of setting and forgetting are over!! You must inspect what you expect! If things are going to be great, then make them great! If you are going to have a major breakthrough, then create the major breakthrough! Don’t wait until things get out of control to begin readjusting!

Be proactive and know what needs to be done to get what is already yours!! The only thing that stands in the way of you and success is you and your ability to do what is necessary! Do what is necessary!! THE WORLD IS ABSOLUTELY YOURS!!
-Ash’Cash

“Remember the two benefits of failure. First, if you do fail, you learn what doesn’t work; and second, the failure gives you the opportunity to try a new approach.” -Roger Von Oech

“Success is almost totally dependent upon drive and persistence. The extra energy required to make another effort or try another approach is the secret of winning.” -Denis Waitley

“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.” -Confucius

“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” -Albert Einstein

“There are things I can’t force. I must adjust. There are times when the greatest change needed is a change of my viewpoint.” -Denis Diderot

“You can’t change the direction of the wind, but you can adjust your sails to always reach your destination.” -Jimmy Dean

“Enjoying success requires the ability to adapt. Only by being open to change will you have a true opportunity to get the most from your talent.” -Nolan Ryan

“First, have a definite, clear goal and objective. Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends. Third, adjust all your means to that end.” -Aristotle

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.

SWV Returns with a New Single and a Classic Style

By: seandrasims Updated Category: Alternatives
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Maybe it was their B-girl style, the way they were pretty brown girls with sass and charm. Maybe it was their dance moves, their fly hairstyles, and of course, Coko’s nails. Maybe it was the music, the way their albums seemed to have songs that fit every mood and every lovelorn circumstance. Maybe it was all of these things that made SWV one of the biggest R&B groups of the ’90s, with hit record after hit record. That is, until the end of that decade, when the group disbanded and the music stopped.

The timelessness of SWV’s music is evidenced when you enter “SWV Weak” into the search bar on YouTube, and you will find thousands of videos of people singing the classic into their web cams. “Weak,” which landed at #1 on the R&B and Pop charts, debuted in 1992 on It’s About Time, an album which spawned four hit singles. SWV went on to become one of the best-selling groups of the ’90s, an era where groups reigned supreme, and the “Sisters With Voices” became the prototype for girl groups for years to come.

And now, SWV is reuniting with a new single and a new album, I Missed Us, due out in April. The single, “Co-Sign,” produced by Lamb, is classic SWV, an uptempo love song that will appeal to both their more seasoned fans and the younger ones alike. The ladies and their new imprints, Mass Appeal Entertainment and E1 Music, invited AllHipHop.com to the video shoot for “Co-Sign,” which was filmed at Akon’s house in Atlanta and directed by famed photographer, Derek Blanks. If the single is any indication, the return of SWV will prove to be worth the wait:

AllHipHop.com: The single, “Co-Sign”, it’s a beautiful love song, classic SWV. Tell me a little bit more about the creative process around the creation of the song.

Coko: The first time we heard it, we just knew it was classic SWV. We didn’t want to stray too far from our sound. We knew exactly what we wanted, we told him, and he came with it…we couldn’t deny it.

AllHipHop.com: Considering that you ladies were ’90s legends, how do you think that’s going to translate to a new audience, while still allowing you to keep the integrity of your fanbase?

Coko: Surprisingly, it’s going well. I think a lot of people slept on us and didn’t expect it to go as well as it’s going now. We are just expecting greater things to happen. We’re excited, we think the young and the old are gonna like it.

AllHipHop.com: The music industry has shied away from girl groups for a long time. Why do you think that is, and do you think your return is going to signal the beginning of another era?

Coko: I don’t know why that is, but in music, everything goes away and it comes back. But I think now that they see us, there are going to be a lot more girl groups. We’ve even talked about starting our own “baby” girl group. You are going to see a lot more girls coming out.

AllHipHop.com: How and why does your music, music that you made 20 years ago, how and why does it last so long?

Lelee: You know what, it is so funny, but I really think it is because when we first came out, we wanted to sound like young people, and we wanted to look like the young girls around our way, from the Bronx and Brooklyn, New York. We wanted the music to reflect that. I think that the music is just timeless music, our music is not scary, it’s not dark. Whatever mood you are in that day, you can always find an SWV song to fit it. You can be happy, you can be in love, you could be talking to somebody’s husband [laughter]. It’s not necessarily our story, but it’s somebody’s story.

AllHipHop.com: Do you guys feel the pressure? Having done the mommy thing? The wife thing? And now you are a little older, do you feel the pressure to appeal to a younger audience?

Lelee: The pressure is not the music, because we pretty much live the music – that’s all we know. But the pressure comes, because the times are different now. The blogs are just looking for something to say bad about you, so I think it’s different in that sense that you are much more visible, in a good way and in a bad way. You gotta just take the good with the bad, and just put out great music. We don’t wanna be video vixens, we don’t want you to look at us and think sex. We want you to love us for our music and what we contribute to music.

 SWV’s I Missed Us is due out in April.