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RZA Plans Massive Art Piece ‘Victory or Death’
Wu-Tang Clans RZA is planning to release a new conceptual art project that will be unveiled to the public on January 1, 2010.
The rappers 20-year-career will be commemorated by WAIL (When Art Imitates Life) when the rapper unveils Victory or Death.
The producer revealed few details about the project, which is described as a conceptual, highly fine art release.
According to The RZA, the piece is a reworking of history onto massive canvas that focuses on the concept of hearing the call and revolution in an inspiring and provocative way.’
“It didnt begin 20 years ago more like 200 years ago. And when you see the piece were making right here, youre going to know what Im talking about,” RZA told AllHipHop.com. “Were about to rewrite and change history.”
WAIL focuses on creating innovative, fine art with musical icons at the helm of the process.
The company owned by MTV host/radio personality Sway and his longtime partner King Tech of The Wake Up Show, along with creativity house SceneFour.
RZA teamed with WAIL earlier this year to begin conceptualizing the concept for his oversized canvas.
On January 1, 360 prints of the massive canvas will be available for sale.video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsfree video player
Game Declares Pharrell “Favorite Producer”; Confirms Premier On R.E.D. Album
Rapper Game has revealed the producers for his highly anticipated fourth release, titled the R.E.D. Album.
In addition to working with producers like Dr. Dre, Just Blaze and Cool & Dre, Game has been holed up in the studio with Neptunes front man Pharrell Williams for the first time in his recording career.
“This s**t aint nothing to play with,” Game told AllHipHop.com. “Im in the studio with Dre [and] Ive been in [the studio] with Pharrell. Pharrell dont work with nobody dog except N.E.R.D. and Clipse. Me and him been getting it in. I never had no idea that me and Pharrell would bond and click this well.”
The result was of their sessions has been nothing short of spectacular according to Game, who labeled Pharrell his favorite producer in the world.
I have a whole nother respect for him, Game told AllHipHop.com. He is now my favorite producer in the world and is also a friend of mine.
Game is also excited about working with Pharrell Williams and Dr. Dre, both of whom will share Executive Producer credits for their involvement with the R.E.D. Album.
Game was able to complete over nine recordings within the first few days of working with Pharrell Williams. His process with mentor Dr. Dre has not been so fast.
Dre is a perfectionist so it always takes longer than you expect, Game told AllHipHop.com. Sometimes he be dragging his feet, but you cant be mad at him, because the outcome is always 100% classic. He still got people waiting on Detox after ten years after Chronic 2001 was dropped. But hes the father of my career. He gave me, 50, Eminem, Tupac and Snoop all light. And all of us are millionaires and rappers that are potent in Hip-Hop because of this man and his music and what he does with his fingers.
After years of waiting, Game has revealed he has finally confirmed that production legend DJ Premier will be contributing a track to the R.E.D. Album.
Game will be in New York this month laying tracks with DJ Premier at the helm.
I didnt feel like it would be complete without a beat from DJ Premier, which I havent been able to do my whole career, Game said.
I am a die hard DJ Premier f**kin fan. To be able to go in with him next week is Christmas to me man. Whatever he gives me, I am going to f**king eliminate.
The Games R.E.D. Album is due in stores February 16.video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsfree video player
Monday Fashion Feature: All Things Flannel
Flannel is so necessary this season. The warm, fuzzy fabric is ideal in everything from shirts to boxers and bed sheets.
What makes flannel so soft is the the loosely spun yarn it is woven from. It’s usually from wool and cotton, or wool and a synthetic fiber.
Drake
The flannel shirt craze came about in the 90’s with the grunge movement, but has trickled into street and high end fashion in recent years.
Ludacris
The following pieces were not made for the average lumberjack, but for the modern urban man.
Check out the latest flannel offerings including fitted hats, button down shirts, sneakers, leather jackets and more:
Lumberjack Flannel Down by Triple F.A.T. Goose
King Reversible Jacket by Sabit
Royal Supreme Jacket by Sean John
Yankees Denim Patch 5950 by New Era
Jak Premium Woven Shirt by Sabit
Hip-Hop Rumors: The Lox Go Back To Diddy! Jay-Z Birthday Rumors! More Pleasure P BS!
DISCLAIMER:
All content within this section is pure rumor and generally have no factual info outside of what the streets have whispered in our ear. Read on.
THE DAILY TWO SENSE!
Did you see my weekend update? Not too much was going on on Friday anyway. Click here to email me what you may have seen, saw or heard about over the weekend. I’m back! This is short, but I have a lil shocker for you later. LOLA LOVE AND NICKI MINAJ – BEEF ALERT?Looks like something may be brewing here. I don’t really think Lola wants these problems. Read the full interview here! “I don’t do the Barbie thing — that’s her thing. I really don’t agree with it, that’s basic. It doesn’t make
sense to me because first off, you’re basically saying I’m jacking
somebody who has never been known to have their style all throughout their career. She’s never been set to have her own style. It’s always been set to say she’s jacking Lil’ Kim to Foxy [Brown]
and now Lil Wayne.” So how can I be jacking somebody or using somebody’s
style if they never been known to have their own style. That part never
made sense. That’s one. Another thing, it kind of comes from Wayne is
in the foundation of my music and what I’ve listened to him for years
and years. So you can hear his styles in my music. And you know, that’s
her mentor and that’s somebody whom she’s under and so she’s known to
sound like Wayne. That’s all they say about her now. I believe the
similarities may have come from that but besides that, I have my own
style, I have my own lane. She does what she does, ya feel me?”
BEYONCE WANTS A BREAK FROM YOU FOOLS!
Beyonce is going to be taking a big break from the music game a whole two months! B is looking to do some visits to art museums and even take up art herself at the beginning of the new year. She said she would even go back to Egypt just to take in the culture. I wonder of thats a slick comment for the president of Egypt, who dissed Beyonce saying she was just there for a photo opp. Anyway B said, “I’ll perhaps take some art classes, I’ll visit some museums and I’ll check out some shows on Broadway. I’d like to travel somewhere – maybe back to Egypt – without anyone, without any security, and focus on things I’ve always wanted to do myself.” Some have taken this as a comment about Jay and making time away. Who knows?
[Source]
JAY-Z IS OFFICIALLY AT LEAST 40!
So over the weekend Jay celebrated his 40th Birthday. I couldnt be happier. Now, we can move on. Over the weekend, Jay-Z celebrated his 40th in the Dominican Republic with his closest friends and family. From what I understand, the bash was put together by Beyonce and boy did they do it up! I heard Diddy went with Kim Porter, which is interesting. Damn, Cassie lost again. Poor girl. The YBF reported Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz, Kanye & Amber Rose, Solange (minus Wale?), Lyor Cohen & Tory Burch, Alex Rodriguez & Kate Hudson, and a gang of other high and mighty people were there! People reportedly had to dress as if they were living in the 1920s or 1940s. Everybody had a video they recording gushing about how much they loved Jay. On the 5th, everybody reportedly had some grandiose dinner with Lobster and Steak. I guess I am just hating a bit. When I turn 40, I am having a bash and Im not inviting Jay.
THE LOX ARE GOING BACK TO BAD BOY!
Well, isnt this awkward? The Lox are reportedly going back to Bad Boy and expect to be released on Interscope Records. Weird, right? Hmmmmm .Well, it would seem that the former Bad Boys have raised their street movement back to a major level. Plus Jada sold well. Good for them. Just hope that paperwork is right. Diddy needs them as much as they need him. GOOD LUCK!
MORE ON FRENCH MONTANA AND MASE
Well, isnt this something special? Ma$e and French Montana ARE looking to tour in the future. The strange thing is that I didnt even know they were cool like that. So, the latest is that this tour is not set in stone, but they are talking. And also, apparently, they HAVE been in the studio at the same time doing some recording together so let me know how you feel about that one.
CHRIS BROWN TAKING SHOTS AT RIRI?
I think this is a lil old, but I think that Chris is trying to lick some shots at his former lover on the song Famous Girl. Check it out:
“Since I thought I found my woman/ There were other guys who thought the same thing about it/ Like damn, you let me down, down, down/ ‘Cause you’re famous, girl, for breaking hearts.”
“Drake would say that you’re the best he ever had. Rumors come and go but you keep a shadow. Everywhere you go it follows.”
“Too much pressure I wish I was frozen. Seems we lost our way. I hope you’re happy being famous girl.”
Shout out to Chris Brown for saying something? I dont know.
MOVIES IN THE HOOD!
Five K One is a movie that looks gully! It even stars my boy Clifton Powell! Five.K.One is a hot indie film out of Detroit. Starring Clifton Powell, Melvin Jackson, Jr from The Wire, and Detroit rappers Quest MCODY and Marvwon. The movie is about how life in the “street” results in death and jail, a lesson that the star of the film should have learned from his script, rapper Forty Da Great is currently serving 5 years for drug and gun felonies. Here’s the trailer. Looks hot.
NORE AND LIL CEASE COOLIN
This aint knew but I missed it the first time it was sent to me. Now if the US can peace out with our wars, well be good!
I didnt understand, but about 1% of what they said.
ANOTHER LOOK AT THE PLEASURE P SITUATION
You know, people cant get enough of this Pleasure P stuff. Heres something funny. I heard he is on tour with R. Kelly. Nothing else to say about that except make your own joke up. On the other side, I heard the label hes signed to is going crazy deading the rumors. Here is that other perspective I spoke of.
What up Seed, I’m a child welfare worker and I just wanted to give you some info on how abuse allegations work. Child Welfare and can confirm sexual abuse allegations against someone and remove children from a home with no law enforcement involvement. Unfortunately, this happens a lot. The reason is the burden of proof is not as high in family court. I read that the children were removed from a home and P was not allowed to visit them. That sounds like a family court ruling not a criminal court ruling. The documents looked like family court documents also. Now that does not mean that P actually did it. At least in my state, if the district attorney does not feel there is enough evidence for a criminal case, the case will not go to criminal court and the person does not have to register as a sex offender. Also the case would be closed to the public and only people involved in the case have access to court documents. Hope that helps with the situation.
ILLSEED’S QUICKIES
The suit against Destiny’s Child has been settled out of court. I bet Kelly is glad since she didn’t have to go see Beyonce.
Rachel Uchitel, who is Tiger Woods’ former mistress, is talking already. She allegedly told friends that she and Tiger used to get high as a kite using Ambien before having sex.
AGoldsteinGirl, the twitter account that accused Pleasure P of being a child momo, has been suspended.
Just so you know, a few of my readers hit me with people they know that are teen sex offenders and they had their records either sealed or even expunged. This seems to be rare and only possible with a great lawyer.
Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom were fighting at a Los Angeles restaurant last week.
CAPTION THIS:
Don’t know about Russell Simmons, but this is disrespectful – in my view! This is Kimora’s X-mas card she is sending out and about.
EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY
Kobe’s buzzer beater busted the Heat’s tail, but one dude wasn’t clapping…he was scratching his sac. LMAO.
FOXY, WE LOVE YOU!!!
They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!
-illseed
WHO: illseed.com
WHAT: Rumors
WHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseed
HOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at [email protected].
Why the Music Industry Cant Save Itself
Editor’s note: The
views expressed inside this editorial aren’t necessarily the views of
AllHipHop.com or its employees.Look: now, I ain’t going for the
okey-doke/
This industry be trying to strangle Ni**as
in the choke/
Rhymefest Ft. Kanye West, More, Blue Collar, 2006.
The tragedy of bullies, it seems, isn’t
so much in the exhibitionism, violent escapades, or raucous endeavors
inevitably rendered, but in the refusal to admit the inescapable: impending
downfallimminent doom. And like all bullieswhether the larger-than-healthy
kid on the playground, the parent who fails to recognize a child’s humanity,
the nation too fool of itself to curtail world dominationthe music industry is
lapping up its last left spoils, even as all indicators suggest this giant is
crippled and wobblingmore importantly, from self-inflicted wounds.
Last week was one to remember. Very few
thought it possible, but, as history shows, the most widely discarded
possibilities almost always end up kicking dust in the eyes of naysayers.
On November 23, 2009, Scottish singer
Susan Boyle, of fame Britain’s Got Talent
(season 3), released her debut album, I
Dreamed a Dream. Three months prior to the set date, it had already become
an Amazon best-seller. And, sure enough, when the U.S. Billboard sales results
were revealed
last week Wednesday, most were stunned, as the classically trained singer sold 701,000
copies in the U.S. alone. Other reports crowned her not only the fastest
selling UK debut album in history, and the strongest for a female artist ever (since
Soundscan), but, perhaps most meaningfully, the biggest opening weeks sales thus
far in 2009.
I
Dreamed a Dream
was in such hotcakes-like demand that
it smashed into bits and pieces the next four albums in line combinedthree of
whom, by industry standards, would be considered commercial collections. Not even American Idol runner-up Adam
Lambert, with his recent American Music Awards publicity stunt, came close (198,000);
neither did Rihanna, with her highly-publicized media blitzkrieg campaign (181,000);
nor did the clichéd Lady Gaga, with her many shock and awe-aimed antics (174,000). The only other redeeming
moment, beside Boyles triumph, seemed to be classical tenor vocalist Andrea
Bocellis 2nd place steal with 218,000 copies of his latest album, My Christmas.
So, what does all this say about the
future of an industry too preoccupied with commercial, replaceable, disposable
artistsand the music they make? A good deal. For starters, that the age of
gimmickry might be nearing its coffin hole.
When Susan Boyle shot up to international
acclaim 8 months ago, following an audition for the British reality show Britain’s Got Talent, it occurred to
some that this budding superstars success might just be the wakeup call needed
to jolter an industry hung over from self-supplied inebriation. Hip-Hop
producer Pharrell was one of them.
Speaking with Rest In Beats shortly after the finale of Britain’s Got Talent, Pharrell called
on record labels to return to the antiquated model of artistry over
attractiveness and skill over sensuality. It was Boyles musicianship, not top model-like qualities, that engaged
everybody, he said. And while manyin the millionspreferred to mock her for
whatever physical deformities they could convince themselves she possessed, he
saw things much differently: She is talented, and someone should be signing
her right nowbecause it would work. The world would want to hear that. He
went on to attack the aesthetic-fetish music companies have entertained for
the last 20 years, and argued that it was time to return to the days when fans
were treated with more dignity and respect than is currently the case: What
music wasand is going back tois, how talented is this person? And Susan Boyle
is exactly my point. [S]he was captivating. And that, to me, is star
quality.
Well,
who’da thunk it?
Obviously Simon Cowell (Syco) and
Columbia Records were much too smart to pass up the opportunity, but who says
Susan Boyle would have ever had a chance if she never swept up so many millions
of fans on YouTube, or wowed the audiences at home who put her in week after
weekuntil the last? Who says this
precious jewel wouldnt have been laughed at hystericallyif not directly
insultedby A&Rs and higher-up executives at the biggest and boldest of record labels if she had asked for an
opportunity to prove her worth at some indoor audition? And who says even after
this shake-upwhich Im sure will have far-reaching effects into the new
yearthe same suits responsible for the graphic decline in music sales the last
10 years would actually take into account the lesson Boyle is teaching them,
rather than engage in the same blame-the-consumer tactics most have turned into
a sport?
Its worth
noting that only 6% of Boyles sales were internet-based, with iTunes
accounting for a mere 40,000 downloads in total sales. The lesson cant be overlooked:
Fans are still interested in the physical
nature of musicbut simply prefer actual MUSIC, not machine-made mockery of
everything music should stand for. The implications
are obvious: In the last 10 years, album sales have declined 45%, while
digital downloads have bubbled. From 2007 to 2008, over a billion songs were
downloaded, accounting for a 27% increase. In contrast, only 361 million CDs
were sold in 08, down nearly 20 percent from 07. In the last three years
alone, CD sales have dropped from 90% to 84% to 77% of market revenue.
In The
Long Tail (2006), Wired
editor-in-chief Chris Anderson spoke more eloquently to this trend: Sales fell
2.5 percent in 2001, 6.8 percent in 2002, and just kept dropping. By the end of
2005 (down another 7 percent), music sales in the United States had dwindled
more than a quarter from their peak. Between 2001 and 2005, the music
industrys total sales fell by a quarter. But the number of hit albums fell by
nearly half. [Anderson, Chris. The Long
Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More. New York:
Hyperion, 2006, p. 32.]
As assumable, the repercussions have
been grave for the big fourUniversal Music Group, Warner Music Group, EMI, and
Sony BMGwhich in 2006 scrapped up net sales of $11.5 billion, compared to more
uplifting, less dreary, times like 1996: $14.5 billion.
Rather than engage the larger fan-base
like normal human beings would, or submit to national listening tours to find out firsthand the causes that
provoked such immitigable effects, record companies have sought out three
options: 1) Litigate against illegal downloaders (even if, as
a recent study suggests, they happen to buy the most music. 2) Bind artists
to 360 deals. 3) Pursue, unscrupulously and unwisely, avenues which once
functioned as unofficial, but sanctioned, bellboys for labels.
In the last decade, since the advent of
Napster (the N-word),
labels have been unleashing high-priced attorneys on middle-school students,
high-school students, and college studentsmost of whom know no betterto
retrieve some kind of payback for the billions lost these last few years. Those
charged with illegal music downloading or file sharing on Peer-to-Peer sites
have been sued as high as $675,000 and $2,000,000. Per song, defendants can
be charged up to $750 – $150,000. Of course the cowardice of the industry
hasnt had much effect on students, as a recent
University of Reading study found 75% of the 10,000 students polled prefer
downloading music to buying hard copies or even streaming. These crackdowns on
teenagers, which many believe to be useful or legal or responsible, is akin to
the bully who, once knocked down by a bigger bully, searches fervently for the
smallest kid around to redeem his/her pride through.
Labels have also unfurled another trick
up their sleevesmake mandatory the 360 deal
(multiple rights) for any new artist signed. The 360 is essentially
the musical contractual clause equivalent of the Patriot Act. It effectively
robs the artist of any and every opportunity to make money
independentlywithout the major labels claws deep into his/her pockets. What
it says, with no attempt at equivocation, is, You work for us. Your blood, sweat, and tears are ours. We own you.
Now, pay us! It ensures labels profit from every venture an artistno
matter how slick or savvyis involved in. The 360 is a perfect avenue through
which labels are able to reclaim their pride by reminding artists not only of
whos boss but whos king.
And if brow-beating teenage music loverswhove
been forced upon (against their wills) disposable, downloadable music for
yearswasnt enough, and gagging artists didnt cut the check, labels are
increasingly getting tough on mixtape DJs, club owners, and even dance
non-for-profit organizations who play music without*wink-wink*their consent.
On January 16, 2007 the Atlanta-based DJ
Drama and DJ Cannon, along with 17 others, were arrested on
racketeering charges and accused of selling mixtapes illegally. In the
stunning raid of offices where both produced their well-received mixtape
series, SWAT teams seized over 50,000 CDs, computers, recording equipments,
cold-hard cash, bank statements, and vehicles. The Hip-Hop community was, understandably,
shaken up. For years, mixtapes were considered a vital part ofif not
inextricable link tothe artist development process (which, as we all know, is
a thing of the past). A&Rs understood how important a Hip-Hop artist
had to nurture a street fan base that could help multiply demand with
word-of-mouth. And the easiest, if not cheapest, ways about this was through
mixtapes. Most DJs made no money off the mixtapes, but ended up with label
contracts, exclusive releases, or production gigs for their hard work.
Recently, however, labels have become much too weary with DJs, whom they accuse
of making fortunes off the backs of their
artists, and stealing the thunders from executives who do the real work of marketing and promotion.
This convenient amnesia, fused with self-delusion, would only be laughable if
it werent so serious. It gets worse. This misinformation campaign is
successfully dividing artists and DJsinstalling chips on the shoulders of
artists who once could never establish a career without successful mixtape DJs
willing to take chances on them. Lil
Waynes misguided, expletive-riddled
rants against mixtape DJs a year and half ago is a sobering example.
But even this apparently doesnt quite
fit the bill. Increasingly, industry executives, and their high profile
artists, like
Jay-Z, are suing bars for playing music without permission. The labels, it
has been reported, send spiesoperatives!to
bars to check out what songs are being played, and report back to headquarters.
It gets even worse.
The Society of Composers, Authors and
Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN)which, unlike an organization
concerned with the affairs of its members, is actually driving a wedge between
artists and concert promoters, between artists and bloggershas
begun demanding that non-for-profit dance studios or gymnastic clubs pay
tariffs for any songs played in practice sessions, no matter how small the
audience participating. And, under its Fitness
Activities and Dance Instruction category, such organizations must pony up
the average number of persons per week per room multiplied by $2.14.
When an 11-year-old girl is
being bullied by big industry hitmen
you know something is wrong. But the tragedy of bullies, it seems, isn’t so
much in the exhibitionism, violent escapades, or raucous endeavors inevitably
rendered; rather, in the refusal to admit the inescapable: impending
downfallimminent doom.
Tolu
Olorunda is a cultural critic whose work regularly appears on TheDailyVoice.com and other online journals. He can be reached at: [email protected].
Drake Gets Pushed Back, Hopes For Sade Collabo
Drake may be one of the hottest rappers, but the Canadian sensations upcoming album has been pushed back.
The rapper made the announcement, but didnt offer a new date.
Well I’m making great progress on it. I’m hoping for March now. It’s just pulling everybody together, he told MTV News.
The opus, titled Thank Me Later, was slated to drop to drop in January of 2010 and then February 14, Valentines Day.
The album features Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Drake hopes to collaborate with Sade, the reclusive singer who drops on February 14.
I had a wish list for my managers of everybody I wanted involved that stem beyond hip-hop. I’m trying to pull it all together. I’m really trying to work with Sade, Drake said. Lil Wayne will be on it. Young Jeezy, Jay-Z, Kanye will be doing work on it. It’s in the family.
Knockout Nation: Paul Williams Survives, Gets Controversial Decision! Pacquiao-Mayweather Details, Khan, Norton-Quarry
Last week, I warned of Paul Williams possibly being upset in his middleweight bout against slick southpaw Sergio Martinez. The Argentinean nearly pulled off that feat, losing a highly questionable majority decision this past Saturday (December 5).
Williams started fast on Martinez by catching him with a glancing overhand left. Martinez was caught as his legs were coming together, which resulted a balance knockdown. Martinez was not hurt and evened or possibly took the round by blasting Williams to the canvas with a jarring right hook to the temple.
Over the next several rounds, Martinez would turn Williams aggression against him. The Argentinean would allow Williams to shoot his punches out of range, and then leap forward with hard right hooks. The punches resonated through the arena, eliciting ohhs from the crowd. The Punisher look befuddled, but continued his signature volume punching despite not landing any damaging blows.
Martinezs own leap forward attacks resulted in a head butt that opened a dripping cut over Williams left eye. Still, the Punisher refused to capitulate and kept the pressure on Martinez, who arguably won the first 3-4 rounds on his harder, cleaner scoring punches.
In the middle rounds, Williams reasserted himself. Martinezs offense wilted, and Williams was now finding a home for the straight left, and also the right jab.
With the fight near even, Sergio Martinezs trainer recommended he start working the lead left now that Williams was on the lookout for right hooks.
The strategy paid immediate dividends. Towards the end of the 8th, Martinez repeatedly scored with straight lefts to the pit of Williams stomach. After several shots, Martinez wisely took the offense upstairs and stunned Williams with hard right hooks in the final minute.
Down the stretch, both men displayed their best assets of the fight: Martinez with thudding, single shot counters, and Williams with a consistent high volume of hooks, straights, and jabs which did minimal damage.
There was a least a handful of close rounds that couldve gone either way depending on what you look for in a round, so everyone expected a decision ranging for a point or 2 for either man or a draw.
Instead, this great fight was mired by an obscene scorecard of 119-110, along with 115-113, and 114-114, giving Paul Williams a majority decision. The judge, Pierre Benoist, who delivered the scorecard giving Martinez only one round, was rightly put on blast by HBO commentator Max Kellerman during the post-fight recap.
Martinez could do nothing but smile and shake his head in disbelief at the scorecard.
They called [him] the most feared man in the world, but I didnt have any fear at all in this bout, Martinez explained. It [the score] was an error, a true error. We should have a rematch.
Williams was battered, but verified he would do a rematch if his promoter would go for it.
Unfortunately for Martinez, Williams promoter Dan Goossen is looking to match the Punisher with either Shane Mosley (if he gets by Andre Berto on January 30), or Bernard Hopkins early next year.
This was an excellent scrap, so be sure to catch the HBO replay if you have an opportunity. Im interested to see everyones scorecard on this. I had Martinez winning close by 2 points. I preferred his cleaner punching, which was also harder, and did more damage when he landed.
In his fights with southpaws (Sharmba Mitchell, Carlos Quintana, and now Sergio Martinez), Williams has shown vulnerability to counter shots even in victory. Itll be interesting to see if elite fighters become more willing to face him because of his defensive lapses.
On the undercard, Chris Arreola bounced back from his tear-filled loss to Vitaly Klitschko in September with a TKO over Brian Minto in 4 rounds.
Pacquiao-Mayweather Contracts to be Finalized This Week
The Associated Press has confirmed that all the major negotiation issues (split, weight, gloves) between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao have been completed, clearing the way for both parties to make a formal announcement sometime this coming week.
Earlier this week, Mayweather surprised many critics and experts by being the first to sign the proposed contract after such a short negotiation period. Pacquiaos promoter, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, wasted no time flying personally to the Philippines on Friday (December 4) to make sure his star fighter upheld his end of the agreement.
All of the contract stipulations have not been revealed. So far, it is confirmed that the fight will be held at 147 pounds for Pacquiaos WBO welterweight title, which he won after his TKO over Miguel Cotto on November 14. In addition, both men will be able to select their own gloves (8 oz).
Other important matters, such as ring size, have not been disclosed and likely will be determined by where the superfight is held.
Arum is scheduled to send a survey team out to Dallas to meet with Cowboys head Jerry Jones to see how realistic it would to be to hold the bout in the newly built Cowboys Stadium.
Other potential site locations include the New Orleans Superdome, Las Vegas MGM Grand, and possibly creating a 30,000 seat venue on the Vegas Strip.
Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach is not ecstatic about the March date. Before the signing, he explained to various outlets that Manny needed time to let his broken eardrum (which he received in the Cotto fight) heal and it wasnt feasible to have such a quick turnaround.
As it stands now, Pacquiao and Roach are planning a special 12 week camp to study film and dissect Mayweathers style. Per the timeline to Marchs showdown, Pacquiao will begin light workouts by the end of this month.
Freddie Roach is right to be concerned about Pacquiao getting back in the ring so quickly. Its essentially a roll of the dice. On one hand, Pacquiao will maintain his fighters mindset and supreme physical condition. On the other, Manny could become worn down from not having sufficient time to heal from Cotto, and the vigorous training and sparring required for that bout. Although Pacquiao ending up dominating Cotto last month, he took some heavy damage early, especially when he decided to play rope a dope in those early rounds. Plus Pacquiaos intense sparring sessions certainly dont help any wear and tear.
Floyd Mayweather, who in recent years has only fought an average of twice a year, will be right on schedule fighting Pacquiao in March 2010 as a follow up to his September 2009 fight against Juan Manuel Marquez.
With all that said, I think Roachs idea for a special 12 week camp (over the normal 8) is excellent. Pacquiaos last 3 left hook heavy opponents (De La Hoya, Hatton, Cotto) fight nothing like Mayweather. This should be more than enough time for Manny to tighten, if not completely fix the issues seen in his most recent fights (cutting off the ring, for example).
Mayweathers a gym rat, so it wouldnt surprise me if hes already training for the biggest bout, legacy and financial-wise, of his career.
At press time, the one official press conference to announce the fight will be held in New York City.
Amir Khan Blasts Out Salita in 1
Amir Khan (22-1, 16 KOs) was this time on the winning side of a 1st round demolition when he dropped Dmitriy Salita (31-1-1) 3 times in route to a 76 second TKO.
Khan pounced immediately and had Salita down from a straight right just 10 seconds into the fight. Khans flurries drove Salita into a corner, and the challenger was down again on one knee courtesy of two overhand rights.
The coup de grace came courtesy of a left hook, and the referee call a halt to matters after Salita suffered a third knockdown.
Khan was written off by many after getting blitzed in September 2008 against Breidis Prescott. Looking back, Khan feels that first round KO loss has made him a better fighter since it brought him to Freddie Roach.
It was a blessing in disguise, what happened against Prescott. I got beat and came back stronger. Im getting stronger and quicker, Khan explained in his post-fight interview. Freddie said to take it easy, pick the right shots and youll take this guy out, and we did. Freddie is a great trainer, hes like a father figure to me, and to have him in my corner means a lot. Everyone knows Im a hardworking fighter, and if you put the hard work in youre going to get the benefits.
With the win, Amir Khan retains his WBA light-welterweight title. He has now expressed interest in fighting Ricky Hatton, which if signed would be a highly anticipated superfight in England.
Throwback Fight of the Week: Ken Norton vs. Jerry Quarry (March 24, 1975)
By the mid 70s, consummate contender Jerry Quarry had seen better days. Even though his popularity had not waned, the multiple beatings from legends like Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier had begun to sap the form from the once formidable Irish fighter.
The year before, he took a horrific beating from Joe Frazier before special referee Joe Louis finally stopped the carnage during the 5th.
With 60 fights behind him, Quarry signed on to face Ken Norton in hopes of securing a title shot against Muhammad Ali.
At a chiseled 63, 218 pounds, Norton proclaimed before the fight that Quarrys style was tailor-made for him, and he would chop down the divisions final white hope in short order.
Ken Norton prediction was painfully accurate.
Quarry threw his best shots, but failed to find an answer for Nortons crab (cross-armed) defense, which also befuddled greats Larry Holmes and Muhammad Ali.
Norton would simply wait for Quarry to shoot his load, and then abuse him with head-snapping hooks on the inside.
After just a few a rounds, Quarrys face was a swollen, bloody mess. Realizing he was cut badly in the 3rd, Quarry threw his best hooks in desperation and stunned Norton a few times against the ropes.
Unfortunately for Quarry, his success was limited and Norton went back to punishing him with short hooks and uppercuts to close out the round. Over the next two stanzas, Quarry took a frightful beating before the referee saved the brave Quarry, who refused to go down and shoved the ref away in disgust.
The fight would serve as the end of Jerry Quarrys days as a contender. He would fight sporadically over the next two decades, unwisely making a comeback in 1992 that contributed to him suffering from pugilistic dementia. He was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame before dying of cardiac arrest in 1999. His final record is 53-9-4, 32 KOs.
Ken Nortons dominant win would help propel him to a rubber match with rival Muhammad Ali in 1976. He ended up losing a highly controversial unanimous decision, but would bounce back with wins over Duane Bobick and Jimmy Young. His last title attempt was a classic 15 round war with a young Larry Holmes in 1978, which he lost by split decision.
Norton would retire in 1981 following a 1st round knockout to Gerry Cooney. He would be inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992. His final record stands at 42-7-1, 33 KOs.
Nelly, JD Host Black Tie Affair, Give Away Scholarships
Rapper/actor Nelly and Hip-Hop mogul/producer Jermaine Dupri will party for a good cause tonight (December 6) in St. Louis, Missouri.
Nelly will host his 4th Annual Black and White Ball at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel, where he will be joined by celebrities like R&B singer Mario, track & field legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee, baseball Hall of Fame member Ozzie Smith and others.
During the event Nelly, Plaza Motors and Lindenwood Universitys Black Student Union will announce the launch of the 2010/2011 Black and White Ball Scholarship Program.
The scholarship will pay four years worth of tuition at Lindenwood University for two worthy students.
Nelly is currently in the recording studio working on the untitled follow-up to his 2008 album, Brass Knuckles.
So far, producers on the new album include Rico Love, Play-N-Skillz, Sean Diddy Combs and Jim Jonsin.
Flo Rida Teams With PA Org To Fight Breast Cancer
Grammy nominated rapper Flo Rida has teamed with the Grammy Foundation to perform at an event to support breast cancer awareness for women under 40 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Flo Rida and Grammy nominated British act The Ting Tings will perform as part of B94’s Winter Blast.
The proceeds from the event will be donated to the Glimmer of Hope Foundation, a Pittsburgh-based organization that has raised millions of dollars for breast cancer research.
The fund raiser is scheduled to take place at The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall on Monday (December 7th.)
Doors open at 7:30pm and ticket prices are $25 per person.
Flo Rida’s latest album of R.O.O.T.S was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Rap Album of the Year category.
Hip-Hip Rumors: Rihanna Vs Tila Tequila! Pleasure P Being Set Up? Destiny’s Child Fighting?
DISCLAIMER:
All content within this section is pure rumor and generally have no factual info outside of what the streets have whispered in our ear. Read on.
THE DAILY TWO SENSE!
What’s the deal? Ahhhhh…an un-lazy Saturday. I woke up and decided to bless my people with some rumors. Peace to the world, especially those that hate themselves. They need it the most.
SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING! Send your rumors, sightings and ill pics to illseed at [email protected].
PLEASURE P BEING SET UP?
I’m not here to say whether or not Pleasure P is a child molester, but I can tell you what I am hearing. From what I heard, dude may be being set up by his former cohorts in Pretty Ricky. I really don’t know what went down with them, but that first press release statement set the tone for the rumor. Here is their statement:
Unfortunately due to Pleasure Ps lawyer filing an injunction against us from speaking, we are not at liberty to speak about the case. However we will let it be known that we did kick him out of the group, he did not leave on is own free will. We did a deal with Atlantic via Craig Calman that we would let him out of the group if they bought out his contract with us and Blue Star, which is the official label of Pretty Ricki. We are not at liberty to discuss why we kicked him out of the group.
Then there is a Twitter statement that was made by Spectaculah, the go go dancer, and he said that the previous record was “sealed,” suggesting that something was there. Anyway, I am hearing Pretty Ricky may be the SOURCE of ALL of this stuff and their dislike for Pleasure is the cause of it. Still, from what I understand, child molesters cannot have a sealed record like that. I guess it is not regarded in the same way as a violent crime. What I was told is that even juvenile sex offender is “marked for life.” OUCH. This may be the saving grace for P.P. THere maybe exceptions, but I’m not sure. He’s denied all the charges and called them “vile.”
REMEMBER THE FREDRO STAR / WU TANG RUMOR?
Jay Fresh The Mixologist hit me up and told me some additional info about the purported beef between Wu and Onyx.
“Im writing in respond to the video of Fredro Starr talking about the beef with ODB/WU TANG, i was one of the DJ’s there that night, the year was 1994, it was the Def Jam party for Man of the Month and the Warren G spin off contest with Funk Master Flex as the house DJ.
Wu Tang had beef with everybody that night because they were suppose to perform and was told they could not, im not sure if this was the real reason but i did witness them clowning all night on people to the point where all members got kicked out.
They even bum rushed the stage while the group Y?N-Vee ( chocolate tie) were performing, the crowd went crazy and security couldnt get them off the stage, ODB took the mic and told the crowd.. WU TANG CLAN AINT NOTHING TO F### WIT!!!!! they cut the mics off and ODB still continued to yell at the crowd as Method Man was chantin M.E.T.H.O.D MAN!!!
Rush as we know him now as Russell Simmons was the only person that could calm them down to get off the stage, but right before they did ODB slammed the mic hard on the stage floor.”
DESTINYS CHILD FIGHTING?
Destinys Child is fighting! Well, that is the rumor at least. According to the NY Daily news, this all stems from a recent copyright lawsuit over the song Cater 2 U. Without further delay, here is what they are saying:
Destiny’s Child is reuniting, but it’s not exactly a happy occasion. Just ask Kelly Rowland.
We hear the singer is furious that she and former DC cohorts Beyoncé and Michelle Williams have to head to Chicago on Tuesday to face a copyright-infringement lawsuit for their song “Cater 2 U.” The reason for her anger, besides the obvious? According to a source, Rowland blames the legal mess on Beyoncé’s father – and his tactics for lining his daughter’s pockets with cash.
“Matthew [Knowles] has a long history of trying to get songwriters to add Beyoncé’s name to songs she didn’t compose, just so she gets publishing royalties,” the insider says of Daddy Knowles, who managed the group. “That information eventually became widely known, and now anyone who wants to accuse Kelly or Destiny’s Child of stealing material has ammunition to file a lawsuit. Kelly is livid.”
Indeed, Beyoncé’s songwriting credits have been publicly questioned several times. In 2006, for example, she declared she wrote the breakup anthem “Irreplaceable” “for [her] girls” – causing singer/songwriter Ne-Yo to angrily announce that he penned all the lyrics for the song, then got minimal help from Beyoncé on the melody. But even that may have been generous: Rumors swirled that B’s composer credit was added only as a courtesy.
Adding fuel to the Rowland/Knowles fire: Kelly used to employ Matthew as her manager; she terminated him in January. “She and Beyoncé remained cordial at first,” our source says. “But things have gotten tense since Kelly griped that Matthew is the cause of this lawsuit.”
The proof? When Billboard mag recently saluted Beyoncé with a Woman of the Year award, Williams was on hand to fete her former cohort. Rowland was not.
“Kelly isn’t happy having to fight these allegations,” continues the source. “She feels as though this is just another mess that Matthew got them into while only trying to serve the sole interest of his daughter.”
Kelly Rowland did not respond to calls for comment by deadline. Matthew Knowles would only say, “The lawsuit is questioning the validity of the writers involved. I am not a writer on this song.”
[Source]
1-900-CHEATER! PARODY OF SHAQ, TIGER AND CHRIS BROWN
Look at this crazy song called 1-900 Cheater! It really is a crazy song in the spirit of 1-900 Hustler, but there are some parts I cant ride with.
Shout out to All In Entertainment And Imaginary Playaz!
NORE AND LIL CEASE DEAD BEEF!
This is the season of beef, starting it and ending it. I got this from Jazzy F Baby
Yo what’s good illseed guess what Nore and Lil Cease deaded the beef @ the 80s baby part 2 concert. Cease tweeted that everyone should dead the beef and how if Nore and him can after almost killin one another
I forgot about this beef totally, but it stems from the shooting in front of Hot 97. Cease caught the brunt of the heat with that.
RIHANNA VS TILA TEQUILA
Rihanna upset somebody on Big Boy’s show.
Here is what Tila said in response. SMH at this foolish beef.
TILA TEQUILA CLAIMS RIHANNA HAS….A SECRET!
I will be the first to say that I’m not co-signing this mess ever! I’ll even go so far to say, I’d take Rihanna and her alleged dirty secret over a “Clean” Tila. SMH!
HIDDEN SECRETS REVEALED FROM INSIDE SOURCES: RIHANNA HAS HERPES!!!!!!!!!! OMGGGG!
Wow, I’m sorry girlfriend, but you were cool until u decided to open up your mouth about me so I have no choice. Everyone in the entertainment industry knows, you just do not f### with Tila Tequila and think you can get away with it! Even Perez Hilton knows that(that’s another inside story I have about him & myself, but I will post about that in another blog).
So everyone, yes…..I heard from legit sources, that is the HUGE SECRET our prestine, perfect little Princess RiRi, the “IDOL” has been hiding from the media. A very close source of mine, who works in the same legal camp as Rihanna, has told me that the reason why Rihanna wasn’t speaking out about the CHRIS BROWN incident is because there was a catch 22 in it. Rihanna has herpes, and….well……I don’t wanna put anyone else on blast, but Rihanna has herpes and gave someone else herpes that she had slept with.
My sources are very legit, and they work in Rihanna’s legal camp, and that is how I know! SO RIHANNA HAS HERPES, STD’S & WAS SCARED TO SPEAK OUT ABOUT IT CUZ SHE DIDN’T WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW THAT SHE HAS HERPES AND INFECTED SOMEONE ELSE WITH IT! BAD RIHANNA!
So while you cascade around town, acting like yo s### don’t stink, and leading the media and your fans into thinking that you are a strong woman, and idol, well….it’s a shame you had to trick them into thinking you are, because truth is, you’re ruining other people’s lives, infecting people with your STD’s, and walking around getting praised and loving the sympathy, when really, in real life you are just a major b#### who could give 2 s#### about your fans and all the people who have been supporting you! Including myself! You dont even acknowledge your fans, you know, the people who got you famous??? Yes….those people. THE FANS! The ones that I, myself, acknowledge 247 all the time because if it weren’t for my fans, I would not be here today! I love my fans, I don’t lie to my fans to make them like me more, and everyone knows it. I have my flaws, but I put it out there, and I let my fans decide on whether they agree with the things I do or not. Im real, and I don’t care what anyone has to say about me. All I do is mind my own business, and play with my fans.
But since you’re still cascading around town like you’re a prefect little princess, angel…..honey I hate to burst your bubbles…..but yes….yo s### really do stink, and even worse…..yo s### has STD’s, known as HERPES, down in your private area.
So…..that’s about it. Sorry I had to tell the world your DIRTY SECRET, but you left me no choice girlfriend. I knew about your secret for A VERY LONG TIME, but I never told anyone because that was not my business……but since you wanna play dirty with me……oh….you best believe I will give it to you good girlfriend! POW!
Rihanna has STD’s and Herpes everyone! & that is the truth from my legit source that has told me. YIKES! So boys, be careful when u wanna tap that ass, cuz that ass will give your dick Herpes if you dont put 3 condoms over it! EWWW!
THE END!
Sincerely,
Ms. Tila-You-Don’t-F**k-With-Me-Tequila
PS-yes, I understand you have a MASSIVELY powerful team behind you such as JAY-Z and all those guys so you feel safe & keep cascading around town knowing that everything wrong you do, will be covered up. I give u props for having such a great PR FIRM. U see? This sucks that I had to call you out cuz now Jay-Z, Kanye, Beyonce or whoever else is on your team is gonna hate me, and that sucks cuz I LOVEEEEE Jay-Z and Beyonce! They are my heros! But I am willing to sacrifice them hating me now because of what you did. I need to be honest and stay true to who I am, and stay real with my fans. I wish you the best in your next album release. I know I will be buying it.
ILLSEED’S QUICKIES
I got a rumor from Mikey The Movie star and he told me French Montana an Mase are lookin at goin on tour. MA$E? They are saying it will be called the HBO Tour. Also, they may be putting out a mixtape too. Shocking. I know HBO will shoot that title down.
If you are all into Max B, then you will be happy to hear that Lazy K is rumored to be putting out a mixtape with all new wavey music.
Nas was never charged with DUI, but he did have to take that test, just so you know the real. Close call for God’s son.
People are crying foul over the recent arrest of Katt Williams. There are rumors that the pulled a gun on a cop, but I have seen no evidence of that.
The Clipse went to visit North Carolina A&T and it went off without a hitch. Some people hit me and wondered why they didnt get protested like Gucci.
I heard Rihanna had a recent show and they said RiRi got booed because it was only about 20 minutes or so. LOL!
SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END
This is more proof that the signs are clear. A 17 year old boy killed is 10 year old brother even though his brother pleaded for his life. Well, here you go….Andrew Conley of Indianapolis did just that…and then went to visit his girlfriend. Andrew strangled his brother, a prosecutor maintained. He would go on to dump his brothers body off like trash in a park. Andrew maintained that he felt a kinship to the character “Dexter,” who Is a TV serial killer. The murder comes a mere six weeks after 15-year-old Alyssa Bustamante murdered a 9-year-old just because she wanted to know what it was like. WOW! Now, here is what Andrew did to his brother. They were wrestling and Andrew put younger brother Conner in a headlock. Conner passes out and then ol’ Andrew drags his brother into the kitchen, puts on gloves and chokes him. When he sees blood dripping out of his nose, he decides to finish things off. He puts a plastic bag over his face and locks it with duct tape. His brother’s last words were “Andrew, stop.”
On top of it all, dude considered killing his parents the day he did this and stood over his sleeping parents with a knife. The end is near! Get right!
JAY-Z DEDICATION….
I hated on Jay-Z yesterday. LOL! I said, “Pardon my back” on his birthday. Here is a dedication one of my readers did.
TAKE YOUR NAME OFF YOUR PHONE…THE TIGER WOODS SLOW JAM!
MIKE EPPS IS ONE FUNNY DUDE!
Check out Mike Epps as AHH caught up with the comedian. Check it out.
video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsfree video player
TILA, WE LOVE YOU, EVEN WHEN THE “STRING” HANGS OUT ON YOUR STRIP VIDS!!!!
They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!
-illseed
WHO: illseed.com
WHAT: Rumors
WHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseed
HOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at [email protected].
UPDATE: No Charges For Katt Williams In Walmart Incident
Police in Newnan, County Georgia disputed reports that Katt Williams was arrested yesterday (December 4), after a disturbancet a local Walmart outside of Atlanta.
Authorities received a 911 call yesterday from an unknown individual, who stated that Williams and an unknown group of men had threatened him with a shotgun.
Newnan Deputy Police Chief Rodney Riggs told TMZ.com that although Williams was cuffed and placed in the squad car, he was never charged with a crime and was released at the scene.
Riggs confirmed that a woman and her son were arrested on the scene for disorderly conduct.
He refused to comment on whether or not a shotgun, or any weapons had been found.
On Wednesday (December 2), Williams was arrested because of a bond issue connected to his burglary and trespassing counts the comedian was charged with earlier this month.
R N R Ft. June
“El Barrio”
AHH Stray News: Terrell Owens, Kanye West, The Clipse
Buffalo Bills star player Terrell Owens is sponsoring the 3rd Annual Catch a Dream Foundation Celebrity Fundraiser and Birthday Celebration next week. Invited guests like Russell Simmons, Sean P. Diddy Combs, Paris Hilton, Jay-Z and Ludacris will gather on Monday (December 7th) at the M2 Lounge in New York. Owens foundation is presenting the December To Remember celebration. Guests are asked to bring new, unwrapped teddy bears that will be donated to a local childrens hospital. Owens created his non-profit organization to help needy families, who suffer without basic daily needs. Owens 3rd Annual Catch a Dream Foundations December To Remember takes place at the M2 Lounge in New York City. For more information visit http://www.terrellowens.com/invite/2009/
VH1 has announced it will release VH1: Storytellers on rapper Kanye West this January. The two-disc DVD features live performances, in addition to Kanye Wests episode of VH1’s: Storytellers series. According to a press release the DVD is rounded out with bonus materials like a never before seen Q&A with Kanye and three bonus performances from the VH1: Storytellers episode. VH1: Storytellers featuring Kanye West is due in stores January 5th 2010.
The track listing for The Clipse new album was recently released to the Internet. Til The Casket Drops is The groups first album under their new deal with Columbia Records. The album, which was executive produced by Pharrell Williams, features guest appearances by Keri Hilson, AB Liva, Kanye West, Camron, Yo Gotti and Nicole Hurst. Producers on the album include The Neptunes, DJ Khalil and Sean C. & LV. Til The Casket Drops is due in stores December 8. The track listing is below: 01. Freedom 02. Popular Demand (Popeyes) featuring Cam’ron & Pharrell 03. Kinda Like A Big Deal featuring Kanye West 04. Showing Out featuring Yo Gotti 05. I’m Good featuring Pharrell 06. There Was A Murder 07. Door Man 08. Never Will It Stop featuring Ab Liva 09. All Eyes On Me featuring Keri Hilson 10. Counseling featuring Nicole Hurst 11. Champion 12. Footsteps 13. Life Change
Cory Mo Ft. Pill, Troublesum and Mike Flow [Heater Of The Day]
“Beats and Lyrics”
Lil Scrappy P### By The Runners
“Posted”
Alternaive Pick: Alicia Keys Ft. Beyonce
“Put It In A Love Song”
Concert Review: Rihanna in NYC on 12/3/09
MySpace Music extended their
streak of bringing the biggest stars to NYC through the Urban Concert
Series THE RELEASE. The Hammerstein Ballroom housed 500+ energetic
fans, all which received a free ticket at that, not to mention the streaming
video that went LIVE around the world, to see ROC Nations Princess,
DEF JAM recording artist, Rihanna.
Rihanna was in town to
promote her latest album Rated R. The Rated R superstar
sold 181,000 copies in the first week. And with Saturday Night Live
waiting in the wings, last nights performance was a sign of what was
to come tomorrow night. An amazing plus to this performance was the
intimacy of it all. Rihanna was given the opportunity to be up close
and personal with her fans, eye to eye, almost in reaching distance
from where ever you stood. But if it was up to this beautiful talent,
youd just have to Wait Your Turn. Rihanna hit the stage with
unshakable confidence. And why shouldnt she? She is clearly in the
best shape of her life, with an undeniable fashion sense and a sex appeal
that pulls you in. The Wait is Over, she sung to a packed house,
that was well, waiting. I would say that good things come to those
who wait, but didnt she turn bad last album?
Rihanna took a seat at mid-center
stage to sing her lead single Russian Roulette. The silver chair
spun as Rihanna delved deeper into a love that was life threatening,
written by multi-platinum singer/songwriter, Ne-Yo. The stage went red
with pain as the crowd sung along to the heart pounding ballad. Rihanna
rose to her feet for the bridge and once again, the crowd just ate it
up. Now I must say that a little more time in sound check would have
done well for the total ambiance. But still in all, Rihanna held it
down nicely.
Speaking of the Good Girl,
Gone Bad, the next song Please Dont Stop the Music was more
of an upbeat performance. Rihanna danced from one end of the stage to
the other as her fans threw their hands in the air and pulled out their
best moves. Next, Take a Bow found Rihanna sitting on a stool,
front and center stage, and emotionally belting out lyrics that may
have more meaning today than they ever had. Last but not least, Rihanna
finished the set with Disturbia which was remixed in a way that
slowed the uptempo hit down into an R&B ballad. This performance
would switch speeds but remained dark.
To close out the show, Rihanna
delivered two crowd favorites. She performed her new single Hard,
which practically everybody in attendance sung along with, word for
word. The song is just catching on. Last week, Hard was the #1
most added record at both the Pop and Urban radio formats, and was the
Greatest Gainer at Rhythm. It has a strong Hip-Hop influence to it,
with or without the Jeezy appearance.
You know that a Rihanna concert
wouldnt be complete without hearing the most successful song of her
early career, Umbrella. What threw me was the fact that members
of the crowd actually opened up umbrellas during the performance. Weird,
right? I think so, because it sure wasnt raining in the Big Apple
last night. But thats cool, to each its own.
Overall, from the fans perspective,
it was all smiles and satisfaction. Free tickets to see Rihanna was
a win/win for them. I wouldve liked for the performance to be longer
than 30 minutes though. She left a lot of good music on stage and this
wouldve been the perfect forum to run down Rated R from start
to finish. I would take an educated guess that her voice was saved for
the first Saturday Night Live performance of her career this weekend.