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Monday Fashion Feature: Rihanna Loves Her Work Boots – Do You?

Rihanna

 

Leave it up to the ultimate fashionista, Rihanna, to incorporate one of the hottest trends this season in men’s footwear into her wardrobe – the work boot.

 

We featured men’s work wear in this recent “Trend Alert“, but can a lady like Rihanna pull off the look?

 

 

 

She was spotted twice recently rocking a pair of rugged black boots loosely laced up, once with a knit dress and the other time with skinny pants and a sweater.

 

 

Ladies – for this worn in, touch chic look in all different heights, try these boots from DrJays.com and DJPremium.com:

 

Laura Cowboy Boot by Miss Sixty

 

Victorina Moto Boot by Pour La Victoire

 

Earth Keepers 6 Leather Boot by Timberland

 

Agna Leather Short Boots With Rib by Charlotte Ronson

 

Images: Bossip

Chris Brown On Jay-Z: “I Get My Money, He Gets His”

R&B singer Chris Brown has responded to reports that he called Jay-Z a “cornball” during the rapper’s acceptance speech during the American Music Awards.

 

Brown‘s “cornball” tweet in question came as Jay-Z accepted the award for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist on November 23.

 

Last night Brown called into DJ Whoo Kid’s Shade 45 show, where he discussed a number of topics, including his upcoming album Graffiti, his relationship with Rihanna and the alleged Tweet about Jay-Z

 

“My Twitter didn’t get hacked, people blew it out of proportion,” Brown told DJ Whoo Kid. “I was also commenting on certain things going on the AMA’s but I was still Tweeting randomly about what as going on. So like the homies was out the house and everybody was like ‘oh he’s making an excuse.’ I just said ‘cornball.’ I was talking about homie at all.”

 

Brown immediately removed the post when his followers began flooding his page with messages.

 

The Tweet was quickly circulated around the Internet, making headlines.

 

“At that moment, I started seeing the comments, ‘oh you talking about Jay? You talking about Jay?’ I was like hell nah, then I said let me delete this before this gets out proportion. I don’t need no problems right now, I don’t need no more people cussing me out.

 

“People just being on some extra s**t.. I was just like man go ahead with all that,” Brown stated. “They blew it up and I was like man whatever.”

 

Brown has also denied any strained relationship with Jay-Z, because the two have not spoken.

 

Jay-Z did reportedly have unflattering words for Brown in February, after Brown was charged with punching and biting Rihanna during a spat in Los Angeles.

 

US Weekly cited unnamed sources that claimed Jay-Z “hit the roof” when he found out about the assault and labeled Brown a “walking dead man” for assaulting Rihanna, whom Jay-Z discovered.

 

“I never really talked to homie,” Brown said. “It aint no beefs, I just get my money and he gets his.”

Shyne Spends Thanksgiving With Belize Inmates

Recently freed rapper Shyne spent Thanksgiving Day speaking to hundreds of incarcerated inmates at a prison in Belize.

 

Shyne spoke with over 400 inmates at Belize’s Hattiesville prison, on Thursday, November 26.

 

The rapper shared his experiences behind bars for a 1999 shooting, his career and his strategy for post prison, which he said every inmate should develop.

 

Shyne served almost 9 years in prison for his role in the shooting, which occurred inside of a New York nightclub in 1999, while he was partying with Bad Boy CEO Sean “Diddy” Combs and his then girlfriend, Jennifer “J. Lo” Lopez.

 

He was convicted of first degree assault and reckless endangerment for his role in the shootings.

 

Shyne was released from prison in early October but due to his conviction, the rapper was deported to his country of origin, Belize.

 

His bid to stay in the United States was rejected due to stricter post 9-11 immigration laws.

 

To date Shyne has yet to reveal his plans for the future as a recording artist.

Ross on 50’s Sales: “R.I.P. We Buried Him”

Now that 50 Cent’s disappointing first week numbers are official, rival Rick Ross is now claiming victory in their 2009 feud.

 

In a recent concert for DJ Khaled’s birthday, Ross proclaimed full credit for 50 Cent’s lowest debut week (161,000) of his previously multi-platinum career.

 

“So we celebrating my n#### birthday, but we’re also celebrating the demise of a p####. R.I.P. to the donkey, we buried him,” Ross stated on stage with Khaled. “It feel good, n####. Don’t look surprised, you knew we was gonna do it. There’s only one record that can describe the feeling.”

 

Concluding his victory speech, Ross went into “This Is the Life,” the fourth single from his 2008 gold sophomore LP Trilla.

 

In January, Rick Ross began his feud with 50 Cent courtesy of “Mafia Music,” where he ridiculed the Queens’ emcee about his relationship with his child’s mother, and the controversy surrounding the fire destruction of his Fort Dix, Long Island mansion.

 

50 Cent retaliated with songs (“I’ll Be the Shooter”) and satirical cartoon clips (Officer Ricky Series). Also, the G Unit CEO enlisted Ross’ estranged son’s mother Tia Kemp to disparage Ross in clips and an autobiographical book.

 

DJ Khaled was brought into the conflict as well when the Queens mogul had entourage members film Khaled’s mother unknowingly at her job (“A Psychic Told Me”). 50 Cent would later express regret for the act, after receiving negative responses from media and fans for the viral clip’s allusions to violence.

 

Earlier this month, 50 and Floyd Mayweather further mocked Ross by taking pictures with his children after Kemp had brought them to the rapper’s mansion.

 

At press time, Rick Ross is working on his fourth album Teflon Don, set to be released in Spring 2010.  

 

 

 

COA Introduces Money Clothing, MILKCRATE NYC And More

 

DrJays.com’s Kiki and EMitts at COA’s grand opening

 

Last week, Kiki hit up the COA (Coat Of Arms) store grand opening party in Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

 

The exclusive boutique was opened by three well known names in the NYC streetwear industry: Daymon Green, and Jason Jacobs, as well as Frank 151‘s Todd Nisbet.

 

The trio has relaunched the U.K. brand, Money Clothing, for spring 2010 in the U.S.

 

 

Jason Jacobs, Daymon Green and Todd Nisbet

 

Having worked with the brand previously, with both Jason and Daymon, it’s refreshing to see the clean yet colorful direction it has taken for spring 2010.

 

 

 

 

Located at 43 Clinton Street, COA is a full service fashion agency housing Money Clothing, MILKCRATE NYC, Frank 151, New Era, and Godspeed footwear.

 

The space also features a retail vintage/dead stock area filled with Polo, snap back hats, Starter jackets and footwear.

 

 

 

 

MILKCRATE NYC

 

 

twon

 

 

 

 

Godspeed

 

 

It also dubs as an event space and art gallery, with their first exhibit being “Don’t Become The Things You Hate” – a “canvas to clothing” project by Sea Sick Mama.

 

 

In today’s recession, one of the industries struggling to survive is the print and magazine world.

 

 

To reach out, Sea Sick Mama has asked almost a dozen magazines, bloggers, and other local favorites to express “how they survive” during this difficult time – but in only six words. These poetic proclamations (some comical, some foul) are beautifully printed on large scale canvases, but also onto a limited edition series to t-shirts.

 

 

 

 

The exhibit is bringing the community together to celebrate fashion, art, music and the creativity that springs when people work together.

 

 

If you’re in the NYC area, make sure you pay my homies at COA a visit for a unique shopping experience!

 

 

Find Money Clothing on DrJays.com by clicking HERE, and check back for MILKCRATE NYC which will be hitting our site soon.

Lil Wayne Doc ‘The Carter’ Shoots To #1 on iTunes

A controversial new documentary about superstar rapper Lil Wayne has shot to the top of the iTunes movie charts.

 

QD3 Entertainment’s film The Carter is currently the No. 1 selling documentary on iTunes in the U.S.

 

In addition to landing the top slot on Apple’s iTunes U.S.’ music store, The Carter is also in the Top 10 on the Canadian iTunes music store alongside such blockbusters as Bruno and GI Joe.

 

“Having our Lil Wayne The Carter documentary place in the Top 10 on both U.S. and Canadian iTunes store within the first 48 hours, competing neck and neck with multi-million dollar studio films such as Bruno and GI Joe during Christmas season is quite a feat for a self distributed indie doc and beyond our expectations,” QD3 Entertainment CEO Quincy Jones III told AllHipHop.com. “We are very excited about continuing to innovate within the digital space.”

 

The Carter was released on November 17th and is an in depth look at the personal and professional life of rapper Lil Wayne.

 

Lil Wayne, born Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., is known for his rigorous touring schedule and frequent drug use, which is spotlighted in the documentary.

 

In April of 2009, a judge rejected a request by Lil Wayne’s lawyer to block the distribution of the DVD, due to several scenes in the movie which the rapper and his management objected to, reportedly because of his drug use.

 

The rapper’s management claimed they requested to have the questionable scenes removed, but those scenes were still in The Carter, when it premiered at the Sundance film festival in January.

 

Despite the lawsuit Jones told AllHipHop.com that the documentary’s release is in line with a digital distribution strategy the company has been developing in 2001.

 

“It was my goal since the inception of QD3 Entertainment in 2001 to have a strong focus on digital distribution and multi platform innovation,” Jones told AllHipHop.com. “Since 2001 our primary means of marketing have been organic and viral on digital platforms. Using this approach we’ve been able to sell over 2 million DVD’s via the QD3 (DVD) collection at physical retail….this is the era we have preparing for all along by retaining all rights to our content and were about to launch a couple of digital content and social media platforms by early 2010 utilizing our over 3,500 hour library of high quality content that includes films such as Tupac Shakur – Thug Angel and the multi platinum Beef

 

QD3 Entertainment’s The Carter was directed by Adam Bhala Lough and is currently available on iTunes for $14.99.

Interview With Caron Butler of the Washington Wizards

The Hip-Hop culture can be found in many places influencing many people. Racine, Wisconsin is one of those places and Washington Wizard All Star forward Caron Butler is one of those people. Growing up in Racine was anything but easy for Caron Butler but amid all the success, Butler has not forgotten where he came from. Butler is a pillar in his community; so much so that June 8th has been named Caron Butler day in his hometown. As the 2009-2010 season approaches, expectations are higher then ever for the Wizards. Butler discusses growing up in Racine, Hip Hop music and the upcoming season with Butler. This is how it went down:

AllHipHop.com: From the time you entered the league with Miami, then with the Lakers and now with the Wizards, your stats have improved each year. What did you do this off-season that was different from any other off season?Caron Butler: I think just mostly working on my strength and agility. You know this is the first season in which I come into with no injuries. I always come into the season with little knicks and knacks. For the most part I was completely healthy at the end of last season. I was just more prepared, so I went right into my summer training healthy.AllHipHop.com: So you started as soon as your season ended?Caron Butler: Yes, obviously our season ended really early last year, we were done the second week of April. I took three weeks off and got right back at it.AllHipHop.com: So when you were growing up, were there any players that you looked up to that did not make it to the NBA?Caron Butler: There were a lot of neighborhood guys, growing up, that I looked up to. They were older guys in the hood that ended up getting into other things but as basketball players, they were unbelievable. But there was nobody really of any significant notoriety.

AllHipHop.com: What was your first introduction to Hip-Hop?Caron Butler: My first introduction to Hip Hop was Run DMC and LL Cool J. I went to a concert in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Bradley Center when I was younger and had a chance to see LL live. At the time he was beefing with Kool Moe Dee so it was crazy. Just seeing that, from that point on I was a Hip-Hop head all the way thru. Some of my favorite artists are Tupac, Biggie and Jay-Z; I’m still young so you know Lil Wayne is also one of my favorites. There are a lot of dudes out there that I really like.AllHipHop.com: I casually listened to Hip-Hop myself early on, but once I heard Ready to Die, I was hooked.Caron Butler: Hip Hop you know is the voice of the community, it really is.AllHipHop.com: Who would say is your favorite rapper?Caron Butler: My favorite rapper, living, Jay-Z definitely.AllHipHop.com: Word is coach Flip Saunders gave the team iPods with something real interesting on it, what is that all about?Caron Butler: At the beginning of training camp, coach gave us iPods; the I-Purchase and the opportunity to download a lot of music. He gave us this other thing, that I have never seen done with all the plays. Coach’s play book is rather heavy and very thick, we have over a 1000 plays. There is a lot of detail to it, he actually has people running thru the plays so you are not looking at a sketch. It is actual people running thru the plays, which is something I had never seen before.AllHipHop.com: So you are actually looking at players on the iPOD?Caron Butler: Yeah it is crazy.AllHipHop.com: Let’s say you are getting ready for Game 7 of the NBA Finals, which you guys may very well get to, what song would you warm up to?Caron Butler: Right now I would go old school with the man Mystical and then take it to “We Run This Town” with Jay, and go out and make it happen.AllHipHop.com: You mentioned the concert in Milwaukee Wisconsin when you were growing up, now what was the best Hip-Hop performance you have seen live?Caron Butler: Best performance I ever seen live was Jay-Z in the Staples Center. I think it was a beautiful thing because that was at the time when him and Kells (R. Kelly) fell out and everybody was wondering where the tour would go, what was happening and tickets were already purchased. Jay-Z turned the tour to Jay-Z and friends and he came down with Snoop Dogg, Pharrell, Mary J. Blige, Redman, Method Man, bought DMX back to the stage, Ja Rule, the whole Roc was there Beanie Seagal, Memphis Bleek and the energy kept building and building. Kid Capri was DJ-ing, it was just crazy.AllHipHop.com: Jay-Z does know how to bring the energy. You can’t blame him for dropping Kells either.Caron Butler: Yeah definitely, but the concert was so good because there was never a drop off, it kept getting better and better and better.AllHipHop.com: If you were to compare your game to any rappers style who would it be?Caron Butler: I would say Kanye West.AllHipHop.com: Kanye West, why?Caron Butler: Yeah definitely. I’m different, obviously I’m consistent, and my numbers don’t lie. I will put my numbers against anybody in the league over the last couple of years, I’m doing something in the league only LeBron James and Kobe Bryant are doing. Dropping 20, 7 and 4, the numbers don’t lie.AllHipHop.com: Going back to your work ethic, you get better every year, who do you credit the most for your work ethic?Caron Butler: Honestly man, I have truly been blessed to be in situations too play alongside Dwayne Wade, Kobe Bryant and Gilbert Arenas. When you play with tremendous athletes, great players and great minds, you take something from all of them and apply it to your own routine and your own workouts and that is what I have done. But I got the most from Kobe and seeing the way he prepares for games and stuff like that and applying it to my own routine and here I am, playing great basketball.AllHipHop.com: Kobe Bryant is a great player, he is my 2nd favorite right after Caron Butler.Caron Butler: (Laughing) Thanks man I appreciate it.AllHipHop.com: There are high expectations for the Wizards this season, if you guys remain healthy how far do you think you can go?Caron Butler: Championship!!!!!!! I mean it is realistic and safe to say with our core guys back, you know our closer Gilbert Arenas being healthy, Brandon Haywood back healthy, DeShawn Stevenson our defensive stopper on the perimeter healthy and the development of our young guys. Also the new additions of Mike Miller, Randy Foye and Fabrico Oberto, somebody who has been in the playoff battles and won a championship, I think we are ready for war.AllHipHop.com: This is definitely the best team you guys have had in a few years. Probably the best in the Wizards Organizations history.Caron Butler: This is the most talented team we had since I been here and I been here for 5 years now. I’m anxious to get the season going.AllHipHop.com: I think Boston and Orlando present the biggest challenges, would you agree with that?Caron Butler: Definitely, with the additions of Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels along with a healthy KG and development of their younger guys, they are going to be tough to handle. But we think we can beat anybody on a giving night, we present a lot of match up problems.AllHipHop.com: The Cavs added Shaq but for some reason I’m just not really seeing that working out.Caron Butler: Shaq is honestly one of the greatest players of all time and I feel like you just have to adapt to the situation and share that stage with LeBron and just make some beautiful music, but I’m just pushing and pulling for the Wizards.

H. Speaking of the Cleveland Cavaliers, how do you feel about Mike Miller wearing Lebron’s shoes?Caron Butler: You know LeBron is my man off the court so you know it is all good. Of course we prefer him to wear something else but if he goes out there and shoots the way he has the last couple of years wearing those shoes then so be it.AllHipHop.com: What player talks the most trash during games?Caron Butler: I would have to say Kevin Garnett, but it is to himself. Kevin Garnett is one of those dudes you love to watch because he is always hyping himself up. He talks to himself more then anything.AllHipHop.com: Who would say is the most underrated player?Caron Butler: A lot of guys, you know myself, Shawn Marion, Joe Johnson you know guys that get it done on a night to night basis but get overlooked. Like I said though numbers don’t lie, they get it done night after night.AllHipHop.com: If you could use one word to describe new head coach Flip Saunders what would it be?Caron Butler: Genius!AllHipHop.com: Genius?Caron Butler: Yeah, I think he is an offensive genius, because some of his philosophies, the plays and the way his mind works with the offensive schemes.AllHipHop.com: He definitely opens things up, I thought he got a raw deal in Detroit.Caron Butler: Yeah, that is the nature of the beast, people get tough breaks sometimes.AllHipHop.com: If you were not a professional basketball player what would Caron Butler be doing?Caron Butler: I would have to say working somewhere like a group home or recreational center. You know working with kids, helping kids and sharing my story. Just trying to be a pillar in the community.AllHipHop.com: So the community is really important to you?Caron Butler: Yes definitely, I have been thru a lot in my life, so I try and get out there and share my story as much as possible. I feel like with the youth today, seeing is really believing. You got a lot of people that will come in and give great speeches and conduct great lectures. But they have not been thru it, after going thru it, after being incarcerated and being out there in the streets and so much, I can identify with the youth.AllHipHop.com: Besides the travel schedule what would you say is the biggest challenge you face being a husband and father?Caron Butler: Besides travel, time. Outside of being on the road, this is a year round job, training, you don’t get a lot of time to spend with your loved ones and kids. Your such a public figure that everything you do, you are in the spotlight. So it is different.AllHipHop.com: What makes Caron Butler stay so humble amid all the success?Caron Butler: I have a great circle. I was raised right and I know some things aren’t me. I know it is a bigger power, a higher being that made all this possible. So I always praise him. You know I was humbled with injuries early in my career, I remember those days and now I try to lead and be a role model and just be the best professional I can be on and off the court thru that experience.AllHipHop.com: Word is you are blogging, who introduced you to blogging?Caron Butler: First person I ever seen blog was Gilbert, and I thought his stuff was so entertaining but I thought I would do something a little different. His stuff is real funny. I just want people to see a whole other side of me. You know, you see me on the court always serious, I just want to show another side of Caron Butler.(Caron Butler’s blog can be found on www.hoopshype.com)AllHipHop.com: What are some of the things you blog about?Caron Butler: I’m going to be blogging about my team, my life, what I’m going thru, what we are going thru as a unit, what I’m doing in my free time, whenever I get any. Everything you know, it is the real Tough-Juice, Uncut Juice.AllHipHop.com: Now when you were growing up if someone told you there would be an NBA player from Racine, Wisconsin would you have believed them?Caron Butler: Never in a million years would I have believed them.AllHipHop.com: I hear in Racine June 8th is Caron Butler day, do I have to go to work that day?Caron Butler: (Laughing) Yeah June 8th is the official Caron Butler day, it is a nice thing. It is a day of service where I try and influence members of the community to go out and be pillars of the community. We do a lot of wonderful things, it is just a day of service, helping out some how, some way.AllHipHop.com: Are there any particular events going on that day?Caron Butler: Yeah definitely, we do cookouts, a lot of social gatherings and I host a charity basketball game back in Racine. It is a big event, that the whole town supports, and I mean it is huge.AllHipHop.com: What’s up with Team Takeover?Caron Butler: Team Takeover is out of DC and is my 16 and under AAU squad, there have been taking over everywhere they go, they are holding it down. They are doing a great job and it has been great to be part of that. While I was looking around for teams that I could help and try to inspire and have a hands on commitment with. Coach Stevens said to me he has a great team, a great group of kids that need some help and it would be great if I could head up there and touch them. I thought it would be a great opportunity to do something special. I always wanted to get involved with AAU so what better time then now.AllHipHop.com: Do you ever get on the court and go up against the kids?Caron Butler: They never call me out, they know what is best for them (laughing). I will step out there.AllHipHop.com: What is your life going to be like for you after basketball?Caron Butler: I think it is going to be fun, I look forward to that, having a lot of free time and spending it with my loved ones. Diversifying my portfolio and doing a lot of other things. But for right now the main focus is winning a title and after that fall back where there are no mosquitoes.AllHipHop.com: If healthy you guys should definitely be in the title hunt the next four or five years with the roster the way it is now.Caron Butler: Definitely, that is the planAllHipHop.com: Are you on twitter or Facebook?Caron Butler: Nah.AllHipHop.com: I asked my twitter followers if they could ask their favorite NBA player a question what it would be.

The question is: During the most recent recession how many people have come to Caron Butler for a bailout?Caron Butler: Oh man hundreds.AllHipHop.com: All types of people, or just family and friends?Caron Butler: (laughing) Everything, family, friends, 3rd cousins 8th cousins everybody.AllHipHop.com: So did anyone get a bailout package?Caron Butler: Nah.AllHipHop.com: I don’t blame you.AllHipHop.com: Last question; Being a professional athlete and recognizable face, what do you feel is your responsibility to the community overall?Caron Butler: I know my responsibility to the community is to be a role model, obviously to teach. And just to be professional on and off the court. Be a pillar in the community and do as much as I can in the community. Be visible and be seen in the right way, just try and get out there and inspire young folks as much as possible. And you know, I enjoy doing it, I don’t have a problem going out there and talking, you know I’m approachable, you can talk to me, you can touch me, it is not like I’m standoffish. I like getting out there and having interaction with the kids.

AllHipHop.com: Thanks for your time Caron, it has been a pleasure.This interview was conducted by Harold from www.thehoopsforum.com. Follow Harold on Twitter www.twitter.com/H_thehoopsforum.com

The Last Word: Sade’s Still Sexy! Mariah Gets Acting Props! Ashanti Beats Recession!

What’s up everybody? It’s been a short but good week as we digest Allen Iverson announcing his retirement from basketball on Wednesday (Nov. 25), Adam Lambert’s S###### themed performance at the American Music Awards and the avalanche of Christmas shoppers who are invading stores right now on this Black Friday.

 

Shout out to Lady Gaga, who made sure her “little monsters” were taken care of by ordering $1,000 worth of Papa John’s pizza for those waiting for her autograph at a West Hollywood Best Buy on Monday (Nov. 23), Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie who utilized their Jolie-Pitt Foundation to give $6.8 million to charities  in 2008 and the sounding boards for eating and shopping without missing a beat.

 

Although Thanksgiving was yesterday, I gotta give thanks to you, the sounding boards and everybody else for checking in regularly and give your comments on what I put in this column every week. I appreciate the feedback and support. Thank you for motivating me to keep the Word going.

 

And with that and a still-full stomach from too much turkey, I unveil to you…the Last Word for the week ending Nov. 27, 2009.

 

 

 

1.       Idris Elba Prepares to Mingle With Thor

 

Idris Elba will be rubbing elbows with the gods as he joins the cast of Marvel Studio’s upcoming action feature Thor. The Hollywood Reporter reveals the actor will play Heimdall, the guardian of Asgard stands on the BiFrost Bridge ready to defend the city from intruders.

 

Thor marks the second comic book movie that will feature Elba. The former star of the Wire will also appear in Dark Castle’s DC Comics adaptation The Losers. As for Thor, Elba joins Chris Hemsworth , who will play the Norse god of thunder; Tom Hiddleston, who is set to play Thor’s half-brother Loki; Natalie Portman, who comes aboard as Thor’s love interest Jane Foster; Kat Dennnings, who will play a co-worker of Portman’s character and Anthony Hopkins, who will portray Thor and Loki’s father, Odin.

 

Shooting for Thor is set to begin in mid-January in Manhattan Beach, Calif.

 

Elba isn’t the only actor juggling time between the Marvel and DC Universe. Ryan Reynolds is also doing double duty with starring roles in DC’s upcoming Green Lantern film and Marvel’s forthcoming feature on their popular “Merc with a Mouth,” Deadpool.

 

 

 

2.       Kevin Rudolf Presents Britney Spears’ Spirit of Lip-Synching

 

Fame is truly a confusing monster. A couple of hit songs and one album and the world is seemingly yours. Complete with an army of adoring fans. Maybe that’s why Kevin Rudolf gave a less than stellar performance at a recent homecoming dance at Valencia High School in California.

 

TMZ.com reports Rudolf was paid $7,000 to do what he does best at the dance. But according to the school’s ASB director, the entertainer chose to put in a DVD and lip-synch his two hits, the  Lil Wayne-assisted “Let it Rock” (without Wayne) and “Welcome to the World,” rather than use his voice to sing. Rudolf’s half step didn’t fare well with the director, who ultimately confronted the vocalist. It was at this point, the director says a guy from Rudolf’s entourage comes to the singer’s rescue to say “Forget this place. Let’s get out of here.” And away they went.

 

And that, in a nutshell, is how an artists ends up on the ever-growing list of one- or two-hit wonders. Maybe Kevin should’ve just let the ego go and made his money the old-fashioned way, by rocking the crowd and earning it. Leave the lip-synching to Britney.

 

 

 

3.       Corinne Bailey Rae Reemerges with New Songs and Album on the Way

 

Ever since her husband, saxophonist Jason Rae, died nearly two years ago of an accidental drug overdose, Corinne Bailey Rae has been M.I.A. from the public eye.  Fortunately, the singer has remained under the radar and active as she put together the follow-up to her self-titled debut album.

 

Bailey Rae came out of seclusion on Monday (Nov. 23) to debut some of the new songs she wrote for the release , titled The Sea, in front of 500 people at the Tabernacle, West London. Billboard.com reports the new material ranged from emotional ballads (“I’d Like to Call It Beauty” and “I’d Do It All Again”) to upbeat tunes (“Paris Nights and New York Mornings”) to songs with elements of jazz and soul augmented by a rockier sound (“Are You Here?” and “Paper Dolls”).

 

All that, coupled with three songs from her first album (“Like a Star” “Put Your Records On” and “Til It Happens to You”) marked Bailey Rae’s reintroduction into the musical spotlight via the hour-long concert. The singer will follow the show with a few dates in the U.S. next month, People revealed.

 

Corinne Bailey Rae’s The Sea is slated to hit stores on Feb. 2, 2010.

 

 

 

4.       Mariah Carey Breaks Through With Acting Recognition

 

With a string of musical high points over the years, awards for Mariah Carey are nothing new. And while the songstress is adding another honor to her continuing list of accomplishments, this one has nothing to do with singing.

 

Media sources report that Carey will kick off 2010 on a good note when she receives the breakthrough performance award for her work in the film Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire. The entertainer will  be honored with the award at an awards gala that will take place January 5 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The gala is one of a series of events tied to the 21st annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, which is scheduled to run from January 5-18, 2010.

 

Carey’s ability to shed her diva persona for Precious was the deciding factor in recognizing her talents as an actress as the festival’s chairman Harold Matzner noticed how Carey “completely transformed herself from a glamorous music icon to a forthright social worker for the role of Ms. Weiss in Precious

 

 

 5. Ashanti Moves in Reality TV Land

 

Months after parting ways with the folks at The  Inc., Ashanti is forging a new solo path in the world of reality television. The songbird has signed a development deal to work with Reveille LLC on a new reality show. Details of the new deal have not been fully disclosed.

 

Ashantithisisme.com reports that under the partnership, Ashanti will service as “executive producer and will appear and oversee a new music based competition TV show.”

 

“I’m excited about the opportunity to be working with Reveille LLC, one of the tv industry’s heavyweights,” Ashanti said in a statement. “…I can’t wait to begin production.”

 

Although reality TV has been a place for has beens, retired celebrities and stars who have seen better days, I think Ashanti still has more than enough in her to return to music. Hopefully, she won’t fade into music history after the reality TV train slows down. Stay tuned…

 

 

 

 

In Other Words…

 

 

 

Kelis is bouncing back from her divorce from Nas with a new record deal and a new single for fans. (Listen and download here!)

 

“My song is called “Acapella” and I wrote it with love and life in mind,” Kelis tweeted. “ I hope that it finds you well and that you love it, cause honestly I do! Muah!” Kelis tweeted as she set the stage for her upcoming Will.I.Am/Interscope Records debut. “My album is pretty much done. I signed a new deal and I’m madly in love with life and ready to share something with you.”

 

 

As much as she likes being the primary attraction on her albums, Alicia Keys is clearing the way to bring in a few friends to add to what she’s already put down on her forthcoming album, The Element of Freedom.

 

Keys’ guests include Beyoncé, who pops up on “Put It In A Love Song” and Drake, who lends background vocals for “Unthinkable (I’m Ready).” News of the collaborations come as Keys gears up to perform at a sold out show in New York City on Tuesday (Dec. 1).

 

For those who don’t have a ticket, you can catch the performance when it streams live on YouTube at 8 p.m. EST. that day. Keys is expected to sing songs from The Element of Freedom at the show, which, according to show organizers, is being held in conjunction with World Aids Day. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Keys’ Keep A Child Alive foundation.

 

 

Many Words ago, I mentioned that Sade  was back in the studio working on tunes for a new album. Well it looks like we’ll  soon be hearing what she’s been up to in the very near future. Media sources state the group, which features vocalist Sade Adu, has completed work on its sixth studio album, Soldier of Love. Plans call for the album to hit stores Feb. 8, 2010, just in time to make Valentine’s Day a lot sexier for those looking for a soundtrack to set the mood with your significant other.

 

‘Tis the season to give. And Tyler Perry is doing just that with a $1 million donation to the NAACP.  To hear, the entertainment mogul tell it, the civil rights organization laid the foundation for the success he achieved with his popular inspirational plays and movies.

“I feel so honored and blessed to be in a position where I can give,” Perry said. “Had it not been for the perseverance and vision of the thousands who came before me in the 100 years of this legendary organization, I would not be in the position I am in today.”

  

 

Those looking for new Christmas songs to embrace can check out Last Christmas, an upcoming EP from  recently signed Disturbing Tha Peace (DTP) singer Rudy Currence. The five-song release will include three original Christmas songs (lead single “Last Christmas” “Carolina Christmas” and “Christmas Card”) as well as covers of Christmas  “The First Noel” and “Away in a Manger.”

 

“I wanted to create a classic holiday sampler. I wanted to make Christmas music that’s timeless, songs that people will remember for years to come,” Currence said in a statement. “For those who don’t know me, just think of this EP as an introduction to Rudy Currence, and to all my fans this EP is definitely meant to be a gift they can hold on to while anticipating my upcoming album with DTP.”

 

Last Christmas is available now at various online music retailers, including iTunes, Amazon and Napster.

Camp Brooklyn To Honor Famed Director Spike Lee

Famed Director Spike Lee will be honored at an auction to benefit Children’s charity Camp Brooklyn this December.

 

Camp Brooklyn was founded by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, who will present Lee with the 20th Anniversary Mickey Mantle Community Service Award.

 

The auction will raise funds for Camp Brooklyn, which gives children a chance to leave their urban environments, to learn about teamwork, loyalty, community service, responsibility, personal respect and other areas of development.

 

Lee is being honored for his ground breaking film work in addition to his on going community service in Brooklyn and the greater New York area.

 

Items being auctioned include a walk on role in Lee’s next movie, a Bruce Springsteen signed acoustic guitar, a 4-day Carnival cruise, sailing from New York and an Alex Rodriguez No. 13 autographed New York Yankee’s pin-striped jersey.

 

Also being honored during the event is Citi Bank executive, Denise Arbesu. The fund raiser takes place December 9th at Mickey Mantle’s restaurant in New York City.

 

Tickets to the fund raiser are $200 and admission is open to the general public.

 

All proceeds will benefit Camp Brooklyn efforts to raise funds to send over 400 children to camp in 2010.

NBA Star Allen Iverson Announces Retirement

NBA star/rapper Allen Iverson has announced his retirement from the NBA in a statement released on commentator Stephen A. Smith’s website yesterday (November 25th).

 

Iverson, who played in the NBA for 13 years, was a 10 time All-Star, who played with the 76ers from 1996 until 2006.

 

From 2006 until 2008 Iverson played with the Denver Nuggets. In 2009, the Nuggets traded Iverson to the Detroit Pistons, where he sat out the majority of the season.

 

A back injury was officially sited as the reason for his deactivation.

 

Iverson signed a one-year contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in September, but left the team earlier this month for personal reasons.

 

Last week the Grizzlies terminated Iverson’s contract, after the former star player played in only three games.

 

In a statement on Smith’s website, Iverson stated that he was stepping away from the game to spend quality time with his wife and children.

 

“I would like to announce my plans from the National Basketball Association,” Iverson said in a statement. “I always thought that when I left the game, it would be because I couldn’t help my team the way that I was accustomed to. However, that is not the case. I still have tremendous love for the game, the desire to play and a whole lot left in my tank. I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level.”

 

Iverson thanked a number of influential people in his statement, including Magic Johnson, Isaiah Thomas, Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, his mother, John Thompson and Philadelphia 76ers former head coach Larry Brown, with whom Iverson had a tumultuous relationship.

 

Under his rap name Juelz, Iverson has recorded with a variety of rappers including Mase, Mysonne and Harlem World.

 

In 2000 his track “40 Bars” leaked. The track contained numerous explicative lyrics as well as derogatory remarks against homosexuals.

 

The track was never released nor was the album.

 

“To the city of Philadelphia I have wonderful memories of my day in a Sixers uniform,” Iverson stated. “To Philly fans, thank you. Your voice will always be music to my ears.”

Download: Lupe Fiasco’s Enemy of the State: A Love Story

Lupe Fiasco has eluded the limelight for quite sometime since his last album, The Cool. Now, the Chicago rapper presents Hip-Hop fans another reason to be grateful on Thanksgiving Day.

Although, he’s been out of the commercial realm, true fans know that the rapper has increased the output of music recently. The intensity has increased as well, a shift evident on Lupe Fiasco’s Enemy of the State: A Love Story.

The mixtape has Lupe spitting over songs Timbaland, Drake, Slaughterhouse, The Clipse and offers a much appreciated rock sensibility as well.

This is merely the beginning. Lupe has already revealed a Christmas day mixtape entitled Friend of the People, which will undoubtedly be an appreciated gift on a day of giving.

Download and comment your thoughts on Lupe Fiasco’s Enemy of the State: A Love Story.

Additional download link: HERE.

PS: Read “Rapper: Do It The Lupe Fiasco Way”

Hip-Hop Stars And Their Sports Twin

“Me and the boy A.I. got more in common than just ballin and rhymin…” – Jay-Z, “Super Ugly”

There will be ballin’. There will be rivalries. There will be some swinging of the fists and there will be some showboating. This is not a rap concert…this is the National Basketball Association.

The relationship between rap and basketball has always been one that causes double-takes because of how similar the cast of characters is on each side.  The NBA has a Jay-Z, a Weezy, and a Yeezy. But you know them under their professional basketball names: Jordan, James and Kobe. In recognition of the 09-10 season, Hood Newz has compiled a list of basketball greats and found their bizzaro rap counterpart.  Correct me if we’re wrong , but…we’re not. Check it.

Kenyon Martin = The Game

Whether you like him or not, his erratic behavior is entertaining.

Richard Hamilton = Ludacris

People overlook this funny looking player, until he hits the shots that remind you he’s not be f**ked with.

Starks & Oakley = Rae and Ghost

Representatives of a gritty NY at it finest.

Michael Jordan = Jay-Z

When he came back wearing the 4-5, he didn’t to play games with you.

Mickael Pietrus = Hurricane Chris

People think he can’t play, but he’s a lot better than people think.

Ray Allen = Nas

This fan fave is one of  “the” five best shooters in history…and still hitting it when it counts.

Stockton/Malone = EPMD

One legend needed the other to keep that consistency going for so long.

Stephon Marbury = DMX

One of these dominating figures of the late 90’s has gone completely bonkers at the expense of his career.  Guess which one?

Robert Horry = Fat Joe

A veteran who, whether you like him or not, delivers a hit when it counts.

Chicago Bulls 90’s = Roc-A-Fella

…witness a dynasty like no other.

Tony Parker = Lupe Fiasco

A very good player who came in under a championship team and has kept it consistent ever since.

Allen Iverson = Cam’Ron

If he could just adjust his style to go with his potential, he would be hands down one of the greatest.

Carmelo Anthony = T.I.

He’s one of the best players in the game today, but the other two best guys prohibit him from being hands down THE best.

Larry Bird = Eminem

Dominant white guy in a field dominated by bros..

Ron Artest = Beanie Segal

Great team asset with a short temper and questionable outside activities.

Lebron James = Lil Wayne

Overexposed, exceptional at what he does and the fans love it.

Chris Paul = Drake

Potential to be one of the future greats.

N.W.A = Detroit Bad Boys 1989

A talented bunch of  *****z with attitude.

Charles Barkley = Ice Cube

A legend who never asked to be liked.

Tim Duncan = Fabolous

Extremely effective, but over looked due to lack of s####.

Sam Booey = Canibus

A bust of the highest magnitude.

Chauncey Billups = Young Jeezy

Consistent all around threat who’s overlooked, yet is one of the 3 best in his position.

The Dream Team = Death Row Records

Hard to believe that at one point in time, some of the greatest ever were on one team during the prime of their career.

Rasheed Wallace = Mobb Deep

Rugged, consistent contributor to the game entering the twilight of a great career.

Stephen Jackson = Young buck

Nuff said!!

50 Cent = Shaq O’Neil

Dominant player who changed the game and refuses to call it quits despite being criticized as  past his prime.

Big L= Len Bias

Great potential gone before it could blossom into franchise player. By 1995 both Jay-Z (MJ) and Big L (Bias) made an appearance in New York’s 89.9 and performed a classic freestyle that left audiences believing that not only that these two would go on towards greatness, but that Big L would be eventually flourish into a franchise player able to take his team (DITC) to the promise land.

Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley = Red & Meth

Well respected contributors to their respective units who’d prefer to play with each other than with other players.

Kobe Bryant = Kanye West

Like Kobe, Kanye came off the bench of a dynasty and worked his way up.

Like Kobe, Kanye delivered 3 back to back rings in the form of 3 platinum plus classic albums.

Like Kobe, his 4th ring was a breeze in a climate where he was left unchallenged.

Like Kobe, Kanye’s confidence in his abilities combined with his work ethic make him the one to beat in his field.

Like Kobe, he has managed to leave his peers in the dust with A-level performance in all categories.

Like Kobe, we hate to see him win, but he earns it.

Like Kobe, Jordan purists refuse to acknowledge that he may be the best in this era.

Extra tidbit: Since his arrival in 2004, Kanye West has scored 28 hits on billboards rythmatic airplay charts. Wests’ total matches Lil Wayne [Lebron] for the most hits in that span and ties 50 Cent [Shaq] and Jay-Z [Jordan] for third most appearances this decade.

Dr.Jay = Rakim

Considered the greatest, before others were.

Dikembe Mutombo = Busta Rhyme

Entertaining to watch, but waaay past his prime on the court.

Hakeem Olajuwon = KRS-ONE

People tend to forget how really good he was.

Kareem = LL Cool J

One of the greatest of all time…with decent movie parts

Phil Jackson = Dr.Dre

Decent player, excellent coach helping keep LA relevant.

Bernard King = Big Daddy Kane

King was knocking down 55 points before MJ made it nothing.

Tracy McGrady = Juelz

The most talented underachiever in the game.

Shawn Kemp = Lloyd Banks

Signs of greatness, swept away overnight.

Jason Williams = Alchemist

Caucasian contributor with soul, not be f**ked with.

GAME REVIEW: GTA IV – The Ballad Of Gay Tony

Developer/Publisher: Rockstar Games

 

Platform: XBOX 360

 

Players: 1 – 16 (Online)

Rating: A++

 

The world of GTA IV has provided gamers an over the top, fast and furious ride through the underworld of the fictional Liberty City. Our first protagonist Niko Bellic gave us a tremendous introduction to this metropolis through the eyes of an immigrant transplant. On The Lost & Damned, bike gang member Johnny Klebitz showed a different side of this immense crime ridden saga.

 

 

 

Now Grand Theft Auto IV gets its closing chapter with the stellar The Ballad Of Gay Tony (Rockstar). Like the first episode, you’ll need a copy of GTA IV to play the downloadable version of Gay Tony. Those who don’t have the original disc, you can buy Episodes From Liberty City and your two episode hunt is over.

 

 

TBOGT stars Luis Lopez. An all too familiar face to the series, Lopez is the partner of infamous nightclub impresario “Gay” Tony Prince. In this installment we get a different view of the city as the nightlife capital. Therefore you get to do missions for some of the most powerful which takes the action to insane heights. Now possible are missions on top moving trains, inside airplanes, throwing people off roofs, and wild shootouts in the sky.

 

On a broader scope, helicopters and armored trucks play a bigger role in this episode. In what stands to be the biggest bonus are the new weapons. In all previous incarnations of the GTA series, the only way to take out any airborne hostility was with the trusty rocket launcher. Now with a shotgun with explosive shells, you can pretty much take out anything on with much ease. Also the sticky bombs add more diabolical fun to free roam or multi-player.

 

 

 

While there are no new parts of the city to explore, TBOGT provides gamers with new features to freshen the scenery up. Drug Wars is a new set of side missions where Luis teams up with his pals Armando and Henrique to rob stashes from rival dealers. In an interesting twist, base jumping has been also added the extracurricular activities.

 

 

The goal is to jump off buildings and parachute safely to the targeted drop zone. Another much welcomed addition is the option to replay story missions. Missions are now scored depending on time, kills and more leading even more of an online competitive spirit.

 

All in all The Ballad Of Gay Tony is one of the most fun games you will play all year. This episode takes Grand Theft Auto IV to even crazier heights with gold plated submachine guns, drive-by shootings from Bentleys, and more. We can’t imagine what Rockstar will come up with next.

 

GTA IV: The Ballad Of Gay Tony Meet Luis Lopez Trailer

 

 

Exclusive: Dolla’s Mom Speaks; Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty For Murder

The family of slain rapper Dolla will celebrate his 22nd birthday today (November 25th) with the release of a brand new mixtape titled The Miseducation of Dolla.

 

Dollar, born Roderick Anthony Burton II, was gunned down in front of the Beverly Center on May 18th 2009.

 

Just hours after the shooting, police arrested Aubrey Louis Berry, 23, as he attempted to flee California via a flight from Los Angeles Airport, back to his hometown of Atlanta.

 

“Just a few hours before the incident, I spoke to my son and he was on his way home catching a flight out. I stay close to the airport, so he used to stop by,” Dolla’s mother Dawnee Robinson exclusively told AllHipHop.com. “He told me what he wanted for dinner. He wanted some yellow rice, cabbage and chicken wings. So I went to the store and made sure I had everything. So when I got the call, I was cooking his dinner.”

 

While numerous reports have made references to Dolla’s alleged ties to the Crips street gang, Dolla’s mother denied those claims and said her son was simply into Hip-Hop music.

 

“He’s always been inquisitive and ambitious and wanted to know everything about everything,” Ms. Robinson told AllHipHop.com. “[He] read everything in sight. Asked a lot of questions and he’s always been, you know just a light. I’m so blessed Allah chose me to be his mother.”

 

While Dolla’s music may have reflected the street life, his mother claimed he was an aspiring rapper who was trying to fulfill his dreams through music and modeling, when he was murdered in cold blood.

 

“My son was always working, always in the studio,” Robinson revealed. “He spent a lot of time at home with us when he wasn’t on the road. So you know, whatever caused this person to murder my son, I’m still in total disbelief and can’t understand what would, provoke anyone to do something like,” an upset Robinson stated.

 

Dolla started rapping at the age of 11 and after a short lived deal with Dreamworks, he was signed to Akon’s Konvict Muzic record label in 2007.

 

Akon made a cameo appearance on Dolla’s biggest single “Who the F**k is That,” which also featured Florida producer/rapper T-Pain.

 

The rapper was in Los Angeles recording material for his debut album for the label, when he was shot and killed near the V.I.P.valet parking area of the Beverly Center.

 

“He was finishing his album and mixing his mixtape. It was also his girlfriend’s 23rd birthday that lived in Los Angeles, but she goes to school at Clark [Clark-Atlanta University]. So he was killing three birds with one stone. Mixing, finishing up his music and enjoying her birthday weekend. So that’s why he was there.”

 

Aubrey Louis Berry, 23, is charged with murder and assault. He claimed that he acted out of self defense after Dolla and his crew threatened him in the Beverly Center.

 

The former promoter from Atlanta is being held on $2 million dollars bail for his role in the murder and has pled not guilty to the charge.

 

Sources told AllHipHop.com that prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Berry for the murder of Dolla.

 

While Dolla’s mother expressed grief over the fact the two young men had lost their lives, she did state that she wanted to see justice pursued to the full extent of the law.

 

“Hey, all I know is that is not OK to go around shooting and killing people,” Robinson told AllHipHop.com. “That’s not what I believe in. That’s not what my son believed in and I feel that anyone who is so bold to take another life, for no apparent reason, I feel that they should be prosecuted with full extent of the law and that’s how I feel.”

 

Dolla’s new mixtape The Miseducation of Dolla hit the internet today, along with two previously unreleased tracks, “Ghetto Prayer” featuring J. Valentine and “Gonna Be Alright

 

“His legacy is a great one,” Robinson stated. “I believe that you know in due time you know Bu [Akon’s brother/business partner], Akon and Damian Jackson, Dolla’s manager and mentor will make the step t put things out really soon. The mixtape came out today on his birthday as a free download. We just want him to heard.”