The Playlist: Marian Mereba Presents Room for Living Remixes

Every once in a while I come across an artist who grabs all of my attention. When I first experienced Marian Mereba, that's exactly what happened. With the flair and grace of a British soul singer, but the hip and approach of Lauryn Hill- Marian Mereba is a talent for some of everybody to love. She oozes cool, but not on purpose. It's a natural glow that stems from true authentic artistry and creative freedom.

Marian is a well known and celebrated name among the Atlanta music circuit. Known for her great live performances, ability to write, rap, play instruments, and just give good energy- she's a fan favorite. So, it's with great excitement that we feature her new release- Room for Living Remixes as our The Playlist feature this week!

Her latest project features remakes of some of her supporters' favorite records like, Go to London and Rolling Stoner , among the other records from the original EP. The collection of songs were created by some of music's most buzzed about up and coming names. She collaborated with Colossal Mantis, ForteBowie, Brandon Rossi, and a name we know from one of Marian's good friends and fellow artist India Shawn's work- John Key. The creativity is at it's peak on this one!

Room for Living Remixes is available today on www.babyloncartel.com, and everywhere November 4th. Get into this brilliant artistry and lovely soul. Update your Playlists.

Contact us to be considered for The Playlist!

Miley Cyrus is Lil Kim & Ellen is Nicki Minaj - Who wins this battle?!

You may recall Miley Cyrus' epic Nicki Minaj costume last year for halloween. She mastered it. This year Miley went with another infamous female rapper, & quite frankly tackled her most infamous look. Purple wig and all, Miley went for Lil Kim's purple pasty fit! I must admit Miley goes in with her costumes.

Nicki wasn't left out of the fun though. One of my fave tv personalities Ellen took on the Nicki Minaj look- which also coincidentally has some boob action. I have to give it to Ellen, this is hilarious!

So, thanks to some fun dress up time Nicki & Lil Kim have a whole new kind of battle on their hands.


Who wins this one? Miley as Kim or Ellen as Nicki?!


Here are a couple more pics of the costumes!

Kelly Rowland Stops By Jimmy Kimmel (Video)

Kelly Rowland sat down with Jimmy Kimmel this past Monday! The gorgeous song bird took time out of her busy schedule to dish on X-Factor, Simon “The Diva” Cowell, and auditioning for Star Search as a child. I'm sure many people were hoping she'd comment on her estranged father making the news recently. He's practically speaking out on their broken relationship and begging her to come back into his life.

They never touched on that, but Kelly was sure to fill us in on her professional life with easel. Be sure to watch Kelly Rowland as a judge on X Factor Thursday 8/7c on Fox and pick up a copy of her album “Talk a Good Game” in stores NOW! Check out her interview below!

Chilli Takes a Stand as a Mom: Leave Our Kids Out of It

Yesterday I received an email, and the subject of it was an immediate red flag. I knew immediately what it was about. I've had the pleasure of interviewing Chilli, and watching/reading other interviews she's done over the years. One common thread is always her love and admiration for her son Tron. She not only gushes over him, but she takes mothering him very seriously. With that said, I have noticed in the days following the release of TLC's incredible biopic on VH1, that her son Tron has become the target of a lot of negative media. I am in no way surprised that Chilli is speaking out.

One site in particular -MTO of course- took things too far. This is causing Chilli to speak out on this issue. I've seen this happen with many children who happen to be born to celebs, and I am so glad that she took the time to articulate her point in such a direct way. She brought the stats and all. I loved reading it, and am happy to share it with you.  

Kudos to Chilli. Read her full statement below:

Most of you know me as a member of the group TLC, but everyone who knows me personally knows being a MOM is my number one priority. The health and safety of my son means more to me that any accomplishment or achievement I've received being an entertainer. Recently my son was targeted negatively by popular gossip site MediaTakeOut.com. I can't describe the anger I felt at my son being ridiculed continuously by MediaTakeOut.com for no other reason than the fact that he's my son. MediaTakeOut.com has posted numerous false stories about me, and other celebrity friends of mine and while I don't like it, I realize that is a part of what comes with celebrity. However when my 16-year-old son is being attacked, that is when I take off the celebrity hat and become the protective Mother that I am, and I know many of you are. 

The love for our children is one of the things that connects us across culture, race, age and even gender. I know there are many celebrity parents that have to or one day will have to comfort their children when being attacked by media and it isn't right. Adults have the mental capacity to deal and prioritize. Most importantly my son had no choice in who his mother was just like many other celebrity kids do not.  It isn't fair that our children have to deal with cyber bullying because of the career choice of their parents. Anyone under the age of 18 should not be ridiculed or targeted by MediaTakeOut.com or any other website. 

There are countless anti-bullying campaigns geared towards teens and I support the message with my own non-profit, Chilli's Crew. If we can rally to stop bullying in schools and via social media. How much more should we support an anti-bullying message for entertainment websites that host millions of readers a month? Who are the advertisers posting on these sites? Why are they supporting a site bullying minors? We need to make the website and their advertisers accountable. 

Celebrity parents have expectations of an invasion of privacy and negative comments but children who experience this are at risk for greater stress, anxiety and other long lasting effects. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, bullying is a form of aggressive behavior manifested by the use of force or coercion to affect others, particularly when the behavior is habitual and involves an imbalance of power. It can include verbal harassment, physical assault or coercion and may be directed repeatedly towards particular victims, perhaps on grounds of race, religion, gender, sexuality, or ability. Cyber bullying is a form of bullying that occurs via text message, email, social media, websites, blogs, and other virtual outlets. Therefore, anyone with an opinion can now use technology to attack, intimidate or harass children.  With approximately 52% of students who reported being cyber bullied, everyone’s kids are at risk. 

Kids who experience bullying are more likely to experience mental health issues that effect their ability to sleep, eating patterns, loss of interest in activities, health complaints, and decreased academic achievement. These issues can continue to persist in the victim through adulthood. In a minimal number of cases targets of bullying may deal retaliate by using extreme violence. For instance, 12 out of the 15 school shooters in the 1990s were victims of bulling. Victims of bullying are also 2 to 9 times more likely to consider committing suicide.
The articles need to be removed from MediaTakeOut.com and an apology issued to my son.
Thank you,
Chilli

UPDATE: The petition reached over 500 signatures. Soon after, Editor of MTO released the below apology. Their site is built on gossip and bullying celebrities, so this apology weighs very little on the real issue. It's worth posting none the less:

It has come to my attention that in an article posted on MediaTakeOut.com on October 28th, some inappropriate comments were made towards Tron Austin, the son to Rozonda "Chili" Tomas. As many of you are aware, MediaTakeOut.com has a strict policy against criticizing children, whether children of celebrities or otherwise. 

New Video: Ariana Grande feat Big Sean- Right There

Back At It: See Rihanna's New Ink

Well, Rihanna is known for her ink. She's managed to have some of the most recognizable and unique tattoos of any pop artist out. Just recently she got Moari tribal art done on her hand the traditional way, with chisel and ink.  Now, Rihanna is back at it, on the same hand. If you're at all familiar with Henna tattoos, Rih's latest tatt will ring a bell.

Celeb artist Bang Bang flew out to the Dominican Republic to start what turned out to be an ELEVEN hour tattoo session on the pop star's hand. She already had the Moari art and a previous tattoo that were both very visible, so the new work was a bit of a challenge Bang admitted to E! News- the "most challenging work he's done on her":

We drew on her hand from 7 p.m. to midnight. We were drawing and changing things. I'd take a break and Cally-Jo would draw, then I'd draw...The inspiration was henna art, we wanted something really decorative, feminine and sexy. We thought that was the closest in style where we could shift and make it look decorative.

 She had something pre-existing on her hand. So it was a little bit of a cover up, but also making it look good, wanted to make sure it flowed. We needed to work with what she already had,difficult, because the stuff she already had was a pattern on skin. We were trying to fit the body with what she already had. Mend the two styles with a new style. 

Her hand is not something you can put away. We went over and over. It was a struggle to design. She even took a nap when we were drawing. We started over, until we found the direction she liked."

Bang Bang went on to say that the task was simply making a perfect blend of the work already on her hand and her new ink. So what did Rihanna think of it when it was all said and done? Well, he told E! News that she was in love with it:

"Rih flipped out! Absolutely loved it!"

Let's hope so because there is really no going back from such a large tattoo in such a visible place. We're glad Rihanna likes her new art. I'm going to miss the original piece on her hand that stood out so well, it was one of my personal faves of hers, but... she obviously wanted something fresh and new. Tattoos are very personal, and for many they can represent so much, so who knows why she's going through it with this hand art. We know she wanted it to be done up, and thats what she got. This girl's a G with the ink. Check out her new tatt below.

The original

Now

PS I didn't want to jump to any conclusions..but does it look like Rihanna has a new piercing as well?

E!

New Video: Justin Timberlake- TKO

In the new video for their jam TKO, Justin Timberlake brings the drama. The video depicts a story of a dark fantasy he lives out with a woman ( actress Riley Keough). He finds himself seduced by the woman's appeal, but she rejects his advances until finally, they are spotted getting to it on the kitchen counter. Just as it seems this is going right for him, all of a sudden he's knocked out, tied up, and in a very dangerous situation.

JT's 20/20 Experience so far has delivered great music AND great visuals to support them! This guy is just incredible. Check out the new video for TKO below.

Update: Chris Brown Enters Rehab

UPDATE: Just moments ago a rep for Chris Brown confirmed that he has opted to enter rehab. According to E! News it is, "To gain focus and insight into his past and recent behavior, enabling him to continue the pursuit of his life and his career from a healthier vantage point."

We wish Chris the best, and commend him on making a huge life decision. We have always supported Chris in his positive endeavors and will continue to do so. We're all hoping this will be the catalyst to getting this extremely gifted young man back in good mind and spirit.

The felony assault charges brought against singer Chris Brown and his bodyguard who were arrested over the weekend for a fight were reduced to simple assault misdemeanor charges, according to news outlets. Both men spent 36 hours in jail in D.C. and were unshackled and released without bail on Monday. It's another chapter in a saga for Breezy, who has managed to tick off the general public with his run-ins with the law.

New Music: Eminem ft. Rihanna- The Monster

Once again Eminem and Rihanna join forces for a hit record. The two have collaborated a couple of times to produce charting records, this time seems to be no different. The latest addition to their collab collection is entitled, The Monster.

The record is from Eminem's highly anticipated new album Marshall Mathers LP 2 out November 5th. Listen to Monster Here or below. Do you dig the latest record by the mega stars?:

Ciara & Future Reportedly Engaged!

It seems to have been a beautiful year for love & marriage. Following not too far behind her girl Kim K's engagement to Kanye West, Ciara reportedly gave the big yes to rapper boyfriend Future this weekend. 

The fairly new celeb couple has been spotted everywhere for the past few months. In interviews they've gushed about how happy they make one another, so taking this next step probably feels natural.

Ciara who was also celebrating her 28th birthday when she received the reported 15carat ring took to her twitter account to share her excitement:

"Today Has 2 Be Like One Of The Sweetest Days Of My Life! #TheBestBirthdayEver "

"If I'm Dreaming I Don't Want to Wake up!"

Love is a beautiful thing. This will be the first marriage for both stars. Congrats to them! See her ring below! She looks sooo happy! Rumor has it that she's also expecting!

Jay Z Releases Statement Regarding Barneys Petition

I personally have been waiting on Jay Z to respond to this whole Barneys situation. He's come under attack by supporters of the young man who was "racially profiled" at the mega store recently. A black male had saved up money to purchase a $300 belt. He was questioned by police and arrested for a belt he actually bought because it was assumed he'd stolen it.

Jay- who has plans to release a holiday collection with the store set to benefit the Shawn Carter Foundation,  immediately became the focus of attention. Would JayZ drop "his" deal in protest? Is he once again "selling out" and not "standing up for the rights of black people?". Not only has the scrutiny come from his own people, but The New York Daily News blasted him in Friday's paper saying how much "respect he'd lose" if he didn't pull out of the deal.

Well, today ..Jay responded on his site The Life and Times to address the fallacies in this incredible story perpetuated by most of the media. Read his statement below:

This collaboration lives in a place of giving and is about the Foundation. I am not making a dime from this collection; I do not stand to make millions, as falsely reported. I need to make that fact crystal clear. The Shawn Carter Foundation is the beneficiary and the foundation is receiving 25% of all sales from the collaboration, 10% of all sales generated in the store on November 20th and an additional donation from Barneys. This money is going to help individuals facing socio-economic hardships to help further their education at institutions of higher learning. My idea was born out of creativity and charity… not profit. 

I move and speak based on facts and not emotion. I haven’t made any comments because I am waiting on facts and the outcome of a meeting between community leaders and Barneys. Why am I being demonized, denounced and thrown on the cover of a newspaper for not speaking immediately? The negligent, erroneous reports and attacks on my character, intentions, and the spirit of this collaboration have forced me into a statement I didn’t want to make without the full facts. Making a decision prematurely to pull out of this project, wouldn’t hurt Barneys or Shawn Carter, but all the people that stand a chance at higher education. I have been working with my team ever since the situation was brought to my attention to get to the bottom of these incidents and at the same time find a solution that doesn’t harm all those that stand to benefit from this collaboration. 

I am against discrimination of any kind, but if I make snap judgements, no matter who it’s towards, aren’t I committing the same sin as someone who profiles? I am no stranger to being profiled and I truly empathize with anyone that has been put in that position. Hopefully this brings forth a dialogue to effect real change. – Shawn “JAY Z” Carter

The CEO of Barneys Mark Lee offered an apology:

No one should go through the unacceptable experiences described by Trayon Christian and Kayla Phillips in recent media reports, and we offer our deepest sympathies to them both. Barneys New York has zero tolerance for any form of discrimination and we are committed to treating everyone who comes into our stores with respect and dignity

Some are still making Jay Z the focus of their anger in this situation. These types of situations happen all of the time, and some people will never be satisfied with any resolution. Glad to get an apology and explanation from these two men.

Press Play: Brandy releases "a cappella" version of Scared of Beautiful

Well, happy Saturday morning! I woke up to Brandy sharing something special with her fans, a great way to kick this day off. Scared of Beautiful is one of the most heart touching records Bran has ever recorded. The song focusing on introspection and self love is featured on her latest studio album Two Eleven.

Known for her incredible & darn near perfect vocal arrangements and executions- Bran truly gave fans their lives by dropping the a cappella version of the record this morning. Though this version is stripped of actual band instruments, you forget that rather quickly considering her voice itself gives so much music.

I know if Bran had her way, we'd focus less on going on and on about how perfect her vocals are on this particular record, and more on the life changing message in the lyrics. It's so real, so many people struggle with self acceptance. This record is about facing that head on and calling it out for what it truly is, fear.

Check out the a cappella version of Scared of Beautiful below. You can catch Bran on BET's The Game, and somewhere in a studio hopefully- she recently said she's working on her next album.

Maia Campbell Talks Her Past Mistakes & How Her Daughter Inspires Her Sobriety

Actress Maia Campbell has made a complete turn around from the life she was living just a few years ago. She looks nothing like what she's endured. Years of drug abuse and a battle with mental illness left Maia unrecognizable and in a really dark place. The world recently got to see the new Maia all clean and healthy on a recent episode of Iyanla Fix My Life.

The episode focused on Maia's struggles and her glory. One of the most memorable moments from that show was Maia's conversation with her daughter Elizabeth. She has been working on building a healthy and strong relationship with her daughter despite not having full custody of her. In a recent interview with iPower 92.1's TT Torrezz Maia opened up a little more about her relationship with her daughter now, and almost every other aspect of her life.

Maia recently was featured on Life After- a reality show depicting her journey back into her career. I'm so happy to see her on the right path!! To keep track of Maia and all she has going on be sure to follow her on Twitter- she's one of my faves!  Check out a few excerpts from her interview below:

On being on ‘Life After’:

Maia said her life is an open book. She said telling her story was therapeutic for her and wasn’t hard for her. She admits to making mistakes in her life and turned her life around. She said this is her moment and her chance to say she’s still worthy.



On the defining moment she knew she had the turn her life around:
Maia said her daughter was the defining moment. She says she had to become a good role model for her daughter.



On the biggest mistake she’s made Maia admitted that using drugs was her biggest mistake. Also, self-hatred and running away from her problems.



On when she started using drugs and her drug(s) of choice Maia said she was young when she started using drugs. She said she used various drugs but she has been clean for four years now and remaining healthy.

"Auntie Toya" LeToya Luckett Poses with LaTavia's new Babygirl

Awww man, isn't this precious. It seems that after all of the ups and downs the women of Destiny's Child have gone through- for the most part they all seem to genuinely love and support one another. Original members LeToya and LaTavia seem to have had the worst of the experience, but they are still together and even consider each other family.

Just yesterday LaTavia shared the above photo of her newborn baby girl Lyric posing on her born day with her "Auntie Toya". This picture is so precious. It's great to see the bond that these two share and even better (as always) to see a little adorable baby!!!!

You can catch LaTavia in the new stage play How to Love.

World News: It's almost 2014 and Saudi women still can't drive

Women in Saudi Arabia are more than ready for a change, challenging the male-only driving rules in the conservative kingdom even though online support for protests could bring arrests.

Behind the Scenes: Beyonce's 2014 Calendar

In this BTS footage of the making of Beyonce's 2014 Calendar, we see the new mommy showing us just why she's one of the sexiest women alive. With so many different hair and wardrobe changes, it's obvious that the shoot was a lot of fun. Bey is known for her beauty and affinity for classic and stylish looks. She delivers all of that in her sexy new calendar.

While I've read Beyonce's Instagram comments, and most of her BeyHive are not excited about their wait for new music or an album release date, I'm certain that no one is complaining about this calendar to hold them over. Mrs. Carter is bad!!!

Check out the behind the scenes footage below! If you'd like to get your hands on the finished product, you
can get it Here!

Check out John Mayer & Katy Perry's duet: Who You Love

This collab of lovers John Mayer and Katy Perry is my jam at the moment. It's a beautiful little tune, but the lyrics are true & simple.

Who You Love is featured on John's latest album Paradise Valley.

CrazySexyCool- The TLC Story Lives Up to the Hype (Video)

Last night, I attended the Atlanta Screening of CrazySexyCool, The TLC Story. We pulled up to a packed out location, Atlanta really showed TLC major love. The event sponsored by Rolling Out, had screens everywhere so everyone could see the movie, and a DJ who made sure to spin TLC's hits during commercial breaks. The event buzzed with celebs, fans, and media. It was the perfect set up for the screening.

I didn't know what to expect really. I wasn't sure if the movie would live up to the hype or not, but from my first look at it, I knew that Vh1 had produced a classic biopic. The film was everything.

The incredible journey of  T-Boz, Chilli, and Left Eye was told by Drew Sidora, Keke Palmer, and Lil Mama. The three actresses totally embodied each member of the group. Their resemblances, mannerisms, and voices were almost too real at times leaving viewers at the party looking at one another in awe. 

The movie depicted the highs and the lows, both personal and professional for each member in the group. You get a closer look at each ladies' struggle from their perspective. As a fan it literally made me cry, especially at the end! Fans and supporters (including other celebrities) poured out their love and appreciation for the group for hours following the movie. It was that good.

If you missed it last night, you can view it below, or by clicking here. I'm really glad that TBoz and Chilli get to feel all of the love coming their way! I also love that this movie just solidified three young ladies as bonafide actresses. What a legendary trio!

CONGRATS! Here's How Kanye Proposed to Kim Kardashian Last Night

Kanye and Kim Kardashian are engaged! This may come as a surprise to some, but the two have been inseparable for a long time now. 

He popped the question in a huge way! In front of friends and family at the AT&T Park in San Francisco, Kanye flashed "Please Marry Me" on the big screen. It's reported that he got down on one knee, and pulled out the monstrous 15-carat diamond. 

Kim's sister Khloe took to her twitter account in shock writing, Wow!!!!! Am I dreaming??!?!".. Tears of JOY!!!!!!! Wow!!!!!!". Kim's hairstylist also couldn't hold in the excitement. He posted the photo of her flashing her huge engagement ring on his Instagram for all of us to see.

It's reported that a live orchestra played Lana Del Rey's Young and Beautiful followed by Keri Hilson's Knock You Down to celebrate the occasion. Kim Kardashian had double reason to be joyful as yesterday was also her 33rd birthday.

Did Kanye West Go too Far With His Jesus Skit? (video)

Just when you thought Kanye West couldn't get any more controversial, he pushes the limits even more. Yeezy is known for ruffling a few feathers, and turning a few heads. I'm not sure much of anything would be a surprise from him artistically at this point.  This past weekend in Seattle though, he had a really interesting moment on stage.

As Kanye stood on the stage surrounded by smoke and dim lighting there suddenly arose a figure that was all so familiar to most of the crowd. A man dressed as Jesus came out briefly to speak to Kanye just before the beat dropped to his hit record, Jesus Walks. The moment was brief, but it obviously struck many chords with a lot of people.

In the below video, you can even hear people in the crowd reacting to the skit as the it plays.People on Twitter and Facebook took time from their Sundays to rant a little about it as well. Some felt it was offensive, others are simply over Kanye's desire to "play with spirituality". This is a guy who will always stir the pot a bit, but for some he may have crossed the line. Is it too far for you?

Check out Kanye's chat with Jesus below.

Woman is Raped on Vine Video- Twitter Takes a Stand

Last night a video went viral on the popular social media video app- Vine, of a man raping an unconscious woman. The guy behind the camera (who quickly changed his handle to  @Vinceharperhall) sat back and encouraged this disgusting act.  He shouted out his twitter handle for fame as he video'd his friend raping a woman outside.

As soon as the video picked up the fame he was looking for, it turned on him. People were so offended by this heartless and violent act, that they immediately began a full out campaign on twitter to notify authorities in Chicago. The video was quickly removed from Vine, but not before thousands of people witnessed a woman being violated for fun. The camera guy began trying to avoid the backlash by changing his twitter name, and reportedly even deleting his Facebook, but the rape of this woman still happened, and it should not be taken lightly.

I personally contacted the Chicago Police Department and demanded that some sort of action be taken against these two men. To make a joke of such a sick act is not only shameful, but it says a lot about these guys. To see the comments and reactions from others was completely shocking as well. I can't imagine what the victim feels at this time.

If you have any more information, or would like to do something to help please contact the Chicago Police Department(312) 745-4290. Shout out to everyone on Twitter who took action against this video immediately.

Here's a Great Jumpstart to Monday! This Baby is Churchin!!!!!!

Post by Deidre Hagler-Hale.

This video was sent to me on Facebook and I got so tickled! This little girl is singing a popular gospel song, and she is really into it. Children notice everything! Not sure who she's emulating, but I am sure she has them down to a T!!!!! Love this!

New Music: Justin Bieber- Hold Tight

Justin Bieber is really trying it! He's growing up before our eyes. He's showing off his smooth R&B chops with this new record, Hold Tight. The record gives me more R. Kelly than Biebs, but hey.

It's the latest from the Music Mondays twitter series he's currently in, and I am honestly impressed. It's all pretty awkward for me, because Justin  is just a baby in my mind, but he's really bringing a mature sound with this one. I'm sure the ladies will love it.

Check out Hold Tight Below.

ICYMI: Government reopens after shutdown

After a two-week shutdown and a looming deadline for the United States to default on its bills, the government reopened for business Thursday. The U.S. Congress late Wednesday passed a Senate-designed compromise bill that was quickly signed by a waiting President Barack Obama.

T-Boz & Chilli are everywhere right now! TLC Time!!!

TLC has been on a crazy media run these last few weeks. With the release of their new compilation album 20 on Tuesday, the two ladies are now focusing on their movie CrazySexyCool:The TLC story with Vh1. They've appeared recently on Good Morning America, radio shows such as the Breakfast Club, and are set to be on Wendy Williams today.

There's a lot of talk surrounding this new movie starring Keke Palmer as Chilli, Lil Mama as Left Eye, and Drew Sidora as T-Boz. Most of it is good talk- fans like myself are eagerly excited to get new anything from TLC. They practically raised us. The general public has also always been invested in the amazing and sometimes out right crazy story of one of music's most legendary groups. People want to know the real on the highs and lows they experienced throughout their career, and they feel they will really get it this time being that T-Boz and Chilli were very much so a part of making the movie.

There has been some negative feedback. As always whenever a film like this is released there is always someone who won't be all the way happy with their portrayal. Pebbles, who founded TLC has spoken out in recent days. She doesn't like the way she is being portrayed in this moment that is meant to celebrate a group, she "put on the map". T-Boz has responded by saying that they just wanted to tell the truth about what happened to them, and that there's no ill intent behind it. They're just telling their story.

The ladies of TLC have had a lot more to say in their recent interviews. They've commented on everything from the controversy of Lil Mama jumping on stage with Jay Z years ago, and how the public came down on her because of it. They touched on Miley Cyrus a bit, and opened up about what it's been like to create a movie about their lives. It's been really cool to see them everywhere for the past few weeks! Loving this era for them, and I can't WAIT to watch this movie on October 21st!

Kim K Posts Sexy Photo- Kanye West's Reaction!

Kim Kardashian is known for being a baddie. She's just a gorgeous woman, and lets not even mention her body being on point! I'm sure once she announced (or Kanye Announced) that they were expecting a child, the world was eager to see how she'd bounce back from the baby weight..... well wait no more world.


Just months after giving birth to little North West, Kim posted a very brave photo of herself in a sexy little body suit on Instagram. She's just letting the world know she still has it. She may have been sending a secret message to one guy in particular based upon Kanye's reaction.
Once she tweeted the photo her boo immediately responded  with the below tweet:

Haha.. Yeezy cant take! These two work so well to me. I know many people weren't here for Kimye initially but it seems as though the public opinion is changing a bit. What do you think?

See Kim's post baby bod below:

BET Cyphers 2013

For me (and many of you) the BET Hip Hop Awards are most important because of their cyphers. The awards show that airs every year is sure to take it back to the roots of Hip Hop music, allowing artists to battle it out over dope tracks. It allows for true artistry to shine through, and it's a fun and healthy competition.

Check out some of my faves of the night below- needless to say, Kendrick Lamar shut it down!!  I also loved the Real Husbands of Hollywood bit, I died!!! Lol


 TDE – ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Ab Soul, Isaiah Rashad, & Kendrick Lamar


RHOH
 




Slaughterhouse- Joell Ortiz, Crooked I, Royce Da 5′ 9″, & Joe Budden

New video: James Blake ft. Chance the Rapper- Life Round Here Remix

James Blake's record Life Round Here from his highly praised album Overgrown is perfection to me. It's one of those records you jam when you've got a little too much on your mind and need to zone out while thinking about it. When he decided to do a remix, it made a lot of sense to let Chance come on and switch it up a little. Rumor has it that these two are actually working on more music together- which I'd be all the way here for. So, we'll see.

The video was director by the well known and loved Nabil, and has an intense black and white approach. Check it out below.

Brandy is Working on Her Next Album GLOWRAAYYY

Yesssss! The best news I've gotten in a long time (I actually meant to share this a while ago, but..) Bran is working on a new album. While slaying in London last month she interviewed with Da Vibe and opened up a bit about her last and next albums.

When  asked about Two Eleven, she was honest in saying that she isn't very happy with the numbers it did. From an artist's standpoint, you do want your gift to reach as many people as possible. The content as she explains was on point, but in this industry, content on an album doesn't equate to album sales.

It looks as though Bran is ready to put one of her best eras in music behind her. Though fans LOVE Two Eleven, she explains that she's currently gearing up to work on her seventh studio album. As for details, she really doesn't have many- other than she'd like to work with Timbaland, Pharrell, Sean Garrett, one of my faves James Fauntleroy, and others. Any combination of said producers would deliver another solid album from everybody's favorite artist. (wink)

Check out Bran's brief interview with Da Vibe below, and yall know I'll have the dets on the album as they unfold. Why is she so cute!?

The Most Adorable pics of Rihanna You've Ever Seen + Record Breaking First South Africa Show

We're all used to Rihanna breaking records at this point, but I'm not sure she can ever get used to some of this. Case and point, Rihanna's Diamonds World Tour has been a huge success, selling out stop after stop. She arrived in South Africa a couple of days ago. Arriving early allowed her to be a tourist for a bit. She took a minute to visit the Safari with her crew before kicking off her show. From that trip, she shared with fans some of the cutest photos of her getting close with some of the wild life via her instagram account. Her cute factor just shot through the roof. This little cub is the cutest thing! Her family met her in South Africa- the singer's first time there since she opened up to a booing crowd for Jay Z at the top of her career.

This go around the story is very different. Only six years later, Rihanna is headlining, a sold out, 65,000 plus audience, all there for one reason only- her.  She is reportedly the youngest black artist to sell out her first stop before heading to Cape Town. Personal cell phone shots from fans show the magnitude of the audience that packed out the stadium.

Rihanna appeared on stage on time, to much surprise. Rihanna is known for being a little slow on time, and she may have chosen one of the worst times to actually be prompt. Throughout the course of the beginning of the show, many fans were caught in a long line of traffic just trying to get in. Cars were backed up and fans took to their twitter accounts practically begging Rih to be late this time. While I'm not sure how much of that would've been up to her anyway, she hit the stage as planned.. decked out in something Janet Jackson would've worn in her prime.

 Fans and critics took to their twitter accounts with reviews, most good- some bad. The best were from people who happened to be in that booing crowd she opened up for Jay to years ago. In the flesh, there she was again the little island girl all grown up. Only this time, the whole one hit wonder thing was in no one's mind. Rihanna was owning the entire stadium- whether they liked it or not. Check out more photos of Rih's trip/show below.

New Video: RaVaughn - Best Friend

RaVaughn's visual for her "friendzone" anthem matches the lyrical content perfectly. The vocalist probably better known for her background work in the industry is breaking out slowly but surely. Her records are so easy to relate to. This one in particular rings true with most of us, we've all been in that friendship that was really a little more, but no one wanted to admit it. RaVaughn goes off to this idea over a dope track, and I feel like she is speaking all of our minds.

Check out her visual for Best Friend below.

Symphonic Love & Team Breezy Do AIDS WALK LA

It's great to see Chris Brown's Symphonic Love foundation back at it again giving back. This time around, it's the annual AIDS Walk in LA. Team Breezy showed up and out as usual in support of the major Aids Project LA walk. Decked out in their Symphonic Love tie dye t-shirts they gathered Saturday to prep, and showed up Sunday with signs and lots of smiles ready to go.

The annual walk has been a staple charitable event in LA since 1985. This year's online donations reached well over $2 Million in funds that will be used towards helping to better the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS. Along with helping to promote awareness and research, the AIDS walk is obviously a great opportunity for people to give back- which is also great.

Chris Brown himself was unable to physically participate, but his girl Karrueche was there front and center to  plan and spearhead the event. I can really appreciate Chris' effort to give back in numerous ways.