Friday, January 31, 2014

In Defense of: Macklemore



Alas I have something worth defending again...

...So Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' album 'The Heist' lived up to its title, no?  They won four Grammy's: Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, Best New Artist, and gasp best Rap Album.  Everyone has erupted saying that he robbed Kendrick Lamar who was the favorite to at least win Best Rap Album.  People have gone as far as saying that Macklemore's album isn't rap or hip hop.

Whoever says or thinks that please have several seats...like all of the ones in the arenas that's he's selling out across the globe.  I'll delve into that in a moment.

Thursday, January 30, 2014

New Video Shakira ft. Rihanna: Cant Remember to Forget You


Shakira and Rihanna have been bigging up this collab for weeks. Fans have been speculating a collab way longer than that. Shak and Rih have been showing so much love to one another via their social media accounts, so no one is surprised to see the two sassy ladies all cuddled up.

World News: African summit addresses Central region and South Sudan conflicts

Members of the South Sudan army ride on their tank near Bor South Sudan

Africa's leaders met in Ethiopia this week for a two-day summit, and the conflict in the Central African Republic and South Sudan dominated the agenda. The African Union meeting, opened by outgoing chairman and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, are focused on agriculture and food security, according to an AFP report on Yahoo! News.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

I Love This Picture of Jay Z & Beyonce!



I love when Beyonce's team uploads new photos to her personal tumblr. We're always guaranteed some beautiful shots of her and her family. This one is just the cutest thing I've ever seen. Jay Z is literally picking her up a couple of feet off of the ground, and it sort of appears that no one else is in the room even though there are many people there. These two are adorable.

Missed the 2014 State of the Union Broadcast Last Night? Watch it Here

Rihanna Talks Philanthropic Partnership with VIVA GLAM on Gma (video)



Rihanna made an appearance on Good Morning America this morning to chat with Robin Roberts about her current Viva Glam campaign with Mac. The Viva Glam campaign is an ongoing effort to fight the AIDS epidemic through the promotional efforts of their products on behalf of celebrities. The idea is that the celebrity will boost sales, and 100% of the sales will go to the MAC Aids Fund.

Jay Z Crashes J. Cole's Birthday Bash at MSG, Gives Him An Incredible Gift


This relationship dynamic between Jay Z and J. Cole has always been interesting to me. I know Jay never backs anyone he doesn't totally believe in, but for a minute it seemed like he was  holding back  a little on Cole. 

I know Cole has loads of respect and I'd assume appreciation for Jay, but he's honest about not having always been a fan. So, it's rare that we get moments like this. When we see them interact, for me.. it shows that at the end of the day, they both see greatness in one another.

Pharrell's Hat Was the Most Hip Hop Thing At the Grammy's




Kendrick Lamar is the best rapper alive right now.  Jay-Z still got bars and can still release an impressive album.  J. Cole is the future...

But nothing was more hip hop than the star of Grammy night: Pharrell Williams' hat.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

India Arie Writes Open Letter to The Grammys: No Love For Urban Music?







Every year when the Grammys airs, the dialogue regarding it's exclusion of "urban music & artists" from the main show is ever present. Every year. In the past rap artists have gone as far as boycotting "music's biggest night" due to their being very little love shown to their genre. Ironically, when the awards are being promoted, the producers are sure to mention those big names that will pull a nice portion of their views, most of those names are "urban" music artists.

What I learned from Poet Lauriate/Philanthropist Juicy J




I needed a good week or so to process this.  I needed to go back and listen to a good portion of Juicy J's discography to make sense of what just happened a couple of weeks back.

Sike, I kid.  Juicy J is brilliant.  For the most part, he has rapped about the same content with the same flow for over twenty years but somehow finds a way to keep it fresh.  The man born Jordan Michael Houston found a way to garner lots of attention for a song of his called "Scholarship" by offering a real scholarship.  

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Beyonce & Jay Z open The 2014 Grammys With Drunk In Love + Jay Z's Sweet Acceptance Speech (video)



The fuss surrounding this year's biggest night in music was arguably the rumored opening by Jay Z & Beyonce. With the fan favorite collaboration, Drunk in Love from her latest self titled album.. the husband and wife duo opened up the 56th annual Grammy Awards in a major way.

Performances From Tonight's 56th Annual Grammy Awards


The 56th Annual Grammy Awards aired tonight with performances from some of the hottest artists out. The show opened with Jay Z and Beyonce, followed by the likes of Lorde, Kendrick Lamar, Imagine Dragons, Pharrell, Stevie Wonder, Daft Punk, Pink, John Legend, Robin Thicke, and the list goes on and on.

Friday, January 24, 2014

Jay Z & Beyonce Top Billboard's Power 100 List


Jay Z and Beyonce look great in this photo with their moms just behind them. These two are arguably one of the hottest celeb couples out there, and according to Billboard they are number one!

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

First Lady Obama Slam Dunks a Ball With Lebrons Assist! (video)




This lady is so cool! First Lady Obama is youthful and funny, and just a regular woman in the White House. Every once in a while, we get to see just how down to earth she is! While visiting the White House, the Miami Heat got to see some of First Lady Obama's mad basketball skills. The guys were there to be honored for winning the Championship last year. I'm thinking that since they were there, our First Lady put them to work. She had some of the teams biggest names to film a short video for her Let's Move campaign which seeks to get children active and fit.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Highlights of the 29th Annual Stellar Awards- Gospel Music's Biggest Night of The Year


The nights big winner Tamela Mann with her husband Actor David Mann (Getty Images)

Every year the Gospel music community comes together to celebrate and spread the love of Christ through music. It's a night that all of the industry's who's who assemble together to enjoy each other's company and celebrate the incredible music they've shared with the world. The 29th Annual Stellar Awards went live in Nashville, TN -as it has since 2006. This years' hosts were The View's Sherri Shepherd and Comedian Ricky Smiley. I must say they both looked great.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Thank You Dr. King MLK Day 2014


There is so much that can be said about the sacrifice and leadership exemplified by the King family.Today we pause to simply pay homage to the desire Dr. King had to make the world a little better than he found it, and the sacrifices his family made as he courageously attempted to do so. Thank You Dr. King, and the King family for the life we live today.

Beyonce Shares Cute Blue Ivy Photos from Family Visit to the White House For First Lady Obama's Birthday Party




This past week people all around the world sent out happy birthday wishes to our First Lady Michelle Obama. Mrs. O brought her 50th year in with style and fabulousity that included a private performance from Beyonce and a star studded birthday bash.

HILARIOUS! Kevin Hart Sings Beyonce's Flawless (video)



Comedian/Actor Kevin Hart is one of the funniest people on the planet. We also know that he is definitely a part of Beyonce's fanbase the BeyHive. Just months ago photos were released of him getting his life at a Beyonce concert. He even got to sing a little with her during her show. The guy is a trip!

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Faith Evans Performs "Tears of Joy" on The Arsenio Hall Show




One of the most recognizable names in R&B, Faith Evans, stopped by the Arsenio Hall Show last night to perform her record, Tears of Joy from the R&B Divas album. Faith proved that after over 20 yrs in the game she still has one of the sweetest voices to ever groove an R&B track. Honestly, her debut album Faith is still one of the best R&B/Hip Hop albums to ever drop.

Friday, January 17, 2014

New Music- India Shawn Covers Beyonce's "XO"



One of our favorite artists, India Shawn has decided to treat us to a cover. Stripping Beyonce's XO from her latest hit self titled album, India delivers it in a way that only she can. Her voice is angelic as it flows arouond the melody of the guitar on the track.

Rihanna Has Fun In Brazil Shooting For Vogue+ Her Bikini Body is Perfection!




Rihanna is currently in Brazil shooting for Vogue. While a few photos of her actually on set for the shoot set the online world a blaze a few days ago, Rihanna decided last night to share a few candids of herself just enjoying her time there in Brazil. All of the photos remind us why Rihanna is one of the most beautiful stars out there.

Kim Kardashian Talks Wedding Plans, Tough Pregnancy, and Shows the Cutest Pics of North West on Ellen




Kim Kardashian and Kanye West may have created one of the cutest kids EVER! Last night just after sharing she had a small wardrobe issue, and asking her IG fans to help her pick an outfit at the last minute, Kim K hit up Ellen, and brought along some adorable photos of her new baby North West.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Lupita Nyong'o Gets One of 12 Years a Slave's NINE Oscar Nods!!!




Ugh! What a beautiful woman! Lupita Nyong' o is absolutely gorgeous, and extremely talented. We saw her very raw acting ability in 12 Years A Slave, and it's paid off for her! This morning as the Oscar Noms rolled out, it was obvious that the hit film would be a big player in hollywood's biggest night. 12 Years a Slave earned nine nods, led only by Gravity and American Hustle which tied with ten nods.

Ayyeeee TBoz & Chilli Are Too Cute Hittin the popular Dance The Nae Nae




TLC is known for a lot of hit records and a really incredible story, but the girls have also always been one of the most dancing groups we've ever seen. Even 20 yrs. later, not much has changed about that. T-Boz shared a video yesterday of she and Chilli and a few others hitting a new popular dance called the Nae Nae which has taken Atlanta by storm. Why are they so cute?!

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Beyonce Shares the Best Pictures of Her Jay Z & Blue Ivy!



Beyonce shared the MOST adorable photos on her personal site yesterday. The photos show her living it up with her husband, daughter, other family and friends. It's so precious to see these photos of Blue from New Years and her birthday party. Blue appeared to dance the night away with her daddy Jay Z, just before bringing in her second year of life in style!

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

OhhBaby!!! Ciara Confirms Pregnancy on The View (Video)



We blogged a while ago that Ciara was expecting as she announced her engagement to boyfriend Rapper Future. Though she'd managed to wear clothing that sort of threw off the rumors from time to time, her natural glow and growing belly told it ALL.

The Cast Of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Together Again To Celebrate James Avery's Life(Photos)




Alfonso Ribiero (Carlton) shared a few photos of himself along with other castmates of The Fresh Prince of Bel- Air celebrating the life of actor James Avery who played, Uncle Phil. His death came as a shock to fans and cast members alike. Many of the cast members took to their social media accounts to express their sorrow and thankfulness for having had James Avery in their lives. The photos shared by Alfonso on his  Facebook depict a bitter sweet reunion for the tv family we all knew and loved.

ICYMI World News: Indian diplomat returns home after arrest in NY


Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade who was arrested last December in the United States on charges of visa fraud, returned to Mumbai on Tuesday. News outlets reported that Khobragade said she was very happy to return home and thanked supporters.

Congrats: Evan Ross & Ashlee Simpson Are Engaged- What a Unique Ring



Ashlee Simpson and Evan Ross made their engagement public via twitter just yesterday. Not sure how long the two love birds have been dating, but they made their love public early last year. In the above picture you see the very unique wedding ring Evan proposed with.

Monday, January 13, 2014

Golden Globes Best Dressed + Full List of Winners



The Golden Globes like every other Hollywood awards shows is a night for celebs to come out looking their best. Last night's show was a fashion hit and miss. Some of my favorites were 12 Years a Slave's Lupita Nyongo, the gorgeous and preggo Kerry Washington, Olivia Wilde, and for the guys Usher, Leo DiCaprio, and Idris Elba of course!

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Solange and Beyonce Throw Their Mom an Extravagant 60th Birthday Masquerade (photos)



Last night just as everyone seemed to be winding down, singer Monica started posting beautiful photos of her inside of Tina Knowles' Masquerade Birthday party. The glamorous and star studded event was put together by her beautiful daughters Beyonce and Solange.



The event was held at the ever grand Muriel's Jackson Square which is said to go for no less than 100k. The invitation for "Mama Tina's" 60th was leaked to the web on Friday. While the party was kept hush it appears from photos posted by attendees that it really was a beautiful affair. Even Jay Z came masked and ready. 

Friday, January 10, 2014

Why I Don't Want OutKast's Reunion at Coachella to Result In a New Album




Last night night Big Boi posted the picture above on his Instagram page.  While it's something that has been rumored, talked about, and even confirmed since November; Daddy Fat Sax actually mentioning it made it real for all OutKast Stans to sigh in relief and rejoice simultaneously.

Since I found out that OutKast would be playing Coachella I've been trying to figure out who I could steal money from to make my way to the desert for the Friday night show...That is until I saw how much it costs.  Jesus be a live stream!

Bobbi Kristina Marries Longtime Boyfriend Nick Gordon




It looks like Whitney's little girl has finally tied the knot. Bobbi Kristina took to her social media accounts to share her excitement. Her relationship with long time friend (and someone once believed to be her Godbrother) has been making headlines since her mothers passing. Though her other family members and many on lookers seem to have concern with the relationship, Bobbi and Nicholas have remained tied at the hip.

Parenting: Money vs. Quality time


In a world where babies are being conceived during “breaks” and on going committed relationships, I can only see this as becoming an acceptable norm (if it hasn’t already reached that point). And while the infidelity is something that folks have a problem with, my concern lays with the child who has to deal with the outcome of the decisions made by their parents. In the cases where the fathers involved are celebs, you see them getting back with the partner they took a "break" from and throwing large child support payments to the other woman. We don’t know what happens behind the scenes but can it be assumed that just like on the non-celeb level, those new mothers are blessed with a monthly allowance to aid in the care of their child, but receive nothing more? For those mothers who are fine with that by default, more power to them. But what about those who want more for their child(ren)?

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Common Announces New album & Releases New Single- War



Rapper and one of my boo's in my head Common is one of many fed up with the violence in our Chicago streets. If you've been anywhere near keeping up with the news, it's very obvious that we have a problem. As someone who spent half of my life in inner city Chicago I am glad that people are finally paying attention. Artists like Common have been speaking on this violence since they started rapping, now it appears that more people are voicing their concerns as well. For some strange reason a lot of it is glorified in some sick way, it's cool to be one of the toughest cities in America I guess. It's not cool at all to be losing our youth at such a genocidal pace. It's not cool.

My Thoughts On Ciara's Letter to Negative Blogs & Social Media




The blog/social media world is not always a nice place. It can be very difficult to find an entertainment site that isn't rumor mill driven or negative at some point. Let's not even get into how hateful and unnecessarily dramatic people can be on social media. To gossip, spread lies, and even bully has almost become the culture of most of the entertainment blog world and social media timelines.

It appears that at least one celeb is ready to talk about it from her perspective. Ciara took time yesterday to write an open letter to bloggers, and readers alike. One might wonder what would cause some of these sites or people to be so hateful. I've learned from experience that most of these sites are just posting whatever they believe will win them a hit or two, even if that puts their good karma at risk.

For bloggers whose only income is their site, they're driving hits to eat and pay bills. The unfortunate truth is it's really hard for a positive, fact driven, entertainment blog to pick up steam without having some juice on it. As mentioned- it's almost a necessity to have the juicy "tea" in order to have hits. While I totally understand Ciara, and I agree with her almost 100%.. it is up to the reader to decide what site fits them, and what they're willing to support.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Happy 2nd Birthday Princess Blue Ivy Carter! Here Are a Few Sweet Moments From Mom & Dad!



It's hard to believe that it's already been two years since Jay Z and Beyonce welcomed their baby girl Blue Ivy into the world. I don't think twitter was ever that excited about any one child being born. Blue has grown up right before our eyes, and any true Jay Z or Beyonce fan can admit that we've seen her grow her parents up a bit as well.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Jay Z Pulls 12 Yr. Old Boy On Stage to Rap for Him (Video)



I spotted this story over on Necole's site and of course I have to repost it. You guys know I'm a huge Jay Z fan. Going to a Jay Z concert and being in a stadium with hundreds of other fans who know every rhyme rapping along with him is a dope experience! It appears we range in age, because this 12 yr. old boy attended Jay Z's show READY!

According to Necole 12 yr. old Justin came to the show with a sign that simply said, "Can I rap for you?"

Jay Z spotted the sign and pulled the little guy on stage to get his life! I love how confident this boy was on such a huge stage in front of one of his biggest inspirations! Who knows what this moment did for him. So cool!!!

Will Smith & Tyrese Go SkyDiving With the Prince of Dubai

If you follow Tyrese or Maxwell on Instagram, you know that the two recently spent time in Dubai living it up with their good friend Will Smith. While there Will and Tyrese enjoyed some royal company.. literally!

Accompanied by the Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the two enjoyed skydiving at Inflight in Dubai. Inflight is well known among skydiving thrill seekers, and it appeared to have lived up to all expectations.

There's so much wealth in this photo I'm feeling richer just looking at it! Lol!

Visit Tyrese's Instagram for loads of videos and photos from their trip!

Is Rihanna's BFF Leandra The Next Big Thing in Make Up?! Taking Classes with Guru Renny Vasquez + Beat Face Honey!


I truly love seeing people blossom in what they love to do. It's one of the reasons I started this blog/social media gigs.. I genuinely love doing it, and it's not really about the notoriety as it is about being able to do what you love and have others appreciate it.

Leandra may not be a well known name or face to many of you, but she is one of Rihanna's BFFs, and a self proclaimed "make up addict". Since we've been following each other on social media sites one thing has been consistent other than her 0 tolerance for people coming for her BFF.. she has a true passion for beauty- hair and makeup. Rihanna has posted many photos of Le's work.. you know the way girls just sit around and play in each other's hair and make up.

When Idris Elba's "Private" Joke Broke Twitter This Weekend




Idris Elba is a popular actor most known by women because he's just one of the most attractive men on the big screen. We learned this past weekend that the tall, dark, and handsome beau also has a rather interesting sense of mature humor.

Friday, January 3, 2014

Rihanna Behind the Scenes with Olivier Rousteing & Balmain (Video)





Rihanna is one of the most sought out  women in entertainment right now. That along with her incredible history of being one of the most fashionable women made her marriage with Balmain for their Spring/Summer 2014 campaign something like perfection. Creative Director for the revered fashion house, Olivier Rousteing admitted that after a brief visit from the pop icon, he was captivated and inspired. He created the whole line around her.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Celebs Share Photos of Their New Year Celebration! Some of My Faves


Celebs shared their New Year celebrations in record number this year. While some were out partying hard, others kicked off the night in a more intimate gesture with close friends and loved ones.

Actor James Avery (Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) Dies - watch his funniest moments



While this week has hopefully been one of the most celebratory moments for many of us, we also lost a very familiar face in entertainment. James Avery best known as Will Smith's "Uncle Phil" from Fresh Prince died this week from complications following surgery. While details have not yet been released, its suggested that Avery had been suffering from an undisclosed illness for a while, and passed away after surgery while in the hospital.