Thursday, November 29, 2007
J.A.M. Awards
Run-DMC turntablist Jam Master Jay will be in the hearts and minds of rappers Snoop Dogg, Raekwon and Jim Jones, who comprise a star-studded line up of performers for this year's J.A.M Awards concert.
The event, which will take place at 8 p.m. Thursday (Nov. 29) at the Hammerstein Ballroom at Manhattan Center Studios in New York City, will honor Jam Master Jay, who was killed in his recording studio on Oct. 30, 2002.
In addition to Snoop Dogg, Jones and Raekwon, the concert will feature performances from Marley Marl, Mobb Deep, De La Soul, Dead Prez, Papoose, Q-Tip, Everlast featuring DJ Muggs, DMC, Kid Capri, Mister Sinister, EPMD, Lord Finesse, Bumpy Knuckles, DJ Kay Slay and DMC, who will perform some of Run-DMC's classic hits.
J.A.M. award winners will also be announced at the event, which will highlight the most positive aspects of rap music.
Among the nominees are Chuck D., Dr. Cornell West and Will Smith (Justice Award); Spike Lee, Robert L. Johnson and Lee Quinones (Arts Award) and Nelly, Wyclef Jean and Kanye West (Music Award).
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Jam Master Jay Foundation for Music, an organization created in honor of Jam Master Jay, by his wife Terri Corley-Mizell, DMC and close friends to support music and arts education in rural and urban schools.
Among those expected to attend the award ceremony and concert is the family of Jam Master Jay, NYC graffiti legend and Lordz of Brooklyn front-man Kaves and Foundation board members Russell Simmons, Lyor Cohen, Erik Blamoville, Rob Principe, Constance Schwartz, Cathy Symeonidis, Ivan Taback and others.
Tickets for the J.A.M. Awards and concert are currently available at Ticketmaster outlets.
http://allhiphop.com/blogs/news/archive/2007/11/28/18940475.aspx
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
R.I.P. Sean Taylor
Redskins, Hurricanes mourn Sean Taylor
As friends and admirers placed flowers and stuffed animals outside the home of former University of Miami standout Sean Taylor, police searched the premises Tuesday for clues they hope will lead to his killer.
Taylor, a safety in his fourth season with the Washington Redskins, was pronounced dead early Tuesday at Jackson Memorial Hospital. He had been shot in the thigh before dawn Monday when an armed intruder attacked him in his bedroom.
Taylor, 24, underwent seven hours of surgery Monday to repair a severed femoral artery, but he never regained consciousness.
Taylor's was the latest violent death in the UM football community. A year ago, defensive lineman Bryan Pata was shot to death in Kendall in an unsolved case.
"This just tears me apart," said Don Soldinger, a former assistant coach at UM who spent time with Taylor in February during the NFL's Pro Bowl in Hawaii.
"Sean was a solid cat, and I haven't been the same since I heard about it. It's a sad thing, man. I just hope they find out what happened."
Miami-Dade police were trying to determine that Tuesday, removing a computer and other items from the home Taylor shared with his girlfriend, 24-year-old Jackie Garcia, and 18-month-old daughter, Jackie.
Garcia is the niece of actor Andy Garcia, according to CNN.com.
Jackie Garcia, a former UM soccer player who met Taylor on campus, was in the bedroom when he was shot but wasn't able to describe the assailant, police spokesman Alvaro Zabaleta said.
Police also were seeking a connection to a break-in at the home last week. A burglar stole nothing but left a knife on a bed.
The house is in Palmetto Bay, in south Miami-Dade. Taylor was there recovering from a knee injury.
Pedro Taylor, Sean Taylor's father and the police chief in Florida City, 17 miles south of the crime scene, drove away from the house Tuesday afternoon, giving a thumbs-up sign to a throng of reporters.
He did not stop to answer questions but released a statement and said funeral arrangements would be announced soon.
"It is with deep regret that a young man had to come to his end so soon," the statement said. "Many of his fans loved him because of the way he played football. Many of his opponents feared him, the way he approached the game. Others misunderstood him, many appreciated him and his family loved him. I can only hope and pray that Sean's life was not in vain, that it might touch others in a special way."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league will honor Taylor's memory at all games played this weekend.
His life as a professional athlete included several controversies. He was fined by the NFL for infractions including spitting in an opponent's face. He also had a long legal battle stemming from an incident near his home in which he was accused of brandishing a gun during a dispute over an all-terrain vehicle. He pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors and received probation.
Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, who flew to Miami on Monday with running back Clinton Portis - another former UM star - and other team members, called Taylor's death "the worst imaginable tragedy."
Hopes for Taylor's recovery had been raised Monday night by news that he was alert enough to squeeze the hand of a doctor.
"Things turned for the worse," family friend Donald Walker told The Washington Post. "(There) seemed like a lot of hope after he responded to the doctor's command. But he lost a lot of blood."
A Redskins source told the newspaper that Taylor's heart stopped twice during surgery.
Taylor was shot in the thigh, an especially dangerous wound because the femoral artery is one of the body's biggest blood vessels.
An injury of that type "essentially means you can lose all the blood in your whole body within five minutes," Dr. Mary Pat McKay, director of George Washington University's Center for Injury Prevention and Control, told The Associated Press.
Taylor had an outstanding career at UM, where he played from 2001 through 2003. He was named the Big East defensive player of the year his last season, tying a Hurricanes record with 10 interceptions. The Redskins selected him with the fifth overall choice in the 2004 NFL Draft.
Known as a bit of a loner, Taylor seldom agreed to interviews at the university and didn't seem comfortable when he granted reporters access. Even his teammates and coaches thought Taylor to be somewhat distant, but they had no problems with his disposition on the field.
"I think Sean was a little bit misunderstood from the standpoint that he was a very quiet and shy kid," former 'Canes coach Larry Coker said. "He was perceived by some as having an attitude, but he really didn't. Like many young people, he had his growing pains."
Soldinger, the former UM assistant, said he first became acquainted with Taylor, who was born in Miami, when he began participating in the university's summer camps as a boy.
"He was only 6 or 7 years old, but you could see that ability even when he was a little kid," Soldinger said.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/dolphins/content/sports/epaper/2007/11/28/m1a_Taylor_1128.html
Hopefully She Can Get Herself 2gether..
Amy Winehouse has canceled all concerts and public appearances for the rest of the year on doctor's orders. "The rigors involved in touring and the intense emotional strain that Amy has been under in recent weeks have taken their toll," said Winehouse representative Tracey Miller in a statement Tuesday.
"In the interests of her health and well-being, Amy has been ordered to take complete rest and deal with her health issues."
The decision by the 24-year-old retro soul singer comes "on the instruction of her doctor," the statement said. Her family asked the media to "respect Amy's privacy at this time."
Winehouse's 25-year-old husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, was ordered held in custody in London earlier this month on charges stemming from a case in which he is accused of assaulting a barman in June.
"I can't give it my all onstage without my Blake," Winehouse said in a statement provided by Miller. "I'm so sorry but I don't want to do the shows halfheartedly; I love singing. My husband is everything to me and without him, it's just not the same."
She had been scheduled to perform in Britain and Ireland.
Refunds will be given at outlets where the tickets were purchased. There are "no plans at the moment" to reschedule the dates, Miller said.
Winehouse became a critics' darling with her second album, "Back to Black." But she has made headlines in recent months with her sub-par performances, health fears and reports of alleged drug use. In August, she spent time in rehab and canceled a series of dates in Britain, the United States and Canada.
http://www.amywinehouse.co.uk/
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Not Again!!!
Dennis Rodman Sued Again in Las Vegas:
A former beverage manager at the Hard Rock Hotel has sued Dennis Rodman, claiming the ex-NBA star assaulted her last year by rubbing against her body and slapping her on the buttocks.
In her federal lawsuit filed last week, Sara Robinson also accuses her former employer of retaliating against her after she complained about Rodman's behavior.
Rodman spokeswoman Shannon Barr declined to comment, and Hard Rock spokeswoman Dorian Cantrell did not immediately return phone calls to The Associated Press on Saturday.
In her complaint, Robinson said she was working in the resort's Cuba Libre bar in March 2006 when Rodman, a hotel guest, began "making a scene" by trying to climb atop the bar after failing to gain her full attention.
"As Robinson stepped around the bar, Rodman grabbed her, pulled her towards him and rubbed his body against hers," the lawsuit alleges. "Robinson tried to get free from Rodman's grasp at which time he assaulted her by reaching down and slapping her open-handed on the bottom."
The complaint, which seeks unspecified damages, claims that Robinson was fired after she filled out a voluntary statement detailing Rodman's actions in a subsequent incident at the same bar the next month in which he is also accused of causing a scene.
The document accuses Rodman of assault and battery, and the Hard Rock Hotel of negligence by failing to protect her from Rodman's "harassing conduct," the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.
Rodman, 46, is no stranger to lawsuits in Las Vegas. In 2001, a state jury awarded former Mirage craps dealer James Brasich $80,000 in a case against Rodman.
Brasich said Rodman humiliated him by rubbing dice on his head, chest, stomach and genitals during an October 1997 craps game. Rodman appealed the verdict, and both sides later reached a confidential settlement.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Be Sure U Check This Cat Out...
Mike Phillips is a talented saxophonist who is currently playing on Prince's current tours and is featured on the Unwrapped jazz series.
Mount Vernon, NY, native Mike Phillips became interested in music at a young age, moving through several different instruments before settling on the saxophone. By the age of 16, he had decided to play professionally. He made an impromptu New York debut at Wilson's nightclub in New York in 1993, and that led to a series of session and sideman jobs in jazz, R&B, and even rap. Eventually, he attracted the attention of Hidden Beach Recordings, which signed him and put him on the road in the summer of 2001 opening for Jill Scott. Phillips' debut album, You Have Reached Mike Phillips, was released by Hidden Beach in May 2002.
Prince Joins Stevie Wonder onstage At MSG
It was Wonder's first concert in the city since 1996.
Prince joined Wonder for a version of "Superstition." He played call-and-response on guitar with Wonder on keyboard, according to Billboard.
Tony Bennett also performed a duet with Wonder on "For Once In My Life."
Prince was a guest on Wonder's 2005's A Time 2 Love album.James Brown Estate Shakedown
As a South Carolina judge held one of the administrators of James Brown's estate in contempt of court, the other two trustees abruptly stepped down, sending the singer's affairs into still more tumult.
David Cannon, a former financial adviser to the estate, was found in contempt Tuesday for failing to pay $373,000 that was allegedly misappropriated from Brown in the last years of his life.
In issuing the order, Aiken County Judge Jack Early also said Cannon worked on the "Super Bad" singer's tax returns in blatant disregard of the judge's order. Early dismissed Cannon as a trustee in August and stated he could no longer work on behalf of the estate.
Early is scheduled to decide the administrator's fate on Monday. Cannon faces up to six months in the slammer in addition to a hefty fine.
Shortly after the ruling, Brown's two other trustees—Buddy Dallas, the music legend's longtime friend and counsel, and Alfred Bradley—informed the court they were quitting.
Early said the men could still be called to provide testimony in future hearings and could be held answerable for up to $7 million in missing funds along with Cannon, should evidence warrant.
"I certainly did not violate the trust of James Brown. I did everything I could to promote the name and legend of Mr. Brown," Dallas told the judge.
The two men had grown increasingly exasperated at the squabbling over Brown's estate, which is facing legal challenges. Aside from the entertainer's six named adult children, other self-proclaimed heirs have stepped forward, including other children born out of wedlock and Brown's "omitted spouse," Tomi Ray Hynie.
A team of lawyers representing five of the funk icon's children and six of his grandchildren has been battling the trustees for months over the execution of Brown's wishes. He died on Christmas Day last year of heart failure at age 73.
In August, they managed to get Early to dismiss Cannon from overseeing Brown's assets after bringing to the court's attention several questionable debits from Mr. Dynamite's accounts.
The Brown siblings also sought the ouster of Dallas and Bradley, lodging unspecified accusations that the men mishandled their father's millions and requesting an independent audit of the estate's transactions. The executors held fast however and denied any wrongdoing.
Said Bradley: "I know I didn't do anything wrong but serve the trust, but I feel the trust will go on better with all these lawsuits for five to six years."
Cannon gave $350,000 to the estate in August, but allegations that he had held back a substantial sum of Brown's earnings led the judge to order him to pony up the additional $373,000.
The administrator balked, claiming he didn't have the cash. However, during grilling last Monday in court and scrutiny of his tax records, it was revealed that Cannon had made at least $6 million from 2000 to 2006 and paid a Honduran contractor $866,000 just in the past three months to build a retirement home in that country.
Early gave Cannon five days to pay up. Cannon's failure to abide resulted in Tuesday's ruling. He has been ordered not to leave South Carolina.
For her part, Hynie welcomed the events.
"I am just very happy. I am kind of speechless at the moment. It's been an exhausting week and I am pleased with the outcome," she told WAGT-TV of Augusta, Georgia.
Hynie, a former backup singer for Brown, had particular enmity for Dallas, who claimed her 2001 union with Brown was not legal. Dallas maintained that Hynie never annulled her previous marriage and therefore was technically not Brown's spouse at the time of his death.
Meanwhile, Early granted Hynie's request to visit the home she and Brown shared with her infant son, James Brown Jr. She will be permitted to collect her personal belongings, which the trustees had barred.
Hynie also continued with one of Brown's most beloved traditions—handing out turkeys in his hometown of Augusta. Also on hand for the festivities was Brown's good friend and confidante, Al Sharpton.
Flashback
It's a man's world medley (Apollo 1968)
Alicia Keys As I Am Storms The Charts
Alicia Keys storms the Billboard 200 this week with "As I Am" (J), which debuts at No. 1 after selling 742,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
The album's performance marks the best sales week for a solo female artist since Norah Jones' "Feels Like Home" shifted 1 million copies in 2004.
In a week where every top 10 album shifted more than 100,000 units, Josh Groban's "Noel" (143/Reprise) zooms from sixth spot to No. 2 with a 93 percent increase to 223,000 copies. Celine Dion's "Taking Chances" (Columbia), her first new pop album in four years, opens at No. 3 with 214,000. The multi-label, multi-artist "Now 26" collection is new at No. 4 with 208,000, the third-lowest opening tally for the "Now" line of compilation discs.
Garth Brooks' "The Ultimate Hits" (Pearl) slips from No. 3 to No. 5 (a 42 percent drop to 204,000 units), while the Eagles' "Long Road Out of Eden" (Eagles Recording Co.) drops from No. 2 to No. 6 (down 45% to 197,000). Led Zeppelin's two-disc retrospective "Mothership" (Swan Song/Atlantic) debuts at No. 7 after selling 136,000, 25 percent of which came digitally.
The previous week's chart-topper, Jay-Z's "American Gangster" (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam) plummets to No. 8 with a 70 percent decrease to 131,000, while Carrie Underwood's "Carnival Ride" (Arista Nashville) drops from No. 5 to ninth position despite registering only a small decrease (6 percent) to 113,000. Chris Brown's "Exclusive" (Jive) falls from fourth rung to No. 10 in its second week, thanks to a 63 percent decline to 110,000.
Comedian Dane Cook's "Rough Around the Edges: Live From Madison Square Garden" (Comedy Central) debuts at No. 11 with 90,000. His last set, 2005's "Retaliation," made history as the highest debuting comedy album in the history of the Billboard 200 when it bowed at No. 4. That effort started with 86,000.
At No. 12, the Killers enter the chart with the rarities collection "Sawdust" (Island), which sold 82,000. George Strait's "22 More Hits" (MCA Nashville) is new at No. 13 with 80,000, while James Taylor's debut for Starbucks' Hear Music imprint, "One Man Band," arrives at No. 16 with 63,000.
Five other albums open inside the top 40 this week, led by Boyz II Men's "Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA" (Decca) at No. 27 with 42,000. Right behind are Trisha Yearwood's "Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love" (Big Machine, No. 30, 33,000), Goo Goo Dolls' "Greatest Hits, Volume 1, The Singles" (Warner Bros., No. 33, 33,000), Seal's "System" (Warner Bros., No. 35, 30,000) and Duran Duran's "Red Carpet Massacre" (Epic, No. 36, 29,000).
Album sales are up 17.9 percent from the previous week's to 11.72 million, but down 6.2 percent from the same week a year earlier.
No One (Live Swarovski Fashion Rocks)
Ne-Yo Dropped From R. Kelly Tour
R&B singer Ne-Yo, who was tapped to open for R. Kelly on his Double Up tour alongside Keyshia Cole and J. Holiday, was relieved of his duties just a week into the trek, his label has confirmed."I am disappointed that I won't be able to perform for my fans," the singer said in a statement from Def Jam. "I love being on stage in front of fans because of the immediate feedback you get. You know right away if they are feeling you; and they were really feeling our show."
The statement did not elaborate on the reason behind Ne-Yo's exit, but in an interview with BET.com, the artist did.
"Let them (Jive) tell it, I was removed from the R. Kelly tour because of contractual agreements not being met, but that's absolutely false," Ne-Yo said. "I believe it was because the first few reviews of the show, people were talking more about my set than his, and I don't think he liked that too much."
Neither Def Jam nor Jive were available for comment at deadline, although an R. Kelly spokesperson insisted to Billboard.com that Ne-Yo's departure was contractual, and not related to any animosity from Kelly.
"Ne-Yo is a terrific talent, and R. Kelly is certainly confident enough in his own abilities to be happy to share the stage with enormously talented people," the spokesperson said. "The more talented, the better. We're sorry it had to end this way."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071121/music_nm/neyo_dc;_ylt=Am4vKZkwS7qzqeRjV7XP64txFb8CSunday, November 18, 2007
Peabo Bryson's New CD-Missing You
*Soul singer Peabo Bryson has saturated the airwaves with his hit ballads for more than three decades.
He's been the male half of phenomenal duets with a veritable powerhouse hall of fame lineup of female singers including "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love" with Roberta Flack, "A Whole New World" with Regina Belle, and "Beauty and the Beast" with Celine Dion - the latter two garnered him an Oscar and a Grammy each.
Of course the duets aren’t his only claim to fame. His greatest solo hits include the late 70s smashes "Feel The Fire" and “I’m So Into You”; the 1989 hit “Show and Tell,” and “Can You Stop the Rain” from 1991, among others.
The reason behind his longevity, Bryson explained, is simply just being himself. While that may sound like generic rhetoric, the singer told EUR’s Lee Bailey that staying true really is the key. And that trueness remains on his latest offering, “Missing You,” released early last month.
“I made an important decision very early in my career not to try to be anything that I’m not. I ended up living my life and being myself and not having to try to be someone I’m not or have to hold up to some perception that someone else has of me or someone else’s image or idea of me,” he said. “I think that that individuality has always been an intricate part of my music. And I’d like to think that the music represents not being alone in your thoughts or your feelings.”
Feelings are just what Bryson conveys in his music, and he’s become known as a balladeer. But the singer adds that he is still connected to uptempo beats and reminded that his very first hit was a disco anthem called “Do It With Feeling.” Still, somewhere along the way, it was his smooth sound and sincere lyrics that made him a star, but even so, he stayed grounded.
“After receiving critical success on my first album on a major label, we were sitting around in a boardroom trying to figure out what my image should be, and I just spoke up after listening to everybody for about 45 minutes and said, ‘Why don’t I just be myself?’ And some idiot at the end of the table said, ‘That’s a good idea. That would be different. When you’re sitting in Hollywood, real is not the first thing that comes to mind.”
Bryson said that he makes it a point to keep it real and stay grounded. Though he has major award statues and a musical resume that legends are made of, he explained that he still buys his own toilet paper – a practice that reminds him he is only human.
“One important thing for anybody aspiring to accomplish anything – especially if it has anything to do with success – is to never stop buying your own toilet paper. I need toilet paper. We all do, everyday. If you get it yourself, you’re dealing with the basic fundamentals of survival and humanness. It’s ok to believe in yourself and it’s ok to take yourself seriously, just not too seriously. And buying your own toilet paper keeps you from taking yourself too seriously.”
However, one thing Bryson does take seriously is his music. Hardly impressed with contemporary music stars, Bryson spoke out about the loss of musical history and the art of music itself.
“If we’re not careful – living in our disposable culture of disposable attitudes and our innate desire to be in vogue – then we’re going to obliterate our history as it’s being made. No one is fervent about preserving the history of our culture. If you took a poll in a particular age demographic, I’ll bet you couldn’t find 10 people who know who Sam Cooke is. And that’s history. In the Top 10, when there used to only be one chart, he would have three songs. Nobody’s done that since. That’s an extraordinary and tragic story that has not been told. And who is a great singer now?” he challenged. “A great singer today is really judged by the marketing plan.”
Bryson continued that there is a market for people who are actual musicians, branding the current hitmakers simply as entertainers.
“It’s not that there’s no demographic audience for people who write real songs and who are musicians who are not putting their name on songs that they did not write. You can’t compose if you can’t play,” he reminded. “Now, people will forgive bad notes even mediocre music. And if you’re a young and up-and-coming artist and you write in a real song format, then you’re unique.”
The singer/songwriter’s familiar uniqueness is apparent on his new CD, his 20th release. He describes it as a combination of the old and the new, but adds that the album is full of more of what he is famous for, and what Bryson fans have been missing during his eight year hiatus.
The title track is another poignant ballad about missing someone, whether it be from the natural transition all humans make or a move in a new direction without that other person.
“They lyrical content was very special and it was a great metaphor for any of those circumstances where it was about anybody on any level,” Bryson said of the track. “I lived with it for a while and then decided it was something I needed to communicate. There’s not a lot of accompaniment with it at all. It was an opportunity for me to have my voice to be heard in a unique way. It was a great vehicle for my voice to shine in another way and an opportunity to showcase that which God has given me.”
As soon as the single was released, it became an instant hit on the overseas military airwaves and was quickly embraced by those serving in Iraq and their families, becoming somewhat of an anthem for soldiers.
“I’d like to think that it’s a representation of the entire CD project. The CD project is not as good as it could have been or it could be and that means that I still have miles to go, but it is an exceptionally good project. I think it’s the right step,” he said.
This new project comes eight years since his last album. The obvious questions is why'd it take so long?
“It takes eight years to find someplace that is the right place. It’s got to be the right thing at the right time. And it’s only going to get better.”
For more on Peabo Bryson’s new disc, “Missing You,” go to www.Peak-Records.com.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
ANTHONY HAMILTON
Anthony Hamilton, currently active via his work on the "American Gangster" soundtrack, has announced that Feb. 5 will mark the release date of his new solo album, tentatively titled "Me."
He tells Billboard.com that the project will "make a statement" with songs that are "full of life and situations we all go through, the changes of men and women and relationships with God and family and children -- and the political side of Anthony Hamilton that I speak out on in certain situations."
Among his social commentaries are "Home," a soldier's message to his wife that Hamilton co-wrote with his wife, Tarsha McMillan Hamilton, and "Who Left the Gate Open?," which looks at the role of parenting (or lack thereof) in creating "the wild, untamed people ... who raise so much hell in the world."
He tells Billboard: "I always felt my third album was going to be my best one. I don't think I'm going to let myself down or the people down. It's a nice transition; you can just see my growth from the first one and the second one to this one."
Other songs on the album include "Souls on Fire," "Praying For You," "Cool" and "Me." He recently recorded a new song, "Love," and is still working in the studio, but expects to be done by the end of this month and mixing and mastering in December.
Also, Hamilton recently dueted with Keyshia Cole on "Losing You," which he co-wrote for her new album, "Just Like You"; with country singer Josh Turner on "Nowhere Fast" from his new album, "Everything is Fine"; and with rapper Chingy on "They Don't Know" from "Hate It or Love It," which comes out Dec. 11. Additionally, Hamilton appears on saxophonist Boney James' new holiday album, "Christmas Present."
As for his work on "American Gangster," which hits stores tomorrow (Nov. 6), Hamilton recorded the Diane Warren-written "Do You Feel Me" and "Stone Cold," which he co-wrote with longtime Public Enemy producer Hank Schocklee. He also performs "Do You Feel Me" during a scene in the movie.
"I think it's a great opportunity for people to see me in a different light," he says, "not video but on a big, mega-screen, and to be connected with such amazing talent. It puts a little shine on my dusty texture. My velvet bow tie looks a little patent leather right now."
Make Sure U Grab This New CD
Produced by American Idol's Randy Jackson, The Boys return 2 form!
http://www.boyziimenmotown.com/
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Janet Jackson In No Rush
A hush fell over one of the banquet rooms at the Four Seasons recently when Janet Jackson strolled in.
Dressed in wide-legged black trousers with a form-fitting black-and-white shirt/sweater combo, Jackson had that sort of deer-in-the-headlights look in her eyes as about 30 reporters fired questions at her.
The rest of the cast of Tyler Perry’s new film “Why Did I Get Married?” were with her, but that didn’t seem to ease her nerves. Jackson answered the questions directed to her, but her largely unexpressive responses were rarely longer than a few soft-spoken sentences.
Jackson, 41, however, was much more revealing about an hour later during an exclusive interview in her hotel suite. She candidly responded to questions about her career, her dreams, walls, drama, love, marriage, divorce and the status of the Jackson Family Reunion tour.
That may or may not be coming to an arena near you.
“I don’t know, there’s been talk and I honestly don’t know and I’m one of them! I really would love to see it happen,” she said wistfully. “I’m such a fan of my brothers and to see them all on stage together, I would die for that, die for that.”
She was also dying to get back into acting after a six-year hiatus. Jackson plays a therapist in Perry’s latest film about eight married college friends trying to rise above all the drama they experience during a holiday in the Colorado mountains. Although Jackson is clearly the star with the most name recognition in this film, Perry said she checked her inner-diva at the door.
“Janet was very, very adamant going in that she wanted an ensemble piece,” said Perry, who has been trying to work with Jackson for years. “She said, ‘It’s perfect for me’ and she was very fair that way. I think the biggest hurdle was getting over Janet Jackson as you’re watching the movie. But if you watch it for longer than 15 minutes, you realize that Janet is not Janet. She’s Patricia. She’s the character and she totally surrendered to it.”
Off screen she just one of the girls.
“She’s so down to earth and genuine,” said Tasha Smith who plays one of Patricia’s girlfriends from college in the film. “When we weren’t working she’d kick it with us and we were just girls having fun. And while we were working I forgot it was Janet Jackson. I was like where’s ‘Rhythm Nation?’ Where’s ‘Pleasure Principle?’”
In no hurry to get married again
There’s no doubt that Jackson’s on-screen marriage to Malik Yoba was far more pleasurable than her real-life unions with James DeBarge and Rene Elizondo were. Jackson married DeBarge, who reportedly had issues with substance abuse, when she was 18. That bliss lasted just over a year. She wed Elizondo during a secret ceremony in 1991, they parted in 1999, and were divorced in 2001.
“I don’t know if I actually would sign the piece of paper and actually get married,” Jackson said. “I think for myself, going through it twice and being divorced twice, it would be more of a spiritual commitment — finding your soul mate and exchanging vows.”
It helps that Dupri is as successful as his mate, and that they can bond on the thing they love the most — music. They are currently partnering on Jackson’s 10th studio album, which will also include tracks produced by Ne-Yo and Rodney Jerkins. Noticeably absent so far are Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam, the Grammy-winning hit makers who worked with Jackson on a string of successful collaborations including: “Control,” “Rhythm Nation,” “janet” and “The Velvet Rope.” Jackson told reporters that she was unsure at this point if Lewis and Jam would be involved at all.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21197044/
Angie Stone's Stax Records Debut "The Art Of Love & War" Launches At #11 On Billboard's Top 200 And #2 On The R&B Chart!
October 24, 2007-Angie Stone is flying high once again as her debut effort for the legendary Stax Records label, The Art of Love & War debuts at #11 on Billboard's Top 200 Pop Album chart selling over 45,000 copies. In addition, the first single, "Baby," topped all Urban AC charts at #1 this week.
The exuberant song "Baby" is fast approaching 20,000 spins to date, reaching an audience of over 150 million listeners, as tracked by Billboard, R&R and Mediabase publications. Produced by Co-T and featuring R&B/soul/ gospel great Betty Wright, "Baby" has an irresistible groove.
Newsweek says of the new CD, "...(Stone is) one of the strongest soul singers to come along in decades...Her leagues-above voice and commercialism-be-damned attitude, coupled with Stone's powerful delivery and raw, emotive songs definitely command some major R-E-S-P-E-C-T." The song, "My People," has become an anthem for the survivors of New Orleans' 9th Ward and was personally selected by Essence Magazine Publisher, Susan Taylor as the theme song for this year's Essence Festival.
"I'm happy and I'm blessed," Angie explains. "Everything in life is a journey, and "The Art of Love and War" defines this time and this place in my life."
Stone was featured on "The Tavis Smiley Show," "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live" last week in celebration of her Stax debut. The new CD is an exuberant statement of Stone's artistry.
Stone's previous work earned her the reputation of a modern-day Aretha, rejuvenating classic R&B with her incomparable soul-baring intensity. She has found that and more with, THE ART OF LOVE & WAR, in many ways a creative rebirth. And Stax, with its legacy of gritty Southern-steeped soul, is her ideal home.
Angie Stone "Baby"
Friday, November 2, 2007
The Phyllis Hyman Story
The story and struggle of singer Phyllis Hyman is brought to light in the powerful new biography STRENGTH OF A WOMAN: The Phyllis Hyman Story (JAM Books; trade paperback; September 4, 2007) by Jason A. Michael. Hyman’s 20-year career, which included the release of eight albums and a Tony nomination and Theatre World Award for her Broadway turn in Sophisticated Ladies, was brought to a tragic end by her suicide June 30, 1995, just hours before she was due to take the stage at the legendary Apollo Theatre.
In the spotlight, Hyman’s breathtaking voice and stunning beauty shone brightly. But off stage, after the applause and the laughter produced by her bawdy humor had faded, Hyman spent her days and nights engaged in an exhausting battle against bipolar disorder. Complicating its crippling effects was Hyman’s addiction to drugs and alcohol (which she tried repeatedly to kick) as well as the demands and constraints of being a female African-American entrepreneur in an industry controlled by white men.
http://www.phyllishymanstory.com/book.htm
'American Gangster' Opens This Weekend
Academy Award winners Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe hit big screens nationwide today for the opening weekend of the film "American Gangster."
Highly anticipated, "Gangster" chronicles the true story of a 1970s Harlem drug kingpin Frank Lucas, who built an empire trafficking drugs in the coffins of Vietnam soldiers, and the police detective working to bring him down.
Sure to sit squarely in the lineage of New York City Crime sagas such as “The Godfather” and “Goodfellas,” Washington emphasized the difference between these greats and this soon-to-be-great.
“Of all those films, there are no black people in them,” he described. “This is a Harlem story. I think the situation is basically the same. The business was the same. It is a genre and there are certain things that are similar, but this one in particular is dealing with a guy from uptown.”
Already marked as one of the best films of the year, Washington, who stars as Lucas, and Crowe, who plays Det. Richie Roberts are clearly a formidable duo on screen. Though this is the second time the two have co-starred together (Their first outing was in 1995’s forgettable “Virtuosity”), the actors impressively take on the struggle of and blurred line between good and evil.“I think that’s one of the fascinating things about the two characters and the story itself. There’s not a clear singular morality,” Crowe said of taking on his role. “When you get the opportunity to play that sort of character, which is nothing more than reality and humanity as it exists, it’s just a bit of fun. Richie is an honest guy and that sort of thing, but he’s only honest in one area. That’s an appraisal of who he was at that time. It also leaks into that of area of discussing why people go bad in the first place and what the process of Frank Lucas was to become a drug dealer.”
Infamous heroin dealer and crime boss Frank Lucas has become a bit of an anomaly. Convicted twice and considered responsible for the deaths of hundreds, Lucas is regarded as a very intelligent man.
“If Frank Lucas had been befriended by somebody else and educated in a different area there might be a situation where a university was named after him,” Crowe said. “He’s a very smart guy and he used the things that he learned to his best ability to change his life and change the lives of his family at that time. It just happened to be that [mafia-linked] Bumpy Johnson was his teacher.”
Washington agreed, saying that he doesn’t consider Lucas a sociopath, as described by some.
“He’s a man without a formal education. He’s a man who at the age of six, witnessed his cousin get murdered by sociopaths in uniform and that changed his life,” Washington said.
At a very young age, Lucas began petty theft to survive and then one of the most notorious gangsters in Harlem recognized his “talents.”
“He was on the wrong side of the tracks, but he was a very brilliant student and he became a master of this business he was in. It’s a dirty business,” Washington continued. “I don’t want to say he’s a product of his own environment, but to a degree we all are. Had he gotten a formal education, had he gone in another direction, had he had different influences, I think he still would have been a leader or a very successful man.”
As Crowe pointed out, Lucas lived that dichotomy. On a large scale, he lived a very glamorous life. His business as a nightclub owner was very successful and had him in the company of celebrities and sports stars.
“His public persona was this guy that ran the nightclub,” he said. “Any of these celebrities hanging out with him, they wouldn’t have known Frank was turning over a couple of hundred keys every month in heroin.”
A New York native, Washington recalled hearing about New York gangsters, but admitted that there wasn’t much buzz about Frank Lucas, and he said that that speaks to Lucas’ business manner.
“I think everybody had heard of Nicky Barnes,” he said and it’s a testament to Frank’s business sense. He wasn’t interested in being [in front]. You never heard about Frank Lucas, but Nicky Barnes bought his coke from Frank Lucas. Frank was many layers removed from the streets.”
Interestingly to many Washington fans, there used to be a time when the actor was layers removed from playing the bad guy. And after garnering an Oscar for his bad cop portrayal in “Training Day,” the acting fave has taken on some harsher, rougher roles. When asked about any reluctance to accept the new cinema range, Washington said, without hesitation, “Not at all.”
“A good story is a good story,” he said. “Before ‘Training Day’ I had never been offered that kind of role. After ‘Training Day’ that’s all I was offered. It comes down to good material, a great actor to work with and great filmmaker. It wasn’t that complicated.”
From “Bumpy” to Lucas to Nicky Barnes, a good true story is a good story. And Washington commented that current New York crime syndicates certainly don’t seem to have that intrigue and interest anymore.
“Maybe this is cliché, but I think there was more honor among thieves. In those days there was a sort of code of ethics. [Lucas] is a very interesting man. He’s very much a family man. He was in the drug business. I don’t think he looked at himself as a killer or even a criminal. He was in a business. He sold a product. And he did a good job at it.”
So who would be the new American Gangster?
“They get voted in now,” he said.
Directed by Ridley Scott and also starring Ruby Dee, Cuba Gooding Jr., Armand Asante, RZA, and Idris Elba, “American Gangster” opens in theaters nationwide today. For more on the film, check the website at www.americangangster.net.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Da Brat Arrested After Nightclub Dispute
Atlanta rapper Da Brat is facing felony assault charges over an incident in a DeKalb County nightclub yesterday (Oct. 31) morning.
Police claim Da Brat, argued with an unnamed waitress at Studio 72, a new club recently opened by Jermaine Dupri.
According to witnesses, after the argument escalated into a shoving match, Da Brat, 33, allegedly grabbed a bottle of rum and hit the waitress in the face.
The woman was taken to the hospital and treated for injuries to her face and above her eye socket.
Da Brat, born Shawntae Harris, is currently being held in the DeKalb County jail on felony aggravated assault charges.
Da Brat last appearance on the charts was in 2005, when Dem Franchize Boyz' single "I Think They Like Me" featuring Bow Wow and Jermaine Dupri hit #1.
She also starred in the last season of VH1's Celebrity Fit Club, where she shed almost 30 pounds.
DOG THE BOUNTY HUNTER Uses Racial Slur
Television bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman has apologized for repeatedly using a racial slur in a profanity-laced tirade during a private phone conversation with his son that was recorded and posted online.
Chapman, star of A&E's hit reality series "Dog the Bounty Hunter," issued a statement Wednesday apologizing for the comments after The National Enquirer posted a clip of the conversation in which he uses the N-word in reference to his son's girlfriend.
"We take this matter very seriously," A&E spokesman Michael Feeney said in a statement Thursday. "Pending an investigation, we have suspended production on the series. When the inquiry is concluded, we will take appropriate action."
The recording was first posted online by the Enquirer. It was unclear who recorded the conversation or how the tabloid obtained the 1 1/2-minute clip in which Chapman uses the N-word six times.
"There's no problem with how the tape was obtained and Dog has acknowledged its authenticity, and admitted to using the racist language," said David Perel, the Enquirer's editor-in-chief.Perel declined to comment on how the tape was obtained. He said that doesn't matter because all that matters is what's on the tape.
In the conversation, Chapman urges his son to break up with his girlfriend. He also expresses concern about the girlfriend going public about the TV star's use of the N-word.
In the clip, Chapman also stated he doesn't care that his son's girlfriend is black.
In a statement, the 54-year-old Chapman said he has "utmost respect and aloha for black people who have suffered so much due to racial discrimination and acts of hatred.
"I did not mean to add yet another slap in the face to an entire race of people who have brought so many gifts to this world," he said. "I am ashamed of myself and I pledge to do whatever I can to repair this damage I have caused."
Chapman said, "My sincerest, heartfelt apologies go out to every person I have offended for my regrettable use of very inappropriate language. I am deeply disappointed in myself for speaking out of anger to my son and using such a hateful term in a private phone conversation."
Chapman said the clip was completely taken out of context.
"I was disappointed in his choice of a friend, not due to her race, but her character," he said. "However, I should have never used that term."
Chapman said he is meeting with his spiritual adviser, Rev. Tim Storey, who is black, and hopes to meet with other black leaders, "so they can see who I really am and teach me the right thing to do to make things right, again."
"I know that all of my fans are deeply disappointed in me, as well, as I have tried to be a model for doing the right thing," he said. "I did not do the right thing this time, and hope you will forgive me."
Chapman's show was in its fifth season and is one of A&E's top-rated programs. The series follows Chapman and his tattooed crew as they track down bail jumpers in Hawaii and other states.
The Honolulu-based bounty hunter first grabbed headlines for apprehending serial rapist and Max Factor heir Andrew Luster in Mexico in 2003.
'Jacob the Jeweler' Pleads Guilty
A celebrity jeweler who put diamonds on celebrities from Sir Elton John to Kanye West pleaded guilty Wednesday to falsifying records and giving false statements to investigators looking into a multistate drug ring.
Terms of the plea deal call for Jacob Arabov of New York to serve up to 46 months in prison and pay a $2 million penalty, U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Murphy said in a news release. No sentencing date was immediately set by U.S. District Judge Avern Cohn.
In return for the guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to drop money laundering charges against the man known in the hip-hop world as "Jacob the Jeweler," said Arabov's attorney, Benjamin Brafman.
"I realize I have made a terrible mistake and I accept the consequences of my actions," Arabov said in a news release issued through Brafman.
Arabov, 42, was arrested in June 2006 at his Manhattan jewelry shop. Authorities accused him and others of conspiring to launder about $270 million in drug profits for the "Black Mafia Family," a ring that operated out of the Detroit area beginning in the early 1990s.
The 7-year investigation resulted in the indictments of Arabov and 41 other people, Murphy's office said. Twenty-eight have pleaded guilty, eight are scheduled for trial Nov. 19 and the whereabouts of six others are unknown.
Federal authorities have said about 1,100 pounds of cocaine and $19 million in cash and other assets were seized beginning in 2000.
Arabov, a Russian immigrant also known as the "King of Bling," became popular among hip-hop and R&B artists in the mid-1990s.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071101/ap_en_ot/people_jacob_jeweler
AL B's SURE ABOUT HIS NEW PROJECTS
When was the last time you were riding in your car and thought, "Whatever happened to Al B. Sure, aka Albert Brown?" 
Well, if you are one of those folks, then you're among a multitude of fans who remember his smooth New Jack Swing/balladeer stylings from the late 80s.
EUR's Lee Bailey ran into the man who popularized getting a "curl" on top of your box fade. These days Sure is certain his musical relevancy remains. The remake of "Nite And Day" is a prime example of that.
"Officially it's Fabolous and some cats from Brooklyn named Duo Live and it's gonna be off the chain," the crooner/radio show host told Uncle Lee. "It's called 'Princess' and they're shooting the video in NYC. I'm getting ready to get on a plane right now."
Al B. Sure bookended by Duo Live
Duo Live is more than a bunch of fella slinging CDs from their trunk. They've done something few artists can claim, sold over 100,000 CDs from the trunks of their cars.
"I'm proud of these cats," Al B. continued. "They held it down in the streets and they're one of the only independent groups that sold about 200,000 records just getting on their grind, independently. So they're out thier working on that video."
And what about the man himself? Just because he hasn't had a record out in ages, some think he fell off, but he's been busier than you think.
"And we've got Al B. working on the new album, which is called 'Honey I'm Home.' It's been quite a while, but its coming. Everybody I run in to, from Anthony Anderson to Michael Jackson, are asking me 'When're you going to come with the new album. I really love it and appreciate it. It's about time now. I've lost all the weight and it's time to do it."
He lost the weight? Some of his female fans may be a little upset at that. Some liked the teddy bear look, but to each her own. He's currently a popular radio show host from 9 am to 12 pm on LA radio station Hot 92.3. It's a job Al B. Sure says he enjoys greatly. By the way, radio and CDs aren't the only mediums he's dabbling in these days.
"Definitely, Hot 92.3 has been a blessing to me. I talk to (millions) of people everyday. I'm definitely keeping the radio gig. But I'm also in a new straight to DVD film with Blair Underwood. It's called 'The Hit' and it's on CodeBlack/Universal. It also stars DeRay Davis and James Russo from 'The Godfather.' It's a nice little joint."
SON OF AMERICAN GANGSTER FRANK LUCAS HOOKS UP WITH 70s GROUP BLUE MAGIC
The Son of The American Gangster, Frank Lucas held an intimate recording session with the 70's group "Blue Magic" at Fenix Studios in Staten Island.
Frank Lucas (The Crown Holder) is releasing the single "Blue Magic" off of his upcoming street CD "birthright" (AGC Records)
Buzz Tv and E2k Magazine covered the exclusive recording session. The interview on Buzz TV will premiere Friday, November 9 at 10:30pm on channel 57 (Time Warner).
The interview will feature footage from the making of the single Blue Magic and an exclusive interview with the 70s group "Blue Magic" and Frank Lucas (The Crown Holder)
Sneak 25 second preview of the session can be seen on http://www.soulpitchhustle.blogspot.com
TEMPTATIONS OTIS WILLIAMS SUES THREE FORMER MEMBERS
Otis Williams, the lone surviving member of the original Temptations, has filed a lawsuit against three former members of the band for their alleged improper use of the group name.
According to TMZ.com, the lawsuit alleges that Williams is the only person who has a legal right to the name. But former members Glenn Leonard, Ali Woodson and Barrington Henderson have been performing under the name "Legendary Lead Singers of the Temptations" and/or "The Temptations Reunion Show" since 2004.
Williams says they are infringing upon his ownership of the name, and their willingness to accept lesser billing at certain shows hurts his reputation, TMZ reports. He also claims they have accepted payment "considerably lower" than the standard fees charged by Williams for performances by the Temptations.
Williams' lawsuit also includes managers who worked with the "Legendary Lead Singers of the Temptations," as well as venues which promoted them. He claims that advertising used to promote the band was deceiving and hurt his ability to work as the Temptations.
The Motown veteran is seeking the maximum amount of damages as well as interest on all damages awarded, legal fees, and any properties and assets obtained by the profits of the defendants' infringing activity, reports TMZ.
Flashback:
New Release-Will Downing After Tonight
AFTER TONIGHT, represents a work of startling beauty and one which is infused with Downing’s indomitable spirit of determination and a fierce faith.
Downing’s longtime friend and collaborator (this is their 10th project together) Rex Rideout, who has worked with Downing for nearly 15 years, serves as the album’s producer. Rideout also co-wrote six of the 10 tracks with Downing and laces the project with his adept skills on keyboards. AFTER TONIGHT was executive produced by Peak Partners Andi Howard and Mark Wexler.
AFTER TONIGHT kicks off with “Will’s Groove,” which ably showcases Downing’s rich-as-chocolate, smooth trademark baritone. The song was birthed during a telephone conversation between Downing and Rideout. “Will and I were on the phone one evening, and he asked me if I thought I could put music to this groove he came up with, and then he proceeded to just riff for a few minutes and what evolved, organically, was ‘Will’s Groove’,” says Rideout. “I think ‘Will’s Groove’ kinda represents what Will’s fans have always loved about his particular sound in the first place. His voice clearly is his instrument.”
Each song on AFTER TONIGHT is bathed in rose-tinged glow of romance and a velvety sensuality, with Downing’s voice deftly moving between his baritone, tenor and even his falsetto ranges, clearly demonstrating Downing’s vocal versatility and his well-honed musicianship. After Tonight,” the title track, is sultry and decidedly romantic.
On “Lover’s Melody,” a track bathed in sensuality and soulfulness and which provides the perfect aural inspiration for a romantic evening, the gifted and iconic vibraphonist Roy Ayers, embellishes the song with his electrifying and nimble playing while Kirk Whalum lends the “voice” of his tenor sax on both “All I Need Is You,” (which also features Audrey Wheeler-Downing on background vocals along with her husband) and the little known Bill Withers’ penned “You Just Can’t Smile It Away.”
One of AFTER TONIGHT’S many standouts is “God Is So Amazing,” a simple yet profound song of praise and gratitude that Downing sings with such a pure intention and an emotional innocence, his voice dipping and weaving yet remaining smooth and focused as he sings with a heartfelt sincerity: “Imagine someone who can change everything in your life/Someone who can take all of your wrongs and make them right …”. With “God Is So Amazing,” Downing stakes his claim as a man of immense faith and fortitude.
TRACKLISTING
DISC ONE
- 1. Will's Groove
- 2. Fantasy (Spending Time With You)
- 3. After Tonight
- 4. No One Can Love You More
- 5. Lover's Melody
- 6. Satisfy You
- 7. All I Need Is You
- 8. God Is So Amazing
- 9. You Just Can't Smile It Away
- 10. After Tonight
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WILL DOWNING
R. KELLY ADDS DATES TO 'DOUBLE UP' TOUR
*A revised schedule has been confirmed by Atlanta-based Rowe Entertainment, Inc. for R. Kelly's nine-week Double Up tour, featuring supporting acts Keyshia Cole, Ne-Yo and J. Holiday. [See itinerary below.]
The nine-week outing kicks off Nov. 14 in Columbus, GA and will roll through such cities as Atlanta, Philadelphia, Little Rock, Washington D.C., Minneapolis, Cleveland and Miami.
Kelly says in a statement: "I'm more excited than ever about the Double Up tour. I haven't done an arena tour in a while, and it will be a great opportunity to give my fans a memorable show where I’m pulling out all the stops. Since my last arena tour I’ve done a lot of great collaborations with some phenomenal artists which has given me a lot more hits to add to my repertoire."
Official tour dates are listed below. Advance tickets can be purchased through TicketMaster by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.
Wed Nov 14 Columbus, GA Columbus Civic Center
Thurs Nov 15 Atlanta Phillips Arena
Fri Nov 16 Greensboro Greensboro Coliseum
Sat Nov 17 Birmingham BJCC
Sun Nov 18 Charlotte Bobcat Arena
Wed Nov 21 Philadelphia Wachovia Center
Thurs Nov 22 Newark Prudential Center
Fri Nov 23 New York Nassau Coliseum
Sat Nov 24 Baltimore 1st Mariner
Sun Nov 25 Washington D.C. Verizon Center
Thurs Nov 29 Little Rock Alltel Arena
Fri Nov 30 New Orleans New Orleans Arena
Sat Dec 1 Dallas American Airlines Arena
Sun Dec 2 Houston Toyota Center
Thurs Dec 6 Oklahoma Ford Center
Fri Dec 7 Kansas City Sprint Center
Sat Dec 8 Indianapolis Conseco Fieldhouse
Sun Dec 9 Memphis Fed Ex Forum
Thurs Dec 13 Las Vegas The Orleans
Fri Dec 14 Los Angeles L.A. Forum
Sat Dec 15 Oakland Oakland Arena (Oracle)
Sun Dec 16 Sacramento ARCO Arena
Thurs Dec 20 Minneapolis Target Center
Fri Dec 21 Chicago United Center
Sat Dec 22 Detroit Joe Louis Arena
Sun Dec 23 Cleveland Wolstein Center
Thurs Dec 27 Charleston North Charleston Coliseum
Fri Dec 28 Orlando Amway
Sat Dec 29 Columbia Colonial Center
Sun Dec 30 Jacksonville Veteran Memorial
Mon Dec 31 Miami American Airlines Arena
Fri Jan 4 Nashville Sommet Center
Sat Jan 5 Louisville Kentucky Expo Center
Sun Jan 6 St Louis Scottrade
Wed Jan 9 Savannah Savannah Civic Center
Thurs Jan 10 Greenville Bi-Lo Center
Fri Jan 11 Richmond Richmond Coliseum
Sun Jan 13 Hampton Hampton Coliseum
MICHAEL JACKSON TO GRACE NEXT EBONY COVER
Michael Jackson snuck into Brooklyn recently to shoot a cover for Ebony magazine in honor of his record-breaking "Thriller" album turning the big 2-5.
Spies at the shoot ran to the New York Post's Page Six, stating he was very "sweet" and asked various questions about the lives of crew members on set.
"He did go on and on about kids, though, saying how much he loved them," reported the spy.
After the shoot, Jackson posed for photographs with the crew while on location at the Brooklyn Museum of Art.
Ebony's issue hits newsstands on Nov. 12Alicia Keys Speaks On Family Tragedy Leading Up To Her New Album
Tuesday - October 30, 2007 by Janeé Bolden
With a new album only weeks away, Alicia Keys is finally opening up about her personal life and the recent death of her grandmother.
In a recent interview with The Independent the multi-talented Keys revealed she faced some "real lows" in 2006, before embarking on the writing and recording of her coming album As I Am.
Much of her struggle was related to her experience last year, caring for her paternal grandmother, who was suffering from an advanced cancer that would eventually claim her life. Keys told The Independent that her grandmother's illness "broke" her down "in a lot of ways."
With her father residing in Colorado, Keys took over as primary caregiver of the grandmother who had, in turn, played an active role raising her, and for the time being put her career on hold.
"I had to totally, completely stop," Keys said. "I'm used to constantly going on to the next thing, but I realized at that moment, 'Man, this is it, this is all I have."
In retrospect, Keys says she made the right decision. Had she opted not to focus her full attention and energy on her grandmother, she says, "I would be a terribly messed-up person right now. I would be full of regret and really down on myself for that. And I was able to spend some of the most precious time with her ever. And I grew. And grew up. I learnt a lot - about family, about who's there for me, who's not."
Keys admitted it was largely this experience that helped her realize she had been neglecting herself and her personal life. Her grandmother eventually succumbed to the illness, leaving Alicia with a newfound, albeit painful, awareness.
"It was a whole different thing for me," she recalled. "And it was very stressful and it was very hard on my spirit. And I was obviously totally saddened by the fact that eventually, you know... So it was hard, and it was joyful. It was bittersweet.
How her personal struggle will be reflected in her third studio album As I Am, has yet to be revealed. The album is due for release in three weeks on November 19 via SonyBMG. Keys enlisted songwriter Linda Perry, John Mayer, Floetry singer Marsha Ambrosius and production partner Kerry "Krucial" Brothers to work on the album.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)