Directed by Kanye, one can only assume there will be a high level of intelligent creativity.

And there is–panthers, shots of Parisian architecture, gorgeous screaming fans and a Will Ferrell cameo–all give us a small glimpse into the beautiful, dark, twisted fantasy that is Kanye’s mind.

“N*ggas In Paris” may be one of the most infectious songs from Watch The Throne–at least for me it is. Once that beat drops, I can’t help but bounce my shoulders and pretend my bank account rivals both Jay-Z and Kanye’s. So with the release of this video, the dynamic duo reminds us why we’re watching the throne in the first place.

Here’s three reasons why that sh*t is indeed cray.

1. If the first five seconds don’t give you a seizure, watching “N*ggas In Paris” in its entirety, will. Watch with extreme caution and hold your tongue, literally.

2. So, we’re still not going to say anything about Kanye and this leather skirt? Oh. ok.

3. In case you missed any of the Watch The Throne tour stops, ‘Ye and Jay give us a mini experience of the spectacle that was Watch The Throne. From a kaleidoscoped stage and modelesque crowd to the flashing lights–it’s not quite what the show was, but Kanye does manage to fully portray excitement.

Watch the video here:

Can’t get enough of the Throne? Jay-Z told MTV, “We – I say ‘we’ because I’m in Throne mode–we’re in a great place creatively. You might see a Jay, then Kanye and a Throne album next year. We’ve really found our zone.”

Follow me on Twitter @Rhapsodani!

Did Kanye West & Kim Kardashian Hook Up After “Watch The Throne” Concert?

Kanye West Honors Mother, Donda West At “Watch The Throne” Concert

Beyonce Shows Off Curves In First Post-Baby Appearance [PHOTOS]

Make It Last Forever: Jay-Z And Beyonce

Ever resilient, Jay’s got plans of breathing new life into Rocawear and here’s three reasons he might just want to take the L on this one.

1. Commercial Success

Jay-Z is creating a new commercial to remind his fans that he went from “Marcy to Madison Square.” Here’s a thought Jigga. We know that already. So how about you use all the money you’re planning on spending on this commercial as a severance package for those employees who lost their job because of Rocawear’s decline.

2. Occupy Wall Street(s)

2. When Rocawear developed the “Occupy All Streets” T-shirts, they sold out like hot cakes. Too bad Jay-Z didn’t think it was necessary to give any of the proceeds to the movement the T-shirts were inspired by–Occupy Wall Street. That’s just rude and so unsupportive. And you want people to support Rocawear?

3. Who Gon’ Wear These Boo?

When you’re a tastemaker and you decide to develop a clothing line, your line should reflect your personal style. I guarantee you that Jay-Z has absolutely no Rocawear in his closet and why would he. They’re pushing some stereotypically ghetto garb.

Do you think Jay-Z needs to keep trying with Rocawear or give it up?

Follow me on Twitter @Rhapsodani!

Make It Last Forever: Jay-Z And Beyonce

Ashanti & Selita Hit Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club Opening: Who Looked Better? [PHOTOS]

Why She Loves Him: Women typically always have an unbroken connection with their first. Beyonce made it big during her teenage years and really didn’t have the time to date like a boy-crazed adolescent. By the time she was 19, she was dating Jay-Z–one of the biggest hip hop heavyweights of our time and he set the standard for the superstar’s love life. “Fortunately I haven’t had any breakups. Jay Z is my first relationship,” Beyonce said in an interview with US magazine.

Why He Loves Her: Where there’s Jay’s love, there is respect and it’s not a secret that he respects everything about his wife’s hustler spirit and unwavering worth ethic. “What I’ve learned from her is similar to what I learned from Mike [Jackson] – and I know that’s blasphemy to compare the two because Mike was such an innovator – but I think she’s like the second coming,” said Jay-Z. “You know, the hard work and dedication that she puts into her shows. It just makes you want to work harder at your own craft. She’s like a machine,” he said in a radio interview with Miami’s 99 Jamz.

Why They Work: As frustrating as it is for the detail-hungry public, Jay and Bey manage to keep their very public lives a little bit private. Privacy can be the glue that holds this power couple together because when outside elements weigh in on your relationship, it causes a strain. How they can remain so allusive is beyond us, but we’ve witnessed it from the start of their union, to their wedding and to the birth of their first born. When Jay appeared on Oprah in 2009, he admitted, “When you live your life so out in the public, then your music and life are on display,” Hov added. “You need to separate from it. You can’t be in that light all the time. You need some type of escape from it. And that’s one thing that’s sacred and not in the public eye.”

Why We Love Them: Beyonce said it best, “The best thing about marriage is the amount of growth you have because you can no longer hide from your fears and insecurities. There’s someone right there calling you out on your flaws and building you up when you need the support. If you are with the right person, it brings out the best version of you.” These two lovebirds are inspiring. A lot of folks get married for the wrong reasons, Jay and Bey, waited, courted and realized that their love was everything each other needed. They provide one another with relationship essentials–support, growth and unconditional love.

Beyonce’s Hometown To Build Monument In Her Honor

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Beyonce Mourns Etta James’ Death With Tribute

Etta James Dead At 73

The ladies stole the show: Selita (who came arm-in-arm with new boyfriend Terrence J) wore a cream-colored dress with multi-print shoes and a fur coat, while Ashanti kept it simpler in a black satin gown with a plunging neckline.

Click the pic to see larger.

Jay-Z Releases New Song “Glory” Dedicated To Baby Girl Blue

3 Reasons Ashanti Is “The Woman You Love”

Solange, Selita & More Dish On Style Icons & Fave Products At Fashion Week [EXCLUSIVE]

The new mom opened up to Star Magazine about her new role in life, saying:

“Nothing can describe the feeling. You have the instant connection once you know your child is growing inside you, but when you hold it for the first time, the words can’t be found.”

“It’s an old cliche that the thing expectant moms look forward to the most is holding their child in their arms for the first time, but it’s one of those clichés that is a real truth.”

Read the full article, here!

Baby Momma Drama: Blue Ivy Carter’s Diva Birth Gets An Investigation

Blue Ivy Carter Becomes Youngest Person To Chart On Billboard

So let me get this straight, all it took for Jay-Z to stop degrading women with a term most of us don’t appreciate was for his “b*tch” to give birth? Does Jay-Z deserve a late pass on this one for waiting so long to straighten up his syntax?

When Jay-Z was born from a woman who single-handedly raised him, the word “b*tch” should have never slipped from his tongue – hardcore rapper image or not. But it was still there, stinging at every use. Jay-Z is very aware of his influence over children who idolize his lyrics and look to use the same language he does. So you’ve got generations of Jay-Z fans that watch him call his wife, his “b*tch” and think it’s ok to do the same. When Hov chose to marry one of the most celebrated women in the world, the b-word didn’t affect him or her, at all. In fact, Bey seemed to place her stamp of approval on countless songs he’s released with the b-word sprinkled throughout since they became an item. Not that she can dictate his career, but it’s clear that she can affect it.

According to his manifesto to Baby Blue (below), in the past, he didn’t think hard about using the word. Now, he wants to preserve the innocence of his daughter. How precious.

Every father that considers himself a man always breaks down and reevaluates their bad choices and flawed pieces of who they are when they have a daughter. They think about how they’ve treated women in the past and vow that no one will ever treat their offspring that way so, in turn, the women around them reap the benefits of their good behavior. No relationship between man and woman compares to a father-daughter relationship. I can appreciate Jay-Z revamping his speech and possibly his entire way of life to accommodate for having a baby girl, but why wait so long?

New fatherhood, especially that of a baby girl, can spark fear of the unknown. A man may have grown up with sisters and learned more about women from love and marriage, but neither of these prep him completely for the father-daughter dynamic. Let’s think about the impact the father-daughter relationship has on the daughter’s social and emotional development–it’s everything. Women often develop doomed relationships with men based on their father’s role in their lives. Because many of us get through life without a father, we spend our entire lives trying to find him and we get lost along the way. Not Blue Ivy Carter. Her dad is going to be there for her and he’s not going to let the b-word slip from here on out.

I can appreciate this new positive spin Jigga’s got going on. He’s taking responsibility for the things that come out of his mouth because he’s got a new responsibility and a life to shape. Atlanta rapper T.I. seems to be doing the exact same – changing his image to fit his family life. With the peep inside his new life that we get with his Vh1 reality show T.I. and Tiny, we’re reintroduced to T.I. as a remixed Bill Cosby with a life that revolves around his family, instead of a drug-consuming, lyrically-violent and degrading rapper that tries to buy firearms (which is who he used to be). People can and do change, but my main question is: Is this all for publicity’s sake or are these men actually evolving into positive role models for their children and the children that are their fans?

There’s bigger fish to fry that the b-word. It’s great that Jay-Z wants to take the b-word out of his vocabulary, but what about the other negative subject matters he rhymes about? Once you take all the debauchery out of his lyrics, you’re left with how much he loves Beyonce, how wealthy he is and other personal anecdotes that would make Blue Ivy proud – although, that kind of subject matter doesn’t tend to sell records to hip-hop loyalists. So maybe Jay-Z’s preparing to retire like he said he would years ago and just focus on being a “business, man”.

UPDATE: This poem, provided by Rolling Out, is fake. It was not written by Jay-Z.

Is this change of heart sincere or for show?

Follow me on Twitter! @Rhapsodani

Jay-Z & Beyonce: That’s His “Bitch”?

Baby Momma Drama: Blue Ivy Carter’s Diva Birth Gets An Investigation

Blue Ivy Carter Becomes Youngest Person To Chart On Billboard

Beyonce & Jay-Z Release Statement About Blue Ivy Carter!

Just because the pop culture power couple Jay-Z and Beyonce dropped the $1.whatever million on securing an entire floor of Lenox Hill Hospital doesn’t mean that they got the entire hospital to themselves. Or did it? It’s been reported that other parents who delivered their children on that Saturday night couldn’t get to the neonatal unit to stare googly-eyed at their new bundles of joy for hours because Jay and Bey’s security blocked the area off.

Health department spokesman Michael Moran said they received two complaints about Lenox Hill Hospital. And now the hospital is claiming that Beyonce and Jay-Z paid the standard amount ($800/room/night) to secure an executive suite, but they won’t tell what that price was. Depending on how many suites were on that floor, the couple could have easily racked up a nice sized bill. In the words of Jay-Z, “Money talks, so talk mo’ bucks.”

Hospital spokeswoman, Barbara Osborn made a statement yesterday, stating the hospital’s executive director, Frank Danza was conducting an inquiry into the complaints about treatment of neonatal unit patients. “The internal investigation was prompted by my own viewing of the news stories, which had indicated there were more parents, and those parents were in communication and had concerns,” Danza explained.

Baby Blue Ivy’s already heating up the charts and the tabloids, like mother, like father, like daughter, I guess. Source & Source

Follow me on Twitter! @Rhapsodani

Jay-Z Releases New Song “Glory” Dedicated To Baby Girl Blue Ivy

Cut It Out! Beyonce’s Baby Name Means Lucifer’s Daughter In Latin

Spotted @Billboard.com

Solange Goes Off On Twitter, Defends Beyonce & Baby!

Beyonce & Jay-Z Release Statement About Blue Ivy Carter!

Jay-Z Releases New Song “Glory” Dedicated To Baby Girl Blue Ivy

Check out the concise words from the happy couple below:

Hello Hello Baby Blue!

We are happy to announce the arrival of our beautiful daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, born on Saturday, January 7, 2012.

Her birth was emotional and extremely peaceful, we are in heaven.

She was delivered naturally at a healthy 7 lbs and it was the best experience of both of our lives.

We are thankful to everyone for all your prayers, well wishes, love and support.

- Beyoncé & Jay-Z

Jay-Z Releases New Song “Glory” Dedicated To Baby Girl Blue Ivy

Michelle Williams Speaks On Why She Didn’t Congratulate Beyonce On Twitter!

Cut It Out! Beyonce’s Baby Name Means Lucifer’s Daughter In Latin

Beyonce Gives Birth To A Baby Girl

They must of built a studio on the fourth floor of Lenox Hill hospital, that was fast!

There, I said it! Stop with the conspiracy theories and subliminal meanings behind Beyonce’s baby name Ivy Blue/ Blue Ivy.

Early this morning Beyonce gave birth to a baby girl and immediately she was welcomed into the world and regarded as a “princess.” While I thanked the lord, hoping the “Beyonce baby craze” was all over and everyone would be able to go on with his or her lives, my Twitter timeline filled with statements like:

Wait a minute, am I crazy or was a healthy baby born to a successful hard-working black woman? How in the h*ll (no pun intended) do you refer to an innocent baby as a member of the infamous Illuminati?

From there things only got worse as more theories circulated:

This one in particular, struck me the hardest:

Lucifer…as in the devil? REALLY? So you’re telling me the fiery demon himself, chose Beyonce to use as a vessel to reincarnate his daughter? And which scholar, who happens to speak Latin, was up at 1am on Twitter, concerned with the well being of Beyonce, confirmed that the translation of Ivy Blue backwards in the dead language is “Lucifer’s Daughter?”

Sigh

People, let’s move on with life and if it so happens to be true that Beyonce and Jay-Z are down with the Illuminati– so be it! We do not benefit nor does it affect us if they are.

Update: Beyonce & Jay-Z Name Baby Girl Blue Ivy Instead Of Ivy Blue

Beyonce Gives Birth To A Baby Girl

The baby girl is the first child for Beyonce and her husband Jay-Z who will be married for 4 years this year.

A very pregnant Beyonce checked into Lenox Hill hospital last night under the name “Ingrid Jackson,” a hospital staffer told the NY Daily News. Staffers at the hospital said that Beyonce and her Jay-Z, rented out the hospital’s entire fourth floor for $1.3 million.

With reports that a New York hospital was put on alert for a celebrity birth, the rumors went into full swing over the last few days. Some websites even posted the rumor that the singer had given birth to a baby girl and named her Tiana-May Carter on Thursday, December 29th.

Auntie Rihanna was the first to tweet the good news:

Congratulations to the happy couple! Now can we all get back to our regularly scheduled lives!

Like us on Facebook!

Follow @HelloBeautiful on Twitter!

Beyonce Checks Into Hospital

Still Pregnant Beyonce Spotted In NYC

Beyonce Is In Labor, Admitted To Hospital

Beyonce & Jay-Z Buy House With Elevator To Nursery?

“She looked amazing. She wore sky-high heels. It was really impressive for an enormously pregnant woman. She looked like she was about to give birth.”

Is it safe for a woman as far along as Beyonce to wear very high heels?

TMZ reported that the insurance was supposed to cover domestic employees of Jay’ own home – cooks, maids, drivers – you know, the essentials. A friend of the Watch The Throne rapper claims that Jay would never lapse in payments and that the $18,000 that was missed may have been a clerical error.

Let’s hope poppa bear gets these legal woes sorted out before his child enters the world.

Beyonce & Jay-Z Buy House With Elevator To Nursery?

Beyonce’s 10 Favorite Songs Of 2011

However, the star and her hubby Jay-Z are still keeping mum on whether she’s expecting a boy or a girl:

“I can’t say, it has to be a surprise! Seriously, though, we both keep seeing super-cute stuff for the baby, so I am sure even our presents for each other will involve the baby in some way!”

“Also Kelly [Rowland] has been so busy buying gifts for the baby, I think she might forget to buy for me this year! She is always seeing cute gifts for the baby in London.”

For the holiday, “I will be with family. We are both so busy throughout the year that Christmas is just a time to relax with family and count the many blessings in your life. Christmas Day is a no-TV zone. We just like to sit and talk together as a family.”

Tina Knowles Officially Filed For Divorce From Matthew Knowles!

Beyonce & Jay-Z Buy House With Elevator To Nursery?

Beyonce Dishes On Due Date & Baby Bump On “20/20″

The soon-to-be parents are buying a new home with an elevator that will take them directly to the nursery so they can always get to their baby as quickly as possible.

The ‘Halo’ singer is pregnant with the couple’s first child and they are reportedly hoping to have moved into the palatial mansion in Miami, Florida before the baby is born so that they can enjoy becoming first time parents.

A source told More! magazine: “The house they like has its own private beach and an indoor pool and gym, as well as a Jacuzzi, sauna and recording studio. It’s a Mediterranean-style villa designed by the decorator who did Gianni Versace’s mansion, and there’s a nursery by the master bedroom, as well as a lift that goes from the sitting room right up to where the baby’s bedroom is so they can be at their baby’s side the moment they hear the baby monitor go off.”

The $3 million home also features a suite for Beyonce’s mother and a villa for her sister Solange and nephew Julez.

The source added: “There’s even a luxurious suite nearby where Bey’s mum Tina can stay. The grounds also feature a villa in the garden for her sister Solange and seven-year-old nephew Julez.”

Must be nice!!

SOURCE

Katie Couric Touches Beyonce’s Baby Bump!

Beyonce Upgrades Tina Knowles With A Lifestyle Lift

“We’re gonna have some legendary nights, some loud music and it’s gonna be a fun, beautiful experience,” said Hov.

For the full story, click here!

Jay Z Reveals How They Decided Beyonce Would …

Rihanna Ft. Jay-Z “Talk That Talk” [NEW MUSIC]

Music’s biggest night will air live from L.A.’s Staples Center on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 8 p.m. on CBS.

TOP AWARDS
Album Of The Year
Loud, Rihanna
21, Adele
Born This Way, Lady Gaga
Doo-Wops & Hooligans, Bruno Mars
Wasting Light, Foo Fighters

Record Of The Year (Given to artist & producers)
Rolling In the Deep, Adele
Firework, Katy Perry
Grenade, Bruno Mars
Holocene, Bon Iver
The Cave, Mumford & Sons

Song Of The Year (Given to writer)
All of the Lights (performed by Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Fergie)
Rolling In the Deep (performed by Adele)
Grenade (performed by Bruno Mars)
The Cave (performed by Mumford & Sons)
Holocene (performed by Bon Iver)

Best New Artist
Nicki Minaj
J. Cole
The Band Perry
Bon Iver
Skrillex

R&B
R&B Album
F.A.M.E., Chris Brown
Love Letter, R. Kelly
Pieces of Me, Ledisi
Kelly, Kelly Price
Second Chance, El DeBarge

R&B Song (Given to writer)
Far Away (performed by Marsha Ambrosius)
Fool For You (performed by Cee Lo Green and Melanie Fiona)
Not My Daddy (performed by Kelly Price and Stokley)
Pieces of Me (performed by Ledisi)
You Are (performed by Charlie Wilson)

R&B Performance
Far Away, Marsha Ambrosius
Pieces of Me, Ledisi
Not My Daddy, Kelly Price and Stokley
Is This Love, Corinne Bailey Rae
You Are, Charlie Wilson

Traditional R&B Performance
Fool for You, Cee Lo Green and Melanie Fiona
Radio Message, R. Kelly
Sometimes I Cry, Eric Benét
Good Man, Raphael Saadiq
Surrender, Betty Wright and The Roots

POP
Pop Vocal Album
Loud, Rihanna
21, Adele
The Lady Killer, Cee Lo Green
Born This Way, Lady Gaga
Doo-Wops & Hooligans, Bruno Mars

Pop Solo Performance
Someone Like You, Adele
Yoü And I, Lady Gaga
Grenade, Bruno Mars
Firework, Katy Perry
F***in’ Perfect, Pink

Pop Duo/Group Performance
Paradise, Coldplay
Moves Like Jagger, Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera
Body and Soul, Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse
Dearest, The Black Keys
Pumped Up Kicks, Foster the People

Traditional Pop Vocal Album
Duets II, Tony Bennett and various artists
The Gift, Susan Boyle
In Concert on Broadway, Harry Connick Jr.
Music Is Better Than Words, Seth MacFarlane
What Matters Most, Barbra Streisand

RAP
Rap Album
Watch the Throne, Jay-Z and Kanye West
Pink Friday, Nicki Minaj
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Kanye West
Tha Carter IV, Lil Wayne
Lasers, Lupe Fiasco

Rap Song (Given to writer)
Look At Me Now (performed by Chris Brown, Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes)
Otis (performed by Jay-Z and Kanye West)
All of the Lights (performed by Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Fergie)
Black and Yellow (performed by Wiz Khalifa)
I Need A Doctor (performed by Dr. Dre, Eminem and Skylar Grey)
The Show Goes On (performed by Lupe Fiasco)

Rap Performance
Look At Me Now, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes
Otis, Jay-Z and Kanye West
Moment 4 Life, Nicki Minaj and Drake
Black and Yellow, Wiz Khalifa
The Show Goes On, Lupe Fiasco

Rap/Sung Collaboration
Party, Beyoncé and André 3000
I’m on One, DJ Khaled, Drake, and Lil Wayne
I Need A Doctor, Dr. Dre, Eminem and Skylar Grey
What’s My Name?, Rihanna and Drake
Motivation, Kelly Rowland and Lil Wayne
All of the Lights, Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Fergie

DANCE
Dance Recording
Raise Your Weapon, Deadmau5 and Greta Svabo Bech
Barbra Streisand, Duck Sauce
Sunshine, David Guetta and Avicii
Call Your Girlfriend, Robyn
Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, Skrillex
Save the World, Swedish House Mafia

Dance/Electronica album
Nothing But the Beat, David Guetta
Body Talk, Pt. 3, Robyn
Zonoscope, Cut/Copy
4×4=12, Deadmau5
Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, Skrillex

ROCK
Rock Album
Rock ‘N’ Roll Party Honoring Les Paul, Jeff Beck
Wasting Light, Foo Fighters
Come Around Sundown, Kings of Leon
I’m With You, Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Whole Love, Wilco

Rock Song (Given to writer)
The Cave (performed by Mumford & Sons)
Down By the Water (performed by The Decemberists)
Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall (performed by Coldplay)
Lotus Flower (performed by Radiohead)
Walk (performed by Foo Fighters)

Rock Performance
Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall, Coldplay
Down By the Water, The Decemberists
Walk, Foo Fighters
The Cave, Mumford & Sons
Lotus Flower, Radiohead

Hard Rock/Metal Performance
On the Backs of Angels, Dream Theater
White Limo, Foo Fighters
Curl of the Burl, Mastodon
Public Enemy No. 1, Megadeth
Blood In My Eyes, Sum 41

Alternative Album
Bon Iver, Bon Iver
Codes and Keys, Death Cab for Cutie
Torches, Foster the People
Circuital, My Morning Jacket
The King of Limbs, Radiohead

COUNTRY
Country Album
Speak Now, Taylor Swift
My Kinda Party, Jason Aldean
Chief, Eric Church
Own the Night, Lady Antebellum
Red River Blue, Blake Shelton
Here for A Good Time, George Strait

Country Song (Given to writer)
Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not (performed by Thompson Square)
God Gave Me You (performed by Blake Shelton)
Just Fishin’ (performed by Trace Adkins)
Mean (performed by Taylor Swift)
Threaten Me With Heaven (performed by Vince Gill)
You and Tequila (performed by Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter)

Country Solo Performance
Dirt Road Anthem, Jason Aldean
I’m Gonna Love You Through It, Martina McBride
Honey Bee, Blake Shelton
Mean, Taylor Swift
Mama’s Song, Carrie Underwood

Country Duo/Group Performance
Don’t You Wanna Stay, Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson
You and Tequila, Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter
Barton Hollow, The Civil Wars
Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not, Thompson Square

OTHER
Producer (non-classical)
The Smeezingtons
Ryan Tedder
Danger Mouse
Paul Epworth
Butch Vig (continue)

Hear all the songs worthy of winning an award this year below:

More on the Grammy nominees:

Simon Cowell Slams Beyonce & Gaga: They’re The “Most Boring” Singers

Why Bruno Mars’ Doo Wop Doesn’t Do It For Women Of Color

Beyonce, Rihanna, Wayne & Willow Make Guinness World Records 2012

Paula Patton looked stunning in a black dress with plunging neck line! While Jay-Z carries this year’s title for “Man Of The Year,” Odd Future affiliate Frank Ocean is GQ’s “Rookie Of the Year!”

Paula Patton: “Your Wife Should Be Your Sex Therapist”

Paula Patton & Julian Attend Gwen Stefani’s Collection Launch

Though her bodyguard Julius stood no more than 3 inches away from her, she didn’t let it deter her from being the ultimate groupie. (And before you stans throw stones, she’s called herself that: “I’ve Always Been A Jay-Z Groupie [VIDEO]“)

[Spotted at Rap-Up]

Flat-Bellied Beyonce Performs “Countdown” On “Jimmy Fallon” [VIDEO]

Kelly Rowland Confirms Beyonce Is Having A Girl!

Beyonce & J. Cole “Party” [NEW VIDEO]

“It was actually Bey who wanted to [announce] it,” Jay says. “You want to be in control of your life.”

Jay-Z, when asked if he’ll be putting a car seat in the Maybach:

“Yeah,” Jay smiles. “Wouldn’t that be great? That would be a great picture.”

This we would love to see!

Rihanna Ft. Jay-Z “Talk That Talk” [NEW MUSIC]

Beyonce Performs “Countdown” On “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” [VIDEO]

Bridgetown, Barbados – Travel Guide

‘Talk That Talk” is a mid-tempo banger with hard drums, dirty synths, and Rihanna and Jay at their best,” said Stargate’s Tor Erik Hermansen. “We are very happy with the song and Jay’s verse is crazy—same with Rihanna’s part.”

Spotted @Rap-Up.com

Rihanna Is Toning Down Her Image: “I Don’t Want To Become A Gimmick”

Listen! Rihanna Releases “Talk That Talk” Album Snippets

Today it was revealed that the special guest is none other than her mentor and repeat collaborator Jay-Z. He appears on the album’s title track.

Producer Stargate and his partner Tor Erik Hermansen told Norwegian website 730.no:

“This is the first time we do a song with Jay-Z and Rihanna together. Actually it’s the first time Jay does anything on our beats. It was about time. ‘Talk That Talk’ is a mid-tempo banger with hard drums, dirty synths, and Rihanna and Jay at their best. We are very happy with the song and Jay’s verse is crazy—same with Rihanna’s part.”

Rihanna confirmed the news on Twitter today, saying: “Yes sir! Jigga man is on the title track”

The two have already made hits together with “Umbrella” and “Run This Town,” so we have high expectations.

Rihanna’s “Talk That Talk” Album Cover & Tracklist

Cancer Foundation On Rihanna: “She’s Disappointing & Irresponsible”

Rihanna Hospitalized In Sweden

According to Alexsandra when she told Mathew she was pregnant, he asked her to give the baby to Bey and Jay so they could raise it as their own! Wow!!!

The Gorgeous Way To Travel

Oprah Meditates With 400 Women In Iowa

Alexsandra said:

“My first thought when he asked me if I would give up our child to Beyonce and Jay Z was, ‘Are you out of your mind?’ . . . Nothing in this world, no amount of money, would make me give up my child. You can’t BUY my child from me.”

And if you think this is all made up, homegirl recorded the entire conversation!

SOURCE

SCANDAL!

Meet Beyonce’s Baby Brother

Mathew Knowles Jumpoff Gives Birth To Baby Boy

RUMOR: Beyonce Angry Over Father’s New Baby

Beyonce’s Dad Mathew Knowles Hit With Paternity Suit

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER: @Sweet_Sweetback

Packing Playlist: California

Angela looked fabulous in a flowing leopard print gown ensemble worthy of the Grammys or Oscars’ red carpet (no really, she looked amazing!)

Jay & Bey Show Love At Mike Kyser & Angela Yee’s Bottles & Strikes [PHOTOS]

I was on my way out the door when Jay and Bey walked in, heavily guarded by Julius and the rest of his and her security. After I was able to shake Jay-Z’s hand (then nearly melt) I caught eye of the beautiful Beyonce who didn’t stray far from her man. She had on a shirt that hung low on one of her shoulders and and cute nude and pink (maybe red) peep toe pumps. Her baby bump was very noticeable and perfectly shaped. There is definitely a baby in there! I never doubted she was pregnant and I didn’t want to buy in to the rumor that she was wearing a “prosthetic baby bump.” Bey was glowing with her flawless blonde bangs. We weren’t supposed to take pictures but I just couldn’t resist. I was able to snap this one on my cellphone (thank you Sprint!).

Jay and Bey were both approachable and very polite unlike some other artists I know!

Check out more photos of Jay & Bey below:

Beyonce “Love on Top” [FULL VIDEO]

How We Forced Beyonce To Wear A “Fake Baby Bump!”

After all, she predicts/sings “I’m tryna make us 3 from that 2″ on “Countdown” (a track from her June album “4″) so it’s safe to assume these two were planning this for awhile.

Watch the 9:12 mark.

“[It's] already has changed my life. I am ready, yes. My husband and I have been together for 10 years. All of my 20s. Since I was 20. And I just feel like it’s time. And I’m very grateful that God has blessed me with the biggest gift any human being can have. And I feel that because I’ve accomplished a lot of things for myself and I really know who I am, I didn’t rush into anything. And if it’s any time, right now is the time. And I’m so happy.”

Beyonce Accused Of Copying (Again) In “Countdown”! Proof Here! [VIDEO]

Sneak Peek Of Beyonce’s “Love On Top” Music Video

Beyonce Gets Silly On Set Of L’Oreal Paris Shoot [VIDEO]

Jay arrived first to the event first, but Bey and her belly inconspicuously came later, meeting him at the Spotted Pig food truck where they snacked on sliders. She also sat at a picnic table and watched as her hubby threw darts with Alex Rodriguez.

Jay and his mother Gloria Carter started the foundation in 2002 with only one student earning a full ride through college. However, in the next three years, the offering grew to offer 50 scholarships in 50 states. Now, more than 750 students have been awarded scholarships and nearly 500 kids have taken part in the foundation’s college tours, some even rode the bus with Jay’s mom.

We love this!

Beyonce’s “Countdown” Sneak Peek! [VIDEO]

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Jay-Z & Beyonce: That’s His “Bitch”?

After thrilling audiences on three continents, the hit musical FELA! will be presented in Washington, DC’s Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Sidney Harman Hall (610 F Street, NW), kicking off a National tour. Presented by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, and Ruth and Stephen Hendel, in association with The National Theatre production, FELA! is directed and choreographed by Tony Award® winner Bill T. Jones.

Tony Award® nominee Sahr Ngaujah returns to star as Fela, the role he originated in the Broadway production. The rest of the cast is comprised of the best of Broadway and London’s Royal National Theatre companies. FELA! will run from September 13 – October 9, 2011, at STC’s Sidney Harman Hall.

FELA!, the winner of three Tony Awards®, is the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, whose soulful Afrobeat rhythms ignited a generation. Inspired by his mother, a civil rights champion, he defied a corrupt and oppressive military government and devoted his life and music to the struggle for freedom and human dignity. FELA! is a triumphant tale of courage, passion and love, featuring Fela Kuti’s captivating music and the visionary direction and choreography of Bill T. Jones. Time Out New York proclaims that “FELA! is more than a musical; it’s an ecstatic phenomenon.” Bill T. Jones says of the production, “One has to experience it as much with one’s hips as one’s ears, eyes and mind.”

“We continue to strive to bring some of the best theatre productions to D.C. that wouldn’t be seen here otherwise. We are thrilled to present Bill T. Jones’ exciting mix of world music, theatre and dance that tells the story of Fela Kuti,” says Chris Jennings, Managing Director of the Shakespeare Theatre Company. “The Shakespeare Theatre Company has presented hugely successful productions of Phèdre, The Great Game: Afghanistan and Black Watch, and we’ve seen that theatregoers in the D.C. area have a tremendous appetite for top-quality presentations.” STC Artistic Director Michael Kahn adds, “FELA! is original and exciting, the perfect show to compliment our 25th Anniversary Season. I’m thrilled to welcome Bill T. Jones and the amazing cast to our theatre.”

Tickets are now on sale to the general public

Call:  202.547.1122 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202.547.1122 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Or, visit ShakespeareTheatre.org to reserve tickets for this production.

FELA! CAST
SAHR NGAUJAH will reprise his Tony Award® nominated and Olivier Award nominated role of Fela Kuti for the National tour of FELA! Mr. Ngaujah has worked with a host of accomplished directors from all over the world, including Gerrit Timmers and Faulk Richter and can be seen on the TNT television show Passing Glory and in films A Lesson Before Dying, The Signal, Stomp the Yard and Blood Done Sign My Name. Under the supervision of Freddie Hendricks, Ngaujah added the accomplishment of director to his extensive experience, working with the National Black Arts Festival and Tweetakt Festival in Antwerp. During eight years of work in Amsterdam, he was theatre director and developer with Rotterdam’s Lef, ACT Festival and collaborator with Made n da Shade. Mr. Ngaujah is a first generation Sierra Leonean and is currently the art director for the Sierra Leone hip-hop act Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew.

THE DIRECTOR
BILL T. JONES is both the director and choreographer of FELA! He is a 2007 and 2010 Tony Award® winner and most recently a 2010 Kennedy Center Honoree. Mr. Jones is the recipient of numerous awards including the 2007 Obie Award and 2006 Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation CALLAWAY Award for his choreography for Spring Awakening; the recipient of the 2007 USA Eileen Harris Norton Fellowship; the 2006 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Choreography for The Seven; the 2005 Samuel H. Scripps American Dance Festival Award for Lifetime Achievement; the prestigious 2005 Wexner Prize; and the Aaron Davis Hall Harlem Renaissance Award. He is also a MacArthur “Genius” Award recipient, was named one of America’s Irreplaceable Dance Treasures by the Dance Heritage Coalition in 2000 and was awarded the 2003 Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize for which recipients are considered trailblazers who have redefined their art and reshaped the cultural landscape.

He began his dance training at the State University of New York at Binghamton (SUNY), where he studied classical ballet and modern dance. After living in Amsterdam, Mr. Jones returned to SUNY, where he became co-founder of the American Dance Asylum in 1973. Before forming Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company in 1982, Mr. Jones choreographed and performed nationally and internationally as a soloist and duet company with his late partner, Arnie Zane.

In addition to creating more than 100 works for his own company, Mr. Jones has received many commissions to create dances for modern and ballet companies including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Axis Dance Company, Boston Ballet, Lyon Opera Ballet, Berkshire Ballet, Berlin Opera Ballet and Diversions Dance Company and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s The Flight Project. He has also received numerous commissions to create new works for his own company, including premieres for the American Dance Festival, the Next Wave Festival at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and for St. Luke’s Chamber Orchestra. In 1995, Mr. Jones directed and performed in a collaborative work with Toni Morrison and Max Roach called Degga, commissioned by Lincoln Center’s Serious Fun Festival and with Jessye Norman in How! Do! We! Do! which premiered at New York’s City Center in 1999 as part of Lincoln Center’s Great Performers New Visions series. The Breathing Show, Mr. Jones’s evening-long solo, toured for three years, and his second solo show, As I Was Saying…, toured for more than two. He has directed and choreographed for theatre and opera, most recently choreographing Off-Broadway for the New York Theatre Workshop’s production of The Seven for which he was awarded the 2006 Lucille Lortel Award for Best Choreography and for the Broadway musical Spring Awakening, for which he received the Tony Award® for Outstanding Choreography.

Mr. Jones has received honorary doctorates from the Art Institute of Chicago, Bard College, Columbia College, the Juilliard School, Swarthmore College, Yale University and the SUNY Binghamton Distinguished Alumni Award.

THE CREATIVE TEAM
FELA! was conceived by Bill T. Jones, Jim Lewis and Stephen Hendel based on the life of Fela Kuti. The design team includes Scenic and Costume Designer Marina Draghici, Lighting Designer Robert Wierzel, Sound Designer Robert Kaplowitz and Projection Designer Peter Nigrini.

FELA!
The Hit Musical

DATES: September 13-October 9, 2011

LOCATION: Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F Street, NW

TIMES: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

TICKETS: $25-$130. Swww.ShakespeareTheatre.org

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