Check out the White songs that Black people love to rock out to on Blackplanet Radio. Which songs do you think should be added to the playlist?

When Did Beyonce Become A White Woman?

The Kardashian Brand Is A Wrap!

You’ve broken them, replaced them, added songs and deleted them, but we’ve compiled the ultimate playlist from 2001.

Here are all the songs you were rocking to 10 years ago. Take a walk down memory lane!

Alicia Keys: “Fallin’”
Janet Jackson: “All For You”
Jennifer Lopez & Ja Rule: “I’m Real”
Eve & Gwen Stefani: “Let Me Blow Ya Mind”
Destiny’s Child: “Independent Women”

Packing Playlist: California

Blu Cantrell: “Hit ‘Em Up Style”
Shaggy: “It Wasn’t Me”
Joe & Mystikal: “Stutter”
Usher: “U Remind Me”

Jagged Edge and Nelly: “Where the Party At”
Shaggy: “Angel”
Nelly: “Ride Wit Me”
112: “Peaches & Cream”
City High: “What Would You Do?”
Destiny’s Child: “Survivor”
Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mya & Pink: “Lady Marmalade”

Outkast: “Ms. Jackson”
Ja Rule, Lil’ Mo & Vita: “Put It on Me”
Mary J. Blige: “Family Affair”
Missy Elliott: “Get Ur Freak On”

Packing Playlist: South Africa

K-Ci & JoJo: “Crazy”
Mya: “Case Of The Ex”
Destiny’s Child: “Bootylicious”
R. Kelly, Jay-Z and Boo & Gotti: “Fiesta”
Jagged Edge: “Promise”

Case: “Missing You”
Ginuwine: “Differences”
Jay-Z: “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)”
Lil’ Mo & Fabolous: “Superwoman Pt. II”
Jay-Z: “I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)”

Missy Elliott, Ludacris and Trina: “One Minute Man”
Mystikal and Nivea: “Danger (Been So Long)”
Sunshine Anderson: “Heard It All Before”
Musiq Soulchild: “Love”

Packing Playlist: France

112: “It’s Over Now”
Ludacris: “Southern Hospitality”
Mariah Carey & Cameo: “Loverboy”
The Isley Brothers, R. Kelly and Chanté Moore: “Contagious”
Outkast: “So Fresh So Clean”
R. Kelly: “I Wish”

Happy 10th Anniversary To The iPod: The Day Mine Died…

5 Ways To Get Rid Of An Old iPod

1. Help you to reflect. After a bad, good, stressful, interesting, or all of the above day, it’s always good to wind down with some tunes. Also, if the day before needs some reflection, listening to music when you wake up makes starting the day a bit more bearable. In general, a good tune can change the way you view a situation, whether it’s in a good or bad light.

2. Share experiences with others. If you’re listening to music with your friends or family, certain memories might jump out and help to create a community between people through music. It’s always more fun when you say, “Hey, isn’t this a good song?” and someone yells out, “Yeah, this song is awesome!”

3. Lose yourself in emotions. Sometimes, after something good or really bad happens, it’s necessary to find a song that reflects that. Maybe it’s been a fantastic day and all you feel like hearing is “Pump It” by the Black Eyed Peas (do you remember that song?) and dance around the house. Or maybe the day was awful and you just feel like listening to some slow jams for a while. Whatever your mood is, there’s always a song to either intensify that mood or dispense it for something else. Just letting the emotions go is a great catharsis, therefore, put on the tunes when you’re in any mood!

4. Fill the silence. Music is great at distracting your mind or just generally giving you something to while driving (windows down, wind in your hair, blasting some good music…best combination, right?) or something to bop your head to while cleaning the house. There are a ton of times and places that music just makes for great mood escapism or a diversion from a day of work. It can just be good entertainment in general, since a personal soundtrack can make life more interesting.

5. Be an inspiration. Maybe you’re writing a blog entry (like I am) and need something to put you in the mood to write. Music is perfect for that – lyrics, beat, and melody put together are great ways to get yourself into a trance where words come easily. Right now, I’m just writing what I know about music and how it’s always affected me, but this entry definitely came to fruition through the good tunes I was blasting earlier. Inspiration can come from many sources and music, with its combination of strong melody and haunting words can be just what the writer, artist, or whatever your passion is to come to light.

6. Change the way you see the world. Music is a strong global entity. There are all types of music in the world, although many people in America only focus on what’s popular and right in front of them. People are making music all over the world, all with different purposes: social change, personal fulfillment, sharing their love of music with others, or just mindlessly filling the void with sounds and words. Whatever the music is, there’s its ability to influence your mood or view on life and the world as a whole. Through listening to music (or playing it, for that matter), emotions are released and sometimes these emotions can be a catalyst for change.

In general, music is important for reviving people’s views on the world, as well as helping keep every day emotions in check. Music can raise your mood or keep you in introspective thought; it can make you think of old memories or create new ones. In general, just listening to any type of music can have an effect on mood, so go out and keep jamming!

Is There A Correlation Between Music Taste & Your Personality?

Kanye West performs “Power:

Led Zeppelin is considered by many to be one of the greatest bands in the history of rock music, but their roots clearly lie in the tradition of the blues.

Their blues influences got the best of them on a few occasions during their run in the late 60s and 70s. In 1972, the band was sued for copyright infringement by Arc Music, the music publishing company that handled the catalog of Chess Records, one of the premier blues record labels. At the center of the case were two Led Zeppelin songs, “Bring It On Home” and “The Lemon Song.”

Arc Music claimed that the intro to “Bring It On Home” borrowed liberally from Sonny Boy Williamson’s song of the same name written by Willie Dixon, and that “The Lemon Song” borrowed from Howlin’ Wolf’s song “Killing Floor.”

Compare the songs below:

Sonny Boy Williamson’s original version of “Bring It On Home” vs Led Zeppelin’s “Bring It On Home.”

["allowFullScreen":"true","allowscriptaccess":"always","src":"http://www.youtube.com/v/-jH6WkydTMk&hl=en_US&fs=1&","allowfullscreen":"true"] ["allowFullScreen":"true","allowscriptaccess":"always","src":"http://www.youtube.com/v/wz4gRjI-HRA&hl=en_US&fs=1&","allowfullscreen":"true"]

The Electric Flag’s version of Howlin’ Wolf’s “Killing Floor” vs Led Zeppelin’s “The Lemon Song”

["allowFullScreen":"true","allowscriptaccess":"always","src":"http://www.youtube.com/v/Tq3NwCHm-4U&hl=en_US&fs=1&","allowfullscreen":"true"] ["allowFullScreen":"true","allowscriptaccess":"always","src":"http://www.youtube.com/v/aLzVGlN9aRw&hl=en_US&fs=1&","allowfullscreen":"true"]

The case was eventually settled out of court for an undisclosed amount of money. Ironically, Dixon himself didn’t receive any money from the settlement until he sued Arc Music over royalties and copyrights.

Dixon sued Led Zeppelin himself in 1985 in regards to another song he felt infringed on his copyrights, claiming that Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” ripped off lyrics from his song “You Need Love.” Again, a settlement was reached out of court, and Dixon was given credit as co-writer of “Whole Lotta Love.”

["allowFullScreen":"true","allowscriptaccess":"always","src":"http://www.youtube.com/v/yPgwF0bZ1SQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&","allowfullscreen":"true"] ["allowFullScreen":"true","allowscriptaccess":"always","src":"http://www.youtube.com/v/K_-k8A9aAlE&hl=en_US&fs=1&","allowfullscreen":"true"]

Jimmy Page, guitarist for Led Zeppelin, commented on the band’s use of classic blues songs in an interview with Guitar World magazine.

I always tried to bring something fresh to anything that I used. I always made sure to come up with some variation. In fact, I think in most cases, you would never know what the original source could be. Maybe not in every case — but in most cases. So most of the comparisons rest on the lyrics. And Robert [Plant, lead singer of Led Zeppelin] was supposed to change the lyrics, and he didn’t always do that — which is what brought on most of the grief. They couldn’t get us on the guitar parts of the music, but they nailed us on the lyrics. We did, however, take some liberties, I must say [laughs]. But never mind; we did try to do the right thing.

Years later, many hip-hop artists would find themselves in a similar position as Led Zeppelin as the laws surrounding sampling became more strict, ultimately changing the sound of the genre forever.

“Autotune was meant to be a safety net…it was not meant to be wings you were not supposed to strap it to your back and jump out the building…”

Take a look:

Ne-Yo On Fatherhood: “It’s Just Less & Less An Opportunity To Sleep”

Kandi And Ne-Yo’s “Me & U” [NEW MUSIC]

More at Celestrellas

Take Trey Songz for instance. I interviewed him years ago during the “Just Gotta Make It” era. At this point I was not a fan of his but I did check out his album and I enjoyed a few singles from it. Fast forward about 5 or 6 years later and Trey Songz image and music has changed drastically. No longer was he making sincere songs for the ladies. Now, he has followed the footsteps of his predecessor R. Kelly and sexed up every single he releases. I don’t like it. Apparently, I am not the only one who is bored with Trey Songz and his oversexed image. When artists go the sexual route it can seem like a desperate attempt to maintain the attention of fans. Sometimes it works, but you must have some true talent underneath the sexual image for the artist to continue being successful. I’m not convinced that Trey has that yet.

Trey Songz Shows His Package

Recently Trey sat down with Real Talk NY and when asked how he felt about the criticism he receives about his overt sexual image, he had the following to say:

“Critics don’t live it, they speak on it.  You can have your opinion and that’s for you. I’m winning right now. So critic that.”

I get the need for artists to have a certain amount of bravado when they are “on”. “On” meaning when they are in front of the camera or any audience, their behavior changes to fit an image that they want to portray. But, am I the only one that thinks that Trey should humble himself? Sure he is having more success in his career than he ever has before, but just as easily as it was given it can be taken away. No one is safe from failures of any kind in this economy not even artists. I think that Trey is portraying an unearned bravado. There is nothing wrong with being confident and knowing that you are talented and standing by it, but in this regard and others, I think he crosses the line. If he has a problem with critics, then he definitely is not in the right line of work. The criticism of his music, life and image has barely began.

For the record, yes Trey your music is oversexed and needs some toning down. People said the same thing about R. Kelly years ago and he finally caught the hint.  Why should you be excused?

For More LJ Knight Visit YeahSheSaidIt

Trey Songz Denies Dating Lauren London, Introduces Her To His Mom

Rihanna “Only Girl” Video Director Lashes Out At Fans

First of all, I do not know of any other major recording artists who have had a video which required fans to pay in order to view it. Secondly, I think Chris may be overestimating his appeal with fans and the public at large. Although, many have forgiven him and welcomed him back with open arms, there are still those who are not on team Chris Brown.

Which is why in my opinion a video that fans would have to pay to see is ridiculous. Especially when there are no other major artists who have already set this precedent.  The pay per view would work as follows: Fans would go to mechanical dummy.com and pay $2.99 to watch the Pay Per View Event titled 12 Strands: Matrix.

Pre-Sale access will be available starting on Sept 24th. A percentage of proceeds from this project will benefit Brown’s foundation Symphonic Love. The Symphonic Love Foundation aims to provide support and funding for a wide variety of music and arts programs dedicated to the artistic development of children and youth while striving to promote an awareness of philanthropy by encouraging volunteerism and every day respect and kindness to others.

Although I appreciate Browns intentions on helping charity, I do not think that the manner and venue he is choosing to facilitate that help will be appreciated by fans who simply do not want to pay to see a music video of any kind.  Thoughts? Are fans ready to pay to watch a music video from Chris Brown? Was this a smart decision on Chris’s part?

Check out the preview:

For More Info On The Pay Per View Event Check Out Mechanical Dummy

For More LJ Knight Visit YeahSheSaidIt

Chris Brown’s “Yeah 3x” [NEW MUSIC]

It’s been almost a decade since the September 11 terrorist attack on New York City’s World Trade Center. Over the last few years, celebrities have banded together to sing songs, both uplifting and straightforward, that pay tribute to the victims and families of the tragedy. Here, we picked our top 5 musical tributes to 9/11.

5.

“What More Can I Give?” – Michael Jackson, Mya, Mariah Carey, Usher, Brian McKnight, Ziggy Marley, Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men, Beyonce, and Luther Vandross
Recorded as a charity single by Michael Jackson and more than 35 other artists, the goal was to raise $50 million for numerous charities in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks. The single was never released due to a conflict between Jackson and Sony Music. However, on October 21, 2001, the song was performed at another 9/11 benefit concert called United We Stand: What More Can I Give?.

“How many times can we turn our heads / And pretend we cannot see / Healing the wounds of our broken earth / We are one global family / Just sending your prayers / Is something you feel / Helping one heal / What have I got that I can give”

4.

The “9/11 Freestyle” – Jay-Z
This freestyle was said to have debuted at the Blueprint Live Tour and on DJ Clue’s Stadium Series Part 3 mixtape. Jay-Z’s sixth studio album “The Blueprint” was released on the day of the terrorist attack, a week earlier than planned, to combat bootlegging. Despite being overshadowed by the 9/11 tragedy, the album sold over 426,000 copies in its opening week, and was certified two times platinum.

“Bootleggers, bombers, Bin Laden / I’m still crackin’ / I will not lose / I simply refuse / I dropped the same day as the twin towers / I show power / Still, I show compassion for others / Send money and flowers / Devote hours”

3.

“Never Too Far / Hero” Medley – Mariah Carey
Mariah sang this at America: A Tribute to Heroes, a benefit concert broadcast by the four major United States television networks in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Done in the style of a telethon, it aired September 21, 2001, uninterrupted and commercial-free, and featured a number of national and international entertainers performing to raise money for the victims and their families.

“Never too far away / I won’t let time erase / One bit of yesterday / Cause I have learned that / Nobody can take your place / Though we can never be / I’ll keep you close to me / When I remember”

“And then a hero comes along / With the strength to carry on / And you cast your fears aside / And you know you can survive / So when you feel like hope is gone / Look inside you and be strong / And you’ll finally see the truth / That a hero lies in you”

2.

“Someday We’ll All Be Free” – Alicia Keys
Also sang at the America: A Tribute to Heroes benefit concert and telethon. The song was originally recorded by Donny Hathaway in 1973.

“Get yourself in gear / Keep your stride / Never mind your fears / Brighter days will soon be here / Take it from me / Someday we’ll all be free”

1.

“What’s Going On?” -  Diddy, Gwen Stefani, Nona Gaye, Backstreet Boys, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Destiny’s Child, Ja Rule, Nelly Furtado, Alicia Keys, N*Sync, Mary J. Blige, Nelly, Nas, and Eve
In October 2001, an album was released by a group of popular recording artists under the name “Artists Against AIDS Worldwide.” On it were multiple versions of Marvin Gaye’s 1971 hit “What’s Going On” intended to benefit AIDS programs in Africa.  However, the song was recorded shortly before the September, 11, 2001 attacks, and it was decided that a portion of the song’s proceeds would benefit the American Red Cross’ September 11 fund, as well.

An official music video featuring appearances from ?uestlove, Wyclef, and Lil’ Kim, as well, can be seen here.

“Father, father / We don’t need to escalate / You see, war is not the answer / For only love can conquer hate / You know we’ve got to find a way / To bring some lovin’ here today”

Jazmine Sullivan recently premiered her new video “Holding You Down (Goin’ In Circles)” on 106 & Park, and announced she’ll be touring with Mary J. Blige and El DeBarge.  She’s currently on a six city promotional tour talking about her new album Love Me Back, set to be released later this fall and scored her first movie role in “Red Tails” which will be out sometime next year.
Check out this exclusive interview with Magic 95.9 Baltimore’s Tim Watts & Jazmine Sullivan:

Related Links:

Jazmine Sullivan’s “Holding You Down” [NEW VIDEO]

Jazmine Sullivan Performs At Stone Soul Picnic [VIDEO]

People around the world were giddy over the possibility of hidden jewel Lauryn Hill making her big come back to music. For years there were rumors of her returning but to no avail. Recently, Hill has been on the comeback tour after 6 kids and a ten year hiatus.  Unfortunately so far, the reviews of Hill’s big comeback performances have all been lack luster. There have also been comments about her seeming disoriented, disinterested, and even lacking in vocal skills.

Lauryn Hills Brings Out Alicia Beyonce & Jay At Rock The Bells [PHOTOS]

Well, now you can tack on her being a diva according to recent reports. Recently Hill performed the Rock The Bells concert in D.C. and arrived to perform 2 hours late. She was not late because she was sick or had a family emergency. No, no, no. Apparently Hill had an immediate need for a medi/pedi and it simply could not wait. So what did she do? Made thousands of members of the Rock The Bell audience wait for her for at least 2 hours.  Once Hill made it on stage her performance was described as spacey, and a messy rush through highlights from “Miseducation,” that were hardly recognizable due to her hoarse voice, speedy delivery and clunky, overstuffed arrangements. Not Ms. Hill. Say it ain’t so.

Well it is so. It is of popular opinion that since Hill’s return, her performances, energy level and overall interest in performing is lacking effort. Rumors swirled after her first return on stage months ago was lack luster that Hill did not really want to return rather had to perform occasionally because she was in need of more financial security for her and her family. When I put that together with the many poor reviews of her recent concerts and performances, it sounds to me like Hill’s heart is no longer into being a performing artist.

A time ago there were also rumors that Hill was suffering from some form of mental breakdown and it contributed to her spaceyness and departure from the music business.  I look at recent pictures of Hill and I can admit that she looks better now than she did maybe a year ago but there is still something that seems to be missing from her eyes. As if she lost a glow that she once had. Could it be that our precious Lauryn Hill is no longer capable of being the focused, driven, passionate singer and song writer we once knew over a decade ago? Has she lost her passion for the music business and it is showing in her performances and behavior?  Although I fear that Hill might have suffered from some sort of mental break down in the past and that could be possibly part of the reason behind the half hearted performances, the truth still remains.  She will forever be one of our generation’s most talented artists and her music has touched a generation of people from all backgrounds and walks of life. So although she may no longer be equipped to be the Lauryn we once knew, she will always be the Lauryn we love. Even if she decides to depart from music and the public, yet again.

Could Lauryn Hill be in a mentally fragile state? Could that be part of the reason for her lack luster performances? Should she have stayed in retirement? Do you think that Lauryn no longer has a passion for performing and being in the industry?

For More Visit: Washington Post

For More LJ Knight Visit YeahSheSaidIt

5 Lies We Tell Men That We Think They Want To Hear

Eric then went on to discuss a period of battling depression and explained how hooking  up with a certain young lady, where the connection was so strong, it brought him out of his depression.

Take a look:

Abiola Gives Eric Benet Tough Love

EYE CANDY: Eric Benet

Over the weekend, Jazmine Sullivan performed at the 19th Annual Stone Soul Picnic in Druid Hill Park in Baltimore. This was Jazmine Sullivan’s first performance since she has been working on her new album and she rocked it.

Check out the video here:

Bobby Valentino hit the stage as well. Here’s a bit of his performance too!

Jazmine Sullivan’s New Album Gets September Release Date

Jazmine Sullivan’s “Hold Me Down”: New Music

A new song from Fantasia titled “Lucky” recently leaked. Apparently, it was recorded for, but didn’t make the cut for her upcoming album, Back to Me, set to be released on 8/24.The song gives details about her married boyfriend’s manhood and marriage.

Take a listen and tell us what you think:

Fantasia Is “Brazen & Disrespectful” Says Boyfriend’s Wife

Fantasia Spotted With Married Boyfriend

Remember all of the controversy a few years ago over the credit card swipe in Nelly’s “Tip Drill?” Well, Marques Houston’s new video “Pullin’ On Her Hair” raises the stakes on how black women are degraded in music videos. The single is the first release off Houston’s album “Mattress Music” due Sept. 14.

“Pullin’” features Rick Ross, a woman on all fours and Houston pulling on a ponytail longer than any dog leash I’ve ever seen. Our family at Detroit’s HOT 102.7 in collabo with WorldStarHipHop.com gave us an exclusive sneak peek at “Pullin On Her Hair” video:

You tell us? Is it offensive or not.

I recently watched an excerpt from a PBS documentary that premiered in January called Blacking Up: Hip-Hop’s Remix Of Race And Identity which explores the musical stereotypes that permeate rap and hip-hop culture, especially the idea that those forms of music are culturally considered “black” and that white MCs are “wannabes” or “wiggers.” It’s interesting to think that in today’s world, rappers like Eminem are seen as “not black enough” while singers like Darius Rucker can sing country music (plus formerly be part of alternative rock band, Hootie & The Blowfish) and no one thinks anything of it. Music is something that spans all generations, nationalities, and creeds, yet people still tap into stereotypes rather than embrace white MCs for who they are: music enthusiasts that have something equally important to bring to the table. Is it stereotypical for white rappers, DJs, and hip-hop artists to “act black” or is it part of the color-blindness that we’ve all been striving for?

This documentary is focused on America’s hip-hop industry and the parallels made from history that bring us to where we are today. For example, in recent months, renowned black rapper Jay-Z today has been seen side-by-side on the Billboard charts with white MC, Eminem. Both are extremely successful, yet Eminem has drawn controversy as “trying to be black” and not being a “real rapper.” However, Jay-Z never has had this problem because he’s the “majority” of what rap stereotypes exemplify: strong rhyme-spitter, “ghetto,” and black. In the excerpt of this documentary, it starts off in a suburb with a predominantly white population and makes us consider: should white people be able to listen to and make “our” music?

Furthermore, is it really “our” music to be claimed? White rappers, hip-hop artists, and R&B singers get a lot of flack for supposedly trying to “be” us, but what is it really? Are they maliciously “stealing” our culture or is it just imitation because it’s “cool” to like the newest Chris Brown track or Flo Rida rhyme? While there are always multiple variables involved when examining a culture and why certain “acts” are favored over others, is this reverence of black MCs a backwards form of racism in the music industry? While that might be a heavily debated argument that’s left unclear by this documentary, they show a balance of arguments that strongly examine what people really think of the “black” music industry today.

The documentary also examines history to see where the line is between “mocking” black culture and imitating it by asking well-known rappers, fans, and hip-hop enthusiasts alike: what IS “black” music really and why are white MCs seen as “wannabes” and “wiggers” for trying to be apart of that culture? Being apart of this culture, it’s interesting to see how much it’s changed over the years, but I’m curious about what you think about how white culture has been steadily embracing the MC roles and what it means for the future of hip-hop and “black” music.

See the excerpt below for yourself and add your comments to this debate. For more information on the documentary, Blacking Up: Hip-Hop’s Remix Of Race And Identity, click here.

Lil Kim Goes In On Foxy Brown

CATFIGHT: Nicki Minaj & Drake Vs Lil Kim

Kelis recently stopped by the Cherrytree House to perform her some tracks from her latest album, “Flesh Tone,” acoustically. The singer performed stripped-back versions of her tracks at the Cherrytree House, which artists including Lady GaGa and Robyn have also performed.

Asked if she was planning a similar style of performance on her upcoming tour, she said: “I usually don’t. I used to do stuff like this but I just feel like everyone’s drunk and they’re like ‘Shut up!’.”

Take a look:

Click the links to watch the rest of her performances:

Part 1 – 22nd Century

Part 2 – 4th Of July

Part 3 – Brave

PHOTOS: Kelis Covers Jet Magazine

Kelis Causes A Scene At NYC Hotel

On whether she’ll reconcile with Foxy Brown

“I don’t even want to mention her (Foxy). No, because she’s just somebody that’s just…No, I don’t even want to mention her. One moment she got something bad to say about me, one moment she got something good to say. I don’t like that flip flop sh–, that just means that you’re still crazy! My mom always told me if you know there’s a snake in the grass, and you know it’s a snake that bit you before, why would you pick it back up? I’m not picking back up anymore snakes no more. Everyone that’s around me now are very genuine, positive, and love me. You never know, time goes by and people show their real skin so I don’t give people 100% anymore. I brought so many people in this game, I rocked with so many people, showed so many people homage and love. But they don’t show it back to me. It doesn’t bother me, I just move on. That’s why I’m always quiet about things, I just take it on the chin because I’m God’s child.”

SOURCE

I smell a song coming soon from the Ill Nana!!

Speaking of beefs, listen to what Lil Kim has to say about Nicki Minaj:

AUDIO: Lil Kim Says Nicki Minaj Is Not Paying Homage

GALLERY: Lil Kim Just Keeps Looking Better And Better!

If you missed last night’s episode of VH1′s “Behind The Music: Usher,” here’s your chance to see it in it’s entirety. Usher became one of R&B’s BIGGEST rising stars in the 90s, after his mentor Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, and his label boss LA Reid took him under their wing at just 13. Although he released his first album in 94 at the tender of 15, it was his sophomore album ‘My Way’ which saw him explode into superstar status at just 18-years-old. The album’s lead single, ‘You Make Me Wanna’, reached number one in the United Kingdom, becoming Usher’s first record to reach the top there and since then, he has always been a UK favourite having had other UK number ones with ‘Yeah’, ‘Burn’ and more recently ‘OMG’. He also went on to enjoy numerous top 10 success in that territory. His next album ‘8701′ also topped the UK album chart. ‘You Make Me Wanna’ also became Usher’s first gold- and platinum – certified single in the United States.

Take a look:

Usher Reveals Pressure Broke Up His Marriage In VH1’s “Behind The Music”

NEW VIDEO: Usher’s “There Goes My Baby”

Lauryn Hill’s 12-year old daughter Selah is gorgeous and may have a future singing career ahead of her…with a little training, she could be on her way to stardom.

Take a listen:

Lauryn Hill Reveals In Rare Interview Why She Left Music & Why She’ll Return

What Is Wrong With Lauryn Hill’s Hair??

R&B singer Lloyd took to Twitter last night to apologize to Ciara. The singer apologized to Ciara for calling her a “Hollywood B*tch” in a past issue of Hip Hop Weekly:

Ciara Responds To Lloyd: “I’m Not Hollywood”

VIDEO: R&B Singer Lloyd Told Chris Brown To Cry At BET Awards

Kelis has been extremely vocal in the past few weeks about her divorce, the birth of her child and the release of her fifth album. She’s fed the press with a lot of golden material, but what about her new album? Where does it fit and what does it say about this vivacious starlet?

Kelis, the 30-year-old recording artist and controversial media figure, has said in the past she feels “no competition” in the music industry. If her new album Flesh Tone is anything to go by, that’s probably because Kelis has continued to produce intense disco-pop tracks like no other…. literally, no other.

Kelis On Other Female Artists: “There Is No Competition”

But Kelis stands by her claim that she has allowed other female artists to follow in her tracks, telling the Associated Press that the female presence in the top 40 charts has changed dramatically because of her work.

“I hate to toot my horn, but if you look at where music was as far females and what’s Top 40 radio and whatever, where it was before “Milkshake,” versus after, I mean you kind of have to be retarded to deny that it literally changed female vocalists.”

Her latest album is not much of a jump from some of her past work, though with it she  will probably continue to demand influence in the disco-pop market as one of its most well-known divas.

Flesh Tone is a short album, with a collection of 9 tracks totaling just under 40 minutes.

As is the case with many recently released albums, it is initially very hard to differentiate between the sounds and intensity of Kelis’ individual tracks.

But while some songs from Flesh Tone are are lyrically very repetitive, others are loaded with curious reflections of love and living, undoubtedly some in relation to Kelis’ fresh breakup with Nas.

Kelis Says Nas Is Her Biggest Disappointment

If you were hoping that Kelis would put that deep, hypnotizing and husky voice to work in an R&B-oriented project, this album is probably not going to interest you.

We can only hope that one day we also hear something on par with ‘Trick Me’.

Check out this backstage (or ‘backdesert’) clip from the making of her follow-up track, ’4th of July (Fireworks).

Does Ciara ever give her booty a rest??Several sources are citing ‘Gimme Dat’ as the title of her second single from her 4th studio album, ‘Basic Instinct’ (out on August 17th).  The Tricky Stewarttrack is pop-pop-popping and is guaranteed to get everyone on the dance floor.

Take a listen:

GALLERY: Ciara Goes Shopping in West Hollywood

NEW MUSIC: Ciara & Andre 3000 Go For A “Ride (Remix)”

Keri Hilson shared the stage with El DeBarge at the 2010 Essence Music Festival. She performed her own hits and songs she’s featured on and surprised the crowd when she welcomed El DeBarge to the stage to perform “I Like It” with her. Video will be posted once available.Take a look at the pics below:

Alicia Keys Takes A Spill At The Essence Music Festival

VIDEO: Janet Jackson Performs At Essence Music Festival

R&B singer Monica took to the stage to open the Essence Music festival and performed a series of her biggest hits including her new song, ‘Love All Over Me’. In addition to her own material, Monica once again performed a tribute to her close friend and mentor Whitney Houston.

Watch her performance below:

VIDEO: Janet Jackson Performs At Essence Music Festival

GIRLFIGHT: Monica Vs Vivica Fox

More Essence Festival 2010 coverage to come. Stay tuned…

Does Monica Have A New Man?

]]> http://hellobeautiful.com/gossip-news/dbennett/monica-opens-essence-music-festival/feed/ 3 http://hellobeautiful.com/gossip-news/dbennett/prince-unveils-new-album-cover/ http://hellobeautiful.com/gossip-news/dbennett/prince-unveils-new-album-cover/#comments Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:45:04 +0000 Deborah Bennett, Senior Editor http://hellobeautiful.com/?p=1175025 Check out the official cover of Prince’s new album, ‘20Ten’. The free record will hit stores on July 22nd and on July 10th across Europe. Take a look at the tracklisting of the “Funk/New Wave fusion” album below: 1. Compassion 2. Endlessly Beginning 3. Future Soul Song 4. Sticky Like Glue 5. Lavaux 6. Act Of God 7. Walk In Sand 8. Sea Of Everything 9. Everybody Loves Me 10. Untitled Bonus... Read more..]]>
Check out the official cover of Prince’s new album, ‘20Ten’. The free record will hit stores on July 22nd and on July 10th across Europe.

Take a look at the tracklisting of the “Funk/New Wave fusion” album below:

1. Compassion

2. Endlessly Beginning

3. Future Soul Song

4. Sticky Like Glue

5. Lavaux

6. Act Of God

7. Walk In Sand

8. Sea Of Everything

9. Everybody Loves Me

10. Untitled Bonus Track

SOURCE

Take a look at the BET Prince tribute performance at this year’s BET Awards:

Prince To Receive BET Lifetime Achievement Award

Prince Snubs Celebs At Time 100 Gala

Soulful singer Jazmine Sullivan is back on the scene. Following on the success of her critically acclaimed ‘Fearless’ LP, the 23 year old is set to release her highly anticipated sophomore album within the next few months. We just got our hands on lead single ‘Holding You Down.” Take a listen and tell us what you think:

Jazmine Sullivan To Debut New Single Next Week

AUDIO: MJB & Jazmine Sullivan “Gonna Make It”

I’m hearing that Foxy Brown may have hit rock bottom! Sources are saying that Foxy was spotted around 1:00AM early Monday morning outside a Nathan’s in Brooklyn, New York getting high and drinking in the street!!!

Here’s what they’re saying:

Foxy was spotted with two men getting high and drinking publicly. Each of her companions held a blunt in his mouth, and the group was also blatantly downing Hennessy. The trio were posted with all four doors of a burgundy Benz open, blasting dancehall music.

Foxy was seen dropping it like it was hot against the parking garage gate on one of the guys she was with.

Fans passing by attempted conversation and pictures but Foxy responded with: “back up and none of yall better flash pictures in my direction, I ain’t signing autographs!”

Damn, what happened to the comeback Fox??

GET THE REST HERE

What The Hell Happened To Foxy Brown?

Foxy Brown Wants You To Know She’s Coming Back!

With the BET awards happening this Sunday, HB was given the opportunity to talk to Lynne Harris Taylor, the executive producer of the show. She talks about what she’s excited about, what’s different about the show this year, and her role in it:

What about Queen Latifah is going to make her a good host for the BET awards?

Oh, wow.  Queen Latifah is… she is phenomenal in so many different ways.  She is a singer, actress, model, and a spokesperson for women.  She is so well rounded that you can pretty much place Queen Latifah anywhere and she is going to come out on top.  She is personable and beautiful.  She is not only hosting the show, but she is a part of what we are doing.  We didn’t just ask her, “can you host the show?”  She IS the show.  She is everything that we are about here.  She is going to be amazing.

Yeah! Hello Beautiful is an African American online woman’s guide, so we encourage everything that Queen Latifah is about.

It seems like Music Matters is a wonderful way for BET to look into the future: I was wondering what exactly you were hoping would come out of it?

I think that music has had quite a bit of a struggle lately, especially hip hop.  A lot of the time, most of the top tier artists, the A-list artists, are the ones that people know about and follow.  Yet, there are so many other talented musical artists out there.  What we are trying to do is focus on music and how important music is as a whole.  There are so many amazingly talented people that haven’t made it to the top yet.  Our effort is to reach out to these people and bring them to the front.  This should be an ongoing initiative that we are starting.  We hope to have more events to bring unknown talent out to the public to help people understand how important music is.  It is a great opportunity to find potential.

It’s obvious that Michael Jackson’s death had a big impact on last year’s show with the emotional memorial.  What do you think will be the impact of his death anniversary this year?

We definitely have a tribute to Michael Jackson on this year’s show.  It was such a horrible experience last year that the entire world went through.  I remember we were here, 2 days before the BET awards show.  We were in a great place with the show planned out, and all of a sudden we hear that Michael Jackson died.  I thought it was a rumor at first.  Once it was confirmed, it was like a wave that went over the entire office, through the whole venue.  We were in shock.  There was no way that we could not make our show about Michael Jackson: he’s our icon. We are definitely going to have a tribute to him and his family this year to remember him and his music.

It seems like you are going to have a lot of digital exclusives and have more ways for the public to get involved online.  What are you hoping comes out of this?

There is so much good that you can do.  Of course, our show is focused on music celebration.  But there is much more you can do when you have so many eyes on you.  So in addition to Music Matters, we are going to do Shine A Light: we are selecting three local heroes that are doing remarkable things in their communities.  We are shining a light on them to celebrate what they are doing and to encourage other people to make a difference no matter what.  Anything that you do is something and is needed.  We have an exclusive performance that will not be shown anywhere except for on BET.com.  This will take place between the pre-show and the beginning of the BET awards show.  We have a 360 camera that will be on the red carpet this year to highlight the fashionista in everyone that comes. We have a special fashion show that will air the day after the BET awards for the first time ever.

What is it like being a female in the spotlight?  What advice do you have for young girls who are passionate about production and music?

I think the main thing that I have learned through all of this is that when you are on the outside and you are looking at people who work with celebrities and you think you aren’t equipped to do it, none of that matters.  Of course education matters, but if you don’t have everything available to you, be persistent.  Be persistent and patient with your dreams.  Every step that you can make towards your dreams is really important.  Be yourself and work on communication skills.  If I can communicate with someone, the rest is easy.  When I decided that I want to work on television, I would write down the names of everyone in the credits.  I wrote them all a letter and told them what I want to do.  Be persistent and there is always a way to get to your dreams.  Take every opportunity that you can get, even if it’s local.  Meet everyone possible and get involved whenever you can.  Don’t wait. Start wherever you can.  Start pursuing your passions where you are, not where you want to be.  That passion will take you where you want to be.

You are obviously very busy with lots of opportunities.  What impact does your profession have on your personal life?

SIGH. I have gotten better with it.  I’m married with three children.  It takes a lot of organization.  I need to be out of town for maybe 12-14 weeks out of the year.  Planning is the main thing that has helped me.  When I know that I have to be out of town, my husband and I plan everything together.  Sometimes I bring them with me: we will budget it accordingly.  It’s hectic, but as long as you’re willing to work it out then it is worth it.  You don’t want your children to suffer because of your career.  You want your kids to see their parents doing what they love, so that they can be inspired to do what THEY love.  It takes a lot of coordination but we work it out.  I have a great support system.

We hope that this gets you more excited for the show on Sunday! Keep an eye out for the Hello Beautiful Range Rover that will be roaming around during the awards! What are you most excited for? Fill us in.

Prince To Receive BET Lifetime Achievement Award

Jay-Z Is A Wife Beater On BET