Jan.23.2008 // THE RUNDOWN: JANUARY.21.2008

THIS WEEK’S TOPICS » Chingy finally responds to Wendy Williams - Five year old boy loses mom over alleged prank call - Raz B from B2K meets up with the other members over Chris Stokes allegations + more!

Jan.23.2008 // Charm School Season 2 Coming Soon; Jamie Foxx Rumored to Host

I knew you had an idea this was coming … another VH1 reality show! I Love New York 2 just wrapped, Flavor of Love 3 premieres in February, and Rock of Love 2 premiered this week. So that leaves another popular VH1 show sitting in limbo, and that’s Charm School! Season 2 of the show, which will begin recording next month in Los Angeles, will feature 15 of the most unfit, rowdy, and crazy contestants from the 1st 2 seasons of the #1 rated VH1 show, “I Love New York” which is a spin off of “Flavor of Love”. The rumored (but unconfirmed) host of this show is said to be Jamie Foxx. In a total of 11 edited episodes, Jamie will attempt to turn these wild “New York” boys into positive strong gentlemen. The overall winner will receive a $50,000 grand prize, much like season one’s winner, Saaphyri.

The show is set to tape in the same Charm School mansion (and the same damn mansion they use for Flavor of Love, Rock of Love, AND I Love New York) as 1st season. Confirmed contestants include Mr. Boston, Chance, Heat, Buddah, Wolf, Midget Mac, Tango, Trendz, and Mr. Wise. Charm School 2: From Gs to Gents (The NY Boys) is set to start airing in June. Will you be watching?

Jan.22.2008 // Bill Clinton Nods off During Speech about Martin Luther King Jr.

When you’re running for president, every little thing you do is scrutinized. That even extends to your spouse and your children. And apparently, former president Bill Clinton, husband of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, is no exception. Above he can be seen nodding off and having a “dream” of his own during MLK III’s speech about his father, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. yesterday.

I think it’s pretty damn funny if you ask me! I don’t see it as him disrespecting Dr. King. Now if he was snoring, then yeah, that might have posed a problem. But for you church-goers out there. Let’s be real. How many times have you unknowingly nodded off during a sermon? Exactly! Case closed.

Jan.22.2008 // Amy Winehouse Videotaped Snorting Coke!

Amy Winehouse, or Amy CRACKhouse as we like to call her, has a brand new video. No, it’s not a music video. And it’s not even a sex tape (I wouldn’t put you guys through that kind of horror!). It’s a video of her doing what she does best. Being a cokehead. Now, we all have known for a long time that Amy was a crackhead, but it’s sort of like walking in on your parents having sex. You know they have sex (how else would you be here). But actually seeing it with your own two eyes is “shocking” in a way. Poor thing. She looks a holy hot ass mess. Somebody get this girl some help, ASAP! This is what her friend, who recorded this video and released it to the media, had to say:

Amy is locked in a nosedive towards oblivion — she is killing herself. The video shows a woman completely out of control. Her family and her few real friends have begged her to pull herself from the brink many times. But here is proof she has pressed the self-destruct button. Her fans would scarcely recognise the drug-addled wreck in the video as the talented performer they love. We can only pray she will get a wake-up call when she watches the video herself and sees the terrible state she is in.

Amy is looking ill and dirty, and is so thin you wonder how much more she can take. She MUST get help.

For more on this, visit this link.

Jan.22.2008 // Heath Ledger Found Dead in NYC Apartment

It has been reported by the Associated Press that actor Heath Ledger, famous for his role in “Brokeback Mountain,” was found dead in his Manhattan apartment at around 3:30 PM. Police say that his death may have been drug related, as there were pills found around his body. According to an NYPD spokesman, the actor had an appointment with a masseuse in his Soho apartment, and when the housekeep went into his room to alert him that the massage therapist was there, he was dead. He did not respond when he was shaken, and the housekeeper then proceeded to call 911, as reported by the New York Times. He was officially pronounced dead at around 3:45 P.M. He was 28 years old. Authorities said that they did not suspect any foul play.

Ledger leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter with actress Michelle Williams, and was currently filming a movie “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.” He is set to play The Joker in an upcoming remake of Batman. If I am not mistaken, filming for that movie has already wrapped.

Story developing…

Jan.22.2008 // N*E*R*D - “Everybody Nose”

OK, huge N*E*R*D fan, took me a couple of listens to get into this. “Everybody Nose,” I’m guessing, is the lead single from N*E*R*D’s upcoming LP, the follow-up to 2004’s Fly or Die, N.3.R.D. set to release in Spring of 2008. I’m really excited becos I loved Fly or Die, I still bump it every now and then when I’m in my rebellious-phase. But man, did that album go hard!

Jan.22.2008 // Usher’s Dad Passes Away

PHOTO: WIRE IMAGE

People.com reports that Usher’s father, Usher Raymond III, passed at an Atlanta hospital this past Friday (January 18th). The website says it first heard of the death from the Chattanooga Times Free Press in Tennessee and that the singer’s reps have confirmed the death. No word on the cause of death. Usher, according to People, was unavailable for comment. The singer and his wife recently celebrated the birth of their son, Usher Raymond V. And it was also reported that he had recently made peace with his estranged father, who struggled with substance abuse and once spent nearly 1 year in prison. Our condolences go out to Usher and his family at this obviously painful time.

Jan.21.2008 // B2K is Trying their Damndest to Stay Relevant…

This whole “my manager raped me and now I’m going to youtube to tell the whole world” thing is starting to irk me. No, I take that back. This whole situation has irked me since the release of that youtube video of Raz B “apologizing.” My guess is that they’re trying to stay relevant. With no talent and no label to promote their musical efforts, this is probably the only opportunity they (and when I say they, I mean Raz B, Lil Fizz, and J Boog) have. Just peep the video above to see what I’m talking about. The first person to count the number of times the phrase “my nigga” was said gets a special B2K prize package!

Jan.21.2008 // Aubrey O’Day Is The New Face Of Famous SAS

Travis Barker, famous for being the drummer of rock group Blink-182, has chosen Aubrey O’Day of Danity Kane as the new face of his Famous Stars and Straps clothing line. I can’t put my finger on it, but something about these photos just isn’t right! I’ve always thought Aubrey looked crazy as hell, so that’s not it. Maybe it’s her failed attempt at trying to be sexy? I don’t know. Can someone help me out? Lol. Catch Aubrey and Danity Kane on the new season of Making The Band 4 premiering Monday, Januarty 28th at 10pm on MTV. Thanks for the photos Kevin!

Jan.21.2008 // Happy MLK Jr. Day

PHOTOS BY: EMMANUEL DUNAND FOR GETTY IMAGES

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a United States holiday marking the birthdate of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., observed on the third Monday of January each year, around the time of King’s birthday, January 15. It is one of four United States federal holidays to commemorate an individual person. King was the chief spokesman of the nonviolent civil rights movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. He was assassinated in 1968. The campaign for a federal holiday in King’s honor began soon after his assassination. Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed in 1986. At first, some states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000. [SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA]

As we reflect on the life and accomplishments of Dr. King, take a minute or two to view his most famous speech, the “I Have a Dream” speech, which can be found under the cut. Happy King Day! You can also find photos of the Democratic candidates participating in a march to the state capitol building in Columbia, South Carolina. CONTINUE READING

Jan.21.2008 // Throwback: Michael Jackson - “Leave Me Alone”

The saga continues. I decided to make “Leave Me Alone” by Michael Jackson the throwback for today since it was released during this month and the year of my birthday (which is an honor). Many believed this song was about a woman, or something, but in actuality it was particularly about how the media portrayed him and nearly ruined his career. A lot of people thought that Britney Spears should have done a cover of the song but others thought she would “ruin it”. I personally disagree.

Anyway if you watch the video a few times MJ is clearly mocking the tabloids and their ridiculous rumors saying, “leave me alone!” He is even seen dancing with the “Elephant Man,” a stupid rumor once surfaced of Michael Jackson reportedly purchasing his bones. The video also takes place seemingly in an “amusement park” but it is really Michael Jackson portrayed as one, illustrating how the media makes a circus out of him most of the time. Interestingly enough this video was co-directed by Michael Jackson himself, keep in mind that computers were not even thought of at that time, making MJ ahead of his time; he hated mundane.

In conclusion Michael Jackson, the King of Pop and all that is Pop (literally speaking), is and will always be a legend, yes. He gives even more meaning to the quote, “Michael Jackson is an artist not a genre.” But we shall digress. I just cannot stress even that there will never be another quite like Michael. He is African-American, yes, he has a skin disorder. He is not a child molester, no, people just wanted money out of him - it is sad what people will do for money really. But, again, we shall digress. The most important part is his music and how he reaches entities through his wonderful, wonderful … wonderful art. He is the greatest, ever. Love you MJ <3.

Jan.19.2008 // Ashlee Simpson Adverts

Above is some smoking hot new pictures of Ashlee Simpson in promotion for her forthcoming album Bittersweet World (Geffen) in stores during the first quarter.

Jan.19.2008 // New Beatz for the Freakz: The Massacre

Here R&B songstress Alicia Keys covers rock band The Fray’s chart-topping single “How to Save a Life,” it peaked in the top 3 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. I don’t feel this was Alicia’s best, to be honest. The song just didn’t fit well with the singer’s usual sound to me, however, I did enjoy this cover.

Alicia Keys - “How to Save a Life” (cover) - page link // direct link

“Shake Your Pom Pom” is another song by Missy Elliott that will also appear on the Step Up 2 the Streets soundtrack. Although a snippet, I’m not really feelin’ this one from Missy, the beat is enticing though. “SYPP” is said to be a Timbaland/Danja production but neither has confirmed as of yet.

Missy Elliott - “Shake Your Pom Pom” (snippet) - page link // direct link

“This Must Be Love,” by R&B/pop singer Brandy, is a “rumored” song, produced by Bryan Michael-Cox, said to be included on her forthcoming album. Really, I’m just happy to be hearing new material from Brandy, it’s been son long, and when little snippets of this song flown around last year people were excited.

Brandy - “This Must Be Love” - page link // direct link

I don’t know if any of you remember me posting on J. Valentine but he’s a new R&Ber from the Bay Area who recently signed to J Records. “I Just Wanna” is a brand new sensual track that can be streamed below. I was highly impressed with “She’s Worth the Trouble” so ultimately I was anxious to hear more new material from Valentine. With this song I get a R. Kelly feel, real smooth and melodic.

J. Valentine - “I Just Wanna” (DJ) - page link // direct link

This is just an extra track I wanted to include from Duran Duran. The song is called “Tempted” and it was produced by Danja. This is my jam!

Duran Duran - “Tempted” - page link // direct link

Jan.19.2008 // Boondocks - Season 2, Ep. 11: The S-Word

Episode 11 of Season 2 of The Boondocks. Its really primarily focused on “the N word”.

“Granddad and the good Rev. Rollo Goodlove try to cash in big after a teacher calls Riley the ‘N-word’ in school.”

Cee-Lo Green (Rollo Goodlove) and Fred Williard (Mr. Petto) guest star.

“The Hunger Strike” episode is scheduled to air next week Monday on the 28th.

Mr. Petto is originally a minor character from the strips and makes his first appearance in the tv show in this episode, similar to Cindy in “Ballin”.

The episode parodies the real-life story of Paul Dawson; a teacher who called a black student a Nigger (or Nigga?) lol.

Related Links:
Teacher calls student the “N” word

Jan.18.2008 // Janet Jackson: “Feedback” Remixes!

OMG! So many great “Feedback” remixes! I’m just getting so excited the more I hear about this project and anything remotely relevant. I stumbled upon a few “Feedback” remixes, official and unofficial, you can check the out all below! My favourite has got to be TC’s remix of the song, mainly becos it reminded me of Micheal Jackson. But he has some really good material on his MySpace page! If anyone has any “Feedback” remixes you want to be featured on this post email me and I’ll include it! ;-)

Janet Jackson - “Feedback” (Remix) ft. TC - page link
Janet Jackson - “Feedback” (Remix) (produced by Timbaland) - page link
Janet Jackson - “Way I Feel Feedback” (BenG mix) - page link
Janet Jackson - “Feedback (Jeremy Word Remix)” - page link