Gina Prince-Bythewood: Celebrating 'Love & Basketball' 10 Years Later

By Karu F. Daniels

Believe it or not but it's been 10 years since 'Love & Basketball' opened in theaters.



Since then, the modern-day black romantic film -- starring Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps -- has become a classic for many black filmgoers.


Gina Prince-Bythwood is the woman behind the film, and other great works, including 'The Secret Life of Bees' and 'Disappearing Acts.'

Gina Prince-Bythewood: Celebrating 'Love & Basketball' 10 Years Later

(Click Link Above) As seen above during the 14th annual American Black Film Festival, 'The Spark' hostess Amanda Diva caught up with the fierce female filmmaking wonder...

Jennifer Hudson: Opens Up About Family Tragedy on 'Behind the Music'

By Bridget Bland
It's been nearly two years since Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson's family members were tragically murdered in her hometown of Chicago on October 24, 2008.



Last night, the former 'American Idol' finalist finally shared her thoughts on suffering the great loss on VH1's critically acclaimed 'Behind the Music.'


The documentary-styled show included intimate interview with Hudson's sister, Julia Hudson, and several family friends, as well as some of Hudson's big-name Hollywood friends like 'The Secret Life of Bees' co-star Queen Latifah, 'American Idol' judge Randy Jackson, record company titan Clive Davis, R&B singer/producer Ne-Yo, iconic entertainer Whitney Houston and her 'Dreamgirls' co-star Jamie Foxx.

But, the most poignant testimony on the horrific murders (of her mom, brother and nephew) came from Hudson, herself.

"It was surreal," the Grammy Award winning vocal powerhouse shared. "It was like I was outside of myself."


"I would pray when I got up in the morning and when I laid down at night," she continued. "It was just two weeks straight with family and friends going in and out, and of course it was like 'Where's Jennifer?'

"I was pretty much secluded," the Arista Records singer said. "I didn't watch any TV. I remember being asked to do a film and I said 'I don't know who I am right now. I can't be another character if I don't know who I am."

Then, she had a breakthrough.

"I can't do this anymore and I knew if I sit down and dwell on it it will be harder," the 'Dreamgirls' star revealed.

The new Weight Watchers spokesperson said that her 2009 Grammy Awards performance of her single 'You Brought Me Through' was another moment which allowed her to get out and get back to her old self.

"I was definitely thinking of my family when I sung that song [and] I could hear my brother in my head like, 'You better kill this.'"

These days, as seen in the opening moments of the show, Hudson is happily raising her toddler son, David, Jr. and gearing up to marry the father of her child, David, Daniel Otunga, Jr., a Harvard-educated attorney who previously appeared on the VH1 reality show 'I Love New York.'



And every day she gets a little stronger.

"In a way my brother drives me in my music, my son reminds me of my nephew and being a mother reminds me of my mother and in so many ways I channel her because she was such a great mom," Hudson said.

Alicia Keys & Chris Brown ROCKS 2010 B.E.T. Awards (Winners Listed Below)

By By Bridget Bland



BET celebrated it's tenth anniversary of the BET Awards in style on June 27. The show, which took place live from Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium, featured some very special surprise performances.

For 12-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys, the night was hers.

The J Records recording artist was honored with the Artist of the Decade Award, and sang some of her biggest hits including 'If It Ain't You,' 'Unthinkable' and 'No One.' The newly pregnant singer/songwriter also took home two awards – one for Best Collaboration with Jay-Z for 'Empire State of Mind,' and another for another for Best Female R&B Artist.

Prince received the Lifetime Achievement Award and hand-picked his favorite female vocalists to perform his classics.

The women included Janelle Monae, who opened the set with 'Let's Go Crazy,' followed by Esperanza Spalding's rendition of 'If I Was Your Girlfriend.' Alicia Keys returned to the stage to play piano and sing 'Adore' and climbed up onto of the piano towards the end of her performance. Closing things out was Patti LaBelle with the seminal hit 'Purple Rain,' where the legendary diva kicked off her shoes and Prince caught one of them. LaBelle and his dear friend Chaka Khan presented him with the award.

This might have been Kanye West's first award show performance in over a year, but the night belonged to Chris Brown, who took the stage and gave the award show's most memorable performance – a tribute to the late, great King of Pop Michael Jackson.

Brown, who was set to perform last year's tribute to Jackson but was cut front the show at the last minute, danced to Jackson's biggest hits like 'Smooth Criminal,' 'The Way You Make Me Feel' and 'Remember the Time' before bursting in to tears during 'Man in the Mirror.' The crowd gave him a rousing standing ovation.

Brown was honored with the AOL Fandemonium Award, saying, "I didn't prepare a speech but I could never have done any of this without my fans and I just want to say one thing. I let y'all down before but I won't do it again. I promise."

They might be rap newcomers but Drake and Nicki Minaj took home rap honors. Drake, whose debut 'Thank Me Later' just hit stores just over a week ago, took home Best Male Hip-Hop Artist. His label-mate Minaj, who gave props to Jada Pinkett Smith in her speech, took home Best Female Hip-Hop Artist. She also took the stage three times - once with Diddy and Dirty Money for the remix to 'Hello, Good Morning' and later with Ludacris for 'My Chick Bad' and DJ Khaled 'All I Do Is Win.'

Both artists shouted out their Young Money rap crew and thanked their incarcerated mentor Lil' Wayne.

Finally, John Legend was honored with the Humanitarian Award.

Complete List of 'BET Awards '10' Award Winners:

Best Female R&B Artist:
Alicia Keys

Best Male R&B Artist:
Trey Songz

Best Gospel:
Marvin Sapp

Best Female Hip Hop Artist:
Nicki Minaj

Best Male Hip Hop Artist:
Drake

Best New Artist:
Nicki Minaj

Best Collaboration:
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys "Empire State of Mind"

Video of the Year:
Beyoncé featuring Lady Gaga "Video Phone"

Video Director of the Year:
Hype Williams

Best Actress:
Mo'Nique

Best Actor:
Idris Elba

YoungStars Award:
Keke Palmer

Best Movie:
Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire

Subway Sportwoman of the Year:
Serena Williams

Subway Sportman of the Year:
LeBron James

Centric Award:
Monica

Best International Act:
Dizzee Rascal (UK)

Humanitarian Award:
John Legend

Lifetime Achievement Award
Prince

Viewers' Choice Award
Rihanna featuring Young Jeezy "Hard"

Fandemonium Award
Chris Brown

When Keri Hilson Was 17.....WOW!

Via Nicole Bitchie.com




…She played basketball for Tucker High School in Tucker, Georgia, according to an upcoming episode of “When I was 17…” The episode will air tomorrow morning at 11am on MTV.

Keri also tells the network “When I was 17, I experienced my first heart break”.

Check out more flicks from her high school days below:

Read more: When Keri Hilson Was 17… | Necole Bitchie.com

Sneak Peek of Trey Songz 'My Moment' Documentary to Air During BET Awards

By Hayat Mohamed



There's no denying that R&B sensation Trey Songz has had one exciting year. After the success of his third album, 'Ready,' serving as the opening act for Jay-z's Blueprint 3 tour and preparing for the release of his upcoming album, 'Passion, Pain & Pleasure,' one would think the young crooner couldn't fit anything else into his schedule. But alas, he has.

Trey Songz will be offering his fans a backstage pass to his life with his latest project 'My Moment' -- a documentary chronicling the past year. The 10-part docu-series -- which premiers Tuesday June 29, at 10 p.m. ET on BET-- will give fans a glimpse into the singer's career and personal life behind the music.

Footage will include performances from the Blueprint 3 tour, industry events and parties, interviews from members of his camp, as well as Trey Songz himself. Fans will also get a look into the star's history as with images of milestones from Trey's past.



BET will air a sneak peek of 'My Moment' during the 2010 'BET Awards' this Sunday, June 27, at 10 p.m. ET. Fans can also tune in that night to see if their beloved Trey walks away with the AOL Fandemonium Award. The contest, which includes Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, Trey Songz and Justin Bieber, has fans competing in daily challenges to gain votes for their favorite artist. Trey is currently in third place, with Chris Brown leading the pack.

Beyonce Statement Necklaces: The Must-Have Summer Accessory

Summer dresses and statement necklaces go hand-in-hand. Take a basic dress or top and accent it with a novel necklace to up your wow factor. You'll instantly express yourself and mood with your own statement-making neck piece.

Prince to Receive BET Lifetime Achievement Award, Drake, Beyonce & Nicki Minaj Up For Nods

By Bridget Bland



This year marks the 10th anniversary for the BET Awards. And it seems a fitting time for iconic pop singer Prince to receive a lifetime achievement award.



Prince is no stranger to the cable awards show – having performed in tribute to Chaka Khan, with whom he collaborated with on the Rufus singer's 1998 album 'Come to My House' when she was honored with a lifetime achievement award in 2008.

And for the first time in the BET Awards history, voters will decide who wins the AOL Fandemonium Award, which will be presented during the show. Nominees include Nicki Minaj, Trey Songz, Justin Bieber and Chris Brown. Every day on '106 and Park,' BET will issue a new challenge to fans of the four artist. Whoever gets the most votes wins.
The 'Purple Rain' singer, who has garnered 30 Top 40 singles in his 30 years in the music business, will join a who's who of legendary performers to include Whitney Houston, James Brown, Gladys Knight and Diana Ross as a BET Lifetime Achievement recipient.

BET's President of Programming, Music and Specials Stephen G. Hill, who counts Prince as his all-time favorite artist, says big things are in store for his musical tribute.



"We are humbled that Prince will be our lifetime achievement award recipient," Hill said. "We have a different kind of tribute planned for him, as his unique style deserves a unique honor. Prince is dynamic. Prince is genius. Prince is music."

In other BET Awards news, Drake, Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj lead the nominees with five nods.

Grammy-nominated rapper Drake, who hails from Toronto, just released his new album, 'Thank Me Later,' on June 15. The former 'Degrassi' star, whose real name is Aubrey Graham, is nominated for best male hip-hop artist and twice for best collaboration for 'Successful' with Trey Songz and 'Forever' featuring Eminem, Lil' Wayne and Kanye West. He's also nominated in three categories as part of Lil' Wayne's rap label and group Young Money. Before he even released his first album, he was chosen to perform at the Grammy Awards alongside Lil' Wayne and Eminem earlier this year.

Jay-Z has had quite a run recently, thanks to his mega-hit 'Empire State of Mind,' featuring Alicia Keys. The song, which the Brooklyn-born MC performed at the 2009 World Series, was nominated for best collaboration. Also in the running for best collaboration is his other single 'Run this Town,' featuring Kanye West and Rihanna. The music mogul, who is a minority owner of the New Jersey Nets basketball team, is also nominated for best male hip-hop artist, and 'Empire State of Mind' also has nominations for viewers' choice and for video of the year.

She may not have released her solo debut yet, but Nicki Minaj is already getting props for her contribution to the hip-hop game. The New York native, born Onika Maraj, is nominated for five awards this year, including three nods with her Young Money crew and also in the best new artist and best female hip-hop artist categories. This year alone, she's been featured on several top 10 hits, including appearances alongside Mariah Carey, Ludacris and Usher, to name a few.





What would an awards show be without Beyonce? The 'Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)' singer is just one award nomination shy of tying her husband, Jay-Z. The 16-time Grammy Award winner holds the record for being one of the two most nominated artists in the history of the BET awards. She has won more BET awards than any other artist. This year, Beyonce, who got her start with Destiny's Child, is up for best female R&B artist, viewer's choice for 'Sweet Dreams,' as well as best collaboration and video of the year for 'Video Phone' with Lady Gaga.

Since bursting on the music scene in 2001 with 'Songs in A Minor,' Alicia Keys has reigned supreme as a pop music star. The classic pianist has had a terrific year with solo hits like 'Unthinkable,' featuring Drake, and 'Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart.' The New York native, who is expecting her first child with producer Swizz Beatz, also appeared on Jay-Z's 'Empire State of Mind' which earned her several nominations.

As previously reported, the BET Awards '10, hosted by Academy Award-nominated actress/rapper/singer Queen Latifah, will air live at 8 p.m. EST on June 27 from Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium.

On The Scene: American Black Film Festival Kick-Off, World Premiere of 'Takers'

By Wilson Morales



Black Voices was live on location at the June 23 kick-off the 14th Annual American Black Film Festival in South Beach, Miami. The opening night film was the world premiere of 'Takers,' an action-packed, high octane, all-star thrill ride produced by Will Packer ('Stomp The Yard' and 'Obsessed') and starring Idris Elba, Paul Walker, Michael Ely, Chris Brown, Matt Dillon and T.I.

With lots of aspiring writers, directors, and producers hoping to make early connections in the business, plenty of notable celebrities were in attendance to catch the heist film, which will be released this summer via Sony Screen Gems.

Thank Me Later: Drake Moves 462,000 Copies in First Week

I took a poll of some of my industry homies last week to get a sense of how "Thank Me Later," the debut album for Drake, was going to sell. It turns out that out of those bold enough to make a prediction, my friends Michael Bivins (formerly of Belle, Biv, Devoe and New Edition) and Vigalantee (a rapper in Kansas City, MO), were closest. Vigalantee predicted 450,000 units and Mike Biv predicted 400,000. No matter how you slice it, Drake is now officially the shizzle.

It's not as if anyone is surprised by Drake's stellar debut. He and the rest of the Young Money clique did an outstanding job creating buzz for the album and Drake proved that even in the age of massive Internet pirating, he can still make his money.

Drake's sales are impressive, but don't match the sales mojo of Eminem, who pushed out 608,000 copies during the first week of his 2009 album, "Relapse." He will also most likely never match the amazing performance of his mentor (and I use that term lightly) Lil Wayne, who was able to push over a million in the first week of his album, "Tha Carter III," released in 2008. Either way, Drake should be congratulated for kicking some butt both here and around the world.



Most of Drake's songs have been commercial hits, hardly earning the respect of hip hop purists. But what I like about Drake, as opposed to Eminem, Lil Wayne, Jay-Zand others, is that his music doesn't come with a destructive gimmick. He's not bragging about packing a gun, selling drugs or being more blinged out than a diamond mine. Instead, he's just a young brother with a serious flow doing his thing in the studio. While some might think that Drake doesn't represent the essence of hip hop, I might be inclined to agree: Instead, Drake represents THE FUTURE of hip hop, and that cannot be denied

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and the author of the new book, "Black American Money."

Stephen Hill: The Man Behind the BET Awards Gears Up for 10-Year Show

une marks Black Music Month, but for one man, there's happiness in knowing that his job involves celebrating the accomplishments of African Americans in music all year long.

Stephen Hill, president of Programming, Music and Specials for BET, got his start working as a radio-program executive before joining the staff at the network in 1999. Since 2002, he's headed up every BET Awards show.

Now more than ever, the Ivy Leaguer is grateful for having a job that he truly loves.

"We consider every month Black Music Month, and no matter what month it is, you have '106 and Park,' and we feel like it's popular to keep the legacy and history of Black Music Month alive," he shared with Black Voices.

"I enjoy the fact that there is a month where black music is the ultimate."

It's fitting then that BET is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its awards show during Black Music Month. But it's no coincidence.

"There were a number of factors, but one of them was [Black History Month] being in June, and other award shows are other times of the year," Hill explained. "We wanted it to be in the summer and then we thought Black Music Month."

Kanye West is making his first major television appearance since crashing Taylor Swift's moment a year ago at the MTV Video Music Awards.

"I was backstage at a Black Eyed Peas concert in February, and I saw Kanye back there. And without me asking he said, 'Here's what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna stay away and then the first time people are going to see me is gonna be the BET Awards,'" the Washington, D.C. native revealed.

In addition to West's highly anticipated performance, Prince (Hill's all-time favorite singer) will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Prince previously performed a tribute to Chaka Khan when she got hers.

"To me, he's just the embodiment of music, not black music or white music, just music. I think his ability to manipulate emotions with music is unparalleled. He is so good at so many things that you forget how good he is at everything," Hill gushed.



In addition to honoring Prince, the BET Awards -- hosted by Queen Latifah -- will take a second stab at paying homage to the late, great King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

"We will indeed do an acknowledgment of Michael Jackson, and we are doing this in a way that you have not seen yet, but we know you want to," he stated.

"The pressure is never off because we are people who always want to top ourselves," he continued. "Last year's horrible events make it difficult to top, but we will not stop trying. It's not a sadness, but it's kind of bittersweet remembering Michael Jackson's passing last year."

Eminem and Usher were just announced as performers for the show and, ultimately, Hill is very proud of the show that he gets to produce.

"More than anything else, I'm proud that people stand up at the BET Awards, he added. "The excitement make the crowds participate and become part of it, and there's no other awards show like it."

"I'm one of the luckiest guys that I know," he concluded.

And for the first time in the show's history, voters will decide who wins the AOL Fandemonium Award. Nominees include Nicki Minaj, Trey Songz, Justin Bieber and Chris Brown. Every day on '106 and Park,' BET will issue a new challenge to the fans of the four artist. Whoever gets the most votes wins.

Maxwell: Halts Tour to Record New Album

By Bridget Bland

Maxwell is pumping the brakes on his successful summer tour to begin recording the follow-up to his Grammy Award-winning album 'BLACKsummer'snight.'



According to a spokesperson at his label, Columbia Records, the dates for the second leg of his stateside trek will be rescheduled for next year to coincide with the release of his upcoming album. Maxwell's label rep cited "scheduling conflicts with the venues" as a cause for the cancellations.All dates following the 'Pretty Wings' singer's June 26 performance at New York's famed Madison Square Garden including stops in Boston, Pittsburgh, Charlotte and Baltimore, to name a few, have been postponed for 2011.

Ticketmaster is now issuing refunds to Maxwell fans who already purchased tickets for those tour stops and new dates will be announced later this year.

The second album in Maxwell's trilogy of music is set to be released at the top of next year.

Last month, Maxwell told the Associated Press that he was eager to get to recording new material.

"I had a plan - every year something new, and I thought that that would be a good enough time to sort of give people space to feel like they weren't being inundated by what I was doing," Maxwell said of the albums push back.

As previously reported, Maxwell is currently on the road with neo-soul singers Erykah Badu and Jill Scott alternating dates as opening acts.

He will play Washington, DC's Verizon Center on June 18 followed by dates in Philadelphia, Connecticut and Virginia Beach before his two-day run in his hometown of New York on June 25 and 26.

Mary J. Blige and Catherine Malandrino Launch Ready-to-Wear Collection for FFAWN

By Priscilla Monteiro

Mary J. Blige unveiled a 25 piece, ready-to-wear collection with Catherine Malandrino and ELLE Magazine benefiting FFAWN, Blige's charity, at New York City's Museum Of Modern Art on June 15th. The event came with a $1,000 a person ticket price, which will help cover college tuition costs for thirty graduates at the Women's Academy of Excellence in the Bronx, not too far from where Blige grew up. Stars and industry insiders, including Estelle, Jill Hennessy, Phillip Bloch, June Ambrose and Patti Wilson, came out to show support for the "Mary J. Blige Honors of Women Week" celebration.



FFAWN is an acronym for The Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, Inc. and is dedicated to helping women overcome their personal difficulties to reach their full life potential. FFAWN believes that education is empowerment and through a range of programs encourages women to realize their dreams and pursue their individual goals. Mary J. Blige is a trendsetter in her own right, and through FFAWN, she and many women in entertainment will follow her outstanding humanitarian efforts.

Remembering The Times....Do You Remember?

The Time original members "The Time” Morris Day, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Monte Moir, Jesse Johnson and sideman Jerome Benton in 2010 span thirty years of music, spawning seven successful music careers, putting “COOL” in R&B/Funk music. For (4) hit albums and eight hit singles including 777-9311, Cool, Get It Up, Jungle Love, The Bird, The Walk, Gigolos Get Lonely Too and can their #1 single



Jam & Lewis” Made The Minneapolis Sound a Hit. Jam & Lewis produced over 40 #1 hits, being multi Grammy award winners, the most successful writer/producer teams in R&B Music history, over 25 years as a model for cohesive business, professional and personal relationship

Juanita Bynum Performs 'Soul Cry'

For years, she was known as a prophetess, a best-selling author and a world-renowned vocalist with legions of international fans and followers. But in the summer of 2007, Juanita Bynum became the "new face of domestic violence" after a physical altercation with her then-husband, Bishop Thomas W. Weeks III, propelled her into the media spotlight.

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Three years later, the former Trinity Broadcasting Network televangelist has picked up the pieces and is back recording music again. This time around, a brand-new opus, titled 'The Diary of Juanita Bynum,' is set for release at the top of 2011 via a partnership with Mathew Knowles' Music World Entertainment empire. On June 22, the eagerly anticipated single, 'Soul Cry (Oh, Oh, Oh),' will be released.

In honor of our month-long Black Music Month celebration, Blackvoices.com presents an exclusive performance of the heart-felt ballad as a prelude to our week-long series of interviews conducted with the one and only Juanita Bynum.

Brandy Attempts To Keep Her Daughter Out of The Limelight

by Necole Bitchie

In a recent interview with PARADE, Brandy reveals why her daughter hasn’t made an appearance on her new reality show.



That’s strictly because her father and I felt it was best for her to have as much of a normal life as possible. Of course, you’ve seen her on one episode on ‘For the Love of Ray J,’ but it wasn’t every day. You didn’t see her going to school, me combing her hair, or any aspect of our private, intimate moments, which sort of sucks because our relationship is so beautiful. I love being a mom and I’m raising her in a different way than how I was raised. Some things that my mom did with me, I do with my daughter — it’s just a different dynamic. I would love for people to see how I’m doing it because I think I could be a good example of a young, single mom.”

“A lot of mothers feel like they’re the mom first, with that authority. But for me, I’m a friend first. I believe that just being there for my daughter as a friend more than ‘I’m in charge…’ causes her to be more open with me as a person. That’s just what our relationship is. Of course, there are times when I have to discipline her — I’m mom. But there’s still that nurturing and love there that we have. I know I’ll probably get flack for being a friend first, but it really works. She’s really honest with me. I’m just teaching her how to trust herself. I tell her all the time that my life is not your life — you have your own life.

“At the end of the day we’re going to be friends. When she grows up, it’ll be about that friendship that we’ll have. She’ll come to me for any problems that she has. If I have an authoritative wall up, she’s going to rebel and not come to me and I don’t want that.”

My mother and I had the same type of relationship and I could tell her anything. For that reason, I never was a rebel.

J.Cole: Jay-Z Protege-on-the-Rise Ready to Thrill Crowds Despite Being Unknown to Some

By Bridget Bland




Last weekend, cool kid company, Thrillist, invited more than 100 VIPs and sweepstakes winners from across the nation to take over the posh Fontainebleau Miami Beach resort for three days at an event called 'Hotel Thrillist.'

In the same vein as the Jamaica excursion, this outing included appearances from performers including Jay-Z protege J. Cole and Dominican pop sensation Kat DeLuna. The privileged ones, happy from their fill of endless Bacardi cocktails and Coronas, were treated to a performance by J.Cole at the resort's posh nightclub, LIV.



The Germany native, legally known as Jermaine Cole, enjoyed his time with the Hotel Thrillist attendees, even if most of them had no idea who he was exactly ."[It] was a great experience," he shared with the BV Newswire. "I'd never done anything like that before and I think the best part about it was the people ... [they] were real receptive."

"Even the people that didn't know me seemed so excited like, 'Should I know you?'" he quipped.

J. Cole, who was the first rapper signed to Jay-Z's new Roc Nation record label, wasn't bothered that everyone didn't know who he was.

"I don't take things personal," he said. "I understand how things work and to be in the club when there's someone you aren't familiar with, there is [only] so much of attention span that you are gonna have so coming in I knew that and that's why I cut my set short."

"But a year from now or a few months from now when they hear the single they can say, 'That's that man that came on the stage when we were drunk at Liv,' and that's what it's really about."

The North Carolina-reared MC is getting some serious shine on the Jay-Z track 'A Star Is Born' -- off the music mogul's 'Blueprint 3' opus.

In between wrapping up the recording of his debut album, the 'Lights Please' rapper got a taste of just how popular he is in the Big Apple when he performed with Talib Kweli at the popular summer concert Summer Jam.

"In New York, it's a big record and big on radio," he shared. "I did Summer Jam this past weekend and as soon as the song came on the crowd was incredible."

Of his mentor, Jay-Z, he said, "We were just meeting really when he put me on the song and it was still early, so for him to have that faith in me early on and ask me to be on the song, hopefully a few years from now he will look like a genius for putting me on..."

And, if his reception at the Hotel Thrillist weekend is any indication of his bright future to come, there may soon be big things poppin'.



"I remember when no one was checking for me," he revealed. "So when people recognize up-and-coming artists and want to put their stamp on you – it's a beautiful day."

Diddy On His Bout With Insomnia

"I was proud of working 18 hours a day and sleeping three hours a night. It's something now that has turned into a problem for me: not being able to sleep ... having insomnia. ... I take sleeping pills -- I don't like to take them on regular basis...My mind is always racing, and always going and always working, and it's a gift and a curse. When I was starting out it was something I embraced, but now it's something that I hate."

It was another day in the life of the mogul variously known as Sean Combs, Puff Daddy , P. Diddy and now just plain Diddy -- a man of many names and plenty of products.
Go inside the world of Sean 'Diddy' Combs.



He already has his own clothing and fragrance lines, a restaurant and a lucrative deal with Ciroc premium vodka. He's talked about opening a business school. And that's not even to mention the main attraction -- the music.

Amid a promotional orgy for the Diddy product du jour, a new line of headphones, the hip-hop star greeted me with enthusiasm.

"Whas up, how you doing man!" he said. "I'm such a fan of yours, I got a little bit nervous when I found out you were interviewing me."

In a lengthy interview on an oppressively humid day in his hometown, New York City, Diddy expounded on the arts of self-promotion and self-preservation, aging, parenthood, acting and more.

Janet Jackson's Weight Loss Journey

by Alexandra Phanor-Faury

We've watched ESSENCE Music Festival headliner Janet Jackson struggle with maintaining a steady weight for most of her career. Today, with a better grasp on how to balance healthy eating with exercise, Jackson seems to finally be finding beauty in her shape.

From Essence: Quincy Jones, The King of Cool

By Lucette Jefferson

From Essence: When it comes to Black popular music in the 20th century, no other producer has helped mold the sound of a generation better than the legendary Quincy Jones. Whether co-creating the masterpieces that became Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and "We are The World" or producing for television and film, Jones has blazed his way through all genres.

Angelique Kidjo Kicks Off World Cup with Curtis Mayfield Classic

Yesterday, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and activist Angelique Kidjo performed hr rendition of the 1970 Curtis Mayfield classic 'Move On Up' at the kick-off celebration for the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Orlando Stadium in Soweto/Johannesburg, South Africa. The performance was broadcast in the United States by ABC, ESPN, and Vevo.

2010 marks the first year that the tournament will be held on the African continent

.

Eve: Lets Guard Down on VH1's 'Behind the Music'

By Bridget Bland


Eve Jihan Jeffers, who is most commonly known in the world of entertainment simply as Eve, isn't a music figure who often
dishes on her personal life.

However, next week she will uncover some of her painful past on a new installment of the critically acclaimed VH1 series 'Behind the Music.'

On June 14, the Grammy Award-winning rapper will take viewers on an intimate journey through some of her most daunting life experiences including a bout with depression, leaving her strip club job to pursue a rap career and her devastation with nude photos being leaked to the media.



The five-time Emmy-nominated documentary series features interviews with some of Eve's closest family and friends, including her mother and hit producer Swizz Beatz, with whom she's collaborated with throughout her career.

But, most importantly, it includes never-heard-before testimony from Eve, herself.

"There were years of my life that I didn't trust myself...that I didn't like myself...I didn't love myself. That's crazy. And you don't feel more alone until you feel like that," she said in the sit-down interview on the new episode.

Since making her debut on the 1999 song 'You Got Me' from the Roots, the 'What Ya Want' MC says things took a toll for the worst one day at the posh Plaza Hotel in New York.

"I was at the Plaza Hotel. I'd, like, gotten up to go to the bathroom, and I hear this sound, and it was me. And I had to look in the mirror to see myself crying. I, like, cried hysterically for hours."

Of the emotional breakdown, she questioned herself at the time, "How do I have all of this stuff, and I'm not happy? How am I not happy? I lost my happiness. I broke down, literally. Literally broke down."

The Fetish clothing designer, who resides from Philly, says before meeting former Bad Boy rapper Mase at the strip club where she worked, she had "never looked up to anybody famous, any stars, anything like that," but added "it was confirmation for me that all these thoughts for me [that] I'm like 'I know I'm not supposed to be here.'"

Eve, the sole woman signed to the Ruff Ryders crew, asserted, "I pushed my way in. I got respect. I remember just being like, 'No just because you're a boy, you're not better than me.'"



That pushiness helped solidify the 31 year-old to be recognized as one of the best female MCs out with notable duets with Alicia Keys, Gwen Stefani and Mary J. Blige, to name a few.

These days, though, Eve seems to be a confident, pulled-together woman. Over the past three years, she's been busy readying her long-delayed fourth album. And, the 'Barbershop' actress also just ended her run on the hit Fox series 'Glee.'

See just how much Eve's left behind when VH1's 'Behind The Music: Eve' premieres June 14 at 9 p.m. EST.

Russell Simmons Receives Lifetime Achievement Award From National Arts Club

Getting honored is nothing new for Russell Simmons.

The Def Jam Records co-founder has been lauded for his contributions to music and American culture by a virtual who's who of organizations, but on June 2, the prestigious National Arts Club paid homage to the Phat Farm menswear creator by bestowing upon him a gold medal of honor for Lifetime Achievement in music.



The Queens, N.Y., native is the first hip-hop figure to be celebrated by the New York-based organization, which aims to stimulate, foster and promote public interest in the arts and educate the American people in the fine arts.Simmons' former roommate and music mogul pal Andre Harrell shared stories with the well-heeled crowd about the days when the two men shared a studio apartment in Lefrak City. Danny Simmons, Russell's older brother, talked about how proud he was of the 52-year-old rap impresario, who financed his first art gallery in Brooklyn before he was a multimillionaire. Producer Swizz Beatz sent a video from Paris to honor the man he called an inspiration to many.

Simmons got his start in the late 1970s, producing and managing hip-hop artists including Kurtis Blow, Run-DMC, Whodini and the Beastie Boys. Later, he was responsible for identifying and signing luminaries such as Jay-Z, Foxy Brown and Ludacris to the legendary Def Jam Records.

Nowadays, he continues to represent hip-hop in many of his philanthropic and community-based initiatives in areas such as finance and digital media.

The National Arts Club's youngest member, Jamison Ernest of Yellow Fever, was responsible for nominating Simmons for the prestigious award and spoke of how he was a catalyst in the music business. (SEE EXCLUSIVE VIDEO BELOW.)

Lyor Cohen, Selita Ebanks, Tyson Ritter, Nick Wheeler of The All American Rejects, Gela Babluani, Wendy Diamond, Micah Jesse, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, and fashion designer Yigal Azrouel were just a few of the big names that came out to celebrate Simmons.

Marvin Isley of the Isley Brothers, Dead at 56‎ (Sad News)

Marvin Isley, of the famed R&B/Funk group The Isley Brothers, died Sunday (June 6) in Chicago. He was 56.

According to various reports, the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame inductee and bass player reportedly suffered from diabetes which resulted in Isley retiring in 1997 due to having his legs amputated.





According to various reports, the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame inductee and bass player reportedly suffered from diabetes which resulted in Isley retiring in 1997 due to having his legs amputated.

Isley joined his older siblings in 1973 and played a vital role in revamping the group's sound on their third album, '3+3,' which featured chart-topping hits 'That Lady' and 'Summer Breeze.'

Not one to rest on his laurels, Marvin ventured off from the group in 1984 alongside brother-in-law Chris Jasper, and brother Ernie to form the subgroup Isley/Jasper/Isley. The trio released three albums, including 'Caravan of Love' before disbanding in 1988.

Funeral arrangements for Marvin Isley were not disclosed at press time

André 3000 Does Nike Ads

Nike somehow got Three Stacks to cover The Beatles’ “All Together Now” for a commercial celebrating Kobe’s legacy as a Laker. While the visuals get you prepared for the Finals, the song only gives me hope knowing that André has sniffed the inside of a studio sometime recently.




by David D

Ne-Yo - "Champagne Life" Hot Record..

Awesome! It looks like Ne-Yo’s already about to hit us with the second single from his upcomingLibra Scale album already. Here’s the Stargate-produced “Champagne Life.”



Ne-Yo has released another tune to the net. "Champagne Life," the second single off of his forthcoming album, was released to the web on June 4.

"Let's toast it up!" sings Ne-Yo in the new tune, which channels earlier Michael Jackson in a mid-tempo number that manages to distance itself from his last single, the electro-pop "Beautiful Monster."

"Beautiful Monster" and "Champagne Life" are both on Ne-Yo's next disc, Libra Scale, which is slated for a September 21 release.

Recently, the singer serenaded birthday girl Paris Hilton at her 29th birthday bash. He performed "Miss Independent" at her Las Vegas party, a tune that earned him two Grammys in 2009.

by RTT Staff Writer

Vlad Tv Features Kay Tunes (Based on A True Story of The Emotion) A Must See Emotional Video!

Diggy Simmons "Great Expectations" HOT HOT SONG!

This will be the song of the summer!!! I rate this "HOT" Diggy Simmons the son of HIP HOP ICON "RUN" from the ICONIC GROUP "RUN DMC" ....NEW SINGLE "Great Expectations" feat Bei Maejor

P.Diddy in 'Get Him to the Greek' Film Review: Very Funny, Often Outrageous

By Wilson Morales

In reprising his role from 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall,' Russell Brand gets some surprisingly comic-relief help from none other than Sean "P. Diddy" Combs in the spin-off 'Get Him to the Greek.'

Beyonce: Now Doing House of Dereon Home Decor

By Bridget Bland





Beyonce Knowles and her husband Jay-Z have been busy building their multi-million dollar business empire over the past few years.

Now, the 16-time Grammy Award-winning pop star is gearing up to launch her own bedroom furnishing line.

Already, the former Destiny's Child front-woman has a very successful cosmetic fragrance, a L'Oreal beauty deal, and her own fashion line, House of Deréon, which is named after her grandmother.

The upcoming collection will be designed in partnership with Arrow Home Furnishings and include a design aesthetic of the House of Deréon and Deréon apparel lines, which Knowles helms with her fashion designer mother, Tina Knowles.

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It will include bohemian patchwork pieces, metallic threads, diamond quilt stitching and feminine dressmaking details in black, gray and purple hues.

In addition to bedding, there are also plans to release bath accessories, towels, table linens and more with prices for House of Deréon line ranging from $149.99 to $199.99 and the Deréon line at a more reasonable price point of $49.99 to $99.99.

VladTV.com feats Kay.Tunes-New Single "It Ain't Love"

Rising Star & Internet/Radio Sensation Kay.Tunes
New Single-"It Ain't Love"

Black Music Month Highlights: Brian McKnight

Post by Sha'Linda Jeanine in It's All Black Music




Brian McKnight (born June 5, 1969 in Buffalo, New York) is an American singer, songwriter, arranger, producer, and pop and R&B musician, as well as currently hosting his own evening talk show. He is a multi-instrumentalist who can play nine instruments: piano, guitar, bass guitar, drums, percussions, trombone, tuba, French horn and trumpet.

McKnight’s musical career began in childhood when he became a member of his church, NY choir and a band leader for his high school, Sweet Home High School. In 1987, McKnight’s older brother, Claude, and his band, Take 6, signed a record deal with Warner Brothers. This encouraged McKnight to shop his own demo tapes and by the age of 19, he’d signed his first recording deal with Mercury Records subsidiary, Wing Records. (He ended up recording his albums for Mercury.)

In 1992, Brian McKnight was released and was followed by two more albums for Mercury, 1995’s I Remember You and 1997’s Anytime. Anytime sold over two million copies and was nominated for a Grammy. It was also his last album with Mercury Records; by 1998, McKnight had moved on to Motown Records.

Holding Out On Sex… Chili Talks With Sister 2 Sister Magazine

Sister 2 Sister Magazine..

Chilli on making a guy wait for sex
When you date a person, the whole point of dating is to get to know that person. You getting to know each other is not having sex. [laughs] because when you do that it brings on too much unnecessary stuff that shouldn’t be there yet. You don’t even know this person. If you give yourself some time to know how you guys interact on a friendship level, 9 times out of 10, you will find that you don’t even want to be with that person and they don’t want to be with you. When you have sex early, especially for a woman, it causes you to cling and you think you like this person. No, you really don’t like him; it’s just that you slept with him.



Old Picture of Chili & Usher

You can check out the rest of the interview in Sister 2 Sister, on news stands now.

Rising star Kay.Tunes does an Exclusive Interview. with 8tyeight

How are you? How is everything going?

I'm great!! I am so excited about my project..I've been working so hard, and just to see my dreams starting to unfold..I have to pinch myself..lol.. everything is going so well.

Tell us about your song "It Ain't Love.

First and foremost, I'd like to say a big thank-you to everyone who has supported the record and my producer Rio Bridges for producing a great track.

The response has been amazing.
" It Aint Love" came from the emotion of being in a love-less relationship, and finally realizing that I deserved more than I was receiving. I think most people have been there @ least once in their lives..and that's what makes it so easy for people to relate to.

What else are you working on right now

Well I am constantly in the studio, still recording. We have about 18 songs done, and we are working on two as we speak. I also wanna give a shout-out to my producers, along with Rio of Savant Soundz,there's also Lee Major Kid, Theo Masbeatz Edmonds, Gerard Thomas, Sound-H Productions and also Troy Davis of TeamMusic Group.

So your last name is really Tunes?

Yes!! Lol Well actually its Tune. (Without the s) so that's how I knew music was my Destiny. :)

How was it performing at The Apollo at such a young age? We all saw the video of Lauryn Hill.

First off, I was soo excited @ the time because I couldn't wait to be able to see myself on TV..little did I know it was a Weds night taping...and back then those particular ones were not televised. So I sang my little heart out,I sung Run to You by Whitney Houston and I was soo nervous. In the end, I didn't win, but the crowd didnt boo me. So I felt relieved..lol

You have some big names attached to your next project? How did everybody come together?

The stars aligned..lol. No really, it all just came together, I started working with Rio of Savant Sounds,who has produced for Ashanti, Wale, Gucci Mane, and Raphael Saadiq..and once the other producers who are friends of his,heard what we were doing they all wanted to contribute and be apart of the project. I consider myself so blessed to have producers of this calliber working on my project, as you may know Lee, he has worked with Jay-z, Jeezy, Rick Ross, Trey Songz, and Mary J to name a few..then Gerard who has worked with, Missy, and Destiny's Child..sooo I'm really in great hands.

What are your goals for 2010.

My goals for 2010 are to continue to make music with substance, that people all over the world can relate to and also continue to work on my craft, as a artist and songwriter..

Anything else the world should know about Kay.Tunes?

Of course!! The Kay. Tunes official website is www.iamkaytunes.com, also you can hit me up on twitter.com/iamkaytunes,myspace.com/iamkaytunes, reverbnation.com/kaytunes and facebook.com/iamkaytunes. I appreciate you guys support!

Via 8tyeight.com