Entertainment
*Video* Rihanna’s “777” Tour Extended Preview
Check out an extended preview of Rihanna’s 777 tour where she tours 7 countries in 7 days, on a Boeing 777!
*New Music* Tamar Braxton “The One”
Being as though Juicy is one of my favorite Biggie tracks, I’m not sure if I can handle another remix to the original Mtume song. However, Tamar is trying her hand. I’m not sure how I feel about it, only because “Love and War” has become one of my favorite songs of the year and she pretty much has to outdo herself. Let me know what you think!
Celebrities Are Hurting Their Brand: Lil Wayne Gets Axed By Mountain Dew
Last month I openly spoke about how maintaining the integrity of your brand is essential (click here for post) and it seems like some celebrities are learning this lesson the hard way. The lines of creativity and pushing the envelope are being defined more and more each day and big endorsements are beginning to be snagged from some top performers. Recently, Mountain Dew parted ways with rapper Lil Wayne due to the backlash that was received from his verse in the Karate Chop remix, which references Emmett Till; the young boy who was killed for flirting with a white woman in 1955. Lil Wayne raps, “Pop a lot of pain pills, Bout to put rims on my skateboard wheels, Beat that pus*y up like Emmett Till…”
The rapper offered an apology letter to the Till family and he states:
Dear Till Family:
As a recording artist, I have always been interested in word play. My lyrics often reference people, places and events in my music, as well as the music that I create for or alongside other artists.
It has come to my attention that lyrics from my contribution to a fellow artist’s song has deeply offended your family. As a father myself, I cannot imagine the pain that your family has had to endure. I would like to take a moment to acknowledge your hurt, as well as the letter you sent to me via your attorneys.
Moving forward, I will not use or reference Emmett Till or the Till family in my music, especially in an inappropriate manner. I fully support Epic Record’s decision to take down the unauthorized version of the song and to not include the reference in the version that went to retail. I will not be performing the lyrics that contain that reference live and have removed them from my catalogue…
“I have tremendous respect for those who paved the way for the liberty and opportunities that African-Americans currently enjoy. As a business owner who employs several African-American employees and gives philanthropically to organizations that help youth to pursue their dreams my ultimate intention is to uplift rather than degrade our community.
Best, Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. Lil Wayne (Statement)
Chris Kelly Dies at the Age of 34
It seems like we lose someone from the celebrity world every day now and it’s never an easy pill to swallow. Of course, I was in the midst of the hype when hip-hop duo, Kriss Kross, had kids wearing their clothes backwards; I was a youngster when they blew up, so this is surreal. Sadly, Chris Kelly (on the left) passed away in his Atlanta home yesterday at the age of 34. The cause of death is still unknown, but an autopsy will be performed this week. Prayers go out to his family during this difficult time of mourning; may he forever Rest In Peace.
*Music* Chris Brown Drops a Brand New Track “I Can’t Win”
Chris Brown dropped “I Can’t Win” tonight and I will say this…IT’S FIRE! Rumors are circulating about he and Rihanna no longer being an item and if you listen to the lyrics, he’s definitely sending a direct message to someone. Check out, “I Can’t Win”:
Beyonce and Andre 3000 Cover “Back to Black”…Hate It Or Love It?
Some people are chattering about Beyonce and Andre 3000 covering Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black” for the much anticipated “Gatsby” film. Surprisingly, I like the song and I especially like Beyonce’s part. Check the song out (try to ignore the radio promo in the background) and the official trailer for “The Great Gatsby”.
*Video* Wale Shares Episode 1 of “The Gifted”
He may be trying to spark some interest for his upcoming project, but whatever the reason, I’m loving this montage of “gifted” individuals that Wale highlights. It’s about time that artists start encouraging others to follow their dreams and also start realizing their own God-given potential. Check out Episode 1 of “The Gifted”:
Danithedreamgirl 