The Grammy Awards 2010 - Live Stream

For all those in the UK, in Europe and the rest of the world that can't watch the Grammys on TV, you can watch the red carpet and the Grammy Awards live from the stream above. In the morning we'll have some video footage of performances and images from the awards.

Tonight's main show will have performances by Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Maxwell, Drake, Lil' Wayne, Eminem and others, as well as a 3-D all star performance tribute to Michael Jackson by Usher, Jennifer Hudson and more.

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: Akon ft Keri Hilson - Oh Africa

Akon was chosen to team up with Pepsi, alongside Keri Hilson and the Soweto Gospel Choir, to sing 'Oh Africa', which is the World Cup inspired song for this summer's tournament in South Africa. The video is very vibrant which fitting goes well with the song and the young people in the video, representing the unity of the World Cup. There are cameos from footballers Didier Drogba and Fernando Tores.

'Oh Africa' is released digitally on February 1st and all proceeds made from the single will go to Akon's charity, Konfidence Foundation.

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: Cheryl Cole - Parachute

Here's the brand new video for Cheryl Cole's third single, 'Parachute', taken from her 2009 album, '3 Words'. One of the better songs off of the album. In other news Cheryl, will be touring with the Black Eyed Peas this summer on their UK dates.

NEWS: Vanilla Ice To Tour With MC Hammer & Salt-N-Pepper

Vanilla Ice has admitted he's planning a tour with MC Hammer and rap trio Salt-N-Pepper. All parties are said to be keen to take part in the tour....no surprises there!

The rapper, who is now in the spotlight again, thanks to Jedward who performed with him at the NTAs (click to watch performance), seems to be riding off the back of this new found fame. Wonder how long it'll last?

Thanks HeatWorld

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: Usher - 'Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)'

'Hey Daddy' premiered today and it is the new single taken from Usher's forthcoming album , Raymond v Raymond, which is released March 30th. The average video features the beautiful model Noemi Lenoir who plays Usher's love interest.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS: Mariah Carey ft Ne-Yo - 'Angels Cry (Remix)' and 'Mariah Carey ft Nicki Minaj - 'Up Out My Face'

It's a double whammy for all you lambs out there,(Lambs = Mariah fans, for those that don't know), as Mrs Carey-Cannon released two music videos last night, both directed by her husband, Nick Cannon.


'Up Out My Face' is a somewhat funny video, which shows Mariah once again channeling her younger self. The video isn't a typical 'big budget one'that we're used to seeing, but it works for this track.



A well directed video to accompany one of the best tracks off Mariah's album - Nick Cannon at too bad at directing is he?

'Up Out My Face' and 'Angels Cry' are taken off of Mariah's forthcoming remix album , 'Angels Advocate'.

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: Calvin Harris - 'You Used To Hold Me'

Girls, girls, and more girls are featured in Calvin Harris' new video for his new single, 'You Used To Hold Me', taken from his album, 'Ready For The Weekend'.

Is Pink Calling Beyonce Stupid? [VIDEO]

 Pink has said in the past that she is quite different to Beyonce, but this time she seems to be saying it with actions.....they do say actions speak louder than words.

Peep Pink performing 'Stupid Girl' and watch how she moves - would you say it's a bit Beyonce-like?
Take not at the 0:36 mark, where the dance move resembles the 'Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)' famous dance routine

What is Pink implying, if anything?

Thanks AllHipHop.com

Diddy Does Vogue, 'Last Train To Paris' Style

The Ciroc King, Diddy, is featured in February issue of Vogue, recreating a classic Hollywood scene based on a fictional story about a man hoping to be reunited with a woman he loves.

As you can see from the images below, the inspiration from this shoot, shot by Annie Leibovitz, is from Diddy's forthcoming album, 'Last Train To Paris'. This marks the ten-year anniversary of Diddy's first appearance in Vogue.

RnB singer Tyrese, and what looks like Dirty Money, even managed to get up in the shoot!


Source: Vogue.com

And The Nominees Are.......NME Awards 2010

The shortlist for the Shockwaves NME Awards 2010 were announced last night at The Tabernacle. Dizzee Rascal, Florence + The Machine, Kings Of Leon and La Roux are amongst the nominees.

Jay-Z is up for Best Live Event for his concert at Alexandra Palace (click here for our review), his wife Beyonce is up for Hero Of The Year award, whilst Rihanna and Lady Gaga are up for Hottest Woman award. Gaga is also up for Best Dressed and Worst Dressed awards, Vilain Of The Year award, alongside Simon Cowell and Kanye West, as well as Best Dancefloor filler for her track 'Poker Face'.

The lovely boys from JLS are up for Worst Band - shock? I guess readers of NME find them cheesy?

If you don't find them cheesy, we're running a competition to win a pair of tickets to an exclusive invite-only JLS gig. Enter here

Go under the cut for the full list of nominees for the Shockwaves NME Awards 2010

Read More...

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: Taio Cruz - 'No Other One'

Taio Cruz - No Other One
by UniversalMusicUK

Mr Cruz is back with yet another dance enthused single, 'No Other One'.

It's catchy, it's upbeat, but all his singles sound all the same, right? 

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: McLean - 'My Name'

The UK's newest Soul/RnB sensation, McLean, with his brand new single, 'My Name'. Already dubbed "The modern day Marvin Gaye" by producer Fraser T Smith, we have a feeling this guy's going to be huge!




'My Name' is out March 8th.

Hope For Haiti Now

MTV's Hope for Haiti Now telethon, hosted by George Clooney and Haitian native Wyclef Jean has raised more than $57 Million for relief to the devastated country.The two hour charity foundraiser featured over 100 celebrities singing songs, giving heartfelt accounts of losses and survivals in Haiti and taking telephone donations. The event took place on Friday 22nd January and was broadcast on television and on the internet around the world.

Check out some of the performances below.

Alicia Keys

Stevie Wonder- 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'

John Legend-'Motherless Child'

Shakira-'I'll Stand By You'

Chritina Aguilera- 'Lift Me Up'


Mary J Blige- 'Hard Times Come'


Hennifer Hudson- 'Let it Be'


Justin Timberlake- 'Hallejuah'


Beyonce- 'Halo'


Jay Z, Rihanna and U2-'Stranded'


Madonna- 'Like A Prayer'


Please remember to donate.

YELE
OXFAM
CHRISTIAN AID

RVB

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS: DJ Zinc ft Ms Dynamite - 'Wile Out' and Craig David - 'One More Lie'

Ms Dynamite is back with the help of DJ Zinc for the club banger 'Wile Out', which is released February 8th.

Are you feeling this track?

Mr 'Born To Do It', Craig David, is back after a two year break with a new track, 'One More Lie', which is released on March 15th, under Universal Music.

Alicia Keys' BBC 1 Xtra Special

On Wednesday evening, Alicia Keys performed an exclusive live session for BBC 1 Xtra, hosted by Trevor Nelson, at the legendary Maida Vale studios, and SocialWriters were lucky enough to attend.

Alicia performed a 60 minute set of some of her biggest tracks from all four of her albums, such as 'Fallin', 'If I Aint Got You', 'Empire State Of Mind' and 'Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart'. She then went on to answer questions from the intimate crowd and revealed that her next music video to be released will be with Beyonce fo their collaboration, 'Put It In A Love Song'.

You can hear the 1 Xtra Alicia Keys special on BBC Radio 1 Xtra this Saturday 7-9pm

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: Mario - Ooh Baby

'Ooh Baby' is the third single from Mario's album, 'D.N.A.'

Are you feeling the video?

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: Jason Derulo - In My Head

Jason Derulo "In My Head"

JASON DERULO | MySpace Music Videos

Jason Derulo is back with his second single, 'In My Head'. I know that you've probably still got his first single 'Whatcha Say?' in your heads, but do you think that this new track will be stuck in your heads also?

Jedward Perform On The National Television Awards With Vanilla Ice [VIDEO]

Last night Jedward and Vanilla Ice performed Vanilla Ice's notorious single, Ice, Ice Baby' which will apparently be Jedward's first single.

I hate to say it but the performance was actually quite good. I wonder whether Vanilla Ice will try once again to revive his music career?

A full list of the NTA winners are under the cut

Read More...

FILM REVIEW: Book Of Eli

When one hears the name Denzel Washinington top the bill on a project, the level of expectation suddenly raises a couple notches. The film that you were going to see with your companion on that good old Orange Wednesday suddenly becomes a priority on a Thursday.




Fact is, you feel compelled to watch it, even if you don’t get that two for one discount. You feel the need to give it a go, purely because of the brand. It holds weight, it has a certain ‘je nai se quoi’, a ‘va va voom’ that says that the Denzel will appeal to the masses and give you more firepower in Washington’s favour in the age old argument of the best male actor of this generation.

Sadly Book of Eli won’t give you any ammunition if you’re rooting for Denzel, as there is a feeling that this just isn’t his best work. It does intrigue at times but there also lies a strong sense of anticlimax, you’re left wanting more, and as the credits role you feel somewhat let down and detached from the film.

Opening strongly with a grey derelict landscape that’s seems ridden of life, we cast our eyes over a skeletal cat that wonders the earth looking for its next meal. In an almost espionage like style we see the cat come to an untimely death by an arrow struck from a man who lay lurking in the depths donning a power plant jump suit.

Nonetheless that man is Eli (Denzel), trawling the earth with general attire you’d expect to see in a Nirvana video, long jacket, army still boots, sporting an old generation ipod and ironically beats by dre headphones, and no, that wasn’t a typing error.

With no real dialogue in the first ten minutes we pay close attention to characteristics behind Denzel, the hunter, the killer the man on a mission west. But the opening scenes don’t strike you as the beginning of the film, you’re left asking questions like what’s going on, and better yet “why am I even here”.
Then suddenly, the plot picks up and we begin to understand that Denzel has a possession that is wanted one man who wishes to control the world that has been left in ruins from a war.

Read More...

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: Keri Hilson ft Akon - 'Change Me'

Miss Keri Baaaaabbby and Akon teamed up for Keri's new track, Change Me, taken from her debut album, In A Perfect World.

I'm very shocked by Akon's singing on this track, dare I say it, he sounds a whole lot better than he normally does. Do you agree?

NEW UK MUSIC VIDEOS: Sugababes 'Wear My Kiss' and Lemar 'The Way Loves Goes'

The Sugababes are back with their third single, Wear My Kiss, from their new album, Sweet 7.

Seems like Jade is fitting in very well with the group, wouldn't you agree?

RnB singer, Lemar, is back with his new single, The Way Love Goes. This track sounds very Poptastic to us....Do you like it?

NEWS: Fugees to reunite for Haiti

Rap trio the Fugees could reunite for a special benefit concert, in an effort to raise money for earthquake- stricken Haiti. Group member Pras seems to be the driving force behind the idea and is hoping to convince his fellow band mates, Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill to bury their differences for a one- off show in aid of those tragically affected by the natural disaster.

In the past, the Fugees have openly expressed their disputes and as such have always laid to rest any rumours of a group reunion , much to the disappointment of their fans. However; with the worst earthquake to ever hit their beloved Haiti, a reconciliation couldn't be more significant.

Fingers crossed!

Check out a Fugee Classic.

RVB

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: Usher - 'More' and Timbaland ft Katy Perry 'If We Ever Meet Again'

Usher teamed up with Body by Milk Got Noise? to select 20 teenagers, who were split in half to form two teams, to create music videos for Usher next single, 'More'. The videos below are the final results.

 Usher | More (by The "A" Team)

Usher | More (by The Killer "B"'s)

Which video do you prefer?

Vote for your favourite video here.

The winners will receive Apple MacBooks and their own Final Cut Pro Editing Suite.

*Side note - It's great to see celebrities do things like this. Kudos to Usher*

Timberland is back again with another collaboration, this time with the soon-to-be Mrs Russel Brand, Katy Perry. 'If We Ever Meet Again' is taken from Timbaland's album, 'Shock Value II'.

Timbaland ft Katy Perry | If We Ever Meet Again

Do you like this track?

NEWS: Brit Awards 2010 Nominations

Last night the Brit Awards 2010 Nominations were revealed at London's Indigo2.

JLS, Florence + The Machine, Lady Gaga, and Pixie Lott are all up for three gongs each.

Surprisingly Beyonce was not nominated in the category for International Female Solo Artist, but her husband, Jay-Z has been nominated for two awards; International Male Solo Artist and International Album.

Jay-Z will also be performing at The Brit Awards, (rumour has it Alicia Keys will join him on stage), as well as performances from Lady Gaga, Lily Allen, Kasabian, Cheryl Cole, JLS and Dizzee Rascal and Florence + The Machine, who'll be performing a mash up of their latest singles. Robbie Williams,will also perform as he'll be receiving the Outstanding Contribution To Music award.

 A full list of nominees are under the cut

Read More...

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: Jaya - 'DJ Do It Again'

 Introducing Jaya......one of the newest and freshest singers from the UK. Jaya is the first British-Indian female to be signed to a major record label, (All Around The World/Universal Music), paving the way for a successful career.

Here's he video for her debut single, 'DJ Do It Again'.


JAYA - DJ DO IT AGAIN

JAYA | MySpace Music Videos

Are you feeling Jaya?

Please let us know your thoughts

NEW MUSIC: Jay Electronic ft Diddy, Mos Def and Talib Kweli 'Exhibit C ' (Live)

Jay Electronica is a name you should not be sleeping on. To say that he is the next "Hip hop phenomenon" would be bordering on cheesy, however replace that with "the most vital figure, set to catapult the genre to another level" and you'd be closer to the truth.

The non conformist nature of his music sets him miles apart from a lot of rappers out there and his style and influence has not gone unnoticed, garnering recognition and much creditability from the likes of Nas, P Diddy, Mos Def and Talib Kweli ( to name a few), all this and he is yet to release an album.

Exhibit C is the new single taken from Jay's new mixtape 'Act II: Patents of Nobility' and in this exclusive recording, a few friends of his join him on stage to lend a helping hand.

check out the live performance of his new single.

Are you feeling Jay? Let us know

Side note: It's good to see music entertainers like Diddy showing their support for the Haitian crisis, if you haven't already, please remember to donate.

source: Hip Hop Dx

RVB

DOWNLOAD: Nicki Minaj - 'Barbie World' [Mixtape]

Miss Minaj's latest mixtape, appropriately entitled 'Barbie World', is not a bunch of new tracks, I'm afraid....most of it you've probably heard already like 'Saxon', 'The Cipher' taken from the much talked about BET cipher, 'Roger That' and 'Shake It For Daddy' - but if you like Nicki it is definitely worth listening to.

The 'new' Cassie track featuring Nicki, 'F*ck You Silly', that is doing the rounds today on the net, is featured on this mixtape.

1. Barbie World Intro

2. I Love You
3. Girlfriend
4. Fuck U Silly
5. Mi Casa
6. Out My Face
7. Saxon Full Song
8. Get Your Paper Up
9. Little Freak
10. Knckout
11. Shake It For Daddy
12. Take It Off
13. Sex In Crazy Places
14. Grinding Getting Money
15. Ponytail
16. The Cipher
17. Fuck The B.S.
18. Streets Is Watching
19. Finale
20. Roger That
21. Bedrock
22. Getting Paid
23. Dang A Lang
24. Bonus
25. Bonus

Listen to 'Barbie World' and download it here

Album Review: Omarion- 'Ollusion'

Former B2K front man Omarion returns with his third solo effort ‘Ollusion’, and this time he is taking his music in a different direction.

Many would associate his music with teeny bopping teenage girls, but it seems the now 25 year old is ready to let the music world know he is a grown man who does grown man things!

The lead single, ‘I Get It In’ featuring the much hyped Gucci Mane, (I prefer Lil Wayne’s version), which was produced by RnB star Tank, is O doing what he does best and that’s give people something to dance to. The track which is dedicated to the late great Michael Jackson is a marching band influenced club banger which like ‘Last Night (kinkos)’ and the T-Pain produced ‘Sweet Hangover’ will have you nodding your head in your car, house or an your daily commute whilst listening to your ipod.

The formula for the album is not that much different from most male RnB albums with a mix of love, lust, freakin’, regret (see ‘Speedin’) and sex, but gone is the puppy love feeling you would usually associate with the former child star and this is demonstrated perfectly on my personal stand-out track ‘Wet’. Not since Trey Songz’ ‘Jupiter Love’ have I stopped what I was doing to really listen fully to the content of a song.

With a chorus that reads- ‘Whipped cream, baby oils, spank you cause you spoilt, I’m gon’ make you wet’ Omarion did not come to play this time around,

Now on to the bad points… Although the album flows quite nicely, ‘album filler’ songs like ‘I Think My Girl Is Bi’ and ‘Code Red’ could have been replaced by the internet leaked ‘Comfort’ (ft. Lil Wayne), ‘Case Of You’ which ended up on brother Marcus Houston’s album, ‘Vroom’ and the Pharrell produced ‘Devastation (Leave her Alone)’. This would have also solved the problem of the album being longer instead of finishing just as you get in to it.

Overall Omarion has made a good transition from teenage heartthrob to male RnB artist, but there is still a little bit of work to do.

My advice would be to track down the songs I listed and make you own ‘Ollusion’ playlist. I give this album a very generous 4 out of 5, but don’t let that put you off; this is definitely one for your collection.

Image via wikipedia

EVENT: Biggest Club Event To Raise Funds For Haiti

With the recent earthquake on the Caribbean island of Haiti, people from all over the world have been donating to charities to help the victims of the earthquake. Over 100,000 people are said to be dead and millions are homeless, with no electricity, no clean water, clothing, food or enough medical supplies to help them get through this horrific natural disaster.

Some organisations from the UK are putting on the biggest club event to raise funds for Haiti.

SOMEnight, London’s premier weekly dance music event, together with charity Ctrl.Alt.Shift, the production outfit, True Tiger, alongside many UK musical acts for special charity event in aid of Haiti, are all teaming up for special charity event in aid of Haiti.

Stanza, of True Tiger explains: “We’ve literally pulled this together in three days. I got on the phone to Jack, the head of Vagabondz promotions at SOMEnight and Chantelle Fiddy, editor of Ctrl.Alt.Shift, about joining forces. We want to ensure our money gets to those who need it the most and Ctrl.Alt.Shift’s partners on the ground in Haiti will do just that. The response from everyone involved has been amazing and people have donated merchandise and goodies for our raffle on the night so we should be able to make a substantial contribution to the world-wide relief effort.”


All proceeds will go to Ctrl.Alt.Shift partners in Haiti where hundreds of thousands of people are already feared dead and many more are believed to be critically injured. Countless are homeless. The five partner groups are are targeting areas that are getting little help from other agencies. They hope to provide food, tents, hygiene kits, blankets, jerry cans for water, water purifiers and medical support.

Date: Wednesday, 20th January


Price: Minimum donation on the door £5

Time: 10pm-5am

Location: The Den & Centro, 18 West Central St, London WC1A 1JJ  http://www.thedenandcentro.com/


Acts confirmed to appear at the event include:


Wiley (Island Records)
Tinie Tempah (Parlaphone Records)
MistaJam (Radio1/ 1Xtra)
JME (Boy Better Know)
Heartless Crew
Hatcha b2b N Type with Crazy D (Kiss100)
The Freestylers
Ruff Sqwad
Marvell
Doorly
Riz Ahmed aka Riz MC
P Money
Loose Cannons (Kiss100)
DJ Cameo (1Xtra)
Logan Sama (Kiss)
DJ Target (1Xtra) b2b Maximum (Boy Better Know)
B Live
Twin B (1Xtra) b2b Twin B (Island Records)
Sukh Knight b2b Scandalous Unltd. (True Tiger)
DJ Chef (Rinse.FM) & Rod Azlan (Dub Police)
Anti-Social (Quest, Razor Rector & Gangsta Boogie's Heny G)
Reso
The Others (Dub Police)
Trolley Snatcha (Dub Police)
Terror Danjah b2b Elijah b2b Skilliam
Tayo
Seb Chew (YoYo's)
George Lenton
Rico Tubbs
Gentlemans Dub Club - LIVE
The Thirst - LIVE
Debruit - LIVE
Blue Bear (True Tiger)
Chantelle Fiddy & Hattie Collins (Ctrl.Alt.Shift/RWD/I.D Mag)
Klose One & Rattus Rattus (Urban Nerds)
Nasha Experience
Drums Of Death (DJ Set)
Rootikal selectors: David Hill, Stuart Patterson & Ashley Beedle
Zero T (Drum & Bass Arena)
Slugz b2b Boyson

And many many more!

This event will be filmed by SB.TV

NEWS: Mo'Nique Wins Best Supporting Actress At The Golden Globe Awards

Last night comdienne/actress Mo'Nique won 'Best Supporting Actress' for her role in the hit film 'Precious'.



Mo'Nique plays the role of a mother called Mary Jones who allows her daughter Precious to be abused by her father.

'Precious', based on the novel 'Push' by Sapphire,  is out on Friday 29th January in the UK.

NEWS: Kano Responds To The Sunday Times Calling Him 'Foul Mouthed'

On Monday we told you how the government enlisted Kano to help promote school diplomas, and how The Sunday Times called him a "foul-mouthed rapper" and saw him as a controversial choice.

Well Kano, has decided to respond to The Sunday Times via The Guardian after speaking to journalist Joseph Patterson:

"The Sunday Times might call me a 'foul-mouthed' rapper, but at least I'm using my voice to do something positive for my community.

Recently, I wrote a song called More Than One Way to promote the government's diploma scheme.
I wanted to use my voice to do something positive. There are too many kids who don't think they can make it to the top. They give up before they have even started, but in my eyes everyone can succeed and it's really important that young people believe in themselves.
The Sunday Times wrote a negative piece about my involvement in promoting the diploma, trying to paint me as the stereotypical "bad-boy rapper". The piece was full of mistakes. For one thing, I'm not helping Ed Balls, I'm helping the future of our youth, and if it wasn't about that then I wouldn't be involved. "Foul-mouthed" or not, I'm doing more for my community than a lot of others. This scheme could potentially change a young person's future for the better, so how could you be against that? "

Read More

Good on Kano for his response!

Do you believe that the government made a good choice by enlisting Kano to front this campaign? Discuss

NEWS: N-Dubz Star Dappy Sends Death Threats To A Radio Listener

Dappy, one third of the UK 'Urban' trio N-Dubz, threatened a Radio 1 listener, Chloe, after the trio appeared on Chris Moyles' show.

Chloe rang the radio station and said that she didn't like the band and that Dappy was a "little boy with a silly hat". The 22 year-old rapper took Chloe's number from the studio and tried to ring her twice. Chloe saw the two missed calls so texted back to ask who it was.

Taken from The Sun

The chilling text response was: "You're gonna die, U sent a very bad msg towards Ndubz on The Chris Moyles show yesterday Morning and for that reason u will never be left alone!! If u say sorry I will leave u alone u ****."

More calls came, and a text reading: "Pick up the phone then u f****** Chicken".

Read more


Dappy, Dappy, Dappy....how childish and pathetic was that? As an artist you should be able to take criticism and accept that you and the rest of N-Dubz are not everyone's cup of tea! *SMH*

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: Plies ft Keri Hilson - 'Medicine'

We've seen the images from the video shoot, and now here's the video for Plies' new track 'Medicine' featuring the gorgeous Keri Hilson.

Do you like the video?

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: JLS - 'One Shot'

The Jack (the) Lad Swing boys aka JLS are back with a brand new video for their third single, 'One Shot'. The boys are currently gearing up for their tour and released this video moments ago.

NEWS: Some New Info Into The Deaths Of Biggie & Tupac

It's been over ten years since two of the greatest rappers, Notorious BIG and Tupac, were murdered. There's been a lot of conspiracy around their deaths, but nobody has ever been caught for their murders.

Some new light has been shed by Hip Hip Wired who had an exclusive chat with an 'Ol' G' from the West Coast, who discusses who is responsible for Biggie and Tupac's deaths:

Taken from Hip Hop Wired

“Initially when the East Coast/ West Coast beef started, Puffy and more or less Bad Boy… some of the big wigs from Bad Boy came out to California and they were performing at one of the shows out here. It was one of those concerts when they were out here and the whole East Coast vs. West Coast beef was going on. When they got out here they recruited these dudes from the South Side Crips and a couple other local Crip sets to go out there and to come to the concert.

So they all go to the concert and they get backstage access. So after using their backstage access they hooked up with the big wigs and they met them back at a hotel and the after party. So after they met them at the after party, they called some of the big wigs up and they were asking them how much they were gonna charge them (the Southside Crips) to take out Death Row.

So they came to some kind of agreement. It was something like $20-thousand a chain. For every Death Row chain they snatched, they wanted like $20-thousand."

Read More

Hmmmm...do you believe that this could be the reason why Tupac and Biggie were killed? Let us know your thoughts

TV: American Idol Is Back On Our TV Screens

We didn't even realise that American Idol was back on last night on ITV2 until the last minute. It was another set of hillarious auditions as American's tried to sing their way into the next round. Judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara Dio Guardi were joined by Victoria Beckham and Mary J Blige as guest judges.

Here's two of the funniest auditions from he show. Enjoy!

@ Yahoo! Video

Rihanna Covers W Magazine

Your favourite Bajan rude gal, Rihanna has graced the front cover of the latest W Magazine issue. In her interview for the magazine, she discusses fashion, music, tattoo's and of course her relationship with Chris Brown. No surprises there.

Though is could be argued that Rih Rih is a little vocally challenged, her personal style or personal stylist ( however you refer to it) is unmatched by any other young female pop star at this present time and with an album that has just gone platinum, expect to be inundated with more high fashion photos of the 21 year old singer.

Side note: Rihanna has actually managed to cover up for the front cover of the magazine,which is a novelty for the singer, especially as she seems to be allergic to clothes lately.

For the full interview and more pictures of Rih Rih visit W Magazine.

RVB

R.I.P Teddy Pendergrass

Yesterday the R&B world lost another great singer, Teddy Pendergrass. Teddy, 59, died after a rough recovery to surgery from colon cancer, in Philadelphia.

Teddy, known for his 'For Women Only' concerts, spurned out a string of hits such as 'If You Don't Know Me By Now', 'Love T.K.O', 'Turn Off The Lights' and 'Come Go With Me (Come Over To My Place)' whilst being a member of the group, Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes, and as a solo singer.



In 1982, Pendergrass was left partially paralysed after a car crash, which didn't stop him for making music. Overall, Teddy Pendergrass produced 33 singles and received five Grammy nominations. His music made an impact within the hip hop and R&B genres in the noughties with his songs being sampled, his name being dropped in songs, and by T-Pain the rapper calling himself  'Teddy Pendergrass'.

Teddy Pendergrass will be missed.

R.I.P

NEW MUSIC (AUDIO): Snoop Dogg ft Jay-Z -'I Wanna Rock' (The Kings G-Mix)

Here's the official remix to Snoop Doggs's new single 'I Wanna Rock' featuring none other than the Jay-Z.

This is definitely a club banger!

Thanks Jennie Marie

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: Afrikan Boy - 'Lagos Town'

"Who is Afrikan Boy?".....You know, the Nigerian MC that made the track 'Lidl' that you couldn't stop laughing at or reciting the lyrics? Well after touring with M.I.A and featuring on two of her tracks, as well as headlining his own shows and studying, Afrikan Boy is back with his new single 'Lagos Town'.

'Lagos Town' will be released in March and is taken from Afrikan Boy's debut album '1444 Musik'.

NEW MUSIC (AUDIO): Jagged Edge - 'You Look Good With Me', M.I.A - 'There's Space For Ol Dat I See' and Drake - 'Zone'

Last week on Twitter we told you that Jagged Edge would be making a comeback in 2010. Brian, Brandon, Wingo and Kyle will release a new album this year entitled 'The Remedy'. Group member Kyle Norman told Billboard.com, “Jagged Edge wants a new creation, a new birth. We want to bring a little light to what we’ve been doing for the past 11-12 years.” Take a listen to their new single 'You Look Good With Me'.

Jagged Edge | You Look Good With Me

M.I.A is currently in the process of working on her forthcoming album, which should be due out sometime this year. Yesterday some new music from M.I.A hit the net - 'There's SpaceFor Ol Dat I See'.

Are you feeling this track?

Some more music from Drizzy Drake has hit the net. 'Zone' is produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E League.

Thanks PunchBowl

Drake | Zone

Are you looking forward to Drake's debut album?

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: Katie Pearl - 'Breakaway'

Miss Katie Pearl is back again with another track that will hopefully garner some success with all the funky house/house lovers. 'Breakaway' features up-coming singer Jemmel and has cameo appearances from ex-Eastenders cast members Gus and Jules (Mo George and Joseph Kpobie).

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK: Jessie J

Jessie J, the Essex soul singer and songwriter, is one to definitely watch in 2010. She's already written hit songs for Miley Cyrus ('Party In The USA') and Chris Brown ('I Need This'), and she's currently penning songs for her debut album, which should be released this year under Universal Records/Island Records.

I've been following Jessie's career for a few months now and was totally blown away by her from the jump! This girl has got talent for days and looks set to have a very successful music career.

Last night in London, iLuvLive's second show for 2010 took place at Proud Galleries in Camden and Jessie J took to the stage to perform her track, 'Big White Room', live. I heard she tore the house down!

Our blogger pal over at Pinboard went to iLuvLive and recorded her performance in the footage below



Thanks Speeakz

Emma Watson on the Burberry spring summer campaign

Check out actress Emma Watson on the Burberry spring summer 2010 campaign.



Lil' girl has came a long way since playing Hermione Granger in Harry Potter.

Watson has working with fashion house for a reported six figure fee, and also managed to collaborate with fair trade fashion brand 'People Tree' for a spring line due to be unveiled around February time.

All this and and she still finds time to film the next Harry Potter movie, the next Vicky B, maybe?? #justsayin!

NEWS: Drunk patients could be fined!

According to Yahoo new, the NHS may no longer fund self afflicted or "minor" illnesses. The report by 2020Health states that medical treatments for conditions such as alcoholism, acne, obesity and sexually transmitted diseases should not be at the expense of the NHS.

Chief executive of 2020Health, Julia Manning stated that "We must encourage people to be more in control of their own health. Its reassuring to know that the NHS is there for you, but that doesn't mean you should be free to routinely end up there after a night out"

According to the the chief executive, members of the public should take more resposibilty for their health and if they fail to do so, they could potentially be fined.

With constant reports in the media of obesity, Asbo behaviour and the increase of sexual transmitted diseases, could this be the future of the NHS?

Let us know what you think?

For the full article click here.

Source: Yahoo News

RVB

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: Skepta - 'Bad Boy'

The Ed-Hardy loving MC is back with an electro-sounding new single 'Bad Boy', with a few cameos from some UK MCs. 'Bad Boy' will be digitally released March 1st 2010.

*Side note: Is wearing designer belts around your neck the new fashion?? Is it the new substitute for a tie?*

NEWS: The Government Enlists Kano To Help Promote School Diplomas

East London MC Kano has been enlisted by the government's school secretary, Ed Balls, to help promote diplomas, Labour’s alternatives to GCSEs and A-levels.

The MC has produced a new song, 'More Than One' ,which has been released for free download today, accompanied with a video. Pupils currently studying for the qualifications have helped to produce the video.



Heavy promotion in favour for diplomas will begin today with TV advertisements, also featuring Kano.


Jack Grimston from The Times seems to feel that Kano is a controversial choice to front this campaign as "foul-mouthed rapper".
To read the article click here

Well done to Kano for fronting such a major campaign and inspiring the youth of today. If say Jay-Z was to front a similar campaign would The Times feel the same way??


Side note: I just need to point something out from The Times's article which stems off from a previous post; they go from calling Kano a rapper, to a Grime star, to a singer. *SMH* (I've truly had enough of journalists calling RnB singers rappers, and now calling MCs and rappers singers)

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: Omarion - 'Speedin'

This is the second single to be released from Omarion's fortcoming album, 'Ollusion'. We're feeling Omarion's new material so far....we need to listen to he new LP before we make a final decision .

*Does Omarion's little tufts of hair at the back of his head bother you like it bothers us? (Just a thought)*

NEW MUSIC VIDEO *PREMIERE*: Sade - '

Finally Sade's highly anticipated video for her new single 'Soldier In Love' was premeired today. The single is taken from Sade's forthcoming album in over a decade, also named 'Soldier Of Love'. The album will be out in the UK on February 8th.

We're loving Sade's use of the 'gun fingers' at the end of the video (not that we condone the use of guns).

NEW VIDEO: Giggs ft B.o.B - 'Don't Go There'

Peckham's finest, UK rapper Giggs teams up with US rapper B.O.B aka Bobby Ray for the track 'Don't Go There'.

Still don't see the hype about Giggs but his lyrics and infamous 'URRRGGGHH' sound he makes is hillarious at times.

Are you liking the track?

VIDEO: Sisqo Goes From Singing About Thongs To Wearing Them On TV

RnB singer Sisqo is on Celebrity Big Brother in the UK and for a task he and three other male housemates had to wear a mankini - the male version of a bikini which looks like a massive thong.

This will be a moment he'll never forget!

Single Artwork Cover: Rihanna - 'Rude Boy'

The next single to be released from Rihanna's 'Rated R' album is 'Rude Boy'. It seems a lot of the Bajan princess' promo pictures, artwork and covers for magazines consist of a nearly naked Rihanna. No doubt Rihanna has definitely upped her sex appeal with this new album.

MUSIC VIDEO (SNEAK PEAK): Usher - 'Hey Daddy'

After the leakage of songs from Usher's forthcoming album 'Raymond v Raymond' camp Usher had to do something fast.....so they decided to leak this 43 second clip from Usher's video for his first official single from the album 'Hey Daddy' ft Plies. The leading female in the video is French model Noémie Lenoir.

SCANDAL: Brit Gets Raped By Waiter In Dubai Then She & Her Fiance Are Arrested For Illegal Sex

Jesus needs to come and take the wheel and steer the authorities in Dubai on the righ path because this is just absolute NONSENSE!

Taken from The Sun

A BRITISH woman on a break in Dubai went to police after being raped - but SHE was arrested for having illegal sex.



The 23-year-old Londoner was attacked by a waiter in a hotel toilet after celebrating her engagement to her boyfriend with drinks.

But after she admitted boozing and sharing a hotel room with her fiancé, cops in the strict Islamic state arrested her for "illegal drinking" outside licensed premises and having sex outside marriage.

Her 44-year-old fiancé, also from London, was charged with the same offences. And both were thrown in police cells by officers who paid little heed to the rape.

The devastated couple were last night understood to be on bail awaiting trial and have had their passports confiscated. They could be jailed for up to six years if found guilty of the illicit sex charge.

British embassy officials in the desert emirate are helping them.

Read more

I was just thinking of booking a flight to Dubai for a holiday and then I read this in the paper and thought twice. It's absolutely disgusting that they disregarded the woman's report of rape but were a lot more interested in how many times she and her fiance had sexual intercourse because they are not married.

SMH

NEWS: Salt N Pepa To Perform A Gig In The UK

Salt, Pepa and Spinderella are to play their first UK gig in over 15 years at the Bloc Weekend Festival at Butlins, Minehead March 12-14th.

I hope a promoter gets them for a show in London !

NEW MUSIC: Keke Wyatt 'Who Knew'

Keke Wyatt is back with a new single and a hot new look. The stunner that is commonly known for her collaboration with R and B sweet boy, Avant, on the classic slow jam song 'Nothing In This World', has dished up an up tempo track with first class vocals.




It's been a while since we've heard anyhthing from Miss Wyatt, so it'll be interesting to see how well her new single will do in the charts.

I must say, the song is very catchy and has surprisingly been on repeat for about 20 minutes!

Check it out and tell us what you think?

RVB