Lenny Kravitz performed on NBC's New Year's Eve 2008 with Carson Daly on December 31, 2007 at Times Square in New York. He looks great! I love the all black.
Christina Milian was photographed at the The Shore Club on December 31, 2007 in Miami Beach, Florida. These photos are supposed to be photos from a "photoshoot" she did at The Shore Club, but as we all can see, they are nothing but posed candids. Some male photographer probably spotted Miss Milian and asked could he take posed photos of her. Christina Milian is naturally pretty, has beautiful skin, is a nice size, but her belly looks nasty! It looks saggy and sickly, kinda like how Tara Reid's belly looks now. She said she has lost 15 pounds and works out everyday and we can see that with her fit arms and legs, but something's off with her mid area. Besides that, she looks so cute!
UrbanConnection wants to wish everyone around the world a HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2008 is definitely my year. It's the year of my graduation LOL! Your owner Tee, just wanted to say that I hope everyone enjoys the New Year and like I always say, have fun, but BE SAFE!
Now I know I Love New York doesn't really deal with Music news and artists, but I found these pics of Tiffany AKA New York and her new beau Tailor Made! They were seen at the Tenjune Party At Set on December 30, 2007 in Miami Beach, Florida. I think these pics are so cute of them. They make a cute couple. A lot of people didn't really like Tailor Made because he looked like a punk and a snitch on the show, but I kinda like him. I think he's nice, sincere, romantic, and kinda cute. Would I date him, hell no, but he seems like a cool guy. He just needs to man up a bit. Anyway, it looks like they had a lot of fun and hopefully they'll be together for a while.
Shakira was seen with her boyfriend sight seeing in Rome on December 28, 2007. What I like about these photos are that they are ordinary, yet original. You don't see many celebs sight seeing around a country like ordinary people. These photos aren't lovey dovy or showing affection, but they do show a couple who do things together like all of us do who aren't famous.
The Grand Opening of Jay-Z's 40/40 Club occured at the Palazzo Hotel on December 30, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Guests included Jay-Z, Beyonce, Solange, Vanessa Simmons, Ne-Yo, Mary J Blige, and Memphis Bleek. It's nice to see everyone dressed up. Even though they are dressed appropriately for this event Solange and Mary look a mess. Solange looks a mess every time I see her. She really needs a fashion and hair stylish ASAP! Mary's coat is of course real, but looks very feux. The boots also don't look very classy on the red carpet for this type of event. Memphis Bleek should've dressed up fully and wore some slacks and forgoed the hat. Vanessa looks pretty nice, I just don't like the bumps in the dress. Beyonce... she looks ok, I guess. Something about her shape is funny. She's shaped like big doll.
A 9-year-old boy claiming to be the son of rapper Snoop Dogg tells Star magazine that he would love to be a part of his dad's new E! reality series, "Father Hood." I should be with him on the show, but I’m not,” says Julian Corrie Broadus of the program that features Snoop, his wife Shante and their three children Corde, Cordell, and Cori. “I don’t want to be an actor; I want to be a basketball player. But I want to be on the show to get to know my family,” Julian told Star magazine. “It would be so nice for all of us to just hang out together. I hope we can do that one day." The tabloid says it has tracked down paternity documents to prove that Julian is indeed the biological son of Snoop, whose real name is Calvin Broadus; and 34-year-old Laurie Holmond, who says she and Snoop have known each other since attending the same high school in Long Beach, Calif.
Holmond tells Star: “We had a great relationship-until June of 1997, when I suddenly heard on the radio that he had gotten married. Calvin told me I wouldn’t understand, and he was right, I wanted nothing to do with him." But three months later, Holmond said she and Snoop hooked up at the Le Reve Hotel in Hollywood, and nine months later, Julian was born. “When I told Calvin I was pregnant, he said: ‘I don’t know how I’m going to tell Shante," she says. "But when Julian was born, Calvin was right there, and he took responsibility like a man." Holmond says that the rap star hasn’t seen their son since early 2003. She says Snoop was proven to be the father in June, when she took him to court to establish paternity. “I asked him to start seeing Julian again. He sounded sincere, but he has yet to come by," said Holomon. "Julian does spend a lot of time with his grandmother, Beverly-Calvin’s mom-whom he adores. But now Calvin needs to acknowledge him.”
The red tape that has snarled James Brown's estate gets even thicker this week as five of the entertainer's children are challenging the will, which leaves most of the late singer's money to trusts set up to educate Brown's grandchildren and needy kids. In the challenge filed in South Carolina's Aiken County Probate Court, the kids claim that the will should be invalidated because Brown's former advisers - Buddy Dallas, Alford Bradley and David Cannon - used undue influence to get him to create charitable trusts that the advisers would profit from. The children were largely left out of the financial portion of the will, but Atlanta attorney Louis Levenson said the children discovered earlier wills drafted by their father that cast doubt on whether he truly wanted to leave the bulk of his estate to charity. "There was sporadic indication that Mr. Brown intended to benefit some charities, but the circumstances surrounding the making of these documents have always been clouded in mystery," Levenson said. Dallas denied the allegations and called attempts to void the will "an act of desperation." "No one told James Brown what to do," Dallas said, adding that if he were going to use his influence to benefit himself, "I would have just influenced him into giving me something." The Brown children challenging the will are Deanna Brown Thomas, Venisha Brown, Daryl Brown, Yamma Brown Lumar and Larry Brown. A sixth child named in Brown's will, Terry Brown, has hired a different attorney. Also, one grandchild whose tuition would be paid for by the trusts has accused his relatives of trying to break the charities to get the money.
While I was searching for music, I came across a remix of Kanye West's latest single "Flashing Lights." I'm am not a fan at all of Kanye West's, but I absolutely love the his track "Flashing Lights" and this Mano Uptempo Remix. The beat is so club but hip-hop and classical R&B. He or the producer made a nice mix of those genres. To listen to this new track, click the link below.
Do you know who Jason Fox is? I didn't either until I searched his name and found out that he was the guy who recorded the "Aunt Jackie" song. He also did a remake of the "Chicken Noodle Soup" hit. I found out that he was 22 and is inspired by Will Smith and LL Cool J. He thinks that Hip-Hip right now is "disorted" and I agree. He wants to make fun party songs like how it used to be back in the day, rather than rapping about about violence, bling, money, ect. Even though he is trying to bring back the old Hip-Hop, his songs are wigidy wack! This new track of his sounds kinda weird and off. It's titled "Coffee Girl" and features Kat DeLuna. Something about his voice is just odd. Kat DeLuna sounds great though. This girl can really blow. She just needs to sing on better beats.
Speaking of Kat DeLuna, she and her label are still going strong with her album "9 Lives." It sold a very disappointing 80,000 copies in the US and her first single "Whine Up" only reached the Top 30 on the Billboard Charts. Artists like Sean Kingston and Soulja Boy received number 1 hits immediately while this talented young female stuggled to the top and failed to make it. Anyway, her third single "Run The Show" will be released on radio stations later this month. This version features Busta Rhymes. I like the orginal version of the song better. In the beginning of the track she is screaming a high note and Busta Rhymes just ruins the whole song. To listen to this new track, click the link below.
Nicole Scherzinger was caught by the paparazzi at LAX Airport on December 29, 2007. Aww Nicole, why the long face? I wonder what was going through her head. Maybe she was just tired and didn't wanna be photographed.
Jay-Z performed live at The Pear in The Palms Hotel and Casino on December 29, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada. I don't find Jay-Z attractive, but he is a sharp dresser.
The Opening of Home St Louis at The Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Day 2 occured on December 28, 2007 in St. Charles, Missouri. There were performances by Slick Rick, Little Vicious, and Doug. E Fresh. Baby Bash attended the event Day 1 on December 27, 2007.
Do you know what today is? It's our anniversary. LOL!!! Today, December 29, 2007 marks the 1 year anniversary of UrbanConnection. UrbanConnection was created on December 11, 2006, but didn't officially open or make it's first post until the 29th of December. UrbanConnection has been through some ups and downs. There were many times when I didn't think that I would keep this blog open, but I stuck it through and continued to do my best to keep it alive! The site has also under-goed many layout changes but this current layout is going to stick around for the longest. UrbanConnection has reached over 23,000 views since last year and is increasing each and every day. It has also been viewed by many recording artists/producers such as Teairra Mari, Jeannie Ortega, DJ Redz, Jimmie Reign, Jessi Malay, radio hosts around the country, and probably other DJs/singers/and rappers who I wouldn't have expected to view my blog. I really appreciate the compliments, comments, hated or appreciated, and just the people who continue to view this site daily and make it their 1 and only source for urban and black music artists. ♥THANK YOU♥
Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Brandy will not face charges in a December 2006 car crash that killed a 38-year-old woman, prosecutors said on Friday, citing insufficient Police had recommended that the former star of the TV comedy "Moesha," whose real name is Brandy Norwood, face vehicular manslaughter charges in the four-vehicle crash, which began when her Land Rover struck another car from behind on a Los Angeles freeway.
"After conducting a thorough investigation, which included consulting with some of the top accident reconstruction experts in the country, city prosecutors concluded that there was insufficient evidence from which a jury could find Ms. Norwood guilty of such a charge beyond a reasonable doubt," Los Angeles City Attorney's spokesman Frank Mateljan said. Brandy, 28, had been facing up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine if charged and convicted of vehicular manslaughter in the December 30, 2006, crash.
Relatives of Awatef Aboudihaj, who was killed in the crash, have filed a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit against Brandy. Aboudihaj was killed when her vehicle slammed into a third car, careened into the freeway's center divider and was hit broadside by a fourth automobile. Investigators ruled out alcohol and drugs as factors in the crash and say there was no evidence that Brandy, who was alone in her car, was using a cell phone or otherwise distracted. A lawyer for Brandy said she was "extremely pleased" the performer would not be charged. "These past twelve months have been extraordinarily hard for Brandy and her family, who were unfairly forced to live under a cloud of suspicion initially caused by an ill-advised and premature press release sent out by the California Highway Patrol accusing Brandy of wrongdoing before the police investigation was even finished," attorney Blair Berk said. Berk added Brandy was mindful there had been a life lost in the crash and that she was extremely fortunate not to have been injured.
I'm not a fan of Brandy's like I used to be, but I am sooo happy for her! She's really been through a lot this past year and I know that if I was in her shoes, I would be depressed and worried. Thank God this happened.
Rihanna has admitted that fame has started to leave her feeling lonely and unhappy.The singer, who was spotted at the age of 15, claimed that there is a "dark side" to being famous and that she is left on her own a lot of the time.She told the Sunday Times: "Fame is lonely. At first, I was on an adrenaline high. But after a while it gets repetitive and that is when you think, 'Oh wow, I am sitting in a hotel room once again, just me and the television'. "When you are in the spotlight, people are like, 'What do you have to worry about?' They forget that the success is one great aspect of your life, but behind that there are problems, there are dark sides, there is loneliness and unhappiness.
"Rihanna also revealed that she feels that she has to read people before she can trust them because of her celebrity status.She added: "In this business, people are shallow, they are dishonest – you can't trust them. I have always had a things for reading people. I sit, I watch you, I observe you. It really helps me to understand how to play the game - it's a game that sucks."Despite selling millions of LPs and holding a record for the longest-running number one single in the UK for this decade, the 19-year-old insisted that she still does not understand her popularity.She said: "I did a show two days ago in Belgrade. We were expecting 6,000 people and 24,000 showed up. And I couldn’t understand why... I look at them and I still think, ‘Why are you screaming for me?’ I still think of myself as a normal girl."
I ask that same question when I see pics of her performing. Why would anyone go to see a bad singer try to sing and dance? Well, she aint gotta worry about being lonely and famous for a while, because her career will be over sooner than she expects.
The Spanish Promusic website, which is the alliance between all the major record labels, has released a preliminary calendar of 2008 music releases, including a release of Beyonce's third solo album: On this album, Beyonce embraces many stiles and turns to dance floors and electronic music. The album is, among others, produced by Timbaland, Russell Small and James Wiltshire. It will be also released on the market in USB format. Estimated date for release: 24th of June.
Right now, this is just a rumor, but it'll come up true. This is probably true because we all know that Beyonce refuses to take a break when it comes to her music career and it was just reported that she wanted to do a Country album. Electronic music for Beyonce? Oh hell no. That doesn't fit her image, voice, or music style. People like M.I.A. Madonna, and even Britney Spears do that type of music.
Reverend Run and his wife Justine Simmons adopted a one-month-old American-born girl in September, according to Us magazine, and have named her Miley Justine Simmons. The newest addition to the Simmons clan will make her debut on the family’s MTV reality series, "Run’s House," when the show returns in January. The couple decided to adopt Miley – now 4 months – soon after the death of their newborn baby Victoria Anne omphalocele, a birth defect in which the infant's intestine or other abdominal organs stick out of the belly button. The baby died one hour after her birth on Sept. 26th of last year. Justine said: "People say, 'You need to mourn,' and you do, but only a little because the more you mourn, the more you want to mourn. I would have landed in depression. I wanted a girl really bad, and I knew I wasn't going to try again. That could have really messed me up."Miley joins biological siblings Russy, Diggy; and half siblings Jo-Jo, Angela and Vanessa, the children of Rev. Run and his ex-wife Valerie Vaughn.
TMZ.com is reporting that Spice Girl Melanie Brown and her ex-husband Jimmy Gulzar were in a little custody tug-of-war over their almost 9-year-old daughter, Phoenix. At issue was the singer's insistence on taking the girl on the road during her current Spice Girl tour. According to the Web site, Gulzar refused to alter his visitation schedule with Brown - the custodial parent – while she travels from city to city. But Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Robert Schnider has denied Gulzar's bid to keep Phoenix at home, TMZ reports. Scary Spice, who is represented by powerhouse attorney Goldie Schon, retains sole legal and physical custody of Phoenix, and Gulzar will have scheduled visitation over the next few months and on the child's birthday.
The drama continues with several new developments in the Raz B/Chris Stokes molestation story. As we reported yesterday, former B2K member, 22-year-old DeMario "Raz B" Thornton recanted his earlier allegation that he was sexually molested by the group's former manager Chris Stokes. However, Raz B's older brother Ricardo "Ricky Romance" Thornton, who leveled the same accusation against Stokes, continues to stand firmly by his statement. Thursday, Ricardo, 26, told MTV News that he will not recant his claims made on a videotape posted to YouTube earlier this week. Ricardo also predicted that Raz will "come back around," suggesting that the apology might not have been his brother's idea. Not only did the elder Thornton talk to MTV, he also spoke with the morning show team on Sacramento's 103.5 The Bomb, which you hear right here. Among other interesting things, you'll hear him say that it had been quite a while since he'd heard from his brother. The inference, of course, was that he was concerned for Raz B's safety and well being. Listen to the radio station interview down below
As previously reported, Raz B released a 27-second video Wednesday apologizing for the accusations of molestation he and Ricardo made against Stokes."This is DeMario Thornton, publicly known as Raz-B of B2K," he says in the video, titled 'The Truth About Chris Stokes B2K Part 3.' "I would like to send a public apology for some tapes that were leaked without my authority. I just want to say that those allegations are not true ... with Chris Stokes and Marques Houston, and I apologize for any hurt this may have caused publicly [or] financially." Stokes responded to the apology in a statement released Thursday morning, stating: "I'm happy that DeMario 'Raz-B' Thornton and Ricardo Thornton realized their mistakes and admitted to lying," he said. "I have always supported my family and have always been a stand-up person. I knew that the truth would eventually come to light." In an interview with MTV before Raz B's apology video, Stokes again denied the singer's allegations and had even threatened legal action. "I'm not gay. And I'm married. And I have four kids. I been with my wife for 16 years," Stokes said early Wednesday. "And I'm not a child molester. So those are all false allegations. I'm gonna sue them. And I owe that to my wife and kids, period. It's ridiculous."
I commend his brother for sticking with his statement because it's true. No one who is sane would make up such a story and be so emotional and detailed with everything. Raz-B probably felt stupid or embarassed or like so much pressure was on him so he just apologized to get it over with. Hopefully he'll come around like his brother says he will.
An unreleased track by Ciara has leaked. It's titled "Ahhh" and features J Hood. It's basically a song with teen hidden lyrics that talk about how she wants to sleep with somebody. This track may be a little low quality, but her voice is way too low on the track. You can hear the beat more than her voice. At first I didn't think it was Ciara, but as I got closer to my computer speakers, I heard her voice. She really has weak vocals and her trying to sound sexy is not working. These lyrics don't fit her image either. I guess she's transforming into a "sex kitten" like every other R&B "singer." To listen to this new track, click the link below.
This track from Jay-Z is off of his latest album "American Gangster." It's titled "I Know" and features vocals from Pharell in the background. I was listening to music, heard this song of his, searched for the track, and found it. At first when I heard the song, I thought it was something from Omarion and Bow Wow because of the beat and the repeativeness of Pharell singing "I know." It has a nice laid back Hip-Hop/R&B sound. That's what I like about Jay-Z and Pharell when they collaborate together. To listen to this track, click the link below.
The music video for Ciara's single, "That's Right" has finally arrived. She said in an interview that she would be working on a new album soon but would still release the "That's Right" video later this year. I've lost so much interest in Ciara and this video is just another reason why. This video is wack as hell!!! Earlier this year, there were little clips released that showed her dancing in the leather outfit and everyone thought that the video was going to be hot. It's very low budget and boring. It reminded so much of Goodies. This song is not empowerment to women at all. I personally think that Ciara looks like a ghetto fabulous ho. Those tight skimpy outfits were kinda low class. Her dancing is the same as usual as well, shaking of the ass and whinding her hips.. c'mon Ciara, you need a better choreographer.
Omarion and Bow Wow released their second video/single, Hey Baby Jump Off, from their first duet album, "Face Off." This song is so lame. It just sounds stupid. They sampled an old song from LL Cool J and made it very bubblegumish. These guys are in their 20's still singing and rapping lullabies. The video is too computerized also. The setting where Omarion is dancing is okay though.
Mariah Carey was spotted in Aspen on December 23, 2007 with her dog and very nice slim figure. I can't wait until mariah drops her new joint and album. It'll be much better than her "competition's" Janet.
Eve was spotted at Diab'less on December 21, 2007 in West Hollywood, California shopping and rocking her Cartier sunglasses.
Hey everyone. Sorry about the lack of posts during this Holiday Week! I've been too busy to post but I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and/or Happy Holiday.
In a two-part video released on YouTube, former B2K member Raz-B has accused Chris Stokes, his cousin and B2K's founder and former manager, of molestation. Raz-B, real name D'Mario Monte Thornton, alleges that Stokes molested him and insinuates that he may have done so to the rest of the group. Stokes formed B2K in 2001. Other B2K members included Lil Fizz, J-Boog, and Omarion. In the shocking video, Raz-B is seen speaking to two people from his cell phone, one identified as Michael Houston, the father of Marques Houston, and a woman name Danielle Houston, identified as Marques Houston's older sister. Raz-B says he was 11 and 12 years old when the alleged abuse, took place. "It started one day with Chris Stokes," Raz-B said while on the phone with Danielle Houston. "He said, 'Let me touch it.’” At one point, Raz-B says on the phone with the female identified as Danielle Houston, that things went further. "If you continuing to fuck with this nigga, you must like it," the woman on the other line said. "Yeah, somebody must liked it," Raz-B said. "I'll tell you I didn't like it, I'll tell you my ass hurt." "I'm not trying to seek revenge," Raz-B added. "I'm letting it be known. I'm not lying about a muthaf**kin' thing. . . I'm calling ya'll [the Houston family] out of respect."
In a part 2 video, Raz-B's brother, Ricardo Thornton, a.k.a. Ricky Romance tells his side of things. "Molestation type of shit happened to me. Chris made me take showers with other boys," Ricky Romance said. "So all that little shit my brother was introduced to, that shit was brought to me first. And I blocked that shit [out] because I wasn't with it. I kind of knew what was going on over there but I took my brother to Chris and I didn't protect him like I should had. He molested my muthafuckin' brother and he molested me." At one point of the video, Ricky is on the phone with a man identified as Chris Stokes. Says the man, "I don't do that no more. . . I just don't do that in my life no more. If you were around me now, you'd go, 'What? That's not my cousin."
Stokes released a statement to VIBE, denying the abuse: "The accusations that Demario 'Raz B' Thorton and Ricardo Thorton have made are vehemently false and hold no merit. I have recently stopped financially supporting both individuals along with assisting them with their criminal and legal matters which leads me to believe they are resentful and looking to benefit financially from this. My family is my first priority and the reason why I have been so supportive of them. In bringing these false claims, they have not only slandered me, they have also put me in a position to ensure that the truth is known and I will take all legal routes to protect myself, my family and my four children."
Down below you can watch the 2 videos. This is very sad and disturbing. Things like this happen all the time and it's a damn shame. Raz is not gay for letting him touch him, he was a little boy and didn't know any better and was afraid because his parents probably never warned him.
Jay-Z has announced that he will quit as president of Def Jam Records from January 1.The rap mogul retired from making music when he signed a three-year contract for the position in 2005.It was recently reported that he faced being dropped from the label because of his "excessive" payment demands.However, he has now revealed that he is leaving to pursue “new challenges”, saying in a statement: "I am pleased to have had the opportunity to build upon the Def Jam legacy, helping to move the company into a new era of artistic success."Andy 'L.A.' Reid, Island Def Jam Music Group chairman and CEO, said: "While he will continue to be one of our signature artists, he will nonetheless be missed in this executive capacity.”Jay-Z has signed artists including Rihanna and Ne Yo to the label.
Well I believe this decision is for the best. Hmmmm, I wonder what's going to happen to Rihanna and Ne-Yo's career now?
TMZ.com is reporting that the delay in deciding whether vehicular manslaughter charges should be filed against Brandy for her car accident last year is due to uncertainty over whether the singer was actually at fault. A CHP source tells the Web site that the woman who died in the accident struck the vehicle in front of her before Brandy made any contact. The law enforcement source says Awatef Aboudihaj, the woman who died, rear-ended the car in front of her -- which was going 65 mph, and then slammed on the brakes. The sudden stop caused Brandy to hit the dead woman's car, according to the source. TMZ also learned from L.A. County Coroner spokesperson Captain Ed Winter that toxicology reports show Aboudihaj had "slight traces" of marijuana in her system at the time of the crash. The L.A. City Attorney has until the end of the business day on Friday to decide whether to file criminal charges against Brandy -- that's when the one-year statute of limitations runs out.
This is good news for Brandy. Hopefully it is true and she is not found guilty.
Rapper Yung Joc avoided arrest on a bench warrant issued by a Cleveland judge Wednesday morning after he missed a scheduled morning arraignment on gun charges. As previously reported, the artist was accused of trying to take a loaded gun onto a Delta Air Lines flight Sunday and was charged with carrying a concealed weapon. The 27-year-old performer, born Jasiel Robinson, was arrested Sunday at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport at a standard security checkpoint as he was heading to a departing flight. Police found a semiautomatic handgun and ammunition in his carry-on bag. He told police he did not know the weapon was there and was released Monday on $50,000 bond. During Joc's no-show on Wednesday, his attorney, Stanley Jackson Jr., was apologetic and said his client was out of town on personal and family obligations. Unwilling to bend, Municipal Judge Michael John Ryan doubled his bail to $100,000 and granted Cuyahoga County assistant prosecutor Gayle Williams' request for an arrest warrant. When Yung Joc finally showed up to court, the judge scolded him for being tardy, but set him free on bond, scheduling his next court appearance for Jan. 25. Joc's lawyer says his client is innocent of the charge, which carries a prison term of up to 18-months, the prosecutor's office said.
I'm tired of hearing stories about these rappers getting arrested.
Rapper Remy Ma is being sued for $20 million by the woman she is suspected of shooting in a dispute over money. Makeda Barnes-Joseph was shot twice in the abdomen on July 14, after leaving a party in Manhattan's Greenwich Village. Authorities said the shooting occurred after Remy Ma, whose real name is Remy Smith, accused Barnes-Joseph of taking $2,000 that was missing from her purse. The lawsuit says the shooting left her disabled, anxious and depressed. The suit also named as defendants Universal Music Group, and individuals who play important roles in Remy Ma's career, because they should have known she "had a history of unlawful, violent and anti-social behavior."
The defendants "encouraged her to engage in a pattern of harassment, threats, intimidation, physical violence and illegal acts which were designed and calculated by these defendants to enhance, market and promote the persona of 'Remy Ma,'" according to the suit. A spokeswoman for Universal Music Group in Manhattan did not immediately return a call for comment Friday. Barnes-Joseph, a Bronx resident hospitalized for more than two weeks after the shooting, said in the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Manhattan that she was leaving a birthday party for a friend when Remy Ma, who also attended the party, approached her car with a handgun. According to the lawsuit dated Thursday, the 26-year-old rapper opened the passenger door of Barnes-Joseph's car, pointed
A new song from Nicole's anticipated solo album "Her Name Is Nicole" has been leaked. It's titled "Puakeniken" It was produced by Akon and features Brick and Lace. The intro is cool. I love the dark feel with the Opera but then when I hear the track, I'm like WTF? You instantly recognize this song from The CW television station. The whole song is very wack. I thought it would be R&B and Hip-Hop but it's very POP. The lyrics and the bubblegum voice production spoil the whole song. How is she talking about boys from down south when the name of the song is a Hawaiian flower? So many people wanna see her succeed but she just doesn't have an ear for music. All she is is beauty and sex appeal. Sorry Nicole but if you still wanna sing, go back to PCD. To listen to this new track, click the link below. Nicole featuring Brick and Lace- Puakeniken
New music from Janet has finally leaked. This new track by Janet is titled "Feedback" and was produced by L.A. Reid. I like how she finally chose different producers to work with and the song is very upbeat, but I"m not really feeling it. First of all I think Janet just needs to give it up as a singer and performer. This song sounds like an extra track from her 2001 All For You. It made history by being the first leaked track on over 1.3 million blogs in only 5 hours and got great feedback by many, but I honestly think that people chose to like this song because they are tired of acts like Beyonce and Rihanna, and because they wanna still see Janet's music career survive. This single sounds like an old artists trying to fit in with the new generation. Her new album is called "Discipline" and will be released February 26, 2008. The song will hit radio January 6, 2008. To listen to this new track, click the link below. Janet Jackson- Feedback
A new leaked track by Mary has leaked. It's titiled Mirror and features Eve. I don't know what's up with these new songs by these females this week. I'm just not feeling any of them. I can't stand Mary's first song, Just Fine, and this doesn't do it for me either. To listen to this new track, click the link below. Mary J Blige featuring Eve- Mirror
Omarion and Bow Wow were just beginning a joint interview for BET's "The Black Carpet" when Bow got upset, cut off the interview and stormed off claiming interviewer Touré was being too disrespectful with the questions. "Do you take moves from people like Chris Brown?" Toure had asked O. Toure also pointed out that Lil Wayne's chain is bigger than Bow Wow's, and praised O for being dope in the "Naked" video – which was actually Marcus Houston. Toure then began to yawn during one of O's answers. But it wasn't until he checked Bow Wow for using his phone during the interview that the young rapper freaked out. "You pay my bills, bruh? Real talk. …Don't ask this man is he taking moves from Chris Brown, and don't ask no other disrespectful-ass, stupid-ass questions," Bow Wow said to Toure as he got up to leave. "You got a problem with it you can holler at me." What Bow Wow didn't know was that Toure's questions and comments were all part of a BET prank that was discussed with the pair's label beforehand. The interview was to be used for an upcoming "Punk'd"-style show called "Hell Interview."
MTV caught up with Omarion Tuesday to get his take on the whole prank gone awry. The singer says there are no grudges, but he still has Bow's back and wishes that people would take them more seriously. "Everything is good, man," he said. "You know how it is, sometimes when you're coming up in the game and you as young as we have been, sometimes people think they can — not necessarily push us around, but they feel they can play with us like that. If it had been 50 Cent or Game or any other man who would have stepped up in that interview, it would have went a lot differently. We want our respect, man. We want our respect as men. You don't just throw a man in a spoof interview and disrespect him. You have to respectfully talk to him. We didn't know it was a spoof, but I'm a little bit different when we handle situations. I'm very mild-tempered. I like to think about what I do before I do it. Bow gets upset."
First of all, BET needs to stop trying to cop MTV's style. From 106 & Park's new set (TRL) to College Hill (Real World) Second of all, the guy who was doing the interview didn't even do it right. He did seem very disrespectful and just plain rude and amature. Third of all, BET should've known better than to make a show where you ask disrespectful questions to such cocky rappers in the game. They get heated quickly. With that said, Bow Wow took it too far. He reminded me of these high school boys. He's almost 21 acting like he's 12! What a whining ass baby. He said what he had to say in the room and just should've left it at that. Check out the video below.
R. Kelly was threatened with an arrest warrant yesterday after he missed a court date in Chicago, reportedly due to his tour buses being ordered off the road for eight hours in Utah. According to the Associated Press, Kelly's attorney, Ed Genson, told Judge Vincent Gaughan that the artist was not present because his tour bus was stopped by Utah State Police on its journey from a concert date in Sacramento, Calif., to Chicago. Genson said the four buses were pulled over after police clocked them going 100 mph.
The investigating trooper then noticed that the drivers seemed to be fatigued. The officer requested to see the buses' log books and found they didn't document enough rest time for the driver. Police then ordered the bus to stop for eight hours, Genson said. Cook County prosecutors asked the judge to issue the bench warrant anyway, saying the court had already been generous in allowing him to go on tour. "The very least he could do is be here for his appointed court date," said Assistant State's Attorney Shauna Boliker. The judge entered the arrest warrant for Kelly, but put it on hold until this morning, when he ordered the singer to appear in court. At today's rescheduled hearing, Gaughan is expected to set a trial date in the case, which has been pending since 2002.
Shakira visited Rajshahi (Bangladesh) India on December 19, 2007. There she talked to some of her young fans. These 2 photos are so beautiful. Not beautiful, as in Shakira looks beautiful, but the happiness on these children's face and the culture.
Jordin Sparks was spotted leaving "The Morning Show" on December 19, 2007. I love the hair, the makeup is flawless, but the outfit is not cute at all.
The lovely and classy Shakira was photographed while talking to reporters in Dhaka on December 19, 2007.
Here are your typical HQ photos of Rihanna doing what she does best, prancing around half naked onstage. She looks like a prostitute trying to perform. This girl is absolutely pathetic. I know I can be mean when I write my opinions in posts, but this girl is just too much. She's very manufactured and nasty. And this is the girl who said she would never pose nude; her mother and boyfriend Josh Heartneck would freak out? Well I wonder what your mom thinks about the skimpy outifts you wear onstage now and the akward sexual positions you do that you call dancemoves.
Here are some more pics of Rihanna. Check out the HQ candids of Rihanna arriving at Amika Kensington, London, UK. Again with the tight hoochie dress. Her and Ciara are really rockin them now-a-days. It's funny because when Mariah does it, everyone makes fun, but when these two do it, everyone thinks they look great.
There's not much going on with Ciara, but she is on tour with Rihanna. This probably explains her change of clothing and the positions she is using on stages now-a-days. Check out the HQ pics of her performing at the Wembley Arena in London on December 16, 2007. These pics are a little too much, especially for Ciara. The spreading of the legs and the peek-a-boo of the booty is always very classless and just trashy no matter what outfit you are wearing.
Already a hit songwriter in her home country of Australia, where she opened for Kanye West's tour, Che'Nelle, 23, signed her first recording deal in America with Virgin Records, discovered by club DJ and radio vet Sir Charles Dixon. She completed her Virgin debut album - almost entirely self-written - with production help from hit-making A-listers including Sean Garrett (Pussycat Dolls' "Buttons", Chris Brown's "Run It", Fergie's "London Bridge"), (Rich Harrison (Amerie's "The 1 Thing;" Beyonce's "Crazy in Love") and a list of hot up-and-comers from New York, Toronto, London and Australia. Che'Nelle, born in Malaysia and relocated to Australia at age 10. Her hometown, Perth, is a city of over 1.5 million residents on the western coast of Australia.
Without any local role models, Che'Nelle was drawn naturally toward the music that fulfilled her most: hip-hop, reggae dancehall, neo-soul ballads, and the new R&B. She had performed with a top 40 cover band on weekends since her mid-teens, honing her skills as a live entertainer, but began to long for the satisfaction of singing her own songs. In order to make her own song demos, and without money for a producer, studio time or vocalists, she mastered the technology so well that she set up a bedroom studio at home, working with an outdated computer and borrowed software. At the same time, she knuckled down to learning music theory and song structure, and taught herself the demanding art of arranging and singing background vocals. Finishing her degree in music, she signed to a music publishing company as a staff songwriter about two years ago.
At the time, Che'Nelle considered herself primarily a ballad singer, finding kindred spirits in India.Arie and Musiq Soulchild, whose life-like, conversational works are paralleled in the album highlights "My Pledge" and "2nd Nature." But she also began writing songs in the hard club style of hip-hop and dancehall, following the footsteps of such empowered female singer/songwriter/producer triple-threats as Arie, Missy Elliott and Alicia Keys. She cut vocals prolifically for local hip-hop and reggae mix-tape producers, winning competitions across the country, establishing her voice on the local urban radio and club underground, and attracting notice as far away as Sweden, London and the U.S. west coast. One of the songs she co-wrote, "Hell, No!" was chosen as the debut single of Ricki-Lee Coulter, a finalist in the second season of the Australian Idol competition, and it scored Che'Nelle her first national top 5 hit as a songwriter, with an impressive 21-week run in the Australian top 100 chart and a gold single certification.
Although Che'Nelle counts that hit as a relatively modest start, "Things started happening really fast after that," she says. "My production manager, Sir Charles Dixon, found my website on myspace.com; we were in contact about seven months, and he flew down to see me in Perth. Within a week after he went back, literally, he told me that Virgin Records wanted to bring me over to New York. They had a deal waiting for me." Although her personal history could be called a reflection of urban music's own best multi-cultural instincts, which have surfaced recently in everything from the crucial South Asian elements of Jamaican dancehall and Caribbean soca, to the massive eruption of Spanglish bilingualism in reggaeton, the truth is that Che'Nelle's ethnicity is transparent in her music, and it's her personality that's crucial to her lyrics. "Perth is a laid-back, relaxed place, and straightforward. That's the Australian part of me," she says. "The storytelling-my issues, feelings, relationships, how I see myself coming up as a person, that's the side that comes from my Malaysian upbringing."
This young lady is a little different but is very similar to artists like Gwen Stefani, Fergie, and M.I.A. What I'm really feelin about Che'Nelle is her star quality. She has a lot of potential to be the next big thing. It's not just her looks; she has a nice singing voice and does all types of music. Right now she's a new artist who has what it takes but needs some polishing. If she wants to be a performer, her dance moves have to step up and if she wants to be known as a female who can really sing, she needs to find her range and pick the right tracks for her voice. Che'Nelle's latest single is Hurry Up. It was written and produced by Sean Garett. Down below is the video for her latest single. I think the video is a little low budget and wack. The setting is cool but it's boring. She looks great though and the song is crazy! For more information on Che'Nell you can visit her official site chenelle-world.com and vists her official myspace myspace.com/chenelleworld
The New York Daily News is reporting that Jay-Z may be leaving his big cozy chair at Def Jam if contract renewal negotiations continue to stall. "He wanted big, big money that was way out of sync with the realities of today's record business," a source tells the newspaper. Island/Def Jam CEO L.A. Reid and his boss, Doug Morris, are said to have found the mogul's demands a bit too "excessive" in light of the time he's been spending on tour. "Everybody knows he's not around the office much," the source continued. "Everybody at Universal loves him, but they can't justify paying him the money he wants when so many people have been laid off." Jay-Z's contract with Def Jam will reportedly expire at the end of the month. But friends of the rapper claim that reports of a stalemate are inaccurate. "They are still actively negotiating," one friend insisted. According to another: "The talks will continue when he returns to New York. They still have a ways to go before a decision."
Well if Jay-Z leaves, it'll be for the better because he doesn't know how to run a solid and fair label.
New York, NY - Sean Combs, the CEO and founder of Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group (Sean Combs Enterprises) is starring as the new face of CNBC's American Business campaign airing now on CNBC. The campaign pays tribute to America's most dynamic, successful individuals as they share their stories of success in business and failure in the pursuit of excellence, their management style and their hopes for tomorrow. Sean "Diddy" Combs, now a multifaceted entertainment powerhouse, built his businesses from the ground up and has since been declared "one of the Most Influential Businessmen in the World" by TIME Magazine and CNN. "My whole portfolio brand represents aspiration. I came from Harlem, New York," he said in the spot, "it's about wanting the better things in life. I want to make history all the time." "I'm honored to be included in this group of America's chief executives and top business leaders. I've worked very hard to get where I am today and the testimonial showcases my philosophy on business," said Combs. "When I started Sean John there was a young male consumer that no one was speaking to. He wanted more fashion, more style, more flavor," said Combs in the ad, which was made by CNBC's internal marketing team. Each of the fifteen spots from America's top chief executives and business leaders ends by saying: "I am American business. I watch CNBC."
At just 38, Combs oversees one of the world's preeminent urban entertainment companies, encompassing a broad range of businesses including Bad Boy Recording, music publishing, artist management, television and film production, Sean John, Unforgivable Women and just recently Ciroc vodka. Sean Combs is the new Brand Manager for Ciroc Vodka. Ciroc is a division of Diageo, the world's leading, spirits, wine and beer company. Last month Diageo announced a groundbreaking strategic alliance between Combs and Cîroc vodka. Under the terms of the deal, Combs and Sean Combs Enterprises will take the lead on all brand management decisions for Cîroc, while sharing in the future profits of the growth of the brand. This exclusive US multi-year collaboration, which calls for a 50/50 profit split, is a first for the spirits industry and could be worth more than $100 million for Combs. As part of the new alliance, Combs will take the lead on brand management decisions, including marketing, advertising, public relations, product placement and events.
I find it funny that this man keeps on making more and more money, but hasn't had a successful, consistent artist in years. Why is it that none of his artists are successful as well?
A new track by Usher has leaked. It's titled Only One and features Pharrell. Pharrell's voice sounds extra high during the chorus! It's very annoying and sounds very feminine but Usher's nice smooth R&B male voice rides nicely along the track. I think it's a nice laid back song. It's not strong enough to be a single, but it could be an album filler. To listen to this new track, click the link below. Unfortuately, I don't think you can download the song because the link to the page of the download isn't there.
Kelly Rowland has recorded new material for the re-release of her sophomore album, Miss Kelly. The first single of her re-release will be Daylight featuring Gym Class Hero's Travis Mccoy. First of all, re-releasing a CD that has done horribly is just all wrong. It will not work a second time. She should take tips from Rihanna and just record a whole new damn album! Everyone cheered for Kelly but she's too naive and weak to wake up and see that her management, Matthew Knowles, will never promote her as much as he did his daughter and doesn't think he should. Her material is also to blame. First she wants to do Alternative, then R&B, some Hip-Hop, and now she's back to Pop/Rock. I'm not a fan of Kelly, but I did want her to succeed. With that said, I kinda love this song. The beat is very refreshing and her voice sounds so nice! Travis Mccoy did his thing on the track as well. This song should do well on the pop charts but since it's Kelly Rowland, a dark skinned female, people may turn the other way. A lot of people have said that they didn't like the song, but I bet if it was someone who was white, light skinned, or mixed like Rihanna, everyone would love it. Anyway, to listen to this new track, click the link below.
Chris Brown has been cast as a basketball superstar in the upcoming Screen Gems film "Phenom." The teen heart throb will play a high school hoops legend who goes pro after the media discovers he's the illegitimate son of the NBA's best player, reports Variety. The boy and his dad are on a collision course as their teams eventually face each other on the road to the playoffs. The movie will also feature "Ugly Betty" actress Vanessa Williams and Henry Simmons of the CBS drama "Shark." Shooting is scheduled to begin early next year. George Tillman Jr. will produce the project along with Robert Teitel and Will Packer. Filmmaker David Anspaugh, whose credits include the sports films "Rudy" and "Hoosiers," will begin shooting the project early next year, after Brown completes a tour for his fall album release, "Exclusive."
I really do get tired of hearing all of these singers getting roles in movies. Why can't they just be satisfied with what they got? Before, like 10-20 years ago, it was okay because not many singers did it and it was something they really wanted to do. Now, it seems like they're just in it for the money and publicity.
KFDM News in Port Arthur, Texas has spoken with the mother of the late Pimp C about his sudden death this week at a Los Angeles hotel. Actually, we have very little idea of what happened," said Weslyn "Mama Wes" Monroe. "C's business manager found his body in his hotel room in Los Angeles and we know he died in his sleep. Past that, we don't know anything." "This is a terrible shock," she added. "Mama is just a little tougher than most, but I break too." Mrs. Monroe said she has received support and condolences from family, friends, artists and other celebrities. "The phone won't stop ringing. It feels good, if anything can feel good now," she said. Pimp C, a member of the rap duo UGK with Bun B, was found dead in his room at the Mondrian Hotel on the Sunset Strip. The 33-year-old is survived by his wife and three children.
Alicia Keys attended the 54th ONDA Awards ceremony in Barcelona, Spain on December 4, 2007. Her face looks absolutely beautiful. I love the light, soft makeup and the color of her outfit flatters her skin tone. I just hate the outfit itself! The crotch part of the pants looks nasty. Whoever designed that shit wasn't keeping a woman in mind.
Joss Stone performed on stage at the Tivoli Theatre on December 5, 2007 in Brisbane, Australia. I love these photos, it looks like she had a great time onstage.
The Kitson and Christopher Brian Resort Collection Launch Event occured on December 4, 2007 at Kitson in Los Angeles. Guests included Omarion, Chris Stokes, Marques Houston, Bow Wow, Melody Thorton, and Shar Jackson.
The LIFEBeat Presents LIVE BEATS Honoring Stephen Hill event occured on December 4, 2007 at the Highline Ballroom in New York. Guests included Ashanti, L.A. Redi, Diddy, Birdman, and Mary J Blige.
Ciara attended the Reception honoring the recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors Award at the White House on December 2, 2007. Ciara looks like a straight up man in these photos. She has gets more manlier looking throughout the months and years. It's weird. When "The Evolution" came out I was really feeling her and thought she had grown into a very beautiful young lady. She was pretty back then but ever since her album fell off, so has her style and looks. Another problem that I have with her is that she had got breast implants and doesn't even know what to do with them. If you think they are fake, check again. They are sitting up, very round, and bigger than what they used to be. She was very smart about getting them though. She made sure to get very small ones so that no one would really notice and those who did notice her extra cleavage, would think they were still real, just bigger. Anyway she looks very self conscious and the dress is not cute or appropriate for an event at the WHITE HOUSE!
Christina Milian attended ABC Family's "25 Days of Christmas" Winter Wonderland on December 2, 2007 at The Rock Center Cafe in New York. She's starring in the movie. Awww, Christina Milian looks so cute! She's a very pretty young lady. She just turned 26 and looks damn good. She still looks like she's 18! Her natural hair color, black, looks so nice on her. The blond made her look like another mixed R&B/Pop prototype and it looked too unnatural. She finally looks pure Latina also.
Mary J Blige, Fergie, and Nicole Scherzinger attended the Condé Nast Media Group Presents 2007 Movies Rock on December 2, 2007 at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California. Mary J Blige's dress is just ugly. It's too long and it looks like she's about to have a wardrobe malfunction. Fergie looks like such a drag queen and that dress looks a little dominatrix. Nicole looks very beautiful and a lot younger! Either it's the age defying makeup or someone got some minor botox.
Diana Ross was spotted leaving a hotel in Washington DC today, December 1, 2007. Diana looks great for her age. I love her outfit too. It's cute and stylish. Her hair is so wild! I wonder if it is real or just a wig/weave. Some people say it's real and others say it's not. Who knows? Do you?
Rihanna attended the Bambi Awards in Düsseldorf, Germany on 29th November 2007. The hair style is cute but I don't like the dress. It doesn't flatter her shape at all and it looks like she's gained more weight. The thing I never got with Rihanna is why she forced weight on herself. She said that when she was 17, during her first album, she thought she was too skinny and that's why she works with a trainer to gain weight. I thought she looks great naturally slim back then. Now-a-days her shape looks a little flickted and untoned at times.
Ray J and his sister Brandy attended his Unkut CD Featuring: E O E Appearance at Nationale on November 30, 2007 at Club National in Los Angeles, California.
Reverand Run and Snoop Dogg attended the Touch Nightclub VIP Preview Party on November 29, 2007 at Touch, 240 West 52nd Street in New York.
Welcome to URBANCONNECTION REVAMPED. UrbanConnection was on hold for a little while but is back and better than every. UC now focuses on just the music industry and gives you all the latest news, rumors, photos, and music of our urban and black music artists. View UrbanConnection daily and make it your 1 n only source for the latest in music! Get the latest Mp3 track at UrbanConnection before it's on Itunes!
Lenny Kravitz performed on NBC's New Year's Eve 2008 with Carson Daly on December 31, 2007 at Times Square in New York. He looks great! I love the all black.
Christina Milian was photographed at the The Shore Club on December 31, 2007 in Miami Beach, Florida. These photos are supposed to be photos from a "photoshoot" she did at The Shore Club, but as we all can see, they are nothing but posed candids. Some male photographer probably spotted Miss Milian and asked could he take posed photos of her. Christina Milian is naturally pretty, has beautiful skin, is a nice size, but her belly looks nasty! It looks saggy and sickly, kinda like how Tara Reid's belly looks now. She said she has lost 15 pounds and works out everyday and we can see that with her fit arms and legs, but something's off with her mid area. Besides that, she looks so cute!
Shakira visited Rajshahi (Bangladesh) India on December 19, 2007. There she talked to some of her young fans. These 2 photos are so beautiful. Not beautiful, as in Shakira looks beautiful, but the happiness on these children's face and the culture.
Diana Ross was spotted leaving a hotel in Washington DC today, December 1, 2007. Diana looks great for her age. I love her outfit too. It's cute and stylish. Her hair is so wild! I wonder if it is real or just a wig/weave. Some people say it's real and others say it's not. Who knows? Do you?
