"What's Going On:" News

What's Up! First, I am changing the name of the news feature, which is now called "What's Going On." Second, here are some bad and good news for today:

Another magazine casualty due to the internet. The Hip-hop/R&B magazine, Vibe, has decided to go out of business. Created in 1992 by Quincy Jones and Time Warner, the magazine was at the top for providing a circulation that catered to the Hip-hop and R&B community. Basically, it was the Hip-hop version of the Rolling Stones magazine. Like many other magazines (e.g. Blender), however, Vibe was receiving less advertising than it did before, even though it had a strong 800,000 copies in circulation. Now, the only magazines that will cover Hip-hop are The Source, which is also having financial problems, and XXL, which I do not particularly like because it is a TNA magazine (basically boobs and butts). Hopefully, Quincy Jones can save the magazine, as he came out recently to say that he might buy it. He hopes to make it into an online magazine, saying "They just messed my magazine all up, but I'm gonna get it back. You better believe it, Imma take it online because print and all that stuff is over." I guess there is a light at the end of the tunnel and a future for us music journalists.

Time for the good news....

If you remember, months ago I did a review on the off-Broadway musical Fela, about Fela Kuti, a Nigerian musician and activist. Well, it has official been put on the show's website that in the Fall of 2009, it is coming to Broadway! According to the NY Times, a preview will be on October 19 and the opening night will be on November 23. The musical was fantastic the first time I saw it and I have a feeling it will be bigger and better now. So, when it comes again, I am seeing it again, and if you want more information, read my review and check out the website listed at the side of the page.

Sources: BET, NY Times

Special News: Rihanna and Chris Brown Drama Still Escalating!!!

Please Rihanna, don't be another typical domestic abuse victim, who crawls back to the abuser!!!!

Just two weeks after Chris Brown almost killed his girlfriend, Rihanna, she decided to get back with him. NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not to mention, he seemed so happy and carefree on a jet ski while staying with her at Diddy's house! Is his long-term memory that bad that he cannot remember what he did only a few weeks before. 

Finally, after all of this, Chris Brown has been charged with two felony accounts of assault and criminal threats. Rihanna's parents have begged her to testify, but supposedly she is "wavering." She said she wants to testify, but wants to give Chris a second chance. What is even worse is the 19-year old Chris was seen partying in a club the night he was arraigned on the charges. This is the type of guy she wants to give a second chance! He does not even seem remorseful! I hope she wakes up and tells him it's over!

Read the LAPD affadavit that describes what Chris did to Rihanna (click on post title). It is really horrible! Basically, people are labeling his assault as "psychotic," and I agree completely. Moreover, the picture that was released of Rihanna does not compare to another picture that the detectives have that was taken right after the attack. They say it is way more gruesome and if it is released, Brown's career will be even more worse off than it is now. I think their needs to be an intervention  for Rihanna to get away from Chris and for her to see that it is not safe for her to stay with him! For Chris, he needs a whole lot more than help right now!

News: Photo of Rihanna Released

Someone close to the situation leaked (the person is in trouble now because it was a private investigation) a photo to TMZ of a horribly injured Rihanna. It definitely is not pretty. After seeing this photo I was even more angry at Chris. Hearing about it is one thing, but actually seeing it. Rihanna does not even look like herself. The bruises on her forehead, the swollen lips an nose, the scratches on her face and the black eye makes it so hard to look at. No matter what she did to him before the assault, he should have never did went to that extreme. He really does need help (and I heard he is facing 10 years in prison) because I can not see how you can do that to a person, especially someone you claim you love. The apology that he gave last week will not be enough now to cover his tracks.

This was Brown's statement earlier:

“Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God’s help, to emerging a better person. Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and/or reported in the media is wrong. While I would like to be able to talk about this more, until the legal issues are resolved, this is all I can say except that I have not written any messages or made any posts to Facebook, on blogs or any place else. Those posts or writing under my name are frauds.”

Very generic for such a crime!

Special News: Rihanna and Chris Brown Drama Escalates!!

Now that it has basically been confirmed that Rihanna was the victim of Chris Brown's physical assault. I could not believe Chris could do something like that, but I am hearing now that the "good boy" image that Brown had is not the complete truth. Several people who know Chris personally says that he has a "dark side" and violent nature. It looks like it is true considering the injuries Rihanna has. A busted lip, a bloody nose, bite marks on her arms and contusions on her face! DAMN!!!! He was basically trying to kill her! Rihanna is now cooperating with the police after that traumatizing event (she was screaming at the hospital, which she was taken into on a gurney, and did not want anyone to touch her) and sadly, has canceled her upcoming birthday party and shows in Malaysia. Chris deserves whatever he gets now! Radio stations having been pulling his songs and Wrigley's Doublemint gum having been pulling his ads, too. I am even contemplating not listening to his song anymore or at least for a long while (until he gets some help for his anger problems!). On the other hand, I am supporting Rihanna all the way; I hope she leaves the jackass and I hope she gets better soon!

Update:

Later yesterday, I heard that Chris was choking Rihanna until she went unconscious and by the time she woke up, he was gone! Also, all of this could have started over another woman...and guess who it could have been...Paris Hilton! Supposedly, she sent him a flirty text message and this fight erupted. What kind of man is he! All his secrets are coming to light and I'm not liking at all what I'm hearing! I hope he can defend himself well because all of this is making Chris look worse and worse by the day!

News

Today I'm starting with some sad news. It's always sad to see a musician or artist go, but we all have to go sometime. Well, legendary Jazz artist, Hank Crawford died last week at the age of 74 in Memphis. This is after another Ray Charles musician, Sax man David “Fathead” Newman, died last month at 75. Born Bennie Ross Crawford Jr. in Memphis on December 21, 1934 into a large Jazz and Gospel-loving family, he was destined for the music world. He even went to Manassas High School, which gave us other noted musicians, such as Isaac Hayes, Jimmie Lunceford, and tenor saxophonists Charles Lloyd and George Coleman and pianist Harold Mabern. For five decades, he was known for his funky and soulful saxophone playing in the Ray Charles Band and with B.B. King before making it big in the Jazz world. Recording such songs as "The Peeper," "New York's One Soulful City," and "I Hear a Symphony" (cover of Supremes' hit). R.I.P. Hank.

In other news... Look who has another baby!!

Erykah Badu has given birth to her third child. It's a girl!!!! The baby was born on Sunday at her home and the labor lasted about five hours without painkillers. Ouch!!! I could never do that!!! Rapper Jay Electronica (who will be on my next Who's That...Artists of the Day) is the baby’s father. Badu has a son named Seven from Andre 3000 and a girl named Puma from West coast rapper The D.O.C. Obviously, Erykah has an affinity for rappers and giving weird names to her kids. Guess what her new daughter's name is...Mars? Ok?

Also... Danity Kane No Mo', No Mo'

Making the band group Danity Kane has called it quits after three years!!! For some reason, I knew it would not last. They just did not seem to have the glue to stay together. After Aubrey and D. Woods were kicked out of the group by P. Diddy. Then Shannon left and now there is only two, Dawn and Aundrea. The next Making the Band will focus on the two remaining members making it now as possible solo artists (which is great because Dawn and Aundrea were my favorites in the group). On the other hand, D. Woods will be working on her own album. If you want to remember the old days, you can still listen to their two top-selling albums, Danity Kane and Welcome To The Dollhouse.

Continuing Notorious news...

Voletta Wallace is finally tired of Lil' Kim. She is mad that Lil' Kim did not like the movie and did not want Naturi Naughton to play her (supposedly because she was too dark, but I did not like her as Lil' Kim for other reasons; read my review). Ms. Wallace said "Tell Lil' Kim to go find herself, go drink a cup of green tea and get a life! This movie is not about Lil' Kim. She felt we used her character to promote [but] this movie is about my son. ... Lil' Kim needs to go sit down." Moreover, she mentions how Lil' Kim wants to be a white girl (which I agree with; she did die her hair blonde and wear blue contacts!!!). And the saga continues...

Is Jigga right for B?

According to Tom Joyner, the answer is NO!! On one of his recent shows, the comedian Earthquake mentioned that the reason why Beyonce was crying (and it was a little weird how she ran off stage quickly in tears, just saying) was that she regretted marrying a "thug" as he so nicely put it. He continued, “She knows that she doesn’t have someone like Barack and she was……just looking around thinking about the choices that she’s made,” he continued “She should take a cue from [Jennifer Lopez] and leave the thugs alone. J Lo knew what to do.” Joyner joined in (ha ha) and agreed with the comic, saying that it is cool now to be with someone with an education and that she would never have what Michelle has. Hey, don't rag on Jay; he may have started out as a "thug," but he has made something of himself. Doesn't that count for something? Like my dad says, "It's not where you've been, but where you're going in life."

Tribute to Aaliyah

It's been eight years since the tragic death of Aaliyah. I remember that day clearly because I was crying my eyes out. Many people loved Aaliyah because she was so sweet and such a poised artist. Now, others are acknowledging that, too. A bio-pic will soon be made about her life, starring Canadian singer Keshia Chante as the singer. Other musicians who will help with the project are Timbaland, Missy Elliot, Ginuwine and Hype Williams. I hope this will be a wonderful tribute to this wonderful singer and person. I miss you, Aaliyah, R.I.P.

Thriller, Thriller Night... On Broadway?

Seems like Michael still has money problems! Producer James L. Nederlander is creating a stage version of Michael Jackson's Thriller, including songs from Jackson's two albums, Thriller and Off the Wall. Nederlander owns nine Broadway theaters, so it will be easy for him to find a place to show it. I am not worried about the story ( as he says,"Girl meets boy, they fall in love, boy has big secret, now what?”), but I am worried about how corny it will be!!

News: The Artist Formerly Known As...A Thief? , Who's Having A Baby and More "Notorious" Movie Drama

The music genius himself, Prince, has been involved in a court case in which the artists has been told to stop distributing "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World" in Italy. Why, you ask? Well, supposedly the song heavily samples "Takin' Me To Paradise," a song written by Bruno Bergonzi and Michele Vicino and released in 1983. Not only is Prince's song now banned, he might have to pay royalties made from the song to the two writers. But look on the bright side, Prince is releasing two albums this year, called MPLSOUND ("electro-flavored" with "trippy, experimental pop songs") and Lotus Flower (guitar-focused). Hopefully, Prince being the great musician he is will not take credit for anyone elses' songs on these albums.

In other news....

Guess which Hip-hop and R&B artists are having a baby:

1) Nas and Kelis. Despite rumors of a rocky marriage, it has been confirmed that the two are having a baby. I'm happy for them since there will be a Nas Jr. or Nasiera, but I would be afraid having Kelis as a mother (Remember the song "I Hate You So Much Right Now!")

2) Jill Scott is also having a baby. After her divorce, Jill was able to find love again with drummer Lil John Roberts. They are planning to marry next weekend and have the baby in April. I'm happy that she's happy!!! Go, Jill!!!

And last but not least... The Notorious movie behind the scenes drama continues with new blood in the ring:

1) Voletta Wallace, Biggie' mother, wants to talk to Lil' Kim. Ms. Wallace says she discovered a lot about her son during the making of the film. She said, “I saw a side of my son that I heard of but I haven’t accepted. I’m angered by certain things, disappointed and shocked. So this film taught me tolerance and to be less critical.” Voletta was happy with the way her son was portrayed and was a main supporter in getting Jamal Woolard to play her son. Now, as I reported before, Lil' Kim was not happy about the movie and threatened to expose things about Voletta and Faith, Voletta still wants to have a one on one talk with the furious rapper about Biggie and her relationship (cause we all know how he smacked Lil' Kim around).

2) Faith simply responded that she had very little to do with the movie and the script. She simply said “I try my best not to think about it – it's kinda sad. This is not my movie. I didn't write the script. Any characters in the film had to agree for their life rights to be in the movie. I don't think I would have signed anything had I felt I was not portrayed properly. I think she had the opportunity to do that. I could be mistaken. I wasn't there."

3) The scriptwriter, Reggie Rock Bythewood, even went out to say that Lil' Kim did get a copy of the script but not the final copy and that he did try to speak with her on the phone about her character and the final version. Still she was angry about the first version that was leaked and broke all ties to the movie and later after the comments still went on to say "The film studio and producers involved were more concerned about painting me as a 'character' to create a more interesting story line instead of a person with talent, self-respect and who was able to achieve her own career success through hard work.
" Even though my relationship with Big was at times very difficult and complicated (as with most relationships we have all experienced at one time or another), it was also genuine and built on great admiration and love for each other. Regardless of the many lies in the movie and false portrayal of me to help carry a story line through, I will still continue to carry his legacy through my hard work and music," Kim added.

4) Now even Charli Baltimore, a rapper who had a relationship with Biggie during his separation from Faith, has joined in. In an interview in Yo Raps, she states that Biggie never had a relationship with Lil' Kim and that she only used Biggie to help her career. I see a cat fight coming on or a gun fight. New rap beef between Charli and Kim.

Guess the movie Notorious brought up a lot more dram than anyone wanted or expected. Maybe Lil' Kim is overreacting, maybe not, but you have to admit she cared a lot about Biggie. Even more, this seems to be a general problem with biopics, the writers tend to exaggerate or change the real story to get a more interesting story that audiences want to see (Just go see my review on Cadillac records). So, maybe Lil' Kim has a point there.

BTW, I will have a review of what I think of the movie soon!!!

News: RIP Vincent Ford and Lil' Kim Unhappy with Notorious Movie

Vincent Ford, the writer of some of Bob Marley songs, including his classic hit "No Woman, No Cry" died in Jamaica at the age of 68. He died from complication from Diabetes.  He had taught Marley to play guitar and was friends with Marley until his death at 36 from cancer. Critics argue that Marley gave credit to Ford for the famous hit to Ford could support himself. Still, Ford had a major influence on Marley. Rest in Peace.

In other news...

As you know, a new biopic about Biggie Smalls called Notorious is coming out in theaters on January 16. Well, even though Voiletta Wallace (his mother) , P. Diddy and Faith Evans (Biggie's former wife and singer) were involved in the production of the film, Lil' Kim was not involved in the film. Also, she is displeased with the person picked for her role,  Naturi Naughton (formerly of 3LW), and the portrayal of her relationship with Biggie's mother. Now, I do understand that Lil' Kim was a huge part of Biggie's life, but I feel this is somewhat Karma working here. I do like Lil' Kim's music, but when you mess around with a married man (he was married to faith and got Lil' Kim preganant), do you really deserve to be in the project. Just saying...

Anyways the film has Jamal Woolard as Biggie, Angela Bassett as Voiletta, Derek Luke as Sean Combs aka Puffy aka P.Diddy, Anthony Mackie as Tupac and Antonique Smith as Faith. I'll probably have a review for this movie later, check it out!