Keyshia's Done with Sad Songs

Keyshia Cole sat down for an interview with the Associated Press last week in where she said she's "done with the sad songs". Even though those songs of heartbreak like 'Love' and 'I Shoulda Cheated' is what got her to stardom, she wants to pull away from that image and move to a lighter, sexier sound -- which may prove brilliant or detrimental to her career.

See what Keyshia has to say and read the rest of the interview by clicking here

[photo: Associated Press]

Madea Goes to Jail Official Trailer

The trailor for Tyler Perry's new flick 'Madea Goes to Jail' has finaly been made available. I have to admit this looks a little more appealing that his last movie, which didnt do that great in the box offices. In true Madea style, this movie will be a box office topper, no doubt

Check it --

Bernie Mac Remembered

Legendary comedian Bernie Mac will be remembered by the Ujaama Black Theatre in New York. They are planning a special tribute show for the late actor/comedian and are now looking for other actors, singers, and Mac look-alikes.

Bernie will also be remembered in his last role before his untimely death, a film by Disney titled 'Old Dogs' where he starred alongside Robin Williams and John Travolta.

And in case you need a little laughter in your day -- check out Bernie Mac's famous skit entitled 'My Sisters Kids' by clicking HERE

Jamie Foxx Does Shade 45

Jamie Foxx stops by the Shade 45 Morning Show with Angela Yee to speak on the debacle between himself and Doug Williams, relationship rumors concerning radio host Claudia Jordan and other nonsense.

Check in the interview below --

New Music: T.I Feat Justin Timberlake 'If I'

The new track featuring the collabo of T.I and Justin Timberlake entitled 'If I' has just begun to float around the net. There has been no official announcement if the song will appear on the next album by the rapper or singer but the track is said to be produced by Timbaland.

I love the track, it has a certain swagga about it that is quite infectious.

Check the track below --

Taste it or toss it....

Michael Jackson Need Lung Transplant + Bush Shoe Thrower Apologizes

FOXNews is reporting that the King of Pop is very sick. He is need of a lung transplant to save him from a rare genetic condition called Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a potentially fatal genetic illness. Jacko is also said to suffer from emphysema and gastrointestinal bleeding as well.

Ian Halperian just finished the book about Jackson's life and told Touch magazine that “He’s had it for years, but it’s gotten worse.” “He needs a lung transplant but may be too weak to go through with it … [But] it’s the [gastrointestinal] bleeding that is the most problematic part. It could kill him.” Halperin also claims that the singer can barely speak and is 95-percent blind in his left eye.

If this is indeed the case, I hope that he is strong enough to receive a transplant, otherwise the world will lose a major music icon.

Your thoughts?

Randomness: The Iraqi reporter who hurled his shoe at President Bush last week apologizes. Read the full story HERE

Canadian R&B Singer Chosen to Play Aaliyah in Biopic

Keisha Chante

Aaliyah

R&B singer, Keisha Chante, a Canada native has been chosen to play Aaliyah, the rising queen of R&B Hip hop who died a tragic plane crash in 2001, in the film about the singer's life. The movie will chronicle h er childhood, her rise to stardom and her untimely death. Keisha does not dote an extensive acting resume, only having been in a few indie films, but was chosen because of her resemblance to the fallen star.

The film hits theaters in 2009.

Never heard of Keisha, check out the video for her newest singe 2U by clicking HERE

Im glad to see they are chosing to feature notable artists in motion pictures. Hopefully we will get to see a lot of the great things/qualities that made Aaliyah such a household name.

Your thoughts?? Think she pull off the role?

Rihanna to Perform at Charity Inagural Ball

Rihanna is all set to take a bow when she headlines the Recording Industry Association of America's charity ball to benefit Feeding America on Jan. 20.

“We are thrilled to have Rihanna’s participation in the inauguration charity ball,” Feeding America's Vicky Escarra told Access. “As the prevalence of hunger in America increases at an unprecedented rate, we are most grateful to Rihanna and to RIAA for helping us bring greater visibility to this tragic reality and helping us feed millions more people in need.”

Big ups to Rihanna. Performing anytime during the Inagural events is a honor... and to be a 20-yr old Grammy winner that is a huge honor

Brandy & Monica's 10 Year Reunion

Brandy & Monica performed their 1998 #1 hit 'The Boy is Mine' at the V103 Soul Session on Wednesday night much to everyone's surprise. Even with Mon's unneeded and hideous sounding runs and adlibs, it was refreshing to see them onstage together once again. With Bran just releasing her album and Mon's album to come in the early part of '09, its seems that success is still abumdant for these two.

I love it -- your thoughts??
Check the performance --



See what producer Rodney 'Dark child' Jerkins had to say about the two reuniting on Rap-Up's vlog HERE

Rihanna Performs in the UK

Rihanna performed in The Royal Variety Performance show which aired in the UK last night. Rihanna's annoying vocals (which only seems apparent to me these days -- but she is sounding quite whiney to me lately) wasnt nearly as apparent in this performance and somehow she seemed to pull out a solid showing, sans her frisky boy toy Chrissy Poo.

Check the performance below--



Were you feeling it??

YouTube Clip of the Day

A friend hipped me to this clip on youtube and i thought it worthy of the title of 'Youtube clip of the day'. This is absolutely hilarious...

If you need a little humor in your friday, well here it is. Enjoy.
[thanks tan]

Taraji SAG Nominated

Big Congratulations goes out to the fab chick Taraji P. Henson for being nominated for a Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) Award for the category of Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in the movie 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

Yessss!!!... we love her!! (and I'm not embarrassed at all the admit that I LOVED her as Yvette in Baby Boy)

To see other nominees click HERE

To see the movie trailer for 'The Curious Case...", click HERE and HERE

JD Says Janet not Preggers

JD has released a statement on his official blog saying that NO girlfriend Janet is not pregnant and YES they are still together.

He goes on to say "It baffles me how y'all let these blog and magazines control your lifes." That, he explains, is why he created the blog "so whenever (you) hear s--- about me you can come right here and get the truth."

Ok -- let me school you guy. We do this JD because you guys dont want to come out and just set the record straight once and for all. You had to go through months of speculation before your like aiight well maybe I should say something. Us common folks live private lives just like the rest of you, but when your in the public eye dont be mad at us for watching you and thinking what we want.I'm just saying...

Read the full story as People reports it HERE

Jamie Foxx Hits Up Jay Leno

Hot on the promo trail for his newest album 'Intuition' which hit shelves yesterday, Jamie Foxx hit up The Jay Leno show for a little talk about the album, Obama, Diddy and James Bond ambitions. J.F is really funny here...

Check it --

Taraji does Chelsea & 'Daddys Girls' Trailer

Taraji Henson did Chelsea Lately to speak on her new movie 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'. She is absolutely charming here and really funny. She looks like cool peoples.
Check it --



Also, check the 'Daddys Girls' trailer -- the new reality show spin off from 'Run House' which features Vanessa and Angela Simmons

Fresh Prince Reunion & Tyrese

Alfonso Ribeiro and Tatyana Ali were on hand to support their man Will Smith at the Seven Pounds premiere event.

Also on hand for the festivities was Tyrese. Two sexy men in the same space should be illegal!!!

'Seven Pounds' is "male chick flick"

The AP caught up with Will Smith at the premiere of his latest movie 'Seven Pounds' where will says the movie is a "male chick flick" in the most "manly way" -- oh of course Willy.

Check the video here -- complete with clips from the film

Beyonce Terrified to Have Children

Here Beyonce is shown walking hand-in-hand with her nephew, but when asked how she felt about having kids, she says--

"I'm terrified of having a child. No way! I'm terrified of delivering a child because I saw my nephew being born. That traumatized me. I'm only 27. I've got time."

Clearly, Sasha Fierce has turned into Sasha Fraidy-cat....and if she does have kids it might not be so easy to bounce back and she may then be Sasha Fat-thighs. We all can about picture the combination of those genes btwn her and hubby Jay. So yea... I can see where the fear insues.

U Can Be Usher's Next Director

Usher is teaming up with Body By Milk to offer the 'Body By Milk got noise ? Music Video' program. From Dec. 16 - Jan. 31, teens ages 13-18 from across the nation can apply online at bodybymilk.com for their chance to make a music video from Usher's new 2009 album. According to Bodybymilk, no experience is necessary and participation is free.

Usher will be on set to collaborate and perform with the two teen crews, who will get seven days to create, shoot and edit his music video. After shooting wraps, the two teen-created music videos and the original studio-created version will then be showcased online at http://www.bodybymilk.com/.

Winners will get VIP tickets to Usher concerts, Final Cut Pro software (which I want and they can happily give to my old behind) and MacBook Pro laptops to continue creating once everything is over.

Brandy Puts Questioning Her Past to Rest

Bran was recently interviewed on Shade 45 Morning Show and set host Angela Yee straight, who seems to have dug wayy back in the closet with all those old skeletons for her questions.

Check out Bran on Shade 45 below --
[video: courtesy shade 45 morning show]

Diddy Throws Birthday Bash for Kim

Diddy threw an intimate birthday soiree for his ex/baby mama Kim Porter. The event was held at Murano Restaurant & Lounge in West Hollywood on Monday night. The dinner hosted about 30 people, including including Grey's Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo and husband Chris Ivery, co-star Sara Ramirez and reality TV's Lisa Gastineau.

Kim had her very own custom named martini, The KP martini, made from lemon drop Circo vodka and a four course meal prepared by the executive chef. The crowd serenaded her with Stevie Wonder's rendition of Happy Birthday while she mingled and enjoyed the red balloons and streamers until nearly midnight. No Diddy and Kim arent back together but they continue to be devoted parents to their nearly 2-yr old twin girls and 10-year old son and are close friends.

Fun times.

T-Boz Shuts Down Foreclosure Rumors

T-Boz says 'not my house' when asked if her home was being foreclosed on. She recently sat down with the folks over at Essence magazine for an interview where she spoke out on the rumors.

"I'm not homeless," T-Boz told Essence."All I know is that the house I live in with my daughter [Chase] is not.""During my last marriage, I had a bunch of things that were put into my name. If one of those properties is going into foreclosure then I don't know. Although I've been divorced for five years, there are still a lot of things I'm dealing with on getting straight in that regard."

Additional randomness: T-Boz will be on the next season of Donald Trump's 'The Apprentice'

Brandy Sued Again

Brandy is yet again being sued for her involvement in the fatal car crash in 2006 that claimed the life of Awatef Abloudihaj. She was once already sued by the victim's parents in 2007 in which she was asked to pay 50 million and again by the victims husband.

This time she is being sued by Donald Lite whose car was hit by the killed victim when Bran ran into the back of Abloudihaj. Not only is he suing Brandy but also the passed driver. In the suit, Lite says their failure to keep a safe distance, mixed with their inability to travel at a safe speed, caused Brandy to rear end Abloudihaj, causing her car to smash into his. According to TMZ, Lite says he has suffered 'serious and permanent injuries' that have resulted in a ton of medical bills.

Leave Bran alone people! She already has a lot on her conscious and is in deed paying for it, both emotionally and monitarily. Even Bran says "Some of the things that people said about me was also very very tough. I was involved in something that was life-changing. ... I still feel the effects of that. It was a tough experience, and I don't think that's something that I could ever forget."

...shouldnt that be enough??

Your thoughts??

Marques & Vanessa Boogie

Marques Houston and Vanessa Simmons are set to star in the movie 'Boogie Nights' which is a continuation of the box office hit 'You've Got Served' which grossed over 40 million during its box office run. The movie is said to be a modern day 'West Side Story' in where Houston's character Micah, falls in love with his rival's beautiful sister Natalie and the two become a modern day Romeo and Juliet -- while he in turn battles with rival dance crews.

The film is set for release in Summer 2009.

Album Reviews: Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx debuts his 2nd studio album 'Intuition' packed with collabo's with some of the industry's finest. See what critics are saying about the project below:

The LA Times: "Intuition" presents a sampler of contemporary R&B styles from producers including Timbaland, Just Blaze, Butter Beats and Calvo Da Gr8, giving the collection a disjointed air. Foxx's identity as a musician isn't any clearer than it was on his double platinum debut album, "Unpredictable." You'd have a hard time telling who's at the center of most of these state-of-the-art but undistinctive concoctions. Unless, of course, Foxx turns them into videos.

The Baltimore Sun: Just as he did on Unpredictable, Foxx couches his smooth vocals in super-sleek tracks tailored for either the clubs or the bedroom. It's trendy, high-gloss R&B laced with slightly sleazy lyrics that center on the various ways Foxx ensnares his fly honeys. Throughout Intuition, the artist, who turned 41 this month, is still an actor: He convincingly portrays a sex-obsessed playboy nearly half his age. But as it stands, the CD is overly cautious, self-consciously trendy and ultimately forgettable - nothing like the Foxx seen in the movies.

Album Reviews: Anthony Hamilton

Anthony Hamilton 3rd studio album is released today courtesy of Jive Records. See what music critics are saying about the album below:

On Anthony Hamilton's 'The Point of It All' --
The New York Times: Mr. Hamilton won’t place himself in the niche of gospel. He’s a contender in the secular realm of R&B who sings hooks for hip-hop songs between his own albums, and he’s determined to reach current radio audiences without jettisoning his roots.In the songs he writes with his producers, Mr. Hamilton sings in long lines and storytelling crescendos rather than hip-hop sound bites. He uses all the grain, ache and fervor in his voice to admit sins and beg for forgiveness

The New York Daily News: Hamilton snatches that back decisively on "The Point of it All,"out today. Once again it matches his burlap voice to material sturdy enough for it. The songs, all of which he co-wrote, offer a striking corrective to the melodically starved style of post-R. Kelly R&B. In other words, they manage more than three notes in a tune and refuse to repeat patterns we've heard before. Hamilton can even put more than one melody in a track.

Album Reviews: Keyshia Cole

Keyshia Cole's 3rd studio album debuts today doting what she is calling a happier, less angry Keysh. Find out what major music critics are saying about the album below:

On Keyshia Cole's 'A Different Me' --

Boston Globe: She’s not trying to take you out with the riptide this time. “You Complete Me” is soulful and vulnerable, with a lack of mistrust and defiance. The acoustic “This Is Us” is sweet, gorgeous, and should be a smash. The ballad “Trust” with Monica has a swirl of strings that complements the two big voices.

The New York Times: This is, she notes, her “sexier side.” But Ms. Cole’s version of swoon is decidedly temperate. Where her voice was once assured and three-dimensional, here, although many of the songs are pleasant, Ms. Cole comes off flat. Tension is what animates her, and there’s hardly a rebuke in sight.

Songs Tasty's feeling: "Playa Cardz Right", "You Complete Me' & "Trust"

Super Tuesday

Today marks the last big album release day for the 2008 season. Hitting shelves today are albums from Plies (Da REAList), Keyshia Cole (A Different Me), Jamie Foxx (Intuition), Anthony Hamilton( The Point of it All), Snoop Dogg (Christmas in the Dogghouse, itunes) and SouljaBoy Tell 'em (Souljaboytellem)

Which ones will you be going out to grab today?

[photo rapup]

Jennifer Lopez set to star in 'Plan B'

In her first post-twin big screen debut, JLO has signed on to star in the romantic comedy 'Plan B' which is set to start shooting in April. The film is said to be centered on a single woman (Lopez) who turns to artificial insemination to answer her ticking biological clock only to meet the man of her dreams on the same day as her positive pregnancy test results.

This sounds to me like a 'Knocked Up' wanna be, sans the extremely funny parts. I loved KU though so I may be feeling this. Glad to see Jenny's not letting those babies stop her from working.

New Music: Ciara 'Keep Dancing'

A new track said to be from Ciara's upcoming album 'Fantasy Ride' has leaked. The track, entitled 'Keep Dancing' features The Dream and from the name seems to be an uptempo track. But the track is a laid back, smooth cut that is mediocre at best. I sure do hope Miss Ci Ci has some other better tracks up her sleave or else this new effort is gonna sizzle faster that day old Ginger Ale.

Check the track below--
Taste it or toss it....

Daddy's Girls Run the House now

Vanessa & Angela Simmons are apparently following in the entreprenuer/mogul footsteps of those in thier family. Their new reality show and 'Runs House' spin off entitled 'Daddy Girls' will air on MTV beginning Jan 5th. The show chronicles their transition from being east cost darlings to west coast working women -- heading thier shoe/clothing line Pastry and other endeavors.

Speaking of Pastry, these girls have reportedely sold over 15 million worth of sneakers in 2007 alone and that figure is expected to double this year from the inclusion of handbags and apparel. Watch out Auntie Kimora.

Anyway, the show will also feature their cousin Jessica and friend Aliceia in several episodes.

Big ups to the Simmons sisters. I love these girls so I'll def be watching.

Will you? -- what you think of a runs house spin off featuring only the girls?

On Set: Christina Milian

Check out video of Christina Milian shooting the music video for her single 'Us Against the World' from her yet to be named album from Myspace Records.

Chrisi has been looking near flawless to me as of late. I know I'll be checking for the full video to premiere.

What you think of the preview footage?

Us Against The World - Music Video Shoot

Will lining up 'Hancock and 'I am Legend' Sequels

Will Smith is in talks to make another chapter to both his recent blockbuster movies 'I am Legend' and 'Hancock'

WILL Smith has sequel fever. The box-office magnet is in talks to finalize follow-ups to both “Hancock” and “I Am Legend.” A Hollywood insider said, “He is ready to do both. Producers are just trying to get Charlize Theron to sign on for the ‘Hancock’ sequel.” As for “I Am Legend,” it will be more of a prequel as Smith’s character died at the end of the zombies-take-Manhattan movie. “It will be about how the disease spreads and the fall of the last great American city. It will also develop the relationship between Will’s character and his wife.” A rep for Smith said,
“There have been talks about both of these projects.” SOURCE

Will is definitely living up to his moniker at the 'One Hundred Million Dollar Man'. I loved both movies and would definitely be checking for a sequel.

Would you?

Stevie Wonder on DWTS??

Stevie Wonder said on a Los Angeles morning radio show that he’s been approached to be on the next season of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars.

It’d be fun,” Wonder said on 104.3 MY Fm’s “Valentine in the Morning” program on Wednesday. “It’s not impossible, but right now it’s just a thought. Come on. You’ve got to think. If I have 7 children, I’ve got to be able to dance right?”

Uhmm... you dont need to be able to see to get your playa on and have kids. But approaching the latin dances without being able to see your partner or the stage - Hmm??

They say that when one of your senses is inhibited that others become heightened. Hey who knows, he may be able to pull it off. DWTS has never had my viewership since its started but I would be definitely tuning in if Steve were on there.

What you think about Stevie doing DWTS??

106 & Park Presents Generation Gospel

The popular BET countdown show 106 & Park will dawn its new gospel division, 106 & Park Presents Generation Gospel.

The show will be hosted by Angel Taylor from the Stellar Award-winning gospel group Tri-I-Tee 5:7 and Jorel Quinn from the hip hop gospel group 21:03. It will feature a live studio audience, the hottest music videos sweeping the faith-based community, celebrity guests, interactive choir battles, exclusive packages and much more.

“Black entertainment in effect started with Gospel music and Gospel will always be in its fiber,” said Stephen G. Hill, President of Programming, BET on the creation of the show.

Coorespondants include Tye Tribbett, Jermaine Sellars (Sunday best finalist) and others with performers including Marvin Sapp and Kierra Sheard.

The show is set to air Jan 11 at noon.

I'm just saying... why all the gospel shows only come on, on Sundays?? -- get your get right on all week

No Room at the Inn for the Obamas

Seems the Obama's were denied early access to The Blair House, which is The President's Guest House. They were exploring the option of an early stay at The Blair House, which usually isnt made available to the President-elect until 5 days prior to the Inaguration, so that daughters Malia and Sasha could begin school immediately after Christmas break.

Due to dignitaries and other visitors already scheduled lodging at The Blair House for Inaguration events, the Prez-elect and his family were denied stay until the official date of Jan 15th, as is the case with every other incoming President.

Even though Obama has the support of nearly the entire country, that wasnt enough to get the brotha a room. Obama reps however say, the White House has been “extremely accommodating” to the Obamas, and that process has been “smooth and friendly.”

A Gift Triggers Hudson Tragedy

People magazine is reporting that a case of jealousy is what sparked the Hudson tragedy. Seems Jennifer Hudson's sister Julia had recently celebrated a birthday, and when estranged husband William Balfour came to the home where he once lived (Jennifer's mother Darnell Donerson's house) he saw a gift from who he presumed to be another man.

That jealousy is the motive that led Balfour, 27, to return to the house after Julia had left for work and shoot her mother Darnell Donerson, 57, Jennifer's brother Jason, 29, then take Julia's son, 7-year-old Julian King, and later kill him as well, prosecutors allege.

Balfour has been officially charged with the murders and is being currently held without bond pending trial.

As this situation continues to unfold, it just becomes more and more of a tragedy. I suppose the saying is true -- "Love will make you do foolish [stupid and detrimental] things"

Read the full story here

Remedy Your Cold the Common Way

Check Common schooling you on the best concoction to knock that cold right outta ya --

Ciara Does High Fashion

Here are some scans courtesy of SincerelyCiara of Ms Ci Ci in the recent issue of Elle. I'm diggin the high fashion look for her. Hopefully she can resurrect the flame on her music career to be as hot as these shots.

Beyonce does Elle & Glamour Mag

Check out your girl Beyonce on the cover of Elle magazine's Jan 09 issue -- could this also be a result of that airbrushed foolishness???

Hmmm....

Also in additional Bey news... she's set to cover French Glamour mag in Jan 09 also.

Bisexuality Hits 90210 Zip

According to TV Guide, when new episodes of 90210 hit airwaves on Jan 6th the character Christina Worthy (played by Lauren London) will get a girlfriend. The cheerleader Christina, is described as bisexual on a November episode but will be officially getting a gal pal once the new season hits.

Sources say that even though Christina Worthy will have a girlfriend in new episodes, she will still be hot for Dixon ( played by Tristan Wilds). I'm not so sure what I think about this.

What do you think about New New's upcoming role? Does this open up teenage conversation about sexuality?

Check the video clip of Christina and Dixon of the show below --

Lauren London 90210 cameo
by yardie4lifever2

Chrihanna talks to DJ Clue

Check the vid of Chris talking about his boo Rihanna to DJ Clue