Leah LaBelle Shoots ‘Sexify’ Video with Pharrell, Jermaine Dupri

 

 

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Leah LaBelle Shoots ‘Sexify’ Video with Pharrell, Jermaine Dupri

via Rap-Up.com by Rap-Up on 3/26/12

Leah LaBelle partied all night long while shooting the video for her debut single "Sexify" over the weekend. The former "American Idol" contestant, who is now signed to a joint deal with Pharrell and Jermaine Dupri, was joined by a few famous friends on set, including her mentors. Pharrell played a pizza delivery boy, while J.D. took on the role of her angry landlord.

In an episode of "Living the Life," the So So Def mogul takes us behind the scenes at the Los Angeles shoot, with appearances from Leah's mother, JoJo, and choreographer Fatima Robinson. Leah will release her debut album on I Am Other/So So Def/Epic Records.

 

 

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Album Preview: Dawn Richard – ‘Armor On’

 

 

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Album Preview: Dawn Richard – ‘Armor On’

via Rap-Up.com by Rap-Up on 3/26/12

Dawn Richard challenges the definition of R&B with her EP, Armor On. The former Danity Kane and Dirty Money diva isn't serving up classic soul-drenched records on this project—she's putting her own spin on a brand of music that has a place for R&B-heavy ballads, pop tunes, and dance sensibilities. The EP, which was produced primarily by Druski—he crafted nine of the 10 tracks, Rick Rude helmed "Faith"—is a prelude to her full-length solo debut, GoldenHeart.

Throughout the impressive body of work, the New Orleans native addresses broken relationships, the temptation of the music industry, a positive support system, and true romance. The soundscapes Druski offers never drown Dawn's vocals, but rather serve as the bed for her poignant lyrics to rest on.

Rap-Up.com prepares you for the battle ahead by delivering a track-by-track preview of Armor On, which will be available exclusively on iTunes on March 27. While she's moved on from Diddy and Bad Boy after six years—the split was amicable—it's for good reason. Dawn proves she shines best as a solo entity.

1. "Intro (Call to Hearts)"
Dawn is calling out to her "Hearts"—the name she dubs her fans—on this introductory track. While the beat throbs with urgency—the sound is reminiscent of a ticking clock—listeners are brought into the singer's world. "We need armor. I need armor," she coos before the track takes a turn toward a drum and bass sound.

2. "Black Lipstick"
Druski serves up a frenetic drum and bass-tinged beat on this ode to the music business. The title alone suggests Dawn should be singing of painted faces, but she's actually serving up lyrics that compare the music industry to a tempting and mysterious woman. "My heart was running, running, running away from nowhere/ She caught me off guard from afar in the distance without saying a word from her lips," she sings.

3. "Bombs"
This tune serves as the lead single from Armor On, and it's a suitable choice considering Dawn is ferocious here. She's confident, her lyrics are packed with punch, and her vocals ride the explosive beat. "Fresh off a leash, I'm such a monster," "Y'all throwin' shade, but I'm so summer," and "Just feed me beats and watch me eat up all y'all" are just some of the lines she delivers before the catchy chorus kicks in.

4. "Automatic"
When this mid-tempo track commences, an alarm rings as a warning to the man in Dawn's life, one who thinks he can treat her like a switch—turn her on and off at his leisure. She's not heartbroken over his ways, but rather has turned stone cold. She feels artificial when loving her boo now and this is Dawn's lyrical "fuck you." She sums it up best with, "I'ma do me, you can do you."

5. "Change"
Dawn is an R&B artist at heart, but this beat is far from the standard soul tune. An uptempo ditty, the songbird shines over the driving beat. "I don't know if he knows he's a diamond in the rough/ 'Cause he's used to me showing him that he's not enough/ Need to start showing him everyday/ If he was religion I'd be the faith," she commands. Dawn admits that she has to change her ways to make this relationship flourish.

6. "Heaven" feat. Druski
A slower number, Druski steps from behind the boards as producer and gives Dawn a vocal assist. They trade lines over the bongo-heavy beat, which house music lovers will take delight in listening to. Dawn opens up about a romance that once was, thinking back on how she gave her all but the man in her life walked out the door.

7. "Faith"
Rick Rude produced this jam, an uptempo track that could sit easily on the dance charts. Dawn's versatility on record is refreshing—she can rock an R&B song to the core as much as she can work vocals on a tune that would mix well with a Calvin Harris record. The singer celebrates the faith that a supportive soul has in her. "A toast to you/ I'm OK but with you I'm perfection," she sings.

8. "Scripture"
Guitars drive the track as Dawn's breathy lyrics describe yet another relationship, this time one she compares to religion. "If his love has a description/ It'd be the secret to my soul/ I look to him in reverence/ I'm kneeling at his presence," she croons. She worships his love and is prepared to make a confession, however, the disclosure she leaves up to her lover.

9. "S.M.F.U. (Remix)"
Originally released last fall, "Save Me From You" showcased the singer's vulnerability. She wore her emotions on her sleeve when singing of a dude that continuously let her down then, and now, she's doing much of the same on the remix. The ballad finds her recalling how her heart was tossed in the flames and the Superman she adored never once lived up to his name.

10. "Outro (The Battle)"
The final track on the EP, Dawn wraps with this statement: "When it's all said and done, we'll let them know." The songstress never reveals just what she'll let people know over the steady rhythm, but we'll assume she's referring to her effortless talents, which sparkle throughout the 10 tracks comprising Armor On.

 

 

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NEW MUSIC: TREY SONGZ – “HEART ATTACK” + NEW MUSIC VIDEO

 

 

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NEW MUSIC: TREY SONGZ – “HEART ATTACK” + NEW MUSIC VIDEO

via CONCRETELOOP.COM by Christine on 3/26/12

[See post to listen to audio]
♫ Trey Songz – Heart Attack

♫ ALTERNATE LINK ♫

Trey Songz opens up on "Heart Attack," the first single off of his upcoming studio album, 'Chapter V.' In the Rico Love & Benny Blanco-produced track, the R&B singer takes us back to basics of soul music and expresses a man's vulnerability when it comes to heartbreak. Peep the song above. Also, check out his new music video for "Sex Ain't Better Than Love," off of his 'Inevitable EP.'

( PHOTO: TREYSONGZ.US )

 

 

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Madonna, Miike Snow Release New Albums; Watch One Direction + Katy Perry On ...

 

 

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Madonna, Miike Snow Release New Albums; Watch One Direction + Katy Perry On 'The Kids' Choice Awards'

via MTV Buzzworthy Blog by Althea Legaspi on 3/26/12

Welcome to Buzzworthy's "The Week In Pop," where we round up new album releases, talk show musical guests and appearances, TV appearances by your favorite pop stars and more (so you don't have to).

The week begins with the divas -- we've got the release of Madonna's MDNA and Katy Perry's expanded Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection. (The original version was cotton candy scented. No word on a scent this time around, but we'd love it to come with actual cotton candy -- or any kind of candy, really). The guys are also making waves this week with new albums from The Used (Vulnerable), Miike Snow (Happy To You) and more. The "Kids' Choice Awards" end the week with performances by Katy Perry and One Direction, and it will be hosted by cool dad Will Smith.

Check out this week's album releases and television show music guests below.

NEW ALBUM RELEASES

Monday, March 26
+ Madonna, MDNA: Leave it to pop diva Madonna to get a jump on the rest of the week's releases. She's earned the right. After the release of her steamy "Girl Gone Wild" video and "Give Me All Your Luvin" pep rally-inspired video co-starring Nicki Minaj and M.I.A., along with the myriad snippets she's been teasing us with, the dance party starter set has finally arrived.

+ The Used, Vulnerable: Their fifth studio album showcases the Utah band's range: from "Kiss It Goodbye," a song we premiered last week, which is a classic The Used rager complete with an anthemic shout-along chorus, to their more melodic "I Come Alive."

Tuesday, March 20
+ Miike Snow, Happy To You: Production dynamic duo Bloodshot & Avant along with singer Andrew Wyatt open the album with the tinkly sheen of "Enter the Joker's Lair," and it's clear from the get-go that the album is aptly named with buoyant keyboard lines and rhythms and slick electro-pop shuffles. The set also features fellow Swede Lykke Li on the softly percolating "Black Tin Box."

+ Katy Perry, Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection: The new version of Katy Perry's mega-blockbuster album includes all the original songs along with bonus tracks, some of which feature Kanye West, Missy Elliott and Snoop Dogg collabs, and also a Tommie Sunshine "smash-up."

Check out more new album releases and upcoming TV appearances and performances after the jump.

+ The All-American Rejects, The Kids In The Street: Between the "Beekeeper's Daughter," which celebrates single guys' non-commital ways, and "Somebody's Gone," which seems to be about an abusive, cheating ex and getting over her, it appears emotions are running high on their fourth studio album.

+ The Mars Volta, Noctourniquet: Their sixth studio album has a storyline that was reportedly influenced by a "Superman" villain and a Greek myth. Members Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriquez-Lopez have also reunited with their former band, At The Drive-In, after an 11-year hiatus.

+ The Pierces, You & I: The sister duo releases their fourth album. Coldplay bassist Guy Berryman produced the set and it leans a bit more on the '70s soft rock side versus their cheekier alt-folk past, which might help the underrated group gain more momentum.

+ Dawn Richard, Armor On EP: The former Danity Kane and Diddy-Dirty Money member goes out on her own with this 10-song EP. She explained her style as "R&B taken to a whole 'nother level" to Rap-Up. Check out the fiery "Bombs" single and the soulful "SMFU (Save Me From You)" video.

TV SHOW APPEARANCES AND PERFORMANCES

Monday, March 26
"Late Show With David Letterman" -- Train
"Jimmy Kimmel Live" -- Zooey Deschanel, Shinedown
"Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" -- Swervedriver
"Smash" -- "The Coup"
"The Voice" -- The Final Battles

Tuesday, March 27
"Late Show With David Letterman" -- Jason Aldean
"Tonight Show With Jay Leno" -- The Pierces
"Jimmy Kimmel Live" -- Justin Bieber, The All-American Rejects
"Tavis Smiley" -- Macy Gray
"Conan" -- Macy Gray
"Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" -- Andrew Bird

Wednesday, March 28
"VH1's Big Morning Buzz Live" -- Haley Reinhart
"Late Show With David Letterman" -- Justin Townes Earle
"Tonight Show With Jay Leno" -- Gavin DeGraw
"Jimmy Kimmel Live" -- White Rabbits
"Conan" -- Donovan
"Live With Kelly" -- guest co-host Josh Groban
"American Idol" -- 9 finalists compete

Thursday, March 29
"VH1's Big Morning Buzz" -- Clay Aiken
"The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" -- Mat Kearney
"Jimmy Kimmel Live" -- Esperanza Spalding
"Craig Ferguson" -- "Weird Al" Yankovic, rebroadcast
"Conan" -- Galactic
"The Talk" -- guest co-host Miranda Lambert
"The Ellen DeGeneres Show" -- Big Time Rush, rebroadcast
"American Idol" -- One of 9 voted off

Friday, March 30
"Late Show With David Letterman -- Band of Skulls
"Tonight Show With Jay Leno" -- Alan Jackson
"Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" -- Ed Sheeran
"The Talk" -- Reba McEntire

Saturday, March 31
"Kids' Choice Awards" -- Hosted by Will Smith, performers include Katy Perry, One Direction
"Saturday Night Live" -- Katy Perry hosts, Robyn is the musical guest, rebroadcast

Photo credit: Getty Images

 

 

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EVENT PICS: JUNE AMBROSE LAUNCHES ‘Selima for June Ambrose’ SUNGLASSES COLLE...

 

 

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EVENT PICS: JUNE AMBROSE LAUNCHES ‘Selima for June Ambrose’ SUNGLASSES COLLECTION

via CONCRETELOOP.COM by ANGEL on 3/26/12

June Ambrose and designer Selima Salaun both pose for a photo at the 'Selima for June Ambrose' Sunglasses collection event held at The Standard Hotel on Saturday (March 24) in New York City.

The fashion stylist to the stars recently premiered her new reality series, 'Styled by June' earlier this month on VH1. Check out more photos from the event below.

( PHOTOS: TAJ WASHINGTON — GETTY IMAGES )

 

 

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Rapper Who Allegedly Shot Tyga's Tour Bus Responds

Sunday Morning

I got home from Taboo 2 in the 3am. I'm up hit me on twitter let me know were it's at today ...aro

Check Out Pitbull Behind The Music!!

 

 

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Check Out Pitbull Behind The Music!!

via PerezHilton by Perez Hilton on 3/19/12

Pitbull sported some mean braids back in the day!

Mr. 305 became latest musician to appear on Behind the Music and he told his story about his upbringing in Miami.

The son of Cuban immigrants to Miami, Pit talks about selling drugs and living in tough times back in his younger years.

Now, he's an international superstar!

Check out the video (above) to see a little piece of Pitbull's rise to fame!

 

 

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What?! Dream: "Blacks can't do soul records anymore" (Blog) (@beyonce @mrter...

 

 

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What?! Dream: "Blacks can't do soul records anymore" (Blog) (@beyonce @mrteriusnash @officialadele)

via VladTV.com Video / Blog List on 3/19/12

Producer/singer The Dream is a very opinionated individual, and his latest comments about black people are sure to ruffle some feathers.  During his interview with The Guardian out in the UK, The Dream made some very interesting comparisons to Black singers who record soulful tracks, as opposed to caucasian singers.  He used Adele and Beyonce to support his insights.

The Dream stated:

"It's called rhythm and blues; they just took the blues out of it for so long. What's crazy is that blacks can't do soul records any more. We love Adele singing it, but Beyoncé singing it? No."

Following this bold statement, The Dream answered the question, "So just what does work for "Blacks" these days?" by stating:

"A club hit.  No, the tempo's too slow, gimme the club hit. Now the Blacks in America are responsible for the Pop records, and everybody else is singing soulful records. It's weird to me. We're pigeonholed over there."

Source: thatgrapejuice.net

 

 

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Beyoncé Beams in Blue at Obama Fundraiser

 

 

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Beyoncé Beams in Blue at Obama Fundraiser

via Rap-Up.com by Rap-Up on 3/19/12

It was a family affair as Beyoncé stepped out with her mother Tina Knowles and mother-in-law Gloria Carter at a fundraiser for the Obama re-election campaign in New York City on Monday. The singing superstar beamed in a body-hugging blue dress by Victoria Beckham, Lorraine Schwartz earrings, Lanvin necklace, and Nicholas Kirkwood heels.

Michelle Obama attended the cocktail reception hosted by Robert De Niro and his wife at Locanda Verde restaurant at the Greenwich Hotel. Tickets started at $5,000 for a photo with Mrs. Obama and $25,000 to mingle with her.

Beyoncé is rumored to appear in Times Square tomorrow to unveil a series of billboards to promote her Memorial Day weekend shows at the $2.4 billion beachfront resort Revel in Atlantic City.

 

 

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New Music: B.o.B – ‘Where Are You (B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray)’

 

 

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New Music: B.o.B – ‘Where Are You (B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray)’

via Rap-Up.com by Rap-Up on 3/19/12

B.o.B battles himself on "Where Are You (B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray)," an introspective cut off his sophomore album Strange Clouds, due May 1. The Atlanta MC struggles with being a star while trying to please both his family and fans on the "Stan"-esque tune.

"Whatever happened to Bobby Ray, he used to be here for us/ Then he got famous and left all of his fans in the dust," a forthcoming B.o.B raps over the piano-driven melody.

From being called a sell-out to missing family occasions, the Grand Hustle signee exposes his inner turmoil. Get inside his head.

 

 

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Nipsey Hussle Dreams of Working With Dr. Dre (Blog) (@nipseyhussle @drdre @s...

 

 

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Nipsey Hussle Dreams of Working With Dr. Dre (Blog) (@nipseyhussle @drdre @snoopdogg)

via VladTV.com Video / Blog List on 3/19/12

Nipsey Hussle is carrying on the torch for the West coast, getting respect from legends like Snoop Dogg, who recently worked with him on "The Motto (Remix)," but Nipsey has dreams of working with Dr. Dre.

In a recent interview with TheWellVersed.com, where he spoke on his passion for working with the pioneers of West coast hip-hop.

"When the time is right I would like to do something with all of the godfathers of the West Coast movement. That includes artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Mack 10 and E-40. I just want the time to be right and want them to feel like it makes sense to work with me. I'm not an artist that is going to pout or complain about not working with anybody."

Nipsey also cleared up a quote he made about Dr. Dre in a past interview with HipHopDX.

"Even with Dr. Dre I was quoted (in HipHopDX) saying something ("It ain't nothin' personal to Dre, it ain't nothin' personal against 'Detox ... N—-s take it how they take it ... I ain't never really reached out to Dre, or Dre ain't never really reached out to me, so it ain't a shot against him, it's just, my focus is on what I'm doing now. I'm basically in a mindset of like, either you with me or you against me type s—. So, the n—-s that's with me, they on the right side, anybody else [is] in the line of fire. And when I shoot I'ma knock heads off.") But I want to clear that up. It has never been like I expected anything from him. He actually came to one of my concerts and respected the movement. I have always respected what he's done so I'm open to working with all of the godfathers of the West. I salute them."

Source: 2dopeboyz.com

 

 

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FOREST FACTORY'S FRIDAY E.P

Guess RihRih won’t be handling aunty duties anytime soon… Proud papa Hov and Mommy Bey have reportedly told Rihanna that she must cut all contact with Chris Brown, or they will ban her from seeing Blue Ivy: The singer’s been under fire ever since reports she’s been getting close to ex Chris Brown following their filthy Birthday Cake collaboration. Now we can reveal that Jay-Z and Beyoncé Knowles have given Ri-Ri a shock ultimatum: ‘Stay away from Chris or you can’t see baby Blue!’ Jay-Z’s not only Rihanna’s mentor, he’s also like her big brother,’ says a friend. ‘He got Beyoncé to tell Rihanna he doesn’t want her around the baby if she takes Chris back. ‘He wants Blue to have positive role models, not someone who’d take back a man who hit her.’ Ri-Ri, 24, has been growing close to Chris, 22, over the past year since the restraining order handed to him when he attacked her after the 2009 Grammys was lifted. Poor RihRih! Do you think Beyonce and Jay should allow her to see their new baby?

Bossip Certified Links

 

 

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Bossip Certified Links

via Bossip by deolacola on 3/15/12

[HipHopWired.com] Hip-Hop's 7 Hottest Jump-Offs
Our peoples at the Smoking Section took some time out to put together a list of Hip-Hop's 7 Hottest Jump-Offs. We figure it's only right that we promote a topic gentlemen should be well versed on, after all. (Read)

[StyleBlazer.com] Five Key Pieces to Update Your Spring Wardrobe
As temperatures start to rise, you're putting away those heavy sweaters and down coats. In return, you're increasingly reaching for lighter, airy fabrics and bold colors. (Read)

[24Wire.tv] Wendy Williams Gives Fantasia More Tough Love
Wendy Williams talked about more rumored drama with her child's father. She reprimands Fantasia for becoming romantically involved with a man in an unstable situation. However, Williams still expressed interest in having Fantasia on the show. (Watch)

[MadameNoire.com] Raising Your Kids Right or Raising Them Wealthy? A Billionaire's Conundrum
One of the most emailed stories on The Wall Street Journal in the past few days has been "Billionaire Says Her Kids Aren't Fit For Inheritance." You can pretty much tease out the essence of the story just from the title, but for information's sake, the article is about Australian mining billionaire Gina Rinehart, who herself inherited a "mining empire" from her father. (Read)

 

 

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Solange Knowles Keeps Her Natural Hair, Vintage, Hippy, Hella Colorful Steez...

 

 

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Solange Knowles Keeps Her Natural Hair, Vintage, Hippy, Hella Colorful Steez Alive On The Cover Of Time Out New York Magazine

via Bossip by hiphopobama on 3/15/12

You already know how the Sol Angel gets down

Beyonce's lil sister has carved out a nice lil niche for herself amongst the eclectic and artistic kids. In this month's issue of Time Out New York, she plays cover girl, interview subject, and guest editor all while rockin' her organic-type threads.

Peep the behind the scenes video below

 

 

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Backstage At SOB’s 30th Anniversary Show With Kanye West, 2 Chainz, Victor C...

 

 

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Backstage At SOB’s 30th Anniversary Show With Kanye West, 2 Chainz, Victor Cruz & More

via Bossip by deolacola on 3/15/12

Last night the legendary SOB's of New York City took their talents to Austin City Limits at South by South West to celebrate the historic venue's 30th anniversary. With Slaughterhouse, Machine Gun Kelly, Travis Porter and Miguel on the bill, 2 Chainz stole the show by bringing out Kanye West and Big Sean to wreck the stage. To add to the madness, Superbowl Champion New York Giants' receiver, Victor Cruz rolled through as well as the incomparable MC Hammer… Continue

 

 

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