Posts Tagged ‘Beyonce’

If you or someone you know has given birth in the past several days, congrats on the new addition but regrets on having your momentous occasion Kanyed by the arrival of Jay-Z’s and Beyonce’s Blue Ivy Carter.

Born into a pop culture Camelot, the birth of B and Jay’s little girl has trended on Twitter, kept its place atop Yahoo! searches, and inspired proud new Papa Hova to record a beautiful new song called, “Glory.” Featuring none other than bound-to-be-a-star, Blue Ivy’s, vocals, Jay-Z’s “Glory” divulges intimate details of Baby Blue’s conception.

Even if you’re not a fan of the couple, you’ll appreciate the heartfelt, daddy to daughter tribute.

I cried the first, second, and third times I listened to the song. Enjoy.

T.I. and Tiny: The Family Hustle

I have admitted before that I am as much a junkie for reality tv as I am for music. So when VH-1 announced the launch of “T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle” reality series, I was both excited and cautiously optimistic.

I was excited about the show because I have been a T.I. fan since his rougher-around-the-edges, “24s” days.

I was only cautiously optimistic because, with T.I.’s checkered past of arrests and extended prison stays, I wasn’t confident a reality show starring The King of the South would depict him positively.

Those concerns were quelled quickly once I got hooked on the “Hustle.”

A devoted father who teaches his kids the value of working hard to earn a living, a loving husband who showers his wife with emotional support in her personal endeavors, a smart business man who’s actively involved in his entrepreneurial pursuits is T.I. in this no-holds-barred series.

He shows regret for making the bad decisions that put him behind bars and expresses humility for being “cool” enough to take the stage alongside Taylor Swift. T.I. and Tiny’s colorful personalities will make you love watching their hustle, too.

Where’s the Beef?

Some say it’s an old school rapper’s attempt to reclaim his relevance, and others will say it’s a new school artist’s campaign to defend his brawn, but either way it’s beef. And it’s between Common and Drake.

In November, Common released single, “Sweet,” where he implicated Drake for being just that with his sing-song rap style. In his rebuttal song, “Stay Schemin,” Drake declares his sing-rapping doesn’t make him a “b*tch” as claimed by Common. Not to be out beefed, Common remixes “Stay Schemin” and slams Drake a second time.

All 3 tracks are below. Listen and let me know which rapper has won this war of words so far!

Versace, the iconic Italian fashion house with celebrity fans like Beyonce, Gisele Bundchen and Jennifer Lopez, is debuting a more affordable collection at select H&M stores on November 19.  Known for their sexy statement dresses, bold graphic prints, and outfit making accessories, Versace hits the budget friendly retailer just in time for frugal shoppers to get a fabulous holiday look for less!

Highlights of the new line include simple item pieces with a twist, like this chic black pleated silk skirt ($69.95).

What makes this so very Versace are the delicate metal corners that embellish each pleat on the hem.  Tuck a collared shirt into this skirt for an office look, or pair it with a sparkly tank and killer heels for a night on the town!

Leggings ($29.95) are also an essential item in the line, and a great way to play with fashion without breaking the bank!

Bold patterns and geometric studs adorn these affordable must haves, all in a comfortable stretch fabric with a slight sheen.  Add some drama to your everyday look with these fun and funky leggings!

If you’re looking to make a statement this New Years Eve, try one of these dazzling party dresses!  This hot pink sleeveless dress ($199) is flirty and feminine, the perfect dress for any holiday party.

The silk, sheath style dress has festive metal studs and a standout gold zipper on the back.

For an option that really says Versace, try this silver metal mesh dress ($249) that is dramatic, sexy, and sparkly!

The knee-length style comes in a mesh-like metal fabric, with a draped neckline, cross back straps and chiffon lining.  Wear it with a belt to show off your curves, or with tights and booties for an edgier look.

The Versace for H&M collection also features shoes, jewelry, and accessories (from $19.95 to $149), as well as specialty items for men and home.

Happy shopping, ladies! Be sure to check back often for more of the latest fashion news and reviews from style expert Kara Birkenstock, right here on Positively Celebrity!

iN honor of Steve Job’s legacy, I began this sentence with a lower case “i.” Also, to honor Apple’s mastermind, I am briefing you on songs that you must add to your own iPods.

Thank you, Steve Jobs, for making treadmills more bearable, airplane rides more entertaining, and for giving us those iconic white headphones that serve as social barriers even when the iPod is off.

“Can’t Get Enough” is the first single from J. Cole’s debut studio release, Cole World: The Sideline Story. Definitely, it’s one of the best tracks on the album.  And if jet setting to escape the cold is how you roll, then watching J. Cole’s “Can’t Get Enough” video featuring Trey Songz will have you rushing to the nearest ticket terminal.

There’s no shortage of beautiful, voluptuous women in the vid which, coincidentally, reminds me of his Roc Nation mentor Jay Z’s “Big Pimpin.” Anxious to track Cole World’s chart performance!

T-Pain’s “5 O’Clock” featuring Lily Allen and Wiz Khalifa is a new addition to my iPod. I am not ashamed to admit that an auto-tuned, T-Pain song is on my workout playlist.

I’m pretty sure I’ve told you I love Beyonce’s latest album 4, so you should have downloaded it to your iPods months ago. But in her most recent video for song “Countdown,” B has been accused – AGAIN – of swagger jacking. Seems that every trend made popular by the mom-to-be was the brainchild of someone else’s creative genius. After watching “Countdown,” I have this to say: Anna Teresa de Keersmaeker, your swagger has been jacked.

de Keersmaeker is a Belgian choreographer, and “Countdown’s” choreography looks eerily similar identical to her pieces. A split screen showing those similarities is below as is Beyonce’s full length video. At any rate, Mrs. Carter makes rolling around the floor at 5 months (allegedly) pregnant look as effortless as only she could make it look.

I had fallen so in love with Travis Barker’s Give the Drummer Some that I kinda forgot about Blink 182.

But the band’s song, “After Midnight,” has helped rekindle my love affair with the trio. Took a while for the song to grow on me, but now, I pretty much can’t stop listening to it.

A songstress gets motivated, Koreans make their mark, and hip-hop’s most famous last name gets more famous.

Here’s your Summer Hot List 2011: Part Two!

Summer of Kell

If Kelly Rowland’s New Year’s resolution was to stop playing second fiddle to Beyonce,’ then I’m pleased to announced she’s successfully completed her mission.

The track, her vocals, the lyrics, and the video’s choreography are reminiscent of the hotness that was Ciara’s “Promise” back in 2006. Kelly’s hit, “Motivation,” featuring Lil Wayne is HANDS DOWN 2011’s sexiest summer single.

Unleashing her super sultry inner seductress with “Motivation,” it’s the former DC3er’s biggest solo hit.  Nothing says Here I Am like dancing your way to #1 in a trench coat and combat boots. Positively Sizzling!

Korean Pop

Billboard announced the launch of K-Pop Hot 100, a chart ranking Korea’s most popular music. So if you’ve been procrastinating on signing up for those Korean language classes, I suggest you put a rush order on your Rosetta Stone.

Since being honest is the summer’s coolest trend, I must admit that it’s only been recently that I’ve gotten acquainted with Korean pop. At best, I’ve marveled at the colorful music videos that often accompany K-pop songs but usually always muted.

Assuming you’re in the same boat as I am, learning to appreciate K-pop and its eclectic vibrance will be equally adventurous and advantageous for us all. Billboard earns Summer Hot List honors for bringing continued cultural awareness to the music industry.

Check out Sistar, the group sitting atop K-Pop Hot 100 chart!

Summertime Simmons

His dad’s group, Run-DMC, ruled the 80s, his socialite sisters dominate the fashion scene, and he – well, he’s exploding onto the music scene securing his relevance in the Simmons dynasty.

Bieber Fever is so first-part-of-this-year. Tweens and teens have a new summer love, and it’s Diggy Simmons.

You probably remember watching him as a kid on “Run’s House” or from this AT&T commercial:

Not long ago, Diggy was Vanessa and Angela’s bratty little brother, but now, the 16 year old is is maturing into a megastar.

His kid-friendly raps are upbeat and fun, and Diggy’s expanding his brand beyond music and is delving into shoe and fashion designing. Watch the video for his latest single, “Copy, Paste.” You’ll agree that Diggy Simmons is one of this summer’s hottest teen heartthrobs!

Would love to know who made it onto your 2011 Summer Hot List! Comment below, and be sure to check back often to Positively Celebrity for all the latest music news and reviews from Erica Renee Davis!

Now that we’ve all come down from our Twitter high, let’s recap last night’s VMAs using more than 140 characters!

Not to specify names (ahem, my very own sister), but there are some hardcore anti-Lady Gaga people among us. Beware because the anti-Gaga faction has as much steam behind it as do her little Monsters. And after her VMA performance last night, the chasm has officially widened.

Whether you consider Gaga’s VMA, male alter-ego submersion to be ridiculous or genius, it was certainly engaging.

Jay-Z and Kanye West’s performance of single, “Otis,” was about as uneventful and uninteresting as its video. C-. But since I love Otis Redding, used to be slightly obsessed with Jay, and respect Kanye’s music, I’ll grade it a (reluctant) B. However, Jay-Z is X months away from being a new daddy and Beyonce’ is his baby’s mama, so okaaaay…I give it an A+.

Nicki Minaj has assumed lots of roles lately; Hip Hop’s newest Princess, YMCMB Sweetheart, and the music biz’s very own life-sized cartoon character. She’s got a shiny new Moon Man to decorate her colorful world since “Super Bass” snagged the award for Best Hip Hop Video.

I tip my pink-colored wig to Katy Perry and Kanye for winning Best Collaboration for “E.T.” This confirmed that I’m not the only one who gets upset when the radio plays the original version instead of the remix. Attention Radio Stations: It’s a remix for a reason. Play it.

Whenever I start making enough money to pay someone to sing my emotions to me, Adele is so hired. She brought the house down with nothing but a microphone, a piano accompaniment, and years of raw emotion. Simply dynamic.

Full of theatrics and several minutes of aerial acrobatics, Chris Brown’s set was one of the night’s most superb performances. But did anyone else find it curious that TLC’s “Scrubs” was the song the house band performed immediately after C Breezy performed?

By the way, Jessie J and her ensemble were a positively fantastic house band! Whenever I can afford to pay a live cover band to sing the soundtrack of my life, I’m ringing Jessie J, and I will demand she bring that white chair.

I will not apologize for having a crush on Russell Brand. He was very matter-of-fact but charming and compassionate when introducing Amy Winehouse’s tribute. “Valerie” is one of my fave Amy Winehouse songs, so kudos to Bruno Mars for his excellent rendition.

The competitors didn’t stand a chance against Katy Perry’s “Firework” in the Music Video of the Year category. And using YouTube view counts as my parameter, Perry won fair and square (Bruno Mars’ YouTube views of “Grenade” were a mere 202 million, about 27 million short of Perry’s).

Leave it to MTV to ice the cake with a MONSTER of a closer by Lil Wayne. His performance, complete with animal print skinny jeans and skater kid shoes, makes it clear that “Toonchies” is a rock star trapped in a rapper’s body. Although, according to Wayne, I’m not supposed to call him Toonchies. Wonder what happens since I did.

A lot of cool moments from this year’s VMAs. What were some of your faves? Comment below and be sure to check back often for more of the latest music news and reviews from Erica Renee Davis right here on Positively Celebrity!

It’s that time of year again!  MTV’s Video Music Awards, or VMAs, air Sunday night.  Previous hosts include Russel Brand, Chelsea Handler, Chris Rock and Ben Stiller, just to name a few.  This year, they’re being hosted by…no one?

My hunch is, they asked a few people, and it didn’t work out.  In a recent interview with Billboard, MTV Exec Amy Doyle said,  “It’s going down to the wire. Hosting is such a unique element…We’re really challenging ourselves to find the right person so that the show feels complete.”  Mmmm hmmmm.  No big deal, they’re having so many performers, who has time for a host?!

So far, MTV has announced the best of the best, and here there are:  Beyonce, Pitbull, Adele, Bruno Mars, Chris Brown, Lady Gaga, Lil Wayne and Young The Giant!

Not to mention, they’re handing out a few Moonmen here and there.  Personally, I’m hoping Adele wins a few of the SEVEN nominations she’s up for (get ‘em girl!), and I’m loving Foster The People’s “Pumped Up Kicks” for Best New Artist!  Don’t forget to get your vote in – head to MTV’s site here to cast your vote!

MTV has also announced there will be a special tribute to Amy Winehouse, on top of an already announced tribute to Britney Spears, who will be in attendance.  Countless other celebs will be in the house as presenters…can you handle it?!?

So who are you looking forward to seeing perform on the VMAs?  Who do you think will give us a legendary, memorable performance?  Leave us a comment right here on Positively Celebrity and let us know!

The music scene this summer has sizzled!  Check out a few of my favorites on my Summer Hot List 2011: Part One!

Country Hotness

Admittedly, pop-infused country music appeals to me so much more than classic country. I’ll proudly blast Sugarland or Lady A but would only be caught singing a Tammy Wynette tune at some dive bar’s karaoke night. Though Dolly Parton’s music style is less like Jennifer Nettles’ and more like old school Nashville, I must say, Ms. Dolly is on my summer hot list.

Reference “longevity” in your on-line dictionary, and the Queen of Country’s pic is there. After 40 years, Dolly is still making new music and videos!

Dolly is even hotter because of her active involvement in her philanthropic endeavors. It is positively outstanding that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library donates one free book per month to pre-school aged children until they turn 5. And the frosting on this hot little piece of country cake is that, despite her fortune, Dolly is incredibly humble. She gushed to Oprah that she prefers sleeping in her Winnebago over staying in 5 star hotels when she’s on tour.

Dolly, you’ve got my vote.

Sizzling Hot Rapping Duo

Confession: I feel pressured to love Jay-Z and Kanye West’s new Watch the Throne album because how could one not obsess over a collabo by these two?

I was reluctant at first to categorize Watch the Throne as “hot.” Jay and ‘Ye depend heavily on lyrics of wealth, power, and all things superficial as the theme of this release. But what else can you expect from music’s most infamous narcissist and from a rapper-turned-insanely powerful mogul who just happens to be married to one of the world’s most beautiful women?

When it comes to throne watching, admiring one on which these two sit is pretty freaking entertaining.

My faves on the album: “Paris,” “Gotta Have It,” and “Otis.”

Hate them or hate on them, Kanye and Jay-Z look like they’re having the time of their lives while effortlessly making chart topping music.

HOT.

Pre-Teen Prodigy

It is unbelievable to me that Jackie Evanhco’s voice is actually coming out of her 11-year-old body. I’m thiiiis closing to being convinced her parents implanted a voice box in her in a grand scheme to make Jackie the world’s most celebrated vocalist.

Or I could just accept the fact that her stardom began when she was named runner-up on America’s Got Talent. Either way, Jackie Evancho certainly has one of this summer’s hottest voices.

Her 2nd album, Dream With Me, debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 chart, and her debut album, O Holy Night, is certified platinum.

What were you doing at 11?

Which artists are on your Summer Hot List?

Like many celebrities, I do not like to miss a “sunglass wearing opportunity”.  The right shades can give you all the coverage and style boost you need! I have spied some of my favorite style champions wearing Illesteva and am determined to get myself a pair. These coveted sunnies have been spotted on A-listers all over the world.

From hot city chicks… Whitney Port papped outside E&O restaurant in London:

…and the ever-stylish Kate Bosworth wearing the Leonard 2 in LA:

To festival babes Vanessa Hudgens at Coachella:

and Alexa Chung at Glastonbury this year:

These glasses are designed in NY and handmade in Italy, which explains why many celebrities are choosing to collect them!

Kirsten Dunst appeared in the Band of Outsiders SS 11 Look Book wearing Illesteva Frieda in cream, and stays loyal to the brand in her Illesteva Lili in Black when she is out and about:

New Yorker JUS-SKE agreed with German Daniel Silberman that there was something missing in the eyewear market and thus started Illesteva in 2009. The duo push normal boundaries of design by exploring fresh shapes and materials like acetate, bamboo, wood, titanium and natural buffalo horn, with each new frame design.

Drawing from their downtown lives, as well as their backgrounds in design, music, fashion, and photography, Silberman and Ske have created a brand of classic timeless pieces, meant to last a lifetime.

These handmade sunglasses are so hot right now that for Beyonce, one pair simply won’t do! The International superstar has a different color of her favorite Leonard style for each country she visits! In France she chose the Leonard 3 in Matte Horn:

While preferring clear in the UK:

And Tan in New Zealand:

For the states, Beyonce chooses her Illesteva Snake Leonards in Beverly Hills and NYC:

I can barely take my eyes off the website http://www.illesteva.com/wp/ and will definitely be heading to one of the many Illesteva worldwide stockists including Barneys NY, Opening Ceremony NY and LA, Colette Paris, Lane Crawford Hong Kong, Browns London and Net-a-Porter to find the best ones for my face!

Please check out my twitter @cocolarose for more International updates and come back to the best positive blog soon…Positively Celebrity. Love Coralie x

Selena and the Scene – When the Sun Goes Down

Selena Gomez is the best thing to happen to Disney since Mickey and Minnie went public with their relationship.

Fortunately, no racy pic or pole dancing scandals have haunted this little Wizard of Waverly Place. Her secret to keeping her image squeaky clean? Cranking out albums virtually every other month. Since March 2010, Selena and the Scene have released 3 studio albums, and the most recent, When the Sun Goes Down, dropped on Tuesday.

Though Ms. Cutie Patootie declares this latest project will show a sexier Selena, I assure all you mommies and babysitters that When the Sun Goes Down is the most tween-friendly album of the year.

My favorite tracks are “Whiplash,” which former Teen Queen, Britney Spears, helped pen, and “Love You Like A Love Song.”

4

Bey named her latest masterpiece 4 to honor her favorite number, but a more fitting title for the album would be “Awesomeness.”

I was skeptical about 4’s potential after hearing Beyonce’s vibrato-heavy performance of “1+1″ during this year’s BMA’s. Then the industry swirled with reports that she and her camp were panicked because “Run The World” wasn’t charting as well as anticipated. My suspicions – for a moment –  were validated.

But nothing quells a nasty rumor like the truth. And 4 is just that.

Tracks like “Party” and “Countdown” are playful, upbeat tunes that would fit perfectly on a college student’s playlist.  In “Love on Top,” Beyonce’ wows with her signature key changes over brass and percussion accompaniments.

The album exhibits the free-spirited vibe of little sis Solange’s Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams and boasts the boldness that makes Beyonce’ untouchable.

4 is the feel good, fall in love, play on repeat, Summer album of 2011!

10 Years & Counting!

From sporting corn-rows as Ms. Keys to glamming up red carpets as Mrs. Beatz, Alicia has come quite a long way.

Her amazing vocals and incredible songwriting abilities, however, remain unchanged.

And since her legacy has been cemented with ballads, chart toppers, and countless accolades, Alicia Keys is celebrating by releasing Songs in A Minor – 10th Anniversary Edition.

A fresh-faced newbie, Alicia commanded our attention with “Fallin” back in 2001.

Her remake of Prince’s “How Come You Don’t Call Me” is another fave from the album.

The 10th Anniversary Edition has the old tracks we loved from the first release as well as previously unreleased songs and remixes.

Go to iTunes and Amazon to preview and download all of these albums!

And be sure to check back often for more of the latest music news and reviews from Erica Renee Davis right here at Positively Celebrity!

Just as we recover from Coachella fever, our temperatures are soaring again in anticipation for Glastonbury, the uber cool British festival.  I (like most fans of this annual musical event) am wondering, what the trend of the summer will be? What will my favorite A-lister be wearing?

Kate Moss raised the fashion stakes in 2005 when she wore hotpants, a studded belt and iconic Hunter wellies. La Moss will always be celebrated for her ability to select the perfect outfit for every occasion. Ever since she rocked that look, the right outfit has been as important as the right band!

One of my most liked performers is Beyonce, and she’ll be headlining at the sold out event this year. “This really is the biggest festival in the world and I cannot wait to perform there”. Well I cannot wait to see what the superstar singer is wearing!!

Beyonce was looking unusually casual in denim cut-offs and a graphic tee at the Coachella Music & Arts Festival in Indio, California last year where she surprised festival-goers by joining her husband Jay-Z on stage during his headlining set.

I was fortunate enough to be in the crowd for one of the most talked about headline shows in the history of Glastonbury. In 2008, Jay-Z started his mind-blowing headlining set by walking on stage with an electric guitar singing the celebrated Oasis song ‘Wonderwall’ and winning over a chorus of doubters.

Another one to watch is Alexa Chung whose wardrobe choices consistently fail to disappoint. The trend setter is seen here at Glastonbury in 2008 in a to-die-for leather jacket, Breton stripes and denim short combo!

Glastonbury festival was born the day after Jimi Hendrix died in 1970. 1,500 people paid £1 ($1.65) for entry to and free milk from Worthy Farm in Somerset, it is now the largest on the planet.  Gotta love that!

Be sure to check back often to Positively Celebrity for more of the latest news (all the way from London) from our newest correspondent, Coralie Rose!