Posts Tagged ‘Chris Brown’

With New Year’s Eve quickly approaching, people throughout the country are spending a good part of their holiday season thinking about where to spend the last night of 2011…but really, where else is there in the world to spend it but in fabulous Las Vegas?! Positively Celebrity has all the information you need on New Year’s Eve!

With a ton of incredible choices available for New Year’s Eve, Sin City is THE destination to party away the last night of 2011, and kick off 2012 with a bang. From the flawless Holly Madison to the newly single Kim Kardashian to party rockers LMFAO, there are some positively awesome options for everyone in Las Vegas this year!

1oak, located inside the Mirage, is offering a VIP all access party with Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas this year, while her fellow group member will.i.am will be at Surrender nightclub (one of my favorite new Vegas clubs) located at Encore, Steve Wynn’s newest immaculate hotel and casino. Also at Mirage will be Caribbean crooner IYAZ, who will be partying at Revolution Lounge.

Gallery, located inside Planet Hollywood, will have their New Year’s Eve party hosted by Holly Madison, former Playboy Playmate/Girl Next Door and star of the sexiest show in Las Vegas, Peepshow at the Planet Hollywood.

The Bank, located at the Bellagio, is hosting R&B sensation Bruno Mars while fellow R&B singer Chris Brown will be at Pure at Caesar’s Palace. Tyga and Bobby Valentino will be performing together at Crown Nightclub at the Rio, Vegas’ most underrated hotel and casino.

The Kardashians will be in Vegas to kick off the New Year too, with Kourtney and husband Scott Disick celebrating at Chateau in the Paris hotel, and Kim at Tao in the Venetian (sans Kris Humphries of course), one of the most beautiful of all the clubs in Sin City.

If it’s house music that gets you going, Las Vegas is the place to be to party away 2011. From Kaskade performing at Marquee inside Cosmopolitan to legend Paul Oakenfold performing at Rain in the Palms, Samantha Ronson performing at Lavo inside the Palazzo and Playboy Mansion DJ Laura Cavender at the Deuce Lounge

Georgia born hip-hop sensation B.O.B. will be at L.A.X. at the Luxor, and my personal vote for the party of the year will be at Haze, located inside the Aria hotel at City Center, where LMFAO will be performing their special brand of Party Rock all night long!

Whether you want to kick off 2012 by hoisting a glass of champagne with the beautiful Holly Madison or whether you just want to wiggle-wiggle-wiggle-wiggle-wiggle (yeah!) with LMFAO at Haze in the Aria Hotel, Las Vegas has plenty of positively amazing options for New Year’s Eve! All of us here at Positively Celebrity hope you all have an awesome end to 2011 and an even better start to 2012!

As always, be sure to check back for all things celebrity from Richard Munassi right here at Positively Celebrity!

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!

From her fall out with former beau Chris Brown to the ever present rumors surrounding her relationship with mentor, Jay-Z, controversy has always riddled Rihanna’s successful career.

And her new song and video, “Man Down,” follows suit having all the characteristics of the Rihanna persona we love.

Hip. Edgy. Thought provoking.

The video tells a haunting story of how an innocent flirtation between Rihanna and a hottie at the club escalates to sexual assault. Seeking revenge, Rihanna spots her attacker from her bedroom window, shooting and killing him as he walks in the middle of a crowded street.

Sounds more like an 11 o’clock news report than a music video.

Outraged opponents condemn the video for glorifying “premeditated murder.” Even actress Gabrielle Union spoke out about her personal experience with rape as a teenager. Union says she attempted to shoot her rapist during the attack, but she’s glad she missed because killing him would have added “insult to injury.”

Rihanna defends the racy video saying that she’s a “rockstar” not a “parent.”

My questions to you: Is RiRi’s video any different than a blockbuster movie that portrays violence? And are you offended by the ”Man Down” vid?

Comment below and be sure to check back for more of the latest music news and reviews from Erica Renee Davis right here on Positively Celebrity.

Rappers rule the world these days! See who made my Hip Hop Hot List this week!

The undisputed champion of my Hip Hop Hot List is Travis Barker with his new album, “Give The Drummer Some.” Popularly known as your “favorite rapper’s favorite drummer,” don’t be shocked that the Blink-182 musician’s first solo effort has hip hop oozing out of every track. Rick Ross, Luda, and Twista are a few rappers making appearances on Barker’s hard-hitting, rhyme mixed with rock, debut.

Snoop Dogg adds his West Coast flare to “Knockin,” and “If U Want To” boasts Pharrell’s signature sound in a collaboration featuring Lupe Fiasco. Reminding me just a little bit of Masta Ace’s “Born to Roll,” “Jump Down,” featuring the Cool Kids, is my fave song on the album.

March has been a busy month for Chris Brown. An explicit sext pic of the singer surfaced earlier this month, he tells Page Six Magazine he’s not apologizing for the Rihanna incident anymore, and his song, “Look At Me Now,” is climbing the charts. The song features Busta Rhymes and Lil Wayne, and its recently released video is just as hot as the track itself. C Breezey is back in the building. Comeback, anyone?

Who knew pop starlet Katy Perry had some hip hop running through her veins? Now that Mrs. Russell Brand has teamed up with Kanye West for the remix of “E.T.,” the California Gurl officially has earned her street cred.

“Real Gs move in silence like lasagna” is the most positively awesome lyric of the year so far, and no one other than hit maker, Lil Wayne, could design a line so clever. Actually, Wayne’s latest single, “6 Foot 7 Foot,” is full of witty verses, and its chart performance (it peaked at #9 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and #2 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs) is proof that even a stint in prison can’t stifle Lil Wayne’s success.

Hip Hop heads have been anticipating Dr. Dre’s Detox for years. And now that Dre has dropped the album’s 2nd single, “I Need a Doctor,” fans are one step closer to the April 20th release.

Skylar Grey’s hook is haunting, Eminem’s verses are provocative, and Dre’s last verse is perfection.  Love the video and the nostalgic flashback photos of Dre’s life that are seen throughout.  It still gets my Hip Hop Hot List vote…even if the track is basically a love song between Em and Dre!

Who’s on the top of your Hip Hop Hot List!?! Comment below, and be sure to check back often for more music news from Erica Renee Davis right here at Positively Celebrity!

Hey lovies! This is my most exciting blog to date, so there will be a lot of capital letters and exclamation points!!

Recently I got the most AMAZING honor to be MC for the Snoop Dogg Adihoop basketball tournament. Eleven LA tastemaker teams from awesome companies like  UNDEFEATED, SkullCandy, HVW8 Art and Design Studios, and one very special team called the West Coasters that consisted of Snoop, The Game, Chris Brown, YG and Percy.

The tournament was being put on by the coolest brand EVER, adidas. To make it even better, I had the best co-host ever — Ken Jeong, the amazingly hilarious actor from “The Hangover” and star of the adidas commercial where he duets with Dwight Howard. And OH NO it doesn’t stop there! DMC the legend was also on hand, DJ Neil Armstrong, Dj Felli Fell and power 106’s Big Boi was also in the neighborhood to add commentaries to this extremely fun event. Can you tell I’m excited?!!!

For an event like this, I went low key wearing my favorite Stella McCartney for adidas workout tights with built in TechFit (available at www.shopadidas.com), a shirt that had “ROSE” on the back with a big number 1  (since the EAST All Star team had Derrick Rose there so I wore it in honor of him), along with my adidas Adirise’s.

It was a great outfit but I lacked a girly spark so I contacted Naja my nail stylist. I explained I was doing Snoop’s event and how he has just launched his own shoe with adidas and that the box is purple and gold. So…VOILA! Naja contacted Minx and they custom made me some adidas trefoil, purple and gold heat transfers.

Please visit my last Minx blog if you haven’t heard of this amazing new technique yet.  I left Naja’s salon with the coolest nails ever! Everyone commented on how amazing they were and wanted to know where to get them done.  As always, if you live in LA please call Naja at Extremedys Nails: 323.848.8094. Otherwise just google “Minx Nails” and you’ll find a ton of great options near you!

Minx is not only amazing because there is no dry time, but it lasts for ages and will definitely get loads of attention. It is also incredible as you can tailor it to any theme or color. From now on, each time I have an event I am totally calling on Naja to Minx up my nails.

For more pictures from the Snoop Dogg basketball tournament brought to you by adidas, visit my site at www.emilyrosetv.com. For more on Naja, visit her site www.Extremedys2012.com .  And be sure to check back daily to Positively Celebrity for more great beauty blogs!

Nominations for the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards were announced last week, and among those nominees are several well-known artists who’ve had great success in 2010.

Eminem, for example, could look at a recording booth and sell a million records, so we’re not surprised that Recovery garnered ten Grammy nominations.

During this year’s mid-term elections, there was an unprecedented, unanimous vote to continue over-obsessing about all things Katy Perry, so of course she received four Grammy nods.

And there can’t be an awards show without Lady Gaga (no, really, there can’t be), so no one’s shocked that she’s up for six of those little statuettes.

And I respect all those artists for their great music and for their hard work. Really, I do.

But let’s look at some less popular but equally talented artists who could win big at next year’s 53rd Annual Grammy Awards ceremony.

Michael Buble’

Nothing adds insult to a quarter-life crisis like realizing most of your favorite songs fall into the “Adult Contemporary” category. And though I tried really hard to not like this guy, I always find myself singing along to Michael Buble’ songs whenever they’re on the radio.

The Grammys have awarded Buble’ nominations in two “Pop” categories, but let’s face it  —  just because Buble’s borrowing jackets and jeans from Justin Timberlake doesn’t really make him ”pop.”

Some of my Michael Buble’ favorites are his cover of classic, “Crazy Love,” and his hit single, ”Hollywood.” In addition to being nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, Buble’ could also take home honors for ”Haven’t Met You Yet” in the Best Male Pop Vocal Performance category.

Ryan Leslie

A year ago, I went to Ryan Leslie’s private listening party in Los Angeles and was thrilled to witness his live performances of songs like “Diamond Girl” and “Addiction.”

Though his hit-making abilities are pretty awesome, I am more fascinated with the fact that he scored 1600 on his SATs and graduated from Harvard at 19. Hmph.  Smarty Pants.

Leslie’s 2009 release, Transitions, is nominated for Best Contemporary R&B Album along with Chris Brown’s, Graffiti, and R Kelly’s, Untitled (yes, R Kelly did have a release within the last 12 months). “You’re Not My Girl” is one the best tracks from Transitions, and how refreshing it will be if the multi-talented producer, musician, singer snags his first Grammy!

Pastor Marvin Sapp

With one of the most soothing, soulful, and perfect voices in Gospel music, Pastor Marvin Sapp’s Grammy nod for Best Traditional Gospel Album for Here I Am is a well-deserved nomination.

Though Sapp has been a fixture in the Gospel music scene for years, his single, “Never Would Have Made It,” went platinum and gained Sapp International recognition.

A couple of the industry’s beloved, old school songstresses, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Shirley Caesar, are nominated in the category for The Experience and A City Called Heaven, respectively. But Sapp’s combination of inspirational music and cross over appeal give him an edge in this group. Here’s the Pastor’s video for “Best In Me” from Here I Am.

Arcade Fire

One of my projects for 2010 was to fully grasp all the nuances that make up the enigma that is Arcade Fire.  As musicians, they each excel at multiple instruments, so your favorite band member might be on the drums, rocking the mic, or even playing the accordion. Their wardrobe choices are more alternative than they are trendy, but they’re always individualistic.

With songs like, “The Suburbs,” and “Ready to Start,” they are quirky but relatable.

To say that Arcade Fire is multi-faceted is an understatement, and to say I’ve figured them out would be a lie.

Thankfully, though, the Grammy’s figured out enough to recognize Arcade Fire’s musical brilliance with 3 nominations.

I’m sure the indie rockers are over the moon about being nominated for Album of the Year along with Eminem’s Recovery and Lady Gaga’s The Fame Monster.  Will the ensemble top the Grammy alums and take the hardware back to Canada? Of course, we have to wait until February to find out, but with nominations for Best Alternative Album and Best Rock Performance by Duo or Group, hopefully, Arcade Fire goes home with at least one gramophone!

Who are some of your favorite Grammy nominees? Comment below, and be sure to check back for more of the latest music news and reviews from Erica Davis right here on Positively Celebrity!

Imagine breaking up with one of the industry’s most beautiful women following a violent domestic dispute, and then imagine having to hear her sing about it everywhere you turn. Literally. You have just walked one step in Chris Brown’s high top sneaker.

Chris’s ex, Rihanna, belts the chilling hook on Eminem’s “Love The Way You Lie,” a song whose lyrics tell the story of an abusive relationship. Rihanna recently shared with Accesshollywood.com how having been a victim in an abusive relationship helped her relate to the song.

In addition to serving as a constant reminder of their love story’s nightmarish end, the track gives the Caribbean cutie her 7th #1 hit and reconfirms that, post break-up, Rihanna’s star is rising while Chris’s is virtually non-existent.

Chris’s 2009 release, Graffiti, hardly qualified as a comeback album, so the music world was anxious to witness his Michael Jackson tribute performance at this year’s BET Awards.

Even people of Team Rihanna persuasion were completely impressed as Mr. Brown’s dancing silhouette mimicked identically the King of Pop’s unique moves. And then it happened. All the magic of reliving Michael was drowned out by the water department Chris Brown’s uncontrollable tears.

Authentic or not, the water works and emotional breakdown seemed like a self-indulgent, public plea for sympathy. Operation Comeback #2: Unsuccessful.

Rihanna, on the other hand, is having a VERY successful year. With her hottie MLB arm candy, Last Girl on Earth tour, and platinum album, the grass on Rihanna’s side is looking really green. So what can Chris do to make his comeback?

Chris Brown became increasingly more irrelevant by not giving the public enough time to forgive and forget. Instead, he opted to release a compilation of subpar tracks and give a host of “post incident” interviews in which he came across as combative and defensive. His latest singles, “Deuces” and “No B.S,” have potential to be good songs, but the content and language is VERY mature and is a bit risqué for someone (allegedly) trying to repair his image.

Come back with confidence and with quality hits like  “Excuse Me, Miss” and “Say Goodbye.”  The work will speak for itself and will leave no need to beg for fan support. CBeezy is super talented. He just needs a bit of a hiatus to regroup.

Be sure to check out more great articles from music editor Erica Renee Davis right here on Positively Celebrity!

Singer Chris Brown was sentenced in the assault case involving then-girlfriend, singer Rihanna on August 25, 2009. Brown received a sentence of five years’ probation and six months’ community labor, and was ordered to stay away from Rihanna for the next five years…which could be a problem if the latest rumors are true.

As recently as two weeks ago, sources reported that the couple was spending time together. But the judge made it clear that a violation of her ruling could send Brown to state prison.

In fact, Brown was ordered to stay 100 yards away from Rihanna unless they are attending “music industry events.”

Further facts show that the February incident was not the first domestic violence episode between the two singers. In addition to the sentencing, Brown must also attend a year of counseling. Let’s hope it helps.