Posts Tagged ‘Eminem’

It’s so official. We are only two days away from Billboard Music Awards first televised show in 5 years.

Truthfully, between the Grammys, American Music Awards, Country Music Academy Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, BET Awards, MTV Video Music Awards (goodness, you get the point), were we really even missing Billboard’s presence on the awards show scene?

Mmmm…probably not so much.

But another awards show does give us an excellent excuse to cozy up in front of our televisions on a Sunday night as our favorite artists entertain us…for free!

Now, unlike some awards ceremonies, there are no nail-biting moments when it comes to who’s taking home the interestingly shaped thing-a-ma-jig of a statue. And this is because, Billboard, in all of its record sales authoritative glory, awards artists based on actual sales and on air play in each respective category.

Weird concept, huh?

Simply put, we’ll be watching the BMAs for the performances. Kinda like reading a book for the pictures.

Excited about performances from R&B crooner, Ne-Yo …

… Relatively newcomers, Far East Movement …

… The teddy bear of “The Voice,” Cee-Lo …

… and, of course, girl-power goddess, Beyonce’ …

Since my handy little record-sales tabulator device isn’t functioning, I’ll be sitting in “pretend” suspense with all of you as Rihanna, Eminem, and Justin Bieber rack up during this year’s BMAs telecast.

Enjoy the show.

Check www.billboard.com for detailed info on all the nominees!!! And be sure to check back often for more of the latest music news and reviews from music expert Erica Renee Davis right here on Positively Celebrity.

Well known for his velvet voice and for collaborating on numerous hip hop and R&B tracks, singer Nate Dogg died in Long Beach, CA, last night after battling health issues for several years.

Nate Dogg appeared on Eminem’s 2006 track, “Shake That.”

What a fun, ride-around-with-your-windows-down hit was the Houston and Nate, 2004 single, “I Like That!”

We had grown to know and love Nate Dogg for helping our favorite rappers make hits, but Nate had a couple solo successes of his own. “Nobody Does It Better” and “Never Leave Me Alone,” both from his G-Funk Classics Volume 1 & 2, charted on Billboard’s Hot 100.

Another throwback for you…Ludacris and Nate in their 2001 jam, “Area Codes.”

And here’s the classic that put Nate on the music industry’s radar. Regulatooooooooors! Mount up!

With his soulful sound, Nate shaped the trends of West Coast rap and hip hop in a unique way that can never be duplicated.

Nathaniel “Nate Dogg” Hale

August 19, 1969 – March 15, 2011

If you didn’t know before, I am here to reconfirm some not-so-breaking-news: Social networking has officially conquered the world.

Billboard, one of the industry’s most trusted authorities in tracking music charts, launched a new chart whose sole purpose is to tally artists’ popularity on social networking sites.

I introduce to you the “Social 50.”

The Social 50 started this December and gathers data based on the following criteria:

• Weekly additions of followers, friends, and fans on sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, iLike, and MySpace (wait…people still have MySpace pages…yikes)!
• The number of artists’ page views and song plays on the listed sites

Considering there are 500 million Facebook users, a host of (closet) MySpace users, tons of YouTube junkies, and a growing population of “Tweeps,” ranking popularity in the music industry with a chart like the Social 50 makes perfect sense.

Here’s Social 50’s current top ten.

10. Michael Jackson

Posthumously, MJ breaks records that artists strive to accomplish in a lifetime. With a little help from Akon, the Gloved One keeps rocking our worlds.

9. Shakira

8.  Linkin Park

7. Nicki Minaj

Soooo I still won’t admit that I actually like Nicki Minaj, but I pretty much have liked every single she has either released or has been featured on this year. Her beef with Lil’ Kim, her animated personality, and her close affiliation with Young Money make Ms. Minaj a constant trending topic. “Tell me how you do that ish…”

6.  Katy Perry

5. Lady Gaga

4. Eminem

3. Justin Bieber

Really, Justin Bieber. Why, oh, why are you such a little heart throb?!?  Bieber was discovered from his YouTube video performances, so the Biebs is an old pro at this whole social networking, popularity contest. And with touching songs and videos like, “Pray,” his star is destined to keep on rising.

2. Rihanna

1. Black Eyed Peas

Parliament front man, George Clinton, is suing the Peas for copyright infringement for sampling one of his tracks in their 2003 hit, “Shut Up.” Well, shame on them for plagiarizing, but good for them for being in the news. They (whoever they are) say that, “bad publicity is better than no publicity,” and I firmly believe that Social 50 will reflect increases in artists’ popularity in times of good press and in bad.

I mean, I totally listened to “Shut Up” 20 times on YouTube and compared it to a handful of George Clinton songs just to try to hear the alleged infringement.

You’re welcome, Black Eyed Peas, for those extra YouTube views.

If your favorite artists haven’t cracked Social 50’s top ten yet, then my advice to you is this: Spend less time Facebook stalking former friends, uploading bikini Twit Pics, or sharing elementary school picture collages on YouTube and opt, instead, to spend more time following your favorite band or singer.

Remember, with social networking, you, too, can be the change you want to see in the world.

For more of the latest music news and reviews by Erica Renee Davis, check back to Positively Celebrity!

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!

Unless your first name is Lady and your last name Gaga, then you probably walked away from this year’s MTV Music Video Awards moon man-less. Aside from the extremely obvious news – Gaga’s virtual VMAs sweep, Gaga’s white carpet entrance, Gaga’s meat dress – let’s quickly recap some other highlights from this year’s VMAs.

Nicki Minaj treated fans to a pink and purple performance in which she and her dancers were life -sized, robotic Barbies. Punctuating Nicki’s first live VMAs performance was Will-I-Am as he joined Ms. Minaj for their single, “Check It Out.”  Though I feel that Nicki Minaj, her butt implants, and her nursery rhyme style are this year’s biggest gimmick, she is a fascinating little fireball. Lots more of Minaj to come.

30 Seconds To Mars won Best Rock Video for fan favorite, “Kings and Queens. ” I picked Jared Leto and crew to take home the statue for Video of the Year, but all moon men are created equal, so I’m sure they’re just as pumped for their victory.

Recovery dominated the charts all summer, so it was only appropriate that Eminem christen the 2010 VMAs as the opening performer. No elaborate stage props. No hot-to-trot back up dancers. Just Em, his black hoodie, and a red haired Rihanna was all Marshall Mathers needed to cement himself as the undisputed, comeback King of the year. Thumbs up to Em.

Previously, I admitted to you guys that I was recently struck by a mild case of Bieber Fever. I have also tried to encourage other closet Justin Bieber fans to come forward and discuss their complications from this disorder. His VMAs performance – his dancing, his singing, his attempting to play the drums -could not have been any cuter. I’m sure that his all guy dance crew was proud to sport the “B” on their school boy cardigans. How old is he again?

The Biebs might be a minor, but his mentor, Usher, is definitely of age! Complete with a futuristic set, break dancing b-boys, and an out of breath Mr. Raymond, the “OMG” singer’s performance of his 2010 mega hits was an early VMAs highlight.

Flanked by technically perfect dancers was lead singer Florence Welch in Florence + the Machine’s refreshing performance of “Dog Days Are Over.”

And though her vocal talent is clearly not her strong suit, Taylor Swift’s song writing abilities and her angelic presence shined through as she sang “Innocent.” Kanye wouldn’t have dared interrupted Miss Swift during this one.

Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J, Mr. Alicia Keys Swizz Beats, and VMAs newcomer, Drake, re-enacted  a classy, 40s jazz club complete with a dapper white coat and a piano. Drake has told us before that his name means Do Right And Kill Everything, and each time he takes center stage,  he does just that.

How do you like your douche bag? Donned in a vibrant red sport coat and matching pants? If “yes” is your answer, you’re in luck because that’s how self-proclaimed d-bag, Kanye West, appeared as he performed “Runaway” for the VMAs closing act.

In another self-indulgent, only-Kanye-would gesture, Mr. West toasted to all the world’s a**holes (including himself, I suppose) and blamed “good looks” and “talent” as culprits for bad behavior.  Oh, Kanye. How you’ve mastered so well the art of manipulation.

A positively successful awards show. For now, it’s back to making music and hot videos to prep for next year!

Be sure to keep up-to-date with the latest music news from Erica Renee Davis right here on Positively Celebrity.

Tony’s, Emmy’s, Grammy’s, VMA’s, CMA’s… Award season gives us a lot to look forward to. From seeing all our favorite celebs dressed to impress all in the same place to finding out who takes home the trophy this year, these upcoming events are always entertaining to watch (even when we’re not invited.)

The 2010 Emmy Awards have been much anticipated this year especially with hit new shows such as Glee and Modern Family added to the competition.

Hollywood literally rolled out the red carpet for Sunday’s Emmy’s which was hosted by Late Night star and SNL alum Jimmy Fallon. I most enjoyed the star-studded opening number, the fabulous fashion and Glee to dominate this year!

Mark your calendars country music fans, because the 2010 CMA Awards will be  November 10, 2010 and back by popular demand the event will be hosted by Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley for the third year in a row. Special performances will include Kid Rock and Martina McBride.

The 2010 MTV Video Music Awards will be bigger than ever this year!

On September 12, 2010 our favorite sassy comedian Chelsea Handler (Chelsea Lately) will host the VMA’s live from Los Angeles.

The star-studded list of performers include: Drake, Justin Beiber, Eminem, Kanye West,and  B.o.B.

The two major contenders battling out for the most ‘moon man’ awards this year will be the fierce duo: Lady Gaga and Beyonce. I’m going to go with GaGa this year!

Happy Awards Season!

And be sure to check out more of the latest news from Jessica Crilley right here at 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!

Immediately diving into raw flows about pistols and kilos, the “I’m Not a Star” intro is Ross’s facetious proclamation against what we know is the obvious. With first week projected sales of 180,000, Rick Ross plans to dominate this summer’s rap game with his latest release, Teflon Don.

“M.C. Hammer” is one of the album’s better tracks where Ross boasts about having Porsches, mansions, and money. In “B.M.F.,” Ross sucks you in with the contagious first line, “I think I’m Big Meech. Larry Hoover.”  I’m not positive who Big Meech and Larry Hoover are, but I am sure that line will be coming to a Facebook status near you.

Jay-Z, Diddy, and T.I. are a few hip hop heavyweights guest appearing on The Boss’s 4th album. And in true Kanye fashion, Mr. West does on  ”Live Fast, Die Young” what he so infamously does best- he steals the show with the tightest verse on the song.

With beats not nearly as bold as hits from Port of Miami, Trilla, or Deeper Than Rap, Ross’s rhymes, set over more melodious tempos, create the tone for a very mellow listening experience.

How likely is it, though, that Teflon Don can dethrone Eminem’s Recovery?

On 2009’s Relapse, Em failed to meet fans’, critics’, and even his own expectations. In ”Talkin 2 Myself,” Mr. Mathers acknowledges falling short of his rapping potential declaring “the last two albums didn’t count…I feel like I let ‘em down.”  Slim Shady, you left no one disappointed with Recovery.

From the self-deprecating “W.T.P.” to the unlikely but lively duet with Pink on “Won’t Back Down,” if it wasn’t for censorship, every song could be a radio hit.  You cheer for Eminem on “Cinderella Man” where he raps about maximizing second chances. You smile when you see the most gangster of them all singing Rihanna’s hook on “Love The Way You Lie.”  You pat yourself on the back for buying Recovery when Em ”peaces” out at the end of the ”Untitled” track.

Eminem proves that he’s more quick-witted than ever.  So clever is his flow, you find yourself rewinding tracks because you can’t believe he said whatever you thought you just heard.  Believe it.  His flow is really that sick.

Which album – Teflon Don or Recovery – comes out on top in this battle?

The undisputed winner is Recovery.

A die hard, buy-the-album-at-midnight, Rick Ross fan since 2006, it pains me to say that Ross left the boss at home on his latest effort.  You quickly become bored of the monotonous money, jewelry, women lyrics, and because each track sounds like the one before (and after), non-existent is a standout song from Teflon Don.  Recovery, in contrast, keeps you guessing, is colorful, and is the kind of album you can ride out to.

Eminem keeps his crown for now. Rick Ross, take notes from Slim Shady, recover your skills, and try again next summer.

If you’re not in the know, here’s the scoop. Rapper Eminem has had an ongoing feud with Mariah Carey for denying that the two ever had a relationship. Mariah Carey fired back at Em with a single and video called ‘Obsessed’ which depicts a stalker of the singer – hinted to be Eminem.

So in a new single released by Eminem, entitled ‘Warning,’ Eminem attempts to set things straight. He threatens to reveal nude pictures and phone messages Mariah allegedly sent to him during their brief relationship. He also disses Mariah’s new husband, Nick Cannon, for having labeled his career as one that thrives on hate.

No arguments here. Eminem is clearly an artist with a lot of anger, anger that’s curiously directed only at Mickey Mouse celebrities. Ever hear Eminem diss DMX or Jay Z?

Didn’t think so. I guess in Eminem’s world everyone should care that he had a sexual encounter with Mariah and that she chose to lie about it. Aren’t there worse things to get riled up about, Em? Clearly the two artists have something in common as far as their careers lacking relevance.

I know, ouch.