Posts Tagged ‘Jay Z’

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!

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.

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!

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

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.

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!

Beyonce’s latest decree is that girls run the world!

She took a break from sitting court side with hubby Jay-Z long enough to make this year’s next big single. Officially released last week, Beyonce’s “Run The World (Girls)” is gradually edging out other chart toppers and bringing along a bit of controversy, too.

“Run The World” samples Major Lazer’s Pon de Floor, a huge club hit from DJs, Diplo and Switch.

And fans and critics are divided on whether or not Beyonce’s new, female-empowerment anthem does the original version justice.

Check out the original and the Beyonce’ version.

Did Major Lazer do it better or do B’s vocals add the perfect touch?

Let me know what you think! And be sure to check back often for more of the latest music news and reviews right here on Positively Celebrity!

You know what they say…new year, new fight to become number one on the charts.

Well, actually, I’ve never heard anyone say that, but I know every solo artist and every member of your favorite band has thought just that.

While we mere mortals are making New Year’s resolutions to not procrastinate on getting our taxes done and to get out of bed before noon on weekends, the gods and goddesses of the music industry are preoccupied with that of a different resolve.

Our favorite artists are strategizing ways to ensure their records remain #1 on iTunes and doing damage control when their unreleased music gets “leaked” onto the internet.

Here are a few artists who’ve been in the news recently and are doing whatever it takes to stay relevant in 2011.

Keri Hilson

It’s no secret that Ms. Keri Baby has perfected her niche for penning hits for herself and for others, but as a “front woman,” I categorized her as the off-brand Ciara (who, as many believe is the reincarnate of Aaliyah).

The most recent Keri Hilson buzz, however, has been about her risqué video for song, “The Way You Love Me.”  A scantily clad Keri and crew are dancing quite provocatively, but honestly, it’s not that much racier than anything we’ve seen the Pussycat Dolls or Lady Gaga do.

“The Way You Love Me” shows an extremely sensual side of Keri that we’ve never seen – a far, far cry from the super-conservative, “Way I Are,” Timbaland days.

Hilson’s “X” factor to stay relevant in 2011 is clearly the “sex factor.”

Is it too much or just enough?

Paramore

The disbanding of a mainstream musical act hasn’t been this news worthy since Destiny’s Child became DC3.

Exit brothers Zac and Josh Farro.

Former Paramore musicians and founding members Zac (drummer) and Josh (guitarist) announced last month they were leaving the pop punk band because the group was a “manufactured product of a major label.”

Farro brothers also accused lead singer Hayley Williams of signing as a solo act to Atlantic Records, something that other Paramore members had not done.  Regardless of whether or not Paramore is, in fact, a manufactured product, songs like “Crushcrushcrush” and “The Only Exception” have proven the group has chemistry and talent.

But you know what they say… bad publicity is better than no publicity (and “they” really do say that). And with the back and forth blogosphere retaliations between Farro brothers and the remaining 3 members of Paramore, the group’s social media following has increased so much that they’re moving up Billboard’s Social 50 chart.

Paramore begins 2011 with increased Billboard popularity. In the long run, will the band member changes hurt or help the group?

Kanye West

I cannot decide if Kanye West’s ridiculous antics are fueled by his inability to be anything but a “d-bag” or if his public persona is a carefully crafted machine designed specifically to keep him in the news. For the life of me, I cannot figure it out.

And that’s exactly how Kanye wants it.

Here’s the abbreviated version of Kanye’s media melees: “George Bush doesn’t care about black people,” comment in 2005, Taylor Swift incident at the 2009 VMAs, and the uncomfortable interview he gave to Matt Lauer towards the end of 2010.

After repeatedly dragging his reputation through the mud, Kanye West joined Twitter where he reveals links to his new music and posts album artwork twitpics to keep fans abreast on upcoming projects. Most recently, he unveiled the artwork for  H.A.M., his joint album with Jay-Z.

You would think that, with his bad-boy attitude, Mr. West would have 0 Twitter followers.  Instead, he has almost 2 million. And he follows no one.

Whether it’s through mainstream media or social media, Kanye West has managed to stay relevant by embracing and celebrating his tarnished image.

Does Kanye’s attitude affect your decision to buy his music?

What lengths are some of your favorite artists going to to keep their names in the news?

The camera pans the crowd, catching glimpses of crying, sweating concert goers sporting temporary tattoos bearing her name. From Africa to America, tens of thousands of screaming fans fill stadiums just to experience this larger-than-life entertainer.

If you’re one of the unlucky ones who hasn’t seen this Diva perform live, last week’s ”I Am…World Tour” Thanksgiving special gave an intimate look into how her Royal Hotness rules the world wearing nothing more than a leotard, Spanx, and 4-inch stilettos.

She is…BEYONCE!

Admittedly, I am one of the unlucky ones who hasn’t seen Ms. B live in concert. Well, I recant that statement. I DID see her perform when she was still the lead singer of Destiny’s Child in 2000 at Disney World’s Grad Nite. Mmmm…that was TEN years ago…I’m guessing that doesn’t qualify.

So, Beyonce,’ if you’re reading this, I will totally take you up on the offer if you want to surprise me and a group of friends with a private suite at your next show. Hey, just throwing it out there into the universe.

“I Am…World Tour” special starts with Beyonce’ taking a helicopter ride over NYC en route to a first rehearsal for her tour. Next, you see video clips of Beyonce’ “doing work” as she punctuates even the most minor details of her upcoming show. In the first few minutes, a rarely revealed side of Beyonce’ is exposed - very little make-up, her normally curly mane is bone straight, and she gets a bit assertive when talking to her crew about last minute preparations.

Immediately, I was excited to watch all 1 hour and 30 minutes of the show.

Now, I am a lover of many Beyonce’ trends. I never got down with the Predator braids from the days of “Say My Name…”

…But I have followed B’s instructions from “Get Me Bodied” and have done the Naomi Campbell walk across the club and have dropped down low and hit the floor.

Note: Supermodels rarely get their “eagle on” in public, so don’t attempt those two moves in the same night like I did.

And even though I dashed to the nearest American Apparel after the “Single Ladies” video premiered and bought a small arsenal of leotards, I always found a way to be critical of Beyonce.’

In one breath I would say, “Yeah, Beyonce, is a great performer, but you can tell she has to work hard at picking up choreography.” Ooooor I have even said, “Yeah, I like a lot of her songs, but she doesn’t really have any ballads. All her songs have a pronounced base line.”

She’s great, so why hate?

The “Naughty Girl” has always kept a barrier between herself and the media’s prying eye, so it’s easy to criticize when you can’t figure someone out.  Watching Beyonce’s behind-the-scenes action during “I Am” made me understand and appreciate her and her influence in a way that I never have before.

Okay…so maybe she has never emphatically said, “Yes, I am married to Jay Z.” But because she knows her fans want to feel connected to that part of her personal life, she brings Jay-Z on stage for guest duos, and throughout her performances, she throws up the infamous “Roc” diamond made popular by her hubby.

At one point, Beyonce’s music video factory was cranking out new videos seemingly every other week, and critics quipped that she was overexposed. Well, at her concerts, faithful fans recite each lyric, mimic every dance move, and cling to every note.  If you had millions of people depending on you to inspire and to entertain, you, too, would make sure your presence was always known – even if that meant there was a potential for over exposure.

Think back on all the one-note, Beyonce’ interviews you’ve seen in the past. You know the ones where she’s overly cautious and super secretive and avoids answering those “gotcha” type questions? “I Am,” if only a teeny bit, makes up for some of those cupcake interviews.

Spoiler Alert: She does NOT reveal the name or the projected birth date of her first born, but from watching, you do get the feeling that what you’re seeing is genuinely Beyonce.’

“I Am,” more than so many of Beyonce’s other ga-gillion accomplishments, is one of her best pieces of work. With each high-energy performance, you feel like you’re one barricade and security guard away from the real thing. Most importantly, the documentary really does show how deeply she respects her talents and how dedicated she is to cultivating her gifts.

With that kind of die -hard commitment and relentless work ethic, she will forever be 10 Louboutin steps ahead of the rest.

Be sure to check back for more of the latest music news from Erica Renee Davis right here on Positively Celebrity!