EURweb |
09-10-07 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
NAS VS. BILL O’REILLY: Rapper responds in war of words over his participation at Virginia Tech concert.
*Nas has responded to a verbal attack on his character by Fox News mouthpiece Bill O’Reilly, who said the rapper’s participation in the Sept. 6 concert dedicated to the Virginia Tech massacre was insulting to the memories of the victims.
During several of his shows last month, O’Reilly echoed earlier complaints from seven families of the victims regarding the inclusion of Nas, who has rapped about shooting and murder in the past.
After running clips of Nas’ songs that contain violent lyrics, O'Reilly claimed that choosing Nas to perform "insults the victims, the university, and the entire commonwealth."
In an interview with MTV, Nas struck back against O’Reilly, calling him a racist.
"Everybody has a marketing plan; his marketing plan is racism,” he said. "It just shows you what bloodsuckers d they abuse something like the Virginia Tech [tragedy] for show ratings. You can't talk to a person like that."
The rapper said his violent lyrics are a reflection of his experience living in America's streets and ghettos. He added: "I had a best friend killed, plenty other friends killed. I been through it. I seen it.
"I think that's what makes it important that I come through and show love to those people [at Virginia Tech]."
And that’s exactly what he did at Thursday’s Concert for Virginia Tech, which took place before 45,000 people at the school’s Blacksburg campus and also featured John Mayer, Phil Vassar and organizers the Dave Matthews Band.
According to The Richmond Times-Dispatch, the rapper even dedicated a song to O'Reilly.
“For those who don't understand what Nas is about, like that chump Bill O'Reilly, I got a song for you," he said before breaking into the last song of his set, “Hate Me Now.”
JAY-Z ANNOUNCES THIRD 40/40 CLUB IN VEGAS: Plus, rapper addresses wedding questions at press conference.
*Jay-Z is bringing his 40/40 experience to Sin City. Following locations in New York City and New Jersey, the rap mogul has announced he will open a third franchise of his signature club in Las Vegas.
The 24,000 square-foot sports bar will be housed in the Palazzo Hotel and include 24-karat gold and platinum floors, five VIP lounges and 85 plasma televisions. Construction, estimated at $20 million, is expected to be completed in December.
Meanwhile, reporters at Thursday’s press conference announcing the venture couldn’t resist asking Jigga when he plans to finally put a ring on girlfriend Beyonce’s finger.
"One day, soon -- let's leave it at that," he answered. When asked if he would consider marrying in Vegas, the mogul said: "I don't know. It's kind of comfortable here."
ANOTHER DEBARGE PLACED IN HANDCUFFS: Chico follows big brother Eldra into the slammer.
*For the second time in less than a week, a member of the DeBarge family has been taken into custody.
Four days after El DeBarge was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, his younger brother Chico was nabbed on suspicion of having illegal drugs and cash in his car, reports TMZ.com.
On Aug. 30, Chico, born Jonathan Arthur DeBarge, was spotted in his Toyota vehicle switching seats with a female companion while driving on a Los Angeles highway. When an officer pulled them over, illegal drugs and cash were reportedly discovered.
The 41-year-old former artist, who attempted a solo career outside of the famous group formed by his siblings, is being held on $30,000 bail, according to TMZ. Meanwhile, Eldra, 46, is being detained without bail because he had two previous warrants for his arrest in narcotics cases.
No word yet if Bunny, James or Randy DeBarge have been picked up for anything.
POITIER, WHITAKER, BERRY ATTEND OPRAH’S OBAMA BASH: Saturday’s fundraiser expected to raise $3 million for candidate.
*Oprah Winfrey’s fundraiser for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama took place Saturday with Sidney Poitier, Forest Whitaker, Chris Rock, Jamie Foxx and Halle Berry among the 1,500 guests in attendance.
The affair – with tickets at $2,300 apiece, was expected to raise $3 million for the Illinois senator’s campaign, reports the Associated Press..
Stevie Wonder performed at the gala, which also included Will Smith, Dennis Haysbert, Cindy Crawford, Jimmy Connors, Linda Evans and many others.
Media outlets were barred from entering the event held at Winfrey’s secluded home in Montecito, Calif., a coastal enclave south of Santa Barbara.
Guests had to take a shuttle to Winfrey’s estate from an equestrian center located about 10 miles away. According to AP, “a solid line of limousines, BMWs, Bentleys and a few hybrid Priuses disgorged well-dressed guests. Some sported stiletto heels despite official instructions to wear flat shoes for walking on Winfrey's meadow.”
Security took away any recording devices or cameras toted by guests, who were also informed that Winfrey and Obama would not be accepting gifts.
SHERRI SHEPHERD DEMANDED $2 MIL TO JOIN ‘VIEW?’: TV Guide claims money was behind the delay in today’s scheduled announcement.
*Did Sherri Shepherd demand more money than “The View” wanted to give her to become the fifth and final permanent co-host?
According to TV Guide's Michael Ausiello, 11th hour salary negotiations caused the week-long delay in today’s official unveiling of Shepherd’s permanent place on the show, which apparently was supposed to be announced along with the addition of Whoopi Goldberg.
In fact, when we caught up with Shepherd last July during the “Who’s Your Caddy” junket in Los Angeles and asked if the “View” gig was in her future, she quipped coyly: “I don’t know. They’re not trying to pay me.”
Rumor has it that Shepherd was asking for a salary of $2 million.
According to Ausiello, Shepherd told producers she wants to make at least what co-hosts Joy Behar and Elisabeth Hasselbeck are earning.
During the standoff, ABC reportedly considered other celebs, including Kathy Griffin and former BET news maven Jacquie Reid. But according to Ausiello’s mole at ABC, Griffin also balked at the network’s initial offer.
One-time consideration Roseanne Barr also reportedly had an asking price that was too high for ABC suits, Ausiello says.
Meanwhile, Shepherd is also getting money from NBC this fall with a scheduled reprise of her first-season role on “30 Rock.”
DIDDY ‘CLOSER THAN EVER’ TO KIM PORTER?: Plus, Billy Joel’s wife says she wasn’t ‘turned away’ from his white party despite reports.
*As an Essence article about Kim Porter’s dramatic break up with ex-boyfriend Sean “Diddy” Combs hits the streets, the former couple were spotted “closer than ever” at New York’s Tenjune club Wednesday night, according to the New York Daily News.
"She was just gazing into Diddy's eyes," said a spywitness. "Their faces were literally inches apart. It looked like they were still very much in love."
In other Diddy news, Billy Joel’s wife Katie Lee Joel says she was not turned away from the rapper’s white party for wearing cream, as was widely reported.
"I was only dropping off house guests before I went out to dinner!
They denied me from a party I wasn't even going to," Joel told the Daily News at the Entertainment Weekly party at the SoHo Grand. "This whole thing has gotten blown way out of proportion."
WILL SMITH GAINS ‘SEVEN POUNDS’: Actor joins ‘Happyness’ team for new drama.
*Will Smith’s next role seems to have been inspired by Sean Kingston’s “Beautiful Girls,” as the actor portrays a man who inadvertently falls in love while attempting suicide.
“Seven Pounds,” scheduled to shoot in February for a late 2008 release, re-teams Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment and co-producer Escape Artists with director Gabriele Muccino – the creative teams behind Smith’s "The Pursuit of Happyness," reports Variety.
As previously reported, Muccino was also supposed to direct Smith in Columbia Pictures' "Hancock," but the director dropped out due to creative differences and was replaced by Peter Berg. That film is currently shooting and is set to wrap in the fall.
Smith will then spend the holiday season plugging Warner Bros.
Pictures' post-apocalyptic actioner "I Am Legend," which bows in December, before segueing to "Seven Pounds."
Meanwhile, Escape Artists recently wrapped the Denzel Washington-directed "The Great Debaters."
NEW MAXWELL ALBUM DUE NEXT YEAR: Singer uploads snippet of new track to his MySpace page.
*Maxwell fans were thrown a bone on Friday (Sept. 7) when the singer uploaded a snippet of his new song, “Pretty Wings,” on his MySpace site.
The track will appear on his forthcoming album, “Black Summer’s Night,” which was originally due in February 2008, the singer announced in October.
"Maxwell's still working with Sade's band, his tried-and-true team,"
new Columbia urban music exec Kyambo "Hip-Hop" Joshua tells Billboard. "He took some time off and now he's ready."
"He's recorded so much material that he's got a couple of albums done," he continues. "So, he might be going out on the road touring for this album soon. I won't say the album will drop first-quarter 2008, but [next] summer sounds good."
IKE TURNER PLANNING REALITY SHOW: Series would follow shenanigans with ex-wife he accused of trying to poison him.
*In a project to rival Bravo’s “Being Bobby Brown,” veteran musician Ike Turner is hoping to launch a reality series based on his volatile relationship with ex-wife Audrey Madison, the woman he claims tried to kill him with an overdose of prescription pills.
According to WENN, the 75-year-old divorced artist is now back together with Madison, his background singer, and looking to make some money off of their quirky relationship.
Friends insist the couple will be together forever, because she's the only woman who is "wilder than he is."
One source says: "He's been used to marrying groupies he could control."
In addition to working on their relationship and pitching a new reality TV show, the duo is currently planning a tour of Europe.
PUMA NABS OLD SCHOOL RAPPERS FOR PROMOTION: Doug E. Fresh, MC Shan help plug new Puma x.
*Puma has enlisted old school rappers Doug E. Fresh, M.C. Shan and others to promote its new line of sneakers named after MTV’s groundbreaking series “Yo! MTV Raps.”
The famous emcees have just completed a radio/press tour of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York and Boston to promote the Puma x YO! MTV Raps line of hip hop footwear and apparel.
“We want to make sure people understand what YO! MTV Raps really means," Doug E. Fresh said of the tour. "It’s bigger than a name and label.
Hip Hop is what it is today because of the show."
The line features limited edition sneakers and clothing created by Doug E. Fresh, MC Shan, Big Daddy Kane and YO! MTV Raps co-hosts Ed Lover and Dr. Dre. Debuting at Puma Concept stores on Sept. 15, the collection includes five YO! MTV Raps Puma Suede colorways ($80), plus T-Shirts and hoodies.
"YO! MTV Raps shed a spotlight on an important time in music history and brought musicians like me, MC Shan and Big Daddy Kane to a larger audience," Doug E. Fresh continued. "By partnering with Puma on this collection, we are able to capture the show’s essence and continue the legacy the show worked so hard to build.”
REDMAN TO GO ‘WILD’ ON U.S. TOUR: Rapper kicks off club/theater trek this month in Ann Arbor.
*His latest album, “Red Gone Wild – Thee Album,” hit the streets way back in March of this year, but Redman has just now decided to give the project a promotional boost with a fall tour of clubs and theaters across the U.S.
The rapper’s four-week trek is scheduled to launch on Sept. 17 in Ann Arbor, MI. Kids in the Hall and Akir will serve as special guests on the tour, dates for which are listed below.
Redman can also be seen on the MTV reality show "Celebrity Rap Superstar," which features a group of hip hop veterans teaching celebrities from TV, film, music and sports how to master the art of rapping.
Contestants perform in weekly elimination rounds until a winner is left standing. The eight-week competition began airing Aug. 30.
Here are Redman’s tour dates:
September 2007
17 - Ann Arbor, MI - Blind Pig
18 - Traverse City, MI - Streeters
19 - Chicago, IL - The Abbey
20 - Bloomington, IN - Bluebird Nightclub
21 - Madison, WI - Barrymore Theater
24 - Omaha, NE - Slowdown
26 - Boulder, CO - Fox Theatre & Cafe
27 - Denver, CO - Cervantes Ballroom
28 - Aspen, CO - Belly Up Aspen
29 - Park City, UT - Harry O's
30 - Reno, NV - Stoney's
October 2007
2 - Seattle, WA - Neumos
3 - Bellingham, WA - Nightlight
5 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theater
7 - Santa Cruz, CA - The Catalyst
8 - Hollywood, CA - House of Blues Sunset Strip 10 - San Diego, CA - Canes Bar & Grill
12 - Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theatre
HOT 100 CRANKS THAT ‘SOULJA BOY’: Teen and his dance sensation reaches No. 1; Kanye’s ‘Stronger’ holds down No. 2.
*It was only a matter of time before 17-year-old Soulja Boy reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 with his debut single “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” a song with a signature dance that has become a YouTube phenomenon.
Scores of videos showing folks cranking that Soulja Boy have helped lay the groundwork for the song’s steady rise. Also, the track jumped from No. 2 last week thanks to sales of 144,000 digital downloads and Aug. 27 performances by Soulja Boy of the song on MTV's "TRL" and BET's "106 & Park."
Kanye West's Daft Punk-sampling "Stronger" rises 3-2 as the fastest growing track at radio, while last week's No. 1, Fergie's "Big Girls Don't Cry," falls to No. 3. Interscope thus becomes the first label since the Island Def Jam Music Group in September 2005 to post back-to-back Hot 100 chart-toppers.
Timbaland's "The Way I Are" featuring Keri Hilson repeats at No. 4, and Sean Kingston's "Beautiful Girls" remains at No. 5. T-Pain's "Bartender"
featuring Akon rebounds 7-6, Nickleback's "Rock Star" jumps 11-8 and Fabolous' "Make Me Better" featuring Ne-Yo holds steady at No. 9. Plies'
"Shawty" featuring T-Pain slides 9-10 to round out the top tier.
Elsewhere in the Hot 100, the chart's top debut comes from Nelly at No. 43 with "Wadsyaname." It's a career-best debut for the rapper, who has four No. 1s and 12 top 10s to his credit, according to Billboard.
On Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, Keyshia Cole's "Let It Go"
featuring Missy Elliott and Lil' Kim is No. 1 for a third week. Alicia Keys'
"No One" is the fastest growing track at radio, rocketing 65-21 in its second week on the chart.
WILL.I.AM., POLOW, T-PAIN WIN BMI URBAN AWARDS: Plus, Russell Simmons given special honor during Friday’s pre-VMA ceremony.
*As is tradition, a number of hip hop producers headed for Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards made a pit stop Friday to collect earned trophies from the annual BMI Urban Awards, which honor the songwriters and beat makers behind the year's biggest hits.
Producer Sean Garrett, who has worked with Britney Spears, Usher, Whitney Houston and Mary J. Blige, earned producer of the year and song of the year honors, reports the Associated Press.
Other producers nabbing awards were Polow Da Don, Jazze Pha, Rodney Jerkins, will.i.am, Lil Jon and T-Pain, who was also recognized for his top-selling ringtone, "I'm N Luv (Wit a Stripper)."
Since the VMAs were in Las Vegas this year, BMI set up shop at the nearby New York New York hotel to hand out its awards and pay tribute to Run-DMC's Joseph "Rev. Run" Simmons for his contributions to popular music.
"I'm lucky to be in the game," the rap pioneer said, adding that he was "shocked" to learn he would be joining Al Green, Isaac Hayes and James Brown as the recipient of BMI's Icon Award.
BMI chief executive Del Bryant compared Simmons to Mick Jagger, James Brown and Mohammed Ali, stating the rapper "had a permanent influence on generations of music-makers."
"He is the man for all time," he continued. "Run-DMC never crossed over. Popular music crossed over to them.
Sean “Diddy” Combs, a producer of Simmons' MTV reality show “Run’s House,” said the rapper changed his life.
"You gave birth to a whole culture, a whole generation," he said. "We bow down to you."
Simmons took the stage with Lil Jon and Lil Wayne to perform Run-DMC's
1986 breakthrough hit "Walk This Way."
Comedians Chris Rock and Chris Tucker were among the guests at the show. However, several stars who were supposed to be there failed to show up, including Rihanna, Snoop Dogg and producer of the year honorees Kanye West and Pharrell Williams.
WU-TANG PREVIEWS NEW ALBUM: Tracks feature George Clinton, late ODB and son of a famous Beatle.
*Billboard.com got a chance to preview eight unmastered tracks from the new Wu Tang Clan album, “The 8 Diagrams,” due Nov. 13 via Wu Music Group/Loud/SRC/Universal.
The group’s first studio album in six years includes "My People Gently Weeps," an interpolation of the Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" featuring input from Dhani Harrison, son of late Beatle George Harrison.
Funk legend George Clinton appears on the fast, old-school-sounding "Wolves," a showcase for group member U-God, says Billboard.
On the tracks "Weak Spot" and "Thug World," producer RZA provides his trademark dark, symphonic samples, while Method Man is showcased on the soulful head-nodder "They Want To Stick Me for My Riches."
In “Watch Your Mouth,” Raekwon spits: "I'm from a boulevard where ni**as get jacked and peed on.” The group attempts to reestablish its presence in hip hop with "Take It Back," which features Method Man stating:
"Before you even had a name, you was screaming Wu-Tang."
The album includes a tribute to the late Ol' Dirty Bastard, "Life Changes," highlighted by heartfelt verses from GZA: "Now I'm in the booth 10 feet from where he lay dead / I think about him on this song and what he might have said."
LAILA ALI JOINS FIGHT AGAINST CHILD HUNGER: Boxer teams with Uncle Ben’s to donate $1 million toward initiative.
*Laila Ali has teamed with Uncle Ben’s to highlight a new multi-year partnership with the Kids Cafe program of America's Second Harvest - The Nation's Food Bank Network.
Over the next four years, Uncle Ben's will donate $1 million to open additional Kids Cafe locations around the country and provide free meals and snacks to low-income children.
"When I heard that nearly 12 million children in the United States are hungry or at risk of going hungry, I knew this was a cause that needed attention," said Ali. "Kids Cafe locations not only allow children a chance to get a hot meal, they also are places where they can build friendships and learn about living a healthy lifestyle.”
The first Uncle Ben's Kids Cafe will open this month in Greenville, Miss., regarded as the spiritual home of Uncle Ben's. The Greenville Kids Cafe will be the Delta's first child hunger-relief facility and plans to serve an estimated 1,000 children a year.
Throughout the month of September, Uncle Ben's is hosting activities with Ali and associates to help raise awareness for and celebrate this important partnership.
"In addition to Uncle Ben's associates volunteering their time to serve meals at a variety of Kids Cafe locations, we're encouraging consumers to visit http://UncleBens.com/journal to sign 'Ben's Guest Book' or purchase any of our products during September; by doing so Uncle Ben's will make a contribution to the America's Second Harvest Kids Cafe program," said Vincent Howell, president, Mars Foods US.
For more information on the partnership between America's Second Harvest and Uncle Ben's, or to download recipes and coupons, visit http://www.unclebens.com.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Keyshia Cole’s National Anthem; Jameka’s mysterious blue ball; Dr. West and Mos Def on ‘Bill Maher.’
*To kick off the 2007-08 NFL season, the league tapped R&B singer Keyshia Cole to belt the National Anthem before Thursday’s matchup between the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts and the Reggie Bush-led New Orleans Saints.
Cole’s rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” has already been blogged about, with many saying she "Pamela Bell'd" it. ( http://youtube.com/watch?v=0g5y1kQPHlI)
*While Keyshia was sangin’ on NBC, Jameka was trying to save her life in the “Big Brother 8” house on CBS. Unfortunately, the nightly feeds broadcast live on Showtime Too reveal that her run will likely end with tomorrow’s live eviction.
The lone African American contestant made it to the final four following Thursday’s live “double eviction,” which saw her allies Jessica and Eric sent to the jury house. However, controversy erupted during Thursday’s Veto competition, where houseguests competed for an opportunity to remove an eviction nomination.
As colored balls rained down, the houseguests had to collect eight green ones and be the first to place them into their own cylinders. Jameka, from the Washington D.C. area, was hoping to win the Veto and use it to take herself off the block, but a freak occurrence in the game led to her unfair disqualification. (A blue ball mysteriously bounced into her container…or did it?)
Luckily for Jam, and CBS, the disqualification didn’t matter in the long run because she was not evicted. But many posters on message boards believe houseguest Dick, who was standing near Jam’s container with a blue ball in his hand, secretly slipped it inside. Although they are friends now, Dick, in the past, has attacked her religion, called her the c-word and made other derogatory comments during the course of the game. See clip of competition below.
Friday’s “Real Time with Bill Maher” on HBO featured guests: Dr.
Cornell West and rapper Mos Def discussing issues ranging from Osama Bin Laden’s latest video to the Jena 6.
During the hour, Mos Def said he doesn’t believe that Bin Laden exists, or that astronauts have even walked on the moon. (And that was just the tip of the iceberg.) See clip below.
THURSDAY: Keyshia Cole singing National Anthem at NFL Kickoff 2007/08
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCC3_EktALU&mode=related&search=
THURSDAY: Jameka Disqualified (Unfairly) from Veto Comp
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KBhFnknGqoE
FRIDAY: Bill Maher Welcomes Dr. Cornell West and Mos Def
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJRetQUTEWA
FILM/TV BITS: Martin addresses rumors; P.E. documentary; ‘Levees’ wins Emmys; Jawn Murray joins ‘Star Jones’; Cosby’s ‘Little Bill’ returns.
*At Essence.com, actor Duane Martin responds to rampant rumors that he is gay and his marriage to Tisha Campbell Martin is on the rocks. He
says: “Mark Twain said it best: ‘A lie can travel halfway round the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.’ So I’m not going to defend myself against a gay rumor when I’m trying to defend my son against autism. We would look really stupid trying to take our focus off autism, which affects all of us, to fight a gay rumor. The reason we are talking today is because what we will defend is our 17-year relationship. Nobody is touching that. So whoever wants to rumble, let’s rumble.”
*A documentary that chronicles the 20-year history of innovative rap group Public Enemy will have its world premiere at this year's AFI Fest, set for Nov. 1-11 in Los Angeles. "Public Enemy: Welcome to the Terrordome,"
directed by Robert Patton-Spruill, gives a rare insight into the group and features interviews with musicians Henry Rollins and Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello. Passes are on sale through the festival's Web site at AFI.com, or by phone, (866) AFI-FEST. Individual film and event tickets go on sale Oct. 12.
Spike Lee's New Orleans documentary, "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts," received three awards, including a directing trophy, at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards held Saturday to recognize technical and other achievements for the 2006-07 season. Also, "Saturday Night Live’s" digital short “Dick in a Box,” featuring Justin Timberlake and cast member Andy Samberg spoofing early 90s R&B singers, received an award for best original music and lyrics. The Creative Arts Emmys will air Sept. 15 on E!, the night before the Primetime Emmy Awards on Fox.
*Celebrity journalist Jawn Murray has joined Court TV's new “Star Jones Show” as an entertainment and pop culture contributor. Murray is to appear every other week beginning this week.
*Bill Cosby’s animated TV series, "Little Bill," will debut on cable's Noggin network today and air weekdays from 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; and weekends at 1:30 p.m. – all EST. The series, previously on Nickelodeon cable network's "Nick Jr.," is based on Cosby's "Little Bill" book series, which teaches the importance of friendship and family relationships and attempts to show children creative ways to solve their problems.
MUSIC BITS: Luda’s birthday bash; 50’s short temper; Eve’s SCRAM anklet; Wyclef’s Lauryn worries; Joss Stone at WEEN; Beyonce loves Latinas.
*Ludacris hosted his 30th birthday party Friday night at the Rio hotel in Las Vegas, one of numerous celebrity-filled events leading up to last night’s MTV Video Music Awards. Quincy Jones, Gabrielle Union and Tichina Arnold were among the well-wishers on hand at the sit-down dinner, which featured video screens playing some of his favorite movies, including "Scarface," "Friday" and his own Oscar-winning flick, "Crash." Arnold from "Everybody Hates Chris" serenaded Luda with what she called the "black Happy Birthday" song, a more soulful twist on the original, reports MTV.
*50 Cent reportedly got into it with one of Tyra Banks’ entourage as they all herded down the red carpet of Fashion Rocks last week. According to the New York Daily News, the rapper was inadvertently nudged by Banks’
handler and yelled to the man: "What the [bleep] is wrong with you? How you gonna bump me?" Meanwhile, 50’s rumored flame Ciara told red carpet reports that she was unable to make MTV’s VMAs because of a prior commitment. Mya proudly beamed: “I just opened up for Prince in London; I was in a trance the whole time."
*Rapper Eve’s alcohol monitoring anklet was removed this weekend, just in time for Sunday’s VMA red carpet. In April, the artist was ordered to wear the SCRAM device for five months after agreeing to a plea deal following a DUI arrest. When Us magazine asked if she was going to get her drink on to celebrate, she said: "You know I am! ... I gotta start slow.
It's been so many days.”
*Wyclef Jean continues to mourn the perceived unraveling of his former Fugees mate, Lauryn Hill, whose erratic behavior during recent shows have raised a few eyebrows, to say the least. "Lauryn Hill, Mrs Hill, the Hill should go see a psychiatrist - period - Just seek help,” Clef told MTV News.
"At this point I really think it will take an act of God to change her, because she is that far out there."
*Joss Stone is set to launch the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network, a Hip-Hop Summit Action Network program that aims to address the portrayal of women of color in entertainment — specifically hip-hop. Baby Phat designer Kimora Lee Simmons will act as the national spokeswoman for WEEN, which launches formally with a pink-carpet event Sept. 19 at Manhattan urban furniture store, Bo Concept.
*In an interview with Latina.com, Beyonce gushes: “I'm just jealous that I wasn't born Latina. I wish I had been because the culture is so beautiful. I'm very grateful Latinos are embracing me.” View the entire Q and A exchange here:
http://www.latina.com/latina/entertainment/entertainment.jsp?genre=music&art
icle=musicabeyonce07
EVENT CALENDAR: BHERC’s ‘Celebration of Sisterhood’; Quinn’s management firm; Melba Moore’s ‘Soul’ in NJ; ‘Clown Musical’ in Hollywood.
*On Thursday, Oct. 18, - "Great Day in Black Hollywood: A Celebration of Sisterhood Honoring Black Women Directors" will be hosted by Award-winning Filmmaker Julie Dash (“Daughters of the Dust”) at Raleigh Studios (650 Bronson Ave., Hollywood, CA.) The following day will be the "Festival Kick Off" Night where BHERC will present the 2007 honorees, including a Lifetime Achievement Award to Lou Gossett, Jr., the Ivan Dixon Award of Achievement to Dash and the Award of Excellence to Vida Spears and Sara Finney. For complete information visit www.BHERC.org or call
(310) 284-3170. Opening Night Tickets are $50.00; a weekend pass including opening night and closing night is $150.00 (all access); and individual screenings are only $10.00.
*Gwendolyn Quinn, president of GQ Media & Public Relations, Inc. and founder of the African-American Public Relations Collective (AAPRC), has opened the doors to an entertainment management firm, Mighty Quinn Management, Inc. Quinn will represent various talent in entertainment. So far, she has secured two book deals for two debut authors. She also represents singer/songwriter/musician Jessica Labus, a folk, rock and pop artist, as well as a diverse roster of book authors both nationally and internationally. Quinn is also a contributor to the forthcoming book Souls Revealed, scheduled for release in Feb. 2008. For further information on Mighty Quinn Management, please call 212-765-7910 or email MightyQuinnMgmt@aol.com.
*New Brunswick, NJ’s Crossroads Theatre Company (7 Livingston Ave.) opens its 2007-08 season with Melba Moore: Sweet Songs of the Soul, written and performed by Moore. Through narrative and a heady mix of jazz, gospel and Broadway melodies, Moore chronicles her poignant story: the rumors of her financial woes and trouble with men are bared, her hardships shared, and through it all her indomitable spirit witnessed. Melba Moore: Sweet Songs of the Soul can be seen on the Crossroads' stage Sept. 28 through Oct.
7. Performances: Evenings at 8 Sept. 28, 29, Oct. 4, 5, and 6. Matinees at 3:00 Sept. 30, Oct. 6 and 7. Tickets: $40-$55: Call 800-766-6048 or Visit www.CrossroadsNB.com.
*“As They Like It …The Clown Musical” is opening at the Barnsdall Park Gallery Theatre in Los Angeles (4800 Hollywood Blvd.) on Saturday Sept.
15 with shows at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. The grounds of Barnsdall Park will be turned into a real City Circus, with clowns, magicians, face-paintings and more – free of charge from noon until 6 p.m. The event is presented by Performing Arts For Life And Education Foundation (PALEF) in hopes of spreading the culture of Shakespeare in an understandable and down to earth manner for children to understand, enjoy and appreciate. Most of PALEF’s Shakespearean adaptations are very much ‘urbanized’ and made accessible to all people. Tickets for “As They Like It …The Clown Musical” are $15 each with some group discounts available. They may be purchased on line at bgtTickets.com or online at www.itsmyseat.com. Visit www.palef.org for more info.
JUDGE DENIES MOTION TO DISMISS SEAN BELL CASE: Three cops accused of shooting defenseless man lose bid to avoid trial.
*Judge Arthur Cooperman has denied a defense motion to dismiss the case against three police officers indicted earlier this year in the Sean Bell shooting.
The unarmed African American was shot and killed by plainclothes New York Police Department detectives on Nov. 25, 2006, as he and two other friends were leaving his bachelor party at Jamaica, Queens strip club. Three of the five detectives involved in the shooting were indicted by a grand jury.
The three officers showed no change of expression as Cooperman ruled against the dismissal of their indictment last week.
This case will now proceed, full stride," defense attorney Philip Karasyk told the judge, as he asked for additional discovery material from Queens prosecutors.
In addition to the judge's rejection of the defense motion, he also refused a request that the officers be tried individually.
On hand during the 20-minute hearing were the surviving victims, their relatives and advocates, including Reverend Al Sharpton with Bell’s would-be bride, Nicole Paultre Bell.
Shooting victim Joseph Guzman, who was struck with 16 police bullets, no longer uses a wheelchair and arrived at the courthouse this morning with the help of an aluminum cane.
The next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 14. The judge set a tentative trial date for Jan.7, 2008.
EUR DVD REVIEW: DOA: Dead or Alive
DVD Adaptation of Computer Game Delivers
DVD Review by Kam Williams
*DOA: Dead or Alive is a faithful adaptation of a popular, kiddie computer game which merely pays lip service to plot in favor of eye-popping fight scenes featuring scantily-clad women with gravity-defying boobs performing gravity-defying feats.
Like a cross of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Charlie's Angels, this titillating chopsocky revolves around a winner-take-all, anything goes, invitational tournament of gladiators being staged on an exotic island in the middle of nowhere by Dr. Victor Donovan (Eric Roberts), a diabolical creep with a hidden agenda. The grand prize? A cool $10 million.
Although the bulk of the competitors are men, the real stars, here, are four fearless females: Helen (Sarah Carter), Christie (Holly Valance), Tina (Jaime Pressley) and Kasumi (Devon Aoki). We're given a good idea of what to expect from this testosterone-sodden teen fantasy when we first meet Christie in her gratuitous, get-acquainted scene.
She's nearly-naked and just coming out of a shower when she suddenly finds herself confronted in her hotel room by several cops about some stolen diamonds. No problem. Whipping off the towel to use as a weapon, Christie proceeds to wrestle with them in a scene rather reminiscent of an equally-unforgettable bit from Borat.
Warning. Don't try to follow the plot. Don't try to make sense of the cartoon physics. Don't allow yourself to be put off by the cheesy trick photography. Otherwise, you'll feel betrayed and be bitterly disappointed.
The idea here is to sit back and delight in the cinematic equivalent of a fashion runway filled with two-fisted beauties flying around in lingerie, swimsuits and skin-tight attire.
If this flick were titled with truth in advertising in mind, ala Snakes on a Plane, it would have a name like Jiggly Babes Kick Butt. The stuff that post-pubescent dreams are made of.
Excellent (4 stars)
Rated PG-13 for nudity, sexuality, eroticized violence and pervasive martial arts action.
Running time: 87 minutes
Studi Genius Products
EUR FILM REVIEW: Musician
Peripatetic Purist Plies His Trade in Be-Bop Bio-Pic
Film Review by Kam Williams
*Ken Vandermark might not exactly be a household name, but that hasn't gotten in the way of his pursuing his dream of making a decent living as a jazz musician. Based in Chicago, Vandermark is a driven iconoclast who persists in playing his own brand of atonal, improvisation without worrying much about its commercial viability.
In fact, this master of the saxophone and clarinet cranks out about an album a month, and already has over 100 CDs recorded with over 40 different ensembles to his credit,. And Ken's touring schedule is just as hectic as his one in the studio, as he spends most of the year doing concerts on the road.
But because he devotes virtually every waking hour to perfecting his craft, whether composing, practicing, arranging or performing, his dedication has understandably been rewarded with a MacArthur grant, a very sizable sum of money bestowed annually upon geniuses who exhibit such a combination of promise and persistence, whatever their chosen area of expertise or endeavor.
Directed by Daniel Kraus, Musician is an engaging bio-pic about Vandermark which captures this whirling dervish in motion, whether he's soloing on stage, attending to travel details, commiserating with colleagues or reflecting about the meaning of it all while on the run. This informative flick ought to find an eager audience in all those aspiring artists struggling with the decision of whether to stick it out or to abandon their field for a more practical profession.
A fascinating documentary made memorable not by its music but by its poignant portrait of a likable, if narrowly-focused, purist unwilling to compromise his values, regardless of its cost in terms of fame or his career.
Excellent (4 stars)
Rated R for sex, expletives and drug use.
Running time: 60 minutes
Studi SheriffMovie/Two Boots Pioneer
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
"It doesn’t take genius, it doesn’t take courage, it doesn’t take inspiration or revelation. All it takes is a specific technique that magically turns it from an irritating and destructive force, into a powerful ally and positive force into our life." - Steven K. Scott
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Sept. 10: Jazz vibrophonist Roy Ayers is 67. Rapper Big Daddy Kane is 39.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Melinda Robertson's books on teen pregnancy are making a major impact in the community. Please visit www.motherhoodlove.com for more information.
Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a 15-20 word (or less) description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
Sept. 10, 1956: Louisville, Ky., public schools integrated. (Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
Share and Bookmark |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
