The Boombox Music Blog

Say What! -- Mayor Bloomberg Calls Jay-Z 'A Great New Yorker' + More

Sharks — 2009-11-06T20:55:00+00:00

Perpetual NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently introduced Jay-Z at the Yankees parade, "His song has become one of the newest anthems of the Yankees. Please welcome a great Yankee fan and a great New Yorker: Jay-Z." Meanwhile, 50 Cent can't even get permission to film a video in the entire city. Jay keeps winning. [RapUp]
First Trey Songz "Invented Sex." Then he made a video for it. "It's a groove record," Songz said. "It's got that knock at the same time. It's sexy at the same time. Conceptually, it's mind-blowing to tell a woman, 'You gonna think we invented sex when we're done.' That's where I am. Even with records like 'Say Aah,' conceptually I wanna think outside the box." Kids these days. [MTV]

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys to Record 'Empire State of Mind 2'

Sharks — 2009-11-06T19:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop News, Soul/R'n'B, R'n'B News, Hip-Hop Videos, Soul/R'n'B Videos, Behind the Video

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys are reportedly recording a sequel to their blockbuster single 'Empire State of Mind.' The long overdue collaboration originally appeared on Jay's 'Blueprint 3' album and resulted in a song so big it received more press during the World Series than the first game, and prompted an uninvited Lil Mama to hop onstage during their duet performance at the VMA's.
The divine power of the track doesn't stop there. Jay and Keys recently tapped famed music video director Hype Williams for the track's video. It debuted Friday to much critical acclaim, with Keys herself deeming it a masterpiece. "The way it's put together, it is so New York," the singer said. "You totally get it and understand it. It's artistic. It's hard. It's beautiful. It's, like, everything. And definitely getting to be in the middle of Times Square on my piano [with] Jay, representing our home city, is a triumph. It was unbelievable." View the video here.

Photo of the Week

Tracey Ford — 2009-11-06T18:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Photo of the Week

Who: Shakira and Beyonce
What: The divas were spotted chatting in the Glamour Pit at the 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards at the O2 Arena in Berlin.
Where: Berlin, Germany
When: Nov. 5, 2009

Next Photo

The Fat Boys Launch 'Old School Sexy' Clothing Line

Carter Maness — 2009-11-06T17:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop News, Tours and Concerts, Fashion

Eighties hip-hop trio The Fat Boys are making a comeback. The group, perhaps known best thanks to Jay-Z's lament over their break-up on 'The Blueprint' track 'Blueprint Complication,' is coming correct with a new clothing line to be distributed by Urban Outfitters and Hot Topic -- two stores that are surely known for cutting edge hip-hop fashion.

"With our clothing line hitting Hot Topics [haha, sic] and Urban Outfitters just in time for the holidays, we're real excited to be back and of course, this merchandise line is old school sexy," said group member Prince Markie Dee, now a popular Florida DJ. The Fat Boys have also created a website via RateMyMerch.com that allows fans to vote on potential designs. Participants can win an assortment of prizes for choosing their favorite shirt, including iPods and Virgin Mobile phones.

Jay-Z Joins the Yankees for World Series Celebration

Carter Maness — 2009-11-06T16:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop News

On Wednesday night, Phillies second baseman Shane Victorino hit a futile ground ball to Robinson Cano to end the World Series and clinch the New York Yankees' 27th championship. Today came the party. Millions of fans lined the famed Canyon of Heroes on lower Broadway to cheer the team through a parade of truly epic proportions. In the midst of raining paper and celebration, the crowd looked up to see a not-so-surprising sight: Jay-Z was boarding a float with Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez.

Hov has always been an outspoken fan on the Bronx Bombers, but really took his support to wild levels during this year's postseason. He performed his NYC anthem 'Empire State of Mind' before Game 2 and was seen cheering in the stands throughout the series. Today, he waved to crowds standing side-by-side with Rodriguez -- a player that finally came through in the clutch and has earned the respect of the town. At one point, Jay got everyone on the float to throw up a classic Roc sign. People went wild.

Rihanna Details Chris Brown Assault, Says 'He Had No Soul in His Eyes'

Latifah Muhammad — 2009-11-06T16:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop News, Soul/R'n'B, R'n'B News, Television

Rihanna has finally revealed what everyone wanted to know: What happened the night Chris Brown beat her? In part one of her interview about the altercation airing on 'Good Morning America' early Friday (Nov. 6), the 21-year-old gave riveting details of how it all went down. "He was definitely my first big love," she said. "We were best friends so we fell in love with each other. To fall in love with your best friend it's ... scary. The more in love we became the more dangerous we became for each other -- equally as dangerous because it was a bit of an obsession."

The singer goes on to divulge the details that night after leaving a pre-Grammy party and driving home with Brown. "We had a blast that night." According to Rihanna the couple started arguing after she found a text message from another woman on his phone. "I caught him in a lie and he wouldn't tell the truth. I wouldn't drop it. I couldn't take that he kept lying to me and he couldn't take that I wouldn't drop it. So it escalated into him being violent towards me."

DMX Pulls Out of Upcoming Boxing Match

Tracey Ford — 2009-11-06T14:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop News, What's Beef?

Quitters never win! It appears as though DMX has already given up on being a boxing champ and will not go toe-to-toe with New Mexico based fighter Eric Martinez. The rapper was scheduled to get in the ring with Martinez in Alabama on Dec. 12, but sources close to the matter reportedly told Allhiphop.com that the fight has been canceled.

Sources claim X pulled out because he wanted the event's sponsor Thunder Promotions to "fix" the fight. It has also been reported that Thunder Promotions may take legal action against X. However, there appears to be a silver lining for the promotion company as other rappers have been contacted to take his place. Stay tuned for the replacement announcement next week.

Rihanna to Preview 'Rated R' at Secret London Gig

Tracey Ford — 2009-11-06T13:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Soul/R'n'B, R'n'B News, Don't Call It a Comeback, Television

Rihanna is gearing up to release her fourth solo album 'Rated R' -- the first project since the Feb. 8 assault at the hands of ex-boyfriend Chris Brown. The R&B diva, who recently compared herself to Britney Spears given the media-fare surrounding the assault incident, has decided to preview the highly-anticipated material for fans in London on Nov. 16 at a secret location.

The free gig will be streamed live online by Nokia and will mark the first official performance of her new music. "It makes me nervous," Rihanna admitted on Nokia's music blog, "because it's not just the 6,000 people in the venue, but it's millions of people across the world watching it all at once ... It's exciting though; it's a big thing that everyone can see it. There's no better way to launch an album."

In related news, a portion of Rihanna's interview with Diane Sawyer aired on 'Good Morning America' Thursday morning (Nov. 6) with the full interview airing later tonight on ABC's '20/20.' Rihanna describes the assault In the emotional interview as "humiliating" and admits to going back to Brown after the incident.

Oprah Responds to Domestic Violence Double Standard, Bans BeBe Winans

Latifah Muhammad — 2009-11-06T12:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Soul/R'n'B, R'n'B News, Television

Oprah Winfrey has decided to remove singer BeBe Winans from her talk show amid debate that she was showing him in light of his domestic violence incident. "BeBe will not be appearing on the 'Oprah' show until his legal matters are resolved in court," said a rep for the talk show.

Winan was arrested and charged with domestic violence in February for allegedly pushing his ex-wife Debbie to the ground during an argument over custody of their two children. Debbie called Winfrey a hypocrite for having him on the show and was said to be "hurt" by his appearances. The gospel singer not only performed on the show but was also a special correspondent on the 'Oprah's Karaoke Challenge' special in the past months.

Jay Electronica, Mos Def and Curren$y Collaborate for Group Album

Sharks — 2009-11-06T11:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop News

New Orleans rapper Curren$y has announced that he, fellow New Oreleans rapper Jay Electronica and Brooklyn veteran Mos Def have united to record an album together. The group formed after a chance meeting at Dame Dash's converted NYC art space and studio, DD172, which Mos calls a "24-Hour Karate School."

"Jay Electronica is from my city. He's from New Orleans. I never met homie until I stepped foot in this building," Curren$y told MTV. "He came here to meet Mos. And Mos, I had only known him for 24 hours prior to that. But genuine people could recognize [each other], it was like, 'Let's go.'"

Apparently Mos Def came up with a name for the trio, "Center Edge Territory," which Curren$y claims to be self-explanatory. "Everything! That's everything!" he said, when asked for a definition for the name.

"We all know the game is in turmoil. We know the machine messed it up," he continued. "We know we don't even need to play that game, especially with access to all of this s---. We are our own machine."

Janet Jackson to Discuss Michael's Death for the First Time on ABC

Sharks — 2009-11-06T09:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Soul/R'n'B, R'n'B News, R.I.P., Television

Singer Janet Jackson is scheduled to appear in an hour-long ABC special on Nov. 18. The special, a one-on-one interview with anchorwoman Robin Roberts, will be Jackson's first real interview since her brother Michael Jackson's death this past June. The pop star, who was very close to her brother, will also be allowing cameras into her Malibu home for the first time. Although Janet has given brief statements about her relationship with her brother, and appeared in several televised tributes, she has yet to fully discuss things in depth.

At the BET Awards, Janet told the audience, "I'd just like to say, to you, Michael is an icon; to us, Michael is family. And he will forever live in all of our hearts. On behalf of my family and myself, thank you for all of your love, thank you for all of your support. We miss him so much."

Say What! -- Omarion Says 'Lil Wayne's Not Gonna Miss Out on Anything' in Jail + More

Sharks — 2009-11-05T20:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Say What!

Singer Omarion discussed Lil Wayne's incarceration with Rap-Up Magazine: "I think that it's unfortunate, but at the same time I really feel like [Lil' Wayne's] not gonna miss out on anything... T.I.'s about to be home and he didn't miss nothing. Nothing happened while he was gone." They have sizzurp in jail, right? HBO? Big comfortable beds? National tours? Good call, O. [XXL]

Jay-Z performed in Berlin at MTV's European Music Awards, where he took home the Best Urban Artist award. "I thank you for this award," Jay said in his acceptance speech. "I look forward to the day - because it's called the Best Urban Artist - I look forward to the day when all those walls come down and it's just music. I go in the studio just like the Jonas Brothers, just like Green Day, and we all just make music. We are all just artists at the end of the day." Can't argue with that. [MTV]

Nikki Minaj deplored sexism in rap music, saying "Women are held to different standards. I mean that's just the way it is. I always say 'Nobody tells 50 and Wayne anything when they're taking their shirts off every night'. You could say that's selling sex; that's selling sex appeal. I respect Wayne and 50 very much, but if a girl comes out in a cute little outfit showing some boobs, she's not a real rapper." We agree, but come c'mon Nikki, remember this? [HipHopWired]

Nicki Minaj Takes on Sexism in Hip-Hop

Carter Maness — 2009-11-05T19:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop News

Sexism has long been an issue within the hip-hop community, and the lack of strong female MCs this decade has been even more disappointing than usual. Nicki Minaj, the lone lyrical female on Lil Wayne's Young Money label, could change all that. Lately, she's been dropping strong, unique verses all over the place while also challenging fans with an overwhelming sexuality. In a recent radio interview, Minaj spoke on double standards in hip-hop culture when it comes to gender.

"Women are held to different standards," said Minaj. "I mean that's just the way it is. I always say, 'Nobody tells 50 and Wayne anything when they're taking their shirts off every night'. You could say that's selling sex; that's selling sex appeal. I respect Wayne and 50 very much, but if a girl comes out in a cute little outfit showing some boobs, she's not a real rapper."

Jay-Z Extends 'Blueprint 3' North American Tour

Tracey Ford — 2009-11-05T18:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop, Tours and Concerts

After selling out 26 shows across the country, Jay-Z will rest up and hit the road again in 2010. Unarguably the greatest rapper alive, Jay announced today -- via a statement from LiveNation -- that he'll kick off his 2010 trek in support of 'Blueprint 3' on Feb. 22 in Houston.

Since kicking off the first leg of the BP3 tour, Jay took the stage for the sold-out, televised "Answer the Call" benefit concert; performed at the MTV Video Music Awards; kicked off Jay Leno's new late night show; and, most recently, rocked Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NY, alongside Alicia Keys at Game 2 of the World Series.

Check out the dates after the jump.

50 Cent Blames Beyonce for Kelly Rowland's Career Troubles

Latifah Muhammad — 2009-11-05T17:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop News, Soul/R'n'B, R'n'B News, What's Beef?, Behind the Video

Rapper 50 Cent offered his answer as to why former Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland can't seem to find colossal career success: her former group member Beyonce Knowles. 50 attests that Rowland has never been able to break from Beyonce's shadow. So the rapper is giving Rowland another shot by having the 'Survivor' singer star in his latest video 'Baby By Me,'

"You can't forget all the work she did with Destiny's Child," he said in an interview. "The difference between Kelly and Beyonce is the extreme focus they put on Beyonce to make sure she was completely right. Kelly wasn't held in the same regard, so in order for her to mean anything to America, they'd have to match the marketing dollars spent on Beyonce. She never received the superstar treatment."

Drake Talks Rihanna's 'Rated R', Questions 'Russian Roulette'

Sharks — 2009-11-05T16:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop News, Soul/R'n'B, R'n'B News

Rihanna's new album 'Rated R' is scheduled to drop at the end of this month, and she's getting some big support from her fellow artists. Young Money rapper Drake praised her upcoming album saying, "She's got great records that she's using, she's got great records that she's not even using that she has for a later date. I'm excited for her. She deserves everything that she gets."

Though the two were rumored to have been an item after Rihanna's much publicized breakup with singer Chris Brown, Drake was quick to deny the rumors, claiming they were simply friends, working on music together. They recorded a duet for 'Rated R,' which was produced by Norwegian pop kings, Stargate, but it unfortunately didn't make the cut. "We did do some great work together and hopefully it'll find its place on some project one day," Drake said of the song.

The Canadian MC did however question her decision to release 'Russian Roulette' as the album's first single. "I don't know if personally that's the route I would've gone for a single choice," he said of the song. I can only say that because I've been around and heard the music that she's coming with other than that record."

Trey Songz, 'I Invented Sex' -- New Video

Tracey Ford — 2009-11-05T15:15:00+00:00

Filed under: Soul/R'n'B Videos

Artist: Trey Songz
Song: 'Invented'
Why You Should Watch: The sexy crooner takes credit for inventing sex in the sensual video for his latest single off 'Ready.'

Watch the video after the jump.

Damon Dash Denies Beef With Beanie Sigel, Jay-Z

Nadeska Alexis — 2009-11-05T14:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop News, What's Beef?

Beanie Sigel's current vendetta against Jay-Z has extended to include Roc-A-Fella co-founder Damon Dash.

The beef expanded when Beanie phoned into Philadelphia's Power 99 station with 50 Cent on Tuesday (November 3) to confirm his new deal with G-Unit Records. While throwing a few more words at Jay-Z, Beanie took a jab at Dash for some shady business dealings in the past.

"Him and the licensee who licensed Rocawear went behind my back and obtained the license to the company that was licensing PRO-Keds and stopped making the State Property PRO-Keds," Beanie said. "It was all geared towards Roc-A-Wear."

Dash, who has been running his own media production company, DD172, in downtown Manhattan, said that despite Beanie's accusations, he has no bad blood with him.

"I was surprised. I was hurt for him, more or less, because I know that ain't him," Dash told MTV News. "But I don't want to speak on that. Whatever [Beanie's] going through where he's got to do that ... I could understand where he may look at things and feel that way. I can see that. He's probably got a lot of people around him and nobody to really tell him what's going on. "

Religious Groups Call Beyonce 'Satanic,' Protest Performance In Egypt

BoomBox Staff — 2009-11-05T13:45:00+00:00

Filed under: R'n'B News, Tours and Concerts

Beyonce is running into more trouble overseas due to her revealing clothing and "suggestive" dance moves.

The singer is scheduled to perform tomorrow (November 6) at the Red Sea Resort in Port Ghalib, Egypt, but according to reports, some in the conservative country are rallying against her appearance, including claims that she is "satanic."

The organization the Muslim Brotherhood, says Beyonce is merely a ploy to divert citizens' attention. "The government is trying to make people indulge in sin and licentiousness to cover up the other crimes it is committing against them," said Muslim Brotherhood's Hamdi Hassan, who is also an Islamist Member of Egyptian Parliament. "Her provocative dance moves and half-naked outfits could easily stir up reaction from ardent religious and modest people, observers."

Some conservative religious groups also believe the high cost of tickets to the show -- which are up to $400 U.S. dollars, according to reports -- are a disservice to the poverty stricken area.

The religious website Jesus-is-saviour.com also got in on the Beyonce bashing, slamming her claims at being religious. "Beyonce is NO Christian. She is satanic, serving the Devil," said a statement on the site.

Rihanna, Chris Brown Interviews to Air on Same Day

Latifah Muhammad — 2009-11-05T12:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop News, Soul/R'n'B, R'n'B News, What's Beef?, Television

Fans will get to hear both sides of the Chris Brown and Rihanna saga this Friday as interviews from both stars will air on the same day. As previously reported, Rihanna will break her silence on ABC's 'Good Morning America' with an extended version of the interview airing later that night on '20/20.' Not to be outdone, Brown sits down with MTV for his interview, which will air Friday evening.

This is the third time that Brown has publicly addressed the incident. He sat down with Larry King in September, New York radio DJ Angie Martinez in October and MTV this week. Brown will open up about why he posted fan-made video montages of the two on his Twitter page; why his new music sounds like a dedication to Rihanna, plus details of the altercation. "My thoughts [when I look back on it now] is like, 'Why did it happen?" he said in the interview. "Like, 'What was I thinking? What is wrong with you?' That's what I'm thinking with myself. That's what my thoughts are, basically, now."