UrbanCafe

NEW VIDEO: T.I. feat. Cee-Lo - Hello

2013-05-24T13:00:00.001-07:00

Check out the new track "Hello" by T.I. featuring Cee-Lo. It has more of a low-key vibe to it, a nice change from his usual hard Southern sound.

Also, it looks like Tip's son Major is in the video! Cute!

LHHNY Cast Walks Off Set, Refuses to Film!

2013-05-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

During a recent filming, half of the LHHNY cast walked off set due to contractual differences.

Production has already begun for the next season of Love and Hip Hop New York and all of the cast was called to show up for promotional filming. However, contract negotiations hadn't been met and half of the cast skipped the filming in protest.

For most of the cast the LHHNY contracts are seasonal, so they have to edit and make revisions before each new season. The production company failed to update everyone's contracts but still wanted them to participate in filming...basically, the cast would've been working for free! No ma'am Pam!

Hopefully they're able to work the kinks out so everyone can be happy. Nobody works for free!

WTH: I-5 Bridge in Washington Collapses, People Fall with It

2013-05-24T06:46:00.002-07:00

Aerial view of bridge after collapse

This is the craziest news to come out of Washington state in a long time!

Yesterday in Mount Vernon an oversized truck smashed into the top part of I-5 bridge and caused the bridge to instantly collapse. All of the drivers at the time also fell in. Surprisingly, only 3 people were taken to the hospital but none of the injuries were fatal.

The Department of Transportation is currently investigating who is to blame for this major collapse: the truck driver who proceeded over the bridge when he knew it wouldn't fit, or the company that sent the driver on that route.

Originally built in 1957, this bridge had recently been labeled as "Functionally Obsolete" meaning that before its collapse, it was no longer able to handle the traffic flow that had developed in recent years. Out of 100, the bridge only had a safety rating of 47. Yikes! It is estimated that repairs will cost millions of dollars.

Hopefully this kind of car damage is covered in everyone's insurance! We're glad that all are ok.

NEW VIDEO: Goapele - Undertow

2013-05-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

Ever-evolving soul artist Goapele has released a video for her single "Undertow". This single is off her album Break of Dawn.

Goapele's trademark locks are noticeably absent!

What do you think of the video?

NEW MUSIC: Ciara feat. Nicki Minaj - I'm Out

2013-05-23T16:30:00.001-07:00

"I'm Out" is Ciara's second official single off her self-titled album releasing on July 9th.

This song is definitely a switch-up from "Body Party" but it's a great collabo with Nicki. This album might have the potential to revive Ciara's career! You think she's ready to be back on top?

What do you think of the single?

STYLE RECAP: The 5 BEST Dressed at the Billboard Awards

2013-05-23T13:52:00.000-07:00

We told you the five people whose outfits were least impressive, but what about the people that made the show stop?

5. Miguel

~~Despite the drop kick,~~ we thought that Miguel’s look was clean and simple. Miguel wore a white tuxedo jacket with black detailing; very on trend for 2013. The boots, the pointy lapels, and the tie all had a subtle cowboy vibe that made the outfit a little more modern and unique. Miguel did indulge in the recent Harem/Hammer pants trend, but they weren’t too exaggerated so we’ll let it slide.

Sidenote: Does anyone see the height of Miguel’s heels?! Damn!

4. Taylor Swift

The dress that Taylor wore offstage was BANGIN! Taylor has always struggled finding dresses that were age appropriate. She’s finally dressing like the young starlet that she is! The length, the color, and style are just right for her slender figure!

3. Emmy Rossum

Emmy Rossum only graced the stage to present an award, but her dress perfectly accentuated her curves. Emmy was able to keep the focus on her dress by styling it with an updo and a simple pair of earrings. The mesh cutouts were put in all the right places and made her look like a coke bottle! This is the perfect example of showing skin without looking trashy.

2. Celine Dion

Just when we thought that Celine had fallen off the face of the earth, she showed up at the Billboard Awards looking like a million bucks! Celine came in a simple yet flatting gold sheath dress and she had a plunging top that accentuated her slim build. Ms. Dion wears her age so well…Madonna, take note!

1. Jennifer Lopez

J. Lo’s performance outfit ALMOST made the list for Worst Dressed, but her red carpet dress was our favorite! With a romantic style that reminded us of old Hollywood glamour, the gold color perfectly complemented her skin tone and the mesh blend gave the illusion of the dress blending into her skin. There were a few minor styling details that could be tweaked, but all in all this was a BEAUTIFUL dress. Redemption!

Sergio Garcia Makes Fried Chicken Joke About Tiger Woods

2013-05-22T09:50:00.003-07:00

The rivalry between golfers Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia got heated at the European Tour’s Player’s Awards dinner when Garcia made some off-color comments about Woods.

Garcia was asked if he would be invited over Woods’ house for dinner during the U.S. Open, according to The Huffington Post, and he responded:

“We will have him round every night,” García said. “We will serve fried chicken.”

Really??!!. We’re still doing fried chicken jokes? Well, of course, things went left, and Garcia claimed that his joke wasn’t racist in the least.

Oh, but the apology… The apology:

“I apologize for any offense that may have been caused by my comment on stage during The European Tour Players’ Awards dinner. I answered a question that was clearly made towards me as a joke with a silly remark, but in no way was the comment meant in a racist manner.”

Come on Segio just admit that Tiger is better than you and just move on. You don't have to make fried chicken jokes. Plus everyobody loves fried chicken!

Do you think Garcia’s joke was racist?

LeToya Luckett and Damien Wayans Cast On New Season Of Single Ladies

2013-05-22T09:15:00.002-07:00

One of my favorite summer guilty pleasures is coming back, but with a few changes. LeToya Luckett has been cast in a recurring role in the upcoming third season of VH1′s “Single Ladies” this summer.

She will play Felicia Price, a mean and rigid founder and Senior Partner of Price Management, one of the most influential music management companies in the world.

Joining LeToya will be Damien Wayans who will play David Berenger, April’s (Charity Shea) main foil at Price Management — a masterful sycophant, and a slick manager on the Atlanta music scene.

I hope the changes will redeem the show!

NEW MUSIC: Pharrell Williams - Happy

2013-05-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

Hip-Hop musician Pharrell Williams is back with a new single. The track, titled "Happy", will be featured on the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack (which Pharrell is co-producing).

Take a listen:

This single has the perfect, easy feel for summer and gives the traditional cool feel of Neptunes music from the early 2000 era.

What do you think of the track?

STYLE RECAP: The 5 WORST DRESSED at the Billboard Awards

2013-05-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

We promised that this week would be full of award show recaps and we’re keeping that promise! These are the 5 celebs that should fire their stylists ASAP.

5. Will.I. Am

Will.I.Am is an abstract musician making abstract beats, so naturally his clothing should look like abstract art right? Wrong! This guy is dressed like Zorro’s intergalactic cousin. We get that Will.I.Am’s look is supposed to match his highly synthesized, robotic sound but why in the HAYLE is the man wearing so many layers? The hat, the glasses, the jacket…it’s just too much!

4. Justin Bieber

We put Justin at #4 but really he’s dead even with Will.I.Am. Where do we begin? The uneven jacket, the leather Hammer pants. It’s tragic! Justin Bieber wants to be Usher so badly he can’t stand it. Here’s a tip, Justin: if you want people to believe that you’re a MAN and not a boy, stop dressing like a member of the Backstreet Boys. Just sayin!

3. Taylor Swift

~~On a personal level, I find Taylor Swift annoying for many reasons.~~ But that’s not what this is about! The girl looks like she just came from an afternoon on the boardwalk. Taylor, you’re a very cute girl, but can you try a little harder? Shorts and t-shirt are nobody’s idea of a performance outfit. And the unicorn…Really? How old are you, 5?! Our suggestion: start dressing like a professional entertainer and not like you’re at a talent show.

2. Z La La

Who is this person? If we were more familiar with her she’d get #1, but since this is her first offense we’ll let it slide.

1. Madonna

This look is tacky and tasteless. Madonna is a grown woman in her 50’s with credentials to back her up. If it’s our attention she’s trying to get, she already has it! So why the need for the barely-there, Lady of the Night outfit? Our request to Madonna: remind your fans that you’re the grand puba by allowing your presence to speak for itself! Take notes from Celine Dion.

Honorable Mention:

Miley Cyrus

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Morrison

Surprise! Nicki Minaj didn’t make the list this year! She has toned her look down, and even though she still looks like a cartoon character, Nicki has definitely stepped her game up! Good job Nicki!

Do you agree with this list? Who was the worst dressed in your opinion?

Michelle Obama Says We're Too Busy Being "Ballers", Calls on Blacks to Close Educational Gap

2013-05-21T13:00:00.000-07:00

Bowie State University, a traditionally black college, invited First Lady Michelle Obama to speak at their Commencement on Friday, May 17th. During her speech First Lady Michelle expressed her concern over the strong educational gap that still exists with young Black Americans.

Young African Americans spend too much energy stunting for cameras and chasing dreams of being hip-hop stars. Mrs. Obama's point? The Black community needs to shift gears and put education as the top priority. Here's a snippet of her speech:

"...more than 150 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, more than 50 years after the end of “separate but equal,” when it comes to getting an education, too many of our young people just can’t be bothered. Today, instead of walking miles every day to school, they’re sitting on couches for hours playing video games, watching TV. Instead of dreaming of being a teacher or a lawyer or a business leader, they’re fantasizing about being a baller or a rapper. Right now, one in three African American students are dropping out of high school. Only one in five African Americans between the ages of 25 and 29 has gotten a college degree -- one in five."

We couldn't agree more! As always, Mrs. Obama so eloquently and tactfully said what so many of us have been thinking for a long time.

What do you think of Mrs. Obama's words? Are Blacks responsible for the gross disparity in Educational achievement?

CLICK HERE to read the First Lady's full commencement speech.

NEW MUSIC: The Dream feat. Beyonce & 2 Chainz - Turnt

2013-05-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

Mega-producer The Dream has teamed up with Beyonce and 2 Chainz to create the single "Turnt".

This single will be featured on Dream's upcoming album IV Play which is scheduled for release on Tuesday, May 28th.

No ways around it, this single is hot. We're a shocked at the lyrics, Beyonce is pretty raunchy! But it's good to finally hear her talking like a grown woman.

Will you be picking up this album? So far The Dream has shown some promising material.

NEW MUSIC: Syleena Johnson feat. Musiq Soulchild - Feel the Fire

2013-05-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

R&B crooner Syleena Johnson is back with a single featuring well-known singer Musiq Soulchild. "Feel the Fire" is a Caribbean-inspired song that has a different sound than what Syleena usually goes for, but it's a welcome change!

Syleena Johnson - Feel The Fire (feat. Musiq Soulchild) (2013)

Syleena has been using the success of her show 'R&B Divas' to revive her career and take a stab at the music scene once again.

This song is hot!!! What do you think of the single? Can it put Syleena back on the map?

REWIND: Nicki Minaj Gives Lil Wayne a Lapdance

2013-05-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

If you missed the Billboard Awards ~~slap yourself~~!

Just kidding. But seriously, if you missed it, you're in luck because we'll be giving you recaps all week! First up, the awkward lap dance that Nicki Minaj gave Lil Wayne during her song "High School".

This performance was all around messy and, quite frankly, embarrassing. Then again, we are talking about Nicki Minaj, attention whore extraordinaire. Anything for ratings!

The inappropriateness of the situation is further confirmed when Lil Wayne winces at the 2:52 mark like "Oh God, is she really gonna go through with this?!" Yes, Wayne, she absolutely did! Peep the vid:

213519223415 by YardieGoals

Would you give your boss a lap dance?

NEW MUSIC: Wale feat. Sam Dew - Love Hate Thing

2013-05-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

Back with the second single off his new album, Wale has released "Love Hate Thing". This song is a little truer to Wale's traditional style with the Neo-Soul/Spoken word vibe. Listen for yourself:

Wale's album, The Gifted, was released earlier this year.

What do you think of this song? Does it have the potential to reach the success of "Bad"?

Beyonce To Cover Amy Winehouse’s ‘Back To Black’

2013-04-03T07:35:00.001-07:00

Bey is going to have to dig very deep into the tranches of her soul where she hides the pain that inspired heartfelt performances on songs like “Resentment” and “At Last” to cover Amy Winehouse’s “Back To Black”. Bey and Andre 3000 have been selected to join the already star studded lineup of entertainers and vocalists on the “The Great Gatsby” soundtrack. Led by Jay-Z, Bey and Andre should have no trouble drawing out the real in Beyonce for the highly anticipated remake.
“It’s a very different take on ‘Back to Black,’ said a record company source. The film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 15th.

Take a listen to the song:

It's Official! Robin Thicke Leaves ‘Real Husbands Of Hollywood’

2013-04-03T07:24:00.002-07:00

The rumors were true!! We are sad to report that Robin Thicke has left the “Real Husbands of Hollywood.”
According to reports, he quit the reality-TV parody show after producers refused his request to change a line in the script. Allegedly, Thicke felt the show was hurting his brand and decided to skip the next day of shooting.

Man! I wish they could have worked it out. But I am sure Robin will continue to be successful!

Dance! Brutha Working NBA Games Gets It In!!!!

2013-03-29T15:01:00.002-07:00

The season is winding down and things haven’t gone so great in Detroit. The Pistons are just waiting to be eliminated from playoff contention for the fourth straight season. But don’t tell that to Shannon Sailes, or as he’s better known to The Palace at Auburn Hills faithful: The Dancing Usher. Since last season, Sailes has made a name for himself by busting out some pretty sharp dancing moves during the Dance Cam segment during timeouts at Pistons home games.

Take a look! LMAO!!!!!!

Chris Brown & Rihanna Call It Quits....Again!

2013-03-29T14:43:00.003-07:00

Chris Brown and Rihanna have called it quits. Chris did an interview on LA’s Power 106 radio station today that’s set to air on April 1 and he was asked point blank if he’s still dating Rihanna? Chris admitted: “Uh, no — that’s the short answer.”

What doesn’t make sense is that during the interview Chris revealed that he wrote a new song for Rihanna on his upcoming album. He said:

“I wrote a song for her called ‘Put It Up’ that we did together,” he said. “It’s still in the pot of songs we have to pick from. It may or may not make it, but you know, because she’s already on it, it’s a strong possibility.”

Chris even talked about their dating life and how he keeps things fresh. He added:

“It’s still like we’re kids. I try not to be too grown and be like, ‘Lets have candlelight dinner every night.’ I try to make sure everything is fun. It has to be fun and it has to be genuine.”

Chris talks about the last time they saw each other:

“I plead the 5th. You know I didn’t lie to you man, I just didn’t tell the truth. Man it has been a minute though, cuz I haven’t had a chance to go out there on the tour yet. Cuz i’ve been working, but I seen her right before she went out.”

Whether they are in love:

“Huh? I’m a lover, man. Definitely a lover.”

I am betting there is more to see regarding this one...

Pitbull Gets Big Gig Because JLO Too Big Of a Diva!

2013-03-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Lopez was in talks to perform at the opening ceremony of India’s Premier League cricket tournament, but The New York Post reports that JLO's demands were so out of control that the deal fell through. A source told the paper that her manager, Benny Medina, asked for a private plane as well as numerous hotel rooms for her entourage, which included stylists, general peons and a personal chef.
Officials at the Pepsi IPL walked away from that deal and instead went for Miami’s Pitbull for next Tuesday’s event, which will also feature Bollywood stars. A rep for J.Lo said the reason she didn’t perform in India was a scheduling issue.

Hmmmm....

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/03/29/3313306/report-pitbull-gets-big-gig-because.html#storylink=cpy

President Obama Appoints First Woman To Head The Secret Service

2013-03-27T07:37:00.002-07:00

President Obama has just made history....again!!!!
According to the White House, the Commander-in-Chief appointed Julia A. Pierson, a veteran U.S. Secret Service agent, as the first female director of the agency in charge of protecting the president and his family.
“Over her 30 years of experience with the Secret Service, Julia has consistently exemplified the spirit and dedication the men and women of the service demonstrate every day,” Obama said in a statement. “Julia is eminently qualified to lead the agency that not only safeguards Americans at major events and secures our financial system, but also protects our leaders and our first families, including my own.”
The President’s decision comes after former Secret Service director, Mark Sullivan, announced his retirement last month. During Sullivan’s tenure, the agency became the center of a prostitution scandal in Cartagena, Colombia last year.
With 30 years of experience under her belt, Obama seems very confident in Pierson’s ability to lead the service. “Julia has had an exemplary career, and I know these experiences will guide her as she takes on this new challenge to lead the impressive men and women of this important agency,” he said.

UPDATE: Kordell & Porsha Release A Statement On Divorce

2013-03-26T14:14:00.001-07:00

Kordell Stewart has finally released an official statement to Hip Hollywood regarding the divorce from his wife Porsha Stewart.

Soon after Kordell released his statement, Porsha released her own statement through her rep saying she is “disappointed about her husband’s recent filing for divorce,” and revealed she learned of the divorce from a website. TMZ reports the rep says Porsha had held off on filing for divorce papers herself … because she was committed to the marriage. She says Kordell had promised to work on the marriage with her.

WHAT!!!!! Kordell Stewart Files For Divorce!

2013-03-26T07:04:00.002-07:00

Word on the street is that Kordell Stewart has filed for divorce. TMZ has learned that the former NFLer filed for divorce on March 22. The couple married on May 21, 2011 and have no children together. Stewart has a son from a previous relationship.
Rumor has it that Porsha quit her role on the ‘Real Housewives Of Atlanta’, because Kordell is “not allowing” her to return for a second season.

WOW! Bill Gates Offers $100,000 to Design a BETTER CONDOM

2013-03-25T20:04:00.001-07:00

Microsoft founder Bill Gates has offered $100,000 to anyone that can redesign condoms so that they are less of a buzz kill. He is looking for a "Next Generation" condom that enhances or preserves the sensation to resemble that bare feeling a little more closely.

The grant for this challenge is funded by the Grand Challenges in Global Health program. The group has described this challenge by saying:
"The primary drawback from the male perspective is that condoms decrease pleasure as compared to no condom, creating a trade-off that many men find unacceptable, particularly given that the decisions about use must be made just prior to intercourse. Is it possible to develop a product without this stigma, or better, one that is felt to enhance pleasure?"

Interesting Challenge!

Do you think you can create a barely there condom? Any man that can create that should be a millionaire!

Teenagers Lock 89 Year Old In a Trunk for 2 DAYS!

2013-03-25T17:50:00.004-07:00

Five teenagers have been arrested in the car theft and abduction of a Delaware woman.

89 year-old Margaret Smith was approached by two teenage girls who asked her for a ride home. When she agreed to do so, the girls directed her to a nearby house then they stole her keys and hijacked the car.

The two minors that robbed Margaret Smith

The teenagers forced Smith into the trunk and left her there for 2 days before dropping her off at a cemetery where she was found by police. Early on Wednesday morning police pulled the vehicle over and arrested all 5 teenagers inside.

Margaret's family already had a Missing Persons notice out for her, as she had been missing for over 24 hours. Although she was taken to the hospital, Margaret is fine and has gone home.

The 2 girls, both 17 years old, are being held for $122,000 in cash bonds. They are being charged with robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and conspiracy.

Damn! People are crazy...they're even goin HAM on granny nowadays!!! It is so sad that they would take advantage of her kindness.