The Showdown: Where Ignorance Meets Intellect...

Rihanna Premieres 'Rockstar 101'

2010-05-25T15:21:00.002-05:00

This video is Rihanna doing what Rihanna does best: look pretty and lipsynch. At this point, I’m not even mad because what’s the point?

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW THE JUMP!

Ne-Yo's Monstrous New Single

2010-05-25T15:15:00.000-05:00

Before I could even give Beautiful Monster a first listen, Twitter and the blogs were already slamming it so hard that I thought about leaving it well enough alone. But I listened.

Is it great? No. But it isn’t as ZOMG shockingly awful as the urban blogosphere would have you believe. Ne-Yo is obviously capitalizing on the urban-y dance music craze that’s swept the nation. It’s catchy enough to pick up some steam on Top 40 radio, but I doubt that’s what Ne-Yo was going for.

For some reason, I get the feeling Ne-Yo thought he was going to revolutionize pop/urban music with this (look at the single cover. He’s serious y’all.). He didn’t. He churned out the same stuff we’ve been hearing for the last few months. Ne-Yo is urban/dance/pop’s Xtina. He’s a day late, and noboby’s that impressed.

That being said. This will probably go Top 10. Eh? That's life.

Ne-Yo - 'Beautiful Monster' [Download]

Kelly Rowland Exposed

2010-05-25T14:56:00.006-05:00

Kelly did a round of interviews with UK blogs, but this one by That Grape Juice was my favorite. She is bubbly and giggly and gracious as ever. But underneath that uber positive exterior, you can see Kelly has been through it in this industry.

CONTINUE READING KELLY ROWLAND EXPOSED...

Kelly Rowland - That Grape Juice Interview (Part 1) from Sam A on Vimeo.

Highlights:
I adore Sam because he is messy on the low. He asks Kelly about her relationship with Matthew, and her response was very telling. She repeats something about him sending her flowers for her birthday. Her birthday was in February, y’all. That says a lot to me.

Kelly Rowland - That Grape Juice Interview (Part 2) from Sam A on Vimeo.

Highlights:
When asked about the last time she spoke with Beyonce, Kelly hesistates before giving the answer: about two weeks. I’m not tryna start drama, but what are the odds that Kelly’s relationship with Bey hasn’t been strained by her fallout with Matthew?

I’m a little disappointed Kelly didn’t keep it all the way real about the trials of being a dark-skinned woman in the music business. There are a lot of people who need to hear that. But that’s just apart of her super positive outlook, I guess.

What did y’all think of the interview. I’m glad that despite all the bull she’s not jaded.
The album is due out in September. I’ll probably pick it up because Commander is my jam.

President Obama on the Passage of Healthcare Reform

2010-03-22T12:01:00.000-05:00

Mariah on Releasing a New Album

2010-03-22T11:38:00.002-05:00

"We are looking to go possibly to another studio album or Christmas album. The decision hasn't been totally made yet. It's a creative process that cannot be rushed."

Trina - "Always" ft. Monica

2010-03-22T11:31:00.003-05:00

The Skinny Dude From Boyz II Men is A Polygamist?

2009-12-31T14:29:00.000-06:00

This is the type of stuff that makes me never want to get married. How do you even know who you're marrying?

According to the street, swimsuit model Avonte Cherie, dated Stockman before he married his wife Sharhonda Jones in 2001. The relationship continued because according to Shawn’s belief in the Israelite Faith, a man can have more than one wife.

There’s only one problem….his wife Sharhonda was clueless to his practices. The spiritual marriage between he and Avonte Cherie ended, this year, when she found out he was cheating on her with other women in Hawaii and New York. (Source)

For your viewing pleasure. My favorite Boys II Men videos under the cut.

They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To

2009-12-31T13:43:00.002-06:00

The end of the decade has me feeling all nostalgic and sh*t, so I decided to take a trip down memory lane with my favorite R&B hits of the 2000's. During the process I discovered these gems.

I've come to the conclusion that "Maybe I Deserve" is the most melodramatic thug love song ever recorded. Like every great drama, there's a slow build up until the climax:

Maybe I deserve to grab my coat and chase you down the street
(Don't leave)
Maybe I deserve to say it's not you, it's my own insecurity
Maybe I deserve for you to say "Yes I cheated on you"
(Baby don' told me)
(Maybe I deserve)
And I won't care 'cuz after all I put you through

Ladies and Gs, it doesn't get any better than that.

Below the jump is my second favorite thug love anthem. Enjoy.

Teddy Riley Ain't Sh*T

2009-12-30T14:55:00.001-06:00

You're Too Damn Old To Be So Immature - Beyonce

Teddy Riley has issued an official statement on "the incident" which left his daughter's face looking a damn mess. What the hell kind of apology/explanation is this?

Due to recent events, I am compelled to respond in detail to accusations made against me, by my daughters.

I love my Daughters, but I will not allow my children to disrespect me in my home. Contrary to what I have been accused of, I would never beat my children.

Perhaps, I should have been a stronger disciplinarian as they were growing up. I worked very hard so that my children would want for nothing.

In hindsight, I see that it was a mistake to give them everything they wanted so that they could have the childhood I never had. Unfortunately, they have taken me, and the privileged life I have given them, completely for granted.

Instead of being appreciative and realizing how fortunate they are, my children have an inflated sense of entitlement and expectation without having to work or earn their way.

However, my ‘children’ are no longer children, they are adults and I am trying to instill in them values and a work ethic of their own. My mother always told me “too many grown people can’t live in one house” so I encourage them to have their own homes if they cannot abide by the rules of mine. I am not an uptight Dad, I am as hip as they come but I will not tolerate being taken advantage of or disrespected, especially in my home.

I’ve been working since the age of 14, I bought my first car by myself. Nobody gave me a car. My kids don’t even remember their first car. I grew up with 6 of us in an apartment fighting over one bathroom. My kids have never had to share a bathroom, let alone a bedroom.

I’m asking everyone to let this one go… I’m only being a good parent. I’m a great father and everyone who knows me, knows this is true.

Thank you so much,

With all my love,

Teddy Riley

Y'all reading blog comments is one of my favorite past times, but some of the comments I spotted over at Necole Bitchie made me shake my MF head. I don't believe in corporal punishment anyway, but this was not a spanking. This was a bonafide beat down. And I truly cannot comprehend why anyone would try to justify this.

So This Is How Gremlins Celebrate Christmas....A T-Pain Post

2009-12-29T16:45:00.002-06:00

It's gon' get uglyyyyyyyyyy - in here!- Bubba Sparxxx

T-Pain aka The Gremlin-In-Chief threw a Christmas party, and fuckery abounds. I refuse to post pictures of naked behinds on this blog, so head on over to Necole Bitchie to see the rest of the pictures.

Question: How do you stay married to a man who has a baby by another woman? Even Mama Tina had enough sense to get out.

Sidenote: I hate myself for liking T-Pain songs as much as I do.

PHOTOS: Gabrielle Union Proves All The D.Wade Rumors Were True

2009-12-28T18:50:00.006-06:00

"It don't matter if he spends the night, his home is somewhere else" - Monica

Damn. Damn. Damn. Why do all my black sista icons stay disappointing me? First MJB and Alicia Keys, now this. No one wanted to believe that Gabrielle Union, being the model of dignity and grace that she is, would stoop so low as carry an ongoing affair (first reports of them being boo'ed up were in 2007). I really cannot with all this.

I hate to quote Nicki Minaj (no I don't), but "ladies, step your p**** up."

More pictures below the cut.

Picture Source: ConcreteLoop

VIDEO: Trina Goes Off on Khia

2009-12-28T14:50:00.000-06:00

Apparently, Trina and Khia have been from way back (more on that here, here and here). I don't care who she's fighting with, I will always been team Trina because Khia is just nasty.

Sidenote: Remember when Trina was engaged to that STD-infested gremlin we know as Lil Wayne? Yes, Trina we remember.

Best Music Videos of the 2000's (R&B/Hip-Hop)

2009-12-28T10:00:00.007-06:00

"The F*ck Happen To You?" - 50 Cent

If you ever engage me in a conversation about contemporary pop stars, it will undoubtedly devolve into a rant about the current state of music videos which goes a little somethin' like this: The music video is a dying art form. And that is a damn shame considering that artists unarguably have more resources at there disposal now than ever. I lost my sh*t over that new Lady GaGa video, you know why? Because it's actually good.

The way I see it, there's no incentive to make good videos anymore. Even the "number one diva in the game" solicits mah boo, GaGa, and churns out this fuckery.

Despite all of this, the 2000's were a pretty good time for music video. Here are the best of the best. I started with my favorite video of the decade, but the rest of the list is pretty much ordered from good to great.

D'Angelo - "How Does It Feel" (2000)

After years and years of seeing female performers dip it low in front of the camera while wearing next to nothing, it's nice to see a man objectify himself. And it's even nicer to see it done by a man as fine as D'Angelo. Yeah, buddy. Chuuuch and tabernacle.

Sidenote: Y'all better enjoy this video. You know it made 'Lo go crazy, right? Allegedly.

Ashanti - "Rain on Me" (2003)

Sidenote: Larenz Tate will never not be fine den a bitch.

Slum Village - "Tainted"

Sidenote: Y'all remember when Kanye used to produce quality music for other artists? And I'm not talking about this either.

Eminem - "Stan" (2001)

Before he got all introspective and sh*t, Eminem was rap's demented court jester. Stan not only produced a new staple of pop culture vernacular, but it proved that Eminem was capable of producing solid work without the kitschy misogyny, homophobia or general insanity that's found in the rest of his catalog.

Sidenote: Maybe this is my black girl ignorance, but does hair bleaching with peroxide really happen that quickly?

Ciara - "Promise" (2006)

Sidenote: Remember when Ciara was hot? Those were the days, huh?

Janet Jackson - "Doesn't Really Matter" (2000)

Just the choreographed sections of this video are better than 90% of the mess that hits airwaves. Lord, that woman can (could) dance. My love for Janet knows no bounds and this is why.

Sidenote: I'm glad Janet finally has her weight issues under control. But no matter what size she is those tittay balls always stay the same.

Beyonce - "Crazy in Love" (2003)

This is the video that started it all. Without it, I truly doubt Beyonce would have become the star she is today. Yeah, that's a bold statement, but everything about this video is just right.

Sidenote: F*ck a Sasha Fierce. I'd take Beyonce over that ho any day of the week.

Kanye West - "Heartless" (2008)

Have we finally gotten past all of the undue 808s hate yet? Heartless shows that if he really, really tries, Hype Williams can produce great videos.

OutKast - "Hey Ya" (2003)
"I ain't flew all the way over here in a middle seat for y'all to f*ck up."

Sidenote: Y'all know the full length version of this video is over 7 minutes long. That was 7 minutes of video perfection. For real.

Gnarls Barkley - "Crazy" (2006)

Cee-lo and Danger Mouse were trying to give the world something we'd never seen before. Mission Accomplished.

Sidenote: So Gnarls Barkley is officially a one-hit wonder right?

Missy Elliott - "Get Ur Freak On" (2001)

Missy is an unusual artist who's always been known for her unusual videos, but when it was realeased in 2001 "Get Ur Freak On" became an instant classic. It's just the right combination of insane and hot.

Sidenote: Imma be honest, I could barely evaluate the video because I was so distracted by Missy's wig. And y'all remember when people used to wear "outfits"? Missy was killing it with the bedazzled jean set.

Beyonce - "Single Ladies" (2008)

We all know how much Beyonce loves to do the most at all times, but struck gold once she turned it down. "Single Ladies" wasn't a video, it was a phenomenon.

Sidenote: I know y'all all thought the dark-skinned girl was a man. Well it's not. Bey said it herself.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE VIDEOS OF THE DECADE?

PHOTOS: Rihanna and Family Relax in Barbados

2009-12-27T23:09:00.003-06:00

"...they watchin' and we just yachtin'/island hoppin..." - Jay Z
I almost feel bad for celebrities as big as Rihanna. No matter what she does, she'll never be able to escape the paps.

She was spotted vacationing in her native Barbados to celebrate the Christmas holiday with her little brother and friends. I love how even her swimsuits are killin it. Head on over to Black Style Central for look-a-likes.

VIDEO: Michael Jackson - This Is It (Directed by Spike Lee)

2009-12-27T18:50:00.001-06:00

This was obviously a labor of love for Spike Lee, and it's a really beautiful gesture. The fact that it took so long for this clip to be released leads me to believe that it wasn't commissioned by anyone in the Jackson estate.

To be honest, I had some more slick sh*t to say, but I'll leave the snark out of this one.

Why Michael Vick Is The Dumbest Dummy There Ever Was

2009-12-27T12:26:00.003-06:00

"I am whatever you say I am" - Eminem

Just call me Switzerland when it comes to this Michael Vick debate. From what I've seen, and this is purely empirical evidence, black folks are trying to play like torturing all those damn dogs isn't disgusting and white folks are carrying on like he raped their grummuh.

Anyways, His teammates on the Philadelphia Eagles awarded Mike with the Ed Block Courage Award for all that he's been through in the past year, and instead of taking the high road, this dummy said this.

"I've overcome a lot, more than probably one single individual can handle or bear," Vick said. "You ask certain people to walk through my shoes, they probably couldn't do. Probably 95 percent of the people in this world because nobody had to endure what I've been through, situations I've been put in, situations I put myself in and decisions I have made, whether they have been good or bad.

"There's always consequences behind certain things and repercussions behind them, too. And then you have to wake up every day and face the world, whether they perceive you in the right perspective, it's a totally different outlook on you. You have to be strong, believe in yourself, be optimistic. That's what I've been able to do. That's what I display."(Source)

My main issue with this statement is how self-congratulatory he sounds. Yes, it sucks to lose all your money and be sent to prison, but the only adversity that Michael Vick has overcome is that which he himself created.

There are people out there battling poverty, illness, and deadbeat baby daddies, so the assertion that "95 percent" of people couldn't weather his bullsh*t storm is ridamndiculous.

You need more people, Mike. PR people to be exact.

[UPDATE: 'CAUSE I AIN'T DONE YET]
There's something else about this situation that sticks in my craw. Vick's continued bitching about his "plight" reeks of the sort of victimology (more about that here) that privileged black men often fall back on when they don't have a leg to stand on. Mike, Breezy and, yes, even OJ, are men who are simply unwilling to accept that bad behavior has consequences and you as the perpetrator don't get to set the terms of your punishment.

When you have truly been wronged, someone will take up your cause. And even if they do, it would serve you well to STFU.

Thoughts?

Nicki Minaj Shows Off Her New Wig

2009-12-26T19:33:00.001-06:00

"Ask Lil Wayne who da 5 star b*tch is." - Nicki Minaj
I really don't understand people who go to the club on Christmas? Really? Is it that serious that you can't wait until after Jesus' birthday to engage in n*gga sh*t.

I digress. Nicki Minaj was spotted yesterday at M2 Mansion partying up with Funkmaster Flex with a new look. The #1 Harajuku Barbie has switched up her signature style with a new wig.

I miss the bangs, but it's a sight better than that blonde abomination she pulled out for 106th and Park that one time.

No shade. Nicki is the most exciting thing in rap right now. Here are some belated Christmas presents.

Robin Thick f/ Nicki Minaj - "Shakin' It For Daddy" [Listen/Download]
Usher f/ Nicki Minaj - "Little Freak" [Listen/Download]

Image Credit: Whudat.com via Alltheparties.com

Rihanna Goes Home For The Holiday...Remains Fierce While Doing So

2009-12-26T18:35:00.007-06:00

"Why complain? You buyin' Gucci babe." - Rihanna

Less than stellar album sales aren't stopping Rihanna from enjoying this holiday season. The unofficial princess of the roc, was spotted at LAX a few days ago looking stunning as ever (zit and all).

I respect anyone who can look this put together while traveling. Holiday travel is not a game.

Twitter Exposes Ray Allen...And He Is A Freak

2009-12-26T15:02:00.005-06:00

"Need a special girl (Ooh, yeah)/To share in my computer world" - Zapp + Roger

I'm going to be completely honest; I really don't know who Ray Allen is. And had he not sent his d*ck in a tweet, I wouldn't care. [UPDATE: Awww sheeeit. Ray Allen is Jesus Shuttlesworth from one of Spike Lee's less memorable flicks He Got Game] But I saw this posted on Necole Bitchie today, and it tickled me to no end.

Now, I understand mistakes happen, that's why I was going to give Mr. Allen the benefit of the doubt until he came out with this bull.

My favorite is when people do dumb stuff on the internet and blame it on a hacker or one of their hooligan friends. Didn't they ever learn? It's not the cover up. It's the crime.

Mary J. Blige Did Not Beat Her Husband

2009-12-25T13:34:00.005-06:00

"Queens shouldn't swing if you know what I mean" - Jill Scott

Mary's camp has officially issued a statement on the swirling rumours that she beat beat down her husband Kendu after she caught him checking out another woman. According to her rep, Mary was just trying to stop the altercation.

Contrary to claims that the hip-hop diva punched her husband, Kendu Isaacs, at a Chelsea club, Blige tells the Daily News she was simply trying to stop a brawl between Isaacs and her brother.

"Mary was not fighting with her husband," said Blige spokeswoman Karynne Tencer.

"Her husband and her brother got into an altercation that turned into a fight. Mary went to break up the fight."

Tencer didn't immediately know the name of Blige's brother or the reason for the row.
Club security helped the Grammy Award winner pull the men apart, who also disputed reports that Isaacs' lip was bleeding.

"Nobody was bleeding," Tencer said.

Whew! Let's all breathe a sigh of release knowing that the Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul (or whatever) does, in fact, know how to act like she has some damn sense. I'm not even her biggest fan, but it would have been really disappointing if this were true. There's nothing worse than seeing a grown woman ack a azz. Plus, "No More Drama" is still my favorite n*ggas ain't sh*t song. Yeah, I know that's not the point, but whatever.

UPDATE: So there's video, but I really can't tell what's happening. So you be the judge.

Despite the drama MJB appeared to be living it up at her album release party.

What Say You: Why Won't Obama Do More For Black Folks?

2009-12-25T00:23:00.003-06:00

Because he doesn't have to.

This editorial from The Daily Voice hit the nail on its trifling head.

President Obama's repeat lecture to black critics that blacks shouldn't expect anything special from him is disingenuous at best, and an insult at worst. Here are two quick political reality checks. He would not have won the White House if he had not won Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida and North Carolina. Three out of these four states gave Bush his crucial margin of victory over Al Gore and John Kerry. Obama won these four states because black voters turned his election into a holy crusade and stormed the polls on Election Day. The voting percentage and numbers in every other state that Obama won was equally off the charts.

The Obama administration knows that no matter what he does, whether black male unemployment is 10% 20% or 50%, he has the black vote on lock.

He should just level with them. And tell them that he can't and won't do anything special for blacks, because he's scared stiff he'll be even more shrilly race baited by the GOP and Sarah Palin and the tea bagger ultraconservatives as a stealth Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson in the White House.

Black folks who are concerned with Obama's unwillingness to take a hardline stance against structural racism are inevitably faced with the Obama apologists patronizing refrain, "He's president of the United States of America not just Black America." Well I guarantee you if Black America had that Big Pharma money Obama would be asking us "How high?" with a quickness. And that's a damn shame.

ARE WE LETTING OBAMA OFF TOO EASILY? OR AM I (WE) ASKING FOR TOO MUCH? DOES OBAMA OWE BLACK BLACK AMERICA ANYTHING FOR THEIR ALLEGIANCE?

Source via Source

VIDEO: Melanie Fiona Sings "Someday at Christmas"

2009-12-24T23:18:00.005-06:00

I just don't know how to feel about Melanie Fiona. Her singles do absolutely nothing for me, but her voice is sick. Usually a cover of Stevie Wonder is an automatic #partyfoul, but this was just beautiful.

Oh, and I guess Brian McKnight was there too. Have y'all seen his talk show? How dreadful!

Jennifer Hudson Is Not Pregnant

2009-12-24T22:01:00.005-06:00

Thank goodness Jennifer Hudson's rep has denied that's she's pregnant with her second child. She really needs to release a new album that's straight RnB soon. Here's a statement from her rep.

“Contrary to what has been falsely reported, Jennifer Hudson is not pregnant,” the representative says in a statement. Providing evidence to quash the false pregnancy claim, Lisa reveals, “Jennifer leaves in April for South Africa where she will portray Winnie Mandela in the feature film, ‘Winnie’.” She continues stating, “It is a commitment she is excited about and takes very seriously. Jennifer is currently in the studio recording her second album and this is the only delivery she is looking forward to in 2010.”

VIDEOS: Amerie ft. Fabolous - More Than Love

2009-12-24T21:10:00.003-06:00

Let's just call Amerie the little engine that could. Despite moving less than 100,000 units of her 3rd Album, In Love & War, since its release over 6 weeks ago. She's still releasing videos. You can't help but admire her tenacity (look it up).

As for the video. I could have done without the melodramatic narration, there's the obvious comments about Amerie's lack of singing ability. But I have to admit that this song is kind of hot.

Sidenote: Amerie is looking gorgeous as ever. Y'all remember "Why Don't We Fall In Love"? Homegirl was killing it back in the day.

HOT TRACKS: Usher ft. Nicki Minaj - Little Freak

2009-12-24T20:52:00.004-06:00

I've been really skeptical about Usher's supposed comeback. "Papers" was a pretty awful song, but I thought the man who was supposed to be the next King of RnB had lost his touch, but I have to admit that this song is the business.

I guess I shouldn't be too surprised because "Little Freak" was produced by Polow Da Don (aka King of all White Girls) the same man who produced the best song from Usher's last album.

image via: Miss Jia