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Sunday, August 17, 2014
Police Used Facial Recognition Software to Spy on Concert-Goers
The next time you're going to a big festival to see a line up of your favorite artists, keep in mind that Uncle Sam has his eye on you.
Baby Mama Drama: Woman Files Maternity Suit Against Beyonce (@beyonce, @s_c_)
When it comes to baby mama drama, there's usually some kind of problem between a kid's parents, but in Beyonce's case, a third party is claiming she has rights to baby Blue Ivy, and is taking the "Flawless" star to court.
J. Cole Visits Ferguson to Pay Respect to Michael Brown [VIDEO]
Just days after releasing his emotional tribute song, ‘Be Free,’ J. Cole traveled to Ferguson, Mo., on Sunday (Aug. 17) to pay his respects to Michael Brown, the 18-year-old unarmed teen who was shot and killed by a police officer.
The Roc Nation artist first went to the very ground where Brown was killed. A makeshift memorial of teddy bears and flowers now cover the spot where the teen was tragically gun down by a Ferguson police officer.
Afterward, Cole listened to neighbors and community activists who are demanding justice for Brown. The North Carolina rhymer then made his way to the QuikTrip supermarket (aka “ground zero”) where much of the unrest has taken place. There he was bombarded by a sea of people who wanted to take pictures and talked with him.
Judging by the photos and videos, it must have been a humbling experience for Cole.
Cole is among several artists who have spoken out about the shooting of Michael Brown. Rappers T.I., Nelly and others have also addressed the Ferguson situation, while Elle Varner released a touching song, ‘One Love,’ in honor of Michael Brown.
Meanwhile, a rally was held late Sunday afternoon with Rev. Al Sharpton and Benjamin Crump, the attorney for the Brown family.
“We’re here to talk about standing up for our children, because if we don’t stand up for our children, nobody will stand up for our children,” attorney Crump told the crowd.
During the rally, several hundred people — including clergymen and local officials — formed a line and donated upwards of a $100 to the Brown family.
Missouri Highway patrol Captain Ron Johnson, who is now overseeing security in the town, offered an apology for Michael Brown’s death.
“I say that I’m sorry,” he said. “I wear this uniform and I should stand up here and say that I’m sorry.”
Listen to J. Cole’s ‘Be Free’
Still the Baddest: Trina Squeezes Monster Cheeks in Cut-Off Shorts (@trinarockstarr)
While the world is busy watching Nicki Minaj's curves take over the net, Miami's own Trina is still killing the game on the low, performing packed shows around the country and putting her infamous donk on display for her Instagram fam's pleasure.
Creep Life: Stalker With 11 Tattoos of Victim's Name Sent to Prison
In today's weirdo news, Dallas authorities are reporting that a 23-year-old man who stalked a teenage neighbor, and had her name tattooed all across his body, pled guilty to stalking and aggravated assault after breaking into the victim's home and shooting her father multiple times.
Shad Moss and Reality Star Erica Mena: Are They Dating? (@iamErica_Mena @smoss)
Shad Moss took to Instagram recently to profess his intent to no longer make women famous via being associated with him, but it seems as if his budding relationship with Love And Hip-Hop star, Erica Mena, may poke a whole in that theory.
Nicki Minaj Releases 'Anaconda' Lyric Video
Before Nicki Minaj unleashes her official jungle-themed video for ‘Anaconda,’ the rapstress released an animated lyric video to the raunchy track.
The clip, of course, provides the explicit lyrics to the single, but it also features an animated Minaj and plenty of booty. The video ends with a homage to the ’90s cult television show, ‘Mystery Science Theater 3000.’
As for the official video, Minaj announced that the visual will have its premiere on Wednesday, Aug. 20. The Young Money will also performed the song at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards on Aug. 24.
Nicki Minaj’s album ‘The Pink Print’ is scheduled to arrive in stores this fall.
Newly Single Ciara Strolls New York City With Newborn Son (@ciara)
Just days after her high-profile split with baby daddy Future over allegations of infidelity, Atlanta-based singer Ciara was spotted strolling through New York with her newborn son.
Does Mary J. Blige's 'Mary' Album Stand The Test Of Time?
MCA When it comes to R&B, no singer has done it better than Mary J. Blige. Coming onto the scene in 1992 with her classic debut album, ‘What’s The 411,’ the veteran artist is a rose that grew out of the hardscrabble concrete of Yonkers, N.Y. Blige has been a voice for the ladies and has delivered many heartfelt testimonials for more than two decades.
Following a tumultuous stretch in her career that included an alleged abusive relationship, drug addiction and depression, Blige was in the process of picking up the pieces in her life during the recording of her fourth studio LP, ‘Mary.’
Released on August 17, 1999, ‘Mary’ debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Album chart, selling over 239,000 copies in its first week of release. The collection boasts several hit singles including ‘All That I Can Say,’ ‘Deep Inside’ and ‘Your Child.’ The album was a departure from the heavy hip-hop-influenced sound of first three albums and marked the beginning of Blige’s transition from gritty fly girl to mature songstress.
Today (Aug. 17) marks the 15th anniversary of its release in the marketplace. The Boombox gave ‘Mary’ a listen to figure out if the album stood the test of time.
The album begins with the serene 'All That I Can Say.' The song, penned by Lauryn Hill, is nothing short of stellar, with Blige proclaiming devotion to her significant other. "Loving is you is wonderful, something like a miracle / Rest assured, I feel the same way you do / Needing you, it isn't hard, with you I can't let down my guard / Stay secure, that's all I'm asking of you," she sings. 'All That I Can Say' became yet another addition to Blige's catalog of signature tunes and still sounds as great as the first time you heard it.
2
'Sexy' Featuring Jadakiss
Blige builds on a good thing with track No. 2, the drum-heavy 'Sexy.' Featuring a nice mid-tempo vibe perfect for doing the two-step, this track sees MJB on a love high, purring, "Can't help it if I wanted it to, can't let you go, no." Blige also stays true to her hip-hop roots with Jadakiss blessing his Y-O homie with a predictably clutch 16-bar verse.
Experiencing internal warfare in her personal life, Blige decided to revealed her demons out for the world to see on 'Deep Inside.' Produced by Kevin Deane and featuring the legendary Elton John on the keys, Mary yearns for understanding, singing, "Deep inside I wish that you could see, that I'm just plain old Mary." Cracking the top ten on the R&B charts, the song is a testament to Blige's penchant for soul-stirring numbers that give an unfiltered glimpse into her life.
'Beautiful Ones' sees Blige reuniting with producer Chucky Thompson and the results are positive as usual. With the opening guitar riffs instantly drawing you in, the track switches up the vibe a bit, but doesn't sacrifice a step in terms of the flow of the album. Multiple layers of MJB vocals, beautiful instrumentation and solid songwriting makes this a standout.
'I'm In Love' sees us getting shades of the 'My Life' Mary, with it's subdued soulfulness and crisp live instrumentation. Produced by Blige herself, the track plays like an unexpected interlude, leaving us satisfied, yet wishing the song was just a bit longer.
The next track on 'Mary' is the Chucky Thompson-produced thumper 'Time.' Containing an interpolation of Stevie Wonder's 'Pastime Paradise,' the track sees Blige in vintage form, with her seasoned, yet stylistically raw vocals powering the track. Serving as one of the more memorable cuts on the album, the captivating strings and hard-hitting drums give you no choice to nod your head as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul vents.
'Memories' sees Mary reminiscing about a former love on Valentine's Day. While not particularly a dud, the song doesn't really stand out, leaning more towards pedestrian than memorable.
8
'Don't Waste Your Time' Featuring Aretha Franklin
The Queen of Soul shows up to the party with the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul on 'Don't Waste Your Time.' The Franklin and Blige collaboration makes for an unexpected, yet, indelible treat for listeners both young and old.
9
'Not Looking' Featuring K-Ci Hailey
The duets continue when former lover (and much of the inspiration for 'My Life') K-Ci Hailey of Jodeci and Blige reconnecting on 'Not Looking.' While solid in it's own right, this number pales in comparison with their 'What's The 411' duet 'I Don't Want To Do Anything Else.' Fans expecting for a repeat of that magic and chemistry may be a tad disappointed.
'Your Child' see MJB recounting an encounter with her lover's mistress, who happens to be pregnant with his child. Produced by Gerald Isaac, this song features Blige's gritty heartfelt vocals and true-to-life lyrics. The songbird has the ability to make you not only hear her, but literally feel what she's singing in your soul.
Next up is the Kiyamma Griffin produced 'No Happy Holidays.' The tables turn from the previous track and MJB is now the other woman, listing off her lovers absence from all meaningful events in her life.
The album crescendo comes courtesy of the slow burner 'The Love I Never Had.' Going through the motions of heartbreak in usual MJB fashion, great songwriting, accompanied by Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam's infectious production makes this song an underrated selection on the album.
13
'Give Me You' Featuring Eric Clapton
Listeners get a curveball thrown at them with an appearance with renowned guitarist Eric Clapton for the syrupy ballad, 'Give Me You.' Featuring a plush intro courtesy of producer Manuel Seal, Jr. that instantly draws you in and beautiful instrumentation and songwriting that seals the deal, Blige pulls it all together, making for a stellar performance.
'Mary' closes with a cover of the Philadelphia band First Choice's 'Let No Man Put Asunder.' Sadly, the song is a bit misplaced and doesn't quite fit the overall vibe of the album. Malik Pendleton upholds his end of the bargain, delivering an updated face-lift to the vintage track, but MJB doesn't fully sell the cover vocally and comes bit short of the original. When you're expecting an epic ending to an album and are instead presented with a forgettable cover of a song from the 80s, it leaves a little more to be desired, to say the least.
Joe Budden Posts Up With "Shapely" Lady Friend Wearing Crazy Thong (@joebudden)
Joe Budden didn't want to get rumors started with a photo of him hanging with an extremely beautiful woman, so he made sure to tell Instagram fans that she is his "platonic friend.
Remy Ma: "I Was Offered Six-Figures to Battle" (@freeremyma)
Remy Ma has been on a tear since being released from prison.
#IfTheyGunnedMeDown: Chris Brown, Nelly, Wale Honor Mike Brown (@chrisbrown @wale)
With the recent events in Ferguson, MO, once again igniting the conversation of race and police brutality in America, demonstrators from across the nation have come together to show their support for the people of the St.
Karlie Hustle to Hot 97: "I Quit" (@thekarliehustle @hot97)
Hot 97's Director of Music, Karlie Hustle, announced her resignation from the station on Instagram today.
B.o.B Criticizes Black Twitter for Reaction to Ferguson Crisis
Social activists of the 21st century have been criticized for “slacktivism,” or merely pretending to care about the issue while exerting minimal personal effort. Many put Twitter activism in that category, and B.o.B is one of them.
B.o.B hopped on Twitter and chided protest supporters — specifically “Black Twitter” — for its half-hearted concern about the Ferguson situation.
“So Antwon will shoot 12 people in a week and y’all be like FREE TWON!’ A cop shoot a n—a and y’all riot… ok… #facts,” B.o.B said in since-deleted tweets captured by Daily Surge. “Y’all ain’t gonna REVOLT!!! I bet y’all won’t overthrow the government of nothing!! All you gonna do is TWEET!”
The irony of B.o.B’s tweets is how Ferguson is still on the news partially because of predominantly African American-led protests. He hasn’t done much either; J. Cole and Elle Varner released songs dedicated to Mike Brown, the cop-slain teen who’s at the center of the issue.
Beyonce Performs 'Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)' In On The Run Tour Trailer
While Beyonce and Jay Z prepare for their On the Run concert special on HBO, the Bonnie & Clyde of music released another sizzling trailer.
In the new clip, Queen Bey is seductively coos ‘Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)’ to Hov while he puffs on a cigar. We also get several bursts of scenes from their sold-out tour in the U.S. And, albeit briefly, you get to see Beyonce’s derrière.
The concert special will be a compilation of Jay and Bey’s On The Run dates in Paris, France on Sept. 12 and 13. HBO will premiere the concert special on Sept. 20 at 9PM.
Unfortunately, no matter how much both Beyonce and Jay Z profess their love for each other on and off the road, reports of their divorce continues to linger on.
Us Weekly is reporting that the ‘Flawless’ singer has had enough and is preparing to divorce Jay Z.
Unidentified sources have told the website that after the duo’s Paris shows in September, Beyonce will end her six-year union with Jay Z.
“She’s done,” said the insider.
The 32-year-old singer has done her best to silence the reports with happy family pictures posted on Instagram, but sources revealed that things aren’t so happy behind the scenes.
Divorce rumors aside, watch the trailer to Beyonce and Jay Z’s soon-to-be(?) last performance together as a married couple.
VladTV's Vixen of the Week: The Curvy Thickness of Sultry Simone (@IAmSultrySimone)
Sultry Simone is a sexy vixen whose incredible thickness is all natural and juicy as ever.
Dangerous DJ Duffey Flaunts Busty Figure (@iwantdjduffey)
A woman that can hang with the fellas is sexy enough, but when she can do it while maintaining her feminine appeal that's a true gem.
The Governor of Texas Gets Indicted on Felony Charges (@texgov)