We would like the take the time out to wish Alicia Keys a happy birthday! The singer, songwriter and classically trained pianist turns 40 today.
With 7 studio albums and 15 Grammy Awards under her belt, Alicia has cemented her legacy as one of the most talented artists of this generation, and she's still hard at work.
Her hit records include "Girl on Fire," "Fallin," "Empire State of Mind," "No One," "Superwoman," "You Don't Know My Name," "A Woman's Worth," "If I Ain't Got You," "Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)," "How Come You Don't Call Me," "Diary" and many more.
Enjoy your big day, Alicia! We look forward to hearing more great music from you in the near future.
NEW YORK (Associated Press) — A lingering letdown for fans after Eddie Murphy's half-hearted display on the recent "Saturday Night Live" bash has been rekindled by a report of what might have been: Murphy impersonating Bill Cosby.
In a series of tweets, former "SNL" cast member Norm Macdonald described plans for Murphy to play the embattled Cosby in the "Celebrity Jeopardy" sketch seen on Sunday's "SNL 40th Anniversary Special."
A Video Daily Double question on Favorite Cocktails would have brought up a "video clip" of Murphy mimicking Cosby behind a bar.
Will Ferrell as host Alex Trebek would then cut it off in embarrassment, explaining the "clip" was taped last June — months before the ongoing scandal exploded amid allegations that Cosby served dozens of women drugged cocktails and then sexually assaulted them.
"Eddie Murphy doing a perfect Cosby impression," tweets Macdonald outlining how the sketch would have gone. "The audience does not let him finish. The sketch ends. The show, for all intents, ends."
The challenge, according to Macdonald, was persuading Murphy to take part.
"We talk in his dressing room a good hour. When it's over, I'm convinced he'll do it."
"He doesn't."
"Eddie decides the laughs are not worth it. He will not kick a man when he is down."
At least one person was grateful for Murphy's refusal. In a statement, Cosby said, "I am very appreciative of Eddie and I applaud his actions."
As viewers know, the sketch did go on, although, rather than Murphy, the role of Cosby was played by "SNL" cast member Kenan Thompson.
The presence of Murphy on the 3 1/2-hour special was billed as a highlight among the dozens of "SNL" alums and other celebs who were involved. It was his first return since 1984 to the show where he became the breakout star.
But his participation was limited to a few awkward words of thanks for the standing ovation he received in Studio 8H after a lavish intro by former "SNL" cast member Chris Rock. Many viewers were left disappointed and perplexed.
"We have no comment," said Murphy spokesman Arnold Robinson when asked about Macdonald's account of the show preparations. "Eddie was invited to attend the show and he attended."
Posted by ChasinDatPaper on February 15, 2015 at 11:30pm
Video After The Jump
Kanye West was a musical guest on Saturday Night Live's 40th anniversary special. Despite battling a hoarse voice his appearance was a memorable one as he performed "Jesus Walks." followed by "Only One."
The G.O.O.D. Music boss then brought out fellow Chicago rapper Vic Mensa and singer Sia to perform his new song entitled "Wolves."
XXL Magazine is bringing a special issue to newsstands on December 31st to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Hip Hop.
It couldn't have been easy selecting the five artists who will grace the covers. In the end XXL settled on Snoop Dogg, Outkast, LL Cool J, Jay Z and Lil Wayne.
Check out the covers up top and below.
Do you agree with the cover selections? If not, what artists would you have selected and why?
Posted by ChasinDatPaper on September 13, 2013 at 11:00am
Hennessy flowed as Nas celebrated his 40th birthday Thursday, September 12th, in New York City. The rap legend who doesn't look a day over 30, partied with his daughter, Destiny Jones, father, Olu Dara and plenty of friends.
Jermaine Dupri, Mariah Carey, Maino, Pusha T, Olivia Munn, Cassidy, Estelle, Mack Wilds and Tyson Beckford were all in attendance as DJ M.O.S. kept the records spinning.
Super producer Pharell Williams rang in his 40th birthday in style among celebrity at Liv nightclub in Miami on Friday, April 5th.
Good friends Miley Cyrus, Lil Wayne, Pusha T, Leah LaBelle, Jennifer Hudson, Chad Hugoand Teyana Taylor all showed up to make sure the birthday boy had a good time.
Chad manned the turntables during the event. A special cake designed by KAWS was presented to Pharell.
Tyler, The Creator couldn't make the event but he tweeted happy birthday wishes and paid tribute to the producer for influencing his career.
Pharell tweeted a quote from from writer Franz Kafka on his philosophy to remaining young at heart.
Check out pics from the event below. Spotted at Rap-Up.
Will Smith and Doug E. Fresh took party goers back to the old school as they rocked Gabrielle Union’s 40th birthday party in Miami on Saturday.
Will spit a freestyle while Doug E. beat boxed. Then Will got the crowd even more hyped up when he performed "Summertime" and the theme song from "Fresh Prince of Bel Air."
Doug E. then took center stage by showing where the "Dougie" dance originated from as he performed his and Slick Rick's classic song "La Di Da Di" over the instrumental to Cali Swag District's "Teach Me How To Dougie."
Gabrielle's boyfriend Dwayne Wade later Tweeted that the party was a smash.
Will Smith freestyle x "Summertime" x "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" theme song ft. Doug E. Fresh
Stars will be out in abundance to perform at the 2Pac 40th Birthday Concert Celebration. The event will be held June 16 in Atlanta at Atlanta Symphony Hall.
2Pac's mom, Afeni Shakur and comedian Mike Epps will host the event, while Erykah Badu will headline.
Other acts on the bill include Meek Mill, 8-Ball and MJG, Roy Ayers, Bun B, Too $hort and many more.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation for the Arts.
BallerStatus Reports
Turning 40 is a milestone, and to hip-hop mogul Diddy, it's one to splurge on.
The Bad Boy Entertainment boss recently threw himself a lavish 40th birthday party in New York, spending a whopping $3 million on the bash, reports Page Six.
Some of that money was spent on things like his Garden of Eden theme, which included a $30,000 orchid display, a specially installed black dance floor and black chandelier, a silver confetti drop, and a performance by Al Green.
You know when Diddy throws a party, celebs come to support. The all-star guest list included Bono, Jay-Z, Martha Stewart, Denzel Washington, Nelly, and Fabolous.
The security was tight too, so tight "Twilight" star Kellan Lutz was barely able to get into the VIP area.
All this went down at The Plaza Hotel in New York City.
Now that's BALLERSTATUS! Happy birthday Diddy!
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