Mariah Carey is to launch her own champagne. Angel Champagne by MC will hit stores later this year and join her 2006 Mariah Zinfandel on supermarket shelves.
In announcing her new champagne on Friday, Carey poked fun at her boozy performance at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on January 6.
The pop star and filmmaker pal Lee Daniels were toasting the success of their film Precious backstage and she hit the podium a little tipsy.
She says, "(I) didn't realize they put the champagne on the tables, so we WOULDN'T drink it!"
Source: Starpulse
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Sometimes, when I see Beyonce, hear Alicia Keys, or notice some new pop-soul singer on the radio, TV or the Web, I think of Aaliyah. Today, Jan. 16, would have been her 31st birthday.
Born in Brooklyn, and raised in Detroit, Aaliyah Dana Haughton was one of the most innovative hip-hop soul singers of the last decade. She released her debut album, “Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number” (1994), at the age of 14. Her follow-ups, “One in a Million” (1996), and “Aaliyah” (2001), were both influential and best-selling, fracturing the sound of traditional R&B.
While other soul stars belted out songs and looked to raise the roof, Aaliyah stayed in the groove, working with collaborators R. Kelly, Timbaland, and Missy Elliott, to create beat-driven music with unusual but gripping rhythms, subtle vocals, and dangerously glamorous videos. She cut a mysterious figure in an overexposed field, keeping her private life private, and sweeping her dark hair over one eye like Veronica Lake.
Soon after the release of her third, self-titled album, however, and just as she was securing a side career as a movie actress, Aaliyah’s career was cut short in a plane crash in 2001. She was 22 years old.
Please leave your thoughts about Aaliyah in the comments section.
Below, a few of Aaliyah’s music videos.
Here’s the video for “Are You That Somebody?”
Aaliyah "Are You That Somebody"
Aaliyah "More Than A Woman"Aaliyah "One In A Million"Aaliyah Rare Interview
Wyclef returned to his native Haiti at the Port-au-Prince airport the day after the thousands upon thousands were killed in a lethal 7.0 earthquake. Thursday, the entertainer then began clearing the dead bodies of his country’s inhabitants off of the streets. Among other matters, he’s issued a plea to the President, started to plan telethon with George Clooney and his tireless lobbying.
Despite his efforts, the singer/rapper now must contend with allegations of misappropriated funds from his Yéle Haiti Foundation, according to a report from The Washington Post. "It seems clear that a significant amount of the monies that this charity raises go for costs other than providing benefits to Haitians in need," said Dean Zerbe, national managing director of Alliant Group, a tax services company.
Hugh Locke, President of Yéle Haiti, countered the notion in a statement that was issued to AllHipHop.com early Saturday morning.
“Wyclef Jean, the founder of Yéle Haiti has never profited from his organization. It’s a shame that during this international emergency, we have had to divert resources away from our response efforts to address these allegations,” Locke said.
Locke also told the Post, “I think people should be very comfortable that any money given to Yele Haiti is going 100 percent to emergency relief." He also stated that Wyclef’s status in Haiti gives them more access to those that truly need the money.
Furthermore, Locke stated that the organization has used monies raised for scholarships, a soccer team, various educational trips, employs natives and also established a food program that distributed supplies after a 2008 hurricane.
At press time, the Yéle Haiti Foundation had raised over $2 million in contributions, largely through texted donations.
Locke, through Yéle Haiti’s PR company, sent AllHipHop.com a list of “Financial Facts,” which can be seen below.
Fact: Yéle Haiti, originally called the Wyclef Jean Foundation, filed a tax return in 2000 and then suspended activities until 2005 and so was not required by law to file a tax return until it resumed operation.
Fact: Yéle Haiti received a clean bill of health in independent external audits conducted in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 by the firm of Tempesta & Farrell, P.C..
Fact: Yéle Haiti was guided by the firm of Grant Thornton LLP to ensure that all transactions involving board members Wyclef Jean and Jerry Duplessis were conducted to fully comply with both the spirit and letter of the law governing such matters.
Fact: Yéle Haiti offices are located in Platinum Sound, the recording studio owned by Wyclef and Jerry Duplessis in order to save money. The organization pays only $2,600 a month for the space and a shared reception service, instead of considerably more for the same arrangement in midtown Manhattan.
Fact: Wyclef Jean was paid $100,000 in connection with a benefit concert in Monte Carlo in 2006, which was organized by a for-profit organization. The vast majority of that amount went towards costs related to the performance, including the hiring of backing musicians and other costs related to the production.
Fact: Yéle Haiti purchased $250,000 of airtime on the commercial television station Telemax in Haiti that is owned by Wyclef and Jerry. We have documentation allocating the hundreds of hours of Yéle programming, over several years, that addressed a wide range of development and social issues in Haiti.
AllHipHop
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The Smoking Gun reports that $1 out of every $5 donated to Wyclef's Yele Charity actually goes to the impoverished country. If that's indeed true, it's sad because the organization has already raised over a million dollars for the earthquake victims.
The Smoking Gun reports:
"Internal Revenue Service records show the group has a lackluster history of accounting for its finances, and that the organization has paid the performer and his business partner at least $410,000 for rent, production services, and Jean's appearance at a benefit concert. Though the Wyclef Jean Foundation, which does business as Yele Haiti Foundation, was incorporated 12 years ago--and has been active since that time--the group only first filed tax returns in August 2009.
That month, the foundation provided the IRS with returns covering calendar years 2005, 2006, and 2007--the only periods for which it has publicly provided a glimpse at its financial affairs. In 2006, Jean's charity reported contributions of $1 million, the bulk of which came from People magazine in exchange for the first photos of a pregnant Angelina Jolie (the actress reportedly directed that the publication's payment go to Jean's charity, not her personally).”
Click here to take a look at the tax records and more of what money has been spent on.
We're pretty sure Wyclef can explain the matter but more important is people continuing to support Haiti. I highly doubt that Clef would pocket a nickel and steal from his own people in this time of need. Hip-Hop Wired will keep you posted as this story develops.
HipHopWired
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Nicolas Cage got an expensive New Year's gift from Uncle Sam -- a bill for $6.7 million in MORE allegedly unpaid back taxes.
According to a federal tax lien filed on December 31, 2009 -- Cage owes $6,712,821.99 in unpaid taxes for 2008.
According to Sam Levin, Cage's former financial manager -- who's in a legal war with Nic over the massive financial collapse -- by 2008, the actor had "15 palatial homes around the world, four yachts, a Gulfstream jet and millions of dollars in jewelry and art." Cage claims Levin was incompetent and underhanded and sunk Cage's financial ship.
As TMZ first reported,Cage is on the hook for $6,617,550.84 he owed for debts in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2007 -- making his new grand total $13,330,372.83.
It's unclear on how Cage will pay up -- due to the fact that Nic has described his own financial state as "catastrophic."
UPDATE: Nicolas Cage just gave TMZ the following statement: "Over the course of my career I have paid at least $70 million in taxes. Unfortunately, due to a recent legal situation, another approximate $14 million is owed to the IRS, however, I am under new business management and am happy to say that I am current for 2009. All taxes will be paid including any to be determined state taxes.TMZ
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Video After The JumpAuthorities say they have arrested an Arizona woman who traded her 2-year-old daughter for a gun.Maricopa County sheriff's deputies arrested 33-year-old Tanya Nareau of Mesa on Tuesday after receiving a tip.
Deputies say they spoke with a family friend who had the child and confirmed Nareau gave the girl to him for gun.
Deputies say Nareau felt the friend would do a better job raising the child than she would.
Authorities say Nareau has been charged with the unlawful sale of a child and solicitation to possess a weapon by a prohibited person.
It was unclear if Nareau had legal representation.
CBS
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In the wake of the horrific tragedy in Haiti, Chicago rapper Twista is doing his part to help.
He's recorded a song to the tune of Wyclef Jean and Mary J Blige's song "911". Asking that everyone donate at least $5 dollars through Wyclef's Yele.Org Earthquake Fund.
Read more…
Eve is making changes in the new decade. The femcee has left her longtime label and promises a new album in 2010.
The rapper-turned-actress revealed on Twitter Friday (Jan. 15) that she has parted ways with Interscope Geffen A&M Records where she released her first three albums. “Let me tell u what happened with music so ya’ll don’t think I quit,” she told her followers. “Left Interscope, free agent now. Went back in re-doing music. Trust me.”
As for her oft-delayed fourth studio album, the first since 2002’s Eve-Olution, she says it’s coming this year. “Not letting this year pass wit out an ALBUM! Can’t take the non-sense MUSIK.”
A 2007 project Here I Am was scrapped, although it produced the Swizz Beatz-helmed “Tambourine” and “Give It to You” featuring Sean Paul.
While on hiatus, Eve shared that she was going in a new direction with her sound, as evidenced by the leaked Salaam Remi production “Me N My (Up in the Club).” “I’m actually experimenting with this movement called dubstep in the U.K., this underground sound,” she told Jimmy Fallon in October.
Source: Rap-Up
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Video After The JumpAmerie took time out to record a message urging everyone to help with Earthquake Relief for Haiti.
She asked that everyone donate at least $10 dollars to Unicef,Org to help the people in Haiti get essentials like drinking water.
Read more…
Videos After The JumpIn an appearance as varied as one of her song medleys, on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" Friday Lady Gaga performed, announced that she'll be donating the proceeds from one of her forthcoming concerts to relief for Haiti, and indirectly addressed her show cancellations in the wake of her collapse from exhaustion after a show on Thursday.
Regarding Haiti, Gaga said that all proceeds from her January 24 concert in New York will go to relief organizations for the earthquake in the embattled country.
"Haiti's still suffering," she said. "And I was thinking earlier, because I was in New York during 9/11 and I always felt, the level of disaster isn't in the neighborhood of what is happening in Haiti, but I just remember feeling nobody really understood. And I worry that young people don't know enough about what's going on there.
"And I will say today that on the 24th, the Monster Ball [show] in New York City, all of the money that I make in ticket sales and merchandise will go to Haiti. And on the 24th you can also go onto ladygaga.com and any merchandise that you buy, the money will go to Haiti." Reached for comment, Gaga's label rep told MTV News the specifics of the contribution would be announced in the coming days.
Although the concerts she postponed or cancelled on Friday due to exhaustion didn't come up directly in conversation, Gaga did admit, "I always have very trying weeks in terms of my physical schedule."
For Gaga's performance, she stepped onto the stage with a ball and chain and spiky getup — complete with a spiked hairstyle — that was part dress, part pantsuit and busted out a medley that started off with "Monster" before going into her hit "Bad Romance," complete with several dancers. She later took the ball and chain, jumped on a mock taxi and attempted to break through its windshield. (Oprah was shown pumping her fist in the crowd during the performance.) She then slowed it down by completing the set at her piano singing "Speechless."
Also appearing on the show was "Avatar" director James Cameron, and Gaga revealed that she had always wanted to paint herself blue, like the Na'vi in the film. "It's actually funny about James Cameron, because I've been talking about how I want to paint myself blue for a performance for the longest time," she explained. "I've been preparing to do it and then 'Avatar' came out."
In the interview with Winfrey, the singer addressed her long-simmering stardom aspirations. "I don't like that, actually. It feels so weird when people call me 'lady,' " she said about her stage name, adding, "I wake up in the morning and I get on my computer and I have files and reference boards and I call the Haus of Gaga all day and argue with them. For me it's all about being provocative. It's not just about getting attention, but about really saying something that affects people.
"The hardest part about my job is that I'm bossy, really. This is my only opportunity to live my dream."
Gaga also gave Winfrey's cameras a peek at the inner workings of her Monster Ball Tour, showing showing her wardrobe closet and her office. She added that before her team hits the stage they have a very specific pre-show ritual. "We always at the end of the prayer say 'Joanne' altogether because that was my father's sister, who died very young, and I believe she's onstage every night."
Interview Part 1Interview Part 2Interview Part 3Lady Gaga Performing "Monster" x "Bad Romance" x "Speechless"MTV
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Snoop Dogg has made his first signing as Creative Chairman of Priority Records, adding West Coast rappers Cypress Hill to the revived label’s roster. Snoop and Cypress Hill made the announcement on yesterday’s Lopez Tonight show, where the Black Sunday band performed their hit “Insane in the Brain.” Cypress Hill will release Rise Up, their first album since 2004’s Til Death Do Us Part, on April 6th.
The album’s first single, “Rise Up,” features the guitar work of Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello. “It was great to work with my longtime friends and comrades Cypress Hill on these two monster rock tracks,” Morello said of his new collaborators. “Cypress are back with a vengeance!” Morello will also appear on another Rise Up track called “Shut ‘Em Down.” This isn’t the first time Cypress and Rage have teamed up: Drummer Brad Wilk also performed on Cypress Hill’s 2000 rap-rock album Skull & Bones.
Cypress Hill spent the last three years in the studio working on Rise Up. “Making this record was so much fun,” Hill’s Sen Dog said in a statement. “It felt like the first record we ever made together. We recorded whatever we wanted to with no musical boundaries. And having the chance to work with one of my favorite guitar players of all time, Tom Morello, was amazing. I always knew we would make some kickass music together.”
Snoop was handed the reins to Priority Records last year in the hopes that he could help bring the famed West Coast label — which featured artists like N.W.A, Ice Cube and Eazy-E — back to prominence. Snoop didn’t have to look far for his first signing, since Cypress Hill have been rap staples from Los Angeles’ South Gate for over 20 years. Other rockers rumored to be featured on Rise Up include Slash and Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda.
Source: Rolling Stone
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Videos After The JumpAlicia Keys is riding high on the success of her latest album 'The Element Of Freedom'
She proves again why she is one of the best live performers during her show for AOL Sessions Live. Mixing the old with the new, Alicia looked and sounded fantastic
As the crisis in Haiti continues in the wake of the devastating 7.0 earthquake on Tuesday, MTV and George Clooney have teamed up to present a telethon to rally support and raise money for the embattled country.
On Friday night, January 22, the Oscar-winning actor will appear in a bi-coastal telethon and fundraiser on all MTV Networks channels. All proceeds will go toward relief efforts in Haiti.
A roster of musicians, actors and actresses that will also take part in the benefit will be announced in the coming days.
Before Friday's Clooney-led benefit, there are numerous ways in which you can take part in Haitian relief efforts. MTV has culled together a list of organizations, from the American Red Cross to Wyclef Jean's Yele Haiti to UNICEF, that are providing valuable services on the island.
"I cannot stress enough what a human disaster this is, and idle hands will only make this tragedy worse," Jean wrote on his Web site. "We must act now."
From Facebook support groups to the halls of Washington, D.C., the nation has galvanized around the embattled island nation as it experiences the latest in a string of humanitarian crises.
President Obama pledged support for Haiti in a speech on Thursday (January 14).
"In this, your hour of greatest need, America stands with you," President Obama said. "The world stands with you. We know that you are a strong and resilient people. You have endured a history of slavery and struggle, of natural disaster and recovery. And through it all, your spirit has been unbroken and your faith has been unwavering. So today, you must know that help is arriving — much, much more help is on the way."
Head here to learn more about what you can do to help with earthquake-relief efforts in Haiti. and for more information, see THINK mtv.
MTV
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Snoop Dogg sent out a warning on his Twitter page earlier this week to look out for the "Kings G-Mix" of his hit "I Wanna Rock." Shortly after, the track featuring him and Jay-Z was igniting the Net.
"I wanna rock right now," Jay raps. "The name is Hov, and I came to shake the town/ Yeah, your boy's internationally known, but I'm from the 'hood/ Got a pocketful of stones."
From there, Jigga drops an assortment of rappers' names, such as Big Daddy Kane, Notorious B.I.G., Doug E. Fresh and Rob Bass, as he talks about his rise from street drug czar to greatest MC ever.
Fellow New York hip-hop heavyweight DJ Green Lantern said that's not the only "I Wanna Rock" remix you'll hear. The Evil Genius has an official reworking on deck, which is going to give the record a Down Bottom feel.
"I'm working on a remix for Snoop, 'I Wanna Rock,' " Green told us a couple of days ago. "Trust me: When you hear it ... it's got a Southern feel to it. It's got a bounce to it. Right now, I got Yo Gotti, the cat Roscoe Dash, who's got the 'All the Way Turnt Up.' I'm waiting on a couple more verses. Snoop's got it. I'm working with it right now. It's a crazy flip of that."
Green is also quick to point out that he loves what Scoop DeVille did with the original record: "I think that's a crazy beat."
On Tuesday, get ready for an in-depth preview of the Evil Genius' next huge mixtape — the much-anticipated Green Ghost Project with Styles P — right here in Mixtape Daily. The mixtape will be released February 2 with production by Green, Statik Selektah, Vinny Idol, Buckwild, the Alchemist, Dame Grease and Poobs. Guests include Jadakiss and Raekwon.
Styles-P & DJ Green Lantern "Legal Money" off the "Green Ghost Project"Snoop Dogg featuring Jay-Z "I Wanna Rock" (The King's G-Mix)
Source: MTV
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Video After The JumpTwo of the west coast's finest rocked the George Lopez Tonight Show last night (Thursday January 14).
Snoop Dogg blazed through your favorite rappers favorite song right now "I Wanna Rock" off his new album 'Malice In Wonderland'. Then Cypress Hill surprised everyone by hitting the stage to perform an abbreviated version of their classic "Insane In The Brain"
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Kelis is very busy these days. She has a new baby, a new recording contract with Will.I.Am/Interscope and enough beefs brewing to make any drama starter jealous.
Forget milkshakes, Kelis is slinging mud from her yard!
If she's not making Nas's life a living hell by draining his bank account. She's doing battle with the People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals.
Kelis took to her myspace page today venting about a letter she recently received from Peta. Apparently they aren't too happy about her flaunting her love of fur.
Check out her rebuttal below.
Kelis' Letter to PETAGood morning all!
Ok, so you’re gonna love this. The other day I got a personalized letter from PETA! Lol so after some thought I've decided to write one back. Goes a little something like this:
There is no humane way to kill anything, let me start there. It’s unfortunate but it’s part of life. With that being said, I would eat pterodactyl if you found some and you told me it was meaty and delicious. And after doing a very minimal amount of research....... I found out that the founder Ingrid Newkirk is completely batty. I had a feeling but she far exceeded my expectations. I mean certifiably insane! Lol this chicks will is nuts, google it – it’s a riot! Beyond the fact that I think she's a diabetic, which means she needs insulin, which is taken from lab pigs (I know this because my sister happens to be in veterinary school), which would be completely hypocritical. It’s like don't abuse animals unless it can help me.
I feel very strongly about a lot of things such as the sweatshops that spin cotton and the blood on their hands. Btw it’s not just the look of fur. It’s warm as hell and feels glorious, ever rubbed faux fur on your body? Nothing luxurious about that. Then the letter proceeded to name artist and designers who don't wear real fur. Great! More for me! I don't judge them, don't judge me.
If I started wearing endangered animals like polar bear or orangutan then talk to me. (Which btw for the record I would not - I do believe in the preservation of endangered species) But the minks and chinchilla that quite honestly are rodents and if weren't in the form of a coat I would demand they be put to death anyway are not an issue to me.
The death of high fashion. Ugh.
I eat meat, and in fact my mouth salivates as I type the word meat! And the paint throwing that's just ridiculous! What if I was hurling Loubitons and Pierre Hardy's at every sad poorly dressed person on the street? As right as I may be it’s just fanatical and crazy. And people have the right to feel as they please. What about art? Survival of the fittest. Natural selection? No let's just let all the rodents run free and over take our cities. Oh wait they have, NY and LA in particular are infested! Why don't u save them all from scavenging on the streets and ruining my evening strolls, take them home. Make them pets! Get off my back! Pun intended!
Underpaid minorities picking your vegetables, now that's fine for you right? Please, fight for their rights. How about the poverty in the communities of brown people around the world. She had the nerve to say (and I quote) "get over it" talking of the issue of black people and slavery in this country verses cows being slaughtered. Is she kidding me? Lol yes she must be. Actually, she's lucky most black people have real issues to worry about in the U.S and don't give a crap what her delusional privileged opinions are. But she should try saying that again just for kicks n giggles on the corner of Adam Clayton Powell Blvd in Harlem n see how well people "get over it" lol.
If u want to preach do it about something worthwhile don't waste my time trying to save the dang chipmunk.
Find a worthwhile cause like the women being maimed in these Middle Eastern countries. Or female circumcision. Or women's rights here in America, we still get paid less for doing the same jobs as men. Quite honestly if you hate the world so much go live in the forest where no one else has to hear you complain about the perfectly good food chain the good Lord created. Everyone has the right to an opinion, and that's mine on that! xoxo
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January 16, 2010 Phil Cardona, Shuga Shady, and The Miami Group presentRoom Service Saturdays at Club B.E.D Miamihosted byGrammy Nominated & Multi Platinum Recording ArtistYOUNG JEEZYANDMurph's Mixtape Release PartyRoom Service Dinner Party 8PM-11:00PMLadies 'Free' until 12:30pm with RSVPOpen Bar 11pm-12pm------B.E.D.beverage.entertainment.dining929 Washington Avenue, South Beach305.532.9070