So, My ipod's Stuck on Forever by Chris Brown...

and at first, I hated this song with a passion; but, the more and more I listen to it, the more and more I like it! It's not like it's the greatest song in the world either, but just in watching the video the past couple of nights on BET Late; I just can't seem to get this damn song out of my head for the life of me.

For whatever reason, I absolutely love this song and it's been in constant rotation on my itunes/ipod. So much so, that I find myself eager to give Exclusive another [thorough] listen to see what else I may have missed the first time through. Yeah, yeah yeah, I realize "Forever" is on the re-release of Exclusive but, to be honest, I never really gave Exclusive a chance and I'm starting to regret that now. I mean, I felt this same away about "With You" and that's [now] one of my favorites also. Therefore, I can only imagine what else I've been missing out on.

Anyway, I just felt like I had to share that with you guys. It's nothing spectacular, journalistic, or anything like that; more random than anything. Long story short, Chris Brown is the truth and although I thought Trey Songz deserved the Best Male R&B award the other night, I can't even be mad that Chris took it home now. He deserved it, hands down.

Chicago Bulls Select Derrick Rose With No. 1 Pick

After much analysis/debate, the hometown kid Derrick Rose was selected by the Chicago Bulls as the No. 1 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. Quite frankly, I think the Bulls made the best decision for their team, but now will be faced with the decision of having to move either Ben Gordon or Kirk Hinrich.

Either way, the Bulls will have a good team to build around Rose, but this project will take some time. Remember, Derrick is only 19 and needs time to mature so patience will be key. He'll figure things out in due time and flourish as a prolific scorer, but my only concern is whether or not Vinny Del Negro is the right guy for the head coaching position. I guess that remains to be seen but, for now, Chicago has another new, heir apparent to the throne and his name is Derrick Rose.

Bria Myles Brings The Boys To The Yard

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You know that saying, "a picture's worth a thousand words"? Well, check out this new pic of Bria Myles. I think that saying speaks volumes here, don't you think?

How You Gon' Have Pretty Ricky w/o Pleasure P?

So, I'm watching BET's 106 & Park and Pretty Ricky is on there introducing their new member and all I could think was, "How you gon' have Pretty Ricky without Pleaseure P"? This new guy--4 Play, or whatever his name is--is cool and all but I don't think anybody could ever replace what Pleasure brought to the group. His swagger was what made Pretty Ricky and, aside from being the marquee star, Pleasure was a hell of a singer.

Look, I'm not trying to make this sound like I'm a fanboy (really, I'm not); but, Pretty Ricky without Pleasure P is not something I'm buying. These guys are just another group now and following the release of their upcoming album, 80's Babies, I fully expect these guys to ride off into the sunset and R.I.P. in purgatory alongside groups like B2K.

Tony Parker Chosen As Cover Athlete For NBA Live 09

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Jay-Z Stepping Out On Beyoncé

It seems [to me] that all these Jay-Z and Beyoncé rumors are concentrated, because they never seem to go away. If anything, more and more seem to pop up and for some reason, that Missy Elliott song "Gossip Folks" is starting to come to mind as I write this, but never mind that.

Anyway, I'm sure a lot of you have heard by now but the latest rumor is saying that Jay was seen having a romantic dinner with UK singer Alesha Dixon at the Zuma restaurant in London, England. Now, the way I look at things, I take everything at face value and this doesn't appear to be anything salacious at all. If anything, I would say it's nothing more than two people having dinner and that's it, but gossip hounds are running with this thing and making it bigger than it really is.

Am I surprised? Quite honestly no, but I kind of expected another Jay & Beyoncé rumor to pop up here sooner or later and what do you know? I was right. It just goes to show that the media can over analyze things sometimes and should be a little more reserved when it comes to things of this nature; but, this is the media we're talking about. Since when have they ever been wrong?

A T-Pain/Lil' Wayne Album Is A Good Thing, Right?

If the BET awards was any indication, then I'm a little reserved when it it comes to this newly formed super group of Lil' Wayne and T-Pain. As much as I like both individually, I kind of think that the auto-tune effect they've both fallen in love with will wear out its welcome over an entire album. Then again, it could be kind of hot; but let's face it, these best of both world type collaborations have been hit-or-miss in the past and this sounds like a recipe for disaster.

Don't get me wrong, in no way am I discrediting the "bankability" of both artists because [financially] an album from the two will have an audience; but, in all likelihood, it would pale in comparison to what the two have done individually. I'll admit, the two have great chemistry together as exhibited on Wayne's current single "Got Money"; but as is common with things of this nature, the marketplace for both Wayne and T-Pain will dry up here shortly. As consistent as the two have been, an over saturation will manifest eventually and people will get sick of hearing the two; so, from that standpoint, a collaborative effort will then seem like overkill.

Regardless, interest on my part remains [relatively] high (in spite of my reservations) to see if they can pull it off, but I doubt this will even see the light of day. There's too many legalities and red tape blocking this thing, in my opinion, and I doubt Universal Records and Jive Records will come to terms to make this thing happen. At most, we'll probably get a lot of leaked material featuring the two and you know what? That would [actually] be sufficient enough.

I ♥ Candace Parker

I absolutely love Candace Parker so, imagine my surprise when I found out she was named 2008's Top Collegiate Female Athlete. That's right, just 24 hours after becoming the 2nd player ever to dunk in an WNBA game, Mrs. Parker was given the highest of honors and I couldn't be any happier.

To say Candace deserved this award would be an understatement, but just like the tat on her wrist that reads, "to whom much is given, much is expected," Candace has exceeded all the expectations that have been placed on her. Her quiet, yet strong sense of self-confidence has led her to back-to-back NCAA championships, awards, and what not; and after being drafted #1 overall by the L.A. Sparks, her sights are not only set on a WNBA title but [also] a gold medal at the Olympics this August.

Now, I'm quite sure everything will come to fruition in due time and that Candace will continue to be rewarded for all her hard work and determination, but all the accolades in the world could not amount to what it feels like to be Shelden Williams (her fiancée/Sacramento Kings player) right about now. I rarely envy anybody and, to be honest, I wouldn't go as far to say that I envy the guy; but, I do think he's pretty lucky to have a girl like Candace Parker. This guy definitely won in my book and is all the confirmation in the world that I, too, can pull someone as fine as Candace Parker. Ya dig?

Did Kanye Really Deserve The Best Male Hip-Hop Award Over Lil' Wayne?

Personally, I think not; but something tells me a little bit of politics was involved. We all know Kanye's history when it comes to being "snubbed" at award shows but, without question, Weezy deserved his just due. I mean, his win for Viewer's Choice was a nice nod to his solidarity but Weezy deserves his moment to bask in the glory. Kanye has already had that opportunity plenty of times and after T.I. stole this award last year, I was almost certain that Wayne would take it home this year. Unfortunately, that was not the case and part of me can't be mad. Kanye's Graduation album lived up to the hype and is all the reason for Kanye to be awarded, but damn...what's it gonna take for Wayne to be recognized at one of these events? He'll have his time, I'm sure, but until then...Tha Carter III will remain in heavy rotation on my ipod; just like it will with so many others.

No Love For Lil' Mama?

You would think after last year's controversial win by Jennifer Hudson in the Best New Artist category that BET would finally get it right [and...maybe it's just me], but can someone please explain to me this stranglehold that Missy Elliott has on the Best Female Hip-Hop category. Including her [not so surprising] win last night, Missy Elliott has won 5 out of the last 7 awards in this category and while some were deserved, I just don't think she deserved the one she got last night.

If anything, Lil' Mama deserved to win this award (in my opinion) because she really gets it in when it comes to her prowess on the mic. (Arguably, you could make the same case for Trina but to compare the two would be a little unfair.) Sure, Lil' Mama hasn't made quite a name for herself yet but neither has Jennifer Hudson and she's just now finishing up her long-awaited debut album. The shit just doesn't make much sense now, does it?

Maybe I'm just talking out of my neck on this one, but I truly feel that Lil' Mama was robbed last night. There's no way Missy Elliott should've won that award because 1)she was nominated for a bullshit single that was from a soundtrack, not an album of her own, 2)she hasn't dropped an album since July 2005, and 3)this isn't a lifetime achievement award. Just like Kobe Bryant was named MVP because of his lifetime of work, Missy Elliott seems to get that same preferential treatment and I've never understood why. I mean, I respect her genius when it comes to originality and being innovative but Lil' Mama had quite a buzz when her "Lipgloss" was poppin' and [oh yeah] she dropped a pretty decent album as well.

Anyway, I just figured I'd drop my two cents on this particular issue because it really struck a chord with me. BET really frustrates me at times and it's annoying the way they do things, but it's not like I can do anything about it. Therefore, as far as I'm concerned, Lil' Mama is a winner in my book and hopefully this will be all the motivation she needs to rise to that next level. Only time will tell, however, but her future sure does look bright and one can only imagine the possibilities.

The Dream Wins Best New Artist @ BET Awards '08

Validation is in the eye of the beholder but I, for one, was glad to see The Dream take home the award for Best New Artist at last night's BET Awards. Without question, the guy deserved to be recognized for his talent as a singer/songwriter but, this just in, he's an amazing artist as well.

Not many writers turned singers have been successful as of late [save for Ne-Yo], but The Dream is slowly laying down the framework for a very successful career. While he may not get all the accolades, awards, and such that he very much deservers, his debut album Love Me All Summer/Hate Me All Winter has quietly become a "slept on classic". Yet and still, it just goes to show that hard work and dedication goes a long way with a little bit of effort; and for Terius "The Dream" Nash, a Best New Artist award is proof that dreams can come true

Trey Songz Cuts Off His Braids

Usually when an artist does something drastic to alter their image, it's only done so in an attempt to re-vamp their career. Now, from time to time, there are a few exceptions to the rule; but Trey Songz is clearly not one of them. I, personally, have no feelings whatsoever if the guy has braids or not but to all those female fans of his, Mr. Songbook has decided to go for a more grown up look (Click here).

Like I said, I could care less either way because I'm only a fan of his music, not his looks; but this could be a good look for him. Trey Day is one of the most slept on albums of late and, from what I hear, he's already hard at work on the follow up that is set to drop this December. On a side note, Trey is nominated for a Best Male R&B award at tonight's BET Awards and I can't think of anybody more deserving. I guess tonight will be telling but just imagine if he did win. You know how crazy that would be? Or, how much that would validate his career? Forget a new haircut, a Best Male R&B award would be an even better look; so pardon me as I cross up in support of Trey Songz.

The Happening

As much as I'm a fan of M. Night Shyamalan, there's nothing I could [possibly] say to defend his latest experimental horror flick--The Happening. Following the release of Lady in the Water, critics lamented him as a "one trick pony" and unjustly, I felt the negative criticism was undeserved; but now, my opinion is starting to conform with the majority. Not only is The Happening a bad movie but, also, it creates doubt in one's mind that questions the genius (or ingenious) of a once heralded director. In all fairness, Shyamalan's wonderment is the most likable aspect of his work but potential can only go so far. People, more specifically his fans, expect more from him than any other director and being a fan, myself, The Happening is [unfortunately] nothing more than a disastrous disappointment.

I'm not the biggest environmentalist (far from it to be honest), but The Happening is nothing more than Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth with a little bit of the horror element thrown into it. Basically, "The Happening" is an environmental crisis that starts along the northeast, spreads, and results in a mass amount of suicide. Strangely enough, the premise isn't all that bad but, trust me, not even that could save this pathetic excuse for a movie. Mark Whalberg is not convincing at all as Elliott, the protagonist of the film, and Zooey Deschanel isn't given very much to work with. Her character seems distant, egoistic and somewhat lost at times but, overall, the acting leaves a lot to be desired. For that, I shoulder the blame on Shyamalan and justly he deserves it in my opinion. His undeveloped characters have no real arc to them and in helplessly watching this movie, I fully understand why studio after studio passed up this project. Don't get me wrong, I respect M. Night for his creativity, persistence, and passion but [even] I, too, can smell bullshit when I see it.

I guess my biggest complaint about this movie was with how it was marketed. Believe it or not, Friday the 13th is a holy grail for movies with a horror element and for The Happening to be marketed to the public as such was very underlying in my opinion. While The Happening, for what's worth, is classifiable as part of the horror genre; I don't think the prospect of plants killing people went over too well with those who went out to see this. I, for one, was not pleased and expressed disinterest about 15 minutes in, but stayed in regards to see how progressively worse this train wreck was going to be. Save from the countless times the boom mic's were clearly visible and the inept portrayals of people committing suicide, this movie is more laughable than it is scary.

Yes, we get the fact that we're slowly killing the environment and that their will be consequences one day, but to make a movie about it is a waste of time. I hate to borrow a South Park reference but, Al Gore already did it. From that aspect, The Happening fails in all facets but the silver lining would not only suggest a moral responsibility but acceptability as well. Therefore, M. Night should take a long hard look in the mirror and face facts for what they are because his career is being defined right before our very eyes. As much as he may not want to admit it, his unique style of storytelling/film making has gotten progressively worse since The Sixth Sense; and being the longtime fan that I am, I'm finding it harder and harder to defend his work.

As a fan, I shouldn't have to do that but Shyamalan is unique in that way. His ambiguous reliance of self-interpretation serves more as a proverbial crutch and now it would seem that ambiguity has gotten the best of him. There's no telling what he was thinking when he sat down and decided to write The Happening but I have a better idea for a movie. The rise and fall of his career. Now, that's a horror movie.

Rating: 0 inkblots out of 5

Rihanna's New Tattoo

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So, I'm surfing the net and I come across this picture of Rihanna and I happen to notice her new tattoo. For those who haven't seen it, click the pic above for a larger view and you can make out the roman numerals to read 11/04/1986. Upon further research, I discovered this was not her birthday and speculation abounds as to what it may mean. If it helps, Rihanna also has a new tattoo on one of her index fingers that simple says, "Shhhh..." What that means, I don't know but I thought it was interesting enough to post on here. Anyway, chime in and let me know what you people think.

Ne-Yo Covers Up

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As you can see, Ne-Yo is doing it real major with this Year of the Gentleman movement of his and his latest album cover is all the proof you need. Truth be told, I didn't like his last album that much and felt like it strayed from what he put out on his first; but this new album, will be indicative of whether or not Ne-Yo will remain in my top 5.

Don't get me wrong, I think the guy is superbly talented and is one of the best singer/songwriters out; but I don't feel like he's reached his full potential yet as an artist. Hopefully, Year of the Gentleman will be that progressive step forward and, by all accounts, I'm sure it will be.

Anyway, Year of the Gentleman is scheduled to drop on Aug. 5th so be sure to pick up your copy whenever it does. In the meantime, let me know what you think about Ne-Yo's new album cover because your feedback is always welcome.

Lil' Mama Feat. T-Pain: What It Is (Strike A Pose) [Video]

I'm really feeling this 8o's insprired theme that Lil' Mama decided to go with and this song is, actually, kind of dope. I'll admit, I never gave Lil' Mama much thought (let alone any credit) but she's kinda fresh on the music tip. Anyway, check out the video and let me know what you think.

Scarlett Johansson Covers Nylon

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Words can't even begin to describe how much I love this woman and the f'd up part is now I have to share her with Ryan Reynolds (the two recently got engaged), of all people. Don't get me wrong, Ryan Reynolds has one of the quitest sense of humors around and I love the guy for who he is, but Scarlet's heart belongs to one person and one person only--and that's ME.

Seriously though, check out Scarlett in the new issue of Nylon magazine. A few of the pics weren't very appealing so I only posted the one's that caught my eye; but she looks as beautiful as ever, wouldn't you agree? Apparantly, she's real big on this whole "music" career of hers and it doesn't really do anything for me, but I still love her the same. Let's just hope she keeps movies first, however; I mean, music is cool and all but the girl I fell in love with was on screen, not on tour. Then again, there's nothng wrong with a little bit of groupie love, right?

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Soulja Boy Gets His Own Shoe

It looks like Soulja Boy will join the likes of Missy Elliott, Hurricane Chris, and so many other rappers who have their own shoe; but unlike those that I named, Soulja Boy has opted not to sign with a major shoe company. Instead, his shoe will be distributed from a small company out of Dallas called Yum and will [reportedly] run for about $85. In addition, each shoe will come with a Yum mixtape and be featured in solid and two toned colors.

Personally, I think this is a real good look for Soulja Boy and I respect his decision to not go with a major shoe company. While still expensive, his shoes are reasonably priced and will help bring exposure to this small company; quite possibly turning them into a major corporation. All that remains to be seen, however, but you can't deny that Soulja Boy has made out pretty well for himself since exploding on the scene. He may not be the saving grace for Hip-Hop, but his mentality is Hip-Hop through and through. Anyway, check out his sneakers below and let me know what you think.

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A Swizz Beatz/Alicia Keys Love Affair

I'm sure most of you have heard by now that Swizz Beatz and his wife Mashonda decided to separate but rumors have filtered in over the last month that involve both Swizz and...Alicia Keys? Believe it or not, these allegations alledge that the two were having something on the side and may have been the primary cause for Swizz and Mashonda's sudden divorce. I'll admit, their divorce did come as a surprise but this is even more shocking to hear that Alicia could've been involved in this little love triangle.

For what it's worth, however, I hope it's not true but Swizz hasn't really been "clear" when it comes to addressing the situation. His answers are a little too ambiguous for my tastes and leaves the door open for this to be a possibility, but who am I to speculate? All I know is, Swizz has a family to take care of [regardless] and, in my eyes, he lost but that's just my opinion. As much as I love Alicia, I don't think I love her enough to cheat on my wife but I'm my OWN man. Swizz is his own also but...who am I to judge?

The Incredible Hulk

Ang Lee's take on Hulk was considered a colossal flop by box office standards; however, who knew that a silver lining would come out of it. Already reveling in success from last month's Iron Man, Marvel looks poised to establish themselves as a bankable entity; and with The Incredible Hulk, that trend will surely continue. No longer is the focus on more character driven, high arching story lines but rather non-stop action. From that standpoint, The Incredible Hulk delivers in every way possible so unless you have a real dislike for comic book movies, this film will surely be a guilty pleasure for many. I, myself, included.

First and foremost, I didn't necessarily hate Ang Lee's version; but I will agree that it was excruciatingly bad. Too much of the focus was on the origin of Hulk and while I agree that a back story is sometimes a good thing, I felt like it took away from Ang's film and made it that much worse. Luckily, this new Hulk sums things up with a brief montage in the opening credits and from there, things start to roll.

Starring Edward Norton as Bruce Banner/Hulk, this new film begins like a espionage, spy thriller but slowly picks up with every passing frame. I'll admit, even Edward Norton impressed me with his performance here; so much so that Eric Bana's portrayal seems like a distant memory. Not to be outdone, the supporting cast all thrive in their roles and add depth to an already great movie. I'll admit, I've never cared much for Liv Tyler but her performance here more than makes up for her role in The Strangers. While both films showed off her range as an actress, Hulk brings out the best of her and is really what makes the "compassionate" part of this film work. As sappy as it may seem, Liv and Edward have great chemistry on screen and a majority of their scenes are joyous to watch. In relation, the CGI/special effects are amazing [as well] and rivals that of Iron Man by the slimest of margins. If anything, Marvel proved that they're well aware of what their doing and if Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk are any indication of what's to come, I can hardly wait for this [much anticipated] Avengers movie they're building up to.

Speaking of that, you could tell that the last scene of The Incredible Hulk was purposely shot ambiguously in regards of leaving the door open for a sequel; but it's the Tony Stark cameo before the credits that raises a lot of intrigue. Like I said, this Avengers movie will be a real good look for the Marvel franchise so, my fingers are crossed in hopes that they can pull it off and so far they're two for two. The Incredible Hulk smashes it's predecessor in every possible way and is as every bit as good as Iron Man. Real talk! Therefore, rejoice comic book fans. They finally got something right.

Rating: 4 inkblots out of 5

Lil' Wayne: Tha' Carter III

If absence makes the heart grow fonder, Dwyane "Lil' Wayne" Carter must've missed that memo years ago. It's no secret that since releasing Tha' Carter II, Wayne's unrelentless work ethic has not only spawned countless guest appearances/mixtapes but a collection's worth of quality material as well; but, all eyes/ears were seemingly waiting on one of the most anticipated albums in recent memory, Tha' Carter III. As expected, Tha' Carter III falls short of "classic" expectations but to call this album a disappointment would be a complete fallacy on my part. Instead, Tha' Carter III is [indeed] a step in the right direction for Wayne and while it's still premature to crown him as the "heir" to the Hip-Hop throne, it's quite clear that his coronation will come sooner rather than later.

I'll be honest. The expectations I had for this album were relatively high and on some levels, I kind of feel disappointed but slightly. Songs like "A Milli" and the Jay-Z featured "Mr. Carter" bring value to the album and sets it apart from anything else Weezy has done [album wise] but the counterbalance would be his commercial monstrosity "Lollipop" and the equally awful "Mrs Officer". Both songs are bad in their own way but from a outsider's perspective, Wayne chose wisely in putting "Lollipop" out as the 1st single. Since it's release, Wayne has earned himself his 1st number one single at Billboard and as I write this, Tha' Carter III is expected to be the number one album in the country with over a million copies sold. Overall, it would seem as though Wayne can do no wrong, however, Tha Carter III [as a whole] is a completely different story.

Getting the album started, "3 Peat" finds Wayne with a very uninspired flow but segues nicely into the Jay-Z featured "Mr. Carter". Though the two were long thought to be at odds with one another, the two come together quite nicely here and more than make up for the "Hello Brooklyn 2.0" collab from Jay's American Gangster album. I'll admit, this song is not the picture perfect collaboration you would expect and the two leave a lot to be desired but, hopefully it only adds fuel to the fire that the best is yet to come. Following suit, "A Milli" finds Wayne in full beast mode and, without question, Wayne eats this track alive. From start to finish, Wayne is a straight beast and it's really something to marvel at. Besides, very few M.C.'s could accomplish such a feat but Wayne...Wayne is NOT your typical M.C. now, is he?

Up next, Wayne recruits T-Pain for "Got Money" and from there the album starts to drag. While not the best song, "Got Money" comes off more annoying than anything but is equally better than the Kanye West produced "Comfortable". Featuring Babyface on the hook, Wayne kicks it to the ladies about not being "safe" in their own but, if anything, this track is safe in that it seems as a desperate attempt to appeal to the ladies. Don't get me wrong, I don't feel like it's a unfair criticism on my part because those who have heard the album would more than likely agree. If not, to each his own but "Dr. Carter" would gain an overwhelming consensus hands down. Over production from Swizz Beatz [no less], Wayne raps as the doctor of Hip-Hop and attends to three patients throughout the song. By far, this track stands out as a highlight and will become an instant classic [nonetheless], only adding validity to Wayne's claim as one of the elite.

Switching gears, Robin Thicke lends his smooth vocals to the politically charged "Tie My Hands" and Wayne delivers a heartfelt and emotional eulogy that addresses issues surrounding his hometown of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. As a fan, I enjoy seeing all sides of Wayne so, for his depth to be on display is a sight to be heard. Besides, so many artists shy away from politics and things of that nature in fear of backlash, but Wayne's approach is almost commanding, if you will. In relation, I share the same sentiments about "Shoot Me Down" and "Playing With Fire" but it's the Kanye West concoction "Let The Beat Build" that makes the latter half of the album worth it. Save for the 9 minute invite into Wayne's World entitled "Don't Get It", the latter half of the album has it's ups and downs but, overall, this album remains fairly consistent. Unlike it's predecessor, every track has it's own intrinsic value; and while, critically, it may not be as acclaimed as one would have hoped, the end result is damn near perfect.

Rating: 8.0 headphones out of 10

T.I. XXL Magazine Cover

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T.I.'s new album, Paper Trail, is only a few months away but I'm interested to see what all he has to say about everything that's been going on lately. As most of you may know, Shawty Lo and T.I. have been engaged in a war of words so, I'm sure Tip will speak on it in this upcoming issue of XXL magazine. Me personally, I don't understand Shawty Lo's beef with Tip. Not only do I think it's career suicide to go at an artist as established as T.I.; but, also, there's no clear advantage in him doing so. His popularity/fanbase is nothing compared to the following T.I. has garnered over the years, but we'll see how things unfold in due time. Anyway, be sure to pick up your copy of the new issue when it hits newsstands later this month.

Lil' Wayne Sells "A Milli"; Scores #1 Album in the Country

As much as Tha' Carter III was anticipated, never did I imagine Wayne going platinum in a week. If anything, I expected him to go gold, at best, but shout out to Wayne for doing his thing. Officially, he sold around 1,000,545 copies and secured himself a number one album in the process but, still, this is quite an accomplishment for Wayne. I don't think he's ever had a number one album and for his career to come full circle like this has got to be the [proverbial] icing on the cake. Now that...that's what I call bittersweet. Wouldn't you agree?

Meagan Good Complex Magazine Photoshoot

Apparantly, Meagan Good has a movie coming out this weekend [The Love Guru] but I could care less. These pics from Complex magazine, however, that's a completely different story. As I've always maintained, Meagan Good has this "black Paris Hilton" vibe about her that makes her less desirable but, it's not like that's a dealbreaker or anything. Anyway, check out the pics below and be sure to peep the video as well.

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Celtics Close Out Lakers in 6; Paul Pierce Named Finals MVP

131 to 92! I've never seen such a defensive performance in my life but, for what it's worth, the Boston Celtics took care of business and closed out the Los Angelas Lakers at home. As much as I hate Kobe Bryant, I kind of felt sorry for him [at times] because that stingy Celtics defense gave him nothing. None of his teammates could make a shot when it mattered most and for his team to lay down like this is surprising.

I'll be honest, I expected Kobe to go off tonight and force a Game 7 but all is well that ends well and I couldn't be any happier. I mean, for my team to lose the Super Bowl was one thing but to see Kobe Bryant be denied a championship is bittersweet. I couldn't ask for anything more so to those who clowned me (and you know who you are...Rolando, Rahfeal LOL), who's laughing now?

On the real, this year's finals was entertaining and surpassed last year's by far; but, shout out to Paul Pierce. His nickname, "The Truth", was fitting for him all along and on the biggest stage, he stepped up and proved why he was "The Truth". Never have I seen someone outplay Kobe Bryant on both ends of the floor and, for that reason alone, Paul earned his MVP trophy and deserves every bit of the credit for carrying his team to the promise land.

K.G. did his thing also and the play that will stick out [forever] in my mind, is the three point play that ended with him falling down...yet, still getting the shot to go. Other than that, Ray Allen's three point barrage was a sight to behold and big ups to the Celtics bench. Those boys came to play and their [team] defense put Kobe on lock. Therefore, congrats to the Boston Celtics. The 2007-2008 NBA Champions!

8Ball and MJG To Ink Deal With T.I.'s Grand Hustle Imprint

I don't think anything is official yet but...rumor has it 8Ball and MJG are close to signing with T.I.'s Grand Hustle imprint. As most of you know, Ball and G were last signed to Bad Boy but after releasing two albums to moderate success/fanfare, the group grew impatient.

Now, set to sign with T.I., I think this is a real good look for them and will prove to be a lucrative business movie. Besides, outside of T.I. and Young Dro, Grand Hustle doesn't really have many marketable faces and Ball and G will only add value to this whole "movement" of theirs. Whether or not it will result in commercial success remains to be seen but, T.I. sure is making a lot of moves before his bid in prison. Just a few weeks ago, news broke of T.I. signing a 3 picture deal with Screen Gems so I'm quite sure his family will be financially set while he's away doing time.

All that aside, I'm not the biggest Ball and G fan but I hope they can deliver on Grand Hustle because they truly are "living legends". They deserve a lot more recognition then what is given to 'em and, in my opinion, Diddy didn't really know how to manage an act of their stature. Tip, on the other hand, comes from that same upbringing and can open more doors than Diddy; but, only time will tell how things will unfold. Now, all I can do is hope for the same thing for M.O.P.

The Game Shares His "Pain" on Rap City

Peep this interview of Game on Rap City. In it, he addresses his thoughts on Sean Bell, those retirement rumors, 50 Cent and G-Unit, and pressure, in general. In my opinion, Game is a "real" individual and this interview supports that claim. Hopefully, he'll get the recognition he deserves in due time but for now, that L.A.X. album just won't come soon enough.

Plies: Definition of Real

I'll be honest. Plies has never really appealed to me as an artist but my level of respect for the guy has grown, especially in the last few months. Not often does an artist drop albums so close together but with, Definition of Real, Plies seems poised to capitalize on the success he had with last year's The Real Testament.

Featuring the ghetto love induced hood anthem "Shawty", Plies --with the help of hook maestro T-Pain--had the clubs in a frenzy; and, seemingly, Plies is sticking with that same formula. This time around, however, Ne-Yo croons about his "shawty"but unlike last year, Plies has a different name for that special lady of his. As you've all heard by now, "Bust It Baby Pt. 2" has been a monster at urban radio and even I, too, can't deny the impact that Plies has as an artist. His brand of ghetto love songs makes for a winning formula and you know what? In spite of the fact that he's very limited as a rapper, his "definition of real" is not only something his fans will enjoy but, something that Webster's dictionary should [arguably] look into adding.

Again, I'll be honest. As much as I hated The Real Testament and criticized it for it's lack of content, I was weary in listening to the Definition of Real. Like I said, I'm not much of a fan of Plies to begin with anyway but, imagine my surprise in realizing that I actually enjoyed this new album. For what it's worth, I never really gave The Real Testament a chance so with D.O.R., I decided to be a little more optimistic and focus more on what Plies had to say. Surprisingly, Plies comes off hungrier than before; and although a majority of his music comes off as a foul mouthed, profanity laced commentary, it's [again] proven that surface value overshadows content any day.

Point blank. Plies may be hard to swallow for some but his music is not intended for the general public. His music [as a whole] speaks directly to the streets and likewise, those same streets have embraced him back. Songs like "Who's Hotter Than Me" and "Watch Dis" are surefire anthems for the summer but it's Plies versatility that allows him to, also, pull off songs like "1 Day" and "Somebody (Love's You)". From that standpoint, I respect Plies for being able to connect emotionally with his fans and, in doing so, I feel like a legitimate level of realness is achieved in the process. Plain and simple, real recognizes real and Plies is the epitome of real.

Unfortunately, this album is not the epitome of a classic, however, but Plies should be commended for a well-rounded effort. Save for "Bust It Baby pt. 2" and the Jamie Foxx and Dream assisted "Please Excuse My Hands", this album has very little [clean] material for radio play and that could be it's undoing. Also, aside from the fact that subject matter is still a problem, Plies has shown limited growth but you can tell that he still hasn't quite grasped the importance of concepts when it comes to song structure.

Overall, the Definition of Real is solid for what it is but can only really be appreciated by those who can fully relate. I, for one, was not able to associate myself with any of the material but, it's not like that's a bad thing. Besides, the way I look at it, we all have our own definitions of real, so to speak; the only question is, which one means more? An opinion or, what we hold true as our own belief?

Rating: 6.5 headphones out of 10

N*E*R*D: Seeing Sounds

N*E*R*D has a mind unlike any other and their music is a clear reflection of that. Unparallel to the mainstream, their music goes against the grain and, in some ways, can be compared to that of Gnarls Barkley. However, the comparisons stop there. It's no secret that Pharrell has been known to think "outside the box" and with his band's latest offering, Seeing Sounds, it's quite clear that N*E*R*D are light years ahead of the rest.

Let's be clear. N*E*R*D is not suited for commercial audiences and the sad thing is, a lot of people will miss out on a really good album. It's rare these days that an album is actually worth the retail price but, Seeing Sounds makes for a worthy exception. Featuring the rock heavy/cocaine referenced "Everyone Nose", Seeing Sounds is suitably crafted towards the die hard fan and features every aspect of N*E*R*D that makes them great. Off the wall songs like the rambunctious "Spaz" and the ultrasonic "Anti-Matter" are what makes this album a "must have"; but, songs like the smooth and somber "Sooner or Later" provides proof that this album caters to the all around fan.

Heavily influenced, Seeing Sounds features a variety of styles -from Hip-Hop to punk rock- and the way N*E*R*D are able to mesh everything together is amazing. No other album this year is as fluid throughout and from start to finish [I must say] I was thoroughly impressed. I never really gave any of their other albums much thought to be honest, but this "acid trip" of an album seemed to hit all the right notes.

Overall, Seeing Sounds will be highly praised by critics and fans but ultimately fall on deaf ears to the general public. Mainstream just doesn't accept music of this nature and praise it for it's artistry and that is something I've never quite could understand. Is it wrong? In my opinion, I believe so...but, an opinion can only hold so much value. Therefore, while Seeing Sounds may be a pure gem to some, it may be a headache for others.

Rating: 7.0 headphones out of 10

Leona Lewis Blender Magazine Cover

[Click images for larger view]

This Leona Lewis girl has been compared to Mariah Carey and, in some ways, I kind of see it but I just don't know. Anyway, Leona is featured on/in the upcoming issue of Blender and the pics came out kind of hot; so, be sure to pick up your copy when it hits newsstands later this month.

Kung Fu Panda

Animated movies are a sure thing at the box office and, next to Pixar, DreamWorks Animation has reaped quite a bit of that success over the years. Responsible for such hits as Madagascar, The Shrek franchise, and Over The Hedge, it's obvious that these guys know what they're doing; and with their latest release, Kung Fu Panda, that lucrative trend will surely continue.

Ok, I realize that I'm 21-years old and that a movie like this is not something I should be into but, just in watching it, it really was something that made me feel like a kid again. Long gone are those days of yesterday and as much as I would love to travel back in time and re-live life where nothing else seemed to matter, it's comforting to know that a movie (let alone an animated movie) can have that same effect on you. Yet and still, Kung Fu Panda is an excellent animated film and is fun for the entire family. Not since last year's Ratatouille have I enjoyed anything more and as far as I'm concerned, DreamWorks animation is slowly, but surely, starting to close that gap between them and Pixar. Then again, maybe I'm getting a little ahead of myself as Pixar is set to release WALL-E in the next couple of weeks but, something's telling me that it will not be as successful as other projects of years past. For better or worse, that remains to be seen, however, and I guess the next couple of weeks will unfold in due time; but all the while, Kung Fu Panda has set the standard for the summer and I'd be hard pressed to find anything that can top it.

So, what's it all about? Kung Fu Panda is basically about a lowly Panda who dreams of becoming a martial arts master. Voiced by the incomparable Jack Black, Po the Panda is "chosen" as the one will become the legendary Dragon Warrior and from there, it's an adventure unlike any other. Just like most animated films, the underlying theme is one of "will" and "believing in your self" and Kung Fu Panda manages to tie everything together quite nicely. The animation is on point and the fight scenes are some of the best you'll ever see for a cartoon but, it's the voice acting that makes this movie work. Believe it or not , Jack Black is not as annoying as you would think and is able to, actually, pull this sort of thing off. Kids will love his portrayal of Po and if all the laughter that abounded while watching this at the local theater was any indication, I'm guessing that a sequel is a no brainer.

Overall, Kung Fu Panda delivers in every possible way but only suffers in that it starts out kind of slow. Once things pick up, however, the movie makes for fun for the whole family and will surely become a guilty pleasure for quite a few. I, for one, was thoroughly impressed and was satisfied with the end result but, don't take my word for it. Go out and see it for yourself but don't be surprised if that kid inside of you, has you smiling all the while. The more you embrace it, the more fun you'll have and, trust me, sometimes trying NOT to smile is the hardest thing in the world.

Rating: 3 ½ inkblots out of 5

You Don't Mess With The Zohan

Adam Sandler has never fared well with the critics when it comes to his particular brand of comedy but, clearly, his movies are not made to be picked apart and antagonized. His witless, no nonsense brand of humor has won over fans for years and while he's displayed great range as an actor, portraying so in films such as Spanglish and Punch Drunk Love, his niche seems to be for characters we can relate to, in one way or another. Ideally, Sandler deserves more recognition then what he's been given and has earned a level of comedic "immunity", if you will, but after helplessly sitting through You Don't Mess With The Zohan, I think that "Happy Madison mystique" is starting to fade. No longer are these the days of Billy Madison or The Waterboy; and if the Zohan is any indication of what's to come, God help us all.

It's not so much the fact that You Don't Mess With The Zohan is a bad movie but, rather, that it's just not funny at all. Maybe it had something to do with Adam Sandler not being believable as an Israeli turned hairdresser but, to me, halfway through this film the ridiculous plot just started to wear thin. Most of the jokes reverted back to race for cheap laughs and, after awhile, it just started to get overly redundant. As with the case in most Adam Sandler films, I realize the plot is not something to be taken seriously but, all the while, I was left scratching my head, wondering what the hell I was watching? A few years back, I scoffed at Click and passed it off as a bad apple among good one's but now, I'm starting to notice a trend. Even last year's I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry was sub par but, still, it made me laugh. You Don't Mess With The Zohan, however, was not even remotely funny and while I understood the message behind it, I just felt like more could've been done with this film.

For what it's worth, I don't believe in such a thing as a bad film but You Don't Mess With The Zohan comes close. It's definitely not worth the price of admission but, still, die hard Sandler fans will come out in droves this weekend to see it anyway. I, for one, regret that decision in retrospect but, to each his own. Save for the Mariah Carey cameo (she looks great btw) and a few small chuckles here and there, You Don't Mess With The Zohan falls short of any expectations one could have about it. So, unless you have shit for brains or just borderline retarded, this movie is not only a complete waste of time, but a complete waste of money as well. Do yourself a favor and watch vintage Adam Sandler because just like his latest movie implies, you really don't want to mess with the Zohan.

Rating: 1 ½ inkblots out of 5

Ashanti: The Declaration

Ashanti Douglas has been criticized her entire career and, to me, most of that criticism has been undeserved. Yet and still, her illustrious catalog of hits including "Foolish", "Rock Wit U", and "Only U" have made her a favorite among fans but bloggers, like myself, seem to only focus on the negative. I'll admit, Ashanti is not the most talented as far as singing but, as a whole, I think she makes for one hell of an entertainer. Her airy vocals and tendency to use the word "baby" a lot in her music makes her annoying to some and from that standpoint, I guess I can understand; but, personally, I happen to like Ashanti and her new album, The Declaration, is some of her best work to date.

Now, before any of you "Ashanti haters" even have a chance to attack this review, allow me to say that my reviews are strictly subjective to my opinion and, really, that's all that matters. That being said, I truly feel that Ashanti put her all into this album and it really shows. The lead single "The Way That I Love You" is a current favorite of mine (I really like the video also) and it displays Ashanti's full potential as a great singer. Now, will she ever reach that plateau? Probably not, but that remains to be seen. Still, I really like the effort Ashanti put in here and the rest of the album pales in comparison. Tracks like the Robin Thicke assisted "Things You Make Me Do" work well for Ashanti and really sells the "sex for your stereo" message it's trying to put across, yet in a classy way if that makes sense. Other stand out tracks include the Darkchild produced "So Over You" and the L.T. Hutton produced "Girlfriend", "Struggle", and "You're Gonna Miss"; but, it's the Babyface produced ballad "Mother" that makes this album worth it. The song is an incredible record that just has to be heard and it's nice to see Ashanti finally come into her own.

Overall, The Declaration works for what it is and validates the decision Ashanti made to separate herself from The Inc. While still contractually obligated, Ashanti proves she can hold her own just fine and a lot can be said about that. Most artists would've easily put in a half-assed effort in an attempt to fulfill contractual obligations but Ashanti seems to realize the bigger picture at hand. Is this a classic album? By all means no but, it's a step in the right direction. Besides, the groundwork for success is built over time and with this only being Ashanti's fourth studio album, imagine how good the so-called "princess of Hip-Hop and R&B" can be.

Rating: 6.0 headphones out of 10

So, Tha Carter III Leaked. . .

and I'm not a tad bit surprised. Although it was only done so in response to Weezy's "Fuck all mixtape DJ's" rant late last week, the heavy response has been a public relations nightmare and the backlash of it all is that it could hurt Weezy's 1st week numbers.

Let's face it. Tha Carter III has been one of the most anticipated albums for almost two years now, and with the retail release less than five days away, people are opting for the free download instead. Does it make sense? Yeah, I mean, why buy something when you can get the same thing for free at the click of the mouse but it doesn't make it right. Sure, I realize I contradict myself seeing that I, too, have downloaded whole albums to save money but it's different when an album like Tha Carter III gets leaked. Most times when albums get leaked, it's an inside job and nothing can be done about it but this wasn't the case for Wayne. Tha Carter III was intentionally leaked by an upset DJ who took offense to Weezy's comments and for what it's worth, I can understand his frustrations. The mixtape game made Weezy who he is today and undoubtedly took his career to the next level but two wrongs don't make a right, in my opinion. Both sides will suffer from this and as early reviews filter in, it seems like Wayne will take the biggest blow.

Just for the record, although the album can be found for free online, I have opted not to download in pure support of Weezy; and neither have I previewed any of the tracks off it, as well. Save for "Lollipop, "Got Money", and "A Milli", I would much rather wait and experience the actual, retail version because to wait two years and get spoiled now would not be justified in my book. But, that's just me. I intend, wholeheartedly, to purchase Tha Carter III this Tuesday and hopefully all this built up hype will be worth it. Do I expect this album to be a classic? Yes and no but more than anything, I expect this album to be a step in the right direction. Besides, Weezy was the one that proclaimed himself "The Best Rapper Alive" years ago and until he delivers an album that validates that claim, his critics will never be satisfied. Therefore, in another comparison to Jay-Z, I guess you can say it's a gift and a curse.

Karrine ‘Superhead’ Steffans To Pen The Vixen Manual

The video vixen everybody loves to hate is back at it again and you'll never guess what she has up her sleeve this time. Already a well-established author (if you can call it that), Karrine relies heavily on shock value; so, when I came across this tad bit of news, I felt indifferent. Nothing really surprises me when it comes to her anymore because, when it all comes down to it, this broad is only famous for ONE thing. That kind of behavior is something I can't really commend, nor do I even recommend for other ladies who feel like they have to go that route to make it, but it is what it is. Karrine is nothing more then a mere stain on our society and although I bought into her once already by purchasing her first book, Confessions of a Video Vixen, I refuse to endorse her any longer.

That being said, Karrine is upping the anti this time around and plans to pen an "instructional", how-to guide on the skill that made her famous. Seriously? I'm not sure what to think of this but a book on how to give good "brain" is not a good look. From a male point of view, I understand that I should be behind this 100% and, that side of me is, but my thing is, I feel that for Karrinne to pen something like this would make her a walking contradiction. Why? Well, as most of you know, Karrinne has regressed the name "Superhead" and doesn't want that name to define her but now she's writing a book about the skill that made her famous? It just doesn't make sense to be but, maybe I just have a backwards way of thinking.

Regardless of how I feel, however, The Vixen Manual is due out here shortly and is expected to be extremely graphic in detail. Needless to say, it's not something I would want to read but to each his own I suppose. It just goes to show that there's a fine line between skill and talent and for Karrine ‘Superhead’ Steffans, it seems only fitting for her to have her hands wrapped around both.

*†hê Èlêþhåñ† Ìñ †hê Rððm

“If you admire somebody you should gone ‘head and tell ‘em/People never get the flowers while they can still smell ‘em" -Kanye West

For anybody accustomed to my blogs, usually I’d have some drawn out, thought provoking introduction laid out that segued into whatever I was gonna be discussing but right now, I feel like I’m broken down to the point of realization that anger and pride is starting to get the best of me; and the more I fight it…the more I realize that the only person I’m truly hurting is myself. First and foremost, I’m not depressed or any shit like that so all those notions can be thrown out the window along with all the other bullshit people try to read into my blogs. I’ll admit, I use a lot of double entendres in my writing…trust me, they’re there…but I feel no need whatsoever to resort to double meanings in this cases because what I have to say is better left unfiltered. So, regardless of how some people may feel afterwards …take it personal for all I care, it’s nothing to me.

I wouldn’t necessarily say that I’m stressing over the fact that some of the people I consider close to me are becoming more and more distant with every passing second of the clock, but what I would say is that the problem that lies therein is the fact that I knowingly have to convince myself that maintaining a friendship with so-and-so is the “right thing to do”. So much so that it’s almost to the point where it would seem selfish of me to ignore things for what they were and focus more on cleaning up all the clutter that abounds this misshapen frame of mind I seem to have taken on lately. Truthfully speaking, I could care less if things work themselves out but is it really worth it?--That’s the question that’s been back and forth through my mind and unparallel to what answer I’m “supposed” to want…I find it ironic in a sense to see things on a slightly different spectrum. Allow me to elaborate…

I realize that some of this may be disheartening to a few people considering what all we’ve been through but there comes a point where you realize that after dissecting the foundation on what your whole friendship, or relationship, is based on…the more you start to see things for what they really are. You see, for everything I’ve had to overcome, I’ve always felt the need to overcompensate and I’ve never understood why. For whatever reason, I allow my good spirited nature to get the best of me and, in doing so, I feel like the fact that I’m too nice can be a gift and a curse. For what it’s worth though, I guess it’s my fault and I acknowledge that wholeheartedly but, for once, I would love for things to just go right for a change. It seems like the more and more I press, the more distant I become from being happy and, really, isn’t that all we want out of life? To just be happy? Lord knows that’s all I want but it seems like it’s always been an uphill struggle for me.

I don’t mean to come off this way but my big heart will undoubtedly be my undoing. Why? Well, for so long I’ve always had a pension for wearing my heart on my sleeve and doing so leaves a lot of leeway for my emotions to get in the way. As much as I try to brush things off and pretend like a lot of shit doesn’t bother me, the more bottled up things become and it’s really not healthy to be that way. Therefore , I’ve often compared life (metaphorically) to a Rubik’s cube because it seems like the more I think I have things figured out, the sooner things start to fall apart. Truth be told, I’m not happy and haven’t been for quite some time now but part of that can be attributed to circumstance. Regardless, I understand things happen for a reason and that some are less fortunate than others but there comes a point where settling for average is no longer sufficient. Besides, so many people scrape by with the bare minimum in life and in just looking at everything around me, I’ve come to realize that complacency is something I really don’t want to strive for.

Plain and simple, I’m sick of making excuses. I’ve done so for far too long and instead of settling, I’d much rather make an effort then to be left wondering “what if?”. Too often, people get caught up in putting things off until tomorrow (including myself) and in doing so, we run the risk of never reaching our maximum potential. Dreams become deferred over time and things we once held of the utmost importance just seem trivial. That being said, I’ve reached a point in my life where things I want to happen, haven’t happened yet and the only person I can blame is me. Sure, part of it could be my reluctance to take chances but sometimes, making a move isn’t always in the best interest of the individual(s) involved. So much meticulous thought and careful planning goes into every decision I have to make and you know what? That’s what I call playing it safe. For once, I would love to just live carefree and go with the flow, so to speak, but I’ve found that I’m my own worst enemy. Would I love to be her knight in shining armor? Of course, but sometimes I really have to ask myself, is it really worth the fite? Excuse me, f-i-g-h-t. (Not that I’m lazy or anything but hitting backspace would be a waste of time and everything is flowing so smoothly, don’t you agree?).

Anyway, I guess all I can really do is lock away these feelings for now and look at it as a work in progress. For every one step forward, a subsequent step back seems to always follow and until I’m willing to get out of my own way, I fear things will never change. Besides, “If I was a perfect person, I would say I have found my soul mate. If I knew what love was I would say I have found the one. Since I don’t, I’m saying, one day, I’ll find the girl I want to spend today with . . . And maybe even tomorrow.” Then again, maybe I already have. . .