Bow Wow | The Green Light [Mixtape]

[Click here to download]

Bow Wow signed with Cash Money Records sometime late last week and, personally, I feel like it's the best move he could have made for his [somewhat] stagnant career. His latest album, New Jack City, wasn't what I thought it was going to be but, for what it was, I thought it served its purpose in transitioning Bow towards a more mature audience.

That being said, I'm curious to see what comes of this new business relationship he now has with Cash Money because a lot of artists over there rarely get a chance to shine outside of Birdman & Lil' Wayne. Drake being the only exception, of course.

For that reason alone, I could see why a lot of people would consider this a "dumb" move on Bow's part; but, in the end, the only thing that really matters is the music. Nothing else. Sure, Bow may not have the flashy catalog of "Hip-Hop quotables", but potential trumps everything, in my opinion, and Bow has everything he needs in front of him to elevate himself to that ever elusive level of elite.

KiD CuDi URB Magazine Shoot [Video]

Raekwon (Feat. Inspectah Deck, GZA, Ghostface Killah & Method Man) | House of Flying Daggers [Video]

Gabrielle Union Covers Essence Magazine

I had to do a double take almost when I pulled this latest issue of Essence magazine out of my mailbox...simply because this looks nothing like the Gabrielle Union I know. Either she's on that same shit Michael Jackson was on or somebody over @ Essence got a little too creative with the photo shop. You tell me.

Either way, Gabrielle Union has always struck me as this actress with all the talent in the world but, for some reason, she never maximizes her potential. All she does are these low budget, BET Blackbuster movies with Morris Chestnut and that kind of thing can get you typecast real quick.

Hopefully she smartens up while she still has the looks to pull it off but, if not, at least we still have people like Taraji P. Henson that are actually stepping out and exploring Hollywood outside of the BET audience.

Usher Covers Uptown Mag's 5th Anniversary Issue

The thing I don't get about Usher is how unfazed he seems to be whenever it comes to super stardom. Any other artist would be subdued by the "flashing lights" of Hollywood and milk it for all it's worth, but Usher seems to have always been humbled by his success more than anything.

Not that it's a bad thing...I applaud him for not getting caught up in his own "hype", but dare I say he's reached the pinnacle of his career?

Here I Stand was sub par when compared to his Confessions album and I blame it on his marriage to Tameka. Everything he went through with her took away his focus, in my opinion, and you could clearly tell in his music. Something about it was missing and here's to hoping that he can recreate that magic once again now that he's hard at work on this follow up project entitled, "Monster".

In the meantime, however, Usher is featured on the cover of Uptown's 5th Anniversary Issue so be sure to pick up a copy whenever it hits newsstands here shortly.

The FRAY | Heartless [Video]

Drake Covers Fader Magazine

Sure enough, the anticipation for Drake's debut album, Thank Me Later, was only helped by the commercial success of "Best I Ever Had" at urban radio; but the thing I don't get is how people can say this guy is overrated.

Aside from being Lil' Wayne's protege, Drizzy 'Drake' Rogers has made quite a buzz for himself with the release of his mixtapes; so, public opinion aside, it would only seem fair to give credit where credit is due.

No other up and coming artist has had this much "hype" surrounding their debut album and already people are blogging about how he'll crumble under the pressure.

Whether he will or not remains to be seen, but one thing I do know is that Drake has everything he needs to be a success. Not only does he have the voice, charisma, and bravado; but substance, over all, is the most important characteristic to have nowadays and Drake is more of a breath of fresh air as compared to everybody else that seems content on being average.

Not to mention, he already has a [well] built in fan base. Either way he could conceivably be heralded as the G.O.A.T. when it comes to rookie M.C.'s but, before I get too far ahead of myself, how about we see how well-received Thank Me Later is when it drops this coming Valentine's Day.

Then, and only then, will I reserve judgment of my own; but, in the meantime, be sure to check for Drake as he is featured on the cover of this month's Fader.

Funny People

The success Judd Apatow has had ever since the release of The 40-Year-Old Virgin has been enough to garner him a pass when it comes to the many projects he has since executive produced along the way; but it's his own unique blend of "raunchy dramedy" that seems to draw people into his work.

Just look at the critical acclaim that came with, again, The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up. While both films featured over-the-top subject matter, the depth of Apatow's creative writing allowed viewers to see the lighthearted side of what he was trying to get across on screen and with Funny People, Apatow may have just delivered his most grown up film to date.

But at what costs? To say that many people may be turned off by what Funny People actually is too much of a blanketed statement but, still, that should not take away from how brilliantly creative this movie really is. Instead, Apatow, who has always had a high, character driven approach to his films, crafts yet another ingenuous story around such flawed characters and the end result on screen is damn near comedic gold.

Especially when considering all the talent that was assembled to make this film. The always funny Seth Rogen is great here as George's assistant, Ira; but what I found even more intriguing was the chemistry of all the lesser known actors/comedians with one another. Jason Schwartzman, Jonah Hill, Aubrey Plaza, and Leslie Mann all compliment Adam and Seth really well and, again, I guess that all goes back to the depth that Judd Apatow has as a writer/director. Clearly his sense of direction rubs off on everybody involved and, last I checked, that kind of thing makes for a great movie. Not to mention, some pretty great improv.

Which, I'm sure a lot of the film turned out to be as compared to what was actually scripted beforehand. That kind of thing is routine for an Apatow film but here, especially, it works really well for the "heavy" subplot that lies at the heart of the story.

Now, while I won't give anything away, what I will say is that Funny People will be hit or miss for some people. It's long running time does become a distraction at times but, in the grand scheme of things, the one thing this film does prove is that laughter really is the best medicine. Just ask George Simmons.

Rating: 3 inkblots out of 5

Ms. Brown | Wonderland [Video]

'Married To The MOB' Ad Campaign Featuring Teyana Taylor

[Click images for larger view; Click here to view more pics]
Singer/Rapper Teyana Taylor was chosen to be the face of Married To The MOB's "Smell Like Teen Spirit" collection (shot by Brooke Niper) and I think it [already] goes without saying as to how I feel about Teyana. She's an absolute favorite of mine and what I find interesting is how she manages to stay relevant without having put an album out. Obviously, opportunities like this make that a possibility but, still, her debut album (From A Planet Called Harlem) should've been here by now! Here's to hoping it sees the light of day here shortly but, in the meantime, ladies be sure to check for MOB apparel courtesy of their website.

¤ Remember Michael Jackson's Moonwalker? ¤

All this talk about Michael Jackson in the previous post below really got me to thinking about the influence he had on music and it's a shame that he's no longer among us. Truth be told, I'm a huge fan of the music he left behind; but, even more so, of the film he left as well.

Not many people remember this video anthology, of sorts, encompassed as Michael Jackson's Moonwalker; but I, myself, remember this as if it were just yesterday.

I swear, you couldn't tell me another movie existed as much as I watched it and, looking back, it's not like it was any good either. It's just that, at that time, I WAS Michael Jackson and, in any way I could, I would embody everything he was. Signature glove and all.

It's funny now thinking about it all and how obsessed I was with this man, but I think we all were enamored with his larger than life persona. We never got enough of him as an entertainer and I guess that's why it hurt so much to hear of his passing. He truly was the global icon that everybody made him out to be and, aside from a few character defects, his legacy will ultimately be that of the King of Pop. | + R.I.P Michael Jackson+ |

¤ Vinyl Pop ¤

It didn't dawn on me until the death of Michael Jackson that the collection of old vinyl records my mom had down in the den could possibly be worth something...and, just my luck, she didn't happen to have anything by the late great King of Pop. Just Jermaine.

Now, as frustrating as that was, I remained dilligent in digging through the tons of records she did have and I came across a few keepers. The Rick James one to the left is definitely one I'll keep for myself...along with the Janet Jackson Control album, a few Prince records, and one by New Edition.

Not a bad assortment if you ask me; however, the two vinyl's I really wanted was Purple Rain by Prince and Thriller by Michael Jackson. Somehow, my mom had neither and the thing I don't get is how, for someone that grew up in the 80's, she could have not owned at least one of those!

It just didn't make sense and the more and more I tried to justify it, the more frustrated I became. But, trust me, things have calmed down since. I'm no longer big on vinyl records anymore and, I figure, while it would have been nice to have owned a vinyl of either Purple Rain/Thriller; at least my mom and I were able to connect momentarily, if not briefly. Those kind of moments are what Hallmark cards are made of and, you know, I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world.

Well...at least almost anything...*cough* Purple Rain or Thriller on vinyl *cough*

~T.I.~

Maliah Michele Covers Smooth

[Click here to view more pics]

This may just be a prime example of an over usage of photo shop, but it's not like I'm complaining or anything like that. If anything, I'm already aware that girls like this don't exist; and if they do, I have yet to see one that looks as good in person as the ones I come across airbrushed on the various websites I surf through [almost] on a daily basis.

But does that make it anymore right to exploit it on my very own website? Of course, not. But, then again, it is my website and I can post whatever the hell I want.

Anyway, Maliah Michele has been doing her thing for quite some time now and she always delivers when it comes to the pictorials. This latest issue of Smooth being no different. However, don't take my word for it. Click the link above to view more pics but be sure to go pick up the new issue of Smooth, also, when it hits newsstands here shortly.

Asher Roth Brings Out Jim Jones @ NYC Show [Video]

Keri Hilson Covers Complex

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One thing I love about Complex is that they always have some dope cover art. The Kid Cudi cover I posted yesterday was just as ill as this one featuring Keri Hilson and I just may have to look into subscribing...especially when considering that a lot of my favorite magazines are starting to fold. Hopefully Complex won't be the next magazine to get the axe but, with this economy, there's just no telling.

As for this latest issue itself, Keri being on the cover is a real good look for her and I think it's nice to see her finally get the exposure she deserves. Excuse me for sounding like a broken record, but all the years she spent ghostwriting for other artists was not only well worth it, but it also allowed her the opportunity to better mold her craft as a songwriter.

An even exchange if you will. Nonetheless, Keri deserves everything she's worked hard for and the more publications she graces, the more in tune people will become towards her as an artist. Not just one starving for attention either like some of these other R&B songstresses, but one [actually] doing it for all the right reasons.

NFL: Giants and QB Eli Manning Agree to 6-year, $97.5M Extension

What in the hell has Eli Manning done to deserve a contract worth $97.5M(of which, $35M is guaranteed)? Sure, he may have won a Super Bowl on pure luck, but last season was a microcosm of his entire career and the thing I don't get is how a well run organization like the NY Giants could pay somebody for mediocrity.

It just doesn't make sense and, besides, we all saw what happend when Eli's safety net in Plaxico Burress was taken away from him. He became a less than average quarterback and his team's struggles reflected that when they were bounced in the divisional playoffs against the Philadelphia Eagles last year.

But to each's own, I suppose. The NY Giants (as an organization) have a much better handle on these kind of things than I do; and if they feel like Eli is worth it, who am I to say different? He did lead them to an improbable Super Bowl and, being their franchise player, I guess it makes sense to lock him up now while they still can. All I'm saying is the guy isn't worth it and for Giants fans that say otherwise, wake me up when Eli wins another ring.

Jeremih | Self-Titled

Newcomer Jeremih should ask fellow R&B crooner J. Holiday how important a second single is, because outside of "Birthday Sex" his self-titled debut has very little to offer. Sure, one could understand his label wanting to capitalize on the success that it was having [currently] on the radio; but maybe if they stopped to think for a minute or two, they would realize that [sometimes] rushing an album creates more one hit wonders than it does careers.

Still, even with that being the current climate of the music industry, it's hard to find a solid album worth buying nowadays; let alone any of substance, and I guess that's the biggest problem I have with Jeremih's debut. Not only is it typical but, for it to be self-titled, it never allows the listener to get to know Jeremih for who he is. Instead, the primary focus seemed to have been elsewhere and songs like "That Body", "Runaway", and "Jumpin" are unpolished enough to prove that point.

But not all is lost, however. A few stand out tracks such as "Hatin' On Me", "Imma Star (Everywhere We Are)" and "My Ride" will be enough to milk this album for all its worth; but I doubt it will be enough to garner any interest in a follow up project from Jeremih. A more balanced effort would've certainly ensured that to be a possibility, but that "one-hit wonder" label seems to be almost a given.

Which is sad when you think about it. A lot of unsigned artists would kill to be in the position that Jeremih is in and for him to put out such a lackluster piece of work is something I just can't understand. Especially when considering this is a new artist making his respective debut! If anything, the passion, drive, and motivation should still be present; but when it's not, it really makes you wonder how complacent the music industry has become. Have ringtone sales become that much more important than album sales? Unfortunately they have and what's even more glaring is that a lot of these artists are killing their careers before they even begin. Jeremih now being one of 'em.

Rating: 5.0 headphones out of 10

Hot Wings (From Real Chance of Love 2) Dynasty TV Photo Shoot

Taraji P. Henson Covers Monarch

Taraji P. Henson is a talented actress that is oftentimes overlooked because of her body of work, but I think her role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button opened a lot of people's eyes.

Sure, it would've been nice had the Academy awarded her for such a performance; but leave it to the BET Awards to be the only award show to reward her for a job well done.

Don't get me wrong. I'm happy BET was gracious enough to recognize Taraji FINALLY, but I think this reflects bad on the Academy. Taraji outright deserved that award for Best Supporting Actress and anybody that says otherwise is just being unreasonable.

Truth be told, she's been great ever since Baby Boy as far as I'm concerned; and if Benjamin Button was her best performance thus far, just imagine where things could go from here.

An inquisitive thought if ever there was one, I mind you, but what's even more rewarding is the added attention Taraji has been getting ever since Benjamin Button was released. The magazine covers, interviews, etc. have been long overdue in my opinion; but with people finally starting to take notice, at least her long road to get here can finally be validated. Wouldn't you agree?

Saw VI: Teaser Trailer

Google Teyana Taylor...

[Click images for larger view]
and tell me she is not the shit, because these pictures clearly suggest otherwise. Maybe it's just me, but something about Teyana Taylor drives me crazy and the fucked up thing is...she's 4 years younger than me! I know, I know. Nothing will ever happen between us and I get that, but just the idea of it happening is enough for me. As desperate as that sounds.

Kid Cudi Covers Complex

Kid Cudi is one of the more "down to earth" artists that I happen to be a fan of, but sometimes his music is a little too far out there. Even for my tastes. Be that as it may, he still remains a dope artist in my eyes and the more music of his that I discover, the more in tune I become with what exactly he's trying to say.

Don't get me wrong, it's not like I understand it all. If anything, I'm more confused afterward than I was before I even listened. But, still, I think it's pretty cool how he doesn't conform for his fan base. Instead, he simply makes music for himself and could care less if anybody else feels it or not. That kind of mindset will get him far in this industry and I guarantee you that's why a lot of people are starting to get behind him. I, myself, included.

In the meantime, Kid Cudi shares the cover of Complex with Keri Hilson this month so be sure to check for it when it hits newsstands here shortly.

Kobe Bryant Covers Slam Magazine

Kobe Bryant may have finally been vindicated in a lot of people's eyes by winning his 4th championship ring, but I just can't give credit where credit is due. Something about Kobe has always just rubbed me the wrong way and for me to sit here and say that he deserved it would be a lie on my behalf.

Instead, what I will say is that Kobe Bryant and the Lakers were pretty much handed an NBA championship this year by the Orlando Magic and I just don't see them getting back to the finals next year. Even with the addition of Ron Artest.

If so, I expect the Boston Celtics or Cleveland Cavaliers to give them a much more physical match-up; while, at the same time, be able to create the mismatches that the Orlando Magic obviously couldn't...

Jay-Z | Blueprint 3 Album Cover

Jay-Z is really making a strong statement. Not just with his Death of Autotune anthem, but with the cover of his upcoming album, The Blueprint 3, as well.

As you can see, the simplistic roman numeral three over instruments of music is a creative concept in itself; but as for what it represents...I thought Jay's explanation was pretty on point.

"These things are like the forgotten pieces in hip-hop," Hov explained. "It's still about music. It's not about radio, making gimmicks — it's still about making music. Those things are piled in the corner. These are the forgotten things about music. It's still about music. It's not about radio, it's not about making gimmicks, it's about music. The three stripes that everybody is asking about is made from the original [number] three. The first three they made on the wall was someone carving. If you look at [the number] 3, all they did was connect lines. The whole thing about this album, how I approached it, is that I wanted to make a new classic to start that all over again — to go back to making classic albums like the ones we grew up listening to."

-Courtesy of MTV News

Keri Hilson's Complex Photo Shoot