Dear Lupe Fiasco: 10 Tips To Make Lasers Successful

For those keeping score, Lupe Fiasco lashed out at MTV a few days ago via Twitter over this and, even though I'm biased towards Lupe, I have to admit that some of these suggestions aren't bad. What do y'all think?

1. Keep recording songs for Lasers

We've heard that you submitted a completed version of Lasers to Atlantic months ago. That's all well and good, but there's a good chance your whole experience with trying to get your album out would make for a good song or two. So don't assume that what you submitted is what's going to hit store shelves. Keep recording and give fans the freshest material you've got when the album finally does drop.

2. Call Kanye West, like, NOW

In case you haven't noticed, 'Ye is about to be busy. Real busy. With his new album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, dropping next month, he's gonna be on every TV station, radio channel and Web site soon. Before he is, put the bug in his ear that you're looking for a contribution for Lasers. If that doesn't get Atlantic excited about putting your project out, we don't know what will.

3. Drop a mixtape. Immediately.

Last year's Enemy of the State mixtape was dope. Only problem? It was like 20 minutes long. So, um, no offense, Lupe, but 20 minutes isn't enough to hold today's ran fans over for a day—let alone 10 months. Get some new music out and get it out right away.

4. Stop participating in supergroups

Child Rebel Soldier (a group comprised of Lupe, Pharrell and Kanye) and All-City Chess Club (boasting Lupe, B.o.B, Asher Roth and more) both sound like cool projects. But, yo: It's taken you three years to get Atlantic to release your next solo album. Do you really think Atlantic—or any other record label, for that matter—is going to put out an album by either of those two supergroups anytime soon? Yeah, we don't think so. So stay focused on your solo career. At least, for now.

5. Repair your image on the rap blogs

We're not sure if you know this or not, but most of the rap blogs seem to hate you. You don't seem to care, which is cool, but in today's hip-hop culture, you need the blogs to love you (or, at the very least, to blog about you!) in order to be successful. That's just the way it is. If you can't stand a particular blogger, you don't have to cater to him or her. But find a couple you do like and serve them up some fresh material. (P.S. If you want RapFix to do it, just say the word!)

6. Embrace your leaked records

No rapper wants their new songs leaked onto the Internet. It'd be crazy to try and convince you or any other rapper to be happy about it. But if it happens, it happens. Rather than throwing dirt on your own songs or chastising the world when a record leaks, accept it and move on. That's what we call free publicity, sir.

7. Be open to trying everything to land on a hit single

You passed over on B.o.B's "Nothin' On You." Cool, you weren't feeling it. But be open to doing whatever you can to find a hit that'll propel your album into the next stratosphere. That doesn't mean you have to sell yourself out or work with someone you don't want to. But if you're not gonna do that, think outside the box to land on a single that'll make you proud.

8. Take cues from your labelmate B.o.B.

Speaking of B.o.B, look no further than B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray to hear how you can make the album you want to and keep your label happy. B.o.B might have a few songs on there that you wouldn't necessarily record, but it's safe to say he's also got plenty of songs on there that he truly wanted to release to the world. Use that as your blueprint.

9. Appreciate your old fans—but try to find some new ones

You have a diesel fan base. Kids were willing to sign a petition and even take time out of their busy lives to come and protest on your behalf. You need to keep them around. But you also need to branch out and realize that not everyone is happy with the way you've handled your label politics. Do whatever it takes to get them back on your side through your music.

10. Keep rapping your ass off

Good music trumps everything. So whether you drop a mixtape tomorrow or start recording a couple freestyles every week, use your voice to give yourself a voice in the hip-hop community. If you do that, Lasers will shine brightly.

[Source: Rapfix/MTV.com]

"Runaway" | A Film by KanYe West

KanYe West premiered his short film "Runaway" earlier tonight and I think it's pretty safe to say that this man is a genius. No other artist has this much ingenuity (let alone creativity) to be able to encompass such a beautiful array of art on film and, in my opinion, I think this only heightens the anticipation/interest in "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy".

Melyssa Ford Covers KING Magazine's Winter Issue

I usually don't agree for the sake of argument, but I find it hard to disagree here with KING magazine's proclamation of Melyssa Ford as "The Legend".

Without question she's had one of the more prominent careers for a video girl and, arguably, she helped pave the way for some of these other video girls who have since made a name for themselves.

My only gripe, however, has to do with KING magazine itself. I understand that it's hard for newspapers/magazines to sell nowadays; but, I for one, am not feeling this "Women of KING" format.

I absolutely hate it if I'm being honest and a return to the old format is long overdue. Whether that will ever happen remains to be seen, but it's not like I don't appreciate a Melyssa Ford cover! I'd take that any day and, trust me, once you see some of these pictures (click here) you'll understand why.

Now, if only KING would smarten up and do a spread with Montana DeLeon...

[Click here for a Royal Peek of KING's upcoming Winter issue]

Doritos Ad Campaign (Featuring Rihanna)

[Click images for larger view]

As if her signing with Roc Nation management earlier this week wasn't news enough, Rihanna now has an endorsement partnership with Doritos. A weird union I'll admit; but is it just me, or does Rihanna just find ways to reinvent herself with every album.

Her last CD, "Rated R", showcased her as this edgy, take no shit rocker; and with her upcoming offering, "Loud", I'm assuming it will be more dance/uptempo. Either way, it only personifies the fact that Rihanna has no identity as an artist and it'll be interesting to see which direction Roc Nation management will guide her towards next.

In the meantime, here are a few of the aforementioned promotional pictures for Rihanna's Doritos ad campaign and, from what I understand, they will coincide with a digitally interactive video for her upcoming single "Who's That Chick". Interesting, huh?

Nicki Minaj's "Pink Friday" Album Cover

It's still hard to believe that Nicki Minaj decided to name her debut album "Pink Friday" (of all things), but I think the cover art for it more than makes up for a lack of creativity.

It's no secret as to how much the "Barbie theme" has been a part of her career, so a part of me halfway expected it to be included in some way, shape, or form on her album. The only question I have, however, is where are her arms?

Other than that, I'm just curious to see how well the album is going to do numbers wise. Both KanYe West and Jay-Z have albums slated to be released that same day and just imagine if Nicki were to somehow manage to outsell them both?

Everything up to this point in her career would be validated and, dare I say, a resurgence in Female Hip-Hop would be born...

Perhaps I'm a little premature in suggesting that but, considering what little competetion Nicki has presently, you would think it wouldn't be a bad thing.

Drake Gives Relationship Advice to Cosmo

I usually don't agree with people's opinions when it comes to the opposite sex, simply because the only one's that will ever have any real validity are your own. That being said, I found it hard to disagree with anything Drake had to say here in the advice that he gave to Cosmo. Nothing was out of the ordinary and, when kept in context, I think Drake represents the male perspective of dating quite well. What do you think?

Cosmopolitan: Is it hard for guys to get over breakups?
Drake: Definitely. Even after a long time, it’s painful to see an ex with somebody else. As happy as you are that she’s happy, there’s a little tingle underneath your heart. It’s not a sting. But it hurts a bit, and you wish it wasn’t there.

C: Is sex on a first date a deal breaker?
D: No, I don’t get why women think that. You’re telling yourself that all you have to offer is your body and the physical act. There’s more to you than that. If I like somebody, there’s so many great things to look forward to, even if we do it on the first night.

C: If a woman is into a guy, how should she get his attention?
D: I’m shy, so I like when she comes up and says “Hey, how are you doing?” That lets me know she wants to talk. The scariest thing is when you look at a woman and think of a million reasons why she wouldn’t want to.

C: What’s the best compliment a woman can give a guy?
D: I never mind hearing “You look nice tonight.” Guys put in a lot of silent effort. When I’m going on a date, I’m getting a haircut, I’ve got a new outfit, and I’m wearing cologne. So it’s nice when it’s noticed.

C: What’s the secret to a happy relationship?
D: Acceptance. You’ve got to be comfortable enough to be completely naked with lights on and the curtains open.

[Source: All Things Fresh/Concrete Loop]

Lloyd Banks & Juelz Santana Play Def Jam Rapstar

I'm usually not into the Guitar Hero/Rock Band video game format, but Def Jam Rapstar is something that definitely caught my interest. Yes, I'm well aware that it's nothing more than Hip-Hop karaoke; but I still wanna play it. I just don't want to pay the $60 bucks or so in order to do so.

Anyway, here's a video I came across (courtesy of XXL.com) that features Lloyd Banks and Juelz Santana playing Def Jam Rapstar. You would think it would come natural for these guys since they hold a mic in their hand for a living; but something about karaoke just ignites instant laughter. Not to mention, pure, unadulterated fun.

Tahiry's 2011 Calender: The Wet Edition [Video Preview]

Sometimes I wonder why girls like this don't exist in the real world... It's a damn shame if you ask me; but in watching this, I can't help but feel as though the term "wet dream" take on an entirely different meaning. If not, maybe it's just me; but NEVER in my life have I looked this forward to buying a calendar.

¤ Executive Decisions/Results ¤

I interviewed for a supervisor position at the place where I work and I'm a little anxious to find out as to whether I get it or not.

Unfortunately, I won't know anything until tomorrow; but, the way I see it, I've been working there for almost two years now and I'm well ahead of the learning curve as to what all I'm supposed to know as a teller. It's only appropriate to want to take that next step; but to say I'm a little apprehensive in doing so would be an understatement.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not nervous about the position. I'm more than confident that I could handle all of the responsibilities that come along with it. I'm just more so concerned with whether or not I'm ready to.

Working at a bank requires a lot of attention to detail and, as a teller, I've grown comfortable in making sure that I try to stay on top of everything.

So many different procedures are done routinely while others are done rarely if, hardly, at all. The point is, I'd be expected to know these things like clockwork should I get the position and it's nerve racking, in a sense, especially when considering I'm so use to having that next person "higher up" to assist me with the stuff that I don't.

Not to say that I still won't. I'm just saying that I'm the type of person that's resistant to change and I question whether I would even be in this position had things not fallen apart as they have.

Either way I look at it, I consider this a challenge, of sorts, and I plan to embrace it if given the opportunity. If not, at least I know I gave it a valiant effort; and, sometimes, the thought of not knowing "what if" can hurt worse than rejection. For that reason alone was as to why I even decided to throw my name into consideration in the first place and all I can do now is hope for the best and respect whatever decision is made. Here goes nothing, I suppose...

...To Be Continued...

~T.I.~

Jordin Sparks @ the Vikings/Jets Game

As a fan of the New England Patriots, it sickens me to see one of my potential spouses (hey, a guy can dream can't he?) wear the colors of the enemy.

Words can't even begin to describe how much of a slap in the face this is, but it's not like I can be mad. Her and I aren't on speaking terms right now and haven't been for quite some time but, still, it's nice to see her make a public appearance. Albeit at a Jets game, no less.

All jokes aside, Jordin Sparks has been a favorite of mine ever since she won American Idol. Now, I don't remember much from that season but one thing I do remember is how captivated I was in watching Jordin perform.

It was like that every single week, for me, and, justifiably, it remains one of the few seasons that I feel America actually got it right as far as determining a winner (SN: How did Jennifer Hudson not win her season? I'm still scratching my head on that one).

Be that as it may, I'm really looking forward to seeing how far Jordin can go with her career. She already has two successful albums under her belt and, not to mention, one amazing voice.

No other idol winner comes close in that regard so here's to continued success and a better taste in teams perhaps. "Gang Green" really isn't her color and, while I'm at it, neither is Steph Jones. Dude is the definition of a lame and I would be more than happy with putting a ring on it! Hopefully before he ever does...

"What About My Ballsack?"--Axe Commercial

I have to give it to Axe and Old Spice for being creative when it comes to advertising their product but this, right here, has to be one of the more clever of the commercials I've seen. If not, the funniest.

This Ain't Sesame Street XXX

I remember hearing about this a couple weeks back and I just knew that Saturday Night Live was going to have a field day with this one.

First things first, I am not a fan of Katy Perry. I think she has no talent whatsoever but, then again, it's no secret, also, that part of my disdain for her has to do with Maxim placing her #1 in their Hot 100.

There are so many other women that deserve that over her but, to Maxim's credit, I can't be mad when a pair of Double D's create this much controversy.

As for the Sesame Street episode (click here to view) that was pulled, I watched it for myself and saw nothing wrong. A little big of cleavage has never hurt anybody and, last I checked, there are far worse things on TV that "some" of these mothers need to be more concerned about.

For instance: CSI, NCIS, & Criminal Minds. All of these shows are graphic in detail but, yet, I'm supposed to believe that Katy Perry's boobs pose that much of a problem? As nice as they are, I don't think so. Whatever disconnect there seems to be here is something that needs to be addressed; but, thankfully for SNL, they know exactly how to lighten the mood.

I just find it funny that none of the Dad's took offense to this. Just goes to show how simple men really are, I suppose.

Kim Kardashian Poses Nude For W Magazine

[Click images for larger view; Click here to view more pics]

I find it hard to believe that Kim Kardashian regrets doing Playboy when she turns right around and poses nude for, yet, another magazine. Nudity is nudity regardless of if its in the name of art; but my question is, shouldn't doing a porno be more damaging to the Kardashian name as a brand?

It's no secret that the porno she did with Ray J and the spread in Playboy came long before the success she's having now but, personally, I feel to dismiss those things as regrets would be a mistake. Both helped her be the sex symbol/icon that she is today so I'm not buying any of this bullshit she says. Everything she does is calculated down to the smallest of detail and I will always hold that to be true.

As for this latest spread of hers in W magazine, I have to say that I find it to be more natural than the one she did for Playboy. None of those pictures showed off that voluptuous shape of hers that she's known for and, keeping it in the sense of art, I think this will be one of those calculated risks of hers that will pay dividends once more people react to it.

At least, one could only imagine.

Behold, The Avatar Fleshlight!

I wasn't one of the one's that bought into all this Avatar "hype" but, you gotta admit, this is pretty funny. Hell, the whole concept of a Fleshlight, in general, is funny if you think about it; but I can't help but imagine how the saying "close encounters of the third kind" takes on more of a literal meaning now.

But let's be serious for a minute. How ingenious is this idea? It makes perfect sense for Fleshlight to jump all over this and I'm sure fanboys alike will enjoy this in more ways than one.

I mean, for heavens sake, it has two clits! If that's not any reason enough to buy it, then I don't know what is.

All I know is that its inception came about in conjunction with the release of "This Ain't Avatar XXX" and if you haven't seen the trailer for it (click here to view), I highly suggest you do. A lot of these porn parodies are going mainstream nowadays and, who knows, maybe this version will be a lot better than that God awful one that was directed by James Cameron.

Last I checked, a friend of mine still hasn't finished watching it and I think that says a lot for Avatar. Not only was the film boring, but it was overrated if you ask me. All of its "hype" seemed manufactured by the studio and if you strip away the 3-D aspect of it, you're left with nothing more than a film about politics. Just done so in a much glossier way.

At least this version is guaranteed to reach its climax long before the original. And, if you're interested, maybe in more ways than one. No need to be ashamed. I just don't recommend masturbation in 3-D. Something tells me that could be a little dangerous. You don't want to get a little too excited and have things "cumming" right at you, literally. I'm just saying...

For more details on the Avatar (or Alien) Fleshlight, click here.

Diana Taurasi Covers ESPN The Magazine's Body Issue

I don't think I've ever seen Diana Taurasi look this gorgeous and that's saying a lot, considering she's a WNBA player. The knock for most of them is that skill comes before appearance but, last I checked, they're still women at the end of the day and it's refreshing to see how some of them can look off the court. Especially Diana Taurasi.

Truthfully speaking, I've kind of always had a thing for her ever since she was at UConn. But, then, Candace Parker came about and I kind of just lost sight of all that. Call it what you want but I'm attracted to what I'm attracted to and you really can't go wrong with either one if you ask me.

Anyway, ESPN does a great job with their Body issue so I'm really looking forward to see what other athletes will decide to take it all off for the camera. Last year, the highlight for me was Serena Williams; so, hopefully, Candace Parker will come around and decide to follow in her footsteps one day. It's the least she could do considering she's either always hurt or pregnant.

In the meantime, however, this year's Body issue includes athletes such as: Amar'e Stoudemire, Tim Howard, and the USA Women's Water Polo Team. Be sure to look for it when it hits newsstands but, if you're like me and can't wait, I've included a video that entails a behind the scenes look of this year's Body issue being put together. Courtesy, of course, of ESPN.com

Drake Speaks On Working With 9th Wonder

Sheneka Adams in Sweets Magazine

[Click images for larger view; Click here to view more pics]

I read somewhere that Sheneka Adams had a sex tape with Soulja Boy (of all people) that leaked a while back; but, even if that's true, it kind of makes you wonder how a guy in his right mind could ever have sex with someone this fine and, yet, let them go? It just doesn't make sense; but, then again, Soulja Boy has been "kickin' it", so to speak, with Kat Stacks and as to how that union came about is beyond me. All I know is that Kat Stacks and rappers (let alone entertainers period), nowadays, is NOT a good look; but, like I said, this is Soulja Boy we're talking about and wasn't he the same one that Kat Stacks went ahead and exposed him for his cocaine usage? I believe so. It just goes to show that Rick James said it best, "cocaine is a helluva drug".

Anyway, I got my first glimpse of Sheneka Adams after seeing her in the latest issue of KING magazine. The "supposed" video (or, sex tape if you will) is available on the net for those who care but I, for one, wouldn't waste my time. It's only a snippet of her giving head and then it cuts off 30 seconds or so into it. In the meantime, here are a couple of pics from a spread she did for Sweets magazine. Enjoy!

Travis Porter | Make It Rain [Viral Video]

¤ 10.10.10 ¤

I find it hard to find solidarity in much of anything anymore, let alone relationships. Whether it be with friends, family, "potential significant others", you name it...everything I touch seems to fall apart and, for once, I just want things to fall into place.

Is that too much to ask? I suppose not but, trust me, the answer to that was purely rhetorical. I just figured asking would only be fair (considering you're taking the time to read all of this) and what better way to involve you, as the reader, than to ask such an open ended question.

You're welcome, nonetheless, but that's beside the point. Everyone feels this way at one time or another, but it just feels like I've had more than my fair share of disappointment. Undeserved disappointment at that, but disappointment is disappointment no matter which way you try to sugarcoat it and I suppose that's part of my problem. I try to fit everything into this proverbial realm of organized structure and the more you try to make sense of things, the more things will never make sense. It's life at its finest. Even more so, it's irony at its ugliest. But my question is, why can't there ever be an in between?

Truth be told, I've never bought into this whole "glass half full" aspect that people will try to sell you when the chips are down. It's all bullshit if you ask me, but to each their own. Instead, I'm more of "glass half empty" kind of guy. I've never been able to understand as to why but, if i had to say, it would be because I tend to put more of an emphasis on what I don't have, rather than what I do. Not the most glaring attribute to have, I know, but, trust me, it will all make sense in a little bit so just continue reading.

It's not that I don't appreciate what I have. In fact, I'm one of the most appreciative people you'll ever meet. All the little things mean the world to me, but I see nothing wrong with wanting more. Nothing wrong with wanting what the next man has, or with wanting all the things that seem to only exist in your dreams. Besides, the way I see it, those things can only become a reality if you want them bad enough and, subliminally speaking, there's nothing more that I've ever wanted than (... ... ....)

Pardon the tease, but I reserve the right to stand pat in withholding my one, true desire. Dreams, in my opinion, can be very fragile in a sense and the last thing I would ever want to do is compromise that. Just know that there's one thing that keeps me going in life and the closer I am to that...that's when I'm at my most happiest. When I'm not...I feel like I feel now and it's one of the most gut-wrenching feelings in the world.

...And to think, the irony in all this is that I now have to sit here and watch another man, no less, take solace in the same very thing that brings me joy. Life surely does imitate art I tell ya'; but something about this just has tragedy written all over it. It just remains to be seen...

~T.I.~