Behind The Scenes Of Keri Hilson's 'Turnin Me On' Video

Here's an official behind-the-scenes look at Keri Hilson's upcoming music video, featuring Lil Wayne, called "Turnin' Me On," from her debut, A Perfect World. Check out how the video came together.

Rev Run Sends Shoes To Sudan

In some GOOD hip-hop news.......


Reverend Run, from the legendary group Run-D.M.C., has teamed up with Soles4Souls in an effort to help the disadvantaged that live in the war torn area of Sudan. Millions of people have been displaced by war and genocide in the Darfur region of the battered country.

Run, real name Joseph Simmons, recently hosted a fundraising event in New York where guests were encouraged to bring shoes that good cause Soles4Souls could send to the country. He also is getting his own shoe firm RunAthletic involved, by launching a shoe design contest, to raise money for the cause.

Hot Press: Beyonce Likes It "Spicy," Diddy Sports A Baldie, Dallas Austin Doesn't Do Housewives, No Piece for Don Cornelius

Hot off the press this week Diddy waxes off, no more love or peace for "Soul Train" host Don Cornelius, Dallas Austin ditches his Atlanta Housewife and Beyonce has a hankering for hot sauce... and honey buns.

Pubic Enemy #1

Apparently Diddy thinks the public didn't get the memo the last time he decided to blab about his beauty regimen for his man parts, because in the new issue of Allure, the entertainment and fashion mogul continues his TMI assault.

"I shave and groom my private areas," he revealed. "It's a better presentation for me. If men require women to go through the pain, we should return the favor."

Dallas Don't Do Housewives

Kim Volciak, AKA "the black woman in a white woman's body" from Bravo's "Real Housewives of Atlanta" recently chatted it up with Essence about her singing career.

"My first song, "Tight Rope," will be out the first week in January, but I'm not sure when the album will be coming out," she said. "[Dallas Austin] wrote and produced it. He originally sent me three but I fell in love with the beat and lyrics. The song is about walking a tight rope with somebody. It [speaks] to my personal life and my relationship and just life in general. It definitely applies to my life, but after seeing that footage on the show where it looks like I can't sing! I guess it makes for good television but it looked awful to me. People will just have to wait for my album to see the deal."

The funny thing is Dallas Austin doesn't seem to have gotten that memo. The famed Atlanta producer blasted Kim on his MySpace blog saying, "We are not doing a song, we are not doing an album ... that was only for television!"


Hot Saucsha

Beyonce made an promotional appearance on New York's Power 105.1 radio station yesterday to celebrate the release of I Am... Sasha Fierce.

Ed Lover and Free asked Bey if she'll be cooking for Thanksgiving and she revealed, just as she did on Oprah last week, that aside from Hamburger Helper, she's deficient in the kitchen, but that doesn't keep her from enjoying food.

"I put peppers, I like spicy," Bey said.

Asked if she carries her own hot sauce, Beyonce admitted, "I used to. I used to keep it in my purse, I'm very country."

It's not all spiciness with Bey though, homegirl also has a bit of a sweet tooth.

"Growing up if you wanted me to do anything-- if you wanted me to keep a secret, if you wanted me to clean up as a kid, give me a honey bun," Beyonce revealed. "I am very passionate about my honeybuns. I haven't had one in a long time but I love them."


Soul in the Hole

TMZ has been keeping close tabs on Don Cornelius. On Monday (November 17) they reported that a judge has ordered the 72-year-old former host of "Soul Train" to surrender his firearms, as well as disclosing court documents showing that Cornelius's estranged wife, Viktoria, was granted a three-year restraining order seven days after he was arrested for allegedly beating her up. Tuesday, a judge issued also issued protective order against him on her behalf.

Viktoria filed for divorce in August 2007.

Jay-Z & Damon Dash: One Is Broke, The Other's Losing Hope

I appreciate artists like Kanye West, even though I'm not so sure I appreciate the new music he's been releasing as of late. But there's no denying that in the past five years, 'Ye has given many of us a breath of fresh air when it comes to hip-hop music. However, I often wonder if Kanye would have been around to give us something refreshing to listen to if it weren't for Damon Dash. Why wonder, though, when the answer to that is an obvious "no"?

It's been four years since the separation of Jay, Biggs, and Dame. And not long after those three parted ways, Kanye admitted in an interview with MTV's Sway that he was wrong for turning his back on Dame to jump ships with Hov; after all, Dame was the one who believed in him from the beginning and somehow convinced others to give him a chance. Even in "Big Brother," Kanye speaks on how Hov never gave him the time of day. And the irony in that is that Kanye is currently the only one keeping "The ROC's" name alive. Many say that without Kanye there would be no "ROC," even though that label barely exists anymore. Looking at Jay-Z's lukewarm post-retirement career (as far as music), can anyone convincingly argue that he's the reason people still know what Roc-A-Fella is?

And that's what's so weird about it. It seems that these lagging two years that Hov has endured have a mind of their own, and they don't intend to halt-- or make a turn-around-- any time soon. As time progresses, his presence seems to lessen. His musical buzz is not what it used to be. His songs don't excite his audience the way they used to. Needless to say, that "retirement" label kind of slowed his momentum. Now Kanye has revealed that Jay's Blueprint 3 album will drop in February of next year. Say word? Since when did Hov ever need to place a delay on an album release? Never, as far as I can remember. Looks like his "Jockin Jay-Z" and "History" isn't really doing what was expected.

Dame, being as bitter as he is, would love to laugh at Jay right about now, but he can't. The n*gga's broke and when it comes to Dame, the saying "broke as a joke" could never be more true. The joke is on the media, because for a cat to have so much money and then lose it-- yet have the media speculating on his financial status for so long and still not be able to confirm it despite numerous reports-- is kind of funny.

But this isn't:

Fresh Faces: Soul Rebel's Q&A W/ Def Jam Act & Upcoming BET Stars, Brutha

If you happened to tune in to BET for the premiere of the new season of Keyshia Cole's "The Way It Is" last week, you may have caught the sneak peek of another BET reality series "Brothers to BRUTHA" which tells the story of Def Jam's new brother act Brutha. The show follows 5 siblings, Grady, Anthony, Jacob, Poppa (Cheyenne) and Jared -- who range in age from 19 to 25 as they prepare for the release of their album debut. I chopped it up with the Harrell brothers not long ago and got their take on what people can expect from their TV series as well as their self-titled album, due out just before Christmas.

Mariah Carey Says No To Nick Cannon

PURE Bullsh*t

Guess we finally figured out the mystery behind why Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon jumped the broom so quickly. The multi-platinum singer claims she and her new hubby waited until their wedding to have "complete intimacy." While she doesn't specify exactly what that means, it's pretty clear we're to believe Nick didn't hit that until after they got married - a whopping two months into their relationship.

"It's not that we had no intimacy, we just didn't have complete intimacy," Mimi told the U.K.'s Daily Mirror newspaper. "It's just me and my feelings. I definitely don't want to push it on anybody else. But we both have similar beliefs, and I just thought that it would be so much more special if we waited until after we were married. And it was, and it still is."

Rebel Talking... If you believe Nick didn't "Touch Her Body" I've got a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn.

News: T.I. Expected To Testify In Philant Johnson Murder Trial

Hip-Hop superstar T.I. is expected to testify in a Cincinnati court tomorrow (November 19) about the events that took place on the night his close friend and assistant, Philant Johnson, was murdered.


According to Cincinnati's Local 12 News, a jury was chosen on Monday (November 17) in a case against Hosea Thomas, one of two brothers allegedly responsible for Johnson's death. Earlier today the jury visited the crime scene and opening statements were given in court.

T.I. is scheduled to testify in court tomorrow.

As previously reported by SOHH, both Hosea and Padron Thomas were charged with the murder and felonious assault of Johnson back in May 2006 at Club Ritz in Roselawn.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, details emerged last June explaining that both men took issue with T.I. and his entourage, when they were denied didn't allow them access to exclusive areas at a late night party and performance.

"T.I. and his group were in the VIP area," Cincinnati Homicide Detective Tim Gormly told the Enquirer. "The suspects wanted to get in the VIP area and weren't allowed to."

Upon being turned down, a member from Tip's crew allegedly struck one of the brothers in the head with a bottle and later taunted them. This led to the Thomas duo following the rapper's crew in SUVs and exchanging gunfire. Johnson reportedly died as a result of this gun fire.


In related news, the self proclaimed "King of the South" has recently recorded various anti-crime and violence messages including a Crimestoppers commercial.

Teaming wtih local Atlanta station, WSB-TV, for their new campaign, Tip is seen in an advertisement spreading awareness and encouraging people to call the city's hotline with anonymous tips that could protect families and bring criminals to justice.

"Hey, what's happening y'all? Some people call me Tip, but this is about another kind of tip that could help our mothers, our sisters, our brothers and our fathers to help get the perpetrators who commit crimes aganist them off the streets," Tip says in the video. "All you gotta do is call Crimestoppers Atlanta. Tips can be anonymous and there's even a reward."

News: Wu-Tang Steps Into New Deal W/ Fila

Wu-Tang Clan have re-linked with mega sportswear company Fila to offer fans the "Wu-Tang Weathertech" boot for the winter.

The new kicks will feature an oiled suede upper section, molded rubberized vamp along with a unique d-ring lacing style and padded ankle collars. To give the boot a more "Wu" feel and presentation, there will be signature Wu-Tang yellow highlights throughout and it will be emblazoned with the group's insignia on the side and heel tabs.

Marking the Clan's second project with Fila since their 2007 special edition "C.R.E.A.M." shoe which was a revamped version of the classic original tennis shoe, Wu's business partner and executive producer Oliver "Power" Grant spoke on the group's relationship.

"The partnership with Fila began during our early days," Power said in a statement. "And our latest product represents the ongoing mutual respect we have for the brand today."

Wu-Tang's new boot will be released this winter for $100 at select retailers. Check www.fila.com/wutang for a list of stores.

THE FIRST FAMILY! YES WE DID!

MAJOR WTF...Moments...Glitches, machine breakdowns hamper voting in at least 5 states

HERE THEY GO WITH THIS CHEATING BULL*** ISH!

Long lines, voting machine failures and registration glitches hampered balloting Tuesday in precincts in Pennsylvania , Virginia , Michigan , New Jersey and Florida , as Americans flocked to the polls to elect a new president.Nearly 31 million people eased congestion in many states, but machine malfunctions forced the temporary closures of some polling stations in Virginia , which is considered a presidential battleground state after decades in which Democratic candidates all but conceded the state.

``We're having statewide problems in Virginia and Pennsylvania , mostly having to do with machine breakdowns that are resulting in people in some cases not getting to vote and people being given the wrong types of ballots,'' said Jon Greenbaum , the director of the Voting Rights Project for the Lawyers' Committee.

For example, the coalition said that poll workers used machine malfunctions as grounds for issuing provisional ballots to some voters, which can require those citizens to return within a few days with additional documentation to ensure that their ballots count.

``A lot of the communities being affected are predominantly minority,'' Greenbaum said.

In Pennsylvania , another key state, the coalition reported malfunctions of electronic, touch-screen voting machines in at least a dozen locations, mainly in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia areas. Paper jams on the optical scanners that record paper ballots also slowed voting.

Adding to the Election Day friction, voters across the state complained that they'd requested absentee ballots but never received them.

In Michigan , where voting machine problems were publicly disclosed Monday, some people were being asked to vote on paper with felt-tip pens, and others grew discouraged and dropped out of long lines, the Election Protection coalition said.

Voting also got off to a bumpy start in Kansas City, Mo. , another battleground state, because the wrong poll books wound up at several precincts. Quickly arranged swaps remedied the situation.

Wendy Williams Staff Fired!

Three sources inside The Wendy Williams Experience camp have dished that Wendy’s staff was fired last night. Her sidekick Charlemagne Da God and Trev Hollywood were specifically named as getting the ax and other behind-the-scenes folks were fired as well. Yesterday was their last show. They were told they would not be replaced and their positions will be eliminated completely. Damn! No word on if Goose has been fired as his name was not specifically mentioned.

We’re also told that Nicole Spence, the Talent Booking victim of those sexual harassment charges filed on Wendy and her husband Kevin, settled for an undisclosed amount of money and hasn’t worked at WBLS (the show’s home station) since all the drama popped off. Our sources also confirm that the entire Wendy WIlliams Experience and Wendy herself are getting the axe in ‘09 as soon as her contract is up.

Africans gear up to celebrate an Obama victory!

By TOM MALITI, Associated Press Writer Tom Maliti, Associated Press Writer – Tue Nov 4, 2008

KISUMU, Kenya – Africans organized all-night parties to watch the U.S. election results roll in, determined to celebrate a moment in history as Barack Obama tries to become the first black American president.

"Tonight we are not going to sleep," said Valentine Wambi, 23, a student at the University of Nairobi. "It will be celebrations throughout."

She planned to join hundreds of other students in the Kenyan capital for an election party late Tuesday.

In the western Kenya village of Kogelo, where the Democratic candidate's late father was born, police tightened security Tuesday to prevent hordes of media and others from entering the rural homestead of Obama's step-grandmother.

Obama is wildly popular across Africa, and many hope an Obama presidency will help this vast continent, the poorest in the world. Some are hoping for more U.S. aid to Africa, while others simply bask in the glory of a successful black politician with African roots.

"Obama, being partly African, has the moral obligation to intervene in Africa," said Samuel Conteh, Managing Editor of The New Citizen, an independent local newspaper in Freetown, Sierra Leone. "The aspirations of Africans are very high, believing that he will change the social and economic situations of Africans."

Obama was born in Hawaii, where he spent most of his childhood reared by his mother, a white American from Kansas. He barely knew his late father, an economist from Kogelo. But that has not stopped "Obamamania" from sweeping the continent, and particularly Kenya, where his picture adorns billboards and minibuses.

In Nairobi's Kibera shantytown, one of the largest slums in Africa, residents were hoisting cups of "Senator" beer in his honor. A huge conference center in the capital was to broadcast the results live for members of the public.

In Uganda, hundreds of university students booked a hall on campus in the capital, Kampala, to watch the results.

"We will feast if Obama wins," said Makerere University student Robert Rutaro. "We will celebrate by marching on the streets of Kampala and hold a big party later on."

Kenya's two main newspapers ran Obama stories on the front page. The Standard newspaper also offered a 16-page "Obama Magic Souvenir Pullout," with photos of the candidate as a child and during his campaign.

The mass daily newspapers in Nigeria, Africa's most-populous nation, were running rare multipage inserts with U.S. electoral coverage. Headlines in The Sun called Obama a "Black Phoenix" and declared in advance of an expected Obama victory: "One Giant Leap for Mankind."

Celebs Cast Their Vote!

Pete Wentz of Fallout Boy--

NEW YORK – New York is a deep blue state, and was almost assured to go the way of Barack Obama on Election Day. Still, as Diddy cast his ballot for the Democratic presidential candidate Tuesday, he couldn't help but feel that he had made a difference.

"I felt like my vote was the vote that put him into office. It was down to one vote, and that was going to be my vote. And that may not be true, but that's how much power it felt like I had," the hip-hop mogul said.

After spending much of the presidential campaign season using his star wattage to get other people to the polls, Diddy, like other celebrity political boosters, spent the day leading by example. He arrived at his polling site — a school in midtown Manhattan — in the morning and waited in line as a bevy of media prepared to capture the moment.

Diddy said he believed he was potentially making history by voting for the first black president in U.S. history, and also felt the weight of the past in the voting booth.

OTHER CELEBS:PETE WENTZ bass player for Fall Out Boy, showed up at his polling center in Beverly Hills, Calif., which turned out to be the garage of a private home. The longtime Obama and Joe Biden supporter who also rallied against a California proposition that would ban gay marriage, said his vote "feels important."

"I don't usually go out of my way to indoctrinate people or tell people, 'You should do this because of me, or you shouldn't do this because of me,' but I think it's important for people to get out there," said the 29-year-old rocker. His pregnant wife, singer Ashlee Simpson, wasn't with him, but Wentz said she would be out later to vote.

For Wentz, the vote for Biden for vice president was more than important — it was personal.

"I would not be standing here actually in reality at all because my parents met working for Biden," he said. "They met on the campaign, so they have this particular affection for Joe. He came to their wedding. If it weren't for Joe Biden, I would not exist as a human being."

BRANDY was in Manhattan on Monday to promote her upcoming album, but planned to fly back to Los Angeles to cast her vote for Obama.

USHER who was one of Obama's most active celebrity supporters, said young people like Swift were energized by this year's election, and he credited Obama for connecting with that particular voting bloc.

"This campaign has definitely engaged youth on a level like none other. Like never ever before," the 29-year-old entertainer said Monday night. "Now something has truly happened to make a difference. We now recognize that we have a voice. We now recognize that through service we can make a difference. And you can speak up."

Minister Farrakhan Words of Advice

THE FINAL WORD...

Minister Farrakhan recently spoke and offered recommendation on what to do IF Barack Obama should actually win this thing called an election. I know some of you won't read it and some of you will. I believe this was definitely geared towards Black people, but I personally think it can apply to anybody overjoyed at an Obama win. He basically says stay sober and don't party like its 1999, because there are still a lot of people that don't want this to happen. And they are often violent and racist people - not all, but some. Anyway, here it is:

"Here's my counsel to you. If brother (Barack Obama) wins, there will be more joy in the hearts of so many. More than we have ever experienced probably in our lives. People my age and older who have lived 75, 80, 85, 90 years will not mind dying because they will say in death, I saw what I never thought I would see in my lifetime.

But then others are going to go out in the street and celebrate with wild joy and revelry as though it was the Philadelphia Phillies winning the World Series, but that's not wise. That's not wise because your joy is somebody else's sadness and in your moment of revelry, there are those who will be so angry they can't get to him (Barack Obama) but they can get to you. And if you're out late at night just walking the street happy and drunk, you smoked a few of those funny cigarettes, you're just so happy and overjoyed.

Then someone rolls up on you, they don't tell you who they are but they're undercover and you're in a spot where they can just take your life. Don't think that some are not willing to do that with what we've heard coming from talk radio about people really hateful and would kill him (Barack Obama), but if they can't get to him and you are out drunk and partying 2, 3 o'clock in the morning when you should have been home.

How many Black people may die on that night across this nation. And just suppose the election is stolen. In your frustration, are you going to go out now and set fires and loot and act crazy. Not only is the S.W.A.T. Team ready and the National Guard but the Federal troops are already "posse comitatus" which forbids the Federal troops fr interfering in domestic affairs that's already put to the side now. If you act the fool you will be slaughtered.

So my counsel to you would be if he wins, rejoice intelligently. Don't overdo it. The Quran says it like this, 'when Allah's help and victory comes and you see men entering the religion of Allah in companies celebrate the praise of Thy Lord and ask His protection.' Well I'm not now talking about a victory in terms of men and women coming to the ranks of Islam in companies. I'm talking about a victory that we never expected but now we're full of expectancy of because we've heard the polls. If you win, celebrate the praise of God who brought us fr a mighty long way and made us in a time like this to ascend to the highest post in one of the greatest countries in the history of the world.

Don't act foolishly because Obama's rise is the rise of all of us who would be risen by his rise. Who would be inspired by his rise. These young children that are here who probably want an NBA contract or an NFL contract and want to be singers & comedians. Now they say well the sky is the limit. I can be what I want to be. Well, that's a key that can't ever go back in the box again."

WHO'S MY DADDY??

I THOUGH I'D POST SOMETHING A LITTLE MORE REFRESHING WITH ALL THE SAD NEWS TODAY. Guess who's the daddy of this little 1 year old cutie?




It’s R&B singer Tank. And his youngest baby girl Zoey Mykhale turns 1 the day after Christmas. Zoey is Tank’s 3rd child and her mother is his current girlfriend Zena FosterTank, b.k.a. Durrell Babbs, also has 3 other kiddies.

Shakir Stewart's Family, Fiancee Say Def Jam Exec Was In 'Deep Pain' Before Death

'Over the past several weeks, Shakir's behavior was inconsistent with the man we all know and love,' joint statement reads.


Just like his many friends and colleagues, the loved ones of Def Jam Vice President Shakir Stewart can't make any sense of his death Saturday afternoon. It appears that he took his own life.

On Sunday (November 2), his fiancée, Michelle Rivers, released a joint statement with the rest of his family.

"We would like to thank Shakir's friends for the tremendous outpouring of love and support we have received during this difficult time," the statement reads. "It has helped us to cope with our overwhelming grief and sadness. It is difficult to express or explain in words what led to the tragic occurrence on Saturday. Over the past several weeks, Shakir's behavior was inconsistent with the man we all know and love. As much as we all tried to help him, Shakir was in deep pain and largely suffering in silence. Please remember Shakir for who he was ... a wonderful father, partner, son and friend."

Stewart was 34 years old. Cobb County Police spokeswoman Cassie Reece was quoted in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, telling the paper that his body was found in the bathroom of his home around 4 p.m. Saturday. He was taken to the Kenne Hospital with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and later pronounced dead.

The Oakland, California, native was known in the music industry for his hard work and an ear for talent. He was recently instrumental in fattening Def Jam's roster with Southern rap staples Rick Ross and Young Jeezy. Both MCs released albums that debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts.

Def Jam released a statement Saturday night in the aftermath of the tragedy.

"L.A. Reid and all of us at Island Def Jam Music Group are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Shakir Stewart," the statement reads. "Shakir was an amazing man, in every sense of the word. A truly incredible friend and father who was an inspiration to not only our artists and employees, but to his family and the many people who had the privilege of counting him as a friend. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family at this very difficult time."

Jennifer Hudson, Celeb Pals Attend Private Memorial

A day after skipping yesterday's public memorial, Jennifer Hudson joined family members and celebrity friends—invites went out to the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Queen Latifah and Fantasia Barrino—this morning in Chicago for a private service for the Oscar winner's slain mother, brother and nephew.

Roughly 200 people attended the invite-only closed-casket service, which took place at the Apostolic Church of God on the city's South Side at 9 a.m.

Police were on hand from the early morning hours to direct traffic away from the building and keep spectators at bay while a procession that included a school bus, three hearses and several limos arrived at the church.

Several precautionary measures were taken to ensure the Hudson family's mourning could take place in private, including plastic partitions around the rear of the church to block looky-loos and video crews, as well as the closure of surrounding side streets.

Mourners gathered to celebrate the three victims of last month's tragedy, 57-year-old Darnell Donerson, 29-year-old Jason Hudson and 7-year-old Julian King. All died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Though it remains unclear who, besides Hudson and her sister, Julia (Julian's mother), attended the service, the Chicago Sun-Times reports that it may have been a star-studded memorial.

According to the newspaper, Hudson's fellow American Idol alum Barrino was expected to sing at the service, while Winfrey, Latifah, Clive Davis, Patti LaBelle, Missy Elliott, Ciara and Usher were among those scheduled to attend.

The investigation into the trio's deaths is ongoing, and while no arrests have yet been made, William Balfour, the estranged husband of Julia Hudson, remains in custody and has been named as a person of interest.

BREAKING NEWS:Obama's grandmother dies a day before election

HONOLULU – Barack Obama's grandmother, whose personality and bearing shaped much of the life of the Democratic presidential contender, has died, Obama announced Monday, one day before the election. Madelyn Payne Dunham was 86.

Obama announced the news from the campaign trail in Charlotte, N.C. The joint statement with his sister Maya Soetoro-Ng said Dunham died peacefully late Sunday night after a battle with cancer.

They said: "She was the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility. She was the person who encouraged and allowed us to take chances."

Obama learned of her death Monday morning while he was campaigning in Jacksonville, Fla. He planned to go ahead with campaign appearances. The family said a private ceremony would be held later.

Republican John McCain issued condolences to his opponent. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to them as they remember and celebrate the life of someone who had such a profound impact in their lives," the statement by John and Cindy McCain said.

Last month, Obama took a break from campaigning and flew to Hawaii to be with Dunham as her health declined.

Obama said the decision to go to Hawaii was easy to make, telling CBS that he "got there too late" when his mother died of ovarian cancer in 1995 at 53, and wanted to make sure "that I don't make the same mistake twice."

Outside the apartment building where Dunham died, reporters and TV cameras lined the sidewalk as two police officers were posted near the elevator. Signs hanging in the apartment lobby warned the public to keep out.

Longtime family friend Georgia McCauley visited the 10th-floor apartment where Obama had lived with his grandparent.

"So many of us were hoping and praying that his grandmother would have the opportunity to witness her grandson become our next president," said state Rep. Marcus Oshiro, an Obama supporter. "What a bittersweet victory it will be for him. Wow."

The Kansas-born Dunham and her husband, Stanley, raised their grandson for several years so he could attend school in Honolulu while their daughter and her second husband lived overseas. Her influence on Obama's manner and the way he viewed the world was substantial, the candidate himself told millions watching him accept his party's nomination in Denver in August.

"She's the one who taught me about hard work," he said. "She's the one who put off buying a new car or a new dress for herself so that I could have a better life. She poured everything she had into me."

Obama's nickname for his grandmother was "Toot," a version of the Hawaiian word for grandmother, tutu. Many of his speeches describe her working on a bomber assembly line during World War II.

Madelyn and Stanley Dunham married in 1940, a few weeks before she graduated from high school. Their daughter, Stanley Ann, was born in 1942. After several moves to and from California, Texas, Washington and Kansas, Stanley Dunham's job landed the family in Hawaii.

It was there that Stanley Ann later met and fell in love with Obama's father, a Kenyan named Barack Hussein Obama Sr. They had met in Russian class at the University of Hawaii. Their son was born in August 1961, but the marriage didn't last long. She later married an Indonesian, Lolo Soetoro, another university student she met in Hawaii.

Obama moved to Indonesia with his mother and stepfather at age 6. But in 1971, her mother sent him back to Hawaii to live with her parents. He stayed with the Dunhams until he graduated from high school in 1979.

In his autobiography, Obama wrote fondly of playing basketball on a court below his grandparents' 10th-floor Honolulu apartment, and looking up to see his grandmother watching.

It was the same apartment Obama visited on annual holiday trips to Hawaii, a weeklong vacation from his campaign in August, and his pre-election visit in October. Family members said his grandmother could not travel because of her health.

Madelyn Dunham, who took university classes but to her chagrin never earned a degree, nonetheless rose from a secretarial job at the Bank of Hawaii to become one of the state's first female bank vice presidents.

"Every morning, she woke up at 5 a.m. and changed from the frowsy muumuus she wore around the apartment into a tailored suit and high-heeled pumps," Obama wrote.

After her health took a turn for the worse, her brother said on Oct. 21 that she had already lived long enough to see her "Barry" achieve what she'd wanted for him.

"I think she thinks she was important in raising a fine young man," Charles Payne, 83, said in a brief telephone interview from his Chicago home. "I doubt if it would occur to her that he would go this far this fast. But she's enjoyed watching it."

Stanley Dunham died in 1992, while Obama's mother died in 1995. His father is also deceased.

When Obama was young, he and his grandmother toured the United States by Greyhound bus, stopping at the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone Park, Disneyland and Chicago, where Obama would years later settle.

It was an incident during his teenage years that became one of Obama's most vivid memories of Toot. She had been aggressively panhandled by a man and she wanted her husband to take her to work. When Obama asked why, his grandfather said Madelyn Dunham was bothered because the panhandler was black.

The words hit the biracial Obama "like a fist in my stomach," he wrote later. He was sure his grandparents loved him deeply. "And yet," he added, "I knew that men who might easily have been my brothers could still inspire their rawest fears."

Obama referred to the incident again when he addressed race in a speech in March during a controversy over his former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. "I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother," he said.

Dunham was "a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world but who once confessed her fear of black men who passed her on the street."

Still, much of who Obama is comes from his grandmother, said his half sister.

"From our grandmother, he gets his pragmatism, his levelheadedness, his ability to stay centered in the eye of the story," she told The Associated Press. "His sensible, no-nonsense (side) is inherited from her."

Madelyn Lee Payne was born to Rolla and Leona Payne in October, 1922, in Peru, Kan., but lived much of her childhood in nearby Augusta.

She was the oldest of four children, and she loved to read everything from James Hilton's "Lost Horizon" to Agatha Christie's "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd."

WTF....MOMENTS

Two men are headed to a funeral. Some insane gun man shoots both of them, fatally wounding one of them. Well, that is crazy, but here is the real crazy part. The man killed a reverend and a deacon inside a Kentucky church. And here is the real super crazy part. The man shot them as they arrived at the church for a FUNERAL. The shooting was a result of a yearlong beef between the men. The church still managed to have a shortened funeral service for the 70-something-year old woman that passed away.

Jay-Z's Def Jam Successor Found Dead!

Shakir Stewart, the man who replaced Jay-Z as head VP of Def Jam Records, was found dead yesterday in his Georgia home.

Best known for signing artists such as Rick Ross and Young Jeezy -- Stewart stepped in Jay-Z's shoes shortly after he stepped down last December.

Cause of death -- still under investigation. Several websites speculate suicide, but nothing is confirmed.

UPDATE: A Cobb County Police Detective says Stewart was taken to an Atlanta hospital after suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his Marietta, Ga. home.

50 Cent: 'I can't wait to hear Kanye West's new album'

50 Cent has declared he is looking forward to Kanye West's new album, despite a previous rivalry between the pair.

Accepting that they are "opposites," the G-Unit man played down any feud after 50 Cent and West released albums on the same day last year.

On that occasion, West easily sold more records.

However, speaking to MTV News, 50 Cent declared he can't wait to hear West's new album 808's And Heartbreak, which is out on December 16.

"There's no comparisons in us as artists. It's the yin and the yang. It's almost the opposite," explained 50 Cent, adding he admired the rapper-producer's choice of subject matter.

"It was almost taboo in hip-hop for you to make a love record," he said. "That was reserved for LL Cool J: 'I Need Love' and 'Luv U Better'.' He was the only hip-hop artist that's actually done that, prior to what I see [now] with Kanye. For him to make an entire love album, it's pretty much based on...love and Auto-Tunes: 808's And Heartbreak. I can't wait to see what this does."

50 Cent meanwhile, releases his own album Before I Self Destruct on December 9.

Cool Halloween Pumpkins!

News is slow today...so enjoy these Barack Obama Pumpkins! Ya'll dont forget to vote TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH!

Jennifer Hudson "Still in Shock" at Chicago Hotel

Los Angeles (E! Online) – Jennifer Hudson has been holed up in a downtown Chicago hotel with loved ones and friends as she prepares to bury three family members.

"She is still in shock," a source tells E! News. "She hasn't gone out much at all and has a lot of security around her."

Insiders say that Hudson checked into the Trump International Hotel & Tower on Oct. 24, the day her mother, Darnell Donerson, and brother Jason Hudson were shot and killed in Donerson's home and nephew Julian King was reported missing.

Hudson had been in Florida when she received the news and immediately boarded a flight north.

Since her arrival last Friday, Hudson has rarely left her hotel suite, sources say. She has had her cousins run errands, including picking up personal items from her downtown condo and bringing in food.

Hudson hasn't been seen in public since identifying her nephew's body at the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office on Monday.

Sources close to the Oscar winner tell E! News that her family and fiancé David Otunga have been her rock throughout the week. In fact, Otunga has been with her around the clock.

"David's been by her side through this whole tragedy," a family source says. "He has totally been there for her."

Bill Board Hot 100's top 20

1 - T.I. - Whatever You like
2 - Rihanna - Live Your Life
3 - Beyonce - If I Were A boy
4 - Pink - So What
5 - Britney Spears - Womanizer
6 - Katy Pery - Hot-n-Cold
7 - Kevin Rudolf ft. Lil Wayne - Let It Rock
8 - Ne-Yo - Miss Independent
9 - Rihanna - Disturbia
10 -Jason Marz - I'm Yours
11 - T-Pain ft. Lil Wayne - Can't Believe It
12 - Kane West - Love Lockdown
13 - Leona Lewis - Better In Time
14 - Akon - Right Now
15 - Taylor Swift - Love Story
16 - Lil Wayne ft. Bobby V. - Officer
17 - M.I.A. - Paper Planes
18 - Ne-Yo - Closer
19 - NickleBack - Gotta Be Somebody
20 - David Archuletta - Crush

HOT SLUTTY MESS OF THE DAY.....Kim Kardashian’s Halloween Party

I HATE HER.....Where my Girl Kimora at!

UPDATE: Hudson Family

Jennifer and her 7 year old nephew Julian



Jennifer Hudson and her sister, Julia Hudson, established a foundation to benefit families of slain victims. Here’s the info from the Chicago Sun Times:


The Hudson-King Foundation for Families of Slain Victims will provide basic needs such as food and shelter as well as grief counseling for victims of crime, according to the Jennifer’s publicist. Here is the contact information for the new charity:

Hudson-King Foundation
c/o Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson, LLP
Attention: William L. Abrams, Esq.
237 W. 35th St. 4th Floor
New York, NY 10001

RANDOM PICS OF CELEBS......

Milk and Cookies.....cute!

Nick and Mariah Halloween get ups!

Random mix...right!

Russ and Kim

Boris, Nicole and that chick I don't like for no apparent reason.

not feeling B's Hair......gross

RZA & Samuel L. Jackson Team Up For "Last Dragon" Remake

Samuel Jackson portrays...SHO NUFF!

Blockbuster actor Samuel L. Jackson has signed on to star in an upcoming remake of the 1985 martial arts-based film The Last Dragon.
The flick follows a black amateur martial arts student named "Leroy" throughout New York City to become the greatest fighter alive
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Jackson will portray the role of "Sho'nuff" known as the "Shogun of Harlem" and for his cocky catchphrases like "Am I the baddest mofo lowdown around this town?"

"I'm a huge fan of the original," Jackson told the Hollywood Reporter. "And I look forward to bringing Sho'Nuff into the 21st century."

Kerry Gordy - whose father, the late founder of Motown, Berry Gordy, produced the original - will take on his same role in the remake.

"We're thrilled to be working with Kerry Gordy as he continues his father's legacy," Columbia president Doug Belgrad said. "[He] will capture everything that people love about the original while also bringing a fresh edge to the remake."

Also helping out with the project as a co-producer will be Wu-Tang Clan's RZA and Dallas Jackson who will be responsible for writing the screenplay. RZA has worked with Jackson before, composing the score for his animated series "Afro Samurai."

No word on who will be directing or playing the lead role of Leroy as of press time

Hot Celebrity Mess of the Day...... GARY BUSEY

AWE GARY.......PLEASE GET OFF THE DRUGS! BO-BO!

On Some Political Shit........

Oct 05, 2008

The Norwegian newspaper VG has reported a truly amazing story about a newly-wed trying to get to Norway to be with her husband, and the stranger who helped pay an unexpected luggage surcharge. The blog "Leisha's Random Thoughts" has translated the story.

It was 1988, and Mary Andersen was at the Miami airport checking in for a long flight to Norway to be with her husband when the airline representative informed her that she wouldn't be able to check her luggage without paying a 100 surcharge:

When it was finally Mary's turn, she got the message that would crush her bubbling feeling of happiness.

-You'll have to pay a 103 dollar surcharge if you want to bring both those suitcases to Norway , the man behind the counter said.

Mary had no money. Her new husband had travelled ahead of her to Norway , and she had no one else to call.

-I was completely desperate and tried to think which of my things I could manage without. But I had already made such a careful selection of my most prized possessions, says Mary.

As tears streamed down her face, she heard a "gentle and friendly voice" behind her saying, "That's okay, I'll pay for her."
Mary turned around to see a tall man whom she had never seen before.

-He had a gentle and kind voice that was still firm and decisive. The first thing I thought was, Who is this man?

Although this happened 20 years ago, Mary still remembers the authority that radiated from the man.

-He was nicely dressed, fashionably dressed with brown leather shoes, a cotton shirt open at the throat and khaki pants, says Mary.

She was thrilled to be able to bring both her suitcases to Norway and assured the stranger that he would get his money back. The man wrote his name and address on a piece of paper that he gave to Mary. She thanked him repeatedly. When she finally walked off towards the security checkpoint, he waved goodbye to her.

Who was the man?

Barack Obama.

Twenty years later, she is thrilled that the friendly stranger at the airport may be the next President and has voted for him already and donated 100 dollars to his campaign:

-He was my knight in shining armor, says Mary, smiling.

She paid the 103 dollars back to Obama the day after she arrived in Norway . At that time he had just finished his job as a poorly paid community worker* in Chicago , and had started his law studies at prestigious Harvard university.

Mary even convinced her parents to vote for him:

In the spring of 2006 Mary's parents had heard that Obama was considering a run for president, but that he had still not decided. They chose to write a letter in which they told him that he would receive their votes. At the same time, they thanked Obama for helping their daughter 18 years earlier.

And Obama replied:

In a letter to Mary's parents dated May 4th, 2006 and stamped 'United States Senate, Washington DC ', Barack Obama writes:

'I want to thank you for the lovely things you wrote about me and for reminding me of what happened at Miami airport. I'm happy I could help back then, and I'm delighted to hear that your daughter is happy in Norway . Please send her my best wishes. Sincerely, Barack Obama , United States Senator'.

The parents sent the letter on to Mary.

Mary says that when her friends and associates talk about the election, especially when race relations is the heated subject, she relates the story of the kind man who helped out a stranger-in-need over twenty years ago, years before he had even thought about running for high office.

Truly a wonderful story, and something that needs to be passed along in the maelstorm of fear-and-smear politics we are being subjected to right now.

Jam Master Jay Murder Investigation: Six Years Later, What's The Status?

No closure after more than half a decade?

The murder of hip-hop icon Jam Master Jay — which took place on October 30, 2002 — is still unsolved, and as another year passes without any significant breakthroughs in the case — no new evidence, fresh leads or confessions — hope of finding the killers fades a little more. You would think that the brutal murder of one of the most beloved figures in hip-hop in a high-profile crime that shocked the nation would have produced at least a couple of suspects by now.

But, sadly, like the murders of two other rap icons — the Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur — years after the crime, all we're left with is rumors, speculation and a maddening lack of closure for friends, fans and family.

"It's a shame that we're still at this juncture," said Derrick Parker, a former NYPD investigator and author of "Notorious C.O.P.: The Inside Story of the Tupac, Biggie and Jam Master Jay Investigations from NYPD's First 'Hip-Hop Cop.' " "Homicides like this happen all the time in the streets, but this case is different because of who Jay was."

At the time of his death at age 37, Jam Master Jay (born Jason Mizell) had already achieved worldwide fame as the turntablist and founding member of Run-DMC, arguably the most influential hip-hop group of all time. Jay elevated the cut-and-scratch to an art form and helped define DJing as we know it.

With so much time since his murder, some observers fear the case may be going cold. "I see very little chance of this ever being solved," said Ethan Brown, author of "Queens Reigns Supreme: Fat Cat, 50 Cent and the Rise of the Hip-Hop Hustler" "Even if there is a break in the case and they make an arrest and it goes to trial, you could easily destroy the credibility of the witnesses."

Indeed, after six years, Jam Master Jay's murder has become more about the witnesses than the victim and about an investigation that has seen differences of opinion over everything from motive (was the murder drug-related or was it a personal dispute?) to methodology (did NYPD detectives fail to provide adequate protection for key witnesses?).

Many observers think witnesses might not be doing enough to help solve the crime. Compounding that problem is the view that the authorities have not been aggressive enough in pursuing persons of interest in the case, including Ronald "Tinard" Washington, a convicted armed robber currently in prison on an unrelated charge who was staying with Jay's sister and cousin in Jay's mother's home at the time of the murder and who had clashed with Jay.

Another major roadblock to solving the crime is the turmoil between Jay's family and Randy Allen, the DJ's close friend and business partner, whom some suspect knows more about the murder than he has been willing to discuss publicly.

"Imagine your best friend getting killed right in front of you," said a source close to the investigation who prefers to remain anonymous. "How do you not say anything? How do you not tell the police?" Criticism has also fallen on receptionist Lydia High, who identified Washington as one of the gunmen who entered Jay's 24/7 Studio on the night of the murder but who police failed to arrest.

Questions about trust and truthfulness among Jay's inner circle are raised in a new documentary on the DJ's life and legacy, "Two Turntables and a Microphone," directed by Guy Logan and produced by Jam Master's cousin, Stephon "Phonz" Watford. The film premiered in June at the Hollywood Black Film Festival and is executive-produced by 50 Cent.

"I wanna say thank you to 50 Cent for being a part of this documentary that's coming out with his album [Before I Self Destruct] that's about the life of Jam Master Jay," Russell Simmons told MTV News. "It reaffirms his legacy for his family. It's helpful. It's good the industry still recognizes him. His influence was profound, like [Jay discovering] 50 Cent. ... Jay's life is something I definitely celebrate."

Ashanti, Jordin Sparks, Nelly Support Jennifer Hudson

"My prayers go out to her and her family," R&B singer Ashanti told MTV news reporters Monday night.

In a wave of support from Barack Obama to Jordin Sparks, Jennifer Hudson, who lost not one, but three relatives over the weekend in a triple homicide, knows that a lot of people have her back.

American Idol alum Jordin Sparks issued her heartfelt support via ET Monday: "Jennifer, I don't even know what you're going through right now, but I love you."

"I am so, so sorry, and I am praying for you and something good is going to happen through this. I know you can't see it now, but something is going to come out of this."

Sparks' support comes just hours after the FBI revealed that Hudson's seven-year-old nephew's death was ruled to be a homicide after his body was found in an abandoned SUV on Monday -- three days after Hudson's mother and brother were found shot to death in their home.

According to reports issued from Chicago officials Tuesday, the 7-year-old- nephew of the Oscar-winning actress died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Telling MTV news "it's a tough thing to talk about," Hip Hop star Nelly says "It's like, what do you say ? You really don't know what to say to a person when you talk about death or losing a loved one." All anyone can do, he said is "send your blessings and positive energy."

New Common Album Pushed Back

Chicago rapper Common's highly anticipated album Universal Mind Control has been pushed back nearly an entire month prompting him to make modifications to various tracks.

According to Billboard, the project, originally scheduled to drop in July under the title Invincible Summer, is undergoing its fourth consecutive setback having previously been planned to drop in September and November.

Kanye West & Alicia Keys To Headline The AMAs

Mega-platinum selling artists Kanye West and Alicia Keys have been officially scheduled to perform at the American Music Awards (AMA) show in Los Angeles, California next month.

According to Newsday, both West and Keys, who are nominated for numerous AMAs, will be headlining the event as Ye is expected to perform new songs like "Love Lockdown" and "Coldest Winter" from his upcoming album 808s and Heartbreak. The performance will follow his highly received appearance at last month's MTV Video Music Awards.

Keys, who is currently starring in the movie The Secret Life Of Bees, is expected to sing songs from her multi-platinum selling album As I Am including "No One," "Like You'll Never See Me Again," "Teenage Love Affair" and "Superwoman."
As previously reported by SOHH , Keys leads this year's award show with five nominations in such categories as "Artist of the Year," "Favorite Female Pop or Rock Music Artist" and "Favorite Soul/Rhythm & Blues Music Female Artist."

Lil' Wayne and Kanye also receiving multiple nominations for "Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist" and "Favorite Hip-Hop Album."

Other nominated artists include Jay-Z, Chris Brown, Usher, Three 6 Mafia, Jordin Sparks, Rihanna, G-Unit, Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige. Newcomers The-Dream and Flo Rida will go head-to-head for the "T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist Award."

Hosted by comedian Jimmy Kimmel, the AMAs will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theater LA on Sunday, November 23.

Ice Cube Signs On For NBC Cop Comedy

Ice Cube Signs On For NBC Cop Comedy
Written by Cyrus Langhorne


Ice Cube will be returning to television to help pen an upcoming police comedy series for NBC.

According to Variety, the rapper-turned-mega actor will both write and executive produce an untitled show aiming to offer the major network something different to help compete with TV ratings.

"As we continue to expand our roster of diverse talent both on-camera and behind the camera, a guy like Ice Cube, whose multi-talented, is someone we really wanted to be in business with," NBC entertainment chairman Ben Silverman told Variety. "He's had an amazing career, to have gone from NWA to this."

While his role on the project is off-camera, the executive would not mind if Cube offered some on-screen time in the process.

"We really want to capture his voice and his eye for talent, and his producing acumen," Silverman added. "If he appeared in the pilot or series, we'd be really excited about that."

The West Side Connection leader's last stint on television was executive producing Showtime's "Barbershop" series and FX's "Black. White." He is also responsible for providing a voice over for MTV's animated version of his hit movie Friday.

No release date or title has been announced for the upcoming NBC series.

Exclusive: D'Angelo's preparing to bring sexy back!

It's been eight long years since Michael Eugene Archer, the Grammy-winning soul stirrer known as D'Angelo, released his acclaimed second CD, Voodoo. During his hiatus, he was arrested for drug possession and DUI, suffered injuries in a car crash, and checked into rehab. But just when it seemed like he'd gone the way of Lauryn Hill, his rep confirmed to me that he's currently recording his third studio album in Los Angeles. Though no release date has been set, the still-untitled disc will be distributed by RCA/SonyBMG and will feature collaborations with John Mayer and Raphael Saadiq, who co-produced D'Angelo's 2000 hit "Untitled (How Does It Feel)."

In addition to keeping busy in the studio, D'Angelo's also working out with celebrity trainer Mark Jenkins, who helped the singer-songwriter get in famously chiseled shape for his deliciously sexy "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" video. I just got off the phone with Mark, who called from Los Angeles to give me the scoop about both of the singer-songwriter's hot new bodies of work.

MARGEAUX'S MIX: What did D'Angelo look like when you first got the call to start training him again?
MARK JENKINS: He had already dropped a significant amount of weight on his own, so I didn't see him at his craziest stage. He knew better than to show up training with me like that. It would be too painful for him. So he got in shape before we got together, somewhat -- he got in shape to get in shape.

When was that?
Maybe three or four months ago.

How much did he weigh at that time?
It's hard to say how much he weighed because of the way he stays covered up. He's very anti-body, anti-press. He's interesting to train because you don't really get a good look at his physique because he's always covered up. I guess I would say he was over 200 pounds. And he's not that tall of a guy -- about five feet six inches.

How big was he at his worst?
I don't use weight when I'm training people; I use body-fat measurements. In the "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" video, he was around 6 percent body fat. At his worst, he must've got up to the high 20s or 30s in body-fat percentage, which is a big departure from 6. That's drastic.

As his trainer, how did it make you feel -- no pun intended -- to see him let himself go like that?
I was very upset and I told him. I was like, "Hey, man, I really felt bad because I left you in great shape but apparently, I didn't instill in you what you needed." And he was like, "Nah, you know, circumstances and things happen in life." But you can't get somebody in great shape and do all this press, and then say when they get out of shape, "Hey, that had nothing to do with me!" So I feel bad as a trainer about that. He understands. He knows. But of course, it's not 100 percent my fault because it is his body and ultimately his responsibility.

Alicia Keys Leads 2008 AMA Noms, Faces Off Against Lil' Wayne & Chirs Brown For Artist Of The Year

Alicia Keys Leads 2008 AMA Noms, Faces Off Against Lil' Wayne & Chirs Brown For Artist Of The Year

Lil' Wayne, Kanye West, and Chris Brown are all up for awards at this year's American Music Awards but it's R&B singer Alicia Keys who is leading the pack with five nominations.Alicia Keys received the most nominations for the 2008 American Music Awards, which will take place in Los Angeles this November. The artist/actress whose newest flick, The Secret Life of Bees, will hit theaters this Friday (October 17), has been nominated for artist of the year, favorite female pop or rock music artist and favorite soul/rhythm & blues music female artist. Her 2007 release, As I Am, was also nominated for favorite album in both the pop or rock music and soul/R&B categories.Keys will face some stiff competition in the artist of the year category as Chris Brown and Lil' Wayne have also been nominated.Wayne, who has been enjoying the success of his latest album, The Carter III is also up for favorite male hip-hop artist and favorite hip-hop album , but he'll have to battle Kanye West for the award in both categories. Other artists who received nominations for this year's AMAs are Jay-Z, Usher, Three 6 Mafia, Jordin Sparks, Rihanna, G-Unit, Jay-Z, Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige. Newcomers The-Dream and Flo Rida will go head to head for the T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist Award.So far, the only confirmed performers are Pink and the Jonas Brothers but additional artists are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.The awards show, which will be hosted by late night talk show host/comedian Jimmy Kimmel will be, broadcast live form the Nokia Theater LA on Sunday, November 23rd

Kanye Previews "808s & Heartbreak," Promises Another Album In June

Kanye Previews "808s & Heartbreak," Promises Another Album In June

With built-up hype over his highly anticipated album 808's and Heartbreak, Kanye West has finally unveiled details about what fans may expect from his fourth solo release.
Offering a select panel of journalists and guests to attend the exclusive listening session, West selected Italian artist Vanessa Beecroft to set the stage as attendees were given a first-ever listen to Ye's full album.
According to The Fader, the audience was greeted to an unusual setting as Beecroft's artistry was in full effect helping illustrate West's mind set for his new album.
"After waiting in a loading area with an open bar and a DJ, we walked up a driveway illuminated by florescent lights to a darkened room where approximately forty nude women, most of them wearing face-obscuring masks seemingly made of faux lamb's wool, stood in the middle -- black girls in the front, white girls in the back," a Fader journalist wrote. "Mos Def sat down front-and-center, Michael Rapaport talked excitedly to the security guards, Will.i.am watched from one end of the U the audience formed around the women, Rick Ross watched from the other end."
While hinting at a few guest appearances including the only rap verse coming courtesy of Young Jeezy on "Amazing" and a duet with Lil' Wayne, Fader also offered their views on what the project aims for.
"Once the album ended with "Coldest Winter" -the one song on the album about his mother, the rest of this breakup album is about "someone else- West appeared with a microphone," Fader wrote. "West delivered a monologue about how this album is about the freedom to do what you want to do and that he used Auto-Tune because it is the most fun thing ever."
Other accounts by attendees like journalists from Myspace's A Place For Hip Hop also offered a variety of paraphrased words from Mr. West himself including his decision to sing throughout the entire disc.
"If I wanna rap, I'll rap," he said. "If I wanna sing, I'll sing. I told Jay, L.A Reid and everyone at my label that I needed to put this out right now, I'll have another album in June, but this has to come out right now. The way these songs connect with you, God uses me as a vessel- he puts me through pain so that I can go through it, and create..."
Admitting that the album was put together in the time span of three weeks while in the 808 area code of Hawaii, Ye's current hit single "Love Lockdown" continues to dominate charts.
808's and Heartbreak is currently scheduled to hit shelves on Tuesday, November 25 via Def Jam.

Angela and Vanessa Simmons Get Their Own Show?

Daddy's Girls


Run's House" fans should be happy to hear that Rev. Run's oldest daughters have their own reality series on the way. Angela and Vanessa Simmons have confirmed their new MTV spin-off "Daddy's Girls," which will follow their "lives in L.A. and what's going on with us," since leaving the nest behind. Expect exciting adventures such as the girls work evolving 'Pastry' shoe and clothing line into another more grown-up brand, Vanessa continuing to pursue her acting dreams and Angela serving as executive editor of her magazine Angela's Rundown while also giving music a try.

DJ AM joins Jay-Z on tour in first post-crash show

DJ AM joins Jay-Z on tour in first post-crash show

NEW YORK - DJ AM, who survived a plane crash last month in South Carolina, will appear on tour with Jay-Z.

DJ AM, whose real name is Adam Goldstein, will join the rap mogul Wednesday at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, said Jenni Weinman, the celebrity disc jockey's publicist.
It will be his first performance since suffering severe burns in the Sept. 19 crash at the main airport in Columbia that killed four passengers.
"He's the greatest rapper in the world," the 35-year-old disc jockey told People.com. "This is the biggest thing that's happened in my career."

So...........if I were in a plane crash I can kick it with Jay? I'll pass...LMAO .Thats cool though!

WTF! 14 year old 48 pound girl!!!!

Girl, 14, found starving in home; parents charged

Okay so before you start reading this....these sick sick suckas recently took their dogs to the vet for a regulary scheduled check up!


SEATTLE - A father and stepmother were charged with withholding their 14-year-old daughter's food and water so drastically that she weighed only 48 pounds, authorities said.

Jon Pomeroy, 43, and his wife, Rebecca Long, 44, could face as much as four years in prison if convicted of criminal mistreatment, prosecutor's spokesman Dan Donohoe said. The couple were released on bail late Monday after the charges were brought.
The girl was removed from the family home near Carnation, about 20 miles east of Seattle, in August after a neighbor called child welfare authorities.
The veteran detective who investigated "said this is the worst case he's ever seen, especially for an ongoing pattern of abuse over several years," county sheriff's spokesman John Urquhart said.
According to prosecutors, Long confirmed to a deputy that she considered the girl a behavior problem and restricted her water as discipline. The woman said she had been home-schooling the girl and her 12-year-old brother for four years.
The girl, who is 4 feet 7 inches tall, told authorities that she was given primarily toast to eat and only about 6 ounces of water per day. She said her stepmother even watched when she brushed her teeth to make sure she didn't drink extra water.
She suffered severe malnutrition and dehydration and spent two weeks at Children's Hospital in Seattle. Dentists had to extract six teeth because of long-term decay, court papers said.
She is now in foster care and has gained more than 20 pounds, prosecutors said. Her foster father said she is attending a private school and making friends.
The boy, whose height and weight were normal, was also placed in foster care, authorities said.
It was not immediately known if the couple had lawyers. No one answered the door Monday at their home.
Pomeroy, a computer software engineer, had divorced the girl's mother in the 1990s, The Seattle Times reported.
In a court affidavit, a detective said the father told him the conflict between his daughter and wife "was concerning but he thought they could just handle it themselves." Pomeroy admitted he never sought professional help for the girl even though he noticed she looked far younger than 14.
Even the family's two dogs were fed normally and had recently been taken to the vet, authorities said.
Child Protective Services had investigated after a teacher reported concerns about the girl in 2005, and the stepmother received counseling. "There were similar issues with the girl's weight. Obviously, it was not as extreme," CPS spokesman Thomas Shapley told the newspaper.
Riverview School District officials said the girl had been attending a once-a-week class for home-schooled students when the teacher raised the concerns in March 2005. Her parents withdrew her from the program, and afterward failed to file yearly reports required from parents who home-school their children.

Lil' Wayne & Nivea Engaged?

Lil' Wayne & Nivea Engaged?

Lil' Wayne seems to be fueling the rumors about he and Nivea. People are already speculating that the two are secretly engaged. And now these new photo's of Weezy and Nivea that hit the net early yesterday have people whispering [not me, just so we're clear].Online reports are stating the singer was perched right in the front row of Wayne's recent concert with a huge rock on her finger [which you can see in the pic].From Dream to Wayne, damn - Nivea gets around don't she?