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May 28, 2001 Michael Jackson to Shop MJJ Records
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Michael Jackson is shopping his
label MJJ Records, a joint deal with Sony Music, to other label groups, sources
said Tuesday. MJJ Records, which Jackson launched in 1993 as part of a
multimedia deal, is still under contract with Sony. As Jackson, who is signed to
Sony's Epic Records Group, continues to be a top-selling act internationally and
given that MJJ has not produced any mega selling acts, it is not likely that
Sony will prevent the pop star from making changes at MJJ, sources said. MJJ's
roster includes Brownstone, MOV (Men of Vizion) and his nephews 3-T. Jackson is
also scheduled to release a new album by year's end.
The King of Pop will also host his first
U.S. concert in eleven years on September 7th at New York's Madison Square
Garden. The concert entitled, Michael Jackson: The Solo Years 30th Anniversary
Celebration, is also a tribute to his illustrious career and will feature
performances by N'SYNC, Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, and Marc Anthony. Jill
Scott, Mya, Tamia, Shaggy, and Deborah Cox are also some of the stars schedule
to perform at the celebration. Michael will also perform a medley of hits with
his brothers Marlon, Randy, Tito, Jackie, and Jermaine. The show's lavish
production will include a 300-member gospel choir, a 200-member children's
choir, a 48-piece orchestra, 40 dancers and 12 background singers. The show will
climax with "40 pop, R&B and country legends singing together" in
tribute to Jackson.
Tickets for Michael Jackson: The Solo Years 30th Anniversary Celebration will go
on sale the first week of June. The show will be taped for a two-hour television
special. Michael said in a press release, "I am very excited to celebrate
my 30th anniversary as a solo artist with such a distinguished array of talent,
friends, and fans. I look forward to performing live and reuniting with my
brothers on this special night."
NSYNC Joins the Fight Against Drugs
The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and the multi-platinum band
NSYNC have joined forces to help prevent drug use among America's youth. During
the band's upcoming 2001 Pop Odyssey tour, NSYNC will unveil a new National
Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign public service announcement (PSA) that features
band members talking about their Anti-Drugs, the people and things that stand
between them and drugs. The PSA will be shown at each of NSYNC's upcoming
concerts in 45 U.S. cities beginning May 23rd. NSYNC will also feature the Media
Campaign PSA on the band's web site (www.nysnc.com).
Acting ONDCP Director Edward H. Jurith, said, " There probably isn't any
pop group today more relevant to our early teen audience than NSYNC. We think
having them as part of our youth anti-drug campaign team is really going to
raise the volume on our message to kids. I congratulate them on their commitment
to this effort."
The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign is the largest and most
comprehensive public health media campaign ever undertaken by the Federal
Government. ONDCP conducts the campaign with key support from the Partnership
for a Drug Free America. Congress authorized a five-year multi-media campaign
designed to educate and enable America's youth to reject illegal drugs. The
Campaign targets youth ages 11-18, but focuses especially on the vulnerable
"teen" audience, ages 11-14. The "My Anti-Drug" message is
part of a nationwide advertising and community outreach initiative within the
campaign that has reached millions of target-age children since it was launched
late last year.
May 25, 2001Actor Whitman Mayo of "Sanford and Son" Succumbs
Actor Whitman Mayo, who was best known as the character "Grady" from
the hit television series "Sanford and Son," died on Tuesday at
Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Mayo lived near Atlanta for the past
seven years and taught drama at Clark Atlanta University. Most recently he
hosted cable station Turner South's weekly series "Liars &
Legends." The 70-year-old Mayo was in the television and film industry for
more than 30 years. He also starred in the HBO movie "Boycott" which
centered on Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Right Movement and also
starred Jeffrey Wright and Terrence Dashon Howard. Mayo also appeared in such
film as Boyz N The Hood and D.C. Cab.
David Rudolph, vice president and general manager of Turner South, said, "
Turner South is deeply saddened by the death of Whitman Mayo. Whitman was a
special member of the Turner South family and he will be greatly missed. Our
sympathy goes out to his family and friends and we ask that the press respect
their privacy during this time."
Queen Latifah In Talks to Star in Disney Film
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Queen Latifah is in discussions to
star in and executive produce the comedy "In the Houze" for Disney and
Hyde Park Entertainment. The script, bought from Jason Filardi early last year
and originally titled Jailbabe.com, centers on a man who uses the
Internet to find a date. He strikes up an online relationship with a woman in
jail (Queen Latifah) who has multiple stories about her background. When she
gets out of jail, she proceeds to wreak havoc on the man's orderly
upper-middle-class life. Latifah has previously appeared in such films as The
Bone Collector, Set It Off, and Jungle Fever. The
rapper/actress currently hosts her own self-titled syndicated talk show. She
also previously starred in the hit television series "Living Single"
with Kim Fields. For more information on the Queen, log on to
www.queenlatifah.com.
May 23, 2001Queen Latifah Is 'In The Houze'
Queen Latifah, the versatile musician/actress/talk show host, is in discussions
to star in and executive produce the comedy "In the Houze" for Disney
and Hyde Park Entertainment, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The part would
be the actress' biggest starring film role to date and her first big-screen
appearance since 1999's "The Bone Collector."The Jason Filardi-written script, originally titled "Jailbabe.com,"
centers on a man who uses the Internet to find a date. He strikes up an online
relationship with a woman in jail (Queen Latifah), who offers multiple stories
about her background. When she gets out of jail, she proceeds to wreak havoc on
the man's orderly upper-middle-class life. Queen Latifah's other film credits include 1996's "Set it Off" and
1998's "Sphere." She is working on the CBS TV movie "Talking to
Heaven" opposite Ted Danson and recently finished production on her
syndicated TV talk show "The Queen Latifah Show," which ran for two
years. In the midst of all of this film and television activity, the artist has also
been working on a new album, her first since 1998's "Order in the
Court." That Motown set debuted at No. 16 on Billboard's Top
R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It spawned the single "Paper" featuring
Apache, which peaked at No. 23 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles &
Tracks chart.
Shyne's Mom Speaks Out On Her Son Jamal
JAMAL AS A CHILD…
He was very happy and talkative; he was talking at eight months. He was
friendly and outgoing. Everywhere we went people liked him. In Belize we had a
family that lived next door. I would tell him he couldn't go outside, but he
would sneak out and go play with his friends.
When we moved to Brooklyn it took him a while, but he had friends in school.
Being in school he didn't go out as much, but he had family. He doesn't have
any records. Nobody's perfect. As a child he got in to little things all kids
get into. I wasn't there 'cause I had to work seven days a week, so he got
into trouble with things he knew he shouldn't do. But if he was a troubled kid
he'd be in jail not pursuing a rap career. He graduated from high school with
honors and is a very respectable kid.
ON THE MUSIC BIZ
He came to me one day and he said college is gonna be on hold 'cause God
told me I can write, and I'm going into the entertainment business and be a
rapper. I said, 'no I want you to go to college.' He said, I'm sorry and
this is what he was doing. I was upset and fearful, but I didn't let him know
I had fear. I think it's every parents dream to see their child graduate from
high school and college. It didn't happen that way. But I had to be there to
support him.
He got signed immediately. He got signed in September to Don Pooh
entertainment then it didn't work out the way he wanted to. So, one day he
came in and he said mom I'm going to meet Puffy and I was like what are you
talking about. I said it's too good to be true cause I didn't have any money
so he could do a demo tape.
Then one day he called me in February and said he was going to Beverly Hills,
California and I said for what and he said I told you I'm going to meet Puffy
my flight leaves at 4 o'clock. I was shocked. He called me the next day
excited about the nice room and I was excited for him but I'm still not
believing anything is gonna come out of it. I had heard of him and seen Puffy on
TV and videos. I never thought my son would be hanging with him.
ON THE TRIAL…
The first two weeks were tough but I pray and keep my faith. I have no fear
in me. I keep a positive mind. I keep my notepad and I write down everything
they say and from what I see people are so inconsistent. I'm not saying this
because he's my kid, but I sit there from 9am till court is over and I listen
to the people pick at him.
That's not the Jamal I know and raised. Jamal is not the type a kid to go
in a club and just start shooting. Since he is labeled a gangsta rapper
everybody wants to blame him. He's just rapping about the things he saw around
him growing up. It wasn't what he was doing he just telling what he saw as a
child. We pray. I have no fear in me. I prayed everyday in the court room every
minute. I ask God to have mercy and leniency. I'm prepared for anything I'm
strong.
MEDIA PORTRAYAL OF JAMAL "SHYNE" BARROW…
They're not getting the story straight there just depicting. I don't know
if it's biased. If it was him and anybody else it would have got no coverage
but since he's a young rapper coming in with Puffy and everybody thinks he's
crazy. He was protecting himself inside the club. I think something went wrong
and he had to defend himself cause six weeks earlier he was leaving a studio and
he was attacked and beaten up. There was no big thing about that. He came home
with a swollen face after being beaten up and shot at on October 30th.
They're depicting Jamal negatively but nobody's taking the time to find out
who this kid is. They're just saying that he did it. I know he had a gun so
he'll have to pay the consequences for that. But the other charges I'm
confident that there's a reasonable doubt.
ON SHYNE'S MUSIC…
I listen 'cause I'm his number one fan. Yes. It's important music,
especially "Dear America." If people listen to "Dear
America" they'll understand. He can't talk about little white roses and
living in Westchester cause he's not he's telling what he experienced. He
can't talk about stuff that isn't real.
ONE THING FOLKS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT JAMAL BARROW…
I want them to know Jamal isn't the person they're depicting him to be.
That's not him. Shyne is different from Jamal Barrow. Shyne is just a person
who makes the records on what he see's in the street. The Jamal I raised went
to school got an education and went out in the world and challenge the industry
and make it happen. He's a very strong spiritual person. He reads his bible
and prays a lot. His only fear is of God.
May 22, 2001Anita Baker Files Lawsuit Over Damaged Recordings
According to the Associated Press, R&B goddess Anita Baker filed a
lawsuit in federal court against an audio equipment rental company she says
ruined some tracks recorded for her forthcoming album. The songstress filed the
suit on Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Detroit against Zomba Recording
Corp. and its Dreamhire division. Baker is seeking more than $200,000. Baker
alleges that a 24-track tape machine she rented produced random popping noises.
The company sent a technician to Baker's studio to repair the equipment, but
Baker says the technician determined that the recorded material could not be
salvaged because no system could remove the popping noises.
Baker, who began recording the songs in August 2000, said she was forced to
rerecord them. According to the lawsuit, she said it cost her more than $500,000
to rent the equipment, hire producers, songwriters, musicians and vocalists, and
pay their travel and housing expenses. Baker released her last album in 1994
entitled Rhythm of Love.
Get Your Cash Money Trading Cards
Universal/Motown, in conjunction with Pileated Pictures is releasing a series of
interactive online collectible trading cards that feature the Cash Money
Millionaires: Lil' Wayne, Juvenile, Official, Turk, BG, and Mannie Fresh. The
trading cards are part of a promotion from the label and once users collect all
six of the cards in the series, they will be able to enter a drawing for $1,000
in cash. The cards will be available for download from the label's web site,
www.cashmoney-records.com, starting on May 29th with the Lil' Wayne trading card
and will continue through the summer. Two of the cards will be distributed to
coincide with record releases for Turk's Young & Thuggin' on June 5
and Juvenile's Project English, which is scheduled to be released in late
summer. Each card will include user-initiated animations such as breaking
windows, sound effects and music clips from Cash Money's solo and group
performances. The reverse sides of these "flippable" cards will
feature personal information about the six artists. A link to the Cash Money web
site will be available on each card to find out more about the artist and the
label. They can also be e-mailed from one collector to another using another
link featured on each card.
May 21, 2001Miss E.'s Brand of Addictive Funk
Is Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliot the future of the funk? It certainly seems like it. Since she busted onto BET with her cameo on Gina Thompson's single (remember her
hee-hee-hee-hee-how) Missy, with production partner Timbaland has redefined the way we think of R&B and hip-hop. Using space-age sounds and southern bottom, Missy's big hits
"Supa Dupa Fly" and "Hot Boyz" have also brought a welcome sense of humor to both genres. And visually, Missy's style --from her offstage
bling-wear to her wild video outfits (Michelin man suits, and baldheads) show the same daring and flair that her music does.
Missy, a Virginia native, got her start in a girl group that was discovered by Devante Swing of
Jodeci. It's kind of hard to imagine a talent like Missy's being confined to matching dresses and diva-riffs. Destined to be a solo artist, Missy suceeded by rapping a little differently than the rest. Neither hardcore, nor soft-porn, her rhyming style was just her own combination of sass and skills. Missy can also sing, and quite well. (She more than holds her own on and old LSG album track with powerhouse vocalists like SWV's Coko and Faith).
But she told us recently that rapping is much more comfortable for her. Production wise, Missy has crafted hits for Aaliyah,Total and
SWV, among many others and introduced us to Li'l Mo. Musically, Missy can do so many things. She may not have the public profile of a Lauryn Hill, who also sings, produces and rhymes, but she should, since she too, can do it all.
Missy's past is fraught with sexual abuse and domestic violence. She has said that because of that, and the misery she sees her friends go through, she doesn't allow herself to take s--t from any man. She's referring to her personal life of course, but in the male dominated music machine, she doesn't have to subject herself to it either. Feminist hero? She's never said she was one.
She's just a sista doin' it for herself. And one thing about her, she's always emnated confidence. Though today's female singers have to practically remake themselves to satisfy rarefied ideals of beauty, Missy's unabashedly herself. She rocks short hair, but always fly styles. A thick
sista, but always dressed with the confidence of a thin one. And who else could have turned a rubber suit into a fashion statement?
In this world of copycats and biters, Missy's a true original. Add that to her resume, and you've got someone who can't be stopped. A true track master. Give her her props.
- Tonya Pendleton
KRS-ONE "Sneak Attack"
The Blast Master is back. Kris Parker, a.k.a. KRS-ONE, blesses the game with his
latest lesson plan for the growth and betterment of the hip-hop culture. The rap
gods must be smiling because "The Sneak Attack," is KRS's most complete
work since his "Blueprint of Hip-Hop" and "Edutainment" days. And he's
probably the only rapper who gets any kind of respect to drop an album in 2001
without the ever-so-popular parental advisory sticker. "The Sneak Attack"
speaks for the thirty-somethings who've outgrown some of the excesses of the
hip-hop generation they grew up in. In hip-hop these days, it's all about
trying to make it in a world where bling bling and fake thugs have more
influence on children than their schoolteachers. KRS stays true to form,
producing half of "The Sneak Attack's" eighteen bangers and enlisting the
likes of Mad Lion, B.J. Wheeler, Domino and of course Kenny Parker for the other
half.
The Teacher also turns in some of the best lyrical performances of the year
while addressing some of the problems facing today's young people. Joints like
"Why" and "What Kinda World" show KRS hasn't lost the fire that
created classics like "Love's Gonna Getcha" and "You Must Learn." One
listen to "The Sneak Attack" and it's very apparent where several now
prominent MC's borrowed their style, but that's a whole 'nother story.
Thankfully, "The Sneak Attack" is 100 percent Cristal and European-designer
free. There are no shoot-up-the-block stories, no mention of iced-out wrists;
just neck-breaking beats and jaw-droppin' rhymes aimed at reaching and
teaching. And in today's rhyme-by-numbers hip-hop, that's truly an
accomplishment.-Clifford McBean
May 18, 2001Jermaine Dupri to Host ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) will hold its
14th annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards on June 7th at the Hyatt Regency
Hotel in Atlanta. Awards will be presented to the songwriters and publishers of
the top ASCAP songs on the past year's R&B/Hip Hop, Rap, Dance and Reggae
charts. In addition, Songwriter and Publisher of the Year honors will go to the
writer and publisher with the most award winning songs. R&B singer Peabo
Bryson will be presented with the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award for his
musical contributions. The awards will be hosted by Jermaine Dupri, who himself
is a two time ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year. ASCAP President
and three time Academy Award winning lyricist Marilyn Bergman, stated,
"Each year, ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards draws the biggest names in music
and so many of them are based in Atlanta. We are delighted to be hosting a
celebration of our members' musical contributions in a city that is home to so
much creative talent."
Ja Rule Takes a "Fast and Furious" Ride
Hip hop star Ja Rule will star in the forthcoming film The Fast and the
Furious, which hits theatres on June 22nd. The action-adventure film also
stars Vin Diesel and Paul Walker and takes a fierce and frenzied look at rival
Los Angeles street teams who use street racing as a means of establishing power.
Walker stars as a rookie cop who goes undercover, posing as a racing team
member, in order to investigate truck hijackings. Managing to ingratiate himself
with the team's leaders at first, he finds himself in jeopardy when the other
members begin to suspect an imposter within their ranks, setting the stage for
an exciting climactic showdown. Ja Rule will play a street team member named
Edwin.
In addition to starring in the film, Ja Rule also contributed several songs to
the soundtrack. The Fast and the Furious soundtrack will be released on
June 5th on Murder Inc./ Def Jam Records. The album contains the "Good Life
Remix" with Faith Evans, Ja Rule, Vita and Cadillac Tah as well as Cadillac
Tah's hit single "Pov City Anthem." The album also features new music
from Scarface, R. Kelly, Fat Joe, Shade Shiest and Tank. For more information on
the film and to view the trailer, log on to http://www.thefastandthefurious.com/.
Here is the track listing for the soundtrack to The Fast and the Furious:
1. Good Life Remix - Faith Evans (feat. Ja Rule, Vita and Caddillac Tah)
2. Pov City Anthem - Caddillac Tah
3. When A Man Does Wrong - Ashanti
4. Race Against Time Part 2 - Tank (feat. Ja Rule)
5. Furious - Ja Rule (feat. 01)
6. Take My Time Tonight - R. Kelly
7. Suicide - Scarface
8. The Prayer - Black Child
9. Tudunn Tudunn Tudunn (Make U Jump) - Funkmaster Flex (feat. Noreaga)
10. Hustlin' - Fat Joe
11. Freestyle - Boo and Gotti
12. Rollin' (Urban Assault Vehicle) - Limp Bizkit (feat. DMX, Redman and Method
Man)
13. Life Ain't A Game - Ja Rule
14. Cali Diseaz - Shade Sheist (feat. Nate Dogg)
15. Didn't I - Petey Pablo
16. Put It On Me Remix - Ja Rule (feat. Vita and Lil' Mo)
17. Justify My Love - Vita (feat. Ashanti)
May 17, 2001Missy Elliott is "So Addictive"
Hip hop star Missy Elliott released her third album Miss E...So Addictive
today. The album features the hit singles "Get Ur Freak On" and Lick
Shots." Miss E...So Addictive features production by Timbaland as
well as collaborations with Ginuwine, Busta Rhymes, and Jay-Z. Redman and Method
Man also trade verses with Missy on the blazing track "Dog In Heat."
Ludacris also does battle with Missy on the song 'One Minute Man," which
pokes fun at "quick to cum" brothers. Here first two albums, Supa
Dupa Fly and Da Real World, were both certified platinum. For more
information on Missy, log on to www.elektra.com.
Here is the track listing for Miss E...So Addictive:
1) "...So Addictive" (Intro featuring Charlene "Tweet" Keys)
2) "Dog In Heat" (featuring Redman and Method Man)
3) "One Minute Man" (featuring Ludacris)
4) "Lick Shots"
5) "Get Ur Freak On"
6) "Scream a.k.a. Itchin'"
7) "Old School Joint"
8) "Take Away" (featuring Ginuwine)
9) "4 My People" (featuring Eve)
10) "Bus-a-Bus Interlude" (featuring Busta Rhymes)
11) "Whatcha Gon' Do" (featuring Timbaland)
12) "Step Off"
13) "X-tasy"
14) "Slap! Slap! Slap!" (featuring Da Brat and Jade)
15) "I've Changed Interlude" (featuring Lil' Mo)
16) "One Minute Man Remix" (Bonus track: featuring Jay-Z)
Steve Harvey and Cedric The Entertainer to Host BET Awards
Comedian Steve Harvey and Cedric The Entertainer will host the first annual BET
Awards on June 19th at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The awards will be
broadcast live on Black Entertainment Television and will honor the achievements
of African Americans in the entertainment industry. Destiny's Child has been
nominated for three awards including "Best Female Group" while pop
diva Whitney Houston will be the pioneer recipient of the "BET Lifetime
Achievement Award." Allen Iverson and Tiger Woods are vying for "Male
Athlete of the Year" while Venus and Serena Williams will battle it out
again for "Female Athlete of the Year." Outkast, Nelly, Musiq
Soulchild, Jill Scott and Janet Jackson received double nominations
respectively.
Debra Lee, BET president and chief operating officer, said, "For more than
two decades, BET has been a platform for showcasing the best in African American
Entertainment. Now, for the first time, we will honor the best and brightest
performers in the areas of music, film and sports with this historic awards
ceremony and telecast."
Here is the complete list of nominees:
Best Actor In A Film:
Denzel Washington
Omar Epps
Samuel L. Jackson
Cuba Gooding, Jr.
Best Actress In A Film:
Sanaa Lathan
Angela Bassett
Aaliyah
Regina King
Male Athlete of the Year
Tiger Woods
Allen Iverson
Kobe Bryant
Shaquille O'Neal
Female Athlete of the Year
Serena Williams
Venus Williams
Marion Jones
Cheryl Swoopes
Best Female R&B Artist:
Jill Scott
Mary J. Blige
Erykah Badu
Janet Jackson
Aaliyah
Best Male R&B Artist:
R. Kelly
Joe
Carl Thomas
Maxwell
Musiq Soulchild
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist:
Eve
Lil' Kim
Trina
Missy Elliott
Da Brat
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist:
Jay-Z
Nelly
Snoop Dogg
Ja Rule
Mystikal
Best Female Group:
Destiny's Child
Mary Mary
3LW
702
Blaque
Best Male Group:
Boyz II Men
Outkast
112
Dr. Dre / Snoop Dogg / Nate Dogg
Jagged Edge
Best New Artist:
Jill Scott
Musiq Soulchild
Nelly
Lil' Bow Wow
India.Arie
Best Gospel Artist:
Yolanda Adams
Mary Mary
Donnie McClurkin
Kirk Franklin
Hezikiah Walker
Video Of The Year:
Outkast, "Ms. Jackson"
Dr. Dre / Snoop Dogg / Nate Dogg, "The Next Episode"
Janet Jackson, "All for You"
Eminem, "Stan"
Destiny's Child, "Independent Women Pt. 1"
Viewers' Choice:
Lil' Bow Wow, "Bow Wow, That's My Name"
Outkast, "Ms. Jackson"
Jay-Z, "I Wanna Love You"
R. Kelly, "I Wish"
Destiny's Child, "Independent Women Pt. 1"
May 16, 2001Russell Simmons to Host Hip Hop Conference
Rap mogul Russell Simmons will sponsor a hip hop summit from June 12-13 in New
York. The summit will focus on the lyrics, content and advertising of hip hop
music. Besides Simmons, fellow hip hop moguls Sean "Puffy" Combs and
Master P are also sponsors of the conference. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, KRS-One,
Q-Tip and Common are some of the MCs scheduled to participate in the event.
Simmons said the goal of the conference is to spur the industry to enact
positive reforms. He further stated, "The purpose of this summit is to
address various issues affecting the very survival of the integral spirit of
hip-hop music. We are taking a pro-active approach to deal with the serious
issues that are facing the hip-hop industry."
Cuba Gooding, Jr. Proposes to Vivica A. Fox Aboard "Boat Trip"
Vivica A. Fox and former Playboy "Playmate Of The Year"
Victoria Silvstedt have joined the cast of the forthcoming film Boat Trip.
The film also stars Cuba Gooding, Jr., Horatio Sanz, Roger Moore, and Roselyn
Sanchez and centers around two straight men (Gooding and Sanz) who take a
Caribbean cruise on the U.S.S. Calypso, hoping to get lucky, only to discover
that they accidentally booked an all-gay cruise instead. Fox will play Gooding's
fiancée in the film while Silvstedt plays the leader of the Swedish swim team. Boat
Trip is scheduled to begin shooting at the end of the month and is expected
to hit theatres later next year. The film was written by Mort Nathan and William
Bigelow and will also mark Nathan's directorial debut.
In related news, Fox is currently starring the family comedy Kingdom Come.
The film also stars Whoopi Goldberg, Cedric the Entertainer, Toni Braxton, and
LL Cool J.
May 15, 2001Jennifer Lopez Plans Return To TV
Jennifer Lopez is set to return to the small
screen, starring in a TV special this fall and producing a sitcom based
on her life growing up in the Bronx.
Returning to the medium where she got her start — as a "Flygirl"
dancer on the comedy series "In Living Color" — Lopez will
showcase material from her latest album, J. Lo, in a one-hour NBC
special, according to Reuters.
The sitcom, which has yet to be titled, will draw material from Lopez's
youth, the news service said. While she won't star in the series, Lopez
will serve as the executive producer.
Lopez stars in the motion picture "Angel Eyes," a big screen
romance set for release Friday.
—Eric Schumacher-Rasmussen
Shyne, Rakim Help G-Dep Step Out Front
G-Dep has been getting all his shine taken
lately. Those adorable kids in his video for "Let's Get It"
stole the show with their Harlem shimmying. Then, instead of getting his
name seared into viewers' consciousness by having it listed in the
video's credits, the song and video were reserviced as a Three The...
track just as it started taking off.
But turnabout is fair play. G-Dep has done his share of prop pilfering;
it's how he became a Bad Boy in the first place. After his good friend
and fellow Harlemite Black Rob politicked him onto a clean-up hitter's
role on Mase's 1999 posse cut "Down the Line," P. Diddy became
so enamored with Dep's on-beat/off-beat conversational flow, he wasted
no time making another addition to his roster. Now Dep is ready to
evolve into the star of the show with his debut, Child of the Ghetto,
due in early August.
Although "Let's Get It" — which was originally credited as
"G. Dep featuring P. Diddy and Black Rob" — is on the
upcoming Bad Boy Compilation 2001 ... The Saga Continues, it will
also be a track on Dep's album, according to a Bad Boy spokesperson.
Another one of Dep's labelmates featured on Child of the Ghetto
is Shyne, who engages in a murderous exchange of clout speaking with his
rhyme cohort on "Keep It Gangsta."
"Who them n----as with big guns and big di---," Shyne asks on
the chorus before going into a freestyle about coming back to life as a
rapper, the strife of going to court and being "two shells from
hell."
Rakim, Kool G Rap and Carl Thomas also recorded with G-Dep for the LP.
The first single from Child of the Ghetto will be "Special
Delivery." No word yet on when the song will hit airwaves.
—Shaheem Reid
May 14, 2001Suge Knight To Release J. Lo Uncut: The Real Story This Summer
Looks like fans are going to get the full down-lo on J. Lo this summer.
Rumors are swirling that there's a sex tape circulating of Jennifer Lopez
from her days as a fly girl on the TV show In Living Color, of her and an
ex-boyfriend. The tape is said to have been purchased by longtime Puff Daddy
rival Suge Knight, the incarcerated head of Death Row Records.
Knight's publicist, Jonathan Wolfson of Brown Wolf Public Relations, confirms
that there is indeed a tape titled J. Lo Uncut: Tha Real Story, which
Suge Knight Films is releasing in mid-summer. However, he says he "doesn't
not know the content of the film because it is still in the editing
stages."
Lopez's publicist, Alan Nierob of Rogers & Cowan, says, "There is no
sex tape. There never has been a sex tape." Knight's attorney, Jeff Lowy
would only say this: "I am working with Jennifer's lawyer on this issue.
The publicists should deal with the press on this."
Insane Clown Posse Road Manager Charged With Choking Eminem Fan
The feud between Eminem and the
Insane Clown Posse appears to have led to another violent incident, this time
involving a road manager for the Clowns and an Eminem fan in Nebraska.
The road manager, William Dail, allegedly choked the Eminem fan until he blacked
out after the clown-faced rappers' show in Omaha on Tuesday, May 8, police said.
Dail admits to holding 23-year-old Thomas P. Goonan by his neck and throwing him
against a wall but denies the fan lost consciousness. He said Goonan was
disrespecting the Detroit duo by waving a T-shirt emblazed with rival rapper
Eminem's image and throwing M&M candy at the stage during the ICP's
performance at the city's Ranch Bowl.
"You don't come into our home and disrespect us like that," Dail said
Thursday, May 10.
Dail was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery and released on $1,000
bail, according to Sgt. Dan Cisar, an Omaha police spokesperson. Dail, who is
due back in court later this month, is the brother of Douglas Dail, the ICP
employee Eminem allegedly pulled a gun on last June in Royal Oak, Mich.
After Goonan was escorted outside the venue, Dail threw him into a fence
barricade, grabbed him by the throat, and choked him into unconsciousness, Cisar
said.
"My intentions were to get him out of the room … When he tried to fight
me, it was my intention to hurt him," Dail said. "I grabbed him by the
neck … and threw him against the wall."
Dail said he did not regret his actions.
"We encourage this type of activity," ICP manager Alex Abbiss said
from his office. The charges will not affect Dail's employment with the group,
he said.
Goonan had red marks around his throat when police arrived, but his injuries
were minor, Cisar said. Goonan claims he "completely blacked out."
The Eminem fan said on Thursday that he realized his actions might upset the
crowd. "I assumed that they wouldn't be happy, but I didn't think it would
get that out of hand," he said. "I can see them throwing me out, but
choking?"
ICP's Island Records publicist had no comment.
Eminem and Insane Clown Posse, who are both from the Detroit area, have traded
barbs on their albums and repeatedly dissed each other onstage and in the press.
Eminem's Marshall Mathers LP features an explicit skit depicting the ICP
rappers as homosexual. During last summer's Up in Smoke tour, Eminem brought two
blow-up dolls with painted faces on stage and simulated them performing sexual
acts on each other.
ICP have recorded the songs "Slim Anus" and "Nothing but a Bitch
Thing" dissing Eminem, and claim Slim Shady was one of their biggest fans
back in the day.
Two weeks ago, Eminem pleaded no contest to felony weapons charges in the
incident involving Douglas Dail. He is scheduled to be sentenced June 5.
May 11, 2001Snoop Catches Another Murder Case on Death Row
Death Row Records will re-release Snoop Doggy Dogg's Murder Was The Case
film on May 15th. The movie has been out of circulation for four years and is
now available for the first time in DVD format. The re-released version of Murder
Was The Case will feature two new Snoop Doggy Dogg videos, "Midnight
Love" and "Head Doctor," which were released after Snoop's
departure from the label on the album Dead Man Walkin'. The latest
version of Murder Was The Case also encompasses behind-the-scenes footage
of Snoop Doggy Dogg and material from his appearances on "Soul Train,"
"The American Music Awards" and "Saturday Night Live." The
video will also feature the director's cut of the Dr. Dre and Ice Cube video
"Natural Born Killaz."
"The original VHS version of Murder Was The Case went platinum when
it was first released," says Robert Gold, Vice President of Marketing at
Ventura Distribution. "This new release has an extended running time, and
the four year absence from video store shelves means that a whole new audience
will get a chance to experience this piece of rap history."
The DVD will be priced for $19.98 while the updated VHS version will sell for
$14.98.
Henchmen Entertainment Responds to NY "Daily News" Article
In response to allegations made by the Daily News involving gunfire at an
alleged video taping on April 26, 2001, Henchmen Entertainment released a
statement stating that they had "not endorsed, authorized, or paid for any
video taping and had no knowledge of alleged video taping on April 26th,
200." The statement further read, "Henchmen Entertainment is focusing
on the release of a new compilation album, Bullet Proof Love, Vol. 1,
which will be in stores on June 19th. The video for this compilation album is
entitled "Trued Up" by West Coast based rapper Jayo Felony and will be
shot in Los Angeles, California at an undisclosed location. We do not have
possession of any video tape, nor do we have access to or knowledge of the
whereabouts of such tape, in which the Daily News release stated."
The April 28th New York Daily News article read:
Gunplay that broke out during the filming of a rap video sparked a shootout
with cops in Brooklyn - and all the action was caught on camera, police said.
Five men ended up under arrest Thursday night, but the videotape was missing.
Police believe it was taken by one of the rappers, who apparently boarded a
flight to Los Angeles early yesterday, an investigator said. Police were
negotiating with executives at Henchmen Entertainment and its parent company,
Motown Records, to have the tape turned over to the NYPD, sources said.
Cops said they were told the video was being shot for rap artist Jayo Felony.
The drama unfolded about 10:20 p.m. when plainclothes housing cops on patrol
near the Van Dyke Houses in Brownsville heard several gunshots. When they pulled
up to 372 Blake Ave., they saw men standing in the street firing handguns in the
air and someone filming them, said Lt. Elias Nikas, a police spokesman. Nikas
said when the officers identified themselves and ordered the men to drop their
weapons, the men fired several rounds at the cops, who then returned fire. No
one was injured. "The guy was still filming while all the shooting was
going down," an investigator said.
The gunmen fled into 376 Blake Ave., a three-story apartment building, with
the officers in pursuit and the video camera still rolling. Cops arrested
Lawrence Billups, 41, who lives in the building, and four other Brooklyn men:
Kenneth James, 22, Jamie Evans, 25, Steve Brockett, 23, who cops said was a
rapper, and Jermaine Cobbs, 19. All five are charged with criminal possession of
a weapon. Evans, Brockett and Cobbs were also accused of reckless endangerment
and menacing for allegedly taking part in the mayhem on the street.
Evans' aunt Gerryl Singleton, 53, who raised him in Brownsville, said her
nephew's rap name is J.F.K. because he admired John F. Kennedy Jr., and that he
has a track on a compilation album to be released in June. While the rappers'
tape was not recovered, police said some portions of the shooting were caught on
another device, a surveillance camera owned by the Housing Authority.
May 10, 2001Aaliyah Unveils New Album
R&B starlet Aaliyah hosted her listening party for her forthcoming self
titled third album on Tuesday at Jimmy's Uptown Café in Harlem. Aaliyah
will be released on June 19th and will feature the new single "We Need A
Resolution" which was produced by Timbaland and written by Static from the
R&B ensemble Playa. The album also contains writing and production from
Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott, Bud'da, Digital Black of Playa, and
R&B crooner Tank. Tank and Timbaland were also on hand as Aaliyah unveiled
her latest work.
In related news, the singer has been nominated for the "Best Female
Performance" award and for the "Breakthrough Performance Award By a
Female" for her role in Romeo Must Die at the 2001 MTV Movie Awards.
The awards will be held on June 2nd at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles,
California. MTV will air the awards on June 7th at 9.p.m. EST. For more
information on Aaliyah and her forthcoming project, log on to
www.Blackground.com. Here is the track listing for Aaliyah:
1. We Need A Resolution
2. Loose Rap
3. Rock The Boat
4. More Than A Woman
5. Never No More
6. I Care 4 U
7. Extra Smooth
8. Read Between The Lines
9. U Got Nerve
10. I Refuse
11. It's Whatever
12. I Can Be
13. Those Were The Days
14. What If
Juvenile Enters Not Guilty Plea
Cash Money Millionaire Juvenile pleaded not guilty in a Florida court to several
charges stemming from an altercation in March. Juvenile, whose real name is
Terius Gray, was arrested on March 28th during a fight outside a comedy club and
was charged with hitting a 28-year-old man over the head with a champagne bottle
and grabbing a police officer. The incident occurred shortly after midnight
during a rowdy brawl as audience members were leaving the Improv Comedy Club in
Miami's trendy Coconut Grove section, police said. Juvenile was charged with
aggravated battery with a bottle, battery on a law enforcement officer,
disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest without violence. The rapper was taken
to the Miami-Dade County Jail and released at 10:30 a.m. on $17,000 bond.
Juvenile filed a written plea in Dade County, Florida Court instead of
appearing in person for the arraignment. His next court date is scheduled for
June 8th. The rapper released the following statement after entering his guilty
plea: "Juvenile is a young, hardworking, extremely talented and gifted
artist who is beginning to enjoy the fruits of his hard work and talent.
Juvenile regrets any incident that may have occurred on March 28, 2001. It is
unfortunate that some people seek to cash in on celebrities in the hopes of
gaining fame, fortune and notoriety. Because of the status that he enjoys,
Juvenile is extremely vulnerable to this type of incident. ... Juvenile and his
attorneys are confident that his innocence will be conclusively established in a
court of law and he will be vindicated by a jury of Miami-Dade County
citizens."
May 9, 2001Slick Rick Seeking Producers for New LP
Def Jam recording artist Slick Rick is giving his fans the chance to be a guest
producer on his upcoming release. According to a press release, Def Jam and
Slick Rick are giving the opportunity to new and upcoming producers to submit
tracks through the internet. The promotion, which officially launches the first
week of May, will take place through the StreetLabs website http://www.streetlabs.com.
Interested producers go to the site, login and upload a beat. Producers will
have the opportunity to submit music for three months. The Island Def Jam Music
Group has instituted STREETLABS, a new system to explore and utilize the
Internet to find new talent, market the label's existing roster and accept demos
from unsigned artists via uploads. Slick Rick's 1999 album The Art of
Storytelling was certified gold. The album featured collaborations Outkast,
Raekwon, and Nas.
K-Ci Cops "No Contest" Plea
R&B crooner Cedric "K-Ci" Hailey of the groups K-Ci and Jo Jo and
Jodeci pleaded no contest to four lewd conduct charges on Friday in a Los
Angeles courtroom. The charges stem from a December 16th concert at the Shrine
Auditorium in Los Angeles where the singer allegedly pulled down his pants
displaying his drawers and started touching himself. Prosecutors said four
thousand people were on hand at the concert, which included hundreds of children
as young as five years old. Along with K-Ci and Jo Jo, the concert also included
Christina Aguilera, 98 Degrees, and Third Eye Blind.
K-Ci was not in court however because he is currently on tour with Jon B, Case,
and Dave Hollister. His lawyer said, "It was in his best interest to put
this matter behind him. He's regretful of what happened. He just got caught up
in the moment."
K-Ci's sentencing is set for June 5th. He's will probably be fined and ordered
to perform community service, however no jail time is expected.
May 8, 2001Jaheim Makes Passionate Love With "Just In Case"
Soul music's latest crooner Jaheim has been wrecking havoc with his hit single
"Could it Be" from his debut album Ghetto Love. Jaheim recently talked
about how he came up with the title of his album stating, "The first half
of the album is filled with ghetto hypnotic tracks, ghetto songs and the second
half of the album is all love songs. So it made sense to call the album Ghetto
Love.
Ghetto Love is currently ranked at number 61 on Soundscan and also
features his follow up single ""Just In Case." Jaheim described
the song stating, "Just in Case' is saying I might have to work overtime, I
might have to go to grandma's house and take care of her for the weekend, or I
might get hit by a car and be in the hospital. I just might not make it home, I
could get shot, killed, or anything and can't make it home to my wife. So it's
me telling my woman that every time when I make love to her that I cherish it
and it's special because I don't know when the last time may be that I'm with
her."
Jaheim is also scheduled to go out on tour this summer with Public Announcement,
Jagged Edge, Mystikal, and Ginuwine. For more information on R&B's latest
soul man and his upcoming tour dates, log on to http://www.goodurb.com.
City Council Axes Big Pun Place
A City Council committee has decided not to approve a measure that would have
named a Bronx intersection after rapper "Big Pun" because of its
discomfort over some of the lyrics. The 28-year-old rapper born Christopher
Rios, weighed nearly 700 pounds, when he died of a heart attack on February 7,
2000. Big Pun's fans collected 7,000 signatures requesting that the intersection
of 163rd Street and Rogers Place in the Morrisania area of the Bronx be renamed
Big Pun Place. The council committee voted on the measure Wednesday, saying it
objected to the profanity and references to violence and drug dealing in some of
the lyrics.
Big Pun was the first Latino rapper to go platinum. His first album Capital
Punishment was released in 1998 and sold more than a million copies. His
sophomore album Yeeeah Baby was released shortly after his death in 2000
and was certified gold. A third posthumous album, Endangered Species, was
released in March and is currently ranked at number 59 on Soundscan.
May 7, 2001Mya Sets Sail to "Atlantis"
R&B songstress Mya is currently rocking the airwaves with her collaborative
effort with Pink, Lil' Kim, and Christina Aguilera on the remake of Patti
LaBelle's classic hit "Lady Marmalade." The song is featured on the
soundtrack to the forthcoming film Moulin Rouge! and hits stores on May
8th. Responding to rumors that egos and tension were abundant during the
recording of the song, Mya said, "There were no fights in the studio,
rehearsal, or on the video. Everybody was cool and we all got along."
With the recent success of her sophomore album Fear of Flying going
platinum, Mya also talked about her forthcoming projects. The
singer stated that her next single, "Where The Dream Takes You," will
be the lead single and title track for the Disney movie Atlantis: The Lost
Empire. Mya said the song was written by Diane Warren and that "the song is
about following your heart and your instincts. People always try to hold you
back and try to change your mind and influence you to do something else. It
seems that everyone knows what's best for you all the time, but you yourself
know deep down inside and that's what the song is about. Follow your dream,
follow your heart."
Mya also expressed her love for hip hop and stated that she enjoyed working with
Jay-Z, Jadakiss, and Silkk The Shocker. As far as rumors that she and Silkk were
once dating, she said, " We hung out, but we were not going out.'
Mya, who also collaborated with Old Dirty Bastard on Pras' 1998 hit "Ghetto
Superstar," described working with the troubled WU- Tang Clansman as an
"interesting experience. He's definitely his own person."
The Maryland native is currently working on her as yet untitled third album,
which will be released later this year or early 2002. The young diva said that
she will also be rapping on the forthcoming project and that "I actually
stated out rhyming and I'm very capable."
In addition, Mya said, "I also have some underground stuff coming out on my
own that will not be released on my record. I'll be putting it out on vinyl
throughout the clubs this summer. They aren't on my record because they're kind
of scandalous. One song is called "Whatever Chick' and the dirty version is
called "Whatever Bitch.' It's about you and your girls or guys and their
friends who go to a club to party and it's always this one chick that's really
trying to hate and bring you down and talk about you bad and call you a ho
because you're partying and getting your freak on. So it's basically talking
about her standing around hating on everybody that's in the club and she really
doesn't want to be there. And we're just kind of shaking her off saying,
'Whatever Chick.'"
Mya is also in negations to star in several movies, but wouldn't speak on the
names until the paper work is signed. For more information on the singer, log on
to her official website at http://www.mya.mya.com.
Silk Is "Callin U"
Silk, R&B's original freaks, are back with a new album entitled Love
Session. The album's first single, "We're Callin U," is already
running radio and is bringing ladies out to the dance floor. The ATL quartet who
first made us "Lose Control" in 1992 and paved the road for younger
brethren Jagged Edge and 112 to follow, continue to deliver their freaky tales
with a little romantic twist involved as well. On their fourth outing, Jon Jon,
Timzo, Jimmy, Big G, and Lil G remade Smokey Robinson and Rick James' classic
"Ebony Eyes" as well as performed a collaboration with Tamar Braxton
entitled "Don't Go." Big G described the new album stating, "Love
Sessions' is the best album we've done because this is a culmination of a cycle
that we went through with our first four albums over the last nine years and I
think this album is gonna set off another cycle for us. It's gonna give us
another ten years. I think you will hear the growth and elements from the first
three albums in this. With this album, it delves into other parts of
relationships instead of just the physical."
He further compared the new album to their previous releases, stating,
"This album is different because it's like having a girl when you're young
and then having a girl when you're older and you know how to handle her. You
have a little bit more finesse about yourself, you learn how to make love as
opposed to just hitting it. But don't get it twisted, there's a lot of hitting
on the album. We still breaking them off on this album. We still breaking you
off for what you come to Silk for. We still setting the mood."
Love Session will hit stores on June 12th. For more information on Silk,
log on to http://silkonline.net/. Here is a partial track listing of the
album:
1. We're Callin U
2. Love Session
3. Ahh
4. Ebony Eyes
5. Didn't Mean To
6. Nursery Rhymes
7. 7Traeted Like A Lady
8. I'm Sorry
9. Don't Go
May 4, 2001Whoopi Goldberg to Receive Mark Twain Award
Whoopi Goldberg will be awarded the annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
on October 15th at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in
Washington, D.C. The award is presented by the Kennedy Center and is named after
the 19th century author. The Mark Twain prize is awarded to artists who have
excelled in the field of comedy and created humor from their uniquely American
experiences. Goldberg said she was deeply honored to join the ranks of previous
winners, fellow humorists Carl Reiner, Jonathan Winters and Richard Pryor.
Goldberg said in a statement accepting the award, "Our dear Mr. Twain put
it best when he said, 'Humor is the good natured side of truth.
Kennedy Center president Michael Kaiser added, "Whoopi Goldberg represents
the epitome of this art in our time, as did Mark Twain in his."
Goldberg is currently starring in the blockbuster family comedy Kingdom Come.
The film also stars LL Cool J, Cedric The Entertainer, and Vivica Fox.
"Thriller" Named as VH-1's Greatest Video Of All Time
King of Pop Michael Jackson lead VH1's 100 Greatest Videos Of All Time list,
topping the chart five times. Jackson's "Thriller" video received the
top spot, while his remaining videos, including "Beat It" and
"Billie Jean," were all ranked above 50. Madonna also topped the list
five times as her "Like A Prayer" video came in second. Other hits of
the "Material Girl" to make the list included "Borderline"
and "Like A Virgin." Herbie Hancock's "Rockit" took the
tenth spot and was followed by RUN-DMC and Aerosmith's "Walk This
Way." Prince's "When Doves Cry" and "1999" also charted
at numbers 17 and 81 respectively. Other artists' videos to make the list
included Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," MC Hammer's
"U Can't Touch This," and TLC's "Waterfalls." Here is the
complete list of VH1's 100 Greatest Videos Of All Time:
1. Michael Jackson, "Thriller"
2. Madonna, "Like a Prayer"
3. Peter Gabriel, "Sledgehammer"
4. Nirvana, "Smells Like Teen Spirit"
5. Guns N' Roses, "November Rain"
6. Pearl Jam, "Jeremy"
7. Madonna, "Justify My Love"
8. A-ha, "Take on Me"
9. Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, "Scream"
10. Herbie Hancock, "Rockit"
11. Run-DMC and Aerosmith, "Walk This Way"
12. George Michael, "Freedom 90"
13. Chris Isaak, "Wicked Game"
14. Jamiroquai, "Virtual Insanity"
15. Queen, "Bohemian Rhapsody"
16. Beastie Boys, "Sabotage"
17. Prince, "When Doves Cry"
18. Alanis Morissette, "Ironic"
19. R.E.M., "Losing My Religion"
20. Foo Fighters, "Learn to Fly"
21. Michael Jackson, "Beat It"
22. Korn, "Freak On a Leash"
23. Aerosmith, "Crazy"
24. Van Halen, "Jump"
25. Dire Straits, "Money for Nothing"
26. TLC, "Waterfalls"
27. Weezer, "Buddy Holly"
28. Bob Dylan, "Subterranean Homesick Blues"
29. Smashing Pumpkins, "Tonight, Tonight"
30. Robert Palmer, "Addicted to Love"
31. Duran Duran, "Hungry Like the Wolf"
32. Metallica, "Enter Sandman"
33. The Police, "Every Breath You Take"
34. Michael Jackson, "Billie Jean"
35. Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Californication"
36. Billy Joel, "We Didn't Start the Fire"
37. Janet Jackson, "Rhythm Nation"
38. Michael Jackson, "Black or White"
39. Godley & Creme, "Cry"
40. Madonna, "Ray of Light"
41. David Lee Roth, "California Girls"
42. DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, "Parents Just Don't
Understand"
43. Tom Petty, "Don't Come Around Here No More"
44. D'Angelo, "Untitled"
45. Cyndi Lauper, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun"
46. Twisted Sister, "We're Not Gonna Take It"
47. Jane's Addiction, "Been Caught Stealing"
48. Aerosmith, "Janie's Got a Gun"
49. Cher, "If I Could Turn Back Time"
50. Bjork, "It's Oh So Quiet"
51. Van Halen, "Hot for Teacher"
52. Lenny Kravitz, "Are You Gonna Go My Way"
53. Don Henley, "Boys of Summer"
54. Madonna, "Material Girl"
55. Billy Idol, "White Wedding"
56. Sinead O'Connor, "Nothing Compares 2 U"
57. Beck, "Loser"
58. Guns N' Roses, "Welcome to the Jungle"
59. MC Hammer, "U Can't Touch This"
60. Duran Duran, "Rio"
61. Madonna, "Like a Virgin"
62. Genesis, "Land of Confusion"
63. Fiona Apple, "Criminal"
64. Faith No More, "Epic"
65. Talking Heads, "Once in a Lifetime"
66. Alanis Morrisette, "Thank You"
67. Brian McKnight, "Back at One"
68. Eurythmics, "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)"
69. Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Give It Away"
70. Devo, "Whip It"
71. Sir Mix-a-Lot, "Baby Got Back"
72. Janet Jackson, "Love Will Never Do (Without You)"
73. Pat Benatar, "Love Is a Battlefield"
74. Lauryn Hill, "Doo Wop (That Thing)"
75. Bruce Springsteen, "Dancing in the Dark"
76. The Cars, "You Might Think"
77. Shania Twain, "That Don't Impress Me Much"
78. Fatboy Slim, "Praise You"
79. The Buggles, "Video Killed the Radio Star"
80. Dr. Dre, "Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang"
81. Prince, "1999"
82. Talking Heads, "Burning Down the House"
83. Blind Melon, "No Rain"
84. Madonna, "Borderline"
85. Ricky Martin, "Livin' La Vida Loca"
86. Culture Club, "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me"
87. Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue, "What a Man"
88. INXS, "Need You Tonight/Mediate"
89. Paula Abdul, "Opposites Attract"
90. Britney Spears, "... Baby One More Time"
91. Blondie, "Rapture"
92. Creed, "With Arms Wide Open"
93. USA for Africa, "We Are the World"
94. U2, "Where the Streets Have No Name (Los Angeles rooftop version)"
95. Mariah Carey, "Honey"
96. ZZ Top, "Legs"
97. Bon Jovi, "It's My Life"
98. John Mellencamp, "Jack and Diane"
99. Metallica, "One"
100. Beastie Boys, "Fight for Your Right"
May 3, 2001Snoop and Dr. Dre to Open Up Car Wash
West Coast's reigning kings of hip hop Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg will be starring
in the upcoming film "The Wash." The two will play mismatched
roommates who work at a car wash. Dre and Snoop will also executive produce the
film and contribute to the soundtrack which will be released through a joint
venture between Dre's Aftermath and Snoop's Doggie Style records labels.
"The Wash" is scheduled to be released through Lion Gate Films this
summer and will begin shooting on Monday. The film was written and directed by
DJ Pooh. Pooh, a long time collaborator with Ice Cube, also co-wrote the 1995
block buster film Friday with the rapper. His latest film, 3 Strikes,
was released last year and starred E-40, David Allan Grier, and Brian Hooks. The
film was a parody of the three strikes- law.
Warren G Signs to Universal Records
Dogg Pound Gangsta Warren G recently signed a new exclusive recording agreement
with Universal Records. Warren G stated that his Universal debut will make a
return to the melodic, West Coast production style (which he tagged
"G-Funk") that first brought him success on 1994's 4X platinum Regulate
G Funk Era. Although the upcoming project doesn't have a title or a release
date, the album will include collaborations with George Clinton, Dr. Dre, Eminem,
and Butch Cassidy. Fellow DPG members Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, Daz and Kurupt will
also lend their homie a hand on the LP. Warren G will produce most of the album,
but has also enlisted several guest beat makers including Dre and Battle Cat.
Grammy-nominated producers Scott Storch, who also laid beats for Dre and Eminem,
and Jason "Jay E" Epperson, who was responsible for part of Nelly's
success, will supply tracks as well. Warren G's last album, 199's I Want It
All, featured the album's self-titled number one single with Mack 10.
May 2, 2001Jay-Z, Eve, More Turn Out For Destiny's Child Party
Several big names from the worlds of entertainment and sports had a
date with Destiny on Monday night.
Jay-Z, Eve, Joe, Bilal, New York Knicks point guard Mark Jackson and
Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George were among those in attendance at
Destiny's Child's album release party at Park restaurant in Manhattan.
The event culminated as Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle
Williams, all in black dresses, were carried by muscle-bound men dressed in army
fatigues to a small stage, where they were met by head of Sony Music
Entertainment Tommy Mottola. The party's open bar apparently took its toll on a
few of the crowd members, as Mottola got to the point of having to insist that
the unruly "people in the back be quiet!" After the spectators settled
down, he sang the praises of his three songbirds and presented the group with a
plaque commemorating their 10 million worldwide record sales for The
Writing's on the Wall. When it was DC's time to speak, they seemed a little
overwhelmed by the 720-person turnout and graciously thanked everyone for their
support and for coming to their "first" big party.
DJ Funkmaster Flex played club bangers like the Bravehearts' "Oochie
Wally" and G-Dep's "Let's Get It," and oddly enough, the only
cuts he played from the new Destiny's Child LP were "Survivor" and its
remix. No matter what he played, Flex was unable to encourage many people to the
dance floor, as there was too much schmoozing to be done. Behind-the-scenes
movers and shakers exchanged contact numbers via two-way pager beams and talked
over drinks inside the restaurant and outside on the patio, while more high
profile guests like DJ Clue, Ray-J, 3LW and Tyson Beckford made their rounds,
exchanging pleasantries and taking advantage of photo opportunities.
Jay-Z sat at one of the facility's two bars for most of the night. He seemed
in a jovial mood, joking with his entourage, which included Damon Dash, his
A&R rep, Hiphop, and head of Interscope Records' Black Music division, Steve
Stoute. At the other end of the bar Houston Rockets star point guard Steve
Francis played it low key, just observing people as they walked by.
Flex spun Eve's "Who's That Girl?" just as she walked across the
dance floor to leave. An overzealous fan, mimicking the "shimmy" dance
highlighted in the song's video, hugged the Ruff Ryder and tried to dance with
her, but he quickly let go after an intense stare from the MC's over six-foot,
300-pound body guard. "He's sweaty as hell," Eve said with a
grimace-slash-smile as she walked away.
Around the corner from the spot, music moguls Andre Harrell and Russell
Simmons held court in the middle of the street with a group of guys, joking as
music played from a parked Mercedes Benz.
Destiny's Child spent most of their evening behind the velvet rope in the VIP
section before leaving.
The trio's third album, Survivor, hit stores Tuesday (May 1).- (Shaheem Reid)
Despite Divorce, Jackson Avoids Despair On New Album
Janet Jackson had every reason to wallow in angst and self-pity on her
latest release, ``All For You.''
As she prepared to make her eighth album, Jackson was divorcing her second
husband, Rene Elizondo Jr. He subsequently sued Jackson for $10 million he
claims she owes him for his contributions to her music and videos. That case,
still in the courts, required Jackson to jet from recording sessions in
Minneapolis to depositions in Los Angeles.
But ``All For You'' is anything but dour. Led by the title song, which
sprinted to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 upon its release, the album is filled
with spirited dance tracks, steamy sexual imagery and such life-affirming
declarations as: ``Now I see/the single life's for me.''
There's also the occasional lyrical put-down of those she feel betrayed her,
including Elizondo, whose eight-year marriage to Jackson remained a secret until
they announced their split in February 1999.
``It was very fun making this album,'' the 34-year-old pop diva and youngest
of the musical Jackson siblings said during a recent interview at a hotel suite
here, a short hop from her birthplace of Gary, Ind.
She moved to California with the rest of the family when the Jackson 5 took
off in the early 1970s, and she first made her mark acting -- including roles on
the TV series ``Good Times'' and ``Fame.'' That was before her third release,
1986's ''Control,'' became the first in a series of mega-selling albums that
together have sold nearly 37 million copies.
During her recent travails, Jackson said, friends and family helped her
realize ``that we have choices.''
``I chose to take a positive path as opposed to the negative one, and slowly
but surely, one day to the next, it got better and better,'' she said.
``There were times when I would want to go back to that (negative) space, and
I'd say, 'You know what? Nope. I don't have time for this. I've got a lot of
work to do, and I refuse to get into this space.' It was so much easier and so
much better.''
Dressed in a pink tank top, jeans and boots, her long hair pinned in a bun
atop her head and sporting a South African tribal tattoo on her right wrist,
Jackson said she's avoiding romantic commitment these days.
``I don't know if I'll get married again,'' she said. ``I'm not really
looking, but they talk about the love bug biting you ... and watch, I'll get
bit, because they say it's when you don't look that it happens.
``But, honestly, I feel like I'm starting to live life the way it was
intended for me to live. I'm having a great time, and I've got so much work to
do.''
``All For You'' brings work and play together. After touching a bit on carnal
desires on 1993's ``janet'' and going even further on 1997's ``The Velvet
Rope,'' much of ``All For You'' is a treatise on sex and the single girl.
On the title track, for instance, she admires a man's ``nice package'' and
vows she's ``gonna have to ride it tonight.''
Other songs, such as ``When We Oooo,'' ``Love Scene (Ooh Baby)'' and ``Would
You Mind'' are even more pruriently direct.
It's all a far cry from ``Let's Wait Awhile,'' Jackson's 1986 plea for
abstinence. But, Jackson insists, her ``baby-making'' songs are meant to be more
than merely suggestive.
``It's not just about sex,'' she said. ``It's more than just a physical thing
for me; it's a spiritual connection as well. And I think it comes off that way.
``I've had so many people come up to me and say their children were conceived
from one of (her) songs, so there has to be some sort of passion there that gets
inspired. And I'm glad, because that's what it is for me, and for them to feel
that way as well makes me feel good.''
The songs on ``All For You'' still raised the eyebrows of those closest to
her, including long-time co-producers James ''Jimmy Jam'' Harris III and Terry
Lewis. When she recited the detailed lovemaking lyrics to ``Would You Mind,''
Harris even asked, ``God, can we get away with this?''
Jackson's reply: ``I said, 'What do you mean, get away with this? We have to.
This is something that I really want to share.' He said, 'It's really, really
serious, but I love it because what you're saying is nasty, but when you sing
it, it ... comes across as if it's true lovemaking, that there's passion there.'
I'm glad it comes off that way; I think that's how I've been able to 'get away'
with it.''
Nor is she worried that the sexual content will overshadow ''All For You's''
other songs, including a duet with Carly Simon on ``Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think
This Song is About You),'' which samples her 1972 hit ``You're So Vain.''
``Somehow it seems like (listeners) have always gotten around and really
listened to all that has gone in and all the hard work and the creativity that's
gone into making the album,'' says Jackson, who kicks off a world tour July 5 in
Vancouver. ``All of the albums that I've done, for the most part, have said,
'Look, you're not the only one to go through this. I got through this as well.
``They always for sure get around to that. I don't think it's ever truly been
ignored.'' -(Gary Graff)
May 1, 2001Lil' Kim, Christina Aguilera, Mya, and Pink Pay Tribute to Patti LaBelle
Lil' Kim, Christina Aguilera, Mya, and Pink have been tearing up airwaves with
their smash single "Lady Marmalade." The song is a remake of the hit
that Patti LaBelle originally made famous and is featured on soundtrack to the
upcoming film Moulin Rouge! The soundtrack also features performances by
Fatboy Slim, David Bowie, and Beck. Moulin Rouge! opens nationwide on May
19th and stars Nicole Kidman, John Leguizamo, Ewan McGregor, and David Wenham.
The film is set in 1899 and follows a young poet who leaves home and finds
himself adrift in the Montmartre district of Paris, which is a world of sex,
drugs, and crime. The soundtrack hits stores on May 8th and also contains a
remake of the DeBarge classic "Rhythm of the Night." Here is the track
listing for Moulin Rouge!
1. Nature Boy - David Bowie
2. Lady Marmalade - Christina Aguilera, Lil' Lim, Mya, and Pink
3. Because We Can - Fatboy Slim
4. Sparkling Diamonds - Nicole Kidman, Jim Broadbent, Caroline O'Connor, Natalie
Mendoza, and Lara Mulcahy
5. Rhythm of the Night - Valeria
6. Children of the Revolution - Bono, Gavin Friday, and Maurice Seezer
7. Your Song - Ewan McGregor and Alessandro Safina
8. One Day I'll Fly Away - Nicole Kidman
9. Diamond Dogs - Beck
10. Elephant Love Medley - Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, and Jamie Allen
11. Come What May - Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor,
12. El Tango De Roxanne - Ewan McGregor, Jose Feliciano, and Jacek Koman
13. Complainte De La Butte - Rufus Wainwright
14. Hindi Sad Diamonds - Nicole Kidman, John Leguizamo, and Alyka Yaknig
15. Nature Boy - David Bowie and Massive Attack
LandSpeed Re-issues Scott La Rock and KRS-One Classics
LandSpeed Records will re-release music from Boogie Down productions catalog on
May 8th. The Best of B-Boy Records: Boogie Down Productions will include
the entire Boogie Down Productions' album Criminal Minded as well as
previously unreleased tracks and rare 12-inches. Tracks featured on the album
include "South Bronx," ""P is Free,"
"Elementary," and "Super-Hoe." The album also includes songs
off of the extremely rare Scott La Rock album Man and His Music, which
was released shortly after his tragic death.
In related news, KRS-One released his latest album Sneak Attack last week
on Koch Records. The album features the hit single "Hot." For more
information on The Best of B-Boy Records: Boogie Down Productions and
other LandSpeed re-issues, log on to www.vinyl.com. Here is the track listing
for the album:
1. Poetry
2. South Bronx
3. 9mm Goes Bang
4. Word From Our Sponsor
5. Elementary
6. Dope Beat
7. P Is Free (Remix)
8. The Bridge Is Over
9. Super- Hoe
10. Criminal Minded
11. P is Free (Original)
12. Advance
13. D-Nice Rocks the House
14. Say No Brother (Crack Don't Do It)
15. Criminal Minded Red Alert Mega Mix
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