People.com reports that Usher’s father, Usher Raymond III, passed at an Atlanta hospital this past Friday (January 18th). The website says it first heard of the death from the Chattanooga Times Free Press in Tennessee and that the singer’s reps have confirmed the death. No word on the cause of death. Usher, according to People, was unavailable for comment. The singer and his wife recently celebrated the birth of their son, Usher Raymond V. And it was also reported that he had recently made peace with his estranged father, who struggled with substance abuse and once spent nearly 1 year in prison. Our condolences go out to Usher and his family at this obviously painful time.
Travis Barker, famous for being the drummer of rock group Blink-182, has chosen Aubrey O’Day of Danity Kane as the new face of his Famous Stars and Straps clothing line. I can’t put my finger on it, but something about these photos just isn’t right! I’ve always thought Aubrey looked crazy as hell, so that’s not it. Maybe it’s her failed attempt at trying to be sexy? I don’t know. Can someone help me out? Lol. Catch Aubrey and Danity Kane on the new season of Making The Band 4 premiering Monday, Januarty 28th at 10pm on MTV. Thanks for the photos Kevin!
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a United States holiday marking the birthdate of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., observed on the third Monday of January each year, around the time of King’s birthday, January 15. It is one of four United States federal holidays to commemorate an individual person. King was the chief spokesman of the nonviolent civil rights movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. He was assassinated in 1968. The campaign for a federal holiday in King’s honor began soon after his assassination. Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed in 1986. At first, some states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000. [SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA]
As we reflect on the life and accomplishments of Dr. King, take a minute or two to view his most famous speech, the “I Have a Dream” speech, which can be found under the cut. Happy King Day! You can also find photos of the Democratic candidates participating in a march to the state capitol building in Columbia, South Carolina. CONTINUE READING
The saga continues. I decided to make “Leave Me Alone” by Michael Jackson the throwback for today since it was released during this month and the year of my birthday (which is an honor). Many believed this song was about a woman, or something, but in actuality it was particularly about how the media portrayed him and nearly ruined his career. A lot of people thought that Britney Spears should have done a cover of the song but others thought she would “ruin it”. I personally disagree.
Anyway if you watch the video a few times MJ is clearly mocking the tabloids and their ridiculous rumors saying, “leave me alone!” He is even seen dancing with the “Elephant Man,” a stupid rumor once surfaced of Michael Jackson reportedly purchasing his bones. The video also takes place seemingly in an “amusement park” but it is really Michael Jackson portrayed as one, illustrating how the media makes a circus out of him most of the time. Interestingly enough this video was co-directed by Michael Jackson himself, keep in mind that computers were not even thought of at that time, making MJ ahead of his time; he hated mundane.
In conclusion Michael Jackson, the King of Pop and all that is Pop (literally speaking), is and will always be a legend, yes. He gives even more meaning to the quote, “Michael Jackson is an artist not a genre.” But we shall digress. I just cannot stress even that there will never be another quite like Michael. He is African-American, yes, he has a skin disorder. He is not a child molester, no, people just wanted money out of him – it is sad what people will do for money really. But, again, we shall digress. The most important part is his music and how he reaches entities through his wonderful, wonderful … wonderful art. He is the greatest, ever. Love you MJ <3.
Above is some smoking hot new pictures of Ashlee Simpson in promotion for her forthcoming album Bittersweet World (Geffen) in stores during the first quarter.
Here R&B songstress Alicia Keys covers rock band The Fray’s chart-topping single “How to Save a Life,” it peaked in the top 3 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. I don’t feel this was Alicia’s best, to be honest. The song just didn’t fit well with the singer’s usual sound to me, however, I did enjoy this cover.
“Shake Your Pom Pom” is another song by Missy Elliott that will also appear on the Step Up 2 the Streets soundtrack. Although a snippet, I’m not really feelin’ this one from Missy, the beat is enticing though. “SYPP” is said to be a Timbaland/Danja production but neither has confirmed as of yet.
“This Must Be Love,” by R&B/pop singer Brandy, is a “rumored” song, produced by Bryan Michael-Cox, said to be included on her forthcoming album. Really, I’m just happy to be hearing new material from Brandy, it’s been son long, and when little snippets of this song flown around last year people were excited.
I don’t know if any of you remember me posting on J. Valentine but he’s a new R&Ber from the Bay Area who recently signed to J Records. “I Just Wanna” is a brand new sensual track that can be streamed below. I was highly impressed with “She’s Worth the Trouble” so ultimately I was anxious to hear more new material from Valentine. With this song I get a R. Kelly feel, real smooth and melodic.
OMG! So many great “Feedback” remixes! I’m just getting so excited the more I hear about this project and anything remotely relevant. I stumbled upon a few “Feedback” remixes, official and unofficial, you can check the out all below! My favourite has got to be TC’s remix of the song, mainly becos it reminded me of Micheal Jackson. But he has some really good material on his MySpace page! If anyone has any “Feedback” remixes you want to be featured on this post email me and I’ll include it! ;-)
Janet Jackson – “Feedback” (Remix) ft. TC – page link Janet Jackson – “Feedback” (Remix) (produced by Timbaland) – page link Janet Jackson – “Way I Feel Feedback” (BenG mix) – page link Janet Jackson – “Feedback (Jeremy Word Remix)” – page link
Def Jam presents new R&Ber Razah performing his debut single “Rain”. Already receiving positive feedback on the radio Razah believes in making “timeless music and songs that uplift people,” he says, “I was raised by a single mom so I believe in writing music that celebrates women.” Look out for Razah in the near future and get ready for the eponymous album in Spring 2008!
Shocking! A young woman from Queens, Stacy Gayle, goes into a seizure after listening to Reggae-star Sean Paul’s “Temperature”. Doctors learned this after several unsuccessful brain scans. That is when Gayle received a special PET scan and was diagnosed with a type of epilepsy.
It’s a very rare disorder, maybe five or six cases in the country: Epileptic seizures triggered by music. It’s called musicogenic epilepsy. In this fascinating case today, a young woman in Queens suddenly began having epileptic seizures. The stimulus? a rap song.
What the Sean Paul song turned on in Stacey Gayle’s brain is a rare- occurring mystery: Epileptic seizures triggered by music.
Stacey Gayle, Epilepsy Patient: “They started out slow and then four times a week maybe more. We didn’t know at first what was triggering the seizures until we found out that it was Sean Paul.”
Gayle is fine and “seizure free”. She just seemed disappointed saying, “I think his music is awesome, actually.” Reports are saying that Gayle’s seizures were eventually brought on upon other types of Reggae music.
Alicia Keys – “How to Save a Life” (cover) – 
