LOOK AT THE MESS YOU'VE MADE!

Fotos de mi vida!

2010-02-11T14:21:00.003-06:00

Mis fotos del ano 2009-2010:

En el campo de Kerville, Texas.

Tomando una foto en el restuarante de El Taco Tote!

Best R&B Songs of 2009 & Rihanna "So Hard" Video Premiere!

2009-12-18T08:05:00.010-06:00

Here is my list of the top ten R&B songs of 2009. Here are some honorable mentions:
India.Arie, Alicia Keys, Robin Thicke, Raheem DeVaughn, Mary J. Blige, R. Kelly, Trey Songz, Ryan Leslie, Amerie, J. Holiday, Mario, Melanie Fiona, Jazmine Sullivan, Anthony Hamilton, Charlie Wilson, Jennifer Hudson, Jason DeRulo, Pleasure P and Musiq.

Also, Rihanna premiered her third single "Hard" featuring Yeezy off her new album

Rihanna - New Music - More Music Videos

Best New Artists

2009-12-17T18:18:00.002-06:00

Hello fellow bloggers, thank you for all your submissions on the best new artist poll, I have a video of the top names requested. Enjoy!

Album Review: Alicia Keys "The Element of Freedom"

2009-12-15T02:15:00.003-06:00

Today at 12:01am I went to iTunes and purchased the new Alicia Keys album. I have enjoyed her previous three albums but I was unsure about this one because the first two singles have not been what I expected. Lucky for Alicia Keys I gave her another chance and I just finished listening to the album and I completely understand her genius. Every song is carefully crafted and perfectly executed in order to get her point across. To some the album can be heard as a mid-tempo vibe, but I felt it as something deeper, and I loved it. Alicia Keys rarely has special guests on her albums but this one had two very large names: Beyonce and Drake and I was highly skeptical about these songs, but they were both amazing in their own right. Ultimately, this album is not about the glitz and the glamour that some artists exhibit, instead Alicia Keys asks you to ask for patience, look for love, and find hapiness. My favorite tracks on the album is her duet with Drake "Unthinkable" and "Love Is My Disease". Below I made you quick snippets of the deluxe version of the album. Enjoy!

Kanye West: Artist of the Decade & Album of the Decade

2009-12-13T23:11:00.004-06:00

I will forever be a Kanye West fan and just because he told Taylor Swift the truth (however the timing disrespectful and should of been left to a rant after the show or via twitter), he has lost the respect of many (including his recent snub at the grammy's). Fortunately, there are some people out there who still have faith in Yeezy! Rolling Stone Magazine named Kanye West one of the most influential people of this decade! Billboard Magazine named Taylor West and Kanye West the top male and female acts of 2009. Subsequently, Entertainment Weekly just said that Kanye West's album "The College Dropout" is the best one this century. All I have to say to that is that I totally agree! If it wasn't for innovative artist for Kanye West, John Legend, Lauryn Hill, Jay-Z, Outkast, Beyonce, Miranda Lambert and Timbaland who continue to push the envelope we would all be stuck in pop hell with artists like Taylor Swift or Heidi Montag. Mr. West, thank you for always keeping it real.

Worst songs of 2009!

2009-12-12T01:02:00.009-06:00

Part I of the list is picked by me:

Part II has been picked by you:

Thank you so much for all the comments! The 2009 end of the year countdowns in r&b, hip-hop, country, rock and artists of the year are coming really soon.

Top 10 singles of 2009!

2009-12-10T16:13:00.005-06:00

The rest of the songs that deserved recognition include: Röyksopp Featuring Robyn "The Girl and the Robot", Miranda Lambert "Dead Flowers, Kid Cudi "Day N Night", Mr Hudson "Supernova", Kanye West "Amazing", Alicia Keys "Doesn't Mean Anything", Chris Brown "I Can Tranfsform Ya", Ne-Yo "Mad", Beyonce "Halo", Alphabeat "The Spell", Nelly Furtado "Mas", Lady Antebellum "Can't Take My Eyes Off You", Lily Allen "The Fear", Kenny Chesney "Out Last Night", Yeah Yeah Yeahs "Zero", Ciara & Justin Timberlake "Love Sex Magic", Daniel Merriweather & Adele "Water and a Flame", The Dream & Kanye "Walkin' On The Moon", Jay-Z "D.O.A.", Drake "Best I Ever Had", Ryan Leslie "How It Was Supposed To Be", Shakira "She Wolf", The Lonely Island "I'm On A Boat", Calle 13 "Movimiento Electrico", Drake Featuring Eminem, Kanye West & Lil'Wayne "Forever", Timbaland "Morning After Dark", Keri Hilson "I Like", Sugarland "It Happens", Rihanna "Wait Your Turn (The Wait Is Ova)" and Jamie Foxx "Blame It".

What do you think of my list? Who do you think deserves to be in the top 10?

Beyoncé "Sweet Dream" Video Teaser

2009-06-29T16:40:00.006-05:00

Here is a sneak peak of Beyonce’s new video Sweet Dreams. It just surfaced along with her commentary on the song. “It’s very rare to find an up-tempo song that means something,” she notes, “that’s not just about going to a club or partying or being a sexy girl.” Given that a lot of Bey’s up-tempo songs do follow a sort of “I am woman, watch me dance” formula, Sweet Dreams seems like an unlikely choice for her next single.

The video promises to be “flashy” and the leaked visuals definitely confirm that. The song itself is about a relationship, a good one at that, presumably her marriage to Jay-Z. “This relationship is just so wonderful that it kind of scares me, its kind of too good to be true,” she says before adding, “I can say that I am a fulfilled happy woman.” Check it out:

I'm Back!

2009-06-29T15:54:00.004-05:00

So it has been a long time since my last post but I am back and I am going to take a bit of a twist with this site. I am going to be finding random stuff to post here like artists you need to know about, pictures that are just random and award show information. Enjoy!

So the BET Awards were great at times but boring at other times...all I can say is thank goodness for Ne-Yo, Beyonce and Keri Hilson for having amazing performances...everyone else was just boring. I still don't get the hype about Drake. Chaka Khan looked crazy. Le Toya Luckett did everything in her power to outshine Beyonce but it didn't work. Janet Jackson was an unexpected surprise. Jay-Z was the highlight for me. Death to Auto-Tune please!

Here is the video premiere for Jay-Z's new video D.O.A. (Death Of Auto-Tune) produced by Kanye West.

A New Beginning

2009-04-16T20:02:00.009-05:00

So this is going to be a very personal post. Life is changing all around me very quickly, sometimes for the worst and sometimes for the better but I am very happy that the better is winning right now. Yesterday I decided that a certain job I had been doing for almost 5 years was not for me and I am going to end that at the end of May. I was unsure if that was something I should of done and after deciding to end that job I questioned my decision. Did I act out of anger? What the hell did I just do? Well after talking to some really amazing friends (you know who you are!) I am so good. Last night I decided to start new and I did this by tearing down over 300 pictures off my ceiling so that helped me get some anger out!

Life is full of surprises and as of yesterday it was very bland. I am ready to shake things up again and do things like I had never done before...its time to live like I was dying. There is this song by Rascal Flatts titled "Love Who You Love" that is making my life a little easier.

Cover of the Week

2009-04-16T10:03:00.001-05:00

This is really cool, one of our visitors to the blog who works with universal music sent me this picture of one of the new limited edition Beyonce I Am Sasha Fierce CD covers she will be promoting at the U.S. tour this summer. What do you think?

Miranda Lambert's New Single: Dead Flowers

2009-04-16T02:24:00.003-05:00

Listen to Miranda Lambert's new single titled "Dead Flowers" being released at all major music stores on May 12th. Enjoy this until then!

New Rolling Stone: Kings of Leon

2009-04-15T09:27:00.002-05:00

They grew up traveling the South in the back of an Oldsmobile with their Pentecostal-preacher father, and now they're selling out arenas and living the high life. The inside story on America's hottest band by Austin Scaggs. Some hightlights include Austin Scaggs dishing out on the 13 things you probably don't know about Kings of Leon — like their real first names, and how to clear a room with jalapeños. Check it out here at rollingstone.com

New Artist: Tina Parol

2009-04-14T14:22:00.005-05:00

Think of Tina Parol as the next Katy Perry or Nelly Furtado...but with a really great voice. She has premiered her debut single titled "Who's Got Your Money Now?" and it is quite catchy. Tina has written songs for artist like Britney Spears and Mandy Moore so you know she is more than just a singer. Enjoy. Also, check out this cover she did of Britney's song "Womanizer".

Kanye West & Young Jeezy "Amazing" Video Stills

2009-04-14T08:05:00.009-05:00

These are stills from Kanye West's new video titled "Amazing" featuring Young Jeezy and it is directed by Hype Williams.

Esmée Denters: Outta Here

2009-04-14T04:13:00.004-05:00

YouTube! sensation Esmée Denters is signed to Justin Timberlake’s label Tennman Records and is getting ready to launch her music career. Her official single the Polow Da Don produced "Outta Here" which premiered at the beggining of the month. Check out her new single cover provided by Coverlandia and her new single below. What do you think?

SNL Skit: Jason Sudeikis Eats Zac Efron’s Foot!!!

2009-04-12T18:44:00.005-05:00

Zac Efron gets his left foot eaten by his on-screen brother, SNL regular Jason Sudeikis, in this new sketch from April 11’s Saturday Night Live! Before attempting to eat Zac’s toes, Jason sprays them with Pledge (the household cleaning product), tickles them with a troll doll eraser trip and drizzles them with baby oil.

New Chris Brown: Flame Thrower

2009-04-12T06:58:00.005-05:00

Check out Chris Brown's new song "Flame Thrower" produced by Danja. This song is rumored to be on his next LP. What do you think of it?

That's What Hot Featuring Ryan Leslie, Fabolous, Keri Hilson & Cassie

2009-04-12T05:56:00.014-05:00

This post is dedicated to artist in music who just don't stop...I was so excited to see a behind the scenes clip of Keri Hilson, Fabolous and Ryan Leslie working on a song being released this summer. The beat is amazing and the vocals are just amazing! I love that even though they have albums out they are still hustling, promoting and working on new material to stay relevant...that is the mark of a true artist! Check out the clip here (thanks Vicki at Music Is The Heart of Our Soul Blog for the heads up on this clip).

The second update is on R&B Bad Boy artist Cassie's new hair do. Check out the pictures below as Cassie shows off her new hairstyle, a half-shaved head at Promeade in New York City on Friday night (April 10). She said, “Sometimes in life, you need a change, something that displays the ‘I don’t give a f— attitude that was always present, but never showcased. Something deeper than what you thought you were capable of. And something that will shock your mother, but make her call you a ROCK STAR!” Cassie continued, “Yeah, I did it. They ask why?? LOL B/C I WOKE UP AND FELT LIKE IT!!!” What do you think of Cassie’s new hairstyle: HOT or NOT? I personally love it...it sets her aside from the other chicks in the game and like India Arie said "I am not my hair!"

BEFORE:

AFTER:

New Taylor Swift

2009-04-12T04:49:00.003-05:00

I want to thank Coverlandia for providing this official cover to Taylor Swift's new single "You Belong To Me". What do you think of the cover and the song?

Happy Easter

2009-04-09T18:29:00.003-05:00

Have a safe and fun Easter weekend. I am heading home to Eagle Pass, Texas to spend time with my family and celebrate my brother Danny's 18th birthday! Many blessing for you and yours.

Sincerely,

Art

On Stands Now!

2009-04-09T15:35:00.004-05:00

Kanye West: Colognes, South Park, Sneakers, Energy Drinks and Mixtapes

2009-04-09T14:44:00.011-05:00

Kanye West is so busy with so many things like his expanding of his empire into branded beverages and fragrances. Kanye will have his own energy drink through a collaboration with GURU Beverages Inc., a maker and distributor of organic and natural drinks.

West will be involved in the entire development process of a new beverage "inspired by his own personal artistic vision," the company announced yesterday (April 8). The new drink is expected to launch later this year. As part of the deal, West is now an equity partner in the company."I express myself through music, fashion, art and design and that's why I am excited to collaborate with GURU; because the brand values what I value, and I can put what inspires me into this new product," West said in a statement.

West is also part of a deal that will see branded perfumes and colognes from Jay-Z, Rihanna, and West himself. Parlux Fragrances, Inc., announced Tuesday (April 7) that it has signed an agreement with Iconic Fragrances LLC, Jay-Z's own licensing company. The agreement allows for royalties, profit sharing, and stock options for West and the others.

Kanye West was featured on the latest episode of South Park and he had this to say:
"SOUTH PARK MURDERED ME LAST NIGHT AND IT'S PRETTY FUNNY. IT HURTS MY FEELINGS BUT WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM SOUTH PARK! I ACTUALLY HAVE BEEN WORKING ON MY EGO THOUGH. HAVING THE CRAZY EGO IS PLAYED OUT AT THIS POINT IN MY LIFE AND CAREER. I USE TO USE IT TO BUILD UP MY ESTEEM WHEN NOBODY BELIEVED IN ME. NOW THAT PEOPLE DO BELIEVE AND SUPPORT MY MUSIC AND PRODUCTS THE BEST RESPONSE IS THANK YOU INSTEAD OF "I TOLD YOU SO!!!" IT'S COOL TO TALK SHIT WHEN YOU'RE RAPPING BUT NOT IN REAL LIFE. WHEN YOU MEET LITTLE WAYNE IN PERSON HE'S THE NICEST GUY FOR EXAMPLE. I JUST WANNA BE A DOPER PERSON WHICH STARTS WITH ME NOT ALWAYS TELLING PEOPLE HOW DOPE I THINK I AM. I NEED TO JUST GET PAST MYSELF. DROP THE BRAVADO AND JUST MAKE DOPE PRODUCT. EVERYTHING IS NOT THAT SERIOUS. AS LONG AS PEOPLE THINK I ACT LIKE A BITCH THIS TYPE OF SHIT WILL HAPPEN TO ME. I GOT A LONG ROAD AHEAD OF ME TO MAKE PEOPLE BELIEVE I'M NOT ACTUALLY A HUGE DOUCHE BUT I'M UP FOR THE CHALLENGE. I'M SURE THE WRITERS AT SOUTH PARK ARE REALLY NICE PEOPLE IN REAL LIFE. THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO DRAW MY CREW. THAT WAS PRETTY FUNNY ALSO!! I'M SURE THERE'S GRAMMATICAL ERRORS IN THIS... THAT'S HOW YOU KNOW IT'S ME!"

Here is the South Park episode (WARNING: there is some crude humor and language):

Last, he has a new mixtape titled The Lost Songs: Welcome To Chicago you can download for free on his website at: Kanye West Blog or by clicking on the album below. Enjoy!

Black Eyed Peas talk "Boom Boom Pow"

2009-04-09T07:12:00.003-05:00

The Black Eyed Peas are back with "Boom Boom Pow," and the group doesn't want to give you the same old thing. With this single, from their forthcoming album The E.N.D., they hope to prove to everyone they're not the same band who gave the world "My Humps."

"It's not your typical first single," Fergie said. "It's basically kind of to the left. The song is to the left, and it works, 'cause we're being true to ourselves."

Fergie, who describes the group as "misfits," hopes the video catches people's attention. "The concept of the video is the Peas' birth into the digital afterlife," Fergie said. "So the transformation is us going into a sort of birth or cocoon and coming out the other end as forms of energy. It's a parallel to the music industry. Now everything is downloaded."

Will.I.Am said the video was inspired by how digital the world has become and hopes the video portrays "what it would be like if we were actually in the computer, if art was fused in it," he said. "[It's] analog life from a digital perspective becoming technology."

The group might hope the song shows fans a new beginning, but the name of their album, The E.N.D., has everyone wondering if it means the group is calling it quits.

"We ain't never breaking up, but we ain't staying the same either," Will.I.Am said. "The E.N.D. stands for 'The Energy Never Dies.' So The E.N.D. is our version of embracing change and celebrating the new.

"It's the end of a lot of things, and I'm very proud to be bringing forth the new," he added.

Thank you to MTV.com for the article/video and to Coverlandia for the CD cover.

No Doubt: Stand and Deliver

2009-04-08T04:23:00.004-05:00

This is No Doubt's new single "Stand and Deliver". Mark your calendars to see No Doubt perform "Stand And Deliver" (originally by Adam And The Ants) for the first time ever on Gossip Girl, May 11, 8/7 central on The CW. What do you think?

Rihanna & Lady Gaga: "Silly Boy" Demo

2009-04-08T03:16:00.006-05:00

Rihanna and Lady GaGa have signed on to collaborate upon the arrival of a demo song titled "Silly Boy" from the production hands of The Clutch (Timbaland, Danja and Keri Hilson).

Earlier last week, Rihanna hit studio during her brief stay in the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Rihanna's new effort is planned to be dropped sometime later before the end of this year. Chicago acid house pioneer Adonis is believed to have been in charge for its production process. Two new tracks titled "We Own the Night" and "Pretty Girl Blues" have been finished and are expected to be premiere soon. Just to be clear this is a demo it is not Rihanna or Lady Gaga. What do you think?

iTunes price changes?

2009-04-07T16:44:00.004-05:00

The top seller of music on the Internet iTunes has a new look! Pricing changes to Apple Inc.'s iTunes Store have gone into effect, with some popular songs now $1.29 apiece.

Apple said in January that it would end its practice of selling all songs for 99 cents a piece and begin offering three tiers: 69 cents, 99 cents and $1.29. Record companies can pick the prices.
In exchange for the ability to set prices, record labels agreed to sell all songs on iTunes without "digital rights management" technology that hampers users' abilities to copy tracks or play them on multiple computers. What do you think?

Video Premiere: Eminem

2009-04-07T07:39:00.004-05:00

Check out Eminem's new video for "We Made You" that premiered on MTV and MTV.com at 7am this morning. Check it out!!! It's definitely old-school Eminem.

Video Highlight: Kellie Pickler

2009-04-07T06:02:00.003-05:00

I have a lot of respect for country artist Kellie Pickler and her positive messages in her songs for our youth. Check out her newest video with Taylor Swift titled "Best Days of Your Life". Enjoy!

New Singles:

2009-04-07T05:08:00.017-05:00

Miranda Lambert is re-releasing "Gunpowder & Lead" as an official single for her new album titled "Dead Flowers" in the fall.

Jesse McCartney has remixed his current single "How Do You Sleep?" Check it out.

Check out next weeks top song on Billboard's Hot 100 with the Black Eyed Peas first #1 single "Boom Boom Pow".

This is Taylor Swift's new single titled "You're Not Sorry". I have a feeling this song is about a certain Jonas Brother...

Chris Brown pleads, "Not Guilty!"

2009-04-07T02:35:00.007-05:00

[Photo credit: JustJared.com]

Chris Brown appeared in court with his attorney, Mark Geragos, for his arraignment at the Superior Court of Los Angeles County in Los Angeles, California on Monday (March 6).
Chris is charged with two felonies for the alleged assault on Rihanna during an argument on Feb. 8, 2009. The 19-year-old singer pleaded “not guilty, your honor”, when asked for his plea by L.A. Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg. Sources inside the courtroom say Chris’ mom spent the entire preliminary hearing either in tears or praying for her 19-year-old son. Chris also brought along four bodyguards with him. He is due back in court on April 29th. Check out his plea bargain video courtesy of CNN:

Do we need to state the obvious...Chris Brown is totally not guilty (I'm being sarcastic)...do we need to revisit the famous Rihanna picture with her bruising. I guess some people just run into people's fists all the time! What do you think?

New Music: Kanye West & Beyonce: Ego (Remix)

2009-04-05T20:30:00.006-05:00

Beyonce is set to release her third group of singles from her current album I Am… Sasha Fierce. The third set of singles consist of Sasha’s “Ego,” (which was originally slated to be the second single, before “Diva”) and Beyonce’s Babyface-assisted “Broken-Hearted Girl.” Before the album’s release, it was reported that Kanye West went all the way down to Brazil to bless the track with his verse. Check out the new remix of “Ego” and be sure to be on the look out for the videos for each respective single which were shot weeks ago.

Good News/Bad News for Kelly Rowland

2009-04-03T05:34:00.013-05:00

It may not be easy being green but it must suck to be in Beyonce's shadow! Grammy winning R&B/pop singer Kelly Rowland will no longer be recording with Columbia Records as a solo artist, it was officially announced by the label. Kelly is a founding member of Destiny’s Child and will continue her relationship with Columbia Records in her ongoing role with Destiny's Child (they still have two more records under contract during the next five years). Her official statement reads:

"Because Columbia Records has been my home base as an artist for more than a decade, the decision to move out on my own required a lot of soul-searching. As a solo artist, I felt the need to explore new directions, new challenges, and new freedoms outside my comfort zone and my friends and family at Columbia have been incredibly understanding about my evolution. I want to thank everyone at Columbia for the love and support they’ve shown and I will never forget how many good times we’ve had over the years.”

Now for some good news... just as news broke of her leaving Columbia Records, Kelly breaks into reality TV as the co-host and judge of Bravo’s new design show The Fashion Show. She shares her hosting and judging duties with fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi and Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion, Fern Mallis. The series is set to premiere on May 7th.

Concert Updates, Video Premieres & News...

2009-04-02T18:47:00.010-05:00

Check out pictures from Beyonce's latest tour "I Am...Sasha Fierce!" she is currently on her world tour until the end of the year hitting more than eigty five cities (imagine singing Diva eighty five times....I would go crazy!)

Subsequently, check out Day 26's new video featuring Young Joc & Diddy.

Last, Ciara has finally released her track listing for her new album Fantasy Ride in stores May 5th:

Disc #1: Groove City

1. Explode (Ciara To The Stage)

2. Supernatural

3. When I

4. Losing Myself (featuring Akon)

5. Never Ever (featuring Young Jeezy)
6. Dominatrix

Disc #2: The Crunktown

1. Crunk Wit’ Me (featuring Lil' Jon)

2. Hear The Sound

3. BubbleGum (featuring Lil Wayne)

4. Music Money Movement

5. Feelin’ On My...

6. High Price (featuring Ludacris)

Disc #3: Kingdom of Dance

1. Go Girl (featuring T-Pain)

2. Turntables (featuring Chris Brown)
3. I’m On (Damage)

4. Ride On Me

5. Love Sex Magic (featuring Justin Timberlake)

6. Dark Room

7. Pride

8. Fantasy Ride (featuring The-Dream)

Bonus CD with tracks and DVD [Deluxe Edition Only]

1. Work (featuring Missy Elliott)

2. One Favor (featuring Timbaland)

3. Echo

Lil' Wayne is rap's alien genius on Rolling Stone Magazine

2009-04-01T12:14:00.003-05:00

How does arguably the greatest rapper on Earth follow up a blockbuster like 2008’s Tha Carter III, an album that moved more than 1 million copies its debut week and solidified Lil Wayne’s place in hip-hop history? By shifting gears and attempting to conquer rock & roll. Rap’s alien genius opens up to Mark Binelli about his upcoming rock album Rebirth in a series of revealing interviews for the cover of the new issue of Rolling Stone, on newsstands this week.

“The rock shit just comes from what my life is now,” Wayne, 26, says. “I’ve grown into this person.” He released his first album, 1999’s Tha Block Is Hot, when he was only 17, and built his name on being the busiest rapper in the game, dropping a relentless stream of mixtapes and cameos.

But aside from plucking at electric guitars onstage and in videos, Weezy never let on that his rap career could take such a significant detour. Describing a wild night when he woke up in bed with three or four women he couldn’t name, Wayne reveals he had an epiphany. “I just got — I’m not going to say ’so good’ at what I was doing, but it became such a regularity for me that I got tired of it. And then I said, ‘You know what? I’m not going to rap on this one.’

Binelli follows Wayne from his posh Atlanta apartment to a club showcase where the MC checks out talent for his Young Money imprint to the studio — Wayne’s home away from home — where the superstar puffs his ever-present blunts and plays some Rebirth songs that recall vintage Beastie Boys and current emo, topped by Weezy’s Auto Tuned warbling. Wayne tells Binelli he knew he didn’t have raw vocal talent, but he dedicated himself to learning how to make his singing voice sound good on record. “I don’t want to be the best rapper in the world. Not now,” he says. “I want to be the best. Period. Now. My favorite rapper hasn’t done what I’m doing.”

So check out a visit to the isolated, luxurious and perpetually stoned world of "the greatest rapper alive" as he embarks on his next quest: to be a rock star. Check it out!

Keri Hilson & Lil' Wayne get their flirt on!

2009-03-30T16:33:00.002-05:00

Lil Wayne brought out Keri Hilson during his I Am Music tour set at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, on Sunday. Miss Keri and Weezy F. Baby got flirty, taking turns spanking each other while performing “Turnin’ Me On.” “Let me tell ya’ll something you might not know,” she said while lifting his shirt. “Ain’t a damn thing lil’ about this Wayne.”Entertainment at its finest!!!! (She has said in various interviews that "this is a skit that has progressed into a highlight of the show...so you can squash those dating rumors"). Check it out!

Rihanna Police Shot is Art?

2009-03-29T22:10:00.006-05:00

Yahoo.com and E! online just broke this story:
"L.A.-based pop artist Sham Ibrahim's new portrait of the "Disturbia" hit maker is based on the now infamous police photo showing the singer bruised and bloodied. But Sham's intent is not to raise awareness about, let's say, domestic violence. Instead, his reasons for creating the Andy Warhol-like piece is, "I thought the bruises in the police photo were interesting shapes to draw," he says. "And it was cool to color them pink and blue. Those are two of my favorite colors." Furthermore, "There is no message to any of my art," he says. "It's meant to look cool hanging on your wall and that's it! I'm not into deep meanings." What do you think? I think this is just sick and uncalled for.

New Keri Hilson Single...

2009-03-28T16:00:00.007-05:00

Check out Keri's new unreleased single with Lil' Jon & T-Pain called Hey Girl (Patron & Tequila). The track did not make the album but here is a chance to listen to it. If this is ever released it will be a guaranteed club banger. Check it out!

YouTube Ladies in charge!

2009-03-27T02:46:00.008-05:00

This a new segment for the blog in which I pick some YouTube videos that are just amazing and worth a view. Enjoy!

Beyonce- You Oughta Know (Alanis Morissette cover)

Jess Ingui - Hurt (Christina Aguilera cover)

Jessica - Single Ladies (Acoustic Beyonce cover)

Angelica- Officially Missing You (Tamia cover)

Album Review: Keri Hilson

2009-03-24T02:09:00.006-05:00

I just bought Keri Hilson's new album and I must admit that I was hoping that I didn't over hype her LP. Well the verdict is great, I listened to the album on the way back from the record store and I was blown away by the sheer talent in her writing and production.

Keri Hilson is one of those writers who knows that perfect pop formula but she does not over do it. Keri has been producing, writing, making demos and being a video girl for over twelve years and now this album is meant to show what she can do.

I think she delivered the perfect pop and r&b album. Subsequently, don't be deceived by the title In A Perfect World... she does not mean that life is perfect... in fact quite the opposite. This album opens up with some fun songs you can listen to in the club but then it slowly shifts over to baby making music and heavy relationship music. I think that Keri did a great job keeping her guest list short because we know she could of done what Timbaland or Diddy did and include a guest on every single song. I feel she shined brighter on those songs that did not have any guests like "Slow Dance" and "Make Love".

Furthermore, with heavy production from Timbaland and Polow Da Don In A Perfect World… is a stellar album. With all the ladies in r&b like Beyonce, Alicia Keys, and Ciara, where was Keri going to fit in? The answer is that she is not trying to fit in, she is trying to make her own spot and that is something that was very constant in her album. There is not one song on her album that sounds manufactured or recycled and that is such a hard thing to do when everyone is doing the auto tune thing.

The album consist of 14 tracks and the album is one of those you can just press play to. My final ruling is that she deserves that dime diva status! Check it out here:

Video Premiere: Keri Hilson Featuring Ne-Yo & Kanye West

2009-03-23T20:36:00.005-05:00

Check out Keri Hilson's new video for her new single Knock You Down featuring Ne-Yo and Kanye West off her album In A Perfect World... dropping in stores tomorrow. Make sure to pick up a copy for you and a friend. I want this album to go straight to #1!

Video Premiere: Ciara & Justin Timberlake: Love, Sex & Magic

2009-03-23T01:40:00.003-05:00

It is about time Ciara did a video like this! This video is my favorite video by her and I must admit that it made me reminisce about the old school "Ms. Jackson" if your nasty days. The video preview we got a few days ago is nothing compared to this video. What do you think?

Hanson partners with TOM'S Shoes

2009-03-22T17:10:00.010-05:00

“We want to inspire others to look for simple tangible ways to make a difference. It is easy to be halted by the great hurdles of poverty and AIDS, but making an impact can begin as simply as giving someone a pair of shoes, or buying a song.” - Taylor Hanson

Beginning September 10, 2008, Hanson has embarked on The Walk Tour; a tour not only in support of their new album, The Walk, but a tour to continue fighting poverty and AIDS in Africa, an effort that began with their trip to Africa to record the charity single, "Great Divide." Hanson and TOMS shoes founder Blake Mycoskie will be speaking about the importance of taking simple action, like purchasing a pair of TOMS shoes.

TOMS Shoes starts with a simple idea. If you buy a pair of shoes, founder Blake Mycoskie will donate an equal pair to a deserving child. In October 2006, Blake held his first 'shoe drop' in Argentina donating 8000 pairs of shoes. Following the tour, the team will be headed to Africa for the next shoe drop. The goal is to deliver 50,000 pairs of shoes. What Can You Do To Help? Buy a pair and not only will you get a great, comfy pair of shoes, but a child in Africa will also get a pair during the shoe drop. What if you aren't able to get a pair on the tour?

Simply go to the TOMS shoes website and order the pair you like best! As a special bonus, for the duration of The Walk Tour enter the code 'Hanson' when you reach the checkout page, and you will receive a $7 discount off your order!

Join the 1 mile walks in each city!In each tour city, Hanson will host a 1 mile walk to bring attention to the cause. The exact location of the each day’s walk will be announced on hanson.net 3 hours in advance (ps if you participate in the 1 mile walk, you'll get to "jump the line" for the concert that night so you don’t need to worry about losing your place!). Feel free to bring signs, posters, etc. For creative ideas, click here.

Here is a video shot at UTSA, UT and my university Incaranate Word during the TOM's shoe drive. It features two great friends of mine Travis and Scott!

Hanson: Great Divide

2009-03-22T02:23:00.004-05:00

I'm a sucker for charity singles so here is one from Hanson. "Great Divide" can be downloaded on iTunes and its from their latest LP The Walk. All proceeds from the track benefit the fight against the African HIV epidemic.

Artist Highlight: Daniel Merriweather

2009-03-21T01:59:00.006-05:00

We first heard Daniel Merriweather's soulful vocals when he collaborated with English DJ/ producer Mark Ronson for a cover version of "Stop Me". Since then Daniel has been working on his solo material and he's ready to release his first single titled "Change" which is a classic R&B pop anthem of his first LP Love & War. Another great song on the LP is his collaboration with Adele titled "Water and a Flame".

His LP is full of stumping bass, satisfying drums, piano and saxophone/trumpet/horn. It's funky, soulful yet proving to be very catchy and lines into the same league as some of today's most famous R&B male artists can deliver. Check out some tracks off his new album titled Love & War already released overseas.

Change - Daniel Merriweather feat. Wale

Lil' Wayne: Hot Revolver

2009-03-20T15:38:00.002-05:00

Check out Lil' Wayne's second single "Hot Revolver". What do you think?

Artist Highlight: Steve Rushton

2009-03-20T15:04:00.005-05:00

So check this out, I was listening to the new Hanah Montana Movie Soundtrack today and I heard this song by Steve Rushton titled "Everything I Want" and I really loved it. What do you think?

This is his new video from the Disney movie Race to Witch Mountain called "Emergency".

Video Teaser: Ciara & Justin Timberlake

2009-03-20T00:34:00.003-05:00

Before we can experience Ciara’s Fatansy Ride, we’ll get to experience her "Love Sex Magic". The R&B singer is getting a little help from Justin Timberlake on the latest single from her upcoming third album being released on May 19th.

In a video teaser Ciara released on her official website, she dons a painted on bodysuit to tease us with her sensual moves for the sexy song. It’s like 2009 Janet Jackson if Janet was still relevant.

The full length video will premiere Monday, March 23 at 11AM EST on Ciara World. Check it out!

New Singles: Part 2

2009-03-19T01:51:00.014-05:00

Keri Hilson Featuring Keyshia Cole & Trina: Get Your Money Up

T.I.: Swing Ya Rag Featuring Swizz Beatz

Adele: Make You Feel My Love (Live)

New Singles!

2009-03-18T22:09:00.012-05:00

Video Premiere: Calle 13

2009-03-18T10:51:00.004-05:00

This is Calle 13's new song and video "Electrico Movimiento" off their new album Los De Atras Vienen Conmigo. This song and video are currently being featured as a free download on iTunes. I absolutely admire their use of wordplay and Spanish to English references. Check it out!

Keri Hilson Featuring Kanye West & Ne-Yo: Knock You Down

2009-03-17T02:07:00.002-05:00

Here is a new song from Keri Hilson featuring Ne-Yo and Kanye West called “Knock You Down” off her new LP "In A Perfect World" out on March 24th. The track was produced by Timbaland and Danja and the video was just recently shot in L.A. What do you think of this song?

The Dream & Christina Milian: Amazing!

2009-03-17T01:49:00.005-05:00

“Amazing“ is a song and promo video from the The Dream and it features Christina Milian. The Dream’s new LP Love Vs Money is in stores now! The track is a cover of Kanye West’s “Amazing” that features rapper Young Jeezy off his latest album 808s & Heartbreak LP. The video is not official but it is definitely great because it has my idol Michael Jordan in it. Check it out!

Keri Hilson Album Preview...

2009-03-12T21:15:00.006-05:00

This album has been over twelve years in the making and Keri Hilson cannot wait to release her first LP In A Perfect World... on March 24th. She currently has a number one single with her song "Turnin' Me On" featuring Lil' Wayne and plans to release her second singles "Make Love" and " Knock You Down" featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo very soon. These videos will feature both Kanye West and Ne-Yo as her on screen men. Check out the video teaser to "Make Love" and tell me what you think!

Britney Spears: If U Seek Amy

2009-03-12T20:27:00.005-05:00

Check out Britney's new video premiere for her new single "If U Seek Amy" from her new LP Circus. What do you think?

American Idol: Top 13!

2009-03-06T01:55:00.005-06:00

I know it should be top twelve but the American Idol judges threw us a right curve and allowed four instead of the three contestants on the wild card round tonight. Deliberating quickly, the judges selected Jasmine Murray, Joy Corkrey, Matt Giraud and my personal favorite Anoop Desai through to the final round. They join Adam Lambert, Alexis Grace, Allison Iraheta, Danny Gokey, Jorge Nuñez, Kris Allen, Lil Rounds, Michael Sarver and Scott MacIntyre. Unlike the four finalists announced Thursday night, these nine finalists were determined by vote of "Idol" viewers. The 13 finalists begin the final leg of their quest to win the title of American Idol glory next Tuesday at 7PM on Fox.
Tatiana Del Toro was back to her old crazy self Thursday night, bringing to the stage her annoying laugh and a new inflection in her speaking voice. Paula was quick to remark, "You've grown an accent I've never heard before." Kara was amused by the Puerto Rican's eagerness to adopt yet another stage persona. Kara asked, "Today is a new personality. Who is this?" I really liked her voice but she is just a little too crazy even for me. What do you think of the top 13?

Chris Brown Arraignment Postponed Until April Sixth!

2009-03-05T20:21:00.003-06:00

Chris Brown appeared at Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday (March 5) but did not enter a plea on two felony counts of assault and making criminal threats, stemming from his alleged altercation with girlfriend Rihanna on February 8. Rather, at the request of attorney Mark Geragos, Brown was granted a continuance in the case, meaning his arraignment has been pushed back until April 6.

Outside the courtroom, Etra told E! News that Rihanna did not need a no-contact order and that the 21-year-old singer "is doing well, and she is making sure her rights are protected at every stage of the proceedings. ... What will happen to Chris Brown is up to the district attorney in court."

If Brown is convicted on the felony charges, his sentence could range from probation to up to four years in prison, CNN quoted the DA's office as saying.

Neither Brown nor Geragos made any statements to the media while at the courthouse. Brown arrived in a black SUV just before 3:30 p.m. PT, flanked by a pair of security guards and his attorney. As they made their way into the building, they were surrounded by throngs of photographers and camera crews, while sign-carrying protesters milled about on the sidewalk.

Prayathon

2009-02-26T07:40:00.004-06:00

I am very happy to announce that the Prayathon is officially here!!! Today at the University of Incarnate Word in Dubuis Lawn from 8 am February 26- 8 am through February 27 we are trying to bring the mission of UIW to life as we kick off the Lenten season. We want to do this by celebrating different forms of prayer. There are a lot of different activities going on, so we would love for everyone to stop by and support this event! EVERYONE IS WELCOME!!

Campus Ministry is sponsoring this event all help will count as on-campus community service hours. The schedule of Events:
8 am Make your own Rosary (Come listen to mysteries in song by Danielle Rose while making your own rosary)

9 am Living Rosary (The Rosary with every decade in a different language)

10 am Confession (Priests will be set up on the lawn to hear confessions)

11 am Mass (Come celebrate the Eucharist!)

12-1 pm Lenten Lunch (Sister Martha Anne Kirk will be serving a soup lunch while talking about Jesus’ message to feed the multitudes)

1:30-3 pm Prayer Service for Healing (Sister Eilish will be having the liturgy of the word then a guided prayer with rocks where we put our bad feelings/memories into the rock then ceremoniously throw them into the river

3 pm Speaker

4:30 pm IDS (Campus ministry holds and interdenominational worship service once a month and that day it will be out on the lawn!)

5:30 pm Speaker

7-10 pm Christian Concert (Bands from all around the area will come out for praise and worship)

10 pm-6 am Friday ADORATION! (Spend alone time with Jesus)

6 am Friday Stations of the Cross (Walk the road to crucifixion with Jesus)

7 am Friday Mass (Come celebrate the Eucharist…again!)

There will also be events going on throughout the entirety of the event.

•Lenten promise journal- Lent is a time of sacrifice, so you can write what you are planning to give up or do during the Lenten season along with everyone else. The journal will be kept in the campus ministry building and prayed over daily to give you strength to make it through your journey.

•Wall of Thanksgiving- Butcher paper will be put up with markers so people can write what they are thankful for.

•Laying it Down at the Cross- We all struggle with different hardships. This is the time to Lay it Down at the Cross and let God. We will have a wooden cross with paper, nails, and hammers so that people can nail their worries to the cross.

•Prayer Intentions- There will be a box where you can add a prayer intention for yourself or take someone’s request out and pray for them. We need to remember that we are all a community and therefore need to keep each other in prayer.

•Prayer through the Arts- We will have a crafts table with things to journal on, color, or paint. This way people can find the way to best express themselves through prayer. For prayer throughout the event, we will set up a shrine by the steps near the back of the lawn. We will have an altar with a cross and chairs, blankets, and pillows for people to get comfortable on.Stop by whenever you get the chance! Food and drink will be provided throughout the event!

"We will rebuild. We will recover, and the United States of America will emerge stronger than before!" -President Obama

2009-02-25T01:53:00.004-06:00

President Obama’s truth in budgeting deserves praise for shedding more light on our financial condition, there is still far too much that is hidden in shadows. With hundreds of billions of dollars in new commitments being casually tossed about, almost numbing in size and always confusing in content, the Obama Administration will do a great deal to begin rebuilding trust and confidence in the future if it tells us what we need to know and not just part of it, all of it!

President Obama is taking a significant step toward fulfilling another important campaign pledge this week: he is unveiling a federal budget that actually tries to tell us some hard truths about the government’s finances. Too many years in the past, the Bush administration engaged in deception by keeping the costs of Iraq and Afghanistan out of the regular budget, plus pulling off some other shenanigans that disguised just how much the government was growing and how much its deficits were growing. By the time he left office, President Bush had practically doubled the national debt – doing as much damage in 8 years as the republic had suffered in more than 200 previous years combined.

Obama promised truth in budgeting, and he is succeeding far more than in the recent past. The cost of both wars will now be included in this week’s budget, money will be set aside to respond to natural disasters, and the budget won’t show cost cutting in programs that everyone knows will be revived (i.e. the alternative minimum tax).

The results of taking a truth serum (like in Kill Bill Vol. 2) along with the horrendous costs we are piling up in fighting the economic crisis will reveal eye popping numbers stretching far into the future. We can expect at least $1.3 trillion in deficits this coming year, another mountain the following year, before the deficits will be shown to slope down to some $533 billion four years from now. The Administration is touting that as serious progress, but only a year or so ago, an annual deficit of $500 billion would have been wholly unacceptable.

We need to know the hard truths about our country’s financial situation and the Administration deserves congratulations for going as far as it has, but the question arises: has it gone far enough? Will even this first Obama budget tell us everything we need to know? Sadly, that does not appear to be the case.

Check out his speech here:

Transformers: Revenge of the Teaser

2009-02-24T22:25:00.002-06:00

Check out the new Transformers 2 preview. It's actually looks really great. Check it out!

New Pussycat Dolls

2009-02-24T14:41:00.005-06:00

The success of the Slumdog Millionaire Soundtrack has sparked interest in a re-release of the album with new versions of the album. The first single is "Jai Ho" off this new album is with the Pussycat Dolls. Check out the sneek peek!

Video Premiere: Lady Sovereign

2009-02-23T17:44:00.003-06:00

Check out rapper Lady Sovereign's new video for "I'm Human and it samples The Cure. What do you think?

New Jennifer Lopez Single

2009-02-23T00:42:00.006-06:00

It's been a very long time since we have heard anything new from Mrs. J.Lo. This is her new single off her greatest hits album titled "Hooked on You". It was produced by Brandy producer Darkchild and the beat is really amazing. What do you think?

Black Eyed Peas

2009-02-21T18:34:00.002-06:00

Check out the Black Eyed Peas first single of their new album The E.N.D. titled "Boom Boom Pow". What do you think?

New Kelly Clarkson

2009-02-21T09:19:00.003-06:00

Just weeks before its official March 10 release date, Kelly Clarkson's All I Ever Wanted was accidentally leaked onto the Internet by the Norwegian division of Apple's iTunes music service, according to RollingStone.com.

Kelly officially released "I Do Not Hook Up" as her next single on iTunes this morning and here it is. What do you think?

New Single: Ciara & Justin Timberlake

2009-02-20T10:45:00.004-06:00

This is the second single off Ciara's new album Fantasy Ride titled "Love and Sex and Magic" and it features Justin Timberlake. It has on old school Janet Jackson vibe. I really like it.

Thanks to Coverlandia for the cover!

Video Premiere: Kid Cudi

2009-02-20T06:47:00.004-06:00

One of the best songs and videos of this year. What do you think?

The Rihanna Picture...

2009-02-19T23:49:00.010-06:00

Yup, its the picture that everyone has been waiting to see. It is too graphic to post but if you want to see it check it out at here. [Warning: Very Graphic!]

It's worst than I thought. I hope justice is served very soon.
Here is the official report from the LAPD on the incident.

UPDATE:
In a statement released Friday afternoon, a publicist for Rihanna says:
"At the request of the authorities, Rihanna is not commenting about the incident involving Chris Brown. She wants to assure her fans that she remains strong, is doing well, and deeply appreciates the outpouring of support she has received during this difficult time."

"I Want To Fight Chris Brown"

2009-02-19T20:21:00.006-06:00

Chris Brown has taken his share of verbal punches in the media after his alleged altercation with Rihanna, now a professional boxer wants to take a real jab at Brown.

Anthony Geisler, President of L.A. Boxing, is challenging Brown to step into the ring against him to see what its like to face --what he calls "a real opponent". Geisler has also launched an "I want to fight Chris Brown" facebook forum.

L.A. Boxing is the world's largest boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts training organization. I have no doubts that Chris Brown will chicken out. Stay tuned.

New Kelly Clarkson

2009-02-19T00:59:00.005-06:00

Kelly Clarkson's new single is "I Do Not Hook Up", but until that premieres we have a sample of a track off her new album All I Ever Wanted titled "The Day We Fell Apart". What do you think?

Alternate cover thanks to Coverlandia!

American Idol

2009-02-18T23:00:00.012-06:00

Here are the first three contestants to make it to the top 12 of this seasons American Idol. I was very happy to see Danny and Alexis. I was however surprised to see Michael on the top 3. I would of loved to see Tatiana or Anoop go through. There is always that wildcard round coming up in a few weeks.

Contestant 1: Danny Gokey Age: 28 Hometown: Milwaukee, WI

Contestant #2:Alexis Grace Age: 21 Hometown: Memphis, TN

Contestant #3: Michael Sarver Age: 27 Hometown: Jasper, TX

What do you think of the new idol alums?

John Legend: Show Me Campaign

2009-02-18T17:59:00.005-06:00

source: Show Me Campaign

About the Show Me Campaign:
“Show Me” is a beautiful song that charts a conversation with God about the state of the world and the individual’s place in it. These simple themes form the founding principles for the Show Me Campaign which was launched as a platform to contribute to the betterment of the world. The mission of the Show Me Campaign is to fight economic and spiritual poverty through fostering sustainable development (personal, social, educational, economic) at the individual, family, and small community levels. The Show Me Campaign is a grassroots movement that engages all of its participants as agents of transformative change from the bottom up.

The Show Me Campaign operates from a basic principle of thoughtful action versus more words and calls on all of us to commit to making a difference in the world. We see power in individuals working in concert toward tangible ends and believe that we all have responsibilities to address the issues that imperil our collective human future. For more information check out the webiste at http://www.showmecampaign.org/.

Single Highlight: Yeah Yeah Yeahs!

2009-02-18T17:24:00.005-06:00

Details Magazine: Kanye West

2009-02-18T12:24:00.005-06:00

In a new interview with Details magazine, Kanye West reveals that he is done with music and is ready to pour all his "superhero" energy into conquering fashion. Find out what else the hip-hop artist has to say about his new endeavor and read his thoughts on being the self-proclaimed voice of his generation.

On being a rapper turned fashion designer and how it's seen as cliche: "People base their opinions on cliche. There's a reason why they're cliches: 'I was gonna wear a coat today, but it would be so cliche.' How about some pants -- if it's not too cliche?"

On his fashion influence: "Marc Jacobs is my fashion idol because of the way he merges all worlds, the way he's big in the hood and the head of the No. 1 fashion house in the world."

On his infamous "I am the voice of this generation" quote: "If not me, then who?" he says. "Someone could be a better rapper, dance better. But culturally impacting? When you look back at these four and a half years, who's the icon at the end of the day? Who broke down color barriers? What other black guy would a white person use as a fashion reference?"

On what kind of woman he'd settle down with: "I feel like the type of girl I would be with is a fellow superhero. So we get that 'already flying and now we're just flying together' thing."

Check out the rest of the interview here.

Taylor Swift on Rolling Stone!

2009-02-18T11:08:00.005-06:00

Taylor Swift is the first country person on the cover of Rolling Stone this decade, the last one was Shania Twain in 1999. Rolling Stone shadowed pop's down home darling from L.A. to Nashville and uncovered the low key teen behind the glitz and guitars. The interview was actually interesting. Check out the interview here.

Video Premiere: Kanye West

2009-02-17T21:07:00.002-06:00

Today is a great day for new videos. First T.I. & Justin Timberlake, now it Kanye West & Kidd Cudi with "Welcome to Heartbreak". What do you think?

Video Premiere: T.I. & Justin Timberlake

2009-02-17T12:08:00.000-06:00

Asher Roth is Reppin' For The Suburbs!

2009-02-17T05:38:00.012-06:00

Asher Roth is a cultural revelation, I mean who has heard of a white boy rapper from the suburbs? My favorite nickname I’ve heard him called is the “yacht-club rapper.” Inevitably, everyone keeps comparing him to Eminem, but the truth is he has a completely different style.

His first mixtape, The Greenhouse Effect produced with DJ Drama and DJ Cannon, is smart but light. He does not try to be something that he’s not, and he does not take himself too seriously.

Admittedly, it does throw you for a loop the first time you see it, such uninhibited flow coming out of the grinning mouth of a skinny kid with freckles, hearing rap lyrics like “harry potter don't you try nothin tricky / muggles befuddled by my wizardry!"

Asher Roth is no joke. Not only is he talented, but he knows exactly what he’s doing: “You know the world’s gone mad when the blacks wear plaid and Mariah has married Nick Cannon / or when a boy from the burbs has the nerve to converge on a mixtape with DJ Cannon.”

So far my favorite thing from him is his "A Milli" freestyle verse he did on radio, he proclaims, “A mill-i-on here a mill-i-on there / yeah you got a mill but for real dawg nowbody cares /f’ it if your not gonna share you don’t donate to charity children who can barely eat no shoes on their feet”. Speak it! Eminem has never and will never be this real and hard, no matter how many times Feminem kills his ex-wife and his mother.

Check out his new mixtape and his new video "I Love College" which is already climbing up the iTunes charts and will undoubtly become every college students party anthem!

Download his first LP for free at his website!

FloRida Feat. Keisha: Right Round

2009-02-17T05:02:00.003-06:00

Get Help!

2009-02-16T20:45:00.007-06:00

The recent alleged altercation between Chris Brown and Rihanna has opened up a new dialogue about relationship abuse for teens and twentysomethings. We all know speaking up is critical to getting help, but for many victims of violence, it's not easier said than done.
If you think you're a victim of domestic violence, it's important to know how to spot it, what to do when it happens and whom to reach out to in such an event. Fortunately, there are number of non-profit outlets offering help to young people dealing with abuse.

In light of the Brown/Rihanna incident, National Organization for Women (NOW) President Kim Gandy spoke out about teen dating abuse and how often times victims fail to report the matter.
"Everyone is talking about this case because it involves two popular recording artists, but the sad reality is that domestic violence and dating violence happen every day, even among young teens, and the impact is both far-reaching and under-reported," she said in a prepared statement released to the press.

In addition to long-running organizations, some college kids have created their own networks to help their peers deal with the pain of relationship abuse. It's Abuse, for example, is a campaign that was created in Columbus, Ohio, to bring awareness to and help break the silence about relationship abuse. The site features a number of quizzes designed to educate readers on what is and isn't healthy in a relationship. It also has videos to help young people identify between a number of different types of abuse.

The number of teenagers who endure abuse throughout the country is shocking, to say the least. Information from a study commissioned by Liz Claiborne Inc. and conducted by Teenage Research Unlimited in February 2005 shows that one in three teenagers reportedly knows a friend or peer who has been hit, punched, kicked, slapped, choked or physically hurt by their partner. In addition, 13 percent of teenage girls who said they have been in a relationship report being physically hurt or hit.

The figure that's most alarming, however, is that 73 percent of teens surveyed in the study said they would turn to a friend for help, but only 33 percent of those who have been in or known about an abusive relationship said they have told anyone.

In situations of abuse or leading up to it when the signs are recognized, it's best to talk to family or local community leaders. If you're afraid, confused or embarrassed to speak to them, there are alternative places to turn that can help you:

National Domestic Violence Hotline: NDVH.org, or 800-799-SAFE
National Teen Dating Violence Helpline: LoveIsRespect.org, or 866-331-9474
Safe Horizon: SafeHorizon.org, or 800-621-HOPE
It's Abuse: ItsAbuse.com

Check out my blog post on domestic violence: http://lookatthemessyouvemade.blogspot.com/2008/12/domestic-abuse-no-more.html

100th Post!

2009-02-16T04:17:00.007-06:00

It has been a little under 2 months since I decided to start this blog thanks to the suggestion from my career counselor who said this will help me with my goal of someday being an editor for a magazine. She was right and it has been a wonderful experience since that first post on December 18th at 4am.

I want to thank you for coming to my site and commenting as well as being patient with me while my computer was with the Geek Squad at Best Buy! I try my best to give you the most recent news in entertainment, politics and randomness with a little twist. Hopefully you have enjoyed my music and video highlights. If there is anything I can do to improve please tell me so! Subsequently, thank you to my affiliates for helping me get the word out there about my blog. Its been a pleasure learning from you.

To date this site has been viewed 860,459 times so THANK YOU for keeping up with it. We will reach 1 million hits very soon and its because of you! Until the next post, God bless you!

Sincerely,

Art

This is a picture of my friend Justin, myself and my other friend Mike.

"She's Going Through A Tough Time"- Jay-Z

2009-02-16T00:55:00.008-06:00

Jay-Z was interviewed about his his third annual Two Kings dinner with LeBron James during NBA All-Star Weekend on Saturday in Phoenix, Arizona.

“I just think we should all support her,” said the former Island Def Jam president and CEO, who signed the 20-year-old singer to his label in 2004. “She’s going through a tough time. You have to realize she’s a young girl, as well. She’s very young.”

Hov is not taking Chris Brown’s alleged assault on his protégé lightly. “You have to have compassion for others. Just imagine it being your sister or mom and then think about how we should talk about that.” When asked if he’s seen the Barbados beauty since the altercation, Jay-Z said, “I don’t want to go into it.”

Someone in Jay Z's camp had previously spoken about Rihanna’s fight with Chris Brown saying, “Chris is a walking dead man. He messed with the wrong crew.”

That is intense! Not only is his career dead, he soon will be hoping he was too for touching our beloved RiRi.

In related news, Rihanna's father also spoke out about his daughter. When asked about her condition, he said, "There is some bruising. She will be all right. I think so." He also added, "At some point, she will speak out. I hope she will stand up for women all over the world."

On a positive note, Sprite Green, in partnership with LeBron James and Jay-Z, helped donate over 150 instruments to students at the Mesa Arts Academy during NBA All-Star Weekend 2009 in Mesa, Arizona. The athlete and rapper, along with Beyoncé, were treated to a performance by the students at the Music in the Halls event on Saturday.

Freeload: J. Period + Q-Tip, The [Abstract] Best Mixtape

2009-02-16T00:17:00.005-06:00

I wasn't as jazzed on Q-Tip's most recent album The Renaissance as a lot of you guys, but that never stopped me from appreciating dude's ability to continuously make songs that people actually want to listen to. This J. Period mixtape features some classics and some tributes from newer artists like Kid Cudi and Skillz. So when is a Tribe Called Quest getting together?

Click on the CD to get a legal copy from his website. Free is always good but who knew it was life changing?

Artist Hightlight: Lily Allen

2009-02-15T17:29:00.006-06:00

Lily Allen does not give a hoot what you think about her, and that is what makes her new LP It's Not Me, It's You such an amazing CD. I was not really a fan of her first album but this one is a classic. I love that she takes her own route towards finding happiness without selling her soul to a overhyped type of production like auto tune or the "IT" producers like Timbaland or Weezy.

My favorite track off the album is the lead single "The Fear". Rolling Stone said, "The Fear" is a rant about materialism sung in the voice of a would-be starlet. Allen's rich-bitch protagonist just wants to wear "f**kloads of diamonds"; the chorus is meant to be where Allen drives home her big point: "I don't know what's right and what's real anymore/I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore." Check out her video here and pick up her album as soon as you can, you cannot afford not to.

New Lady GaGa Videos!

2009-02-15T17:23:00.003-06:00

Lady GaGa is hard at work at promoting her current LP The Fame which just went gold this weekend. Who says hard work goes without its benefits. Here are two new videos by her. What do you think?

Chris Brown FINALLY speaks!

2009-02-15T16:21:00.002-06:00

After more than a week of silence, alleged girlfriend beater Chris Brown just issued a statement about the incident this past weekend!

He says:
"Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God's help, to emerging a better person. Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and/or reported in the media is wrong. While I would like to be able to talk about this more, until the legal issues are resolved, this is all I can say except that I have not written any messages or made any posts to Facebook, on blogs or any place else. Those posts or writings under my name are frauds."

What do you think?

Friday the 13th Quote...

2009-02-14T16:16:00.000-06:00

"Friday the 13th is a scary movie about a guy who goes around terrorizing young women. The clinical name for someone like that is Chris Brown.”
- Craig Ferguson said on The Late Late Show on Friday night

Lindsay Lohan vs. Ne-Yo!

2009-02-14T05:05:00.009-06:00

Ne-Yo released his demo for the song "Bossy" that Lindsay Lohan released in the summer. It was suprisingly #1 for three weeks on the dance club billboard charts.

Here are both versions, who does a better job?

Ne-Yo's Version:

Lindsay Lohan's Version:

Video Premiere: Lil' Mama & Fanny Pak

2009-02-13T19:01:00.003-06:00

Lil' Mama & Fanny Pak from season two of Americas Best Dance Crew have just released this valentines inspired video for all the ABDC fans out there! What do you think?

NAACP Awards

2009-02-13T04:46:00.007-06:00

The NAACP drew many of Hollywood's biggest names in the entertainment community. This year's events marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of the NAACP and also acknowledged the significance of last month's inauguration of President Barack Obama. "If there had been no N-A-A-C-P, there would be no O-B-A-M-A," Tyler Perry told the crowd at the beginning of the evening. Beyonce's performance, which opened the telecast, included photographs of key people in the civil rights movement as well as Obama.

The drama going into the ceremony involved nominees Chris Brown and Rihanna. Brown is accused in a domestic violent incident that allegedly involves Rihanna. Neither attended the Grammy Awards, as they were scheduled to do Sunday, and neither attended the Image Awards. Rihanna lost in the category of outstanding female artist to Beyonce; Brown, a winner last year, lost to Jamie Foxx in the outstanding male artist category. The biggest awards went to Diddy, Taraji P. Henson, Jennifer Hudson, Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Will.i.am., Beyonce, John Legend, Stevie Wonder, Slumdog Millionaire and the cast of The Secret Life of Bees.

Check out the full list of winnners by clicking here.

Video Premiere: Robin Thicke

2009-02-13T02:45:00.003-06:00

This is Robin Thicke's new video "Dreamworld". What do you think?

Beyonce vs. Kanye West

2009-02-13T00:58:00.006-06:00

No, this is not another domestic disturbance! DJ Kidd just smashed two songs and made it even stronger than before. He took Beyonce's Diva and smashed it with Kanye West's Amazing. Take a listen and tell me what you think.

Single of the Week: Jazmine Sullivan

2009-02-13T00:38:00.004-06:00

Jazmine Sullivan is back with another hit, "Dream Big" is another track produced by Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott. I really love this song and I can't wait to see the video!

Estelle: Star

2009-02-13T00:34:00.003-06:00

This is Estelle's new single "Star". What do you think?

Why is this the #1 song in America?

2009-02-12T05:08:00.006-06:00

This has to be the worst song I have heard in a long time! I cannot believe people actually bought this garbage. Eminem sounds horribly confused, 5o Cent is totally stealing Mase and Lil' Wayne's flow and Dr. Dre sounds bored. The lyrics are so nasty and so disrespectful. What is wrong with America? What do you think?
[Warning: Explicit Lyrics]

Ladies Live at Cherrytree & Soho

2009-02-12T04:26:00.025-06:00

New Single: Kanye West & Lil' Wayne

2009-02-12T04:12:00.005-06:00

"See You In My Nightmares" is Kanye West's third single from his platinum album 808's & Heartbreaks released in December of 2008 and it features Lil' Wayne. The video is being shot this weekend and it features Rihanna as the video girl (she had planned to be in the video way before the incident). This should be a very interesting video seeing that the song is about breaking up with that person who causes you pain.

New Rihanna Single!

2009-02-12T03:30:00.007-06:00

Rihanna is already hard at work trying to forget that ordeal with her ex-boyfriend by getting back in the recording studio as Kanye West suggested. Mario and her produced this demo titled "Emergency Room" which she hopes will be a single in the future for her new album "Dark Angel" out this summer. What do you think? I think this song is totally about Chris Brown.

2009-02-11T23:42:00.004-06:00

Video Premieres!

2009-02-11T18:42:00.002-06:00