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Day-26.com reports that the title of Day26's second album will be "Forever in a Day" and that the first single from the album will be "Imma Put It On Her" featuring Diddy and Yung Joc. I've confirmed both of these details with a source at the label.
Bad Boy, Gorilla Zoe and Day26 are now on Twitter. All accounts have been confirmed as official with Bad Boy's marketing department.
The Making His Band MySpace page has an updated FAQ, including the song list (subject to change), that they'll be using for auditions.
Aubrey O'Day spoke with MTV News, declaring that she "would never say no" to a Danity Kane reunion.
Despite the fact that she's pursuing her own career as a solo artist, O'Day would never turn down the chance to get onstage with her old bandmates. "I have so much respect for that situation, if there was ever interest in me coming back ... and making music with the girls, I would never say no to something like that."
She also indicated that she had not been invited back for the latest episodes of Making the Band 4.
I think that this ship has sailed.
Via Hollyscoop.
Times Online reports that Diddy tried to sign VV Brown, a singer from the UK.
As previously reported, Janelle Monae will be supporting No Doubt on their tour this summer. On her blog, she posted some of the dates that she'll be playing at, with more to come.
Check out a video blog from Willie of Day26 below. In it, he talks about how they are working on finishing up the album and working with Bryan-Michael Cox and Jermaine Dupri. Willie and Cox mention that they have also worked with Ne-Yo, Jazze Pha, Blaze and C Major.
Thanks to BBB reader Brandan for the tip.
Check out a pair of clips from Gorilla Zoe's listening party at the Atlanta Zoo on February 25. At the event, Zoe played tracks from his upcoming second album, "Don't Feed Da Animals." He also shared some features and producers. Here are the tracks he mentioned by name:
"[Something] Gorilla" featuring JC (I'm not 100% sure what he said before Gorilla, sounded like "Italian" almost, but I'm not sure how much sense that makes). Update: It's called "Untamed.".
"What It Is" featuring Rick Ross and Kollosus. He even said that Kollosus is on the single, despite what was previously reported. At this stage, I have no idea.
"Dope Boy"
"Lost"
"I'm Dumb"
"S*** On"
"Man I"
"Talk Back" featuring Roxy Reynolds.
"Sick of You"
"Echo"
DJBooth.net has a new track from Gorilla Zoe, "I Like Them Girls." They say it was released on a mixtape in December, but it has now made his upcoming album, "Don't Feed Da Animals." It was produced by Drumma Boy.
Check out the video below for footage from Dawn, in the studio. She's listening to a record by her called "Train Wreck."
On tonight's episode of Making the Band 4, Diddy met with Aundrea and Dawn, after their final efforts to contact Shannon, Aubrey and D. Woods. Aubrey and D. Woods did not return their calls or e-mails and Shannon refused to meet on camera. And so, Diddy told the remain two that he would reach out to the attorneys of the 3 girls to make their exit official.
While Dawn and Aundrea want to continue with a new third member, Diddy asked them to think about how things would be different if there was a next iteration of the group - an idea that he admitted required some additional consideration, to decide if he was really on board with it, given the stress that the first Danity Kane lineup caused.
Making the Band 4 is tonight at 9 PM. I'll be on Twitter, talking live about the show with my friend Anthony from Bad Boy's New Media department. For more details, please see the initial post on the subject.
Here are Bad Boy's positions on the most recent Billboard U.S. album and single charts, released today. "Lost" continues the upward trend, jumping 10 spots on the Hot 100.
Albums
The Billboard 200
99. "Notorious: Music From and Inspired by The Original Motion Picture" by Various Artists (down from 83).
Billboard Comprehensive Albums
105. "Notorious: Music From and Inspired by The Original Motion Picture" by Various Artists (down from 87).
Top Soundtracks
6. "Notorious: Music From and Inspired by The Original Motion Picture" by Various Artists (unchanged).
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums
27. "Notorious: Music From and Inspired by The Original Motion Picture" by Various Artists (down from 20).
72. "Day26" by Day26 (down from 69).
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The video also features cameos by Aasim (fairly certain, the video is a little sketchy quality wise), track and field star Sanya Richards, T.I. and Cedric the Entertainer.
Thanks Theo.
The second single from Gorilla Zoe's "Don't Feed Da Animals" will be "What It Is," featuring Rick Ross. I just wanted to confirm this, given the Kollosus version that had been circulating.
Following up on the video interview that Ryan Leslie did with Vlad TV, Essence Magazine has a quick interview where Mr. Leslie again touches on his past relationship with Cassie and confirms that he and Cassie were dating at one point.
ESSENCE.COM: Speaking of muses, was Cassie your real-life "Diamond Girl?"
LESLIE: Yeah, she definitely is.
He goes on to explain that, with celebrities, their personal lives sometimes are made into entertainment for people and that his personal life is his. I'm definitely on board with that sentiment, but I just wanted to pass along his comments from the interview.
Via Solonge.
BallerStatus.com has an interview with Jadakiss. They asked him about Mark Curry's book and Diddy's business ethics. Somewhat surprisingly, Jadakiss pretty much shut Curry down, saying that how Diddy conducts business is normal and even admitting that how The Lox conducted theirs, i.e. through the radio, was not the way to approach a business situation.
BallerStatus.com: Yeah, [Curry wrote] about Diddy and his ethics of business. I know in the past, you and The LOX were vocal about business with Diddy. What do you think about Mark Curry's accusations that he's made?
Jadakiss: Every artist is different. Every individual is different. That might be how he feel at the moment. We were very vocal about the publishing thing, which helped us out a little. Maybe it didn't help us out, but we just got hot headed and lost our cool a little because that ain't really the way to conduct business over the airwaves and we were able to work it out with Diddy. Maybe he got some different issues, maybe he feel some kind of way, or maybe he don't feel no way at all and just felt like doing a book since he never got to put out an album and that's how that went down.
BallerStatus.com: Do you think his business ethics are bad?
Jadakiss: Diddy learned from somebody else. Now that I'm grown and understand the game, I can't really be mad at what he learned. This business was here 100 years before Diddy became a CEO. He makes his business and his contracts beneficial for him, which there's nothing wrong with that. If you conducting business and you got the right lawyers that's telling you to write what these contracts are saying, at the end of the day, when you're signing any contract it should be beneficial for you. But if you're just blind to the fact and you're just happy to be down with Bad Boy like [The LOX] was 'cause it was so hot, we just signed some sh** we didn't really look at 'til two, three years later. And this is happening today. There's going to be a bunch of people making books like Mark Curry. There's going to be a bunch of more people riffing with label heads about publishing and money that's owed to them, so that's going to always go on, because if you don't pay attention, it's really on you. He can't do nothing contractually that you didn't agree to.
Hip hop is sort of an alternate reality. If you sign a contract that is beneficial to you (which is the aim of signing a contract in the first place, as Jadakiss says) and you execute that contract, you can be vilified, you are a "paperwork gangster." As if handling your business like a responsible person is a bad thing.
Sometimes, what isn't recognized is the investment that labels make when they sign an artist, the money that is put out. Some artists make good; most don't. Does anyone get up in arms because the label didn't see a return on it's investment? Then, why would you get up in arms if the label purchased the rights to someones work and the work did well? You can't have it both ways, you can't be on both sides.
Business, good business, is making moves that put the business in a position to be successful. That goes for everyone. At the core is this simple fact: people take the best offer they have at the time. When The Lox signed their contract, they didn't think "wow, this is a bad deal, let's sign it." No, they thought "this is a great deal, we should take it." Maybe they had ill founded notions, maybe they were wrong, maybe they didn't do their own due diligence.
But, if The Lox hadn't been successful (and a part of their success was Bad Boy and Diddy and that propelled them to enjoy the success they enjoy, to this day), Bad Boy would have lost money. Would there have been a "Let Bad Boy Go" or "Give Bad Boy Back Their Money" campaign? No, of course not. Bad Boy entered into a contract with them and, for better or for worse, they were tied to The Lox. That's just the way it is.
Berlinista reports that DJ HELL's new album, "Teufelswerk," will feature a collaboration with Diddy titled "The DJ." The track is described as a "freestyle jack-track and future single." The album will be released on April 27.
Previously, Lil' Cease had released "Talk Go Through Us, a track featuring Fabolous that sampled Biggie for the chorus.
An extended version has been released with a short intro from Lil' Cease and D-Roc and a third verse from Busta Rhymes.
Over at the Making His Band MySpace page, they have posted a logo for the show and an FAQ for those interested in participating. If you are interested in auditioning, here are the audition dates.
There are a pair of new tracks on Gorilla Zoe's MySpace. They are "Too Much" and "Just Joog."
According to her MySpace, Dawn Richard of Danity Kane is featured in the March 2009 issue of Hype Hair Magazine. She's posted two scans from the issue.
Even though it is not a Bad Boy release, I wanted to mention that "Energy God: The Very Best of Elephant Man" was released today. It's an Elephant Man greatest hits compilation put out by VP Records.
See past posts for the track listing, DVD track listing and online clips.
In an interview with Vlad TV, Ryan Leslie talked about his relationship with Cassie and his feelings about her and Diddy. He doesn't really go into any specifics, but you can tell that he definitely feels a certain way and things aren't great between them right now. Otherwise, he would have said that.
You may have heard that Xzibit, as a guest on Sirius Satellite Radio's The Foxxhole, made some remarks about partying with Diddy and how, after Diddy's party had ended, they all headed to another club - the three main characters in the story being Diddy, Xzibit and Karrine Steffans.
Once in this club, he says: "... [Karrine] point over in the corner, it's two dudes kissing. You know what I'm saying? I'm like... the f*** is this? You know what I'm saying? So, I'm like OK, then there's girls in the club, too. And then she point in the other direction, it's another dude over there like butt a** naked dancing."
Host: "Fonzworth Bentley. [Background laughter]."
Xzibit: "You know what I'm saying? We take off, man. You know what I'm saying? We leave the club directly. I didn't say peace to nobody, I didn't see nobody."
Host: "So, you're saying ... the club was pretty gay?"
Xzibit: "It was suspect. Lotta suspect. You can chalk it up to being in Miami or whatever. But, I've been in a gang of clubs, man, and I ain't never mistakenly stepped into a club having that kind of activity."
Of course, people have run with this. No surprise there. I saw the story and took a pass because, honestly, I felt it was just Xzibit talking a little recklessly and there really was no story there.
The reason I mention it now is that Xzibit has come out and issued a statement on his MySpace page. In the statement, he blames journalists, hip hop sites and bloggers for twisting his words.
"All this SPIN that you journalist are putting on the statements I made on a radio show to DIRECTLY effect a guy in a manor not intended is wrong," he writes.
He says that Diddy called him and told me that the name of the club was Space, "I believe." This could be it.
He goes on further to say that "... a bigger problem I see is the negative stance these hip hop sites and blog sites are taking when speaking of gay people in general. I do NOT like to spread hate and make it a point not to do so, so this is not the way I intended this interview to unfold."
Admirable sentiments. Here's the problem: the person at fault most here is Xzibit. He made statements that were irresponsible, that gave the impression of what has been reported. He played with the audience, the hosts, and laughed along with them. He's the one who said the club was "suspect." Suspect of what? Of being gay? How can he now come out and play this card?
There's no doubt that various websites and online publications have taken his words and run with them and twisted them. But, at the heart of it is the fact that he did make statements that were taken in this manner and that is no one's fault, but his own. Xzibit has always seemed like a really cool guy to me, so I was surprised when I first heard them and disappointed in Xzibit. But, even though these outlets have trumped up his words, the greatest responsibility, right now, lies with him and he has taken the easy way out, by blaming everyone else, and accepting none of that responsibility.
We're going to try something a little different for next Thursday's episode of Making the Band 4 on February 26 at 9 PM ET. We're going to do a live chat on the microblogging service Twitter. If you're not familiar with it, check it out and give this video a watch. It's free to sign up.
On Twitter, people can talk back and forth by sending what are called @ (at) messages. When you want to send something to someone, you start your message with @username. So, for example, Bad Boy Blog is badboyblog on Twitter. So, if you want to send a message to us on Twitter, you start your message (or Tweet) with @badboyblog.
Twitter also has a tagging system allowing you to group messages all into one strand based on the tag. We are going to use the tag #mtb4. So, during the chat, please add #mtb4 somewhere in every Tweet that you send concerning the show. You can track it via Twitter search and TweetChat.
I'll be participating with the badboyblog account and I've arranged for us to be joined by a special guest, my friend Anthony Violante who works in the new media marketing department at Bad Boy. His account is thisisanthony.
The fun will start at 8:45 PM ET. Please log on at that point and join the TweetChat room. The chat will run all through the show, as we'll chat as things happen, and it'll end at 10:15 PM ET, as we'll do a little post-show chat, as well.
Just as a general reminder, please be sure to keep it at a respectful level toward everyone involved in the chat and the show, including Bad Boy and it's artists. Anything that is outside of that category will be ignored.
With that out of the way, I look forward to talking to you then!
AceShowBiz.com has a new track from Day26, called "Put It on Her."
John Robinson of Digital Music News reports on the growth of Gorilla Zoe's "Lost" online, in spite of the lack of support it has received from traditional radio.
Via SOHH.com.
A new song from Day26's Robert Curry has been leaked online. It's called "Sexual Tension."
Suzanne Kayian of LiveDaily reports that Janelle Monae will support No Doubt on their upcoming tour.
No Doubt's upcoming tour will stop at amphitheaters and arenas in the US and Canada. Paramore will support on all dates, and the The Sounds, Janelle Monae and Bedouin Soundclash will rotate through the opening slot. Tour dates and on sale information will be announced soon.
Bill Dowd at examiner.com reports on a pair of Ciroc specialty drinks that were created for the Elton John AIDS Foundation's gala dinner, last Sunday.
Diageo's Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka was used to create the "Ciroc Chic," and "Simply Scrumptious" drinks to be served at the custom designed Ciroc Ice Bar. The first is vodka mixed with pomegranate and pineapple juices, served in a chilled martini glass garnished with a lemon twist. The second is a mix of vodka, lemon juice, pear nectar and Cointreau, garnished with cinnamon.
According to a flier posted on her MySpace, Dawn Richard of Danity Kane will be appearing in Charlotte, NC on February 28. She'll be at The Grape South Park at 4300 Sharon Road.
Here's the album cover for the Elephant Man greatest hits compilation due out on Tuesday, "Energy God: The Very Best of Elephant Man."
The full track listing had been released previously, but FYE has the track listing for the DVD portion of the release, as well as clips of all of the album tracks that you can listen to, right now. This includes:
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Check out the video below. The song that plays is a rough version of a new Dream track, including Jordan McCoy. It's not the finished version and it still has to be mixed. It also isn't the first official single. But, for those waiting to hear something from them, check it out.
Check out the video below for a radio interview of The-Dream. At 7:01, he talks really quickly about working on Diddy's upcoming album, "Last Train to Paris." He says that he gave Diddy "the best male record I've written. Probably the best record I've written overall."
Thanks to BBB reader Brandan for the tip.
DJBooth.net has an interview with Yung Joc. In the article, Joc says nothing of his next album not being released on Bad Boy and the article says that it will be released on Swagg Team/Bad Boy/Atlantic, but the author does not give a source for this information.
DJ Booth: What’s up is, it’s a brand new year, so we had to get you inside the Booth. I need to know, though, Hustlenomics dropped in August of 2007 – have you just been vacationing for a year and a half? Tell everybody what you’ve been up to.
Yung Joc: I never stopped working, man! Let’s be real, and start the interview off the best way we can possibly start it off: we’re gonna be honest with it. Okay, everybody knows that Hustlenomics wasn’t the classic album I would’ve liked it to be, it didn’t perform as well as I would’ve liked it to, okay, great – we all make mistakes, we all fall down sometimes, but the part that people respect the most is when you can get back up, get back on your grind, and do it all over again and make some noise again. That’s what it’s all about, so to ask me, where have I been have I been vacationing, hell no! I’ve been workin’. I’ve been workin’ on my third album, Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood. [In] 2008, I turned my whole situation around. It was crazy; after Hustlenomics dropped, nobody called me right away like, “Hey man, I want you on a record.” It was like, “Hey, I don’t know about Joc, man; I think he fell off.” I turned right around in 2008 – if you take the time to look at it, for the whole year, I was on three top 10 singles.
DJ Booth: You were honest with me; you said Hustlenomics did not meet the commercial standards set by its predecessor, of course your debut, New Joc City. Specifically, what do you think happened?
Yung Joc: I’m gonna be honest, man, I’m gonna tell you the truth: it’s what it is. When I came to the table with my first album, I peaked my first album. I didn’t do it by myself – it was a collective effort – but I came to the table with “It’s Goin’ Down” and “I Know You See It” and “Dope Boy Magic.” Those were three singles off my album. I came to the table, before I signed, before I did any business dealings with Bad Boy, Atlantic, Block Entertainment, or anybody. Come around on the second go, certain people came in – I’m not gonna say names, but they know who they are – like “Nah, I wanna do this now, ‘cause you did that already, and people want something new,” and I was like, “I don’t know, I want people to hear this, I want people to hear that,” and they were like, “We’re gonna do it this way,” and I’m just like, “A’ight.” I’m gonna be honest, I’m gonna tell you the truth: I wasn’t happy with the project.
A bulletin from Donnie Klang's MySpace announced that he would be appearing at Club 10 in West Palm Beach, Florida tonight. It's located at 150 Australian Avenue.
Gorilla Zoe's imeem! mentioned that he was featured in Black Men Magazine. It's unclear what issue he is featured in.
Updating a previous report, the audition locations for the upcoming Diddy/MTV show, "Making His Band," have been announced.
Through "Making His Band," Diddy will be putting together a group of people to back him up on tour - guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, drummers and backup singers, both male and female.
Here are the audition locations and dates. At each venue, the auditions begin at 10:00 AM local time with the line beginning at 7 AM.
LOS ANGELES: Saturday, March 7, 2009
CENTERSTAGING
3400 Winona Ave.
Burbank, CA 91504
CHICAGO: Saturday, March 14, 2009
AVILA
720 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60610
DETROIT: Saturday, March 21, 2009
MUSIC HALL - Center for Performing Arts
350 Madison
Detroit, MI 48226
NEW YORK: Saturday, March 28, 2009
S.I.R. REHEARSAL STUDIOS
520 West 25th St. (Between 10th & 11th Ave)
New York, NY 10001
You must be 18 or older and bring valid I.D. If you are auditioning for a spot on guitar or bass, they want you to bring your instruments. If you are a drummer, bring your sticks. And, if you play keyboard or sing, you don't need to bring anything.
Finally, the show has launched a MySpace page. Good luck to anyone who auditions.
Fresh off the presses, following up on MTV's exclusive look at "Last Train to Paris."
DIDDY ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM:
“LAST TRAIN TO PARIS” ARRIVES IN STORES ON SEPTEMBER 22ND
Sean "Diddy" Combs has revealed new details of his sixth LP. The album, entitled "LAST TRAIN TO PARIS,” is slated to arrive on September 22nd. The LP features what Combs describes as electro-hip hop soul funk – welcoming in an unexpected mixture of sight and sound. "I'm ushering in a new movement called 'train music'," says Combs. "LAST TRAIN TO PARIS” is Diddy's follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2007 release, “PRESS PLAY."
"‘LAST TRAIN TO PARIS’ is deeper than any of the other stuff I have ever made. It’s a profound love story. It’s me with my shades off. It’s the truth." says Combs. Diddy is collaborating with hit-making producers The Dream, Tricky, The Neptunes, Mario Winans, T-Pain and Rodney Jerkins.
"I've been a businessman for the past two years. It’s time for me to focus on being an artist again,” explains Combs. “I am going to show the world a new refreshing side of me. Get on or get off!"
For the past 16 years, Sean “Diddy” Combs has used his artistic vision and entrepreneurial drive to capture and express the sentiments of a generation. As a producer and a performer, he not only created a new musical genre of hip-hop soul, but also catapulted the music and style of African-American youth into the American mainstream. Today, as founder and CEO of Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group, Diddy oversees one of the world’s preeminent urban companies, encompassing a broad range of businesses, including recording, music publishing, artist management, television and film production, fashion, and restaurants.
In recent years, Diddy has added Broadway actor, marathon runner, and fragrance producer to his ever-growing list of accomplishments. He was named one of the most influential business people in the world by Time magazine and CNN.
Having sold 75 million records worldwide, Diddy has left an indelible mark on pop culture.
MTV News' Shaheem Reid has an exclusive on Diddy's upcoming album, "Last Train to Paris."
It'll be a concept album, a love story. The release will be accompanied by a short film, starring Diddy, with production beginning in May. The release date for the album is September 22. And though it will be either by Diddy or by "Diddy as...," the album will not just be Diddy as a solo artist. He's assembling a group that will consist and him and two girls.
"One of the things, I wanna give you that's not out there yet is that it's not me as a solo artist," Diddy told Reid. "It's a group I put together; myself and two girls. Two young ladies, you may know them or you may not. It's almost like some back-in-the-day Loose Ends-type sh--. We're going to be telling the story of Last Train to Paris."
Diddy also revealed some of the people that he will be collaborating with, on the production side. He named The-Dream, Tricky Stewart, Rodney Jerkins, The Hitmen, T-Pain, Mario Winans and The Neptunes.
In the article, Diddy talks more about the story that will play out with the album and also what he is looking for, in the film. It also features quotes from Pharrell Williams.
Here are Bad Boy's positions on the most recent Billboard U.S. album and single charts, released today. Day26 returns thanks to Making the Band 4, while "Lost" maintains it's slow, steady growth, reaching new highs on several charts.
Albums
The Billboard 200
83. "Notorious: Music From and Inspired by The Original Motion Picture" by Various Artists (down from 62).
Billboard Comprehensive Albums
87. "Notorious: Music From and Inspired by The Original Motion Picture" by Various Artists (down from 63).
Top Pop Catalog
44. "Ready to Die" by The Notorious B.I.G. (down from 32).
Top Soundtracks
6. "Notorious: Music From and Inspired by The Original Motion Picture" by Various Artists (down from 5).
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Mix engineer Ken Lewis is working on Marina Chello's upcoming debut album, "What's Done is Done." On his blog, he mentions two of the tracks he's been working on, "Circular" and "Not Myself." "Circular" was written and produced by Brandon Beal.
Lewis feels that "Circular" will be a single and mentions that a snippet of "Not Myself" will probably be on Chello's MySpace in the next week.
Check out a new track from Elephant Man, "Tip Up," in our audio player.
Dawn Richard's MySpace has a flier for an appearance in Colorado Springs, Colorado on February 20. It'll be at Sodo.
On T.D.'s MySpace, you can listen to a remix to his track, "Going Off '09" that featuers Peedi Crakk, Cyessero and Ness.
Thanks Theo.
Diddy announced on his Twitter that he's shooting a cover for Mixmag with dance DJ Felix Da Housecat.
Gorilla Zoe is featured on Jay Rock's "All My Life." The Game and Busta Rhymes are also featured on the track. Listen at HipHopDX.
Why are they wearing the same clothes and with the same backdrop as when they announced the "By Request" series? Wasn't it supposed to be by request? I hope they didn't record multiple songs at once.
Here is the single cover for Marina Chello's new single, "Sideline."
The track is available on iTunes today, along with "What's Done is Done."
The Daily Mirror has an interesting interview with Biggie's mom, Voletta Wallace.
"He said, 'Mumma, this great, magnificent man is going to make me a millionaire. I'm going to rap.
"He's going to turn my life around for ever - and his name is Puffy.
"I looked at him and said, 'What kind of a name is that? Have you lost your senses? That's just ridiculous. He'd better be good... and he was."
Fans across the world treasure Notorious B.I.G.'s iconic songs, but his mum admits she still prefers country singer Dolly Parton.
The Times has an interview with Biggie's son, C.J. Wallace.
Christopher Jordan Wallace has a problem. The 12-year-old child actor, the son of the Brooklyn rap legend the late Biggie Smalls (aka Notorious B.I.G, aka Christopher Wallace), is more than just his father's child. “I don't want to be known as ‘Little Biggie'!” he says, wearily. “It's nice that I have a famous father, and that I get a reputation through him, but I don't want people saying: ‘Hey there goes Biggie's son, that's Biggie's son!' It's, like, no, my friends call me C.J.”
Via Celebrity Baby Blog.
Singer Lady Gaga told Metro that her trademark Versace sunglasses had been stolen during her current tour with the Pussycat Dolls. She's offering the fans that turns them in an opportunity to star in her next music video. She refers to them as her "Biggie Smalls Versace glasses," due to Biggie's affinity for Versace.
TheMoodieReport.com reports that Diageo, Ciroc's parent company, announced solid earnings for the second half of 2008.
In North America the worsening economic environment has increasingly hit consumer demand. While US spirits’ industry volume growth has slowed, Diageo maintained its 30.4% share of the market. Spirits net sales grew +8% as a result of +3% volume growth and price increases. This was driven by the performance of Smirnoff, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal and Ciroc in the US and strong growth across spirits brands in Canada.
"Vixen" a Day26 track that we shared yesterday does not feature Sean Garrett, as originally reported. The singer, producer and songwriter had nothing to do with the track, according to a source at Bad Boy.
Furthermore, the track was a demo that "apparently" had been stolen. Here at Bad Boy Blog, we only accept audio from legitimate sources, such as record serving agencies. The Franchise Record Pool, a record pool that we subscribe to, posted the track over the weekend, and that is how we attained it and why we posted it. They had credited it as Day26 featuring Sean Garrett. Upon request from the source, I have pulled the track from our audio player and I apologize for the error in the initial report.
Check out our audio player for a new track from Day26. It's "Vixen" featuring Sean Garrett. Please let me know what you think about it, in the comments.
Update: I have pulled the track, pursuant to a request from someone at Bad Boy. Sean Garrett is not featured on this track. Please read more.
The Observer reports:
Sales of Ciroc - a French grape-based vodka invented by Diageo six years ago - trebled during the second half of 2008, thanks to [Diddy's] involvement as brand ambassador.
Congrats to Diddy and everyone working on Ciroc.
Diddy confirmed to Extra that he's been working with actor turned rapper Joaquin Phoenix in the studio. Check out the video below (starting at 0:44).
This comes after rumors of a hoax and Phoenix himself confirming plans to work with Diddy.
XXLmag.com reports on Diddy's recent appearance on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Diddy mentioned that he had signed up for a new comedy. "I can't announce who it's with," he said. "But it's with some definitely comedy heavy hitters."
Hollyscoop has an interview with D. Woods on the break up of Danity Kane.
Hollyscoop: You have so many fans that wanted to see Danity Kane back together, is that how you feel also? How does looking back at the experience make you feel now?
D. Woods: "I feel like everything happens for a reason, it came to an end when it needed to. There was a lot of outstanding issues and obviously that was the only way it could be resolved. And I know that I did my very best in the situation. I added to the group in the way that, I knew how to be a group member. I provided us with choreographers, with management, song writing, and everything that I could. But if your services are not being appreciated you gotta take it elsewhere."
Yesterday, on Valentine's Day, Jordan McCoy called some of the fans that had called her SayNow number. She taped video of the calls being made, with them on speaker phone, and posted them online. Check it out below. BBB reader Adam is mentioned at the very end of the third one.
On February 10, I had mentioned how Jordan McCoy's dog Buster was suffering from a fatal spinal cord infection. On her blog, Jordan shares some dramatically good news, as she reports that, after a blood report, it's been determined that Buster will be fine as long as he remains on medication. That's good to hear.
According to her MySpace page, the title of Marina Chello's upcoming debut album will be "What's Done is Done."
Thanks to BBB reader Bryant for the tip.
Mirror.co.uk has an interview with Derek Luke, while The Guardian spoke with Jamal "Gravy" Wooldard for a feature titled "Become Notorious BIG in 10 easy steps!"
From the press release:
'mktg,' (NASDAQ: CMKG) a leader in alternative media and marketing services, has announced that Louis Marino has been appointed Executive Creative Director. Marino joins 'mktg' from Bad Boy Entertainment Worldwide, where he was VP of Creative Services, Executive Creative Director.
In Mr. Marino's new role as Executive Creative Director, he will oversee the creative studio in NYC and work with the Creative Directors throughout 'mktg''s offices to establish a company-wide platform and creative services that encompass both an online and off-line offering, as well as traditional and non-traditional executions.
"I am very excited about joining 'mktg' as Executive Creative Director," says Marino. "I share the same creative process as the 'mktg' team and feel my extensive experience developing and creating brands will help 'mktg' achieve optimal results for the firm and its clients."
While at Bad Boy Entertainment Worldwide, Marino created all imaging, design, packaging and branding (TV, web and print) for the Sean John clothing line, fragrances and also Ciroc Vodka through a full partnership with Diageo. Prior to that, he was VP of Creative Services for Island Def Jam Records, where he facilitated all imaging, design and branding for artists such as Mariah Carey, Jay-Z, The Killers and Fall Out Boy. He has been an Art Director and Designer for distinguished companies, such as Grey Advertising and The New Yorker Magazine.
Here is a press release relating to Diddy and "A Raisin in the Sun" being honored at the NAACP Image Awards.
SEAN COMBS NABS TWO NAACP IMAGE AWARDS FOR
THE ACCLAIMED FILM ADAPTATION “A RAISIN IN THE SUN”
-- MUSIC MOGUL AND “RAISIN” EXECUTIVE PRODUCER WINS FIRST TV ACTOR TROPHY,
WHILE FILM EARNS BEST TELEVISION MOVIE/DRAMATIC SPECIAL --
NEW YORK, N.Y (February 13, 2009) — Sean “Diddy” Combs, the acclaimed music mogul, record producer, fashion designer, multi-platinum Grammy winning artist and Broadway sensation can now add award-winning television actor and producer to his long list of accolades. Combs who starred in and executive produced the special three-hour movie adaptation of “A Raisin in the Sun” earned two NAACP Image Awards last night at the 40th annual show, nabbing “Best Actor In a Television Movie, Miniseries or Dramatic Special” as well as a producer honors when “Raisin” picked up the award for “Best Television Movie, Miniseries or Dramatic Special.” His co-star Phylicia Rashad also won for “Best Actress in a Television Movie, Miniseries or Dramatic Special”
These wins cap a stellar award season run for “Raisin” which also previously earned three Emmy Award nominations and a Golden Globe nod, following a record setting Broadway revival. Reprising the role of Walter Lee, Jr. which brought him critical acclaim during the Broadway run, Combs delivered an exceptional performance for the television movie which marked his first role as a leading man on film. In addition, Combs also served as Executive Producer along with legendary film and Broadway producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, who collectively made the film the highest rated TV movie among women for the season, garnering more than 12 million viewers.
"Raisin has been an incredible journey for me and I am honored to be recognized for my work by the NAACP and the entire film and television community,” said Combs. “We were blessed to have an exceptional cast and crew and the wonderful words of Lorraine Hansberry to speak and inspire us. I am so proud to have been involved with the production both in front of and behind the camera, and to remain a part of Raisin’s continued successes.”
Following up previous reports, Katey Rich of CinemaBlend.com shares her experience interview Joaquin Phoenix, who is currently on a promotional tour for the film, "Two Lovers."
... we indulged him in his desire to talk about rapping, and maybe because of that, we got more out of him than Letterman did. He was talkative, almost friendly, admitting he's planning to collaborate with Diddy and talking about his plans for dance songs, even "sexy songs," on his rap album. He mentioned how much he hates promoting films, which we had pretty much guessed, but also trashed acting in general, saying that talking about your emotional connection to your character is just something you say "when you're trying to get nominated."
The article goes on to detail Casey Affleck's insistence that Phoenix is genuine. Affleck, Phoenix's brother-in-law, is filming him as part of a documentary on the actor's transition into music.
We we reported previously, "A Raisin in the Sun" had collected 7 nominations in 4 categories in the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards. They were in the following categories:
Outstanding Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
"A Raisin in The Sun" (ABC)
Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
Sean Combs – "A Raisin in The Sun" (ABC)
Sean Patrick Thomas – "A Raisin in The Sun" (ABC)
Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
Audra McDonald – "A Raisin in The Sun" (ABC)
Phylicia Rashad – "A Raisin in The Sun" (ABC)
Sanaa Lathan – "A Raisin in The Sun" (ABC)
Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture (Theatrical or Television)
Paris Qualles – "A Raisin In The Sun" (ABC)
The awards were last night and "A Raisin in the Sun" collected 3 victories, sweeping the television movie, mini-series or dramatic special categories.
The film itself won in the "Outstanding Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special" category, Diddy collected the "Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special" award and Phylicia Rashad was the "Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special." Congratulations to everyone involved.
Dawn Richard (of Danity Kane) is featured in the 50th issue of KING Magazine, hitting newsstands on February 24. Here are some details on the feature:
Dawn Richard
“MISS INDEPENDENT”
With Danity Kane’s future in jeopardy like Alex Trebek, songbird Dawn Richard has the answers for staying power: sexy strips and male manipulation. We’ll take “Better Off Solo” for $1,000!
According to her MySpace, Dawn Richard will be hosting a party at Club Vinyl in Denver, Colorado on February 19. It's located at 1082 Broadway.
Update: The audition locations have been announced.
On the season premiere of Making the Band 4, Diddy announced that they are now in pre-production on a brand new show called "Making His Band." He gave the URL of makinghisband.mtv.com. From the site:
Do you want to go on tour with Diddy? He's recording his final album, "Last Train to Paris," he's looking for an all-star band to back him up on tour, and YOU could be a part of it!
They will be holding auditions, in March, in Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit and New York City.
On the season premiere of Making the Band 4, Diddy announced that the making of his next album, due out in September of this year, will be featured on the show. He also revealed a title, "Last Train to Paris."
Here are Bad Boy's positions on the most recent Billboard U.S. album and single charts, released today. Gorilla Zoe's "Lost" continues to move up.
Albums
The Billboard 200
62. "Notorious: Music From and Inspired by The Original Motion Picture" by Various Artists (down from 24).
Billboard Comprehensive Albums
63. "Notorious: Music From and Inspired by The Original Motion Picture" by Various Artists (down from 25).
Top Pop Catalog
44. "Ready to Die" by The Notorious B.I.G. (down from 32).
Top Soundtracks
5. "Notorious: Music From and Inspired by The Original Motion Picture" by Various Artists (unchanged).
»
Read More
According to his MySpace, Diddy will be on Access Hollywood tonight on NBC at 7:30 PM ET. He'll be on with Rodney Jerkins.
The New York Post has a comment from a Diddy rep on Mark Curry's book, "Dancing With the Devil."
"This is a work of fiction, filled with lies, written by a disgruntled former artist ... He was properly credited for the two songs he wrote and never produced any other material worthy of release by Bad Boy."
In my post about the book, I mentioned that Curry had co-written 4 songs released on Diddy albums, that he had not appeared on, in addition to "Come With Me," from the "Godzilla" movie soundtrack. So, it is a bit unclear which songs are the two songs the rep was referring to and why there is only two. I'll see if I can find out.
Via HipHopDX.
We have a pair of new Yung Joc tracks in the audio player. They are "Wham" featuring Nitti and Slim of 112 and "Well Damn" featuring Nitti.
I just wanted to share this clip, from the personal site of Bad Boy A&R Daniel "Skid" Mitchell. It's of Brian, in the studio, working on the new album. A clip of a track is played in the background.
Day26's new website has launched. It's a fairly typical Ning community, powered by the popular turnkey social network provider.
On Ness' MySpace, you can check out a new track called "BarackNess Monsta." There may be a couple of other tracks in his audio player that I haven't mentioned previously, as well. Namely, "Greater Later" and "They Like It They Love It."
Mike Tunnicliffe at AdvertisingAge reported, in January, that Janelle Monae would be featured in "Open Happiness," as part of Coca-Cola's partnership with Warner Music Group, the parent company of Bad Boy's parent, Atlantic Records.
Monae appears alongside Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy, Travis McCoy of Gym Glass Heroes, Brandon Urie of Panic At the Disco and Cee-Lo Green of Gnarls Barkley. It will be released online in March and will be featured in television ads in more than 100 countries. Along with this, Tunnicliffe notes, the artists will be mentioned on billions of cans of the drink.
While AdvertisingAge cites a source that indicates that both Atlantic and Coke will share in the profits, publishing rights to the song will be owned by Coca-Cola, who has pledged some of the proceeds to it's "Live Positively" program.
It's not immediately clear if this is an official remix or not, but a remix to "Brooklyn Go Hard" by Jay-Z featuring Santogold, Wayne Wonder and Foxy Brown has been added to our audio player.
Day26's "By Request" has been launched. Basically, you can suggest a song to Day26 and have them sing it and be selected as their fan of the week. It's unclear where the fan of the week will be featured.
Check out the video below for a preview (at the end) of Gorilla Zoe's "Talk Back," featuring Roxy Reynolds. It's an album cut from "Don't Feed Da Animals." Warning: a lot of questionable content in this video.
Earlier this month, Jordan McCoy revealed that her dog, Zoe, was seriously ill. Now, Jordan's dog Buster has contracted an infection in a spinal bone, that cannot be operated on. For anyone that has had a pet that they loved, this is very sad news. Our thoughts are with them, at this time.
Day26's second album has been pushed back to April 14, according to the label.
Here is the single cover for Day26's new song, "Stadium Music."
According to a message from the Bad Boy Records e-mail newsletter, Day 26's "Stadium Music" will be the theme song when "Making the Band 4" resumes on Thursday. The song will be released on iTunes on February 10.
DJ Seani B commented to let us know that the "Biggie Smalls Small 5 Minute Mix" is online now at the 1Xtra website. They have some other features, as well, such as artists of today (like Diddy, Akon and Ciara) talking about Biggie, so check that out.
The download will only be up for 7 days. When I tried to download or play it, it didn't work - I am guessing you must be in the UK for this. Or, at least, not in the US, where I am. Sorry folks!
In the video below below, Diddy talks about the word profound and his new album - it closes with a call out to all artists, producers, song writers, photographers and directors, "... if you want to help Diddy take things to a new profound level." If you qualify, the statement then invites you to send "tracks or ideas" to dirtymoneylogi [at] gmail [dot] com.
Yesterday, we shared "So Soon," a new track from Donnie Klang. BBB reader Curtis asked: "Do you know who produced it?"
Some people online had been claiming it was produced by The Young Boyz, who produced "Pick It Up" on Donnie's first album. I reached out to them to confirm this and they did, in fact, produce it. Donnie wrote the song, as well.
They stressed that they didn't intentionally release the record and that the version that is out now is not the finished or final version. Donnie Klang expressed a similar sentiment in his recent video blog, saying that he was disappointed that it had leaked.
Donnie Klang has launched a new YouTube channel under the "donniebrazco23 username. His first post is a video blog where he gives us an update on where he is right now. He wants to self title his next album, if he can, and of course, he wants to have more of his own material on it.
Unfortunately, neither Janelle Monae nor Elephant Man came away with a Grammy tonight at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards. In the "Best Urban/Alternative Performance" category, "Be OK" by Chrisette Michele featuring will.i.am took home the honors, over Janelle's "Many Moons." And, in the "Best Reggae Album" category, Burning Spear's "Jah Is Real" won, when "Let's Get Physical" by Elephant Man, was also nominated. Disappointing, but being nominated shouldn't be taken lightly, either. Congrats again to Janelle and Ele.
The Jamaica Observer spoke with Elephant Man about his Grammy nomination, "Let's Get Physical," the untimely passing of dancer Ice, among other subjects.
Elephant Man indicates in the interview that he had a one album deal with Bad Boy. Now that the album has gone through it's promotional cycle, so to speak, it seems as though his commitment to the label has now ended.
The [Grammy] nod was unexpected, he admits, but he gives props to music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs, on whose Bad Boy label Let's Get Physical was released in April 2008.
"[Working with Diddy] was okay, it was just the one album we had planned to do, and now it's nominated for a Grammy so we feel overwhelmed to know that something major came out of it. I think it's also the only album from the Bad Boy camp nominated for a Grammy this year," says Elephant Man.
And though their working partnership has come to an end for now, Elé has nothing but high praises for his former boss.
"Well, Diddy is a very easy-going person. Him ever on the move, always on the run. He's a workaholic, and that's what I like most about him; his work ethic and attitude is very strong," the deejay emphasises, while pointing out that he's pleased with the success of the album. "It's a very good feeling to log onto the net and see over 2 million people listening to the songs, and see the fans showing love. The album might not have sold millions and billions but I love represent for the dancehall and please the fans."
I have reached out to someone at the label for comment and confirmation on this story.
Meanwhile, The Gleaner has a quick interview with Ele on the Grammy awards, as well.
You can listen to a new a new track from Donnie Klang, "So Soon," in our audio player. Please let me know what you think about it, in the comments.
ArjanWrites.com shares audio from producer Jim Jonsin's BMI panel, before the Grammys. In the clip, he discusses the creation of "Lollipop," and how it was created when Danity Kane asked for another "Showstopper," which Jonsin also produced.
1Xtra DJ Seani B was kind enough to reply to my inquiry, sharing that the "Biggie Smalls Small 5 Minute Mix" will premier today on the station and will be available on their website tomorrow. It is part of 1Xtra's "Notorious Week," in commemoration of the release of the "Notorious" film in the UK. For more, see our earlier report.
The AP has a report from Clive Davis' annual pre-Grammy party. They mention:
Diddy got the often staid crowd on their feet with a moving rendition of his tribute to the slain Notorious B.I.G., "I'll Be Missing You," with Biggie's widow, singer Faith Evans, and a gospel choir.
On her MySpace page, Aubrey O'Day has posted a statement about the Danity Kane experience and the fallout, in an effort to, in her words, "finally put my thoughts of DK to rest."
The video below was posted on Gorilla Zoe's fitness YouTube channel and it's a funny clip of Diddy filming what would seem to be a Diddy blog or some sort of video for YouTube, during the time he was in Tampa for the Super Bowl. The timing of it is probably pretty close to the studio clip that Royce da 5'9" released.
Anyway, there's a lot of Bad Boy talk a few jokes thrown around, so check it out. Warning: some vulgarities.
HipHopDX reported, on January 20, that Yung Joc's third album was going to be released by his Swagg Team imprint on Jive Records.
Yung Joc's MySpace currently lists his record label as "Swagg Team/Block Entertainment/Bad Boy South."
Right now, I am going to take this with a grain of salt. A request for official comment was not immediately returned.
MTV News' Jocelyn Vena spoke with Day26 on their upcoming sophomore album and what should be expected of it.
"While recording our first album and putting it out, we realized we didn't cater to the club as much as we needed to," Will Taylor said. "So this album, we're just dedicated to tearing the club walls down. The album is going to be ridiculous. We're going to show you the true Day26." ...
The band will take the reins a bit more on this album, due in April, but will still get some help from old friends like Mario Winans. "We do a lot of stuff ourselves. ... Last time, we didn't get nothing, zero," McCluney said. "But this album, we got a couple songs."
The article has more, but check out the clip below for short clips of "Beauty's a B****" and "Remix."
MTV News' Shaheem Reid reports that Juelz Santana rented out a movie theater in New York, in order to watch it and invite some friends.
"I wanted to rent it out and invite everybody to come out and enjoy it," Santana said. "I know it's gonna be a memorable movie they will go see on their own. But I know it's gonna be memorable if we could see it together and have a good time. This is what I can give back. I owe this to Big. I ain't never got to do too much for Big. If you really go back to our Diplomat history, Biggie would be the start of it. Cam would have been Biggie's first artist — people didn't know that. If Big was still here, he would have been involved in our situation. It would have been crazy. Big was that n---a. Big is that n---a."
MTV News' Shaheem Reid reports that Jamie Foxx's new single, "Blame It," was originally intended to be a Yung Joc single. Joc has been featured on the remix and extended remix of the track.
Check out the UK website for "Notorious.". It is mostly the same as the US version, but there are some small differences, like an extra desktop wallpaper.
Radio Today reports that BBC Radio's 1Xtra will play host to "Notorious Week," in honor of the UK release of "Notorious" on February 13. It begins on Sunday.
Throughout the week, the station will have interviews with cast members, reviews of the film, various tributes, an interview with Biggie's mom, a Biggie quiz will two DJs will square off and a special program that will feature tracks that were sampled in Biggie tracks.
Finally, DJ Seani B will release a "Biggie Smalls Small 5 Minute Mix" which can be downloaded from the BBC website this weekend. Neither the station's website or nor the Seani B section of it appear to have the track as of this moment. I've reached out to the show to try to find out when and where it will be going up.
Independent.ie has a feature on Biggie, talking about his legacy.
Meanwhile, The Independent (an entirely different publication) has an interview with Biggie's mom, Voletta Wallace.
Estee Lauder has reported a second quarter profit decline:
Estee Lauder’s net income fell 30 percent to $158 million, or 80 cents a share, in the three months through Dec. 31 from $224.4 million, or $1.14, a year earlier. Analysts estimated profit of 77 cents, the average of 12 projections compiled by Bloomberg, after Estee Lauder said on Jan. 16 profit would range from 75 cents to 82 cents. ...
Revenue declined 13 percent to $2.04 billion, hurt by a consumer-spending slowdown at department stores and in air travel, which affects duty-free shopping, the company said in the statement. Ten analysts predicted revenue of $2.03 billion.
Sean John is part of the Estee Lauder portfolio of designer fragrances. In a filing, they state:
Second Quarter Fiscal 2009 as Compared with Second Quarter Fiscal 2008 ...
Net sales of fragrance products decreased 20%, or $105.5 million, to $415.0 million. This decline was largely due to lower sales of designer fragrances, of which approximately $59 million was attributable to DKNY Be Delicious, Sean John Unforgivable, DKNY Red Delicious Women, Sean John Unforgivable Woman and certain Tommy Hilfiger fragrances. ...
Six Months Fiscal 2009 as Compared with Six Months Fiscal 2008 ...
Net sales of fragrance products decreased 11%, or $90.7 million, to $742.8 million. This decline was largely due to lower sales of designer fragrances, of which approximately $91 million was attributable to Sean John Unforgivable, DKNY Be Delicious, DKNY Red Delicious Women, Donna Karan Cashmere Mist, Sean John Unforgivable Woman and certain Tommy Hilfiger fragrances. ...
ArjanWrites.com has an interview with Janelle Monae. Listen to it below.
Luke O'Neil of The Boston Glove has a feature on Bond, a new restaurant and lounge in Boston. They have a cocktail they call the "Cleveland." The article describes it in this paragraph:
The Sawbuck (Grey Goose La Poire, lime juice, ginger syrup, basil leaf), with its tingly spice and fruity pear punch, and the Cleveland (Ciroc vodka, Godiva White Chocolate and Dark Chocolate liqueurs) with grape-tickled ropes of rich chocolate decadence are both worth a try.
Entertainment Tonight has a few quotes from Diddy on acting and on his appearance on "CSI: Miami." The clip from the episode, that they have on their site, is the same one that I posted previously, but when it is over, there is a short interview clip with Diddy, as well.
According to her MySpace, Dawn Richard of Danity Kane will be hosting a pre-Grammy party tonight in Hollywood, CA. It'll be at IVAR, located at 1643 Ivar Avenue.
Neon Limelight reports that Janelle Monae will perform at the Essence Music Festival, which runs from July 3-5 in New Orleans. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.
undercover.com.au reports that Janelle Monae will be performing at Stubb's in Austin, Texas on March 18, during the South by Southwest (SXSW) Music and Media Conference.
I actually will be in town for the Interactive portion of SXSW, which runs from March 13 through 17, as I have a book reading for "Managing Online Forums." But, I will be flying out on March 18, unfortunately.
South Florida Caribbean News reports that Elephant Man is on the list of performers slated for "Best of the Best Concert 2009." It's a 10 hour event that's being held on May 24 at Bicentennial Park in Miami, Florida. The park is located at 1075 Biscayne Boulevard. Other acts on the bill include T-Pain, DJ Khaled, Beenie Man and more. You can buy tickets on their website.
Donnie Klang and Day26's Will Taylor are quoted in a press release promoting an upcoming workshop and showcase from Ankh Ra, the vocal coach featured on Making the Band 4.
Through his teaching and coaching style, Ankh Ra's appeal and influence on many people has earned him the title, "The Vocal Guru". Donnie Klang, Bad Boy Recording Artist declared to Ankh Ra, "Years from now, I will still be inspired by you....what you've shown me in the last couple of months has helped me in many ways. Your tough critiques have brought me up to a place where I have the extra energy to put into my work." Willie Taylor, from R& B group Day 26 exclaimed, "You have really made me a better singer, and performer!"
The second single from Gorilla Zoe's upcoming release, "Don't Feed Da Animals," will be "What It Is," according to a source at the label.
This episode will air on February 9 on CBS. AceShowBiz.com reports that this episode is titled "Presumed Guilty and that the second episode that will feature Diddy is called "Sink or Swim" and is set to air on March 2.
There's a new version of Gorilla Zoe's "What It Is." This one features rapper Kollosus, alongside Rick Ross, who was featured on a previously released version. You can listen to both versions in our audio player. Which one do you prefer?
New York Times' fragrance expert Chandler Burr has written a review of "I Am King." Overall, it's a very positive review.
Perhaps the best Fresh Neon masculine since Mugler Cologne, I Am King has the perfectly calibrated accessibility of Light Blue for Women and deserves to be a massive hit. No detergent, no tin can, no cliché, King is as irresistible as a great pop hook. Marketing people often use the obnoxious word “addictive.” This is, finally, that.
... The fresh-fruit lusciousness floods the senses, floats on the skin. Audacious. Inventive. And olfactorily impressive.
Via Cityfile.
The Independent has a feature on "Notorious," including an interview with Jamal "Gravy" Woolard.
... it was only a matter of time before B.I.G's story would make it onto the big screen. His rags-to-riches tale has been well-documented over the years, and it's no surprise that Hollywood executives have been tripping over themselves to secure the film rights to the story of how a former drug dealer gave a messianic hope to hip-hop. Some have even likened his career to Barack Obama's achievement in becoming the first black president. "B.I.G was our Shakespeare," explains Jamal Woolard, the 33-year-old fellow Brooklyn rapper who landed the lead role in the film. "He gave us hope, he gave us faith, he gave us dreams. Like Martin Luther King Jr and Obama. He meant a lot for the community."
The January 31 issue of Billboard contained this fun fact: the soundtrack for "Notorious" was the first soundtrack to reach number 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart since November 2002 - which is when "Bad Boys II: The Soundtrack," also released by Bad Boy Records, accomplished the same feat. So, in the last 6 years and 3 months, there have only been two soundtracks that have reached the top of the chart - and they were both released by Bad Boy.
Not exactly earth shattering news, as Bad Boy writers work with Bad Boy artists frequently, but in the January 31 issue of Billboard magazine, there is a small feature on Bad Boy songwriter Makeba Riddick and it notes that "in the coming weeks," she will "return to the studio with Sean "Diddy" Combs."
Here are Bad Boy's positions on the most recent Billboard U.S. album and single charts, released today. As the "Notorious" effect wares off, Gorilla Zoe's "Lost" moves up a little more.
Albums
The Billboard 200
24. "Notorious: Music From and Inspired by The Original Motion Picture" by Various Artists (down from 9).
Billboard Comprehensive Albums
25. "Notorious: Music From and Inspired by The Original Motion Picture" by Various Artists (down from 9).
200. "Ready to Die" by The Notorious B.I.G. (down from 125).
Top Pop Catalog
32. "Ready to Die" by The Notorious B.I.G. (down from 14).
49. "Greatest Hits" by The Notorious B.I.G. (down from 24).
Top Soundtracks
5. "Notorious: Music From and Inspired by The Original Motion Picture" by Various Artists (down from 2).
»
Read More
Check out a new episode of DiddyTV below, where Diddy introduces famed photographer Terry Richardson (warning: his website contains content, such as nudity, that is not appropriate for all audiences and, likewise, the video contains profanity).
In the video, Richardson revealed that he's doing some work with Diddy, coming in September. September is when Diddy's album is supposedly coming out. Perhaps Richardson is going to be shooting, at least, some of the album artwork? Just a guess.
MTV News' Jocelyn Vena spoke with Dawn Richard, of Danity Kane, on Cassie's upcoming project that Dawn is writing for. Check out the article for full details, but here is one excerpt:
Richard admits that "Puff is on some 007 lockdown" so she can't say too much about the project, but added, "He's trying me on some things [on the album]. You never know with Puff. You'll be singing the whole thing and the song comes out and it's another girl. I can't say anything definitely, but I like being in this situation right now."
Via TheCelebrityCafe.com.
The show airs tonight at 9 PM ET on MTV.
Via SOHH.com.
Jordan McCoy mentions on her blog that her dog, Zoe, has been dealing with a brain disease and chemotherapy during the last three years. Zoe's medicine was changed on Tuesday, leading to some unfortunate side effects. Jordan has asked that fans keep Zoe in their prayers. I'll keep her in my thoughts.
As an aside, Jordan mentioned that because of this, Acoustic Tuesday, her weekly acoustic cover video series, would be put on hold, but that there would be a new video today (Wednesday).
I just thought this was a fun clip of Diddy and Royce fooling around. Warning, though: explicit content.
Here's the video for the second single from the "Notorious" soundtrack, "Letter to B.I.G." by Jadakiss featuring Faith Evans.
It's a cool video. I like it. It would have been cool if they had everyone who Jadakiss mentioned.
MTV News' Shaheem Reid spoke with Diddy on the state of hip hop and his upcoming album.
"Right now, I'm working on my record, and it'll be out in the end of summer," he told us recently in NYC. "It's feeling good. It's different. I'm creating a new sound. It doesn't sound like anybody else's stuff out there. With that comes a risk. I'm excited about the risk. I do have a beef a little bit with the game right now. I think hip-hop has lost its risk-taking quality. Everybody goes to the comfort zone. It doesn't have that risk anymore. You're not like, 'What is that?' when you hear that record anymore." ...
"People have figured out the formula when they make records for radio, and DJs ain't DJs no more," he declared. "DJs don't break records no more. DJs don't play album cuts. DJs play what is going to move the crowd. DJs, they don't expose you to the newness. That was the DJs' thing. Hip-hop is in a recession also. It's not dead, it's definitely way better than where it was at, as far as with 'Ye, T.I. and with Jeezy. It's so much great stuff out there, the responsibility has to come with the DJs. I'm about to call the DJs out. 'Cause they are the future, and they gotta step it up. I can't keep turning on the radio no matter where I'm at and can't tell who's who.
"DJs used to have a style," Puff continued. "The hottest DJ in the game right now is Q-Tip. That right there is a DJ playing, taking you on a mind-travelling experience. Playing something and you're like, 'What's that?' "
Lil' Cease has a new track called "Talk Go Through Us" that features Fabolous and samples Biggie for the hook. Check it out at XXLmag.com.
"Go Easy," Elephant Man's latest, can be heard in our audio player.
MTV News' Jayson Rodriguez caught up with Diddy, on his Steelers winning the Super Bowl.
“I’ve been a Steelers fan since Mean Joe Greene gave the little boy the jersey,” Diddy wrote, referencing the classic Coca-Cola commercial from the ’70s starring Pittsburgh’s former defense legend. “And I always will be. It’s a great day to be a Steelers fan. From Obama to the Steelers. It don’t get better than this.”
MTV News' Jayson Rodriguez spoke with producers Sean C. and LV on the secretive nature of the development of Jay-Z's last album, "American Gangster." Diddy worked with the duo, introducing Jay-Z to the tracks that made up the foundation of the album, which is nominated for a Grammy award.
Despite what the article says, however, Sean C. and LV are not managed by Bad Boy.
Warning: explicit content.
Toward the end of the video, what Diddy is referencing is Royce's YouTube channel ImNaS***FoolTV.
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