Friday, December 28, 2007

Beyonce Poses Topless


Beyonce Knowles poses in a pair of jeans for House of Dereon brand clothing. According to Anythinghollywood.com, Beyonce Knowles knows how to seduce her fans into purchasing her brand, House of Dereon jeans.
It appears topless photos are “in” right now, because just a few weeks after Keira Knightley made her decision to pose topless for Interview Magazine (and a Chanel ad), Beyonce is doing the same. In her new racy ad, Beyonce is wearing a pair of tight jeans, and that’s all.
A source told News of the World, “Bey wanted to show just how seductive the label can be.
” She did a good job. The jeans are quite tight, and have a “squiggly,” which is supposed to be a Fleur-de-Lis (a symbol of the French monarchy), on the back pockets.
Beyonce may not have a single $100 million deal, but her list of endorsements in 2007 alone is enormous: American Express, her Samsung B'Phone, her Armani Diamonds perfume, her appearance in Disneyland's ad campaign as Alice from 'Alice in Wonderland,' her Direct TV ad and her continuing L'Oreal cosmetics contract.
As the face of her own clothing lines run with her family, Dereon, and now Dereon Junior launched in 2007, Beyonce is everywhere and pulling in product-related cash from almost every commodity category.
Her level of exposure, combined with the number, quality and diversity of her endorsement deals makes Beyonce BV's Top Black Celebrity Endorser of 2007.
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Beyonce Nude Mishap - Top Story of 07


The good news for Beyonce Knowles is that sex sells. The bad news is that her breasts are now available for viewing on the internet. Beyonce was simply trying to promote her new clothing line but she inadvertently gave the audience an eye full. This according to a Contact Music report.


It's being billed as an accident, (or is it a wardrobe malfunction?) but it could also be called an ironic way to promote a clothing line by accidentally removing said clothing. It all happened last week when Beyonce took to the stage at a launch party for her clothing line at the Dereon in Toronto, Canada, according to Contact Music.
Hundreds of fans were on hand to witness Beyonce perform and during an a dance routine her blouse reportedly lifted up and exposed her bare breasts to the audience. Video of the mishaps is now making the rounds on the web.
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Friday, December 21, 2007

Omarion On Bow Wow's BET Blowup: 'We Want Our Respect As Men'

Omarion says you shouldn't try to clown him and his partner, Bow Wow.
Everyone is talking about leaked footage from an interview Omarion and Bow did recently for BET's "The Black Carpet." (The uproar was also captured by the cameras following Bow and O for the BET reality series "Road to Platinum.") Bow Wow got upset, ended the interview and walked off with his friend when he felt interviewer Touré was being too much of jokester with the questions.
"Do you take moves from people like Chris Brown?" he asked O. He also pointed out that Lil Wayne's chain is bigger than Bow Wow's. That pretty much sparked it up.
"Don't ask no other disrespectful, stupid-ass questions," Bow said before he got up.
A source close to the "Black Carpet" shoot said the Bow Wow and Omarion interview was a planned prank all along that happened over the summer and that BET informed the duo's label reps of the proposed mischief beforehand. The source also said that the label didn't tell Bow and O because it was supposed to be for a good-natured, "Punk'd"-style show called "Hell Interview." A rep from Sony Music was unable to be reached.
On Tuesday afternoon (December 18) in L.A., fresh from Atlanta doing a show with Bow and Chris Brown at the Philips Arena on Monday, O said there are no grudges, but he and his homie want to be taken seriously.
"Everything is good, man," he said. "You know how it is, sometimes when you're coming up in the game and you as young as we have been, sometimes people think they can — not necessarily push us around, but they feel they can play with us like that. If it had been 50 Cent or Game or any other man who would have stepped up in that interview, it would have went a lot differently. We want our respect, man. We want our respect as men. You don't just throw a man in a spoof interview and disrespect him. You have to respectfully talk to him. We didn't know it was a spoof, but I'm a little bit different when we handle situations. I'm very mild-tempered. I like to think about what I do before I do it. Bow gets upset."
O recently went on another BET program, "106 and Park," and dubbed himself "The King of Dance." He says he has plenty of ammo in his fancy-feet arsenal and knows he will definitely be scrutinized for wearing such a coveted crown, er, jacket — O announced his new title via an embroidered coat.
"It was time for me to claim that spot," he said. "It's gonna be very interesting for me to hold that name down, because I feel like I'm gonna go through something similar like when 'You Got Served' came out. When people saw the film, because it was such a confrontational film and hard-core dance film, I would get ran up in the street like, 'You wanna battle? I wanna battle you.' I felt I wanted to claim [the title]. I'm ready for the challenge. All challengers step up. ... I've been going at it in a professional sense since I was 5. I was a backup dancer at one point for a group that was on RCA. Dancing has been my life and it has been a major part of what I am today. I'mma claim it."
O says he gets a chance to really let loose with his dancing in his and Bow's next video, for "Hey Baby." Their joint LP, Face Off, is in stores now.
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Mary J. Blige Celebrates Growing Pains Release With John Legend, Fabolous, Chingy

Royalty reigned Tuesday night at the Soho Grand Hotel as Mary J. Blige celebrated the release of her eighth studio album, Growing Pains, with Fabolous, John Legend, legendary R&B singer Patti LaBelle and others.
"Wow," Mario marveled at the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul's longevity. "She's staying true to herself, her life, and knowing every day is a new revelation. That's why I'm a fan."
LaBelle and Blige shared a few laughs on the red carpet beforehand while photographers flashed away at the legendary pair's exchange.
Chingy — whose album, Hate It or Love It, was also released Tuesday — was also in attendance. The St. Louis rapper didn't stay long as he had his own album-release event to attend at another New York club, Sol. Before he made his exit, the DTPer extended an invite to everyone.
"Make sure y'all stop by," he shouted.
Tank, J. Holiday and "American Gangster" actor Idris Elba were also in attendance. Tank recalled his first tour experience, with Aaliyah and Ginuwine, as a part of a Blige-headlined tour.
"I'm forever grateful for the experience," he said.
Alicia Keys' producer Kerry "Krucial" Brothers and Melyssa Ford stopped by, and D-Nice manned the turntables at the swank hotel penthouse, which had flat-screen TVs lining the walls.
Blige was all smiles throughout the night.
She arrived shortly after 10 p.m., wearing cream pants and a matching turtleneck and fur coat. Her husband, Kendu Isaacs, escorted her on the red carpet and stayed by her side all night.
Having started her career singing about her pain and heartache, Blige turned more upbeat beginning with 2001's No More Drama and continuing with 2005's The Breakthrough. Though Growing Pains preaches positivity, she said she can still draw plenty of material from her own life.
"As long as I'm not perfect, you're gonna be hearing from me," she said.
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Court allows singer R. Kelly to stay free


A judge on Friday allowed R. Kelly to remain free on bond pending his trial on child pornography charges, even though the R&B singer missed a court appearance this week. Prosecutors had asked that Kelly's bond be revoked because of the missed appearance, which came in the midst of a nine-week concert tour promoting his new album "Double Up."
But Judge Vincent Gaughan of the Cook County District Court ruled that Kelly, a double nominee for the 2008 Grammys whose album sales are in the millions, could remain free while pretrial hearings continue.
Kelly's lawyers had argued he had made all previous court dates and said this week's absence was an accident because his tour bus was delayed by snow in California and was later stopped for speeding in Utah.
Kelly was charged with child pornography in 2002 for allegedly making a video of himself having sex with an under-aged girl. He has denied any wrongdoing.
The trial has been repeatedly delayed by maneuvering over what kinds of testimony could be presented. Gaughan on Friday set a trial date of May 9.
He also ordered Kelly to cancel the last show on his tour -- January 13 in Hampton, Virginia -- so that he will have no trouble making it to court for his next pretrial hearing on January 14.
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Rapper Remy Ma, Universal sued in NY shooting


Rapper Remy Ma "willfully, wantonly and maliciously" shot and critically wounded an acquaintance, a $10 million civil lawsuit filed against her claimed on Friday.

The suit is the latest legal problem for the Grammy-nominated rapper, who also faces criminal charges and up to 25 years in prison for shooting acquaintance Makeda Barnes-Joseph twice in the abdomen after leaving a New York nightclub in July.
Remy Ma, 26, whose real name is Remy Smith, has pleaded innocent to the criminal charges in New York state court.
Barnes-Joseph filed the suit in Manhattan federal court, naming as defendants several of the rapper's recording companies, including Universal Music Group, owned by French media group Vivendi, and Sure Shot Recordings.
The suit claims the music companies encouraged the rapper to engage in violent behavior as part of her image.
Smith's lawyer Ivan Fisher said the lawsuit was "irresponsible" and "looking for the deepest pocket it could find."
Barnes-Joseph suffered severe physical harm and mental anguish following the shooting, which occurred after the rapper accused of her of stealing money that was never found, the suit said.
Remy Ma, a Bronx native, won the Black Entertainment Television award for best female hip-hop artist in 2005.
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DMX back in business with new label deal

After being released from his Sony Music deal earlier this year, rapper DMX has signed a deal with the music division of Canadian online gaming company Bodog Entertainment.

The rapper plans to release his next two albums, "Walk With Me Now" and "You'll Fly With Me Later" in 2008. His lone album for Sony after leaving Def Jam, "Year of the Dog ... Again" was released in 2006 and has sold 329,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Bodog Music recently snagged international distribution rights for the Wu-Tang Clan's comeback album, "8 Diagrams."
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Thursday, December 20, 2007

Judge admonishes R. Kelly for lateness

CHICAGO - R. Kelly avoided arrest Thursday by showing up in court, but the judge presiding over his child pornography case said he'll consider revoking the singer's bond despite his excuse: that police made him late.
Judge Vincent Gaughan said he was "very disappointed" that Kelly, in the midst of a concert tour, failed to show up for a scheduled Wednesday appearance.
Kelly attorney Ed Genson explained his client was tardy because police who pulled over his bus in Utah discovered the log book didn't document enough rest for the driver and ordered it stopped for eight hours.
Gaughan admonished the R&B superstar in court anyway, saying he'll decide Friday whether he should revoke Kelly's bond. The Cook County judge also was to set a trial date Friday.
Kelly is in the midst of a prolonged legal fight after prosecutors say he allegedly videotaped sex acts with a teenage girl. He has pleaded not guilty.
Earlier this week, Kelly canceled a scheduled Thursday night show in Minneapolis. He's next scheduled to perform Friday in Chicago, according to the singer's Web site.
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H&M Links with Rihanna

Paris - H&M and Designers Against AIDS are linking up with a gang of creative types, including Rihanna, Timbaland and Jade Jagger, to create a cotton collection for guys and girls.
The collection, designed by designers, musicians and artists, begins retailing in H&M stores globally in February 2008. The artists – which also included Chicks on Speed, Good Charlotte, Henrik Vibskov, Katharine Hamnett, My Chemical Romance, Rufus Wainwright, Scissor Sisters, The Cardigans, Tiga, and Ziggy Marley - donated their services for free.
Plans are for 25 percent of the proceeds from the collection to go to HIV/AIDS prevention projects around the world. Another key goal in creating the collection – to be named Fashion Against AIDS – is to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS among young people. Twelve million people in the 15 to 24 age group are now infected with the virus.
"Supporting YouthAIDS through the Fashion Against AIDS campaign was a great way to encourage my fans to join me in the fight against HIV/AIDS. I love that H&M is providing a fashionable and easy way for young people all over the world to get involved in this worthy cause," Rihanna said in a release.
Designers Against AIDS (DAA), a non-profit organization that seeks to mold public opinion through joint ventures between fashion designers, musicians and other artists, initiated the venture.
"Fifty percent of the people newly infected with HIV are between the ages of 15 and 24. There is an urgent need to reach this target group. By combining fashion with music we hope to get these young people to 'Stop and Think,' as stated by designer Katharine Hamnett on one of the garments in the collection," said Ninette Murk, founder of DAA.
"Every fifteen seconds someone in the 15-24 age group contracts HIV/AIDS. Shopping has never been more important. Every garment sold makes a difference", added Kate Roberts, the founder of YouthAIDS.
The collection features T-shirts, tank tops and hooded sweaters. All the garments feature an original print, and the neckline label carries the name of the designer.
Some of the prints are subtle and "whisper" the message such as Good Charlotte's design, which includes a young couple under a red umbrella. Other prints raise their voices, including Katharine Hamnett's "Use a Condom!" and "Stop and Think" messaging in big, black, block lettering.
The message behind the campaign is summed up by Henrik Vibskov's print design, which states, "Be aware – it is still happening."
Prices vary from to $12.90 to $34.90. All garments are made from 100 percent certified organic cotton and carry a special hang tag that reads: "This might be the most important piece of clothing you've ever had your hands on."
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T-Pain, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake And More Are Our Favorite R&B Acts Of 2007

Top 10 R&B Acts of 2007















1. T-Pain
So 'hood, so good, Teddy P. was to R&B what Lil Wayne was to rap: a track showstopper whose versatile talent made his guest vocals a must-have for a plethora of artists. His presence was persistent, and while he'll never be heralded among the great voices of all time, you can't forget that the hits came incessantly. Pain's reign saw his computer-enhanced vocals pop up on records by top-of-the-food-chain acts like Kanye West and R. Kelly (twice) as well as street warriors DJ Khaled and Plies.
More importantly, Pain established his songwriting and producing acumen on Chris Brown's "Kiss Kiss," as well as on T-Pain's entire LP, Epiphany, which spawned the smashes "Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin')" and "Bartender."
















2. Beyoncé
B bodied everybody. Her competition had to throw in the towel this year when she established that no one is in her lane when it comes to this thing we call entertainment. B'Day (released in September 2006) continued to sell like Blue Magic on a Harlem, New York, street corner in the 1970s; her Beyoncé Experience tour was sold out across the country (hey, she still deserves a standing ovation for falling down all those stairs in Florida and hopping back up); and those videos ... have mercy! Fans couldn't get enough of "Get Me Bodied," "Irreplaceable" and "Upgrade U."


3. Justin Timberlake
How can the Prince of Pop be on an R&B list? Did you listen to the album? Justin's FutureSex/LoveSounds (released in September 2006) stormed into '07 on the strength of Timbaland's mud-sopped funk, brutal bass and clean synths and Timberlake's suburban-rebel charm. "My Love," "LoveStoned" and "Summer Love" rocked every iPod, stereo player and stadium on his tour. Meanwhile, JT and the SoundScan Killer himself, 50 Cent, hooked up for "Ayo Technology."

4. Akon
He threw a kid offstage, got nasty with an underage girl in a club and probably cost Gwen Stefani a few million in sponsorship money, but alas, Akon remained a worldwide draw. "I Wanna Love You" and "Smack That" carried over from last year, while "Don't Matter," "Mama Africa" and guest spots on records such as DJ Khaled's "We Takin' Over," Plies' "Hypnotized" and Wyclef's "Sweetest Girl" sustained his popularity this year. Plus — and it's a very big plus — his scouting continued to pay off with the overwhelming success of the man he signed to a recording contract, T-Pain. We'll see if new additions to his roster, such as Brooklyn MC Red Café and TLC's Chili, pay off in '08.

5. R. Kelly
"Did she say there was other guys there? Were there other guys therrrrre?" The outlandish writing stayed at a premium for the King of Rhythm and Blues throughout his Double Up LP ("Real Talk," "Sex Planet," "Sweet Tooth," "Same Girl" and its remix) and the new chapters of "Trapped in the Closet." When he stepped outside of his own projects, Kells levied an onslaught of memorable guest spots including Snoop Dogg's "That's That," Young Jeezy's "Go Getta," Ciara's "Promise" remix and Fat Joe's "Make It Rain" remix. Even Michael Jordan didn't win the MVP every year — but that doesn't mean his game wasn't lethal.

6. Rihanna
Rih Rih chopped her curls into a slick bob, ditched the cute singles in exchange for sexy anthems and in the process became a tabloid target and ubiquitous presence on magazine covers. It started with her sexy hit "Umbrella" and the even sexier accompanying visuals that netted her a VMA win for Video of the Year. The Barbadian beauty's rumored romances with Shia LaBeouf and Josh Hartnett made headlines and helped her break away from the pack of teen starlets, putting her in the company of superstars like Beyoncé, Fergie and Gwen Stefani. Her third single, the Ne-Yo duet "Hate That I Love You," helped to showcase Rihanna's maturing vocal chops and proved she's not a one-hit wonder-er-er-er.

7. Alicia Keys
Since her debut, we've watched Miss Keys evolve from Harlem's ghetto songbird, cooing about the pains of love, into a global voice of indignation, raising the spirits of women and rallying against social injustices. She's as likely to fight for the rights of AIDS patients as she is to fight against radio formats. "No One," the lead single from her third album, As I Am, sounds nothing like a top 40 or R&B hit, yet the song has rested comfortably near the top of both charts. Add in the acting credits under her belt, including this year's "The Nanny Diaries," and there's no question about Keys' ability to push the R&B game to even further heights.

8. Chris Brown
One of these days C. Breezy is gonna become the first artist to literally dance his way into people's living rooms. There's no way cameras and TV sets are gonna be able to keep containing the Virginia native's explosive star power at the rate it's rising. Brown released his sophomore album, Exclusive, which features the MJ-esque "Wall to Wall" and the T-Pain-assisted smash "Kiss Kiss." He stole the show at this year's Video Music Awards with his rousing performance. And then he took his act to the big screen with a breakout role in the ensemble cast of "This Christmas." It's time to start watching ya back, Ursh.

9. Ne-Yo
He was great on his tour with R. Kelly ... all two dates of it. Oh well. Despite his differences with the Pied Piper (Ne-Yo alleges he got kicked off the tour because he was upstaging Kelly), everybody else loves the Las Vegas native. He has another platinum certification on his résumé thanks to Because of You, and his reputation as a writer was boosted with Beyoncé's irrevocably dope "Irreplaceable" and his duet with Rihanna, "Hate That I Love You." Still, the perennial overachiever hit us upside the head for good measure with Fabolous' "Make Me Better," a track he co-wrote and on which he sang.

10. Amy Winehouse
Amy, baby! Rich with throwback soul and lyrics so real that many of them have replayed themselves in tabloid headlines, Winehouse's Back to Black may just be the R&B album of the year. The British songstress had everything in place: The artistically bountiful music (from a chick whose personality came across as real as any MC from the 'hood) was rewarded with multiple Grammy nominations, critical coos and a platinum plaque.
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