Janet Jackson Dishes On New Project & Love For Kendrick Lamar
Janet Jackson is working on a new project. Woot! Nope, she didn't let her brand new (secret) marriage and recent muslim conversion halt her music career.
She told Billboard on the anniversary of her janet album yesterday about her new project, the artists she's feeling, and how she feels about being two decades in with one of the most iconic albums (7x platinum) of all time.
May 18 marks the 20th anniversary of "janet." How would you describe what that album captures about your life at that time?
I can’t believe it is already 20 years! I always write my music based on what is going on in my life at the time. I wanted to allow people in... I want my fans to really know me. The ‘janet’ album was sexual and I was beginning to really discover that side of me.
There are musical references and direct samples of janet. songs all over the place now, most notably on Kendrick Lamar's "Poetic Justice." Have you heard most of these re-interpretations (Moon Boots' "Sugar," which samples "If," How To Dress Well's cover of "Again," MNEK's "That's The Way Love Goes" etc?) And how does it feel to see your work have such impact on new artists?
I have listened to the music that is out there and I love Kendrick’s "Poetic Justice." There are artists, true performers that have come before me who have been a big inspiration to me. I hope I do the same for others.
Several of the songs on janet. and their accompanying videos were groundbreaking at the time for their overt sexuality. Why was it so important for you to express that part of yourself in your work, and how did you convince others around you at the time to let you take those risks?
Like I said before, I write about my experiences or things that touch me deeply. I was really beginning to get in tune with my sexual self. This is what I wanted to express so I did. The decision to move forward in an artistic way is mine. I didn’t need to convince anyone.
The videos and tour for "janet." featured some iconic choreography from Tina Landon, most notably on 'If.' Do you have a favorite dance or video from that period?
Tina Landon and Omar Lopez choreographed "If". I love "That’s The Way Love Goes," "You Want This" and especially "If." I don’t think people really realize what we were showing in that video that wasn’t available with technology then. The video featured futuristic technology, specifically high definition touch screens. I wanted the actors in the video to use these screens to communicate, and relate with each other in the clubs. Similar to what we all do with our smart phones and tablets today. As I look at our lives now, it seems that life is imitating art. I have seen different elements from all of these videos in lots of artists work and it’s a great feeling to know that you have inspired them in such a way.
Many artists cite you as a role model and a huge influence on their career and image. Which artists today do you admire?
I'm flattered that other artists consider me a role model. I’m really enjoying what Bruno Mars and Adele are doing, a lot of artistry there.
And she says about releasing her first project since 2008's Discipline:
“I am working on a new project now. We are creating the concept and initial thoughts on the music. I am excited about the direction we are taking. I don’t want to rush it… I don’t want to put a time constraint on the creative process.”
We'll be (impatiently) waiting....
The Celebs Hit The "Fast & Furious 6" Hollywood Premiere!
The cast and their celeb friends came out for for the premiere and afterparty for Universal Pictures' "Fast & Furious 6" premiere at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Hollywood.
Co-stars Ludacris and Tyrese hit their Fast 6 premiere with friends in tow.
Tyrese used the carpet for some pub and brought his music acts out--Ginuwine and Tank from TGT and Lyndriette Kristal Smith, his new artist he's mentoring it seems. He's brought her on many-a-carpets lately. And we all know how the mentee/mentor relationship usually ends up. Mmmhmmm....
Ludacris brought his fab girlfriend Eudoxie out as his date as she rocked a white hot dress.
And he remained the gentleman as he gave her his coat at the afterparty. Awww.
Amber Rose and Wiz Khalifa made an understated appearance at the premiere.
2 Chainz rocked all white and hit the carpet, then performed at the afterparty.
Rocsi Diaz kept it colorful in this cute multi-print cocktail dress by Clover Canyon and orange platform Jimmy Choo sandals.
"BBW LA" hottie Gloria Govan showed off some major cleavage (and that's either double sided tape or nipple piercings under that sheer top) with her NBA baller hubby Matt Barnes.
At the afterparty:
Actor/rapper Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges, actress Gal Gadot and actor/producer Vin Diesel posed it up.
The fellas had some fun.
And Vin Diesel kept it swexy.
Fast 6 hits theaters TODAY!
Skylar Diggins Gifted With A Benz As A Graduation Gift From Jay-Z
Last month, Jay-Z and his Roc Nation Sports agency swiped up Weezy’s college basketball crush Skylar Diggins as one of their new talents, and it seems as though they are treating her very well. After Skylar received her degree from Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business this weekend, she was gifted with a brand spanking new Mercedes Benz and a handwritten note from Jay.
She shared a photo of the new whip, still wrapped in a bow, on her Instagram with the caption:
Got surprised with a new mercedes! Thanks so much to Jay and @rocnation, and @dancyautogroup!
Very fitting for the Roc’s future big money-maker. Back in December, Roc Nation also gifted Rihanna with a $160,000 Porsche.
Must be nice.
Now that she’s graduated, Skylar will officially begin her pro-basketball career with the Tulsa Shock. Her first regular-season game is scheduled on May 27.
Spotted.: Drake Sports An Afro, LisaRaye Is Bikini Fresh + More Celebs Out & About
Drake sports a fro and a Members Only jacket has he films a guest appearance on the set of Will Ferrell’s Anchorman 2, currently filming in New York City. He isn’t the only rapper to film for the comedy, Kanye West is also set to appear in the film in theaters this summer.
Actress LisaRaye shows off her bikini body with a bathroom selfie,clad in her signature color white, she confirms that her hit VH1 show, ‘Single Ladies’ is currently filming season three in Atlanta.
Zoe Saldana posed for photogs in a black high-low gown and strappy sandals at the ‘Life Is Amazing’ event at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France.
Basketball Wives star Tami Roman and rapper Warren G. joined forces with the Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach for the ‘Celebrity Prom Pop Up Shop.’ The event was held to give away dresses, suits and makeovers to less fortunate students.
Warren G posed with councilman and friend at the celebrity event.
Diddy’s three daughters,D’Lila Star, Jessie James and Chance had trampoline fun!
FUN TIMES!
Dwyane Wade & Hip Hop Artist Lecrae Launch National Fatherhood Challenge
Grammy award winning hip hop artist Lecrae and NBA superstar basketball player Dwyane Wade team up and launch a National Campaign “This Is Fatherhood.”
“This is Fatherhood” main goal is to restore America’s commitment to fatherhood. Creating better environments for our children and their future and teaching fathers to engage more with their children, regardless if the father lives in the home or not. “This is Fatherhood” will help us raise more successful children.
Become part of a movement, lead by example and create history with the nation’s first ever fatherhood challenge. The campaign kicked off this week with the nation’s first ever “Fatherhood Challenge”, where contestants can submit a song, photo, video or an essay that answers the question, “What does fatherhood mean to me.”
Participants will compete for cash prizes and a trip to Washington D.C.
For more details visit This is Fatherhood
Kordell Stewart CHANGED THE LOCKS On Porsha!!
Well I guess former NFL player, Kordell Stewart thinks he till playing football, and wants to lockout out his soon to be ex-wife Porsha Stewart.
According to Porsha, things have gotten so bad that Kordell has changed the locks on that ass and left her out in the cold.
According to TMZ:
According to docs, filed in family court in Georgia, Porsha claims Kordell has locked her out of their residence on multiple occasions … and she had to have her lawyer beg Kordell’s people for a key.
Sources close to the situation tell us Kordell isn’t playing ball — and hasn’t forked over a key.
But there’s more … according to the docs, Porsha tried to work things out with Kordell in a mediation session, but she claims he blew the whole thing off … and called it a “waste of everyone’s time.”
Porsha wants a judge to force Kordell to either allow her to use the house … or pay her enough cash so she can get a “suitable alternative residence.”
Sources tell us Porsha is currently living with her mom in ATL — guess she feels it’s just not a “suitable residence” for a grown woman.”
Well Kordell has now responded to the claims. According to legal documents obtained by HipHollywood, Stewart went on to clarify that he changed the locks after the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star abandoned the residence on April 2.
“(Porsha) established a routine of leaving (the) pre-marital residence without explanation and without consideration of the detrimental effects such behavior would have on the parties’ marriage, and (Kordell’s) nine year old son,” the Civil Action File states before revealing that Stewart also notified Williams via text message reading;
“Hey reaching out not knowing who may or may not have keys to the house at this point, I was concerned for our safety so I changed the locks on the house. If and when you need to get in give me a heads up so you can get in.”
Since experiencing the abrupt changes at her former estate, Williams has reportedly resorted to staying with her mother. The former couple currently have a temporary hearing scheduled for June 10.
Thoughts?
Mannie Fresh Recalls Kanye West Wanting A Deal At Cash Money
Mannie Fresh explains how he and West have different work practices. Fresh adds that his work with Mystikal will "mysteriously come out.
Mannie Fresh has known Kanye West a long time, even before West became a bona fide producer nearly a decade ago. "He actually came to Cash Money looking for a deal," Mannie Fresh says in an interview with DJ Vlad. "I've been knowing him since then."
Fresh and West met when West was working with rapper Mikkey Halsted, whom Cash Money eventually signed. At the time, West was without production equipment, so Fresh says he lent the Chicagoan his. "This was my first introduction to him," says Fresh, who considers West one of the great producers. "The only thing I could say is that it was a blessing because he came back and looked back. Without knowing him, I just felt like he was a good dude and lent him some equipment or whatever to do what he had to do and he never forgot about it."
Earlier this year, Fresh signed a song deal with West.
Though they are both producers, Fresh says that he and West have different work practices. "I'm better at being in a studio with somebody than sending them beats," as West often does, Fresh says. "That's just not really my thing, but everybody's so used to that, so that's the standard. I'm more of like, 'Hey, dude, let me get in the studio and let's see what we come up with.'"
As for his work with Mystikal, Fresh says that the material the two recorded will not come out on Mystikal's forthcoming Young Money Records album, but that they will "mysteriously come out."
Chris Brown Receives Multiple Death Threats
Chris Brown manages to perform at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards despite receiving numerous death threats.
The misfortunes of Virginia crooner Chris Brown continue to mount as news of various death threats the singer has received have begun to surface. According to TMZ, Brown’s lawyer, Mark Geragos, received a number of anonymous phone calls at his office threatening the singer’s life.
Specifics on the nature of the threats remain scarce, but were taken “very seriously” by Brown’s lawyer.
Authorities were immediately contacted by Geragos and the threats are currently being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Geragos previously represented Brown during both the arrest and trial that stemmed from his 2009 assault on fellow singer and former girlfriend Rihanna.
Despite news of the death threats, the singer still managed to perform at The Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas and even went on to send a handful of Tweets following his performance.
Mario Announces New Single With Nicki Minaj, “Somebody Else”
Mario is on his way back with new music. As he gears up for the release of his upcoming fifth studio album, the 26-year-old singer recruits Nicki Minaj for a brand new single, titled “Somebody Else.”
In a handwritten note to fans, Mario says that he’s changed so much as a man, artist, and creator; and he hopes that the Polow Da Don-produced track breathes new life into R&B and where he’s going to take it:
Nothing can explain the excitement in my heart at this point & time in my life. I have changed so much as a man, artist, & creator, and I realize more and more everyday that it’s not about me. It’s about me doing what GOD wants me to do; change the world with my GIFT.
I drop my new single “Somebody Else” ft. Nicki Minaj, produced by Polow Da Don, on iTunes. I hope this new song breathes new life into R&B and where I’m gonna take it! I want to thank you all for your patience… the wait is over!!
The song is on iTunes on now
Toya & Memphitz, Lil Wayne & Dhea Attend Reginae Carter’s 8th Grade Graduation
Reginae Carter is on her way to high school, and her parents, Lil Wayne and Toya Wright, were in attendance to watch her graduate from 8th grade this week. Toya’s husband Memphitz and Wayne’s girlfriend Dhea were on hand for Nae’s exciting day, along with Birdman, Mack Maine, and more of their family and friends.
Reginae posed alongside her mom who wrote; “I’m so proud of my angel. Honor Roll student on her way to highschool. Beauty and Brains. #proudmama”
And was all smiles along with her mom and grandmothers Nita - and Wayne’s mom Miss Cita.
She was snapped with her dad and Mack Maine.
Toya posed with her mom, and her hubby.
Memphitz, Toya, Wayne and Dhea all lean in to show Nae some love.
And they were joined by Birdman and his son Bryan Jr. and daughter Bria.
Congrats Reginae!
Kerry Washington Gives Commencement Address At Her Alma Mater GWU
After graduating from GWU with a degree in Theater back in 1998, the "Scandal" star brought her new found Hollywood power back to her alma mater this morning to deliver the commencement address. She tweeted:
So honored and truly humbled to be giving the commencement address at George Washington University
Oh, and we can now call her Dr. Washington. Before her speech, Kerry received an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the University!
She was spotted talking to graduates and students afterwards around campus. And from what we hear, she had everyone star struck.
WORK KERRY!
Model Demands DNA Test for Mason Disick
Model demands DNA test to prove he is the father of Kourtney Kardashian's son Mason.
Michael Girgenti says he had a one-night stand with Kourtney Kardashian and insists he is the father of her son Mason. Here, Michael makes a final plea for a DNA test to prove he’s Mason’s dad – not Scott Disick, as Kourtney has claimed. Pick up this week’s issue of Star, on newsstands now, for more details!
Jennifer Lopez Creeping with Marc Anthony?
With her boy toy Casper Smart in LA Jennifer Lopez and her ex husband Marc Anthony shack up at the same hotel in New York.
Should Casper Smart be worried?
Jennifer Lopez just can’t seem to stay away from her ex-husband, Marc Anthony. While her boy toy boyfriend was out in Los Angeles choreographing her American Idol performance, JLo stayed behind in NYC with her ex, RadarOnline.com has learned, even staying at the same hotel!
In town for the NuvoTV up fronts, JLo shacked up at Marc’s fave spot, ironically named The Mark. Her boyfriend was back in Los Angeles, but her ex was in town for the Telemundo up fronts, and stayed at the Upper East Side spot as well, according to a source.
“She previously stayed at The London, so it definitely seemed suspicious,” an insider tells RadarOnline.com exclusively. “The London is almost two miles closer to where the up fronts are, so it seemed like she was just staying at The Mark to be closer to Mark.”
And while the former spouses were too busy to organize any public time together this week, they have a history of secret rendezvous at that hotel.
Back in January, JLo sent Casper out of town just in time for her to meet up with her ex for two hours at The Mark, as RadarOnline.com previously reported.
Marc split up with his girlfriend, Shannon de Lima, shortly after that.
Marc and JLo will be reunited again on the big screen when her 3D movie Dance Again premieres later this year. The movie covers the couple’s divorce drama and ongoing relationship.
Mary J. Blige Slapped With $3.4 Million Tax Lien
Queen of R&B singer Mary J. Blige has been hit with a $3.4 million dollar federal tax lien.
According to TMZ:
Mary J. Blige‘s financial woes have QUADRUPLED — on top of the $900k she allegedly owes the Garden State, TMZ has learned MJB has been slapped with a $3.4 MILLION bill from Uncle Sam.
The IRS filed a federal tax lien against the Grammy winner, claiming she failed to pay all her income taxes for the years 2009 ($574,907.30), 2010 ($2,203,743.53) and 2011 ($647,604.60).
Tax bill grand total: $3,426,255.43: Translation: A LOT OF FREAKING MONEY
Of course, the IRS needs to get in line … the State of NJ says MJB still owes $901,769.65 in back taxes. Blige is being sued for allegedly defaulting on a $2.2 million bank loan and her charity is facing a lawsuit that claims it took out a $250k loan and never paid it back
Lil Mouse Reportedly Threatened To Kill A Third-Grader
Lil Mouse hit with an assault charge after slapping and then threatening to kill an eight-year-old student.
The family of a third-grader in Chicago may be forced to leave their home due to threats the eight-year-old reportedly received from teen rapper Lil Mouse. FOX 32 News reports that the boy’s grandmother contacted authorities immediately after she received word that her grandson had been slapped and threatened by Lil Mouse.
"The students, the eighth graders have grouped up together…made a phone call and said he's snitching, He need to get killed for snitching…One of the young men's' father threatened me outside the school. I wanna move [cause] he threatened me and I believe that he's going to go through with it,” the woman revealed to Chicago’s FOX 32 News.
WATCH:
Following the incident last week, Lil Mouse was questioned by police and also charged with assault.
The third-grader has been granted an emergency transfer from the school, but his grandmother, whose son was killed in 2009, hopes to fully remove her family from the situation.
"I wanna pack up and just go. I've already lost one child and I don't want to lose another one," the woman shared.
Lil Mouse, who boasts affiliation with fellow Windy City rapper Chief Keef, garnered buzz last year thanks to the release of “Get Smoked” a record that went on to receive a co-sign from Lil Wayne in the form of a remix.
Atlanta Celebs came out to Celebrate Frank Ski’s Birthday in Atlanta
All of ATL came out to celebrity Frank Ski’s (real name Frank Rodriguez) 49th birthday. The former V-103 radio personality, who turned 49 earlier this month, threw his bash at his restaurant (Frank Ski’s), with family and a few celebrities like Keshia Knight Pulliam, Tameka Raymond, radio personality Big Tigger, Young Jeezy and ex Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Lisa Wu. See some pics below
Happy Birthday FrankSki!
AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES
‘GONE FISHIN’
Clearly that whale tail wasn’t going to fit in the aquarium but I figured the employees would do more than just let it flop around and look back into where it wants to be.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!
EFREM
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