BET Succeeds At Uncovering The Truth About Women In Hip-Hop With 'My Mic Sounds Nice' [Video]

For the past couple of weeks, BET has been promoting their original documentary My Mic Sounds Nice: A Truth About Women And Hip-Hop promising that it would be groundbreaking in telling the story and history of female MC’s then and now.

To say the least, they were being modest.

To sum it up in three words: I loved it! To get the long version of what was to love continue on.

Video Premiere: Jazmine Sullivan 'Holding You Down (Goin' In Circles)'

Here is a new video from Jazmine Sullivan for her song "Holding You Down (Goin' In Circles)."

The video finishes the story the lyrics began, highlighting a situation that sees Jazmine needing to let go of a love that continues to do her wrong.

There are appearances by Missy Elliot and Pepa of Salt N Pepa.

Jazmine even busts a move House Party style, loved it!

[NEWS] Usher Will Perform At The 2010 MTV VMAs

Usher has been added to the roster of performers for this year's 2010 MTV VMAs. He joins a list of anticipated performances which includes Kanye West, Justin Beiber, B.o.B and Eminem to name a few.

We need some female performers in here! I wouldn't mind a little Katy Perry and even some Gaga...

I wasn't very impressed with Usher's performance at the 2010 BET Awards maybe because I was expecting him to break out into "OMG" instead of just performing one song which was "There Goes My Baby."

Hopefully we get a show-stopping performance this time around, I know Usher has it in him.

The 2010 MTV VMAs are scheduled to air live September 12, 2010 only on MTV.

9 Years Later And We Are Still Missing Aaliyah

Every year when this date rolls around following singer Aaliyah's sudden passing on August 25, 2001, a little part of me hurts. No, I didn't know Aaliyah Dana Haughton personally never got a chance to meet her; but I have always been a fan and felt a connection to her via her music.

I can remember my cousin and I staying up late at her house in Queens, NY requesting Aaliyah's video for her song "If Your Girl Only Knew" on Video Music Box -- this was like the 106th and Park of the 90's.

Anyway, she was a singer that a lot of us 80's babies and 90's darlings could connect with because she was young, authentic, and maintained the two things we loved most about her; her originality and distinctive beauty.

Album Review: Fantasia Barrino's 'Back To Me'

Fantasia Barrino has experienced quite a month and even that statement is an understatement considering how she has gone from being known only as an American Idol winner to now becoming a tabloid staple.

The sad part about it is that Fantasia has real talent and unfortunately her salacious private life is what made her a hot topic as of late, not her voice. Just in time for all the attention is her third studio LP Back to Me.

Whether the situation has been milked or perhaps it is perfect timing; whatever the case may be, Back to Me has all the potential to draw in enough attention independent of the drama.

[NEWS] Eminem Will Perform At 2010 MTV VMAs

I have just been informed that Eminem will be performing at the 2010 MTV VMAs! Eminem joins a line-up that touts Kanye West, Justin Beiber, B.o.B, and Drake to name a few as performers for the night.

There is a very good chance that Eminem may bring Rihanna out for "Love The Way You Lie", don't quote me on that because it hasn't been announced or confirmed, it's just my imagination and wish...

With Chelsea Handler hosting this year event, you know the show is going to be unforgettable.

SideBar: According to Chelsea, she wants to bring Kanye West and Taylor Swift together at the VMAs *pops popcorn*

This year's MTV VMAs are scheduled to broadcast live from Los Angeles, California Sunday, September 12, 2010 at 9 PM ET.

Lauryn Hill Wows Crowd At 'Rock The Bells' In California [Videos]

I'm warning you guys from now that so long as Lauryn Hill is doing sporadic random performances, please believe there will be a spot on this here blog for her. I've been waiting too long feeling like a child that had her clothes pack waiting to be picked up only to be told said person isn't showing up.

Now that they have decided to show up, it's time to play!

Moving on...

Lauryn Hill performed at Rock the Bells in San Bernadino, California over the weekend and thanks to some shaky videos from concertgoers, we get to see Ms. Hill in action. The videos aren't the best, but this is the best we could do folks.

Some of the songs performed by Lauryn were "Lost Ones", "Turn Your Lights Down Low", "Ex-Factor", and "Zion" to name a few.

Check out some of her performances after the jump.

Can You Spot Kanye West?

Before Kanye West was infamously known for his cocky attitude and hopping on stages snatching up mics *snickers*, he made a cameo in Mos Def and Faith Evans' video for their song "Brown Sugar (Super Fine)." The single appeared on the soundtrack for the film Brown Sugar which starred Mos Def, Queen Latifah, Taye Diggs, and Sanaa Lathan.

[NEWS] Faith Evans Arrested For Drunk Driving

Singer Faith Evans was reportedly arrested for drunk driving in Los Angeles, California Saturday, August 21, 2010.

According to the Associated Press, Faith was stopped at a drunken driving checkpoint and was arrested for "suspicion of misdemeanor drunken driving." Faith was held for a few hours at an LA precinct and was released on bail Sunday morning.

What is it about California and the allure of driving drunk? Not sure how drunk she was but it just seems like a drunken paradise in Hollywood, huh?

This is not Faith's first run-in with the law. In 2004, Faith and her husband Todd Russaw were arrested and charged with possession of cocaine and marijuana. 

On the career front, Faith is scheduled to release her newest album Something About Faith later this year. According to AP, Faith is also working on a new reality TV show. The show is currently in production.

Fantasia Barrino Nails Walmart Souncheck Live Performances [Videos]

Fantasia Barrino recently performed a live set for Walmart Souncheck and did an incredible job. I've never really been a Fantasia fan. I've always loved some of the songs that she has released such as "When I See U" but I have to admit I wasn't really that interested in her as an artist.

Without a doubt, Fantasia gives you everything when she performs live and nothing makes that more clearer than her performance at Walmart Soundcheck.

Fantasia is reportedly on the promo trail for her new album Back To Me (due in stores August 24). Although she has had a very intense month, you couldn't really tell via her performances. Whether she is milking the incident or just getting over it, girlfriend and the stage go together like peanut butter and jelly.

Are Music Artists Really To Blame For Everything Your Kids Do?

This was the question I asked myself after pressing play on a video that showed a little girl around the age of 7 or 8 thrusting her little backside to Ciara's new song "Ride."

The little girl was trying to imitate Ciara's dance moves in the video for "Ride" in a bedroom with her little sister (or brother, they were too cute to tell) standing beside her trying to keep up. The response to the video has been mixed with people feeling her dance moves were inappropriate while others thought that it was innocent fun.

Listen: New Music From Cee Lo Green 'F*ck You' (Major F-Bomb Alert!)

Here is new music from Cee Lo Green titled "F*ck You."

I LOVE IT!!

I appreciate Cee Lo for his randomness and how he transforms that same randomness into hit songs such as this. According to his website, we can expect to get an official video for this song next week. "F*ck You" will be released in the US and UK on October 4th.

Speaking of Cee Lo's randomness, would you believe me if I told you he showed up to a press conference wearing a robe and house slippers? You would probably say, "Sam, shut your mouth with your lies" huh?

See for yourself...

Cee Lo was attending the 2010 Summer Press Tour in Beverly Hills, California on August 7th and decided to spruce things up by dressing comfortable...real comfortable. *snickers*...

(Photos: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Video Premiere: Drake (Feat. Lil Wayne) 'Miss Me'

Here is the new music video from Drake for his song "Miss Me" featuring Lil Wayne. "Miss Me" appears on Drake's album Thank Me Later in stores now.

The video was cool, pretty simple. I did like the way they incorporated Lil Wayne into the video without making it look cheesy.

It was actually one of the most creative ways a video has included an artist that is behind bars. Usually they would just get a lookalike, cast a shadow on them and have them recite the artist's lyrics, but this was different and definitely did the video justice.

Listen: New Music From Kanye West (Feat. Jay-Z) 'Power (Remix)'

I'm on my Van Gogh, I don't hear sh*t - Kanye West

Here is the remix to Kanye's monster track "Power" featuring Jay-Z. This track was produced by Kanye himself along with Swizz Beatz and features a small sample of  Snap's "The Power."

I wasn't impressed. I loved the beginning with Jay-Z adding his verse even though I felt he could have given us more. The switch up with the sample from "The Power" paired with Swizz's voice all over it just confused me. Too much for an already great track. I would have loved to hear a bevy of rappers on the track instead of the random switch up. Then again it's Kanye and he doesn't do anything by the book.

Download

I did like the fact that Kanye's verse in the switch sounded like a freestyle which was refreshing given the new rehearsed atmosphere in Hip-Hop when it comes to music. It might grow on me, but as for now I'll keep the original "Power" on heavy rotation on the Pod and pass on this one *shrug*.

SideBar: Lol @ the Taylor Swift reference. I see they are trying to get some of the same controversy attention profited off of...

What do y'all think?

[NEWS] Lauryn Hill Debuts On Charts For The First Time In 10 Years

Seems like everyone is having Lauryn Hill fever because your girl is back on the charts!

According to Billboard.com, Lauryn Hill's single "Repercussions" has officially made its debut on the Hot Hip Hop/R&B charts making this Lauryn's first charted single in 10 years.

The last single from Lauryn that charted was "Turn Your Lights Down Low" - a single released in 1999 via the soundtrack for my third favorite movie The Best Man Soundtrack. The single featured Bob Marley and peaked at #49.

"Repercussions" is currently sitting at #94 and surely when she makes her highly anticipated appearance at this year's Rock The Bells (scheduled to touch down in NYC August 28, 2010) the single will climb.

Whats that you say? I'm kind of stanning?! Whatever, it's Lauryn dammit...

Listen to Lauryn's "Repercussions" here.

Listen: New Music From Keri Hilson 'Breaking Point'

Here is new music from Keri Hilson titled "Breaking Point." This single is scheduled to appear on Keri's sophomore effort No Boys Allowed coming soon.

The single combines a bit of 70's elements with the dialogue over the track and the doo-wop like harmonizing background singers. "Breaking Point" will likely serve as a female empowerment track as it plays on dealing with letting go of relationships that no longer serve a purpose.

Download

I had to listen to the song twice to get a feel for it. The Timbaland produced track and Keri's voice seemed to be mismatched; her voice is high and pretty and needs little vocal acrobats. She's giving too much on a track that conveys a mid-tempo and relaxed sound. For the most part, "Breaking Point" sounds like a promising buzz single, maybe first single.

Erykah Badu Says She's Not On Probation...

Yesterday, reports suggested that Erykah Badu had to pay the price for stripping down in her "Window Seat" video. The singer, according to the Associated Press, was ordered to pay a $500 fine and also received 6 months of probation.

I thought that the six months probation was a bit much for getting naked in public and filming a video without a permit but hey, the law is kind of funny that way. It seems that the six month probation claim was more than harsh it was false, as Erykah has cleared up that claim by taking to her Twitter.

SideBar: I love twitter for that...

Erykah slammed the probation claims tweeting, "I am not on probation . that's a falsey. I received a situation . got a ticket for my tag hangin out my pannies."

Makes sense.

We'll see how this goes. Perhaps Erykah's probation was news to her just as it was for us?

[NEWS] Justin Bieber, B.o.B. To Perform At 2010 MTV VMAs

The days on the calendar are falling off which means we are quickly approaching the live broadcast of the VMAs. Good news for the Bieber fans, he will be performing for the first time on the VMA stage. Hopefully they will have paramedics on stand-by as Justin's fan appeal has been known to cause a faint or two.

Also added to the performance roster is B.o.B! I have become a fan of B.o.B as of late after getting a chance to listen to his latest album and practically falling head over heels in love with EVERY track off of the LP. There was no word via the press release what songs B.o.B or Justin will perform.

Kanye West, Drake, and Ke$ha are just a few of the confirmed performances for the night. Nicki Minaj, Trey Songz, Ne-Yo and Selena Gomez are a few of the names mentioned as presenters.

The 2010 MTV VMAs are set to broadcast live from Los Angeles, California September 12, 2010 at 9PM (Live ET/Tape delayed PT.)

I am considering live blogging as I believe Kanye will do some random ish that requires at-that-moment reaction.

How Does Chris Brown & Usher On Tour Sound?

Seems like the partnership made between Chris Brown and Usher while the two were down in Jamaica last month will go beyond just a duet.

Producer/Songwriter Bryan Michael Cox spilled the juice (unintentionally of course) in a video, shedding light on news that has probably yet to be inked. But that won't stop the excitement from building up for all the Chris Brown and Usher fans out there.

The tour will more than likely hit the road next year if things go as suggested.

If this does happen, I definitely will need to get my hands on tickets to see all the dancing and shirtless wardrobes all in one arena. Only a fool and a straight man would say nay to that.

By the way, Chris Brown's single "Deuces" is creeping up Billboard's Hot 100 chart and is currently sitting at #56...

Peep the spill at the 1:05 mark...thanks Bryan, slips of the tongue are always welcomed here!

Popcorn Moments: Cam'ron and 50 Cent Have It Out On Live Radio

Beefs can be so messy at times. But they can also be entertaining especially if the right egos are added to the equation. One of those entertaining beefs took place in February of 2007 between rappers Cam'ron and 50 Cent.

Cam'ron happened to be 50 Cent's latest beef in 50's slaughterhouse of beefs that trail from his 2003 debut, and thought it would be wise to call up the Angie Martinez show while 50 was live on the air.

Angie of course nervous about the impending conversation repeatedly tried to inquire on the status of their relationship. As if 50 would say no we don't get along, 50 gives his nod of approval and here enters Cam.

The two go back and forth about numbers, album sales, and monetary incomes. To say the least this is one business meeting I wish would be held privately with me as a fly on the wall *pops popcorn*...

[NEWS] Erykah Badu Gets Fined + Probation For 'Window Seat' Video

Erykah Badu's decision to kick it Adam & Eve style in her video for her song "Window Seat" is going to cost her.

Fantasia Barrino Records A Song About Being A 'Homewrecker' Titled 'Lucky'

The recent events surrounding American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino is like an episode courtesy of All My Children. Everything from infidelity, to allegedly being sued for said infidelity not to mention attempting to commit suicide are all of the stains left by Ms. Barrino in the wake of a very messy scandal.

So what could possibly be next in this salacious tale? A song of course.

Listen: Kanye West (feat. Beyonce & Charlie Wilson) 'See Me Now'

Imma let you finish, but I got Beyonce on the track - Kanye West

Here is new music from Kanye West titled "See Me Now" off of his new untitled project. The album will be due in stores November 16 - we know this because Kanye spilled the juice in his interview with Angie Martinez earlier today.

The song is cool, underwhelming if you ask me; but the people will make it hot because it does have the potential to grow on you after a few listens. To my understanding, the song was recorded earlier today and is unfinished so maybe it will sound a bit different when more work is done on it. Regardless, it does have a bounce.

SideBar: So who got Beyonce to drop the n-bomb? Oprah gonna be mad at her...

How Kanye West Redeemed Himself

Not to tout my own horn, but I remember distinctively predicting in this here post that Kanye West would have no problem with making a comeback. I said that Kanye will have people quickly brushing off his habits of having diarrhea of the mouth by just dropping one hit record. Nope, I am not a psychic; history just always seems to repeat itself.

Video Premiere: Eminem (feat. Rihanna) 'Love the Way You Lie'

Here is the new music video from Eminem for his song "Love The Way You Lie" featuring Rihanna. This song appears on Eminem's album Recovery in stores now.

The video is very powerful and elaborates on the story the lyrics tells. Dominic Monaghan and Megan Fox really played the part and made the video very interesting.

Video Premiere: Janelle Monae 'Cold War'

Here is the new video from Janelle Monae for her song "Cold War." This song appears on her album Archandroid in stores now.

I love this song and I love Janelle Monae but I don't think I am deep enough to understand the video. Or maybe I'm just looking too hard for something that isn't there...

At any rate, Janelle looks great, sounds great and as simple as the video is, it does the job of not taking away from the message of the song.

[NEWS] See The Full List Of MTV's 2010 Video Music Awards Nominees

The nominees for MTV's annual Video Music Awards has been released and boy am I a bit shocked. Unsurprisingly, Lady Gaga rules at this year's festivities racking up and impressive 13 nominations while Eminem follows close behind with 8.

B.o.B earned himself 5 nominations, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' video for "Empire State of Mind" got 3 as well, while Drake and Nicki Minaj received 1 each.

Interestingly enough, Rihanna's colorful video for her song "Rude Boy" only received one nomination and it is for Best Editing. Before I even looked at the list, I thought for sure there would be at least 3 nominations in her name not because 2010 was supposedly her comeback year following her incident but because I actually thought the video for "Rude Boy" would be awarded for its creativity *shrugs.*

I was also shocked to see that the Black Eyed Peas didn't get any nominations for their double videos for their song "Imma Be" and "Rock That Body."

Anyway, you can check out the full list of nominees when you...

It's Time To Grade 2010's Hottest Artists Thus Far...

We are officially in August and you know what that means: back-to-school is upon us. While some of you are plotting on how you are going to make your school halls or dorms your personal catwalk, it's time for us to buckle down and grade some artists.

[NEWS] Hip-Hop Gets Bitten By The Love Bug: Swizz Beatz/Alicia Keys and T.I. Jump The Broom

Gone are the days when we as fans would drop our jaws at the news that a rapper we thought we knew was actually married and happy. I can recall the shock I experienced when I found out that LL Cool J was married with kids. That shock was on the same level of when I found out that Ice Cube had the same scenario going on behind closed doors.

Swizz Beatz and T.I. are definitely not secretive about their boos. Nothing made that more clearer than the weddings these two Hip-Hop gems held this weekend.