Celebrity News
Swizz Beatz’s Monster Music Signs with Imagem Music
May 16th
Imagem Music USA (IMU) has signed a joint venture with Swizz Beatz and his company, Monster Music. The first signings under the joint venture include Tyrone Johnson and Naki “Snagz” Levy.
Kaseem Dean, aka Swizz Beatz, has produced and worked with many of the elite in music, including Jay-Z, Beyoncé, DMX, Kanye West and T.I among many others. In addition to several guest appearances and production credits, Swizz dropped his own album One Man Band Man in 2007 and is now set to release his much anticipated second studio album later this year. Tyrone Johnson and Naki “Snagz” Levy, the first writers to be signed under the joint venture, were found and developed by Swizz. Johnson has produced on albums such as Diddy, Dirty Money’s Last Train to Paris, Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday, and wrote on Jadakiss’ The Last Kiss. Additionally, Ty has worked with a variety of artists, including Estelle, Usher, Beyoncé and T-Pain to name a few. Snagz, who is an up and coming artist, boasts credits on Jadakiss’ The Last Kiss as well as Swizz Beatz’ One Man Band Man. Swizz Beatz is represented by Motisola Zulu and Douglas Davis of The Davis Firm.
“I’m excited to be partnering with Richard [Stumpf] and the entire group over at Imagem Music,” said Swizz Beatz. “This partnership will enable me to further develop my group of talented producers and also introduce many new producers and writers to the world.”
“Monster Music Publishing is one of the first ventures to come from the Monster Music Group umbrella, and we’re looking forward to much success with Imagem as our partner,” said Monique Blake, President of Monster Music Group.
“In addition to being a fantastic artist, writer and producer himself, Swizz is a magnet for great talent. We are very excited to partner with such an important member of the creative community,” said Richard Stumpf, President of IMU. “Amanda [Schupf, Creative Manager at Imagem Music] goes back a long way with Swizz and his team so it is great to see that trust and friendship blossom into a business relationship.”
Nas, Wiz Khalifa, Missy Elliot & More Will ROCK THE BELLS+New Ish From T.I., Tamia & Po Johnson
May 16th
It’s about that time. The ROCK THE BELLS North American concerts lineup just got released–and it’s a doozie for the hip hop fans. Check it inside, plus new ish from T.I., Tamia & VH1′s Po Johnson….
Nas will be headlining the North American concerts of Rock The Bells this summer. It goes down August 18th weekend in San Bernadino, CA, then August 25th weekend in Mountain View, and the East Coast wraps it up Sept. 1st weekend at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ.
Nas is bringing hip hop’s popular kids of the moment with him–Wiz Khalifa, Kid Cudi, SchoolBoy Q, 2 Chainz, Tyga & plenty more. And the vets are bringing it too–Method Man (YES) & Redman, Missy Elliot & Timbaland, Naughty By Nature, Salt-N-Pepa, Ice Cube, Slick Rick and plenty more. Peep the full line up:
This is gonna be a hot one. And if you didn’t know, Mr. Jones is also a co-founder and partner in Rock The Bells. Work.
In other rap news, T.I. stopped by the Angie Martinez show (pictured above with Angie, DJ Drama & DJ Enuff) last night at the Hot 97 studios. And he revealed his upcoming album, Trouble Man, will drop September 4th. And yes, there will be a second season of his and wife Tiny‘s VH1 reality show, "A Family Hustle."
In the meantime, check out Tip’s new track of the album he dropped yesterday called "Like That":
You feelin it?
One of our fave YBF chicks Tamia released more behind the scenes footage from her upcoming video for her single "Beautiful Surprise" off the album of the same name:
The gorgeous mom of two made sure she had a cameo from her baller hubby Grant Hill. Cute!
And LaLa Anthony‘s bestie Po Johnson just released a trailer to her upcoming video "Do It Again" directed by Rasheed Daniel:
The VH1 reality sidekick is busting out her own album soon. And the full vid–shot at the Gun Bar in NYC–will be released May 31st.
Pics via Angie Martinez/Nas’ Twitter
FAMILY FUN: Keyshia Cole & Hubby Boobie Gibson Film “Family First” With Daniel Jr. In Santa Monica
May 16th
Keyshia Cole, who still has not returned to Twitter, was spotted filming her new reality show "Family First" in Santa Monica with her hubby Daniel "Boobie" Gibson & son Daniel, Jr. aka DJ. Check out the cute fam playing around in Cali inside…
While filming their BET reality show over the weekend with their cute 2-year-old son DJ and their pup, mommy Keyshia and daddy Boobie took turns holding the baby…and rocking Keyshia’s hat. And it looks like Cavs baller Boobie has recovered from his ankle surgery:
The twosome laughed it up while chilling out during Mother’s Day Weekend. The show is scheduled to premiere on the BET network soon–and yes, Mama Frankie will be all in the mix. As for what Mr. Gibson did for the women in his life for Mother’s Day, he tweeted:
Spoiling Key Mama Gibson Mama Frankie & Mrs. Cole. . Treating like the Queens they are.
Awww.
Pics: Splash News
Rohan Marley Is ENGAGED…To His Model Boo Isabeli Fontana
May 16th
Artist Rohan Marley–Lauryn Hill‘s ex and father to 5 of her kids–just got engaged to his girlfriend of about a year, model Isabeli Fontana. The latest development in this alleged love triangle inside…
39-year-old Rohan Marley has made his reggae love official for his 28-year-old Brazilian model girlfriend Isabeli. The twosome, who hit up the 2012 Met Gala last week (above pic), has confirmed their engagement to the Brazilian newspaper, Terra.
Last year, Rohan denied being the father of Lauryn’s 6th child–even though many believed they were still very much together in private–and started dating Isabeli while Lauryn was pregnant.
Now, Isabeli has confirmed the two are headed to the alter…in Ethiopia–the birthplace of Rastafarian culture…at some point in the near future. Isabeli told the newspaper:
"Rohan told me that we must return to their origins so that the marriage will last forever."
Oh….ok. This will be Rohan’s second marriage (his first was to his college girlfriend) and Isabeli’s third marriage. Yes, third. She has two sons–1 from each previous marriage.
According to Huff Post:
Marley, a former college football player, now runs a coffee company and has a line of headphones. Fontana has modeled for Victoria’s Secret, Escada, Dolce & Gabbana, Revlon, Ralph Lauren and others, as well as serving as the face of Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb fragrance. She also appeared in the 2011 Pirelli calendar, and she recently received waaaay too much self-tanner in that now-infamous H&M bikini ad. The couple recently attended the 2012 Met Gala together.
Somebody please check on L Boogie…
Pic via Isabeli Fontana’s Twitter
CASSIE THIS, CASSIE THAT: “Lovecat” Mag Photoshoot, Lunch With SOLANGE & “King Of Hearts” Remix Video
May 16th
Cassie‘s been putting her modeling skills to use these days by gracing magazine spreads and snapping cute pics with friends. Check out her behind the scenes pics form her Lovecat magazine shoot, plus her lunch with fellow Carol’s Daughter spokeswoman Solange Knowles & her new "King of Hearts" remix video….
Recently, Cassie & fellow Carol’s Daughter spokeswoman Solange Knowles lunched it up at Da Silvano in NYC. And if you’re wondering who the black Ken-like black painted head friend is, his name is Jonte’ Moaning–a model and IceBreakers gum personality. Gotta love that.
The electro-pop whisperer kept it cute & casual in jeans and a neon jacket. And also released some pics of her on the set of a new magazine shoot for a publication called "Lovecat":
Skin is perfect. Want to hate her.
I see those new boobs are getting some good mileage. Looking good Cass.
By the way, Cassie took her heart to Versailles for the "King of Hearts" official remix video, with the track produced by R3hab. Check it out above.
Pics via Cassie-Ventura.com/Cassie’s Twitter/Jonte’s Instagram
ON THE SET: Chris Brown SHOOTS The “Don’t Wake Me Up” & “Till I Die” VIDEOS + Azealia Banks RELEASES “1991″ COVER Art
May 16th
Chris Brown recently revealed photos from the set of his next two videos "Don’t Wake Me Up" & "Till I Die" ft. Big Sean, Snoop & Wiz Khalifa (above.) See the pics inside and the cover art for Azealia Banks’ upcoming 1991 EP.
Chris Brown recently revealed pics from the set of his Colin Tilley directed video "Don’t Wake Me Up."
The track was produced by Benny Benassi and Freeschool.
This desert video ought to be interesting…
Also…….
Chris also tweeted pics from the set of the "Till I Die" video which will also feature appearances from Snopp Dogg, Wiz Khalifa and other celeb friends.
Don’t forget to watch Breezy on The "TODAY" Show Concert series on June 8.
BONUS:
Chris was also seen showing love to female fan in LA recently.
Also in music…….
Azealia Banks released the cover art for her 1991 EP tweeting, “MY EP 1991 WILL BE RELEASED DIGITALLY ON MAY 29th and PHYSICALLY ON JUNE 12th!” Also, she’ll turn 21 on May 31 tweeting, “Omg y’all my birthday is coming up! I’ll be 21! Yay !”
I can’t help it. I’m really starting to like this chick….
Lil Wayne Professes His Love for Trina On The Club Stage In Miami…While She’s There Partying
May 16th
Rapper Trina found out some very interesting news while partying with Monica in Miami recently….. her ex Lil’ Wayne (who currently has a girlfriend named Dhea) misses her. Watch Lil’ Wayne profess his love for the rapstress inside and see pics of Diddy, Ludacris and others partying with Monica.
It may have been Monica’s big Mother’s Day party….but the talk of the evening was Lil’ Wayne’s set. Weezy, who performed three songs, gave a very "intimate" shout out Sunday night at Liv to Trina and appeared to still have some "feelings" for the queen of Miami. Perhaps it was Trina’s A.L.C. Delilah Silk Shirtdress, Christian Louboutin Riviera Trash Clutch, and Casadei Cutout Platform Sandals that had him wanting that old thing back.
He and his homie screamed into the mic asking her to come on stage, and Lil Wayne said he just had to let her know he "misses her and loves her." Ahhhh that never dying hood love. Too bad she’s moved on with OKC baller and the NBA’s 6th Man of the Year James Harden.
Watch Weezy profess love for Trina below:
Meanwhile, Monica threw a fab party and had some fun with her husband Shannon Brown along with her cousin Ludacris and his girlfriend Eudoxie.
And Diddy kept the Ciroc flowing all night, of course, while partiers like Rico Love and Kevin Hart (not pictured) made their rounds.
Photos via Freddy O
Lil Wayne Professes His Love for Trina On The Club Stage In Miami…While She’s There Partying
May 16th
Rapper Trina found out some very interesting news while partying with Monica in Miami recently….. her ex Lil’ Wayne (who currently has a girlfriend named Dhea) misses her. Watch Lil’ Wayne profess his love for the rapstress inside and see pics of Diddy, Ludacris and others partying with Monica.
It may have been Monica’s big Mother’s Day party….but the talk of the evening was Lil’ Wayne’s set. Weezy, who performed three songs, gave a very "intimate" shout out Sunday night at Liv to Trina and appeared to still have some "feelings" for the queen of Miami. Perhaps it was Trina’s A.L.C. Delilah Silk Shirtdress, Christian Louboutin Riviera Trash Clutch, and Casadei Cutout Platform Sandals that had him wanting that old thing back.
He and his homie screamed into the mic asking her to come on stage, and Lil Wayne said he just had to let her know he "misses her and loves her." Ahhhh that never dying hood love. Too bad she’s moved on with OKC baller and the NBA’s 6th Man of the Year James Harden.
Watch Weezy profess love for Trina below:
Meanwhile, Monica threw a fab party and had some fun with her husband Shannon Brown along with her cousin Ludacris and his girlfriend Eudoxie.
And Diddy kept the Ciroc flowing all night, of course, while partiers like Rico Love and Kevin Hart (not pictured) made their rounds.
Photos via Freddy O
President Barack Obama CHATS IT UP On “The View” About Gay Marriage, Wall Street And Pop Culture
May 16th
President Obama stopped by "The View" today to discuss a range of topics from Wall Street reform and gay marriage to fun stuff like singing at the Apollo. Watch clips inside…..
Earlier today, President Obama stopped by "The View" where he was initially expected to make his first public announcement about same-sex marriage (but that was later trumped by a "GMA" interview with Robin Roberts). After a little good natured ribbing about the scoop, he talked to the ladies about a wide range of subjects.
When asked if he ever got angry with Vice President Biden for being so outspoken, he said that he appreciated honesty and persons who speak their mind.
When speaking about gay marriage, he trumped up the importance of the word "marriage" saying civil unions made gay couples feel "different." He added that he knows this is a hot button issue but didn’t think it would be a deciding factor in the election. He thinks the economy will be the biggest issue.
During one funny moment, Sherri asked him if he thinks the election will be "tight" and the President joked, "When your name is Barack Hussein Obama it will always be tight!" The crowd loved it.
When talking about Chase bank, he said that even smart people make mistakes.
And when Elizabeth asked how he would grade his administration, he said he’d give them an incomplete.
And just to show you that he is in "the know" the ladies quizzed him on current events and pop culture. He knows all about the Kardashians, watched The Avengers, that Sherri was on "DWTS," loves "Homeland" and "Mad Men." BUT…he told the ladies he didn’t know about the 50 Shades of Grey craze.
We also learned fun facts like "sports" are his guilty pleasure, Air Force One does get turbulence, he quit smoking because of Sasha and Malia, he coaches Sasha’s basketball team, he loves guacamole and chips, and the First Lady Michelle is a little bit "jealous" that other folks get to hear his singing voice.
Also, he added that Sasha and Malia love "Modern Family."
Watch President Obama discuss gay marriage here:
President Obama talks Wall Street reform here:
President Obama gets quizzed on pop culture here:
President Obama discusses next steps here:
President Obama dishes on Sasha and Malia here:
Royce Reed DISHES On “Basketball Wives” Negative Media Attention, Fighting With Castmates And Her Relationship With Dezmon Briscoe
May 16th
During a recent radio interview, Royce Reed revealed how she felt about the "BBW" backlash, where she stands with the cast and if she is still with Dezmon Briscoe. Deets inside….
Royce Reed called in for some "Girl Talk" with TT Torrez on iPower 92.1 talked about all the drama on “Basketball Wives.” No subject was off limits as she dished on loving Dezmon, fighting with Shaunie and Evelyn and the "BBW" backlash. Check out the highlights:
On why Shaunie refuses to film with her:
Royce says she has no idea what Shaunie is upset with her about. She reached out to Shaunie but never received a response. Royce then went on to say Shaunie had issues with her doing interviews but Royce says she’s only defending herself.
On her relationship with Jennifer Williams:
She says she and Jen are cool. They both apologized to each other and are moving forward.
On celebrities saying “Basketball Wives” promotes bullying:
Royce said at one time she quit the show because she felt it was going the wrong route. She said she fought to have producers show another side of her and that’s why we get to see other aspects of her verses just seeing her fuss and fight with her castmates. She added that the show was like a mirror for her and helped her to change her life for the positive.
On Tami’s actions on the past two episodes:
Royce said she sees where a lot of people are coming from when it comes to her attitude. Royce explained why she never took sides and said what Tami DID and how she reacted was wrong. She said there’s another side of Tami that’s loving and funny.
On her having to be in a relationship and her relationship with her dad:
First Royce breaks down her previous relationships on the show. She then talks about her relationship with her father explaining how it’s hard for her to talk to her dad because of the way he speaks to her. She credits the show for opening up a line of communication between her father and herself and they are now at peace.
On her relationship status with Tampa Bay baller Dezmon Briscoe:
She says she and Dezmon are good. As far as the situation that happened on Twitter between Dezmon’s baby mama and her, she says it was crazy. She claims although him texting her was wrong, Dezmon has NEVER cheated on her and that the whole situation was extremely messy. She said she’s not leaving him because the world is telling her so.
Listen to the interview here:
