When Keyshia Cole named her album A Different Me, she definitely prepared her fans for a shift in music. While still riding on the wave of hit singles such as Heaven Sent and I Remember, Keyshia sat down with mega producers such as Polo Da Don, Dallas Austin, Ron Fair, and the Trackmasters to co-write her third solo effort. She even invited her best friend Monica, the legendary Tupac and Nas to appear on the album. However, for most Keyshia Cole fans, this is definitely a different side of Keyshia that most weren’t expecting.

With songs such as Play Your Cards Right, Keyshia experiences a different taste in music. Although it appears that Keyshia wants to be in love, wanting to take her time, it also appears as if Keyshia just threw this song onto the album just because she felt like it was a long and overdue single to be released. On Make Me Over, Keyshia is asking for her man to make her over, almost sampling Tina Turner’s song I want to be made over. Even though the track has a funky DC/Maryland Go-Go sounding beat, it’s not enough for me to want to continue to listen to the album. With You Complete Me, and Brand New it seems as though Keyshia’s co-writers finally find her voice as she nails this record with all sincerity. However, with songs such as Beautiful Music and Where this Could End Up, I’m left wondering if this is Keyshia Cole or Paula Abdul’s album that I am listening to.

Overall, fans will be left disappointed with this different side of Keyshia Cole. This album definitely lacks the more sensual and sexy, yet feisty side of Keyshia that most fans are used to. This album definitely reflects the communal efforts put into rushing this album; it doesn’t seem fully representative of Keyshia’s abilities as an artist and writer. Perhaps this album will grow on fans but it is definitely one to purchase as time goes on. I’m not sure what side of Keyshia the producers were going for, but this side of Keyshia needs to not be exposed to her fans.

With all of the greatest disappointments of the world, I give her album two out of five stars.

(Atlanta, GA) – As a resident of Atlanta, I am all too familiar with how 65% to 70% of the population pretends to be someone they are not. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of the people in Atlanta are doing really well; you have a lot of people doing very well in their prospective careers. However, you still have a lot of people who are still faking it until they make it. This includes several members of the cast of the Real Housewives of Atlanta.

Throughout this show, viewers from all around the country have been conned into believing that these women have something serious going on. However, it has been revealed by numerous of sources that there have been many lies within this so called “reality show”. We have been conned into believing that that these women have stacks on deck and are just living it up like there is no tomorrow. However, it has been revealed that my personal favorite NeNe Leakes has been evicted from her Duluth home; which is the same home that has been featured on the show. Her B.F.F. Kim Zolaic was written into the script to add adversity; there is no such man as a ‘Big Poppa’ (a.k.a. Lee Najir) – which means she never bought that Cadillac Escalade. (Before the show finished taping, their relationship ended). Nor does she have a singing career in the making with mega producer Dallas Austin. However, Kim does live in the very nice townhouse shown in the show. Furthermore, Sheree Whitfield’s finances are not as lavish as reported either. The uptight and sadistic diva is known for bouncing checks throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area as she travels and shops with her entourage of people. Unsurprisingly, Sheree was also evicted from her home seen in the show. Lisa Wu-Hartwell recently filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy and is known for having several alias such as Sharron M. Wu and Sharon Lisa Sweat (after her previous marriage to Keith Sweat whom she has two kids).

Now, don’t get me wrong; I’m all about doing well and having things to represent your success. However, prior to their show I have never heard of any of these women (aside from Sheree’s check bouncing through Lenox Square Mall). It seems like the only women who have something legitimate is DeShawn Snow, who is working diligently to get the DeShawn Snow Foundation up and running. Ironically, nobody wanted to give DeShawn any play during her fundraiser at the couple’s home. Perhaps these ladies were just jealous because DeShawn’s money is real.

I suppose this show just goes to show you that you cannot believe half of what you see and none of what you read – even when you’re living in the overcrowded city of Atlanta, GA. Everybody who is somebody is linked to somebody else and it is truly six degrees of separation amongst people.

Although all of these ladies are quick to fight the rumors, the fact of the matter is none of these women have it going on as they proclaim. If they did, NeNe wouldn’t have that $30 a bag dry, bridle, and ugly quick weave in her head and Kim’s clip on pieces wouldn’t show every episode.

Be yourself people! Fronting and flodging will get you nowhere accept for on blast for faking it until you make it!

What is the true price for fulfilling your dreams? Is it going against your own standard beliefs? Becoming something your not? Or puttingyourself in a position to be “eaten alive” by your enemy? Or better yet your supposed friends and people you thought were on your side.Lynne Forde examines that question in her new novel, Lies of Blue.

Set in New York’s grit and grime, this epic full-length novel tells the story of an aspiring music executive who gets caught up in theworld of men, money and drugs.  In her attempt to escape the poisonous world of entertainment, Lynne launches a new “career” as acorrectional officer in a men’s prison.  The trials and tribulations that follow send her spiraling into an even more disastrous world fromwhich she came, eventually putting the young woman up against games that can kill.  Join Lynne on her journey as she comes full circlewith her mistakes and choices in efforts to finally realize her dream.

As Lynne Ford’s first full-length novel, which is accompanied by a straight to DVD movie version of the work, this multimedia project looks to set a milestone in urban fiction by introducing a new element for the reader. As a phenomenal writer with the ability to fullycapture her own experiences in words, Lynne is also writer for the people.  Women and those who go against all odds to progress, in particular will be able to explore real life situations in lyric and sound as they journey with Lynne Ford into the Lies of Blue.

As the flagship premier author of Saffrye Entertainment, Lynne Ford is making quite a statement.  Personifying strength, success, and ambition, the CUNY graduate and New York resident has effectively introduced a new hit to the urban literary market. “Lies of Blue,” which addresses the question, “What is the true price of fulfilling your dreams,” deals with the decisions and consequences of a young woman driven to make something of herself and life.   Drawn from personal experiences and occurrences, “Lies of Blue” is a true depiction of the real world and its realms of ‘good vs. evil.

 An ambitious woman and trailblazer with several other written screenplays, including “Living the Dream” and “Best Kept Secret”, Forde lives with no regrets of the sacrifices she has made to become the woman she is today.  Hoping to aid other individuals who are put in between the hard decisions of life, “Lies of Blue” is a compelling novel that will make a difference in many lives.  A firm believer in the word ‘sacrifice,’ Forde knows she has more to make, but if she can help others through those sacrifices she has already made, than it all will have been well worth the struggle.

Coming from origins that span into music, production and management, Forde has had the privilege of working with 45 King, the NBA, and some of New York City’s hottest underground artist. Joining forces with Saffyre Entertainment in 1998 has successfully propelled both of the entities to the forefront of the entertainment industry. In addition to staking her place in the world of entertainment Forde is also currently working on a number of community based projects that include the H.O.P.E. Foundation, which will enable men of color to make an easier transition back into the community.  This is first of many ways Forde intends to reach out and uplift the community. 

With the Ability to combine her street knowledge with business savvy, which allows her to speak to both “the hood” and the boardroom with ease, her life experiences have just begun to show the industry how bright her light can shine. The sky is truly the limit for Forde as she has created a critically acclaimed trailer for her book “Lies of Blue” totally changing the face of urban literature.  Besides steadily gaining fan momementum, Forde  has also impressed a number of industry heavyweights including, Warrington Hudlin of BET who is quoted as saying, “The room was electrified and swept away by your story.”  Susan Taylor of Essence Magazine quoted the story as “Compelling”, while Oprah’s Oxygen Channel has considered making the story a TV Series. 

To date Lynne has been successful in promoting “Lies of Blue” on a number of circuits that include the American Black Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival Cinemas, Radio, Mass and Urban Publications, Black owned bookstores and HBCU’s across the country 

For more on Lynne and Lies of Blue Check Out LiesofBlue.com  

Accept it: Will somebody please inform 50 that it’s time to just accept his failures. Not only has he lost this battle in the US but he has lost overseas as well. In addition, he has canceled his tour – but nonetheless, the man is still talking shit… um… give it up! The people have spoken and he wasn’t heard. Point blank. Kanye is hotter. That shit rocks. Sadly, he’s blaming Def Jam with tampering with debut sales for “buying more Kanye albums”… um could it be that your shit sucks?! Every time I go to the store, I just look at Curtis and sigh. Sorry, I won’t pick up the album. I just can’t bring myself to it. Nonetheless, I did check it out on myspace and I ended up checking out one song in its entirety and that’s Ayo Technology. But hey! He can still be my boo…. Lol! Speaking of Good Music, ya’ll need to really check out that Common Finding Forever. That’s a really hot album and Chicago is definitely representing it for quality music. I must admit, if you’re not going to physically listen to the album, then this album is definitely not for you! In addition, Jada and Will were out and about representing their spicy love life at the premier for some new movie. They were definitely getting a little too close…so accept it, they ain’t leaving each other no time soon!

What the damn!? – I never knew another man would want another man’s balls but apparently, Marc Ecko spent $752,467 on Barry Bond’s 756^th baseball and has no idea with what he wants to do with it. That was just dumb! My question is – is it even autographed? Master P is teaching the kids about financial decisions and the importance of education. My question is: are you doing it out the kindness of your heart or are you doing it because you mismanaged your funds by grilling out every tooth in your mouth? Um…. Just asking… I’m sure he’s getting paid somewhere for that! Alicia Keys is caught by those paparazzi without makeup. I guess she should be sued with a class action lawsuit against all ya’ll that ran out to buy Proactiv thinking that it worked on her face cause she damn sure fooled me! That ass still got pimples and blotches everywhere…. I want my refund! 50’s baby mama is also seeking an increase in child support, I guess that squashes that infamous line in ‘I get money’… about him and his child support…

Just Give it up! – in other news, will somebody inform Ashanti that she is an official has-been and if it weren’t for Nelly (who is semi-unimportant) she would be long and forgotten about. I’m not sure if you all have heard her second wack ass attempt in making a comeback, but if not, it’s up on the net. I won’t even support her by telling you all the name of the track. It’s THAT wack and I don’t want ya’ll be mad at me for wasting a download on that! Straight up! But aside from that, Mama finally bought a decent stylist and she’s looking semi-cute. Too bad her musical abilities aren’t up to par. Speaking of cute, Halle Berry is looking fabulous! She was spotted out this weekend shopping for baby clothes but for those who wanted Jennifer Hudson to play Aretha Franklin in her autobiography movie, sorry for you! She demanded Halle instead – but when will somebody inform Aretha that she looks nothing like Halle! Speaking of other foolishness, Usher is trying to still sell that cologne. I doubt it. Speaking of just stupidness, Ludacris was on Law & Order tonight, he does better as an actor that he does a rapper….tisk tisk! I guess two boyish females can’t be friends without folk thinkin ya gay but if you’re Alicia Keys & Eve, the rumor is: You’re seeing each other… I don’t believe that mess! Speaking of other dumb shit, some tackhead wrote mediatakeout.com and said that Lil’ Wayne wets the bed after sex… um… the question is: how would you know unless yo groupie ass was being a slut and fucked a drunk celebrity! Lol. He won’t even know ya name… tisk tisk!

I can’t wait – I soooo cannot wait for TI’s new video Hurt to air. He shot it in Atlanta this past weekend… and definitely, I can’t wait for Keyshia Cole’s new album Just Like You hitting stores on next Tuesday. I heard some tracks and it’s definitely hot. My girl rips it My Life (Mary J. Blige) style. Check it out. Babyface has a new album coming out… hopefully he brings back some chivalry!

Check me out on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/sweetfaceh0nii I am Alexis, Empress, Lexilex, Nikki G., the emotional alcoholic… All them alias is me dammit. Lol.Get fresh!

WILL YOU QUIT ALREADY? – Ugh. I’m so sick of hearing about this and most importantly talking about it, but since it’s like the biggest day in rap history it’s kind of a big deal. Well… Kanye West has reportedly accepted 50 cents’ “battle” to appear on BET’s 106 & Park on Sept. 11^th, the day both albums will debut in stores to battle out the best rapper a live syndrome. Umph… I told ya’ll DJs are already saying that Ye has won this one… but just for the amusement of it all, I’d let 50 embarrass himself on NATIONAL TV so maybe he can go somewhere and sit the f*** down! Mind you, I like 50, but I just feel like he’s not competition anymore considering that he’s watered his style down 100% while Kanye has increased his by 100%. Speaking of 50, Tony Yayo’s lawyer has obtained a witness who is willing to testify that he is innocent to the assault of the son of Jimmy Henchman. Bill O’Reilly is being hated again, this time by Nas as he stated publically to MTV that O’Reilly is a racist… um… this isn’t new but Nas will be performing at Virginia Tech! —Developing — Speaking of drama, Bob Marley’s family is suing Verizon & Universal Records Music group for selling Bob Marley ringtones… Again, Swiss is still mad about his poor record sales, this time saying “Talib sold more than me without a hit single,” – which proves my point!

IT’S WRITTEN IN STONE – Jamie Fox will be receiving the 2,347^th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame sidewalk next week (Sept. 14^th) in Hollywood.

CRACK IS WACK – Well, that’s what Diddy is saying as he is denying the allegations of him buying illegal drugs over in Ibiza. Apparently, someone has some footage and is circulating it on YouTube.com but Diddy is saying “THAT IS NOT ME”…. Which is the same thing Bill said about Monica which turned out to be T R U E!

WHAT THE F*** – Now, I never heard of Dipset’s JR until today but this man has apparently signed a multi-million dollar deal with another independent label. Now, this is nuts to me because if I never heard of him why is he worth so much money?

HOT SH*T – T.I. and Ciara have a song called, “Goodbye, My dear”… I’m not sure how I feel about Ciara’s verse but ya’ll know I LOVE T.I. so of course I am loving his verse but unlike Nelly, TI does not have a musical voice or singing capabilities but it is a good try TIP just don’t do it EVER AGAIN! – Mya has a new video called “Ridin”.

AS IF YOU SHOULD CARE – Jay-Z told the press the other day that he and Beyoncè should be getting married soon. “sooner than later” he said actually… but I believe he did say that years ago and they’re still not married so…. We’ll see…

Check out this video from Bloodraw http://www.youtube.com/v/sd3JvfOk2iI

GET FRESH!

DRAMA IN PARADISE – DJ Drama speaks on Lil’ Wayne in an interview with HipHopDX.com here’s what he said…

HipHopDX: Speaking of Wayne, shortly after the raid, there was an interview with MTV News where he said that you and other mixtape DJs had to “smarten up,” “play the game fair,” and to look at DJ Clue and Khaled as examples. A lot of people looked at those comments as disrespectful; have you spoken to him since then?
DJ Drama: Yeah, it was fucked up. To be honest, he’s never really spoken to me about that, we’ve spoken about some other things. That’s a tough one, in a lot of ways. I’m going to say first and foremost, I respect Lil Wayne, and when it comes to that microphone and what he does in that booth, the boy’s a problem. He’s on top of his game, I will never take that from him. But when the raid happened, and he made those comments to MTV, it was a stab in my back. One, because, I just felt like if anything, that was a time I needed all the support that I could get. There’s no denying the impact that the mixtapes that I did had on where he’s at today. Everyone knows how big Dedication and Dedication 2 are, so I was real offended by that, I didn’t think it was a good move on his part. But on another note, Wayne had definitely come through for me on my album, so I can’t just write a nigga off like that, I’m not that type of dude. I had issues with that, as did a lot of people, because a lot of people knew the impact I had on his career, there’s no denying that. Lil Wayne was definitely here before me, but niggas will tell you that they ride more to Dedication 2 than the Carters. Especially in a situation where…loyalty’s a lot, man. And when Wayne had those problems with Gillie, I made a decision on my own based on the work that me and Wayne had did when the nigga was tearing his ass. And for someone to turn around when I was at my low point, and say, “You need to do it right like Khaled and Clue?” OK, that’s what’s up, dog.HipHopDX: What has it been like for you to see him blow up the way he has?
DJ Drama: Oh I love it. That’s the type of nigga I am; I do me. My team is my niggas, that’s who I talk to day to day. At the end of the day, I’m a fan of this music. So I can separate my friendships from what this music shit is. Lil Wayne is one of the hottest niggas out, and I would never take that from him. That’s what I was so excited to work with him in the first place. He’s got a banger on my album that’s fucking crazy. I don’t have bitter or ill feelings toward the man; he’s good at what he does, the same way I’m good at what I do. I’m a positive person, and I’m sure we can get past this, because just as the world would, I’d love to see a Dedication 3.

…. Um… sounds kinda fucked up to me considering Drama did help the brother out… (amongst the likes of other rappers)

CONFIRM WHAT YA HEARD – the beautiful and talented Oscar Winning Actress Halle Berry confirmed her pregnancy. Sorry fellas, she’s very excited and is very happy about the arrivial of her baby in three months. Her boyfriend Gabriel is her baby father. Awww…

WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? Comedian Eddie Griffin’s microphone has been cut due to using the word “nigga” during a show hosted by Black Entertainment Magazine, which was attended by people who are opposed to the N-Word to begin with. If you bought the new Apple IPhone at the debut price, yo ass is about to be mad as Apple announced that they’ll be cutting the price with the debut of the new Ipod. Haha… lol. Sorry. I know someone who got that phone and they’ve been broke since they bought it, YA DAMN DUMMY!

AWWW DAMN! – In other Awww news, Shaq filed for divorce from his wife … looks like she’s fucked because Shaq is giving the judge more than a FEW reasons as to why she doesn’t deserve to be entitled to any of his possessions. He blames the divorce on some secret investments, property, and companies. Ummmm… Kanye West is GQ’s man of the year. Congrats!! Usher is putting his Atlanta home up for sale, if you have $1.9M dollars, you can have it. It’s been on MTV’s cribs and once belonged to L.A. Reid.

WHO CARES FOR WHAT? – Kim Porter is blaming her break-up with Diddy on some type of secret betrayal in this month’s Essence magazine… Mind you, Diddy has other kids outside of his intensive relationship with Kim, but now she’s saying it’s another child in Atlanta that has played a major part in her making her decision to leave Diddy alone… um…. Whatever! Tracy Morgan’s wife is also filing for divorce after TWENTY-FIVE YEARS. WTF? But, finally after being high school sweethearts and three kids later, home girl said she’s done with the alcohol abuse and infidelity. Gone girl! B5 has a new album out on 9/11 (same day as Kanye & 50) for what? But I heard it was HOT. Young Joc’s sophomore album Hustlenomics debut at #3, while T.I. is still hanging in there (get it Tip) and white girl Fergie is still in there too… good shit. Trick Daddy’s lil’ brother Soup is featured on Fuck The Other Side – too bad he’s in jail right now because the track is really hot down in Miami right now. Boyz-II-Men has a new album dropping… why? I swear I forgot about them until today! BUT they are paying homage to MoTown with this album…. Anyyyyways… I know ya’ll folks can’t get enough on Tupac (but I can) and his mama is getting sued for clothing line copy infringement by Marco Bellini “MB”. Ludacris is talking shit about TI again on 50’s “I get money” the remix… for what? Damn! Maxwell has a new album dropping… whoooo???

I DON’T WANNA HEAR ABOUT THIS ANYMORE UNTIL ITS OVER WITH – R. Kelly’s trial has been pushed back until Spring 08. Now… by now surely the statue of limitations is up right??? DAMN already! Busta Rhymes assault trial delayed again. Sorry 50 fans, a lot of DJs are declaring Kanye’s album as being the HOTTEST album of all time so maybe now 50 can sit down some place and stop wasting folks time promoting that mediocre ass album (or so I heard).

NOT TRYING TO BE RUDE – but who really cares that Irv Gotti was fucking Ashanti when she was both hot and popular. Usher & Tameka are finally married. Damn. (lol) now, I don’t want to hear anymore about them! And really, why is Swiss Beats trying to find an excuse for his poor record sales… I keep telling you, this dude is NOT a rapper… accept it…stick to producing although “Money in the Bank” and “It’s me bitches” is hot, unfortunately YOUR NOT … (lyrically).

I KNOW ITS OLD BUT – Happy 26^th Birthday Beyoncè (Sept. 4th) , I didn’t forget to shout you out, I was just not here to do so.

Get Fresh.

Polow Da Don: Oh definitely. It has nothing to do with me, these effects. I didn’t make this stuff up. Only thing where people got misled is that I said I prefer a White woman, and that’s not the case at all. Really, I date all types of women. It was a stage in my life when I started dating a lot of White women- that was just a stage in my life. Right now, I date girls I like. I don’t base it off of any shade or color when I meet a girl now. They linked my comments about the Black family and Black women with the “King of the White Girls” and [the fact that] I dated White girls. That’s where it all went wrong. So when I was comparing Black women to White women, that has zero to do with me dating White women. What I was saying was factual though. Ladies and gentlemen agreed, n****s and b******s got mad.

Whatever. Black people got mad. Not niggas and bitches… it’s not about what was said, it was how it was said, and furthermore, he continued to feed into those flipping stereotypes that white people are superior to Black people. What a sell out withcha Black Ass! Next thing you know, he’ll have the Michael Jackson syndrome – the “I ain’t really black” syndrome. Watch. I just feel like all he had to say in the first place that he had a preference for white women. He didn’t even have to try to “spit knowledge” by comparing and contrasting black women to white women. How does he know that his statements weren’t just um… defected by a bunch of buckethead girls and bad experiences? I don’t care what he says, he’s still black, his mama still black, and his babies still going to be black. He better learn how to respect black women- the other 50% of the black community. Busta.

Toni Braxton has clarified the rumors that she doesn’t have breast cancer. Where that rumor came from, I don’t know BUT it was even reported within creditable news wiring services… strange…

Federal officials have finally figured out what that unknown substance was in DMX’s house (from the raid conducted a few days ago in his Arizona home), thank God, it’s not meth but they still aren’t sure what the chalk-like substance is/was.

As if we need another stupid reality show, MTV decides that it wants to give one to Paul Wall and Tone Loc. The TV show is designed to make a rap superstar or something like that. Um. Lol. Why???? But it should be a good show with other Hip-Hop artist being featured throughout the season…. Interesting…

Speaking of interested, Kanye West admitted that last week’s Scream-Fest fiasco didn’t go as planned. “It would have been better if it were just Jay and I” he said. Remember, by the end of the show 50 cent,T.I., Diddy, Swiss, and Kanye all ended up on the stage together. I would pay money to see that, I bet it was bananas…

Although you DON’T care, Ja Rule has a new single called, “Body” with Ashley Joi. The video is about to be getting on your nerves soon… Mariah Carey is naked on the cover of Interview Magazine. Why? Isn’t she about 50? Lol. I’m just saying….

Why this was even newsworthy, I don’t know but Allen Iverson’s step dad was indicted on drug charges in Virginia. Woooooo. Next week, they’ll be saying, AI has been pumpin’ drugs. Next month, he’ll be in rehabilitation. You know how the news world goes…. Lol…

On top of the charts this week is Talib Kweli and Swiss Beats… Not #1 but they’re in the top 10. Good ish.

Poor Foxy, she’s been isolated from everyone and has been rejected for early release. This is bad, not for fox, but for her weave because inmates surrounding her cell has said that all she does is read the bible and complain how terrible her weave looks as it’s falling apart. When not doing either or she’s asleep, must be the blues of pregnancy or bordem. Too bad she’ll be spending her birthday in the slammer.

Finally, we’ll all see how this all plays out. Lil’ Wayne has been sued for $1M dollars after a teen has accused Weezy F. Baby of being responsible for her being trampled at a concert but my opinion is – she should have just moved. That’s not $1M worth of damage. Sorry.

Get Fresh!

Anyways, another NFL player was charged with stabling a man outside of a Manhattan nightspot on Monday. Houston Rockets guard Rafer Alston was released without bail today after his arrest on Monday. Alston, 31, is out on felony charges after apparently cutting the man on his neck…. Ouch. Isn’t that attempted murder? Just asking!… besides, this is his 2^nd brush in with the law… he was held in contempt earlier this month for beating up somebody else… I think he definitely needs anger management classes to help resolve his issues. He’s definitely too old to be having a temper tandrum! Speaking of childlike acting individuals, Foxy Brown was denied early release from jail. Poor Foxy! (Whomp Whomp!) She’ll be spending the rest of her first trimester in jail. She won’t be elgible for release until her Sept. 7^th court date.
Speaking of women of rage, Remy Ma’s camp is reporting that her long time friend and associate (that was shot by Remy) is NOT on bedrest nor walking on a cain. The pictures are said to be on the net but, I’ve yet to see them.

Another NFL player abandoned his car after a car accident early Monday morning. Chicago Bears Lance Briggs said he panicked and reported his car stolen after the crash. First, he called a tow truck to remove his vehicle but then had a change of heart and contacted the police to report his behavior. It’s unclear if he hurt anyone or if he’ll face charges for filing a false police report.

Unfortunately, Luda is back on the XM airwaves. I’m sorry, but my mans needs to stick to acting since his credibility as an artist is taking an abrupt turn for LAME. Speaking of people that I wish would just have a fucking seat, Tupac’s mama has a movie coming out about her life… why?

In case you care, Wendy Williams is scheduled to release a film about her life in 2008. Robyn Givens will play the former crack head… (like in real life, Wendy was) – speaking of people on something, REMY MA finally dyed her damn bangs black! Thank you Jesus, HALLIJUAH! Somebody finally told home girl that shit was not cute…looking like a poodle!

Also, Solange Knowles finally got a publishing deal with EMI. In case you’re wondering why, she’s part writer of many DC3 songs and Beyonce hits such as “Upgrade U” and “Get me Bodied”. Good for Solange…. She’s finally getting her OWN shine.

I heard the new Alicia Keys single, “No one,” to be featured on her THIRD studio album. I’m not sure if I’m feeling it yet. Speaking of albums to be released, Young Joc’s Hustlenomics hits stores tomorrow… not sure if I want that yet either… I really don’t know how I feel about supporting Block Entertainment anymore after they had me waiting all day for an interview that they never had the decency to call and reschedule BUT THAT’S A DIFFERENT STORY! Speaking of music, the media attacks the song READ A BOOK… shoulda known good ol’ Jessie Jackson would have something to say about it. If you’re not that political, check out this segment where the Get Fresh Crew and I listen discuss why the song is needed: [MEDIA=44]

But as always, ending on a more positive note…send your prayers out to Toni Braxton who has been reportedly diagnosed with breast cancer.

Aiight ya’ll… you are officially in the LOOP. Get fresh!!!

**Before I started writing for this site, I used to do a editorial/commentary on various things in the world of Hip-Hop, and I’d like to extend that column to this website where it is more fitting.

I know I am about to sound like a big feminist when I say this – then I’m going to sound like a racist, or better let be labeled the “angry black woman” but before you be so quick to judge hear me out.
Now, once before, I heard the rumors that Polow the Don didn’t like black girls…but you know, I just dismissed the allegations with saying that everyone is entitled to their opinion.
But when I read the article of him on AllHipHop.com and saw what he said about black women, I was immediately outraged. This is what he had to say:

AllHipHop.com: Now, you call yourself the “King of All White Girls.” Elaborate on that for me.

Polow Da Don: Just the “King of the White Girls.” I ain’t self proclaimed but I run with it. [Laughs] There was a stage in my life where I went crazy with dating white women. I have nothing against black women, but they’re raised differently. White women are raised to respect and serve their men. Black women are taught to question [their men]. Black women look at submission as being weak. White women look at submission as being a woman. And anyone who has a problem with this statement is ignorant. Just look at the divine order; it goes man, woman, child.

… um… excuse me? Ain’t yo momma black? Then, aren’t you black? Again, I know this racisim is about to kick into factor but please note that I am far from it. It just pisses me off as a BLACK person first and a BLACK woman secondly to hear other BLACK MEN speak down to us when it is the BLACK WOMAN who supports your BLACK @$$ and deals with your BLACK SH*T and can relate to you as in what it means to be BLACK. Don’t try to play me (or us) because WE as BLACK WOMEN have gotten sick of tolerating your bullsh*t. Obviously, he just wants a “yes ma’am” or a “jellyback” broad – meaning anyone who can’t stand up for themselves and defend themselves out of fear for being left alone.

Black women, I applaud you and respect your gangsta demeanor. Take a stand. Say a couple of “hell no’s!” and question your man. If he’s your man, then that’s your divine right to question him. Relationships are 50 -50, and I don’t know what pre-woman’s suffrage area he’s living in but BLACK WOMAN faught hard for the rights that his momma have, his grandmomma have, and great grandmomma have. Then to say, “White women look at submission as being a woman.” Child boo. Being a woman is handling her business on her own. Being a woman is raising a family by herself. Being a woman is not being afraid to challenge those who “think” they have power (even if it’s the black man). And before I piss anybody else off, let me say this: Being a woman is not eagle scopin’ a ballin’ @$$ dude, laying up with up, poppin’ out babies, stay with him for a few years, and living comfortably off of that divorce settlement she’s getting. (look at the history of interracial marriages in the world of entertainment in comparison to the history of solid racial marriages). From a personal perspective, this irritates me. How can you lay up with a woman that would sleep with you and then lie and say she was raped, watch you get lynched, and/or beat? Who was washing the blood off yo back, buddy? It damn sure wasn’t her white @$$….

I don’t know about you all and how you all stand, but when I see prosperous black men saying such negative things like this about black women, hell yeah, I get offended. And sadly, we’re the ones dancing to his beats up in the damn clubs. *Tisk* – he just lost one!

The site is finally up and running. Tha Block is a extension of our existing hip hop news site HipHopMusicDotCom.com, Tha Block was created for hip hop artist, producers, DJs and pretty much anyone else looking to publish there stuff on our site. Just think what if Sohh.com, Myspace and Youtube became one site, that is exactly what Tha Block is. You can sign up and upload as much photos, videos and audio as you like.

You can Sign up here (Oh yeah this is all free)

Yea, yea, I know this is old but I just had to post this VIBE VIXEN Cover featuring Miss Janet Jackson. Beyond what her album sales have done, you can’t deny that she is looking good on this cover.

Thanks to Game Time Athletics you don’t only have to support your favorite rappers by buying all of their albums and knowing all of their lyrics, you can now wear them on your shoes. Located in Memphis, TN, this leading designer and distributor of custom athletic and urban apparel has expanded into the global fashion industry with the release of the Face Off, a footwear collection that personalizes a digital image of a face on each side of the sneaker and inside its’ sole.

“Now you can design your own shoe. It can look exactly how you want it to. Your own creativity is the only limitation” says Jamien Sills, Creative Director for Gametime Athletics. “It’s something that’s never been done before and something that other companies may not be capable of. The market is moving to (where) everybody is customizing shoes, but this is something that people aren’t doing. People love it, especially record labels, entertainers and DJs.”

For more info www.gametime-athletics.com

Who would you put on your shoes? Or would you even do so?