Sade Performs at O2 Arena in London. Looks Great.

Sade performed at the O2 Arena on May 31, 2011 in London, England. How great does she look? She's scheduled to perform in my neck of the woods (New Orleans, Houston) in July.

Kanye Rocks Womenswear at Coachella...

Kanye West performed at Coachella on Sunday April 17 this year wearing womenswear from Celine's 2011 Spring line. And you know what? I can't even hate on this. Not even a little bit. Because I stroll around in the men's department looking for cool finds for myself on occasion. I have a pair of 34" waist menswear khaki pants that I purchased to wear and I LOVE them. They don't fit my waist, but I belt them around my hips for an easy, hipster/tomboy fit. Trust me, it works. And honestly ya'll. Are we really that shocked at Kanye wearing designer womenswear or anything else that's completely out of the ordinary? I mean come on. We are talking about Kanye.

Celine Spring 2011

Official Celine

Happy Birthday Aretha Franklin!

WATCH: Jennifer Hudson & Her Cutie Baby! On The View...

In Case You Missed: Janet Jackson on Dateline [WATCH]

Janet Jackson spoke to Meredith Viera about everything from her weight, her brother Michael, new relationships and her new self help book "True You" WATCH her interview in its entirety below:
Part One


Part Two

53rd Grammy Red Carpet Fashion 2011 [LINK]

Click HERE to see pics from the 53rd Grammy Red Carpet (via Billboard)

Jennifer Hudson's *New* Album *New* Look

How great does she look? Wow. Her transformational journey is truly inspiring. 

Click HERE to pre-order J. Hud's new album "I Remember Me" and listen to her first single

"Where You At"

Black Eyed Peas Performing in Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show.

Should be a good show...

El DeBarge Speaks with Black Enterprise...

via Black Enterprise: After nearly 20 years away from the spotlight, El DeBarge reemerged on the scene this year with the appropriately titled album, Second Chance. Many remember the pretty boy image of Debarge as lead singer of the beloved 80's family group of the same name, or for his rise to fame as a solo artist. But you can't ignore his two-decade-old battle with drug addiction, which spiraled out of control and lead the R&B singer to do a 13-month bid in prison from 2008-2009. Now, DeBarge is all about embracing his second chance.

Watch below as Blackenterprise.com reporter LaToya M. Smith talks with the Detroit-native about what he wishes he knew then, and what he certainly knows now. You may be surprised...

LOL: Gwyneth Paltrow Jimmy Fallon Make Fun of 90's Music.

Toni Braxton to Star in a New Reality Show in 2011?

Toni Braxton is the latest celebrity to open her home to reality television cameras.

Braxton, the Grammy-winning singer of "Un-Break My Heart" and "You're Makin' Me High," will appear in "Braxton Family Values" on the WE network starting in April. Braxton's sisters – Traci, Towanda, Trina and Tamar – are all aspiring singers.

The dynamic of Toni's sisters trying to follow the 43-year-old Braxton into show business – with varying levels of success – appealed to WE executives. The network's research indicated that programs about families, often with a humorous touch, is a niche worth exploring.

The WE network appeals chiefly to women, and with Oprah Winfrey's new OWN network going on the air last weekend, it is looking to sharpen its focus for viewers. The network said it will emphasize programs that feature families.

SHOCK: RIP Teena Marie...

OMG, I was not expecting to hear ANYTHING like this on the day after Christmas. I've been a fan of Teena Marie since Square Biz. My little brother saw her live at Essence Fest in New Orleans a few years back and to hear him talk about her set, Teena must have really shut the house down. I was mad jealous that I wasn't there in the Superdome to witness it. I vowed to see her live after my brother's report, but now, sadly, I'll never get the chance. This news is so unbelievably sudden. Prayers go out to her family...




Born Marie Christine Brockert, Teena Marie rose to prominence in the late 70s and 80s, striking a musical and personal partnership with funk legend Rick James. She released 13 studio albums, six of which went platinum on the US R&B chart. Two of her albums went platinum, and six altogether were gold. Marie's biggest hit came in 1984 with her single 'Lovergirl,' which peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Esperanza Spalding For the Jazz Enthusiast on Your Holiday List..

A perfect gift idea for the jazz lover on your list. Esperanza Spalding is a frequent performer at white house events and would make a perfect holiday gift or just snag a copy for yourself. Listen to the video then scroll down and click below to check her out...


Check out three of Esperanza Spalding's CD's over at Amazon.com below:
Chamber Music Society
Esperanza
Junjo

Breakdancers + Classical Music = AWESOME.

I was a huge fan of Hip Hop growing up. DJ's (obviously, for those who know me..) breakdancers, The Sugar Hill Gang, lol. So I was naturally fascinated by the video below. Breakdancers and Classical music? YES please. And Thanks.

Artist Spotlight: New Music Artist Carmine Davis

Recently had the chance to interview new artist Carmine Davis about his music career. He talked about how he got started, who he'd like to work with as an artist (Antoine Dodson made that list, LOVE that, lol) who his audience is, and what he's most proud of so far. Check it out below:

For the record, what name do you go by as an artist?
Carmine Davis. But you can call me Cee. :)

How long have you been pursuing music?
Professionally for only one year. I just graduated from high school a year ago. I've been affiliated with the industry, learning and growing as a business man and an artist but I had a Hannah Montana thing going on. I was a student by day, a growing musician by night. Haha.

Have you always wanted to do music? When did you have your "light bulb" moment?
I've always wanted to do music. Others might do it as a hobby or as a way to make millions, but it's who I am. I want to be an iconic entertainer, and also touch peoples lives with my music. I want to give people something to talk and think about.

Do you have a background in music?
Well, I've been writing lyrics since I was eight. I've been singing since I could talk, and I've been dancing since I could walk.

Who or what inspires you? Name some of your musical influences.
As far as inspirations go: my life inspires me. Every challenge I win or lose makes me stronger and inspires me to be resiliet in my quest. My bestfriends and family inspire me to not only be the best musician I can be, but the best person I can be also.

As far as musical inspirations, I have way too many to count. Prince, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, Luther Vandross, Aaliyah, Steven Tyler, Janet Jackson, Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige, Rick James, Beyonce, Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears, Rihanna, Tupac... just a variety. The list goes on.

Do you write your own songs? I understand there's loads of cash in that enterprise.
I do usually. I wrote every word and co-produced my debut single "Autograph". Though I usually write all of my material, I find it better to work as a team. I collaborate with writers, producers and other people. At the end of the day, for me, it's not about the money first. It's really about making an innovative and interesting record that I believe people will enjoy.

What are you the most proud of up to this point? Your proudest, most genuine achievement.
Wow! There's a lot, actually. Just how well my music and my movement has been received. Just looking at how far I've come in just a year. One thing is that I never assimilated. I do my own thing, make the music that I want to, and handle my business the way that I think it should be handled. I love getting advice from others, but at the end of the day this is my company, my art and my brand and nobody can handle it better than myself. I trust my instincts over anyone Else's.

I'm also proud that I have an amazing team around me. Some hustlers who understand my vision. All of the achievements I have accomplished, none of it would matter if my team wasn't right.

Have you worked with any notables in the music industry?
I feel like everyone I work with is equally notable. I try to surround myself with independent artist because I feel like sometimes they have a certain spirit about them, than say a major player -- or someone who thinks they are a major player. They are also a lot of the time more humble and hungry. Two indie artist can create a better record than one major superstar if they work hard enough.

If you could name anyone, anyone at all to do a collaboration with, what would that dream collaboration look like/consist of?
I would like to do a group collaboration: Jay-Z would spit 16 bars, Nickleback's Chad Kroeger would assist me on the hook and Alabama's own Antoine Dodson would auto-tune a few bars to bring it home. Billboard Hot 100, baby! Hahaha.

Who is your audience?
Technically my market is 17-25 year old men and women over seas and in the states who are interested in thumping beats, catchy, witty and sometimes naughty lyrics and soulful vocals with a rock edge. I just made that up. How cool am I? Hahahaha.

What, to you, would mean "success" that you've "made it"?
When I'm able to take care of all of the loved ones who have taken care of me and supported me through the years. I hold my friends and family close to my heart, and they're everything to me. I work 14 hours and put up with this crazy business partly for them. I want them to never have to want for another thing.

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
I see myself defiantly on top of the charts, growing my brand and spreading my love and music across the world.

Is your music currently available for purchase, and if so, where?
You can purchase "Autograph" EVERYWHERE by visiting my website: http://carminedavisworld.com. I'll be releasing Autograph: The Remixes EP soon which features the remasterd version of "Autograph", the "Milky Mix" remix and a lot of other different styles of remixed to keep your body moving. I'm working on a surprise for all of my fans that are also Prince fans like myself, so you gotta sign-up for my mailing-list for more information: (http://bit.ly/c5rILU). I'll also be releasing my debut album "Bizarre" January 11, 2011 (1.11.11). Stay tuned and follow me everywhere for more info:

"Autograph"
CARMINE DAVIS - Autograph MIXED (Edited) by carminedavis

http://carminedavisworld.com
http://twitter.com/carminedavis (I'll follow you back)
http://facebook.com/carminedavis
http://myspace.com/carminedavis
http://youtube.com/carminedavis (Subscribe to my channel, and I'll subscribe to yours)

Lauryn Hill's Awesome Comeback at Rock the Bells [VIDEO]

Now whoever taped the video below must have been right in front of the speakers because the sound quality isn't all that great, but you can still tell that Lauryn rocked it hard recently at Rock the Bells in California. This was her first U.S. appearance after a summer of European warm-up appearances. According to lots of Youtube evidence, Lauryn looked and sounded great, and was very well received. Her fans are so ready for her, myself included. She has a couple more dates scheduled for New York and D.C.

New Music: Lauryn Hill's "Repercussions"

New Music! From Lauryn Hill, still unreleased, will it be a new, long awaited single from her? Guess we'll have to wait and see...

2010 Essence Music Fest: Sights From Sunday, July 4th...

[photos via AP Photo]

Lalah Hathaway, Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Earth, Wind and Fire + more closed out the 2010 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, LA on July 4th 2010.

Essence Music Festival 2010, Day 3 (Sunday, July 4th) LIVE from the Superdome in New Orleans, LA.

2010 Essence Music Fest: Sights & Sounds From Saturday..

Check out video footage from Saturday at the 2010 ESSENCE Music Festival in New Orleans courtesy of Essence.com.

2010 Essence Music Fest: Sights & Sounds From Friday..

[photos via Getty Images and AP Photo]
Charlie Wilson must have ripped his set TO SHREDS. The Twitter feed went crazy 
after his performance at Essence. But truth be told, dude has some hits with The Gap Band.

Click READ MORE HERE below to watch VIDEO of some of the sights and sounds from
 Friday night at the 2010 Essence Music Fest.