Tag Archives: Love

Whitney Houston In 1999: ‘I Didn’t Know How To Say No’

Posted on February 12, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Singer worries to John Norris about letting down her millions of fans. By James Dinh Whitney Houston during interview with John Norris in 1999 Photo: MTV News Whitney Houston ‘s road to superstardom wasn’t without sacrifices, and that was something the late icon realized during her career. In the midst of the shocking news that the megastar had died Saturday afternoon (February 11), MTV News is taking a look back at a 1999 interview, in which the singer/actress opens up about career lessons like learning how to say no. “I got that singer thing, where your cords get so swollen and they want to take a break,” an energetic Houston tells MTV News’ John Norris about her condition after canceling shows due to sickness. Donning sunglasses and a short brown bob, Houston calls herself “soft” when reminiscing about memories like her Greatest Love World Tour (her first headlining world tour) because of her then-desire to be a people-pleaser. “I’m pretty stern about my convictions and what I mean,” the diva explains during the Boston tour stop. “But when it comes down to certain things, I didn’t know how to say no. I didn’t, because there’s a lot of people out there.” Asked what goes through her head prior to performing a show, Houston says, “What really goes through my head is what note am I really going to, like, really start off with. You know what I mean? Just from the groove of my show. I know the show. They don’t know the show.” From career lessons to her love life, Houston also chatted about then-husband Bobby Brown, saying the former New Edition frontman turned her shows into a family affair when they made stops in his hometown of Boston. “I got so many Brown relatives here. You kidding me? Oh my God! And there’s a lot of them. But he has a lot of fam here. It should be a good gig.” Share your condolences with Whitney’s family and friends on our Facebook page. Related Videos Whitney Houston: Life And Music Of An Icon Related Photos Whitney Houston: A Life In Photos

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Whitney Houston Mourned By Mariah Carey, Rihanna

Posted on February 11, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘Jesus Christ, not Whitney Houston. Greatest of all time,’ Nicki Minaj tweets of late icon. By James Dinh Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston at the 71st Academy Awards in 1999 Photo: Timothy A. Clary/ AFP/ Getty Images Just a day before the 54th annual Grammys , the music industry suffered a major loss as one of the greatest voices of all time, Whitney Houston, was found dead Saturday night (February 11). Shocking fans, former collaborators and everybody in between, stars like Mariah Carey , Rihanna and Diddy have taken to Twitter to mourn the late icon. Mariah Carey, also known for her beautiful voice, took to the social media site to share her memory of the singer/actress. “Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston ,” Carey wrote . “My heartfelt condolences to Whitney’s family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth.” My heartfelt condolences to Whitney’s family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. — Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) February 12, 2012 Rihanna was speechless upon hearing the news about the star’s death, simply writing , “No words! Just tears #DearWhitney.” Quoting a line from Houston’s massive 1992 hit “I Will Always Love You,” Kim Kardashian shared her love for the singer. “Just heard the tragic news that Whitney Houston passed away. I pray for her daughter & loved ones. We will always love you Whitney…,” she tweeted . Houston’s death hit Nicki Minaj pretty hard, with the Young Money songstress writing , “Jesus Christ, not Whitney Houston. Greatest of all time,” as well as tweeting a vintage photo of the late singer alongside Michael Jackson. Calling Houston’s death “such a loss,” Jennifer Lopez was another celeb to remember the superstar singer. “One of the greatest voices of our time. Sending out prayers to her family… #R.I.P.Whitney,” she said. Diddy admitted his disbelief about the the industry’s loss, saying , “Whitney Houston!!! OMG!! I really can’t believe this.. This is one of the saddest days ever..,” Toni Braxton confessed her influence from the late-singer. “My heart is weeping…RIP to the Legendary Diva & Icon Whitney Houston!!!!!” Toni Braxton wrote . “Such an incredible influence over music as a whole! She’s paved the way for every single singer in the music industry. Iconic, legendary, innovating, amazing, humble…1 the best in the world.” Christina Aguilera, also a big-voiced diva, took to Twitter to share her memory of the singer, confessing that “we have lost another legend.” “Love and prayers to Whitney’s family. She will be missed,” she added. Usher also chimed in, writing , “R.I.P Whitney Houston… A true icon of our time. Gone too soon. My heart goes out to the family in their time of distress. URIV.” Immediately after the news was announced, Houston’s legacy appeared all over Twitter’s trending topic list as #DearWhitney, #IWillAlwaysLove you, Waiting to Exhale amongst others trends taking over the top 10 list. Join us for an hour-long musical tribute to Whitney Houston, Saturday night at 11:30 on MTV. Share your condolences with Whitney’s family and friends on our Facebook page . Related Videos Whitney Houston: Life And Music Of An Icon Related Photos Whitney Houston: A Life In Photos Related Artists Whitney Houston Mariah Carey Diddy Rihanna

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Zooey Deschanel Excited To Scratch ‘SNL’ Off Her Bucket List

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Actress tells MTV News hosting ‘Saturday Night Live’ ‘will definitely be a highlight of my life.’ By John Mitchell, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Zooey Deschanel Photo: MTV News Zooey Deschanel will get to scratch off one more item from her bucket list when she takes the stage to host this weekend’s “Saturday Night Live” with musical guest Karmin. The Golden Globe-nominated star of Fox’s hit sitcom “New Girl” is a longtime fan of the legendary sketch comedy show and remembers watching Mike Myers and Dana Carvey create classic characters when she was a kid. “I think the cast is so strong right now,” Deschanel told MTV News. “It’s really great to be here right now.” Indeed, her regard for the cast is so great she wouldn’t reveal her favorites, insisting she couldn’t wait to hit the famed Studio 8H stage at 30 Rock with each and every member of the current “SNL” team. “This will definitely be a highlight of my life,” she said. “For sure, the bucket list.” With booking “SNL” scratched off her to-do list, the actress can focus on the business of hosting the show, which includes a lot more work than what you see on camera. “They ask you if there’s anything you’d like to do, if there’re any impressions you can do, and, you know, characters — sort of talk about stuff you’re capable of doing,” Deschanel says of the “SNL” writing team, who take all that info and, in an all-night writing session, churn out the first draft of the script. “Once you do the read-through is sort of when you can see what’s working and not,” she said. “But it’s not really until you read it out loud that you really know.” And she can’t wait to break out some of the impressions she’s been working on in the lead-up to Saturday night. “I’m an actor and that’s one of the things you do,” Deschanel said. Are you planning to check out Zooey on “Saturday Night Live”? Let us know in the comments below!

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Obama Campaign Playlist Includes Wilco, U2, Al Green

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Ricky Martin, Bruce Springsteen, Dierks Bentley and Sugarland also in the mix. By Gil Kaufman Barack Obama Photo: Shahar Azran/WireImage We already know President Obama likes to listen to (and occasionally sing) Al Green songs. And he’s told us that his iPod has a bit of Jay-Z and Lil Wayne on it . But with the toughest re-election campaign of his career on the horizon, what music will Obama 2012 be using to pump up crowds at rallies? Judging by a playlist uploaded to Spotify this week, it looks like a cheerful, noncontroversial mix of classic rock, country, soul and R&B, but, alas, no hip-hop. Instead, in a clear bid to appeal to the broad middle, Obama chose songs by beloved soul acts like Booker T. & the MG’s (“Green Onions”), Earth Wind & Fire (“Got to Get You Into My Life”), The Impressions (“Keep on Pushing”) and, yes, Green (the pleading “Let’s Stay Together”). From the rock pile, he went with Wilco (“I Got You”), Arcade Fire (“We Used to Wait”), U2 (“Even Better Than the Real Thing”) and the new blue-collar recession anthem from Bruce Springsteen (“We Take Care of Our Own”). For those visits to the heartland, he loaded up on country goodness from Sugarland (“Stand Up” and “Everyday America”), Darius Rucker (“This”), Zac Brown Band (“Keep Me in Mind”) and Dierks Bentley (“Home”). There are a few oddball picks in there as well, including a deep cut from No Doubt (“Different People”), a very literal AM radio staple from REO Speedwagon (“Roll with the Changes”), a cover of the Band’s “The Weight” by Aretha Franklin, some indie rock from Noah and the Whale (“Tonight’s the Kind of Night”) and a Ricky Martin/ Joss Stone duet (“The Best Thing About Me Is You”). While likely GOP opponent Mitt Romney takes the stage to the rousing strains of Kid Rock’s Americana anthem “Born Free,” Obama plans to get crowds pumped with the likes of modern R&B master Raphael Saadiq (“Keep Marchin’ “), Florence and the Machine (“You’ve Got the Love”) and afro-era prog popsters Electric Light Orchestra (“Mr. Blue Sky”). Rounding out the list is obscure jam act AgesAndAges, whose “No Nostalgia” is a handclapping ditty that just begs for a group hug, Jennifer Hudson’s “Love You I Do,” Ledisi’s self-explanatory “Raise Up,” James Taylor’s feel-good “Your Smiling Face,” country duo Montgomery Gentry’s small-town homage “My Town” and Ray LaMontagne’s tear-in-your-beer lovefest “You Are the Best Thing.” It might sound tame, but don’t forget that back in 2008 when he was still just Candidate Obama, the president’s taste in music was pretty similar. At the time, the future boomer-in-chief said he listened to everything from Bob Dylan, Elton John, Earth Wind & Fire and the Rolling Stones to Sheryl Crow, Springsteen and a number of jazz and classic giants, including Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Yo-Yo Ma. What songs would you add to the president’s playlist? Let us know in comments below! Check back for up-to-the-minute coverage of the primaries and stick with PowerOf12.org throughout the 2012 presidential election season. Related Artists Bruce Springsteen Ricky Martin Al Green U2

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Is Nicki Minaj A Lock For Best New Artist Grammy?

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Femcee seems anything but ‘new’ at this point, but it remains to be seen if her domination translates to Grammy gold come Sunday. By Rob Markman Nicki Minaj Photo: Getty Images It’s getting increasingly difficult to think of Nicki Minaj as a new artist. If you judge the Young Money raptress by the time she’s spent in the game, then she is no doubt a newcomer. On the other hand, if you measure the “Super Bass” star by her accomplishments, then she has accumulated enough stats in 14 months to rival some industry veterans. Though it may seem unfair to some that she is even nominated, Nicki’s accelerated artistic growth makes her a heavy favorite in the Best New Artist category at the 54th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday. When weighted against other Best New noms like the Band Perry, Bon Iver, J. Cole and Skrillex, Nicki’s path is a unique one. She started out an MC but grew into so much more under the direction of YM head honcho Lil Wayne. When Weezy first discovered Minaj rapping on a street DVD, she was as cocksure and combative as any of her male counterparts, but after signing with Young Money, Nicki used the platform to amplify the natural performance talents that existed within. There were glimpses on her 2009 mixtape Beam Me Up Scotty, but it wasn’t until the Harajuku Barbie dropped her debut, Pink Friday, in November 2010 that her full potential was unleashed, when she displayed her passion for both rapping and singing. Yes, technically her debut album was released in the 2010 calendar year, but the Grammy calendar does leave wiggle room and make her eligible for the Best New Artist nomination. The Queens, New York, rap star didn’t start out the gate as hot as some speculated, but she did snag the #1 album spot on the Billboard charts in her 11th week. In October 2010, Minaj set a record for having the most singles on the Hot 100, notching seven songs at the same time. “Your Love,” “Right Thru Me” and the Drake-featuring “Moment 4 Life” all made significant radio impact, but it was “Super Bass” that proved to be her biggest and most inescapable hit. Nicki, with the help of alter ego Roman, has emerged as a strong visual artist as well through her “Moment 4 Life” video and the super colorful “Super Bass.” The rap rook has also toured with Britney Spears and Lil Wayne. It’s also important to note that Nicki’s prowess in the studio has led her to be a ubiquitous figure in pop culture. She has had a Barbie doll made in her likeness, inked a deal for her own nail polish with OPI, became the face of MAC’s 2012 Viva Glam campaign and has either appeared on the covers or shot for too many glamour magazines to name. Yes, Nicki Minaj does seem to be a lock for Best New Artist, but then again, this is the Grammys and no one ever thought Esperanza Spalding would beat out pop icon Justin Bieber . So maybe the Band Perry have a shot after all. Chaos! Profanity! Wardrobe malfunctions! Don’t miss Sway and James Montgomery live from the Grammys red carpet this Sunday, February 12, for a full three hours of mayhem, starting at 5 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And the fun doesn’t end Sunday: MTV News has you covered until the Grammy hangover wears off! Related Photos 2012 Grammy Performers

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Labels: Are You Black Or African-American? [VIDEO]

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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The debate over being called Black or African-American is an ongoing conversation where opinions change as often as possible. Actor and comedian Al Shearer reignited the debate in the offices of TMZ when he and a friend we caught leaving a restaurant. The Glory Road actor proclaimed proudly, “I’m Black!” A cameraman proceeded to ask his opinion on the label debate to which Al Shearer answered with, “Black is good. Black is beautiful.” Before Shearer could finish his sentence, his friend screamed, “Bring your black ass on!” Shearer then stated, “If you call me the N-word, you’ll get knocked out. But Black or African-American is cool.” Harvey Levin , the owner of the blog, was slightly confused as to why the label kept changing and stuck his foot in his mouth offering, “They keep changing it every five years!” His Black employees didn’t appreciate the comment too much and politely checked him. What are your thoughts on being called Black or African-American? Does it matter? Is one better than the other? Sound off in the comments. Source RELATED POSTS: 5 MUSICAL MOVIES WE LOVE: School Daze Black Is Beautiful: Dark Girls, A Documentary On Color Bias In & Out Of The African American Culture [VIDEO] Is This Racist? Dove Ad Causing Controversy On The Net

Labels: Are You Black Or African-American? [VIDEO]

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Ja Rule’s “Pain Is Love 2″ Tracklist [FINAL]

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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Ja Rule will be releasing his first studio album in almost eight years, Pain Is Love 2 (PIL 2) on February 28, 2012. It is the follow-up to 2004′s Blood In My Eye. Check out the tracklist below. 1) Intro “Fuck Fame” ( feat Leah Siegal) 2) Real Life Fantasy ( feat Anita Louise) 3) Parachute ( feat Leah Siegal) 4) Super Star 5) Black Vodka 6) Drown (feat Somong and Kenny Dark) 7) Never Had Time (feat John Doe) Strange days 9) To The Top ( feat Kalina of Dirty Money) 10) Pray 4 The Day (feat Leah Siegal) 11) Believe (bonus) 12) Spun A Web ( fear AminA) (bonus)**

Ja Rule’s “Pain Is Love 2″ Tracklist [FINAL]

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Make It Last Forever: Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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Through 26 years of rumors, speculations and tabloid scandals Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham’s non-traditional relationship has stood the test of time. Winfrey and Graham, CEO and founder of S. Graham & Associates, began dating in 1986 after ending her then relationship with Reginald Chevalier . In spite of the gossip and rumors of separation, Oprah and Stedman have continued to blossom in their love and support of one another. In 2010 during an interview with Jenny McCarthy, Oprah rebuffed these claims stating, “We’ve never broken up once. They’re always lies,” said Oprah, adding, “I do regret ever mentioning him” in the press. READ MORE ‘Black History In Love’: Make It Last Forever: Jay-Z And Beyonce In the past few years, Oprah has opened up about her personal life, demonstrating that long-term couples can find happiness living non-traditional lives, without marriage and children. Why She Loves Him: In her 2010 interview with Barbara Walters, Oprah stated of Stedman, “I don’t know of another man on this planet who could have lived this life with such dignity, such grace and such respect and humility in it and still hold his own and be his own.”  Despite Oprah’s significant fame, Stedman has maintained his own identity and remained by her side through it all. During her appearance on the Piers Morgan Show , Oprah candidly discussed a family member selling her out to the tabloids for $20,000. In response to Stedman’s support at that traumatic time in her life, she said, “here is someone who is willing to stand in and stand up for you. And that is love.” Why He Loves Her: Though the two rarely make public appearances together, Stedman surprised the audience by walking out on stage and paying tribute to Oprah during Part 2 of the ‘Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular.’ “It really does amaze me that I get to be around a woman who changes peoples’ lives every day and who also takes her own lunch to work,” Stedman said. “I cannot, honey, believe that a colored girl from the backwoods of Mississippi has done all that you have done … But you know what really is amazing? You have done this, sweetheart, through all of the sacrifices you have made and the humility that you have and through God’s amazing grace. I love you for making a difference in my life.” READ: 5 Embarrassing Black Moments We Wished Never Happened Why They Work: Again during her Piers Morgan appearance, Oprah said it best “the reason why this relationship has worked as well as it has is that we each got to define ourselves in it and not in a traditional form.”  In the early 2000s, Oprah and Stedman made a conscious effort to pull back on their public appearances together, stating that “every time we showed up in public… there’d be another exploitative story.” Maintaining their privacy and the integrity of their relationship has definitely been the keystone to their success as a couple. Why We Love Them: Oprah and Stedman have battled it out with the media for the past 26 years, choosing to live outside of society’s norms and embracing their own definition of happiness.  Oprah once said about her relationship, “the truth of the matter is, had we gotten married we wouldn’t be together now, because in no way is this a traditional relationship.” Thus proving that happiness doesn’t have to be defined by a ring or a label.

Make It Last Forever: Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham

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3 Sexy Valentine Cocktail Ideas By Celebrity Chef Travis London

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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Whether you love or hate Valentine’s Day, it’s a holiday that could be celebrated in many ways. Spending your V-day at home with your boo can be just as sexy, if not more than going out to a romantic dinner. Celebrity chef and party planner, Travis London has taken X-rated Fusion Liqueur and created some libido boosting cocktails that are sure to please, titillate and ready lovers for a lustful Valentine’s evening. X-Rated Bellini 1.5 oz. of X-Rated Fusion Liqueur 2.5 oz. of Mango Puree Top with Rose Brut Sparkling Wine In a cocktail shaker, add X-Rated Fusion Liqueur, mango puree and ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a champagne flute rimmed with rimming sugar. Top with sparkling wine. Nothing says flirty like the dancing bubbles of champagne. Allow the sticky sweet cocktail to increase your flirtation levels. Be Mine Bubbly 1.5 oz. X-Rated Fusion Liqueur 1 oz. Skyy Infusions Ginger 1.5 oz. Ginger Simple Syrup Top With Champagne In a cocktail shaker, add X-Rated Fusion Liqueur, SKYY Infusions Ginger, simple syrup and ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a champagne flute rimmed with sugar. Top with champagne. Ginger spices up the flavor and will spice up your love life. It improves blood flow in the body and contains Vitamin C, Zinc and Magnesium–upping the heat for between the sheets. Love Goddess 1 oz. Chocolate Liqueur 1 oz. X-rated Fusion Liqueur 3 Strawberries 1.5 oz. SKYY Vodka In a cocktail shaker place all ingredients and muddle the strawberries until completely mashed. Add ice, shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass rimmed with red rimming sugar and garnish with a strawberry slice. Chocolate may not be a proven aphrodisiac , but it’s one of the sexiest and sweetest drink flavors. Add that to strawberries and you’ve got a tasty treat lovers can’t resist. Valentine’s Day Brunch Ideas That Will Impress The Loved Ones In Your Life 5 Sexy Lingerie Pieces For Valentine’s Day

3 Sexy Valentine Cocktail Ideas By Celebrity Chef Travis London

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Amber Heard Bikini Top for Max of the Day

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Amber Heard is trying to be some sex icon….when no one knew who she was she released statements to the press about her bi-sexuality and openness to love and how the source of the orgasms don’t matter…whether guy or girl…just as long as they are happening…all for attention…. Then she went all 60s glam…like she’s Marilyn Monroe or some old hollywood shit…avoiding scandal…loving the attention…and hitting red carpets with platinum hair….cuz she played the love interest in Rum Diaries….even though I was more into HER FETISH SHOOT WITH Vs. Mag ….you know cuz it’s all about me… Well now she’s in some shit called Max, she’s wearing a bra, that’s not entirely erotic enough for me since it lacks nipples…but I’m posting it anyway….

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Amber Heard Bikini Top for Max of the Day

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