Lauryn Hill’s recent concert at Center Stage in Atlanta started three hours late and was full of new arrangements of her classic songs that fans were unable to recognize. Hill recently sent the city an apology via Twitter. In the letter, Hill gives a nod to Nicki Minaj, who Irv Gotti once said was Lauryn’s rightful successor. ATL I had to come back. I’M HERE and excited for the opportunity to do what should have been done the last time. Starting off on the wrong foot can always be easily rectified by putting another foot down, especially in a ‘monster shoe’ (Nicki Minaj quotable). Come Again! Ms. Hill Part Deux Lauryn, or Ms. Hill as she’s billing herself these days, plays Center Stage again tonight (March 30). Source: Lauryn Hill’s Twitter RELATED: Lauryn Hill Announces Tour Dates For The Spring RELATED: Wyclef & Pras Make Peace In Haiti
Despite the fact that our country and theirs just spearheaded another war, the upcoming British Royal Wedding we can’t imagine too many people really caring about keeps getting headlines. And here’s one that’s actually kinda cool and overflowing with “positivity.” According to Reuters, Prince William and fiancee Kate (or Catherine, as she prefers) Middleton have set up the Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton Charitable Gift Fund, asking well-wishers to donate money to charities they care about instead of gifts. The couple have chosen five causes — Changing Lives through Arts and Sport; Children Fulfilling Their Potential; Help and Care at Home; Support for Service Personnel and Their Families; and Conservation for Future Generations — and 26 charities that fall into one of these categories to receive a portion of the funds raised. Since there are so many charities to choose from, the couple aimed to select charities that are not as well-known but doing important work in line with their passions, the fund’s website explains: “These causes are close to their hearts and reflect the experiences, passions and values of their lives so far.” Several of the charities are based in Canada, Australia and New Zealand where William has focused some of his charitable efforts over the years. The only U.S.-based group selected is PeacePlayers International’s program in Northern Ireland, which was founded ten years ago by Washington residents Brendan and Sean Touhey to get kids together in conflict-torn areas through basketball. In related royal wedding charitable news, Kate Middleton’s infamous see-through dress she wore at a charitable fashion show in college, which reportedly first caught the eye of her prince, sold for more than $125,000 at auction to an unnamed buyer. It went for 10 times what it was initially expected to bring in. Hmmm. Did THAT $125K go to charity too? SMH. Do you think this royal wedding is as big a deal and Prince Charles & Diana’s wedding? Or are those days done? Source
Haitian singer Wyclef Jean was shot in his hand in Haiti just outside of Port-au-Prince yesterday, the day before the presidential elections. Wyclef was a candidate for the presidential elections however, was ruled ineligible due to residency requirements. He was treated at a local hospital and was released. TMZ reports that the bullet grazed his hand and that “he’s fine now. It happened late yesterday night and he was released after a couple hours.” When asked about the shooting, Wyclef stated that he was just leaving his car when he heard gunfire and then he noticed that he saw blood on his shirt and shoes and had no idea who fired shots and whether or not he was the target. Wyclef recently performed at a concert given for Haitian presidential candidate Michel Martelly right before the shooting occurred. Glad to hear he’s okay! Wyclef & Sean Penn End Feud At Concert [VIDEO] Wyclef & Pras Make Peace In Haiti
If you’re in the entertainment business, in any fashion, it’s safe to say Quincy Jones has had some influence on you. From creating some of the most memorable music in history to founding one of hip hop’s most loved magazines, Quincy Jones has done it all. WBW: Samples of History: Hip-Hop Mines Afrobeat In celebration of his upcoming birthday (March 14th), we decided to dish out the Top Ten Quincy Jones samples in hip hop songs. 10. Jodeci – Get On Up When Jodeci released their third single from ‘The Show, The After Party, The Hotel’, many didn’t catch the portion of Quincy’s 1981 track, “Velas,” a single off of the landmark album, ‘The Dude.’ Dalvin Degrate used the harmonica solo and other minor quirks of Jones’ jazz groove to make “Get On Up” sound richer. Anchored by a funky bassline and knocking drums, “Get On Up” helped Jodeci go platinum in a mere two months in 1995. Get On Up Velas 9. Jurassic 5 – Improvise Jurassic 5 broke on the scene in 1997 as the group bringing back true school hip hop. As the second single from their debut EP, “Improvise” mixed samples from Albino Gorilla and our man, Q. Quincy’s theme song for the 1972 comic caper film, The Hot Rock, was jacked. The group’s understated use of this old theme song proved they were trying to move into the future without losing sight of the past. Improvise: Hot Rock Theme: 8. The Roots – Clones The album, ‘Illadelph Halflife,’ was a departure for the crew from Philly. They went for a darker sounding record than ‘Illadelph’s’ predecessors. “Clones” served as The Roots’ first appearance in the top five of the hip hop charts back in ’96. Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson transformed a sexy jazz number evoking the feeling of July in New York City into an ill rap tune about not conforming to society’s images and remaining your true self. Clones Summer In The City 7. 2Pac ft. K-ci & JoJo – How Do U Want It 2Pac has always had the talent of smoothly injecting serious statements into fun party songs. On his number one single, “How Do U Want It,” Pac lays the smack down on C. Deloris Tucker, while trying to get into shortie’s cut off jean shorts. Producer, Johnny J , flipped Quincy’s 1974 bedroom jam, “Body Heat,” into a salacious tune for wannabe macks approaching women in the club. Listen to these two records and you’ll see why women would rather be with an old school mack than these new age “pimps.” How Do U Want It Body Heat 6. LL Cool J ft. Boyz II Men – Hey Lover Jones’ personal recordings haven’t been the only tracks sampled from his vast catalouge. His collaborations with Michael Jackson have been sampled a fair share of times. One of the most memorable is Uncle L’s ode to crushes. The Trackmasters lifted and looped the introduction of Quincy and MJ’s romantic, “The Lady In My Life,” to continue on with LL’s rap Lothario persona. Boyz II Men add smoothed out vocals to every around the way girl’s favorite summer love song. Hey Lover Lady In My Life 5. Juelz Santana – Mic Check Juelz Santana has never lacked confidence. When he dropped his second album, he crowned himself as what the game was missing. Back with avengance, Santana needed an anthem to match the aggression he was coming with. Neo Da Matrix added Quincy’s theme from the “Roots” mini-series so fans and other rappers knew how hard Juelz was coming. He might have sold the least, but he managed to be most feared by most emcees. See what a Quincy Jones sample and a little aggression will do for you? Mic Check Roots Mural Theme 4. Kanye West ft. T-Pain – Good Life Chicago’s native son is no stranger to sampling. The Louie Vuitton Don borrowed a few portions of Jones’ work on the Thriller jam, “P.Y.T.” If you listen closely, you can hear Michael Jackson in the background cooing,”Aww, baby.” The fact Kanye made it on this list is laugh worthy, considering the founder of Vibe Magazine dissed Mr. West by saying he was “just a rapper.” Quincy, tell us what’s good. Why ‘Ye only got a problem when you in the hood? Good Life P.Y.T. 3. Ludacris – #1 Spot Ludacris is consistently one of the most underrated emcees in the game. His 2004 album, The Red Light district, featured some of his most animated rhymes to date. The DJ Green Lantern produced “#1 Spot” is a prime example. Based on the dudes’ “Soul Bossa Nova,” made famous by the Austin Powers movies, Ludacris sent warning shots to any foe standing in his way with a smile. Sidebar: the Bill O’Reilly diss was too official. Number One Spot: Soul Bossa Nova: 2. Mobb Deep – Shook Ones Part II Mobb Deep’s infamously dark delivery and hardcore street tales have made them one of the most critically acclaimed rap groups hip hop has seen. On the classic, The Infamous , Havoc sampled a frightening fragment of a cool Quincy record, “Kitty With The Bent Frame,” to give “Shook Ones Part II” the element of danger it needed to match the duo’s storytelling. Prodigy and Havoc let all the killers and hundred dollar billers know theyweren’t Wu-Tang, but they weren’t “nothin’ to f*ck wit” either. Shook Ones Part II : Kitty With The Bent Frame : 1. The Pharcyde – Passin Me By Released in 1993, “Passin Me By” found the four member crew recounting stories of school boy crushes that end in heartbreak. Producer, J-Swift sampled “Summer In The City” for this classic. “Passin Me By” will forever resonate because there will always be some guy sprung over a female. By the way, our number eight selection shares the sample. Can you hear them in both records? what’s the difference between the uses of the two songs? Passin Me By: Summer In The City: RELATED POSTS: Quincy Jones Defends Working With T-Pain [VIDEO] Quincy Jones & Ludacris “Soul Bossa Nostra” [AUDIO] Quincy Jones Readies Tribute Album… To Himself
When disaster strikes we all want to know how to help. The people of Japan will need help for a long time to come. They may have just suffered the worst disaster in their countries existence. The following organizations are ready to help. Here is how to help you can do in addition to praying. They will need our prayers and all our support for a long time. It is our first reaction to want to help others when we see them in need. We are all citizens of the world. There are organizations who specialize in helping with relief. This is how you can help. You can help by reaching out to any of the organizations below. The Red Cross has already launched efforts in Japan. Visit Redcross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 from your phone. Save the Children has also responded. Eiichi Sadamatsu of the organization released a statement , saying: The organization is currently organizing efforts and donations to its Children’s Emergency Fund will support outreach. International Medical Corps is responding to the health needs of the disaster’s victims. Nancy Aossey, President & CEO, International Medical Corps said in a statement: To donate or learn about other ways you can contribute to its medical response, visit Internationalmedicalcorps.org . Also, text MED to 80888 from any mobile phone to give $10. The Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund was launched at GlobalGiving.org to garner funds that will be given to a variety of relief organizations helping victims of the earthquake. It has already raised over $100,000, particularly from concerned Twitter users around the world. The project page explains: Salvation Army personnel are organizing efforts in Tokyo and will soon send a team to help the severely damaged city of Sendai, Japan . To contribute to earthquake relief, text ‘JAPAN’ or ‘QUAKE’ to 80888 to make a $10 donation or visit SalvationArmyUSA.org . Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is sending two three-person teams to the Iwate and Miyagi prefectures in Japan . To learn more about the organization’s efforts or make a donation, visit Doctorswithoutborders.org . Other relief organizations are also sending representatives to disaster sites, including AmeriCare and Shelterbox . MercyCorps is gathering donations for its overseas partner, Peace Winds Japan , which currently has personnel on the ground distributing emergency relief in Japan. Along with an appeal for monetary donations, Operation USA has also announced efforts to collect bulk corporate donations of health care supplies . If you are interested in donating bulk medical items, visit OpUSA.org . For any who have loved ones abroad, Google has stepped up to help. Along with a tsunami alert posted on its front page, Google has launched the Person Finder: 2011 Japan Earthquake to help connect people that may have been displaced due to the disaster. Google has also launched a crisis response page filled with local resources and emergency information. Judy Chang, head of PayPal’s nonprofit group, announced that transactional fees incurred by money transfers to US 501(c)(3) organizations (or charities registered with the Canada Revenue Agency) between March 11 and April 10 will aid relief efforts in Japan. World Vision has announced global mobilization in response to tsunami warnings. Geoff Shepherd, the organization’s humanitarian and emergency affairs director for the Asia-Pacific region, released a statement on World Vision’s For more news please read News One’s: Twitter, Facebook Users Offer Donations And Words Of Support Related Stories: Tsunami Prayers: 8.9 Earthquake Strikes Japan [VIDEO] Feel Good Friday Vid of The Week: One Man And His Guitar Work It Out Wednesday:10 Steps To Peace Top 10 Charities To Trust
When disaster strikes we all want to know how to help. The people of Japan will need help for a long time to come. They may have just suffered the worst disaster in their countries existence. The following organizations are ready to help. Here is how to help you can do in addition to praying. They will need our prayers and all our support for a long time. It is our first reaction to want to help others when we see them in need. We are all citizens of the world. There are organizations who specialize in helping with relief. This is how you can help. You can help by reaching out to any of the organizations below. The Red Cross has already launched efforts in Japan. Visit Redcross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 from your phone. Save the Children has also responded. Eiichi Sadamatsu of the organization released a statement , saying: The organization is currently organizing efforts and donations to its Children’s Emergency Fund will support outreach. International Medical Corps is responding to the health needs of the disaster’s victims. Nancy Aossey, President & CEO, International Medical Corps said in a statement: To donate or learn about other ways you can contribute to its medical response, visit Internationalmedicalcorps.org . Also, text MED to 80888 from any mobile phone to give $10. The Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund was launched at GlobalGiving.org to garner funds that will be given to a variety of relief organizations helping victims of the earthquake. It has already raised over $100,000, particularly from concerned Twitter users around the world. The project page explains: Salvation Army personnel are organizing efforts in Tokyo and will soon send a team to help the severely damaged city of Sendai, Japan . To contribute to earthquake relief, text ‘JAPAN’ or ‘QUAKE’ to 80888 to make a $10 donation or visit SalvationArmyUSA.org . Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is sending two three-person teams to the Iwate and Miyagi prefectures in Japan . To learn more about the organization’s efforts or make a donation, visit Doctorswithoutborders.org . Other relief organizations are also sending representatives to disaster sites, including AmeriCare and Shelterbox . MercyCorps is gathering donations for its overseas partner, Peace Winds Japan , which currently has personnel on the ground distributing emergency relief in Japan. Along with an appeal for monetary donations, Operation USA has also announced efforts to collect bulk corporate donations of health care supplies . If you are interested in donating bulk medical items, visit OpUSA.org . For any who have loved ones abroad, Google has stepped up to help. Along with a tsunami alert posted on its front page, Google has launched the Person Finder: 2011 Japan Earthquake to help connect people that may have been displaced due to the disaster. Google has also launched a crisis response page filled with local resources and emergency information. Judy Chang, head of PayPal’s nonprofit group, announced that transactional fees incurred by money transfers to US 501(c)(3) organizations (or charities registered with the Canada Revenue Agency) between March 11 and April 10 will aid relief efforts in Japan. World Vision has announced global mobilization in response to tsunami warnings. Geoff Shepherd, the organization’s humanitarian and emergency affairs director for the Asia-Pacific region, released a statement on World Vision’s For more news please read News One’s: Twitter, Facebook Users Offer Donations And Words Of Support Related Stories: Tsunami Prayers: 8.9 Earthquake Strikes Japan [VIDEO] Feel Good Friday Vid of The Week: One Man And His Guitar Work It Out Wednesday:10 Steps To Peace Top 10 Charities To Trust
Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart are reportedly among the cast and crew forced to leave Vancouver Island. By Jocelyn Vena Robert Pattinson on the Vancouver set of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn” Photo: Splash News Online Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart, as well as the rest of the “Breaking Dawn” wolf pack cast and crew, have been evacuated from the set of the movie. The film, which is currently shooting in a Vancouver Island beach area in British Columbia, has been suspended for now due to tsunami advisories following the 8.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan early on Friday (March 11). “Due to the tsunami advisory, filming of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn has been delayed,” Summit Entertainment said in a statement to MTV News. “All cast and crew were evacuated to base camp. Everyone is safe and sound.” Tinsel Korey (who plays Emily, the girlfriend of wolf pack leader Sam), tweeted about the evacuation. “They’re evacuating us 4 a tsumnani warning,” she wrote. “If this this is my last my tweet. I love you. The end. Hugz. If this is the moment. Then I’ve lived a good life. And I’m thankful 4 everything I’ve been given. 1 love. I’m not trying 2 b dramatic!!! I’m just saying my peace. This is my truth right now. 1Love.” The news of the evacuation comes as more and more celebrities react to reports of the strongest recorded earthquake in Japan, which was followed by a tsunami. “Sending condolences to the people of Japan, particularly those who lost loved ones in the earthquake & tsunamis,” President Obama, a Hawaii native, wrote . “U.S. stands ready to help.” Related Photos On The Set Of ‘Breaking Dawn’
If you thought the whole world loved the latest teen sensation, Justin Bieber, think again! Bieber-haters on Saturday joined forces on Twitter causing ‘RIP Justin Bieber’ top the Trending Topics. Consequently, the search term also landed on Google Trends within a few hours. dj_pratik tweeted, “RIP JUSTIN BIEBER ??? haha…..the best trending topic ever =P i wish this HOAX is really true =P .” One of the posts that has been retweeted increasingly is that of a user called VirisDecorus, who wrote, “Whoever started the RIP Justin Bieber rumour is sick. It’s not right to get people’s hopes up like that.” Another user called Jesus_M_Christ, whose tweets are predominantly satirical on religion, wrote, “RIP Justin Bieber? Oh Hell no. We want nothing to do with him in the afterlife.” The hateful comments did not spare the fans as well. Heytherehannahh posted, “i love how RIP JUSTIN BIEBER is a trending topic.. i wonder how many beliebers have killed themselves yet..” “RIP JUSTIN BIEBER: 99% teens would cry if Beiber was about2 jump off a tower. If ur the 1% sittin there w popcorn screamin DO A BACKFLIP,” said a tweet on the official parody account of the Family Guy character, PeterGriffyJr, urging retweets to spread the hatred. Some wondered why the topic continued to trend. Parmo526523 wrote, “Can’t believe RIP Justin Bieber is trending, wat, for lke the 20th time this month ? Why r ppl such h8trs wait didn’t I jus help them? Lol” But, its a vicious cycle, by hate or love, Bieber’s popularity is just growing declared few fans, while another fraction of fans tried to neutralise the hate by expanding the ‘RIP’, which connotes ‘Rest in Peace’, to mean something positive JustinBieberAVN wrote, “RIP Justin Bieber. RIP = Really Incredible Person ;)” JBieberGorgeous came up with: “RIP = Really Inspirimg Person , so RIP Justin Bieber :-)” Some ‘Bieblers’ also wondered why the microblogging site would not remove the ‘hateful’ topic from its trending list. Bradarsenault tweeted, “i’ll be the first to say it. The whole “RIP JUSTIN BIEBER” trending topic is just sick.” Activity Graph & BuzzOmeter on Twitscoop states,”Scoop rip justin bieber detected on 15 January 2011″. The topic, which has a ranking of 1/5 on the buzz meter, has peaked and is gradually declining. RIP JUSTIN BIEBER, is currently heading the Twitter Trending Topics list, followed by missamerica, pinkfridaylyrics, NFC Championship, Georgia Dome, Joe Buck, Aaron Rogers, Kevin Greene, and Matty Ice. (Source: http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/101444/20110116/bieber-haters-flood-twitter-rip-justin-bieber-tops-trending-topics.htm)
Lohan, learning that Ronson isn’t happy with her next door, is willing to move again, TMZ reports. By Jocelyn Vena Lindsay Lohan (file) Photo: David Aguilera/ BuzzFoto/ FilmMagic Lindsay Lohan may be out of rehab , but the actress is still making headlines. Just a couple days out of Betty Ford, Lohan has already secured herself a new place to live, but as it turns out, it’s right next to her ex, celebrity DJ Samantha Ronson. E! News reports that the Venice Beach home rents for $7,100 per month and has four bedrooms and views of both downtown Los Angeles and the nearby mountains. It also boasts a prime location blocks away from the beach. But TMZ reports that the starlet is willing to move again if it’ll help “keep the peace” with Ronson. The website reports that while Lohan’s camp knew that Ronson lived near Lohan’s new home, they didn’t realize how close until they saw Ronson at the house next door. As it turns out, when Lohan learned that Ronson wasn’t happy about the move, she said she would move again, even if she has to break her lease. In addition to securing herself a new home, a smiling Lohan was spotted hitting the Equinox gym in West Hollywood. “She looks fantastic,” a source tells E! News . “She looks very healthy, smiling and working out hard.” With her film career still up in the air, Lohan is focused on her fashion line . Last week it was revealed that she was looking to expand her 6126 brand. Lohan wants to add shoes to the leggings line that are “classic, glamorous, timeless with a sexy flair.” Although she may face more legal trouble thanks to an altercation she got into while at Betty Ford , she seemed positive about her future on Twitter . “Today is the first day of the rest of my life,” she wrote. ” ‘The future depends on what we do in the present.’ -Mahatma Gandhi… One step at a time.” Related Photos The Highs And Lows Of Lindsay Lohan Related Artists Lindsay Lohan Samantha Ronson
Filed under: Lindsay Lohan , Samantha Ronson Lindsay Lohan is telling friends she had “no idea” her new badass beach house was right next door to ex-girlfriend Sam Ronson …but she’s ready to move out in order to “keep the peace.” Sources close to Lindsay tell us … Lohan was aware Sam lived… Read more
