Waka Flocka Flame and Gucci Mane are joining forces for a collaborative album under the “Ferrari Boys” moniker. The album will be released on 1017 Brick Squad Records. In an interview with Billboard.com , Gucci Mane describes the album as “the hardest album of the year. The songs are so clever, the beats are so slammin’, and the lyrics are just so aggressive. There’s so much energy that we bring to the studio. Nobody’s gonna be able to top this album that me and Waka are coming out with.” Before the Ferrari Boys album drops, Gucci Mane will drop his retail mixtape, The Return of Mr. Zone 6 on March 22nd. RELATED: Gucci Mane & Waka Flocka Flame Filming Reality Show For BET RELATED: Gucci Mane “Weirdo” [VIDEO] RELATED: Waka Flocka Says He’s Better Than The 2011 XXL Freshman Class [VIDEO]
Lupe describes being held hostage by Atlantic, says next album is done Lupe Fiasco struggled to release his third album on Atlantic Records. It took over three years and picketing from fans before Lupe followed up his gold-selling The Cool . Despite platinum singles, gold plaques and Grammy Awards, the Chicago native said his budget was cut and he was stiffled creatively. “I was specifically told” — Fiasco chuckled — “‘Don’t rap too deep on this record.’” He laughed some more, telling the Chicago Sun-Times . “That was a specific order from the top. ‘You’re rapping too fast or too slow, or it’s too complex.’ … There are consequences and combat that comes from that process and the eventual compromise. With me, though, I’m not writing about someone else. I’m writing about me. This is my life. It’s very personal for me. So for somebody to kind of put their fingers in that and play with that, it becomes more damaging.” “I am a hostage,” Fiasco continued. “I gave them what they wanted. If I didn’t, at the end of the day the album wasn’t coming out.” The potentially good news for fans is that Lupe was busy recording his next album The Great American Rap Album while he was working on Lasers . He hopes to have that out before the end of 2011.
With wireless and computer-based digital music revolutions in full tilt, the need for streaming to alternative devices has exploded over the last two years. In response to this enormous demand, home audio manufacturers have scrambled to build hardware to fit a variety of consumer listening needs and preferences. Whether it’s free internet radio, computer-based MP3 collections , iPod / iPhones or paid services such as Napster, Rhapsody and Slacker Radio, finding the perfect piece of equipment for your home situation requires a bit of investigation. Important factors to consider when making comparisons include: audio quality, file/service compatibility, built-in speaker options versus the need for external speakers, cost, and portability. Below you’ll find our list of the major players in the audio streaming field, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Read on to make your own assessments of each, and broaden your understanding of which hold the potential to finally free your music from its PC shackles. Music Streaming Devices: Guy Gear Bose SoundLink Based on the huge success of their iPod compatible Sound Dock series, it was only a matter of time before Bose created a device to compete in the digital music streaming spectrum. However, unlike much of the competition, Bose’s strategy with the recently released SoundLink is clearly focused on two things: ease of use and portability. Instead of mimicking the strategy of competing players, which seek to provide stand-alone access to digital music content without a computer, the SoundLink relies solely on its plug-and-play USB dongle or auxiliary connected device to output tunes through its wireless speaker. With a battery life of three hours at maximum volume, and a transmission range of 60 feet, it’s designed to appeal to users looking for a hassle-free method of streaming a variety of PC-loaded music to other locations in their home. A hefty price tag of $550 does make it one of the most expensive solutions on the market though; so potential buyers must place a high premium on ease of use and sound quality to justify buying it over other options that include more functionality. Pandora: Yes SIRIUS: Yes Internet radio: Yes Retail price: $550 V-Tech IS9181 Wi-Fi Internet Radio Positioned as the next evolution in desktop radios, the V-Tech IS9181 combines access to thousands of online radio stations, an FM tuner, PC music streaming, and five-day weather forecast information via AccuWeather, into an attractive case with great bass output. Surprisingly, despite its well-rounded connectivity, the IS9181 does lack basic support for Pandora and podcast streaming, meaning music discovery fiends and news junkies will have to look elsewhere get to their fix. Accessing music off of a networked PC is also a complex affair compared to the plug-and-play USB dongle solution found on the Bose SoundLink. Instead of running a uPNP server, the V-Tech uses shared music folders to access remote PC-based content and has a reputation for improperly displaying artist and track information on the units stylish color LCD display. Its navigation, however, is intuitive and uses a top-mounted rotating “disc” to navigate through menus and stations. The ability to save favorite internet radio stations, power the device with 6AA batteries, and listen to an auxiliary connected music device such as an iPod, are also nice touches that round out the unit’s features. Overall, the V-Tech IS9181 is a great option for those seeking a stand-alone wi-fi radio who don’t view alarm functionality or Pandora compatibility as must-have features. Pandora: No SIRIUS: No Internet radio: Yes Retail price: $146 Sonos BU250 Considering its role as a high-end, dual-room wireless digital audio system with expansion capabilities for to up to 32 rooms in total, the Sonos BU250 stands apart from other alternatives on this list both in functionality and price point. This basic setup includes three components: Two are ZonePlayer base stations, which are designed to provide music playback from all manner of digital sources. However, both require external speakers for audio output and only the ZP120 contains a built-in 55-Watt per-channel Class-D amplifier capable of powering external speakers on its own. The ZP90, on the other hand, is intended for streaming use in rooms where there’s already an audio system in place such as a home theater or tabletop radio. The real show stopper, though, is the CR2000 color LED touchscreen remote, which mimics the iPhone to place complete control of the system in the palm of your hands. Despite being a fully wireless system, ironically one base station must still be hardwired to an internet router to provide internet access to the system as a whole. Connecting one base station to the other only involves pressing a few buttons to pair units together, as opposed to dealing with wireless networking hassles. Each operates on a secure peer-to-peer 802.11 mesh network known as SonoNet, meaning it won’t slow down other devices in your home network. Streaming the majority of internet-based content through the system does not require a computer either, and accessing networked storage devices on a computer media library only requires a quick installation of Sono’s proprietary Desktop Controller software. Costing nearly $1,000, this easy-to-use, incredibly flexible system does have a price that matches its robust functionality. Pandora: Yes SIRIUS: Yes Internet radio: Yes Retail: Approx. $1,000 Philips Streamium NP25000 Philips’ take on digital music streaming appears to seek middle ground between functionality, style and price. Sleek and monolithic, the Streamium NP25000’s flat 9.9-inch black face is punctuated by a bright 3.5″ color LCD with album art display capabilities and a full graphical user interface. Like the previous models discussed, this device can stream all manner of internet radio stations, as well as Rhapsody’s premium subscription-based service. Accessing PC-based media is also a relatively straightforward affair thanks to the TwonkyServer software included in the bundle. It even provides support for high-end lossless audiophile song formats such as FLAC and OGG. Pandora, Last.fm and Slacker radio, however, are not compatible with the device. Unlike the Squeezebox Radio or V-Tech IS9181, the Streamium NP25000 does not have onboard speakers, making it totally dependent on external setups to play music. Combined with a fully sized wireless remote, this device is a good choice for audiophiles in search of an attractive home theater component to add lossless streaming from their computer. Anyone not in that bucket, however, will likely be better suited by alternative products. Pandora: No SIRIUS: No Internet radio: Yes Retail price: $200 Popcorn Hour A-110 While all of the other devices on this list can rightly be characterized as out-of-the-box streaming solutions for the non tech-saavy to moderately gadget proficient, the Popcorn Hour A-110 can make no such claims. Built as the ultimate tinkering machine for die-hard geeks, its streaming potential is nearly limitless, for those advanced enough to use it. Whether you’re looking for video or audio streaming at all quality levels from both online and networked sources, BitTorrent downloading or a massive media library storage device accessible through your home theater, the A-110 can make it happen. Unfortunately, one should be prepared to hack and read enthusiast forums until late in the night to get it all up and running. It’s also not portable, and really meant to serve as a component-based networked media tank. Thus most interested in seamless integration with online music services and casual side table portability will not be served by owning this device. However, for ambitious souls bothered by pre-imposed limitations on their media consumption, this device represents the key to unlimited media streaming possibilities. Pandora: Not out of the box SIRIUS: Not out of the box Internet radio: Yes Retail price: $215 Logitech Squeezebox Going directly head-to-head with other wi-fi radios such as the V-Tech IS9181, Logitech has drawn upon its impressive streaming history to create possibly the best wi-fi radio on the market today. Capable of playing computer-based MP3 collections, along with a variety of free and premium music services — Rhapsody, Napster, Pandora, SIRIUS, and Last.fm — the Squeezebox aims to handle just about every piece of digital music content under the sun. This all comes with a price though. Listed at $200 for the base unit, Logitech will nickel and dime you for an extra $50 to buy a supplement pack that includes a wireless remote and battery pack for cordless operation. Its external aesthetic combined with details like the ability to display album art and Flickr slideshows on its color LCD screen, in the end, may make it worth the added premium for true gadget hounds. Pandora: Yes SIRIUS: Yes Internet radio: Yes Retail price: $200 + $50 for battery pack and remote.
Lindsay Lohan looked smoking hot (or at least smoking while looking semi-hot) as she checked into an alcohol counseling meeting Sunday in Palm Springs, Calif. Looking fresh-faced and more glamorous than we’ve seen in months, the rehabbing actress wore a cardigan and t-shirt with dark jeans and knee high boots. Seriously, if you can get past the cancer stick, she looks great! SMOKIN’ : Lindsay Lohan certainly is … if only literally . Whether she’s relaxing over coffee , attending AA meetings or spending the holidays with previously estranged family members, she’s doing so much better lately. Can she revive her career? That’s uncertain. But here are some recent Lindsay Lohan pictures showing just how far she’s come. Take a look below, then tell us … [Photos: Fame Pictures, Pacific Coast News] Lindsay Lohan: Would you hit it? [poll id=”450″ /]
Gwen Stefani, Pharrell and the Olsens will be among the celebs swarming New York on Friday night. By Mawuse Ziegbe Diddy Photo: Statia Photography/ Getty Images A bevy of celebs are stars are slated to light up Fashion’s Night Out in New York City on Friday (September 10). For the second consecutive year, stores around the city will stay open for extended hours offering drinks, DJ sets and discounts to promote the retail industry in an elaborate effort coordinated by the style bigwigs at Vogue and the Council of Fashion Designers of America among other organizations. Retailers are also bringing in big names to hawk their products and dazzle the crowds. Macy’s in Herald Square has arranged an all-star lineup that includes an appearance from Diddy , who will cruise the city in a Fashion Night Out party bus and finish things off with an afterparty at the Fifth Avenue Sean John flagship with DJs Prostyle and Envy in tow. Also slated to hit the department giant are designer Kimora Lee Simmons and Jennifer Lopez , who is promoting her fragrance Love and Glamour. Fashion-forward celebs Mary J. Blige , Nicole Richie and Victoria Beckham will hold court at the tony Fifth Ave. establishment Bergdorf Goodman. Meanwhile, child-stars-turned-fashion-moguls Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen will appear at Barneys New York. Musicians who keep a well-styled foot in the fashion world are also at the helm of several of the night’s festivities. Superproducer Pharrell Williams will be on hand for an event at the downtown outpost of his Billionaire Boys Club’s brand, where a (not-so) surprise show will kick off the event in the early evening. Designer and songstress Gwen Stefani will reportedly show up at a Broadway Sephora location. Other stars lending their celebrity to the evening’s events include “Sin City” star Rosario Dawson, who will host a cocktail party for the Italian luxury brand Bottega Venetta, and tennis champ Serena Williams who will appear at Best Buy. Supermodel Bar Rafaeli, M.I.A. prot
R&B heartthrob goes shirtless in sexy new clip released online Tuesday. By Jayson Rodriguez Usher’s “There Goes My Baby” Photo: LaFace/ Jive Usher has taken on critics who say he’s lost his swagger. And with a new video for his single “There Goes My Baby,” the singer continues to push back at detractors who dare to suggest he’s slipped. His last single, the Will.I.Am-produced “OMG,” is still riding high on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, currently resting comfortably in the #3 slot. And now, he’s pushing his next number with a video for the slow-burning ballad “There Goes My Baby.” Released on Tuesday (July 13), the clip features Usher and his leading lady trading sweaty moves under a desert sun. In the opening scene, Usher has his back to the camera as the sun rises just over his right shoulder. The R&B crooner, sporting a black tank top and dark jeans, slowly pulls his love interest closer toward him in the next scene, and then ditches his tee as he sings to her. “There goes my baby,” he sings on the chorus. “Loving everything you do/ Ooh girl, look at you.” As the song’s climax begins, the pair unite once again and exchange kisses as the sun fades. “There Goes My Baby” is the latest from Usher’s Raymond v. Raymond, which the singer recently announced would be made available in two separate extended editions next month. Versus will feature eight new songs, including “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love,” a Pitbull-assisted number that premiered on the singer’s website earlier this month. Usher will also release Raymond v. Raymond (The Deluxe Edition). That edition of the album will include tracks from Versus, as well as material from the original version of Raymond v. Raymond that had initially leaked online prior to his album’s official release and wasn’t included on the retail set. What do you think of Usher’s new video for “There Goes My Baby”? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Usher
True Beauty, True Beauty Season 2: latest news about True Beauty, True Beauty Season 2 updates, True Beauty” returned to our screens last night, for the premiere of its second season. This of course meant we met a whole new bunch of contestants. True Beauty stars Beth Ostrosky Stern and Carson Cressley. who are all competing to see who is the most beautiful not just on the outside, but on the inside as well. As reported at buddytv.com, the episode began with the show’s new hosts Beth Stern and Carson Kressley, joining the show’s secret host Vanessa Minillo in the spy room. From the spy room, they can check up on the contestants in their new home, and while they’re out on their challenge. True Beauty features Beth Ostrosky Stern From there the contestants made their way to the “Face of Vegas” runway, where we get to meet the 10 contestants and they get to meet each other. First up was former teen beauty queen Regina, who was followed by actor/model Michael. Cuban model Liz was next, followed by former pro athlete Taylor and Erika, who claims she’s never had plastic surgery on her face. JD took to the runway next, followed by dancer Michelle, astrologer David, Amy, and finally Craig, who appeared to really work the crowd. After they had all been introduced, it was off to check out their new digs at Planet Hollywood. Then it was time for their very first challenge, which involved creating an iconic Vegas look for themselves on a budget of just $200. But there was a hidden part to it. Little did they know, their stylist was going to encourage them to steal an item from the store to enhance their outfits. Michelle went for a pin-up girl look, Amy went for a Vegas bride look, Erika decided on a Marilyn Monroe look, and Regina went for Lady Luck look. Meanwhile, Craig dressed as a cowboy, Taylor went for a rocker look, Michael went with a Vegas pimp style, David did Elvis, Liz went with go-go girl and JD decided to do drag queen. They then had to stand in glass cases on the Vegas strip, collecting faux coins from passers-by. The person who collected the most would win the challenge. Anyway, when it came down to the results, Liz was the contestant with the most coins. Both David and JD got the least amount, so they both faced possible elimination. However, it was JD who was sent packing. Did you enjoy last night’s season 2 premiere? Season Two Filming of the second season of True Beauty was completed in Las Vegas in October 2009 and featured judges Beth Ostrosky Stern[4] and Carson Kressley,[5] among others. As a ruse to keep contestants ignorant of the show’s true premise, ABC producers told participants they would be competing in a new modeling reality show known as Face of Vegas.[5] The second season premiered May 31, 2010 on ABC. Contestants Name Occupation Hometown Eliminated Amy Schmoldt Model/Bartender East Brunswick, NJ Safe Craig Franczyk Retail Manager Winnipeg, Canada Safe David Palmer DJ/Astrologer Huntington Beach, CA Safe Erika Otheni Singer/Songwriter Long Island, NY Safe Liz Parada Model/Actress Hollywood, FL Safe Michael Allen Server/Actor/Model Miami, FL Safe Michelle Mozek Dallas Mavericks Dancer Bedford, TX Safe Regina Villano Actress/Model/Miss Teen NJ Tabernacle, NJ Safe Taylor Bills Former Pro Baseball Player Irvine, CA Safe JD Scott Real Estate Agent Los Angeles, CA Episode 1 Episode Progress Contestants Episodes 1 2 Amy SAFE Craig SAFE David RISK Erika SAFE Liz WIN Michael SAFE Michelle SAFE Regina SAFE Taylor SAFE JD OUT The contestant won the competition. The contestant won the challenge and was safe from elimination. The contestant did not win the challenge, but was safe from elimination. The contestant was at risk of elimination. The contestant was eliminated. [edit]Episodes The Stealing Challenge First aired May 31, 2010 The contestants, working with a fake stylist hired by the producers, have a $200 budget and 20 minutes to create a signature Vegas look; each player is given a chance to steal an item out of their budget to get an edge in the competition. Liz, Michael, and JD are caught on hidden camera violating the rules by accepting the item offered by the “stylist.” The contestants put on their outfits and are placed in glass boxes on the street of Las Vegas. People passing by are given one token to give to the contestant of their choice. Amy dresses as a bride, Craig a cowboy, David as Elvis, Erika as Marilyn Monroe, JD as a drag queen, Liz as a glitzy go-go dancer, Michael as a pimp, Michelle as a pin-up girl, Regina as Lady Luck, and Taylor as a rocker. Liz gains the most tokens with her provocative and revealing (yet stolen) outfit and wins the challenge. David and JD receive the lowest number of tokens and must face elimination. True Beauty, True Beauty Season 2 was first posted on June 1, 2010 at 7:00 pm. Original Story Read More: A World News, Pakistan News ”
It looks like Miley Cyrus moved her party from the USA to the UK and then to Ireland. We spotted the singer doing some shopping on Grafton Street in Dublin, Ireland earlier today. The pop princess even made time during her retail romp to pose for a few pics with fans.
In February, we noted the sad decline of the once-posh, boutique-strewn neighborhood of NoLIta, where Gawker HQ is located. We sent the interns back to the streets and have a new report: more sales, more closing, and only some redemption. Below is the updated map of the neighborhood
