Last night, Ms. Drama TV attended Big Sean’s private listening party for Finally Famous, his first studio album with G.O.O.D. music and Island Def Jam at The Standard Hotel in New York City. Sean gave quick tidbits and background stories after each track was played; a crowd favorite including one of his songs titled, “Ass”, a definite club banger. The album also includes features from The Neptunes and John Legend, in addition to the production of the album mostly done by No I.D. Big Sean had plenty of supporters in the crowd, including his G.O.O.D Music family (Pusha T & Kid Cudi), Hot 97 personalities – Angie Martinez, DJ Enuff, and even a few surprises like Kevin Liles, Estelle, Swizz Beats…oh, and Kanye West himself.
Finally Famous drops on June 28th – a definite must have for hip-hop heads, and lovers of the G.O.O.D. music family.
Check out photos from the exclusive event after the break.
Brooklyn energy is like that of no other – the diversity, the culture, and the history immersed within its streets is definitely something to be recognized. What better do so, than to jump-off Memorial Day weekend with Fort Greene’s Festival kickoff series featuring hip hop icons, “The Abstract” Q-Tip, and legend Pete Rock.
On Saturday, May 28th Danny Castro as well as several other hosts (Rosie Perez, Danny Simmons & Michaela Angela Davis), paid tribute to Fort Greene’s diverse community by infecting its audience with the sounds of Q-Tip, alongside Pete Rock on the ones and twos at Sanders Studio. However, the crowd was not given the opportunity to witness a live stage performance from either MC – not as rap artists, at least. Not many people are aware of this, but every now and again, Grammy-Award winner Q-Tip puts the mic down, and picks up his turntables to give the effect of an all-aspiring deejay deep in the game – his transitions, selections & ability to intertwine both of these skills successfully, definitely gave the people of Brooklyn something to move their bodies to as he and Pete Rock went back and forth between heavy ol’ skool as well as new skool. In a timely progression, the pair exchanged waves of sounds from varieties such as reggae, to hip-hop jazz (a genre that Pete Rock is notably recognized in), and of course, classics from both artists. The reverberations emanating from the speakers of Sanders Studios tore the entire place down, as everyone vibed off of Q-tip and Pete Rock’s amazing energy. As if that wasn’t enough, an appearance from Mos Def made the event that more unforgettable. Blessed with an opportunity to see these three in action and to enjoy it with people from different creeds, races, and backgrounds kicked off summer the right way, as the holiday weekend was in full effect.
The Grace Hotel hosted DJ Roxy Cottontail’s Pool Party in order to commemorate the NXNY mixtape series, which includes sounds from Ms. Cottontail herself as well as sets from DJ’s, Sav and MszDJQ, respectfully.
Those wanting a close glimpse of both Roxy and what she has in store for her “bunnies”, took full advantage of her pool party on May 29th, a fantastic get-away from the intense heat that made up New York’s Memorial Day weekend. In attendance, were New York City’s premiere group – artists, photographers, hipsters, DJ’s, fashionistas, and those simply looking to party it up in the heart of Times Square.
Check out more about DJ Roxy Cottontail’s Pool Party with exclusive pics after the break!
Steve Harvey’s 2009 best-selling book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man is hitting the big screen. The popular advice book set to go into production this July. The film, directed by Tim Story, will be a comedic adaption featuring an all-star cast including, Kevin Hart who will play “…a self-professed relationship expert who is quick to give advice to his crew of friends, even as he watched his own marriage crater and head toward divorce.” Kevin will be joined by the actors Michael Ealy, Gabrielle Union, and Taraji P. Henson, who will portray one of the couples he offers advice to.
Others added to the cast include Jerry Ferrara, Romany Malco and Gary Owen. Stay Tuned..
Beyoncé stans fans everyone got their official dose of Bey tonight via her extravagant performance at the Billboard Music Awards. As mentioned on Ms. Drama TV, Beyonce was honored by close relatives, famous friends and collaborators — including First Lady Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, The-Dream, U2′s Bono, Babyface, Stevie Wonder, Solange and her son Daniel “Juelz” Smith, Barbra Streisand, and her mother and father.
Bey’s performance lived up to the anticipation as she took the stage in a barely-there silver number to perform “Run the World (Girls),” the lead single from her fourth studio album, “4,” for the first time ever. Virtual duplicates of Beyonce rocked behind her until an impressive 100 back-up dancers emerged to rock collectively to the girl-power anthem.
Shortly after the performance, Tina Knowles and Juelz presented Beyoncé with the Billboard Millenium Award, as the singer breathlessly thanked her parents, Destiny Child members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams and even former members of the group, LaToya Jackson and LaTavia Roberson. Beyoncé ended her speech by shouting out her husband saying “I love me some Jay-Z.
Peep her performance below:
“The BAD”:
Britney Spears and Rihanna teamed up to kick off the Billboard Music Awards in a S & M racy performance mash-up. While Rihanna managed to hold her own – to some degree, Britney had trouble getting it together. Although not a total epic fail, this registers as our “Bad”. Check their performance below:
The “UGLY”:
Nicki Minaj’s vision for a great performance tonight didn’t manifest itself on the Billboard stage. The Young Money raptress performed “Super Bass” with a bunch of discombobulated dancers and a lackluster routine. Considering she wasn’t even singing (as she opted to lip-synch the entire time) – we at least hoped for more in her performance – but unfortunately Nicki failed to bring it. She did however bring out Britney Spears for a duet of the remix “Till the World Ends.” Unfortunately, the performance was more a sign of the end to TIME than May 21st 2011. Check her performance below:
Well it looks like Keyshia Cole finally got married to her “Boobie”. Keyshia fiance’, Cleveland Cavalier Daniel “Boobie” Gibson, tweeted last night about taking a helicopter ride, being on Cloud 9, and officially becoming Mr. and Mrs. Keyshia Cole Gibson. After dating for some time and having a child together, the two made their relationship official by tying the knot in Vegas this weekend.
The couple took to the air in a helicopter to celebrate their nuptials and twitpic’d the ride for their followers. Peep the picture below:
Uh-oh. Looks like there could actually be some “drama” on the set folks.
I caught up with Pillar Sanders at the BET press conference this week and had her give me the details about what happened between LisaRaye and Stacy Dash. As you know there has been rumors floating around that a fight broke out between them. While Pilar did not officially confirm that there was a throw down between the two women she did confirm that LisaRaye “does not play” and that Stacy Dash is a “small girl” (with the potential to get hurt).
To me that is clear acknowledgement – but I’ll let you decide!
Check out my interview with Pilar below – and some exclusive pictures from the set of Single Ladies I was sent.
Pilar Sanders plays “Jennifer” the Wife of the Atlanta Mayor portrayed by Rapper Common in the New VH1 original series Single Ladies. Drama arises when she discovers her husband steped out with one of the main cast and she is forced to confront the situation. The series also stars Lisa Raye, Lauren London, & Stacey Dash and airs May 30th.
Kanye’s “Dark Twisted Fantasy” is emerging through the art world via his new signature line of scarfs. So for those who remember his “banned” album cover from last year – it is now conveniently a boutique scarf you can officially own for the low price of — $364?
West commissioned his line of scarves in collaboration with French design partnership M/M (Paris). Starting Monday, Ye will be offering five limited-edition designs, based on the of paintings George Condo, who made the cover of the My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy album and Kanye’s other musical fantasies.
For those interested in purchasing, you can pick from the five designs of Power, Phoenix, Face, Priest and Ballerina, with each set in a frame of gold lettering created by the M/M (Paris) team.
Last weekend in L.A. showcased some of the top producers and music aficionados in the game. Check out the photos from the ASCAP “I Create Music” Expo with appearances by: Pharrell Williams, Fergie, Jermaine Dupri, Melanie Fiona and others at the Renaissance Hollywood in Los Angeles, CA.
Photos below include: Pharrell Williams, Jermaine Dupri, Fergie, Melanie Fiona, songwriter Andrea Martin, Cri$tyle “The Ink” Johnson, Kelly Price, host Nicole George, Boi-1da, Noah from The Legendary Traxster, Sybolyc One (Kanye West ‘ Power’), comedian Sinbad and his daughter musician Paige Bryan as well as singer Mateo performing on the ASCAP Expo stage.
Uh-oh. Looks like Obama’s got a new job title on his roster. Comedian in Chief?
Well last night Obama got his stand up comedy on at the 2011 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, that was held at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC.
In front of selected officials, executives, actors, musicians and other celebrities, President Obama decided to take a few jabs at his recent challengers. The President stated:
“I know he’s taken some flak lately, but no one is prouder to put this birth certificate matter to rest than ‘The Donald,’ (who was actually in the audience). And that’s because he can finally get back to focusing on the issues that matter, like: Did we fake the moon landing? What really happened in Roswell? And where are Biggie and Tupac?”
And he also has a few choice words for actor Matt Damon who had recently said he was “disappointed” in the president’s policies. The president added:
“Well, Matt, I just saw ‘The Adjustment Bureau’ so right back at you, buddy!”
Who knew Obama had comedian potential?
Check out Obama dishing the dirt here:
And for those of you who want to see who was in the place to be last night, check out pictures from Kerry Washington, Omar Epps, Marlon Wayans, Cee-Lo Green and more inside the break!
Last night, Ms. Drama TV attended Big Sean’s private listening party for Finally Famous, his first studio album with G.O.O.D. music and Island Def Jam at The Standard Hotel in New York City. Sean gave quick tidbits and background stories after each track was played; a crowd favorite including one of his songs titled, “Ass”, a definite club banger. The album also includes features from The Neptunes and John Legend, in addition to the production of the album mostly done by No I.D. Big Sean had plenty of supporters in the crowd, including his G.O.O.D Music family (Pusha T & Kid Cudi), Hot 97 personalities – Angie Martinez, DJ Enuff, and even a few surprises like Kevin Liles, Estelle, Swizz Beats…oh, and Kanye West himself.
