The Boombox Music Blog http://www.theboombox.com The Boombox Music Blog The Boombox Music Blog http://www.theboombox.com en-us Copyright 2009 Blogsmith, LLC. The contents of this headlines and excerpts feed are available for limited commercial distribution. You may repost this feed to your site provided you link back to the original story, do not edit the material, and do not remove this copyright notice. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Photo of the Week http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/03/photo-of-the-week/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/03/photo-of-the-week/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/03/photo-of-the-week/#comments Filed under:




Who: Jamie Foxx
What: The actor/comedian/singer paid tribute to Michael Jackson with a "King of Pop" inspired outfit -- white socks and black loafers included -- at the BET Awards.
Where: Los Angeles, CA
When: June 28, 2009
Next Photo
]]> 1035699jamie foxxJamieFoxx Tracey Ford 2009-07-03T16:30:00 00:00 The Game Claims King of Pop Tried to Mediate Beef With 50 Cent http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/03/the-game-claims-king-of-pop-tried-to-mediate-beef-with-50-cent/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/03/the-game-claims-king-of-pop-tried-to-mediate-beef-with-50-cent/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/03/the-game-claims-king-of-pop-tried-to-mediate-beef-with-50-cent/#comments Filed under: , ,


The Game has been known to tell a tall tale or two, but his newest yarn takes the cake.

According to the Game, recently deceased pop legend Michael Jackson attempted to intercede during the height of the beef between 50 Cent and Game, calling the Compton rapper/fan in 2005 and offering to play "peacekeeper" between the feuding MC's.

"I was on tour in Canada, sitting in my room, cutting my hair," Game told MTV News. "I was messing my hair up. Then my road manager knocks on my door. Boom, boom, boom. He told me, I got MJ on the phone. I ran and snatched up the phone." ]]> 10039061340934218333750 cent50Centgamemichael jacksonMichaelJacksonthe gameTheGame Sharks 2009-07-03T14:30:00 00:00 Soulja Boy Goes on Racist Twitter Rant Against Media http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/03/soulja-boy-goes-on-racist-twitter-rant-against-media/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/03/soulja-boy-goes-on-racist-twitter-rant-against-media/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/03/soulja-boy-goes-on-racist-twitter-rant-against-media/#comments Filed under: ,


Soulja Boy Tell Em may be a little too comfortable posting his thoughts on his Twitter page. The Atlanta native, who has around 976,000 followers, recently went on a racist rant against the media's portrayal of his music and image.

"Water down my music and my appearance and make me look like something I'm not," he twittered. "These crackers don't know who the f--- I really am!!!! Then I get signed, this is where my dream slowly died... these crackaz wanna' criticize a n--ga. Take REAL sh-t and turn it to trash. Like why? Like really. My music dream was the sh-- 2 years ago before I was signed. It was everything I could ever imagine. ]]> 667712soulja boysoulja boy tell emSouljaBoySouljaBoyTellEm Tracey Ford 2009-07-03T13:00:00 00:00 Michael Jackson Memorial Set for Staples Center Arena http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/03/michael-jackson-memorial-set-for-staples-center-arena/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/03/michael-jackson-memorial-set-for-staples-center-arena/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/03/michael-jackson-memorial-set-for-staples-center-arena/#comments Filed under: ,


Fans of the King of Pop will get a chance to pay their final respects to the entertainer, at the Los Angeles Staples Center, Tuesday. AEG, the concert promoters behind Jackson's ill-fated 'This is It Tour,' announced that it will distribute 11,000 tickets to the event free of charge.

Members of the media have been on a wild goose chase trying to pinpoint the exact location of the event. Earlier this week it was reported that the memorial would be held at Jackson's former home the Neverland Ranch. Located 130 miles outside of Los Angeles, the ranch has been filled with fans anticipating a public viewing of the pop icon's body. ]]> 1003906michael jacksonMichaelJackson Latifah Muhammad 2009-07-03T11:00:00 00:00 Royce da 5'9 Juggles Family, 'The Festival' and Slaughterhouse http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/02/royce-da-59-juggles-family-the-festival-and-slaughterhouse/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/02/royce-da-59-juggles-family-the-festival-and-slaughterhouse/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/02/royce-da-59-juggles-family-the-festival-and-slaughterhouse/#comments Filed under:


Rapper Royce da 5'9 is the poster child for work-life balance. He manages to juggle all of his projects -- which include a tour and forthcoming albums by himself and Slaughterhouse -- yet still finds time for his three children.

"As long as I'm at home, I have babies to take care of," he said via telephone from his Detroit-area home. "I have one on a swing. I have another I have to constantly chase around that we're trying to potty train, and an 11-year-old outside that never wants to stay in and help us."

Royce has taken a break from the family life to embark on the Rock the Bells tour with Slaughterhouse, a super group of sorts that also features Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz and Crooked I. The 10-date festival tour runs through Aug. 9.

]]> joe buddenJoeBuddenroyce da 59RoyceDa59slaughterhouse Christina Fuoco-Karasinski 2009-07-02T18:45:00 00:00 Kanye West Interns at Gap http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/02/kanye-west-interns-at-gap/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/02/kanye-west-interns-at-gap/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/02/kanye-west-interns-at-gap/#comments Filed under: , ,


Well, we knew he was serious about fashion, but it looks like the Louis Vuitton Don has scored an internship at retail chain the Gap. Initially reported by Us Weekly, the rap star has been "quietly" interning at the apparel giant in an effort to gain some insider's experience.

"He works all the time, and one Friday night recently, he stayed until 12 a.m," Us Weekly reported. "He's learning the fashion business from the inside and trying to do it quietly." ]]> 1322158kanye westKanyeWest Tracey Ford 2009-07-02T18:15:00 00:00 Gay Hip-Hop Site Launches? http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/02/gay-hip-hop-site-launches/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/02/gay-hip-hop-site-launches/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/02/gay-hip-hop-site-launches/#comments Filed under:


While surfing the 'net today, we stumbled across a new hip-hop site geared toward the gay community. The site, Rap Gaydar, features categories such as "Ayo Lyricism," which calls out lyrics that may suggest some same sex lovin', "The Down Low" and "Pretty Pictures," and a tagline that reads: "We're here, we're queer, we're kicking flava in ya ear."

Interestingly enough, the new site's name/logo is pretty close to former XXL magazine Editor-in-Chief Elliott Wilson's new site Rap Radar. Coincidence? Is Wilson aware of this? Also, Gay Radar calls out recently defunct Vibe magazine and claims the publication was the first "openly gay hip-hop mag." Now, if they could just reveal the identity of the "gay rapper" ... ]]> Tracey Ford 2009-07-02T17:30:00 00:00 Grandmaster Flash Drops Turntable Science With GameDaily http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/02/grandmaster-flash-drops-turntable-science-with-gamedaily/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/02/grandmaster-flash-drops-turntable-science-with-gamedaily/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/02/grandmaster-flash-drops-turntable-science-with-gamedaily/#comments Filed under:


Legendary DJ Grandmaster Flash is gearing up to introduce himself to a new generation of gamers in Activision's upcoming DJ Hero, which is set to hit stores in October.

The scratching icon chatted with GameDaily about his role in the Guitar Hero spin-off.

"They said to me, Flash, we want to come up with a game but there's no way possible we could pull this off without you... we want to do it in such a way that the gamer is DJing the game," Flash told GameDaily.

"And then he says to me, 'We are the inventors of Guitar Hero,' so I'm thinking, 'OK, this is some big s--- right now.' Read the full interview on GameDaily ]]> 1060093grandmaster flashGrandmasterFlash Tracey Ford 2009-07-02T15:00:00 00:00 Willy Northpole is a Friend of Phoenix http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/02/willy-northpole-is-a-friend-of-phoenix/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/02/willy-northpole-is-a-friend-of-phoenix/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/02/willy-northpole-is-a-friend-of-phoenix/#comments Filed under:


The City of Phoenix honored Arizona-based rapper Willy Northpole with a Friend of the City designation for his work with at-risk juveniles during a ceremony last week at Doc's Place in the state's capitol.

"I love the city," said a blinged-out Northpole during an interview with The BoomBox after the ceremony. "They love me back. They honored me for my community work. I go to a lot of the juveniles and talk to them.

"I was incarcerated as a teen. I go and I talk to youths. I have community functions. I have eating events -- barbecues. I bring jumpers out for the kids. I just give back. Whenever I'm in town, I'll always think of something to do for the community. People get a chance to know you. They get a chance to touch you. They get a chance to be around you. It's different when you hear the music. When you meet the person, it's more official and they feel that now they really have to support that guy. I know him personally. 'That's my boy.' It's real. It's not an act. That's the kind of person I am."

The City of Phoenix's representative was District 8 Councilman Michael E. Johnson, Northpole's uncle. Johnson said the City took notice of Northpole's activities of reaching out to at-risk youths to give them a positive role model. ]]> 830017willy northpoleWillyNorthpole Christina Fuoco-Karasinski 2009-07-02T13:00:00 00:00 Nina Sky, 'On Some Bulls---' -- New Video http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/02/nina-sky-on-some-bulls-new-video/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/02/nina-sky-on-some-bulls-new-video/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/02/nina-sky-on-some-bulls-new-video/#comments Filed under:


Artist: Nina Sky
Song: 'On Some Bulls---'
Why You Should Watch: Nicole and Natalie confess to being sooo over it in the video for their new single off their upcoming album, 'Starting Today.'

Check out the video after the jump. ]]> 2136441nina skyNinaSky Tracey Ford 2009-07-02T11:00:00 00:00 Best Summertime Hip-Hop Songs http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/02/best-summertime-hip-hop-songs/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/02/best-summertime-hip-hop-songs/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/02/best-summertime-hip-hop-songs/#comments Filed under:


It wouldn't be summer without backyard barbecues, family reunions, Mister Softee and summer jams. Whether it's a straightforward tune about kickin' it on a hot basketball court or a symbolic one about ice cream flavors, we can't deny the role music plays in the summer months. Check out a some of our favorites. Enjoy!

10. 'Lean Back,' Terror Squad

Sun-soaked lyric: "See my ni--as don't dance, we just pull up our pants and do the Rockaway/Now lean back"

Spawning the laziest dance ever, Terror Squad changed the game with this certified summer smash. Fat Joe and his crew made this song strictly for the big dudes who didn't want to scuff their fresh white sneakers or break a sweat on the dance floor.

]]> fat joeFatJoeflo ridaFloRidafresh princeFreshPrincejay-zjazzy jeffJazzyJeffll cool jLlCoolJnellyq-tipraekwonsoulja boySouljaBoyterror squadTerrorSquad BoomBox Staff 2009-07-02T09:00:00 00:00 Nas, Damian Marley Reveal 'Distant Relative' Details http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/01/nas-damian-marley-reveal-distant-relative-details/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/01/nas-damian-marley-reveal-distant-relative-details/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/01/nas-damian-marley-reveal-distant-relative-details/#comments Filed under:


In a behind-the-scenes video released today, Nas reveals more about his forthcoming album with prolific reggae artist Damian "Junior Gong" Marley. As we said back in February, the two have been working on a record that melds hip-hop and reggae. While it was originally slated for spring, then summer, we've gotten word that it's now going to drop in September.

Entitled 'Distant Relatives,' the duo reveal that the album's not-so-subtle intentions are to raise awareness around Africa. "The idea started out as doing an EP together," Marley says. "This project with Nas is to come together and do some music on behalf of Africa. " While the video doesn't give much away in terms of the actual music, there are hints that it's going to incorporate a bevy of live instrumentation arrangements, including guitars and string sections. ]]> 1035706damian marleyDamianMarleynas Michael D. Ayers 2009-07-01T18:30:00 00:00 Michael Jackson Tops Pop Charts Again http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/01/michael-jackson-titles-rule-the-charts/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/01/michael-jackson-titles-rule-the-charts/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/01/michael-jackson-titles-rule-the-charts/#comments Filed under: ,


The King of Pop is once again the king of the Pop charts. A quick look at this past week's sales proves that Michael Jackson's status as a pop star is unparalleled.

Based on sales numbers from Nielsen SoundScan, Michael Jackson-related titles will take up the top 9 chart positions on Billboard's Top Pop Catalog Albums chart.

Of the top 10, Michael has a record 8, with 'Number Ones' taking the #1 spot, 'The Essential Michael Jackson' and 'Thriller' at #2 and #3, followed by 'Off the Wall' and the Jackson 5's 'The Ultimate Collection' rounding out the top 5. ]]> 1003906Michael JacksonMichaelJackson Sharks 2009-07-01T16:30:00 00:00 Quincy Jones Wants His Vibe Back http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/01/quincy-jones-wants-his-vibe-back/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/01/quincy-jones-wants-his-vibe-back/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/01/quincy-jones-wants-his-vibe-back/#comments Filed under: ,


After revelations that Vibe magazine is shutting their doors, Vibe founder Quincy Jones has spoken out. In a brief interview with Ebonyjet.com, Jones stated "I'm trying to buy my magazine back now. They just messed my magazine all up, but I'm gonna get it back. You better believe it, I'm'a take it online because print and all that stuff is over."

Which means he wants to pump a ton of money into resurrecting the magazine solely online, a move that a handful of publications in many genres have struggled with over the last several years. Jones compared the world of publishing much to something he intimately knows: the music business. ]]> 1005839quincy jonesQuincyJones Michael D. Ayers 2009-07-01T15:00:00 00:00 Coolio Pleads Guilty to Possession of Cocaine http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/01/coolio-pleads-guilty-to-possession-of-cocaine/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/01/coolio-pleads-guilty-to-possession-of-cocaine/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/01/coolio-pleads-guilty-to-possession-of-cocaine/#comments Filed under: ,


90's rapper Coolio caught a lucky break this week, avoiding jail time for his recent crack possession and battery charges.

The California entertainer, famous for living in a 'Gangsta's Paradise,' faced three years in prison if found guilty on the charges, stemming from a March 6 bust at LAX, where officials found crack cocaine and smoking paraphernalia in the rapper's luggage.

Coolio attempted to avoid the search and seizure by physically fighting off authorities at the airport, tacking a misdemeanor battery charge on top of his felony possession. ]]> 1035695cooliodrugsjailrehab Sharks 2009-07-01T13:30:00 00:00 Run-DMC Honored With Queens Street Corner http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/01/run-dmc-honored-with-queens-street-corner/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/01/run-dmc-honored-with-queens-street-corner/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/01/run-dmc-honored-with-queens-street-corner/#comments Filed under:


Queens stand up! The New York City Council has approved a bill that will rename a city street in the borough of Queens in honor of hip-hop icons Run-DMC and the late Jam Master Jay.

The bill, which was Introduced by Deputy Majority Leader Leroy Comrie (D-27 District), was approved at the Council's Stated Meeting in City Hall and calls for the corner of 205th Street and Hollis Avenue, located in the Hollis section of Queens, to be renamed "Run DMC JMJ Way."

Darry McDaniels, known as DMC, has also donated Run-DMC memorabilia for a proposed Hollis Hip Hop Museum, which would be located just two blocks from "Run DMC JMJ Way." ]]> 1099860run-dmc Tracey Ford 2009-07-01T12:15:00 00:00 Michael Jackson's Body Returns to Neverland for Viewing http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/01/michael-jacksons-body-returns-to-neverland-for-viewing/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/01/michael-jacksons-body-returns-to-neverland-for-viewing/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/07/01/michael-jacksons-body-returns-to-neverland-for-viewing/#comments Filed under: , ,


While Michael Jackson's friends, family and millions of fans attempt come to terms with the pop legend's death, plans have been made for his the viewing of his body.

A public viewing for has been scheduled for Friday at his Neverland Ranch, with a private service to follow on Sunday.

A 30-car motorcade has been organized to transport the King of Pop's remains at 10 am from Los Angeles to Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara County, though it is not yet known where Jackson will ultimately be buried. ]]> 1003906michael jacksonMichaelJackson Sharks 2009-07-01T10:30:00 00:00 Mariah Carey Cross-Dresses for Eminem Dis Video http://www.theboombox.com/2009/06/30/mariah-carey-cross-dresses-for-eminem-dis-video/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/06/30/mariah-carey-cross-dresses-for-eminem-dis-video/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/06/30/mariah-carey-cross-dresses-for-eminem-dis-video/#comments Filed under:


After all the shots Eminem has taken at Mariah Carey over the years, some say she's finally swinging back.

In Carey's latest video for 'Obsession,' the vocal diva dresses in drag, sporting a hooded sweatshirt that is curiously similar to Slim Shady's signature style.

The song's lyrics add to the speculation. An example: "Boy, why you so obsessed with me?/Boy I want to know/Lyin' that you're sexin me."

She even alludes to drugs, a possible swipe at Slim's well-documented substance abuse. "It must be the weed. It must be the E," she sings.

It's possible that Carey's song was fueled by a track off Eminem's latest album 'Relapse' where he raps, "Mariah, what ever happened to us, why did we have to break up?/Nick Cannon better back the f--- up/I'm not playing, I want her back, you punk." ]]> 10474551316056eminemmariah careyMariahCarey Adam Horne 2009-06-30T18:15:00 00:00 VIBE Magazine Goes Under http://www.theboombox.com/2009/06/30/vibe-magazine-goes-under/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/06/30/vibe-magazine-goes-under/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/06/30/vibe-magazine-goes-under/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


According to reports, VIBE, one of the nation's top urban music magazines, is shutting its doors.

The rumors began early this afternoon, and were just confirmed when a spokeswoman for the magazine made a formal announcement that the VIBE staff would be notified about the magazine's closing in an all-company meeting at 2 pm.

The news came as a shock to many, as the magazine has been in print for 16 years and enjoyed a loyal readership, however the Wicks Group, which bought VIBE in 2006, reduced its circulation and cut salaries and hours in February in an effort to save funds.

In a formal statement to the staff, Steve Aaron, CEO of Vibe Media Group said they struggled to recapitalize the company for months in vain, seeking "to restructure the huge debt on our small company."

"The print advertising collapse hit Vibe hard," Aaron said. "Key ad categories like automotive and fashion, which represented the bulk of our top 10 advertisers, have stopped advertising or gone out of business." ]]> magazinevibe Sharks 2009-06-30T16:35:00 00:00 Jamie Foxx to Produce MTV Sketch Comedy Show http://www.theboombox.com/2009/06/30/jamie-foxx-to-produce-mtv-sketch-comedy-show/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/06/30/jamie-foxx-to-produce-mtv-sketch-comedy-show/ http://www.theboombox.com/2009/06/30/jamie-foxx-to-produce-mtv-sketch-comedy-show/#comments Filed under: , ,


Oscar-winning actor/singer Jamie Foxx has reportedly partnered with MTV to produce an exciting new sketch comedy series.

Foxx will be the executive producer of the show, his first since the 'Jamie Foxx Show' ended in 2001. MTV claims the new series will be "the next generation of 'In Living Color,'" the legendary 90's sketch show that launched the careers of Foxx, Jim Carrey, Jennifer Lopez and many others.

Foxx, who most recently starred in 'The Soloist,' will be developing the series with producer Jamie Rucker King ('Held Up'), Marcus King, writer/producer Fax Bahr ('In The Army Now,' 'Malibu's Most Wanted') and producer/director Adam Small ('Another State of Mind,' 'Malibu's Most Wanted'). ]]> 1035699comedyjamie foxxJamieFoxx Sharks 2009-06-30T16:30:00 00:00