The Boombox Music Blog http://www.theboombox.com The Boombox Music Blog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.theboombox.com/media/boombox-feed.jpg The Boombox Music Blog http://www.theboombox.com en-us Copyright 2012 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/ Birdman, Bentley: Rapper Buys a $285,000 Mulsanne for Lil Wayne http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/09/birdman-bentley-lil-wayne/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/09/birdman-bentley-lil-wayne/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/09/birdman-bentley-lil-wayne/#comments Filed under: ,


Kevin Winter, Getty Images

Lil Wayne is about to ride around in style all because of Birdman. The Cash Money head honcho_thumbnail.gifted the 'John' creator with a Bentley recently, due to the fact that the pricey vehicles just dropped.

"The new Bentleys came out," Birdman says in a video filmed by Derick G. "I bought me and my son one... They just hit the floor. I wanted to feel brand new. Whenever I do something for myself I like to do it for my soon too."

Birdman, who boasts about his jets, Maybachs, Bugattis and even a plane, presented his nephew Mack Maine with a car too -- a Rolls-Royce. ]]> BirdmanBirdman bentleyBirdmanBentleyLil WayneLilWayneMack MaineMackMaine Georgette Cline 2012-02-09T10:55:00 00:00 MTVU Woodie Awards 2012: J. Cole, Frank Ocean, Mac Miller Nominated http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/09/mtvu-woodie-awards-2012-j-cole-frank-ocean-mac-miller/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/09/mtvu-woodie-awards-2012-j-cole-frank-ocean-mac-miller/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/09/mtvu-woodie-awards-2012-j-cole-frank-ocean-mac-miller/#comments Filed under: ,


YouTube.com

NEW YORK (AP) - The eclectic mix of The Black Keys, Skrillex and Mac Miller lead nominees for the 2012 mtvU Woodie Awards.

All three are up for top honor Woodie of the year along with Frank Ocean, Foster the People and J. Cole. Awards also will be handed out for emerging artists, performance and video. MTV added a category for electronic dance music this year, too.

The awards show will take place March 15 in Austin, Texas, during the South By Southwest Music Festival. The day begins at 2 p.m. EST with the first Woodie Awards Festival, then the show starts at 8 p.m.

Fans can watch performances live online and the full show will be broadcast March 18. MTV and mtvU will offer special programming all week from Austin. ]]> frank oceanFrankOceanj. coleJ.Colemac millerMacMillermtvmtvumtvu woodie awardsmtvu woodie awards 2012mtvu woodiesMtvuWoodieAwardsMtvuWoodieAwards2012MtvuWoodies Associated Press 2012-02-09T10:05:00 00:00 Drake, Juno Awards 2012: Young Money MC Battles Justin Bieber, Feist http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/drake-juno-awards-2012/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/drake-juno-awards-2012/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/drake-juno-awards-2012/#comments Filed under: ,


Getty Images

After hosting the Juno Awards last year -- the Canadian equivalent of the Grammys -- and coming up empty-handed, despite receiving six nods, Drake is back again with four nominations at the 2012 Junos, which take place in Ottawa on April 1.

The William Shatner-hosted event pits Drake and singer-songwriter Feist, who has also received four nominations, against one another in the Artist of the Year category. The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences announced the nominees on Tuesday (Feb. 7), and Nickelback, Feist and Deadmau5 are among the artists scheduled to perform. ]]> DrakeDrake AwardsDrake JunoDrake Juno 2012Drake Juno AwardsDrake JunosDrakeAwardsDrakeJunoDrakeJuno2012DrakeJunoAwardsDrakeJunosJuno 2012Juno AwardsJuno2012JunoAwards Theo Bark 2012-02-08T19:30:00 00:00 Grammy Awards: Hip-Hop and R&B Albums That Should Have Won http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/grammy-awards-hip-hop-and-randb-albums-that-should-have-won/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/grammy-awards-hip-hop-and-randb-albums-that-should-have-won/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/grammy-awards-hip-hop-and-randb-albums-that-should-have-won/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Amazon.com

The Best Rap Album category was born in 1996, during the 38th Annual Grammy Awards. To put things into perspective, that's 38 years after the Grammy Awards' inception, 12 years after Run-D.M.C. released their self-titled debut album and four years after Dr. Dre's 'The Chronic' LP became a hip-hop staple. Since The Recording Academy missed the boat on honoring some of the greatest records created, The BoomBox has compiled a list of other misses at the Grammys, including the Best R&B Album and Best Rap Album categories. The Fugees over Tupac Shakur? Diddy -- or Puff Daddy as he was called back then -- winning over the Notorious B.I.G.? We won't even say that's a close call. Check out the rap stars and singers who should have walked away with a golden gramophone.
]]> best randb albumbest rap albumBestRandbAlbumBestRapAlbumgrammy awardsgrammy awards 2012GrammyAwardsGrammyAwards2012grammysgrammys 2012Grammys2012 Charley Rogulewski 2012-02-08T18:30:00 00:00 Kelly Rowland Stretch Marks: Body Issues Out as Workout DVD Debuts http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/kelly-rowland-body-abs-dvd/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/kelly-rowland-body-abs-dvd/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/kelly-rowland-body-abs-dvd/#comments Filed under: ,


Kelly Rowland bodyAlexander Tamargo, WireImage

As reported by AOL Music, Kelly Rowland has released her new 'Sexy Abs' workout DVD with celeb trainer Jeanette Jenkins, and while she may have one of the most enviable bods in the business, Kelly has revealed she still struggles with body image issues. After going under the knife in October 2007 to enlarge her chest size, the singer has admitted she still has insecurities when it comes to her figure.

When the former Destiny's Child member was asked by U.K.'s Hello! magazine if she saw herself as a sex symbol, she replied, "Not really" with a laugh. The 30-year-old beauty then named her least sexy feature. "What do I hate about my body? The stretch marks that come from getting older," she admitted. ]]> kelly rowlandkelly rowland bodykelly rowland wokoutkelly rowland wokout dvdKellyRowlandKellyRowlandBodyKellyRowlandWokoutKellyRowlandWokoutDvd Contessa Gayles 2012-02-08T17:30:00 00:00 Alori Joh Dead: Singer and Kendrick Lamar Affiliate Dies at 25 http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/alori-joh-dead-dies-at-25/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/alori-joh-dead-dies-at-25/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/alori-joh-dead-dies-at-25/#comments Filed under: , , ,


YouTube.com

Alori Joh, a West Coast native who worked alongside some of Top Dawg Entertainment's rising artists including Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q and Ab-Soul, has passed away at 25. Details are scarce at the time of this report, but information obtained from Twitter reveals the songstress died between Tuesday (Feb. 7) and Wednesday (Feb. 8).

Lamar's national exposure over the last two years helped to bring attention towards Alori's vocal abilities. She sang on 'Heaven & Hell,' a song that appeared on his 'Overly Dedicated' mixtape in 2010. She was also featured on 'HiiiPOWER,' featured on the rap star's lauded project 'Section.80.'

Schoolboy Q, who featured Alori on 'Phenomenon,' a song off his 'Setbacks' mixtape, released last year, paid homage to the fallen entertainer by "smoking one" and shared the news with his Twitter followers.

]]> aloriahkendrick lamarKendrickLamarschoolboy qSchoolboyQtop dawg entertainmentTopDawgEntertainment Georgette Cline 2012-02-08T15:35:00 00:00 Jay-Z, Beyonce Trademark Blue Ivy's Name for 'Baby Carriages' & More http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/jay-z-beyonce-trademark-blue-ivys-name/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/jay-z-beyonce-trademark-blue-ivys-name/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/jay-z-beyonce-trademark-blue-ivys-name/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Al Bello, Getty Images

Both Jay-Z and Beyonce have made headlines this week for their respective appearances at Carnegie Hall -- Hov ripped through his hits at the venue for charity. Now the entertainers are putting the performance aspect of their careers aside to focus on a legal matter: trademarking their daughter's name.

The Washington Post reports that the power couple have filed an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to protect Blue Ivy's name. The trademark will reserve her name for future use of items like "baby carriages, baby cosmetics and diaper bags." ]]> beyoncebeyonce blue ivyBeyonceBlueIvyblue ivy trademarkBlueIvyTrademarkjay-zjay-z blue ivyJay-zBlueIvytrademark Georgette Cline 2012-02-08T14:30:00 00:00 Timbaland, Missy Elliott: New Albums Due in June http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/timbaland-missy-elliott-new-albums-june/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/timbaland-missy-elliott-new-albums-june/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/timbaland-missy-elliott-new-albums-june/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Ethan Miller, Getty Images

One of the great duos in hip-hop history, producer Timbaland and singular singer-rapper-producer-whatever Missy Elliott, is getting ready to return, albeit with separate solo albums. In an interview with MTV, Timbo has revealed that he and Missy will end their long hiatuses and drop new records in June.

"Right now, we're preparing to get both our videos, our first singles, shot kinda at the same time," Tim said. "We want to do it as a movement and spontaneously."

Missy's album will be her first since 2005's 'The Cookbook.' In the interim years, she's worked as a songwriter and producer for other artists, and last year, she told People magazine that she'd been diagnosed with Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that many have blamed for her dearth of new product. ]]> missy elliottMissyElliottTimbaland Kenneth Partridge 2012-02-08T12:30:00 00:00 KRS-One: Connie Chung's Harsh Words, LL Cool J's Disobedience & Retirement http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/krs-one-the-bdp-album/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/krs-one-the-bdp-album/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/krs-one-the-bdp-album/#comments Filed under: , ,


Bryan Bedder, Getty Images

The truth is KRS-One has always existed in extremes. The celebrated Bronx, N.Y., MC evolved from giving birth to the controversial rap genre known as gangsta rap to dropping a politically conscious classic. He was leader of the influential hip-hop group Boogie Down Productions, who crafted their landmark 1987 debut 'Criminal Minded,' then a year later they released the startling LP 'By All Means Necessary'. And that's just the first chapter of the 46-year-old's 25-plus year career as one of hip-hop's true lyrical giants. Indeed, when you dissect the impressive run of KRS-One, it's clear that the man does not lack conviction.

Fans who want empowering music that blasts the historical devaluing of black culture should check out 1990's 'Edutainment.' Or how about an unfiltered, two-fisted statement that thoroughly embraces the power of hip-hop with a pure, Evangelical zeal? That would be KRS' DJ Premier-featured 1993 solo classic 'Return of the Boom Bap'. The Blastmaster even dropped a born-again Christian rap album with 2002's 'Spiritual Minded,' a bold and much-debated work that was more than a risk for an MC that had a made a career out of questioning organized religion.

Yes, KRS-One is a complex artist. But he's also the most passionate ambassador for his beloved Bronx-bred artform as evident by his creation of the Temple of Hip-Hop school. With a new Boogie Down Productions release, 'The BDP Album,' currently out in stores, KRS-One is still fighting the good fight. The BoomBox caught up with the legendary MC to discuss Connie Chung saying his career was over, his respect for LL Cool J after disobeying his record label, denying Lyor Cohen his skill set and why he will never put down the mic. ]]> boogie down productionsBoogieDownProductionschuck dChuckDkrs-onekrsonell cool jLlCoolJmc lyteMcLytethe bdp albumTheBdpAlbum Keith Murphy 2012-02-08T11:50:00 00:00 Chelsea Handler Hip-Hop Album: Comic Ponders 'Annoying' Move http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/chelsea-handler-hip-hop-album/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/chelsea-handler-hip-hop-album/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/chelsea-handler-hip-hop-album/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Kevin Winter, Getty Images

She's got a foul mouth, a quick wit and absolutely no filter to speak of. For these reasons, Chelsea Handler would make a heck of a rapper. The E! host, author and star of the upcoming film 'This Means War' has apparently thought about it, and when asked by The Insider what she'd like to do next, she hinted at a possible foray into mic rocking.

"I would think the most annoying thing I could do would be to release a hip-hop album," Handler says in the video posted below. "To start dancing and singing, or rapping."

"I would think that would be the dumbest thing I could do, so maybe I will think about that," she added. ]]> 50 cent50Centchelsea handlerchelsea handler hip hop albumChelseaHandlerChelseaHandlerHipHopAlbummariah careyMariahCareynick cannonNickCannon Kenneth Partridge 2012-02-08T11:15:00 00:00 Jay-Z, Kanye West 'N----s in Paris' Video Debuts This Week http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/jay-z-kanye-west-niggas-in-paris-video/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/jay-z-kanye-west-niggas-in-paris-video/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/jay-z-kanye-west-niggas-in-paris-video/#comments Filed under: ,


Jamie McCarthy, Getty Images

Jay-Z and Kanye West dropped their collaborative LP, 'Watch the Throne,' last year, and since then, fans have eagerly awaited the visuals of one of the album's lauded singles, 'N----s in Paris.' The track landed on The BoomBox's Best Songs of 2011 list, coming in at No. 1, and peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Now the rap duo will finally unveil the video for the Hit-Boy-produced song this week.

VEVO reports that Hov and Yeezy will debut the clip on Thurs., Feb. 9. The video will reportedly feature footage from December's Watch the Throne tour stop in Los Angeles. While most of the previous concerts they did featured them performing 'N----s in Paris' a total of three times or more, the L.A. stop had the hip-hop vets rapping to the tune 10 times in a row. ]]> jay-zkanye westKanyeWestniggas in parisniggas in paris videoniggas in paris video watch the throne albumNiggasInParisNiggasInParisVideoNiggasInParisVideoWatchTheThroneAlbumotiswatch the thronewatch the throne albumWatchTheThroneWatchTheThroneAlbum Georgette Cline 2012-02-08T10:45:00 00:00 Beyonce, Carnegie Hall: Singer Shows Off Body in Blue Dress http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/beyonce-carnegie-hall-singer-shows-off-body-in-blue-dress/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/beyonce-carnegie-hall-singer-shows-off-body-in-blue-dress/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/08/beyonce-carnegie-hall-singer-shows-off-body-in-blue-dress/#comments Filed under: ,


Courtesy of Beyonceonline.com

Beyonce's daughter Blue Ivy was likely tucked away in bed Tuesday night (Feb. 7) but that didn't mean the singer wasn't thinking of her newborn. As she stepped out for husband Jay-Z's second concert at Carnegie Hall, the R&B chanteuse, who made her first public appearance on Monday (Feb. 6) since giving birth, chose to wear an all blue ensemble in honor of her baby girl, who turned a month old on Feb. 7.

Besides showing off her post-baby curves in a sparkling, blue Monique Lhuillier dress, she paired the look with a furry Chanel purse, bright blue Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, matching blue nail polish and strappy Gucci heels. This is a mom with some truly classy attire. While walking through the garage parking lot at the venue, she even posed for a close-up, which can be seen below. ]]> Beyoncebeyonce birthBeyonceBirthblue ivy carterBlueIvyCartercarnegie hallCarnegieHalljay-z Georgette Cline 2012-02-08T10:15:00 00:00 Kenny Lattimore: 'Back 2 Cool' Album Won't Be 'Personal,' Tour Is 'Fantastic' http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/kenny-lattimore-back-2-cool-album/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/kenny-lattimore-back-2-cool-album/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/kenny-lattimore-back-2-cool-album/#comments Filed under: ,


Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images

For Kenny Lattimore, authenticity is about reaching his audience through song. And he is now reaching out to that audience in other ways. The Grammy-nominated singer is also extending his benevolent brand through his nonprofit organization, The Kenny Lattimore Foundation, and his involvement with the United Negro College Fund's fourth annual Empower Me Tour.

In a recent interview with The Huffington Post, the multifaceted singer-actor opened up about his role with UNCF's latest initiative, as well as dishing the details on his forthcoming album, 'Back 2 Cool.'

Read the Full Article at HuffPost BlackVoices. ]]> back 2 cool albumBack2CoolAlbumkenny lattimoreKennyLattimorethe kenny lattimore foundationTheKennyLattimoreFoundationuncfunited negro college fundUnitedNegroCollegeFund BoomBox Staff 2012-02-07T18:20:00 00:00 Kanye West Tour Rider: Drivers Must Wear '100 Percent Cotton'? http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/kanye-west-tour-rider/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/kanye-west-tour-rider/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/kanye-west-tour-rider/#comments Filed under: ,


Chris Hyde, Getty Images

Kanye West is known for his wardrobe choices, which often times are replete with kilts, large gold chains, silk shirts and Jordan sneakers. Apparently the Chi-town native doesn't only worry about what he'll walk out of the house wearing but also what his drivers will wear too.

According to The Sun, West, 34, recently traveled to Australia to perform for fans. Like most entertainers, the rapper made certain requests, which were detailed in his tour rider that has apparently "leaked."

In the rider, the 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' creator expects drivers carting him around during his time Down Under to be dressed in "100 percent cotton" and to steer clear of "man-made fibres [sic]." It's not clear where exactly the tour rider surfaced. ]]> kanye westkanye west tour riderkanye west versaceKanyeWestKanyeWestTourRiderKanyeWestVersacetour riderTourRider Georgette Cline 2012-02-07T17:45:00 00:00 Nicki Minaj, Grammy Awards 2012: Rapper Will Perform 'Roman Holiday' http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/nicki-minaj-grammy-awards-2012-roman-holiday/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/nicki-minaj-grammy-awards-2012-roman-holiday/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/nicki-minaj-grammy-awards-2012-roman-holiday/#comments Filed under: ,


Ezra Shaw, Getty Images

Nicki Minaj is set to perform at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards Sunday (Feb. 12) and now the Queens-bred MC reveals the track she'll debut during music's biggest night.

The 29-year-old Young Money rhymer will take center stage for 'Roman Holiday,' a song featured on her forthcoming sophomore LP, 'Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded,' due April 3. The track has never been heard previously and will be the first time Minaj performs it for the public. 'Roman Holiday' will subsequently be available for sale on iTunes immediately following the awards ceremony.

Besides showcasing her lyrical stylings, the wig-wearing 'Stupid H--' creator will also compete in Grammy categories for Best New Artist, Best Rap Album and Best Rap Performance. Once she's done with the Grammy Awards, Minaj will premiere a new song off 'Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded' Monday (Feb. 13) on On-Air With Ryan Seacrest. The track, titled 'Starships,' will be her next single and will be available on iTunes. ]]> grammy awardsgrammy awards 2012GrammyAwardsGrammyAwards2012nicki minajnicki minaj grammy awardsNickiMinajNickiMinajGrammyAwards Georgette Cline 2012-02-07T16:00:00 00:00 Thudda Boy Dead: Rapper Brondon McDaniel Dies From Gunshot Wound http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/thudda-boy-dead-brondon-mcdaniel-dies/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/thudda-boy-dead-brondon-mcdaniel-dies/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/thudda-boy-dead-brondon-mcdaniel-dies/#comments Filed under: ,


Getty Images

Police in Oakland, Calif., have identified a man shot to death on Saturday (Feb. 4) as Brondon McDaniel, a 30-year-old rapper who performed under the name Thudda Boy.

The aspiring rhymer was shot at 2:40PM by a gunman who approached on foot, the Silicon Valley Mercury News reports. No arrests have been made, and authorities have yet to establish a motive for the killing.

Before his death, McDaniel had been working with local producer Dushaun Alexander on his debut album. Their track 'Tonite' is available on YouTube -- and posted below-- and Alexander remembered Thudda as "a great rapper, who used little profanity, if at all." ]]> brondon mcdanielBrondonMcdanielthudda boythudda boy diesThuddaBoyThuddaBoyDiestony trapzTonyTrapz Kenneth Partridge 2012-02-07T15:00:00 00:00 Lil Wayne, Grammy Awards 2012: Rapper Confirmed for Dance Segment http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/grammy-awards-2012-lil-wayne-dance-segment/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/grammy-awards-2012-lil-wayne-dance-segment/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/grammy-awards-2012-lil-wayne-dance-segment/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Kevin Winter, Getty Images

Grammy show producer Ken Ehrlich had considered putting dancing/electronica music into the ceremony in the past, but could never quite figure out how to incorporate the high-energy club feel in front of a sometimes staid audience.

He thinks he's figured it out this year. For the first time, the Grammy show will put the spotlight on the genre with a segment featuring Grammy nominees Deadmau5, the Foo Fighters, Chris Brown, David Guetta and Lil Wayne, all performing in a tent space amid 1,000 fans.

"We decided to go all out this year," Ehrlich said of the performance taking place outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles, where Sunday's ceremony will be held. "All we're going to try and do next week is to try and put the home audience in the middle of it. ... It is more than just sitting there and watching it." ]]> chris brownChrisBrowngrammy 2012grammy awardsgrammy awards 2012Grammy2012GrammyAwardsGrammyAwards2012grammysgrammys 2012Grammys2012lil wayneLilWayne Associated Press 2012-02-07T14:20:00 00:00 Jay-Z, Carnegie Hall: Rapper Performs 'Glory,' Nas and Alicia Keys Join http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/jay-z-carnegie-hall/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/jay-z-carnegie-hall/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/jay-z-carnegie-hall/#comments Filed under: ,


Johnny Nunez/WireImage.com

Jay-Z long ago conquered New York City's biggest music venue, Madison Square Garden, and last night (Feb. 6), he left his mark on its most prestigious. Taking the stage at Carnegie Hall for the first of two sold-out shows, which he announced in December when The BoomBox sat down with him, the new father rocked a white tux and commanded a 36-piece orchestra, raising his game to a whole new level.

As Rap-Up reports, the Brooklyn MC made plenty of hometown references, playing Billy Joel's 'New York State of Mind' and Frank Sinatra's 'New York, New York.' Later, he teamed with Alicia Keys for his own entry into the Big Apple-anthem canon, 'Empire State of Mind,' and lest anyone feel Gotham was being underrepresented in song, he and Nas paired for 'N.Y. State of Mind.' ]]> alicia keysAliciaKeysblue ivyblue ivy carterblue ivy gloryBlueIvyBlueIvyCarterBlueIvyGloryJay-ZNAS Kenneth Partridge 2012-02-07T12:00:00 00:00 Beyonce Body: Singer Attends First Event Since Giving Birth -- Photo http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/beyonce-jay-z-concert/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/beyonce-jay-z-concert/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/beyonce-jay-z-concert/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Jackson Lee, Splash News

It's the moment we've all been waiting for -- new mama Beyonce has finally emerged, making her first public appearance since the birth of daughter Blue Ivy Carter on Jan. 7!

One month since welcoming her bouncing baby girl with husband Jay-Z, Bey stepped out in New York last night (Feb. 6) to support Jay at his Carnegie Hall benefit concert for The United Way of New York City and his own scholarship fund, the Shawn Carter Foundation. During the show, Hov was emotional as he performed his fatherhood-inspired track 'Glory,' that actually features Blue Ivy's newborn cries! ]]> beyoncebeyonce after babybeyonce fatbeyonce first appearancebeyonce post babybeyonce post pregnancyBeyonceAfterBabyBeyonceFatBeyonceFirstAppearanceBeyoncePostBabyBeyoncePostPregnancy Contessa Gayles 2012-02-07T11:30:00 00:00 Ness 'EYE2025': Rapper 'Zones Out' on Futuristic, New Collection http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/ness-eye2025-rapper-zones-out-on-futuristic-new-collection/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/ness-eye2025-rapper-zones-out-on-futuristic-new-collection/ http://www.theboombox.com/2012/02/07/ness-eye2025-rapper-zones-out-on-futuristic-new-collection/#comments Filed under: , ,


Chevon McIntyre

The description that's getting bandied about for Ness' 'EYE2025' EP is "a hip-hop 'Clockwork Orange.'" The late prolific filmmaker Stanley Kubrick would have never imagined that his brilliantly warped, violent, dark and dystopian view of the future would be the unofficial template for such a challenging musical project. But Ness, a member of the politically minded duo A-Alikes -- high-profile affiliates of the Dead Prez-led outfit People Army/RBGs -- is all about defying expectations. Available now, 'EYE2025' is a psychedelic, genre-hopping release that mixes hardcore hip-hop, '80s electro-pop, rock, funk and '70s analog sounds.

Longtime fans of the A-Alikes expecting something of the order of their 2006 underground classic 'I Eat, You Eat' will no doubt be taken aback by the experimental tone of 'EYE2025.' But for Ness, it all makes sense. "It's basically about being free," says Ness, who hooked up with The BoomBox recently to discuss his bold new set, the future of the A-Alikes, his early days with Dead Prez and the respect Jay-Z and Kanye West have for his work. "Whatever sound inspires me to write -- I'm not just going to stay in a box and say, 'Nah, that's too weird," he says. "I'm going to just make music." Spoken like a true rebel. ]]> a-alikeschuck dChuckDdead prezDeadPrezeye2025Jay-Zkanye westKanyeWestKool G RapKoolGRapnesspublic enemyPublicEnemy Keith Murphy 2012-02-07T11:00:00 00:00