Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Love and Hip Hop Amina Buddafly Wants Peace



4UMF NEWS ) Amina Buddafly Wants Peace:
July 25, 2015 a whole community became one at a event called “Push for peace.” Although there were alot of tragedies, the event has a powerful meaning. Pushing for peace means coming together as a community and fighting for freedom of violence.
4UMF.com was able to catch up with quite a few talented celebrities that join the event at the Brooklyn Borough Hall. Vocalist/musician Amina Buddafly best known from the hit reality show Love and Hiphop spoke on her passion for pushing for peace.

TO SEE THE INTERVIEW http://www.4umf.com/amina-buddafly-wants-peace/

Sunday, July 26, 2015

EXCLUSIVE: Bobbi Kristina Brown Dies at 22

Bobbi Kristina Brown, the daughter of the late Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, died Sunday at age 22, according to multiple media reports.
“She is finally at peace in the arms of God,” her family said in a statement, according to Entertainment Tonight and People . “We want to again thank everyone for their tremendous amount of love and support during these last few months.”
Bobbi Kristina Brown was surrounded by relatives Sunday at a hospice in Duluth, Georgia, according to the statement.
She passed away after her family chose to take her off of all medication, TMZ reported. A specialist had reportedly said their was no chance of recovery.
She had been hospitalized since being found unresponsive in a bathtub at her home on Jan. 31.

Sunday, July 19, 2015

WTLE WHAT'S IN THE NEWS TODAY! REAL NEWS

 

It's Been One Year Since Eric Garner Died. Here's What's Happened Since. 

Friday marks the anniversary of Eric Garner's death from a fatal police chokehold in New York, but the aftermath of his death is far from over.

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating whether Officer Daniel Pantaleo -- who put Garner into the prohibited chokehold -- should face federal civil rights charges. A New York state appeals court is deciding whether records from the grand jury investigation into Garner's death should be made public. And earlier this week, New York City announced it would pay the Garner family $5.9 million in order to fend off a full-blown wrongful death lawsuit.
Garner's death was the catalyst for massive #BlackLivesMatter protests across the country and helped inspire a series of criminal justice reforms in New York state.
As protesters march in New York Friday, calling for Pantaleo to be prosecuted and the grand jury records to be released, here's a look back at the saga that followed in the year after Garner's death.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/17/eric-garner-anniversary_n_7817922.html?utm_hp_ref=black-voices

 6 Things You Need To Know About Sandra Bland



Sandra Bland, 28, was pulled over last Friday in Waller County, Texas, for failing to use her turn signal when changing lanes. She was arrested during the stop for allegedly assaulting a police office and taken to a jail in the town of Hempstead.
Three days later, Bland was found dead in her jail cell.
A bystander captured a video of the arrest that appears to show two officers forcibly holding Bland on the ground while she yelled, "You just slammed my head into the ground. Do you not even care about that? I can't even hear."
The sheriff's office said Bland died from "what appears to be self-inflicted asphyxiation," but her family and friends suspect foul play
As of Friday evening, about 75,000 people had signed a petition calling on Attorney General Loretta Lynch to conduct an investigation into Bland's death. The Texas Rangers, a statewide law enforcement agency, and the FBI have announced a joint investigation
As many mourn Bland's death, it's  important to recognize the life she lived and who she was. Here’s what we know so far:

1. Bland drove from her Illinois home to Texas to interview for a job at her alma mater. She got it.

Bland was an advocate for historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, and a Twitter page believed to be hers includes several posts expressing HBCU pride
She was supposed to start a job at Prairie View A&M University in Waller County --from which she graduated in 2009 -- on July 15, her family told Chicago station ABC7. 


 Serena Williams Dazzles In A Bejeweled Gown At Wimbledon Champions Dinner
  Show-stopper. 
Serena Williams was a vision in blush pink at the Wimbledon Champions Dinner at the Guild Hall Sunday in London. The superstar athlete donned a gown encrusted with jewels for the lavish affair in her honor.
The tennis champ defeated Garbiñe Muguruza 6-4, 6-4 to win the Wimbledon championship Saturday, making it her sixth trophy at the All England Club and 21st Grand Slam title. She is just behind Margaret Court and Steffi Graf, who have 24 and 22 Grand Slams, respectively.
On Sunday, Williams and fellow Wimbledon champ Novak Djokovic danced to the Bee Gees' hit "Night Fever" to celebrate their wins, the Associated Press reported.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/serena-williams-gown-wimbledon-champions-dinner_55a3b0d3e4b0ecec71bc63b9?utm_hp_ref=black-voices&ir=Black%2BVoices&section=black-voices

Racial Satire 'White Squad' Is Painfully Hilarious But All Too Real

 Meet the "White Squad" a group of well-meaning white people looking to help out people of color. The squad is introduced in a new, brilliant satire by MTV Decoded that tackles racial inequality that privileges white people and disadvantages people of color in everyday situations.

In the video above, members of the company provide a white stand-in for minorities who may encounter discrimination.
"Is your skin color holding you back? Are you tired of systemic prejudice ruining your day?" the narrator asks before before offering "professional white advantage services," which include hailing a cab, finding a better apartment and seeking legal services.
From their paste-colored office to their all-white employees, the company insures that their whiteness will work in your favor.  With a few convincing testimonials, it's hard to believe that this isn't an actual service.
While entertaining, the video raises some disturbing flags of actual oppression that can't be fixed with a call to a 1-800 number.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/racial-satire-white-squad-is-too-real_55a93acce4b0f904bebfe72b?utm_hp_ref=black-voices

Marvel Salutes Hip-Hop w/ 50 Variant Covers Paying Homage to Classic Albums Covers

 Marvel is having fun with a new series of more than 50 variant covers that are all homages to classic hip-hop album covers. 

“For years, Marvel Comics and hip-hop culture have been engaged in an ongoing dialogue,” Marvel EIC Axel Alonso said in a press release. “Beginning this October, we will shine a spotlight on the seamless relationship between those two unique forces.”
Apparently, I just haven't been paying attention folks, or it could be because I'm not a comic book reader, so help me out; what's this ongoing dialogue between Marvel Comics and hip-hop culture that he's referring to? Enlighten me.
While I may not know comic books, I do know hip-hop - at least, the hip-hop I grew up with in the late 1980s/early 1990s, so I was able to immediately identify what classic album covers these Marvel interpretations are paying homage to. What about you?
The move is part of the comic book giant's plans to reissue some of its classic titles, which will happen this fall. This is just an early peek at what's to come.

TO SEE  MORE COVERS http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/marvel-salutes-hip-hop-w-50-variant-covers-paying-homage-to-classic-albums-covers-20150714




 

What was fake on the Internet this week: alligator sex, fake-butt explosions, and Obama’s invasion of Navy kitchens

There is so much fake stuff on the Internet in any given week that we’ve grown tired of debunking it all. Fake Twitter fights. Fake pumpkin-spice products. Amazing viral video? Nope — a Jimmy Kimmel stunt!
So, rather than take down each and every undeservedly viral story that crosses our monitors each week, we’re rounding them all up in a quick, once-a-week Friday debunk of fake photos, misleading headlines and bad studies that you probably shouldn’t share over the weekend. Ready? Here’s what was fake on the Internet this week:
1. A Vermont pastor wasn’t sentenced to a year in prison for refusing to officiate a gay wedding. Several high-profile conservative commentators — including Fox News’s Shannon Bream — apparently fell for this latest hoax from serial mega-troll Paul Horner, who should literally never be believed. (Pro tip: Horner always includes his own name in all of his stories. So if you read a crazy news item mentioning him, withhold your outraged tweets.)

TO READ EVERYTHING THAT WAS FAKE CLICK HERE
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2015/07/17/what-was-fake-on-the-internet-this-week-alligator-sex-fake-butt-explosions-and-obamas-invasion-of-navy-kitchens/

Saturday, July 11, 2015

WE TV Orders Next Generation Hip-Hop Series ‘Growing Up Hip Hop’

WE TV is exploring whether the members of the upcoming generation of hip-hop royalty can take their elders’ seats on the thrones with its order of the docu-series “Growing Up Hip Hop.”
The series follows the younger relatives of music legends Damon Dash, Rev. Run, Russell Simmons, Master P, El DeBarge and Pepa as they attempt to build their own lives and fortune in careers ranging from music to acting and fashion.
“Hip-hop is a hugely popular music genre, but beyond the songs it has become a lifestyle and has influenced a generation of young people,” said Marc Juris, WE TV’s president. “‘Growing Up Hip Hop’ profiles what it’s like to be raised by hip-hop legends, living in their shadow while trying to balance success and independence.”
The show will profile Romeo Miller (formerly known as Lil’ Romeo), a musician and the son of Master P; Angela Simmons, a hip-hop socialite, model and fashion designer and the daughter of rap pioneer Rev. Run and niece of Russell Simmons; Damon “Boogie” Dash, an entrepreneur and son of Roc-A-Fella co-founder and media mogul Damon Dash; Kristinia DeBarge, a singer-songwriter and daughter of James DeBarge from the group DeBarge; Egypt Criss, a musician and daughter of Sandra “Pepa” Denton from Salt-N-Pepa and rap figure Treach from Naughty by Nature; and TJ Mizell, a DJ and son of the late Run D.M.C.
The six-episode docu-series from Entertainment One is scheduled for a late 2015 premiere.
“Growing Up Hip Hop” is exec produced by John Morayniss and Tara Long for eOne, along with Romeo Miller, Angela Simmons, Percy Robert Miller (aka Master P) and Datari Turner. Turner’s Datari Turner Productions is co-producing the series.

Exclusive Interview with R&B Divas Leela James


R&B DIVAS LEELA JAMES 
STILL GOING STRONG
By Lenell King

She has the pipes of a soul  legend.  A sound off a different era, and a future so bright that she is destined to be honored like the legends that preceded her. .  Fresh off another successful season of R&B Divas LA and a new hit album, "Fall For You".  Leela James opens up about delivering timeless quality music and remaining relevant in a world of "one hit wonders".  Ladies and gentleman, Leela James. 

Lenell:  Congrats on wrapping up another season of R&B Divas LA.  Was it easier this time around because you knew what to expect? 
Leela:: Yes, in some sense it was
Lenell:  As a musician , what has this experiences done for you professionally and personally? 
Leela:  It definitely expanded my musical audience.  It’s been a great platform for that. That’s the main advantage right now of being on television. You can express yourself to a larger audience normally than what you could via radio.
 Lenell:  You’re originally from LA correct?
Leela: Yes, born and raised.
Lenell:  Oftentimes you hear about musicians moving to New York  or to Los Angeles in search of that big break.  Being that you are from LA, did you find it easier to break into the industry?

Leela: I do feel that I had a slight advantage being that I grew up in LA.  The ways of the land , if you will came natural.  I really didn’t have to learn my way around because I was raised in it.  At the same time, you are not impressed by a lot of things because you grew up seeing celebrities walking down the street. It was everyday life.
 Lenell:  How did you get discovered for those that may not know your back story?
 Leela: Growing up in LA and being exposed,   at a young age  I was always around musicians and clubs.  There are many singers in my family. I was singing at various talent showcases and in church. When I got older in high school, I put together a band and we would perform at different venues. I was out there selling CD’s, tapes, or whatever I could. Then it was pretty much through word of mouth. One thing led to another about this little girl that could sing.  That’s how it happened.  It was a grass roots , type of come up for me.  Stuff like that doesn’t really happen that much these days.  Things seem easier today with social media, but when I was coming up you had to put in a little more work.
 Lenell: I am truly a fan . Your voice is so rare in today’s music. It’s refreshing. In the midst of all the commercialism , and one hit wonders, how do you stay relevant? How do you choose material to keep yourself out there?

Leela: I just try to make what I believe to be good quality music. I think at the end of the day, good quality music is timeless and has no expiration date. That’s what I’ve attempted to do and it has worked.
Lenell: It is working for you.  You were recently on Dancing With The Stars(DWTS), I saw the finale- How was that?
Leela:  It was a wonderful experience. It was something that I would treasure for a lifetime. It was a true moment for real.  It goes back to me being a little girl trying to make in the industry. Now hear I am sharing the stage with some  of these major stars- singing to millions of people not just a small audience. It was natural , prime time. It was major.
 Lenell:   On R&B Divas LA this season, you introduced a project in which you guys performed a song and  performed it at an event to bring awareness to cancer . We also got a chance to meet a close friend of yours whom is battling cancer.  How is she doing and how is the project helping the cause?
Leela : She is still battling, she is going through chemo and everyday is a fight.. We are in the trenches with her and we are entrusting God for healing . It is a battle.
The project is going well . We are doing some mixes on it right now and we are still on it.
 Lenell: Back in 2012 you released an album, which was a tribute to Etta James. Just for clarity you are not related correct?
Leela: No we are not.
Lenell: Ok, great we cleared that up.  What made you want to do a tribute album for her? Was she one of your idols?

Leela: Absolutely, was , and is.  I think that she is such a talented artist like so many that go unnoticed or unappreciated during their hey day.  I wanted to pay homage to someone that I felt was a real force in the industry for many years.  A lot of times we ignore artists like that or just don't give them their props.  This is my way of reintroducing her music, her legacy to a whole new generation . It's important to do that for our legends. 

Lenell:  “Fall for You”  is your fifth studio album, what can fans expect from that.
 Leela:  It is out and  going up the charts. The current single  is “Set Me Free”.  The fans can expect quality music, limitless music.  “Set Me Free” was number one on I tunes this past week.  It's number 5 now. The fans can expect good music . You will be pleasantly pleased with my sound . Quality, limitless music.

Lenell:  This is festival season, where can your fans see you this summer.
 Leela:  I've been on tour.  I will be on some of those festivals , but I'm also back in the studio working on my 6th album.

Lenell:  Can we anticipate another season of RnB Divas LA?
 Leela: We would have to wait and see.


Fans make sure you purchase Leela James new album  “Fall for You “ on ITunes.

Also stay in touch with her on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/LeelaJames Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/LeelaJames  

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