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Azealia Banks Covers VIBE
"212" rapper Azealia Banks is covering the August/September
2012 issue of VIBE Magazine with Philly electro house producer Diplo (who
produced her track "F*ck Up The Fun"). And her cover story was indeed a doozy.
But isn't that why we love her? Chick always has ballsy soundbite. And we
usually agree with it.
Azealia has dropped 2 big mixtapes this past year--1991 & FANTASEA--performed for fashion icons like Karl Lagerfield, has an insane international buzz, and rocks huge stages like Coachella with packed out audiences. So why does the 21-year-old fast talking, Harlem bred, colorful weave lover have such a chip on her shoulder?
Azealia has dropped 2 big mixtapes this past year--1991 & FANTASEA--performed for fashion icons like Karl Lagerfield, has an insane international buzz, and rocks huge stages like Coachella with packed out audiences. So why does the 21-year-old fast talking, Harlem bred, colorful weave lover have such a chip on her shoulder?
Regardless, she's got folks talking. And she's not scared to
call people or this industry on it's bullsh*t. And she's uber talented.
So VIBE chatted up the "Liquorice" chick who holds back
nothing. Ms. Banks dishes on why not being light skinned affects how people
perceive her, the best day she spent with Kanye West, and regretting all those
Twitter fights with Lil Kim, T.I., Iggy
Azalea & more. Here's some of the
highlights:
Besides feeling territorial, there are folks who take the
hierarchal, respect-your-elders adage very seriously. Is that voided once
someone disses you?
When people come at my head it doesn’t faze me enough to be sad. It’s just, “Listen motherfucker, let me tell you about yourself and what I got and am about to get. You’re trying to knock me off my feet; I’m trying to stand tall, ’cause I’m here for a reason. I wasn’t even thinking about y’all, y’all came at me.”
When people come at my head it doesn’t faze me enough to be sad. It’s just, “Listen motherfucker, let me tell you about yourself and what I got and am about to get. You’re trying to knock me off my feet; I’m trying to stand tall, ’cause I’m here for a reason. I wasn’t even thinking about y’all, y’all came at me.”
Right, but not every 21-year-old newbie has the balls to
publicly mouth off at T.I. Were you raised to be this fearless?
My mother was always like, “Anybody say something you don’t like, punch them in the mouth. Do it!” [Laughs] If I had a fight, when she came home I would get another ass whupping just for being a little bird. And she’d be like, “Why you letting these people bring you down?” I was a really fresh little girl, always arguing back, trying lipstick on, trying to shake my ass—knowing in the back of my head I’m gonna get fucked up [by my mother]. But fuck it, I wanna get fucked up.
My mother was always like, “Anybody say something you don’t like, punch them in the mouth. Do it!” [Laughs] If I had a fight, when she came home I would get another ass whupping just for being a little bird. And she’d be like, “Why you letting these people bring you down?” I was a really fresh little girl, always arguing back, trying lipstick on, trying to shake my ass—knowing in the back of my head I’m gonna get fucked up [by my mother]. But fuck it, I wanna get fucked up.
Do you think your American buzz so far has been built more off
controversy than music?
Of course, because Americans are distracted by shit like that. It’s like, “Listen, T.I., if I was a fucking boy you wouldn’t say anything to me.” But when I’m a girl and I say something back, the media wants to turn it into all these different things. Rappers beef all the time. I said what I said about [Iggy Azalea] and kept it moving. Then a month later you said what you said. And it keeps coming up. Leave it alone. I didn’t say she couldn’t rap. I said something very real. Out of everything, she had to [call herself] “a runaway slave master”? C’mon, that’s not swag. That’s not fly shit. And that’s all it was. For T.I. to drag me through the dirt… It’s silly. In Europe they leave it alone and keep playing my songs on the radio and I keep getting booked for fashion shows because they’re about the art. All I’m doing is making myself look bad by getting engaged with y’all because no one in Europe gives a fuck about y’all. All I’m doing is giving y’all niggas exposure. So if you notice I’ve backed up off Twitter the past days [laughs].
Of course, because Americans are distracted by shit like that. It’s like, “Listen, T.I., if I was a fucking boy you wouldn’t say anything to me.” But when I’m a girl and I say something back, the media wants to turn it into all these different things. Rappers beef all the time. I said what I said about [Iggy Azalea] and kept it moving. Then a month later you said what you said. And it keeps coming up. Leave it alone. I didn’t say she couldn’t rap. I said something very real. Out of everything, she had to [call herself] “a runaway slave master”? C’mon, that’s not swag. That’s not fly shit. And that’s all it was. For T.I. to drag me through the dirt… It’s silly. In Europe they leave it alone and keep playing my songs on the radio and I keep getting booked for fashion shows because they’re about the art. All I’m doing is making myself look bad by getting engaged with y’all because no one in Europe gives a fuck about y’all. All I’m doing is giving y’all niggas exposure. So if you notice I’ve backed up off Twitter the past days [laughs].
Speaking of that wonderful social network, that’s the main
thing you’re slammed for—calling out other artists on there.
Exactly. And that’s the only thing niggas could hold against me, because I’m hot. So you know what? I’ma back off and [tweet] about random shit and make these records. I’m trying to just reach out, do a little record…
Exactly. And that’s the only thing niggas could hold against me, because I’m hot. So you know what? I’ma back off and [tweet] about random shit and make these records. I’m trying to just reach out, do a little record…
Which brings us to Lil’ Kim. Why address her publicly instead
of sending a private message or e-mail?
That’s what we did, and that shit is over. Yo, listen, [Lil’ Kim], this black cloud you got over you—don’t try to push that over me. You can keep that, because as soon as I released “Jumanji” is as soon everybody forgot about you. I have my hand on the dial; I can control how hot and cold you are right now. So I’m not even going to give it to you. I tried to make a legitimate track with you, tried to collaborate. I was bigging her up and she keeps throwing it back in my face. I tried.
That’s what we did, and that shit is over. Yo, listen, [Lil’ Kim], this black cloud you got over you—don’t try to push that over me. You can keep that, because as soon as I released “Jumanji” is as soon everybody forgot about you. I have my hand on the dial; I can control how hot and cold you are right now. So I’m not even going to give it to you. I tried to make a legitimate track with you, tried to collaborate. I was bigging her up and she keeps throwing it back in my face. I tried.
Do you regret getting into these Twitter clashes?
Of course, because it’s e-thugging… Who wants to look like that? But how else am I gonna reach y’all? I don’t have a T.I. to get on a radio show and defend me; I’m the one behind me. Y’all expect me to agree like, “Oh yea, I’m wack. I only have one song.” That’s one song y’all niggas don’t fucking have. You might win some, but you just lost one.
Of course, because it’s e-thugging… Who wants to look like that? But how else am I gonna reach y’all? I don’t have a T.I. to get on a radio show and defend me; I’m the one behind me. Y’all expect me to agree like, “Oh yea, I’m wack. I only have one song.” That’s one song y’all niggas don’t fucking have. You might win some, but you just lost one.
Kanye certainly doesn’t think you’re wack. Tell me about the
time you guys first met in London last year.
He hit me up like, “You’re mad talented. What do you eat for breakfast?” The whole conversation was pretty dense—two Geminis in one room. So it was so many ideas flying.We spent the whole day together, but the best part was dinner. We’re eating out the same plates with chopsticks, and he’s freestyling for me. I was like, “Oh shit, this is real!” You know how you smile so much your face hurts? And you just feel so busted like… [screeches]..
He hit me up like, “You’re mad talented. What do you eat for breakfast?” The whole conversation was pretty dense—two Geminis in one room. So it was so many ideas flying.We spent the whole day together, but the best part was dinner. We’re eating out the same plates with chopsticks, and he’s freestyling for me. I was like, “Oh shit, this is real!” You know how you smile so much your face hurts? And you just feel so busted like… [screeches]..
Tell me about the folks who get you—how would you describe
your fans?
I think my true, hard-core fans are people who enjoy being bad. People who enjoy drinking and smoking, but wanna get it together and just don’t know how. When you really listen to my music you hear a girl who’s going through the motions. She’s experiencing men, having money, not having money, people who are trying to tell her she’s not cute, people telling her she can’t rap, she can’t dance… She’s really dealing with life. I’m not some little light-skinned bitch out here. It’s a young Black girl doing this for herself, by herself. Y’all can’t keep trying to pin me up against the wall. Hip-hop has to help me not let this slip through my hands.
I think my true, hard-core fans are people who enjoy being bad. People who enjoy drinking and smoking, but wanna get it together and just don’t know how. When you really listen to my music you hear a girl who’s going through the motions. She’s experiencing men, having money, not having money, people who are trying to tell her she’s not cute, people telling her she can’t rap, she can’t dance… She’s really dealing with life. I’m not some little light-skinned bitch out here. It’s a young Black girl doing this for herself, by herself. Y’all can’t keep trying to pin me up against the wall. Hip-hop has to help me not let this slip through my hands.
The issue hits stands soon. Check out VIBE for the full cover
story.
First Photos Of A Pregnant Adele!!
Singer & songwriter Adele hasn’t been seen in public since
announcing her pregnancy back in the early part of June.
Well check out the first photos of a pregnant Adele and her boo Simon Konecki.
I believe Adele is due in September.
Well check out the first photos of a pregnant Adele and her boo Simon Konecki.
I believe Adele is due in September.
T.I. Gives Tiny A New Rolls Royce For Their Second Anniversary
Tiny is one fortunate woman… Tiny shared the gift via
Instagram saying “yeah I could of gotten her roses”, but he did one better, he
blessed her with a brand new Rolls Royce… Go Tiny….
Justice Department To Investigate Claims That White Convicts Receive More Presidential Pardons
America's legal system has long been accused of racial bias,
and with countless reports of police brutality, and racial profiling, the
argument gets stronger by the day. Following reports that White federal
prisoners receive more presidential pardons than their Black counterparts, the
U.S. Justice Department is seeking further understanding of the
claims.
The department requested additional proposals and data to
“examine how petitions for pardon are adjudicated by the Justice Department's
Office of the Pardon Attorney.” Based on their findings, from pardon
applications between October 2001 and April 30, 2012, it will be determined
whether or not “all other things being equal African-Americans and other
minorities are less likely to progress in the pardon adjudication process than
applicants of other races.”
In May, House Judiciary Committee Member, Rep. John Conyers Jr. called on President Obama to look deeper into the case of Clarence Aaron. According to the Washington Post, Pardon Attorney Ronald L. Rodgers, withheld important information from Aaron's application, including not telling then President George W. Bush that the inmate was victorious in garnering support of both the sentencing judge and the U.S. attorney's office which prosecuted him.
Back in 1993, Aaron—who was 24 at the time— was convicted for
his role in an Alabama drug conspiracy. Despite being his first criminal
offense, he was sentenced to three life terms without the possibility of
parole.
Obama vowed to “immediately” review federal mandatory minimum sentences to cut down on the “ineffective warehousing of nonviolent drug offenders.”
Obama vowed to “immediately” review federal mandatory minimum sentences to cut down on the “ineffective warehousing of nonviolent drug offenders.”
Is Tracee Ellis-Ross Leaving Reed Between the Lines?
Tracee Ellis-Ross stars as Dr. Carla Reed, wife of Dr. Alex
Reed [played by Malcolm Jamal Warner] on BET's Reed Between the Lines but
insiders say Traci will not be back for a second season...
BET announced in April that Reed Between the Lines would definitely be back, but Tracee has been cast in a pilot that got picked up by NBC.
The new show, Bad Girls, stars Tracee as a high-powered business woman serving time for selling phony mortgages.
BET announced in April that Reed Between the Lines would definitely be back, but Tracee has been cast in a pilot that got picked up by NBC.
The new show, Bad Girls, stars Tracee as a high-powered business woman serving time for selling phony mortgages.
Hot Shots: Singer Keshia Chante Shines In Aaliyah-Inspired Photoshoot
If you did not know this, Canadian cutie Keshia Chante has
long been pegged to be the forerunner of applicants attempting to play the late
Aaliyah in a biopic. With an uncanny resemblance to the ‘Rock the Boat’ beauty,
many long thought she was a shoo in.
Adding more spice to the broth are the recently unveiled snaps
of Chante tributing the late songstress in a moving set of photos. If any movie
producer needs any convincing, these pics just might do the trick
Details About the Cast of ‘Love & Hip Hop New York’
Unveiled
While most of us are enjoying the entertainment and drama
surrounding Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, back up top, Love & Hip Hop New
York (the original version) is well underway. According to Kid Fury, the show
has replaced those that have exited stage left (Jim Jones, Chrissy Lampkin, Mama
Jones and Emily B), with more interesting characters–including a woman that use
to work for rapper Fabolous, a baby mama (who happens to be white), a former
video vixen and some other fancy folk.
The site reports:
I’ve been informed that Mona Scott-Young has so far pulled in
rapper Consequence and his white girlfriend/baby mama, Jen The Pen for season
four. Also joining the cast are Tahiry José (Joe Budden’s ex of five years), a
female rapper named Lore’l (pronounced like the cosmetics), a woman named Lady
Thunder, and Winter Ramos (Fabolous’ ex-assistant/friend).
Keep in mind, this is pure speculation. No official confirmation if Yandy Smith, Kimbella and Oliva will be back. My money’s on Yandy and Kimbella returning, but how knows. Anywho, what do you think of the rumored cast? Do they sound like a yawn fest, compared to their Atlanta counter parts? Or will you absolutely tune in?
Idris Elba Covers Esquire Cover
Idris Elba covers the September 2012 cover of ESQUIRE Magazine
with a few other men that they consider Hollywood Hunks.
Ladies I know you consider Idris eye-candy but where do you
rank his acting skills?
Naomi Campbell’s Shocking Hairline Exposed
Honestly, this looks a bit painful. Photogs happened to catch
super model Naomi Campbell on vacation in Ibiza, with the wind blowing. Her
exposed edges, that may have been pulled out from years of weaves and
extensions, were front and center.
On a much more pleasant note, the model’s 42-year-old body is
KILLER. And nobody’s perfect right????
OUCH: Bangladesh Calls Swizz Beatz Irrelevant
Music producer Bangladesh says Swizz Beatz is only relevant
because he's married to Alicia Keys...
Bangladesh tells XXL
I don’t think Swizz is relevant. I’m keeping it 100.”
“I think there’s a difference between relevance and musical relevance. You married a lady that’s poppin’ [Alicia Keys], you know it’ll give you a lot of relevance, but you gotta make hits. Ain’t no hits. Are you relevant for the craft you’re doing or the life you live as far as the decisions you make?”
Bangladesh tells XXL
I don’t think Swizz is relevant. I’m keeping it 100.”
“I think there’s a difference between relevance and musical relevance. You married a lady that’s poppin’ [Alicia Keys], you know it’ll give you a lot of relevance, but you gotta make hits. Ain’t no hits. Are you relevant for the craft you’re doing or the life you live as far as the decisions you make?”
“The relevance is in being youthful. Still being in-the-know. I have a 15-year-old son so they think we’re brothers and I put him on to stuff. You know, I’m 34 but people tell me I look 23. He still look to me for information. Usually, it’s the opposite; usually the parents are lame or too old to understand or whatever. Just the way I feel. I got so much more time.”
Billboard Celebrate Roc Nation’s Jay Brown
He’s one of Pop’s more powerful characters, credited for
birthing the careers of chart topping Islander Rihanna.
However, as is the case with many industry figures, Brown’s contributions to his field oft go unnoticed by a public more interested in his performers and his long time business partner Jay Z.
However, as is the case with many industry figures, Brown’s contributions to his field oft go unnoticed by a public more interested in his performers and his long time business partner Jay Z.
Now, he has been honored by Billboard, who have named him one
of their top ’40 Under 40, Power Players On The Rise’.
Perched alongside Lady GaGa‘s Troy Carter, Motown‘s Ethiopa Habtemarian and Single Ladies maestro Tricky Stewart, the following was said of the mogul:
Perched alongside Lady GaGa‘s Troy Carter, Motown‘s Ethiopa Habtemarian and Single Ladies maestro Tricky Stewart, the following was said of the mogul:
Four years after he helped Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter launch his Roc
Nation imprint, president Jay Brown, 38, is still hungry for success.
Alongside Jay-Z, John Meneilly and Tyran “Ty Ty” Smith, Brown has built a
tiered company with branches in management, touring and publishing for a roster
that includes Jay-Z, J. Cole and Rita Ora.
Even though Roc Nation partnered with electronic dance music management company Three Six Zero Group and established the StarRoc label with production duo Stargate, the former senior VP of A&R at Def Jam still doesn’t feel like he’s made it yet.
“That’s why I keep working as hard as I do,” says Brown, who started out as a music publisher at Quincy Jones Music Publishing/Qwest Records. “Once I start thinking that I made it, I’m going to put up a ceiling and can’t get no higher.”
Even though Roc Nation partnered with electronic dance music management company Three Six Zero Group and established the StarRoc label with production duo Stargate, the former senior VP of A&R at Def Jam still doesn’t feel like he’s made it yet.
“That’s why I keep working as hard as I do,” says Brown, who started out as a music publisher at Quincy Jones Music Publishing/Qwest Records. “Once I start thinking that I made it, I’m going to put up a ceiling and can’t get no higher.”
Recent signees to the management division include M.I.A. and
Meek Mill. There also are rumblings of a new album by Jay-Z and a sequel to his
and Kanye West’s Watch the Throne. For Brown, it’s not about learning on the job
but rather from other executives.
“We grew up looking up to people like Berry Gordy, Russell Simmons and Lyor Cohen and watching those guys do what they were doing,” he says. “We’re respectfully moving through their footprints.”
“We grew up looking up to people like Berry Gordy, Russell Simmons and Lyor Cohen and watching those guys do what they were doing,” he says. “We’re respectfully moving through their footprints.”
Trey Songs Ex Helen Is Now Engaged To Terrance Williams
A few years ago, Trey Songz and Ethopian dancer Helen Gedlu
became a super cute couple after meeting on tour but after rumors of an
engagement, the couple split before ‘Ready’ could hit the shelves. Helen was
formerly a dancer for Chris Brown and is currently working for Keisha Cole Trey.
Helen remained good friends with Trey and even appeared later as the love
interest in his ‘Already Taken‘ music video .
This may have been the one Trey let get away. Over the weekend
, while Helen was on vacation with her new man, Terrence Williams of the
Sacramento Kings,and he decided to propose to her as reported by
Necolebitchie. Check out her pics
“It’s Official’ He liked it so he put a damn ring on it!”
The two have been spotted all over displaying their affection
for one another. To
OH TRISTAN…TRISTAN!
Shirtless Tristan Wilds In A Wetsuit
"90210" star Tristan Wilds was spotted on the set of his CW
show yesterday in a wetsuit for a surfing scene. And we had to do a double
take. Pics of the toned youngin' inside...
We usually think of Tristan as that cute friend of your little brother. But he's growing up before our eyes and was looking pretty good on the "90210" set yesterday in L.A.
We usually think of Tristan as that cute friend of your little brother. But he's growing up before our eyes and was looking pretty good on the "90210" set yesterday in L.A.
Looks like his role as "Dixon" will be back and better after
that bad car wreck on last season's finale.
The 23-year-old Red Tails movie star is also dabbling in some
music here and there. The new season of "90210" premieres Monday, October
8th.
Attention all you Hunger Games fans who lack, as a group, a catchy nickname! There's more casting news for Catching Fire -- actors have been confirmed for the roles of Enobaria, Gloss, and Brutus.
Just who are these lucky sons of guns who've signed on to play
these Quarter Quell tributes?
Alan Ritchson will play Gloss, the District One tribute whose sister is Cashmere. He's one of the career tributes, and he and his sis (her role has yet to be announced) are some bad ass mother truckers in the Hunger Games. You probably don't know Alan from the shows you don't watch like Smallville and Spike TV's Blue Mountain State, but he's a handsome fellow who's 6'2".
Alan Ritchson will play Gloss, the District One tribute whose sister is Cashmere. He's one of the career tributes, and he and his sis (her role has yet to be announced) are some bad ass mother truckers in the Hunger Games. You probably don't know Alan from the shows you don't watch like Smallville and Spike TV's Blue Mountain State, but he's a handsome fellow who's 6'2".
Bruno Gunn's signed on as Brutus, the District Two tribute and
former Hunger Games victor. Bruno's been in a bunch, like that movie Bad
Teacher, and shows such as The Office, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Prison
Break.
Last but not least, the gorgeous Meta Golding is going to be District
2's ruthless Enobaria, who was known for biting people's throats out. Meta's
starred in Criminal Minds and CSI -- Catching Fire seems to be her first big
movie role.
Other than these three, we know that Jena Malone's going to be
Johanna, Amanda Plummer will be Wiress, Sam Claflin might be Finnick, and Lynn
Cohen's going to be Mags.
This movie's shaping up to be pretty great, don't you think
so, too,
A Casually Dressed Monica Shops In New York
Singer Monica has been living it up on her New York trip. In
town to do promo, she’s been spotted on BET’s 106 & Park, Morning Buzz, VH1
and a number of NY radio shows.
She was caught shopping at Intermix. Comfortably dressed in a
army green jacket, white fitted jeans, a red Chanel bag and floral print
sneakers, Monica waved to photogs before hopping into her car.
Ciara's ONE WOMAN ARMY Album, It's Dropping This Thanksgiving
LA Reid chatted it up with Bravo's Andy Cohen recently where
he dished on Ciara's new album and what we can expect from her. Watch the clip
I told you earlier about Ciara's "Sweat" single which came and went with no promotion and left fans scratching their heads. So when Ciara's mentor LA Reid sat down with Andy Cohen on "Watch What Happens" this week, he talked about what she's up to.
Mr. Reid revealed that she just did a photoshoot for the One Woman Army disc (she's shown above with the photographer), is about to shoot two new videos, will release new music this month AND One Woman Army should hit stores around Thanksgiving.
I told you earlier about Ciara's "Sweat" single which came and went with no promotion and left fans scratching their heads. So when Ciara's mentor LA Reid sat down with Andy Cohen on "Watch What Happens" this week, he talked about what she's up to.
Mr. Reid revealed that she just did a photoshoot for the One Woman Army disc (she's shown above with the photographer), is about to shoot two new videos, will release new music this month AND One Woman Army should hit stores around Thanksgiving.
Watch LA Reid speaking on Ciara below (@3:00
mark):
Still Thirsty for C-error?
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Picture Me Golden
Daaaaamn baby, look at all that gold!!! You got enough of it
to make Michael Phelps jealous!
HAVE A GREAT ONE ALL!!
EFREM
EFREM
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