This is off the "Sex and the City 2" soundtrack... why Liza, why?
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Showing posts with label beyonce. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beyonce. Show all posts
5.17.2010
Defending "Single Ladies" on CNN Headline News
Last Friday, I made a cameo on CNN Headline News’ “Prime News” with host Mike Galanos to discuss a recent viral video on YouTube. The piece in question showed a group of 8 and 9 year-old girls at a dance competition in Los Angeles. The girls wore very elaborate costumes that showed off their midriffs, along with knee-high boots – and mimicked the dance to the music video for Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).”
Parents and counselors across the country voiced their displeasure in the dance instructor and the children’s parents, calling the choreography too provocative and the outfits too revealing. Lauren Lake, a former hip hop dancer who appeared on the same HLN segment with me, compared the moves to that of a stripper – asking if a pole would be the next step for dancers their age.
I’m sorry, but I have to draw the line there. These girls were in a controlled environment, with parents, supervisors, and teachers. The comparison to exotic dancers was extreme, out of line, and uncalled for. I concurred that the outfits were not age-appropriate. But the dance moves consisted of more ballerina-twirling than booty shaking, grinding, or gyrating.
Matter of fact, how much of the latter actually appeared in the video? The girls were moving around frantically, but I think the “gyrating” claim is a little generous – perhaps these critics need a tutorial on how one actually gyrates.
Galanos and Lake were both against the video – which made it very hard for me to voice my opinion in the two-part, 10 minute piece. The bias in the segment reached a fever pitch right before Galanos tossed it to me for my first of only two chances where I’d be allowed to speak. The anchor decided it would also be a good idea to question not only the dance moves and costumes – but the song as well – by picking the most provocative lyrics of the track and reading them, while the words were displayed on screen.
This is a classic example of people criticizing pop culture without understanding it. You could pick a segment out of any piece of art – a song, a movie, The Bible – and find something to demonize. What Galanos failed to understand is that taken its full, intended context – Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” is an empowering song to women of all ages. In the track, which is one of Columbia Records’ most downloaded digital singles, Beyoncé sings about finding a man that will treat her right, and not needing any guy, especially one who won’t show her the respect she deserves.
Rolling Stone named “Single Ladies” the best single of 2008. The video has close to 90 million views on YouTube. Everyone from Joe Jonas to Justin Timberlake can be found on-line mimicking the dance… there is even footage of President Barack Obama, right before his inauguration, speaking to Beyoncé and noting that his daughters made him watch the video, attempting to teach him the infamous dance moves in the process. I’d hate to “pull a KanYe” – but Beyoncé has one of the best videos of all time!
“Single Ladies” is more than a song or a video – it’s a phenomenon that transcended to people of all ages and genders. Thankfully, there is at least a positive message to be taken from it.
That can’t be said for many other segments of our culture that 8 and 9 year olds are exposed to. Would Galanos and Lake rather see these girls hoola-hoop to Young Money’s “Bedrock”? How many of these dancers’ peers use a Lady GaGa song like “Just Dance” in a routine – yunno, where GaGa sings about getting drunk and hooking up in a club?
Galanos and Lake probably couldn’t answer that – which is another big problem with this whole ordeal. No one conducted a study to find out if “Single Ladies” is normally used in similar competitions, with comparable dance moves.
A TV network not giving a subject due diligence by reporting the facts? Maybe I shouldn’t be so surprised of my experience after all.
Parents and counselors across the country voiced their displeasure in the dance instructor and the children’s parents, calling the choreography too provocative and the outfits too revealing. Lauren Lake, a former hip hop dancer who appeared on the same HLN segment with me, compared the moves to that of a stripper – asking if a pole would be the next step for dancers their age.
I’m sorry, but I have to draw the line there. These girls were in a controlled environment, with parents, supervisors, and teachers. The comparison to exotic dancers was extreme, out of line, and uncalled for. I concurred that the outfits were not age-appropriate. But the dance moves consisted of more ballerina-twirling than booty shaking, grinding, or gyrating.
Matter of fact, how much of the latter actually appeared in the video? The girls were moving around frantically, but I think the “gyrating” claim is a little generous – perhaps these critics need a tutorial on how one actually gyrates.
Galanos and Lake were both against the video – which made it very hard for me to voice my opinion in the two-part, 10 minute piece. The bias in the segment reached a fever pitch right before Galanos tossed it to me for my first of only two chances where I’d be allowed to speak. The anchor decided it would also be a good idea to question not only the dance moves and costumes – but the song as well – by picking the most provocative lyrics of the track and reading them, while the words were displayed on screen.
This is a classic example of people criticizing pop culture without understanding it. You could pick a segment out of any piece of art – a song, a movie, The Bible – and find something to demonize. What Galanos failed to understand is that taken its full, intended context – Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” is an empowering song to women of all ages. In the track, which is one of Columbia Records’ most downloaded digital singles, Beyoncé sings about finding a man that will treat her right, and not needing any guy, especially one who won’t show her the respect she deserves.
Rolling Stone named “Single Ladies” the best single of 2008. The video has close to 90 million views on YouTube. Everyone from Joe Jonas to Justin Timberlake can be found on-line mimicking the dance… there is even footage of President Barack Obama, right before his inauguration, speaking to Beyoncé and noting that his daughters made him watch the video, attempting to teach him the infamous dance moves in the process. I’d hate to “pull a KanYe” – but Beyoncé has one of the best videos of all time!
“Single Ladies” is more than a song or a video – it’s a phenomenon that transcended to people of all ages and genders. Thankfully, there is at least a positive message to be taken from it.
That can’t be said for many other segments of our culture that 8 and 9 year olds are exposed to. Would Galanos and Lake rather see these girls hoola-hoop to Young Money’s “Bedrock”? How many of these dancers’ peers use a Lady GaGa song like “Just Dance” in a routine – yunno, where GaGa sings about getting drunk and hooking up in a club?
Galanos and Lake probably couldn’t answer that – which is another big problem with this whole ordeal. No one conducted a study to find out if “Single Ladies” is normally used in similar competitions, with comparable dance moves.
A TV network not giving a subject due diligence by reporting the facts? Maybe I shouldn’t be so surprised of my experience after all.
11.16.2009
EXCLUSIVE: Shontelle Preps New LP, Thought Rihanna Did "Great" on 20/20
In the days of Web 2.0 – you know you’ve made it when someone attempts to imitate you on Twitter. Bajan singer Shontelle fell a brief victim to an identity thief – or should I say, twief – on Wednesday evening. Coincidently enough, Ms. Layne stopped by The Ralphie Radio Show on the following day.
“This was not the first time,” revealed Shontelle. “We literally had to call the Twitter people and freak out, ‘cause we’ve like, submitted for verification so long ago. I guess it takes a minute, ‘cause there’s so many people they have to verify.”
The impersonator used the Twitter username “ShontelleLayne_”, simply moving the underscore from the real Shontelle’s handle of “Shontelle_Layne.” When Layne looked at the fake account’s timeline, she was shocked to find that this person began “tweeting” at Solange Knowles (singer, Beyoncé’s sister) and Rorrey Fenty (Rihanna’s brother) amongst other people.
As of late Sunday evening, Twitter had yet to verify Shontelle’s account. By “verifying” an account, Twitter places a notification in the upper right corner of the page, so that visitors know the account belongs to the person who they claim to be.
Of course, Layne didn’t need the Twitter incident as a sign that she’s making it in the entertainment industry. Surely opening up for Beyoncé overseas could help that argument. Layne opened for Jay-Z’s husband for about a month on the “I Am…” tour overseas. Shontelle entered the trek with the expectation that she wouldn’t even meet Beyoncé face-to-face, however the headliner proved the opener wrong on that thought.
“I just get this message, ‘Shontelle, go to Beyoncé’s room’” she recalled, noting that immediately she believed that something was wrong. “When I got in there (Beyoncé) was like, ‘No, I just wanted to like, hang out for a bit, because you know, you’ve been on this tour with me, and I haven’t really gotten the chance to tell you thank you for being on the tour, I haven’t really gotten the chance to tell you how talented I think you are.’”
Shontelle's feelings immediately switched from scared to shocked – one of the biggest pop stars in the world went out of her way to pay Layne high compliments on her singing, stage performance… even videos. From the sound of Layne’s recollection, “stunned” may be an understatement.
---
Part 1: Twitter, Beyonce, Thanksgiving Day
Part 2: "Licky", Rihanna, New CD
---
“I’m like, ‘You’re Beyoncé, why are you telling me this?’” said Shontelle. “Like, is this real? They couldn’t even get me in the room at first… because I was shaking,” she admitted, although Layne insists she wasn’t star struck as much as she was nervous about the meeting’s purpose.
Shontelle also admitted on The Ralphie Radio Show that she’s nervous about an upcoming event – the “T-Shirt” singer will take part in the halftime show in Detroit at the Lions/Packers game on Thanksgiving Sunday. Layne, along with other Universal Motown artists, will perform classic Motown hits in Motown. Shontelle would not divulge which song she is covering.
“If you watched Sister Act 2… you can take a hint from that,” she teased.
In addition to the performance, which will air to a national and international audience on FOX, Shontelle is preparing a new LP. The album is slated for a 2010 release, and Layne will only confirm collaborations with Mr. Hudson and Akon. The first single is a dance infused record called “Licky” – which Layne insists is inspired by desserts.
“Licky” isn’t the only new track from a Bajan artist – as Shontelle’s friend, the aforementioned Rihanna, is back with “Russian Roulette” and “Hard.” A week and a half ago, Rihanna appeared on 20/20 with Diane Sawyer to tell her side of the story. Layne told me that the interview was tough to watch.
“Honestly, it was like watching your little sister do a piano recital for the first time,” she said. “I was nervous. I was a wreck.”
The singer thought her former Cadet partner handled the situation on camera well.
“I thought she did great, actually,” remarked Shontelle. “And she said a lot more than I even thought she was gonna say. I’m really proud of her… I just want, them both really, to grow from this.”
“This was not the first time,” revealed Shontelle. “We literally had to call the Twitter people and freak out, ‘cause we’ve like, submitted for verification so long ago. I guess it takes a minute, ‘cause there’s so many people they have to verify.”
The impersonator used the Twitter username “ShontelleLayne_”, simply moving the underscore from the real Shontelle’s handle of “Shontelle_Layne.” When Layne looked at the fake account’s timeline, she was shocked to find that this person began “tweeting” at Solange Knowles (singer, Beyoncé’s sister) and Rorrey Fenty (Rihanna’s brother) amongst other people.
As of late Sunday evening, Twitter had yet to verify Shontelle’s account. By “verifying” an account, Twitter places a notification in the upper right corner of the page, so that visitors know the account belongs to the person who they claim to be.
Of course, Layne didn’t need the Twitter incident as a sign that she’s making it in the entertainment industry. Surely opening up for Beyoncé overseas could help that argument. Layne opened for Jay-Z’s husband for about a month on the “I Am…” tour overseas. Shontelle entered the trek with the expectation that she wouldn’t even meet Beyoncé face-to-face, however the headliner proved the opener wrong on that thought.
“I just get this message, ‘Shontelle, go to Beyoncé’s room’” she recalled, noting that immediately she believed that something was wrong. “When I got in there (Beyoncé) was like, ‘No, I just wanted to like, hang out for a bit, because you know, you’ve been on this tour with me, and I haven’t really gotten the chance to tell you thank you for being on the tour, I haven’t really gotten the chance to tell you how talented I think you are.’”
Shontelle's feelings immediately switched from scared to shocked – one of the biggest pop stars in the world went out of her way to pay Layne high compliments on her singing, stage performance… even videos. From the sound of Layne’s recollection, “stunned” may be an understatement.
---
Part 1: Twitter, Beyonce, Thanksgiving Day
Part 2: "Licky", Rihanna, New CD
---
“I’m like, ‘You’re Beyoncé, why are you telling me this?’” said Shontelle. “Like, is this real? They couldn’t even get me in the room at first… because I was shaking,” she admitted, although Layne insists she wasn’t star struck as much as she was nervous about the meeting’s purpose.
Shontelle also admitted on The Ralphie Radio Show that she’s nervous about an upcoming event – the “T-Shirt” singer will take part in the halftime show in Detroit at the Lions/Packers game on Thanksgiving Sunday. Layne, along with other Universal Motown artists, will perform classic Motown hits in Motown. Shontelle would not divulge which song she is covering.
“If you watched Sister Act 2… you can take a hint from that,” she teased.
In addition to the performance, which will air to a national and international audience on FOX, Shontelle is preparing a new LP. The album is slated for a 2010 release, and Layne will only confirm collaborations with Mr. Hudson and Akon. The first single is a dance infused record called “Licky” – which Layne insists is inspired by desserts.
“Licky” isn’t the only new track from a Bajan artist – as Shontelle’s friend, the aforementioned Rihanna, is back with “Russian Roulette” and “Hard.” A week and a half ago, Rihanna appeared on 20/20 with Diane Sawyer to tell her side of the story. Layne told me that the interview was tough to watch.
“Honestly, it was like watching your little sister do a piano recital for the first time,” she said. “I was nervous. I was a wreck.”
The singer thought her former Cadet partner handled the situation on camera well.
“I thought she did great, actually,” remarked Shontelle. “And she said a lot more than I even thought she was gonna say. I’m really proud of her… I just want, them both really, to grow from this.”
8.20.2009
EXCLUSIVE: Hey Monday's Cassadee Pope on "How You Love Me Now" & Splurging on Tour
Working with big name songwriters and producers can have both pros and cons. This came to light in the recent feud between Kelly Clarkson and her record label over releasing the track, “Already Gone” to radio stations. Clarkson felt the song sounded too similar to Beyonce’s “Halo.” OneRepublic front man Ryan Tedder wrote and produced both.
Butch Walker is behind many tracks from quite a few big name artists – from Avril Lavigne to Simple Plan, Katy Perry to Pink. Walker’s latest production is the song, “How You Love Me Now.” It’s a single from Hold On Tight, the debut LP of Hey Monday, a pop-rock group fronted by Cassadee Pope. The lead singer insists she wasn’t worried about the final collaboration with Walker sounding too similar to his other pieces of work.
“That’s always a risk,” admitted Pope. “But if you stay true to what your sound is and everything, and if it clicks with that other person, it’s usually just what you want.”
Pope called in to The Ralphie Radio Show on Tuesday to chat about a plethora of topics – including the new single, which Cassadee describes as “prideful.”
“It’s just about getting your heart broken and then that person wanting you back, but they also have someone else on the side,” Pope explained. “And you just kinda tell them that that’s not gonna happen.”
---
Download the mp3
---
Hey Monday’s debut LP also spawned the track, “Homecoming” which Pete Wentz featured on his CitizensFOB mix-tape last fall. The pop rockers are signed to Wentz’s Decaydence label. The association with the Fall Out Boy bassist carries many perks – Hey Monday supported Fall Out Boy on the band’s “Believer’s Never Die Tour Part Deux” last spring. Pope and Wentz also cameo together in Degrassi: The Next Generation TV Movie. In case you’re wondering, the lead singer did not meet actor and Young Money emcee Aubrey “Drake” Graham – he does not appear in the film.
Currently Hey Monday is playing a set of acoustic shows at Hot Topic stores across the country. Pope admitted, the idea to shop before or after performing at the malls is tempting.
“I kinda splurged the first few days, but I’m being good now,” said Pope. “I kinda had an episode in Forever 21. I bought a lot of shirts and, I think I bought a skirt too. I packed light for this tour because I knew I’d be shopping.”
This fall, Hey Monday will tour to support We The Kings and All Time Low.
Butch Walker is behind many tracks from quite a few big name artists – from Avril Lavigne to Simple Plan, Katy Perry to Pink. Walker’s latest production is the song, “How You Love Me Now.” It’s a single from Hold On Tight, the debut LP of Hey Monday, a pop-rock group fronted by Cassadee Pope. The lead singer insists she wasn’t worried about the final collaboration with Walker sounding too similar to his other pieces of work.
“That’s always a risk,” admitted Pope. “But if you stay true to what your sound is and everything, and if it clicks with that other person, it’s usually just what you want.”
Pope called in to The Ralphie Radio Show on Tuesday to chat about a plethora of topics – including the new single, which Cassadee describes as “prideful.”
“It’s just about getting your heart broken and then that person wanting you back, but they also have someone else on the side,” Pope explained. “And you just kinda tell them that that’s not gonna happen.”
---
Download the mp3
---
Hey Monday’s debut LP also spawned the track, “Homecoming” which Pete Wentz featured on his CitizensFOB mix-tape last fall. The pop rockers are signed to Wentz’s Decaydence label. The association with the Fall Out Boy bassist carries many perks – Hey Monday supported Fall Out Boy on the band’s “Believer’s Never Die Tour Part Deux” last spring. Pope and Wentz also cameo together in Degrassi: The Next Generation TV Movie. In case you’re wondering, the lead singer did not meet actor and Young Money emcee Aubrey “Drake” Graham – he does not appear in the film.
Currently Hey Monday is playing a set of acoustic shows at Hot Topic stores across the country. Pope admitted, the idea to shop before or after performing at the malls is tempting.
“I kinda splurged the first few days, but I’m being good now,” said Pope. “I kinda had an episode in Forever 21. I bought a lot of shirts and, I think I bought a skirt too. I packed light for this tour because I knew I’d be shopping.”
This fall, Hey Monday will tour to support We The Kings and All Time Low.
2.07.2009
TMZ: Etta v. Beyonce?
Download the mp3 
Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.
Everyone enjoyed Beyonce's cover of "At Last" at The Inaugural Ball... except for Etta James. TMZ's Leslie Harris fills Ralphie in.
Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.
1.28.2009
1.20.2009
Ralphie's Ex-Roomie Reports From The Inauguration...
Download the mp3 
Ralphie couldn't make it to D.C. for the Presidential Inauguration, so he checks in with his former Syracuse University roommate Sam, who happens to live in the area and will be attending the week's festivities.
1.15.2009
1.08.2009
JOSSIP: Beyonce's Bad Breath.
Download the mp3 
Read The Article Here.
Ralphie read an interesting story on Jossip.com about Beyonce's alleged bad breath. So, Jossip Editor Drew Grant phoned in the details to The Ralphie Radio Show.
Read The Article Here.
12.03.2008
DAILY DOWNLOAD: Beyonce/R.Kelly
These two make sweet music... of course, I don't mean that as a figure of speech - literally. Afterall, B is married, and too old for Kells' liking.
Check out the dope remix here.
11.26.2008
AMA Winner Spills About Trip...
AND THE WINNER IS: MEGAN FROM MOUNTAIN TOP!
MEGAN WENT TO THE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS. LIVE - IN L-A ON SUNDAY NOVEMBER 23RD.
SHE TALKED ABOUT HER TRIP WITH RALPHIE AVERSA:
POWERED BY ISLAND DEF JAM MUSIC GROUP AND 97.1... 97 BHT.
7.14.2008
jay-creep-z.
apparently hova demanded a watermelon be carved into the shape of beyonce's breasts while performing in africa recently.
you think jigga knew about this?
in other jay-z news, the aforlinked article mentions that he took his entire stage crew to dinner after what jay called, "ridiculously good" glastonbury set last month.
oh, you mean the set that started like this?
it gets better - he dropped in the range of 10 to 20 g's on the meals.
4.15.2008
beyonce's getting old...
first she marries, now she retires? from 97bht.com...
(New York, NY) -- Pop star Beyonce Knowles may be contemplating retirement. According to the "New York Daily News," the singer's cousin Angelica Knowles says the album Beyonce is now working on will be her last and that she then plans to scout talent for her reported new husband, rapper and hip-hop mogul Jay-Z's upcoming label, to be called The Carter Music Group. Beyonce's reps have not commented on the retirement report. Twenty-six-year-old Beyonce is rumored to have tied the knot with 38-year-old Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, April 4th at his New York City apartment. The nuptials have not been officially confirmed. Beyonce has been spotted wearing a large diamond ring and singer Mary J. Blige appeared to offer her congratulations to the couple during one of her recent concerts.
2.12.2008
rihanna's grammy night - non stop like the music.
from the new york daily news...
"Rihanna got into a fender-bender outside Universal's party, where another driver rammed her vehicle. The scrape didn't stop the Grammy winner from heading to Entertainment Weekly's party for Island/Def Jam chief L.A. Reid. As soon as she walked in, Rihanna made a beeline for Chris Brown, the boyfriend she's been trying to keep under wraps. "They were touching and whispering in each other's ears," says our spy. "Then Jay-Z and Beyonce walked in. Jay was saying hello to everybody except them. Rihanna seemed upset. She walked over to his table and looked like she was reading him the riot act. A few minutes later, she and Chris left together in her car." Jay and Rihanna have both denied rumors of a past fling, and he and Beyonce did invite Rihanna to an intimate dinner they threw Thursday."
maybe jay didn't approach rihanna over this?
"Rihanna got into a fender-bender outside Universal's party, where another driver rammed her vehicle. The scrape didn't stop the Grammy winner from heading to Entertainment Weekly's party for Island/Def Jam chief L.A. Reid. As soon as she walked in, Rihanna made a beeline for Chris Brown, the boyfriend she's been trying to keep under wraps. "They were touching and whispering in each other's ears," says our spy. "Then Jay-Z and Beyonce walked in. Jay was saying hello to everybody except them. Rihanna seemed upset. She walked over to his table and looked like she was reading him the riot act. A few minutes later, she and Chris left together in her car." Jay and Rihanna have both denied rumors of a past fling, and he and Beyonce did invite Rihanna to an intimate dinner they threw Thursday."
maybe jay didn't approach rihanna over this?
8.22.2007
8.08.2007
dilated pupils.
and i thought trips to the dentist were rough...
after leaving the studio last night at midnight and heading to bed around 3:30a, i woke up around 8a to head to the optomitrist in kingston. i have this condition in my right eye. long story, but i can see fine, and if you ever meet me in public, ask me and i'll be more than happy to explain.
but seriously, have you ever visited an eye doctor?
i've never had more strain placed upon my pupils. ever. atleast not since seeing fools rush in. nonetheless, my eyes went through a number of tests, photo shoots, and liquid droppings in order to obtain a proper diagnosis. had to wear sunglasses for a few hours after, but now my vision is cool. or atleast good enough to type.
got back to the apartment before 11a, and decided i'd walk to abe's here in wb to find breakfast, or atleast a hot dog and tuna sandwich. turns out abe's, just like my dry cleaners, is on vacation. so to wilkes university and einstein bagels it was.
now that i'm no longer doin' the steve wonder across nepa, i'm going to get ready for tonight's show. more updates to come before seven.
and don't forget - last chance to qualify for beyonce/robin thicke tickets is tonight!
8.07.2007
...the nominees are.
mtv announced the nominees for the 2007 vma's during trl today. justin and beyonce lead the pack with seven nods a piece.
you can vote for your favorite new artist here.
the vma's air sunday, sept. 9th at 9 from the palms casino in vegas.
my mtvizzle source tells me that the red carpet the celebs walk will run through the casino gaming floor. the people at the palms literally have to rearrange slot machines and card tables for all of this to happen. should be pretty bad-ass.
just as BA will be the fantasy suite parties hosted by big names and broadcasted from during the show. e! reports that justin timberlake and vma DJ and producer timbaland will be co-hosting one of these.
of course, all week we qualify you to see the vma-nominated beyonce friday night in philly!
tonight on the ralphie radio show.
(nice armpit)
plus...
plus...
(guy who sings lost without you)
and...
(me and bhtizzle).
and...
(me and bhtizzle).
=
your chance to qualify for tickets to see the two in philly friday night, plus backstage passes to meet robin thicke.
you know how we do. big hot tickets.
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