EXCLUSIVE: Weezy F. Bulletproof

Remember our friend Brenda? She is the one who grabbed this footage of Lil Wayne and his crew fighting over a BB gun Sunday at their hotel. On Monday night after the show, Brenda met Weezy, although apparently the BB gun wars hadn't ceased.

As you can see, Wayne's wearing a bulletproof vest and goggles. With his automatic BB gun in tow, he was plotting to target Young Money's Mack Maine, again. However, with the amount of fans around the tour bus, and cameras everywhere, Wayne didn't want to give the wrong impression to anyone (this BB gun, which I have not seen, allegedly looks like a machine gun).

Weezy F. wore the vest for the duration of Brenda's time on the tour bus, which she says was a little over an hour.

EXCLUSIVE: Amber Rose (Kanye's Girl?) Backstage at Weezy's Show

South Philly-born Amber Rose showed up at opening night of the America's Most Wanted Music Festival. The model and former exotic dancer has appeared in videos and print campaigns with Young Jeezy and Kanye West, and has been romantically linked to West as well.

Rose recently appeared with West in a Louis Vuitton ad.

EXCLUSIVE: Lil Wayne's Hotel Tussle

Lil Wayne and the rest of his Young Money crew arrived in Scranton on Sunday, checking in to the Radisson before heading to Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain for a rehearsal. Earlier in the day, my friend Brenda shot the following footage. Apparently Lil Wayne owns an automatic bb gun, and was firing it (or atleast attempting to) at Mack Maine. Drake and a few other bystanders watched as Weezy and his crew wrestled each other over the gun.

Wayne eventually emerged victorious, quickly dashing in to the elevator to escape his crew.

Backstage Notes From Opening Night of The America's Most Wanted Music Festival

- It’s the first tour of any kind for newcomer Jeremih. The Chicago-native currently owns a Top 10 hit in “Birthday Sex.” Talk about being thrown in to the fire of a hectic schedule: while all of the other acts on the bill arrived in Scranton on Sunday, Jeremih touched down in Avoca around 4:30 on Monday. Less than two hours later, he kicked off the show with a quick set of songs from his self-titled, debut LP.

As per the suggestion of myself and Kidd Kraddick In The Morning producer Adam, he ended with the up-tempo version of “Birthday Sex.”

- National media descended again on Northeastern PA for the kickoff of Lil Wayne’s summer tour, and a familiar face showed up in the crowd. I had the pleasure of watching Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em’s set on stage left with not only Scranton’s DJ Woogie, but also MTV News reporter Sway Calloway. In March of 2008, I met Sway at Whistles in downtown Scranton, where he hosted an MTV Choose or Lose event with President Barack Obama.

In our interview, Calloway mentioned how impressed he was with the maturity of hip-hop (at the time, Young Jeezy performed behind us with a six piece band). He also acknowledged an on-stage stunt by Soulja Boy. Calloway has seen the “cash gimmick” many times (hip-hop artists throwing out money to the crowd), but he noted that usually the money is either dollar bills or fake. However, the “Crank That” rapper was tossing out genuine Benjamin Franklin’s in to the stands. Calloway estimated that in those short few minutes, Soulja easily tossed about $5,000 back to the fans.

- Speaking of Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em, his night ended on a bit of a down note. Soulja joined Pleasure P (formerly of Pretty Ricky), Sway, Jeezy, and Jeremih on the VIP Deck at stage left to watch Lil Wayne’s performance. During the show, Arab – who is one of the rappers in Soulja Boy’s “S.O.D.M.G.” stable of artists, accidentally spilled a drink on Soulja’s white jeans. When I hopped on board his tour bus, Soulja’s entourage was trying to figure out how they could get to a washing machine: the rapper wanted to wear the jeans to Cancun, where he will be celebrating his 19th birthday.

Despite the misfortunate clothing accident, Soulja was more than happy to speak with me. 97 BHT played “Kiss Me Thru The Phone” more times than any other radio station in Northeastern PA. And apparently, the rapper is keeping tabs on me.

“Ralphie man, I see you blowin’ up, you grindin’ here in Scranton huh?” said Soulja Boy immediately when I walked on to the bus. “I see you on Twitter sendin’ out links and sh**. That’s what’s up man.”

Apparently you never know who is reading what you write on the Internet. But, this didn’t come as a complete shock – since we first met last February, Soulja Boy has uploaded two of my interviews to his YouTube channel – with cumulative views over 200,000.

Soulja is currently working on two new LPs, another solo project with a November release date, and a S.O.D.M.G. album that will drop in December. He’s traveling with a second tour bus that is equipped with a recording studio, so he can finish the projects on the road.

- How tight was security backstage at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain? I spoke with two venue employees, who each were there over 10 years. Both said that they’ve never seen the backstage area on lockdown as much as Monday night’s show.

Dana Wins FRONT ROW LIL WAYNE TICKETS Live On The RRS!

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Dana from Clarks Summit though she won a 4-pack of lawn seats to The America's Most Wanted Music Festival for being 97 BHT's Human Billboard... little did she know...

Check out video of Dana at Sneaker King!

More info on The America's Most Wanted Music Festival here.

DAILY DOWNLOAD: The Past Week

07.23.09 : The Backstreet Boys - Straight Through The Heart (Soldier Down)
07.22.09 : Colby O'Donis - I Wanna Touch You
07.21.09 : The All-American Rejects - I Wanna

BHT-V: 2 Sneakers, 2 Tickets, 2nd Row - Lil Wayne/Soulja Boy Tell 'Em

97 BHT listeners ran frantically through Sneaker King in Wilkes-Barre in search of an autographed Yums Soulja Boy Tell 'Em Sneaker. The winner would be awarded the second sneaker, along with 2nd row tickets to check out The America's Most Wanted Music Festival starring Lil Wayne & Soulja Boy Tell 'Em. Thanks to The Ralphie Radio Show & 97 BHT!

EXCLUSIVE: The White Tie Affair Collab With Dr. Luke

Sure, The White Tie Affair is busy this summer with the group’s first Vans Warped Tour. But that doesn’t mean Chris Wallace and the fellas from Chicago aren’t making time to record and produce new material with some heavy hitters.

Wallace revealed exclusively to me at Warped Tour that the band will be releasing a new single to radio that they worked on with Dr. Luke. The producer is known for such hits as Katy Perry’s “Hot N Cold”, Flo Rida’s “Right Round”, and Britney Spears’ “Circus”.
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“It’s called ‘Ice Cold’,” the front man said, a bit taken aback that I asked him about the recent Los Angeles recording session (guitarist Sean P “tweeted” about, even sending out a picture of Chris in studio). “It’s about girls who are way too hot, and they know it.”

A music video is also planned for the track. Before TWTA took the stage at the Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain, the guys filmed two segments with FUSE, to promote both the band’s Warped Tour jaunt and the new video.

The track should hit radio by late summer/early fall, coinciding with a tour by the pop-rock group that is still in its developing stages.

EXCLUSIVE: Quite The Ride, Literally, For 3OH!3

It was not a smooth ride, literally, to the top of the charts – but the crunk rock group 3OH!3 found a way to arrive.

The Boulder, Colorado-duo of Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Motte stopped at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain for the second consecutive year. But what a difference 365 days makes. Last summer, the band played in almost complete obscurity on Vans Warped Tour – behind a lineup that included the Gym Class Heroes and Katy Perry. This time around, 3OH!3 headlines the summer jaunt, all while owning the most spun song on radio stations across the country in “Don’t Trust Me.” Now the band finds itself in a similar position as its friend Perry found herself in last year: touring the country while fulfilling media obligations across the globe.

“We just flew to London and back two days ago,” said Foreman. “On our passport, the date of entry into the U.K. is the same back into New York.”

“It was a whirlwind trip,” added Motte, who while on the plane took a picture of a glass of champagne he drank – Nat eventually sent a link to the picture out as a Twitter update.

“It’s some new stuff, I don’t even really know about it,” he commented about the bar, on the plane, which he and Sean drank at.

Coincidentally enough, 3OH!3 found themselves across the pond with Perry. Nat and Sean became good friends with the “I Kissed A Girl” singer last summer during Warped Tour. The duo supported Perry on her solo tour. Now Katy, who owns three top 10 hits in the States, will cameo on a remix of 3OH!3’s next single from their CD Want, “Starstrukk.”

“(We) made it bigger, opened up a spot for her on the song,” Nat revealed of the track. “It should be going to (radio) pretty soon here.”

With radio stations already familiar with both acts, the song will surely catch the attention of DJs and listeners alike instantly. The timing is perfect for the group as well: 3OH!3 continues radio promo while finishing up Warped Tour. But again, the path traveled can be bumpy. That proved no more true last Wednesday, when 3OH!3 found itself in a bit of a dilemma: the band’s tour bus broke down.

“We got this new one that has six bunks, and there’s nine of us, so…” Nat explained. “I ended up cuddling with our bass player last night. Waking up with some stubble against your (face) is a little weird, but it’s not altogether unpleasant.”

Considering where this band came from – the idea of band mates and a backup tour bus must be a welcome notion. Before, Nat and Sean would play themselves, now the emcees are backed by a slew of musicians.

Yet despite success, one thing hasn’t changed: the Warped Tour after parties. Nat, who also DJs, still spins at every party he is available for. After the Montage Mountain show, Warped Tour band and crew members joined in for a BBQ and Michael Jackson-themed party, with white gloves and moonwalks encouraged. While techs tore down the set up and musicians mingled with groupies, there stood Nat, quietly in the corner, seamlessly spinning the soundtrack to the late evening. You would’ve never assumed that the 6-foot-plus DJ, flanked by not even a security guard, comprised one half of the duo behind one of America’s most popular songs.

DANIEL & RYAN FROM NICKELBACK w/ Jessie of The RRS!

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Jessie interviewed her first big musicians for The Ralphie Radio Show with Daniel and Ryan from Nickelback. They talked show prep rituals, baby making music, and dealing with an unruly crowd.

Check out Jessie's blog here.

3OH!3's Sean Needed Stitches After Scranton Performance

Looks like 3OH!3 had quite a time at Warped Tour in Scranton yesterday. Nat posted a picture on his twitter of Sean's leg that needed seven stitches after the show. The pic is kinda graphic so instead of me embedding it in my blog I'll just give you the link. Brace yourself.

THE SKINNY: Plain Jane

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In the second edition of "The Skinny" - Jessie gives you the 411 on a "Plain Jane" style to implement into your wardrobe.

Make sure to check out Jessie's blog here.

EXCLUSIVE: Not So Blind Items From Nickelback's "Dark Horse" Tour...

Just had to share these...

- Which band agreed to attend a small patio party at a local resort, but only, "if it isn't too crowded." Hint: not the headliners. You wouldn't be able to pick these guys from the rest of the musicians traveling.

- Which rocker needs to spend a minimum of $80 on wine to touch his lips before a show? Apparently two $40 bottles will suffice, if that's the most expensive available.

- Which "rock star" on tour refuses to allow radio to video his interviews backstage? Of course, that is when he actually does the interviews. Apparently, he's quite self-conscious of looking older than he really is, and his hair needs to be perfect...

DAILY DOWNLOAD: Cash Cash - "Party In Your Bedroom"

07.02.09 : Cash Cash - Party In Your Bedroom
Ralphie catches up w/ J.P. & Sam in Allentown!
Part 1: The Electro-Pop Sound, Autotune, "Party In Your Bedroom"

Part 2: Transforming from The Consequence to Cash Cash

TMZ'S LESLIE HARRIS: Michael Jackson, 1958-2009

At 5:20 PM on Thursday June 25, 2009, TMZ first reported the news that Michael Jackson passed away following a cardiac arrest suffered earlier that afternoon. Approximately 20 minutes later, The Ralphie Radio Show broke the news throughout Northeastern PA.

Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.
Report: 07.01.09

Report: 06.30.09 (Custody, Also on Death of Billy Mays)

Report: 06.26.09


Read up on TMZ's latest here.

EXCLUSIVE: Saigon Missed Entourage 6 Premiere, Talks Atlantic Records

If you’re like me, you’re a faithful viewer of HBO’s Entourage. Season 6 of the Mark Wahlberg-produced show aired last Sunday. With the new season upon us, I figured what better time to catch up with a former character of the show – rapper Saigon.

The Brooklyn-native entered the show as an artist Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) wanted to manage. During the second and third seasons of Entourage, Saigon would play himself, and Turtle attempted to land him a record deal. Saigon eventually landed a deal, but with a different manager, cutting Turtle out of his career in the process.

Now three seasons later, Saigon seems a bit separated from the show. As of Monday, he hadn’t caught the premiere.
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In the interview, Saigon also speaks about a new LP dropping in September, and his current situation (or lackthereof) with Atlantic Records.

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“I was in the studio man,” Saigon explaned. “One of the writers (Rob Weiss) called me asked me if I caught it to. They like to get my opinion on the show.”

Surely the show catapulted the rapper in to the mainstream – he even landed in an edition of Rolling Stone. Now after a dispute with Atlantic Records – allegedly over creative differences – the hip hop artist is preparing to drop a new album with Just Blaze – due out this September.

Saigon still keeps in touch with a number of people involved with the show, and planned on watching the latest episode soon – noting his girlfriend DVR’ed it for him.

WINGMAN WEDNESDAY: Equal Opportunity Creeper

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The Wingman tackles a new issue this week: Race.

Visit The Wingman on MySpace.

Where I've Been...

I clicked on my blog, and I can't remember being so taken aback. The amount of posts, or rather lackthereof, in the past few weeks were beyond disappointing for me.

Not that I offended anyone or anything by this, but still, let me apologize. The past few weeks were riddled with lots of news, lots of work, and little time for blog posts. Plus, the five days I spent on vacation/in Los Angeles, along with the holiday, didn't help any.

All that aside, I enjoyed my time off and am quite happy to return to the grind. My 4th was spent in a traditional sense, balancing afternoon siestas and all night benders with BBQs, frosty beverages, and the occasional viewing of fireworks. I almost drove back to Niagara Falls for the latter part of the weekend, but decided against it, as I needed to rest/pack/prepare for my cross country trip later in the week.

The synopsis of my trip to Los Angeles is probably not what you would expect: no VIP, no Hollywood, no downtown LA, no beaches, no celebrity sightings. Although, when I arrived at the airport, there was a guy with a sign that read, "R. Aversa."

Trust me, I'm perfectly okay with that. Honestly, the only thing on my to-do list that didn't get checked off was to finally meet TMZ's Leslie Harris. But I'll catch her next time, all good.

I did meet a lot of great people - saw Burbank (NBC, WB), Pasadena, and chilled in sunnier Whittier, where I befriended a number of my friend's sorority sisters from Whittier College.

Like I said, I was perfectly okay with my trip.

However, while my health, happiness, and dignity traveled to and returned from the west coast, my BlackBerry did not. Thankfully I didn't lose too many numbers, and Verizon allowed me to upgrade to the new Tour (which btw, is amazing). But, I utilized the BBerry camera as my primary memory keeper for the trip - and the memory card on which those pictures were stored is now gone. Lesson learned.

To see the few pictures I did manage to upload before my BlackBerry was misplaced/stolen (somewhere between the Radisson LAX Valet Driver taking my rental and the shuttle to the airport), check out my Facebook page.

Oh, and what did I think of Los Angeles? The trip brought me the furthest west I'd ever been... but I'm still an east coast guy... even if my BlackBerry preferred to stick around.

Did Twitter Ruin Bruno At The Box Office?

Twitter users have been tweeting their negative reviews of Sacha Baron Cohen's new docu-comedy "Bruno." Is that why the movie plummeted almost 40% its second day in theaters?

Here's an exerpt from an article Time posted.

In the old days — like, until yesterday — movie studios judged the success of their big pictures by how much they grossed on the opening weekend. But in the age of Twitter, electronic word-of-mouth is immediate, as early moviegoers tweet their opinions on a film to millions of "followers." Instant-messaging can make or break a film within 24 hours. Friday is the new weekend.

That appears to be the lesson from the studio estimates issued on July 13 for the weekend box office. Brüno, the Sacha Baron Cohen docu-comedy in which an Austrian fashion journalist shoves his flamboyant gayness in the faces and other body parts of unsuspecting Americans, won the weekend with $30.4 million, a bit above most industry expectations for an R-rated provocation whose star was unknown to the mass audience until his Borat became a surprise hit in 2006, earning more than $260 million at theaters worldwide on an $18 million budget. Yet Brüno's box-office decline from Friday to Saturday indicates that the film's brand of outrage was not the sort to please most moviegoers — and that their tut-tutting got around fast. Brüno could be the first movie defeated by the Twitter effect.

Greetings from Los Angeles!

Just a quick hello... sorry, I know, been lagging on the blogging. Life is good on vacation here in sunny Los Angeles, Whittier to be exact. Never been to Cali before. Was in Burbank yesterday, checked out NBC and WB... hopefully meeting up with TMZ's Leslie Harris later today... and Angels/Yankees tomorrow night! I fly back Saturday morning.

Here are some pictures... check out more on my Facebook...