JumpinJack AJ

HEATHER HEADLEY: 'March'ing On By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices Tony Award winning dynamo Heather Headley is not only reveling in the near platinum-bound success of her recently released sophomore opus, 'In My Mind,' but she's offering up her time and talents to a most worthy cause. Last week, the Trinidadian born chanteuse filmed a Public Service Announcement for a forthcoming March of Dimes campaign to help generate awareness of the growing crisis of premature birth. The message is aimed, particularly, at African-American women whose risk of having a premature baby is nearly twice as high as white women. Headley, star of Broadway productions of 'AIDA' and 'Dreamgirls,' said that although she is not a mother, the issue still affects her and her thinking around it. "When all my friends, all my married friends started to have their little babies, started thinking of babies [myself]," she said. "And then of course there's my mother and she’s like 'when am I going to have my grandchild?' "So I started thinking of babies and then all of a sudden the subject came in. And I was researching so it was like the most perfect time in my life to do it." The two-time Grammy Award nominated bronze beauty, who turns 32 on Oct. 5, married former New York Jets wide receiver Brian Musso on Sept. 23, 2003. A forthcoming headlining tour featuring 'American Idol' winner Ruben Studdard and T.I. protégé Governor was recently scrapped. According to a label spokesperson (she's signed to the Clive Davis-helmed RCA Records), it was due to scheduling conflicts. "We were going to do some dates," Headley explained. "As of two days ago, we thought maybewe should postpone them with everything that is going on and just try and make sure they are the right dates." "We were kind of starting to get going there with them and Iwas like, ‘Wait a minute,’ I am like Miss Perfectionist … we are going to push it back a little bit and maybe go from there. I love being on stage with people though, so it will happen soon enough." The March of Dimes, founded in 1938, is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. For more information, visit the March of Dimes online here. ------------------------------- THIS JUST IN: Ol' Dirty Bastard's Grand Finale By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices Hip-hop mogul Damon Dash announced plans to release the last studio album from Wu-Tang Clan member and critically acclaimed solo artist Ol' Dirty Bastard. Titled 'A Son Unique,' the opus will hit stores on Nov. 7 -- commemorating the anniversary of the hip-hop personality's death, which occurred on Nov. 13, 2004. According to Giovanna Melchiorre, publicist for KOCH Entertainment --distributors of Damon Dash Music Group, the album will feature collaborations with Macy Gray, Missy 'Misdemeanor' Elliott, RZA, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Method Man, M.O.P., N.O.R.E., and Pharrell.

WEIRD AL - Confessions Part III Straight Outta Lynwood (2006)

Thanx 4 that. The article ain't bad...and i like alot of things Snoop is saying. But he still has another step or 2 to take. He's got his head right, but as long as he's gonna be staying close 2 the gang scene, i think he's got a ways 2 go. It reminds me of people like DMX who got their mind and their heart right...but they surround themselves with people or an enviorment that brings garbage in2 their lives. I'm definitly ready 2 hear the new album and what he has 2 say on it. That story with his kids is hilarious.

Yeah...definitly funny...but more than that...definitly disturbing.

I'm not actually posing with Jeff...but here's one. My friend also jerked the camera...so it's hardly in focus.

WHITNEY HOUSTON: Ready For Business By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices Although reports are surfacing that her soon-to-be former hubby wants reality television producers to buy him a car and --even the more absurd story-- that recuperated rocker Courtney Love (of all people) played a part in her extensive rehabilitation endeavor, multiple Grammy Award winning singer Whitney Houston is getting back into the swing of things. According to published reports, she's preparing a return to the stage next month. 'MTV Radio' reports that music mogul Clive Davis is readying Houston to perform at the annual "Carousel of Hope" charity gala, which raises money for the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. The event will take place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA on Oct. 28. A record company source tells The BV Newswire that Houston is not confirmed to perform at the event, as of yet, but she is scheduled to accompany Davi -- the man who discovered her and made her an international success. Two weeks ago, the pop diva made the scene with the celebrated BMG Chairman (pictured right) during the Fifteenth Annual Ella Awards -- days after filing for legal separation from her husband (of 14 years) Bobby Brown. CASSIDY: Still Here By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices Amid unsubstantiated radio reports this afternoon that he died, a spokesperson for rapper Cassidy said he's still alive and in stable condition. According to published reports the Philadelphia native (legally known as Barry Reese) was in critical condition, after an accident in New Jersey on Wednesday night. "While details are sketchy, Cassidy was leaving New Jersey for a recording studio, when a U-Haul truck swerved into oncoming traffic" reported website AllHipHop.com. "The truck crashed into Cassidy's side of the SUV that transported him, critically injuring the rapper. He was the only one that suffered critical injuries." A representative for Cassidy's label Sony/BMG told the site. "[He suffered] a fractured skull and broken bones on the left side of his face." Four other passengers in the vehicle, reportedly, also suffered injuries. The spokesperson confirmed that Cassidy is still at an undisclosed New York City area hospital. Known as the first MC of significance to be supported by Swizz Beatz's J Records-affiliated Full Surface label, Cassidy scored national success with his debut album 'Split Personality' in 2004. The chart-topping street anthem "I'm A Hustla" was bolstered by a remixed collaboration with Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige -- the ring tone of the track sold nearly one million copies. Sales of the sophomore effort (of the same name) suffered after Cassidy was charged with a murder that took place in his Philadelphia neighborhood, two weeks prior its release the following year. While he did serve time, he was cleared of the more serious manslaughter charges. "Cass is like my brother, and this has been such arough year for him," Swizz Beatz said in a statement issued to The BV Newswire this afternoon. "We're all praying andstaying positive during this time. Thanks to everyone for their continued support, and please keep Cassidy and his family in your prayers." CORRINE BAILEY RAE: Can't Stop, Won't Stop By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices Get a load of Corrine Bailey Rae. The latest Bristish soul import to creep into our psyches (and be blared across our video screens) is still going strong -- even after the hype off of her debut album died down. The "Put Your Records On" songstress will be the musical guest on this week's edition of 'Saturday Night Live.' But that coveted booking isn't the only mainstream exposure the singer/songwriter will partake in this season: 'Late Nught with Conan O'Brien' (Oct. 18), 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' (Oct. 24) and 'Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson' (Oct. 25) has also been confirmed. In addition to all of that TV exposure, a one-hour concert special will air exclusively on DIRECTV throughout November. With only 387,173 copies of her self-titled opus sold in the United States (according to the latest Nielsen Soundscan figures), the gal has done good. The music video for her lead single ("Put Your Records On") became an anthem of sorts this past summer amongst the bohemian, hippy and ethereal music lover. The specialty channel VH1 Soul and (even VH1, itself) hyped the record so much, I threatened to jump out of the window if I heard it again. The album, itself, was critically hailed. 'O: The Oprah Magazine' referred to Bailey Rae as "a smart soul singer whose music leaves the rest of the R&B pack in the dust. Ummmmmmmmmmm, I'm not sure about all of that. 'People' magazine gave it four stars, calling it "always captivating." And the machine continues to churn. According to her publicist, she will also play a special show at Los Angeles’ John Anson Ford Amphitheatre on Oct. 24, and will perform at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies in Oslo December 11. A Dec. 13 show at New York City’s Town Hall on December 13 has also been confirmed. And of course Hollywood has called. She appears on a segment of 'Austin City Limits' airing Dec. 16, and her music (just heard on the season opener of 'Girlfriends') will be featured in 'Venus,' an upcoming Miramax/Disney motion picture featuring Peter O’Toole and Vanessa Redgrave. DA BRAT: 'Reality' Bites By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices Although one of my all-time favorite female hip-hop personalities hasn't done much on the music front lately, she's become a reality TV staple. I'm still wondering whether or not if that's a good thing. The BV Newswire hears that Chicago-bred lyricist Da Brat reportedly will star on the upcoming season of VH1's wildly popular weight loss competition 'Celebrity Fit Club.' But VH1 isn't confirming -- as of yet. "We haven't announced any of the upcoming cast members because they are not confirmed," network publicist Toni Heron told us this afternoon. "So I unfortunately, I cannot confirm this information." Well alrighty then -- don't call LisaRaye's half sister (legally known as Shawntae Harris) "Da Fat" just yet!!! It may not be a bad thing, after all: Flavor Flav was on 'Surreal Life.' So was wrestling icon Hulk Hogan. And rehabilitated supermodel Janice Dickinson. They all experienced TV success afterward. Even 'America's Next Top Model' star Toccara Jones, who appeared on the third season of 'Celebrity Fit Club,' has done well also representing the full figured beauties for BET. So I hope "Da Brat-ta-tat tat" (who already starred in a previous season of 'The Surreal Life") keeps doing her thing. Her musical mentor, superproducer Jermaine Dupri needs to get at her fo' real. Janet Jackson's 'So Excited'; is scorching HOT!!! A remix with her and Khia would be SICK. BEYONCE KNOWLES: Victory Is Hers By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices Last week, she was fighting off rumors of her name being booed at UK's MOBO Awards. This week, the bleach blonde-tressed bootylicious diva is claiming a courtroom victory. Last night, a spokesperson for Beyoncé Knowles' camp (worded carefully) released a statement from the multiple Grammy award winning superstar regarding the Sept. 21 dismissal of the copyright infringement case brought against her and the co-authors of the hit song "Baby Boy." Judge Nancy Atlas ruled that Beyoncé and the other defendants (including Sean Paul, Jay-Z, Scott Storch, Robert Waller, and their respective record labels and music enterprises) did not infringe the copyright in plaintiff's song. In response to the court’s decision, Beyoncé said "It’s unfortunate that lawsuits such as this one occur, but I am grateful and relieved to have this behind me and I am eager to move on." A Minneapolis singer-songwriter named Jennifer Armour asserted in a lawsuit filed in July 2005 that her former manager, Marc McKinney (Theo Forrest), submitted demo recordings of her song “Got a Little Bit of Love for You” to Mathew Knowles (Beyoncé's pappy and President, Music World Entertainment), representatives of Beyoncé’s record label Columbia Records, and Sean Paul's label Atlantic Recording Corporation in early March 2003. She soon discovered in the litigation, however, that the writing and recording of "Baby Boy" was substantially complete by February 10, 2003, approximately one month before Armour alleged that her demo was submitted. Oh okay. By just less than a month. Hmmmmm. But let's understand that the basis of the court’s decision, however, was not the fact that "Baby Boy" was in existence before the date on which the plaintiff’s demos were allegedly submitted to various people and entities affiliated with the the song's songwriters, mandated Knowles' spokeswoman Priscilla Clarke. "Beyoncé’s attorney filed a motion for summary judgment in which he asked the court to make a side-by-side comparison of the plaintiff’s song and "Baby Boy." One of the key questions in a copyright infringement case is whether two songs are "substantially similar" to one another. The court made the requested side-by-side comparison and determined that no reasonable person could conclude that "Baby Boy" is "substantially similar" to the plaintiff’s song. In fact, the court wrote that the two songs are "substantially dissimilar" from one another." Well alrighty then. SNOOP DOGG: A 'Novel' Approach By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices Hip-hop superstar Snoop Dogg is taking on the literary world. The Long Beach California reared lyricist is putting his writing talents to paper -- this time in the form of a novel, written with award-winning urban theater czar David E. Talbert. On Oct 17, a hardcover book titled 'Love Don't Live Here No More' will be released via Simon & Schuster's Atria imprint. According to a rep, the book is the very first in a series of drama filled novels called Doggie Tales, which takes readers from the rough and tumble streets of South Central, Los Angeles to the gloss and floss of show business. 'Love Don't…' takes place in 1989 and centers on lead character Ulysses Jeffries as he and his family movie from the drug-infested East Side to what they think is the safer North Long Beach area… Instead of moving on up, they've just moved on over. Talbert, a 5-time NAACP Award-winning playwright is also the best-selling author of 'Baggage Claim' and 'Love On A Dotted Line.' Currently working on his feature film directorial debut for Sony/Screen Gems, the Morgan State University alum wrote and produced Jamie Foxx's NBC special 'Unpredictable: A Musical Journey.'

Thanx for posting that. I'm with sonic in the sense that a few of those statements came across kinda scattered...but 4 the most part, i liked what it said. However, i think some of the ideas could have been stated in a slicker and smarter way. The sad thing is, the people who need 2 read this won't cuz they have no idea who he is...ha ha.

Very cool...i can't wait. I think Wycelf's albums got better and better (tho' i never picked up his last one). The Carnival has some good songs, but as a whole album, i favor the ones that came later. However, i think it's cool that he'll return 2 the vibe of his solo album that nearly 10 years old. Wyclef has needed 2 do something more mainstream 4 awhile now. Someone needs 2 knock that T.I., Young Dro, Young Joc trash off the radio. I still can't wait 4 that Fugee's album tho.' It's funny how Jerry Wonder says they are all busy...but other than Wyclef's work with Shakira...they haven't put and solo stuff out in forever.

I'm ignoring the red flag that has popped up in my head 2 share my side on this whole thing. 1st off...only they know what went down. So only they know where the lies and truths stand. 2ndly, only God can judge them. But i will say this. R. Kelly has a rumored history of similar situations like this. So he really needs 2 get his addictions taken care of and straighten his life out. He owes that 2 himself. Now the girl...she needs 2 stop acting like such a victim. 85% of females hanging out with a celeb are either trying 2 get with them (in some kinda way) or they are fully aware that some male celebs' main goal is 2 have a one night stand with party-ready fans. The girls looking for a "good time" are always dressing older, looking sexy, and ready 4 whatever goes down. Overall, they are both guilty and need 2 do some soul searching. After all the media, invasion of privacy, money wasted...the case will go nowhere. The only thing set 2 happen is whether Kelly is gonna do jail time. And lets be real, it's been like 5 years. Either they've learned their lessons or they haven't. The case isn't going 2 do anything but draw negative attention 2 something that happened years ago.

Jazzy isn't really throwing up a "westside" sign...his face is the only real part of it. The rest is animated. That sign just looks good with them of the pic.

HA HA!! That is hilarious!!!

R. Kelly Sued Over Song, Alleged Beating AP CHICAGO (Oct. 5) - A man describing himself as a "mentor and guide" to R. Kelly since he was a teenager is suing the singer, alleging that he attacked him and reneged on an agreement to pay him for a song idea. In a suit filed Wednesday, Henry "Love" Vaughn says he's worked for Kelly off and on for years. The suit says that in February he went to Kelly's suburban Olympia Fields home to watch a basketball game and that one of Kelly's other employees became "verbally abusive." It goes on to allege that Kelly, 39, and others dragged him to the basement, attacked him and held him against his will. Olympia Fields police investigated the alleged attack but decided not to file charges, said Cmdr. James Keith. The suit also alleges that the song "Step in the Name of Love" was Vaughn's brainchild and that Kelly reneged on a promise to give him half the proceeds from the song. In a statement Wednesday, a representative of Kelly's characterizes Vaughn as a "disgruntled former employee and hanger-on" who is using the lawsuit to extort money from the singer. "In fact, his lawsuit is a pathetic collection of half-truths, distortions, and outright lies," the statement says. Vaughn's suit seeks compensatory damages, punitive damages and court costs.

SNOOP DOGG - Can I Get A Flicc Withcu R+G: Rhythm + Gangsta - The Masterpiece (2004)

Ha ha!! No...no u don't. My friend loves that movie and made me watch it last year. I had high hopes but it waz as average as it gets.

NICOLE C. MULLEN - Butterfly (self-titled) (2000)

He's had a rough year. I pray he takes this all as a lesson and fixes up his life...and he's music.

When something is fake...it comes across that way. When it's legit, it feels right. I see Beyonce's "Ring The Alarm" video and is steems forced or out of her element. It's not bad, it's just not her typical style...but for those few videos where Ashanti is tryna be hard...it comes off amusingly fake. I love her songs like Happy, Baby..., and Rock Wit U...but when she ties 2 be something she's not...it's not even worth listening. For me, that's how i look at music in general. If it's fake, i can't stand listening 2 it. But i tend 2 gravitate towards real artists. Real recognize real...that's all i gotta say. Notice that grown and mature people tend 2 like true artists, while young people still growing, finding themselves, and who are impressional like alot of garbage that's fake.

JANET JACKSON - Where Are You Now (Nellee Hooper Mix) Janet.Remixed (Holland Import) (1995)

I agree with u Wes. Alot of people say they are spiritual and that u don't have 2 go 2 church or read the Bible 2 be spiritual...which is partly true. But without that knowlege, that refresher course, u are stagnet and staying in the same place...not fulfilling your destiny or growing. Back on topic tho'...the people in this entourages are mostly idiots. Snoop got in trouble cuz of the same situation. U have these untalented, immature fools who get caught up in the hype of their friend or boss who is famous. Then they think they are untouchable and famous leading 2 idiot attitudes and actions. Next thing u know, fights are starting at airports and chairs are thrown during a show and their famous counter parts are getting charged and blaimed with it...not 2 mention getting a stain on their name.

Ashanti is so un-gangsta...whenever she, or any female tries 2 be more than they are...it's just rediculous and unattractive. Fake = ugly.

KRIS KROSS - I'm Real (Butcher Remix) I'm Real (CD Single) (1993)

MONICA - My Everything The Makings of Me (2006) Forget the crappy 1st single...this album is really good! It's everything most "mainstream but not 2 mainstream" R-N-B albums should have been the past 2 years.

DMX didn't throw the chair, but of course he's catching the flack 4 it. He's not resonsible for his friend's idiotic actions. I'm not saying it's cool that he jumped off the stage 2 go after the sound man tho'...ha ha. That makes me laugh tho.' I have Def Jam's "Survival of The Fittest" live album where DMX is yelling about turning his mic up and after the sound guy doesn't get it right at 1st, he's like "Don't make me come up there and beat the $#!) outta u, dog." And the waterbottle thing sounds like it waz written outta context. That's what they do at shows, they throw waterbottles out in the crowd. Not 2 injur people...but as a favor. When i saw JJ+FP, they threw waterbottles out in the crowd.

Good point...but i still feel that he's just one of those people that the media is out 2 get. The media is just like a huge parasite trying 2 drain the life out of certain artists and they'll stop at nothing 2 let them appear normal or let them carry a career.

Actually, if i remember correctly, Justin made a public apology shortly after it happened and Janet didn't say anything about it...which is why Justin waz allowed 2 present at an award show a few weeks later and why Janet wazn't.