JumpinJack AJ

Janet Jackson, Reduced but Not Restrained By LOLA OGUNNAIKE The New York Times LOS ANGELES (Sept. 26) — Janet Jackson is anything but the sadomasochistic, no-pain-no-gain type of exerciser she may appear to be. In fact, she admits, “I hate working out, hate it.” Ms. Jackson was talking at a downtown dance studio here, as she and her backup dancers were being led through a series of grueling drills by her longtime trainer. While she made it through the half-hour workout without breaking a sweat, the singer has no doubt been killing herself of late. She says she has lost nearly 60 pounds in six months. In a culture obsessed with the shrinking and expanding waistlines of celebrities, Ms. Jackson’s astonishing weight loss, in some circles, has become a frequent topic of conversation. Though it’s hard to tell from her recent interviews, she said she would rather discuss her new album, “20 Y.O.,” than her chiseled abs. “I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that I want it to be successful,” she said of the album, which hits stores today. “I really want people to enjoy it. I want it to bring smiles to people’s faces.” Only You Can Decide Janet's Nastiest Moment: Click to Watch Ms. Jackson didn’t exactly bring smiles to people’s faces during her halftime performance with the pop singer Justin Timberlake at the 2004 Super Bowl. Before millions of viewers, Mr. Timberlake tore off part of her corset, exposing her breast, which just happened to be adorned with a silver nipple ring. The ensuing scandal not only introduced the phrase “wardrobe malfunction” into the public lexicon, but her supporters say it also crippled sales of her last album, “Damita Jo,” one of the poorest-selling of her career. Jermaine Dupri, Ms. Jackson’s boyfriend of four years, who became the president of urban music at her label, Virgin, last year, said it was a very tough time in her life. He criticized his predecessors at Virgin, saying: “They didn’t push the project. Nobody handled their business.” Even people in her own camp, he added, abandoned her. “The managers fled once the Super Bowl thing happened,” he said. “They were all nervous and couldn’t take it and got out. But that’s good because it was God’s way of letting her see who was real and who she needed to have around her.” He also said that Virgin mistakenly tried to make a woman who ruled the charts for much of the late 80’s and 90’s too pop. “She’s a black artist, and for the past three years I feel like they alienated the urban community,” he said. “That’s why I think her sales have been down.’’ Jason Flom, who took over as the chairman and chief executive of Virgin in October 2005 as part of a major executive shake-up, said he could not comment on the label’s handling of Ms. Jackson’s previous album because he was not running the label at the time. He also declined to comment on whether her deal with Virgin, which ends with the release of the new album, would be renewed. He did, however, offer that “she’s one of the few legitimate superstars in the industry, and we’re happy to have her.” Now Ms. Jackson is hoping to return to her glory years. As Mr. Dupri noted, she has not had a Top 10 hit in the last six years. One listen to “20 Y.O.,” and it quickly becomes clear that the Super Bowl fiasco has not toned down Ms. Jackson’s sex-kitten musical persona. Singing in her signature breathy, come-hither voice, she’s as nasty as ever on songs like “This Body” and “Do It 2 Me.” She volunteered that “Do It 2 Me” was about a no-strings-attached sexual encounter. In a review of the new album, Jon Pareles of The New York Times wrote: “Janet is as crafty and poised as ever. Her flirtations are still a pleasure, but an overly familiar one.” And she’s no more inclined to keep her clothes on. In the video for her second single, “So Excited,” her blouse continuously disappears and reappears. Her hard-earned curves have also been on full display in various glossy magazines in recent months. She appears all too eager (and some might argue desperate) to prove that at the ripe old age of 40, she has still got it, both musically and physically. Today’s pop charts feature young women who were in preschool when Ms. Jackson was cooing about the pleasure principle. Nevertheless, she says she’s not worried about the competition. “I don’t feel I have to compete,” she said in a feather-soft voice eerily reminiscent of a dreamy 6-year-old. “I’ve done this for more than 20 years. I’ve already been where they are.” That afternoon Ms. Jackson was dressed in wide-legged black sweatpants, sneakers and a tomato red hoodie, with her hair pulled into a ponytail. She wore little makeup — eyeliner, mascara, lip balm —and had no discernible wrinkles. She could have passed for 25. As she raced through a series of complicated dance routines, she seldom missed a step. Watching the petite singer (she’s 5-foot-4, 120 pounds) move effortlessly across the room, it became increasingly difficult to believe that a scant few months ago she found tying her shoelaces difficult because she was too large. Her stomach and breasts used to get in the way, she recalled. “I always had to move them to the side,” she said, sighing heavily. She said she stopped wearing a watch and several rings because they were uncomfortable, and walking was difficult. “My joints would kill me,” she said. Ms. Jackson, who moonlights as an actress, said she packed on the pounds for a role as an aspiring country singer in “Tennessee,” a movie produced by Lee Daniels, the man behind “Monster’s Ball.” Gaining weight, she said, was not hard. “Every time I wanted a piece of cake, I had it,” she said. “Every time I wanted pasta, I had it.” Likewise, French fries and ice cream. And anytime she wanted a drink, she added, “I had it.” When filming of “Tennessee” was pushed back indefinitely, she began a regimen of exercise and healthy diet to loose the weight. “People think it’s impossible to lose this much weight, but it’s not,” she said. “Everyone can do it; you just have to be really disciplined and want it.” She’s now working on a weight loss book and DVD. Even as the numbers on her scale rose, she said, Mr. Dupri’s commitment to her was unwavering. “We’d be sleeping, and he’d grab all the extra meat on my stomach and say, ‘You’ve got to love it all, baby; it needs love, too.’ ” She giggled, and her large doe eyes grew warm. “I’m just so thankful God brought us together,” she said. “He’s a true angel.” She talked about loving his smile, his little hands, even his toenails. “I know that sounds crazy, I know, but I love everything about him,“ she said. “Everything.” More From The Times Supporters of ACLU Call for the Ouster of Its Leaders Stricter Voting Laws Carve Latest Partisan Divide Emblem of the West Is Dying, and No One Can Figure Out Why Shark Fin Trade a Threat to Species, Report Finds Anthrax Not Weapons-Grade, Official Says Her willingness to gush at length about her relationship with Mr. Dupri is surprising, given that Ms. Jackson kept her nearly decade-long marriage to Rene Elizondo Jr. a secret until the couple announced they were divorcing in 2000. But she’s a changed woman, one who is ready to bare more than just her body, she said. Whether Ms. Jackson will walk down the aisle for a third time (in the mid-80’s, she was married briefly to the R&B singer James DeBarge) is up to Mr. Dupri, she said. Ditto on the children front. “If it’s something he wants to do, I’m down,” she said. “If it’s something he never wants to even get close to, I’m down.” Even after 20 years in the music business, Ms. Jackson said, she is still passionate about performing and intends to continue touring for decades to come. “Tina Turner does it, and look at the Rolling Stones — what are they, 95?” she said. “As long as it’s still fun for me I’ll do it — unless, God forbid, I break a hip.” Copyright © 2006 The New York Times Company 2006-09-26 07:13:56

WEIRD AL - White + Nerdy Straight Outta Lynwood (2006)

Oh gosh...not this again. I don't see why's gonna act offended by it when apparently it waz part of the act that didn't pan out correctly or get rehearsed.

I gotta say i'm pretty hyped about this album. I think the gangsta rap vibe is dead and has been for a decade...but if anyone does it right...it's Snoop Dogg. I really wanna hear the stuff with Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Timbaland, B-Real, and The Neptunes. While i've been down with Snoop since shortly b4 he blew up, i never really got any of his albums until the past year (i had copies of his 1st 2 way back in the day tho').

I think that some legendary (and smart) Hip-Hop vets need 2 get 2gether and create a label where 80's and 90's artists who are responcible, positive, creative, and hard working people can go 2 be properly promoted and supported...reguardless of what the pop and commercial rap fronts are going thru.' Big labels just don't get it or don't support it when they get an artist like that.

Wow, that's awful. My prayers and thoughts definitly go out 2 the family. When u follow some entertainers so closely for so long, this kinda newz hits u pretty hard like they are your personal friends. I'm sure out of all the disappointment and pain, a follow up to the show (a special or a new season) will bring alot of positive energy for people who go thru' hard times like this. Run is not just an amazing talent...but an amazing person. My heart goes out 2 him.

I don't sweat it at all. There are over 25 emcees and groups i could come up with off the top of my head that deserve 2 be honored. Give it time. I don't think hardly any of the people who have been honored so far are "done"...many of them are still active and doin' their thing. I think it's very safe 2 say JJ+FP will be honored in the upcoming years. I'm really looking forward 2 the show. The VH-1 Hip-Hop Honors is probably the best Hip-Hop aired all year.

Brendaninmusic: Hey Ferg!! TheFergieFerg: what's up Brendaninmusic: how's it goin with you?? thanks for chatting with us! TheFergieFerg: glad to be here Brendaninmusic: you must have a crazy schedule. What have you been doin? TheFergieFerg: a headlining tour with the peas TheFergieFerg: finishing and releasing my solo album The Dutchess TheFergieFerg: and filming a small role in a robert rodriguez/quentin tarrantino directed film called Grindhouse Brendaninmusic: wow, you've definitely been busy! TheFergieFerg: you could say that! Brendaninmusic: so what made you go solo for this record?? TheFergieFerg: it's been a dream of mine since i was seven years old TheFergieFerg: and finally now it feels right Brendaninmusic: was it nerve-wracking being on your own for the first time?? TheFergieFerg: it is sometimes when i have to perform by myself TheFergieFerg: because i have to own the stage Brendaninmusic: so you perform your own songs on the peas tour. how does the audience react?? TheFergieFerg: so far people have been so wonderful to me TheFergieFerg: 'London Bridge' is such a hype live song Brendaninmusic: that song was barely out before it hit number one. did it shock you how big it hit?? TheFergieFerg: yes because i had been waiting so long to release something on my own and then it came out and things just went so fast Brendaninmusic: the whole cd is pretty damn amazing Brendaninmusic: you really show off your chops as an amazing singer on this record! TheFergieFerg: thank you so much. that mean a lot to me Brendaninmusic: what songs stand out to you the most?? TheFergieFerg: i was just going to ask u the same question Brendaninmusic: haha, we're connected ;) ;) Brendaninmusic: i think for me, All That I've Got and Big Girls Don't Cry Brendaninmusic: and of course London Bridge is my ringtone! TheFergieFerg: ooh you have a sensitive side TheFergieFerg: Big Girls Don't Cry was written before i was in the black eyed peas TheFergieFerg: it's about independence TheFergieFerg: and All That I've Got is about loving someone for inner beauty TheFergieFerg: all of my songs on the Dutchess are true stories Brendaninmusic: well great job ! haha! TheFergieFerg: you never forget the truth Brendaninmusic: so you've definitely got the inner beauty down Brendaninmusic: but there's no denying the outer Brendaninmusic: you've been on maxim's sexiest list, your "humps" were everywhere Brendaninmusic: is that crazy for you?? TheFergieFerg: thanks romeo Brendaninmusic: do you consider yourself sexy?? TheFergieFerg: i'm not that girl Brendaninmusic: do you think that the press usually portrays you differently? TheFergieFerg: alot of people portray me as a tomboy but don't know my romantic girlie side Brendaninmusic: i have heard a FEW things about some guy Josh you're seeing TheFergieFerg: like what????????????? Brendaninmusic: been hearing rumors about a possible, engagement... marriage? TheFergieFerg: never been either (married or engaged) Brendaninmusic: so i still have a chance ;) Brendaninmusic: got worried you were cheating on me... haha ;) TheFergieFerg: i don't cheat anymore Brendaninmusic: uhoh, so there are many scorned boys out there?? TheFergieFerg: i doubt it Brendaninmusic: what are some crazy rumors you have heard about yourself?? Brendaninmusic: any you wanna squash? Brendaninmusic: or hell wanna start one? lol TheFergieFerg: that i've been pregnant five times TheFergieFerg: never been pregnant Brendaninmusic: haha consider it known ;) TheFergieFerg: do you have myspace page? TheFergieFerg: lol Brendaninmusic: haha i do! Brendaninmusic: you're actually my friend ;) TheFergieFerg: i knew that TheFergieFerg: how many friends do you have Brendaninmusic: ahh a little over 300 "friends" (who brought the cool kid?) TheFergieFerg: aol did Brendaninmusic: haha love it ;) Brendaninmusic: i can only imagine how many friends you have Brendaninmusic: so your second single, Fergalicious... Brendaninmusic: tell us about that TheFergieFerg: it's a take on afro rican's Give It All You Got and jj fad's Supersonic, both of which were huge party/dance songs when i was growing up Brendaninmusic: nice! and your buddy wil.i.am is on that track, no? TheFergieFerg: yes TheFergieFerg: i am signed to his label and he's an executive producer of the album TheFergieFerg: he and i had fun doing that song TheFergieFerg: we are from the same generation of music Brendaninmusic: did it almost feel like cheating when you were doing your own stuff with him? TheFergieFerg: no because this is a plan i had in action before i even joined the band Brendaninmusic: and you seem to be doin this solo thing a bit different than justin, beyonce etc... Brendaninmusic: you're still touring with the peas, and wil was so involved... TheFergieFerg: i do everything differently Brendaninmusic: well it seems to be working ;) TheFergieFerg: thank you Brendaninmusic: what else do you have planned? TheFergieFerg: a day off Brendaninmusic: haha what would you do with that day off?? TheFergieFerg: absolutely nothing Brendaninmusic: sounds like a nice day off!! TheFergieFerg: exactly! Brendaninmusic: in Glamorous, you talk a lot about your "normal" life Brendaninmusic: your mustang, taco bell TheFergieFerg: it's about the dichotomy of the way i grew up and the life i'm living now TheFergieFerg: i'm still the same girl who isn't moved out of mom's yet TheFergieFerg: i get to stay in these lavish hotels etc. TheFergieFerg: i still go directly from the airport to jack in the box or taco bell or dell taco because they are my comfort foods TheFergieFerg: i had that mustang for over 12 years Brendaninmusic: that's crazy. i assume you've since upgraded ;) Brendaninmusic: what's your craziest purchase since you hit it big? TheFergieFerg: i've just started buying expensive bags TheFergieFerg: like the fendi b bag TheFergieFerg: and a brand new big burberry with a gold chain TheFergieFerg: i wouldn't buy things like that before because it wasn't realistic Brendaninmusic: dream come true?? TheFergieFerg: definitely :-) Brendaninmusic: nice! TheFergieFerg: :-* Brendaninmusic: well, we know you're a busy girl TheFergieFerg: thanks for chatting me Brendaninmusic: thank YOU so much! Brendaninmusic: congrats on all the success!!! TheFergieFerg: xoxoxoxo Inspired by Fergie, Brendan has left his group Cheeky Monkey and is striking out on his first solo project, called 'The Duke.'

TLC - Gameproof (unreleased) (2006)

I actually got my hands on "Gameproof." The song is excellent. It's a nice mid-tempo R-N-B song with a dash of soul and a dash of polished appeal that will get her support from top 40 radio. T-Boz definitly compliments the song in a way that makes TLC fans feel very at home. I may be biased, but when i compare this song to the new music by Janet Jackson, Beyonce, Rihanna, and other popular female singers...not only does this song stand out, but i think it's better than most of their music all together. This would have been a great single for the summertime.

As most people know, TLC is my 2nd favorite group...but i've been slippin.' So i spent this evening catching up. I know there are other TLC fans here...especially Julie...so here some news. The girls are releasing a skincare product that they are very involved with and will be used in the advertising. T-Boz has her cartoon Class of 3000 debuting in November or December. A Left Eye documentary is in it's final stages of production. Last but not least, the real news is that Chilli is still working but coming close 2 finishing her solo album. The album is said 2 be similar 2 TLC's sound and that she's signed to Akon's Konvict label which is joined with Interscope. Just recently, a song from the album waz leaked and it caused crazy drama and her camp has done everything they could 2 get it under control. The song is called "Gameproof" and it features T-Boz (music 2 the ears of TLC fans). For lots more TLC, go to www.cyberTLCworld.net That site is basically the equivalent of this side for JJ+FP.

Jay-Z has never known what he's doing. Alot of people saw this kinda thing happening. LL leaving, Meth dropped, no other talented artists actively really doing anything other than The Roots (who are under promoted also). Ne-Yo and Rihanna are doing well...but they are R-N-B artists...not your typical Def Jam artists. Warren G, Pubic Enemy, Montell Jordan are long gone. Foxy Brown is on the label but they aren't looking over her album at all. Def Jam ended when Russell Simmons left...period.

I don't really consider it a beef unless both parties are activly involved. Until Rakim gets in2 it, i just look at it as a one sided embarassment.

I haven't gotten the album yet. But i looked at it. Best Buy has a version with 3 bonus trax.

I like Freddie Foxx...but why on earth is he gonna bring up something so old and immature. I like the idea of the stirring things up 2 get Rakim feeling the fire...but battles are played out 2 me. All the current ones are jokes...and all the ones that have anything behind them are simply immature. Rakim is the man...period. He's the personification of a real emcee. This whole thing is silly 2 me.

Why is Ras Kass messing with G-Unit...ugh, i respected him back in the 90's.

Thanx 4 posting this!! I'm interested in about only 20 of them tho.' Rakim, Pete Rock, Common Sense, LL Cool J, Chilli, Mos Def, Arrested Development, etc N.E.R.D. disbanded (as a band...not as The Neptunes)...how are they coming out with a new album?!?

HaPPY B-DaY!! He's definitly a master at preserving his freshness.

Wow, i waz holding my breath for this. Nothing feels better than reading that 2 totally relevant commerical rappers are squashing such a serious beef. Sarcasm aside, What idiots...pass me some De La.

PRINCE ITAL JOE + MARKY MARK - To Be Important Life In The Streets (1994)

R. KELLY + FOXY BROWN - Dollar Bill R. (1998)

Back in 1996, before there waz any newz that FP would ever step 2 the mic again, i always wanted him 2 compromise his retire from emceeing with "JJ+FP presents..." album that had a new JJ+FP track as well as new music from legendary groups from the late 80's / early 90's.

NICK LACHEY - Alone What's Left of Me (Import) (2006) Going back 2 Kweli...that's probably my favorite song by him...definitly one of the top 10 Hip-Hop joints recorded in the 2000's.

I'm game for this. I'll have 2 start planning ahead. I just wanna know who else i can expect 2 go 2 strengthen my motivation.

We are so off topic...ha ha...but that whole album is good. Is It Good To You, Sister Sister, Peaceful Jorney, Cuz He's Always Around, Don't Curse, and Now That We Found Love. Classic.