California Wildfires Keep Blazing, Snoop Dogg Evacuates Home November 17, 2008

Even though Snoop Dogg is usually high, California’s recent wildfires gave the rapper a new meaning for the term, smoked out.

With flames blazing out of control and strong winds spreading smoke across the region, the D-O double- G has become the latest evacuee according to TMZ.com. Yesterday the Doggfather’s family had to leave his Diamond Bar, SoCal home, taking personal possessions and memorabilia with them. It’s unclear whether the house actually burnt down, but there are no reported injuries. Snoop wasn’t home at the time of the fire.

In related news, Snoop is returning to E! for a second season of “Snoop Dogg Fatherhood.” The series premieres November 30th.

Def Jam Finds Shakir Stewart Replacement November 17, 2008

Island Def Jam Music Group President, Steve Bartels announced today (11/17) the appointment of Jeff Straughn as Senior Vice President, Strategic Marketing of Island Def Jam Music Group.

Straughn will be taking over Shakir Stewart’s position. As previously reported, Stewart committed suicide earlier this month.

Promoted from vice president to senior vice president, Straughn’s new position requires him to build long term partnership programs with the label, its artists and corporate entities to reach mutually beneficial marketing goals. He served a vice president since July 2005 and played a significant role in launching Tag Records with Island Def Jam and Procter & Gamble.

“Jeff has made major contributions to the marketing plans of our artist campaigns,” Bartels said in the release. “He thinks out-of-the-box and follows through in his pursuits with fortitude.”

Hip Hop Mogul Damon Dash In Extreme Debt November 17, 2008

 

Judge orders city to take away Dash’s Chevy Tahoe 

Just three years ago, Damon Dash sold his 25 percent stake in Rocawear for a reported $22 million. Now, the hip hop mogul and former co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records is reportedly broke. 

“I’ve worked with musicians, artists and entertainers that, in the eyes of the media, are very wealthy,” Jason Gabbard— the attorney who settled a suit against Dash and his wife Rachel Roy, for $148,505 in unpaid fees to a fashion firm— told the New York Daily News. “But to borrow a phrase from my Kentucky homeland, they haven’t got a pot to piss in — they’re broke.” 

Besides being tangled up in a lawsuit that claims Dash cheated a law firm handling his child-custody case, according to the Daily News, Dash owes lawyers, companies, lenders and landlords, huge sums of money.  This week a judge ordered the city to take away Dash’s Chevrolet Tahoe over regular missed payments of $714 a month. 

In August, Eastern Savings Bank foreclosed on two of Dash’s Tribeca apartments, after Dash fell into $7.3 million in debt when he and his wife failed to pay their $78,500 mortgage. 

Dash previously owed Armadale Vodka and Keds. 

Dash currently owes $2.1 million to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, and $4,500 for not paying workers’ comp. Dash’s lawyer has since stopped working with his client, because Dash has not been able to pay his legal bills. 

Kanye West Blames Himself For Mother’s Death November 17, 2008

 

“If I’d never made it in the music business, it never would’ve happened”

Kanye West is still getting over the horrific loss of his mother and best friend Donda West, and now he’s pondering his role in her death last year. 

In an interview with People.com, West says that he feels his celebrity lifestyle possibly contributed to the demise of the 58-year-old. “I feel like I moved to California, then my mom moved to California, and she did stuff she wouldn’t have done if we’d stayed in Chicago,” he said. “If I’d never made it in the music business, it never would’ve happened… Now I’d rather talk it through than commit suicide. I’m super devastated.” 

On November 10, Donda West, a former professor and author, died at the Centinela Freeman hospital in California due to complications from plastic surgery. 

Photo of the Day November 17, 2008

Terrell McLean

Male
25 years old 
Raleigh, United States

5 Keys To Maintaining A Long Distance Relationship November 17, 2008

 

By The Fly Guy

I can still remember her name…Nikki Miller. In my eyes, she was the definition of a real woman. She was my soulmate; my everything. Sadly circumstance tore us apart, as a better opportunity forced me to move away. At that point in my life, I had no idea how to maturely handle a long-distance relationship. So we broke up. Of course, I was only 7 at the time, but my mother could have at least let me call her from time to time right?

Listen; there are times when our career or our general pursuit of happiness forces us to change locations. If you’re involved with someone when this happens, then you’ll likely need a few Fly Guy tools to ensure your relationship’s survival. That’s why I’ve decided to equip you with 5 Essential Keys to Maintaining a Successful Long-Distance Relationship. If you apply these to your situation, you’ll never have to lose out on the Nikki Miller of your life.

#1: Make contact every day- This doesn’t necessarily have to be a 4-hour phone call. But still take the time to at least send an email or text message letting them know how important they are. Failing to constantly check in with your mate will leave them feeling abandoned, which undermines the whole point of even trying the relationship in the first place.

#2: Plan to see each other regularly- There’s a certain psychology behind having something to look forward to. So plan regular trips to see each other during your time apart. Those special moments will energize the relationship, giving you more resolve than the time I had to convince my grandmother that Michael and Letoya Jackson were two different people.

#3: Make the relationship a priority- I know you’ve been waiting for months to audition for the stageplay version of “Who’s the Boss” at your community theater — and I wish you luck on that. But you can’t place trivial matters before your relationship. When you’re hundreds or even thousands of mile apart, it becomes increasingly important for you to make your significant other feel as if they’re still a major part of your life. So don’t cancel a planned phone call or scheduled visit for things that you could honestly do without.

#4: Trust your partner- Nothing spells failure faster than going into a long-distance relationship with no sense of trust. If you can’t trust your mate’s ability to remain faithful while in another city, then why bother? You know, this whole notion reminds me of the time I refused to let Condoleezza Rice borrow my comb. I knew up front that I couldn’t trust her to do the right thing, so I told her no. And if you can’t commit to trusting them (or yourself) then don’t waste your time or theirs.

#5: Make plans for the future- There’s nothing worse than engaging in a long-distance relationship with no true game plan established for when you’ll actually be together again. That’s like working a job without your boss giving you a clear cut answer on when you’ll get paid. (”You’ll get your check one of these days buddy…just hang on in there.”) If it’s a year, then say it. If it’s going to be two years apart, then make that known. That way both sides will know what they’re committing to up front.

The Fly Guy Moral: As you’ve sifted through the information I’ve provided today, understand that there’s no clear cut method to approaching such an enormous commitment. No matter how the two of you plan to approach it, just know that it’s going to take a lot of work, as well as a lot of patience and flexibility. But if you really want to keep the relationship alive, then you’ll figure out a way to make it work. Good luck.

Weekly Lovescopes November 17, 2008

ARIES (March 20 – April 19) 
Don’t neglect your own needs. If others truly have your interests at heart then they won’t mind you thinking of yourself a little. Sacrifices should be made on the other side. Try not to let wishful thinking blind you to reality.

Key word for the week: initiative
Your luckiest aspect this week: shopping
Who to spend time with: Aquarius

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) 
You may be feeling restless in a close relationship. Before you decide that you are ready to move on, take a closer look at what’s at stake. All of a sudden you will be the flavor of the month with family members, and you can do nothing wrong.

Key word for the week: delegating
Your luckiest aspect this week: health
Who to spend time with: Cancer

GEMINI (May 21 – June 20) 
A sign is a positive omen, but try to avoid getting carried away. You could easily get hurt if you are not careful. Family gatherings or social celebrations provide an opportunity to raise past issues. Don’t push your luck. You could just push someone over the edge. 

Key word for the week: discovery
Your luckiest aspect this week: communicating
Who to spend time with: Capricorn

CANCER (June 21 – July 22) 
At last, you breakthrough and settle the past, allowing you to look at love in a whole new light. Don’t be too hard on yourself. We all have lessons to learn in life. An older family member is in a difficult period right now and you feel somewhat at a loss. 

Key word for the week: communicate
Your luckiest aspect this week: finances
Who to spend time with: Gemini

LEO (July 23 – August 22)
Your energy is low and so you are pray to jealousy and confusion. Try not to jump to conclusions and give the other person the benefit of the doubt. It would seem that, as you get closer to what you want, all of a sudden you don’t want it any more. 

Key word for the week: organization
Your luckiest aspect this week: relationships
Who to spend time with: Sagittarius

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22)
Issues of communication or understanding arise. Try not to jump to conclusions. Decisions made hastily will be regretted later, so take your time. Make sure you keep secrets well to avoid spoiling the surprise or letting the cat out of the bag. 

Key word for the week: balance
Your luckiest aspect this week: love
Who to spend time with: Libra

LIBRA(September 23 – October 22)
Stubbornness will get you nowhere, but you should try not to make too many concessions either. It’s a fine line, but your instincts will tell you when to put your foot down and when to let things go. You have a right to pursue your own passions and goals. 

Key word for the week: dreams
Your luckiest aspect this week: ambitions
Who to spend time with: Leo

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 22)
You have what it takes to see off all challengers in loving relationships. You are ready to defend your territory, but don’t be too ferocious. If you are feeling low or lacking in motivation, then you need to have more fun in your life! 

Key word for the week: openness
Your luckiest aspect this week: career
Who to spend time with: Aries

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21)
Avoid petty disputes and deal with deeper issues. Communication is not at its best, so you may have to settle this matter on your own. Family members could spring a surprise on you that has you spinning. 

Key word for the week: creativity
Your luckiest aspect this week: family
Who to spend time with: Pisces

CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19)
It’s not what you say, it’s what you do that counts, when actions speak louder than words. You will save the day if you show that you are reliable and honest. Some tension or strain in the family will reach a peak around social gatherings or celebrations. 

Key word for the week: joy
Your luckiest aspect this week: travel
Who to spend time with: Sagittarius

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18)
The planets give a boost to your love life, as someone shows an interest in you. This person is not to be taken lightly, there is a true attraction here. Make your own decisions, based on your instincts and some research and ground work. 

Key word for the week: trust
Your luckiest aspect this week: romance
Who to spend time with: Scorpio

PISCES (February 19 – March 19) 
The past is the past and you can put it behind you. Forget what might have been and concentrate on the good things still to come. Family values come to the fore during this holiday week. You are surrounded by people who are every bit as stubborn as you are. 

Key word for the week: originality
Your luckiest aspect this week: friendship
Who to spend time with: Virgo

Roots to join ‘Late Night’; UMA brawl; Madonna’s school; Wu-Tang boots; Natalie Cole reschedules November 17, 2008

 

Hip Hop collective The Roots have been named the new house band for NBC’s “Late Night” when former “Saturday Night Live” actor Jimmy Fallon replaces Conan O’Brien as host in March 2009, reports allhiphop.com. O’Brien will be moved to “The Tonight Show,” where he will replace Jay Leno. Last week, Fallon and The Roots shot a “Late Night” promo clip at the Kung Fu Necktie in Philadelphia’s Fishtown section.

 

       *A man is in critical condition after being stabbed during a brawl at the 6th annual Urban Music Awards, which took place Saturday at London’s O2 Arena.  One other person was treated at a local hospital for minor wounds, reports the Associated Press. Witnesses said chairs and champagne bottles were tossed around during the melee. Estelle, Adele, Leona Lewis, Dizzee Rascal and Duffy were among the performers nominated for awards, but organizers called off the ceremony after the violence.

 

      *Madonna is following in the footsteps of Oprah Winfrey in attempting to build a school for underprivileged girls in Africa. The pop icon wants fans to donate money for a school in Malawi, where she adopted her son David Banda in May. “There are very few girls in Africa in general who are encouraged or allowed to go to secondary school, so after spending a lot of time there I realized that one of the ways I could help is to build a girls’ school,” Madonna said in a video on her Web site (http://www.madonna.com/raisingmalawi/).  “I would really be grateful if you would get involved and help me in any way that you can, with donations, spreading the word, visiting my Web site, reading about the progress that we’ve made so far.”

 

       *Fila and The Wu-Tang Brand, Ltd. announce their latest product collaboration: the Wu-Tang Weathertech boot, inspired by the classic Fila boot silhouette. The winter boot features an oiled suede upper, molded rubberized vamp, d-ring lacing system and padded ankle collars. It’s emblazoned with the legendary group’s insignia on both the side and the heel tab as well as with signature Wu-Tang yellow highlights. The Wu-Tang boot retails for $100. For a list of retailers, please visit www.fila.com/wutang. In 2007, Fila and the Wu-Tang Brand, Ltd. released a special edition of Fila’s classic Original Tennis Shoe entitled the “C.R.E.A.M.”

 

       *Natalie Cole’s scheduled concert at Spotlight 29 Casino has been moved up one week earlier than previously announced. The concert will now be staged on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009. Tickets purchased for the previous date will be honored for the new date. Cole is back on the road in support of her September release, “Still Unforgettable.” Tickets are available at www.Spotlight29.com, at the Spotlight 29 Casino Gift Shop or by calling Star Tickets at (800) 585-3737. Show time is 8 p.m.

MICHAEL BAISDEN STRETCHES ABC RADIO DEAL November 17, 2008

 

ABC Radio Networks has locked in a multi-year deal with Michael Baisden for his nationally-syndicated The Michael Baisden Show, currently the top-ranked Urban afternoon program in the country.      

        “Michael’s show has developed one of the most loyal audiences in radio today and his consistently strong ratings have made him a brand of choice for key advertisers,” said Jim Robinson, President of ABC Radio Networks. “Renewing our original agreement was a priority and positions us for substantial success in the years ahead.”       

       Baisden broadcast his show live from two of the presidential debates and President-elect Obama became a regular guest of the program through the primary season and months leading up to the general election. Baisden’s election results broadcast in Miami drew a live audience of more than 5,000 Florida voters and the show’s guests included Donna Brazile, Forrest Whittaker, Denzel Washington, Michelle Obama, Will Smith, Gayle King and Spike Lee.       

       “Our show has come so far in such a brief period of time yet I know the best days are still ahead of us,” said Baisden. “Connecting with my listeners and providing them a forum is what drives me each and every day. I’m thrilled to know I’ll be taking the program to the next level and reaching even more listeners with the same phenomenal team.”      

       The Michael Baisden Show launched in syndication with ABC in 2005 and has grown to 68 affiliates. It holds the number one position in its slot in key markets such as New York, Philadelphia, Detroit and Washington, D.C.

CHILLI DENIES ‘HOMEWRECKER’ RUMORS November 17, 2008

 

In a very candid Q&A with Essence.com, TLC’s Chilli sets the record straight about a number of issues, including her “brief” relationship with CNN anchor T.J. Holmes.

 

      Rumor had it that he was still married when the two began dating in Atlanta.

 

       “No, let’s clear this up right now,” Chilli tells writer Kenya N. Byrd. “T.J. Holmes was divorced and had been divorced. It wasn’t a situation where he was going through a divorce and still married. I would never date a man that is legally separated or tied to another woman.       

 

       “We dated, but it was brief. I’m a godly person and try to do all the things that God wants me to do. I have a conscience; I could never do that. Besides, I want to get married and present a healthy wonderful relationship for myself and my 11-year-old son.”

 

            Chilli also discusses her new handbag collection (Bags by Chilli), her new business ventures, and her relationship with Usher and his wife Tameka in the Essence.com interview here.