Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Gyptian's third album, 'Hold You', is No. 2 on the reggae album Billboard charts
Every year another reggae artist shines with one single DJs can't ignore, and this year it's been Gyptian's 'Hold You.' But the singer is lucky for more than his radio success. Gyptian still has a visa to tour the U.S., unlike many of his counterparts. TheBVX investigates why.
Gyptian recorded 'Hold You' two years ago with producer/artist Ricky Blaze and was shocked that his song hit this big. "I was surprised it was a song like that -- an oldie," he said. "But people pick the special song they like."
So far, Gyptian's third album, 'Hold You', is No. 2 on the reggae album Billboard charts and a No.1 iTunes download. The 26-year-old crooner, who was once an opening act at dancehall dives and reggae festivals across the United States, is touring solo on most dates and headlining others. He was just added to Nas and Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley's Distant Relatives tour. Hot 97's On Da Reggae Tip on Sept. 3 will be his next big date and yet another feat. Last year, Mavado was the big draw, but with this huge record, Gyptian will be one big sensation this year, even with Elephant Man, Wyclef, Mr. Vegas, Barrington Levy and Serani on the bill. While Gyptian fairly earned his merits after five years of toiling in a fickle market and attracting mostly regional success, he has another reason to give thanks. He avoided the most recent plague to hit Jamaican music -- the revocation of U.S. visas.
During the extradition case against Christopher "Dudus" Coke, the U.S. embassy in Kingston revoked the visas of several Jamaicans, five were dancehall acts, including Beenie Man, Bounty Killer and Mavado. People assumed the revocations had something to do with Dudus.
"There were rumors and speculation that the DJs visas were revoked because they may have been affiliated with gangs somehow," says dancehall DJ Zumjay of Diwali-riddim fame. "There is no proof or evidence of that though."
Bobby Konders, who co-hosts Hot 97's 'On Da Reggae Tip radio' show with Jabba, the show that inspired the concert of the same name says, "It just seems like politics to me. I only know those guys as artists."
A public affairs officer at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston offered this: "There is absolutely no correlation between the Christopher "Dudus" Coke extradition and the revocation of these or any other artists' visas. There is no political motivation behind these or any other visa revocations. Each of the artists has spoken with members of the consular section who explained exactly why their respective visas were revoked."
Because the United States is a lucrative reggae market and summer is its biggest concert season, with Mavado, Beenie Man and Bounty Killer out; Buju Banton lingering in a Miami jail on federal drug trafficking charges; and Sizzla, Busy Signal and Vybz Kartel having been without visas to the United States for years, reggae concert promoters faced some tough choices. Miami's Best of the Best, boasted as North America's biggest reggae concert, listed Gucci Mane and Diddy as the top acts. Irie Jamboree, an annual reggae fest in Queens, was canceled.
"Irie Jamboree is one of the many casualties of the recent lull in the music," stated its press release.
Beenie Man's visa troubles speak to his dwindling funds and reflect the state of the industry as a whole. However, for an up-and-comer with a hit record, it spells opportunity.
"If the pool of artists is smaller, then some people might get more attention than they ever did before," says Konders. "It's their time now. Obviously Gyptian has capitalized on the moment. There is room for the young guys to get some shine."
Last year, it may have been all about Mavado, but someone has to carry on the tradition
Why Queen Latifah's Sexual Orientation is None of Our Business
by Hillary Crosley Posted Aug 9th 2010 12:00PM
On Friday, an image surfaced of Queen Latifah and her rumored long-time lover, Jeanette Jenkins, hugging on a yacht near France. The two were celebrating the nuptials of Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz but ended up reigniting the rumor mill: Is Queen gay? If so, why doesn't she just come out?
I'll admit I am a fan of transparency. Mostly because many people who are heterosexual and homosexual are transparent, whether they know or admit it, so why keep up the charade? I promise, the people closest to you already know your orientation. No, really, they do and they probably love you unconditionally. If they don't, well, that's something they need to work out by themselves but you can't let them dictate your personal life. But I digress.
Despite my opinion, I'm clear that being gay is not something society takes lightly, especially when the person in question is black, let alone a bankable Hollywood star. In the case of Queen Latifah, the photo above only confirms what many have speculated about the MC since her turn as Cleo in 'Set It Off' but still it's not our business to out Dana. You know why? Because it's not our job to saddle the Queen with the charge of being a gay black Hollywood poster child. Not everyone wants to be Ellen or Wanda Sykes, who are both open about their sexual orientation and their respective wives. In the Queen's case, proclaiming her sexual orientation might limit her roles in romantic comedies where she plays opposite male co-stars like Common and LL Cool J like in films like 'Just Wright' or 'Last Holiday.'
Ultimately, sexuality can be a double-edge sword. On one hand, if Queen were to come out, she'd encourage bunches of young kids to be ok with their homosexuality because a beautiful, successful woman is just like them. On the other hand, she might not continue to be as successful as she's been up to this point, so her story might serve as a cautionary tale, rather than one of pride. Still, if she doesn't discuss her sexuality, like say Jodie Foster, some might also say her silence is almost reinforcing the idea that homosexuality is bad, unnatural and whatever other adjectives Fox News-viewers use to describe alternative lifestyles.
Still, regardless of the many ways Queen's sexuality, and the discussion of it, can be viewed, it's no one's business but hers to discuss it. Because, honestly, we don't even know Dana like that and everyone needs a hug sometimes, right?
Fantasia: American Idol Winner Embroiled In Sex Tape Scandal With Married Man
Fantasia: American Idol Winner Embroiled In Sex Tape Scandal With Married Man
By Karu F. Daniels on Aug 9th 2010 1:30PM
'American Idol' winner Fantasia Barrino is not only being considered a husband-stealing home-wrecker; she's also allegedly the star of a sex tape.
According to published reports, Paula Cook, of North Carolina, is alleging that J Records singer engaged in an affair with her husband, Antwaun Cook, and says in court documents that the pair "recorded" their sexual encounters.
The couple separated in June and the estranged wife is seeking child custody, alimony and other monetary support – according to court documents filed Aug. 4 in Mecklenburg County District Court in the Charlotte, North Carolina area.
The documents allege that Cook began the affair with Barrino, 26, in August 2009 after the pair met at a T-Mobile store where he is employed.
After winning the 2004 'American Idol' title, Barrino wrote a memoir, starred in a Lifetime Movie based on the book, released two albums and starred in the Broadway production of 'The Color Purple.'
Paula Cook alleges that the singer treated Cook to a lavish lifestyle over the course of their affair, flying him to hotspots such as Atlanta; Miami, New York Los Angeles, and Barbados.
And their escapades have been well documented; the pair reportedly "have at times recorded their illicit sexual activity," the documents allege.
Also in the legal documents:
A month after Paula Cook separated from her husband, Barrino is alleged to have interrupted a phone conversation between the estranged couple, telling Cook, "He don't want you. Maybe the next time you get a husband you'll know how to keep him. That's why he is here with me."
She has appeared publicly with a tattoo on her left shoulder inscribed "Cook," an apparent tribute to the hunky father of two. He is said to have a similar tattoo in the same place on his shoulder.
Black Voices reached out to Barrino's record label rep – the only legitimate spokesperson for the singer. Her response: "No comment on her personal life. New album, Back To Me out 8/24 :-)"
The new season of her reality show, 'Fantasia For Real,' debuts Sept. 19 at 10PM on VH1.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Grace Slick
Grace Slick Pictures
LIMON CO (IFS)- The daze of the white rabbit, the Jefferson Airplane's, the Jefferson Starship's and many other journeys of this regal first lady of 1960's rock from a glam to a grandmother. She still is very beautiful to me, and let her continue on as she goes to tell Alice that life is just a real big dream with hollows and strange things that are pretty, crazy and unpredictable. Just as the life we lead, when Slick was the second female singer to come into the Jefferson Airplane circle, and the one that made the difference. Grace Slick a living icon that music really sells and the message continues long after the "cause" is forgotten. We love you Grace.
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