Looks like Ciara and Mary J. Blige have recorded the same song. But it looks like it’s to appear on Ciara’s new album, Fantasy Ride rather than any new Mary J. project. A couple of days ago, it was reported that Ciara just shot a video for “Supernatural.” However, I think a couple of days later, Mary J.’s version surfaced. Ciara’s new album is a three-disc set based around cities. Apparently, “Supernatural” will appear on the “Groove City” portion of Ciara’s new project.

Although we all know who is the better vocalist out of the two, who do you think road the song better? By the way, anyone hear Ne-Yo on the backgrounds of Mary J. Blige’s version?

On Wednesday, Michelle Obama participated in a roundtable discussion with military spouses at Old Dominion University in Virginia.

The invitation-only event was a chance for the wife of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama to meet with military spouses from the community to hear their stories and discuss the unique challenges they face, juggling career and family responsibilities with the added burden of having a spouse serving in the military.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned in these roundtables it’s that when our military goes to war, their families go with them,” she said.

The Obama campaign recently launched Blue Star Families for Obama, an organizing site for military families to take action in the campaign.

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♫ Cassie - My House (full) - REMOVED
I try so hard to not like Cassie, because I know that she just isn’t a talented girl. But she sucks me in every time with these sexy, synth ballads. Either her songs are extremely catchy, or just really sexy and “My House” is no different. Even though I dug “Official Girl,” they need to push out another single for Cassie - quick, fast and in a hurry. Her second album has been pushed back to the top of ‘09, so they’ve got some time to hit the drawing board and restrategize.

♫ Omarion - Vroom (full) - listen
Here’s a new track from Omarion. I have to admit, I’m a little disappointed. Omarion was dropped by his label, but newly signed a deal with the Mosley Music Group, which is Timbaland’s label. In all honesty, I jogged some interest for his third solo album, because I thought that Timbaland, Danja and The Neptunes (who Omarion has worked with previously as well) would churn out some heat for his new album. I just assumed that they would putting out some music with an edgier sound for him. This sounds like B2K.

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Dr. Benjamin E. Mays (1894-1984) was a teacher, preacher and one of the most outspoken critics of segregation prior to the modern Civil Rights Movement.

Born in Epworth, South Carolina, on August 1, 1894, Mays was the youngest of eight to former slaves. His childhood played an important role in shaping who he would become, and one of his earliest memories included a white mob approaching his family’s home on horseback forcing his father to remove his hat and bow repeatedly. The atmosphere of hate and segregation that plagued the country at that time became the defining period of his life. It was then that he realized he wanted something better for his life and for others around him.

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T.I. releases the video for his official first single, “Whatever You Like,” from his upcoming album, Paper Trail, which drops September 30th. Dave Meyers-directed video was shot in Malibu and Los Angeles a couple of weekends ago and features actress Reagan Gomez-Preston, whom you may remember as Zaria from the TV show, The Parent ‘Hood.

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Actress Jurnee Smollett attended The Cinema Society and Glamour screening of “Elegy” at the Tribeca Grand Screening Room on Tuesday in New York City.

High School Musical star Monique Coleman joined America’s Second Harvest and ConAgra Foods Foundation to Pack Lunch Bags for Hungry Kids in LA on Tuesday. The event was held to raise awareness of the significant increase in demand that foodbanks across the country are currently experiencing.

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Niecy Nash, who is best known for starring in the hit shows “Reno 911″ and “Clean House”, will now be getting her feet wet in the sitcom arena. Her new show, tentatively called “Do Not Disturb” (co-starring Jerry O’Connell) will premiere on Fox later on this year. Click here for more info.

Carmelo Anthony, who is currently over in China gearing up for the Summer Olympics, has joined the reality world. The All-Star forward of the Denver Nuggets has scored a reality show on BET J called “Carmelo’s Way.”

The show follows Melo for about four months during his offseason training as well as showing him participating in community events and walking around in his old neighborhood. Expect to see appearances from: LeBron James, Allen Iverson and other family and friends. Check out the show’s trailer above. Not sure when it airs, but it’s sometime this year.

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Singer/songwriter Keri Hilson covers the annual “Black Girls Rule” issue of Trace Magazine. With a new album coming out soon, she definitely has a lot to talk about. Spike Lee also served as guest editor for the issue.

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♫ Mariah Carey feat. Busta Rhymes - Side Effects (Remix) (full) - listen
It’s not a party without Busta on a Mariah track! It seems as though they are doing whatever they can to keep Mariah’s latest album relevant. I personally wouldn’t care if I didn’t hear another single off of the project, but it seems as though after the push of “I’ll Be Loving U Long Time” featuring T.I., “Side Effects,” minus Jeezy, plus Busta Rhymes will be the new single. I can’t say that I’m excited.

♫ Shanell - Substitute Lova (full) - listen
I absolutely love this. Shanell, who is D. Wood’s of Danity Kane’s sister, has had placements with Kelis, Danity Kane and worked with a host of well-known producers definitely put her foot in this one. I definitely love the retro feel of this song. If you don’t know Shanell, you definitely need to familiarize yourself with her, because she’s about to make a big splash. I recently got to see her perform live, and she is absolutely amazing.

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According to Kibibi Tyehimba, co-chair of the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America, “Let’s not be naive. Sen. Obama is running for president of the United States, and so he is in a constant battle to save his political life. In light of the demographics of this country, I don’t think it’s realistic to expect him to do anything other than what he’s done.”

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Supermodel and talk-show hostess Tyra Banks portrays Michelle Obama in the September issue of Harper’s Bazaar.

In the issue, available Aug. 19, Banks recalls her reaction to Sen. Barack Obama winning the Democratic presidential nomination.

“When Barack won the nomination, I just started bawling. So what gives me tears is if Barack Obama wins, kids are going to say that a black man can be president too. I think it will give so many people — black, Latin, Asian, even white people that feel forgotten — hope. I did not think I would see it in my lifetime, and I’m only 34.

With Barack Obama, his becoming president is them becoming president because Michelle was there from the beginning,” Banks continues. “Without Michelle, he wouldn’t be there.”

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Look who was spotted showing some Obama love in NYC on Monday afternoon. It was Beyonce! She was spotted with her husband Jay-Z getting cozy on the Manhattan streets. Gotta give Bee some props for rocking Obey Clothing, that’s wassup. If you want a t-shirt like it, peep Urban Outfitters. I got mines from Digital Gravel, but it’s Sold Out over there now…

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Twelve-year-old Jordan Coleman is the voice of Tyrone on Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr. show, The Backyardigans. Challenged by his parents to give back to his community, Jordan used earnings from his voiceover career to create Say It Loud!, which he believes will inspire black boys to study hard and stay in school.

“When I heard the statistics about African-American boys and education I was shocked and sad. I knew the numbers were low, based on what I see at my own school…but I had no idea the situation was this bad,” Jordan said.

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Good friends Rihanna and Chris Brown were spotted getting their shop on in California on Monday afternoon. And like a gentleman, Chris held the bags and Riri’s dog. That’s wassup. Also keep reading to view photos of them in the hot tub in Maryland from this past week. Friends? Ok.. LOL!!

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Lloyd released his new album, Lessons In Love today, August 5th. The R&B crooner had a great round last time with his sophomore album, Street Love, so I’m glad that he kept going and got this album out.

Lloyd made his first splash onto the scene with his single, “Southside,” featuring Ashanti. His first album, of the same title, dropped in 2004 and released two singles. Although it was an impressive effort, Lloyd left his real imprint in 2007, with the singles “You,” featuring fan favorite Lil’ Wayne and the hugely infectious “Get It Shawty!” produced by Usher’s little brother, James Lackey. This is when Lloyd proved his staying power. He needed a new single for his new album that was really going to match that song’s intensity. When “How We Do It In the A,” featuring Ludacris dropped as a buzz single, I was little disappointed. But Lloyd gained my confidence back when he dropped the Lil’ Wayne featured “♫ Girls Around the World.” I knew he was onto something.

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Ciara was spotted waiting for her ride in SoHo, NYC on Monday. Word is, the singer just finished up filming a new video for her upcoming album…

Angela Simmons and Vanessa Simmons attended Vanessa’s birthday party at Corio over the weekend in New York City.

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Check out the cover of Terrence Howard’s debut album, Shine Through It (set to hit stores in September). Make sure to peep this video, to hear his sound…

Michelle Williams, former Destiny’s Child bandmate is speaking out about her album push-back. She doesn’t seem too pleased. But then again, why would she? She reference’s Solange’s song, “F*ck the Industry (Signed Sincerely),” so, yeah, that should tell you something. The singer’s third solo project, Unexpected, which is a departure from her other gospel projects, has been pushed back from an August 12th release to drop on October 9th.

This is very unfortunate, considering that a lot of the material from Unexpected has already leaked. Michelle has a pretty solid project to deliver, so I hope this doesn’t mess anything up with her.

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I had to do it. I noticed Chris Brown rocking his favorite pair of red pants again and you know we had to compare looks.

The singer, who is currently racking in the dough from his new Wrigley’s deal, first rock’d the pants back in February at Sony/BMG Grammy After Party. Then he was spotted rocking them again over the weekend at the 2008 Kid’s Choice Awards. You know the routine!

]]> http://concreteloop.com/2008/08/when-did-he-rock-it-better-chris-brown-his-red-pants/feed http://concreteloop.com/2008/08/events-lil-kims-bday-bash-at-spotlight-live http://concreteloop.com/2008/08/events-lil-kims-bday-bash-at-spotlight-live#comments Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:15:15 +0000 ANGEL http://concreteloop.com/2008/08/events-lil-kims-bday-bash-at-spotlight-live

Check out these photos from Lil Kim’s Celebrity Birthday Bash held at Spotlight Live NYC over the weekend. The rapper officially turned 33 on July 11th, but has been celebrating her birthday in various states for the past couple of weeks. Guests included: Missy Elliott, LisaRaye, Stacy Dash and more.

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Drawing closer and closer to her release date of August 12th for her new LP, Janelle Monáe is releasing some of her more political songs out to get young voters riled up about this year’s election! “Mr. President” is a political burner, written and produced by Nate Wonder, Chuck Lightning and Monáe herself.

The song, with its blaring horns, has been said to be reminiscent of Lauryn Hill, however Janelle has a delivery all her own. “Mr. President” is one of the gems that will be featured on her August release, Metropolis, which hits stores and online everywhere next week, on the 12th. Make sure you pick up the EP and look out for her full album in January.

You should definitely show some love to Janelle by hitting her up on MySpace!

Mississippi Highway Patrol Sgt. Ben Williams said Freeman was traveling east on Mississippi 32 in Tallahatchie County at 11:30 p.m. when his vehicle left the road, flipping several times. Williams said the jaws of life were used to extract Freeman, and his female passenger, Demaris Meyer, from a 1997 Nissan Maxima before both were airlifted to Regional Medical Center in Memphis. Williams reported that Freeman, who was driving, and Meyer were wearing seat belts and were conscious when emergency crews arrived.

Filmmaker Paul Saltzman spoke Monday with Freeman and said the actor, who is listed in serious condition, estimated his recovery at six to eight weeks.

Freeman had recently completed a documentary, Prom Night in Mississippi, with Saltzman, detailing the actor’s gift of a groundbreaking integrated school dance to nearby Charleston High School.

Comedian Bernie Mac spent his weekend at a Chicago hospital, recovering from pneumonia, reports say.

Rumors circulated the web saying that he has passed away on Sunday, but fortunately, his publicist, Danica Smith dispelled them.

She expressed confidence over his recovery, noting that he “will be released soon.”

Mac, who is still in the hospital in Chicago, has Sarcoidosis. The condition has been in remission since 2005 and his publicist, says sarcoidosis isn’t responsible for Mac’s current illness.

Solange is gearing up to release her new album, SoL-Angel & the Hadley Street Dreams in just a couple of weeks, and revealed, is the rumored third single, “T.O.N.Y.” The cool, mid-tempo track was produced by Jack Splash and co-written with hitman and funk-master, Cee-Lo Green. Listen closely, ’cause you might miss the hidden message. “T.O.N.Y” is actually “The Other Night Why (Did I Do That?).”

Not only does this flex’s Solange’s writing ability, it also showcases her voice. This is definitely going to be in heavy rotation.

Make sure you go through to Solange’s MySpace and show her some good old CL love!

Will Smith and his sons Trey and Jaden hit up the 2008 Teen Choice Awards at Gibson Amphitheater on Sunday in Los Angeles, California. The event was hosted by the popular Miley Cyrus and a lot of celebs came out for it.

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Ebony magazine unveils the real Michelle Obama: mother, wife, potential first lady and style icon. The mag took a rare look behind-the-scenes of Michelle’s life on the road to the White House and how she finds the necessary balance between managing the household with Sen. Barack Obama and joining her husband in pursuit of the most ambitious American dream.

PLUS, in an EXCLUSIVE interview, Michelle’s mother, Marian Robinson, reflects on her daughter’s childhood and transition to being one step away from changing her address from Chicago to Washington, D.C.

♫ Ludacris feat. Chris Brown & Sean Garrett - What Them Girls Like (full) - listen
Random! When I heard Rodney call out “Darkchild!” at the beginning of this song, I was pleasantly surprised. I can’t remember the last time Rodney did a rap beat! “What Them Girls Like” is from Ludacris’s 6th LP, Theater of the Mind, which we reported will be a conceptual album. I definitely think this song will be great for radio. I’m surprised, however, that Sean Garrett is featured on the song. I really kind of want him to give it up as an artist… before releasing anything from Turbo 919, his name would have never been mentioned as a feature.

♫ Lloyd feat. DJ Khaled, The Game, T.I., Yung Joc, Rick Ross, Ace Hood, Yung Dro, Pitbull & Busta Rhymes - Girls All Around the World (Remix) (full) - listen
Here’s a 7 minute remix of “Girls All Around the World,” full of a host of MC’s. When I first heard it, I was expecting to hear very little Lloyd, and that’s most certainly what I got. Lloyd’s new album, Lessons In Love is set to hit stores tomorrow, so be on the look-out for that.

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