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Posts published in “Pop/R&B/Dance”

Jay Z And Justin Timberlake Honor Trayvon Martin At Legends Of The Summer New York City Stop

By goodblacknews on July 21, 2013

Yahoo! Wireless Festival - Day 3

Jay Z and Justin Timberlake took a moment out of their recent show at New York City’s Yankee Stadium to honor the late teenager Travyon Martin. The duo was in New York City this weekend for the latest stops on their co-headlining Legends of the Summer Tour.
Jay Z and Timberlake closed their Friday show with a performance of Jay Z’s “Forever Young,” dedicating the song to the 17-year-old Martin who died last year.Take a look at the duo’s dedication below.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQqLhBGaV3o&w=560&h=315]
While in New York this weekend, Jay Z also attended a rally for Martin with his wife, Beyonce, joining a crowd speaking out against the recent ruling that aqcuited Florida man George Zimmerman in the case of the shooting death of Martin. Beyonce also recently made her own tribute to Martin, holding a moment of silence for the young man at her Nashville show after the ruling was announced.
Other celebrities who have spoken out on the case include singer Bruce Springsteen, who dedicated his song “American Skin (41 Shots)” to Martin at a show in Ireland, and Stevie Wonder, who announced that he will no longer perform in the state of Florida until it changes its Stand Your Ground laws.
article via huffingtonpost.com

Jay-Z’s ‘Magna Carta Holy Grail’ Tops Billboard Charts, Without Samsung’s Help

By goodblacknews on July 17, 2013
jAY Z attends JAY Z and Samsung Mobile's celebration of the Magna Carta Holy Grail album, available now through a customized app in Google Play and Samsung Apps exclusively for Samsung Galaxy S 4, Galaxy S III and Note II users on July 3, 2013 in Brooklyn City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Samsung)
Jay-Z attends JAY-Z and Samsung Mobile’s celebration of the Magna Carta Holy Grail album, available now through a customized app in Google Play and Samsung Apps exclusively for Samsung Galaxy S 4, Galaxy S III and Note II users on July 3, 2013 in Brooklyn City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Samsung)

NEW YORK (AP) — Jay-Z’s new album has sold more than 500,000 units its first week.  Nielsen SoundScan said late Tuesday that preliminary data shows that “Magna Carta Holy Grail” moved about 527,000 copies. It will debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart this week.  The album was officially released on July 7. Samsung bought and gave 1.2 million copies of the album to Galaxy mobile phone users on July 4. Billboard is not counting those sales on its charts.
“Magna Carta” has the second-best first-week debut of the year after Justin Timberlake’s “20/20 Experience.” The album features Timberlake, Beyonce, Frank Ocean and Timbaland.  Jay-Z’s 12th album had more than 14 million streams in its first week on Spotify, beating a record that Daft Punk set in May with “Random Access Memories.”
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press via thegrio.com

Cedric the Entertainer, Mary Mary, Niecy Nash & More Set To Headline T.D. Jakes' MegaFest

By goodblacknews on July 16, 2013

8th Annual Jazz in the Gardens Day 2 - Show
Mary Mary

The “Just Churchin’” Comedy Show, Woman of Purpose Concert and the Ball Up Streetball Classic Tour Championship game are just a few of the electrifying entertainment events that will captivate audiences during the upcoming Labor Day weekend.
“MegaFest is about coming together to strengthen each other and our families, and leaving refreshed and ready to help our communities,” said Jakes. “There’s no better way to get inspired than by having fun, creating memories and laughing together.”
Making its triumphant return to the United States for the first time since 2006, MegaFest will be held at the Dallas Convention Center, American Airlines Center and other venues throughout the city. This supersized event marries four of Jakes’ most popular conferences: ManPower, Woman Thou Art Loosed, MegaYouth and MegaKidz with a plethora of entertainment, business and other empowering features for the entire family.
Hosted by Cedric the Entertainer and Niecy Nash, stars of the TV Land hit sitcom The Soul Man, the “Just Churchin’” comedy show is a MegaFest favorite. Slated for Friday, August 30 at 8 p.m. at the Dallas Convention Center Arena, “Just Churchin’” guarantees a flavorful mix of comedic talent, with hilarious, family-friendly stand up routines from seasoned veteran comedians to the hottest up and coming talent. Tickets went on sale June 28.

Stevie Wonder Boycotting Florida Following Zimmerman Verdict

By goodblacknews on July 16, 2013
Stevie Wonder at Obama Rally - H 2012
Stevie Wonder performing last year. (Getty Images)

In the wake of the George Zimmerman acquittal, the singer said he would not be performing in the Sunshine State until its Stand Your Ground law is “abolished.” He also said he would not be performing in any other state that recognizes the law, which some say contributed to Zimmerman’s acquittal in the shooting death of Florida teen Trayvon Martin on Feb. 26, 2012.
“I decided today that until the Stand Your Ground law is abolished in Florida, I will never perform there again,” Wonder said Sunday while performing in Quebec City. “As a matter of fact, wherever I find that law exists, I will not perform in that state or in that part of the world.”  Some have argued that the law played no role in the acquittal. However, The Atlantic‘s Ta-Nehisi Coates pointed out that it was cited in the jury instructions.
Meanwhile, Wonder also called for his fans’ support of his boycott.  “The truth is that — for those of you who’ve lost in the battle for justice, wherever that fits in any part of the world — we can’t bring them back,” he said. “What we can do is we can let our voices be heard. And we can vote in our various countries throughout the world for change and equality for everybody. That’s what I know we can do.” (Watch Wonder’s full announcement below.)
Protests have broken out in major U.S. cities including New York and Los Angeles since the jury rendered its not-guilty verdict last week.  Recording artists including Beyonce, Young Jeezy, Wyclef Jean and Lil Scrappy have already paid tribute to Martin.
article via hollywoodreporter.com

Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys to Headline Free Global Citizen Festival in September

By goodblacknews on July 13, 2013

Stevie Wonder and Alicia KeysNASHVILLE, Tennessee (AP) — Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Kings of Leon, and John Mayer have volunteered their time to attend the second Global Citizen Festival in New York’s Central Park, and organizers hope you will, too.  Tickets are again free for the Sept. 28 event, but must be earned through acts meant to help end extreme poverty around the world.
The festival is designed to coincide with the UN General Assembly meeting and put pressure on world leaders to address the needs of the world’s poor. Fans can earn points toward tickets through simple tasks like sending letters to political leaders or reposting information through social media.
Hugh Evans, the 30-year-old chief executive officer of the Global Poverty Project, says the festival’s nonprofit partners pledged $1.3 billion in new fundraising commitments last year and nearly 70,000 people took more than 700,000 actions through the project’s website.  

Rihanna Sends $5,000 Check to Illinois High School

By goodblacknews on July 11, 2013
Rihanna plays at the Roskilde Festival in Roskilde, Denmark, Friday night, July 5, 2013. Roskilde Festival is the largest North European culture and music festival and has existed since 1971. (AP Photo/Simon Fals, Polfoto )
Rihanna plays at the Roskilde Festival in Roskilde, Denmark, Friday night, July 5, 2013. Roskilde Festival is the largest North European culture and music festival and has existed since 1971. (AP Photo/Simon Fals, Polfoto )
BARRINGTON, Ill. (AP) — Pop star Rihanna is donating $5,000 to a suburban Chicago high school to cover the costs of her brief but tardy visit earlier this year.  Barrington Unit District 220 tells The Daily Herald that the money was sent to offset expenses for security and signs for the musician’s March trip to Barrington High School. The rest of the cash will be allocated for students.
The singer traveled to Chicago’s northwestern suburbs after the school won her “Shine Bright Like a Diamond” video contest. Their five-minute, student-produced film highlighted the school’s volunteer and community service programs.  But fans waited for more than four hours on the first day of the school’s spring break after Rihanna showed up late. While they waited, students got free tickets, CDs and signed merchandise.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press via thegrio.com

WE tv Greenlights 'Sisters With Voices' Reality Show

By goodblacknews on July 9, 2013
Sisters With Voices Grammy Arrivals - H 2013
SWV (Getty Images)

WE tv has greenlighted a new reality series starring the R&B girl group SWV as they attempt to reclaim the fame of their ’90s heyday.  The cable channel ordered six one-hour episodes of the series, called SWV — Sisters With Voices, which will air in early 2014.  The trio, consisting of Cheryl “Coko” Clemons, Leanne “Lelee” Lyons and Tamara “Taj” Johnson, announced the news while performing at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans on Sunday.  The New York City-based group, whose chart-topping hit songs include “Weak” and “Right Here/Human Nature,” broke up in 1998, amid internal fighting, to embark on separate solo careers. They reunited in 2005.
“The journey of SWV is the kind of real and personal comeback story our viewers love to see,” said Lauren Gellert, WE tv’s senior vp original production and development, in a statement Monday. “These dynamic women experienced enormous success together, then it all fell apart. United again, the stakes are higher than ever, and so — at times — is the drama and tension. We can’t wait to present this fresh, new series to WE tv viewers.”  Sisters With Voices is produced by Entertainment One Television, with Tara Long, John Morayniss, Howie Long and Jennifer Long executive producing alongside Kate Farrell of WE tv.
article by Erin Carlson via hollywoodreporter.com

Chris Brown Donates 1,000 Sneakers to Kids in Compton

By goodblacknews on July 8, 2013
Hip Hop artist Chris Brown attends the 'WE US: Walk Everywhere in Unity's Shoes' event at Crenshaw Senior High School on July 6, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Unity Campaign)
Hip Hop artist Chris Brown attends the ‘WE US: Walk Everywhere in Unity’s Shoes’ event at Crenshaw Senior High School on July 6, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Unity Campaign)

Chris Brown spent his Fourth of July holiday showing his more charitable side by giving back to students in the community. As part of his newly-launched Unity campaign, the singer donated over 1,000 pairs of Reebok sneakers to students at Crenshaw High School in L.A. on Saturday.  The event, “WE US: Walk Everywhere in Unity’s Shoes,” drew special meaning for Brown as he reflected on many of his own childhood memories.
“I used to have to borrow my cousin’s clothes,” he told PEOPLE. “So being able to come from that poverty-stricken environment and then being able to get out of it is what I tried to [do]. … I just want to show the kids and have them have a better light of opportunities for them to do what they need to do.”
After Saturday’s charitable event, Brown wrote a tweet saying: “Thank you for allowing me to continue to inspire change in the world. Today was a great day forward! #UnityCampaign.”  Brown launched his Unity Campaign after the release of his latest song, “They Don’t Know,” which features unreleased vocals from late singer Aaliyah and highlights his hopes to end violence.
His sixth studio album, X, is expected to hit stores on July 16th.
article by Lilly Workneh via thegrio.com

'R&B Divas Atlanta' Helps TV One Post Highest Primetime Ratings of the Year in June

By goodblacknews on July 8, 2013

TV One today announced that the network saw its highest monthly primetime ratings of the year in June among Adults 25-54 and households.  The ratings success was supported by the new original docu-series Fatal Attraction, as well as the second season of popular reality series R&B Divas Atlanta, which concluded on June 19. Furthermore, a strong showing of R&B Divas Atlanta Reunion: Part 1 special which premiered on June 26 helped end the month on a high note.
“TV One’s greatly-anticipated original programming line-up in the month of June proved strong among our key audience,” remarked Alfred Liggins, President and CEO, TV One. “We’re confident that the positive ratings will carry over into the month of July when we premiere R&B Divas Atlanta Reunion: Part 2 and R&B Divas LA on July 10, as well as the second season of The Rickey Smiley Show on July 26.“
Among TV One’s core audience Adults 25-54, the network posted a 34 percent year-over-year increase (106,000 vs. 79,000). The network was also up among overall households by 21 percent (142,000 vs. 117,000). Additionally, TV One posted double-digit year-over-year increases among Adults 25-54 and households in June.
The R&B Divas Atlanta Reunion: Part 1 special that aired on June 26 at 10 pm posted a .67 rating among Adults 25-54, delivering 414,000 Adults 25-54. The episode also posted a .91 household rating, delivering 522,000 homes. TV One was the number one ad-supported cable network among Black Adults 25-54 in the 10 pm time-slot on Wednesday, June 26. Since the May 1 premiere of R&B Divas Atlanta season two, the network has been a top three ad-supported cable network among its core demo of Black Adults 25-54 on Wednesdays at 10 pm (nine consecutive weeks).
Said Keith Bowen, Chief Revenue Officer, TV One, “As TV One’s ratings continue to show positive growth, our cross-platforms brand solutions and integrations become even more valuable to advertisers looking to reach Black adult viewers.“
article by Tambay A. Obenson via ShadowAndAct

Native Sons Miguel, Kendrick Lamar and Snoop Lion Perform at BET Festival at L.A. Live This Weekend

By goodblacknews on June 29, 2013

Miguel and Kendrick Lamar
Miguel and Kendrick Lamar

There is a particular sound to the R&B and hip-hop music coming out of Los Angeles right now, an approach stylistically distinctive from the current rhythms emanating from New York, Atlanta or Chicago. Despite predictions that the Internet would render moot such differences, a regionalism that in the past birthed and defined subgenres including cool jazz, surf rock, hard-core punk and gangsta rap is forging a new music that’s uniquely of this town.

Those wondering whether it’s still possible for a distinct sound to blossom in a region, far enough away from the tyranny of commercial strains, to create a surprising new time stamp, can look not only to Los Angeles but also to this weekend’s BET Festival at L.A. Live.
The festival couldn’t land at a better time. The roster for Saturday night’s Staples Center show includes the two most promising male voices to come out of Southern California in a few years: San Pedro-born Miguel and Compton-raised Kendrick Lamar, both of whom released excellent and commercially successful albums in 2012.
They’ll perform alongside rising Compton rapper Schoolboy Q (who, along with Lamar, Jay Rock and Ab-Soul, comprise the Black Hippy collective) and headliner Snoop Dogg, purveyor of the so-called G-funk sound. That particular vibe came to define the early ’90s work of Dr. Dre and N.W.A, Death Row Records and the artist formerly known as Snoop Doggy Dogg, born in South L.A. a quarter century ago. (North Carolina-raised J. Cole is also on the bill.)