1939 Photo Of Jay-Z Look-Alike Sparks Conspiracy Theories

A 1939 photo featuring a Jay-Z look-alike went viral this week after it was unearthed at a library in New York.

The photo was found by the Schomburg Center For Research In Black Culture at the New York Public Library earlier this week. The  photograph was taken by photographer Sid Grossman in Harlem in 1939 and features a Jay-Z lookalike.

The man in the photo wasn’t identified by Grossman but there are plenty of theories floating around out there.
One theory is that Jay-Z is a vampire. The blood-sucking beasts don’t age the way humans do and some people believe that the rapper could be hundreds or thousands of years old. That would explain the singer’s in depth knowledge of New York City.
Another theory is that Jay-Z is a member of the Illuminati. The secret society reportedly rules the world from behind the scenes and some believe that Jay-Z has found his way into the ranks. Of course, that doesn’t really explain the 1939 photo of the Jay-Z look-alike.
The most plausible theory is that Jay-Z is a time traveler. The singer recently wrote several songs for the movie The Great Gatsby and may have wanted to travel back to 1920s New York to get some inspiration. Naysayers of this theory say that The Great Gatsby took place in the 1920s and the photos is dated in 1939. But come on, if you had a time machine, you wouldn’t check out some other time periods as well? Maybe Jay-Z is working on a depression era blues album…

What do you think? Is Jay-Z a vampire (like Nicolas Cage) a member of the Illuminati, or a time traveler (like John Travolta).?

Source(http://www.inquisitr.com/660575/1939-photo-of-jay-z-look-alike-sparks-conspiracy-theories/)

PepsiCo Ends Deal With Lil Wayne Due to “Offensive” Lyrics

By Laura Ferreiro

photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImageIt looks like DEWeezy has gone the way of the dodo bird. The high-profile, multimillion-dollar partnership between PepsiCo and Lil Wayne ended Friday, with an announcement issued by the makers of the popular Mountain Dew soft drink.

The rap star, also known as Weezy, recently made a crude reference to civil rights hero Emmett Till in the song "Karate Chop." As a result, PepsiCo pulled the plug on the Mountain Dew promotional campaign known as "DEWeezy," which launched in March 2012 with a highly publicized Lil Wayne performance at South by Southwest.
The statement issued by PepsiCo said that Wayne's "offensive reference to a revered civil rights icon does not reflect the values of our brand," reported the Associated Press. Meanwhile, a rep from the rapper's camp said the split was due to "creative differences" and they parted on amicable terms.
In the song, Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr., says he wants to beat up a woman's sexual organ "like Emmett Till."
Till was an African-American boy who was murdered in Mississippi in 1955 at the age of 14, after he allegedly whistled at a white woman. He was severely beaten and had his eyes gouged out before being shot in the head. His body was disposed of in a river, where he was weighted down with a cotton gin fan tied to his neck with barbed wire. The two white men accused of committing the crime were the woman's husband and his brother, but they were acquitted by an all-white jury. The trial and Till's open-casket funeral became a flashpoint in the civil rights movement.
The Till family reportedly called for a meeting with PepsiCo and Wayne this week. The rap star sent the Till family a letter saying he would not refer to Emmett Till in an offensive manner, but the family allegedly rejected the letter, saying it fell short of an apology.
Ironically, a representative for Mountain Dew told Forbes at the campaign launch that the reason they wanted to work with Lil Wayne is because he makes no apologies. "We are celebrating Wayne through this campaign as an artist who found his personal success by following his own path," said brand manager Jamal Henderson. “There is no other artist who embodies that ethos more than Lil Wayne, who is not only always dancing outside of the box but makes no apologies for who he is."
It's unclear whether Pepsi will pull the plug on current Lil Wayne ads and promotions.

Source(http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/stop-the-presses/pepsico-ends-deal-lil-wayne-due-offensive-lyrics-000014389.html)

Bonnaroo Saturday 2012: D’Angelo Returns, Alice Cooper Goes Gaga

By Lyndsey Parker | Music Fests – Sun, Jun 10, 2012 11:14 AM EDT

When fans at Manchester, Tennessee's massive musicfest Bonnaroo headed to This Tent at midnight on Saturday for the Roots' "Superjam," they naturally expected to see some special guests. But they didn't know just how special, until the band's drummer ?uestlove announced, "I've been waiting 12 years to say this. Ladies and gentlemen...D'ANGELO!" And out strutted the legendary, reclusive neo-soulman, confirming the day's ongoing Twitter rumors and making his first U.S. stage appearance in more than a decade.

D'Angelo, aka Michael Eugene Archer--perhaps as famous for flaunting his fabulously chiseled naked torso in that music video for "Untitled" as he is for last album, 2000's landmark Voodoo--looked in fine form, rocking a black tank top, short dreadlocks, and a quiet smile. (In a shocking police mugshot from 2010, when he was arrested for propositioning an undercover cop, he'd appeared bloated and unrecognizable.) And more importantly, D'Angelo sounded spectacular. He didn't perform any new tunes from his long-awaited (and long-delayed) third album, but as he shifted between keys and guitar, he and a nine-piece band featuring bass legend Pino Palladino and the Time's Jesse Johnson treated stunned spectators to an epic set of classic funk and rock--including Jimi Hendrix's "Have You Ever Been To Electric Ladyland" and "Power Of Soul," Funkadelic's "Funky Dollar Bill," and "Hit It And Quit It," Sly & The Family Stone's "Babies Makin' Babies," the Beatles' "She Came In Through The Bathroom Window," Led Zeppelin's "What Is And What Should Never Be," and the Time's "My Summertime Thang." Fans in This Tent were practically openly weeping, almost not believing what they were witnessing, as this most super of Superjams went on for an amazing 75 minutes.
[VIDEO: How to stream Bonnaroo all weekend]
The notoriously shy 38-year-old singer, who has only conducted one interview (with GQ) since 2000 and has battled the law, drugs, and his record label over the years, didn't engage in much stage banter, other than quite rhetorically asking, "Do y'all want us to go home yet?"--a silly question that of course was met with an audience unison chant of "NOOOOOOOOOOO!" Eventually D'Angelo and friends called it a night, with ?uestlove proudly telling the crowd: "You were here! You saw it!" But D'Angelo will return to the U.S. concert scene next month for New Orleans' Essence Music Festival, and supposedly he'll be releasing that postponed third album before the year's end. Judging from the reaction that his comeback received at Bonnaroo, there are a lot of people who are waiting to buy that album and are happy to see him finally return.


The other legacy artist making a big impression at Bonnaroo on Saturday was Alice Cooper, whose midnight set in That Tent was the very antithesis of Bonnaroo's peace-and-love hippie vibe, but was one of the most wildly enthusiastically received gigs of the day. Over the course of his nearly two-hour rock 'n' roll revue, the original shock-rocker dressed like a giant multi-tentacled spider (for "Black Widow," of course); shot sparks of fire out of his fingertips; cuddled with a live snake; danced with a blonde blow-up doll (during "Only Women Bleed") and a 10-foot-tall monster (for "Feed My Frankenstein"); stuck his head in a guillotine; impaled a TMZ-style paparazzo on his fencing sword; and performed the topical and bizarrely ahead-of-its-time "I'll Bite Your Face Off." And he did this all while accompanied by guitar virtuoso Orianthi. Let's see some jam band like Phish pull off a rawk extravaganza like that!


After a show-closing "School's Out"/"Another Brick In The Wall" medley, Alice encored with "Elected," during which he wore a sequined Uncle Sam top hat and had masked Obama and Romney impersonators brawl onstage. (Alice Cooper for President--that's my official election 2012 endorsement now.) And this was followed by a surprise cover of Lady Gaga's "Born This Way"! Long before Gaga was wearing meat dresses, hatching from space-eggs, and hanging from VMA chandeliers dripping with blood, there was Alice, so it made sense for him to cover this outsider anthem, accompanied by another towering monster onstage--this one actually dressed as Gaga, draped in yellow CAUTION tape. Truly, no one was ever born as freaky as Alice Cooper was, 64 years ago.
[PHOTO GALLERY: Bonnaroo 2012]
The earlier shows of the day weren't quite as newsworthy, but there was plenty of good music to be had at Bonnaroo on Saturday. The afternoon began on the main What Stage with Australian dream-pop combo the Temper Trap, whose underrated frontman Dougie Mandagi's choirboy vocals almost seemed unreal, they reached such Justin Hawkins/Mika/Matt Bellamy-esque octave levels. The band treated the early-bird crowd to tunes from their just-released sophomore album (their first LP since 2009), with Dougie sheepishly--but, judging from the audience reaction, probably unnecessarily--saying, "We hope you eventually like them."


Up next in This Tent were post-rockers Battles, a jam-band-from-the-future who brought Bonnaroo squarely into the year 2012 with their brain-bending, angular electro-instrumentals. Clustered at front edge of stage, the trio forged a tight knot of musicality and powered through an intense 75-minute set, during which drummer John Stanier sweated straight through his pink shirt and turned it maroon by the final number. But it looked like the madly dancing revelers in the tent were sweating even more profusely.


Back on the main stage was indie-dance eccentric Santigold, looking like a Tattoo You-era Mick Jagger in her colorful footballer-on-acid outfits. But it was her diva-esque backup dancers, with their Janelle Monae-reminiscent tuxedo/cheerleader uniforms, Mary Poppins parasols, and rump-shaking, stage-humping moves, who totally stole the show. Santigold's set did drag on a bit due to her nasal and somewhat rangeless voice, which rendered many of her songs interchangeable, but her dancers definitely kept everyone entertained. And when Santigold invited seemingly everyone in the crowd to dance onstage with her and the girls, the show really picked up steam.


One of the day's best dance parties, however, was hosted on the Which Stage by Childish Gambino, the rap alter ego of charismatic "Community" actor Donald Glover. NBC's "Community" has been rumored to be in danger of cancellation for months now, but Donald clearly has a career plan B to fall back on, since his hip-hop music is no vanity project. And judging by how strong his Bonnaroo set was, despite some technical difficulties that marred its start, he might want to consider making hip-hop his plan A. Donald was an entirely convincing MC, combining the swagger and braggadocio of his obvious predecessor Kanye West with the grinning likability of another sitcom sensation/rapper, Will Smith. The man was simply a STAR.


After Gambino, it was time for Scotland's awesome experimental rockers Mogwai, and from the moment I started walking across the field to their show in This Tent, I could hear them. Loudly. I think I popped in my earplugs when I was still 300 yards away. Then, once I got inside the tent, those rubber plugs practically melted, along with my eardrums and much of my face. I imagine even Kevin Shields from My Bloody Valentine would have thought Mogwai's set was loud. But you know, the tinnitus was worth it.


Back on the main stage, the aforementioned Roots warmed up the crowd before the two-hour, 15-song set by Saturday's headliners, the Red Hot Chili Peppers. While RHCP's impeccable musicianship (Flea is pretty much a god) and unflagging energy made for a solid show (if one a bit too heavy on instrumental solos and noodly jams), they unfortunately frontloaded their set with a bunch of newer and/or lesser-known songs that, frankly, many casual concertgoers likely didn't recognize. ("Monarchy Of Roses"? "Look Around"? "The Adventures Of Rain Dance Maggie"? "Throw Away Your Television"? "Factory Of Faith"? Really???) Thus, they broke the cardinal rule that all heritage acts at festivals should abide: Always open with a HIT. Eventually, the Peppers did get around to some of their biggest smashes, like "Under The Bridge," of course, as well as "Scar Tissue," "Higher Ground," "By The Way" (one of their best songs, because it basically sounds like a mashup of every good song RHCP have ever done), and, during the encore, "Suck My Kiss" and "Give It Away." However, it only took singer Anthony Kiedis three songs to remove his shirt. But with a physique like that, at nearly age 50, who can blame the man for wanting to show off a bit?



And the evening ended--for me, at least, although many others kept on dancing--with a harrowing, Tailhook-style field walk through the thousands of hula-hooping, glowstick-brandishing merrymakers grooving in the grass to dubstep posterboy Skrillex's 1:30-3:30am set on the Which Stage. It was tempting to join the party, but with one more day of Bonnaroo to go, boasting a lineup of everyone from the Beach Boys to Ben Folds Five to Bon Iver, I really needed to rest up.


Come back later for a full Sunday report!
(ALL PHOTOS BY DEBI DEL GRANDE, except Santigold crowd shot by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Related links:

• Bonnaroo 2012 Thursday recap
• Bonnaroo 2012 Friday recap
• More Bonnaroo coverage

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Source(http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/musicfests/bonnaroo-saturday-2012-d-angelo-returns-alice-cooper-151439094.html)

The Forbes Five: Hip-Hop’s Wealthiest Artists

Back in 2007, Jay-Z, Diddy and 50 Cent released "I Get Money (The Forbes 1-2-3 Billionaire Remix)." The song was a celebration of the artists' inclusion atop the first-ever Forbes Hip-Hop Cash Kings list, now an annual package on the genre's top-earning artists.
It seems fitting that those same three artists find themselves in an even more exclusive group—the Forbes Five, a short list of hip-hop's wealthiest moguls. Indeed, the original trio boasts a combined net worth well over a billion dollars, rendering their lyrical prognostications accurate. They're joined by Dr. Dre, flush with cash from his Beats headphone line, and Cash Money Records cofounder Bryan "Birdman" Williams.
"One of my motivations in life is to be a billionaire," said Birdman in a telephone interview with FORBES. "We're going to keep working hard until we get our brand to be as big as possible. That's the goal in life, that's what I live for."

In Pictures: Hip-Hop's Most Valuable Artists
Diddy is the closest to becoming a billionaire, leading the pack with a net worth of $550 million. The Bad Boy Records founder has remained a mainstream mainstay for 15 years thanks to his knack for self-promotion. Lately, he's been channeling that energy toward Diageo-backed Ciroc vodka, much to the benefit of his bank account: he receives double-digit millions annually as a share of profits. Sales of the spirit spiked 122% last year in the wake of strong demand for new flavor Ciroc Peach; he is entitled to a nine-figure chunk of cash if the brand is ever sold.
Diddy also boasts stakes in clothing lines Sean John and Enyce, marketing firm Blue Flame, record label Bad Boy and a handful of tech startups. But it's his deal with Comcast to launch cable channel Revolt in 2013 that could push him into billionaire territory. He'll own the channel outright, and based on projected viewership totals, its value could soar into the low-to-mid nine figures within the next few years.
Jay-Z is #2 on the listNext up is Jay-Z at $460 million. Unlike his fellow Forbes Five members, Jay-Z still churns out music and goes on tour—most recently with pal Kanye West—adding to his considerable war chest. He sold his Rocawear clothing label for $204 million in 2007 and signed 10-year $150 million deal with Live Nation in 2008, and also holds stakes in the New Jersey Nets, his 40/40 Club chain, ad firm Translation, cosmetics company Carol's Daughter and other businesses.
Hip-Hop Cash Kings: Hip-Hop's Top 20 Earners
"Who's going to be hip-hop's first billionaire is still to be determined," says Steve Stoute, the advertising guru who founded and co-owns Translation with Jay-Z. "But clearly Jay and Puffy are far and away positioned to surpass that."
Dr. Dre ranks third with $270 million, doubling from a year ago thanks to a major sale. In August, handset maker HTC paid $300m to buy a 51% stake in Beats Electronics, the company founded by Dr. Dre and Interscope chief Jimmy Iovine in 2008.
Sources say each owned a third of the company before the deal, placing Dre's cut at $85 million after taxes. The agreement also values Dre's remaining stake at $100 million, which could increase rapidly as the company continues to expand.
Celebrity 100: The World's Most Powerful Celebrities
Birdman clocks in at No. 4 with a fortune of $125 million. He cofounded Cash Money Records with brother Ronald "Slim" Williams two decades ago, inking very favorable $30 million distribution deal with Universal in 1998. The label's value is increasing with the success of rappers Drake, Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne (who shares ownership of sub-label Young Money).
The World's 25 Highest-Paid Musicians
There's even more cash on the horizon: Cash Money's deal with Universal is up this summer, raising the prospect of a bidding war for the right to distribute the label's releases.
"Right now we are with Universal and we're just trying to do the best music possible," Birdman told me. "I'm loyal to my team, and to success. Whoever gives the most benefit to my team, which isf irst, and to its success, that's where we'll end up at."
Full Coverage: Hip-Hop's Most Valuable Artists
Rounding out the Forbes Five is Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson at $110 million. The Queens-born rapper earned $100 million for his Vitaminwater stake in 2007—and tens of millions more from touring, record sales and clothing—but spent freely on cars and renovations to his mansion, formerly owned by Mike Tyson. Still, a nice cushion remains from his back catalog, acting gigs and 50 Cent-themed videogames, shoes and books, as well as his new headphone line SMS. Next up: an energy shot called Street King, which promises to feed hungry children—and 50's bank account.
Still, there's no guarantee that hip-hop's first billionaire will come from this group of five.
"As much as it's easy to say it'll be Diddy or Jay, you don't necessarily know, given what a guy like Kanye or Will.i.am is capable of doing," says Stoute. "In a world where people are creating applications that sell for a billion dollars, you never know who's going to come out of left field."
Forbes' Highest-Paid Actors List


Source(http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/stop-the-presses/forbes-five-hip-hop-wealthiest-artists-160148178.html)

Dr. Conrad Murray Found Guilty in Death of Michael Jackson

After nearly six weeks of testimony and 10 hours of deliberation, the jury in the involuntary manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson's personal physician Dr. Conrad Murray has reached a verdict: Guilty. With that judgment, the 12 jurors unanimously agreed that Murray was solely responsible for causing Jackson's death by administering a deadly dose of the powerful sedative Propofol to the King of Pop. Jackson, who complained of insomnia in his final months, used the sedative as a sleeping agent, even though Propofol is only meant for surgical operations. Jackson's parents Joe and Katherine and many of Michael's siblings (but not his three children) were on hand to observe the verdict. "I'm shaking uncontrollably," La Toya Jackson tweeted on her way to the Los Angeles courthouse. "Michael's spirit will be with us in the court room and he will make sure the right verdict is made." When the guilty verdict was read, a brief gasp of approval could be heard in the courtroom, but the court quickly regained order. Outside, hundreds of Jackson fans celebrated the guilty verdict. After the verdict, having been found guilty of a felony, Murray's bail was denied and the doctor was remanded into custody until his sentencing. Then, the moment Jackson fans had been waiting for: Dr. Murray in handcuffs, being led out of the courtroom. Judge Michael Pastor will next decide Murray's fate on Tuesday, November 29th: The doctor faces a sentence of probation, a revoked medical license, and potentially four years in prison. Anyone who watched the trial on a daily basis knew that a guilty verdict was essentially a foregone conclusion. The prosecution called witness after witness that painted a damning case against the doctor: Jackson bodyguards testified about how Murray acted improperly when trying to resuscitate the singer, how the doc failed to call paramedics in a timely matter, and Murray attempted to hide medical evidence in the hours after Jackson's death. Paramedics corroborated much of that testimony, and the Los Angeles coroner and medical experts who specialized in sedatives also told the court that an overdose of Propofol was what caused Jackson to suffer cardiac arrest. Three of Murray's girlfriends said on the stand that the doctor had called them the night Jackson died, which suggested that he wasn't paying attention to his world famous patient. Even Murray's own interview with police investigators helped cement the case against him. Murray's defense, meanwhile, responded with a strategy that suggested a suicidal Jackson administered the fatal dose of Propofol to himself, even though there was no evidence of Jackson's fingerprints on the sedative's vials. They also tried to imply evidence tampering and that other doctors were to blame for Jackson's drug addiction. In a Hail Mary move, the defense called some of the patients who loved and respected Murray to the stand in an attempt to humanize him to the jury, but by that point the burden of guilt had already weighed heavily against the defense. Murray had an opportunity to call himself as a defense witness and explain what happened the night of June 25, 2009, but he declined. Finally, over two years after the death of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop's family and fans finally have some closure. "Justice. Justice was served. It wasn't enough time though. Michael was with us," Jermaine Jackson told HLN as he exited the courthouse. "I'm just happy it's over with. Nothing will bring [Michael] back, but I'm happy [Murray] was found guilty," sister Rebbie told reporters. La Toya added, "Thank you America, thank all the fans, thank the prosecuting team, everyone was great. Michael was in that courtroom, that's why victory was served." Source(http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/amplifier/dr-conrad-murray-found-guilty-death-michael-jackson-211747318.html)

RIHANNA'S RED RAGE FOR SINGLE RELEASE!!!

If you're still trying to figure out why Robyn Rihanna Renty danced like a slut in the video of her hit song 'Rude Boy', then you've just been hit by another daring act of sultriness by the Umbrella crooner. Rihanna's picture on the sleeve of the CD of her forthcoming single 'Only Girl ( in the world )' is really hot with a tinge of red. In the picture, the R&B diva is kneeling down almost nude with a piece of red cloth covering her reproductive organs. She spots a necklace and a bracelet on her arm. Her hair has been dyed red and she looks defiant in the picture. The tattoo on her bum can also be seen in the photograph. This PR strategy to boost sales of the single which will be released iTunes on September 21 is really smart. The sexy artwork will influence music lovers to buy the song.

On her official fansite, Rihanna Daily, the singer took time to talk about her new album 'Loud' that will hit the stores in November. ' I'm done recording the whole album. I made sure not to let you down with my music. You guys are always defending me, so now you've got some great songs to justify it.' She told her fans in a web chat. RV has also gathered that 'Only Girl ( in the world )' premiered on Ryan Seacrest's Radio Show in the US. I heard the song some hours ago and I feel it is going to be a club hit. It is really danceable and you're bound to get up and dance to the song. The chorus of the song goes thus-

' Want you to make me feel,
like I'm the only girl in the world
like I'm the only one that you'll ever love
like I'm the only one who knows your heart.'

The song was produced by the Norwegian hit making duo, Stargate, who were responsible for Rihanna's other singles like ' Hate that I love you', 'Please Don't Stop The Music' and 'Rude Boy'. Rihaanna who was born in St Michael, Barbados, has sold 5,563,000 album units in the United States of America as at July 23, 2010. Her wax figure was unveiled in Madame Tussauds at Washington DC late last month. She won awards for World's Best Selling Pop Female Artist and Female Entertainer of the Year at the World Music Awards in 2007.

Sources: billboard.com, metro.co.uk, sussexexpress.co.uk, RV.
Where To Find Rihanna Online: www.rihannanow.com

Wiz Khalifa's Rolling Papers: The Reviews Are In!

Last year, a relatively unknown rapper from a city not traditionally known for hip-hop graduated from the mixtape circuit to the mainstream and became one of the biggest names in the business. That rapper was Drake, the cerebral MC from Toronto who immediately established himself as a major player.

This year, that ascension story belongs to Wiz Khalifa, the Pittsburgh-based rapper who went from underground favorite to mainstream superstar almost immediately. In the wake of his chart-topping hit "Black and Yellow" (which was adopted by fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the team's run to the Super Bowl) comes his major label debut Rolling Papers, a stout collection of ear-bending rhymes and smokey beats.

But does the album live up to the considerable hype surrounding Khalifa's arrival? All signs point to yes. "The Pittsburgher's debut on Atlantic is lyrically limited to getting high, stealing chicks, and blowing cash," wrote Brad Wete in Entertainment Weekly in a B+ review. "Yet it burns with an underdog's passion and a champion's spite. Marijuana may not be legal, but Rolling Papers surely will be enjoyed and passed around among Wiz's fans."

Rolling Stone also approved of Khalifa's approach, and critic Jon Dolan appreciated his reinvention of some tropes. "On Rolling Papers, Khalifa manages to give life to those kinds of cash-gorged perma-baked clichés by warmly luxuriating in the space between pop's fresh-faced exuberance and hip-hop's easy arrogance — between skater and playa, Bieber and Biggie," he wrote. "Khalifa hustled for years to get his big break, suffering record-label indignities, releasing mixtapes and using Twitter to build a following. When he raps, 'I don't wanna wake up,' on 'Wake Up,' you can't help but hope his dream lasts a while."

USA Today was slightly more lukewarm but ultimately gave Rolling Papers the benefit of the doubt. "Khalifa is certainly likable enough with his laid-back flow and knack for catchy rhymes over melodic beats," wrote critic Steve Jones. "But he is limited thematically, with almost every song extolling the virtue of weed, women and the good life. All of that footloose fun is cool and all. The only problem is that there are only so many clever ways to describe the hedonism."

Still, plenty of people seem on board with Khalifa — even the British. "Apart from some of the tedious subject matter, [Rolling Papers is] the sort of rap that deserves mainstream attention as it's musically thoughtful and endearing beyond the dancefloor," wrote BBC Music critic Lloyd Bradley. "These are the sort of songs that mainstream hip-hop needs, and would probably find much more entertaining than what tends to get pushed at it."

And David Jeffries of the All Music Guide really nailed it. "Rolling Papers casts Khalifa as a more earthbound and approachable version of Kid Cudi, or Curren$y for the masses, both of which are meant as compliments," he wrote. "While it's misrepresented by its single and the mixtapes that surround it, it is purposeful mood music, perfect for bong loading or just hanging out."

What do you think of Wiz Khalifa's new album? Let us know in the comments!
(Source: http://newsroom.mtv.com/2011/03/29/wiz-khalifa-rolling-papers-reviews/)

Welcome Home Prodigy "Special Welcome Home Mixtape"

Video Provided by DatPiff.com

Stradivarius Violin

Three people were under arrest for theft an very old violin value almost $2 million from an globally highly praised performer at the same time as she stopped up for a nibble at a London squeeze in saloon the Associated Press report on Friday.

The South Korean violin player Min-Jin Kym was consumption at a squeeze in supermarket exterior Euston Station on Nov. 29 at what time she becomes aware of that her black violin case which restricted a Stradivarius and two precious bends over was missing according to the police.

The violin made in 1696, is one of concerning 400 complete by Stradivarius that are motionless recognized to live. The law enforcement under arrest and emotional John Maughan, 26 and two young people on Wednesday.
(Source: http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/8057913-stradivarius-violin)

American Idol Episode Recap: New Jersey Auditions

And so it begins again. After one of the busiest off-seasons in American Idol history, Fox's reality juggernaut returns promising that, despite last year's questionable talent pool, sagging ratings and mass defections from the judges' table, "the best is yet to come" in Season 10. Host Ryan Seacrest even trotted out the word "epic." So, did the show live up to the hype? Let's find out.

But first, let's relive the last seven months or so in a nifty Seacrest-narrated package! In May, Simon Cowell left the show as planned. Ellen followed him in July and Kara Whatshername was shown the door as well. Then, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez were hired. J. Lo reportedly walked away before her deal was closed, and radio, TV and Internet reports said Idol's goose was cooked. But then Fox officially said Tyler and Lopez were officially official judges, and the hype machine has been chugging away ever since.

"But it's not our story," the titles blared on the screen on behalf of the judges. "It's yours." But first, more of their story! The show relentlessly hammered home just how awesome and music industry-savvy Tyler and Lopez are, in case the people who watch Idol have never ever listened to the radio. But in fairness, tonight's episode wasn't about the contestants — everyone watching was judging the judges.

For the most part, the new panelists came out OK. There may not be a new Simon, but Steven is certainly a stand-in for the wackiness that's been sorely missing since Paula left. And J. Lo likes to give hugs, so... there's that. They put through some questionable voices that wouldn't have made it in years past, but hey, it's new and different this year.

Or at least it's supposed to be. We won't really know until we get to the revamped Hollywood week, because for now, Idol's audition formula hasn't changed a bit (snazzy new opening credits aside). The field of wannabe crooners in New Jersey featured some solid contenders, plenty of tone-deaf posers, a few sob stories and even a couple psychos. Ah, welcome back, Idol.

Some quick thoughts on some of the auditions — good, bad, and ugly.

Rachel Zevita, "Hallelujah"
"I remember you!" J. Lo lies. In any case, I'm not sure starting the season off with a repeat contestant who got cut in Hollywood week during Season 6 is the best way to scream "Idol like you've never seen before!" But, whatever. I didn't particularly love any part of her audition, and J. Lo thinks she is to blame because she made the poor girl nervous. But Steven thinks they should "water that flower because it's going to grow." So, she gets through to Hollywood on potential and first-day niceness.

Caleb Hawley, "Hallelujah, I Love Her So"
I think Caleb got through because Steven sang at least half the song with/for him. He had an OK voice, but I don't see this guy on the big stage — at least not based on this Harry Belafonte cover.

Kenzie Palmer, "We're Young and Beautiful"
The first 15-old-contestant we've seen since they lowered the age limit. She's got a good voice, but Steven said he wasn't feeling the pizzazz. He's right, and it's probably because, well, um, she's 15! But J. Lo changes Steven and Randy's minds, and she gets a golden ticket.

Achille Lovle, "Dress You Up"
Her singing was intense. Like, Tarzan screaming in the jungle-intense. Also, it was terrible. Maybe her accent is to blame? Not true, says J. Lo who struggles with saying no for the first time. (We then get a montage of how much she hates being mean. She eventually gets over it.)

Tiffany Rios, "I'm Your Lady"
Proving that every reality show needs a Jersey Shore angle, Tiffany's audition is set up with a package on fist-pumping, bad fashion and how to tease your hair. (Also, she has giant stars on her boobs. Oy.) Tiffany, like J. Lo, is Puerto Rican and started singing after she saw Selena. So, she turns into a blubbering mess when she see's Miss Lopez in person. Aw, hugs. She sings an original tune, which includes the lyric: "America heeds me/for higher ratings on TV." Her singing was as bad as her songwriting. But then she sang Celine and was actually pretty decent. Didn't see it coming at all. She gets through, with a warning to focus on her voice, not being Snooki 2.0.

Robbie Rosen, "Yesterday"
My favorite audition of the night, and a reminder that not all the little kiddies should be banned. At 16, he delivered an impressively smooth take on the Beatles classic. And he overcame being in a wheelchair as a kid. (He's also been watching the show since he was 7, which makes me feel old.) Randy liked how he "marinated" on some notes and took his time with the song. He had "mad, crazy vocals." Yep, same Randy!

Victoria Huggins, "Midnight Train to Georgia"
My least favorite audition of the night, and a reminder that all the little kiddies should be banned. At "16 and qwerters (3/4 for you non-Southerners)" she had a very strong voice. But she was unbearably annoying. She documented every step of her Idol journey on video camera, including highway sing-alongs with her stage parents. She's like what all the kids on Toddlers in Tiaras will be in 10 years. Steven makes an odd comment about how her skirt had the "right amount showing" (he hit on lots of girls), and Randy is won over by her twangy "yo, yo, dawg!" So, she gets through as the Idol contestant with the "most personality ever." If she makes the finals, I quit.

Chris Cordeiro, "My Way"
Truly the worst audition of the night. He made Sinatra's classic virtually unrecognizable. But I did enjoy his dandy Eagle Scout project about the dangers of texting while driving. Everyone remember that when you're not texting in your votes for him later this season.

Michael Perotto, "Proud Mary"
He burps when he gets nervous. Apparently, he also sings terribly. He sounds like a really bad Cher impersonator. When Steven suggests he might be better for musical theater, Randy advises him not to sing anywhere ever again. Hmm, is Randy the new Simon?

Ashley Sullivan, "Gimme Gimme"
She's Britney Spears-obsessed, and even carries around a photo of the pop star in her pocket for good luck. Her song wasn't terribly sung, but it was manic. And very Broadway. She says she wants to be the first show-tune pop star. (Sorry, Ashley, but Adam Lambert already exists.) Also, she thinks "pop needs to get with Liza Minelli." She then has a mental breakdown during deliberations. Randy wisely says no, but Steven and J. Lo say yes, and Steven promises to work her unbridled enthusiasm into something good.

Melinda Ademi, "If I Ain't Got You"
Warm and fuzzy alert! Her family escaped from war-torn Kosovo via the green card lottery. She does a great job with Alicia Keys' song, and wins a golden ticket to Hollywood. "You can live the American dream!" J. Lo says. "You won the lottery twice!" Nice, J. Lo.

Devyn Rush, "God Bless the Child"
This singing waitress from New York had a great voice. So instead, the judges made fun of her outfit. She gets a golden ticket with the advice to believe in her voice and become a total package. This industry has no soul.

Yoji "Pop" Asano, "Party in the U.S.A."
He's been imitating Michael Jackson since "before he was born." But instead of sharing those special talents with us, he sings a Miley Cyrus song he says he hates. Don't worry, some of MJ's dance moves are in there. But none of the King of Pop's talent shows up. Shocking, I know.

Brielle Von Hugel, "Endless Love"
Her dad, a doo wop singer, had throat cancer. She dedicates her performance to him. Steven thought she "sang beautiful." (That was his non-grammatical catch phrase of the night.) Because she had a tear-jerking story, she obviously was going to get through, but she has a solid voice. Downside: She, too, is 16.

Travis Orlando, "Elanor Rigby"
Producers laid it on thick at the end: Travis grew up in the Bronx, battling drugs and gang violence. And his dad got sick and they lost their home. He has a nice tone to his voice, and he made some interesting choices in the arrangement. But he sounds like he's singing with a tennis ball in his throat. He just needs to loosen up, and he'll get a chance to in Hollywood.

So, do you think this batch of wannabes "sang beautiful"? What do you think of the new judges? Are you looking forward to Season 10, or are you patiently waiting for Simon's return in the fall with The X Factor? Share all your thoughts in the comments below!
(Source: http://omg.yahoo.com/news/american-idol-episode-recap-new-jersey-auditions/54521;_ylt=Ajm_hytSE2tYuCj2S5.pn9kppxx.;_ylv=3)

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