Celebrity News: Ciara Talks Fashion and Style

Ciara talks fashion and style with WWD…

ON THE EVOLUTION OF HER STYLE:

“From the very beginning, [my style] was always a reflection of me. I was very vocal, always vocal. It worked for me at that time, and [the label] just let me roll with it. I’m all about the power and the strength right now. I’ve started to just take on that mind-set — ‘Try it! Try something different. You can do this!’”

ON WORKING WITH NEW DESIGNERS:

“You know what? It’s almost like myself — I’m young and haven’t been doing this for a long, long time, so I relate [to young designers]. It’s cool to see them get opportunities to share their creative visions and to actually be successful at it. There is a lot of new energy and a lot of new ideas that these designers are bringing. It’s also cool to know what’s coming, to kind of be on top of something in the early stages.” – Ciara (WWD)

>> More photos below…

“It’s nice to read about what makes her, her. I think her photos look great. I love her style.”

Celebrity News: Chris Brown Shoots Hoops for Anti-Violence Campaign

Singer Chris Brown popped up Tuesday at a women’s basketball game in his home state of Virginia. The 19-year-old has been out of the spotlight following his alleged assault and against girlfriend Rihanna. Although one student described the star’s appearance as “bizarre,” Brown looked to be in good spirits posing for several photos with the basketball team.

According to TMZ, Brown visited the University of Mary Washington during the college’s “White Ribbon Campaign” which is dedicated to raising awareness about violence against women. Along with taking pictures Brown also shot a few baskets, which were captured on film by two students.

The R&B singer is currently free on $50,000 bail and faces two felony counts, which include assault and making criminal threats. Brown appeared in court last month and was granted a new arraignment date. While he has been in Virginia, Rihanna has been in Los Angeles. Several photos of the 21-year-old pop star partying and shopping for a new home have recently hit the news circuit.

Brown is due back in court April 6. Despite reports to the contrary Rihanna is cooperating with the Los Angeles District Attorney, and will take the stand against Brown if necessary.

Source: theboombox.com

“I’m glad he’s making efforts on making appearances for a good cause. Good for you Chris.”

Music In Ya Ear!: D.Woods – Legalize Me

Video of the Day!: D.Woods “Legalize Me”

“A new song from D. Woods, the track is titled “Legalize Me”. Not sure if this is from an upcoming solo album or something recorded pre-Danity Kane, but I’m impressed.”

Source: YouTube

“What do you think?”

Tune In: Kelly Rowland Got A New TV Show

Kelly Rowland: Proving To Be ‘Survivor’ and Bouncing Back With New TV Show…

Just two months ago, Kelly Rowland shocked some – but not many – when she announced she would be professionally parting ways with long-time manager Mathew Knowles.

On March 31, 2009 — after the black gossip website Young, Black & Fabulous broke the news that the Destiny’s Child singer was dropped from the legendary Columbia Records — Rowland and the label home she’s been signed to for close to 15 years released a statement saying they amicably agreed to split.

“As a solo artist, I felt the need to explore new directions, new challenges, and new freedoms outside my comfort zone and my friends and family at Columbia have been incredibly understanding about my evolution,” Rowland stated, confirming the rumors.

“Kelly Rowland is one of our finest contemporary artists and a musical force to be reckoned with,” said Rob Stringer, CEO, Columbia/Epic Label Music Group. “It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with Kelly and we will continue our working relationship with her under the Destiny’s Child moniker. The decision for Kelly to seek other opportunities for her solo career was agreed upon mutually, and any reports to the contrary are false.”

But don’t count her out just yet. In a sharp move — and just when some in the blogosphere were ready to dismiss the 28 -year-old Grammy-winning superstar — she bounced back a few days later announcing a new television gig with Bravo.

Rowland has been tapped to host the new Bravo series ‘The Fashion Show,’ which is set to premiere May 7.

Joining her will be acclaimed designer Issac Mizrahi, who in recent years has fashioned more budget-friendly duds for Target. Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion, Fern Mallis, who presides over Olympus Fashion Week and has appeared on the hit series ‘Project Runway,’ has been chosen to help judge the designs of the 15 professional designers who will compete to have their clothes sold in the retail market and win a $125,000 prize.

As if the new show wasn’t enough to keep Rowland busy, she’s still a huge success in Europe. Nike chose her to appear in one of their commercials abroad, where she’s strutting her stuff and singing her international hit ‘Work’ alongside a runner.

And, in a recent interview for ‘The Fashion Show’ series, Rowland, who cites Alexander McQueen, Ralph Lauren and Roberto Cavalli among her favorite designers, declared she’s that she is still recording and will be working on a new album soon.

No word yet on if she is working on a new major record label deal or if she plans to drop her future releases independently, but either way the woman Beyonce Knowles once referred to as her sister, is standing tall as a real music industry ‘Survivior’ — as the group’s hit song stated.

Source: BlackVoices

“Do you think Kelly Rowland is better off not having ties with Mathew Knowles? How do you think the show will do?”

Music News: Destiny’s Child Reunion?

In light of recent events, it seems unlikely that the “Bootilicious” trio will join forces again, but then again contracts are legally binding. And so despite Beyoncé’s solo assent, Michele Williams’ relative anonymity and Kelly Rowland’s apparent suicide scare, split from manager Matthew Knowles and fall out with Columbia Records, Destiny’s Child is slated to return.

I hope the reality show circus is ready to capture every moment, because drama is anything but new to Destiny’s Child. Anyone remember original members LaTavia Roberson and Latoya Luckett? What about replacement Farrah Franklin?

I won’t be surprised if Williams is booted and replaced with Beyoncé’s baby sis Solange while Kelly is relegated to back-up duty. I think the writing is on the wall, but we’ll have to wait and see.

Here’s what happened…

Former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland has parted ways with Columbia Records after recording two solo albums for the label.

The R&B singer’s latest release, 2007’s “Ms. Kelly,” sold a modest 219,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen Soundscan.

“As a solo artist, I felt the need to explore new directions, new challenges, and new freedoms outside my comfort zone,” Rowland said in a statement.

Columbia, for its part, said Rowland‘s departure was a mutual decision, “and any reports to the contrary are false.”

The label continues to handle the Destiny’s Child catalog, as well as the solo output of alumnae Beyoncé and Michelle Williams.

Source: GIANT/Reuters

“Your thoughts, should Desitiny’s Child reunite again?”

Designer Love: Nigo Steps Away from his BAPE Brand

Cult Streetwear Designer Nigo Steps Away from his BAPE Brand…

Are people still spending $150 on graphic hoodies? Wait. Are people still wearing graphic hoodies?

Perhaps it’s the lack of demand for insanely overpriced streetwear that has Nigo — the revered Japanese designer who helped popularize the graphic hoodie through his A Bathing Ape label — backing away from his own business.

WWD reports that the diminutive designer is stepping down as president and director of the brand, though he’ll remain head designer — and will continue his fashion partnership with N.E.R.D. Pharrell Williams, whom he co-owns the Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream brands with.
Nigo, who’s also a DJ and music producer, said he’s decided to give up his management duties in order to concentrate on the creative side…which probably needs a boost right about now.

The designer’s ascension in the fashion world is the stuff of pop culture legend. He launched Bape in 1993 by making between 30 and 50 t-shirts a week, then splitting them between his celebrity friends, including Williams and Kanye West, and the fawning public. The limited-edition pieces became instant collector’s items.

But luxury streetwear companies like Bape and WESC — who’ve been gauging us for years — are going to have to rethink their business models if they want to stay relevant. In this economy, $200 t-shirts don’t fly. And if we keep our heads, they never will again.

Source: hollywoodlife.net

“Your thoughts on Nigo stepping down?”

Just In: Chris Brown to Plead Not Guilty in Court on Monday

Chris Brown is going to plead not guilty to two felony charges Monday, RadarOnline has learned exclusively.

Chris is scheduled for arraignment in connection with the alleged beating of his girlfriend Rihanna and sources close to the case say that while he wants to resolve the situation he will plead not guilty.

Brown is due in court on April 6 for an arraignment hearing regarding his two felony accounts- assault and making criminal threats- stemming from his alleged beating of Rihanna.

Brown’s attorney Mark Geragos, did not return calls for comment.

The couple seemed to reconcile in late February, reuniting on a trip to Miami. In recent weeks however, the two have been taking a break from one another and have retreated to their separate corners: Brown to his home state of Virginia and Rihanna to her native country Barbados. There has been speculation about Rihanna’s willingness to testify against Brown.

Rihanna’s lawyer Donald Etra dismissed reports that she is not cooperating with prosecutors.

“She will do everything that the law requires her to do,” Etra told Us. “Nothing has changed.”

Source: Ultimate-Rihanna

“I hope everything turns out good. I wish him well.”

Hip-Hop News: DMX Will Headline International Tour Plus Rick Ross Gets Deal For Carol City Cartel

DMX To Headline International Tour After Release…

This summer, 38 year-old rapper DMX is all set to headline the 2009 Ambush 2.0 Tour. According to AllHipHop.com, the event will run nationwide from June through August, and will go international from September to December.

Confirmed opening acts for the tour include Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Rampage, Rah Diggah, and reportedly a different surprise guest at every city. Although the tour is definitely scheduled to take place, locations and dates are still being finalized.

The announcement that DMX will be headlining Ambush 2.0 comes during the multi-platinum rapper’s 90 day stint in prison. In February, X was put on “lockdown status” for threatening to assault a jail officer and then put on a diet of bread and water. Following the incident, he faced more jail time for throwing a tray of food at a corrections officer.

DMX is scheduled to be released from jail on April 30.

PLUS…

Rick Ross Gets Deal For Carol City Cartel

Rick Ross’ Triple C’s Ink Deal With Def Jam.

Rick Ross may have 50 Cent and his forthcoming album, “Deeper Than Rap”, on his mind, but the rapper recently took time out to provide a boost for his group, Carol City Cartel (Triple C’s).

Sources told AllHipHop.com that Ross has secured a distribution deal for the collective through Def Jam Records.

The new deal provided an opportunity for the Miami rapper to introduce the newest Triple C’s member, Young’n Breed.

The Maybach Music Group artist’s alliance with the group as well as the distribution deal comes as a major milestone for everyone involved.

“On my first trip ever to New York I showcased for LA Reid and celebrated our deal with Jay Z, Timbaland and Nas – it don’t get better than that,” Breed said.

Prior to the deal, Triple C’s was known for their association with Ross, who recently spent time in New York collaborating with R&B crooner Ryan Leslie for the song “Diamonds and Maybachs” and working out details for the video to the Nas-featured tune “Usual Suspects.”

The group, which also includes rappers Gunplay and Torch, has appeared on Ross’ debut album “Port of Miami” as well as the rap star’s 2008 sophomore opus “Trilla“.

The Def Jam deal comes as Ross gears up for the release of Deeper Than Rap. Maybach Music Group, Def Jam, XO Management and Serious Promotions will celebrate the album’s release on April 20. Invited guests for the event include Jay-Z, Nas and Timbaland. Deeper Than Rap is Ross’ follow-up to Trilla.

The release, which spawned the hit singles “The Boss” featuring T-Pain and “Here I Am” featuring Nelly and Avery Storm, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 album chart upon its first week of release.

Ross, who is currently engaged in a war of words with rap rival 50 Cent, is currently enjoying the success of his latest hit, the John Legend-assisted “Magnificent.”

The tune is the first single from Deeper than Rap, which is slated to hit stores April 21.

Source: HipHopDX/AllHipHop.com

“I wonder how it will go. Will DMX make a great comeback? Your thoughts on the Triple C’s?”

Music News: Flesh Arrested With Gun & Drugs

Bone Thug Reunion Derailed: Flesh Arrested With Gun, Drugs…

Just months after being released from prison and and reuniting with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, group member Flesh-N-Bone is back in prison for violating his probation.

Flesh, born Stanley Howse, was pulled over yesterday (April 2) in Canyon County, California, for driving with a defective brake light. A search of his vehicle turned up unnamed narcotics and a firearm, in direct violation of his probation.

Flesh was released from prison in July of 2008, after serving over nine years in prison, which derailed his career as a member of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, a rap group that has sold over 30 million records.

He appeared on the group’s critically acclaimed 1994 debut Creepin on Ah Come Up and the follow up full length, E. 1999 Eternal, released in 1995. Flesh released his debut solo album T.H.U.G.S.: Trues Humbly United Gatherin’ Souls in 1996. A year later, he was arrested when police raided his home and found a stolen gun and explosives.

In September of 1999, Flesh was finally sentenced to ten years for threatening a friend with an AK-47. Flesh was released from prison on July 13, 2008, and has since reunited with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.

“Words can’t even begin to explain the feeling that I had after being locked down for damn near a decade,” Flesh told AllHipHop.com shortly after his release. “The best way for me to describe it is to tell you that it was like a rebirth, a second chance at a new life, and a relief. It was over the top. I’ll never forget it. I thank God for giving me the immense blessing of the sense of complete freedom.”

Flesh-N-Bone is currently being held at the Santa Clarita jail and is not eligible for bond. “At this time all the facts have not been revealed publicly, however I can assure you 100% that Mr. Howse has not walked backwards,” a rep for Bone Thugs-N-Harmony told AllHipHop.com. “We live in a great American country where one is innocent until proven guilty.”

Source: AllHipHop.com

“What is going with the music nation, so many artists behind bars.”

Celebrity News: Jay-Z is Playing A Matchmaker

Why is Jay-Z Playing Matchmaker With Khloe?!…

Hip-hop entrepreneur Jay-Z is a platinum-selling recording artist, club owner, producer, co-owner of the New Jersey Nets basketball team — and now a matchmaker.

OK! has learned exclusively from pals of the Grammy winner that he’s trying to find a good man for his new friend, Khloe Kardashian.

“Jay thinks Khloe is a good girl,” the insider says about the Celebrity Apprentice star. “But she can’t seem to pick out the players from the good guys.”

According to the friend, Jay-Z told 24-year-old Khloe that she has to stop dating boys and go for men. “Jay is all about substance so seems like things could work out,” the source explains.

Khloe, younger sister to Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, was recently linked to a pro basketball player, but their long-distance relationship ended in January.

A pal of Khloe tells OK! that she’s “happy and loving her newfound singleness.” However, there’s no way she’s going to turn down help from Jay-Z. After all, he picked a good one in Beyoncé!

SOURCE: OK! Magazine

“Well I hope he finds someone good for her.”