Jay-Z and Alicia Keys performed "Empire State of Mind" last night at Game 2 of the World Series. I love the Bronx (I grew up there), I love the Bronx Bombers (of course!), I love Jay-Z and I love the song "Empire State of Mind". The choice of performer was clear cut. The song is on top of the charts and Jay-Z Jay-Z has always repped for the Yankees. He has worn his Yankee fitted for as long as I can remember and is arguably one of their biggest fans. So, I eagerly tuned in to witness history in the making. I was not disappointed - Jay-Z and Alicia Keys ripped it. And, to really top off my night the Yankees won!!! God is good....
Jay-Z announced his 24-stops for his Fall tour. The Fall Tour will kick off on October 9th at Penn State. Joining Hova on the tour are N.E.R.D.(Pharrell and Chad Hugo), Wale and J. Cole. For more information visit livenation.com.
Date City Venue Oct 09 State College, PA Penn State/Bryce Jordan Center Oct 10 Cincinnati, OH N Kentucky U/Bank of Kentucky Center Oct 13 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place Oct 14 Calgary, AB Pengrowth Saddledome Oct 15 Kelowna, BC Prospera Place Oct 16 Vancouver, BC General Motors Place Oct 17 Seattle, WA KeyArena Oct 21 Ypsilanti, MI Eastern Michigan U/Convocation Center Oct 23 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center (Powerhouse) Oct 24 Providence, RI Dunkin Donuts Center Oct 25 Amherst, MA U of Mass/Mullins Center Oct 27 Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Arena Oct 28 Columbus, OH Ohio State/ Value City Arena the Schottenstein Center Oct 29 London, ON John Labatt Centre Oct 30 Montreal, QC Bell Centre Oct 31 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre Nov 01 Ottawa, ON Scotiabank Place Nov 07 Fresno, CA Fresno State/Save Mart Center Nov 12 Champaign, IL University of Illinois/Assembly Hall Nov 19 Albuquerque, NM Tingley Coliseum Nov 20 El Paso, TX U of Texas at El Paso/Don Haskins Ctr Nov 21 Lubbock, TX United Spirit Arena Nov 22 Austin, TX U of Texas at Austin/Frank Erwin Center
More cities and dates to be announced soon and are subject to change.
BET has announced the nominees for the 2009 BET Hip Hop Awards. Leading the pack, is Kanye West with nine nominations. Lil Wayne and Jay-Z are not far behind. Ice Cube will get the "I Am Hip Hop Icon Award". Some surprises, no Lil Wayne in the Best Hip Hop Video
Once again, the BET Hip Hop Awards show will be held in Hotlanta. The show will be taped on October 10 and air on October 27 at 8pm. This year's show will be hosted by comedian Mike Epps.
Nominees and categories for the 2009 BET HIP-HOP AWARDS:
In case you missed it, Kanye West appeared on the Jay Leno Show last night. Kanye discussed the Taylor Swift incident and was practically brought to tears. Kanye performed on the show with Jay-Z and Rihanna and took time prior to the performance to discuss his behavior at the MTV Video Music Awards. Kanye admitted that his behavior was "rude" and that he wants to apologize to Taylor Swift in person (uh do ya think!). Leno went on to ask Kanye what would his mother have thought about his behavior. This is when Kanye basically lost it. He sat visibly shaken for a few moments before Leno jumped in with another question to rescue Kanye from the uncomfortable moment .
Here's my take on it. Kanye said he needs to take time off to mourn his mother's death (which he hasn't done thus far). Immediately following his mother's death, Kanye kept performing, travelling, and making music. I have lost both parents (one this past summer) and I can tell you there isn't enough time in the world to mourn a parent's death. So I agree Kanye should take time off and take time for much needed self reflection. The obvious Henny binge drinking is also something he needs to address. That being said, Kanye's behavior is inexcusable. Plain and simple Kanye has some unaddressed issues (but who doesn't?). He is a talented, musical whiz and no one can take that away from him but himself.
Now, before I sign off I have one thing to say, I agree with Kanye's opinion! Beyonce's "Put a Ring On It" was one of the best videos ever however, Kanye didn't have to exercise his First Amendment rights in such a deplorable manner on national television at Taylor Swift's expense. Self control is a beautiful thing and a sign of maturity!
If you haven't already heard, Jay Z and Beyonce were visiting Croatia earlier this week when their bodyguard, Julius, got in a scuffle with the paparazzi. Well, Croatia don't play that and as a result of the altercation, the bodyguard was charged with assault. The charges have been dropped but, the bodyguard will be fined (guess who will be picking up that tab!)
Here is the clip of the altercation and some pics of B and her man vacationing in Dubrovnik, Croatia
