“Welcome to the Dollhouse” a hit

On March 18th, 2008, Danity Kane released their sophomore album in the United States. The album which entered the Billboard charts at number one sold well over 200,000 copies in its first week in release.

The singing sensation was united through the direction of Bad Boy Records CEO Sean Combs on the third season of MTV’s hit reality tv show, Making the Band. Since then, the band has gone on to have a successful music career and sell millions of albums.

The band itself is a testament to the power of television and how it can still make viable acts successful. Although television shows like American Idol deliver larger ratings, winners like Jordin Sparks and Taylor Hicks have failed to launch successful music careers. Danity Kane has utilized the public channels it has been given to their benefit with them being the only group to have both their debut and sophomore albums land at number one on the Billboard Charts.

Beyonce and Jay-Z possible wedding today

There’s a rumor going around the internet about a possible wedding occurring today between two of music’s biggest artists, Beyonce and Jay-Z. The darling of Destiny’s Child is rumored to have been dating the hip-hop mogul since early 2003. In an eerie coincidence with today’s date of 4/4, both stars’ birthday’s are on the 4th of their respective months.

The other two members of Destiny’s Child, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams posted a video found here. In the video the two women talk about “sisters getting together” and “being posted up in an undisclosed location.” The posting plus the information released in the video point towards the two starlets being bridesmaid in Beyonce’s pending nuptials.

Another sign that points towards the pending wedding includes the couple filing for a wedding license in Scarsdale, NY earlier this week. This morning there were accounts of floral arrangements, candelabras and a tent being delivered to apartment building in NYC where Jay-Z owns a penthouse at the top of the building.

This wedding could be one of the biggest events of the year considering it will unite two of the world’s biggest superstars in a union that will presumably last forever.

Rapper T.I. Faces A Year in Prison

Rapper T.I. was found guilty of purchasing unregistered machine guns and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to over 1,000 hours of community service and a year in prison. The community service initiative that T.I. will have to complete is educating youth about the dangers of guns, gangs and drugs.

The rapper born Clifford Harris is hopeful about his future. He said,”I’m looking forward to turning this negative time in my life into a positive.”

The sentence is a striking blow to T.I. in a period where his career is blazing. His fifth album, “T.I. vs. T.I.P.,” was released domestically on July 3, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard album charts. Other recent career highlights from T.I. include a foray into acting appearing in the Oscar-nominated film “American Gangster.”

The success of the community service act will be crucial in determining whether T.I. will remain the force in hip-hop that he currently is.

R&B singer Brandy reflects on decisions

On December 30th, 2006, R&B singing sensation Brandy was involved in a automobile accident that claimed the life of a motorist. The driver of the 2005 Toyota and mother of one, Awatef Aboudihaj, 38, died at Holy Cross Hospital as a result of her injuries the following day.

The accident which occurred on the 405 Freeway in Los Angeles at 10:30 a.m. happened as a result of Brandy being unable to slow down in time to react to cars that had suddenly slowed down in front of her. There was no evidence that drugs or alcohol played a role in the accident. Brandy was not arrested by the police but does face involuntary vehicular manslaughter charges.

Brandy would like to express her honest and sincere condolences for those harmed or affected as a result of the accident. She would especially hope to express her deep sadness and regret for the family of Awatef Aboudihaj. She realizes this is a tragedy that has left a child to grow up without a mother which should never happen. Pending the civil suit, Brandy cannot discuss the matter further.

Brandy also respectfully asks the media to respect all parties involved in the accident.

*Sources used include www.cnn.com, www.usmagazine.com

“A New Earth” owes alot to Oprah…..as many others do too

Oprah Winfrey’s most recent choice for her book club, “A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose,” has quickly become a huge hit among the American public. The book has been flying off of the shelves with over 3.5 million books shipped since Oprah revealed the book as her latest book club choice.

Written by Eckhart Tolle, ‘A New Earth” is a self help book that has taken America by storm. Tolle is just another beneficiary that has gained success by the gracious hand of Oprah. While I’m sure his book is probably quite the inspiring read, it’s nevertheless a testament to the media empire that Oprah has built.

An endorsement by Oprah is as good as her writing you a blank check. Barack Obama, Rachael Ray, and Dr. Phil have all reaped the benefits of having Oprah in their corner. She is force to be reckoned with in terms of the influence she carries. Oprah’s audience would probably eat dog food if Oprah endorsed Iams.

“A New Earth” is phenomenon that’s owes it’s sudden popularity to Oprah over two years after it’s initial release.

Step Up 2 the Streets

On Valentine’s Day February 14th , Buena Vista Pictures released “Step Up 2 the Streets” in wide release. A sequel to the massive hit of the same name, “Step Up 2 the Streets” continues in the trend of pairing up the hot guy from the wrong side of the tracks to an attractive uptight rich girl.

The movie was well-received by the romantic crowd during the weekend taking in $18 million . The movie opened to mixed reviews but probably won’t be winning an Oscar in 2009. The movie will appeal to a younger audience because of the dancing and the role featuring R&B sensation Cassie.

Kanye West North American Tour

                                                      

Kanye West announced two weeks ago dates for an upcoming North American leg of his Graduation tour entitled “The Glow in the Dark Tour.” The tour will bring together some of the hottest acts in music today including Lupe Fiasco, Rihanna and N.E.R.D. The 20 date tour will begin in Seattle, WA. on April 16th and will end on May 15th in Mansfield, MA.

The tour should be a great move for all of the acts involved. Kanye West is arguably one of the biggest acts in music today with hit single after hit single coming out and recruiting a super-star roster of supporting acts will definitely ensure the popularity of the tour. Rihanna has had a banner year as well and this tour will only further prove to boost her national image. Lupe Fiasco has emerged as one of the hottest artists to watch in the coming months with numerous features and spotlights on him.

                                                                         

The announcement of the tour coincides with the release of Kanye West’s fourth single “Flashing Lights” off of his Graduation disc. With the release of the video for the fourth single combined with a tour that is already selling out dates across the country, Kanye West is on target to dominate the charts for another year.

Yes We Can!

Earlier this week, Will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas fame released a video featuring Jesse Dylan, Will.i.am, Common, Scarlett Johansson, Tatyana Ali, John Legend, Herbie Hancock, Kate Walsh, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Adam Rodriquez, Kelly Hu, Adam Rodriquez, Amber Valetta, Eric Balfour, Aisha Tyler, Nicole Scherzinger and Nick Cannon lip syncing to the Barack Obama “Yes We Can!” speech . This YouTube.com standout was released with the hopes of getting younger voters to turn out and vote in the primary elections. “Yes We Can!” quickly spread throughout the internet increasing buzz for Barack Obama leading up to Super Tuesday.

Celebrity endorsements of political candidates can be beneficial for both the celebrities and the political figures they’re supporting. “Yes We Can!” combined A-list and B-list celebrities together in a release that introduced Scarlett Johansson’s singing voice to the world and presented a bunch of actors on a national scale including Eric Balfour, Aisha Tyler and Kelly Hu. Rumors have been speculating around the blogosphere about an upcoming  Scarlett Johansson album and this video gave the world a sneak preview of what may be coming. The endorsement lit a fire under the Barack Obama’s online presence veiled behind a promotional tool to inspire voter-turnout.

This video is just another example of the ever-increasing importance of celebrity in politics. Celebrities today are more outspoken politically than ever before which can have an effect in the public realm. Public backlash and uproars to celebrities speaking out politically can inspire people to support or counteract.