Lil' Mama issues MTV VMA Apology

Now both of last night's troublemakers from the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards have made public apologies for their meddlesome activities. Kanye West blogged his and Lil Mama released a statement of her own, about her reasons for jumping on stage at the end of Jay-Z & Alicia Key's "Empire State of Mind" performance. From EW: Lil Mama has issued a statement to explain why she ran on stage during Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind” at last night’s MTV Video Music Awards. “I did not mean any disrespect towards Jay-Z or Alicia Keys,” the rapper/America’s Best Dance Crew judge says. “I admire them and look up to them as role models. ‘Empire State of Mind’ had my emotions running high. In that moment I came up on stage to celebrate my two icons singing about NY.” Fans continue to be irate over her actions saying that other rap stars who rep New York were in the audience but chose to stay in their seats. Beyonce had more right to be on stage than Lil' Mama, the former Lip Gloss queen, but as we all know B has what Lil' Mama and Kanye West lack: class. Unfortunately it seems as if the MTV VMA's have turned into more of a high school talent show, in terms of the way attendees get involved. In these instances though, there's no strict principal to grab the rowdy individual by their neck and yank them off stage. Kanye West & Lil Mama probably aided the MTV awards by making some noise and generating buzz, but neither did anything worthy of an award, and both need to learn to stay in their seats when attending a show. That is unless, they'd allow fans to randomly run up on stage and hang with them during performances. Well, only Kanye needs to worry about that one...

Jay-Z & Alicia Keys at 2009 MTV VMA's

(Lil' Mama on stage with Jay-Z, Alicia w/ the WTF?) Whether Jay-Z was fashionably late or it was just part of the show, the rapper closed out the strange, controversial and interesting 2009 MTV VMA's with a hardcore rap performance. Jay-Z took to the stage after MTV continually announced he was on his way to the venue several times. Possibly to build hype, or he really was late for the show. Still it was a spirited and boisterous performance by the duo of Jay's Blueprint 3 hit song "Empire State of Mind". Jay's wife Beyonce bootylicious self was shown dancing front row to the track. Jay-Z - New Music - More Music Videos Empire State of Mind Lyrics - Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys Question: What was Lil' Mama doing up on stage at the end of Jay-Z's performance? Notice in the video and pic above, Alicia Keys is wondering what the hell she's doing there. I'm sure she got a talking to later on. The one-hit wonder of "Lip Gloss" fame showed up to pose next to Jay and Alicia Keys following their triumphant performance on stage. Many fans and reviewers of the show believe maybe Lil' Mama was high, but more likely she just wanted her 15 seconds of fame as she isn't relevant right now. Even with last night's stunt, she still was less talked about than Kanye West. More 2009 MTV VMA's Coverage: Kanye West blog Apology to Taylor Swift Kanye West Taylor Swift MTV VMA 2009 incident

Jay-Z Concert from MSG via FUSE TV

(Jay-Z returns to MSG on Fuse TV concert) Jigga man returned once again to the venue he's rocked several times over including his farewell Fade to Black concert before his "retirement" several years ago. This time rapper Jay-Z was back to form as he performed his new album hits, opening the show with singer Alicia Keys to perform "Empire State of Mind" in boisterous fashion as both the rapper and R&B diva boldly belted out their verses and chorus. After the opening cut, Jay gave a shout-out to each borough of NY, with Brooklyn getting the loudest ovation as expected. The rap star then launched into "Where I'm From" off his second album. Jay's 3rd track was the "Brooklyn Go Hard" song from the Notorious movie, complete with pounding drumline and singer Santogold. The crowd erupted in a "HO-VA" chant right after Jay finished, then launched into "PSA" from The Black Album. The stage featured full band as well as digital graphics backdrop which changed to mirror the various tracks. Jay's wifey Beyonce also took to the stage doing her thing as well complete with her own dance crew to back her up. Rapper/producer Pharrel also showed up for the concert to get on stage for "I Jus Wanna Love U". The concert was the "Answer the Call" 9/11 charity concert Friday night at Madison Square Garden. All proceeds went to the New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Fund. Tickets cost just $50 a pop, (inexpensive for a Jay-Z show). Apparently the show sold out in under a minute, and that's no surprise at that price. Jay-Z's newest album was also released on Friday 9/11, "The Blueprint 3" which has received lukewarm reception from critics and fans. Some praise the latest work, while others say it's too much like Kingdom Come. Regardless of how the album itself ranks, this particular live concert shows that Jay-Z still knows how to rock a crowd and put on one helluva show! Watch Jay-Z's "Answer the Call" concert footage here! Get Jay-Z Blueprint 3 lyrics here

Empire State of Mind lyrics - Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys

With September 11, 2009 comes the release of Jay-Z's The Blueprint 3, a 17 track rap album featuring guest rappers Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Young Jeezy and singers like Rihanna and Alicia Keys. R&B diva Alicia Keys is part of one of the standout tracks on Jay's third Blueprint album, a song paying tribute to the Big Apple, New York City. Many fans feel Jay-Z sounds hungry like the Old School Jigga on this track, and that's for sure. Jay raps about everything from the Yankees to NBA to McDonald's, Biggie and how the big city can cause the downfall of many...Here's the lyrics for the track "Empire State of Mind" featuring Alicia Keys on the boisterous chorus. Listen to Empire State of Mind - YouTube video Verse 1 Yeah I'm that Brooklyn Now Im down in Tribecca right next to Dinero But I'll be hood forever I'm the new Sinatra and since I made it here I can make it anywhere, yea they love me everywhere I used to cop in Harlem, all of my dinnany connos(?) right there in Broadway Brought me back to that McDonald's Took it to my stash box, 560 state street catch me in the kitchen like a simmons whippn pastry Cruisin down 8th street, off white lexus Driving so slow but Bk is from Texas Me Im out that Bedstuy home of that boy Biggie Now I live on Billboard and I brought my boys with me Say what up to tay tay still sippin Mai tai's Sittin courtside Knicks and Nets, n----s give me high fives N----a I be spiked out, I could trip a referee Can tell by my attitude that I'm most definitely from... Chorus: In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made up There's nothing you can't do Now you're in New York These streets will make you feel brand new These lights will inspire you Let's hear it for New York, New York, New York.... Uh you're welcome OJ, I made you hot! Verse 2 Catch me at the X with OG at a Yankee game S--t I made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee game You should know I bleed blue, but I ain't a crip though But I got a gang of niggas walkin with my clique though Welcome to the meltin pot, Corners where we sellin s--t Afrika Bambatta s--t home of that hip hop Yellow cab, gypsy cab, dollar cab hollar back For foreigners it ain't fair they act like they forgot how to act 8 million stories out there in the naked City it's the pity, half of yall want make it me I gotta plug Special Ed I got it Made If G's is paying Lebron I'm payin Dwyane Wade Three dice celo, three card marlay Labor day parade, rest in peace Bob Marley Statue of liberty, long live the World Trade Long live the king though, I'm from the Empire state that's.... Chorus: In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made up There's nothing you can't do Now you're in New York (welcome to the bright lights baby) These streets will make you feel brand new Big lights will inspire you Let's hear it for New York, New York, New York.... Lyrics from http://mcmusicnotes.blogspot.com Verse 3 Lights is blinding, girls need blinders or they could step outta bounds quick, the side lines is lined with casualities who sift through life casually and gradually become worse don't bite the apple Eve Caught up in the crowd, now you're in style and in the winter gets cold, in vogue with your skin out City of sin its a pity on a whim Good girls gone bad, the city's filled with them Mommy took a bus trip, now she got her bust out Everybody ride her just like a bus route Hail mary to the city you're a virgin If Jesus can't save ya, life starts when the church in Came here for school graduated to the high life Ballplayers, rap stars addicted to the limelight MD&A got ya feelin like a champion The city never sleeps better slip you an Ambien Chorus: In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made up There's nothing you can't do Now you're in New York (welcome to the bright lights baby) These streets will make you feel brand new Big lights will inspire you Let's hear it for New York, New York, New York.... One hand in the air for the big city Street lights, big dreams all lookin' pretty No place in the world that could compare Put your lighters in the air, everybody say yeaaah, yeaaah yeaah, yeaah... In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made up There's nothing you can't do Now you're in New York (welcome to the bright lights baby) These streets will make you feel brand new Big lights will inspire you Let's hear it for New York, New York, New York.... Lyrics from http://mcmusicnotes.blogspot.com Empire State Mind is found on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint 3 available at Amazon.com. Got edits/corrections? Post them in the comments below!

Jay-Z Blueprint 3 Preview on MTV's The Leak

September 11th, comes 10 days early as MTV has a full album preview of the upcoming Jay-Z album "Blueprint 3" which features his hit tracks "DOA (Death of Autotune)", "Run this Town" and the newest song leaked on the net featuring Drake, "Off That". It seems on this album Jay-Z has gone for a more experimental and definitely crossover sound to appeal to a range of fans. On American Gangster it was straight Jay, just like back in the day. So this album might be closer to Kingdom Come than the original Blueprint. Tracklist for Blueprint 3: 01. What We Talkin' About featuring Luke Steele of Empire of the Sun (4:03) 02. Thank You (4:09) 03. D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune) (4:15) 04. Run This Town featuring Rihanna and Kanye West (4:27) 05. Empire State of Mind featuring Alicia Keys (4:36) 06. Real as It Gets featuring Young Jeezy (4:12) 07. On to the Next One featuring Swizz Beatz (4:16) 08. Off That featuring Drake (4:06) 09. A Star Is Born featuring J. Cole (3:46) 10. Venus vs. Mars (3:10) 11. Already Home featuring Kid Cudi (4:29) 12. Haters featuring Kanye West (2:31) 13. Reminder (4:18) 14. So Ambitious featuring Pharell (4:12) 15. Young Forever featuring Mr. Hudson (4:11) So far an early favorite is "Empire State of Mind" which praises Hov's homestate of NY. It features songstress Alicia Keys, and probably one of the best beats on the album so far featuring a funky piano in the back. Could easily see this one becoming a hot, chart topping single, if Hov chooses to unleash it. "Now you're in New York, these streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you...let's hear it for New York" Alicia sings in the boisterous and upbeat chorus. The final track featuring Mr. Hudson is yet another sample laced crossover style track with the "Forever Young" chorus you're likely to recognize. That may be a single, but who knows right now. Enough about the album, judge for yourself based on the preview at MTV's The Leak. Also, see Newsday's article discussing the upcoming NY benefit concert Jay is doing.

Barack's Bash features Jay-Z, Beyonce

January 20th, 2009 saw the United States' first ever African American president take office with the swearing in of Barack H. Obama. The historic inauguration ceremony was attended by hundreds of thousands, and full of celebration. Various celebrations were shown worldwide in schools, churches and other gatherings across the United States. Tuesday night the festivities continued in DC with a star-studded lineup at Barack Obama's "Neighborhood Ball: Inauguration". The party featured talents such as Nick Cannon hosting, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys and Beyonce singing. Various celebs dropped by as well to express their congrats and emcee including Ray Romano and Jamie Foxx. Oscar award-winning actor Denzel Washington had the honor of introducing President Barack Obama and first lady Michele Obama at the Ball. R&B diva Beyonce Knowles sang for the couple as they shared their first dance since taking office. Beyonce sang the Etta James classic "At Last" while Barack and Michele slow danced on stage underneath the spotlight. Jay-Z performed his unreleased tribute to Obama entitled "History" which is scheduled to be on his upcoming "The Blueprint 3" album. Mariah, Shakira, Alicia Keys, Faith Hill, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Mary J. Blige, will.i.am and Maroon 5 got on stage together during the show to commemorate Obama by singing a rousing collaborative version of Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered". Obama said they came up with the idea for the Neighborhood Ball because they're "neigborhood people" and Obama first cut his teeth while working to help neighborhoods. The 44th President said this Ball captures the true spirit of his campaign involving neighbors, "because together we are going to change America".

Alicia Keys in Fresh Takes

Tonight during MTV's Reality show, The Hills, R&B sensation Alicia Keys makes her mini TV acting debut. Keys will star in a mini-series (commercial length show) called "Fresh Takes" which airs during The Hills commercial break. The show's premiere celebrates the launch of a new Dove fragrance-driven product collection aimed at the 20-something female crowd. From CNN Money: "Fresh Takes" uses entertainment and humor to give viewers a look at three 20-something girlfriends as they put their everyday pressures in a fresh perspective. Using the budding micro-series TV format, "Fresh Takes" will broadcast three-minute episodes nationwide during "The Hills," MTV's No. 1 show for 20-something women, over a five-week period beginning March 24 (10 p.m. EDT / 9 p.m. Central). The micro-series was created and produced by MindShare Entertainment and MTV. Alicia Keys headlines the series, alongside up-and-coming actresses Desi Lydic and Jessalyn Wanlim. * Alex (Alicia Keys): Fearless, fun and always falling in love, the stylish Alex works at a trendy music PR firm View the full article at CNN Money.com for more info on the show. View Alicia Keys No One Lyrics

Music Lyrics - No One by Alicia Keys

Here's the music lyrics for the hit R&B song by Alicia Keys, No One. It comes from the latest Alicia Keys' album entitled "As I Am". No One by Alicia Keys (As I Am) I just want you close Where you can stay forever You can be sure That it will only get better. You and me together, Through the days and nights. I don't worry cause Everything's gonna be alright People keep talking they can say what they like But all I know is everything's gonna be alright. No one, no one, no one--- Can get in the way of what I'm feeling No one, no one, no one--- Can get in the way of what I feel for you, you, you Can get in the way of what I feel for you When the rain is pouring down, And my heart is hurting, You will always be around, This I know for certain. You and me together Through the days and nights I don't worry cause Everything's gonna be alright People keep talking they can say what they like But all i know is everything's gonna be alright No one, no one, no one--- Can get in the way of what I'm feeling No one, no one, no one--- Can get in the way of what I feel for you, you, you Can get in the way of what I feel I know some people search the world To find something like what we have I know people will try try to divide something so real So till the end of time I'm telling you there ain't no one No one, no one, no one--- Can get in the way of what I'm feeling No one, no one, no one--- Can get in the way of what I feel for you, you, you Can get in the way of what I feel for you Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Get Alicia Keys ringtones at Funtonia! Check out Alicia Keys albums at Amazon.com Check out more rap music lyrics at MC's Music Notes.

The Music of Superbowl 42

Looks like we won't have to worry about any sock on the arm Britney performances or Janet wardrobe malfunctions this Superbowl Sunday. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers should make for a rockin' halftime. Petty said the band had to try to pick out the best songs to fit the time in between halves, but overall the band has had a great experience so far in AZ. Hip hop diva herself, Alicia Keys will be performing pre-game. According to voanews.com, Keys is honored with being able to perform at the big event: "It feels wonderful to be in your country and representing so many groups of people, all walks of life," Keys said. "And music goes along with that, so I think for like something that I'm going to do for the pre-show, I'm just basically going to take you by your neck (grab your attention) and demand that you watch me." The National Anthem will be sung by none other than the youngest ever American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks. Jordin is currently on the hit song "No Air" featuring Chris Brown. Sparks has NFL ties as well, as her father Phillippi is a former player for the New York Giants. So the Giants might have a bit of luck on their side after Sparks' sings. "I'm a huge, humungous football fan. So to be able to sing at the Super Bowl and I get to be at one. I've never been to a Super Bowl before so I am just like, it's a whole bunch of firsts for me," Sparks said." Read more about the Superbowl music here. There will also be 37 advertisers trying to get attention with commercials during timeouts and TV breaks. The average spent on a 30 second spot was 2.7 million dollars. Ads will feature stars like Madonna, Carlos Mencia, Justin Timberlake and Will Ferrell. See a complete list of Superbowl ads from USA Today

Top 10 MP3 Real Ringtones

Right now Mary J, Kanye West and Santana are dominating some of the hot ringtone sales. Courtesy of Funtonia, here's a look at the top 10 MP3 ringtones from their website as of January 20, 2008: No One by Alicia Keys Flashing Lights by Kanye West Into the Night by Carlos Santana f/Chad Kroeger Duffle Bag by Playaz Circle feat. Lil Wayne I'm So Hood by DJ Khaled feat. T-Pain Teardrops on My Guitar by Taylor Swift Can't Help But Wait by Trey Songz Just Fine by Mary J. Blige Kiss Kiss by Chris Brown Stay by Sugarland Check out more great ringtones at Funtopia!

Music Lyrics - No One by Alicia Keys

Here are the music lyrics for the hit Alicia Keys song "No One". The song appears on Alicia Keys' solo album entitled, As I Am No One by Alicia Keys album: As I Am I just want you close Where you can stay forever You can be sure That it will only get better You and me together Through the days and nights I don't worry 'cuz Everything's gonna be alright People keep talking They can say what they like But all I know is everything's gonna be alright No one no one no one Can get in the way of what I'm feeling No one no one no one Can get in the way of what I feel for you You you Can get in the way of what I feel for you When the rain is pouring down And my heart is hurting You will always be around This I know for certain You and me together Through the days and nights I don't worry cause Everythings gonna be alright People keep talking They can say what they like But all I know is everything's gonna be alright No one no one no one Can get in the way of what I'm feeling No one no one no one Can get in the way of what I feel for you You you Can get in the way of what I feel I know some people search the world To find something like what we have I know people will try Try to divide Something so real So till the end of time I'm telling you there is no one No one no one no one Can get in the way of what I'm feeling No one no one no one Can get in the way of what I feel for you Oh oh oh... Pick up Alicia Keys' As I Am at Amazon.com! Get Alicia Keys Ringtones at Funtonia!