**TCApproved* News, Music, and Fashion updates + much more!!!

Sexxxxxxy BMW

2009-09-01T16:20:00.000-04:00

kanYe West : Blog : BMW VISION EFFICIENT DYNAMICS

2009-09-01T16:12:00.001-04:00

kanYe West : Blog : BMW VISION EFFICIENT DYNAMICS

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Backspin Fail (via Failblog.org)

2009-08-26T11:13:00.000-04:00

Pogo Stick Fail (via Failblog.org)

2009-08-26T11:09:00.001-04:00

Building Demolition FAIL (via Failblog.org)

2009-08-26T10:47:00.000-04:00

Michael Jackson and Soulja Boy present: Crank the Earth (A "Mashup Germany" production")

2009-08-21T15:14:00.001-04:00

TRACK OF THE WEEK: "HEARTLESS" (Cover) by THE FRAY

2009-08-18T15:45:00.001-04:00

The FRAY - Heartless from IE HAGY on Vimeo.

Roar Renegade Souls Hooded Blazer (TCApproved!!!)

2009-08-13T15:22:00.002-04:00

"ALONE" by Amy Powers

2009-08-13T14:12:00.002-04:00

"Dark Room" + More by Thorsten Jankowski

2009-08-13T13:51:00.001-04:00

"SYMMETRY" by Thorsten Jankowski

2009-08-13T13:43:00.002-04:00

"Pretty Wings" by MAXWELL (Official Music Video/TCApproved!!!)

2009-08-10T14:02:00.003-04:00

Maxwell - New Music - More Music Videos

Model Of The Week: Gyenum Lyu (TCApproved!!!)

2009-08-10T13:57:00.001-04:00

"Collazo Creatives" by Walter Collazo (TCApproved!!!)

2009-08-10T13:38:00.001-04:00

Track of the Week: "There's Nothing Left" by Mickey Factz (TCApproved!!!)

2009-08-10T13:32:00.001-04:00

"Warp Speed" + more by Zeeshan Ahmed (TCApproved!!!)

2009-08-10T13:22:00.001-04:00

"Plaça de la Llana" + more from Salvador Sabater (TCApproved!!!)

2009-08-10T13:16:00.002-04:00

Aqua & Aerial Photography by "Linh Dinh" (TCApproved!!!)

2009-08-10T13:06:00.001-04:00

"Prison Blues"... Custom Nike Dunks!!! (TCApproved!!!)

2009-08-02T20:03:00.002-04:00

Feature Model of the Week: ARLENIS SOSA

2009-08-01T19:58:00.002-04:00

"AS ONE" BY MAKOTO YABUKI

2009-08-01T18:44:00.001-04:00

AS ONE from makoto yabuki on Vimeo.

TCApproved Throwback: "Heard em say" by K. West

2009-08-01T18:29:00.002-04:00

Kanye west feat adam levine - heard em say
by mutanyagwa

Kanye West @ Chicago Theatre: Part 2

2009-07-26T14:38:00.002-04:00

Kanye West @ Chicago Theatre: Part 1

2009-07-26T14:38:00.001-04:00

"Polo" by Ralph Lauren: Shoe Collection

2009-07-25T14:43:00.002-04:00

Pop Icon Embroidered Blazer = Fresh!!!

2009-07-25T14:31:00.002-04:00

Roar Revolution Blazer (TCApproved!)

2009-07-25T14:25:00.001-04:00

BKE Towson Sweater

2009-07-25T14:21:00.002-04:00

Moskatelle Sweater

2009-07-25T14:16:00.001-04:00

"Obsessed" by Mariah Carey

2009-07-25T13:54:00.002-04:00

Mariah Carey - Obsessed / NEW
by PeteRock

Christina Stefanidi (Model of the Week)

2009-07-20T23:18:00.002-04:00

via kanyeuniversecity

First look at the HTC HERO

2009-07-20T22:08:00.002-04:00

L.A.S.E.R.S. Trailer

2009-07-20T21:53:00.000-04:00

via MYSPACE.com/LupeFiasco

"Broken" by Lifehouse

2009-07-19T22:59:00.000-04:00

Broken - Lifehouse

Pharrell speaks on Michael Jackson's legacy

2009-07-19T22:57:00.000-04:00

via HHDX

LET ME BEEEE YOUR SUPERNOOOOOOVVVVVVAAAA!!!!!

2009-07-19T22:53:00.000-04:00

via HHDX

Lupe Fiasco "Smash the MIC" Interview/Performance

2009-07-19T22:48:00.000-04:00

via HHDX

"Remember Me" by T.I. and Mary J Blige

2009-07-19T22:42:00.000-04:00

via HHDX

PETA reveals sources of all the HOTTEST fashion materials and the methods used to obtain them! Watch below!!!

2009-04-27T01:45:00.000-04:00

Oprah's Academy for Excellence and Higher Learning takes yet another hit...

2009-04-02T03:45:00.000-04:00

It turns out that last week seven girls were expelled from the Oprah Winfrey’s all girls boarding school in South Africa. Word is the 7 girls were caught raping other students.Here’s what:

The paper reported that the girls allegedly tried to force pupils into relationships with each other, and to touch each other intimately.The Times spoke to Masechaba Hinne, a mother and grandmother of two of the expelled girls. She said that she received a letter from the school saying that [the girls] “have been found guilty of physical contact of a sexual nature with another pupil on campus … bullying other girls and … not telling investigators the whole truth”. [She continued,] "How does a girl sexually molest the other? There are no boys in that school," she said.Yesterday, Winfrey’s spokeswoman in South Africa, Lisa Halliday, said: “We consider this to be a confidential school matter.”

It’s so sad that all Oprah was trying to do is help children … and she gets caught in this mess…

One person had this to say about the incident:

"Rape has been used as a psychological weapon over there A LOT, and I bet a LOT of those girls/women are psychologically a mess.Rather than ostracize the girls for it, they need to get to the root of the problems. There is an entire generation of women who will be mentally and sexually messed up for generations after what has been done to them. Our leaders need to confront the problem head on. Women and very young girls have been all but abandoned over there."

Atlanta Falcons and Michael Vick settle fiancial dispute

2009-04-02T03:36:00.000-04:00

The settlement should pave the way for Vick's imminent release from the team. He has remained under contract with the team while serving a 21-month prison term for his 2007 conviction for bankrolling a dogfighting operation.

"We were able to resolve our claim in a way that was acceptable to Michael and acceptable to us," team president Rich McKay said. "It was just a good, old-fashioned negotiation."

The Falcons were awarded a $20 million claim by the NFL's special master in a grievance filed against Vick, alleging he breached his contract when he was criminally convicted. However, Doty overturned the special master's ruling, saying that Vick was only responsible for $3.75 million, a pro-rated amount of his signing bonus.

In the settlement, Vick agreed to let the appeals court make a ruling but would only pay a maximum of $7.5 million and a minimum of $6.5 million. The appeals court is expected to rule no later than June.

The settlement was reached ahead of Vick's bankruptcy hearing Thursday in Norfolk, Va. He arrived in Virginia Monday afternoon from his holding cell in Leavenworth, Kan., and is being held at Western Tidewater Regional Jail in Suffolk, Va. Vick was being held in a general population block but had limited contact with other inmates, said Lt. Tanya Scott, the facility's spokeswoman. She said one of Vick's attorneys met with him Tuesday, but he'd had no other visitors.

A bankruptcy judge in Newport News ordered Vick to testify in person at his hearing. He was required to pay the costs of his transfer from the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan., where he's been serving a 23-month sentence for his role in the dogfighting operation.
Vick has been approved for transfer to home confinement no sooner than May 21, about two months before his scheduled release from federal custody. After that, he hopes to resume his NFL career.

It won't be in Atlanta.

By Chris MortensenESPN.com

Touching Cardboard Ministry (Part 3)

2009-03-23T11:23:00.001-04:00

Touching Cardboard Ministry (Part 2)

2009-03-23T11:22:00.000-04:00

Touching Cardboard Ministry (Part 1)

2009-03-23T11:04:00.000-04:00

Presidential Picks! (Pitt)

2009-03-18T17:57:00.001-04:00

Go Go Gadget Flow/Dumb It Down PERFORMED Live!!!

2009-03-18T03:04:00.000-04:00

Lesbians face abuse and endure "Corrective Rapes" in Africa

2009-03-18T00:19:00.000-04:00

Christina Milian: Checks in after session

2009-03-15T03:02:00.000-04:00

Christina Following up from the studio!!!

Christina Milian talks new single, cancer awareness, and T-Mobile G1

2009-03-15T02:36:00.000-04:00

Christina After the Gala

Lupe works the crowd like NONE OTHER!!! (Audio scrambled)

2009-03-14T13:40:00.001-04:00

Chris Brown's court proceedings!

2009-03-12T17:22:00.000-04:00

Robin Givens speaks on Domestic Abuse

2009-03-12T16:54:00.000-04:00

Robin Givens takes time out to discuss personal instances related to domestic abuse.

Keri Hilson and Kanye West... together?

2009-03-12T16:10:00.001-04:00

This recently released teaser video for Keri Hilson's song "Make Love" has some people speculating that Keri Hilson has a new love interest... and he goes by the name of Kanye West! Ye is featured in the video as Keri's boyfriend who anxiously awaits her return home and the two stars subsequently appear in a series of very intimate shots together. Take a look below, and judge for yourself. Good acting? Or something more...

Performance of The Year (Thus far...): Kanye West- "Love Lockdown"

2009-03-03T00:54:00.000-05:00

VH1 TV Shows | Music Videos | Celebrity Photos | News & Gossip

Kanye finished with music to pursue fashion design!!! (Read full interview on details.com)

2009-02-19T01:57:00.000-05:00

Lupe Fiasco: Recipient of USA's "Character Approved" Award

2009-02-07T16:41:00.000-05:00

SUPER BOWL COMMERCIALS: Best Of...

2009-02-02T10:35:00.001-05:00

Bud Light - Conan O'Brien @ Yahoo! Video

SUPER BOWL COMMERCIALS: Best Of...

2009-02-02T10:33:00.001-05:00

Doritos - Crystal Ball @ Yahoo! Video

SUPER BOWL COMMERCIALS: Best Of...

2009-02-02T10:32:00.001-05:00

Pepsi - MacGruber @ Yahoo! Video

SUPER BOWL COMMERCIALS: Best Of...

2009-02-02T10:28:00.000-05:00

Bud Light - Man Thrown Out Window @ Yahoo! Video

Track of the Week: "I Am" by Novel ft. Ben Folds, Talib Kweli, and Spree Wilson

2009-01-27T02:52:00.000-05:00

Novel Ft. Ben Folds, Talib Kweli & Spree Wilson - I Am [New]
by Yannicklord

Jay-Z @ the Neighborhood Ball-Victory

2009-01-22T00:39:00.000-05:00

BARACK OBAMA'S 2009 INAUGURATION SPEECH

2009-01-21T03:38:00.000-05:00

This is history.... plain and simple. Barack Obama is OFFICIALLY THE 44TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!

New Cory Gunz & Mickey Factz Freestyle on The Deal

2009-01-20T03:20:00.000-05:00

Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiick freestyle by Corey Gunz and Mickey Factz. Peep it out!

T-Mobile G1 Vs. Apple iPhone 3G

2009-01-15T21:22:00.000-05:00

A side-by-side comparative look at how the new T-Mobile G1 and it's innovative "Android" platform stacks up against the Apple iPhone 3G.

Track of the Week

2009-01-15T20:50:00.000-05:00

Kevin Rudolf ft Lil Wayne - Let It Rock
by Kevin-Rudolf

One of the HOTTEST joints out right now!!! Dont sleep on Kevin's album: "In the City" either! Enjoy the track!

Bush cites Obama Inauguration as "Moment of Hope"

2009-01-15T16:00:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON – Exiting the White House after two turbulent terms, President George W. Bush on Thursday said goodbye to the nation by calling the start of Barack Obama's presidency a "moment of hope and pride for our whole nation." "Standing on the steps of the Capitol will be a man whose story reflects the enduring promise of our land," Bush said of Tuesday's inauguration of Obama, who will be the first black president.

In a farewell address, Bush defended his record. During bleak economic times, with much of the country worried about kitchen-table issues, Bush again warned that the biggest threat to the country is another terrorist attack.

The White House released early excerpts of Bush's 8 p.m. EST speech.

"Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks," said Bush, long saddled with low public approval ratings. "There are things I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I have always acted with the best interests of our country in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right. You may not agree with some tough decisions I have made. But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions."

Bush also prodded the country to lead the cause of freedom and maintain its "moral clarity" in what he described as a choice between good and evil.

"I have often spoken to you about good and evil," he added. "This has made some uncomfortable. But good and evil are present in this world, and between the two there can be no compromise."

For Bush, the speech is more than a thanks to the nation that elected him twice. It is his last chance in office to define his tumultuous presidency in his own, unfiltered terms as he rides off to a quieter life.

Bush's speech covers the nation's response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and what he considers to be the high points of his domestic agenda.
For presidents, parting thoughts are not about parting shots. This farewell will be no different. But Bush is proud of his record and will go out defending it.
In that sense, the goodbye address will underscore the competing accounts of his presidency one last time.

Bush and his loyal backers see his record this way: He kept the country safe from attack after terrorism redefined his presidency, cut taxes, freed the people of Afghanistan and Iraq, reformed education, oversaw 52 straight months of job growth, acted decisively when the economy tanked, stuck to principle no matter what his poll numbers, retooled the military and improved federal crisis management after the worst U.S. natural disaster happened on his watch.

To his critics, Bush wasted the world's goodwill after the Sept. 11 attacks, got the nation into a catastrophic and avoidable Iraq war, presided over a staggering 2.6 million jobs lost in 2008, ran up debt, reacted slowly to Hurricane Katrina, did more dividing than uniting and refused to listen to the will of the people.Historians say the fairest assessment will come over time. Bush says accurate short-term history does not even exist.

Yet this much is also clear: The president does care about how the country views his time in office. Right now.

In essence, he has been giving legacy addresses for weeks. He has held separate events to defend his record on protecting the country, helping veterans, promoting volunteerism, appointing judges, expanding trade, reshaping the military, overhauling education and fighting AIDS in impoverished lands.

On its Web site, the White House has even gone so far as to post "100 things Americans may not know about the Bush administration record."
The speech is expected to be Bush's last public commentary as president.
Bush will deliver it from the East Room of the White House, where the audience will include a few dozen people chosen for their personal stories, a practice normally reserved for a State of the Union address.

Life after the White House will find Bush in two homes — his beloved ranch in Crawford, Texas, and the new home that first lady Laura Bush picked for them in an affluent Dallas neighborhood. He plans to write a book and run a new policy institute, but also will quickly get off the public stage.

"You just fade out," Bush told reporters from Texas newspapers last week. "That's fine with me. The faster the fade, the better."

By BEN FELLER, Associated Press Writer Ben Feller, Associated Press Writer

Virgin Megastore to Eliminate Times Square Venue!

2009-01-15T15:57:00.000-05:00

With their ongoing troubles concerning low sales, music retailers have recently begun closing stores in once-profitable markets. The latest victim of this move is Virgin Megastore, specifically their Times Square location, which will close its doors in April.

According to Billboard, the decision to close the Times Square store has been on Virgin Megastore's agenda since last June when new owners Related Companies and Vornado Realty Trust, two lucrative real estate companies, were seeking new renters for the prime location.
As America’s biggest music retail store, Times Square's Virgin Megastore raked in $55 million a year, with a $6 million profit line. However, the low rent paid by Virgin was not in the best interest for Vornado, who bought the 180,000 square-foot downtown space in 2006. At the time, it was estimated that Virgin only paid $54 per square-foot when market numbers had the area priced around $700 per square-foot.

Related and Vornado have already found renting suitors in Forever 21, a fashion department store that specializes in young women’s apparel. Though the agreement is likely more than what Virgin was originally paying, the renting price is still unknown at this current time.
The Times Square

Posted by Edwin Ortiz

2009-01-15T15:54:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! I have been taking a hiatus from the site to focus on school and other things but I WILL be resuming construction and maintenance of the site! I'm sorry for the long absence and I do not anticipate another one! Thank you and enjoy the posts!

"Amazin" by Kanye West ft. Young Jeezy

2008-11-11T21:37:00.000-05:00

New Kanye joint!!!! Chex it ouuuut!!!

Asian kids put a new spin on TI's Hit Single!

2008-11-11T00:56:00.000-05:00

A parody of Ti's hit single "Whatever you Like". This is entitled "Asian Boy Eat Rice Music Video: Whatever You Like PARODY"..... Enjoy!

Obama sets US Trials in motion for Guantanamo Bay Detainees

2008-11-11T00:42:00.000-05:00

President-elect Obama's advisers are crafting plans to close the Guantanamo Bay prison and prosecute terrorism suspects in the U.S., a plan the Bush administration said Monday was easier said than done.

Under the plan being crafted inside Obama's camp, some detainees would be released and others would be charged in U.S. courts, where they would receive constitutional rights and open trials. But, underscoring the difficult decisions Obama must make to fulfill his pledge of shutting down Guantanamo, the plan could require the creation of a new legal system to handle the classified information inherent in some of the most sensitive cases.

Many of the about 250 Guantanamo detainees are cleared for release, but the Bush administration has not able been to find a country willing to take them.
Advisers participating directly in the planning spoke on condition of anonymity because the plans aren't final.

The plan being developed by Obama's team has been championed by legal scholars from both political parties. But as details surfaced Monday, it drew criticism from Democrats who oppose creating a new legal system and from Republicans who oppose bringing terrorism suspects to the U.S. mainland.

Obama foreign policy adviser Denis McDonough said the president-elect wants Guantanamo closed, but no decision has been made "about how and where to try the detainees, and there is no process in place to make that decision until his national security and legal teams are assembled."

Obama seeks a break from the Bush administration, which established military tribunals to prosecute detainees at the Navy base in Cuba and strongly opposes bringing prisoners to the United States. At the White House, spokeswoman Dana Perino said Monday that President Bush has faced many challenges in trying to close the prison.

Obama Planning US Trials for Gitmo Detainees
Barack Obama's advisers are quietly crafting a plan to ship dozens, if not hundreds, of imprisoned terrorism suspects to the United States to face criminal trials, a plan that would make good on his promise to close the Guantanamo Bay prison. (Nov. 7)

"We've tried very hard to explain to people how complicated it is. When you pick up people off the battlefield that have a terrorist background, it's not just so easy to let them go," Perino said. "These issues are complicated, and we have put forward a process that we think would work in order to put them on trial through military tribunals."

But Obama has been critical of that process and his legal advisers said finding an alternative will be a top priority. One of those advisers, Harvard law professor Laurence Tribe, acknowledges that bringing detainees to the U.S. would be controversial but said it could be accomplished.

Source/Author: APUZZO and LARA JAKES JORDAN

Kanye performs Live at the EMA Ceremony

2008-11-07T22:26:00.000-05:00

Kanye performs his 1st single, Love Lockdown, at the 2008 MTV EMA Event. He also performs "American Boy" with Estelle. Watch the full performance below.

Sarah Palin thought Africa was a country.

2008-11-07T13:38:00.000-05:00

According to FOX News. Sarah Palin was unaware that Africa was a continent. Watch the video below for the full story.

Kanye Speaks on his upcoming album "808's and Heartbreak

2008-11-07T13:13:00.000-05:00

Documentary on Barack Obama to be debuted in 2009

2008-11-07T13:01:00.000-05:00

HBO has acquired the rights to a documentary film on President-elect Barack Obama and will air the film next year.

According to news.yahoo.com, the film is produced by actor Edward Norton and his Class 5 Films company.

Norton reportedly approached the Obama campaign in early 2006 about producing a documentary about his life in politics.

Filming began prior to Obama announcing his bid for the presidency and followed him all the way up until election night this past Tuesday (November 4).

Directors Amy Rice and Alicia Sams were granted unprecedented access inside Obama's daily life and campaign for the presidency.

"Senator Obama's history-making race for the White House has given our film a perfect framework to explore the pulse of the country at this vital moment in our history," said Norton.

HBO reportedly paid seven figures for the US rights to the documentary.

Source:Posted: 11/07/2008 :: Author: StreetCred.com

Lupe Fiasco asks Chi-Town to "Wake Up"

2008-11-07T12:40:00.000-05:00

Lupe talks about the Chi, Barack Obama and more during a performance at the Congress Theater on Halloween.

Source: [HipHopDX.com]

Beyonce seeks to perform at Obama's Inauguration

2008-11-07T11:38:00.000-05:00

Beyonce has decided to offer her support of President Elect Barack Obama in the form of a live performance at his Inaguration on January 20th, 2009.

"I'm there. I can't wait. I feel like all of us, we're ready to do whatever we have to do. Whatever they want - if they need me to volunteer, they need me to sing, I'm there, and I'm ready," she said, according to the Associated Press.

Beyonce was scheduled to do promo in Japan on election night, but postponed after further reconsideration.

"I said, 'What am I doing? I'm completely making a bad decision. I have to go home, I'm gonna kill myself if I'm not home in America,'" she said. "I knew I needed to be here."

She also went on to discuss what the Election meant to her and her family and the new mindset that has infected the youth as a result.

"My nephew, who is 4, when we say, 'You can do whatever, you can be whatever,' it's not cliche. You have no doubt that it's not true," she said.

"I fell asleep crying and smiling at the same time," she laughed

Author: Kai the Halo (TCApproved.Blogspot.com Columnist)

One Nation Under God.

2008-11-07T03:52:00.000-05:00

Many of you already know this, but I have a group entitled "Scripture 4 ya Struggle" and I send out weekly messages every wednesday featuring a scripture and how it ties into our lives. Well this week is a particularly interesting week, because we have a new President in Barack Obama and this week I based my message off of that major development. Thus, I just wanted to share it with more people and get some feedback. It's long... but if u take the time to read it, you may then be able to provide some extra insight and further electrify the issue. I'm tagging folks at random too, so if i dont know u and you got tagged then u know why. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing everyone's comments and feelings on the matter

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."
Romans 13:1

As many of you may know, Barack Obama was elected President of the United States of America last night. I've heard mixed reactions to this news. I've heard the highest of praises and excitement at this news, and I've heard some of the most cruel and derogatory remarks spew from the mouths of self-proclaimed "Christians". The theme of my message tonight is easy to understand, but not nearly as easy to put into practice. It is discussed by many who don't even understand the basic principals of it themselves. That theme is unity. There are 650 members in this group and I am positive that many people supported Obama and that many supported McCain. But satisfaction and disappointment in politics is NEVER a sound reason to resort to slanderous/offensive speech. As the scripture above suggests, we must RESPECT (that doesn't mean agree with, but rather, peaceably disagree and proceed to find common ground) the authorities of this land. I know many of you didn't like Obama and vice-versa, but we must realize that regardless of who is elected as President, God is still God. We are Christians before we are Democrats. We are Christians before we are Republicans. We are Christians before we are Independents. That means that even if we HATE the outcome of a particular situation, we MUST recognize who we are as soldiers in the army of the light and let that light outshine our hate, fear, frustration, and the like. We must ALL UNITE to PRAY for and SUPPORT Barack Obama even if he wasn't the candidate we supported. Why? Because it was God's will. God would not have allowed Obama to win, if he did not wish for it to be so. Do we know the precise reason why the Lord allowed Obama to claim victory, no... and we may NEVER know. But what we do know, is that in this particular case, the old antiquated thinking that plagued so many individuals before the Civil Rights movement has no place in the heart and spirit that supposedly belong to The Lord Jesus Christ. Treating those who are disappointed with the result and making them feel worse about it, is not a reflection of Christ's humility and kind spirit. Thus, we have to bridge the gap between Republican and Democrat, white and black, politically satisfied and dissatisfied in order to progress individually and collectively as a nation. We are at a crossroad. We can continue to fight and bicker over senseless things OR we can recognize that God had, has, and always will have more power than any president of any territory and that NOTHING will occur that is not included in his divine plan. So PLEASE... I beg of you... erase the "Red" and "Blue" rhetoric that divides us and start speaking life into our future. Start putting into practice, those qualities that define us as men and women of God and leave behind those which only erect partitions of hate and confusion between us. Look past the external of your neighbor, and instead, into heart and spirit of your brother and sister and let that be the compass that guides our relationships. We are all unique, but we are all the same in that we are praying and anticipating a better America. And a better America is in our grasp. We are clinging to it, but if we allow shallow thinking to override a Christ-like mindset, then we are all giving up on the dream of a better America and settling for a colder environment than what was originally possible. Live for Christ. Unify instead of divide. Pray for positivity in lieu of promoting despair. And we will ALL be on the fast track to success and a national bond that transcends all ethnic, sex-based, and ideological boundaries. That's what the Lord is ultimately asking of us as His children, and it's up to you as to whether you comply or deny Him of His request.

Author: Kai the Halo

New Web Of Shadows Game Review!!!

2008-11-07T03:33:00.000-05:00

In the upcoming Spider-Man vehicle Web of Shadows, our friendly neighborhood web-slinger faces a New York invaded by an army of alien symbiotes led by arch foe Venom.

For those of you not in the know, symbiotes take over the bodies of human hosts and turn them into violent superhuman monsters. Doesn't look so good for Spidey, now does it?

While this game features fan favorite Wolverine on the back-up, and army of aliens and venom are not the only villians spiderman faces. In this just released clip from the game, we showcase long-time Spider-Man villain Electro.

Electro is no Dr. Doom or any megalomaniacal villian with dreams of world domination. He simply wants a big score, a hot chick, and freedom from jail. Quite frankly when you have enough power to light up Times Square by yourself, you should be able get those in. Here's the clip. Looks like Spider-Man will have his hands full with this one.

Source:Rick Donnely (Allhiphop.com columnist)

Preview: Common's Universal Mind Control

2008-11-07T03:24:00.000-05:00

   As Common plays "Universal Mind Control," the opener to his Dec. 9 album of the same name, he can't help but pop-lock a little bit as he mouths the words along with the track. By his own admission, Common's records have never been known as club bangers but that’s definitely about to change. While attending his live shows’ after-parties last year, he noticed a distinct pattern while everyone celebrated.

   "My own DJ wasn't playing none of my songs and I realized I needed something for people to rock in the clubs," he explains to the small group of media folk assembled at New York City’s Legacy Studios. It's almost as if Common only recently noticed that he had a certain image that the rest of us assumed he was cultivating intentionally. Never content to sit back and do the expected, in early 2008 he began work on theInvincible Summer EP that eventually grew into this full album,Universal Mind Control.

   While much of Universal Mind Control is comprised of dance records, don't think that Common is somehow compromising himself. He still injects his own high-minded take on music into each track and, with the help of The Neptunes and Mr. DJ of OutKast infamy, conducts experiments on sound.

   "We wanted to take the music to the future and do things that I had never done before and they had never done before," asserts Common. Mission accomplished: even for a production team known for diversity, UMC breaks new ground.

1. Universal Mind Control (prod. The Neptunes) - The Afrika Bambaataa inspired single featuring Pharrell that sets the tone for what’s to come. No big changes from what we’ve already heard.

2. Punch Drunk Love (prod. The Neptunes) - A laid back swing where Com talks to a lady giving him “the eye.” Kanye heard it and insisted on getting on the hook so some changes were made and the original featuring Pharrell became the remix. That other version is likely to appear as a bonus track.

3. Make My Day (prod. Mr. DJ) - A little bounce mixed in with So-Cal top-down music with a touch of Outkast. Cee-Lo assists on this hook, who Common says he’d like to work with on every album.

4. Sex 4 Sugar (prod. The Neptunes) - Common ties on a little Jungle Brothers on top of a thumping beat and marching-band snares. Common’s talking to a stripper on this one and it’s definitely not about going to college.

5. Announcement (prod. The Neptunes) - Another single featuring Pharrell, who according to Common came to the studio with his verse already on the track. “We just wanted to make a tribute to Biggie in our own way,” Common says of the track, which flips the late Frank White’s “Dreams” into 2008.

Announcement - Common

6. Gladiator (prod. The Neptunes) - Anyone who would still accuse him of being granola or going hipster will have their mouths shut after listening to "Gladiator," a ridiculously hard auditory assault. Common jokes that he tried to mix a little Ghostface in to the RZA influenced beat (“You know how Ghostface will come on the hook like, “Yeah n*gga, what!’”). A definite favorite of the critics assembled in the room.

7. Changes (prod. Mr. DJ) - Again, Common hasn’t entirely abandoned inspirational themes and imagines that this track could be something for Barack Obama to play on inauguration day. [Ed. Note: Common played this before Obama was President Elect] Mr. DJ layers sounds to create a bright visual for him to speak on and at the end, Common’s eleven year old daughter steps in to drop a little poetry.

Changes - Common

8. Inhale (prod. The Neptunes) - Common says this one is “just good Hip-Hop. I don’t really have a big explanation for it.” Probably the most prototypical Neptunes beat with Chad even joining in to scratch in a sample of Tribe’s “Sucka N***a.”

9. What a World (prod. The Neptunes) - Common breaks down the typical conventions of structure to tell the story of his life on a Funk inspired track. D.A. from Chester French passionately sings the hook over Max’s guitar riffs and a N.E.R.D.-meets-Blondie flavored arrangement.

10. Everywhere (Runaway) (prod. Mr. DJ) - Believe it or not, if Common formed a band with Pat Benatar or Stevie Nicks, this is probably what they’d come up with and it turns out a lot better than you’d assume. Probably the most deliberately 80’s song and absolutely accomplishes the goal of delivering something unexpected.

THE VERDICT

While this record is decidedly not another attempt at the critically panned Electric Circus, it is a more expansive take on Common than you're probably used to. Hollywood is paying Common’s bills quite nicely these days, freeing him to truly make music for the love. With his musical career experiencing a second Renaissance and Hip-Hop opening up to a more broad take on the art, it’s perfect time for him to branch out, and he takes full advantage. Don’t let Universal Mind Control slip by in the sure to be crowded December schedule.

Source/Author: Alex Thorton (AllHipHop.com Columnist)

Former Motown CEO Jheryl Busby Passes Away

2008-11-07T03:19:00.000-05:00

On the same day Barack Obama made history by becoming America’s first African-American president, former Motown President Jheryl Busby passed away (Nov. 4) at his house in Malibu, California. According to the Associated Press,Busby was found deceased in his hot tub Tuesday, with the leading cause being an accidental drowning.

Born in 1949, Busby found his footing in the music business doing promotional work for Stax Records in the 1970’s, which subsequently led to ventures with Casablanca, Atlantic, and A&M Records. In 1984, Busby was given his first major job as Vice President of MCA Records' black music division, which further established him as a legitimate figure in the industry.

When Jheryl Busby moved to Motown Records as CEO in 1988, he turned the suffering label into a resurgent hot bed of success, signing Boyz II Men and working closely with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Lionel Ritchie, and Queen Latifah.

His most recent work included the 2004 founding of Def Soul Classics Records, a division of Def Jam Records, as well as Umbrella Records. Busby also had a major stake in Founders National Bank of Los Angeles, America’s first African-American-owned commercial bank that was established in 1998.

R&B legend and former colleague of Busby’s, Smokey Robinson offered his condolences on the untimely passing of one of Motown’s most influential characters. “I had tremendous respect for the way he continued the Motown legacy. My condolences to his family at this difficult time,” said Robinson in a statement.

Busby is survived by his father, one sister and one brother, three children, and seven grandchildren. Jheryl Busby was 59.

Source/Author: Edwin Ortiz (HipHopDX.com columnist)

Texas' Buck Burnette Learns Why Racist Obama Facebook Updates Are Dumb...

2008-11-07T03:03:00.000-05:00

According to various news sources, including AOL Sports, Buck Bernette was kicked off of the University of Texas football team for racial slurs he posted on the social networking site, Facebook.com. The slanderous speech was aimed at our 44th President, Barack Obama and read the following:

Buck Bernette "all the hunters gather up, we have a n****r in the whitehouse."

Now... even if you feel that way, which is sad, why not keep it to yourself? Why display that at a place where millions of people can view it?

Burnette at least claims to be somewhat remorseful and not racist, issuing the following apology:

Clearly I have made a mistake and apologized for it and will pay for it. I received it as a text message from an acquaintance and immaturely put it up on facebook in the light of the election. Im not racist and apologize for offending you. I grew up on a ranch in a small town where that was a real thing and I need to grow up. I sincerely am sorry for being ignorant in thinking that it would be ok to write that publicly and apologize to you in particular. I have to be more mature than to put the reputation of my team at stake and to spread that kind of hate which I dont even believe in. Once again, I sincerely apologize.

Yeah, that's all fine and dandy, but it doesn't really help the whole situation.

But on the positive side, the man was exposed, punished, and at least showed SOME remorse for his words. Now whether or not they are genuine is only known by him and God, but we must all be ready to forgive and try to move past this hate that divides us. Some have stated that his right to freedom of speech was violated but that is untrue. He was not prosecuted. He was not interrogated or confronted by government officials. He has the right to say what he wants. But his scholarship at UT was a privilege, and if they feel his comments were harmful to the team's reputation, then they have the room to discipline as they see fit.

Source: Will Brinson (AOL Sports writer)

Author: Kai the Halo

Barack Obama's Speech at Grant Park

2008-11-07T02:47:00.001-05:00

Watch Barack Obama's Acceptance Speech at Grant Park!

Barack Obama makes history as the first President of African American descent and makes his acceptance speech at Grant Park.

Watch the video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jll5baCAaQU

Lupe Fiasco's MAJOR Halloween Announcement!!

2008-11-07T02:12:00.000-05:00

According to a recent post on Lupe Fiasco's official blog, his final album entitled "LupE.N.D.", will be A THREE DISC SET!!! Lupe revealed that the E stands for "Everywhere", the N stands for "Nowhere" and the D stands for "Down Here". This triple disc release is slated for March of 2009 and while we all anticipate this album's arrival, there lies a bittersweet undertone to the event, seeing as how it marks Lupe Fiasco's departure from Hip-hop recording industry. Lupe still has a lot going on though, with his label FNF, his Japanese inspired clothing line, "Fall of Rome", and a slew of upcoming shows/performances. All in all, Lupe seems to be on top of his game right now, and only time will tell if he indeed sticks to his committment to walk away from the studio after only his third LP.

Author: Kai the Halo

Watch Lupe make the announcement at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUHz1Z3Z8Ds