Top 9 things you should know about Beyonce

Since she Beyonce is on Center Stage last week then let's get to know her more. Here are the top BLANK things you should know about her.


1.)She was tapped to be the face of Giorgio Armani's new perfume, Emporio Armani Diamonds. The truth is Beyonce is allergic to perfume.

2.)Talk about being too talented! In 2004, she sang three of the five Oscar-nominated songs at the 76th Annual Academy Awards, including one completely in French.We can't really argue why she has Grammy's under her sleeve.

3.) Speaking of talent, She wrote and produced many of Destiny's smash hits, such as "Jumpin Jumpin", "Bootylicious", "Nasty Girl", "Independent Women", "Happy Face" and "Apple Pie a la mode". We can't really question why she can go solo.

4.) Since she produced and wrote Bootylicious, I guess we all know that she got the inspiration for this song from her own body. She earned the 2nd position in In Touch Magazine countdown of top 10 "Best Bottoms In Hollywood" in August 2007.

5.) Having the best bottom, we guess it is but right to flaunt it. In September 2007, she canceled a gig in Malaysia after not wanting to cover up from shoulder down which is part of the country's rule for female performers.

6.) Speaking of concerts going wrong, Beyonce visited two fans who were mildly injured during her concert after a firework escaped to the audience seat in July 2007. She seems to have a good heart too! She teamed up with Kelly Rowland to build the "Knowles-Rowland Temenos Place Apartments" in Houston, aimed to provide permanent living accommodations for people who are trying to improve their lives after the trauma of personal and natural disasters.

7.) I guess all of these are making her popular. She ranked 7th on Yahoo's annual list of Popular Search Terms in 2006 and 5th the following year.

8.) Here is another evidence of why she is one of the popular search terms, Broke the record of becoming the first non-Hispanic star to ever make People en Espanol's "50 Most Beautiful" list (May 2007).

9.) Because of popularity, I'm sure we all know that controversy really comes with it. However, miss Knowles can overcome these. She won a copyright infringement lawsuit brought by singer-songwriter Jennifer Armour in 2005 over her Grammy winning hit "Baby Boy" (October 2006).

6 things you should know about Irreplaceable:

1.) Beyonce sings this from the standpoint of a woman who is addressing her lover, who has been cheating on her. She's telling him that he can be easily replaced. The song is notable for its unique sound with acoustic guitars prominent in the mix.

2.) Beyonce's Spanish language version of this song did very well, making the Top 10 on the US Hot Latin Songs chart. The title in Spanish is "Irreemplazable."

3.) This is the second American #1 for the Norwegian production team Stargate. "So Sick" by Ne-yo was the first.


The Beyonce Experience Los Angeles, Irreplaceable live.

4.) This won The Soul Train Music Award For Best R&B/Hip-Hop Single By a Female and the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award for Favorite Song.
This stayed #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 10 weeks, more than any other record in 2006, making it the most successful single of the year.

5.) This was the best selling US single of 2007, with Rihanna's "Umbrella" in second place.

6.) Beyonce performed this song with the Country band Sugarland at the 2007 American Music Awards, where she was presented an honorary award as International Artist of the Year.

Your Ultimate favorite Beyonce song

This week on G-Crew, it was a very close fight between the top two songs. This week's ultimate favorite song was just leading with 4 votes. For the first time on the show we gave you two weeks to vote for your ultimate favorite song from Beyonce and here are the results.

The Best
1.) Irreplaceable

Beyonce Knowles Lyrics
Irreplaceable Lyrics

The Rest
2.) Crazy in Love
3.) Upgrade U
4.) Baby Boy
5.) Check on it/ Naughty Girl (tie)
6.) Beautiful Liar/ De Ja Vu/ Ring the Alarm
7.) Got me Bodied

The Top of the Charts

Mariah's Album Tops the Chart
Mariah Carey has scored her sixth No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart as E=MC² debuts atop the tally with 463,000 copies sold in its first week of release. The sales figures are the singer's biggest in an opening week. Meanwhile, Mimi will be making two big TV appearances later this week with an outdoor concert airing on Good Morning America and a slot on Live With Regis and Kelly, both on Friday.

PR Newswire

Hiphop Beat an Update on Beyonce

Beyoncé and Jay's Nuptials Official



Beyoncé and Jay-Z's signed wedding license was filed Friday in Scarsdale, N.Y. According to the Scarsdale town clerk, the couple's wedding date was indeed April 4. The license was filed more than five days after the wedding, which exceeds the legal time period, but Bey and Jay are not expected to be penalized by the state.

Source:
People

Hiphop Beat an Update on Jordin Sparks

Sparks Sidelined by Throat Ailment



Jordin Sparks has been diagnosed with an acute vocal cord hemorrhage, and will sit out tour dates with Alicia Keys. Fellow American Idol star Blake Lewis replaced her at an Earth Day celebration Sunday in Washington, D.C. "Jordin is on a vocal rest, but she's expected to make a full recovery and join Alicia on tour in May," Jordin's label rep says.
Source

AP/FoxNews.com

Hiphop Beat an Update on Neyo

Ne-Yo Developing Film and Cartoon Series


As Ne-Yo preps the release of his third disc, Year of the Gentlemen, he also is expanding working on two side projects for film and television. The crooner is developing a movie for Fox Atomic that he says is "in the vein of Purple Rain." In addition, Ne-Yo is in talks with the Cartoon Network about creating an animated series. "For me it's always, 'Let's make the next [project],'" says Ne-Yo of his creative approach. "'What's the next thing going to be?'"

Source:
Billboard.com

Hiphop Beat an Update on Ashanti

Ashanti Declares Video Not a Kiss-Off to Nelly



Ashanti gives a cheating ex his comeuppance in her dramatic video for "The Way That I Love You." Some have wondered if the clip is a big kiss-off to purported boo Nelly. "It's not!" insists the singer. "The song is just about real life. It's for every woman who has gone through it." So are Ashanti and Nelly an item? "We're really, really good friends," she clarifies. Ashanti's fourth disc, The Declaration, hits stores June 3.

Source:
People

G-Crew Announcement

Voting for your favorite Beyonce song is extended until next week's episode. There will be no G-Crew this Sunday but we will be back again on April 27, 2008 10am-2pm. Hope to hear from you guys soon!

Couples news

Mariah Carey has fueled reports of a romance with rapper/actor Nick Cannon, after the pair was spotted partying together in Las Vegas earlier this week. The "Touch My Body" hitmaker is rumored to have hooked up with Cannon after he starred in a music video for Carey's new album E=MC2.

And the couple sparked further speculation about their close relationship after they flew in to Sin City with a group of pals on Monday night, to celebrate rapper Da Brat's birthday at club Prive, according to a celebrity blog.

If you still haven't noticed, MC is pretty private. Not one to air her laundry or rave publicly about her love life. Here's another one that is keeping mum about her private life.From a budding romance, let's move on to one about to seal the deal...

Alicia Keys will marry her music producer boyfriend Kerry 'Krucial' Brothers in New York this summer, according to reports. Star magazine claims the couple has booked Oheka Castle on Long Island for a ceremony on Independence Day - July 4.

Bosses at the 32-bedroom French-style chateau have confirmed a wedding will take place that weekend, but have refused to reveal the identity of the bride and groom.

Keys and Brothers have never spoken openly about their relationship. They have been songwriting partners for years, co-owning the KrucialKeys production company and New York's Oven Recording Studios.

A representative for the R&B star has yet to confirm or deny the wedding reports.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)

Hip hop Beat an update on Akon

Akon Fabricating Criminal Past?

Is Akon conning his fans? According to the Smoking Gun site, the rapper-producer has "exaggerated" his criminal past of being a ringleader of a notorious car-theft gang and serving three years in prison. The website's investigation reveals that Akon was only convicted of one gun-possession felony and was sentenced to three years' probation. The only time Akon did spend time in jail was a five-month stint in 1999 after Atlanta police busted him for driving a stolen BMW. Akon's reps had no comment on the matter.

More on this if you click on our source:

The Smoking Gun

Is Akon faking it? Tell us what you think by  posting your comment.

Hiphop Beat an Update on Alicia and Mariah

Tell us what you think about this update on the comments section of this entry! Thanks!

Alicia Clarifies Blender Magazine Remarks
Alicia Keys has clarified comments she made to Blender magazine, in which she seemingly suggested that gangsta rap was conspired by the government "to convince black people to kill each other." In a new statement, she says, "Anyone who knows me and my character, knows that I am not a conspiracy theorist or, by implication, a racist." The singer also insists that her "AK-47" nickname is "in no way meant to have a literal, political or negative connotation."

Courtesy of:
PR Newswire

Mariah Talks "Body" Building
Mariah Carey appeared on Monday's Oprah Winfrey Show and discussed many topics, including her new diet and exercise routines. "It's not about necessarily even a size," she explains. "It's about feeling good and being comfortable in your own skin." See her performing "Bye, Bye" on the show here. On Wednesday, Mimi heads to BET for MC²=The Relativity of Mariah, a 30-minute special airing at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Source:

Mariah Carey -- Official Site

Fresh Track

Lupe Dedicates "Paris, Tokyo" to Girlfriend

Lupe Fiasco has just released the video for his latest single, "Paris, Tokyo." The Chi-Town verbalist says the song is a message to his girlfriend that she's always on his mind no matter how far away he is from home. "You always gotta make that song to let her know that you're still thinking about her," Lupe says. "Wherever I go, you come with me. Whether if it be physically, in spirit, or mentally." 

Source:

Baller Status

Love it, hate it and rate it! Tell us what you think about the new video through the comment feature of this entry! :D

Because of You

Here is the number 1 Ne-yo song according to your votes. If you were to give this song another title what would it be? Tell us through the comment option of this entry. Thanks!

10 things you should know about Ne-yo

Here the 10 things about Ne-yo that we ought to share. What about you, do you Know anything about Ne-yo? Leave us a comment and let's talk about it. 

1.) His moniker originally was invented by his friend who compared him to Neo, the main character in Matrix Trilogy movie, stating that he could "see" music just like Neo could see the Matrix.

2.) Has written song lyrics for Jamie Foxx, Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, Ruben Studdard, LL Cool J, and Tyrese Gibson among others.

3.) The remix version of "So Sick" contained an interpolation of Michael Jackson's "Human Nature" while also featured two verses by LL Cool J. 

4.) Owns a production company named Compound Entertainment.

5.) His real name is Shaffer Smith.

6.) He has a son named Chimere. 

7.) He's quarter Chinese, hence the chinky eyes! 

8.)Appeared on both CBS' popular shows, "The Late Show with David Letterman" and "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson", by the same month that was February 2006 which is very rare.

9.). For some years, he kept standing behind the scene to compose great lyrics for R&B artists like Christina Milian, Faith Evans, and B2K, even helped launching Mario's career through his work on the younger guy's single, "Let Me Love You", in 2004. Actually, the desire of being a singer had also taken roots within his heart as he once signed a record deal with Columbia Records only to find his album project being disappointingly shelved for more than a year, prompting him to leave the company empty-handed.

10.)Riding on the success of "So Sick", Ne-Yo confidently launched his studio album, "In My Own Words", on February 28, 2006 and quickly saw the satisfying result when it amazingly debuted on number one in The Billboard 200 with over 300,000 copies sold a week after its release. Also gained rave reviews from USA Today and People Magazine, this first effort subsequently became the biggest sales week for a rookie act since The Game made it on January 23 of the previous year, unquestionably creating a solid base for Ne-Yo in his singing career. The fantastic achievement inevitably led him to such a wide exposure, enabling the singer to proudly appear on some notable TV shows, like "The Tyra Banks Show" plus "Live with Regis & Kelly" in early March. 

Say What?

The correct lyrics of the song Because of You by Ne-yo

[Verse 1:]
Want to, but I can’t help it
I love the way it feels,
It’s got me stuck between my fantasy and what is real
I need it when I want it, I want it when I don’t
Tell myself I’ll stop everyday, knowin’ that I wont

[Bridge:]
I got a problem and I don’t know what to do about it
Even if I did, I don’t know if I walk away of it, but I doubt it
I’m taken by the thought of it, and I know that much is true
Baby, you have become my addiction, i’m so strung out on you
Babyboo, but I like it

[Chorus:]
And it’s all because of you [3X]
And it’s all because…
Never givin’ up,
She’s the sweetest touch

[Verse 2:]
Think of it every second
I thinkin of it but, 
Only concern is the next time, I’m gonna get me some
Know I should stay away from, cuz she’s no good for me
I tried and tried but my obsession wont let me leave

[Bridge:]
I got a problem and I don’t know what to do about it
Even if I did, I don’t know if I walk away of it, but I doubt it
I’m taken by the thought of it, and I know that much is true
Baby, you have become my addiction, i’m so strung out on you
Babyboo, but I like it

[Chorus:]
And it’s all because of you [3X]
And it’s all because…
Never givin’ up,
She’s the sweetest touch

Ain’t no doubt, so strung out [2X]
Over you, over you, over you

Because of you, 
And it’s all because of you,
Never givin’ up
She’s the sweetest touch, she’s the sweetest tooouch 

Neyo on Your Ultimate Song

Neyo takes the hot seat today and you voted for your ultimate favorite Neyo song and here are the results. We tabulated your votes through the textline/hotline/yahoo messenger and of course here on the blog.

The Best:

Ne-Yo Lyrics
Because Of You Lyrics

1.) Because of You

The Rest: 

2.) Go on Girl 

3.) So Sick 

4.) Can We Chill / Do You (tie) 

5.) Sexy Love  

Thank you very much because of a lot of your votes. Don't forget to tune in to G-Crew next week! That's on April 20, 2008 10am to 2pm on RX 93.1 so that you can vote for your favorites song from Beyonce!

Umbrella Behind the Scenes

Say What?

The correct lyrics to your ultimate Rihanna Favorite: 

"Umbrella"

[Jay-Z]

Ahuh Ahuh (Yea Rihanna)

Ahuh Ahuh (Good girl gone bad)

Ahuh Ahuh (Take three... Action)

Ahuh Ahuh

No clouds in my stones

Let it rain, I hydroplane in the bank

Coming down with the Dow Jones

When the clouds come we gone, we Rocafella

We fly higher than weather

And G5’s are better, You know me,

an anticipation, for precipitation. Stacked chips for the rainy day

Jay, Rain Man is back with little Ms. Sunshine

Rihanna where you at?

[Rihanna]

You have my heart

And we'll never be worlds apart

May be in magazines

But you'll still be my star

Baby cause in the dark

You can't see shiny cars

And that's when you need me there

With you I'll always share

Because

[Chorus]

When the sun shines, we’ll shine together

Told you I'll be here forever

Said I'll always be a friend

Took an oath I'ma stick it out till the end

Now that it's raining more than ever

Know that we'll still have each other

You can stand under my umbrella

You can stand under my umbrella

(Ella ella eh eh eh)

Under my umbrella

(Ella ella eh eh eh)

Under my umbrella

(Ella ella eh eh eh)

Under my umbrella

(Ella ella eh eh eh eh eh eh)

These fancy things, will never come in between

You're part of my entity, here for Infinity

When the war has took it's part

When the world has dealt it's cards

If the hand is hard, together we'll mend your heart

Because

[Chorus]

When the sun shines, we’ll shine together

Told you I'll be here forever

Said I'll always be a friend

Took an oath I'ma stick it out till the end

Now that it's raining more than ever

Know that we'll still have each other

You can stand under my umbrella

You can stand under my umbrella

(Ella ella eh eh eh)

Under my umbrella

(Ella ella eh eh eh)

Under my umbrella

(Ella ella eh eh eh)

Under my umbrella

(Ella ella eh eh eh eh eh eh)

You can run into my arms

It's OK don't be alarmed

Come here to me

There's no distance in between our love

So go on and let the rain pour

I'll be all you need and more

Because

[Chorus]

When the sun shines, we’ll shine together

Told you I'll be here forever

Said I'll always be a friend

Took an oath I'ma stick it out till the end

Now that it's raining more than ever

Know that we'll still have each other

You can stand under my umbrella

You can stand under my umbrella

(Ella ella eh eh eh)

Under my umbrella

(Ella ella eh eh eh)

Under my umbrella

(Ella ella eh eh eh)

Under my umbrella

(Ella ella eh eh eh eh eh eh)

It's raining

Ooh baby it's raining

Baby come here to me

Come here to me

It's raining

Oh baby it's raining

Rihanna 101

In February 2008, it was revealed that Barbados was creating a national holiday to honor Rihanna. Rihanna accepted the honor and put on a free concert for her fans.

Rihanna is a big fan of Whitney Houston.

Rihanna has put up her own foundation called "Believe" to help sick children get medical treatment, school supplies, and toys.

Aside from her singing voice, Rihanna gets awards for her legs-they're even insured for a million dollars. She admits that she has to work out regularly to make them look fit.

While growing up, her make-up artist mom didn't let Rihanna play with beauty products. Now she gets to have all the make-up she wants-Rihanna is now the endorser of big make-up label, Cover Girl.

Rihanna doesn't eat Mexican, Indian, Japanese, or Chinese food. Instead, she snacks on local fruit and lots of water to keep healthy.

Rihanna was ranked #78 on Notarized: Top 100 Videos of 2007 for her music video featuring Ne-Yo "Hate That I Love You".

At the 2007 American Music Awards, Rihanna was chosen as the Favorite Female Artist for Soul/R&B category.

Rihanna won as Cosmopolitan Magazine's Ultimate Mistress of Music for 2007.

In the 2007 Teen Choice Awards, Rihanna won in the category "Choice Music: R&B Artist".

Rihanna ranked #8 in Maxim's 2007 Hot 100 List.

The song "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" by Panic! at the Disco was actually a song wroted by Patrick Stump, from the band, Fall Out Boy.

Rihanna and the band, Fall Out Boy, sang "Shut Up and Drive," which was a song by Rihanna.

Rihanna is tutored 15 hours a week.

Rihanna's favorite hangout spot in Barbados is the boatyard.

Rihanna enjoys watching the show Entourage.

Rihanna's biggest pet peeve is when people are dishonest.

Whenever Rihanna visits Barbodos, the first place she goes to is the beach.

Rihanna's favorite subjects were chemistry and math.

Rihanna is very picky when it comes to food. She won't eat Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, or Indian food. She also hates vegetables.

Rihanna is the official sponsor for the Barbados Tourism Agency.

If Rihanna didn't have a music career, she would like to go into psychology.

Rihanna has a turtle and a Pomeranian named Marley.

Rihanna attended Combermere High School in Barbados.

Rihanna is the daughter of Ronald and Monica Fenty.

Rihanna's nickname is RiRi.

Rihanna says she had much more control over her new album "Good Girl Gone Bad" than she did in "A Girl Like Me".

Rihanna says that the thing she misses most about Barbados is the food.
Rihanna’s favorite fashion designers are Zac Posen and Dsquared.

Rihanna performed her songs "Pon de Replay", "SOS", "Unfaithful", "Shut Up and Drive" and "Umbrella" on July 7th, 2007 at the Makuhari Messe convention center in Japan as part of the Live Earth concert.

Rihanna was chosen as one of People Magazine's annual 100 Most Beautiful People in May 2007.

Her third album is titled Good Girl Gone Bad and is to be released on June 5, 2007. The first single is Umbrella featuring Jay-Z.

She won four honors at the 2006 Billboard Music Awards including Female Artist of the Year.

She and Christina Aguilera helped launch the new colors of the LG Chocolate phones.
She is the new face of Cover Girl.

On A Girl Like Me, We Ride is her favorite song.

Unfaithful is based on a relationship Rihanna had when she was 14-years-old. Her relationship "was not physical" though.

Christina Milian was originally asked to record S.O.S. (written by Jonathan Rotem) by Def Jam but she declined. Rihanna was then offered to record it.

In the Philippines, If It's Lovin' That You Want became Rihanna's first #1 single.

In 2006, Rihanna received two Video Music Award nominations for "Best New Artist" and "Viewer's Choice" for S.O.S..

In 2006, she appeared on All My Children and performed Kisses Don't Lie and S.O.S..

Her second album, A Girl Like Me, debuted at #5 in the United States.

Her second album, A Girl Like Me, was released less than eight months after her debut album, Music of the Sun.

Her musical influences include Dancehall, Pop, Reggae, and Soca.

She has two brothers Rorrey and Rajad.

She has a few tattoos, including a pisces sign behind her right ear and music notes on her right foot.

Her second album A Girl Like Me recently reached platinum.

She sold a million copies worldwide of her debut Music Of The Sun.

Her obvious talent impressed Def Jam Records CEO Jay-Z enough for the label to sign her to a 6 album contract at the young age of 16.

She was discovered by producer Evan Rogers (known for work with Christina Aguilera, *NSYNC, Jessica Simpson, and others).

Def Jam's contract offer was so strong that Rihanna turned down meetings with other major record labels.

Her song Unfaithful, a slow ballad very different from Rihanna's earlier work, addresses the feelings of guilt a girl faces as she cheats on her boyfriend.

Her album A Girl Like Me, was leaked onto the internet via illegal download sites.

The lead single off her album A Girl Like Me, "S.O.S." was recorded for her recent endorsement deal with Nike.

She had a cameo role in Bring It On 3: All or Nothing.

In 2006, Rihanna landed several endorsement deals, including ones for Nike and J.C. Penney.

She toured as an open act for Gwen Stefani to promote her own album.

She was discovered by music producer Evan Rogers while he was vacationing in Barbados with his wife Jackie.

She won the Miss Combermere Pageant in 2004 at her school.

She performed Mariah Carey's "Hero" at her school's talent show.

She attended Charles F. Broome Memorial School and Combermere School, which is a sixth form school similar to technical school in the United States.

Her musical inspirations include Alicia Keys, Beyoncé Knowles and Mariah Carey.

She once said she would risk her life for her mother and her brother.

She is of African, Creole and Guyanese descent.

She's addicted to shopping and owns over 100 pairs of shoes.

She is 5 feet 8 inches tall.

The only Rihanna song not available on CD is "Bring It Back". It might've been a demo or just unreleased on CD.

She has worked with Sizzla, Rupee, J-Status, Memphis Bleek, and Kardinal Offishall on duets.

She worked with Ne-Yo on her sophomore album, A Girl Like Me.

Your ultimate favorite Rihanna song

For the first time in the show, we launched a portion that is very interactive. We asked you to vote for your favorite Rihanna song. We tallied your votes form the hotline, textline , and yahoo messenger. According to your votes these are your top Rihanna favorites:
April 5, 2008
The best:
1.) Umbrella

Rihanna Lyrics
Umbrella Lyrics

The Rest:

2.) Hate that I Love You
3.) Don’t Stop the Music
4.) We ride
5.) Shut up and Drive
6.) If it’s Loving that You Want
7.) Break it Off /Pon De Replay (tie)
8.) Unfaithful

Thank you very much because we got massive votes. You can also help us think of a title for the portion. Don't forget to tune in to G-Crew next week! That's on April 13, 2008 10am to 2pm on RX 93.1 so that you can vote for your favorites song from our next featured artist!