Issue #12 June17, 2013
Issue #12 June 17, 2013
Contents
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Editor’s Letter
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Kanye and Kelly: Music Matters
33 What’s Happening this week in Entertainment
20 This Week’s Major Stories from EricaVain.com
27 Spotted Celeb Pics 12 Healthy Hair Tips 24 J. Cole: “The Born Sinner” 14 Mac Miller New Album Review
EDITOR’S LETTER
June 2013
The Importance of Music
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usic is the one integral element of the world that crosses barriers that were once thought to never bend, much less break. Music is a form of expression that, in some moments, requires no words to inspire, heal, and excite. MUSIC… is THE universal language that speaks to our minds and bodies and connects each individual life, note by note.
Music has dissolved barriers that were placed because of racial abhorrence. African American artists were featured on what was deemed to be “white-only” stages and white artists joined the ranks of what was deemed to be “black-only” music, such as the genre of Hip-Hop. Of course, these changes were not meant without opposition, but I am sure the same people who resisted change could not help to tap their feet, sway their hips, or nod their heads to what they were hearing. Music, great music, is tirelessly contagious and it infects the body and makes you want to move and modifies the mind. Take the student whose level of performance in the classroom is below the expectations of his or her teacher. Take that same student and place a musical instrument in his or her hands and discover a change in the efforts and progress made in the classroom. Studies have proven that music improves cognitive functions such as memory and concentration, teaches one responsibility, perseverance, and self-confidence; all are qualities that improve classroom evaluations and serve as a foundation for life. Consider the moment when you’ve heard music created by other cultures of which you cannot understand the language, but you can understand the emotion evoked by the rhythms, beats, or the tones of the voices and instruments that hear. You feel what the artist feels and while you may not understand the language, you receive the message. Music is important because it holds a power that is unlike anything else. We all are derived from very different conditions and backgrounds of life, but we all have experienced what it is like to fail, to love, to be rejected, to be overjoyed, to want to badly forgive, but cannot forget, to yearn for those sensual and sexual moments, to be angry, to simply be happy…The music, whatever its genre, accompanied or unaccompanied by lyrics, connects each one of us like a silk thread in a scarf that wraps the world. Whether or not we are aware, a 3min45sec song has formed a connection between ourselves and someone else. From the very first moment you heard the voice of your mom, on the other side of the womb, singing you such sweet lullabies to your first heartbreak and the lyrics of your favorite artist pairing your heartbreak with a melody so therapeutic to the first time your drumsticks hit those drums and became an outlet for your stress, music has been and remains ever present and ultimately, forever important.
Tyfani McDowell, Managing Editor
C.E.O Erica Vain COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Mariama Gregory EDITOR Erica Vain EDITOR-AT-LARGE Travis Vance MANAGING EDITOR Tyfani McDowell CREATIVE DIRECTOR Terrell Anderson Human Resources Stephanie Giang Susan Avery Sandridge
Public Relations Amanda Chiarello Ashton Minor Jenna Frascelli Morgan Geiger Stephanie Morales
Social Media Zoey Claire Amanda Thompson Danielle A. Gershkow
CHIEF INTERNS Zakiya Harris Katlyn Kinsey Franchesa Renfroe JOURNALISM Nyasia Almestica Naja Brown Aramis Harmon Jesse Lyles Malaika Nicholas Franchesca Renfroe Jazmin Rose Patrick Tadros Janiel Thomas Travis Wood SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR Ivanti Bush
CONTACT US Subscription Service: Sign-Up with http://EricaVain.com/Magazine OFFICE OF THE PUBLISHER: Erica Vain P.O. Box 340 Perry Hall, MD 21128 410-343-9668 or Staff@EricaVain.com LETTERS TO THE EDITORS: mail@ericavain.com PERMISSIONS: permissions@vainllc.com
Music Matters:
Kelly Rowland by Zakiya Harris
Multi-talented artist Kelly Rowland was born in Atlanta, Georgia on February 11, 1981. The singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, and model was raised in Houston, Texas. In the late ‘90s, she jumpstarted her career when she became a member of the girl group Destiny’s Child, in which she was also one of the founding members. Rowland has sold over 50 million records worldwide with the group, making them one of the most successful groups of all time. In her solo career, Ms. Rowland has sold over five million records.
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ESTINY’S CHILD WAS FORMED IN 1993, and they performed at local events until late 1997 when they were signed to Columbia Records, after just four years of being on the road. In 1998, the sexy group won three Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards for their selftitled debut album. 1999’s The Writing’s on the Wall was the straw that broke the camel’s back for the group with hits like “Bills, Bills, Bills,” “Jumpin’, Jumpin’,” and “Say My Name.” Their commercial success helped Destiny’s Child rise to stardom, despite a lawsuit filed by group members LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson. Both member left and just five months later, as did Farrah Franklin. Beyoncé Knowles, Michelle Williams, and Kelly Rowland became what was left of the group, and in 2000 the trio appeared on the Charlie’s Angels soundtrack with their hit single “Independent Woman Part 1.” It became one of their best singles to date, gracing the Billboard
Top 100 chart for eleven consecutive weeks. That same year, Destiny’s Child completed their album Survivor, while Rowland contributed to the remix of Avant’s song “Separated.” The success of their hit Survivor earned the duo a Grammy Award for Best Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. In 2002, Destiny’s Child announced a temporary break-up that would enable each member could pursue a solo career. Rowland collaborated with Nelly to create their 2002 jam “Dilemma.” The pair took home the Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. The song became one of Kelly’s first number-one singles as a solo artist. The release of her 2002 album Simply Deep skyrocketed Rowland’s solo career with background vocals provided by singers Solange Knowles and Brandy. Simply Deep appeared at number twelve on the Billboard 200, and number three on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The beauti-
ful songstress’s first solo album sold 77,000 Ms. Kelly will soon be a judge for the third copies. season of The X Factor, in which she will be judgDestiny’s child reunited in 2006 to ing alongside Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, and commence their album Destiny Fulfilled. Paulina Rubio. Her fourth studio album, Talk a During a show in Barcelona, Spain, the duo Good Game, will debut on June 18. “Kisses Down assured 16,000 fans that they would be part- Low” is the first single on the album and has ing ways. “We have been working together as acclaimed moderate success. “Dirty Laundry” Destiny’s Child since we were 9, and touring is the second single on the album, which made together since we were headlines in reference to Kelly’s Kelly leaves the world in shock with 14,” the band stated. revelations. Kelly is a mezzothe release of her new single, “After a lot of discussoprano and cites both Janet ‘Dirty Laundry discussing real sion and some deep soul Jackson and Whitney Houston accounts of her distructive past searching, we realized that as her greatest musical influour current tour has given ences. us the opportunity to leave Destiny’s Child on Kelly is well known for her sexy style and divaa high note, united in our friendship and filled like outfits. She usually dons her hair in a bone with an overwhelming gratitude for our music, straight appearance with perfectly clipped bangs. our fans and each other.” Rowland is also noted for wearing her hair short, In 2007, Rowland released her second especially at the beginning of her career. Her solo album entitled Ms. Kelly. Unfortunately, famous “big” tightly curled hair further highlights the album was not as successful as Rowland her pretty face and distinct features. Check out had wished, and just two years later she fired some pictures of the singer’s wardrobe below. manager Matthew Knowles. Her 2011 album, Kelly is good friends with former Destiny’s Here I Am, was much more successful and Child members Beyoncé Knowles and Michelle received good reviews from critics. On FebruWilliams as well as Solange Knowles. Rowland’s ary 3, 2013 Kelly and Michelle performed alongside Beyoncé during the Super Bowl XLV11 Halftime Show, held at the MercedesBenz Superdome in New Orleans. Rowland even co-hosted the Academy Awards preshow for the 85th Academy Awards alongside Kristin Chenoweth, Lara Spencer, Robin Roberts, and Jess Cage on February 24! Talk about a busy woman, huh?
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latest single “Dirty Laundry” has left the world in shock after references to her envy of Beyoncé and her past abusive relationship. Rapper The Dream penned the song’s lyrics. Here is a look at the single’s first verse: While my sister was on stage killing it like a mother, I was enraged feelin’ it like a mother. Bird in the cage, you would never know what I was dealing, we went our separate ways but I was happy she was killing it Bittersweet, she was up I was down. No lie I feel good for her, but what do I do now? Meanwhile, this n-gga putting his hands on me, swear y’all don’t know the half of this industry. As Kelly continues to venture out in the industry, her fans are always excited to see what the diva is up to. From the release of her fitness DVD Sexy Abs with Kelly Rowland, 2003’s Freddy vs. Jason, and her role in 2012’s romantic comedy Think Like a Man, the singer is looking forward to maintaining her super stardom and success! “This is a fresh start for me. I’m in a fantastic place right now,” Kelly says of her career. Good luck Ms. Kelly!
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HEALTHY HAIR TIPS FOR SUMMER Hair is hard enough to maintain as it is, but keeping healthy hair during the summer can seem nearly impossible. With all the chlorine from swimming, salt from the beach and heat damage from the sun (yes, UV rays can damage your hair), summer hair doesn’t stand a chance, but in this issue of ericavain weekly, we’ve got tips to keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant.
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Don’t wash your hair before taking a dip: No one likes dirty hair, but if you plan on taking a dip that say, deal with the dirt. When your hair is dirty, there are a lot of oils locked in it that will help protect against the chlorine in the pool. So, pass on shampooing before the pool and give your hair a good wash and condition afterwards.
Deep condition regularly: Health magazine recommends deep condition at least once a week. If this is too often to fit in your busy schedule, try starting with at least twice a month, alternating weeks. Dry hair breaks easier and also looks more brittle, so to have great summer hair, make time to keep your hair moisturized.
Use neem oil: Steamboatsalon.com recommends using neem oil. You hair naturally has a saturation limit and once it’s packed with liquid, it won’t hold anymore. The site also adds, wetting your hair with fresh water and putting the neem oil on it before getting in the pool will reduce the amount of chlorinated (or salt) water that your hair absorbs. Since your hair is already wet, it will become saturated faster, plus, oil and water don’t mix so the neem oil will help prevent chlorine and sea water from getting in your hair.
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Give your hair a break: Marieclaire.com suggests taking it easy on your hair and “[embracing] summer’s casual braids, ponytails, and buns.” Since summer air is usually drier than winter air and there’s no worry about rain, blowouts and excessive straightening aren’t necessary. With all of the natural damage happening to you during summer, lay off the artificial heat and give your hair a chance.
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Use the sun to your advantage: The sun’s rays can damage and weaken your hair follicles, but if you use it right, you can manipulate the sun to work in your favor. Slather your hair with conditioner before you go and lay out by the pool or on the beach. Use the suns natural heat to warm your hair and act as a deep conditioning treatment.
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Avoid using hair spray: During the summer, avoid hair spray—and any other ethanol or alcohol packed hair products for that matter. Both of these dry out your hair and the summer season itself does that enough. If hair spray is a must for you, womenshealthmag.com recommends using “one that contains natural ingredients and conditioners, as they are more conditioning and neutralizing.” Keep it cut: Ladies, we all want long luscious locks for summer, but this can’t happen without regular trims. Health magazine suggests getting a trim every six weeks. Waiting too long to trim your ends can result in splitting from the end to the shaft (middle) of your hair. To avoid having to cut off multiple inches, get a trim more often than not. Remember, products can only help prevent split ends; there is no product that can reverse split ends that already exist.
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Cap it: Like we said before, sun rays can damage your hair follicles, so wear a hat. The best hats to wear are ones that are solidly woven. Straw hats and woven caps still allow sunlight to reach and damage your hair. If you’re not a cap kind of gal, use hair products that contain SPF to protect you hair.
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Eat healthy: Like most things with our bodies, healthy hair starts from the inside. Get in the habit of eating a balanced diet that’s rich in foods that promote healthy hair. Webmd.com lists ten foods that enhance your hair. These foods include:
• Salmon: This fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which help keep your hair and scalp hydrated • Walnuts: Like salmon, walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and also contain biotin and vitamin E • Oysters: Oysters work to prevent hair loss and strengthen hair • Sweet potatoes: These potatoes protect and produce oils that protect your scalp • Eggs: Eggs are rich in 4 key minerals that are good for your hair—zinc, selenium, sulfur, and iron • Spinach: Spinach works to help keep your hair follicles healthy and circulate scalp oils • Lentils: These bean like veggies are rich in zinc, protein and biotin; all minerals that promote healthy hair. • Greek yogurt: This yogurt is rich in B5 and vitamin D which promote hair follicle health • Blueberries: This fruit promotes circulation to the scalp and follicle which will in turn promote hair growth • Poultry: Chicken, Turkey, anything packed with protein is great for strong and abundant hair.
: s r e t t a M c i s u M t s e W Kanye
by Nyasia Almestica
KANYE WEST IS AN EXTREMELY TALENTED RECORDING ARTIST, RECORD producer, film director, fashion designer, and father-to-be. Born on June 8, 1977 in Atlanta, Georgia, but raised in Chicago, Mr. West has gained commercial success from his high-profile albums, such as College Dropout (2004), Late Registration (2005), Graduation (2007), 808s & Heartbreak (2008), My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010), Watch The Throne with Jay-Z (2011), Cruel Summer w/GOOD Music (2012), and the upcoming Yeezus. Kanye gained recognition as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records at which he made contribution to JayZ’s 2001 album The Blueprint.
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hile on the way home from a recording session in Los Angeles, West fell asleep at the wheel and became involved in a head-on car collision, whifch left him with a fractured jaw and altered speech; but that has not impacted Kanye’s success. After Kanye’s recovery, he headed back to the studio to finish developing 2004’s College Dropout. It sold 2.6 million copies and even earned him a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. Mr. West continued on his winning streak with three more Grammy Awards for Best Rap Album for songs “Jesus Walks,” “Diamonds From Sierra Leone,” and “Good Life.” In 2005, Kanye snagged the Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance. He also earned a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for Alicia Keys’ hit single “You Don’t Know My Name.” In 2007, friends Kanye West and Common took home the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group thanks to the success of “Southside.” All five of Kanye’s solo albums have gone platinum. In addition to his musical endeavors, Kanye launched his line of shoes, designed for luxury brand Louis Vuitton in 2009 and is a strong advocate for the Kanye West Foundation, founded by Kanye’s mother. West has proven to be a leader in the hip-hop music world, which is why it was of no surprise that he created his own music label titled,
GOOD Music; hosting artists such as John Legend, Big Sean, and Mos Def. Kanye’s mascot, “Dropout Bear”, who appears on three of West’s album covers and in various music videos is also a part of the Good Music crew. Sadly, with fame and success also comes controversy. On September 2, 2005, during the NBC Benefit for Hurricane Katrina, West made an unscripted controversial statement alongside Mike Myers in which he said, “George Bush doesn’t care about black people.” In a November 2010 interview with Matt Lauer for the Today Show, West articulated regret for his criticism of Bush. “I would tell George Bush in my moment of frustration, I didn’t have the grounds to call him a racist.” “I believe that in a situation of high emotion like that, we as human beings don’t always choose the right words.” By the next day, Bush responded to the apology in a live interview with Lauer stating that he appreciated the rapper’s anguish. “I’m not a hater,” Bush said. “I don’t hate Kanye West. I was talking about an environment in which people were willing to say things that hurt. Nobody wants to be called a racist if in your heart you believe in equality of races.”
No one can forget West’s obnoxious stint in which he embarrassed young singer Taylor Swift. On September 9, 2007, when Swift accepted her award for “You Belong With Me” at the MTV VMAs, Kanye abruptly went onstage, grabbed the microphone, and affirmed Beyoncé’s video for “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) as being “one of the best videos of all time!” Shortly after the incident, West was removed for the rest of the show, and later during the show when Beyoncé won the award for Best Video of the Year for “Single Ladies,” she called Swift to the stage, so that Swift could finish her acceptance speech. In April of 2012, Kanye began dating reality television star Kim Kardashian. In December of 2012 at a concert in Atlantic City, West announced the expectation of the couple’s first child, who in recent news, was reported to be a baby girl. Currently, Kanye is promoting his upcoming album Yeezus. He performed his single “New Slaves” on Saturday Night Live and another new
single “Black Skinhead” at the Met Gala in New York. West recorded a video of himself performing “New Slaves” and it was projected on the walls of 66 buildings in 10 major cities. However, the single has stirred up some controversy due its explicit lyrics and reference to modernday slavery. Kanye criticizes America’s criminal justice system and compares being a celebrity to a slave. While Kanye West is a very outspoken and controversial artist, his contributions to Hip-Hop continue to transcend the music world. His fan base is enormous and are looking forward to hearing any of his new projects!
THIS WEEK ON ERICAVAIN.COM 4 Benzino Quits: “Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta” – The reality TV star, Benzino, released the song, “Smashed Da Homie”, which caused tension between him and fellow co-star Stevie J. The reason? Well, Benzino’s song was allegedly firing shots at Stevie J’s Woman Joseline Hernandez. Stevie did not take kindly to Benzino’s song and the two had it out over twitter. After that big mess, Benzino decided to call the show quits. He couldn’t take the heat inside the kitchen.
3 Demi Lovato Signed No-Suicide Contract at Age 7, Tweets Support to Paris Jackson – Demi Lovato had been dealing with depression since she was a little girl. So much so that her principal reached out to her: “The principal called my parents and made me sign this suicide contract saying that I would not kill myself. They weren’t expecting that so young.” When the singer heard about Paris Jackson’s suicide attempt she took time to reach out to her:“Dear Paris Jackson, don’t let bullies to let you down. We believe in you. Stay strong, please. … You’re beautiful and we love you. #Praying.”The message was deleted but it is the thought that matters.
2 Bobbi Kristina and Boyfriend Nick Gordon Gets Evicted From Their Apartment After the neighbors got tired of the noise the couple created they were evicted. Joshua Morse, who lived below the couple stated that he had to file more than 10 complaints about the couple. When they were evicted a rude note (apparently addressed to Morse) was found: “Thanks You are sh*t at the bottom of our shoe. Thank you for making a hard year harder. You are a miserable couple and always will be.You were honored to have us living above you and you couldn’t stand such a young beautiful couple far more successful than you ever will be. I pray your misery doesn’t rub off on your innocent little baby.” Once the story was out that the pair were evicted a source immediately shot down the eviction rumors. “Bobbi felt that the neighbors were always in her business and looking to get some sort of media attention. Krissy lives on the 2nd floor and as with anyone who lives in a first floor apartment you should expect to hear some noise above you. But apparently these people have been nuts for a long time. So she decided to move out. She was not evicted.” Hmm… Statements can be released to clean up a mess. What really happened? They always say there are three sides to a story, your side, their side, and the truth.
1 Tamar Braxton and Husband Welcome Baby Boy On June 6, Tamar Braxton gave birth to her son. The singer announced it to twitter by twitting a picture of baby blue stuffed animals. She then tweeted: “tamartian friends HE’S finally here! #bfv #tamarandvince #theone” Her sister, R&B singer, Toni Braxton tweeted: “Congratulations to my beautiful baby sister!!! I have a new nephew!!!!!! Hehe!!! I’m soooooooo excited!!!!!” Congrats to the new mom! We wish her the best!
Watching Movies With The Sound Off
Mac Miller Don’t know who Mac Miller is? Malcolm James McCormick, 21, was first known as Easy Mac before declaring the name, Mac Miller. From Pittsburgh Pennsylvania,this white rapper is signed to Rostrum Records and has already debuted his first album Blue Slide Park in November of 2011. He’s also worked with notable musicians such as Wiz Khalifa, Pharrel Williams, OFWGKTA, Cobra Starship, and several others. Some of his hits include “Loud,” “Frick Park Market,”“Party on Fifth Ave.,” and “Donald Trump. Mac Miller has devoted his life to Hip-Hop since the age of 15. He has taught himself to play the piano, guitar, drums, and bass. At 15, he released his first mixtape But My Macin Ain’t Easy under his original stage name, EZ Mac. Mac Miller was also a part of the rap group The Ill Spoken. The group released the mixtape How High in 2008. A year later when he was 17, Mac Miller managed to place in the final four of Rhyme Calisthenics, a MC competition in the Shadow Lounge.
Early 2010, Mac Miller signed with Rostrum Records, picked up by the record company’s president when hearing the artist’s work for his new mixtape, K.I.D.S. Mac Miller chose Rostrum Records due to its proximity to where he grew up and its association with Wiz Khalifa. Mac Miller released four more mixtapes before appearing on television, specifically VH1. In February of 2012,he released his first music video for his single “Missed Calls.” More would follow, including but not limited to, “Loud,” “Thoughts from a Balcony,” and “Onaroll.” Mac Miller success has been accompanied by a few troubles. In 2011, was charged with possession of marijuana. Mid 2012, he was involved in a lawsuit with Lord Finesse, a producer. The lawsuit demanded$10 million dollars with claims that a beat from a song was credited to Lord Finesse and ‘was instrumental to Miller’s success.” The funny thing is, the song was never released commercially (meaning there was no profit made from it) and Lord Finesse was originally given the credit. Luckily, the lawsuit was dropped. Miller’s second album, “Watching Movies with the Sound Off” is set to be released on June 18th, 2013. When referring to his second album, Miller claims that it’s “very introspective and very personal so it’s kind of throwing it all out there and seeing what happens.” He also has his own six-episode long reality television series called “Mac Miller and the Most Dope Family.” This airs on MTV2. Furthermore, the new white rapper will be going on tour in Europe with other renowned rappers such as Lil’ Wayne and 2 Chainz. by Travis Wood
THIS WEEK IN ENTERTAINMENT
By Zakiya Harris
Movies:
New Album Releases:
Twelve years after its predecessor Monsters, Inc., Monsters University arrives at the theaters The week of June 10th looks like a promising one for hip-hop on Friday, June 21st. Joining monsters, Mike and R&B fans. Kanye West’s Yeezus, J.Cole’s Born Sinner, and Sulley at the box office will be Brad Pitt and Mac Miller’s Watching Movies with the Sound Off, and Kelly zombies in the apocalypse film World War Z. Rowland’s Talk a Good Game all will hit stores Tuesday. Let’s hope that this end-of-civilization flick is Looks like our wallets will be feeling a little lighter this week! received a bit better than After Earth!
TV Shows: On Wednesday, June 19th, TV Land will be the place to be for comedy Wednesday night, as the hilarious Betty White in Hot in Cleveland (10/9c), Donald Faison in The Exes (10:30/9:30c), and Cedric the Entertainer in The Soul Man (11/10c) will return to the summer schedule. The hit law show Franklin & Bash returns to TNT at 9/8c also on Wednesday for its third season, while Lord of the Rings star Elijah Wood returns to FX in the third season of Wilfred. The show, which returns Thursday at 10/9c, is about a manic depressive man who see his neighbor’s dog as a manin a dog suit. On Saturday at 9/8c, the guilty pleasures will ensue on ABC for a limited time—the final four episodes of the canceled horror series, 666 Park Avenue, will air. The show, which stars Vanessa Williams, Rachael Taylor and Dave Annable, was canceled in November 2012.
A Hijacking, a Danish film, will also be in theaters in the U.S on Friday. The foreign film has won and has been nominated for many film festival awards, and tells the story of a cargo ship that has been hijacked by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean.
Music Tours: The singers of One Direction are going in many directions this week, as they will be performing on June 18th-22nd in arenas in Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina for their tour. Not long after his album is released, J.Cole will be continuing his “Dollar & A Dream Tour” in D.C. and in Philly. The venues are secret, the cover charge is a buck, and we know those two cities will be crazy those days! On Saturday, June 22nd, Bruno Mars’s “Moonshine Jungle World Tour” continues at the Verizon Center in D.C. at 8pm.
Zombies, Betty White, and finally a chance to see Kanye’s most recent transformation? Sounds like it’s gonna be a fun week!
J. Cole Born Sinner
Travis Vance
A highly anticipated second album somehow gets leaked about a week before the big release date... What is a young artist to do?
History tells us to deny that its the real thing in hopes that people will still go out and support it. Not J. Cole! He decided to own it and then stream it live for your listening pleasures before the album actually drops. Man, thats confidence. Extreme confidence! Believing so much in your work that you are willing to wager that your album still reaches great numbers within the first week of the actual album release date. Leaked or not, the album is tuff! No sophomore jinx here. Mr. Cole is considered one of the new era lyricist and by far the best story tellers out right now. The album follows the theme of a young man (rapper) figuring out life and trying to live right in a ratchet world. He tells vivid stories of his current and college career encounters with women; stories that are definitely relatable amongst the fellas. The album features a song titled “Let Nas Down” where he discusses his lead single to his first album and how he has let Nas down in terms of Nas’ hopes for him. The song “Crooked Smile” featuring TLC is a surprise to listeners. “Crooked Smile” promotes self love amongst women, which is a little strange since every other rapper these days is telling women to twerk something. This album is far from the ratchet molley music we are accustomed to hearing now-a-days. J. Cole delivers more of a mellow feeling that reminds you of mid 90’s music. There aren’t many radio singles for today’s radio, but that shouldn’t stop you from vibing out. Cole has incorporated several skits in his album that kinda supports the album theme. These skits help transition the listener to the next stanza of the album accordingly. We haven’t developed a grading system here at VainLLC, but if we had, this album definitely deserves a 4.25 mics out of 5. What’s lacking you ask?; An unexpected flow switch up kind of what Big did with Bone Thugs. If the older rappers allow space for these new MC’s to breathe, they will realize jut how tuff Born Sinner is.
Highly Aniticpated Album Leaked
SPOTTED:
June 8
Beyonce showed off her amazing abs in a midriff-baring outfit she wore for Kanye West’s birthday party in New York City.
Celebrity Pictures by Janiel Thomas
June 10
Singer Kelly Rowland waved to fans and photographers as she arrived at NBC Studios for her appearance on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” in New York City. The singer performed her recently released single “Gone” alongside Wiz Khalifa.
June 10
Kanye West was spotted walking in the rain after leaving his hotel in New York City.
June 11 Actor Eddie Murphy and his girlfriend Paige Butcher were spotted standing over their hotel balcony in Hawaii.
June 11 A bare-faced and very pregnant Kim Kardashian was spotted in Malibu, California while filming a session for her reality show, Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
June 11
What an unusual pairing! Chelsea Clinton hangs with rapper Rick Ross at the Samsung Hope for Children Gala. Ross posted the pic on his Instagram with the caption: “Boss and Chelsey Clinton… Politics as Usual!!!”
June 12 Pop princess Rihanna looked comfy and cute as she left her hotel with BFF Melissa Forde in Manchester, England. The “Stay” singer was visiting the country as part of her Diamonds World Tour.
June 12 British singer Rita Ora rocks a bold red lip, DKNY Resort 2014 dress with a tulle skirt and knee-high boots at the DKNY Artworks event in London. Those boots are not the business!
June 13
“Body Party” singer Ciara spotted arriving at the BBC Radio 1 studios in London. Her self-titled studio album will be in stores on July 9. One word: Shoegasm!
June 13 Halle Berry and fiance’ Olivier Martinez, who are expecting a baby boy, take a stroll in Paris, France.