As Summer Winds Down, the NEWS Never End(s)

[jitterbug13]

Pint-sized R&B singer Lil' Mo may be small in stature, but she has some big opinions on the state of the music industry. The "Godmother of R&B and Hip-Hop" says that the new breed R&B singers are more concerned with being "overnight celebrities" and not focused on maintaining the integrity of the music.

"Nobody is real anymore! Singers are afraid to sing," began Mo. "Most of them are more concerned with dancing instead of singing. These chicks can't stand alone, either, because most of them have their CEOs in their music video."

Mo says the reason for the current state of "watered down R&B" is "a lot of hip-hop men are behind the singers now." She continued: "They're only concerned with putting out a hot track and having their singers dance. But most of them can't even perform these songs live. At the rate we're at now, we're not going to have any more Gladys Knights, Patti LaBelles and Aretha Franklins."

The Roun'Table/Cash Money Records artist adds there are some singers who "still saaang" and Fantasia, Faith Evans, Monica and Mary J. Blige are among those she credits. "My dream tour would be to go out on the road with Fantasia and Faith. I rock with both of them hard," she said.

The Baltimore-bred belter admits she could do without many of the other girls out now. "I see some of them and ask where is Ashanti when you need her," laughed Mo.

We asked Mo about her rumored beef with newcomer Keyshia Cole that apparently began after Mo made similar comments about new singers on the syndicated Star & Buc Wild Morning Show. "I was in New York at Dream Hotel preparing to do a show. She saw my manager Phil Thornton (of Bright Star Entertainment) and my stylist in the lobby and asked them what they were doing there. When they said they were there to see me, she said, 'You all are traitors. She is the enemy.' Then she stormed off. I heard she was drunk, so I brushed it off and blamed it on the alcohol," recalled Mo.

Mo will drop her junior album 'Syndicated (The Lil' Mo Hour)' in late Sept. and then headline the Seagram's Gin Live national tour later this fall. "If you're tired of being hoodwinked, bamboozled, led astray and run amuck, then come see my live show. There's no lip-synching on this tour. It's all live, baby!"


Fox Hound
'Missing' star Vivica A. Fox tells the celebrity weekly OK! that she doesn't understand why, after two years, 50 Cent is still rapping about their failed romance.

"To be honest, that's not a good memory," Fox said in her six-page spread. "Evidently I must have been special or done something awfully right, because two years later he's still writing songs and talking about me."

Fox also told the newly launched American version of the popular U.K. magazine that she'll never marry again. "I could be like Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. Marriage means too much paperwork for me. You got to get a prenup to make sure they're not marrying you for your money and all that stuff," she confessed.

For now, the actress says her career is her first love. As far as men are concerned, the 'Kill Bill' beauty told OK!, "I'm very happy single!"


Bravo Bobby!
'All Of Us' star Tony Rock is fanatical about 'Being Bobby Brown.' "Yo, that's the best show ever!" he exclaimed to us.

Rock says that the show confirmed for him that Whitney Houston is really from the 'hood. "I didn't know Whitney Houston was as ghetto as she is. I knew she was from New Jersey, but she's really from Jersey," laughed the comic. "I thought she was from you-make-some-money-and-move-to-Jersey, Jersey. But she's from carjacking Jersey!"

The former Oxygen network host, who is also the younger brother of Chris Rock, says while most don't realize it now, Bobby Brown is a modern legend. "I saw the episode when Bobby Brown did 'Jimmy Kimmel Live.' He's in court, he's on drugs, he's strung out, he's in rehab, he smokes a lot ... but when that motherf--n music came on, he was Bobby Brown of 1992," said Rock. "This n--a has still got it! He's not going to be appreciated until he's dead and gone. He's our version of Rick James."

As far as his own show 'All of Us' is concerned, Rock recently returned to work on the third season.

Can't Say Names
Can't Say Names ...
... Sources say a certain conscience rapper probably doesn't realize that his girlfriend's girlfriend is really her girlfriend! That's right, said rapper's gal pal is a part-time lesbian and is apparently cheating on him with a popular female deejay. No one wants to tell the hip-hopper that his missus has a mistress because when it comes to gay life, apparently he doesn't get down.


Buzzworthy

... Comics Buddy Lewis and Kym Whitley have launched a new comedy night at Serra's Dine & Dance in Studio City, Calif. The duo hosts the comedy showcase on Wednesday nights. Last week's show featured performances by Mark Curry ('Hangin' With Mr. Cooper'), Maestro Clark ('Soul Train'), Chris Spencer, Shang and crowd favorite Kathleen Madigan. Actor Michael Jai White, Surface frontman Bernard Jackson and several cast members from 'Gray's Anatomy' were also in attendance.

... Sources say that the Rev. Al Sharpton has a radio talk show in development by Radio One. Sharpton's show would mix music and real issues and would be the direct competition of ABC Radio's The Michael Baisden Show. Stay tuned...
Three-time MTV VMA nominee John Legend has recorded a remix to his song 'So High' with The Fugees member Lauryn Hill. "I played on 'Everything is Everything' off the 'Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' album and I have been wanting to work with her ever since. It's great to see that wish finally came true," Legend said in a statement on his Web site. The single is currently being serviced to radio, while a music video for the original version of the song will premiere this week on BET and MTV. European fans can also catch Legend on tour there, and he'll join the Black Eyed Peas for shows in New Zealand and Australia.

... "It's time to take a stand," an A-list Hollywood star told us. "And that's why I am rallying other celebrities to follow suit!" What's this all about? Well, a top Hollywood talent told this column that they are organizing an effort to encourage celebrities not to do interviews on "reckless and irresponsible New York radio shows." They continued, "Whether it is the morning, afternoon or evening shows, too many stations in New York are enabling their radio talents to use unethical means of generating ratings by reporting false stories and rumors, verbally attacking and ambushing celebrities and attempting to smear the character of reputable entertainers in an effort to get ratings. If we stop talking, they'll stop working. End of story!" Let's see how this unveils.

[DELTABRAT]

... Sources say a certain conscience rapper probably doesn't realize that his girlfriend's girlfriend is really her girlfriend! That's right, said rapper's gal pal is a part-time lesbian and is apparently cheating on him with a popular female deejay. No one wants to tell the hip-hopper that his missus has a mistress because when it comes to gay life, apparently he doesn't get down.


Who dis? Uhm... (first off, I'm at "conscience rapper") but anyhoo...CONSCIOUS rapper with a wife/girlfriend has me stumped. Who are the conscious rappers out there? Had it been say 4 years ago, I'd say Common but now, I just don't know.

[ladylike]

Originally posted by jitterbug13
Pint-sized R&B singer Lil' Mo may be small in stature, but she has some big opinions on the state of the music industry. The "Godmother of R&B and Hip-Hop" says that the new breed R&B singers are more concerned with being "overnight celebrities" and not focused on maintaining the integrity of the music.

These titles are getting a wee bit out of hand. Next thing you know we're gonna have someone claimng the title of "Play Cousin of R&B."

[lilbay77]

Originally posted by ladylike
These titles are getting a wee bit out of hand. Next thing you know we're gonna have someone claimng the title of "Play Cousin of R&B."

LOL

You 'bout right!

[The Truth]

Originally posted by ladylike
These titles are getting a wee bit out of hand. Next thing you know we're gonna have someone claimng the title of "Play Cousin of R&B."

When I read that I thought the same thing. My people, my people *smh with one hand covering my face*

[MeezDiscreet]

Originally posted by ladylike
These titles are getting a wee bit out of hand. Next thing you know we're gonna have someone claimng the title of "Play Cousin of R&B."

this has me ROLLING!! and after the day i just had, i needed this!

[Conskeeted7]

Originally posted by ladylike
These titles are getting a wee bit out of hand. Next thing you know we're gonna have someone claimng the title of "Play Cousin of R&B."

I was confused by this title also. Who gave it to her? What exactly does it represent? She should have just said she's the auntie or mama's best friend...whatever

I'm thinking the conscious rapper is either Mos Def or Common.

[Kloud9]

Originally posted by lostnfound117
To Luther Vandross, in a new music video, for the song "So Amazing", remade by Beyonce'. The song will be included on "So Amazing : The Luther Vandross Tribute" album. Other artist on the CD include Wyclef Jean, Usher, Ruben Studdard, Mary J. Blige & others. The video for "So Amazing" will be shot in Los Angeles on the 22nd and 23rd, with director Jake Nava. Artist set to be included in the musical star studded tribute video include, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Wyclef, Usher, Ashanti, Keyshia Cole, Brandy, Ray J, Omarion, Marques Houston, P.Diddy, T.I., Ciara, Jay-Z, Queen Latifah, Ja Rule, Busta Rhymes, India.Arie, Jill Scott, Toni Braxton, Lil' Kim, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, R.Kelly, Lil' Mo, Cash Money, Big Tigger, Gabrielle Union, Will & Jada Smith, T-Boz and Chilli, Paula Abdul and much more.

Why does this ANGER me?

[Kloud9]

Originally posted by ladylike
[whitney houston] Hell to the naw [/whitney houston] if one note is sung or rapped by these people. And why are these people in the video? I understand if they're fans of Luther's. But why not Luther's peers like Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Frankie Beverly, The Isley Brothers, Smokie Robinson. I mean...

my thoughts exactly

[Kloud9]

Originally posted by prayerfull
OK, so I can see maybe Beyonce, Jill Scott, Wyclef, Toni Braxton, Usher, Brandy, TLC & Mary J participating in this tribute.

But...CASH MONEY? Lil Mo, Lil Kim? Ray J?

What is Big Tigger's talent?

I figure Gabrielle Union will be in the video. Maybe Will & Jada will be in the video also, showing the black luv thang.

Diddy? Is there a remix involved? I can hear him now saying "RIP Luther...Bad Boy Baby".

Thanks....I've just saved $17.99 + tax.

As a TRUE Luther fan, there is no way I could ever fathom purchasing this CD

[Kloud9]

Originally posted by lostnfound117




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LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I can't even tell who's who!!!

[jitterbug13]

Originally posted by DELTABRAT

Who dis? Uhm... (first off, I'm at "conscience rapper") but anyhoo...CONSCIOUS rapper with a wife/girlfriend has me stumped. Who are the conscious rappers out there? Had it been say 4 years ago, I'd say Common but now, I just don't know.

The poll had Common, Mos or Talib and two other rappers who wouldn't be in "that catergory". Even if it's any of them, I feel bad for them.

[Gyrl7]

Originally posted by Kloud9
LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I can't even tell who's who!!!

They look jaaaaaaaaaaacked up! ILG what a mess.

[DELTABRAT]

I wasn't aware that Mos had recently gotten married but I guess so. I was thinking of conscious rappers who were KNOWN to be with someone but maybe not. Added: He is married to the video chick in Drop it like it's hot, dayum fool! She's Canadian so I am unsure of her dating a Djay in NY.

I don't really feel sorry for whomever it is, though. Lesbian is synonymous with "being freaky" to most men (not my opinion), so I doubt it hurts the relationship much.

[The Truth]

Originally posted by Gyrl7
They look jaaaaaaaaaaacked up!

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh that is my mama right there. She is always talking bad about somebody. I miss her.