Looks like Kanye’s got a friend in John Mayer or least someone who sympathizes with him. Unlike most people, John realizes that the backlash ‘Ye received after ruining Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards was a bit too much– I agree! He tells Access Hollywood,

“If you just woke up now and you looked at the backlash on Kanye you’d think that he actually firebombed the stage. It’s the MTV Video Music Awards, not the G8 summit. Kanye West got in more trouble than the guy who yelled, ‘You lie!’ to the president. [He] got like a two-day slap on the wrist and Kanye West – his entire career is in escrow because he jumped on stage at the Video Music Awards.”

John has a valid point, it’s like Kanye killed somebody. The media didn’t really make a big deal when Lil PaPa MaMa hopped on stage during Jay-Z and Alicia’s set. Why is that?! For one, that type of behavior should be expected ’cause it’s Kanye. Dude is known for just saying crazy sh*t, from his Bush “Doesn’t like black people” rant to his child-like antics at award shows. Secondly, ‘Ye was spotted drinking a bottle of Hennessey before the show even started…so we can really blame it on the ah-ah ah-ah ah-al-co-hol!

Last night was an important night for the hardest working entertainers in Latin Music.  It all went down at the 10th Annual Latin Grammy Awards held in Sin City at Mandalay Bay. Grammy-award winner Alicia Keys tore the house down with her performance of “Looking for Paradise” with Alejandro Sanz from his latest album Paraiso Express.

Here’s some more videos from the best part of the BET Hip-Hop Awards Cypher Sessions.

As for the cipher…who’s rhymes killed it?!

POP THE HOOD FOR THE SECOND CYPHER…

Earlier this week, we reported that Usher finally signed those “papers” and is officially back on the market. Word is the R&B singer is loose on the prowl looking for a pretty young thing to replace his pet monster ex-wife, Tameka Foster. Apparently, Usher has his eyes set on Bajan beauty Rihanna and has been trying to court her for a minute. A snitch reveals to the National Enquirer,

“Usher has been making moves on Rihanna and she seems to like him a lot.“He calls her at least twice a day and they text all the time — he tells her how beautiful she is and that he can’t wait to show her how a woman is supposed to be treated. Usher even sends Rihanna flowers and includes a cute little quote or song-lyric message.”

The snitch claims that Rihanna really likes Usher, but she’s scared of Tameka’s crazy ass. Hell, who wouldn’t be?!

“Even though they are very interested in each other, Rihanna refuses to be seen in the public with him in a romantic setting until his divorce is final because she doesn’t want any drama with Tameka,” the snitch adds. “Right now, she’s just enjoying flirting.”

In related news, “Rated R” aka Rihanna is set to perform at the 2009 American Music Awards ceremony in L.A. on November 22nd. No word on what song the pop star will belt out nor has her camp or officials over at the AMA’s released an official statement.

Last night, the 4th Annual “Black Girls Rock!” Awards ceremony went down in NYC. The fundraising event brought out a star stellar group of black girls and black boys that truly rock!. The list of attendees included Mary J. Blige, Naomi Campbell, Janelle Monae, Queen Latifah, Tracy Ellis Ross and much more. On Friday, honoree Mary J. Blige chopped it up with MTV and explained why ‘Black Girls Rock!’. She says,

“Why ‘Black Girls Rock’? Black girls rock because we have it the hardest. We have it the hardest because our testimonies are stronger probably than anybody on the earth.”

MORE PICS UNDER THE HOOD!

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys will take the stage at this year’s American Music Awards and will represent for the Big Apple once again by performing their duet “Empire State of Mind”.

“We are thrilled to have Jay-Z and Alicia Keys on stage together for the 2009 American Music Awards,” the show’s producer Larry Klein told Access Hollywood. “Both are such talented artists, it is sure to be a memorable performance.”

Jay-Z will also be going head to head with rappers T.I. and Eminem for the crown of “Favorite Male Artist” in Rap/Hip-hop as well as “Favorite Album” in Rap/Hip-hop. It all goes down on November 22nd at L.A.’s Nokia Theater at 8 p.m. on ABC.

In the meantime, you can vote for your favorite artists HERE!

If the AMA’s don’t want a scene straight out of this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, I highly suggest they beef up their security. Now, if Lil Mama knows what’s good for her she better stay in her seat this time around!

]]> http://str8nyc.com/2009/10/18/jay-z-alicia-keys-set-to-peform-empire-state-of-mind-2009-amas/feed/ 2 http://str8nyc.com/2009/10/12/kanye-west-pulled-a-no-show-at-bet-hip-hop-awards/ http://str8nyc.com/2009/10/12/kanye-west-pulled-a-no-show-at-bet-hip-hop-awards/#comments Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:40:58 +0000 LexAve http://str8nyc.com/?p=26108 KANYE WEST PULLED A “NO-SHOW” AT BET HIP HOP AWARDS…

There’s absolutely no doubt that Queen of Hip-hop Soul Mary J. Blige and supermodel Naomi Campbell are Black Girls That Rock! The officials over at Black Girls Rock! seem to think so too, which is why these two ladies will be honored for their career achievements at the Black Girls Rock! Awards in New York on October 17th at the Times Center. However, MJB and Naomi aren’t the only ladies being recognized for their success, actress Raven Symone and singer Janelle Monae and a slew of other outstanding black women will also be acknowledged at the ceremony which celebrates women of color. Previous Black Girls That Rock! include Missy Elliott, Jennifer Hudson, Iman and Erykah Badu.