STR8NYC.COM- All The Juice in HollyHood!

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: RIHANNA’S “GMA” INTERVIEW x CHRIS BROWN REACTS…

J'More — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:23:26 +0000

Check out part 2 of Rihanna’s indepth interview with ABC’s Diane Sawyer in which she goes into detail about the night Ike Jr. assaulted her. She admits what we already knew– a text message from I’m presuming another chick led to their heated argument and unfortunately left her with a battered face.

Earlier today, Chris Brown issued a statement to MTV about Rihanna’s decision to finally break her silence about the beatdown incident.

“While I respect Rihanna’s right to discuss the specific events of February 8, I maintain my position that all of the details should remain a private matter between us. I do appreciate her support and wish her the best. I am extremely sorry for what I did, and I accept accountability for my actions. At this point, I am taking the proper steps to learn about me and grow from my mistakes. I only hope that others in similar situations can learn from our experience as well. Abuse of any kind is always wrong. The rest I leave it to God.”

Watch the full interview tonight on ABC at 10 p.m. ET!

JAY-Z PERFORMS “EMPIRE STATE OF MIND” @ YANKEES VICTORY PARADE x “BLUEPRINT 3″ 2010 TOUR DATES!

J'More — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:48:49 +0000

Forget about being proud to be an American, hell I’m proud to be a New Yorker! Check out the King of New York performing New York’s Anthem “Empire State of Mind” along with native New Yorker and RocNation artist Bridget Kelly– who filled in for Alicia Keys. Much love to Bridget ’cause shorty killed the hook!

In related Jay-Z news, the rapper recently announced the North American dates for his 2010 “Blueprint 3 Tour”. Jay-Z will embark on a stateside tour starting February 22^nd in Houston. Rapper Young Jeezy is also scheduled to open all dates on the tour. As if experiencing Jay-Z live in concert already isn’t enough, he’s enlisted ATL rapper Young Jeezy to open up every show! Tickets go on sale November 13th, get em before they sell out. You already know tickets to see ya boy Jay perform sell out in less than 5 minutes!

Click HERE to find out when Jay-Z’s coming to your hood!

EXCLUSIVE: RYAN LESLIE PRESENTS “TRANSITION” IN NYC…

LexAve — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:22:05 +0000

On Wednesday, ya gurl got the greenlight to attend Ryan Leslie’s listening presentation for “Transition” at The Times Center in NYC. And eventhough I already checked out his album at Chuck King Studios in early October, I opted to see Ryan one more time. Upon arriving to the venue, I saw the long entrance line and ya already know I don’t do lines…luckily my boo and his homie were at the front of line and within 5 minutes we were in…checked our names at the door, checked our coats and headed to the greygoose open bar and immediately began mingling as awaited for the show to start. Soon after downing two Greygoose “Diamond Girls”, it was time for folks to enter the stage area where no drinks or food were allowed, thus forcing industry folks to chug. Picture a crowd of folks gulping the last drops of their cocktails to run inside and snag a good seat. The boo and I quickly snag seats right upfront and continued mingling for the next 15 minutes. On stage was a projector screen displaying RLes’ “Transition” album & a piano on the far right. Shortly scouting the audience and making a quick run to the ladies room, the lights slowly dimmed and the announcer introduced Mr. Ryan Leslie to the stage. And for the next hour and change, RLes took us on the journey on the creative process of completing “Transition” as well as weave in the story of the young woman he apparently chased across the world coining her as the inspiration of the album. With a few key strokes on the piano and lil’ storytelling, RLes depicted his “Transition” with visuals of studio sessions including industry peers like Pusha-T, guitar player from NERD, and even Drake. He even gave us a sneak peek to his new video and 2nd single “Never Gonna Break-Up”…

And even though I appreciate the man’s talent and musicianship, I still left the listening session feeling like this is an incomplete project and not as good as his self-titled debut album. Ryan is extremely talented but “Transition” feels bit rushed and lacking in the lyrical department…on the other hand the beats are SICK!

Once the listening session ended, people exited the venue and a few lingered for unfinished networking. I spotted my fellow Ecuadorian sis, Adrienne Bailon, walking out and of course had to pose for a flick.

Then I of course went on pap-mode and snapped some pics of Ryan posing next to his piano and chillen with Universal honcho Sylvia Rhone.

Overall, Ryan Leslie and the Chambers Group never fail to impress with their venue selection and smooth flowing events. Though I expected a bit more from “Transition”…I still love you RLes.

STR8NYC EVENTS: HIP-HOP 4 LIFE “BEAUTY BAR BAZAAR”

J'More — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:02:07 +0000

Come and experience Hip Hop 4 Life’s “Beauty Bar Bazaar” tonight at Taj Lounge in NYC for a unique and bazaar fundraising shopping experience unlike no other! The Beauty Bar will feature upcoming fashionista designers, stylists, beauty products, cocktails and more! “Hip Hop 4 Life” is a champion of positive youth development and empowerment; serving young people ages 12-18, with a special emphasis on those residing in at-risk environments. The organization is committed to building self-esteem, confidence and sound judgment in young people so they can achieve their utmost potential and become proactive members and leaders within their communities. For more information about Hip Hop 4 Life visit www.hiphop4lifeonline.com

Who: Hip Hop 4 Life

What: A unique shopping experience!

When: November 6, 2009, 6:00 p.m.

( 6:00- 7:00 p.m. Networking/Cocktail Hour & 7:00-10:00 p.m. Shopping FUN!

Where: TAJ Lounge

New York, NY 10010

Entry Fee: $20

Ya know Str8NYC loves the kiddies, so it’s only right that we promote events that support our youth.

USHER RETURNS WITH NEW “VIP” FRAGRANCE…SMELL IT!

LexAve — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:20:39 +0000

In preparation for his 2010 comeback, Usher is warming things up with his new VIP fragrance campaign, a new fragrance for men that exudes complete confidence. Ya know some dudes can use this!

“I consider fragrance to be one of the most important tools of engagement for seduction. With Usher VIP I created a gentlemen’s scent, which would also appeal to women,” said Usher. “Women tell me they love the scent of a man and I wanted to create that sense of confidence and style that women desire. VIP is a state of mind which is about what you do with that confidence and how you make an impact in the lives of those around you.”

Usher VIP celebrates the gentleman inside of every man.
Go behind the scenes Usher’s VIP fragrance campaign and photoshoot.

JANET JACKSON TO BREAK SILENCE ON MJ + NEW TYLER PERRY MOVIE…

J'More — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:00:32 +0000

Since the tragic death of the King of Pop, lil’ sis Janet Jackson hasn’t really been in the spotlight. Well, all of that is about to change with her first indepth interview since his passing with ABC’s “Good Morning America’s” host Robin Roberts scheduled to air on the network November 18^th at 10 p.m. Janet is also releasing a new compilation album which will include her Number Ones on November 17^th as well her new single “Make Me” produced by her and Rodney Jerkins.

While we wait for the exclusive interview, check out the trailer to Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married Too”…

KELLY ROWLAND LIKES BEING MAN-LESS…

J'More — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:07:23 +0000

After breaking off her engagement to NFL star Roy Williams, Kelly Rowland has come to realize that she doesn’t need a man in her life to make her happy. Kelly admits that she likes being single and claims that she isn’t in a rush to settle down either. She tells OK!

“Being single is about celebrating and appreciating your own space that you’re in. I couldn’t have lived alone before. I always needed someone to share my space but now I like being by myself.”

She adds,

“Everybody’s time is different. I don’t expect to go down the same road as anyone else. I think it’s important not to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes, when they’re in a time in their life that we aren’t. We have to appreciate where we are in our life in order to move on. You have to be happy with you and every decision you make. We can get caught up in what other people expect of us, but it’s important to live in your space and not anyone else’s.

I hear that! I totally agree with Kizzy that everybody’s timing is different. Here’s a word of advice for all the single ladies out there–stop looking at other people’s relationships expecting the same outcome for yourself. Trust and believe that you’re prince charming will appear the moment you stop looking!

ALICIA KEYS PERFORMS AT LATIN GRAMMY AWARDS 2009

J'More — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:27:43 +0000

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.

“EMPIRE STATE OF MIND” PT. 2 IN THE WORKS?!…YEP!!

J'More — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:12:58 +0000

Word is one of the reasons Alicia Keys decided to push back her new album The Element of Freedom is because she wanted to spend more time working on “Empire State of Mind Part 2”. Yep, her duet with Jay-Z was so monumental that the songstress and the rapper have decided to return to the studio to record the sequel. And fans aren’t the only ones in love with the New York Anthem, apparently Alicia “fell in love” with the track the moment she stepped in the booth. She recently told MTV,

“Obviously, I’m very grateful to him [Jay-Z] for reaching out to me and for that type of ability to represent my hometown, like, that was crazy. So we went to the studio. I went to the studio, and … I fell in love from the jump.”

“The Element of Freedom” in stores December 15th!

I hope that Part 2 just doesn’t fall short…

50 CENT TALKS BEANIE SIGEL JOINING G-UNIT…

J'More — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:48:52 +0000

Although word on the street is that rapper 50 Cent signed former ROC member Beanie Sigel, the deal isn’t official yet. Apparently, 50 wants to take his time with this one–in other words, he wants to see what Beanie has to bring to the table. Yesterday, the rapper told MTV,

“I had a meeting with him today. First we gotta start with the music — where’s the music? Then we have to get into what it would take to bring him over to G-Unit as a record company. You can’t sign a deal in a conversation — it’s a process. We’ll see what happens. Adding, “I would listen to what he has. His skills haven’t diminished. Nine times out of 10, he’ll have something workable already on deck. When you’re dealing with artists who have been established longer than you, it’s a process. You have to figure out exactly where they are at before you commit to being a part of those projects, because they have habits and they’ve been conditioned for something different. You have to figure out exactly what that is before you dive in.”

Is Beanie heading over to join the ranks of G-Unit a good move?!