POP CULTURE: BET AWRDS 2009 RECAP

'BET Awards '09' Pays Tribute to Michael Jackson

On top of the show honoring the likes of Jamie Foxx, Beyonce, Lil Wayne, Ne-Yo, Keri Hilson and LeBron James, Janet Jackson makes an emotional appearance on behalf of the family thanking fans for their support.

LOS ANGELES, CA—It was a non-stop standing ovation for Michael Jackson and his legendary career at the "BET Awards '09," as host Jamie Foxx and a legion of A-list stars paid tribute to the King of Pop with special performances, emotional testimonials about what Jackson meant to them, and a beautiful, colorful set featuring images and montages of the star. The "BET Awards '09" celebrated Jackson and today's brightest stars in music, sports and entertainment at Los Angeles' historic Shrine Auditorium during a once-in-a-lifetime evening full of unforgettable moments on Sunday, June 28 at 8:00 p.m.*

From the minute the "BET Awards '09" started, the audience was on its feet immediately. Set against a backdrop of images of the Jackson 5, New Edition - Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, Michael Bivens, Rickey Bell, Ronnie DeVoe and Ralph Tresvant - reunited for a rousing performance of Jackson 5 songs, including "I Want You Back," "ABC" and "The Love You Save."

Foxx—clad in a classic Michael Jackson outfit of a red leather jacket and one glove—opened the show and set the perfect tone with a stage-long moonwalk and a hilarious, poignant monologue emphasizing Jackson's contributions to the music industry and pop culture.

Keri Hilson also channeled her inner Michael by donning his "Bad" outfit to perform her hit songs "Turnin' Me On" and "Knock You Down." Ne-Yo slowed it down with a powerful rendition of Jackson's "Lady in My Life," while Jamie Foxx and T-Pain got everyone dancing for "Blame It," bringing onstage surprise guest performers Snoop Dogg and Travis Barker.

In a breathtaking performance of her ballad "Ave Maria" and Sarah McLachlan's "Angel," Beyonce had the crowd mesmerized. Ciara also captivated the crowd singing Jackson's "Heal the World," and Mary Mary and Queen Latifah teamed up for a stirring performance of "God in Me." Keyshia Cole and Monica collaborated on the beautiful song "Trust," and Soulja Boy performed his hit "Turn My Swag On."

Ne-Yo returned to the stage for one of the most electrifying performances of the night, putting on a medley with some of his favorite stars, including: Keith Sweat singing "I Want Her"; Guy (Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall and Damion Hall) the originators of New Jack Swing; and Bel Biv Devoe, who had the crowd on their feet fist-pumping to "Poison." Cultural icon Jay-Z also rocked the house and had everyone standing to celebrate his new single "Death of Autotune."

Maxwell treated the audience to an incredible performance of "Pretty Wings," and in a surprise performance, up-and-coming artist Drake was joined onstage with Lil Wayne and Birdman for a medley of "Every Girl," "Best I Ever Had" and "Always Strapped."

In a surprise appearance, Don Cornelius, host and creator of "Soul Train," spoke about the contributions of The O'Jays, the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. Tevin Campbell, Johnny Gill, Tyrese and Trey Songz all performed to honor The O'Jays' musical career. Alicia Keys and Wyclef Jean both received the 2009 BET Humanitarian Award for their philanthropic efforts.

In an emotional end to the "BET Awards '09" Janet Jackson made an appearance on behalf of the Jackson family to thank fans for their support. And for the finale, Foxx and Ne-Yo brought the evening to a close with a touching duet, singing the Jackson 5's "I'll Be There."

A star-studded line-up of the hottest A-list celebrities made appearances at the show, including Tyra Banks, Taraji P. Henderson, Idris Elba, Sherri Shepherd, Anthony Anderson, Paula Patton, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Estelle, LeToya Luckett, Chaka Khan, Day 26, Nichelle Nichols, Keke Palmer, Ray J, Snoop Dogg, Ving Rhames, Zoe Saldana, Mike Epps, Jeremy Piven and Marlon Wayans.

Throughout the "BET Awards '09" BET Networks honored local heroes with the Community Humanitarian Award. These inaugural honorees—The Three Doctors, members of Food From The 'Hood (FFTH) and Mayor-elect James Young—were recognized for their activism within their communities.

Other memorable moments included: Zoe Saldana and Nichelle Nichols, the lovely ladies who play the current and original Uhura in "Star Trek;" a movie trailer spoof bringing together Matthew Lawrence's Shenene character and Foxx's Wanda; Nickelodeon's star of "True Jackson, VP" Keke Palmer performing Jackson's "Who's Loving You" a cappella; and Ginuwine and other stars giving testimonials on what Jackson meant to them.

In addition to all of these incredible moments, a number of awards were given out at the "BET Awards '09":

Best Male R&B Artist

Ne-Yo

Best Female R&B Artist

Beyonce Knowles

Best Group

Day 26

Best Gospel Artist

Mary Mary

Best Female Hip Hop Artist

M.I.A.

Best Male Hip Hop Artist

Lil Wayne

Best New Artist

Keri Hilson

Best Collaboration

Jamie Foxx f/ T-Pain - "Blame It"

Viewer's Choice

T.I. f/ Rihanna - "Live Your Life"

Video Director of the Year

Benny Boom

Video of the Year

Beyonce - "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"

Best Actress

Taraji P. Henson

Best Actor

Will Smith

Best Female Athlete

Serena Williams

Best Male Athlete

LeBron James

Centric Award

Jazmine Sullivan

Encore telecasts of the "BET Awards '09" are set for:

Tuesday, June 30 from 6:30-10:00 p.m.

Thursday, July 2 from 8:00-11:30 p.m.

Monday, July 6 from 8:00-11:30 p.m.

BET has once again teamed with Cossette Productions, the famed producers of the Grammy Awards and the eight record-setting "BET Awards" shows, to handle production of the telecast. Stephen Hill, President, Music Programming and Specials, BET Networks, along with Lynne Harris-Taylor, Vice President of Specials, BET Networks, will executive produce the telecast.

*All times ET/PT

source: pop tower

POP CULTURE: VIBE ELITE EIGHT GREATEST RAPPER EVER LIST

Vibe has put on a dope contest, highlighting the best rappers ever to bless a mic, and begging the question of who the greatest mc actually is. They started this contest a while ago, and they’re recognizing 60 rappers in 60 days. Right now they’re at the elite eight. Shout out the NCAA. Haha. They even have the March Madness brackets and everything. Here’ s the link to the article. Cheers & enjoy


http://www.vibe.com/news/online_exclusives/2009/06/the_best_rapper_ever_the_elite_eight/

MUSIC NEWS: JAY-Z BLUEPRINT 3 ALBUM RELEASE

Hello world, long time no see. Pardon the absence, I’ve been a tad under the weather. I’m just recovering from surgery, & I actually feel good for the 1^st time in a long time. I won’t disclose the purpose of my surgery or my reasoning for the surgery, but I will let you know that I am truly blessed & I am ready to get back to business. & speaking of making a comeback, its Mr. Hovy Hov, Mr. Beyonce Knowles, Mr. Roc-a-fella, Mr. Jigga Man himself making a comeback. Check out the article & leave your message. Enjoy

Jay-Z's Blueprint 3 Coming Out On September 11

Album's release would come eight years to the day after release of first Blueprint.

By Shaheem Reid

Jay-Z will not be Axl Rose — as he joked to MTV News earlier this year — regarding the long wait for his Blueprint 3 LP. Sources close to the situation have confirmed information from radio personality Miss Info's Twitter page stating that Jay will release Blueprint 3 on September 11, eight years to the day after the release of the first Blueprint album. Hov's new set reportedly will be coming out via a new partnership with the Warner Music Group.

While the first Blueprint album was released on a truly horrific day, it provided escapism for many at the time and remains arguably the greatest opus in Jay's catalog. The album introduced Kanye West and Just Blaze to the forefront of the production world, with soulful soundscapes to complement Jigga's timeless quotables. B3 went into production in 2008 and last spring, Jay announced the album during a Kanye West concert at Madison Square Garden; he also debuted a track from the album, "Jockin' Jay-Z." Kanye, the only producer who has been announced for the album, recently told MTV News that he and Jay had scrapped some earlier tracks recorded for the LP (ones including the Auto-Tune device West used extensively on his recent 808s and Heartbreak LP), and he also revealed that his new artist, singer Mr. Hudson, will make an appearance on the record.

Since most of Jay's albums have had quick turnarounds, fans were expecting Blueprint 3 to be released much sooner. However, Jay has explained in interviews that he was taking his time and actually didn't like not having a deadline to meet. The MC recently parted ways with his longtime label, Def Jam, clearing the way for him to release Blueprint 3 via a different company. Last week reports emerged that Jay was in the process of negotiating deals with both Sony Music and the Warner Music Group. MTV News has confirmed that Blueprint 3 will be coming out via Roc Nation. WMG/ Atlantic will be handling the distribution, marketing and promotion.

Neither Jay nor his rep has released a statement. Jay — who gave a surprise performance in Los Angeles with Eminem on Monday — kicks off his tour with Ciara in Las Vegas on July 3.