B.I.G Rest In Peace...

Today is the 12-year anniversary of the untimely death of a rap legend-- The Notorious B.I.G. 12 years ago today, he was snatched from us, and left a void that has never been able to be filled. We must never forget the legacy that he left behind, and the realness that he brought to the table as one of rap's greatest.



Biggie was so dope, he made me wanna be from Brooklyn-- and that's serious... I'm so Harlem it's not even funny! Haha. But now that I actually live in BK-- I can look around and still see his influences everywhere. There are 12-year-olds in the hood today reciting Biggie's lyrics as if they were there themselves... Some of them weren't even a thought yet! But you know, that just shows how amazing this man is. Pharrell says: N.E.R.D = No one Ever Really Dies, and it's true. Biggie might be gone physically, but he will always be in our minds, our hearts and our music. BROOKLYN, I think you need to stand up right about now.

CLASSIC MATERIAL: "One More Chance"

Eartha Kitt Passes On....

As most of us celebrate Christmas with our families today, one famous family is not so fortunate. Singer, dancer, and sex-symbol extraordinaire, Earth Kitt died today of complications due to colon cancer.She passed today at 81 years old. Kitt grew up in rural South Carolina, and rose in the ranks of fame to become a symbol of sensuality and elegance the world over. She was married to William McDonald, and they had a daughter-- Kitt McDonald. She was popularly known for her role as Catwoman in the Batman series. I still remember Eartha from her stint in "Boomerang" when she was all up in Eddie Murphie grill-piece, lol. As a little girl, I always thought she was so beautiful, exotic and glamorous. My heart goes out to her and her family this holiday...

One Man Killed & Others Injured In Walmart Stampede...

...The term "Black Friday" will never be the same for Americans. Particularly those in Long Island, NY. According to the Daily News 34-year-old Jdimytai Damour was a temporary seasonal employee for Walmart during this busy holiday season. He was trying to calm the crowd at 5 am on Friday as the doors opened for Black Friday shoppers, but instead was greeted by a huge, unruly stampede. Once Damour was knocked to the ground, no one even cared to help him up. Several more people trampled over him, even after he was dead. Doctors say he sufferes cardiac arrest as well as several other injuries to his body. Along with the death, 4 other shoppers were critically injured-- including a woman who was 9-months pregnant. A co-worker had the following to say:

"He was bum-rushed by 200 people," said Wal-Mart worker Jimmy Overby, 43.

"They took the doors off the hinges. He was trampled and killed in front of me.

"They took me down, too ... I didn't know if I was going to live through it. I literally had to fight people off my back," Overby said.

This is sickening and sad. I mean, Walmart has great prices and all, but it's hardly "to die for"... Wow, was that in poor taste? Anyway, Mr. Damour's untimely death is a shame, and should be a reminder to us all how fully consumed we are with greed and consumption in this country. We all fall victim to it sometimes, but this situation here is nauseating. Happy Holidays.

Quote Of The Day...

Kanye West talks to MTV.com on the anniversary of his mother's death about how he feels about her. He also (quite sadly) seems to have blamed himself for her passing:

“Losing my mom, having no woman in my life to support me — I feel like I’m on my own and can only express it through my music...

feel like I moved to California, then my mom moved to California, and she did stuff she wouldn’t have done if we’d stayed in Chicago,” he said. “If I’d never made it in the music business, it never would’ve happened.”

Sad.

Def Jam Label-Head Committs Suicide!

MTV.com reports that Def Jam's executive vice President (Shakir Stewart, 34) committed suicide on Sunday in Atlanta (according to the APD).He died of a traumatic self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. he was found in his bathroom on Saturday night, and by the time he was transported to the hospital, he was pronounced dead. Stewart was credited for putting a lot of Atlanta talent on the map through Def-Jam, including super-producer Jazze Pha. He shot up the ranks recently after Jay-Z's departure. He leaves behind his fiancee, Michelle Rivers, and many loved ones. MTV had more to say:

One of Stewart's long time friends, Christopher Hicks, said he last spoke to Stewart about a week ago. "Whatever happened over the past 24 hours is not a testament to who we all know," Hicks told the Journal-Constitution on Sunday. "He was a one-of-a-kind individual. If you looked on his Blackberry [stamp] it said, 'One of one.' ... I mean, Shakir is the kind of guy who would get dressed up for a party none of us were invited to. ... He had no doubt he was getting in. He was a 'Where there's a will, there's a way' kind of guy. Always."

Stewart's fiancée, Michelle Rivers, released a joint statement with his family on Sunday in which she said that "over the past several weeks, Shakir's behavior was inconsistent with the man we all know and love. As much as we all tried to help him, Shakir was in deep pain and largely suffering in silence."

Sad.

The Sad & Tragic Events of the Hudson Family...

Jennifer Hudson has clearly been living the American dream since her debut to the world on American Idol some 5 years ago. Unfortunately for the budding singer/starlet that dream was completely shattered this past Friday... At 3pm on Friday afternoon, Hudson's brother, Jason Hudson,29, and mother, Darnell Hudson, 57, were found shot and dead in their Chicago home. Her seven-year-old nephew, Julian King, was missing from the scene... His body was found this morning in a white SUV that had an Amber Alert on it. Jennifer has ID'ed the body and it is indeed her nephew. Julian is the son of Jennifer's sister Julia Hudson.

The homicides are being deemed "domestic" because there is no clear motive (as far as robbery or sexual assault) in the case. William Balfour (Julia's estranged ex-husband) is a prime suspect. He was taken into the authorities this weekend, and is being held on a parole violation. He served 7 years for attempted murder, vehicular hi-jacking, and possesing a stolen vehicle.

This case is sad, horrific, vile and tragic. Jennifer is a strong talented woman, with a beautiful spirit, and it is a shame that her and her family have been put through this sheer and utter torture. Our prayers and best-wishes go out to the Hudson family, and I hope this cowardly, cold-hearted fool gets caught and thrown under the jail for 10 lifetimes. I'm disgusted.

Tupac's Producer Committs Suicide...

According to TMZ.com, Johnny J (real name: John Jackson) committed suicide after being detained in a jail for a DUI... Baller Status.com had more on the subject:

Producer Johnny J, most popular for his extensive work on Tupac's All Eyez On Me album, died while in custody at the Los Angeles County jail on Friday (October 3). His death is being considered a suicide.

Johnny J was in jail for a DUI charge. Authorities say he took his own life by jumping off a tier in the jail. He was just 39 years old, and leaves a wife and two children.

In early 90s, the Mexican-born, Los Angeles-raised producer first gained notoriety after producing the hit single "Knockin' Boots" for his Berklee College of Music classmate Candyman. Following the success of the single, he met Tupac and worked with the legendary rapper on his Thug Life album, the Above The Rim soundtrack, and the rest of the late rapper's projects up until his death.

Johnny J produced classic Tupac tracks such as "How Do U Want It," "All Bout U," "Picture Me Rollin'" and "Hit Em Up."

He was also the owner of his own Klock Work Entertainment.

How sad. I wonder what could have been so bad that this mogul, father, and husband would want to take his own life? He must have been fighting some seirous demons inside that's beyond our comprehension. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Jackson's friends and family-- may he rest in eternal peace.

Dr. Dre's Son Dies Suddenly @ 20 Years Old

Andre Young Jr. aka "Hood Surgeon", 20, was found Monday morning in his bedroom at 10 am by his mother. She tried to wake him, but he was unresponsive. She panicked and immediately called 911. When help arrived, Young was pronounced dead. Andre Jr.(son of legendary rapper/producer Dr. Dre) had been out the night before and had returned to his Woodland Hills home at 5:30 am that morning... Only a few hours later his mother found him unconscious. At this point, there is no documented cause of death. There is an autopsy being performed now, and a toxicology report will reveal the grim truth in a few days. As you know, I will keep y'all posted as this story develops... So sad.

R.I.P: LeRoi Moore

LeRoi Moore, famed saxophonist from The Dave Matthews Band past away yesterday at the tender age of 46. Moore died of complications due to an accident he had back in June. He was on his ranch driving an ATV and had an accident. He suffered from a punctured lung, and several broken ribs. Although he was released, apparently he was not completely rehabilitated... Sad. Our condolences go out to his family and band-mates.

What In The World Is Goin ON? R.I.P Isaac Hayes

Early this morning in Memphis, Isaac Hayes was found unconscious by his wife in his home. An ambulance was called, and he was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital East. He was pronounced dead shortly after...Hayes was 65 years old. He had been in declining health for quite a few years, but always managed to play an active role in the music community. His talents, humility, and charity will be missed. R.I.P Mr. Hayes.

Source

Bernie Mac Died Suddenly This Morning...

I am truly saddened by this unfortunate news. Bernie (Bernard Jefferey McCollough)Mac, 50, died early this morning from complications with pneumonia (according to his publicist). Mac had been hospitalized for the past week at North Western Hospital. A few years ago, Mac revealed that he suffered from sarcoidosis, a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the tissue-- especially the lungs.

Bernie will be remembered as a king of comedy, an intelligent, articulate, fearless man with so much to say, a savvy actor, a best friend, a father-figure, an awesome co-worker, and most of all: a brilliant talent. I can't believe we lost him so soon. No one was prepared for this. Condolences go out to his family in friends in this hard time...

Recession Taking A Bigger Toll On Us Than We Thought...

There was sad news today on CNN.com. 53-year-old, Carlene Balderrama committed suicide with a shotgun to her head, right before her house foreclosed. She begged and pleaded with her mortgage company on Tuesday sending them a desperate fax and begging them not to foreclose. But it was no use.. The procedure was in effect and there was no stopping it. Shortly after she sent her fax, she took her own life. Balderrama leaves a husband and a son behind. For full news coverage of this heart-breaking story Click Here. I can't help but think back to the Great Depression of the late 1920's when people were jumping out of skyscrapers because they were so down in debt that they felt they had no way out. Despite our circumstances, they can always be worse. Suicide is never the answer people. What a shame...

Golden Girl Estelle Getty Dies At 84

Estelle Getty has been affectionately known as the kooky mother of Dorothy on the sitcom hit, Golden Girls. I remember being in high school on Sunday afternoons after church I would curl up on my couch in the den and watch re-runs of Golden Girls on the Lifetime channel all day long. I was a young rambunctious teen, but I could still appreciate the humor and the issues that were raised in the show. Getty passed away yesterday morning at 5:35 am. She had been sick for quite some time, and had been fighting dementia for years. My heart and prayers go out to Estelle's family. May she rest in eternal peace.

High-Fashion Model Committs Suicide Suddenly!

Ruslan Korshunova ( the 5 foot 8 high-fashion model from Khazakstan better known as "The Russian Rapunzel"), jumped to her death from the ninth floor balcony of her NYC apartment this Saturday. She was only 20 years old, and would have turned 21 tomorrow. She has been in French and Russian Vogue and has worked for the likes of Vera Wang and Marc Jacobs. She was definitely a bright star in the world of high-fashion with a very bright future in front of her. Her modelling agancy, IMG released a statement of condolences for the family of the deceased. Friends of the late model say that she had just returned from a runway show in Paris and seemed to be "on top of the world"... Sad.

Let this be a lesson to all. Money and beauty does not always equal happiness. Don't envy those in the glam and the limelight, because we never truly know what demons and monsters they struggle with in their seemingly-perfect lives everyday. Do not strive to be like anyone else but yourself. Thank the Almighty for your blessings, and pray for your sanity... And I'm OUT!

Famed Comedian George Carlin Dies at 71...

George Carlin died yesterday evening of heart-failure at a Santa-Monica hospital. He had been struggling wit heart problems and drug problems for many years. He was a funny man, who definitely made his mark in the comedic world. He will be missed...

Celebrity Stylist Sadia Morrison Murdered In The Bronx

Sadia Morrison, 26, celebrity stylist to the likes of : Jay-Z, Plies, Kanye West and more, was found dead last Friday behind a Bronx apartment on 1065 University Ave. Newsday is reporting that this is definitely a murder case, and not a suicide. She was stabbed and pushed off of the building last week. She had clients to pick-up that day at 5pm, but was found dead an hour earlier... Police are speculating that the murder stems from a 2007 incident when her then-client Adam "Pacman" Jones was involved in a shooting in Las Vegas that left a man paralyzed from the waist down... Morisson had gotten probation in that case for fighting 2 strippers and assaulting a bodyguard with a champagne bottle... Before she died, her brother claimed she had "straightened her life out", and was on the road towards greatness. Morisson was in fact quite successful, and was a bright, shining star in her field.. Sad. Condolences go out to her family, as well as the OUTTA POCKET ENTERTAINMENT family where she worked.

UPDATE: Big shouts to Cheryl from Headliner PR for the update... Sadia Morrison was not dating NFL player Adam "Pacman" Jones. He was her client. Many media outlets are reporting that they were in a relationship, but that is false!

A Legend Died Yesterday...

Yves Saint Laurent, fashion genius, icon and legend, died yesterday evening in his Paris home after a year long battle with brain cancer.Pierre Berge-- his close friend and business partner of 40 years broke the news to the Associated Press.The Gucci Group acquired the YSL fashion house back in 1999, and Laurent had official retired in 2002. His fashion creativity gave women power, elegance, grace, character and straight up "fierceness" (I don't even care if that's a word or not... It's true!). He was a legend in his own time, and he will be sorely missed. Au Revoir Monsieur Laurent!

BATMAN: The Dark Knight!

This is what I've been waiting for. I am a big DC Comic/Marvel fan, and of course a fan of the Batman series'. This right here, is going to top them all! This film was heath Ledger's last full motion picture before he died, and the cause of death is greatly attributed to this film. Ledger is the kind of actor that gets deep into his character, and this dark, homicidal character of The Joker took over his life.

Ledger was said to have "demons" while shootin this film and was unable to sleep. He got paranoid and developped insomnia which caused him to start taking sleeping pills. Eventually he was found dead in his trendy NYC apartment due to an overdose of sleeping pills... So sad. I hope this film honors him, and his great achievements... And besides, Christian Bale is a BEAST (withi his FIIIIINE self!) Yes people, I AM down witht he swirl... DON'T HATE! Haha.

Head 'Madame' Of D.C. Prostitution Ring Committs Suicide!

BREAKING NEWS: Today, authorities have confirmed that a body that was found in Tarpon Springs, Fl was that of Deborah Jeane Palfrey (madame of infamous prostitution ring run out of Washington D.C). Although it is known that she left a suicide note, the contents are not being disclosed, nor are the authorities releasing any information on how she died. She was convicted on April, 15th of running a prostitution ring, money laundering (over $2 million), racketeering, and using mail illegally. She catered to many government officials in D.C as well as many other high profile clients. She faced a maximum sentence of 55 years, and was due for trial on July 24th.


One of her former employees (University of Baltimore professor Brandy Britton) was caught and charged with prostitution in 2006. She too committed suicide because she was too ashamed to go to trial. Ironically, when asked Palfrey had told the press , "I guess I am made of something Britten was not". Sad.

Another One Bites The Dust: Sean Bell's Killers ACQUITTED!

The image above says it all, but let me reiterate. WHEN WILL THIS MADNESS END? How many innocent lives have to be taken by our nations "finest" before they are held responsible for their cowboy-like actions? The police officers that killed Sean Bell in 2006 the night before his wedding have been acquitted.


Sean Bell was an innocent and unarmed man-- very similar to Amadou Diallo who faced the same fate back in 1999 when he was shot in the back 41 times. The prosecution in this case is calling for a re-trial, and I hope they get one. There was no jury, and clearly the judge was sippin on the sysurp, because this is unjust, disgusting, disgraceful and disheartening. Someone has got to be made responsible for this unlawful death, and that someone is the NYPD. I am sick and tired of innocent African-American men being slaughtered in the streets like dogs for absolutely no reason. Is this 1968 or 2008? How? Why? When will it end?

She will never get a second chance... So why should they?