Singer Mario Starts Substance Abuse Program for Baltimore Students
We haven’t heard much music from Singer Mario lately but he has been out and about making positive moves for his community.
The Baltimore native has never kept his mother’s substance abuse a secret and has been very upfront about his experiences. Now Mario is using his experiences to help other kids in a substance abuse program targeted to middle and high school students in the Baltimore area. The Mario Do Right Foundation and the REACH! School have teamed up for a:
program will promote healthy alternatives to smoking, alcohol and drug use. It will also teach the kids techniques to resist peer pressure to engage in these activities. There will also be referrals for parents to the University of Maryland Medical Center for substance abuse treatment. [SOURCE]
Way to go Mario for turning a negative experience into positive energy.
Diddy to Launch Revolt
Cathy Hughes, Oprah and now Sean “Diddy” Combs. Though concrete details are hard to come by when it comes to this venture, it has been reported that on 12/12/12 Diddy will launch Revolt, a music-themed cable network. Revolt is being described as the new “old MTV” but will cater to African Americans.Comcast and Time Warner Cable are already in talks of distribution.
Sounds like MTV with a BET twist to me.
Etta James Passes At the Age of 73
On Friday, January 20th we loosed blonde songstress Etta James. James passed at the age of 73 in a Riverside, California hospital. In 2010, the six-time Grammy winner was diagnosed with leukemia. Complications with her leukemia was reported to be the cause of her death.
You may remember Beyoncé playing Etta James in the movie Cadillac Records. After she heard the news, Beyoncé wrote:
“This is a huge loss. Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time. I am so fortunate to have met such a queen. Her musical contributions will last a lifetime. Playing Etta James taught me so much about myself, and singing her music inspired me to be a stronger artist. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph. Her deeply emotional way of delivering a song told her story with no filter. She was fearless, and had guts. She will be missed.” [SOURCE]
Beyoncé is right. We don’t get music like James’ music any more. She will be missed.
On of my favorite songs of all time…
Etta James – “I’d Rather Go Blind”
Wendy Williams Campaigns to ‘Save The Twinkies’
Earlier this month, Hostess filed for bankruptcy. A bankruptcy filing could mean that we may have to say good-bye to the cream-filled sponge cake forever. While some are preparing for the beloved Twinkie‘s departure by stocking up, Wendy Williams has decided to save America’s favorite treat with the sweetest campaign ever.
In a humorous video, Wendy rallies her viewers to join her Facebook campaign to save the Twinkie. Although, I may have stayed away from the ever so delicious snack since graduating from college, I have to admit that Wendy just may be my hero. Yes, it’s true. Twinkies are a diet’s worst nightmare but walking into a store and not seeing the golden sponge cake on the shelf is just sad. Thanks Wendy for leading this campaign!
Artist To Watch: @IggyAzalea
As of September of last year, the internet world has already deemed Iggy Azalea an Artist To Watch. Ever since, Azalea has managed to command attention and in doing so, created a pretty big following of #Azaleans.
If you frequent GMPR, you already know how much I love a good female rapper. In an industry that is male dominated, I think a female rapper either established or on the come up is a huge statement for women in general. Although most women wouldn’t want to be defined by some of their lyrics, you can’t help but feel a sense of empowerment when a track from a female rapper comes on the radio, in the club or on the net. With all that being said and my anger towards Remy’s continued stint in jail, I am super happy to see another female gracing the rap scene.
21-year-old Austrian native and LA based rapper, Iggy Azalea is stylish and lyrically bold. Azalea’s latest mixtape, Ignorant Art and accompany visuals are a little all over the place but it’s provocative and fun and I appreciate that. Influenced by Tupac Shakur, her raw and hardcore tracks have led industry mavens to believe she is the next big thing in Hip Hop. She definitely has my attention and I’m interested to see how she will stand out in a land of Nicki Minaj.
Despite constant racial comments and numerous comparisons, Azalea is steady making moves. It is not official but word is she is on the brink of a deal with Def Jam. Also, she admits to being linked to rapper A$AP Rocky. In an interview with VIBE she admitted that an attempted collaboration turned into something more substantial.
Seems like Iggy Azalea is on her way to having it all. If you aren’t familiar get acquainted with her work below.
DOWNLOAD IGNORANT ART
The Helps’ Viola Davis Deleivers Emtional & Touching Acceptance Speech
Need some inspiration today? Viola Davis gave enough inspiration for months to come in last night’s acceptance speech for Critic’s Choice Movie Awards‘ “Best Actress”. The actress who played Aibileen Clark, a maid living in Mississippi during the 1960′s in The Help started by saying, “I am absolutely so humbled.”
She continued on by sharing her “dream big” mentality and went on to warm the hearts of those watching. The Help finished the night with three awards in all including best supporting actress for co-star Octavia Spencer and best acting ensemble award for the entire cast.
Watch Davis’ acceptance speech below.
Super Model Naomi Campbell Stars in Roberto Cavalli’s Spring 2012 Ad Campaign
If you haven’t admitted it yet no worries, I got you. I will admit it for you. Everyone LOVES a good fashion ad campaign. On top of a good campaign, I’m a sucker for anything gold. With that being said, I am loving the new ad campaign for Italian Fashion Icon Roberto Cavalli’s latest spring 2012 collection shot by Steven Meisel. The ad campaign stars 41-year-old supermodel Naomi Campbell and features models Karen Elson, Kristen McMenamy and Daphne Groeneveld.
