
The folks over at HipHollywood.com went behind the scenes of Lil Kim's newest music video (which samples Zapp & Roger's classic hit 'Computer Love'), titled 'Download,' featuring T-Pain and the legendary Charlie Wilson. (See video below.)
The former Gap Band frontman, who was featured on the song's original sample decided to resurrect the 1980s classic with a slight touch of his 'Outstanding' vocals mixed with Queen Bee's persuasive lyrics.
Black Music Notes Mar. 19
3/19/09: Rihanna / Chris Brown
Contrary to previous claims that Rihanna and Chris Brown reunited in the studio last month to record a new duet, record producer Polow Da Don recently confirmed that the couple recorded the newly surfaced track last year. "The reports are inaccurate," Polow's publicist, Laura Wright, told US magazine. "The duet was recorded long before the incident." According to People, the track, reportedly titled 'Bad Girl,' was intended to be on the soundtrack for 'Confessions of a Shopaholic,' but the song was eventually recorded by the Pussycat Dolls.
Frank Micelotta, Getty Images
3/19/09: Kanye West / The Dream
Seven years ago this month, music heavyweights R. Kelly and Jay-Z released their highly anticipated collaborative album 'The Best of Both Worlds.' Now it appears Kanye West and The Dream are vying to work on a similar project. "Everybody is trying to talk us into it," Dream told 'MTV News' of his and West's friends and business associates. "It was first thought of by me. I was in Miami at the time, and I gave Kanye a call and said, 'The best thing would be for me and you to do an album.'... Let's take the best of both worlds and put it on a CD and try to make something we can sell to the consumers. He says he's with it. We're gonna try to make it happen." For now, you can catch Kanye on Dream's potential third single 'Walking on the Moon,' which is featured on his newly released album 'Love vs. Money.'
Getty Images
3/19/09: The Miracles
Legendary Motown group The Miracles is the latest musical act to receive a Hollywood star on the world-renowned Walk of Fame. The 'Ooo Baby, Baby' singers were presented with the 2,381st star on March 20 by Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO Leron Gubler. Motown founder Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder were also on hand as guest speakers for the ceremony.
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
3/19/09: Chester Gregory
After several years of blowing audiences away on the 'Great White Way,' Broadway Star and R&B soul recording artist Chester Gregory is preparing the release of his debut album 'In Search of High Love.' The March 31 release finds the multitalented singer introducing himself as a thoughtful and sensitive songwriter blessed with a voice that captivates and demands attention. "While I've thoroughly enjoyed performing on Broadway -- eight shows a week and telling other people's amazing stories -- now it's time for me to share my own," explained Gregory. Highlights of 'In Search of High Love' include the poetic 'Clouds to the Ground,' the crossover-bound 'Say it's Over' and Jackie Wilson's soaring 1967 chart-topper 'Higher and Higher.'
Jemal Countess, WireImage
3/19/09: Sammy Davis Jr.
Altovise Davis, the widow of Rat Pack member Sammy Davis Jr. , recently died at the age of 65. Two days prior to her death, she was admitted to Los Angeles'Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after suffering a stroke. The couple, who met in 1967 on the set of the musical 'Golden Boy,' married in 1970 and remained together until Davis' untimely death of throat cancer in 1990.
Evening Standard / Getty Images
3/19/09: Earth, Wind & Fire
Iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Earth, Wind & Fire is set to hit the road this summer for a 30-city tour beginning June 5 in Orange Beach, AL. In addition to Maurice White and company gracing the stage will be pop-rock band Chicago, which will perform a full show before joining for a final set together, according to Billboard. The tour will conclude on Aug. 1 in Lake Tahoe, NV.
Santiago Llanquin / AP
3/19/09: Kim Burrell
Gospel vocalist Kim Burrell is on deck to release her first new album in nine years titled 'No Ways Tired.' The project's title is inspired by gospel pioneer James Cleveland's classic of the same name. In addition to covering Cleveland's hit, Burrell also tapped other timeless classics including 'My Faith Looks Up to Thee,' 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus,' 'O Lamb of God,' and 'I Surrender All.' There are also a few originals. 'No Ways Tired' is set to hit stores April 7 via Shanachie Records.
Zomba
3/19/09: Mike Jones
Despite being on hiatus since the release of his debut album 'Who Is Mike Jones?' Houston's own Mike Jones is ready to make his mark on the charts once again with the release of 'The Voice.' Jones' sophomore effort is packed with some of the industry's most talented artist including, Lil' Wayne, T-Pain, Devin the Dude, Hurricane Chris and Twista. He's had recent success with his latest single 'Next To You,' which is currently number 16 on Radio and Records Rhythmic charts. "For the past four years, I have been doing a lot of restructuring, getting this record right, making sure my business is right and more," Jones said of his hiatus. "Now, I am ready to finish what I started. I'm hoping my fans will feel 'The Voice' was worth the wait." Mike Jones 'The Voice' is due in stores April 28.
Gilbert Carrasquillo, FilmMagic
3/19/09: Prince
With the recent announcement that Michael Jackson will return to the stage this summer, another influential artist is also planning to make his return. Beginning March 25, Prince will be performing on the 'Tonight Show with Jay Leno' for three consecutive nights. In addition, the 'Little Red Corvette' singer is also readying the Mar. 29 release of his two new albums 'LOtUSFLOW3R' and 'MPLSoUND.' Prince is the latest artist to promote a release through multiple late-night talk show performances. U2 also recently performed five nights in a row on the 'Late Show with David Letterman' in support of its new album 'No Line on the Horizon.'
Kevin Winter, NCLR / Getty Images
In between studio sessions for her forthcoming as-yet-untitled album, Kim has been busy rehearsing for ABC's popular dance competition 'Dancing With The Stars.' The show has proven that the pint size rapper can captivate a mainstream audience without having any material on the radio. Which seems to be apart of her "new flavor" as she told 'MTV News' earlier this year.
"I'm getting ready to come with a whole new flavor, a whole new style," she revealed about her album. "And I don't care what nobody says, I'm not gonna let anyone pigeonhole me. This is what it is. I'm coming with it...I'm gonna be singing, I'm gonna be flowing. Whatever I feel. It's not gonna be so strategic or placed. It's gonna be whatever I feel. I'm gonna have fun on my next album. It's coming soon. Really soon."
Black Music Notes June 26
6/26/08: Jill Scott
Jill Scott's latest album 'The Real Thing' is coming to a television screen near you. And it's going to be a sight for your eyes and a pleasure to your ears. On June 29, TV One will premiere an original music concert special featuring the neo-soul high priestess in all of her glory. Titled 'Jill Scott: The Real Thing Tour (Live in Philly),' the one-hour special features the two-time Grammy Award winning wunderkind performing a mix of her classic hits such as 'A Long Walk' and 'The Way,' juxtaposed with material from her newer projects, including the inspirational anthem 'Golden' and the tell-it-like-it-is, take-no-prisoners 'Hate On Me.' The special (Scott's very first) was filmed in March 2008 at the Liacouris Center in Philadelphia. Encore airings of the show are scheduled to air on July 3, July 5, and July 11.
Wire Image
6/26/08: D'Angelo
Despite going through legal woes over the past few years, neo-soul originator D'Angelo is back in the studio working on a new album. According to 'Billboard,' the singer is expected to release his new as-yet-untitled album next year on J Records. The company bought out his contract in 2005 from Virgin Records (who released his first two albums). Fans can expect the man legally known as Michael D'Angelo Archer to hook up with Raphael Saadiq once again, the two previously worked together on Saadiq's 2002 hit 'Be Here.' Although the album is still in its early stages, the 'Brown Sugar' crooner has plans to also land John Mayer on the opus, with a single to hit the airwaves by the end of the year. Until that time comes, fans can catch some of D'Angelo in his former glory with the recently released compilation, 'The Best So Far,' featuring hits, rarities and previously unreleased videos.
Image Direct
6/26/08: Gerald Albright
This week, one of the most sought after saxophonists in contemporary jazz, Gerald Albright, will release his eleventh solo project titled, 'Sax for Stax.' The set features eight covers from the Stax Records catalog , in addition to three originals written by Albright. The multi-talented sax player reached out to vocalists Will Downing, Ledisi, and Philip Bailey to help recapture classic music such as Issac Hayes' top five hit 'Never Can Say Goodbye' and the Staple Singers' hit 'Respect Yourself.' "I went through two box sets with over 20 CDs to pick songs that felt good and would work well melodically for the saxophone," Albright said.
Wire Image
6/26/08: Swizz Beatz
Just last year super-producer Swizz Beatz was hospitalized for exhaustion, and by the looks of it hasn't slowed him down a bit. The hip-hop hit-maker has been in the studio crafting hits for Jay-Z, G-Unit, Ludacris, T.I. , Alicia Keys, and surprisingly the icon himself Michael Jackson. The Bronx native (legally known as Kasseem Dean) recently revealed his plans to not only produce some music for the King of Pop, but produce his tour as well. "I'm probably gonna be producing his tour and everything," he explained to 'MTV.' "I'm designing planes for Gulf Stream and everything. They called me. I'm around different people. I'm around billionaires. I'm around people like that." This October Swizz Beatz plans to release his new studio opus entitled, 'Life After the Party.'
Film Magic
6/26/08: Erykah Badu
This fall, Erykah Badu is planning on bringing some of her voodoo experiences on the road the neo-soul diva was recently added to the tenth annual "Voodoo Experience Festival," held October 24-26 in New Orleans. In addition to Badu, Wyclef Jean, Joss Stone, and Lupe Fiasco are among the other acts on board to join alternative rock headliners R.E.M. , Nine Inch Nails and Stone Temple Pilots. Tickets are priced at $115, while a three-day VIP pass will available for a whopping $450.
AP
6/26/08: Ludacris
Trying to maintain a successful career in the music industry as well as Hollywood can be a bit strenuous for some rappers. But not Ludacris! Luda (as he is also known as) not only has his new album, 'Theater of the Mind' slated to hit stores in September, he's also in the process of filming a few movies. On Halloween, the actor/rapper will be appearing in Guy Ritchie's new film 'RocknRolla.' He also recently finished shooting 'Max Payne,' a crime thriller fronted by Mark Wahlberg. When asked which profession he likes most, he simply replied: "Music is still my number-one love. I just balance a lot of different things now." Hollywood is still calling him, though. To date, Ludacris has starred in the Academy Award winning movie 'Crash,' the John Singleton-produced 'Hustle & Flow' and 'Fred Clause,' alongside Vince Vaughan.
Wire Image
6/26/08: Ne-Yo/Keyshia Cole
The 2008 Reggae Sumfest is guaranteed to kick off with a bang! On July 18, new-school R&B superstars Ne-Yo and Keyshia Cole are tapped to headline this year's international night at the Montego Bay festival, which takes place from July 13-19. Reggae Sumfest will also showcase the best of the best in Dancehall and Reggae music including Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, and Lady Saw, among many others.
Film Magic
6/26/08: Will.I.Am
Crafting hit music for The Black Eyed Peas and Justin Timberlake can only inspire an artist/producer such as Will.I.Am (born William James Adams Jr.)to go beyond the music industry. Fans can expect to see the Black Eyed Peas front-man in the forthcoming X-Men movie, 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine,' playing a role opposite of Hugh Jackman. Will.I.Am recently revealed to 'MTV News' that the character he'll be playing is a teleporter by the name of John Wraith. In addition to 'X-Men,' the producer also landed a role in the 'Madagascar' sequel. "With 'Madagascar 2,' I think there has to be an angel or something or my grandma's prayers guiding that," he says. "It's pretty, pretty dope. And I'm grateful and happy about it all." 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' is expected to hit theaters in May 2009.
Wire Image
6/26/08: Mashonda
After releasing her debut album 'January Joy' internationally, Mashonda returns with two new singles 'All or Nothing' and 'No Panties' from her forthcoming untitled album. The Harlem reared singer describes her first single 'No Panties' as being "all about giving your man whatever he desires; no limits." In addition to her new music hitting the radio airwaves, the ex Mrs. Swizz Beatz (real name: Mashonda Tifrere-Dean) is the creative director and model for an upcoming coffee table book entitled, 'Alter Ego Revealed.' Mashonda's new album is set to drop in early next year.
Wire Image
6/26/08: Lauryn Hill/Kanye West
'Entertainment Weekly' magazine recently unveiled its 'New Classics' list in which they ranked the best in music, movies, TV shows, and books from over the past 25 years. Lauryn Hill's mega-selling solo debut 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' landed at number two slot behind Prince's timeless classic 'Purple Rain,' which held down the top spot. Other artist that made the list included Kanye West (No. 4), Jay-Z (No. 7), Outkast (No. 12), Beyonce (No. 19), Mariah Carey (No. 21), Nas (No. 28), and The Notorious B.I.G (No. 40), among many others.
Getty Images/Film Magic


Comments: (15)
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By: big wes on 4/18/2009 4:49AM
lil kim is trying her best to geet back in the spot light. i think she get back into it. to me she's still the most interesting female repper out there. what happing to those bigg ol titts?
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By: Dee Dee DA DA on 4/14/2009 10:46AM
I have a whole new respect after seeing Lil Kim on Dancing With The Stars. I now see that her rapping persona was an act. She has demonstrated a lot of class in her dancing with the stars routine. And she makes a lot of sense when speaking about her career etc. She is a real class act and I know in the rapping game classs is kind of sissy...so what..
Go on Queen Bee, sho' yo' stuff.
Be Blessed,
Dee Dee DA DA
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By: BKShotta9mm on 4/14/2009 3:00PM
Hey Dee Dee DA DA, I'm gonna have 2 disagreee w/U regarding Kim's (as U said) "fake rapping persona"?
Back in the day, Junior Mafia "Get Money", WHAT???
U can't B seirous. That s*&t was raw as you could get back then. Naw trust me, back then the girl repd the Stuy all day. All this hollywood, plastic surgury, skin bleaching crap is the fake persona. And IDK WTF happend along the way. Seem like I blinked one min., then when I opened my eyes she went from coco brown, to Kim Kardashian's complexion. And what's with like the "Valley Girl"
accent???? Like, gag me already..........LOL
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By: "DimePiece" on 4/14/2009 11:34AM
Lil Kim should have left that song alone. Nobody should EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER, do a classic song like that over in whatever way. Uncle Charlie sis, wasn't be honest, he probably wanted the attention. If Rodger Troutman were alive today, he would say HELL NO! You ain't takin my ISH!
She can't rap or sing in my opinion. Maybe back in the day? She tries so hard to be something that she is not. She is not REAL. She is so FAKE. If she think by her being on "Dancing With The Stars" is going to take her to the next level, she is WRONG! She tries so hard on that show and overdoes it. Every time she opens her mouth, her words don't come out right? I am really ticked off because, she took her attitude, her surgeries, ect.. to another level. She is not proud of being black because, she had to change for HOLLYWOOD to fit in and be accepted. She really messed up getting all of those surgeries. There was nothing wrong with the woman before. Maybe it was low self-esteem? Why mess up God's creation? I'm sure if Lil Kim didn't change her looks are her personality "Dancing With The Stars" wouldn't have been calling her.
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By: "DimePiece" on 4/14/2009 1:59PM
If you look at Lil Kim before the Transformation pic above, there was nothing wrong with the sista back in 96'. Sista was coco brown complexion, now she is china white? Anybody remember the comment she made when the singer from girl group 702, played Biggie Smalls girlfriend? The singer is brown skin and Lil Kim wanted a Asian woman to play that part instead of her. Lil Kim had a fit. The singer wasn't good enough. Lil Kim isn't Asian? She should have been thankful and appreciative of any woman playing that part, for real. Every time I see Lil Kim, her nose is getting thinner and thinner like Pinocchio. I can't even call her a sista now, that's for sure. Lookin like the joker in the above pic with all those damn surgeries. A HOT AZZ MESS. I wonder in Lil Kim's eye, was it really worth risking her life under the knife?
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By: BKShotta9mm on 4/14/2009 3:19PM
What it do DP...... I ain't even gota say nothin, U already know what it iz. 1st of all, I haven't even heard the song and by now, don't care to at this point. Yeah and the whole China Doll look??? Not a gud look IMO. Ol' girl duna end up lookin' like Joan Rivers B4 she turn 40. Then she's really gonna B sorry, not even them WBs gonna want her then.
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By: "DimePIece" on 4/14/2009 4:38PM
How U do BKShotta9mm, it's your girl "DimePiece"
I thought I was the only one not feelin Lil Kim. You crack me up :-) You know, she was representing back in the day, and yeah it was raw. But now, ma is taking this surgery thing to another level, and her attitude is so stuck up and it STINKS! It's ugly too me. She is not representing where she came from. She don't want to be black no more.
You know damn good well, Hollywood would have never let her on that dance floor if she didn't transform into this black Barbie. That lil clip of Lil Kim's video clip looked butt. Maybe Lil Kim need to switch over and do rock or somethin because this rappin/singing is not working for her. I don't even consider her a rapper/singer anymore. She even said if you remember last month on the blogs, that she would like to come out with a "Black Barbie". Look, that's all we need? I am done.
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By: Andre on 4/14/2009 4:44PM
I don't know what happened to Kim, but the new songs she's released (or leaked) are lame! This Download song is just ridiculous! I heard it today on Sirius Hip-Hop Nation and was quite bored by the whole ordeal. Perhaps it'll grow on me, but based on the first listen she needs to try again.
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By: BKShotta9mm on 4/14/2009 5:07PM
Hey "DimePiece", it's ya boi. And yes your right, again, as usuall. LOL And did U say a Black Barbie??? WOW, I must've missed that one. But the funny thing is though, when HOLLYWOOD's done exploiting her and have squeezed all the substance out of her and she's got no where else 2 turn to. She can alwayz come back 2 da hood, cause the hood ain't gonna turn their back on her, even though she act like she 4got where she came from. We ain't gona do her like OJ.........LOL
Much luv DP, U know how we do ;-)
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By: "DimePiece" on 4/14/2009 5:22PM
What it do BK,
I hear ya. You know our people would welcome her back. But you know what, there are probably a lot of people that wouldn't take her back. She wanted Hollywood so bad, she got it. So like you said, if things don't work out she can always go back to HOLLYHOOD! Much LUV, right back at ya! :-)
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