East and West Coast 'ballers', Sean John Combs and Magic Johnson, are among top draft selections for Comcast cable network's channels in 2K13
_______________________________
The last time the East and West Coast (NYC and Cali) dominated the headlines, like they are currently, the news wasn't so positive; it was about 'beef', which ultimately culminated in the deaths of two of the most prolific MC's (2Pac and Biggie) in hip-hop/rap music history.
But in 2013, two business mogul's - Magic and Diddy - with deep business roots in both coast's, will launch channel's reported to be powerfully positive game-changing forces in film, television and music entertainment!
"Comcast, the nation's largest cable operator, plans to launch ten
channels in total over eight years to keep a pledge it made in 2010 as
it sought federal approval for its acquisition of a majority stake in NBCUniversal."
It's no surprise these two entertainment and business swagg-masters have been given this opportunity to create jobs and provide quality entertainment, as we all know, Magic and Puff have been checkin' traps for years. But neither of them were awarded their respective contracts just on their names and reputations, alone.
"The channels will be broadly distributed and were chosen from over 100
proposals for concept, talent and financing necessary to give each a
fighting chance in today's brutally competitive landscape."
Magic's channel, Aspire, is committed to producing positive uplifting images of African American's 24/7 - an alternative to BET (Black Entertainment Television).
Sean Combs' - Revolt, on the other hand, "was selected by Comcast to be the first music network to truly
leverage the power of social media, fueling the live music dialogue and
influencing the music culture for the video-centric generation."
We can probably expect to see Diddy's presence on many of Revolt's episodes, but Magic has assured us he won't be appearing on any of Aspire's runs, except for an occasional public service announcement or inspiring message.
All the best to both East and West Coast 'ballers', as they seek to conquer new business and entertainment landscape. And BIG SHOUT to Comcast for showin' some love!
Lately, it seems, everybody (NYC fans, especially) is feelin' the 'buzz' from the b-ball style of the NBA's most recent hype - the 'linsanity' of point guard, Jeremy Lin!
So what's up with all the hype? Is this new-jack, 'J-Lin', really the master of 'b-ball swing & flow' that Knick fans and analysts are so geeked about? Will he continue to kick masterful game on-the-court, or will his "hype" hollow-out just as fast as Yao Ming's did?
Other than a Harvard University grad,
"who is this kid?"
Before he served the Lakers, [KB] Kobe Bryant knew of Lin, but he admitted he wasn't aware of all the hype surrounding Lin's game, and why. "Who is this kid?", he asked reporters during an interview. Um...KB and the Lakers are much more aware of J-Lin's 'get-down' after losing to the Knicks (92 - 85) on Feb.10.2K12. "'Linsanity' was in full bloom at Madison Square Garden" as 'Liny-Lin' put up a career high 38 points and seven assists.
"The only thing we established tonight was getting four in a row and we're going for five tomorrow." ~Jeremy Lin
Is his production so 'all-that', and if so, is his game contributing to wins that will likely result in post-season play-off appearances by the Knicks this year?
All these questions come as no surprise whenever a team struggles, but suddenly discovers a diamond in the rough. On one of the sports and entertainment world's biggest stages, Jeremy Lin is gettin' his major ball-n-swagg on (yeah, we heard he thinks he can do 'The Dougie', too).
Not completely sold on his hip-hop moves, but after checkin' Lin's highlights, stats, and journey to NBA stardom - homie just might be the real deal, but time, a few all-star game appearances, and definitely an NBA championship ring, will no doubt be [his] ultimate judge.
As any person of noteworthiness might expect, Lin also has his share of 'haters' (ignorant racists) and, at the least, doubters. But at the moment, 'JL' appears to be legitimately on fire, as the Knicks continue to ride his flow to recent victories. And by the way, Nike is diggin Lin's style so tough -- you can expect to see a fresh pair of 'Lin-kicks' coming soon to a hood near you!
DOB: 08.23.1988 POB: Los Angeles, CA (grew up in Palo Alto) College: Harvard University (economics major)
High School: Palo Alto Listed Height: 6 ft, 3 in Listed Weight: 200 lbs Unit: New York Knicks Position: Point Guard Career High: 38 points PPG: 12.7 APG: 5.1
"The last Ivy League player to play in the NBA was Yale's Chris Dudley in 2003, while the last Harvard player in the league was Ed Smith in 1954.After graduating from Harvard University, Lin went undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft. Eight teams had invited Lin to predraft workouts." [Source: Wikipedia]
What was expected to be an emotional night of celebration for outstanding achievement(s) in music, and remembrance in tribute to legendary music and entertainment industry icon - Whitney Houston (the queen of pop), this year's 2012 Grammy Awards show was, as many described, "distastefully stained" by [the] controversial and shocking performance of 'Roman Holiday', by female rap star - Nicki Minaj (aka: Barbie, Martha, and Roman).
Well known for her 'out-of-the-box', ultra-bizarre, flamboyant, highly provocative, and unorthodox style of [rap and entertainment] flow, many fans, award show attendees, and especially religious followers, were straight-up offended by the rappers untimely and perplexing display of "art".
No doubt, if Nicki's "Madonna-esque" premeditated 'game' was to piss-off the Catholic Church or garner more fame, fortune, attention and hyped-up buzz for her "brand", she definitely did that...and some!
So what did or will Nicki Minaj (or any of her alter-ego's) gain by taking a page out of Madonna's book of controversial performances? Obviously, she captured, although negatively, the attention and horror of thousands, if not millions, of viewers.
But will this sort of publicity increase [her] record sales and fan-base or turn people off?
We've witnessed many instances where controversy sells, but do consumer's, in the long run, support this sort of perceived "demonic" approach to free speech and artistic expression?
Although controversy, as well as sex, sells products - satanic controversy may not be the best approach to retaining and, moreover, increasing a fan-base. Unless Nicki is suddenly interested in attracting those in society who delve in the dark side of spirituality, in exchange for those [fans] who are opposed to it, she might consider explaining the situation with her own words -- if that will help any.
She did, in fact, explain her performance and related issues to 102.7 KIIS FM radio show host - Ryan Seacrest the day following her Grammy performance(click here to listen to full radio interview).
Outraged critics described the rappers performance as "terribly shocking", "hideous", "grotesque", "disrespectful", "insulting", "offensive", "highly satanic", "like Frankenstein", "hellish", "untimely", "sad", "inappropriate", and so on. While many upset viewers and critics question the appropriateness of her "train wreck" performance, especially considering the shocking news of Whitney Houston's sudden death the night before the Grammy's, religious practitioners, among others, wasted no time dissing Nicki and those responsible for scheduling her performance.
"None of this was by accident, and all of it was approved by The
Recording Academy, which puts on the Grammy's. Whether Minaj is possessed
is surely an open question, but what is not in doubt is the
irresponsibility of The Recording Academy. Never would they allow an
artist to insult Judaism or Islam."
While many have taken offense to Minaj's performance, the controversial rapper suggests that her loyal fans, and those who follow the evolution of her alter egos, get where she's coming from and therefore understood the, arguably tasteless, metaphoric message demonstrated in her 'Exorcism of Roman' performance.
Call it 'game', demonic possession, or just plain insane, Nicki Minaj and Grammy Award show shot-callers may have succeeded, intentionally or not, in casting a dark shadow over a musical moment in history (that should have highlighted the beautiful tribute to Whitney Houston by R&B vocalist - Jennifer Hudson), but the love and admiration for Miss Whitney Houston will shine far beyond this gross misstep of unfortunate, untimely and distasteful circumstances.
As for Miss Nicki Minaj (the female Weezee) - don't let smooth taste and alter egos fool you. Although she may rub some people the wrong way, she's gettin' her [self] pimpin' on. And as long as she continues to find and create ways to widen her sphere of influence and popularity, by promoting her movement, brand and style of 'hustle & flow', she remains the baddest bitch in the [rap] game...
...like, love, hate her or not -- she may not be darling, but she is Nicki Minaj!
creator and conductor of hit show - 'Soul Train' ___________________________
For millions of, primarily, African American consumers, and hundreds if not thousands of performers, musicians and celebrities who have enjoyed viewing and dancing to weekday afternoon ("Soul Train premiered on WCIU-TV on August 17, 1970, as a live show airing weekday afternoons") and Saturday morning 'get-downs', from 1970 to present date, on the Soul Train, the news of the shows legendary creator, writer, executive producer, and host - Don Cornelius' tragic death, allegedly by suicide according to police detectives, came as a shocking and sad pronouncement.
Although preliminary reports suggest that cause of death leans toward [the] likelihood that Cornelius died due to self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, the Los Angeles Police Department, along with the L.A. County coroner's office, will conduct and complete a thorough investigation.
So what happened, DC? If you did take yourself out the game, why, bro? If your life was taken against your will, however, then who did it?
These are obvious big "if" questions that no one but Mr. Cornelius can truthfully answer, but unfortunately he can't communicate an answer to us -- fans, admirers, friends, associates and loved ones. Once the official police investigation and coroner's cause of death is determined and made public, rumors surrounding foul play or suicide can and should be put to rest - hopefully.
Aside from wondering "why", "how" and "when" - fans and celebrities have continued to voice their fond memories and well wishes to the iconic legacy of Don Cornelius, and his family.
As mentioned earlier, noted for his historic hit show - 'Soul Train',
the production holds the record for years on television, and "will continue to hold the honor of the longest, continuously running
first-run syndicated program in television history until at least 2016".
Long before talent and showcase entertainment programs like MTV, America's Got Talent, The X Factor, American Idol and others captured the imagination of pop culture -- 'Don C' envisioned what would years later become this televised genre's original blue-print! "In its 35-year history, the show primarily featured performances by R&B, soul, and hip-hop artists, although funk, jazz, disco, and gospel artists have also appeared." Of the multitude of guest entertainers who have performed on America's original 'band stand' -- it was incredible talents like Marvin Gaye, and many others, who benefited from Cornelius' hit show.
So in celebration of the life, times, and going-forward of former back-up disc jockey (DJ), news reader, sports reporter, touring (MC) emcee, promoter, producer, show host, writer, and television executive with O.G. swagg status - Don Cornelius; here's to you and the train of souls who, in your memory, continue to claim the boogie, want the funk, show the love...and pass the peace!
World Famous
'Soul Train'
Line_________________________________
and the
"He quit his day job to take a three-month broadcasting course in 1966 despite being married with two sons and only $400 in his bank account."
Check DC's 'funky-fly' wardrobe: tight sun-shaped afro, pinky rings (yes, two of them), fat silk tie, and crush velvet jacket -- big swagg 'Soul Train' conductor gettin' it in!
'The Don' even showed love to local youngsters who possessed new, innovative and unusual talents, like 'locking', rapping, and similar artistic forms of expression, which paved the way for future generations.
And without the vision, daring hustle, and business acumen of Don Cornelius, we would not be enjoying annual televised showcased talent, on the'Soul Train Music Awards',
which recognizes and honors outstanding achievements in Black music and entertainment.
"Past hosts for the show include such R&B luminaries as Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle, Will Smith, Vanessa Williams, Cedric The Entertainer, Gladys Knight" and countless others. The show gives out many awards to worthy recipients, but none have overshadowed the accomplishments, and more importantly, contributions of the award show's pioneering architect. Among many well deserved acknowledgements, 'The Don' has been nominated and honored by the industry he served with velvet flava.
In 1974, Cornelius was nominated for the 'Daytime Emmy' award, for best writing for a talk, service or variety program. Trumping his nomination in 1974, he won the 'Pop Culture' award for his hit show - 'Soul Train' in 2005. And to top it off, in 1997, O.G. - 'Don C' received, for the category of television, a star on the 'Walk of Fame' in Hollywood, California, located at 7060 Hollywood Blvd.
No question, the king of hustle has made his legendary mark on American pop culture, music and entertainment. Thanks for the ride, 'DC'!
Rest in Peace (RIP):
Donald Cortez "Don" Cornelius
(September 27, 1936 – February 1, 2012)
"Bet your last money, it's all gonna be a stone gas, honey! I'm Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!" ~Don Cornelius
Fans and celebrities react to death of Don Cornelius - TV's 'Black King of Hustle':
"Don Cornelius was a pioneer & a trailblazer. He was the first
African-American to create, produce, host and more importantly OWN his
own show." — Earvin "Magic" Johnson
"God bless him for the solid good and wholesome foundation he provided
for young adults worldwide, and the unity and brotherhood he
single handedly brought about with his most memorable creation of 'Soul
Train.'" — Aretha Franklin
"We all have a great debt. His work in the 60s and 70s helped us to see,
again, that human beings, we're more alike than we were unalike and the
music and the people he showed allowed us to see. Showed us how the
music, the gifts of the African American, to this country and to the
world were great gifts and belonged to everybody all the time." — Maya
Angelou
"I am shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden passing of my friend,
colleague, and business partner Don Cornelius. Don was a visionary
pioneer and a giant in our business. Before MTV there was 'Soul Train,'
that will be the great legacy of Don Cornelius. His contributions to
television, music and our culture as a whole will never be matched. My
heart goes out to Don's family and loved ones." — Quincy Jones
"The Soul Train legacy will show you how great this man was. And Soul
Train became such a great icon, not only did black people want to be on
Soul Train, but you had Elton John, you had The Bee Gees, you had ever
white artists wanting to be on. Soul Train became the thing to do. Don
Cornelius didn't do pop artists the way that a lot of the shows did
black artists; he included everybody on his show." — songwriter Kenny
Gamble
"I have known him since I was19-years-old and James Brown had me speak
on 'Soul Train.' He brought soul music and dance to the world in a way
that it had never been shown and he was a cultural game changer on a
global level." — The Rev. Al Sharpton
"So sad! A great guy & happy memories from Solid Gold & StarSearch: (hash)RIP" — Robin Leach
"Sad to hear about the passing of Don Cornelius of Soul Train fame.
Grateful to him that he turned me on to so much great music."
— musician
Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins
"Sad to hear of passing of Don Cornelius, creator of Soul Train. He was a
super nice man. Had many nice talks w/ him at the golf range. RIP"
—
comedian Jon Lovitz
"RIP don cornelius. A legend, a pioneer, a genius. In your immortal
words "love peace & soul" make God boogie & Jesus do the Robot."
— Marlon Wayans
"RIP Don Cornelius. LOVE PEACE AND SOOOOUUULLLL 4eva"
— Snoop Dogg
"Don Cornelius was a pioneer & a trailblazer. He was the first
African-American to create, produce, host and more importantly OWN his
own show." — Earvin "Magic" Johnson
