Behind the scenes with Snoop in Bollywood

Here's some footage from the behind the scenes of the Bollywood movie Singh is King with Snoop and Askay Kumar. It opens August 8th.




Flava reppin' the global Hip Hip movement!
Posted by Nikki Strong

No Smoking for Alicia Keys in Indonesia

Alicia Keys is taking a stance against marketing cigarettes to children by refusing a tobacco company’s sponsorship of an upcoming concert.

Scheduled to perform a show in Jakarta, Indonesia at the end of the month, billboards have gone up promoting the concert in tandem with Phillip Morris/Sampoerna-made cigarettes, according to Fox Business.

Giant billboards bill the concert as "A Mild Live Production". "A Mild" is a cigarette brand produced by Sampoerna. The billboards feature a large photo of Keys, the logo for "A Mild" cigarettes and a large health warning that states, "Smoking can cause cancer, heart attacks, impotence and harm pregnancy and fetal development."

The singer has been applauded for her efforts to stop the tobacco-maker from sponsoring the show by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. The president of the organization, Matthew L. Myers, recently recognized her in a statement on the campaign’s website.

“Alicia Keys has set a positive example that should be followed by musicians and entertainers worldwide by demanding the withdrawal of tobacco industry sponsorship of her July 31 concert in Jakarta, Indonesia,” Myers said. “We applaud Ms. Keys for taking quick action to disassociate herself from the tobacco industry and to prevent her name, image and talent from continuing to be used to market cigarettes to children. It is critical that the tobacco company involved, Philip Morris International/Sampoerna, and concert promoters immediately end the sponsorship and all tobacco-related marketing and branding associated with the concert.”

While it is illegal for tobacco companies to engage in brand name sponsorships of concerts in the U.S. under a 1998 legal settlement, it is allowed in developing countries like Indonesia. (sohh)
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Flava reppin' the global HIp Hop movement!
Posted by Nikki Strong

Just for laughs: T-Pain & Akon go to lunch

lmao!

Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!
Posted by Nikki Strong

NEW MUSIC - MJB & Big Boi!

Yes Mary J Blige and Sir Luscious Left Foot himself! I just got this from a label rep, complete with the embed code. It speaks to the US recession and this historical election year. Enjoy!

http://www.mediafire.com/?d9zpxzukxwn

Nelly Furtado & rapper sparks riot in Russia!

Nelly Furtado's recent Russian gig descended into a riot after a rapper was banned from the stage. The star was supposed to collaborate with Russian rapper Timati during the gig, held in Moscow on Sunday (July 13). However, the venue's security wouldn't allow the rapper onstage with Furtado, leading to an altercation with the singer's security. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the brawl involved 20 people and ended with "some of the crowd getting covered in blood and Timati losing a tooth". A statement from a venue official apparently read: "We learned at the last moment he was going to perform with Furtado. I gave the order not to let him get on stage." (NME)

Ok now why wouldn't they let him on stage? Is it just some Russian Hip Hop haterade?

In the meantime, here is a lil' taste of Timati

Ok I know Timati was part of an R&B group, but I hope he raps better than he sings' cause this hook sho sounds sappy. I've heard better tracks from him. (you can You Tube him to take a listen) The breakers were hot, but what is up with the tiger/puma/animal across Timati's crotch? Definitely NOT sexy.

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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hip movement!

Posted by Nikki Strong

Alicia's new video! - Superwoman

Ok 2things.

1) Why does this video have to be so freakin' big! I tried to shrink it, but blogger was not having it.

2) I am not crazy about this song, simply because this whole superwoman complex I think is responsible for alot of women being "strong" for everyone at thier own expense. Yeah I'm strong, but I'm human, not a superhero.

Nevertheless, nice video and I can't wait to see her perform it live!

Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!
Posted by Nikki Strong

Erykah Badu tells her critics off!

Rumors have been flying about Erykah being pregnant by her protoge rapper, producer Jay Electronica; apparently many have been very judgemental as well...Here is what she has to say of her critics who posted their two cents on the website OkayPlayer. (warning this post is looooong)

HOW DARE YOU DISRESPECT THE QUEENDOM
…AND MY CHILDREN AND MY INTELLIGENCE.

ive never been so disgusted in all of my life .there is no other place i used to enjoy more .i post no where else .you guys have taken an all time low , tho.

I’LL STATE MY PEACE
i am a great mother and care giver to my 2 children and to this world20.my children are 2 of the kindest and happiest people i have met.I home schooled them and taught them the ways of good to the best of my ability.i am their doctor and their nurse .and even sometimes their mother and their father.

i am an excellent mother and resent all of the negative comments and insults on my character.
I PUT MUCH TIME AND THOUGHT INTO HAVING AND RAISING MY CHILDREN.IVE HAD THE HONORS OF HAVING 2 HOME BIRTHS AND 2 WONDERFUL PARTNERS BY MY SIDE.

every relationship i have been in was because i loved the person DEARLY and was dedicated to us “exclusively” FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS.
the fathers of my children are my brothers and friends .we have a great deal of respect for one another and always will.

WE LOVE OUR CHILDREN TO NO END.
we took our own “vows” and CONTINUE TO UPHOLD THEM.
AND THAT IS WHAT THAT IS .
question?

WHAT IS MARRIAGE ?WHO IS THE JUDGE?WE ONLY UNDERSTAND THE EXAMPLES WE ARE GIVEN ( well sort of)
WOULD IT “LOOK BETTER ” TO MARRY AND DIVIORCE AND MARRY AGAIN ?
WOULD THAT BE MORALLY CORRECT ?
WHATS THE DIFFERENCE ? the government’s involvement i guess.

IDEALLY , IT WOULD BE EXCELLENT TO FIND THE MAN OR WOMAN WHO FULFILLS YOUR SPIRIT AND STAY FOR EVER AND EVER ( thru sickness and health till death do us part ) AND HAVE HEALTHY STRONG CHILDREN AS A RESULT OF A HEALTHY A ND STRONG UNION.(this CAN happen … we need much training , however.)
OR
IS IT REALLY “GOOD” TO STAY IN A RELATIONSHIP WHERE BOTH PARTIES ARE UNFULFILLED , LONGING FOR RELIEF , BRINGING one another down as a result of improper training , creating BAD ENERGY AND EXPERIENCES FOR THE CHILD TO REPEAT ?
(not to mention breeding deceit and anger and resentment )
SEEMS TO CREATE FEARFUL CHILDREN WHO TURN INTO FEARFUL ADULTS .

HOW MANY OF YOU GREW UP IN 2 PARENT HOMES THAT WERE MISERABLE AS F**K?
OR 2 PARENT HOMES THAT WERE NOT PERFECT BUT WORKED?
HOW MANY GREW UP IN ONE PARENT HOMES WHERE THE MOTHER WORKED HARD TO MAKE SURE YOU WERE CARED FOR BUT SHE WASNT QUITE HAPPY?

HOW ABOUT A HOME WHERE THE FATHER WAS THE MAIN CARE GIVER AND DID THE BEST HE COULD -LACKING NURTURE?HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE A SIBLING THAT HAS A DIFFERENT FATHER OR MOTHER?DOES HE OR SHE MEAN LESS TO YOU? HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE MORE THAN 1 MOTHER OR FATHER OF YOUR OWN CHILDren ?
HOW MANY OF YOU HAD /OR / ARE PARENTS RESPONSIBLE ENOUGH TO MAKE GOOD DECISIONS FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR CHILDREN ,THAT DONT QUITE FIT ANY OF THESE DESCRIPTIONS?HOW MANY OF YOU STAY IN UNHEALTH Y RELATIONSHIPS FOR FEAR OF GOING TO HELL?

HOW MANY HOS OUT THERE … THAT HAVE KIDS TO GET A PAYDAY?HOW MANY PEOPLE GETTING THEY ASS KICKED AND ARE FORCED TO SUBMIT CAUSE YO MAMA GOT HER ASS KICKED?THEN WHAT is CORRECT?

how about this:
I PRAY WITH MY CHILDRENI FEED THEM GOOD FOODTHEY RESPECT PEOPLES DIFFERENCESTHEY TRAVEL THE WORLD WITH METHE KNOW WHO THEY ARETHEY ADORE THEIR FATHERS AND ARE LOVED BY 2 PARENTS OR MORE
-
OR TWO OR MORE SETS OF LOVING GRANDPARENTSTHEY CRYTHEY GET HURTTHEY GET SICKTHEY HEAL
THEY ARE real
THEY ARE NOT AN IDEA or a TOPICAND NEITHER AM I .I AM ALIVE .I AM BEAUTIFUL WOMAN.I AM A GOOD WOMAM.I AM GROWINGI AM COMPLETE WITH OR WITHOUT A PARTNER AND WILL ALWAYS BEAND I HAVE DREAMS OF A FAMILY STRUCTUREALL OF MY DREAMS DO NOT COME TRUEAND DESPITE ALL OF THE PAIN IN MY LIFE …IN MY MOTHERS LIFE …IN MY GRAND MOTHERS LIFEWE HAVE ALWAYS ENDUREDAND THERE IS SO MUCH JOY TO BE EXPERIENCED.I NEVER HAD A FATHER AND I DONT KNOW WHAT THAT FEELS LIKE -BUT MY CHILDREN DO , AND THEY LOVE THEIR ‘PARENTS’ .
WE ARE THEIR CHAMPIONS .

live how you want . follow which ever pattern YOU like .MY CHILDREN WILL BE LEADERSand they will not ever be slaves to this society’s failing idea of morality.THEY OWN THEIR MINDS AND THEIR DREAMS.
BIRTH CONTROL lol … could have 10 babies instead of 2 .

I LOVE CHILDREN AND I WILL HAVE AS MANY AS GOD WILL GIVE ME .
I AM VERY HEALTHY AND RESPONSIBLE AND SO ARE ALL OF MY PARTNERS
I CHOSE THEM WISELY AND SOBERLY .
ALL GOOD BROTHERS .
your opinions lack experience and are not only careless but also very uninformed and immature.
nothing is sacred here . and i see why.

if i loose you as a fan because i want to continue to have children thenF*CK OFF… WHO NEEDS YOU ….CERTAINLY NOT ME … KICK ROCKS … CALL TYRONE … PACK LIGHT …. BITE ME

i have defended myself here ON THIS SITE and hurled a few insults .. but only in response to your insults ofmy music , my clothes , my lyrics , my hair , my being a woman , my spirit, my choices of partners….
these have all been on trial here . and i continued to support the energy of this place .

this is to all the okay players / REAL HUMAN BEINGS hiding behind screen names in order to insult one another and who ever else you will.
geeeez…i had to say somethingi am so sad for parents who try , today guysenough is enuf.

dont judge to quickly , OKAY PLAYER?
i know you are having fun , but what if it were you and your children?my son is 10 .my daughter, 4 .

peace
ANALOGUE GIRL
and if this post is not clear

kiss my placenta.

*****

Kiss my placenta -- LMAO!!!!

Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

Posted by Nikki Strong

For all my Ethiopians....

I have heard from several of you studying in India. Here is some Teddy Afro.. a little taste of home away from home. For those who don't know, Teddy Afro is a major superstar (the man!) in Ethiopia who unfortuntaly has been in jail over a fatal hit and run accident. His guilt has yet to be proven, even though he is serving time, so it is a major talking point in Ethiopia. FREE TEDDY!

Wede Hagere Bet


Ethiopians may not traditionally drop lock and pop it like thier other African sisters and brothers, but they got that shoulder action on lock!

Meraf better give me some lessons.
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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!
Posted by Nikki Strong

A Snoop Dogg Bollywood Seduction

SNOOP DOGG has teamed up with Indian superstar Akshay Kumar to make a music video for the theme song of a new movie, "Singh Is Kinng."


Kumar, who has more than 80 Indian film credits to his name, is best known for his Khiladi series, in which he plays an Indian version of James Bond. He'll play a dangerous underworld gangster in the new picture. The duo will meet next month in Chicago to produce the video. (nypost)
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Hide your hookahs Ashkay!

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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!
Posted by Nikki Strong

THISDAY Africa Rises on Usher, Jay-Z, Mary J Blige, Rihanna & more!

The party is in Nigeria this weekend! THISDAY Newspapers, one of the leading newspapers in Nigeria hosts one of the best annual music festivals on the African Continent. Jay-Z, Usher, Mary J Blige, and Rihanna are all slated to perform along some of Africa's hottest talent, like Senegal's Youssou Ndour and Nigeria's M1 (em-one). The festival, tagged "Africa Rising: To Celebrate the Best and Brightest of Emerging New Africa” is designed to revolutionise global perspectives on African issues, shifting focus from the problems to the opportunities and from treating the "symptoms" to curing the "diseases" and projecting positive images of Africa by showcasing the renaissance of Africa's music, fashion and the arts. (source)

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Look, just about everything started in Africa including partying! So you know this event is going to be off da chain. There will be much libation up in that piece!

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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

Posted by Nikki Strong

The Game cries over Hip Hop

From Music Choice, check out this spotlight on The Game. He cries. Yep wears his emotions right on his sleeve when it comes to hip hop. The tears start to fall around 4:12.



Look even fellow ex-G-Unit-member-caught-on-tape-crying-Young Buck said every man has "an emotional side". You think?! Nah thugs are supposed to be invincible, not human. Many of my friends were touched by this video, especially those who can relate to not fitting in. What about you? Were you touched? Do I need to give you a tissue?

I thought it was courageous of the Game to be so transparent, when just about everything in popular Hip Hop nowadays is about posturing and perpetrating. Maybe he's right and doesn't belong in today's Hip Hop, but maybe that's why today's Hip Hop needs him...

Here's to real talk and to a Game/Young Buck mixtape where they say screw it, I'll be emotional when I f**king feel like it!! w/a cameo by Lil Wayne talking about how much Nivea's STILL got his nose open. (the tape starts with him talking about Khia...the Nivea confession starts about 1:09)



the reaction of the girl watching the video on the tape cracked me up "NOOOOOOOO" Keep it real Wayne! and u go Nivea! LOL
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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!
Posted by Nikki Strong

Don't Sleep on MC Solaar!

MC Solaar is considered one of the premier francophone Hip Hop artists out of France, and overall one of the greatest urban poets. Because of his clever word play, lyricism, and popularity, he has even been referred to as the Jay-Z of France. I personally cannot vouch for the comparision, but nevertheless, I think it speaks to the fact that the brother, like Jay-Z, in many ways is on point. Much of his lyrical content tells of the struggles and hardships for Black people that migrated to France and tried to make a living. He was born in Senegal, but his parents relocated to France when he was only 6 months old. He got his inspiration to rap when he was 12 years old spending time in Egypt. There, he discovered the Zulu Nation and became fascinated with the rapping styles of Hip Hop's godfather Afrika Bambaataa.

Some of us North American headz got exposed to MC Solaar for his work on Guru's Jazzmatazz project where he blessed Missy's track "All N My Grill". For the hard core Sex and the City tv fans, his 2001 song "La Belle et Le Bad Boy" was featured on the final episode. Check it out below. (It was also featured on the MTV series "The Hills")




This is his brand new track. Next September, the classic French comedy movie The Adventures of Rabbi Jacob will be turned into a musical.

Mc Solaar wrote the lyrics for its opening song. Here is the video.

MC Solaar - Rabbi Muffin - Le Clip! (New)

And now if you are like -- yeah those videos are cool but can I see one with Mc Solaar in it? lol. I got 'cha



OK that video made me want to seek out the translation. Here is a weak one from Google. This is what it says the first verse means.

F**k the Earth, if I die here's my will
Put ashes in the mouths of all our opponents
Turn and front kick the false who come to collect
I love flowers and kids, that my death serve their future.

Peut-être comprendront-ils le sens du sacrifice.
Maybe they will understand the meaning of sacrifice.

La difference entre les valeurs et puis l’artifice.
The difference between values and then artifice.

The hook says

Solaar it is time
Listen Solaar cry
Solaar it is time
Listen Solaar cry


What u think? Is the brotha dope or what? and if you have a better translation, help a sista out!

For more on MC Solaar check out his website solaarsystem.net and his myspace page
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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!
Posted by Nikki Strong

Hip Hop in Ghana!

Down with africanhiphopradio.com, Wonlov The Kubolor has roots in Ghana/Romania and the US and it is reflected in his music. I am feelin his style.

Here are a couple of his videos. Peep his myspace page and cop his new project green card. It's tiight. You can hear tracks from it on his myspace page.

Smallest Time


In Ghana


Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!
Posted by Nikki Strong

Philipino Hip Hop!

Ok here's a little dose of how it goes down in the Philipines. This is D-Coy f Maddpoets & Gloc 9 - Plastic Age. It's part English & part Tagalog. Tell me what u think? Is this something you'd want to hear on Flava?



Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!
Posted by Nikki Strong

Honesty, a new Beyonce & em song in Japan.

Take a listen to this new song that is all over the net. It is reportedly from a Destiny's Child Greatest Hits compilation called "Love Destiny" released exclusively in Japan. It includes Beyonce & em's greatest hits alongside some new tracks. This joint is a remake of Billy Joel's Honesty.



Dang -- all I hear is the flushing sounds of Solange's and Michelle's CD sales going down the tank.
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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!
Posted by Nikki Strong

CLICK IT!...Hip Hop Gossip (New Nas "Hero" video, Is Busta dropped from Interscope? Usher's not through with his mama yet!

Nas new video for Hero just hit the net, see it here (Def Jam)

Was Busta dropped from Interscope? Find out what happened! (Ballerstatus)

Usher's got something in store for his mama but will she be down? (NYDailyNews)

Flava reppin the global Hip Hop Movement!
posted by Nikki Strong

Venus gives Common's girlfriend the beat down!

That was a dramatic title huh? Yeah I know, but it got your attention didn't it and you wanted to read the story, didn't you? So don't call me trifling OK! lol.

Seriously, though, Common's rumored girlfriend, Serena, lost the Wimbledon singles title to her sister Venus. This makes five Wimbledon titles for Venus. Venus beat Serena Williams 7-5, 6-4 in the final. She had previously lost to Serena in 2002 and ‘03. The win at the All England Club gave Venus her seventh major title. The sisters will play later in the women’s doubles match. BTW, Jay-Z stopped by to take in the action as well. No, B wasn't there with him.

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Flava reppin the global Hip Hop movement!

Posted by Nikki Strong

Nas speaks on his album leak!

One song at a time, Nas album has been leaked in its entiretly more than a week b4 it is scheduled to hit stores, July 15.

No word as to who leaked it (ahem), but what does Nas have to say? Hear it directly from him. (parental advisory)




Well that was short and to the point huh? Lil Wayne's leak didn't hurt his sales at all. Do u think this leak will hurt Nas?

Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!
Posted by Nikki Strong

The UK loves them some Ne-Yo

As reported by Eurweb, Ne-Yo has scored another No. 1 single in the U.K. His current hit, "Closer," tops the chart this week, replacing "Viva La Vida" by British band Coldplay.

Ne-Yo's previous No. 1 U.K. hit was "So Sick," which reached the pinnacle in March 2006. His new cd Year of the Gentleman hits stores August 5.

Btw, did you know Ne-Yo is Chinese & African American?

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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

Posted by Nikki Strong

Meet Barack's Asian Sister...

Even though many have been focusing on Obama's endeavors to secure the hispanic vote, his campaign is reaching out to the Asian American community as well, and his Asian half sister is stepping up to the plate.

Meet Maya Soetoro-Ng. She and Barack share the same mom. Barack's mom was married to an Indonesian businessman, and they both (Barack & Maya) lived in Jakarta. Seotoro-Ng's husband is Chinese-Canadian. She teaches at an all-girls school in Hawaii.

Initially, as the campaign focused on fighting out the primaries, state by state, "the idea was to downplay to some degree race and ethnicity," said Soetoro-Ng in an interview with The Associated Press. "A lot of the emphasis had been on reaching out, making connections, closing the gaps."
That theme resonated among Obama supporters of all backgrounds, said Soetoro-Ng, who is nine years younger than Obama and considers him "the strong male force" in her life after her parents' divorce.

It was with Obama she attended her first blues concert and her first voter registration drive, she said. The two remain close: She was there when Obama's oldest daughter, Malia, 9, was born, and plans to help celebrate her 10th birthday on the 4th of July, on the campaign trail.

Soetoro-Ng's appearances give voters a chance to get to know Obama as a person, not just an elected official. Her stories illustrate the development of his character, from his days as a teenager who loved basketball and bodysurfing and didn't always get the strongest grades, to his growing sense of civic duty in the summers she spent with him in Chicago.

To many, Obama's Asian-American half-sister represents yet another aspect of Obama's identity that makes him unique as a presidential candidate, although it has been underplayed amid the excitement surrounding his shot at becoming the first black president.

"It would be the first time that the first family is comprised in part of Asian-Americans _ as well as African-Americans, of course," said Keith Kamisugi, a coordinator with Asian-Americans for Obama. (source)

You know, many American families are not homogeneous. I have a bunch of Chinese, Puerto Rican, Haitian, Irish, Portuguese, and African American 1st cousins, to name a few, so to me his family make up is quite the norm. Rep for your brother Maya!!!!

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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!

Posted by Nikki Strong