Author Archives: UnRated Magazine

Sean “Diddy” .Combs Hosts Screening for Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A Bad Boy Story

‘llSEAN “DIDDY” COMBS & NAOMI CAMPBELL HOST STAR-STUDDED SPECIAL SCREENING OF HIS AND LIVE NATION PRODUCTIONS’

CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP: A BAD BOY STORY

SEAN “DIDDY” COMBS AND NAOMI CAMPBELL HOSTED AN INTIMATE DINNER FOLLOWING THE SCREENING

CASSIE, BOZOMA SAINT JOHN, JOURDAN DUNN, SALMA HAYEK, LUPITA NYONG’O, WINNIE HARLOW, POPPY DELEVINGNE, KAREN ELSON, TINASHE, NICK GRIMSHAW, DEAN & DAN CATEN, ALESHA DIXON, ALICE DELLAL, TAMARA BECKWITH, NELLEE HOOPER, SKIN, CLARA AMFO, REGGIE YATES, GOLDIE, JAY JOPLING, SLICK WOODS, ERIC UNDERWOOD

CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP: A BAD BOY STORY WILL BE RELEASED EXCLUSIVELY ON APPLE MUSIC ON JUNE 25

Tonight Sean “Diddy” Combs and Naomi Campbell brought his new documentary from Live Nation Productions, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A Bad Boy Story, to London for a special screening at the Curzon in Mayfair. Fresh from the success of the world premiere at the 16^thAnnual Tribeca Film Festival, Sean “Diddy” Combs and Naomi Campbell were joined byCassie, Bozoma Saint John, Jourdan Dunn, Salma Hayek, Lupita Nyong’o, Winnie Harlow, Poppy Delevingne, Karen Elson, Tinashe, Nick Grimshaw, Dean & Dan Caten, Alesha Dixon, Alice Dellal, Tamara Beckwith, Nellee Hooper, Skin, Clara Amfo, Reggie Yates, Goldie, Jay Jopling, Slick Woods andEric Underwood for the evening.

Following the preview, Sean “Diddy” Combsand Naomi Campbell co-hosted an exclusive dinner at Lou Lou’s where guests dined on smoked salmon followed by roast poussin, wild mushrooms and Madeira sauce, with apple sorbet, fruit salad and chocolate for dessert. Platinum Paloma’s with DeLeón Tequila and CÎROC Driver cocktails flowed as guests partied into the early hours with DJ Magnum.

Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A Bad Boy Story, produced by Sean “Diddy” Combs, and Heather Parry, alongside executive producers Michael Rapino, Andre Harrell and Alex Avant, explores the passion and personalities of Bad Boy and will be released exclusively on Apple Music on June 25.

Directed by Daniel Kaufman, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A Bad Boy Story is an exclusive look behind the scenes at the history of Bad Boy through a complex portrait of the label’s mastermind, Sean “Diddy” Combs, as he tries to reunite his Bad Boy Family in the course of a frantic three week rehearsal period. As they prepare to celebrate the label’s 20th anniversary, the film traces Bad Boy’s emergence in Harlem and Brooklyn, follows it’s meteoric rise, explores the tragic killing of Biggie Smalls, and celebrates Bad Boy’s influence in reshaping music, fashion, marketing and culture.

“I knew this was a story that should be shared with the world. Heather Parry and Live Nation Productions, and Director Daniel Kaufman, helped create this very special documentary,” says Sean Combs on the making of the film. “Now I’m blessed to also be working with Apple Music to showcase the film and share Bad Boy’s history and impact with fans. The support Live Nation, Apple Music and everyone on the team has given to this project is a true testament to the Bad Boy legacy.”

Janet Jackson – Unbreakable New Album October 3, 2015 & Tour

Janet Jackson – Unbreakable

Pre-Order ‘Unbreakable’ Today On Itunes and Receive Instant Downloads Of New Title Track and First Single ‘No Sleeep (Feat. J. Cole)’

Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation record label and its distribution partner BMG have set an October 2, 2015 date for the wide release of the superstar’s first studio album in seven years, Unbreakable. The album is now available for pre-order on iTunes with instant downloads of the new title track and the first single off the album, ‘No Sleeep (feat. J. Cole).’ Pre-order started on September 3rd, 2015. Additionally, fans can stream the new title track today onYouTube.

The initial single release, “No Sleeep,” raced to #1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B chart and has returned to that position this week for both Urban AC and Adult R&B Charts. The album and single constitute a historic re-teaming of the iconic performer, now a holder of 46 record chartings with producer/songwriter superstars Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The “Unbreakable” release comes on the 30th anniversary of their groundbreaking collaboration on her “Control” album.

Unbreakable Track Listing (in sequence)

Unbreakable
Burnitup! (Feat. Missy Elliott)
Dammn Baby
The Great Forever
Shoulda Known Better
After You Fall
Broken Hearts Heal
Night
No Sleeep (Feat. J Cole)
Dream Maker/ Euphoria
2 B Loved
Take Me Away
Promise
Lessons Learned
Black Eagle
Well Traveled
Gon B Alright

Macy’s Celebrates the Soul Era of Fashion with June Ambrose and Johnetta Boone

Chicago’s fashionistas assembled at the historic Macy’s on State Street on February 19^th to see fashion queen and stylist to the stars June Ambrose and costume designer Johnetta Boone for Macy’s Black History Month Celebration focusing on the “Soul Era” of fashion.

Moderated by Chicago journalist Robin Robinson (wearing local designer Barbara Bates), Ambrose and Boone gave their insights and expert opinions on the 70’s soul era and today’s fashion. Boone said during the 70’s, there was an explosion of designers going to Africa and bringing back the styles they found. Ambrose added that during that time everything was over the top and there were more African-American designers then than there are now.

Ambrose and Boone also discussed their respective starts in fashion. Ambrose was originally in the financial world as an investment banker and Boone got her big break as the costume designer for the 2004 film The Notebook. They both agreed that stars like Beyoncé, Solange and Ledisi and Janelle Monae are embodying the soul era.

When asked what their “I made it” moment was, Ambrose said she still feels like she’s working towards it, she said when she started, she didn’t think about being celebrated, I thought about making a difference. She said she wanted to be seen and heard, she never thought about the money or getting a publicist. She wasn’t thinking about those things, she said” I was thinking about how do I make this amazing so it can lead to future jobs, how I do I use this to build my brand, how do I recognize the power of my skill set, how do I make a difference in a person’s life.”

Boone added that the reason that you don’t see African American costume designers winning Oscars is because no one goes to see African American movies We need to support one another to be successful. Ambrose said she uses her digital platform to mentor to up and coming stylists and she’s very grateful for that platform. The ladies ended with discussion stating anything is possible and asking attendees to think about what kind of legacy are they going to leave behind.

The event also included fashion from the 70’s, make overs by Fashion Fair Cosmetics and a photo opportunity with Ambrose and Boone.

More photos posted on UnRated Magazine instagram page.

KRS-ONE Performs at the Shrine in Chicago (Review)

By Brand Gilliam

A high level of energy descended upon Chicago’s Shrine nightclub in anticipation for the arrival of the legendary KRS-ONE.

PNS (Molemen) commanded the turntables and kept the crowd at a feverish pitch playing golden era Hip-Hop and an onslaught of Reggae and Dancehall tunes while waiting for the show. Then, around 12:30 a.m., The Blastmaster aka The Teacha aka I Am Hip-Hop took command of the stage like Moses holding the Ten Commandments. A controlled chaos ensued as the 50 year old emcee and 28 year Hip-Hop veteran, Lawrence Parker, aka KRS-ONE, gave an adrenaline-charged 40 minute performance.

He kicked things off with a bundle pack of old school classics from albums Criminal Minded (1987), By All Means Necessary (1988), Edutainment (1990), Return of the Boom Bap (1993), KRS-ONE (1995), and I Got Next (1997). After about 15 minutes ripping the mic non-stop, KRS-ONE declared “Now I am ready to start the show”. KRS-ONE saw a fan in the crowd holding up a piece of paper which said Invaders; a Mexican empowerment anthem released in 2013.

From breath control to freestyle skills, crowd command, stage presence and song selection, his simple yet awe-inspiring performance was 100% on point. KRS-ONE frequently broke into off the dome freestyles which came effortlessly to him. KRS-ONE never lost the full attention of the crowd or the electrifying momentum that he had built on stage. The only down side about the performance was that it was only about 40 minutes long and that he and the DJ (PNS) did not seem to be on the same page when it came to the sound levels. Also he ended the performance rather strangely… he went to sign a fan’s album cover and just ran off stage. The fans were puzzled and did not know if the show had ended or not. The host came out and said that the show was over and about 5 minutes later KRS-ONE came into the crowd to take pictures and sign autographs.

KRS-ONE’s high power performance would put 98% of these so-called rappers to shame. I have been to a lot of rap show/concerts and the only other crew that I have seen equal and/or surpass the energy of a KRS-ONE performance is Public Enemy.

Overall the performance was an “A+”. Although the two and half to three hours of waiting in a packed shoulder to shoulder crowd… for a 40 minute performance with an abrupt ending was a “D-“.

KRS-ONE performed at the Shrine in Chicago on January 16, 2015

Photos by Brandy Gilliam

Ne-Yo to Release Non-Fiction on January 27th

Superstar hitmaker NE-YO returns with his first album in two years, Non-Fiction, which will be released in the U.S. on January 27, 2015 by Motown Records/Compound Entertainment. The international release will follow on February 16. See below for track listing.

Non-Fiction finds NE-YO collaborating with some of the most talented names in music today. Juicy J is featured on the new single, “She Knows,” which was produced by powerhouse pop guru Dr. Luke (Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus). Billboardhailed the track as “spare and hard-hitting” while Complex praised its “traditional R&B style.”

“This track is dedicated to the kind of strong, confident woman who demands attention when she walks in the room. All you can think of is, ‘yeah she knows.’ She knows she is beautiful. She knows all eyes are on her. She knows how to command the room,” explains NE-YO. “Dr. Luke’s production is incredible and J brings his club swag to the track. No matter what the song is about, he can always take the subject matter home.”

Other featured artists include Candice, David Guetta, Jeezy, Charisse Mills, Schoolboy Q and T.I. “Time of Our Lives,” NE-YO’s new collaboration with Pitbull, appears on both Non-Fiction and Pitbull’s new album.

The pre-order for Non-Fiction launches today. Fans who pre-order Non-Fictionon iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon will instantly receive “She Knows” feat. Juicy J, “Money Can’t Buy” feat. Jeezy and “Religious.” Non-Fiction will be available in standard and deluxe configurations. The iTunes and Target editions of the deluxe album will each contain two additional tracks exclusive to those retailers.

As its title suggests, every song on Non-Fiction is derived from a true story. Some are NE-YO’s own personal tales while others were submitted by fans on social-media platforms like Twitter and Instagram.

“I didn’t just want to tell my story. I like letting people try to guess which is which!” explains NE-YO. “I’m a storyteller: with this album, I wanted to put a magnifying glass on that. I wanted Non-Fiction to feel cinematic: each track gives listeners something entertaining, yet if they take their time with it, they’ll discover different dimensions and subplots.”

NE-YO was joined in the studio by production mainstays from throughout his career such as Shae Taylor and Stargate plus new associates Key Wayne and Glass John and members of his own Compound Music production team, including Corporal. DJ Camper (JAY Z, Kanye West, John Legend) also worked on many tracks.

The new songs are the kind of ultra-relevant narratives blended with powerful hooks that NE-YO became renowned for – both on his own hits like “So Sick,” “Closer” and “Miss Independent” and tracks he’s helped craft for Rihanna, Beyoncé, Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood, Whitney Houston, Pitbull, Ciara and many others.Non-Fiction follows his late 2012 release, R.E.D. (Realizing Every Dream), which received stellar reviews. USA Today noted, “There isn’t a more natural singer/songwriter in contemporary R&B than NE-YO” and The Washington Post hailed him as an “extremely gifted and versatile songwriter.” NE-YO‘s first three studio albums debuted at No. 1 on the SoundScan chart and were all certified RIAA Platinum. He is a three-time GRAMMY® winner and a two-time winner at the BET, MOBO and Soul Train Music awards.

Track Listing – Non-Fiction

Standard Edition

Run feat. Schoolboy Q
Integrity feat. Charisse Mills
One More feat. T.I.
Who’s Taking You Home feat. David Guetta
Time of Our Lives with Pitbull
Coming With You
Good Morning
Make It Easy
Money Can’t Buy feat. Jeezy
Religious
She Knows feat. Juicy J
She Said I’m Hood Tho feat. Candice
Story Time
Congratulations

Tamar Braxton Launches Clothing Line and E-Commerce Site

Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Tamar Braxton launches her first line of apparel that retails exclusively online at TamarCollection.com. Braxton, a self professed fashion shopaholic, developed the brand and shopping experience to address various concerns that she has personally found challenging over the years. As a result, the brand features superior quality, runway-inspired fashion that is available in extended and unisex sizes, all at affordable prices.

“Anyone who knows me knows I’m all about looking fabulous without breaking the bank. So when designing this collection, it was important that the line had a wide variety of looks. A little everyday fashion, but also some runway looks at incredible prices. It is important to me that all of my fans feel like there is something for them,” says Braxton.

Braxton has had an extensive career in the industry which includes executive producing two hit reality shows on WE TV, releasing hit singles like ‘Let Me Know’ from her upcoming album due in early 2015 and most recently co-hosting daytime talk show, The Real. Braxton has now taken on her latest venture with the support of her husband, Vincent Herbert. “He has played a major role in launching my fashion line along with my son, Logan, who inspires me every day,” says Braxton.

Braxton continues to build upon her momentum with her new fashion business and is excited to have another opportunity to engage and interact directly with women across the globe by dressing them in quality, affordable fashions. To create the collection, Tamar has partnered with IconStyle LLC, a NYC based company that specializes in conceptualizing, designing, manufacturing, marketing and selling fashion product on behalf of global celebrities

Tamar Collection is the only US-based fashion brand to use a photo-accurate, virtual fitting room solution in its e-commerce store. This technology enables shoppers to check the fit of any garment on a virtual avatar after entering his/her precise body shape and size. This technology will improve customer satisfaction and help eliminate the frustrating problem that e-shoppers experience of having to return items that do not fit.

To see all of Braxton’s inspired styles please visit, www.TamarCollection.com

Chris Brown & Trey Songz Between the Sheets Tour

Multi-platinum selling artists Chris Brown and Trey Songz upcoming BETWEEN THE SHEETS TOUR will kick off in 2015. Produced and promoted exclusively by Live Nation, the BETWEEN THE SHEETS TOUR will take the two entertainment heavyweights to 25 cities across North America starting Jan. 28, 2015 in Hampton, Va. at the Hampton Coliseum, with additional dates lined up in Brooklyn, Atlanta, Dallas, Philadelphia,Chicago, Toronto, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Tyga will be a special guest on the tour. A full list of tour dates is below.

Tickets for the general public went on sale Monday, Nov. 17.

Grammy award winning singer/songwriter Chris Brown recently made his sixth #1 album entry on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart with his latest release X (RCAS Records). The album also debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Top Albums chart, marking his sixth album debut within the Top Ten. X sold over 140,000 units in its first week while Spotify streams of the album continue to rise. With his incredible national television debut performance of the album’s title track on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and recent much-buzzed about performance of “New Flame” with Usher at the iHeart Music Festival, combined with the ongoing chart-topping success of “Loyal,” there’s no question why the talented Chris remains a mainstay at top of the charts.

His latest album, Trigga, debuted at #1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart and is the sixth studio album by the Grammy-nominated entertainer/artist known as Trey Songz. The album was released onJuly 1, 2014, by Songbook and Atlantic Records. Following the release of his fifth studio album Chapter V (2012), which also debuted #1, Songz made his acting debut in Texas Chainsaw 3D and Baggage Claim in (2013). The same year Songz began work on his sixth studio album collaborating with artists including Nicki Minaj, Mila J, Ty Dolla $ign, Justin Bieber and Juicy J.

BETWEEN THE SHEETS TOUR
All dates and venues below subject to change.

Wed Jan. 28	Hampton, VA	Hampton Coliseum
Thu Jan. 29	Brooklyn, NY	Barclays Center
Sat Jan. 31	Baltimore, MD	Royal Farms Arena (on sale Nov. 22)
Tue Feb. 03	Atlanta, GA	Phillips Arena
Thu Feb. 05	New Orleans, LA	Smoothie King Arena
Fri Feb. 06	Dallas, TX	American Airlines Center
Sat Feb. 07	Houston, TX	Toyota Center
Mon Feb. 09	Charlotte, NC	Time Warner Cable Arena
Tue Feb. 10	Greensboro, NC	Greensboro Coliseum
Thu Feb. 12	Sunrise, FL	BB&T Center
Sat Feb. 14	Columbus, OH	Nationwide Arena
Sun Feb. 15	Detroit, MI	Joe Louis Arena
Wed Feb. 18	Philadelphia, PA	Wells Fargo Center
Thu Feb. 19	Worcester, MA	DCU Center (on sale Nov. 22)
Sat Feb. 21	East Rutherford, NJ	IZOD Center
Sun Feb. 22	Washington, D.C.	Verizon Center (on sale Nov. 22)
Tue Feb. 24	Montreal, QC	Bell Centre (on sale Nov. 15)
Wed Feb. 25	Toronto, ON	Air Canada Centre
Fri Feb. 27	Rosemont, IL	Allstate Arena
Sat Feb. 28	Cincinnati, OH	U.S. Bank Arena (on sale Nov. 24)
Sun March 01	Nashville, TN	Bridgestone Arena
Tue March 03	Minneapolis, MN	Target Center
Fri March 06	San Jose, CA	SAP Center
Sat March 07	Las Vegas, NV	Mandalay Bay Events Center
Sun March 08	Los Angeles, CA	The Forum

French Montana And Jeremih Co-Headline “Set It Off Tour”

Bad Boy/Interscope recording artist French Montana announces dates for the upcoming Set It Off Tour. French will be co-headlining with Def Jam recording artist Jeremih, for ten* of the sixteen stops. The national tour will start in Fort Lauderdale onDecember 1, and wraps on December 22, in San Francisco, CA.

French Montana is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on his sophomore project, Mac & Cheese, which will be released on December 16. The Moroccan born, Bronx bred rapper blesses his fans with a taste of what’s to come on his new single “Don’t Panic.” The DJ Mustard produced track is accompanied by an intense, hard hitting video directed by Eif Rivera. With a slew of chart topping singles and a top 10 debut record, Montana proves to be one of hip-hops most talented artists. For more information, visit http://www.frenchmontanamusic.com/tour

Date	City	Venue
Monday, December 1*	Fort Lauderdale, FL	Revolution
Tuesday, December 2*	Orlando, FL	Firestone Live
Wednesday, December 3*	Charlotte, NC	The Fillmore
Thursday, December 4*	Sayreville, NJ	Starland Ballroom
Friday, December 5	Providence, RI	Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel
Saturday, December 6	Clifton Park, NY	Upstate Concert Hall
Sunday, December 7	Baltimore, MD	Sound Stage
Monday, December 8*	Boston, MA	House Of Blues
Tuesday, December 9*	New York, NY	Best Buy Theater
Wednesday, December 10*	Washington, DC	The Fillmore
Thursday, December 11	Norfolk, VA	The Norva
Friday, December 12	Stroudsburg, PA	Sherman Theater
Saturday, December 13	New Orleans, LA	Lakefront Arena
Sunday, December 14	Chicago, IL	Double Door
Friday, December 19	Phoenix, AZ	The Press Room
Saturday, December 20*	Las Vegas, AZ	Brooklyn Bowl
Sunday, December 21*	Los Angeles, CA	Club Nokia
Monday, December 22*	San Francisco, CA	The Regency

“Rico Suave,” And Family Gear Up For New Comedic Docu-Series “Suave Says”

Gerardo – and his famously chiseled torso – rose to the top of the music charts in the early 1990’s thanks to his hit single “Rico Suave.” Now VH1 is giving you a sneak peek into his crazy family life in the new comedic docu-series “Suave Says” premiering on Wednesday, December 3rd at 10PM ET/PT. When fans eventually moved on, so did Gerardo Mejia, who transitioned into a career as a powerful music executive and a lay pastor, married a beauty queen and started a family. Now the former heartthrob is teaming up with VH1 as he passes the music torch to his children and manages a loco home life with “hot mom” wife Kathy, rapping son Jaden, and daughters Bianca, a fashionista, and Nadia, an aspiring singer and “Miss Malibu” title-holder. Rounding out the hectic Mejia household is Gerado’s mom, Mama Mejia.

After living out his own rock-n-roll dreams, “Rico Suave” went to work behind the scenes, becoming one of Interscope Records’ most valuable A&R executives and credited with bringing fellow Latin singer Enrique Iglesias and others into the mainstream. But reconciling a pop star past with modern parenting isn’t easy, as Gerardo and Kathy have discovered with kids who want to follow in their father’s famous footsteps. Add to that Kathy’s inclination to be a best friend to her son and control his budding love life and home life for the Mejias is never easy, even when it’s suave.

Follow @SuaveSaysVH1 on Twitter and use hashtag #SuaveSays and #MyLocaFamily to talk about the show and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SuaveSaysVH1.

MAYBACH – ICONS OF LUXURY introduces the Quincy Icon Collection Honoring Quincy Jones

MAYBACH – ICONS OF LUXURY introduces the Quincy Icon Collection of custom-designed, hand-painted bags honoring Quincy Jones and his historic contributions to music, culture and improving the lives of others throughout the last six decades.

Quincy Jones says, “I believe that all who have accomplished great things, and all those who aspire to greatness, will agree with the fact that ‘the dictionary is the only place where success comes before work.’ I am honored to join with a great brand such as MAYBACH to launch their inaugural “Icons Collection”, as it represents our shared values of working hard to realize one’s full potential and celebrating the intrinsic beauty of those accomplishments.”

The Quincy Icon Collection includes signature eyewear, business bag, travel bag and messenger bag made from naturally tanned leathers sourced from Germany, Switzerland and Italy. Each hand-stitched bag is meticulously made by one of six master craftsmen who embrace the materials’ unique characteristics to create an exclusive collector’s piece reflective of the bespoke values of MAYBACH – ICONS OF LUXURY.

Quincy’s personal luggage set has been hand-painted by award-winning artist Nate Giorgio, inspired by Quincy’s iconic style and career, which include 79 Grammy Award nominations, 27 Grammy wins, and international travel that has spanned the globe.

Co-founder Ulrich Schmid-Maybach, says of the collaboration, “Quincy is the quintessential Maybach icon. He has lived a legacy of excellence in the spirit of my ancestors. And he always travels in style.”

The collection will be unveiled to Quincy Jones and friends, celebrities and Maybach car owners during a private event in Beverly Hills on November 22.

MAYBACH – ICONS OF LUXURY is a German-based boutique luxury house specializing in individually hand crafted eyewear and leather accessories for the genuine connoisseur. Each piece pays homage to its heritage of outstanding design using only the most exquisite materials. For more information, visit http://www.maybach-luxury.com/