Author Archives: UnRated Magazine

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Blackvoices: Kanye West Stays Drama-Free at 2010 MTV Video Music Awards

The Boombox: Eminem Wins Best Male Artist and Best Hip-Hop Video at VMAs

eurweb: Raekwon Doing Film

Blackvoices: Check Out 8 Character Posters For Tyler Perry’s ‘For Colored Girls’

Stepping Straight to DVD…Good Thinking!

By Wendy Simmons

I know some folks may be a little disappointed to know that Stomp the Yard: The Homecoming, sequel to a film baring the same name did not make it to the big screen and after seeing it I understand why.

Don’t get me wrong…it’s not a horrible film but it’s not a blockbuster either.

It keeps in tradition with the original and takes place at the fictional black university Truth revolving around the fraternity Theta Nu Theta, who once again are desperately vying to win the annual Sprite Step Competition.

For those of you that are foreign to this popular tradition stepping is a dance form that has been associated with African American fraternities and sororities since their existence beginning in the early 1900s. To the many Greek organizations in the world, it’s a big deal!

However, what may hold the Theta’s back from winning this competition is the hot headed new inductee Chance, played by Collins Pennie.  He’s an extremely gifted dancer who has gotten mixed up with the wrong crowd while battling in underground dance competitions off the school’s campus. Chance hides this fact from his family, friends and fraternity brothers causing them to be surprised once his seedy interactions resurface and confront Chance head on. People are out to hurt him and are willing to go through whomever in order to get to him.

Along with dodging past transgressions Chance is also trying to cope with the premature death of his mother which has caused a strain on he and father’s relationship…he’s being taunted by an ex-temptress trying to weasel her way back into his life…as well as arrogantly battling the rival fraternity for step supremacy of Truth’s campus. He is too arrogant for his own good and we hope that he eventually revels in the fact that the world does not revolve around him, there are others to consider.

For dance movie fans, there are a lot of action packed dance sequences that will have you feeling like jumping up and giving it a whirl. For people like me…college based movie fans…it gives you a similar feel as the classic Spike Lee joint School Daze.

Accompanying the outstanding dance choreographer and nostalgic feel of college good times there’s plenty of eye candy for the ladies. Pooch Hall of the sitcom The Game costars and Columbus Short, the star of the original Stomp the Yard also makes a cameo. In fact, there are many recognizable faces throughout the film. Jazmine Guy, Teyana Taylor and Terrance J from BET’s 106th and Park also costar.

Although it’s more dance than substance it’s a classic tale of perseverance trumping adversity. 

Not worth the price of admission but good enough to enjoy at home.

I give it $$

Ranking =
$$$$ Evening Show Prices
$$$ Matinee Prices
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$ Wait For TV

More Performers Announced For 2010 MTV VMAs

MTV announced this week that Cher, Ellen DeGeneres, Katy Perry, the cast of “Glee” including Jane Lynch, Cory Monteith, Chris Colfer and Amber Riley, in addition Rosario Dawson, Chris Pine, the cast of Jackass including Johnny Knoxville, Bam Magera and Steve-O, Kim Kardashian, “True Blood” cast member Joe Manganiello and Rick Ross are set to present at the “2010 MTV Video Music Awards.”

In addition, the list of performances grows as Mary J Blige and Swizz Beatz prepare to hit the stage with Drake, also Bruno Mars will make his VMA performance debut at the awards show, which will broadcast live on Sunday, September 12 at 9PM (Live ET/Tape delayed PT) from the Nokia Theatre L.A Live In Los Angeles, CA.

Previously announced presenters include: The Social Network’s Justin Timberlake, Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield, Ke$ha, Nicki Minaj, Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Trey Songz, Ashley Greene, Selena Gomez and Ne-Yo. As previously announced, comedienne Chelsea Handler will host the show.

Other performers on the show include Linkin Park, Usher, Eminem, Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Drake, Paramore, B.o.B, Florence + The Machine, along with Travie McCoy, Jason Derulo and Robyn who will perform with this year’s VMA house artist, deadmau5.

Viewers can vote for “Best New Artist,” by visiting vma.mtv.com through the show, live on September 12. In addition, text voting for “Best New Artist” is open to all wireless carrier subscribers by texting BNA to 97979.

J. Cole — Rebel with the Lyricist Coup

By Sommer Thornton

J. Cole is one of the most anticipated new comers in hip-hop. Following in the footsteps of successful sophomores Wale and Drake, J. Cole, who hails from North Carolina, offers what hip-hop has been missing for quite some time. That’s why his loyal fans packed Chicago’s Bottom Lounge for what was supposed to be a brief after party for Lollapalooza. Instead, J. Cole performed nearly 20 tracks from his mix tapes The Come Up (2007), The Warm Up (2009), and from studio sessions for his upcoming album, Cole World(2010), which includes his first single, “Who Dat.”

J. Cole’s rap style is a lyrical gumbo of the greats –Jay Z, Tupac, Kanye West, Eminem, and Common – some of which happen to be J. Cole’s inspirations. But Cole brings something authentic to the game. The Roc-Nation artist speaks from the perspective of a  bi-racial kid from the south who graduated from a big-city university with honors, yet endured the same hardships as the foster kid, the kid from the projects, the kid with the parent on drugs, the kid who dreams of going to college. J. Cole infuses passionate metaphors and inspiring messages in his verses, all while flaunting his intelligence. It’s clear that J. Cole refuses to dumb down his lyrics.  And his fans appreciate that. The multi-ethnic crowd rapped every line with J. Cole as he performed tracks that had never been released. At one point, he took the mic and put it to the audience. When the fans sang his lyrics on point, J. Cole blushed in gratitude.

While J. Cole’s swag is of the humble, smart- cool kid, he’s no doubt easy on the eyes. With same veracity he raps for positive change, he talks about stealing a guy’s girlfriend, gratuitous sex, and refuting haters. Songs like “Losing My Balance,” “Dollar and a Dream,” and “Lights Please,” are an honest snapshot in time, relevant to people around the world.

As eloquent as he is eclectic, J. Cole has already collaborated with some of the most prolific lyricist in the game-Talib Kweli, Wale, Jay Z and Mos Def. Now, J. Cole is producing his own tracks. And he doesn’t limit himself to one genre of beats. He samples classic music from everyone from Hank Crawford to Mary Love.  Though some try to place him in the category of “conscious rapper,” J. Cole’s style is a mixture of consciousness, passion, pain, reflection, and braggadocio. 

There hasn’t been this much support for a newcomer from rap vets and fans since – well since Drake, but it had been a long time prior to him. But unlike Drake, J. Cole speaks to the streets, to suburbia, and to hip-hops heads around the world. Instead of trying to be the hardest, the most conscious, the best dressed, or wear the brightest chain, J. Cole is focused on the basics, good music. And for that real fans salute him. 

Photo by Dan Locke

Budweiser Superfest hits Chicago

By Dan Locke

Universal Motown Records singer-songwriter-producer KEM has joined forces with R&B/soul singers Anthony Hamilton, Jaheim, Raheem DeVaughn, and Universal Motown label-mate Hal Linton for the 2010 Budweiser Superfest that kicked off last month (August).

Co-headlined by KEM and Anthony Hamilton, the anticipated summer powerhouse tour will make stops at a mix of arenas and amphitheaters across the U.S.

A live performer who commands the stage with his soulful vocal ability and captivating stage presence, KEM promises to deliver a standout live experience not to be missed. In addition to revisiting popular classics such as “Love Calls” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” the Detroit native will also showcase his new single, “Why Would You Stay,” plus other songs from his third studio album, “Intimacy,” that was released in August.

Photos by Dan Locke

The Lexus Listening Lounge: After the Show with Melanie Fiona

By Sommer Thornton

Beauty, brains, and a voice is an understatement to what newcomer Melanie Fiona brings to the R&B game. Tuesday night she performed in Chicago as part of the Lexus Listening Lounge – promotion of Lexus’ GS, ES, and the ISC convertible. Lexus produced a showroom style soiree inside the Chicago Illuminating Company downtown. The large courtyard and mansion-like foyer was the perfect milieu for socialites and businessmen to mingle and check out Lexus’ sleek new whips.  

Melanie Fiona, a Toronto native, showed the audience her eclectic vocal style and her lively stage presence singing notable hits, Give it to Me Right, It Kills Me, and Monday Morning. The audience was already feeling Fiona’s exotic beauty, and her passionate lyrics. But when she went into her rendition of Bob Marley’s classic, “One Love” –to a smooth reggae groove, she set the roof off! “Where my Shottas at,” Melanie called out, channeling her West Indian roots.

Melanie proved she’s a unique artist focused on entertaining her real fans with an exciting performance. Fiona even sang her own version of Kanye West’s Heartless, digressing from her song, Somebody Come Get Me [Before I Kill This Man].”By the end the audience was captivated by the luxurious ambiance and this novel songwriter with the amazing voice. 

After her performance, Melanie chatted with UnRated Urban about touring with Alicia Keys, breaking down barriers in the industry, and love.

UnRated Urban: What barriers have you already busted down-either on the business side or the creative side of the industry?

MELANIE: I’m an attractive girl, rooted in music and not in gimmick and everything else. I’m more concerned about giving a good show, making sure everyone has fun. I want people to take my music seriously, so I purposely chose to go along a different path.

UnRated Urban: I saw you rocking on stage. You didn’t care how you looked. You were having a great time, so the audience fed off your vibe.

MELANIE: When you care too much about what everyone thinks about you, you’re not living your best life. Cause you’re too consumed with other peoples opinions.

UnRated Urban: How is your sound received by the R&B Soul community in the States vs. Canada vs. Europe?

MELANIE: Different songs came out in Europe and Canada. So it was fun to see how different countries responded to different sides of me.

UnRated Urban: What song brings out the most memories when you perform it?

MELANIE: It Kills Me, is the most memorable. I was in the thick of it when I wrote that song. So I put my all into it when I perform it. I always go back to that time in my life. Sometimes I get emotional while I’m performing it.

UnRated Urban: There is that line in the song that says “I know you’re messing around, but who else is gonna hold me down” You have to really be in love to understand that line.

MELANIE: Yes you have to be in that situation to understand. But yes I was saying I have your back, but no one has my back. I’ve learned that that’s not good in a relationship.

UnRated Urban: What is your view on love these days? Did you find that making this cd changed your opinion on love?

MELANIE: I believe in self love first. You gotta be happy with yourself before you can expect someone else to love you. When it’s right, it finds you. I want to find love. I feel that it’s necessary. I’ve been on the bad and good side. I love myself now.

UnRated Urban: Give me one word to describe your experience touring with Alicia Keys.

MELANIE: Enlightenment – on so many levels. She was such a joy. She was so pleasant and genuine.

UnRated Urban: What have you learned touring with A. Keys this first time around?

MELANIE: I learned humility, positivity. I grew because I was able to see some flaws and become better.

UnRated Urban: Have you had the opportunity to meet any of your idols?

MELANIE:Yes- Alicia Keys, Prince, India Arie, Brandy, Janelle Monáe – I can relate to her because she’s new and she’s a strong woman who’s refusing to let the industry change her.

UnRated Urban: Both of your parents are musicians, your father a guitarist, your mother a singer: What song are you most proud to share with your parents?

MELANIE: There is a song I just tweeted about. It has no title. But it delves deep in to the core of who I am. One line says, “You treat my dreams like it’s a game -like I’m a chess piece here for play” I’m really excited to share it with my parents.

Photos by Raymond Boyd

Erykah Badu at Lollapalooza

By Dan Locke

It was a different type of performance at this year’s Lollapalooza. I was turn down for a photo pass but I did have a ticket for one day so I used it to see Erykah Badu.

Sporting a new blonde mohawk, Badu started out being late as usual with her band starting things off with a ten-minute intro before she hit the stage.

She performed an hour set that included Out My Mind, Just in Time, On & On, Apple Tree, Annie (Don’t Wear No Panties), Didn’t Cha Know, Bump It, The Healer, 20 Feet Tall and Penitentiary Philosophy.

XXL Live Tour in Chicago

XXL Magazine brought their XXL Live Tour to Chicago’s The Shrine nightclub on July 29th. The tour, co-sponsored by Rémy Martin Fine Champagne Cognac, featured Clipse and special guest Twista on its stop in Chicago.

Hometown artist Twista amazed the crowd and those that may have forgotten about his lyrical skills. During his half hour set, the fastest tongue in rap began with his verse on Po Pimp and continued with hits Slow Jamz, Wetter and Overnight Celebrity and debuted new tracks I Do and Make a Movie featuring Chris Brown from his upcoming CD The Perfect Storm.

The evening’s headliner, Malice and Pusha T aka Clipse hit stage shortly after Twista keeping the crowd hyped up as they performed a short set that included Kinda Like a Big Deal, All Good and Popular Demand. All in all an entertaining and enjoyable evening for rap fans.

R. Kelly Surprises Fans at the Shrine

BET’s 106 & Park’s host Rocsi Diaz stopped by The Shrine Chicago Friday, August 13th with Legendary R&B singer R. Kelly to host Club Net 360’s Ultra Sexy Fridays with DJ Vince Adams.

R. Kelly surprised the crowd with an impromptu performance and Rocsi brought a round of shots for all the ladies in the club.

Macy Gray Headlines Macy’s Glamorama 2010

The four-city tour hit the Chicago Theatre on Friday, May 13, 2010 at 8 p.m. The extraordinary event encompassing fashion, fantasy, music and magic included performances by Grammy award-winning singer Macy Gray and young hit make Eric Hutchinson.

Macy’s fashion spectacular will hit the runway with an innovative look into the wonderland of style and inspire guests to dream big. Collections featured included Jean Paul Gaultier, Jezebel, Just Cavalli, Felina, 2(x)ist, Issey Miyake, Marc Jacobs, Material Girl, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Sonia Rykiel, Sportmax and Tommy Hilfiger. This over-the-top event will once again benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana

Photo taken during the dress rehearsal on August 13, 2010. Photo by Adam Bielawski