Author Archives: UnRated Magazine

“Love Comes In Every Shade” This Holiday Season At Gap

This holiday season, Gap’s new global marketing campaign, “Love Comes In Every Shade,” celebrates the colorful, optimistic holiday product Gap is known for and illustrates some of the many forms of love, from puppy love and married love to best friend love and sibling love.

Wearing the must-have gifts of the season in a range of colors, the campaign features a diverse group of actors, musicians and their loved ones. Each group represents a different relationship, including true love with actors Michael J. Fox and wife Tracy Pollan ; fatherly love with rapper Nas and his father, blues musician Olu Dara ; modern love with the cast of NBC’s “The New Normal”; self love with actress Aubrey Plaza ; puppy love with actor Jack Huston and his dog Orso; best friend love with director Gia Coppola and actress Nathalie Love ; and married love with musician Rufus Wainwright and artistic director Jörn Weisbrodt.

“This campaign features some well-known actors, musicians and their loved ones, all wearing clothes from our new holiday collection,” said Seth Farbman, Gap’s Global Chief Marketing Officer. “Their personal relationships help remind us that every family is unique and often goes beyond just those we’re related to—it also includes the people we share our lives and deepest passions with. This campaign celebrates these diverse, optimistic views on family and the many forms love can take.”

Sharing the Love

As part of the campaign in the U.S. and Canada, Gap is spreading love digitally through partnerships with online communities Postagram and Pinterest. Starting November 7, consumers can visit Postagram’s Facebook app to turn their photos from Facebook, Instagram and elsewhere into real postcards that will be mailed to their loved ones at no cost, courtesy of Gap. Then on November 12, users who pin Gap’s favorite holiday items to their Pinterest wish lists through an app on Gap’s Facebook page will be automatically entered to win a Gap gift card. Five winners will be selected each week through December 24.

Styld.by, Gap’s digital catalog collaboration with well-respected fashion and lifestyle websites, continues with new content for the holiday gifting season. Each Styld.by partner, including Refinery29, WhoWhatWear, Lookbook and Rue, will curate holiday gift guides from their own point of view. The gift guides will be based on different personality types, like ‘For My BFF’ and ‘For My Skater’ and utilize pieces from the Winter Icons collection alongside other covetable gift ideas specific to each personality.

The campaign will also appear in December issues of national magazines including Vogue, Lucky, InStyle, Glamour, People StyleWatch and Vanity Fair; outdoor in key markets including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago; and in digital advertisements. To follow the content, visit Gap’s Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram communities and join the conversation with the hashtag #GapLove.

Chief Keef Prepares For Release Of Finally Rich, His Major Label Debut Album

Chicago rapper ChiefKeef will release his debut album, Finally Rich, on Glory Boyz Entertainment/Interscope Records December 18. Buoyed by the hit single “I Don’t Like,” Finally Rich will be available for pre-order November 19. The high-powered collection also features “Hate Being Sober” ft 50 Cent and Wiz Khalifa which was produced by Young Chop.

 Chief Keef’s catchy, independently-released “I Don’t Like” single became an instant sensation in early 2012. Its video has had more than 17 million YouTube views since its release in March. Featuring Lil Reese and produced by Young Chop, “I Don’t Like” has established the 17-year-old Chicago rapper-businessman as one of rap’s rising stars, as evidenced by the Kanye West remix of “I Don’t Like,” which also featured Big Sean, Pusha T and Jadakiss.

Interscope Records signed Keef’s Glory Boyz Entertainment to a deal, making him the youngest major label boss in music history. He will also release a pair of Beats by Dre headphones and has a biopic in the works.

The South Side Chicago rapper became an Internet sensation in 2011 thanks to his hard-hitting “Bang” single. The song’s video garnered more than 3 million views on YouTube and was followed in 2012 by the video for “3Hunna,” which logged more than 11 million YouTube views while Keef’s latest songs “I Don’t Like” and ” Love Sosa” has racked up over 19 million and 8 million YouTube views respectively. For the latest Chief Keef news, please visit http://www.chiefkeef.com              

 Finally Rich Track listing:

1. Love Sosa

2. Hallelujah

3. I Don’t Like ft. Lil Reese

4. No Tomorrow

5. Hate Bein’ Sober ft. 50 Cent & Wiz Khalifa

6. Kay Kay

7. Laughin’ To The Bank

8. Diamonds ft. French Montana

9. Ballin’

10. Understand Me ft. Young Jeezy

11. 3Hunna ft. Rick Ross

12. Finally Rich

MURS & 9th Wonder Present The Final Adventure On November 13th

Super producer 9th Wonder and Murs released the official tracklist – including exclusive iTunes bonus cuts, for their last collabo album The Final Adventure.  The iTunes edition will include two bonus tracks, while the iTunes deluxe version includes the bonus tracks and all of the instrumentals. 

The Final Adventure hits stores on November 13th along with 9th Wonder’s new joint effort with Buckshot The Solution. Murs recently released This Generation, his collaboration album with Fresno rapper Fashawn on Duck Down.

Tracklist for The Final Adventure

 1. Get Together – f/ Rapsody

2. Dance With Me

3. Whatuptho

4. Holding Hands

5. Walk Like A Woman

6. Tale of Two Cities

7. Funeral For A Killer

8.  Better Way

9. Wherever You Are

10. It’s Over

11. Wait For Someone (iTunes Bonus)

12. Tale of Two Cities – Remix (iTunes Bonus)

 

 

Joss Stone Brings Soul Sessions To Chicago

Following where her 2003 star-making debut album, The Soul Sessions, left off, singer Joss Stone is back with The Soul Sessions Volume 2. The Soul Sessions Volume 2 is a stunning exercise in vocal poise, passion and power, showcasing some great songs and an artist at the peak of her vocal powers.

Stone had been thinking for a while that it would be fun to revisit where it all began and re explore the vibe of the first Soul Sessions album – this time as a fully formed artist, just turned 25, with the life experience now behind her that was, by definition, somewhat limited first time around at 15 years of age. A phone call with the man who signed her as a teenager, Steve Greenberg at S-Curve Records, and as is often the case with Stone, an idea quickly became a reality – The Soul Session Volume 2 and was released in July of this year.

 Stone commented: “I really had fun revisiting The Soul Sessions idea and I’m really pleased with the results. I’ve committed long term to my label Stone’d Records, but it felt right to team up with Steve and S-Curve again for this release. I think there are some great songs on the album and I loved performing them with such brilliant musicians – so I hope people enjoy it.”

Stone is currently on tour supporting ‘The Soul Sessions Volume 2’ and performed at Chicago’s Vic Theatre on October 7th.

 

Rihanna’s UNAPOLOGETIC Set For Release On November 19th

Worldwide superstar Rihanna – the “#1 Person On Facebook” with over 61.7 million Likes – has once again ignited record charts around the world with “Diamonds,” the fastest-rising single of her career to date, with first-week postings at #1 iTunes in 27 countries and Top 5 iTunes in 55 countries.  Now, Rihanna announces the global release of her 7th studio album for Island Def Jam in just seven years: UNAPOLOGETIC arrives in stores worldwide on Monday, November 19th.

In the U.S., “Diamonds” debuted this week at #16-bullet on the Billboard Hot 100, tying Rihanna’s previous highest debut, last year’s worldwide #1 smash, “We Found Love” (featuring Calvin Harris).  “Diamonds” amassed 41.5 million total audience, her biggest first-week audience ever on the Hot 100 Airplay Chart where it debuted at #28-bullet, tying her previous highest debut, last year’s “You Da One.”

Now, as Billboard unveils its new, updated methodology and tallying formulas, “Diamonds” leaps to the #1 spot on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, aided by strong multi-format airplay and digital downloads.

In the UK, “Diamonds” has earned Rihanna her 6th #1 single on both the  iTunes and the national chart, topping a summit of 27 countries where the song has also reached #1 at iTunes including France, Spain, Australia and Germany. “Diamonds” is her fastest growing airplay hit in the UK, France and Germany.

Following Rihanna’s award winning social media marketing campaign last year, UNLOCKED, and as Forbes’ and Billboard’s #1 Social Media artist, she continues her digital media domination with #R7, launching on Monday, October 15th. #R7 is an interactive gaming experience where fans visit www.Rihanna7.com and explore this site to “RIHveal” exclusive content and prizes. Each week fans are assigned weekly trivia questions. When answered correctly, fans have a new mission to exclusive Rihanna announcements and “RIHwards,” bringing fans closer to her 7th album, UNAPOLOGETIC .

Recap of BET Hip Hop Awards 2012

 

This year marked the seventh annual BET Hip Hop Awards hosted by funnyman Mike Epps.  The BET Hip Hop Awards delivered an exceptional night filled with hip hop’s biggest stars and highly anticipated performances.   

Wiz Khalifa opened the show with a performance of “Work Hard / Play Hard” featuring Juicy J and Young Jeezy accompanied by a live band.  Other highlights included Meek Mill’s performance of “Amen” and “Young and Getting’ It” featuring Kirko Bangz; Kendrick Lamar introducing a medley of his popular songs, “The Recipe” and “Swimming Pools;” G.O.O.D. music star 2 Chainz taking the stage to perform “Birthday Song” and “I’m Different,” Rick Ross’ performance of “Hold Me Back” joined by Omarion for their single “Ice Cold;” Atlanta’s own T.I. entertaining the crowd with newest singles “Trap Back Jumpin” and “Go Get It;” Future featuring Diddy, French Montana, Machine Gun Kelly and Uncle Luke had everyone on their feet with “Turn on the Lights,” “Same Damn Time,” “Wild Boy” and “Pop That;” and closing out the show, Violator artists reunited on stage in honor of music executive, Chris Lighty culminated with pure star power – a Tribe Called Quest, Missy Elliott, Missy Elliott, Spliff Star, 50 Cent and Fat Joe paid their respect during an unforgettable performance with some of Violator Music’s biggest hits and Chris Lighty’s personal favorites. 

Rakim was presented and honored by his peers with this year’s “I AM HIP HOP ICON” Award for his seemingly effortless style and delivery that stems not just from Hip-Hop, but from Jazz and R&B influences.  Rakim has a style like no other.   Always a key highlight at the awards are “The Cyphers.”  Snoop Dogg, T.I., DMX, A$AP Rocky, Cassidy, Mystikal, Talib Kweli, B.o.B, Eve, Boy Jones, Brianna Perry, Childish Gambino, Chipmunk, Lil Chuckee, The Kid Daytona, Driicky Graham, E-40, YG, Hopsin, Iggy Azalea, Joey Bada$$, K’La, Kendrick Lamar, Kosha Dillz; Kurupt; Mac Miller, Mystikal, Murda Mook, DJ Quik, RZA, ScHoolboy Q, Tito Lopez, Trae Tha Truth, Xzibit, Angel Haze and Ab-Soul.

The following are the list of winners from the BET Hip Hop Awards 2012:

Best Hip Hop Video: “HYFR” – Drake f/ Lil Wayne

Reese’s Perfect Combo Award (Best Collabo): “Mercy” – Kanye West f/ Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz

Best Live Performer: The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West)

Lyricist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar

Hip Hop Video Director of the Year: Hype Williams

DJ of the Year: DJ Khaled

Producer of the Year: Kanye West

MVP of the Year: Rick Ross

Track of the Year: “Ni**as In Paris” – Produced by Kanye West, Hit-Boy and Mike Dean (The Throne – Jay-Z & Kanye West)

CD of the Year: Watch The ThroneThe Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West)

Rookie of The Year: 2 Chainz

Hustler of The Year: Jay-Z

Made-You-Look Award (Best Hip Hop Style): Kanye West

Best Club Banger: “Ni**as In Paris” – The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West)

Best Mixtape: “Dreamchasers2″ – Meek Mill

Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse: 2 Chainz – “Mercy” (Kanye West f/ Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz)

Impact Track: “Daughters” – Nas

People’s Champ Award Powered by Verizon:  2 Chainz f/ Drake – “No Lie”

Best Hip Hop Online Site:  World Star Hip Hop

Best Cyphers of the night (below) featuring: Talib Kweli, Jean Grae, Ab-Soul and Sarkodie

and

RZA, Angel Haze, Joey Bada$$, Driicky Graham, Childish Gambino and A$AP Rocky

Photo courtesy of BET.com

DMX, Snoop Dogg, Eve, A.$.A.P. Rocky, Mystikal, Talib Kweli And More Are Among This Year’s Featured Artists For The Hip Hop Awards Cypher 2012

DMX, Snoop Dogg and T.I. return to the BET Hip Hop Awards as 2012 cypher participants representing the East Coast, West Coast and Down South alongside Eve, A.$.A.P. Rocky, Cassidy, Mystikal, Talib Kweli, B.O.B and more.  The BET Hip Hop Awards, filmed at Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center on Saturday, September 29, features six highly anticipated on-air and three digital cyphers exclusive to BET.com.

Among the six cyphers unveiled at this year’s exciting show, fans can look forward to another year of 16 tantalizing bars that cannot be seen nor heard anywhere else other than the BET Hip Hop Awards.  As audiences at home anticipate the 2012 cyphers, BET takes a look back at some of your favorite moments from previous years on a two-part “Cypher Replay” special airing October 1 and 2 at 8:00 P.M.*  “Cypher Replay” features memorable past Hip Hop Awards performances from top emcees including Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, KRS One, Juelz Santana and Eminem. With exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, the special includes insightful interviews provided by DJ Premiere, Pusha T, Jadakiss, Slaughterhouse, Big Sean and many more chronicling their journey into The Cypher.

BET.com/HipHopAwards is the official site for the BET Hip Hop Awards 2012 where fans can visit to get up-to-date info on this year’s show and take a look back on past BET Hip Hop Awards.  In the coming weeks, BET.com will launch a series of interactive timelines, exclusive video content, games and quizzes leading up to the show.  To become a BET.com member and register for our BET Newsletter log on to http://www.bet.com/register.html.

BET’s inaugural Hip Hop Awards App is available now for iPhone and Android. It provides a detailed history of the show since its inception in 2006 – hundreds of artists, past winners, cyphers, acceptance speeches and more. “The Lineup” allows app users to predict the order of this year’s show performer and a real-time Tweet map shows you what the country and your favorite artists are saying about the show. And for the first time ever, one award – the Best Hip Hop Online Site – will be determined solely by app users.

The Iron Fists Tour Featuring RZA & Special Guests Kicks Off October 3rd

RZA, the founder of the legendary Hip-Hop group Wu-Tang Clan—in association with Rock the Bells, a world-class Hip-Hop festival, and Guerilla Union, the promoters behind Rock the Bells Festival and Cypress Hill SmokeOut Festival—announced today that The Iron Fists Tour will hit venues nationwide this fall, beginning Wednesday, October 3. Launching in conjunction with the big-screen debut of Universal Pictures’ The Man With The Iron Fists , the tour will be headlined by RZA, who is director, co-writer and leading man of the action-adventure starring an international cast led by Russell Crowe and Lucy Liu. Additionally, RZA will curate each stop of the tour, which will feature unique live performances by RZA and special guests, in addition to film highlights and more.

The Iron Fists Tour will kick off at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in New York, NY on October 3 and continue all month long. A live band will back RZA’s headlining performance, and he promises each tour stop will be a unique experience as he calls on friends and special guests to perform from city to city. “The Iron Fist Tour will feature a unique musical experience curated by Wu-Tang Clan’s chief architect, The RZA. It will feature a very special live performance from The Abbott and his band. This once in a lifetime performance pays tribute to his directorial debut, The Man With The Iron Fists. Special guest will join The RZA in each city and every night will feature a unique set list inspired by kick-ass Kung Fu and genre bending beatdowns. Some fans will get to meet the master himself while others interact with RZA’s ultimate live experience via mc battle and b boy exhibitions. Imagine RZA’s musical mashup “Tiger Style.” Guerilla Union is honored to partner with RZA to help unleash his Hip Hop fury all over the country while we give fans something to warm up to before the masses hit theatres November 2nd to catch his masterful movie featuring Russell Crowe and Lucy Liu.”

Tickets at select venues are now on sale. Check The Iron Fists Tour website for more information. The Man With The Iron Fists will arrive in theaters on Friday, November 2. Fans are advised to visit www.ironfiststour.com and sign up for the Guerilla Union newsletter at www.guerillaunion.com for important announcements and up-to-date information regarding the tour and action-adventure.

THE IRON FISTS TOUR ROUTING:

10/03   Music Hall of Williamsburg, New York, NY

10/04   The Royale, Boston, MA

10/07   Soundstage, Baltimore, MD

10/08   The State Theatre, Falls Church, VA

10/10   Vinyl, Atlanta, GA

10/12   St. Andrew’s, Detroit, MI

10/13   Shrine, Chicago, IL

10/15   Beauty Ballroom, Austin, TX

10/16   Fitzgerald’s, Houston, TX

10/19   House of Blues, Las Vegas, NV

10/24   House of Blues, Los Angeles, CA

Video: Freeway’s Photoshoot For Diamond In The Ruff Album Cover

On November 13th, legendary Philadelphia MC Freeway will release Diamond In The Ruff, his first album since 2010’s critically acclaimed collaborative effort with Jake One, The Stimulus Package, through Babygrande Records.

Fans of the distinctly voiced Philly Freezer, who has built up an impressive discography with labels such as Roc-A-Fella Records and Rhymesayers as well as with his recently reunited group State Property, can expect the same level of consistency that Freeway has become known for with his releases on the new album.

In anticipation of his upcoming project, Freeway is releasing a behind-the-scenes video from a recent photo shoot for Diamond In The Ruff. The video catches Freeway on a recent afternoon in the Bronx, as he shows off his extensive and impressive sneaker collection and wardrobe layout, including a few tee’s from his own clothing line. The video catches Free knocking out the photo shoot as Philadelphia Freeway classics play in the background, and shows a lighter, more personable side of him.

 

Music’s Most Soulful Night – Soul Train Awards 2012

Soul Train Awards ’12, hosted by the Original King of Comedy and “Soul Man” actor Cedric “The Entertainer,” is headed to Las Vegas for its annual night of music and honors.  Featuring a Lifetime Achievement Award presentation to New Edition and soon-to-be-announced live performances from today’s music superstars, Soul Train Awards ’12 will premiere simultaneously on BET and Centric on Sunday, November 25th at 9pm*.

Every year, Soul Train Awards acknowledges the achievements of today’s most famed entertainers in multiple categories. This year, with two nominations, including Album of the Year, R. Kelly will be the most nominated artist in Soul Train Awards history.  R&B superstar Usher is also making Soul Train Awards history with five nominations including nods for Song of the Year and Album of the Year; surpassing both Michael Jackson and Beyonce in total nominations in a lifetime.

International songstress Estelle leads women in nominations with three nods including Song of the Year for “Thank You” and Best Female Soul/R&B Artist.  Rapper Nas also receives three nominations, including Album of the Year for “Life is Good.”  Singers Trey Songz and John Legend, who received two nods each, will compete in the Song of the Year category with Estelle, Usher, Tyrese and Wale. The late Whitney Houston and Amy Winehouse each received a posthumous nomination.  Whitney Houston in the Best Gospel Inspirational Performance category for her collaboration with Jordin Sparks on “Celebrate” from the Sparkle soundtrack, and Amy Winehouse in the Best International Performance Category for “Our Day Will Come.”

The Soul Train Awards is a presentation of Centric and Sunseeker Media and directed by Manny Rodriguez. Paxton Baker, Tami Willis-Arasli, Derek Lewis, Centric; Bart Phillips, Sunseeker Media; and Soul Train Holdings’ Kenard Gibbs will all be the executive producers of the network telecast, along with Cedric Kyles and Eric Rhone.

Soul Train Awards ’12 will air on BET and Centric on Sunday, November 25 th at 9pm*. For more information, please visit www.centrictv.com.  *All times ET/PT

Soul Train Awards ’12 – Nominees and Award Categories  

Best New Artist

Elle Varner

Emeli Sande

J. Cole

Luke James

Robert Glasper

 Centric Award

Daley

Esperanza Spalding

Gary Clark Jr.

Leah LaBelle

Santigold

Best Gospel/Inspirational Performance

BeBe Winans – America America

Fred Hammond – I Feel Good

Marvin Sapp – My Testimony

Mary Mary – Go Get It

Whitney Houston and Jordin Sparks – Celebrate

Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year

2 Chainz feat. Drake – No Lie

Wale feat. Miguel – Lotus Flower Bomb

Nas – Daughters

Kanye West feat. Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz – Mercy

Young Jeezy feat. Ne-Yo – Leave You Alone

Best R&B/Soul Female Artist

Beyonce

Estelle

Keyshia Cole

Mary J. Blige

Melanie Fiona

Best R&B/Soul Male Artist

Miguel

Robin Thicke

Trey Songz

Tyrese

Usher

Album of the Year

The One – Eric Benet

Channel Orange – Frank Ocean

Life Is Good – Nas

Write Me Back – R. Kelly

Looking For Myself – Usher

Song of the Year

Estelle – Thank You

John Legend feat. Ludacris – Tonight (Best You Ever Had)

Trey Songz – Heart Attack

Tyrese – Stay

Usher – Climax

Wale feat. Miguel – Lotus Flower Bomb

The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award

Thank You – Estelle (Writers: Arden Altino, Akene “The Champ” Dunkley, Jerry Duplessis, Doug F. Edwards, Thomas D. Richardson, Aliaune Thiam)

Tonight (Best You Ever Had) – John Legend feat. Ludacris (Writers: Allen Arthur, Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges, Keith Justice, Miguel Pimentel “Miguel”, Clayton Reilly, John Stephens)

Daughters – Nas (Writers: Nasir Jones, Ernest D. Wilson, Patrick Adams, Gary DeCarlo, Dale Frashuer, Paul Leka)

Share My Love – R. Kelly (Writer: Robert Kelly)

Climax – Usher (Writers: Usher Raymond IV, Sean “Redd Stylez” Fenton, Thomas “Diplo” Pentz, Ariel Rechtshaid)

Best Dance Performance

Beyonce – Love On Top

Chris Brown -Turn Up The Music

Nicki Minaj – Starships

Rihanna – Where Have You Been

Usher – Scream

CentricTV.com awards:

CENTRICTV.com Best Caribbean Performance

Cover Drive – Bajan Style

Damien “Junior Gong” Marley – SuperHeavy

Jimmy Cliff – Rebirth

Matisyahu – Spark Seeker

Sean Paul – Tomahawk Technique

CENTRICTV.com Best International Performance

Amy Winehouse – Our Day Will Come

Daley feat. Marsha Ambrosius – Alone Together

Emeli Sande – Next To Me

Estelle – Thank You

Gotye feat. Kimbra – Somebody (That I Used To Know)

Rebecca Ferguson – Nothing’s Real But Love

CENTRICTV.com Best Traditional Jazz Artist/Group

Chris Botti – Impressions


Kenny Garrett – Seeds From The Underground

Melody Gardot – The Absence

The Robert Glasper Experiment – Black Radio

Tony Bennett – Isn’t It Romantic

CENTRICTV.com Best Contemporary Jazz Artist/Group

Ben Tankard – Full Tank

Brian Culbertson – DREAMS

Cassandra Wilson – Another Country

Esperanza Spalding – Radio Music Society

Peter White – Here We Go