Taking the “Charm School” recipe one step further, 50 Cent has teamed with MTV to create a reality show that is actually aimed at helping the community. In his new, still untitled, elimination show, 16 young kids will compete to master the skills that elevated 50 from the streets to the top of the charts. But here’s my favorite part: Instead of the winner receiving a cash prize, the last one standing will actually be awarded a full scholarship to college. {Source}

Though I wholesomely commend 50 for partaking in such a show, I did have to chuckle at the ‘master the skills that elevated 50 from the streets to the top of the charts’ part. Perhaps we’ll see the kids talk mess about the top contender near the time for their task? Just a thought lol…

Beyonce – Back Up

The Darkchild produced ‘Back Up’ served as a bonus track on select versions Beyonce’s sophomore LP ‘B’Day’. One of the best club-destined cuts the singer has done to-date IMO, I was initially surprised why it was left off the album – after all, it was better than most of the album’s material. However considering its thumping bass-line, and ‘in your face’ lyrics, the song didn’t really fit the overall Tina Turner-esque sound of record. Still, one hell of song.

Listen: Back Up

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Whitney Houston – Love That Man

Despite achieving Platinum success, Mariah Carey’s 2002 Def Jam debut ‘Charmbracelet’ (ironically the start of her return to prominence) largely went ignored by the masses. Though released in the US (to little response), ‘Bringing On The Heartbreak’ never hit this side of the globe. Unfortunate as Mimi’s take on the Def Leppard original, is awesome. Well composed and inclusive of ‘The Voice’ we used to know and love, this is hands-down one of my favourite Mariah tracks from recent years.

Listen: Bringing On The Heartbreak

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Your thoughts: Hit(s) or Miss(es)?

WHITNEY HOUSTON is set to make her live comeback in London on 8 May (08). Organisers of the Caudwell Children’s Legend Ball in Battersea have revealed they’ve booked the diva for a charity show. Charity founder John Caudwell tells Britain’s Marie Claire magazine, “We are thrilled to have an artist of Whitney’s calibre to headline the event.” The comeback concert isn’t a big surprise – Tina Turner came out of retirement to perform at the charity’s 2007 gala, which helped Caudwell raise over $2 million (GBP1 million) for disabled children. Houston is currently recording a new album with her mentor, music mogul Clive Davis, who claims the comeback project will be released in November (08).

Usher on how the media and bloggers reacted negatively to the news of his engagement to Tameka Foster:

“It was like, wow. (Getting married) and having a child is something that everyone should celebrate. What’s happened to us as a culture and a people? I’m not ignorant, so I’m not going to go out there and lash out….”

Usher on how he and Tameka have stayed strong:

“Ours is not a typical love story, but it is a true one. Tameka and I have been fortunate enough to go through the thick of it in the beginning. We’ve had that opportunity to huddle up as a team, to make sure that we’re clear and speak as one voice.”

Tameka on when she knew to trust her instincts, instead of her girlfriends, about starting a relationship with her future husband:

“Thank God I didn’t listen to my girlfriends…. Usher was my road dawg. I’d seen him love, and I’d watched him date women who were not worthy of him. He was so sweet, going out of his way to cater to their every need. And I’d see them not even be grateful.”

Tameka on falling for her husband:

“I feel totally uninhibited with Usher. I’ve never been in a situation with anyone, even as far back as high school, where there were no secrets. I know I can tell him anything and he’s not going to judge me. I can finally share my dreams. And because of that, I know that man loves me.”

Blah. I find it funny how they totally dodged anything to do with the controversy surrounding Usher’s mom and their marriage. Though I don’t really care for their union, I still think there’s something kinda ‘off’ with it – no matter how much they profess their love for one another.

AllHipHop.com: Now, you call yourself the “King of All White Girls.” Elaborate on that for me.

Polow Da Don: Just the “King of the White Girls.” I ain’t self proclaimed but I run with it. [Laughs] There was a stage in my life where I went crazy with dating white women. I have nothing against black women, but they’re raised differently. White women are raised to respect and serve their men. Black women are taught to question [their men]. Black women look at submission as being weak. White women look at submission as being a woman. And anyone who has a problem with this statement is ignorant. Just look at the divine order; it goes man, woman, child.

{Source}

Interesting lol. I’m sure many eyebrows will be raised with this one…