The Urban Daily » bet

BET Bans Nicki Minaj’s “Stupid Hoe” Video

Jonathan Hailey — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:10:47 +0000

First Lady of Young Money, Nicki Minaj, is building buzz for her sophomore album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. The video for the lead single, “Stupid Hoe,” is stirring up plenty of controversy by its lonesome. BET has banned the clip just a few days before Nicki’s Super Bowl performance with Madonna.

TMZ reported a rep for the network confirmed Minaj’s video was pulled from rotation. A reason for the action wasn’t given, however, many speculate it was snatched off the network due to the repetitive use of the word ‘hoe.’ Moreover, Nicki Minaj is seen dancing and writhing suggestively in a cage. Her dancing might have been deemed too racy for BET. This isn’t the first time BET banned a video. 2010 marked the year Ciara’s visual for “Ride” was pulled from rotation for being too sexual and sensual.

We’re sure Minaj isn’t sweating it. She is performing at the Superbowl with Madonna, working on the new Ice Age sequel, and looking forward to the Grammys.

Nicki Minaj Gets Pretty For Grammy With LL Cool J [PHOTOS]

First Look: Madonna, Nicki Minaj & M.I.A Team Up For “Give Me All Your Luvin” [VIDEO]

“The Game” Star PJ Byrne: “Irv Could Eat Ari Gold For Lunch!” [EXCLUSIVE]

ReBecca Theodore-Vachon — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:20:30 +0000

He’s back! Everyone’s favorite sleazy sports agent, Irv Smiff rides back into glory tonight on tonight’s episode of BET’s “The Game.” For actor PJ Byrne, stepping into the shoes of such a despicable character, is just like coming home. “The great thing about playing Irv for so long is that I don’t have to think about what makes him tick. It’s like putting on a second skin.” Byrne has been busy racking up movie credits, with comedic turns in both Final Destination 5 and Horrible Bosses last summer.

The Urban Daily caught up TV’s most lovable racist to get the scoop on Season 5 of “The Game” and why Irv Smiff would win in a battle of the sleaze against “Entourage” agent Ari Gold.

You were on “The Game” the first three seasons. What was it like being back on set the first day?

The first day, people were hugging me and it was such a great moment—I felt like I had never left. They were genuinely happy to have me back. The crew’s a little different, but they’re all great. There’s something about playing a character like Irv—I don’t have to think about his history or making character choices.

“The Game” now shoots in Atlanta. What was the adjustment like from filming in L.A.?

I love it! Everybody in Atlanta watches “The Game” so I feel famous over there. I go to the mall and people are like “It’s Irv!” Atlanta is really tied into the industry so they recognize people immediately.

When you meet your fans, is the reception positive or negative?

It’s funny because it’s like “Irv I love you…but you’re bad!” People feel like they know you. They always say “You’re so nice in person, I can’t believe you play that guy.”

Which cast members do you hang out with off the set?

Sometimes Pooch Hall or Wendy and I’m friends with the writers so I get to hang out with them too. The cast and crew are really like one big family. But the thing is when you’re down there, you’re there to work and they work pretty crazy hours. If you’re lucky to get a bite to eat or a beer, you’re just going to pass out afterwards.

Having to play a character so despicable, what kind of preparation do you go through to get into Irv’s mindset?

I always start by putting on the shoes. It’s the first thing that grounds you. There’s something visceral about how someone stands. As for the character choices for Irv, anything that’s appalling to me, PJ—that’s a choice I’m going to make for Irv. He does push the envelope and says some racy stuff. Is Irv really racist? I don’t know. Sometimes he just tries too hard to fit in. Irv isn’t pure evil, he’s just out for himself. He looks out for his clients, but at the end of the day he’s looking to win. When he says these crazy, dirty things it’s all out of love, in a dark, evil way.

Was there ever a time when you looked at your script and thought “I can’t say this. This is over the line?”

(Laughs) Every episode! I think to myself “There’s absolutely no way I can say this out loud.” The writers will come over and reassure me that’s it’s OK, it will get a lot of laughs. It has gotten easier over the years. If I think it’s horrible and inappropriate then I know it’s right up Irv’s alley.

Did you base Irv on any agents that you know?

After I graduated college, I was planning to go into the finance world. They’re some really dark guys—I based Irv on some people I had worked for in the past. It’s mostly absorbing the evil, nasty people I’ve come across in the business. People like Bernie Madoff, he doesn’t think he’s evil. He doesn’t give a sh*t what people think about him. In his mind he’s justified his behavior “I made all these people so much money.” People who are like that, truly narcissistic, that’s who I base my character on.

Who is more cutthroat agent, Irv Smiff or Ari Gold?

Irv all the way! Irv Smiff poops Ari Gold. I chew guys like him and digest them an hour later. Irv would shut him down, no contest. I would start with his toupee and take him all the down. (Laughs) All jokes aside, I watched “Entourage” and Jeremy Piven is an amazing actor. Just a great cast all around.

Which episode of the “The Game” was the most fun filming?

There’s a ton of scenes that come to mind, but definitely singing the Rihanna song “Take A Bow” with Wendy Raquel Robinson. I also sang “It Takes Two” with Rob Base, and while filming this season I got to kick a field goal at The Georgia Dome. That was so much fun.

A little known fact–you actually have a college degree in both finance and drama from Boston College. How did you make the transition into acting?

Well, originally the plan was to work on Wall Street after I graduated. I actually had a job lined up as an analyst. But a professor of mine told me I should go into acting and I said “You must be crazy-cakes.” He said “Here are the three best drama programs in the country. They only take ten kids, let’s send your application and see what happens.” I ended up being accepted into the theater program at DePaul. So even now, it still seems bizarre that I’m acting for a living.

What can viewers expect from Season 5 of “The Game?”

Expect a meaner, more racist Irv Smiff. You’re going to hate him more than you ever have in your life. The fifth season is all about relationships, but we’re really going to amp up the comedy. Tasha (Wendy Raquel Robinson) and I will battle, as always. The relationship between Melanie (Tia Mowry-Hardrict) and I will build up, and there’s going to be some very funny scenes where we go at it.

Season Premiere of “The Game” airs tonight on BET 10 P.M. EST

Watch trailer below:

BET Hires New Hosts Paigion & Shorty Da Prince

Darnella Dunham, Senior Producer — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:56:07 +0000

Terrence J and Rocsi are the current faces of BET, but it’s time to get familiar with two new hosts: Paigion and Shorty Da Prince. Both personalities can be heard daily in Detroit on Hot 107.5 (a radio station owned by TheUrbanDaily parent company Radio One).

Find out more about Paigion and Shorty Da Prince, and when you can see them on BET by visiting our sister site HotHipHopDetroit.com.

Amber Rose Featured On BET

BET’s Master Of The Mix DJ Supastar Talks DJ Camp For Girls [EXCLUSIVE]

The Madd Hatta Morning Show — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 01:56:51 +0000

Houstonian, DJ Supastar, is a contestant on season two of BET’s Master of the Mix! Supastar talks to Nnete about her journey to get on the show, her DJ camp for girls and what’s next!!

Click here to listen to the interview!

RECENT POSTS:

Tyler Perry Responds To Kim Kardashian Critics [AUDIO]

Amber Rose Shows Off New Hairstyle At “Master Of The Mix” Premiere [PHOTOS]

Demi Moore Explains Why She Is Divorcing Ashton [AUDIO]

Amber Rose To Co-Star On BET Show

Darnella Dunham, Senior Producer — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 14:59:37 +0000

If you want to see Amber Rose every week, be sure to tune in to BET on Saturday nights and check her out on season two of “Master of the Mix.” She judges the DJ competition alongside Just Blaze, DJ Kid Capri and Vikter Duplaix, and it premieres on November 5th at midnight.

Where Does Amber Rose Come From?

Amber Rose and the other judges travel across the county in search of the best DJ, and contestants are competing for $250,000.

Like Us On Facebook!

RELATED POSTS:

Why Amber Rose Decided To Go Bald

Amber Rose In A Revealing Bikini [PHOTOS]

Wiz Khalifa Shows Amber Rose Birthday Love [VIDEO]

2011 BET Hip-Hop Awards Cyphers [VIDEO]

The Urban Daily — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:43:47 +0000

The 2011 BET Hip-Hop Awards aired last night, and the most exciting performances for a lot of fans are the rhyme Cyphers. Check out the complete set featuring everyone from Eminem, Rick Rick Ross and Chris Brown to Kendrick Lamar, Estelle and comedian Mike Epps. Yes, that Mike Epps!

DJ Premiere continues his duties keeping the beat looping up the late James Brown’s “The Big Payback.”

Shady Records

Uncut Featuring Busta Rhymes, Ludacris

B.o.B, Big Krit, Tech 9 Machine Gun Kelly and Kendrick Lamar

Maybach Music

International Flow

Touch The Skye: Robert Townsend’s Daughter Serves Her Own Brand Of Funny [EXCLUSIVE]

ReBecca Theodore-Vachon — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 23:05:17 +0000

Skye Townsend proves that funny runs in the family. The 18 year old daughter of actor-writer-directer Robert Townsend is also a multihypenate talent in her own right: actress-singer-visual artist-comedienne. In addition to her hilarious, dead-on Beyonce video spoofs on YouTube, Skye is part of the hit BET web series “8 Days A Week” where she plays Jade Taylor–a crusading, soft-hearted college co-ed out to save the world. Much like the character she plays, Skye is a force of nature–determined to provide young women like herself with positive depictions of African-American women with her own infectious brand of humor, class and intelligence.

The Urban Daily caught up with Skye to find out what it’s like growing up as a Hollywood kid, her musical aspirations and her thoughts on the current depictions of African-American women on tv and film.

Tell us about your role on “8 Days A Week”

The show follows six young people just trying to make their dreams happen. What’s so dope about the show is that it’s not just one type of dream, not all of them want to be famous. My character Jade stands for education; she’s in school so she’s fighting for the degree, for the perfect family, fighting to save the world. Each character is very intelligent and classy, and wants to do something with their life.

How did you audition for the role?

It was actually the craziest experience. I never considered myself a legit actress , I’ve always been into improv since I was very little. I never even took the risk to audition for a project before. The writer of the show came across my Youtube videos and found a way to get in contact with my mother and told her “This is who I see playing Jade.” When I got the call I was so confused! It opened up my eyes to the fact that maybe there was some acting potential there.

Your claim to fame are your YouTube videos with your Beyonce impersonations. How did you fall into that?

My dad is my biggest inspiration and he is crazy with voices. I grew up doing voices like Dorothy from Wizard of Oz and British accents. So doing impersonations was always something fun for me. One day I saw Beyonce doing an interview and I tried to imitate her and I succeeded. I thought to myself that this could be very entertaining because I’ve never seen another Beyonce impersonator.

Do you prep before doing your Beyonce videos? Do you watch old footage of her for inspiration?

No not really. I actually like to improv my performances. When you write things down you lose the flow of things. Whereas when you’re doing things off the top of your head, you have to think quickly. I brainstorm a few key points I want to cover, while I’m brushing the wig (laughs) and once I put the wig on, I’m no longer myself. It’s game on!

You’re also planning to come out with an EP. How would you describe your musical style?

When I was younger I was a Billie Holliday and Nat King Cole fanatic so I became an old soul when it came to music. Now I have a lot of world influences in my music, I love Brazilian percussion and Indian instruments. I’m bringing in sounds you don’t usually hear and combining with old school R&B. These days you don’t hear people really singing. There are some true vocalists—Beyonce kills anything she sings. But people who grew up listening to En Vogue, SWV and Aaliyah. So I would say I’m pop/funk//soul/R&B.

Your dad is Robert Townsend– What was it like growing up having him as your dad?

I always tell people that my dad is from one of the worst neighborhoods in Chicago. So raising his kids he was like “I could raise them to think that they deserve this or raise them to think that they have to work for this.” My dad and I refer to each other as twins. We’ve always gotten along perfectly. Growing up around him I was a free-spirited child. At three years old I declared that I wanted to be a singer and my dad said “Yes you are!” Of course I couldn’t sing but it was great having an artist as a father because even image wise he allowed me to take risks and to speak my mind and be creative. I think my dad is a genius and so humble—he doesn’t speak about half of the projects he’s behind because for him it’s really about art. Growing I learned money is fun, it can buy you some cool things but it’s really about the work and making people smile. I’ve also gotten a front row seat to seeing how Hollywood really works—it’s not all beautiful, it gets real.

What was the best advice your dad gave you concerning the industry?

I’m very passionate about my friends and try to help them the way I help myself, but you can’t take everybody with you. The second piece of advice he gave me was don’t share your dreams because when you tell people, you allow them to break your dreams down.

Your dad wrote and directed “Hollywood Hustle” which explores the negative stereotypes of African-Americans in movies. As a black actress, and being Robert Townsend’s daughter, do you find yourself being more selective in the roles that you will choose?

Yes, one thing I’ve learned from dad is positivity and when you create art, it lasts forever. So if you act ignorant in that one role, you will forever be remembered for that and that’s how you’re showing other ethnicities how black people act. I’ve been blessed to have a really good education and know the history of our people dating back to minstrel shows, and I wouldn’t even dream of taking us back to that. I feel sorry for people who feel the need to do it for a check but I’m very selective about roles because it represents who I am.

How would you rate the current depiction of African-American women on TV and film?

I’m really disappointed right now. We’re in a place where we’re really going backwards right now and it really upsets me. We should be allowed to be intelligent, articulate. Even with the men, do you have to carry a gun, be a thug and call women bitches? It doesn’t need to be like that. I feel like we’re backtracking.

You can follow Skye on Twitter: @SkyeTownsend

BEYONCE OPENS UP ABOUT PREGNANCY [SPOOF]

WATCH NEW BET WEB SERIES “8 DAYS A WEEK”

BET Hip Hop Awards: The Cypher Warm-Up [VIDEOS]

Darnella Dunham, Senior Producer — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 19:51:59 +0000

It hasn’t been revealed which MCs will appear in The Cypher on the 2011 “BET Hip Hop Awards,” but they have started to tease us. Take a look at BET‘s promo video below, and enjoy the 2010 edition of The Cypher featuring G.O.O.D. Music artists Kanye West, Pusha T, Big Sean & Common with the legendary DJ Premier on the turntables!

The 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards will air on Tuesday, October 11th at 8 pm ET, and Mike Epps will once again host.

Top 10 Award Show Moments Of 2010 [VIDEO]

Skillz Responds To BET’s Cypher Invite, Preps New Album

BET Hip Hop Awards Guru Tribute

2010: Kanye West, Pusha T, Big Sean & Common

Watch Episode 4 Of BET’s “8 Days A Week” [VIDEO]

ReBecca Theodore-Vachon — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 23:43:36 +0000

On tonight’s episode, J Shine and Blue Reynolds go record at Rahʼs studio and get a taste of the high life as they take it to another level.

EPISODE 4–”ON TO THE NEXT ONE”

FOR EPISODES 1-3 CLICK HERE

Follow “8 Days A Week” on Twitter: @BET8DaysAWeek and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BET8daysAweek

Watch New BET Web Series “8 Days A Week” [VIDEO]

ReBecca Theodore-Vachon — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:22:53 +0000

Hip hop clashes with pop culture in an exciting, new and groundbreaking webseries for BET. 8 Days a Week is based on the critically acclaimed teen book series The Come Up by New York Times bestselling author Lyah Beth LeFlore and illustrated by award-winning artist DL Warfield. 8 Days a Week will take viewers into the world of six 20 somethings: Blue Reynolds, the music mogul-in-the-making, who, despite his fatherʼs wishes and familyʼs legacy, is determined to change the game on his own terms;Tommy “Whiteboy” James, an aspiring artist fighting the pull of his hustlinʼ past; Jade Taylor, the struggling college co-ed striving to become a doctor; Mamie “DJ Ill MaMa” Lopez, an ambitious deejay fighting to get her moment in the spotlight; Jayson “J-Shine” Martin, the musical prodigy and rapper hoping to be crowned the “next one”; and Zoe Olivia Daniels, a budding fashion designer with dreams of Paris runways. What do they have in common? Their hunger and passion to win at life.

An all new episode airs tonight at 8:00 PM EST

Follow “8 Days A Week” on Twitter: @BET8DaysAWeek and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BET8daysAweek

Episode 1–”The World Is Mine”

Episode 2–”Can’t Hold Me Down”

Episode 3–”Touch The Sky”

10 Epic Fails From The 2011 BET Awards

jazzyf — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:59:41 +0000

The 2011 BET awards went down last night, Sunday June 26 at the Shrine auditorium in LA. Lets just say the greatest show on earth is still at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus. Funny man Kevin Hart did his thing but even he could not save the BET Awards from becoming the EBT Awards. There were too many awkward and funny moments that it was hard for me to chose just a few. There were too many fashion fails and some serious epic fails that went down during the show. I decided to narrow it down to the fails that literally made people either uncomfortable or just with blank stares on their faces. Check out the photos and list below of the EPIC FAILS from the 2011 BET Awards.

Cherrelle & Alexander O’Neal performing “Saturday Love”- Why would BET pull Alexander O’Neal on stage to perform straight from Dr. Drew’s Rehab center. This performance was very crack-ish. Where are his teeth?

Rocsi Diaz all purpose dress- Is it just me, or was Rocsi dressed like she was the star of Lion King on ice. I don’t know but everyone on twitter said she got the fit from Wet Seal. Maybe they gave her some free wears for the promo.

Busta Rhymes brain vest- Now Busta is known for wearing some weird fits and last night was not unusual. Busta went rap Lady Gaga on us yesterday wearing a brain vest in the audience and becoming a human accordion during his performance with Chris Brown. Look at him now.

Chris Brown Onesie Tuxedo- Yeah Chris Brown made the list again. Breezy played himself two times over when he joined Big Sean on stage wearing a onesie tuxedo. Chris Brown’s BET Awards fits were just awful. And what was he doing on that damn bike??

Lil Wayne American Flag boxers and One Sock- Weezy F. clearly does whatever he wants to do and during his “I’m On One” performance with DJ Khaled, Drake and Rick Ross Weezy skipped around the stage wearing American flag boxers and one black and white checker sock.

Cee-Lo Green dressed as Patti LaBelle and cussing- Cee-Lo Green literally came out dressed like Patti Labelle. I mean even down to her permed out spike hair. You can tell Patti was loving it! Things went a bit south when The Dungeon Family member started cussing up a storm. BET didn’t catch any of the cuss words and I don’t think they intended on it.

Viewers Choice Award- Tiffany Greene, a big Nicki Minaj fan, was chosen to give out the BET Viewers Choice Award. Things went left when the tablet said Chris Brown but the teleprompter said Rihanna. Then Drake ended up winning the award. However, at the end of the show Kevin Hart revealed that the winner really was Chris Brown. Once again the EBT awards know how to start some mess to keep their ratings up.

Trey Songz drooling and slurping on Kelly Rowland’s neck- Trey Songz and Kelly Rowland just may have had one of the hottest performances of the night. I know I am not the only one who caught how Trey Songz had become a perverted old man at the end of the performance, trying to nibble on Kelly Rowland’s neck as they went down.

Diggy Simmons dance number- I did not know Diggy Simmons had big plans to become the rapping Chris Brown. We were all hype about Diggy coming into the rap game because he could actually flow. Now he just totally put himself into the category of being a popcorn bubble gum artist.

Nicki Minaj pretending she had competition- Nicki Minaj accepted her award and tried to deliver a speech pretending there was competition in the female rap category. The audience did not buy it one bit. They broke out into laughter after Nicki started her speech off with “Wow, I can’t believe I won.”

Awkward Moment Of The Year: BET’s Viewer’s Choice Award Goes Terribly Wrong! [VIDEO]

Shamika Sanders — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:54:40 +0000

Last night BET may have encountered their most embarrassing moment to date! An award that has been given out by a fan for some years now went terribly wrong after the “teleprompter winner” didn’t match the “Evo Tablet Winner.” Tiffany Green (a huge Nicki Minaj fan) was horribly embarrassed after she read the winner of the Coca-Cola’s Viewer’s Choice Award winner to be Chris Brown then Rihanna and finally Drake who after all the fumbles actually didn’t win the award! This comes after Rihanna and Drake have been rumored to be messing around. Tiffany took to her Twitter account accusing BET of setting her up, saying:

“Bawling backstage. They totally f*cked me up.”

“The tablet f*ckin said CHRIS BROWN….the TELEPROMPTER said Rihanna. What the F*CK?????? Goin home.”

“So BET did that on purpose. Oh. I feel better.”

“Look b*tches….Im not SLOW. lol They did the sh*t on PURPOSE. F*cked up right? *shrug* smh”

Check out the blunder below:

2011 BET Awards Performances [VIDEO]

The Urban Daily — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 02:55:20 +0000

BET networks has now given us ten years of the BET Awards Show. As usual there were many conversation points throughout the broadcast. From Kevin Hart’s hilarious hosting to the outfits (did you see Cee-Lo’s wig and Rick Ross’s curtain shirt?) viewers were given plenty to chat (and Tweet) about. Here are some of the notable performances from the 2011 BET Awards.

Jill Scott shows off her “Rolling Hills” to Idris Elba

Chris Brown makes us all “Look At Him Now.”

Alicia Keys heats things up with Bruno Mars and Rick Ross.

Trey Songz and Kelly Rowland look quite motivated.

MJB reminds us why she is the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul

R.I.P Tributes To Nate Dogg, Gil Scott-Heron and Clarence Clemons.

RIP211626225543 by yardie4lifever2

Beyonce beamed in live via satellite from the Glastonbury Festival in England.

Bey21162623163 by yardie4lifever2

Kevin Hart Says No One Is Safe At BET Awards [VIDEO]

The Urban Daily — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 20:11:59 +0000

Kevin Hart can’t wait to get the mic in his hand for tonight’s BET Awards. He tells Konan of 92Q Jams in Baltimore that ABSOLUTELY no one is off limits, especially in the front row. “All I have to say is ‘Man, I’m a comedian. It’s what I do.’”

The very first BET Awards was held in Las Vegas ten years ago and hosted by comedians Cedric The Entertainer and Steve Harvey. Watch how Kevin plans to bring his own flavor to the awards.

Trina Apologizes To BET, Execs Say She Wasn’t Eligible For Award

Jamie Foxx Brings “Showtime At The Apollo” To BET

Rocsi Diaz Was Not Caught Stealing!

jazzyf — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:10:10 +0000

I swear people on twitter play too much. Co-Host of BET’s 106 and Park, Rocsi Diaz was trending on twitter yesterday due to a joke that went viral about her being caught stealing from Wet Seal in Miami. The “article” stated that Rocsi had shoved four pairs of heels into her Aeropostale bag and put on seven sets of panties under her denim romper. When the assistant manager, Brooke Valentine noticed Rocsi did not put the clothing back on the rack. She immediately called Miami International Mall security and Rocsi was apprehended on scene.

The “gotcha gotcha” was the article had a photo created in Photoshop. Rocsi released a statement today and from the sounds of it, she just may sue. The funniest part about this story is, Brooke Valentine being the assistant manager. This is a great example of when twitter goes wrong. Check out Rocsi’s statement and the photoshopped article below.

“It is unfortunate that all the attention on me is negative because of a joke that went too far. I find no humor in calling me a thief and what people fail to realize is that when wanting to do business with major companies things like this hurt my image which I try to be a good example to young people. I’m no thief. The writer of this malicious story and anyone who writes false stories about anyone should be held accountable for their slanderous lies.”

Spotted @TheSocietyOnline.biz

BET’s The Game Star Tia Mowry’s Baby Shower [VIDEO]

jazzyf — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 01:18:59 +0000

Tia Mowry, who stars on BET’s “The Game” celebrated her baby shower at the London Hotel. The shower was sponsored by baby Disney and red velvet cupcakes by Sweet E’s were on deck for the guest. Tia’s co stars Wendy Raquel-Robinson, Brittany Daniel were in attendance and of course, twin sister Tamera Mowry. Cory Hardrict, Tia’s husband decided to join the celebration as well. Tia revealed she is expected to be back on set of “The Game” working, two months after she gives birth.

Check out the video below!

Pregnant Tia Mowry Poses Nude [PIC]
“Tee Tee” From The Game Talks Kiss With Tia & Where The Show Is Headed!

BLACK MUSIC MOMENT #49: Black Entertainment Television Debuts

Alvin Blanco — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:08:28 +0000

Where: (click below to visit venue on Foursquare)
1900 W Pl Northeast, Washington D.C.

When: January 25, 1980

What: In August 1979, with a dream of delivering programming that catered to African-Americans and a $15,000 loan and six figure investment from TCI, Robert L. Johnson started Black Entertainment Television. The fledgling network began broadcasting in January 25, 1980.

« PREVIOUS

In celebration of Black Music Month, TheUrbanDaily’s “It’s All Black Music” presents 100 Rewarding Black Music Moments, sponsored by Southwest Airlines.

Each Black Music Moment is associated with an actual place that you can visit. During the month of June, check in to at least three of these places on Foursquare to unlock TheUrbanDaily’s exclusive “It’s All Black Music” Badge. Check out the locations and details on our Foursquare page!

BLACK MUSIC MOMENT #58: BET’s “106 & Park” Debuts

Alvin Blanco — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:31:23 +0000

Where: (click below to visit venue on Foursquare)
106 & Park Studios
101 E 106th Street, New York, NY 10029

When: September 11, 2000

What: BET’s flagship music countdown show hits the scene, becoming must-see TV for hip-hop and R&B fans across America.

« PREVIOUS

In celebration of Black Music Month, TheUrbanDaily’s “It’s All Black Music” presents 100 Rewarding Black Music Moments, sponsored by Southwest Airlines.

Trina Apologizes To BET, Execs Say She Wasn’t Eligible For Award

The Urban Daily — Sat, 21 May 2011 18:07:10 +0000

Rapper Trina received more attention with her single two-word tweet than she has gotten for any of her music in a long time. After typing “f*ck BET” on her Twitter page for not being nominated at this year’s BET Awards the Diamond Princess has buried the hatchet with the Network.

“I would like to apologize to BET Network and Stephen Hill for speaking out how I felt,” she wrote. “I spoke with Stephen Hill today [and] our conversation was full of understanding.”

In an interview with Billboard.com Hill explained that Trina was not snubbed, rather she was not eligible given the nominations period for the awards.

“Much to my dismay, we had a total of four artists who submitted videos during the eligibility period (April 1, 2010 – March 31, 2011),” he explained. “We had four women submit videos where they were the leads, not as a feature but as a lead: Nicki Minaj, Diamond, Cymphonique and Lola Monroe. Since we usually have five people who are eligible in the category and we only had four people… it’s kind of easy math. The Lola Monroe video features Trina, but as feature that doesn’t make you eligible for a piece of work under your own name.”

While Trina’s album Amazin was released in May of 2010 her video for “Million Dollar Girl” was released on March 15th of 2010, just weeks before the cutoff. A video for “White Girl” featuring Flo-Rida was released in July of 2010 and “My B*tches” debuted in August. However, we imagine that those two particular videos were not submitted to BET for consideration.

Nicki Minaj Reacts To BET Award Nominations “Waits For Trina’s Name To Appear”

Lola Monroe Vs. Trina: Who Really Should Have Been Nominated For Best Female Rapper?

Jamie Foxx Brings “Showtime At The Apollo” To BET

jazzyf — Tue, 17 May 2011 17:09:33 +0000

Jamie Foxx Brings “Showtime At The Apollo” to BET. The Oscar Award wining actor is set to produce the pilot for the network. Jamie is currently wrapping the deal up and plans on bring the original director of the legendary show, Don Weiner. No date has been announced when the show will air to stay tuned for more info coming soon.

Kanye West & Jamie Foxx Perform “Gold Digger” At Cannes Film Festival [VIDEO]

Tyrese & Jamie Foxx Sing At Mosley Vs. Pacquiao Fight [VIDEO]

Game & Lil’ Wayne’s “Red Nation” Video Banned By BET & MTV For Gang Imagery

The Urban Daily — Tue, 10 May 2011 17:15:38 +0000

Game‘s newest video “Red Nation” featuring Lil’ Wayne won’t be getting any airtime on BET and MTV anytime soon. Game announced that the video was banned by the networks.

“So BET ‘BANNED’ the #REDNation video,” Game tweeted yesterday. “Said me & @liltunechi (Lil’ Wayne) were too gang affiliated in it. Thoughts ?”

Moments later, Game followed that tweet up with another announcing the MTV ban:

“This just in: the video so HARD it just got ‘BANNED’ from MtV too ha ha ha ha….F*CK IT !!!! I’m premering it on Thursday online MYSELF !!!”

The video will premiere Thursday on Vevo, WorldStarHipHop, and AOL.

This is the second time in less than a month that Game’s gang affliation has caused him trouble. The rapper was denied entry into Canada in April because of his ties to the Bloods.

Source: Game’s Twitter Account – 1, 2, 3

BET Renews The Game For Fifth Season

The Urban Daily — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 19:25:56 +0000

After rescuing The Game from cancellation on The CW network, BET has renewed the drama for a new season on the network. This will make the fifth season overall for the sports-centered sitcom. According to Deadline, the series’ fourth season debut was seen by 7.7 million viewers, a staggering number compared to the less than 2 million viewers the show was bringing in while on The CW. Season 4 ended with an audience of around 4.4 million viewers.

READ MORE AT TVSQUAD.COM

RELATED POSTS:

The Game Season 4, Episode 3 Review:Malik Wright Gets Tased

Tia Mowry From “The Game” Pregnant & Getting A Reality Show

Toya Talks Gay Comment On Twitter, Reality Show & Why Memphitz Is The One

jazzyf — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:15:57 +0000

Antonia “Toya” Carter began her journey to success on the BET hit reality show “Tiny and Toya” where she wanted more out of life than being called one of Lil Wayne’s baby mamas. She has now opened a clothing store, become an author and has her very own reality show “Toya: A Family Affair” which aired on April 12th at 10pm eastern time on BET.

Toya talks with TheUrbanDaily.com’s Jazzy F. about her struggles on the road to success, falling in love and more.

TUD: What was the point when you decided to step outside of being known as Lil Wayne’s baby mama?

When you’re living in someone’s shadow and there is much more to your life than that. The [new] reality show came about from an idea me and my friends had about a show not based on being anyone’s baby mama or ex- wife but just a family show. I met James Dubose and he helped make the idea come to life. Tiny and Toya became one of BETs highest rated shows because it was real and we shared our family drama and opened up. We surprised people because they thought we were going to do a show about being someone’s baby mama.

What do you have to say about the negative comments about the reality show?

People gone talk about you if you doing good or bad. As long as the people are talking it don’t matter to me. I try not to focus on the negative things people say. I am a very positive person and I like to put my energy into positive things because if you put that out there you get it back. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

What caused the comment on twitter about the 8 year old boy being gay the other day?

I was just being real. At that very moment I was with my daughter at the passport office and I seen an eight year old boy who was very flamboyant and I had never seen anything like it. I didn’t grow up in a household with anyone gay so I don’t know that people believe they are born that way. Some people just don’t have the knowledge but I am willing to learn. I didn’t mean any harm by the comment and I wasn’t trying to judge or hurt anyone. I was just surprised.

How is being a stylist and running your clothing store G.A.R.B.?

Now I am doing styling through my store. I am the buyer for G.A.R.B. and I pick out all the clothing and pretty much everything you see me in, I style myself. I always had a passion for fashion. I love styling. It’s fun and G.A.R.B. is doing great. I plan on expanding into different cities in the future.

What’s the main focus on your new BET reality show “TOYA: A Family Affair?”

My show is about my family uniting so it is very emotional and there is a lot of drama. A lot of things were held in over the years so there is a lot of shocking and new things I got to know about my family that I haven’t been around in a long time.

How is your relationship with your mother Anita and your brothers? How are you dealing with being the provider for your family now?

Great! The relationship is growing. It gets tough but I know the overall picture I want to see at the end of the day. I want to see everyone on the same page and if that takes me pushing to get it done then that is what I am going to do.

Why did you decide to make your book “Priceless Inspirations” a memoir and not a tell all?

That is not my character and I am not the type of person to talk about the relationship I once had with someone. Like I said, I am a very positive person and if I am going to write a book and inspire someone, I am going to do that with my own pain and struggle. I been through a lot in my life and I decided to turn my journal into a book. Even though Lil Wayne maybe featured in my book, it still falls back on me and the situations that I been in. He is included in the book because he is apart of my life.

How long have you kept a journal?

I kept a journal for a long time. It was a way for me to express myself. I didn’t have anyone to talk to about things like a break up, if my feelings was hurt, or things that I went through when I was pregnant with my daughter so I would take to my journal. I took highlights out of my journal and turned it into chapters for my book.

When did you realize that you were in love with Memphitz?

I realized when I saw that we had a lot of things in common. He is a great friend, a family man, my spiritual side and I realized he was everything that I wanted in a man. This is what made me realize that he was the one. I believe that you have to have a friendship first and we still have that friendship in our relationship. He is a great guy that is very supportive.

I remember the media trying to put out negative headlines about you and Tiny’s relationship. So how are things between you and Tiny?

I just got off the phone with her and she is actually coming over tonight. It’s hard to find friends like Tiny, we are great friends. We gone be friends regardless no matter what negative things people stir up and say, that is still my big sister.

What does Toya want to do in the future?

I plan on expanding my brand. I am always thinking of different things to do, hopefully one day I will get a part in a movie. There are a lot of different things I plan to push for, I am not just comfortable in being a reality star and author, although I am blessed to have that platform but I want to continue to grow and do other things.

Can we expect any wedding bells for you and Memphitz in the future?

You will have to tune in and see tonight April 12^th@ 10pm eastern time on BET.

How do you feel now after a successful reality show, book and opening your own clothing store?

I feel blessed and highly favored and no one can kill my joy because they didn’t give it to me.

RELATED POSTS:

GALLERY: Which One Of Wayne’s Baby Mommas Is The Best Looking?

VIDEO: Bedrock ATL Remix-Toya Can Rap!

BET’s Rip The Runway 2011 Photos

Shamika Sanders — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 18:59:15 +0000

Last night BET hosted their annual Rip The Runway event with the hottest black celebs in the game. Keri Hilson, Foxy Brown, Miguel, Fabolous, Wiz Khalifa and Melanie Fiona were just some of the celebs to come out for the televised fashion show. Each year up and coming and prominent urban designers are featured on t... Read more..

Whitney Houston Joins Kim Burrell On Stage At BET’s Celebration of Gospel [VIDEO]

The Urban Daily — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:06:13 +0000

During last night’s airing of BET’s pre-taped Celebration of Gospel, Kim Burrell surprised the audience during her performance of “I Look To You” when the song’s original performer, Whitney Houston, joined her on stage during the second verse. The audience immediately leaped to their feet once they heard Houston’s unmistakable voice.

Unlike many of her recent performances, Houston seemed to be in top shape physically and vocally. A remarkably sweat-free Houston seemed to use this performance to silence any naysayers that believe she had lost her ability to sing due to years of drug abuse. We gotta admit that we weren’t sure she had it in her, but ol’ Nippy does still have it in her.

And that’s definitely a reason to praise Jesus.

Gucci Mane & Waka Flocka Flame Filming Reality Show For BET

The Urban Daily — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 18:29:40 +0000

Very soon, you will be able to invite Gucci Mane & Waka Flocka Flame into your home once a week for a half-hour spell, thanks to the upcoming reality show the duo is filming.

“We show everyday life. What we get into in studio and at our shows. We just ordinary people with a crazy Rock ‘N’ Roll lifestyle,” Gucci told RumorFix.com.

“Because of the music we make, people think that’s what we do all the time — but we got a real family life. We got heart. We do a lot of things for the community and we love each other,” Gucci continued.

The show, which will air on BET, will also feature Waka Flocka’s mom and manager, the outspoken Debra Antney.

RELATED: Waka Flocka Released From Jail

Round-Up: New Year’s Eve 2010 Performances & Photos

The Urban Daily — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 21:14:41 +0000

It’s January 3rd and we’re STILL seeing videos and pictures from Friday night/Saturday morning. Here’s a round-up of performances:

First up is Jay-Z and Beyonce performing in Vegas. Chris Martin from Coldplay, Kanye and John Mayer joined them on stage as well. Bey and Jay were reportedly paid $2 Million for TWO songs. Must be nice.

Via

Then, of course, there was Lil Wayne and Young Money at BET’s 106 & Park Celebration:

Here’s Weezy’s performance for NBC

Check out the gallery for pictures of The Hennessy and Belvedere’s NYE’s South Beach Takeover – Nicki Minaj, Jamie Foxx, Trey Songz, Meagan Good!

Is This Pooch Hall’s Girlfriend? [PHOTOS]

Shamika Sanders — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 22:15:14 +0000

Pooch Hall from BET’s The Game may have a new boo that’s just as hot as his co-star Tia Mowry. Her name is Candace.

Candace will be a guest on The Game, so maybe we’re just speculating…either way she is very good-looking!

Martin Lawrence Producing New Series For TV One, “Love That Girl!”

Antoine Dodson’s “Chimney Intruder” [NEW SONG]

Skillz Responds To BET’s Cypher Invite, Preps New Album

Jerry Barrow, Senior Editor — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 21:14:41 +0000

Skillz will go down in history as the first rapper to hi-jack an entire television network and win.

The veteran MC from Virginia released a “direct-to-web” version of BET’s popular rhyme “Cypher“replete with punchlines like “I’ll pull your card like Gambit/ Make it so easy a cave man can understand it…”

The couplets were punctuated with costume changes, a dramatic pause to apply chap stick (brrrr!) and finally a not so subtle whisper to the network’s honcho:

“Shout [to] BET and Debra Lee cuz she bossy/Next time you want some Skillz in your Cypher…call me”

Well it wasn’t a phone call but who uses those in the age of Twitter? BET ‘s Executive Vice President Stephen Hill immediately took to the social network and wrote, “Stunned :) @SkillzVa is OFFICIALLY in next year’s cypher! here’s why,” linking to the clip.

With more marketing saavy than your average rapper (or record executive for that matter) this is just the latest in a series of moves for the MC who has made his yearly “Wrap-Ups” and “True Hip-Hop Confessions” hip-hop staples. And the timing couldn’t be better. His next solo album, We Need More Skillz, is coming out on October 26th and his mixtape with DJ Jazzy Jeff and J. Period, Infamous Quotes is available for download now.

In this TheUrbanDaily.com exclusive we discuss the method to his madness and why exactly the world needs more Skillz.

TUD: What made you go out and create your won version of BET’s “Cypher”?

Skillz: When I did it, the goal was for [Stephen Hill] to see it. Either him or Debra Lee. I wanted them to see why I should have been in it. I think a lot of people might overlook me. I’ve always been under rated and that’s cool. And anytime something happens with me in my career people say “oh, that’s a good look for Skillz.” They don’t even expect it anymore.”Oh, Skillz’ joint on 106 and Park, he’s number 3!” They don’t even expect to see me in certain places but I’m always there. I’m not one of these new kids; I’m not Cali Swag or Roscoe Dash. But I’m not Melly Mel either. I’m somewhere right in the middle where I could still put out quality music and people will still appreciate it. Just when you start thinking that I don’t got it [I put out] a “Call Me Crazy” or “Owe Me For Real.” I’m from that era, that’s what I do. If I haven’t learned anything, I’ve learned how to create a buzz. Even if it’s not for a long time. I’ve learned how to create something and make you pay attention to it and the average person will say “damn, that’s a good ass idea.” If you think of anything major that I’ve been a part in the last few years, it was just a good idea. The “Wrap Ups”, the “Hip Hop Confessions,” when you listen to the mixtape you’ll get the idea behind that. I just have to have good ideas a lot more often than Drake. I’m not going to get the same accolades [as him]. I’m not going to stand in the peanut gallery and hate on Drake like “he got it easy.” I worked for this shit. But I know that if Drake comes into the radio station and does one drop with Funk Master Flex and he freestyles, I have to do a better freestyle and do a drop for every DJ there. That’s the only way I’m going to get recognized.

So are you going to take BET up on the offer?

Skillz: I definitely would not pass up a chance to be on television, on one of the biggest networks of our generation. I don’t take those kind of looks likely. Even if I would have been in the Cypher, I only got 16 bars to make this happen, to make everybody talk about me tomorrow. Don’t get me wrong, in my Cypher I went a little long because I could but I’m sure Stephen Hill would take me up on it. We’ve crossed paths a couple times. He knows who I am when he sees me but maybe he just didn’t make that connection. Through the power of Twitter I got him to pay attention. It worked.

I watched Common in the Cypher with Kanye and you spoofed it in yours. Do you think you’ll need a co-signer like that to get to a certain level?

S: Yeah, case in point, Pusha T. [He has] been nice. We are from the same school where we don’t care if we have to go over people’s heads. That’s the kind of rapper he is. Sometimes it takes the cosign. The attention span of our audience is real short, we tend to go “oh!” when there’s a cosign. A cosign is not what it used to be. Even a Jay-Z cosign is not what it used to be. This ain’t 1996. I remember when it was big shit when a rapper cosigned you. At this point, you still have to stand on your own two.

Your “True Hip-Hop Confessions” is one of my favorite shows on the ‘net. What made you decide to do that?

Hip Hop Confessions came about because I just thought it was a good idea. I felt that a lot of people in this game were scared to be honest, opinionated, we get on the red carpet and someone puts a mic in your face and says “How do you like that new Kanye West album?” You lie. You’re like “oh, it’s cool. I’m digging it. Kanye always comes with it.” We get that same f*cking answer every time. I just used him as an example. We got to a point where if you don’t like something, you’re hating. Or you are scared to say you don’t like something. I don’t like every rapper that there is. It has nothing to do with hate. I don’t think every basketball player is a good basketball player. The truth is, they are not. So I created something where people can be honest and try to make it so that it is not looked upon as hate. Once I figured out how to do that, “Hip Hop Confessions” was born. It has taken off. I got a couple episodes I’m waiting to unleash. I had a situation with MTV2 where they wanted to air it in small increments. There was no money in it. I had already realized that the internet was its own TV station in itself. It’s a good show. It’s a good idea. It’s my baby, my brainchild. And I have a lot of friends. I love it.

Have you ever heard something confessed that was too crazy to air?

Yeah. I got one right now. I’m still trying to edit around it and make it entertaining and not get him f*cked up in the streets. He called me the next day and said he had to do it over. When your safety is concerned, I understand it. I did something like that last week with a dot com. But I didn’t call them back. I saw the post. I guess the crazy shit didn’t post yet.

So why the title “We Need More Skillz”?

That’s the point I’m at right now. I feel like music is a little unbalanced. We need to demand more from our peers. A lot of people getaway with just making ignorant, dumbed down music. I’m not mad at that but I’m a little more thought provoking. I want to make hip-hop for people who appreciate good hip-hop music. Having skills is so far from what we are focusing on. It’s the perfect time. If that’s how you want your music and you feel how I feel, then the world does need more skills. Shout out to those who come in second place. They need more skills.

Ladies really seemed to love “Own Me For Real” and “Call Me Crazy” is another date night special. Is this a kinder, gentler Skillz?

Skillz: I’ve learned that n*ggas don’t buy records and the radio is catered toward women and I figured I’d try it out. On the last album I made “Own Me For Real.” That was something that I stumbled on. Bink! Already had the beat and the hook. I was like I’m just gonna hop in my bag and do a little Slick Rick flow and that was one of my biggest records. I still get hit on Facebook and Twitter about [that song] that’s when you know you have a good one. Expect those records. Every now and then I get a Tweet saying “Oh, Skillz is cute” so lemme see if I can get cuter! Cuz you know what, as long as you don’t disrespect women and you say what they’re feeling they’ll ride with you. They’ll buy the CD, come to the show, buy the t-shirt. N*ggas don’t do that. If it’s a couple chicks out there that like those records I’d be stupid not to make more.

Erykah Badu went off on Twitter and said that Hip Hop had become “cornball” music. Are we at a point of no return?

S: I don’t know if we could save it. I feel like the music is going to do what the people are doing. So if the people are not aware, it’s going to reflect in the music. People are out, incoherent, drunk and the music is going to reflect that. I’m not mad at what plays on the radio, I’m mad at what doesn’t play on the radio. But I don’t always have to go to the radio if I don’t want to hear my kind of music. People crying about their songs not being on the radio. If it was, that doesn’t mean sh*t. You still have to grind it out and make a lane for yourself. Early 90s, all we had was a radio. These kids have a zillion different avenues. [They have] Youtubes, MySpace, Facebooks, they have plenty of other ways. Just cause it isn’t on the radio doesn’t mean it isn’t good. There are two kinds of music: good music and bad music. I don’t categorize it in any other way.

Skillz “For Real (He Don’t Own Me)”

Tyler Perry Addresses Flap Over Directing ‘For Colored Girls’[from Blackvoices.com ]

Behind The Scenes Of Cee-Los New Show “Lay It Down” [from Fuse.com]

BET Hip-Hop Awards Guru Tribute Preview

Casey Gane-McCalla, Lead Blogger — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 16:35:41 +0000

I’ve got some inside info on the upcoming BET Hip Hop Awards tribute to Guru From Gangstarr. Its gonna be off the hook. Here’s a short preview of what’s in store.

BET Videos

Check Out These Joints Too

BET Exec Explains Why Guru Wasn’t Mentioned At BET Awards

DJ Premier Gives Backstory On Entire Gang Starr Catalog