Outkast vs Rosa Parks: case goes to the courts
Back in the 60s, when the civil movement was in full swing Rosa Parks made a stand and a statement that was heard around the world. Her bravery has etched her name into the history books and lamented her into a national treasure in the eyes of the African American nation. Forward almost 40yrs later and in tribute to her (at least to some extent), in 1998, rappers Andre 3000 and Big Boi aka Outkast made a song called Rosa Parks that was a huge hit for the group and Mrs Parks made no bones about it.
Now it seems that more that 5 yrs after the fact, Rosa Parks has taken offence to the song and in particular a lyric in the song and has sued the Atlanta rappers for using her name and likeness without her permission.
The lyric in question 'Hush that fuss/Everybody move to the back of the bus' according to her lawyers that includes none other than Johnny Cochran (funny that his name would pop up 10 yrs almost to the day of the OJ Simpson murder) feel that Outkast and their record label (Laface) exploited her good name just for the sake of making music. Outkast has yet to respond to the allegations but a court date has been set for January 10th.
According to the latest reports, wiitnesses for Mrs Parks will include: Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, talk show host Oprah Winfrey, U.S. Appeals Judge Damon Keith, Coretta Scott King (Martin Luther King, Jr's wife), Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, U.S. Rep. John Conyers and Dearborn Mayor Michael Guido.
- - Source: VH1.com
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Beyonce to launch her 'True Star' fragrance in London
LONDON, UK. -- It's almost officially here for purchase (ladies have to wait a few months) but tomorrow sees it's official launch. What am I talking about, well not one to miss out on an opportunity, Beyonce Knowles is set to launch her perfume that will be in stores come this October.
Its called 'True Star' and it's described as containing 'contrasting florals as well as notes of toasted grains to add softness and warmth' (whatever that means) and the sexy shapely star will be singing her remake of the Rose Royce standard 'Wishing on a Star' a cappella style for the ad campaign.Said Beyonce "I'm feeling wonderful! I'm so excited and I know that the commercial is one of the best things I've ever been a part of. So I'm very, very proud and anxious for everyone to see it. The whole campaign is so classic and timeless and beautiful, and it's not many black women that have their own perfumes. Not many women in the world! So for me to be one of them is just an honour."
True Star is made and distributed by Tommy Hilfiger who will also appear at the launch for the perfume.
- - Source: BBC.co.uk
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Is it true: - The Queen of Soul lip-synchs too
Is it true, the Queen of Soul Miss Aretha Franklin lip synching too. Well according to the many fans present in the game 5 of the NBA finals in Detroit last week it is.
Before the game started, the reigning Queen of Soul belted out the American National Anthem to massive applause but wait...was it live or was it (dare I say) dubbed. One of her producers claims it was and that the original version was recorded at her home last year and lip- synched on the night much to everyones surprise.
Brian Pastoria, one of her producers, said ''She recorded the song at her home last year and she lip-synched it'' There's been no reason offered so far as to by he wanted to share that but a spokesman for the Detroit Pistons, apologized for claiming the 62-year-old singer's performance was live, saying 'he not been told otherwise'.
The Pistons went on to beat the Los Angeles Lakers, 100-87, to win their third ever NBA championship
- Source: smooth101.com
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R&B singer Jaheim said 'Not Guilty' to drug charge
SOMERVILLE, NJ -- The teddy bear crooner we know as singer Jaheim has pleaded not guilty to drug charges after a police officer stopped him on an outstanding traffic warrant and found 25 plastic bags of marijuana in his car. He posted bail (the amount not released to the press) and was released last Tuesday (June 15).
The R&B singer said to his lawyer that he was the victim of police harassment. Said Jaheim "I've got to file this lawsuit today, I'm serious, I just want them to leave me alone. They really violated me this time." the Star-Ledger of Newark reported.
Last Monday night, a Hillsborough patrolman ran a check on the license plate of his 2004 silver Mercedes-Benz then stopped the car because of an outstanding warrant for an unpaid ticket he had not yet paid. The singer, whose given name is Jaheim Hoagland, had been issued a $211 ticket several months back for failing to provide his papers when police were called to disburse a group of people who were hanging out in a parking lot. He also was arrested on a disorderly conduct charge and faces a hearing in municipal court next month.
Police said that Jaheim got out of his car during the traffic stop Monday and stared to use an unsavory tone with the officer who then took him into custody. After smelling burnt marijuana, the officer then searched the car police said. A court date is now pending for the singer who has a prior drug conviction from 1996 in Middlesex County that resulted in five years of probation.
- Source: AP.org