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Stars Sparkle, Burn and Sing at the American Music Awards

PopSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0800

The stars of last night's American Music Awards hit the red carpet before heading inside LA's Nokia Theatre for the main event. Janet Jackson kicked things off with an energetic eight minute performance, and the evening's first award then went to the Black Eyed Peas. The Black Eyed Peas went on to take the stage to do "Boom Boom Pow" with a special Nirvana twist. The show went on with performances from Carrie Underwood and Shakira, as well as from Jay-Z and Alicia Keys with "Empire State of Mind." Unfortunately not everyone stayed on their feet - both Jennifer Lopez and Adam Lambert took tumbles while singing.

There were other memorable performances, from Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and not to mention Whitney Houston's return to the stage before she received the International Award of Excellence. Jennifer Lopez had a beaming Marc Anthony in the crowd as she debuted her new single and showed off those customized Louboutins. Michael Jackson won multiple awards, and his brother Jermaine took the stage to accept the award on behalf of their family. Taylor Swift took home the most statues, though she wasn't there and the upset of the night might have to go to Gloriana who won breakthrough artist - make sure to check out the full list of winners. Kate Hudson joined her Nine costars Fergie and Nicole Kidman, though Kate did have a chance to share a special moment with Alex Rodriguez. We also had everything covered on the fashion and beauty ends, so make sure to check in with Fab and Bella!

LOTS more photos from the American Music Awards and backstage so read more.

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Images include: Shakira, Kate Hudson, Jay-Z, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, Alicia Keys, Adam Lambert, Chris Daughtry, Pete Wentz, Black Eyed Peas, Fergie, Kelly Clarkson, Keith Urban, Lady Gaga, Carrie Underwood, Mary J Blige, Nicole Kidman, Alex Rodriguez, Kristen Bell, Green Day, Nelly Furtado, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Christian Slater, Samuel L Jackson, Seth Green, Leona Lewis, Timbaland, Toni Braxton, Keri Hilson

Estelle and Kid Rock Join List of Artists Saying No to iTunes

BuzzSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:30:48 -0700

There's an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal today about a trend toward record companies pulling their artists' records from the iTunes Music Store - and/or avoiding iTunes altogether - because selling singles at Apple's mp3 store isn't always as profitable (or necessary) as people think. Kid Rock's latest album, Rock 'n Roll Jesus, was never sold on iTunes, for example, and he still managed to sell 1.7 million copies in the US alone. Estelle is on the same label as Rock, and after seeing how well his album has done, the label yanked hers from iTunes as well - even though she currently has one of the hottest singles of the Summer.

I naively thought the ailing music business had finally surrendered to the download. Now I'm not sure where I stand on all this. From an artistic perspective, I think some albums really are a total package, and it's a shame to pick them apart by only buying singles. That's why Jay-Z refused to sell his American Gangster album on iTunes last year, stating, "As movies are not sold scene by scene, this collection will not be sold as individual singles."

On the other hand, not all "collections" are a work of art. Do we really need to listen to Katy Perry's album front to back rather than picking and choosing what songs we like? I bet a lot of people are glad they could buy just "I Kissed a Girl" on iTunes rather than shelling out $10 or more to get that one song.

So what do you think? Is this smart on the part of record labels, and does it preserve the integrity of the album format? Or is this just delaying the inevitable? I have to say, as I scan my iTunes library, I sure have a lot of unrelated singles mashed together, which is really different from my CD book from the old high school and college days.

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New Song and Video From Jay-Z's American Gangster

BuzzSugar — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:15:06 -0700

Jay-Z fans, take heart: You'll have plenty to hold you over until the November release of Jay's new album, which is inspired by the upcoming movie American Gangster.

Yesterday, Fader debuted a new song from the project called "Roc Boys (and the Winner Is)," which you can listen to online. I don't love it as much as "Blue Magic," maybe becaause the brass-laden beats sound like something recycled off of Kingdom Come.

But that's ok, because I'm too busy watching the official video for "Blue Magic," which hit the web today. Much like the mood of the music, the video straddles old Hollywood and modern-day New York, with imagery of fancy cars, artful graffiti, and even a glimpse at Denzel Washington, who stars in the movie about a 1970s heroin kingpin. Watch and tell me what you think when you read more

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Song of the Day: Amy Winehouse, "Rehab" Remix Featuring Jay Z

BuzzSugar — Mon, 21 May 2007 06:58:49 -0700

I know you guys have a soft spot for Amy Winehouse, particularly her addictive hit "Rehab." And I myself am intrigued by anything involving Jay Z. So I'm really digging this Urban Legendz Escobar Mix of "Rehab," featuring Jay Z and Pharoahe Monch. It combines all the catchiness of the original version with lots of bizarre celebrity-gossip references to Nicole Richie and Anna Nicole Smith. Listen and tell me what you think when you read more

Thanks to Idolator and Notes from a Different Kitchen for posting the track.

Song of the Day: "Voodoo Problems," Jay Z and Jimi Hendrix Mash-Up

BuzzSugar — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 07:00:08 -0800

Even two years later, I still love listening to The Grey Album, the 2004 Beatles-meets-Jay Z mash-up by DJ Danger Mouse. So I was psyched to stumble upon this TiMG track called "Voodoo Problems," which melds Jay Z's "99 Problems" with Jimi Hendrix's "Voodoo Child." Though the idea is similar to the Grey Album's, the effect is quite different, proving just how much you can build off of a great guitar riff and an insanely catchy beat. I especially recommend listening to it over headphones, so you get the full surround-sound effect.

CD Review: Jay Z, Kingdom Come

BuzzSugar — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 10:25:18 -0800

I got Kingdom Come with the hopes of including it on my Top Albums of 2006 list, but Jay-Z's lackluster eighth album didn't quite make the cut. Yet, while the music isn't as revolutionary as earlier Jay-Z, the biographical bent forges new ground in terms of what a rap song can be about - namely, settling into and accepting adulthood.

Though some have criticized Kingdom Come for its narcissism - as if that's unique among hip-hop records - only occasionally does the self-focus get tiresome, as on the predictable momma homage, "I Made It." But in the spotty but thoughtful "30 Something," the Def Jam CEO justifies his veteran status, boasting "I'm young enough to know the right car to buy / yet grown enough to know not to put rims on it."

For more on the highs and lows,

The strongest tracks on Kingdom Come arrive early on as a staggering one-two punch. With its "Good Lord!" gospel refrain and getting-back-into-the ring vibe, "Oh My God" positions Jay-Z as a an aging champ poised for a spiritual comeback. And on "Kingdom Come," Jay-Z proves he just might be deserving of such a return, combining slightly cautious lyrics with an ingenious spin on Rick James' "Super Freak."

Admittedly, the album is marred by a few duds, like the watered-down Hurricane Katrina protest song, "Minority Report." But most of the weaker points are still enjoyable enough. "Show Me What You Got" may not be a masterpiece, but with the coaxing vocals and punchy brass, Jay-Z proves he can still fire up the ladies with the best of 'em. Rather than being a letdown, Kingdom Come is an early indicator of what happens when hip-hop grows up.

Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart Play Anatomy, Kelly Serenades Edward Cullen, and The Beatles Hit Rock Band!

Molly — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:13:51 -0700

This morning we got a look at the lead story in today's PopSugar Rush - Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart's nude-romp girlfriend speaks about how they were just having fun. Now, in the full edition, find out what fans had to say about the video, as well as when we'll get to see Rihanna, Jay-Z, and Kanye's new video. Plus, a peek at The Beatles on Rock Band and Kelly Clarkson serenading Robert Pattinson. Watch the full episode now!

Video of Kristen and Rob, This Is It Review and Britney's Hot New Video!

Molly — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:00:09 -0700

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart arrived back in California yesterday and we've got video of the duo at LAX. Plus, our take on Britney Spears's sexy new music video and whether to watch, pass or rent This Is It. Also, check out Madonna's emotional plea and Jay-Z's World Series Performance. Watch the Weekend Edition of PopSugar Rush now!

Stars Go From the AMAs to the Lakers Game!

Molly — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:30:00 -0800

Jay-Z and Fergie both took the stage at the American Music Awards last night, but when their show duties were done, they were off to see the Lakers game! Fergie was joined by the rest of the Black Eyed Peas all still decked out from their performance. Loving Fergie's outfit? Find out where to get it here! Jay-Z looked super suave in his "Empire State of Mind" tuxedo while Alex Rodriguez joined in the fun, and they weren't the only stars at the game!

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Jay-Z and Beyonce Link Up With Rihanna in London

PopSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:00:00 -0800

Rihanna joined forces with Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles in London last night to launch her new album, Rated R, in front of her British fans. In a black cutout dress, Rihanna arrived at the bash and posed for photos before changing into something with a little less fabric to take the stage, where she was joined by Jay-Z. Rihanna then put on a bright orange number for the afterparty at Mahiki, where she blew out a celebratory cake with sparklers. Beyonce and Jay-Z were spotted leaving in the early hours of the morning, as they continue enjoying some downtime before she moves on for a show in Manchester tomorrow. Her new video with Lady Gaga for "Video Phone" also just debuted - check that out after the jump.

To see more of the trio and Beyonce's new video, just read more.

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