Suite 411 – Page 34

R. Kelly to write autobiography

The self proclaimed “Pied Piper of R&B” is penning a memoir, which will detail his musical career, the death of his mother and the child pornography case he faced. R. Kelly has collaborated and written songs for well-known musical artists such as Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige and Celine Dion.

“I’m writing this book as Robert, not R. Kelly,” said the 42-year-old singer. “I’m tired of being misunderstood. I will show you the tears, fears, and sweat. I will open my heart and reveal the good in my life as well as all the drama. I want to tell it like it is.”

The book will be published in 2011 by SmileyBooks, a publishing company founded by host Tavis Smiley.

“We are thrilled to be the conduit through which R. Kelly will tell his own story,” Smiley said. “He has earned the right to tell his story his own way.”

I might have to check this out. Would you read his book?

Hear Sade’s new song ‘Soldier of Love’

Sade is back! Her first single,” Soldier of Love,” was just released today. Check her website, www.sade.com to hear it. Her album is expected to drop Feb. 8. This will be her first studio album since 2000’s “Lover’s Rock.”

So, what do you think of her new single? I’ve only heard it once so I will listen to it a few more times before I give an opinion!

Nelly’s Black and White Ball

Rapper Nelly hosted his fourth annual Black and White Ball in St. Louis Sunday night. The black tie event provides scholarships to local residents. Hip hop producer Jermaine Dupri, track star Jackie Joyner-Kersee, the Isley Brothers and comedian Bill Bellamy were some of the guests.

Nelly’s daughter Chanell Haynes was there.

Nelly’s mom Rhonda was there as well.

R&B singer Mario was the featured performer.

NBA player tucks ball and ties shoe during game

Check out Toronto Raptors point guard Jarrett Jack hold the ball under his arm and tie his shoe while in the middle of a game against the Chicago Bulls. No one tried to steal the ball. The Bulls lost by 32 points.

[HTML1]

Christmas musical celebration in Washington

Mary J. Blige and Usher are some of the performers scheduled to join President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle at the annual “Christmas in Washington” celebration Sunday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m central time on the TNT network. The event will benefit the National Children’s Medical Center. Host George Lopez, Neil Diamond, Sugarland, Justin Bieber and Rob Thomas will also be there to ring in the holidays. The show will be taped Sunday, Dec. 13 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.

“We take pride in presenting CHRISTMAS IN WASHINGTON each year as we bring together musical artists from a variety of genres for a fantastic holiday concert,” said Michael Wright, executive vice president/head of programming for TNT, TBS and TCM. “This year, we’re especially thrilled to welcome a lineup of top-name performers and an equally amazing host, George Lopez. Together, they will make this a holiday celebration to remember.”

BET’s ‘Sunday Best’ holds auditions in Africa

Gospel greats Donnie McClurkin, Kim Burrell and Kirk Franklin will audition singers Dec. 6 in Lagos, Nigeria for the third season of the BET’s series “Sunday Best.” The overseas tryouts commemorate the one-year anniversary of the network’s launch in 30 countries in Africa. The best performers will then compete in the United States auditions, which have not been announced.

“I’m pleased to mark BET’s one-year celebration … with this unique opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s remarkable gospel singing talent for the millions of SUNDAY BEST viewers around the world,” said Michael D. Armstrong, BET Senior Vice President and General Manager.

Shaq’s Comedy Jam is Back

After the success of the “Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam,” which was taped the night before this year’s NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix, Shaq is back with a second installment. Set to air Dec. 5 on Showtime, this time the comedy event will feature host D.L. Hughley, Earthquake, Lavell Crawford, Melanie Comarcho, and Arnez J. It was taped in South Beach during the American Black Film Festival.

“We have been thrilled with the success of the first All Star Comedy Jam and are pleased to announce the next installment of the special,” said event producer Jeff Clanagan. “This franchise is committed to showcasing the legends of the comedy business while giving an opportunity for up-and-coming comedians to shine.”

A third comedy jam will be filmed at the 2010 NBA All-Star Game in Dallas.

White House Christmas Tree Lighting

The National Christmas Tree will be lit Thursday night in front of the White House. American Idol judge Randy Jackson will host the lighting ceremony. Performers such as Jordin Sparks and Common will also join the First Family at the annual holiday event.

Viewers can watch the event live at 4 p.m. central time at www.thenationaltree.org. The event will also be broadcast nationwide Dec. 4 on local public television stations.

Kelis signs to will.i.am music group

Best known for her “Milkshake” and being “Bossy,” Grammy-nominated singer Kelis has now set up shop with Black Eye Peas frontman’s record label, will.i.am Music Group/Interscope Records.

“Kelis represents the kind of edge that pushes all of us not just musically but stylistically as well,” will.i.am said. “She has always opened new doors for her audience and we’re ready to walk through this next one with her.”

Her new single, “Acapella,” can be heard on her website www.iamkelis.com. Black Eye Peas bandmates David Guetta and will.i.am. are some of the producers on her new album.

“I love that I am now a new part of the Interscope family,” Kelis said. “2010 is around the corner and I can’t wait to put out new music and spend time with real music fans on tour again.”

Columbus Short jumps into action in ‘Armored’

by Allison Horton

In “Armored”, actor Columbus Short’s first action film ever, he was excited to be able to do all of his own stunts such as running, jumping and crashing armored trucks.

“It was pretty crazy and intense,” he said. “It is like a kid being able to play cops and robbers and shooting it up. It was fun.”

“Armored,” which opens this Friday also stars veteran actors Laurence Fishburne and Matt Dillon. Short plays a young armored truck driver who is coerced by his co-workers to steal $42 million.

Continue reading “Columbus Short jumps into action in ‘Armored’” →