Hipster Soul: Solange Hits Letterman & Performs "Don't Let Me Down"

Solange performed her latest single, Don't Let Me Down, on David Letterman last night.  Her performance was soulful and had, an 80s vibe.   

And she looked stunning while doing it.  Solange roc'd a sexy blue and white polka dot mini and her latest spiral curls...such a hipster.  

Watch her performance below. 

Photo Shoot Fresh: Jay-Z Helps Kevin Liles Celebrate His Birthday

Jay attended Kevin Liles' 45th birthday last night in NYC.  The party was at The Rec Room.  The two have been friends for many years now.  Glad to see Mr. Carter out enjoying himself with good friends.

Queen of Hearts: Beyoncé & Gucci "Chime for Change"

Beyoncé is all about girl power, and her latest partnership, with Gucci allows her to express some of  her own girl power.  

B, Salma Hayek and Frida Gianni launched a new Gucci global campaign for female empowerment, called Chime For Change.  The global initiative was developed to raise funds and awareness for women and girls worldwide.  

The initiative aims to raise funds and awareness in support of projects for girls and women around the world, through sharing "powerful stories" about inspiring females. (Source: Vogue UK)

"I have always felt strongly about equal opportunity for women. Girls have to be taught from early on that they are strong and capable of being anything they want to be. It's up to us to change the statistics for women around the world. I'm honored to be in the company of women who live fearlessly and set an example for the next generation of young ladies," Beyoncé said of her involvement in the project.

Salma Hayek announced the campaign today, at the TEDxWomen luncheon, where she also, presented a short film, which gives insight into the initiative's goals and vision, it's set to new music by B.  And is the first of 10 Chime For Change short films.

You can watch the video below and see photos below.  Now head over to:  Catapult.org  and join Beyoncé Knowles-Carter's Team and donate for her causes.

A Luv'n POTUS: President Obama Embraces One of His Youngest Supporters...

The POTUS has captured the heart of another future democrat!  Yesterday morning during the dedication of Rosa Parks' new statue at the U.S. Capitol--President Obama spent time with many of Rosa Parks' relatives.  And one was 3-year-old Terrell Anderson Jr. of Detroit, who the POTUS picked up, and little Terrell touched the President's hair.

So, adorable.  I can only imagine the pride, the President felt during this moment.  But this isn't the first time, in 2008, there was also 5-year-old Jacob Philadelphia of Columbia, Ma, who also wanted to know if the President's hair felt like his, too.

A Queen At Work: Beyoncé Is All Business In Her Latest Personal Pics....

B's back to tour rehearsals for her hotly anticipated, The Mrs. Carter Show, which kicks off April 15 in  Belgrade, Serbia.  Earlier today, B uploaded photos of herself  roc'n a blue hard hat and a pair of her favorite Isabel Marant wedges, all while manning a tractor. ;)   A queen in control, luv it!  

You can see the stage in the background,  I can't wait til August 3!!!  Check out more pictures below.  Also, B's Love On Top, which earned her, her 17 Grammy, tops the platinum mark this week.  Congrats B, art always wins!

Hip Hop's Royalty: Jay-Z, Swizz & Timbaland The "3 Kings"; Swizz Uploads Photo of The 3 Hip Hop Royals & 1 Big Chain...

Earlier today, Swizz uploaded this photo of him, Jay & Timbaland, with the following message:  3 Kings & A HEAVY ASS CHAIN THAT BELONGS TO HOV:-).

Jay debuted the,11 lb, gold chain, at the So So Def reunion concert on Saturday, where he performed PSA and Money Ain't A Thing with JD.

The most important question is, did any Hov recording happen!  A solo Jay project is long overdue, why not a summer album, to go along with the Legends Of Summer Tour.

Back Down Memory Lane:

Queen B Fresh: Beyoncé Gets Custom Isabel Marant Sneakers..."The King Bey"

Jay rocs PMK's Brooklyn Zoo Jordan 1's to first Barclays Center game, 11/2012.

Beyoncé's has another thing to celebrate this February.  PMK (Perfectly Made Kicks) debuted their custom made Isabel Marant sneaker wedge today, called the The King Bey, in honor of our Queen B.  The white-and-gold wedges are made of an array of exotic skins, including crocodile, stingray, and anaconda.  The perfect sneaker for a Diva!!!  I can't wait to see B roc'n these.   

The King Bey

The Carters are fans of PMK's custom made sneakers.  Jay roc'd a pair of custom made PMK's Brooklyn Zoo Jordan 1's to the Brooklyn Nets first game at the Barclays Center, back in November 2012.

Check out more views of The King Bey below.

Queen B: Beyoncé Set To Headline V Festival....

B will be back on the UK Festival stage this summer.  She's set to headline, this year's V Festival, taking place Aug. 17 and 18 at Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire.

The festival comes two weeks after B wraps her hotly anticipated, The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour in Brooklyn, on August 5, 2013.

Also headlining is Kings of Leon--other acts performing are Roc Nation's Calvin Harris and Rita Ora, along with Kendrick Lamar, Paloma  Faith and many more.

Check out the list of announced performers below.

Photo Shoot Fresh: Kerry Washington, Little Q, Jamie Foxx, Adele, Jennifer Hudson, Halle Berry & More Roc The Oscars...It's All About Hip, Haute, Hollywood

Kerry has become the Belle of the awards season.

The stars descended on Hollywood last night for the Oscars.  And as usual the red carpet was the best part of the night.  The ladies were sexy, glamorous and the true stars of the carpet.   Kerry Washington had another carpet win.  She roc'd a red embellished Miu Miu gown.  Octavia Spencer was simply stunning in Tadashi Shoji.  And Halle's versace number was the star of the night.

A dapper Jamie Fox arrived with his daughter Corrine.  Adele brought old Hollywood glamour.  And Jennifer Hudson roc'd blue Roberto Cavalli.  

Jamie brings his daughter Corrine Bishop to the awards.

Black & White were the colors of the night, along with blues, reds, and metallics.  

Luv this Donatella Versace, metallic gown on Halle.

Check out photos from the red carpet below.

Queen B's H-Town Luv: Beyoncé Gives Us A Taste of Her Houston....

Last weekend the Carters returned to B's birth state, for NBA All Star Weekend 2013.  Jay & B took full advantage of the All Star Weekend Festivities and now B is showing off her own photos.  Giving us a taste of her Houston vacay...southern food, Five Star digs, D’ussé and spending time with her hubby.  

Check out some of B's personal photos below.

Money Ain't A Thing: Jay-Z Helps JD Celebrate So So Def's Big 20; Performs "Money Ain't A Thing" With Jermaine Dupri & Brings D’ussé to Atlanta......

Last night Jay headed to the A, to help Jermaine Dupri and So So Def celebrate 20 years.   As part of the celebration Jay performed, his and JD's classic, Money Ain't A Thing, at the 20th Anniversary concert which aired live on Comcast stations, last night.

After the concert, Jay held his own D’ussé after party in the southern city of lights.  The party was a Roc Reunion, with Memphis Bleek and Lenny S. attending the party, perfect since it was a celebration of the 90s. Also at the party was  Young Jeezy, JD, Usher, Ludacris, and many more .

Check out photos of the party and watch the performances below.

Two Kings: Jay-Z & Justin are "Legends Of Summer" + Will Headline Wireless Festival

Jay uploads photo of Yankee Stadium.

Jay let the world know that he and Justin were, indeed, set to embark on their buzzed about stadium tour---with a series of photos he uploaded on his Life + Times site.

The two are set to play 12 stadiums throughout July and August.  Tickets go on sale to the public on February 28th, except New York.  New York on sale information will be announced soon.

According to Roc Nation:

With more than 23 Grammy Awards, 67 million albums sold and two Emmys combined, music icons JAY Z and Justin Timberlake announce 12 once-in-a-lifetime stadium performances. The LEGENDS OF THE SUMMER tour will begin on July 17th in Toronto, Ontario at the Roger’s Centre and continue through August 16th in Miami, Florida at Sun Life Stadium. Tickets for all dates except New York go on sale to the public on Thursday, February 28th at LiveNation.com. Stay tuned for special New York on sale date announcement.

Read on for a full list of dates.

Jay's also headed back to the Wireless Festival and he's bringing Justin along, too.  The two will both headline nights at the popular UK music fest, which will take place at London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.  Jay will headline, Saturday, July 13.  And Justin will headline, Friday, July 12.  I'm sure Jay will make a Suit & Tie appearance on Friday.

Mogul Moves: Beyoncé Joins Mr. Carter at Warner/Chappell Publishing...

Credit:   Beyoncé|IAM 

It was announced on Wednesday that Jay and his Roc Nation imprint signed a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Publishing--reuniting Jay with his good friend Big Jon (Jon Platt), who is president of creative North America for the music giant.  When Jay's deal was announced it was also said, that B was working on her own deal with Warner/Chappell, which was announced Thursday.

B's global publishing deal, is effective immediately (Now maybe we'll get that new single, Mrs. Carter!) and will include all of her future song writing, including her hotly anticipated fifth album, which is rumored to be due in April.

Queen B Fresh: Beyoncé is a Haute Queen

Above is B's extended O2 ad, promoting her soon to be sold out O2 Arena shows this spring in the UK.   B is a Bad B, or should I say a Baddie Bey!!!!  Also take another look at B's, Warhol inspired, new Pepsi promos.  They're haute!!!  B posted the Pop Art on her Facebook page.

In The Know: The FLOTUS Gets A New Official Portrait & It's All About The Bangs

The FLOTUS' second official portrait was released today, showing off her new bangs.  In the portrait the First Lady looks warm, relaxed and her smile lights up the room.  I love it!!!  She and the POTUS have smiles that light up a room.

Mogul Moves: Jay-Z Makes Major Publishing Move...

  

We all know the real money in music comes from publishing.  The more of your publishing share you control, the more of your own money you control.  So it comes as no surprise, that Mr. Carter made another big publishing move, today.  The New York Times reports that Jay has followed "top publishing" executive Jon Platt or Big Jon as he's known in hip-hop & r & b cicrcles to Warner Music Group--where he (Jay) has created a new publishing partnership for himself and his Roc Nation artist.

Jay's own deal, will include all of his future publishing and publishing dating back to 2008.  He acquired the ownership of his full catolog from Def Jam back in 2006, when he took over as part of the deal that made him President/CEO.  No word on who'll publish his catalog prior to 2006, which he gains 100% ownership of in 2016.

Here's what the Times says about the Roc Nation deal:

Through a separate deal, Warner/Chappell will also represent the songwriters at Jay-Z’s entertainment and management company, Roc Nation.

Among those writers are Philip Lawrence, a part of the Smeezingtons songwriting and production team that also includes Bruno Mars; Symbolyc One, or S1; and Rita Ora, a rising young British singer and songwriter.

Jay said the following of the deal:

“The real meaning of success is being in the position to work with an individual you consider a friend. Jon Platt is such a person. He’s a man of extraordinary character as well as a remarkably talented executive with an ear for music and an eye for talent. It’s great to watch him grow to be one the best in the business.”

Queen B Cares: Beyoncé Rocs Jewels Made By Pediatric Care Patients... Designer Lorraine Schwartz Teams Up With Pediatric Cancer Patients To Make Star Studded Jewels



B and Lorraine Schwartz have been friends for years, so it comes as no surprise that when the designer combined three of B's favorite things--kids, causes (philanthropy) and jewels, she (B) was all in. 

B along with Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus are celebs who have been snapped roc'n Lorraine's latest baubles--which were created by the famed designer and pediatric care patients at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

The collaboration is the designers way of honoring her mom, who died of lung cancer, she
(Schwartz) partnered with Gabrielle's Angel Foundation to teach patients how to make jewelry.  The jewels were inspired from their favorite celebs  And B's little designer (above) was spot on designing flower earrings and blue inspired jewels,  that you would definitely see B wearing:

Beyoncé posed in the bright, flower-inspired gems created for her by Jozlyn, 12, which prominently feature the color blue for Beyoncé’s daughter Blue Ivy. “There was a lot of thought put into that,” Schwartz tells PEOPLE. “Beyoncé couldn’t have been more touched.” She adds that Jozlyn is “obsessed” with the superstar, saying “She’s the biggest star in the world to her … and [Jozlyn] was beyond excited to find out she wore her jewelry.”  (Source: People)

 How sweet is that!!! Jozlyn is talented, her earrings are amazing!  Check out a few more designs below.

Beyoncé Krazy 4 Pepsi: Pepsi Reveals New Beyoncé Promo Pictures + B Sets Record At HBO...

Beyoncé & Pepsi got a little Warhol for their latest promo pictures.  The graphic images show off a fierce Queen B, roc'n a sexy blonde up-do with sun-kissed fuchsia lips.  One word...haute!!! Check it out below.

B had a great weekend.  Enjoying All Star festivities in her home state of Houston, Texas.  And the Saturday premiers of  her long awaited one-on-one with Oprah for the Next Chapter series.  Followed by the debut of the Life Is But A Dream doc, which she produced and directed.  LIBAD broke records it was the highest rated doc for HBO since 2004 (there's that 4 again ;)).  She also scored big numbers for OWN.

Photo Shoot Fresh: Justin & Jessica Take in Tom Ford's Runway Show During London Fashion Week....

Justin & Jessica took their love across the pond to support Justin's good friend Tom Ford--who showed his latest suits & ties during London Fashion Week's Fall/Winter 2013/14 presentations.

Video Fresh: Alicia Talks Blue & Egypt's Connection.... Says "Jay's Not To Fond Of It"

2013 All Star Game in Houston, TX.

Today Alicia keys was on a morning talk show promoting her new tour and album.  In the interview she talked about motherhood and her family.  She also, talked about Blue and Egypt's bond, revealing that Egypt has a little crush on Blue:

“I think Egypt kissed Blue and I don’t think Jay liked it very much. He called my husband and he was like, ‘Watch your son.’” 

Watch the interview below, the Blue and Egypt part starts at 13:54 mark.  Alicia also revealed that she hangs out in the studio with the Carters. kids included, in fact that's where the kiss happened. ;)

Check out the interview and her performance of  Brand New Me.  It's a pretty good interview, if you can get past the interviewer!!!

The Carters Roc All Star Weekend 2013: Jay-Z & Beyoncé Take Houston... Court-Side At the Big Game, "2 Kings" & D'usse Parties & Partying at Jordan's 50th B'Day Party...

Jay & B headed to B's hometown, Houston, Texas, for All-Star Weekend 2013.  The two started the weekend by partying at Michael Jordan's 50th birthday bash at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts.  Saturday night they celebrated at Jay's and LeBron's annual Two Kings dinner party at RDG + Bar Annie.  The annual event is to connect music & sports moguls/CEOs with other business moguls/CEOs.  After the 2 Kings dinner they head to Rich's where Jay hosted the D'usse Party.

Jay & B at D'usse All Star Party 2013.

And Sunday they of course sat court-side at the Toyota Center, for the big game, to cheer on the East.

Check out pictures of the Carters All Star Weekend below.

Life Is But A Dream: Beyoncé Reveals Herself, Her Life & Her Worldview in "Life Is But A Dream" Doc...

Last night, Beyoncé:  Life Is But A Dream debuted on HBO and the doc didn't disappoint.  It showed and open honest Beyoncé talking candidly about life, love, family and motherhood.  It showed Beyoncé the person not the superstar.

It began with B dealing with the separation from her dad, as her manager.  B revealed the strain of ending their professional relationship caused even greater stress in their personal relationship.  It was a very difficult time for her, one that she says effected her "soul".  But it looks like all is well between them now, as Matthew is seen holding a newborn Blue, later on in the doc.  

B talked about the struggles that women face and how much harder women face at work.  She said it, "pisses" her off that women have to work harder and don't get paid the same as men.  She went on to say that men are able to control because, they control the money.  It was a powerful segment.

B also showed off the close bond between her and Jay.  She loves him to death and vice-verse.  I enjoyed watching the Carters being Crazy In Love.  And of course she talked about her pregnancy and showed off her belly.  B's joy during her pregnancy and love of motherhood shows, throughout the doc.  She tears up and smiles from ear-to-ear whenever, she talked about Blue or Jay.  I love it.

Two Queens: Beyoncé Hits "Orpah's Next Chapter"....

Oprah's Next Chapter, starring B, debuted tonight   In the feature, B opened up about her life with Jay & Blue.  The interview gave a deeper look into Beyoncé the mom, wife, and business woman. Throughout B was confident and exuded happiness.  She's a woman with a plan and in complete control of her destiny.  I can't wait to see what her next chapter brings.  

Watch the full episode below.

Photo Shoot Fresh: Beyoncé is a "Gentlewoman"

 Beyoncé covers the latest issue of, UK magazine, The Gentlewoman, which hits newsstands this month.  B uploaded photos from the shoot.  The shoot is black & white and B looks both classic and beautiful.

Check out some of my faves below.

Video Fresh All Star Edition: JT & Jay-Z "Suit & Tie" + Will.I.Am & Britney "Scream & Shout" (Remix)

JT & Justin.  Will.I.Am & Britney.   A perfect soundtrack to All-Star Saturday Night.  Enjoy both videos.

Life Is But A Dream: Beyoncé & Blue Camera Shy No More + Watch More Clips of B's "Next Chapter" Feature

In a screenshot from B's, Life Is But A Dream, documentary a proud B holds up her baby girl, Blue.  Blue is a perfect combination of B and Jay.  The picture is from when Blue was around six months, because it was back in July when, a braided B and Blue were snapped shopping in Bergdorf's.

Blue made her television debut in Life Is But A Dream, Saturday night, following the debut of B's feature on Oprah's Next Chapter.  Watch both below.  What a great night for B!!!

Video Fresh: JT & Jay-Z Show Off Their Cool in "Suit & Tie" Video

Mr. Carter and Mr. Timberlake show off their cool in the glossy black & white video for their hit, Suit & Tie.  Watch it below.

In The Know: The POTUS Was Passionate & Focused on America's Future During State Of The Union Address

The POTUS focused heavily on the economy in last night's State of The Union Address--focusing on infrastructure, manufacturing and green jobs.  He also talked about improving education, universal pre-k, building the middle class, raising the minimum wage and protecting America's children.

The speech became emotional when the president talked about Hadiya Pendleton, Gabby Giffords, the children of Sandy Hook and countless others who have been harmed by gun violence.   We must all do something to stop gun violence!!!  We have to.

The President also talked about our troops and ending the Afghanistan war.  It was a heavy speech that focused on moving America forward.  Watch it below.

Two Queens: Oprah & Beyoncé a Sneak Peek, Oprah Gives Us A Look At Beyoncé's "Next Chapter" Episode

Saturday is just three days away and Oprah is giving us a sneak peek of B's Next Chapter feature.  The interview happened yesterday in NYC.  The two Queens spent the day together and ended their night at B's, Life Is But A Dream debut held at the Ziegfeld theater.

Oprah's been looking forward to this interview for a while and so have we!  Here is an excerpt from OWN:

Oprah sits down with global superstar, multiplatinum artist and 17-time Grammy winner Beyoncé. Tune in to see Beyoncé open up about her documentary Beyoncé: Life Is But a Dream; her daughter, Blue Ivy; and what Jay-Z is like as a father and a husband. (Source: OWN)

Check out a sneak peek of the interview below.  And don't forget to watch Next Chapter at 8pm EST on OWN and Life Is But A Dream at 9pm EST on HBO, this Saturday.  It's B Day!!!

Queen B: Beyoncé Stuns at "Life Is But A Dream" Debut ; Walks Red Carpet With Oprah, Parties With Jay, Solo & More...

Oprah arrived in NYC Tuesday to interview B for her Next Chapter series.  The two Queens also, attended the premiere of B's Life Is But A Dream HBO doc, which airs this Saturday at 9pm EST--right after the debut of Oprah's Next Chapter on OWN.

The premiere was held at the Ziegfeld theater.  And the stars came out to support B's directoral project.  Mr. Carter of course was there to suppport his wife the director.  And a host of other a-listers also attended:  Chris Rock, Angela Bassett, Victor Cruz, Selita Ebanks, and Russell Simmons, just to name a few.  And of course Ms. Tina & Solange were there to support B.

Check out the trailer and more photos below.  And don't forget to watch both features on Saturday.

Video Fresh: Solange Is A "Bad Girl" for "Black Cab Sessions"...

Solange is featured in "Black Cab Sessions".  She performed her song Bad Girl.  She's so soulful.  Check out her performance below.

Two Kings To Hit The Road: Jay-Z & Justin to Tour? Suit,Ties & A Mic....

 

To be? Or not to be?  Are Jay and Justin headed for the road?  Word is Mr. Carter & Mr. Timberlake are planning a joint North American tour.   Supposedly the details are being worked out as we speak.

So far it's being reported that they will perform stadium shows in 10 major cities.  I wonder if it'll be more like Jay and Mary's Heart of The City Tour or the  Watch The Throne Tour?  Probably more like HOTC, because they (JZ & JT) only have one collabo together.  

The Carter Life: Jay-Z, Beyoncé & Solange Lunch in Venice

The Carters had  been on the Left Coast for the last few weeks prepping for the Super Bowl, the Grammys, and videos.  Jay & Justin shot Suit & Tie at the end of January in LA, while B prepped for the Super Bowl.  Then there was the Grammys. 

Yesterday Jay & B were snapped heading to lunch in Venice with Solange and some friends.  The royal duo returned to Gjelina restaurant, where they ate Friday night.  The Carter Life is the Sweet Life.  The Royals we truly love.  Check out pictures below.



Queen B: Beyoncé Takes VOGUE, Oprah's Next Chapter, HBO & The Essence Fest...

February has been a great month for B.  After an incredible Super Bowl Performance, an already announced HBO Doc, and a CNN Special and taking home her 17 Grammy.  B also covers Vogue (March 13) , Oprah's Next Chapter, and it has been announced that she'll be headlining this year's Essence Festival in July.  New Orleans she's coming back!!! 

Oprah revealed that B is finally going to be featured on her Next Chapter series.  B and Oprah will sit down for a in depth interview this week to be aired Saturday at 8pm ET on OWN.

OWN revealed:  Oprah goes one-on-one with Grammy-winning artist Beyoncé Knowles during her first sit-down interview since the biggest performance of the year at the big game.

Saturday's going to be a big night for B, because her long awaited HBO Doc:  Life Is But A Dream airs right after at 9pm ET on HBO.  Watch both trailers below.

And Vogue released B's cover and interview today and she looks stunning.  The Queen is channeling Audrey Hepburn in the classic beauty shoot.  It's high fashion and B looks good!!   In the feature, B talks motherhood, pregnancy & childbirth, her new album and being Mrs. Carter.  She recorded most of her new album in the Hamptons this summer.  

Be sure to pick up your copy when it hits newsstands.  Check out excerpts and a few pictures from the interview below.

Roc The Grammys: Jay-Z & Beyoncé Haute Grammy Couple + Jay Performs With Justin; Both Take Home Trophies...

The Grammys was a big night for the Carters.  Jay performed with Justin for the television debut of Suit & Tie.  Mr. Carter got out his seat, and joined Justin on stage for his verses.  The Two Kings clearly enjoyed their performance as much as the crowd did.  Their performance was one of the highlights of the night.  

Justin was introduced by B & Ellen who were a hit and even became the #1 Trending Topic on Twitter.  B was a natural and at ease, and provided just as much humor during their monologue, as Ellen did.  Watch it below.

Jay took home three Grammys, bringing his Grammy total to 17.  Hov & Ye took home trophies for: 

Best Rap Performance: ParisBest Rap Song: Paris
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: No Church In the Wild ft. Frank Ocean and The Dream.  

And Mrs. Carter took home a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Peformance:  Love On Top, bringing her Grammy total to 17.  Sweet!!!

During the show, Jay & B sat with Justin & Jessica and Solange and Alan.  Check out pictures and Justin & Jay's performance below.

Roc The Carpet: Beyoncé, Adele, Justin, Rihanna & More Dazzle on Grammy Red Carpet...

The stars were aligned last night in LA for the Grammys.  And the red carpet of course was buzzed about just as much as the awards and the performances.  Black and white proved to be the color of choice, just as it was for the Globes.

B was sexy and on trend in a black & white pantsuit.  She walked the carpet without Jay who skipped the carpet, but joined B in the front row.  Justin was dapper in a Tom Ford suit & tie.  Kelly was ultra sexy in Georges Chakra.  Rihanna went red, Chris went white.  Solange went green.  Jennifer Lopez of course went black & sexy.  And Adele went floral.  

Justin roc'd his Suit & Tie in Tom Ford.

Check out all the stars below.