Carter & Zandu Press: March 2013

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Video Fresh: Trinidad James Goes Home For "Female$ Welcomed" Video...Shoots Video In Trinidad

Trinidad James shows off, where he's from, in his new video for Female$ Welcomed. In the video he takes us trough the streets of Trinidad, showing of the island's dances, culture and infamous Carnival.

Looks like he has another hit, on his hands.

The POTUS proves his a true athlete, after welcoming the LA Galaxy to the White House on Tuesday, to honor the team for their 2012 championship season.

The POTUS proved he can play soccer, probably almost as good as, he can play basketball...;).

B's work with Chime For Change is taking her to one of her favorite places, the stage.

On June 1, she will join John Legend, Ellie Goulding, Rita Ora, Iggy Azalea, Florence + The Machine, Timbaland and more at Twickenham Stadium in London, for a charity concert that will help raise money for girls and women throughout the world.

B announced her involvement--on her website-- with the following message:

PROUD TO MAKE SOME NOISE FOR GIRLS AND WOMEN WITH CHIME FOR CHANGE AT THE SOUND OF CHANGE LIVE CONCERT, JUNE 1ST IN LONDON. ---Beyoncé

Tickets went on sale today at all UK Ticketmasters. For more info on the concert head over to: Chime For Change.

Glad to see B combining two things she loves: music and help others--especially women and girls.

Photo Shoot Fresh: Jay-Z Hits The Studio AGAIN...This Time With Rick Ross, Timbaland & DJ Khaled.

Jay has been very busy in the studio. While his favorite girls enjoyed Brooklyn, he spent the weekend recording with DJ Khaled, Rick Ross and Timbaland.

So was he working on The Great Gatsby soundtrack (due in May) or his next solo album?

Whatever he's working on, it definitely looks like Jay is cooking up another masterpiece. We've seen studio pics of him with Swizz, Pharell, Timbaland, Mike Will Made It, and B.

I can't wait to hear new Jay music. Can't wait!!!

He has a busy summer ahead...let's hope new music accompanies it.

It looks like Hov's house is getting another honor...The Barclays Center will be hosting this year's VMAs.

MTV announced that the VMAs would be leaving their home of LA and heading to Brooklyn. Sweet...we all know the VMAs are always better in NYC.

I'm sure that the Carters will be a part of the festivities, it being their arena and all.

The VMAs will be live from Brooklyn, NY, Sunday, August 25. Brrroookklllynnn chants....ready!!!

Beyoncé's elated about her role as Queen Tara in the animated film Epic, which hits theaters, May 24, 2013.

Check out a video of B talking about Queen Tara's role in the film, what she likes most about playing Tara and behind the scenes footage of her in action.

The Carter Life: Beyoncé & Blue Brunch in Brooklyn...Blue Rocs Timberlands and Proves She's A Daddy's Girl....

Beyoncé & Blue were snapped brunching at Buttermilk Channel, in Brooklyn, a favorite haunt of the Carters. Blue, who is now 14-months-old, slept in her mommy's arms. She's so adorable!!! Just too cute!!! She's gonna be tall, like her parents.

And she's a daddy's girl, not only does she look like Jay, but she also roc'd a pair of Timbs. And we all know how Jay feels about his Timberlands. Too cute!!! Glad to see B and Blue carefree and enjoying the city. The weather was beautiful today.

Before her family brunch, B uploaded a picture of herself behind the wheel of a yellow cab. She even makes driving a yellow cab look sexy. Hmm...I wonder if the UPS driver is jealous. ;)

Check out pictures of the Carter women below. I guess Jay was rehearsing or in the studio.

Photo Shoot Fresh: Jay-Z, Timbaland & Mike WiLL Made It Hit The Studio

Hov on a Mike WiLL Made It track...

What is the God MC cooking up...this picture of Jay, Mike WiLL Made It and Timbaland in the studio was posted on Instagram, Tuesday. Mike WiLL Made It also tweeted, that you'd here Jay over one of his beats very soon. So, when will we hear the track?

Jay, Swizz and Timbaland were also snapped in a studio, back in February. Can't wait for a new solo Jay album. Can't wait!!!

Britney has been looking very happy and healthy. She's working on a new album, spending time with her boys and it looks like a new love, as well.

She's rumored to be dating David Lucado, a Virginia native, who has worked in a law firm. They've been snapped throughout the Sunshine State, smiling, hand holding and enjoying family time, for the past few weeks.

On Friday afternoon the duo was snapped holding hands during a shopping trip, in Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Check out photos of Britney and David's budding romance, below.

Mariah does Idol, and then heads home to Dem Babies. The mommy was home just in time for story time. Mommy's do it all.

B's excited about her first animated feature film, Epic. Her character, Queen Tara, she says, is "essential to the movie".

Queen Tara's bio, reads a lot like B's own bio. ;) The character is beautiful, strong and takes care of her Queendom... just like Mrs. Carter:

Beautiful, agile and strong, Queen Tara isn’t just the Leafmen’s Queen; she’s the life force of the forest, which she presides over with respect, compassion and humor.

When Queen Tara finds herself in danger, her unique connection with nature gives her powerful allies. And when all hope seems lost, she summons help from the most surprising of places.

Beyoncé Knowles as Queen Tara delivers a regal performance as a queen fighting to protect her realm and her people. (Source: EpicTheMovie.com)

Epic hits theaters, May 24, 2013, and also stars Amanda Seyfried, Colin Farrell, Josh Hutcherson, Pitbull and Steven Tyler.

Check out the new trailer, which B uploaded Friday.

Kelly's working hard on her upcoming album. She spent Friday night in an LA studio recording with Pharrell, Akon and Wiz Khalifa--who brought Amber Rose, guess the new parents are still inseparable.

Looks like Kelly has something special in store for us. I wonder what was the vibe of the track... Was Pharrell the soul producer... Was it more than one track... A Remix....

A Queen's Mix: Beyoncé Calling On Bun B., Willie D. & More Of Houstons Finest, for "Bow Down/I Been On" Remix....

A picture is worth a thousand words. A photo of Bun B, Scarface and Willie D hit the net today, and the Houston Rap Royals, were captured in a recording studio. And now word is they were there working on a remix for B's controversial hit, "Bow Down/I Been On"...fitting since on the track B, shouts them all out. And Bun B, tweeted B's praises, for repping Houston, and the Trill Life.

According to sources not only will they be featured on the remix, but so will Slim Thug, Kirko Bangz and Lil' Keke. I hope this is true and I also, hope that B, release the full version, because I love it!!! The Queen deserves to vent after all the B.S. she's had to endure, throughout her career. Especially all the rumors surrounding her pregnancy!!! Tell 'um Queen.

Check out the photo below.

Video Fresh: Kendrick Lamar Reacts To Jay-Z's Surprise Verse...

Looks like Hov loved, Kendrick Lamar's "Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe" track so much, that he recorded his verse without even letting, the "Leader Of The New School" know.

Kendrick was surprised with the verse, by TopDawg, during a late night recording session. And his reaction was priceless.

He was both surprised and honored by the God MC's verse saying,“He bodied that shit. Damn, that’s grimey.”

Check the video out below.

Mrs. Carter, continues to make mogul moves. In her latest business venture she's teamed up with H&M as the face of their new Summer 2013 collection. She's also helped design looks in the collection.

B will appear in print ads, and billboards, along with television commercials. The Ads were shot during Blue's birthday vacay, in the Bahamas back in January. The commercials will feature a brand new track from B called, "Standing On The Sun". Perfect since the Bahamas is the backdrop, which B loved, “It was a beautiful shoot on a tropical island. It felt more like making a video than a commercial.” Photographers Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin shoot the print ads, and Jonas Akerlund directed the commercial.

Ann-Sofie Johansson, head of design at H&M, says the collection is full of Beyoncé's own personal style. So, we know that means, it'll be decadent and sophisticated, like the Queen. B gets to celebrate her passion for fashion, and she's gets to celebrate her humanitarian ways, through the H&M for Water range. A quarter of sales will be donated to the WaterAid charity, to help provide clean water for people throughout the world.

Queen B Fresh: Hit-Boy Talks Beyoncé's "Bow Down"...

Hit-Boy takes us into the studio and shows us how he created B's, Bow Down, beat. The Queen has ruffled many feathers with this one.

Bow Down is long overdue, Beyoncé has been humble for far to long, while others have been indirectly and directly throwing shade at her for years, all while she's said, nothing. You can't be mad at the truth.

Check out Hit-Boy's breakdown below....

Video Fresh: JT Release "Mirrors" Video...

JT gets introspective in the video for Mirrors. He's album, The 20/20 Experience, is heading for a big debut next week. Billboard is predicting he'll hit the 750K mark. Congrats, Justin.

Cassie takes inspiration from, the classic, New Jack City, in the trailer for her new mixtape, #RockaByeBaby, hitting the net April 11. In the trailer she channels her inner Keisha and gets gangsta.

Check it out below.

B did what all us New Yorkers did today, enjoyed the bright sun, and celebrated the first day of Spring...taking in and enjoying our city. It's nothing like Spring in NY!!! The city just comes alive.

In the photo, B roc'd another pair of Isabel Marant sneakers, this time red and black ones, as she posed on a stoop in Soho. She's so NY...with an H-Town flare...;) I wonder when she's gonna roc the King Beys?

The Carter Life: Beyoncé's a "SHAPE" Girl + "Bow Down/I Been On" Mash-Up Sends Social Media Into A Frenzy!!!!

She had February, and she's got March.

Last night, Queen B sent social media into a frenzy, when she released a mash-up of two tracks from her upcoming fifth album, due later this year. Bow Down produced by Hit-Boy and I Been On produced by Timbaland, Polow Da Don and Planet VI.

On the mash-up, the Queen sings, raps, and shows of her Houston trill, over two banging beats. Her diva, on full display. Carefree. In charge. And commanding court.

And today, continuing with the celebration, SHAPE magazine released B's cover, behind the scenes info and gorgeous photos from her shoot.

Check out B's cover and photos below...don't forget to pick up your copy when it hits newsstands and tablets in the next week.

Guru gave us a taste, of Hov's verse from Kendrick Lamar's, Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe, remix during last week's SXSW, and today the track was released to radio. Hov!!!

"Empty my memory bank/ It's a million dollars in it, baby, Hillary Swank/ Sitting next to Hillary, smelling like dank, presidential pardon/ name one n---a out there harder than him, I'll wait" --Hov

Listen below.

Queen Of All Queens: Beyoncé's "Bow Down/I Been On" is a Tease Of What to Expect On Her Fifth Album....Returns to Queen Diva Form in New Track...

Beyoncé has just given us a taste of what to expect from her hotly anticipated fifth studio album.

Today she released Bow Down/I Been On via her Tumblr page, and the Queen is in true Diva Form, on this mash up!!!

Bow Down is produced by Hit-boy and I Been On, where the Queen raps, is produced by Polow Da Don, Timbaland and Planet VI. I Been On can be heard in B's O2 Ads (watch below).

I love it!!! She sings. She raps. Chops & Screws. She's focused man:

"I took some time to live my life but don't think I am just his little wife. Don’t get it twisted this is my shit, bow down bitches." (Bow Down)

“I heard your boo was talking lip/ I told my crew to smack that trick...The capital B means I’m ’bout that life.” (I Been On)

Top notch vocals, Queen swag and a killer knock...The Queen's back!!! Bow Down Bitches!!!

Solo Star: Solange Takes "Losing You" to SXSW... Rocs Out at The Fader Fort

Solange was right at home at this year's SXSW. She performed a several events throughout the festival. And, Thursday night she performed songs from her True LP at The Fader Fort.

Check out Solo's energetic performance of Losing You, below, where she roc'd another color ensemble. I luv her hipster style.

Justin visited 106 & Park on Friday, to promote his new album The 20/20 Experience available, Tuesday, March 19. Justin was treated like music royalty by Bow Wow and Co., who took Justin back down memory lane. Mr. Timberlake was both humble and hilarious during his time on the couch.

He talked about the making of The 20/20 Experience, which he called the creation off, an experience unto itself. He and Timbaland went in and created a lush music, rich in pop and r & b--creating music he could be passionate about, and loved. The record he also says, is inspired by a mix of his musical inspirations.

Justin also talked about working with both Carters. Revealing that he spent time with B & Jay this summer in the Hamptons, where B created a musical camp for the creation of her fifth album. In her Vogue interview, she revealed that she and the producers were like one big family. And it looks like Justin became a very close family member, because B gave him and Jay a room of their own to record in, and Justin says that he and Jay created a lot of songs during those sessions:

"I was with Timbaland and we were working on some stuff for Miss Beyoncé and she made the mistake of letting Jay and I have another room at the studio. I don't want to give too much away but we've done a lot of songs together so hopefully those will find a way to see the light of day."

A tour EP, would be nice, maybe a couple tracks on The Great Gatsby soundtrack....it all works!!!

Watch clips from Justin's time on the couch below and find out how he and Jay wound up touring together. Also find out about Jay's and his part in "Yahoo! On The Road".

Hova The Great: Jay-Z Takes "The Great Gatsby" Soundtrack & Lends Vocals to “B*tch, Don’t Kill My Vibe”, To Be Featured On Kendrick Lamar Remix?

It was announced last year that Jay would be involved in The Great Gatsby soundtrack, and today it was announced that not only will he be creating original songs but, that he will also, be executive producing the entire LP, which will feature other big acts.

Gatsby director, Baz Luhrmann spoke about working with Jay on the project, calling Jay “a credible and natural fit. Fitzgerald was a pioneer, famed and controversial for using the then-new and explosive sound called jazz in his novels and short stories-not just as decoration, but to actively tell story using the immediacy of pop culture. He coined the phrase ‘the Jazz Age.’"

"So, the question for me in approaching Gatsby was how to elicit from our audience the same level of excitement and pop-cultural immediacy toward the world that Fitzgerald did for his audience? And in our age, the energy of jazz is caught in the energy of hip-hop. Not only is Jay-Z a great artist, full stop, but I had heard that he was a great collaborator. Leonardo and I were lucky enough to be present in a recording session over two years ago as Jay-Z was recording ‘No Church in the Wild,’ and the collaboration grew from there."

And according to Jay, there was synergy from the start, “As soon as I spoke with Baz and Leonardo, I knew this was the right project. The Great Gatsby is that classic American story of one’s introduction to extravagance, decadence and illusion. It’s ripe for experimentation and ready to be interpreted with a modern twist. The imagination Baz brought to Moulin Rouge made it a masterpiece, and Romeo + Juliet‘s score wasn’t just in the background; the music became a character. This film’s vision and direction has all the makings of an epic experience.”

Jay's a modern day Jay Gatsby, so I can only imagine the poetry he's created. The Great Gatsby opens in theaters May 10, 2013. Hopefully we'll get to hear a new Jay track, very soon.

Our FLOTUS stuns, in a midnight blue Reed Krakoff sleeveless dress, on the April 2013 cover of Vogue. In the feature, the First Lady and our POTUS talk about parenthood, marriage and their vision for America's families. (Source: Vogue)

The Obamas’ unusually close partnership and decision-making process started long before they had children. It is now part of legend that when Michelle Robinson decided to leave her cushy office at a corporate Chicago law firm to go work at City Hall for Valerie Jarrett, then deputy chief of staff to Mayor Richard M. Daley, she asked Jarrett to have dinner with her then-fiancé before making the leap. When I ask Jarrett if she could offer any insight into how life in the White House has affected the Obamas’ relationship, she says, “They had a very good marriage going in, but it strengthened it because, well, it’ tested it. He has had some really, really tough moments in the White House, and the fact that his partner in this journey has been so steadfastly in his corner and never wavered, it teaches you every day to appreciate what you have. When you’ve had a really tough day and had to make the kinds of literally life-and-death decisions that he’s had to make in the Oval Office, to come home and know you’re safe and that your children are being well taken care of and you feel totally nurtured. We joke about this: He goes home for dinner and no one’s interested in his day. They want to talk about their day. And that is such a relief. And she manages that for him.” (Source: Vogue.com)

Head over to, Vogue.com to read more about our First Lady and the POTUS. And don't forget to pick up the issue when it hit newsstands and tablets on March 26, 2013.

Queen B Fresh: Beyoncé is SHAPE Magazine's Cover Girl, Talks Confidence, Beauty & Losing The Baby Weight + Goes From Vintage to Roc Girl

Queen B will be covering the April 2013 issue of SHAPE magazine.

A behind the scenes video was released today, that gives us a glimpse at B's shoot and interview. In the clip, the mommy, talks about losing the 57 lbs she gained during pregnancy, loving her body and having to work hard to keep it fit. She eats one vegan meal a day.

B also talks about the need for people to accept their own bodies, rather than wanting it to look like someone else's--a view that she's always shared. She's all about self-love and self-worth.

Watch the video below. B's body is sick!!!!

Mrs. Carter also, continues to show off her haute life on her Instagram and Tumblr pages--in her latest uploads she goes vintage, while visiting a museum, and posing with a few vintage instruments. Rocs a gorgeous floral look, that shows off her toned body. And goes Roc Girl chic in leather, killer wedges and a motorbike. Ok, Mrs. Carter. Check out the photos below.

Video Fresh: Kelly Gets Flirty in "Kisses Down Low" Video....

Kelly gets sexy and flirty in her latest video for Kisses Down Low. She wanted more fun, more color and a little pinup....looks like Ms. Rowland accomplished her goal. Nice video Kelly, very nice.

Watch Kisses Down Low below.

Video Sunday: Mariah's "Almost Home"....Go On A Whimsical Journey.....

Mariah takes us on a whimsical journey both vocally and visually in the video for her single, Almost Home, from OZ The Great And Powerful. This is the perfect song and video for Mariah, she's all about Disney and finding that Happily Every After... Great Job Mimi. Check out the video below.

The movie--which hit theaters, Friday--is headed for a huge, debut weekend.

Roc Nation's Bridget Kelly is starting to get a buzz, still hot from her single, Special Delivery, she's now hooked up with Kendrick Lamar for, her latest single, Street Dreamin, which will appear on Funk Master Flex's new mix-tape.

Street Dreamin has a nice R & B vibe, she and Kendrick Lamar make a perfect match. I luv it. Check it out below.

Deadline announced in January, that Jurnee Smollet would be the newest season regular, to join HBO's beloved vampire series, True Blood.

Jurnee plays a character named, Nicole Wright. Nicole is a "wide-eyed" young woman who is in search of the good in life, and isn't concerned with money or material things.

Hmm... sounds like Jurnee is going to have a wild season!!! Being young and naive in Bon Temps, is a recipe for disaster. I can't wait to see how her character fits in with the rest of the season regulars. Will she become Sookie's (Anna Paquin) new best friend, because of the strained relationship between, Sookie and Tara (Rutina Wesley). It should be an interesting season 6.

Jurnee's already begun filming. On March 9, 2013, she tweeted out a photo from the set of True Blood, with the following message: Time to get to work ...@HBOTrueBlood #BonTemps #TrueBloodSeason6.

Last night Justin hosted SNL for the fifth time joining an elite club. And it was a celebration from start to finish.

Hov came out--looking photo shoot fresh in all black, gold chains and roc'n a pair of “Black/Royal Blue”Air Jordan Is --to help JT celebrate his historic night, with a Suit & Tie performance, that sent the crowd into a frenzy. The crowd went wild when Jay hit the stage.

Check out the Legends Of Summer below. You can also watch he full episode below, JT was pure comedy...great entertainment. Don't miss your chance to see Jay & Justin roc a stadium this summer.

Beyoncé has an epic summer planned...an almost sold out, The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour, a hotly anticipated fifth album and her first role in an animated film, as Queen Tara in Epic. Epic hits theaters May 24, 2013.

B's character, Queen Tara... is in charge of preserving and protecting the forest. And Beyoncé is very excited about playing, Queen Tara, who she says, "is important to the movie".

She recently spoke about the role, she's, "always imagined playing," in a video clip below. Also check out the first trailer, with Queen Tara in it.

Video Fresh: Fabolous Shows Off "Dope Bitch" In His Latest Video...

Fab took us to Miami Art Basel in his last video, now he's taking us to Cannes for his latest video, for his remake of the Dream's Dope Bitch. Nice Fab.

Check out the video below.

The Queen is hard at work prepping for The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour, which kicks off April 15, in Belgrade, Serbia and ends in Brooklyn on August 5. Today the Queen updated her Tumblr with pics of her and her clique during tour rehearsals. B even gives us a sneak peek at her stage, can't wait!!! She also gives us more snaps of her Beyond Look.

Now Queen, all we need is the single. Please!!! That 3/12 rumor sounds so good now... B's also headed to the Orange Warsaw Festival this May 25, another festival stage, check out the promo trailer below.

Art & Soul: Solange Celebrates Studio Africa...Takes On Role As Advocate

African Art, Life & Design...Solange has met her perfect match!

It was announced today, that Solange is, now, an advocate for Studio Africa. Studio Africa is a joint collaboration between DIESEL+EDUN, that will show off the creative designs of young Africa--bringing culture, fashion and new designers to the world.

The Spring 2013 launch will present a denim collection, that is "inspired by African creativity". The 25-piece collection is designed and manufactured in Africa "with the finest CCI cotton from Uganda." Solange's duties as an adovate will include promoting and celebrating African creativity. (Source: Roc Nation)

“My love for African fashion, music and art runs deep to my core and has been a significant source of inspiration to me as an artist. I’m constantly being exposed to such innovative African talent so I’m excited that Diesel + Edun is celebrating that extraordinary creativity through Studio Africa and taking me along for the journey!” – Solange, March 2013

There will be lots of events around the world celebrating the line. Studio Africa will launch with a series of collaborative, global live events with Boiler Room, the leading online broadcaster for live-stream music. Shows in Tokyo, Paris, London, Berlin and LA will bring together African and Western musicians in a celebration of creativity beyond borders. (Source: Roc Nation)

Watch a video clip, showcasing the line below and find out more about the collection by heading to: Step Inside Studio Africa.

Queen B looks good doing anything. In her latest Instagram pic, she shows of her delivery skills, posing in a UPS truck. She looks gorgeous, I luv her look--another blue ensemble.

I'm sure the driver of that truck cherishes the day he/she ever put on that uniform!!! ;) Now Queen, where is the single???!!!???

NYC Luv: Justin & Jessica Take in a Little NYC...

The Timberlakes take a walk through NYC on Friday.

The Carter Life: Jay-Z "Window Shops", While Beyoncé Shows Off Her Kool....

On Friday, Jay uploaded the above photo on Life + Times, with the caption, "Window Shopper", as he stared out his midtown office window, clad in a hoodie and roc'n his signature Timbs. One of the buildings in view was a blue lite Empire State Building. Hmm...I wonder what Hov's up, too?

While Mr. Carter window shopped, Mrs. Carter showed off her kool in her latest Instagram photos, she uploaded on Saturday. B roc'd a black fitted, BEYOND, baseball cap and a pair of her favorite Isabel Marant wedges. In one photo B is surrounded by smoke in an alley way--I wonder if the photos are tour related, video related, or B just having some fun??!!!??

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

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