Previous Items from the Roc With Me "In Jay-Z News" Post ( August '08- June 2008)
◊ Jay-Z and Beyonce’s 40/40 Club to become new Palazzo race and sports book
◊ Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter and Partners to sell Las Vegas 40/40 Club
◊ Concert Date: Jay-Z will open renovated Hollywood Palladium on Oct. 15
◊ Pics: Jay & Bee Out In NYC
◊ Pics: Jay and Bee at J&R Music Fest
◊ Download: Cookin’ Soul’s OJAYZIS: Jay-Z vs OASIS (Mixtape)
◊ Pics: Jay and Bee leaving Waverly Inn
◊ Jay selling 50% of Vegas 40/40? [NY Post]
◊ Article: Backstage With Jay-Z (@ ThisDay Africa Rising festival)
◊ Pics: Jay and Beyonce outside of BLT Prime
◊ More News on BluePrint 3 from Mick Boogie
◊ More RocaWear Evolution Photos
◊ Jay-Z Drawing Up A New 'Blueprint' [8.8.08]
◊ Official Vibe Covers Revealed [You can check out the article @ Jay-Z Fanboard]
◊ Article/Video: Jay meets with Mayor Bloomberg // Starts Summer Streets Program
◊ Pics: Jay and Bee Out and About
◊ Pics: Jay-Z and Beyonce leaving the Spotted Pig
◊ Pics: Jay and Bee out in NYC
◊ Jay-Z ft. on the cover of Vibe's 15th Anniversary Juice Issue
◊ Jay-Z Sounds Off on New Album, Obama, Rock Festivals: “It’s a Special Time”
◊ Pics: Jay at Wrigley’s Gum Jingles Event
◊ Pics: Jay rocks his wedding band? (leaving his Manhattan apartment)
◊ Pics: Rocawear Ads (from the Fall Campaign)
◊ Pics: Jay & Kanye Ithaca, Manchester [7/24/08]
◊ Timbaland On Producing Jay-Z's Next LP: 'It'll Be A Monster'
◊ Article: World's Greatest [The Observer]
◊ Jay-Z Covers L'uomo Vogue (Italian Vogue)
◊ Jay-Z to perform at Africa Rising Festival in Nigeria // Jay-Z Headlining Festival
◊ 2008 European Tour Photo Album
◊ Pics: O2 Wireless Festival
◊ One of the "Coolest Brothers of All Time" [Ebony Magazine]
◊ Pics: Jay & GQ Host Dinner at Berkeley Square
◊ Pics: Jay-Z at Wimbledon
◊ Jay-Z Track Hopping // Listen to Jay's "American Boy" Freestyle (partially) // Lyrics
◊ Jay-Z Interview [Time Out London]
◊ June 27th Jay will be on Friday Night w/ Jonathan Ross [UK Show]
◊ Weezy didn't understand Jay's Mr. Carter Verse (funny sh*t; I saw him talking about this on
106 last week, dude looked like he wanted to cry LOL)
◊ Jay working on new songs with Swizzy!!! [Excerpt from MTV Article]
♥ Pics: Jay and Beyonce out for lunch at Bar Pitti [6.13.08]
♥ Pics: Jay and Julez Candid // Leaving La Esquina [6.12.08] (Jay-Z carried his nephew Daniel
to the car after a walk in Central Park with Beyonce's family yesterday.)
◊ Some stuff you just got to laugh at! This is the dude we're talking about here. SMH LOL
◊ Jay-Z lands on Forbes Celebrity 100 List
------More on The Celebrity 100
◊ Pics: More Jay Candids [6.7.08]
◊ Article: 'I know I got angels watching over me' [Irish Independent News]
◊ New Jay-Z "A Billi" (Hot 97 Rip) [Zshare]
◊ Pics: New Jay-Z Candids [6.4.08]
◊ Pics: Jay-Z out in NYC [According to Paps, he was cheering b/c Barack Obama got the
Democratic Presidental Nomination :) ] [6/3/08]
◊ Hip-Hop Photographer Jonathan Mannion Talks About Classic Shoot With Jay-Z
◊ Download "Mr. Carter" Lil' Wayne ft. Jay-Z off The Carter 3
◊ Kanye, Jay-Z Prove Hip-Hop Tours Can Be Big Business
◊ Pics: Jay-Z In NYC [5/27]
◊ The Corportate Takeover of Jay-Z [Article]
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Jay-Z and Beyonce’s 40/40 Club to become new Palazzo race and sports book
Jay-Z and Beyonce’s 40/40 Club to become new Palazzo race and sports book
By Robin Leach
It's official as of less than one hour ago that Sheldon Adelson's Palazzo resort hotel casino will take back hip-hop mogul Jay Z's 40/40 sports club and ultra lounge.
Luxe Life previously reported that the Las Vegas Sands parent corporation was buying Jay-Z's rights for $40-million -- although that figure is not mentioned in this morning's news (Click here for our exclusive report two weeks ago that the transaction was underway!)
Jay Z had opened the third of his 40/40 clubs at the Palazzo just before New Year's Eve eight months ago. He will keep his Manhattan and Atlantic City clubs operating normally but will join with his Palazzo partners in their expansion and merchandising licensing opportunities elsewhere globally. Luxe Life has learned that Jay-Z himself finalized the contracts during the weekend when he and Beyonce flew into Vegas to wrap-up the megabuck deal.
“The exceptional design and location of the 40/40 Club will enable our guests to access a very special race and sports book and restaurant environment in the Palazzo,” said Rob Goldstein, president and chief operating officer of the Palazzo. “By adding a complete gaming component to an already distinctive 24,000-square-foot space we will be able to create a very unique environment for our guests.” The Palazzo will add a specialty restaurant component -- not yet named -- to the new expanded sports book lounge.
The space currently occupied by the 40/40 Club is accessible at the street level off Las Vegas Boulevard or via escalators from the main Palazzo entrance. The lower level also features the recently opened Dal Toro Italian Café and Lamborghini Showroom just below Tao's new LAVO lounge, Moroccan-Mediterranean cuisine restaurant and intimate club that opened last night.
Source
By Robin Leach
It's official as of less than one hour ago that Sheldon Adelson's Palazzo resort hotel casino will take back hip-hop mogul Jay Z's 40/40 sports club and ultra lounge.
Luxe Life previously reported that the Las Vegas Sands parent corporation was buying Jay-Z's rights for $40-million -- although that figure is not mentioned in this morning's news (Click here for our exclusive report two weeks ago that the transaction was underway!)
Jay Z had opened the third of his 40/40 clubs at the Palazzo just before New Year's Eve eight months ago. He will keep his Manhattan and Atlantic City clubs operating normally but will join with his Palazzo partners in their expansion and merchandising licensing opportunities elsewhere globally. Luxe Life has learned that Jay-Z himself finalized the contracts during the weekend when he and Beyonce flew into Vegas to wrap-up the megabuck deal.
“The exceptional design and location of the 40/40 Club will enable our guests to access a very special race and sports book and restaurant environment in the Palazzo,” said Rob Goldstein, president and chief operating officer of the Palazzo. “By adding a complete gaming component to an already distinctive 24,000-square-foot space we will be able to create a very unique environment for our guests.” The Palazzo will add a specialty restaurant component -- not yet named -- to the new expanded sports book lounge.
The space currently occupied by the 40/40 Club is accessible at the street level off Las Vegas Boulevard or via escalators from the main Palazzo entrance. The lower level also features the recently opened Dal Toro Italian Café and Lamborghini Showroom just below Tao's new LAVO lounge, Moroccan-Mediterranean cuisine restaurant and intimate club that opened last night.
Source
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Bloomberg Cites Jay-Z, Bicyclist
Bloomberg Cites Jay-Z, Bicyclist
Michael Bloomberg showed off his knowledge of rap music at an event with Jay-Z this morning to discuss the city’s plan to close some streets in Manhattan to motorists.
A reporter at the Foley Square event prefaced a question to Jay-Z by noting that one of his songs describes how his mother taught him to ride a bike at a young age, and asked if he planned to participate in the program, which starts this Saturday.
“This is from, ‘Mother I Made It’?” asked Bloomberg, referencing the little-known song "Mother I Made It," which was never released as a single or music video, from a Jay-Z album called Kingdom Come.
“Yeah, I believe so,” said Jay-Z. He went on to say he rides a bike "throughout the city,” but declined to specify where. “I don’t’ want the guys with cameras to follow me, so I’ll tell you where after,” he said.
He didn’t, but Jay-Z did pose for photographs with a number of fans, including one man who kept yelling, “Jay-Z for President!” The rapper is supporting Barack Obama and even recorded a robo-call for him that played in Ohio before the primary.
Watch Video Below:
*props to cheleny*
Michael Bloomberg showed off his knowledge of rap music at an event with Jay-Z this morning to discuss the city’s plan to close some streets in Manhattan to motorists.
A reporter at the Foley Square event prefaced a question to Jay-Z by noting that one of his songs describes how his mother taught him to ride a bike at a young age, and asked if he planned to participate in the program, which starts this Saturday.
“This is from, ‘Mother I Made It’?” asked Bloomberg, referencing the little-known song "Mother I Made It," which was never released as a single or music video, from a Jay-Z album called Kingdom Come.
“Yeah, I believe so,” said Jay-Z. He went on to say he rides a bike "throughout the city,” but declined to specify where. “I don’t’ want the guys with cameras to follow me, so I’ll tell you where after,” he said.
He didn’t, but Jay-Z did pose for photographs with a number of fans, including one man who kept yelling, “Jay-Z for President!” The rapper is supporting Barack Obama and even recorded a robo-call for him that played in Ohio before the primary.
Watch Video Below:
*props to cheleny*
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Ebony: 25 Coolest Brothers of All Time
For the first time ever, Ebony magazine presents not one, not two, but eight quintessential covers to celebrate the 25 coolest Black men of all time. Jay-Z, Barack Obama, Prince, Samuel L. Jackson, Denzel Washington, Marvin e, Muhammad Ali and Billy Dee Williams take center stage as they personify Black cool on the covers of this historic collector’s edition. From their sleek, debonair styles to their smooth-as-silk personas, these magnificent Black men have conveyed, captured, and conquered the quintessence of cool while making it appear effortless.
Friday, June 27, 2008
[Lyrics] Jay's "American Boy" Freestyle
(props to Camzellio @ BWBoard)
...Would like to extend an invitation to you
We'd like to invite you to our family jewels...
Jewelry, I mean
Cause my jewels' tourmalines be guarded by the Queen...
London bridges are falling down
Not bridges, but britches when Jigga's in town
Ladies show me your knickers
I might let you take it if you don't tell the Mrs.
Quick, run 'fore the tabloids come
Hide from the night 'fore we end up in THE SUN
I'm just takin' the piss...unless you gone DO IT!
Watch Video Here
...Would like to extend an invitation to you
We'd like to invite you to our family jewels...
Jewelry, I mean
Cause my jewels' tourmalines be guarded by the Queen...
London bridges are falling down
Not bridges, but britches when Jigga's in town
Ladies show me your knickers
I might let you take it if you don't tell the Mrs.
Quick, run 'fore the tabloids come
Hide from the night 'fore we end up in THE SUN
I'm just takin' the piss...unless you gone DO IT!
Watch Video Here
So Much More [6]
Previous Items from the Roc With Me News Post (April 4- May 27)
◊ Leaving Hotel in Monte Carlo, Monaco
◊ Jay and Bee Out and About in Cannes
◊ Pics: Armand de Brignac Party in France
◊ Beyonce and Jay-Z's Scarsdale Diet
◊ Pics: Jay-Z at NBA Draft Lottery // The Nets landed the 10th Pick in the NBA Draft.
◊ Download Usher "Best Thing" ft. Jay-Z
◊ Info on "Best Thing" w/ Usher [SOHH]
◊ Jay-Z to represent the Nets at the NBA Draft Lottery Tomorrow
◊ Jay Receives Nomination for Best Hip Hop Artist for '08 BET Awards
◊ Pics: Barclays Center Showroom Grand Opening Party [WireImage]
------No Nets Arena Yet, but Suites Are on Sale [NY Times]
◊ Pics: Jay and Beyonce @ Game 5 Celts vs. Cavs [5/14]
◊ Pic: Jay arriving at Butter Nightclub
------Pap. Video: Jay-Z & Diddy Ain't Crazy! [TMZ]
◊ Jay-Z Says 40/40 Vegas is fine [Las Vegas Review Journal]
◊ Jay-Z Responds to Glastonbury Controversy
◊ Pics: Jay-Z Afterparty at 40/40 Club [5/6/08]
◊ Jay-Z Establishes Trust Fund for Sean Bell's Children!
◊ Sources: Live Nation Clinches Jay-Z Deal
◊ Not meant to be a "diss"? (The Story Behind "Blow The Whistle")
◊ Mariah ft. Jay-Z "Bye Bye" Remix
◊ LuxeLife tries to get the goods!
◊ Jay on Mariah's "Bye Bye" Remix + Info on the Usher Track
◊ Pics: Jay & Mary at Hollywood Bowl [They stepped it up another level]
◊ Pics: Jay at Parlor Sports Bar // Katsuya w/Usher ; Article [People Magazine]
------X17 Video: [1] Katsuya -lmao at the paps singing "Love In This Club". LA Paparrazi is CRAZY!
------Jay-Z Out In Hollywood with Usher! [Hollywood TV]
♥ Pics: Jay-Z & Beyonce hit up a Rockets game in Houston
◊ Pics: Jay-Z in NYC // Watch Pap. Video
♥ People Reports: Beyonce and Jay-Z Are Married! Congrats!
♥ ET: Video of Jay arriving?
TMZ's BATTERY DIED!
Ha! Jay and Bee have the media on their Britney Spears game right now. TMZ is streaming outside of the location where Entertainment Tonight has reported that a "wedding" will take place. It's also been reported that this just might be a celebration of Jay's deal with Live Nation. Yes, I'm sitting here watching it. And yes, there's no sound. :P So far, all I've seen are black Escalades arriving and leaving.
◊ Jay-Z and Live Nation Alliance as New Model for Music Sales
◊ Pics: Jay arrives for taping of David Letterman [Show airs Friday, 4/4]
♥ Jay-Z and Beyonce take out marriage license [People Mag] I wouldn't usually post this but I get down with People, they're pretty reliable in my book. Someone pointed out this may be an April Fools joke lol...hmmm
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Jay working on new songs with Swizzy
Swizzy is also behind the new G-Unit record "Get Down" and is in the lab working on some brand-new Jay-Z songs. "I gave him the out-of-control Swizz," Beatz said of the tracks. "You'll see. Out of control! F--- — spazzin', out of control!"
Source: MTV
Source: MTV
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Hip-Hop Photographer Jonathan Mannion Talks About Classic Shoot With Jay-Z
Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt
"I spoke to Damon Dash first [about shooting the album artwork], and he goes, 'All right, cool. Nice pictures. What are you going to charge me?' And I was like, 'I'll do it for 300 less than your lowest bid.' I was talking hundreds. ... I was like, 'Just let me do what I want to do, man. My vision.' I went with Jay on the creative stuff and had a whole list of things. Then he changed his title. I don't know if it's common knowledge, but it was originally going to be called Heir to the Throne. That was a title that was tossed around. Reasonable Doubt came around, and I came back with a whole other set of ideas. They styled themselves. I told them I didn't want the whole Versace, 'Scarface,' Miami Mafia drug-running kinda thing. I wanted the New York, the Brooklyn Mafia. Little Italy surveillance, the real business."
"I spoke to Damon Dash first [about shooting the album artwork], and he goes, 'All right, cool. Nice pictures. What are you going to charge me?' And I was like, 'I'll do it for 300 less than your lowest bid.' I was talking hundreds. ... I was like, 'Just let me do what I want to do, man. My vision.' I went with Jay on the creative stuff and had a whole list of things. Then he changed his title. I don't know if it's common knowledge, but it was originally going to be called Heir to the Throne. That was a title that was tossed around. Reasonable Doubt came around, and I came back with a whole other set of ideas. They styled themselves. I told them I didn't want the whole Versace, 'Scarface,' Miami Mafia drug-running kinda thing. I wanted the New York, the Brooklyn Mafia. Little Italy surveillance, the real business."
Monday, May 19, 2008
So Much More [5]
Previous Items from Roc With Me News Post
◊ Official Heart of the City Review Thread [JZFB]
◊ Jay-Z denies excessive money demands for label
◊ Ain't I [FULL/NO DJ]
◊ Hova joins the Hove lineup!
◊ Jay Requests Hova-Free Video; Director talks about "I Know" Video
◊ Pics: Jay and Bee leaving Waverly Inn
◊ Enter to win 2 floor tickets to HOTC Tour
◊ Pics: Jay at Cavs vs. Knicks Game
◊ Jay-Z and Linkin Park to play UK Show
◊ Thrid NYC Date Added for Heart of The City Tour
◊ Pics: Jay attends 9th Annual TJ Martell Family Day
◊ Movado ft. Jay-Z "On The Rock"(Rmx)
◊ NO TAG: Rick Ross ft. Jay-Z: Maybach Music [from Ross' new album Trilla]
◊ New Heart of The City Pre-Sale Dates/Info Added
◊ Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige sell out in several cities
◊ Official Heart of the City Review Thread [JZFB]
◊ Jay-Z denies excessive money demands for label
◊ Ain't I [FULL/NO DJ]
◊ Hova joins the Hove lineup!
◊ Jay Requests Hova-Free Video; Director talks about "I Know" Video
◊ Pics: Jay and Bee leaving Waverly Inn
◊ Enter to win 2 floor tickets to HOTC Tour
◊ Pics: Jay at Cavs vs. Knicks Game
◊ Jay-Z and Linkin Park to play UK Show
◊ Thrid NYC Date Added for Heart of The City Tour
◊ Pics: Jay attends 9th Annual TJ Martell Family Day
◊ Movado ft. Jay-Z "On The Rock"(Rmx)
◊ NO TAG: Rick Ross ft. Jay-Z: Maybach Music [from Ross' new album Trilla]
◊ New Heart of The City Pre-Sale Dates/Info Added
◊ Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige sell out in several cities
Info on Best Thing w/Usher
SOHH recently reviewed Usher's album. Below is their review of "Best Thing" ft. Jay-Z. The version without Jay-Z has leaked. Listen to it here.
10. "Best Thing" ft. Jay-Z (prod by. Jermaine Dupri) - Jay does his thing as expected - it's kinda funny to hear lines like "wrapped around our girls like pashminas" but I like the lyric "If I couldn't give a f.uck, how could I give a finger." Usher name drops real exes in this one - Eisha, Naomi, Chilli telling Tameka how when she left she took "the best thing" that ever happened to him.
10. "Best Thing" ft. Jay-Z (prod by. Jermaine Dupri) - Jay does his thing as expected - it's kinda funny to hear lines like "wrapped around our girls like pashminas" but I like the lyric "If I couldn't give a f.uck, how could I give a finger." Usher name drops real exes in this one - Eisha, Naomi, Chilli telling Tameka how when she left she took "the best thing" that ever happened to him.
Friday, April 11, 2008
People Magazine [Bee and Jay's Secret Wedding]
So People gave their wedding the main cover story. So did Us Weekly. They have a little picture box on Star, InTouch, and OK! (I think). Since Star = Lame, InTouch = Extra Lame, OK = Umm...Semi-lame, I read those in the store. I actually purchased People because they're more credible in my book. 8-) I haven't bought a People Issue since I had a crush on Kobe Bryant #giggle#
I'll just list some things you might not have heard and that I thought were :-*. (Not saying it's all true but there was nothing that I > ::) at while reading it. lol)
The weekend before their wedding Jay's assisstant (?) Robin Broughton got married in Philly. Remember "Robin the bank"...listen to "My First Song". I've heard the name a couple of times and I have always wondered who the hell that was...must be him/her. His/Her wedding designer said they seemed "very much a couple in love, held hands and were all smiles" at Robin's wedding.
"The wedding was intimate, very emotional-lots of crying and really spirtual". UsWeekly said it was emotional too, her family was very emotional. So, I'm buying that. I can see that anyway especially with Bee. :'(
No maid of honor, no best man. Now, I believe this too. Some months ago I watched a Kelly video, it was a radio interview. I believe the interviewer asked her something about Jay and Beyonce and being a bridesmaid in their wedding and Kelly said "I don't think Beyonce will want bridesmaids...she'll just want to go and get it over it"...The last part I can't remember exactly what she said but I specifically remember her saying that about Beyonce not wanting bridesmaids. Kelly spills it all #giggle#
Bee looked beautiful in her wedding gown (voluminous white gown)
I'm sure you've heard everything about the orchids (70,000), it looked like a "palace, really pure, white wedding." In Us they said something about there were flowers hanging down from chandeliers and over the walls.
About the first dance: "There was a first dance, it was extremely emotional and beautifully orchestrated." They didn't say what the song was in People, but in USWeekly it was "September" by Earth, Wind, & Fire.
Seriously, I think June Ambrose was one of the sources lol. There is a quote in their about the wedding being "beautiful, gorgeous, opulent." That sh!t sound so much like June Ambrose to me. #laugh#
And then there was some rather nice stuff from a "friend" saying they were soulmates and why they click. "Jay is mature and quiet". Beyonce is a very gentle person. He takes good care of her, guides her but he's not overbearing about it."
Russell Simmons commented on how fantastic and exciting it was that they married.
And there was some interesting stuff about the number four from a numberologist. It said that four is a commitement number and "a '4' day is about a relationship being solid". And even 2002 (they year they started dating) = 4 and September and December are 4 months apart. ;)
I don't know if it was Star or InTouch...I think it was InTouch cause they're FOS. They made up some stuff about them getting married on the fourth had nothing to do with their bdays. A "friend" told them this. They picked the date to honor Martin Luther King's assasination. Umm...no! lol One of them seem like like they got their ish straight from Mediatakeout...Popeye's chicken. #dry#
I'll just list some things you might not have heard and that I thought were :-*. (Not saying it's all true but there was nothing that I > ::) at while reading it. lol)
The weekend before their wedding Jay's assisstant (?) Robin Broughton got married in Philly. Remember "Robin the bank"...listen to "My First Song". I've heard the name a couple of times and I have always wondered who the hell that was...must be him/her. His/Her wedding designer said they seemed "very much a couple in love, held hands and were all smiles" at Robin's wedding.
"The wedding was intimate, very emotional-lots of crying and really spirtual". UsWeekly said it was emotional too, her family was very emotional. So, I'm buying that. I can see that anyway especially with Bee. :'(
No maid of honor, no best man. Now, I believe this too. Some months ago I watched a Kelly video, it was a radio interview. I believe the interviewer asked her something about Jay and Beyonce and being a bridesmaid in their wedding and Kelly said "I don't think Beyonce will want bridesmaids...she'll just want to go and get it over it"...The last part I can't remember exactly what she said but I specifically remember her saying that about Beyonce not wanting bridesmaids. Kelly spills it all #giggle#
Bee looked beautiful in her wedding gown (voluminous white gown)
I'm sure you've heard everything about the orchids (70,000), it looked like a "palace, really pure, white wedding." In Us they said something about there were flowers hanging down from chandeliers and over the walls.
About the first dance: "There was a first dance, it was extremely emotional and beautifully orchestrated." They didn't say what the song was in People, but in USWeekly it was "September" by Earth, Wind, & Fire.
Seriously, I think June Ambrose was one of the sources lol. There is a quote in their about the wedding being "beautiful, gorgeous, opulent." That sh!t sound so much like June Ambrose to me. #laugh#
And then there was some rather nice stuff from a "friend" saying they were soulmates and why they click. "Jay is mature and quiet". Beyonce is a very gentle person. He takes good care of her, guides her but he's not overbearing about it."
Russell Simmons commented on how fantastic and exciting it was that they married.
And there was some interesting stuff about the number four from a numberologist. It said that four is a commitement number and "a '4' day is about a relationship being solid". And even 2002 (they year they started dating) = 4 and September and December are 4 months apart. ;)
I don't know if it was Star or InTouch...I think it was InTouch cause they're FOS. They made up some stuff about them getting married on the fourth had nothing to do with their bdays. A "friend" told them this. They picked the date to honor Martin Luther King's assasination. Umm...no! lol One of them seem like like they got their ish straight from Mediatakeout...Popeye's chicken. #dry#
Friday, April 04, 2008
So Much More [4]
Items moved from Roc With Me News Post (April 4)
◊ Pics: Jay-Z and Beyonce leaving Bar Pitti
◊ Pics: 2nd Annual Two Kings Dinner in New Orleans (more added)
------Check Wireimage
◊ Pics: Jay-Z Hosts GQ Party at 40/40 Club (2/12/08)
◊ "I Know" continues to climb up R&B/Hip Hop Songs Chart
◊ Jay-Z Insists There's No Bad Blood Between Him And L.A. Reid: 'Everything Is Sweet'; Hov also dishes on his future endeavors: 'I got so many different options.'
◊ Jay-Z & Lebron James Host 2nd Annual Two Kings Dinner in New Orleans
◊ Heart of the City Tour: Jay-Z Fan Community (Presale Tickets Available NOW)
◊ A New Venture for Jay-Z, on Madison Avenue
◊ Jay among Top Earning African American Stars
◊ Jay-Z & Mary J. Blige going on Tour!! View dates! ◊ Fans react to Jay-Z Glastonbury headline announcement
------I had a feeling that was gonna happen even though I know nothing about Glastonbury? Sounds like the type of festival that somebody would be mad that the rapper guy is headlining. I'm just saying.
◊ Jay-Z still chills without Cristal
◊ Fan Pic: Jay @ UFC 81 in Vegas [2/2]; Jay at Rick Ross Bday Party in Miami (Jan. 28)
◊ Jay hosting Superbowl Party in Vegas?
(Jan 2008)
◊ Jay-Z Confirmed to headline Glastonbury Music Festival
◊ New Jay-Z Song Leaks -- Is Blueprint 3 In The Works? [MTV]
◊ NEW Jay-Z: "Ain't I" (From DJ Clue's new mixtape "I AM LEGEND") ;
------ LYRICS
◊ The entire Rocafella Roster did not get dropped! [Billboard]
------Wtf was peedi talking about? He losing it! lmao
◊ Next Video: "I Know" (According to Video Static, Philip Andelman is booked to shoot the video; I think it might be shot in the next couple of days or so, if it hasn't already.)
◊ Jay-Z Coming Out On Top In Latest Rap Battle: Playing Connect Four
◊ Supposed Reference Track for Tru Life recorded by Jay-Z
◊ Tidbit: Jay-Z and Beyonce Celebrate Cav's Larry Hughes Bday (South Beach)
♥ Scan: Ebony Magazine: Feb. 2008 (10 Hottest Couples)
Monday, March 10, 2008
Jay-Z Requests Hova-Free Video
Jay-Z Requests Hova-Free Video
"She wants those heroin tracks," Jay-Z raps on "I Know" — and Pharrell Williams provided Jay with just that addictive of a beat.
"To me, that song sounded like heroin," Jay told us of the record. "That's what it sounded like to me. It sounded like somebody like Miles Davis was in a jazz club just high out his mind, just going off playing some of the most amazing freestyle music you ever heard. That's what it felt like. That's what happens with drugs. They don't pound you like that; they talk to you sweet. And that's the allure of it, and it pulls you in, and that's what was happening. The lyrics were harmless. It's like a love song, and so it was pulling you in. Pulling you in further and further until you've realized, now you're addicted to this drug. So that was the method behind why it sounds so sweet."
For the video, Hov pulled an "I Am Legend" but in reverse. While the producer of Will Smith's recent mega-hit film relied on him to carry the movie on his back, mostly without any human interaction, Jigga's latest video is propelled by the fact that Jay isn't in the clip at all. Hov recruited director Philip Andelman to carry out his vision. According to the lensman, the rap giant was a fan of his work on Lenny Kravitz's "Where Are We Running." And since Hov wouldn't be appearing in the clip himself, Andelman and company cast Kravitz's daughter, Zoe, to be the lead — but not after wracking his brain figuring out who would want to see a Jay-Z video without Jay-Z.
"At first, I thought it was going to be really challenging, because it was just daunting — the thought of holding your attention for three and a half minutes without Jay, because he's a huge presence normally," Andelman told us. "[But] from the get-go, Jay said it would be a distraction if he was in it. And I think he was really right. It winded up allowing us to tell a story."
The video is a series of scenes featuring Kravitz. Among them is a courtship with a young man; her walking aimlessly in lower Manhattan; and a club scene toward the end of the clip. For the most part, the images are dark, save for a few imposed special effects to light up the screen.
"I was just going off the beat of the song. It kind of sparkled. There's something light and airy about it," Andelman said. "But then there's this dark side of the song.
"It's like a Rubik's Cube on ecstasy," the director added. "I know it's bad to push the drug metaphor, but it's kind of funny. Zoe Kravitz is the girl in it, but we wanted to make it ambiguous as to whether it's one girl or four girls. No one can be 100 percent sure of what's going on [in the video]. They all have their own interpretations. And that's what makes it fun to me. It's like a riddle, and there's no right answer or wrong answers. It's like a three-and-a-half-minute head trip." ...
Mixtape Monday
"She wants those heroin tracks," Jay-Z raps on "I Know" — and Pharrell Williams provided Jay with just that addictive of a beat.
"To me, that song sounded like heroin," Jay told us of the record. "That's what it sounded like to me. It sounded like somebody like Miles Davis was in a jazz club just high out his mind, just going off playing some of the most amazing freestyle music you ever heard. That's what it felt like. That's what happens with drugs. They don't pound you like that; they talk to you sweet. And that's the allure of it, and it pulls you in, and that's what was happening. The lyrics were harmless. It's like a love song, and so it was pulling you in. Pulling you in further and further until you've realized, now you're addicted to this drug. So that was the method behind why it sounds so sweet."
For the video, Hov pulled an "I Am Legend" but in reverse. While the producer of Will Smith's recent mega-hit film relied on him to carry the movie on his back, mostly without any human interaction, Jigga's latest video is propelled by the fact that Jay isn't in the clip at all. Hov recruited director Philip Andelman to carry out his vision. According to the lensman, the rap giant was a fan of his work on Lenny Kravitz's "Where Are We Running." And since Hov wouldn't be appearing in the clip himself, Andelman and company cast Kravitz's daughter, Zoe, to be the lead — but not after wracking his brain figuring out who would want to see a Jay-Z video without Jay-Z.
"At first, I thought it was going to be really challenging, because it was just daunting — the thought of holding your attention for three and a half minutes without Jay, because he's a huge presence normally," Andelman told us. "[But] from the get-go, Jay said it would be a distraction if he was in it. And I think he was really right. It winded up allowing us to tell a story."
The video is a series of scenes featuring Kravitz. Among them is a courtship with a young man; her walking aimlessly in lower Manhattan; and a club scene toward the end of the clip. For the most part, the images are dark, save for a few imposed special effects to light up the screen.
"I was just going off the beat of the song. It kind of sparkled. There's something light and airy about it," Andelman said. "But then there's this dark side of the song.
"It's like a Rubik's Cube on ecstasy," the director added. "I know it's bad to push the drug metaphor, but it's kind of funny. Zoe Kravitz is the girl in it, but we wanted to make it ambiguous as to whether it's one girl or four girls. No one can be 100 percent sure of what's going on [in the video]. They all have their own interpretations. And that's what makes it fun to me. It's like a riddle, and there's no right answer or wrong answers. It's like a three-and-a-half-minute head trip." ...
Mixtape Monday
Friday, February 22, 2008
So Much More [3]
Taken from the Roc With Me News Post:
◊ Pics: Jay catches Ne-Yo show in Times Square
◊ Pics: At Emporio Armani Fashion Show (more, bigger ones later)
---Fall/Winter 2008/09 men's collections during Milan Fashion Week January 13
◊ Listen/Download DJ Green Lantern Sweet Remix [via RealTalkNy]
♥ Pics: Jay and Bee check out Versace Fashion Show in Milan [1/12/08]
------via BeyonceWorld
◊ Pics: Jay-Z Out in NYC [1/10/08]
♥ Pics: Out and About in Manhattan
♥ Pics: Jay-Z and Beyonce check out Sonics vs. Nets Game
◊ "I Know": Bubbling Under Hip Hop/R&B Singles [Billboard]
----Week of Jan. 19: #11
◊ Jay-Z: The End Or The Begininng? [Pt. 2] Hip Hop DX
◊ Jay-Z: The Prelude Pt. 1 [Hip Hop DX]
◊ Jay starting a record label with Apple ? (Some say yes, some say no)
◊ The Show [YN Review of Jay-Z @ The Pearl]
◊ Jay-Z Steps down as Def Jam President // *I was so hoping he would.
◊ Vegas Details [Luxe Life]
♥ Pics: Jay-Z and Beyonce enjoy Nets vs. Cavs game
◊ [PART 1] Jay-Z Talks Exit Rumors, Grammys, 360 Deals
◊ [PART 2] Jay-Z Talks Exit Rumors, Grammys, 360 Deals
◊ American Gangster reaches Platinum status! [Billboard Chart]
◊ Rolling Stones: The 100 Best Songs of 2007
◊ Jay-Z Closes $66 Million New York City Real Estate Deal
◊ Change The Game [Excerpts: Stop Smiling Magazine]
◊ Checking in With Jay-Z [Exclusive: The artist and Def Jam prez on his label's 26 Grammy nods and his ongoing contract]
◊ Jay-Z to perform at The Pearl in Las Vegas on December 29
------Tickets go on sale Sat. December 15 [Ticketmaster]
◊ Jay-Z Recieves 5 Grammy Nominations! Full list of nominations.
---Best Rap Album (KC), Best Rap Sung (SMWG) , *Best Rap Sung Collaboration, *Record of the Year, *Song of the Year [*Umbrella]
♥ Jay-Z Celebrates Birthday with Beyoncé in Paris [People Mag]
------Pics (leaving hotel or restaurant ?) Pap. Video (leaving Crazy Horse Cabaret)
◊ Video: Jay joins Kanye on stage in Manchester, UK [Part 1] [Part 2]
◊ [PT. 4] Jay-Z, Behind The Rhymes: Hov Explains How To Make An LP 'Tell A Great Story With The Music'
◊ DL: R.O.C All-Stars: The Street Leek / Tracklisting [via Nahright]
◊ [PT. 3] Jay-Z, Behind The Rhymes: Hov Recalls Lyrical Showdown With Biggie
♥ Pics: Jay and Bee leaving The Spotted Pig *I believe Hov has stake in this restaurant.
◊ American Gangster pushes 87k this week.
◊ [PT. 2 ] Jay-Z, Behind The Rhymes: Hidden Britney Spears Reference Is Just One Trick Of Hov's Trade
◊ [PT. 1] Jay-Z Talks Lyric-Writing Process
◊ Rolling Stone Scans [credit to samedifference]
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Jay-Z Video Premiere on TRL Next Week
Girls Rule as TRL Kicks Off 'Spankin' New Ladies Week' February 25th-28th at 3:30-4:40pm (ET/PT)
Live Performances by Janet Jackson, Jordin Sparks, Taylor Swift, Sara Bareilles and Special Appearances by Ashlee Simpson, Ashanti and More...'Spankin' New Ladies Week' To Feature Jay-Z Video Premiere, First Look Videos From Ashanti, Kid Sister, Teyana Taylor, Kate Nash and a Sneak Peak From Snoop Dogg
NEW YORK, Feb. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- MTV's Spankin' New Music Week is back! TRL will bring music fans "Spankin' New Ladies Week" beginning Monday, February 25th and join hosts Damien Fahey and Lyndsey Rodrigues as they celebrate the year's best female artists with live performances and behind-the-scenes first looks at new music videos from all your favorite artists. TRL airs Monday through Thursday from 3:30-4:30PM (ET/PT).
Source: PR Newswire
Live Performances by Janet Jackson, Jordin Sparks, Taylor Swift, Sara Bareilles and Special Appearances by Ashlee Simpson, Ashanti and More...'Spankin' New Ladies Week' To Feature Jay-Z Video Premiere, First Look Videos From Ashanti, Kid Sister, Teyana Taylor, Kate Nash and a Sneak Peak From Snoop Dogg
NEW YORK, Feb. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- MTV's Spankin' New Music Week is back! TRL will bring music fans "Spankin' New Ladies Week" beginning Monday, February 25th and join hosts Damien Fahey and Lyndsey Rodrigues as they celebrate the year's best female artists with live performances and behind-the-scenes first looks at new music videos from all your favorite artists. TRL airs Monday through Thursday from 3:30-4:30PM (ET/PT).
Source: PR Newswire
Monday, February 04, 2008
Jay-Z still chills without Cristal
Music mogul Jay-Z's war with a French champagne giant continues to bubble.
A year and a half after Jay-Z called for a boycott of Cristal, the luxury brand produced by maker Louis Roederer, "I guarantee they got what they wanted," he said.
The rap megastar told Vegas Confidential on Sunday that Cristal's business in the rap and hip-hop community "is definitely not where it was. Drastically. They really don't want our business."
Cristal, which has a cult following in the celebrity world, sells for $700 to $1,000 at many clubs in Las Vegas.
Stung by what he considered racism, Jay-Z has replaced Cristal in his three upscale 40/40 Clubs with Armand de Brignac's Ace of Spades, Dom Pérignon and Krug.
Jay-Z, who was in town to watch the Super Bowl at 40/40 Las Vegas with his girlfriend Beyoncé, called for the boycott in June 2006 after Roederer's new managing director, Frédéric Rouzaud, told a British magazine, The Economist, that Cristal's popularity in the hip-hop community brought "unwelcome attention."
Rouzaud said the champagne producer viewed Cristal's association with rap "with curiosity and serenity."
When the newspaper asked whether he thought the association would harm the brand, he replied, 'that's a good question, but what can we do? We can't forbid people from buying it. I'm sure Dom Pérignon or Krug would be delighted to have their business."
Las Vegas Review Journal
A year and a half after Jay-Z called for a boycott of Cristal, the luxury brand produced by maker Louis Roederer, "I guarantee they got what they wanted," he said.
The rap megastar told Vegas Confidential on Sunday that Cristal's business in the rap and hip-hop community "is definitely not where it was. Drastically. They really don't want our business."
Cristal, which has a cult following in the celebrity world, sells for $700 to $1,000 at many clubs in Las Vegas.
Stung by what he considered racism, Jay-Z has replaced Cristal in his three upscale 40/40 Clubs with Armand de Brignac's Ace of Spades, Dom Pérignon and Krug.
Jay-Z, who was in town to watch the Super Bowl at 40/40 Las Vegas with his girlfriend Beyoncé, called for the boycott in June 2006 after Roederer's new managing director, Frédéric Rouzaud, told a British magazine, The Economist, that Cristal's popularity in the hip-hop community brought "unwelcome attention."
Rouzaud said the champagne producer viewed Cristal's association with rap "with curiosity and serenity."
When the newspaper asked whether he thought the association would harm the brand, he replied, 'that's a good question, but what can we do? We can't forbid people from buying it. I'm sure Dom Pérignon or Krug would be delighted to have their business."
Las Vegas Review Journal
Thursday, January 31, 2008
"Ain't I" Lyrics
According to Entertainment Weekly, "Ain't I" was reportedly recorded for Timbaland's "Shock Value" album but didn't make the cut. The song is currently featured on DJ Clue's new mixtape "Dj Clue Desert Storm Radio 8 I am Legend", available here.
Lyrics Transcribed by Samedifference:
Ain't I
Ain't i?
I'm a
I'm a
I'm a
I'm a Hustler's hustler
A gangsta's gangsta
I'm a rapper's rapper
Your favorite, ain't i?
Ain't i
Ain't i
Ain't i
Ain't I
I'm a Hustler's hustler
A gangsta's gangsta
I'm a rapper's rapper
Your favorite, ain't i?
Ain't i
Ain't i
Ain't I
Ain't I
I'm still winning
And i'm nowhere near finished
Its just the first inning and i'm gunnin' for the pennant
And i been this
God made me, ya'll hate me
Ya'll athiests, ya'll safety is at risk
Its the return of the messiah, one and only Hov
No, i ain't God, but i been made in his mold
So when the story is told, let it be said
I refused to fold, i only fold bread
I stood for the peasants, i owed no debt
I represent the hood til' my dying breath
I took a pay cut to become an Exec
So the next muthaf*cka can earn his paycheck
And even though these niggas talk greasy bout me
Ask these niggas how they gone eat without me?
Ask these niggas if they want (?) involved
Even if they don't like me, they respect the God
I'm a Hustler's hustler
A gangsta's gangsta
I'm a rapper's rapper
Your favorite, ain't i?
Ain't i
Ain't i
Ain't i
I'm a Hustler's hustler
A gangsta's gangsta
I'm a rapper's rapper
Your favorite, ain't i?
Ain't i
Ain't i
Ain't i
Ain't i?
I'm hustler's poster child
I'm 'posed to style
I ain't got nothin' to prove
I'm 'posed to smile
I ain't insecure
Invested in a piece of Carol's Daughter
I'm in Sephora
Your bricks are insignificant to him
He's a grown man, you're an infant to him
I'm takin' baby Monday to Berg's, Ha!
I spent that on furniture!
Warhols on my hall's wall
I got Basquiats in the lobby of my spot
I'm so sophisticatedly hood
S. Carter cash, man, premium goods
Thousand dollars for the sneaks
Timbo on the track, 250 for the beat
G4 back and forth, til my flow cease
I spent a couple mil just to lose to The Heat
I'm a Hustler's hustler
A gangsta's gangsta
I'm a rapper's rapper
Your favorite, ain't i?
Ain't i
Ain't i
Ain't i
I'm a Hustler's hustler
A gangsta's gangsta
I'm a rapper's rapper
Your favorite, ain't i?
Ain't i
Ain't i
Ain't i
Anything you aspire to acquire, i got
Any gun you say you fired, I shot
Any type of path, but now you eyeing my cellar
I guess its saying that's how i started Roc-a-Fella
Feds all fed up, D. E. A.
Can't tell the dirty money from a Rocawear sweater
And i'm never ever
Going back, back
Oh never that, oh, never that
And i'm never ever
Going back, back
Oh never that, oh, never that
And i'm never ever
Going back, back
Oh never that, oh, never that
And i'm never ever
Going back, back
Oh never that, oh, never that
And i'm never ever
Going back, back
Oh never that, oh, never that
And i'm never ever
Going back, back
Oh never that, oh, never that
And i'm never ever
Going back, back
Oh never that, oh, never that
And i'm never ever
Going back, back
Oh never that
Whoever rat, he be doing it for practice, nigga
I'm in a 12-step program
I ain't touched drugs so long, i'm a sober man
I'm clean as a whistle, the fish all got away
I'm the king of all kings, its official
Uh, i'm a hustler's hustler
A gangsta's gangsta
I'm a rapper's rapper
You're favorite, ain't i?
Ain't i?
Ain't i?
Ain't i?
Well, ain't i?
I'm a hustler's hustler
A gangsta's gangsta
I'm a rapper's rapper
You're favorite, ain't i?
Ain't i?
Ain't i?
Ain't i?
Well, ain't i?
Lyrics Transcribed by Samedifference:
Ain't I
Ain't i?
I'm a
I'm a
I'm a
I'm a Hustler's hustler
A gangsta's gangsta
I'm a rapper's rapper
Your favorite, ain't i?
Ain't i
Ain't i
Ain't i
Ain't I
I'm a Hustler's hustler
A gangsta's gangsta
I'm a rapper's rapper
Your favorite, ain't i?
Ain't i
Ain't i
Ain't I
Ain't I
I'm still winning
And i'm nowhere near finished
Its just the first inning and i'm gunnin' for the pennant
And i been this
God made me, ya'll hate me
Ya'll athiests, ya'll safety is at risk
Its the return of the messiah, one and only Hov
No, i ain't God, but i been made in his mold
So when the story is told, let it be said
I refused to fold, i only fold bread
I stood for the peasants, i owed no debt
I represent the hood til' my dying breath
I took a pay cut to become an Exec
So the next muthaf*cka can earn his paycheck
And even though these niggas talk greasy bout me
Ask these niggas how they gone eat without me?
Ask these niggas if they want (?) involved
Even if they don't like me, they respect the God
I'm a Hustler's hustler
A gangsta's gangsta
I'm a rapper's rapper
Your favorite, ain't i?
Ain't i
Ain't i
Ain't i
I'm a Hustler's hustler
A gangsta's gangsta
I'm a rapper's rapper
Your favorite, ain't i?
Ain't i
Ain't i
Ain't i
Ain't i?
I'm hustler's poster child
I'm 'posed to style
I ain't got nothin' to prove
I'm 'posed to smile
I ain't insecure
Invested in a piece of Carol's Daughter
I'm in Sephora
Your bricks are insignificant to him
He's a grown man, you're an infant to him
I'm takin' baby Monday to Berg's, Ha!
I spent that on furniture!
Warhols on my hall's wall
I got Basquiats in the lobby of my spot
I'm so sophisticatedly hood
S. Carter cash, man, premium goods
Thousand dollars for the sneaks
Timbo on the track, 250 for the beat
G4 back and forth, til my flow cease
I spent a couple mil just to lose to The Heat
I'm a Hustler's hustler
A gangsta's gangsta
I'm a rapper's rapper
Your favorite, ain't i?
Ain't i
Ain't i
Ain't i
I'm a Hustler's hustler
A gangsta's gangsta
I'm a rapper's rapper
Your favorite, ain't i?
Ain't i
Ain't i
Ain't i
Anything you aspire to acquire, i got
Any gun you say you fired, I shot
Any type of path, but now you eyeing my cellar
I guess its saying that's how i started Roc-a-Fella
Feds all fed up, D. E. A.
Can't tell the dirty money from a Rocawear sweater
And i'm never ever
Going back, back
Oh never that, oh, never that
And i'm never ever
Going back, back
Oh never that, oh, never that
And i'm never ever
Going back, back
Oh never that, oh, never that
And i'm never ever
Going back, back
Oh never that, oh, never that
And i'm never ever
Going back, back
Oh never that, oh, never that
And i'm never ever
Going back, back
Oh never that, oh, never that
And i'm never ever
Going back, back
Oh never that, oh, never that
And i'm never ever
Going back, back
Oh never that
Whoever rat, he be doing it for practice, nigga
I'm in a 12-step program
I ain't touched drugs so long, i'm a sober man
I'm clean as a whistle, the fish all got away
I'm the king of all kings, its official
Uh, i'm a hustler's hustler
A gangsta's gangsta
I'm a rapper's rapper
You're favorite, ain't i?
Ain't i?
Ain't i?
Ain't i?
Well, ain't i?
I'm a hustler's hustler
A gangsta's gangsta
I'm a rapper's rapper
You're favorite, ain't i?
Ain't i?
Ain't i?
Ain't i?
Well, ain't i?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
So Much More [2 ]
Previous Items from Roc With Me News Post (In Jay-Z News). Most of these items are from announcement of the release to late November.
◊ Jay to be featured on Celebrity Exposé: Rap Superstars
------- airs Tonight on MNTV @ 9 PM ET.
◊ Beanie Sigel ft. Jay-Z "Gutted" [The Solution in stores December 11]
◊ FULL Dead Presidents 3 [Zshare] DROPLESS EDIT via NahRight
◊ Davey D: When rapper Jay-Z talks about euros, people listen
------ Forbes Article
◊ Jay-Z and Beyonce attend Dr. Donda West's Funeral
------[ET Video] [Pics @ Corner of Beyonce]
◊ American Gangster pushes 131k this week. [Billboard]
------A little piece about Jay, Elvis, The Beatles
◊ A Good Album is More than Just a Collection of Singles (Article by Jermaine Dupri)
◊ "American Gangster" a cappella version to be released on December 4
◊ Jay-Z Wins Water Campaign Award
◊ AllHipHop speaks with Young Mel (Jay's nephew)
◊ Jay-Z Toasts American Gangster with Diddy, Nas [MTV]
◊ Jay-Z Teams With MSN To Air NYC Concert For Free [Hammerstein Ballroom]
◊ Jay-Z, Nas, and LeBron James Walk Into the Apollo [NY Mag]
------Pics @ Flickr (bigger), FilmMagic: Backstage Pics ~ Onstage
◊ And The Winner Is...Hov has the #1 album this week, his 10th #1 album. This ties him with Elvis for second place among artists with most #1's. Congrats!
◊ Jay-Z: The Rolling Stone Interview [Excerpt]
◊ I don't need no f*cking hook on this sh*t! [Mixtape Monday]
◊ R.I.P. to Donda West [Kanye's mom; God Bless!]
◊ Playing Young Hov // [After the Video]
◊ The Cat Who Got the Cream [Guardian UK]
◊ SIRIUS Satellite Radio to Broadcast Exclusive JAY-Z Concert from Current Tour
◊ Jay-Z — With Beanie, Diddy And J.D. — Rocks Hollywood At Tour Kickoff [MTV]
◊ 10th #1 Album On The Way!
◊ Scion, LLC Announces Acquisition of Artful Dodger Brand
◊ Tune in on Friday 11/9 to watch Jay on 106 & Park in Brooklyn!
◊ Come on Baby Rmx Saigon ft. Jay-Z
◊ Better Recognize [Sean C and LV (from The Hitmen) XXL Interview]
◊ Jay-Z Finds Himself at the Movies [New York Times]
◊ On and On: The Jigga Opinion [XXL]
◊ DJ Toomp talks about working on American Gangster [XXL]
◊ "Jay-Z Nation" to premiere on November 5th at 5 pm ET [SIRIUS Satellite Radio]
◊ Jay-Z's hard truths [LA Times]
◊ Da Roc Boys [XXL]
◊ How Jay-Z helped No I.D. find his groove [Entertainment Weekly]
◊ No ID [XXL Interview] // Jermaine Dupri [XXL Interview]
◊ New York Giants (Diddy on his involvement w/ A.G.) [XXL]
◊ XXL Analyze This: Ignorant Shit
◊ Tune in to see Jay-Z on the Late Show w/ David Lettermen Friday Nov. 2
◊ Jay-Z’s American Gangster Tour Sells Out in Under A Minute
◊ The Return of the Real King [Entertainment Weekly]
◊ Jay-Z, Lil Wayne Talk About Their First Joint Together; Jay Goes All American At NYC Gig
*sigh* *goes in corner and sheds a tear*
◊ Behind the Scenes: Jay-Z's 'American Gangster' CD cover shoot
◊ Jay-Z Wants to Tell You A Story [tapes VH1's Storytellers] Airs Nov. 8
----Pics at Filmmagic ; Beyonce Cheers Jay-Z
◊ Nas Reveals 'Crazy Joint' With Jay-Z
◊ Exclusive: Jay-Z Launches 'American Gangster Live' Tour
◊ XXL Article Preview: Jay-Z: I'll Still Kill (Part 2)
◊ Pics: Jay at American Gangster Premiere
◊ XXL Article Preview: Jay-Z: I'll Still Kill (Part 1)
◊ Pics: Jay at Neyo's Bday Party [10/17]
◊ XXL Cover [December Issue]
◊ Rolling Stone Article
◊ Diddy on working with Jay-Z again
◊ "Blue Magic" Hot Shot Debut on Billboard Hot 100
◊ Jay-Z Gangster Musings 2.0 [Interview w/All Hip Hop]
♠ Dead Presidents 3 (Snippet) via Nahright
♠ First Listen: Jay-Z's American Gangster [Blender Preview] Yes, another one!
♠ Jay-Z's American Gangster: A Guided Tour [MTV]
♠ Jay-Z: Manifest Destiny (The American Gangster Story) [All Hip Hop]
♠ Nah Right Preview
♠ American Gangster Preview [Vibe]
♠ In the studio: Jay-Z's 'American Gangster' [Entertainment Weekly Preview]
♥ Jay-Z and Beyonce leaving Bar Pitti [Watch Here]
♠ Uncontrollable Hustler’s Ambition [XXL Album Preview]
♠ JD on Jay-Z [from November issue of Vibe]
♠ Gangster Boogie [Michael Gonzales' American Gangster preview]
♠ Let That Bitch Breathe (I like that title ha) [YN, XXL Editor, speaks on American Gangster; cover coming soon]
♠ Preorder 'American Gangster' on Itunes! The tracklisting is not official.
♠ VH1 Classic Album: Reasonable Doubt airs Oct. 3 on VH1! Click HERE for more details.
♠ Jay and Just Blaze took over at 40/40 (Saturday night)! [Just's Recap]
♠ 'Blue Magic' best debut by a rap single this year!
◊ Can't Tell Me Nothing (Rocafella Rmx) Kanye ft. Beanie Sigel, Freeway [via Nahright]
◊ It's Official. Reasonable Doubt Classic Album DVD in stores October 30.
I'd like the concert too Hov, but I guess I'll have to wait another 10 years. lol
◊ American Gangster Album Cover??
◊Timbaland Helps Jay-Z with follow-up single?
◊ Pics from 'Blue Magic' Video Shoot / click here instead
◊Is Jay-Z the 'American Gangster'?
◊ Jay-Z and Rocawear Vying for Name-Rights to New Jersey Nets’ Arena
♥ Candids: Jay-Z and Beyonce in Soho
◊ For Jay-Z, Inspiration Arrives in a Movie!
-------A concept album (love the idea) and plus I love Denzel movies! American Gangster
Trailer
◊ New Jay Album Info!
◊ Inside Roc The Mic Studios -----Website Coming soon!
◊ Jay to be featured on Celebrity Exposé: Rap Superstars
------- airs Tonight on MNTV @ 9 PM ET.
◊ Beanie Sigel ft. Jay-Z "Gutted" [The Solution in stores December 11]
◊ FULL Dead Presidents 3 [Zshare] DROPLESS EDIT via NahRight
◊ Davey D: When rapper Jay-Z talks about euros, people listen
------ Forbes Article
◊ Jay-Z and Beyonce attend Dr. Donda West's Funeral
------[ET Video] [Pics @ Corner of Beyonce]
◊ American Gangster pushes 131k this week. [Billboard]
------A little piece about Jay, Elvis, The Beatles
◊ A Good Album is More than Just a Collection of Singles (Article by Jermaine Dupri)
◊ "American Gangster" a cappella version to be released on December 4
◊ Jay-Z Wins Water Campaign Award
◊ AllHipHop speaks with Young Mel (Jay's nephew)
◊ Jay-Z Toasts American Gangster with Diddy, Nas [MTV]
◊ Jay-Z Teams With MSN To Air NYC Concert For Free [Hammerstein Ballroom]
◊ Jay-Z, Nas, and LeBron James Walk Into the Apollo [NY Mag]
------Pics @ Flickr (bigger), FilmMagic: Backstage Pics ~ Onstage
◊ And The Winner Is...Hov has the #1 album this week, his 10th #1 album. This ties him with Elvis for second place among artists with most #1's. Congrats!
◊ Jay-Z: The Rolling Stone Interview [Excerpt]
◊ I don't need no f*cking hook on this sh*t! [Mixtape Monday]
◊ R.I.P. to Donda West [Kanye's mom; God Bless!]
◊ Playing Young Hov // [After the Video]
◊ The Cat Who Got the Cream [Guardian UK]
◊ SIRIUS Satellite Radio to Broadcast Exclusive JAY-Z Concert from Current Tour
◊ Jay-Z — With Beanie, Diddy And J.D. — Rocks Hollywood At Tour Kickoff [MTV]
◊ 10th #1 Album On The Way!
◊ Scion, LLC Announces Acquisition of Artful Dodger Brand
◊ Tune in on Friday 11/9 to watch Jay on 106 & Park in Brooklyn!
◊ Come on Baby Rmx Saigon ft. Jay-Z
◊ Better Recognize [Sean C and LV (from The Hitmen) XXL Interview]
◊ Jay-Z Finds Himself at the Movies [New York Times]
◊ On and On: The Jigga Opinion [XXL]
◊ DJ Toomp talks about working on American Gangster [XXL]
◊ "Jay-Z Nation" to premiere on November 5th at 5 pm ET [SIRIUS Satellite Radio]
◊ Jay-Z's hard truths [LA Times]
◊ Da Roc Boys [XXL]
◊ How Jay-Z helped No I.D. find his groove [Entertainment Weekly]
◊ No ID [XXL Interview] // Jermaine Dupri [XXL Interview]
◊ New York Giants (Diddy on his involvement w/ A.G.) [XXL]
◊ XXL Analyze This: Ignorant Shit
◊ Tune in to see Jay-Z on the Late Show w/ David Lettermen Friday Nov. 2
◊ Jay-Z’s American Gangster Tour Sells Out in Under A Minute
◊ The Return of the Real King [Entertainment Weekly]
◊ Jay-Z, Lil Wayne Talk About Their First Joint Together; Jay Goes All American At NYC Gig
*sigh* *goes in corner and sheds a tear*
◊ Behind the Scenes: Jay-Z's 'American Gangster' CD cover shoot
◊ Jay-Z Wants to Tell You A Story [tapes VH1's Storytellers] Airs Nov. 8
----Pics at Filmmagic ; Beyonce Cheers Jay-Z
◊ Nas Reveals 'Crazy Joint' With Jay-Z
◊ Exclusive: Jay-Z Launches 'American Gangster Live' Tour
◊ XXL Article Preview: Jay-Z: I'll Still Kill (Part 2)
◊ Pics: Jay at American Gangster Premiere
◊ XXL Article Preview: Jay-Z: I'll Still Kill (Part 1)
◊ Pics: Jay at Neyo's Bday Party [10/17]
◊ XXL Cover [December Issue]
◊ Rolling Stone Article
◊ Diddy on working with Jay-Z again
◊ "Blue Magic" Hot Shot Debut on Billboard Hot 100
◊ Jay-Z Gangster Musings 2.0 [Interview w/All Hip Hop]
♠ Dead Presidents 3 (Snippet) via Nahright
♠ First Listen: Jay-Z's American Gangster [Blender Preview] Yes, another one!
♠ Jay-Z's American Gangster: A Guided Tour [MTV]
♠ Jay-Z: Manifest Destiny (The American Gangster Story) [All Hip Hop]
♠ Nah Right Preview
♠ American Gangster Preview [Vibe]
♠ In the studio: Jay-Z's 'American Gangster' [Entertainment Weekly Preview]
♥ Jay-Z and Beyonce leaving Bar Pitti [Watch Here]
♠ Uncontrollable Hustler’s Ambition [XXL Album Preview]
♠ JD on Jay-Z [from November issue of Vibe]
♠ Gangster Boogie [Michael Gonzales' American Gangster preview]
♠ Let That Bitch Breathe (I like that title ha) [YN, XXL Editor, speaks on American Gangster; cover coming soon]
♠ Preorder 'American Gangster' on Itunes! The tracklisting is not official.
♠ VH1 Classic Album: Reasonable Doubt airs Oct. 3 on VH1! Click HERE for more details.
♠ Jay and Just Blaze took over at 40/40 (Saturday night)! [Just's Recap]
♠ 'Blue Magic' best debut by a rap single this year!
◊ Can't Tell Me Nothing (Rocafella Rmx) Kanye ft. Beanie Sigel, Freeway [via Nahright]
◊ It's Official. Reasonable Doubt Classic Album DVD in stores October 30.
I'd like the concert too Hov, but I guess I'll have to wait another 10 years. lol
◊ American Gangster Album Cover??
◊Timbaland Helps Jay-Z with follow-up single?
◊ Pics from 'Blue Magic' Video Shoot / click here instead
◊Is Jay-Z the 'American Gangster'?
◊ Jay-Z and Rocawear Vying for Name-Rights to New Jersey Nets’ Arena
♥ Candids: Jay-Z and Beyonce in Soho
◊ For Jay-Z, Inspiration Arrives in a Movie!
-------A concept album (love the idea) and plus I love Denzel movies! American Gangster
Trailer
◊ New Jay Album Info!
◊ Inside Roc The Mic Studios -----Website Coming soon!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Roc Boys
On The Trombone: Saunders Sermon Myspace
Kenneth Whalum III Myspace
Drummer: Tony Royster
DJ Neil Armstrong (HOTC Tour)
During American Gangster Tour: Shaun Carrington, Tony Russell, Shedrick Mitchell, Tony Royster, Keyon Harrold, Kenneth Whalum, Saunders Sermons, James Rosten, Florine Simpson, Cynthia Bermudez.
Kenneth Whalum III Myspace
Drummer: Tony Royster
DJ Neil Armstrong (HOTC Tour)
During American Gangster Tour: Shaun Carrington, Tony Russell, Shedrick Mitchell, Tony Royster, Keyon Harrold, Kenneth Whalum, Saunders Sermons, James Rosten, Florine Simpson, Cynthia Bermudez.
Jay-Z Sets Straight Beyonce Wedding Rumors At Super-Star Studded Premiere Of His 40/40 Club
Jay-Z Sets Straight Beyonce Wedding Rumors At Super-Star Studded Premiere Of His 40/40 Club
For six days, music mogul hip-hop star Jay-Z and gorgeous galpal, Beyonce Knowles held hands and were literally inseparable on their Vegas visit—but not only did he laughably deny recent rumors of a secret marriage in the French capital of Paris, he also told me that they wouldn’t tie the knot in Vegas this trip either!
“A wedding will be sooner rather than later, though,” he told me, “but it will be kept a private serious celebration for our very closest family and friends. When it does happen, we’ll keep it very quiet. When we read these news reports about hiding tattoos under wedding rings, we laughed together and said, ‘uh huh, another wild one—put it with the other 80,000.’”
It was touch and go and so down-to-the-wire for Jay-Z to win his occupancy permits and operating certificates for his new club that his staff only got in for eight-hours of training before the doors were opened! But he remained cool as a cucumber as everybody else worried about opening on time. He was so relaxed about it that on their first night, Jay Z and Beyonce attended the late show of The Beatles LOVE musical from Cirque du Soleil at The Mirage. The two arrived hand-in-hand and took their front-row seats accompanied by 30+ friends.
Jay told me: “We both love The Beatles and we sang along with their songs. The Beatles were really amazingly talented. Their writing and their arrangements are genius. It’s a fantastic show, and to think they wrote this 40-years ago and it’s still up-to-date is just incredible.”
Next day after he pitched in to help move furniture, unwrap TV screens and shake hands with fire marshals and building inspectors, Jay Z performed in concert at the Pearl theater in the Palms—with Beyonce, her sister Solange and baseball slugger Alex Rodriguez in the VIP boxes.
To surprise everybody, Jay Z brought on-stage fellow rapper Kanye West and singer Mary J. Blige for a rare sing-along! Jay and Beyonce then gave a dinner party at TAO in the Venetian for 40 friends including Kanye and Mary J. They chose family style platters of TAO favorites including Kobe beef, chicken pad Thai, duck and Chilean sea bass with Dom Perignon Rose champagne and Patron platinum tequila. Young actress/singer Mandy Moore—with seven other guests—was sat alongside enjoying their own sushi supper.
The following night it was Beyonce’s turn to star at Mandalay Bay in concert, and just two-hours from the 40/40 gala opening, Jay shuttled between the two so he could see his favorite girl sing!
He commented: “We’re both fans of each other, so when we can see each other in concert that’s an added bonus.”
Next night, Beyonce even donned a 2008-tiara for their midnight New Year’s Eve countdown on the dance floor. It didn’t look as if they wanted to leave town, because on New Years Day the romantic couple enjoyed a dinner with 11 family members and friends at the BOA Steakhouse in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.
I chatted with Jay several times during his trip here. This is the third 40/40 he has opened in just four years.
He told me: “Coming right down to the final hours before we got the permits and knew we could open was a real touch and go situation. But that’s what we do, we push for the excitement—we like the drama of the whole thing. It’s not the first time where it’s all on the edge to the last minute. This is what we do—I am used to this. I’ve been very hands-on with this, so I know how to go through the process. We’d wanted to open ten days earlier so we’d have everything shaken down and working smoothly, but we just couldn’t get the permits. It’s just one of those natural things that’s in other people’s hands. The casino floor opened the same time we did, but the hotel itself isn’t open for another six-days for its guests and their opening is January 17! So we did well. It is an incredible feeling. It is one of those moments that you look back on and are like, ‘wow.’ Everybody knows my story and where I come from, and to make it this far is a very humbling experience. It really turned out incredibly good and way past my expectations. We’re booked right through Superbowl right out of the box.
“Vegas is the granddaddy of nightlife, so we had to be here after New York and Atlantic City. I had to start 40/40 in my hometown, and New Jersey was right next door. But this one in Vegas is the largest and most extravagant. If you roll the dice you’ve got to roll it in Vegas. This is the largest and most extravagant one. Vegas is the ultimate place to party in luxury and I love that whatever you want whenever you want you can get. We have a Gucci-link floor in mosaic. We have 24-karat gold and platinum floors—now that’s bling! It is something you just won’t find anywhere else in the world. I love the skyboxes that sit right out over the projection. I love the Dugout area—so cool to just hang out there. There are so many different places to go in the club, and remember, it’s both indoors and out! We have five self-contained VIP rooms, including my very own Jay-Z suite!
“Tonight is more than special because it is also my friend LeBron’s birthday and that takes on a bigger meaning to celebrate that at the same time as my opening. I can’t find words to explain how I feel right now. Starting from the bottom gives you the drive and the hunger and it gives you a sense of balance. When you don’t come from money, you understand what it is to be without it, so this success gives you balance and a sense of perspective. I believe that along with the hard work and the persistence and a never quit attitude is what makes it all happen for me. I always add an element of truth to everything that I do. When you go into the sports club you are going to check it out. If I am making clothing, go touch it on the rack—it is the real deal, and that is the one thing I try to keep in all my music. I’ve started thinking of what the next five-years will bring. You only stop working at this pace when you don’t have the passion anymore. I know I’m going to have the passion for a long time to come, and I represent a culture of people and a generation, so what I do when I open the doors to these clubs is I am opening it for the next generation and culture as well. I’m thinking of even opening my own hotel in Vegas, and that would lead to having my own airline for people to party in both directions! Expect the truth from me, expect a great product—whatever it is. The sky is the limit—I know that is cliché to say—but it really is.”
Jay had asked me personally to interview his many first night guests so that he would have a video-record souvenir to keep for himself and show on the more than 80 TV screens that dot the multi-level 24,000 square foot prestigious club, named after the 40-home runs and 40 stolen bases in the same baseball season.
The Reverend Al Sharpton told me, “Being in Sin City proves there’s a lot of work to be done here—it is an opportunity for ministers. Jay Z is a good person—very smart and savvy. He knows what he wants to do and he does it. He does it grand scale. He has an entrepreneurial mind. He is also very community conscious and supportive in his own quiet way. I came out here in tribute to him being more then an entertainer, but also a great person. He always has maintained a level of cleanliness, as does Beyonce, but as a producer he deals with all sides of rap music and he believes in artistic freedom and he and I have debated that and we have agreed to disagree on some things and we have a general appreciation for each other, and that is why I am here tonight. His creativity and self-confidence, and the fact that he is not intimidated by the trends, he sets trends and makes things happen his own way, and I appreciate that. Beyonce is authentic. You can feel that she puts everything into it. People want to feel when they spend their money that you are putting everything into it, and she does that. She is the best of a generation. I told both of them that I would marry them pro bono—I won’t even charge a fee.”
Incidentally, the noticeably slimmed-down Rev Al told me his New Year’s Resolution is to stick to his dramatic weight-loss program.
“I will remain light on the scales. I have to keep going down. I am now at 210, I was up about 300+, and if I keep dancing with Jay-Z I will get down to 190. My advice to anybody else trying to lose weight in 2008 is not to eat after 6 o’clock—and no carbs.”
And LeBron James added: “I am here to party for my own birthday, but also to celebrate with Jay-Z and some friends and family, so we are going to have some fun. I don’t feel any older. In fact, it feels great. This is going to be good. This is the city that never sleeps and you can have fun all night. A lot is legal here, compared to some other cities. We will have fun and it will be a good time. I don’t know that I could do all the business he manages to control. I’ve got a lot of time to figure out what I am doing. I have a few business things that I am doing. I am focused on basketball during basketball season, but at the same time I know basketball does not last forever, so I am setting myself up in a position that I can continue my career after. I think I would work hard everyday and I am blessed from the man above to put me in the position to succeed, but I don’t think I’m going to open up a 20/20 basketball equivalent of this club. So far only Wilt Chamberlain has ever done that, but we do have Shaq O’Neil and Dwight Howard going out and getting things close to 20/20—so maybe it’ll happen one day.”
Mary J. Blige shared with me her thoughts on Jay Z: “He is very smart. He has done great things with and from hip hop, and showing that it is not just a passing trend, it is here to stay and showing that if you are as smart as Jay-Z you can open 40/40 clubs and have Rocafella Wear conglomerate businesses and basketball teams. He is amazing. He shouldn’t stop. As long as he can keep doing it all we will keep supporting him. I think he is genius. NY and Las Vegas are the biggest places in the US, so where else would you go to open a 40/40?
Former Phoenix Suns star player and now TNT/TBS cable-TV commentator, Charles Barkley added: “I just have so much love and respect for him. I met him quite a bit and I watched him grow through the media and I am just here for that reason. I don’t bet against him and I like my chances if I bet with him. I like my chances a lot. We do not have a 40/40 in basketball. If he does something he does it first class and I am just glad to be here. So if he does a 20/20 for basketball it would be pretty remarkable, as was Wilt Chamberlain when he became the only person to ever achieve that. If Jay-Z wants to put me in any business of his, I am in.”
Laughed Jay-Z: “If Charles Barkley is investing, we are going to make some serious money.”
Among the stars attending were my friends, Alan and Robin Thicke with their wives. Kanye West slipped in by avoiding the red carpet and was shielded by a blanket held by six security guards! Comedian Pauly Shore lost one of his sneakers while walking down the carpet so he simply sat down and put it back on!
Jay himself summed up: “Now we are finally open, I am going to party here for the next two days and hopefully I can still function after that. I’ve never been in Vegas before for New Year’s, and you know I’m a big fan of your city. So we’re going to have a lot of fun.”
Source: Robin Leach @ Luxe Life
For six days, music mogul hip-hop star Jay-Z and gorgeous galpal, Beyonce Knowles held hands and were literally inseparable on their Vegas visit—but not only did he laughably deny recent rumors of a secret marriage in the French capital of Paris, he also told me that they wouldn’t tie the knot in Vegas this trip either!
“A wedding will be sooner rather than later, though,” he told me, “but it will be kept a private serious celebration for our very closest family and friends. When it does happen, we’ll keep it very quiet. When we read these news reports about hiding tattoos under wedding rings, we laughed together and said, ‘uh huh, another wild one—put it with the other 80,000.’”
It was touch and go and so down-to-the-wire for Jay-Z to win his occupancy permits and operating certificates for his new club that his staff only got in for eight-hours of training before the doors were opened! But he remained cool as a cucumber as everybody else worried about opening on time. He was so relaxed about it that on their first night, Jay Z and Beyonce attended the late show of The Beatles LOVE musical from Cirque du Soleil at The Mirage. The two arrived hand-in-hand and took their front-row seats accompanied by 30+ friends.
Jay told me: “We both love The Beatles and we sang along with their songs. The Beatles were really amazingly talented. Their writing and their arrangements are genius. It’s a fantastic show, and to think they wrote this 40-years ago and it’s still up-to-date is just incredible.”
Next day after he pitched in to help move furniture, unwrap TV screens and shake hands with fire marshals and building inspectors, Jay Z performed in concert at the Pearl theater in the Palms—with Beyonce, her sister Solange and baseball slugger Alex Rodriguez in the VIP boxes.
To surprise everybody, Jay Z brought on-stage fellow rapper Kanye West and singer Mary J. Blige for a rare sing-along! Jay and Beyonce then gave a dinner party at TAO in the Venetian for 40 friends including Kanye and Mary J. They chose family style platters of TAO favorites including Kobe beef, chicken pad Thai, duck and Chilean sea bass with Dom Perignon Rose champagne and Patron platinum tequila. Young actress/singer Mandy Moore—with seven other guests—was sat alongside enjoying their own sushi supper.
The following night it was Beyonce’s turn to star at Mandalay Bay in concert, and just two-hours from the 40/40 gala opening, Jay shuttled between the two so he could see his favorite girl sing!
He commented: “We’re both fans of each other, so when we can see each other in concert that’s an added bonus.”
Next night, Beyonce even donned a 2008-tiara for their midnight New Year’s Eve countdown on the dance floor. It didn’t look as if they wanted to leave town, because on New Years Day the romantic couple enjoyed a dinner with 11 family members and friends at the BOA Steakhouse in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.
I chatted with Jay several times during his trip here. This is the third 40/40 he has opened in just four years.
He told me: “Coming right down to the final hours before we got the permits and knew we could open was a real touch and go situation. But that’s what we do, we push for the excitement—we like the drama of the whole thing. It’s not the first time where it’s all on the edge to the last minute. This is what we do—I am used to this. I’ve been very hands-on with this, so I know how to go through the process. We’d wanted to open ten days earlier so we’d have everything shaken down and working smoothly, but we just couldn’t get the permits. It’s just one of those natural things that’s in other people’s hands. The casino floor opened the same time we did, but the hotel itself isn’t open for another six-days for its guests and their opening is January 17! So we did well. It is an incredible feeling. It is one of those moments that you look back on and are like, ‘wow.’ Everybody knows my story and where I come from, and to make it this far is a very humbling experience. It really turned out incredibly good and way past my expectations. We’re booked right through Superbowl right out of the box.
“Vegas is the granddaddy of nightlife, so we had to be here after New York and Atlantic City. I had to start 40/40 in my hometown, and New Jersey was right next door. But this one in Vegas is the largest and most extravagant. If you roll the dice you’ve got to roll it in Vegas. This is the largest and most extravagant one. Vegas is the ultimate place to party in luxury and I love that whatever you want whenever you want you can get. We have a Gucci-link floor in mosaic. We have 24-karat gold and platinum floors—now that’s bling! It is something you just won’t find anywhere else in the world. I love the skyboxes that sit right out over the projection. I love the Dugout area—so cool to just hang out there. There are so many different places to go in the club, and remember, it’s both indoors and out! We have five self-contained VIP rooms, including my very own Jay-Z suite!
“Tonight is more than special because it is also my friend LeBron’s birthday and that takes on a bigger meaning to celebrate that at the same time as my opening. I can’t find words to explain how I feel right now. Starting from the bottom gives you the drive and the hunger and it gives you a sense of balance. When you don’t come from money, you understand what it is to be without it, so this success gives you balance and a sense of perspective. I believe that along with the hard work and the persistence and a never quit attitude is what makes it all happen for me. I always add an element of truth to everything that I do. When you go into the sports club you are going to check it out. If I am making clothing, go touch it on the rack—it is the real deal, and that is the one thing I try to keep in all my music. I’ve started thinking of what the next five-years will bring. You only stop working at this pace when you don’t have the passion anymore. I know I’m going to have the passion for a long time to come, and I represent a culture of people and a generation, so what I do when I open the doors to these clubs is I am opening it for the next generation and culture as well. I’m thinking of even opening my own hotel in Vegas, and that would lead to having my own airline for people to party in both directions! Expect the truth from me, expect a great product—whatever it is. The sky is the limit—I know that is cliché to say—but it really is.”
Jay had asked me personally to interview his many first night guests so that he would have a video-record souvenir to keep for himself and show on the more than 80 TV screens that dot the multi-level 24,000 square foot prestigious club, named after the 40-home runs and 40 stolen bases in the same baseball season.
The Reverend Al Sharpton told me, “Being in Sin City proves there’s a lot of work to be done here—it is an opportunity for ministers. Jay Z is a good person—very smart and savvy. He knows what he wants to do and he does it. He does it grand scale. He has an entrepreneurial mind. He is also very community conscious and supportive in his own quiet way. I came out here in tribute to him being more then an entertainer, but also a great person. He always has maintained a level of cleanliness, as does Beyonce, but as a producer he deals with all sides of rap music and he believes in artistic freedom and he and I have debated that and we have agreed to disagree on some things and we have a general appreciation for each other, and that is why I am here tonight. His creativity and self-confidence, and the fact that he is not intimidated by the trends, he sets trends and makes things happen his own way, and I appreciate that. Beyonce is authentic. You can feel that she puts everything into it. People want to feel when they spend their money that you are putting everything into it, and she does that. She is the best of a generation. I told both of them that I would marry them pro bono—I won’t even charge a fee.”
Incidentally, the noticeably slimmed-down Rev Al told me his New Year’s Resolution is to stick to his dramatic weight-loss program.
“I will remain light on the scales. I have to keep going down. I am now at 210, I was up about 300+, and if I keep dancing with Jay-Z I will get down to 190. My advice to anybody else trying to lose weight in 2008 is not to eat after 6 o’clock—and no carbs.”
And LeBron James added: “I am here to party for my own birthday, but also to celebrate with Jay-Z and some friends and family, so we are going to have some fun. I don’t feel any older. In fact, it feels great. This is going to be good. This is the city that never sleeps and you can have fun all night. A lot is legal here, compared to some other cities. We will have fun and it will be a good time. I don’t know that I could do all the business he manages to control. I’ve got a lot of time to figure out what I am doing. I have a few business things that I am doing. I am focused on basketball during basketball season, but at the same time I know basketball does not last forever, so I am setting myself up in a position that I can continue my career after. I think I would work hard everyday and I am blessed from the man above to put me in the position to succeed, but I don’t think I’m going to open up a 20/20 basketball equivalent of this club. So far only Wilt Chamberlain has ever done that, but we do have Shaq O’Neil and Dwight Howard going out and getting things close to 20/20—so maybe it’ll happen one day.”
Mary J. Blige shared with me her thoughts on Jay Z: “He is very smart. He has done great things with and from hip hop, and showing that it is not just a passing trend, it is here to stay and showing that if you are as smart as Jay-Z you can open 40/40 clubs and have Rocafella Wear conglomerate businesses and basketball teams. He is amazing. He shouldn’t stop. As long as he can keep doing it all we will keep supporting him. I think he is genius. NY and Las Vegas are the biggest places in the US, so where else would you go to open a 40/40?
Former Phoenix Suns star player and now TNT/TBS cable-TV commentator, Charles Barkley added: “I just have so much love and respect for him. I met him quite a bit and I watched him grow through the media and I am just here for that reason. I don’t bet against him and I like my chances if I bet with him. I like my chances a lot. We do not have a 40/40 in basketball. If he does something he does it first class and I am just glad to be here. So if he does a 20/20 for basketball it would be pretty remarkable, as was Wilt Chamberlain when he became the only person to ever achieve that. If Jay-Z wants to put me in any business of his, I am in.”
Laughed Jay-Z: “If Charles Barkley is investing, we are going to make some serious money.”
Among the stars attending were my friends, Alan and Robin Thicke with their wives. Kanye West slipped in by avoiding the red carpet and was shielded by a blanket held by six security guards! Comedian Pauly Shore lost one of his sneakers while walking down the carpet so he simply sat down and put it back on!
Jay himself summed up: “Now we are finally open, I am going to party here for the next two days and hopefully I can still function after that. I’ve never been in Vegas before for New Year’s, and you know I’m a big fan of your city. So we’re going to have a lot of fun.”
Source: Robin Leach @ Luxe Life
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