Tweet Returns With 'Charlene' After Over a Decade, Talks Reuniting with Missy Elliott & Timbaland

Tweet Returns With 'Charlene' After Over a Decade, Talks Reuniting with Missy Elliott & Timbaland

  

In 2002, Tweet's Timbaland-produced hit single "Oops (Oh My)" became an instant classic of the era. Charlene Keys’ church-trained vocals paired with her sensual sass carried her to the top of the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart as her debut Southern Hummingbird (released that same year) reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200.

The song spawned a friendship and mentorship for Tweet with Hummingbird producers Timbo and Missy Elliott, but when It’s Me Again did not take off in 2005 the songbird opted for a 10-year hiatus from the music industry.
 
Now Tweet is back with her third album. Simply titled Charlene, her welcome return (released Friday, Feb. 26) is a complex diary, taking listeners back to her gospel roots while showcasing the self-assured woman and artist she has become.

In a conversation with Billboard, Tweet discusses her personal and musical self-reflection, teaming up again with Timbaland and Missy Elliott and how Twitter has changed the music maker's grind.
 
Billboard: This is your first album in over a decade. What personal challenges that you've experienced during your hiatus will be reflected on Charlene?

Tweet: In 2005, I was really in a bad place. I kind of hit rock bottom. So on Charlene, you'll probably hear a lot more secure Charlene. I'm fine with who I am and secure as the woman and artist. I'm not afraid. Spiritually, mentally, I'm just in this whole other place, and I'm excited and I'm ready for whatever is to come.
 
You re-team with Missy Elliott for "Somebody Else Will." Describe how her friendship and creative input has affected your work this go-round.

Not only did I want to put out a soulful record because I feel it's missing in the industry, but as I was in the process I remembered all of the inspirational words that Missy would tell me -- just to be myself, never compromise and always remain true to who I am. So that means a lot for our friendship.

When Missy wrote "Somebody Else Will," she sent it to me and I had to have this record. I love the message behind it because I'm all about revelation and girl power and knowing that you don't have to stay in a situation that's not good for you. I loved the song, so I had to do it.

Any chance you’ll collaborate with Missy on her next album?

Of course. She reached out to me previously and she always wants me to be on the albums, so I will be on there for sure.

Do you ever revisit "Oops (Oh My)"?

Yes! I always perform it. I've continued to perform and do shows. I couldn't end a show without doing that record. I can't believe that people still play it. It's so amazing to me daily. Even in the 10 years that I've been gone, I've had people come up to me. Today, a lady was like, 'I had to re-buy the album the other day because I lost it.' That’s amazing to me that after 10 years, people are still singing my songs. I’m definitely blessed.

You worked with Timbaland again on Charlene. What’s your creative process with him like?

We never second-guess anything. For him, Missy and I, it's never a question that it's not gonna be great when we come together. The majority of the time, Timbaland will send music via Internet, CD, whatever and we'll just play it. We'll have our choice of what we want and then we'll just go that way and use whatever songs we want to or we'll be in the studio and we'll just vibe out.

What sides of Charlene Keys will Tweet fans be surprised to hear on Charlene? 

I think I touch more on my gospel [roots] this time. That's why I called it Charlene, 'cause you'll hear everything that inspired me musically before the artist Tweet. You will hear all of what Charlene grew up listening to on this album. It's a little bit more mature Tweet. You're still going to know what I've been through. The songs are pages out of my diary.
 

What did you listen to for inspiration when making this third album?

I listened to Marvin Gaye. I listened to D'Angelo, Al Green and Bilal and a lot of my gospel quartet. I had really fallen out of love with music period. I've been at that point where I really wanted to listen to soulful stuff or older stuff and be inspired.

Your musical name has been Tweet before Twitter became a huge social media platform. What's your relationship with Twitter and social media? 

I'm using Twitter to promote and let my fans know what I’m doing on a daily basis and things like that. It's definitely a benefit for promotion. The only thing that I can say it took away from the industry is the street footwork of the artist. Back in the day, when I came out, we would go to different record stores and we would go to signings. We would get to touch the audience's hands but now because of social media, all we've got to do is put a picture up. I like that personal thing.
 
Beyoncé recently released "Formation" and Rihanna infused her culture on the dancehall track "Work." Do you feel like female artists have more freedom to express their thoughts now then they did then?

I think we've always had that opportunity. I had creative control from the beginning. It's just more in the spotlight now. Beyoncé's the biggest entertainer right now and she's a woman. The spotlight is on the fact that we can have that position, but I think it's always been there. Look at Aretha Franklin!

Do you consider yourself a feminist?

I'm all for the women, of course! I have love for everybody.

Quincy Jones' Lawsuit Over Michael Jackson Songs Will Go to Trial

Quincy Jones' Lawsuit Over Michael Jackson Songs Will Go to Trial

  

Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones at the Grammy Awards in 1984.

 

A judge ruled Thursday (Feb. 25) that a lawsuit filed by producer Quincy Jones against Michael Jackson's estate and record company over royalties on some of the singer's biggest hits can go to trial.

Superior Court Judge Michael Stern said a jury should decide the numerous factual disputes about whether the hit-making producer is owed any money.

 

Jones sued the estate and Sony Music Entertainment in 2013, seeking at least $10 million.

He contends the defendants re-edited songs for the This Is It film and a pair of Cirque du Soleil shows to deprive him of royalties and production fees.

Jones is also seeking a credit on the film that was done by using Jackson's final rehearsals for a planned series of comeback concerts in London.

The producer worked with Jackson on three of his most popular solo albums: Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad.
 
Jackson's estate and Sony Music have denied wrongdoing and sought dismissal of the case.
The popularity of Jackson's music soared after his death in 2009.

Jackson's hits "Billie Jean," ''Thriller" and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" are among the songs Jones claims were re-edited to deprive him of royalties and a producer's fee.

The lawsuit states his contracts call for him to have the first opportunity to re-edit or alter the songs, in part to protect his reputation.

Carl Cox Celebrates 100th Label Release With New 'Intec 100' EP: Exclusive

Carl Cox Celebrates 100th Label Release With New 'Intec 100' EP: Exclusive

  

Carl Cox is celebrating the 100th release of his seminal house and techno imprint, Intec Digital, with a brand new EP titled Intec 100.

The label was originally founded under the name Intec Records in 1999 as a platform for underground discovery before disbanding in 2006. In 2010, with the help of Jon Rundell as A&R and Label Manager, Cox officially relaunched the label under the name Intec Digital. 
 
One hundred releases later, Carl and crew have rebuilt the imprint to international underground acclaim, without sacrificing the original vision along the way.

“This feels like a real landmark for Intec,” Cox says, “a celebration of all the amazing music that we have put out over the years.”

Since rebranding, Intec has played host to everyone from techno queen Nicole Moudaber to rave legends Filterheadz. The latest release, however, comes from Cox and Rundell themselves. “These tracks from Jon and I are to say thank you to all the clubbers, radio stations and techno and house music lovers from all over the world that have danced to our beat,” Cox says. “Here's to the next 100!”

 

Rundell’s offering is “Utopia,” a driving techno number with stabbing dub chords and an indefatigable groove. It’s the kind of funky dancefloor concoction that aptly marries the past and present tendencies of the genre.

Cox’s contribution, “Your Light Shines On,” is just as honorary, albeit in a much more personal manner. “This release is dedicated to my Mum who passed this year,” he says. “So here's to her that brought me into this world.” As such, it’s a bit of an ode to Carl’s Barbadian lineage, employing rattling steel drums as its central hook.

Janet Jackson Brings 'Unbreakable' Tour To Dubai World Cup

Janet Jackson Brings 'Unbreakable' Tour To Dubai World Cup

  

Janet Jackson performs on stage during her "Unbreakable" World 

Tour concert at American Airlines Arena on Sept. 20, 2015 in Miami, Florida.

 

Janet Jackson is bringing her Unbreakable World Tour to the Dubai World Cup on March 26. The singer announced the news via her Twitter account late this evening (Feb. 22). Access to the concert, set for 10 p.m. at the Apron Views concert stage that evening, is exclusive to day ticket holders for the annual horse race.

“I am excited to perform for the global audience at this year’s Dubai World Cup,” Jackson states in the announcement. “The entire Unbreakable company is looking forward to traveling with me to Dubai and being part of one of the world’s most prestigious events.”
 
Four days later, the multiple Grammy Award winner will launch the European leg of the Unbreakable World Tour on March 30 in Birmingham, U.K.

Jackson teased the Dubai announcement on Twitter earlier on Monday afternoon.
 
The teaser, accompanied by a black and white photo of the singer’s partially obscured face, was set to an audio stream of “The Great Forever,” a track from her Unbreakable album.

In a video posted to her Twitter account early last month -- prefaced by lyrics from “The Great Forever” -- Jackson denounced rumors that she was suffering from throat cancer. The rumors began circulating in December when she postponed her ongoing Unbreakable World Tour until the spring to undergo surgery.

The tour had been slated to resume on Jan. 9 at Denver’s Pepsi Center following a number of previous cancellations. A week later, Jackson confirmed that the postponed dates had been rescheduled.

 Jackson will return stateside with the Unbreakable tour on May 14 in Las Vegas. The tour, her first since 2011, will wrap Aug. 28 in Cleveland. With the chart-topping Unbreakable, Jackson became the third act to earn No. 1 albums in each of the last four decades.

Billy Idol, Boy George, Rick Springfield & More '80s Icons Rock Out at L.A.'s iHeart80s Party: Exclusive Photos

Billy Idol, Boy George, Rick Springfield & More '80s Icons Rock Out at L.A.'s iHeart80s Party: Exclusive Photos

  

Rick Springfield performs with Cody Simpson during the first ever

iHeart80s Party at the Forum in Los Angeles on Feb. 20, 2016.

Hosted by original MTV VJ Martha Quinn, Saturday's iHeart80s Party featured live performances from Billy Idol, Tears for Fears, Loverboy and more. Held at the Forum in Los Angeles, special guests included Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner, Mario Lopez and Goonies favorite Corey Feldman. 

Highlights from the event included Australian singer-songwriter Cody Simpson joining Rick Springfield for "Jessie's Girl"; Idol telling the audience that he's an EDM fan; and Culture Club giving a thoughtful tribute to David Bowie, performing "Starman."

DIRECTV will broadcast the TV special of the event on March 18 at 9 p.m. PT on the AT&T Audience Network.

Demi Lovato, Usher & More to Celebrate Ray Charles at the White House

Demi Lovato, Usher & More to Celebrate Ray Charles at the White House

  

Usher, Demi Lovato, Yolanda Adams and The Band Perry are among the contemporary artists heading to the White House to celebrate the late Ray Charles.

The White House says Leon Bridges, Andra Day, Anthony Hamilton, Brittany Howard, Sam Moore and Jussie Smollett have also been invited to Wednesday's taping of "Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance at the White House." The program is to be broadcast Friday on PBS stations nationwide.

 

It will be the 16th such program held under President Barack Obama.

Michelle Obama has planned a daytime workshop with some of the invited artists for more than 130 middle, high school and college students from around the country.

Charles, known for such hits as "Georgia on My Mind" and "Hit the Road Jack," died in June 2004.

More Police Unions Call for Beyoncé Boycott

More Police Unions Call for Beyoncé Boycott

  

Beyonce performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show 

at Levi's Stadium on Feb. 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, Calif.

Police unions are criticizing Beyonce in the wake of her Super Bowl halftime act and new video, calling for a boycott because they think her work contains "anti-police" messages.

Unions in Miami, Tampa and Nashville, Tennessee, are either calling for officers to boycott her music or urging them not volunteer to work at her shows.

Javier Ortiz, president of the Miami union, said this week that "Beyoncé used this year's Super Bowl to divide Americans by promoting the Black Panthers and her anti-police message shows how she does not support law enforcement."

The Super Bowl halftime show — seen by an estimated 112 million people — drew praise from her fans and consternation from critics.
 
It was a display of unapologetic blackness and political activism. Beyonce's dancers donned berets, sported Afros and wore all black, similar to the style of the Black Panther party that was founded 50 years ago in the Bay area — the location of the Super Bowl. At one point during their routine, the dancers formed an "X'' on the field, which some people took as a tribute to slain black activist Malcolm X.

Tampa Police Benevolent Association President Vincent Gericitano posted a statement on the group's website saying it was "disgusted" with the Super Bowl show and "equally disgusted" with her new music video.

The video for "Formation" invokes the Hurricane Katrina tragedy in New Orleans and includes a shot of the singer lying atop a police cruiser overtaken by floodwater. It also references the Black Lives Matter movement with police standing in riot gear and the words "stop shooting us" spray-painted on a wall.

The tour kicks off with a sold-out show in Miami on April 27. She plays Tampa two days later.
Tampa Police spokeswoman Andrea Davis said there is no indication that officers are not taking the extra-duty, voluntary shifts to provide security for the concert.

"This has been blown way out of proportion," she said.

Tampa Police even tweeted a GIF of Beyonce on Thursday with the statement: "What?! @TampaPD officers have been in #formation for days signing up to keep the #Beehive safe! #Truth #Fact"

Miami Police spokesman Lt. Freddie Cruz said the extra-duty shifts for the concert will be "open for officers to sign up. Whether they sign up, it's up to them."

In Nashville, that chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police asked members to not volunteer for Beyonce's concert there in May.

Carla Morrison 'Shines' Singing en Español on Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' New Album

Carla Morrison 'Shines' Singing en Español on Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' New Album

 

  

Carla Morrison performs during the second day of the Vive Latino 

2013 Music Fest at the Foro Sol in Mexico City, on March 16, 2013.

 

The hip-hop duo “fell in love” with the beguiling Mexican indie singer's voice featured on the song “The Train.” 

The beguiling Mexican indie singer Carla Morrison is featured singing in en Español on Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' upcoming sophomore LP, This Unruly Mess I've Made. And, simply put, "She shined," Lewis told Billboard of the singer’s performance on "The Train," one of the album's 13 tracks. 

"I think there were a couple reasons why having her sing in Spanish made sense for 'The Train,'" Lewis said, adding that when the session began Morrison sang in English before Spanish gradually took over. "First and foremost, she sounded phenomenal. We also thought Spanish sounded more beautiful than the English versions. Three, we didn't make a super complicated chorus, most people can pick up nuggets of the lyrics even if they aren't bilingual. Four, probably my favorite reason, it's purposely less specific, especially if you don't know Spanish. If you don't speak Spanish, it allows for a level of ambiguity where you're truly just falling into her voice, the sound and the mood.

"That was my experience. The mystery of what she might be sharing with me, an English speaking listener, only added to what I wanted for the song."
 
Morrison, one of Latin alternative music's most original voices, followed up her emotional Latin Grammy-winning debut, Dejenme Llorar, with 2015's spare and affecting electro-acoustic set Amor Supremo. She will perform at Coachella for the first time on April 15.
Lewis explained that the collaboration with Morrison came about after a friend played the Mexican indie artist's music for him.

"The timbre and idiosyncrasies of her voice stood out," he said. "Ben and I were still working on hooks for a few different songs on the album. He also fell in love with her voice, so we pulled a Hail Mary and gave her a call. Her and her team flew up from Mexico City and we tried a few different things. She was great to work with. Where we landed, 'The Train,' was what I really wanted and happy I got, letting her vocals take over in a more under-produced space.”

This Unruly Mess I've Made also features appearances by Ed Sheeran, Chance the Rapper, Idris Elba, Leon Bridges and other artists.

Kirk Franklin Says Grammy Win Doesn't Define Him Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/kirk-franklin-says-grammy-win-doesnt-define-him-157931/#YpPFiAjc4hgzfI17.99 Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/kirk-franklin-says-grammy-win-doesnt-define-him-157931/#sfBdhsY3XXwGSgkg.99

Kirk Franklin Says Grammy Win Doesn't Define Him

  

 

Gospel artist Kirk Franklin holds his awards for Best Gospel Album and Best Gospel Song "Hello Fear" at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, February 12, 2012.

Kirk Franklin won his eighth Grammy Award on Monday but is not letting the high honor define who he is.
The 46-year-old gospel music artist, songwriter and producer won an award for Best Gospel Performance/Song with, "Wanna Be Happy?" In accepting the award, the veteran gospel music star brought fellow nominees Anthony Brown, Travis Greene, Jonathan McReynolds and Brian Courtney Wilson to the stage with him.

"I'm so proud of all of my gospel music family today at the Grammys," Franklin wrote on Twitter. "It celebrates what we do, but never defines who we are."

Although Franklin received an honor for his song "Wanna Be Happy" featured on his "Losing My Religion" album released late last year, he admitted to having anxiety about releasing the record. The artist was worried that it may not be received well.

"To be transparent, that's what took me so long to do the album. A lot of it was fear, and then I really began to learn that spiritually fear is a form of pride," Franklin revealed to The Christian Post last year. "It was pride that I would never be able to live up to 'I Smile.' I would tend to just kind of stay away, because I was scared of not being accepted like I was with 'I Smile.'"

In a 2014 interview with CP, Franklin made it clear that he was not creating music to receive any accolades.

"I'm always trying to find innovative ways to be able to keep God famous," Franklin said. "For all the properties I'm involved in, that's been my agenda. I think that sometimes we have compromised quality content for the fear of Christianity and I think that they both can co-exist."

The musician seems to have mastered the art of creating quality gospel music for two decades and insisted that the most important quality in the music is sincerity.

"It should reflect wherever we are and our personal spiritual growth with God. If that's not our top priority, then our artform is going to be very shallow," Franklin said. "It should not be just for the sole purpose of the artform itself..if it's that, we'll suffer. We have to make sure people can feel the sincerity of our own testimony and our own journey so they know this is something that is really real for us."

He believes gospel music should be in tune with the culture of the world instead of focusing solely on the church.

"People don't live at church, they live in the real world. So music has to reflect that how people live, what they're doing as they go through their trials in life," he previously told CP. "So I just hope and pray that we're always able to tap into that and be that voice for people."

Gospel artist Kirk Franklin holds his awards for Best Gospel Album and Best Gospel Song "Hello Fear" at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, February 12, 2012.

Kirk Franklin won his eighth Grammy Award on Monday but is not letting the high honor define who he is.
The 46-year-old gospel music artist, songwriter and producer won an award for Best Gospel Performance/Song with, "Wanna Be Happy?" In accepting the award, the veteran gospel music star brought fellow nominees Anthony Brown, Travis Greene, Jonathan McReynolds and Brian Courtney Wilson to the stage with him.
"I'm so proud of all of my gospel music family today at the Grammys," Franklin wrote on Twitter. "It celebrates what we do, but never defines who we are."

Although Franklin received an honor for his song "Wanna Be Happy" featured on his "Losing My Religion" album released late last year, he admitted to having anxiety about releasing the record. The artist was worried that it may not be received well.
"To be transparent, that's what took me so long to do the album. A lot of it was fear, and then I really began to learn that spiritually fear is a form of pride," Franklin revealed to The Christian Post last year. "It was pride that I would never be able to live up to 'I Smile.' I would tend to just kind of stay away, because I was scared of not being accepted like I was with 'I Smile.'"
In a 2014 interview with CP, Franklin made it clear that he was not creating music to receive any accolades.
"I'm always trying to find innovative ways to be able to keep God famous," Franklin said. "For all the properties I'm involved in, that's been my agenda. I think that sometimes we have compromised quality content for the fear of Christianity and I think that they both can co-exist."
The musician seems to have mastered the art of creating quality gospel music for two decades and insisted that the most important quality in the music is sincerity.
"It should reflect wherever we are and our personal spiritual growth with God. If that's not our top priority, then our artform is going to be very shallow," Franklin said. "It should not be just for the sole purpose of the artform itself..if it's that, we'll suffer. We have to make sure people can feel the sincerity of our own testimony and our own journey so they know this is something that is really real for us."
He believes gospel music should be in tune with the culture of the world instead of focusing solely on the church.
"People don't live at church, they live in the real world. So music has to reflect that how people live, what they're doing as they go through their trials in life," he previously told CP. "So I just hope and pray that we're always able to tap into that and be that voice for people."

HomePrince Protege Vanity Dies at 57 Vanity Prince Protege Dies at 57 Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2016/02/15/vanity-dies-singer-nasty-girl/#ixzz40If9BtQf

 Vanity, lead singer of the '80s girl group Vanity 6, has died after years of battling kidney failure and, more recently, an abdominal illness.

Vanity, whose real name was Denise Katrina Matthews, passed away in a Fremont, CA hospital on Monday ... according to sources close to her family. A few months ago she set up a GoFundMe page, and said she'd been diagnosed with sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis -- an inflammation of the small intestines.
She also battled crack addiction in the '90s, and after a 1994 OD her kidneys were shot. She had to undergo nearly daily dialysis treatments.

 

Vanity's biggest hit came in 1982 with "Nasty Girl" ... a song produced by Prince. The group toured with Prince on his 1999 tour, but she quit right after that. She went on to sign a solo record deal with Motown, and starred in movies like "The Last Dragon" and "Action Jackson."
She eventually ditched Hollywood, quit drugs and became a born-again Christian in the mid '90s. She remained active in her local church up until her death. We're told she was in church on Saturday evening and told the congregation she was "ready to go home."
Vanity was 57.

Drake Outcoaches Kevin Hart To Win NBA Celebrity Game

Drake Outcoaches Kevin Hart To Win NBA Celebrity Game

  

TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 12: Drake and Kevin Hart 

speak with Sage Steele of ESPN during the NBA All-Star Celebrity 

Game Presented by Mountain Dew as part of 2016 All-Star Weekend 

at the Ricoh Coliseum on February 12, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario, 

Canada.

ORONTO (AP) — Drake outcoached Kevin Hart, and Win Butler was aptly named in the NBA All-Star celebrity game Friday night.

Butler, the lead singer for Arcade Fire, scored 15 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to earn MVP honors and help Canada defeat the United States 74-63 in the first “game” of All-Star weekend.

ADVERTISING

And Drake didn’t even need to change out of his sharp jacket and tie to get the win.

For full story go to:  http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/

It's Kobe's world, at least for 1 more All-Star weekend

It's Kobe's world, at least for 1 more All-Star weekend
 

FILE - In this Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016 file photo, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant gestures to fans as he walks off of the court after an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs in San Antonio. The final NBA All-Star Game for Bryant and the first to be staged outside the U.S. is in Toronto, the city that staged the first NBA game 70 years ago and is so enthusiastic for basketball now that it could no longer be ignored no matter what the thermometer says.

 

TORONTO (AP) -- Kobe Bryant answered questions in Spanish and Italian, raved about Canadian hospitality, showed off knowledge of both Greek basketball and English soccer. He announced plans to go to the Philippines and Taiwan, thanked fans from Japan and even asked a reporter how to say a phrase in Mandarin.

It all made perfect sense.

The basketball world belongs to Bryant, at least for one more weekend.

About 750 million people around the globe are expected to follow Sunday's NBA All-Star Game in one form or another, and it's a safe guess most will do so to keep a keen eye on Bryant's final appearance in the league's midseason showcase. His farewell season now officially starting to wind down, the Los Angeles Lakers' star was the center of attraction at media day Friday - and seemed most appreciative.

"I just feel very blessed to be able to play so many years, man," Bryant said. "Twenty years is a long time, so I feel very good about it."

Bryant was the leading vote-getter in the fan balloting that chose the starting lineup for Sunday's game, a lifetime achievement award more than anything related to his play this season. At 37 years old, he's obviously not the same player he was when he was helping the Lakers win five championships, though during the season he's shown flashes of what made him one of the game's all-time elite.

Bryant said he'd be fine playing 10 minutes Sunday.

Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant isn't buying that one.

"We definitely want to send him off on a good note," Durant said. "We know he's going to be super competitive."

It is a festive sendoff, for certain.

Dozens of media members staked out space around Bryant's podium long before he started speaking Friday, though some just wanted to take selfies with him in the background. Bryant was a featured panelist at the NBA's technology summit earlier in the morning to share ideas with league executives and others, and has his wife and their two daughters in Toronto so the whole family can bask in the celebrations.

"This is pretty cool," Bryant said. "I'm looking around the room and I'm seeing guys that I'm playing with that are tearing the league up that were like 4 for my first All-Star Game. ... How many players can say they played 20 years and actually have seen the game go through three, four generations? It's not sad at all. I'm really happy and honored to be here and see this."

So were his All-Star peers.

Cleveland's LeBron James still might be the best player in the world, Miami's Dwyane Wade has more championship rings than any other All-Star this year besides Bryant, Toronto's Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan are getting the hometown support and Golden State's Stephen Curry is the reigning MVP for a team that won last year's title.

But they all know the spotlight is going to be on No. 24.

"I think it's going to be special," said James, who got Bryant's sneakers autographed after the Lakers visited Cleveland earlier this week for his own trophy case. "Not only for myself, but for the fans here and for all of Kobe's fans."

And Bryant's career-best 81-point game against the Raptors might be a sore subject in Toronto, but it still stands out to Curry as the quintessential Kobe moment.

"I've been hot before and made every shot I threw up there and got on a little streak in a game," said Curry, the game's premier sharpshooter. "But to score 81 points, so many things have to go right and the situation has to be just perfect for it and you have to have a special talent level like Kobe to do it.

"Just watching the game, it still doesn't make sense. How did he do it?"

Bryant made the decision early this season that he would retire, then announced it weeks ago not because he wanted a farewell tour - he originally wasn't keen on that idea, though has been moved by the tributes that have come as he's visited NBA cities as an opponent for the last time - but because he wanted to start the process of moving on for both himself and the Lakers.

As far as All-Star selections, only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has more than Bryant's 18.

"I know it will kind of be bittersweet for a lot of people, but it should be celebrated like it will be," said Miami's Chris Bosh, who was slated to play in the All-Star Game but withdrew Friday afternoon with a calf injury. "He's the legal voting age in All-Star years. That's crazy. His body of work is second to none. I think it's good for him to have some sort of closure and he can move on."

No, Beyoncé is not bashing the police: Here's what her new song 'Formation' is really saying

No, Beyoncé is not bashing the police: Here's what her new song 'Formation' is really saying

  

(Screenshot via Beyonce/Parkwood Entertainment) An image of Beyonce in the "Formation" music video. 

The pinnacle of any music artist's evolution probably looks a lot like this.

You release a new song online, without any previous announcement, and in just an hour or two, virtually all of the internet — and pretty much the world — is talking about you and your work.

Do it the day before you're set to perform at the most important American sporting event of the year, and your personal stock shoots through the stratosphere.

That's a place an artist like Beyoncé is very familiar with.

The music video for her newest song, "Formation," has become the most political message she's ever shared, evoking powerful images of black cultural pride, oppression, wealth, tragedy, and resilience.

It's not just a video about the police, as some who apparently wanted to boycott Beyoncé's halftime performance appear to believe.

The video makes two implicit references to law enforcement, and here they are:

Hurricane Katrina

The music video's opening frames show Beyoncé, a 20-time Grammy Award winner, standing on top of a New Orleans police car that is partially submerged in water. It's a visceral look that harks back to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the 2005 storm that killed hundreds and left thousands homeless and without food or clean water for days. It was one of the biggest failures in US domestic policy of a generation.

In her video, Beyoncé rests on top of the New Orleans police car as she, and the cruiser, sink beneath the surface.

Police shootings

Another scene that seems to have caused a lot of conversation is one in which a young boy, dressed in all black and wearing a hoodie, jigs to the track's bass-heavy beat. Quickly, we see he's dancing in front of a row of police officers who are dressed in riot gear.

Suddenly, he stops and lifts his hands. The officers respond in kind, lifting their hands, as the camera cuts to a wall that shows the words, "stop shooting us" spray-painted on it.

 

This scene is a tacit statement on police brutality and use of force — which has been a leading topic of discussion in the US for the past several years as black men, women, and children have been killed by the police in controversial circumstances.

"Formation" also declares the importance of owning one's identity. In the lyrics, Beyoncé asserts her love of the fact that she is genuinely, unapologetically black:

"My daddy Alabama || Momma Louisiana || You mix that Negro with that Creole, make a Texas Bama || I like my baby hair with baby hair and afros || I like my Negro nose with Jackson 5 nostrils ..."

And it goes on. The point is, Beyoncé is proud of being black and unafraid to say it.

 

The video also amplifies the artist's personal and professional success, which quickly becomes a bold, ethno-feminist statement when Beyoncé says: "I might just be a black Bill Gates in the making." To date, she remains one of the wealthiest women in the music business.

Jenna Wortham summed it up best in The New York Times:

"'Formation' isn't just about police brutality — it's about the entirety of the black experience in America in 2016, which includes standards of beauty, (dis)empowerment, culture and the shared parts of our history."

Broncos D dominates Panthers in 24-10 Super Bowl win

Broncos D dominates Panthers in 24-10 Super Bowl win

Denver Broncos’ Von Miller (58) strips the ball from Carolina Panthers’ Cam Newton (1) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, in Santa Clara, Calif. The Broncos recovered the ball for a touchdown.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) -- Peyton Manning gave himself a chance to have Super ending to his career, and Von Miller and the Denver defense made the plays to secure the title for the Broncos.

Manning and Panthers quarterback Cam Newton were harassed all game Sunday, and the Broncos made enough big plays for the 24-10 victory, Manning's 200th and perhaps his last before retirement.

He wasn't the star - game MVP Miller seemingly was everywhere on every Carolina play - but Manning really hasn't been the headliner in this injury-shortened season.

Emulating his Broncos boss, John Elway, the 39-year-old Manning can ride off with the Lombardi Trophy after leading Denver to its third NFL title, first since 1999 - when Elway was the quarterback.

"I'll take some time to reflect," Manning said when asked if Super Bowl 50 is the end. "I got a couple priorities first. I'm going to go kiss my wife and my kids. ... I'm going to drink a lot of Budweiser tonight. 

Take care of those things first."

Denver's suffocating defense kept Newton jittery all day. Despite wearing gold shoes before the golden Super Bowl, Newton couldn't finish off a dynamic season in which he was the league's MVP. Miller twice stripped him, once for a touchdown, the second time setting up a clinching TD. Denver's top-ranked defense, the one that ran roughshod over Tom Brady in the AFC championship, simply wouldn't let Newton get comfortable.

"It's every one of these guys who go me to this," Miller said.

Newton was sacked six times - receiver Ted Ginn Jr., went down once on an aborted trick play - and if Miller wasn't torturing him, DeMarcus Ware was. Ware had two of the seven sacks, the most ever by one team in the Super Bowl.

Carolina's potent offense that led the league with 500 points was held to its fewest points of the year, and Denver set an ignominious mark with 194 yards gained, the fewest for a Super Bowl winner.

So what: The Broncos (15-4) are champions and Manning is the first quarterback to win Super Bowls with two franchises, Indianapolis in 2007 was the other.

Manning finished 13 for 23 for 141 yards against a strong Carolina (17-2) defense that just couldn't match Miller and company.

"This game was much like this season has been, testing our toughness, our resiliency, our unselfishness," he said. "It's only fitting that it turned out that way."

"I feel very, very grateful. ... Obviously, it's very special to cap it off with a Super Bowl championship."

Denver's defense stole Carolina's act. The Panthers led the league with 39 takeaways and were a plus-20 in turnovers. On the Super Bowl stage, though, Assistant Coach of the Year Wade Phillips got his first ring because his unit was impenetrable.

It was a far cry from two years ago, when the Broncos were routed by Seattle 43-8.

Carolina has made a habit of sprinting out of the gate in the playoffs. This time, it was Denver that got the quick start.

Manning opened the game with an 18-yard completion to Owen Daniels, later hit Andre Caldwell for 22, and C.J. Anderson had a 13-yard run. When the Panthers held, Brandon McManus kicked a 34-yard field goal.

The Panthers went nowhere on their first series, then their defense forced a three-and-out. It was the first of seven such aborted drives for both sides in the first half.

Carolina's Ron Rivera, the Coach of the Year, lost a challenge on a pass to Jerricho Cotchery , and it was a key decision because two plays later, Miller burst through and didn't even go for the sack. He reached directly for the ball, stripping it from Newton. It rolled to the goal line, where Malik Jackson pounced on it for a 10-0 lead.

Miller dabbed in the end zone in front of legions of orange-clad Broncos fans after Denver's first defensive touchdown in a Super Bowl.

Miller spied on Newton at times, and Newton noticed. But Newton escaped him for runs of 11 and 12 yards - Miller's hard tackle out of bounds bothered several Panthers - and a 19-yard pass to Greg Olsen on a misdirection play kept alive Carolina's first scoring drive.

Jonathan Stewart, back from hurting his right foot earlier, dived in from the 1 to make it 10-7.

But sloppiness - and strong defense - marked the rest of the game.

The first half ended 13-7 after McManus made a 33-yarder that followed the longest punt return in Super Bowl history. It was a strange runback, too.

Brad Nortman's kick from his 12 was barely deflected, and the ball fluttered to Jordan Norwood. One Panther bumped Norwood, but he didn't call for a fair catch, then took off to his right. Escorted by a bevy of blockers, he appeared headed for a touchdown until DE Mario Addison chased him down at the Carolina 14, a 61-yard jaunt.

Denver also forced the first fumble of the season by All-Pro fullback Mike Tolbert.

But the Broncos also had a giveaway when Manning was picked by DE Kony Ealy on a zone blitz deep in Panthers territory. And the lead was only six at halftime.

The margin stayed there when Graham Gano hit the right upright on a 44-yard field goal attempt to open the second half. Then his counterpart, McManus, made his 10th in as many postseason tries for a 16-7 margin. 

The kicker was rescuing Denver's inept short-yardage offense, just as he did in a playoff win over Pittsburgh when he made five field goals.

Gano made up for his miss with a 39-yarder to make it a one-score game with 10:21 remaining. The 50th Super Bowl came down to the last quarter - and as it had all day, Denver's defense dominated.

In Honor Of Black History Month, Original Musical Written By Local Educator Debuts

In Honor Of Black History Month, Original Musical Written By Local Educator Debuts

  

CHERRY HILL, N.J., (CBS) — In honor of Black History Month, an original musical written by a local educator makes its debut this weekend.

The show, called “Tulsa”, highlights a rarely discussed race conflict from the 1920s.

This is the seventh Black History Month musical written by Cherry Hill West Student Advocate Keisha Nelson, and the first with an original score.

For full story go to:  http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/

Kanye West Posts Fake 'Rolling Stone' Cover, 'Rolling Stone' Responds

Kanye West Posts Fake 'Rolling Stone' Cover, 'Rolling Stone' Responds

  

Kanye West arrives at St Paul's Cathedral in central London on 

Feb. 20, 2015, to attend a memorial service for Louise Wilson, 

the former director of the fashion course at London's Central Saint 

Martins (CSM) college.

 Kanye West posted a fake Rolling Stone cover to Twitter on Wednesday (Feb. 3) claiming it was shot by Tyler, the Creator. Under the photo of a smiling West, a caption read, "Does he like Mustard?"

 Rolling Stone later replied confirming it wasn't a real shot but did at least validate the magazine's interest in West's condiments of choice.  

The trolling continued as West followed up then predicting that the photo will become a Rolling Stone cover and took a poll over whether the public agreed.

Dr. Donna L. Elcock, O.D., Top Optometrist In Yeadon, Talks Her Experience Offering A Complete Lineup Of Eye Care Services Online Interview by Bob Conga, Correspondent Philadelphia Front Page News frontpagenews1@yahoo.com

Dr. Donna L. Elcock, O.D., Top Optometrist In Yeadon, Talks Her Experience Offering A Complete Lineup Of Eye Care Services Online Interview by Bob Conga, Correspondent Philadelphia Front Page News frontpagenews1@yahoo.com

Dr Donna L. Elcock, Optometrist.

Dr. Donna Leonne Elcock is a woman corneal and contact lens management optometrist whose office is located at 538 Church Lane, in Yeadon, PA (610) 284-0777. A top Optometrist, she is one of the many eye doctors of optometry (ODs) that are the primary health care professionals for the eye.

Dr. L. Elock’s specialties include conducting examination, diagnosis, treatment, and management when there are diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye.   So, we had an opportunity to catch up with Dr. Elcock to briefly discuss her professional optometry beginnings.  

Bob Conga, Philadelphia Front Page News: Where are you originally from?

Dr. L. Elcock: Guyana! That's in South America.

Conga, PFPN: Do you come from a large or small family?

Dr. L. Elcock: A large family of eight. I am the second oldest.

Conga, PFPN: What prompted you to become an Optometrist?

Dr. L. Elcock: I was fascinated with the effects of drugs on living cells. My mother was a diabetic, as well - as another family member. As you know that is one of the leading causes of blindness! I would say that was the main reason of me entering this field.

Bob, PFPN: What made you decide to start your business in Yeadon, PA since 1996?

Dr. L. Elcock: My parents were living in Delaware County when I first came to the states from school in Montreal. My original plan was to continue my studies on what I was in school abroad. However, no one was doing the kind of work that I was studying on! So I had to sit down and rethink my plan of direction. I wanted to go back to school, along with my fascination with drugs, diabetics, and my background in teaching.

My family and I decided that optometry was the best field for me to enter.

I began working with another private doctor. However, his way of doing things wasn't my way of doing things! So I decided to start my own private practice.

I wanted to be in an area where I could serve, help the people and I didn't want to be too far from home. So after doing our survey, Yeadon seem to be my best option.

 

 

Conga, PFPN: What is your country like?

Dr. L. Elcock: Guyana is hot! Growing up was a lot of fun, having a large family and all!

The problem came when we got older!

The country began to deteriorate, and then we realized that we were very poor, but we didn't realize it! Our parents didn't allow us to want for nothing. They gave us all their love!!! 

Dr. L. Elcock is an optometrist who has completed pre-professional undergraduate education in a college or university and four years of professional education at a college of optometry, leading to the doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree.

Dr. L. Elcock, Optometrists, is an eye health care professional state-licensed to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the eye and visual system.

And Yeadon Borough is so very happy to have Dr. Elcock. She’s good for better health-especially good on the eyes.