#CinematicJuice: Watch "Anchorman 2" Trailer

Finally!

Ron Burgandy and crew are back! 

Now, without further adieu, view Anchorman 2 trailer below!

#YouShouldKnow: National Security Administration orders Verizon to Release Phone Records of ALL Customers

Michelle get your husband...

 Wow, so reports are flying around about the government's deep reach into the lives of Americans.  According to a secret court order, Verizon is required to hand over phone records of its subscribers to the National Securtiy Adminstration. Information given include the location of the caller and recipient, as well as, duration of calls. This.... on a daily basis!

Say what?

Though the content of calls were not recorded, its hard to trust much of anything after this buildup of secrecy courtesy of the current administration. The fact that Verizon users were not alerted to the release of personal information seems sketch to me.

Don't let me tell it, check out the news story in the video below, originally aired on Today.

Just thought you should know.

P.S.

The Obama administration has given a statement pretty much telling all to suck it up.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Source: Today.com

#Atlanta: Meshell Ndegeocello in Concert [Free]

All of my Atlanta folks, you're in for a treat! 

The Atlanta Jazz Festival will hit the city on the weekend of May 25-27. 

Just announced: Meshell Ndegeocello May 25 on the Main Stage!

This event is FREE! 

I've gone 2 years in a row and it's definitely worth attending. Relaxed vibe, wonderful atmosphere and....FREE!! 

Can't beat it with a stick.

Watch and listen to Meshell's Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair to hold you over until the event:

Source

AudibleJuice: Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams - "Get Lucky"

Best new dance song of the year!

This song makes me dance no matter where I am!

Summer is near and nothing reminds me more of its approach than this upbeat song! French electronic music duo Daft Punk have returned to the charts, bringing musical caramel dip, Pharrell Williams, along for the ride. Get Lucky, features Williams' signature smooth vocals over an updated disco-tech-like beat.  I can just imagine young John Travolta sashaying across Studio 54 to this tune. The song itself is a party:

We're up all  night till the sun

We're up all night to get some

We're up all night for good fun

We're up all night to get lucky

We're up all night to get lucky

This track is just in time for the summer; a must for any upcoming backyard BBQs. This is definitely a song to add to that work out playlist. Don't take my word for it, listen to Daft Punk's Get Lucky below!

#Watch: Fantasia Is Back! Performs "Lose To Win" On American Idol

Whew, Fannie Mae!!

Fantasia has her groove back!

After facing public backlash for dating and mating with a married man, Fantasia has been keeping low and out of the spotlight. Slowly but surely, she has picked up the pieces of her life and now she's back! 

And you better believe that she looks AND sounds amazing. 

During her recent promotional tour for her upcoming album, The Side Effects of Me, Ms. Barrino went back to her roots with a stellar performance on the American Idol stage. She debuted her leading single, appropriately titled, Lose to Win.  

Reminds me of her standout performance of Porgy and Bess's Summertime back when she was competing.

Watch below for the chills!

Fantasia Lose To Win

The Side Effects of You will be in stores April 23! 

Do you think Fantasia is making a real comeback? Did you enjoy the performance?

 Comment below!

#BetterMondays: The Key to Starting Over

BOOM.

POW.

Four Gay NFL Players Could Come Out 'Sooner Than You Think'

2013 must be the year.

During  a recent interview, former Baltimore Ravens player Brenden Ayanbadejo  expressed that the public should brace for a serious shift within the National Football League. According to the Huffington Post, Ayanbadejo revealed a plan already in motion:

"I think it will happen sooner than you think," Ayanbadejo told Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun. "We're in talks with a handful of players who are considering it. There are up to four players being talked to right now and they're trying to be organized so they can come out on the same day together. It would make a major splash and take the pressure off one guy. It would be a monumental day if a handful or a few guys come out."

Now, that would certainly be a change. Despite being married with 2 kids, Ayanbadejo is an active supporter for gay rights, particularly within the NFL. The Baltimore Ravens star was recently released from the team but denies any connection to his association with players coming out.

Well, if the United States military can move past  "Don't ask, Don't tell," why can't the NFL?

Things that make you go "Hmmm."

Do you think the NFL will openly accept gay players? Comment below.

New Music: Jay-Z releases, "Open Letter" - Response to Cuba Trip Criticism [Listen]

Bwahaha!

Here's a little background:

Jay-Z and wife Beyonce caused media outrage earlier this week when they were spotted vacationing in Cuba for their 5th wedding anniversary. So much so, a couple of Capital Hill's finest have spoken out in opposition, stating their trip is against a U.S. Embargo. And now the internet is in a tizzy!

As a result, the Brooklyn Nets co-owner responds in the only way he knows best, through his music. Open Letter sounds like a large LOL. He speaks about his attitude towards politicians, making money with the Nets and his casual relationship with the President: 

"Obama said, 'chill you gon' get me impeached. You don't need this s**t anyway. Chill with me on the beach.'"

Even more hilarious, the topic of Mr. Carter's lyrics were brought up during a White House press conference. (See video on below)


Do you think its appropriate to use lyrics from a song as support for a White House inquiry?

Seems like a good distraction from all the truly important issues going on.

The White House certainly have better things to talk about than this. On top of that, Jay will mostly likely laugh all the way to the bank courtesy of media hoopla.

 If Open Letter burns through the charts, he will stand to make a pretty penny essentially from a diary entry.

Listen to Jay-Z's Open Letter here:

Miami Folks: Atlanta Beat Battle [Miami Edition] - May 2

Tis going DOWN!

Mark your calendars!

If you are a producer or songwriter living in the Miami area, DON'T miss this!

On May 2nd, Atlanta's premiere producer and songwriter networking event is heating up with a Miami edition. 

This will be epic!  

Past attendees: Juice, Maestro, ATLBB Founder: Jas, Fatboi, 1/2 of Tha Bizness, Mo Riley

I've been to many music networking events and without a doubt, the Atlanta Beat Battle is known for hosting strong arms in the production game. Past judges have included: DJ Don Cannon (50 Cent &Young Jeezy); DJ Sense; La President of Aphiliates Music group, Grammy Award winners: the J.U.S.T.I.C.E League (Rick Ross & Mary J. Blige); Maestro (Lil Wayne); Fatboi (Gucci Mane); Tha Bizness (Yung Money & Young Jeezy);  Needlz (Jadakiss); Kane Beats (Lil Wayne); Sonny Digital (Future); Shawty Redd(Snoop Dogg); and many more.

Come out and network with like-minded artists. 

The hits begin here!

For more information check out www.AtlantaBeatBattle.com or @AtlBeatBattle on Twitter.

#TechJuice: The Backpack Umbrella

I could have soooo used this in college during those rainy GA days! 

It would rain right before a class on the opposite of campus, with a professor who offered no free absences  (you know what I'm talking about). Leaving me no choice but to walk (or run) across the quad in the rain. 

So much for looking cute.

However, this little gadget would have saved a lot of stress.  

I don't particularly care for the strap around the waist. But, other than that, I am game! 

What do you think about the Backpack Umbrella?

 Comment below!

Source

Better Mondays: Exonerated Player, Brian Banks, Signed by Atlanta Falcons

Faith does work!

 If the name Brian Banks sounds familiar, its because last year, his story shocked Americans everywhere. He was the number 11 ranked football player with multiple scholarships and opportunities within Division 1 football.

According to ABC News, that all came to an end when at the age of 17, Banks was convicted for raping a high school friend. Years later, while on probation, his accuser messaged him on Facebook, admitting that she had lied about the accusations

Now, after multiple training camps, Brain has officially signed with the Atlanta Falcons:

Shortly before the start of the 2012-2013 season, the Falcons invited him to try out.“He had a great workout, but the timing was bad,” Glazer said. “But the Falcons gave me their word that they would sign him. Not then but soon.”Eight months later, they kept their word.

“We’re putting together our roster and this isn’t a charity case,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff told the NFL Network. “This is a great, feel-good story, but it’s also one that we believe that he has a chance to come in there and compete.”

If Banks can survive five years in jail for a crime he didn't commit. I'm posi
This is an amazing story!

I wonder what's taking Lifetime so long to make a movie about it....

Michael Jackson’s $40 BILLION Wrongful Death Trial Begins

It never ends...

::Sigh::

Jury selection for Micheal Jackson's wrongful death suit has begun. The Jackson family has filed for $40 Billion dollars against AEG Live, the company behind Jackson's This Is It comeback tour.

Why $40 billion?

That's the number Mike would have received had he not passed away from a homicidal drug overdose:

 Lawyers for Jackson’s mother, Katherine, and his three children are expected to blame AEG Live for hiring Dr. Conrad Murray, a cardiologist who is behind bars on involuntary manslaughter
 charges after it was determined that he gave Jackson a lethal dose of the surgical anesthetic propofol, which resulted in his death.

The family believes that AEG knew that Micheal's health was in jeopardy and still allowed Dr. Murray to treat the fragile pop star.

It is possible that Jackson's children could be called to testify.


They say...more money, more problems.

Sad. 

Source

#TheQuench: Being Adopted - My Story [Pics]

Talk about a REBIRTH! 

Many don't know, but I was adopted at birth by two beautiful and absolutely giving parents. (One of them my namesake.) 

I'm proud to say, on Good Friday, I was found by my birth mother and my FIVE brothers and sisters. And Easter Sunday, I met them all for the first time! 

There were many tears, LOTS of jokes, and unforgettable memories. We ate, we sang, and we rejoiced. There was relief on both sides. For me, it was knowing that I wasn't a secret. My family found me. Never in my mind, was that option palpable. And yet, a single Facebook message away, here we are. And now, I know that my birth mother had made the only choice that benefited us both.  

I've always known that I was adopted. And though there was always a shadow of mystery shrouding my life, in a way I knew they were there. I say I have the greatest Guardian Angels. (For the tribulations in my life, I knew there had to be multiple angels.)  And boy, was I right!

Now, I have a bushel of nieces and nephews! Family I've never met are pouring in and showing love. We are now complete.

Living to meet the woman who gave me life & introduce her to the woman who let me live is something I've prayed for my entire life. God is good. This day is unreal. And I am blessed and highly favored. 

My journey is far from over.

 As I move forward and allow the dust to settle, the vision for my life is now illuminated. The shaky foundation I'd created for myself- about my history,  has been reinforced. I now know that I come from a long line of strong Bahamian women. We are beautiful, resilient,  talented, God-fearing, and prayerful. Faith surrounded my family and filled the hole in our hearts until we were able to reunite and become whole as a completed work of art.

Hallelujah! 

P.S.: The biggest sign of love was seen through my parents. They opened their home and hearts to my birth family.  Their openness made this experience unforgettable and I've never felt so blessed to have been raised and nurtured by these individuals. 

CARL & VIVIAN WEBSTER: You are my heart!!

My first picture with my Mother

My family (Missing: 1 older brother)

#SayItAintSo: CBS Cancels Judge Joe Brown

damn. Damn. DAMN!

Somewhere, a housewife is drowning in her tears.

Judge Joe Brown is no more. After 15 years on a televised bench, America's longest running African American TV judge has been given the great karate chop:

The cancellation comes after negotiations on a new contract broke down, apparently over Brown’s salary. He reportedly has been making $20 million a year, but CBS Television Distribution was looking to trim his compensation in line with a decline in his ratings.

Basically, Judge Joe Brown (You have to say the whole name. You just have to.) was down in ratings. His time slot is a money maker and lower ratings means CBS can't charge as much for advertising during his show. As a result, CBS wanted to lower his salary. Of course, Judge Joe Brown is not having that, soooo, CBS throws up the deuces.

Yikes! More money more problems.

Wait a minute... Judge made $20 million a year?  O_O

Source

#TechJuiceTuesday: T-Mobile To Cancel Cellphone Contracts

Whoa.

Soooo, the #4 cell phone carrier, T-Mobile, has been in a mad dash to revamp their entire contract system in an effort to retain customers. According to USA Today, they've really been losing subscribers to Verizon Wireless and AT&T because of lower data speeds, low coverage in rural areas, and no iPhone. Now, the company will rely on finance plans through expensive phones:

With T-Mobile's new plans, the initial phone-buying experience won't be much different from what it's like for contract plans, but customers could save money in the long run.

For instance, someone who wants a Samsung Galaxy S III would pay $70 upfront and then $90 per month for unlimited calling, text and data. That monthly fee includes $20 to pay off the cost of the phone over two years. 

By separating the cost of the phone from the service, T-Mobile is making its plans and upgrade options easier to understand. When the phone is paid off, the $20 fee in that example disappears. 

Well, well, well.

Looks like the same shenanigans as usual.

Money out of my pocket.

But, if this will keep costs down for service, I'm all for it.

What do you think about T-Mobile's new contract system?

#TheQuench: Miami's Win Streak Has NBA Changing Its TV Coverage

Can You Feel The Heat Down In Your Soul?

Whew!

The Miami Heat is scorching up the record books with a historical streak of 26 consecutive game wins! Because the BIG 3 are putting on such a show, the NBA has decided to bend their broadcast rules to keep the spotlight shining on basketball's current champs:

Setting aside the normal limits on team appearances on its national TV carriers, ESPN will be allowed to air Monday’s Heat at Orlando Magic game (7:00 p.m. ET), although local broadcasters will remain protected as ESPN’s coverage will be blacked out in the teams’ home TV markets.

Normally, leagues — in various sports — limit the appearances of their marquee teams. In the NBA, that’s done to help protect revenues of individuals teams and their local broadcasters, who otherwise might lose lots of marquee games to national broadcasters.

Smart move!

Born and raised in Miami, FL, I've been a Heat fan since the Alonzo Mourning Jr / Tim Hardaway days.

And understand, my city is familiar with winning.

I'm so glad the rest of the world has finally caught on!

2013 Champs?

Don't believe me, just WATCH. :-)


Source 

#LOL: Jeff Gordon Aces Best Driving Prank Ever [Video]

I can't breathe...

Seriously, I laughed for about 5 minutes straight! This guy could not have been a better mark. 

New Music: Rihanna - "Pour It Up (Remix) Ft, Jeezy, Rick Ross, Juicy J & T.I.

Pour it up. Pour it up!

By far, this is my favorite song on Rihanna's last album, Unapologetic. Not much to say other than its was a club banger before the remix. And with all these added verses, its still one. With that said, take a listen!

Listen to Pour It Up (Remix) - Rihanna, Jeezy, Rick Ross, Juicy J & T.I.:

What do you think about this remix? 

Comment below!

#TheQuench: Atlanta :: Power Plug PR Conference Ticket Giveaway!

Mark Your Calendars!

Via LillieMaePR:

{Ticket Give-a-Way} We're giving away tickets to the Power Plug PR Conference - simply LIKE our company page to enter! Facebook.com/LillieMaePR We will also be speaking on the 3:45pm F.A.M.E. Niche Panel - be sure to stop by!

Looks like a great event, Atlanta!

Make sure you check out the Facebook page above for more information.

New Music: Beyonce' "Bow Down (I Been On)" + New H & M Campaign (PICS)

King B like you've never heard her before!

Y'all have pushed Beyonce' to the edge and she is no longer playing nice!

 This track is directed to her haters and she is serious:

I know when you were a little girl, you dreamed of being in my world.

Don't forget it. Don't forget it.

Bow down Bitches!

 I would love to know who inspired this particular track but we both know that slither of info will never surface.

Sucks.

Anywho, Bow Down is an ode to Houston's popular chopped and screwed sound and Mrs. Carter lays down a flow in a screwed voice, reminiscing about her good ol days in H-Town. It's a nice refreshing sound from Beyonce and there is a distinct growth to her artistry. She has clearly come into her own and her confidence is through the roof. Momma is cussing and all!

Me likey!!

Listen to Bow Down (I Been On) below:

Singer Reveals New Modeling Campaign 

Busy week for Mrs. Carter!

After releasing a new quasi controversial song, the singer's anticipated modeling campaign with fashion giant, H&M. According to Donald Schneider, creative director of H&M:

'H&M’s summer campaign starring Beyonce is an epic fantasy, with glamour, drama and also a sense of paradise. It was amazing to watch her on the shoot make it all look effortless – a quality that makes her such an icon for women around the world. The campaign is the essence of Beyonce', and also the essence of H&M this summer.'

Not only was the new mom able to give input to the line, but she will appear in a new TV commercial featuring a new song. (What's going on with Dereon, again?)

Oh boy, I'm feeling a Beyonce' overload coming on again.  

Regardless, Beyonce' is continuing to push the envelope and I have nothing but respect for her work ethic.

Hat's off.


Source 

#WTF: Pandora To Cap Free Listening On Mobile Devices

Everyone has bills.

Everyone.

Internet Music Streaming giant Pandora, has recently announced a 40 hour per month listening cap for all mobile listeners. This comes after 3 years of a continuous increase in the amount  of royalties they must pay per track. 

Pandora founder, Tim Westergren, released a short, but telling explanation through the company's blog:

...limiting listening is a very unusual thing to do, and very contrary to our mission so we wanted to share a quick explanation. PANDORA's per-track royalty rates have increased more than 25% over the last 3 years, including 9% in 2013 alone and are scheduled to increase an additional 16% over the next two years. After a close look at our overall listening, a 40-hour-per-month mobile listening limit allows us to manage these escalating costs with minimal listener disruption.

My guess is, this limit will be used as leverage in future financial negotiations with artists. For those of you with a pouty face right now, cheer up. Odds are, you don't actually listen to anywhere near 40 hours of music per month. If you do, you're really getting over and should them a cut a check. 

They need it. 

Source

New Music: Eve ft Gabe Saporta - "Make It Out This Town" [Audio + Visual]

Who's that girl?

E-V-E!

The self-proclaimed "pitbull in a skirt" is back on the scene and has plenty to say! The multi-talented actress and singer is steadily making her way back into the music game through interviews and now, with the release of new singles from her upcoming album, The Lip Lock. 

Due out in May, the record features appearances from Jeremiah, Juicy J, Chrisette Michelle, Snoop Lion and more. 

Take a listen to Make it Out This Town below!

Check out Eve's sit down discussing competition with Nicki Minaj, her new beau, and starting from the bottom:

New Music: Macklemore + Ryan Lewis - "Thrift Shop" [Video]

This song is effing awesome!

As a die hard thrifter for most of my life, I can unequivocally appreciate the subject of this track. If you seriously don't already know, thrift Stores are the best!

Now, as far as this song goes, the beat is awesome and Macklemore's flow is solid. 

Alls I can say is listen and judge for yourself!

TheQuench: Quvenzhane Wallis - Youngest Oscar Nominee in History [Video]

I love this girl!

 Not only is she a talented Thespian, but this little firecracker is a super mature and focused little 9 year old. Her role as Hushpuppy, in the moving 2012 Critic's Choice independent film, The Beasts of the Southern Wild, took audiences everywhere by storm! Consequently, Miss Wallis has made history as the youngest person EVER to be nominated for an Academy Award.  

What an accomplishment! 

Watch below!

Soledad O'Brien sits down with the poised young actress to chat about her nomination, future works, and what she wants to be when she grows up.

Watch Quvenzhane at the 85th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars) on February 24th.

#InCaseYouWereWondering: Beyonce + Oprah = Interview Goodness

TONIGHT!

 

Sheesh, why am I so excited for this interview!?

 

 

 Uggggh. lol

I sincerly hope Mrs. Carter finally reveals something that we don't already know. She's accomplished many things in a such a short span, there's no surprise this is one of the most heavily anticipated Oprah sit-downs to date.  Despite Oprah being master at pulling information, Beyonce is like a steel fortress, and so far, the odds of her dishing on juice is miniscule.

And yet, I shall wait in painstaking agony until the special airs. (o_O)

P.S. Bey's self directed documentary is airing on HBO an hour later.

 

P.S.S.: How cute is this little precious Jay-Z + Beyonce Mashup?

 

 Watch Beyoncé on Jay-Z: "I Would Not Be the Woman I Am If I Did Not Go Home to That Man" 

 

 

 

Will you be watching the interview? Do you think Beyonce will reveal details about her life that we don't already know about?

 

Comment below.

New Music: Justin Timberlake - "Mirrors"

Caution: The following song is 8 minutes long! 

The original Justin.

                                                                         First, he delivers a show stopping return to the stage with a stellar performance of Suit and Tie at the Grammy's. Then, he releases a novel of a song, Mirrors. A great song. But will it reclaim his status as the Pop & B prince?                                                                                                                                             His second studio album,  The 20/20 Experience is due out on March 19 and there's no doubt that JT will deliver. He's married now, so of course, I'm expecting a sleeker, more mature sound from the 32 year old Friends with Benefits star.  

Listen to "Mirrors" below.

Check out the video for his 1st single Suit and Tie below:

What do you think about "Mirrors?"  Leave your comment below.

#InLaymansTerms: The State Of The Union

The POTUS has spoken.

President Obama addressed the Nation last night with a plea for compromise between branches and parties. Here are the points of his speech that stood out to me:

Highlights:

Congress must put country before party.


Reduce taxpayers subsidies.

Elected officials must keep promises already made.

Tax reform

All parties must agree this time around or.... we all suffer!

Apple's Mac computers are slated to now be made in US.

Rid of tax loopholes and special interest tax breaks for the wealthy.

In order to be number one this country must invest in innovation.


If I had a shot for every time these words were spoken: Bipartisan, deficit, reform,

Sidebar Oddites:

Random clappers: 7

Michelle and other woman power clapping. (If we can see your muscular veins you're over doing it.)

Random standing ovations (We don't have all night.)

FLOTUS's dress: No bueno, Granny. ( All due respect.)

Someone please give John Boehner something to smile about!

Overall, the President's speech was inspiring to say the least. Hopefully, the relationship between Congress and the White House will smooth over this term in order to accomplish more for the country.

As always, I shall be standing by.

#InCaseYouWereWondering: The Pope is Resigning

Wow.

What would force a holy man to step down from the holiest position in the Catholic Church?

Just ask, Pope Benedict XVI, who has recently announced his intent to step down due to old age. 

He's 85.

I guess he has better things to do before his trip to the pearly gates. 

Like update his Twitter page.

Source

#OutandAbout: McDonald's Flavor Battle Visual Recap

Yeee a yi yeaaaaa!

The McDonald's Flavor Battle was on and popping at Cameo Nightclub on Miami Beach last week. 3 DJS went head to head in an ultimate mixing challenge. 3 challenges. 1 winner. 

From top to bottom, this event was quite impressive. 

Here are my highlights:

-Waitresses were walking around serving Angus Burgers, Quarter Pounders, Fish Bites, and Big Macs. 

Oh my! 

-Instant Photobooth, complete with cool props.

-An ahmazing set, pure eyegasm.

-DJ Jena Red held it down for the ladies!!

-American Idol style judging- Just Blaze was Just too honest. smh

Overall, I had a splendid time!

Congratulations to the winner DJ Element, who went home with a whopping $10,000 prize. 

 Not too shabby.

Special thanks to Fadia Kader + Complex Magazine for their awesome hospitality!

Check out the visual recap below:

Mickey D's in the club! 

DJ Jena Red + DJ Element

Funkmaster Flex

Blogger, Necole Bitchie

DJ Jena Red

Artist, Mike G

Judges: DJ Risk One | DJ Clue | Just Blaze | Spinderella

Photobooth!

Just Blaze + Spinderella

DJ Clue

Spinderella

Winner is: DJ Element