Keepingitreal

Victory for gay rights campaign

Victory for gay rights campaign as reggae star agrees to ditch homophobic lyricsBuju Banton signs pledge after years of pressure. Song advocated shooting and burning homosexuals One of the most notoriously homophobic figures in reggae and dancehall music has agreed to stop singing violently anti-gay lyrics. Buju Banton - whose 1990s hit Boom Bye Bye advocates the shooting of gay men - has signed the "reggae compassionate act" set up by the gay rights campaign group Stop Murder Music, after a three-year campaign to bring him into line, the group will announce today. Banton is the latest in a series of high-profile artists, including Beenie Man and Sizzla, to sign the declaration after worldwide protests from gay rights groups resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of concerts and sponsorship deals, costing the artists in excess of £2.5m.In signing up, Banton has agreed to not make homophobic statements in public, release new homophobic songs or authorise the re-release of previous homophobic songs. The act states: "There's no space in the music community for hatred and prejudice, including no place for racism, violence, sexism or homophobia."It adds that reggae artists have always fought against injustices, inequalities, poverty and violence. Peter Tatchell, of the gay rights group Outrage! which has coordinated the campaign, said the move was a big breakthrough in a battle that has raged between gay rights activists and a number of dancehall artists for 15 years. "Our No 1 priority is to stop murder music," he said. Banton has been a focus for gay activists since the release of Boom Bye Bye, in which he sings about shooting gay men in the head, pouring acid on them and burning them alive. He has previously said he wrote Boom Bye Bye as a teenager and is not homophobic, but he was filmed performing Boom Bye Bye at a concert in Miami last year. Yesterday, Dennis Carney, vice-chair of the Black Gay Men's Advisory Group, said: "These performers are sending a clear message that lesbians and gay men have a right to live free from fear and persecution, both here in the UK and in Jamaica." SOURCE OF THIS STORY

Five Married Men

James's heart was pounding harder. A small panic swelled in his chest. An urge to stand, to move, to think, came over him. It was the last thing he expected to hear David admit to. IRS problems, over leveraged borrowing-maybe. Attracted to men-never. David was as hard driving and masculine as any man he had ever known. so powerful that it can cause a man to jeopardize his career and a twenty-year marriage? What steals his thoughts and inspires risks that others can't comprehend? David Westin knows. He knows the power of one man's hand on the arm of another man. When the day comes that his best friend James reveals a lifelong secret, their lives are forever changed. Together they start on a path of discovery and physical adventure, of elation and joy, of heartache and deception. Setting themselves apart from the general brotherhood of men, they meet Jake, Jorge, and Tim. All five men form a bond and soon realize they have opened a door they can never close. Martin Brant has left the corporate world to write full time. He has written five novels. Like the men he writes about, Martin believes most gay and bisexual men are everyday average guys who lead quiet, productive lives. He would love to hear your thoughts. [email protected].

And then There Were Three -- Co-Defendant in the Michael Vick Case Accepts Plea Deal

The proverbial noose is tightening around the neck of Michael Vick.  CNN reports that one of Vick’s co-defendants in the dog fighting case, Tony Taylor, pleaded guilty to federal charges this morning and agreed to cooperate fully with the prosecution of Vick and the remaining two defendants. The trial is scheduled to commence on November 26th. Taylor, along with the remaining three defendants, had all plead not guilty last week.  Now that Taylor has changed his tune, things look much worse for Vick.  Taylor is alleged to have located the property that ultimately become the headquarters of Bad Newz Kennels, and participated in the training and, in at least one instance, the execution of the dogs.  We can now add Taylor’s name to the growing list of evidentiary sources and witnesses against Vick and his co-defendants. Billy Martin, Vick’s lawyer, certainly has his work cut out for him.  Fortunately, he’s no stranger to celebrity cases, having represented a variety of professional athletes and entertainers, including basketball players Jayson Williams, Allen Iverson, Rod Strickland, and Juwan Howard, boxer Riddick Bowe, actor Wesley Snipes, as well as former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell, White House intern Monica Lewinsky, and the parents murdered government intern Chandra Levy.  He is also a former federal prosecutor, and intimately familiar with those aspects of law – particularly procedural ones – that distinguish federal from state cases. A few questions for discussion.  First, what do you make of Taylor’s change of heart? Should he have taken the plea and agreed to help the prosecution?  How does this fit with the whole “stop snitchin’” thing?  Lil’ Kim went to jail because she refused to snitch.  Should Taylor have followed her lead?  Or the other way around? Second, how do you interpret Vick’s hiring of Billy Martin, along with other prominent lawyers, to represent him?  My own view is that he is simply doing what any of us would do under the circumstances – secure the best legal counsel one can afford.  But the references to O.J. Simpson’s “Dream Team,” and the miraculous outcome it produced in his trial, are hard to ignore. SOURCE OF THIS STORY

Mo’nique Defends The ‘N’ Word

Actress Mo'nique has defended black musicians who use the word "n$#@%r" in their lyrics, insisting it is a term of endearment. The comedienne believes African-Americans have a responsibility to banish the negativity surrounding the word and is keen to reclaim it as an accepted term among the black population. She says, "Do I use the word n$#@%r? Yes, in my comedy routine and in life because it's our word. Here's the thing. We need to stop giving people the power over that word. We take it and turn it around to make it beautiful. You see, they gave us that word back then. They called us n$#@%r back then. "So yes, I hold on to it. And I say it to the n$#@%rs, keep doing your thing with pride and honor. Look how we overcame. Her name is Oprah Winfrey. His name is Shawn Carter. Her name is Condoleezza Rice. Look at them n$#@%rs." Source: Star Pulse Image: Oxygen

CARL THOMAS IS 'SO MUCH BETTER': Singer boasts new disc, new label.

Singer Carl Thomas had us all emotional in 2000 with his hit debut single "Emotional" and the follow-up, "I Wish." With those very big hits, he quickly became known as the balladeer of Bad Boy. He released his sophomore disc in 2004 that sailed to gold status with hits like "She Is." Since then, he's grown as a singer and a businessman and has prepped his third album "So Much Better," released last month, in his own time and on his own label. This is an independent company, distributed by Universal," Thomas said of the records backing. "[Music business executive] Jheryl Busby gave [producer] Mike City and me the opportunity to exercise our imprints so it's on Thom Tunes, which is my label, slash Umbrella, slash Universal." Thomas left the Bad Boy label in 2005 because of creative differences, but told EUR's Lee Bailey that putting out his latest disc on the umbrella boutique label isn't really that different. To me, it's the same game, just different numbers," he explained. "The money's better. The independent game allows you to be your own boss. Of course you share in the responsibility of the promotion and marketing of the album, whereas in other situations you don't, but at the same time the profit margins are a little bit better."

There's MORE of this article HERE.

Bob Johnson’s First Film Hits Theaters

July 26, 2007--A studio where blacks have the power to actually green-light movies is what Black Hollywood has been wanting for decades. BET founder and billionaire businessman Robert L. Johnson answered the call last year with the formation of Our Stories Films, which he formed with independent producers Bob and Harvey Weinstein in a transaction valued at $200 million. Johnson later named Tracey Edmonds as president and COO. This Friday, the studio will release nationwide its first film, Who's Your Caddy?, a comedy starring Big Boi, Faizon Love, Tamala Jones, Sherri Shepherd, James Avery and Terry Crews. Queen Latifah and her producing partner Shakim Compere, who brought the project to Our Stories, are executive producers on the film. The issue over the years has been one of power. The power to say yes or no to what gets made and what doesn't. Until the launch of Our Stories, that power has rested in the hands of non-blacks. The structure of Johnson's deal with the Weinsteins gives him and Edmonds complete creative autonomy to make the films they want, according to Edmonds. So with at least some green-light power in Tinseltown, African Americans will hopefully discover a broader, more nuanced representation of themselves on screen. Our Stories' objective is to release family-friendly comedies with African American leads in the $10 million to $15 million budget range. Many have probed, "Why just comedies?" It's a valid question. African Americans are more than just laughs. Yet it's also easy to comprehend the company’s business strategy. In recent years, comedies featuring African Americans have been some of industry’s most successful. From the Wayan’s brothers Scary Movie hits, the Barbershop franchise, Martin Lawrence's Big Momma's House franchise and the Tyler Perry films, urban comedies make money. Family-friendly films can also stock at Wal-Mart once they go to DVD. Plus, Johnson has never wavered about who he is first and foremost—a businessman. SOURCE OF THIS STORY

Breaking News: Usher's Wedding Cancelled!

Damn, I knew the marriage wouldn't last long, but I didn't think it wouldn't even make it to the alter... This is yet another twist in the drama that has become Ushmeka! The wedding between Usher and his pregnant fiance has been canceled, his publicist told The Associated Press on Saturday. The wedding between the multiplatinum singer and his longtime girlfriend, Tameka Foster, was scheduled for Saturday. The pair are expecting their first child together sometime this fall. However, a statement released by publicist Patti Webster exclusively to the AP read: "It was announced today that the wedding ceremony for Usher Raymond, IV and Tameka Foster was canceled. No additional information will be given regarding the circumstances of the cancellation, but we hope the privacy of this matter will be respected."Webster would not comment on whether the two were still engaged or even a couple. DAMN!Plus, according to Sandra Rose: An industry insider who is close to usher's camp revealed the real reason behind usher's surprise cancellation of his wedding to his former stylist Tameka Foster. "My sources are saying The National Enquirer Story did it, and the wedding was called off last night," said the insider in a text message to me. Tameka Foster is said to be "furious" at last night's surprise cancellation of her wedding. SOURCE OF THIS STORY

Floetry's New Floacist...

A few months ago I heard mumbles that Floetry had split [for unconfirmed "relationship" issues]... But to steal from Laurie Ann [the gotcha gotchas never stop], one monkey don't stop no show and Floetry Remixed was born when radio personality and floacist in her own right, Amanda Diva signed on to replace Natalie Stewart. Amanda will join Marsha Ambrosius on The Floetry Remixed Tour, which kicked off this week, and perform new flows for Floetry past hits as well as perform new music! If you didn't know and had a rap game, check out 40 Emcees SOURCE OF THIS STORY

Libya Lifts Death Sentences in HIV Case

Libya on Tuesday dropped death sentences against five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor accused of infecting hundreds of children with HIV, commuting their punishments to life in prison, the foreign minister said. The ruling came after families of the children each received $1 million, according to a victims' advocate, and agreed to drop their demand for the execution of the six, who deny having infected more than 400 children and say their confessions were extracted under torture. Libya remains under intense international pressure to free the medical workers, and Foreign Minister Abdel-Rahman Shalqam said Tripoli was willing to consider the medics' deportation to Bulgaria. He said the negotiations would take place within "the legal framework and political context" between the two countries. "In return (for a transfer), improving the conditions of the infected children and their families should be taken into account," he told The Associated Press. Bulgaria's chief prosecutor, Kamen Mihov, said requests would be made Wednesday to have the medics leave Libya shortly. They have been jailed since 1999. But the medics' main Libyan defense lawyer, Osman al-Bizant, told the Al-Jazeera television network that their deportation would depend on "whether there is the possibility of carrying out the punishment there (in Bulgaria)."Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin called the Supreme Judiciary Council's ruling "a huge step in the right direction." Asked whether it was possible the medics would be pardoned after returning home, Kalfin said: "All judicial options are real." SOURCE OF THIS STORY

Bonds Stuck at 754 As Marlins Top Giants

SAN FRANCISCO - All Barry Bonds broke Sunday was his maple bat. Bonds was 1-for-4 with an infield single on the final day of the Giants' homestand, failing to come close to a home run during an 8-5 loss to the Florida Marlins. Still one homer from tying Hank Aaron's record of 755, Bonds takes his quest to a place where his reception figures to be anything but friendly: Dodger Stadium. Since hitting No. 754 on Friday night, Bonds is 1-for-7 with five walks. Bonds was set to fly home to Beverly Hills after Sunday's game, giving him several nights in his own bed for this coming week. Giants manager Bruce Bochy wasn't sure whether Bonds would play the opener against the archrival or take the night off to rest. Bonds would like to set the record at home, but the Giants have a six-game trip to Los Angeles and San Diego that starts Tuesday before returning for a weeklong homestand against Washington and Pittsburgh.Before the game, Bonds wouldn't speculate on what kind of reception he'll get in Los Angeles _ saying he preferred to keep the focus on the team. One reporter asked about his team at Serra High School and suggested there might have been some better batters in his prep lineup. SOURCE OF THIS STORY

YouTube OnTheRise RAP Edition '07 50 Cent Intro

ARMANI EXCHANGE // NEW UNDERWEAR MODEL WANTED

And if you think you have what it takes to be a model for Armani Exchange click here the search begins september 1 2007 (and not Septemer ;-) It's hard to focus on the typo with so much hunkyness around ... even for the Armani peeps !!!The new Armani Exchange Underwear collection will be launch on September 2007 but for now, you can enjoy a nice preview on their official site. Images source

Outfoxed?

The city of Oakland is banking on the Fox Theater to revive Uptown, but where will that leave the Paramount?A few months ago, Rene Boisvert was finishing up lunch at a taqueria near Oakland City Hall when the mayor walked in. As Boisvert recalls the story, fellow diners gasped at the presence of Ron Dellums, but Boisvert didn't gawk, even when the mayor sat down next to him. They exchanged glances before the 51-year-old Boisvert got up to leave. He made it all the way to his car before he decided to turn around. There was something he had to say. The mayor was eating a bowl of soup when Boisvert approached.  "Mr. Dellums, my name is Rene Boisvert and I'm a board member of the Paramount Theatre. I think you should fire each and every one of us, including myself."The mayor, startled, put down his spoon and looked up at Boisvert. "Are you saying the place is being mismanaged?" "Absolutely," the cherubic-faced Boisvert replied. Dellums paused to digest the information. "I know the city has a lot of needs because you're many millions of dollars short of balancing your budget," Boisvert continued. "And if this place was run properly, you could pick up at least another million dollars." SOURCE OF THIS STORY

4 LIFE

Heard about the movie "4 LIFE" based on Long's book? See an exclusive trailer of the movie set to hit stores this summer by clicking here.

SIDELINE HO

And so she should. SIDELINE HO doesn't read like a debut novel, not when you consider the complexities and social issues that it fearlessly addresses. There is something for everyone, and everyone is someone in the book that tackles homosexuality, the "down low" lifestyle, verbal and physical abuse as well as dealing with loving the one you're with. In two days we visited with groups at various locations, but everyone found something about the book they could relate to. Thanks goes out to all of the individuals and groups that made the visit a success. The book clubs (The Savvy Book Club, QUEENS of Mississippi and Natural Essence Book Club), the libraries (The Pearl Public Library, the Medgar Evers Library, the Richard Wright Library and the Willie Morris Library) and all of those who just wanted to show their support. Believe me, you haven't heard the last of C. J. Domino, and with a new book already in the works and the word getting out about her debut, I know that she will be busy for many years to come.For more information, visit her online at www.myspace.com/coloredgirl

Democrats criticize AT&T's exclusive iPhone deal

WASHINGTON--AT&T's exclusive right to sell the Apple iPhone drew complaints on Wednesday from Democratic politicians, though it was unclear whether they were planning to do anything about it.
"The problem with the iPhone is that the iPhone with AT&T is kind of like a 'Hotel California' service," Massachusetts Rep. Ed Markey said--in a nod to the Eagles hit, of course--during a hearing. "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave."Even though the hearing before the House of Representatives subcommittee on the Internet was supposed to be about "wireless innovation and consumer protection," the iPhone popped up among Democrats as a subject of criticism--and, among Republicans, as an example of the free market and consumer choice in action.Neither Apple nor AT&T testified at the hearing.To be clear, there are no proposed laws, or even talk of proposed laws, that would forcibly divorce Apple from AT&T. The wireless carrier reportedly has an exclusive deal to sell the iPhone in the United States for the next five years.Michigan Rep. Fred Upton, the top Republican on the subcommittee, said of the iPhone: "Its early success is an indication that the wireless market is in fact working. That iPhone is the newest mousetrap and now other carriers will be working to top it."A more likely possibility is for federal regulators to require an open network standard (that would permit all sorts of mobile devices from all kinds of companies to operate) when some of the valuable slice of spectrum known as the 700 MHz band is auctioned off early next year. SOURCE OF THIS STORY

Obama: My presidency would unleash a ‘transformation’

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- He would surely make history. But would Sen. Barack Obama's election as America's first black president transform the nation? Obama says yes. Sen. Barack Obama tells the Urban League that his presidency would unleash a "transformation." "The day I'm inaugurated, the country looks at itself differently. And don't underestimate that power. Don't underestimate that transformation," Obama told the crowd Friday at the National Urban League convention in St. Louis, Missouri. The Democrat from Illinois was answering a question about the racial polarization in America. Obama said "race is still an enormous factor in our society. But economics can overcome a lot of racial division." The Democratic presidential hopeful also said that action, rather than high-minded discussions, is the way to end racial inequality. Obama said "if we're doing the right thing and making sure that our young people are going to school, that they're getting good jobs, that they're starting businesses, that they're living in thriving neighborhoods and communities, that will do more to lessen racial tension, division and conflict than any set of roundtables and blue ribbon commissions are going to do." Two of Obama's main Democratic rivals, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-New York, and former Sen. John Edwards, D-North Carolina, also spoke about racial inequality during the Urban League convention. Clinton told the crowd that she rejects "a conversation about 1.4 million young men as a threat, as a headache, or as a lost cause. I reject the conversation about 1.4 million disappointments, failures, and casualties of a broken system. That is not who these young men are. I believe it is long past time for a new and different conversation. It is time for America to begin a conversation about 1.4 million future workers, entrepreneurs, taxpayers, community leaders, business executives." Edwards addressed affirmative action, saying "I would ensure that my administration was a representation of what affirmative action can be. I would make sure that my administration looks like America, and I mean, from the top to the bottom, all the way through the administration." Edwards continued, saying "I would ensure that judges that I appointed to the federal bench and justices nominated to the United States Supreme Court believed in real equality and believed in the concept of affirmative action." Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, also spoke at the National Urban League convention, but no Republican candidates came to the presidential forum. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee met with members of the league at a gathering Thursday night. This is the second forum with a large African-American crowd that the Democratic candidates attended this month. All of the Democrats showed up in Detroit on July 12 for the presidential forum at the NAACP convention. Black voters are crucial to the Democratic Party. "Nearly nine in 10 blacks vote Democratic, making them the most reliable Democratic voting block in the country" said CNN Pollster Keating Holland. And they'll play an important role in picking the next Democratic presidential nominee, especially in South Carolina and Florida, two early primary states. In CNN's most recent polls, Clinton and Obama are running neck and neck among black voters nationally, though Clinton was well ahead in South Carolina. But it's still early and many voters haven't made up their minds. "I'm not feeling that at this point either candidate would be that much of a difference" says Amy Johnson, an undecided black voter in New Orleans, Louisiana. Source: CNN

Soul Food: The most underrated show of all time?

Soul Food: Season Two DVD, which hits stores August 7th. Soul Food is a spin off from the ‘90’s black film classic, which starred a pre-surged Vivica A. Fox, Vanessa Williams and Nia Long. The Showtime original series is the engrossing story of a conservative (with its progressive moments) black American family in urban Chicago dealing with the tribulations of relationships, life and love, all with the backdrop of community. A powerful cast, likable but flawed characters kept Soul Food on the air for four years from 2000 to 2004. Soul Food made history, being the first long-running and successful dramatic series on television to feature a predominantly black American cast. The second season deals with race, politics and relationships in a refreshing, but unique way. You also get guest appearances from the icon Mary Alice, the legendary Debbie Morgan, one of the finest men on the planet Djimion Hinsou and more. SOURCE OF THIS STORY

Mya Interview...and you thought she couldn't sing!

I'm sure some of you are saying, "Mya? Boring!" However, before you make that assumption check out my interview with the soft-spoken Mya where she talks her gay fanbase, album push backs, 50 Cent (remember that shady comment "I don't know how he would get Lloyd Banks confused with me"?), Sisqo's legendary gay rumors and more. Plus, Mya belts out a few notes of her 1998 first single "It's All About Me." I really didn't know Mya could sing like that! You can hear the shock in my voice. I have to say before I interviewed Mya people "warned" me that she wasn't the nicest person and a bit boushee. So, I was prepared for the worst and Lawd knows I've interviewed some arrogant celebs, but Mya was incredibly warm and sincere. We talked a bit afterwards, took pictures and she made a point to say bye before I left. Nearly everytime someone tells me a celeb is going to be evil, they never are...except for _ _ _ _ _ _! For Mya's fans at MyaHarrison.net, I asked her if checks out the site and she said, "From time to time. They have pictures that I have never seen before!"As of now, Mya's fourth album, Liberation, is due in stores September 18th. Be on the look out for my future interviews with Mya. SOURCE OF THIS STORY

City Hall Shake-Up

The recent scrap between a prominent developer and local lobbyist shows how much has changed in Oakland politics. Not long ago, some City Hall insiders referred to developer Phil Tagami as the real mayor of Oakland. A smart political operative and gifted fund-raiser, he routinely scored lucrative deals from the city and, at times, it was impossible not to bump into him at then-Mayor Jerry Brown's office. He even hosted Brown's gala wedding in his historic Rotunda Building. But when Mayor Ron Dellums swept into office in January, Tagami's juice began to dry up. In a recent interview, he admitted that he now has trouble getting his phone calls returned by the new mayor and his staffers. And then last week, Tagami found himself in an embarrassing and highly publicized shouting match with Darrel Carey. A year or two ago, it would have been unthinkable that someone such as Carey, whose primary claim to fame was that he once worked for Councilwoman Nancy Nadel, would have had the guts to publicly take on the connected Tagami. But political winds have changed in Oakland, and at least according to Tagami, Carey did far more than criticize him in public; he attempted to extort money, and threatened him when he refused. The dustup between Tagami and Carey, a black lobbyist who is an outspoken proponent of minority contracting, garnered considerable press. Most of the coverage included Tagami's claim that Carey was engaged in a "shakedown" without explaining what Tagami meant and why the two were so angry. Just what happened is highly disputed. Each claims the other is lying. According to Tagami, who also provided documents and notes from their dealings, the bad blood began earlier this year when Carey demanded a second contract on the Fox Theater restoration. SOURCE OF THIS STORY

Darel Carey Reportedly Goes Off; Challenges Phil Tagami - Comments Stupid

As to where I was during all this? The MLB All Star Game, happily. Oakland business leaders in near-brawl at City Hall By Cecily Burt, STAFF WRITER - OAKLAND TRIBUNE Article Last Updated: 07/12/2007 12:58:35 PM PDT OAKLAND — Two men known to blow off steam at city meetings from time to time nearly came to physical blows outside City Hall Tuesday afternoon, although the only casualty appears to be Councilmember Larry Reid's bad back, wrenched while trying to keep the peace.The near dust-up happened in the middle of Tuesday's Community and Economic Development Committee meeting. The room was packed because comedy film mogul Keenen Ivory Wayans was in the gallery.It wasn't exactly Oakland's shining moment; then again, it could provide fodder for Wayans' next movie. Darrel Carey, president of the East Bay Small BusinessCouncil, criticized Rotunda developer Phil Tagami's efforts to award contracts on the Fox Theater restoration to small, minority-owned businesses. Carey, who was paid by Tagami to do outreach to those very businesses, admitted he had previously spoken glowingly of the project, before doing an about-face and saying Tagami put them "through hell," stretching out the last word as 'hay-ell."Tagami, co-owner of California Capital Group and project manager for the Fox Theater restoration, bristled at Carey's remarks, calling his story "fiction." He told the committee he had exceeded his own goal of hiring 50 percent local businesses and 20 percent small local businesses for the Fox project, and that he had even raised millions of dollars for a program to help small contractors who weren't yet qualified or lacked licenses and insurance. But the real fireworks started when Reid publicly thanked Carey for being a watchdog to make sure developers were hiring small minority businesses on their projects. "That's a shakedown!" Tagami yelled, annoyed that Reid's comments somehow validated Carey's point."You've been (shaking down) the city for years," Carey shot back from across the room. SOURCE OF THIS POINT