Jay-Z Defends "Super Passionate" Kanye West

Jay-Z Defends "Super passionate" Kanye West for being who he is, a passionate man, who stands behind what he believes. But does not excuse Kanye's actions.

Jay-Z has known Kanye West for many years, so when he watched West interrupt Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards, he probably wasn't as surprised as a lot of people. "He's just a super-passionate person, and of course it was rude because it was [Swift's] moment, but that's the way he really felt, he's been that passionate from his first record," Jay says.

He used to jump on tables ... I was trying to make the first Blueprint, he's jumping on tables, rapping, and I'm like, 'Yo, not now.' That was just him. He's always been that passionate."

But while Jay may have understood Kanye's outburst, he wasn't about to give his producer and protégé a pass for the way he behaved during the VMAs, either. And he told him as much when the two appeared the following night on "The Jay Leno Show" (where West would subsequently offer a tearful apology to Swift for his actions). "[I told him] I think it was rude, [and] that he has to watch his passion. At the end of the day, we're going to celebrate him for his passion more than vilify him [for it]," Jay said. "Because his passion, which caused him to make Graduation and all these great records, is the same thing that causes him to step out of line sometimes. So as he grows, he has to learn how to balance that. And he'll learn that in years to come. That passion right there ... that wasn't fake or staged — it was how he really felt, and it was just inappropriate. It wasn't fair to Taylor."

And now that Kanye West has apologized (multiple times, and to Taylor Swift personally) for his outburst, Jay thinks it's time for everyone to move on. To him, this whole situation, while unfortunate, has been blown out of proportion "I mean, it's an awards show, really, and I think it's a bit blown out," Jay said. "He's on the cover of every paper, he didn't kill anybody. Nobody got harmed," Jay said. " I don't think he should lay low, I think he should go on tour and have a brilliant career. It's an awards show."

Another DJ Legend Passes Away: Grand Master Roc Raida

DJ Roc Raida Passes away at age 37 after complications with surgery

Picture of DJ Roc Raida on his Gold Technics Turntables
Which He Won defeating the worlds best DJs at the Technics DMC DJ World Finals Competition

New York DJ, Roc Raida had passed away this weekend at age 37.
The DJ - real name is Anthony Williams - won the 1995 DMC World DJ Championship and was a member of a turntablist group known as The X-Ecutioners.

“The legendary Grand Master Roc Raida has passed away this morning,” a representative for the DJ told media. “Family and friends will miss him dearly. Please give the family their privacy.”

Statement from Roc Raida's family, confirming the tragic loss. "Anthony Williams p/k to the world as The Legendary Grandmaster Roc Raida has passed away unexpectedly today September 19 2009. He is survived by his wife, three lovely daughters, mother and friends. Raida was recently in an mixed martial arts accident, something that he has been practicing for several years. Although he had under gone two surgeries with great success, was released to an inpatient physical therapy facility and was in great spirits the past few days. This morning he started to have complications and passed. The family asks for privacy at this time."

Roc Raida started DJ’ing at the age of 10 after being inspired by his father, who was a member of Sugar Hill Records group Mean Machine.

Click here to watch footage of Roc Raida performing at the 1995 DMC World DJ Championship.
He died on September 19, 2009. His last solo album was released in 2007 and is called, Beats, Cuts and Skits.

The X-Ecutioners formed as a DJ crew in the early nineties, originally calling themselves the X-Men and being comprised of 11 members. The crew changed their name due to trademark infringement and was reduced to members Rob Swift, Roc Raida, Total Eclipse, and Mista Sinista before releasing their debut album X-Pressions in 1997. Sinista later left the group shortly after the release of Built from Scratch in 2002, and Rob Swift left the group for personal and artistic reasons in 2005.

Since Swift’s departure, The X-Ecutioners have been scarcely heard of; however, the latest word is that the group has two new members, DJ Boogie Blind and DJ Precision. The X-Ecutioners have worked with many famous artists on numerous collaborations, including Kool G Rap, Cypress Hill, Mike Shinoda and they have also co-released an album with Mike Patton called General Patton vs. The X-Ecutioners.

The X-Ecutioners contributed to a remix of Run-DMC’s ‘King of Rock’ on the Harmonix game Amplitude, and the DJ group’s song ‘Like This’ was featured in the videogame SSX 3.

New DJ Video Games DJ Hero and Scratch The Ultimate DJ

DJ AM Lives on in DJ Hero Video Game set to Come out Oct 27th 2009


Recently deceased DJ AM is featured as a playable character in DJ Hero

Two new video games are coming out just in time for the 2009 Christmas Season, "Scratch the ultimate DJ" & "DJ Hero" (from the makers of the world famous Guitar Hero series) Scratch features a more realistic DJ control interface that acts more like a real turntable, but DJ hero has the franchise already established and has brand name DJs featured including DJ Jazzy Jeff, Daft Punk, DJ Shadow, Grandmaster Flash and even the recently deceased mashup superstar DJ, DJ AM R.I.P.

If everyone who wielded a gaming guitar could actually pick an axe as nimbly as they press those buttons, we'd have a whole lot of future Jimis on our hands. But because not everyone aspires to be a rock god, the trend of rhythm games is evolving. And while DJ-inspired video games are not expected to supplant the Guitar Hero/Rock Band craze any time soon - in fact new titles like Guitar Hero 5, Guitar Hero: Van Halen, and The Beatles: Rock Band, are on their way - they are likely to bring in a new audience to the music video game genre. Here are two that are among those expected to be found under many a Christmas tree and menorah this upcoming holiday season for those who long to sit behind the decks, but lack the killer vinyl collection:

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ: While this game relies on a turntable-inspired controller, called the "Scratch Deck," no one ever actually drops a needle to hit a beat. Just like with the first wave of rhythm games, gamers press buttons, but they also need to simultaneously work a crossfader and touch-sensitive turntable wheel to earn points. Virtual DJs move up the ranks as they score, getting their start at house parties and moving on up to the soundstages of mega clubs. The soundtrack, with more than 60 tracks from artists such as Nelly, Kanye West, and Black Eyed Peas, is sure to appeal to Top 40 listeners, while the behind-the-scenes cast of game producer Quincy Jones and music consultant Mixmaster Mike will give the game some cred among beatheads and DJs.

The game also features a more realistic controller so real DJs might like this one better even though the graphics and DJ characters arent quite as astounding as the screenshots we've seen so far for DJ Hero.

Scratch is scheduled to be released during the fourth quarter, date TBD.





DJ Hero : The hip-hop brother of the title that defined one of the biggest gaming sensations in years, Guitar Hero. DJ Hero, just like Scratch, employs a simulated turntable. The wireless deck features three "stream" buttons (like those found on Guitar Hero's device), a crossfader, an effects dial, and a "Euphoria" button (supposedly similar to Guitar Hero's Star Power), with the object of the game being similar to that of Guitar Hero. Players press buttons to match notes floating across the screen, while also scratching and fading in time to other onscreen symbols. It sounds like a potential carpal tunnel hazard to us, but we know there will be legions willing to take that risk. Including artists such as Daft Punk, Jay-Z, and David Bowie, the playlist of more than 100 songs seems like it could be a bit superior to Scratch's, but only time will tell who wins this DJ battle (of the games).
DJ Hero is scheduled to hit stores on October 27, 2009.



DJ Jazzy Jeff Shows off his Scratches on DJ Hero


Grand Master Flash Takes it back to The Oldschool on DJ hero


Daft Punk Debuts in their first Video Game on DJ Hero

Hugh Hefner to Get Rid of Some Playboy Bunnies Amongst Financial Woes

Hugh Hefner to sack Playboy bunnies amid financial crisis
Playboy bunnies have become the latest victim of the credit crunch.

Article By Charlotte Bailey




Playboy Tycoon Hugh Hefner has been advised to cut back on staff at his multi-million dollar glamour empire as it struggles to cope during the global economic turmoil.
The 83-year-old has been told to lay off some of his staff at his Los Angeles and New York offices as soon as this month or go bankrupt.

The company has recently seen shares fall from £6.20 to £1.55.
An insider at the company told the Daily Star that bosses had been aware of the worsening situation for "a while".

"Only the top brass has known for a while how bad things have been for Hef recently."
Spokeswoman Elizabeth Austin would not confirm the sackings, saying: "It is our policy not to comment on corporate matters such as employee issues."
The news will be another blow to Hefner who recently discovered that two of his "bunnies" may have been cheating on him.

Holly Madison, who has previously been named as Hefner's "No.1" girlfriend, is alleged to have had an affair with magician Criss Angel and another bunny, Kendra Wilkinson, is reportedly dating football star Hank Baskett.

Playboy spokesman Rob Hillburger denied the rumours, saying: "The rumours that Holly left Hef for Criss Angel are not true. Holly and Kendra are all still living at the Mansion."

What Life Is Like Married to Reggaeton Artist

Khriz & Ashley: Life Married to a Reggeaton Artist

Ashely on her wedding day

Quinee Butler http://www.reggaetonline.net/ - December 12, 2006

Many young ladies dream of connecting with their favorite Reggaeton artists in a special way; hoping that it leads to unconditional love, marriage and a “happy ever after” kind of ending. In the real world of music, however, a quick hook up with an artists who is single or taken almost never ends the way the fan wants. Artists meet so many women in the course of their careers the chances of a fanatic actually getting a genuine love connection are very close to zero. It is not surprising that most artists date within their circle of friends and co-workers. Many artists who are actually married get hitched to a childhood sweetheart, someone who they have grown up with and who knows them way before they were famous, or someone who has no clue nor cares who they are.

One special couple in the world of Reggaeton is Ashley and Khriz Colon. On a trip to a studio with a friend Ashley was introduced to Khriz. She recalls that she had no romantic interest in him what so ever when they met. “I met him when a friend of mine introduced him to me, but we didn’t talk until 1 month later when I saw him at the mall. We were friend for 2 months and then he asked me to be his girl, of course I said yes! .He was still a nobody working at blockbuster, so for all the people who think of me as a gold digger I am definitely not,” Ashley said with she laughed. He had an old car and barely any money, but still loved him because it’s what’s inside that matters the most.” As for any musical talents, Ashley simply replied, “Nope. No, musical talents at all… Well maybe in the shower lol.”

For Ashley and Khriz, It was Khriz who perused Ashley, the woman of his dreams, and after dating for some time, they eventually wed in early March of this year. Their love for one another is evident from the moment you see the two together. He often makes sure that she accompanies him on trips to performances in and out of Puerto Rico. “Mostly, I travel when it is in the U.S., like to New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Boston, Houston, and Mexico; but most of the time I accompany Khriz to Miami,” said Ashley. More importantly, when they are home, they also do the regular things couples do, like attend Bar B Q’s and shopping. “It is the normal life; we live like every other person. We live in the same planet as anybody else. I say that because it seems that sometimes people think artists are some sort of supernatural being. I just know my hubby is the most down to earth person that I have ever met”

One thing any women who adores their favorite Reggaeton artists would expect to hear is how rude some fans can be, whether the artists wives are present or not. I, Princesa, recently attended the Chosen Few CD release party at the Playboy mansion. I was surprised to hear how rude some women were to Ashley as she stood at Khriz’s side. Tony Matrix, brother of DJ Joe Matrix who are the promoters at the Rumba Room on Universal CITY WALK , told Reggaetonline that a few unruly fans approached Khriz and proceeded to flirt with him. As sexy as Khriz is to all us Reggaeton fans I don’t blame them at all for trying to flirt with him. It was said that when Khriz introduced his wife, the fans continued to flirt as if it did not matter that his wife was with him. In this particular incident Joe had to step up and politely asked the girls to respect Khriz’s wife or go away ending the first incident.

A Second incident, which made my jaw drop, happened when another set of fans approached Khriz and Ashley. Even after Khriz introduced his wife, the fans proceeded to ask Khriz why he was with that “skinny girl” when he could have them. With this I asked Ashley if this type of incident happens often. Sadly enough the answer was yes. “Sometimes is difficult because of the jealousy that all girls have. They don’t understand that we are normal people and have the right to be happy. They hate sometimes but I ignore them because at the end of the day he is still my husband and we don’t let any of that affect our relationship. The other thing that’s really hard is when he has to go for a place that I can’t go because of security purposes because some places in Latin America people are very aggressive.”

The good thing for women like Ashley is that Khriz and his partner Angel are known to have a reputation of being perfect gentlemen when they are away from their wives. And just as Lennox does, when ever they can they make sure that they make the concerts they perform at a family affair. “We’re really good friends with Gocho and Divino we hang out at each others houses and their wives are my dearest friends. We all like to go to the movies, restaurants, and places like that.” Along with healthy relationships come the usually come hardships but these couples seem to weather any storms, big or small, like pros.

Patrick Swayze Dies at Age 57

Patrick Swayze Dies at Age 57





Autographed Picture of Patrick Swayze



After a two-year battle with Pancreatic Cancer, movie star Patrick Swayze died today at the age of 57. According to Swayze’s publicist, he passed away with his family on his side. Swayze, who became a breakout star after his biggest hit “Dirty Dancing,” went on to make his mark in the industry with movies such as Ghost and Point Blank.

Here is the official statement from Swayze’s publicist: “Patrick Swayze passed away peacefully today with family at his side after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months,”

His movie Ghost was the inspiration for the Hip Hop terminologies during the 90's for "leaving a spot" or "getting outa here" such as "I'm Ghost, I'm Swayze" and the ununified versions "I'm Ghost" and "I'm Swayze"




Picture Of Patrick Swayze's Hollywood Star


R.I.P. Patrick Swayze
P.S. I loved the movie Ghost

- Vanessa

Zark Fatah

Zark Fatah Changed the Landscape of Toronto Nightlife.




Mar 08, 2007 04:30 AM
Bill Taylor for the http://www.star.com/
What does it take to dress a hip workaholic?
Calvin Klein underwear and socks; Paper Denim jeans; Armani cotton sweater; Cesare Paciotti shoes; Gucci blazer in deep-purple suede; Chrome Hearts ring; Armani silver-and-leather ring; Cartier watch.



"I like nice things," says Zark Fatah. He sits on a banquette at Atelier, the club/lounge he opened on King St. W. in December and shrugs off the scoffers who say the place is too exclusive to survive. They're mostly people who weren't invited to join. Membership is free – drinks are anything but – and limited to 250.



Once enough of them have had their thumbs scanned into a computer, the biometric reader at the entrance will be activated, doing away with the need for a doorman or membership cards.
"It isn't all that exclusive," says Fatah. "You just have to know someone who can bring you in. Once you're past the door, this is a very friendly place."



At 32, he's a man who has lived the illusion, seen through it to the hard-nosed reality beneath but still enjoys the mirage. He has a foot in each pool; one dabbling its toes in the shallow ever-shifting waters that nourish his beloved "pretty people"; the other thigh-deep in the clinging mud of time and effort that it takes to fuel the fantasy. He calls it an industry and talks (without regret) of the 14-hour days and seven-day weeks it can demand.



That's after he rushes to the interview explaining that he was late getting away from a meeting. Afterward, he dashes off again, already on his cellphone apologizing to the people waiting at his next meeting.



"Everything I have, I worked for; went out and got for myself," he says. "Everything I know, I've learned by doing it."



Ten years ago, he was a bartender at clubs like Fluid and the Guvernment. Today, Zark Inc. spearheads six businesses. He's on everyone's most-eligible and best-dressed lists (including the Star's last year), his name a byword for all that is hot, happening and ... now. His Porsche is parked outside and the closets in his penthouse loft are overflowing with high fashion. But he's not, he insists, a millionaire. "Yet."Fatah's background is working-class Scarborough. His father, a courier, is a Muslim born in Bombay and raised in Pakistan; his mother, a secretary, is an Anglo-Indian Christian.



"My upbringing was definitely not the conventional East Indian type," he says. "My younger brother Tarus and I were born here and our parents wanted us grow up as Canadians. They didn't push the religion, the culture or the language at us."



Four of his five other businesses are on or near King St. W. – the Century Room nightclub, restaurants Blowfish and Doku 15 and the Hammam spa. Prototype Design Lab, "a design-and-build company" in Mississauga, has produced a lot of the fixtures and fittings for the other places, including Atelier's metal tables with leaf-shaped cut-outs. He's a high-school dropout who's worked as a burger flipper, gas-station attendant and telemarketer. At 18, he had his first taste of "the nightlife industry" as a dancer at clubs and in the background of music videos.



His life changed forever, he says, when he flew to Miami for a few days one New Year's.
"I never came back. I spent two winter seasons bartending there. I was exposed to the best of the best. A nice little glimpse of the rest of the world. Superficial, maybe, but still ... a lifestyle I'd never seen. Cars, boats, condos, fashion, the women. Seeing all that set my aspirations high. Moving back to Toronto in 1999, I was on the cusp of turning 25. I was concerned that I would wake up one day and be a 30-year-old bartender."
Fatah got into event promotion.



"I'm a creative guy and a very social person. It was an easy translation. The glamour and allure pulled me in but I was always in it far more for the business than the nightclubbing. It's not about getting up at 1 in the afternoon hungover.
"I don't enjoy dating all that much. My daily life is, `Hi, how are you? What are you doing?' I call it the interview. I don't want to do that on my night off. So I'm very single at the moment. But I definitely want to marry and have children."



He has business partners but Fatah is the very visible and photogenic tip of the iceberg. Still, he says, "I try to stay as real and grounded as possible. I take a personal approach to everything. I'm hands-on. On a typical night I'll drop into Doku and then Blowfish; grab some food and chat with the customers; then into Atelier for a while and wind up at Century."
Home is the Broadview Lofts off Queen St. E., self-billed as "eclectic living and up-and-coming cool." Fatah's heart remains west of Yonge St. but he's not sorry he moved from the Icon condos a short walk from his work.



"I like that separation. Of being somewhere where there are parks and kids and dogs and I don't have to worry about bumping into my intoxicated clientele in the lobby."
This year, he vowed, would be the one that saw him taking on no new projects. But he and Mayor David Miller met recently to discuss Fatah's suggestions "about how Toronto could be marketed in a different way to a specific demographic – 25- to 35-year-old jetsetters; lifestyle-oriented people who travel to Miami, New York, London, L.A., Paris – they're aware of what's going on around the world. The tastemakers, the trendsetters, the ones who decide what's cool and what's not.



"When they come to Toronto, they're totally surprised and impressed. The nightlife – every night you can be into a different scene. Mayor Miller agreed that people in Toronto need to support Toronto. I would like to be an ambassador to formally and aggressively promote our city."



It will be, Fatah figures, another valuable self-taught lesson. "I've learned about growing too fast and taking too much on. And about living in the moment. I need to sit back sometimes and look around and realize where I'm at."



He crosses one impeccably Paper Denimed leg over the other and contemplates the pointed toe of his black Paciotti shoe.



"My mom gets a kick out of the best-dressed and most-eligible stuff. It's nice to be acknowledged and recognized. But I don't send out press releases."