Transsexual artist Titica takes Angola by storm

By Louise Redvers

She is bold, she is bright, she is beautiful and she is taking Angola by storm. Not bad for a transsexual in a Catholic African country where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by hard labour.

Born in Luanda as Teca Miguel Garcia, singer and dancer Titica adopted her female persona four years ago following a breast enhancement operation in Brazil.

Now, at 25, Titica is the new face of Angola’s unique urban rap-techno fusion music style known as “kuduro”.

By day her songs boom from minibus taxis, by night they fill Luanda’s dance floors and at the weekends she has become the essential soundtrack for children’s parties.

Named best kuduro artist of 2011, she is a regular on television and radio, and has even performed at the annual Divas concert, attended by President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, where she herself was named a diva.

With a training in ballet, she first got involved in kuduro as a backing dancer, supporting popular acts such as Noite e Dia, Propria Lixa and Puto Portugues.

Last October she released her first song, Chao, which to date is one of the most-played kuduro tracks in Angola and its diaspora.

This month Titica will embark on her first international tour with dates so far fixed for Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Read the entire article at: http://gbmnews.com/wp/?p=2083

Madonna's New Single 'Girls Gone Wild"

FROM THE AUDIENCE: BEYONCE AT THE ROSELAND BALLROOM IN NEW YORK

From Drama Dupree of Atlanta, GA

If you were not one of the few lucky people in America who got to witness Beyonce at the Roseland Ballroom in New York here are some audience member clips just for you. It’s like you are almost there, just in the really bad seats…lol.

COUNTDOWN

Here is an account from one audience member who got to witness ‘the second coming of Michael Jackson’ (according to Jay-Z.)

She was so amazing, seriously. Seeing her in real life is mind blowing, she just as beautiful in person as she is on screen, so amazing and precise that you almost have to remind yourself that what your seeing is LIVE ACTION and is actually happening right there in the room with you.

The Power of the Queen "B" Beyonce!!!

4Ever Queen B
by Deshawn Moody

Mrs. Knowles(Carter) has been on the tip of everyone’s tongue since her beginning Diva days with one of the Best Selling All Girl groups Destiny’s Child. But lately the Press has been all over her. With all the controversy from her leaving her Dad’s Management ties to the upcoming release(leaked) album from the Queen B herself. You may have started to doubt our Down-South Maven but as always, the Queen never disappoints her true die hard Fans.

The epic “4” starts off with a Beautiful Ballad where B teaches us all little about the Arithematics of Love in the song titled “1+1”. Ne-Yo was there to lend a helping pen on this one. Next up on the Ballad train is “I Care” which quite frankly my Dear, I do. B shows us why she may still be Dangerously in Love as she belts outs notes and riffs to confess how she really feels. Not only does she give us new music styles and beats but we also get a Duo with the ATLien himself Andre 3000. The catchy bass thumping “Party” is actually the only song on the Album that is not a repeat on the Playlist. We travel back to the 80’s with the mellow tempo of “Rather Die Young”. Another favorite is “Start Over” because love should never die.

The Club banging “Countdown” will be one of the songs for the Summer. It gets the crowd bouncing all the way down to number 1 and is very Ala Destiny’s Child. The funky Brazilian bass sparking from “End of Time” makes it the number one Favorite of all time. This one pays a keen tribute to the late great King of Pop Himself. “I Was Here” goes deep into the Real life of the Queen as she soulfully expresses how she has left her footprints in the Sand of Life. “The Best Thing I Never Had” is said to be Irreplaceable Part II. This tune lets the X Factor know that it sucks to be in his Timbs right now. “Love On Top” is an Old-School feel with an All-time Classic Boy band groups. It makes you want to snap and two step all while clapping and hand swaying. Rounding out the bottom is none other than “Girls Who Run The World”. This Girl Anthem was the first release of the Album with a Premiere of a new transformed Shasha Fierce and her girl posse as they let Us all know that they are women hear them roar. Overall the new album “4” is one of the Moth’s best. Bey embarks on new territory as we are exposed to eclectic sounds and techno beats mixed with Jazz and smooth Caribbean tones. Rated Grade A, Gays Approved. LOVE IT!!

Sahara Davenport - Pump With Me

PUMP WITH ME

featuring Male Model JR Rolley

The Rupaul Drag Race Finale Party will take place at Providence next Monday..check out Manilla (RUPAUL DRAG RACE) and JR in Saharra (ALSO FROM DRAG RACE) 1st music Video "PUMP WITH ME"

I am not mad at you, I am mad at the DIRT!!!

Mommie Dearest

KELIS - Sums It All Up for Us, SO JUST SCREAM

Been running in place for such a long time
Stuck in a race in the wrong line
When it all came down on me.
And I haven’t had faith for such a long time
Am I outta place or out of my mind
Should it all fall down on me

Its not enough to live, so just dream
Its not enough to sing, so just scream

You’ll never know
If you don’t let it out
You've had enough
They’ll call your bluff
You cant back down lost in a crowd
You’ve won the right to scream and shout
They'll talk about you lost your cool
There is no point who makes the rules
So lets get to it
Now you’ll prove it
Break out

Scream and shout

Sound the alarm
Raise your arms
Your on your own
Your not alone
Big city got you on the ground
Afraid to fight don’t make a sound
So lets get to it
Now you’ll prove it
Push back

Scream and shout

Been running in place for such a long time
Stuck in a race in the wrong line
When it all came down on me.
And I haven’t had faith for such a long time
Am I outta place or out of my mind
Should it all fall down on me

Its not enough to live, so just dream
Its not enough to sing, so just scream

What do you mean Cee-Lo Green? F*CK Who?

This is by far the most entertaining video I’ve watched in a LONG time!!! What I love about Cee-Lo Green and his new single ‘Fuck You’ is that it’s something we all can relate to – don’t front, you’ve been there too. In this video, Cee-Lo takes on a retro look and style to illustrate his evolution from boy-mistreated to The Lady Killer. His new album The Lady Killer was released on November 9^th. With over 27+ millions views on YouTube… he got a lot of EYEBALLS!!!

Burlesque - the movie

CHRISTINA AGUILERA

• Cast: Cher, Cam Gigandet, Stanley Tucci, Kristen Bell, Alan Cumming

Cinematical has the movie poster for Burlesque starring Christina Aguilera and Cher. In the movie

, Aguilera plays a small town girl with big town dreams who moves to L.A. where she gets a job as a waitress at The Burlesque Lounge with dreams of one day performing. Blah, blah, blah, she becomes a star. I’m sure you’ve heard the story a thousand times, since it as old as Cher. We’ll have to wait until November, however, to see if it has aged as well. Continue reading to check out the poster.






Ali (Christina Aguilera) is a small-town girl with a big voice who escapes hardship and an uncertain future to follow her dreams to LA. After stumbling upon The Burlesque Lounge, a majestic but ailing theater that is home to an inspired musical revue, Ali lands a job as a cocktail waitress from Tess (Cher), the club’s proprietor and headliner. Burlesque’s outrageous costumes and bold choreography enrapture the young ingenue, who vows to perform there one day.

Soon enough, Ali builds a friendship with a featured dancer (Julianne Hough), finds an enemy in a troubled, jealous performer (Kristen Bell), and garners the affection of Jack (Cam Gigandet

), a bartender and fellow musician. With the help of a sharp-witted stage manager (Stanley Tucci) and gender-bending host (Alan Cumming), Ali makes her way from the bar to the stage. Her spectacular voice restores The Burlesque Lounge to its former glory, though not before a charismatic entrepreneur (Eric Dane) arrives with an enticing proposal…

Burlesque opens November 24th.

Sade - US Summer Tour of 2011

Sade Exclusive Pre-sale Code to be announced on Nov 11 at 10AM PST, Presale: Nov 12 at 10AM PST - Nov 14 at 10PM PST
Public Onsale: Nov 15

"Like" Sade's page for updates on this event: http://on.fb.me/SadeFB, Soldier of Love Available Now http://bit.ly/SadeAlbum

Following the platinum selling success of Soldier of Love, Sade announces their highly anticipated return to the world's stage. The North American leg begins on June 16th, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland at the 1st Mariner Arena. Tickets go on sale in select markets beginning October 16th at LiveNation.com with additional dates to be announced soon.

Sade will perform songs from their collection of timeless hits including songs from their critically acclaimed album, Soldier of Love which secured the # 1 album spot upon its release in February. Selling over a million copies to-date, Soldier of Love spent three weeks in the number one spot taking its rightful place among the collection of iconic Sade albums.

Sade will perform over 50 concerts in top arenas across North America, in an effort to reach her vast and loyal fan base. Their classic sound set to haunting, unmistakable vocals creates the most intimate of concert experiences in a way that only an unforgettable Sade performance can. Sade performed for more than 1,000,000 fans during her last tour in 2001.

06/16 Baltimore, MD - 1st Mariner Arena

06/19 Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Arena

06/21 Uniondale, NY - Nassau Coliseum

06/24 East Rutherford, NJ - Izod Center

06/28 Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre

06/30 Montreal, QC - Bell Centre

07/06 Boston, MA - TD Garden

08/05 Chicago, IL - United Center

08/06 Chicago, IL - United Center

08/19 Los Angeles, CA - Staples Center

08/20 Los Angeles, CA - Staples Center

08/25 San Jose, CA - HP Pavillion

08/27 Oakland, CA - Oracle Arena

08/30 Anaheim, CA - Honda Center

Additional dates will be announced in the following markets soon: Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Calgary, AB; Cleveland, OH; Dallas, TX; Detroit, MI; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Houston, TX; Kansas City, MO; Las Vegas, NV; Louisville, KY; Memphis, TN; Milwaukee, WI; New Orleans, LA; Oakland, CA; Orlando, FL; Phoenix, AZ; Pittsburgh, PA; Portland, OR; Sacramento, CA; San Diego, CA; San Jose, CA; Seattle, WA; St Paul, MN; Vancouver, BC.

A Night at the Latex Ball

By Trevon James

Can I Get 1?…Can I Get 2?…How about 20? That’s the number of years GMHC and the House of Latex has been transcending house and category. Representing in the name of health, wellness and safer sex. For years they have been offering support, workshops, testings, mini-balls, and of course their historical annual Latex balls. On Saturday night the Roseland Ballroom was filled with legends, icons, and revolutionaries; all gathering for one cause, to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and how to prevent/fight it.

The event included a HIV testing area and free educational materials provided by GMHC and other community-based organizations. Fashion Revolution was this year’s theme.

The stage was dazzled with lights that streamed down the runway and back up to a glittered red and white judging table which read “LATEX BALL”. The sounds of “the beats” played by DJ Vjuan Allure resonated throughout the venue. You had no choice but to tap your big toe, swing your hair, move your body, and be a Latex even for just a moment. Supporting their community they held a pre-show to showcase upcoming artists making their mark in the Industry. Harmonica Sunbeam a drag performer hosted the segment coming out in a hot flamed body suit, with luxurious blond hair.

Performers included Baron, Nikki Exotika, Step Team For Social Justice and from Rupaul’s Drag Race Sahara Davenport (Season 2). Also making a special guest appearance was Bajan R&B/Pop singer-songwriter Shontelle; who hosted and judged a special vouging competition. 5 contestants battled it out to her remixed song “Licky” (Saul Ruiz Club Mix) for a chance to win prizes courtesy of Universal Motown. She tweeted ” So I rocked Hernan Lander shoes & jacket, Max Azria top, Rachel Roy shorts & Chrissy L jewelry. STILL can’t compete with the kids @ LatexBall!” Shontelle album entitled “No Gravity” will be in stores Sept. 21st.

“Ladies and Gentleman the show is about to begin.” An anxious crowd rushed to get to a seat as commenters Jack Mizrahi, Selvin Khan & Vouge Evolution’s Dashaun Evisu took the stage. Hyping the crowd with their fierce personalities and comedic comments they acknowledged some of the greats that were in the room. The crowd cheered and applauded as each Icon graced the stage almost seeming star struck. Right when you thought it couldn’t get any better recording artist Chrisette Michele came out and strutted her stuff in some red pumps. Seeming shy at first she went for a 2nd go and ripped the runway. The event included categories for competition in exuberant expressions of dance, vogueing and modeling of fashion designs. Some of the categories were OTA (Open-To-All) Best Dressed, Female Figure Runway, and Grand Prize Designer’s Delight: The Fashion Show. One of my favorite moments though was when Diva Davanna took the stage. She is the youngest model to had ever hit the Latex stage with her signature fierce walk, back in 2007 when she was 7.

The night was getting late and I was ready to go, but right before I did they announced a surprise guest performance from Rupaul’s Drag Race winner BeBe Zahara Benet (Season 1). She came out in her signature afro curled hair and a leopard skin outfit. With 2 male dancers and energetic choreography she performed her new single “Cameroon”. The ball was no where near finished (at 2am) and I had to leave. Overall it was an entertaining and informative night. It was amazing to see the love and pride everyone shared in the room even though it was a competition. Contestants still hugged after each round, judges still applauded, and everyone supported the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness.

Macy Gray Embraces Her Imperfections on 'The Sellout'

By Steve Baltin (PopEater)

Watch as the free spirit discusses her new album, Miley Cyrus, Lil Wayne and a 97 year old green man.

You won't hear any Auto-Tune on Macy Gray's new album, 'The Sellout.' During a recent video interview with PopEater in our LA offices, the singer-songwriter told us she's fine with her trademark flat vocals. "Well, I'm generally flat. As much as I've worked on it, I just sing flat a lot. Instead of being all upset about it, I like my flatness a little bit," she says. "And some people I actually think I'm doing it on purpose. Some people think it's style, so that's pretty cool."

For Gray, it's more important to be in the song than being technically proficient. "The cool thing is when I sing I really try to be in it, I really try to get lost in what I'm singing about, and the story that I'm in," she says. "When I'm on the mic, it doesn't work unless you're there. If you're singing about a tree, then it doesn't work unless you're at that tree, in your head at least. When you go off of that, there's a lot of things that your voices will do that aren't technically right, [but] that's always cool when it's rough and when it's honest.

And who are the other vocalists she looks to for honesty? "Well I remember I heard Axl Rose and he was just so raw. The great thing about his voice was that he was really technically right most of the time and he just had this amazing emotion," she says. "And then there's always the obvious ones, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. Although I'm naming people that I don't remember them having any imperfection. Kurt Cobain, he was pretty like raw or flawed, but it was awesome. There's a lot of rappers. I think that's what cool about Jay-Z, is he's really raw and he raps, but if you ever listen to one of his a cappellas, it's so funny because his voice cracks all the time, and it gets really high-pitched, but it works on his records."

'The Sellout' is a record where Gray gets to put all of her emotional and honest influences to use, as she delivers some of the most revealing songwriting of her career on standout tracks like the title cut and the finale, 'The Comeback.' As she tells it, the bluntness of the record comes from where she was in her life. "There are really a lot [of] me pouring my heart out, all at a time when I didn't have much going on expect my little music [and] what I was doing with that," she says. "Everything I felt and everything I had went into that."

DANCE KELLY ROWLAND DANCE

Interview with Papermag


The former Destiny’s Child member on her upcoming album, nude beaches and being a nerd.


By Alex Catarinella


If anyone is allowed to be a diva it’s Kelly Rowland, one third of what many consider the most successful all-female groups of all time, Destiny’s Child. But Rowland, now a solo artist with an eponymous, dance-heavy forthcoming album boasting production by David Guetta and Dr. Luke, is an unassuming, poised woman who isn’t fazed by the “bullshit that comes with the territory.” The video for first single “Commander,” which features Rowland rocking superhero-esque looks as she belts out soaring vocals, is further proof that she’s no longer the cute teenage girl sharing a chorus. But this isn’t the new-and-improved Kelly Rowland. Over the phone in Paris, the 29-year-old told PAPERMAG that this is simply Kelly Rowland being Kelly Rowland — a self-professed Intervention-watching nerd with dreams of frolicking on the beach naked, and who considers moments on the tour bus with “the girls” to be more special than winning a Grammy.

Now that’s our kind of superstar.



A lot of artists are moving toward a futuristic, dance-heavy sound. Why were you influenced to go this direction?


I spent about a year of my life in Europe really listening to a whole bunch of Europeans DJs and hearing dance music a lot on the radio and really loving it. But I didn’t really think that I would do a dance record until l went out in the South of France and David Guetta was spinning at a club. Listening to him was just crazy. I heard the track “When Love Takes Over” and I asked if I could take it to London to write lyrics to it. And so we wrote “When Love Takes Over” and it was my first introduction to dance music. Then I went to Europe to promote the record with David and it was a whole other monster. It’s really a culture and I love it….

The Polaroid World of Gaga

I LOVE THIS GIRL!!!

We're not sure what Polaroid creative director Lady Gaga thinks of Polaroid's 300 camera, a chubby little device that was released late last year. And we're still waiting for the Gaga-branded camera that Polaroid promised when the partnership was unveiled at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show. So we were intrigued to see V magazine's gallery of Gaga-on-Polaroid pix, snapped by Gaga's creative director, Matthew Williams. Watch Gaga explain why she's working with the revived photography brand. Are you a Polaroid traditionalist?