Jay-Z

Want to know how easy it is to copy an original garment and market it as your own? Well - this time around, Jay-Z sought permission from the original owners - i guess he's done with fashion related "lawsuits".

Representatives from the rapper has revealed how it can be done...professionally.

According to reports:

... a small, family-run custom clothing shop in Ogden -- just got an exclusive order from rapper Jay-Z.

If you went to high school in Utah and got a letterman jacket, it was probably made by Coleman Knitting Mills. The company's been in business since 1947.

Coleman Knitting, located in Ogden, was founded in 1947 by William C. Coleman. It is now owned and operated by his grandson, Richard. A representative for Jay-Z's new clothing line tracked an old letter jacket from the ‘70s to the shop in Ogden and ordered a batch of them for the musician's new clothing line. The Grammy Award-winning artist is also part owner of the New Jersey Nets NBA team and already owns the clothing line Rocawear.

When the rep called Richard Coleman, owner of Coleman Knitting Mills, about the order, Coleman admits he didn't know who Jay-Z was.

"Never heard of him," he said. "He told me somebody had found a jacket in a thrift store that had our label in it, and it was made back in 1971."

Now Coleman and his crew are making 88 jackets for a new clothing line Jay-Z purchased out of England, called Artful Dodger.

Who is... Jay-Z? Jay-Z, or Shawn Corey Carter, is a rap artist and businessman with holdings in, among other things, record companies, a clothing line (Rocawear) and sports bars. He is also the part-owner the NBA's New Jersey Nets. He is married to R&B star Beyonce. The jackets are all handmade with the best materials -- just like what's used in the letterman jackets and cheerleading outfits the company makes for Utah high schools.

That's what Jay-Z's representative liked about the jackets.

"He says, ‘I love the quality of your coat;' and he says, 'and I assume that the quality's still the same today.' I said, ‘Yes, it is,'" Coleman recalls.

Jay-Z was adamant the Coleman name remain on the jackets so people know they were made in America.

"This is how the original label was; my grandfather designed way, way back when," Coleman said.

In the next couple of weeks Coleman will ship out the jackets, hoping Jay-Z likes them enough to make another order.

The new Artful Dodger jackets will sell for about $400. Because only 88 were ordered, Coleman says he doesn't know if Jay-Z will want more or if it's a limited item.

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Wondering how T.I. feels about Jay-Z jocking styles from his fashion line and marketing them overseas?

These letterman jackets probably cost $60.00.

Jay-Z purchased 88 customized jackets that his company plans to sell for $400.00 a piece?

Highway Robbery if you ask me. Yes the company will receive due credit, however why isn't the company Coleman Knitting Mills selling exclusive Rocawear letter jackets for $400.00?

Jennifer Lopez:

...Mrs. Lopez is thrilled that she has someone that she can finally call her own - despite taking him away from an already "married-in" situation.

According to Reports:

After two divorces and several unsuccessful high-profile relationships with stars including P. Diddy and Ben Affleck, Jennifer is now happily married to singer Marc Anthony. The beauty admits she has been heartbroken many times, but couldn’t stop herself falling for men she knew were wrong for her.

She struggled to cope when relationships ended and often vowed never to date again.

“I always made the same mistake: I threw myself passionately into a new relationship because I believed in love, as I still do, despite all the disappointments, pain and depression,” Jennifer told the German edition of OK! magazine.

“There were moments I wished I didn’t have a heart, because it hurt so much. When a love ended, a love I had believed in so hard, I wished I could crawl away like a dying animal.”

Jennifer has now settled down with Marc and the couple have two-year-old twins Max and Emme together. The 41-year-old star says she has learnt a great deal from her tumultuous love life and this has helped her relationship with Marc.

Her previous heartache has made her more realistic about love and shown her you have to work hard to be happy with someone.

“I have learnt not to give up,” she explained. “Not to run away being resigned after every contention. In my opinion there is no couple made for each other, two people are just too different.

“To love means to adjust and to accept that my partner is not the ideal man because he doesn't exist just as his ideal woman doesn’t.”

Wow - it seems as if Mrs. Lopez has "adjusted" to her current situation very well.

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Al Goodman

It's being reported that the legandary soul singer, "Al Goodman" passed away; he was 63.

It seems as if every oldtimer who allows Jay-Z to sample their music, end up Dead. Maybe it's all about the Royalty checks after all...

According to Reports:

"My good friend of at least 40 years passed away yesterday," said Marshall Thompson, leader of The Chi-lites, on Tuesday. " There's mourning all over the world -- in England, in Germany and in Japan. We're all mourning for Al Goodman."

Goodman was a member of the Moments, an R&B group that formed in Hackensack, New Jersey, in 1968, along with Harry Ray and William Brown. They topped the soul charts in 1970 with "Love on a Two Way Street," and again in 1975 with "Look at Me (I'm in Love)."

Last year, rapper Jay-Z sampled "Love on a Two Way Street" for his hit, "Empire State of Mind."

In 1978, the trio renamed itself Ray, Goodman and Brown. A year later, they hit No. 1with "Special Lady." The group made regular appearances on the soul charts into the 1980s. Their last Top Ten single was in 1986.

Goodman's funeral is planned for Monday at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey.

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Jay-Z and June Ambrose

...So Jay-Z doesn't dress himself? He has a female fashion stylist who educates him on the latest and greatest "fashions" to hit the streets?

..and Jay-Z calls her his "Style Architect".

Here's a paragraph taken from a recent Interview with the Rapper:

As the Drake song continues, a stylish woman enters the office holding a grey Tom Ford suit. She's wearing designer overalls, a pair of oversize sunglasses and a silk scarf patterned with little tennis rackets and sailboats.

"Oh," she says, noticing me. "Do you want to do this somewhere else?"

"Nah," Jay says, casually removing his pants. "It's like a locker room in here."

The woman, June Ambrose -- Jay teasingly describes her as a "style architect" -- shrugs. "I brought your tighty-whities," she says, walking behind the desk. "Oh! You're wearing them."

Jay, pleased with himself, says: "I knew I'd be wearing a suit tonight." He's going to a function at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Ambrose squints at his lap. "The ones I

brought are tighty tighty-whities, though," she says.

Jay grabs the suit pants and says, "Come on, now. We don't wanna make the guy really uncomfortable."

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Wyclef Jean

Singer Wyclef Jean's family is reporting that he's considering running for president of Haiti, where he was born.

According to reports:

There have been rumors for some time the Haitian-born entertainer might enter the 2010 presidential contest, ever since his 2007 appointment as ambassador-at-large for the Caribbean nation by President Rene Preval, who cannot seek re-election.

In a statement e-mailed to reporters, the family said, "Wyclef's commitment to his homeland and its youth is boundless, and he will remain its greatest supporter regardless of whether he is part of the government moving forward ... If and when a decision is made, media will be alerted immediately."

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Aretha Franklin and Condoleezza Rice:

The Associated Press is reporting that Aretha Franklin and Condoleezza Rice will duet on August 3rd in Philadelphia at the Mann's Music Center.

As reported:

Condoleezza Rice is no stranger to the whims of royalty. So when the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, decided the two should get together to play a song or two for charity, it was decreed.

The former U.S. secretary of state and Franklin take the stage Tuesday evening at Philadelphia's Mann Music Center in a rare duet for Rice, the classically trained pianist, and Franklin, the divalicious voice of a generation. Their aim is to raise money for urban children and awareness for music and the arts.

"It is a joint effort for the inner-city youth of Philadelphia and Detroit," Franklin told The Associated Press the night before their concert with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Their appearance will brim not only with Franklin's catalog of hits, but arias from the world of opera and classical music.

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Tupac Shakur

In memory...

Toni Braxton:

On Sunday, the not-so talented singer appeared on A&E's "Private Sessions". During her set, she appeared to sing un-connecting notes...maybe it's me or maybe it's not me...but can she sing? I mean really sing?

It was a bit strange to hear these un-connecting notes during a pre-recorded session.

Sigh...

Should we blame LaFace Records for giving Toni her "break"?



Story Continues...

Tupac Shakur

A movie detailing the life of Rapper Tupac Shakur is headed to the big screen.

According to Reports:

...the lawsuit between Afeni Shakur's Amaru Entertainment and Morgan Creek has been settled -- whether in or out of court is unclear -- and the latter's long-planned Tupac Shakur biopic can now finally move ahead. Training Day director Antoine Fuqua will begin shooting the film about the rapper this September, according to his statements to Digital Spy (via The Playlist): "I've been working on that for a while with Morgan Creek and Jim Robinson," he told the site. "I just got the greenlight from him and we're going in September. I've just started to prep that."

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White Skin

So-called A-list celebrities such as Beyonce Knowles, Rihanna, Lil Kim and Ashwari Rai are using a skin whitening product to lighten their skin.

Hollywood's best kept secret has been unveiled by these A-listers. Maybelline came out with an innovative foundation and compact duo called ‘WhiteStay UV’ that instantly lightens your skin tone upon application.

Reportedly:

The product lightens your skin by a few shades with a formula that is infused with skin boosting Vitamin C. The uniqueness of the product lies in the whitening bead in the foundation bottle, which is activated when you shake it just before use.

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Ashley Judd

..Not sure if you all are aware of this, Ashley Judd recently graduated from Harvard University. She received her Masters in Public Administration at the John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Farrah Franklin

...Has opened up about time spent as a member of the group "Destiny Child". In a interview with Vibe, she states the following:

...Naturally, you're going to look out for your family. There's a lot of things I didn't understand at 18 and there's a lot of things I knew, that [the girls] didn't understand. [Hiring family] gives a little favoritism. [In Destiny's Child] I felt like I was put aside... Matthew [Knowles] was our manager, then Tina [Knowles] did hair and styling, then our road manager was Beyonce's cousin, then our assistant road manager was Beyonce's other cousin, then we had an attorney that was Beyonce's other cousin, and Solange that was traveling with us. Her whole family was on tour with them... If there was someone else I could've spoken to outside of the family, I think it would've been a lot better...

She went on to say:

...If you're getting in a [Destiny's Child] type group, then that's what you're getting into. But if that wasn't explained to you and there were some other things that could've been talked about like 'How 'bout some people are able to sing this part'... you have to really understand what you're getting into and what your role is. As long as everyone understands that then you can do well, but if you don't understand that it can be confusing. Then later on you prove yourself even more and if they're good people they'll say 'Hey, I know this wasn't what we talked about, but you seem like you're doing your thing and you can do this now.'

It was so crazy, because although Beyonce is who she is today, we were friends first and I was already doing my own thing. I already had a $650,000 house. I already had a Beamer and Benz. To be honest with you, my cars were better than theirs. That's how I was meeting them. My man was a manager for K-Ci & Jojo, so we were well off, plus I was working three jobs on top of that, including modeling here and there. So I didn't feel like the playing field was too much different. I've been doing this since I was 4-years-old. I was always the captain of my team, but I've also always been the new girl, being the military brat. When I got in the group I was happy. I wasn't even thinking about [being the star]. I'm 18-years-old and I&'m in Destiny's Child! I've dealt with bitches my whole life and I've never gotten paid for it. So you think I'm going to come in a group, get paid and have a problem? Oh no...

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Jill Scott

In the May 2010 issue of Essence Magazine, Jill Scott interviews with Jeannine Amber and provides insight into her past marriage, current relationship status and how she's coping with life as a single parent. In addition to this, Jill speaks on her current studio project and what motivates her to 'push' forward despite her brief setbacks.

This interview is attached below for your review and comments.

Stanley "Flesh-N-Bones" Howse

...of the rap group Bones-Thugs-N-Harmony was arrested on stage Sunday during the group's reunion concert at the House of Blued in Cleveland, OH.

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Marion 'Suge' Knight :

Funny - It's being reported that Marion 'Suge' Knight was in a serious car accident. This accident caused the producer to miss an important court date. Websites are reporting that "Suge" has been in involved in a legal spat against Kanye West since 2005; when he was allegedly shot in the leg and robbed at an event hosted by Kayne West.

Suge's lawyers has shared that, "He was in a pretty serious car accident. He lost a couple of teeth, he's in pain, and he can't speak."

Wow. This is a bit strange - Beanie Sigel was involved in a car accident most recently and this took place months after he dropped a few diss tracks against Kayne West's friend jay-Z.

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Monique:

Despite rumors circulating around the internet that Mo'nique blew her chances of winning an Oscar, the comedian became the fifth black (African American) woman to win an Oscar. As she held back tears to accept the award, she thanked the academy, “for showing that it can be about the performance and not the politics".

Immediately following her acceptance speech, the camera caught a glimpse of Samuel L. Jackson's reaction:

Juvenile

It's being reported that the rapper was arrested on Friday, February 26.

According to reports:

It was around 3pm when the police responded to a neighbors report of loud marijuana smoke coming from Juveniles home on Livingston Avenue in Arabi. When the police knocked on the door Juvenile's producer, Leroy Edwards answered the door and clouds of smoke met their faces. Edwards refused to allow the police to search the home. After obtaining a search warrant they later found a half ounce of marijuana in the kitchen.

Juvenile and Edwards was arrested and later released on bond.

Musical Selection

Angela Beyince

...come get your mother!

TMZ has reported that Alexsandra Wright gave birth to Matthew Knowles son "Nixon Wright". As many websites congratulate Beyonce on the new addition to her family, they failed to congratulate her cousin Angela Beyince on becoming a big sister.

Yes - Alexsandra Wright and Tina Knowles are related. This also explain the reason why Angela Beyince went underground (protected her tweets on twitter, pulled biological data and photos off the internet and video streams) as soon as word broke that Alexsandra Wright (her biological mother) filed a paternity suite against Matthew Knowles.

Julia Lira

The 7-Year-Old drew the eyes of parents, social workers and child welfare advocates around the world when she performed at recent carnival events in Brazil.

The young girl shook her toosh and marched alongside sultry models and actresses. It's being reported that a judge ruled last week that she could join in on parade activites. Julia wore a lot of makeup, a sequined halter top and a miniskirt made of purple feathers. She also stood next to a 7 (or 9) year old boy dressed in a pimp inspired suit.

It was also reported that the 7 year old marched alongside her mother during this parade:

The parents (biological mother and father) of 7-Year-Old Julia Lira is responsible for this crap:

Rihanna

...has been cast as a kinky dominatrix in the upcoming remake of Berry Gordy's 1985 martial arts classic "The Last Dragon". She will appear on screen opposite of Samuel L. Jackson.



Speaking of re-makes, Jay-Z has went on record to reveal that the "We Are The World" track and music video should not have been remade.

Solange Knowles

On Friday, February 12, Solange Knowles sat front row at the Charlotte Ronson fashion show. Dressed as if she just walked off of the set of "That 70's Show" television series, the singer is wearing a Ronson minidress and a newboy cap.

She reveals:

“My photo shoots, album packaging and video shoots are very inspired by 60s and 70s fashion. My mother [Tina Knowles] always had great coffee table books. I looked specifically at The Supremes, Earth, Wind & Fire and Isley Brothers for fashion and it’s very apparent, I think.”

The singer also reveals that she is preparing to release a new album this year:

“..., I’m actually about to lock myself in a tree house in Costa Rica and finish my record. I’m writing and setting up a whole studio there. Hopefully it will be out this fall,”

Musical Selection

As previously reported, here is the remake of the historical "We Are The World" musical track - produced to benefit the relief efforts in Haiti:

Louis Vuitton

Funny - We recently saw behind the scene images of Kanye West copying the design of a few inexpensive shoes to create his line of Louis Vuitton sneakers (Vans, High Top Reeboks, Candies...etc)...

Now, Marc Jacobs has designed the Raindrop Besace for Louis Vuitton Spring 2010 collection. All websites and blogs are reporting that this handbag was inspired by GLADD trash bags or are these actually made out of the GLADD trash bags???



The Raindrop Besace retail at $2000.00

Maxwell

Nominated for six Grammy Awards, the singer holds two Grammy awards for best male R&B vocal performance and best R&B album at the 52nd annual Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles on January 31, 2010.

The singer responded to questions submitted by the readers of Time Magazine issued on February 15. 2010. Within this article, he provides insight into what inspired him to pursue a career in music, his eight year break away from his music career, his decision to alter his outward appearance and how his heritage influenced his music. Here are his answers to 10 questions submitted by the readers of Time Magazine,: