Alicia Keys’ 30th Birthday Party

Alicia Keys celebrated her 30th Birthday this week with an Egyptian Themed Birthday party (inspired by her son Egypt).  The party included the likes of Gayle King, Jay-Z and Beyonce. Her husband Swizz Beatz and mother Terry were also on hand.

Jermaine Dupri Creates Facebook & Twitter Alternative: Global 14

Music producer-turned-Internet entrepreneur Jermaine Dupri is making like Mark Zuckerberg and has created a new social network called Global 14 (or “G14″).

Dupri says he designed and developed it to be the “coolest, hippest city” on the Internet.

“Global 14 was created because of the increasing trend of ‘social notifying’ versus ‘social networking,’ says Dupri. “Social notifying is when people share information, such as in ‘Hey, check out this website.’ There’s no conversation or expectation of a response.”

However, Global 14 is about establishing dialogue and making connections.

“There’s no real social networking anymore,” maintains Dupri. “People just post updates without replying or engaging their followers. At G14, if you hit me up with a question, nine times out of ten, I’ll respond. I’m talking with people all day on there.”

In less than three months, the site has secured over 10,650 subscribers and receives about 100,000 unique visitors a month. Members “friend” and follow each other. They post conversations to their page which can be linked to other social media accounts.

“Unlike other sites, G14 is not about how many followers you can get,” says Dupri. “It’s about the relationships. ‘Friends’ should be your real friends.”

Celebrities who have already signed on to Global14 include Mariah Carey, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Nelly, Kelly Rowland, Bow Wow, Monica, Anthony Hamilton, and Kevin Hart.

Additionally, the site features nearly 500 discussion groups with topics ranging from dating and relationships to cooking, education, music and sex.

“I’m trying to encourage young America to get more involved in what’s going on with social media and the tech world,” says Dupri. “I want to show them that we can use computers for more than just watching crazy videos, posting pictures and reading about celebrities.”

For more information on Global 14 or to join the movement, visit www.global14.com.

JAY-Z, WILL & JADA SMITH FORMING NEW FILM COMPANY

Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith and their partners at Overbrook Entertainment have formed a joint-venture with Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter to develop and produce major motion pictures. First up? A remake of the Broadway musical “Annie,” in which Will and Jada’s daughter, Willow — who recently signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label — will star in.

Although the project is in its preliminary stages, it will be developed with Sony Pictures Entertainment and produced by Overbrook and Jay.

The partnership between Will and Jada and Jay-Z began when the three decided to invest in the beauty line Carol’s Daughter. Their next venture together was when they joined forces again to co-produce the Broadway play “Fela!” Since then, Willow, who is managed by Overbrook’s Miguel Melendez, has signed to Roc Nation and released first single “Whip My Hair.”

“The Overbrook Entertainment family and I have a unified vision. We’ve already produced a Tony Award-winning play and we’re developing a true superstar in Willow,” said Jay-Z in a statement. “This venture into film development and production is a perfect next step with teams that are accomplished, creative and innovative.”

Video: Jessie J Performs Live in London

Jessie J rocked the crowd last night at London nightclub Scala, making up a canceled date from last month due to severe illness. The much-buzzed-about singer-songwriter showed no signs of wear as she performed an acoustic rendition of “Big White Room,” “Do It Like a Dude,” and “L.O.V.E.,” which she originally penned for Alicia Keys.

“I’ve done this song a few times in the studio and it’s never come out right. I like to take risks and I want you all to be involved in my album,” she said of the personal “Big White Room.” The Essex native, who was recently named Critics’ Choice at the BRIT Awards, worked the stage in a Vivienne Westwood getup, treating the audience to cuts from her forthcoming debut Who You Are.

The powerhouse vocalist also performed her first U.S. single “Price Tag” with British MC Devlin filling in for B.o.B. She and the “Airplanes” rapper have already filmed a video for the feel-good jam.

The U.S. is not ready for her.  If you’ve been following her, then you know what I’m talking bout.  This chick is not a game, and I know she is going to blow the damn thing up!!

 

68TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE SHOW & AFTER PARTY PICS

Last night was a huge night in Hollywood as the 68th Annual Golden Globes. Here are a few pics of Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry, Blair Underwood, Eva Longoria, Vanessa Williams and others from the show and some of the after parties….

 

Happy 32nd Birthday, Aaliyah

Aaliyah Dana Haughton was born on January 16, 1979. Today, the late singer would have been 32 years old. Aaliyah, along with eight others, was killed on August 25, 2001, in a plane crash in Marsh Harbor, Bahamas, after filming the music video for Rock The Boat’.

Born in Brooklyn, and raised in Detroit, Aaliyah was one of the most innovative hip-hop/R&b singers of the last decade. She released her debut album titled Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number’ in 1994, at the age of 14. Followed up by her ground breaking second album  One in a Million’ in 1996  and her outstanding  self-titled album ‘Aaliyah’ in 2001, which all influential.

“I stay true to myself and my style, and I am always pushing myself to be aware of that and be original” — Aaliyah

The Queen Of Hip-Hop-Soul Turns 40 With A Surprise Birthday Bash

Mary J. Blige, The Queen of Hip-Hop and Soul was surprised with a 40th birthday party attended by Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King,  Beyonce, Jay-Z, Ne-Yo, Diddy, Russell Simmons, Kevin Liles, Lyor Cohen, LL Cool J, June Ambrose, Angie Martinez, Taraji P. Henson and others.