R.I.P. Heavy D
From TMZ.com:
Rap legend Heavy D — one of the most influential rappers of the ’90s — died earlier today … TMZ has learned.
Heavy D — real name Dwight Arrington Myers — was rushed to an L.A. hospital around noon today … and was pronounced dead at the hospital at 1 PM. He was 44 years old.
We’ve learned a 911 call was placed from Heavy’s Beverly Hills home around 11:25 AM to report an unconscious male on the walkway .
When help arrived, we’re told Heavy D was conscious and speaking — and was transported to a nearby hospital.
He died a short time later.
Cops are investigating the death — and so far, there are no obvious signs of foul play.
UPDATE II:
Law enforcement tell TMZ … Heavy D had just returned from shopping and walked up some stairs when he began having trouble breathing. Adam Mills, a designer who was in the building and knew Heavy D, found him leaning against a railing and clearly in distress. Adam tells us he cradled Heavy D in his lap as others called 911. Adam says Heavy D was conscious and said to him, “I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe.” When paramedics took Heavy D to the hospital he had a pulse. People in the building are saying he died of a heart attack, but we have not been able to confirm that. Law enforcement sources tell us … no foul play was involved and so far they only know the cause of death was “medical.”
UPDATE I:
Heavy D died less than 24 hours after tweeting his condolences to legendary boxer Joe Frazier who died Monday, Nov. 7 of cancer. Heavy D’s final tweet was “BE INSPIRED!”
Taylor Swift Brings Out Nelly (video)
Taylor Swift continued her outreach program for African American fans by bringing out rapper Nelly (who has fallen off considerably) during her Speak Now concert in Houston. “We’ve got a special treat for you tonight, Houston. Nelly’s here!,” she said as the audience applauded politely for the “Tip Drill” rapper. Taylor and Nelly then performed her hit “Just a Dream.”
In previous shows, Taylor has surprised her country music fans with appearances by T.I, Usher and B.O.B.
Earlier this week, Taylor introduced the newest member of her family to her millions of followers on Twitter.
In Case You missed It: 2011 Black Girls Rock Performance On BET
The 6th annual Black Girls Rock 2011! Awards in New York aired on BET last night. The show was hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross (‘Reed Between The Lines’) and Regina King. Beverly Bond (pictured above) is the creator and executive producer. The show is based on her non-profit organization titled BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc.
Since 2006, BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc. has been dedicated to the healthy development of young women and girls. BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc. seeks to build the self-esteem and self-worth of young women of color by changing their outlook on life, broadening their horizons, and helping them to empower themselves.
If you missed it, you can catch up on all of the videos from last night’s performances after the break!
Mary J. Blige – My Life
fanMAIL: Review of Watch The Throne Concert in Atlanta (video)
Ignore all those breathless Stan reviews of the Kanye and Jay Z Watch The Throne opener in Atlanta last night. A loyal reader who attended the show told Sandrarose.com that the tour’s 1st stop in Atlanta started 2½ hours later than the 7:30PM time stamped on the tickets.
The sound system was crappy. The show was not sold out as some Stans have reported. And once it became evident that the show would not sell out, the tour’s promoters dumped hundreds of tickets on radio stations to give away.
When the rappers were finally announced at 9:00PM, the announcement was met with a round of boos from the audience, some of whom spent upwards of $450 for their tickets.
WTT continues with a 2nd show at Philips Arena tonight before moving on to Greensboro, NC on Oct. 30.
Read the reader review after the break.
Mary J Blige – “Why” (radio rip) and “Mr. Wrong”
R&B Diva Mary J Blige continues her trend of throwing music into the wind and hoping something sticks. We love Mary but she hasn’t put out a resonating album since What’s The 411 (1992) and My Life (1994).
Since her early, crack-fueled glory days Mary’s music has been mostly hit and miss. It’s clear that she’s one artist who requires a lot of drama in her life to influence her music. Things must really be going well for her at home.
Mary’s latest efforts, “Why” (radio rip) and “Mr. Wrong” also miss the mark completely. Both tracks are off her new album My Life II: The Journey Continues.
“Why” features Rick Ross and “Mr. Wrong”, an updated version of Billy Paul’s 1972 hit “Me and Mrs. Jones”, features rap aficionado Drake. I mean, how can you go wrong with Drake on your track?
“Mr. Wrong” ft. Drake
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“Why” ft. Rick Ross
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fanMAIL: Jody Watley writes…
It’s a shame that fashion, dance and soul Diva Jody Watley has never gotten her props for influencing many of today’s artists. As kids in the 70s, we watched Jody dance her butt off with Jeffrey Daniel on the Iconic “Soul Train” music TV series. Later, when Jody and Jeffrey joined Shalamar (with Howard Hewett) we grooved to their hit music in the clubs. When Jody went solo the hits continued. She scored 6 Top Ten Hot 100 singles on Billboard, 3 #1 R&B hits and 15 Top 40 R&B hits.
A lot of kids today don’t realize that Jody Watley influenced Janet Jackson’s moves. Or that Jeffrey Daniel taught Michael Jackson how to do the moonwalk (which Black and Hispanic kids called the ‘backslide’ in the 70s).
No one today can touch Jody Watley in terms of style and originality. Beyonce’s ponytail? She stole it from Jody Watley. We LOVE Jody Watley and we are happy that she reads Sandrarose.com! Read Jody’s email to us after the break!
Beyonce Baby Bump Watch 2011
Beyonce Knowles was all smiles as she left a Midtown Manhattan office building en route to Sakura Nails & Spa to get a manicure yesterday. A full range of prosthetic baby bumps are available to desperate women the film industry to simulate pregnancies.
Photos: Daniel/Alequin/INFphoto.com
