Drake Sells Half a mill in Week One

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, AOL Black Voices

I took a poll of some of my industry homies last week to get a sense of how"Thank Me Later," the debut album for Drake, was going to sell. It turns out that out of those bold enough to make a prediction, my friends Michael Bivins (formerly of Belle, Biv, Devoe and New Edition) and Vigalantee (a rapper in Kansas City, MO), were closest. Vigalantee predicted 450,000 units and Mike Biv predicted 400,000. No matter how you slice it, Drake is now officially the shizzle.

It's not as if anyone is surprised by Drake's stellar debut. He and the rest of the Young Money clique did an outstanding job creating buzz for the album and Drake proved that even in the age of massive Internet pirating, he can still make his money.

 

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What's New in the world of Black Folks - 6/11/10

NBA Gets High Marks for Diversity in Annual Report Card

• According to Professor Richard Lapchick, author of the recent Racial and Gender Report Card for ... Read More
• By Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD on Jun 12th 2010 11:20AM | Comments (0)

Obama's "Angry Black Man" Criticism: Isn't He Also Half White?

• In light of all of the interesting analysis that others have done regarding why President Barack ... Read More
• By Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD on Jun 9th 2010 9:36PM | Comments (34)

CNN Asks Why Black Men Are Not Graduating From College

• Richelle Carey at CNN Headline News recently reached out to me to find out why black men aren't ... Read More
• By Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD on Jun 5th 2010 4:24PM | Comments (32)

Dwyane Wade Given Temporary Custody of His Sons

• NBA star Dwyane Wade's divorce just got a little uglier. This week, the court gave Wade custody ... Read More
• By Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD on Jun 4th 2010 8:51AM | Comments (33)

Could LeBron James' Mother Rumors Push Him Out of Cleveland?

• The world seems to be buzzing incessantly about the statements made by former NBA great Calvin ... Read More
• By Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD on May 24th 2010 10:41PM | Comments (4)

 

Slim Thug and his comments about black women continue to get the artist into trouble.  Is he going to lose big money because of this?

Time for Hip Hop to Change

The age of the Hoochie Mama is over

by Dr. Boyce Watkins | TheLoop21 in Culture & Society

It's time for hip hop, and its audience, to grow up.

read more

Dr. Boyce Watkins: Should Black People Sue the NCAA?

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University

The NCAA just got a bit richer this year, signing a new contract with CBS Sports and Turner Sports for $10.8 billion dollars over 14 years. This contract is a 41% increase over the mammoth deal they originally signed back in 2001. They are also going to expand their tournament field to 68 teams, from the original 65. This is not the total annual revenue for the league. Instead, it simply represents the television rights to air March Madness each year.

The league also has a $55 million dollar, three-year contract with ESPN for the womens basketball tournament and 21 other NCAA championships. Beyond that, the league is also attempting to sell the rights to 60 other national national championships. To make a long story short, the NCAA is making money hand over fist and it's all because they have the biggest, baddest, most entertaining product that "hoods" across America can produce.

As a Finance scholar and businessman, when I hear that someone is working to "sell" something and get money in return, I think about free enterprise and capitalism. I think about the fact that someone (that someone being the NCAA) is working overtime to ensure that they get fair market value for the product they are offering to the world. These ideas of free enterprise also translate to college basketball coaches, many of whom earn as much as $4 million dollars per year, with salaries on par with NBA coaches. In fact, the NCAA earns more money during its post-season tournament than the NFL, NBA and Major League baseball. These are all the symptoms of a professional sports league, and some argue that college athletes should be paid for their work.

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Your Black News – 3/4/10

Was Ciara Mistaken For A Stripper?

NYC Courthouse Still Closed, Weezy Sentencing Delayed Again

Guru Issues Statement About Heart Attack

Regina King Excited & Frustrated About Return Of The Boondocks

Lil Wayne Performs At Jay-Z Concert For Last Night Of Freedom

St. Louis Rapper J-Kwon Is Missing

BP Member Spotlight: Paper Dolls Radio

Khia Says Trina Got That "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle"

Sources: Jackson Kids Tried Stunning Blanket

Allen Iverson Out For Rest Of Season

Arsonist Who Burned Gamble & Huff Studio Gets Bail Reduced

Jamie Foxx: "I Like ‘Em Thick In The Waist & Cute In The Face"

Rihanna Is Being Sued By Her Personal Trainer

Mo'Nique's Secret To A Happy Marriage? An Open One

Naomi Campbell Wanted For Allegedly Beating Up Her Driver

NAACP Image Award Trends: Blacks, Nudes + Plum Shadow

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Your News: Regina King Talks Boondocks

While promoting her upcoming comedy 'Our Family Wedding,' actress Regina Kingcouldn't contain her excitement for the return of the hit Cartoon Network series 'The Boondocks.'

She also talked about her frustration too.

After a more than two-year hiatus, post-production is underway for the third season of the beloved show, which should be airing in coming months.
Although the Cartoon Network has yet to send out an official announcement confirming a premiere date for the new season, 'Bonndocks' creator Aaron McGrudersaid via his social networking site that it should air March 28. The news coincides with his previous Twitter message on Christmas Day, in which he wrote, "Finally got an airdate for Season 3. Not sure if I'm allowed to put it out yet, so I'll just say you got about three months."

King, who voices two of the show's lead characters, brothers Huey and Riley Freeman, has been a little peeved about how the show's producers are handling the long-awaited return.

"I am so happy that it is coming back," King told BV Newswire, but added, "I wish there was some Web site that people could send [a message] to Sony [Television Entertainment] ... and say 'What are you doing?'" she charged.

"'Boondocks could be so bigger than what it is," the former '227' actress furthered. "If I had the money to buy 'The Boondocks' off Sony, I would because all of you would be wearing 'Boondocks' T-shirts and there would be Huey and Riley dolls. I would capitalize off of that, and I would be a very rich woman."

King cited Sony's lack of experience with animation as a reason for the show's delay and its failure to capitalize on 'Boondocks' merchandise.

The 38-year-old 'Ray' actress says her work on the show, based on McGruder's popular comic strip of the same name, is her most popular to date.

"Actually more than any other project that I have done, that's the one that I get asked about the most," King revealed. "For a show to take two and half year hiatuses and people still want it to come back, that's big," she said.

Click to read.

Dr. Boyce: Russell Simmons Rants on Banks

by Dr. Boyce Watkins 

Hip hop mogul Russell Simmons seems to feel that banks are not treating the poor in a proper fashion. This week, in a rant on his site, “The Global Grind,” Simmons had this to say:
“They trick customers into doing things that are not good for them through lack of transparency, and surprise them with new fees when they can least afford it. I’m learning an important lesson about ethics or lack of ethics in this industry. In fact, I’m fighting with a bank right now that doesn’t know what kind of ass whipping they are going to get when I expose them for the abusive practices and exuberant fees they are charging the poor. What they are doing is trying to double their already outrageously high fees in exchange for providing absolutely nothing to my customers.”
Simmons went on to try to create a “movement” by adding a call to action:

“Let’s start the biggest public discussion ever about how banks treat us and expose these banks for their unequal treatment and unconscionable conduct. The time is now.”

 

Click to read.

The Latest on Hip Hop Wired – 12/21/09

Update: Asher Roth Denies Being Gay

NEWS

» By Michael "Ice-Blue" Harris   Dec 21 2009, 21:59 Pm

In the wake of all the hoopla surrounding the “Gay Rapper” and Asher Roth possibly being the poster boy for the cause and coming out the closet, the Pennsylvania MC has put the brakes on the speculation. Asher released the following statement putting an end to the rumors:

“I hate to disappoint and take away the entertainment of it all but I am straight, not gay. It's disheartening to know such "news" on someone's personal life can be portrayed as fact with no viable source. This, to me, is an opportunity to expose our vulnerability to lies and manipulation through unprofessional and irresponsible news outlets, in which people consider TRUTH. Further, someone's sexual orientation should NEVER be big news, as it delivers a troubling message to children that they can't be themselves without fear of judgment.

Race, creed, and sexual persuasion should not just be tolerated but understood and accepted. It's extremely

Comments 0 Tags asher roth, eminem, gay rapper, i love college

Master P's Daughter Lands Deal With Nickelodeon

NEWS

» By Danielle Canada   Dec 21 2009, 19:46 Pm

While Percy Miller continues to expand his philanthropic efforts and his son Romeo pursues a rap career, the youngest member of their family is stepping into the limelight.

Master P's daughter, 13-year-old Cymphonique Miller, is an actor/singer/dancer and has inked a substantial talent development deal with Nickelodeon to develop a  series for her.

In addition to her television series,

Comments 0 Tags Cymphonique, Cymphonique Miller,Cymphonique On Nickelodeon, Master P's Daughter, Master P's Daughter Gets Television Show, Percy Miller, romeo

Timbaland Kicks Off 'Shock Value II' Tour

NEWS

» By Danielle Canada   Dec 21 2009, 18:02 Pm

Although Timbaland's decided to turn his back on Hip-Hop, the Grammy award winning producer is still preparing to hit the road for a 13 city tour.

As previously reported, Timbo confirmed in an interview that he was “off that"  Hip-Hop production lane and delving deeper into pop records. Now with his Shock Value II album in stores, he's

Comments 0 Tags shock value II, timbaland, Timbaland And Drake Say Something, Timbaland Shock Value, Timbaland Tour

DJ Kay Slay Sued

NEWS

» By Danielle Canada   Dec 21 2009, 17:16 Pm

DJ Kay Slay is the latest in Hip-Hop to be hit with a lawsuit. The Drama King, real name Keith Grayson, is being taken to court for copyright infringement for his song “Angels Around Me” featuring 50 Cent and G Unit. The song which appeared on his Street Sweeper Volume 2: The Pain From The Game album is said to be

Comments 0 Tags dj kay slay, DJ Kay Slay More Than Just A DJ, Kay Slay Angels Around Me, kay slay def jam, Kay Slay Sued, The Drama King

Nike and Hip Hop Team Up for Christmas [Video Included]

NEWS

» By Justin Stewart   Dec 21 2009, 16:24 Pm

What would the holidays be without some Christmas cheer?  Lupe Fiasco and KRS-One decided to become more animated by featuring themselves in the Nike puppet commercials with NBA superstars LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

With Christmas a few days away, Lupe played the role of Blitzen the Reindeer as he took on Kobe, LeBron and Santa, played by KRS.

A lyrical battle between the two couldn't stop the outcome of a basketball game between Santa and his Reindeer.

Peep the video for the battle/game here:

The Challenge:

The Outcome:

Comments 1 Tags basketball, christmas, kobe bryant, krs-one, lebron james, lupe fiasco, nba, nike, santa clause

Flo Rida's 'Low' Named Digital Song of The Decade

NEWS

» By Danielle Canada   Dec 21 2009, 16:17 Pm

As Flo Rida prepares for the Grammy's where he'll take on Eminem, Mos Def, Q Tip and Common for ‘Best Rap Album', he's garnering praise for his hit single “Low.”

The single has broken a new record and been named the top-selling digital song of the decade. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the T Pain laced record scoured over

Comments 0 Tags "Low", Flo Rida Nominated For Grammy,Flo Rida R.O.O.T.S., Flo Rida Right Round, flo-rida, Grammys Best Rap Album, R.O.O.T.S.

WIRED Links

NEWS

» By Michael "Ice-Blue" Harris   Dec 21 2009, 16:11 Pm

Complex: "The Weakest Link: Who Should Get Kicked Out Of Young Money" Read Here

Black Voices: "Bill Cosby Talks positive Hip-Hop & Healing Black Relationships" Read Here

Your Black World: "The Secret Rules Of Athlete Mistresses" Read Here

F-Listed: "Lady Gaga Gets Naked With Kanye" Read Here

Bossip: Chris Brown Is Mean To Riri, But Nice To Skrippers" Read Here

Comments 0 Tags bill cosby, chris brown, kanye west, lady gaga, tiger woods

HHW Exclusive: B.O.B. Reacts to Rising Career

FEATURES, NEWS

» By Justin Stewart   Dec 21 2009, 15:41 Pm

As the 90s roster of rap continues to age, there has been an opening for the new generation to showcase their own particular talents and present a shift in the Hip Hop industry.

Taking notes from legends of the past, the new school desires to keep the momentum alive for rap, but find a way to throw their own little flavor to usher something new for a changing crowd of listeners.

Atlanta's own B.O.B., also known as Bobby Ray, is one that has stepped in to shake the foundation.  A jack of all trades, Ray is a rapper, but also holds talents in being

Comments 0 Tags b.o.b., Bobby Ray, freshman class,generation lost, musician, new generation of music, nothin on you, the adventures of bobby ray

Ludacris To Perform At The Apollo Theater

NEWS

» By Danielle Canada   Dec 21 2009, 15:06 Pm

Ludacris is ending out 2009 on a high note and taking the stage at a legendary music hall just before the New Year.

Luda is set to take the stage at the Apollo Theater for the Heineken New Legends Series, a special holiday concert series. According to a press release,

Comments 0 Tags Christopher Bridges, Heineken Legends Series, ludacris, Ludacris Heineken Legends, Ludacris Performs At Apollo

Asher Roth is the Gay Rapper?!?!

NEWS

» By Justin Stewart   Dec 21 2009, 14:06 Pm

The rapper that first came out saying that he loved college and loved women may be playing to a new tune as of late as Asher Roth has come out of the closet.

Speculation has been running rampant for the past few months with allegations of the Gay Rapper in Hip Hop, but now the mystery has reportedly been solved.

Roth will appear on E!News during the Christmas Holiday celebration to talk about his recent “coming out of the closet”. Asher was recently in attendance at a Gay

Comments 0 Tags asher roth, asleep in the bread aisle, clay aiken, E! News, gay rapper, gay rights parade, hiding in hip hop: confession of a down low brother in the entertainment industry, lady gaga, New York, terrance dean

Beanie Sigel Injured In Car Accident

NEWS

» By Danielle Canada   Dec 21 2009, 2:18 Am

Representatives for Beanie Sigel are confirming that he was involved in a car accident Saturday night. While full details have yet to be released, reports show that the Philadelphia rapper

Comments 2 Tags beanie sigel, Beanie Sigel Car Accident,Beanie Sigel Injured In Car Crash, jay-z and beanie sigel

Lupe Fiasco Cancels Mixtape

NEWS

» By Danielle Canada   Dec 20 2009, 15:21 Pm

Just days before Lupe Fiasco was scheduled to drop a mixtape in time for Christmas, the Chicago lyricist has officially decided to can the idea. As previously reported, Lupe revealed details on his forthcoming studio projectLasers, stating that it would not hit stores this year and will not be his last album.

Now with that release in the works and his Enemy Of The Statemixtape online, Lupe's changing his focus from

Comments 0 Tags Enemy Of The State Lupe Fiasco, Friend Of The People mixtape, lupe fiasco, lupe fiasco lasers, Lupe Kilimanjaro,Summit on the Summit, We Are Lasers

Update: No Charges Filed Against Lil Wayne

NEWS

» By Danielle Canada   Dec 20 2009, 13:58 Pm

The world was abuzz Saturday when news hit the net that Lil Wayne had been detained by Texas border patrol just months before his scheduled stint in prison. Although many were expecting the worst after drug sniffing dogs detected marijuana on his tour bus

Comments 0 Tags cash money, lil wayne, Lil Wayne Arrested, Lil Wayne concert, lil wayne detained, young money

This Just In! Lil Wayne Detained at Texas Border!

NEWS

» By Jason Weintraub   Dec 19 2009, 15:21 Pm

Although details are still developing, according to the Texas border patrol, Lil Wayne has been detained at an interior border checkpoint. The incident is rumored to be drug related as Wayne and 11 other members who were on the tour bus are being held in Falfurrias, Texas. The southern Texas city which is about 100 miles from the boarder of Mexico, uses its B.P checkpoint for most people passing.