Archive for the ‘Music’ Category

Wyclef announces run for president of Haiti

Monday, August 9th, 2010

For years fans and supporters of Haitian-born Wyclef Jean have speculated that he may one day run for president of the nation.  Well last Wednesday Jean sat-down with me (as a contributor for “BBC World News America”) to confirm his presidential plans, before flying to Haiti to officially make the announcement and file the paperwork.

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Wyclef said he made the decision to run after witnessing the tremendous pain and suffering of his people after January’s earthquake.  He said it was then that he realized he needs to serve his country as something more than a musician or philanthropist.  Here’s the full interview:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/world_news_america/8890839.stm

Former Fugees-member Pras Michel recently announced he will not be supporting Wyclef for president, instead he’s endorsing another musician who is famous in Haiti - Michel Martell.

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Check out these links

Saturday, May 15th, 2010

I recently had the pleasure of doing my first news report for the prestigious news organization the BBC.  The story was focused on the new social media site Foursquare which is set to blow-up in the same way that Twitter has.  The story aired on BBC World News America and was broadcast globally on BBC World.  Please feel free to take a look right here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/world_news_america/8633498.stm

If fashion and music is more your thing, be sure to check out my “back-stage pass” to BET’s recent hit show “Rip the Runway”.  If you want to find out how to walk like a supermodel or you’re interested in hearing rapper Nicki Minaj do her best impression of me (lol) click right here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qsm61F-N8Qk

Lots more to come so stay tuned….

Posted in Music, New Trends, News, Television | No Comments »

Wyclef joins with Western Union to give back

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

Grammy-winning, multi-platinum artist Wyclef Jean is partnering with Western Union for the company’s “Celebration of Giving” holiday program.  I was honored to host the media event in Times Square launching the campaign last week and yes, we were matching but trust me, it wasn’t planned!! ;)

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Western Union showed its appreciation to Clef by donating $225,000 to the star’s Yele Haiti Foundation to help make this holiday season a little brighter for those in the politically unstable nation.

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As part of the movement Wyclef is also giving out $250,000 worth of Western Union gift cards and performed at a free lunchtime concert for fans at the Nokia Theater.

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In an unexpected yet hilarious move, Clef called the President of Western Union, Stewart Stockdale, to the stage in his suit to demonstrate his dance, um.. skills.

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Maino also joined Wyclef on stage along with DJ Drama.  Clef and Drama’s new mixtape, “From the Hut to the Projects to the Mansion,” is out now.

Posted in Music | 3 Comments »

And We Don’t Stop - BET Hip Hop Awards ‘09

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

The BET Hip Hop Awards took over Atlanta earlier this month and of course I was out there to give our viewers their all-access pass to the behind-the-scenes action!

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The day before the show I got to the venue, the Atlanta Civic Center, and headed straight to the auditorium where rehearsals had already begun.  Mario was on-stage perfecting his performance of “Break Up” featuring Gucci Mane.

After grabbing interviews with Mario, show host and funnyman Mike Epps (who even rhymed for us, LOL) and Soulja Boy (who had recently been released from jail after an incident at his video shoot a day earlier http://tinyurl.com/yhcokbj) we headed to the VIP Coke Lounge to catch up with more artists.

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Best DJ nominee, DJ Drama, was keeping the crowd hype in the Coke Lounge.

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Back in rehearsals Snoop and The Dream hit the stage to practice their set with 3 dancers (who seriously toned down their dance moves for some reason on the actual night.  Possibly because Snoop had joked that their moves were distracting him).

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Afterwards Snoop chatted to me about making the song “Gangsta Luv” with the Dream, how he’s achieved longevity in the game and being back in the studio with Dr. Dre working on the much, much, much anticipated “Detox” album.

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Finally the big day and after covering and walking the red carpet, I took my seat to see the show featuring some of the biggest names in hip hop including Jay-Z, Diddy, Gucci Mane, the “I Am Hip Hop” honoree Ice Cube and Ludacris!   Stars in the audience included Nikki Minaj, Chamillionaire and Slim Thug.

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The BET Hip Hop Awards is definitely a show you DO NOT want to miss!  Watch my backstage updates this week and next and catch the actual show October 27th at 8pm EST.

Posted in Music, Television | 7 Comments »

Backstage at 106 - The BET Awards Nominations

Saturday, May 30th, 2009

The BET Awards ‘09 is just a few weeks away.  Recently the nominations were announced on 106 & Park and I was there back-stage to interview some of the stars who came out to help announce the nods!

After hitting the step & repeat for the still photographers, each artist came straight to me.  Always the comedian, Jamie Foxx pulled in front of the cameras with him do some interesting poses!

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Jamie will play host on the big night and says he’s going to go hard on all the biggest stars!   Those in the front row beware! 

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Keri Hilson was overwhelmed to discover on her first time being nominated she’s up for a grand total of 4 BET Awards! 

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This year some edgier acts like MIA (go UK!) and NERD have received nods!

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Soulja Boy told me he’s proved his haters wrong.  He’s definitely no one hit wonder!  He could walk away with the Viewers’ Choice Award. 

Catch these stars and many, many more on the BET Awards ‘09 live from LA, June 22nd!!  See you there!!

Posted in Music, Television | 3 Comments »