Lil' Kim was rockin' dat ishhh like....

If you saw Dancing with the Stars last night then you were probably wowed by the sultry performance of rapper Lil' Kim.

She and her professional dance partner, Derek Hough, absolutely floored the judges and received a standing ovation after their steamy Argentine Tango.

The performance was so good that when scored by the judges they received the first 10 of the season!!

From looking at the performance you would think Lil' Kim was a professional dancer.

If Lil' Kim keeps this up there's no telling how far she will go in this competition.

Go Kim, go!!

If you missed her performance, check it out:

Harlem Heights: Get rid of the Moesha narration!

There's no secret that I have a number of issues with BET's latest show, Harlem Heights.

We all want to like the show, we really do.

But the poor storylines, scripted dialogue between cast members and the Moesha-like narration makes the show hard to stomach.

I've been watching with hopes the show would get better. But it has not.

What really is starting to bother me is the narration.

It reminds me of watching Moesha starring Brandy (the show ran from 1996-2001).

"Dear Diary....the beef is over now between Brooke and Ashley. blah blah blah blah. The end."

We don't need to someone to narrate the silly drama between siddity females. We can figure it out for ourselves BET.

Is it just me or is anyone else annoyed by this narration?

Keri Hilson delivers a dope debut

"Miss Keri Baby" really came through on her debut album, "In a Perfect World."

Simply put: the album is hot like fire from start to finish.

It shouldn't be much of a surprise considering the powerhouse executive producers, Timbaland and Polow Da Don. Not to mention, the album features guest appearances from Keyshia Cole, Trina, Kanye West, Ne-Yo, Lil' Wayne and Akon.

"Knock You Down" featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo is one of the album's hottest tracks.

"Sometimes love comes around /(love comes around love comes around) and it knocks you down /Just get back up/ When it knocks you down," she sings on the chorus.

"Make Love" is a slow jam that caught my ear when I first heard it. The soft melody with mixed Keri's angelic voice could easily bring any man to his knees. This is definitely one of my favorite joints. (check out the video below. caution: could make you melt. keri is beautiful.)



"Get Your Money Up" featuring Keyshia Cole and Trina is a dope track. It's one of those ladies anthem type of tracks. It's definitely the Polow Da Don beat that sets this off.

Of course, the album includes familiar tracks, "Energy" and "Turnin' Me On" featuring Lil' Wayne, but this release is about much more than those two songs.

She really did not disappoint. I'm not a big fan of "Change Me" featuring Akon. I could have did without him on the album, personally. Other than that, it's a solid album from top to bottom. Go cop it!

Lil' Kim stole John Oates mustache?

If you grew up through the 80s you should know who Daryl Hall and John Oates are.

Last night, the 80s pop duo performed their hit "Maneater" on Dancing with Stars as the professional dancers hit the ballroom floor. It was great.

But whenever I think of Hall & Oates I always see John Oates' signature thick mustache. I kinda missed that last night and I started to wonder what could have happened to the 'stache.

Earlier in the day, my mom pointed out a funny moment on The View.

The ladies of the popular daytime TV show were sitting around talking about Monday night's Dancing with the Stars and co-host Joy Behar started to discuss the spicy contestant, Lil' Kim -- who I must say has been doing a great job on the show.

They run a clip of Kim's samba performance on Monday and paused it as the Queen Bee threw her arm up in the air revealing a dark patch of hair she apparently missed during the pre-game preparation. C'mon Kimmie, you are a performer you should know better than that!!

It was later when I had my "A-ha!" moment and discovered that John Oates mustache somehow ended up under Lil' Kim's arm!!!

They must have got "hardcore" in the hotel room prior to the show. That's my conclusion.

But all jokes aside, Kim let's not have that happen again, k?

Dipset affiliate, King Tut, commits suicide

It had been a rough year for Darnell Brittingham, better known as rapper King Tut.

But last night, he took matters into his own hands and ended his life pulling the trigger of a gun as he sat in a taxicab with cops swarming toward the vehicle. He was 23.

On Feb. 10, King Tut was arrested in Fort Lee, NJ after police found he had a teddy bear stuffed with cocaine inside his vehicle. After being released on bail, just two days later he allegedly stabbed a woman 27 times in Hackensack, NJ and fled. [Both stories originally reported in The Record newspaper, by the way]

Police issued a warrant for his arrest and had been looking for the native of North Carolina, who had recently relocated to Hackensack, NJ.

The search for King Tut ended along a New York State Highway.

King Tut was a member of 730 Dips, a sub-group Harlem-based group Dipset.

To read the story about his death from The Record: click here.

Album Review:The-Dream; Love vs. Money

He's made a name for himself as a hit-maker for others. And he's clearly saved a few for himself.

And on The-Dream's sophomore album "Love vs. Money" he's proven himself as an artist that is here to stay.

Terius Nash [or The-Dream] is the prolific songwriter/producer that was behind Rihanna's "Umbrella," J. Holiday's "Bed," and Beyonce's "Single Ladies." He even won a Grammy for his work on Mary J. Blige's eighth album, "Growning Pains."

Quite an impressive resume'.

While it's clear he has the ability to make a laundry list of hits for some of the best in music, he certainly made sure to put some in his back pocket.

The best song on the album, "Walking on the Moon" features Kanye West, and gives you a Michael Jackson/Prince type of feel. The-Dream's squeals and hollers throughout the song fall just a little short of the King of Pop. Nonetheless, it's a hot uptempo track that while sounding like something from 80's, The-Dream gives it a modern feel.

If you're looking for some "baby-making" music look no further than "Sweat It Out," another bright spot on the album.

"Girl, call Atisha your beautician / 'cause your hair is gon' need fixin," The-Dream says as the slow jam starts. The song is basically about sharing an affectionate moment with a chick who just got her hair freshly done [or did] and then "sweats it out."

"Kelly's 12 Play" is another notable "baby-making" track on album. The song is an ode to R. Kelly's 1993 hit, "12 Play." The-Dream didn't miss the opportunity to deliver with some of those "ooo-ohhh-ohhh-ooo" hollers that R. Kelly is known for. I would say The-Dream delivered with this song and solified himself as a crooner that is capable of making songs for any occasion.

I wasn't interested in hearing The-Dream's first album because I thought he would be here today and gone tomorrow. But I think it's clear now that he isn't going anywhere.

The album is surprisingly easy to listen to all the way through. It helps when you have radio-friendly songs like "Rockin' That Shit," "My Love" featuring Mariah Carey and "Let Me See Your Booty" featuring Lil' Jon.

After all, he is the self-proclaimed "Radio Killer." A title that he has indeed earned with "Love vs. Money."

Tyra has a heart

Tyra Banks is going to do something she usually doesn't do. She is going to give some wannabe runway divas a second chance.

But this second chance comes for those who were outside a New York hotel awaiting to audition for America's Next Top Model when an ugly melee errupted and halted the casting.

Potential models were left in tears, six people were taken to the hospital and three people were arrested.

The following statement was posted on the CW web site from Tyra Banks:

"To all the Top Model hopefuls who were affected by the New York casting, we are doing everything we can to make sure that ALL the girls who weren’t seen, get an opportunity to audition – we’ll update you on our plans very soon. It is so important to me to redefine beauty, and make sure that everyone gets a fair chance to pursue their dream. I am beyond excited for Cycle 13; for the first time ever, young women 5′7″ and under have a shot at becoming America’s Next Top Model! I encourage each girl to come out ready to rock the runway and show off their fiercest pose. I’m rooting for all of you!”

WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE CHAOS, YOU WON'T BELIEVE IT!!

Top Model auditions get UGLY!!

Tyra Banks should have left the height requirement exactly where it was for America's Next Top Model.

In the previous seasons of the popular model search show, the height requirement was 5-foot-7-inches and up.

Now, for the 13th season Tyra is searching for girls who are under 5-foot-7-inches. Apparently too many of them came out to audition and the scene of beautiful wannabe runway divas got UGLY!! And quick!!

Earlier today, a casting was held in NYC where hundreds of girls with dreams of being "on top" showed up to strut their stuff for ANTM.

However, the large crowd became uncontrollable and sparked a small stampede.

It's not known what started the melee outside the Park Central New York hotel in Manhattan. Some witnesses heard there may have been someone with a gun, televised reports say.

The chaos caused the auditions to be shut down and many dreams to be crushed. Not to mention, a lot of people lost their high-heeled shoes that were scattered all over the streets and sidewalks.

Television stations tonight reported the incident and showed many model hopefuls crying including one woman who said she had been camped outside since Thursday and came to New York from Virginia just to audition. Wow, really?

Others had a more positive outlook. One woman said she was going to try to go to the next audition in Chicago.

Good luck to her!

Hopefully the lines will be a little more organized and the crowd will act more civilized.

Maybe if the height requirement would have remained the same there wouldn't be all these problems. LOL.

Three people were arrested on disorderly conduct charges in the incident and six people were hurt, police said. Only two went to local hospitals for minor injuries.

Mom? Aunt? Grandma on Facebook? BLAME OPRAH!

Yeah, I said it!!!

Blame Oprah if your mom, auntie and grandmother suddenly start "friend requesting" you on Facebook.

Yesterday, the Queen of TV had Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, 24, on the show. By the way, did you know this kid is a billionaire? All because of an idea he had in college. Wow. See how easy it can be? Have an idea? Just execute it!

Oprah started the segment asking what population is bigger -- Japan or Facebook? The answer: Facebook with 175 million users. WOW! And if there were a "Facebook nation" it would be the sixth largest country in the world!

Not to mention, the fastest growing demographic on the popular social networking Web Site is the 30 and older crowd, Zuckerberg said.

And now thanks to the Facebook appearance on Oprah, that demographic will REALLY sky rocket!!

The viewers of the show were further enticed to join Facebook because they showed off Oprah's Facebook "fan page." (As of 5:30 p.m. EST, Saturday: the total number of fans 269,494)

You know Oprah's show is always giving out something free. I'm surprised she didn't announce: "Everyone is getting a laptop complete with their own personalized Facebook account!! WAHHOOOOOO!!" [you know how Oprah does...lol]

Well, be on the look out in your friend requests. The last thing we need is our moms, aunties and granny's on Facebook. For some, it may already be too late!!

My advice [if you get friend request from your mom, etc.]: Leave the friend request pending and tell them you never got it, that's if they ask.

Here is some highlights from the show:

Bristol Palin: America's Latest Baby Mama!

It was during the heated presidential campaign when we found out the daughter of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was pregnant.

Yup, Bristol was having a baby / But Bristol's barely got a brain / A damn shame / The girl can hardly spell her name. [oh wait, sorry for the flashback to 2Pac's "Brenda's Got a Baby. LOL]

Well, since the news of Bristol Palin's unwed pregnancy the message was clear: Bristol is having the baby and she will marry her high school boyfriend (aka the baby daddy), Levi Johnston. She said it. Her mom said it. And he said it as well.

But we knew that wasn't REALLY going to happen. After all, we are talking about two teenagers who hadn't even finished high school.

People.com has reported the two high school sweethearts have broken up just two months after their son, Tripp, was born. Damn Shame.


Let's all take a moment to welcome Bristol Palin to the BABY MAMA club. I wish her and Tripp all the best. Seriously, I do. She'll do just fine. But we knew they were not going to get married.


Check out these two songs dedicated to Bristol:

"Baby Mama" by Fantasia


"My Baby Daddy" by B-Rock and the Bizz

American Idol Recap: If anyone cares...I'm starting not to!

I usually ride out with American Idol because of their talented contestants and the stories that each one brings to the show. But I'm not too sure about this 8th season. Although this season has potential to be interesting now that they have implemented a *NEW* "save me" rule to the elimination process that could help a deserving talent to win.

It's clear the producers of the show don't select these people JUST for their talent. They select them based on who will appeal to the TV audience. It's fair. I don't have a problem with that.

This season there was a top 13 -- let's note that this is supposed to be the best of the best from their multi-city search that saw thousands audition.

Out of the bunch there were some good "stories." The guy who is legally blind. The guy who lost his wife weeks before he auditioned. The cute girl from a small town in Mississippi. The married mother of three whose home was destroyed by a tornado. And the bilingual crooner from Puerto Rico that Paula Abdul can't get enough of.

Well, tonight two out of the 13 were sent packing.

The girl from Mississippi -- Jasmine Murray -- who was selected in the wildcard round. And Jorge Nunez whose journey to Idol started in Puerto Rico. Did I expect either one of them to win? Absolutely not. But I didn't expect them to go on the first night! I thought Megan Joy Corkrey, who butchered Jackson 5's "Rockin Robin," was going home for sure. I also thought the very likable Anoop Desai, who sang Michael Jackson's "Beat It," should have been given the boot.

Jasmine MurrayJorge Nunez

But in a weird spin for the new season, the four Idol judges can now select to keep someone who has been voted off.

HOWEVER, there is a catch -- they can only use their right to "save someone" once throughout the entire season.

I think it's fair that they didn't use their one save on Jasmine or Jorge.

Save it for when someone really good is about to get sent home.

My favorite that I hope they would save if on the cutting block: the best singer of the bunch, the soulful Lil Rounds. I suspect they would also use the save to keep front-runners like Adam Lambert or Danny Gokey. All three are very talented and probably could have great careers post Idol.

I think the Idol judges have realized -- thanks to people like Jennifer Hudson and Chris Daughtry -- that sometimes "America" gets it wrong when they vote off really talented people.

While I'm sure Simon Cowell is pleased to see J-Hud and Daughtry doing so well, he's probably wishing their success could be putting money in his pocket.

Hopefully this new rule helps a REAL talent to win this season.

We can't have any more Idol winners like Taylor Hicks (season 5) and last year's winner, David Cook. Both haven't made much of a splash since winning the show. Not surprised either. They shouldn't have won.

Lil' Kim on Dancing With the Stars: "Nasty, but tasty"

Lil' Kim kicked off Dancing With the Stars tonight in a "nasty, but tasty" performance that seemed to please the judges.

She was a little stiff and didn't have any real noticable missteps. Overall, it was a pretty boring dance to start the new season.

She danced to Janet Jackson's "Nasty Boy." [you know the song, from the Control album] You would think dancing to a song like that she would get down right nasty. However, surprisingly she kept it tasteful and pretty classy.

Her attire was also tasteful. Lil' Kim is known to be raunchy with her words and her style of dress. Tonight, she looked amazing. She sported a silver shimmering special [say that five times fast] that revealed some of her figure, but both of her breasts were covered. [You remember her past outfits]

I've seen Kim in person within the last year and her face looked hideous.

Photos: taken by M. Feenz last year at Spotlight in NYC

But someone did a good job of making 4-foot-11-inch frame look great tonight. Much to my surprise she really looked good and did a decent job.

She finished with a score of 21 from the three judges, each gave her performance a 7 out of 10. A good start. I'm sure she'll be back. But people have to vote for her.

One of the judges called her performance, "Nasty, but tasty." A good description of what it was. She was also told to work on her posture, but for the most part the feedback from the judges was rather kind.

She apparently also dedicated the performance to her girls at the Federal Detention Center. Smh. You know she was locked up for a year for being convicted of perjury.

She should have dedicated her dance to the Notorious B.I.G. Coincidentally, today, March 9, marks 12 years since he was shot and killed.

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Also, former New York Giant Lawrence Taylor performed in tonight's premiere as well. His performance was less than stunning.

He has some big shoes to fill because all of the past NFL players who have been on the show have done very well.

LT was stiff and danced like someones old uncle at a wedding. It felt like I was watching Lurch from the Adam's Family. It was awful and definitely hard to watch. I'm not sure how much I can take of this. He better straighten up or he'll be gone in just a few weeks. If he can make it that long.

My prediction is Lil' Kim will last longer than LT. But I guess that's not really saying tooo much.

Can you blame EVERYTHING on the alcohol?

Photo: "Darling Nikki" in a very un-club-like position. (M. Feenz)

If you have to blame your actions on "the alcohol" then you really shouldn't be drinking to begin with. That's how I feel.

Last night, I went to a club in New York City -- Touch [located on 52nd Street] -- and it was packed with, well, drunk people!!

There were scattered fights. Lots of alcohol being spilled all over the place. Girls stumbing around in high heels. Guys throwing weak punches and elbows. All because they had "one too many drinks." At least that's what they would probably tell you if you asked them.

And then there was "Darling Nikki" -- yeah, that's what I'll call her. [You know that Prince song from Purple Rain.]

Well, "Darling Nikki" was on the second floor of the club stumbling around. She was clearly drunk, among other things.

I spotted her from across the room and immediately knew she was heading for self-destruction. She began pressing herself against the glass that looks down on to the main level of the club. She was grinding on the glass until a guy came up behind her and started to dance with her. She was fondling her and so on. He even pulled her breasts out at one point. Almost like what Justin Timberlake did to Janet Jackson at the Super Bowl halftime show. Remember that!?

After being groped she decided to get even, I guess. She squatted down in front of him and began reaching for the zipper of his pants. She appeared to be attmepting to pull out his "manhood."

He seemed to have no objections until finally he and another man pulled the sloppy and staggering woman up from the gound.

I couldn't believe what we had just witnessed. Who knows where she ended up that night. Or what she did after she was pulled up from the ground. I didn't see "Darling Nikki" for the rest of night.

I'm sure if she remembered any of what happened she would probably do one thing -- blame it on the alcohol.

But ladies and gentlemen, if you are going to drink be responsible. And stop using alcohol as an excuse for your actions.

What do you think...Can you blame EVERYTHING on the alcohol?? Some things? Or nothing at all?

Message to young girls: Do NOT follow Rihanna's example

**New Rihanna song -- "Whipping My Hair" at the bottom of this blog entry.

Picture of Rihanna after the alleged beating. (courtesy of TMZ)

They say love makes you do crazy things.

I don't know if Rihanna and Chris Brown were in love, but I'm sure not sure how the Bajan princess could take back the kid from Virginia after this reported pre-Grammy Awards assault last month.

I've tried to ignore this whole siutation after the night it was first reported. At first, I was completely into the whole drama of what happened. However, I think I just became sick of the story after all the various accounts and rumors started spreading. Now, there is really no escaping this whole fiasco.

Who knows if Chris Brown and Rihanna are really "back together" or if this is all a song and dance.

Nonetheless, the part that bothers me is the message that this "kiss kiss and make-up" sends to young females who look up to Rihanna or young girls who are in similar situations with their boyfriends.

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Here is a typical scenario: Girl is assaulted by her boyfriend. Girl takes her boyfriend back after some time a part. The first assault was not the last and the relationship turns into an abusive relationship that the girl cannot escape from.

Worse case scenario: The girl is killed at the hands of her abusive boyfriend. Friends and family members are left wondering how this could have happened and wish they would have stepped in sooner.
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It's easier said than done, but both scenarios could have had different endings if the girl had done the simple and smart thing and just walked away. I know people are probably yelling at the computer screen and saying, "It's not that easy!!" But bottom line --- it is that easy!

We still don't know all of the circumstances behind this alleged assault on Rihanna. And I'll wait before I judge Chris Brown and slam him for being a disgrace and a horrible role model.

Hopefully young teenage girls in similar situations to Rihanna-Chris Brown decide to make their own decisions and do not follow the lead of the battered singer.

Lastly, I hope this reported assault gives parents the opportunity to talk to their kids about abusive relationships.

It's important people have these conversations so that if and /or when the situation arises the answer is clear.

NOTE: In the midst of all of this drama, Rihanna has released a new song "Whipping My Hair" (check it out below). Ughhhh....after listening to the song a few times, I'm not sure it will take much of the attention off of her problems with C-Breezy. The beat is hot. But the song is pretty lame. The hook kinda gives me the feel of "Breakin' Dishes" (just a little bit).

What do you think about Rihanna and this new track??

Watch out for: Miss Keri Baby!

Whether we are still mentioning the name Keri Hilson five years from now will remain to be seen. But one thing is for sure she is doing everything she can to make her mark and secure her spot among the pool of R&B divas.

"Turnin' Me On" featuring Lil' Wayne is her current hit that's garnered play on radio stations and in clubs throughout the country. It's a hot track. There's no denying it. Just check the video below.

Not to mention, "Miss Keri Baby" is definitely easy on the eyes. She comes off as your average chick with the swag that every girl wants and every guy wants to be with.

She's a writer, singer and performer. In a nutshell, she's got it all. But that doesn't mean she'll have longevity in this industry. Remember Tweet? Truth Hurts? ugh...I could go on. I have a feeling Keri is going to end up in that category. Although I'd really like to see her do well. Really, I do.

Her earlier single, "Energy," (see video below) was less explosive than "Turnin' Me On," and it's also worth noting that Keri was featured on "Superhuman" with Chris Brown (before the assault of Rihanna). It was just a nice song for two young singers. (click here for that track)

But folks Keri has elevated her game a couple notches with this latest remix to "Turnin' Me On" featuring Lil' Wayne and T-Pain. However, this remix is not about the guys on the track as it is Keri who steals the show. CLICK HERE FOR THIS EXPLOSIVE REMIX!!

There's speculation that in the remix Keri is spittin' fire at the two chicks at the top of the R&B food chain -- Beyonce and Ciara. Wow! In the words of wrestler Ric Flair, "to be the man, you gotta beat the man."

"I shot the sheriff," Keri sings in the remix. "But wait til I shoot these bitches down."

"I ain't tryin to start no mess it's just something on my chest that I need to get off, 'cause ya turnin' me off," she sings. "Ya vision cloudy if you think that you the best ... you can dance, she can sing....you need to go have some babies..."

She goes on and on...MUST HEAR!

Then as I was driving home from work and listening to Hot 97 [New York], I heard a new joint by Keri Hilson featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo.

This track is called "Knock You Down" (listen to it below). You gotta hear it and listen to it a few times. But I'm feeling it. And I'm feeling Keri right now.

I'm lookin' forward to her debut album. Thank God she's not on Bad Boy or she would end up like Cheri Dennis. [Who? Exactly!]

Review: Harlem Heights -- Good start, but not great

Harlem Heights, BET's latest "reality tv" series, is the show everyone has been waiting for. 

It's a positive show that will follow eight 20something African-Americans who all live in Harlem. These individuals are go-getters, movers and shakers. For the most part, they appear to be much better role models than we've ever seen on BET's programming.  By far this show, which debuted on Monday, is much better than College Hill, the reality show that [in my opinion] failed to capture the essence of a black college experience.

Harlem Heights [or HH] is an excellent effort to give people what they've been dying and asking for -- a positive show that depicts young blacks trying to do the right thing. But is that really entertaining?  To be honest, not really.  The first two shows really didn't include any heated drama or anyone getting involved in an sexually-charged moments. It was pretty boring in that sense. Not saying that's a bad thing...I'm just stating what we didn't see.

On the first show, BET captured the buzz around the 2008 election and how these characters celebrated the historic victory.

Leading up to Barack Obama's win they engaged in conversations with each other about what this election meant. It was good solid conversation. However, it seemed heavily scripted.  But that's no surprise for reality TV.  I just expected this show to be a little different.  

One of the characters, Jason, is a father of a young daughter and he had a conversation with her about the importance of an Obama victory.  I thought it was a good moment for the show, but it just seemed very scripted and not really too believable. Nice try though.

The second show was a little less impressive.  The show was brought down by the phony beef surrounding two of girls on the show.  

One of them, Brooke, was identified as the ex-girlfriend of Kanye West. Smh. Well, it turns out the two girls used to be friends and then they drifted a part from each other. Then they tried to work it all out at a birthday party. Really??  C'mon, we gotta have better story lines than that!!!

I thought Landon's character is a great example of a young black man on the rise. He talks to his father about his future. He speaks to youngsters in the community and really seems to be trying to make a difference. 

I also have to make quick mention of the fashion in the show. It was clear stylist June Ambrose was hard at work making this cast into an upscale dressed bunch that would have youngsters trying to copy-cat their style and swag. The girls looked great.  Hands down.

Overall, the first two episodes leaves you wanting much more. I think it has great potential. I hope to see much deeper story lines and some more believable moments. The narration throughout the show also made me feel like I was watching Moesha. Remember that?  LOL. 

Bravo to BET for taking a step in the right direction. But for right now the show is good, but not quite great.  It's definitely about time we have a show that we can be proud of. I hope that this is it. It kind of reminds me of my friends and I. Hopefully others can see themselves in this show and more importantly, hopefully this will inspire youngsters to see that they can be more than sexy video vixens and paper-chasing rappers. We'll see how this all plays out. I'll definitely be watching... 

What does everyone else think???