On Wednesday, Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced the newest version of the iPod nano. I currently have an iPod touch and am not really interested in the nano, but what caught my attention wasn’t the built-in video camera, voice recorder or built-in speaker.

It wasn’t the “rock & run” feature which can serve as your running coach. (Seriously!) The nano tells you your time, distance, pace, and calories burned. It gives you feedback at the halfway point and also shows the details of your workout on the screen. You can even use it with your machinery at the gym.

What got me excited and has me contemplating selling my iPod touch was the FM radio tuner, accented with Live Pause, which allows you to pause and store up to 15 min of live radio. Finally (!!!)

To see footage of this amazing little device in action (more…)

It’s the key to life / Money power respect / That you need in life / Money power respect / You’ll be eatin’ right / Money power respect / You can sleep at night / You’ll see the light

I remember when Lil’ Kim buzzed these words on the Lox’s Money, Power & Respect song. I kept debating in my mind if she was on point or if she had it backwards. It never settled with me as fact. Anyway, today I saw a clip of 50 Cent on CNBC’s Power Lunch promoting his new book, The 50th Law (released 9/8/09 and co-authored with Robert Green of 48 Laws of Power fame). When it was over, my first thought was Lil’ Kim’s hook.  Read more to see the video.

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True story: a few months ago, I had Drake’s Successful on repeat. I would listen to it all day. When I finally peeped the video I have to admit, I was less than impressed. I get it, he’s a new artist who didn’t have a big video budget, but still, I want (and expect) more - call me spoiled.

I’m waiting to see how Drake’s career unfolds. He’s definitely one to watch and I’m looking forward to a new hiphop “star”. I was just singing his praises with Best I Ever Had and suddenly I’m looking stupid when Probe asks me, “how the hell did they get away with calling women hoes?” And just like that, the love is gone.

On Friday, September 11, Madison Square Garden Entertainment & FUSE will partner with Jay-Z when he will play a benefit concert in honor of NYC Police & Fire Department Widows & Children, underwritten by  ABSOLUT, Jay-Z and Live Nation.

One, nice that he’s getting multi-platform exposure with TV, internet (msg.com), and a (sure to be) sold out event at one of the most famous venues ever.

Two, nice that he chose to donate ALL proceeds to a charity that supports the families of local blue-collar workers. Damn right he bleeds blue.

Three, nice that he’s underwriting his own projects. I love it.

Now, I know we’re talking about the philanthropic Jay, but without the artist Jay, I don’t think I’d be writing this post. Right?  Sooo, let’s talk Blueprint 3.I wasn’t “up on” BP 1 or BP 2. I know… blasphemy! But honestly, I didn’t really get into Jay until the Black Album, I mean, I danced at the club when the singles came home, but I was never into playing his albums.

I think I’ve warmed up to Jay. I’m officially a fan. I don’t care that I’m late to the game. He just didn’t do it for me back then and I can acknowledge that. Anyway, Blueprint 3:  I love an album that I can rock all the way through. Don’t get me wrong, there are tracks that I skip (read more to see what I mean) but for the most part, I can listen to this entire album. And when the album is over, I’m left wanting more. And since there are no more tracks… I just play BP3 again. Read more for my thoughts on each track: (more…)

Here is Ryan Leslie’s new video for You’re Not My Girl. We’ve been playing this on Sugatreats for a few weeks now and I’m feeling the vibe. RL is definitely giving me Usher Timberlake, but I like it. There’s something about this Ryan Leslie guy that I really like. I saw him perform once and I was really impressed with his presence.

Now about this song, I suppose another love affair song won’t hurt. Right. LOL… I still like Ryan Leslie though.

I have to admit, watching Beanie Siegels’s new video for In the Ghetto kind of hurts, in the truthful kind of way. More often than not, I find myself rolling my eyes at the videos by today’s hip-hop stars because they tend to project a (reckless) lifestyle that can only truly exist in Fantasyland. In the Ghetto, however, is a far cry from the hip-hop video you’re used to seeing on TV. In fact, the imagery is something you would expect to see in a CNN Special Report. The display of poverty, hopelessness and desperation that is sweeping the nation is more than vivid; its piercing. We must begin to harness the talent and leadership we possess to elevate our country, one ghetto at a time.

I saw this interview with Nas & Nardwuar from Canada. I’m not familiar with Nardwuar so I didn’t really know what to expect. It begins with Nardwuar pointing out Canadian connections to Nas. It was pretty cool and Nas was a good sport. But then… lol, it goes left and ends way more harsh than I would have imagined.

This will be short and sweet, Mary J. Blige’s new video for “I’m the One ft. Drake” is so hot. I mean, I haven’t been this excited about a song and video in a long time. Mary looks dope and she’s keeping it grown & sexy. She really doesn’t need to compete with the teeny boppers because she’s clearly in her own lane (she’s still doing her signature dance moves!!!). After 17 years, I am STILL rocking with MJB. All Day. And I’m saying it: Mary, you’re the BEST. So ladies, Mary has instituted a call to action: stand up for yourself and say, YOU’RE THE ONE! Join me, cuz dammit, I’m the ONE!