Happy New Year!!!!

HHM Top List & Forecast, ShoutOuts

Happy Kwanzaa, Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) is today's principle.

I haven't posted in a while and I know I was supposed to do the influential list, but that was scratched, I kept it simple with the HHM 2007 Top List & 2008 Forecast. Enjoy!

Top Hip Hop Mogul of the Year: Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson
The Most Important Intials in News: TMZ
Best Gossip Reporting (The Gossip Girls): Young, Black, & Fabulous, Sandra Rose, Crunk & Disorderly and MediaTakeOut
Top Magazine: Hip Hop Weekly
Top Athlete: Gilbert Arenas
Website: BlockSavvy.com - dope concept, but its a headache trying to navigate.

Here's the 2008 Forecast:
After last night's broadcast of the Kennedy Honors and witnessing Jordin Sparks and Ciara f-up Diana Ross' tribute and watching 5 minutes of Rihanna in concert on Christmas, get your earplugs ready for an onslaught of mediocre talent being passed off as superstars.

It was great to read that the Anti-Defamation League has accepted Will Smith's explanation in regards to his remarks about Hitler that were twisted in a Scottish newspaper. But that just let us know that Will has made the Humpty Dumpty list. So don't be surprised if their is a backlash against Will that comes out of nowhere. This was definitely a set up.

Of course their will be more college graduates and not enough jobs.

In Sports: The NBA will continue to pump up the Miami Heat and DWade and make you believe Lebron and the Cavs are the team to beat. Baseball will pretend nothing ever happened, and the NFL will continue to pass off Sundays on NBC as must see TV. I don't watch hockey, so they'll be doing what they do too!

Shaq should retire, but he probably won't. Kobe will still be a Laker, they not letting that nucca go. Tony Parker will continue to be billed as a NBA superstar as long as his wife is on a hit show.

In Politics....Oprah will continue to use Shakespearean expressions in referring to Barack Obama. She will feel salty when the women's movement runs her over and puts Hillary in office.

Back to Entertainment News: This writers' strike has got me shook. I need for them to go back to work, not only will the return of the American Gladiators take up airtime, but ABC gave the green light to another dance/sing show called DANCE WARS starring two of the judges from Dancing with the Stars. Why?

But outside of all that mess & madness, 2008 should be a great year. Shouts out to BrooklynBiznessGirl, Talia Ashley, and Bianca at Maxxposure for supporting this movement.
And to my fellow bloggers, K Luvs This Game and LexyB aka MrsWindyCity for stopping by and showing some love.

To all that actually read this blog, continue to show your support and I will continue to give it to you. I can't do it everyday because I do have a life, but when I get the urge, I go with it.

I never thought I would actually jump this blog off, but its been six months. So far, so good!

Many Blessings and Prosperity in the New Year!!! If you have a goal start working or keep working towards it. If its meant to be, you will get there, but you have to put in the work.

My resolution for 2008 - Eliminate BullSh*t!!!

Breaking News: Mitchell Report on steroids implicates big names

Barry Bonds is already under indictment but other names mentioned include Roger Clemons, Gary Sheffield and Eric Gagne, former players David Justice, Mo Vaughn, and Lenny Dykstra to name the ones I'm very familiar with and somewhat shocked I guess.

Commissioner Bud Selig will respond Live at 4:30 - Click here to watch!

The reports lays it out that each of the 30 clubs in baseball has had a player at some time in their career involved with either steroids, Human Growth Hormone, or other performance enhancing substances.

From FoxSports.com:
The report culminated a 20-month investigation by former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell, hired by commissioner Bud Selig to examine the Steroids Era.

"Everyone involved in baseball over the past two decades — commissioners, club officials, the players' association and players — shares to some extent the responsibility for the steroids era," Mitchell said. "There was a collective failure to recognize the problem as it emerged and to deal with it early on."
(Read More)

Maya Angelou is on Team Hillary and My Take on Oprahpalooza

Author Maya Angelou announced her support for Hillary Clinton in a radio commerical that was played in South Carolina during Oprahpalooza last weekend. This was being reported like it was a surprise. Oprah worships the ground Maya Angelou walks on, not the other way around. Angelou has a long standing friendship with the Clintons dating back to Arkansas by the way.

During her appearances, Oprah had this to say about Barack Obama and you realize how out of touch she really is:

"The amount of time you spend in Washington means nothing unless you are accountable for the judgment you made," Winfrey said. She said from the beginning Obama "stood with clarity and conviction against this war in Iraq."

"There are times that I even worry about what happens to our country," she said. "That is why for the very first time in my life I feel compelled to stand up and speak out for the man who I believe has a new vision for America."

"Over the years, I have voted for as many Republicans as I have
Democrats."

"When you listen to Barack Obama, when you really hear him, you witness a very rare thing,” she said in Des Moines. “You witness a politician who has an ear for eloquence and a tongue dipped in the unvarnished truth.”

First of all truth and politics don't belong in the same sentence. And secondly, DIDN'T BARACK OBAMA LIE TO OPRAH'S FACE ON HER TALK SHOW AND SAID HE HAD NOT INTEREST IN RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!


And the majority of people were for the war, in the beginning. That's not something to hold against anyone. Now its about an exit strategy, not who voted and who didn't.


And Oprah votes Republican? She voted for Reagan and Bush, and possibly Nixon, Carter was a Democrat right? Maybe she means in local elections. She is rich and has to look out for "her" best interest.

I didn't know that even Oprah worries about what goes on in our country. She said that like she doesn't live here. Do you really think she's concerned with the American people or what's best for us? If she was, she would know we need a Clinton back in office. Let's make history, father and son, husband and wife. Why not?


If Oprah really wanted to use her power, she would back Hillary Clinton. If she was really this knowledgeable woman her white producers portray her as, she would back Hillary Clinton.

You don't want to bring a knife to a gun fight and if anyone ever seen "Fahrenheit 9/11" or if you voted in 2000, then you know there is no way in hell Barack Hussein Obama will win the election. Hell, Hillary might not even win. But you can't stand in the way of history. And the current moves with Hillary.

I really like Obama, but he really turned me off when he said he had no interest in running and then a month or two later he said he was. I don't think he really wants to be president, I think he's just being used to take votes. And its all a show. And Oprah backing him, just made it really look phony. That's just my opinion. Hate it or Love it!

2007 Most Influential Update

I'll start posting the list on Monday. You can still submit your choices to hiphopmoguls@gmail.com.
It's the 2007 Most Influential People, Places, and Things, all areas are open, from entertainment, sports, fashion, cars, politics etc. It can be funny or serious. Just put Most Influential in the subject line. I'll be posting Reader's Choices as they come in. So send them in!

The Randomness: Playing Catch Up; LT & Vick, Marion Jones, T.O. and Stop Hatin on Lola

I have some catching up to do.



I'll start with LaDainian Tomlinson's interview on 60 minutes and how the closing was used to throw dirt onto Michael Vick, yet again. We were reminded how the Chargers traded away their pick to Atlanta, who chose Vick. It was supposed to be ironic, but it was just another kick to a man that is already down.

Read this excerpt from "The phone call that changed history":New York Daily News 8/26/2007

It turned out to be one of the most important trades in NFL history. Vick has
turned from the face to the disgrace of the NFL. The Chargers took running back
LaDainian Tomlinson, who has developed into the best player in the league.

Michael Vick can be anybody. One minute you're riding high and then the next knocked down and kicked in the ass. It can be for whatever reason the 'powers-that-be', what to implement.

But getting back to LT (it was a great segment by the way it might be up on CBS.com), his interview had me thinking a few things...1.) Why do our Black athletes and artists wear such big ass diamond earrings?

2.) Should leagues just start giving out Bentleys on draft night? And does everybody have the same 5 cars? 3.) Why can't athletes ban together for one common cause? You never see athletes pull their money together. Even Alan Greenspan donates to Bill Gates' Foundation, like he really needs the money.

In other news....

Today, the IOC banned Marion Jones from attending the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and may move to issue a lifetime ban. Her medals were also officially revoked and her name stripped from the history books. If they could, they probably would have us all look into one of those memory erasers from "Men In Black".

I sincerely hope that Marion Jones stays strong. I can't imagine what she may going through. This is the time when people really need to rally around and support her. Steroids shouldn't make you a public misfit. DUI, Domestic Violence, and Failure to pay child support should. I can't be mad at anyone that uses steroids. You have to be one hell of a competitor to even risk losing everything you worked for just for the advantage. Like I said before, the talent has to already be there in order for the drugs to even give you an advantage. Its just a shame.

Deep Down Philly Wishes T.O. was still an Eagle....
The Eagles play the Cowboys Sunday, so of course we have been bombarded with Terrell Owens clips thus far, leading up to the game. You would think he played here longer than a season and a half.



On a final note....

This is Angel "Lola Luv" she's a model and she carries quite a load on her tiny frame. According to some people she has butt implants. According to others its all natural. According to me, it pays the bills and gets her on red carpets, so more power to her. I have never in my life heard Black women debate over another woman's ASSets. This is really out of control. Are we that consumed with bullshit that a woman that makes a living by a having a nice body is something to debate over? Is it real or is it fake? Does what Lola Luv eats make you sh*t?
I've been told I'm Queen of the Haters Ball, but on this one, I have to say STOP HATING. There is absolutely nothing to hate this girl for. Beyonce, I understand she's amazingly talented and those gifts are bestowed on a few. I can understand being jealous or envious. But Lola Luv makes a living based on how her body looks, so if she has butt implants it worked. If she's all natural, she's blessed to not have the gut and thighs to match.

Rock and Roll Legend Ike Turner Dies at 76

Source: The Associated Press
SAN DIEGO -- Ike Turner, whose role as one of rock's critical architects was overshadowed by his ogrelike image as the man who brutally abused former wife and icon Tina Turner, died Wednesday at his home in suburban San Diego. He was 76.
"He did pass away this morning" at his home in San Marcos, said Scott M. Hanover of Thrill Entertainment Group, which managed Turner's musical career.
There was no immediate word on the cause of death, which was first reported by celebrity Web site TMZ.com.

(Read More)

Note: Peep how the Associated Press gets news from TMZ.com:)

The Rumors Were True: Saliesha Wins Top Model...

In case you missed it, word spread that Saliesha won Top Model weeks ago. Apparently, Saliesha was a model on Tyra's talk show either the first or second season. Word was Tyra took a liking to her and invited her to do Top Model. I thought it was just a rumor, but she really won. So did ANTM just lose all its credibility as a legit contest/reality show? At this point does it even matter? Congrats are still in order!!!

Pacers' Guard Jamaal Tinsley Targeted in Late Night Shooting

I told ya'll Blood Diamonds are forever.

Jamaal Tinsley and his group were approached after leaving an Indianapolis club earlier this morning. Another group of people surrounded Tinsley's Rolls Royce and gave him a hard time about his cars and his money.

Tinsley's motorcade which included his Rolls, a Mercedes, and a Charger were being followed by two vehicles. So instead of driving home, he pulled into a hotel parking lot, where the assailants opened fire. The Pacers' equipment manager was hit in both elbows as he sat in the Rolls Royce. Tinsley's brother gave chase and returned fire. The Rolls Royce was hit several times and five bullets were found in the Charger. No one was seriously hurt. The equipment manager was treated and released.

When will this new generation of millionaires learn. You don't hang with common folk, you help the common folk. Going to the club doesn't make you appear down to earth or humble, you're just trying to show off.

There has been only one occasion that I have ever seen an athlete chill in the club and go unnoticed. I was standing right next to him and I just thought he looked like the dude. It was only confirmed when I noticed his platinum bracelet. But he wasn't flossin or anything. Unless you're unbelieveably tall, no one would even recognize an athlete in a crowded ass club unless you knew their face and you were up on them like I was. Other than that, if the DJ doesn't announce them or you don't see their diamonds sparkle in the strobelight, you wouldn't even pay them any mind. Keepin it real is, keepin it smart. Now Tinsley got a shot up Rolls Royce sitting in the garage.

And the nominees are......

Ok, I wasn't exactly sitting on pins and needles waiting to hear this. But I was glad to hear Kanye leads this year with 8 nods and may actually have a shot at winning the majority, if not all, of them.

Other Observations:

Amy Winehouse is actually nominated in a Pop Vocal Album Category. I really didn't think she was considered Pop. Especially when she shares it with Bon Jovi, Paul McCartney and Maroon 5.

Two American Idol alums are nominated Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry, I think both will win and Simon will make more money.

"Umbrella" by Rihanna is a bigger song than I thought it was. Didn't think that was "Record of the Year" material, not by usual Grammy standards, maybe Billboard.

"Irreplacable" is also up for "Record of the Year" which means "Rehab" by Amy Winehouse is going to win.

Who is Emily King? Whoever she is, she must be the winner for best R&B Contemporary Album and she must pay her dues on time.

With everyone talking about Kanye, people have missed the real story with these nominations. Peep how "Crank Dat (Soulja Boy)" is nominated for Best Rap Song.

Limited List:

GENERAL FIELD

Nominees for Album Of The Year are:
Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace - Foo Fighters

These Days - Vince Gill

River: The Joni Letters - Herbie Hancock

Graduation - Kanye West

Back To Black - Amy Winehouse

Nominees for Record Of The Year are:

"Irreplaceable" - Beyoncé

"The Pretender" - Foo Fighters

"Umbrella" - Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z

"What Goes Around...Comes Around" - Justin Timberlake

"Rehab" - Amy Winehouse

Best New Artist nominees are:

Feist

Ledisi

Paramore

Taylor Swift

Amy Winehouse

Song Of The Year nominees include:

"Before He Cheats" - John Kear & Chris Tompkins, songwriters (Carrie Underwood)

"Hey There Delilah" - Tom Higgenson, songwriter (Plain White T's)

"Like A Star" - Corinne Bailey Rae, songwriter (Corinne Bailey Rae)

"Rehab" - Amy Winehouse, songwriter (Amy Winehouse)

POP FIELD

Nominations for Best Pop Vocal Album go to:

Lost Highway - Bon Jovi

The Reminder - Feist

It Won't Be Soon Before Long - Maroon 5

Memory Almost Full - Paul McCartney

Back To Black - Amy Winehouse

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals nods go to:
"Steppin' Out" - Tony Bennett & Christina Aguilera

"Beautiful Liar" - Beyoncé & Shakira

"Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)" - Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

"The Sweet Escape" - Gwen Stefani & Akon

"Give It To Me" - Timbaland Featuring Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake

R&B FIELD
For Best Contemporary R&B Album, the nominees are:

Konvicted - Akon

Just Like You - Keyshia Cole

Fantasia - Fantasia
East Side Story - Emily King

Because Of You - Ne-Yo

Best Urban/Alternative Performance nods go to:

"Make A Baby" - Vikter Duplaix

"That's The Way Of The World" - Dwele

"Daydreamin'" - Lupe Fiasco Featuring Jill Scott

"Fantasy" - Meshell Ndegeocello

"Dream" - Alice Smith

RAP FIELD

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration nods go to:

"I Wanna Love You" - Akon Featuring Snoop Dogg

"Kiss, Kiss" - Chris Brown & T-Pain
"Let It Go" - Keyshia Cole Featuring Missy Elliott & Lil' Kim

"Umbrella" - Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z

"Good Life" - Kanye West Featuring T-Pain

Nominees for Best Rap Song are:

"Ayo Technology" - N. Hills, Curtis Jackson, Timothy Mosley & Justin Timberlake, songwriters (50 Cent Featuring Justin Timberlake & Timbaland)

"Big Things Poppin' (Do It)" - Clifford Harris & Byron Thomas, songwriters (T.I.)

"Can't Tell Me Nothing" - A. Davis & Kanye West, songwriters (Kanye West)

"Crank That (Soulja Boy)" - Soulja Boy Tell'Em, songwriter (Soulja Boy Tell'Em)

"Good Life" - A. Davis, F. Najm & K. West, songwriters (Kanye West Featuring T-Pain)

For Best Rap Album, the nominees are:

Finding Forever - Common

Kingdom Come - Jay-Z

Hip Hop Is Dead - Nas

T.I. vs T.I.P. - T.I.

Graduation - Kanye West

For a complete lists of nominees visit: www.grammy.com.

The show will air live February 10 at 8pm on CBS.

Program Note: Will-mania Goes Into Overdrive

Will Smith's "E! True Hollywood Story" premieres Saturday, Dec. 8 at 6pm ET/PT on the E! Television Network.

According to a production rep, the show will "provide a revealing look in the dynamic life of the entertainment power player and family man featuring interviews with his close friends and co-stars."

"I Am Legend" hits theatres December 14.

Jason Kidd's 'strike' fuels trade speculation

Apparently, the Nets star called in sick yesterday and missed last night's game against the Knicks. A source with the team is quoted to have said Kidd was "on strike" because he unhappy with either the general state of the team (which fell below .500) or not being offered a contract extension. Who knows?

Maybe he really did have a migrane, which could have triggered by both of those things. Being a migrane sufferer myself, it happens. I think he justs wants another chance at a ring.

Another source said the Nets would (could or have) spoken with L.A., Dallas, and possibly Cleveland about a trade.

(News Source: Fox Sports)