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The Cool Spot
You Luv Lola
Sep
30
Two years ago when MuchMusic [Canadian Music Station for those who are not familiar with it] did their VJ search, I was told I should have entered the contest. I disregarded it. This year, I didn’t find out about it until a few days before the deadline, when everyone was sending me their videos to check out . Then, sunday the 27th, just before the deadline [Sept 28th] my mom convinced me to do a video. Oh gosh. I was so convinced I should enter, that I was even going to resort to doing a simple video with my webcam or even try and edit something with iMovie…
Thankfully my friend and Chris Strikes agreed to help me make my video. We stayed up filming until about 2 am, and Chris finished the video at around 6.30 in the morning. Crazy huh? Very last minute, but it works. I know we could have put together a lot more, and done something really fun and cool like the other contestants, but again, we were pressed for time. The other contestants have had weeks to get their votes up etc etc, so if somehow I don’t make it in the top 16…I understand. Mind you, I’m pretty sure there are other factors that play in that…such as whether Much actually wants someone with experience, or someone completely new that they can adjust to their fan base much easier, whether they have already chosen their contestants based on the early videos submitted, etc. The voting thing…well that’s just a rating, that could go up or down anytime. I am not quite so sure that the winners are determined based on how “hot” or “cool” they are. So please, keep the votes coming, but if you find away to support me in more visual ways, I’ll appreciate that a lot more.
I thought I’d be cool to start a Trending Topic on twitter, so if you do have it, please #votelola4VJ because….[and add your little bit] or make a video response saying Vote Lola for Much VJ because ….and add it as a response to my video on youtube HERE
Anyways, here’s my video and if you like it, and you think I’d do a great job as MuchMusic VJ vote for me below
http://vj.muchmusic.com/gallery/3743#gallery
Sep
30
Justin Bieber was in town on Sunday to perform at Canada’s Wonderland for the finale of YTV’s : The Next Star. As usual he KILLED it! ( I don’t have to remind you of how talented he is, we’ve been saying so for a while now) He came out to do his thing and the crowd went bonkers, i’ve never seen so many screaming girls and tears in my entirely life. He hadn’t even started singing and these girls were bawling.
After showing love to the crowd he picked up his guitar and started to play. He performed his upcoming single ” One less lonely girl” first and then followed up with his first hit single “One Time”
His vocals were amazing his clothes we’re on point *side note* his gear is ALWAYS on point shouts out to Ryan Good for that
At the end of the performance Justin was suprised with his first ever platinum plaque for “One Time”.
We here at iluvlola.net a huge supporters of Justin Bieber, we’ve always said how talented we think he is and this award is just validation of that so from all of us :
CONGRATULATIONS JUSTIN KEEP UP THE AMAZING WORK. THERE’S NO WAY BUT UP FROM HERE, YOUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT!
*please oh please make sure your volume isn’t on high, those girls were LOUD*
make sure to follow him on twitter
Sep
30
We try to stay away from post that might bum out our readers , but this just could not go unmentioned.
If you’ve been following the news or have been browsing through the internet you may have seen or heard about the violent death of a young Chicago boy by the name of Derion Albert. I won’t go into it but, its definitely something to look up.
Its a real good look to see our favourite artists take a stand and use their voice for something positive. So Kudos to Nas for this open letter.
“Dear Young Warriors fighting the wrong wars! Killing each other is definitely played out. Being hurt from the lost of a love one was never cool.
Dear Young Warriors fighting the wrong war! I know that feeling, that frustration with life and needing to take it out on someone, any one. But….
We chose the dumbest things to go the hardest for. I remember seeing deaths over 8 ball jackets, Fila sneakers, and name plate chains. Deaths over “he say, she say”!!!!! “I’m from this block or I’m from that block”, or “my moms n pops is f*cked up now the whole world gotta pay”!!!
I remember feeling like I was the hardest “n*gga” breathing. And I couldn’t wait to prove it. But let’s think. What are we really proving?? And proving what to who?? Everybody knows Chicago breeds the strongest of the strong but I just feel, me, being ya brother from another state feels your pain as if I grew up with you in ya very own household.
You have the ability and mindpower to change they way we are looked at. Look who’s watching us young warriors, look who’s throwing us in jail constantly, look at the ignorance in the world. Look at the racist dogs who love to see us down. Loving to bury us in the ground or in jail where we continue this worthless war on one another.
Young warriors…. We are WASTING more and more time. We gotta get on our jobs and take over the world. Cuz this movie left the theaters years ago, Juice, Menace, Boys n the Hood , Blood n Blood Out, Belly!
When we see each other why do we see hatred? Why were we born in a storm, born soldiers, WARRIORS….and instead of building each other up we are at war with each other.. May the soul of this young person find peace with the almighty. I’m with you young warriors. You’re me and I’m you. But trust me! you are fighting the wrong war.”
Shouts out to Global Grind
Sep
29
Chris Brown is back on his grind, beyond the hoopla and community service. The talented singer is teaming up once again with Weezy for the Swizz Beatz-produced 1st single from his upcoming album, Graffiti.
Sidebar: The bow-tie on the single art is killing me.
Peep below
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& DOWNLOAD here
Sep
29
One of my fave brands, UNDRCRWN dropped a new Cut & Sew collection of outerwear, hats & windbreakers in collaboration with Mos Def. This is actually the 2nd such collab with Mos Def. Just in time, too!
This season, we’re bringing you the highly anticipated “Cut & Sew” range. Polished and mature, the new collection effortlessly blends collegiate athleticism and style. Colorful hand crafted prints (mixed with hand drawings by Mos Def) are set against sleek monochrome materials; pops of zesty yellow and blood red are used to accent buttons, zippers and mesh linings. The mixture of bold prints set against streamlined design creates a contemporary fashion sensibility throughout the entire collection.
Sold exclusivlely at the UNDRCRWN website.
peeped at hypebeast
Sep
29
Just got a look at Melody Ehsani’s new fall accessories look book.
Keri Hilson & Solange are among her fans, and she’s been on the come up for a while now
Peep the rest at Melodyeshani.com
Sep
29
About 2 years ago when I was in LA and Steph Jones was signed to DTP, we got together after studio…went to grab a bite, and then I got a chance to listen to some of his new material…what a talent he is! Just as charming now as he was then.
Peep Steph Jones singing to “Ride that Train” by Chingy ft. Steph Jones!
Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/stephjonesmusic
Sep
25
ILUVLOLA.NET got a chance to interview Amerie earlier this week, while she was promoting her new album “In Love and War,” which is scheduled to be released on November 3rd under Def Jam. This is Amerie’s 4th studio album since her first single “Why don’t we fall in love,” in 2002 from her debut album “All I Have.” Amerie spoke about the album, her work ethics, and her collaboration with Lil Wayne on her second single “Heard ‘em All.” A video without Wayne for the single was released just after our interview [Sept 22nd]. When we spoke, Amerie mentioned Lil Wayne definitely appearing in the video. Could there be a second cut featuring Wayne on the way?
Read the interview to find out more or listen to the audio clip included below.
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Audio Clip: Amerie talks about working with Lil Wayne on her single “Heard ‘em All”]
ILL: Your album “In love and war” is slated for a November release. The initial release date was in August I believe. How do you feel about it dropping in November?
AMERIE: I feel great. When they were doing the release dates, nothing was really set. They were more just like ideas and I was still working on the album, so I was like “uhh that’s not happening” [laughing] November is really good.
ILL: Are you a last minute person with it the albums or do you actually wrap them up and have them ready for the release date?
AMERIE: Um it depends. You can’t really know when you’re going to be finished. In my mind I like to have an idea of what we’re looking at. Until it’s all done you never know, because it may not be finished yet. When I put together my album, for me, is making sure that it’s a solid album and it’s something you can listen to through and through. That’s my goal. Even the song order is very important. Unless I feel like the album is giving the story and picture that I want overall, it’s just not done yet.
ILL: Ah so then you’re about telling a story from song 1-14 rather than putting a bunch of hits together?
AMERIE: Well I focus from song to song, but before I start recording I know what overall sound I want. It’s a sonic thing. Usually I know sonically what elements I really want, and what I want the album to feel like. With my last album “Because I love it,” which was released overseas, I knew I wanted hip-hop and soul, but I wanted to mix it with 80’s new wave. I wanted a mesh of that, so I did that. With this album, I wanted to combine hip-hop, soul, and a little rock. That’s what I was going toward with the last album and I wanted to go even further with this one, but no like 80’s new wave or anything. I wanted to go away from synthesized sounds and more towards a natural instrumentation. Lyrically for this project it was kind of like a concept album. I really wanted to focus on times in relationship, and if there were going to be any songs about how everything is wonderful, it would be about how everything is wonderful now that we have been through those things in the past, and we’ve moved past it.
ILL: Does your album reflect you as a person, or your journey as an artist?
AMERIE: I think both. Because for the lyrical part of the album, it was about things that I had actually been through in the past, actual situations, or situations that I have seen my friends go through. So they are very real situations. Sonically the album reflects who and where I am as an artist. It’s so important for me to maintain the integrity of who I am as an artist on an album, which is why I don’t do just anything or work with jut anyone. I have to make sure that when I’m working with people there’s a vibe there. And it’s not just about being a big name producer. It’s really more about the sound and the vibe and the energy and doing something fresh and different. And it’s not doing something different just to be different, but because it’s exciting and it’s the moment I’m in. In the beginning I know what I want. I usually work by myself. I take a bunch of tracks and create it from there…like create the bulk of the sound of the album. Throughout that time I’m still working with different people. That’s how I ended up working with these producers that we found on Myspace. M-Phazes did the “Pretty Brown” track, and he came from this battle of the beats seminar. My manager found him there so it’s all these creative interesting ways that the music comes together in the beginning. After that process, I will start meeting with different producers and it’s easier for them too because they get to hear what I’ve created already and they can catch a vibe and not have me explain it. Then we take it from there.
ILL: Your first 3 albums also featured work with Rich Harrison, who primarily co-wrote and produced your first album “All I Have,” but is not featured in this one. Was that a conscious decision?
AMERIE: We didn’t work together on the last album “Because I love it,” but you’re right, we did work together on the first two. It’s really just a time thing. He has his own company and has been doing a lot of in house stuff. But hopefully we’ll get together on the next project because we have a lot of different chemistry.
ILL: There is so much music being put out there by different artists right now. With other R&B divas and vocalists, where do you feel your album is going to fit in?
AMERIE: I’ve never really thought about how my album is going to fit in, because I always like to just do what I do. I stay in that moment of the creative space of it. There is a plethora of artists out there of course, but when it comes to music is more of a one on one thing. It’s you and it’s the listener. The way that they feel about your music and the way that it moves them or doesn’t move them. For me I focus on wondering how my fans will feel about it, but even then I don’t create that way. When you first create your first album, you don’t have any fans. So you can’t really create thinking “What will my fans think” because you don’t have any fans…you are new. So I think it’s important to approach every project with a clear head so that it can be as pure as it can be. Because I do have fans now, I do wonder how they will like it or react to it. Thankfully I have great fans and the ones that have been there…not just the ones who buy music because there’s a difference between people that buy music and fans. People that buy your music are people who are into what you’re doing right now, but fans, they’ve been with you since the beginning, but they’re very much into you as an artist, not just your songs. I do always hope that my fans love every project that I put out.
ILL: Do you think that this album will reach a new audience as well or mainly please the fans that you’ve gained through the years?
AMERIE: [Thinking] I don’t know. I get surprised sometimes when I met people and they have heard my stuff. I really don’t know. My first album was very hip-hop/R&B, my second album had more up-tempo songs on there as well as being hip-hop/Soul. My third album was very hip-hop/soul/80’snew wave, which a lot of people loved, and this one is hip-hop/soul/rock so I have no idea…[laughing]
ILL: I checked out the sampler on your site and noticed the songs had more of an edge to them, so when you mention that, I know what you mean.
Oh cool.
ILL: Your second single “Heard ‘em all” features Lil Wayne on the official remix. How did it come together, how was it to work with him?
Lil Wayne is great. I’ve liked him since he was with Cash Money…I mean he’s probably been doing it longer than that, but since he came on my radar in like 1997. So I’ve always liked what he does, and I love his energy. For me it was just awesome working with him. Of course I like the stuff that he’s done recently as well, but he’s just really into the artistry. He’s really into being an artist and I think that’s awesome. Because sometimes people are into the life, but not into the art of it.
ILL: Will he be making an appearance in the video?
Well you know we’ve been trying to schedule a way to get that shot and that’s what we’re trying to do now so I’m not sure yet…but it could happen in the next couple of days. Oh wait, no that’s right, it’s not happening in the next couple of days. It’s supposed to happen this month though. So that’s definitely happening
ILL: [laughingl
AMERIE: [laughing.] I forget so much stuff happens sometimes, I can’t remember everything.
ILL: I saw the behind the scenes video online today, and Wayne wasn’t in it, and there were fans wondering whether he was going to be making an appearance, which is why I asked.
AMERIE: He definitely is. We just have to do that shot, which we’ve been trying to do….and he just had a baby and he has another baby coming soon, we of course don’t know what day is going to be so [sighs] hopefully it goes…no I’m not going to say hopefully it goes down; it is going to go down [laughing]
ILL: Your first 3 albums were released under Colombia. You are now signed to Def Jam. What was the situation that made you decide to leave and sign to a new label?…and why def Jam?
AMERIE: Sony was always going through all these different changes and creatively things can suffer when there are so many changes on the executive level. It’s something that I thought about for a couple of years before letting them know that I wanted to leave. The reason why I chose Def Jam had to actually to do with L.A. Reid. L.A. and I had been speaking over the years, just here and there about possibly doing something. But I was obviously signed so we couldn’t do that. When I started thinking about making that move, I definitely thought that was somewhere I wanted to go in our talks and it ended up being a really great thing. Also def jam has great marketing and radio promo. I thought all in all would be a great move, and I made that decision, and I’m happy I did.
ILL: Anything else that you’d like to add or that you’d like your fans to know?
AMERIE: I really hope that they love the album. It’s something that I definitely put a lot of work in to and I really love it myself and I really hope that they love it as well.
Follow Amerie on Twitter at www.twitter.com/itsmeamerie and check out her 5 song sampler off “In Love and War” here.
Amerie – Heard ‘em All [Original Version] Directed by Anthony Mandler
Sep
25
My good friend Phil Reid created this video for Atlanta artist Jay West. I meant to post it a few days ago when it officially launched but we’ve been crazy busy getting some new things added to the site, that I finally got to posting it. It’s featured video, so kick back and check it out!
“The Language” was one of the first songs we did early into the process of creating records for D+C. It was written for the project specifically. I felt at liberty to do some good ole shit talkin’ when I decided to name my mixtape Drugs + Candy. So fast forwarding from then to now, we have Phil Reid creating a visual for that audio. Its my first video and a really important record to the project. Lyrically, the song stands alone on the tracklist. To have Phil take it as seriously as he did and bring the record to life is awesome. I lost it when I saw the video and Phil just stood there grinning. No homo, I was about to hug this nigga! I was hella impressed. Thanks to Wayne (my mgr) for making the connection and thanks for Hannibal and Decatur Dan for supplying resources. Thanks to Savage, Sean Falyon, Rob Mc, Nicky Ross and the beautiful leading lady Becky Billions for blessing me with their presence. CHEMlab has pulled yet another success out of its hat. This is the beginning to a good run. I’m feeling kind Cudi right now…”This Will Be My World!” [Jay West on his website www.gojaywest.com]
Follow Jay West on Twitter at www.twitter.com/gojaywest
Sep
25
I was actually REALLY looking forward to seeing this video. Glad it’s finally out. Thanks to Cynthia for the heads up!
via Blaqsheepblog.com Worldstarhiphop
On that note, check out this video of Belly and Zoe on set of “Money to Blow” as well as Young Money president Mack Maine
Sep
25
Just the other day we posted an interview with the lovely Ms. Fiona on iluvlola.net, and today she dropped the video for her single “It Kills Me.” She is absolutely BREATHTAKING! The video is so good that I got shivers.
The video stars hot Latino actor, Adam Rodriguez, star of CSI: Miamiand the #1 blockbuster film, Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself. The new album release date for “The Bridge” is NOVEMBER 3RD, 2009! [Via Karen Civil]
Check out the interview with Melanie Fiona Here.
Sep
24
I made this little video instead of writing a whole bunch of stuff!
Basically all you need to know is: Tomorrow- Maxwell – Maro [135 Liberty Street] – Toronto – Be there!
Sep
24
I swear she’s my idol.
Jay Z called from Paris to talked to Angie about his album, Ace of Spades, Lil Mama and more.
Follow Angie Martinez on Twitter at www.twitter.com/angiemartinez
Via VladTV
Sep
23
We posted photos from P Reign’s latest video shoot for his single “Money in My Pocket” that took place a couple of weeks ago.
CreamWorldMagazine and iluvlola.net partnered up to bring you this exclusive behind the scenes footage of the video as well as an interview with the man himself, King P Reign!
Check it out and make sure you follow him on twitter at www.twitter.com/preign and visit him on myspace at www.myspace.com/preign to listen to more music.
Sep
22
If you are a Tupac fan than you will def enjoy this unreleased exclusive interview that Vibe magazine is now releasing to the public. Check the info on it below. Part 2, and 3 of the interview is located after the jump.
It’s been 13 years since 2Pac died on the 13th day of September 1996, yet the void he left in hip-hop–let alone black culture–is gaping, For his anniversary, VIBE revives the fallen icon, if just for a couple minutes, with the first in a series of previously unreleased interview footage from May ‘96. As he discusses a unified rap nation and where he’d be in 2016, ‘Pac is everything we remember: Candid, passionate, prophetic. Rest in peace, Tupac Amaru Shakur.
UPDATE 1: Part 4 of the interview has been added, check for it after the jump!
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Lola Plaku
Creator/Developer
I got in this industry because I feel I have what it takes to make a difference. I have been working hard, sleeping less, playing less and then playing more for the past few years…not too many. I write, consult, organize, plan, plot, entertain and work hard to make that difference I focused on in the first place. ILuvLola is a lifestyle…not just mine, yours too, so give what you can so that you can make that difference with me.
www.iluvlola.net
hustleGRL
Designer/Developer
hustleGRL is a phenomenon. This bilingual teen prodigy has accomplished more in her 16 years than many have in their entire careers. Complete with vision (and the tools to execute) it’s nothing short of a gift to watch this young entrepreneur create what will one day undoubtedly be her own empire.
www.hustlegrl.com
Cynthia Kusitor
Blogger/Contributor
Almost 20 years old. I love music (all types) and everything in that surrounding area from movies to TV to fashion: I love it all. I'm extremely opinionated which is a good thing but can sometimes be a bad thing. I hold no punches and I'm straight to the point, but I swear I'm a lovely person :D
Cori
Blogger/Contributor
I'm a 20-something full time student with a great passion for writing and love anything and anyone that will stimulate my mind. I enjoy the simple things in life with a lil' flair. You'll either love me or hate me, but I'm sure you'll love me. You won't catch me without my mp3 and my blackberry. THEY ARE LIFE. "To whom much is given, much is required". Play hard but always remeber to work harder.
www.corprah-lanfrey.com
Sajae E
Blogger/Contributor
I write, I create & I learn as I go. My ears feel naked without headphones and I'm a blackberry monster til death. I write CD reviews for fun on my phone & I see music videos in my head. X-style slow-mo, video chicks & all. I'm a little neurotic. No, a lot; but I'm your favourite daydreamer's favourite daydreamer.
www.twitter.com/jaefiasco
DDot Omen aka The Blog Bully
Blogger/Contributor
The DMV's Blog Bully has made his 2nd home with Toronto's finest. Transistioning from being just an Artist, DDot brings a strong personality to the world of journalism and online hip-hop realm.
www.ddotomen.com
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BIGNESS hosted by Big Boi & Young Dro
DJ Power & HipHopCanada
Canadian Invasion Volume 2
Three/21 & The Kickdrums
Inside a Change (Mixtape)
ROCK CITY - P.T.F.A.O.
50 CENT - Forever King
Mack Maine x Don Cannon
This is Just a Mixtape
Studio 43 x XO
Monumental
DJ Scream x Roccett
Another Day Another Dollar
50 CENT - War Angel LP
DJ Drama x DJ Skee x R Kelly
The Demo Tape
Rynecologist - Still Thinking
DJ Scream x Busta Rhymes
I Bullshit You Not
Don Cannon x The Cool Kids
Gone Fishing
Trap A Holics x Ludacris
Disturbing Tha Trap
DJ Halo x Charles Hamilton
Dope 2 Go
Nickelus F - Heathen
Baby YU - Candy Rain
G.O.O.D. Music - Live at SXSW
DJ Lissa Monet x Andreena Mill
Ready To Fly
DJ Lissa Monet
Lovestoned Vol. 003
Four Color Zack
Dream, A Little Dream
LA The Darkman x DJ Drama
Living Notoriously
Young Dro x Yung LA
Black Boy White Boy
Lil Wayne x DJ Drama
Dedication 3
DJ Evil Empire x Young Jeezy
The American Dream
DJ Messiah x T.I. x Grandhustle
The King’s Army
DJ Whoo Kid x Lloyd Banks
The Cold Corner
Mick Boogier Presents:
Before The war Love - U-N-I
Kid Cudi
Man on the Moon
