Time Out Mag Interviews Jay-Z

What about the future of NYC? What do you hope for it?

JayZ: I hope it keeps its sense of pride. I’m a fan of moving into the future, but I’m also a fan of things that are sacred—like I said, I bought me some vintage shades. So a mix of both, as long as we maintain our sense of pride, we won’t do anything crazy.

If you could have a drink with some of our other 39 contenders—Patti LuPone, Philip Seymour Hoffman…

Jay-Z: Oh, wow.

Peter Gelb of the Met Opera…

Jay-Z: There you go.Tim Gunn or Jonathan Lethem, an author from your own Brooklyn—who do you pick?Jay-Z: I’m a fan of what Philip Seymour Hoffman does. He’s fantastic—one of the top actors out there right now. He’s got that thing: That thing that can’t be taught or you can’t learn. I hate when people say “je ne sais quoi,” but he has that thing where he just disappears into the role.

You feel his pain. You feel like it hurts him. Are you introspective like that?

Jay-Z: I am introspective, and, well, there’s that 10 percent that just can’t be taught, but a lot of how I think about myself comes from how I grew up and how I can articulate my experiences without making it too much like, “Everything is great!” or “I’m Superguy!” A vulnerability in the music and a toughness of “I will not lose”—that combination resonates with people.

You’re the only rapper on this list. We were considering Nas but have this 13-year rule: People on this list had to have had an impact in the last 13 years. And Illmatic was 1994. Should we have included him?

Jay-Z: Ah, wow! [Laughs] That’s a tough question. [Pauses] Yeah, only because of the impact of that album, when it’s considered one of the best albums ever created, you have to document that.

How about Kanye? Has he earned it yet?

Jay-Z: He’s from Chicago, but he’s close. I don’t know if he’s had that one album that’s moved the entire culture, but he’s hit it three times in a row. He’ll be on every list one day.

Are you guys really teaming up for Blueprint 3?

Jay-Z: Yeah, actually. We’re partners right now. Starsky and Hutch right now.

And B? What was your first meeting with your wife like?

Jay-Z: I can’t answer that question. [Laughs] Come on now.

Seriously? You guys wrote a song about being in love.

Jay-Z: I’m actually pretty open, especially in the music. And in conversation, when I get to know people. But there’s one side of my life I tend to keep quiet. You have to have some time of sanity. You can’t live with everything out there. You have to have sanctuary.

Full Article:http://www.timeout.com/newyork/articles/40th-anniversary/60941/jay-z-interview-with-time-out-new-york

Another Day another Million Dollor Deal

While most of us are counting our pennies, Hov is making chess moves

"Jay-Z has reportedly launched a new label, adding to his long list of businesses. This one is called StarRoc and was formed with producers Stargate. According to overseas media, Stargate is a Norwegian duo consisting of Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel S. Eriksen, both of which have produced for several superstar artists, specifically crafting Beyonce’s hit “Irreplaceable” and Ne-Yo’s “So Sick.” Reports indicate that the producer duo have relocated their studio to Jay-Z’s Manhattan-based Roc The Mic studios".

Reported by:http://www.ballerstatus.com/article/news/2008/09/5482/

Spotted: Common and Serena

Common supported his girl while she practices for her upcoming tennis match at the U.S. Open..How cute!

Mo' Money ..Mo' Money..

Bossip.com Reports:
"Hip-hop artist and businessman Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and his partners said Wednesday they are selling their 40/40 Club in Las Vegas for an undisclosed amount. The 24,000-square-foot sports bar and lounge in The Palazzo and Casino will not operate under the 40/40 brand, as the sale is for the lease and not the naming rights, the partners said. No reason was given for the sale of the Vegas branch of the club franchise.
“The sale is a great business decision; we are delighted. We look forward to expanding the brand even further to Chicago and Tokyo,” Carter said in a statement. Carter and his partners said they plan to open 40/40 clubs in Chicago, Tokyo and Macau in the next 12 months".

Dr Dre Son Found Dead at the Age of 20

AllHipHop Reports: "Dr. Dre’s son has reportedly died, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner.

The body of Andre Young Jr. was found in his Woodland Hills home on Saturday morning, says a report in the L.A Weekly.

Andre Young Jr. was only 20".
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2008/08/26/20446619.aspx

Simmons Girls Party in Vegas

The two beauties showed up for a GIANT magazine party in Vegas last night.

Another One Bites the Dust!

TMZ Reports:

"Da Brat will go where a lot of rich white criminals don't -- prison...over rum.She was just sentenced to three years for hitting a woman with a rum bottle last October. She'll get an additional seven years probation".

So it seems like going to jail is the thing to do for washed up female rap artist. So Eve I guess you are next or maybe Latifah, shoot anything is possible..

Story: http://http://www.tmz.com/2008/08/22/da-brat-rum-and-soap/

Is It Just Me??

David Banner 2008

David Banner Early in his Career

Has David Banner changed drastically through the years??

You be the judge...

I Guess You Needed Jigga After All.....

NY Daily New Reports:

"A bank is suing Damon Dash for allegedly dashing away from his mortgage.
The hip-hop mogul failed to pay Eastern Savings Bank $78,504 in monthly payments for a pair of trendy Tribeca condos from January to August, the bank claims.
Now the bank is warning Dash that he's in danger of losing his apartments in the Sugar Warehouse on Laight St. and in the Atalanta on North Moore St. unless he comes up with the cash in a hurry".

Full Story:http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2008/08/20/2008-08-20_hiphops_damon_dash_skipped_paying_mortga.html

Forbes: Hip Hop Cash Kings

Forbes Reports:
"It's been some year for Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter. In the past 12 months, the Brooklyn, N.Y.-born hip-hop demigod released a platinum album, signed a 10-year, $150 million deal with concert promoter Live Nation and tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Beyoncé Knowles. Quite a record. But only good enough for a silver medal".

"While Jay-Z topped Forbes.com's inaugural Hip-Hop Cash Kings list of the top-earning people in the business last year, in 2008 he cedes the throne to Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, who raked in $150 million over the past 12 months--almost twice what Jay-Z made".

Full List:
http://www.forbes.com/2008/08/15/music-media-hiphop-biz-media-cz_zog_0818cashkings.html

Here We Go Again!

TMZ Rports: "DMX, real name Earl Simmons, was arrested earlier today in Miami after missing a court date in Arizona earlier this week."

http://www.tmz.com/2008/08/14/g/

And the rich just keep getting richer!

Bossip.com reports:

Las Vegas spies said the hip-hop mogul’s in talks with the Las Vegas Sands Corp. - owners of the Venetian and the Palazzo - to sell them a 50 percent stake in his sports club, 40/40, for $44 million. An insider added, “That will make the 40/40 club in Vegas the largest sports booking operation. People can gamble both at the tables and on games. The Sands will also have the right to open 40/40 clubs in London and across Europe.”

You have got to be kidding me!

TMZ Reports:

"Commissioner Phemonia Miller in Phoenix (rap that 10 times fast) just issued a bench warrant for DMX because he didn't show (shocker!) for a hearing on his felony drug charge case this morning".

http://www.tmz.com/2008/08/12/dmx-just-aching-to-get-arrested-again/

Spotted: Destiny Child

theybf.com spotted Beyonce, Kelly and Michelle this weekend all doing different things. Beyonce was having dinner in NYC with her hubby. Kelly was spotted on vacation in St. Tropez and Michelle was performing at Power 105 New York’s summer concert.









































More Pics of Bee and Jay

You Are Looking at One Smart Black Boy!

Jay-Z knows money speak to money!

Ummm Where is Whitney????

Lil' Kim, Ray J and Brandy was spotted in NYC!

Concert: Rock the Bells @ Jones Beach Center

Nas brought out Jay-Z during his performance at the 2008 Rock the Bells concert at the Jones Beach Center in Long Island, NY over the weekend. Some of the other performers were Mos Def, Talib Kweli, A Tribe Called Quest, Red Man, and Method Man to name a few.

Spotted: The Carters

Jay-Z and Beyonce was spotted yesterday on their 4 month wedding anniversary in NYC.

Teen Choice Awards 2008

Mariah Carey Performed...Umm will somebody tell her she is not 25yrs old anymore even if she is married to one! The outfit is so teeny bopperish and home girl is pushing 40....

Will came through with sons Trey & Jaden

Lil Mama came looking a hot mess as usual. Will somebody, anybody hire this girl a stylist and quick!

Lil Mama and Jordin Sparks (Jordin is looking at her like she is crazy)

Chris Brown was in attendance

He also picked up an award.

LL Cool J performed....Why won't this dude retire!

Funs Times Before Shots Rang Out!

Lisa Raye, Nia Long, Gabrielle Union, P-Diddy, DaBrat and Sanaa Lathan were all smiles until shots rang out at the So So Def Party in the ATL over the weekend.

Larenz & Lorenzo Tate, Nelly and Daryl "Chill" Mitchell were all in attendance as well.
Click the link for full story:

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20216642,00.html