“It was announced today (Saturday, July 29) that the wedding ceremony for Usher Raymond IV and Tameka Foster was canceled,” says Webster. “No additional information will be given regarding the circumstances of the cancellation, but we hope the privacy of this matter will be respected.”

The couple did not explain why the Saturday afternoon festivities, which were to have been held at the Southampton, New York, estate of Def Jam honcho and producer L.A. Reid, was called off only hours before close to 100 family and friends were to arrive.

An insider told Essence.com that nearly two weeks ago, celebrity guests such as Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Jermaine Dupri, Jay-Z, Nelly and Ashanti received first a phone invitation and then a few days prior to the scheduled event via overnight courier, a custom-made invitation designed by the Atlanta company, Bluorchid by Naked Eye Image. Attendees were to be treated to a performance by the couple’s close friend Robin Thicke, who had also serenaded Foster during Usher’s January proposal to her in a New York recording studio where he presented her with an 11.5 carat Asscher diamond ring while a celebrity DJ provided the tunes. The source said that the couple had hired renowned event planner Anthony Todd to bring their ceremony to life and Sylvia Woods, the famed Harlem restaurateur, to supply the feast. 
Click here to read the full article
Source: Essence (All rights reserved)(extract)
Posted on July the 30th.

Uh-oh. Not only does that sound incredibly unromantic -- all signs are that Dupri and Jackson are still very much a couple. At first blush, it also sounds incredibly unhelpful for Miss Jackson. Dupri, you see, hasn't helped our one-time favorite ''Nasty'' girl. In fact, ever since the two got together, he's only hurt her career, first with 2003's middling Damito Jo, then with last year's maddening 20 Y.O. And 20 Y.O., we stress to point out, was intended to be a comeback for Jackson on par (hell, even half-under par) with Carey's The Emancipation of Mimi. He royally failed that challenge, both critically and commercially, resulting in both his and Jackson's eventual departure from Virgin. They're now both at Island Urban, with Dupri the executive in charge. 

But despite all that, chances are this really could be the boost needed for Jackson's once-storied, now-suffering career. Reid, after all, actually guided Carey's comeback as head of the Island Def Jam family of labels. And in that capacity, Reid oversees not only Jackson, but also Dupri. (Also: Def Jam's Jay-Z, and his ''Umbrella'' Rihanna, our new favorite ''bad'' girl.) Plus, Dupri added this to Billboard: ''Janet's record is one that [Reid's] wanted to do for a long time. He's very passionate about it.'' No word on how Jackson's album is shaping up, or if this means the end of her longstanding relationship with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. But Dupri is effectively out of the picture professionally. And that's nothing but good news.... 
Source: MetroWeekly (All rights reserved)
Posted on July the 26th.

Gay man to write tell-all book about NY Yankees
In 1998 former New York Yankees baseball team's club house attendant Paul Priore brought a $50m lawsuit against the club and some the members stating that he had been sexually harassed and was fired for being a homosexual. 

Priore lost his suit when the Yankees showed that he was actually fired for stealing from the locker room, but he is now planning on writing a tell-all book about his homophobic abuse, which allegedly includes a steam room scene between players Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada. 

The Naked Gun first got wind of the story about a decade ago when they posted the court transcripts on their site, which is known for uncovering some of the oddest bits of news.

The trial court found in favour of Priore, but the decision was quickly challenged and overturned. 

The New York Supreme Court won't hear an appeal of the case. 

By not hearing the reversal, the Supreme Court gave a victory to the Yankees.

Priore also recalled walking in on Jeter and current starting catcher Jorge Padosa in the steam room together before the three men went to a Mariah Carey concert. 

Priore claimed they were engaged in sexual conduct and later in the evening asked Priore if he wanted to join in.
It's hard to say what of this story is accurate and which parts are the creations of a somewhat suspect mind, but one thing does stand true. 

There is interest in the going on's of professional sports teams, and this is not the first or last time that the sexuality of athletes will be questioned.
Source: GaySports (All rights reserved) (extract)
Posted on July the 26th.

Is Jay-Z making exit plans to leave historical hip-hop record label Def Jam?
Some roads are pointing in that direction.
According to 'MTV Radio Networks,' rumors are circulating that hip-hop mogul may be jumping ship as the head of Island Def Jam to head over to Columbia Records. 
A source close to Hov (as he is known on the streets) confirmed to the 'New York Daily News' that Jay-Z (legally known as Shawn Carter) is in talks with the Sony-owned musical empire, which is the longtime home to his girlfriend Beyonce Knowles. 
The label also boasts a roster which includes John Legend, Bow Wow, Amerie, Mary Mary, John Mayer and music legend Bob Dylan.

Why would he leave?
Not only is he one of the richest men in music and hip-hop fashion, Jay-Z's association with Def Jam just makes the most sense, from a branding standpoint.
Def Jam original co-founder Rick Rubin is helming Columbia these days -- and reportedly looking to shake things up.
Some insiders hinted the recent talks are in response to the arrival of hip-hop super-producer Jermaine Dupri, who was appointed President of Island Urban Music Division last February. 

"There isn't room for two kings at one label. Why would Island bring in another power-hitter urban guy? ," the source said to the paper. 

Well, technically Antonio "L.A." Reid is the real king of the label -- since both of them report to the former LaFace Records founder and Arista Records president.

Though it's not the fabled hip-hop label it once was -- where rap ruled the scene -- Def Jam has scored big time with pop friendly releases from the likes of Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Rihanna, Ne-Yo and Hollywood hip-hopper Ludacris.
Atlanta-bred bad boy Young Jeezy and Brooklyn rhymesmith Fabolous have maintained steady sales with their latest releases.
But what about rap pioneers LL Cool J, Method Man, Redman, and Ghostface Killah? Their latest releases on Def Jam have gone unnoticed by the record buying public.
Even Jay-Z's former rap rival Nas, who initially did great numbers with his much buzzed about Def Jam debut 'Hip-Hop Is Dead,' experienced a sales slump and has not been certified platinum.

Does this mean they are not relevant?

Only God and the Devil knows the answer to that question.

But did their albums get the same marketing push as some of the newer releases?

Not sure how well he will fit into Columbia's corporate and conservative culture, but hey this buzz is a great negotiating tool.

When reached for comment tonight, Jay-Z's a staffer at Def Jam said the 'Daily News' "story" was the first they've heard of any pending negotiations.
Source: AOL Black Voices
Posted on July the 26th.

The Grammy Awards will take place on the 10th of February in the Staples Center stadium in Los Angeles California. The nominations will be announced 2 months before the Awards and Mihai is very possible to be in the “Newcomer” category. If Mihai does participate, he will be the only Romanian artist that will have the chance to sing with Mariah Carey and Celine Dion. 
Source: esctoday (All rights reserved) (extract)
Heroes note: Maybe the guys from esctoday included Mariah's name in goal to appear in the search engines and that way making some hype about this artist 
Posted on July the 24th.

"I've been over in London a lot recently, and I've just been really into the funky house sound," said will. "It's so great to party to, and that's the feeling I wanted to bring to my album, so I was definitely inspired by funky house. I love it."

We can tell you the record sounds absolutely massive. With beats by will, Polow Tha Don and someone else who I actually can't remember (need to check that tape!), Songs About Girls is over-big. While the guest stars are limited to just Snoop Dizzle, will has become one of the world's biggest producers of late, producing tracks for Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston.

He even gave us a sneak peak of two brand new tracks by certain superstars - but we promised not to spill the beans! Wouldn't want to get in any trouble....

Keep watching the website for our EXCLUSE filmed interview from will's Hollywood house, where will talks Whitney, Michael, Haters, Chicks, BEP, Paris Hilton and much, much more....
Source: RWD Mag
Posted on July the 23rd

In vocal pedagogy or voice pedagogy course: many vocal technique experts think maintaining a high larynx is positively unhealthy and bad for you, and that you can still produce that quality of sound with a low larynx - as exemplified by Aretha Franklin and Mariah Carey (taught from childhood by her mother who was an opera singer at the New York Met, father part African American part Venezuelan, grew up listening to gospel, R&B and soul - a killer combo really). 

Editing: After editing together the main vocal from many takes, Steve Durevitz (sound engineer from recording studio 2002 Studios) often gets another take for the right side, and another for the left, to fatten the sound - the equivalent live would be using a chorus effect,  Madonna is well know for using shadow singers who sing along with her when she performs live,
Source: Improbulus - Dana Centre
Posted on July the 22nd.

I say MC's boat but it was actually courtesy of Italian designer extraordinaire Mr. Roberto Cavalli. In fact, once you were on the boat, it was obviously Roberto's boat as his leather and animal print furniture, designs and presence were everywhere even down to the luxurious cavalli products in the bathrooms. Every available cupboard was stacked with RC goodies that smelt heavenly. Bed sheets, table cloths, china - you name it, it was 

designed by Roberto, darlings! 

I climbed all three decks to the top where I found Princess Carey reclining on the plush white lounge sofas in a sexy as you like Cavalli bikini and matching green and gold necklace-looking like a replica straight out of Vogue itself. The boat is called Baglietto and was full of exquisite, gracious staff ready to execute our every request. Also in attendance were MC's family Shawn, Rae Rae, Maryanne, and the uber Manager Benny Medina! 

We boarded the smaller tender (boat) to get to a remote cliff top restaurant where we ate under the moonlight on the cliffs edge. Just as we finished dinner, we were surprised with hundreds of fireworks that were let off in front of us in the middle of the ocean; did I mention that it looked like the boat caught fire? No— I shouldn't talk about that little mishap. After he scuttled away, we continued debating the merits of the movie Norbit. 

Next day, even though we were but metres away from each other in adjoining bedrooms 'pon de boat' MC paged me: "Hey lets go to the blue grotto today!". Of course, even though I had my blackberry with me, I had my 'Out of office' message on in case any of my MTV folks were trying to get a hold of me. So my out of office message pings back to MC who is irritated and confused 'cos now she doesn't know what that message is about. I then had to explain the process of the OOO for MC who's never spent a day of her life in an office bless her.

On day 3 it hit me that being on a boat comes with even more issues than driving a car. 

Boat people have their own private snobbery club, so it was a good thing we were on Roberto's boat which is I'm told "really fast for a boat of its size". The yacht parking issues got us each night. We would be having so much fun out at sea jumping in and out of the water, racing around on the jet ski and doing water aerobics that often we would leave it too late to get a space in the dock or it would be too dark to enter the dock. Anytime a cruiser comes in to dock, a million crew members run around carefully placing fenders (huge balloon like missiles) in place to protect their vessel. Issues of the biggest, highest boat were being discussed everywhere. In fact, nearly as much discussion was about Eddie Murphy who was on a neighbouring boat. When I told my friend back in London that Scary Spice's baby daddy was metres away from us she texted me back "OMG-stay away from The Sperminator!" 
Source: Jasmine for The Voice (extract)
Heroes comment: The Sperminator , OMG, I will never watch a movie with Eddie Murphy the same way now 
Posted on July the 16th.

I say MC's boat but it was actually courtesy of Italian designer extraordinaire Mr. Roberto Cavalli. In fact, once you were on the boat, it was obviously Roberto's boat as his leather and animal print furniture, designs and presence were everywhere even down to the luxurious cavalli products in the bathrooms. Every available cupboard was stacked with RC goodies that smelt heavenly. Bed sheets, table cloths, china - you name it, it was 

designed by Roberto, darlings! 

I climbed all three decks to the top where I found Princess Carey reclining on the plush white lounge sofas in a sexy as you like Cavalli bikini and matching green and gold necklace-looking like a replica straight out of Vogue itself. The boat is called Baglietto and was full of exquisite, gracious staff ready to execute our every request. Also in attendance were MC's family Shawn, Rae Rae, Maryanne, and the uber Manager Benny Medina! 

We boarded the smaller tender (boat) to get to a remote cliff top restaurant where we ate under the moonlight on the cliffs edge. Just as we finished dinner, we were surprised with hundreds of fireworks that were let off in front of us in the middle of the ocean; did I mention that it looked like the boat caught fire? No— I shouldn't talk about that little mishap. After he scuttled away, we continued debating the merits of the movie Norbit. 

Next day, even though we were but metres away from each other in adjoining bedrooms 'pon de boat' MC paged me: "Hey lets go to the blue grotto today!". Of course, even though I had my blackberry with me, I had my 'Out of office' message on in case any of my MTV folks were trying to get a hold of me. So my out of office message pings back to MC who is irritated and confused 'cos now she doesn't know what that message is about. I then had to explain the process of the OOO for MC who's never spent a day of her life in an office bless her.

On day 3 it hit me that being on a boat comes with even more issues than driving a car. 

Boat people have their own private snobbery club, so it was a good thing we were on Roberto's boat which is I'm told "really fast for a boat of its size". The yacht parking issues got us each night. We would be having so much fun out at sea jumping in and out of the water, racing around on the jet ski and doing water aerobics that often we would leave it too late to get a space in the dock or it would be too dark to enter the dock. Anytime a cruiser comes in to dock, a million crew members run around carefully placing fenders (huge balloon like missiles) in place to protect their vessel. Issues of the biggest, highest boat were being discussed everywhere. In fact, nearly as much discussion was about Eddie Murphy who was on a neighbouring boat. When I told my friend back in London that Scary Spice's baby daddy was metres away from us she texted me back "OMG-stay away from The Sperminator!" 
Source: Jasmine for The Voice (extract)
Heroes comment: The Sperminator , OMG, I will never watch a movie with Eddie Murphy the same way now 
Posted on July the 16th.

Anyway, about the famous online listening party, it's indeed a complete and total mess.  Mahogany sent an e-mail out to all the ones (including me) who paid for the party, to keep them up to date of why the party is still not up.  That's not a problem as long as he keeps his promise, we are not gonna bitch for 2 dollars.
What concerns me most is the attitude and the fight between fans.  We all know the track leaked way before the listening party,  the problems between the ones who wanted to share it and the ones who wanted to keep it for themselves, I'm not gonna post all the details on my site, just go take a look on forums, I was reported what went on, it's so sad to see how fans were divided.  Except my own forum, I don't go on forums anymore since a long time, but my name, my Moral Contract was quoted on a forum.  Anyway,  we all know how Mariah fans can act when it comes to a new song, even if it's an old song, a non-commercial song.
What surprised me too is that no one thought it was wrong to see "Sprung" being sold on that MySpace, with all benefits for the producer.
That said, the ones who will pay attention, will see 2 big differences on Mahogany's MySpace since yesterday.  Take a look, and see by yourself.

A last lil' something, in the past, some producers gave Mariah tracks away for free.

The only thing we need to focuse on right now, is "Lil' L.O.V.E.", Mariah loves that song, c'mon guys  it's a shame you fight for an old song and don't support a new one, where's the L.O.V.E.?????????

Posted on July the 15th.

Jackson's departure from Virgin comes in the wake of two consecutive commercial disappointments: 2004's "Damita Jo" and last year's "20 Y.O." Her departure from the label was widely rumored after Dupri exited the company late last year to become president of Island Urban.

As for the direction of Jackson's as-yet-untitled album, Dupri says, "I don't really know what he's got in mind at this point. His past record isn't shabby so I'm going to let him do what he's going to do. I'm going to do the new Mariah Carey album, and we're going to make it seem like we're in competition to see who's going to have the biggest album of the year."

There is no release date yet for the Jackson album, although rumors suggest it may be ready before the end of the year.

Source: Billboard (All rights reserved)
Posted on July the 13th.

Carey looks like she’ll be the winner. According to my sources, she’s nearing the end of recording for a CD to follow up her mega-selling “Emancipation of Mimi.” Island/DefJam has set a Nov. 20 release date.

Carey has been recording all over the world, including on her beloved Isle of Capri, where she was recently photographed cavorting on designer Roberto Cavalli’s yacht.

She has as many as eight finished tracks in the can, sources tell me.

“She’s working with all different producers and writers,” a source said. “And she sounds great.”

Source: Roger Friedman for Fox (All rights reserved)
Posted on July the 12th.

Everyone wants to know about the song 'I Feel It' that you produced for Mariah Carey's last album, The Emancipation Of Mimi. Why didn't it make the final line up of songs on the album?
I have no idea to be honest. Everyone asked that. I think that the song is great and it just would have stood out on the album which is a good thing but when you're making an album, you want it to flow a certain way. There are a lot of great songs on her album that I feel the record company wanted the audience to pay attention to. The tracks I produce had more of a soulful element and the album turned out to be a clean and polished album. "Sprung" was very energetic there is no other song on the album that sounds like that, and the same with "I Feel It" it's so soulful you would want the whole album to be like that. That's just my take on it. 

How did you get into contact with MC?
A friend of mine name Roxstarr (on Myspace as "The Anti Corp") came to me and told me that his friend just got the job as Mariah's day to day manager A&R. I was camped out at Sony Studios in New York making tracks everyday, and her A&R Mark SudacK came by to pick up a CD from me and I had just created "Sprung" so I passed the CD over to him. A week or two later he called and said Mariah loved the track, and the rest is history. 

What was it like being in the studio with MC?
Super cool. She's very creative. We listened to records I had with me, took pictures and just enjoyed the moment. Me and Mariah sat down and made like 10 beats together in 3 days with hardly any sleep. The vibe was powerful. When that happens you really dont want to go to sleep 'cause you'll feel like you missed some music magic in the studio.

Did you both talk about much with each other?
Plans on how we want to work together on more songs. Mariah is very down to earth and it was like I knew her already. She has a good spirit.

Are there plans for you to work with her on the album she's doing now?
I'm submitting tracks right now bouncing ideas around.

How much do you charge per beat on average?
Major artists pay me between 15k-20k. Independent artists pay $1000-$3000. Jay-Z was an independent artist when he bought a track from me and he gave me an advance of $3000. His album went on to sell 5 million records. I would say that's a wise investment for Mr. Shawn Carter.

Click here to read the full interview with non-Mariah related infos.
Source: Rashmi by e-mail
Posted on July the 11th.

Bone Thugs Feel Big Love As Mariah, Bow Wow Show Up For 'Lil L.O.V.E.' Video
Only a little love? Hardly. Legendary hip-hop group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony were feeling the devotion recently on the Los Angeles set of their new video. Mariah Carey, Swizz Beatz, Bow Wow and Jermaine Dupri all came out to appear in the clip for their huge collaboration, "Lil L.O.V.E." 

"It's a privilege to work with legends such as Bone," Bow Wow said. 

Dupri echoed that sentiment. "Everybody loves their style," he said. "Krayzie got their buzz going on the Chamillionaire record 'Ridin'  and a couple of other records, and everybody was looking for them." 

Earlier this year, Bone Thugs, minus Bizzy Bone, released Strength & Loyalty, which debuted as the #2 album in the country (see "Buble Takes Down Bone Thugs In Mother's Day Chart Melee"). The record sales and the airplay success of the single "I Tried," featuring Akon, were all the vindication they needed against those who said that Swizz Beatz, the album's executive producer, was wasting his time trying to help bring them back. 

"It was a lot of naysayers: 'Bone fell off, Bone are washed up, Bone can't do it without Bizzy,' " Krayzie Bone recalled. "People didn't believe in us. For the album to come out and debut at #2, to hit the charts so hard with the song for Akon, it's a blessing. We thank the Lord and our fans." 

"Lil L.O.V.E." is about a woman who tells her man he needs to spend a little more time with her instead of chasing dollars. 

"The whole vibe of the video is how your girl is complaining that you doing too much," Layzie said. "You need to spend some time with her. So basically it's showing that aspect of the hustle." 

"It's a performance video, going with surreal sets," director Chris Robinson said. "It's all black-and-white since relationships and love may seem black-and-white on the surface. 

"Bone, Mariah, JD, Bow Wow — they're all icons in their own right," Robinson added. "The best was to set that up visually. Everybody gets their moment, and then we flip it and everybody is together."
Source: MTV (All rights reserved)
Posted on July the 6th.

Aries: Those that share Mariah Carey's birthday (March 27, 1970) will be feeling extra assertive in their relationships.
07.07.07 
Love Prediction:You'll feel compelled to make the first move.
Love Insight: For Aries, it's all about action, chemistry and energy. If you have a connection, you'll know it immediately. If not, don't expect love to grow. Aries are either into you in a big way, or not at all! To win them, love through your heart, connect with your eyes, and don't be overly sensitive.
Love Secrets
Irresistible: They are effervescent, upbeat and adventurous. They know what they want, and go after it.
Irritating: Aries can be overbearing, and demanding with tense exchanges.
Romance: If the connection is there, a magnetic attraction promises love to be exhilarating.
Passion: It's hot and fiery, and needs to be regular with marathons, as well as quickies, so be prepared for both.
Flirt Factor: Aries are not subtle; if they flirt, you'll know all about it!
Faithfulness: Treat him/her like a god/goddess and they'll be yours. A commitment includes their heart and soul forever.
Source: NY Daily News (All rights reserved) (extract)
Posted on July the 5th.

John says Tom Walley, chairman of Warner Bros. Records, compared Blackbird to A&M Studios in the 1970s, when several big albums were made in the same complex. "It has a really great vibe, thanks to Martina," John says. "People feel good here and they enjoy working here. We give them the ultimate service and equipment selection and microphone selection. 

"We look at it like the artists, engineers and producers are painters, and I want to be able to give them every color on the palette. I don't want them to ever be limited by what we do." 

One day recently while the Kings of Leon were playing wall ball in the parking lot, Anne Murray worked in one room and Megadeth had something mixed in another. Another day, Blackbird had Mariah Carey, Jewel, Big & Rich, R. Kelly and Kid Rock working on different projects.

"I thought, 'Okay, this is almost surreal,' " John says. "It's almost humorous when you look at the lineup here. There's no other way these people would be in the same rooms at the same time." 
Source: GAC (All rights reserved)
Posted on July the 2nd.