Did you miss any of the ads during the Super Bowl, or do you want to watch them again? Here are all of them below. Take a look, and comment with your favorites.

Related Links

• Gizmodo- Super Bowl Ads 2010: Lots of chips and beer, light on gadgets
• 7ele Tech News- 2010 Super Bowl ads eerily quiet on sustainability
• Boing Boing- Every violent act in the 2010 Super Bowl ads

Gotta love this!  Kari Ann Peniche has recently made a name for herself in the reality TV circuit on VH1 shows “Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew,” “Celebrity Rehab 3,” and not yet aired “Soberhouse 2.”  Apparently, she’s putting her vocal skills to the test with the recent release of “U and Me and Tiger Make 3.”

I really wanted to be sympathetic to Kari Ann when she was on “Sex Rehab,” but she lost my vote when she provoked staff member Selma leading her to lose her cool and ultimately being fired.  Selma’s hair extension grabbing reflex was so characteristically described in an episode from “The Boondocks” episode as a “ni**a moment.”  Case and point below:

Kari Ann responds to this in one of her blog posts (click HERE).  This week, we learn on “Celebrity Rehab 3″ that she has a methamphetamine addiction, but I still don’t think that has anything to do with her childish, spoiled brat tendencies.  A bit of it, I agree with Dr. Drew on “Sex Rehab” is some arrested development, but some is the fact that she’s been able to get away with it for so long.

Ick!  Anyway, I’m sure you’re curious to see her video for U and Me and Tiger Make 3.”

(must be 18 or older to view…there, i said it)

What do you think?

(the following are excerpts from a press release)

The single was serviced to Top 40 radio this week and the video, which leaked on TMZ, features Kari Ann in a bathtub. This video “…does not include gratuitous nudity,” commented Kari Ann’s manager.

“U and Me and Tiger Makes 3,” is the result of Kari Ann’s reality show experiences. The infectious pop song has created a buzz both on the internet and in the clubs. The 3 minute song has been serviced to Top-40 radio and is just now gaining traction. The single is the culmination of a constant theme in Kari Ann’s life, which is all about EMPOWERMENT!

About Kari Ann

• Kari Ann Peniche was born in San Diego, California on March 20, 1984 and grew up in Gresham, Oregon.
• Kari was Miss Oregon Teen USA and Miss United States Teen.
• Kari Ann appeared in the Playboy November 2004 issue.
• Hosted Seattle TV show Xtreem.
• Kari Ann was cast in Vh1’s Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew where she became the break out star
• Kari Ann is currently in Vh1’s Celebrity Rehab 3 with Dr. Drew and will appear in the yet to be aired Soberhouse 2 later this spring.

“U and Me and Tiger Makes 3,” is available on iTunes (click HERE) and Kari Ann is signed to HOR Records, Kari Ann shows that she is not just another pretty face but in fact a woman with many talents. She has turned the, ‘Girl Next Door’ image upside down and into the ‘Girl Next Door…that your mother warned you about.’ Kari Ann’s message is about taking control of your life and taking advantage of the opportunities that come your way. Kari Ann is managed by David Weintraub and DWE Talent and you can catch Kari Ann on Vh1’s Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew airing now on Vh1 and her single “U and Me and Tiger Makes 3,” and ringtones available at all digital stores now.

Related Links

• HOR Entertainment Group- Kari Ann Peniche
• Myspace- www.myspace.com/kariannpeniche
• Twitter- StrungOutGirl
• Official website- www.clubKari Annann.com
• Strung Out (Kari Ann’s clothing line)- www.killingbeverly.com
• AOL Music Blog- Kari Ann Peniche ‘U and Me and Tiger Makes 3′ — New Song
• The Hollywood Gossip- ‘U and Me and Tiger Makes 3′ (video)
• CBS News- Who is Kari Ann Peniche, the Other Woman in ‘McSteamy’ naked web vid?

February 6, 2010 (PR Log) — Metallica: The Club Dayz 1982-1984 is a collection of photographs of the legendary rock band Metallica that were shot by renown metal photographer Bill Hale during the band’s formative years in the Bay Area club circuit between 1982 and 1984.

This book contains rare and exclusive photographs from six of the band’s earliest performances including their first shows in San Francisco at The Stone and The Old Waldorf which featured the original lineup with Dave Mustaine (guitar) and Ron McGovney (bass), Cliff Burton’s introductory gig with the band at The Stone, the last Metallica show with Dave Mustaine in San Francisco, and Kirk Hammett’s Metallica debut in the Bay area.

As chief photographer of Metal Rendezvous International, a groundbreaking heavy rock magazine that was published throughout the ’80s, Bill Hale was given unlimited access to hang out with and photograph this then-fledgling metal band. His job at the time was to capture the band onstage and offstage and provide the magazine with unique photographs of the band showcasing their brazen live energy in concert to unveiling some of their crazy and unpredictable backstage antics.

Bill Hale was right there from the very beginning, capturing the band before, during and after their performances. He was at every one of their early Bay Area shows, without the safety of a photo pit, crushed among the savage crowd as they head-banged fearlessly to the music of their local heroes. Here, for the first time Bill Hale opens up his photo vault. Witness one of the greatest rock bands of all time during their embryonic stage.?? Influenced musically by the new breed of British metal yet epitomizing the punk rock attitude, Metallica’s loud, snotty and don’t five a **** attitude is very evident in these photographs. Most of the photos in this book have never been published and many of the images have never before been revealed to the public. Metallica: The Club Dayz 1982-1984 is a long lost chapter of this band’s visual history.

Related Links

• Blog- metallicatheclubdayz1982-84.blogspot.com
• Myspace (Bill Hale)- www.myspace.com/photo_books_by_bill_hale
• Facebook fan page- Metallica: The Club Dayz 1982-1984

Shar Jackson before photo VH1 "Celebrity Fit Club"

I lovezz it already!  VH1’s “Celebrity Fit Club” has stirred the pot with the Season 7 cast.  Making headlines on all the gossip sites are mentions of Kevin Federline aka “K-Fed” and pre-Britney “Circus” Spears girlfriend Shar Jackson, or as I’m naming, right here, right now “SharFed.”    The couple had 2 children during their relationship and make their first televised reunion on this show.  Nothing’s better than 8 weeks of boot camp booty torture, and I mean it in every sense of the word. 

Spoiler alert!

Shar Jackson shed over 30 pounds during her stint on VH1’s “Celebrity Fit Club.” Shar is quick to report that the show is less about personal fireworks and more about growing and changing images, both physically and creatively.

VH1 preview super trailer

VH1 exclusive pre-series preview clips

But wait, there’s more!

I spotted Shar Jackson on the set of “The Untitled Kris Black Project” where she’s acting alongside another former beau and heartthrob talent that y’all just haven’t caught onto yet, Kris Black. I name them right here, right now as “SharK.”

Over the last two years, Kris Black and Shar Jackson have weathered the tabloid interest concerning their off-screen relationship. The couple prefer to leave their private lives just that, but are very open to talk about their creative endeavors together.  As for Kris Black and Shar, their focus is on their work together, and their “friendship” has grown over the last two years since making sparks fly on the set of “The House That Jack Built.”

Without further ado…EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS!!!

As Ernest Hemingway says in the last line of The Sun Also Rises…

Isn’t it pretty to think so?

Related Links

• Ifelicious Thoughts- Interview with writer, painter, actor Kris Black. (Part 2 of 2) Moving to LA, Hidden Talents, Dating
• Ifelicious Thoughts- EXCLUSIVE: Latest film projects and timeline for FourTwoFive Films
• Mrs. Grapevine- Shar Jackson from ‘Celebrity Fit Club’ with teen kids at Sundance; plus Babyface
• ET Online- Celebrity Fit Club’s Kevin Federline being called K-Fat

Funny.  This song is as relevant today as it was in 1988.  People still get on rappers about sampling music, and “Talkin all that Jazz” was Stetsasonic’s defense of the hip hop explaining that they were using existing beats to create a new art form.  One of my sisters brought up this early 80s, Brooklyn native, self proclaimed hip hop band earlier this week, and I knew that they’d be my pick for this week’s Throwback Friday post.  They were loaded with hits, and it made choosing a particular song to represent them even more challenging.  “Sally,” “A.F.R.I.C.A.,” and “Freedom or Death” are just a few that come to mind.

The blog T.R.O.Y. has a post called “In Full Gear, 20 years later” that I think is one of the best tributes written to old school hip hop.  Fans should give it a read.

Enjoy! 

Related Links

• Ifelicious Thoughts- all of my Throwback Friday posts
• Soul and Funk Revue- Ouhh Presents: DJ Remike- Stetsasonic: The original hip hop band

By definition a “General” is the highest commissioned rank in the Army. One who holds this rank does so because of experience, attention to detail and an all-encompassing skill to lead. A General must make the tough and decisive decisions putting his squad before the well-being of himself.

It is by no coincidence that Steele of Smif N Wessun has been assigned the rank of General Steele. A proven veteran of the Boot Camp Clik and 1/2 of the famed rap duo, Smif N Wessun, General Steele is prepping his second installment of the Amerikkka’s Nightmare series, entitled “Children of War.” The 12 track history lesson is in stores world-wide February 23rd.

Amerikkka’s Nightmare Part 2 highlights change that must occur in our great Nation. General Steele states: “America the beautiful has an ugly past. It is the people who live in this great country who have struggled relentlessly to establish this country under the basic common human & constitutional rights that all people should have. These rights have at times been suppressed and our vision of a “land of the free” has been compromised. Some people are complacent with the state of our nation, others are speaking out.”

Through freedom of speech, General Steele has converted his mode of expression into song found within the messages in Amerikkka’s Nightmare Part 2 – Children of War. Tracks such as “Cry Freedom” featuring Dead Prez resonate through the speakers as General Steele proclaims that whatever doesn’t kill you only makes you more strong. “Blood/Sweat/Tears Of Joy/I Cry Freedom/Life Is A Sacrifice Of Our Freedom/You Can’t Deny Freedom/Remove Anything In the Way of Our Freedom/I was Blind/But I Opened My Eyes and Cried Freedom!”

Accompanying the album is the video expose “We the People” which features artists and community activists living in America who express their views on the current situation of our nation.

“We the People” Trailer

Track Listing

1. Amerikkka’s Nightmare
2. Pledge Allegiance ft Nicole Michelle
3. Cry Freedom ft Dead Prez
4. Tomorrows Children ft Flood Diesel
5. I Had A Vision ft Louie Skaggs, Hasaan Salaam, Akir, Louie Skaggs and Hicoup
6. Child Of War
7. State Of The Union Address
8. We on The Move Now ft Nicole Michelle
9. Amerikkkan skemin
10. Home of The Brave (Jimmy’s song)
11. Patriot Games
12. Rebellious ft Madison Rocks

info courtesy of MAC Media

Related Links

Ifelicious Thoughts- Boot Camp Clik Triple Threat Box Set (In Stores November 24th)

Fancy talk and folks’ self promotion aside, here’s a little look into the “Let’s Talk About Pep” Launch Party that was held on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at Quo nightclub in NYC from my own experience.  Journal style.

I got the notice about the party on the Thursday before the event…very typical for publicists, at least the ones I have been dealing with.  That by far is always my hardest challenge.  How do I get myself on such short notice out to LA or NYC?  Can I afford it?  Will people read about it?  Will it be good for my career?  These are all questions that go through my mind.

In this case, I had started watching the show on VH1 and was really hyped about it.  I even posted a press release about it on my blog.  Plus, I’m still as giddy as I was in high school about the chance to meet Salt-n-Pepa and the rest of the cast.  Hellz ya!  I wasn’t passing this one up, and I’m glad I didn’t.

I’m getting used to red carpet coverage even though every fiber of my uber organized being can’t stand the chaos surrounding it.  Granted, I haven’t worked the Grammys or Oscars level events yet, but the ones I get to could still use some help in the organization department.  That’s just my honest opinion.  I’m not giving up my secrets, so PR folks just need to hire me and I will help you get great results from all perspectives (celebs, press, guests) for your event. 

As opposed to LA red carpets and LA in general, there was no sprawling space for journalists and videographers to congregate.  Instead, thanks to Old Man Winter, we were crammed into a hallway inside Quo nightclub.  The walls were black, and they had those black lights in the ceiling that gave everything a purple hue.  Great if you’re trying to get your groove on; not so great if you need to get some quality shots.  I had my Nikon digital SLR and my trusty little digital camera as back up that also does video.  My hope was to switch back and forth as needed to get some one-on-one interviews or at least a few drops while making sure I got coverage of the red carpet.  Craziness, but I want as much as I can get to share with my readers.

Salt was the first to hit the red carpet.  She was a gem.  Everyone that was on the red carpet that night was very agreeable and patient.  Salt stayed with us for at least 20 mins taking photos, having small talk, doing on camera interviews.  Extremely approachable.  Kittie was as lively in person as she is on the show.  Pep was also the way I would have imagined her.  I didn’t talk to Joumana or Jacque directly but they all were personable on the red carpet and inside the party.  These girls were ready to celebrate!

When the toe suckin’, “they taste like meatloaf” Markuann Smith showed up, everyone wanted an interview with him and my prime real estate on the red carpet for photographers was starting to be challenged late photographer arrivals.  I can’t help but to think that being the only woman taking photos in these moments also conjures up some entitlement in men where they feel they can nudge me out of position, complain that I’m in the way, and/or offer unsolicited advice.  Besides, many of these folks, it’s all about the money shot.  All I can say, is get there earlier then, b*tches, and this girl will nudge you right back if you try to take my golden spot.

I didn’t really know what other celebs would show up to the party besides those affiliated with the show, but Ja Rule’s face was unmistakable.  “What would I be without by baby?!?  LOL  What did surprise me was returning to the hotel to read an email from Global Grind about Ja Rule about the courts overruling some bid to not be charged with weapons possession from an incident back in 2007 (you can google it for deets, i don’t want to bring this post down with that ishh).  Shoo!  I’m sure he was ready to party that night! 

I took some pictures from inside the party, but I was losing my mojo being shoved around by other photogs who wanted their shot.  The best ones are the folks that cooperate and we take turns, but you only meet 1 or 2 of them at an event if you’re lucky.  If not, be ready to throw some ‘bows.  The good news is my photos went out with the official press release from the PR company that organized the event (whuddup Soulgee? ).  That was a nice little break for me, and a plan B for them.  One day, I’ll be plan A.

Hmm, just ran across this post from “The Source.”  They’re using MY PHOTOS that were sent out with the official press release and giving no photo credit-

http://www.thesource.com/2010/01/lets-talk-about-pep-launch-party/

…and I’m sure they’re not the only ones! I get it, us bloggers often just post stuff, but when I am specifically told in a press release about a photo source, I always name them.  Online world is not perfect, and neither am I in this regard, so as much as I want to be pissed, I can’t even complain.  Just a reminder to “protect ya neck.”

That’s about it.  I didn’t spend a ton of time inside the party as I normally would.  Those who know me in my personal life knew that I had been on the road for weeks at that point.  Couple that with flying in earlier that day, and I was just not feeling a party as I was some shut eye.

Related Links

• Ifelicious Thoughts- RECAP 1/19/2010 “Let’s Talk About Pep” launch party at Quo nightclub in NYC
• Ifelicious Thoughts- Markuann Smith caught with a foot in his mouth on VH1’s “Let’s Talk About Pep”
• Ifelicious Thoughts- Sandra ‘Pepa’ Denton and three of her closest friends search for Mr. Right in the Big Apple
• Ifelicious Thoughts- Let’s Talk About Pep- Interview with Executive Producers Cheryl “Salt” Wray and sister Kimberly James
• Ifelicious Thoughts- Cheryl Wray aka “Salt” from Salt-n-Pepa gives advice for FemCs

“It was a night full of good vibes and good music…LA showed a lot of love.” That’s what Grammy nominee Robert Glasper had to say about the Kiss-n-Grind GRAMMY® Edition that took place on Friday, January 29th. 1200 people showed up to watch Eric Roberson, Vikter Duplaix, The Foreign Exchange, Robert Glasper, Bilal, Lalah Hathaway, and Ann Nesby take the stage, in honor of the nominees in the Urban/Alternative Performance category. They blessed the audience full of fans, which included India.Arie, Tichina Arnold, Ledisi, Sheila E., Kenny Lattimore, Goapele, Vanessa Williams, AJ Johnson, numerous industry executives and tastemakers with songs that moved the masses. The special guest DJ sets by Questlove, DJ Rashida, and Hip Hop Dan, kept the crowd on their feet all night!

Kiss-n-Grind GRAMMY® Edition was hosted in partnership with SoundExchange and the musicFirst Coalition. As Vice-President of the Los Angeles Chapter of The Recording Academy, Vikter Duplaix has been actively involved in raising awareness for the Performance Rights Act alongside SoundExchange and the musicFirst coalition. Duplaix states, “Kiss-n-Grind GRAMMY® Edition is an incredible celebration, but it is important to also be conscious of the needs of others while we enjoy the treasures of our more fortunate lives. I believe that now is time for performers and musicians to be fairly compensated by terrestrial radio for the beautiful sounds they create. What’s fair is only fair.”

The GRAMMY® Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance has been awarded since 2003. Works nominated are considered to be of an alternative urban genre. Alternative hip hop, electro, funk, jazz, soul and reggae are examples of alternative urban genres. Previous nominees have included Vikter Duplaix, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Prince, India.Aire, Chrisette Michele, The Roots, Floetry, Van Hunt, Janelle Monae, Outkast, Dwele, N.E.R.D., Gorillaz, Gnarls Barkley and more!

Red carpet photos

Related Links

• Ifelicious Thoughts- Comedy stars unite to raise money for Haiti at the Laugh Factory in LA
• Ifelicious Thoughts- 2010 list of Grammy winners and my Ifelicious 2 cents
• Ifelicious Thoughts- 2010 Grammy award list of nominees, Ifelicious picks, and commentary
• Ifelicious Thoughts- 2009 Grammy Award List
• Ifelicious Thoughts- Fantasia interview from Grammys- supports Jennifer Hudson, reality show in the works, 20 pounds lighter and out of debt
• Ifelicious Thoughts- July 2009 JENESIS Magazine- Interview with Grammy nominee artist Wayna
• Ifelicious Thoughts- 2010 Grammy Award list of nominees

Download Sade “Keeps us from Falling” (Ill Poetic remix) by clicking HERE.

From the guy that brought you the “Portishead/Budden” and “NIN/Outkast” mash-ups:

“Simply put, I’m a huge Sade fan. I started work on this remix over 7 years ago. Upon hearing about the release of “Soldier of Love,” I figured now would be the time to release this. A Part of me is doing this from a promotional standpoint. But, honestly, the bigger part of me (and anyone who knows me can attest) is doing this as a fan of Sade, the singer and the band. Sade, to me, represents one of the last artists I can be a strict fan of. A legend, a myth. The more we all exist in this music industry, it’s easy to get lost in the business of music. Sade is my reminder of what makes beautiful music so beautiful. She is the perfect reminder of why music is a soundtrack to an Experience. That’s why I made this remix. If you’re a fan of Sade, then this is one fan’s take on her music, given to the rest of her fans who’d like to listen. With that said, I present a small contest:

For the first person who can land this remix into Sade’s (and bandmates) hands WITH PROOF, I got you on a round of drinks for you and your friends.

I’ll PayPal you the money, straight up. If you’re a relative or an A & R at Epic, I’m looking your way. I’m not asking for a record deal, or even the chance to produce with Sade. All I’m asking is make that phone call or e-mail. If you like the song, make that call and you and three of your people got a round on me (please don’t kill me on the top shelf picks). This is just the fan in me wanting to make one of my biggest musical aspirations come true, if only for a moment.”

For more information, please visit www.illpoetic.com.

source:  Ill Poetic

Related Links

• Ifelicious Thoughts- Cincinnati’s Ill Poetic raps letter to TI about Club Ritz incident in 2006 (video, audio)
• Myspace- www.myspace.com/illpoetic
• Facebook- Ill Poetic, Ill Po
• Twitter- twitter.com/illpoetic513
• YouTube- www.youtube.com/illpoetic

“A star in the making/That’s what they be calling the kid”

Destined to be a star, Diggy Simmons, releases “Star Is Born” Freestyle. Talk about FIRE; NO, Really, This sh*t is HOT! Upon dropping his first mix-tape in December with the lead single, “Point to Prove,” followed by another single, “Set Me Free,” Diggy Simmons is holding his own. Getting coverage throughout the internet, the demand to speak to the 14 year old Simmons, is insane. Humble and appreciative for all of the love and devotion his fans have graced him with, yet still feeling he is not taken serious by a few other, he decided to release, “Star is Born.”

Download “Star is Born” by clicking HERE.

Read blog entry with download from illRoots.com “Diggy- Star is Born.”

Related Links

• Ifelicious Thoughts- Diggy Simmons has a “Point to Prove.” Mixtape drops November 27 (mp3 download link)
• Ifelicious Thoughts- Diggy Simmons drops “The First Flight” mixtape (download link)
• Ifelicious Thoughts- New single from Diggy Simmons “Set Me Free” (free mp3 download)

INTERVIEWS

• AwkWORDsilence- Exclusive interview w/ Diggy Simmons
• RealTalkNY- Real talk with Diggy Simmons: Speaks on critics, writing his own rhymes, and state of hip hop
• hustleGRL.com- Diggy Simmons interview
• What’s  in my Headphones- WIMH Interview w/ Diggy Simmons
• HipHop Lives! Stupid- Feature interview: Diggy Simmons ‘First Flight’
• BlogTalkRadio (Timothy Hodge)- Diggy Simmons interview
• AllHipHop.com- Diggy Simmons takes off with debut ‘First Flight’
• Dear Whoever- Dear Diggy Simmons

CONNECT WITH DIGGY

• Twitter- twitter.com/diggy_simmons
• Facebook fan page- Daniel “Diggy” Simmons
• Diggy’s blog- Life of the Jet Setter