Our favorite artists are dying right before our eyes. In one music video after another, singers, rappers and musicians are being shot, decapitated, crushed, drowned and bludgeoned.

Why are pop stars having themselves mock-executed on camera with numbing regularity? Are they looking for sympathy, trying to shock us, or do they have something profound to say?

Check out these raconteurs of ultra-violence:

1.

“Find Your Love” by Drake

What a great single! This 808s & Heartbreak-influenced mid-tempo jam was shot on the “gully” side of Kingston, Jamaica. Drake gets caught up in a torrid love affair with bombshell Maliah Michel and a set-up with her boyfriend,  local kingpin Mavado. Unfortunately for Drake, stone-faced Michel pulls the gun on him, using the rapper for target practice. Ouch!

2.

“Russian Roulette” by Rihanna

The reggae mademoiselle turned to the shadows on her last effort, Rated R. A dish best served cold, the Bajan ice princess sings about the game of love and getting hurt in the process–tell us about it! She is run over by a car in the woods, shot at under water and then sprayed by ammunition through the heart in the interrogation room. Yikes!

3.

“Window Seat” by Erykah Badu.

The ethereal and off-beat Queen of Neo-Soul returned with a vengeance with this homage to iconic president John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Shot guerrilla style, Madame Badu walks through Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas, stripping down to her birthday suit. Then she is shot in the head and blue blood spurts out onto the pavement, spelling the word “groupthink” beside the grassy knoll. I admire Badu’s nerve, but I can’t help but think the video was done mostly to unnerve us.

4.

“99 Problems” by Jay-Z

The Bed-Stuy rapper and sometime street prophet made us turn up our stereos and blast this unforgettable classic. The Mark Romanek-directed clip shows the Roc-A-Fella mogul getting ripped by a barrage of bullets sent by unseen assailants. The rapper noted that the shooting was analogous to the death of his moniker “Jay-Z,” and was a “rebirth” of Shawn Carter. Apparently, H.O.V.A. rose from the phoenix’s ashes with his acclaimed “The Blueprint 3,” but I’d have to assume he has more freemen than Pac-Man.

5.

“Flashing Lights” by Kanye West

The Chi-town wunderkind of hip-hop clobbered ghetto blasters everywhere with this Grandmaster Flash-esque disco-rap, and its accompanying video did the same to our eyes. It was visually epic: hot Playboy model in sexy lingerie–check! A pyre of burning clothes–check! Kanye West, tied-up in the trunk of a car, screaming for help until his lungs give out–check? And it gets worse as Rita G, the sexy sadist, gives him a farewell kiss before stabbing the hip-hop iconoclast with a shovel over and over again.

6.

“It’s My Life” by No Doubt

This delicious, Golden Age Hollywood red carpet affair directed by pop culture surrealist David LaChapelle was genius. However, when you aren’t paying attention to the pretty colors, the designer threads or Gwen’s MGM femme fatale shtick, its quite scary. In the four minute clip, we see Stefani as the blushing black widow picking off the boys one-by-one: lacing a plate of dinner with rat poison, running a victim over and tossing a vintage hairdryer into a bathtub with the victim inside. But what’s a story without a happy ending? The clip ends with the boys laughing at Gwen Stefani from the afterlife as she is thrown into a gas chamber.

7.

“Paparazzi” by Lady Gaga

The neo-cosmopolitan duchess of electro-pop scored big with this chart topper and the eight-minute video was a crowning achievement! Pushed over the ledge of a veranda by True Blood actor Alexander Skarsgård, she falls to what should have been her death but instead, falls out of fame. Luckily,  her love of kooky fashion broke the star’s fall. Unfortunately for him, it meant keeling over after she sprinkles a little poison in his morning tea.

Superstardom is ultramodern. Define superstardom today and textbook examples would be long lost Motown songstress Alicia Keys, world pop phenomenon Beyoncé Knowles and post-Warhol shock art fashionista Lady Gaga. All of those women have changed views of feminism, sex appeal and physical lyricism in one way or another. Alicia Keys encourages women to be superwomen. Superwoman Beyoncé is the biggest sex symbol since Farrah Fawcett and Janet Jackson. Lady Gaga has reinvigorated the meaning of life imitating art.  Amidst their peers, Barbadian chanteuse Rihanna is a hard sell.

Finalizing her first headlining world tour, Rihanna had some thing to prove: that Miss Sunshine could let her freak flag fly high. With Travis “Travie” McCoy nowhere insight to open for her and with glitter brat Ke$ha also M.I.A., there was no warm up for her tour kiss-off on Saturday, August 28. She was also at the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse, which meant a lot of distraction, considering the buzzing lights of Ferris wheels in the backdrop.

Opening instead was DJ Ross Rosco who played the grand-slam list of 80s and 90s Top 40 club anthems who kept the place jumping, while up-and-comer J Brazil sang a 10-minute set of three songs, drawing a mix of cheers and jeers for scream-belting like an Adam Lambert hopeful.

With face-melting guitar licks, lipstick lez-ploitation strappado swinging, and some kinetic chick-chick-kaboom pyrotechnics, Ri Ri kicked off the show with moxie. Introduced by a sci-fi silver screens and a dream machine motif, the dreamscape nirvana and nightmare underbelly of Rihanna’s world is perplexing and at the same time, visually stunning presentation.

Wearing a cascading, floor-length black ball gown, she preformed “Russian Roulette,” the first single of her recent Rated R album, to the images of nude, burning mannequins. Gunned down by pink rifles held by her shirtless male backup dancers, she is lit up like a red Christmas tree, as a platform below her rose to the heavens. ‘Dead,’ she began to the first of six costume changes, stripping into a tiny pink leotard with padded shoulders.

There were many highlights: From her epic straddling of a florescent life-size pink tank in “Hard,” to her take-no-prisoners flouncing amidst outer space tarantulas on stilts in “Disturbia.” Her vandalizing a graffiti-ed car to hell with a slugger in “Shut Up and Drive” to her gas-masked backup dancers hitting their marks on “S.O.S.” to the pair of tightlacer aerial Cirque Du Soliel vixens dangling like autumn leaves from two colossal machine guns in “Te Amo.” Ri Ri produced the goods. Even more surprising, she actually sang most of her songs—with few signs of miming—belting out notes yet experienced via recording on a shrink’s chair, adorned with sham disembodied limbs.

The tour highlighted why Rihanna is cherished today. She’s not a dancer per se and with contagious earwigs like “Rude Boy” and “Don’t Stop the Music,” she let the backup handle it. Which is wise: she played to her strengths. The only weakness in the nigh two-hour spectacle was the awful air guitar “solo” she did on “Rockstar 101.” Couldn’t they have given her a few cords to play? But at last, all was forgiven when she actually did some awesome banging on the drums when she covered Sheila E.’s “Glamourous Life.” She even performed the cameo performances that built her celebrity such as “Love the Way You Lie” and “Live Your Life.”

Finishing up with her signature “Umbrella,” red confetti blasted into the crowd, as a grungy distorted guitar howled, she left a barrage of images in one’s head by the end of the show: crash test dummies, mushroom clouds, creepy claws crushing a heart. She may not be playing with the big girls, but this girl knows how to leave a lasting impression.

Rihanna Set List:
“Russian Roulette”
“Hard”
“Shut Up and Drive”
“Fire Bomb”
“Disturbia”
“Rockstar 101″
“Rude Boy”
“Hate That I Love You”
“Rehab”
“Unfaithful”
“Stupid in Love”
“Te Amo”
“Pon de Replay”
“Don’t Stop the Music”
“Breakin’ Dishes”/”The Glamorous Life”
“Let Me”
“SOS”
“Take a Bow”
“Love the Way You Lie”
“Wait Your Turn”
“Live Your Life”
“Run This Town”
“Umbrella”

Rihanna’s Got A New Hairstyle [PHOTOS]

Rihanna’s Wax Figure Finally Unveiled [PHOTOS]

Ever wonder how some emerging artists rocket straight to the top of the game while others-irregardless of talent or hard work-just flounder around never really connecting with the path to music stardom?

Case in point: industry newcomer Drake Aubrey Graham. In a matter of a year, Drake has skyrocketed to the top. The particularly popular rapper/singer has conquered both the charts and the hearts of his loyal following since the quiet release of his second mixtape, “So Far Gone” in February 2009. Since then Drake has taken the music industry by storm, scoring major endorsements by the game’s biggest figures (ie. Lil Wayne and Jay-Z), a record deal, and the mass exposure that even some industry vets struggle to attain. Similar success is evident in the blossoming career of Drake’s label mate Nicki Minaj, who is quickly becoming the female rapper to reckon with.

Perhaps the biggest breakout comes from a young import by the name of Rihanna. Although Riri debuted to mediocre popularity, when she finally did managed to break out, she did it in a huge way. Rihanna is now one of the biggest international stars, as famous for her swagger as she is for her catch pop catalog.

With that said, we are left wondering ‘whats the secret?’ How is it that these artists make it big while the vast majority see short-lived, medium success if any? We’ve pondered the question and come up with a few necessities for making it big in music. Wanna be a GIANT like Drake? Start here:

1.

Talent

Talent is arguably the least important factor in terms of stardom. If you are in fact lucky enough to have some talent however, the cards are stacked in your favor. Conversely, however, unadulterated talent does not in any way guarantee success. Some of the most famous and successful people in the industry today are totally lacking any discernible talent. We also recommend that you double up on your talents. Those that sing and do something else (think: dance, rap, act etc.) tend to have double the success. If you are looking to be a future GIANT, start with your talent, or what you believe to be your talent and work your way from there.

2.

Distinctive Look

It is often said that image is everything in the music industry. All of the most powerful figured in music have a look that is as distinctive as their sound.Perfect your image and then proceed to the next step.

3.

Swag

Paramount to any artists success is a swag that is jackable. If no one wants to look like you, you’re probably not that hot. On the other hand if you can inspire a nation of wannabes and followers, you’ve just given your aforementioned “distinctive look” some actual currency.

4.

Cross-Over

One of our favorite pictures of Drake features him neatly groomed, set in an autumn backdrop wearing a classic pea coat; so not hip hop. Nonetheless, he is at the top of the hip hop charts, dropping successive chart toppers with the best of them. On the smash hit “Forever” Drake spits:

Labels want my name beside the X like Malcolm
everybody got a deal, I did it without one,
yeah n-gga I’m about my business,
killing all these rappers you would swear I had a hit list,
everyone who doubted me is asking for forgiveness

Although he has mastered the hip hop rapping rudiments, Drake also has harnessed the power of cross-over appeal. It is important to be able to reach multiple markets and most breakout artists have managed to do so. Want to be famous? Think outside the box.

5.

Back Up

A huge part of breakout success is owed to an artists backing. Having a mega star to cosign your hotness is always beneficial. Many of our biggest stars at the moment had a helping hand along the lines of Jay, Wayne, Baby or some other power player.

6.

Sex Appeal

Sex sells, and today’s biggest stars are selling it! Unfortunately for some, sexiness is another huge factor in determining ones star potential. This is particularly true with regard to women. Whereas many of our most talented stars need not consider this factor, most of our most successful are capitalizing solely on their sex appeal.

For a closer look at Drake’s climb to fame check out the trailer for his upcoming 1-hour documentary entitled “Drake: Better Than Good Enough,” airing Wednesday, June 23rd at 10p.m:

Also, take a look at some breakout stars in this gallery:

Rihanna is a self proclaimed rock star who in many ways is deserving of the title. She does manage to walk the walk, and as of late she has a particular penchant for talking the talk:

Rihanna:

“Six inch walker/Big sh** talker
I never play the victim/Id rather be a stalker
I’m a rockstar”

-”Rockstar 101″

While the “good girl gone bad” has swag times a million, Is she really prepared to lead the class on Rock & Roll, as per the name of her newly released single, Rockstar 101? In our opinion, some fancy clothes, a few crotch grabs and a good-girl-gone-bad attitude does not a rock star make. Still, Ri has conjured up a video to convince us.

The stills from the single’s accompanying video suggest that shes got both the look and the entourage needed to pull off the effect. But before we even get a glimpse of the nouveau  rock star, lets take a GIANT step back and consult with a few of the Rock & Roll masters,who taught us exactly what it means to party like a rock star.

Jay-Z:

“That bloke from Oasis said I couldn’t play guitar/
Somebody shoulda told him I’ma f***in’ rockstar”

-”Jockin Jay-Z”

Jay-Z is undoubtedly the premiere rock star of the hip hop variety. The off-and-on hottest rapper in the game has mastered his own unique way of rocking everything from the mic to the boardroom. Hands down, the Jigga man perfected the swag that lives on via his Roc princess, Rihanna. Take a look at Jigga owning a stage in true rocker fashion even without a guitar.

Lenny Kravitz:

“I’m the minister of Rock ‘N Roll/
I can heal you/
I can save your soul”

-”Minister of Rock”

Lenny Kravitz is the epitome of a rock star. If rock is a religion, and Kravitz is its leader, then who of us wishes not to be saved? Watch a master at work and take lessons, all you who aspire:

Prince:

“I rock therfore I am/
I don’t need you to tell me/
I am the band”

-”I Rock Therefore I Am”

Arguably, prince invented cool. Only a rock star can rock heels, pants sans derriere coverage and flowing jheri curled hair while simultaneously oozing masculinity and sex appeal. Prince is a master of pushing limits. These days every pop engenue with a creative wardrobe is claiming rock star status; Prince, however, invented it.

Rihanna is sure to debut an awesome video showing off all of her rock star potential, but she does have some epic footprints to fill. Perhaps a true-blue rock and roller like Travis Barker can help:

Take a look at the photos from Rihanna’s video shoot:

She’s back… And sexier than ever. Rihanna shows off her new look in a GIANT cover shoot.

These few celeb’s are eye candy for sure, but they all have a rare mysterious cases of mosquito bite-itis, bee sting disorder and little-boy syndrome. Sadly, the only cure is silicone.

Picking females to join the fourth spot with N.E.R.D.

Known for their male aura, rumor has it N.E.R.D is now taking in a female voice to strengthen their vocal backup for their new album, due out in 2010. All we can hope for is that Rhea, their soon-to-be female group member, sings as pretty as she looks.  The question we’re all asking ourselves is, do they really need lady company?  What we do know is that there are a lot of lead female singers out there, so if it isn’t Rhea’s time to shine, we know a few super-sexy singers that would fit perfectly fine – check out the gallery for our suggestions.

Set your sight on fall’s new leopard print booties.  As our girl Rihanna did, release your inner “wild cat”. You may enjoy it.

-Jasmine Hampton

GIANT

Christian Louboutin

Hidden Platform Bootie

$1375

Neiman Marcus

Meduim

Christian Dior

$594

Bluefly.com

Small

Betsey Johnson

Ricci Boot

$142

Heels.com

Fans are hyped over the Jay-Z and Alicia Keys duet performance (sans Lil’ Mama) on the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Listening to these two heavy hitters on the “Empire State of Mind” track recalls to mind all the other collaborations in music. Songs with one superstar are good, but songs with two or more superstars are even better.

Watch the music videos for some of the hottest track collaborations over the years:

Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West – “Run This Town”

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind”

Jay-Z and Mary J Blige – “Can’t Knock the Hustle”

T.I., Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z and M.I.A. – “Swagga Like Us”

T.I. and Justin Timberlake – “Dead and Gone”

Ciara and Justin Timberlake – “Love, Sex and Magic”

Diddy, Jermaine Dupri, Murphy Lee and Snoop Dogg – “Welcome To Atlanta (remix)”

Diddy, Faith and 112 – “I’ll Be Missing You”

Busta Rhymes, DMX, Mary J Blige, Missy, Rah Digga, Papoose and Lloyd Banks – “Touch It (remix)”

Busta Rhymes and Janet Jackson – “What’s It Gonna Be”

Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson – “Scream”

R. Kelly and “Mr. Biggs” (The Isley Brothers) saga -

• “Down Low (Nobody Has to Know)”

• “Contagious”

• Kelly Price’s “Friend of Mine (remix)”

Drake and Trey Songz – “Successful”

Left Eye, Lil’ Kim, Missy, Angie Martinez and Da Brat – “Ladies Night”

Brandy and Monica – “The Boy is Mine”

What would celebrity culture be without some humor? The art of spoof videos is taking over blog sites and You Tube proving that there is no celeb too grand to be left un-spoofed. Comedian and master spoofer, Affion Crockett, has a channel on You Tube devoted to spoof videos he has created. Another master spoof artist goes by the name Alphacat and also devotes a You Tube channel to these satirical videos. Let’s take a look at some of the best spoof videos on the list…

After the incident involving Rihanna and Chris Brown, many have had their opinions and passed their own judgement. Affion put in his two cents with this spoof of Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West‘s “Run This Town.” Affion cleverly titled this video “Hunt Chris Brown.”

Another recent controversial event in the media was Kanye West’s VMA oops moment. Three apologies to Taylor Swift later has brought this video to life. Affion used “Hate” featuring Kanye West off of Jay-Z’s The Blueprint 3 for this one…

Affion has also enjoyed creating music video spoofs. He uses T-Pain‘s “Chopped N Screwed” featuring Ludacris for this next video. Looks like some “hot damn food” needs to be on the menu these days…

It has to be said, Affion is talented in making himself look like all different artists. Kanye, Ludacris, T-Pain, Jay-Z and now Lil Wayne. Check out this spoof of Lil Wayne’s “Mr. Carter” featuring Jay-Z…

One of Alphacat’s best and most recent parodies takes a spin on Drake’s “Best I Ever Had.” As many all ready know, Drake was criticized for the obvious failed attempt for a video for the popular song.

Not even the president of the United States can get away from a little spoof. Check this video out of Barack Obama‘s version of Beyonce‘s “Single Ladies.”

What do some of you think of the trend of  spoof videos?

Princess Rhi-Rhi hit up the town last week showing off her nipple piercings with a see through top. Many celebrities aren’t scared to walk around showing their various body piercings. Ever wonder which celebrities have more than just an ear piercing? Check out the gallery to find out…

1. Barack Obama: One thing the president of the United States can’t be accused of lying about are the feelings that still surround the 9/11 attacks. On the eight year tragic anniversary Obama has marked September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

2. Jay-Z: HOV laid out the blueprint to his life surrounding The Blueprint 3, marriage, and owning the New Jersey Nets when he appeared on “The Late Show With David Letterman,” Wednesday night. The multi-mogul, in a recent interview pouted about not getting enough credit for all he’s done as the president of Def Jam. Right, because your millions are pions and you couldn’t possibly be satisfied could you Jigga.

3. Rihanna: The quiet spoken diva was all look and flair while she galavanted around NY for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week’s “Fashion Night Out.” RiRi looked fierce in her all black dress while paparazzi clang to the superstar singer like a bee to honey. Other R&B sexy ladies attended “Fashion Night Out” including Amerie, Solange, and Keri HIlson.

4. 50-Cent: Curtis Jackson’s been a real business thug, I mean man lately. The rapper was in NYC yesterday promoting his new book ‘The 50th Law,’ and he just released a new single with Ne-Yo called “Baby By Me,” for his upcoming fifth studio album Before I Self-Destruct. Hope the book sells more than his last album did.

5. Mary J. Blige: The paparazzi couldn’t seem to get enough of the veteran R&B singer as she left her Manhattan hotel wearing a dazzling black leather jacket, black pumps, and blue rolled up jeans number. As usual the paparazzi were on the prowl in NY also catching Jamaican rapper Sean Paul leaving Bryant Park and Chris Breezy arriving at the JFK International Airport Thursday morning. Aren’t you suppose to be doing community service mister?

6. Keri Hilson: The sultry singer/writer is letting it all out in her new music video “Slow Dance.”

7. Drake: The Canadian newby and Weezy F. Baby can’t seem to get enough of each other. Seems like Wayne is taking the place of Birdman as a teacher and Drake has taken over the role of Wayne as the pupil. The duo released another track called ‘My Darlin’ Baby.” Let’s just hope there’s no kissing on the mouth in the future for these two man-crushes.

8. Kanye West: With a jigsaw-puzzled new haircut Ye had to have known he was going to win at the famed BMI Urban Music Awards last night. Among the other winners to take home awards were LIl’ Wayne and Keri Hilson.

9. Michael Jackson: When will they leave leave MJ at peace in his grace? Now, the scheduled tribute concert for the late great King of Pop has been cancelled because of scheduling conflicts. It’s probably not happening because all the celeb singer’s that were supposed to be involved denied affiliation. Hopefully Jermaine Jackson wasn’t lying about the tribute to get some attention.

10. Whitney Houston: After the circulating rumors that Whitney cracked on the Oprah Winfrey Show turned out to be more of a publicity stunt Grammy winner has been going full force with her brand new video for her hit single “I Look To You.” The R&B singer is currently #1 on the Billboard charts.

Ever wonder if some of your favorite celebrities had any sexy tattoos? Well, here are some of our favorites showing off their hottest pieces of art on their bodies.

We all joke about which celebs favor each other, or what animal our favorite singer sounds like, but sometimes the familiar resemblances are all too realistic. This week GIANT puts together a family reunion between celebrities and their cartoon cousins, twice removed that is. Check which celebs and characters might share a blood line…

Everybody’s gotta have a best bud in this business we call entertainment. Sometimes today’s superstars need that shoulder to lean on after that embarrassing public break-up or even to galavant around town for some good ol’ paparazzi love. If you don’t see these trendsetting and controversial celebs with their favorite “pals” and “gals” then their probably sleep or getting dropped by their music label. GIANT highlights the bond of the industry relationship and its topsy turvy ways.

Let’s face it, celebs are often ahead of us when it comes to rocking the latest styles. But that doesn’t mean it’ll look good on the rest of us. Some celeb fashion should really just be privy to a few ‘special’ folk. We’ve rounded up a few celeb fashions that are definitely in the ‘do-not-try-this-at-home’ category.

Acid Wash Jeans
Teyana Taylor is working real hard to bring this style back. And we say, ‘meh’. The sight of acid wash jeans still conjures up scary memories of Vanilla Ice and neon ‘crazy laces’, and who wants to go back there?

Meggings
A few dudes got a little too inspired by women and their cut-off leggings. So, like Omarion (pictured here with Chris Brown and Polow da Don), they’re joining in the party and rocking meggings, as in ‘man-leggings’. But seriously, are couples gonna be borrowing each others leggings now?

Onesies
We always thought onesies were reserved for babies and Broadway musicals. We can’t help wanting to put a bib on Lady Gaga. And while we’re at it, girl, it must be a mission to go to the potty in those?

Pantslessness
The idea of rocking your boyfriend’s oversized shirt has always been cute…in the movies. But this season celebs like Vanessa Hudgens are taking it to the street. All we have to say is, girl, GO put your pants on y’all.

Pasties
Voluptiuos girls need not apply for this look. Rihanna can pull it off because, well, she’s Rihanna.

Today’s hottest celebs rock the flyest clothes, drive the paparazzi wild, and make controversy the new “it” factor. But, before these trendsetters started shopping at Louis Vuitton and chowing down on calamari they were struggling to find their place in the entertainment world. Through their bumpy transitions, a little money in the bank, and help from a good publicist today’s attention getters have made an even better name for themselves. Check out the GIANT alterations that made these lack luster appearances pop into household stars.

On the verge of an ending summer the hottest in the game are rearing forward with music leaks, performances, and your expected “shop-till-you-drop” frenzies, while other celebs are ending their summer with break-ups, behavior leading towards break-ups, and just the usual bodyguards taking the fall for their richly puppet masters. Check out the buzz from this week’s GIANT A-listers.

1. Snoop Dogg: The D-o-double-g is taking his A-list status from last week and running with it. The West Coast rapper was caught showing some Cali love to a pretty lil’ young thang in the club while Mrs. Dogg was at home with the pups. Smh … Snoop, get it together.

2. Ashanti: Looks like the midwest swang and the Jersey girl hair wasn’t enough to keep Nelly and Ashanti together. The couple broke up and it rumor has it that Nelly was dipping out with a certain “tip drill” named Jessica Rabbit.

3. Jay-Z: Of course you had to have known that it wouldn’t have been long before Drake did a song with HOV. Ironically Drake’s comedic lyrics behind “Best I Ever Had” match up pretty well with Jay-Z’s nonchalant play on women on his leaked track from The Blueprint 3, “Off That.”

4. Day 26: Day 26 are feeling “So Good” in their new video. Hopefully Diddy doesn’t replace any of them with folks from his shows Starmaker and Making His Band.

5. Rihanna: RiRi’s been running through every town this summer galavanting all types of couture fashion. The newly nicknamed “Ms. New Booty” was in Las Vegas popped into Las Vegas to chill with Kings of Leon, came back to NY to work on her album in the studio, and then partied like a rock star in the NYC club scene. Slow down Rihanna, you can’t possibly think Chris Breezy is gonna keep following you around.

6. Ciara: It was only a matter of time before CiCi realized that naysayers and gossipers would get tired of her short cut/weave. The singer sported her longer weave shopping in Beverly Hills over the weekend with her little doggie. Tiz a shame that she was driven to conform, but, ah well, she looks ten times better.

7. Chris Brown: Maybe there is hope for the youngster to make a comeback from his slap-boxing days with ex-girl Rihanna. Breezy’s new track, “Drop It Low” featuring new artist Ester Dean is making some waves in the music world. But the question is will it be enough to push the young star back into the limelight???

8. Kelis: Doesn’t seem like Kelis is struggling at all after her big b-day celebration at the Hotel Griffou in NY. Nas‘ baby momma’s been trying to rake him to the coals in there divorce settlement by asking for close to $100,000 a month. Kelis, stop partying and get a job!

9. Lady GaGa: It’s just becoming wrong that nobody knows if its Lady GaGa or Mr. Gaga. The poker face blondie performed over the weekend in England. Seems like the singer is having fun keeping her fans and the paparazzi guessing about her sexuality. Any who, it doesn’t matter because her music speaks for itself.

10. Beyonce: After the vacation gone bad, The Carters are back in NYC but not without a Croatian court date for Bey’s bodyguard, Julius. The bodyguard’s camera equipment throwing match between the paparazzi brought on charges and a court sentence.

Note to celebs: The economy is in bleeding, fa real. Just peep your latest concert ticket sales. Sure, schlepping it out and cutting back on your morning latte routine is cool, but we need you out there, doing what you do best: Spending money. And you know what? We’re no longer gonna throw shade when we see you on yet another European vacay, because we realize you’re doing your part. So here are five informal economic indicators of how celebs are doing their best to help boost the economy.

They dine at expensive restaurants
Jay-Z and Beyonce recently shared a romantic dinner at Nello, a swanky upper East Side eatery known for its hefty prices and clientele with even heftier pockets. Here, celebs drop upwards of a $150 for a meal for one. Add to that the notable wine list, and you’re on your way to a $600 date.

They still don’t fly economy
Paps recently snapped Rihanna at the 34th Street heliport returning from a weekend in the Hampton’s; a ride that averages about $2,500. And that’s just one-way.

They shop at high-end boutiques
Yeezy and Amber Rose recently went on a shopping spree at H.Lorenzo in LA. This high-end boutique is the go-to spot for LA’s fashion elite looking for avant-garde designers like Ann Demeulemeester, Viktor & Rolf and Junya Watanabe, whose t-shirts start at about $195.

They sleep in expensive-ass hotels
Rihanna makes her exit from the exclusive Gramercy Park Hotel. A night at the chic midtown boutique hotel costs anywhere from $600 – $2200.

They still pop bottles like it’s 1998
Solange and big sis’ Bey recently hit up Hyde Lounge in Hollywood to celebrate DJ Rashida’s bday. Bottle service is the order of the day at this teeny celeb trap, where regulars like Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton drop anywhere from $200 to $1000, and that might just be on a slow night.

With the rise of a new generation of artists, comes new competition. Artists compete head-to-head in all different categories for sales and records, but if there was ever a ful-fledged schoolyard scrap, which one of the new kids on the block would reign as king or queen of the playground? Check below to see which artists would be donned as champion. 

Battle of the Soulful Songstresses: Chrisette Michele vs. Jazmine Sullivan 

Both sexy ladies are powerhouses in the vocal department, but with Chrisette’s jazz and funk combination and Jazmine’s raspy range this neck-and-neck competition is one to be reckoned with. 

Chrisette Michele: The New York native Epiphany woman has been in the business singing her heart out for some time making features on hip-hop classic albums such as LAX (The Game) and Kingdom Come (Jay-Z). With heartthrobs such as Drake and Pooch Hall making appearances in her videos, it’s clear the heartfilled bombshell has made a name for herself. 

Jazmine Sullivan: Often compared to Lauryn Hill for her earthy tone and use of reggae-infused music, Jazmine took the world by storm proving how Fearless she was by threatening to “Bust the Windows” out of some guy’s car. 

Champ: Chrisette Michele. Jazmine’s lyrics may appeal to hood chicks and psycho exes a mass audience, but it doesn’t hold weight to the Grammy winner’s soulful sound and inspiring voice. 

Battle of the Emo Proteges: Kid Cudi vs. Drake

Spitting conscious rap with an eccentric flow is how these two rappers have created a lane of their own. With mentors such as Kanye and Lil’ Wayne, both rappers are bound to dominate.

Kid Cudi: Weighing in as Kanye’s newest protege of G.O.O.D. Music, this martian has had the airwaves buzzing with hits such as “Make Her Say” and “Day ‘N’ Nite.” On his upcoming album Man on the Moon: End of Day, scheduled to be released September 15th, Cudi plans to take his fans beyond this galaxy. 

Drake: From performing at the BET awards, canoodling with style mavens such as Rihanna and Teyana Taylor and making headlines off the success of his mixtape So Far Gone, there’s no doubt that Drake has the public’s attention. But is his buzz bigger than his bite?

Champ: Drake. Who knows if Drake is over-hyped, but with the entertainment industry at his beckon call we know for sure he has the ball in his court. 

Battle of the Singers With Swag: Keri Hilson vs. Rihanna

These style mavens are not only fashionistas in Hollywood but are also making a killing in the industry with their undeniable charisma. 

Keri Hilson: The “fly as hell, swagga right, brown skin poppin” diva has been writing in the shadows for some of your favorite artists but has finally decided to shine in the light solo. Touring off of buzz created from In A Perfect World, the Georgia Peach not only has sex appeal, but knows what to do, both, in the booth and out of the booth.

Rihanna: She’s no Whitney Houston, but your girl knows how to drum out a banger. With her feature on “Run This Town” with Kanye and Jay, we wonder what this bad girl has in store for her next album. She may not have the raw talent, but Rih has that unexplainable “It” factor that draws a crowd.

Champ: Keri Hilson. Rihanna may have Jay and the style game in her back pocket, but nothing compares to Keri’s knowledge and experience in the game..

 Battle of the Seductive Crooners: Trey Songz vs. Mario

They may not pop lock like Chris Brown but they have the grown and sexy seduction game on lock. 

Trey Songz: In the land before braids, there was doubt that Trey could be the sexy seducer that he is today, but instead of showing up, he’s shown out. Beasting remixes and making appearances on tracks, Trey has managed to stay relevant, without being over-exposed.

Mario: Mario has had a rollercoaster of success in the industry, with hi’s and lo’s, and hits and misses. Though underrated, Mario consistently proves that he has the talent to stay in the game.

Champ: Trey. He’s on his grind and has moved up into the bigger leagues, taking jabs at R&B heavyweights like R. Kelly. Give this crooner three years and he’ll be dominating both chicks and charts.

These A-listers can’t keep themselves out of the public. Find out which celebs are making headlines and have made todays GIANT list…

1. Jennifer Hudson: For dropping her load! Congratulations on her new baby boy. 

2. Taraji P. Henson: Simply for remaining classy and sexy while oiled up in her new Men’s Fitness Photoshoot.

3. Diddy: Who else can drop every group signed to Bad Boy but have two brand new shows on MTV in the works? I also blame him for Sara Stokes psychotic stab fest with her husband, if only she had a career…

4. Rihanna: For deciding getting frisky with a dj in Pink Elephant was more fun than attending the Teen Choice awards. Good Girl Gone Bad you say, more like good girl turned vampire. 

5. Lebron James: Holding down the crown as King James on the court and becoming the Michael Jordan of our time. 

6. Cassie: Looking fabulous and stunning while attending the GIANT/SoBe Lifewater event. 

7. Kim Kardashian: Trying to maintain banger status sans Reggie, but the blonde hair isn’t for everyone. 

8. Russell Simmons: Despite his divorce and nasty rumors, Uncle Russell remains consistent with keeping a new pretty young thang on his arm.

10. Ludacris: Keeping fellas fresh in this time of recession with his upcoming TAG fragrance.

You make think the style of today’s trendsetting celebs is unique but it ain’t hard to tell that Beyonce’s mini-mini’s and rocking legs make her this generation’s Tina Turner. Or, Maxwell’s dapper look and smooth singing makes him today’s Nat King Cole.

Flip through the gallery below to check out some celebs who seem to be cut from the same cloth as the stars of yesteryear.

The beginning of  year was a rocky start for Rihanna, but she is back to her normal ultra-fab self. Spicing up the street with her ridiculous looks. Check out some our GIANTS favorite looks from the summer so far. Can’t wait to see what this chick will wear tomorrow!

Elements of Style: Momma’s Got a Brand New Bag

The role of the tote has transcended from serving its practical purpose of transporting cosmetics and breath mints to a status symbol. The designer bag industry has become so lucrative in fact, that Canal Street knock-offs can even break your budget. We’ve been keeping an eye on celebrity bag ladies to give you a glimpse of how ballers haul more than just ass. – Jamal Hansberry

The Dynasty, no not Ming but Shawn’s/ Dame, Kareem’s, it’s the gangsta team,” Jay once wrote, err freestyled, during his BP2 days when a sufficient winning formula was Jay the rapper and Dame Dash and Kareem Burke as the business behind the talent.

Fast forward to ’09 and as Jay readies the follow-up, the new Roc trifecta consists of Jay, ‘Ye, and Rihanna. Simply, the stakes are that much higher—not only to deliver on the promise of the Blueprint franchise in terms of musical quality, but to also put out a radio-ready single that will push the album tremendously in hopes of recouping the $5 million Jay spent to release BP3 on his own terms, free of a recording contract.

Hence, after the let-me-get-this-off-my-chest “D.O.A. [Death of Auto-Tune]” (a la “Takeover”), Hov delivers “Run This Town” (listen below). On her first record since the Chrianna drama, Ri Ri makes the track every bit hers as it is Jay’s, her voice the most prominent part of it. And Kanye—as is probably his M.O. anytime he’s on a track with Big Bro—cuts the swag talk, gets serious, and spits for his life.

Overall, promising. But, just. Surely Hov has yet to play his ace card with an album this big.

-Devin Chanda

On Monday, Chris Brown issued the long-awaited, yet completely anti-climactic, apology to ex-girlfriend Rihanna. The two-minute video did nothing if not prove that a mock neck looks good on no one but a man of God (Coincidence? I think not!) and that the boy can read from a cue-card like no other singer-turned-actor. In lieu of his botched attempt at exuding sincerity and regret, GIANT gives you the guide to Celebrities and the Art of the Public Apology.

Rule No. 1: Sing a Song
Like Akon. In April 2007, during a performance in Trinidad, Akon told the audience that he was going to have a dance off, and the winning young woman would receive a trip to Africa. The problem? “Africa” is the pet name for his junk, and the recipient of all the simulated sex (see: dry-humping) was a 14-year-old.

So, he did what any self-respecting singer would do. He released a song entitled “Blame It On Me,” but instead, pointed the finger at everyone else.

“Just a little young girl trying to have fun / Her daddy should never let her out that young / I’m sorry for Club Zen getting shut down / I hope they manage better next time around / How was I to know she was underage / In a 21 and older club they say”

Rule No. 2: Recruit Back-Up
In November 2006, during a performance at the Laugh Factory in West Hollywood, comedian Michael Richards (better known as Kramer from Seinfeld) addressed a pair of hecklers by stopping his act, alienating them in front of the audience, and subsequently calling them “niggers” repeatedly, amidst some references to lynching.

He then appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman, with Jerry Seinfeld acting as a buffer (and serving up some grade-A playground support: “Don’t laugh! It’s not funny!”) and delivered an apology full of awkward silences. Or was that comedic timing?

2a. In this case: Ironically use a questionably racist term while apologizing for unquestionably racist behavior. “Afro-Americans?”

Rule No. 3: Always Call Al Sharpton
Michael Richards did! Well, actually, an apology was demanded out of him, but still, not even Mexican Presidents are immune from confronting Al Sharpton. He’s like the People’s Choice, but involuntarily. In April 2007, while discussing the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship, radio personality Don Imus referred to the Rutgers University team as “some nappy-headed ho’s.” He then appeared on Al Sharpton’s syndicated radio talk show to express his regret, to which the host asked that he be fired. Less then two weeks later, Imus’ show was cancelled. Bad news initially, yes, but when it comes to Sharpton, it can be expected that in the forthcoming months, he will use every media outlet necessary to broadcast his take on the subject at hand. So much so that the real culprit fades into the background.

3a. If Sharpton’s outta town, there’s always Jesse Jackson.

Rule No. 4: Throw Your Friends Under the Bus
Take note of celebrity pseudo-friendships. When Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson performed together during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show in February 2004, he tore open her top, exposing her right breast (and her affinity for odd nipple jewelry). Though the two claimed it to be a “wardrobe malfunction,” no one could ignore the fact that it was done while Timberlake sang the lyric, “Gonna have you naked by the end of this song.” As a result, CBS would only allow Jackson and Timberlake to appear during the 46th Grammy Awards ceremony if they each made a public apology to the network. Though Jackson refused, Timberlake obliged and went on to win two awards that night. Jackson stayed home and her boyfriend Jermaine Dupri resigned from his position on the Grammy Awards committee.

When Jennifer Lopez caught flack for her not-so-tasteful language in the 2001 remix of “I’m Real,” in which she sang: “People be screamin’ ‘What’s the deal with you and so-and-so?’ / I tell them niggas mind their biz but they don’t hear me, though,” she deflected the attention (and blame) off of her and onto rapper Ja Rule, claiming he had written all the lyrics.

Rule No. 5: Diagnose Yourself
In 2001, Mariah Carey invaded MTV’s TRL, pushing an ice cream cart, wearing high heels and a pajama shirt, and looking all sorts of cracky. Immediately after, the press was all over her, questioning the odd behavior. What did she claim to be the reason? Exhaustion. The same excuse Lindsay Lohan used after being admitted to the hospital while filming Georgia Rule - a movie set she often failed to arrive to on time (or at all). And it served as the same creative response Amy Winehouse’s PR people gave us when canceling her performances mid-tour, but only after the surfacing of a few of her slurred-singing videos, a severe weight loss, and a sudden collapse. That’s right, folks. As a last resort, cite severe, crippling (convenient) exhaustion for all your immoral, inexcusable actions.

- Danielle Cheesman

Despite leaked footage and outtakes, the final cut of West’s video for his latest single off of 808s & Heartbreak has emerged. In “Paranoid,” Kanye uses dramatic lighting, haunting pictures and chills to create the ultimate state of paranoia combining the video and song into a bonafide thriller. With Rihanna as the lead role, Kanye switches genres and like he says, turns “your life to Stephen Kings.”

-Felicia Kelley

Chris Brown is speaking out for the first time in months since the highly-publicized incident with former girlfriend Rihanna took place. Though he did release a statement through his PR team in February, yesterday marked the moment the 20-year-old singer decided to speak directly to his fans. He was spotted courtside at the Magic vs. Cavaliers game last night, but afterwards, he and friend, rapper Bow Wow, posted a live broadcast on Bow’s Justin.tv channel. Chris briefly spoke out on his upcoming plans for music (he has both a single and album in the works), his fans, and his “haters.” He then signed off by telling his viewers, “I ain’t a monster.”

What do you think?

Even though the prayers of millions of teenage boys were answered last week when nude photos of Cassie and Rihanna hit the Internet, the prayers of record executives weren’t. Neither singer saw a rise in sales for their respective songs, according to Neilsen Soundscan.

Rihanna actually took a slight tumble, with her song sales dropping to 44,000 last week, compared to 45,000 from the week prior. Cassie, whose pictures were far racier than Rihanna’s, stayed consistent in song download, selling only 2,000 during the respective sales period. 

Via Sohh

It was only a matter of time, you knew this was going to happen. The Chris Brown/Rihanna ordeal that filled our newspapers for months was eventually going to make its way onto wax. Last night Kanye posted on his blog a demo of the new track by Rihanna featuring Lady Gaga called “Silly Boy.” The song is uptempo pop, not unlike anything you’d hear on Gaga’s The Fame.

One particular verse that alludes to RiRi’s ex, C. Brown: “Cause you a had a good girl, a good girl, girl, That’s a keeper / You had a good girl, good girl, but you didn’t know how to treat her.”

Listen below (or get your free download from Ye) and decide for yourself.

-Jeremy Clayton

Silly Boy – Rihanna ft Lady Gaga