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	<title>GIANTLife &#187; Trey Songz</title>
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		<title>Fall Concerts We Can Not Wait To See</title>
		<link>http://giantmag.com/culture/music/marcusscott/fall-concerts-we-can-not-wait-to-see/</link>
		<comments>http://giantmag.com/culture/music/marcusscott/fall-concerts-we-can-not-wait-to-see/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:23:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcus Scott</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[black hollywood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[celeb]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Celebrity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Concert]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[El Debarge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hip Hop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hop-hop soul]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[j cole]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jay-Z]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jazmine Sullivan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mary J. Blige]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Miguel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Monica]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[R&B]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trey Songz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Usher]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://giantmag.com/culture/music/marcusscott/fall-concerts-we-can-not-wait-to-see/" alt="Fall Concerts We Can Not Wait To See"><img src="http://giantmag.com/files/2010/09/Mary-J-Blige-1-150x150.jpg" align="left" alt="Fall Concerts We Can Not Wait To See" hspace="5" vspace="5" border="0" /></a>

Summer is officially over. With concert tours by MIA, Kelis &amp; Robyn, Rihanna, Maxell and Jill Scott among the big go-to “urban” cool radio monsters to sell-out concert halls and arenas, it’s cool to see that the autumn may also have its share of luster. Among the various tours that have been announced, there are two concerts we can not wait to attend:

Mary J. Blige, the undisputed queen of hip-hop soul, recent... <a href="http://giantmag.com/culture/music/marcusscott/fall-concerts-we-can-not-wait-to-see/">Read more..</a>]]></description>
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<p>Summer is officially over. With concert tours by MIA, Kelis &amp; Robyn, Rihanna, Maxell and Jill Scott among the big go-to “urban” cool radio monsters to sell-out concert halls and arenas, it’s cool to see that the autumn may also have its share of luster. Among the various tours that have been announced, there are two concerts we can not wait to attend:</p>
<p>Mary J. Blige, the undisputed queen of hip-hop soul, recently announced her ninth consecutive tour (the cheese-fest fromage titled <em>Music Saved My Life</em>). Why are we so excited in the first place? Well, “Bust Your Windows” princess Jazmine Sullivan and up-and-comer soulman Miguel (who crooned “All I Want Is You” aside J. Cole) will tour in her native United States. That’s why! Mobo-winner and Briton R&amp;B scribe Lemar and the iconic El DeBarge will also make appearances…and with Mary J. Blige celebrating her 18 years of fabulosity, its easy to fall head-over-heels in love with the great expectations we know that she will fulfill on stage.</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><br />
10/01/10: Mobile, Ala. (BayFest Mobile Music Festival)<br />
10/02/10: Atlanta, Ga.<br />
10/03/10: Virginia Beach, Va.<br />
10/05/10: Raleigh, N.C.<br />
10/07/10: Washington, D.C.<br />
10/08/10: Atlantic City, N.J.<br />
10/10/10: Mashantucket, Conn. (Fox Theatre at Foxwoods)<br />
10/11/10: New York, N.Y. (Radio City Music Hall)<br />
10/12/10: New York, N.Y. (Radio City Music Hall)<br />
10/15/10: Detroit, Mich.<br />
10/16/10: Chicago, Ill.<br />
10/19/10: Los Angeles, Calif. (Gibson Amphitheatre)<br />
10/20/10: Los Angeles, Calif. (Gibson Amphitheatre)<br />
10/22/10: Las Vegas, Nev.<br />
10/23/10: Oakland, Calif.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Then there’s the ultimate WTF, I mean, “OMG” zeitgeist; R&amp;B dance-pop prince Usher—who abandoned his crunk and quiet storm ponderings for a Europop electro sound—tapped crooner heartthrob Trey Songz for his 25-date <em>OMG Tour</em>. Songz, who just wrapped up his <em>Passion, Pain &amp; Pleasure Tour</em> in New York City with Monica, will embark on his third tour of the year after a guest appearance on Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 Tour.</p>
<p>There will be mayhem, bedlam and absolute pandemonium as sultry-and-sexy ladies go hoarse after bloodcurdling screams reverberate in the atmosphere and the smell of pheromones ooze from the arena walls. Get ready for all the shirtless and tightrope choreography of lifetime! And make sure to bring water. Fellas, be on your best behavior. <em>Wink</em>. Let the murderball began. The tour kick starts  November 10th at Seattle’s Key Arena!
</p>
<p style="text-align: center"></p>
<p style="text-align: center">11/10/10: KeyArena Seattle, WA<br />
11/12/10: ORACLE Arena Oakland, CA<br />
11/13/10: Mandalay Bay Events Center Las Vegas, Nevada<br />
11/14/10: Honda Center Anaheim, CA<br />
11/17/10: San Diego Sports Arena San Diego, CA<br />
11/18/10: STAPLES Center Los Angeles, CA<br />
11/19/10: Jobing.com Arena Glendale, AZ<br />
11/23/10: Toyota Center Houston, TX<br />
11/24/10: American Airlines Center Dallas, TX<br />
11/26/10: Scottrade Center St. Louis, MO<br />
11/27/10: Sprint Center Kansas City, MO<br />
11/29/10: Air Canada Centre Toronto, ON<br />
11/30/10: Centre Bell Montreal, QC<br />
12/02/10: TBD Detroit, MI<br />
12/03/10: Allstate Arena Chicago, IL<br />
12/05/10: Phillips Arena Atlanta, GA<br />
12/07/10: Greensboro Coliseum Greensboro, NC<br />
12/08/10: 1st Mariner Arena Baltimore, MD<br />
12/10/10: Prudential Center Newark, NJ<br />
12/11/10: Scope Arena Norfolk, VA<br />
12/13/10: Madison Square Garden New York, NY<br />
12/14/10: TD Garden Boston, MA<br />
12/16/10: Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia, PA<br />
12/17/10: Verizon Center Washington DC<br />
12/18/10: XL Center Hartford, CT
</p>
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<p style="text-align: left"><a href="http://hellobeautiful.com/gossip-news/hellobeautifulstaff2/drake-still-doesnt-feel-completely-successful-video/" target="_blank"><em><strong>Drake Still Doesn’t Feel Completely Successful [VIDEO]</strong></em></a></p>
<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style addthis_32x32_style" addthis:url='http://giantmag.com/culture/music/marcusscott/fall-concerts-we-can-not-wait-to-see/' addthis:title='Fall Concerts We Can Not Wait To See ' ><a class="addthis_button_preferred_1"></a><a class="addthis_button_preferred_2"></a><a class="addthis_button_preferred_3"></a><a class="addthis_button_preferred_4"></a><a class="addthis_button_compact"></a></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Giant&#8217;s 7 All-Time Favorite Abbreviated Songs</title>
		<link>http://giantmag.com/culture/music/spin-cycle/marcusscott/giants-all-time-fave-abbreviated-songs/</link>
		<comments>http://giantmag.com/culture/music/spin-cycle/marcusscott/giants-all-time-fave-abbreviated-songs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Aug 2010 19:58:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcus Scott</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Spin Cycle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[black hollywood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[celebs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[disco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[funk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hip Hop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jay-Z]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kanye West]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LOL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michael Jackson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[OMG]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Queen Latifah]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[R&B]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trey Songz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Usher]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[YMCA]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://giantmag.com/culture/music/spin-cycle/marcusscott/giants-all-time-fave-abbreviated-songs/" alt="Giant's 7 All-Time Favorite Abbreviated Songs"><img src="http://giantmag.com/files/2010/08/Queen_Latifah-150x150.jpg" align="left" alt="Giant's 7 All-Time Favorite Abbreviated Songs" hspace="5" vspace="5" border="0" /></a>

The world is changing. In this tech-savvy world of ours where sexting is cool and Craigslist killing is in vogue, where online dating is becoming more popular than face-to-face interaction and employers use Skype™ for interviews, you can say we’re lost together. Gone are the simply days where you could simply run to the library or a local bookstore to read celebrated novels and novellas. Now, we have the Kindle as designe... <a href="http://giantmag.com/culture/music/spin-cycle/marcusscott/giants-all-time-fave-abbreviated-songs/">Read more..</a>]]></description>
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<p><span id="more-526385"></span></p>
<p>The world is changing. In this tech-savvy world of ours where sexting is cool and Craigslist killing is in vogue, where online dating is becoming more popular than face-to-face interaction and employers use Skype™ for interviews, you can say we’re lost together. Gone are the simply days where you could simply run to the library or a local bookstore to read celebrated novels and novellas. Now, we have the Kindle as designed by Apple™. And, our conversations are now lacking depth. Instead of simply writing this out, we have gotten accustomed to abbreviating everything. Here are 7 songs we love (and love to hate) that are probably to blame for the C.O.O..L.-ness of abbreviation.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center"><span style="color: #888888">1.</span></h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center">“OMG” by Usher</h2>
<p>Seriously, Usher needed a comeback. His newly-found socially conscious grown-ass man swag was embodied in the 2008 lukewarm so-so effort <em>Here I Stand</em>, shifted from stoic father figure to lighthearted balladeer. Despite his latest album <em>Raymond V. Raymond</em>, as inspired by the divorce epic <em>Kramer vs. Kramer</em>, releasing to mixed reviews, it was indeed a step forward from the snapping of piano strings on his last album. “OMG,” an abbreviation for “Oh My God” or “Oh My Gosh,” moved us to the dance floor with its radio arena chants and electro quenched tenor delivery from the R&amp;B prince we’ve grown to love.</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><object width="640" height="385"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1RnPB76mjxI?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="385" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1RnPB76mjxI?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
<h1 style="text-align: center"><span style="color: #888888">2.</span></h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center">“LOL Smiley Face” by Trey Songz</h2>
<p>Surprisingly inspiring an answer song from Usher, the tacky titled song with its gimmicky, staccato-repetitive, bouncy-bounce pop pyrotechnics is still making splashes on airwaves everywhere. Why? We don’t know, but there’s got be a reason why so many people are in love with it. We’re still waiting to understand why it became so popular, considering we’ve been laughing out loud by the addition of the smiley face.</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><object width="640" height="385"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eSMEVuRjz-I?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="385" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eSMEVuRjz-I?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
<h1 style="text-align: center"><span style="color: #888888">3.</span></h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center">“P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” by Michael Jackson</h2>
<p>One of those rare B-sides that should have been a released single (as with all of the other unreleased songs from Thriller), The King Of Pop’s 1982 tour de force divvied up an amusing post-disco standard. Sampled on numerous occasions by Monica, Kanye West and Donnell Jones to name a few, the up-tempo R&amp;B jam with the funky-synth featured two pretty young things, sisters Janet and Latoya as backup singers. Talking about giving one lucky lady some extra TLC who craves Mike’s tender love and care, we are still rocking out to a record that is nearly 30 years old. Long live the king.</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><object width="480" height="385"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yQSWQ7BFZ-U?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="385" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yQSWQ7BFZ-U?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
<h1 style="text-align: center"><span style="color: #888888">4.</span></h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center">“U.N.I.T.Y.” by Queen Latifah</h2>

<p>Man, was Dana Owens feisty! Before she went on to become a banking black Hollywood powerhouse in films Set It Off, Life Support and Chicago, Queen Latifah was the reigning sovereign of hip-hop. Her landmark <em>All Hail The Queen</em> launched a post-feminist movement in hip-hop but it was her third album <em>Black Reign</em>, was her most dynamic record (and most successful). The hit <em>U.N.I.T.Y.</em> which sampled The Crusaders’ “Message from the Inner City,” totally changed the landscape of the male dominated hip-hop culture and won her the coveted Best Solo Rap Performance award at the 37<sup>th</sup> Grammy&#8217;s (over Snoop Doggy Dogg’s “Gin and Juice” no less). We’ve been coming together every summer since at barbecues, blasting this hip-hop and rap classic.</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><object width="480" height="385"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/f8cHxydDb7o?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="385" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/f8cHxydDb7o?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
<h1 style="text-align: center"><span style="color: #888888">5.</span></h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center">“O.P.P.” by Naughty by Nature</h2>
<p>Are you down? No, we’re not talking about the Ontario Provincial Police but other people’s… er, property. The demurely ambiguous second “P” is now iconic and has been parodied hundreds of times over, most famously “Down wit’ MTV” for hip-hop emblem <em>Yo! MTV Raps</em>. Why? Well, imagine if you will, one having the willingness to have sex with someone in a relationship with their significant other&#8230; No wonder why its notorious! The infectious single released in the fall of ’91 by Naughty By Nature, that sampled Melvin Bliss’ “Synthetic Substitution,” “Oh Honey” by Brit one-hit-wonders Delegation and the No. 1 Jackson 5 smash hit “ABC,” turned a bunch of baseball-bat-wielding droogs into accidental hip-hop legends.</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><object width="480" height="385"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6xGuGSDsDrM?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="385" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6xGuGSDsDrM?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
<h1 style="text-align: center"><span style="color: #888888">6.</span></h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center">“YMCA” by The Village People</h2>
<p>Disco fever was in full effect when this 1978 novelty hit sports arenas around the globe. Six men were to blame: a biker, a cop, a cowboy, a construction worker, a Native American, and a G.I. The result was one of the most ambiguous and catchy songs of all time. Heterosexual leader singer Victor Willis penned the song allegedly after reflecting on activities that cater to young inner city black youth like basketball and swimming at the Young Men’s Christian Association. But the band of boys, who sprang to fame from their lair in the underground gay circuit scene, sang the song with a reverie that made others pick up the implication that the tune was a celebration of the YMCA’s rep as a popular cruising and shack-up spot for young gay men. The double entendre is now iconic.</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><object width="480" height="385"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TjRD5u0MOVU?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="385" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TjRD5u0MOVU?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
<h2 style="text-align: center">“Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” by Jay-Z</h2>

<p>The self proclaimed god of all hop-hop emcees finally cut his teeth. The –izzle lingo that surrounded one of Kanye West’s greatest cuts (sampling The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back”) delivered one of best the rags to riches anthems since Notorious B.I.G.’s “Juicy,” proving <em>The Blueprint</em> was one for the records. Here, Jay-Z stepped out of the shadows of his regular street swag with a noughties anthem that sparkled like a Sierra   Leone blood diamond. Its grit gave us chills and considering it surpassed his debut Reasonable Doubt with flying colors, had less of the Mafiaso shtick and had more of a carefree, naïve child sensibility than previous records.</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><object width="640" height="385"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1tWmyPMf3wU?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="385" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1tWmyPMf3wU?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><a href="http://newsone.com/entertainment/newsonestaff4/ice-cube-says-we-should-stop-being-ashamed-of-who-we-are/" target="_blank"><em><strong>Ice Cube Says “We Should Stop Being Ashamed Of Who We Are”</strong></em></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><a href="http://newsone.com/entertainment/newsonestaff5/gender-bending-new-orleans-rap-sissy-bounce-catching-on/" target="_blank"><em><strong>Sissy Bounce: Gender-Bending New Orleans Rap Catching On</strong></em></a></p>
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		<title>What Makes A Breakout Star?</title>
		<link>http://giantmag.com/culture/the-giant-issues/jeanene-james/what-makes-a-breakout-star/</link>
		<comments>http://giantmag.com/culture/the-giant-issues/jeanene-james/what-makes-a-breakout-star/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jun 2010 18:44:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jeanene James</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[The GIANT Issues]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[breakout stars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Drake]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Future Giants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nicki minaj]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rihanna]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trey Songz]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://giantmag.com/?p=511565</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://giantmag.com/culture/the-giant-issues/jeanene-james/what-makes-a-breakout-star/" alt="What Makes A Breakout Star?"><img src="http://giantmag.com/files/2010/06/drake-black-white-150x150.jpg" align="left" alt="What Makes A Breakout Star?" hspace="5" vspace="5" border="0" /></a>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 s... <a href="http://giantmag.com/culture/the-giant-issues/jeanene-james/what-makes-a-breakout-star/">Read more..</a>]]></description>
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<p><span id="more-511565"></span>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?</p>
<p>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, &#8220;So Far Gone&#8221; in February 2009. Since then Drake has taken the music industry by storm, scoring major endorsements by the game&#8217;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&#8217;s label mate Nicki Minaj, who is quickly becoming <em>the</em> female rapper to reckon with.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>With that said, we are left wondering &#8216;whats the secret?&#8217; How is it that these artists make it big while the vast majority see short-lived, medium success if any? We&#8217;ve pondered the question and come up with a few necessities for making it big in music. Wanna be a <strong>GIANT</strong> like Drake? Start here:</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center">1.</h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center">Talent</h2>
<p style="text-align: center"></p>
<p>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.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center">2.</h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center">Distinctive Look</h2>
<p style="text-align: center"></p>
<p style="text-align: left">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.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center">3.</h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center">Swag</h2>
<p style="text-align: center"></p>
<p style="text-align: left">Paramount to any artists success is a swag that is jackable. If no one wants to look like you, you&#8217;re probably not that hot. On the other hand if you can inspire a nation of wannabes and followers, you&#8217;ve just given your aforementioned &#8220;distinctive look&#8221; some actual currency.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center">4.</h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center">Cross-Over</h2>
<p style="text-align: center"></p>
<p style="text-align: left">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 &#8220;Forever&#8221; Drake spits:</p>
<blockquote><p>Labels want my name beside the X like Malcolm<br />
everybody got a deal, I did it without one,<br />
yeah n-gga I’m about my business,<br />
killing all these rappers you would swear I had a hit list,<br />
everyone who doubted me is asking for forgiveness</p></blockquote>
<p>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.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center">5.</h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center">Back Up</h2>
<p style="text-align: left"></p>
<p style="text-align: left">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.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center">6.</h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center">Sex Appeal</h2>
<p style="text-align: center"></p>
<p style="text-align: left">Sex sells, and today&#8217;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.</p>
<p style="text-align: left">
<p style="text-align: left">For a closer look at Drake&#8217;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:</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><object width="512" height="319"><param name="flashvars" value="configParams=id%3D1641626%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideolist%3Amtv.com%3A1641626" /><param name="src" value="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:videolist:mtv.com:1641626" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="512" height="319" src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:videolist:mtv.com:1641626" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="configParams=id%3D1641626%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideolist%3Amtv.com%3A1641626"></embed></object>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center">
<p style="text-align: center">Also, take a look at some breakout stars in this gallery:</p>
<p style="text-align: left"></p>
<p style="text-align: left">
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		<title>COLD CASE FILES:Which Came First, The R&amp;B Singer Or Sex?</title>
		<link>http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/shamika-sanders/cold-case-fileswhich-came-first-the-rb-singer-or-sex/</link>
		<comments>http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/shamika-sanders/cold-case-fileswhich-came-first-the-rb-singer-or-sex/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:47:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shamika Sanders</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[The Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pretty Ricky]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[r.kelly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shamika sanders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trey Songz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Usher]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/shamika-sanders/cold-case-fileswhich-came-first-the-rb-singer-or-sex/" alt="COLD CASE FILES:Which Came First, The R&B Singer Or Sex?"><img src="http://cdn.giantmag.com/files//2009/11/trey-songz-invited-sex-with-model-150x150.jpg" align="left" alt="COLD CASE FILES:Which Came First, The R&B Singer Or Sex?" hspace="5" vspace="5" border="0" /></a>In the COLD CASE FILES, you'll find unexplained events, circumstances, or disputes. Here at GIANT, we don't believe in leaving things open and unsettled-so I have set fourth to review all the evidence and render a verdict on these specific topics. Go there with me if you dare!

Usually we question which came first, the chicken or the egg (I'm going to say the chicken), but this time around another inquiry comes to mind. In light of Trey Songz "inventing sex," one would have to wonder which came first- the R&amp;B singer or sex (mind boggling isn't it)? Trey isn't the first to brag about such... <a href="http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/shamika-sanders/cold-case-fileswhich-came-first-the-rb-singer-or-sex/">Read more..</a>]]></description>
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<p>In the COLD CASE FILES, you&#8217;ll find unexplained events, circumstances, or disputes. Here at GIANT, we don&#8217;t believe in leaving things open and unsettled-so I have set fourth to review all the evidence and render a verdict on these specific topics. Go there with me if you dare!</p>
<p>Usually we question which came first, the chicken or the egg (I&#8217;m going to say the chicken), but this time around another inquiry comes to mind. In light of Trey Songz &#8220;inventing sex,&#8221; one would have to wonder which came first- the R&amp;B singer or sex (mind boggling isn&#8217;t it)? Trey isn&#8217;t the first to brag about such qualities. There have been many before him and will be plenty after him. So, here&#8217;s what we are going to do- let&#8217;s take a look at some of our favorite love crooners and examine them closely to see which one came before the other!</p>
<p>Batting first is of course Mr. Songz&gt;</p>
<p></p>
<p>Evidence Entries 1-3-&#8221;Invented Sex,&#8221; &#8220;Scratchin&#8217; Me Up,&#8221; &#8220;In The Middle&#8221;</p>
<p><object width="199" height="164" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/ciMoWyW1hDw" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ciMoWyW1hDw" /></object> <object width="203" height="165" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/_qTOqzdEtt8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_qTOqzdEtt8" /></object> <object width="198" height="165" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/vFvhT-swftU" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vFvhT-swftU" /></object></p>
<p>&#8220;Girl can we take it upstairs? My bed is waiting there. All I want to do is give me all of you, won&#8217;t you give me all of you?&#8221;</p>
<p>Verdict: Due to the facts and evidence given, duh! Trey came before sex!</p>
<p>Next is Chris Brown&gt;</p>
<p></p>
<p>Evidence Entries 1-3-&#8221;Take You Down,&#8221; &#8220;Sing Like Me,&#8221; &#8220;Back To The Crib&#8221;</p>
<p><object width="207" height="171" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/NLRE8z94VbU" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NLRE8z94VbU" /></object> <object width="208" height="172" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/s5LbNBjrjco" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/s5LbNBjrjco" /></object><object width="208" height="172" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/XYFv8y-I4gU" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XYFv8y-I4gU" /></object></p>
<p>&#8220;Pretty girl lets take it off in this room, no time to waste girl you know what we came to do&#8221;</p>
<p>Verdict: Sorry Chris- sex came before you. A little more practice though and you might be able to invent some sex!</p>
<p>Third To Bat&gt; Usher</p>
<p></p>
<p>Evident Entries 1-3- &#8220;Nice and Slow,&#8221; &#8220;Trading Places,&#8221; &#8220;Bedtime&#8221;</p>
<p><object width="203" height="168" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/y4_iluC1A24" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/y4_iluC1A24" /></object> <object width="202" height="169" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/EmP51WbB4LM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EmP51WbB4LM" /></object> <object width="206" height="170" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/CyEtu3yBemI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CyEtu3yBemI" /></object></p>
<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m dying to taste you, I cant deny. Can&#8217;t get it out of my mind, please let me hold you because I need your loving tonight!&#8221;<br />
Verdict: Usher may be an old-head now, but with a classic song like &#8220;Nice and Slow,&#8221; it&#8217;s obvious Usher came before sex!</p>
<p>Our Pinch Hitters&gt; Pretty Ricky</p>
<p></p>
<p>Evidence Entries 1-3- &#8220;Juicy,&#8221; &#8220;Love Like Honey,&#8221; &#8220;Play House&#8221;</p>
<p><object width="214" height="176" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/YOsB-RpZG8A" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YOsB-RpZG8A" /></object> <object width="214" height="176" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/dmnJe4xmGk8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dmnJe4xmGk8" /></object> <object width="213" height="175" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/VX79WYA6sU8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VX79WYA6sU8" /></object></p>
<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m tasting every drop like at the candy shop, I lick your lollipop, I&#8217;ll put that thang on lock. Ill let you climb onto and let that nookie pop&#8221;</p>
<p>Verdict: Sex came before Pretty Ricky<em>, but</em> they&#8217;re on their way to making the bed rock!</p>
<p>Lastly: (Cue drums in the background) R.Kelly&gt;</p>
<p>Evidence Entires 1-3- &#8220;Sex Me,&#8221; &#8220;Honey Love,&#8221; &#8220;Bump N&#8217; Grind&#8221;</p>
<p></p>
<p><object width="191" height="158" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/YVDmJlljuHg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YVDmJlljuHg" /></object> <object width="194" height="158" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/wfVzdG2_448" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wfVzdG2_448" /></object> <object width="194" height="160" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/Fg5NRkNoV-E" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Fg5NRkNoV-E" /></object></p>
<p>&#8220;There&#8217;s something in your eyes baby, telling me you want me baby, tonight is your night. See you don&#8217;t have to ask for nothing  I&#8217;ll give you everything you need. so girl don&#8217;t be shy.&#8221;</p>
<p>Verdict: What a no-brainer! R.Kelly definitly came before sex. In fact- sorry Trey, Kellz Invented it!</p>
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		<title>GALLERY: The Sexy Chocolate List</title>
		<link>http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/shamika-sanders/gallery-the-sexy-chocolate-list/</link>
		<comments>http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/shamika-sanders/gallery-the-sexy-chocolate-list/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:46:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shamika Sanders</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[The Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[50 Cent]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[black men]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boris Kojoe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chocolate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chris brown]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GIANT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lloyd Banks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Morris Chesnut]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Obama]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Omarion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sexy men]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shamika sanders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Taye Diggs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trey Songz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[will smith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Young Buck]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/shamika-sanders/gallery-the-sexy-chocolate-list/" alt="GALLERY: The Sexy Chocolate List"><img src="http://cdn.giantmag.com/files//2009/10/chocolate-1-150x150.jpg" align="left" alt="GALLERY: The Sexy Chocolate List" hspace="5" vspace="5" border="0" /></a>

Chocolate comes in many flavors from white to dark. The following men are sexy, talented, and wealthy. Most of them don't mind breaking a sweat to take these delicious pictures for us drool over. Let's take a moment and reflect on their... <a href="http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/shamika-sanders/gallery-the-sexy-chocolate-list/">Read more..</a>]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p><a href="http://cdn.giantmag.com/files//2009/10/chocolate-1.jpg"></a>Chocolate comes in many flavors from white to dark. The following men are sexy, talented, and wealthy. Most of them don&#8217;t mind breaking a sweat to take these delicious pictures for us drool over. Let&#8217;s take a moment and reflect on their sexy ass*s!</p>
<p>Who will top the list at number one?</p>

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		<title>The Hottest Track Collaborations</title>
		<link>http://giantmag.com/culture/music/shanece-taylor/the-hottest-track-collaborations/</link>
		<comments>http://giantmag.com/culture/music/shanece-taylor/the-hottest-track-collaborations/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:45:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shanece Taylor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[112]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alicia Keys]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Angie Martinez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brandy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Busta Rhymes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ciara]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Da Brat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Diddy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DMX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Drake]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[faith evans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Janet jackson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jay-Z]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jermaine Dupri]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Justin Timberlake]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kanye West]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kelly Price]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Left Eye]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lil Kim]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lil mama]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lil wayne]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lloyd Banks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[M.I.A.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mary J. Blige]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michael Jackson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[missy elliot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Monica]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Murphy Lee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Papoose]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[R. Kelly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rah digga]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rihanna]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Snoop Dogg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[T.I.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Isley Brothers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trey Songz]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[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"

 <a href="http://giantmag.com/culture/music/shanece-taylor/the-hottest-track-collaborations/">Read more..</a>]]></description>
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<p>Fans are hyped over the <strong>Jay-Z</strong> and <strong>Alicia Keys</strong> duet performance (sans <strong>Lil&#8217; Mama</strong>) on the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Listening to these two heavy hitters on the &#8220;Empire State of Mind&#8221; 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.</p>
<p>Watch the music videos for some of the hottest track collaborations over the years:</p>
<p><strong>Jay-Z,      Rihanna and Kanye West</strong> &#8211; &#8220;Run This Town&#8221;</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/yVA-xTBeHyM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yVA-xTBeHyM" /></object></p>
<p><strong>Jay-Z      and Alicia Keys</strong> &#8211; &#8220;Empire State of Mind&#8221;</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/bm61weFrK4c" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bm61weFrK4c" /></object></p>
<p><strong>Jay-Z      and Mary J Blige</strong> &#8211; &#8220;Can&#8217;t Knock the Hustle&#8221;</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/5d6R-X3Uqy0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5d6R-X3Uqy0" /></object></p>
<p><strong>T.I.,      Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z      and M.I.A.</strong> &#8211; &#8220;Swagga Like Us&#8221;</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/TiS9-yPvBnY" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TiS9-yPvBnY" /></object></p>
<p><strong>T.I.      and Justin Timberlake</strong> &#8211; &#8220;Dead and Gone&#8221;</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/np_PMLtjszk" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/np_PMLtjszk" /></object></p>
<p><strong>Ciara      and Justin Timberlake</strong> &#8211; &#8220;Love, Sex and Magic&#8221;</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/zTYT-SiZeFo" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zTYT-SiZeFo" /></object></p>
<p><strong>Diddy,      Jermaine Dupri, Murphy Lee and Snoop Dogg</strong> &#8211; &#8220;Welcome To Atlanta      (remix)&#8221;</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/tBQG3dnJ_3Q" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tBQG3dnJ_3Q" /></object></p>
<p><strong>Diddy,      Faith and 112</strong> &#8211; &#8220;I&#8217;ll Be Missing You&#8221;</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/mM0-ZU8njdo" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mM0-ZU8njdo" /></object></p>
<p><strong>Busta Rhymes,      DMX, Mary J Blige, Missy, Rah Digga, Papoose and Lloyd Banks</strong> &#8211; &#8220;Touch      It (remix)&#8221;</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/vqF4gOe9dmM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vqF4gOe9dmM" /></object></p>
<p><strong>Busta Rhymes      and Janet Jackson</strong> &#8211; &#8220;What&#8217;s It Gonna Be&#8221;</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/P4PFClnMkOU" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/P4PFClnMkOU" /></object></p>
<p><strong>Michael      Jackson and Janet Jackson</strong> &#8211; &#8220;Scream&#8221;</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/vNl2Pm9-7Vk" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vNl2Pm9-7Vk" /></object></p>
<p><strong>R.      Kelly and &#8220;Mr. Biggs&#8221; (The Isley Brothers) saga</strong> -</p>
<ul>
<li>&#8220;Down Low (Nobody Has to Know)&#8221;</li>
</ul>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/EsZmspQFIcw" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EsZmspQFIcw" /></object></p>
<ul>
<li>&#8220;Contagious&#8221;</li>
</ul>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/sL4FHZUvv3Y" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sL4FHZUvv3Y" /></object></p>
<ul>
<li>Kelly Price&#8217;s &#8220;Friend of Mine (remix)&#8221;</li>
</ul>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/kKRXEnCuX7I" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kKRXEnCuX7I" /></object></p>
<p><strong>Drake      and Trey Songz</strong> &#8211; &#8220;Successful&#8221;</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/Douya-S6fGk" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Douya-S6fGk" /></object></p>
<p><strong>Left Eye,      Lil&#8217; Kim, Missy, Angie Martinez and Da Brat</strong> &#8211; &#8220;Ladies Night&#8221;</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/QoQwdzKm7hk" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QoQwdzKm7hk" /></object></p>
<p><strong>Brandy      and Monica</strong> &#8211; &#8220;The Boy is Mine&#8221;</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/Va1Y6uAgNJY" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Va1Y6uAgNJY" /></object></p>
<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style addthis_32x32_style" addthis:url='http://giantmag.com/culture/music/shanece-taylor/the-hottest-track-collaborations/' addthis:title='The Hottest Track Collaborations ' ><a class="addthis_button_preferred_1"></a><a class="addthis_button_preferred_2"></a><a class="addthis_button_preferred_3"></a><a class="addthis_button_preferred_4"></a><a class="addthis_button_compact"></a></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>What New School Emo MCs Can Learn From The Old School</title>
		<link>http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/giant-magazine-staff/what-new-school-emo-mcs-can-learn-from-the-old-school/</link>
		<comments>http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/giant-magazine-staff/what-new-school-emo-mcs-can-learn-from-the-old-school/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:09:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GIANT</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[The Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Add new tag]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Biggie Smalls]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bow Wow]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Drake]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jay-Z]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kanye West]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kid cudi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LL Cool J]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[P.Diddy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[slick rick]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[the roots]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trey Songz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tupac]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://giantmag.com/?p=413857</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/giant-magazine-staff/what-new-school-emo-mcs-can-learn-from-the-old-school/" alt="What New School Emo MCs Can Learn From The Old School"><img src="http://cdn.giantmag.com/files//2009/09/ll-cool-j-um01-150x150.jpg" align="left" alt="What New School Emo MCs Can Learn From The Old School" hspace="5" vspace="5" border="0" /></a>Every woman wants a sensitive man and lately it's not hard to find one of the 'it' guys in hip-hop spending time in the booth playing the vulnerable card. For some, this sensitivity bit might appear to be a recent trend in keeping it real. But if the new comers ever run out of tissue, they should do their homework and tap into the old school.

Here's the formula: Listen: Old School, Learn: New School

1. Listen: LL Cool J "I Need Love"

 <a href="http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/giant-magazine-staff/what-new-school-emo-mcs-can-learn-from-the-old-school/">Read more..</a>]]></description>
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<p>Every woman wants a sensitive man and lately it&#8217;s not hard to find one of the &#8216;it&#8217; guys in hip-hop spending time in the booth playing the vulnerable card. For some, this sensitivity bit might appear to be a recent trend in keeping it real. But if the new comers ever run out of tissue, they should do their homework and tap into the old school.</p>
<p>Here&#8217;s the formula: <em>Listen</em>: Old School, <em>Learn</em>: New School</p>
<p><strong>1. Listen: LL Cool J &#8220;I Need Love&#8221;</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/amHsMkeeCbs" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/amHsMkeeCbs" /></object></p>
<p><strong>Learn: Kid Cudi, &#8220;Day N Night&#8221;</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>If the lonely stoner would have opened up a lil like LL and admitted he needed love, maybe he could put down the Mary Jane and leave the house for something other than a swisher. If he&#8217;s lucky maybe he will find love with a lady with similar &#8221;interests.&#8221;</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/bKp5iscRBGk" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bKp5iscRBGk" /></object></p>
<p><strong>2. Listen: Tupac, &#8220;Do for Love&#8221;</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/yre5nBXAxyk" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yre5nBXAxyk" /></object></p>
<p><strong>Learn: Bow Wow, &#8220;Outta My System&#8221;</strong></p>
<p><br />
If Bow Wow would have just signed up to be a &#8220;sucker for love&#8221; like Pac, he wouldn&#8217;t have got caught up and lost CiCi. Admitting you&#8217;re a sucker from the beginning would have saved him alot of time and heartache.<strong> </strong>He should have just embraced his sensitive side.<br />
<object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/j1WJGWNgbnI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/j1WJGWNgbnI" /></object></p>
<p><strong>3. Listen: The Roots, &#8220;You Got Me&#8221;</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/kBBBhQUl99w" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kBBBhQUl99w" /></object></p>
<p><strong>Learn: Kanye &#8221; Paranoid&#8221;</strong></p>
<p>,<br />
If Yeezy had the Roots in heavy rotation, he would know that when someone has your back, paranoia is the last thing on your mind. Him and Amber Rose should sit down and bump the track together. Being down for one another is half the battle.</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/3QotGHaAHPk" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3QotGHaAHPk" /></object></p>
<p><strong>4. Listen: Whodini, &#8220;One Love&#8221;</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/YtUIUebrod8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YtUIUebrod8" /></object></p>
<p><strong>Learn: Drake &#8220;Successful&#8221;</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>Drake should wax on Whodini&#8217;s life lesson about love and all the luck you need just to find it even once. This way he can avoid all the groupies that want to get in his rented Phantom. Less groupies= smaller bills=more successfuuuulll.</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/sd7GEczgjK0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sd7GEczgjK0" /></object></p>
<p><strong>5. Listen: Slick Rick, &#8220;Teenage Love &#8220;</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/IWlWgao-a5w" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IWlWgao-a5w" /></object></p>
<p><strong>Learn: Diddy, &#8220;Angels&#8221; (Dirty Money)</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>When Puff feels sad about his bad relationship choices, instead of calling on the Angels he should listen to Slick and keep in mind that love is tough for everyone. Even though he is no longer a teenager, &#8220;Daddy&#8221; could use a lil love cuz his new Emo style is a red flag that he might want to step it up and buy Cassie some flowers.</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/jD6DtHnkL4A" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jD6DtHnkL4A" /></object></p>
<p><strong>*****Note to the new school******</strong></p>
<p>Dear MC,</p>
<p>Life is hard. The economy sucks. Sales are down. Girls don&#8217;t respect you cuz your chain ain&#8217;t heavy. We understand. Everyone needs to let it out. It&#8217;s OK to feel hurt, and it&#8217;s nice to know that the game is opening up to MCs who are in touch with their feelings. But please, <em>please</em>, let&#8217;s not make it habit. Club bangers are still a must.</p>
<p>No need to make <em>all</em> the songs cry&#8230;</p>
<p><em><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/O_JShSIf6es" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/O_JShSIf6es" /></object></em></p>
<p>&lt;p id=&#8217;gallery_396807&#8242;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;script type=&#8217;text/javascript&#8217; src=&#8217;http://cdn.giantmag.com/external/js/gallery/396807&#8242;&gt;&lt;/script&gt;</p>
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<p><em><br />
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<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style addthis_32x32_style" addthis:url='http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/giant-magazine-staff/what-new-school-emo-mcs-can-learn-from-the-old-school/' addthis:title='What New School Emo MCs Can Learn From The Old School ' ><a class="addthis_button_preferred_1"></a><a class="addthis_button_preferred_2"></a><a class="addthis_button_preferred_3"></a><a class="addthis_button_preferred_4"></a><a class="addthis_button_compact"></a></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Trey vs. Kellz: Is It Time For R.Kelly To Pass The Torch?</title>
		<link>http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/shamika-sanders/trey-vs-kellz-is-it-time-for-rkelly-to-pass-the-torch/</link>
		<comments>http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/shamika-sanders/trey-vs-kellz-is-it-time-for-rkelly-to-pass-the-torch/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:29:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shamika Sanders</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[The Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[r.kelly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shamika sanders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trey Songz]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/shamika-sanders/trey-vs-kellz-is-it-time-for-rkelly-to-pass-the-torch/" alt="Trey vs. Kellz: Is It Time For R.Kelly To Pass The Torch?"><img src="http://cdn.giantmag.com/files//2009/09/picture-29-150x150.png" align="left" alt="Trey vs. Kellz: Is It Time For R.Kelly To Pass The Torch?" hspace="5" vspace="5" border="0" /></a>With the recent release of Ready, the third album from Trey Songz, the question arises whether he will be the one to bring back the R&amp;B game. R.Kelly has held the crown for almost fifteen years, but with Trey on the come-up, is it time for Kellz to pass the torch? They have been in constant beef with one another but no one can turn a blind eye to the fact that t... <a href="http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/shamika-sanders/trey-vs-kellz-is-it-time-for-rkelly-to-pass-the-torch/">Read more..</a>]]></description>
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<p>With the recent release of <a href="http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&amp;sql=10:avfixzy0ldhe" target="_blank">Ready</a>, the third album from <a href="http://thegiantlist.com/trey-songz" target="_blank">Trey Songz</a>, the question arises whether <em>he</em> will be the one to bring back the R&amp;B game. <a href="http://thegiantlist.com/r-kelly" target="_blank">R.Kelly</a> has held the crown for almost fifteen years, but with Trey on the come-up, is it time for Kellz to pass the torch? They have been in constant beef with one another but no one can turn a blind eye to the fact that their songs and swagger are very much alike. Take a look:</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/zyrogTdPIaI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zyrogTdPIaI" /></object><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/t6WHRiCeq9k&amp;feature" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/t6WHRiCeq9k&amp;feature" /></object></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://cdn.giantmag.com/files//2009/09/trey-songz71.jpg"></a><strong>1. Trey Songz, like R. Kelly, can and will make a song about anything (and we&#8217;d like it):<br />
</strong> R.Kelly- &#8220;Sex Weed&#8221; vs. Trey Songz- &#8220;LOL Smiley Face&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/N62gpgHkH6c" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/N62gpgHkH6c" /></object></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/6p9E3-pbd-Q" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6p9E3-pbd-Q" /></object></p>
<p><strong>2.Trey Songz and R.Kelly both started out with braids:</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Then cut their hair:</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>3. Both men send the girlie&#8217;s into a </strong><em><strong>frenzy </strong></em><strong>with their voices:</strong></p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/5mYnt_QiEB0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5mYnt_QiEB0" /></object><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/eOQszQLaOrY" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eOQszQLaOrY" /></object></p>
<p><strong>4. Trey Songz and R.Kelly both sing about their love-making skills: </strong><br />
R.Kelly- &#8220;Feeling On Ya Booty&#8221; vs. Trey Songz- &#8221;Scratching Me Up&#8221;</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/XD4-ZAt8Nso" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XD4-ZAt8Nso" /></object></p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/iHxElzvubJI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iHxElzvubJI" /></object></p>
<p><strong>5. Both Trey Songz and R.Kelly rap </strong><em><strong>and</strong></em><strong> sing:</strong><br />
<object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/5Af_Ivm9biE" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5Af_Ivm9biE" /></object> <object width="425" height="350" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ngq7RSx5udg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ngq7RSx5udg" /></object></p>
<p>Trey says&#8230;&#8221;This is a farewell, throw him down a stairwell.&#8221; Is Trey on his way to becoming the king of R&amp;B or should he stay out of R.Kelly&#8217;s lane?  What do you think?</p>
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<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style addthis_32x32_style" addthis:url='http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/shamika-sanders/trey-vs-kellz-is-it-time-for-rkelly-to-pass-the-torch/' addthis:title='Trey vs. Kellz: Is It Time For R.Kelly To Pass The Torch? ' ><a class="addthis_button_preferred_1"></a><a class="addthis_button_preferred_2"></a><a class="addthis_button_preferred_3"></a><a class="addthis_button_preferred_4"></a><a class="addthis_button_compact"></a></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Who Would Win In An Artist Smackdown?</title>
		<link>http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/giant-magazine-staff/who-would-win-in-an-artist-smackdown/</link>
		<comments>http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/giant-magazine-staff/who-would-win-in-an-artist-smackdown/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:13:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GIANT</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[The Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chrisette Michele]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Drake]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jazmine Sullivan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Keri Hilson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kid cudi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mario]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rihanna]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trey Songz]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://giantmag.com/?p=377827</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/giant-magazine-staff/who-would-win-in-an-artist-smackdown/" alt="Who Would Win In An Artist Smackdown?"><img src="http://cdn.giantmag.com/files//2009/08/chrisettevsjazmin-150x150.jpg" align="left" alt="Who Would Win In An Artist Smackdown?" hspace="5" vspace="5" border="0" /></a>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. 
 <a href="http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/giant-magazine-staff/who-would-win-in-an-artist-smackdown/">Read more..</a>]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: left; ">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. </p>
<p style="text-align: left; "></p>
<p style="text-align: left; "><strong>Battle of the Soulful Songstresses: Chrisette Michele vs. Jazmine Sullivan </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left; ">Both sexy ladies are powerhouses in the vocal department, but with Chrisette&#8217;s jazz and funk combination and Jazmine&#8217;s raspy range this neck-and-neck competition is one to be reckoned with. </p>
<p style="text-align: left; "><strong>Chrisette Michele:</strong> The New York native <em>Epiphany</em> woman has been in the business singing her heart out for some time making features on hip-hop classic albums such as <em>LAX</em> (The Game) and <em>Kingdom Come</em> (Jay-Z). With heartthrobs such as Drake and Pooch Hall making appearances in her videos, it&#8217;s clear the heartfilled bombshell has made a name for herself. </p>
<p style="text-align: left; "><strong>Jazmine Sullivan</strong>: Often compared to Lauryn Hill for her earthy tone and use of reggae-infused music, Jazmine took the world by storm proving how <em>Fearless</em> she was by threatening to &#8220;Bust the Windows&#8221; out of some guy&#8217;s car. </p>
<p style="text-align: left; "><strong>Champ</strong>: Chrisette Michele. Jazmine&#8217;s lyrics may appeal to <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">hood chicks and psycho exes</span> a mass audience, but it doesn&#8217;t hold weight to the Grammy winner&#8217;s soulful sound and inspiring voice. </p>
<p style="text-align: left; "> </p>
<p style="text-align: left; "><strong>Battle of the Emo Proteges: Kid Cudi vs. Drake</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left; ">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&#8217; Wayne, both rappers are bound to dominate.</p>
<p style="text-align: left; "><strong></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left; "><strong>Kid Cudi:</strong> Weighing in as Kanye&#8217;s newest protege of G.O.O.D. Music, this martian has had the airwaves buzzing with hits such as &#8220;Make Her Say&#8221; and &#8220;Day &#8216;N&#8217; Nite.&#8221; On his upcoming album <em>Man on the Moon: End of Day,</em> scheduled to be released September 15th, Cudi plans to take his fans beyond this galaxy. </p>
<p style="text-align: left; "><strong>Drake</strong>: 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 <em>So Far Gone</em>, there&#8217;s no doubt that Drake has the public&#8217;s attention. But is his buzz bigger than his bite?</p>
<p style="text-align: left; "><strong>Champ</strong>: 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. </p>
<p style="text-align: left; "> </p>
<p style="text-align: left; "><strong>Battle of the Singers With Swag: Keri Hilson vs. Rihanna</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left; ">These style mavens are not only fashionistas in Hollywood but are also making a killing in the industry with their undeniable charisma. </p>
<p style="text-align: left; "><strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left; "><strong>Keri Hilson:</strong> The &#8220;fly as hell, swagga right, brown skin poppin&#8221; 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 <em>In A Perfect World</em>, the Georgia Peach not only has sex appeal, but knows what to do, both, in the booth and out of the booth.</p>
<p style="text-align: left; "><strong>Rihanna:</strong> She&#8217;s no Whitney Houston, but your girl knows how to drum out a banger. With her feature on &#8220;Run This Town&#8221; 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 &#8220;It&#8221; factor that draws a crowd.</p>
<p style="text-align: left; "><strong>Champ: </strong>Keri Hilson. Rihanna may have Jay and the style game in her back pocket, but nothing compares to Keri&#8217;s knowledge and experience in the game..</p>
<p style="text-align: left; "> </p>
<p style="text-align: left; "> <strong>Battle of the Seductive Crooners: Trey Songz vs. Mario</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left; ">They may not pop lock like Chris Brown but they have the grown and sexy seduction game on lock. </p>
<p style="text-align: left; "><strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left; "><strong>Trey Songz:</strong> 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&#8217;s shown out. Beasting remixes and making appearances on tracks, Trey has managed to stay relevant, without being over-exposed.</p>
<p style="text-align: left; "><strong>Mario: </strong>Mario has had a rollercoaster of success in the industry, with hi&#8217;s and lo&#8217;s, and hits and misses. Though underrated, Mario consistently proves that he has the talent to stay in the game.</p>
<p style="text-align: left; "><strong>Champ:</strong> Trey. He&#8217;s on his grind and has moved up into the bigger leagues, taking jabs at R&amp;B heavyweights like R. Kelly. Give this crooner three years and he&#8217;ll be dominating both chicks and charts.</p>
<p id='gallery_372267'>
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		<title>Chris Brown Better Watch His Back</title>
		<link>http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/giant-magazine-staff/chris-brown-better-watch-his-back/</link>
		<comments>http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/giant-magazine-staff/chris-brown-better-watch-his-back/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:51:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GIANT</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[The Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chris brown]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jeremih]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pleasure p]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trey Songz]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://giantmag.com/?p=369137</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/giant-magazine-staff/chris-brown-better-watch-his-back/" alt="Chris Brown Better Watch His Back"><img src="http://cdn.giantmag.com/files//2009/07/pleasure-p-music-01-150x150.jpg" align="left" alt="Chris Brown Better Watch His Back" hspace="5" vspace="5" border="0" /></a>Once upon a time Chris Brown was the leading man on the R&amp;B scene but after his Ike and Tina debacle with Rihanna, he's been amping for a comeback. Though rumor has it that his upcoming album may reboost his career, there are a couple underrated stars on the rise that may give him a run for his money. On a GIANT scale we measured the competition and who's coming for that number one spot...

 

 

Small: Pleasure P
 <a href="http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/giant-magazine-staff/chris-brown-better-watch-his-back/">Read more..</a>]]></description>
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<p>Once upon a time Chris Brown was the leading man on the R&amp;B scene but after his Ike and Tina debacle with Rihanna, he&#8217;s been amping for a comeback. Though rumor has it that his upcoming album may reboost his career, there are a couple underrated stars on the rise that may give him a run for his money. On a GIANT scale we measured the competition and who&#8217;s coming for that number one spot&#8230;</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Small: Pleasure P</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">It may be hard for some to forget his past affiliation with boy group disaster Pretty Ricky with all of their glitter and grillz, but it seems as if the 24-year-old crooner is making his own mark. With &#8220;Boyfriend #2&#8243; as the official cheaters anthem and &#8220;Under&#8221; climbing the charts, we may just forgive him for being friends with anyone who ever self proclaimed themselves the title &#8220;Sexy Spec.&#8221; Here is his latest video, &#8220;Under,&#8221; with a chameo from twin actress Tia Mowry&#8230;</p>
<p><object width="425" height="344" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/hCOV9PXZC6M&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hCOV9PXZC6M&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /></object></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Medium: Jeremih</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The recently signed Def Jam artist has been creating a buzz in Chicago for some time but after hooking up with L.A. Reid, he&#8217;s decided to take it national. Though he may not be the pop-locking dancing machine that Chris Brown is, he brings the vocals and the teen-crazed sex appeal that all artists wish for. On his recent self-titled debut album Jeremih claims &#8220;Imma Star,&#8221; so let&#8217;s see where his stardom takes him. Check out the &#8220;Imma Star&#8221; video after the jump&#8230;</p>
<p><object width="425" height="344" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/Vtmfg0E5wrA&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Vtmfg0E5wrA&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /></object></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>GIANT: Trey Songz</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Dropping tracks almost daily via twitter, taking jabs at the King of R&amp;B, R. Kelly, on diss tracks, and making girls young and old faint with just his smile, who is doubting that Trey isn&#8217;t becoming the next big thing? His latest mixtape, <em>Anticipation, </em>has acted as the appetizer for his recently pushed back album <em>Ready, </em>and ready is what Chris Brown should be if he&#8217;s trying to capture the crown. You can download the mixtape <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?25wjdozur5i" target="_blank">here</a> and also check out Trey&#8217;s video for this years summer anthem &#8220;I Need A Gurl.&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p><object width="425" height="344" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/ORkMQe-lK_s&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ORkMQe-lK_s&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /></object></p>
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<p></p>
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		<title>Twitter Wrap-Up</title>
		<link>http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/giant-magazine-staff/twitter-wrap-up/</link>
		<comments>http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/giant-magazine-staff/twitter-wrap-up/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:07:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GIANT</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[The Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[amber rose]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kelis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[la la vasquez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nikki minaj]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tameka raymond]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trey Songz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Usher]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://giantmag.com/?p=322421</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/giant-magazine-staff/twitter-wrap-up/" alt="Twitter Wrap-Up"><img src="http://cdn.giantmag.com/files//2009/06/amber-rose-and-minaj-150x150.jpg" align="left" alt="Twitter Wrap-Up" hspace="5" vspace="5" border="0" /></a>Twiggettes, Tweeples-whatever you wanna call it. Everyone knows Twitter has the web blowing up with the latest buzz. From break-ups, future hook-ups and baby mama drama, Twitter reveals details on everything that's happening on the low. Here's GIANT's twitter update on what's really going on.

Ambinaj?



Les-bi-honest, who knew Amber Rose, Nikki Mi... <a href="http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/giant-magazine-staff/twitter-wrap-up/">Read more..</a>]]></description>
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<p>Twiggettes, Tweeples-whatever you wanna call it. Everyone knows Twitter has the web blowing up with the latest buzz. From break-ups, future hook-ups and baby mama drama, Twitter reveals details on everything that&#8217;s happening on the low. Here&#8217;s GIANT&#8217;s twitter update on what&#8217;s really going on.</p>
<p>Ambinaj?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Les-bi-honest, who knew Amber Rose, Nikki Minaj and revolving doors all had something in common? They go both ways. After meeting for the first time at Drake&#8217;s video shoot for &#8220;Best I Ever Had,&#8221; the Young Mulah affiliate and hip-hop&#8217;s pretty woman were rumored to be getting extremely close on set, making their attraction for each other nothing less than obvious. Sending @replies:</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>&#8216;Ye, Amber and Minaj, a hip-hop&#8217;s ménage à trois? Let&#8217;s see where the flirting leads to&#8230;</p>
<p>Tameka Raymond Drama</p>
<p></p>
<p>Though Tameka has defended her marriage from the jump by taking heat from bloggers and press abroad, it&#8217;s official her marriage to the <em>Confessions</em> singer, Usher, is over. After news broke, bloggers went crazy, sending &#8220;@ replies&#8221; questioning their marriage but one blogger pushed a button and instigated a live twitter fight with Ms. Raymond. To prevent adding fuel to another flame, the stylist tweeted mega-entrepreneur, Russell Simmons stating, &#8220;Im going thru a hard &amp; embarrassing time. Pls ask globalgrind not 2 print things like this. Its not truth, I have children. Thanks.&#8221;</p>
<p>New Music</p>
<p><span style="underline;"></span>With his &#8220;DOA Remix&#8221; buzzing, Songz has decided to make a habit out of releasing music through Twitter. Coined as &#8220;Trey Songz Music Mondays,&#8221; this weeks new released tracks include &#8220;U Belong 2 Me&#8221; and &#8220;Keys.&#8221; Check the newest records from the R&amp;B swooner after the jump.</p>
 
<p>La La&#8217;s New Do</p>
<p></p>
<p>Referring to her new hair cut as the &#8220;La La Remix,&#8221; MTV personality and judge of VH1&#8242;s <em>Charm School, </em>La La Vasquez, has revealed a new do. Similar to Bad Boy artist, Cassie&#8217;s hair cut, La La has used her hair as inspiration, with the slogan, &#8220;remix urself.&#8221; She tweets, &#8220;&#8216;REMIX URSELF&#8217; could be on the outside (hair, etc) or on the inside (ur spirit, ur energy, etc). Sum people need remixing on the inside, ya know?&#8221; In other news La La has also used Twitter as her personal Craigslist, amping fans to bid on her 2006 pinked out Range Rover. New haircut, new whip, I guess it really is a remixed La La.</p>
<p><strong><em>-Felicia Kelley</em></strong></p>
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		<title>Trey Songz and Drake Seduce With &#8220;Invented Sex&#8221;</title>
		<link>http://giantmag.com/culture/music/giant-magazine-staff/trey-songz-and-drake-seduce-with-invented-sex/</link>
		<comments>http://giantmag.com/culture/music/giant-magazine-staff/trey-songz-and-drake-seduce-with-invented-sex/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:51:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GIANT</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Drake]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trey Songz]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://giantmag.com/culture/music/giant-magazine-staff/trey-songz-and-drake-seduce-with-invented-sex/" alt="Trey Songz and Drake Seduce With "Invented Sex""><img src="http://cdn.giantmag.com/files//2009/06/drake-and-trey-songz-150x150.jpg" align="left" alt="Trey Songz and Drake Seduce With "Invented Sex"" hspace="5" vspace="5" border="0" /></a>

 

After their first collabo on "Replacement Girl," Trey Songz and Drake partner up for the ladies again with "Invented Sex." 

-Jeremy Clayton

 

... <a href="http://giantmag.com/culture/music/giant-magazine-staff/trey-songz-and-drake-seduce-with-invented-sex/">Read more..</a>]]></description>
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<p>After their first collabo on &#8221;Replacement Girl,&#8221; Trey Songz and Drake partner up for the ladies again with &#8220;Invented Sex.&#8221; </p>
<p><em><strong>-Jeremy Clayton</strong></em></p>
<p> </p>

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		<title>Trey Songz is Feeling &#8220;Brand New&#8221;</title>
		<link>http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/giant-magazine-staff/trey-songz-is-feeling-brand-new/</link>
		<comments>http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/giant-magazine-staff/trey-songz-is-feeling-brand-new/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:54:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GIANT</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[The Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Angel Lola Luv]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DJ Khaled]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fat joe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jim Jones]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ready]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trey Songz]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Trey Songz released the video for his second single “Brand New” off of the upcoming album Ready. Keeping in step with most of today's R&amp;B artists, Songz’s crooning consists of Auto-Tune usage and artless lines like: “Shawty brand new / fresh out the box / I think she came here with her girlfriend.” The video follows Trey as he prepares for a show scheduled for later that night. While the first scene is odd—Songz finishes off a meal of apples and NUVO, while refusing to rise from his seat even as a faceless woman saunters by and an eager assistant tries to pick out hi... <a href="http://giantmag.com/the-magazine/giant-magazine-staff/trey-songz-is-feeling-brand-new/">Read more..</a>]]></description>
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<p>Trey Songz released the video for his second single “Brand New” off of the upcoming album <em>Ready</em>. Keeping in step with most of today&#8217;s R&amp;B artists, Songz’s crooning consists of Auto-Tune usage and artless lines like: “Shawty brand new / fresh out the box / I think she came here with her girlfriend.” The video follows Trey as he prepares for a show scheduled for later that night. While the first scene is odd—Songz finishes off a meal of apples and NUVO, while refusing to rise from his seat even as a faceless woman saunters by and an eager assistant tries to pick out his outfit—the second scene, a shirtless bathroom routine, makes up for it—at least for the ladies. Peep the cameos made by Bryan Michael Cox, Fat Joe, DJ Khaled, Angel Lola Luv, Jim Jones, and more.</p>
<p><strong><em>- Danielle Cheesman</em></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&amp;videoid=54915047">Trey   Songz &#8211; Brand New</a><br />
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