Robin Thicke is apparently too hot for YouTube these days. According to his rep, the steamy music video for “Blurred Lines” (feat. T.I. and Pharrell) has been banned from YouTube due to nudity.

While YouTube has opted not to allow the video on its site, Vevo has continued to allow Internet users to play it on its site.

The video has had more than 1 million views since last week.

Both Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams have reacted to the video being pulled, with Pharrell questioning why they would pull down something so hot.

“YouTube took down the Unrated version of #BLURREDLINES because it was too hot! You can still view it here on @VEVO,” Robin Thicke wrote on Twitter.

Pharrell responded: “@robinthicke Why they trying to ban good sh–?”

In case you haven’t see it, click here to watch “Blurred Lines.”

Robin Thicke creates the ‘naked-est video’ and gets banned from you tube. See TMZ talk to him about it!

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One of my favorite videos by Whitney Houston performing I’m Every Woman. (C) 1992 Arista Records, Inc.

Everyone repeat after me: When you film yourself doing something remarkably stupid and put it on the Internet, people will see it and there will be consequences.

Now, with that disclaimer out of the way, let’s watch the brilliant minds of Pikeville, Kentucky’s Wal-Mart purposely breaking iPads that they’d later sell to customers. And while they may (well, probably) have been fired for this, I’d now stay away from any restaurants in the Pikeville area for the next few months. Something tells me these guys will be hocking loogies into KFC Famous Bowls for their next line of work.

In 1991, the song was remade by Gladys Knight, with help from Patti LaBelle and Dionne Warwick, and it was featured on her album Good Woman. Faye Wong also released a cover version of “Superwoman” entitled “Because of Him” on her 1990 album You’re the Only One. Malaysian Singer Gary Chaw had a Mandarin cover version, also named Superwoman, on his first album Blue in 2006.

The song was covered by Malaysian Idol season 1 winner Jaclyn Victor in 2006 on her second album, Inilah Jac.

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Barack Obama officially entered the rap game. Australian lawyer (yes, really) Hugh Atkin, who also ushered Mitt Romney into the scene, just dropped a new mashup music video of MC ‘Bama. Set to the tune of MC Hammer’s ‘U Can’t Touch This,’ the Obama version, called ‘U Didn’t Build That,’ has taken the web by storm.

The Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special was a 2001 New York City revue show by American megasuperstar Michael Jackson. It took place on September 7, 2001 and September 10, 2001. In late November 2001, the CBS television network aired the concerts as a two-hour special in honor of Michael Jackson’s thirtieth year as a solo entertainer (his first solo single, “Got to Be There”, was recorded in 1971). The show was edited from footage of two separate concerts Michael had orchestrated in New York City’s Madison Square Garden on September 7 and September 10 of 2001. The shows sold out in five hours. Ticket prices were pop’s most expensive ever; the best seats cost $5,000 and included a dinner with Michael Jackson and a signed poster. Jackson reportedly earned $7.5 million for each of the two concerts, which is over $150,000 per minute. The concerts are mentioned in the VH1 biopic Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story, which notes that the last of the two concerts wrapped up just hours before two hijacked jet planes crashed into the Twin Towers of Lower Manhattan’s World Trade Center (see September 11 attacks). The concert official Boxscore was $10,072,105 for both concerts.[1]

Marlon Brando appeared a few hours before Jackson’s performance to speak about humanitarian work but it was not broadcast due to poor response from the audience. Raw footage can be found online.

Michael Jackson was getting a diamond watch from Bank of America to wear for the show that was valued at about $2 million. They were due to bring it right back to the Bank of American Office right on the morning of that was located in the Twin Towers.[2] As they were driving away, Michael Jackson was looking at the first tower falling and said “Wow” but stopped since his two children were in the car with him. Later, he started talking about how he might be able to use the song, “What More Can I Give” to raise money for the survivors of the 9/11 Attacks.

During her rousing et, Mrs Swizz Beats debuted a freshly recorded cut titled ‘Not Even A King’. With anticipation high and competition fierce, can Alicia deliver? Grab the first taste of that answer after the jump…

In the meantime, check out joyful Jill’s latest visual below:

While that particular video is 100 percent awesome, there’s something about the opposite sort of reaction that has its own charm, too. As you’re about to see, some people aren’t quite so thrilled to hear that there’s going to be a new addition to the family—especially if they’re very young, and the baby in question is going to be their new brother or sister.

In this video, a mom is also sharing the happy news that she’s pregnant. The only difference is, she’s telling her kids instead of her parents. Oh, and the other difference is that instead of reacting with joy, the kids have a GIANT CRAZY MELTDOWN.

“Crispy chicken, fresh lettuce, three cheeses, ranch dressing wrapped up in a tasty, flour tortilla,” Mary sings, infusing that ingredient rundown with a soulfulness that suggests she’s in on the joke.Still, fans are divided on the spot, and some have accused the “No More Drama” songstress of selling out. It doesn’t help that the product in question is chicken, which comes peppered and seasoned with all sorts of racist connotations.

As Billboard reports, Blige is the latest in a string of celebs to throw their support behind BK, a chain struggling to reverse sagging fortunes. Salma Hayak, Jay Leno and David Beckham have recently shot ads, but with Blige, the company has pulled off some kind of coup. If the King really wants to rebound from hardship and hold his head high, he’d do well to stand with Mary, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.

After all, she’s always been an exemplar of dignity and strength, and it’ll probably take more than one chicken commercial to sully her good name. What do you think — has the damage already been done?

http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/e/16711680/wshhiqQXa5qv90Iak023

TMZ has learned Rolando Boyce and LeShay Tomlinson — who starred as cheating couple Rufas and Cathy in Chapters 1-22 — fell in love after meeting on the set in 2005 and tied the knot just three years later!

The couple is now raising 4 children together, including 2 from a previous marriage.

As for the original topic — how they felt about R. Kelly’s attempt to make 32 new “Trapped” chapters — Boyce tells us they haven’t heard from the singer yet … but they’re hoping he reaches out.

“We haven’t seen Robert in a few years,” Boyce says … “but we’d love to film with him again … especially after everything that happened to us because of the video.”

The arrest report  obtained through a Freedom of Information Act says the 26-year-old from Dearborn was pulled over early Saturday going 60 mph, weaving in heavy traffic and changing lanes without using a turn signal.

The arresting police officer  R. Kalis said the traffic stop happened about 2:15 a.m.

Kalis reported asking for the driver’s license said the “driver immediately identified herself as Miss USA and stated that she was driving a friend’s car.”

Kalis said Fakih “appeared disoriented and had very slurred speech while fumbling for her purse.” Kalis asked Fakih if she had been drinking, and she said, “No, not at all.”

In the report, officers said they found an open and half  empty bottle of champagne on the floorboard behind the driver’s seat.

Two breath tests showed a 0.19 percent and a 0.20 percent blood-alcohol level.

Born in Lebanon the former Miss Michigan  won the Miss USA Pageant in 2010, her reign ended June 19, 2011 and she was the first Miss Michigan to win the title since 1993 and the first Arab American winner ever.

After news broke last month that Perry had cast non-actor Kardashian in his new project, “The Marriage Counselor,” he says the outcry poured into his inbox.

But Perry explains that he cast Kardashian because she has the potential to be a role model, and asks fans to hear out his reasoning.

“I thought and still do think, that it would be very responsible of her to be a part of this film,” Perry writes on his blog. “To have the young people that look up to her, see her in a film that is about what happens in life when you make the wrong choices.”

“The Marriage Counselor” has a younger cast, and tackles issues like marital relationships and faith.

Perry says that he was looking to cast someone that young people look up to “long before I even heard about Kim’s marriage or divorce,” and a producer told him about Kardashian and her “millions” of fans. (He also notes she has a fairly small role in the film.)

“If one of those young people see this film and find the strength to live a better life and not go through what these characters went through in this movie, then we have all done what I feel I’m being led to do here,” Perry explains. “I hope you understand. I really do!”

The filmmaker ends his entry on a spiritual note, asking, “why wouldn’t Kim Kardashian be invited into a film about Faith, Forgiveness and the healing power of God? What is wrong with that??”

Kardashian’s part on “The Marriage Counselor” has wrapped; the movie is due to hit theaters sometime next year.

The Wayans brothers released this hood classic in 1996 spoofing popular movies: Juice, Jungle Fever, South Central, Higher Learning, Do The Right Thing, Poetic Justice, New Jack City, Dead Presidents, Friday, Boyz N the Hood and Menace II Society. It was written by Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans and Phil Beauman and produced by Keenen Ivory Wayans. Don’t Be A Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood grossed close to $40,000,000.

Ash Tray and Loc Dog embarked on a typical day of being black in the hood and all the mayhem that could incur there after.

Being Black On A Friday Night:
“I hate black pepper!”

Toothpick Straight Out Of Jail:
“Take me to jail, and lock me up, throw away the key, I ain’t afraid to f*ck somebody in his a**”

Ghetto Pastor & Church:
“Dont ask how come or why come the pastor have to have him a nice house, or why the pastor got him a nice car”

Staying Strapped In the Hood:
“Do we have a problem?”

Getting “Jumped” Into A Gang:
“If you fall, you better pick yo’ a** up!”

Getting Jumped In The Hood:
“But I do!”

The Love Scene:
“That’s the baby’s lunch!”

Loc Gets A Job:
“I heard ya’ll n*ggas is hiring…Wassup?”

No Positive Black Women In Movies:
“I can’t teach you how to be a man”

Doing hair in the kitchen:
“Take yo a** down to them and let them f*ck yo’ head up!”

Grandma Gets Knocked Out
“Damn them fake teeth”

Black Man Loving White Meat:
“Tap that white girl, for me”

I Got These Cheeseburgers:
“You got any spare change?”

The Man Is Out To Get Black People[Literally]
“THE MANNN…”

Don’t Be A Menace…

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With a catalog as vast as his, picking his ten best songs is no easy task.  We’re still not sure that this list is complete.  We’ve left off quite a few songs. There’s no “I Wanna Be Your Lover” on the list. “Uptown?” That didn’t make it either. “Let’s Go Crazy?” Not this time.

Samples of History: Inheriting Prince’s Funk

10. When You Were Mine
Prince’s third album, 1980′s Dirty Mind, was what most people would call a “departure” record. Gone were the disco influences that shaped songs like “I Wanna Be Your Lover” and “Soft & Wet.” In their place were shades of the punk rock and new wave scenes that were beginning to take hold of America at the time.  “When You Were Mine” manages to combine the new wave influence with an admitted Beatles-esque sensibility that provides the soundtrack to Prince’s obsession with an ex.

9. Pop Life
In 1985, Prince followed up the massive success of the Purple Rain album and film with Around The World In A Day, a psychedelic pop record that only someone as weird as Prince could make.  Despite its many nods to psychedelia, one of ATWIAD’s best songs was “Pop Life,” a song that addresses social issues like the dangers of drugs.

8. Adore
Influenced by R&B ballads by singers like Anita Baker and Luther Vandross, one of Prince’s biggest songs that never became a single was “Adore,” the final song on Prince’s sprawling 1987 double album, Sign O’ The  Times.  Prince toes the line between the sacred and profane with the song’s churchy instrumentation, and erotic lyrics.  The song also is home to the classic lyric “You could burn up my clothes / Smash up my ride / Well maybe not the ride…”

7. Purple Rain
We all know this song, which probably owes more to the traditions of country music than to R&B.  The nearly nine-minute album version is a revelation with Prince’s extended guitar solo. There’s a reason why Prince performs this song at nearly every concert he does.

6. Kiss
Originally intended for a group called Mazarati that Prince signed to his Paisley Park Records label, “Kiss” started off as a simple 90 second demo.  Prince gave the demo to his engineer, David “Z” Rivkind who managed to take Prince’s extremely rough sketch of a song, and turn it into one of the funkiest songs His Royal Badness ever touched.  Mazarati recorded a version of the song, which Prince is rumored to have taken to a popular outdoor basketball court in Minneapolis to get feedback.  The feedback was so positive that Prince decided to keep the song for himself.  Mazarati weren’t left completely in the dirt though.  Their background vocals remain on the track.

5. If I Was Your Girlfriend
“If I Was Your Girlfriend” was released as the second single from Prince’s 1987 album, Sign O’ The  Times. Despite a warm reception from black radio at the time, the song stalled on the pop charts, mainly by those who were confused by the song’s premise.  Using a sped up vocal to simulate a woman’s voice, Prince is actually singing to his then-girlfriend, Susannah Melvoin about how he wishes that he had a closer relationship with her, like that of one of her girlfriends.   Of course, things get kinda freaky as the song goes along, but this is Prince we’re talking about.

4. Joy In Repetition
A relatively obscure track to casual fans, “Joy In Repetition” appears on the soundtrack to Prince’s 1990 film disaster Graffiti Bridge.  The song’s narrative vividly details Prince walking into a club where “four-letter words are seldom heard with such dignity and bite.”  Inside the club he sees a woman on stage singing the same two words over and over again as he falls in love with her, dragging her from the stage and running out of the club arm in arm.  Prince rarely goes into narrative mode to the extent that he does in this song.  Plus, he straight up murders the guitar solo.

3. The Ballad Of Dorothy Parker
“The Ballad Of Dorothy Parker” is another one of those rare narratives in Prince’s discography.  A deceptively simple song, the song features little more instrumentation than a drum machine, keyboard, guitar and bass.  In the song, Prince tells the tale of meeting a waitress, the titular Dorothy Parker, who starts flirting with him.  He leaves the restaurant with her even though he admits that he’s seeing someone.  But as the song ends, he reveals that Dorothy “didn’t see the movie cuz she hadn’t read the book first.”

2. Little Red Corvette
With those opening synth chords, and the opening lyric, “I guess I shoulda known by the way you parked your car sideways that it wouldn’t last,” Prince hit critical and commercial pay dirt. Prince works the fast woman as fast car metaphor for all its worth on this song, which was reportedly written in between cat naps while riding in the car of one of his band members. “Little Red Corvette” has the distinction of being one of the first videos by a black artist played on MTV.

1. When Doves Cry
The last song written for Purple Rain, “When Doves Cry” is a pop music masterpiece. The opening guitar riff grabs your attention and doesn’t let go until the sparsely arranged song comes to an end.  “When Doves Cry” helped propel Purple Rain, the film and album, to classic status.

RELATED: Prince Sued For $3 Million Over Canceled Ireland Concert

RELATED: Can A Man Go To A Prince Concert By Himself? [VIDEO]

His Royal Badness

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Kid ‘N Play Reunite On TV One’s “Way Black When”

Celebrate Mardis Gras With Bob James

Take a listen to the latest from Erick & Parrish Makin’ Dollars

What are your favorite EPMD songs?? Let us know in the comments!

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Rappers In Their 40s

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WBW: Samples of History: Hip-Hop Mines Afrobeat

In celebration of his upcoming birthday (March 14th), we decided to dish out the Top Ten Quincy Jones samples in hip hop songs.

10. Jodeci – Get On Up

When Jodeci released their third single from ‘The Show, The After Party, The Hotel’, many didn’t catch the portion of Quincy’s 1981 track, “Velas,” a single off of the landmark album, ‘The Dude.’ Dalvin Degrate used the harmonica solo and other minor quirks of Jones’ jazz groove to make “Get On Up” sound richer. Anchored by a funky bassline and knocking drums, “Get On Up” helped Jodeci go platinum in a mere two months in 1995.

Get On Up

Velas

9. Jurassic 5 – Improvise

Jurassic 5 broke on the scene in 1997 as the group bringing back true school hip hop. As the second single from their debut EP, “Improvise” mixed samples from Albino Gorilla and our man, Q. Quincy’s theme song for the 1972 comic caper film, The Hot Rock, was jacked. The group’s understated use of this old theme song proved they were trying to move into the future without losing sight of the past.

Improvise:

Hot Rock Theme:

8. The Roots – Clones

The album, ‘Illadelph Halflife,’ was a departure for the crew from Philly. They went for a darker sounding record than ‘Illadelph’s’ predecessors. “Clones” served as The Roots’ first appearance in the top five of the hip hop charts back in ’96. Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson transformed a sexy jazz number evoking the feeling of July in New York City into an ill rap tune about not conforming to society’s images and remaining your true self.

Clones

Summer In The City

7. 2Pac ft. K-ci & JoJo – How Do U Want It

2Pac has always had the talent of smoothly injecting serious statements into fun party songs. On his number one single, “How Do U Want It,” Pac lays the smack down on C. Deloris Tucker, while trying to get into shortie’s cut off jean shorts. Producer, Johnny J, flipped Quincy’s 1974 bedroom jam, “Body Heat,” into a salacious tune for wannabe macks approaching women in the club. Listen to these two records and you’ll see why women would rather be with an old school mack than these new age “pimps.”

How Do U Want It

Body Heat

6. LL Cool J ft. Boyz II Men – Hey Lover

Jones’ personal recordings haven’t been the only tracks sampled from his vast catalouge. His collaborations with Michael Jackson have been sampled a fair share of times. One of the most memorable is Uncle L’s ode to crushes. The Trackmasters lifted and looped the introduction of Quincy and MJ’s romantic, “The Lady In My Life,” to continue on with LL’s rap Lothario persona. Boyz II Men add smoothed out vocals to every around the way girl’s favorite summer love song.

Hey Lover

Lady In My Life

5. Juelz Santana – Mic Check

Juelz Santana has never lacked confidence. When he dropped his second album, he crowned himself as what the game was missing. Back with avengance, Santana needed an anthem to match the aggression he was coming with. Neo Da Matrix added Quincy’s theme from the “Roots” mini-series so fans and other rappers knew how hard Juelz was coming. He might have sold the least, but he managed to be most feared by most emcees. See what a Quincy Jones sample and a little aggression will do for you?

Mic Check

Roots Mural Theme

4. Kanye West ft. T-Pain – Good Life

Chicago’s native son is no stranger to sampling. The Louie Vuitton Don borrowed a few portions of Jones’ work on the Thriller jam, “P.Y.T.” If you listen closely, you can hear Michael Jackson in the background cooing,”Aww, baby.” The fact Kanye made it on this list is laugh worthy, considering the founder of Vibe Magazine dissed Mr. West by saying he was “just a rapper.” Quincy, tell us what’s good. Why ‘Ye only got a problem when you in the hood?

Good Life

P.Y.T.

3. Ludacris – #1 Spot

Ludacris is consistently one of the most underrated emcees in the game. His 2004 album, The Red Light district, featured some of his most animated rhymes to date.  The DJ Green Lantern produced “#1 Spot” is a prime example. Based on the dudes’ “Soul Bossa Nova,” made famous by the Austin Powers movies, Ludacris sent warning shots to any foe standing in his way with a smile. Sidebar: the Bill O’Reilly diss was too official.

Number One Spot:

Soul Bossa Nova:

2. Mobb Deep – Shook Ones Part II

Mobb Deep’s infamously dark delivery and hardcore street tales have made them one of the most critically acclaimed rap groups hip hop has seen. On the classic, The Infamous, Havoc sampled a frightening fragment of a cool Quincy record, “Kitty With The Bent Frame,” to give “Shook Ones Part II” the element of danger it needed to match the duo’s storytelling. Prodigy and Havoc let all the killers and hundred dollar billers know theyweren’t Wu-Tang, but they weren’t “nothin’ to  f*ck wit” either.

Shook Ones Part II:

Kitty With The Bent Frame:

1. The Pharcyde – Passin Me By

Released in 1993, “Passin Me By” found the four member crew recounting stories of school boy crushes that end in heartbreak. Producer, J-Swift sampled “Summer In The City” for this classic. “Passin Me By” will forever resonate because there will always be some guy sprung over a female. By the way, our number eight selection shares the sample. Can you hear them in both records? what’s the difference between the uses of the two songs?

Passin Me By:

Summer In The City:

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Quincy Jones Readies Tribute Album… To Himself

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After scoring some success in the music biz, Tracey Lee went back to school and got an entertainment law degree.  He’s also getting ready to drop a new mixtape, Free Consultation Mixtape Series Vol. 1 that includes production from 9th Wonder & Deric “D-Dot” Angelettie, among others.

HOT97′s DJ Cocoa Chanelle caught up with Lee and asked him about his upcoming mixtape, working with Biggie, and his new mixtape.

Read some of the highlights below, and head over to IAmCocoa.com for the full interview!

DJ Cocoa Chanelle: You are one of the few fortunate artists who had a chance to collaborate with Biggie… What was that experience like?

Tracey Lee: UNBELIEVABLE!!! During our session, BIG taught me more about the game then I had known, at that particular time. He was the first artist that I witnessed write without a pen and paper, which inspired me to eventually write lyrics in my head (without pen, paper, Blackberry, Android, iPad, etc…lol). He was just a cool dude. His skill set on the mic is unmatched to this day. He forced me to step my game up on that record. To watch his whole process of creating the verses for Keep Ya Hands High was crazy! I am truly blessed to have had an opportunity to work with one of the greatest in the history of music! Not many can say, nor will they even have the opportunity to say that. Again I am blessed.

What made you want to get into entertainment law?

Long story (laughs). The short version is my career in the music business made me want to study entertainment law. I want to be the eyes and ears for artists that are coming into the game and don’t have a clue about the music business and recording contracts, deal points, 360 deals, publishing, etc.. This is something that I didn’t have when I signed my deal, so who better to guide someone on these aspects of the business than me – someone who not only has experience as an entertainment lawyer, but who also is an established recording artist, as well.

What can people expect from your mixtape?

My mixtape, Free Consultation Mixtape Series Vol. 1 is a recap of sorts, mixed with a peek into the future – it’s a Tray Lee journey taking you from the beginning, right up to today. Did I mention that my mixtape is free?! This is the first in a series of mixtapes scheduled for release this year; leading up to the CD entitled, Esquire. Free Consultation Mixtape Series Vol. 1 has cuts from my first CD, Many Facez, along with other songs and freestyles to remind the fans of who Tracey Lee is. I also added some new music to give the fans a taste of what they can expect to hear on Esquire, as well as future Tracey Lee projects.

Visit Tracey Lee’s website www.traceyleeinc.com for more info on his mixtape and other projects!

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The Urban Daily 100

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Admittedly, when we first did this list back in 2008 there was one glaring omission–The Notorious B.I.G. This wasn’t because we didn’t like his voice, but I think we were trying to overcompensate for the “East Coast” bias that we’ve been accused of having from time to time. But the beauty of the Internet is that you get to do things over, make adjustments. If The Source can go back and give people Mics we sure can go back and add one of the greatest MCs of all time to a list.

So who did I bump off to make room for Biggie? Nobody.  As a voice I still think Scarface’s is one of the most unique and powerful I’ve ever heard from an MC, but I placed Biggie neck and neck with Chuck D. Read on to see why.

(Props to Big Jo at Beatlcub for sparking this topic!)

1) Scarface
There are deep voices and then there are deep voices. No disrespect to Jay Hova but if God was an MC he’d sound like Brad Jordan. His unmistakable timbre has a mix of southern gangster but holds the weight of a preacher.

2)Chuck D/ Notorious B.I.G (tie)
If Barack Obama were to lose his voice tomorrow, I’d call Chuck D to overdub all of his speeches. The authoritative bass in his vocals is both unmistakable and undeniable. The late Christopher B.I.G Wallace had the uncanny ability to adjust his voice to suit the track (think “Party And Bullshit to “Kick In The Door” to  “One More Chance (remix)” ) and over a decade after his death is the most recycled, sampled and reused voice in hip-hop–much like Chuck D’s.

3)DMX
From the canine growls of “What’s My Name” to the calm of “How’s It Goin’ Down” Earl Simmons knows better than most the power of his own voice. Unfortunately, these days he is doing more talking before a judge than before an audience.

4) Busta Rhymes
As I’ve stated before The Dungeon Dragon has a voice that spits flames (“Woo Ha”) or simply smolders (“Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See”) depending on what the beat tells him to do. But you really don’t appreciate a voice like Mr. Smith’s until you hear it live.

5) Ludacris
Chris Lova Lova’s days on the radio have made him one of the most listenable MCs in the game. Vocally, he rivals Will Smith for clarity, cross-over appeal and replay value, but brings a swagger that is uniquley his own.

6) Mystikal
A Cajun cousin to Busta’s growl, Mystikal brought a weezy twist to the scream scene. On cuts like “Danger” Mystikal takes a more musical, singy approach giving him a Scatman Crothers in a strip club feel.

7) Rev. RUN
From “Rock Box” to “Run’s House” to “Jockin’ Jay-Z” no voice has proved as enduring as Rev. Run’s.

8 ) Ice Cube

Forget bean pies and St. Ides, props to anybody that can sling “Are We There Yet?” and Death Certificate and be completely believable without altering his voice one bit.

9) Rakim / Big Daddy Kane (tie)
One of the most sampled voices in the game, Rakim seduced listeners with an easy-going delivery that set you up for some of the most potent couplets ever put to paper. Kane was the pimptastic alter ego that could talk the stripes off a zebra.

10) Lauryn Hill
Gender be damned, she raps better than most rappers and sings better than most singers, but doing both so well is simply divine. Her voice is distilled with so much pain and passion that you just want to pour it in a highball glass and zone out.

Honorable Mentions:

Chubb Rock
MC Lyte
Slick Rick
Kool Moe Dee
KRS-One
Rah Digga
Lord Have Mercy
Treach of Naughty By Nature
Melle Mel
Rock from Heltah Skeltah

MORE WAY BLACK WHEN CONTENT:

Jeff Redd On Making, “You Called And Told Me” [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO]

Top 9 Must-See Black Films

Top 9 Black Reality TV Personalities

5 & 4: 50 Cent & Bryan “Birdman” Williams
The top five starts out with a tie between G-Unit superstar 50 Cent and Cash Money mogul Birdman aka Baby at $100 million. 50 Cent made the ranks from his Vitamin Water endorsement deal and Baby’s Cash Money Empire continues to expand with the success of Lil Wayne, Drake and Nicki Minaj.

3. Dr. Dre
The super producer ranks in at number three with a worth of $125 million which proves that being a producer definitely pays off.

2. Jay-Z
Between owning an NBA team, a clothing line, record label and more, Jay has brought him up to number 2 status at $450 million.

1. Diddy
The Ciroc god tops the list at a $475 million worth. Take that Jigga!

Are you surprised at the list? We sure are.

The Urban Daily 100

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Check out more from Forbes.com here.

WBW: Samples of History: Hip-Hop Mines Afrobeat

WBW: Samples of History: Led Zepplin Seeks Blues Inspiration

A cover of Paul Simon’s original, James’s version—from the intro, to the bridge to the multiple instruments—has been pillaged by a who’s who of producers looking to put their own stamp on the record and make a fresh groove. Since Mardi Gras kicks off today, here are some of the most notable uses of “Take Me To The Mardi Gras.”

Run-DMC “Peter Piper” Raising Hell

Back when rocking vinyl was a requirement, any DJ worthy his weight in turntables had a well worn pair of Run-DMC’s “Peter Piper” in their creates. The late Jam Master Jay cuts up the original to perfection while the sturdy drums over a sample of the original’s bells lead Run and DMC in an all out rap sprint.

Ghostface Killah “Flowers” Bulletproof Wallets

Pretty Toney over a classic break is always a win. Add in Raekwon, Method Man and Superb over silky chimes and strings and you have an underrated heater. Do yourself a favor and listen to the original (the album version replays the sample but loses its murkiness.)

T-La Rock “Breaking Bells”

Before cerebral rhyming was par for the course, the Bronx’s T La Rock was dropping lyrically sharp bars. “Breaking Bells” (not to be confused with the Crash Crew’s version) is track from back in 1986 that doesn’t nearly get enough love.

Jay-Z “Dig A Hole” Kingdom Come

Only a few years ago Just Blaze incorporated the opening drum lick of “Take Me to the Mardis Gras on Jay-Z’s shots at his detractors. We got this info from WhoSampled.com, so please forgive if we’re dry snitching.

Kool G. Rap & DJ Polo “Death Wish” Wanted: Dead or Alive

Eric B got the credit, but it’s a safe bet that the Large Professor is who actually put this one together. So much for the cheery vibe of the original as Kool G. Rap comes through with nothing verbal menace.

Missy Elliott “Work It” Under Construction

Missy Elliottand Timbaland made old school sensibilities trendy by dropping a little “Peter Piper” into her 2002 smash hit. Bonus points if you remember Elliott was on Gina Thompson’s “The Things That You Do (Remix),” which also samples Bob James’ record.

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Here are some of our favorite unreleased MJ tunes, obscure collaborations, and other goodies!

LaToya Jackson “Night Time Lover”

Michael wrote, produced, and sings background vocals on this song that from LaToya’s 1980 self-titled debut album. The song was originally written for Donna Summer.

Michael Jackson “Starlight”

I won’t give it away, but this unreleased song went through a few changes before it became one of Michael’s most well-known songs…

Michael Jackson “Carousel”

The full version of this song is kinda difficult to come by… legally. A snippet was included on the 2001 remaster of Thriller (the song was intended for the album, but ultimately replaced by “Human Nature”). However, the full version was eventually released only on a special edition of the French version of his 2008 King Of Pop compilation. The King Of Pop compilation received diffeent tracklists in each country it was released in, and fans in each country voted for the tracklist. Only the French were smart enough to ask for the full version of this gem.

Michael Jackson & Freddie Mercury “State Of Shock”

Michael Jackson worked with Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen, off and on from 1981 to 1983. One of the songs they recorded together was an early version of “State Of Shock.” The song was eventually reworked in 1984 for The Jacksons’ Victory album and Mercury was replaced by Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones.

Dave Mason “Save Me”

In 1980, rocker Dave Mason teamed up with Michael for this duet from his Old Crest On A New Wave album. The Jackson 5 frequently covered Mason’s composition “Feelin’ Alright” in concert.

Michael Jackson “Love Never Felt So Good”

Michael Jackson wrote this song with Paul Anka and Kathy Wakefield and recorded this sparse vocal and piano demo. The song was eventually recorded and released by Johnny Mathis on his 1984 album, A Special Part Of Me.

Michael Jackson & LL Cool J “Serious Effect”

This song, recorded for the Dangerous album features a guest verse from LL Cool J. The song was almost released as part of the deluxe edition of Dangerous in 2001.

Kenny Loggins “Who’s Right, Who’s Wrong”

Michael only sings background vocals on this song, but it’s still a great tune!

The Jacksons “Surprise Song”

This improvised song by The Jacksons was sent out to members of their fan club in the early 1980s.

Bryan Loren “Satisfy You”

Michael and songwriter Bryan Loren collaborated on many songs throughout the years (including Michael’s uncredited contributions to Bart Simpson’s “Do The Bartman”). One of the songs they worked on together was “Satisfy You” which received some notoriety in the early 90s after being recorded by Chanté Moore and Damion Hall of the group Guy.

King of Pop

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RELATED: The Urban Daily’s Guide To Michael Jackson Albums

RELATED: Michael Jackson & Aretha Franklin Honored At The Apollo Theater

They rightfully turned to black musicians to score their films and add an extra touch of soul. In many cases, the soundtracks have outlasted the films.

Samples of History: Curtis Mayfield’s “Impressions” On Today’s Music

REWIND: Antonio “Huggy Bear” Fargas On Snitching & Blaxploitation

The list of acts that composed film scores for these blaxploitation movies reads like a who’s who of classic 70′s soul: Isaac Hayes, Curtis Mayfield, Bobby Womack, James Brown, and Marvin Gaye, just to name a few.

We’ve put together a gallery featuring some of the most essential soundtracks from the great black film renaissance of the 1970s.

Which ones are your favorites???

The Best Blaxploitation Soundtracks

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See Greatest Black Sitcom Bracket Challenge

It was an easy road for both sitcoms as they destroyed the competition every step of the way. The Cosby Show dominated its semi-final match-up against A Different World. Similarly, Martin crushed Living Single, effectively dashing its hopes of winning the competition.

Top 9 Must-See Black Movies

Now we’re at the moment of truth. Which of these two wildly popular and successful black sitcoms will claim the ultimate title? Vote now or forever hold your peace.

The Cosby Show

Martin

Vote Now!

‘Here is a highlight from the night: “Though Jamie Foxx and Samuel L. Jackson were both sporting sunglasses when they showed up to the LG Cinema 3D HDTV Gift Lounge backstage at the Spirit Awards, neither hesitated to trade them out for a pair of extra-dimensional iced-out shades to experience the next generation of 3D TV. ActressKerry Washington fully supported the new frames saying “life is disappointing after seeing 3D TV!”  Rosario Dawson “blinged” her 3D viewing experience with a pair of Swarovski-encrusted LG glasses before satisfying her sweet tooth with some Pure Dark chocolate.”

LG 3D Lounge

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Discuss Idris, Oscars and The Late Dwayne McDuffie On “Cinema In Noir”

Black Hollywood

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REWIND: Antonio “Huggy Bear” Fargas On Snitching & Blaxploitation

25 Reasons We Love Blaxploitation Films

Here are some songs you might know that have sampled Afrobeat records!

Missy Elliott “Whatcha Gon’ Do”

Taken from Missy’s 2001 album, Miss E… So Addictive, “Whatcha Gon’ Do” finds Missy flowing over a loop from Fela Kuti’s “Colonial Mentality.” This Timbaland produced track was also included at the end of the video for Missy’s “4 My People” video.

Fela Kuti “Colonial Mentality”

Mos Def “Fear Not Of Man”

Produced by Mos himself, “Fear Not Of Man” opens his classic debut solo album, 1999′s Black On Both Sides. The song features a replayed sample of Fela Kuti’s similarly titled “Fear Not For Man.”

Fela Kuti “Fear Not For Man”

Common “Heat”

Produced by the late J Dilla, Common’s “Heat” was featured on his 2000 album, Like Water For Chocolate and features a sample from Tony Allen’s “Asiko.”

Tony Allen “Asiko”

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As a noted surgeon and scientist, Charles Drew was responsible for creating the technology to store blood for long periods of time. His lifelong concern for the necessary transport and storage of blood and plasma made him a pioneer in his field and a valued scientist in world history. Drew saved thousands of soldiers’ lives in World War Two, when he developed his technology and techniques during the Battle of Britain; and millions more since then. At the same time, Drew battled segregation and bigory at home. Dr. Charles Drew and Barack Obama are, of course, alike in that they both accomplished legendary African-American firsts in the face of prejudice. But President Barack Obama may indeed accomplish a similar lifesaving legacy if he ends the bloody wars begun by the previous administration.

Charles Richard Drew was born on June 3rd, 1904 in Washington D.C. Drew first discovered his passion for medicine at Amherst College, where he received a bachelor’s degree in 1926. Drew saved money for medical school by taking instruction jobs and working hard labor before enrolling at McGill University Medical School in Montreal. He finished his residency at Montreal General Hospital and then moved to his hometown of Washington D.C. to serve as a professor at Howard University. But it was during his fellowship at Columbia Presbyterian where he endeavored his groundbreaking research about blood transfusions. His thesis project, “Banked Blood: A Study in Blood Preservation,” earned Drew a Doctorate of Science in medicine from Columbia University in 1940, and then proceeded to change the world.

At the outset of World War II, Drew’s work with plasma was critical in helping the United States and their allied forces to save soldiers’ lives. Drew became an integral member of the American Red Cross in 1941, but later denounced his affiliation when the U.S. War Department declared that blood should be segregated by race. After making his commitment to soldiers of all colors, Drew was disheartened that his countrymen would not support his efforts. In 1946, he was elected to the International College of Surgeons after winning the NAACP’s Spingard Medal two years prior. On his way to a conference at Tuskegee in 1950, Drew fell asleep at the wheel, and his car wrecked. He died on April 1st of that year. Drew did not, as myth has it, die because he was refused a blood transfusion.

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African-American Firsts In New York

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THEO’S HOLIDAY
Who can forget Cliff as Harley Weedwax? When Theo thinks he has what it takes to make it in the real world, his whole family treats him to a rude awakening at the “Real World Apartments”.

I’M ‘IN’ WITH THE ‘IN’ CROWD
Every kid grows up having to learn their lessons the hard way, but few parents teach those lessons as creatively as Cliff and Claire Huxtable. When Vanessa — still not legally allowed to drink — comes home drunk after playing a drinking game with friends, Cliff and Claire take their youngest daughter Rudy and prank Vanessa by playing the same drinking game, only with a different kind of drink.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
To honor Cliff’s parents on their 49th wedding anniverary, the Huxtable clan channel their inner Ray Charles with a musical tribute, and Rudy steals the spotlight for everyone.

THE SHIRT STORY
When Denise attempts to make Theo a replica of an authentic Gordon Gartrell, she fails, but Theo unexpectedly succeeds, and we laughed the entire time.

DAY OF THE LOCUSTS
Sandra comes down with strep throat, and as a consequence, Claire steals Sandra’s babies so they won’t get sick. What ensues is all out hilarity as both Claire and Sandra’s mother-in-law are found out by Sandra.

A TOUCH OF WONDER
Denise crashes her car into Stevie Wonder’s limo and as a result gets serenaded by the singer himself. “I Just Called To Say (I Love You)” becomes an even bigger smash hit after this episode.

A FULL HOUSE
This episode is famous for one scene, Denise’s friend from Jamaica enjoying the music channel. “I SAID ‘AY MAN! AY MAN!’”

INDEPENDENCE DAY
To impress a female at school, Theo gets his ear pierced. Turns out, the ear gets infected, and Theo must reveal what he did to his dad, Cliff. Cliff attempts to get his son punished by his father, but instead, the tables are turned, and Cliff’s father — Theo’s grandfather — tells a story about how Cliff attempted to straighten his hair to impress Theo’s mother back when they were dating.

THE NIGHT OF THE WRETCHED
When Vanessa sneaks out, the wrath Claire unleashes is so furious, anyone who tuned in had to back away from their television. This episode was big fun, BIG FUN.

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Black Television Shows

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A'Lelia Bundles/Madam Walker Family Archives/madamcjwalker.com

If there is one person from history whose impact on the Black woman’s self-image rivals that of Oprah Winfrey, it is the hair mogul Madame C.J. Walker. Walker was the first successful Black female entrepreneur. Her insistence on involvement in both the business world and civic affairs predates Oprah’s story, and to the extent that Walker created the Winfrey archetype, Barack Obama’s presidency may not have been possible without the great Madame C.J. Walker.

Born Sarah Breedlove, Walker descended from slaves who died when she was still a child. While many young children would have been too traumatized to overcome the death of two parents, she and her sister took jobs laboring in kitchens, and on farms until they could sustain themselves. In 1910, after forming the Hair Culturists’ Union of America in Indianapolis, she made it a point to find allies in the Black political community. She moved to New York in 1916, building (with the help of the first registered black architect) a palatial home that rivaled any in the Hudson River Valley.

How she came into the hair business was no coincidence. Walker may have suffered from alopecia, a rare ailment that is characterized by little or no hair growth on the body. As a response to her own condition, Walker created a formula (that she claimed had been delivered to her in a dream) to restore hair growth. While many say she did invent a metal “hot comb” specifically for Black women to straighten out the curl in their roots, that is not accurate. The primary cause of her hair loss was the result of a common problem of the era i.e. infrequent washing and products that were not designed for the hair of black women.

With her ingenious marketing in every Black publication, and her constant travel to trade shows, Walker became a household name. She interrupted Booker T. Washington’s prestigious National Negro Business League Convention after Washington had apparently ignored her requests to speak. As a woman who had founded and developed one of the nation’s most formidable businesses, she would not be denied the right to correlate with her peers on the same level.

Not one to horde her riches, Walker moved to create philanthropic projects that would help Black communities. She funded the YMCA building in Indianapolis where her business was, donated to the NAACP, and traveled to Woodrow Wilson’s White House to present an anti-lynching petition after violent outbursts had killed Blacks in an Illinois riot. She passed on her legacy of philanthropy to daughter A’Lelia, who was responsible for creating “The Dark Tower,” a salon that hosted Black writers and artists who would display their work during the Harlem Renaissance. Walker died of kidney disease, and bequeathed her estate to her female heirs.

In 1911 Madam Walker pledged $1000 toward the building fund of the black YMCA in Indianapolis. She was one of many funders.

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Black Women Firsts

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