The nominations for the 2010 BET awards were announced at the 230 Fifth Rooftop Garden Bar and Restaurant in New York City and celebs with Caribbean heritage are in almost all categories.




Alicia Keys and Melanie Fiona each have four nominations, followed by Rihanna with 3 nods. Nicki Minaj has two on her own, but added with her nominations as part of Young Money she has a total of five nods.

The 10th annual show will feature performances from Trey Songz, Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Diddy-Dirty Money, who was on hand to announce the nominations, along with Oscar nominee Queen Latifah, who will serve as host.

The BET Awards 2010 will air live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 27, at 8 p.m. The nominees are listed below.

Best Female R&B Artist
Beyoncé
Mary J. Blige
Melanie Fiona
Alicia Keys
Rihanna

Best Male R&B Artist
Chris Brown
Raheem DeVaughn
Maxwell
Trey Songz
Usher

Best Gospel
The Anointed Pace Sisters
Kirk Franklin Presents Artists United For Haiti
Tamela Mann
Marvin Sapp
Vickie Winans

Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Ester Dean
Lil Kim
Nicki Minaj
Rasheeda
Trina

Best Male Hip Hop Artist
B.o.B.
Drake
Fabolous
Jay-Z
Ludacris

Best Group
Black Eyed Peas
Clipse
Diddy-Dirty Money
New Boyz
Young Money

Best New Artist
Justin Bieber
Melanie Fiona
Nicki Minaj
Wale
Young Money

Best Collaboration
Beyoncé f/ Lady Gaga – Video Phone
B.o.B. f/ Bruno Mars – Nothin’ On You
Drake & Trey Songz – Successful
Drake f/ Lil Wayne, Kanye West & Eminem – Forever
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind
Trey Songz f/ Fabolous – Say Aah

Video of the Year
Beyoncé f/ Lady Gaga – Video Phone
B.o.B. f/ Bruno Mars – Nothin’ On You
Melanie Fiona – It Kills Me
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind
Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West – Run This Town

Video Director of the Year
Benny Boom
Gil Green
Anthony Mandler
Chris Robinson
Hype Williams

Best Actress
Taraji P. Henson
Regina King
Mo’Nique
Zoe Saldana
Gabourey Sidibe

Best Actor
Quinton Aaron
Don Cheadle
Idris Elba
Jamie Foxx
Denzel Washington

YoungStars Award
Selena Gomez
Lil JJ
Keke Palmer
Willow Smith
Tyler James Williams

Best Movie
Avatar
Law Abiding Citizen
Michael Jackson’s This Is It
Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
The Blindside

Subway Sportswoman of the Year
Tamika Catchings
Vanessa James
Candace Parker
Serena Williams
Venus Williams

Subway Sportsman of the Year
Carmelo Anthony
Usain Bolt
Kobe Bryant
LeBron James
Tiger Woods

Viewers Choice Nominees
Beyoncé – Sweet Dreams
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind
Monica – Everything To Me
Rihanna f/ Young Jeezy – Hard
Trey Songz f/ Fabolous – Say Aah
Young Money (Lil Wayne, Gudda Gudda, Nicki Minaj, Jae Millz, Drake, Tyga) f/ Lloyd – Bedrock

Centric Award
Melanie Fiona
Maxwell
Chrisette Michele
Monica
Sade


Best International Act
Kojo Antwi (Ghana)
Chipmunk (UK)
Dizzee Rascal (UK)
Estelle (UK)
Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP) (South Africa)
K’NAAN (Somalia)
M.I. (Nigeria)
P-Square (Nigeria)
Corinne Bailey Rae (UK)
Sade (UK)

Georgio Armani dressed RnB crooner Alicia Keys for her 2008 As I Am tour. They collaborate once again for her Element of Freedom during which she will be rocking four dazzling, one-of-a-kind costumes from the Italian designer.










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If and only boy....

One Night, One Voice, One Life At A Time: Alicia Keys will be performing at the Nokia Theatre in NYC on December 1st (World AIDS Day).
Tune in to see the entire concert streamed live on YouTube on 12/1 at 8pm EST. RSVP on Facebook!
Ticket Giveaway: Enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets to see Alicia's Concert live in New York City on December 1st!Click Here to enter and for full rules and details.

Check out the cover of Alicia's new album, The Element of Freedom, in stores December 15th (iTunes Pre-Order Starts 12/1)!

The new album features her two amazing new singles "Doesn't Mean Anything" and "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart," PLUS the exclusive "Empire State Of Mind Part 2"!

AliciaKeys.com for updates!

Go to WhitneyHouston.com to listen to the song "Million Dollar Bill" it's one of her first two singles from her upcoming album I Look To You. The song is written byAlicia Keys who personally asked Clive Davis (the album's executive producer) to be on the album. Her boyfriend Swizz Beatz produced the song (aka he made the beat and what not). So far this year the only time their names were together in the news were over his baby mama drama with his ex-wife Mashonda, and the fact that Keys supposedly broke up their relationship. Nice to see them doing something positive with the music vibes.

Oh and about the song.It's pure Whitney Houston. No auto tune, no raunchy lyrics. This song could have been released in 1985. It;s like old school RnB. Caught me after about 4 listens. Will catch you too:-)



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The othe single released so far is the title track "I Look To You," written by R. Kelly. Yo Kells go hard. Say one say two, pardna can write!!!! Awesome song!!!!!!Powerful!!!!! Go listen!!!!

Check out this new song from Capitol Records’ newest R&B signee, JAICKO (pronounced Jay-Ko) . The 17 year-old Barbados native is currently working on his debut album for the label calle Can I (he has music already out there just search him on You Tube) and “Oh Yeah” (produced by The Stereotypes) is the first single. Click HERE to listen to the track.





So this song was introduced online recently and wheh, if allu coulda read the comments some people made. Some were supportive etc but you just had to have the "here comes another Bajan" comments.

Why we hatin??? Yes there is alot of undiscovered talent, not just in Barbados. All over the world ok. So if this kid gets an opportunity to make it and follow in the footsteps of Rihanna, Shontelle, Levvi Frank etc, then why not? Boy make your music eh and make your money on de bargain. Up next- Dwane Husbands. Even though I vex with you Dwane I still bigging you up eh!

myspace.com/jaicko

Maxwell's first album in nearly eight years, "BLACKsummers'night," is headed for a big debut next week on the Billboard 200 chart. Industry prognosticators suggest the Columbia set could move anywhere from 275,000 to 325,000 in its first week. The R&B singer's last offering, 2001's "Now," opened at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with a career-high 296,000 copies sold according to Nielsen SoundScan.



"BLACKsummers'night" may not end up being the top selling album of the week, however. Interest in all things Michael Jackson continues and the big question mark is whether the King of Pop's hits set "Number Ones" will continue to do boffo business. It would be surprising if the Epic effort sold near the 339,000 that it moved last week. However, sales were reportedly very brisk on Tuesday, July 7 -- the day of Jackson's memorial service.

The week's other big new release, the "Hannah Montana 3" TV soundtrack, looks like it may rake in between 100,000-125,000 in sales by week's end on Sunday, July 12. Earlier this year, the "Hannah Montana: The Movie" film soundtrack started at No. 2 with 139,000. The first two "Hannah" TV soundtracks both reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 back in 2006 and 2007, respectively.

One more new album looks like it could make a top 10 entrance on the Billboard 200 next week: All Time Low's third studio set "Nothing Personal." The effort may start with anywhere between 60,000-75,000. The Hopeless Records' band took its last album, "So Wrong, It's Right," to No. 62 back in 2007.

Nielsen SoundScan's sales tracking week, as reflected in the Billboard 200 chart, runs from Monday through Sunday of each week. Next week's Billboard 200 chart will be released in the morning of Wednesday, July 15 and will reflect data through the week ending Sunday, July 12.

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Reggae star Jah Cure is on the brink of releasing his highly anticipated album, The Universal Cure (SoBe/DangerZone), and is back with a new hit single that's heating up airwaves across the Caribbean, and beyond.


"Call On Me," a romantic duet recorded with SoBe labelmate, R&B/Pop singer Phyllisia, is already topping reggae playlists worldwide. Now the alluring single is bound to place Jah Cure at the very top of reggae charts, as he looks forward to the release of his new album come early April.

"I feel excited about this album, because this is the first album that I've made since I've been out of incarceration," states the soulful singer, whom many say is reminiscent of the great Bob Marley. "When all the other albums were released, I was in incarceration, so this is the first album that I made as a free man, and the first album launch I'll ever have in my life. So this album is more sentimental, and I'm out here to make it grow and make it connect to the fans more. It's a joy to be able to promote it to my fans and to the media, and to participate in platforms like Facebook and YouTube, and advertise it as a free man to the free world."

The video was commissioned by SoBe Entertainment and DangerZone Music Group. It was shot over a two-day period in luscious Ocho Rios, Jamaica, with locations spanning the luxurious Royal Plantation resort and surrounding beaches. The video was directed by Rhona Fox and is slated for release in the upcoming week.



For more information on Jah Cure, tour dates and details on the upcoming album release, including celebrations from Kingston to Miami, visit his artist profile at www.myspace.com/freejahscure.
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Our favorite ex-first lady is in the news once again. Right now Lisa Raye McCoy-Misick is being linked to R& B singer Ginuwine. She is the leading lady in the video for his first release from his upcoming album A Mans Thoughts.The song is called "Last Chance."

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Ginuwine is married to (former rapper) Sole with whom he has three children. Lisa Raye of course is in the midst of a nasty divorce with Turks and Caicos Premier Michael Misick. Both sides deny any romatic involvement, though all who were on the set admitted their chemistry.Can't wait to see the vid.

By the way,I am a huge Ginuwine fan, His album 100% Ginuwine is sick, it's sexy, it's freaky, it's hot...Love it!!!!!!
Check out the vid for his song "So Anxious" . Ya'll I watched it about five times already (I think Imma need a cold shower soon). That song is just too hot.And peep the dance sequence at the end. Usher who????Chris Brown What??? You know is from him dey get their moves right???? Ok.. nuff said. YES I love Ginuwine...now watch de video eh.

Check out Christina Milian and The Dream who are just friends and not dating taking a leisurely stroll.
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She just signed a deal with his Radio Killa Records, According eto her its a Radio Killa/Interscope/My Space record. Whatever you call it, I'm sure it will be a hit when its completed. She's been at the game so long. she deserves the boost.

It's a doowoppy, pppish song...wasn't her new sound supposed to be a la Disturbia plus more rock????? Still hot tho'

Here's R&B/Pop singer Keisha Chante.....
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She is to play Aaliyah in the upcoming Bill Condon directed Aaliyah.


Aaliyah Dana Haughton was born Jan. 16 1979 in Brooklyn NY. She was known for her street but sweet look. She was a protege of R.. Kelly and mentored by Missy Elliott and Timberand as well. Some of my favorite Aaliyah songs include, "Age Ain't Nothing But A Number," "Back and Forth," "At Your Best," "If Your Girl Only Knew," "One In A Million" ( love the dance scene at the end) "4 Page Letter" "The One I Gave My Heart To", "Rock The Boat" We Need A Resolution"....basically all her hits....Love you girl!

she died on August 25th 2001 in a plane crash on Marsh Harbor, Abaco Island in the Bahamas. She had just wrapped up filiming the video for rock the boat. Check it out below:


My favorite Aaliya video when it came to dance is "Are You that Somebody" of course I like the baby effect in the chorous too.

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Originally featuring Lil’ Wayne, Keri Hilson’s second single, “Turnin’ Me On,” from her debut album, In A Perfect World originally featured Lil' Wayne. It's been remixed and this version features Busta Rhymes.
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He recently left Aftermath/Interscope Records last summer, and will release his new album, B.O.M.B. next year. The Hilson track is produced by Polow Da Don.

listen to the song HERE!

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Dancehall artist Serani's smash hit "No Games" has made it on the Billboard Charts in get this the Hot RnB/Hip-Hop Singles Chart. The top five songs on the chart are "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" Beyonce, "Live Your Life" T.I feat. Rihanna, "Chopped 'N' Skrewed" T-Pain feat. Ludacris, "Miss Independent" Ne-Yo and "Trading Places" Usher.
So he is in some great company, some might say in quantity not quality. Regardless, I love the song. I can't hear it and sit down. Doh mention if I just get to my destination and it comes on. Yeah, I'll be rocking it in the car. lol. Some of you know you do it to. so don't front.

Anyways the song is produced by Linton "TJ" White and is featured on the Unfinished Business Riddim. Apart from the Singles chart it debuted at #53 on the Hot RnB/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. TJ also has another track on that same riddim on Billboard as well, and that is Mavado's "I'm So Special" which re-entered the charts and #53.

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Trini-influenced, New York-based clothing line Coskel University is gonna dress John Legend and his band when they kick off the tour for his new album Evolver. the deal which involves CU donating Jeans, Tees and Outer Wear for performances and media appearances was brokered by Rkado Stephon between Legend's stylist Connie Johnson and owners Xolani Heylon and Machiyo Kodaira.

Coskel Website

Estelle's album Shine was taken off iTunes in the US , a move that has seemingly backfired on the star and her label Warner Music.

The goal was to get fans to buy her complete album, not just individual songs. Her song "American Boy" with Kanye West went from 10 on iTunes and 11 on Billboard singles chart to number 37. The song has also fallen from number six to 59 on the Billboard download chart.

And the album instead of moving up has plummented to 139 on the Billboard album charts.

Man, this girl is hot and she has some wicked tracks on that album. It's too bad that the gamble did not pay off.

Estelle is currently on a major North American tour, where she is playing up her collaborations with US hip-hop and R&B stars such as Kanye West, John Legend, Will.i.am and Cee-Lo Green.
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www.myspace.com/agtony

He is an RnB singer who calls London home but whose heart is in Barbados. Adrian Gray known as A.G was born to a Bajan mom and Jamaican father. He was greatly influenced by RnB legends such as Marvin Gaye. But don’t get it twisted he loves his Beres too. He never forgot his culture as he spent part on his childhood in Barbados and then returned for frequent vacations visiting his grandmother, so yes he loves jerk and flying fish and I'm sure he could bus a wine or two (or as they say in BIM "wukkup"). Ladies his voice is real sweet…and his abs too…check them out in this pic (above) lots more on his page (lol). Check out his songs Hustle” Better Days and You and I (which you can listen to below)

U_&_I_Version.mp3

www.myspace.com/harella

Born in Marigot Dominica, Harella moved to Tortola BVI at age seven. She got her big break on the soca sene as a member of Xtreme band. She is known for groovy tracks such as "Wine On Me" with Onyan of Burning Flames, and her recent hit "Higher" which is getting rave reviews. But don't be fooled. Her range is so wide she could pretty much sing anythinng and make it soud good. I love her cover of "Lonely Am I"

Songs on the site: "Give It To Me", "Higher", "Everytime We Touch", "Don’t Take Him Back", and "All About Me"

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American Idol Pop, R&B and Gospel Star Ruben Studdard will headline  the 38th Annual Hal Jackson Talented Teens International (HJTTI)  Scholarship Competition created by Harold “Hal” Jackson, Group Chairman of Inner City Broadcasting.  Sponsored by the Youth Development Foundation, the competition welcomes young women from around the world who are gifted in the fields of music, dance, stage performance, and/or acting

HJTTI has awarded over $1,000,000 in scholarships and prizes to its participants over the 37 years of its existence. Some of the past winners of HJTTI include Jada Pinkett Smith, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Vanessa Williams

The event runs from Saturday July12th to Sunday July 20^th in Tortola BVI

Hip-hop artists T-Pain has been added to the line up for this year's Reggae Sumfest.

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Thursday July 17th Beenie Man* Bounty Killa* Spice* Elephant Man* Harry Toddler* Mavado* DeMarco* Busy Signal* Serani* Vybz Kartel* Little Hero* Anthony B* I Octane* Ninja Man* Shane O* Wayne Marshall* Daniell"DI"* Voicemail* Nature* Erup* Mystic Man* Assassin* Mikey Ranks* D'Angel* Madd Dogg* Macka Diamond* Chumps* Munga and Live Wyya backing band Friday July 18th Lil Wayne*Keyshia Cole*Jah Cure*Queen Ifrica*Richie Spice*Courtney John* Coco Tea* Terry Linen*Pressure*Emmanuel Walsh*Lutan Fyah*LUST*Sane Backing Band Saturday July 19th T-Pain*Beres Hammond* Tarrus Riley* Brick & Lace* John Holt*Etana*Andy Vernon*Bonafide


This year's sponsors include Air Jamaica, the Jamaica Tourist Board, Digicel, Ocean Spray and Jamrock Magazine. Quite obviously absent is former sponsor Red Stripe. The Jamaican beer company withdrew its title sponsorship after seven years because of what they see as the promotion of negative aspects of dancehal music, namely profanity and homophobic lyrics of some artists.

Reggae Sumfest has been presented consecutively since its launch in 1993 by Summer Fest Productions, headed by Executive Director Johnny Gourzong and Chairman Robert Russell. recently earned 'Promoter of the Year' and 'Concert of the Year' at the 27th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards on May 4.