Good news for Sisqo fans — the “Thong Song” singer is set to make his big return to music.

After more than a decade away from the music business, Sisqo is set to release a new album this summer.

Sisqo made his mark with the Grammy-nominated smash hit “Thong Song,” off of his debut studio album, “Unleash the Dragon.” Released in 1999, the album performed well for Sisqo, going platinum and hitting No. 2 on the Billboard 200. In 2001, Sisqo released his sophomore album, “Return of the Dragon.” While it couldn’t live up to the success of “Unleash the Dragon,” “Return of the Dragon” did not disappoint, hitting No. 7 on the Billboard 200.

Now, 12 years after the release of his last album, Sisqo is ready to release “Last Dragon.” Originally hyped for a 2012 release, “Last Dragon” will hit stores this summer.

Continue reading at the Huffington Post Black Voices.

The post Sisqo’s ‘Last Dragon’ Will Serve As Singer’s Return To Music appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

By Clarissa Hamlin

For anyone looking for a little “me” time at an affordable price, look no further than National Spa Week, a spring and autumn buffet of discounted spa treatments and wellness services that will soothe anyone’s frazzled nerves.

Hundreds of spas, yoga and Pilates studios, fitness and nutrition centers, and other health practitioners will slash the usual $100-$500 fee to $50 each for up to three signature treatments from April 15-21. Spa buffs can splurge on low-cost treatments offering several health and therapeutic benefits. From massages to innovative skincare procedures, anyone can find a rejuvenating and relaxing way to improve their physical and emotional well-being while alleviating stress.

Register at SpaWeek.com to book treatments at any participating location, and purchase the Spa & Wellness Gift Card by Spa Week.

[Photo: Shutterstock]

Courtesy of NBC Chicago

Urban Prep Academy is continuing its record of success.

For the last three years, all graduation seniors from the charter school’s Englewood campus have been college bound. This year, the inaugural graduating class of the West Campus has  accomplished the same goal.

In all, 167 seniors, all African American males, have been accepted to a four-year college or university.

“What this 100 percent proves beyond a doubt is that it need not be the exception but it should be the expectation for every child in the city of Chicago,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said at a ceremony where the final students exchanged their red uniform neckties with the red-and-gold striped ones that signify their college-bound status.

Urban Prep founder Tim King said he was exceedingly proud of the young men.

“It’s really heartwarming. It’s really an inspiration,” said Tim King. “These guys are an inspiration to all of us because they show you what can happen when you really work hard and do the right thing. I feel great. There are no words to describe how powerful and wonderful it is to be a part of Urban Prep.”

Continue here…

Photo courtesy of Urban Prep Academy

The post 100 Percent Of Urban Prep Seniors College-Bound appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of The Frisky

Hey, in case you forgot, it’s April Fools’ Day, the day in which the internet spends a portion of its marketing budget on ridiculous pranks! Let’s review how various websites and brands are playing “Gotcha!” this year …

Continue reading at The Frisky

Courtesy of The Associated Press

Orlando Bloom and Condola Rashad will star on Broadway this fall in a modern take on William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” a revival that will add an intriguing element of racial contrast to the classic tale of two star-crossed lovers.

“The last thing we wanted to do was to do a sort of pompous, classic version of `Romeo and Juliet,’” said director David Leveaux, a five-time Tony Award nominee. “I’m just taking away all the wallpaper and mantelpieces, all the kind of pompous stuff we associate with grand Shakespeare productions, and try to go as simple as possible.”

Producers said Monday that previews at the Richard Rodgers Theatre will begin Aug. 24 with an opening night set for Sept. 19. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on April 8.

Related: All Eyes On: Condola Rashad

The production will also star two-time Tony Award nominee Jayne Houdyshell as the Nurse and Tony nominee Joe Morton as Lord Capulet. The Capulets will be played by black actors and the Montagues by white actors.

Leveaux stressed that the idea of exploring the racial difference between the two feuding Italian families came organically after the casting of the lead actor and actress.

“I did not set out to create some conceptual frame,” he said. “At the end of the day, if you’re sitting in Row E in a Broadway theater, you either believe that these two people are in love and are invested in them or the play doesn’t work.”

Continue here…

The post Orlando Bloom, Condola Rashad in Broadway’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of The Root

Christiana Mbakwe, writing at xoJane, says that the idea of being “colorblind” is fundamentally problematic and does more harm than good.

In an interview with BET, Kim Kardashian said, “I have a lot of friends that are all different nationalities, and their children are bi-racial. So they have kind of talked to me a little bit about it, what to expect and what not to expect. I think that the most important thing is how I would want to raise my children, is just to not see color. That’s important to me.”

Continue reading at The Root

[Photo: Shutterstock]

Looking for an fast-paced, action-packed cop flick that’s sure to be a summer blockbuster? Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg have got you covered.

The Hollywood heavyweights will star in 2 Guns, directed by Baltasar Kormákur (Contraband), as a pair of federal agents who are assigned to investigate one another after being set up by the mob.

2 Guns, also starring the lovely Paula Patton, will open in theaters August 2.

The post First Look: Denzel Washington In ’2 Guns’ [TRAILER] appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of BlackEnterprise.com

I received an e-mail from a faithful supporter regarding an issue she is having with her former fiancée. I’ll call them Kevin and Kim in order to protect the identities of the involved parties.

Kevin and Kim met three years ago at an office holiday party and hit it off from their first conversation. They dated for a year and a half before Kevin decided to pop the question. During an intimate Saturday evening gathering with family and friends, Kevin presented the apple of his eye with a $14,000 diamond engagement ring. Sounds like a romantic fairy tale right? Well not in this case!

Continue reading at BlackEnterprise.com

[Photo: Shutterstock]

The post Do Women Get to Keep the Ring After a Broken Engagement? appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

A 4-year-old girl was fatally shot inside a car Saturday night in northwest Miami-Dade, according to NBC News.

The victim, identified as Rahquel Carr, was reportedly sitting in a parked Mercedes-Benz with several other small children just after 6 p.m. when she was shot in her upper body. Police said the young child was immediately taken to a nearby hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

While authorities continue to investigate the cause of the shooting, police have confirmed that a six-year-old boy was holding the weapon after the incident. There is no word on if he fired the fatal shot.

Police said at least one adult was nearby at the time of the shooting.

“We will be looking at who this firearm belonged to, were the firearm was in the vehicle at the time, along with who was present when the gun was fired,” said Miami-Dade Police spokesman Det. Roy Rutland.

The post 4-Year-Old Girl Shot Dead In Northwest Miami appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of Madame Noire

In her eight-year boxing career, Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields has never lost a single match and yet she still gets no respect. From Mother Jones:

“Maybe you remember Claressa “T-Rex” Shields: At 17, she was the youngest boxer in last summer’s Olympics, the first games to ever let women spar. Aggressive, spunky, and intensely focused, she trounced a Russian opponent twice her age in the finals to return home to Flint, Michigan, with a gold medal. “I wrapped it around my hand when I went to sleep,” Shields says. “I had this fear that when I woke up the medal was going to be silver.” Yet unlike fellow gold medalist Gabby Douglas, the teen gymnast who is expected to rake in $8-$12 million from sponsorships, Shields has received no national endorsement deals (though a local car lot gave her a custom black and gold Camaro). “I think because women’s boxing is new, I guess,” she says. “I don’t really know.”

If you have missed seeing Shields fight at the Olympics – or anywhere else for that matter- please stop reading right now and go search YouTube for some of her previous performances. The girl is phenomenal. And no shade to Gabby Douglas, but while we were, and still continue to, celebrate one little black girl’s historic achievements in one sport, we totally forgot about another black teen girl, about the same age as Douglas, who too made history at the Olympics. Not only is she the first African-American woman to win gold in boxing, but the first woman, period. Like Douglas, she too has an equally compelling story about adversity and triumph, including being both a black youth from inner city Detroit and a survivor of sexual assault. But yet and still you tell me that Shields has not been asked to cover one Wheaties box? Not to sound like an alarmist, but I really do believe that it is a national embarrassment that this young gladiator, who has worked hard, and with success, in service of our country is not reaping the financial benefits.

The post How Does Olympic Boxer Claressa Shields Win Gold But Not Receive One Endorsement? appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

From Sunday’s service at St. John’s Episcopal Church to hosting the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday, the Obama family celebrated the holiday with tons of laughter, family bonding and (as expected) fabulous fashions.

Check out a few snaps from the First Family’s holiday weekend after the jump!

The Obamas attend church service at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C.

Photos courtesy of AP/Getty Images

Jessica Sanchez sings while Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and Kid President Robby Novak stand nearby.

The First Lady shares a special Easter story with attendees.

Michelle Obama is joined by daughters Malia and Sasha, as well as the family dog Bo.

President Obama takes his turn reading to the children.

Let the Easter Egg Roll begin!

The Obamas cheer on this year’s participants.

President Obama comforts a young competitor.

Barack and Michelle pose with the adorable bunch of kids.

We’ve got you covered on the best treats and eats across the nation…

CHICAGO
Tortoise Club
Sophisticated and discerning, the Tortoise Club is more private club than simple restaurant. Check out the Red Room & Library as grand portraits of Chicago notables look on, and don’t miss the wild-caught Dover sole—a hands-down favorite. 350 N. State St. 312.755.1700. tortoiseclub.com

NEW YORK CITY
EVR
It’s been a long time coming, but the gastro-lounge in Manhattan’s Empire District has finally landed. Check out EVR After Work, where bespoke cocktails rule, and EVR After Dark, where glimpses of New York nightlife past have reportedly resurfaced. 54 W. 39th St. 212.997.3900. evrnyc.com

PHILADELPHIA
Federal Donuts
This donut and fried chicken haven turned Philly upside down when it first opened in 2011, and this second location is keeping in the tradition. More takeout than casual dining, the long lines have inspired early risers, reservoirs of patience and, yes, brotherly love. 1632 Sansom St. federaldonuts.com

ATLANTA
La Tagliatella
With over 130 locations across Europe and Asia, this Italian eatery is betting that its hearty fare—which includes more than 400 pasta and sauce combinations, 20 handcrafted Napoletano-style pizzas, and specialty cocktails—will win this country over too. 919 Peachtree St. NE. 678.608.3188. latagliatella.us

DETROIT
Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina/Wolfgang Puck Steak
The chef’s latest culinary concepts are standouts in a city that thrives on great food. 1777 Third St. 877.888.2121. mgmgrandetroit.com

CHARLOTTE
Toast Café Ballantyne
Charlotte’s sure bet for breakfast, lunch and brunch is a good fi t at the Village at Robinson Farm. In addition to its hearty country breakfast, lobster rolls are a specialty. 8430 Rea Rd. 980.613.8343. toasthousecafe.com/ballantyne

by Michael A. Gonzales

While walking through the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 2005 checking out the paintings of legendary artist Salvador Dali, singer/producer Bilal Oliver was moved. “There were so many different layers and dimension to his work,” he explains. “Part of Dali’s process was layering various images and I thought, man, I’d love to make music like that.” Bilal’s latest disc, A Love Surreal (eOne), is a hat tip to the surrealism art movement that Dali once led.

Born and raised in Philly, Bilal grew up listening to everything from P-Funk to David Bowie to Phyllis Hyman, but nothing connected the way jazz did. “My dad was a big John Coltrane fan,” says the married father of three sons. “His best friend owned a jazz club. When I was young, I used to go with him and watch people do their gigs.”

A few years later, Bilal attended the Philadelphia High School for Creative Performing Arts, whose alumni includes his friend Questlove. “By senior year I was the jazz band vocalist and arranger,” he says. But Bilal had more to tackle, so he headed to New York after graduation. As a student at the New School, he met fellow student and pianist Robert Glasper. And though the two left-of-center artists would one day bless each other’s projects, Bilal first found solo fame as a part of the growing neo-soul movement. His 2001 debut, 1st Born Second (Interscope), was critically acclaimed and included collaborations with Dr. Dre (“Fast Lane”) and late genius J. Dilla (“Reminisce”). Although his follow-up project Love For Sale (2006) was never released and Interscope dropped him, the brother rebounded in 2010 with the superb Airtight’s Revenge (Plug Research).

With Surreal, Bilal has constructed the perfect balance of soul, rock and, of course, jazz. “That’s the concept of surreal anyway,” he says. “Bringing a lot of random things together and making it make sense.”

Courtesy of Madame Noire

Karen Braithwaite received a harsh wake-up call when she attempted to coordinate a Barbie-themed birthday party for her daughter, Georgia. Although her daughter owns several Black Barbies, Karen reveals that she had the most difficult time finding Barbie-themed plates, cups, banners and decorations that didn’t depict the blue-eyed, blonde-haired Barbie.

“When I was growing up, black Barbies were hard to find. Here we are 40 years later and still dealing with the same thing,” Braithwaite told DNA Info.

“The message they are sending when they [Mattel] exclude black Barbies is that blonde hair and blue eyes are the ideal,” Braithwaite went on to say of Mattel’s lack diversity.

Following her experience, Braithwaite has organized a group of fourteen mothers and more than 2,500 Change.org petitioners who are urging Mattel to provide more accessories and merchandise that feature more Barbies of color.

Continue at Madame Noire…

Photo courtesy of DNA Info

The post Harlem Moms Launch Petition Urging Mattel To Offer More Ethnically Diverse Barbie Merchandise appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

We’re pretty sure this isn’t the “normalcy” Halle Berry was looking for.

According to E! News, the actress’s fiancé Olivier Martinez was involved in a bit of a scuffle Monday night as the couple and Berry’s 5-year-old daughter Nahla returned from their trip to Hawaii. Eyewitnesses said as the group made their way through Los Angeles International Airport, the paps met the high-profile pair as they came down the escalator.

Related: ‘RHOA’ Peter Thomas Blasts Halle Berry

That’s when Martinez allegedly assaulted the photographer by kicking him in the leg and wrist. The man eventually grabbed hold of Martinez and asked why he kicked him, only further upsetting the 47-year-old actor.

After securing Nahla in an SUV, Martinez reportedly went back to the photographer and kicked him again. Berry– who was heard yelling, “Get away, there’s a child,”– then grabbed her fiancé and asked him to get in the vehicle.

The incident follows Martinez’s Thanksgiving Day brawl with Berry’s ex and father of her child, Gabriel Aubry. And we all remember those pictures…

The post Halle Berry’s Fiancé Assaults Photographer In Los Angeles appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of HuffPost BlackVoices

“I don’t care if Rick Ross is 40 years old — he’s a misguided 40-year-old person.”

Strong words from Talib Kweli Monday as he addressed the recent controversy over Rick Ross’ rap verse on the song U.O.E.N.O., in a HuffPost Live segment hosted by Marc Lamont Hill.

While Ross seems to have chalked the controversy surrounding his lyrics up to some unspecified “misunderstanding,” many are not buying his explanation.

“Rick Ross condoned rape in that song … and he should apologize, and his apology that he offered was unacceptable.” Kweli continued.

Continue here…

The post Rick Ross Rape Lyrics: Talib Kweli Takes Rapper To Task Over Controversial Song appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

“I’m not a businessman. I’m a business, man.”

Jay-Z is on to something new.

The 43-year-old rapper is expanding his Roc Nation entertainment company into a full-service sports management company through a partnership with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), according to ESPN.

News broke Tuesday (April 2) that Roc Nation Sports has signed New York Yankees star Robinson Cano as its first client. The second baseman is currently in his final year of a six-year, $57 million deal with the team.

Related: Star Style: Jay-Z

“At this point in my career, I am ready to take a more active role in my endeavors on and off the field,” Cano said. “I am confident that the pairing of Roc Nation Sports and CAA Sports will be essential in helping me accomplish my short and long-term goals. I am making this important decision now so I can keep my focus on helping the Yankees succeed in 2013, while minimizing any distractions for me and my teammates.”

After obtaining a small share of the Brooklyn Nets franchise, it was only right for the business mogul to further shift his interests into sports management.

“Because of my love of sports, it was a natural progression to form a company where we can help top athletes in various sports the same way we have been helping artists in the music industry for years,” Jay-Z said in a statement.

Related: His & Hers: Jay-Z, Beyonce Sign Publishing Deals With Warner/Chappell Music

If that’s not enough, sources say Blue Ivy’s papa is looking to be a certified agent, first in baseball and later in basketball (upon giving up his BK Nets share) and football.

While Roc Nation Sports’ initial launch is with CAA, the company will reportedly stand as its own company in the future.

The post Jay-Z Launches Sports Agency, Roc Nation Sports appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Check out the latest happenings around the music world…

• Beyoncé and Andre 3000 will team up once again for a duet of Amy Winehouse‘s “Back to Black,” which will be featured on the soundtrack of The Great Gatsby. The pair, who previously worked together on 2011′s “Party,” will deliver “a very different take” on the dark hit made famous by the late singer. And consider it a favor to Jay-Z: the rapper is producing the film’s score, as previously reported.
• And while we’re on the topic of awesome collaborations, Miguel was photographed in the studio this past weekend to assist in Monica‘s forthcoming album. Only time will tell on what the music powerhouses are cooking up, but it’s safe say that it will be money!
• Robin Thicke has gotten the stiff-arm from YouTube, as the popular video-sharing website has banned his sexy new visual for “Blurred Lines.” The unrated video– featuring T.I., Pharrell and a few nude models– was reportedly too hot for viewers and was taken down after garnering more than 1.3 million views.
• The roster for Rock In Rio 2013 is on fire. Alicia Keys is the newest artist to be added to the line-up of entertainers that include Justin Timberlake, Pink, Beyonce, John Mayer, Nickelback and more. The festival will run from Sept. 13 – Sept. 22.
• If your eyelids failed you Monday evening (or you failed to tune in), Janelle Monáe visited Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to pay tribute to the legendary Jimi Hendrix. Check out her outstanding rendition of “Little Wing” below…

• And finally, we’d like to wish a Happy Birthday to the late, great Marvin Gaye on what would have been the singer’s 74th year. He will never be forgotten…

The post Music Tidbits: Janelle Covers Jimi, A Beyoncé/Andre 3000 Collab, Robin Thicke Gets Banned & More appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of Black Enterprise

Since her resurgence in 2010 with VH1’s hit “Love & Hip Hop,” Mona Scott-Young has reigned as an entrepreneur and hip hop mogul. The show, which featured emotionally unpredictable and unstable cast members wandering through New York’s hip hop scene, sought to shed light on an industry that was unfamiliar to the masses. The weekly series has since expanded Mona’s empire to additional properties such as “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” and her newest addition, VH1’s “The Gossip Game.”

Like any other entrepreneur, she has faced trials (the loss of her former Violator business partner Chris Lighty) and triumphs (Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta soaring as one of the top rated reality television shows in history). The hip hop mogul also recently expanded into the consumer products industry with her flavored “MYX Moscato,” as well as preparing for her upcoming reality show on BRAVO.

In this exclusive BlackEnterprise.com interview, Scott-Young gets “real” about the negative criticism that she’s received on her portrayal of African Americans on television, challenges that she’s faced as a businesswoman in the music industry, how she manages work-life balance, and her new VH1 series “The Gossip Game.”

BlackEnterprise.com: Tell us about your journey. What made you decide to transition from the music industry to television?

It was a desire for personal growth. I’ve always wanted to move into television. I did a show several years ago on UPN with Missy Elliott called ‘Road to Stardom.’ I loved the process. I love having an idea, rolling up my sleeves and bringing all the elements together and then seeing it on screen. When I transitioned to Monami Entertainment (her company), I always aspired to really get my wheels and dig my heels into television. Love and Hip Hop happened to be a big one. It resonated and connected with the audience and it took off and I’ve continued to develop shows. That for me was a personal passion but also part of the business model that I wanted for Monami.

Continue at Black Enterprise…

The post The Business of Reality TV: A One-On-One With Mona Scott-Young appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of The Grio

Ben Carson bungled a great opportunity.

Three months ago, he was known as one of the most accomplished doctors in the country, a man with a prestigious post at John Hopkins University, a long list of achievements that included the separation of conjoined twins and a Presidential Medal of Freedom award.

His books and speeches had given some hints of his conservative politics, but even African-Americans who disagreed with his political stances respected Carson as a medical expert and motivational speaker.

Carson could have smoothly entered politics in a number of ways, from appearing on television shows to talk about health care to getting himself in position to be tapped for a post in a Republican administration if the GOP wins back the White House in 2016.

Nevermind all that. In only a few weeks, Carson has tossed away much of his credibility in what appears to be a shallow attempt to draw attention to himself.

The problem isn’t that Carson blasted President Obama at a traditionally non-partisan prayer breakfast, with the president sitting a few feet away, and made very controversial comments on gay marriage.

Carson, like many Christian conservatives, sounds like he has genuine concerns with President Obama’s record and increased national momentum to allow same-sex unions.

The problem is that the surgeon’s media blitz, as he told the Washington Post himself, was not geared toward impacting public policy, or even becoming one of the leading black voices in a Republican Party that has little diversity.

He just wants a tv show.

Continue at The Grio…

The post How Ben Carson Bungled A Potential Political Career appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.