Naya Rivera’s YouTube Drama Series “Step Up: High Water” Surges in Viewership

Posted on April 2, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Naya Riverais stepping up her game on the internet…

YouTube and Lionsgate’s hit dance drama series Step Up: High Water, starring the 32-year-old part-Puerto Rican actress and former Glee star, has surged in viewership for its Season 2 premiere.

The first episode of the sophomore season has drawn 11.5 million views in the seven days since its March 20 debut, according to YouTube. Compared with the first episode of Season 1, which drew 1.3 million viewers through seven days following its January 31, 2018 debut, the Season 2 premiere is up 884% over the first season.

Based on the successful film franchise from Lionsgate, Step Up: High Water follows several students at a cut-throat performing arts school in Atlanta.

Series regulars Rivera, NE-YO, and Faizon Loveare back for Season 2, along with newcomers Ashley Greene, Robin Givensand Jeremy Copeland.

Multi-platinum recording artist and entrepreneur Rick Rossis set to guest star as himself. Todrick Hallwill also make a cameo playing himself. JaQuel Knightwill choreograph episode three as well as make a cameo playing himself.

Step Up: High Water is created and executive produced by showrunner Holly Sorensen (Recovery Road, Make It Or Break It).Adam Shankman, Jennifer Gibgotand Meredith Milton, all producers of the original Step Up films, executive produced season one, along with Channing Tatumand Jenna Dewan, who both co-starred in the original Step Up film. All have returned to executive produce for the second season.

Danny Trejo to Star in the “Meet the Blacks” Sequel, “The House Next Door”

Posted on November 9, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Danny Trejo is moving in next door…

The 73-year-old Mexican American actor and Machete star has joined the cast of the comedy film The House Next Door, the sequel to Meet The Blacks, which has Mike Epps reprising his starring role. Deon Taylor is returning to direct.

Rick Ross and Katt Williams also star in the film along with returnees Bresha Webb, Zulay Henao, social media star Andrew Bachelor (a.k.a King Batch), and comedians Lil Duval, Michael Blackson and Tyrin Turner.

The project is currently shooting in Atlanta, Georgia.

It centers on overstressed Carl Black (Epps) who, after surviving a night of terror and becoming a best-selling author, moves his family back to his childhood home where he hopes to work on a new book. But when his quirky neighborhood becomes host to a mysteriously extravagant pimp (Williams), Carl’s work is interrupted as his cousin becomes convinced the new neighbor is a vampire and is trying to steal Carl’s entire family away.

Meet The Blacks bowed in theaters in 2016 via Freestyle Releasing and grossed $9 million at the box office.

Trejo, who was recently seen on CW’s The Flash, is known for his collaborations with director Robert Rodriguez in films like From Dusk Till Dawn and Spy Kids.

Spiff TV to Release Urban Compilation Album “The Union”

Posted on February 25, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Spiff TV has entered into a perfect Union…

The Latino music producer and video director, whose real name is Carlos Suarez, will be releasing his forthcoming urban compilation album The Union as part of a new deal with Sony Latin Music.

Spiff TV

The producer/director/A&R — known for spearheading visuals like French Montana’s “No Shopping” video featuring Drake and working alongside rap heavyweights like Diddy and Rick Ross — will curate The Union, a project that will blend hip-hop, bachata, R&B and reggaeton.

“Throughout my journey with this album and singles, not everyone understood my vision or just found it complicated,” Spiff TV tells Billboard in a statement. “But Sony Latin Music understood it from the moment I walked into their offices and their entire team became passionate of bringing what we currently are as a merged culture. The Union will be a music model of infusing culture diversity.”

Adds Sony Latin president Nir Seroussi: “There have been many attempts to bring the two worlds together but no one has come close to what Spiff has accomplished. He’s a true visionary and we’re thrilled that he has chosen us as his partner on this groundbreaking project.”

In anticipation for the album, Spiff TV released his latest single “Just As I Am” on Tuesday featuring Prince Royce and Chris Brown. Fusing R&B and bachata, the track will be available on Prince Royce’s new record FIVE, dropping on Friday, Feb. 24.

A release date for The Union is yet to be announced.

Ashanti to Perform at Def Jam Recordings’ Special 30th Anniversary Concert

Posted on August 18, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Ashanti is ready to (def) jam out!

Def Jam Recordings is celebrating their 30th birthday with a special concert featuring performances from the label’s past and present artists, including the 33-year-old part-Dominican American R&B singer/actress.

Ashanti will be joined by Rick Ross and 2 Chainz at the event slated to take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on October 16.

Other artists set to take the stage include DMX, Fabolous, Jeremih, EPMD,Foxy Brown, Jhene Aiko, Method Man, Redmanand Ja Rule. More acts will be announced at a later date.

As part of the celebration, Def Jam will also release a limited-edition LP and CD box set featuring a collection of songs curated by Def Jam’s founder Rick Rubin. It also includes a commemorative T-shirt and booklet.

Tickets for the October 16 concert go on sale on August 22. However, those who pre-order the box set will receive an access code to a special pre-sale on August 20.

“It’s very exciting to be able to be part of such a special announcement that solidifies and continues forward the enduring mark the brand has made on pop culture,” said Steve Bartels, CEO of Def Jam Recordings, in a statement.

Ashanti to Release “Braveheart” Album in March

Posted on February 12, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Ashanti has a brave future…

The 33-year-old part-Dominican American R&B singer/actress has announced plans to release her oft-delayed album Braveheart on March 4.

In addition to announcing the album’s release date, Ashanti has also unveiled the track list.

The 15-song studio effort, including Target exclusives, features guest appearances by French Montana, Jeremih, Rick Ross and Beenie Man.

While putting the finishing touches on Braveheart, Ashanti is writing music for the soundtrack to the upcoming 2015 Tupac biopic.

Last month, Ashanti recorded the official music video for “I Got It,” her duet with Rick Ross.

Here’s the complete Braveheart track list:

“Intro/Braveheart”
“Nowhere”
“Runaway”
“Count”
“Early in the Morning” feat. French Montana
“3 Words”
“Love Games” feat. Jeremih
“Scars”
“Never Should Have”
“She Can’t”
“Don’t Tell Me No”
“I Got It” feat. Rick Ross
“First Real Love” feat. Beenie Man/Outro
“Bonafide Survivor” 15. “RIP” (Target Exclusive)

Ashanti & Rick Ross Film Music Video for Their “I Got It” Collaboration

Posted on January 18, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Oh boy! Ashanti isn’t afraid to show the world she’s “got it!”

The 33-year-old part-Dominican American R&B singer/actress joined forces with Rick Ross to film the music video for their collaboration, “I Got It.”

Ashanti, who starred on the final season of Lifetime’s Army Wives series, was spotted cozying up to the rapper at The Bank Lounge in Miami this past week.

In a photo posted on Ross’ Twitter page, Ashanti dons a black leather corset dress and knee-high boots. Ross, meanwhile, sports his signature black sunglasses while standing beside her.

“Ashanti lookin like $$.. Video coming soon,” he captioned the pic.

Also spotted on the set were DJ Khaled and the song’s producer L.T. Hutton. It’s not clear whether or not they’ll appear in the upcoming video.

“I Got It” is lifted from Ashanti’s long-delayed new album BraveHeart. Originally scheduled to be released last year, the singer’s fifth studio set is now slated to arrive on February 18 via her own record label Written Entertainment.

Swizz Beatz Releases New Single “Hands Up”

Posted on August 25, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

It’s time to put your Hands Up for Swizz Beatz…

The 34-year-old half-Puerto Rican hip-hop artist and record producer has premiered his latest single “Hands Up,” with help from New York City’s Hot 97‘s Funkmaster Flex.

Swizz’s new track is a massive collaboration, featuring four of hip-hop’s brightest stars, Nicki MInaj, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz dropping verses while Swizz Beatz handles the hook.

Weezy kicks off the verses, acknowledging Beatz’s hip-hop greatness with, “Swizz this beat is a beast” and name-dropping Beatz’s wife Alicia Keys. Meanwhile, Minaj reasserts her reign with, “Ayo pass the crown to the real queen,” then “I’m a mogul, yes I am global/ I don’t do Barnes but yes I am noble/ Every interview yes I am their focal, point. I’m in da mansion, flossing, clickin’ cable.”

Maybach Music Group mogul Ross delivers the hip-hop lifestyle rundown, from his Cherokee to his Bugatti and down to his Rolls Royce, the jewels and the “hundred grand.” Chainz rounds it up, commanding the ladies with, “Let me see you pat your weave if you ratchet.”

Fabolous Releases the Official Video for New Song “Guess Who’s Bizzack”

Posted on July 31, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Fabolous is bizzack with brand new music and a new video…

The 35-year-old half-Dominican American hip-hop artist has released the music video for his latest single “Guess Who’s Bizzack,” his collaboration with Broadway.

Fabolous’ five-minute clip, directed by Joe Puma, begins with a series of photos of people wearing hoodies while supporting “Justice for Trayvon Martin.”

In the black-and-white video, Fabolous depicts a boyfriend who plays shows in Germany. When he arrives home, he notices that his girlfriend is acting like someone else and he confronts her about it. Meanwhile, his girlfriend thinks that her boyfriend is the one who has changed. They’re later shown arguing in a car parked in the snow.

Produced by Mally the Martian, “Guess Who’s Bizzack” is featured in Fabolous’ 2012 mixtape, The Soul Tape 2.

Fabolous is currently working on Loso’s Way 2: Rise to Power, his sixth studio album, which should arrive in stores later this year. The rapper has worked with artists like Chris Brown, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, John Legend, Future, Ne-Yo, Trey Songz, Young Jeezy and Chrisette Michelle for the upcoming release.

Carey Releases “Triumphant (Get ‘Em) Music Video

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Mariah Carey is a boxy lady…

The 42-year-old part-Venezuelan American diva and new American Idol judge has just released the music video for her latest single “Triumphant (Get ‘Em).”

In the clip, which includes appearances by rappers Rick Ross and Meek Mill, Carey takes to the boxing ring while dressed to the nines.

Carey forms part of rapper Meek Mill’s entourage, who’s playing the boxer at the center of the action. Rick Ross is serves as a member of the boxer’s crew.

But Carey’s most memorable moment comes when she appears as a boxing ring girl and holds up the cards announcing the rounds in the match.

Carey Releases Full Version of Her New Single “Triumphant (Get ‘Em)”

Posted on August 3, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Newly appointed American Idol judge Mariah Carey is officially back in the music game…

The 42-year-old part-Venezuelan American songstress—who could experience a massive Jennifer Lopez-like comeback in the next year now that she’ll be sitting at the judges table on Fox’s singing competition series—has released the full version of her brand new single “Triumphant (Get ‘Em).”

The track, which features Rick Ross and Meek Mill, has Carey singing positive inspiration. “Can’t fall down, stay triumphant, keep on living/ Stay on your toes/ Get off the ropes/ Don’t let ’em ever count you out/ Realize all things are possible/ In your heart who’s the greatest/ Reach for the stars, be all that you are,” she sings in the chorus.

“Working with Ross and Meek on the same record was incredible,” said Carey on a conference call Thursday. “Obviously Ross is a star and everybody loves him. I’m a fan of his music. I really, really wanted to work with him.”

She continued singing praises for both Ross and Meek, “I love the tone of his voice. I think the contrast of his voice and mine would be something special. I always like to do collaborations that people might think are different. Meek adds an excitement, a newness to the record that is pretty rare right now.”

Brian Michael Cox, who co-wrote and co-produced the single along with Carey and Jermaine Dupri, told MTV, “This song is kind of inspirational. It’s close to her heart, and I think her fans are going to really, really be emotionally attached to this song.”

Cox adds, “I expect that this record’s going to be a huge record. I expect that this is going to be one of her bigger albums.”

“Triumphant” will be featured on Carey’s upcoming album, which is still untitled.

“I’m collaborating with a lot of my favorite people but the main thing is [that] I’m not trying to follow any particular trend,” said Carey about her highly anticipated new album. “I want it to be well received. I want to stay true to myself and the music that I love and make the fans happy.”

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