Last night, DSA Media Group, Don Pooh Music Group, and LTB Entertainment honored R&B Queen, Mary J. Blige at Spotlight Live in NYC. The extravaganza, which was held in correlation with the Heart Of The City Tour that wrapped up it’s final show at Madison Square Garden last night, brought out the industry’s most elite. DJ Goldfinger took care of the nights musical needs spinning the latest and greatest in  hip hop & R&B.

Unfortunately I (LowKey) was still recovering from my previous rendezvous with the Heart Of The City show Tuesday night, so I didn’t get a chance to attend. Lyor Cohen, who was in attendance last night, said about the event ” Mary J is coming off a successful tour and we had to come out to celebrate. She has a rare, genuine quality and we have to celebrate it. Congrats to Mary J. Blige and congrats to my friends @ DSA Media Group for putting this together.”

The good folks over at PDG Public Relations (What’s up Carine????) slid a couple of visual goodies my way, so stop being lazy, scroll down and take a peek to see who hit up Spotlight Live.

Sincerely

Low “Last night sure as hell looked fun” Key  

Warner Music Group CEO, Lyor Cohen 

Stephen Hill, Mary J. Blige, Kendu Issac (MJB’s husband/manager) 

Power 105’s, ED Lover and DSA Media President, Dante Simpson

The Retro Kids (Sighhhhh) 

 Trina and Lyor Cohen

Day 26 

L to R: NY Giants Brandon London, Geoffrey Pope, Derrick Ward

Kevin Lile, Mary J. Blige and Kendu Issac 

Trina  

Yes I know this has nothing to do with music, but it sure as hell will fire up my fellow female SoundOff readers. Sorry to say, but Rihanna and C.Breezy were caught kiss kissing recently and they look MIGHTY comfortable. Tell me ladies, ARE YA MAD?????

But what I find interesting is Chris’s quote from Ebony’s June issue….

“If I ever had a girlfriend, it’d always be a problem. Fans want you to be attainable. I try to stay away from even having a girl. I go on dates, talk to a couple chicks on the phone.”

Watch it Chris, I’m sure Rihanna won’t appreciate you deeming here as just a “date”.

Go head and vent ladies……LowKey’s listening!

Sincerely

Low “I’m here for you ladies…I’m Here” Key 

I believe Earl “DMX” Simmons needs a hug. A big one! Last night, authoritiesnabbed the Ruff Ryder on two counts of endangerment, three counts of criminal speeding, racing on a highway, reckless driving and a operating a vehicle with a suspended license. Translation: Mr. X was riding extremely dirty!

 It was also noted that on the night of Jan. 21, one speed camera caught Earl driving his 1966 Chevy Nova at 100 mph. 60 seconds later another camera clocked his speed at 114 mph, and several minutes later a third camera snapped him speeding at 101 mph. In a rush, Earl???? Oh and did I mention the speed limit was 65 mph!

Last August, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office raided Simmons’ property at 2708 E. Carlise Road, north of Carefree Highway east of Seventh Street, and found 12 malnourished pitbulls and the remains of three dogs.

Investigators also discovered numerous weapons and drugs.

No charges have been filed against DMX. Coincidentally, the day Simmons was arrested by DPS officers, a Valley radio station quoted Sheriff Joe Arpaio as declaring that the case is still active.

Why in the hell can’t our entertainment figures stay out of trouble?

Is it too late for X to clean up his act or should we count him out? SPEAK ON IT PEOPLE!

Sincerely,

Low “I guess I now know where NOT to drive” Key

P.S. I could have SWORN this man was working on a double album!

Well, well, well. Look who’s talking. People Magazine has exclusive photos of the happy couple, feet still wet from the beach of their now confirmed wedding.

“I never felt a love like this was in the cards for me,” Mariah tells People magazine, in an exclusive interview.” Gag. “We really do feel we are soulmates.”

And if Mariah’s quote didn’t make your stomach turn enough, check out what Nick says, “She is beautiful on the outside and ten times as beautiful on the inside.”

According to people.com, the interview which hits Newsstands this Friday, features photos of their new tattoos (don’t ask me, I don’t know yet and will surely tell you when I find out), Nick’s candy-themed proposal (again, I’m in as much awe as you at the cheeziness) and their plans for kids (…just don’t say anything…).

Okay, the People magazine interview, c’mon. What do you think?? Jay-Z and Beyonce are somewhere laughing.

–KO

If there’s one thing I learned last night, it’s that MJB & Jay-Z are truly masters of their art. Thinking otherwise would be highly uncivilized. Hosting their second to last show at Madison Square Garden, these two titans brought every ounce of love they had left directly to the heart of NYC.

The-Dream, who opened the set for Hov and Mary, did particularly well considering that his set was only 20 minutes…at most. Performing cuts from his debut album, The-Dream’s stage presence (as well as his bendable and flexible dancers…lol) impressed me. But considering he’s opened for them for the past 2 months, it would be absurd for him not to maneuver through his set like a pro. And though he only did three songs, “Falsetto,” “I Luv Your Girl” (minus Young Jeezy) and “Shawty Is A Ten” (minus Fabolous), the nightmare I imagined when he hit the stage was all but a bad Dream….good job Mr.Nash.

After a 15-minute intermission, MJB took to the stage in fullllll force. Now, I’ve never seen the Queen of Hip Hop Soul perform anywhere, but I can damn sure tell you, I’m glad my first experience was at Madison Square Garden. Appearing from behind a humongous curtain, both Mary and Shawn opened the set together performing their impeccable classic tune “Can’t Knock The Hustle.” But after that concluded, Mary displayed the type of showmanship only our parents remember when Tina Turner and James Brown came to town.

Forgetting the Queen had SOOOOOOOO many classics, Mary breezed through her catalog EFFORTLESSLY. And by the looks of things, her fans did too (especially the several young ladies who sat DIRECTLY behind us). Who would have thought Method Man still knew how to perform? (He tore down “All I Need”). It would be blasphemous for me to try and recap each emotion from each song so I won’t attempt it. However, when an ENTIRE stadium can recite an R&B tune off RIP, that’s when you know you possess timeless material.

It came to the point during her set that the MEN were even more excited than the women (I’m not going to name any names, you know who you are lol). At the conclusion of her performance, my man Jackpot pulled me to the side and said “She BODIED Jay, and he didn’t even perform yet.” And though Hova is my favorite, I must say that sentiment is a true one.

Opening the set with the American Gangster cut “Say Hello,” Jay slid onstage donning the bad guy persona that he was once known for back in the 80’s. Even though “Say Hello” is my track of choice from AG, I don’t think it was a strong enough tune to open up a Madison Square Garden performance. Nevertheless, Young Turbo put in work. Though I seen the Big Homey several times in the same setting, for some reason, it never gets old to me. His playful crowd commentary kept the crowd chuckling as always. “Side to side. That means you too big man, don’t f*ck this up,” he joked while performing “Excuse Me Miss.”

While Shawn isn’t known for inflicting his political views on his fans, it was during a brief 2 minute freestyle that we finally knew how Jay really felt about our Commander In Chief. “And the commander in chief just flew by, didn’t stop knowing he had a couple seats just rude/ Jet blue he is not, Jet Blue by the spot/ What if he ran out of fuel and just dropped?” Jay rapped. He continued “Push! Money over broads you got it, F*ck Bush.” 5 seconds later asking if the audience was ready for change, Obama appeared on the widescreen followed by a warm greeting from the audience.

Retreating to the DJ booth, Jay decided to play a game of “F#ck That.” Playing the first 10 seconds of a bunch of classic tunes such as “Money Aint A Thang,” “Best Of Me,” “Aint No Ni**a,” Jay clipped each song with a “F*ck That” sentiment. He even clipped the collabo of his wife’s smash hit “Crazy In Love.” “No disrespect B, but “F That one too,” he suggested. I guess B didn’t like that too much seeing how she appeared from beyond backstage and ordered him to play it again so she could strut across stage for a couple seconds (GOOD LORD THAT MAN IS LUCKY).

Overall, the show was great. And even though our original seating was on the SIDE of the stage (hey they were free so I’m not complaining), my man E somehow tricked some honey dip into holding 3 seats down in a more exceptional area so we could really enjoy the show.

Did the Heart Of The City Tour touch down in your city??? If so, speak on it. Do you think it was worth it? Could it have been better or was the duo’s performance flawless???

Okay, I’m tired and I have a LONG day tomorrow. I think we’re covering the afterparty at for the last show at Spotlight Live. Of course, I’ll have pictures and commentary as I always do. GOOD NIGHT!

Sincerely

Low “There is a lot of love in the Heart Of The City” Key

Today (May 6), Lil’ Wayne appeared in Arizona Superior Court to plead not guilty to a slew of drug charges stemming from an arrest on January 22 in Arizona. While Wayne’s tour bus was pulled over, DEA agents found 41 grams of ecstasy, four ounces of marijuana, a little over an ounce of cocaine and a .40 caliber pistol, which is registered to the rapper in Florida.

Wayne, who plead not guilty to three drug charges, also plead not guilty to a misconduct involving weapons charge as well. Authority figures also retrieved two other firearms and $22,000 in cash from the tour bus. Weezy’s next court appearance is set for May 19.

Last year, Lil’ Wayne was also arrested in Idaho.

Is Wayne damaging his career or is he free to do whatever he damn well pleases?????

SPEAK PEOPLE SPEEEEEEEEEAK!

Sincerely,

Low “I never thought it was this difficult to be a rapper” Key

Jeepers, Mariah STILL got it. MiMi graces Vibe’s June cover and boy is it LOVELY! Ahhhhh SUMMER, you gotta love it!

There isn’t really much to discuss about this topic, but since it’s 9:00pm and I had to come back to the office for a last minute Trick Daddy interview, (log on to BET.Com tomorrow for the article) I needed something to keep me busy.

How much longer can Mariah last with this RIDICULOUS body??? C’mon fellaz, speak up and let me know your thoughts! Ladies, you’re welcome to join in as well!

Be sure to check out Entertainment Spotlight for more of MiMi’s summer look.

Sincerely

Low “If only she were singing “Touch My Body” to me” Key

P.S. Sorry Kim, you had your fun with that Chris Brown cover, now it’s MY turn lol!

Update: According to Foxy’s lawyer, Laura Dilimetin, there was a misunderstanding regarding Foxy’s court date. Apparently the courthouse still had the rapper marked down for a May 5 appearance when in fact Dilimetin delayed Foxy’s hearing until May 8. Brown’s bench warrant, which was issued yesterday morning, was recalled earlier today!

I swear I’m pulling for this young lady, but day after day she just makes it that much more difficult for me to do so. According to TMZ, Fox Boog has already been issued a bench warrant by a judge in Brooklyn, NY for missing a hearing this morning regarding a incident in which she hurled a blackberry at a Brooklyn woman several years ago.

When authority figures attempted to locate the sneaky lil Fox, her defense attorney wasn’t aware of her whereabouts (Surprising). Damn it Foxy, what the hell is going on????

Is this the end for Ms. Brown or does she still stand a chance in keeping her head above the water???

Sincerely

Low “How am I getting stressed for her and I don’t even know the broad” Key

This month, Chris Brown graces the cover of Ebony, shirt off and all grown up. The R&B superstar talks about dating, sex (yes, sex) and his music. Chris Brown is now 19 years old, but I guess he’s going for the grown and sexy thing on his next album. Now before you Cougars run out to the newsstands salivating, remember it doesn’t come out ’til next Monday (May 12).

“I wanna do something more along the lines of a grown record,” Chris Brown says. (Let’s hope grown still translates to his audience, though and not the Brian McKnight type…though the Cougars will probably not care).

CB also goes in on the whole dating thing. “I go on dates, talk to a couple of chicks on the phone,” (ouch, did he just equate the Rihanna thing to dates and phone calls). “If I ever had a girlfriend, it’d always be a problem,” he admits. “Fans want you to be attainable.” (translate: my publicist said i can’t).

Well, well, well. By the looks of this cover, Chris Breezy is getting his grown man on, indeed. But is it too much?

What do you think?

–KO

With a slew of tours touching down in various cities this Summer, it was only a matter of time before these two got in on the fun. According to sources close to both parties, both Wayne and Keyshia have expressed interest in touring together in the near future.

Wayne said of the possible conjunction “I think I might go out with Keyshia Cole. You’re bringing two different types of people in there. You got people coming to soothe their souls with Keyshia, and you got people who wanna throw their hands up with me. It’s like listening to the radio. I think a concert should be like listening to the radio. When you listen to the radio, and your top-five or top-eight songs come on, it’s hip-hop, it’s R&B. … I think you gonna get that from me and Keyshia and whatever in between that.”

Keyshia, who recently finished touring with R.Kelly earlier this year, is also excited about touring with “The Best Rapper Alive In Training”. “I’mma kidnap him and take him on tour with me. I think it’s a little harder to get him on the stage than it is to get me, we gotta make sure we get together on that.”

Interested in seeing Wayne & Keyshia take their show on the road????  Speak on it!

Sincerely

Low “I’ll pass” Key