Up and coming producer Boola—who’s production will surely yield success a kin to Pharrell Williams and Swizz Beatz—sat down with me exclusively to congratulate his friend Ne-Yo on his Soul Train Award 2010 nominations. He also dished on the recording process with the singer/songwriter—the pair have worked together several times—and his dream collaboration.

Boola has followed in the foot steps of Kanye West and Swizz Beatz, and is currently in the middle of an online free download series called Produced By Boola. The first record released in the series was “Shot Down” that featured Ne-Yo. Missed the free download? Log on HERE.

To spread a message of political and socio-economic change is a hard feat in today’s musical landscape. Goapele has managed to push through the status quo to present music that is true to herself and her beliefs. Born and bred in Oakland, CA; the singer/songwriter released her debut album Closer in 2001. Locally the project sold 3,000 copies and created a major buzz, that would later land her release on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop album charts at #63.

In 2002, with the help of her family, she started her own independent label, Skyblaze Recordings. She reworked her debut, renamed it Even Closer, added five new songs and distributed the album nationally. Her hustler’s spirit paid off in 2003, when the title track was featured on the soundtrack for the movie “Honey” starring Jessica Alba. That same year, she was named as the #5 artist to watch in the July 2003 issue of Rolling Stone magazine. By 2004, Columbia Records had picked up her independent label for worldwide distribution and re-released the album, with even more new tracks.

Following the release of her 2005 album Change It All (which peaked at #32 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip Hop Album Charts), she became heavily involved with the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa—teaming up with footwear brand ALDO, and working with the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights.

Check out this video of the singer talking about her latest album Milk & Honey (out in 2011) and her role as a mother.

—Justin Dwayne Joseph/Eb The Celeb

Catch Goapele performing at the Soul Train Awards 2010 airing November 28th at 9PM EST on Centric and BET.

Centric TV will be helping Sister 2 Sister Magazine celebrate 22 years on November 9 in Atlanta, GA. Jamie Foster Brown launched the magazine launched in 1988 to provide entertainment and lifestyle content to the urban woman. In a time when urban magazines are becoming extinct, Sister 2 Sister is one of the last black-owned publications being sold worldwide and we tip our hats to them.

The event will be hosted by singer/songwriter and The Real Housewives of Atlanta star, Kandi Burruss and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, and the red carpet will be hosted by BET’s own Tameka “Tiny” Cottle and Antonia “Toya” Carter. This event will recognize several distinguished individuals for their contributions to music, film and television. The honorees are: Read the rest of this entry »

While not a native Atlien, singer Janelle Monae has called Atlanta home for the past seven years. Shortly after the Kansas native, moved to the Peach State, she met rapper Antwan “Big Boi” Patton who was blown away by her vocal talent. She went on to work with the Outkast member on the soundtrack for the 2006 film Idlewild (alongside Andre 3000) and his Dugeon Family Got Purp? Volume 2 compilation album. An connoisseur of the arts–and an extreme lover of music, Monae founded the Wondaland Arts Society—a collective of musical visionaries. After heating up the underground scene with her 2007 EP Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase). Her underground buzz begin to reach a fever pitch, and it caught the interest of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs who eventually partnered with the singer to re-release her EP in 2008. “Many Moons” the first single off her debut was nominated for a Grammy. Fast forward to 2010. The pint size musical wonder has released her sophomore album, The Archandroid, is nominated for a 2010 Soul Train Award and is slated to be touring with the Legendary Prince on his Welcome 2 America tour this December.

—Eb the Celeb

Tune in for the 2010 Soul Train Awards Presented by Centric on Sunday, November 28 at 9:00 PM EST to see if Monae takes home the award for Best Dance Performance. Can’t wait that long? Check out this video of the singer LIVE in Hollywood.

On Friday October 29th Kandi Burruss and her partner Peaches Chin held a Masquerade Party in celebration of the one-year anniversary of their TAGS Boutique in Smyrna, GA. The shop sells wares for the stylish man or woman who wants to be trendy, but is on a budget. Everything in the store retails for less that $100.

“This year has been really great. Especially in a bad economy most people aren’t able to open up a new business but ours has been doing well,” said the former Xscape singer, “Our clothes are cute and trendy, and very affordable.”

Jazze Pha, and Diamond (Formerly of Crime Mob) were some of the celebs in attendance. Coincidentally, none of Kandi’s Real Housewives of Atlanta cast mates were in attendance. But we hear the stripper pole positioned  in the middle of the boutique was a big hit among guests.—Eb the Celeb

TAGS Boutique | 4500 West Village Pl SE # 2003  | Smyrna, GA | T: 770.693.6811

What more Kandi? Tune in for the 2010 Soul Train Nominations special airing soon and dont forget to purchase her new single, “Leave U” from her upcoming album Kandi Koated.