The Midnite Buzz

KWAME KILPATRICK JUST CANT SEEM TO GET A BREAK

Myron Mays — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 18:36:49 +0000

Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick may find himself in more trouble after it was discovered that he paid his lawyers nearly $1 million from his re-election fund, a move that possibly violates state campaign finance laws.
The former mayor owes the City of Detroit more than $900,000 in restitution as part of the deal he reached last year when he pleaded guilty to two counts of obstruction of justice stemming from a text message scandal.

KANYE WEST CONTINUES TO CRANK OUT THE PRODUCTS

Myron Mays — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 18:34:42 +0000

Kanye West is putting his name on a new energy drink that purports to be organic and natural with no additives or preservatives.
The rapper-producer hooked up with New York-based energy drink manufacturers Guru after first hearing about the company in 2007, and becoming “intrigued” by its innovative approach to beverages.
The artist will also help develop the new drink, which is expected to launch later this year in the United States and Canada. The product will be made available through Guru’s website and nationally via Whole Foods Market.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS

Myron Mays — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 18:07:48 +0000

Singer-producer Babyface is 51.
Rapper Afrika Bambaataa is 49.
Comedian Orlando Jones is 41.
Singer Kenny Lattimore is 39.
Rapper Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest is 39.
Blues singer Shemekia Copeland is 30.
Actor Meshach Taylor (”Designing Women,” “Dave’s World”) is 62.
Singer Lisa Stansfield is 43.
Singer Joss Stone is 22.
Jazz musician Herbie Hancock is 69.
Singer J.D. Nicholas of The Commodores is 57.

THE APOLLO THEATER CELEBRATES ITS 75TH YEAR!

Myron Mays — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:00:18 +0000

Mariah Carey and Jamie Foxx will be helping Harlem’s Apollo Theater celebrate its 75th anniversary. The singers have been tapped to perform at a star-studded gala tribute event at the famed theater on June 8th. Comedian Steve Harvey will host the show, which will also include performances from Anita Baker and the O’Jays. Legendary producer Quincy Jones and singer Patti LaBelle will be inducted into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame during the gala. The Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis Arts & Humanitarian Award will also be awarded to Bill and Camille Cosby. Organizers behind Apollo’s anniversary celebration hope to raise money to support the theater and its education programs for emerging artists and the community. The Apollo Theater has hosted thousands of major performance artists and fans from around the world for more than seven decades. The legendary venue helped launch the careers of music icons such as Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder.

T.I. To Release Updated “Paper Trail”

Myron Mays — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:59:43 +0000

T.I. may be heading to prison soon, but he’s got another project up his sleeve. MTV.com reports the rapper plans to re-release his most recent album, “Paper Trail,” with five additional tracks on it. While he already has several songs recorded, T.I. doesn’t know what extra tunes will be featured on the disc. He adds, quote, “I’m still in the process of picking the songs. But I’m also still recording.” Atlantic Records confirms “Paper Trail” will be re-issued, but no release date has been set yet. T.I. was recently sentenced to serve 366 days behind bars in a federal gun case. He is expected to report to prison after May 19th.

Chris Brown Pleads Not Guilty, Makes Another Date With The Courts

Myron Mays — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:16:22 +0000

Chris Brown says he didn’t do it, and will return to court later this month to stand his ground. At an arraignment in Los Angeles Monday, the R&B star pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from an alleged attack on his girlfriend, singer Rihanna, in February. Brown entered his pleas through his attorney in Los Angeles Superior Court. After the hearing Rihanna’s attorney told reporters that Rihanna was holding out hope for a plea bargain, but said that she would testify against Brown if necessary. Brown is due back in court on April 29th for a status hearing. The 19-year-old singer is accused of attacking Rihanna during a roadside dispute in the early hours of February 8th. A photo of a bruised and battered woman, said to be Rihanna, later surfaced on the Internet. Brown is accused of assault “by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury” and of threatening to commit a crime “which could result in death and great bodily injury.” He could face up to four years in prison if convicted.

50 Cent Joins Cast Of Joel Schumacher Film

Myron Mays — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:15:53 +0000

Fifty Cent is once again attached to a star-studded flick. “Variety” reports the rapper has been tapped to star alongside Kiefer Sutherland and Emma Roberts in Joel Schumacher’s upcoming film “Twelve.” The film will also feature Chace Crawford, Rory Culkin and Ellen Barkin. “Twelve” is based on the Nick McDonnell novel of the same name, which is about a New York student who drops out and becomes a drug dealer. Production on the movie is slated to begin April 20th in New York. “Twelve” is expected to hit theaters in 2010. Last month, 50 Cent was announced as a cast member in Sylvester Stallone’s upcoming film “The Expendables.” The rapper’s camp later said Fiddy pulled out in order to finish working on his next album, “Before I Self Destruct.”

Lil’ Kim Near The Top Again On Dancing with the Stars!

Myron Mays — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:15:05 +0000

Lil’ Kim is continuing to impress with her dancing skills. On last night’s episode of ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars,” the rapper scored a 26 out of 30 for her Viennese Waltz. That puts her in a tie for second place with Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson heading into tonight’s elimination. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba praised Lil’ Kim for being in “harmony” with professional partner Derek Hough. Tonight’s “Dancing With the Stars” elimination episode will feature performances from Etta James and Disney star Demi Lovato. The action gets underway at 9:00 p.m. Eastern on ABC.

Jamie Foxx Appears On Academy Of Country Music Awards

Myron Mays — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:14:22 +0000

Jamie Foxx was among the presenters at last night’s Academy of Country Music Awards. The actor-singer took the stage to introduce a performance by country legend George Strait. While there, Foxx made some observations about the changes taking place around us all.

Foxx also told the crowd that he loves country music because he grew up in Terrell, Texas, where he said, quote, “even the horns in the car sound like country music. This wasn’t Jamie’s first time appearing at a country awards show. In 2007, he performed the song “She Goes All The Way” with Rascal Flatts. It also won’t be his last. He’s scheduled to take part in tonight’s concert salute to country great George Strait, who has been named the ACM’s Artist of the Decade. The event is being taped for a TV special, which will air on CBS on May 27th.

Run-DMC Joins Rock Acts In Rock Hall Of Fame

Myron Mays — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:12:12 +0000

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is making room for a new class of inductees. Hip-hop pioneers Run-DMC became just the second rap act to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday night. Detroit rapper Eminem presented the Hollis, Queens rappers.
Run-DMC follows Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s induction in 2007. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2009 also welcomed heavy metal veterans Metallica, guitar great Jeff Beck, R&B/soul singer Bobby Womack and country music singer Wanda Jackson. Musicians Bill Black, DJ Fontana and Spooner Oldham were inducted in the Rock Hall’s sidemen category. The cable network Fuse TV aired the 24th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony live from Cleveland’s Public Hall on Saturday night.

Billy Dee Williams is 72 Years Old!

Myron Mays — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:03:22 +0000

Happy Birthday to Billy Dee Williams who is 72 years old today!

Jamie Foxx Fights Off Hotel Room Intruder

Myron Mays — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:59:57 +0000

A man is in custody for allegedly trying to bust his way into Jamie Foxx’s hotel room. According to TMZ.com, the actor-singer was staying at Philadelphia’s AKA Hotel on March 22nd when a man knocked at the door and reportedly identified himself as Beyonce’s producer. Foxx allegedly opened the door, then realized he’d been duped and tried to close the door. The suspect, identified as Willie Brown, reportedly tried to force his way into the room but Foxx was able to slam the door shut. Cops were unable to locate Brown that day. However, Foxx’s security detail spotted the alleged attacker Tuesday and police arrested him on several charges, including stalking, false imprisonment and making criminal threats. Foxx’s camp has yet to comment on the report.

Kanye West launched his new shoes this weekend

Myron Mays — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:58:48 +0000

According to XXLMag.com, the highly-anticipated Nike Air Yeezys hit select stores Saturday. The first pair are called “Zen Grey,” with a black-colored pair to come on May 2nd. The price tag for a pair of Air Yeezys is expected to be around 215-dollars. Among the retailers carrying the line is Foot Locker’s House of Hoops stores.

Earlier this year, Kanye West debuted his luxury shoe line for Louis Vuitton at Paris’ Fashion Week. The rapper has also stated previously that he wants to put his music career on hold in order to focus on his true love, fashion design.

The Myron at Midnite Hotline is 901.288.6394!

Myron Mays — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:59:54 +0000

In addition to contacting me through email, you can also hit me up on the Myron at Midnite Hotline!

My number is 901.288.6394!

Got a Shout Out? Got an Ask Myron Question? Just wanna say whats up?

Hit a brother up!

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Where Senator McCain missed the point

Myron Mays — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 07:28:09 +0000

I have to admit, I was quite impressed by John McCain’s concession speech. Judging by his overall behavior during this entire campaign, I really expected more of the childish antics we all had to endure during this process. It was quite refreshing to see him concede with dignity and most of all maturity. However….I could not help but to notice two things.

First of all, after the crowd began to boo, he raised his hand and managed to get them to stop. Why could he not do that during the campaign when his supporters where yelling kill Senator Obama? Anyway thats done and over with. But what really stuck out to me is that he summed President Elect Obama’s win up as a great moment for African Americans. Yes it was a great moment for African Americans, however it was much much more than that. It was a great night for those who have loved ones who are over in Iraq and Afganistan fighting a senseless war. It was a great night for those who are struggling just trying to take care of their families from day to day. Its was a great night for those who are in need of afforadble healthcare thats out of their reach. Mr McCain, it wasnt just about African Americans, we couldnt have elected Mr. Obama on our own. Believe it or not, theres just not that many of us. Look at the big picture, Mr. Obama was not the first African American to run for president. If it was the case, then Jesse Jackson would have been the first Black President…and Al Sharpton would have been the second. Yes, African Americans did vote for Obama. But so did White Americans, Hispanic Americans and more. In other words, America voted for Mr. Obama. Therefore it was a great night for Americans.

What Does this Mean for America?

Myron Mays — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:34:04 +0000

I asked my listeners to call in and give me their opinion on what is next for America as it relates to Senator Obama being elected president. Many of them stated that they expect the very change that Barack spoke about. Some others felt that there will be be better opportunities for jobs and healthcare. I feel that this is the time for change within ourselves. Its time to make our children pull their pants up and strive for excellence. We should not make excuses anymore. Its time to get down to business and make it happen. Theres no more room for excuses. Lets do better so that we can be better.

Congratulations Mr. President!

Myron Mays — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 08:16:41 +0000

November 4th, 2008 America history was made. These United States of America elected its 44th President. These United States of America elected Barack Obama President of the Unites States. These United States of America elected the first African American president. This is a definate day for the history books.

God bless America!

Television’s ‘Judge Karen’ determined to keep it ‘real’

Myron Mays — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 07:12:10 +0000

It’s fitting that “Judge Karen” isn’t your ordinary court show because Judge Karen Mills-Francis is not your ordinary judge. In town for the National Civil Rights Museums Annual Freedom Awards, I got the opportunity to chat with TVs newest judicial sensation to see how she plans to shake up daytime TV.

Her bright blonde hair and her burgundy robe are just two things that set her apart from her judicial counterparts. Her overall show structure is another.

“When I decided to take this job, it was very important to me that my show is court first and entertainment second. I wanted the viewer to feel like they have walked into a real courtroom when they tune into my show,” said Judge Karen.

“I am a real judge, these are real cases, these are real people and this is real court.”

And a real Judge she is. A native of Miami, Fla., Judge Karen twice was elected Miami-Dade County Judge – only the second African-American woman so elected. She is a graduate of both Bowdoin College and The Levin College of Law at the University of Florida, Gainesville. She practiced law for 13 years and even served as a Traffic Magistrate before deciding to run for a judgeship in 2000. All of these things shape the way her courtroom operates.

For example, her show is the only one that does not allow the witnesses to sit in the courtroom and listen to the testimony of other witnesses. They are required to stay outside in the witness room and are called into court one by one. She even allows the litigants to cross examine those witnesses. “You won’t see this on any other court show”, she says.

Her courtroom features a “telestrator” at the desks of both litigants as well as her bench. This allows the user to draw over images and more clearly refer to the physical evidence, making testimony more lively and incisive. She even has an ending segment called “Ask Judge Karen” where viewers who have sent videos to the Judge can get their questions answered on the air and in layman’s terms.

Although her show will focus solely on settling disputes, don’t worry; her courtroom won’t just be all straight by the book court procedures.

“She cares about the integrity of her courtroom first and foremost,” says executive producer, Rich Goldman of Sony Pictures. “She believes in authenticity, and audiences respond to that just as much as they enjoy her humor and her home spun wisdom.”

While she does not strive to make entertainment the primary focus of her show, it sort of comes along with the package.

“I’m like the mother everyone should have had,” she says, “and the people who come before me are held responsible for their actions.”

Judge Karen believes that everyone must be held accountable. So there are times when she has to wear the motherly hat and fuss a little.

“Sometimes you have to wonder why anyone has never asked these people, ‘What were you thinking?’”

It seems that Miami is not only known for beaches, but TV judges as well. At least five judges in Miami-Dade County have made it to television. She ran into Judge David Young a few days after he got his show. After congratulating him, she told him, “All of these judges from Miami are getting TV shows; I wonder why nobody has ever contacted me? I think I got personality.”

Judge Young went back and talked to the producers at Sony Pictures and a week later she received a call asking her to come to New York for an audition. The producers were wowed and Judge Karen stepped down from the bench and onto television.

Through her new program she hopes to accomplish her goals of advocating for disadvantaged youth and children as well empowering women who have been affected by domestic violence.

You can catch “Judge Karen” weekdays on CW30.

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Myron at Midnite interviews Judge Karen

Myron Mays — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:51:50 +0000

Check in on Wednesday afternoon when I post my interview with the newest TV sensation, Judge Karen, here on The Midnite Buzz. The article will also be printed in this weeks Tri State Defender on Thursday. I will also run snippets on the interview on Myron at Midnite on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. In the meantime, check her out on CW30 Monday through Friday nights at midnight. Then tune into Myron at Midnite.

Beyonce is Sasha Fierce…

Myron Mays — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 09:41:21 +0000

Just as I step into my telephone booth and change into “Myron at Midnite, Beyonce has taken a page out of the alter ego chapter of Marketing 101 with the concept of her new full-length double album, due Nov. 18, is “I Am…Sasha Fierce. The new record is a double album and has two covers, like a magazine would have two covers,” Beyonce said of the Music World Music/Columbia Records release. “One of the covers is named ‘I Am…’ and the second cover is named ‘Sasha Fierce.’ That is my alter ego and now she has a last name. In past interviews, Beyonce has mentioned “Sasha” as the part of her personality that comes forth when she is performing on stage. Its fitting that shes married to a guy whose name is S. Carter, Jay Hova, Hova, jigga and oh yes, Jay Z. Shes gotta a lot of catching up to do though.