Mr.Swagg ONLINE

"If You Knew Better, You Dress Better."

2010-08-09T22:38:00.006-04:00

"See y'all in Vegas"

The MAGIC is the preeminent trade event in the international fashion industry, hosting global buyers and sellers of men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, footwear, accessories and sourcing resources. As an incubator of fashion, MAGIC is where new trends surface and develop into what will be seen on the consumer. The show’s goal is to connect and inspire the fashion community, fuse diverse trends, while offering unbeatable service to its customers.

Magic
Venue: Las Vegas Convention Center
Country: Las Vegas, United States Of America
Start Date: 17-AUG-10 End Date: 19-AUG-10
Industry: Apparel & Clothing

Vado Previews A New Verse From Slime Flu

2010-08-09T22:26:00.000-04:00

Swagg INK Coming Soon

2010-08-09T22:21:00.002-04:00

www.SwaggInk.com

"OH What A Feel-Ink"

Meet Husain Abdullah: He’s About To Fast For 30 Days During NFL Training

2010-08-09T22:12:00.003-04:00

Starting on Aug. 11, the beginning of the Islamic month of Ramadan, Minnesota Vikings safety Husain Abdullah will be going through these practices without the benefit of water. Or food. Or any other kind of hydration. During Ramadan, observing Muslims like Abdullah will fast for 30 days; eating or drinking nothing while the sun is out.

Even while sprinting in the heat and humidity during drills, sometimes in full pads, Abdullah is adamant about his faith. He will not allow himself so much as a cup of water until the sun sets and before it rises. “I’m putting nothing before God, nothing before my religion,” Abdullah said. “This is something I choose to do, not something I have to do. So I’m always going to fast.”
via: LifeFiles

CROOKED I LIVE @ THE AGNEDA TRADE SHOW

2010-08-06T16:25:00.003-04:00

CROOKED I Got Swagg via San Diego, CA

Let's Go Shop'n

2010-08-06T16:19:00.002-04:00

For two days only… Russell Simmons is having a garage sale from the estate that he shared with his former wife Kimora Lee in Saddle River, NJ. Items such as a bed (that Versace slept in), chaise lounge chair, and Andy Warhol paintings are all on the market. The cheapest item available are mugs from their luxury kitchen that are going for $3 -$5 dollars. We are particularly curious about the matching pair of Versace chairs going for $7,500.

CRASHINGTON COUTOIS is SwaggGirlicious

2010-07-23T14:15:00.001-04:00

www.SwaggGirlicious.com

Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” Album Cover!

2010-07-23T14:11:00.002-04:00

Katy Perry is floating on a cloud for her Teenage Dream album cover pictured above…What y'all think?

This Will Really Make Your iPhone 4 Stand Out!

2010-07-23T14:06:00.002-04:00

Check out the 24ct solid gold iPhone 4 design by Stuart Hughes – known to create luxury customizations of cellphones and gadgets. If you want one, your looking at spending $33,490.
via: Life Files

Swagg Cancer Drive in ATL 6 new photos

2010-07-23T14:00:00.002-04:00

Alex Gidewon, Chubby Baby, Mika Means, Don Cannon, Nate Walka, Waka Flocka all showed support in raising awareness in our fight against Cancer. The show also featured Michell Williams, Tameka Raymond (Usher's BabyMama), Rashan Ali, as well as Keri Hilson. S/O FireRed & Kujo

Do You

2010-06-24T18:48:00.001-04:00

www.SwaggNews.com

Introducing Amanda Sudano Ramirez

2010-06-24T18:37:00.005-04:00

Check out the behind the scenes footage of the new Louis Vuitton campaign. The campaign features upcoming model Amanda Sudano Ramirez who is also the daughter of the infamous disco queen Donna Summer. Amanda’s sister Brooklyn Sudano had a role on “My Wife And Kids” .

Tell Em’ Why You Mad Son… Starring Beanie Sigel! "I'll Slap The Sh*t Outta Drake Bitch Ass"

2010-06-24T18:28:00.004-04:00

The Broad Street Bully Beanie Sigel is obviously still mad at Jay-Z for not holding him down when he went to jail… and also says that Jay-Z keeps dropping lines about him in his raps referencing Drake’s “Light Up” record. Check out the video of Beanie visibly upset after the jump.

"I'll Slap The Sh*t Outta Drake Bitch Ass"

Did You Get Your New iPhone Today???

2010-06-24T18:23:00.002-04:00

"We the Early Birds, WE GET IT FIRST"

Cam'ron & Vado {FREESTYLE} on Funkmaster Flex HOT 97

2010-06-23T17:14:00.002-04:00

Cam & Vado with Funk Flex

2010-06-23T13:55:00.000-04:00

Christopher Coke Surrenders In Jamaica

2010-06-23T13:53:00.002-04:00

Jamaica can go back to normal now, according to CNN:

Police in Jamaica issued a plea for calm after the arrest of alleged drug lord Christopher “Dudus” Coke outside Kingston. The arrest occurred just outside the capital city on Tuesday afternoon. A failed attempt to arrest Coke last month resulted in four days of gun battles between security forces and his supporters that left 76 people dead, and authorities want to avoid a repeat of the violence.

Coke, who is wanted in the United States on gun and drug trafficking charges, was en route to the U.S. Embassy in Kingston accompanied by the Rev. Al Miller when Jamaican police recognized him at a checkpoint and took him into custody, the minister told a reporter for Radio Jamaica.

He maintained a heroic reputation in the Kingston slums, with some people comparing him to Robin Hood, Jesus and one-time Colombian kingpin Pablo Escobar.

Via: Lifefiles

Kanye West And Rick Ross In The Studio!

2010-06-23T13:50:00.002-04:00

Ricky Rozay just posted up this image of himself and Kanye West in the studio… We heard that they will both be featured on each others upcoming albums. Can’t wait to hear the music!

NOW HIRING: A General To Run The Afghanistan War

2010-06-23T13:47:00.002-04:00

Only days after Afghanistan General Stanley McChrystal’s controversial interview with Rolling Stone of all sources hit the web, today he’s slated to meet with President Obama at the White House. Several news sources have said that McChrystal will be bringing his resignation letter to the meeting which should be nice and awkward.

No telling if Obama who the general described as “uncomfortable and intimidated” will accept the resignation but he has already said the general clearly has diarrhea of the mouth. Not in those words but…

UPDATE: Welp, he had this meeting and according to the Associated Press, “significantly, McChrystal departed the White House before Obama convened a regularly scheduled war planning meeting there.”

Via: LifeFiles

Soulja Boy "PRETTY BOY Swagg" Music Video (BEHIND THE SCENES)

2010-06-22T20:51:00.004-04:00

KEEP Swagg IN YOUR LIFE: www.SwaggNews.com

Madonna’s Latest Dolce & Gabbana Ad!

2010-06-22T20:49:00.000-04:00

Isn’t it about time for a brand new Madonna song???

Via: LifFiles

The Moment Rap Fans Have Been Waiting For…. The Dipset Reunion! [Exclusive Video Inside]

2010-06-22T20:07:00.005-04:00

After much back and forth and buzz, Cam'ron, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana and Freekey Zekey gave breath to reunion rumors when pictures hit the 'net of the foursome reuniting for a video filmed at a construction site on June 11. It's been four years since the crew went their separate ways due to beef that appeared too deep for reconciliation.

On the surface, the riff seemed to come to a head when Cam verbally attacked 50 Cent with the 2007 diss track 'Curtis.' Like most hip-hop beefs, the public was made aware of the issues within the crew when Juelz and Jones attempted to stay out of Cam's beef with 50, before eventually joining the Queens, N.Y.-bred rapper on stage during a New York concert later that year. Jones has since revealed that the original beef between he and Cam began prior to '07. Things got stickier in 2008 when Juelz requested to be released from his Dipset contract in order to release music on Def Jam. Finally released from his contractual obligations with Dipset but hurt by remarks made by Cam -- who alleged that he "sold" Juelz for $2 million -- the crew would not be seen altogether until the recent photos taken at this video shoot.

Exclusive Video Here: http://video.aol.com/aolvideo/AOL Music/dipset-map-out-reunion/97825769001

BILLBOARD’s Michael Jackson Tribute Cover

2010-06-22T19:53:00.004-04:00

Here is an excerpt from the article:

Following his acquittal in 2005 on charges of sexual abuse, Jackson had spent much of his time in seclusion–at his Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara, Calif.; in Bahrain; in Ireland; in Las Vegas–emerging only, it seemed, to fend off financial ruin, either through ill-fated recording projects or embarrassing public divestitures. Many saw the concerts as little more than a desperate, money-raising gambit.

Despite his ability to sell out 50 arena dates, the King of Pop was seen, even by some of his supporters, as little more than a hallowed oldies act, a performer whose heyday, albeit phenomenal, was more than two decades in the past. To his detractors, though, Jackson was even less than that: either a laughingstock–”Wacko Jacko”–or worse: a freak, a deviant, a pariah.

Flash forward 15 months, and Jackson’s image in the public consciousness has undergone a dramatic revision. In the days, weeks and months following his death on June 25, 2009, from drug-related cardiac arrest, a popular reclaiming of Jackson as a beloved, once-in-a-lifetime musical genius took hold. While cable-news pundits endlessly pored over the tawdry circumstances of his demise, millions of fans new and old simply shrugged their shoulders and happily popped in their “Thriller” CDs.

In July, Jackson regained his spot at the top of the Billboard sales charts, moving 422,000 units in the week after his death alone–to date, the Jackson catalog has sold 9 million copies in the year since he passed, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Spontaneously, kids from Bed-Stuy to Beijing were seen sporting bootleg “Thriller” T-shirts and blaring “Billie Jean” as if it were 1983 and Reagan was in the White House.

Read the rest HERE: www.billboard.com/features

Lil' Wayne - I'm Single - Music Video

2010-06-21T22:08:00.003-04:00

“All Chrome Everything” Bentley Spotted In Russia!

2010-06-21T22:05:00.002-04:00

The chrome paint actually doesn’t look too bad on this Bentley GTC coupe spotted on the streets of Russia…. This car must look like a moving mirror when the sun hits it!

via:LifeFiles

Comedian Kevin Hart Does His Best Floyd Mayweather

2010-06-21T14:50:00.001-04:00

This is one funny brutha!!!!

DJ KHALIL Got Swagg

2010-06-21T14:41:00.003-04:00

From underground heavyweight to mainstream success, Khalil Abdul-Rahman better known by his current stage name DJ Khalil, is a Los Angeles based producer who has been in the biz for over 15 years.

The last few years have been ground breaking for him as a producer. Placements with multi-platinum artist, The Game “Da Shit” (Doctor’s Advocate), Jay Z “I Made It” (Kingdom Come), and Talib Kweli “Oh My Stars” Feat. Musiq Soulchild & “Hostile Gospel Pt. 2” Feat. Sizzla (Ear Drum).

Most recently he delivered 50 Cent’s latest commercial smash hit “I’ll Still Kill” Feat AKON on the multi-platinum selling Curtis LP.

In 2008 he picked up right were he left off with his production for Jim Jones commercial single “Love Me No More” Feat Cobe (Harlem’s American Gangster) and a musical score of the horror film titled “The Portal”. He also created tracks for an upcoming animated feature film, “The Blockheads”

Early production is already in the mix with Dr. Dre’s highly anticipated “Detox”, NAS, Kelis, and Busta Rhymes among several others.

These recent accomplishments have catapulted his name as one of the music industry hottest new producers.

Rewind to his early days, Khalil’s passion for music began as a youth growing up in Los Angeles listening to everything from “NWA” to “A Tribe Called Quest” exposing him to the best of what hip hop music was delivering from both coasts during a time which is now remembered as “The Glory Years” in hip hop.

It was during this time that a young DJ Khalil was heavily influenced and knew he wanted to be a part of the rapidly growing hip hop movement that influenced many kids during this era.

After purchasing his first pair of technique turntables and years of perfecting his skills as a DJ, Khalil would be influenced by the likes of DJ Premiere, Pete Rock, & Ali Shaheed. These incredible individuals would eventually spark the passion he had in him to produce his own music.

This led to the purchase of his first beat machine, the ASR10 made by Ensoniq. Making his transition from DJ to producer and giving birth to his official production/artist name, DJ Khalil.

He developed his passion for music from his father who to this day possesses an incredible jazz collection. This not only inspired the young producer but it exposed him to thousands of famous Jazz musicians, which helped develop and mold his sound to what you hear today.

While still in High School he shared a bond with another talented up and coming artist from Los Angeles by the name of Chace Infinite. The two met mutually through the friendship their parents shared and the love for their first passion as youth, Basketball.

It was during this time that Khalil finally had someone he could bounce and share ideas with musically and begin his long journey through the winding roads of the music industry.

Upon graduation from North Hollywood High, he enrolled in the Historically Black University, Moorehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. The move would prove to be beneficial for him. At Moorehouse College he shared the same hallways with the likes of many striving young artist and soon to be executives who are currently major players in the music business today. It would also prove to be a time where the majority of his growth and experimentation as a Producer would play a significant role in what is now known as his unique signature sound.

He continued to develop as an artist eventually forming a group called “Self Scientific” in the early 90’s exposing the Hip Hop community to a series of underground produced classics. However, it wasn’t until 1993 when Khalil produced the underground hit “Return” that they made their official introduction and solidified him as one of the newest producers to keep an ear open for.

After the success of ‘Return” and a series of 12’ vinyl singles his group eventually landed a development deal with Loud Records in1995. Although things didn’t pan out like he expected, the knowledge he gained would give him the inspiration to produce two classic Self Scientific albums. “The Self Science” in 2000 and “Change” in 2006.

In 2003 while continuing to establish himself as a young producer on the rise, Khalil caught the attention of west coast Legend and co- founder of NWA, Dr. Dre. Dr. Dre saw great potential in Khalil as a producer and felt with his guidance he could help develop his sound to great heights.

“I want to sign you as a staff producer” Dre told Khalil, “I want you as a part of the family”

Persistence and countless hours perfecting his sound paid off landing him a slot on Dr. Dre’s production staff at Aftermath Records.

“I grew up listening to Dre, so to be working with him and the fact that he really like my music is dope”, explains Khalil.

His new affiliation would allow him to produce for the likes of major artist like Keith Murray “Candi Bar”, Cypress Hill “The Only Way”, XZIBIT “Beware Of Us”, Raekwon “Ice Cream Part 2”, and G-Unit’s 50 Cent “Lay You Down”.

Even though he was beginning to receive early success with mainstream artist he still continued to inject underground artists with his infectious sound.

Ras Kass “Kiss Of Death”, Sway & King Tech “Better Days”, Planet Asia “It’s On”, Strong Arm Steady (Blacksmith/Warner Bros.), Evidence (“All Said & Done”/The Weatherman LP) and newly acquired Aftermath Recording Artist Bishop Lamont have and are still benefiting from this musical talent.

Khalil’s never ending appetite for challenging himself musically has brought him to his most recent personal venture, “The New Royales”.

This hybrid group made up of himself and a group of very talented songwriters / musicians based out of Canada have combined his distinct sound with the “Royales” alternative rock melodies making the match a perfect alliance.

www.myspace.com/djkhalil1

Swagg - lo Of The Day: LiL Wayne’s 12 Year-Old Daughter Is Banned From Prison Visitations

2010-06-21T14:38:00.002-04:00

Rap superstar Lil Wayne presently remains incarcerated on Rikers Island for drug and weapons convictions. The multi-platinum rapper and Young Money Records founder may be out as soon as late this year, but reports state he will have to wait to see his 12 year-old daughter Reginae Carter.
Reginae’s mother and Wayne’s ex-wife Toya Carter told VIBE that the estranged couple made an agreement to not permit the adolescent from visiting her father in the New York prison. “That’s no place for a kid to go…[Wayne and I] just decided not to let her go [to Riker's Island], period. She’s never been. He makes sure he talks to his daughter everyday, talking and writing is enough.”
In previous interviews, Toya, star of her own BET reality show, Tiny and Toya, has commended Wayne as a father, and his ability to juggle stardom and his daughter.
Wayne’s first official, Young Money artist release, Drake’s Thank Me Later, was unveiled earlier this week.

Happy Fathers Day With A Whole Lot Of Swagg To All The Fathers Out There!!!

2010-06-21T14:33:00.001-04:00

On behalf of everyone hear at Swagg News we would like to wish our very own (GM) Mr.Swagg Himself a very blessed and Happy Father’s Day. “No matter which part of the world he may be in, he always makes time for his two children Keyera & Moses aka Young SPLASH aka U AlreadddDDddyyy NO. May this day be as marvelous as the rest of um!”

via: www.SwaggNews.com

Let’s Go Paraguay!!!!

2010-06-18T16:46:00.007-04:00

This is Larissa Riquelme. She's the cell phone-bosomed young woman the internet fell in love with on Monday. Currently, no one is blaming her for the Azzurri tying with Paraguay, but what do we really know about her?

Los Angeles Lakers Win 2010 NBA Championship

2010-06-18T16:16:00.005-04:00

Staff writer Shane Lambert provides his opinion on where the 2010 Lakers rank in terms of great teams.

The Los Angeles Lakers have won their second consecutive NBA championship and they avenged their 2008 finals loss to the Boston Celtics. The parade will be on June 21st and of course there were riots last night in Los Angeles, a shameful part of North American sports culture.

The just completed NBA season was very entertaining as the NBA finals went to a rare game 7, however it did lack a team that could be described as "All Time Great".

Of the last 15 teams to win the NBA finals, all of the following can be considered to be better than this year's team:

2009 Los Angeles Lakers
2008 Boston Celtics
2007 San Antonio Spurs
2006 Miami Heat
2005 San Antonio Spurs

2004 Detroit Pistons
2003 San Antonio Spurs
2002 Los Angeles Lakers
2001 Los Angeles Lakers
2000 Los Angeles Lakers

1999 San Antonio Spurs
1998 Chicago Bulls
1997 Chicago Bulls
1996 Chicago Bulls
1995 Houston Rockets

All 15 of the last 15 champions were better than the 2010 Lakers who kind of slouched through the final month of the regular season and then beat the weak teams in the Western Conference that lacked killer instinct to advance to the finals where the Lakers were fortunate to have home court advantage.

There are easily 7 teams who NEVER won the championship from the past 15 years that could all be considered better than the 2010 Lakers. Here they are:

1996 Seattle Supersonics
1997 Utah Jazz
1998 Utah Jazz
1998 Indianapolis Pacers (did not make the Finals)
2000 Indianapolis Pacers

2000 Portland Trailblazers (did not make the Finals)
2002 Sacramento Kings (did not make the Finals - were better than 2002 Lakers)

There are probably more teams to list but the point is that the NBA didn't have a great team this year and the players at times seemed to lack motive and drive - at least to the degree that we have come to expect. There's definitely exceptions like with Steve Nash and Derek Fisher among others but there's still a lot of NBA fluff out there.

There's still incredible ability and athleticism in the NBA but there's not always the incredible determination. Certainly there is NOTHING Jordan-like in terms of will power and I'd be surprised if anyone disagreed although you might disagree with the following statement.

In my opinion there's nothing Reggie Miller-like or even Patrick Ewing-like in the whole NBA right now in terms of drive and those are two players that never even won the title.

Perhaps the players have lost some respect for the Association due to inconsistent officiating and instead of desiring the NBA championship - they regard playing basketball as a well paying job.

Whatever it is, something is missing from the NBA and the guys who lay on the floor complaining about no calls while the other team breaks 5 against 4 are a big part of it.

The ratings were still there this year as Game 5 of the finals was huge but a big part of that was that it was the Lakers vs the Celtics, franchises that have two of the biggest fan bases in the sports world - it wasn't because of NBA finals quality basketball.

The 2010 Los Angeles Lakers: not champions like Jordan's Bulls or even Shaq's Lakers but just the team left over this year now that it's all said and done.

Ron Artest Post Game Interview LOL

2010-06-18T16:02:00.002-04:00

"Gotta LUV it"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2010-06-16T19:49:00.001-04:00

The legendary Tupac Shakur would have turned 39 years old today if he were still with us.

Eminem - Talking 2 Myself (ft Kobe)(Produced by DJ Khalil)

2010-06-08T08:40:00.002-04:00

Apple, Kobe & Brick

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6xUbSWL0d4&feature=youtube_gdata

Rick Ross And Ludacris Cover June / July Issue Of ‘THE SOURCE’ Magazine!

2010-06-01T20:06:00.004-04:00

Tracklisting: The Dream – Love King

2010-06-01T20:03:00.002-04:00

Is the third time the charm for The-Dream? The singer-songwriter, who has contemplated retirement, reveals the tracklisting for his third and possibly last album Love King (June 29), which includes an appearance from T.I. and the sequel to “Nikki” from his debut. Peep the 12 tracks below per Def Jam.

1. “Love King”
2. “Make Up Bag” feat. T.I.
3. “F.I.L.A. (Fall in Love Again)”
4. “Sex Intelligent”
5. “Sex Intelligent (Remix)”
6. “Yamaha”
7. “Nikki Part 2”
8. “Abyss”
9. “Panties to the Side”
10. “Turnt Out”
11. “February Love”
12. “Florida University”

Vado - Large On The Streets

2010-05-25T22:29:00.002-04:00

Most Hated/The U.N.’s Vado had a notable presence on Cam’ron & DJ Drama’s Boss Of All Bosses 2 and managed to hold his own while rapping next to a polished veteran like Cam on almost every song of the mixtape. Here’s the first leak off his own project, Slime Flu.

Big L on the hook, and it has the same sample as Lil Wayne’s Outstanding (prod. Cipha Sounds.) Props to Gotty.

“14 Days Is Good” - Pacquiao

2010-05-25T22:21:00.002-04:00

Perhaps, if he refuses to accept Manny Pacquiao’s offer to subject themselves to an Olympic-style random blood and urine drug testing with a 14 day cut-off period. According to Manila Bulletin’s Nick Giongco, Pacquiao has already agreed to the drug testing demands of Mayweather provided that the drug testing agency won’t take anymore sample 14 days before the fight. The same number of days Mayweather demanded from Pacquiao when they first negotiated. But after a convincing win over Shane Mosley last May 3, Mayweather has shifted his stance and now requires Pacquiao to accept his terms – random drug testing all the way, no questions and non-negotiable. If Pacquiao does not accept these terms, then no mega-fight.

The question is how come a 14-day cut off period, which was good before, is no longer viable now? Mayweather simply answered that he wanted to clean up the sport. Of course, his point is very well taken, though many boxing pundits believe (writer included) that the intentions of such demands has more underlying tones than the one Mayweather is parading and wanting people to believe.

One has to simply point Floyd “Joy” Mayweather as the one behind this mess, as he casted, no, hurled the first stone by accusing Pacquiao of steroid use. Prior to the accusation, Mayweather Senior has told a Philippine reporter that he would not want his son, Money May, square with Pacquiao in the ring, citing he have his reasons. Eager to jump on the steroid bandwagon is the rest of Mayweather clan with Money going as far as declaring Philippines as the best producer of steroids and Uncle Roger declaring Filipino soldiers are bulletproof because they use an ancient concoction known as the A-Side Meth, whatever it is.

One can simply see that if 14 days were already good for the Mayweather camp when they talked with Pacquiao and his team in early January, then it should be good now, considering that Pacquiao has already relented to such demand.

Although there is no scientific evidence supporting Pacquiao’s claim that draining his blood a couple of days before the fight weakens him, he is very firm in that belief. In an interview with Filipino broadcaster Dong Puno days after the Pacquiao-Morales I, Pacquiao mentioned that the Nevada Athletic State Commission acquired blood sample from him two days before the fight. He was soundly dominated by Erik Morales.

Of course, the boxing community can only speculate and surmise, the fact that there is a gag order being enforced to avoid negotiations in the media. But Pacquiao has made himself clear on the matter – 14 days is acceptable. If Mayweather’s plan is to duck Pacquiao, citing the 10-day differential of their desired blood testing schedule (Pacquiao initially pushed for a 24-day cutoff period), then it may have backfired. It may have worked the first time, but pushing Pacquiao to agree to random drug testing up to fight night would simply cement the notion that Mayweather, former pound for pound king and undefeated in 41 fights, is truly and undeniably scared of that little punching dervish from the Philippines.

Mayweather certainly has the ball in his court.

KR

2010 VIBE

2010-05-25T21:58:00.000-04:00

Here’s a preview of Nicki’s cover for VIBE’s June/July issue.

Megan Fox vs The Paparazzi

2010-05-19T20:46:00.004-04:00

Megan Fox may be pretty but things get ugly when she is photographed in the nude - or has to use a public bathroom.

In the June issue of Allure, the 24-year-old star of "Transformers" reveals she has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and that she has no qualms about hurting the paparazzi photographer who snapped a topless photo of her on the set of her new film.

"If I knew who took this picture, I would personally cause them harm - physical harm," she said in the magazine’s upcoming issue.

At the time the unauthorized photo was taken, Fox was shooting an independent feature called "Passion Play,” in which she stars alongside Mickey Rourke as a circus sideshow performer.

"I'm at my job and I’m trying to play a character and I'm trying to be serious, and this is the s--- that's happening to me," Fox told the magazine. "It makes me furious."

The raven-haired bombshell is often photographed off set around Los Angeles with her on-again, off-again beau of five years, Brian Austin Green. But she does not appreciate being tabloid fodder - even with her top on.

"I’m not a f---ing reality-TV star that’s courting the paparazzi and wants my f---ing picture taken all the time," she told Allure.

Fox, who is known for speaking her mind, dropped multiple f-bombs during her chat with the fashion magazine, but only six made it to print.

"I'm going to spend 20 years never saying anything interesting? Never telling a joke? Never pushing anyone's buttons?" she asked Allure. "I'm a person, I'm not a robot."

Though she may have a dirty mouth, Fox can't stand dirt as a rule. The actress told the magazine that she suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which means she can't use public cutlery or enter a restroom without feeling uncomfortable.

"This is a sickness, I have an illness," she told the magazine.

Jay-Z Leads Nominations at 2010 BET Awards

2010-05-19T20:40:00.001-04:00

It’s that time of year again. The nominees for the 2010 BET Awards were announced today (May 18) in New York City and Jay-Z received the most nods.

Jigga is in the running in four categories including Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, Best Collaboration for “Empire State of Mind” with Alicia Keys, Video of the Year for “Run This Town” and “Empire State of Mind,” and Viewer’s Choice. He was followed in leading nominations by wife Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Trey Songz and Melanie Fiona with four each.

As a crew, Young Money racked up a total of eight nominations if you include Drake’s three individual nominations and the two Nicki Minaj received on her own. Drake will go head to head against Jay-Z, Fabolous, Ludacris and rookie B.o.B for Best Male Hip-Hop artist. His Young Money label-mate Nicki Minaj will go against Lil Kim, Rasheeda, Trina, and Ester Dean for the Best Female Hip-Hop artist.

Diddy-Dirty Money, who appeared at the press conference to announce some of the nominees, also announced that they’re hosting a huge, televised after-party and countdown to the release of his upcoming LP Last Train to Paris, that will take place directly after the awards show. Queen Latifah, this year’s host of the BET Awards was on hand to announce some of the nominees as well.

This year’s show, which will be broadcast live on June 27 from Los Angeles will feature special performances by Diddy-Dirty Money, Trey Songz, Nicki Minaj, Drake and more to be announced. The show will be webcast simultaneous on BET.com. For a complete list of all the categories including hip-hop artists as nominees see below. For more information visit BET.com. —Brooklyne Gipson

Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
Ester Dean
Lil Kim
Nicki Minaj
Rasheeda
Trina

Best New Artist
Justin Bieber
Melanie Fiona
Nicki Minaj
Wale
Young Money

Best Group
Black Eyed Peas
Clipse
Diddy-Dirty Money
New Boyz
Young Money

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
B.o.B.
Drake
Fabolous
Jay-Z
Ludacris

Best Collaboration
Beyonce ft. Lady Gaga – “Video Phone”
B.o.B ft. Bruno Mars – “Nothin’ On You”
Drake and Trey Songz – “Successful”
Drake ft. Lil Wayne, Kanye West and Eminem – “Forever”
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind”
Trey Songz ft. Fabolous – “Say Aah”

Video of the Year
Beyonce ft. Lady Gaga – “Video Phone”
B.o.B ft. Bruno Mars – “Nothin’ On You”
Melanie Fiona- “It Kills Me”
Jay-Z and Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind”
Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West – “Run This Town”

Viewer’s Choice
Beyonce – “Sweet Dreams”
Jay-Z and Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind”
Monica – “Everything to Me”
Rihanna ft. Young Jeezy – “Hard”
Trey Songz ft. Fabolous – “Say Aah”
Young Money – “Bedrock”

Keri Hilson In South Africa

2010-05-19T20:38:00.001-04:00

Keri Hilson made her first trip to South Africa.

After an exhausting 32 hour trip, Keri visited Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent most of his 27 years in prison.

Afterwards she visited the Origins Centre and got to see the first human remains that were found in Ethiopia. Which confirmed for her that mankind comes from Africa.

She played a show in Capetown, "The response was incredible, it was a really good feeling," she said.

"I'm an American artist, I never expected to come this far away from home and be received like this."

Her final stop was in Soweto where she had a great time dancing with the kids there.

I'am Cassie: How Do I Look???

2010-05-19T20:30:00.002-04:00

Cassie arrives at David Letterman in New York City looking like she's PREGNANT.

Pic/Header via: LifeFiles

Nets majority owner Mikhail Prokhorov meets with his new staff

2010-05-19T14:30:00.004-04:00

The mayor had a power-packed breakfast this morning, hosting the major players behind the Atlantic Yards development project at Gracie Mansion.

Bagels were on the menu for this morning's breakfast meeting between Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Nets majority owner Mikhail Prokhorov, arena developer Bruce Ratner and Nets co-owner Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter.

Prokhorov is in the city this week to take park in the NBA draft, after closing on a deal last week to buy 80 percent of the Nets and 40 percent of the arena, which will be called the Barclay Center. The arena is now under construction at the former site of the Atlantic Yards in Brooklyn.

The Nets owner is making basketball history with his purchase of the team, as it is the first time there is an NBA team owner from outside of North America.

Prokhorov says he promises to build a championship team, going so far to predict that as soon as next year the poorly-performing Nets will have a playoff-caliber team. He says the team will be able to win a championship title within the next five years.

The Nets finished last season with a league worst 12-70 record.

Adriana Lima Covers VOGUE Espana

2010-05-19T14:21:00.001-04:00

Gucci Mane - So Far So Gucci Hosted by DJ OneTwo

2010-05-19T01:22:00.006-04:00

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Provided by DatPiff.com

Rick Ross' "Teflon Don" Pushes Back To July 6

2010-05-19T00:53:00.004-04:00

Rick Ross announced recently that his fourth official album, Teflon Don was due on June 29. As of this morning, that album is now planned for July 6 release.

Teflon Don, named partially after Ross' Rap moniker (Tephlon Da Don) from his late '90s work with Erick Sermon and others, including an appearance on "Ain't Shit To Discuss" from the EPMD member's 2000 album, Def Squad Presents: Erick Onasis.

Although confirmations have yet to be made, Jay-Z and Kanye West reportedly worked on the Def Jam rapper's latest album. The single "Super High" featuring Ne-Yo, released over a week ago.

By Allen Jacobs

BLACK ROB SAYS BAD BOY WANTS HIM BACK

2010-05-19T00:27:00.002-04:00

Black Rob was released from prison this month and made statements that put Diddy in a negative light. His comments made it seem that he felt betrayed by his former boss. Now, he's saying he never meant to disrespect Puffy. In fact, he now says Diddy has shown interest in re-signing him. B.R. spoke with True Stories Radio regarding all of this and much more.

"Why would I want to hurt Puffy?" he asked. "Diddy put me on. Diddy put me where I needed to be. Why would I come out of jail trying to spit dirt on his name? That doesn't even make any sense...I want to kill everything that's going on...I ain't shitting on Diddy. I love Diddy. I got love for the whole Bad Boy fam. But right now, I think it's time for me to move on. That's all I'm saying. I want to move on. If the situation at Bad Boy ain't conducive to me, or could make BR live comfortably...I'm not fucking with it."

But, Black Rob also said Diddy is showing interest in his work and that he has the choice to jump back with the Bad Boy label.

"I spoke to Diddy. We had a conversation on the phone. Matter of fact, I was supposed to meet him tonight. But, I'm doing this [interview]. This is for me. That was hangin' out. I don't want to hang out. I don't want to hang out, especially when there ain't no money involved...He want me back over there. Harve Pierre [President of Bad Boy] want me back over there. But, I feel like it's my decision to make right now. I'm trying to make the best decisions for me."

Miranda Kerr Covers GQ

2010-05-18T23:56:00.002-04:00

Miranda Kerr is in the June 2010 issue of GQ and she’s topless in one of those pictures. By law, I must write about this and then retire to the bathroom.

You might recognize her from her work with the lacy underwear Xanadu Victoria’s Secret or know her as the girlfriend of the actor Orlando Bloom. But Kerr is most famous for almost getting someone fired. Not long ago, a young banker at a Sydney, Australia, investment house received an e-mail with a series of photos—from a previous issue of this very magazine—of a certain supermodel in states of glorious undress. The problem was that one of the banker’s colleagues was being interviewed on live TV in their office at the time, talking about interest rates, while the poor banker in the background clicked through the photos. Four million YouTube hits later and the busted broker had become a phenomenon—not just because the video was funny, though Lord knows it was, but because men everywhere could relate. How can you operate a computer in 2010 and not eventually wind up looking at naked photos of Miranda Kerr?

PoP UP Like Toast!

2010-05-14T20:54:00.001-04:00

DIDDY-DIRTY MONEY “HELLO, GOOD MORNING”

2010-05-14T20:25:00.004-04:00

Log OnTo

2010-05-14T20:25:00.001-04:00

www.swagggirlicious.com

Gisele Bundchen: Highest Paid Model (Again!)

2010-05-14T19:35:00.005-04:00

The 29-year-old Brazilian beauty raked in a massive $25 million in the past year. Coming in at #2 is Heidi Klum ($16 million) and #3 is Kate Moss ($9 million). Check out the full list at Forbes.com!

On Wednesday, Gisele and husband Tom Brady were spotted getting on their PDA while enjoying the view from a a friend’s balcony in Los Angeles.

Gisele Bundchen – $28 Million

Heidi Klum – $16 Million

Kate Moss – $9 Million

Adriana Lima – $7.5 Million

Doutzen Kroes – $6 Million

Alessandra Ambrosio – $5.5 Million

Natalia Vodianova – $5.5 Million

Daria Werbowy – $4.5 Million

Miranda Kerr – $4 Million

Carolyn Murphy – $3.5 Million

Wait HOLD UP where is Naomi Campbell on this list??

100% SWAGG Approved: Cam'ron & Vado Boss Of All Bosses 2.5

2010-05-13T16:18:00.004-04:00

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Provided by DatPiff.com

T.I. Appears On The Larry King Show!

2010-05-13T15:58:00.012-04:00

T.I. gives Larry King his first interview since being released from jail earlier this year. Tip spoke about the events leading up to his arrest, his new single “I’m Back” and upcoming album King Uncaged.

Louis Vuitton ad shoots for goal with soccer greats Pele, Maradona and Zidane facing off in foosball

2010-05-13T15:48:00.003-04:00

Over here at All The Rage we're consistently in awe of Louis Vuitton's ability to land a mind-numbing assortment of stars from the global constellation of celebrity for its ad campaigns. Some of the more memorable ones featured Mikhail Gorbachev, Keith Richards and Catherine Deneuve (not in the same ad, mind you) and astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Jim Lovell and Sally Ride (very much in the same ad, and gazing up at the nighttime sky).

The newest print ad, which will appear in June issues of various international glossies, is another group effort -- and this time the luxury brand has managed to wrangle three of the greatest soccer (that's "football" to the rest of the world) players of all time for its Core Values campaign: Pelé of Brazil, Diego Maradona of Argentina and France's Zinedine Zidane -- just in time to capitalize on the mania surrounding the month-long 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, scheduled to kick off on June 11.

Shot by Annie Leibovitz in a Madrid bar called Café Maravillas, the shot captures the holy trinity of soccer engaged in a spirited game of foosball, while Zidane's double Z-emblazoned LV luggage lounges near the bar.

Apparently we'll have to wait a week or so to find out who's the better athlete when it comes to table soccer, the accompanying website teases that footage of an epic match between Pelé and Zidane will be posted on May 10 (though a viewer survey at the site currently favors Pelé over Zidane 54% to 46%).

We're thinking that the ad will probably generate more interest overseas where soccer has a larger following than it does in the U.S., but we like it for a couple of reasons.

First is the sharp-looking Louis Vuitton Pégase cabin case personalized by the company with Zidane's double Z initials. It's part of Vuitton's relatively recent Mon Monogram program through which the company will add your initials and a couple of signature stripes of your color choosing (we've been told the most popular color combinations have been "fuchsia," "rouge," and "moutarde" paired with "blanc" or "ivoire") to a Pégase, a Keepall or a Speedy bag.

We say "relatively recent" because, while the service has been available in the U.S. since October 2008, the pieces could only be ordered directly through a Louis Vuitton boutique -- until the whole process went online just three months ago.

And the other reason we're excited? There's finally a luxury fashion ad featuring a soccer player that's not David Beckham.

"Gooooaaaallll!"

Adam Tschorn

Photo: From left, Argentina's Diego Maradona, Brazil's Pelé and France's Zinedine Zidane play a spirited game of table football while Zidane's monogrammed luggage leans against the bar in the newest Annie Leibovitz-lensed ad campaign for Louis Vuitton. Credit: Annie Leibovitz.

Meet SKYE SwaGGirl Photographer & Model

2010-05-13T15:42:00.003-04:00

At only twenty-years-old Skye Kalosza has patented her name through photography and grasped a success that many photographers will never touch. “I’m so thankful for my job and for everything I have… so many people are caught working a nine to five, I can pay my bills with a camera.” With a Nikon D300 in her hand she is able to capture eye-catching images that range from glam to morbid.

At eighteen-years-old Skye was contacted by Warpig who took notice of her pictures on MySpace. She did her first modelling shoot with Ozzy Osborne’s Warpig Custom Chopper and it wasn’t long until a flurry of other photographers began to contact her. Robert Gaudette from Revolve Studios was one photographer that had a lasting effect on Skye’s career; “without him I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

“Looking at pictures of myself got me really interested in what it would be like to be on the other side of the camera.” After doing several photo shoots with Robert Gaudette he had decided to upgrade his camera and sell his current one; an Olympus E410. Skye bought the camera but became very discouraged and stopped shooting for a couple of months because her images weren’t turning out as she had imagined, “they didn’t look like the ones in magazines… at least not yet.” During this time Skye was working at a call center as a telemarketer, “Obviously it wasn’t my dream job so I ending up quitting, when I didn’t have any money I picked up the camera again.” She began by shooting her friends to build a portfolio so potential clients could see her ability. She then researched tutorials online to get to know her camera better and began shooting couples for forty dollars, which included about twenty edited pictures.

Aside from Skye’s talent in photography, her Photoshop skills have also matured to become very notable. She started playing around with Photoshop programs as a pre-teen, and now uses Photoshop CS3 to edit her pictures. “You think you know a lot about Photoshop but it’s an ongoing thing… it’s such a vast program you can’t expect to know it all in one lifetime.”

As Skye’s skills continued to develop, she began to get a lot of praise for her work and realized she had finally found her niche. Skye began to get multiple Facebook messages and friend requests every day because of her photography. Her Fan Page reached 1500 fans in one week while her Facebook insights tallied at 2500 views a week. “I began to understand I could make this more than a hobby that made me a couple of bucks, instead it could be my career… Now I can make upwards to $1500 in one day.” Alongside her Facebook group and Fan Page, Skye also launched her first website, created a Model Mayhem portfolio, and started shooting reputable models for free to help make her name more recognizable. “As my portfolio grew I started getting tonnes of models and non-models that were willing to pay good money for quality photos.” Skye’s rates went from forty dollars for twenty edited pictures to two-hundred-and-twenty-five dollars for twelve edited pictures.

Skye’s decision to get into lingerie, bikini and glam photography has been a very beneficial experience as a female photographer. “Ninety percent of photographers are male and the few female photographers that there are, shoot family portrait and weddings.” While Skye worked with male photographers during her modelling, she began to notice that what a male would view as attractive, many women would not. “A guy will put a hot girl in front of a camera wearing lingerie, and every single photo will be hot to them, where as a girl will point out every flaw. I understand the female sickness… girls are comfortable letting their sexy out in front of me.” Being a former model also aids in making Skye’s models more comfortable, “because I’ve modelled before, I know how to pose. It’s good for people getting into the industry that are nervous because I can direct them during the shoot.”

Skye’s ability in photography has grown beyond lingerie, bikini and glam. Deep down she always had an interest in sick and twisted morbid pictures, “I can find perfection in imperfection.” Skye’s first morbid picture was inspired by one of her models. Skye had shot her before and noticed that something was wrong, “I found out her boyfriend had just cheated on her. She showed me a love letter he had written for her only a couple weeks before pleading for his forgiveness. We wanted to incorporate the love letter into a photo, so we burned it into the picture.” From crying makeup is running down the models face but it became one of the most dramatic yet beautiful pictures Skye had ever created.

From there, Skye went on to create her 11:59 brand; “one minute before midnight.” 11:59 is a group of photos that are not your typical pretty picture, “if you like perfect you won’t like these photos, but they’re extremely eye catching.” Her morbid fascination will continue this Halloween when she launches her creepy yet sexy calendar.

Although Skye’s success as a twenty-year-old photographer is impeccable she still acknowledges the room to grow and hopes to continue to challenge herself. “Everything starts to get boring when you shoot five times a week, so shooting new things will be a challenge.” Next on her list is musicians and high fashion. Looking up to such great photographers as Andrzej Dragan, Dave Hill, Jeffrey Scott and Vincent Peters, Skye Kalosza has raised the bar and is doing it as a young female in the industry.

www.skyekalosza.com

www.twitter.com/skyekaolsza

www.facebook.com/skyekalosza

www.modelmayhem.com/skyekaloszaphotography

Story by: Bailey Jeffries

Manny Pacquiao May Participate With Mayweather's Drug Testing Demands

2010-05-05T19:35:00.003-04:00

After Floyd Mayweather picked apart an older Shane Mosley on Saturday (May 1), talk immediately switched to the future. A Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao showdown anyone?

The two fighters were set to face off this year, but when Mayweather requested that Pac-Man endure Olympic-style USADA drug testing during his training camp, negotiations ceased and the mega-fight was called off.

Ever since, Floyd has insuated that Pacquiao is using performance-enhancing drugs despite having no proof, prompting the Filipino fighter to file a defamation lawsuit, which is currently pending.

After the fight hit a wall, Pacquiao went on to defeat Joshua Clottey on March 13th, while Mayweather won a unanimous decision against Mosley over the weekend.

Now, however, Pac-Man seems to be softening his stance on drug testing procedures. Two days after Mayweather's victory, Pacquiao said he's willing to compromise.

"I am willing to help the sport for the future of the sport. I do not want to see anyone cheat or cheat this sport," Pacquiao said in a statement on his official website. "For that reason I am willing to consider taking blood [tests] as close as 14 days prior to the fight, as long as my opponent does the same, and it is not a lot of blood, just enough to test."

Swagg.tv Exclusive: Jim Jones - "Hit Em Up" [Official Music Video]

2010-05-04T11:15:00.007-04:00

Check out this video on YouTube: By Swagg's very own Martin Verigen aka Footage!

Me & CC

2010-05-04T00:52:00.017-04:00

CC is named one of the hottest up-and-coming models in entertainment by Askmen.com. Spike TV named her top 5 in America giving her the "boys best friend" role. She has appeared on numerous covers claiming their issue with the Venezuelan & Sicilian Vixen, CC Fontana, is their hottest ever, and taking the role as "baby Janice" on The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency TV show because of her striking resemblance to the World's First Supermodel. CC is definitely not one to sit back on. The Venezuelan beauty has represented latina females on JDMA with the first ever latin division, and in her cover issues of Open Your Eyes Magazine, Lowrider Magazine, and Girls by Lowrider magazine (just to name a few). Her issue of 944 Magazine was on fire, and covering her athletic background in MMA Sports magazine really got the world intrigued. When this girl sleeps is a mystery because CC really knows how to party it up with her appearances around the world (yes the world) that keep her busier (and more entertained) a little more than your average 22 year old.

Swagg-A-Lo OF THE DAY: Kobe Bryant Is “All White Everything” For LA Times!

2010-05-04T00:43:00.004-04:00

Ummmm, where do I begin? Ok, this shoot for LA Magazine is wrong in so many ways. I see where they were tryna go, but they should of taken a different route. Kobe looks crazy. Period.

I guess this was supposed to be editorial and modelesque but, in my eyes… this is Model-MESS! Waist down!

AUTHOR
misscoffee

So Lady Gaga’s “Telephone” Was Originally Written For Britney Spears?

2010-05-04T00:21:00.004-04:00

Log onto www.swaggnews.com to hear Britney Spears’ demo for “Telephone” which she passed on and Lady Gaga made it a big hit.

Damon Dash Resurrects Roc-A-Fella Records Without Jay-Z

2010-05-04T00:03:00.002-04:00

When Damon Dash pulled a Roc-A-Fella chain out of his vault several months ago and presented it to Curren$y, it was just a celebration of their friendship. Now, the chain means much more. Dash is resurrecting Roc-A-Fella Records and plans to make Curren$y's Pilot Talk the label's first new release on June 15.
"I think we just having fun, really," said Dash, sitting in his office at DD172 next to Curren$y. "[Curren$y] inspired me to dust off the chains. We brought 'em out for kicks, just 'cause we could. Then we was like, 'F--- it, let's put it out through Roc-A-Fella.' It was really more something he wanted to do. Basically, 'cause we havin' such a good time, and the opportunity's there, we was like, 'Why not?' "

"What that means, what that shows me, is that dude thinks as highly of me as I do him," Curren$y said about releasing an LP on the label Dash co-founded with Jay-Z and Kareem "Biggs" Burke in the mid-1990s. "I know what's behind that. We all know and the fans know what that represented at the height of it. The aesthetic of it."

Dash said he hadn't been having "fun" in music since he, Jay and Biggs dissolved their partnership several years ago. But meeting and working with artists such as Curren$y and Jay Electronica who come through his DD172 facility brought the old feelings back.

"The funny thing is, people don't know that Roc-A-Fella wasn't meant to sell records," Dame said. "It was meant to show the respect and the honor amongst each other as friends. It was a friendship thing. That's what people liked. It's what made Roc-A-Fella appealing. It's odd, because I f--- with [Curren$y]. I kinda like him. When I met him, I wasn't as familiar with his music. My nephews and Sean O'Connell put me up on him. I liked him as a friend. Then I start seeing he's super nice with the rhymes, then I started seeing his influence. It's similar to the way we felt back in those days. It's working out."

The last album to come out on Roc-A-Fella was Jadakiss' The Last Kiss in April 2009. The label had been under Jay-Z's sole custody since the breakup of Hov, Biggs and Dash.

"Def Jam or Universal bought the brand. I think the 'beef' [with us and Jay-Z] was that Jay made it clear he didn't want me or Biggs to be a part of it. That's really where it was at. Now that he doesn't work for Def Jam anymore, he doesn't have the right to use the name. So there's no reason for us not to use it. It's there, and it's a brand that's not being used. So I was like, 'I'll take it.' It always meant something to me."

Dash said he and Curren$y are pushing a positive message about friendship and evolution.

"It's a way more positive movement," he added about the label's new incarnation. "It's what I wanted Roc-A-Fella, what I thought it should be 10 years after I started it."

Dash said he secured the new deal through L.A. Reid and Def Jam, which will serve as a distributor for his records.

After Curren$y's album, the next project coming off Roc-A-Fella will be Ski Beatz's 24 Hour Karate School mixtape.

Reps for Jay-Z were not reached for comment by press time.

Vote for Lloyd Banks f/Juelz Santana "Beamer,Benz, or Bentley" on 106 & Park

2010-05-03T23:59:00.001-04:00

click HERE to Vote for "Beamer,Benz, or Bentley" on 106 & Park

KEEP SWAGG IN YOUR LIFE

2010-05-03T23:46:00.005-04:00

SwaggGirlicious Of The Day: SWEET SULEIKA

2010-04-28T10:03:00.001-04:00

Hollywood sign saved with Hefner's $900K

2010-04-28T10:00:00.001-04:00

Playboy founder Hugh Hefner has granted a "Hollywood ending" to the campaign to save the iconic Hollywood sign, by coming up with the final $900,000 US needed to buy the site it sits on from developers.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was on hand Monday in Los Angeles to announce that the Trust for Public Land, a national conservation group, had reached its fundraising goal of $12.5 million.

It's "the Hollywood ending we hoped for," Schwarzenegger said, commenting that the sign had inspired him when he was growing up in his native Austria.

"It's a symbol of dreams and opportunity," he said. "The Hollywood sign will welcome dreamers, artists and Austrian bodybuilders for generations to come."

Hefner, 84, also cited inspiration from the famed sign, with its 14-metre-tall letters high on a rugged hillside.

"My childhood dreams and fantasies came from the movies, and the images created in Hollywood had a major influence on my life and Playboy," he said in a statement.

"As I've said before, the Hollywood sign is Hollywood's Eiffel Tower and I am pleased to help preserve such an important cultural landmark."

Hefner had also contributed to past fundraising efforts to help restore and renovate the sign.

Howard Hughes property

While the Hollywood sign itself is owned by the City of Los Angeles, it sits on a parcel of steep land that a group of Chicago-based investors purchased from the estate of tycoon Howard Hughes in 2002.

The investors had initially intended to sell the site— known as Cahuenga Peak — to luxury home developers.

However, they were persuaded by the Trust for Public Land to sell it to the conservation group for $12.5 million, provided the trust could raise the money by mid-April. At the deadline, the campaign remained $1.5 million short and was granted an extension of 16 days.

The total funds raised were a mix of public money ($2.7 million in local funds and $3.1 million from the state) and contributions totalling $6.7 million from private donors including director Steven Spielberg, actor Tom Hanks, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Tiffany and Co. Foundation and Aileen Getty, granddaughter of oil baron J. Paul Getty.

Schwarzenegger said the campaign had received donations from all 50 American states and 10 other countries.

Once the sale goes through, the trust will donate the land to the city so the parcel can be incorporated to adjacent Griffith Park

Armani hotel opens in Dubai’s Khalifa tower

2010-04-28T09:50:00.003-04:00

Giorgio Armani and the Chairman of Emaar Properties PJSC Mohamed Alabbar are proud to bring you the Armani Hotel Dubai located inside the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in Dubai). Here are some accomadations of the 160 guest room luxury hotel:

Armani Hotel Dubai promises a “home-away from-home” experience. Each guest is assigned a personal Lifestyle Manager who serves as a personal contact from booking through the stay. The hotel restaurants offer cuisines from Japanese, Indian Mediterranean and fine-dining Italian. Leisure options include the world’s first in-hotel Armani/SPA; Armani/Galleria a haute couture boutique; Armani/Dolci, a confectionary; and Armani/Fiori, a floral boutique.

2Pac's Mother Afeni Shakur Arrested on Drug Charges

2010-04-27T18:56:00.006-04:00

Afeni Shakur Davis, the mother of the late great Tupac Shakur is making headlines after being arrested on drug possession charges.

Afeni, 63, was arrested April 16 in Lumberton, North Carolina and charged with felony possession of marijuana, maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance and simple possession of a controlled substance.

She posted $10,000 bail and is expected to appear in court May 10.

Shakur Davis is the founder of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation established in Stone Mountain, Georgia which provides arts programs for youth.

Since her son's untimely death in 1996, she's managed the release of his unreleased music and poetry.

UFC's Tito Ortiz Denies Assaulting Girlfriend Jenna Jameson

2010-04-27T18:51:00.004-04:00

Ultimate Fighting Championship star Tito Ortiz has denied assaulting longtime girlfriend Jenna Jameson, saying the former adult film star is addicted to pain killers and that her drug use resulted in him being arrested on suspicion of domestic violence.

“Jenna Jameson has been facing and fighting a battle with OxyContin addiction for well over a year. For Tito and his family, this has been an uphill battle,” said Ortiz attorney Chip Matthews, speaking at an impromptu news conference late Monday night at an Italian restaurant in North Hollywood.

Ortiz stood beside Matthews, openly weeping for much of the six-minute news conference.

“Unfortunately this morning, when Jenna relapsed and Tito confronted her and asked her about the drugs he had found, she denied it and had an emotional breakdown over it . . . I want to be quite clear. Tito Ortiz never laid a hand on Jenna. Never.”

Ortiz, 35, was arrested Monday at their Huntington Beach, Calif., home. Ortiz and Jameson, a best-selling author and perhaps the world's most famous adult film star, have 13-month-old twin boys together. They have been dating since 2006.

“My parents have gone through an addiction, and I see it in the mirror again. I'm not going to let my family go through that,” said Ortiz. “I hold everything dear to my heart that Jenna will be OK.”

Matthews would not let Ortiz answer questions due to the ongoing criminal investigation.

Police on Monday received a 911 call from Jameson's father at 9:53 a.m. PT and Ortiz was arrested two hours later. He was released Monday afternoon after posting $25,000 US bail. Ortiz had left his house escorted by officers to a waiting police cruiser, wearing red fight shorts and a grey jacket with his hands cuffed behind his back.

Lt. Mike Reynolds of the Huntington Beach Police Department said the victim had “visible injuries.”

Matthews said Jameson, 36, had “a scratch on her elbow, and often times when you have people on OxyContin they don't have the best sense of balance.”

According to Matthews, Jameson's father, after making the 911 call, provided support to Ortiz and brought him clothes to change into after posting bail.

Matthews claimed Jameson has threatened suicide in the past year, but Ortiz has stood with her.

“They have two children together. They have planned on spending their lives together,” said Matthews, as Ortiz abruptly walked behind a curtain and could be heard crying loudly.

“They want nothing more than to work together.”

Ortiz is among the most popular and successful fighters in mixed-martial-arts history. Nicknamed ‘The Huntington Beach Bad Boy,' he held the UFC light heavyweight title from 2000-2003. Ortiz battled injuries for much of the next few years and eventually left the company in 2008 after a falling out with UFC president Dana White.

After more than a year, Ortiz and White put their differences aside and Ortiz re-signed with the company, returning at UFC 106 last November.

He is currently starring in Season 11 of The Ultimate Fighter. Ortiz was scheduled to fight again in June at UFC 115 versus Chuck Liddell, but was replaced during filming of The Ultimate Fighter by Rich Franklin. The reason for his early departure and removal from UFC 115 have not yet been made public.

What do you think?

Lil Wayne Sued By Jim Jonsin Over Royalties

2010-04-24T13:00:00.002-04:00

Lil Wayne is behind bars, currently serving time in New York's Rikers Island, but the lawsuits keep coming his way. After being sued by Karma-Ann Swanepoel for sampling "Once" on "I Feel Like Dying," and Darius "Deezle" Harrison for royalties on "Mrs. Officer," the Young Money star is also being sued by producer Jim Jonsin for royalties from "Lollipop."

According to the New York Post, Jonsin is suing for $500,000. Jonsin is claiming he has yet to receive any royalties for work on one of Lil Wayne's biggest singles.

This isn't the first time Jonsin and Wayne have been involved in a dispute. When Weezy was sued by Swanepoel a year ago, he shifted the blame towards Jonsin for not clearing the sample.

DJ AM Set To Make Cameo In Upcoming IRON MAN 2 Film

2010-04-24T12:29:00.002-04:00

It seems as though DJ AM had put in a lot of before his untimely death in August. In addition to the drug-intervention reality series "So Far Gone" on MTV, the celebrity DJ also filmed a cameo in the upcoming "Iron Man 2" movie.

The movie's director, Jon Favreau, explained recently that leaving AM's cameo in the movie was a difficult decision to make.

"We tried to make it respectful, and for people who know him, they'll get a kick out of it and for people who don't, it will sort of slide by without much notice," Favreau told the LA Times.

Goldstein will reportedly appear as the DJ in a scene where lead character Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) celebrates his birthday. It has not been revealed whether or not AM will have any lines in the scene, but Stark does address him at some point, saying, "Adam, I need a phat beat..."

The film is also dedicated to AM (real name: Adam Goldstein), with his name and his trademark lightning-bolt symbol in the end credits, reports the paper.

AM died in August of last year from an accidental drug overdose. He was found dead in his New York apartment. He was just 36 years old.

In addition to AM, other celebs make cameos as well, including Bill O'Reilly and comics icon Stan Lee.

6 Police Officers Killed in Ambush in Ciudad Juárez-Mexico

2010-04-24T12:13:00.004-04:00

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico — Gunmen ambushed two police vehicles at busy intersection in Ciudad Juarez on Friday, killing six officers and a 17-year-old girl who was passing by, authorities said.

Chihuahua state spokesman Enrique Torres Valadez said five of the six police officers were federal, and one was municipal. Authorities said the police officers in the vehicles were distracted by someone selling items on the street when the gunmen opened fire. The assailants then fled in three vehicles.

Investigators said they don't know why the officers were shot, although they don't believe they were targeted because of any recent arrests they had made.

No one has been arrested but police said they have recovered two of the three cars used in the shooting.

Ciudad Juarez is one of the world's deadliest cities, and a two-year turf battle between drug cartels has left more than 5,000 people dead.

100% SWAGG Approved: The 2011 Porsche Cayenne

2010-04-23T14:37:00.002-04:00

The new generation of the Porsche Cayenne features and updated interior and exterior and will be offered in a Cayenne S Hybrid model as well. The trucks start at around $75,000 dollars.

SwaggGirlicious Of The Day: ANISHYA REYES

2010-04-23T13:21:00.002-04:00

www.swagggirlicious.com

Mayweather/Mosley 24/7 Episode 2

2010-04-23T13:10:00.002-04:00

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tcdyNM61ds&feature=youtube_gdata

''I'am The West''

2010-04-23T11:55:00.003-04:00

We get a first look at the album cover for Ice Cube's 9th studio album titled ''I Am The West''. The album is scheduled to hit stores July 13.

Rev Run's Words of Wisdom

2010-04-23T11:42:00.003-04:00

Never run away from your problems, they'll always find you!
God is Love

Rev Run

Swagg EXCLUSIVE: Ace Hood "Real Hip Hop Freestyle"

2010-04-23T11:29:00.003-04:00

Ace Hood Real Hip Hop Freestyle

Download link:

www.mediafire.com/?zgnoovduzc2

WWW.TWITTER.COM/ACEHOOD954

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ACEHOOD

WWW.ACEHOOD-ONLINE.COM

For Drops Send Script To
MrSwaggHimself@gmail.com

For Information On: Booking, Features/Collaborations, or To Send In Beats, etc...

CONTACT: Brick Swagg at MrSwaggHimself@gmail.com

SWAGG is coming to the iPhone!

2010-04-21T17:10:00.005-04:00

A message to ALL iPhone users: SWAGG is FOR SALE! Will hit you with the details as soon as we can,but in the mean time keep SWAGG in your life.

http://www.swaggnews.com/

Jennifer Lopez Named 'Style Icon Of The Decade' By Us Weekly Magazine

2010-04-21T16:54:00.002-04:00

Who’s Going To See 50 Cent On Tour?

2010-04-21T16:54:00.000-04:00

50 Cent is gearing up for a string of US dates for his Invitation tour staring at the end of May…. Dates below:

May 28, 2010 – Cleveland – Wolstein Center
May 29, 2010 – Detroit – Chene Park
May 30, 2010 – Chicago – UIC Pavillion
Jun 01, 2010 – Denver – Filmore
Jun 03, 2010 – San Francisco – Warfield
Jun 04, 2010 – Los Angeles – Nokia
Jun 06, 2010 – Las Vegas – The Pearl
Jun 07, 2010 – Phoenix – Celebrity Theater
Jun 10, 2010 – Kansas – City Midland Theater
Jun 11, 2010 – Dallas – Fairpark
Jun 12, 2010 – Houston – Arena Theater
Jun 15, 2010 – Miami – Filmore
Jun 17, 2010 – Atlanta – Tabernacle
Jun 18, 2010 – Myrtle Beach – House of Blues
Jun 19, 2010 – Raleigh – Walnut Creek
Jun 22, 2010 – NYC – Hammerstein
Jun 23, 2010 – Wallingford – Oakdale Theater
Jun 24, 2010 – Boston – HOB
Jun 25, 2010 – Atlantic City – HOB

Not A Bad IDEA

2010-04-21T16:40:00.002-04:00

The Brooklyn DA found good use for truckloads of designer knock-offs that were supposed to be destroyed: $10 million worth of counterfeit designer clothes and shoes will be sent to Haiti. Pop the hood.
Seven truckloads of confiscated counterfeit designer duds and shoes — Ed Hardy, Nike and Diesel among the imitation brands — are headed to earthquake victims in Haiti.
The 125,000 tons of clothing and shoes, valued at $10 million, were seized by New York police and would normally be destroyed, but in this case, the contraband will go to good use.
“Permission was obtained from manufacturers, including Nike, Timberland, Antik Denim Jeans, Black Label and Christian Audigier, to allow the knockoffs to be donated to charity,” Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes told CNN affiliate WPIX.
Hynes’ office came up the idea. It was decided the goods, warehoused for a while, would come to better use in Haiti.
.
The international charity World Vision has agreed to deliver the items donated by the Brooklyn authorities.
But there’s one catch: All brand identifiers like labels and logos will be removed in order to avoid trademark issues.

SwaggGirlicious Of The Day: GABRIELA BARROS

2010-04-21T16:24:00.004-04:00

Birth Date:1981
Country of Origin:Chile
Height (cm):178

http://www.swagggirlicious.com/

100% Swagg APPROVED: BALMAIN Black Zip Riders

2010-04-21T16:05:00.004-04:00

The Black Zip Riders jacket comes with several pockets on the outer and features all zippers and hardware in black.

SEEING is BELIEVING

2010-04-17T11:51:00.005-04:00

www.swaggnews.com

REV RUN'S Words Of Wisdom

2010-04-17T11:32:00.004-04:00

Were here for a good time, not a long time. GOD is love

Swagg A-lo OF THE DAY

2010-04-17T01:36:00.002-04:00

Swagg was in Toronto this week and we happen ta' drive by some real WAIST dooowwwnn sh?t. The pic. above should say it all. IF NOT, then may I remind you! SWAGG is with 2gg's DUuuMMmmyyy.

A SWAGG Public Service Announcement

2010-04-16T23:10:00.005-04:00

Meet The STAFF At: SwaggGirlicious

2010-04-16T22:53:00.003-04:00

LOG OnTo: http://www.swagggirlicious.com/

Nate Walker GOT SWAGG

2010-04-16T22:38:00.003-04:00

Song writer “Nate Walker” is an' up & coming talent who's resume has got off to one hell of a START “Blame It” for Jamie Fox and “Say Ahh” for Trey Songz. Be sure to pick up your copy of SWAGG for that exclusive interview.

DJ SPREE & SWAGG NEWS Present: SWAGG Radio VOL 2

2010-04-16T22:22:00.005-04:00

DOWNLOAD LINK: http://www.mediafire.com/?1yzz2vzzgzn

1.COUNTIN MONEY BUN B YO GOTTI
2.BOUT THAT-GRAFH FT JIM JONES
3.GOAT-J.R WRITER FT CASSIDY
4.THE POETS TOPLESS FREESTYLE
5.ITS OVER-FAT JOE
6.MASSIVE ATTACK-NICKI MANAJ FT SEAN GARRET
7.GOOD SHOE-MAINO
8.WHAT ABOUT ME ROCKZ
9.LLOYD BANKS GOT EM LIKE
10.CHOOSING ME-FREEWAY FT MARIO
11.BOY BACK UP DMX FT MOBB DEEP
12.BET I BUST B.O.B TI PLAYBOY
13.EUROGANG N HOOLIGANG-SAS
14.MY CLICK-Paul D & Jimmy Dee
15.WHO’S WINNING- YOUNG BUCK
16.WESTSIDE ROLLIN’-SNOOP & NIPSEY
17.MONEY ON MY MIND-Jim Jones Ft. Sandman & Young Handsome
18.I JUST WANNA-SHEEK FT TREY SONGZ
19.RAINING IN HARLEM-FRENCH MONTANA
20.HARD-Jim Jones Ft. Shoota
21.DOING IT MAJOR-BRAVO RED CAFE FABOLOUS
22.TIME-Lil Shaw feat Fedarro

Nipsey Hussle Inks Deal With BMI

2010-04-15T02:16:00.005-04:00

Up and comming Los Angeles rapper Nipsey Hussle has recently signed a deal with BMI. BMI is home to other big stars like Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera. With the new deal BMI will now manage and licence his music for play on tv, radio, movies and more and will collect all royalties due to Nipsey.

Nipsey has been making a name for himself after been a XXL Frehsmen and pefroming at BET Hip Hop Awards with Snoop Dogg. He also appeared on Snoop's last album on the song Upside Down and on the huge project We Are the World 25 for Haiti song.

Currently Nipsey Hussle is working on his highly anticipated debut album called South Central State of Mind which features his first single called "Feelin Myself" featuring Lloyd. Which is due out later this year.

Cam’ron Bought His GED For $600 Dollars???

2010-04-15T02:12:00.002-04:00

The HIP HOP Hr with MAX B. OUT NOW

2010-04-15T01:50:00.004-04:00

Get it while it last!!!

NICKI MINAJ Covers SWAGGgirlicious

2010-04-15T01:26:00.008-04:00

www.swagggirlicious.com

Urban Ink profiles The 2GGz of Swagg in there new issue - out in stores now

2009-02-03T22:51:00.000-05:00

XXL New cover - Cam is Back!!! BUT who do you think he talked to FIRST lol

2009-02-03T22:42:00.004-05:00

Mr.Swagg & Cam via M I A

LOUIS VUITTON "SOCCER" MONOGRAM BAG

2009-02-01T09:36:00.000-05:00

I said PUFF PUFF pass....

2009-01-23T21:10:00.000-05:00

me & the Hulkster CLOWNEN aroun' in the studio on Swagg tv.