Pump This - Estelle

For all you New Music lovers like myself, here's a little something different to soak you ears in. Peep out Estelle from the UK with her new album, Shine.

UK singer/rapper, Estelle, is the first artist to be signed to John Legend's new Homeschool imprint which will release her sophomore album Shine in February 2008. Meanwhile, she's lined up tours with Amy Winehouse and Kanye West (probably Amy in the UK and Kanye in the US) and the first single from Shine, "Wait A Minute (Just A Touch)" will be released on November 19th. Her music and songwriting style has been compared to Lauryn Hill during her best days with the Fugees: smooth rhymes paired with soulful singing. Shine features collaborations with Kanye, Will.I.Am, Wyclef Jean, Swizz Beats, Cee Lo, and The Leg as well as John Legend himself. Estelle says she speaks her mind on the album and writes about real life. She says it's an album that young and old alike will get.

This Mogul is feeling her steeze for sure. Nice to see another singer from the UK who DOESN'T resemble the zombies down on 5th ave in downtown. Props to imeem for the stream. Don't take my kindness as weakess here. Just make sure you support her and cop this album.

Moguls Gone Wrong - Wesley Snipes

Just when you thought your Pringles were safe, Wesley Snipes aka Mr. Always Bet on Black, had to go and f it all up for honest, tax-avoiding paying Moguls.

Hours before he was to be sentenced Thursday for failing to file income taxes, Wesley Snipes cut the federal government three checks for $5 million and delivered them in court, according to reports.

The actor and the IRS still must determine how much he owes - plus interest and penalties – after he was found guilty on three counts of willfully failing to file tax returns. He was sentenced Thursday to three years in prison.

Snipes' $15 million payment took prosecutors by surprise. They initially declined to accept the cash, then had changed their mind by day's end.

Reading from a prepared apology, Snipes told the court that he made "costly mistakes" and was the victim of crooked advisers, a liability of wealth and celebrity that attracts "wolves and jackals like flies are attracted to meat."

"I am an idealistic, naive, passionate, truth-seeking, spiritually motivated artist, unschooled in the science of law and finance," Snipes said.

He remains free for the time being and will be notified when it's time to surrender to authorities. Defense attorney Carmen Hernandez signaled in court that Snipes would pursue an appeal.

Well it looks like Uncle Sam is about to need plenty of napkins after gettin his greasy hands all over Wes' Pringles. Snipes handed him over $15 million like he was getting his lunch money took. White Men Can't Jump, But apparently, Black Men Can't Pay Taxes. Three years in Club Fed is a long time to contemplate the value of a good accountant...and grill hot links with Ronald Isley in a plush fur.

Moguls Need Love Too - Alicia Keys

No. This one hurts. Alicia...how could you do this to me? I was down for you since Songs in A Minor dropped. I was feeling your Wifey Steeze off this As I Am, as well as the whole African getaway/AIDS Documentary. You just had to do it...you KNEW charity made you that much sexier didn't you. Stop it, girl.

But then I see this.

Alicia Keys will marry her music producer boyfriend Kerry 'Krucial' Brothers in New York this summer (08), according to reports.

American magazine Star claims the couple has booked Oheka Castle on Long Island for a ceremony on Independence Day - 4 July (08).

Bosses at the 32-bedroom French-style chateau have confirmed a wedding will take place that weekend, but have refused to reveal the identity of the bride and groom.

Keys and Brothers have never spoken openly about their relationship. They have been songwriting partners for years, co-owning the KrucialKeys production company and New York's Oven Recording Studios.

A representative for the R&B star has yet to confirm or deny the wedding reports.

Look, I know you heard about the Stacy Dash scenario ....That was only because I thought you needed space after your little breakdown. You're the real Wifey for me...always have been and always will be. You know you're my boo...Its the only way I know how to rock.

Mogul to Mogul - Dante Basco

Have you ever had one of those days when you felt like you're just waaaaaay too dope to fit into 24 hours? I have those days pretty much everyday. When you constantly are meeting dope people, it just becomes a way of life. Moguls have no other choice.

I had a meeting with Dante Basco aka Rufio aka Fukijama (for all you Entourage/ Kick Stans) today. We talked about artist development with The Firm, as well as our own visions of the future. Lemme tell you, this guy is pure Mogul. Really positive and visionary like myself. Great acting career that is still poppin (unlike most washed up kid stars), his own band The Basco Brothers, Book deal, Def Poetry jam, the list goes on and on. A Hollyweird native like myself, this guy is on the come up for sure as THE MOST recoginziable Asian dude in the game. (sorry Chad Hugo...you're just too low key for us).

Just watch your back Dante...I KNOW those Entourage produceers slid you a pair of them Turtle x Fukijamas. Don't let me catch you in the street with them on. I don't care if you wear a size Ten. I've got a great plastic surgeon.

If you ain't up this yet, you need to come see this guy perform with his brothers, and get familiar. Catch ya boi wit Sick in the crowd Mogul 2008'in on em.

Moguls Need Love Too - Kanye vs Jay-Z

Just when all the Stans thought Kanye and Alexis were the new Jay-Z and Beyonce, Yeezy, like he is known to do, flipped her ass like an Al Green sample. Seems his Glow in the Dark Tour (which was so good I'm going twice) is his new focus now. I don't blame him...Theres no way Alexis could compete against a show that dope. However...

The Chicago Sun-Times quotes a "close friend" of Kanye West and his ex-fiancée Alexis Phifer who says their split may not be as final as recent reports suggest.

According to the newspaper's Bill Zwecker, the source said Tuesday: "I'm not convinced they are truly, totally over. They have had their ups and downs and, sure, things aren't working for them now. But I still think at some point Kanye will realize this is a great girl. She knew him before he had really hit it big — though he was on his way. It's the ones who were there with you, before fame hit, that make the best friends — and best partners in life."

I'm a little disappointed...this was the flyest couple in the game. As much as I hope they work it out, I don't care how much taller than Ye Alexis is. His Pringle stacks after this tour will make her look like shes standing next to the Burj Dubai. Sad to see things go that way...Strap it up Ye...you keep hittin that and Alexis will be getting her Kim Porter on in no time.

On a lighter note, Jigga & B are OFFICIALLY married. Jigga probably wanted to wait for the lawyers to finish drafting the preunps before he signed his life away. Don't get me wrong, Beyonce is gorgeous beyond measure. These too have been destined by the stars to be together. We all saw this coming. Its just that with the way some of these trifflin chicks get down these days, no Mogul's stacks can be too safe.

Kanyizzle might have bested Jay as his protege musically (sorta), but Looks like the Old Head still pulls rank with his Power Couple steeze.

Return of the Hustle - Rich Hilfiger

Guess who scored an art direction spot on the Rich Hil aka the real Billionaire Boys Club posterchild aka TOMMY HILFIGER'S son's album marketing campaign?

I'll wait for it....

You guessed it! Ya boi is hotter this month than Kobe last night at the Staples Center. Shout out to Sickamore, Sterling, and the whole Famous Firm for making that happen. Kick your feet up at the new office, Sick. Mogul Steeze is in the air.

McCain is Bananas, Donkey Kong Enthusiasts Agree

Just when you thought things for Obama F. Baby couldn't get worse after the Rev. Wright Fallout, they got better. A look into the spiritual advisors of Sen. John McCain reveals a certain...well let's just say, people should be going BAPE $hit over this.

Just who is Hagee? Well, here in abbreviated form, are some of his characteristically outlandish opinions:

On Hurricane Katrina: “All hurricanes are acts of God, because God controls the heavens. I believe that New Orleans had a level of sin that was offensive to God, and they were recipients of the judgment of God for that… I believe that Hurricane Katrina was, in fact, the judgment of God against the city of New Orleans.”

On the Catholic Church: “Most readers will be shocked by the clear record of history linking Adolf Hitler and the Roman Catholic Church in a conspiracy to exterminate the Jews.”

On Muslims: Asked whether he believes that Muslims have a mandate to kill Christians and Jews, Hagee replied, “Well, the Quran teaches that. Yes, it teaches that very clearly.”

On women: “Do you know the difference between a woman with PMS and a snarling Doberman pinscher? The answer is lipstick. Do you know the difference between a terrorist and a woman with PMS? You can negotiate with a terrorist.”

Can you say double standard? Where is The Hillz on this one? I would have thought her camp would have jumped all over this one. Maybe they were too busy dodging sniper fire. Who knows?

props to Anjelica for the link.

Moguls Need Love Too - Stacey Dash

Now HERE's a woman a that would make a Mogul up his Pringle Game real quick. Not content to remain my old-school teenage crush any longer, Stacey Dash aka Dion from Clueless aka the new Black Demi Moore is Killin the Wifey Game at FORTY!

Yes, forty.

Ma you're looking on point these days. After living a life of dating young gold-digging video girls, cougars, and the occasional reality show reject (who was REALLY looking for love this time, seriously), Dion, I still love you. For you, I'm ready to retire the jersey and get my Ashton Kutcher on. I'm glad you finally kicked Murray's trifflin ass to the curb and stepped up your Wifey Steeze. Your timing couldn't be better. At 25, My Mogul Steeze is off the chain in this Springtime weather, and I got the ducats you need to promote your new lingerie line, Letters of Marque. I love how you even knew to name it after ya boi. Just make sure I get to see you in those samples first.

Even though we were made for each other, don't make me wait in vain for your love...By the looks of things, you've got at LEAST another good ten years and I'm a patient Mogul. My Pringle Stacks have you name all over them. And since you're mounting a comeback, Let Me Be Your Manager.

Mogul to Mogul - Just Blaze

After joining the Famous Firm, a good friend of mine told me something that really put this whole Mogul thing into perspective. She said, "Remember that all these people you will be meeting and working with are just regular ass people. You're just as good as them and deserve what they have if you work hard." The same sentiment was echoed by my homie Curt Connors. Stans need to fall back in 08...just get your network on and fit in. It's all about building relationships. Sick, Just says whats good & he lost his PSP. See what I mean?

I had to opportunity to kick it with a legend in my eyes: Just Blaze. After crafting some of hip hop's biggest bangers and mixtape masterpieces, (Touch the Sky, Girls, Girls, Girls, Saigon), and owning damn near ever Record & Transformer ever, Just is getting his Mogul on linking up with Guitar Center and Red Bull Music Academy.

I'm sure Guitar Center gives him closed-store shopping sprees. Oh wait--they DID give him a closed-store shopping spree. I can't even hate on that.

You Ain't Up on This - Air Yeezy's

After hearing more hype about this than Lil Wayne's The Carter III, these vapor kicks finally have surfaced. Rumor has it these are the Air Yeezys that Kanye partnered up with Nike for.

Peep:

"On the heels of the latest developments regarding Kanye West's exclusive Nikes, comes a full blown detail shot of one of the most mysterious and anticipated sneakers in recent memory. The visible Air unit high top features perforated leather and a patent leather strap. Once again, no word yet on availability."

Granted these will probably retail for more than SOLID GOLD JORDANS, I'll still probably have to let a few shares go for these...But hey, thats what Google IPO's are for. I'll be Stepping Into Tomorrow on ya'll asses in no time.

UPDATE: Rumor has it these kicks GLOW IN THE DARK. My kids don't need a college fund. I'm coppin 5 pairs. Daddy stays fly. The End.

AYO Technology - Blackberry 9000

Peep the photo and behold the Blackberry 9000.
I know all you true Moguls out there are Crackberry addicts...and no matter how tied to your 8800 or Curve, and you can't live without it, and it's the best Blackberry ever and you wouldn't trade it for anything--shut up. You know your copping the new hotness faster than you dumped all your stock in Motorola after they dropped the Razr. RIM is at it again and this time, it really is gonna be the best Blackberry you've ever had. No, really.

Peep.

* 624MHz processor, 480×320 screen, GPS, Wi-Fi, 3G, etc.
* The web browser flies. “Loads web pages in 3-4 seconds.”
* The BlackBerry 9000 in its current state runs OS 4.5
* Early launch date was slated for a consumer AT&T launch on June 18th.
* The battery lasts around 4 hours with straight phone calling.
* 256MB of internal memory or 128MB.

Rumor has it there's also a front side camera, so all you freaky Moguls can get your AYO Technology/Elliot Spitzer on. Too bad I'm on Verizon so by the time it's available, people will have Blackberry chips implanted in their brains and we'll all be pushing flying whips.

Mogul to Mogul - Jonas Bevacqua

Success depends on so much more than making money. Its about looking fly, feeling great, and then making money.

The LRG/Complex function was of course off the chain! I ran into my boy Dante (aka Rufio from Hook--staple of my childhood) and caught up on some music biz, and had a chance to chop it up with Jonas Bevacqua....COOL DUDE. I can't say how much I admire this guy--a definite class-act Catergory C individual...no matter your caliber of Mogul Steeze, their is always someone who can mentor you and step your game up THAT much more. He is the embodiment of success that I see myself becoming...young, fly, and filthy fuckin rich! But real talk, the movement he created was so positive and inspiring to so many people, and it was evident that night. Here was a young guy like many of us, with a dollar and a dream and he turned it into one of the most influential brands in all of fashion. Having a Mogul to Mogul conversation about setting goals and staying true to them and yourself really put things into perspective--especially when its so tempting to wanna rule the world from your apartment penthouse. Its never about setting out to be a legend...its about utilizing the best of your potential...Being a legend is only sure to follow. If you stay positive and surround yourself with like-minded individuals, success is imminent.

Getting drunk is also pretty imminent when Courvoisier is sponsoring the event.

"If you make yourself more than just a man, if you devote yourself to an ideal, you become something else entirely...a Legend, Mr. Wayne."

-Raz Al Ghul, Batman Begins

Evidently these exclusive iPhone, Blackberry 8800, and iPod LRG x Courvoisier collabo gadgets were being stashed in the gift bags...One of which apparently didn't make it into mine!

What Part of the Game is That?

Since when did the LA Zoo care so much about black history? Someone give their Diversity Coordinator a raise...

SMH...

You Should Be Here...Seriously

Are you kidding? You're not coming? OK, BET... Sorry, but this is some fly shizz. Not only is Jonas Bevacqua--boy genius and mastermind of one of history's DOPEST clothing lines of all time doin a meet and greet, HE GOT IT SPONSORED BY COURVOISIER. HELLO?!?! MC FLY!?!? Step your network game up in 08 and make moves. Nothing better than an open bar of Courvoisier to make mingling with other moguls fun. Throw in an afterparty @ Club LAX, some fly ass Luxiurie models, and someone just made my Thursday nite.

Nuff said. All you shot callers and fly ladies best be there!

Mogul to Mogul - Randy Jackson

Welcome to my blog! You're probably here because you're:

A) A Mogul
B) Full of Steeze
C) Blessed by the heavens above like myself and have both
D) You're a hater and you wish you at least had A or B, and C let's face it...It ain't ever gonna happen.

In any case,

Its only been a few weeks working in Hollyweird, and already I'm running into all kinds of important people. Granted some are cool, some are Scientologists, and some are bums with iPods. Once in a while you run into some are balling outta control, and put me to shame in Catergory C. As much as I am not yet a mogul of their status, I just don't see the point of buying 4 pairs of $800 Chuck Taylors even if they're gold and encrusted with crystals and shizz. BTW, shout to Randy Jackson...(you still fly, dawg!)

Peep the flow...ran into The Dawg himself at H. Lorenzo (who has hands down the dopest kicks you've never seen--What's good Marlon) and got my network on, as most Moguls do. For Randy (A def Catergory C individual) to say that from Mogul to Mogul that he was feeling ya bois' steeze was an honor. Perhaps we will be doing business soon...perhaps he will forget me faster than Britney Spears can eat a hoagie. At any rate, I'm the one who's gotta stay hungry here.

We shall see what becomes of this.

Well I'm off...catch me in "my other car" pumpin that Maybach Music wit Rick Ross n Jay-Z...until my Maybach gets here!