Posts Tagged ‘busta rhymes’

Busta Rhymes Shuns Reality, Worst Job

February 27th, 2009

Reality shows like Dancing With The Stars or Celebrity Apprentice aren’t in the cards for Busta Rhymes.

“I’ve got my little one-two James Brown step, but I definitely don’t think I want to display it for anybody to be trying to copycat what I do on Dancing With The Stars,” he tells me backstage during Vibe’s V Sessions Live launch held at Joe’s Pub in NYC as he puffs on a cigarette. “No, they’ve gotta pay me to watch that type of performance.”
 
Busta, 36, wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth, though.

The man who was born Trevor Smith worked hard to get to the top of his game – including scoring a place in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2000 for most syllables in one second during a freestyle rap.

What was his worst job?

“I used to work as a stock boy at a department store called Cheap John’s,” he says. “I knew that I couldn’t really wrap my head around doing that kind of work. Even if your heart is not in something, your mind has to at least be able to be willing to do it. So, I took the job and I worked for about two weeks, and then I quit.”

Why?

“They just had me doing too much. I had to line up the roach sprays on the shelves and make sure they were all in order, facing the same way, with the logos facing the front. The dishwashing liquids, the detergents, the boxes that they came in when they came from the actual shipping companies that they were manufactured at. After I lined them up on the shelves, I had to cut up the cardboard boxes, fold them up neatly and tie them up so that they could do the recycling thing with them. After a couple paper cuts too many, and hands that were calloused and ashy and bruised, I said ‘this is definitely not the thing for me to continue to be doing.’”

Busta adds, “I used that as inspiration to go into the studio all the time when I had a free moment. After work, during my lunch break, traveling back and forth to work … to just apply myself creatively, and the opportunity finally came one day when I was downtown.”

As for that Guinness Book of World Records achievement he scored nine years ago?

“I don’t remember if somebody has broken the record, but it’s a great honor to know that I even had it. And if somebody did break it, I tip my hat to them because I definitely was doing something that was defying the laws of physics with my mouthpiece.”

Busta is very cool. Just before our chat, he downs a shot with a pal. He’s a wild man, and so fun to be around.

Busta’s new album, Back On My B.S., is out March 24.

Spotted!

December 5th, 2008

Hilary Duff, Paris Hilton (with her new BFF) and sister Nicky Hilton with her beau at the Philippe Starck-designed luxury venue SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills as SBE’s Sam Nazarian and SLS celebrated the grand opening with a soiree featuring food from award-winning chef Jose Andres and tunes spun by DJ Vice. 

 

Whitney Port and co-star Olivia Palmero darting in and out of dressing rooms while filming her spinoff MTV series The City at the Diane von Furstenberg hosted soiree to benefit NYC’s 50 Most Fabulous Females where website Rue La La hosted a raffle for Allison Gertz Foundation for AIDS education, Love Heals.

 

The women of Today Show attending the grand opening of Emmy-award winning make-up artist, Eve Pearl’s Makeup Studio and Boutique on December 3. Today Show co-hosts Ann Curry and Natalie Morales were spotted sipping Double Cross Vodka Blush Cocktails with co-workers Meredith Vieira, Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb. All were all in attendance at the Manhattan event to support The Today Show make-up artist.  

 

Gerard Butler eating Rock Shrimp Tempura in the outdoor dining area of Asia De Cuba at the Mondrian in L.A.

Luke Wilson, James Caan and Giovanni Ribisi taking a break from the filming of their latest film, Middle Men, at Sushi Roku and Shade lounge at W Scottsdale Hotel.

Bryan Greenberg and Eliza Dushku celebrating the after party for their new film Nobel Son at hot new eco-friendly L.A .club Ecco.

Danny Masterson hanging out at Skybar at Shore Club before heading over to hotspot Mansion to sip on Belvedere cocktails and catching up with rapper Busta Rhymes.

Actress Jennifer Esposito spotted picking up a pair of Genetic Jeans at downtown boutique, Owl’s Lab.
 
Jamie Foxx, a crew of guys and a bevy of beauties were dancing to the sounds of DJ Five  at LAVO inside The Palazzo  in Las Vegas. Decked out in diamond studded sunglasses and a black scarf, Foxx was spotted standing on a couch dancing and singing until the moment Bell Biv DeVoe’s “Poison” blasted across the club, at which point the group broke into a dance routine.

 

Debra Messing admiring the jewels at Swiss luxury jewelry brand Avakian’s Beverly Hills Boutique opening.

Lacey Schwimmer sitting in the front row at the Laguna Beach Jeans One Year Anniversary Fashion Show.

Naomi Campbell unveiling the In Fashion Photo Exhibition by Art Photo Expo in Miami.

Eve, Wyclef, Estelle Give Props To Hip Hop

October 6th, 2008

Stars roll down the purple carpet outside NYC’s Hammerstein Ballroom just in time for VH1’s Hip Hop Honors, which airs tonight.

Here’s Eve, who is here to honor to Slick Rick.

“I’m very nervous that I’m going to get the lyrics right,” she admits. “If I don’t get nervous, I get worried. I feel like it’s going to be bad. When I get nervous, I’m good.”

Up next is the always-affable Wyclef Jean, who happens to be in town at the same time as his good friends Brangelina and family.

“They’re doing great,” he tells me. “They’re great people, and actually I was just at a Clinton event, CGI. They didn’t come, but they definitely sent their support to our foundation Yele Haiti due to the flood that just happened a few weeks ago. They’re great people, great friends of mine, they’re just great human beings.”

Has he gotten to baby-sit twins Knox and Vivienne? “No comment, baby.” And what theme song would best describe the family? Wyclef sings a familiar melody. “Monday, Tuesday, Happy Days; Wednesday, Thursday, Happy Days…I like that one.”

Kid Rock slides through with a cigar in hand. When asked what he’s working on, he thinks for a moment. “I’m working on myself,” he says. Good answer!

Also looking for self-improvement is Estelle, who is riding the charts with Kanye West thanks to American Boy. According to the Brit crooner, the Golddigger rapper is misunderstood. “People were like ‘he’s an idiot, he’s awful,’ and he’s never been that way,” she tells me. “I look at him from the perspective that he actually believes in himself. I think that’s amazing! I think that’s what every human being should be about. Why not? Why not say I’m the ****? Especially because everyone is. If everyone felt that way and had that confidence in themselves, the world would be a much better place. There would be a lot less crazy going on.”

How does she feel about the melee he got into with the paparazzi?
     
“Sometimes they get in your face, and I don’t think he reacted particularly wrong,” Estelle says. “They probably deserved it. I would have the same reaction myself, like ‘get it out of my face.’ I’m just glad to do what I do. I don’t hate them.”

Here is clock-wearing Flava Flav to provide comic relief. “I heard somebody asked Barack Obama ‘are you black?’ and he said ‘yes, I’m black but not as black as Flava Flav.’ Wowwwwwww. Let me find out that Flava Flav is renting a spot in Obama’s mind. I love Obama.”

Host Tracy Morgan couldn’t be more excited about working with Oprah Winfrey on 30 Rock. “Oprah don’t do nobody else’s sitcom,” he tells me. What’s he going to say when he meets her? “How you doin’? What’s up? Let me hold some money. I need it. Bail me out.” And what about boss Tina Fey’s impression of Sarah Palin? “Her impression in itself might decide who is going to be president of the United States. I think Tina Fey’s Sarah Palin was on the money.”

MC Lyte recently saw her good pal Janet Jackson perform in concert before she fell ill. Why does Miss Jackson make a good friend? “She’s honest,” MC tells me. “It’s hard to find that sometimes. Also I make it my business to have friends around me who I want to be like or I want to embody something from them that’s very positive. That’s who she is to me.” What does Janet have that she hopes to emulate? “The work ethic is crazy. To prepare for this tour, it was rehearsals for four months. I’d never do that! Rehearse for four months, are you kidding? But she does it, and I think that work ethic comes from being a Jackson no doubt. That’s how I aspire to be.”

Busta Rhymes can’t resist talking politics. “The most appropriate people for the slots, their names begin with Bs, just like mine.” Hahaha.

Hey, there’s Ugly Betty’s Freddy Rodriguez. Will Gio get back with Betty? "Oh I don’t know, you’ve gotta wait and see. You’ve gotta watch."

Catch VH1’s Hip Hop Honors tonight.

Jermaine on Travis: “I Know He’ll Be Alright”

September 24th, 2008

While Jermaine Dupri definitely seemed to be having fun at his 36th birthday party last night at Tenjune in NYC, drinking Champagne and ruling the mic inside the club, the hip hop superstar took some time to talk about musicians Travis Barker and DJ AM, who were seriously injured in last week’s jet crash.

"My man, Travis, I know he’ll be alright," Jermaine told OK!. "He’s good. He’s doing better. I went to see him."

"He’s in good spirits," he adds. "He gonna be on iChat in like two days so he’s going to send you all a message."

DJ Cassidy also expressed his feelings on the two musicians, saying, "Words can’t even describe. I mean it really hits home."

 

"I hear that he’s actually well considering the circumstances and he’s already sent a text to a few people that I know so I guess that’s a good sign," DJ Cassidy added. "And he’ll be back stronger than ever making us dancing and party again."

 

Speaking of dancing and partying, there was plenty of that going on, and Jermaine was ready for it.

 

"To know that it’s about to go down inside. To know that people are outside ready to party," he says of his favorite part of his birthday. "I just like the fact that everybody [is] ready to go in here."

As for doing anything special, Jermaine hung out with friends like DJ Cassidy, girlfriend Janet Jackson, Ice-T and his wife Coco and Busta Rhymes.

 

"We just kicked it, you know. We’ve been getting drunk though," he confessed.

 

Reporting by Laura Lane

Stars Show Versace Some Love

March 27th, 2008

Jennifer Lopez, Patrick Dempsey and Denzel Washington are expected at the launch of Versace’s Menswear 2008 line held at Barneys New York.

Instead, Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester, Woody Allen, Soon-Yi Previn, Kyle MacLachlan, Patti LaBelle, Busta Rhymes, Sean William Scott and Alan Cumming turn up. (Yes, it’s an Alan extravaganza — two days in a row!)

While caviar, smoked salmon, ravioli and chicken are served, flashbulbs pop for Donatella Versace, who is wearing clear braces. The stars cozy up for photo opportunities with the divalicious designer.

“Patrick Dempsey is very well-dressed,” Donatella says. What are the ideal qualities in a man? “To listen. Not many men listen. They like to talk a lot, but not listen that much.”

How does she indulge herself on vacation when she’s not working?

“It’s not possible anymore,” she sighs. “My only vacation is in these clothes.”

She dashes out for a cigarette break, but returns in time for Woody, who leads wife Soon-Yi by the hand.

I catch up with Patti, who exclaims “I love OK!” as she takes off her fabulous fur. As a makeup artist applies lipstick, she gleefully answers my questions. (She’s great!)

Here’s Leighton, who tells me I asked her about her trainer last time. (This is wild — they all remember me?) How does she prefer her ideal man? “In nothing, honey!” she cackles.

A fellow blogger asks me to snap a pic of her and Busta. Lookin’ good! Meanwhile, Sean William races around trying to dodge reporters. Does he have a juicy scandal?

Here’s Kyle. What does he love about the new Versace line?

“I like the combination of rock ’n’ roll and conservative items,” the Desperate Housewives star tells me. “They’re classic in their tailoring but they have a little bit of edge in the fabric or a detail that’s slightly different. I like that.”

Turns out Kyle tells me he and his Melania Trump-lookalike wife Desiree are expecting, and can’t wait for their new baby to arrive this July.

Perhaps Donatella can start a kids’ line? She introduced Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry, who are new parents to Nahla.

P.S. When I get to work the next day, the photo editor alerts me to pix of Donatella and I. Waah! There are six pix of me interviewing her. Wild…

Kat DeLuna: Ready to ‘Run the Show’

March 14th, 2008 / Author: cwillett

Caribbean singer Kat DeLuna has been on the music scene for less than a year and she’s already landed her first magazine cover.

The 20-year old appears on the April cover of Latina magazine, where she opens up about leaving the Dominican Republic, how she’s handling her overnight success and what it’s like being compared to another Caribbean singer, Rihanna. "It doesn’t bother me at all," the "Whine Up" singer says. "I think it’s because we’re both Caribbean girls trying to make it."

All comparisons aside, DeLuna says she’s determined to be herself and to show everyone that she, and her music, are here to stay.

“I try to show everyone I’m a real girl,” she tells Latina. “I want them to see that you can make it places but always be yourself. I feel like I’m opening doors for the generation sort of stuck between what’s Spanish and what’s English."

After the huge success Kat had with her debut Gold single "Whine Up," featuring Elephant Man, she’s now set to hit it big again with her latest single, "Run the Show" featuring Busta Rhymes and Don Omar.

But despite her quick rise to fame, life has not always been easy for the artist. Born in The Bronx but raised in the Dominican Republic, Kat relocated back to the U.S. when she was 9, sharing a tiny one bedroom apartment with her mother and two sisters in a Newark, N.J., neighborhood.

 

The singer describes her childhood as rough, recalling a time following her parent’s split when she had to beg the neighbors for food. But if you think her past connects her with other Hollywood starlets, think again.

"I don’t ever wanna go back to feeling that hunger, or feeling limited, like I’ll never make it anywhere because I didn’t even have one dollar to catch the bus," she says. "This is what pushes me to go. I’d say, ‘I’m gonna sing to make money so one day I can buy my mom a house.’ It’s a dream, but in the end, it becomes my savior."

 

Kat continues, “A lot of these things you see happening in the media aren’t new to me. Where I grew up, I saw addictions and partying and everything at an early age. I learned why they happen and how to avoid them.”

 

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Busta Rhymes Gets Probation

January 23rd, 2008 / Author: cwillett

He’s bustin’ up! A New York judge sentenced rapper Busta Rhymes to three years probation and ten days of community service in relation to two assault cases against him. The hip-hop star plead guilty to two separate incidents of assaulting his driver and a fan.

 

He also plead guilty to driving under the influence and driving with a suspended license, and was ordered to pay a $1,250 fine, attend drunk driving awareness classes and had his license revoked for an additional six months.

 

 

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