"Nothing to Lose, Everything To Gaines!" - Ya Boy Is The Truth!

Can I get a "HELL YEAH!" Almost a year after meeting this phenom, "Ryan Leslie meets Chris Brown (w/out the violence)" singer Ernie Gaines has been OFFICIALLY signed under the Truth Label/Motown
/Universal Records label folks (hold your applause till the end)! With the help of two highly buzzed leaked singles out "Sip It!" & "So Sorry" it was just a matter of time that this HAD to happen! If not, I was ready to start my own label "Minority Music" (Wow! That has a NICE ring to it) just to get his hot new sound out. So you know us, we like to celebrate major movements around here so be sure to listen out for a date that we'll be toasting this joyous occasion. In the meantime click HERE to peep some of his music if you haven't heard about the kid yet. "D.O.A." fo' reals! Hopefully we can get 'em for Rock the Block BK this year too!

"Coming To You Loud & Clear!" - Upcoming Live Shows City Wide

Live music happens ALL year round but once Spring hits things seem to literally "heat up." So to help you out I've complied a list to better navigate your what around NYC's "livest" venues. You ready?

S.O.B.'S
March 11th, 12th (Today & tomorrow)
Ryan Leslie w/full band SOLD OUT!
March 25th
Leela James album release party
April 1st
Omar & Teedra Moses

Highland Ballroom
March 19th, 23rd, 31st
April 6th, 14th
the Roots -Jam Sessions

Wamu Theater @ MSG
April 1st
Tracy Morgan -April Fools Day comedy show
April 10th
Robin Thicke & Jennifer Hudson

Radio City Hall
April 16th
Seal

Blender theater
March 21st
the Game

B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
March 15th
Flavor Flav 50th B'day /Public Enemy show
March 18th
Average White Band

"Not So Private Ryan" -Leslie's Album FINALLY Sees The Light of Day!

In the era of producers/
writers/
background singers looking to gain more spotlight shine, Ryan Leslie is a fresh breath of air in the bunch. His uncon-
ventional approach to music and melody has created a alternative lane that few travel in. Personally I think the brother DOES have style, but lacks the charisma that consumers look for in an artist. It's hard to sometimes connect w/him and it's not cause of the shades he hides his eyes behind. I feel EVERYONE should have the right to express themselves artistically, but I wonder would some of the cuts off this self titled album be better suited for more seasoned artist to sing. Now don't read me wrong, I actual dig the album. "Diamond Girl" ,"Addicted" ,"How It Was Suppose To Be" are the standouts, and easy to see why they became singles. "Gibberish" is both inventive and scary at the same time. "Scary" meaning, that a song that has no real lyrics, MAY potentially catch on and become a hit. Which says alot about the sad state that music is in now. Trust me you can easily picture a Lil' Wayne remix in the near future with rapping even MORE gibberish over the same track. Lol! Had Ryan add this two tracks I posted to his album, he would of had me as his new fan club president-elect. But hey, you can't win (& download) 'em all right?

"Flashing Lights" -Paparazzi Pics (Pt. 47)

Wednesday past, I got the chance to attend the Tanqueray Fashion / Style Session event at the spacious Metropolitan Pavilion venue on 18th & 6th. I had the crew (L.A., Ashley M., Ying, Paris P. & the Minority Report newest reality "supporting cast member" Adam "Adam Wellingsworth XIII") tag along with me to scope out what the joint was all about. The event started at 8pm sharp so we where there no later than 8:30pm, and the line was "HELLA long" (as Ash would say) to get in, yet it was moved really quickly. Once inside, now including stowaway "Sauce" with us, it was on! Each and EVERY line to trade in your comp drink tix, was "hella long" too! Damage! The vibe and the music was on so old cool out shit but, It was a straight stand-off. Even after the fashion show (yes, Tanqueray has a clothing line now...ummm?) and Ryan Leslie hit the stage and his band killed it, no one was moving. The highlights of the night was a Sincerely Ward sighting (grrrr), some vent / lighting fixture fell and cold cocked some chick (I see law sue), and a girl on girl then guy on guy brawl at the very end. So in a nutshell that's all you really missed basically. Oh yeah, how could I forget, Tamara Delbridge (make-up artist to the stars, and blogger Glamamara.blogspot) joined the ever-growing M Report cast members to continue our shenanigans elsewhere.

"Flashing Lights" -Paparazzi Pics (Pt.26)

Believe it or not me of all people got invite to this ritzy ditzy shindig that Vogue hosted in honor of Bad Boy artist Cassie(?). Let me tell you folks...it was well planned! As you arrived inside, scantily clad chicks in lingrie greeted you with a choice of either wine, champaigne, or a martini...Hot! Also around the room you were FREE to get your portrait painted, make-up done, nails fixed, or just chill to the tunes of Celeb
Dj D-Nice...Dope! Once the "in crowd" showed up, you had a chance to mix and mingle with the evenings host Cassie, Ryan Leslie, Stephon Marbury, missing Fugee Pras, and some other notables I can't remember off hand. Oh and did I tell you it was an OPEN BAR...ALL night? Ciroc was in the building too, case Diddy got thirsty, who by the way, was the only cat with security (understandably)
It was a good sexy look all around, just peep the pics.