The Dream had his album listening session for Love vs Money last night in New York City. Christina Milian was there at the event showing her support. Aura from All That's Fab has a brief video interview of Dream cursing talking with Angie Martinez about the album treatment.



Dream and Miss Milian were later spotted at Karen Kwak's birthday party at the Thompson LES with Tocarra. Dream and Christina - Hmm! By the way Tocarra has a new workout DVD out for real life divas and Kreative Talk has the hoopla on that.



Ashanti and her mother Tina Douglas attended music producer Carols McKinney's Grammy nomination party in New York City. That MUST be Ashanti's favorite belt!



Speaking of Ashanti, her boyfriend Nelly recently stated to DJ Wrekk1 that those persistent pregnancy/engagement/Momanger Tina Overbearing rumors are all false.



Russell Simmons held a press conference to announce the launch of GLOBALGRIND.COM. Tocarra, LL Cool J, and Russell's nieces Angela and Vanessa were also at the event.




Djimon Hounsou supported his pregnant girlfriend Kimora Lee's Baby Phat Liverpool launch at Mexico City's Hyde Club. Cute ring there, Kimora!

Labels: Angela Simmons, Angie Martinez, Christina Milian, Djimon Hounsou, Kimora Lee Simmons, LL Cool J, Nelly, Out and About, Russell Simmons, The Dream, Tocarra, Vanessa Simmons

Without further delay, The 2008 American Music Awards was presented last night on ABC with a couple of "firsts" for the nominated artists. The rather-long music event was hosted by comedian Jimmy Kimmel.



Rihanna's "Rehab" performance was done in thigh-high Alexander McQueen boots which was a departure from the ruffle Zac Posen dress she arrived in. Justin Timberlake unforunately did not join Rihanna mid-way through. The Gucci Tattoo Hearts brand face picked up two American Music Awards (her first ever AMA's) for Soul/R&B Female Artist and Best Female Pop/Rock.



Kanye West (in his own clothing design Pastelle) gave a great live performance of his current single, "Heartless." Kanye's last album "Graduation" won one AMA for Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Album and he also picked up Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Male Artist. During his acceptance speech, Kanye declared that he wants to be like Elvis. 'It's our responsibility as musicians to keep pushing each other. We will be the new Beatles, the new [Jimi] Hendrix. I want to be Elvis.''



Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" dance performance brought the crowd to its feet. Even Queen Latifah got up and did a little bit of "Uh Oh." Gotta love that Armani Privé satin black and white jacket Beyonce had on.


The Pussycat Dolls hit the stage to perform "When I Grow Up" and "Hate This Part." I liked that Melody Thornton had supporting vocals on the first performance set. Project Runway winner Christian Siriano dressed the Dolls for their red carpet appearance.



The Alicia Keys "Superwoman" remix with Queen Latifah was the event's last performance and one of the best. At first Latifah's mic wasn't working but when did it, I was blow away. Latifah's rapping again?! Then out nowhere classical vocalist Kathleen Battle joined the performance set. Hands down, hot! Alicia's third solo studio effort, "As I Am" won favorite pop/rock album.



Nick Cannon was such a gentleman as he helped his wife Mariah Carey down a flight of stairs before her "I Stay In Love" performance. Mariah (in Dolce & Gabbana) picked up top honors (honorary award for Favorite Female Artist) at the award ceremony for her record-breaking music career.



Christina Aguilera opened the show with a medley of her hits which included "Genie In A Bottle", "Dirrty", "Ain't No Other Man", "Fighter", "Keeps Gettin' Better" and "Beautiful".



Leona Lewis (in Jenny Packham) and Pink (in Vivienne Westwood) both hit the stage to perform their hit singles. Pink performed twice and she did a duet with Sarah McLachlan. Leona performed her current single "Better in Time."



Natasha Bedingfield and Ne-Yo both performed a medley of their hits. Tocarra was on the scene in a '50s-inspired polka-dot dress. Jordin Sparks (in Dolce & Gabbana) presented with Enrique Igelesias. Justin Timberlake paid tribute to Annie Lennox.



Read more about the AMA's over here and HERE.

Labels: Alicia Keys, Award Hoopla, Beyonce Knowles, Chris Brown, Christina Aguilera, Jamie Foxx, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, Natasha Bedingfield, Ne-Yo, PCD, Pink, Queen Latifah, Rihanna, Tocarra

At age 42, Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry was recently named as the Sexiest Woman Alive by "Esquire" magazine. For the Cliff Watts-snapped photo shoot, Nahla Ariela's mom wore old "Esquire" magazines covers on her tank top. So do you think Ms. Berry deserves the recognition from the men's magazine?



Check out Lyfe Jennings' music video for his current single, "Will I Ever" from his new album, "Lyfe Change." Tocarra has a cameo in the role and kudos to "Soul Sessions" for keeping this song in heavy rotation! All I know is that I'll never look at the iPhone the same way after watching this video...

Labels: Halle Berry, Music Hoopla, Newsstand Snapshots, Tocarra

T.I held a birthday party at the Biltmore in Atlanta on Saturday night. His longtime girl Tiny was right by his side rocking a fab Chanel Ice Cubes 2.55 bag and a one shoulder Herve Leger dress. Other guests included T-Boz, Young Dro, Jazze Pha, Sean Garrett, and Tocarra.



Ashanti worked her "Good, Good" (LOL!) at the 3rd annual Hennessy Artistry concert series. All jokes aside, you gotta love those Lorraine Schwartz earrings...



"Vanity Fair" magazine wrapped up a photo session with Alicia Keys (in BCBG Max Azria) on the streets of New York City recently. (Check out the last time Alicia was featured in Vanity Fair mag here.) The new James Bond theme singer was later seen in Santa Barbara where she performed a 90-minute set for her "As I Am" tour which Solange reportedly has joined as a opening act.




Tina Fey and Amy Poehler did one must-see parody of Governor Sarah Palin's recent interview with Katie Couric on "Saturday Night Live." It's a classic TV moment...



Tina and Amy also did a parody on Hilary Clinton and Sarah Palin which you can watch over at NBC.COM.

Labels: Alicia Keys, Ashanti, Fashion Hoopla, Out and About, Political Hoopla, T-Boz, T.I, Tocarra, TV Hoopla

Tocarra, Jazmine Sullivan and Chrisette Michele are featured in the October 2008 edition of "Essence" magazine. Each discusses their style advice and their career highlights. Photography was done by Christopher Kolk. So I thought I'll post up the scans with Urban-Hoopla readers.

Tocarra on how her "Vogue" feature changed her life: "Being in the [historic] Italian Vogue featuring all Black models was life-changing. I hope it sends a message to the industry to use, use us, use us! Next I have my fabulous exercise DVD for real-size women, which should come out in time for the New York's resolutions."

Jazmine on her work: "Like the name of my album, "I'm Fearless" and not afraid to jump in and try new things. Different genres of music are on this album - there's something for everyone. I just love performing - that's when I'm in my element."

Chrisette on her next album: "I'm excited because I'm recording my sophomore album. It's set to be release in November. We just wrapped up a gold album with "I Am", so I hope we can do even better with this one."

Grab a copy of "Essence" magazine, which is on newsstands now. Anyone else getting that Jill Scott Allure magazine vibe from the photos? All those lights covered their figure! Things that make me go hmm...

Labels: Chrisette Michele, Music Hoopla, Newsstand Snapshots, Tocarra

The 8th Annual Urban BMI Awards was attended by the Jackson family, T.I, Tiny, Bobby Valentino, Ray J, JoJo, Mario, the Simmons sisters, Elise Neal, Tatyana Ali, Christina Milian, Tocarra, Keri Hilson, and Melanie Brown.



The Jackson 5 were awarded with a BMI Icon (re: Lifetime Achievement) award. According to PEOPLE.COM, Ray J, Bobby Valentino, Mario, and Lloyd sang "Never Can Say Goodbye" as a tribute to the Jackson 5.

Speaking of the Jackson clan, Janet hinted at a possible departure from her label home Def Jam Records in a recent interview with Billboard magazine. I can't say if we'll be working with them in the future," Jackson said today (Sept. 4) during a conference call with reporters to promote her upcoming Rock Witchu Tour. "I don't know what the future holds between the two of us." Hopefully the tour will get things going for Janet on the music tip. At least Janet knows something is up with her "Discipline" promo.

On the fashion tip, Tiny rock this Gucci "babouska" medium boston bag...just like Ciara's own. Their bag cost $1950.



Photo credits: BOSSIP/WIREIMAGE/SPLASH

Labels: Angela Simmons, Bobby Valentino, Christina Milian, Elise Neal, Janet Jackson, JoJo, Lloyd, Melanie Brown, Music Hoopla, T.I, Tocarra, Vanessa Simmons