There’s been a lot of backlash aimed at Mary J. Blige the past two days. On Monday, a new Burger King ad promoting their new crispy chicken snack wrap released online. Among the many celebrities featured in the new commercials with MJB were David Beckham, Selma Hayek, and Jay Leno. Soon after the feature hit negative criticism followed as viewers questioned Mary’s decision process joining a campaign which many felt brought up stereotypes about African-Americans and chicken. Branding and marketing guru Steve Stoute even took to Twitter to voice his opinion on the 30-second viral spot the following afternoon. Today, the ad was removed by Burger King with a press release explaining the ad was released prematurely. While just a few moments ago The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul issued a statement on the puzzling ad.

“I agreed to be a part of a fun and creative campaign that was supposed to feature a dream sequence. Unfortunately, that’s not what was happening in that clip. I understand my fans being upset by what they saw. But, if you’re a Mary fan, you have to know I would never allow an unfinished spot like the one you saw go out.”

Burger King confirms the ad was removed and has since issued an apology. Expect the final version to drop in the near future.

“We would like to apologize to Mary J. and all of her fans for airing an ad that was not final.”

via TMZ

If you missed the ad you can watch it after the jump….

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It’s officially April Fools Day, but don’t tell that to Diggy Simmons. Looks like the young MC had something to get off his chest in the song, “What You Say To Me.” The origin of the song is unknown, but when listening to the second verse it seems as though Diggy didn’t take a certain line on J. Cole’s “Grew Up Fast” too lightly. On that song, J. Cole lightly tapped Russell’s nephew during the first verse rapping:

“Move along cock-sucker, ain’t got nothing to see,
‘less you talking blockbuster, you niggas is not Russell
You more Diggy, Me, I’m more Biggie
No diss to the young boy, I’m just rapping, get bored quickly”

UPDATE: The Reverend has spoken. Still interesting that this was in the stash (the second verse), and if we’ll hear a comeback.

Listen and catch the lyrics to Diggy’s “What You Say To Me” after the jump…..

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Nope, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. On Tuesday it was announced that Lil’ B will be hosting a lecture at NYU on April 11. The event, taking place at the Kimmel Center’s Eisner and Lubin auditorium, is described as a “very rare speaking engagement” organized by NYU’s student-run program. As expected, soon as the news hit tickets moved fast and is now sold out. Still doesn’t hurt to try as details and ticket purchase information can be found here.

There’s no mention of a musical performance of any kind, nor any hint as to what Lil B will be discussing (the website for the event is oddly vague), but it does note that this appearance is “rare.” Indeed, he’s seen less frequently than his social media persona would indicate, but the dude does give away most of his music for free, so we can’t really blame him if he decides to take a break from all of that swag and all those pairs of tiny pants.

via NYU Local

How does ‘The Based God” celebrate the chance to speak in front of a selected crowd at NYU? By releasing a video. From educational to straight raunchy, watch the video for “Ima Eat….” after the jump….

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Yesterday, we pondered the idea of Omar from The Wire (well, actor Michael K. Williams) playing the indomitable Ol’ Dirty Bastard on the big screen….today, another interesting bio-pic casting. BBC in the UK reports that Usher has been cast to play oddly dainty boxing champ Sugar Ray Leonard in a major motion picture called Hands of Stone. The movie is centered on the life story of Panamanian boxer Roberto Duran to be played by Gael Garcia Bernal, and Robert De Niro is also part of the cast.
Comparing the faces of Usher and Sugar Ray, I can definitely see some resemblance, right? Especially with the “what, me worry?” raised-eyebrow expression. And Usher dance skills will be over-qualified for Sugar Ray’s less dignified Dancing With The Stars flashback ; )

When Roberto Duran first fought Sugar Ray Leonard, he beat him so badly, legend has it, Leonard’s wife fainted in her seat. But during their infamous rematch, Sugar Ray toyed and taunted Duran so much, he quit before the final round.
Watch footage of the epic Roberto Duran vs Sugar Ray Leonard bouts…
After the jump
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(left to right: Michael K. Williams aka Omar Little, Ol’ Dirty Bastard aka Ason Unique/ Dirt McGirt/ Big Baby Jesus/ Dirt Dog/ Osirus)

Ok, this news out of Hollywood completely blew my mindgrapes.
So apparently there’s going to be a movie….in which Omar Little, Baltimore’s homo-thuggiest bogeyman, will play the late great Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Wu-Tang’s untame-able icon. Alright, to be more specific, it’s actor Michael K. Williams who will be playing Ol’ Dirty Bastard…but Williams will always be Omar from The Wire.

And that’s not the only headcrack here. The movie isn’t even an ODB bio-pic, it’s called Dirty White Boy because it’s based on the life of ODB’s much maligned manager Jarred Weisfeld. I actually worked with Weisfeld numerous times during his run with Dirty. And I think anyone else who saw their dynamic, as well as the very contentious dynamic between Weisfeld and the rest of Wu-Tang….knows this story can be an interesting one but only if it’s done honestly, no gloss.
I can only imagine that there will be some serious push back from Wu-Tang members. Meanwhile, according to Deadline Hollywood, Dirty’s mom Cherry is onboard.

The third shocking element to this project, is the caliber of production that is involved. The project is being developed by Part & Labor, a Williamsburg-based crew that recently produced the Oscar-winning Mike Mills’ film Beginners. Both the director Joaquin Baca-Asay and screenwriter Brent Hoff are upcoming talents.

Remember the short-lived VH1 series that followed Ol’ Dirty Bastard and Jarred Weisfeld?
Well, watch this 2003 clip of Dirty, Jarred and Dame Dash, arguing about RocaWear…
After the jump
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After assisting Swizz Beatz in promoting the ‘Reebok Back’ campaign in 2011, Rick Ross has announced the signing of an endorsement deal with the company today. Expect to see a lot more from these two heading into the summer.

After the jump, a recap of MMG’s NYC Takeover this week….

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Ever since Weezy’s clothing line debuted at Agenda Tradeshow in Califonia, we all questioned where his designs were inspired from. With quite the taste he has in clothes himself, Mikey caught up with him to talk more about why he started Trukfit, and not looking to anyone for style advice.

Ultimately, Wayne says he doesn’t even pay attention to the fact that his style choices influence kids from all over the world. “Nah, I don’t be trippin. I just love the opportunity,” Weezy says after explaining how his brand will give kids from all backgrounds the opportunity to “dress fly.”

Hit the jump to read more of the VIBE exclusive.
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While over in Paris for Fashion Week, Diddy got re-acquainted with an old friend. Shyne Po and Puff had a moment front row at Kenzo’s runway show earlier today. Back in January, Shyne confirmed with MTV News that he had reconciled with Diddy and that the two would meet soon in Paris where he currently lives.

via Diddy

More photos, including Pharrell’s new hair-do after the jump…..

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The King of the South plans to takeover 2012 with a roster of new artists. T.I. and Grand Hustle have expanded internationally as the label announces the signings of Iggy Azalea, Trae Tha Truth, and Chipmunk. News broke of TIP adding long-time veteran Trae Tha Truth during MTV’s RapFix Live on Wednesday afternoon. Tapping into the overseas marking, UK’s Chipmunk also joins the team, as the pairing will help the MC get more exposure in U.S. markets. Lastly the major addition to Grand Hustle comes in the form of Australia’s Iggy Azalea. The addition shouldn’t come as shock, since T.I. will be executive producing the 2012 XXL Freshman’s debut album, The New Classic coming later this summer. Expect her first single to come in the next 2-3 weeks. The Kang and “The Iggamonster” recall their first meeting below.

“I think her exact words were: ‘It’s very smart of you to call me because I’m going to be smashing sh– for quite some time now and no one will be able to breathe if they’re not on my team. So it’s good that you’ll be here, so you’ll have oxygen.”

“I did say that,” Azalea confirmed. “I was like, ‘I’m going to be a bushfire that sucks up all the oxygen so nobody can breathe and you might want an oxygen mask.’”

via MTV RapFix

Video of T.I. announcing the signing of Trae Tha Truth after the jump…..

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It’s that time of the year as XXL unveils the artists that make up their 2012 Freshman class. It includes French Montana, Machine Gun Kelly, Iggy Azalea, Future, Hopsin, Don Trip, Roscoe Dash, Macklemore, Kid Ink, and Danny Brown.

Thoughts?

Meanwhile, Azealia Banks had a few choice words about Iggy Azalea making the annual list. The two hit Twitter to respond to each other, read their responses and compare this years list to 2011 after the jump….

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