Watch the Throne

Video Song: "Ni**gas in Paris" & "Why I Love You (ft. Mr. Hudson)" - Jay-Z & Kanye West

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So if you didn't know, two of rap's biggest names, Jay-Z and Kanye West came together to release a collaborative album, Watch the Throne, on August 8th of this year. While the album, Watch the Throne is neither Kanye nor Jay's best (in our opinion), it can easily be considered a successful collaboration, especially since both rappers were recently presented with platinum plaques signifying the worldwide sales of over two million units. (The studio album sold 436,000 copies in the United States in its first week alone and topped the iTunes album charts in 23 different countries, marking it Jay's 12th #1 album on the Billboard 200 and Ye's 5th.)

Jay and Kanye have been promoting the album with a concert tour that kicked off October 29th in Atlanta and will continue through December ending on the 18th in Vancouver. Scene Stealers was lucky enough to catch the second show at the Garden on November 8th, where the 2 stars undoubtably dominated the stage.

Now, with such a hyped up album and two huge Hip Hop stars, you'd expect this concert to be all glitz and glam...but it wasn't (despite the flourishes on the plumes of flame, the giant LCD blocks that rose above the crowd and the footage of animals playing in the background, plus the mini laser show, we mean lol). This concert though, just felt like two old friends trading rhymes for over two hours...and it was dope.  

 

They opened with "H.A.M." on opposite sides of the arena...the crowd went crazy.  The same energy was held throughout the concert, even when Jay and Kanye's duets were separated by spurts of their own work.

Jay and Kanye sat down on stage together and rapped "New Day" as if they were discussing things on a stoop on their block. The song is a genuine track about the reality of fatherhood in the limelight...which suddenly seemed to hold a new meaning to Jay with Beyonce's impending pregnancy.

 

Kanye wasn't without emotion either, as he went into songs from 808s...especially "Runaway." He urged the audience to love each other and went over some of his regrets that marked him as an "asshole" to some (uhm, Amber Rose). 

Jay picked it back up again with songs like "Big Pimpin" that led to a back-and-forth as Kanye recanted with "Gold Digger" and Jay answered back with "99 Problems"...(you forget how many hits these two have!)

Then it was time to get cray...as Kanye and Jay get into "Ni**as in Paris"...3 TIMES to end the show!! But of course, the crowd asks for more and the two return to the stage with "Encore," leading into Jay's "Lucifer" and "Money Ain't A Thing." Kanye came back with "Keep'em High" and "All Falls Down."  Ultimately though, they ended the concert with "Why I Love You."

Straight dopeness.

xo, Jessica & Samantha

Pa'lante...Siempre Pa'lante!

Video Song: Hasta Abajo Remix - Don Omar ft. Daddy Yankee

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Hey Guys,

My Boss, Jorge Cano-Moreno with Kyra Phillips!

What a week!…Here’s just a little breakdown:

• CNN
• Tiempo
• Los Premios Latinos Nomination party
• Backstage/sound check for the Machete Music Tour at Madison Square Garden!
• Nice mini makeover by new make up line, Latina Bella.

100 Hispanic Men Members & actor Paul Calderon

So…my boss/co-founder/publisher of ULM, Jorge Cano-Moreno was selected to be on CNN for the Kyra Phillips show. I accompanied him to the CNN studios. He did great, he discussed how Latina actresses are making strides in Hollywood and have come a long way from the stereotypical "maid" roles to Oscar award winning roles. You guys have to check it out, click here. Then from there the producers from CNN Español contacted me to get a spanish interview with him. We ended up killing two birds with one stone! Later that evening, I went to the Tiempo (ABC) studios to oversee an interview I set up with the board members of 100 Hispanic Men and actor, Paul Calderon. It will air this Sunday, October 31st at 11am. SO CHECK IT OUT!

 24horas @Premios Latinos Nomination Party

That same night, Jess and I got the chance to attend 
The Latin Awards (Los Premios Latinos) nomination party, located at Umbrella Lounge. This event was a preview to the show that will air November 5th and will broadcast to over 8 million viewers.  Los Premios Latinos is not only a spectacular show with amazing performances, but an opportunity to share the best of the best in Latin culture, music, sports, television & film. All of these leaders, entertainers, fans and many more come together to celebrate their Latino heritage and it’s positive impact on American entertainment and culture. That night they had great performances from various rising stars. My favorite performance came from 24horas! They remind me a little of Groupo Extreme, But their latest single “24 Horas” (yes, same as the group's name) is super addicting!

On Friday, October 22nd, Jess and I attended the exclusive 'invite only' rehearsal of the Machete Music Tour at MSG! It was great. This concert included, Don Omar, Ivy Queen, Tego Calderon, Cosculluela, Jowell y Randy, Flex, Angel y Kriz, and Nacho y Chino! 

Angel y Khriz!

So guess who performed as the opening act? 24horas! (I’m telling you, they're about to explode). This tour marked the 5th year anniversary/celebration for the record label. Machete Music is currently the leader in the Latin urban music world A.K.A reggaeton. This grand concert was hosted by Alex Sensation! He definitely knew how to hype up the crowd during the breaks! I’ve been a fan of reggaeton since high school, so seeing artists like Tego and Don Omar was a very nostalgic/dream come true. It brought back fun memories, while also creating new ones! Jess and I had the pleasure of being present with other media outlets while they conducted all their interviews. We were even lucky enough to get some "drops" from artists like Jowell y Randy and Nacho y Chino - to think that “Mi Niña Bonita“ was my song of the week in my last blog ;) That goes to show anything is SERIOUSLY possible! 

"El Principe" Cosculluela and I

The concert had us on our feet, so if you do go to one of the concerts wear comfy shoes and NOT 6 inch heels (lol). I must say none of this would have been possible if wasn’t for Loren Medina from Digital Girl! (Thanks girl!)

Latina Bella

Getting touched up by Latina Bella ;)

Lastly, on Saturday, Sazon catered a makeover event for a new cosmetic line called LATINA BELLA! It took place at a Duane Reade located in Queens. They gave FREE makeovers to all the customers, while I served coffee and yummy postres (desserts) from the restaurant. The result was great! All of the lovely women were so excited and were feeling so glamorous when they were being pampered, that they eagerly purchases Latina Bella products right after.  The makeup is very affordable and compliments olive skin tones. What makes this perfect for women with our complexion is the fact that the makeup   contains “yellow” undertones as oppose to pink ones! Not to mention its super AFFORDABLE! The highest item goes for a simple $15,  which is the illuminator (I bought it, it works miracles lol). You can use it on your eyes, cheeks and even lips. It gives you that SIZZLING LATINA GLOW, without over doing it.

You can only find these items at your local Duane Reade. 

That's pretty much a wrap on our week! It truly makes me proud being Latina and watching us take productive roles in this society. LATINOS STAND UP!!!

Jess & I con Nacho y Chino :)

xo, 

Samantha

Song of the week: Danza Kuduro -Don Omar ft. Lucenzo (I LOVE the Portuguese part)

P.S - I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO BE FOR HALLOWEEN!! GRRR HELP!?

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Whats up!

Machete Music Tour 2010

Machete Music, owned by Universal Music Group, started it all and changed the Latin music landscape indefinitely by bringing reggaeton to the forefront of the industry.  While being the strongest label geared mainly around reggaeton, in recent years it has also been signing non-urban artists such as Malverde, Mala Rodriguez and Chino XL. 

On Friday, October 22nd, Machete Music kicked off their tour with the hottest stars in reggaeton and Latin urban music to perform live at the theater at Madison Square Garden, to celebrate their 5th anniversary of being the leader in Latin Urban music.

Samantha and I had the great privilege of receiving admittance to the Machete Music Tour 2010 sound check, press conference and concert. (S/O to Loren Medina of Digital Girl for the opportunity!). 

Jowell y Randy during sound check

We had a lot of fun watching how a concert of this magnitude all comes together.  The tour brought together artists that comprise Machete's past, present and future.  So new music, classic hits and surprise collaborations truly made this night epic. And with a lineup that included: Don Omar, Tego Calderón, Ivy Queen, Jowell y Randy, Chino y Nacho, Angel y Khriz, Cosculluela, Flex and other special guests - we definitely went into the theater expecting the unexpected.

I'm not a huge reggaeton fan, but I have to admit the concert was entertaining. 

Ivy Queen performing

The Venezuelan duo, Chino y Nacho were awesome performing their hits "Mi Niña Bonita" and "Tu Angelito."  It was interesting to see "El Abayarde" aka Tego Calderón perform with no flashy dancers or crazy light shows - but just a mic in hand, proving that his lyrics can stand alone. "La Reina del Reggaeton" (Ivy Queen) hit the stage with an abundance of girl power! (lol) 

"El Abayarde" performing

To close out the show, making his official return to the stage in NY, Don Omar had the entire venue dancing and applauding to this classic hits and new songs.  His set alone was over 40 minutes! "The King of Kings" definitely reminded the audience why he is and will always be the most electrifying superstar in the Latin urban genre.  He performed fan-favorites such as "Dile," "Pobre Diabla," and "Salio El Sol." He even brought back out Tego Calderón for a special rendition of their collabortation "Los Bandoleros," before closing with his new hit single "Danza Kuduro."

It was a great concert and is definitely worth checking out. You still have time to catch the tour if you're in the following cities - El Paso, Texas, Los Angeles, CA and San Jose, CA.  For tickets and more information, definitely visit Machete Music. 

Samantha & I during sound check

That's all for now. Catch you next week. 

Song of the Week: "Tu Angelito" - Chino y Nacho

P.S. Have a happy & safe Halloween!

xo, Jessica