#GeekyGossip The Lowdown on Instagram Direct Messaging

We’ve all seen the memes accusing Instagram’s new DM feature of becoming the et all end all to relationships that are probably already on the rocks due to infidelity. But aside from creep life that shall await us, advertisers and spam might be lurking in our IG Direct as well.

Via Mashable:

While Instagram may not be planning ad initiatives for Instagram Direct just yet, cofounder and CEO Kevin Systrom did note during the event that marketers can potentially use the messaging feature to college images for contests. Less than two hours later, Gap did just that, soliciting comments on an Instagram post and messaging the first 15 commenters with a limited edition Gap product. 

…Instagram Direct may allow brands to deal with customers on Instagram the same way that they deal with customers on Twitter. Tipograph can also imagine Gap using the new feature to communicate with employees and perhaps even stage some "surprise celebrity moments," where customers might compete to get a personal response from someone notable. 

Beyond that, the source familiar with Instagram's thinking speculates that media outlets may also use the messaging feature to solicit individuals for the right to use particular photos or videos in articles.

Sounds like spam waiting to happen… but until then, enjoy some of the IG DM memes that popped up after today’s announcement:

Jay Z Dedicates "Forever Young" to Nelson Mandela During San Diego Perfomance

Via HipHop DX:

During his Magna Carta Tour, Jay Z has dedicated "Forever Young" to the memory and legacy of Nelson Mandela. 

Jay Z most recently made this dedication during his Los Angeles, California tour stop yesterday (December 9). Mandela's image was displayed as Jay Z ran through "Forever Young," a selection pulled from Jay Z's Blueprint 3 album, which was released in 2009. 
During his San Diego, California tour stop, [Jay repeated the same tribute.] 

"You can do any mothafuckin' thing you set your mind to," Jay said, explaining that Mandela is an example of triumph through struggle.

Sneak Peek?: Beyonce teases Beyhive with Grown Woman Video Clip

Everyone first fell in love with the song when it was just a Pepsi endorsement commercial. But now footage of what may be the official video for "Grown Woman" has leaked, and King Bey appears to be mums the word on it. In addition, many of the clips have been removed from the net, causing further speculation. Catch the intergalactic African influenced video w/ cameos of Kelly Rowland and Tina Knowles in the short clip below:

You Oughta Know: 5 ways Nelson Mandela Made an Impact on the World

Today the revolutionary, legendary South-African apartheid activist Nelson Mandela passed away at the age of 95. Here's five ways he made the world a better place:

Via MTV Act:

5. Being an HIV/AIDS Activist

Makgatho Mandela, Mandela’s son, lost his life to AIDS. Although the former president had already been working to fight HIV/AIDS, this made the fight all the more personal. One of the first steps in fighting HIV/AIDS is taking away the stigma so people are more willing to be educated about it and understand it. "Let us give publicity to HIV/AIDS and not hide it, because [that is] the only way to make it appear like a normal illness," he said.

4. Creating Impactful Orgs

In 1995, then-President Mandela opened the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund to help protect and empower children. Then, after retiring as president in 1999, he founded the Nelson Mandela Foundation to continue its work to better the world. It also got behind Mandela Day!

3. President of South Africa

In 1994, Mandela was South Africa’s first democratically elected President. This was a triumph for democracy, and also a triumph for equality. Though the majority of the citizens of South Africa are black, Mandela had grown up in a country full of racial tension, and one in which black people were denied basic rights.

2. Nobel Peace Prize

Because of his nonviolent work to end the apartheid regime, Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Receiving the prize, he said, “This must be a world of democracy and respect for human rights, a world freed from the horrors of poverty, hunger, deprivation and ignorance, relieved of the threat and the scourge of civil wars and external aggression and unburdened of the great tragedy of millions forced to become refugees.”

1. Working Against  the South African Apartheid

From the 1940s to the 1990s, South Africa lived under the apartheid regime, which meant that people were racially segregated. Black people were not allowed to vote and were denied many of the rights given to white people. Mandela was a strong anti-apartheid activist. The apartheid government did not tolerate opposition, and his activism caused him to be imprisoned for 27 years.

Say it Ain't So: Family Guy Kills Off and Replaces Family Dog, Brian Griffin

So its true! 

The talking family pet, who met his end under the wheels of a car in an episode entitled Life Of Brian, has been replaced by a new dog voiced by Tony Sirico from The Sopranos. 

... The production team had revealed they were going to kill off a member of the Griffin family, and replace them with a new character, but few expected it to be the articulate canine stalwart. 

There was initially some doubt whether Brian's death was genuine, but the show confirmed his fatal departure with a tweet from its official account: "RIP Brian. #familyguy." 

The dog, voiced by Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane, bid farewell to the family in an emotional scene after being run over. Brian was quickly replaced by the new family dog, called Vinnie. 

More...

Get the low down on the dirty deed in the video below:

Couldn't Stay Cool For Long: Kanye West Erupts into an Epic Rant on Sway During his Shade 45 Show

Well the cool, calm, and collected Kanye didn't seem to stick around that long. During their conversation about Kanye's fashion industry let downs, Sway posed a simple question, “Why don’t you empower yourself…and do it yourself? ” Well this set 'Ye off into a raging rant seemingly directed at Sway yelling, "How Sway!? How!? YOU AIN'T GOT THE ANSWERS". After a brief but very tense moment, Sway shut Yeezy down letting him know he loved him but he "ain't gotta turn up", and that this wasn't a "fucking show". That seemed to pull some guilt out of Kanye who apologized for embarrassing them and getting passionate. 

Eek! Maybe its time for 'Ye to chill on the interviews for a bit.

Listen to the raging clip below: 


Apparently this is drama thats been brewing for a while. Ever since Sway ranked Kanye as number 7 on MTV's "Hottest MCs list". 'Ye didn't like that too much and went on to tweet that he gave Sway his first TV. Sway was seemingly a good sport about it and explained the story on RapFix earlier this year. #Sharpeezie

Get More: Kanye West, Music News

Kanye West Plays Nice with The Breakfast Club and Holds his Own against his Biggest Critic, Charlamagne tha God

On his quest to increase likability and reassurance that he is a genius, Kanye West dropped by "the world's most dangerous morning show," The Breakfast Club. 

The difference between this morning’s appearance on Power 105.1′s The Breakfast Club and all those other shows, however, is this: Charlamagne the God. The outspoken DJ has been critical of Kanye’s recent output and wasn’t afraid to say it to his face.Minutes into their conversation, Charlamagne told Kanye that “Yeezus is a terrible album” and called him a walking contradiction for wanting to work with the same corporations he blasts in his music. “Why is everything about money? Charlamagne asked. “You don’t need to be rich to be a revolutionary.” Later, he said, “If you’re a genius why do you find the need to tell everybody?”Kanye chided corporations such as Nike for working only with a select few, adding, “These industries run the world. We’re only allowed to communicate… It’s a form of cotton we’re all picking. Ain’t none of us this free.” He said President Obama is experiencing the same issues, as “Black people don’t have the same level of connections as Jewish people, or oil people.”Kanye dropped a few musical nuggets, revealing he opted for Jay Z over Dame Dash because he felt he was too similar to Dame and wanted to learn from Jay; that “All of the Lights” took two years to make and was originally a record for Jeezy; and how he would have started Yeezus with “Blood on the Leaves” “if I was in a different situation.” In regards to the “Bound 2″ video, he “wanted to take white trash t-shirts and turn it into a video. I wanted it to look as phony as possible.”

Via: consequenceofsound

Watch the crazy 42 minute interview below:

Drake Reunites with Nicki Minaj, Birdman, Snoop Dogg, Rihanna and More During WYLAT Stop in LA

Good times were had all around at Drake's WYLAT stop in LA, and it was pretty star studded.

Via RapUp:


In addition to bringing Nicki Minaj and Snoop Dogg onstage, there were plenty of star sightings backstage at Drake’s “Would You Like a Tour?” concert at L.A.’s Staples Center on Monday night.
Nicki squashed rumors of a fallout with her YMCMB labelmate and performed “Make Me Proud,” plus snapped Instagram pics with Birdman, the Kardashian clan, and Tyga.

Ciara grabbed a bite to eat at Katsuya before quietly sneaking inside the venue to catch her fiancé Future’s opening set.

Wiz, who joined Miguel for “Adorn” earlier in the evening, kicked it backstage with Rihanna, Snoop Dogg, and Jaden Smith.



See videos and pics below:

Is Pale Foundation the New Makeup the New Trend?

Over the weekend Miley Cyrus turned up for her 21st birthday with her friends Teyana Taylor and a very light version of Lil Kim. 

But what was even more freaky was Kim's look in London Almost white as snow, perhaps even lighter than Miley, Lil Kim was photographed on stage with a very pale face compared to the rest of her skin. 

Its no secret that Lil Kim has been accused of bleaching, but whether that's true or not, the makeup she's been sporting as of late is 10 shades lighter than the rest of her skin; and she's not the only one.

Well at least Nicki Blended the rest of her body with the foundation. lol

Amongst many, Sevyn Streeter is the latest offender. But we believe it may just be a matter of her makeup artist not blending correctly. However, the real question is: is this a new trend in makeup? Are women of color being told to wear lighter foundation to "brighten their look". There was a bronzing trend that women favored not too long ago that gave them that "sunkissed look"; so perhaps this is the new wave. But is it a matter of lightening the skin to look brighter and younger, or is this trend to make us want to be whiter?

Well as the beautifully chocolate sister India Irie was quoted saying during her recent interview with Oprah, "I wanted my skin to glow and be luminous, not light." Perhaps we're looking into this too deeply. 

Tweet us at @FNGRadio and you be the judge....

Rihanna's Mother Honors Her with AMA Icon Award

 

Rihanna received a special message from her mentor, Jay-Z congratulating her on her success, as well as a inside joke questioning her, "between you and me, can you believe this sh*t?" Following that Rihanna was surprised again by being presented with the very first AMA Icon award. Watch her mother's tear jerking speech below.

Lil Mama Fills In Left Eye's Spot During TLC's AMA Performance

Last night, Lil Mama made a big splash at the VMAs when she performed in Left Eye's place with TLC. Though her performance had a couple breathless moments (during left eye's "Waterfalls" rap with Drake's "Started From the Bottom" beat mixed in the background), she still kept instep and presented us with the best rendition of the fallen member that viewers have seen. 

However, in the wake of Lil Mama and her cast mates' immaculate performance in TLC's bio film, there's been many rumors floating around about the truth to Pebbles, TLC's first creative manager/mentor, role in their faulty contracts that inevitably lead to them going bankrupt at the height of their career. The latest news was that L.A. Reid dropped TLC after Pebbles' negative depiction in the movie. But it was the man himself that hopped on Twitter to let folks know that TLC has not been dropped from Epic Records and he and the girls are life long friends.

Shade much Pebbles?

The Real Message in Kanye West's Bound 2 Video: Exploiting White America

Fresh off of his attempt to re-purpose the confederate flag; apparently, the Bound 2 video was meant to appeal to White American culture favorites (North American mountains, wild horses, a blonde on the back of your motorcycle).  Kanye may actually be the genius he claims to be. 

The SabotageTimes explains the message everyone missed in the video below:

Bound 2 is littered with a variety of the most stereotypical motifs of white American pop culture. We are first shown the easily recognisable landscapes of North America, with mountains, canyons and deserts. Next come the beautiful white stallions, the lone male figure riding off into the sunset and finally the beautiful woman. Simply put, Bound 2 is an obvious parody disguised as a pastiche; however, there is one exception. The only aspect of West’s video not associated, as being stereotypically American is the rapper’s presence itself... his race doesn’t fit with the conventional stereotype, this is yet another appropriation and a remarkably clever one at that. The fact that Kanye chose to premiere his video on Ellen, a TV show with an overwhelmingly white demographic isn’t a coincidence either. West is actively striving to break down white American stereotypes by making the average white American confront his integrated versions of them. The only difference Bound 2 has to the examples listed above, is that it’s so subtly done that in today’s culture of voracious media consumption, most (including myself) mistook the video for trash. West is well aware of how he is perceived and when asked if he expects everyone to understand his songs meanings, the rapper responded astutely. “ No, I don’t expect people to understand me. I think there are people who are wired by their parents to understand what I’m saying and then there are those that are wired by their parents to reject it.” Whilst we all cringed at silly ol’ Kanye, it’s highly plausible the rapper had the last laugh. Beaming from ear to ear once the video had premiered on Ellen to rapturous applause, West knew he’d succeeded. We’ve all been had.

Meanwhile, funny men Seth Rogen and James Franco took it upon themselves to recreate their perception of the video. We think they got the message quite clear:

Breaking News: Outkast Reunion in the Works for Coachella 2014

Hey Ya! Outkast is slated possibly reunite on stage at next year's Coachella festival.

Via Boombox

According to Billboard, OutKast plans to end their seven-year hiatus next year and embark on a festival run starting with Coachella on April 11.

One source told the magazine that there have been “some conversations” between Sir Luscious and Three Stacks, while another said it’s “all systems go.”

Although the Atlanta duo could hit the stage together next year, that doesn’t necessarily mean that an OutKast reunion album will soon follow.

Reps for both OutKast and Coachella had no comment on a possible reunion at the festival.

In January, it was reported that Big Boi and Andre 3000 reunited for Frank Ocean’s ‘Pink Matter’ remix, but that wasn’t the case. Three Stacks issued a statement to clarify that any songs featuring him and Big Boi were not official OutKast collaborations.

Well this is something we'll definitely need to keep our fingers crossed for. Lets hope this'll bring some new music from the dynamic duo in the coming months as well.

You Ain't Eem Know It, T-Pain Drops Retro Themed Video for His New Hit "Up Down" ft B.O.B.

You may have thought Kanye's video for Bound2 ruined the song, but T-Pain only made us like his latest come up tune even more. With the help of featured artist B.O.B., the "Buy You a Drink" singer enlisted cameos from Scrappy's Momma Dee and old thang Shay in his early 90's themed visual. Even the DMV's own Kamille Leai has a starring role with B.O.B.

The video is fairly reminiscent of  a Snoop Dogg video or Don't be a Menance to Society While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood party scene:

Looks like we're not the only fans, Rihanna and friends pegged it as one of their twerk theme songs:

Kanye Enlists a Topless Kim Kardashian for "Bound 2" Video

Yesterday, Kanye West revealed a rather revealing video for his "Bound 2" video featuring none other than his fiance, Kim K., as his love interest. Some may deem this romantic, however the visual for this tune is rather suggestive, the dreamy graphics are slightly off and the couple even seems a tad awkward. One thing's for sure, Kim Kardashian's body is back and that's one element of the video everyone's bound to fall in love with. 

Check out the "Bound 2" video premiere on Ellen below:

Lady Gaga Gives a Sexy Performance with R Kelly on SNL for "Do What U Want"

On the latest episode of Saturday Night Live, Lady Gaga performed her new hit "Do What U Want" featuring R. Kelly. Aside from the erratic dance moves, once her co-star to join her stage, Kells pretty much did what he wanted on with her body. Flipping her over his shoulder to dry humping her, this was a strangely awkward yet intriguing performance. Ironically, the song is actually dope, but that's nothing new for miss Gaga.

Watch the video below:

#ICYMI New Video: Future - Real and True (feat. Miley Cyrus and Mr. Hudson)

On Sunday, Future premiered his new video "Real and True" featuring Miley Cyrus and vocals from Mr. Hudson. In this futuristic visual, a lovestruck Miley is a glittery alien and Future is an Astronaut. Watch as these two serenade each other in the video below.

New Video: Drake - Worst Behaviour

"Hold up! Hold my phone!" Drake's visual for his NWTS hot track "Worst Behaviour" is pretty star studded and nothing short of signature Drizzy's dry humor. Filmed by Director X in Memphis, TN (his father's hometown and Drake's childhood summer vacay spot), this video has everyone in this video from southern hip hop legends Project "Patty cakes" to MJG. Corny? Perhaps. But with cameos from his best buddies, the OVO Owl, and FNGRadio favorite Mary Gold at the end; this video surely doesn't disappoint.

  Watch "Worst Behaviour" Below:

Mixtape Review: Mary Gold - Sex Hormone'd Druggie

If you haven't had a chance to take a listen to this yet, you're truly missing out. Mary Gold's Sex Hormone'd Druggie is her first EP under the title of Jet Life's First Lady. Fresh off the reveal of her controversial video for "Prayer", the mixtape is comprised of 70s and 80s-esque keyboarding, flipped/muffled samples and completed with her eccentric sultry voice. This mixtape is sure to make you believe that she is indeed a "young shell with a wise mind".

Check it out for yourself below:


Tracklisting:

1. Mother Mary Intro produced by Diggable Slim
2. Nephilim produced by Ghazi Gamali
3. Lisa produced by Diggable Slim
4. Fukk feat. Leaf produced by Crack Tracks
5. Druggie Girl by Dirty Spice produced by Negrosaki
6. Threesome produced by L.A. Beatz
7. Miley Cyrus produced by Nesby Phips
8. Coup De Ville produced by Rmur
9. Grand Theft produced by Diggable Slimlisten download
10. Needy produced by Lu B
11. Treetop Express produced by Diggable Slim
12. Prayer feat. Curren$y produced by Lachase x DVN
13. Steezus Christ produced by Junedocc

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

Nicki Minaj Claims she's the Queen of NY and Throws Shade at Drake

Last Saturday at NY's Power 105.1 fm's Powerhouse concert, Nicki had much shade to throw, especially at Kendrick Lamar and anyone who doesn't believe she's the King/Queen of NY.



Although the Kendrick comments seemed playful, her interview with Shade45 XM DJ/host Whoo Kid caught her true feelings on Drake not including her and most of YM on his last album.

Geeky Gossip: Swedes Develop Invisible Bike Helmet

Jay Z Officially Responds to Pleas Remove Line from Barneys

He's got 99 problems but Barney's ain't one...
Jay Z is not going to remove his clothing line from Barneys; and he made an official statement via his Life+Times site explaining why...

"This collaboration lives in a place of giving and is about the Foundation. I am not making a dime from this collection; I do not stand to make millions, as falsely reported. I need to make that fact crystal clear. The Shawn Carter Foundation is the beneficiary and the foundation is receiving 25% of all sales from the collaboration, 10% of all sales generated in the store on November 20th and an additional donation from Barneys. This money is going to help individuals facing socio-economic hardships to help further their education at institutions of higher learning. My idea was born out of creativity and charity… not profit. 

I move and speak based on facts and not emotion. I haven’t made any comments because I am waiting on facts and the outcome of a meeting between community leaders and Barneys. Why am I being demonized, denounced and thrown on the cover of a newspaper for not speaking immediately? The negligent, erroneous reports and attacks on my character, intentions, and the spirit of this collaboration have forced me into a statement I didn’t want to make without the full facts. 

 Making a decision prematurely to pull out of this project, wouldn’t hurt Barneys or Shawn Carter, but all the people that stand a chance at higher education. I have been working with my team ever since the situation was brought to my attention to get to the bottom of these incidents and at the same time find a solution that doesn’t harm all those that stand to benefit from this collaboration. 

I am against discrimination of any kind, but if I make snap judgements, no matter who it’s towards, aren’t I committing the same sin as someone who profiles? I am no stranger to being profiled and I truly empathize with anyone that has been put in that position. Hopefully this brings forth a dialogue to effect real change. – Shawn “JAY Z” Carter"

Do you agree with Mr. Carter's choice?

Chris Brown and bodyguard arrested for assault in D.C.

Via NBC news

Singer Chris Brown and his bodyguard [Christopher Hollosy] were arrested early Sunday morning outside an upscale hotel in Washington D.C., according to police. Brown and his bodyguard got in a early-morning fight with another man outside the W Hotel, just blocks away from Park 14, said D.C. Metro Police Communications Director Gwendolyn Crump. 

The brawl happened at 4:35 a.m., and the man who allegedly angered Brown was treated at a local hospital, but later released, said D.C. Metro Police Lt. Joe Trippi.

Damn homie...

Eight people injured at Howard University’s Yardfest

Via Wash Post

Yardfest, the annual afternoon-long hip-hop concert held on the quadrangle at Howard, went quiet not long after 3 p.m. when D.C. and university police responded to reports of fans rushing the gates. “It has created a public-safety hazard,” said Officer Paul Metcalf, a D.C. police spokesman. For at least two decades, Yardfest was free and open to the public, making it one of the hallmark events of Howard’s homecoming weekend. But this year, organizers made the concert a ticketed event, charging $5 for each patron. Most of the people left outside the closed gates did not have tickets, though it was possible some ticketed patrons got caught in the raucous group.Video posted on the Internet showed young people crowding a gate and some climbing over walls to get inside. 

 

After the incident, Howard University sent out a notice on Twitter that the concert would resume once people “outside of Yardfest calm down.” The concert started again about 4:30 p.m. with a performance by Detroit rapper Big Sean. Juicy J and A$AP Ferg were on the bill, but the concert ended shortly after 6 p.m.

Was Howard

BET Hip Hop Awards RAP Up: T.D.E. Cypher [Explicit]

One of, if not the best cyphers from BET's 2013 Hip Hop Awards. Your welcome...

ICYMI: New Videos from Sevyn Streeter, Janelle Monae, Tyler the Creator, Joell Ortiz and more

All suggested by the good people at Power 105.1, here's some dope videos you may have missed over the weekend by some cool artists:

And lest we not forget the underground artists getting it popping as well:

Kanye West dropped by the Jimmy Kimmel Live show last night attempting to address their twitter beef and most importantly, his view of paparazzi and the fashion world. Many suggested that he came across too crazy to really take in what he had to say. Genius or idiot? You be the judge.

Watch the other segments.

Rap Radar and Breakfast Club Debate Whether or Not Drake Should Respond to Kendrick + More

CRWN interviewer, Elliott Wilson and B.Dot of Rap Radar dropped by NY's Power 105.1 FM's famed morning show The Breakfast Club to discuss the current state of hip hop. Needless to say the conversation led to the recent "beef" between Drake and Kendrick, which consequently led to the questioning who's the hottest in the game. Check out the heated debate below:

LHHNY Brings on More Drama and New Cast Members

The ratchetness of Love & Hip Hop NY is returning to VH1 on Monday, October 28th. Many of you can't wait to see how the relationships of Erica Mena/Rich Dollaz, Tahiry/Joe Budden and Yandy/Mendeecees has progressed. But you'll also get hip to hip hop heavyweight Peter Gunz's relationship and LHHATL favorite, K. Michelle's, New York lifestyle. Check out the super trailer below:

Bow Wow Comments on Recent Catfish Episode, Says He's "Honored" &" It's Flattering"

Last night's episode of Catfish was kind of crazy. In case you missed it, a 19 yr old aspiring model thought she was dating Bow Wow online after the impersonator wired her $10,000. Then get this, the impersonator is actually a "stud" lesbian that uses her cousin, (who's voice sounds nothing like Bow Wow's), to talk on the phone to the model for her. 

Amongst all the tweets about lambskin and maxi dresses, the real Bow Wow felt compelled to send a video response to both the model and the catfish inviting them to his show, 106 & Park.

Watch the video below:

Pose for the Camera! FlickFlick! Beyonce's First Official Calendar

"Snap for the kids, Honey!" Beyonce is giving her fans everything including 12 months of her in 2014! Listed on her website at only $15.00, you too can have your own official Beyonce calendar. Peep some of the featured pictures below:

Update: See more of the album in the link below

https://plus.google.com/photos/116250010878592089366/albums/5933174958817963233/5933174961516077458?pid=5933174961516077458&oid=116250010878592089366