Mars & Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk!” Leads the Billboard Hot 100 for an 11th Week

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Bruno Mars continues to etch his name in the annals of Billboard chart history…

The 29-year-old part-Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, the world’s highest-paid Latino musician, rules the Billboard Hot 100 for an 11th week with his hit collaboration with Mark Ronson‘s “Uptown Funk!”

“Uptown Funk!,” released on RCA Records, becomes only the 19th No. 1 in Hot 100 history to lead for at least 11 weeks. It’s just the second to reach that level this decade: Robin Thicke‘s “Blurred Lines,” featuring T.I. and Pharrell, began a 12-week command in June 2013.

“Uptown Funk!” logs an 11th week atop the Digital Songs chart with 189,000 downloads sold (down 10 percent) in the week ending March 15, according to Nielsen Music.

It’s now one of just three songs to lead Digital Songs for at least 11 weeks: Flo Rida‘s “Low,” featuring T-Pain, racked a record 13 weeks on top in 2007-08, while Pharrell Williams‘ “Happy” dominated for 11 weeks last year.

“Uptown Funk!” leads the subscription services-based On-Demand Songs chart (4.9 million U.S. streams, down 4 percent) for a 10th week and Streaming Songs (16.9 million, down 3 percent) for a ninth. On Radio Songs, the track reigns for an eighth week with 178 million in all-format audience (down 2 percent).

Ronson and Mars’ collaboration, thus, leads the Hot 100 and its three main component charts (Digital Songs, Radio Songs and Streaming Songs) simultaneously for a record-extending seventh week (nonconsecutively).

Mars’ “Uptown Funk!” Rules the Billboard Hot 100 for an Eighth Week

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Make that eight weeks at the helm for Bruno Mars…

The 29-year-old part-Puerto Rican singer’s smash hit collaboration with Mark Ronson, “Uptown Funk!,” rules the Billboard Hot 100 for an eighth week.

“Uptown Funk!,” released on RCA Records, leads Billboard’s Streaming Songs (19.8 million U.S. streams, up 9 percent, according to Nielsen Music) and the subscription services-based On-Demand Songs (5.4 million, down 1 percent) for a sixth week each.

On Radio Songs, “Uptown Funk!” reigns for a fifth week with a 3 percent lift to 187 million in all-format audience. In the airplay chart’s 24-year history, only eight songs have posted higher audience totals, led by Robin Thicke‘s “Blurred Lines,” featuring T.I. and Pharrell Williams, which peaked with 228.9 million on the Aug. 31, 2013, tally.

“Uptown Funk!” returns to the top of the Digital Songs chart (2-1) for an eighth cumulative week on top with 257,000 downloads sold (down 14 percent) in the week ending Feb. 22.

Ronson and Mars’ collab crowns the Hot 100 and its three main component charts (Digital Songs, Radio Songs and Streaming Songs) simultaneously for a record fourth week (non-consecutively). The only other song to quadruple up at No. 1 for even two weeks: Meghan Trainor‘s “All About That Bass” last year.

“Funk” widens its lead over runner-up Ed Sheeran‘s “Thinking Out Loud,” which ranks at its No. 2 peak on the Hot 100 for a sixth week. “Funk” is up by 2 percent in overall activity, while “Loud” loses 16 percent of its points.

Blacc & Avicii’s “Wake Me Up” is the Most Shazamed Song of All Time

Posted on December 11, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

There’s no need to wake (me) up Aloe Blacc from this dream…

The 35-year-old Panamanian American singer-songwriter, who earned two NAACP Image Award nominations earlier this week, has made Shazam history.

Blacc forms part of the most Shazamed song of all time. Avicii‘s hit “Wake Me Up” featuring Blacc’s vocals has collected more than 19 million queries on the music app to date.

Close behind is Robin Thicke‘s “Blurred Lines” with T.I. and Pharrell Williams with more than 18 million queries, Gotye‘s “Somebody That I Used to Know” featuring Kimbra with over 16 million, Passenger‘s “Let Her Go” with over 15 million, and Clean Bandit‘s “Rather Be” featuring Jess Glynne with over 14 million.

The numbers are now free to track, thanks to the music platform’s relaunch Wednesday. The app’s 100 million monthly mobile active users can now note the number of Shazams each song has ever had and whose music is next to join the new Hall of Fame.

Shazam’s Platinum Hall of Fame honorees — musicians whose tracks have collected more than 15 million queries — will receive a custom award designed and manufactured exclusively by Cristaux.

Additionally, users can also uninterruptedly stream their Rdio and Spotify playlists and charts from inside the app, and scroll through other exclusive content.

Pitbull Developing Two Reality Shows with The Weinstein Company

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Pitbull is about to get real with The Weinstein Company.

The 33-year-old Cuban American rap superstar has been tapped by The Weinstein Company to be the catalyst for two reality television series.

The first is called Pitbull: The Lyfe. It will focus on the “Timber” singer’s world tour, recording sessions, and his life behind the scenes.

The second series is The REAL Change Project, in which Pitbull teams with public figures like Michelle Obama, Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney, Kobe Bryant and others as they look back at obstacles they overcame in their formative years and the mentors who helped them succeed.

That series will include live performances with the aim of raising money for school teachers and educators around the globe.

itbull joins a long list of music stars who’ve lived their lives onscreen, including Ozzy Osbourne, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, Snoop Dogg, Bret Michaels, T.I., and Russell Simmons.

Pitbull has seen his songs reach No. 1 in 15 countries, and his signature tunes are I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho), the Kesha duet Timber and Give Me Everything, the latter with Neyo.

Pitbull, currently on a North American arena tour with Enrique Iglesias, has geared his career toward global appeal. That includes performing the World Cup anthem We Are One (Ole Ola) with Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Leitte, and expanding his brand with lines of vodka, clothing and fragrances. He’ll also host the American Music Awards for the second time and through his Honey I’m Home banner, he’ll host a New Year’s Eve special on Fox.

“Our television division at TWC has made an incredible name for itself in creating fresh and entertaining unscripted programming. Partnering with Pitbull, one of the biggest names in music today, on The REAL Change Project and The Lyfe is a phenomenal opportunity that we’re all very excited to get started on,” said TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein.

J Balvin to Participate in the 2014 Latin Grammy Street Party Concerts

Posted on September 18, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin is taking it to the streets to get the Latin Grammy party started…

The 29-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer, whose full name is José Álvaro Osorio Balvín, is among the musicians who will participate in the Latin Recording Academy’s 2014 Latin Grammy street party concerts, which kick off on October 5 in Chicago’s Plaza Garibaldi.

Balvin, who was featured on the Colombian version of “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke featuring Pharrell Williams & T.I., is best known for his songs “Yo Te Lo Dije” and “Tranquila.”

The Latin Grammy street parties have been held for the past 12 years and are presented by the Latin Academy (LARAS), together with Univision.

In addition to Balvin, artists confirmed to perform during the series, which will be played in five cities, include Conjunto Primavera, J Alvarez, Los Rieleros del Norte, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Noel Torres and Voz de Mando.

Along with a stop in Chicago, the series will also visit Dallas, Los Angeles and Phoenix before wrapping up in Hialeah (Miami) on November 9 with performances by Balvin, Alvarez and Victoria, among others, in the streets of Hialeah.

The Latin Grammy Street parties are free and lead up to the 15th annual Latin Grammys, airing live on November 20 on Univision from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Latin Grammy street party schedule:
Oct. 5, Chicago: Voz de Mando, Banda La Chacaloza, Cardenales de Nuevo León
Oct. 12, Dallas: Noel Torres, Los Rieleros del Norte, Jonatan Sánchez
Oct. 19, Los Angeles: Los Tucanes de Tijuana, El Rayo de Oro, Helen Ochoa, Jonatan Sánchez, Kent y Tony
Nov. 2, Phoenix, AZ: Conjunto Primavera, Voz De Mando, Los Canarios de Michoacán
Nov. 9, Hialeah, FL: J Balvin, J Álvarez, Gaitanes, Victoria, Eli Jas, J Quiles, Kent y Tony

Lovato to Be Part of MTV’s Music Documentary Series “The Ride”

Posted on September 4, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Demi Lovato is about to enjoy a special ride…

MTV has announced plans to roll out the music documentary series The Ride across its international networks, putting the spotlight on key moments in the careers of the likes of the 22-year-old part-Mexican American singer/actress and rap star Snoop Dogg.

After a first hour-long doc on Macklemore & Ryan Lewis aired in the U.K. in June, MTV Music will continue the series in Britain in October. Other international markets will start airing The Ride from September 26, said Viacom International Media Networks, the international channel arm of MTV parent Viacom.

MTV said the series, produced by Storyville Entertainment, gives fans “intimate access to some of the biggest names in music” and documents “the key moments in their careers, culminating in what they regard as their most transformative, breakthrough moment.”

The network has ordered 10 episodes of the show that it says is a chance for it of “harnessing MTV’s unparalleled access to the world’s biggest musical stars.” The series also continues its history of music documentaries.

It also mentionedLinkin Park, Enrique Iglesias, Jennifer Hudson and T.I. as upcoming subjects for the documentary strand. Further artists are expected to be announced later.

There aren’t any immediate plans to air the show on MTV in the U.S., a spokeswoman said.

Cannavale to Star in Marvel/Disney’s Superhero Film “Ant-Man”

Posted on August 19, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Bobby Cannavale has landed a Marvelous role…

The 43-year-old half-Cuban American actor and Emmy-winnner has joined the cast of Ant-Man, which has begun filming in San Francisco.

Directed by Peyton Reed, the film stars Paul Rudd as Scott Lang, a con man who grows into a hero by helping his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (portrayed by Michael Douglas) pull off a heist that will save the world. Lost alum Evangeline Lilly plays Hope Van Dyne, Pym’s daughter.

No word yet on Cannavale’s character in the film.

Additionally, Michael Peña, Abby Ryder Fortson, David Dastmalchian, Wood Harris, Gregg Turkington and rapper-actor T.I. have also been cast in Ant-Man.

Marvel’s Kevin Feige is producing and Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo and Stan Lee are executive producers on what Disney/Marvel have set up as their next superhero franchise hot off the successful launch of the Guardians of the Galaxy property.

In addition to California’s Bay Area locale, filming will also take place in Atlanta.

Ant-Man is slated for a July 17, 2015 release.

Maxwell Earns Four NAACP Image Award Nominations

Posted on January 10, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Maxwell’s critically acclaimed collaboration with Alicia Keys is paying dividends…

The 40-year-old half-Puerto Rican R&B singer leads the pack of Latinos nominated for prizes at this year’s NAACP Image Awards, earning three of his four nods for his song with Keys “Fire We Make.”

Maxwell will face-off against three-time nominee Bruno Mars in the Outstanding Male Artist category. They’ll compete against Charlie Wilson, John Legend and Justin Timberlake for the award.

In the Outstanding Music Video category, the official clips for Maxwell’s duet with Keys “Fire We Make” and Mars’ hit song “Treasure” earned Image Awards love. The other nominees include music videos for India.Arie’s “Cocoa Butter,” John Legend’s “Made to Love” and “Q.U.E.E.N.,” Janelle Monáe and Erykah Badu’s collaboration.

Lastly, Maxwell’s duet with Keys “Fire We Make” and Mars’ “Treasure” are up for Outstanding Song. The other nominees include John Legend’s “All of Me,” Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” featuring T.I. & Pharrell and “Q.U.E.E.N.” by Janelle Monáe feat. Erykah Badu.

Maxwell’s final nomination comes in the Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration category, again for his single “Fire We Make” with Keys. The pair are up against fellow Latino nominees Mariah Carey and Miguel for their hit collaboration “#Beautiful.” The other nominees: “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke, T.I. & Pharrell, “Hurt You” by Toni Braxton and Babyface and “Suit & Tie” by Justin Timberlake featuring Jay-Z.

In the Outstanding World Music Album category, Gloria Estefan earned a nod for her recently released American standards album, The Standards. The Cuban singer is up against Lady Ele’s Coming from a Lady, Emeli Sande’s Live At The Royal Albert Hall, Natalie Cole’s Natalie Cole en Español and Laura Mvula’s Sing To The Moon.

Other Latino/a nominees include Modern Family’s Sofia Vergara for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, The Young and the Restless’ Tatyana Ali for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series, Scandal’s Guillermo Diaz for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series and Alfonso Cuarón and Jonás Cuarón for Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture for their blockbuster hit Gravity.

NAACP’s Image Awards will take place on February 22, airing live on the East Coast On TVOne and tape-delayed on the West Coast from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

Here’s a complete look at this year’s nominees:

TELEVISION

Outstanding Comedy Series
“House of Lies” (Showtime)
“Modern Family” (ABC)
“Real Husbands of Hollywood” (BET)
“The Game” (BET)
“The Soul Man” (TV Land)

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Andre Braugher – “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (FOX)
Cedric The Entertainer – “The Soul Man” (TV Land)
Don Cheadle – “House of Lies” (Showtime)
Dulé Hill – “Psych” (USA Network)
Kevin Hart – “Real Husbands of Hollywood” (BET)

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
Aisha Tyler – “Archer” (FX Networks)
Mindy Kaling – “The Mindy Project” (FOX)
Niecy Nash – “The Soul Man” (TV Land)
Tasha Smith – “Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse” (OWN)
Wendy Raquel Robinson – “The Game” (BET)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Boris Kodjoe – “Real Husbands of Hollywood” (BET)
Jerry “J B Smoove” Brooks – “Real Husbands of Hollywood” (BET)
Morris Chestnut – “Nurse Jackie” (Showtime)
Nick Cannon – “Real Husbands of Hollywood” (BET)
Tracy Morgan – “30 Rock” (NBC)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Anna Deavere Smith – “Nurse Jackie” (Showtime)
Brandy Norwood – “The Game” (BET)
Nia Long – “House of Lies” (Showtime)
Rashida Jones – “Parks and Recreation” (NBC)
Sofia Vergara – “Modern Family” (ABC)

Outstanding Drama Series
“Boardwalk Empire” (HBO)
“Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
“Scandal” (ABC)
“The Good Wife” (CBS)
“Treme” (HBO)

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
James Pickens, Jr. – “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
LL Cool J – “NCIS: Los Angeles” (CBS)
Michael Ealy – “Almost Human” (FOX)
Shemar Moore – “Criminal Minds” (CBS)
Wendell Pierce – “Treme” (HBO)

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
Chandra Wilson – “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
Kerry Washington – “Scandal” (ABC)
Khandi Alexander – “Treme” (HBO)
Nicole Beharie – “Sleepy Hollow” (FOX)
Regina King – “SouthLAnd” (TNT)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Columbus Short – “Scandal” (ABC)
Guillermo Diaz – “Scandal” (ABC)
Jeffrey Wright – “Boardwalk Empire” (HBO)
Joe Morton – “Scandal” (ABC)
Michael Kenneth Williams – “Boardwalk Empire” (HBO)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Archie Panjabi – “The Good Wife” (CBS)
Debbie Allen – “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
Diahann Carroll – “White Collar” (USA)
Taraji P. Henson – “Person of Interest” (CBS)
Vanessa L. Williams – “666 Park Avenue” (ABC)

Outstanding Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
“Being Mary Jane” (BET)
“Betty & Coretta” (Lifetime)
“CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story” (VH1)
“Luther” (BBC America)
“Muhammad Ali’s Greatest Fight” (HBO)

Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
Chiwetel Ejiofor – “Dancing on the Edge” (Starz)
Danny Glover – “Muhammad Ali’s Greatest (HBO)
Idris Elba – “Luther” (BBC America)
Malik Yoba – “Betty & Coretta” (Lifetime)
Omari Hardwick – “Being Mary Jane” (BET)

Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
Angela Bassett – “American Horror Story: Coven” (FX Networks)
Angela Bassett – “Betty & Coretta” (Lifetime)
Gabourey Sidibe – “American Horror Story: Coven” (FX Networks)
Gabrielle Union – “Being Mary Jane” (BET)
Keke Palmer – “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story” (VH1)

Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Aaron D. Spears – “The Bold and the Beautiful” (CBS)
Kristoff St. John – “The Young and the Restless” (CBS)
Lawrence Saint Victor – “The Bold and the Beautiful” (CBS)
Redaric Williams – “The Young and the Restless” (CBS)
Tequan Richmond – “General Hospital” (ABC)

Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Angell Conwell – “The Young and the Restless” (CBS)
Christel Khalil – “The Young and the Restless” (CBS)
Karla Mosley – “The Bold and the Beautiful” (CBS)
Kristolyn Lloyd – “The Bold and the Beautiful” (CBS)
Tatyana Ali – “The Young and the Restless” (CBS)

Outstanding News/ Information – (Series or Special)  “Justice for Trayvon” (BET)
“Mandela: Freedom’s Father” (BET)
“Oprah: Where Are They Now?” (OWN)
“The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.” (PBS)
“Unsung” (TV One)

Outstanding Talk Series
“Oprah’s Lifeclass” (OWN)
“Oprah’s Next Chapter” (OWN)
“Steve Harvey” (Syndicated)
“The Arsenio Hall Show” (Syndicated)
“The Queen Latifah Show” (Syndicated)

Outstanding Reality Series
“Iyanla: Fix My Life” (OWN)
“Shark Tank” (ABC)
“Sunday Best” (BET)
“The Voice” (NBC)
“Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s” (OWN)

Outstanding Variety Series or Special
“12 Years A Slave: A TV One Special with Cathy Hughes” (TV One)
“Black Girls Rock!” (BET)
“Key & Peele” (Comedy Central)
“Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth” (HBO)
“Oprah’s Master Class” (OWN)

Outstanding Children’s Program
“2013 HALO Awards” (Nickelodeon/TeenNick)
“A.N.T. Farm” (Disney Channel)
“Dora the Explorer” (Nickelodeon)
“Postcards: Mandela” (The Africa Channel)
“Wynton Marsalis: A YoungArts MasterClass” (HBO)

Outstanding Performance in a Youth/ Children’s Program – (Series or Special)
China Anne McClain – “A.N.T. Farm” (Disney Channel)
Eric I. Keyes, III – “Live Life and Win!” (Syndicated)
Fatima Ptacek “Dora the Explorer” (Nickelodeon)
Karan Brar – “Jessie” (Disney Channel)
Zendaya – “Shake It Up” (Disney Channel)

RECORDING

Outstanding New Artist
Ariana Grande
Candice Glover
K. Michelle
RaVaughn Brown
Zendaya

Outstanding Male Artist
Bruno Mars
Charlie Wilson
John Legend
Justin Timberlake
Robin Thicke

Outstanding Female Artist
Beyoncé
India.Arie
Janelle Monáe
Ledisi
Mary J Blige

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration
“#Beautiful” – Mariah Carey feat. Miguel
“Blurred Lines” – Robin Thicke feat. T.I. & Pharrell
“Fire We Make” – Alicia Keys feat. Maxwell
“Hurt You” – Toni Braxton feat. Babyface
“Suit & Tie” – Justin Timberlake feat. Jay-Z

Outstanding Jazz Album
“Summer Horns” – Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, Mindi Abair, Richard Elliot
“The Beat” – Boney James
“The Messenger” – Kevin Eubanks
“The Morning After: A Musical Love Journey” – Najee
“The Songs of Stevie Wonder” – SFJAZZ Collective

Outstanding Gospel Album – (Traditional or Contemporary)
“20 Year Celebration Volume 1 – Best For Last” – Donald Lawrence “Best Days Deluxe Edition” – Tamela Mann
“Good God” – Shirley Caesar
“Music From the Motion Picture Black Nativity” – Various

Outstanding World Music Album
“Coming from a Lady” – Lady Ele
“Live At The Royal Albert Hall” – Emeli Sande
“Natalie Cole en Español” – Natalie Cole
“Sing To The Moon” – Laura Mvula
“The Standards” – Gloria Estefan

Outstanding Music Video
“Cocoa Butter” – India.Arie
“Fire We Make” – Alicia Keys feat. Maxwell
“Made To Love” – John Legend
“Q.U.E.E.N.” – Janelle Monáe feat. Erykah Badu
“Treasure” – Bruno Mars

Outstanding Song
“All Of Me” – John Legend
“Blurred Lines ” – Robin Thicke feat. T.I. & Pharrell
“Fire We Make” – Alicia Keys feat. Maxwell
“Q.U.E.E.N.” – Janelle Monáe feat. Erykah Badu
“Treasure” – Bruno Mars (Atlantic Records)

Outstanding Album
“20/20 Experience – The Complete Experience” – Justin Timberlake “Blurred Lines” – Robin Thicke
“Love In The Future” – John Legend
“Love, Charlie” – Charlie Wilson
“The Electric Lady” – Janelle Monáe (Bad Boy/Atlantic)

LITERATURE

Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction
“A Deeper Love Inside: The Porscha Santiaga Story” – Sister Souljah “Anybody’s Daughter” – Pamela Samuels Young
“Little Green: An Easy Rawlins Mystery” – Walter Mosley
“Never Say Never: A Novel” – Victoria Christopher Murray
“Who Asked You?” – Terry McMillan

Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction
“Bartlett’s Familiar Black Quotations: 5,000 Years of Literature, Lyrics, Poems, Passages, Phrases, and Proverbs from Voices Around the World” – Retha Powers
“Envisioning Emancipation: Black Americans and the End of Slavery” – Deborah Willis, Barbara Krauthamer
“High Price: A Neuroscientist’s Journey of Self-Discovery That Challenges Everything You Know About Drugs and Society” – Carl Hart
“Letters to an Incarcerated Brother: Encouragement, Hope, and Healing for Inmates and Their Loved Ones” – Hill Harper
“The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross” – Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Donald Yacovone

Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author
“Better Than Good Hair – The Curly Girl Guide to Healthy Gorgeous Natural Hair!” – Nikki Walton with Ernessa T. Carter
“Ghana Must Go” – Taiye Selasi
“Nine Years Under” – Sheri Booker
“On The Come Up” – Hannah Weyer
“The Returned” – Jason Mott

Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/ Auto-Biography
“Buck: A Memoir” – MK Asante
“Duke: A Life of Duke Ellington” – Terry Teachout
“Kansas City Lightning: The Rise and Times of Charlie Parker” – Stanley Crouch
“Mom & Me & Mom” – Maya Angelou
“The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks” – Jeanne Theoharis

Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional
“Do I Look Like An ATM? A Parent’s Guide to Raising Financially Responsible African American Children” – Sabrina Lamb
“Plan D: How to Lose Weight and Beat Diabetes (Even If You Don’t Have It)” – Sherri Shepherd with Billie Fitzpatrick
“Recruiting and Retaining Culturally Different Students in Gifted Education” – Donna Y. Ford, Ph.D.
The Entrepreneur Mind: 100 Essential Beliefs, Characteristics, and Habits of Elite Entrepreneurs” – Kevin D. Johnson
“The Vegucation of Robin: How Real Food Saved My Life” – Robin Quivers

Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry
“Chasing Utopia: A Hybrid” – Nikki Giovanni
“Hum” – Jamaal May
“The Cineaste: Poems” – A. Van Jordan
“The Collected Poems of Ai” – Ai
“Turn Me Loose: The Unghosting of Medgar Evers” – Frank X Walker

Outstanding Literary Work – Children
“I’m A Pretty Little Black Girl!” – Betty K. Bynum (Author), Claire Armstrong-Parod (Illustrator)
“Knock Knock: My Dad’s Dream for Me” – Daniel Beaty (Author), Bryan Collier (Illustrator)
“Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song” – Andrea Davis Pinkney (Author), Brian Pinkney (Illustrator)
“Nelson Mandela” – Kadir Nelson
“You Never Heard of Willie Mays?!” – Jonah Winter (Author), Terry Widener (Illustrator)

Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens
“Courage Has No Color, The True Story of the Triple Nickles: America’s First Black Paratroopers” – Tanya Lee Stone
“God’s Graffiti: Inspiring Stories for Teens” – Romal Tune
“Invasion” – Walter Dean Myers
“Raising the Bar” – Gabrielle Douglas
“Serafina’s Promise: A Novel In Verse” – Ann E. Burg

MOTION PICTURE

Outstanding Motion Picture
“12 Years A Slave”
“Fruitvale Station”
“Lee Daniels’ The Butler”
“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”
“The Best Man Holiday”

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
Chadwick Boseman – “42″
Chiwetel Ejiofor – “12 Years A Slave”
Forest Whitaker – “Lee Daniels’ The Butler”
Idris Elba – “Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom”
Michael B. Jordan – “Fruitvale Station”

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Angela Bassett – “Black Nativity”
Halle Berry – “The Call”
Jennifer Hudson – “Winnie Mandela”
Kerry Washington – “Tyler Perry Presents Peeples”
Nicole Beharie – “42″

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
Cuba Gooding Jr. – “Lee Daniels’ The Butler”
David Oyelowo – “Lee Daniels’ The Butler”
Morris Chestnut – “The Best Man Holiday”
Terrence Howard – “Lee Daniels’ The Butler”
Terrence Howard – “The Best Man Holiday”

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
Alfre Woodard – “12 Years A Slave”
Lupita Nyong’o – “12 Years A Slave ”
Naomie Harris – “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”
Octavia Spencer – “Fruitvale Station”
Oprah Winfrey – “Lee Daniels’ The Butler”

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
“Blue Caprice”
“Dallas Buyers Club” (
“Fruitvale Station”
“The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete”
“The Trials of Muhammad Ali”

Outstanding International Motion Picture
“Call Me Kuchu”
“High Tech, Low Life”
“La Playa D.C.”
“Lion Ark”
“War Witch”

DOCUMENTARY

Outstanding Documentary – (Theatrical)
“20 Feet from Stardom”
“Call Me Kuchu”
“Free Angela and All Political Prisoners”
“Girl Rising”
“The New Black”

Outstanding Documentary – (Television)
“Beyoncé: Life Is But a Dream”
“Dark Girls”
“Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic ”
“Venus Vs.”
“Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley”

WRITING

Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series 
Erica Montolfo-Bura – “The Game” – In Treatment
Karin Gist – “House of Lies” – Sincerity is an Easy Disguise in This Business
Mara Brock Akil – “The Game” – The Blueprint I & II
Ralph Farquhar, Chris Spencer – “Real Husbands of Hollywood” – Rock, Paper, Stealers (
Vincent Brown – “A.N.T. Farm” – influANTces

Outstanding Writing in a Dramatic Series
Aaron Rahsaan Thomas – “SouthLAnd” – Babel
Chitra Elizabeth Sampath, Damian Kindler – “Sleepy Hollow” – Sanctuary
Janine Sherman Barrois – “Criminal Minds” – Strange Fruit
Karin Gist – “Revenge” – Mercy
Sara Hess – “Orange is the New Black” – Blood Donut

Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture – (Theatrical or Television)

Alfonso Cuarón, Jonás Cuarón – “Gravity”
Brian Helgeland – “42″
Danny Strong – “Lee Daniels’ The Butler”
John Ridley – “12 Years A Slave”
Ryan Coogler – “Fruitvale Station”

DIRECTING

Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
Anton Cropper – “House of Lies” – Sincerity Is an Easy Disguise in This Business
Eric Dean Seaton – “Mighty Med” – Saving The People Who Save People
Millicent Shelton – “The Hustle” – Rule 4080
Paris Barclay – “Glee” – Diva
Stan Lathan – “Real Husbands of Hollywood” – Rock, Paper, Stealers

Outstanding Directing in a Dramatic Series
Carl Franklin – “House of Cards” – Chapter 11
Ernest Dickerson – “Treme” – Dippermouth Blues
Millicent Shelton – “The Fosters” – Clean
Regina King – “SouthLAnd” – Off Duty
Rob Hardy – “Criminal Minds” – Carbon Copy

Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture – (Theatrical or Television)
Jono Oliver – “Home”
Justin Chadwick – “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”
Lee Daniels – “Lee Daniels’ The Butler”
Malcolm D. Lee – “The Best Man Holiday”
Steve McQueen – “12 Years A Slave”

Gomez Wins Her First-Ever Moonman at the MTV VMAs…

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

There’s no doubt Selena Gomez is over the moon(man) tonight…

The 21-year-old half-Mexican American singer/actress claimed the first Moonman of her career at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, broadcast live Sunday night from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.

Gomez’s “Come & Get It” video beat out Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out of Heaven,” Justin Timberlake’s “Mirrors,” fun.’s “Carry On” and Miley Cyrus’ “We Can’t Stop” in the Best Pop Video category.

Gomez, who was nominated last year for Best Female Video for her inescapable hit “Love You Like a Love Song,” lost out to One Direction’s “Best Song Ever” in the Best Song of the Summer category.

Meanwhile, Bruno Mars batted .500 at the MTV VMAs on Sunday night.

The 27-year-old part-Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, nominated for four awards, won the Best Male Video prize for his “Locked Out of Heaven” clip, beating out Justin Timberlake, Robin Thicke feat. T.I. and Pharrell, Ed Sheeran and Kendrick Lamar.

Mars also took home the prize for Best Choreography for the slick dance moves in the music video for his latest single “Treasure.”

Here’s the complete list of 2013 MTV Video Music Awards nominees below:

Video of the Year
Justin Timberlake – “Mirrors”

Best Hip-Hop Video
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton – “Can’t Hold Us”

Best Male Video
Bruno Mars – “Locked Out of Heaven”

Best Female Video
Taylor Swift – “I Knew You Were Trouble”

Best Pop Video
Selena Gomez – “Come & Get It”

Artist to Watch
Austin Mahone – “What About Love”

Best Collaboration
P!nk feat. Nate Ruess – “Just Give Me a Reason”

Best Video with a Social Message
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Mary Lambert – “Same Love”

Best Rock Video
Thirty Seconds to Mars – “Up in the Air”

Best Art Direction
Janelle Monae feat. Erykah Badu – “Q.U.E.E.N”

Best Choreography
Bruno Mars – “Treasure”

Best Cinematography
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton – “Can’t Hold Us”

Best Direction
Justin Timberlake feat. Jay-Z – “Suit & Tie”

Best Editing
Justin Timberlake – “Mirrors”

Best Visual Effects
Capital Cities – “Safe and Sound”

Song of Summer
One Direction – “Best Song Ever”

Mars Nominated for Four MTV Video Music Awards

Posted on July 17, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

It looks like Bruno Mars is MTV’s Latino MVP…

The 27-year-old part-Puerto Rican singer-songwriter has been nominated for four MTV Video Music Awards, including video of the year for his No. 1 hit single “Locked Out of Heaven.”

Mars faces stiff competition in the category from Justin Timberlake (for “Mirrors”), Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Wanz (for “Thrift Shop”), Robin Thicke feat. T.I. and Pharrell (for “Blurred Lines”) and Taylor Swift (for “I Knew You Were Trouble”).

In addition, Mars’s “Locked Out of Heaven” is nominated for Best Male Video, Best Pop Video, as well as Best Choreography for his latest single “Treasure.”

Other Latino nominees include Pitbull, Miguel, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato.

Fans can now vote in general VMA categories, including video of the year and artist to watch at vma.mtv.com.

Brooklyn’s Barclays Center hosts the VMAs for the first time on Sunday, August 25.

All winners on the big night will also take home a limited-edition KAWS Moonman.

Here’s the full list of 2013 MTV Video Music Awards nominees below:

Video of The Year

Justin Timberlake – “Mirrors”
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Wanz – “Thrift Shop”
Bruno Mars – “Locked Out of Heaven”
Robin Thicke feat. T.I. and Pharrell – “Blurred Lines”
Taylor Swift – “I Knew You Were Trouble”

Best Hip-Hop Video

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton – “Can’t Hold Us”
Drake – “Started From The Bottom”
Kendrick Lamar – “Swimming Pools”
A$AP Rocky feat. Drake, 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar – “F**kin Problems”
J. Cole feat. Miguel – “Power Trip”

Best Male Video

Justin Timberlake – “Mirrors”
Robin Thicke feat. T.I. and Pharrell – “Blurred Lines”
Bruno Mars – “Locked Out of Heaven”
Ed Sheeran – “Lego House”
Kendrick Lamar – “Swimming Pools”

Best Female Video

Rihanna feat. Mickey Ekko – “Stay”
Taylor Swift – “I Knew You Were Trouble”
Miley Cyrus – “We Can’t Stop”
P!nk feat. Nate Ruess – “Just Give Me A Reason”
Demi Lovato – “Heart Attack”

Best Pop Video

Bruno Mars – “Locked Out of Heaven”
Justin Timberlake – “Mirrors”
fun. – “Carry On”
Miley Cyrus – “We Can’t Stop”
Selena Gomez – “Come and Get It”

Artist To Watch

Twenty One Pilots – “Holding On To You”
Zedd Feat. Foxes – “Clarity”
Austin Mahone – “What About Love”
The Weeknd – “Wicked Games”
Iggy Azalea – “Work”

Best Collaboration

Justin Timberlake feat. JAY Z -“Suit & Tie”
Pitbull feat. Christina Aguilera – “Feel This Moment”
Calvin Harris feat. Ellie Goulding – “I Need Your Love”
Robin Thicke feat. T.I. and Pharrell – “Blurred Lines”
P!nk feat. Nate Ruess – “Just Give Me A Reason”

Best Video With A Social Message

Kelly Clarkson – “People Like Us”
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – “Same Love”
Snoop Lion – “No Guns Allowed”
Miguel – “Candles In The Sun”
Beyoncé – “I Was Here”

Best Rock Video

Imagine Dragons – “Radiocative”
Fall Out Boy – “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)”
Mumford & Sons – “I Will Wait”
30 Seconds To Mars – “Up In The Air”
Vampire Weekend – “Diane Young”

Best Art Direction

Capital Cities – “Safe and Sound”
30 Seconds To Mars – “Up In The Air”
Janelle Monae feat. Erykah Badu – “Q.U.E.E.N”
Lana Del Rey – “National Anthem”
alt-J – “Tesselate”

Best Choreography

Chris Brown – “Fine China”
Ciara – “Body Party”
Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull – “Live It Up”
will.i.am feat. Justin Bieber – “#thatPOWER”
Bruno Mars – “Treasure”

Best Cinematography

30 Seconds To Mars – “Up In The Air”
Lana Del Rey – “Ride”
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – “Sacrilege”
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton – “Can’t Hold Us”
A-Trak & Tommy Trash – “Tuna Melt”

Best Direction

Justin Timberlake feat. JAY Z – “Suit & Tie”
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton – “Can’t Hold Us”
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – “Sacrilege”
fun. – “Carry On”

Drake – “Started From The Bottom”

Best Editing

P!nk feat. Nate Ruess – “Just Give Me A Reason”
Calvin Harris feat. Florence Welch – “Sweet Nothing”
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton – “Can’t Hold Us”
Justin Timberlake – “Mirrors”
Miley Cyrus – “We Can’t Stop”

Best Visual Effects

Flying Lotus – “Tiny Tortures”
Skrillex feat. The Door – “Breakin’ A Sweat”
The Weeknd – “Wicked Games”
Duck Sauce – “It’s You”
Capital Cities – “Safe and Sound”

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

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