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106 & Park is a Top Ten Hip-Hop and R&B music video show, set up in a countdown format, that airs weekdays at 6:00 PM eastern and 5:00 PM central time on BET (7:00 PM on BET UK). Since its inception, it was the network's #1 rated show. It is currently the only show on the BET network that shows music videos.

Location[link]

The show was originally produced in Harlem, New York, and the title is derived from the original studio location at East 106th Street and Park Avenue. Viacom's acquisition of BET prompted a change in venue to the CBS Broadcast Center at 530 West 57th Street between 10th & 11th ave, in the Hell's Kitchen section of Manhattan.^[1]

Hosts[link]

A. J. Calloway and Marie "Free" Wright were the original hosts of the show from September 11, 2000 until July 28, 2005, when Calloway (who was tearful on that particular episode.) announced that it would be his last show, as well as for Free (who spoke via phone), as the show was either presented by Calloway or Wright. Starting with the 2005–06 season it was then presented by Julissa Bermudez and Big Tigger (of another BET series, Rap City) until the end of the 2005-2006 season, to which during that season featured celebrity guest hosts filling the place for either one or two of the hosts such as Mya and rapper Bow Wow. On July 6, 2006, Rocsi (real name Raquel Roxanne Diaz), who is also a radio host on Power 92.3 in Chicago in the afternoon, and Terrence Jenkins ("Terrence J.") became the hosts after winning the BET New Faces Contest. On May 29, 2012, Rocsi and Terrence J announced they would be stepping down as hosts of 106 & Park. A.J. Calloway and Free are expected to make a return to the show in November 2012 as the hosts of 106 & Park.

Broadcasting history[link]

Upon its premiere, the show ran for one hour (including commercials). In 2001, it was extended to 90 minutes. In 2008, the show was extended to two hours, but still reverts to 90 minutes depending on BET's scheduling for the day, particularly if a long movie is airing. The show celebrated its 2,000th episode on August 20, 2008. From July 25, 2011, to September 2, 2011, the show was extended to three hours.

The shows' tenth anniversary special took place on October 6, 2010. Original hosts A.J. Calloway, Free, Julissa, and Big Tigger returned to the series to celebrate its decade-long tenure.

[edit] 106 & Park Video Hall of Fame

Every video that was voted onto the countdown 65 times would be retired and placed into the "106 & Park Video Hall of Fame". All of Beyonce's music videos have been retired as well as "Love" by Keyshia Cole, "You" by Lloyd ft. Lil Wayne and "Knock You Down" by Keri Hilson ft. Ne-Yo & Kanye West have been retired. This normally occurred relatively frequently, and earned Bow Wow the permanent title of Mister 106 & Park, and the late Aaliyah the permanent title of Miss 106 & Park for having the most #1's of their respective genders. One of Aaliyah's retired tracks is h final single, Rock the Boat. The most recent video to be retired is "Do It Like You" by Diggy Simmons featuring Jeremih, which was retired on March 26, 2012.

Freestyle Friday[link]

"Freestyle Friday is a weekly segment on BET's popular show 106 & Park where two aspiring rappers compete in a freestyle battle before the studio audience ^[2]” and the cypher (from 2006) and three celebrity judges (the DJ sometimes acts as the 3rd judge). Each competitor alternates freestyling for 30 seconds in each of the two rounds. The rappers are not allowed to use any explicit language. If they do they will be disqualified and the other competitor will win by default. For example, Reed Dollaz from Philadelphia and most recently Pop De Neero from North Trenton had violated the rules, disqualifying themselves from the battle. “After the battle, the judges decide the winner, per majority vote. The rapper who wins each week wins a prize and returns the following Friday to defend their Champion title. After seven consecutive wins, however, the rapper is retired and inducted into the Freestyle Friday Hall of Fame, but if the Challenger card is picked by either two or three of the Judges, then the Champion automatically loses the Champion title.^[3]” Once they are in the Hall of Fame they qualify to enter the March Mayhem that happens every year. March Mayhem is when all the rappers who made it to the Hall of Fame that year battle each other to see who the best of the best is. aboutIf you want to keep a follow up on 106 & Park Freestyle Friday go follow @FreestyleFri106 on Twitter.

Wild Out Wednesday[link]

"Every week, Terrence and Rocsi welcome three new challengers to face off during 106 & Park's Wild Out Wednesday." ^[4] Each talented unsigned performer pours out their heart and soul onstage during the W.O.W. competition. Theses performers consist of dancers, singers, steppers and rappers. The vote of the people at home decide who win that Wednesday.

The 106 & Park's App[link]

The 106 & Park started on March 26, 2011. You now can "become a part of the livest audience on TV without leaving your home! Get the 106 & Park app, fire it up and tune in weekdays at 6pm/5c for an all-new 106 & Park experience!" ^[5] You can download it for Android, iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.

Here's what's waiting for you when you download the app: The home screen gives users up-to-the-minute updates on what’s happening on 106 & Park—new joints, Twitter topics, celebrity guests and special shows. Open 106 Nation and see where other 106 & Park viewers are located. You might even get a call from Terrence and Rocsi if you have the app open while the show is live! The live Twitter wall keeps you in sync with tweets from your favorite artists and lets you see what people nationwide are saying about the daily Trending Topic. Also, send a tweet to 106 & Park for a chance to have it read on air. Countdown Voting is now a fun, engaging game. You'll see how many votes you can scratch up for your favorite artists in five seconds. Do it as many times as you want, when you want and wherever you want! Catch the Code106 barcode on air and scan it through the app for a chance to enter contests and unlock secret content. This is only for app users! You can view over 100 artist profiles, which include pictures, tweets, videos and more. You can even get notified the next time your favorite artist appears on the show. You can view hundreds of red carpet pictures and backstage access to your favorite artists’ visits to the 106 studio. You can watch the latest moments from the show or search among over 600 clips!^[5]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website
• 106 & Park Connect
• 106 & Park: BET's Top 10 Live at the Internet Movie Database
• 106 & Park: BET's Top 10 Live at TV.com

Kimberly Denise Jones (born July 11, 1975^[1]), better known by her stage name Lil' Kim, is an American rapper and actress who was a member of the group Junior M.A.F.I.A..

Jones was born and raised in Brooklyn, living much of her adolescent life on the streets after being expelled from home. As a teenager, Kim would rap for fun, being heavily influenced by other female MCs like MC Lyte and Lady of Rage. When word got to The Notorious B.I.G. that she could rhyme, he made Jones perform a freestyle for him on the spot. Impressed with her, he took her in and she began her music career in 1995 with the group Junior M.A.F.I.A., whose debut album Conspiracy generated three hit singles. In late 1996, her solo debut album Hard Core was released. Hard Core was certified double platinum and spawned three consecutive #1 rap hits that included: "No Time" "Not Tonight (Ladies Night remix)" and "Crush on You", a record for a female rapper. Her following albums, The Notorious K.I.M. (2000) and La Bella Mafia (2003), both were certified platinum by the RIAA, making Kim the only female rapper besides Missy Elliott to have at least 3 platinum albums so far. Kim solidified her star power in 2001, when "Lady Marmalade", a song Kim was featured on, went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. That made her the second female rapper to earn a #1 on that chart.

In 2005, she served a year long prison sentence for lying to a jury about her friends' involvement in a shooting four years earlier. During her incarceration, her fourth album The Naked Truth was released. Lil' Kim returned to the public spotlight in 2009 with an appearance on Dancing with the Stars.

Early life[link]

Jones was born in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of the New York City borough Brooklyn to parents Linwood Jones and Ruby Mae.^[2] At the age of 9, her parents separated, and her father raised her until he expelled her from home when she was a teenager. Thus, she lived with her friends and even on the streets. While struggling through her personal life, Kim met The Notorious B.I.G., who was a key figure in both her personal and artistic life, particularly when Wallace had gained popularity and influence through his relationship with Bad Boy Records.^[3] As a teenager, Jones attended Brooklyn College Academy, the same school were fellow rappers Nas and Foxy Brown attended. She dropped out of high school as a teenager, and worked as a cashier for department store Bloomingdale's for a short period of time.

Music career[link]

Early career with Junior M.A.F.I.A.[link]

In 1994, B.I.G. was instrumental in introducing and promoting the Brooklyn based group, Junior M.A.F.I.A., which included Lil' Kim. The group's first and only album was titled Conspiracy.^[3] Three hit singles came from Conspiracy: "Player's Anthem" (peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and #2 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart), "I Need You Tonight" (#43 R&B, #12 Rap), and "Get Money" (#17 on the Billboard Hot 100, #4 R&B, #2 Rap).^[4] The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified Conspiracy Gold on December 6, 1995, marking sales of 500,000 units. "Player's Anthem" was Gold, and "Get Money" went Platinum (sales of a million units).^[5]

[edit] Hard Core (1996)

After a year with Junior M.A.F.I.A., Jones began a solo career by making guest performances on R&B albums and recording her debut album, Hard Core, which was released in November 1996. The album peaked at #11 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.^[6] Hard Core was RIAA-certified double platinum on March 14, 2001 after having been certified Gold on January 6, 1997 and Platinum on June 3, 1997.^[7] The album's lead single "No Time", a duet with Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs (who would later change his stage name to "P. Diddy" and then "Diddy"), reached the top spot of the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks chart^[3] and was certified Gold by the RIAA.^[5] The following single, "Crush on You", reached #6 on the Hot 100 and #2 on the rap chart.^[8] A remix of the album's track "Not Tonight" saw Lil' Kim team up with Missy Elliott, Angie Martinez, Da Brat and Left Eye of TLC. The song was part of the soundtrack to the Martin Lawrence movie Nothing To Lose, nominated for a Grammy Award, and certified Platinum.^[5] In one stockholders' meeting of Warner Bros. Records, activist C. Delores Tucker criticized the label "for producing this filth," referring to perceived graphic sexual content in Kim's lyrics, and labeling them "gangsta porno rap".^[9]

[edit] The Notorious K.I.M. (2000-2002)

From 1998 to 2000, Kim continued her road to stardom under the management of B.I.G.'s best friend, Damion "D-Roc" Butler's "Roc Management", touring and modeling for various fashion and pop culture companies including Candies, Versace, Iceberg, and Baby Phat. In 1998, she performed in P. Diddy's "No Way Out" tour.^[10] In the same year, she launched her own label Queen Bee Entertainment and even though she had not had an album of her own released, she was seen on dozens of remixes and guest appearances on other artist's records. On June 27, 2000, Kim released her second album The Notorious K.I.M. The album marked a new image and revamped look for the rapper. Despite the limited success of its singles, the album reached #4 on the Billboard 200, and #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It was certified platinum by the RIAA.^[5] It was on this LP that the well-known hip-hop feud between Lil' Kim and Foxy Brown blossmed.

In 2001, Lil' Kim teamed up with Christina Aguilera, Pink, and Mýa to remake "Lady Marmalade", which was originally written about a bordello in New Orleans and performed by the group Labelle (which included diva Patti LaBelle) 25 years earlier. The song was recorded for the Moulin Rouge! film soundtrack, released in April 2001, and stayed #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks. The song also went to #1 in 50 countries around the world. This was a big accomplishment for female rap, as well as for Kim, who scored her first #1 Hot 100 hit and became the first female rapper in history to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. "Lady Marmalade" also garnered Kim her first Grammy Award.

Lil' Kim also performed in two international hit singles. "In the Air Tonite", a remix of the Phil Collins song "In the Air Tonight" and duet with Collins, was released as a single from the Collins tribute album Urban Renewal. "Kimnotyze" is the lead single of record producer DJ Tomekk's compilation album Beat Of Life, Vol 1. It was released in Switzerland, Austria and Germany only. The song was successful, becoming Lil' Kim's third consecutive Top 10 hit in Germany after her number 5 hit "Lady Marmalade".

In 2002, Lil' Kim recorded a new entrance theme for then World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Women's Champion Trish Stratus entitled, "Time to Rock 'n Roll", which was used during broadcasts, until Stratus' retirement. The single was released on WWE Anthology, a compilation of entrance theme music to various professional wrestling superstars.

[edit] La Bella Mafia (2003)

On March 4, 2003, Kim released her third critically acclaimed album, La Bella Mafia. Highly rated (4.5 mics) by music magazine The Source, La Bella Mafia spawned the hit "The Jump Off" featuring Mr. Cheeks, which climbed to number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. The single "Magic Stick", feat. 50 Cent, hit #2 on the Hot 100 without a video ever being shot.

La Bella Mafia debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200. Kim was nominated for five Source Awards and won two ("Female Hip-Hop Artist of the Year", and "Female Single of the Year"). This album also got two Grammy Award nominations: Best Female Rap Solo Performance ("Came Back For You") and Best Rap Collaboration ("Magic Stick"). She was also nominated for Best Pop Collaboration with singer Christina Aguilera for the song "Can't Hold Us Down", from Aguilera's album Stripped.

Greg Thomas, an English professor at Syracuse University, began teaching "Hip-Hop Eshu: Queen B@#$H Lyricism 101". Kim herself was a guest speaker at the school. Professor Thomas considered Kim's lyrics "the art with the most profound sexual politics I've ever seen anywhere."^[11] David Horowitz criticized the course as "academic degeneracy and decline".^[12] Lil' Kim also made an appearance on the multi-platform videogame Def Jam: Fight for NY. Kim provided voice-overs for her part in the storyline, where the player may fight an opponent to have Lil' Kim as his girlfriend.^[13]

[edit] The Naked Truth (2005-2008)

Kim released a fourth album, The Naked Truth, on September 27, 2005, while serving a federal prison sentence (see below). It earned her a 5 mic rating from The Source, making her the only female rapper to ever receive a 5 mic rating. The album debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200 charts, giving Kim her Third Top 10 debut on the charts. The Naked Truth did not sell as well as her previous works, selling less than 400,000 copies. Kim has said that her prison sentence left her with no time to promote the project. There have been many rumors about a re-release of Truth but to no avail.The music video for The Naked Truth's first single, "Lighters Up" was number one on BET's 106 & Park for two weeks. "Lighters Up", was a Top Ten hit on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. The single also reached #67 on the German Single Chart, #12 on the UK Top 75 and #4 on the Finland Single Chart. The second single, "Whoa" was released on February 17, 2006. It reached No. 22 on Airplay. The Dance Remixes extended play was also released in 2005. Kim also made appearances on the show Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search For The Next Doll and Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious in 2007 and 2008. Ms. G.O.A.T., an acronym for "Greatest Of All Time",^[14][15] is the debut mixtape by Lil' Kim. It was officially released on June 3, 2008^[16] and was produced by Mister Cee and DJ Whoo Kid, DJ's from New York City.^[17] Among critics, the album has received generally positive reviews.^[18][19][20] It has been called a representation of Lil' Kim's return to the streets.^[21] Tito Salinas of All Hip Hop says "Lil’ Kim shows that her time behind bars did not rust all of her swag away" on Ms. G.O.A.T.^[19] On the other hand, Ehren Gresehover of New York Mag says that although one of the tracks "The Miseducation of Lil' Kim" is not bad, he wished that it was Lauryn Hill who was making a comeback instead.^[22]

[edit] 5th Studio Album (2009-present)

On March 10, 2009, the song "Girls" by the Korean singer, Seven featuring Lil' Kim was released through digital stores for his U.S. debut single. Kim appeared in the music video that was released on the same day. "Girls" was produced by Darkchild. On March 24, 2009, Kim released the song "Download" featuring R&B singers T-Pain and Charlie Wilson. It was written by Lil Kim and T-Pain and produced by Trackmasters. The song samples "Computer Love" by Zapp. Peaking at #21 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It eventually made it to the top 10 US Urban Radio airplay and the top 30 UK Single Charts at #22.

Kim confirmed in January, 2011 that she would be releasing her next album which is currently untitled in 2012.^[23] She is expected to make a guest appearance on a track from 50 Cent's upcoming studio album as well as Dr. Dre's 2011 album Detox and Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins' album Still Cool.^[24]

Kim released a mixtape titled Black Friday on February 14, 2011. In a recent radio interview at 99 Jamz, Kim stated that her upcoming book, "The Price of Loyalty", is on hold to coincide with the release of her fifth studio album, to be release in the next coming months.^[25][26]

On June 19, Kim preformed along side G-Unit member Shawty Lo and hinted a possible working relationship with G-Unit Records. Kim is also featured along with Rick Ross on a track titled "Anything (To Find You)", by R&B singer Monica, off her upcoming album "New Life", but her verse was removed due to contractual issues. On November 28, 2011 Lil' Kim released a new buzz single called "I Am Not the One" which is available on iTunes. She has announced that she will be releasing an EP, but later on it was shelved. ^[27]

On Valentine's Day, 2012, Kim released the song "If You Love Me" as a gift to her fans. That same month it was announced she would make her return to the stage on BET's 'Rip the Runway.'^[28] It marked the her first televised performance in years. In March, 2012, during an interview with MTV's Sucker Free, Kim revealed that contract issues with production duo Trackmasters were the reason behind her album delay, saying "...contractually, by the courts, I could not record any music - I wasn’t supposed to put any music out.” ^[29]

Lil' Kim In October 2011

On March 23, 2012, the song "Keys To The City", a collaboration with Young Jeezy, was leaked to the internet. Release date of the song as a single has not been decided yet.

Other ventures[link]

Lil Kim: Countdown to Lockdown[link]

On March 9, 2006, BET premiered the show Lil Kim: Countdown to Lockdown, which was filmed before Kim headed to prison. The show became the highest rated premiere in BET history, with 1.7 million viewers. In May 2006, Debbie Harry released a Lil' Kim tribute song called "Dirty and Deep" in protest of her conviction. The song is available free from the Deborah Harry Home Page.

Dancing With the Stars[link]

Lil' Kim appeared on the eighth season reality show Dancing with the Stars, which began airing on March 9, 2009. She was paired with professional dancer Derek Hough until the dance couple was eliminated on May 5, 2009,^[30] putting her at fifth place from all thirteen contestants that season. During the second week of the season, judge Len Goodman said that she "must have a bionic booty," a nickname that resulted from her performance of the selected dance that evening.

Legal issues[link]

On March 17, 2005, Kim was convicted of three counts of conspiracy and one count of perjury for lying to a Federal grand jury about her and her friends' involvement in a 2001 shooting outside the Hot 97 studios in Manhattan.^[31] During the trial of her co-manager, Damion "D-Roc" Butler, and her bodyguard, Suif "Gutta" Jackson, a former member of the hip-hop group Junior M.A.F.I.A, she testified not to have known they were at the scene.^[32] However, video footage from a security camera placed all three at the scene, exiting the building. This directly contravened testimony before the grand jury.^[33] Butler and Jackson have since pled guilty to gun charges. Jackson was sentenced, in U.S. District Court, to twelve years in federal prison as part of plea bargain in which he admitted to firing at least twenty rounds during the incident. The length of the sentence was said to have been influenced by his previous gun-related convictions.^[32] In July 2005, Kim was sentenced to a one year and a day in prison, thirty days home detention upon release from custody, and three years of probation. She served the entirety of her sentence at the Federal Detention Center, Philadelphia in Center City, Philadelphia. She was released on July 3, 2006, after serving approximately 12 months.^[33] Kim, Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Register #56198-054, was released from BOP supervision on August 2, 2006.^[34][35]

Discography[link]

• Hard Core (1996)
• The Notorious K.I.M. (2000)
• La Bella Mafia (2003)
• The Naked Truth (2005)
• TBA (2012)

Tours[link]

Headlining 2012: Return Of The Queen Tour Filmography[link] Films Year Film Role 1997 Gangstresses Herself 1999 She's All That Alex 2000 Longshot (film) Herself 2001 Zoolander Herself 2002 Juwanna Mann Tina Parker 2003 Those Who Walk in Darkness Soledad Gang of Roses Chastity 2004 Nora's Hair Salon Herself You Got Served Herself 2005 Lil' Pimp Sweet Chiffon (voice) There's a God on the Mic Herself 2008 Superhero Movie Xavier's daughter Television V.I.P. (as freedom fighter) (1999) DAG (as Gina Marie) (2001) Moesha (as Diamond) (2001) The Parkers (as herself) (2001) American Dreams as Shirley Ellis (October 12, 2003) Lil Kim: Countdown to Lockdown (2006) The Game (as herself) (2007) Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll (2007) Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious (2008) Dancing with the Stars (U.S. season 8) (2009) Awards[link] This biographical section of an article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (June 2011) Grammy Awards 1997: Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "Ladies Night (Not Tonight remix)" (with Missy Elliott, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, Da Brat, and Angie Martinez) (nominated) 2002: Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for "Lady Marmalade" (WINNER) 2003: Best Female Rap Solo Performance for "Came Back for You" (nominated) 2003: Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for "Can't Hold Us Down" (with Christina Aguilera) (nominated) 2003: Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "Magic Stick" (with 50 Cent) (nominated) 2008: Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Let It Go" (with Keyshia Cole & Missy Elliott) (nominated) MTV Video Music Awards 1998: Viewer's Choice for "All About The Benjamins" (with P. Diddy and others) 2001: Video of the Year for "Lady Marmalade" 2001: Best Video from a Film for "Lady Marmalade" My VH1 Awards 2001: Favorite Video ("Lady Marmalade") 2001: Is It Hot In Here Or Is It Just My Video? ("Lady Marmalade") Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards 1997: Best Video by a Female - Rap/R&B ("Crush On You") 1999: Best Video by a Female - Rap/R&B ("Not Tonight (remix)") Source Awards 2003: Female Artist of the Year 2003: Female Single of the Year "The Jumpoff" Teen Choice Awards 2001: Choice Song of the Summer ("Lady Marmalade") MOBO Awards 2003: Most Stylish Artist of the Year Radio Music Awards 2001: Song of the Year Top 40 Pop Radio-"Lady Marmalade" TMF Awards-Belgium 2001: Video of The Year-"Lady Marmalade" TMF Awards-Netherlands 2001: Video of The Year-"Lady Marmalade" ALMA Awards 2002: Outstanding Song- Motion Picture Soundtrack "Lady Marmalade" ASCAP Music Awards 2002: Song of the Year-"Lady Marmalade" MTV Japan Awards 2002: Best Choreography "Lady Marmalade" MVPA Video Awards 2002: Best Styling In A Video-"Lady Marmalade" VIBE Awards 2005: Album of the Year The Naked Truth (nominated) BET Awards 2006: Best Female Hip-Hop Artist (nominated) 2008: Best Song "Let It Go" (nominated) 2010: Best Female Hip-Hop Artist (nominated) American Music Awards 2003: Best Female Hip-Hop Artist 2005: Best Female Hip-Hop Artist (nominated) References[link] ↑ 1.0 1.1 Federal Bureau of Prisons ↑ "The Lil Kim Picture Pages". Superiorpics.com. http://www.superiorpics.com/lil_kim/. Retrieved 2012-03-09.  ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Erlewine, Stephen Thomas (2008). "Lil' Kim > Biography". http://www.allmusic.com/artist/p198619/biography. Retrieved 2009-03-30.  ↑ "Junior M.A.F.I.A. > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles". allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/p165563/charts-awards/billboard-singles. Retrieved 2009-03-30.  ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Gold and Platinum - Junior M.A.F.I.A.". RIAA. http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Junior%20M.A.F.I.A&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=CertificationDate&perPage=25. Retrieved 2009-03-30.  ↑ "Lil' Kim > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums". allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/p198619/charts-awards. Retrieved 2009-03-30.  ↑ "Gold & Platinum (Lil' Kim)". RIAA. http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Lil%20Kim&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=CertificationDate&perPage=25. Retrieved 2009-03-30.  ↑ "Lil' Kim > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles". allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/p198619/charts-awards/billboard-singles. Retrieved 2009-03-30.  ↑ "Li'l Kim Comes Under Fire From Political Activist". MTV News. 1997-05-19. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1431197/19970519/lil_kim.jhtml. Retrieved 2009-03-30.  ↑ "Puffy, Dru Hill, Mase, Busta, Lil' Kim To Hit The Road". MTV News. 1998-02-06. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1426803/19980206/rhymes_busta.jhtml. Retrieved 2009-03-30.  ↑ Wolf, Buck (2004-11-09). ["Hip-Hop Eshu: Queen B@#$H 101 -- The Life and Times of Lil' Kim" "Queen B 101: College Lessons in Stardom"]. ABC News. "Hip-Hop Eshu: Queen B@#$H 101 -- The Life and Times of Lil' Kim". Retrieved 2009-03-30.  ↑ Horowitz, David (2006). The Professors: The 101 Most Dangerous Academics in America. Washington, D.C.: Regnery. p. 333. ISBN 978-0-89526-003-1. http://books.google.com/books?id=CYqZjtVp00AC.  ↑ "Def Jam: Fight for NY - Cheats". GameFAQs. GameSpot. http://www.gamefaqs.com/console//code/920170.html. Retrieved 2009-03-30.  ↑ Megaproml, p. 104. ↑ missxpose (4 December 2007). "MS. G.O.A.T.". MissXpose: Celebrity Gossip and Entertainment News. http://www.missxpose.com/2007/12/ms-goat/. Retrieved 12 September 2010.  ↑ "Ms. G.O.A.T.". All Music Guide. http://www.allmusic.com/album/ms-goat-r1334720. Retrieved 12 September 2010.  ↑ Janson, Jesse (23 December 2007). "Dj Whoo Kid & Mister Cee – Lil Kim "Ms. G.O.A.T.". Get Right Music. http://www.getrightmusic.com/2007/12/23/dj-whoo-kid-mister-cee-lil-kim-ms-goat-2/. Retrieved 12 September 2010.  ↑ "Lil Kim - Ms. G.O.A.T". DatPiff.com. 23 December 2007. Archived from the original on 5 April 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080405123128/http://www.datpiff.com/Lil-Kim-DJ-Whoo-Kid-Mister-Cee-Ms-GOAT-mid9559.html. Retrieved 12 September 2010.  ↑ 19.0 19.1 Salinas, Tito (14 January 2008). "Lil' Kim: Ms. G.O.A.T. (Mixtape)". All Hip Hop. http://allhiphop.com/stories/reviews/archive/2008/01/14/19133653.aspx. Retrieved 12 September 2010.  ↑ "Lil’ Kim – Ms. G.O.A.T. Mixtape". Hip Hop Music. 27 December 2007. http://www.hiphopmusicdotcom.com/lil-kim-ms-goat-mixtape.html. Retrieved 12 September 2010.  ↑ "Ms. G.O.A.T. | Lil' Kim with Mister Cee & Whoo Kid". Mix Unit: The Hip Hop Shop. http://www.mixunit.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=10341. Retrieved 12 September 2010.  ↑ Gresehover, Ehren (17 December 2007). "2. Lil' Kim, "The Miseducation of Lil' Kim"". New York Mag. http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2007/12/rem_wish_you_a_merry_xmas.html. Retrieved 12 September 2010.  ↑ "LiL KIm Interveiw (pt.2) NEW YEARS 2011 GME". YouTube. 2011-01-03. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_REPYaKrrko. Retrieved 2012-03-09.  ↑ "50 Cent Says He’s ‘Working With Eminem’ On Upcoming Black Magic LP". Rapfix.mtv.com. 2011-01-24. http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/01/24/50-cent-eminem-black-magic-lil-kim-working/. Retrieved 2012-03-09.  ↑ "Lil Kim 99 Jamz Interview". YouTube. 2011-04-23. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RfoRlATGiGQ#at=322. Retrieved 2012-03-09.  ↑ singlecoversFM (2012-02-24). "Daily Music Juice: Lil' Kim To Hold Debut Single Off New Album". Dailymusicjuice.blogspot.com. http://dailymusicjuice.blogspot.com/2012/02/lil-kim-to-hold-debut-single-off-new.html#more. Retrieved 2012-03-09.  ↑ » by Danielle Canada November 27, 2011, 10:04am (2011-11-27). "Lil Kim Releasing Five-Track EP". Hip-Hop Wired. http://hiphopwired.com/2011/11/27/lil-kim-releasing-five-track-ep/. Retrieved 2012-03-09.  ↑ Khalila Douze (2012-02-24). "Exclusive: Estelle, Lil Kim to Perform on BET's 'Rip the Runway'". Billboard. http://www.billboard.com/column/the-juice/exclusive-estelle-lil-kim-to-perform-on-1006276552.story#/column/the-juice/exclusive-estelle-lil-kim-to-perform-on-1006276552.story. Retrieved 2012-03-29.  ↑ Nadeska Alexis (2012-03-22). "Lil Kim Attributes Album Delay To Contract Issues". RapFix. http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/03/22/lil-kim-album-delay-contract-issues/. Retrieved 2012-03-29.  ↑ "Television News, Reviews and TV Show Recaps - HuffPost TV". Television.aol.com. http://television.aol.com/dancing-with-the-stars/tag/lil+kim/. Retrieved 2012-03-09.  ↑ Vineyard, Jennifer (March 17, 2005). "Lil' Kim Found Guilty Of Lying To Grand Jury, Investigators". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1498251/20050317/lil_kim.jhtml. Retrieved April 13, 2010.  ↑ 32.0 32.1 Rashbaum, Alyssa (September 23, 2004). "Lil' Kim's Bodyguard Sentenced To 12 Years For His Role In Shootout". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1491311/20040923/lil_kim.jhtml. Retrieved March 17, 2009.  ↑ 33.0 33.1 Moss, Corey (July 3, 2006). "Lil' Kim Released From Prison". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1535483/20060629/lil_kim.jhtml. Retrieved March 17, 2009.  ↑ "Lil' Kim leaves prison, steps into Rolls." Philadelphia Inquirer. July 3, 2006. Retrieved on January 6, 2010. ↑ "Kimberly Jones (56198-054)." Federal Bureau of Prisons. Retrieved on January 6, 2010. External links[link] Official website Lil' Kim at the Internet Movie Database v t e Lil' Kim Discography Awards and nominations Studio albums and singles Hard Core "No Time" "Crush on You" "Not Tonight" "Queen Bitch" The Notorious K.I.M. "No Matter What They Say" "How Many Licks?" La Bella Mafia "The Jump Off" "Magic Stick" "Thug Luv" The Naked Truth "Lighters Up" "Whoa" Mixtapes Ms. G.O.A.T. Black Friday Soundtrack and Promotional "Lady Marmalade" "In the Air Tonite" "Kimnotyze" "Download" Featured singles "I Can Love You" "It's All About the Benjamins" "Money, Power & Respect" "Hit Em wit da Hee" "Notorious B.I.G." "Wait a Minute" "Get Down on It" "Can't Hold Us Down" "Let It Go" Film work She's All That Those Who Walk in Darkness Gang of Roses You Got Served Lil' Kim: Countdown to Lockdown Related articles Junior M.A.F.I.A. The Notorious B.I.G. Puff Daddy Mary J. Blige v t e Dancing with the Stars (U.S. season 8) Shawn Johnson Gilles Marini Melissa Rycroft Ty Murray Lil' Kim Chuck Wicks Lawrence Taylor Steve-O David Alan Grier Steve Wozniak Holly Madison Denise Richards Belinda Carlisle Persondata Name Jones, Kimberly Denise Alternative names Lil' Kim Short description Rapper, actress, model Date of birth 1974-07-11 Place of birth Brooklyn, New York, U.S. Date of death Place of death

Nicki Minaj
Minaj at 2010 MTV Music Awards
Background information
Birth name	Onika Tanya Maraj
Born	(1982-12-08) December 8, 1982 (age 29)[1] Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago
Origin	South Jamaica, Queens, New York, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop, R&B, pop
Occupations	Rapper, singer-songwriter
Years active	2002–present
Labels	Cash Money Records, Young Money Entertainment, Universal Republic Records, Universal Motown
Associated acts	Young Money
Website	mypinkfriday.com

Onika Tanya Maraj (born December 8, 1982), known by her stage name Nicki Minaj ( /mɪˈnɑːʒ/), is a Trinidadian-born American rapper and singer-songwriter. She was born in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago and when she was 5 years of age she moved to the New York City borough of Queens, where she grew up.

After releasing three mixtapes between 2007 and 2009 and being signed to Young Money Entertainment in August 2009, Minaj released her debut album, Pink Friday, in November 2010. It quickly became a commercial success, peaking at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 and being certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) a month after its release.^[2][3] She became the first female solo artist to have seven singles on the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time.^[4] Her second single, "Your Love", reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart, making Minaj the first female artist to top the chart unaccompanied since 2002.^[5] She also became the first female artist to be included on MTV's Annual Hottest MC List.^[6] Minaj was named the 2011 Rising Star by Billboard.^[7] Her second studio album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded was released on April 3, 2012.

Early life[link]

Maraj was born in 1982^{[1][note 1]} in Saint James, a suburb of Trinidad and Tobago's capital city Port of Spain.^[8][9][10] Her parents are of mixed Indian and Afro-Trinidadian ancestry^[11][12] and she lived in Saint James with her grandmother until age five, because her parents were looking for a place to live in the Queens borough of New York City at the time. Her mother would occasionally visit, and one day, when Minaj was five, her mother picked her up to move to Queens.^[13] According to Minaj, her father drank heavily, took drugs, and once tried to kill her mother by setting the house on fire.^[14]

She attended Elizabeth Blackwell Middle School 210, where she played the clarinet.^[13] She graduated from LaGuardia High School.^[15][16] At LaGuardia, a school specializing in music and the visual and performing arts, Minaj participated in the drama program.^[15] She had initially planned to sing at LaGuardia but lost her voice on the day of the audition.^[15]

Career[link]

2007–09: Mixtapes and Young Money[link]

Minaj released her first mixtape in 2007 after releasing Playtime Is Over with Dirty Money Records. She released another mixtape on July 7, 2008, titled Sucka Free, under the label Be. On April 18, 2009, Minaj released a third mixtape and appeared in XXL magazine.^[17] She won the Female Artist of the Year award at the 2008 Underground Music Awards.^[18] Minaj released Beam Me Up Scotty, another mixtape, in April 2009 under the label of Trapaholics Records; it received positive coverage on both BET and MTV.^[19][20]

In August 2009, Minaj signed a record deal with Young Money Entertainment, with distribution from Universal Motown Records, after fellow American rapper Lil Wayne discovered her and secured the record deal.^[17][21] She then had a solo rap verse in their single "BedRock," which became a commercial success, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Minaj also appeared on "Roger That", which charted at number 56. The song, and in particular Minaj, received positive reviews from critics.^[22] Both songs were included in Young Money Entertainment's debut collaborative studio album We Are Young Money, which was released in December 2009. The album charted in the top ten on the Billboard 200, reaching number 9 and later receiving a Gold Certification by the RIAA. She was then chosen by Mariah Carey to be featured on her single and music video for "Up Out My Face". Critics praised her collaboration for helping to maintain Carey's feminine image and providing a polite track for the female R&B singer.^[23]

[edit] 2010–11: Pink Friday

Britney Spears and Minaj performing the Femme Fatale Remix of "Till the World Ends" in the Femme Fatale Tour.

After a major record label bidding war, Young Money Entertainment announced on August 31, 2009 that Minaj had been released from a 360 deal with the label in which she retains and owns all of her 360 rights – including merchandising, sponsorships, endorsements, touring and publishing.^[24] In an interview with 95.8 Capital FM, Rihanna stated that after the two collaborated on "Raining Men" from her album Loud that the duo would be teaming up together for a possible second collaboration on Minaj's Pink Friday.^[25] Hip-hop rap artist and producer Kanye West was also confirmed for the album.^[26] On August 3, 2010 Minaj revealed on a Ustream.tv channel that the album's name would be Pink Friday, in reference to Black Friday.^[27]

Pink Friday was released on November 19, 2010 in both standard and deluxe versions.^[28][29] A buzz single, "Massive Attack", was released in April.^[30] In August, Minaj released "Your Love" as the first official single from her debut album. The single peaked at 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, 7 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and topped the Rap Songs chart. Minaj became the first female artist to be included on MTV's Annual Hottest MC List^[6] and the first female artist to top the chart unaccompanied since 2002.^[31] In October 2010, Minaj became the first artist to have seven songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart simultaneously.^[4] Minaj released a joint single with The Black Eyed Peas front man, will.i.am titled, "Check It Out", which is Minaj's most successful single to date in Europe. "Right thru Me" was released September 24, 2010; the music video was released in late October. "Moment 4 Life" was released as the fourth single. The track featured Canadian rapper Drake and was released on December 7, 2010, becoming a success on the Billboard Hot 100. The single peaked at number 5 on the Hot Rap Songs.^[32] The album gained a Platinum certification in the United States a month after the release.^[3]

On January 29, 2011, Minaj appeared on Saturday Night Live as the musical guest, performing "Right Thru Me" and "Moment 4 Life". On February 9, 2011, it was announced that Pink Friday had reached number one on the Billboard 200 in its eleventh week on the chart.^[33] It was hinted by Simon Cowell that Minaj would join the judging panel of the American version of the The X Factor.^[34] Starting in June 2011, Minaj will be supporting Pink Friday by serving as an opening act along with Jessie and the Toy Boys and Nervo on Britney Spears' sixth concert tour, the Femme Fatale Tour, in support of her seventh studio album, Femme Fatale.^[35] She also was featured on the official remix of Spears' track "Till the World Ends" along with Spears and singer Kesha, which charted at number 3 in the US in April 2011.^[36] "Super Bass" was released from Pink Friday in May 2011, the single charted within the top 10 in many countries including; United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada and more.^[37] The song gained positive reviews from critics.^[38][39] Minaj will voice a character in the 3D animated film, Ice Age: Continental Drift, as an unknown character.^[40][41] Minaj is also featured on French DJ David Guetta's 2011 album, Nothing but the Beat on "Where Them Girls At" and "Turn Me On".

[edit] 2011–present: Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded

Minaj's second studio album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, was first announced through Twitter in November 2011 and was released on April 2, 2012 in the United Kingdom and April 3, 2012 in the United States. The album features collaborations with producers Hit-Boy, Dr. Luke, Rico Beats, Kenoe, RedOne and Oak. Cash Money A&R Joshua Berkman told HitQuarters that Minaj was extremely particular about the beats and music she used saying: "She wouldn't just rap or sing on anything – I could give her a thousand tracks and she may only like one or two."^[42] Preceding the album's release, three promotional singles were released: Roman in Moscow (which didn't make the final cut of the album), "Stupid Hoe," and "Roman Reloaded." The album's first single, "Starships", was released on February 14.^[43] "Starships" became Minaj's best-peaking single in the United Kingdom, when it reached a peak of 2. It has also peaked at number 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it her second top 10 arrival following, "Super Bass" in 2011. The music video was released on April 26th, 2012.^[44]

On February 12, 2012, Minaj debuted her song "Roman Holiday" at the 54th Grammy Awards. It was the first song ever performed on the Grammy stage by a solo female rapper.^[45] The exorcism-themed performance drew a mixed response online.^[46][47]

She was featured on Madonna's twelfth studio album, titled MDNA, alongside M.I.A. on its lead single "Give Me All Your Luvin'", for which a music video has been directed by Megaforce.^[48] The trio performed the song for the Super Bowl XLVI halftime show.^[49] She was also featured on a song called "I Don't Give A", another track from the album.

She released her second single, "Right by My Side", which features Chris Brown, on March 27, 2012, after premiering on Minaj's website on March 20, 2012.^[50] Following the album's release, it peaked at number 24 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart. It also peaked in the lower regions of the UK singles chart, at position #101. The third single, "Beez in the Trap", which features 2 Chainz was released to U.S. Urban radio on April 24, 2012. It was premiered on DJ Flex's radio show at Hot 97 on March 20, 2012. It has peaked at number 24 on the US Billboard Rap Songs Chart.^[51] The video was premiered on April 6, 2012 on Minaj's official VEVO account.^[52]

Artistry[link]

Minaj in 2011 during Femme Fatale Tour

Image[link]

Minaj has been noted by the media for her curvaceous figure.^{[53][54][55][56]} In an interview with Vibe Minaj discussed her sexual image stating, "[w]hen I grew up I saw females doing certain things, and I thought I had to do that exactly. The female rappers of my day spoke about sex a lot... and I thought that to have the success they got, I would have to represent the same thing. When in fact I didn’t have to represent the same thing."^[57] In an interview with Interview, Minaj commented on her sexual image again stating, "I made a conscious decision to try to tone down the sexiness, I want people—especially young girls—to know that in life, nothing is going to be based on sex appeal. You’ve got to have something else to go with that.”^[58] Minaj has a tattoo in Chinese characters that reads "上帝與你常在" (shàngdì yǔ nǐ cháng zài)^[59] on her left arm, meaning, "God is always with you."^[60]

Alter egos[link]

While growing up, Minaj's home life was often chaotic, with her parents constantly fighting.^[61] As a means of escape, she would create characters and live her life through them.^[61] In an interview with New York she stated, "To get away from all their fighting, I would imagine being a new person. 'Cookie' was my first identity – that stayed with me for a while. I went on to 'Harajuku Barbie,' then 'Nicki Minaj'. Fantasy was my reality."^[61]

On November 18, 2010, Minaj assumed a different alter-ego named "Nicki Teresa".^[62] Wearing a colorful scarf around her head, she went around as the "healer to her fans" as she visited them at The Garden of Dreams Foundation at Fuse studios in New York City.^[62] Minaj made an appearance on Lopez Tonight on December 6, 2010 and presented a different alter-ego for the Spanish-inspired occasion, named "Rosa" (pronounced Rrrrrosa).^[63]

In April 2012, Minaj was asked if Roman, Martha and Rosa come out in the bedroom saying “No, they don’t come out in the bedroom, but other people come out in the bedroom,” she told Big Boy during his “Backstage Breakfast,” adding, “And there’s only one person that would know who that personality is". Minaj did not name her alter-ego.^[64]

For her debut album, Minaj created another alter-ego named "Roman Zolanski".^[65] She stated that in songs like "Bottoms Up" with Trey Songz it is not Minaj rapping, but instead Roman Zolanski, and claims that Roman is her "twin brother". She claims that he was born inside her, out of rage, and becomes him when she is angry. She has also said 'He is a demon inside her'. Roman has been compared to Eminem's alter ego Slim Shady, and on the song "Roman's Revenge" from Pink Friday, Minaj and Eminem collaborate, using these alter egos.^[66] On the collaboration, she said "The new album is going to have a lot of Roman on it ... And if you're not familiar with Roman, then you will be familiar with him very soon. He’s the boy that lives inside of me. He's a lunatic and he's gay and he'll be on there a lot."^[67] Roman also has a "mother" called "Martha Zolanski",^[68] who also appeared on the song "Roman's Revenge", with a British accent,^[69] and on "Roman Holiday", singing for the first time.^[70][71] Martha appears in the video for "Moment 4 Life" where she appears to be Minaj's magical Godmother. In songs such as "All I Do Is Win (Remix)" it is Minaj rapping.^[65] Minaj stated that on her debut album, fans will get to "meet" Nicki, Roman and Onika.^[65]

Influences[link]

Minaj has stated that artists who have influenced her musical style include Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, Lil Wayne, Lauryn Hill, Jadakiss, Natasha Bedingfield, Foxy Brown, Lil' Kim and Missy Elliott.^[72][73] She was also inspired by Janet Jackson,^[74] Madonna, Britney Spears, Marilyn Monroe, Grace Jones,^[75] M.I.A. and Cyndi Lauper.^[76][77][78]

Product and endorsements[link]

During her career, Minaj has signed contracts with a variety of corporate interests. Companies she contracted with include soft drink manufacturer Pepsi;^[79] Mattel, which produced a custom a Nicki Minaj-themed Barbie;^[80] and MAC Cosmetics, as part of an AIDS-awareness campaign in Latin America.^[81]

Personal life[link]

Minaj is a Christian, and on Christmas Day in 2011, she indicated her faith in Jesus by tweeting John 3:16.^[82][83] In addition, she states that after her father went to rehab and started attending church, "he got saved and started changing his life."^[84] Minaj states that her heroes are "God. And my mother."^[85][86]

While some songs and interviews have implied that Minaj is bisexual,^[87][88] she has said that she does not date nor have sex with women,^[15] but added in an interview with Out magazine, "I don’t date men either."^[89] In an interview with Vibe she commented, "I just embrace all people of all lifestyles and I don’t tell them they are bad people. And I say girls are beautiful and girls are sexy and they need to be told that, and if they don’t have anyone to tell them that and mean it, I’m gonna tell them that. But I feel like people always wanna define me and I don’t wanna be defined."^[90] She reiterated her dislike of being labeled in an interview with Out, saying: "The point is, everyone is not black and white. There are so many shades in the middle, and you’ve got to let people feel comfortable with saying what they want to say when they want to say it."^[89]

During an interview in the May 2010 issue of Details, Minaj was asked if she felt hip-hop was becoming more gay-friendly. She responded, "I think the world is getting more gay-friendly, so hip-hop is too. But it's harder to imagine an openly gay male rapper being embraced, people view gay men as having no street credibility. But I think we'll see one in my lifetime."^[88]

In July 2011, Minaj's cousin Nicholas Telemaque was murdered near his home in Brooklyn, New York City.^[91] Telemaque was referenced in Minaj's song "Champion" in her second studio album.^[92]

Discography[link]

• Pink Friday (2010)
• Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012)

Touring[link]

• Pink Friday Tour (2012)

See also[link]

Nicki Minaj portal

• List of awards and nominations received by Nicki Minaj

References[link]

Notes[link]

External links[link]

	Book: Nicki Minaj
Wikipedia books are collections of articles that can be downloaded or ordered in print.

• Official website
• Nicki Minaj at the Internet Movie Database
• Media related to Nicki Minaj at Wikimedia Commons

Terrence J
Official photograph of Terrence J
Background information
Birth name	Terrence Jenkins
Born	(1982-04-21) April 21, 1982 (age 30)
Origin	Queens, New York, United States
Occupations	Television personality, Host, Sean John model, Actor
Years active	2006–present
Labels	Black Entertainment Television
Associated acts	106 & Park, Rocsi
Website	http://www.twitter.com/terrencej106
Notable instruments
Vocals

Terrence Jenkins (born April 21, 1982), better known as Terrence J, is an actor and television personality most famous for being the host of BET's popular music video countdown show 106 & Park, which, at the time, was BET's number-one-rated show for African Americans.^[1] The Game became BET's number-one-rated show in season 4, the same season in which he played a recurring role.

Early life[link]

Originally from Queens, New York, Terrence J grew up mostly in Raleigh and Rocky Mount, North Carolina.^[2] He attended Northern Nash High in Rocky Mount. During this time Terrence worked at WRSV Soul 92.1 as a DJ until he graduated from high school. He spent his college years at North Carolina A&T State University;^[3] he also lived in Greensboro. During his tenure at North Carolina A&T State University, he served as Student Government Association President and as a DJ for North Carolina A&T's radio station WNAA-FM. He also worked as a DJ at local radio stations, WJMH-FM and 102 Jamz in Greensboro.^[2]

Terrence J is a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity^[3] and was initiated in spring 2004 to the Bloody Mu Psi Chapter at North Carolina A&T State University His love life including his former girlfriend Gabriella Matthews.

Career[link]

After graduating from North Carolina A&T State University in 2004 with a degree in mass communication,^[2] Terrence worked in the diversity office of a sports company in Daytona Beach, Florida. His brother Fred Whitaker phoned to tell him about BET's search for new hosts of 106 & Park. Terrence took all his savings and flew to New York to audition in late 2005. Unhappy with his first audition, he rented a car and drove to Atlanta to attend auditions, where he was successful.^[3] He has now started his acting career.

He starred in the sequel to the 2007 film Stomp the Yard, Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming, and appeared in the Christina Aguilera and Cher movie Burlesque as Dave the D.J. He has also starred in the fourth season of the show The Game. He has also played in The Heart Specialist with [[Marla Gi

Terrence J is starring in Steve Harvey's movie "Think Like A Man", a Sony Pictures Future Film.

[edit] BET's 106 & Park

Terrence J is the co-host of BET’s 106 and Park which can be seen in over 85 million homes in the U.S., Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, Africa and the Caribbean.^[3] For the debut in Japan, he and co-host Rocsi taped footage there, and appeared on MTV Video Music Awards Japan.^[4] Due to the success of the show, 106 & Park premiered in Germany and South Africa 106 & Park is BET's highest-rated music series of all time and has quickly become the leading music video countdown show on television, holding the number-one slot among African American households.

[edit] 106 & Park Weekend Countdown radio show

In 2005, he began co-hosting BET’s nationally syndicated radio show 106 & Park Weekend Countdown, which airs in over 60 markets, in New York and different cities.

Jenkins Entertainment Group[link]

Terrence J is the co-founder of Jenkins Entertainment Group, a company that specializes in hosting, consulting and formulating marketing plans.

Other credits[link]

Terrence J has a recurring role on the debut of the E! network's television series: "Kourtney and Khloé Take Miami", a spin-off series of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" featuring Kourtney and Khloé Kardashian. He co-hosts the radio show Khloé After Dark with Khloé on Y100.

In 2011, he began a recurring role as Danté Young (the younger boyfriend of Tasha Mack) BET comedy-drama television series The Game. In 2011, Terrence revealed that he will be in the remake of Sparkle and also in Battle of the Year.

Involvements[link]

[edit] McDonald's African American Future Achievers Scholarship Campaign

Chosen by McDonald's to be the ambassador of the African American Future Achievers Scholarship Campaign, Terrence J will travel to 10 schools in the New York tri-state area, promoting the importance of education. Each visit will conclude with a ceremony in honor of the scholarship recipients. The corporation has awarded more than $29 million to help high school students attend college. and also was later found that he is host for MTV.

Boost Mobile "Stomping on the Yard"[link]

Terrence J has also been appointed the title of Host/MC for the Boost Mobile Stomping on the Yard National Step Show Tour. This event is billed as a celebration of leadership, scholarship, and showmanship. Greek fraternities and sororities nationwide make appearances. This competition inspired the box office hit Stomp the Yard and also boasts its own ESPN special.

Sean John clothing line 2008[link]

Terrence J was involved with different Sean John clothing lines.

References[link]

Burlesque (2010)

External links[link]

• "Terrence J finds success as co-host of BET's 106th and Park". Black Press Magazine. http://www.blackpress.org/terrencej.htm. Retrieved 2008-08-02. 
• "BET happy with new co-hosts Rocsi and Terrence J". Black Press Magazine. http://www.blackpress.org/106park.htm. Retrieved 2008-08-02. 

Young Buck
Young Buck departs from LAX in 2010.
Background information
Born	(1981-03-15) March 15, 1981 (age 31) Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Genres	Hip hop
Occupations	Rapper, songwriter, actor, producer
Years active	1995–present
Labels	Cash Money (1995-2000) UTP (2000-2003) G-Unit (2003-present) Ca$hville (2005-present)
Associated acts	Drumma Boy, Outlawz, C-Bo, 8Ball & MJG, 2 Chainz, All Star, DJ Paul, Juicy J, Triple C's, Savion Saddam, Charlie P
Website	therealyoungbuck.com

David Darnell Brown (born March 15, 1981^[1]), also known as Young Buck, is an American Southern rapper. Buck is a former member of the New York City hip hop group G-Unit and is still signed to G-Unit Records. He currently resides as president of his own record label, Ca$hville Records.

Early life[link]

Around the age of twelve he was making rap songs and rolling up blunts with dean mclees and kyle stewart . he was mostly found around the spruce way area , Brown began rapping because he was inspired by a Miami friend named Clay Cole. Jealous of his friend's talent, he wanted to beat him no matter what he had to give up. At the same time Clay Cole moved to Tallahassee, Fla., Brown began recording in a real studio. Shortly thereafter, he was given an opportunity to perform for Brian "Baby" Williams, co-founder of Cash Money Records. After several years on and off of Cash Money Records, Brown and fellow rapper Juvenile decided to leave the label for good in 2000^[2] and go to UTP Records, where Brown stayed until 2003.^[3] One of his early appearances was on the song "Memphis," where he was featured along with Three 6 Mafia, Project Pat, and other southern rappers. His deal with UTP later led to a meeting with New York rapper 50 Cent, who later signed him to G-Unit Records, under Interscope Records.

Before his journey into the music industry Young Buck was a known hustler/drug dealer in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. His choices nearly cost him his life. While sleeping in his house one night in ____, armed robbers smashed their way inside. During the ensuing gun battle Young Buck was hit several times, but, instead of making his way to the hospital, the rapper and an armed associate drove around the streets searching for the assailants. The track 'Till I'm Dead and Gone' is a narrative from Young Buck on the incident.

On Saturday February 25, Young Buck and his entourage caused a disturbance at Cafe Coco in Nashville. According to eyewitnesses, Buck lashed out at the baristas by knocking cups and other items off the counter after they refused to allow him to the front of the line. Buck and his associates ran off before police could respond.

Music career[link]

Cash Money Records[link]

Young Buck would get his first major deal with dave mathewson atdaves records in 1995 when he was given an opportunity to perform to Brian "Baby" Williams, co-founder of Cash Money. Buck Soon after would tour with dean mclees and kyle stewart along with dave mathewson on the road and do several shows together. After several years on and off of Cash Money Records, David Brown and fellow rapper Juvenile decided to leave the label for good in 2000^[2] were he would join Juvenile's record label UTP Records and the rap group UTP Playas.

In late 2011 it was rumoured that Young Buck was close to resigning with Cash Money again but the deal crumbled when the Judge in Bucks bankruptcy case decided to switch the Nashville rappers case from a reorganization to a liquidation was frustrating the multi-platinum rapper's attempts to sign with Cash Money Records and end a contract dispute with G-Unit Records that has stifled his career since 2008. Judge George C. Paine II signed an order converting the case from Chapter 11 reorganization to Chapter 7 liquidation on Wednesday December 21, 2011 and Buck, whose real name is David Darnell Brown, stood to lose more than his shirt. The trustee administering his estate has said she plans to sell the trademarked "Young Buck" moniker itself along with other assets.^[4] However on January 9, 2012 Cash Money Records CEO Birdman stepped forward to address the rumors and speculation suggesting Memphis rapper Young Buck and West Coast hip-hop artist Lil B are on the verge of joining his team. While he admits both artists have his respect, Birdman said there is no truth to the speculation stating "Both of them is two of the little homies I have the utmost respect for," he said.^[5] " I don't know Lil B's situation. I don't know Buck's situation. I'm friends to both of them. If the opportunity ever came, I would love to work with both of them. I know Buck is in a situation. I got love and respect for both of them, but they never came across the menu yet -- I spoke with Buck a few times, he's been a friend of the family. But it ain't came to none of that."^[6]

UTP Records[link]

After leaving Cash Money in 2000, Young Buck joined UTP Records and the rap group UTP Playas. His deal with UTP later led to a meeting with New York rapper 50 Cent who later signed Buck to G-Unit Records, under Interscope Records. Buck would release 2 albums Born To Be A Thug & The Compilation with UTP before leaving the label and rap group in 2003 to join 50 Cent's record label G-Unit Records and the rap group G-Unit.^[7]

G-Unit Records[link]

After leaving UTP Records in 2003 Young Buck would link up with up and coming rap titan 50 Cent who was already making waves with his outfit G-Unit. Looking to broaden his empire 50 Cent was quick to sign Young Buck to his G-Unit imprint and also welcome his as one of the newest members of the rap group G-Unit.

Young Buck would first begin his career with G-Unit Records in 2003 when the rap group G-Unit released their first debut album Beg for Mercy. As the album was recorded, Tony Yayo was sentenced to jail on charges of gun possession, and so makes only two appearances on the entire record, on the tracks "Groupie Love" and "I Smell Pussy". His image is seen on the brick wall of the album cover because he could not be photographed due to the jail sentence. At the time of the album's release The Game was put in G-Unit therefore he is not photographed nor does he make an appearance on the album, he does however make cameos in the videos for Stunt 101, Wanna Get To Know You & Poppin' Them Thangs. He was also mentioned in Poppin' Them Thangs when Young Buck states "You ain't no Crip like Snoop you ain't no Blood like Game". In its first week of sales, Beg for Mercy sold 377,000 copies. It placed third, behind Tupac Shakur's eighth posthumous release, Tupac: Resurrection, which moved 430,000 albums, and Jay-Z's The Black Album, which sold 463,263 copies.^[8] It sold 327,000 copies in its second week to peak at number 2 on the Billboard 200,^[9] and 193,000 in its third week.^[10] It has now sold 2.7 million units in the U.S.^[11] and over 6 million copies worldwide.^[12][13] It has been certified 2× platinum by the RIAA.^[14]

On August 24, 2004 Young Buck would release his G-Unit Records debut album Straight Outta Cashville, The album's title alludes to the N.W.A. album Straight Outta Compton and is a neologism for Nashville (his hometown). The singles from this album include "Let Me In", "Shorty Wanna Ride", and "Look at Me Now". It features a lot of rappers outside of G-Unit such as Lil' Flip, David Banner, D-Tay, Ludacris, Game, Stat Quo and production from Lil Jon, Kon Artis, and more. The album received very little promotion after November because of the VIBE award incident, after which Young Buck was arrested for assault. Though the case was dropped it had been four months since Young Buck himself had promoted the album. The album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 with about 261,000 copies sold, in the first week, and has since been certified Platinum by the RIAA.^[15]

Following his debut album Buck would join forces with the rest of the G-Unit roster at the time to release a collaboration album Get Rich or Die Tryin' in 2005, soon after Bucks second album Buck The World in 2007 would follow. Before the departure of Young Buck the highly publicised feud between G Unit and their former west coast counterpart Game (rapper) had split the fanbase of the outfit in two with many fans taking sides with the Compton native. As the feud between G Unit and Young Buck was simmering behind the scenes 50 Cent released a phone call he had taped between him and Young Buck in which an emotional Buck was heard crying and asking 50 Cent for help and advice. Buck would take this personal and release several tracks towards 50 Cent and G-Unit. Buck is still signed and legally obligated to release a studio album via G-Unit Records.

Solo career[link]

After Young Buck was dismissed from the group for multiple reasons, He released numerous tracks attacking not only the group, but their associates and, more specifically, group leader 50 Cent. 50 Cent and G-Unit also responded with many tracks, including one particular instance in which 50 Cent released a phone call he had recorded with Young Buck, which featured the Tennessee native weeping and apologizing for numerous things.^[16] After this happened, Young Buck responded, stating that the call was a fake, that happened one year prior to its release, and claimed that only police record phone calls.^[17]

After a lengthy battle between Young Buck and his former G-Unit comrades, the feud seemed to settle down, with Young Buck stating that he owed one more album for G-Unit Records which would be released in 2009, then titled The Rehab.^[18] In other interviews, he's stated that he does not have a problem with 50 Cent or G-Unit anymore, but is currently doing his "own thing". He also stated that although he's still signed to G-Unit Records, he's trying to get out of the contract, and he's no longer signed to Interscope.^[19][20]

On September 13, 2010 an interview with Shade 45 radio host Angela Yee, 50 Cent stated that Young Buck is still signed to G-Unit Records.^[21]

Personal life[link]

Financial problems[link]

Brown filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection in August 2010,^[22] shortly after an IRS raid on his home. His bankruptcy lawyer later told The City Paper that he was planning to sue Curtis Jackson (50 Cent) and other parties over the record contract dispute.^[23]

The IRS made plans to auction off Young Buck's seized property on October 28, 2010,^[24] but his legal counsel filed suit to halt the sale, while simultaneously re-filing a revised bankruptcy petition that no longer referenced a $5 million legal claim against 50 Cent and other parties associated with G Unit.^[25]

In the lawsuit, viewable at this link, Young Buck said the studio equipment taken in the raid was "directly tied to" his "ability to generate income in order to reorganize the estate." He stated that the seizure of property that belonged to his children had "created great stress in the home" and "within the common law marriage of the debtor plaintiff." He told the court he needed to get back the property belonging to the family.

Young Buck's attorney was able to convince the court that he would be selling real estate worth $638,500 to begin paying the back taxes due. At a hearing on October 26, 2010, plans for the IRS auction were at least temporarily stopped. Young Buck announced the outcome with a Tweet:

Young Buck was under Chapter 7, Young Buck’s assets were to be sold and distributed among his creditors.^[26]

Drive-by shooting[link]

Early Sunday morning on March 4, 2012, Young Buck was targeted in a drive-by shooting. According to Nashville police, via WSMV-TV Channel 4, at approximately 3:30 am, a white Chevrolet Tahoe crept past the rapper's SUV and opened fire, hitting the vehicle 11 times. Miraculously, Buck, who was back in his hometown to work on new music, wasn't injured. But his girlfriend, Kenyetta Rainey, was hit once on the shoulder. Rainey was treated at Vanderbilt Hospital and has since been released. In the moments leading up to the shooting, Buck, born David Brown, and his girlfriend were involved in a heated argument with others at La Bamba Nightclub in South Nashville. Police said all parties involved in the argument left the club at the same time.^[27]

After a couple of days of silence, Buck took to his Twitter to address the situation. “We all go through things in life,” the former G-Unit star tweeted. “The things I’m experiencing are Truly making me a Better and Stronger man. #GodisGood.”^[28][29]

Legal issues[link]

Young Buck started his rap career with a ton of promise, but his legal problems thwarted that potential and his woes continue to mount. According to reports, the former G-Unit MC is looking at an 18-month prison stint for gun possession. The Tennessee rap star has agreed to a plea deal with Nashville prosecutors that will land him behind bars for a year and half, TMZ reported on Tuesday (May 22).^[30] A judge signed off on the plea, but Buck won't be sentenced formally until July 13, 2012.

After an IRS raid on Buck's Nashville home in 2010, authorities found a .40 caliber Glock 22 as well as ammunition. The raid followed reports that the rapper had an outstanding $300,000 tax debt, and because he's a convicted felon, Buck is prohibited from possessing any firearms. Back in 2005, he pleaded no contest to assault with a chance to produce bodily injury after he stabbed a man while trying to defend Dr. Dre at the 2004 Vibe Awards.^[31]

Controversy[link]

VIBE Awards incident[link]

On November 15, 2004, Jimmy James Johnson approached Dr. Dre at the VIBE Awards and reportedly asked for an autograph before Dr. Dre was about to go on stage. After Dr. Dre declined, Johnson punched him in the back of the head before running towards the nearest exit. A brawl ensued with several uniformed police officers attempting to break up the fight. Chairs were thrown, and it was alleged that Young Buck stabbed Johnson in the chest with a knife.^[32] After video evidence was uncovered from the awards ceremony, the Santa Monica Police Department issued an arrest warrant for him.^[33] In a preliminary hearing, it was ruled that there was enough evidence to proceed with a jury trial. However, in December 2005, a deal was reportedly struck that would see Young Buck avoid trial.^[34]

The Game[link]

After The Game was kicked out of G-Unit for being disloyal, Young Buck as well as new West Coast G-Unit act rapper Spider Loc who had signed to G-Unit Records in September 2004, called him to task for dissing the group and label. The Game then released a track entitled "240 Bars" which insulted both Spider Loc and Young Buck. Young Buck then released a track called "The Real Bitch Boy", which featured Spider Loc and used a beat from The Game's track, "Where I'm from". In the song, Young Buck talks about how he did not even know The Game when he mentions The Game's name on "Poppin' Them Thangs". Also, Young Buck talks about The Game being a male stripper and also how 50 Cent helped The Game to be successful with his album The Documentary.

The feud has continued to escalate, with there being an exchange of many tracks. In February 2007, The Game and Young Buck got into a non-physical altercation at a club, during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas. The last time that they were seen together was when The Game was part of G-Unit.^[35]

After being dismissed from G-Unit, Young Buck appeared on a remix to The Game's song Game's Pain,^[36] as well as appearing in the music video to the song My Life, which featured another former rival, Lil Wayne.^[37] A mixtape by The Game and Young Buck was also confirmed,^[38] called "Worth More Than 50 Cents".

Lil Wayne[link]

Young Buck released a song featuring Tony Yayo called "Off Parole" which insulted Lil Wayne. Young Buck said that Lil Wayne could not be angry, because Young Buck spoke the truth. Young Buck also said "You think you got a problem with Juve and B.G.; you'll have a true problem with me", referring to the Cash Money-Juvenile/B.G feud.^[39][40]

One of the reasons 50 Cent stated he was dismissing Young Buck was what he called "inconsistent behavior" which included appearing on stage with Lil Wayne, then seemingly dissing him on records with G-Unit.^[17] After he was dismissed, Young Buck appeared in the music video "My Life" by The Game, which featured Lil Wayne in the vocals.^[37]

As of 2009 Buck and Wayne have squashed their beef and also linked up to record a track "Up's and Down's" for Young Buck's Back On My Buck Shit mixtape.

DJ Khaled[link]

During an interview on Rap City, DJ Khaled was asked to choose three classics out of a total of eight albums. He chose every album except Get Rich or Die Tryin'. DJ Khaled stated:

I'm all about unity, but if you're not down with unity, I can't help you with that.^{[citation needed]}

In response, Young Buck released a track entitled "Personal (Unity)" towards DJ Khaled and Terror Squad. In the song, Young Buck refers to many people on DJ Khaled's second album, We the Best.

During a "TRL" show which 50 Cent was hosting on September 12, 2007 Young Buck repeatedly mocked DJ Khaled by repeatedly shouting "50 we the best. Listennn!" in reference to DJ Khaled’s behaviour, which he exhibited on the same show previously.^[41]

Two days later on the same show, 50 Cent was offered the choice of listening to one of his rivals say something about him in a clip from Rap City. He had the choice of Fat Joe, DJ Khaled, Ja Rule, and The Game, and chose Khaled's clip, in which Khaled said he did not consider Get Rich or Die Tryin' a classic.

Young Buck later addressed the issue on the mixtape G-Unit Radio Part 25-Sabrina's Baby Boy. He insults DJ Khaled on multiple tracks.^[42]

50 Cent[link]

After numerous rumors of a "beef" within G-Unit, 50 Cent officially dismissed Young Buck from the group, in 2008. He later assured that he was still signed with the label.^[43] Numerous slander songs then arose on the internet from both camps, with Young Buck appearing in a music video of former rival The Game.^[44][45]

50 Cent then leaked a taped phone conversation between himself and Young Buck, which showed one of the true reasons for the falling out; 50 Cent was owed money by the Southern rapper. Young Buck later stated the conversation took place over a year before the leak.^[46] The two camps have since released a multitude of songs against each other, with the feud settling down by 2009, although on Buck's album The Rehab, he disses 50 on a track titled "Hood Documentary".^[18]

In April 2012, after being ousted from the crew back in 2008, Young Buck has entered talks to work with the label. Days after indicating that he would be open to re-teaming with his old crew at G-Unit Records, Young Buck now confirms that he has begun negotiations with the label about making his return. Buck provided the update in a recent interview stating "I'ma be honest with you," he said, "Finally we're at a point where we're having some kind of negotiations with what they're going to be able to do for us at G-Unit."^[47] The Nashville, Tennessee native said he was ready to make his return to music, whether as a part of G-Unit or not. "Y’all are gonna be hearing from me," he said. "I don't want to put a timing on it, but the wait is absolutely over, and we're just trying to figure out what's the best situation for us, where I'm gonna go." Buck stated in an interview after a concert in California April 4, 2012. Young Buck's last album was the 2010 independent release The Rehab. It’s been a rough go for Buck since he was expelled from 50’s crew in 2008, he has run into financial troubles and he recently escaped an attempted drive-by shooting in his hometown. ^[48][49]

Albums[link]

Debut album[link]

After being with G-Unit for a little over a year, Young Buck released his debut album, Straight Outta Cashville, a portmanteau reflecting the name of Young Buck's home city, Nashville, Tennessee.

Straight Outta Cashville has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America^[15] with over 1.1 million sales in the U.S.^[50] and 2.3 million Worldwide.^[51][52]

Second album[link]

Young Buck's second album, Buck the World was released worldwide on March 27, 2007.

Buck the World debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with sales of 141,083 in the first week.^[53]

Third album[link]

The Rehab was released on September 7, 2010. It was a street album, not his official 3rd studio album, released on Real Talk Ent. Buck had made an earlier claim in which he said that The Rehab will sell a million copies in his first week, but at the time, he was still signed to G-Unit/Interscope Records.^[54]

The Rehab sold 6,400 in its first week.^[55]

Fourth album[link]

Ghetto Inspiration is set to be released in late 2012. It would be his first official album since 2007 & third studio album. On April 4, 2012, an interview was released stating that Young Buck may be working things out with G-Unit. Although it is not confirmed whether he is referring to the group or the label, but based on comments by both Buck and 50 the latter is more likely.

Discography[link]

Filmography[link]

Awards and nominations[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Young Buck

• Official website
• Young Buck at Allmusic
• Young Buck interview Hustler Magazine
• Young Buck - Nothing for you - lyrics