Erykah Badu’s “Window Seat” Video– Filmed with one take at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, the controversial video showed Erykah Badu disrobing while walking through a crowd. Near the close of the video, when the singer is actually nude, Badu falls as if she’s been struck down by an assassin’s bullet in the same spot where President John F. Kennedy was killed. Badu was charged with disorderly conduct and created a significant buzz for her album New Amerykah 2.
T.I. and Lil Wayne Burdened by Prison Stints– T.I. and Lil Wayne spent most of 2010 behind prison bars. After serving a one year sentence for violating parole on weapon charges, T.I. was released from prison in March. In the same month, Lil Wayne began serving a one year prison sentence at Rikers Island. While incarcerated, Lil Wayne released two albums (Rebirth and I Am Not A Human Being) and remained relevant due to the success of Young Money artists Drake and Nicki Minaj. Once released, T.I. began working on his new album and promoting the film Takers; however,Tip was sent back to prison in November for violating his parole after a drug arrest. Lil Wayne was released from prison days after T.I. turned himself in.
The Emergence of Nicki Minaj– After signing with Lil Wayne’s Young Money imprint, Nicki Minaj found ways to build a following and make the industry pay attention to her every move. Known for her outlandish style and voluptuous figure, Nicki Minaj was able to shed criticism from veteran rapper Lil Kim to sell 376,000 albums in the first week of its release. Hopefully, her success will open the doors for other female rappers to be given a chance with major record deals.
Chris Brown’s Emotional Performance on the BET Awards-With his career in jeopardy after his domestic violence incident with Rihanna, Chris Brown redeemed himself by putting on a memorable performance at the BET Awards. After covering several Michael Jackson hits, Brown broke into tears while singing “Man in the Mirror.”
Willow Smith Keeps Success in the Family– The progeny of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow became the latest member of the Smith clan to make a splash in the entertainment industry. The 9 year-old scored one of the year’s biggest hits with “Whip My Hair.” Willow has since signed with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.
