Melanie Fiona Writes Open Letter to Lauryn Hill

Singer shares heartfelt gratitude for L-Boogie.

Music Matters artist Melanie Fiona wrote a heartfelt open letter to Lauryn Hill after attending a moving performance Tuesday night (May 14) at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, where Hill, backed by a ten-piece band, delivered classics from her catalogue following an hour-long DJ set from Q-Tip.
"I have had many blessed, spiritual, and unforgettable moments in my life... But none more inspiring and life altering than last night. For those of you have ever listened to my music as a full body of work, heard any of my interviews, or have been to any of my live shows... Knows, that Lauryn Hill is a driving force of inspiration in everything I do. There would be no first audition for me if couldn't sing her version of "his eye is on the sparrow," she posted to her Instagram along with a photo of her with L-Boogie captured after the show.
Citing why Hill is such an inspiration, Fiona continued, "There wouldn't be the artist you see today who isn't afraid to bare her soul about life and love. And last night, I got to tell her that. After seeing her murder the stage...I personally got to express my teary eyed gratitude. A REAL dream come true for me. Lauryn Hill is the true essence of artistry that I aspire to represent... One who can break barriers, colour lines, industry standards, and ignorant minds... All while making amazing heartfelt educated music."
Fiona concluded with more gratitude directed toward L-Boogie. "Thank You #LaurynHill... You are singlehandedly, hands down, the greatest to ever do it ALL... Triple Threat... And to inspire a musical generation so starved that we still anticipate any and everything that you will do in the future. With Love, Respect, Support and Gratitude, MF xo."
Hill's other recent performances had been critical fodder as the industry and fans grapple with the noticeable chasm caused since her last album, 2002's MTV Unplugged No. 2.0, and the controversy surrounding her tax evasion jail sentence (about which she wrote her own open letter).
She announced earlier this month that she has a label deal with Sony and is readying new music.

Kendrick Lamar, Tamar Braxton Announce 2013 BET Awards Nominees

Chris Tucker to host, Chris Brown and R. Kelly confirmed to perform.

By Evelyn Diaz

Posted: 05/15/2013 08:45 AM EDT

Filed Under Chris Tucker, Celebrity News, Kendrick Lamar, BET Awards, Tamar Braxton

The temperature may have been over 100 degrees in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday morning, but it was nothing compared to the heat coming to the BET Awards '13.
Kendrick Lamar and Tamar Braxton woke up early to announce the nominees. Drake leads the pack with 12 nods (including Best Male Hip Hop Artist and Video of the Year), followed by K. Dot and 2 Chainz with eight nominations apiece. Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake snagged four nominations each, and Braxton herself is up for Best Female R&B Artist and the Centric award for her single "Love and War."
After the nominees were announced, BET Director of Music Programming & Specials Stephen Hill introduced this year's host, Chris Tucker, along with Chris Brown, who is confirmed to perform. Legendary hit maker Charlie Wilson also joined the group. The singer will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
"I'm excited to be nominated for my first BET Award," said Lamar. "I'm still fairly new at all this, so an award of any caliber means a lot to me."
"The theme of the show is 'anything can happen,'" added Tucker, who had the crowd erupting in laughter with his impression of Chris Brown. "We're gonna have a great time on June 30."
BET executive Hill explained the reason behind this year's unprecedented BET Experience three-day event. "We just wanted to make official something that has been organic," he said. "For many years I've been hearing people talking about coming out to L.A. for the BET weekend, even if they weren't going to the awards show. So we just brought it all together."
"I don't want to give away too much, but I'm definitely gonna be doing something new and original," teased Brown when asked what audiences can expect from his performance this year. It will be his sixth time hitting the stage at the BET Awards. "I'm not so much into theatrics, but it's all about giving the fans what they want."
Though he wouldn't give away any more details about his performance, Breezy did reveal that his top-secret collabo for his new album, X, due out this summer, is none other than the late R&B siren Aaliyah. Brown will be sampling her never-before-heard vocals for his track "They Don't Know."
Breezy also gave deets about the video for the track, shot in Kendrick Lamar's old 'hood, Compton, California. "I shot it in the 'hood," Brown told reporters. "I went to 60th Street and Cedar Block. [I'm] bringing both worlds together and trying to uplift the poverty side of the community and show them where I'm from. I'm from Virginia, but everybody comes from a broken home or being broke. I remember when I was."
For a complete list of nominees, click here. Tune in to the BET Awards '13 on Sunday, June 30.

Jaden Smith Seeks Emancipation From Parents

Will Smith's 14-year-old wants to have his own place.

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith's children really are growing up before our eyes!

Jaden Smith, the A-list couple's 14-year-old son, is seeking emancipation from his parents, Will confirms. He tells British newspaper The Sun, "I know if we do this, he can be an emancipated minor." The After Earth star adds, "because he really wants to have his own place."

The blockbuster actor seems to be taking Jaden's request in stride, but admits, "That's the backlash. On the other side, if kids just want to have command of their lives, I understand."

Will and Jada have said that they prefer to treat their children as individuals and not impose harsh rules or strict discipline on them. Jada even recently penned an open letter on Facebook talking about having a blended family, which includes Will's ex, Sheree Fletcher, and their son, Trey.

Despite his desire to live apart, Jaden is still happy to share the screen with his old man. Father and son star in After Earth, hitting theaters on May 31.