Rod 2.0:Beta

Baby Boy is All Grown Up

· R&B singer-model-actor Tyrese will add "rapper" to his resume. The platinum album-selling star of Baby Boy and Annapolis tells AOL/BV columnist Jawn Murray that he is "done with movies for now" and will pursue hip-hop full-time. Why rap? "R&B singers are unemployed because rappers are singing their own hooks."

· Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton rips Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld a new one during one of his rare trips to Capitol Hill. After being grilled over his "failed policy" in Iraq, Rummy claimed,that he has "never painted a rosy picture" about the war. Sen. Clinton said Rumsfeld has "lost credibility"  and called for his resignation.

·  The United States Tennis Association bypasses millions of dollars in annual corporate sponsorship to name the National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows after Billie Jean King.

· The 2006 Gay Games drew more than 140,000 attendees to Chicago, beating estimates by 40%.

·  Poll: The so-called "culture wars" over issues like gay marriage and gay adoption may be overblown.

· The fashionisti at Dolce & Gabanna now encourage us to buy shoes? jeans? with this promo reminiscent of that infamous faux Puma campaign, only "sans bodily fluids and it's gay-themed"

Catching Up with ... Fred Smith

Frederick Smith's first novel was last summer's Down for Whatever. The Los Angeles-based writer is polishing his sophomore effort, Right Side of the Wrong Bed, but took time to share his summer book list and favorite beats with Rod 2.0. Turns out that we're both fans of that iconic Philly International sound.

On the Bookshelf: "I'm working on I Wish I Had a Red Dress and Baby Brother's Blues, both are by Pearl Cleage. I'm really digging her writing, and, the concern for social justice that her characters have. Also picked up two L.A.-based mysteries: Prisoner of Memory by Denise Hamilton and Strange Bedfellows by Paula L. Woods.

On the iPod:  I've been buying a ton of iTunes music that reminds me of my parents and growing up. Just added Lou Rawls' Lady Love and You'll Never Find," Patrice Rushen's Haven't You Heard? and Teddy Pendergrass' I Don't Love You Anymore. I guess that's just late 70s soul that I'm digging and listening to."

Down for Whatever (Rod 2.0 Review)

Down for Whatever (Amazon)

Simply Fred Smith (Blog)

Previously:

Catching Up with Lee Hayes (Rod 2.0)

The O in Review

Here's an interesting news item to chew over the weekend: Oprah has announced that former New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey will appear on the show during the new fall season. According to the wire copy, the appearance will be scheduled around the same time as the expected release of The Confession, "McGreevey's tell-all book about his struggles as a closeted homosexual and his emergence as the nation's first openly gay governor."

Just as a point of reference, McGreevey was forced into coming out of the closet due to a pending sexual harassment lawsuit regarding an extra-marital affair with a male aide. Sure, nowadays McGreevey and his current partner attend functions together as a couple but let's keep the past in perspective. So that begs the question, How will the Queen of Talk treat the former governor?

There seems to be some debate over whether McGreevey will be afforded "star treatment" versus being crucified a la James Frey. Let's hope that the "gay American" will be given a little more compassion than was afforded to Jonathan Plummer, who was caught in similar circumstances.

The McGreevey booking was just the latest in a very good week for the O:

The Tony Nominations. Oprah Winfrey's musical version of The Color Purple racked up eleven Tony nominations, tying the lead for second place. Gabriel at Modern Fabulosity correctly guessed most of the nominations—what? no Julia Roberts??—so head over there, wish him a Happy Birthday and check in with his predictions of the winners.

We Interrupt This Program. On Monday evening, President Bush's nationally televised address interrupted prime time programming. Oprah's Legends Ball was pushed back one week, causing many gays to cry foul.

"I Got Fiddy on My iPod" That's what the O told Power 105's Ed Lover when she dropped by for a surprise visit. The appearance was designed to deflect comments by Ludacris and 50 Cent that the talk show queen is hostile to hip-hop and caters to white suburbia. Au contraire, O has not lost her commitment to the community. In fact, she says her explanation to Ludacris was over the use of the "N-word" in rap, and, setting goals and expectations for oneself. Novaslim calls Oprah to task over the whole affair and his comments thread has become rather lively.

We lean toward J. Brotherlove's take—that Oprah's position "had less to do with responsibility and more to do with integrity." Singers and performers should own their lyrics and not discount them as mere showmanship.

Just last week, J.  essayed the politically loaded word in a review of Randall Kennedy's latest book, Nigger: "The truth is, I speak differently depending on the audience and situation." Agreed. In the past, some have taken issue with our honesty on that issue, but, there is a major difference between casual conversation among friends and music lyrics for the masses. Or, when gay sitcom characters repeatedly call each other "bitch" or "hoe." Oprah's commentary was spot-on.

And the Answer Is ...

Roland Gift, former lead singer of Fine Young Cannibals, is the correct answer for the Red Hot + Blue giveaway. Does anyone remember his role in Sammy and Rosie Get Laid? That was hot.

There was only one special edition DVD/CD for giveaway. It went to James in Honolulu. Thanks for the two dozen (mostly incorrect) responses, which ranged from Chris Isaak to MC Hammer (wtf?). Look for another giveaway soon.

· California now tracks HIV cases by name.

· One of Zimbabwe's former top radio and television personalities has come out. Kelvin Ncube says he was hurt by years of having to deny his sexuality. In 2002, Ncube was dismissed from Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation after tabloid stories accused him of trying molest a clegyman; he says the charges were false. Ncube now makes his home in England, is involved with a man and is "having the time of his life." (Via PageOneQ)

· Life as a black, gay student at Oklahoma University.

· J's Theater wraps the Festival de Rap Africain in Conakry, Guinea.

· Shocking new statistics from South Africa on violence against lgbt teens. Twenty percent of gay men report rapes, more than two-thirds report harassment. The numbers are higher for blacks.

Get (Homo) or Die Tryin'

On several occasions, 50 Cent has offered that "no homo" footnote to much of his work—apparently forgetting these writings or this photoshoot, mm'kay?—but we've always found something ... gayish ... about his posturing. The newly released DVD version of Get Rich or Die Tryin' offers more than a few answers. That clever Rich at FourFour deconstructs the movie and guess what ... ?

Fiddy's vanity project has plenty of room for homoeroticism. I swear, when I sat down to watch Get Rich or Die Tryin', I wasn't even looking for gay. But 30 minutes in, as 50's Marcus character is explaining how he fell in with his gang and describing their living situation, gay found me and snapped me on the ass with a wet towel.

Rich isn't the only one snapped on the ass with a towel. In hilarious, ROFL detail he recaps the many butt-perfect prison shower scenes (including an ass-tastic Terrence "I'm a Grower, Not a Shower" Howard), muscle worship sessions, and, Chaka Khan songs that undeniably helped create the 50 Cent persona. "It isn't a big-budget, nicely lit Flava Works production. It isn't a sneak peak at the upcoming season of Noah's Arc. It's 50's life onscreen and it is g-g-g-g-gay."

Um, Yeah Homo (FourFour)

Previously:

50 Gave Good Face (Rod 2.0)

No Homo (Rod 2.0)

Special Attention (Rod 2.0)

What Up S.L.U.T. (Rod 2.0)

Bitch Better Have My Money .. And Some Prada Pumps (Rod 2.0)

Gay or Rapper? (Rod 2.0)

Gay or Rapper? Parts 2, 3 and 4 (Rod 2.0)

From Pieces to Weight: Once Upon a Time in Southside Queens (Amazon)

Get Rich Buff or Die Tryin' (brotha2Brotha)

Gay or Rapper? (Rod 2.0)

Video Flashback: "Neutron Dance"

Let's take that walk down memory lane. Click photo or here. (Thanks Queerty!)

June Pointer Dies at 52

Earlier this morning CNN reported that June Pointer has passed. June was the youngest of the Pointer Sisters, certainly one of the most influential vocal groups of the '70s and '80s and enjoyed a huge gay following. "I'm not gay, but I don't like labels, anyway. Why can't we just be a human race?" June said in a famous 1996 interview where she addressed rumors about her own sexuality.

The younger queers today may only remember the Pointer Sisters for 80s tracks like "I'm So Excited" or "Neutron Dance", but they began charting in the very early 70s with that fierce "Yes We Can Can."  The act had several country singles, won an Grammy in that category, and, were also the first black female singers to appear at the Grand Ole Opry. Today their music would probably be classified as "crossover."

In recent years, June's substance abuse problems became headline fodder—apaprently, that was the reason behind her 2000 dismissal from the group. In 2005, she was arrested on possession charges. The family says June had been hospitalized since February with a non-specified cancer. She reportedly died with her family at her side at a Los Angeles hopsital. June Pointer was 52 years old.

June Pointer, Youngest Pointer Sisters, Dies (CNN)

An Interview with June Pointer (Blase DiStefano)

Pointer Sisters (Wikipedia)

LL Cool J Presents "Todd Smith"

More on LL Cool J's 12th and latest release—Todd Smith—which just dropped yesterday:

If you look to the right at the fine Rod 2.0 sponsor family, you'll notice a very familiar torso, err face. Def Jam Records and ab-tastic LL Cool J are now premium sponsors. Todd Smith is a fun, uptempo album of mostly club tracks and love songs that's on heavy rotation at the mobile Rod 2.0 editorial offices. This week only at LL's official site, the new CD retails for just $9.99. Plus, check the site for the newest flip book and appearances.

To celebrate the album release and if you're too cheap to spend ten bucks we're announcing not one, not two, but three CD giveaways. Today's giveaway is a trivia question: LL Cool J was the first rap artist to appear on which long-running MTV program? Email us the answer and we'll select the first two or three responses. Stay tuned for more giveaways Thursday and Friday.

Update: Thanks! We have winners that will be announced Friday.

Moving on to the latest LL stalking reports:

· Later tonight, look for the LL hotness performing on 106th & Park. This should be hot because on last month's ab-tastic show on 106th, he didn't perform. Also starting tonight, look for Mr. Smith on BET's Spring Bling.

· After 20 years and 12 albums, an interviewer asked is the process any easier. "It's not a matter of it getting easier or harder, it's just always an interesting challenge. I try to do my best without overthinking."

· Want to get that rock-hard LL Cool J physique? The rapper-actor-HIV activist-fashion designer (whew!) now adds writer to his growing resume and announces the publication of LL Cool J's Platinum Body. The fitness book is slated for a January '07 release and is being co-written with LL's personal trainer, Dave "Scooter" Honig.

Cassandra Wilson: "Thunderbird"

It's almost impossible not to fall in love with Casandra Wilson. The pioneering jazz vocalist has carved  a unique niche by a fusing contemporary jazz, r & b and folk with the Delta blues of her Mississippi roots. Cassandra's last CD, Glamoured, was self-produced and carried a distinct jazzy vibe. This time around, she wanted something different. The singer/songwriter told Blue Note president Bruce Lundvall that she wanted well-known blues producer T-Bone Burnett—renown for his work on O Brother, Where Art Thou—to help create her newest release.

That disc is Thunderbird and it hits the shelves today—digital jukebox here—a positively brilliant collection of covers and new material. T-Bone has laid down a collection of 10 tracks that range from contemporary jazz to Joni Mitchell-esque folk and each is heavily influenced by the blues and zydeco. Each of them can easily transport you to another time or place. Listening to Thunderbird in the iPod and on the laptop for the past few days, it's been easy to imagine that we're sitting on a porch in old New Orleans, or, playing in the woods on our late grandmother's Mississippi farm. It's so personal yet so relaxed, almost effortless.

The first two tracks will probably get the most attention from casual listeners. Track 1, "Go to Mexico", is a rich, uptempo r & b selection that slyly borrows from zydeco. The lyrics are catchy and the reverb is fabulous. Track 2, "Closer to You", is a jazzy ballad, imagine a younger Shirley Horn.

But two other tracks are in heavy rotation at Rod 2.0's mobile offices. Track 3, "Easy Rider", is the most infectious—and probably the most creative—song of the collection. It begins with Cassandra's sultry voice and minimal guitar accompaniment and builds into a roof raising blues ballad about a woman who lost her man. ("He must be out of town," Cassandra moans. Girl, we've been there, too.) The last track, "Tarot", is another favorite. It's an original tune that is reminiscent of Joni Mitchell—one of Casandra Wilson's strongest influences—yet carries a distinctive 70s r & b edge.

As always, it's impossible to pigeon-hole Cassandra Wilson. That's why she's been so successful and once again raises the bar with Thunderbird.

Cassandra Wilson CD Giveaway:

We have winners! Pip and Taylor Siluwé win copies of Thunderbird.

Listen to Thunderbird.

Cassandra Wilson: Thunderbird (Amazon)

Cassandra Wilson