#MsLMstatus: Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Rhianna & More To Help Raise Money For Japan Relief (March 20th-26th)

Music from the hottest artists around has been compiled into Songs for Japan, an all-star album created to raise money for earthquake relief efforts. Available today on iTunes, the 38-track digital disc includes Nicki Minaj’s “Save Me,” Eminem’s “Love the Way you Lie (ft. Rihanna),” Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable” and Cee Lo Green’s “It’s Okay.” The download is $9.99; a physical double disc will be released next month. The charity album is a joint effort between Universal Music Group, Sony Entertainment Music, Warner Music Group and EMI Music.

More than 10,000 people have been declared dead, according to Japan’s National Police Agency. Proceeds from Songs for Japan will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society to assist survivors.

John Lennon, “Imagine (Remastered)”
U2, “Walk On”
Bob Dylan, “Shelter From the Storm”
Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Around the World (Live)”
Lady Gaga, “Born This Way (Starsmith Remix)
Beyonce, “Irreplaceable”
Bruno Mars, “Talking to the Moon (Acoustic Piano Version)”
Katy Perry, “Firework”
Rihanna, “Only Girl (In the World)”
Justin Timberlake, “Like I Love You”
Madonna, “Miles Away (Live)”
David Guetta, “When Love Takes Over (feat. Kelly Rowland)”
Eminem, “Love The Way You Lie (feat. Rihanna)”
Bruce Springsteen, “Human Touch”
Josh Groban, “Awake (Live)”
Keith Urban, “Better Life”
The Black Eyed Peas, “One Tribe”
P!nk, “Sober”
Cee Lo Green, “It’s OK”
Lady Antebellum, “I Run to You”
Bon Jovi, “What Do You Got?”
Foo Fighters, “My Hero”
R.E.M., “Man On the Moon (Live)”
Nicki Minaj, “Save Me (Clean Version)”
Sade, “By Your Side”
Michael Buble, “Hold On (Radio Mix)”
Justin Bieber, “Pray (Acoustic)”
Adele, “Make You Feel My Love”
Enya, “If I Could Be Where You Are”
Elton John, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me”
John Mayer, “Waiting On the World to Change”
Queen, “Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together)”
Kings of Leon, “Use Somebody”
Sting, Steven Mercurio & The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, “Fragile (Live in Berlin)”
Leona Lewis, “Better In Time”
Ne-Yo, “One In a Million”
Shakira, “Whenever, Wherever”
Norah Jones, “Sunrise”

#MsLMstatus: Elizabeth Taylor Passes Away (March 20th-26th)

Liz Taylor, was an English-born American actress. She gained early fame as a child actress and was later recognized not only as a talented and award-winning film star, but also for her glamorous lifestyle and her extraordinary beauty, as most evident in her unusual and striking violet eyes. Her much publicized private life included eight marriages, several life-threatening illnesses, and decades spent as a social activist championing the cause of AIDS awareness, research and cure. A two-time winner of the Academy Award for Best Actress, Taylor is considered one of the great screen actresses of Hollywood's Golden Age. The American Film Institute named her seventh on its Female Legends list.

Elizabeth Taylor devoted consistent and generous humanitarian time, advocacy efforts, and funding to HIV and AIDS-related projects and charities. She also was one of the first celebrities and public personalities to do so at a time when few acknowledged the disease, organizing and hosting the first AIDS fundraiser in 1984, to benefit AIDS Project Los Angeles. With over 30 years of active participation she was involved in raising more than $100 million and expanding public awareness: to fight the pandemic disease; confront its discrimination; and to expand research, treatment access, education, and government funding.

#MYOL News: LeBron James Now Does Furniture For Kids!! Home Court By LeBron James!!! (March 20th-26th)

Home Court by Lebron James (Homepage), Click Here...

About 10 years ago I remember hearing many older people who use to watch the NBA in the 80's & 90's complain about how there is too much money in today's game and how commercialism has taken over basketball. At that time I was 14 and couldn't really comprehend what was being said and apply it to the things that I was seeing on TV. I was already part of the target market that was unconciously being affected by the commercials and indirect advertisements during the games. Now that I am older and have a much better understanding, I see that what was just the beginning of an issue back then is like a disease in today's game. Although it takes away from the game it also allows branding and marketing opportunities for today's athletes getting paid amounts of money that we have never seen before. So with the power of branding oneself it allows these athletes to become self-sufficient and make business decisions for their careers in a business environment rather than being just another pawn. I think there is a thin line though. I believe that many athletes today are worrying about branding themselves and getting endorsement deals as their priority over being the best player they can be. This year Lebron has released news about a cartoon coming out, his Nike "Rise" commercial where he addresses many nay-sayers and now children's furniture. The question is when does Lebron have all the time to do these things and is it taking away from his first priority, an NBA Championship?

#MYOL News: Chad Ochocinco Try Out For MLS Soccer Due To Lockout (March 20th-26th)

#MYOL News: MTV's When I Was 17-Wiz Khalifa & "Rolling Papers" (March 20th-26th)

Buy Wiz Kahlifa's Debut Album "Rollin Papers" Here...

Wiz Khalifa is not the first Hip Pop star ever and his road to riches is no different from the stories of many "overnight" success stories. He was underestimated for  long time as he was credited for his music by Rolling Stone in 2005 as an artist to watch. He wasn't performing for the Pittsburgh Steeler at the AFC championship back then, have Amber Rose on his arm or even have a major buzz of today even a year ago. Many people think that "overnight success" literally happens over night. For 5 years after that Rolling stone article Wiz was on the grind and in the meantime he really got a handle on his brand and started operating as a business. Music, clothing line and innovative ideas for future development. Over time Wiz's music got better and his brand stronger which made him gain many fans and people who weren't paying attention before to take a second look. If there is one thing I truly respect about Wiz is he did it his way. He has been very strategic behind the moves that he has made in the game so far. I do enjoy some of his music but for the most part I'm not an avid Wiz Khalifa fan. Whether or not you like Wiz's music you have to respect his hustle. Strategically, making a song for his hometown and indirectly the Pittsburgh Steelers, starting his own rolling papers company and turning down Drake's offer to go on tour were all brilliant marketing ideas that have helped get him to where he is today. To be honest I'm not usually an advocate for an artist like Wiz but I truly respect his strategy, marketing and when he wants to really get lyrical he has the ability to do that. Respect to Wiz, he made his own lane!

#MYOL News: #HappyBirthdayTwitter!! Twitter Turned 5 on March 21, 2011!!! (March 20th-26th)

5 years ago the Hip Hop game was "Going Down" with Young Joc and "Hustlin" with Rick Ross while Jay-Z dropped "Kingdom Come" and Nas claimed "Hip Hop Is Dead". In the NBA Dirk Nowitzki was MVP, Brandon Roy was the Rookie of the Year and the San Antonio Spurs won the NBA Championship over Lebron James and uh Lebron James. So there's probably the worst year in Hip Hop as well as the NBA. Even with that year being corny, there was one little social network that was born that is a social media priority in viral marketing today. Twitter has grown into a self promotion priority for celebrities, brands and want to be's. I must admit that I was never into Twitter when it first came out and I didn't get an account until the summer of 2010. Big shoutout to Twitter, follow me @makeyourownlane and we'll see if Twitter can keep its popularity at the same level for 5 more years! Happy Birthday Twitter!

Hip Hop History: Guru Tribute Announced (March 20th-26th)

The family of rapper Keith “Guru” Elam has announced the details of a celebration of the Gangstarr founder’s life to mark the one-year anniversary of his death. On April 21st, Revive Music Group will mark their 5th anniversary as well during a celebration dubbed the Revive Da Live Big Band Tribute G.U.R.U. and the Jazzmatazz Legacy. The big band tribute to the rapper will be directed by pianist Marc Cary and trumpeter Igmar Thomas, while a variety of special guests will hit the stage during the live, musical production for Guru. Guru’s nephew Justin Elam-Ruff will debut The X Label G.U.R.U. clothing line, which like the event, will benefit a trust fund set up for Guru’s son, K.C. Elam. The Revive Da Live Big Band Tribute to G.U.R.U. takes place April 21st, 2011 at Le Poisson Rouge in New York City. Guru passed away from complications of cancer on April 19th, 2010 at the age of 48.

Although he spent majority of his rap career in New York City and his tribute is there I think it is very important that fans know that Guru was from Boston, MA. Roxbury is where Guru grew up and began rapping. This is a fact that is constantly overlooked both by the industry and even the upcoming artists in Boston and Massachusetts fail to recognize. Guru's "monotone style" and deep lyrics mad e many pay attention to his rhymes and learn from the stories he told on different knowledgeable subjects like "Discipline" or "Take A Look At Yourself". Guru was not only a great rapper/MC but he was also a great artist who created a groundbreaking sound and new era fro Hip Hop with his "Jazzmatazz". He was a smart, educated man who used his talents to chase his dream of being heard by millions of people. Love and respect has to be shown by Hip Hop and his hometown for reaching his goals. Above are interviews I did with Big Shug, Guru's Gangstarr Foundation affiliate and Krumbsnatcha a couple days after he had passed away. RIP Guru and MA$$ will carry on your name and contributions to the game.

Hip Hop: XXL Freshmen Concert 2011 (Video) (March 20th-26th)

Hip Hop: Dreamin-Big K.R.I.T. (Video) (March 20th-26th)

NBA: Derrick Rose Donates $1,000 To Japan For Every Point He Scores! (March 20th-26th)

Derrick Rose has led his team to a performance few could have predicted this season. His Chicago Bulls are in first place by a game in the Eastern Conference, and he’s played himself into serious contention for the league’s MVP award. He’s also taking the lead in one of the league’s charitable efforts: for Friday night’s match-up with the Memphis Grizzlies, the superstar will donate $1,000 for every point he scores to Direct Relief International, a group that helps provide medical care for those affected by the disaster in Japan. Rose, who averages 24.9 points per game, isn’t the only NBA star getting in on the charity action: the Lakers’ Pau Gasol, LaMarcus Aldridge of the Trail Blazers, Russell Westbrook of Oklahoma City, and many other big-time scorers have also agreed to chip in $1,000 per point, according to a Chicago Tribune report. Fans interested in joining their favorite stars in the Japan relief efforts can text “Give10” to 20222 to give $10 to Japan, or can donate directly to the Japan Relief and Recovery Fund at www.directrelief.org/Japanrelief.

NBA: Lakers Beat Suns In Triple OT! Kobe Bryant Season High 42 pts, 12 reb, 9 ast (March 20th-26th)

Many people were doubting Kobe Bryant's health this season and some even doubted whether he had the same drive he's had in the past. I can understand questioning his health but to question whether Kobe is going to give it everything he has is where many doubters went wrong. This season Kobe has really shown that he is a seasoned veteran. Since entering the league it was no secret that Kobe's goal was to try and be better than his idol Michael Jordan, hence getting his number change to 24. On his chase to his 7th NBA Finals appearance and 6th NBA final which would match MJ, Kobe is showing that he has no plans on falling short on his pursuit of his 6th championship. The Lakers have only lost one game since the All-Star break where Kobe won MVP and most recently he was one assist shy of a triple double. The Black Mamba dropped 42pts, 12 rebounds and 9 assists in a triple overtime thriller vs. the Pheonix Suns.

NBA: Blake Griffin 1st Triple-Double In 2OT Win vs. Wizards (March 20th-26th)

With all the highlights and all-star numbers from Blake Griffin many people may have thought that a triple-double was something that he had already done this season. Even though Blake is known for his ridiculous athleticism anyone who watches a whole Clipper game can tell that Griffin is much more than just athleticism. He has a quickness, touch and feel for the game that is very rare amongst someone of his size. Even in his first full year of an NBA season Griffin has shown consistent growth in his game and that is clearly evident as he recorded his 1st ever triple-double in double overtime vs. John Wall's Wizards. “It means a lot, but the best part about it was getting the win,” Griffin said after finishing with 33 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists in a career-high 51 1/2 minutes.“It’s always great to keep your teammates involved and keep them going, but you also have to give credit to these guys for hitting shots. It was pretty draining. We just needed to tough it out.”