How To Become A Pop Star

It the modern world where fame and celebrity status have become iconic you may want to do everything you can to become famous. There are many ways in which you can try and become a pop star, and by far one of the best ways is to hone your craft and make sure you’re the best that you can be. And even though the likes of Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake were in the fame business from an early age, there is no reason that you can’t break into the pop world later in life.

One of the first things to remember when trying to become a pop star is that most people start from humble beginnings. Whilst Madonna and Lady Gaga may have become international and global superstars, they have strived hard to keep changing their images and ensure their survival in a cut throat industry. Working tirelessly to keep their self made fame they continue to add to their image, whether with avant-garde costumes and music styles, and it is these personalities that you should look up to when starting out. Always be optimistic. After every knockback try again, and always believe in yourself.

Once you have decided to become a pop star it is important to get the right accessories. It is a good idea to take a few vocal lessons, even if you are very talented, as coaches can help guide your voice towards a pop sound. Meanwhile you can use websites like couponcactus.com to buy equipment and instruments to help you write, play and record your own work. Much of the time your voice won’t be enough on its own, and in the modern day industry you’ll need to show that you can write songs too. Even if you end up using a songwriter once you are famous, being a good lyricist will set you in good stead from the start.

Utilizing social networking and the internet is also a fantastic way to help become a pop star in the 21st century. You only need to look at the UK’s famous talent of Adele to see how social networking can push you into the big time. Starting by just posting a couple of tracks of MySpace, Adele was snapped up by a record label, enabling her to become one of the biggest pop stars of the current time. You can use Twitter, Facebook and even Vimeo to share you videos and songs, and by creating interest around your art you’ll ensure record company bosses are keen to snap you up.

Aside from getting your image right, finding fans, and being truly optimistic about your approach to the pop industry, it is vital that you ensure you’re the best talent you can be. Practice can really make perfect, and by taking videos of yourself along with singing in the mirror you become as good as possible. And by the time you start to share videos, write music and undertake small gigs, you’ll find that fans and record bosses will be eager to push you to the next level.

Check out my interview with hip hop’s newest rising star, Vanatei.  Reppin Newark & NYC Vanatei’s rhymes vary from fun to gritty. .. laced with a bit of sex appeal. Check out the interview after the break and listen to a few tracks!

Trin: How long have you been rapping, and how did you get started?

Vanatei: I’ve been rapping for a long time, since I was young, like 11, 12 years old, or even younger. Always loved hip-hop and was always driven by it. I would always have a diary or some sort of paper where I would write thoughts, ideas and things that happened to me daily. But I really started going hard with my peoples from around the way where I grew up in, Newark, NJ. they was always into spittin and doin their thing. I’m a competitive type of chick, so I see them doing it, and I said to myself, shit I can do it too! So I practiced all the time and showed my peoples from the neighborhood that this chick can spit too! And from there that’s how it all started.

Trin: In a male dominated industry, you have to work a little harder. How do you prove yourself?

Vanatei: Number one thing I say to myself, is that I have to stick to my morals and what I’m doing this for. I prove myself to others in what I do, and that’s sticking to good lines and music. Number 2, I don’t sleep with anybody in the industry! That right there proves that hard work pays off because p***y doesn’t work harder! Others will respect you because they know you’re more about your music than anything else.

Trin: Who are some of your musical inspirations?

Vanatei: Wow, first thing that came to mind – the Beatles. But, I would say women in hip-hop – inspires me to believe that I can be out there too doing my thing! Life in general inspires me in my music.

Trin: What artists would you love to work with? Who is your dream collaboration?

Vanatei: Hmm… My all time dream collab would be BIG PUN! At the moment, I would love to work with the J-A-D-A… Jadakiss

Trin: That NYC love..

Trin: What inspires your rhymes? What’s your favorite part of the creative process?

Vanatei: Anything that’s impacted my life in the past or present. My favorite part is the drinking part! Nah… but my fav part is after I lay down a verse and when it’s played back, the shit sounds hotttt.

Trin: What’s your take on the Lil Kim/Nicki Minaj beef?

Vanatei: I love it. I wanna see some silicones and asses fall out. I say keep it going!

Trin: Dis Bish Got Moola is one of my favorite tracks. It’s fun & catchy..explain the meaning behind it.

Vanatei: DisBish… who is Vanatei… Dish Bish got confidence, disbish is a boss bitch, disbish is respected, disbish is a non stop grinding machine.

Trin: You ARE a boss bitch.

Now for the fun stuff

Trin: When does Vanatei like to do in her spare time when she’s not grinding? Any hobbies?

Vanatei: Grinding IS my hobby. And working out of course. Gotta keep this body fit. I love to play basketball, been doing it since highschool and got a scholarship in college for it. Ballin is my hobby

Trin: Who’s in your ipod?

Vanatei: From the shuffle to the i-touch… they’ve all been lost or stolen! But right now I got Lauryn Hill in the CD changer.

Trin: How would you describe your style?

Vanatei: Picture a combination of Pun, Kelis & M.I.A. With a little bit of NAS

Trin: Favorite Foods?

Vanatei: I’m a vegetarian… I love my animals, I don’t eat them! But I love to eat a nice Peruvian dish. Yeah, I’m half Brazilian & Peruvian.

Back to business

Trin: What are you currently working on? Anything new on the horizon?

Vanatei: I’m working on being the biggest boss bitch thus far… and my mixture – Dis Bish Got Moola! Look out for that!! Going out to LA in may to shoot the video too! Also I have a video that’s in production for a single called Such a lady.

Trin: What are your career goals? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Vanatei: Having dashMedia grow, which is a business I co-own. We specialize in print • web • film. Check our site Dash Media Group. And of course winning awards and having my voice heard, my real voice.

Trin: Advice to other ladies that wanna rap?

Vanatei: Be the illest lyricist in the most beautiful way possible that just happens to be a woman that raps.

Check out Vanatei’s official site  & follower her on twitter @Vanatei!

Rebecca Black is a 13 y.o who’s song Friday went viral with more than 16 million views online, and was a trending topic on twitter yesterday. She stopped by Good Morning America to talk about her recent “success” lol…It hasn’t been all great though. She’s also received some pretty hurtful comments…

“I hope you cut yourself, and I hope you’ll get an eating disorder so you’ll look pretty.” Ouch….”When I first saw all the nasty comments I did cry…I don’t think I’m the worst singer, but I don’t think I’m the best.”

Check out her plea to Justin Bieber below…lol. These days anyone can go viral..smh.

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When I spotted Ashley Duvernay’s portfolio online, I couldn’t wait to interview him. This newcomer’s photos are that of a seasoned professional..his exotic looks eye catching.  His ethnicity is a mix of  French, Puerto Rican, German and Black…he has brains too..he studied engineering in college! Ashley is a New York native , but has spent the last 6 years in Atlanta. A photographer flew him to Los Angeles to shoot some stuff for his portfolio, and the rest is history.  He loved the experience so much, he decided to stay.  He’s been in L.A since January 2010 and is signed to Photogenics Media . He is definitely on his way to the top!  Check out the interview and more PICS after the break!

Trin: How long have you been modeling and how did you get started?

Ashley: Modeling is something that always gravitated to me regardless of how much I tried ignoring the idea. Not to sound cocky, thats not what im getting at, its just that my mom always wanted it for my sister and I.. but it wasn’t until I was an “adult” that i thought of pursuing it as my future. I’ve modeled on and off and professionally since I was 19.

Trin: What do you like/dislike about the industry?

Ashley: I love the attention, the affection, being pampered and groomed. Its amusing to have to get into character and capture the look desired. What I dont like about is the titles. I hate saying “uh yea, im a model…”. I’d rather introduce myself as a writer, musician, or just Ashley.

Trin: What do you prefer most …print or runway?

Ashley: Print. I guess it’s because that’s what im used to. Print reflects more of the model, as well as the team of artists that worked collectively to create the finished product that can be viewed by as many eyes desired. Runway is just the article of clothing and who designed it.

Trin: How do you stay in shape? What’s your workout regimen/diet like?

Ashley: Thats the million dollar question… I do what works for me. I might hit the gym about 3x/wk, I run a little, sometimes a bit of yoga, cycle… i dont believe in diets.

Trin: What is your dream campaign?

Ashley: I would have to be CEO of the product advertised.. similar to Dr. Dre’s “beats by Dre”. Awesome product, excellent business man, no b.s. that would be a dream.

Time for the fun stuff

Trin: What did you want to be as a kid?

Ashley: I wanted to race motorcycles. My mom shot me down, and i respect her word so i continue to wreak havoc on the city streets with my personal vehicles. My 4 page mvr can confirm that.

Trin: What are your hobbies?

Ashley: I build cars and motorcycles. I have a list of 8 cars to collect in my lifetime. Im currently working on #2, a 1985 porsche 944 (Valerie). If there’s ever time left to myself, she takes it all from me.

Trin: What’s your favorite vacation spot?

Ashley: I’d have to say Australia. i’ve never been, but from what i’ve heard, its got to be my next home away from home. Im actually planning a trip out there for the fall.

Trin: What is your favorite food?

Ashley..Chicken parmesan by far. Its so seductive, given the right sauce, a nice cheese, and tender breast….

Trin: Seductive.. LOL

Trin: Are you single?

Ashley: For now… there’s a girl i dated back in ’06. we agreed to put our feelings on hold while we attain our career goals.  It was more of her decision than mine, but it’s still a bit complicated.

Trin: What would you be doing if you weren’t modeling?

Ashley: I’ve owned a paintball business in Atlanta for a year. Although it was stolen from me, as a last resort, I would be doing something similar.

Trin: Who are your favorite artists? Who’s on your ipod?

Ashley: Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Bob marley, Adele, City and Colour, Robin Thicke, Sara Bareillas.

Ashley: Who am i listening to now? Anyone from Michael Buble’ to Lil Wayne.

Trin: What are your guilty pleasures?

Ashley:  The obvious answer to that would be sex, but im going to go left and say driving. Adrenaline pumps through my veins 24 hrs a day. I love it, makes me feel alive; driving especially. As a kid my dad was always bad with timing, with that said, he was always late. He made up for his tardiness with effectively running lights and punching every second he could out on the street. Thanks to him I can’t keep my needle below triple digits and i’ve already doubled my age in traffic citations.

Back to business

Trin: What are your industry goals?

Ashley: To become iconic someday..a. powerful choice of words requires powerful action, and although im still tip-toeing through a mine field, my intent is to gain the knowledge and skill required to become sustainable to the industry.

Trin: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Ashley: By then, i hope to have found who i truly am, and be a successor of my current projects.  If that becomes true, i will be on the right track.

Trin: Advice for aspiring models?

Ashley: “Trying is having the intent to fail.”

Images by: Gregory Prescott, RexLott, Tarrice Love, Arnold Gadson

Ted Williams has just signed a deal to star in his very own reality show called Second Chances at Life which will begin filming in 2 weeks.  The show will document how he went from a promising radio career, to being homeless..to becoming a youtube star. It will also follow his journey as he rebuilds his career and personal life. The show will be shot in 3 locations: Brooklyn, his hometown, Ohio, where he was homeless, and LA where he currently hangs. Season 2 is already in the works, where they will introduce others who deserve a second chance.  Ted’s story is amazing and a lot has happened to him in the last few months. I hope he has a supportive team around him and that he can handle it all..it should be interesting to watch.

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It looks like the the apple doesn’t fall from the tree..who knew 14 year old Diggy Simmons, [son of Rev Run ] had rap skills? Check out the video of him rapping: Flow Stoopid- Made you look Freestyle. What do you think? Does Diggy have skills?

According to People Magazine, Heidi Montag has admitted she is addicted to plastic surgery at just 23 years old!  Heidi once had 10 procedures in one day. Who is authorizing this? Smh

I was made fun of when I was younger, and so I had insecurities, especially after I moved to L.A. People said I had a “Jay Leno Chin”; They’d circle it on blogs and say nasty things… I think I look way better [now]. I’m way happier. Before, I wouldn’t even want to smile in photo’s because it would elongate my chin.

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I think she look great, like one of Hugh Hefner’s girls (The DDD are out of control)  but if she’s “obsessed” then she won’t look like this for long. The plastic surgery aged her a bit..what’s gonna happen at 30, 40 and so on?

Spotted at the Prophet Blog

Move over William Hung, General Larry Platt is the newest American Idol reject star. Last night, at the Atlanta round of auditions for American Idol the 62 year old veteran performed Pants on the ground. I hollered last night. This video is hilarious. Pure comedy! Mary J Blige was also there having a grand ole time

Pants on the ground
Lookin’ like a fool with your pants on the ground
With the gold in your mouth, hat turned sideways
Pants hit the ground, call yourself a cool cat
Lookin’ like a fool, walkin’ to the town
With your pants on the ground!

Source : WSHH, The Hollywood Gossip

Monica ” Danger” Leon the reality star from the first season of  For the Love of Ray has been all over the headlines lately.  Recently, she’s checked into a mental hospital, lost custody of her baby, and a few days ago spread rumors that Ray J and rapper Young Buck were Gay Lovers…listen below. In the second radio interview, she recants the whole story saying she was just “mad“..and then starts to sound a little crazy…around the..6 min mark maybe? Actually a lot crazy. She wants you to know she is not Micheal Jackson..and she’s a  preschool teacher, she writes children’s books, was almost a doctor…This chick is cuckoo for cocoa puffs lmao.  The SECOND interview is HIL AR IOUS…complete with sound effects & music lol.

Danger Recants Story Below

The time has come, Simon Cowell has finally decided to leave American Idol. This will be his final season  The network made the announcement today at the Television Critics Association tour in Pasadena, Ca.  Cowell’s popular UK show, The X Factor will be coming to the US in the Fall of 2011.  He will be both executive producer and a judge on The X Factor.

“I want to leave Idol this year bigger and better than it was in the past….I’m thrilled that we have put a date on the launch of the U.S. version of ‘The X Factor,’ and delighted to be continuing to work with Fox,” said Cowell in a statement. “We have a fantastic relationship, a great team and are all very excited about this.”

I’m gonna miss Simon *tear. American Idol just won’t be the same without him.  In other TV news, one of my favorite new shows Glee has been renewed for a second season!

According to The Hollywood Reporter:
The show also is launching a nationwide casting search to fill new roles for season two.

The auditions will start in February and will be open to amateurs and professionals between the ages of 16-26.

“Anybody and everybody now has a chance to be on a show about talented underdogs,” co-creator/exec producer Ryan Murphy said. “No matter who you are — a Broadway talent or a struggling singing waiter with a dream in the Midwest — you now have an opportunity to make that dream come true by posting your talent video and showing us what you can do.”

Glee returns with orignal episodes April 13th.

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