RICKY MARTIN CAME OUT

Ricky Martin took to his website to officially come out as a gay man. The father of two wrote an incredibly beautiful letter, which you can read after the jump!

Congratulations Ricky! Better late than never…
A few months ago I decided to write my memoirs, a project I knew was going to bring me closer to an amazing turning point in my life. From the moment I wrote the first phrase I was sure the book was the tool that was going to help me free myself from things I was carrying within me for a long time. Things that were too heavy for me to keep inside. Writing this account of my life, I got very close to my truth. And thisis something worth celebrating.

For many years, there has been only one place where I am in touch with my emotions fearlessly and that’s the stage. Being on stage fills my soul in many ways, almost completely. It’s my vice. The music, the lights and the roar of the audience are elements that make me feel capable of anything. This rush of adrenaline is incredibly addictive. I don’t ever want to stop feeling these emotions. But it is serenity that brings me to where I’m at right now. An amazing emotional place of comprehension, reflection and enlightenment. At this moment I’m feeling the same freedom I usually feel only on stage, without a doubt, I need to share.

Many people told me: “Ricky it’s not important”, “it’s not worth it”, “all the years you’ve worked and everything you’ve built will collapse”, “many people in the world are not ready to accept your truth, your reality, your nature”. Because all this advice came from people who I love dearly, I decided to move on with my life not sharing with the world my entire truth. Allowing myself to be seduced by fear and insecurity became a self-fulfilling prophecy of sabotage. Today I take full responsibility for my decisions and my actions.

If someone asked me today, “Ricky, what are you afraid of?” I would answer “the blood that runs through the streets of countries at war…child slavery, terrorism…the cynicism of some people in positions of power, the misinterpretation of faith.” But fear of my truth? Not at all! On the contrary, It fills me with strength and courage. This is just what I need especially now that I am the father of two beautiful boys that are so full of light and who with their outlook teach me new things every day. To keep living as I did up until today would be to indirectly diminish the glow that my kids where born with. Enough is enough. This has to change. This was not supposed to happen 5 or 10 years ago, it is supposed to happen now. Today is my day, this is my time, and this is my moment.

These years in silence and reflection made me stronger and reminded me that acceptance has to come from within and that this kind of truth gives me the power to conquer emotions I didn’t even know existed.

What will happen from now on? It doesn’t matter. I can only focus on what’s happening to me in this moment. The word “happiness” takes on a new meaning for me as of today. It has been a very intense process. Every word that I write in this letter is born out of love, acceptance, detachment and real contentment. Writing this is a solid step towards my inner peace and vital part of my evolution.

I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am.

RM

CIARA IS BACK

After a brief hiatus from the spotlight, R&B star Ciara is set to launch another assault on the charts with new single ‘Ride’. Confirmed to be the first official release from the singer’s as yet untitled fourth studio LP, it’s also been revealed that long-time collaborator Ludacris will feature on the record.

What’s more, it appears the 24 year old’s spell of silence wasn’t spent being idle; the album – which has been in production since summer last year -is as good as completed, with the video for ‘Ride’ set to be shot in the next few days. Yes…days! Fans can expect to hear the Tricky Stewart/ The-Dream produced song anytime within the next few weeks.

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Exciting stuff! As one of those who feel Ms. Harris got the short end of the stick with her ‘Fantasy Ride’ project, I’m particularly eager to see her succeed this go round – granted the material is up-to-par. Sources close to the project allude to Ciara taking it back to her grittier days, which I’m pretty indifferent about, considering I’ve enjoyed both her earlier and more recent (Pop-oriented) offerings. Fingers crossed she comes out swinging!

lmao luda would love this

BITCH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! u better work

3 Most Anticipated Albums of 2010

Lupe Fiasco – Lasers

It wasn’t too long ago that Lupe Fiasco told Rap-Up.com, “I just don’t really feel like rapping anymore.” But thankfully the Grammy winner has changed his mind. Last year he fed our appetites with his mixtape Enemy of the State: A Love Story and leaked songs “Shining Down” and “I’m Beaming.” Now hip-hop heads eagerly await the Chicago MC’s first album in over two years, Lasers (Love Always Shines Every time Remember 2 Smile).


Drake – Thank Me Later

2009’s hip-hop rookie of the year could easily have the most anticipated album of 2010. Jay-Z (“Light Up”), Kanye West, and Lil Wayne are already on board, but Drizzy is taking his time selecting material for his full-length debut, set for March. “It’s gotta be a real great song,” he told Rap-Up.com. “It’s gotta be something that I feel is timeless and is better than anything that I’ve ever done.” Will Young Money’s shining star be able to meet the great expectations?


Ciara – Untitled

Although her latest album Fantasy Ride was recently released in May, Ciara is already in the final stages of recording her fourth as-yet-untitled LP. Hitmaking duo Tricky Stewart and The-Dream take up executive-producing duties this time around. While she has remained mum about details, Tricky hinted at the project’s direction. “It’s just her returning back to her strongest form,” he told Rap-Up.com. “It’s gonna be Ciara at her best. It’s gonna be indicative of how much people love that first album [Goodies] and how people love ‘Promise’ and other records when she’s had those really serious connections.” Tracks include “Gifted” and “Speechless” featuring The-Dream.

New Music: Jeezy f/ Ester Dean – ‘Mama Told Me’ (Beyoncé Demo)

Download Mama Told Me[Demo] mp3Ester Dean sings on the demo for the artist formerly known as Young Jeezy. Beyoncé will reportedly be featured on the final version of “Mama Told Me,” the first official single from Jeezy’s Thug Motivation 103 album. The Middle Eastern-tinged production was co-written by Dean, whose stock is quickly rising with credits on Rihanna’s “Rude Boy” and Christina Aguilera’s upcoming single “Not Myself Tonight.”

THE DREAM ft Dondria sweat it out remixs