10 Hottest Banned Korean PopMusic Videos

In South Korea, songs and music videos get reviewed by the government and major TV networks, deciding whether they are deemed appropriate for broadcast. 

Here are some that didn't make the cut

Touch Me - by Ivy

Reason: Deemed inappropriate for children

Chitty Chitty Big Bang - by Lee Hyo Ri

Reason: Road rules violations, including driving without a seat belt, dancers performing on top of buses, and dancing on the street.

Turn It Up - by T.O,P

Reason: Indirect advertising, uttering brands like LV, Dior, Alexander McQueen, and Dolce & Gabbana.

Why are You Doing This To Me - by Foxy

Reason: Promotion of sexual relationships with men and women.

Mirotic - by TVXQ

Reason: Explicit lyrics, particularly "under my skin"

Abracadabra - by Brown Eyed Girls

Reason: BDSM themes, boob touching and lesbian kissing

Strong Baby - by Seung Ri

Reason: The word "crack"

Oppa, Can I Do It? - by E.Via

Reason: the song itself was banned. Because, Oppa is what a young girl calls a slightly older male

Wealthy 2nd Generation - by AJOO

Reason: Promotion of overindulgence and materialism

Suspicious Man - by Lee Jung Hyun

Reason: An extensive bathroom scene

 Resource: http://www.buzzfeed.com/empressmaruja/5-hottest-banned-korean-pop-music-videos-1fox

10 Most Downloaded iTunes Songs of All Time

Article is made by Sara D Anderson and from the site: http://www.aolradioblog.com/2010/02/25/most-downloaded-itunes-songs/

In celebration of iTunes' 10 Billion download marker (which was met on Feb. 24, 2010 at 9:43PM GMT), Apple has revealed the Most Downloaded iTunes Songs of All Time. Covering singles from Kesha, GaGa and the Black Eyed Peas, among others, these iTunes singles prove that when it comes to downloading music by the masses, we chose to fill our iPods and nanos mostly with retro club beats and dance-floor jams -- but also muse over romantic ballads by Jason Mraz and Taylor Swift, even the string-driven melody in Coldplay's 'Viva La Vida.' Check out the entire list of songs (all released within the last few years) after the jump!

10) Kesha: 'TiK ToK' (2009)

Featured off her debut album 'Animal,' this iTunes single -- with auto-synth back beats -- muses about the singer's crazy night out partying. The chorus is a definite party rocker: "Don't stop, make it pop / DJ, blow my speakers up / Tonight, I'mma fight / 'Til we see the sunlight..."

9) Leona Lewis: 'Bleeding Love' (2007)

The 2006 'X-Factor' winner released this R&B/pop track as her lead single off her debut 'Spirit.' Although it is considered a love song, the song's structure is more R&B danced-based (with wood block percussion and synthesized strings) than a slow-tempo ballad. This song not only made iTunes top 10 most downloaded list, but was the best-selling single in the U.K., as well as the top selling track of 2008, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

8) Taylor Swift: 'Love Story' (2008)

She may not have perfect pitch, but she sure can write, sharing the perfect love story that every girl would want, lyrically tying in the story between Romeo & Juliet (sans the tragic ending, obviously): "Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone / I'll be waiting, all that's left to do is run / You be the prince, and I'll be the princess / It's a love story, baby, just say, 'yes'." This tune was one of the first songs to successfully crossover from country to pop, and become not only the most-downloaded country track in history, but the best-selling country song in the U.S. -- surpassing LeAnn Rimes' 'How Do I Live?' by 1 million copies.

7) Flo Rida: 'Low' (2007)

The first single off his debut album 'Mail on Sunday' the song features T-Pain, who also co-wrote the song. According to the RIAA, this top downloaded iTunes song received the highest Gold & Platinum certification of any artist in March of 2008, earning Flo Rida Gold, Platinum, and 3x multi-Platinum prestige for his chart-topping song, which was also ranked No. 3 song on Billboard's Hot 100 Songs of the Decade.

 6) Lady GaGa: 'Just Dance' (2008)

The playful tune with prominent dance beats has the glittery, swaggering-bombshell singing about being wasted in a club: "What's going on on the floor? / I love this record baby but I can't see straight anymore / Keep it cool, what's the name of this club? / I can't remember but it's alright, a-alright / Just dance." Praised by critics, the song stayed on the Billboard 100 for almost five months before it finally topped the charts in January of 2009.

5) Coldplay: 'Viva la Vida' (2008)

A band known for stadium-scale melodies, this track's melody is no different, recognized for it's repeated, punchy string section -- so much in fact that musician Joe Satriani accused Coldplay of copyright infringement, saying that the melody was copied from his 2004 'If I Could Fly.' Luckily for Coldplay, the case was settled last September, as both parties reached a financial settlement. The lyrics to the song mention Roman cavalry, Saint Peter and Jerusalem bells, adding religious references to a pop-y song, which won both Song of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or a Group at the 2009 Grammy Awards.

4) Jason Mraz: 'I'm Yours' (2008)

Even though the song was released as Mraz's first single off 2008's 'I Sing. I Dance. I Steal Things,' the track was originally included as a demo on his 2006 limited Edition 'Extra Credit,' an EP to help promote his album 'Mr. A-Z.' 'I'm Yours' was nominated for two Grammys in 2009: Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and Song of the Year, but lost to John Mayer's 'Say' and, yep, Coldplay's 'Viva la Vida,' respectively.

3) Black Eyed Peas: 'Boom Boom Pow' (2009)

This top iTunes song -- with furturistic lyrics "I'm so 3008 / you're so 2000 and late" and heavy auto-tune -- gives the band a digital rebirth, not only in their sound but their image as well. So much, that in fact, the group won a 2010 Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video.

2) Lady GaGa: 'Poker Face' (2008)

Despite its upbeat electropop vibe, the song denotes a darker meaning sex and bisexuality, metaphorically linking to gambling: "Luck and intuition play the cards with Spades to start / And after he's been hooked I'll play the one that's on his heart." GaGa says she wrote this top downloaded iTunes song as a tribute to her rock 'n' roll boyfriends. The song won a 2010 Grammy for Best Dance Recording.

1) Black Eyed Peas: 'I Gotta Feeling' (2009)

You've blasted this top 2009 song once or twice while getting ready to go out, danced along to it at a club, and even rocked out to it at a house party -- yep, just like the music video, which features cameo appearances by co-producer and French house DJ David Guetta (other producer is Will.i.am) along with Katy Perry, American rapper Kid Cudi, and model/actress Chantal Jones. This No.1 downloadable iTunes song won a 2010 Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

4th Mini Album by Big Bang!

If it feels like there’s an overwhelming amount of enthusiasm dispersing across the internet, you are not alone.  A certain Korean group just so happens to have returned from a two (count them, two) year hiatus and has instantly vaulted to the forefront of the Korean pop music industry once again.  A break of that length is considered an eternity, especially to those who live their lives according to the K-pop measurement of time, which basically travels at warp-speed.

Big Bang – Daesung, G-Dragon, Seungri, Taeyang, and T.O.P – have spent the last couple years promoting their Japanese material, as well as allowing each member the time to release their own solo music, but the band hadn’t rejoined forces for an exclusive Big Bang album until this week.

Rather than returning into the arms of their fans bearing the gift of a full-length album, Big Bang and YG Entertainment decided to promote their new material via the mini album format.  It’s not a lot, but for the fans who have been shaking in anticipation for Big Bang’s valiant return to the music scene, anything is better than nothing at this point.

So how did their return fare?  Was it a lot of hype but no results, or did they justify all the buzz they received?  Let’s find out.

—

Track List:

01 Intro (Thank You & You)
02 Hands Up
03 Tonight
04 Somebody To Love
05 What Is Right
06 Cafe

—

This release marks the 4th mini album for Big Bang, and it’s yet another notch on their belt.  From their humble beginnings, Big Bang have been pushing the boundaries in Korean pop culture.  Their sound has been strongly influenced by hip-hop, R&B, and the present day electronic style, all genres which they have, at one point or another, managed to perfect and bring to life in ways that other groups have not.  Basically, Big Bang’s cultural impact is a strong one, and there’s really no refuting them as one of the few ‘trend-setters’ of this generation in music.

So when Big Bang release new material, it’s not only a big deal because they’re back from oblivion, but also for the preconceived notion that they’re going to bring forth something spectacular and utterly mind-blowing.  History has proven it, and with a distinguished swag already stapled to their style, it’s pretty hard for Big Bang not to deliver something amazing through their music.

Or is it?

Branching out has served Big Bang in ways that working as a unit has not.  Each member has had the chance to experiment with different styles and explore their potential to showcase the best of who they are as individual artists.

That’s great, and coming back as a group should have been a piece of cake for Big Bang, but this album doesn’t express as much of their signature flow as before. The first hints of a ‘difference’ in Big Bang’s musicality is apparent in their “Intro (Thank You & You)“.  The glaring detail is that the members in Big Bang are no longer singing as one, but as individual singers; meaning there isn’t a significant point in the song where more than one member is singing in unison or harmonizing with another.  I would have brushed off this observation had it not reappeared in the rest of this mini album, but boy does it ever.

Even if Big Bang aren’t vocally the strongest singers in K-pop, they do usually have one of the strongest impacts on their listeners when they sing together (see the chorus from “Lies“, and especially the one from “Haru Haru“).  There’s a reason why Big Bang are as successful as they are, and part of that is thanks to the incredible chemistry in their music.

On this EP, however, all you hear is each Big Bang member trading off lines (some much longer than others) and nothing more.  It’s good music, but where has the spark gone?

A lack of dynamics is only half of the disappointment, as the other half lies in the songs themselves.

It’s hard to consider any cluster of songs on a mini album as filler, but it feels like most of the songs on this EP are exactly that.  It doesn’t help a single bit that two of these songs (“Hands Up“, “Somebody To Love“) have already been released; they are Japanese versions of these same songs.  Both are decent songs, but they were not the lead tracks on the other EPs for a reason.  They don’t possess the bite or anything particularly special for them to stand strong among the rest of  Big Bang’s diverse repertoire, so it isn’t quite clear why they decided to throw them in here.

And that leads to the next point.

It has been two years since Big Bang participated in any official Korean promotion for an album.  With or without a busy schedule, that long of a time span could have at least prompted them to churn out a completely brand new album, full-length or mini.  We all realize they have been busy, but the amount of time they had to plan this project was immense, and they ended up basically rehashing some old tracks, which was a disappointment in itself.

If there’s one saving grace in this EP, it’s the impeccable production.  Ever since G-Dragon went solo with “Heartbreaker“, the quality of Big Bang’s songs have significantly improved.  Their sound has become very digitized, and it’s the most club-friendly music in K-pop.  As far as treatment goes, each member sounds better than ever on this EP.  The pitch-manipulation will put some people off, but I can’t deny that it’s done really well.

“Tonight” is the perfect example of how brilliant auto-tune can sound when done right.  The treatment on each member’s vocals works really well against the fullness of the amazing instrumental.  It features the YG signature hand claps, as well as some pretty cool audience cheers, which is a clever way to create an epic atmosphere to any song.  Clearly, the production on “Tonight” is one of the highlights on this EP.

Another standout is the classic sounding “Cafe.”  The style is very laid-back and consists of the Big Bang edge that I like to hear in their music.  You can’t go wrong with a suave song like this one.

“Cafe” also happens to be the only song where we receive the largest dose of Daesung’s gorgeous singing, which is an absolute shame, because just from listening to him on this song, it’s obvious that his voice has grown and developed since the last time he made any kind of vocal appearance, and I think we would have all loved to hear so much more of it.

The spotlight just doesn’t favor him in this EP, which is simply confusing.

Again, production-wise, this EP sounds fantastic, and it’s complete candy to the ears.  However, it’s the usual Big Bang spark and flair that is MIA, and that’s what holds this material back from knocking down walls and rocketing it into the leagues of “Haru Haru” type releases.

Big Bang’s previous work, specifically before 2009, was woven not only to allow each member to shine individually, but also to explode as one well-rounded group.  In this mini album, it’s obvious that Big Bang are right there singing it ‘together’, but their newfound structures and methods of recording leaves these songs sounding relatively flat.  The member’s individual material was far more engaging than anything revealed here, which is a worrisome conclusion.

Big Bang have the tools at their disposal to craft the most amazing music imaginable, but if they can’t return as one to rekindle the group’s character and musical presence, let alone deliver an EP that surpasses expectations, than perhaps isolating themselves in their own styles wasn’t the best move for the future of the group after all.

 Resources: http://www.allkpop.com/2011/02/review-4th-mini-album-by-big-bang

Oprah Winfrey: Disappointed Over School Scandal Outcome

A woman accused of abusing teenagers at Oprah Winfrey’s Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa was acquitted of the charges on Monday (October 11).

The daytime TV show host is “profoundly disappointed” by the trial’s outcome, especially because she’s had her own history of childhood sexual abuse.

Prosecutors accused former school matron Tiny Virginia Makopo of trying to kiss and fondle girls at the school soon after it opened in 2007 outside Johannesburg.

Not having enough evidence to get a guilty verdict, prosecutor’s spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said, “The magistrate indicated that the state did not prove itself case beyond reasonable doubt on all the charges. We won’t be appealing the judgment.”

Of the outcome, Oprah told press in a statement, “I will forever be proud of the nine girls who testified with the courage and conviction to be heard.”

Resources:  http://mytimekiller.info/celebrity/oprah-winfrey-disappointed-over-school-scandal-outcome.html

The Top 10 Most Hated Celebs of 2010

1. Justin Bieber (54 votes) – What is not to hate about Justin Bieber? The prep-swirl shagcut that beckons at you from every prepubescent boy at the mall? The simple and often lip synched songs? The cocky attitude that makes Kanye West look like the late Pope John Paul II? That’s the thing, you don’t have to look hard or deep for reasons why many in America despise the 16-year old Canadian. The boy prince took over Miley Cyrus’ throne as the teen queen and has dominated the charts since. His ‘My World 2.0′ has gone multi-platinum and his concerts sell out in minutes. However, his arrogance and cockiness turn off most fans above the age of 19. Bieber seems to do whatever he wants, whether it is beating up a teen that taunted him or throwing water balloons at his own security team from a hotel balcony high above. Bieber’s age and effeminacy seem to be the reason most hate, along with the hideous haircut, but Bieber’s massive teen following, chart success, and moxy will make sure he remains near the forefront for the foreseeable future. – Bumpshack (Joshua Holmes) 
   
   
   
2. LeBron James (51 votes) – LeBron started the year on top of the basketball world as his ‘then’ Cleveland Cavs had the best record in the NBA upon entering the playoffs. This quickly changed when he quit on his team in the Eastern Conference Finals, against the Celtics, when rumors of his teammate Delonte West having slept with his mom began to surface. Upon the quick exit from the Playoffs, LeBron entered the most anticipated  free agency pursuit in perhaps sports history. LBJ and his manager, Maverick Carter, decided to announce which team he would sign with on a self produced ESPN 1-hour show called ‘The Decision.’
   This ill-fated decision changed the way NBA fans and even non-NBA fans viewed LeBron perhaps forever.  Before a televised audience of millions, he spurned his home state Cavs to take his ‘talents to South Beach.’  He had not let the Cavs know before hand about his decision. He embarrassed the Cavs franchise and a fledgling city before millions. It didn’t help that he was hopping down to Miami to play alongside Dwyane Wade, who had already won a NBA title with Shaq, fellow free agent signee Chris Bosh.
   From there it got worse once the season started, James attacked his head coach by leaking his discontent to a ESPN insider via his manager. Then just last week, LeBron mouthed off that the NBA would be better if some of the teams would be contracted.  On the bright side, the Heat have lived up to their fiery name of late as they have been steamrolling teams with James dominating.  LeBron still draws the biggest crowds to NBA arenas, the difference being that most are now there to boo him, Wade, Bosh, and the Heat. – Bumpshack (Joshua)
    
   
   
3. Heidi Montag & Spencer Pratt (47 votes) – The most futile and irritating reality couple, Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, is once again between the ten most hated celebs of the year. Heidi started the year revealing a plastic surgery makeover that completely disfigured her 24 year-old face and body, making her feel like Edward Scissorhands. Spencer, the enabler, was even accused of keeping his plastic doll imprisoned at home. However, after the end of “The Hills”, the couple came up with a new maneuver to stay in the spotlight by getting divorced, trying to sell a lesbian sex tape featuring a Girl Next Door and getting back together as if nothing happened. What’s not to hate? We can only hope Speidi finally vanishes in 2011. – Gossip Teen (Gossip Gal)         
4. LeAnn Rimes (36 votes) – Unfortunately for LeAnn Rimes, people seem to have forgotten her place in the entertainment industry and have subconsciously dubbed her a husband stealer.  While celebrity affairs and scandal occur on the daily, it’s the Twitter declarations including her February tweet celebrating her “one year” relations with Cibrian, the public TMI straddle in front of Eddie’s kids on the 4th of July and the nauseating Shape cover and interview that really rubbed me the wrong way.  We get it.  You both frolicked under cover and got caught.  You’re in love.  Fine and dandy.  But, please spare us of your PDA’s and the squinty-eyed pie-eating grins on your faces and start adopting numerous children from third world nations to make us all try to forget why we cringe every time we see you. – Celebrity VIP Lounge (Danity)
5. Jesse James (31 votes) – Even folks who hate haters have to hate on the man who broke Sandra Bullock’s heart.  I mean, what kind of guy does a thing like that?Jesse James, that’s who.  In 2010, Jesse went from being the man who married up to the dude who went slumming.  His multiple affairs (no less than seven!) with various skanky women, including Nazi Michelle “Bombshell” McGee, destroyed his marriage.  Later he had the nerve to call Sandra “the love of his life” and admit that he threw away a pretty amazing life for… what?  A little somethin’ somethin’ on the side?  At least he had the humility to admit that he had probably made himself the most hated man in the world.  Good thing for him that his current piece, Kat Von D, doesn’t seem to mind. – Backseat Cuddler (Gossip Monkey)
6. Miley Cyrus (27 votes) - 2010 was Miley Cyrus’ year! The Disney star totally ditched the immaculate Hannah Montana style to become real parents’ worst nightmare. Miley started shocking the kids with a racy new image and bad girl attitude with her re-invention album, “I Can’t Be Tamed” – from outrageous wardrobe and dirty dance moves to simulating lesbian kisses on stage and bumping and grinding with an older guy at a club. Perez Hilton did everything to corrupt the singer’s image by posting a fake upskirt picture on Twitter, but a month later she proudly flashed her crotch to the world at the MMVAs. Unfortunately, Miley’s busy year did not end before cheating on her boyfriend Liam Hemsworth, drinking some beers in Spain, her parents’ divorce, the celebration of her 18th birthday and finally being caught on camera while getting high on a salvia bong. Cheers, Miley! - Bumpshack (Rita)
7. The Kardashians (26 votes) – You’d think out of all the members of the Kardashian family you’d find one with likable qualities. Maybe it’s the irritating sense of entitlement or the fact that none of them seem to have a legitimate talent and are essential paid to be pretty. What do they really do besides exhaust the world’s supply of bronzer and fake eyelashes? Enter Scott Disick (I am pretty sure the ‘S’ is silent) to trump them all. Of course, when Kim uttered this gem: “I hate when women wear the wrong foundation color. It might be the worst thing on the planet when they wear their makeup too light…” It might have secured her a permanent place in the realm of people we cannot stand. – Hollywood Dame (Cara)
8. Jersey Shore Cast (22 votes) – Who would’ve thought that eight housemates living together at the Jersey Shore (of all places) would become American icons? The guidos and guidettes of MTV’s Jersey Shore have become household names, and there’s no stopping them now. Just when you thought the madness had ended with season 2, it appears that Snooki, JWoww, Sammi, Angelina, Pauly D, Vinny, Ronnie, and our favorite, The Situation, will be back for season 3. We’re never getting rid of them, people! And they’re not just on MTV anymore; they’re on every station we turn to. When Barbara Walters puts you on her list of most interesting people, you must be doing something right. So get your GTL on, Bumpshackers, cause’ we’re gonna be fist bumpin’ til’ the end of time. – Bumpshack (Ella Max)
9. Kanye West (18 votes) – Kanye West said in an interview he’s the Michael Jordan of music and the voice of our generation – I’m not the type to hate (okay, so I’m lying), but when you start making comments like that, someone needs to shoot him down. He thinks he’s the voice of the people. He thinks he’s a trendsetter. He somewhat is, but not a positive one. I can’t stand his belligerent arrogance and hate how he is nothing more than a whiny crybaby who plays the victim in everything. What makes it worse that he says it is all because of his pain.
   There can be no respect for someone who makes trouble for other people and then tries to shift blame and make it seem like he is the victim. Case in point – the interview Kanye gave with Matt Lauer discussing George Bush and the Hurricane Katrina telethon, claiming Lauer was ‘brutal’ and ‘forcing’ his answers. Or when he blames Taylor Swift for the backlash he’s received since his 2009 ‘I’ma let you finish, but…” shenanigans because she never came to his defense. He epitomises the regression of what the evolution of human acheivement and respect for others is intended to represent. You could find a more mature person in a pre-school kid. Go away Mr. West.. go far, far away. – Hollywood Dame (Holly)
   
   
10. Ke$ha (15 votes) – Ke$ha is one of those girls that seems to get away with anything and everything. She reminds me of a young Lady Gaga. We all know that time and time again we hate her. The way she dresses the way she wants and does what she wants. And we can’t forget that naked picture scandal that Ke$ha got involved in. Is love her drug? But we all know that just adds up to being more popular, no matter how trashy it is. I just love to hate her! – Knocked Up Celebs (Taylor Blue) 

Article is taken from: http://bumpshack.com/2010/12/30/the-10-most-hated-celebrities-of-2010-2/ 

Kate Middleton: Down to Earth Princess Bride

Despite the fact that she's about to marry into the royal family, Kate Middleton is as down to earth as one can get.

In the recently released engagement photos featuring Prince William with his soon-to-be princess bride, Kate apparently passed up on the best professionals in the work to do her very own makeup.

A source told Us magazine, “Kate had already done most of her makeup the way she wanted – she wanted to look very natural.”

As for her dress of choice? Kate chose a modest vintage-inspired silk blouse from London’s chain shop, Whistles, which is said to have been pulled from her own closet.

Resource: http://www.celebrity-gossip.net/kate-middleton/kate-middleton-down-earth-princess-bride-448250

Ayumi Hamasaki: Grief for Japan Earthquake Victims

Japanese famous singer, Ayumi Hamasaki, wrote: “All persons, employees of the recordings, tourism service workers, members of the band and dancers, do not work today,” wrote Arumi in kanji language that was quoted as saying in his twitter account, Friday, March 11, 2011.

Ayumi thanked the world community who have shown concern over the earthquake and tsunami that struck the Japanese people.

“Thank you guys to keep Praying for Japan !!!!!,” she said again.

Not only Ayumi, actor and singer from Japan, Kazuya Kamenashi also wrote his anxiety on Twitter. He worried about the situation of residents in Sendau and Iwaki, two cities most affected by the tsunami.

“A big earthquake! Are you okay ?!!,” said the man who was born on February 23, 1986 to the Japan earthquake victims in both cities.

World celebrities condolence for Japan earthquake victims

Most celebrities not only in Japan but all celebrities in the world pray for the Japan earthquake victims and for all the family that they had left. Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami alert around the east coast of Japan, which faces the Pacific Ocean. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii said that a tsunami warning also applies in Russia, Marcus Island, and the Mariana Islands.

Resources: http://www.dnewsglobal.com/ayumi-hamasaki-grief-japan-earthquake-victims/3437.html