Depression doesnt discriminate. After Dru Hill member and Keith Sweat’s Platinum House’s Nokio exposed his past battle with the illness, it moved many to take it seriously and revisit its affect on the minority community. Depression is a mental issue that requires medical attention in order to manage it, cope with it, and—in some cases—get rid of it. Below are a few facts about depression that will make you aware.  Please note: if any of the symptoms or facts listed seem to fit you or a loved one,  seeking medical attention is a must…not a maybe.

1. Women are twice as likely to suffer from depression than men.

2. Major depression effects mood, thoughts, behavior, and physical health.

3. Major depression is the largest cause of disability in the United States.

4.  More than half of the people who experience one episode of depression will continue to have episodes at least once or twice a year.  If depressive episodes are left untreated they become more frequent and more detrimental to ones health. 

5.  Untreated depression can, and often times does lead to suicide.

Prevention and treatment can only occur if you are aware of yourself and those around you.  Depression isn’t something that will work itself out.

All information was found here.

Attention die-hard Dru Hill fans.  Think you know all there is to know about the R&B crooning fellas from Baltimore? Well, we have some little known facts that just might have you updating your fanpage. Take Note.

1. WHAT’S IN A NAME

The group’s name, Dru Hill, was taken from their favorite hangout, Druid Hill Park in their hometown of Baltimore, MD.

2. JAZZ MEETS OPERA

Member Jazz studied classical music (Baroque to Opera) at the Baltimore School of the Arts (of which Jada Pinkett-Smith and Tupac Shakur are alums).

3. SHUT IT DOWN

The late Michael Jackson flew Sisqo to Virginia in 2001, so the singer could meet the pop icon for the first time.  The pair shut down highways on the way to Jillian’s Discover Mills (now Dave & Buster’s Discover Mills), which was also shut down for the duo.

4. BOO WHO?

Around the ages of 13 years old, Dru Hill was booed after Nokio tripped over a chord during a performance at New York’s famed Apollo Theatre.  Luckily for them, the heckling didn’t last long and the group won the competition for the night.

5. DYE HARD

Sisqo dyed his hair from natural black to intense blonde on a whim, moments before the group went on set to record their first video, “Tell Me.”  The other group members were afraid it would ruin his image, and asked him to cover it up for their album cover, but it turned out to be one of the most defining elements of his—and the group.

Keith Sweat’s Platinum House airs tonight at 8PM EST only on Centric

Baltimore is a city snuggled between the busy North and hospitality filled South, but it’s often times overlooked and dwarfed by the greatness of the nation’s capital.  The home of former Keith Sweat’s Platinum House tenants Dru Hill, Baltimore has a vast history and is worth a visit. Not convinced? We’ve got you covered…

1.  The National Aquarium – Baltimore is the home of the National Aquarium, which is one of the world’s largest aquariums and a great place to explore with the entire family.

2. Architechture – Founded in 1729, the city has a large range of architechture in the town that spans at least two centuries.   The various styles can be seen if you tour the city, but it’s also evident in the city’s beautiful skyline.

3. Food – Baltimore is a huge port, and known for their crabs.  Every summer you can (and should) travel to Baltimore for Crab Fest and indulge in some of the best seafood in the United States.

Tune in tonight to catch Baltimore’s own Dru Hill on Keith Sweat’s Platinum House at 8PM EST only on Centric.

Flashback to 1999. Fubu is the hottest brand,  Texas Governor George W. Bush announces he will seek the Republican Party nomination for President of the United States, Curtis Mayfield passes away, and Dru Hill is shutting down shop in the world of R&B.

Flying high off the successful release of their sophomore album, Enter the Dru, the fellas from Baltimore released their forth single, “You Are Everything” featuring a new Queens-bred rapper by the name of Ja Rule. While the single charted dismally, it was a great track. R&B at the core; the song was laced with Pop, Hip-Hop, nice guitar rifts, and that signature Dru Hill harmony.  The video showed a sexier side of Dru Hill, Nokio’s rapping ability, and it also highlighted Sisqo’s unique dancing.  All in all: “You Are Everything” was a great song with an even better video that brought it to life.

http://www.dailymotion.com/videox8f7a6

Tell Centric what you think of “You Are Everything” here, on our Facebook page, or on our twitter page.  Also, don’t forget to tune in tonight to Keith Sweat’s Platinum House at 8PM EST only on Centric.

Just in case you haven’t been able to catch up with Keith Sweat’s Platinum House online don’t worry because Centric’s got you covered.

All season you’ve watched Dru Hill fight, grow, talk, train, and try to get back to a point where they’re the strongest R&B group on the planet.  Now it’s time for you to tune in and see if their hard work paid off, or if internal conflict and egos keep them from regaining their past musical glory.

Do you think that Sisqo and Nokio can let bygones be bygones?  Will Jazz’s voice finally be heard and respected by his group members?  Can Tao keep everyone motivated and together as one?

Tell us what you think here, on our facebook page, or on twitter.  To see if your thoughts and feelings were correct tune into Keith Sweat’s Platinum House tonight at 8PM EST only on Centric.

Oh and if you already saw the finale…what did you think?

The men of Dru Hill are crisscrossing the nation in support of their newest album Indrupendence Day—not to mention celebrating tonight’s season finale of their successful reality show, Keith Sweat’s Platinum House—but Centric’s Justin Joseph managed to catch up with Sisqo, Nokio, Jazz and Tao to get the rundown on their Platinum House experience and if all the fighting is over.

Justin Joseph: As you all near the the season finale of Keith Sweat’s Platinum House, any thoughts about your reality show experience?

Nokio: Being a part of the reality show was a great experience for me. I’m cool with the cameras, but after a while you want some time alone.

Tao: For me the reality show experience was alot of fun. Once we got the first day over with the cameras being around I was pretty much good,especially with the [professionals] on my side.

Sisqo: I had past reality show experience so I knew what I was getting myself into. I was born to be in front of the camera. I’ve been in front of the camera for as long as I can remember.

JJ: There was A LOT of fighting and physical conflicts on the show. Have you fellas gotten it together?

Tao: A little. We’re always gonna bump heads sometimes,but that’s what a family does.

Jazz: Yes things did get a little physical but I’ve seen worse amongst us. As long as the respect is leveled than it won’t get physical but If the respect doesn’t remained leveled than [there's] definitely going [to] be problems here and there.

Nokio: I don’t think they’ll be anymore fights.

Tune in tonight at 8PM EST for the season finale of Keith Sweat’s Platinum House only on Centric.

Tonight is the season finale of Keith Sweat’s Platinum House and Dru Hill’s hard work is about to be put to the test during a Father’s Day performance.  Although the group’s hard work is under a microscope and onlookers are curious to see if the guys still have that spark, one man’s emotions are tested.

It’s been a stressful road on the journey back to this one performance and the stress, dedication, and work may prove to be too much for one group member as feelings are exposed during a moment of clarity.

To see how Dru Hill’s performance was received, who had a moment of clarity, and where Dru Hill will go from here, tune in to Keith Sweat’s Platinum House tonight at 8PM EST only on Centric.

If you’re planning to have a lazy weekend after a hard week at work, Centric has exactly what you need to jump-start start your two days of relaxation.

Starting Saturday at 10AM EST tune in to catch a countdown of  the 100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs. After you’re done seeing if your picks made the list, catch up with back-to-back episodes of Keith Sweat’s Platinum House starting at 3PM EST.

And If you don’t get your Hip-Hop fill on Saturday, tune in to Centric on Sunday at 6PM EST for the 2009 Vh1 Hip Hop Honors and relive your favorite moments from last year’s show.

All set? We think So.

With the release of his latest album, Ridin’ Solo, Keith Sweat is back, better than ever, and in charge.  After listening to his new material it’s obvious that he’s matured and taken his sound to another level and is ready to touch another generation with his music.

Keith Sweat’s latest single “Test Drive” is a departure from his signature New Jack Swing sound. Featuring Joe, the track is a smooth offering.   Be sure to check out Centric’s 20 to 1 Countdown this Friday at 11AM EST and 5PM EST to see if “Test Drive” can make its way to the top of the countdown.  Until then check out full episodes of Keith Sweat on Keith Sweat’s Platinum House online now.

A few weeks ago on Keith Sweat’s Platinum House, Nokio mentioned that he battled with depression when he was younger and that he had actually attempted suicide around the age of 18.  Suicide is a very serious issue for young men and women in America, and it’s a topic that needs to be addressed because every person given life deserves the right to feel as though they’re worth living it. 

Suicide is 100% preventable if family and friends pick up on warning signs and have the person in question address their illness as early as possible.  Below are a few risk factors that can help identify if a person may be suicidal.

1. Prior suicide attempts

2. Lack of interest in school or work

3.  A history of physical or sexual abuse

4. Family history of suicide

5. Suffering from another mental health disorder or having a drug/alcohol dependancy

This list only has a few of the risk factors for youth suicide listed.  To learn more about how to protect yourself or a family member from a decision that can never be reversed, talk to a healthcare professional and get help immediatedly.

*All information was found here.