Mixtapes are a movement. For some, giving away music could mean much more than trying to sell their tunes — but Drake played the game right. He started giving away his mixtape So Far Gone earlier this year, and the word of mouth spread with fans, his peers and record-company executives: a recent New York concert found [Warner Music exec] Lyor Cohen in the crowd, standing among screaming fans, along with Kanye West and Talib Kweli.
Well, the wait is over: After weeks of speculation, Drake has chosen to go with the home team and sign with Lil Wayne's Young Money Records, according to a source close to the situation. The deal breaks down as a joint venture between Young Money and Cash Money, with Universal Republic distributing. Drake's management was adamant that he should be viewed as an independent artist, although Universal will distribute the project.
"Today is a definitely a comfortable day for me, having my team now that's been in place for a couple of years. It's just a great day," Drake told MTV News recently in New York. "It's something new, but it feels familiar."
Drizzy is excited about having a corporate push to help with the momentum he's gained independently.
"Independent is a funny term," he told MTV News on the set of his video for "Best I Ever Had." "I can go independent, but you need distribution, period. You need somebody to distribute your record and you need that army that a label has to really push the record."
So Far Gone became this year's most talked-about mixtape because, in effect, Drake combines the best of both worlds by being a strong singer and rapper. His singing talent is prominent on the tracks "HoustonAtlantaVegas," "Little Bit" and "A Night Off"; his rapping on songs like "Uptown" and "Ignorant Sh--" is as sharp as a broken bottle in a barroom brawl. He rhymes are just as strong: "The game needs change and I'm the muthaf----n' cashier" (from "Successful"); "Account's in the minus, yet I'm rolling round the f---ing city like your highness" ("Say What's Real").
His popularity has gotten so strong that Drake performed — along with Weezy and the Young Money crew — in a prime slot at the BET Awards on Sunday night.
Drake's official debut LP, Thank Me Later, is currently in production and due later this year, with Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Jay-Z listed as possible collaborators. This summer, look for Drake on tour with Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy and Soulja Boy Tell'em as part of the Young Money Presents: America's Most Wanted Music Festival.
Michael Jackson's Posthumous Sales Surge Singer currently holds eight of top 10 slots on iTunes singles chart. By Gil Kaufman
From Cairo to Compton, Harlem to Hanoi, last week, fans of the King of Pop were celebrating the life of Michael Jackson by listening and dancing to the iconic singer's music. They were also rushing out to buy as much of it as they could, creating a retail crush around the country (and the world) that will likely land a number of Jackson albums at the top of the Billboard catalog charts next week.
Retailers across the country reported a mad rush on Jackson titles, with many saying that they had quickly run out of their stock of music within 24 hours of the singer's death on Thursday at the age of 50. The quickest-selling titles, according to Billboard, were the Number Ones and The Essential Michael Jackson compilations, as well as the expanded reissue of Thriller. Billboard predicted that those three sets, along with Jackson's studio albums Off the Wall, Bad and Dangerous, will likely leap to the upper reaches of the Top Pop Catalog Albums chart next week. The magazine said that Number Ones will probably take the top spot after resting at #20 last week on sales of 4,000.
By comparison, the top catalog album last week was Christian act tobyMac's Portable Sounds, which sold 9,000 copies, while sources told Billboard that at least one of the Jackson titles sold more than double that total just on Thursday alone. Nielsen SoundScan tracks sales through Sunday (June 28), with the new chart rankings released on Wednesday, July 1.
Keith Caulfield, Senior Chart Manager and Analyst for Billboard, said that he did not have any updated numbers on Jackson sales on Monday, but that "when an artist of a certain stature passes away, especially a sudden passing, there's always that instant reaction on the Billboard charts." But, unlike the deaths of such icons as Johnny Cash (2003) and Frank Sinatra (1998), both of whom were older when they died, Caulfield said whatever impact Jackson's passing would have is amplified by the fact that we are now living in the digital music age. "Now you have digital albums, which didn't really exist when these stars died in the past," he said.
In a telling tale of the times, as of Monday (June 29), eight of the 10 best-selling songs on iTunes belonged to Jackson, with "Man in the Mirror" resting at #1 on a singles chart that also included such hits as "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Billie Jean," "Black or White," "Smooth Criminal," "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," "Thriller" and "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)." The only other songs on the chart blocking Jackson's clean sweep were a pair of singles from the Black Eyed Peas.
In total, 38 Jackson songs were in the top 100 on the iTunes Top Songs chart. Outside the top 10, 15 other Jackson and Jackson 5-related albums and anthologies made it onto the list of the 100 best-selling digital albums. Jackson's impact was even felt on the ringtones chart, where "Thriller" was at #2, "The Way You Make Me Feel" came in at #5 and "Smooth Criminal" slid into the #8 spot among the 17 Jackson ringtones on the chart. A spokesperson for iTunes would not comment on sales figures, referring questions to Jackson's Sony label. A spokesperson for the label had not returned calls for comment at press time.
As befits the man who made the music video a true art form, Jackson had a complete lockdown on the Top Music Videos chart on iTunes, as well, taking the top 10 spots with such landmark clips as "Thriller," "Billie Jean," "Black or White" and "Beat It." In all, more than 40 Jackson videos made it onto the top 100 videos chart.
Jackson wasn't the only one whose sales increased: "Weird Al" Yankovic's parodies "Eat It" (#94) and "Fat" (#81) also got some love, along with Alien Ant Farm's cover of "Smooth Criminal" (#94).
The story was similar on the Top Albums chart, with Jackson monopolizing seven of the top 10 spots with The Essential Michael Jackson at #1, followed by Number Ones, Thriller, Off the Wall and Bad. Also in the top 10 were the 25th anniversary edition of Thriller and Dangerous.
It was the same story at Amazon.com, where the top-25 single-track downloads featured 16 Jackson songs and half of the top 20 on the MP3 albums chart was populated by Jackson's solo albums or efforts with his brothers.
London's Daily Telegraph reported a similar phenomenon in the country where Jackson was slated to make his comeback in two weeks at a series of now-scuttled 50 shows at the O2 Arena in London. A best-of album reached #1 on the U.K. charts over the weekend, and four other albums entered the top 20 alongside 43 singles in the top 200. Given the additional digital sales, the paper predicted that Jackson's posthumous sales could easily dwarf those of such fellow music icons as Elvis Presley and John Lennon.
Jeremih's self-titled debut is about to drop in stores and digital retailers. Known for the hit spring single "Birthday Sex," Jeremih's self-titled debut is being made available through a special full streaming event at Myspace Music. Jeremih's self-titled debut arrives in stores and through digital retailers Tuesday, June 30.
Hip-Hop Artist j.COLE has launched a blog. dreamvillain.blogspot.com...The blog itself was created back in 08, i discovered it last night. i thought it would be a good way to help the masses learn more about this talented young brother from NC. Below i posted piece of an entry from the jay-z's protege
Sunday, May 4, 2008 A Message to the Dream Chasers
First blog. First post. On the real, I have no clue what this blog is gonna turn into. I debated whether it would be hip hop based, or more social/political. I decided though, to let go of any expectations and just let shit flow however it may. No rules, restrictions or guidelines.
On that note, an introduction is necessary.
J. Cole. Rapper and Producer out of Fayetteville, North Carolina. I spent my college years in NYC at St. John's University. I used college as the tool to move closer to the music industry, as music has been my dream since 13. Now graduated (Magna Cum Laude, holla), all energies are devoted to the steady climb to the top.
I still represent the Ville in all of my music. It's important that I give all due respect and loyalty to the city and state that molded me through all of my experiences. It's my ultimate dream to see my city shine along with the many other talented artists coming out of the region. No doubt it's gonna happen. I'ma see to it.
My first mixtape is now out and available for download. It's called "The Come Up" and is hosted by DJ On Point. download here for free http://www.zshare.net/download/1065071662ed466f/
With that said, stick with me. It's gonna be a crazy journey.
AllHipHop.com: So you are from Fayetteville NC which is a big Army recruitment town. What was it like for you growing up?
J. Cole: Well, the whole reason I was there is because I was an army brat. My mother and my father were in the army when I was young, so that’s how we ended up there. Its diverse, there’s a whole bunch of different types of people. You got, White, Black, Asian, Latino. So you meet a lot of different types of people, (I have had) a lot of different types of experiences. I done seen it all from the worst side of town to new kids from the best side of town.
AllHipHop.com: I can imagine it must have been a big change moving to NYC. What kind of adjustments did you have to make?
J. Cole: First of all, I had to get my sense of direction around here, it’s such a big city. [I had to] figure out how things work as far as trains and shit. I had to adjust to attitudes. It’s faster paced so people have much shorter tempers and just different interactions with people. So I had to get used to all of that, get adjusted to being in school and not being around any family and having that to fall back on.
AllHipHop.com: Now you graduated from St Johns in 2007 and from what I understand you were an excellent student. Since you were obviously not relying on your talents as a rapper to be your meal ticket, what was your major? What were you planning to do if the rap thing didn't work out?
J. Cole: I started out a Computer Science major as a freshman but I switched quick as hell cause it was boring, to me. Then I switched to Communications a couple years later. It seemed like a generic major but I couldn’t picture myself doing anything else. But the honest truth is I never ever even visualized any other career, I never even decided on the type of job I would look for. I knew, at least I hoped, I just knew it would be rap.
AllHipHop.com: Shifting gears, your first mixtape The Come Up hosted by DJ On Point came out in 2007. How did you connect with On Point and how did this tape help you get the attention of your new manager Mark Pitts?
J. Cole: I got On Point for the mixtape through my man Aristotle. We were working together for a while, back in 07. So he set up the On Point thing. As far as the mixtape goes, it didn’t get me to Mark Pitts. (laughs) I don’t even know if Mark Pitts honestly has heard The Come Up, it was so under the radar like that. I got to Mark Pitts through other avenues. Actually someone that works for him happened to hear my shit and got it to him. So The Come Up was really under the radar, people are just now going back to listen to it.
AllHipHop.com: You recently went on a small tour with Wale. Was that your first time on tour? What was that experience like?
J. Cole: Yeah, that was my first time on tour. I really didn’t even go to every city with him, I was doing east coast cities. It was fun man, it was literally just me and my team hoping in the whip and driving down the east coast to the shows. It was fun. It gets no more fun than that at these beginning stages. We’re paying for shit (like) food out our pockets, hotels and shit. It’s just really the grind. It was the best man because people don’t know you when you get on stage and they don’t know whether they want to cheer for you or be like ‘get the fuck off the stage.’ By the end of the show hopefully I grabbed their attention enough for them to be like ‘yo that dude was sick, what was his name again?’
AllHipHop.com: These days it seems like artists need to saturate the market independently before they are able to get a deal which can be a problem because when they do get their deal and its time to release a project, their is no anticipation because they have released so much material. You on the other hand got you deal before the buzz really even began which is reminiscent of a 90s marketing format. Do you feel like that gives you an advantage?
J. Cole: I hope so. I hope that gives me an advantage. I think so and I hope so but that was all planned. Three years ago when I was really like ‘I’m getting a deal, fuck it.’ Everybody was saying that you have to go out and get your buzz first before you get a deal. You have to put out mixtape after mixtape, you have to do this, you have to get radio, you have to get your myspace friends up. I think right now I probably got 2,000 myspace friends. There are independent artists with way more friends than me. I have no buzz, or had no buzz up until right now. So I never believed in that theory. I was always the one that was like ‘I don’t HAVE to do that I don’t have to fuckin follow that way of thinking’ And I didn’t I got a deal based off my music with zero buzz. And it does help me out because I’m sneaking up on the game rather than already having my name out there. Now people are more curious like ‘who the fuck is this that just got signed.’ It’s just like what you said, the way it used to be.
AllHipHop.com: Hopefully they’ll start doing that again.
J. Cole: Yeah, I hope so.
AllHiphop.com: Another artist whose buzz is defining right now is Drake. I have heard people compare you to Drake several times in the past few weeks. I don't really hear the similarities, have you been getting a lot of that?
J. Cole: I’ve been getting enough of it to hear about it but I wouldn’t say I’ve been getting a lot of it. But I’ve definitely heard it.
AllHipHop.com: When I listen to your music, I hear subtle elements of 2pac, Nas and Kanye West. Who are your biggest influences?
J. Cole: Damn, everybody you just named definitely. 2pac is just my favorite rapper, period. Kanye, he’s one of my favorite rap ARTISTS, period. Not even just rapper/producer, just one of my favorite rap artists ever. Nas, I’m a huge fan, huge studier. Eminem as well was big for me. Even Royce Da 5’9” in that same 98/99/2000 period, Royce was huge for me, Canibus…and Jay of course, a sprinkle of Jay. These are artists that all had huge influence on me. Kanye definitely though with the beats, and Dilla and Preemo (laughs) as I fade out with all of the greats.
AllHipHop.com: I have heard a great deal of your music but the record I have seen generating a buzz online is "Grown Simba" what's the reaction you have been getting from that song?
J. Cole: It’s been great. From what I’ve seen from it, it’s a good response. People are really feeling the beat. I’m proud of that. And I just see people saying ‘oh he goes hard.’ But I look at it like, those songs that I put out, other than “Dead Presidents 2,” I feel like the other songs that I put out, they’re dope, I like them and I stand for them but they don’t even really truly reflect me. You’re gonna see the ENTIRE me on the mixtape. That’s why I’m really adamant about people listening to the whole mixtape and not judging based on “Grown Simba” or “Dead Presidents 2,” hearing everything. But “Grown Simba” yeah, I love that song. AllHipHop.com: Have you begun working on the album? What producers have you been getting in with? Any secret Jay-Z colabs we should (or shouldn't) know about?
J. Cole: (laughs) As far as my album, yeah I’ve been working for the past two years on my album, so I been working on that but once this “Warm Up” shit kinda cools off, little play on words, (laughs) I’ll be able to really get in. Two weeks from now I’ll be able to really sit down, analyze what I’ve got, what needs to go, what needs to come in. As far as secret Jay-Z collaborations man, I mean all I can say is, (laughs) if there were to be any secret Jay-Z collaborations, I wouldn’t be able to speak on them. BUT, you know, I would ASSUME that by this point I might have been in the studio with him. If I was an outsider looking in I might assume that, but I’m not saying anything in particular you know... (laughs)
AllHipHop.com: What can the people look forward to from J. Cole in the coming year?
J. Cole: This bangin ass mixtape that I need you to dive in (to) and explore, in an out, which is called The Warm Up. I’m on Wale’s mixtape as well, “Back to the Feature.” I’m on Wale’s album which comes out I think end of the summer. I might, I got some top-secret shit lined up, top-secret features lined up. And then look for a big college tour from me. Not big in terms of size but big for me in terms of my idea for it. So look out for that next semester, what’s that fall 09 for all you college kids. And you know, just look for me around, I’m working hard. I haven’t gotten a deal and gotten comfortable, I feel like I haven’t made it yet. So I still got a lot of work to do.
LOS ANGELES - The BET Awards became the official Michael Jackson TV celebration on Sunday, with joyous tributes to the King of Pop from a New Edition medley of Jackson 5 songs to host Jamie Foxx’s tender monologue delivered in that classic red leather zipper jacket and white glove.
“No need to be sad. We want to celebrate this black man,” said Foxx, who kicked off the show with a re-enactment of the choreography from Jackson’s iconic “Beat It” video in front of the star-studded crowd, on its feet from the start of the show.
Joe Jackson, the singer’s father, was on hand to represent the grief-stricken family. “I just wish he could be here to celebrate himself,” he said. “Sadly, he’s not here, so I’m here to celebrate for him.”
Already an affair of major star wattage, the night’s show at the Shrine Auditorium was thrown under a white-hot spotlight in the wake of Michael Jackson’s death Thursday, adding attendees and guests, doubling the number of media requests, adding an extra half-hour to the telecast and even lengthening the red carpet to accommodate all who wanted to take part.
Backstage, Ciara recounted talking on the phone with her idol and her regrets that she never got to meet him. As she talked, she started to cry. “He meant so much to me,” she said through tears.
A unique place While Jackson’s incredible influenced stretched across genres, races, and cultures, he had a very unique place in the world of black entertainment. His influence is arguably most visible in urban music, seen in stars like Usher who mimic his dance moves, to Ne-Yo, whose music is marked by its Jackson-isms. But that influence went beyond music: Jackson was black America’s biggest star, who broke racial barriers that allowed for so many other superstars to follow.
Producers of the annual awards show — which recognizes the best in music, acting and sports — revamped the show to meet the moment. While Beyonce and T.I. were the leading award nominees with five apiece, giving out trophies was an afterthought: Honoring Jackson was became the show’s main focus.
While some performed their own hits, most made sure to incorporate some of the man who influenced them in their performances. A chant of “Michael Jackson, Michael Jackson” was heard while Keri Hilson performed, and Foxx’s “Blame It” incorporated some of the Jacksons’ dance hit “Blame It On the Boogie.”
Reflections of the star Throughout the night, Foxx also regularly turned up in some of Jackson’s signature looks, like the wide-collar black leather outfit from “Billie Jean.”
New Edition, the 1980s teen sensations who were considered that generation’s Jackson 5 with their own version of bubble-gum soul, ran through several of the Jackson 5’s greatest hits, from “I Want You Back” to “ABC,” mirroring their idols right down to the group’s original choreography. Ne-Yo sang one of Jackson’s most sensual songs, “Lady in my Life.”
“He’s the man who made it possible for me to be on the stage; I love you and I miss you,” he said later.
Ciara sang Jackson’s humanitarian anthem, “Heal the World,” dressed in a jacket that had Jackson’s signature military epaulets.
And winners acknowledged Jackson when they received their awards.
“This is for you, Michael Jackson,” said Beyonce, as she held her trophy for best female R&B artist skyward. “I have to thank Michael for being my future and my hero.”
“We all know none of us in this in this room wouldn’t be here for Michael Jackson,” said Lil Wayne, as he picked up his award for best male hip-hop star.
“My heart and prayers go out to the whole Jackson family,” said basketball star LeBron James, who won best male athlete
Sam Pete’s earned a lot of respect in the R&B industry with his work in choreography. Having collaborated with artists including Kelly Rowland, Ciara, Omarion, Bobby Valentino and Glen Lewis. The track seems to be a blend of R&B, funk and disco.
Next week, Michael Jackson will once again make music history as many of his albums are poised to shake up the Billboard charts with incredible sales increases.
The impact of Jackson's passing was felt immediately in the marketplace. Industry sources report that the demand for Jackson's albums were so high, many brick and mortar retailers simply ran out of whatever Jackson stock they had on hand on Thursday (25) night.
Michael Jackson 1958-2009
The albums with the greatest sales increases -- at least on the physical side of things -- look to be his greatest hits packages "Number Ones" and "The Essential Michael Jackson" along with the expanded reissue of "Thriller." The sets, released between 2003 and 2008, were the three Jackson albums that perhaps had the most stock available in stores.
In the digital realm, where the supply problem doesn't exist, Jackson's songs and albums swarmed the top of the constantly-updating best sellers lists in both the iTunes' and Amazon's online music stores. At one point on Friday in the iTunes Store, nine out of the top 10-selling albums and 40 of the top 100-selling songs were by Jackson.
The three aforementioned albums, along with Jackson's classic studio sets "Off the Wall," "Bad" and "Dangerous" all will likely zoom into the upper region of Billboard's Top Pop Catalog Albums chart next week. Initial reports of Jackson's album sales from Thursday alone indicate that one of his albums -- possibly "Number Ones" -- will easily fly to No. 1 on the chart next week. Last week, the set -- which also was his top-selling album of the week -- was at No. 20 on the Catalog chart with 4,000 sold.
To compare, last week's No. 1 on the Catalog chart was TobyMac's "Portable Sounds" with 9,000 copies sold. Sources say that at least one of Jackson's albums sold more than double that amount just on Thursday.
Nielsen SoundScan's tracking week ends at the close of business on Sunday (28). Billboard and SoundScan's new weekly charts will be released on Wednesday, July 1.
"Imma Star" is a song by American i-GOTNEXTBLOG featured artist Jeremih. 'Star'is a song with lyrical content I dont usaully feel in songs, rap or rnb. But when its hot its hot. 'Star" is mos def that. soild song writing and head noddin beat. Make me give this song to thumbs up. Jeremih delivers a swag that helps the trak appeal to all broke or paid. This track mos def shows that Jeremih is an artist to watch.
Celebrity guests joined host Toccara during this one-hour look back at the TOP 12 MOMENTS of the BET Awards. It’s only natural that the most incredible awards show on TV has brought about some of the most memorable, outrageous, jaw-dropping and show-stopping moments in BET history.
TOP 12 MOMENTS of the BET Awards featured a unique blend of familiar Black American entertainment voices who shared their reflections on the moments that have made the past eight years of watching and participating in the BET Awards so incredibly memorable.
Did your favorite moment make the countdown?
TOP 12 MOMENTS
1) Mo'Nique does the Beyonce dance.
2) Michael Jackson and James Brown perform.
3) Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Holliday perform.
4) Alicia Keys performs with SWV, EnVogue and TLC.
5) Fugees Reunion.
6) Chaka Khan tribute.
7) Old School Hip Hop Medley.
8) Teena Marie and Rick James perform.
9) Jamie Foxx and Fantasia Kiss.
10) Janet Jackson reunites with the "Good Times" cast.
With the untimely passing of an incomparable legend, the 2009 BET Awards will be shifting gears to honor the late Michael Jackson and his contributions to not only the music industry, but to the entire world. His loss is a difficult one to accept and BET will do its part to ensure that his legend lives on.
The 2009 BET Awards will be dedicated to the life, legacy and legend of music icon, Michael Jackson.
Jackson’s impact on our lives has been significant. Whether exhibited by his humanitarian efforts, his ability to reshape the concept of a music video, or his engaging star power, “The King of Pop” is unlike any other artist, defining the very fabric of what popular music is today.
Michael Jackson’s influence is undeniable, as traces of his style are prevalent in a number of today’s top artists. But his significant impact on this network will also forever be etched into the history tablets of Black Entertainment Television.
“Michael’s influence is felt every day in so many ways at BET Networks, and it’s been that way throughout our network’s entire 29-year history. We watched him grow up, and he truly feels like he is a member of our family,” Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BET Networks, Debra Lee, said in a statement. “He will be missed more than we can say…but his legend and memory live on in the artists, musicians, producers, dancers, fans, and everyone else who looks to him for inspiration.”
Who could forget that one of the most memorable milestones in BET history was Michael Jackson's surprise appearance during the tribute to James Brown at the 2003 BET Awards? His impromptu performance with the “Godfather of Soul” left everyone breathless.
It is hard to believe that both the “Godfather of Soul” and “The King of Pop” are now both gone – but never, ever forgotten.
Jackson has done more for music and popular culture than any other artist; his influence crosses generations, races, genders and even continents. That incredible global reach matched with decades of musical integrity and genius is why Jackson was the very first artist inducted into the BET Walk of Fame back in 1995.
Taking all of his monumental contributions into consideration, the 2009 BET Awards will be dedicated to the unparalleled “King of Pop” and we will spend the evening paying tribute to the legacy of Michael Jackson.
I MISS U is attention worthy song from a Rapper named Sha Stimuli. The record features Neyo. This song isn't mind blowing but has potential. The beat and chorus with Neyo singing are very infectious. And lyrically the song is well written. Sha uses humor and wit to delivery a record that all brother can relate too.
Street Sweeper Social Club is an American rap rock super group, formed in Los Angeles, California in 2006. The band primarily consists of guitarist Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine and vocalist/emcee Boots Riley of The Coup. Street are signed to Warner Music Group, and released their self-titled debut album on June 16, 2009.To support the release of the album, the band was confirmed as the opener for the Nine Inch Nails & Jane's Addiction 2009 tour, running from the 8Th of May to the 12Th of June.
The first official single from the album, entitled "100 Little Curses", premiered on the band's Myspace on April 27, 2009. The song contains a sing-a-long chorus, arena rock style, with a digitally edited voice then speaking the words "100 Little Curses." It was released as a digital download on April 27Th 2009 before the album was released.
Two additional songs from the album: "Clap for the Killers" and "The Oath" were released on the NINJA 2009 Tour Sampler, the EP sampler supporting the 2009 NIN|JA tour with Nine Inch Nails and Jane's Addiction. Also "Fight! Smash! Win!" was released as a buzz single prior to all previous stated songs from their debut album.
AUDIO: CLAP FOR THE KILLERS
LIVE: THE OATH IN TORANTO
ALBUM TRACK LISTING 1."Fight! Smash! Win!" 2."100 Little Curses" 3."The Oath" 4."The Squeeze" 5."Clap for the Killers" 6."Somewhere in the World It's Midnight" 7."Shock You Again" 8."Good Morning, Mrs. Smith" 9."Mega blast" 10."Promenade" 11."Nobody Moves (Til We Say Go)" 12."Promenade" (live) (iTunes bonus track)
MEMBERSBoots Riley - Vocals Tom Morello - Guitar, Bass (album and live) Carl Restivo - Rhythm guitar (live only) Dave Gibbs - Bass (live only) Eric Gardner - Drums (live only) Stanton Moore - Drums (album only)
Background information
Origin Los Angeles, California Genre(s) Rap rock, alternative rock Years active 2006–present Label(s) Epic Records Associated acts The Coup, Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, The Nightwatchman, Lock Up, Electric Sheep, Class of '99, Galactic Members: Tom Morello Boots Riley
Michael Jackson Dies At 50 Pop star suffered cardiac arrest at his L.A. home.
Michael Jackson died Thursday afternoon (June 25) at the age of 50 after suffering cardiac arrest, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Reports say the legendary pop singer suffered cardiac arrest at his home in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Holmby Hills and was not breathing and had no pulse when paramedics arrived after a 911 call around 12:26 p.m. PT. They administered CPR in the ambulance but were unable to revive him. At the hospital, staff attempted to resuscitate Jackson, but he was unresponsive.
From his early career in the 1970s with his family group the Jackson 5 to his decades-long career as a solo artist, Jackson stood as one of the most successful and beloved pop artists of all time.
The Jackson 5's first single, 1969's "I Want You Back," hit #1 on the Billboard charts, and the Motown group went on to become one of the most popular pop acts during the '70s.
In 1978, Jackson joined Diana Ross in the big-screen musical "The Wiz," an adaptation of the Broadway musical based on "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." His career as a solo artist took off with 1982's Thriller, which stands as the biggest-selling album of all time. Over the course of his career, with hit albums like "Bad" and "Dangerous," Jackson scored five #1 Billboard 200 albums and seven #1 Billboard Hot 100 singles.
In recent years, after several scandalous legal battles, Jackson's career had faltered. At the time of his death, Jackson was gearing up for a comeback tour, rehearsing for a series of shows in London's O2 Arena that would jumpstart a world tour, new album and possibly a movie.
The singer is survived by three children: Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince "Blanket" Michael Jackson II.
Shontelle Layne (born October 3, 1985), better known by Shontelle, is a Bajan singer-songwriter and rapper. Shontelle was born in Saint James, Barbados She is popular in the Caribbean for her song "Colours", released in 2005, which is a collaboration with another Bajan artist, Natahlee. She also wrote Alison Hinds' 2006 hit "Roll It Gal". She appeared in the music video for the re-worked "Roll It" performed by J-Status featuring Rihanna and herself, from 2006. Shontelle was signed to Street Records Corporation/Universal Motown Records.
Shontelle has so far proved most famous internationally in the United Kingdom. Her first release there, "T-Shirt" reached #6 on the UK Singles Chart and #1 on the UK R&B Chart, her run up single "Stuck With Each Other" reached #23 and #10 on the UK Singles Chart and UK R&B Chart respectively. In the United States, "T-Shirt" peaked at #1 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart.
Shontelle was a student at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus in Barbados (currently on hold), and was on her way to becoming a lawyer before SRC, the same label known for discovering Rihanna, saw her talent. Shontelle wrote the song "Roll It Gal" for regionally renowned Alison Hinds. The song had big success in the Caribbean, New York, Miami and Europe. Her lyrical writing helped her to perform with Natahlee (a Barbadian singer). Their hit song was "Colours" which was a song showing the pride of being Barbadian did so well, that a remix was made to represent the whole West Indies. "Roll It" was a song written by Sheldon Benjamin and Shontelle for "Alison Hinds", it was titled "Roll It Gal" and become a big hit in Caribbean countries. The song was later re-released in certain areas of europe under the new title "Roll It" and performed by "J-Status and Rihanna" with backing vocals from Shontelle it was most successful in Finland peaking at #8.
Shontelle and Sheldon Benjamin, the composers of "Roll It Gal" re-wrote and re-produced the song for the band J-Status, changing the lyrics from being about female empowerment to more sexual lyrics, re-titling the song to "Roll It." The J-Status version is taken from their debut album The Beginning, released in several European countries only. The J-Status version is performed with Rihanna and Shontelle herself. of 2007's "Roll It" which was released only in select European countries. In 2007, Shontelle finally recorded her own version of "Roll It" and it later appeared on her debut studio album Shontelligence. Shontelle's version of the song contains slightly different lyrics and production, closer to the Alison Hinds' recording rather than the J-Status version
Shontelle performed at Hot 99.5's "Bras Across DC Little Pink Dress" [2] party at the Hard Rock Cafe in Washington, DC on Friday, October 24. She also performed at the 18th Annual Kissmas Bash on December 9, 2008 at HSBC Arena in Buffalo, NY at a yearly radio event on WKSE KISS 98.5. Shontelle performed her hit single "T-Shirt" at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, on November 27, 2008. Shontelle toured as a support act for the UK leg of the New Kids on the Block World Tour in January 2009. She also was added to the 2009 Springroove Music Festival lineup and performed across Japan. in April Shontelle was confirmed as to be going on tour with Beyoncé in May - June 2009! The singer will open for Beyoncé on the UK leg of her I Am… Tour.
Shontelligence is the debut album of Bajan R&B singer. It was released on November 18,2008. The album was re-released due to low sales, on March 9, 2009 date.
Single "T-Shirt" was the first official song off the album. It was released in the US on the 28th of July, 2008. It peaked at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100 giving Shontelle her first Top 40 hit. The song was released in the UK as the first single. It was released both Physically and Digitally in the UK on February 23, 09 and peaked at #6,the song was most successful there. The song also peaked inside the Top 50 in Canada and Ireland. "T-Shirt" is the first solo single released by Bajan singer Shontelle from her album Shontelligence.
"Stuck with Each Other" was a re-release bonus track from the album as well as being featured in the Confessions of a Shopaholic movie it was released as the second UK single on the 25 May, 2009 as a Digital Download only, it reached a peak position of #23. The song also reached #50 in Ireland and #64 on the US Billboard Pop 100 despite receiving no promotion and minimal airplay.
MUSIC VIDEO: STUCK WITHOUT U
"Battle Cry" was released in the US as a second single for promotional purposes only for the Barak Obama music compilation album. The song failed to chart in the US. It will serve as the third UK single in the summer, 2009.
MUSIC VIDEO: Battle Cry
# Title Composer(s) Time 1. "T-Shirt" A Frampton/W Wilkins/S Kotecha 3:54 2. "Battle Cry" J Jones/J Kugell/W Wilkins/J Pennock/J Omley 3:33 3. "Superwoman" A Ghost/T Hermansen/M Eriksen/I Dench 4:20 4. "Cold Cold Summer" C Sturken/S Layne/E Rogers 3:44 5. "Roll It" S Layne/S Benjamin 3:31 6. "Life Is Not An Easy Road" D Chin-Quee/S Layne/M Chin 3:45 7. "Focus Pon Me" S Layne/E Joseph 3:07 8. "Plastic People" S Layne/E. Rogers/C. Sturken 4:00 9. "I Crave You" S Layne/E. Rogers/C. Sturken 3:57 10. "Ghetto Lullaby" F. Odesjo/S Layne/E. Rogers/C. Sturken 3:06 11. "Flesh and Bone" S Layne/E. Rogers/C. Sturken 3
INTERVIEW
Birth name Shontelle Layne Born October 4, 1985 (1985-10-04) (age 23) Origin Saint James, Barbados Genre(s) Pop, R&B, reggae Occupation(s) Singer, Songwriter, Rapper Years active 2005–present Label(s) SRC, Motown Associated acts J-Status, Rihanna, Akon Website Official website
Nicki Minaj is an American Hip-Hop/pop artist signed to lil wayne's young money label.. The surname Minaj is the metaphor which underscores Nicki's empowerment to have it all and do it all! This 23 year old native of Jamaica, New York (Queens, Southside).
It was not long before she began to attract the attention of local producers and hip hop artist in the rap genre. It was not long before her lyrical skills were sought after by the likes of Lil' Wayne. Instead she opted to qualify her lyrical skills through the ranks of the underground mix tape circuit. Success was inevitably achieved with her critically acclaimed performance credit on the DVD entitled “The Come Up” and mixtapes like Playtime is Over and the infamous Sucka Free.
Now in demand Nicki's role expands as a featured artist and female persona of Lil Wayne's record label Young Money Entertainment. In addition, she has a worked with celebrated recording artists Bobby Valentino and Jadakiss. Nicki has also collaborated with Atlantic recording artist Gucci Mane. Both Gucci and Nicki are managed by Debra Antney of Mizay Entertainment.
Nicki is currently in the studio recording her first album which will feature some R&B and Pop songs. Nicki is also considering several acting roles which includes playing the lead character of Erica Payne in the film adaptation of the six time Essence's best bestselling novel “Charge it to the Game” by author Michele A. Fletcher. Nicki is the current winner of the Underground Music Awards (UMA) female artist of the year. She is also currently nominated for the Southern Entertainment Awards (SEA) Female Mixtape Artist of the Year.
Craig Serani Marsh, a.k.a. Serani is a new Reggae artist signed to JVC Entertainment. Serani was born April 18, 1980 in Kingston, Jamaica. He is best known for his involvement in Sean Paul's album The Trinity and his 2008 single No Games.
“Serani” is a member of the hit making trio Daseca and has been producing and writing hit songs for a number of years now. Serani and his DASECA crew are credited for helping bring into the limelight other Jamaican heavyweights such as Mavado, Alaine Laughton and Bugle with their catchy beats such as the Anger Management riddim on which Mavado voiced his landmark hit "Real McCoy". DASECA productions has also produced hits for other Reggae icons such as their colleague and Alliance crew leader Bounty Killer, Busy Signal and Vybz Kartel amongst many others. They are also the backbone of The Alliance affiliated band Anger Management.
In 2006, Serani co-produced the first two singles on Sean Paul’s new platinum album “Trinity,” including ‘We Be Burnin',’ which was the first released single. ‘We be Burnin'’ track helped Trinity break a Jamaican record of 107,000 copies sold in the first week. Serani also produced the album ‘Smash’ riddim which hosts the song ‘Dutty Wine’ by Tony Matterhorn. Also Dutty Wine was the number one song in Jamaica and England for a lengthy period of time. He been responsible for rhythms such as the hugely popular Anger Management, Chaka Chaka, Dreaming, Gully Creature, Build Back and Fire Links’ Gullyside rhythm to name just a few. His first and very successful attempt at singing was on Mavado's hit song Dying which is featured on the latter's début album Gangsta for Life: The Symphony of David Brooks. He sang the hook and Mavado chanted the verses. Mavado’s international hit. It is Serani’s voice bawling “Dying” throughout the song, which earned him attention for his vocals, instead of his dexterity as a composer. He also appeared alongside Mavado in the acclaimed video.
Instrumental in the careers of Mavado, Alaine and Bugle, Serani continually demonstrates his passion for nurturing young artists. That same drive is being channeled into launching his own solo career as a singer. In 2008, Serani landed a contract to record two albums for JVC Entertainment. Serani is recording his own songs and promoting three new singles entitled “Doh” featuring Bugle, "No Games" and “She Loves Me”. Serani is now busy constructing his debut album, focusing on the raunchy “She Loves Me” as the next single .
Brutha is an American quintet of brothers who came together to form a R&B group. The brothers are signed to Def Jam Records, and their self-titled debut album "Brutha" was released in December 2008. Brothers to Brutha,is there show on B.E.T. The show documents their transformation during and after they reached semi fame. Brother to Brutha is due for a second season on B.E.T. The group formed in 2002, and was discovered by Brian McKnight who introduced them on the 2003 Soul Train Holiday Special. And performed for Michael Jackson. In 2007, their uncle Donny "Drano" Harrell, CEO of Goodfellas Entertainment and Shakir Stewart, senior vice president of A&R at Island Def Jam, invited the group to Atlanta to do a filmed audition in front of Jermaine Dupri and a range of producers. It resulted in a one-hour original special TV show called "Jermaine Dupri presents: Brutha", broadcast March 24 on Peachtree TV. The group caught the attention of Jermaine Dupri who signed them to the Island Def Jam Music Group.
As of 2008, Brutha are also on the show Brothers to Brutha, a reality television series on BET. The brothers' struggle to fulfill their musical dream--without compromising their close family ties--is the premise behind the forthcoming BET reality show, "Brothers to Brutha."
Brutha is the self-titled debut album released in December 2008 by Island Def Jam Records. The first single from the album is "I Can't Hear The Music" featuring rapper Fabolous, the project's only guest. Recorded primarily in Atlanta, the group's self-titled album show Brutha collaborating with a who's who in songwriting and producing, including Jazze Pha, Shae Taylor, the Corna Boyz, the Heavyweights and 112 founding member Daron Jones. The album peaked at #81 on Billboard's top 200, #15 on da hip-hop/r&b chart.
The single's accompanying video, directed by Jesse Terrero, fittingly captures the group in performance mode. It takes place with all five in a warehouse room.
MUSIC VIDEO: I CANT HEAR THE MUSIC
Track listing # Title Length 1. "Bang Bang" 3:58 2. " I Can't Hear the Music" (ft. Fabolous) 4:22 3. "She's Gone" 4:23 4. "Set It Off" 4:21 5. "Like This" 3:49 6. "Afraid of Love" 3:32 7. "Ghost" 3:11 8. "What If" 3:58 9. "Just Being Honest" 3:18 10. "Make You Love It" 3:49
