Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
"Show and Prove" - March contestants, Rob Swift, Print and DJ Parler
Brooklyn Bodega announced today the first three contestants for "Show and Prove" The 2009 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival competition to find the best opening act. They are Children Of The Night (COTN), Wordspit, and Zyron Collective.
COTN is Remy Banks, Lansky & Versa hailing from Queens, New York. COTN is currently prepping their freshmen mixtape release "100%" www.cotnmusic.com
Wordspirit is Brooklyn born, Chris Dupree. Raised by a drug ailed mother and a street hustling musician as a father, he made his imagination his refuge. Since the third grade, Spit's fluid freestyles and uncanny metaphors have moved from the lunchroom to the lights of center stage. www.myspace.com/wordspit.
Zyron Collective's first album, "Welcome to Planet Zyron" with dynamic sounds similar to the legends of De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, and Pharcyde, the Zyron Collective has been able to reach out to fans of the old school style of hip hop. www.myspace.com/zyroncollective
In addition to the up and coming MC's rocking the stage at Public Assembly on March 19th, Brooklyn Bodega is pleased to announce the addition of several special invited guests.
First up is the legendary DJ Rob Swift.
A little bit about Rob: After years of honing his cuts on the wheels of steel under the tutelage of his older brother and father, Robert Aguilar aka Rob Swift was tapped, in 1991, by a Harlem-based DJ crew called the X-Men, later the X-Cutioners, to join their ranks. Within a year he won the coveted DMC East Coast title. Rob Swift continues his relentless pursuit of fresh directions, expanding his palette into the stratosphere. In April of 2007, he dropped "As the Tables Turn", a full length documentary DVD about his career from the past to the present.
Rob is also a part of The Cipher who are the featured band at the acclaimed Noisemakers with Peter Rosenberg. The Cipher and Revive Da Live will be debuting their "Classic Series" at "Show and Prove."
The "Classic Series" will be a part of the three "Show and Prove" events and feature performances from Rob Swift and The Cipher rocking live remixes from the Golden Years of Hip-Hop.
"I can honestly say that I've never heard another band outside of The Roots interpret hip hop better. I usually find bands that try to do it but it's flawed on so many levels but they just got the sound exactly right and translated it perfectly. " Peter Rosenberg- Hot 97
Each month Brooklyn Bodega will be inviting BHF Alumni and Bodega Family to join the competing MC's. The idea is to one, give the people in attendance the best show possible. Secondly, to show the MC's on the rise where the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival can take them. The Festival has been breaking artists since its inaugural year in 2005. The 1st Annual Festival featured a North Carolina trio named Little Brother performing for the 1st time in New York. 2006 hosted the New York debut of Lupe Fiasco. In 2007 it was Kidz In The Hall and Consequence. Last year it was Blu and Mickey Factz who went on to grace the cover of XXL as a part of the Class of 2008 after performing at the 4th annual Festival.
Joining Rob Swift as our special guest for the March 19th date will be Print and Good Day and Good Night. After performing at the 2nd Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival in 2006 Print has gone on to become a force in the Hip-Hop renaissance taking New York by storm.
On the wheels of steel will be Bodega Fam DJ Parler and DJ C.J. Browne.
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"Show and Prove" will take place at Public Assembly, 70 North 6th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn March 19th, April 16th and May 21st. At each month's event a panel of judges including Brooklyn Bodega staff will select a winner. The three winners will become the 'Show and Prove' finalists. On June 1st the winner will be announced via email, Twitter, Facebook and on BrooklynBodega.com. The winner will open the Festival as well as win a prize pack from YUME and Festival sponsors.
For more info please: visit
Show and Prove
Public Assembly
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Brooklyn Bodega are the creators and producers of the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. They are a collective of cultural programmers, marketing professionals, writers, designers and academics dedicated to the celebration and preservation of Hip-Hop culture. Their daily musings can be found at www.brooklynbodega.com
YUME is a multiplatformed company that looks to create avenues for independent thinkers to live and experience their dreams, by providing the very best in entertainment. Encompassing Music, Art, and Fashion, YUME strives to provide the very best products and programming while redistributing all things Music, Art, and Fashion into the YUME community. YUME also has a strong youth and adult education component.
Revive Da Live is dedicated to exposing Jazz music through Hip Hop in assurance of creating a larger awareness and appreciation for both Jazz music, live Hip Hop and all the musicians that create it. www.revivedalive.com
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Arrow Records Signs New Artist
The Illinois-bred Shonlock has grabbed attention
everywhere he goes with his exhilarating stage presence and positive sounds from his self-made and hugely popular first hip hop project. Now based in Atlanta, Shonlock's study and hard work with Christian music's biggest stars have paid off with his highly anticipated new album for Arrow/Universal Records. Featuring 12 scorching tracks with Shonlock's creative blend of influences from soul, rock, and hip hop, his new album is sure to make waves in furthering the spiritually-conscious hip hop movement.
Following up on his first self-made and self-produced hip hop project, which he sold while on the road to the tune of more than 15,000 units, Shonlock is pulling out all the stops utilizing all his talents and experience on the recording of his new album. Grammy-nominated producers David "Da Monsta" Lynch and Ric "Form" Robbins oversee the 12 tracks on the new album, which includes appearances from The Katinas and Trinitee 5:7.
In the ever-growing spiritually-conscious hip hop movement, Shonlock's exuberant performances and passionate celebration of the awesome power and gifts from trusting God delivers a fresh positive energy to the music industry and fans. Offering solace, insight and empowerment through God's love, Shonlock's music and lyrics strengthen the bonds between fans and faith.
A New Book of Encouragement Brings Hope and Healing to African-American Men
Whether you're a brother looking for a way out of toxic life circumstances, a man on a mission to serve and inspire others or you're simply in need of a little motivation to help you step up your game, "The Black Man's Little Book of Encouragement" will inspire you to keep rising and shining.
Pick up your copy today or read an excerpt at: www.blackmansbookofencouragement.com.
The Black Man's Book of Encouragement Is Here...
In this powerful little book, author and life coach, Cassandra Mack shatters the myth that men and women are from different worlds, as she guides black men through a process of help, hope and healing.
From poignant accounts of black men struggling with the everyday issues that impact their lives to the universal experiences that connect us all, Cassandra speaks masterfully to the spirit of black men inspiring and challenging them to rise and shine as men, leaders, fathers and partners. "The Black Man's Little Book of Encouragement" offers practical tools for rising, surviving and thriving as a black man in America. For as long as it takes, in this book Cassandra Mack will be your guide on an interactive journey that leads you to delve deeper into the issues that are creating roadblocks in your life and evaluate what you can do each day to live more powerfully, purposefully and prosperously.
Addressing such issues like; restoring yourself to greatness, laying the blueprint for success, staying up during the down times, letting go of the things that have you bound, responsible fatherhood, your intimate relationships with women and encouragement for brothers who are incarcerated, "The Black Man's Little Book of Encouragement" will affirm your power, purpose and potency while showing you exactly what to do to get from where you are now to where you want to be.
***About The Author***
A highly sought after speaker, author and workshop facilitator, Cassandra Mack, MSW blends the clinical with the practical in order to make the information relevant. She is the founder and CEO of Strategies for Empowered Living Inc., a company dedicated to helping others achieve higher levels of success and personal fulfillment through training workshops, consultation services, motivational keynotes and products that inspire.
Pick up your copy today at: www.blackmansbookofencouragement.com.
CYMARSHALL LAW RELEASES TWO NEW MIXTAPE'S, CYOLOGY 3: THE FREEDOM WRITER
The
best music always comes from the heart; it is honest and almost real enough for
you to touch. Enter Cymarshall Law. Born on August 29th the same day as jazz
great Charlie Parker and King of Pop Michael Jackson, Law has always taken this
as a sign that he too could achieve greatness in life. When he was 9 his
Jamaican parents moved his family from his birthplace in
Across the
love with Hip-Hop.
Cymarshall has performed in many places across the
upcoming lyricist in the game as well a charismatic, energetic performer
who never leaves a crowd unsatisfied. In 2003 Law won an Emcee Battle at Tower
Records in Philadelphia judged by platinum selling recording artists The Black
Eyed Peas and has previously and since shared stages with KRS-ONE, Smif-N-Wesson,
Bootcamp Click, Sean P , Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Wordsworth, The Last Emperor,
Jean Grae, Immortal Technique and a list of other talented emcees.
Cy's talents have brought him all over the world touring Europe several times
and he was also one of the featured performers at
be on the famous/legendary Vans Warped Tour and crowned an EOW (End of the
Weak) MC Challenge Champion all in 2007. That same year Law got picked up by
Rawkus Records to become one of the Rawkus 50 which Rawkus described as
"the next most important artists in Hip-Hop." Since then, in
2008 Cy has been a featured performer at
done more touring in Europe, including
Cy has also received the Hip-Hop stamp of approval from the legendary
Blastmaster himself, KRS-One, as Cy released "Control" f/KRS-ONE the
first single from his debut LP, Hip Hop In The Soul, (Nov 2008),
which was entirely produced by the next great Producer Mr. Joeker. Cy's Hip-Hop
In The Soul was well received throughout the urban community, receiving
rave reviews from Okayplayer.com, Kevinnottingham.com and was featured by
esteemed outlets such as 2Dopeboyz.com, Artofrhyme.com, schememag.com,
Thatshiphop.com, Myspace.com, Vimby.com and hiphopoffical.com.
Now armed with a tremendous amount of buzz and momentum, Cymarshall Law
presents his latest mixtapes, Cyology 3: The Freedom Writer and Two
Thousand Mine, which will only cement Cy's status as one of the most
talented upcoming emcee’s in Hip-Hop.
Cymarshall Law represents what many believe is missing from Hip-Hop today,
story-telling, the ability to against the grain with originality, style
and a flavor uniquely his own; Cymarshall Law was born to be a star.
DL Link
to Cymarshall Law’s Cyology 3: The Freedom Writer mixtape: http://www.sendspace.com/file/oq26ar
DL Link
to Cymarshall Law’s Two Thousand Mine Mix-CD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/m12mf7
Link to
Cymarshall Law’s Vimby video feature: http://vimby.com/video/music/us/all/detail/9037
Link to
Cymarshall Law’s “Artist Of The Week” for hiphopoffical.com video feature: http://www.hiphopofficial.com/?p=866
INTRODUCING Broadway Star/R&B SOUL Recording Artist CHESTER GREGORY
Download "I Only Have Eyes 4 U" - http://www.zshare.net/audio/557184312fa21965/
Website - www.CHESTERGREGORY.com
CHESTER GREGORY is no stranger to the stage; an award-winning Broadway performer and acclaimed as one of the most dynamic musical theatre presences in the entertainment business - a young black man in possession of a powerful five octave voice that has elicited high praise from the late Isaac Hayes, a standing ovation from Michael Jackson and inspired Phil Collins to compose a Broadway song custom made for what his God-given instrument can do.
After several years of blowing audiences away on the "Great White Way", playing the lead in the biographical musical "The Jackie Wilson Story", key roles in "Hairspray", "Tarzan", "Cry Baby", and most recently the originator of the "Donkey" role for Dreamworks "SHREK", Chester Gregory has become a veteran of the stage. That veteran is ready to reveal to the R&B/Soul world that the regular guy behind all of those dazzling characters...is the man he faces in the mirror every day.
Gary, Indiana-native Chester Gregory grew up admiring all around entertainers ranging from King of Pop Michael Jackson to triple threat icons Sammy Davis, Jr. and Gregory Hines. Years of dedicated vocal training (surprisingly not in the church) led to a bachelors degree in Musical Theatre at Columbia College in Chicago.
With his sincerely soulful and introspective debut CD "In Search of High Love", to be released on March 31st, 2009, Chester Gregory introduces himself as a thoughtful and sensitive songwriter blessed with a voice that captivates and demands attention. Each song is either a true to life-tale spun from a life spent in heavy pursuit of love (and the lessons that it brings) or an old school soul classic that will warm hearts within a whole new generation. "While I've thoroughly enjoyed performing on Broadway - eight shows a week and telling other people's amazing stories - now it's time for me to share my own," explains Chester.
Leading the way into Chester's world is the classic remake of "I Only Have Eyes 4 U", by Harry Warren and Al Dubin, in which Chester's vocal abilities takes the infamous composition to higher heights. Then comes the feel-good soul of "On+On" to the quiet fire of the power piano ballad "Questions" (with hooks that the man telegraphs straight to your heart with spine-tingling passion), Chester Gregory steps up as a man unafraid to lay his emotions on the line. As prepared by producers Grammy-winner Dave Tozer (John Legend), PJ Morton (India.Arie) and David Liang (Carl Thomas), as well as peers Afta-1, Nevi-Nev and J. Most, Chester's roof raising stage voice is massaged into musical settings that will melt R&B lovers' hearts.
Other highlights of "In Search of High Love" include the poetically perplexing "Clouds to the Ground" (an interlude that likens the sensual attraction of a mysterious woman to the gravitational pull of the earth's atmosphere). It also includes the crossover-bound "Say it's Over" (featuring guest rapper Farrah Burns and a sample from Kenny Loggins' "This is It"). There's also the spacey, four-on-the-floor club pump of Jackie Wilson's soaring 1967 chart-topper "Higher and Higher".
Then you find the contemporary "High Love" - a heavy backbeat ballad laced with bluesy guitar changes and Chester's smoothed out voice delivering some seriously mackalicious charm. "I don't wanna roll trees / The only thing I wanna smoke is you / It sounds insane / You're pumpin' through my veins / And I love this feeling / I get weak / You knock me off my feet / You make me feel so...oooohhhh" (the last line punctuated with a euphoric falsetto flight that does the master Lenny Williams proud). "Most of my songs come out of me 'having a moment," Chester says elusively.
Chester Gregory (a.k.a. Chess Gregory) peels back another layer of his soul to show the world what he is truly made of. He welcomes you to his world.
WELCOME!
"In Search of High Love" in stores March 31, 2009
www.ChesterGregory.com
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
COMEDIAN MIKE EPPS TO RELEASE COMEDY DVD FUNNY BIDNESS ON APRIL 7TH, 2009
The DVD will be followed by Epp’s debut CD, Great Eppspectations.. The CD features Snoop Dogg, Kid Rock, T.I and Slim Thug. The album combines Epps’ off the wall humor with solid hip hop beats to create some of the funniest tracks around. The album is being released by E1 Music on May 19, 2009.
The hilarious video for the first single, “Big Girls,” was recently added to BET and can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxoCD7-k0f8.
Epps also has two feature films to be released this year. First he will star in the Summit Films comedy “Next Day Air” alongside Mos Def and Donald Faison, due in theatres May 8, 2009. Then Epps will light up the screen again in “Janky Promoters,” the highly anticipated comedic reteaming of Epps and Ice Cube due out July 2009 for Dimension Films. The film was directed by long-time music video director Marcus Raboy whose has helmed the videos of such music stars as Sean Kingston, Sting, Mary J. Blige, Notorious B.I.G., Santana and countless others.
Epps first gained notoriety when he appeared in 1995 on the Def Comedy Jam tour and appeared on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam Broadcasts. Since then, Epps has cultivated a stellar film career and has appeared in such films as Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, All About the Benjamins, Next Friday, Bait, How High, Friday After Next, Talk To Me, The Fighting Temptations, Resident Evil: Apocalypse, Roll Bounce, Something New, Guess Who, and The Honeymooners. Epps was also the voice of Sonny in Dr. Doolittle 2 and had a hilarious cameo in the 08 blockbuster Hancock.
In 2007, Epps’ one-hour comedy show Inappropriate Behavior aired on HBO and was one of the networks top rated specials of the year.
When Epps isn’t filming, he is busy touring the country performing his stand-up.
For more on Mike Epps, please visit www.myspace.com/eppisodes.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
CESAR COMANCHE OF THE JUSTUS LEAGUE PREPS NEW LP DIE IN YOUR LAP
As with Cesar's previous works Wooden Nickels (2000), Paper Gods (2002) and Squirrel & The Aces (2005), Die In Your Lap’s various themes underscore an appreciation for traditional and often unconventional approaches today's artists face in vying for fan's attention, time and eventual support while at the same time trying to keep the message and music consistent. Cesar approached this challenge by empowering "The Lawn" (Love Above Wooden Nickels), his 4K member message board community (which he founded in 2003) to give him critical, timely and constructive feedback on both the music and messages embodied on Die In Your Lap. As an adjunct, an ongoing Vlog series, "The Chronicles Of Cesar Comanche" which finds Cesar discussing a variety of topics ranging from crab recipes, sports, politics, production and of course, Die In Your Lap, has been created and made available to his community through key social networking platforms, blogs and P2P sites.
The lead-single, "Hands High" for Die In Your Lap is currently in rotation on college, community and internet radio as well as various mixtapes. The video for "Hands High" was shot in Wroclaw, Poland and is currently accessible online through key sites. Upcoming activities include a various spot dates in key regions, remixes, etc.
Tracklisting and credits for Cesar Comanche’s “Die In Your Lap”:
1.) Don’t Be Afraid (produced by Cesar Comanche)
2.) Die In Your Lap (produced by Lord Quest)
3.) Choose (produced by 9th Wonder)
4.) Merciless (arranged by Cesar Comanche)
5.) Mercy (produced by Cesar Comanche)
6.) Ghetto World (produced by Science Omega)
7.) Shame (produced by Khrysis)
8.) Hello World (produced by 9th Wonder)
9.) Hands High (produced by 9th Wonder)
10.) What’s Wrong (produced by 9th Wonder)
11.) Our Song (arranged by Cesar Comanche)
12.) Lamb To Lion 2 (produced by Cesar Comanche)
13.) Guf 2 (produced by Apple Juice Kid)
14.) Everything (produced by Marvelous Beats)
15.) Reborn (produced by 9th Wonder)
Robin Thicke and Jennifer Hudson to co-headline a six-week US Tour beginning March 31st!
World renown for her astonishing live vocal prowess, this marks the first official tour for Hudson, who recently won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for her RIAA-certified Gold self-titled debut album. "I am so grateful" stated Hudson. "My first Grammy and my first tour, it doesn't get any better than this!"
Sparked by the success of her hit single "Spotlight," Jennifer Hudson entered at #2 on Billboard's Top 200 chart after its September 30th release on Arista Records. Hudson's current single, the beautiful mid-tempo "If This Isn't Love," is steadily climbing the charts. The recently shot Diane Martel-directed video for the single will premiere on AOL on February 11th.
Robin Thicke, the award-winning multiplatinum superstar, returned to center stage with his 2008 release Something Else, a joyful and modern tribute to the '70s soul and pop records that have inspired an extraordinary career. Debuting at #3 on The Billboard 200, Something Else is Thicke's highest charted album to date.
Thicke's previous album The Evolution Of Robin Thicke, now on its way to double platinum status, includes the mega hit "Lost Without U" which became the #1 most played song on the Urban Adult Contemporary BDS as well as topping four Billboard charts simultaneously: #1 R&B /Hip Hop album, #1 Hot R&B / Hip Hop song, #1 Hot R&B Hip Hop Airplay, and #1 Hot Adult R&B Airplay.
Robin Thicke and Jennifer Hudson have teamed up with I Love All Access to provide a variety of VIP ticket packages for the tour, including premium seats, meet and greets, parties and more. For complete tour dates and more information about I Love All Access, please visit www.robinthicke.com or www.jenniferhudsononline.com.
TOUR DATES
Mar 31, 2009 - Palace Theatre - Albany, NY
Apr 2, 2009 - New Jersey Perf. Arts Center - Newark, NJ
Apr 3, 2009 - Tower Theater - Upper Darby, PA
Apr 4, 2009 - Lyric Theatre - Baltimore, MD
Apr 5, 2009 - DAR Constitution Hall - Washington, DC
Apr 9, 2009 - Foxwoods Casino - Mashantucket, CT
Apr 10, 2009 - WaMu Theatre at MSG - New York, NY
Apr 12, 2009 - Chrysler Hall - Norfolk, VA
Apr 15, 2009 - Fox Theatre - Atlanta, GA
Apr 17, 2009 - Ovens Auditorium - Charlotte, NC
Apr 18, 2009 - Greensboro Coliseum Complex - Greensboro, NC
Apr 19, 2009 - Landmark Theatre - Richmond, VA
Apr 23, 2009 - Fox Theater - St Louis, MO
Apr 24, 2009 - Detroit Opera House - Detroit, MI
Apr 25, 2009 - Arie Crown Theater - Chicago, IL
May 2, 2009 - Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE - Los Angeles, CA
May 3, 2009 - Paramount Theatre - Oakland, CA
May 7, 2009 - Nokia Theatre @ Grand Prarie - Grand Prarie, TX
May 8, 2009 - Verizon Wireless Theater - Houston, TX
Also, Robin Thicke will be performing "Dreamworld" and "Shadow of Doubt" on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Sunday February 22nd.
Tune in to ABC after the Academy Awards airs immediately following your late local news to watch!
Robin Thicke
Interscope Records
Something Else - Available In Stores and Online NOW
www.myspace.com/robinthicke | www.robinthicke.com
Ciara and Justin Timberlake Team Up for 'Love Sex Magic'
Fantasy Ride will be the 23-year old, Atlanta-based R&B/hip-hop singer/dancer's third album. Ciara first came to national attention in 2004, with her 3x platinum debut album Goodies which spawned the #1 hits "Goodies," "1,2 Step" featuring Missy Elliot and "Oh" featuring Ludacris. She followed up with her platinum-certified sophomore album in 2006, Ciara: The Evolution, which contained her #1 hit "Promise" and the provocative "Like A Boy." Since hitting the music scene at 18-years old, Ciara has continuously topped the charts and earned accolades as an all-around entertainer. In addition to Justin Timberlake, Ciara is collaborating with other top producers and artists including Tricky Stewart, Danja and T-Pain for Fantasy Ride.
Ciara is currently gearing up to shoot the "Love Sex Magic" video with Timberlake, Diane Martel will direct. Meanwhile, her current single "Never Ever" featuring Young Jeezy is developing at radio and the accompanying video is in the Top 5 at BET and in rotation at MTV, MTV Jams and MTV Hits.
Krayzie Bone to release 5th Solo Project - Just One Mo Hit!! March 24th!!
He has toured the world multiple times and sold enough records for a lifetime. He could easily hang up the mic and fade away as one of the most influential figures in rap history.
For the typical recording artist, these things on top of winning two Grammy’s and selling over 20 million records may be enough, but then again….Krayzie Bone from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is no typical artist. Aware of his diehard fan base’s need for another fix, Krayzie has prepared his 5th solo project “Just One Mo Hit”, in stores March 24th on RBC Records.
Long considered the leader of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Krayzie’s laid back harmonizing flow was the back bone for the groups biggest hits including “Tha Crossroads”, “1st of The Month”, “Thuggish Ruggish Bone”, “Notorious Thugs” and more. And in a testament to the true staying power of Bone Thugs, their last album “Strength & Loyalty” sold over 500,000 copies on the strength of the Akon assisted single “I Tried”, reclaiming their place amongst hip hop’s greats.
In 1997, the group was awarded the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance with their song "Tha Crossroads" from their E 1999 Eternal album. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony are also the only artists to do songs with 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., Big Pun, and Eazy-E while they were still alive.
In 1998, Krayzie recorded his solo debut, Thug Mentality 1999. The album was released as a double disc set, featuring a large selection of guest appearances and was certified platinum by the RIAA. In 2001, Krayzie released Thug On Da Line with the album receiving positive reviews from music critics and went gold. Amazon.com also labeled it as one of the best albums of 2001. In 2006, Krayzie Bone was featured on “Ridin'” by Chamillionaire and received the "Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group" at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards.
With his recent resurgence, it’s no wonder that Krayzie has decided to give his fans One Mo Hit.
“Just One Mo Hit”. Available everywhere March 24th.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
FLO RIDA MAKES HISTORY ONCE AGAIN WITH LATEST SINGLE
“Right Round” is currently lighting it up at multi-format radio outlets nationwide, with Top 15 airplay at both CHR/Top 40 and Rhythmic. Combined with the week’s stunning sales success, the track’s fast-rising popularity ascends to the #1 spot on this coming week’s Billboard “Hot 100.” In addition, “Right Round” is the #1 most streamed song at MySpace with over 25 million streams to date.
Tuesday, February 24th will see Flo teaming up with MTV for the multi-platform premiere of the “Right Round” companion video. All MTV networks – including MTV, MTV2, MTV Hits, MTV Jams, mtvU, MTV.com, and MTV2.com – will take part in the exclusive video launch. In addition, the video companion for “Shone” will premiere the same day on MySpace Music.
“R.O.O.T.S.” – an acronym for “ROUTE OF OVERCOMING THE STRUGGLE” – arrives in stores and at all online retailers on March 31st. The album follows Flo Rida’s internationally successful debut, “MAIL ON SUNDAY,” which made an explosive Top 5 entry onto the Billboard 200 upon its March 2008 release. As on the previous collection, “R.O.O.T.S.” sees Flo Rida joining forces with an extraordinary array of A-list collaborators, featuring artists like Nelly Furtado, Ne-Yo, and Pleasure P, and including production from Jim Jonson, Dr. Luke, Eric Hudson, Mike Caren, and DJ Montay, who produced “Low.”
Currently standing tall at #1 on the iTunes Stores’ “Top Songs” chart, “Right Round” is the first salvo from Flo Rida’s partnership with iTunes. Next up is one of the new album’s undeniable highlights, “Shone (Feat. Pleasure P).” The track will be available exclusively through iTunes, beginning Tuesday, February 24th. In the weeks to follow, a series of further releases will go on sale, including additional tracks from “R.O.O.T.S.” as well as videos for both “Right Round” and “Shone.” Each download is part of iTunes’ Complete My Album countdown to the release of “R.O.O.T.S.,” where consumers can purchase the full album starting March 31st at a reduced price based on album tracks and videos they’ve already purchased.
Flo Rida is coming off a banner awards season which saw the RIAA 4x-platinum certified “Low” win the 2008 People’s Choice Award for “Favorite Hip-Hop Song,” beating out such hits as Kanye West’s “Good Life” and Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop.” “Low” also scored an MTV Africa Music Award for “MTV Base Request,” honoring the song as the year’s most requested video. In addition, “Low” was the recipient of two Grammy Award nominations, for “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration” and “Best Rap Song.”
What’s more, Billboard named Flo Rida its #1 digital artist of 2008, fueled in large part by the remarkable success of “Low.” With cumulative download sales now in excess of 4.6 million, “Low” is firmly established as the #1 best-selling digital single of all time. Among its many other achievements, the track held the #1 spot on the Billboard “Hot 100” for ten weeks, and Billboard’s “Hot Rap Tracks” chart for 11 weeks, marking the longest-running #1 since 2004 and the seventh longest-running #1 in the chart’s history.
Flo Rida made further hip-hop history when “Low” became the first-ever debut single from a rap artist to top the CHR/Top 40 radio chart, where he became only the fourth rap artist to hit #1 since 2005. Flo Rida also became the first-ever debut artist to have two Top 10 digital singles prior to an album release, when “Elevator (Feat. Timbaland)” entered the top 10 only three weeks after its release. “Right Round” marks the fourth consecutive hit single from Flo Rida.
Flo Rida has proven equally popular abroad, with “Right Round” breaking digital single sales charts in Canada this week, not to mention topping Canada’s CHR airplay chart. In addition, “MAIL ON SUNDAY” received gold certification in both Canada and Australia. The latter was especially receptive to Flo’s many charms, with “Low” topping the Australian Recording Industry Association’s 2008 “Top 100 Singles” and “Digital Track” charts. An energetic and charismatic live performer, the MC has toured the globe nearly non-stop in recent months, with numerous sold-out shows in Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the UK.
For up-to-the-minute news and information, please visit www.officialflo.com, www.myspace.com/officialflo, and http://florida.imeem.com.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The-Dream to release 'LOVE vs. MONEY' on March 10
“ROCKIN’ THAT THANG” SMASH FIRST SINGLE BULLETS INSIDE TOP 5 R&B – RAP REMIX FEATURES DEF JAM ALL-STARS FABOLOUS, JUELZ SANTANA, RICK ROSS & LUDACRIS
New album follows-up 2007’s RIAA gold debut Love Hate, with back-to-back hits “Shawty Is A 10,” “Falsetto” and “I Luv Your Girl”
Guests on new album include Mariah Carey (on second single, “My Love” impacting at Rhythm and Urban on March 2nd), Kanye West, and Lil’ Jon
THE-DREAM COMPLETES SECOND ALBUM, LOVE vs. MONEY, SET FOR MARCH 10th RELEASE ON RADIO KILLA/DEF JAM
(Feb. 17, 2009 – New York, NY) After proving himself throughout 2007-2008 as a masterful hit songwriter for an A-list of stars including Rihanna (“Umbrella”), Mariah Carey (“Touch My Body”), J. Holiday (“The Bed,” “Suffocate”), and Beyoncé (“Single Ladies”) – to name a few! –The-Dream announces the completion of his second album, LOVE vs. MONEY, arriving in the physical and digital marketplace on March 10th.
“Rockin’ That Thang,” the first single from LOVE vs. MONEY, rises to #4-bullet this week on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Total Mediabase Urban and Rhythmic audience for “Rockin’ That Thang” jumps to over 50 million this week, with over 6,700 spins. A special Rap Remix was released two weeks ago, featuring the ‘Def Jam All-Stars’ lineup of Fabolous, Juelz Santana, Rick Ross and Ludacris. The video for “Rockin’ That Thang” was recently shot with Norwegian director Ray Kay, whose credits include The-Dream’s debut smash of last year, “Shawty Is A 10” featuring Fabolous.
“My Love” featuring Mariah Carey, the second single from LOVE vs. MONEY, is set to impact at Rhythm and Urban radio formats on March 2nd. Although officially unreleased as yet, the track is already taking off at Top 40. The video for “My Love” was shot in Los Angeles two weeks ago, directed by Nick Cannon.
LOVE vs. MONEY is follows-up The-Dream’s RIAA gold Radio Killa/Def Jam debut album Love Hate (released December 2007). The album’s back-to-back hits dominated 2008, including “Shawty Is A 10” featuring Fabolous (Top 10 R&B); “Falsetto” (#3 R&B); and “I Luv Your Girl” (#1 Rhythmic, #3 R&B). The-Dream finished out the year by winning Best New Artist honors at the annual BET Awards – in addition to his Grammy Award nomination for Song Of The Year for “Umbrella” (as songwriter), and American Music Award nomination for Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
Executive produced by Island Def Jam chairman Antonio “L.A.” Reid and co-produced by The-Dream and Tricky Stewart with Carlos "LOS" McKinney, LOVE vs. MONEY is a futuristic mix of radio bangin’ hooks that define this era as much as The-Dream’s hero Sam Cooke defined the ’60s and Prince defined the ’80s. “The LOVE vs. MONEY songs are rife with layered vocals, sensual yet comical lyrics and wall-shaking bass,” wrote Billboard last month. “‘Sweat It Out’ concerns a night of lovemaking, while ‘Let Me See the Booty’ boasts strip club-ready lyrics while Lil’ Jon provides his trademark yelling in the background.” In addition to Lil’ Jon, the only other guests on the album are Kanye West (“Walkin' On The Moon”) and Mariah Carey (“My Love”).
The final track listing for LOVE vs. MONEY is as follows: 1. Rockin' That Thang * 2. Walkin' On The Moon" featuring Kanye West * 3. My Love featuring Mariah Carey * 4. Put It Down * 5. Sweat It Out * 6. Take U Home 2 My Mama * 7. Love Vs. Money * 8. Love Vs. Money: Part 2 * 9. Fancy * 10. Right Side Of My Brain * 11. Mr. Yeah * 12. Kelly's 12 Play * 13. Let Me See The Booty featuring Lil Jon * 14. Touch & Feel * 15. Nothing But Love.
The-Dream exploded in 2007 as the go-to songwriter behind two of the year’s biggest hits, Rihanna’s worldwide #1 smash “Umbrella” and J. Holiday’s breakout debut “Bed,” as well as J’s follow-up “Suffocate.” The-Dream’s streak continued in 2008 with Mariah Carey’s “Touch My Body,” and several other high-profile tracks: “You” from Chris Brown’s album Exclusive; “Skies of L.A.,” the climactic closing track of Celine Dion’s Taking Chances; “Just Fine,” the first single from Mary J. Blige’s Growing Pains; and “Moving Mountains” from Usher’s Where I Stand.
While The-Dream (Terius Youngdell Nash) seemed like the overnight success story of 2007, he’s been at it for the better part of a decade. After meeting and partnering with fellow-Atlantian Tricky Stewart, the two soon achieved notoriety as writer/producers on B2K’s Pandemonium! album, and “Me Against The Music,” the timely 2003 duet by Britney Spears and Madonna. Four years later, The-Dream and Tricky were “suddenly one of the most in-demand songwriting teams in urban music,” according to USA Today.
In March 2008, The-Dream commenced the first major cross-country North American tour of his career, when he joined Mary J. Blige and Jay-Z for their “Heart Of The City” tour. The 22-city U.S. and Canadian tour climaxed in May with three homecoming concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
LOVE vs. MONEY begins the next chapter of The-Dream’s odyssey, as he stands ready to surpass the accomplishments of his 2007 debut. “It took me awhile to know that the new album is better than the first one,” he says. “But it is. So now we know what you're capable of, we know how many songs you've written for everybody, and you know we're gonna do it again!”
Tanya Morgan To Be Honored At Brooklynati Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
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J-Kwon Releasing Hood Hop 2 on February 17 - Digital Album on Gracie/EMI
Now in 2009, J-Kwon is back in the saddle with a new digital album entitled Hood Hop 2, which will be released February 17 in association with Gracie Productions and EMI. J-Kwon also has a new label, Hood Hop Music, and has been honing his own instrumental and production skills.
When he was barely a teen, J-Kwon left home to pursue his music dreams. At age 15, he signed with St. Louis production team Trakboyz for $1,000 advance, and was swiftly introduced to MeMphHiTz, L.A. Reid and Jermaine Dupri at Arista Records. After his debut album spawned the hit single "Tipsy," which rose to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, everything seemed to be coming up roses for the young star. But when Arista folded, the Trackboyz' production deal was without a home.
“The experience was crazy, because it was what I had dreamed about,” explains J-Kwon. “I had dreams like making it to Saturday Night Live and Jay Leno - and I did that. Repping St. Louis was quite easy, because I had my friends and I was doing it. You’ve got Chingy, Nelly, then you’ve got J-Kwon. The city was on fire, and it was like a dice game - we were rolling too many 7's and 11's, and the industry turned that magnet off.”
J-Kwon turned his attention to building up Hood Hop Music, and recently teamed with Gracie Productions to put out the digital album Hood Hop 2. He still works with Jermaine Dupri and Trackboyz, and has dozens of completed songs awaiting release. When all is said and done, J-Kwon is confident in his own abilities, and envisions his creative endeavors without boundaries.
"J-Kwon is like a Black Rock & Roller who does whatever he feels like - we're not about to stress over music in '09," he states. "I want people to know that as an artist there isn't anything I won't do or try. Whoever wants a feature, let's get it. We don't know what J-Kwon would do - it's unorthodox. We'll figure it out as we go along."
For more information on J-Kwon, go to www.tygereye.net/jkwon and www.myspace.com/jkwon
For more information on Gracie Productions, go to www.gracieprod.com
Hood Hop 2 tracklist
1. Welcome 2 Da HoodHop2
2. Problemz - He Don't Want 'Em
3. F**k What U Tell Me
4. Rapper of da Year
5. Jockin'
6. Money
7. Food 4 Thought
8. I Told You
9. Ain't Sh*t
10. Promotions f/ Gino Green
11. *Bonus Track* 4-Sho - I'm From St. Louis
Monday, February 16, 2009
KIRKLE DOVE RELEASES FIRST SINGLE OFF NEW DUB ALBUM, "GIVE IT TO ME" FEAT. CECILE & COURTNEY JOHN, LINK TO ALBUM PREVIEW INSIDE...
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(Obama Says "No More Pants Sagging"
COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS LEAD NATIONAL IMAGE CAMPAIGN THROUGH "NO MORE SAGGING" POSTERS AND WORKSHOP SERIES Atlanta, GA - (BlackNews.com) - President Barack Obama made an adverse national appeal for “brothers” to “pull up their pants” during a MTV program in November. In support of the President's plea, community, business, education, and faith based leaders have launched the ‘No More Sagging' campaign led by bestselling author, activist and television talk show host JL King. The campaign encourages young men to dress with a positive purpose and relay favorable messaging through a classic public image. The ‘No More Sagging' campaign mirrors the lifestyle and elegant portrayal of President Obama through a series of full color 18 x 24 artwork reproductions. The first phase of the series blends American imagery – President Obama, Air Force One and the White House - compared with graphics of men 'sagging.' The second phase features an action oriented workshop facilitated by Alvin Ferguson, renowned clothing designer, buyer, model and celebrity stylist. The workshop teaches young men and registrants the fundamentals of fashion, trends of the Hip Hop era, clothing messaging and education. To see if young urban Black males realized how they looked when sagging, King conducted a focus group of 10 young men ranging in age from 17 to 25 years old. Based on the discussion and survey results, most of the young men wore their pants below the waist because it was popular, trendy and it made them feel cool. According to them, sagging is a style and fashion statement. As a result of this focus group, being a father to two sons, a uncle to nephews and a mentor, King created the ‘No More Sagging' campaign to serve as a catalyst to change the fad. “One interesting thing I learned was that many of the [heterosexual] young men didn't realize that there are gay men who love looking at them with their butts showing,” says King. “They serve as eye candy to gay men even though they think they're being cool and hard core.” The mission of the 'No More Sagging' campaign is to promote progression rather than prison and individuality with integrity. The ‘No More Sagging' posters are a must have for community outreach groups, schools, churches, detention centers, employment offices and associations. To place artwork reproduction orders ($10.00 USD) and for additional information on the ‘No More Sagging' workshop, visitwww.nomoresagging.com
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Dogg After Dark With Snoop Dogg Debuts Tuesday 9pm on MTV
Snoop's Dogg After Dark Debuts Tuesday, February 17th, 9pm on MTV |
Ever been at a club with Snoop Dogg and his celebrity friends? Didn't think so. But now you have the chance to fall through a Hollywood hotspot with the Doggfather himself!! MTV's new jam-packed weekly variety talk show features host Snoop Dogg mingling with fans, family and friends right in his element, Hollywood's Kress nightclub.
Hip-Hop artist/producer Pharrell, celebutante Paris Hilton, OG actor Fred "The Hammer" Williamson are among the stars that slide through and rub shoulders with the life of the party himself, Bigg Snoop Dogg. The debut episode also features performances by Snoop's house band, The Snoopadelics and the first TV performance by rising Hip-Hop star Kid Cudi.
Check out Snoop urging Paris Hilton to get her freestyle on:
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