Peep the cover artwork for Ne-Yo’s new single ‘Beautiful Monster’ – looks good, right? Really lovin’ the dark edge to it. The single comes off his new album due out in September. The album has a ‘storybook’ theme throughout – so this cover makes a little more sense. The homies give me slack for being a fan of this guy, but I am – so, I’m excited to hear the new project. ‘Beautiful Monster’ hits iTunes on June 1st.
VV Brown talks about her musical influences, her beloved megaphone, her career to date and more.
…I really feel VV has been overlooked massively. Her voice is so strong, I just don’t feel the music she put out reflects that at all. It’s not my cup of tea, but moreover, it just doesn’t do her soulful voice any justice. Just listen to her singing in this video – you’ll hear it too. Lovely girl though.
Rap-Up spoke to Ciara about her video for ‘Ride’ being banned on the BET Network. Check out what she had to say…
I’ve never proclaimed to be the biggest Ciara fan (‘Ride’ is huge though), but sorry, but this is just dumb. If I was Ciara, I wouldn’t edit sh*t out. Ok, so the video is a little out there, but which videos these days aren’t? Have you seen what Trey Songz’ puts out? Or did you see when bands like Pretty Ricky performed on their shows? C’mon. ‘Ride’ has definitely been singled out here – not sure why, but that much is blatantly true.
Dessa’s debut album A Badly Broken Code is so dope, it’s so unique. I don’t think a lot of people are ready for it. But it’s out now, so I highly recommend, if you’re open minded and love great music – you get it. It’ll blow you mind a bit. ANYWAYS – her video for ‘Alibi’ just dropped today (shouts to Abjekt) and well, it’s pretty damn impressive.
Flying Lotus talks about his exposure to loads of great music, how video games really inspired him to get into beat making and about the first time he heard Dr. Dre…
Damn, didn’t see this coming? Peep an alternative version of Beyonce’s ‘Halo’ video – this one features footage from the video we know, but also includes additional, darker scenes.
Having found the ‘Halo’ video incredibly boring, I really wish they went with this one. I like my art to be a little bit dark – this ticks the boxes for me. These additional scenes make the entire video a lot more interesting, wonder why they cut them out? Bey stays on top. It’s true.
Oh, I’ve missed Kelly Price. That voice. That voice is one of the most underrated and under-appreciated in R&B. Sure, Kelly hasn’t had the most commercial songs, but she’s that some songs! Last I heard she was creating a super-group album with Tamia & Deborah Cox (mind stays boggled). But to my surprise this brand new track just surfaced and oh my, it’s a good’en.
Kelly Price is saaaaaangin’ for her life here. My goodness. Her intro alone is enough to slay half the ‘singers’ around in the charts today. Damn. The track itself goes on to be a powerful ballad, strong vocals, strong lyrics, strong beat – STRONG! I’m so happy Kelly Price is back and back in this way. Can. I. Get. An. Amen.
Estelle just premiered her brand new track via estellemusic.com. The occasional rapper is back to singing, delivering a mid-tempo ready for the summer. The track comes off Estelle’s upcoming third album All of Me. This track reminds me a lot of ‘American Boy’ – the first time I heard the beat, I instantly thought of that track. It’s pretty safe, but not bad. I like it, I think it’s a grower. Listen to it below, I have no doubt the label will be locking it off quick time. (smh). Enjoy.
Yep. Yesterday, along with a few other industry peoples, we got to exclusively listen to Big Boi’s brand new album Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty. Big Boi said that this was the very first time anyone, outside of his circle, had heard the album. He decided to play it in London first as we “embrace dope music so quick over here”.
He talked a little about the albums title, he explained that Chico Dusty is in honour of his father who was a Marine but who sadly passed away when he began recording the album (40 months ago). I can’t lie, I didn’t take any notes (terrible, I know but we were vibin’) however what I can tell you is that this album sounds INSANE. With a strong ATL influence heard throughout, the production, which features some incredible drum work, is off the charts. Big Boi & Outkast fans will not be disappointed here. The track featuring Janelle Monae in particular was pretty special. But every song bumped hard, Big Boi is spitting crazy on this.
The ATLien talked briefly about his new label deal and how the situation with Jive wasn’t working as they were having some “creative differences”. He mentioned he had played ‘Shutterbug’ to them over two years ago and they were adamant it was not a single. (Ha. Fools.). But that he’s extremely happy where he is now with Def Jam and looks forward to continuing their working relationship.
He held three songs back (“ya’ll need some reason to go buy the album”), and while some tracks need to be fully mastered, the LP is pretty much finished. He intends on touring the world with this new LP – including dates in the UK. He’s also in the beginning stages of recording the new OutKast album (he wouldn’t reveal any info on this) but is also recording material for his next solo record.
Seeing and hearing Big Boi yesterday was big for me. Life-long OutKast fan right here. The fact that the album is as great as I had expected – perfect.
Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty is out July 5th.
Hol’ up, Blu features twice on The Roots’ new album? #thatswhatsup. Cannot wait.
1. Walk Alone (Truck North, Porn, Dice Raw, Mercedes Martinez)
2. Dear God 2.0 (Jim James, MOF)
3. Radio Daze (Blu, Porn, Dice Raw, Mercedes Martinez)
4. Now Or Never (Phonte Coleman, Dice Raw)
5. How I Got Over (Dice Raw)
6. The Day (Blu, Phonte Coleman, Patty Crash)
7. Right On (Joanna Newsom, Sugar Tongue Slim)
8. Doin It Again (John Legend)
9. The Fire (John Legend, Rick Friedrich)
1. Fireworks f. Alicia Keys (prod. Crada & 40)
2. Karaoke
3. The Resistance (prod. 40)
4. Over (prod. Boi-1da & Al-Khaaliq)
5. Show Me A Good Time
6. Up All Night f. Nicki Minaj
7. Fancy f. T.I . & Swizz Beatz (prod. Swizz Beatz)
8. Shut It Down f. The-Dream) (prod. Omen & 40)
9. Unforgettable f. Young Jeezy (prod. Boi-1da & 40)
10. Light Up f. Jay-Z (prod. Tone Mason & 40)
11. Miss Me f. Lil Wayne (prod. Boi-1da w/ 40)
12. Cece’s Interlude
13. Find Your Love (prod. Kanye West & Jeff Bhasker)
14. Thank Me Now (prod. Timbaland)
Up top Nas talks about the music industry and why/how so many are getting it wrong. After the jump, peep Damian Marley talk about the Distant Relatives album cover and the inspiration behind it.
Hip Hop producer Suge Knight is in trouble with the law once again. Knight, whose real name is Marion Hugh Knight, was arrested in Gardena around 1:30 a.m. Thursday. Nearly a half-dozen officers surrounded Knight’s white Cadillac Escalade in the area of Crenshaw Blvd. and 147th Street. He was then placed in handcuffs and taken into custody. It was not immediately known why Knight was arrested. He was being held at the LAPD’s Southwest Divison. [Source]
Update: TMZ has learned Suge Knight was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, involving a firearm. He was pulled over and taken into custody early Thursday morning. We’re told he was also taken into custody for driving on a suspended license. Knight is still in custody and bail is set at $65,000.
Could Knight be heading back to the big house? Sure it wouldn’t be surprising to many people. Smh. Story developing.
