The New Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings Album I Learned The Hard Way Available 04.06.10
Produced by Bosco Mann and recorded on an Ampex eight-track tape machine by Gabriel Roth in Daptone Records’ House of Soul studios, this record drips with a warmth and spontaneity rarely found since the golden days of Muscle Shoals and Stax. Sharon’s raw power, rhythmic swagger, moaning soulfulness, and melodic command set her firmly alongside Tina Turner, James Brown, Mavis Staples, and Aretha as a fixture in the canon of soul music. From the lush Philly-Soul fanfare that ushers in “The Game Gets Old” at the top of the record, to the stripped down Sam Cooke-style “Mama Don’t Like My Man” at the tail, the Dap-Kings dance seamlessly through both the most crafted and simple arrangements with subtlety and discipline. I Learned the Hard Way is the “Daptone Sound” at its finest.
For now check out the latest Daptone Gold compilation!
Producer, Songwriter & Multi-instrumentalist, CHIN Set To Release New Solo CD On Sparks/EMI In April 2010.
Toronto indie label Sparks Music have signed Chin Injeti, known as CHIN, to a worldwide distribution deal with the Canadian release of his solo album D’tach set for April 6, 2010. CHIN’s first single “Mask On My Face” [featuring K’naan] is scheduled for release through all outlets in February.
CHIN is a talented multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter. He is a co-founder of the Juno award winning and groundbreaking group Bass is Base. CHIN has been bouncing between his home base in Vancouver and the studios of L.A. where he has been working with fellow west coaster and L.A. based producer, DJ Khalil (Aftermath Productions). Together the two have been producing and working with everyone from Dr. Dre, Nas, Talib Kweli, Busta Rhymes, Clipse, and 50 Cent to Esthero, Kinnie Starr, Bedouin Soundclash and Zaki Ibrahim just to name a few.
In December 2009 the Clipse released their newest CD ’Til The Casket Drops” which featured two tracks, “Kinda Like A Big Deal” [featuring Kanye West] and “There Was A Murder” from the CHIN / Khalil production team. A number of weeks earlier CHIN had received credits on a track called “Could’ve Been You” [featuring R Kelly] from 50 Cents’ new album as well as credits on a song called “Fear” from fellow Canadian sensation Drake that would appear on his breakthrough EP!
As if that wasn’t enough CHIN along with DJ Khalil, Erik Alcock and Liz Rodrigues also formed a group called The New Royales, a genre bending band that is creating sounds from the past, the present and FUTURE!
As a singer-songwriter CHIN is creating a new beginning for himself. Within his heavy production and work schedule CHIN has found time to complete a solo album called D’tach in a genre he calls “Urban Folk.” Sonically, D’tach is quite a departure from the music that CHIN’s name is currently attached to. However the one constant that remains is a focus on crafting quality music and songs.
With a stripped down sound on this new album CHIN explains, “I detached from everything, separated myself, cut off the strings …for the first time ever I have found the courage to put my life on display. Who I was, who I am, who I’m going to be, where I’ve been, where I’m going, all that I know, and all that I don’t”.
DARYL HALL & CHROMEO UNITE AT THE 2010 BONNAROO FESTIVAL FOR “LIVE FROM DARYL’S HOUSE”
PERFORMING FRIDAY JUNE 11th AT BONNAROO FESTIVAL IN MANCHESTER, TN
CHROMEO CURRENTLY AT WORK CRAFTING THIRD STUDIO ALBUM, SLATED FOR SUMMER 2010
In a match pairing two pop music favorites of past and present, Daryl Hall & Chromeo have announced their joint performance on Friday June 11th at this year’s Bonnaroo Festival in Manchester, TN. A reprise of the widely successful collaboration first appearing on a 2008 episode of Daryl Hall’s web series “Live From Daryl’s House“, the Bonnaroo performance will also feature Hall and Chromeo performing together as one unit. A nod to Chromeo’s inimitable take on the blue-eyed sentiment of Hall’s music, the triumvirate of Daryl Hall, Dave 1, and P-Thugg of Chromeo will unite once again for a rare set of Hall & Oates and Chromeo classics.
Having recently released their new single “Night By Night” and a disco-infused mix album for the prestigiousDJ-Kicks series, Dave 1 and P-Thugg have been laboriously clocking hours in the studio for their highly anticipated third studio album (see them in the lab on their newly launched blog). Currently slated for an August 2010 release, the follow-up to 2008’s breakout album Fancy Footwork will raise the bar yet again for the electrofunk duo famously known as the best Jewish/Arab partnership in history.
For more info:
http://www.myspace.com/chromeo
http://www.livefromdarylshouse.com/
FIRST ‘AFRICA’…NOW THE WORLD! Karl Wolf poised for International Superstardom!
“Africa”, “Carrera”, “Yalla Habibi” - all three songs have become monster hits for Lebanese-Canadian singer/songwriter Karl Wolf. Now, Karl is ready to build on this success with his next single “Hurting” which is being delivered to radio stations across the country this week. ”Hurting” shows a whole new, serious side of Karl: it’s a powerful song that’s very close to his heart and shows signs of being another out of the box smash. Accompanying the track is Karl’s best video to date, which stars Nicole Holness from MTV Canada and which multi-talented Karl directed himself. You can catch a sneak peek here:
2009 was a stellar year for Karl at Canadian radio as evidenced by his 3 nominations at the Canadian Radio Music Awards: Best New Group/Solo Artist of the Year (Mainstream AC), Best New Group/Solo Artist of the Year (Hot AC), and Fan’s Choice. Karl will be performing at the Awards, which are taking place at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto as part of Canadian Music Week 2010; the awards will be handed out during a gala luncheon.
In addition to the CRMA nominations, Wolf has also been nominated for three SOBA (Sounds of Blackness Awards) in Quebec: Anglophone Single of the Year ”Africa”, Anglophone Best Artist or Group and Anglophone Best R&B Artist or Group. Those awards will be presented on February 28th at the Outremont Theatre in Montreal.
Last, but certainly not least, Karl has announced that he has just recently signed a deal with Universal Republic Records to release his album Nightlife in the United States. Speaking about the signing, Avery Lipman (Co-President and COO of Universal Republic Records), said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Karl Wolf. His distinctive sound and international appeal makes him a force to be reckoned with. The entire company joins me in welcoming Karl Wolf to Universal Republic Records.”
The first single from the US release is “Africa”, which is already being added at radio stations across the country. “Africa” was a triple platinum, Top 10 hit in Canada and will surely repeat that triumph south of the border. Coupled with his successes in Dubai, Japan, Lebanon, Egypt, and of course, Canada, Karl is poised to take the rest of the world by storm!
KINGDOM “MIND READER” OUT ON FOOL’S GOLD RECORDS
|
Ever since he released his first mixtape in 2006, Brooklyn producer and DJ phenomenon Kingdom has been garnering a rabid following for his signature sets and productions, which blend bass-heavy, dance-savvy sounds from around the globe with a distinct R&B sensibility and emotional depth.
USHER’S “RAYMOND v. RAYMOND” CONFIRMED FOR MARCH 30TH RELEASE
Album Reveals Different Sides Of The Multi-Faceted Singer
Usher Raymond IV’s highly anticipated sixth studio album, Raymond v. Raymond will be released on March 30th.
Raymond v. Raymond comes as the five-time Grammy winner currently has, or is featured in four Top 20 songs on U.S. urban charts: “Papers” (←click on link to listen) which rapidly climbed to #1 on the urban adult airplay chart last year, remains a Top 5 and 15 staple on both adult R&B and urban mainstream charts respectively; “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home)” (←click on link to listen) featuring Plies claims the No. 19 spot on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart; “There Goes My Baby” (←click on link to listen) ranks No. 16 on the urban adult contemporary airplay chart; and Raymond’s collaboration with Gucci Mane, “Spotlight,” is in the Top 15 on the Hot Rap Songs chart.
In 2008, Usher’s “Love In This Club” peaked at # 2 CHR in Canada for 2 weeks and peaked # 13 HOT AC in June 2008 (mediabase and BDS). “Love In This Club” video peaked # 1 at MUCH MUSIC, MUCH MORE, and MUSIQUE PLUS.
Now, Raymond v. Raymond finds the iconic singer addressing various topics reflecting the dichotomies of life. It is described as a natural follow-up toUsher’s ground-breaking 2004 Confessions album which earned him the distinction of being the “Top Hot 100 Artist of the Decade” with 13 consecutive top 20 singles (seven reaching No. 1 and collectively spending the most weeks atop the chart for any act in the decade) according to Billboard magazine. The new album contains the smoldering signature ballads and hypnotic up-tempos the multi-talented, all around entertainer is known for.
Leading up to the release Usher will appear in a number of high profile performances kicking off with the 2010 Grammy’s on January 31st (CBS); followed by a half-time performance on the NBA All-Star Game on February 14th (TNT); and he will headline the final Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Nightly Victory Ceremony Concert on February 27th (NBC).
Additionally, TNT joined forces with Usher to feature his song “More” as part of the network’s marketing campaign for the 2010 NBA All-Star Game. TNT filmed an exclusive music video with Usher that will serve as a promotional spot airing in 600 Regal Cinemas beginning Friday, Jan. 29th. In addition, the video will be used as part of the network’s campaign to promote its exclusive coverage of the 2010 NBA All-Star Game in Dallas, TX on Sunday, Feb. 14th.
J Melody - I Need You || Reps Up
Check out the new video & single from singer/songwriter J Melody. J Melody is an amazing young talent signed to Reps Up Records along w/ fellow label mates P. Reign, Gillatein& TD Bank. J Melody’s EP ‘Superstar’ is available on itunes now (http://www.itunes.com/jmelody)Omarion Goes Omazing With “Ollusion” - Available 1/12/2010!!
After three years away from studio and stage, Omarion is back with a vengeance. The content ofOllusion, his third LP, is bathed in erotic subject matter, descriptive song lyrics, and sophisticated musicality. The album demonstrates just how Omarion has matured along with his core listeners, which is evident in his first two songs called “I Get It In” featuring Gucci Mane, and “Hoodie” featuring Jay Rock.Exclusive new mixtape LP from the Ashy L Bowz
Recently the Ashy L Bowz released their latest LP to the public. This is the Jodeci inspired “Dry Humpin^2: Diary of a Ashy Band”. Attached is the first single “Lonely” as well as the album art.
Official Press Release
http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=125730
DOWNLOAD
Ashy L Bowz
“Dry Humpin^2: Diary of a Ashy Band”
http://www.tinyurl.com/albzdoaab
DOWNLOAD
Ashy L Bowz
“Going Green^2: 808’s & Smoke Breaks
http://www.tinyurl.com/albzgg2
ALICIA KEYS SET TO EXPRESS HER FREEDOM WITH NEW ALBUM ON DECEMBER 15!
BEYONCÉ AND DRAKE JOIN ALICIA ON THE ELEMENT OF FREEDOM
KEYS TO PERFORM ON OPRAH, TODAY SHOW, LETTERMAN, COLBERT REPORT, THE VIEW, BET AND MORE
Fresh off the American Music Awards with two unforgettable performances of “Empire State of Mind” with Jay-Z and her new single “Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart,” 12-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys goes into high gear with a whirlwind of activities in support of her fifth album The Element of Freedom out December 15 on MBK Entertainment/J Records.
In addition to “Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart” and “Doesn’t Mean Anything,” The Element of Freedom features Keys soulfully soaring solo version of “Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down,” a beat-driven duet with Beyoncé on “Put It In A Love Song,” “Un-thinkable (I’m Ready)” with background vocals provided by Drake, the reggae-tinged “Love is My Disease,” a 80’s funk jam “This Bed” and more sonic gems. The album features production by Alicia Keys, her longtime collaborator Kerry “Krucial” Brothers, Jeff Bhasker, Swizz Beatz, and Noah “40” Shebib. Complete track listing below.
Keys recently made her national TV debut performance of “Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart” on Dancing With The Stars and recreated that magic Sunday night on the 2009 American Music Awards. Performances on The Today Show Outdoor Concert Series (11/24) and Oprah (11/30) where she joined country music superstar Tim McGraw for a duet performance of John Lennon, Yoko Ono and the Plastic Ono Band’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” for the holiday show were spectacular. Alicia continues to spread holiday cheer on NBC’s Christmas at Rockefeller (12/2), followed by performances on Late Show with David Letterman(12/14), The Colbert Report (12/15), The View (12/16), BET 106 & Keys Live Special (12/16) and a return visit to The Today Show(12/17).
The Element of Freedom track listing:
01 Element Of Freedom (Intro)
02 Love Is Blind
03 Doesn’t Mean Anything
04 Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart
05 Wait Til You See My Smile
06 That’s How Strong My Love Is
07 Un-thinkable (I’m Ready)
08 Love Is My Disease
09 Like The Sea
10 Put It In A Love Song (featuring Beyoncé)
11 This Bed
12 Distance And Time
13 How It Feels To Fly
14 Empire State Of Mind (Part II) Broken Down
R. Kelly New Album “Untitled” out now
On Untitled, R. Kelly returns to the streets and delivers an album with a renewed energy and enthusiasm. Creatively, he collaborates with new up and coming producers (Infinity, Lil Ronnie, and Chris Henderson) and rising stars like Keri Hilson who Kelly features in his first single “Number One.”
Kelly is already generating a buzz with his mix-tape with DJ Skee and DJ Drama, The Demo which contains four exclusive songs including the club smash “Supa Man Featuring OJ Da Juiceman” and remixes of top charting songs by Drake and Jeremih. The Demo is being hailed as one of the best mix-tapes of the year. Commenting on the incredible response to the mix-tape as well as his approach going into his upcoming album, Kelly says, “I wanted to go back to the streets and connect directly to my fans. The love I have received is amazing and this is for them.”
R. Kelly’s remarkably consistent career spans decades filled with accomplishments and achievements: he has sold over 34 millions records worldwide. TheChicago native has released thirteen albums total including compilations and collaborations; and two platinum-certified solo albums. He has collaborated and written songs for some of today’s top musical icons from all genres including: Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Pussycat Dolls, Usher, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and more.
KRS One & Buckshot ft. Mary J Blige - The Way I Live || Clean, Dirty & Inst || Duck Down
This is what happens when two classic rappers from the Bronx & Brooklyn hook up. Here is the new single from KRS-ONE & BUCKSHOT album “Survival Skills”, which hits stores September 15th. Download their new single “The Way I Live”, featuring the one & only songstress Mary J Blige and produced by Detroit’s own Black Milk.
