Urban New Release Schedule 10/1

For all the upcoming Hip Hop and R & B releases, check out Hooked On That 's Urban New Release Schedule
here:
Hooked On That - Urban New Release Schedule

Lady Gaga: "Heartbeats" U.S. headphone launch begins

Dr. Dre and Lady Gaga are seen here at the U.S. product introduction rollout of "Heartbeats" headphones Wednesday September 30, at Gilt in NYC.

More photos from the event:
Getty Images
WENN Photo
Star Traks Photo

Who, What, Where Weekly Photo Links 9/30

Photo Recap for the week, posted right here.

All the links for your consumption.

Tuesday September 29, 2009

Mariah Carey unveils new perfume 'Forever' at Macy's Herald Square NYC:
Film Magic
PR Photos
Globe Photos
Wire Image
Rex Features
Star Traks Photo
WENN Photo
Getty Images

Shakira and others on Jools Holland TV program London, UK:
Rex Features

Female rapper Eve at the movie premiere of 'Whip It' in Hollywood, CA:
Daily Celeb
Patrick McMullan
Wire Image 1
Wire Image 2
Wire Image 3
Wire Image 4
Star Traks Photo

Kid Cudi at Antenna Magazine and KIA Soul Xpression car promotion in NYC:
Wire Image
Getty Images

Jennifer Hudson concert red carpet at Rumsey Field Central Park in NYC:
Film Magic
PR Photos
Wire Image
Getty Images

Monday September 28, 2009

Janet Jackson, Kanye West, Amber Rose and others at the amFAR Inaugural event during Milan Italy's Fashion Week:
Rex Features
Star Traks Photo
Getty Images 1
Getty Images 2
Getty Images 3
Globe Photos 1
Globe Photos 2

Shakira 'She Wolf' or 'La Loba' promotional activities in Madrid, Spain:
Rex Features 1
Rex Features 2
Wire Images
WENN Photo
Getty Images

Ghostface Killah, Rick Ross and Marques Houston at BET's 106 & Park studios NYC:
Wire Image
Getty Images

Ryan Leslie and Tyrese at BET's 106 & Park studios NYC:
Wire Image
Getty Images

'Whip It' movie press junket with Eve at the Doll Factory in LA, CA:
Wire Image

Maxwell BLACKsummersnight concert tour in NYC:
Getty Images

Maxwell BLACKsummersnight tour after party with Common, DJ Clue and others at the Marque in NYC:
Film Magic
Wire Image
WENN Photo

Asher Roth opening for Blink-182 at the Verizon Wireless Music Center Pelham, AL:
Film Magic

Sunday September 27, 2009

Keith Sweat performs at the Paris Elysee Montmartre, FRA:
Rex Features

Saturday September 26, 2009

Maxwell BLACKsummersnight tour stop in Detroit at Joe Louis Arena:
Wire Image
Getty Images

Shakira in London, UK:
Film Magic
Getty Images

'More Than A Game' movie premiere attendees Sean 'Diddy' Combs, LeBron James and Chris Tucker after wards LA, CA:
WENN Photo - LeBron James
WENN Photo - Sean 'Diddy' Combs
WENN Photo - Chris Tucker

Nelly and others at the Alto Nightclub in London, UK:
WENN Photo

Eric Benet shopping at the Grove in LA, CA:
WENN Photo

'More Than A Game' movie premiere with Sean "Diddy" Combs, Jimmy Iovine and others at Pacific Theatres at the Grove LA, CA:
Film Magic
Patrick McMullan
WENN Photo
Rex Features
Wire Image
PR Photos
Star Traks Photo

LeBron James 'More Than A Game" Celebrity Basketball Tournament sponsored by Nike with Chris Brown, Omarion and others at Hollywood & Highland Courtyard in Hollywood, CA:
Film Magic
Wire Image

Melody Thorton Birthday party at the Empire Club in Hollywood, CA:
Wire Image
Getty Images

Wylcef Jean 'Green the Block' launch party in Washington DC:
Getty Images

F1 Rocks Singapore - Day 3 with Beyonce, Black Eyed Peas and others with at Fort Canning Park with in Singapore:
Wire Image
Getty Image

Friday September 25, 2009

Seventh Annual Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party with Lil Romeo, Raven-Symone and others at Milk Studios LA, CA:
Patrick McMullan
Daily Celeb

Ryan Leslie's Birthday party with Rick Rubin, Jay-Z, Swizz Beatz and others at S L in NYC:
Film Magic

Jay-Z and Swizz Beatz at the M2 Lounge NYC:
Film Magic

F1 Rocks Singapore - Day 2 with N.E.R.D., No Doubt and other at Fort Canning Park with in Singapore:
Wire Image
Getty Images

Maxwell BLACKsummersnight concert stop at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, CAN:
WENN Photo

Keri Hilson outside BBC Radio One in London, UK:
Film Magic
WENN Photo

"Shooting Stars: The Rise of Hip Hop Photographer Johnny Nunez" Premiere at the 13th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival with Fat Joe, DJ Cassidy and others in NYC:
Wire Image
WENN Photo
Getty Images

Thursday September 24, 2009

Album Release Party For "Music Inspired By The Film More Than A Game" with Soulja Boy, Swizz Beatz and others at the Rossevelt Hotel Hollywood, CA:
Wire Image
Film Magic
WENN Photo
PR Photos
Getty Images

Usher in Manhattan NYC:
Film Magic

Shakira at the BBC studios for a Radio One interview in London, UK:
WENN Photo

Empire State Building Celebrates The 70th Anniversary Of "The Wizard Of Oz" with Ashanti In NYC:
Wire Image
Film Magic
WENN Photo

2009 Emerald Gala Celebrating The 70th Anniversary Of "The Wizard Of Oz" with Ashanti at Tavern On The Green NYC:
Wire Image
Film Magic

3rd Annual Tiki Rocks The Square For The Children's Miracle Network with Fabolous and others at the Hard Rock Café Times Square NYC:
Wire Image
Film Magic
Getty Images

2009 Clinton Global Initiative - Clinton Global Citizen Awards with Alicia Keys, Usher and others at Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers NYC:
Wire Image
Rex Features
WENN Photo 1
WENN Photo 2
PR Photos 1
PR Photos 2
Getty Images

Arthur's Day: The Guinness 250th Anniversary Celebration with Dizzee Rascal and others at the Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland:
WENN Photos
Getty Images 1
Getty Images 2

Boost Mobile Brooklyn Store event with Kid Cudi and Funkmaster Flex NYC:
Getty Image

Wednesday September 23, 2009

VH1 2009 Hip Hop Honors with Kid Rock, DMX and others At The Brooklyn Academy Of Music, NYC:
Patrick McMullan
Rex Features
Globe Photos

2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors After Party To Benefit The VH1 Save The Music Foundation with at One Hanson Place:
Wire Image
Patrick McMullan
Film Magic

Sean Pecas Birthday Celebration with RZA, Mariah Carey, Ludacris and others at the Pink Elephant NYC:
Film Magic

Kanye West and Amber Rose shopping at the Grove in LA, CA:
WENN Photo

Last week's:
Who, What, Where Weekly Photo Links 9/23

Timbaland 'Shock Value 2' Gets A Release Date

After 2007's 'Timbaland Presents: Shock Value,' it will be a hard one to top. I'm sure with both Interscope President Jimmy Iovine and Timbaland's quality control plus a bevy of A-class music superstars, it should be another classic just in time for the Holidays.

Timbaland 'Shock Value 2' tentatively set for November 24 on Interscope/Mosley Music.

Eminem Schedules Shade 45 Radio Interviews

via press release

NEW YORK, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SIRIUS XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) announced today that it will broadcast two in-depth and uncensored interviews with Eminem on his Shade 45 channel in celebration of his channel's fifth anniversary.

Eminem will sit down with Shade 45's DJ Whoo Kid on Saturday, October 3 at 3:00 pm ET, during the G Unit Saturdays program, to go in-depth about his highly-anticipated upcoming album, Relapse 2, his performance at Voodoo Festival in New Orleans on October 30 and his role in developing the new video game DJ Hero, scheduled to be released on October 27.

Additionally, Eminem will speak with Shade 45's DJ Tony Touch as part of the Toca Tuesdays show on Tuesday, October 6 at 9:00 pm ET.

More info:
Sirius website
or
XM Radio website

Keri Hilson Interview and Performance on GMTV London, UK with Video and Photos

Photos:
WENN Photo - Keri Hilson and others outside GMTV Studios

(video courtesy of kerihilson4life and GMTV)

Common and Friends Hollywood Benefit Concert Recap With Photos, Videos and Show Review

Common and Friends 'Common Ground' Benefit Concert took place at the Hollywood Palladium Saturday September 26th in Hollywood, CA.

Fan shot footage below, most good quality.













This is what Scott T. Sterling from the L.A. Times said about the Common and Friends 'Common Ground' Hollywood Benefit Show:

“I’ve been to a lot of charity events, but I’ve never seen anything like this.”

Old-school rapper Heavy D surveyed the sold-out Hollywood Palladium crowd gathered for the second annual “Common & Friends,” a star-studded affair that featured appearances from a seemingly endless cavalcade of A-list hip-hop stars to benefit Common's Common Ground charity.
The audience had already seen a series of highlights. De La Soul opened the show with a quick, high-energy set, punctuated by a surprise appearance from masked rapper MF Doom, who ferociously ripped through his verse from “Rock Co.Kane Flow.”

Black Thought and Amir “Questlove” Thompson represented for the Roots, and Ludacris ignited concertgoers with a crowd-pleasing set that culminated with “I Do It for Hip-Hop.” The latter allowed him to introduce Nas, who appears on the recorded version (video here).

Read more of the show review here:
L.A. Times - Pop & Hiss

Photos from the Red Carpet and Backstage:
Getty Images
Wire Image 1
Wire Image 2
Wire Image 3

(video courtesy of Donjuan3foo, stepz7 and moviebruin)

(show review courtesy of Scott T. Sterling of the L.A. Times)

Wyclef Uses Branding, Partnerships and Music For Charitable Organization

Wyclef Jean unveiled a new charitable partnership with clothing and footwear company Timberland today (Sept. 24) during an Advertising Week Q&A session conducted by Billboard editorial director Bill Werde at the Times Center in New York.

For every pair of Timberland boots sold, $2 will be donated to Jean's Yele Haiti Foundation, which will help aid reforestation in that country. "I really think that we're going to sell a whole lot of boots and I really think we're going plant a whole lot of trees in Haiti," Jean said during the afternoon session.

Jean touched on a number of other topics during the Q&A, including his next planned releases, upcoming deals with other mega-brands and the work he's doing to help Haitian students through his foundation.

A day earlier, the artist attended the Clinton Global Initiative in New York -- spearheaded by former President Bill Clinton -- to discuss college scholarships for Haitian students in need.

Additionally, Jean will be the new face of Western Union for the next 16 months. The partnership launches Nov. 2 at an event in Times Square. Tomorrow (Sept. 25), he will join Avril Lavigne and Brad Paisley for a commercial shoot for upcoming T-Mobile television spots. "A deal like T-Mobile brings the brand of Wyclef Jean and makes it relevant," Jean said.

Despite his busy schedule with branding opportunities and charity work, Jean is releasing a mix tape on Nov. 12, and he premiered two tracks at the panel. One of the tracks, "Suicide Love," features Eve, who joined Jean onstage at Billboard's Amp'D Up Advertising Week kickoff event on Monday (Sept. 21) at the Nokia Theater, which Jean headlined. Jean will release a self-titled album in March.

Photos from the press conference/Q&A:
Getty Images

Article:
billboard.biz

Lil Wayne Turns 27

Untitled from DERICK G on Vimeo.

Photos and post:
Lil Wayne HQ at the hotel
and:
Lil Wayne Birthday Pix at LIV at Fontainebleau in Miami, FL

Mariah Carey 'Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel' Album Review

As Mariah Carey's new record 'Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel' hits stores tomorrow, Hooked On That friend Keleigh Starr gave us her humble review of the entire album.

With Mariah Carey's new I remember clear as a bell the first time I put on the Mariah Carey "Mariah Carey" album (1990). I knew that she wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. I have always said that if I could imagine what angels sound like it would be just like Mariah. I am hoping that the vocals are more of what we saw in the old days when her voice evoked tears.

Now on to the review.......

Track #1 "BETCHA GON KNOW"

Typical WHISPY vocals from Mariah. I would call this one "filler" and I am surprised that she opened with this one. Don't get me wrong it’s not a bad track and I can totally listen to it but there is nothing "SPECIAL" about it. On a scale of 1 to 10 this gets a 4.

Track # 2 OBSESSED

Decent track but I bet she wishes she never made this one. Clowning is not her strong point and we all know that Eminem slammed her on his response. Vocally she sounds very commercial. Not a bad track if you were driving up the cost. Kinda makes me want to bob my head from side to side a little but on a scale of 1 to 10 it only gets a 5.

Track # 3 H.A.T.E.U.

Must admit that I feel the lyrics but I felt like there should have been more passion behind them. With the range that she has she could have killed this song. It’s just another average track. On a scale of 1 to 10 this gets a 6 and that is only because I feel the lyrics.

Track #4 "CANDY BLING"

Hmmmmmmmm another just ok track. As with the others it was very mid tempo with a good baseline but no real demonstration of her vocal range. Again it would be good to drive to but it’s not something that people are gonna be shouting out 5 years from now. The "Back In The Day" flash back was a little catchy but not enough to make it a hit.

Track #5 RIBBON

Love the opening with the screwed stuff but most won't appreciate that like I do lol! After that she goes into ANOTHER mid tempo zone. The bass heavy GHETTO track totally saves this one. You've heard this before but she does not flex her vocals and it falls short. 5 on a scale of 1 to 10.

Track #6 INSEPARABLE

WOW another mid tempo track......clearly I am waiting for a ballad or the party banger. Content on this one mirrors the others in that it just IS NOT moving. I am going to need her to have more to talk about at this stage in her career. This one gets a 5.

Track # 7 STANDING O

The O in this was slightly catchy and at the same time a little annoying. The track just didn't do a thing for me. It sounds like something a kid made in their basement. It does kinda pick up a little towards the end and complete itself but then it returns to the kiddie track. No rating on this one....... I think the jury will remain out and try listening to it some more.

Track #8 IT'S A WRAP

When it started I was thinking aaaaaaw yeah here we go.......... I thought I was going to my ballad but it picked up, uuuuuuuugh. HOWEVER the track was what I call GHETTO/MATURE/FUNK and I like this one. This track is a great compliment to her voice and she does well on this one. The tempo on this one is just cool and her vocals go along perfect with it. This one gets an 8!

Track # 9 UP OUT MY FACE

Like the opening clever lyric about the mechanic under the hood lol! I heard that Mariah! I can hear this one on the radio. The "Up Out My Face" hook will catch the women. The track is funky and the base line gives it a taste of GHETTO which I always love lol! Yeah women will fell this content. Maybe not an anthem but close. This one gets an 8. Lord knows there are a few men I want UP OUT MY FACE! My head was bobbin' kinda hard to this one

Track # 10 UP OUT MY FACE (REPRISE)

Love the use of the black college band sound on this one. Real funky! Hmmmmmm did Nick Cannon reach back to his Drumline Days and suggest this? I BET HE DID!

Track # 11 MORE THAN JUST FRIENDS

Unfortunately another blendy mid tempo track that did nothing for me. No lyrical content and no stretching of her vocals. I could however hear the track on the radio but I don't see the lyrics really connecting that big. There was a cool little break down in the last 45 seconds and she could have killed with her vocals on this part but she failed to see the opportunity.

Track # 12 THE IMPOSSIBLE

Awwwwwwww shucks this track is RICH! Another one that goes so well with her whispy vocal style. This one is clearly about Nick and I like the fact that she used her new love to inspire her lyrics. It is still pop enough for Mariah fans though....... This one is clearly the freaky sex song. Kinda reminds me of something Janet Jackson would have done on Velvet Rope without being as nasty as Janet would have done it in those days lol. Love the LAYING IN THE BED BUMPING JODECI line. Hmmmmmm is Nick old enough to have been bumping Jodeci? This one gets a 9.

Track # 13 THE IMPOSSIBLE (REPRISE)

Awwwwww dang this is the straight break down of the previous song. Yeah this is really a Janet moment mixed with some 90's R&B New Jack. I LIKE I LIKE! I rarely feel like intros and outtros have a purpose but this one does.......I am mad at this but I am giving the outro a 10 lol!

Track # 14 ANGEL PRELUDE

She opens like the angel I know and love and its so fitting for the next track since its called Angel.

Track # 15 ANGEL

Once again I felt the content on this one. It was almost a ballad but for whatever reason she picks up the tempo. Unlike others it works for this song. I could totally here is on mainstream radio. This one could be a hit and a really great video. She did give us a little more vocally on this one but again no where near the 1st record. WHAT UP WIT DAT. Good song though and it gets a 9.

Track # 16 LANGUISHING

HOUSTON WE HAVE A BALLAD!!!!!!!! So far this is the closest we've come to the first album and then it stops short. She could have MURDERED the end of this....... Only gets a 7.

Track # 17 I WANT TO KNOW WHAT LOVE IS

OK when I 1st heard she was doing this I was like hmmmmmmmm. I don't usually like when people touch classics but vocally Mariah could pull this off and make it her own AND SHE DOES for me. I would have preferred less of the WHISPY voice Mariah but it still works for me. I like the choir touch and it makes for a great live performance. Towards the end she gives us the vocals I've been waiting for all album long BUT she should have had the choir silenced at that point. This one gets an 8 which is big deal for a cover lol.

So all in all I give this one a 7.5 after the first listen. It's a solid record but there were more than a few moments where she could have put her foot in it and gotten the 10. The overall production on this one was solid so it could have easily gotten a 10.

by Keleigh Starr

Spike Lee And New Era Unveil New Commemorative Yankee Cap

via press release

aka Spike Lee Joint 2.0.

As a life-long Yankee fan, Spike Lee drew his inspiration for the cap from the New York Yankees 26 World Series Championships. "When it came time to design another cap with New Era, it seemed fitting that it represent the most decorated franchise in professional sports -- the New York Yankees," said Spike Lee. "On the cap, I inscribed each year the Yankees won the championship. Now I'm just hoping we can add the year 2009 to that list come October!"

In total, only 750 caps will be made available to the public exclusively at the New Era Flagship store at Yankee Stadium, the New Era: New York Flagship store in Soho and participating Lids stores in New York City. The cap comes in a special commemorative box and can be purchased for $75.

"It's always an honor and a pleasure to work with a creative force like Spike Lee. The fact that his Yankees inspired commemorative cap coincides with the team's race for the pennant is an added bonus for any Yankee fan," said Gerry Matos, Senior VP of Marketing at New Era.

The New Era/Spike Lee relationship first began in 1996 when Lee approached New Era to request a one-of-a-kind red New York Yankees fitted. New Era fulfilled Spike's request and sent the cap to him to wear to the World Series that year. This subsequently launched the beginning of a "new era" of fitted fashion caps for New Era and aXX partnership. Since then, Lee has produced three TV campaigns for New Era and was one of the first celebrities to design a "Capture The Flag" limited edition cap for New Era's 50th Anniversary celebration of the 59FIFTY fitted cap.

Photos from the New Era/Spike Lee recent signing event At Yankee Stadium:
Film Magic

B.G. 'Too Hood 2 Be Hollywood' Track List & Street Date Revealed

B.G. - 'Too Hood 2 Be Hollywood' track list.

01. Intro
02. I Swear ft. Gar
03. Ni**A Owe Me Some Money
ft. Lil Boosie, C-Murder, Soulja Slim & Young Buck
04. Is U Wet Yet ft. Level
05. My Hood ft. Gar & Mannie Fresh
06. Hit Da Block & Roll ft. Yo Gotti
07. Like Yeah
08. Cut Thang/F**k Thang ft. Matravious Cooks
09. Back To The Money ft. Magnolia Chop
10. Ya Heard Me
ft. Lil Wayne, Juvenile & Trey Songz
11. Rather Die ft. Maino
12. Watch Me Do Magic
13. Gutta Gutta ft. Gar
14. Keep It 100 ft. Magnolia Chop
15. Under Surveillance

Bonus Tracks

16. For A Minute ft. T.I.
17. I Hustle ft. Young Jeezy

B.G. 'Too Hood 2 Be Hollywood' on E1 tentatively scheduled for November 24th.

Game: Busta Rhymes Preps The R.E.D. Album

(video courtesy of Kalayeh Productions)

The Game - 'The R.E.D. Album' on Interscope Records tentatively set for December 1st.

Hip Hop and R&B New Releases 9/29

The following physical and digital new releases are available from Amazon and iTunes.



Mariah Carey - Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel
Island/Def Jam

Also available:
Mariah Carey - 3 CD Collector's Set
Island/Def Jam



Ghostface Killah - Ghostdini The Wizard of Poetry
Island/Def Jam



More Than A Game
Various: Music Inspired By The Film
Harvey Mason/Zone4/Interscope



Playaz Circle - Flight 360:The Takeoff
Island/Def Jam/Disturbing Tha Peace



Mack 10 - Soft White
Hoo Bangin/Universal



Warren G - Tha G Files
TBD Records



Skyzoo - The Salvation
Duck Down/Jamla



Anti-Pop Consortium - Fluorescent Black
Big Dada/Ninja Tune



Lil Flip - Respect Me
High Powered

Also avaiable:

Crown City Rockers - The Day After Forever
Gold Dust Media

Mya - Beauty & The Streets: Mixtape Vol.1
Young Empire Records

Lil Rob - Love and Hate
Upstairs

E.S.G. - Everyday Street Gangster
E1

Breakestra - Dusk Till Dawn
Strut

Dynas - The Apartment
BBE

C-Murder - Calliope Click
RBC

M-Eighty Presents: The Academy - Various
Sound Records

Alchemist - Chemical Warfare (Vinyl release)
E1/Goliath Artists

The full list of new releases this week and beyond here:
Hooked On That - Urban New Release Schedule
updated 9/15

Bone Thugs N Harmony Performs in Orange County, CA

Bone Thugs N Harmony at The Grove in Anaheim, CA Saturday September 19.

Quality fan shot video below.







(video courtesy of itsel18V's)

Bone Thugs N Harmony 'Uni5: The Worlds Enemy' on Asylum/Bone Thugs N Harmony Worldwide in stores November 24.

E-40 Speaks About 2Pac's Studio Work Ethic

(video courtesy of hiphopnonstoptv)

E-40 'Revenue Retrivin' on Heavy On The Grind/EMI in stores November 24.

Nas, Nelly and Kelly Rowland at RockCorps Concert in London, UK with Video and Photos

Orange RockCorps 2009 concert recorded at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London, UK Friday September 25.

Fan shot video below, (Nas) good quality, (Nelly + Kelly Rowland) semi-good quality.







Interview footage.





Hip Hop superstars Nas and Nelly are joined by Razorlight, David Guetta and Kelly Rowland, Daniel
Merriweather and Chase & Status for an epic night at the Royal Albert Hall. These smash artists will perform for 5,000 Orange RockCorps volunteers who have completed 20,000 hours of volunteer service at 46 projects all over greater London.

To the 5,000 volunteers who gave 4 hours each to earn a ticket to tonight’s gig, you rock! The painting, the clearing, the refurbishing all improved your communities and our charity partners really appreciate your effort.

Photos:
Getty Images
Wire Image
Rex Features
WENN Photo

Learn more here:
Orange RockCorps

(video courtesy of ShootMeDead1005, Masic10 and Slimmaz26)

Paul Wall New Video Made Exclusively on an Apple iPhone 3GS

via press release

Houston, TX; Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) September 23, 2009 -- AV1 Productions and Gatecrasher Films are pleased to announce that their recent music video production, "I Need Mo" by platinum-selling artist Paul Wall and featuring Travis Barker and Kobe. This is the first music video with major label artists shot exclusively on the Apple iPhone 3GS.

In making the video, director Amir Valinia explains, "We wanted to do something that was more than just unique. We wanted to take an available technology and really push the envelope. We wanted to see how far we can go in making a high-quality music video with something that is fast becoming a common item, the Apple iPhone." The iPhone 3Gs is Apple's latest generation of smartphones. It comes with a simple video camera that shoots with 30 frames-per-second capability

G-Dash, the owner and CEO of Swishahouse, Paul Wall's record label, responded, "I was excited that Amir approached us at Swishahouse and afforded us the opportunity to be a part of this innovative way of shooting a music video using the iPhone....We have always been known for setting trends for others to follow, so when the concept was presented to me , it was a no brainer." Amir explains, "We didn't want production values to be any less than how we've worked in the past. But we knew that at the same time we had to make many adjustments to how we shot the video because of the iPhone."

Producer Ron Finberg also stated, "We knew going in that there would be challenges during post-production, especially with how to turn the footage into broadcast-quality. We are so pleased with how the video turned out.

Production began in mid-July in Houston, Texas and wrapped in Los Angeles with scenes featuring Kobe, who collaborated with Paul Wall on the song, and special guest star Travis Barker of Blink 182. Barry Strickland, the director of photography, created and customized several mounts and adapters specifically for the iPhone. Producer Ming Wang adds, "Even though the camera itself was simple enough, this was still a full-scale music video production. We still employed a professional crew, lighting, equipment, set design, make-up and so on. We wanted to maintain a cinematic look. The video also incorporates several greenscreen effects.

Post-production was spearheaded by Vic Tamborella, president and CEO of VT2 Studios in Houston, TX. "We had worked with VT2 Studios on several projects before and their work has always exceeded our expectations. We knew that their expertise in all aspects of editing and VFX would be valuable in working on something revolutionary as the iPhone video," says Amir Valinia.
Vic Tamborella states, "When Amir first approached me with the idea of working on the iphone music video I immediately said yes. We're just excited to be a part of something innovative and truly groundbreaking in media today. We were blown away at the response when news first broke of our intention to use the iPhone on our next music video".

The overall effort was a collaboration on several fronts. Producer Ron Finberg explains, "We at AV1 Productions and Gatecrasher Films were able to execute and complete the iPhone video because of the cooperation from G-Dash & Paul Wall of Swishahouse, VT2, Justin Seyb and Barry Strickland of APS along with Christian Heuer who assisted in producing the Los Angeles segments. After we came up with the concept for "I Need Mo", we were very fortunate that everyone had the same insight when it came to shooting this project... it was definitely a team effort." "We're very excited about this video", says Amir Valinia.

"We've truly reached a milestone with all the recent advances in film and video technology. I have directed and produced music videos for over 10 years now, and saw the opportunity to utilize that experience to try something different, something unique. The production values for this music video is not any different from all the other music videos we've worked on in the past. It was still a professional production. We utilized a soundstage, green screen, professional set-design, etc. The major difference is, we used the iPhone as our camera. Of course new shooting techniques were incorporated using this new type of camera, but it's just another way of embracing technology. This is not just revolutionary, but evolutionary."

Hip Hop Weekly Video Recap 9/25

Featured video



Lil Scrappy ft. Ludacris - Addicted To Money

Links provided for your consumption.

Friday September 25, 2009

Melanie Fiona - It Kills Me

Cellski - I Know

Fiend - Knees Deep

Thursday September 24, 2009

Freeway ft. Jakk Frost - We Run This

Three 6 Mafia ft. Kaleena - Shake My

Wednesday September 23, 2009

Amerie - Heard 'Em All

Snoop Dogg - That's Tha Homie

Freeway ft. Jakk Frost & Hollewood Playboi
Free Money Conglomerate

Tuesday September 22, 2009

Triple C's ft. Birdman - Go

Plies - Becky

Drake ft. Kanye West, Lil Wayne & Eminem - Forever

ESG - Everyday Street Gangsta

Ya Boy - Murdah

Monday September 21, 2009

Drag-On ft. Terra Da Dude - Welcome To H.E.

Sunday September 20, 2009

Jaicko - Oh Yeah

Saturday September 19, 2009

Fresh Daily - Apollo 13

Consequence & John Legend perform at S.O.B.s in New York City

As part of Hot97's Hennessy Artistry Presents Who's Next Live series, Consequence ,with some help from John Legend, stormed S.O.B.'s in New York City Thursday September 24.

Photos:
Film Magic

Consequence - Cons TV on Motown/Universal in-stores November 10

(video courtesy of Potential718)

Ludacris Performs in Philadelphia Video and Photos

Ludacris performs at the Heineken Red Star Soul Show - Club Shampoo In Philadelphia, PA Thursday September 24.

Photos:
Star Traks Photo

(video courtesy of thatsstillfunny)

Jay-Z Interview on Swedish TV plus Press Conference photos

Thursday September 24 in Stockholm, Sweden.

Photos:
Getty Images - Press Conference
Getty Images - After Party

Fat Joe 'J.O.S.E. 2' New York City Listening Session with Photos and Video

For the press and taste makers, Fat Joe Listening Session at the EMI New York offices Thursday September 24.



Photos:
Film Magic
Getty Images

Fat Joe - Jealous Ones Still Envy 2 (J.O.S.E. 2) track list:

1 "Winding On Me" ft. Lil Wayne & Ron Browz
2 "Joey Don't Do It"
3 "One" ft. Akon
4 "Aloha" ft. Pleasure P & Rico Love
5 "Put You In The Game" ft. T-Pain & OZ
6 "Congratulations" ft. Rico Love & T.A.
7 "Porn Star" ft. Lil Kim
8 "Cupcake" ft. Benisour
9 "Ice Cream" ft. Raekwon & T.A.
10 "Okay Okay"
11 "Blackout" ft. Swizz Beatz & Rob Cash (of K.A.R.)
12 "Music" ft. Cherlise

Fat Joe - Jealous Ones Still Envy 2 (J.O.S.E. 2) on EMI/Terror Squad in stores October 6

RZA Ghetto Fab At Movie Premiere

Regular folk just don't understand RZA's ghetto styling.

via Showbiz 411

Clive Owen celebrated the opening of his heart-warming new film for families, called “The Boys are Back” with a good pal last night: RZA (pronounced “Rizza”).

RZA, who’s with the Wu Tang Clan, cut quite an appearance at the “Boys Are Back” dinner at the Bon Appetit Supper Club. He came dressed in head-to-toe camouflage gear. He was the only one. If he was hoping to blend in and really be camouflaged, a suit might have been a better choice. He did not bring GZA (prononced “Gizza”) with him. But he seemed to have a good time.

Read More Here:
Showbiz 411

Photos from the movie premiere:
Getty Images
Film Magic

Sean 'Diddy' Combs Bad Boy Label Exits Warner Music, New Solo Deal To Be Announced

via Billboard.biz

After a five-year run, Sean "Diddy" Combs confirmed with Billboard that he is exiting his exclusive deal with Warner Music Group/Atlantic Records at the end of this month. A new, as-yet-not-officially-announced deal is in place, according to his spokeswoman.

The joint venture for Bad Boy’s current roster and catalog with WMG will remain in place.

Read more here:
Billboard Biz

Blakroc "Ain't Nothing Like You (Hoochie Coo)"

Jay-Z & Whitney Houston: Secrets To Chart Success

via Hits Daily Double

Industry watchers are marveling at the stunning success of Jay-Z’s "The Blueprint 3", the result of a showcase setup on the Jay Brown and his Roc Nation crew, Atlantic Records and Live Nation in its first serious foray into recorded music. The setup, which came off with Swiss-watch precision, included the 9/11 concert at Madison Square Garden, performances on the VMAs, Letterman and Leno, and a pair of tracks—one featuring Rihanna and Kanye West, the other with Alicia Keys—spinning on multiple formats. This wall-to-wall exposure resulted in a surprising 300k second week for the album, off only 35%, and, in terms of the big picture, a dramatically increased level of heat for the veteran artist.



via Entertainment Weekly

Whitney Houston’s two-part interview with Oprah Winfrey helped boost flagging returns for her album "I Look to You", propelling her back up to No. 2 with 156,000 in new sales.

source 1 & source 2

VH1 Hip Hop Honors Show: Photos, Press Release, Media Coverage

VH1 Hip Hop Homors airs October 13 check local listings for times.

via press release

NEW YORK, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The 6th annual "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" shook up Brooklyn, New York last night as some of the biggest names in entertainment gathered to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Def Jam Records -- one of the most celebrated hip hop labels in the music industry.

Taped at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Howard Gilman Opera House on Wednesday, September 23rd in Brooklyn, New York and hosted by Tracy Morgan ("30 Rock"), talents from across all artistic genres came together to celebrate this significant milestone in American hip hop music. The show paid tribute to the architects of Def Jam Records including Bill Stephney, Chris Lighty, Julie Greenwald, Kevin Liles, L.A. Reid, Lyor Cohen, Michael Kyser, Rick Rubin, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Russell Simmons. Performances by Ashanti, Chrisette Michele, DJ Chuck Chill Out, DJ Clinton Sparks, DMX, Eminem, EPMD, Fabolous, Foxy Brown, Gym Class Heroes, DJ Jaycee, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Ghostface, Ja Rule, Judacamp Choir, Kid Rock, KRS One, Ludacris, Mary J. Blige, Method Man, DJ Nonstop, Onyx, Public Enemy, Redman, The Roots, Rick Ross, DJ Sam Sneak, Scarface, DJ Scratch, The Street Sweeper Social Club, Trey Songz, Wale and Warren G brought down the house celebrating Def Jam Records.

The show kicked off with The Roots, Eminem and DJ Jazzy Jeff performing LL Cool J's classic "Rock the Bells," proving that Brooklyn was "in the house."

The crowd went crazy as Public Enemy were accompanied by S1W, The Street Sweepers Social Club, and The Roots performing "Rebel Without a Pause" - Public Enemy's hit single from "It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back," one of the most celebrated and revered albums in hip hop.

The next performance rang true at BAM as Travis McCoy, Wale and KRS One with Gym Class Heroes covered Beastie Boys' iconic "No Sleep Till Brooklyn."

The momentum kept going as Gym Class Heroes joined the chart-topping rap group Onyx with a rendition of Onyx's Billboard chart hit "Slam."

The legacy of Def Jam continued to be celebrated as best-selling artist DMX collaborated with Gym Class Heroes for his 1999 hit single "Party Up."

Tracy Morgan introduced rapper Rick Ross who took the stage to perform "Hustlin" - one of the first songs off his debut album that catapulted him into hip hop fame.

Next, the rap duo that shook the hip hop world reunited as Method Man and Redman took the stage to perform "Da Rockwilder."

The Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, took to the stage in front of a hyped audience as she joined Method Man for a rendition of their Grammy award-winning single "I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By."

The legends of hip hop continued to represent as Warren G was joined by Trey Songz to perform "Regulate" in honor of Def Jam Records and Warren G's triple-platinum album that solidified him as hip hop royalty.

Eve introduced Ja Rule and Ashanti as they performed their hits "Down for You" and "Always On Time" in true Def Jam style.

Two of the South's heavy hitters, Ludacris and Scarface, united onstage to perform "Guess Who's Back" and "Southern Hospitality."

Bringing the show to an unforgettable end, The Roots, Kid Rock, Foxy Brown, Fabolous, Ghostface, Chrisette Michele, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Eric Sermon all ripped the stage with an unbelievable medley performing some of Def Jam's most iconic hits.

2009's "Hip Hop Honors" demonstrated how Def Jam Records and its architects Bill Stephney, Chris Lighty, Julie Greenwald, Kevin Liles, L.A. Reid, Lyor Cohen, Michael Kyser, Rick Rubin, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Russell Simmons transformed American pop culture by bringing hip hop to the world.

Photos:
Arrivals
Film Magic 1
Film Magic 2
Getty Images 1
Getty Images 2
Wire Image 1
Wire Image 2
WENN Photo

Backstage and Audience
Film Magic
Getty Images
Wire Image

Show
Film Magic
Getty Images 1
Getty Images 2
Wire Image 1
Wire Image 2

Pre-Party
Getty Images

Hip Hop Media Coverage:
All Hip Hop - Pictures of Def Jam's Legendary Night

XXL - VH1 Honors Def Jam’s 25th Anniversary in Brooklyn

Rap Radar - Def Jam Vignette: LL Cool J’s Origins from inside the awards show video

Rap Radar - Eve Speaks On Ruff Ryders Reunion on The Red Carpert video

Rap Radar - Ghostface Killah & Brett Ratner Reunion on The Red Carpet video

Rap Radar - Warren G Speaks On XXL Cover Red Carpet Interview video

Rap Radar - Meth x Mary “All I Need” performance video

Rap Radar - DMX On “DMXing” The Game on The Red Carpet video

Rap Radar - Eminem x Black Thought “Rock The Bells” performance video

Visit VH1 Hip Hop Honors home page for updates:
2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors