Wu-Tang Clan Invade Sydney, Australia

Wu-Tang Clan Perform At The Enmore Theatre In Sydney Thursday, October 29.

Quality fan shot footage below.

WU-TANG CLAN LIVE IN SYDNEY from Keep Moving on Vimeo.

Photos:
Wire Image
Getty Image

(video courtesy of Keep It Moving Syd)

Snoop & Cypress Hill Bring The Smoke With Back To Back NYC Nokia Theatre Shows

Snoop Dogg "Wonderland High School Tour" with Redman & Method Man opening, played the Nokia Theatre Time Square NYC Thursday, October 29.





via Boom Box

Snoop took the stage -- at 10:30PM -- rocking a New York Yankees fitted cap and jacket, and dropped a freestyle over Jay-Z's 'Empire State of Mind.' Snoop launched into his classics with Kurupt and Daz by his side and let The Dogg Pound run through hits before bringing out Lady of Rage. As expected, Rage got the crowd pumped with 'Afro Puffs.' Snoop took a moment to pay tribute to Tupac Shakur before wrapping up his with all our favorites from 'Ain't No Fun (If the Homies Can't Have None)' to 'Sensual Seduction' and 'Drop It Like It's Hot.'



Just when we thought it couldn't get hazier [see: marijuana clouds], Redman and Method Man led off their set with 'Ayo' off their new album 'Blackout! 2.' Known as the most energetic duo to ever take a stage, Red and Meth took it back to the Nineties with the New Jersey rapper's '93 hit 'Time 4 Sum Aksion' and Method Man's 'Bring the Pain.' Gilla House MC Ready Roc joined Red and Meth on stage and dropped a freestyle, opening the door for Meth associate Streetlife to spit 16 bars for the crowd.

Read the rest of the show review here:
Boombox - Snoop Dogg Takes Over New York With 90-Minute Set

Photos:
Getty Images
Wire Image

Cypress Hill played the Nokia Theatre Time Square NYC Friday, October 30.



Photos:
Getty Images
Wire Image



(Snoop and Redman & Method Man footage courtesy of spotcoffee)
(Cypress Hill footage courtesy of poisonivyjones)

CNN Report: Hip-Hop Studies Program At McNally Smith College St. Paul MN

from the press release about the program earlier this year...

St. Paul, MN, February 25, 2009 - McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul, MN, has announced the introduction of a Hip-Hop Studies Diploma program. The program, which kicks off with the school's September 2009 fall semester, is the country's first accredited college-level diploma devoted to the study of hip-hop music and culture. The diploma course spans three semesters, which can be completed in one calendar year, and will be taught by leading hip-hop practitioners and other music industry veterans from McNally Smith's faculty. Toki Wright, a much honored emcee and organizer, is the coordinator for the new degree program and will be one of its prominent instructors.

Courses in music (including music theory), the language of rap and spoken word, music history (from the African diaspora to hip-hop's origins in the South Bronx in the 1970s to today), recording technology, rhythm studies, and the music business make up the core of the diploma's curriculum. Students will develop creative writing skills, learn techniques in beat production and engineering, as well as undergo hands-on experience in the art of DJing and turntablism. They will also get an in-depth look at the behind-the-scenes aspects of hip-hop in the music business. Hip-hop has a monumental global impact on television, cinema, alternative media and more. McNally Smith's Hip-Hop Studies Diploma, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, will equip students with the skills and knowledge that are crucial in pursuing a career in hip-hop.

In addition to Toki Wright, McNally Smith's faculty includes a number of highly accomplished artists from the hip-hop world. Faculty members who will be teaching in the new diploma program include Dessa (a member of the Doomtree crew and published author), Sean McPherson (bassist and leader of the band Heiruspecs), Joe Mabbott (an engineer and producer for numerous projects, including multiple Atmosphere releases) and others. This well connected faculty will also bring in prominent guest speakers from the world of hip-hop. In addition to the outstanding hip-hop faculty, McNally Smith boasts state-of-the-art recording facilities and performance spaces unrivaled by most music schools. As part of the Hip-Hop Studies Diploma program, graduates will complete a final project that includes a recording project, a live performance and a portfolio that includes a business plan. This final project will bring together each of the different areas of expertise in the hip-hop business learned through the program.



Learn more about the school program here:
McNalley Smith

Eminem: Voodoo Festival Concert Recap

(photo courtesy of Danny Bourque / The Times-Picayune / Nola.com)

Eminem at the Voodoo Experience in New Orleans on Friday October 30, 2009.

As reported by Keith Spera for The Times-Picayune/Nola.com

He (Eminem) arrived on the main Voodoo Stage on time, moments after the French duo Justice completed a tedious deejay/rave set. Among major rappers, Eminem was one of the first to understand that arenas require an arena-size show. Thus, the giant backdrop screen flashed videos and graphics cued to Eminem’s lyrics (a screen to the left of the stage apparently short-circuited, fading to red distortion). He deployed live musicians – drums, percussion, bass, guitar, keyboards – for much of the set. They costumed as skeletons and stood atop platforms fronted by LED screens. In “Beautiful,” the guitarist even ripped off a credible solo.

Eminem wore a black hoodie over a white T-shirt for the opening “3 a.m.,” yet another of his homicidal fantasies, this one from his current “Relapse” album. He soon changed into a red shirt, black sleeveless jacket and black cap. “I’m back, ya’ll,” he said. “Did you miss me? I missed you too, man. It’s been a minute, huh, New Orleans?”

As reported by Alex Rawls at Rolling Stone

For the occasion, Eminem had a live band dressed in skeleton costumes that added muscle, particularly in the closing “Without Me.” To further beef up the sound, he was joined onstage by a hype-man (D-12's Denaun Porter) throughout, and D12 for part of the show. He took time out to salute the late Proof, “the real leader of the group” in one of the set’s few tender moments.

The D12 segment also featured one of the more awkward moments as Em — who addresses his struggles with prescription pills openly on this year’s Relapse — recalled “when we was fucked up”. “When you was fucked up,” Big Proof corrected, then Eminem started talking about a time in Amsterdam when he was so loaded he was under the table and speaking a new language. The skit seemed designed to put Eminem’s drug problems in a “one of the boys” context, but the high-school-drama-class delivery undermined it.

Excerpt from Creative Loafing - Vibes blog site.

The highlight for many of the thousands in attendance was the headliner of Eminem who performed for roughly an hour and 15 minutes as he made his return to the stage after a five-year hiatus. He hit the stage to “3. A.M.” “Hey New Orleans, I’m back. Did you miss me?” Eminem asked the crowd. After a huge applause – “I missed you, too.”

His set mashed up a number of his hits as he quickly went from one song into another in a sort of medley. “We Made You,” “The Real Slim Shady,” “Stan,” “Kill You” and “Toy Soldiers” were big sing-alongs, as was his encore of “Lose Yourself.”

Eminem also brought out the guys from his band, D12 for “My Band” and “Purple Pills” after joking about “when he used to get high.” Welcome back, Eminem… I’m not a big fan, but it was an entertaining, head-bobbing performance.

Read each show recap here:
Nola.com
Rolling Stone
Creative Loafing - Vibes

Photos:
Getty Images
Film Magic
Wire Image

Fan shot footage below.







(video courtesy of bkraji & ryans2k8)

Cormega Performance At SOB's NYC

Quality fan shot video below





Photos:
Wire Image

(video footage courtesy of briansi91)

Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys - Empire State Of Mind (video)

Will 50 Cent 'Before I Self Destruct' Get Pushed Up?

Some developments have happen to negate the leaks on 50 Cent's upcoming album 'Before I Self Destruct', according to 50's manager Chris Lighty's Tweets (as seen on The Hip Hop Update)

Adjacent to this story - As reported by Paul Resinkoff at Digital Music News read below...

October 28, 2009
Breaking: 50 Cent's Upcoming Album Starts Leaking...

50 Cent's first album in two years, Before I Self Destruct, started leaking late this afternoon, nearly a month before its November 23rd release date. The news began spreading via a handful of hip-hop sites, and bloggers began immediately redistributing the album through one-click hosting sites like HotFile. Data partner BigChampagne subsequently confirmed the accuracy of the claims.

The leaked album is marked as the "International Version," though it contains all of the officially announced tracks minus the iTunes bonus material. But the lower sound quality indicates that it is likely from a streaming source - not a CD as the file claims.

The leak marks another blow to 50 Cent's reputed strict demands on quality control. The leak of the "Follow My Lead" video back in 2007 was alleged to have pushed the promotional strategy for Curtis off the rails.

Keep in mind that, after losing a hugely-publicized album sales bet to Kanye West in 2007, 50 declared that he would never make another album (though he didn't say anything about mixtapes). Yet, here it is: the follow-up to Curtis that 50 now claims will "revolutionize hip-hop".
(source)

Note To Paparazzi - Don't Stalk Mos Def

The video post was respectively taken down, but here's a portion of the dialog between the paparazzi and Mos Def from X17 online.

October 29th, 2009: The photographer caught up with Mos Def at LAX Thursday and he was visibly upset with her, so she apologized, to which he replied, "You aren't sorry!" He also told her, "Stop stealing my life!" Pretty melodramatic accusation for 39 seconds of video footage of him at the airport, if you ask me. We're sorry Mos, here's your life back.

See Photos:
WENN Photo

Jay-Z Got Game In London, Ontario Canada Show Recap

Jay-Z 'The Blueprint 3' world tour stop at John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario Canada - Thursday, October 29.

As reported by James Reaney/Canoe

LONDON, Ont. - Say what you want about Jay-Z -- the man's got ballgame.

Just hours after leading off Game 2 of baseball's World Series in NYC, the hip-hop master was in downtown London.
About 8,000 energized young fans were right there with him last night, shouting their worship as Jay-Z emerged, rising from the stage.
"This is going to one of the shows," the star said. "I came here specifically for that reason. They said that I wouldn't be here . . . I am."
Jay-Z was also able to time it so he reached the arena -- 10 p.m. -- as his Yankees started to take charge of Game 2.
Last night also proved that someone can party in the Big Apple and still save his best stuff for London.

Read the rest of the show recap here:
Canoe - Jay-Z at John Labatt Centre, London, Ont. - October 29, 2009







(video courtesy of trevorkindree & TheMossburg1)

Jay-Z 'The Blueprint 3' World Tour dates:
Oct. 30 – Bell Centre – Montreal, QC
Oct. 31 – Air Canada Centre – Toronto, ON
Nov. 1 – Scotiabank Place – Ottawa, ON
Nov. 4 - Alexandra Palace - London, UK
Nov. 7 - Save Mart Center - Fresno, CA
Nov. 8 - Pauley Pavilion - Los Angeles, CA
Nov. 12 – University of Illinois – Assembly Hall – Champaign, IL
Nov. 13 - Vanderbilt University - Nashville, TN
Nov. 17 - United Spirit Arena - Lubbock, TX
Nov. 19 – Tingley Coliseum – Albuquerque, N.M.
Nov. 20 – Don Haskins Center – El Paso, TX
Nov. 22 – Frank Erwin Center Arena – Austin, TX

Dam-Funk LA Times Upcoming Feature

As reported by Eric Ducker at the Los Angeles Times

Dam is one of those rare artists who looks the way his music sounds. With his pressed shoulder-length hair and taste for retro future sunglasses he could be confused for some kid's mentor in a coming-of-age film, someone who works in a community center or a roller rink where he spins records and drops sage advice about the opposite sex.

His songs share that same nostalgic cool. Titles like "Burn Straight Thru U" and "Candy Dancin' " come beamed from an entirely less self-conscious era. The idea of escape -- mentally, on the freeway or into your own dimension -- is one of his recurring lyrical themes. On "The Sky Is Ours" he croons, "Look in the mirror and realize who you are / You hold the flame of the funk and that's real / You know who you are / Live your dreams, don't let no one take them from you."

Stones Throw Records last week released all 139 minutes of Dam-Funk's full-length debut, "Toeachizown," as a double-CD collection, but the music has been available online since August on the label's website, which offered "Toeachizown" incrementally as five digital mini-albums. Later this year, Stones Throw will package "Toeachizown" on vinyl as a five-record set.

Read the whole article here:
LA Times - Dam-Funk: In with the new, out with the old

During Dam's recent trip to Japan:


Learn more about Dam-Funk here:
Stones Throw
MySpace

Shepard Fairey's Obey & Levi's Times Square Flagship Store Event

via the press release

Special installation commemorates the launch of Obey x Levi's(R), a limited-edition clothing collection jointly designed by Fairey, OBEY Clothing and the Levi's(R) Brand

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- To commemorate the launch of the new, limited-edition Obey x Levi's® apparel collection -- a line of street-inspired menswear styles, co-designed by street artist, Shepard Fairey, his OBEY Clothing collection and the Levi's® Brand -- the artist unveiled a special, public art installation last night in front of the Levi's® Store in Times Square. Executed on Military Island, in the heart of one of the world's busiest intersections, this special event offered the public a rare, inside view of the acclaimed street artist's unique process. The finished piece is a layered collage of varying imagery, simultaneously addressing issues that range from global warming to the power of propaganda to influence. To further mark the occasion, Fairey also created a series of four new poster designs and immediately following the mural's unveiling, the artist signed museum-quality reproductions of these new works for fans who had eagerly lined up outside the denim leader's Times Square store. The publicly-executed mural unveiled last night was later affixed to the outside facade of the neighboring Levi's® Store location and measures approximately 7.5 feet high x 24 feet wide. This work is a part of a much larger Fairey-developed mural adorning the Times Square store's exterior that is 68 feet in total length and wraps around the corner of Broadway onto 44th Street. The work will be displayed outside of the Levi's® Store in Times Square through November 5, at which point it will be dismantled and removed from public view.

On teaming with Levi's® Jeanswear and the newly introduced poster series, Fairey offered, "I've always felt that keeping my art bold, simple and refined was a way to cut through the clutter, and it's a formula that Levi's® has been using for decades that keeps them accessible and populist yet stylish and relevant. The posters I created for Levi's® are returns to the roots of my style: one side with an industrial propaganda poster feel that connects with the heritage of Levi's® as a brand for workers, and the reverse side reflecting my other biggest influence, punk rock, and the connection of Levi's® to punk and rock in general."

"Shepard Fairey is a groundbreaking innovator who has changed the way art is perceived and consumed in our world today. His revolutionary work uniquely reflects the optimistic, pioneering spirit of the Levi's® brand, making Obey x Levi's® a truly authentic collaboration," said Doug Sweeny, vice president of Marketing for the Levi's® brand. "As fans and loyal supporters of Shepard's pioneering art, we are proud to introduce this special clothing collection rooted in Shepard's favorite Levi's® styles."

A graduate of the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design, Shepard Fairey was catapulted to super stardom last year when his "Hope" poster became the predominant image of President Obama's successful campaign. But it was Fairey's "Obey" guerilla art campaign that first gained mass attention nearly a decade ago. His now infamous "Obey" images of Worldwide Wrestling Federation star Andre the Giant continue to appear on public canvases worldwide today and inspired Fairey to create OBEY Clothing - a collection of street and skate-inspired apparel he introduced in 2001.

Fairey's unique art and view of the world captured the attention of many fans at Levi's® and in 2002, the brand proudly sponsored Authentik - one of Fairey's first art shows. The show, which was held at the Levi's® Vortex Gallery in the San Francisco Levi's® Store, marked the beginning of the relationship between Fairey and his favorite denim brand. Since then, there have been several collaborative projects including a series of one-of-a-kind "Obey" 501® jean art pieces, a timeline portrait collection of punk and rap music trailblazers, a silk-screened image of Levi Strauss that Fairey created to pay homage to Levi's® jeans' founder and the sponsorship of Fairey's first-ever, career retrospective museum exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston.

The launch of the Obey x Levi's® collection is the latest result of the ongoing collaborative relationship between Levi's® and Fairey. The line consists of a tightly-edited assortment of eight essential menswear pieces that showcase fits, finishes, rips, patches and design details selected by Fairey and inspired by his personal collection of Levi's® denim. Each piece is a hand-customized original that is worn-in to evoke the look and feel of one's favorite pair of jeans. Punctuated by "spray paint" drip details, stenciled art imagery, pins and "wear and repair" finishing touches, the collection is replete with exclusive branding details including an "Obey" Giant tab-device that lives alongside the iconic Levi's® Red Tab and a "Two-Horse" rear waistband patch that also includes a stylized "Obey" Giant face.

The highly-collectible Obey x Levi's® capsule collection is carried exclusively at select Levi's® Store locations in New York City, San Francisco, Chicago and Santa Monica and at levi.com. A limited number of pieces are also available at obeyclothing.com. Now on sale, the collection ranges in price from $34.50 to $148. The series of four limited-edition Shepard Fairey posters will be given away as a free gift, while supplies last, with the purchase of any item from the Obey x Levi's® collection in the following Levi's® Store locations: Times Square and Soho in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, Santa Monica and Chicago. The front side of each of the four double-sided posters features artwork that exists as a stand-alone piece. The reverse side of each poster also includes one piece of an oversized mural image specially designed by Fairey. When all four posters are reversed and laid out together, the larger mural image is then fully revealed.
(source)

Media coverage of the event:
hypebeast
nyclovesnyc.blogspot

Photos:
Wire Image
Getty Images

Sean Garrett And Bangladesh In The Studio

Sean Garrett - MTV Shows

Bangladesh - I'm sure this guy's world changed after Lil Wayne's 'A Milli' came out.

Sean 'The Pen' Garrett has written and produced countless tunes, not enough room here to write.

Jay-Z & Alicia Keys At World Series Game 2 Yankee Stadium Performance

Something tells me that even the Phillies and their fans appreciated this one by Jay-Z. Now play ball!

Mos Def Performs In San Jose, CA With Video

Mos Def played at the Voodoo Lounge in San Jose, CA Tuesday, October 27.

(video courtesy of djaarontheera)

Cypress Hill's 'Smoke Out' 2009 Festival (Video) Wrap-up

Related:
Cypress Hill's 'Smoke Out' 2009 Festival Concert Recap

Artist Stephen Wiltshire Draws Manhattan From Memory

via NY Magazine from the Daily Intel section

This is amazing and really cool: Stephen Wiltshire, a British artist who has autism, is drawing a twenty-foot-long panorama of the New York City skyline entirely from memory, after taking just one twenty-minute helicopter ride while visiting the city. The results so far are amazing, as are Wiltshire's impressions of the city.
(source)

See a slide show of Stephan's work here:
Smug Mug

More photos:
Getty Images

Bone Thugs N Harmony NYC Listening Session Album Preview

(with the press earlier in the day/courtesy of fabulousaura twitpic)

Bone Thugs N Harmony - 'Uni 5: The World’s Enemy' listening session took place at Legacy Studios in midtown Manhattan NYC on Wednesday October 28.

Album preview/review courtesy of Showing Out

Earlier tonight, select media were invited to attend a listening session for Bone Thugs~N~Harmony’s reunion album Uni 5: The World’s Enemy, which is slated for release on Warner Bros. on December 22nd. Stationed in one of the engineering rooms at Legacy Studios in midtown New York City, four of the five original members of the Cleveland-based group (Bizzy Bone was unable to make it) played 13 tracks for the tightly packed room, with Krayzie Bone kicking off the session by explaining, “I don’t know who the fuck made this list,” referring to the track list passed out to those in attendance. “We recorded over 67 songs for the album,” added Layzie Bone, later explaining that they mainly stuck with underground producers like DJ-Uneek because their tracks were just as fresh as those of the big names.

But as the group played through the tracks (Wish Bone was seated in a hallway outside the studio, though he could be seen throughout the album’s play), it quickly became clear that the guys are going to have a rough time paring down the tracks to the final cut. The tracks played for the room showed that Bone Thugs are as tight as ever, with a few cuts capturing that classic Bone Thugs sound and others employing a fresh, new style that the group has dubbed “universe,” which Layzie explained as having the group sharing a 16 on a song instead of having each member get their 16 to shine. Showing Out was there to take notes, so hit the jump to get a sneak preview of the 13 tracks that Bone Thugs~N~Harmony played.

No More

The group explained that this track already leaked, so it might not make it onto the final cut of the album. But for those that haven’t heard the track already, it boasts an epic, pounding beat that features three straight-up rapped verses and a hook where they taunt their foes, “Don’t you come round here no more.”

My Life

Piano trills set off “My Life,” which floats along on a swinging, thwacking beat. This is Bone Thugs doing what they do best, seesawing between rapid flows that offset the languid pace and off-rhythm, relaxed flows. The guys take turns rapping and singing on the verses before easing up and letting the chorus rock.

See Me Shine ft. Lyfe Jennings, Jay Rush and Phaedra

This was the more spiritual, soulful type track that features R&B singer-songwriter Lyfe Jennings, his brother Jay Rush and Phaedra. The song features choppy, sharp synths that give way to a pumping beat that’s crowded with layers of horn synths. The highlight of the track is the inspirational choir coming in at the end of the track, all while the guest singers ask, “Why they wanna hate on me / Why they wanna steal my shine?”

What Have We Done to the World

The guys explained that this song was recorded the day after Michael Jackson passed, and though they said that sample clearance issues would most likely prevent this from making the final cut, they said they would find a way to get it out to the public regardless. The track samples MJ’s “Earth Song,” starting off with a spoken word quote from the King of Pop where he says, “Black artists have been taken advantage of” in the music industry, soon giving way to a breezy track that digitizes the line “What have we done to the world” from “Earth Song.” Each of the guys takes a turn spitting their verses, breaking down after each 16 before finally riding out on a mashup between the track and their classic “Crossroads.”

Cradle to the Grave

Layzie Bone explained that this track was “on some rider shit,” coasting on a down South beat and tinny drums. As the song played out, the dudes lit up at the front of the room, passing the blunt back and forth to one another as the chorus blared, “We gon’ take it from the top of the stage / From the cradle to the grave.”

The Game Ain’t Ready

Layzie introduced this track by stating that “hopefully, this will take us to the sports world.” With a machine gun beat pummeling along with bloopy synths underneath, each member takes turns on this one, repeating over regal horns, “The world ain’t ready, the game ain’t ready / Opposition ain’t ready.”

Meet Me in the Sky ft. K-Young

This track showed more of the softer side of Bone Thugs, with airy synths, stadium-sized drums and shaky electric guitars coalescing for an emotive soundscape. K-Young’s tenor vocals carry this joint, which isn’t their best work but will resonate with fans.

Gangsta’s Glory

“This song is exactly what it says it is,” said Krayzie, before the engineer cued up the five-minute track. Over a slithering bass line and dusky, ominous piano chords, the gang warns all the young folk about the dangers of street life, with the chorus scolding, “Now I’ma break it down and tell a little story / Gangsters don’t live that long.”

Universe

The room seemed to be in agreement that this was the best of the bunch, and without a doubt, it was. Blaring horns, a sunny melody, organ notes and glib keys beam beneath the group as they flex their “universe” style, which has no one member outweighing another. Instead, vocals are layered on top of one another as certain voices come in and out of the mix, making for a delightful, speaker-knocking jam. The guys even namecheck their new style, singing, “Universe / One verse, five’s the best.”

Everytime

Possibly the second-best track played during the session, “Everytime” has a celebratory feel with its clicking snares and shifting pace. On the tune, the guys sing, “Every time that I turn around / These biters tryna take our sound.” It ain’t easy being Bone Thugs.

Determination

“We lettin’ everybody know out there that if you’re determined to make it, you will make it,” explained Krayzie before playing the track. For over five minutes, the song cruises along with relaxed guitars that lead into a knocking, breezy groove, replete with a fat, plucking bass. The song is as inspirational as its title suggests, encouraging listeners never to give up on their dreams.

Facts Don’t Lie

This was the shortest track of the bunch, and it came with some of the most fiery lyrical venom of all the songs. Over a burning bass line, the group refutes their irrelevancy by stating that they’re a part of history, and that facts don’t lie.

Let Ya Self Go

The last song of the session, “Let Ya Self Go” concluded the album with that signature Bone Thugs~N~Harmony sound, with a delicate chipmunk sample playing background to the mysterious and atmospheric synths at the forefront. Not a bad way to end - and you can listen to the track in the link above to get a taste for yourself. Bone Thugs~N~Harmony are back.

(source)

Related:
Bone Thugs N Harmony Announces 'Uni5: The Worlds Enemy' Release At Press Conference

Mos Def 'Feels Like Buck Rogers' About Google With New Music Search Announcement

(photo courtesy of Paul Resnikoff at digital music news)

An excerpt from today's (Wednesday, October 28) Roundtable Discussion at the Capitol Records Tower in Hollywood via Digital Music News about Google's new music search capabilities announcement made today.

A roundtable discussion began at 4:35 pm.

Roundtable Discussion included participants: Mos Def, Syd Schwartz (EMI), Wendy Nussbaum (Universal Music Group), Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park), Steve Savoca (Domino Recording Co.), Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic).

A bit of a post-announcement cheerleading session, with some notable points and interesting interludes.

4:48 pm Mos Def

"We're still absorbing the impact and effect of those avenues," referring to a digitized world that includes Google, YouTube,etc. "I'm a child of the 70s, and I walk around everyday feeling like I'm in a Buck Rogers episode. I'm still trying to get over the cellphone. It's an exciting time to be a person making art in the world today."

On how he (Mos Def) views the internet - communication, creation, collaboration. "This time of history that we're in how, in relation to technology, is similar to the early 20th century... it's such a wide open field. It's all new to me, I'm still getting used to email." (source)

Photos from the roundtable discussion:
Getty Images
Wire Image

Related:
Google Announces New Music Search Capabilities System

Google Announces New Music Search Capabilities System

via Billboard.biz

Search engine giant Google has unveiled expansive new music search capabilities designed to not only facilitate music discovery, streams and sales, but also drive traffic to several digital music services selected as content providers for the newly launched initiative.

Under Google's new music search system, submitting a search query based on an artist's name, song or album title -- or even snippets of song lyrics -- will now display results in a special section on the Google results page. These results include album art and a set of "play" links that will open a special Google music player, which then immediately streams the full song.



Providing the streaming music for this feature is MySpace Music and Lala. According to Google director of product management RJ Pittman, who oversaw the project, the system will randomly choose between the two providers when displaying the streaming links. Each song can be played in full once.

The music player also features a "buy" button, where users can purchase the song from whichever service is providing the stream, as well as link back to the service where users can further explore the features of each. The MySpace player will also include links to watch the music video and get concert details if the artist is currently on tour.

Also included in results will be links to music services Pandora, imeem and Rhapsody, allowing users to navigate away from Google's results and directly to the artist page on the corresponding service, where they can stream or buy songs from each site directly.

There's also a search-by-lyrics feature as a result of Google licensing Gracenotes lyrics database. Before today's launch, searching song lyrics would result in a list of links to other lyrics services -- some authorized, some not. Now, the first result would be for the song in question with all the new features, allowing users to stream or buy the track.

The new feature will roll out beginning Wednesday (Oct. 28) evening, a process expected to finish by the evening of Oct. 29. Google unveiled the new service during a special event at the Capitol Records building in Los Angeles, where all partners and several record labels were in attendance.

Record labels executives -- who were consulted in the development of the music search tool -- have expressed great excitement over the announcement. Music is already one of the top music search terms on the Internet today -- with the words "lyrics" and "music" both placing in the top 10 searched-for terms on Google in the last month, according to the company's Insights for Search. But until now fans had to dig through the results to find a place to actually hear the music, often a hit-and-miss process.

Yahoo's search engine has a similar music sampling feature, powered by Rhapsody, but Google is considered the big win. According to Nielsen MegaView Search, Google commands a 64.6% share of the Internet search market, with Yahoo a distant second at 16%.

"I think it's amazing," EMI Music senior VP of global digital marketing Syd Schwartz says. "Any situation where we can make the process of discovery and helping artist and audience find one another in better ways is something that's going to help the business."

It's also seen as a great opportunity for the digital music services involved. According to Internet tracking firm Hitwise, Lala for instance ranks No. 70 today on the list of online music destinations. It's placement as a premier content provider for the world's largest search engine is expected to drive enough awareness and traffic to significantly increase its placement in the coming weeks.

"For use it's great because it just [increased by] an order of magnitude the number of people that are going to be able to buy music from us," says Lala founder Bill Nguyen, who last week also scored a deal to provide the music gifting service for Facebook. "We're going to go from about 15 million [monthly unique visitors] to about 140 million uniques just because of Google and Facebook."

Despite the strong interest in music-related searches over the years, Google held off on developing a more music-focused search function such as this primarily because it didn't think the digital services in the market were ready to support the kind of capability Google wanted to provide.

According to Pittman, Google wanted a service that was legal, had a large catalog of music, the ability to stream music over the Internet for free, and that had additional music discovery capabilities that would entice users to keep coming back.

"The group we're launching with were the ones that fit all the criteria and worked under this model," he says. "Our goal of trying to crate a fast, scalable, and reliable music search experience was bolstered by the maturity of the online music services that exist today. It's much more mature and scalable that it's ever been. It's reached an interesting point of opportunity."

(source)

Chamillionaire Performs With Weezer At Hollywood Show

Chamillionaire steps in where Lil Wayne's verse would be in the Weezer's song "Can't Stop Partying" during their live performance at the Hollywood (CA) Palladium Friday, October 24.

In other Chamillionaire news, 'Venom' is pushed back to January 26, 2010

Up And Coming Music Producer Wonder Arillo Interview

via Production Market Place

PMP Worldwide: Did coming out the gate with such a big record make it difficult for you to move beyond the success of (T.I.'s) 'What You Know About That?'

Wonder Arillo: Yea its definitely a struggle because its like a 'catch 22'...I didn't want to be one of those producers that get caught in a rut cause you're expected to only do one type of track. When the song first came out I tried to stray away from doing the same type of beats but it was my claim to fame so of course I had to give people a certain amount of that signature sound but at the same time be creative and come up with something new. Then on the radio you started hearing a lot of songs with a similar sound and similar type of arrangement, to this day there are songs coming out that remind me of that beat.

People know me for doing that synthesizer/orchestral type of music, which is what I like because I love classic music and I'm somewhat classically trained so my beats are going to always have my own style because this is what I do and it's all about staying true to who you are.

PMP Worldwide: How much is your time split between making tracks, engineering sessions, networking and moving out in the streets and marketing/promoting on the Internet?

Wonder Arillo: It's hard to say because you tend to go through different phases so like I said before you have to just go with the flow. Playaz Circle, they some workaholics so a lot of times I would be up in their studio at least 3 nights (late into the night) out of the week. Then a few weeks ago they went on a promotional tour to promote the album so there was zero time in the studio with them so I used that time to make some new beats. When things are slow with both of those sides its time to go hit up the other studios and attend different music events. As far as the Internet I'm online almost everyday for at least 1 hour promoting myself, updating my status, sending up tracks, etc...I know some engineers up at Grand Hustle and some peoples at DTP so we try to help each other out and keep the flow going so its all about keeping a balance to what your doing.

Read more of the interview here:
PMP Worldwide/PMP Regional: Wonder Arillo - Atlanta GA

Singersroom Interviews Music Producer Rodney Jerkins

Singersroom: Do you ever feel pressure to create songs that get radio play or crafting unique material?

Rodney Jerkins: You know I don’t really feel pressure because I’ve been doing it so long. Actually, I kind of like pressure; I like when someone tells me “we’re closing the album and we’re looking for a first single for ‘em…” or something like that. I’m like ‘okay cool’…I got that kind of attitude and confidence like Michael Jordan used to have where if you gave him the ball with two seconds he’s going to the shot and most of the time he’s going to make it. That’s kind of like my attitude, it’s like you know if I’m doing a record and someone says you know, “we need this record…we need a single” or whatever it is that’s when I perform my best I feel. I really don’t feel pressure like other people. It becomes my reality; it comes natural for me. I like the fact that my phone really doesn’t ring for album cuts, no one is really calling [saying] ‘Yo I want you to do an album cut’ or we got this album to work on…we want you to work on this album. Most people call me for singles, “we want you to deliver us a single…” and I guess that’s pressure in itself, because I don’t think that every song a person writes is a hit. It takes a lot just to get that monster smash and sometimes you write ten to fifteen songs to come up with that great one. I guess that’s the pressure a person can deal with but I kind of take it in stride, when dealing with it and try to perform to the best of my ability.

Singersroom: What is your favorite genre to write/produce for?

Rodney Jerkins: I really don’t have one to be honest. You know I get frustrated that sometimes the music industry puts us in a box creatively. In that, people will say you know, I need a record for Beyonce, so if I do a record for Beyonce then automatically every other R&B act will want me to do a record for them. I feel like I can do anything. I just did a record a few weeks ago that was on some Latin/Pop [sounding] stuff, then turned around and did a record with Robin Thicke that was straight Soul music, then had to do a record for Lady Gaga, which was straight Dance music. Those are three different styles and I was able to do all three in three days…that’s me though I just like that. There’s no particular genre that I’m locked into, I really like the challenge of being challenged to do any kind of genre. I would like for John Mayer to call me tomorrow saying I want you to do something…it becomes more of a challenge for me to go outside the norm, what everybody wants or what everybody thinks I can do.

Read more of the interview here:
Singersroom - Rodney Jerkins: Innovative Stamp On Music

Related:
Rodney Jerkins Shows Us His Music Production Arsenal
Rodney Jerkins Explains "Darkchild" Sound for P.Diddy TV Show

Big Jon Platt Promoted to President Of North American Creative At EMI Music Publishing

Big Jon Platt is a behind the scenes power player in the music publishing business. If you haven't heard of him, you have surely heard of the artists he works with (Jay-Z, Beyonce, Kanye West, Damon Thomas of the Underdogs, Usher and the list goes on) who continue to trust his guidance and expertise. He started out as a party DJ in the Denver scene, when he befriended Chuck D of Public Enemy who suggested to Platt that he should get into the music business. Then Platt moved to LA and the rest is history.

via Billboard biz

EMI Music Publishing has promoted Big Jon Platt has been promoted to president of North American creative. In this new role, he will oversee EMI Music Publishing's North American creative team, with responsibility for overall creative strategy across the company's offices in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, Atlanta and Canada.

Platt, previously president of West Coast creative and urban, already heads a team representing songwriters, who have topped the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart for 60 of the last 62 weeks, according to the company's announcement.

source

Who, What, Where Weekly Photo Links 10/28

All the photo links for the major and minor media events this week past for your consumption.

Tuesday, October 27

Michael Jackson's 'This Is It!' movie premiere in LA, CA:
Getty Images
Wire Image 1
Wire Image 2
Rex Features
Star Trak Photos
WENN Photo
PR Photos
Globe Photos 1
Globe Photos 2
Wire Image - After Party

Michael Jackson's 'This Is It!' movie premiere in London, UK:
Rex Features
Star Trak Photos
Getty Images 1
Getty Images 2
Getty Images 3
WENN Photo

Michael Jackson's 'This Is It!' movie premiere in NYC:
Getty Images
Wire Image
Star Trak Photos
Patrick McMullan

Michael Jackson's 'This Is It!' movie premiere in Berlin, Germany:
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WENN Photo

Michael Jackson's This Is It!' movie premiere in Tokyo, Japan:
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Wire Image

Michael Jackson's 'This Is It!' movie premiere in Paris, France (10/28):
WENN Photo
Film Magic

Michael Jackson exibit opens at the Grammy Museum in LA, CA:
Getty Images

Alicia Keys performs at the Women's Day Conference in Long Beach, CA:
Wire Image
Rex Features

Jay-Z in concert at the 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore, MD:
See the full report here

Raekwon performs on Fuel TV's "The Daily Habit" in LA, CA:
Wire Image

DJ Webstar celebrates birthday at the Greenhouse NYC:
Wire Image

Omarion and others outside the MTV Studios in NYC:
Rex Features

Brian McKnight in store signing for 'Evolution of a Man' at J&R Music World NYC:
Getty Images
Wire Image

Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, Keri Hilson, Russell Simmons and others at the 4th Annual Stay In School Pep Rally & Concert in NYC:
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Film Magic

Powerhouse concert with Chris Brown, Fabolous, Juelz Santana, The-Dream, Trey Songz and otthers at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, NJ:
Getty Images
Wire Image

Akon & T-Pain in concert at the Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia:
See coverage here

Dizzee Rascal in concert at the Dome in Brighton, UK:
Getty Images

Monday, October 26

DJ Hero video game press conference with Jay-Z at the Grand Hotel NYC:
See the full report here

Thurgood Marshall College Fund Anniversary Dinner with Monica, Mary J. Blige, Fantasia and others in NYC:
PR Photos
Wire Image
Getty Images
WENN Photo

Monica & Rick Ross at the BET 106 & Park Studios in NYC:
Wire Image

DJ Hero Best Buy co-event party with RZA, Flava Flav, DJ Jazzy Jeff and others at the Key Club in West Hollywood, CA:
Wire Image

DJ Webstar "Black Diamond" Birthday Celebration With Busta Rhymes, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Kid Capri and others at M2 Ultra Lounge NYC:
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Wire Image

Brian McKnight record release party for 'Evolution of a Man' at Hiro Ballroom, NYC:
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Wire Image

Sunday, October 25

Black Eyed Peas perform opening for U2 on their "360 degrees" world tour at the Pasadena Rose Bowl, CA:
See the full report here

Backstage and Arriving at U2's "360 degrees" World Tour with Herbie Hancock, music producer Rick Rubin and others at the Pasadena Rose Bowl, CA:
Wire Image
Rex Features

Lil Wayne & Nelly at Imagine Sundays at LIV at Fontainebleau in Miami Beach, FL:
Star Trak Photo

Saturday, October 24

Cypress Hill's 'Smoke Out' 2009 Festival at San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, CA:
See the full report here

Oi Fashion Rocks With Ciara, Mariah Carey, P.Diddy and others in Rio de Janeiro, BRA:
Getty Images

Janet Jackson & Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas at UFC 104 Staples Center, LA, CA:
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Ludacris Foundation's 6th Annual Benefit Dinner with Raheem Devaughn, Quincy Jones and others in Washington, DC:
Getty Images
WENN Photo

Dizzee Rascal in concert at O2 Academy Sheffield, UK:
Getty Images
Wire Image

Monte Carlo Television Festival Cocktail Party with LL Cool J and others at the Beverly Hills Hotel, CA
Wire Image

Music producer Scott Storch and others at W South Beach in Miami Beach, FL:
Star Trak Photo

Mariah Carey arrives in Rio De Janeiro for the Oi Fashion Rocks show Brazil:
Globe Photos

Friday, October 23

Cypress Hill's 'Smoke Out' 2009 Festival at San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, CA:
See the full report here

Jay-Z and others at Power 99 Concert at at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, PA:
Getty Images
Star Trak Photos

Bobby Brown performs at B.B. King's in NYC:
See coverage here

Ludacris at National Press Club Newsmaker Luncheon in Washington, DC:
See the full report here

Maxwell performs at at the 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore, MD:
Rex Features

Robin Thicke recording with Jay-Z in NYC:
See coverage here

MTV's "Ulalume" Halloween Festival with Kid Cudi in Columbia, MD:
Getty Images

Gucci Icon Temporary Flash Sneaker Store Launch on 43 Crosby Street NYC With Mary J. Blige, Wyclef Jean and others:
Film Magic
Wire Image
Getty Images
Patrick McMullan 1
Patrick McMullan 2
WENN Photos

Alicia Keys, Mario and others outside MTV studios NYC:
WENN Photos

Black Eyed Peas perform opening for U2 on their "360 degrees" world tour at Sam Boyd Stadium Las Vegas, NV:
Getty Images

Black Eyed Peas official after-party at The Bank Nightclub in the Bellagio Las Vegas, NV:
Getty Images
Wire Image
Film Magic
Globe Photos
WENN Photo

Beyonce performs at Wukesong Arena Beijing, China:
WENN Photo

Thursday, October 22

50 Cent and others outside Mayfair Hotel in London:
See coverage here

Alicia Keys outside of MTV Studios in NYC:
Rex Features

Comedian Mike Epps Visits The Fuse TV's "Hip Hop Show" NYC:
Getty Images

Comedian Tracy Morgan signs copies of his new book 'I Am The New Black' at Barnes & Noble Union Square, NYC:
Getty Images

Robin Thicke promotes Hugo Boss' Element Fragrance At Macy's Herald Square NYC:
Getty Images
Film Magic
WENN Photos

Bobby Brown rehearsing for his upcoming concert at Complete Music Studios in Brooklyn:
WENN Photos

Dizzee Rascal in concert at Brixton Academy, London, UK:
Getty Images
Rex Features

Lil Wayne outside of court offices in NYC:
Rex Features

'Dead Man Running' Movie Premiere with 50 Cent and others London, UK:
Wire Image
Getty Images 1
Getty Images 2
Rex Features
Star Trak Photos
Film Magic
WENN Photos

Fashion Group International Presents Night of Stars with Mary J. Blige and others at Cipriani Wall Street NYC:
Getty Images 1
Getty Images 2
Wire Image 1
Wire Image 2
Rex Features
Film Magic
Patrick McMullan 1
Patrick McMullan 2
PR Photos
Globe Photos 1
Globe Photos 2
Star Trak Photos
WENN Photos

Mary J. Blige Ribbon Cutting For The Mary J. Blige Center For Women Yonkers, NY:
Wire Image
Getty Images

John Forte of The Fugees performs at Corey Lane Birthday at RdV in NYC:
Patrick McMullan

Wednesday, October 21

Bone Thugs N Harmony press conference LA, CA:
See report coverage here

Bryan "Baby" Williams in NYC:
Getty Images

Miles Davis "Timeless Miles: 1959 - A Pivotal Year In Music, Arts And Culture" Panel with Q-Tip, DJ M.O.S. and others at the Kimmel Center NYU and after party at the Eldridge, NYC:
Getty Images - Panel
Getty Images - After Party

Dizzee Rascal at the BBC's Electric Proms festival at The Roundhouse London, UK:
Rex Features
Getty Images

Whitney Houston on X Factor TV Show In Milan Italy:
Rex Features
Star Trak Photos

Lil Wayne outside court offices in NYC:
Rex Features

Last week's
Hooked on That - Who, What, Where Weekly Photo Links 10/21