B.o.B Makes His Official Live Debut In London, England Concert Recap

As reported by Lisa Verrico / London's Times Online

(Thursday, May 27 at King’s College, London) His debut single, Nothin’ on You, shot straight to the top of the charts last week and its follow-up, Airplanes, will be inescapable over the summer. If you don’t know B.o.B now, you soon will.

The Atlanta-based, 21-year-old rapper born Bobby Ray Simmons is already a star in America. Having made waves on the hip-hop scene since his teens, he went to No 1 last month with his debut album, B.o.B Presents the Adventures of Bobby Ray, released here this week. In Britain we prefer our rap home-grown, but B.o.B is proving an exception, not least because his hip-hop sounds more like mainstream pop.

At his first British gig, where he was lavished with chants of “B-O-B” by a crowd who already knew lots of his lyrics, he brought a breath of fresh air back to rap. Looking all of 16 and sporting the silliest pair of trousers since MC Hammer — tight jeans that came up to his waist, but had a crotch that went down to his knees — he may have welcomed the crowd with a swear word, but his songs were packed with positive vibes and his cheery beats harked back to the days when Salt-N-Pepa had hits.



An opening run of tracks taken from his acclaimed mix tapes Cloud 9 and May 25, sung over a basic backing track, showcased B.o.B’s fun, easy flow and ear for a nagging pop hook. He was still solo when the crowd erupted for Airplanes, which had the guest vocalist Hayley Williams from the rock band Paramore only on tape but still came close to stealing the show.



It was when B.o.B brought out his band, however, that he veered from traditional rapper to multi-tasking pop star. A pair of guitarists, a female keyboard player and a bare-chested drummer added rock and reggae to the mix, played a song that recalled Snow Patrol (Letters from Vietnam) and backed the rapper on two beautiful ballads, Satellite and Don’t Let Me Fall.



Before closing with a roof-raising Nothin’ on You, B.o.B broke every rule in rap when he pulled out a stool, sat down and strummed an acoustic guitar. The French horn he plays on the album, sadly, had been left at home.

more footage below.





(video courtesy of erin9208 & Soul Culture)

Donnis Performs 'Gone' At Cinespace/Dim Mak Tuesdays In Hollywood

Donnis made it out the West Coast on his current tour playing for all the keen taste makers and cool kids alike in Hollywood, CA at Cinespace/Dim Mak Tuesday, May 25.

Be sure to catch Donnis currently on tour.

May 30 - Yokota Air Base - Yokota, JAPAN
June 01 - 27 Destiny - Shibuya, JAPAN
June 04 - Next Door - Honolulu, HI
June 11 - Pechanga - Temecula, CA
June 24 - Apple Store (14th St) - New York, NY
June 30 - LIV - Fontainebleau Hotel - Miami, FL
July 21 - Cell Block - State College, PA

(video courtesy of Cru Joness)

Hip Hop And R&B New Releases 6/1

The following physical and digital new releases are available from Amazon, iTunes and your local retailer.

June 1, 2010


Kokane - Gimme All Mine
(Bonzi/Bud E Boy/Fontana)


Yukmouth - Free At Last
(RBC)


Taio Cruz - Rokstarr
(Mercury)


Homeboy Sandman - The Good Sun
(High Water Music)


Listen Up! The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup - Various
(Epic Records)

Also available:

Scarface - Dopeman Music
(Facemob Music)

Pugs Atomz & Grant Parks - Kinda Like A Rapper
(CoalMine Music/Fat Beats)

June Marx - Body of God
(Holographic Pagoda Recordings)

Beres Hammond - Just A Man
(VP Records)

For the full New Releases list, go here:
Urban New Releases 5/15

Ice Cube Discusses N.W.A. Movie, Dr. Dre's Detox And More

via All Hip Hop

Ice Cube I Am The West on Lynch Mob Records arrives July 13.

Chiddy Bang On The Spot Freestyle In London

The crowd at Scala in London (Thursday, May 27) provided the words written on paper plates for subject matter and Chidera "Chiddy" Anamege took it from there in a memorable, one of a kind freestyle.

Photos from the show:
Rex Features

Next week, Chiddy Bang’s four track EP, Opposite of Adults, will be released on June 1 through Virgin Records/EMI Music, but I understand it's still up on iTunes until May 31.

Come August 24, Chiddy Bang's The Swelly Life arrives.

And it will be a busy Summer for the boys as their U.S. tour kicks off in June:

6/09 WEDS – WA – Seattle – Nuemos
6/10 THU – OR – Portland – Berbati’s Pan
6/11 FRI – UT – Salt Lake City- W Lounge
6/12 SAT – NV – Reno- Knitting Factory
6/13 SUN – CA – Chico – Senator Theatre
6/15 TUE – CA – Los Angeles – Key Club
6/16 WED – CA- Pomona – Glasshouse
6/17 THU- CA – San Diego – Brick By Brick
6/18 FRI- PA- Philadelphia – Private Event
6/19 SAT – NV – Las Vegas – Hard Rock Live Pool
6/20 SUN – AZ – Scottsdale – Club After Life
6/21 MON – AZ – Tucson- Club Congress
6/22 TUE – CA – Los Angeles – Cinespace
6/23 WED- CA – San Francisco- KYLD

(video courtesy of jdubsy33)

News You Should Know About 5/28

L.A. Times - Kanye West samples King Crimson's "21st Century Schizoid Man" for "Power"

MTV - Gary Coleman Remembered By Janet Jackson, Ashton Kutcher, Others

Soulful Vibes - Common - Williams And Common Split

Digital Music News - Walmart Dropping the iPhone to Just $97

The Boom Box - Chiddy Bang interview

New York Village Voice - Q&A: Solange Knowles

Hip Hop DX - Dr. Dre protege Slim da Mobsta interview

All Hip Hop - Gucci Mane Working On 'The Appeal' And 'The Final Verdict' Albums

Killer Mike 'Ready Set Go' Ft. T.I.

Killer Mike 'Ready Set Go' Ft. T.I. produced by No. I.D. (Dirty)

Download HERE

Killer Mike Pledge Allegiance To The Grind 3 coming soon.

DJ Quik Presents Quik's Groove L.A. Dates

If your anywhere near L.A. you should definitely check out DJ Quik's Quiks Groove at the Key Club on Sunset. Running through DJ Quik's hits and a surprise or 2 at the show is certainly guaranteed.

For tickets go here:
Quik's Groove Tickets

Big Boi Performs 'Shutterbug' At Microsoft Kin Concert In Atlanta

This all went down last night (Thursday, May 27) at the Shriner's Temple in Atlanta, part of a promotion Microsoft did for their new Kin 'social networking' smart phone. Yelawolf and Jay Electronica were also on the bill as support.

Read CNN's report about this show:
CNN - Big Boi Kin Phone Concert

Read Paste's review of the show:
Paste Magazine - Big Boi Kin Phone Concert

More photos here:
Creative Loafing
Getty images

(video couresy of Straight From the A)

Who, What, Where Weekly Photo Links 5/26

Babyface demonstrates his iPad capabilities at the 9th Annual ARTrageous Gala Dinner And Art Auction in NYC Monday, May 24.

This and more photo links below.

Tuesday, May 25

Maxwell and Jill Scott in concert Chicago, IL:
PR Photos

Keri Hilson at a A|X Robertson Store Disco Glam event in Los Angeles, CA:
Getty Images
Wire Image 1
Wire Image 2
Film Magic
PR Photos

Kelis at the Mulberry Glastonbury Book Party in NYC:
Corbis Images

Janelle Monae and others at the W Hollywood Hotel event:
Wire image

Movie premiere of 'Get Him To The Greek' with Sean "Diddy" Combs and others in Los Angeles, CA:
Getty Images
Wire Image
Film Magic 1
Film Magic 2
Daily Celeb

Rihanna in and around Dublin, Ireland:
Film Magic
Rex Features

T.I. at the AKOO apparel shop luncheon in NYC:
Getty Images

Alicia Keys in concert London, England:
See coverage here

Monday, May 24

Damian Marley & Nas perform live in Oakland, CA:
See coverage here

T.I. on a taping FUSE TV & BET's '106 & Park' inNYC:
Getty Images
Wire Image

Dirty Swift and Bruce Waynne of Midi Mafia and others at the Cosmopolitan Magazine event in Las Vegas, NV:
Film Magic

Babyface performs at ARTrageous Gala Dinner and Art Auction in NYC:
Patrick McMullan
Getty Images

Rihanna performs in Belfast, Ireland:
WENN Photo

Sunday, May 23

Snoop Dogg at the Cedars-Sinai Sports Spectacular event in Century City, CA:
Getty Images
Film Magic

Amber Rose shopping at the Grove in Los Angeles, CA:
WENN Photo

Alicia Keys performs in Glasgow, Scotland:
Getty Images

Rob Dyrdek Foundation SK8 4 Life Benefit with Game, Pharrell, Travis Barker and others in Los Angeles, CA:
Getty Images
Wire Image 1
Wire Image 2
Rex Features
Star Traks Photo
WENN Photo

Ludacris at volunteer charity event in Atlanta, GA:
Wire Image

Kanye West in SoHo, NYC:
WENN Photo

Last time:
Who, What, Where Weekly Photo Links 5/22

Moe Green: Bay Area MC Announces 'Rocky Maivia' Debut Album Release

via the press release

(May 26, 2010 - Brooklyn, NY) Burgeoning MC Moe Green, hailing from Vallejo, California, looks to be a beacon of hope for a town in search of a hero. One of California's fast rising talents, Moe Green is preparing the release of his debut album, Rocky Maivia, this summer on Interdependent Media.

The current economic crisis caught more than just individuals in the financial crossfire. Entire American towns went bankrupt, the largest of which is Vallejo, California, home to a once thriving and profitable music scene where artists like E-40, Mac Dre, and Celly Cell carved out a niche. Aware of the times, and the history of his hometown, Moe Green's music eschews the gangster trappings of the city's hip-hop pioneers. Green chooses, instead, a more earnest approach to his music, earning the emcee comparisons with today's rising stars credited with offering an alternative to a genre that has long relied on, often fabricated, street credibility for success. "It's a documentation of your everyday dreamer trying to make his dreams reality," says Green about his debut and his musical direction.

Recently being announced as a part of KMEL's 2010 Bay Area Freshmen 10 class, the 22-year old rapper has been garnering both local and national attention. The nod of approval was generated with the help of interest in a handful of leaked material, including the chillingly narrative "Hometown" and the debut leak from Rocky Maivia "Non-Title Match." Leading into the summer, as Green prepares the release of Rocky Maivia, fans can look forward to of a slew of singles, videos, and media content from the project, including the newly released video for "Ride," directed by Chris Kiker, and shot in Moe Green's hometown of Vallejo.

To eagle-eyed professional wrestling fans, the title for Green's debut single and the album itself will ring bells. An avid wrestling fan himself, Moe Green named his album after superstar wrestler/actor The Rock - Rocky Maivia served as The Rock's moniker when he first debuted in the ring. Green sees his debut album as the Rocky Maivia phase in his own career. "It's a metaphor for the newcomer with great potential entering the professional leagues," says Green.

Alicia Keys "Freedom" Tour London, England O2 Arena Concert Recap

As reported by John Aizlewood / London's Evening Standard

As globe-straddling divas go, there are none less diva-like than Alicia Keys. In a glitzy world of Gagas, Beyoncés, Madonnas, Rihannas and Mariahs, Keys keeps her clothes on and stands out by virtue of what she doesn’t do.

So, last night (Tuesday, May 25), she didn’t do anything especially eccentric — unless having a tubby, bespectacled, kilt-wearing bassist counts — and of her three outfits, two were so dowdy there might be something in those pregnancy rumours, or else Tehran is her Freedom tour’s next stop.

Her stage show was on the unspectacular side of spectacular, and having four keyboards to choose from (including a guitar-style one shaped like a key), she didn’t bother with choreography, leaving that to a gurning dancer who seemed to be tasked with invading her body space throughout the evening. And yet, if we do the honourable thing and ignore what seemed to be Keys’s platitude-related Tourette syndrome (“The most important thing about love is being able to love ourselves... I want you to be a rebel with me tonight...” etc, etc) she triumphed — and triumphed gloriously — with a masterfully judged mix of strength of will and power of song.



Consequently, platitudes notwithstanding, Keys exuded authenticity, and on ballads such as Like The Sea and Pray For Forgiveness she had the precious knack of making the O2 suddenly seem very intimate indeed.

Backed by a crack band attuned to her every nuance and a trio of superlative backing singers, she could do tear-stained epic in the grandstanding Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart, and exuberant up-tempo on the clattering, percussion-propelled Wait ’Til You See My Smile.

Even without Beyoncé, their Put It In A Love Song duet was heady pop at its most hip-wiggling.



The best came last. Her co-write with Jay-Z, Empire State Of Mind, already has the unmistakable feel of a 21st-century standard.

As she delivered it in almost hymnal fashion, for a genuinely emotional moment it felt as if we were all children of the Five Boroughs. She may be short on diva-esque style, but Alicia Keys is all substance.

Photo Links:
Getty Images 1
Getty Images 2
Corbis Images
Wire Image
Rex Features
WENN Photo 1
WENN Photo 2

Alicia Keys 2010 Element of Freedom Tour Dates:

5/26 - London, UK - The O2 - London
5/29 - Manchester, UK - Manchester Evening News Arena
5/31 - Paris, France - Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy
6/2 - Barcelona, Spain - Palau Sant Jordi
6/4 - Lyon, France - Halle Tony Garnier

(video courtesy of KaFicagna)

Damian 'Jr. Gong' Marley & Nas Live In Oakland, CA Concert Recap

As reported by By Jim Harrington / Oakland Tribune

It worked.

Many believed the pairing of controversial rapper Nas and reggae star Damian "Junior Gong" Marley had potential. Yet, only a true Pollyanna, one with little experience in these types of cross-genre collaborations, could've predicted that the results would turn out as satisfying as what was witnessed on Tuesday night at the Fox Theater.

It was especially impressive given that this co-headlining tour, which features both men onstage at the same time, is only the fourth date on the trek, yet the duo has already managed to strike a near seamless blend of hip-hop and reggae. It's probably safe to say that the 36-year-old rapper and the 31-year-old son of Bob Marley put in plenty of rehearsal time.

The Fox (on Tuesday, May 25) show sold out only one day before the event, yet there were dozens of people trying to buy tickets outside the venue. Scalpers were having a field day, demanding (and getting) nearly four times the original ticket price of $39.50.

Late but urgent demand for tickets is standard operating procedure for these two genres. Also credit the recent release of the duo's album, "Distant Relatives," which hit stores last week.

The 2,800 people who managed to score seats — a colorful mix of hip-hop fans in heavy sports gear, wannabe Rastafarians wearing Marley shirts and other music lovers — were sure glad they did.

After a few opening acts — including a DJ that went on so long I nearly got carpal tunnel simply from watching the guy work — Marley and Nas took the stage 45 minutes late and delivered a nearly two-hour set of mostly killer tunes.



Junior Gong, sporting a bundle of dreadlocks that hung below his knees, and Nas, looking sharp in dark sunglasses and a black Oakland A's cap, nicely blended their distinctive voices as they rocked out, accompanied by a nine-piece band, plus (at times) two dancers and (always) a tenacious dude waving a huge Jamaican flag.

Marley, a three-time Grammy winner best known musically for his 2005 smash single "Welcome to Jamrock," provided plenty of sun-splashed moments on the microphone. His sweet delivery found an unlikely complement in Nas' harder-edged, often quite dark raps. Together, they drove home a sense of urgency to "Africa Must Wake Up," "Leaders" and "Dispear."

Nas — who proclaimed that "Hip Hop is Dead" with the title of his 2006 album, then went on to do everything in his power to prove himself wrong — had some deliriously good solo moments. The tongue twisters he delivered in such tracks as "Hate Me Now" and "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)," showed why he's considered such a force in hip-hop.

The duo closed out the main set with a tremendous take on "Welcome to Jamrock," then put an exclamation point on the evening with an uplifting encore of Bob Marley's great "Could You Be Loved."

Nas and Junior Gong might be "Distant Relatives," but this is one family get-together that hip-hop and reggae fans won't want to miss.

Photos:
Oakland Tribune

(video courtesy of Always Hustle)

Rock The Bells 2010 Guerilla Union Press Conference

This is a portion of Monday's press conference courtesy of Nerdlike. As it was announced, Rock The Bells 2010 will have a 'classic album' format.

Eric B. & Rakim performing Paid In Full
Slick Rick performing The Great Adventures of Slick Rick
KRS-One performing Criminal Minded
Wu-Tang Clan performing Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers

...and for those who are lucky enough to attend this will be a once in a lifetime event for sure.

Artists confirmed for the ROCK THE BELLS 2010 FESTIVAL SERIES as follows:
Wu-Tang Clan
Rakim
KRS-One
Slick Rick
Street Sweeper Social Club
Murs and 9th Wonder
Wiz Khalifa
Clipse
Immortal Technique
Jedi Mind Tricks
Brother Ali
DJ Muggs and Ill Bill
Big Sean
Yelawolf

Hosted by
Supernatural
DJ Rocky Rock

For more info about Rock The Bells 2010:
Rock The Bells 2010

Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek: Reflection Eternal Interview With L.A. DJ Reflex

Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek as Reflection Eternal Revolutions Per Minute on Blacksmith/Warner Bros. in-stores now!

Sha Money XL Bringing One Stop Shop Producers Conference To NY & More Revealed In Interview

via PMP Worldwide

PMP: How does it feel being back in the Def Jam building as an executive?

Sha Money: It feels reel good and it's a blessing. I'm ready to put that work in; I'm not caught up in the hype.

PMP: What are some of the immediate differences between your current exec position at Def Jam and when you were over at G-Unit?

Sha Money: Def Jam has a huge team of professionals compared to G-Unit which had about 3 or 4 executives. At Def Jam you have over 30 professionals who know what they're doing so I've got an amazing team behind me. I have a music mentor in L.A. Reid who is a real music dude not just an executive only.

PMP: Coming from the background of being a producer do you look at yourself in the same light?

Sha Money: Absolutely, I'm a music person and I tell people I'll handle all the politics that have to be done before the music but my music speaks for itself and it always will.

PMP: What specific artist projects are your priorities?

Sha Money: My priority is Juelz Santana. Right now it feels like his album will probably drop 4th quarter definitely this year. We're getting started right now and he got some amazing music. Were really just getting to the nuggets right now so its too early to build on the specifics but trust I'm putting my 100% all into it no doubt.

PMP: Do you feel any pressure as far as expectations in a time when Hip Hop artists are not selling as many album units compared to the heydays of G-Unit?

Sha Money: Nah I don't feel any pressure and if there was any pressure then I like it because I'm good at handling urgency and importance. L.A. Reid told me to get results and that's what I do, you have to remember I work with one of the toughest dudes in the business (50 Cent) so pressure is nothing.

PMP: Do you feel A&R executives need to do a better job at utilizing the Internet when it comes to discovering talent and/or finding quality music from producers and writers?

Sha Money: You definitely have to be active when it comes to working with digital technology. With the PMP for example I've been in the back office, listening to tracks and learning how ya'll guys whole model is setup which is real dope and efficient so I'm all about being on the cutting edge as far as the Internet is concerned.

PMP: What is the current status of the annual One Stop Producer Conference?

Sha Money: It's still going down but I put it on hold because of this new transition. I figured I'll have more power behind me so I'm going to have more people participating for the next one. I don't have an exact date locked in but it's going to be in the Fall and I'm bringing it to New York this year.

PMP: Was the change of venue location due to the recent political atmosphere out in Arizona?

Sha Money: Yea well we held the conference 3 times out there and it felt good and now its time take it to new cities and help new producers out. New York is live and they're ready for it. In Arizona and the rest of the West Coast they needed it so I did everything West Coast and now its time to come back East and New York is the best place to start it at.

PMP: Def Jam as a label brand was once synonymous with authentic street hip hop, do you feel your part of a revival by being offered your new position?

Sha Money: Absolutely and L.A. Reid recognized that in me and he wants the streets happy that's why I'm here. I represent for New York and all the great street music from around the world and it's our job to bring that rush.

PMP: What's your personal feeling about the current hip hop sound that's in the market now?

Sha Money: I think it scattered right now because there's not enough official releases so everything is spread out too wide and it makes it hard to get a grip on exactly what's going on. My intention starting out at Def Jam is to have multiple releases coming out each quarter instead of all these little bricks going on right now. Hi-Tek and Kwali just dropped their new project earlier this week on Tuesday so we need more Hip Hop releases overall in the business.

PMP: In regards to the New York market many accuse the DJ's of not supporting the local acts. Do you feel this is a fair assessment?

Sha Money: I think the DJ's need to be more than just DJ's and help pave the way they want the music to flow but at the same time I also believe the artists in New York need to step their game up. There are a few dudes out there that are really bringing it but just not enough.

PMP: Is some of the problem due to a lack of artistic development in the A&R sector of the business?

Sha Money: A lot of A&R's are not on their jobs and I can you tell that for a definite fact. Its not going down under my watch, I'm here to push the music as far as I can take it while I have this opportunity

PMP: From the Russell Simmons to 50 Cents and now yourself what is it about the Borough of Queens that produce so many successful entrepreneurs in the music business?

Sha Money: It's the water man! There are a lot of successful people that have come out of Queens from the artist level, executive level and DJ level as well like DJ Clue, Envy and Whoo Kid. Run DMC was the first Hip Hop group to take it to a platinum level so it's gotta be something in the water.

PMP: For the producers on the PMP, both established and new what advice would you give them?

Sha Money: Make sure you shop your music to a lot of people that got good ears. Make sure your shit is really hot and not be caught up in just glorifying yourself. Take the time to study the game and become a real student of the game; don't just jump into the business not knowing the history behind it or what's currently happening. Once you become a great student then you can graduate and become the teacher

PMP: In your opinion how should a producer be compensated for providing original production for songs that are released on Mixtapes/online promotional?

Sha Money: I think the producer should get his credit up because if he's not known he should use that as an avenue to say 'this is what I've done'. Nowadays you have Mixtape records that get heavy play and are as respected as the songs coming off of retail albums so use it as a reason to get your name out there. The artist will love it and in exchange ask for your name to be credited on the insert 'produced by...'you need that for your own personal branding.

For example there is a producer by the name of Nascent, he did a lot of mixtape work for 50 Cent and then he finally got his shot on 50's last album and that was due to the work he was putting out there and getting a buzz around his name. It's like 'ok you did that, shit was hot let me hear some more' so it's all about allowing people to identify with what your work is.

PMP: Are you still producing and will it be a conflict of interest to submit your music to projects your responsible for at Def Jam?

Sha Money: Nah I'm getting music from everybody, I'm too busy on the executive side to be in a good creative space so I'm focused on helping make Def Jam the #1 label as far as market share and selling a whole bunch of records this year and for years to come. I'm good at making music but I'm great at creating and building brands and making stars so I'm going to concentrate on what I'm great at right now.

PMP: Are you still working with G-Unit?

Sha Money: Yea that's my family, I still work with them in the studio and when its time to get it in. I speak to 50 at least once a week and the same with Yayo and Banks, those are my brothers.

PMP: The Lloyd Banks record 'Beamer, Benz or Bently' was released independently is currently enjoying 'major-like' success. With Hip Hop is there really much of a difference between the majors and their indy counterparts?

Sha Money: It's the same game because now there's only a thin line between being on a major and being independent. You got companies like E1 that are kicking more ass than some of the majors so it's really no difference, its all about when the money stops. The majors have more money than the independent labels but that's about it.

PMP: So if the Lloyd Banks project was on Def Jam once it started making real noise that's when the extra $1 million can kick in and people like yourself can take it to another level correct?

Sha Money: Exactly

Black Milk 'Album Of The Year' Tracklisting

Black Milk along with his trusted live band made up of AB on keyboards/vocals, drummer extraordinaire Daru Jones and some of Detroit's finest musicians including vocalist Melanie Rutherford are expected to deliver one of 2010's most anticipated releases. Count on Black Milk to stretch the boundaries of hip hop on this one.

Black Milk Album Of The Year on Fat Beats set to drop July 27.

01. 365
02. Welcome (Gotta Go)
03. Keep Going
04. Oh Girl ft. AB
05. Deadly Medley ft. Royce Da 5’9 and Elzhi
06. Distortion ft. Melanie Rutherford
07. Over Again ft. Monica Blaire
08. Black and Brown ft. Danny Brown
09. Round of Applause
10. Warning (Keep Bouncing)
11. Gospel Psychedelic Rock
12. Closed Chapter ft. Mr. Porter

Kokane - 'Rollin Up' (video)

Kokane Gimmie All Mine on Bud E. Boy/Bonzi arrives June 1st.

Homeboy Sandman Los Angeles Times Feature Interview

Homeboy Sandman The Good Sun arrives June 1st.
Interview below.

L.A. Times: Your song “Yeah, But I Can Rhyme Though” defines you in opposition to what you're not. Has it been frustrating to be an artist in a genre where most people want to fit into a prevailing trend to get a deal?

Homeboy Sandman: I’m a musician, and hip-hop is my genre, but it’s just like jazz players, or country singers or a classical artist. It’s about musicality, talent, rhyme cadence, melody, assonance, alliteration, it’s about the gift I have. Music should have nothing to do with an image; what sets me apart is my ability. Nobody asked John Coltrane what his image was -- it didn’t matter. No one could play the sax like him and nobody raps like me. I make my music to last a lifetime. I love going back to the Roots’ “Illadelph Halflife.” I love music from the 1950s and 1960s. This whole sub-culture in hip-hop of disposable music is not something that I subscribe to. I spend time on my music. There’s no 15/16 in my bars. I spend time on my lines, the production and the craft.

L.A. Times: As someone who is obviously about the lyrical craft, what do you think about rappers who have made a point of stressing how their lyrics aren’t really important because they have swag or some other intangible?

Homeboy Sandman: People ask me if I’m a lyricist, but how can you be an emcee without being one? This isn’t supposed to be something that everyone can do -- when you take away from the musicality of it all, it becomes an image-based thing, and that’s something I’m so far removed from that you might as well ask me to speak about Dale Earnhardt. I don’t want to do things that have been done before.

Read the full interview here:
Los Angeles Times - Homeboy Sandman

Reggae Gold 2010 Tracklist

Reggae Gold 2010 on VP Records arrives June 22.

01. Gyptian - Hold You
02. Ding Dong - Holiday ft. Chevaughn Clayton
03. Vybz Kartel - Clarks ft. Popcaan & Gaza Slim
04. Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Nas - As We Enter
05. Serani - Skip To Ma Lu ft. Ding Dong
06. Vybz Kartel - Slow Motion
07. Shaggy & Tessanne Chin - Never Let Me Go
08. Busy Signal - Sweet Love (Night Shift)
09. Tarrus Riley - Love's Contagious
10. Etana - Happy Heart
11. Sean Paul - Hold My Hand
12. Konshens - The Realest Song
13. Wasp - Cry Fi Dem
14. Michael Franti & Spearhead - Say Hey (I Love You) ft. Cherine Anderson
15. Major Lazer - Hold The Line ft. Mr. Lex & Santigold
16. Mavado - House Cleaning
17. Romain Virgo - Live Mi Life
18. Beres Hammond - No Apology

Q-Tip Jumps On Board Mark Ronson's Upcoming 'Record Collection'

Mark Ronson is putting quite a casts of characters on his upcoming album Record Collection and Q-Tip is a nice addition. Expect Record Collection to arrive in September on AlliDo Records.

via the Digital Spy

Mark Ronson has announced details of his first single in more than two years.

'Bang Bang Bang', which features vocals from rapper Q-Tip and electropop singer MNDR, will be released in the UK on July 11.

The track, which also includes a songwriting contribution from Kaiser Chiefs drummer Nick Hodgson, will receive its first play on Zane Lowe's Radio 1 show this evening.

Describing the song's origins in a press statement, Ronson said: "When we played all those festivals in 2007, we'd end up in the dance tent.

"And I got so jealous when Justice or Soulwax or Pendulum would go into their double-time breaks, and all the kids would start jumping up and down. And we never had that tempo in our set. So I just wanted that in one of our songs."

'Bang Bang Bang' is the lead single from Ronson's upcoming third album Record Collection.

News You Should Know About 5/24

New York Daily News - Kanye West treats crowd at LES hotspot LV to four tracks off his upcoming album

Urb - Lauryn Hill To Perform ‘Miseducation’ At Rock The Bells 2010

SOHH - Styles P Plans New LOX Album For The "Top Of The Year"

The Boom Box - Lil' Kim Throws Up the Roc

Denver Post - Ryan Tedder songwriter interview

Seattle Post Intelligencer - Iyaz interview

Hi-Desert Star - Ice Cube has a new posse on the set of his new video

Los Angeles Times - Man Acquitted in Rapper Dolla's Shooting Death

Hip Hop And R&B New Releases 5/25

The following physical and digital new releases are available from Amazon, iTunes and your local retailer.

May 25, 2010


Common - Go!: Common Classics
(Geffen/G.O.O.D.)


Cam'ron - Cam'ron & The U.N. Presents "The Heat In Here" Vol.1
(Asylum/Diplomats)



Leela James - My Soul
(Stax Records/Fantasy)


Tha Dogg Pound - Keep On Ridin
(Gangsta Advisory Recordingz)

Also Available:

Run DMC - Music of Run DMC (Box Set)
(Profile/Arista/Sony Legacy)

Rihanna - Rated R Remixed
(Island/Def Jam)

College Boyys (Lil Romeo's group) - Spring Break
(Hollywood Dream Music)

Slum Village - Villa Manifesto
(Barak Records/Rocket Science)

Scarface - Dopeman Music
(Facemob Music)

Apollo Brown - The Reset
(Mello Music Group)

Babygrande Presents: The Reflection Eternal Collection digital only
(Babygrande)

Bettye LaVette - Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook
(ANTI-)

For the full list of upcoming new release:
Urban New Release Schedule 5/15

Who, What, Where Weekly Photo Links 5/22

Janet Jackson at the preview screening of 'Why Did I Get Married?' in London, England.

For this and more photos, click the links below.

A little out of order these days, getting back on track...

Saturday, May 22

Rob Dyrdek Foundation SK8 4 Life Benefit with Game, Pharrell, Travis Barker and others in Los Angeles, CA:
Getty Images
Wire Image 1
Wire Image 2
Rex Features
Star Traks Photo
WENN Photo

Ludacris at volunteer charity event in Atlanta, GA:
Wire Image

Kanye West in SoHo, NYC:
WENN Photo

Friday, May 21

Dr. Dre and others in Paris, France:
Getty Images
Film Magic

Ice Cube on FUSE TV NYC:
Getty Images

Alicia Keys in concert Dublin, Ireland:
Getty Images
Wire Image
WENN Photo

Usher performs in Sydney, Australia:
Getty Images
Wire Image

Drake in concert in Austin, TX:
Wire Image
Film Magic

Why Did I Get Married? movie screening with Janet Jackson in London England:
Getty Images
Wire Image
Film Magic
Rex Features
Star Traks Photo
WENN Photo

Asics and David Z Launch Party with Joell Ortiz, Cormega, AZ, Consequence and others in NYC:
Wire Image

Whitney Houston in concert Munich, Germany:
Getty Images

Thursday, May 20

Black Eyed Peas in concert, after party and around Paris France:
Getty Images
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Wire Image 2
Rex Features
WENN Photo

Jazmine Sullivan and others at Grammy Career Day NYC:
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Grammy Atlanta Chapter Songwriters Panel with Kendrick 'Wyldcard' Dean and others:
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Nas And Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley on Fuel TV in Los Angeles, CA:
Wire Image

Shontelle Performs at Greenhouse in NYC:
Wire Image

Ne-Yo unveils the "Be a Gentleman" campaign with the Boys and Girls Clubs in Las Vegas, NV:
PR Photos
WENN Photo

The Roots Listening Session in NYC:
See coverage here

DJ Clue, DJ Whoo Kid, artist manager Steve Lobel, Mann and others at Lingerie Party in NYC:
Getty Images 1
Getty Images 2
Wire Image

Nikki Turner 'Relapse' Book Release Party with Styles P, Bad Boy President Harve Pierre and others in NYC:
Wire Image

FELA post party reception with Jay-Z, Beyonce, Will Smith, and Jada Pinkett Smith in NYC:
Getty Images
Wire Image
Film Magic

Kelly Rowland in London, UK:
Film Magic
Rex Features
WENN Photo

Wednesday, May 19

Amber Rose, Ciara and others at Maxim Hot 100 party in Hollywood, CA:
Getty Images
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Wire Image 4
Film Magic
Patrck McMullan
Rex Features
Star Traks Photo
Daily Celeb
WENN Photo

John Legend at Cherry Lane Music Publishing's 50th anniversary event in Brooklyn NYC:
Film Magic

Macy Gray in Paris, France:
Rex Features

Whitney Houston in concert and around Vienna, Austria:
Rex Features 1
Rex Features 2

Rihanna in concert Glasgow, Scotland:
Getty Images
Rex Features

Janet Jackson sighting with short hair in London, England:
Rex Features

Alicia Keys in concert Birmingham, England:
Getty Images 1
Getty Images 2
WENN Photo

Jay-Z and Mayor Bloomberg have lunch in NYC:
Getty Images

Tuesday, May 18

Nas And Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley visit Sirius XM in NYC:
Getty Images

Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek as Reflection Eternal concert TV taping in Los Angeles, CA:
Wire Image

John Legend at the Entertainment Industry Foundation event in Hollywood, CA:
Wire Image

BMI's Pop Awards with Estelle, music producer RedOne and others in Beverly Hills, CA:
Film Magic

Wyclef hosts charity shopping spree in NYC:
Getty Images
Wire Image
Star Traks Photo

Diddy's Dirty Money, Queen Latifah and others at the BET Awards nominees, host & performers announcement in NYC:
Getty Images
Wire Image
Film Magic
Rex Features
Star Traks Photo

Diddy's Dirty Money 'Last Train to Paris' Album Listening Party in NYC:
Wire Image

Music Executive Lyor Cohen, Mary J. Bilge and others at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's Spring Ball NYC:
Wire Image
Film Magic
Rex Features
Patrick McMullan

Alicia Keys on 'Later With Jools Holland' TV show in London, England:
Rex Features

Jennifer Hudson in Cannes, France:
Rex Features

Justin Bieber in-store signing at Tower Record in Shinjuku, Tokyo Japan:
Rex Features

Monday, May 17

Diddy's Dirty Money 'Last Train to Paris' Album Listening Party in NYC:
Film Magic

Nas And Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley performs live at Highline Ballroom NYC:
See coverage here

Jay-Z, Nick Cannon and others at Audemars Piguet 'Time To Give' watch event in NYC:
Patrick McMullan 1
Patrick McMullan 2
Rex Features
Star Traks Photo

Ice Cube and others at the Laker Game in Los Angeles, CA:
Rex Features

Sunday, May 16

Mos Def, Lenny Kravitz, John Legend and others at the Oil Spill Gulf Aid Benefit Concert, New Orleans, LA:
Rex Features

Saturday, May 15

KIIS FM Wango Tango concert with Ludacris, Justin Bieber, Usher, Akon, Kelly Rowland and others at the Staples Center LA, CA:
Getty Images 1
Getty Images 2
Film Magic 1
Film Magic 2
Corbis Images 1
Corbis Images 2
PR Photos 1
PR Photos 2
Rex Features
Star Traks Photo
WENN Photo 1
WENN Photo 2

The Roots at the Hangout Beach Music And Arts Festival - Day 2 in Gulf Shores, AL:
Film Magic

Damon Dash and Rachel Roy around in NYC:
Rex Features

Black Eyed Peas in concert Berlin, Germany:
Getty Images
WENN Photo

Jennifer Hudson and others in Cannes, France:
WENN Photo

Last post:
Who, What, Where Weekly Photo Links 5/14