Young Jeezy Performs "Who Dat" In Detroit

Young Jeezy headed up to Detroit's Chene Park (Friday, July 30) to test the live waters as a headlining artist. Jay-Z BP3 Tour run was the last time Jeezy came thru Detroit in March of this year. Welcome back!

Photo Link:
Wire Image

(video courtesy of Street Dog 214)

Tay Dizm 'Point Em Out' Mixtape

Nappy Boy artist Tay Dizm unleashes a dose of new music by offering his Point Em Out mixtape to y'all. A perfect mix of music to get your Summertime party moving. Take a listen.

Download, stream the mixtape here:
Tay Dizm - Point Em Out

Chamillionaire On How He Uses Social Media And The Internet

via The Next Web

Today (June 30th) at the CrunchUp in Palo Alto (CA) rap all-star Chamillionaire sat down with Michael Arrington and talked about the social internet. Chamillionaire is a noted Twitter user, and actually debuted the lead music video for his upcoming album live on Ustream.

Arrington pressed Chamillionaire, real name Hakeem Seriki, on his use of social media to help his last single reach the top iTunes spot. Facebook helped promote the event, and that combined with Ustream time with the rapper himself exploded the song across the internet. That woke up record executives to the power of an individual really working the ‘tubes.

“I’m an artist, but I call myself a businessman,” Hareem said in a discussion about his life. Chamillionaire is a noted attendee of technology events, even when not speaking, given his wish to leverage technology for business purposes. “I come to the tech conferences to see what’s next,” Hareem said to a big round of applause.

Chamillionaire has an interesting record deal that includes a larger percentage of revenues from sales earmarked for himself. “When I went to the lables I had leverage,” he said.

Chamillionaire is perhaps the most active user of social media tools of any artist online. After pulling out three cell phones Chamillionaire brought down the house.

Eminem The Road To Recovery Album Cover Photo Shoot

text via Rap Basement

In a new, behind the scenes video released on Eminem's official site, the rapper gives fans an exclusive glimpse into the cover art for his album Recovery.

The video shows Em braving the cold and shedding his jacket to take pictures in the 33 degrees weather while making sarcastic jokes to the photographer Nigel Parry, saying "Oh man, listen, take your time, listen, I am enjoying the weather so f---ing much!"

The notoriosly Detroit based rapper goes on to explain what the cover means to him: "It symbolizes, like, what my life is like right now because of the fame, but also kind of how I've had to remove myself from society a little bit, pull back to conquer my demons, my addiction and that whole thing, it also symbolizes me never leaving Detroit, you know? I'm kinda just sitting in the middle of Detroit, watching TV. And it's kind of my living room, where people are just walking by."

The video ends on a light note, first with Em and crew getting ready to shoot the second cover for the dual covered album, as well as a jokingly ranting Eminem keeping the crew from loading into the van, and standing in the cold while spouting off self help mantra's such as "You gotta take it one day at a time,".

Also at the end is the promise for additional behind the footage scenes from Recovery in a second episode.

Michael Jackson New Album Coming In November

I've had a new Michael Jackson album locked in November on the Urban New Release Schedule for awhile, but now it's official. With that, let the Christmas selling season begin.

via Rolling Stone

An all-new Michael Jackson collection featuring 10 unreleased songs will be released this November, a rep for the Jackson estate exclusively tells Rolling Stone. At the time of his death Jackson reportedly left hard drives filled with unheard music, much of it recorded during the King of Pop's '80s peak. Jackson's manager Frank DiLeo told RS that he estimates that Jackson's vaults contain more than 100 completed and unreleased songs, including collaborations with Akon, Will.i.am and Ne-Yo. "There are a couple of songs we recorded for the Bad album that we had to cut that are just sensational," DiLeo said

Jim Jonsin On Working With Eminem, T.I. & B.o.B In A Us Weekly Interview

UsMagazine.com: What was your favorite part of working with Eminem?

Jim Jonsin: It was my first time working with him. What was my favorite part? I guess just creating and coming up with ideas and kind of getting to know him. It's kind of rare to be in a room with a guy like that. So being a fan at first was really cool, you know? It's one of those things where you go 'holy s--- I'm in here working with Eminem.' That is a big deal for someone like me. Just meeting him as a person was probably the coolest part. Working with him in the studio is pretty standard, you write songs, you record them, you put down ideas, make beats. It is all about kicking it with the person. He is a lot more serious than most artists I've worked with. He takes his business and craft and music very seriously. He is very detail-oriented, so it could be something like a mix of drums on a record, and he is going to be really crucial about how it sounds, and crucial about instrumentation, his lyrics, his delivery.

Us: Why does this album differ from Eminem's past ones?

JJ: Because he had me producing records on there. No, first off, that is actually a good point, he had other producers working on this album with him, and not only Dre. That was a huge part of it --different sounds, different ideas. Not taking anything [away] from Dre. because he's a genius, but this was a way for Eminem to grow and learn more from different people. I'm always learning, no matter who I work with I learn different things, and I think the same thing goes for Eminem. If you're working with new producers, you're seeing different angles, and different sounds being used, different motivation and things like that. I think that's what makes this album different. Also, maybe what he is going through in his life right now, [is] different than before.

Us: You said his work ethic was very serious, very detail-oriented...

JJ: He has a strong work ethic. I'm a father, he's a father, [and] he came in at a certain time, early in the afternoon and he planned to leave like [at] a job. He went in, he did his thing, and was out at a certain time to be with his kid and his family, which I admire. It's kind of hard [having a family] in this business, but if you can balance it, it's a really good thing.

Us: So right now you're in the process with working with B.O.B?

JJ: We're going to get started in another 30 days. We are working on ideas, I'm going to get in with him and whoever else is involved and start working on the album. I've been working with him for over three years, producing and writing for him. We're working on some new stuff and I think creatively B.O.B and I have had many firsts together. He's very talented. He is a Jack of all trades -- he plays guitar, keys, writes, raps, sings. I’m sure he'd pick up a saxophone if it called for it and try to play that.

Us: How is T.I.'s album coming along?

JJ: I have done two sessions with him. We've done three songs together now and we are working on other stuff.

Us: How would you sum up your goals for his album?

JJ: I think he is just trying to write some classic records. Some really good, solid songs. (source)

Black Milk 'Album Of The Year' Trailer

Music producer auteur, Black Milk reminds us why he's the most acclaimed underground hip hop producer around in this trailer for his upcoming album Album Of The Year on Fat Beats out September 14th.

B.o.B: Guardian UK Feature

'This is the gateway," says an animated Bobby Ray Simmons Jr, rearranging glasses of water on a table in a central London hotel to represent a portal. The rapper, already a veteran at 21, is trying to explain why his career to date has been defined by the tussle between his experimental inclinations and commercial realities, between going his own way and following the gangs/guns/girls crowd. And in so doing he is providing an object lesson in how hip-hop – once a music defined by its resistance to compromise – operates as an increasingly dysfunctional business in 2010.

"You have everybody filing in," he continues, marching a pepper pot and a salt cellar between the drinks to represent the rappers who are content to simply supply music to the mainstream market. "And it's easy, because it's just straight up-and-down, everybody followin' the format. But when you wanna do something different, you have to go all the way around …" At which point Simmons picks up his own drink – an Earl Grey Martini, rather than the rapper stereotype of Moët or brandy – and sweeps it to the left, around the side of the gateway.

"And a lot o' people don't wanna do that," he smiles. "They'd rather just go straight in, rather have a surefire way of makin' it as an artist. I kinda started that way, but it was like, 'Aargh! I just can't do it!' I can't. I can't conform, it's not in my nature. So it took me a long time."

Read the full feature here:
B.o.B - Guardian UK

Miguel: Pop Eater 'About To Pop' Interview

PE: How would you describe your sound?

Miguel: I would describe my sound as fly, futuristic, intergalactic freedom fighter rogue ill s---, on steroids [laughs]. No, I would describe my music as being honest. The sound is probably a mixture of funk, hip-hop and classic rock.

PE: Who are your biggest musical influences?

Miguel: Right now my biggest musical influences include Kanye West, Francis and the Lights, another band called Dom, Passion Pit. I always listen to J Dilla, anything he's done has been amazing, so Slum Village. Frank n Dank, Steve Spacek. Cameo is still also a huge influence on my music. Queen, and Prince.

PE: How have your past relationships influenced your songwriting?

Miguel: How have they not? I base a lot of my material on actual events. I can't think of a single song that is not based on some truth that I've lived. I think that's what makes my music stand out, because I think the honesty is apparent.

PE: What's the idea behind the futuristic video for 'All I Want Is You' and the cyborg girls?

Miguel: I wanted to accomplish something that was nostalgic, in the sense that there was familiarity in the setting, but have an intelligent twist to the video with the futuristic flair -- it mimics the vibe of the song. When you dissect the song, the '90s-era hip-hop drums, which represent the familiar, are juxtaposed with the delivery of the vocals, which are a more classic rock approach to typical R&B delivery, which I wanted the video to mirror. Alex Moors did an amazing job with it, so shout out to Alex Moors.

PE: Who would you like to collaborate with next? Are there any producers you'd really like to work with?

Miguel: I can't wait to spend a lot of time collaborating with my brother. I mean this when I say it -- he's going to be way better and doper than me at everything. That's what we want, right? For our siblings to be better? So I'm excited to collaborate with him, because his ideas, musically and lyrically, are really beyond me sometimes. We obviously have a close personal relationship, but on a musical level, he knows my taste, he knows my instincts and he can take that and run with it.

Aside from my brother, I'd love to work with Flying Lotus, Trent Reznor if possible, Kanye West, No ID, Dr. Dre, the Neptunes and many more.

PE: How has your life changed since you got a record deal?

Miguel: Honestly, that's kind of a trick question. My life didn't change that much when I got a record deal, but now that my first single is starting to get some recognition, being played in different markets and whatnot, not to mention the videos on MTV and VH1, it's kind of cool hearing from people who really like the music and dig the sound. They go out and dig for my other music and give me such great feedback. (source)

DJ Muggs In A Dante Ross Interview

A true history lesson with both of these legends in the same room, Dante Ross interviews DJ Muggs on Cypress Hill and the beginnings of their rap career in the midst of the renaissance of hip hop in the late 80's. Some great tidbits and nuggets from back in the day.

Who, What, Where Weekly Photo Links 7/28

Big Boi performs at the Marvel vs. Capcom 3 party at Comic-Con in San Diego, CA - Thursday, July 22nd.

This photo and other events from this past week in the form of links below.

Tuesday, July 27

J. Cole, Wale, Laura Izibor, Estelle, Melanie Fiona, B.o.B and others at the BET's "Rising Icons" series in Los Angeles, CA:
Getty Images
Wire Image
Rex Features
Star Traks Photo 1
Star Traks Photo 2
WENN Photo

Drake in concert Vancouver BC, Canada:
Corbis Images

Black Eyed Peas perform live and after party in Toronto, Canada:
WENN Photo
Wire Image

DJ Premiere, Cassidy, Redman, Tony Touch, Joell Ortiz and others at Who's Next Live with Fat Joe in NYC:
Wire Image

Kelly Rowland in Sydney, Australia:
Getty Images

Aretha Franklin & Condoleezza Rice at concert appearance in Philadelphia, PA:
Getty Images
Wire Image

Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs M&M'S "Party Like Diddy" meet & greet in Los Angeles, CA:
Getty Images
Wire Image
WENN Photo

Monday, July 26

Will.i.am launches his clothing line "i.am" in Los Angeles, CA:
Wire Image

Dru Hill on BET's "106 & Park" studios in NYC:
Wire Image

Jon B. performs live in NYC:
Wire Image

DJ Smalls, Verse Simmonds, OJ Da Juiceman and others at Red Carpet Mondays Fashion Show Extravaganza hosted by Jazzy Pha and Mychael Knight in Atlanta, GA:
PR Photos

John Legend and others perform at A Great Day in Harlem: Concert Under the Stars in NYC:
Getty Images
PR Photos

Christina Milian and Serena Williams in Los Angeles, CA:
Rex Features

Sunday, July 25

Prince performs live in Paris, France:
Rex Features

John Legend performs live in Philadelphia, PA:
Rex Features
Star Traks Photo

Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, Sean 'Diddy' Combs and others in Miami, FL:
Rex Features
Star Traks Photo

Foxy Brown performs live in NYC:
Getty Images
WENN Photo

Splash Music Festival Day 3 with Missy Elliott, Rah Digga and others in Germany:
Getty Images

Saturday, July 24

Keri Hilson at the 400 Club in Miami, FL:
WENN Photo

Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs & Dirty Money throw the first pitch at the Marlins vs. Braves in Miami, FL:
Getty Images
WENN Photo

Erykah Badu performs live in London, UK:
Getty Images
Rex Features

Michelle Williams at the Celebrity Poker Tournament Kick Off Party in Las Vegas, NV:
Getty Images

Art For Life East Hampton 11th Annual Benefit with John Legend, Russell Simmons, Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys and others at Russell's East Hampton Estate NY:
Getty Images
Wire Image 1
Wire Image 2
Rex Features
Patrick McMullan
PR Photos
Globe Photos
WENN Photo

Rye Rye & M.I.A. perform live at the Hard Music Festival in NYC:
Getty Images
WENN Photo 1
WENN Photo 2

Mary J. Blige and others perform live at the Lilith Fair in Toronto, Canada:
WENN Photo

Splash Music Festival Day 2 with Buckshot, Smif-n-Wessun, RZA, Method Man, U-God, Wu-Tang Clan and others in Germany:
Getty Images

Friday, July 23

Jay-Z at the Kansas City Royals vs New York Yankees at yankee Stadium in NYC:
Getty Images

Damon Dash in NYC:
Rex Features

Michelle Williams & Letoya Luckett at the Celebrity Poker Tournament Kick Off Party in Las Vegas, NV:
Film Magic
PR Photos
WENN Photo

Rick Rubin & Beastie Boys' Mike D attend the Rage Against The Machine concert in Hollywood, CA:
Getty Images
Rex Features
Star Traks Photo

Keri Hilson performs live with video director Gil Green and others in attendance in Miami, FL:
Film Magic

Splash Music Festival Day 2 with Tech N9ne, Nas & Damian Marley, Kool Savas and others in Germany:
Getty Images

Thursday, July 22

Big Boi performs live at Marvel vs Capcom 3 Comic-Con party in San Diego, CA:
See coverage here

Dipset's Jim Jones' Birthday party in NYC:
Film Magic

Jeremih, Fabolous and others party in NYC:
Wire Image
Film Magic

Robin Thicke & Janelle Monae perform at Hugo Boss party in NYC:
Getty Images
Wire Image 1
Wire Image 2
Rex Features
PR Photos
Patrick McMullan
WENN Photo

Cali Swag District performs live at a showcase in NYC:
Getty Images
Wire Image

Soulja Boy on BET's '106 & Park' in NYC:
Wire Image

Rihanna In Concert At Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA:
WENN Photo

Bun B 'Trill OG' listening party with Lupe Fiasco, jeweler Johnny Dang, manager Cortez Bryant, Yo Gotti, Slim Thug and others in Houston, TX:
Ozone Mag

Wednesday, July 21

Rihanna in concert and after party in Los Angeles, CA:
Wire Image 1
Wire Image 2
Film Magic

N*E*R*D in concert in Marbella, Spain:
PR Photos

New Music Seminar closing night artists panel with Swizz Beatz, Nile Rodgers and others in NYC:
Getty Images

Last week's:
Who, What, Where Weekly Photo Links 7/21

Mary J. Blige Steals The Show At This Year's Lilith Fair Concert Stop In Cleveland, OH

Review and photo courtesy of the Cleveland Plain Dealer / John Soeder

It was billed as “the celebration of women in music.”

Sarah McLachlan was the hostess. And Mary J. Blige was the life of the party when Lilith, the female-fronted roadshow formerly known as Lilith Fair, returned to Blossom Music Center on Tuesday (July 27th), following an 11-year break.

The eight-hour extravaganza showcased a variety of musical styles, from introspective singer-songwriter fare to uptempo electro-pop. Women dominated not only the spotlight, but the audience of 5,000-plus fans.

Blige stole the show with her charismatic performance. Accompanied by a 10-piece band (including four backing vocalists), the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul had concertgoers on their feet for “Real Love,” “No More Drama,” Be Without You” and other empowering hits.

Blige also put her stamp on a couple of classic rock songs. She belted out U2’s “One” with gospel-style fervor and breathed new life into the Led Zeppelin warhorse “Stairway to Heaven,” which made for a stunning highlight.

a fan shot clip below, courtesy of hallk567.

Eminem: Ross Ain't The Boss In 'Teflon Don's' First Week Sales

Despite early chart predictions, Rick Ross 'Teflon Don' didn't make the cut for that #1 spot on Billboard's album chart. In this week's Nielsen/Souncscan numbers, Teflon pulled in 176,000, while Em's Recovery sold with a stronger with 187,000. Leave it to Eminem's continued staying power of the 'Recovery' now its 5 consecutive week at #1.

Curren$y: New York Times Reviews 'Pilot Talk'

As reviewed by Jon Caramanica / New York Times
Image & article spotted via DD172

The New Orleans rapper Currensy was once a member of the Master P affiliates the 504 Boyz, and was later signed to Lil Wayne’s Young Money Records. So it comes as a surprise that on his major label debut, “Pilot Talk,” what comes to mind far more quickly than anything Southern is the reign of mid-1990s jazzbos Digable Planets.

That’s because Currensy is the second most important person on this album: the first is Ski Beatz, a long-dormant refugee of that era, who produced almost the entire record. A street-oriented classicist, he was responsible for several dank songs on Jay-Z’s 1996 debut, “Reasonable Doubt,” and almost all of the 1997 Camp Lo debut, “Uptown Saturday Night,” which exploded with sunbursts of orchestral soul. That record feels like the template for the formidable and lush “Pilot Talk,” full of braying guitars, seductive, plangent keyboards and crisp drums, and purportedly free of samples. “Audio Dope II” is sluggish and hard all at once; “Chilled Coughphee” sounds like theme music for a lost ’70s black sitcom; and several songs recall Grover Washington Jr.

And then there’s Currensy, who raps in tight clusters of syllables that sound smooth but say little. Mainly he’s interested in getting high — “That killer weed/Alfred Hitchcock in the Ziploc,” he raps over soft-soul piano on “The Hangover” — and, occasionally, getting high with other people. Still, many of his friends, under the influence or not, perform better: Currensy is out-rapped by several guests here, including Big K.R.I.T. on “Skybourne” and Jay Electronica on “The Day.”

He sounds less hungry than he has on any of the several mix-tapes and independent albums he has released to this point. Maybe he’s been lounging too much at a downtown Manhattan fixture that’s a long way from New Orleans. “TriBeCa at Bubby’s/I’m enjoying the lemon press,” Currensy raps. “Not that Minute Maid,” he cautions, adding, “They squeeze these lemons theyself.”

Related:
Curren$y 'Pilot Talk' Hip Hop Reviews Are In

Shawn Chrystopher 'You And Only You' New Release Set For October 19th

via the press release

Recording artist Shawn Chrystopher is set to release his Sophomore LP, entitled "You, and Only You" on October 19th, 2010. After the widely popular debut album "A City With No Seasons" last year, and the ever-growing "The Audition EP" (released March 2010) Shawn is ready to get back to what he does best and provide listeners with an in-dept an artistic look into his life and everything that surrounds it.

"This album will almost be like a diary or journal of what's been going in my life. I feel that if you write about human experiences, you never limit your audience because these will be stories and emotions that we all go through on a daily basis."

After parting ways with Elitaste management, which Shawn considers being the "best decision I've made in my entire life," he's eager for the world to hear an album that won't be filled with the decisions and direction of people who he feels "dont care about the artistic nature of music."

"I dont regret many things, but I do regret my decision to be linked with them for the time that I was. I just got tired of the 'make music to make money' mindset and was ready to be an artist again. There was no true loyalty or love for music, everyone is just a check. I feel that if the money is supposed to come, it comes...but it will with me being who I am. There was just only so much I can take of going into the studio every night and being constantly forced to make a song for radio."

"You, and Only You" will feature production from Shawn and his production partner Cameron Wallace, as well as well-known producer Apple Juice Kid.

"When its all said and done, and everyone turns their back on you....you have to make a choice to either quit or continue on," says Shawn. "When its you and only you, do you have the heart and strength to go on? This album will prove that I do."

Huey 'Redemption' Album Info And Tracklist

via the press release

Huey Redemption on EMI/OMG/Que Records set to arrive September 14th.

Huey is a talented young St. Louis-born artist best known for his debut chart-topping hit “Pop Lock and Drop It,” which was a top 3 single on the Billboard charts and for being featured on “MTV Jams”, appearances on MTV’s “Cribs” a performance on the finale of “America’s Best Dance Crew” and for becoming a staple on BET’s “106 & Park” countdown for almost two straight months. The subsequent remix with T-Pain & Bow Wow only solidified “Pop Lock and Drop It” status as a bonafide smash. Huey’s debut LP, Notebook Paper, (2007 Jive Records) featured production from T-Pain, Mannie Fresh, Jazzy Pha and Stargate and it was a Top 5 Hip-Hop debut on the Billboard charts.

Grounded on the same streets that produced successes among the likes of Nelly, Chingy and the St. Lunatics, Huey’s approach is a refreshing one. "I'm versatile," he offers matter of factly. "It's like whatever the beat tells me to do – it could be relaxed on a cool level to where I'm explaining my feelings for a female. It could be me explaining my feelings for money. It could be dancing in the club, crunk in the club. It's a bunch of everything that's going to be on this album."

After experiencing some delays in securing his release from Jive Records, Huey’s sophomore LP, Redemption (release date 9-14-2010), is finally ready for release and the LP’s lead-single, “Smile and Wave,” feat. Dorrough is currently available at iTunes and the track was featured on the AOL Music homepage with 30 million plus uniques. The LP’s follow-up single, “I Go Crazy,” feat. Colby O’Donis will also impact in the immediate future. Huey’s “Hello To All My Haterz” video premiered on Worldstarhiphop.com in the top slot and has already received millions of views.

Only five years in, Huey has already climbed the rap totem-pole and already speaks like a seasoned veteran. And while outside opinions may sway, he's clearly been placed in a situation to carry on the musical following of St. Louis – by any means necessary. "Right now, we're viewed as commercial flat out," Huey says. "Right now we're just looked at as a commercial place and it's not that. We're not just commercial. It's gutter in St. Louis and me as a young person, it probably would be hard to believe. That's why you gotta straight give it to ‘em. It's a new St. Louis and that's what I'm about to show err'body."

“Huey’s ‘Redemption’ is party-feel-good, make-you-want-to-dance music and it’s being released just in time to make the summer hit lists,” said Que Records’ CEO Quayshaun. “I am very excited about this joint venture between my label and OMG Media and our distribution deal with EMI. Huey is next in line to impact the music industry.

Tracklisting and credits for Huey’s Redemption LP:

01. Redemption
02. Hello 2 All My Haters
03. Smile & Wave ft. Dorrough
04. I Go Crazy ft. Colby O’ Donis
05. Rain
06. High f/JR
07. Famous f/Mack
08. U
09. Section
10. So Good (Get It Girl)
11. Why So Serious
12. Retarded

U2 Working With BLACKstreet Singer And Producer Dave Hollister

via FMQB

R&B producer/singer Dave Hollister, who was one-fourth of '90s group BLACKstreet, tweeted earlier this week that he was "In the studio working with U2! Man I'm excited! Bono baby!" He revealed that the band is "doing some classics" and apparently re-recording or re-working Rattle And Hum's "All I Want Is You" and "Grace" from All That You Can't Leave Behind. No other information about the project is known at this time.

Linkin Park 'A Thousand Suns' Artwork And Tracklisting Posted Online

Linkin Park A Thousand Suns on Machine Shop Recordings/Warner Bros arrives September 14.

"A Thousand Suns" track listing:

01. The Requiem
02. The Radiance
03. Burning In The Skies
04. Empty Spaces
05. When They Come For Me
06. Robot Boy
07. Jornada Del Muerto
08. Waiting For The End
09. Blackout
10. Wretches And Kings
11. Wisdom, Justice, And Love
12. Iridescent
13. Fallout
14. The Catalyst
15. The Messenger

(source)

Hip Hop And R&B New Releases 7/27

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

July 27, 2010


Tech N9ne Collabos The Ollie Gates Mixed Plate
(Strange Music)


Fat Joe - The Darkside: Volume 1
(E1/Terror Squad)


Slum Village - Villa Manifesto
(E1)


Street Sweeper Social Club - Ghetto Blaster (EP)
(Street Sweeper Social Club)


Killah Priest - The 3 Day Theory
(Fat Beats)

Also Available:

Krayzie Bone – The Fixtape Vol. 3: Lyrical Paraphernalia
(RBC)

DruHill - InDRUpendence Day
(Kedar Entertainment)

ZO! - Sunstorm
(Foreign Exchange/Hard Boiled)

Mike Phillips - MP3
(Hidden Beach Recordings)

Paper Tiger - Made Like Us (digital version only)
(Doomtree)

Joe - Joe Live From Japan - DVD
(Kedar Entertainment)

Madlib - Medicine Show No. 7: High Jazz
(Stones Throw)

Cut Chemist - Sound Of The Police
(A Stable Sound/Soul Kitchen)

Kooley High - Eastern Standard Time (digital version only)
(M.E.C.C.A. Records)

Chubb Rock - Bridging The Gap
(Unruly)

Shawn Jackson - Brand New Old Me
(Tres Records)

Step Up 3D Original Motion Picture Soundtrack - Various
(Atlantic Records)

2 Hungry Bros Presents 8thW1 - No Room For Dessert
(Domination Recordings)

For the full list of new releases:
Urban New Release Schedule 7/15

Tabi Bonney - 'Nuthin But A Hero' (video)

Shot in Washington DC, Hollywood and Malibu, CA with Murs and Swayze cameos, tabi Bonney's video for the track 'Nuthin' But A Hero.'

Needlz: iStandard Music Producer Interview

J-Hatch from iStandard takes a moment to interview producer Needlz at his new studio in Atlanta, GA.

Big Boi Thrills Geek Crowd At Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Party Comic-Con San Diego

via Variety

It might be all business and good clean geek fun during the day, but it’s all about the parties at night. At the Marvel vs. Capcom party at the Hard Rock Hotel, Big Boi played for the nerd herd a selection of songs from his new album "Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty," as well as a few tunes from OutKast's "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below."

His appearance at Comic-Con proved once again that the annual convention is moving away from its geeky roots to take its place firmly as a modern pop culture event.

Photo links:
Getty Images 1
Getty Images 2
Wire Image

(video courtesy of Josh Keaton)

YG - 'Toot It & Boot It' (video)

YG Fresh On Campus on Island/Def Jam coming soon!

Drake Live In Winnipeg Concert Review With Set List

As reported by Darryl Sterdan at Sun Media / Canoe Jam

WINNIPEG - There's a difference between phenomenon and phenomenal. And I'm not talking about two letters.

I'm talking about five letters: D to the R to the A-K-E. The Toronto rapper born Aubrey Graham is clearly a sensation — along with a lady named Gaga and a kid named Justin, he's the hottest thing in music right now. Dude was nominated for Grammys and took home Junos even before his debut album Thank Me Later — which has already gone platinum — dropped last month.

Impressive? Indisputably. But as a performer, well, let's just say that the 23-year-old hip-hopper clearly has plenty of charisma and raw talent. But just as clearly, he still needs to up his game before he can truly hold his own in the bigs.

Not that Drizzy was slacking when his Away From Home tour stopped at Centennial Concert Hall Wednesday night. With the help of a boombastic PA that shook the building like an earthquake, a stroboscopic light show that was blinding and blazing, and a funky quintet (including a fleet-fingered DJ) that pumped out the jams, Drake and a sold-out crowd of 2,300 teenagers turned the classy confines of Centennial Concert Hall into the city's largest nightclub for 70 fast-moving minutes.

"Tonight's so special," the black-clad Drake claimed after taking the stage an hour late (which isn't too bad for hip-hop time). "They finally let me come back to Canada. I'm gonna ask you to do one thing — just show me a good motherf---ing time."

Set List:

9 AM in Dallas

Forever

Unstoppable

Show Me a Good Time

Lust for Life

Fireworks

Money to Blow

Lose My Mind

I'm Going In

Every Girl In the World

Bedrock

Unthinkable

A Night Off

Successful

Say Something

Fancy

Find Your Love / Paris Morton Music

Best I Ever Had

Free Weezy

Over

Read the full concert review here:
Drake in Winnipeg

(video courtesy of FreshNewMusikTV & madups77)

Who, What, Where Weekly Photo Links 7/21

Treach of Naughty By Nature performs live at the New Music Seminar opening night showcase in NYC (Photo courtesy of Ryan Muir / NY Metro Mix)

This and more events from the past week, in photo links below.

Tuesday, July 20

Mary J. Blige performing live at the Lilith Fair in Noblesville, IN:
Getty Images
Wire Image
Film Magic

Target opens East Harlem location with red carpet event with Rev Run, Russell Simmons, Doug E. Fresh and others in NYC:
Getty Images
Rex Features
Patrick McMullan

Rick Ross album release party in Miami, FL:
Wire Image

Nas and Damian 'Jr Gong' Marley perform live in London, UK:
Corbis Images
Getty Images
Rex Features

N*E*R*D performs live at Paleo Festival in Switzerland:
Rex Features
WENN Photo

Monday, July 19

B.O.B in Sydney, Australia:
Rex Features

Rick Ross album release party in NYC:
Wire Image
Film Magic

Rick Ross on Sirius XM in NYC:
Getty Images

New Music Seminar Opening Night Party with Naughty By Nature, Mickey Factz and others in NYC:
Getty Images
Wire Image
NY Metro Mix

Swizz Beatz and Lenny Kravitz in downtown Manhattan, NYC:
Wire Image

Snoop, Rich Boy and others at the VH1 Do Something Awards in Hollywood, CA:
Getty Images 1
Getty Images 2
Getty Images 3
Wire Image 1
Wire Image 2
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Wire Image 4
Film Magic 1
Film Magic 2
Film Magic 3
Corbis Images
Rex Features
PR Photos 1
PR Photos 2
Daily Celeb
Star Traks Photo
Globe Photos
WENN Photo

Amber Rose in Los Angeles, CA:
Rex Features

Rihanna in Los Angeles, CA:
WENN Photo

Kid Sister performs live in Chicago, IL:
Getty Images

Sunday, July 18

Big Boi and others at the Pitchfork Festival in Chicago, IL:
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Getty Images 2
Wire Image

Lupe Fiasco, Nipsey Hussle, Rich Boy, Laker's Ron Artest, YG, Ludacris and others at the Diabetes Awareness & Healthy Living Benefit in Los Angeles, CA:
Wire Image

Common, Flo Rida and others at the Summer Groove All-Star Basketball Game in Miami, FL:
Getty Images
Film Magic

Mary J. Blige and others performing live at the Lilith Fair in Minneapolis, MN:
Getty Images

Saturday, July 17

Babyface, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly perform in Atlanta, GA:
PR Photos

Rihanna performs live in Las Vegas, NV:
Getty Images
Corbis Images
WENN Photo

Charity Event hosted by Russell Simmons for St. Judes Childrens Hospital, Ronald McDonald House and Kenyan Educational Fund in East Hampton, NY:
Patrick McMullan

Mary J. Blige and others performing live at the Lilith Fair in Chicago, IL:
Getty Images

Raekwon, Freddie Gibbs and others at the Pitchfork Festival in Chicago, IL:
Getty Images 1
Getty Images 2

Aloe Blacc, Raphael Saadiq and others perform live at Central Park in NYC:
Getty Images

Friday, July 16

Bell Biv Devoe perform in NYC:
Wire Image

Nas And Damian Marley perform in Manchester England:
Wire Image

Heineken Inspire Dinner with Coltrane Curtis, Dice Raw and others in Philadelphia, PA:
Wire Image

Kelly Rowland at a radio interview in Nashville, TN:
PR Photos

Mary J. Blige and others performing live at the Lilith Fair in St. Louis, MO:
Rex Features
Star Traks Photo

Dipset's JIm Jones at Shine On at Solstice Sunglass Boutique Hosted by Mya in Miami, FL:
Rex Features
Star Traks Photo

Thursday, July 15

50 Cent performs live in São Paulo, Brazil:
Getty Images
Flickr

Missy Elliot performs live in Tel Aviv:
Getty Images

Common performs live in Las Vegas, NV:
Getty Images
Wire Image

Mos Def performs at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, CA:
Wire Image

Flo Rida performs in Las Vegas, NV:
Wire Image
Film Magic

R&B Singer Jeremih performs in Las Vegas, NV:
Film Magic
PR Photos
WENN Photo

Angela Simmons and Bow Wow at Trina Turk Swim Show in Miami Beach, FL:
Star Traks Photo

John Legend and girlfriend Christine Teigen in Miami, FL:
Star Traks Photo

Wednesday, July 14

Jay-Z leaving a photo shoot in the West Village, NYC:
Rex Features

J. Cole on FUSE TV Hip Hop Shop taping in NYC:
Getty Images
Rex Features
Star Traks Photo

50 Cent presents G-Unit Clothing Company In Brazil:
Getty Images

Fantasia's meet and greet event in Detroit, MI:
Wire Image

Donnis & Kidz in the Hall appearance at the Apple store in Soho NYC:
Getty Images
Wire Image

Tricky Stewart and others at Grammy Camp in Los Angeles, CA:
Wire Image
Film Magic

Vida Guerra and others at PETA's National Veggie Dog Day in Washington DC:
Getty Images
Wire Image
Rex Features

Will.i.am in Saint-Tropez, France:
WENN Photo 1
WENN Photo 2

Last week's:
Who, What, Where Weekly Photo Links 7/14

Eminem 5 Week #1 Stance Threaten By First Week Projected 'Teflon Don' Sales

According to Hits Daily Double, Rick Ross 'Teflon Don' is projected to sell 170-180K in first week sales. This could mean an end to Eminem's sizable reign on his four week #1 spot with Recovery.
Let's revisit this time next week as the Nielsen SoundScan numbers will be officially confirmed.

DJ Muggs & Ill Bill Talk Groundwork On New Album Kill Devil Hills

DJ Muggs vs Ill Bill Kill Devil Hills on Angeles/Fat Beats in-stores August 24th.

Mann 'Birthday Philosophy' Mixtape

Recently signed to Mercury/Def Jam, producer J.R. Rotem hand picked the Los Angeles native Mann to take the crossover hip hop world by storm.

About the project:

[July 20th, 2010] After the first two mixtapes Vintage Cutz and A Near Life Experience, then his radio single “Text” West LA, CA recording artist Mann is releasing what can only be described as a statement EP project where every person is encouraged to live every day like their birthday per Mann’s “Birthday Philosophy"

The Birthday Philosophy makes anything we can say an understatement when the music itself is the boldest statement to be made.

As Mann himself states, “"After sitting back and surveying the music scene recently I felt I had to step my game up... This EP is to say to people who aren't quite sure of who exactly I am as an artist, and why I am in the position that I'm in (i.e. Def Jam/Mercury/Beluga Heights). I'm much more than my single 'Text' showed people and I hope it comes through in this project"

The understated brilliance and cohesiveness of a project helmed by one producer/engineer in Redvision helps to answer this career balancing act of the mainstream music he has created with JR and his Hip-Hop roots that lead him to his record deal.

There comes a time when the whole of a man’s experience must be manifested in his art rather than simply a sum of all the parts he has picked up until then. A rubberband can only be stretched so far before it returns back to its original shape, and traveling around the country in support of various projects has finally brought Mann back home to the artist with the ingenuity to make it to Def Jam before this “Mann” could legally buy a pack of zig zags. An appreciator of music can listen to the final stages of an evolution of a West L.A. musician befall their very ears on Birthday Philosophy, and the best part about this, with Mann being a product of his environment in the best sense of the phrase, this is as much West L.A.’s album as it is Mann’s. Follow West L.A.’s evolution (Manns World) along with Mann’s. Treat every day like your birthday.

Download Birthday Philosophy here.

Bei Maejor - 'Gamez' Ft. Keri Hilson

From his upcoming free mixtape, uʍop ǝpısdn (Upside Down), Bei Maejor gives a taste of what we expect with new music featuring Ms. Keri Hilson on the track 'Gamez.'

Download Gamez here.