First Week Soundscan Top 2010 Sales Recap

The complete run down of first week Soundscan sales for the year that was, 2010.

1 million-300K
Taylor Swift - Speak Now (1,047,000)
Eminem - Recovery (741,400)
Sade - Soldier Of Love (502,000)
Lady Antebellum - Need You Now (481,000)
Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (469,000)
Drake - Thank Me Later (447,000)
Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday (375,000)
Usher - Raymond vs Raymond (329,000)
Susan Boyle - The Gift (318,000)

299-150K
Justin Bieber - My World 2.0 (283,000)
Linkin Park - A Thousand Suns (241,000)
Trey Songz - Passion, Pain & Pleasure (240,000)
Michael Jackson - Michael (228,000)
Rihanna - Loud (206,800)
Katy Perry - Teenage Dream (192,000)
Monica - Still Standing (184,000)
Kings of Leon - Come Around Sundown (184,000)
Disturbed - Asylum (179,000)
Lil Wayne - Rebirth (176,000)
Rick Ross - Teflon Don (176,000)
Hope For Haiti - V/A (171,000)
Kid Cudi - Man On The Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager (169,000)
Avenged Sevenfold - Nightmare (163,000)
T.I. - No Mercy (159,500)
Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (156,000)
R. Kelly - Love Letter (154,000)
Ke$ha - Animal (152,000)

149-100K
Jamie Foxx - Best Night Of My Life (144,000)
Maroon 5 - Hands All Over (142,000)
Ludacris - Battle Of The Sexes (137,000)
Keyshia Cole - Calling All Hearts (128,000)
Vampire Weekend - Contra (124,000)
The Black Eyed Peas - The Beginning (119,000)
Fantasia - Back To Me (117,000)
Justin Bieber - My Worlds Acoustic (115,000)
Jaheim - Another Round (112,000)
Gorillaz - Plastic Beach (112,000)
My Chemical Romance - Danger Days (112,000)
Ne-Yo - Libra Scale (112,000)
Christina Aguilera - Bionic (111,000)
Erykah Badu - New Amerykah pt. 2 (110,000)
Lil Wayne - I Am Not A Human Being (110,000)
Keri Hilson - No Boys Allowed (102,000)
Diddy-Dirty Money - Last Train To Paris (101,000)

99-50K
B.o.B - The Adventures of Bobby Ray (84,000)
Ke$ha - Cannibal (74,300)
Kem - Intimacy (74,000)
Black Keys - Brothers (73,000)
Tron Legacy - Soundtrack (71,000)
MGMT - Congratulations (66,000)
Santana - Guitar Heaven (66,000)
Nelly - 5.0 (63,500)
John Legend & The Roots - Wake Up! (63,000)
Big Boi - Sir Lucious Left Foot (62,400)
Gucci Mane - The Appeal: Georgia's Most Wanted (60,000)
The-Dream - Love King (58,000)
Charlie Wilson - Just Charlie (57,400)
Damian Marley & Nas - Distant Relatives (57,300)
Jazmine Sullivan - Love Me Back (57,000)
Plies - Goon Affiliated (56,000)
Bruno Mars - Doo-Wops & Hooligans (54,800)
Toni Braxton - Pulse (54,000)
Corrine Bailey Rae - The Sea (53,000)
The Roots - How I Got Over (51,000)

49-30K
Broken Bells - Broken Bells (49,000)
Usher - Versus (46,000)
Raheem Devaughn - Love And War of Masterpiece (45,000)
Lloyd Banks - H.F.M. 2 (The Hunger For More) (44,000)
Tank - Now Or Never (44,000)
Chrisette Michele - Let Freedom Reign (42,100)
Jason Derulo - Jason Derulo (42,000)
Bun B - Trill O.G. (41,000)
Cee-Lo Green - The Lady Killer (41,000)
Lady Gaga - Remix (39,000)
Method Man, Ghostface & Rae - The Wu Massacre (38,000)
Waka Flocka Flame - Flockaveli (37,200)
Ciara - Basic Instinct (37,000)
Lyfe Jennings - I Still Believe (36,000)
Trina - Amazin (32,400)
Eric Benet - Lost In Time (32,200)
Norah Jones - Featuring (31,000)
Lil Boosie - Incarcerated (30,000)
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - Uni5: The Worlds Enemy (29,500)

29-16K
Mike Posner - 31 Minutes Until Take Off (29,000)
DJ Khaled - Victory (28,000)
M.I.A. - Maya (28,000)
Lecrae - Rehab (28,000)
Jay-Z - The Hits Collection Vol.1 (27,700)
Faith Evans - Something About Faith (23,600)
Ron Isley - Mr. I (22,400)
Ice Cube - I Am The West (22,000)
Janelle Monae - The ArchAndroid (21,000)
Reflection Eternal - Revolutions Per Minute (21,000)
El Debarge - Second Chance (20,600)
Usher - Raymond Vs Raymond DLX (20,000)
N*E*R*D - Nothing (20,000)
Omarion - Ollusion (19,000)
Gucci Mane - retail mixtape (19,000)
Cypress Hill - Rise Up (18,000)
Jeremih - All About You (18,000)
Kandi Burress - Kandi Koated (18,000)
Pimp C - The Naked Soul Of Sweet Jones (17,900)
Donnell Jones - Lyrics (17,300)
Tech N9ne Collobos - The Gates Mixed Plate (17,000)
Far East Movement - Free Wired (17,000)
Seal - 6: Commitment (16,800)
8Ball & MJG - Ten Toes Down (16,100)

15-10K
Snoop - More Malice (15,000)
Travis McCoy - The Lazarus Project (15,000)
Curren$y - Pilot Talk II (15,000)
Twista - Perfect Storm (14,200)
Dwele - W.W.W. Wants World Women (14,000)
Slim Thug - Tha Thug Show (13,800)
Soulja Boy - The DeAndre Way (13,400)
Trill Family - All or Nothing (13,100)
Ghostface Killah - Apollo Kids (13,000)
Fabolous - There Is No Competion 2: The Funeral Service (12,200)
E-40: Day - Revnue Retriving (12,000)
E-40: Night - Revnue Retriving (12,000)
Fat Joe - The Darkside (12,000)
Flobots - Survival Story (11,000)
Redman - Redman Presents Reggie (11,000)
Curren$y - Pilot Talk (10,700)
Dru Hill - InDRUpendence Day (10,000)

9,999-6,000
Dondria - Dondria vs. Phattfatt (9,400)
Atmosphere - All My Friends, Blood Makes The Blade Holy (9,400)
Freeway & Jake One - The Stimulus Plan (9,000)
Lil Jon - Crunk Rock (9,000)
Brotha Lynch Hung - Dinner And A Movie (7,900)
Kelis - Flesh Tone (7,800)
Paul Wall - Heart Of A Champion (7,600)
Tech N9ne - Seepage-EP (7,600)
David Banner & 9th Wonder - Death of a Pop Star (7,300)
Ratatat - LP4 (6,900)
Quincy Jones - Q Soul Bossa Nostra (6,700)
Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma (6,400)
Juvenile - Beast Mode (6,400)
Young Buck - The Rehab (6,400)
Joe Budden - Mood Muzik 4 (6,200)
Devin The Dude - Suite: 420 (6,100)
Chiddy Bang - The Preview (6,000)

5,999-1,000
Dorrough - Get Big (5,500)
Murs & 9th Wonder - ForNever (5,400)
Bruno Mars - EP (5,400)
Sheek Louch - DONNIE G: Don Gorilla (5,400)
Cassidy - C.A.S.H. (5,200)
Yelawolf - Trunk Muzik: 0-60 (5,100)
Capone N Noreaga - War Report 2 (4,600)
Bilal - Airtight's Revenge (4,600)
Little Brother - LeftBack (4,400)
Gil Scott-Heron - I'm New Here (3,900)
Sage Francis - Li(f)e (3,900)
Z-Ro - Herion (3,900)
Cam'Ron Presents U.N. (3,700)
Black Milk - Album of the Year (3,600)
Foreign Exchange - Authenticity (3,600)
Kutt Calhoun - Raw (3,500)
Wu & Friends Mathematics - Mathamatics Presents The Return Of Wu And Friends (3,400)
Army Of Pharaohs - Holy Terror (3,200)
Street Sweeper Social Club - The Ghetto Blaster EP (3,100)
Kids In The Hall - Land Of Make Believe (2,900)
Kurupt - Streetlights (2,900)
RJD2 - The Colossus (2,800)
Slum Village - Villa Manifesto (2,700)
Skyzoo & Illmind - Live From The Tape deck (2,400)
Vado - Slime Flu (2,300)
Marco Polo & Ruste Juxx - The eXXecution (1,100)
Inspectah Deck - Manifesto (1,100)

Kanye West's Sound Engineer Andrew Dawson Interview With L.A. Times

L.A. Times: Describe how you started working with Kanye West. And what do think it’s taken for you to be successful working with him prior to his latest album?

Andrew Dawson: When Kanye was halfway through "The College Dropout," he’d fired about six to eight engineers in about a month because they weren’t up to snuff, and it was eventually my turn to be next on the chopping block. I haven’t been fired since, seven or eight years later.

L.A. Times: How did you get involved with the "Fantasy" album, and what were some things you talked with Kanye about in terms of engineering and mixing it?

AD: "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" pretty much started New Year’s Eve 2009. He flew everyone out to Hawaii the day before New Year's Eve ... and I remember on New Year’s Eve I was in the studio getting everything ready to go for the next day. And on Jan. 1, we were getting into the recording sessions and worked pretty much 24-7 for six months straight out of Hawaii. I literally would leave to go shower, change clothes and come back to the studio. There weren’t many beach days. But Kanye went through his process and worked on it solid for a good six to seven months.

But as far as engineering, there are certain sounds and certain production aspects that he really likes. If there’s a sound or an idea he wants, he’ll take it to, like, an extreme, to where you start to wonder, "Why is this so far out there?" Then he’ll pull it back to a perfect amount. He’s the master of knowing how to push things almost too far. ... I did some co-production on “Power.” I was the one who found that “21st Century Schizoid Man” sample and chopped it up.

L.A. Times: Where did that idea come from?

AD: Some random day I saw a T-shirt that reminded me of an album cover by King Crimson, and I went back and listened to that record. And Kanye and I were checking it out, and he ended up taking the sample and putting it in “Power.”

L.A. Times: What background or skill set do you bring to these kind of notable hip-hop artists that allows you to stand out in the production world?

AD: I’m a piano player, a guitar player and a songwriter, and I’m aware of all those aspects. So I can be different from other engineers where it’s purely a technical thing where they’re just trying to get the best sound. And I can sit back and say, "Yeah this sound is cool, but it doesn’t work with the arrangement. Maybe we should try it this way." I can anticipate a lot of times where an artist is wanting to go with a song and have arrangements and other things laid out before they even have to ask. It helps making their creativity flow as easy as possible.

L.A. Times: What aspects of the album really challenged your skills?

AD: Kanye wanted to do a complete departure from the standard format of hip-hop albums. The cool thing for me was that I got to throw out all of those pop conventions where we had to have a four-minute song and have a hook come in the first minute. It was very free-form working on the album. So the key thing was trying to capture it without getting in the way and trying to let [West] express his ideas as easy as possible.

L.A. Times: What’s it like seeing some of the projects you’ve done this year -- like Kanye’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” and Drake’s “Thank Me Later” -- do as well as they have been given that you were behind the scenes helping to create them?

AD: It’s kind of cool for me to see people get excited about because it’s something I lived every day. So while the process is going on, I can feel the energy of how exciting and interesting it is, but it doesn’t really hit me until the album comes out. While I’m making the album I’m super critical and analytical and when it comes out, I’m like, "Now I can enjoy it" and be a bit detached from it.

L.A. Times: Where do you see yourself going next in terms of upcoming projects?

AD: I’ll be producing an album for P.O.S. He’s a friend of mine going all the way back to high school, and he just reached out to me earlier this year and said he wanted me to produce his entire album. So he and I are set to start working early in 2011 in L.A. to his follow-up album to “Never Better.” A lot of the mixes and the engineering I do are heavily production involved. I’ll do a lot of sound replacing or changing arrangements. I’ve worked on quite a few tracks as a producer, but sadly all of the artists on the label I worked with, nearly every one of them, were dropped or shelved. So I’m really excited to work with him on his album.

L.A. Times: Where does the "Fantasy" album fit in terms of career milestones for you as a sound engineer?

AD: This album puts the bar so high, working on such a creative album, it’s very interesting to see in my career what could top it. I’m not gonna say it couldn’t happen ... but it gives me a goal to work toward. (source)

Shock And Awe Moments Of 2010

From the absurd to the most tragic, from failures to triumphs, the stories that made headlines in the year that was - 2010.


BP oil spill.

Haitian earthquake and relief cause.

Toyota car recall.

Drake/Hanson NYC free concert melee.


Tiger Woods.

Conan O'Brien / Jay Leno late night TV show haggle.

Lauryn Hill's announcement and appearance at Rock The Bells.

Kanye visits Facebook, starts social media / internet PR self-promotion campaign.

LimeWire gets shut down.



Apple's iPad gadget released.

Tea Party political movement.

Arizona immigration law.

M.I.A. "Born Free" graphic video depicting genocide.


Chilean earthquake and miners rescue.

A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip snubs Michael Rapaport directed group documentary.

G-Dep's murder confession from 1993.

Jay-Z, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith backed broadway musical production of Fela! wins Tony Awards.

Method Man injured at ICP festival appearance, lawsuit follows.

Lupe Fiasco 'Lasers' petition drive and Atlantic Records NYC fan gathering.


Underground rap label Def Jux closing/indefinite hiatus.

Fat Beats retail chain closing.

Mel Gibson rant.

Prince declaring that the internet is over/computers and digital gadgets are no good.

B.M.F. book authored by Mara Shalhoup - Big Meech approved.


50 Cent weight loss pics.

MC Solar on Guru's medical care and death, bickering with family members.

Producer Bangladesh complains about Lil Wayne non 'A Milli' royalty payment.

Obama health care law signed.

West Virginia mine explosion.

Attempted NYC Times Square bombing.


Swizz Beatz / Alicia Keys nuptials and baby boy birth.

Betty White hosting appearance on 'SNL'

FIFA World Cup

Winter Olympics


Lakers NBA championship.

LeBron James signs with the Miami Heat.

SF Giants win world series.

Julian Assange Wikileaks.


Wyclef bid for president in Haiti, then disqualified by election officials.

Jet Blue flight attendant rant and quits.

Bed Bug outbreak.

Funnyman Stephen Colbert testifies on Capitol Hill.


Antoine Dodson "Bed Intruder Song" viral video.

Producer Lex Luger Press Release

via the press release

Only 19 years-old and music whiz Lexus “Lex Luger” Lewis has already scored two of the biggest street
records of 2010, Rick Ross’ “B.M.F.” (Teflon Don) and Waka Flocka Flame’s “Hard in the Paint”
(Flockaveli). Hailing from the talent-rich state of Virginia (Timbaland, Missy Elliot, Neptunes, Chris
Brown), Lex Luger has obviously been drinking the kool-aid. On the strength of the instant anthem
Blowin’ Money Fast, Lex Luger helped to catapult Ross’ fourth studio LP to the #2 spot on the Billboard
200, R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap charts, selling over 175,000 copies its first week out.

Read the rest HERE

People We Lost In 2010 R.I.P.

On the news of R&B’s Teena Marie passing yesterday, it’s only fit to give honorable acknowledgments to the people who have passed on in 2010. Guru was one of the biggest losses this year, a major pillar in hip hop. His death impacted the music community at large and will continue to be felt for many years to come. Other notables in music, sports and the entertainment world are featured below.

Guru fr. Gangstarr (real name Keith Elam)

Gregory Issacs (Reggae artist)

Michael 'Eyedea' Larson (underground rapper/free stylist)

Dennis Hopper (Actor)

Solomon Burke (R&B singer)

Dick Griffey (Record executive SOLAR Records)

Manute Bol (Basketball athlete)

Marvin Isley (bassist for the Isley Brothers)

Garry Shider (guitarist for Parliament - Funkadelic)

Robert Wislon (bassist for The Gap Band)

Doug Fieger (lead singer for The Knack)

Alex Chilton ( lead singer for The Box Tops)

John Wooden (Basketball athlete and coach)

Ronnie James Dio (Heavy Metal singer/musician)

Paul Gray (bassist for Slipknot)

Hank Jones (Jazz bassist)

Pete Steele (bassist and singer for Type O Negative)

Uncle Jamm's Army Roger Clayton (DJ & Concert Promoter)

Herb Cohen (Artist manager for Frank Zappa)

Peter Graves (Actor)

J.D. Salinger (author 'The Catcher and the Rye')

Apache (rapper)

Jay Reatard (musician)

Teddy Pendergrass (R&B singer)

Yabby You (Reggae/Dancehall artist)

Arrow (Soca artist/musician)

Art Clokey (children’s animator/claymator)

Teena Marie (R&B singer)

Alexander McQueen (Fashion designer)

Bob Guccione (Magazine publisher of Penthouse)

Corey Haim (Teen Actor)

Ali-Ollie Woodson (singer from the Temptations)

George Steinbrenner (owner New York Yankees)

Tony Curtis (Actor)

Albertina Walker (Gospel singer)

Tom Bosley (TV Actor)

Sparky Anderson (Major League Baseball manager)

Leslie Nielsen (Actor)

Blake Edwards (Movie director)

Captain Beefheart (Musician)

Bob Feller (Cleveland Indians MLB Hall of Famer/pitcher)

Lena Horne (Jazz Singer)

James Moody (Jazz Musician)

Don Meredith (Monday Night Football sportscaster)

Dino De Laurentiis (Movie director)

Gary Coleman (Child TV Actor)

Andy Irons (Surfer/athlete)

Barbara Billingsley (TV Actress)

Maurice Lucas (Basketball athlete)

Magnolia Shorty (Female rapper)

Arthur Penn (TV, Movie director)

Eddie Fisher (50's singer)

Steve Cannell (Televison writer)

Solomon Burke (R&B singer)

Rue McClanahan (TV Actress)

Edwin Newman (TV reporter/anchorman)

Sally Menke (Quentin Tarantino film editor)

George Blanda (Football athlete)

Jack Tatum (Footbal athlete)

John Forsythe (TV Actor)

Art Linkletter (Broadcaster/Interviewer)

Merlin Olsen (Football athlete/TV Actor)

Mitch Miller (Columbia Records executive/musician)

Dixie Carter (TV Actress)

Willie Davis (Baseball athlete)

Jim Marshall (rock photographer)

Malcolm McLaren (artist manager/culture icon)

Lynn Redgrave (Actress)

Frank Frazetta (artist/illustrator Conan covers)

Ron Banks (singer from the Dramatics)

Bernie Wilson (baritone singer for Harold and the Blue Notes)

2010's Top 50 Music Producers List

In the world of music the artist gets most of the adulation, but in the music industry the guy behind the boards, the music producer, is also recognized as a major part of the creative process. Hooked on That has put an extensive list of the Top 50 hottest producers in the game for 2010. See if your favorites are in below.

1. Kanye West
("My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" album)
2. Alex Da Kid
(B.o.B 'Airplanes' w/DJ Frank E, Eminem 'Love The Way You Lie', Diddy 'Coming Home')
3. Jim Jonson
(Kid Cudi 'Erase Me', Usher 'There Goes My Baby', Nelly 'Just A Dream')
4. S1
(Kayne West 'Power' w/Kanye West, Jeff Bhasker, Mike Dean Andrew Dawson)
5. Stargate
(Wiz Khalifa 'Black & Yellow', Rihanna 'What's My Name', Ne-Yo 'Beautiful Monster')
6. Lex Lugger
(Rick Ross 'B.M.F.' & 'MC Hammer', Fabolous 'Lights Out (I Don't See Nobody)')
7. Prime
(Lloyd Banks 'Beamer, Benz or Bentley')
8. T-Minus
(Ludacris 'How Low', Nicki Minaj 'Moment 4 Life')
9. & 10. Ahmir '?uestlove' Thompson & James Poysner
(John Legend & the Roots "Wake Up" album)
11. Kane Beatz
(Trey Songz 'Bottoms' Up', Young Money 'BedRock', Lil Wayne 'Right Above It', Lupe Fiasco 'The Show Goes On')
12. The Smeezingtons
(B.o.B 'Nothing On You', 'Travie McCoy 'Billionaire', Cee-Lo Green 'F*ck You')
13. Bangladesh
(Lil Wayne "6'7")
14. Swizz Beatz
(Nicki Minaj 'Roman's Revenge', Drake 'Fancy')
15. Boi-1da
(Eminem 'Not Affaid', Lloyd Banks 'Where I'm At' w/Eminem)
16. The Cataracs
(Far East Movement 'Like A G6', Snoop Dogg 'Wet', Glasses Malone 'I Get Doe')
17. J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League
(Rick Ross 'Maybach Music 3', 'Aston Martin Music')
18. Madlib
(all 10 volumes of Madlib's 'Medicine Show' albums)
19. Dr. Dre
('Kush')
20. DJ Frank E
(Chris Brown 'Yeah 3X', Kanye West 'Blame Game' w/Mike Dean & Kanye West')
21. Will.i.am
(Usher 'OMG', The Black Eyed Peas "The Beginning" album)
22. DJ Nasty
(DJ Khaled 'All I Do Is Win')
23. Sean 'The Pen' Garrett
(Usher 'Papers' w/Team S.Dot & Zaytoven)
24. J.R. Rotem
(Jason Derulo 'Whatcha Say', Mann 'Buzzin')
25. Scoop Deville
(Fat Joe 'Ha Ha Slow Down Son')
26. Chuck Harmony
(Chrisette Michele "Let Freedom Reign" album, Ne-Yo 'One In A Million')
27. Claude Kelly
(Fantasia 'Bittersweet')
28. The Runners
(Usher 'Daddy's Home')
29. The Olympicks
(Big Sean 'What U Doin?', Lil Wayne ''Hold Up')
30. DJ Premiere
(Fat Joe 'I'm Gone', "All Year Round Records" releases)
31. Drumma Boy
(Young Jeezy 'Lose My Mind', Waka Flocka Flame 'No Hands')
32. 1500 or Nothin'
(Nipsey Hussle 'Feelin Myself')
33. Polow Da Don
(Usher 'Hot Tottie', Lloyd 'Lay You Down')
34. David Guetta
(Flo Rida 'Club Can't Handle Me', Kelis 'Acapella', Akon 'Angel')
35. Steve Below/Team Double Dose
(Bun B' Trill O.G. produced tracks)
36. & 37. Tricky Stewart & The-Dream
(Ciara 'Ride')
38. Nate 'Danja' Hills
(Diddy-Dirty Money 'Hello, Good Morning', Rick Ross 'No.1')
39. Salaam Remi
(Miguel 'All I Want Is You')
40. Scott Storch
(Big Boi 'Stutterbug')
41. Ski Beatz
(Curren$y 'Pilot Talk I & II' produced tracks)
42. Jahlil Beats
(Chris Brown 'Deuces')
43. Jay Electronica
('Shiney Suit Theory')
44. araabMUZIK
(Jim Jones 'Blow Your Smoke')
45. Elite
(J. Cole 'Who Dat')
46. Mick Shultz
(Jeremih 'Down On Me')
47. The Stereotypes
(Justin Bieber 'Somebody To Love')
48. R. Kelly
(K. Michelle 'Can't Do This', R. Kelly 'Love Letter')
49. Dr. Luke
(B.o.B 'Magic', Katy Perry 'California Gurls', Taio Cruz 'Dynamite' w/Benny Blanco)
50. Noah '40' Shebib
(Drake "Thank Me Later" produced tracks)

Who, What, Where Weekly Photo Links 12/22

Tuesday, December 21

Keri Hilson album release party for 'No Boys Allowed' in NYC:
Wire Image 1
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Jamie Foxx's "Best Night Of My Life" Album Listening Session in NYC:
Film Magic
Wire Image

Jamie Foxx outside of Ed Sullivan Studios for the taping of "Late Show With David Letterman" in NYC:
Getty Images
Wire Image

The famed Marquee club's 7th Anniversary Celebration with DJ M.O.S., Jus Ske and others in NYC:
Wire Image

Rihanna Christmas shopping at Saks Fith Avenue, LA,CA:
Rex Features

Dr. Dre and others at LA Lakers vs Milwaukee Bucks Los Angeles. CA:
WENN Photo

Monday, December 20

Sisqo at the 5th Anniversary Celebraton for Carrot Top at Tacos and Tequila in Las Vegas, NV:
Film Magic
PR Photos

Sunday, December 19

Nelly's 5th Annual Black And White Ball with Ashanti, Jermaine Dupri and others in St. Louis, MO:
Wire Image
PR Photos

Ne-Yo at The Compound Foundation 2010 Giving Tour toy drive in NYC:
Getty Images

Ciara, Waka Flocka, Bobby V and others at WGCI Big Jam in Chicago, IL:
WENN Photo

Saturday, December 18

Jay-Z support act for U2 on their 360 World Tour in Perth, Australia:
Getty Images
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Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Red Cafe, Fabolous, Meek Millz and others at the Joy To The World Fest - Black Tie Gala in Philadelphia, PA:
Wire Image
Film Magic
Corbis Images
PR Photos

Spike Lee signing copies of "Spike Lee: Do The Right Thing" book in NYC:
Patrick McMullan

Jamie Foxx album release party in NYC:
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Silverlake Conservatory Ensemble Special Performance with RHCP's Flea and Stevie Wonder in LA, CA:
Wire Image 1
Wire Image 2

Friday, December 17

Jamie Foxx on radio station Power 99 in Philadelphia, PA:
Getty Images

Drake, Spike Lee, Maxell and others at the Miami Heat Vs New York Knicks Game in NYC:
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Jessie J performs live in Southampton, ENG:
Wire Image

Keri Hilson listening session in Philadelphia, PA:
WENN Photo

Danger Mouse aka Bruce Burton shopping at the Grove in LA, CA:
WENN Photo

Amerie in Miami, FL:
Film Magic

Thursday, December 16

Usher & Trey Songz on the OMG Tour in Philadelphia, PA:
Getty Images
Wire Image
Film Magic
Corbis Images 1
Corbis Images 2
PR Photos
Rex Features

Trey Songz meet and greet at radio station The Beat 100.3 at Sigma Sound in Philadelphia, PA:
WENN Photo

Spike Lee signing copies of "Spike Lee: Do The Right Thing" book in NYC:
Getty Images
Wire Image
Film Magic

Ciara and others at the Diddy album release party in LA, CA:
Getty Images
Wire Image
Film Magic 1
Film Magic 2
PR Photos

Reggae star Serani's Holiday Bash in NYC:
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Steve Stoute, DJ Clue, DJ Suss One and others at LeBron James One Of A Kind Night At 1OAK in NYC:
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Justin Bieber, Sean Kingston, Jasmine V & Mindless Behavior In Concert in Greenville, SC:
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The Gorillaz, De La Soul, Bobby Womack perform live in Sydney, Australia:
Getty Images

Chris Brown, Drake, Bruno Mars, Baby Bash and others at Bay Area radio station 94.9 Wildjam 2010 concert in San Jose, CA:
Getty Images

Wednesday, December 15

Kandi Burress and Diddy on BET's "106 & Park" in NYC:
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WENN Photo

Ciara at the AOL studios in Beverly Hills, CA:
Getty Images
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Ciara's album release party with Tricky Stewart and others in Hollywood, CA:
Getty Images
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Film Magic

Trey Songz & Fabolous at the Boston Celtics Vs New York Knicks Game in NYC:
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Kat De Luna in Paris:
Getty Images
Wire Image

Toni Braxtion performs live in Moscow, Russia:
WENN Photo

Kelis and others outside of the Roxy Club after watching Dita Von Teese's Burlesque show Los Angeles, CA:
WENN Photo

Jay Sean & Friends Help The Food Bank For NYC Give Holiday Meals To New Yorkers In Need in NYC:
Getty Images

Last weeks'
Who, What, Where Weekly Photo Links 12/15

Alex Da Kid: Music Producer Talks Rihanna, Emimen and More With The BBC

Alex Da Kid (aka Alexander Grant) wants U2. He wants Cher. He wants Coldplay.

This is not the list of CDs he would like for Christmas.

These are the stars he's calling up to work with in 2011 and - given his track record over the last 12 months - they would be likely to take his calls.

In one of pop's success stories of 2010, the London-born songwriter and producer has gone from relative anonymity to crafting songs for the biggest names in urban music, including Eminem, Rihanna, B.o.B, Dr Dre, Diddy, TI and Nicki Minaj.

"A year ago, I was looking up to those guys, I wanted to be where they were," he says. "To be working with them is pretty cool.

"2010 has definitely been a good year. I just want to make 2011 a bigger year."

On Alex Da Kid's contribution to Eminem's Recovery album with 'Love the Way You Lie' ft. Rihanna:

(Then) it all came down to Rihanna, who had just one chance to record her vocals in a Dublin studio while on tour in May.

"We still didn't know, literally eight or nine hours before the album had to be given in, whether it [the song] would go on the album," Grant recalls.

"If Rihanna didn't do a great vocal performance, there was no time to re-do it. It just wouldn't have made the album. We couldn't have done it another day, it just wouldn't have gone on the album.

"So, it got pretty intense. We were all sitting around in the studio waiting for Rihanna to give us these vocals, and we were all just praying that they were perfect - which they ended up being.

"If it was a bad day for her and she didn't nail it that particular day, normally you'd just go back and re-record it a couple of days later. But we didn't have that time."

The track has been downloaded four million times in the US alone and its success contributed in no small part to the revival of Eminem's reputation and commercial fortunes.

Read the full story:
BBC - Alex Da Kid: The Brit behind 2010's biggest hit

Hip Hop And R&B New Releases 12/21

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

December 21, 2010


Jamie Foxx - Best Night Of My Life
(J-Records)


Keri Hilson - No Boys Allowed
(Zone4/Mosley Music/Interscope)


Keyshia Cole - Calling All Hearts (Regular version)
Keyshia Cole - Calling All Hearts (Deluxe version)
(Geffen/Imani Ent.)


Avant - The Letter
(Verve)


Ghostface Killah - Apollo Kids
(Island/Def Jam)


David Banner & 9th Wonder - Death Of A Pop Star (physical version)
(Big Face/E1)

Also available:
Ras Kass - All Day I Dream About Spittin (A.D.I.D.A.S.) (physical version)
(Re Up Entertainment/The Orchard)

Dru Down - Chronicles of a Pimp
(Stay Tooned)

9th Wonder - 9th's Opus: It's A Wonderful World Music Group Volume 1
(ABB Records)

Brand Nubian - Enter The Dubstep v.2
(iHiphop)

For the full list of upcoming releases:
Urban New Release Schedule 12/21

DJ Quik Special LA Xmas Show Announced 'QuikMas Groove' Tomorrow!

Come out and join DJ Quik at the Key Club Hollywood for a special holiday edition of Quik’s Groove. DJ Quik will have Stones Throw's Aloe Blacc and rapper Kendrick Lamar joining him for a very exclusive set. Make sure you start your holidays off right and grab some tickets to the show here!

As a special bonus, bring four (4) canned food items and receive a free DJ Quik CD.

Spice 1 - Notorious Bastards Volume 1 Mixtape

The O.G. Spice 1 shows us he has friends far and wide in the hip hop community. Along with his California hommies like Strange Music's Brotha Lynch Hung, Tystik, Giddie and the rest of the boys, Spice heats up also with rap mainstays Glasses Malone, Game, Twista even UGK's Bun B & Pimp C. Take a listen below.

Tracklist:
01. Spice 1 - 187 Proof
02. Spice 1 - Step Out Of My ft. E-Note & Giddy
03. Giddie - Club Like ft. Jazz
04. Spice 1 - Niggas Sing The Blues
05. Zigg Zigg - Stay Out The Way ft. Brotha Lynch Hung
06. Tystik - Aint Nobody Illa
07. E-Note - Swervin ft. Glasses Malone
08. Spice 1 - Dumpin Them In Digits
09. Brotha Lynch Hung - What They Want Osama For ft. Pappoose
10. Spice 1 - Trigga Gots No Heart ft. Twista & Game
11. Spice 1 - Murderman Dance ft. Pimp C & Bun B
12. Tystik - Keep Tryin ft. Spice 1
13. Spice 1 - Ready For This World
14. E-Note - Those Games
15. Tystik - Pistol In My Pocket
16. Spice 1 - Strap On The Side Of Me

Download:
Spice 1- Notorious Bastards Volume 1 Mixtape

Jim Jonsin Settles Lil Wayne 'Lollipop' Royalty Issues

There must be something in the air, earlier in the week the Bangladesh produced track for Lil Wayne “6′ 7″ leaked on the internet. At first something was a muck, since Bangladesh was bent out of shape for not getting paid for his major contribution to Wayne‘s ‘Tha Carter III”, for the ‘A Milli’ track. But it appears that things are peaches and creme between Bangladesh and the Cash Money crew. Also in the creme, producer Jim Jonsin as he states in a interview with the Broward Palm Beach Times. Read below.

We worked out an arrangement. They’re giving me some money now, and will pay the balance in the first or second quarter next year. I never had an issue with Wayne, he and I were cool. It’s just there was some confusion owing to [clearance issues with] a sample from another song I made for him ["I Feel Like Dying"]. There’s never been hard feelings between me and him.

Glad to hear that things are cleared up. We just need to hear from producers Play-N-Skillz if their situation is cleared as well for their song contribution ‘Got Money.’ Either way, it’s all good!

Bei Major: Songwriter, Artist & Producer Interview

via the Seattle Post Intelligencer

SPI: Although you started producing at the age of 16, I found it very motivating that you were able to juggle this career during your time at the University of Michigan. How challenging was it to balance school work with your production work?

Bei Major: Well first, thank you, bro, for that. That means a lot. I'm working a lot on just trying to keep everything going, so it's cool just to have these opportunities. So thank you for that.

As far as the college thing, that was the best time of my life. It was just the craziest experience, because on one end, I was at the University of Michigan, which is a prestigious school with all of these kids coming from around the world to go there. Then I had a whole other life of doing music. So I literally would be coming off a plane from Vegas to L.A. and going to midterms. Like leaving after school, going and working with some pretty big artists. So that was cool. I had to practice in my dorm room. I had all of that. It was like two worlds meeting at once, which was amazing.

Honestly, I'm trying to think if there's anyone who has had that exact experience and I can't think of it, because it was just so weird. Not that I was on the top level of either side, but just doing them at the same time was really strange. College can be like a full-time thing, and then doing music can be also a full-time thing, so I feel like I probably didn't sleep at all for those couple of years. But it was cool. It worked out. I learned a lot about balancing. I learned a lot about discipline. I learned what it takes to really go after something that you want to do. That was the main thing, to learn from that and just being able to meet so many cool people all over, travel and just really be able to do it all. It's awesome.

Read the full interview HERE

Vitamin D Music Producer Video Profile Interview

Seattle's own Vitamin D has had a major hand in the development of Northwest and West Coast hip hop. His out reach helped develop Big Tune which along with Red Bull rallys up and coming music producers in beat battles across the county.

Talib Kweli 'Gutter Rainbows' Track List And Press Release With Features & Production Credits

Gutter Rainbows Album Out January 25th, 2011 on Javotti Media/3D

Digital-Only in North America / All Formats in the rest of the world.

On Reflection Eternal’s 2000 album “Train of Thought,” Talib Kweli challenged fans, and himself, to “do what comes naturally.” After years of recording on mainstream labels, he now has the chance to produce exactly what he wants—and feels he needs—to produce: an album straight from his mouth to the ears of his fans. Invoking the true meaning of MC, Master of Ceremonies, Kweli brings incredible power to his live shows and feeds off the spontaneous energy of his audiences. Being able to interact directly with his audience and the musicians he most respects, he has created an album and a sound that best reproduces that ceremony for his fans. Finally, after serious urgency in the studio, Kweli presents ‘Gutter Rainbows,’ an album that takes a trip back to childhood while marking the newest stage in his long and dynamic career. This newest release, recorded on his time and with his talent as the driving force, proves Kweli is a complete and formidable musician—it presents the depth and breadth of his experience and ability, and sets a new bar for the cutting edge of hip-hop music.

Through Kweli’s various collaborations, he has been able to grow as an artist and expand his fan base. For over 15 years, Kweli has been a king of New York hip-hop who has an expansive international audience. Kweli’s work with Mos Def on “Black Star” (1998) still stands as one of hip-hop’s premiere expressions of truth. On “Train of Thought,” Kweli teamed up with Hi Tek to form Reflection Eternal, a virtuoso hip-hop duo that continues to wow audiences and critics alike. In 2007, Kweli and DJ/Producer/MC Madlib gave their fans “Liberation”—originally released free on the internet—an album that was filled with their joint love of the music they make and the respect their fans give them. Performing all over the world with unique style and an unequaled dedication to his music, Kweli has worked with artists as diverse as Kanye West, Justin Timberlake, MF Doom, Mary J. Blige, Fabolous, Common, Nelly, The Roots, Quincy Jones, Gucci Mane, Norah Jones, KRS-One and many more. With a career filled with success and innovation, it comes as no surprise that both Jay-Z and 50 Cent, at the height of their stardom, both counted Kweli among their favorite rappers. On his “solo” albums, there is no question that his lyrical talent and unique musical drive rank up there with the best in the business. Recording with other world famous musicians or alone on the mic, Kweli gives both the long-time fan and the uninitiated an unforgettable experience.

“Gutter Rainbows” was recorded with the help of incredibly talented musicians from across the country. Eric Krasno, Jean Grae, Strong Arm Steady, Iron Solomon, Outasight, Kendra Ross, Sean Price, 88-Keys, Marco Polo, Ski Beatz, M-Phazes, S-1, E. Jones, Oh No and others make appearances. With this record, Kweli is able to make the music he knows and loves, play with the best musicians around, and bring it straight to his fans.

As a boy growing up in Brooklyn, Kweli saw gutters that ran with dirt, oil and water, revealing a shimmering rainbow to his child’s eyes. Drawing its title from this memory, this album puts at the raw center what his music has been doing for years: finding and preserving the beautiful in the hideous; the rainbows in the gutter. Weaving the lyrical and the gritty, the autobiographical with an honest, no-holds- barred hip-hop spirit; Kweli sticks fiercely to what feels true to him in creating the sound of this album. Without being tied to any particular label’s conception of what his sound should be or when his work should hit his fans, Kweli is free to build his most personal album yet in both content and motivation. Kweli’s true solo career has only just begun, and although the future holds more collaboration, “Gutter Rainbows” marks a new stage in the long and ever-evolving career of Talib Kweli.

Album Track Listing:

01. After The Rain (prod. by 88-Keys)
02. Gutter Rainbows (prod. by M-Phazes)
03. So Low (prod. by Shuko)
04. Palookas feat. Sean Price (prod. by Marco Polo)
05. Mr. International feat. Nigel Hall (prod. by S1)
06. I’m On One (prod. by KHRYSIS!)
07. Wait For You feat. Kendra Ross (prod. by S1)
08. Ain’t Waiting feat. Outasight (prod. by 6th sense)
09. Cold Rain (prod. by Ski Beatz)
10. Friends & Family (prod. by E. Jones)
11. Tater Tot (prod. by Nick Speed)
12. How You Love Me feat. Blaq Toven (prod. by Blaq Toven)
13. Uh Oh feat. Jean Grae (prod. by Oh No)
14. Self Savior feat. Chace Infinite (prod. by Maurice Brown)



To purchase 'Cold Rain' at iTunes HERE

Who, What, Where Weekly Photo Links 12/15

Lil Wayne at the PBA Chris Paul Celebrity Bowling Invitational in New Orleans.

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

Tuesday, December 14

Lil Wayne, Nelly and others at the PBA Chris Paul Celebrity Bowling Invitational in New Orleans, LA:
Getty Images

Diddy-Dirty Money Album Release Party in NYC:
Wire Image

Ginuwine and others at the WBLS Present Egypt's Give Back Tour in NYC:
Wire Image

Sean 'Diddy' Combs on BET's "106 & Park" in NYC:
Wire Image

Sean 'Diddy' Combs on ABC's the View in NYC:
Getty Images

Toni Braxton concert in Moscow, Russia:
Rex Features

Janelle Monae performs live in Berlin, Germany:
Getty Images

Jay-Z opening for U2 in Sydney, Australia:
WENN Photo

Monday, December 13

Jay-Z as support act for U2 in Sydney, Australia:
Getty Images
Wire Image

Ja Rule court ruling in NYC:
Rex Features

Sean 'Diddy' Combs on BET's "106 & Park" in NYC:
Getty Images
Wire Image
Corbis Images
WENN Photo

50 Cent & Chelsea Handler twitter photo:
WENN Photo

Ciara in NYC:
Getty Images
Wire Image
Film Magic

The Usher AfterParty in NYC:
Wire Image

Sisqo at the Luxor in Las Vegas, NV:
Film Magic
PR Photos
Rex Features
WENN Photo

Lil Wayne and Brian 'Birdman' Williams at the Miami Heat vs New Orleans Hornets in Miami, FL:
Getty Images

Sunday, December 12

Jamie Foxx at his 'Best Night of My Life' album release and birthday party at the Playboy Club inside Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, NV:
Getty Images
Wire Image
Film Magic
Corbis Images
Rex Features
PR Photos
WENN Photo

Lil Wayne, LeBron James and others help Trina celebrate her birthday in Miami, FL:
Star Traks Photo

Ice-T in NYC:
Film Magic

Saturday, December 11

B.o.B, Flo Rida, Taio Cruz and others at Y100 Jingle Ball 2010 in FL:
Getty Images
Wire Image
Corbis Images

Rick Ross, T-Pain, EVE and others at the MTV MAMA Africa Music Awards in Lagos, Nigeria:
Getty Images 1
Getty Images 2
Getty Images 3
Wire Image

Wyclef Jean performs live in Dakar, Senegal:
Rex Features

Maino and others in NYC:
Wire Image

B.o.B in Miami, FL:
Film Magic

John Legend and the Roots, Joss Stone perform live at Capella Pedregal Resort, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico:
Patrick McMullan 1
Patrick McMullan 2
Patrick McMullan 3

Rihanna in London, ENG:
Rex Features

Ne-Yo in Las Vegas, NV:
Getty Images

Friday, December 10

Chuck D, Eve and others at the MTV MAMA Africa Music Awards in Lagos, Nigeria:
Getty Images
Wire Image

Z100's Jingle Ball 2010 Show at Madison Square Garden in NYC:
Getty Images - Show
Corbis Images - Show
Wire Image - Show
Wire Image - Backstage
Getty Images - Press Room
Wire Image - Press Room
Corbis Images - Press Room
Film Magic - Press Room
PR Photos - Press Room
Patrick McMullan - Press Room
Rex Features - Press Room
Star Traks Photo - Press Room
Globe Photos - Press Room
WENN Photo - Press Room

B.o.B, Flo Rida, Justin Bieber, Sean Kingston and others at Z100's Jingle Ball 2010 Artist Gift Lounge in NYC:
Wire Image
Film Magic

B.O.B at Z100's Jingle Ball Afterparty in NYC:
Wire Image

Travis McCoy in NYC:
Wire Image

Justin Bieber receives a multi-platinum plaque backstage in NYC:
Wire Image

Flo Rida, Justin Bieber, Sean Kingston, Travis McCoy and others at Z100 All Access Lounge in NYC:
Getty Images
Wire Image

Taio Cruz at press conference for Times Square New Year's Eve preparation in NYC:
Getty Images
Film Magic
WENN Photo

Avant in concert NYC:
Getty Images

Thursday, December 9

Dipset's Jim Jones, Q-Tip and others at the Converse new store opening in Soho, NYC:
Patrick McMullan
Rex Features

Fabolous, Sean Kingston, Trey Songz and others at New Yorkers For Children Make Over The ACS Children's Center:
Getty Images
Film Magic
PR Photos
Star Traks Photo
WENN Photos

Nicki Minaj's Birthday in Las Vegas, NV:
Film Magic
Corbis Images
PR Photos
Rex Features

Jennifer Hudson and others at the Ambassadors For Humanity Gala Honoring Jeffrey Katzenberg To Benefit The USC Shoah Foundation Institute in Hollywood, CA:
Getty Images
Film Magic

Diddy, Bruno Mars, Trey Songz and others at City Of Hope & BET's Stephen Hill Roast Event in New York:
Getty Images
Corbis Images

Jay-Z and Beyonce in Australia:
Rex Features

Wednesday, December 8

Flo Rida on Fuse TV in NYC:
Getty Images

Usher performs live in Maryland:
Rex Features

DJ Spooky and others at a charity function in NYC:
Patrick McMullan 1
Patrick McMullan 2

Black Eyed Peas, MC Hammer and others at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital benefit in San Francisco, CA:
WENN Photo 1
WENN Photo 2

The Gorrilaz, De La Soul and others perform live at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre Australia:
WENN Photo

Ne-Yo and others in Manhattan, NYC:
WENN Photo

Last weeks'
Who, What, Where Weekly photo Links 12/8