Dr. Dre ft. Snoop & Akon - 'Kush' (video)

It's been too long, welcome back!

Joseph Kahn directed 'Kush' video. Look for a cameo by Aftermath producer DJ Khalil at the 2:06 mark and Beats by Dr. Dre and HP products placed throughout the video.

Red Cafe Signs With Bad Boy Interscope Officially Announced Preps 'Red October' New Album

via the press release

SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 5 -- BAD BOY/INTERSCOPE RECORDS announced today the signing of rapper Red Cafe to their new label partnership which was cemented late last year. Red Cafe is preparing for the release of his debut album, Red October. His current single, "I'm Ill" features Fabolous and is produced by hot newcomer Boi-1da (Drake's "Best I Ever Had," "Forever" and "Over," and Eminem's new single "Not Afraid"). The video, directed by Edwin Decena, has jumped to the #9 spot today on BET's 106th & Park.

Red October will be co-executive produced by Diddy and Akon. "I'm so excited. I've got the best of both worlds," stated Red Cafe. "Diddy representing the streets and Akon bringing a worldly perspective to the project."

"Today, I can officially announce the signing of Red Cafe to the Bad Boy/Interscope family. Red's lyrical skill and passion is unique," says Sean "Diddy" Combs. "Red's raw talent brings a new sound and fresh perspective from the streets. I look forward to him sharing his talent with the world."

Akon Works With Bollywood Superstars For Lead Song In Indian Movie

via Gulf News

R&B singer Akon, who is in Mumbai to record songs for Shah Rukh Khan's film Ra.One, says he is a big fan of the Bollywood superstar and that he will not only have shows in India during his world tour but would also do more work here soon.

"I am a big fan of Shah Rukh. I am very familiar with Shah Rukh's work. I am meeting Kareena [Kapoor] for the first time today," Akon said on Tuesday (March 9).

He is not only singing but also composing a song for Ra.One. "I am also composing. You know, I will give him [Khan] a couple of versions of the song, the way I do it. And I will also integrate it with the traditional way the Bollywood films are done.

"I will give them options and they will decide which one to use in the film," said Akon. Ra.One will see Khan playing a superhero.

Asked if he is planning to do more work with Indian music directors, he said: "You will see me doing more things in India soon." He is looking forward to performances in India as well.

"The world tour is coming soon and India is one of my biggest markets, so I will do a number of shows here."

The singer dedicated two lines from his song Beautiful to actress Kareena Kapoor, who plays female lead in Ra.One.

SRC/Loud Records Founder Steve Rifkind Video Interview

(video coutesy of the Hip-Hop Chronicle UK)

Ya Boy: Bay Area MC Finds Label Home With Akon's Kon Live

via the press release

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 1, 2010) – With over 45 million Myspace views, 37 million plays, dominating Southern California radio stations Power 106, KIIS FM, AMP with over 3,000 spins of hit single "We Run LA", opening up for artists such as Jay-Z, Taylor Swift, Sean Kingston and more serve as a brief rap-sheet for newly signed Kon-Live artist, Ya Boy. The record label is lead by internationally acclaimed artist and entrepreneur Akon. Ya Boy joins label mates Lady Gaga, T-Pain, Colby O'Donis, Kardinal Official and dynamic duo Rock City as the first artist from the west coast signed to Kon-Live. "Ya Boy is one of the hardest workers today…He's an amazing artist that never got a chance to shine. He never gave up and now he has a chance to shine not only on the West Coast but internationally," says Akon.

Catchy punch lines, versatility, eyebrow raising topics, witty wordplay combined with his no-color lines policy have helped garner Ya Boy aka YB The Rock Star widespread appeal. In 2002, he further gained notoriety from his song "100 Bars of Crack" where he rapped a 100 bars over Dr. Dre's "Nuthin' But a "G" Thang" also featured on The Black Wall Street Journal Vol. 1. In the summer of 2005 Ya Boy released his first solo mixtape, "Future of the Franchise" followed by the 2006 release of his debut album "Rookie of the Year ." The album featured collaborations with his Bay Area rap neighbors E-40, Turf Talk, Clyde Carson of The Team, San Quinn and more. The album's first single, "Step Ya Game Up", was produced by musical architect, Rick Rock. That same year, Ya Boy wrote and appeared on the Kevin Federline's rap album Playing With Fire allowing him to expand his horizon.

Seamlessly pounding the music industry's pavement YB The Rock Star secured his position on the West Coast in 2008, when he released the single "Holla at Ya Boy" produced by Cool & Dre. Successfully saturating the web with viral videos and music on hundreds if not thousands of multi-media stations across the globe.

Meanwhile, The Source Magazine featured him in the Unsigned Hype section, BET's Rap City awarded Ya Boy the mixtape of the week title, while XXL Magazine, Ozone and Hip Hop Weekly all co-signed him as the "Next To Blow." In 2009 Ya Boy released hit single "We Run LA" feat. Dr. Hollywood, the song is currently spinning on multiple radio stations throughout Los Angeles. "Ya Boy truly deserves this moment…We felt there's no one on an international level bigger than Akon. We're excited and happy to join the Kon-Live family," says Manager Mike G, Nitevision Management.

With multiple Ya Boy videos and mixtapes saturating the web, a total seven years of paying dues, Ya Boy will finally reap the benefits of his labor. Now that his path has been paved and recognized "It will impact music with a breath of fresh air," says Ya Boy.

Akon Plucks Lady Gaga From Talent Farm Obscurity To A Global Phenomenon

via the Assoicatee Press spotted on barkbiteblog

Akon's done some regrettable things since making it in the music industry: Signing and unleashing the autotune-fueled artist known as T-Pain, dry humping an underage girl at a Caribbean concert and letting his fists fly at a fan in the crowd are just a few examples. But putting aside what you think about Akon as a person or an artist, the truth is if he didn't take a chance on Lady Gaga when many others had turned a blind eye to her, we might not be enjoying her new world order now.

A few years ago, Gaga was bouncing from label to label and Akon had closed the deal on his imprint under Interscope. He collaborated with Gaga in the studio and walked away incredibly impressed with her talents. He later told Jimmy Iovine of Interscope that he wanted to sign Lady Gaga to his label Kon Live Distribution. Voila! Before you can say "Ro-ma-maaaa!" Gaga was signed to a joint deal with Interscope/Kon Live music and put to work with RedOne on what would be her multiplatinum debut album, "The Fame." Akon explains his role in Lady Gaga's success in an interview with the AP.

Konvict Music Signs First African Artist To Music Label

via Ameyaw Debrah

Hiplife artist Sarkodie has been making a lot of headlines in recent times concerning his signing of a deal that would see him join world class artists on one of the fastest growing music labels in the world, Konvict Music. On Saturday January 6, Konvict Music Africa made it official by outdooring the fastest rapper in Ghana as the proud new signee on a label that seeks to tap into the rich and diverse music talent that Africa has, and projecting or promoting these talents to an international audience.

Answering questions from the press, Babs the President of Konvict International assured Ghanaians that the deal is real and together with the Konvict Music brand, he would make an international artist out of Sarkodie without changing too much about the artist. Babs cited the challenges of doing music in Africa and promoting it in the international market; with particular mention of the lack of support from fellow Ghanaians.

Sarkodie on his part said he was excited about the potentials of the record deal and hoped that everything would turn out right. He said that he has no doubts about Babs, and all he can do is to wait patiently believing that Konvict Music Africa would help him to achieve his dreams. It is however not clear whether Konvict Music Africa was or would be involved in the production of Sarkodie’s sophomore album, ‘Rapaholic’, which is set for release soon.

According Babs, who is a US-based Ghanaian entrepreneur responsible for the success story of Fubu Jeans and other businesses across Europe and America, Duncwills Entertainment, headed by ace radio presenter Dr Duncan remains as the managing label for Sarkodie. Babs was however quick to add that if the business of Duncwillls Entertainment hinders the business of Konvict Music Africa in any way with respects to Sarkodie, he would not hesitate to stop working with the label. According to Babs, Konvict Music Africa would operate in South Africa and Nigeria where their music industry is better structured.

Julius Ossom, A&R for Konvict Music Africa and also the publisher of Ghanamixtapes.com, hinted of an upcoming music seminar that would educate musicians and industry players about how to make the sector grow. The seminar would also serve as an opportunity to discover more talents for Konvict Music Africa.

Photos from the press conference here:
Konvict Music: Sarkodie signing press conference

Drake: Miami New Year's Eve & Activites With Video & Photo Links

It's a little distorted, but some what discernible to post here from Drake's appearance at last night NYE festivities in Miami, FL.

PHOTOS from Drake appearance at Cameo New Year's Eve in Miami Beach, FL:
Star Traks Photo
the 305.com

Drake multimedia promoter mini/prep presentation for the show at Cameo:
Drake at Cameo

And the night before, Drake is hanging out with Young Jeezy, Fabolous, Akon and others at Lebron James' Birthday Bash.

Your Favorite Rapper's Give Away Turkeys For Thanksgiving Holiday Rundown

Whether it's for an artist promotion or just to do a good deed for the community, it's always refreshing to hear these stories and redeems Hip Hop just for a moment.

Links provided.

Akon & Ludacris - Akon And Ludacris Help Distribute 2000 Turkeys To Families In Need (myATL events)

Young Jeezy - Young Jeezy To Give Back On Thanksgiving With Turkey Dinners (Word of South)

R. Kelly - R. Kelly to Host Thanksgiving Feast for Soldiers (PR News Wire)

Cash Money - Cash Money Records to give away turkeys on Tuesday (New Orleans The Times-Picayune)

Gucci Mane - Gucci Mane & Company To Feed Those Less Fortunate For Thanksgiving (Hip Hop Wired)

Bun B - Bun B Teams Up With Boost Mobile For Holiday Food Drive (Keep It Trill)

Jay Rock - Rapper Jay Rock Set To Give Away Turkeys In His Watts Neighborhood (BallerStatus)

Trey Songz - Trey Songz Giving Away Turkeys In Viriginia For Thanksgiving (BallerStatus)

KRS One - KRS-One to Feed NYC Homeless on Thanksgiving (Boombox)

Trae Tha Truth - Trae Tha Truth Joins Texans’ Amobi Okoye And Councilman Peter Brown To Tackle Hunger 4 Thanksgiving (Music On Play)

Vaughn Anthony - Vaughn Anthony giving back with free holiday meal (Illinois - Springfield News)

DJ Drama - DJ Drama Leads Atlanta Turkey Drive For Needy Families (Keep It Trill)

R. City: Artist and Songwitting Duo Interviewed

via BallerStatus

BallerStatus.com: You guys were songwriters before you own careers started taking off. How did you become involved in writing for other artists?

R. City: We got into the songwriting thing about three or four years ago because we wrote a song called "The Rain," back in seventh grade and we re-recorded it because everybody back home told us how good it was when we put it back out in the Virgin Islands. So we played it for Akon and he was working on his second album and did it. After he did it, everybody was coming up to us asking if we're songwriters, so we said "Yeah." Because at the time, we were broke.

BallerStatus.com: How did you get signed to Konvict Music?

R. City: We've known Akon for about six or seven years as of now and we're all good friends. At the end of the day, we did the deal Konvict because it made the most sense. He let us have full creative control because so many people would try to change us and put us into this box. We just rolled with Kon because he was friend for about two or three years before the deal and he was one of the few people who truly understood who we are, what we do, and what we represent.

BallerStatus.com: Do you feel that there's pressure to succeed because of all the success that the label has had so far?

R. City: We don't really get caught up in all the hype of clicks. Although we're signed to Konvict, no disrespect, but if Konvict were to start beefing with G-Unit or Ruff Ryder or whatever, we're not apart of that.

Read the full interview:
BallerStatus - R. City Explain Problems With Being Boxed In Musically — Talk Akon, Songwriting & Long-Term Goals

Pitbull ft. Akon "Shut It Down" (Video)

Shut it Down feat. Akon

Pitbull | MySpace Video

Related:
Pitbull Shoots "Shut It Down" Video In Miami, FL

Songwritter Claude Kelly In Two Separate Interviews

via BallerStatus

Songwriter, Claude Kelly, has been in a long relationship with music since his day of birth. Singing at an early age, enabled Claude to venture into the Neverland of music, and segue his way into songwriting. Penning for the likes of Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Akon, Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson and more, has allowed Claude to develop a love that not too many have with their day jobs.

In this one-on-one interview with Ballerstatus, Claude revealed his love for music, writing in different genres, writing for the late Michael Jackson, and whether he's ready for a music career of his own.

BallerStatus.com: Can you give the readers some insight, as far as who you have worked with in your career?

Claude Kelly: Sure. I've worked with Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, Whitney Houston, Leona Lewis, Akon, R. Kelly -- just to name a few.

BallerStatus.com: Being able to write for different artists of different genres today is such a rarity. How important do you think it is to be versatile when becoming a songwriter?

Claude Kelly: I think it's the main part of being a songwriter. If you don't know how to flip, and work with different sounds, then that could be a disadvantage. It's been special for me to work with Britney Spears, and then, a couple days later, work with Akon. Just being able to jump genre to genre is real important today, especially when you know your homework.

via Singersroom

Singersroom: How did you get into songwriting?

Claude Kelly: I wasn’t one of those songwriters that started writing at three or four years old. I kind of stumbled on it by accident. I was a singer and I played the piano and a couple of other instruments. After I graduated college I was trying to figure out a way to make some money so I said “let me try to figure out something and make things work.” I got in the studio with a friend of mines and wrote a song and it just clicked one day. From then I just have been writing and getting better and better.

Singersroom: Why do you love R&B?

Claude Kelly: R&B is heart music…its soul music! I think it’s the genre that best presents the emotions the best. It’s where you can be the most dramatic and pour your heart out in a record while telling a great story.

Read each article here:
BallerStatus - Songwriter Claude Kelly Talks Writing For Michael Jackson, Working In Different Genres
Singersroom - Claude Kelly: Bridging Music

Learn more about Claude Kelly here:
MySpace
Twitter

Akon: Sydney, Australia Concert Goes On Without A Hitch

Akon with T-Pain as the show opener in Sydney, Australia at the Acer Arena on Tuesday, October 27, the day after the Melbourne concert melee (see story here.)

Photos:
Getty Images
Rex Features

Akon: Australian Concert Melee Leaves 18 Injured

via the Sydney Morning Herald as reported by Mex Cooper

Akon was performing when fighting broke out in the audience and outside the venue (Melbourne Australia's HiSense Arena.)

He told the audience it had taken him two years to play in Australia and he was not going to let anyone "f--- up" the gig.

The police spokeswoman said six people had reported being assaulted and she believed up to 18 had been injured.

Angry crowd members, who paid $125 to see Akon and fellow rapper T-Pain, have said they feared for their safety as security staff became outnumbered by the battling fans.

Read more of the story here:
Sydney Morning Herald

Akon, Wyclef and Africa's Brightest Music Stars Shine at 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards Show

2nd Annual 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards took place at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi, Kenya Saturday October 10.

Check out the VIDEO highlights from the show with Akon, Wyclef and more here:
AFP - MTV Africa Music Awards 2009

A complete list of 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards Show nominees and winners:
Nigerianhiphop.net

Photos:
Getty Images - Show
Getty Images - Red Carpet
Getty Images - Pre-Show Prep

Pitbull Shoots "Shut It Down" Video In Miami, FL

Pitbull - Rebelution on J Records/Mr. 305 Records/Polo Grounds out now!

Akon & Busta Rhymes Live at "Orange Rockcorps" Paris, France Video & Photos

Orange Rockcorps concert took place at the Zenith in Paris, France Sunday October 4. Akon and Busta Rhymes were some of the acts part of this extended concert.

Photos:
WENN Photo

(video footage courtesy of guiworld)

Devyne Stephens: Music Industry Artist Manager Video Profile and Interview

In this day and age, stars are not necessarily born. The ones who have the talent, drive, crafty viral campaigns, songwriting abilities, exude "Star Quality", a little luck and of course making good music, have a chance to make it as an artist in the music business. Devyne Stephens is one person who recognizes all these qualities and understands how each artist he works with fits in today's music market place. As CEO of Upfront Megatainment management company and Vice President of Konvict Music, Devyne Stephens currently works with the likes of Akon, T-Pain and Lady Gaga and earlier in his career at LaFace Records helped guide the careers of Usher and TLC.



Also a recent BallerStatus interview with Devyne Stephens:

BallerStatus.com: I know that you have been a big part of Akon's career. Tell me a little bit about your relationship with him?

Devyne Stephens: Me and Akon started out as friends and I would advise him on his career before we even got into the business. Before I actually signed him to my production company, I took him through the whole regimen of artist development. His development took a little bit longer because he had a very unique and diverse sound. It took a minute for people to gravitate to his style of writing and his sound. We became partners after the success and here we are.

BallerStatus.com: What is that you look for to develop an artist into a megastar like Akon or T-Pain? What does that process look like?

Devyne Stephens: Actually it's not just developing the art, but developing the human being. [We teach] them about life and different things, not just style and imaging and A&R and how to make records, but the overall makeover. Just really look for their drive and passion.

Read more of the interview here:
BallerStatus.com - Devyne Stephens

Learn more about Upfront Megatainment here:
Upfront Megatainment

(video courtesy of rollingoutTELEVISION)

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

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

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







Interview footage.





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

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

Photos:
Getty Images
Wire Image
Rex Features
WENN Photo

Learn more here:
Orange RockCorps

(video courtesy of ShootMeDead1005, Masic10 and Slimmaz26)

Michael Jackson was working on two albums before his death

Reportedly, Akon was working with Michael on some of this material.

(via Billboard)
At the time of Michael Jackson's death, it was well-known that he was preparing for a 50-show concert series at London's O2 Arena.

What was less well-known—and what many are now speculating about—was what kind of recordings Jackson had done for the last few years. Billboard has learned that the singer was working on two albums at the time of his death: one in the pop vein that made him famous and another that would consist of an instrumental classical composition. And while some believe the star wanted to recapture his '80s glory days—or escape financial trouble—those who worked with him recently say he was motivated by his fans and his children.

Read more of the article here

In addition, this is what former Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Tommy Mottola said about some of the unreleased Michael Jackson material in the vault.

"There are dozens and dozens of songs that did not end up on his albums," said Tommy Mottola, who from 1998 to 2003 was chairman and CEO of Sony Music, which owns the distribution rights to Jackson's music. "People will be hearing a lot of that unreleased material for the first time ever. There's just some genius and brilliance in there."

The releases, Mottola said, "could go on for years and years — even more than Elvis."

(Mottola article portion courtesy of hits daily double)