Quincy Jones 'Q: Soul Bossa Nostra' NYC Album Release Party

As reported by Ann Lawlor for Showbiz 411

Oh Friday night (November 12th) at SL Nightclub, a mirrored bunker under Abe & Arthur’s shiny, glamorous restaurant. This used to be Lotus nightclub. It’s very hip on West 14th St.

Where else would you find Quincy Jones on a Friday night, getting a little salute for his new album, “Soul Bossa Nostra”? He’s 77, man, and he’s younger, cooler and more with it than just about anyone.

John Legend was already seated beside Q when we arrived, and there were about twenty young females jockeying for position–to be near Q. I asked him last winter what his age cut off for dating was, and the legendary musician and man about town replied: “I’m 77, and the two numbers cannot add up to more than 100.”

Amen.

Suddenly, Grace Hightower and her husband, Robert DeNiro, come in through a side door. Hightower, who is lovely and has a killer voice, hightails it over to Q. DeNiro changs back, orders a martini with extra vermouth and lemon rind from a waiter. “Lemon rind,” DeNiro reminds him. The guy looks like he’s going to have a brain hemorrhage trying to remember all the particulars of this drink. When he returns with it, he asks DeNiro if it’s right. The actor takes a sip, doesn’t look so happy. “It’s all right,” he says. He winds up leaving half of it behind.

More fun: Clive Davis arrives, also through the side door, with Nikki Haskell and friends. Clive is Q’s age, it’s 10pm, and he’s just come from dinner at Cipriani. The two take pictures together. They are the last of the real music men. Right now Clive has Rod Stewart, Santana, and Jamie Foxx on the charts. Quincy has Mary J Blige, Jennifer Hudson, and Akon on his album. These men are dangerous.

Now come the second wave: Anthony Mackie, who’s in the “24 Hour Plays” tonight, was the award winning co-star of “Half Nelson” and “The Hurt Locker” arrives with indefatigable manager Jason Spire. Mackie’s classically trained, Denzel 2.0. Quincy hugs him. Mackie tells us about the bar he’s opening in Crown Heights, Brooklyn this winter called No Bar. He’s building it himself. No kidding. Even the tables. He shows us pictures. Gorgeous.

Gayle King comes by, looking hot, discussing today’s (Monday’s) “Color Purple” reunion on Oprah with Quincy, who did the music way back in 1985. Says Gayle of her recent camping trip with Oprah: “I will never do that again.” I tell her: tents is a homonym for tense. Don’t forget that.

More from Q later this week. In the meantime, he’s got the album and a beautiful coffee table book out all about his music called “Q on Producing.” You can get it on amazon,’natch.

Photo links from the event:
Zimbio
Getty Images
Wire Image
WENN Photo

Erykah Badu Album Release Party Secret Show In Los Angeles, CA Recap

Reported by Gerrick D. Kennedy / Los Angeles Times

“Had three babies by three different dudes, ran in the nude in Dallas,” Erykah Badu sang amid loud cheers from fans that packed into her not-so-secret show at the El Rey Theatre on Tuesday (March 30) evening.

It would be the only time that Badu would make reference to the controversy she is facing surrounding her latest video, “Window Seat.” In the clip, which has gone viral, she is seen walking the streets of Dallas near the site where JFK was assassinated, slowly stripping; the moment after she takes off her last piece of clothing, the singer is shot by an unseen assassin.

On Monday, Badu took to her Twitter page to advertise the release party/concert celebrating the unveiling of her fifth album, “New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh),” tweeting, “secret show in los angeles at 9 pm 3/30/2010 shhh...” It might not have been much notice, but judging by the line stretching down Wilshire Boulevard, word had got out.

Fans waited patiently while she spent time greeting the crowd and posing for pics. She hit the stage at close to midnight.

Taking the stage in a tan trench coat and beaded braids that flowed down her back (a throwback to the late funk singer Rick James?), Badu offered no apologies or explanation for the delay before launching into “20 Feet Tall,” the lead track from her new album.

“Then you, you built a wall, a 20-foot wall so I couldn’t see… If I get off my knees, I might recall I’m 20 feet tall,” she sang behind a hushed groove.

Flanked by a band that included a harp and flute, which blended seamlessly with the funk-filled sounds of the keyboard and drums, Badu transformed the packed house into a religious service -- albeit one where the pastor allows marijuana -- as fans testified and sang along to songs that included tackling the government, personal liberation and, of course, love, her pitch-perfect vocals encouraging plenty of chants.

“New Amerykah Part Two” is filled with the nostalgic soul that Badu is known for, and her live offering was no different. While fans might have had their endurance tested with the wait at the standing-room-only show, her lush harmonies made up for the delay, and she commanded the audience for her hour-plus show. She didn’t offer many songs from her new album, instead treating fans to classic tracks from her catalog, turning hits such as “On & On,” “Love of My Life” and “The Healer” into jam sessions.

Badu might have tested our patience before the show began, but once her voice filled the theater, no one seemed to mind; fans just wanted to get their own “Window Seat” into the world of Badu.

Rap-Up's review of the show here:
Erykah Badu LA Album Release Party

more fan shot video footage below.







(video courtesy of msway30ish & DJ Booth)

Murs & 9th Wonder 'ForNever'; Part Of 10 Murs' Albums In 10 months In 2010

via Baller Status

Murs is back. After a stint with Warner Bros. Records that resulted in the release of 2008's Murs for President, the Los Angeles rapper has returned to the indie circuit.

Later this month, he'll be dropping the highly anticipated collabo album with producer 9th Wonder called ForNever, their fourth pairing. But, the project is just one of 10 albums Murs plans to drop throughout the remainder of 2010.

During an invite-only listening party for the forthcoming album on Friday (March 5) in Los Angeles, Murs told us about his plans to release a new album during the last week of each month through December, each one consisting of 10 new songs.

With an indie mentality, Murs says a slew of unreleased material was built up during his tenure with Warner Bros. So, now that he's free of his contract with the major label, it's all going to see the light of day ... during the 2010 calendar year.

"Warner Bros. kind of ... stifled me creatively 'cause I was used to having product flow every year -- touring, album, tour, album, tour, two tours and album," Murs explained BallerStatus.com. "I'd do two 60-city tours, something in the summer, then new album. I was a workaholic. They kinda shut me up. I have all this music coming outta nowhere, so I'm ready, and I think this is an ultimate way to kick it off...

"During that time, I created so much music that I have a surplus," the rapper added, "so, I'm trying to do 10 records in 10 months this year. It's 2010, we're gonna have 10 records with 10 songs."

Despite leaving the Warner, Murs say he and the label parted on good terms and commended the people he worked with. In the end, he said they just had a "difference of opinion."

The first of the music to come out of the vaults will be ForNever, which features the production of 9th Wonder, and guest appearances include Sick Jacken, Uncle Chucc, Suga Free, Kurupt, and Verbz.



The first single is the Sick Jacken and Uncle Chucc assisted "The Problem Is." A video was shot with director Estevan Oriol last month, and is scheduled to surface in the coming weeks.

ForNever drops March 30th.

Additionally, during our chat, Murs revealed that one of the next projects -- of the 10 dropping this year -- will be a collaborative effort with rising west coast producer Terrance Martin.

Further details about other upcoming albums were unknown at press time though.

More information:
MursWorld.com

Related:
Murs & 9th Wonder 'ForNever' Los Angeles Listening Party

Raekwon & Ghostface Killah Nokia Theatre NYC 'Wu-Massacre' Concert Recap

via Entertainment Weekly

Wu-Massacre, the album that Method Man, Raekwon, and Ghostface Killah are dropping March 30, whittles down the Wu-Tang Clan to three of its finest. Last night, that line-up was pared further to just Raekwon and Ghostface, for what was billed as an early Wu-Massacre release celebration at the Nokia Theater in NYC’s Times Square (Friday, March 5). There was some sense in making the trio a duo. Rae and Ghost, in particular, have often felt like a group within a group on the Clan’s releases. These guys go together like peanut butter and jelly, or pasta and tomato sauce — speaking of which, they collaborate often enough to have come up with the acronym R.A.G.U. (for “Rae and Ghost United”) to identify their joint efforts.



The concert began with a string of unimpeachable cuts from 1995’s classic Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… — technically Raekwon’s solo debut, but one to which Ghostface contributed heavily, earning prominent billing on the album’s cover. Their undiminished chemistry was evident in the show-opening string of “Criminology,” “Incarcerated Scarfaces,” “Ice Cream,” and “Verbal Intercourse.” Both rappers are essentially storytellers, Ghostface narrating crime sagas with a jumpy urgency, Raekwon doing the same in gravelly and matter-of-fact tones. Together they strode the stage like giants, joining in on one another’s lyrics at key points for emphasis.



After a few more tunes from their catalog (notably Ghostface’s “Mighty Healthy”), the pair retreated to the back of the stage while random New York mixtape rappers like Grafh and Red Cafe appeared to perform unannounced mini-sets. I’ve got nothing against those dudes, but as far as surprise guests go, I was hoping more for, well, Method Man, or at least Masta Killa. No such luck. At least we got to see Smif-n-Wessun do 1994’s “Bucktown,” whose rough NY sound isn’t so far removed from Rae and Ghost’s territory.



Thankfully, Rae and Ghost took center stage again before long. The crowd of die-hard Wu fans flipped out when they ran through several necessary selections from the Clan’s epochal 1993 debut, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), including “Bring da Ruckus,” “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F— Wit,” “Shame on a N—-,” “C.R.E.A.M.” (You can see Raekwon do the latter song’s opening verse last night below, thanks to the magic of YouTube; some NSFW language, obviously.) It is never less than thrilling to hear these songs in any context, even when only two members of the nine-man group are present. Rae and Ghost paid tribute to their late friend Ol’ Dirty Bastard by performing his solo single “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” before returning to a few more of their own solo tunes (Raekwon’s “Canal Street,” Ghostface’s “Holla”).



Then came another series of guests, for some reason. A rapper identified only as “Ghost’s son” sounded like a much less experienced version of his dad (only fair, I suppose). Jim Jones walked on for “We Fly High” to much applause. It was interesting to see Rae and Ghost as the kind of elder statesmen who would cede so much of their own concert for the benefit of competitors like Jones — not something either of them have necessarily been best known for in the past. That generous spirit still wasn’t enough to make these interludes feel like smart uses of the audience’s time.

All was more or less forgiven by the crowd when the beat for the Clan’s 1997 single “Triumph” kicked in. No further members made last-minute appearances as Rae and Ghost closed out the show, sadly. Still, my only real complaint last night was that the two main performers didn’t go even deeper into their shared catalog. Concerts can have far worse problems than that. Were any of you at the Nokia Theater last night? Are you looking forward to Wu-Massacre?

Photos:
Getty Images
Wire Image

More fan shot footage below.



(video courtesy of t2optimus, ladiemare & eja688)

Freeway & Jake One, Joell Ortiz At Highline Ballroom NYC

Freeway & Jake One - The Stimulus Package Album Release Party with Joell Ortiz & Brother Ali & DJ Snuggles opening the show at the Highline Ballroom, NYC Tuesday, February 16.

Photos:
Prefix Magazine
MetroMixNY

(Video courtesy of beatmakersedition.com, TheLSC & miss info)

Sade 'Soldier Of Love' Los Angeles Listening Session

Tonight's Sade 'Soldier of Love' listening event, brought out local press, radio, retail and key tastemakers in the L.A. area, me included.

Upon arrival at the super swanky Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills, I was greeted by a very generous staff. They took care of every need, whether it was filling your wine glass, offering up hors d'oeuvres or any directions to get around the hotel - it was service with a smile, all the way.

The actual listening session took place on the 9th floor of the hotel over looking Beverly and the Hollywood Hills. With a large flat panel TV, square center in the room playing Sade's 'Soldier of Love' video and with a posh couch/lounge area, I then met up with some Sony people attending the event. It work out well as we had the couch that was dead center with the AV system. We weren't about to miss a beat of one of the most anticipated records of 2010.

They first played the sizzle reel, a promo video piece showing Sade's complete body of work throughout her entire career. It's staggering to think of Sade's longevity in the business.

Then a short reel with the 'Soldier of Love' single used as the music bed for the TV show 'Lost'. I'm not too crazy about art meeting commerce, but this TV/Music marriage works well, or was it the wine kicking in?

I've posted up both Sade NYC listening session reports from Vibe and Showing Out on the site, but this was the first one out West.

And no, Sade was not at the event, but we wish she would've been there.

Keep in mind, there were at least 150 invited guest in the room talking through out the event while the music was playing. Although we heard the music well, at times our ears had to concentrate a little more than usual.

So on with the show...my track by track critique.

The Moon and The Sky

A great way to start off the record. A smooth track with an augmented nylon string & slide guitar present throughout. Sade's signature vocals are in there right off the bat.

Soldier of Love

They skipped this one in the sequence of the album, as they had already played the video for the track.

Morning Bird

What's noticeable about this track is the piano and the arrangement of the music, gentle yet haunting. Sade creates the wholeness that is the icing on the cake. Rich and creamy, this track is.

Babyfather

The groove on this track is irresistible. It almost feels that it has a reggae beat to it, but without sounding too reggae. The song is upbeat.

Long Hard Road

This track harkens back to the Sade from the 80's, but updated to today's sound. Jazzy flavor, with a beat that is subdued enough where Sade can bend and stir her vocal showcasing around.

Be That Easy

Where 'Long Hard Road' had a somber feel to it, 'Be That Easy' has an optimistic edge to it. In this part of the album, Sade starts to stretch out and become more free with her vocals, doing nice harmonies while keeping the melody in place. The guitars are sharp and the bass bobs along to the beat.

Bring Me Home

A beat loop is present on this track as it sets the tempo for the song, somewhat hot and acid like. This one got steady head nods from the group. The guitar and bass were stretched out, right in the pocket.

In Another Time

This for me is one of the more distinct tracks on the album. It closely resembles a Stax/Hi-Records Memphis sound without the horns. The shuffle was deep in place. Sade inter plays with the laid back sax & guitar grooves as the song winds up and down.

Skin

As we know, Sade's music embodies hope, fear, pain and longing for true heart felt love. At this point in the album, the lyrics come to a head. As the title suggests, Sade is in her most vulnerable state. Tender yet evoking.

The Safest Place

The last track is the most simplest in form and presentation. An acoustic guitar, an isolated beat and cello strings. Sade beckons that the heart is really the most safest place to be.


To recap, Sade's 'Soldier of Love' measures up to all expectations. It wouldn't fair to pick one song as the best. 'Soldier of Love' needs to be heard front to back, like a good album should be heard.

I would also like to say, hearing the record in its entirety before the public is not necessarily fair to you the readers.These advance listening sessions can be deceiving, as we can get hyped out too quickly, too fast. But rest assured, on February 9th you can safely buy Sade's 'Soldier of Love' and be confident of the choice you've made. It's that good of a record and definitely worth the wait.

Alicia Keys Album Release Party At M2 In NYC

PHOTOS:
Film Magic
Getty Images
Wire Image

Sade 'Soldier Of Love' NYC Listening Session Album Preview

via Vibe

Few recording artists in the time of continuing shrinking record distribution, digital music downloads, and a never-ending recession, would receive the posh red carpet rollout exhibited last night (Monday, Dec. 14) at New York's historic Lincoln Center. But not every artist has the immense mystique and event-like cache of Sade, an act who has meticulously stayed away from the proverbial spotlight since her neo jazz-based 1984 debut Diamond Life.

At an exclusive listening party for the Nigerian-born British singer-songwriter's sixth studio release Soldier of Love (due Feb. 8), the atmosphere was as elegant as the 50-year old singer herself. Pink roses, pear bellinis, and a mammoth window overlooking a postcard-worthy view of Manhattan's bustling Columbus Circle proved to be a savvy backdrop. But you get the sense that the diverse range of individuals who made it out to hear Sade's first new studio album in nearly a decade (who else could get the likes of golden age hip hop producer DJ Marley Marl, legendary radio personality Tom Joyner and the New York Times' respected veteran music critic Jon Pareles in the same room together?) would have gladly listened to the album at a greasy hamburger joint in Queens.

Musically, the 10-track Soldier of Love doesn't stray too far from the classic Sade sound. Mournful lyrics that dive into the emotional cost of lost love as well as hope-driven introspection fuels much of the album's dramatic tone. And that voice? It's still there: haunting, calming, gorgeous all at once.

Still, nothing could have prepared those in attendance for a rare sighting of the reclusive Sade, who following the session, appeared with members of her backing band that have been with her since the beginning of her career. Dressed in an all black silk outfit, with her trademark crimson red lipstick and pulled-back hair, Sade was greeted enthusiastically by the usually jaded music industry tastemakers who stood in line just to take a picture with the singer who seemingly ages every twenty years.

Highlights on Soldier of Love include:

"The Moon and The Sky"
A seductive Latin groove accented by Spanish guitars is paced by an assertive rim shot. "Why didn't you come get me one last time...we could have had the moon and the sky," Sade sings. Intensely sexy.

"Soldier of Love"
The official first single and album title track has been a curve pitch for longtime Sade fans. The harder edged Portishead-style production and winking western-standoff feel of the track (complete with rumbling military snares) takes a minute to get used to. But its relentless groove and Sade's sincere vocal performance makes it more than believable.

"Babyfather"
Sade at her most whimsical. "For you, he's the best he can be...daddy loves you," she says on the reggae-tinged track.

"Bring Me Home"
One of the tracks that will surely get play from club DJ's who worship at the alter of early '90s, digging-in-the-crates hip hop. With it's thumping bassline, this standout cut is easily the fastest paced song on Soldier of Love. There's ominous talk of tears. But this dramatic line says it all: "I've cried for the lives I've lost..." Wow.

"Skin"
Ranks among Sade's most heavy vocal and lyrical performances of all-time. A Fender Rhodes keyboard can be heard. So can the pain of a romance gone terribly wrong. "I wish I could wash you off my skin." There's no room for ambiguity here.

"The Safest Place"
Sade finds comfort in another's arms. Lush harmonies. Hope closes out the album.

Alicia Keys Album Launch For 'The Element Of Freedom' London Party Recap

As reported by Gordon Smart at London's Sun

Alicia Keys pulled in an impressive crowd to her album launch on Wednesday night.

I spotted JLS, Chipmunk, Dizzee Rascal, Will Young and The Saturdays all straining for a glimpse.

Alicia turned in a top six-song set at the Aqua restaurant and club in London.

The opener was her re-working of Empire State Of Mind - the single she recorded with Jay-Z.

A slower solo version appears on her new album The Element Of Freedom.

Alicia sat at the piano before standing for current single Doesn't Mean Anything.

Then there were her classics If I Ain't Got You, You Don't Know My Name and No One.

She's sheer class. But the setting was horribly tacky for such a big star.

Too many people were rammed into a room with all the atmosphere of a large store changing cubicle.

Alicia will get the settings she deserves when she comes back for a full UK tour in May.

Photos:
Getty Images
Film Magic
WENN Photo

more fan footage below.







(video courtesy of enomis1979, sblitztv & sparkystep)

Snoop 'Malice N Wonderland' & Travis Barker Co. Party In Hollywood Recap

via Ballerstatus

In celebration of two milestones -- 10 years in clothing biz and 10 albums deep in the game -- Travis Barker, his Famous Stars & Straps brand and rapper Snoop Dogg rocked Los Angeles on Tuesday (December 8) with a mega-party where the West Coast was in full effect.

Celebrities like DJ Quik, the Lakers' Lamar Odom, Rob Dyrdek, Tila Tequila, Pharrell, The Game, Joe Budden, and Mister Cartoon among others, came through to support the huge achievement.

Everyone finally made their way into the event, had some drinks and mingled. Then, late in the evening, Snoop (drapped in a long gray trench coat) and Travis (Barker) (rocking a sleeveless Famous tee) finally made their way to the stage to treat the crowd to a medley of songs. When the DJ announced Snoop's arrival, he hopped on stage immediately with his now-classic "The Next Episode" with Barker right on que providing the drums.

Shortly after, the rapper called out for singer Butch Cassidy. "How many people in the house got love for my n**** Nate Dogg? You know Butch Cassidy is his first cousin, so we gonna do a little song from Nate Dogg. It go a little something like this." The beat dropped for Snoop's classic "Ain't No Fun" off his debut, Doggystyle, and the crowd went wild. Cassidy jumped right into the first verse, originally sung by Nate who wasn't in attendence.

As the performance continued, Snoop and Travis brought out a slew of their collaborators and other West Coast acts. At one point, Pharrell (of the Neptunes) graced the stage to assist Snoop with his hits, "Beautiful" and "Drop It Like It's Hot." Later, Game checked it, breaking right into his collaboration with Barker on "Dope Boys," before spitting an off the dome freestyle.

DJ Quik performed "Tonite," while Kurupt dropped a freestyle or two, in addition to rocking verses from several Snoop gems.

If you were in the crowd, you probably also noticed newcomers like Problem, Nipsey Hussle, Tyga, and plenty of others on stage just vibing, lending a verse here and there, and laughing alongside big Snoop Dogg.

PHOTOS:
Getty Images
Film Magic
Wire Image
WENN Photo

Kid Cudi Album Release Party In Las Vegas With Videos And Photos

Saturday September 19, 2009

Fan shot video below.

It's a bit dark in the club, but what you can make out is worth viewing.





Photos:
WENN Photo
PR Photos
Film Magic
Getty Images
Wire Image

(video courtesy of infernaldarkangel and oillusiveo)

Raekwon Album Release Party In NYC With Photos, Video And Recap

Raekwon Album Release Party At Santos Party House in NYC on Tuesday September 8. Guest included a who's who - DJ Premiere, Redman, Chrisette Michele, Ghostface Killah, Cappadonna, Eric Sermon, Ice-T, Kangol Kid, Rakim and hosted by Sean "P.Diddy" Combs.

Photos:
Wire Image
Getty Images
Village Slum via Flickr

Read more about the release party here:
MTV.com
Staten Island Advance

Quality fan shot video below.













(album release party review courtesy of Ben Johnson at Staten Island Advance and MTV.com)

(fan shot video courtesy of waterfall1980 and Kngkoor1)

Dead Prez & DJ Green Lantern "Pulse of the People" release party highlights

Dead Prez 'Pulse of the People' out now on Invasion Music Group

Queen Latifah Birthday Party at SIR Studios LA (video)

Ladies of Hip Hop/Queen Latifah's Bday Party/Show

As this happened March 28, the Queen had quite the guest list in the house that included MC Lyte, Vivica A. Fox, Lil Kim, Lisa Raye, BJ Coleman, Tracy Morgan, Kim Kardashian and many other of Hollywood's A-list. This is a special bird's eye view.

Chrisette Michele Album Release party (video)

At Club Mansion aka M2 Ultra Lounge in New York City. Besides the honored host Chrisette, Ginuwine, DJ Envy, Day26 and Dawn Richard were also in attendance.



Congrats to Chrisette this week on her number #1 album 'Epiphany.'