Hot97 Summer Jam 2011 Stream

Live Summer Jam video by Ustream

Swizz Beatz Plays Live In Honor Of The Girls With Ruff Ryder Eve

Swizzy did it for all the girls, well sort of as he put together a rawkus set at Webster Hall in NYC to premiere a new song Dance Like A White Girl off his upcoming album Haute Couture with Ruff Ryder EVE.

Photo link below
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(video courtesy of J'Nell)

Diesel's 'Only The Brave' NYC Concert with Common, Big Sean, Vado And Others

From last night's Diesel's 'Only The Brave' NYC Concert with Common, Big Sean, Vado And Donnis.

Despite the room (Gotham Hall NYC) sounding cavernous, the footage looks like a great event.

Photo Links:
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Getty Images
PR Photos

(video footage courtesy of DJ Delz, DonjaiTV, Real Talk NY)

Tanya Morgan Presents Donwill - 'Laura's Tape Mixtape'

Tanya Morgan Presents Donwill - Laura's Tape Mixtape download here:
Donwill - Laura's Tape Mixtape

Alt link here:
Donwill - Laura's Tape Mixtape

To buy the iTunes single "Laura's Song" here:
"Laura's Song"

Donwill is one-third of hip-hop group Tanya Morgan, formed in 2003, who recently released their third full-length album Brooklynati in 2009. With the high praise from Rolling Stone and Time Out New York that Brooklynati garnered, Donwill is now ready to release his own album, Don Cusack in High Fidelity on March 23rd, 2010 on Interdependent Media. The maxi-single of "Laura's Song," complete with the album version, radio edit, instrumental and a couple of remixes is now available for purchase on iTunes.

And be sure to catch Tanya Morgan live in a city near you soon, as they embark on the 12-date High Fidelity Tour with supporting act Kooley High:

Jim Jones & Julez Santana Haitian Relief XXL Magazine Benefit Concert Recap

photo courtesy of Jon Caranaica / New York Times

via New York Times

“Forever Harlem” by Juelz Santana, Jim Jones and the singer Tobb Cobain — a remake of “Forever,” last year’s song by Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Eminem — is the rare mixtape version of “Forever” that challenges the original in audacity.

Tuesday night (February 9) at the Studio at Webster Hall, both Mr. Jones and Mr. Santana were performing, though the amiable show didn’t pick up until the music dropped out altogether, and Mr. Santana, cocky, delivered his “Forever Harlem” verse a cappella:

This is my movie, you an extra/B-roll

Your girl insist I got a very big/Ego

I’m here to take the game from these lames/Deebo

And I got chips, cheese/Doritos



There were other words rhymed too — kilos, Speedos, cee-lo, repo’d — each one delivered like a haymaker. When Mr. Santana was younger, a protégé of the flamboyant technical rapper Cam’ron, his exclamatory style came off as a sort of rap Tourette’s, barking that was awkward and difficult to control.

But in the last year, especially, he’s polished the idiosyncratic style to high gloss, in turn becoming a rapper approaching his moment of greatness. He’s still struggling to form an identity of his own — most of his hits have come with other people, either alongside Cam’ron (from whom he’s now estranged) or Mr. Jones, or with R&B singers, like the recent “Back to the Crib” with Chris Brown.



At Tuesday’s concert — a benefit for the American Red Cross, sponsored by the hip-hop magazine XXL (Styles P also performed) — he was in top form, arrogantly charismatic and effortlessly intricate. Mr. Jones, who performed before him, then split once they did their handful of collaborations, was, as ever, convivial, sauntering through hits in mushmouth fashion: “Na Na NaNa Na Na,” “Plenty Money (remix),” “Baby Girl.”

He didn’t mumble on “Forever Harlem,” though. “I’m a vampire, True Blood like Sookie,” Mr. Jones rapped, nestling a gang shout-out in the middle of his TV show name-drop. “We turn the whole situation ugly/Whoopi.”

Even though Mr. Jones has been the more successful of the two men, Mr. Santana, in his ascendance, was far more entrancing to watch. Surrounded by a cluster of hype men and hangers-on — the best one shrouded in a do rag, Haiti bandana and Gucci ski goggles combination — he was a small glimpse of what might yet be to come.

As if to prove the point, he was joined toward the end of his set by the 50 Cent protégé Lloyd Banks. Seven years ago Mr. Banks was to 50 Cent what Mr. Santana was to Cam’ron: a punch-line-happy sidekick who motivated street loyalists even as the boss went off on flights of fancy. But Mr. Banks lacked Mr. Santana’s natural charm, never appearing to be more than a glorified infantryman. He’s still affiliated with 50 Cent’s G-Unit Records but no longer signed to its distributor, Interscope — a gruff MC settling back into semi-obscurity.



Last week he released a new song with Mr. Santana, the sinister “Beamer, Benz or Bentley.” Here his verse was delivered in his characteristic raspy groan, dexterous but depressive. But when Mr. Santana dived in for his verse — “Making movies, Tom Cruisin’/If it’s action, then I’m shooting” — he sounded sharp and eager, as if he were gingerly stepping over Mr. Banks and continuing to climb.

(video courtesy of jaood10, This Is 50)

more fan shot footage below

Melanie Fiona In-Store Performance At J&R Music World NYC

Photos from the event here:
Wire Image

Melanie Fiona - 'The Bridge' on SRC/Motown/Universal in-stores now!

Bone Thugs N Harmony NYC Listening Session Album Preview

(with the press earlier in the day/courtesy of fabulousaura twitpic)

Bone Thugs N Harmony - 'Uni 5: The World’s Enemy' listening session took place at Legacy Studios in midtown Manhattan NYC on Wednesday October 28.

Album preview/review courtesy of Showing Out

Earlier tonight, select media were invited to attend a listening session for Bone Thugs~N~Harmony’s reunion album Uni 5: The World’s Enemy, which is slated for release on Warner Bros. on December 22nd. Stationed in one of the engineering rooms at Legacy Studios in midtown New York City, four of the five original members of the Cleveland-based group (Bizzy Bone was unable to make it) played 13 tracks for the tightly packed room, with Krayzie Bone kicking off the session by explaining, “I don’t know who the fuck made this list,” referring to the track list passed out to those in attendance. “We recorded over 67 songs for the album,” added Layzie Bone, later explaining that they mainly stuck with underground producers like DJ-Uneek because their tracks were just as fresh as those of the big names.

But as the group played through the tracks (Wish Bone was seated in a hallway outside the studio, though he could be seen throughout the album’s play), it quickly became clear that the guys are going to have a rough time paring down the tracks to the final cut. The tracks played for the room showed that Bone Thugs are as tight as ever, with a few cuts capturing that classic Bone Thugs sound and others employing a fresh, new style that the group has dubbed “universe,” which Layzie explained as having the group sharing a 16 on a song instead of having each member get their 16 to shine. Showing Out was there to take notes, so hit the jump to get a sneak preview of the 13 tracks that Bone Thugs~N~Harmony played.

No More

The group explained that this track already leaked, so it might not make it onto the final cut of the album. But for those that haven’t heard the track already, it boasts an epic, pounding beat that features three straight-up rapped verses and a hook where they taunt their foes, “Don’t you come round here no more.”

My Life

Piano trills set off “My Life,” which floats along on a swinging, thwacking beat. This is Bone Thugs doing what they do best, seesawing between rapid flows that offset the languid pace and off-rhythm, relaxed flows. The guys take turns rapping and singing on the verses before easing up and letting the chorus rock.

See Me Shine ft. Lyfe Jennings, Jay Rush and Phaedra

This was the more spiritual, soulful type track that features R&B singer-songwriter Lyfe Jennings, his brother Jay Rush and Phaedra. The song features choppy, sharp synths that give way to a pumping beat that’s crowded with layers of horn synths. The highlight of the track is the inspirational choir coming in at the end of the track, all while the guest singers ask, “Why they wanna hate on me / Why they wanna steal my shine?”

What Have We Done to the World

The guys explained that this song was recorded the day after Michael Jackson passed, and though they said that sample clearance issues would most likely prevent this from making the final cut, they said they would find a way to get it out to the public regardless. The track samples MJ’s “Earth Song,” starting off with a spoken word quote from the King of Pop where he says, “Black artists have been taken advantage of” in the music industry, soon giving way to a breezy track that digitizes the line “What have we done to the world” from “Earth Song.” Each of the guys takes a turn spitting their verses, breaking down after each 16 before finally riding out on a mashup between the track and their classic “Crossroads.”

Cradle to the Grave

Layzie Bone explained that this track was “on some rider shit,” coasting on a down South beat and tinny drums. As the song played out, the dudes lit up at the front of the room, passing the blunt back and forth to one another as the chorus blared, “We gon’ take it from the top of the stage / From the cradle to the grave.”

The Game Ain’t Ready

Layzie introduced this track by stating that “hopefully, this will take us to the sports world.” With a machine gun beat pummeling along with bloopy synths underneath, each member takes turns on this one, repeating over regal horns, “The world ain’t ready, the game ain’t ready / Opposition ain’t ready.”

Meet Me in the Sky ft. K-Young

This track showed more of the softer side of Bone Thugs, with airy synths, stadium-sized drums and shaky electric guitars coalescing for an emotive soundscape. K-Young’s tenor vocals carry this joint, which isn’t their best work but will resonate with fans.

Gangsta’s Glory

“This song is exactly what it says it is,” said Krayzie, before the engineer cued up the five-minute track. Over a slithering bass line and dusky, ominous piano chords, the gang warns all the young folk about the dangers of street life, with the chorus scolding, “Now I’ma break it down and tell a little story / Gangsters don’t live that long.”

Universe

The room seemed to be in agreement that this was the best of the bunch, and without a doubt, it was. Blaring horns, a sunny melody, organ notes and glib keys beam beneath the group as they flex their “universe” style, which has no one member outweighing another. Instead, vocals are layered on top of one another as certain voices come in and out of the mix, making for a delightful, speaker-knocking jam. The guys even namecheck their new style, singing, “Universe / One verse, five’s the best.”

Everytime

Possibly the second-best track played during the session, “Everytime” has a celebratory feel with its clicking snares and shifting pace. On the tune, the guys sing, “Every time that I turn around / These biters tryna take our sound.” It ain’t easy being Bone Thugs.

Determination

“We lettin’ everybody know out there that if you’re determined to make it, you will make it,” explained Krayzie before playing the track. For over five minutes, the song cruises along with relaxed guitars that lead into a knocking, breezy groove, replete with a fat, plucking bass. The song is as inspirational as its title suggests, encouraging listeners never to give up on their dreams.

Facts Don’t Lie

This was the shortest track of the bunch, and it came with some of the most fiery lyrical venom of all the songs. Over a burning bass line, the group refutes their irrelevancy by stating that they’re a part of history, and that facts don’t lie.

Let Ya Self Go

The last song of the session, “Let Ya Self Go” concluded the album with that signature Bone Thugs~N~Harmony sound, with a delicate chipmunk sample playing background to the mysterious and atmospheric synths at the forefront. Not a bad way to end - and you can listen to the track in the link above to get a taste for yourself. Bone Thugs~N~Harmony are back.

(source)

Related:
Bone Thugs N Harmony Announces 'Uni5: The Worlds Enemy' Release At Press Conference

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)

KRS 1 Big Jeff and DJ Kool Herc perform at Santos Party House NYC

These Bronx neighborhood legends came together at Santos Party House in New York City Saturday May 30.


KRS 1 with the B-Boys

Estelle graces MoMA's 41st Annual Party in the Garden NYC performance posted

All of New York high society were there at the 41st Annual Party in the Garden held at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC on Tuesday May 26. Estelle entertained guest which included Mayor Michael Bloomberg, David Rockefeller, Dionne Warwick, Ashford & Simpson, DJ Cassidy, Warner Music Group Vice Chairman Lyor Cohen, Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, Kelis, Glen Close and many more.

Busta Rhymes Santos Party House NYC performance video

From Monday night's May 18 performance playing some classic Busta and newer stuff

Sunglass Hut launches Social Sun with in store performance by Reggae star Sean Paul

May 19 at Sunglass Hut NYC





Sunglass Hut launched Social Sun, interactive system that enables customers to take multiple photographs of themselves in different glasses, and view them all at the same time to compare. The event also served as the launch of Claw Money's line of sunglasses made in collaboration with Sunglass Hut and Sean Paul performed at the launch.

Power Moves party in LA for new Def Jam Digital Marketing Director

On Wednesday May 20, several music industry friends came together at Club Sushi in Hollywood to give Jycorri Robinson a celebratory send off. Jycorri will be moving from LA to NYC to assume his new dutties as Def Jam's Digital Marketing Director.

Vaughn Anthony at the Home School Records party (video)

I present to you Atlantic/Home School Records recording artist Vaughn Anthony. Recently out on the road with his older brother John Legend. Now striking out on his own and giving his older sibling a run for his money.
Performing at S.O.B.'s in NYC May 14 in front of a very hyped music industry crowd which included Rick Ross, Ryan Leslie, Erica Goodman, Devo Springsteen & Estelle.

John Legend Estelle & Rick Ross perform at the Home School Records party in NYC (video)

Recorded at S.O.B.'s in NYC May 14.

Ginuwine Listening Party at Taj NYC (video)

Ginuwine runs through the songs to be played at the listening party May 12.
Tracks include "Show Off" "Trouble" ft. Bun B & "Last Chance."

You can't see him, but you can hear him in the video.



14 tracks all together. 'A Man's Thoughts' out June 23.