Drake Performs Live In The UK 1st Time 1st Date In Glasgow, Scotland

via the Independent Live at the 02 Jan. 4th, 2011.

"It's been one of the greatest experiences of my life, playing my first international show for you," said the Canadian actor-rapper Drake, towards the end of his set, before pointing out that unidentified timekeepers were warning that he had run over. "I waited my whole life for this," he said, "so if they wanna fine me, if they wanna penalise me, I don't care." It was only half-past ten, though, so there seemed little danger of his turning into a pumpkin.

Aubrey Drake Graham talks the talk, but there is an air of controlled professionalism just below the surface. This is not surprising, given that the 24-year-old Torontonian made his name as an actor, most notably in the teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation. His latest role, as a No 1 album artist in the US and Canada with last year's Thank Me Later, has been played to perfection, featuring collaborations with Kanye West, Eminem, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Timbaland and Rihanna. (The last, "What's My Name?", provided his biggest hit.)

Possibly due to the postponement of planned UK dates around the time of its release, Thank Me Later was not so successful here. The positioning of this debut British tour so close to the New Year, then, suggests that Drake is keen to build a following before the release of his second album in the spring. This was a gig which made an impression. It was not always a good one, but it staked his claim as an arena-filling artist to watch in 2011.

His entrance, featuring a cool strut on to the stage under the amber glow of a video-screen sunrise and a modern take on the James Dean uniform of scruffy denims and black leather jacket, was designed to get his female fans onside. "Forever" and "Up All Night" were serviceable big-room hip-hop openers, giving way to a lazy, top-down r'n'b groove through "Unstoppable" (first line: "I'm Drizzy and I ain't perfect") and the staunch and heartfelt meditation on fame that is "The Resistance".

The show had been enjoyable, if not mindblowing, when a series of slips into tired rap orthodoxy threatened to derail things. "Successful" came with musings that it was all about the "money and the cars/ cars and the clothes/ the hos... especially the hos"; "Every Girl" featured the charming line "I just can't pick one so you can never say I'm choosy"; and "What's My Name?" was prefixed by a giggling, teenage-boy description of how Drake liked to "treat" a girl in bed.

Such sentiments sit somewhere between dumb and downright sleazy, and they cheapened the many highs of the show. "Bollywood Flow" and "Shut it Down", for example, exercised some of the futuristic electro nightclub glamour that fans of Kanye West will know, while the joyous "Best I Ever Had", and particularly a wonderful coda to "Miss Me" which saw Drake spend five minutes giving personal shout-outs to dozens of individuals in the crowd, were lovable and inclusive set pieces.

After that rebellious turn against whoever was tapping their watch in the wings, the anthemic "Over" cascaded through an array of positive lyrical messages, a mighty turn from the full backing band, flaring neon lights and a flash of fireworks at the finale. For a show which wasn't without its sour moments, it made for a sweet ending.

Drake J. Cole as special guest UK Dates:
Fri 01/07/11 - London, United Kingdon - HMV Hammersmith Apollo
Sat 01/08/11 - London, United Kingdom - HMV Hammersmith Apollo
Tue 01/11/11 - Manchester, United Kingdom - O2 Apollo Manchester
Fri 01/14/11 - Birmingham, United Kingdom - The NIA

(video courtesy of JodieOHanlon, BhoyMarkyB and CheyChez)

more video below.

Travie McCoy Live In London, UK Concert Review

Travis McCoy & Bruno Mars performed at Kings College in London Monday, October 25th.

via Virgin.com

With his debut single ‘Just The Way You Are’ achieving the international number one status, it was no secret that Bruno Mars would be the icing on the cake when it was announced he would support Travie McCoy on his UK tour.



Opening with a well-manufactured rendition of ‘The Other Side’, the singer-songwriter was out to prove he was more than a one trick pony and not just the collaborator that we’ve grown to admire. Performing a number of musical gems including Michael Jackson’s ‘Billy Jean’, Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ (view above) and an alternative remix of B.o.B’s ‘Nothin’ on You’, the American producer left the crowd with an explosion of lyrical fireworks as he serenaded them with “and when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while…”



From the piercing reception Travie McCoy received by just walking onstage, you’d have thought that Take That had announced a comeback with Robbie Williams - oh wait… that did happen. With inhumane frequencies penetrating the four walls of KCLSU, the American rapper kicked the evening off with a surprisingly popular performance of ‘Akidagain’ (view above), before unleashing a powerful performance of ‘Superbad’ where the vocalist sang what seemed to be a personal message on the direction he wants to head in life, “and this is the road of my life; so I’mma have a little fun, ride till I see the sun…”

Taking time out from performing with his band Gym Class Heroes, Travie McCoy made a conscious effort to lock eyes with his London-based followers, showing his appreciation of attending the last night of the UK tour. It was patently obvious that the hip-hop artist was confident and good with words, as he romantically schmoozed the females in the crowd showering them with a thousand compliments; and it worked.

McCoy’s backing band The Lazarus Project (featuring GCH drummer Matt McGinley) teased the crowd to the simple pluck of acoustic guitar that accompanies his summer sensation ‘Billionaire’. If that wasn’t enough, Bruno Mars returned to the stage to sing the euphoric chorus with 500 passionate fans as good-spirits reached an all time high.



It wasn’t all about sunshine and flowers though, as the Gym Class vocalist tore apart at the crowd with his emotionally heartfelt performance of ‘Don’t Pretend’ that contained a taste of bitterness within his lyrics, similar to that of Eminem’s old (and new) material, as he sang “open up my chest and you’ll see; a cold cavity where my heart used to be...”Ploughing through contagious performances of both ‘Need You’ and ‘After Midnight’ (view above) on either side of the encore, McCoy embellished the crowd by taking a trip down memory lane, performing a GCH favourite ‘Cupid’s Chokehold’ and leaving the audience on the verge of a mental breakdown as they celebrated the most monumental and emphatic finish possible.

Photos:
Getty Images

(video courtesy of kbvaghela)

B.o.B Makes His Official Live Debut In London, England Concert Recap

As reported by Lisa Verrico / London's Times Online

(Thursday, May 27 at King’s College, London) His debut single, Nothin’ on You, shot straight to the top of the charts last week and its follow-up, Airplanes, will be inescapable over the summer. If you don’t know B.o.B now, you soon will.

The Atlanta-based, 21-year-old rapper born Bobby Ray Simmons is already a star in America. Having made waves on the hip-hop scene since his teens, he went to No 1 last month with his debut album, B.o.B Presents the Adventures of Bobby Ray, released here this week. In Britain we prefer our rap home-grown, but B.o.B is proving an exception, not least because his hip-hop sounds more like mainstream pop.

At his first British gig, where he was lavished with chants of “B-O-B” by a crowd who already knew lots of his lyrics, he brought a breath of fresh air back to rap. Looking all of 16 and sporting the silliest pair of trousers since MC Hammer — tight jeans that came up to his waist, but had a crotch that went down to his knees — he may have welcomed the crowd with a swear word, but his songs were packed with positive vibes and his cheery beats harked back to the days when Salt-N-Pepa had hits.



An opening run of tracks taken from his acclaimed mix tapes Cloud 9 and May 25, sung over a basic backing track, showcased B.o.B’s fun, easy flow and ear for a nagging pop hook. He was still solo when the crowd erupted for Airplanes, which had the guest vocalist Hayley Williams from the rock band Paramore only on tape but still came close to stealing the show.



It was when B.o.B brought out his band, however, that he veered from traditional rapper to multi-tasking pop star. A pair of guitarists, a female keyboard player and a bare-chested drummer added rock and reggae to the mix, played a song that recalled Snow Patrol (Letters from Vietnam) and backed the rapper on two beautiful ballads, Satellite and Don’t Let Me Fall.



Before closing with a roof-raising Nothin’ on You, B.o.B broke every rule in rap when he pulled out a stool, sat down and strummed an acoustic guitar. The French horn he plays on the album, sadly, had been left at home.

more footage below.





(video courtesy of erin9208 & Soul Culture)

Souls Of Mischief - SB.TV Freestyle Session (video)

Currently promoting their latest effort Montezuma's Revenge, Souls Of Mischief deliver a one of a kind freestyle on UK hip hop affiliate SB.TV.

Souls of Mischief Montezuma's Revenge in stores and online now.

DJ Krush London, UK Date Announced

via the press release

The Sensai returns to London for a solo show set to expand the minds of anyone in the vicinity of the Electric Ballroom, following on from the battle with his protege Kentaro in October where to most present he maintained his place on the top of the turntablist ladder. With some exclusive tracks from the forthcoming new LP (out late 2010) this is a not-to-be-missed show for any fans of hip-hop, turntablism and musical progression!

DJ Krush is arguably the most gifted producer & DJ in the world with a superb sense in mixing and composing who's been lauded for years by both his domestic and the international audience. Probably the most revered and renowned Japanese musician alive; the very fact of this unprecedented esteem goes some way toward justifying his laurels alone.

Krush's introduction to hip-hop came like that of so many others, through the movie Wildstyle. But unlike most of us this single event inspired the young Krush to form a posse which immediately became the greatest in Japan where it remained until Krush went solo in '92, and on to even greater prestige.

He was also the first DJ to use turntables as live instruments, doing free sessions with live musicians on stage and comes at you in '08 as the battle hardened veteran of dance floor killing shows from here to Burkina Faso. Expect a live turntablism display unlike anything you have seen before.

For tickets, go here:
DJ Krush @ The Electric Ballroom

MF Doom Live At London's Roundhouse Concert Recap

via the BBC

Unsurprisingly though, his much anticipated slot at London’s Roundhouse (Friday March 5) amongst a lineup promoting Sonar festival was shrouded in as much mystery as his facial appearance.

With numerous stories of impostors and stand-ins circulating, many speculated about whether this would be the sort of showcase for which the Barcelona event has become renowned or purely a charade based on the notion of an incredibly skilled recording artist.

Almost certainly, the figure who appeared for the opening Madvillainy track Meat Grinder was not the same individual who performed the rest of the gig.

Nevertheless, taking the next Doom we were given at his word, it proved to be a stunning exposition of why the New York MC’s lyrical style blends so well with the sort of intricate beats for which producer Madlib (the other half of the Madvillain project) is renowned.

The combination pits throbbing bass and often curious time signatures against a disarmingly direct and darkly comic vocal flow, and it’s an irresistible cocktail, particularly on tracks from last year’s release Born Like This.

Doom’s litany of collaborators, such as Danger Doom with Dangermouse, Wu Tang Clan, Nas, Talib Kweli, De La Soul and his appearance on the Gorillaz track November Has Come, point to his incredible versatility, and hopefully this live outing opens the gates for combinations of that calibre to finally make it to this side of the Atlantic.

It’s hard not to wonder quite who was presented as Doom for the first track, and it’ll be interesting to see whether other crowds tolerate it. Fans at a recent gig in Chicago were disappointed to find the whole set performed by a stand-in, but the Roundhouse crowd seemed willing to forgive the mis-step.

In a sense talk of impostors and speculation about new material (there’s said to be several albums on the way) feels a little academic.

Doom’s managed to occupy such an important – if sometimes understated – place in the development of hip hop in recent times that these first gigs on European soil are merely a catch up on the past decade. Once audiences have got over that, they’ll demand more.

Photos:
Flickr (MF DOOM photos) by Def Danny
Flickr (MF DOOM photos) by encosion (Tim Ferguson)

Also, Def Danny's account of the MF Doom concert on his blog site:
A Tribe Called Next - Who is the masked man? Doom?…

And Lucid Mover account of the show on his blog:
Lucid Mover - DOOM @ Roundhouse

more fan shot video below.









(video courtesy of jordang187, Stevenhoward09 & Pundrick12345)

Lucian Grainge: Meet The New Boss (Universal Music Worldwide)

via Time Magazine

New York will have to get used to (Lucian) Grainge this summer when the 49-year-old takes over as head of Universal Music worldwide, the largest record company on the planet with a market share of nearly 29% and such acts in its stable as U2, Lady Gaga, Eminem and Amy Winehouse. Grainge has been groomed for the role for several years and says his fingers will remain close to the light switch. "It will depend if they have any hits or not," he tells TIME.

Paul McGuinness, the manager of U2, probably Universal's biggest single act, has worked with Grainge for decades. "Making it in the United States is the biggest challenge of all for any British talent in the music business. He will need all his intelligence and skill to pull it off," he says. At a time when many major acts are breaking away from Universal, U2 has stayed loyal to the label, in part because Grainge has earned the respect of the band. "Lucian's advantage is that he has got a strong musical record of his own, so his opinion on a song, as well as business, is taken seriously," McGuinness says.

In 1986, Grainge joined Polygram's songwriting division and gradually moved up the ranks at the company, which would later become Universal following a merger with MCA. Eventually, under the tutelage of Doug Morris, the Universal chief executive he'll be replacing, Grainge rose to run the company's U.K. headquarters and then its international operations. As EMI has faltered in recent years, he has become a key force behind helping British acts break into the U.S. market, most notably, the troubled (Amy) Winehouse.

Grainge's plans for his new position remain somewhat of a mystery. His approach emphasizes artist relations at a time when other companies would rather talk about formulating an effective digital-distribution strategy to combat music piracy. It's not that Grainge doesn't care about this issue — indeed, he wants the U.S. to become tougher on piracy. He says, however, that there is "no platinum-tipped magic bullet" to solve the problem. One thing that will help: forming a coalition of music, film and publishing companies to lobby both Congress and Internet service providers to enact tougher sanctions against music pirates. "English-speaking content has most to lose [from file-sharing]," he says.

Read the full article here:
Time Magazine - Will Universal Music's New Boss Keep the Hits Coming?

Jay Electronica At London's Jazz Cafe Concert Review

via Music Like Dirt

(Thursday, February 18) Looking dapper in an immaculately tailored suit, like Louis Farrakhan guesting on Mad Men, Electronica is witty, engaging and utterly at ease on stage. Early in the gig he jokingly asked if we’d mind if he had a Jack Daniels to ease his nerves. Pouring himself one he asked if anyone else wanted a glass to which an American on the balcony yelled down “Yes, Up here”. Later he admonishes him for asking for more, calling him a “rude American” while pouring him another anyway. After running out of glasses a girl at the side of the stage requests a swig to which Jay goes to enquire if she’s got cooties… before saying what the hell I’ll just catch whatever you’ve got.

All very amusing… until midway through he set Jay abruptly stops and staring straight at my head poking up above the throng declares “this guy here is the only person still making me nervous“. To general chuckles he wanders over and enquires my name, “Leon!!”…oh Neil he says when corrected.
“Neil, Why are you making me nervous?” he gently demanded. At which point Id love to say I came back with a witty retort, but no I just stood and let my cheeks cycle through a variety of purple tinged shades. “Are you here with your girl?” came the next question… “no“… “then why are you making me nervous…if it isn’t because you think Im going to steal your girl!?” Clearly by now he’d taken pity on me and in his best Dick Van Dyke accent declared “Im only joking… what a handsome bloke!“… clarifying as he walked away “but not in a gay way!“. And who says Americans don’t do sarcasm!

One of his numerous unreleased tracks “Dear Moleskine” got the evening started. Its typical of Jay’s leftfield nature that the track first leaked as part of a trailer for a supposed feature length film featuring Electronica exploring the globe talking to characters like Monks at the Bodinath Buddhist Temple in Kathmandu. Unreleased or not, the crowd knew every word, mouthing each one along with Jay.

Overall he performed surprisingly little of his own material, he rapped some Nas and early in the evening a heartfelt tribute to J Dilla.
Asking the crowd to imagine Dilla in hospital wired up to machines with doctors telling him by rights he should be already be dead. Such was Dilla’s love of working on his music, Jay said, that instead of feeling self pity he asked for his MPC to be hooked up by his bedside.
With the “Waves” beat playing he asked everyone to take out a lighter/mobile anything that shines and hold it up in respect of Dilla. For a minute or two he just zoned out as it played telling us to feel this beat is being communicated to you from his death bed. It might have been moving but unfortunately an argument was breaking out next to me between some girls up the front and a very young inebriated young black boy cruelly trapped in the body of a white boy from Surrey. They reasonably objected to his constant “brapping” and gesticulating with his hand onto their heads.

Read the full concert review here:
Music Like Dirt - Jay Electronica @ The Jazz Cafe

More fan shot footage below.





(video courtesy of thenowschool

VV Brown: Next Big Thing British Soul Singer NYC Debut Performance

V V Brown made her New York City debut (barefoot) on a wintry Wednesday (February 17) night at a free/invite only show for a small crowd of fans at the Hiro Ballroom in the Meatpacking District. She closed her energetic set with "Shark in the Water, "a song from her recently released album.

Photos:
Quite All Right

Gorillaz - 'Plastic Beach' Album Artwork & Tracklist Posted Online

via the press release

New Album Out March 9; First Single "Stylo" Available January 26;
April 18 Coachella Headline Slot Confirmed

Plastic Beach the new album from Gorillaz, will be released by Virgin on March 9, 2010.

The album is preceded by first single Stylo (featuring Mos Def and Bobby Womack) which will receive its radio broadcast premiere tonight and will be available for download on January 26.

Confirming "Stylo," Murdoc Niccals twittered, "A leak! A leak! Plastic Beach has sprung a leak! One of those Russian pirates has put a bullet hole in my island! My single's leaked! STYLO!"

Five years on from the release of Demon Days, Murdoc Niccals and co. return with Plastic Beach. The band have taken up residence, recording on a secret floating island deep in the South Pacific, a Plastic Beach HQ, made up of the detritus, debris and washed up remnants of humanity. This Plastic Beach is the furthest point from any landmass on Earth; the most deserted spot on the planet.

The world's biggest animated band, Gorillaz formed in 1998, and have since sold 12 million copies over two albums Gorillaz (2000) and Demon Days (2005). They have hit number 1 in more than a dozen countries and picked up awards including Grammys, Novellos, VMAs and EMAs.

The Gorillaz' return will be marked by a headline appearance at this year's Coachella festival. The Sunday April 18 performance will be the first Gorillaz live spectacle on U.S. soil since the awe-inspiring Demon Days Live run in April 2006 at New York's Apollo Theater.

01. Orchestral Intro
02. Welcome To The World Of The Plastic Beach ft. Snoop Dogg and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
03. White Flag ft. Kano & Bashy
04. Rhinestone Eyes
05. Stylo ft. Bobby Womack and Mos Def
06. Superfast Jellyfish ft. Gruff Rhys and De La Soul
07. Empire Ants ft. Little Dragon
08. Glitter Freeze ft. Mark E Smith
09. Some Kind Of Nature ft. Lou Reed
10. On Melancholy Hill
11. Broken
12. Sweepstakes ft. Mos Def & Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
13. Plastic Beach ft. Mick Jones & Paul Simonon
14. To Binge ft. Little Dragon
15. Cloud Of Unknowing ft. Bobby Womack
16. Pirate Jet

Gorillaz - 'Plastic Beach' on Virgin Records in-stores and online March 9.

Dizzee Rascal Pumps Up The Crowd At The Big Day Out Festival In Auckland, NZ

UK rapper Dizzee Rascal performed at the Big Day Out Festival in New Zealand Friday Jan. 15.

As reported by Stacey Hunt at TVNZ

East London rapper Dizzee Rascal burst onto the scene with his 2003 debut Boy in da Corner. His unique hip hop, garage, rap, eclectic electronica sound quickly rocketed him into the spotlight making him a must have performer for the Big Day Out.

Dizzee graced the stage on Friday for his second New Zealand Big Day Out off the back of his fourth album Tongue n' Cheek. The album collaborated with the likes of Calvin Harris on the chart topping Dance Wiv Me and Armand van Helden on Bonkers. Both hits were huge favourites with the crowd.

Recent album hits Dance Wiv Me, Bonkers and Holiday were undoubtebly crowd pleasers with everyone going crazy. They were a great way for him to finish off. It is these hits that have seen Dizzee leave his grime roots behind and head more into the mainstream pop arena. The three songs were released under Dizzee's own record label Dirtee Stank.

I watched Dizzee from up in the grandstand and it was quite a sight! When Dizzee says jump, everyone jumps! And seeing a crowd of thousands jumping is really something.

Jus' a Rascal was huge and is clearly a song he loves to perform! He had amazing energy which rubbed off on the crowd and his callout to the sexy ladies in NZ had some bikini clad blondes in front of me going nuts.

Photos here:
Getty Images

more fan shot footage below.







(video courtesy of LightspeedRomance, cassettecouture, unknownfreaknz & bonecrayon)

MC Solaar: French Rapper Live In London, UK Concert Recap

As reported by Toby Green at London's Independent (photo courtesy of the Independent)

Five years have passed since arguably the world's most famous non-English-speaking rapper performed a solo show in the UK, so it was no surprise that tickets were hard to come by for this three-night mini-residency at Camden's Jazz Cafe (January 8-10). What prompted MC Solaar – whose real name is Claude M'Barali – to cross the channel is not entirely clear. His most recent record, Chapitre 7, was released in 2007. But the crowd are happy to welcome him back.

It is certainly a treat to see a multi-million selling MC in such an intimate venue, although those who missed out on a ticket would be unlikely to agree. There are not too many 40-year-old rappers who can be said to be near the top of their game but Solaar – who is entering his third decade as a recording artist, having released his debut single, "Bouge de là", in 1990 – does not look his age as he opens with "Carpe Diem", from his last album.

Some gigs have seen him backed by a live band but tonight – sensibly so, given the space available – he is joined by a DJ, two MCs and his regular co-singer, Linda. It is she who comes closest to stealing the show, with her belting voice and ability to switch styles between songs. She even finds time for a few costume changes, appearing as a belly dancer for one song.

The sheer magnetism of Solaar, however, means that his position as the star of the evening is undeniable. Ever genial, often with a little smile playing on his lips, he charms the crowd between songs. The only problem for non-Gallic members of the audience is that he speaks almost entirely in French, leaving odd moments when half the crowd are in uproarious laughter while the rest look to them for translation.

Still, for the songs a lack of knowledge of French is much less of a hindrance – you may not know what he is saying, but Solaar's smooth and laid-back technique makes the language sound its most beautiful. He is such a compelling performer that he keeps the attention of the crowd even on songs where the beat is pretty average.

He changes his style regularly – one moment spitting super-fast rhymes, the next seeming more like a spoken-word performer – but whatever he does, his delivery is perfect. In terms of the night's pacing, there is a nice mix of lively numbers that get large sections of the crowd dancing and more introspective, moody tracks. The pick of these is the atmospheric "In God We Trust".

"Au Clair De La Lune" is similarly beautiful, but judging from the reaction from the crowd "Solaar Pleure", from the 2001 album Cinquième As, is the most anticipated song of the night. It lives up to the expectation and is a clear highlight with its distinctive guitar riff. As the song builds Solaar gets angrier and angrier, from verse to verse, until the powerful climax.

He jokingly threatens not to do an encore, but he then returns for another three songs. Even this is not enough for the audience, who are unwilling to let him go – after all, who knows when they will next see him in these parts?

Also, read Lisa Verrico at London's Times MC Solaar concert review here:
MC Solaar at Camden's Jazz Cafe

Fan shot footage below.



(video courtesy of osy98jb)

John Mayer Performs Acoustic Set In London, UK

To kick off John Mayer's UK tour, a promotional performance was scheduled at the Hard Rock Cafe in London (Jan. 11) for press/ticket give-aways sponsored by Q Music Magazine.

PHOTOS:
Getty Images
Wire Image
Rex Features

John Mayer Tour Dates:
Fri 01/15/10 - Manchester, UK @ Apollo Manchester
Sat 01/16/10 - Glasgow, UK @ O2 Academy Glasgow
Mon 01/18/10 - London, UK @ HMV Hammersmith Apollo
Tue 01/19/10 - Wolverhampton, UK @ Little Civic
Thu 02/04/10 - Sunrise, FL@ BankAtlantic Center
Fri 02/05/10 - Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum
Sat 02/06/10 - Jacksonville, FL @ Jacksonville Veterans Mem. Arena
Mon 02/08/10 - North Charleston, SC @ North Charleston Coliseum
Tue 02/09/10 - Birmingham, AL @ BJCC Arena
Wed 02/10/10 - Nashville, TN @ Sommet Center
Fri 02/12/10 - Auburn Hills, MI @ The Palace Of Auburn Hills
Sat 02/13/10 - London, ON @ The John Labatt Centre
Sun 02/14/10 - Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
Tue 02/16/10 - Ottawa, ON @ Scotiabank Place
Wed 02/17/10 - Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
Fri 02/19/10 - Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
Sat 02/20/10 - Washington, DC @ Verizon Center
Sun 02/21/10 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Wachovia Center
Wed 02/24/10 - Boston, MA @ TD Garden
Thu 02/25/10 - New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden Arena
Fri 02/26/10 - New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden Arena
Sun 02/28/10 - Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena
Mon 03/01/10 - Milwaukee, WI @ Bradley Center
Tue 03/02/10 - Saint Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
Thu 03/04/10 - Omaha, NE @ Qwest Center Omaha
Fri 03/05/10 - Oklahoma City, OK @ Ford Center
Sat 03/06/10 - Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
Mon 03/08/10 - Austin, TX @ Frank Erwin Center
Tue 03/09/10 - Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
Wed 03/10/10 - New Orleans, LA@ New Orleans Arena
Fri 03/12/10 - Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena
Sat 03/13/10 - Louisville, KY @ Freedom Hall @ The Kentucky Expo Center
Mon 03/15/10 - Greensboro, NC @ Greensboro Coliseum Complex
Tue 03/16/10 - Charlottesville, VA @ John Paul Jones Arena
Wed 03/17/10 - Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena
Fri 03/19/10 - Memphis, TN@ FedExForum
Sat 03/20/10 - St. Louis, MO@ Scottrade Center
Mon 03/22/10 - Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
Tue 03/23/10 - Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center
Thu 03/25/10 - Los Angeles, CA @ Staples Center
Fri 03/26/10 - San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion At San Jose
Sat 03/27/10 - Las Vegas, NV @ Mandalay Bay Events Center
Tue 03/30/10 - Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena
Wed 03/31/10 - Seattle, WA @ KeyArena At Seattle Center
Thu 04/01/10 - Vancouver, BC @ General Motors Place
Sat 04/03/10 - Calgary, AB @ Pengrowth Saddledome
Sun 04/04/10 - Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place
Tue 04/06/10 - Saskatoon, SK @ Credit Union Centre
Wed 04/07/10 - Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre
Thu 04/08/10 - Fargo, ND @ Fargodome

(video courtesy of greenlibra88)

Rihanna Storms Off At Cash Money Party In London

Rihanna seen here earlier supporting Cash Money recording artist Jay Sean at the Cash Money Party held at the Royal Exchange Building In London, UK on Friday November 27.

via the London Mirror

SHE FLEES PARTY AFTER CHRIS BROWN TRACK

Cash Money records broke the bank to secure Rihanna as guest of honour at their lavish UK launch party - so it's a pity someone forgot to tell the dozy DJ.

Rihanna, who was in London ahead of her incredible performance on last night's X Factor, had barely sat down when the DJ played a track by her violent ex, Chris Brown.

So she gathered her posse and stormed off.

It left party organisers fuming. Well, they had splashed out on £100,000 worth of Cristal champagne to impress their VIP guest at the Friday night bash, thrown to celebrate the launch of Jay Sean's album, All Or Nothing.

And they had worried that Rihanna, whose latest album is Rated R, might not show up.

Bryan "Birdman" Williams and Ronald "Slim" Williams - founders of US hip-hop label Cash Money - had been anxiously checking their bling-encrusted watches from the moment they stepped out of their Rolls-Royces and into the Bank venue.

As the clock struck 1am, Rihanna finally strutted in, past fellow celebrity guests Ice-T, Alexandra Burke, Jamelia, Alesha Dixon and JLS, and took her VIP table in the corner.

Rihanna, who was wearing a slinky, cleavage-enhancing trouser-suit, hugged pal Jay and apologised for being late before reaching for a glass of champers. Minutes later she was grooving to his performance of Down and then the dunderhead on the decks suddenly spoiled her good mood.

Hearing her ex being played, Rihanna, 21, stopped dancing, returned to her table, told her entourage the party was over and left.

Our spy tell us: "It was a massive night for Jay.

The Cash Money boys had wanted to give him a homecoming celebration to remember and they wanted everyone talking about the label's launch party in the UK for a long time.

"Getting Rihanna there was the icing on the cake. Who knows what possessed the DJ to start playing Chris? It was such a dumb thing to do. Rihanna had looked ready to party as she chatted with Ice-T. But as soon as that song came on, she sat down and raised her eyebrows.

"She couldn't believe how insensitive the DJ was. She thought he probably played it to get a reaction. She wanted to leave there and then."

At least the smile was back on Rihanna's face on Saturday when her brolly blew inside out on the way to Bungalow 8. You'd think that by now she'd have learned to control her Umbrella... ella... ella!
(source)

Photos from the party:
Rex Features
WENN Photo
DJ Semtex
Derrick G

Times London Pick Their Top 100 Albums Of The Decade, Jay-Z, Mos Def Make The Cut

2. Back to Black - Amy Winehouse (Island, 2006)
“I told you I was trouble” — and so it proved — but Winehouse’s second album is as close to an instant classic as any this decade. The true magic of this record is in the rich melodies, and lyrics full of busted love and dark humour.

4. Speakerboxxx/The Love Below - Outkast (Arista, 2003)
The coolest hip-hop album of the decade. A sprawling, madcap collection of jazz, funk, rock, rap, dance and Southern soul music performed with impeccable wit by the polar opposites Andre 3000 and Big Boi. Hey Ya! indeed.

13. The College Dropout - Kanye West (Mercury, 2004)
Before his ego consumed him, Kanye West’s debut was a musical masterpiece. Already a sought-after producer, his aspirations to become a hip-hop star in his own right are stunningly realised on this innovative collection of old-school jams shot through with thought-provoking lyricism.

18. Kala - M.I.A. (XL, 2007)
The second album from Maya Arulpragasam, the British-based daughter of Sri Lankan refugees, redefined the meaning of world music. The jumble of Bollywood melodies, 8-bit dancehall beats and collaborations with authentic street singers was unpredictable and mind-bendingly good.

27. Maths + English - Dizzee Rascal (XL, 2007)
While Dizzee’s latest album may have spawned three No 1 singles, his third opus, Maths + English, hinted at the burgeoning pop credentials of the former UK grime heavyweight. Ignore the big-name guest turns and instead marvel at his knack for a massive hook and thrilling vocal dexterity.



30. The Ecstatic - Mos Def (Downtown, 2009)
Having spent as much of the Noughties starring in movies as he did making music, the charismatic New Yorker finished the decade with a kaleidoscopic bang, a record whose combination of doom-laden fractionalism, rosy nostalgia and prismatic optimism perfectly crystalises its times.

40. Run Come Save Me - Roots Manuva (Big Dada, 2001)
The South Londoner’s twisted, mordantly humorous take on hip-hop came of age with a longplayer that contains at least two stone-cold classics in the cavernous, synth-heavy anthem Witness and the woozy hymn to narcotic romance Dreamy Days.

44. The Marshall Mathers LP - Eminem (Polydor, 2000)
Sealing his graduation from ear-catching rookie to mould-breaking superstar, Eminem’s sophomore album makes a grisly subject of fame itself, from his savage atomisation of the pop song in The Real Slim Shady to the epic stalker anthem Stan.

58. Miss E ... So Addictive - Missy Elliott (Elektra, 2001)
The US rap queen’s third album perfectly captures the moment that Ecstasy culture collided with the US hip-hop scene, as Timbaland muted his experimental inclinations in favour of hedonistic club bangers, almost delivering the scene its very own summer of love

61. Who is Jill Scott? - Jill Scott (Epic, 2000)
The star of The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency authors the soul album of the decade, in which her Rolls-Royce purr is married with bullsh**-free lyrics, sung and spoken, and grooves that are by turns sweet, melancholy and utterly formidable.



67. The Blueprint - Jay-Z (Roc-A-Fella, 2001)
The album that confirmed Jay-Z as the undisputed top dog of hip-hop has the slickest beats, the smartest rhymes and a palpable sense of destiny about it. “I’m the Sinatra of my day/Compadre,” he brags. There was no one left to argue.

76. Speech Therapy - Speech Debelle (Big Dada, 2009)
The hug-me hurt that radiates at the centre of Debelle’s South London memoirs of hard times found a disarmingly empathetic setting in Wayne Lotek’s autumnal, predominantly acoustic arrangements.

Read the full list from the Times London Top 100 Albums of the Decade:
Times London - The 100 best pop albums of the Noughties

Mayer Hawthorne: London's Independent Newspaper Highlights Stones Throw Artist

If you haven't yet heard of (Mayer) Hawthorne, chances are you'll be instantly hooked. He's a dreamily original artist, who draws on the noblest traditions of Motown and soul, with an alluring modern quirkiness – a trick last pulled by Amy Winehouse.

Hawthorne's unique "sound" and manner combines the timeless elegance of Barry White or Marvin Gaye with the raised eyebrow of, say, the Divine Comedy. You don't have to take my word for it, either. Ask, oh, Ashton Kutcher and Perez Hilton, or Mark Ronson and Snoop Dogg. They have all recently pegged A Strange Arrangement among the best new records of 2009.

"Soul music isn't the only place my sound comes from," he says. "When I mix drums, for example, I'm not trying to mix them like Smokey Robinson. I want them to sound more modern. I also listen to heavy metal, like Tool and Helmet and Iron Maiden. And some of that comes out in the album, too. You've also got a wailing guitar solo on a track called "Green Eyed Love" that you'd never hear on, say, a Motown record."

He recorded the first Mayer Hawthorne track in his bedroom, playing all the instrumental parts, singing all the vocals, and mixing them on basic equipment ("Mayer" is Cohen's middle name, "Hawthorne" is the street he grew up on). A handful of two-track demo CDs were made, passed to friends "for a sort of joke," and forgotten about. In 2006, Cohen moved to Los Angeles in an effort to make a living out of hip-hop, with a group called Now On. One night last year, he was introduced to music mogul Chris Manak (aka "Peanut Butter Wolf") who owns the influential LA label Stone's Throw Records. Mayer Hawthorne came up in conversation.

"My friend, who introduced us, mentioned it," recalls Cohen. "I was a bit pissed-off, because I was trying to pump my hip-hop career, but I sent the songs to Peanut Butter Wolf anyway. About a month later, he emailed saying, 'I just listened to the tracks. This is awesome... who wrote them?' He couldn't believe they were my tracks. He thought they were old songs I'd got the rights to." Soon afterwards, Hawthorne was signed-up by Stones Throw.

Read the full article here:
London's Independent - Mayer Hawthorne - Haircut's worked it all out

Beyonce Blowout In Belfast, Ireland Concert Recap

via the Belfast Telegraph

We were lucky enough to be witnessing the last night of Beyoncé's I Am...Tour. Of course, that's part of her recent album title but it's also what the show does. We saw many Beyoncés including an acrobat as the diva, who swept aloft on wires, performed somersaults way above our heads before returning to earth.

There was something unearthly and religious about the whole experience with the audience providing enough adulation to reverse decline in church attendance. After the acrobatics Beyoncé led the audience in a kind of singalong of To The Left. She had all sections of the Odyssey eating out of her elegant hands.

What also made the night special was the special effects from videos of Beyoncé apparently taming a leopard to super-dramatic entrances down rising stairways.

Read more of the concert review here:
Belfast Telegraph - Beyoncé has Belfast eating out of her hands

More fan shot footage below.







(video courtesy of ms302a & mairead1989)

DJ A-Trak: Kanye West DJ Hits Europe For Tour

via DMC Update

November 27 - Hamburg, Germany - Uebel & Gefahrlich Hamburg

November 28 - Berlin, Germany - WMF

November 29 - Glasgow, Scotland - ABC

December 1 - Leeds, England - Bigger Than Barry

December 3 - Lisbon, Portugal - Lux Lisbon

December 4 - London, England - Matter

December 4 - Brighton, England - Honeyclub

December 5 - Birmingham, England - Custard Factory

December 10 - London, England - Notting Hill Arts Club

December 11 - Manchester, England - Warehouse Project

December 12 - Paris, France - Nouveau Casino/Le Charbon

Kanye & Jay-Z Join Beyonce Onstage At London Concert

via NME

Kanye West and Jay-Z joined Beyonce at her London O2 Arena show last night (November 16).

It was West's first onstage appearance since invading the stage at the MTV VMA ceremony during Taylor Swift's acceptance speech in September.

Jay-Z also joined his wife at the gig to perform 'Crazy In Love', the second song in the setlist.

West arrived on stage to rap during 'Ego', with Beyonce asking the crowd to "give it up for Kanye West".

As well as her own solo hits Beyonce performed a medley of songs by her old band Destiny's Child, including 'Bootylicious' and 'Jumpin' Jumpin''.
(source)

Beyonce London O2 Arena setlist:
'Déjà Vu'
'Crazy In Love'
'Work It Out'
'Let Me Clear My Throat'
'Pass The Peas'
'Naughty Girl'
'Freakum Dress'
'Get Me Bodied'
'Smash Into You'
'Ave Maria'
'Broken-Hearted Girl'
'If I Were A Boy'
'Diva'
'Radio'
'Me, Myself and I'
'Ego'
'Hello'
'Baby Boy'
'Irreplaceable'
'Check On It'
'Bootylicious'/'Bug A Boo'/'Jumpin' Jumpin''/'Upgrade U'/'Video Phone'
'Say My Name'
'At Last'
'Listen'
'Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)'
'Halo'

Fan shot footage from last night's London O2 Arena November 15 below.







Beyonce I Am World Tour dates:

Nov. 16 - London, UK - The O2
Nov. 18 - Manchester, UK
Manchester Evening News Arena
Nov. 19 - Newcastle upon Tyne, UK - Metro Radio Arena
Nov. 20 - Nottingham, UK - Trent FM Arena
Nov. 22 - Dublin, Ireland - The O2
Nov. 23 - Dublin, Ireland - The O2
Nov. 24 - Belfast, Ireland UK - Odyssey Arena

(video courtesy maz13, zoeshowbiz & charl240)

Ting Tings: Has The UK Duo Signed With Jay-Z's Roc Nation Music Label?

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According to a variety of sources on the net (November 10 & 11) are saying that Salford UK based duo the Ting Tings have signed with Jay-Z's Roc Nation music label in America.

Let's take a moment to think it though with some "connect the dots" theories and facts.

1) According to Wikipedia, the only known acts signed to the Roc Nation music label are Jay-Z, J. Cole, Bridget Kelly, Moti Cakes, Rita Ora, Alexis Jordan & Sugababes.

2) In America, the Tings Tings first record 'We Started Nothing' went through Sony's independent distribution arm (known as RED) record label Red Ink in 2008. In the UK, the Ting Tings are signed to Columbia Records part of Sony Music.

3) The Ting Tings along with Wale and Melanie Fiona have been managed by the Roc Nation management firm.

4) Jay-Z signed a deal with Epic/Sony Music to distribute Roc Nation back in May/June 2009. (source)

5) One of the key players in the Roc Nation deal is the venerable Sony Music executive and music producer Rick Rubin who is based in Los Angeles, CA.

6) Jay-Z performs in Ottawa, Ontario Canada on Sunday, November 1.

7) Jay-Z has 2 days off between the BP3 World Tour shows, a travel day must fit in on one of those days.

8) Jay-Z performs in London at the Alexandra Palace for a recent one off UK appearance on Wednesday, November 4.

9) Jay-Z has 2 days off (one for the MTV EMA's in Berlin, Germany and the other one travel day) from the Blueprint 3 World Tour as the tour resumed Saturday, November 7 in Fresno, CA.

8) Jay-Z performs at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA on Sunday, November 8.

10) Jay-Z has a day off (perhaps in Los Angeles?) from the 'The Blueprint 3' tour on Monday, November 9.

11) Jay-Z performs at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, TX on Tuesday, November 10.

11) On Tuesday, November 10 in the UK and Wednesday, November 11 in America, the rumoured news about the Ting Tings signing broke.

Still not comfirmed as of yet, but if the rumour is true, Jay-Z has really got the inside track to building his Roc Nation empire.

** update **

According to UK's Daily Star:

The Ting Tings have signed to Roc Nation to be guided under the expertise of Jay-Z in America.

The Salford duo are working on their second album and the 39-year-old is expected to get his hand in.

A source said: “Jay(-Z) is hoping to lend his production skills to some new mater­ial.

“The staccato rhythmic style of The Ting Tings sits well with what he does best so that was the attraction.

“Jay(-Z) can make them one of the biggest bands across the pond.”

The rapper has formed a habit of sniffing around our home-grown talent.

Sugababes have also inked a deal with RN.
(source)