Columnist Roger Friedman had a chance to listen to Mariah Carey’s upcoming album, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, and has revealed that the official first single will be a gospel-tinged track titled “I Want to Know What Love Is.” The track was originally recorded by British-American rock band Foreigner but has been redone as a ballad.
I heard the Foreigner song yesterday along with all of “Memoirs” and let me tell you: Mariah’s got a hit on her hands along the lines of “Emancipation of Mimi.” The hour-long CD is ballad-centric. Written and produced with The Dream and Tricky (I know, but these are their stage names), “Memoirs” boasts a lot of singles. Starting with the Foreigner song is a canny move in these uncertain times. By the time its run is over, a new generation will think “I Want to Know What Love Is” is a Mariah Carey song.
SOURCE: SHOWBIZ 411
He also revealed the titles of the other tracks on the album, in no particular order: “Betcha,” “Obsessed,” “H.A.T.E.U.,” “Candy Bling,” “Ribbon,” “Standing O’s,” “Impossible,” “It’s a Wrap,” “Inseparable,” “Up Out My Face,” “More than Just Friends,” and “Angels Cry.”
Friedman also describes the album as “radio ready” and “what the kids want,” and mentions that there are no more songs about Eminem. We kind of figured the latter would happen, especially after the rapper’s latest diss track in which he talks about releasing pictures he has of Mariah. As for the album being for the radio and “what the kids want”, it doesn’t make us any more excited. The radio doesn’t really have much music with substance now-a-days and when “Obsessed” surfaced, the “kids” were all into but look how that played out. Nevertheless, we’ll wait till the album drops to properly judge it.
]]>
GRACE JONES - HURRICANE – Speak of the Devil, and he will appear, Grace Jones advises on her first album in almost two decades. And it’s fair to wonder if the dabblings of sorceress’ apprentices Santogold and M.I.A. have summoned up something exquisitely sinister from the past. Jones has always savored extremes, and here, she’s alternately demonic the toothy gleam of “Corporate Cannibal” and angelic the gloriously autobiographical “Williams’ Blood”. On menacing electro-dub opener “This Is,” her rhymes lock into place like the high-end components of military-grade armament before exuberantly exploding: “This is me / I’m flying again!” And the centerpiece title track featuring Tricky calls up the primal fury of an island storm. If you can handle the experience that is Grace Jones join her and her masquerade of death.
LISTEN: Grace Jones – This Is
(...) Continue Reading »
]]>
Another Chicago native artist is rising on the verge of success and he goes by the name of Kurt Lewie. Inspired by rappers like Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G., Kurt Lewie has urged to become a relevant lyricist in the Hip Hop game. With style like Kanye West, connections to R. Kelly and vocal similarities to Cassidy and Dolla, Kurt Lewie has already branched out to his own unique persona. Kurt’s current promo single, “Stunna”, is from his upcoming album Dis Gon’ Bang!, should be available to his MySpace page later on this year. Be sure to check out his single.
KURT LEWIE’S MYSPACE PAGE
]]>
New R&B sensation Qui and daughter of former NFL player Jerry Rice, is ready to make her musical debut to the world. Her first single “Rev It Up” features David Banner. Qui’s album LUV ‘N LIFE is slated for release later on this summer! If you’re interested in checking out the song, check out the stream below! Qui’s bio can be found after the break.
? CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO “REV IT UP” F/ DAVID BANNER
(...) Continue Reading »
]]>This girl named Dondria and also goes by her username Phatfffat on YouTube started singing on YouTube as a hobby and got many subscribers and viewers everyday. She then was discovered by producer and CEO of SoSoDef Records Jermaine Dupri. Personally, I was a subscriber before she was signed. She does have a great voice and she’s very funny! She has album coming out, Dondria Vs. Phafffat, coming out July 24th. She has let the whole world see her journey of creating her first album and showing her fans and viewers how her dream came true through YouTube! It’s amazing that you can get discovered by a major record label from people watching videos on YouTube! You guys lookout for her in the future. Check out the following links below!
Dondria’s MySpace Page
Dondria’s YouTube Channel
]]>I know many people may only look at Keri Hilson as a girl that sung in a few featured tracks and cameo’d in a few videos but she is definitely more than that. She has written over 40 songs for some of our favorite artists today. Some of the tracks she has written were Ciara’s “Ooh Baby”, Chris Brown’s “Young Love”, 3LW’s “Feelin’ You”, Avant’s “4 Minutes” and more! She is definitely a beautiful and talented artists that has a voice. Keri Hilson’s debut album, In A Perfect World (Interscope), is due in stores this September. Keri’s new single “Energy” is now available on iTunes. Check out the video above for more on Keri Hilson!
]]>
What gives a rapper the extra “umph” they need to take the game by storm is; Originality, or in this case, “originel-ity.” The new comer was given the name Originel because of his one of a kind swagger. The “E” was taken from his prior nickname and tossed in his rap name to give it a twist. The Brooklyn-bred rapper from Bushwick began to rap at the tender age of 16, and a few years later had his mind focused on seriously pursuing a career in music. Among other hip-hop heavyweights, Originel credits Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, R. Kelly as his main influences. “I consider myself a lyricist. I have a way with words and I’m blessed to put words together the way I do,” says Originel.
[See post to listen to audio]
His talent is reflected in the 30 plus songs he has recorded thusfar. Although he was initially a local battle rapper, Originel has evolved into more of a lyricist and prefers to make startling music rather than lack substance in his rhymes. Originel has yet to collaborate with any major artists but supports industry unity and extends open invitations to make hits with anyone who shares his musical vision. His latest single “Fresh from the Face to the Floor” has gained a buzz from a single mixtape placement to a national level through Myspace.com. Originel’s passion and drive for music is what makes him more of a complete artist. “Originel-ity,” is not only the title of Originel’s debut album but it is original music that he plans to deliver to fans.
[MYSPACE] WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ORIGINEL84
]]>
Dammit! I meant to post on these guys when Greg told me about KID SISTER! Thank God you people email me, although I check my email very late, please don’t assume I am lazy/do not care. I appreciate every single email I get! I’m sort of going through all of them now :ducks: PLEASE BARE WITH ME! Anyway, THE COOL KIDS is what I’m bumpin’ now! And I hope to see them with (my role model) M.I.A. October 29th @ Studio A! Urgh, I have class that day though.
If you have NEVER heard of BOONDOCKS … I don’t know what to tell you! BOONDOCKS is the Greatest Show on Earth! Although they have completely ignored Huey’s character this season (too soon to tell but) I’m lovin’ it so far! I can’t believe you’ve never heard of BOONDOCKS what the hell is a matter with you? Hehe, ok, I’m done with the shameless plugs! Just make sure y’all watch BOONDOCKS on [ ADULT SWIM ] every Mondays @ 11:30 PM Eastern Time!
(...) Continue Reading »
]]>
I have been following this “Fundmental” group since about late 2006 so it is no surprise that United Kingdom’s very own break-out R&B act FDM (from left to right: Baby-V, Jermaine, & Kyle) has scored a major recording deal with Geffen Records earlier this Summer. The boys (now collectively known as FDM) are in the studio culminating the finishing touches on their new highly anticipated album, Backstage Pass, as we speak! Their sound is very Uptempo and “flashy”; the arrangement of harmonies are so stellar it is enticing! FDM fuses a New Age sound of Contemporary, Pop, and R&B — they are the future! They have already posted some recent material from the album Backstage Pass on their MySpace.
• PRODUCER’S SPOTLIGHT: NATE ‘DANJAHANDZ’ HILLS •
I believe I previously spotlighted this guy and stated that he was going to be BIG! Declared commonly as “Timbaland’s protégé” Nate ‘Danjahandz‘ Hills (or Danja for short) is also the prophet of our time already scoring a major solo producing for Britney Spears, Madonna, and Missy Elliott’s new project just to name few. I really love and respect Timbaland but he really has nothing on this young man, who has mastered his craft studying piano and percussion since his pre-teens. Timbaland does reinvent his work every so often, I will give him that, but it is usually redundant with the same kick drum. I heard Beyoncé will be collaborating with Timbaland on her new project – WRONG BEYONCÉ – get Danja (he is the future) and Timbaland will not be hot anymore when your album releases.
(...) Continue Reading »
]]>