In late 2010, a cover of Tweet’s “Oops” hit the web, yet it was not the reinvention of the 2002 track that had people buzzing. It was the video, which featured a chain smoking Lindsay Lohan getting close to a tattooed hipster in an unkempt hotel.

It turns out, the video was a collection of footage from a Muse Magazine photoshoot that the starlet had done. But who was the artist behind it all?

The raunchy montage was just the beginning of the public’s introduction to one of the most exciting newcomers in rap music.

At just 24-years old, Trinidadian born rapper Theophilus London has released some incredible tracks. One could argue that the world of Hip-Hop is in dire need of a socially conscious artist.

London’s lyrics evoke the cultural awareness of Tupac, while the danceable beats that accompany his words recall the initial releases of Kanye West.

London’s style is the product of a great many influences at work such as soul-pop and electro R&B.

London cites such influences as Michael Jackson and even “The Smiths,” the British indie rock group that rose to fame in the 80’s, but never actually reached superstardom, though they maintained a cult following for most of their career.

But unlike The Smiths, London seems destined for commercial success. After years of releasing mixtapes, it seems he has emerged from the pool of underground talent that New York has to offer.

His album, “Timez Are Weird These Days,” released last summer, boasts a diverse array of songs that range from danceable to poignant.

It also features notable collaborations. TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek, Teegan and Sarah’s Sarah Queen, Solange Knowles, and Glasser all make appearances on the Timez.

London’s Caribbean background, Brooklyn upbringing, and brief residency in the Poconos are likely the reason for his uniquely crafted sound and style.

A perfect example of this may be found in his “I Stand Alone” video, in which he manages to pull off western and urban look simultaneously. The soundtrack ready song is one catchy personal anthem.

The album also features an 80’s inspired love song, “Why Even Try.” He masters a similar flare on “Love is Real,” which manages to be nightclub jam with haunting undertones.

After a standout performance at the Montreal International Jazz Festival last summer, a local reporter revealed “Theophilus London is going to be big. Very big. The buzz has been building for some time.” And I couldn’t agree more!

Watch Theophilus London’s video for “I Stand Alone” below:

Written By: Justine Ashley
Contributing Editor for Gossip On This
http://twitter.com/Justine_Ashley

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

TRICKY – KNOWLE WEST BOY - There’s a whole generation who, maybe, got as far as Tricky’s third album, Pre-Millenium Tension, and lost the faith. For them Knowle West Boy will actually work as a useful summary of all the places Tricky’s been over the last decade. Its diversity defies any useless ‘trip hop’ tag. It may be initially disconcerting, but then, that’s what Tricky’s about. And this album is both a tribute to the district that gave birth to the former Adrian Thaws and also the vast range of music that was his childhood’s soundtrack. Knowle West Boy is a beautifully produced glide from sinuous steppers like Cross To Bear featuring Icelandic singer Hafdis to the Jamaican dancehall roughness of “Bacative or Baligaga.” One minute you’re chugging along to “C’Mon,” for once, a rock song that works, the next you’re flung into the twilight smokiness of “Past Mistake,” the post-punkish “Far Away,” or the stop-start electronic stomp filled with retribution, “Veronica.” Overall, this is an eccentric collection series from Tricky that leaves you speechless.

LISTEN: Tricky – Past Mistake

LYKKE LI - YOUTH NOVELS – Twenty-one-year-old Swedish singer-songwriter Lykke Li Timotej Zachrisson, or Lykke Li for short, has been steadily building a buzz among the bloggers since late 2007, and for good reason. After all, a comely young artist with sumptuously fragile voice and a knack for extraordinary pop hooks, coming from a part of the world that simply can do no wrong when it comes to good, smart pop music, and whose debut full-length Youth Novels has been produced by Björn Yttling of indie darlings Peter, Bjorn & John, is the kind of stuff that begs for internet hype. And true enough, thanks to a knockout single in “Little Bit”, numerous popular YouTube clips a bathroom performance by she and her band is especially charming, and a gregarious, energetic presence in concert, that groundswell of word-of-mouth appears to be cresting at just the right time: Youth Novels debuted at number one on the Swedish album charts, the ravenous UK music press has leaped boisterously onto the bandwagon, and a North American release date is imminent.

LISTEN: Lykke Li – Until We Bleed

KATE NASH – MADE OF BRICKS – Kate Nash is the perfect pop starlet. She sounds enough like one existing star to make her an already snug fit for your tastes (if it needs spelling out for you–L.I.L.Y.A.L.L.E.N–there’s no getting away from the thematic and elocutionary parallels, no matter how much the lady doth protest. She’s ordinary-ish. She’s you, your girlfriend, that girl over there you adore/admire, only clearly cuter and packed with a sharper tongue. She sings of nothing much, but sings it with juicy vim and bright expressions through a deliciously theatrical voice-box, a hangover from her stage school background that faltered, leading her to channel her wit and personality into writing songs. A sprinkling of anarchy too–something for the parents to disapprove of? Well, she’s got a filthy mouth and a frankly blast grasp of the Queen’s English. It’s a shame really that her album didn’t make the perfect pop debut. Kate Nash’s debut album is the epitome of a pop album and if you like it fluffy and cute this is for you.

LISTEN: Kate Nash – Pumpkin Soup

KIDZ IN THE HALL – THE IN CROWD - The Who Image is everything in hip-hop. So when Naledge and Double-O, two ivy league graduates turned hip-hoppers, released their 2006 debut album, School Was My Hustle, it took some time to win fans over. Their clean cut, suburban image didn’t exactly capture the imagination of hip-hop fans, but thankfully, their talent did. The fact the duo was inked to Rawkus Records, and co-signed by hip-hop producer, Just Blaze, didn’t hurt either. Naledge and Double-O met at the University of Pennsylvania in 2000. Naledge is a Chicago, IL native who is not only a respected lyricist but an author as well, self-publishing his own book, The Straight Jab. Double-O’s background is equally as impressive, as the Lakewood, NJ beat-maker ran track and field for Belize in the 400-meter hurdles at the 2004 Summer Olympics. Kidz in the Hall follow in the tradition of the aforementioned groups in spirit. Naledge is certainly a talented lyricist, and Double-O is a proficient crate digger with a penchant for soulful samples. They are two talented individuals who share a passion for the hip-hop culture. This is evident throughout their sophomore LP, The In Crowd. The cocksure Naledge flaunts his complex rhyme scheme on “The Blackout,” a brilliant early ’90s derived boom bap track. The song is a throwback to the heyday of hip-hop, when dope rhymes and hard beats were all you needed. The duo also shows its diversity on “Inner Me,” which finds an existential Naledge chronicling the trials and tribulations of an aspiring emcee. Overall, the album is a great follow up from there debut album.

LISTEN: Kidz in the Hall – Love Hangover

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

Possessing talent is one thing. But equal measures of determination and focus are also required to succeed in today’s competitive music arena. Singer/songwriter/musician Jacqui “Qui” Rice is one of those talented few.

While maintaining a 4.0 average at Washington, D.C.’s Georgetown University,majoring in government and Spanish, with a focus on international relations, the college junior found time to pursue her long-held passion. Slated for a late summer release is Qui’s (pronounced “Kwee”) debut album, LUV ‘N LIFE (JJR Entertainment). The mix of mid-tempo, R&B/pop and ballads calls to mind such influences as Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson and Ciara. But LUV ‘N LIFE is definitely Qui’s show.

At a time when consumers are looking for more substantial melodies and lyrics, Qui’s music definitely fits the taste of today’s audience.

Born in Greenville, Mississippi and raised in Atherton, CA, Qui isn’t one of those paint-by-numbers artists who typify most contemporary music. Under the guidance of co-writer Francesca “Francii” Richard, and a team of talented production newcomers, Qui’s vocal talent, combined with her ability for writing relatable lyrics, shines against a backdrop of hypnotic grooves with across-the-board appeal.

On LUV ‘N LIFE, Qui chronicles the fun, yet scary rollercoaster ride, everyone experiences when it comes to relationships and love as well as the self-awareness that rises from this emotional journey. The siren intro and rousing beat of the opening track, “On the Line,” is infused with the exhilarating rush that happens when you meet “that someone” for the first time. Thrilled yet cautious, Qui explores her newfound feelings on the mid-tempo groove “Personal” and the poignant “Stay” (“You flipped the scenario/Every fear that I had/had to let it go).

Qui jumps into funky mode on the first single from her debut, the percolating dance joint “Rev It Up”. Her sultry vocals provide the perfect juxtaposition to the track’s featured guest, raspy-voiced, Mississippi-bred rapper David Banner.

Qui taps into her growing self-awareness as a young woman on the inspirational anthem “Girl Child.” Underscoring her subtly powerful vocal is a harmonizing chorus of girl-child voices backing Qui on the compelling hook (It’s hard being a lady when this world is crazy/Still I know it’s a blessing I was born a girl child). Love’s heartbreak is addressed on the moving ballad “It Was U,” while Qui’s awakening “a-ha” moment is expressed via the rock-infused “Solo.”

While recording LUV ‘N LIFE, Qui says her goal was to keep it “funky, fun and positive. You pretty much groove to every song on here.”

Emotion was a key factor as well. “It’s important to make people feel what you’re singing,” adds the artist whose musical influences also encompass pop/rock (John Mayer, Maroon 5), country (Johnny Cash, Shania Twain, rap (Snoop Dogg and David Banner) and gospel (Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin).

“Lyrics really inspire me,” adds Qui. “I was always writing random lyrics and poems in school in my assignment books. Finally getting to see these songs come to life is exciting.”

Listening to her paternal grandmother sing in church during summers spent in Mississippi as well as to her parents’ diverse oldies collection, which included Marvin Gaye, Temptations, Billie Holiday and Elvis, Qui began playing piano at the age of five. Then at the age of 10, she declared her intent to become a singer. That desire was put to the test at age 11 when Qui performed the national anthem before 62,000 football fans at a San Francisco 49ers game.

“Dancing, music and singing always went hand in hand for me,” she says. “I found I love performing in front of crowds. It’s an adrenaline thing.”

Her first formal introduction into the music industry occurred at 15 when Qui joined a teen quartet called Sorella (Italian for sister). Performing up and down the California coast during the summer at showcases and festivals in Florida and Texas, the multi-ethnic pop group signed with JJR Entertainment,an independent label established by Qui’s mother. After four years, the group disbanded.

Qui comes by her competitive drive and fortitude naturally. Her father is legendary NFL Wide Receiver and Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, who put himself through a different kind of intense pace while a contestant on “Dancing With The Stars. Mother Jacqueline is a former pre-med student who manages the day-to-day operations of JJRE. “My Mom taught me how to multi-task,” says Qui. “She took us to school, ran the household and made sure my brother, sister and I had plenty of extra-curricular activities. She and my Dad taught us to dream.”

Though her career is a family affair, Qui is quick to proclaim she wants to forge her own identity and not trade on her parents’ notoriety. “My lifestyle doesn’t depend on my Dad or Mom’s success,” she adds. “I want to make a first impression based on who I am alone.”

In spring, 2008, Qui became the first African American to be crowned Queen of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, an achievement that Qui is quite proud of. Now in its 81st year, the festival is an annual tradition in Winchester, Virginia, (West of Washington, D.C.) that attracts more than 250,000 people.

A college girl at heart, she loves old movies, cupcakes, pizza and barbecued chicken and shares a house with five other students. Qui admits its difficult balancing her studies and a singing career. However, her “can-do” spirit remains just as strong as her zeal for LUV ‘N LIFE and the promise it holds. “It’s been difficult, but somehow you make it work and it’s worth it,’ she notes. “Music is where my heart is.”

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!

[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!

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.

• BREAKING NEW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: KERI HILSON •

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia and apart of super team the THE CLUTCH Keri Hilson is one of those writer-turned-singer types already prepping for her debut effort In A Perfect World slated to release under Zone 4/Mosley Music Group/Interscope later this year. Hilson is most noted for her writing contributions to Britney Spears’ “Gimme More”, Omarion’s “Ice Box” and Luda and Mary’s “Runaway Love” just to name a few. I really am very proud of Keri and wish her nothing but a continuity of success.