Global Hip-Hop Artist K’naan To Release Award-Winning Album in U.S. For The First Time

The Dusty Foot Philosopher Deluxe Version, which combines conscious hip-hop, protest poetry, and global rhythms, to be released in June.

(March 25, 2008 – Brooklyn, NY) K’naan, global hip-hop artist, is set to release his critically acclaimed album, The Dusty Foot Philosopher, for the first time in the U.S. Originally released in Canada, the album received a Juno Award for Best Rap Recording of the Year and was the BBC 3 Winner for Best New Artist, World Music. The American version of the album features re-recorded songs, extra tracks, and a bonus DVD. Entitled The Dusty Foot Philosopher Deluxe Version, the album will be released by Bay Area record label, Interdependent Media on June 24th, 2008. Using his ability to blend Western and African sounds, K’naan’s album is a fusion of world music and hip-hop that borrows from the protest songs of Bob Marley, the hip-hop lyricism of Mos Def, and the storytelling and tribal rhythms of Somalia. The Deluxe Version of the album features newly mixed and recorded versions of three songs, a bonus track featuring M-1 from dead prez, new artwork, and a bonus DVD. The DVD includes all the music videos from the album, a video introduction to K’naan and an episode of 4Real TV on Kenya hosted by K’naan. Born in war-torn Somalia, a country that has not had a functioning government since 1991, K’naan’s family moved to Harlem after catching the last domestic flight out of Somalia, and eventually settled in Ontario, Canada. On The Dusty Foot Philosopher K’naan writes about daily life in Somalia, the warlords that run his country, and the scourge of violence that has blighted much of Africa. Despite the violence K’naan has experienced, his lyrics address the possibilities for positive change. On “Until the Lion Learns to Speak,” K’naan is backed by a solo African drum while he rhymes, “I’m asking we be the ones/ to free our people from guns.” “Soobax,” the first single from the album, challenges Somalia’s warlords to leave the country by laying down a memorable hook that evokes the lively rhythms and energy of the Somalian people. In a time when mainstream America and the world are desperately looking for music that lifts spirits and creates a sense of hope and change, K’naan’s music acts as an urgent wakeup call. Track & Field, the team that produced Nelly Furtado’s 5-time Grammy nominated Whoa Nelly, produced The Dusty Foot Philosopher. The critical acclaim K’naan received has led to tours with Mos Def, Nelly Furtado, The Roots, Damian Marley, dead prez, Pharoahe Monch, an appearance on Live 8, and production nods from Damian Marley. Dusty Foot Philosopher Deluxe Version will be released everywhere in the U.S. on Interdependent Media on June 24th. Track Listing of The Dusty Foot Philosopher Deluxe Version 1. Wash It Down 2. Soobax 3. What’s Hardcore? 4. My Old Home 5. Moment 6. I Was Stabbed By Satan 7. My God 8. Smile 9. If Rap Gets Jealous 10. The Dusty Foot Philosopher 11. Strugglin’ 12. In The Beginning 13. Hoobale 14. The African Way Ft. Mwafrika 15. Voices In My Head 16. Boxing My Shadow 17. For Mohamoud (Soviet) 18. Until The Lion Learns To Speak 19. Blues For The Horn 20. Til We Get There Streams: http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Knaan/Knaan-Soobax.asx   K’naan MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/knaanmusic K’naan official site: http://www.thedustyfoot.com/ Label site: http://www.imculture.com/

Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III gets official release date!

Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Motown recording artist Lil Wayne is gearing up to release his highly anticipated album Tha Carter III, the final in the trilogy, on May 13th.

Tha Carter III is Lil Wayne’s first solo album since the release of Tha Carter II (2005) and not one to disappoint Lil Wayne is bringing a new flavor to everyone’s taste buds with the release of his first single, “Lollipop,” featuring Static. “Lollipop,” which was produced by Jim Jonsin (T.I., T-Pain, Twista) and co-produced by Darius “Deezle” Harrison (Teena Marie & Destiny’s Child), is receiving early radio spins in major markets including San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago and Atlanta, and officially impacted at both Urban and Crossover Radio on March 25th.

Lil Wayne was born and raised in the infamous poverty-stricken section of New Orleans – the 17th Ward, was discovered by Cash Money founder Bryan ‘Birdman’ Williams and rose to stardom in 1995 at the age of 12, debuting on B.G’s True Story CD. Shortly thereafter, the rap prodigy garnered national attention as a member of the group, Hot Boys, which consisted of rappers Juvenile, Turk and B.G., with their 1997 debut album, Get It How You Live, followed by 1998’s platinum certified Guerilla Warfare and 2003’s Let Em Burn.

Success continued to follow Lil Wayne as a solo artist. His debut CD, Tha Block Is Hot (1999) reached platinum status and was a #1 Billboard Album. He later released Lights Out (2000), 500Degreez (2002), and his defining album, 2004’s platinum certified, Tha Carter, which featured the hit single “Go DJ.” His critically acclaimed, platinum-plus follow-up, Tha Carter II, 2005 debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top Albums chart, a groundbreaking and provocative tour de force which the New York Times hailed as ‘historic.’ Tha Carter III marks the sixth solo project from the Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Motown superstar.

Lil Wayne who was recently named “Man Of The Year” by GQ Magazine (2007) and “Best Rock Star Alive” by Blender Magazine (2008) is truly a force to be reckoned within the music industry and has earned the title of Hip-Hop Heavyweight Champ.

Check out Lil’ Wayne’s first single off Tha Carter III,  “Lollipop” featuring Static.

AUDIO: Lollipop featuring Static
http://umrg.edgeboss.net/wmedia/umrg/433-lilwayne/token/lollipop/lilwayne_01_90sec_96k-001.asx
http://umrg.edgeboss.net/real/umrg/433-lilwayne/token/lollipop/lilwayne_01_90sec_96k.ram

VIDEO: Lollipop featuring Static
http://www.universalrecords.com/lollipop/default.aspx

Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III gets official release date!

Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Motown recording artist Lil Wayne is gearing up to release his highly anticipated album Tha Carter III, the final in the trilogy, on May 13th.

Tha Carter III is Lil Wayne’s first solo album since the release of Tha Carter II (2005) and not one to disappoint Lil Wayne is bringing a new flavor to everyone’s taste buds with the release of his first single, “Lollipop,” featuring Static. “Lollipop,” which was produced by Jim Jonsin (T.I., T-Pain, Twista) and co-produced by Darius “Deezle” Harrison (Teena Marie & Destiny’s Child), is receiving early radio spins in major markets including San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago and Atlanta, and officially impacted at both Urban and Crossover Radio on March 25th.

Lil Wayne was born and raised in the infamous poverty-stricken section of New Orleans – the 17th Ward, was discovered by Cash Money founder Bryan ‘Birdman’ Williams and rose to stardom in 1995 at the age of 12, debuting on B.G’s True Story CD. Shortly thereafter, the rap prodigy garnered national attention as a member of the group, Hot Boys, which consisted of rappers Juvenile, Turk and B.G., with their 1997 debut album, Get It How You Live, followed by 1998’s platinum certified Guerilla Warfare and 2003’s Let Em Burn.

Success continued to follow Lil Wayne as a solo artist. His debut CD, Tha Block Is Hot (1999) reached platinum status and was a #1 Billboard Album. He later released Lights Out (2000), 500Degreez (2002), and his defining album, 2004’s platinum certified, Tha Carter, which featured the hit single “Go DJ.” His critically acclaimed, platinum-plus follow-up, Tha Carter II, 2005 debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top Albums chart, a groundbreaking and provocative tour de force which the New York Times hailed as ‘historic.’ Tha Carter III marks the sixth solo project from the Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Motown superstar.

Lil Wayne who was recently named “Man Of The Year” by GQ Magazine (2007) and “Best Rock Star Alive” by Blender Magazine (2008) is truly a force to be reckoned within the music industry and has earned the title of Hip-Hop Heavyweight Champ.

Check out Lil’ Wayne’s first single off Tha Carter III,  “Lollipop” featuring Static.

AUDIO: Lollipop featuring Static
http://umrg.edgeboss.net/wmedia/umrg/433-lilwayne/token/lollipop/lilwayne_01_90sec_96k-001.asx
http://umrg.edgeboss.net/real/umrg/433-lilwayne/token/lollipop/lilwayne_01_90sec_96k.ram

VIDEO: Lollipop featuring Static
http://www.universalrecords.com/lollipop/default.aspx

AL GREEN:: LAY IT DOWN:: MAY 27

The title of Al Green’s Lay It Down truly tells it like it is. Conceived as a collaboration between the soul legend and a handful of gifted young admirers from the worlds of contemporary R&B and hip hop, the album is drawn from a series of inspired sessions that yielded the most high-spirited, funky and often lushly romantic songs of Green’s latter-day career. The album is a refreshingly old school jam, with everyone laying down the music together, face to face, heart to heart, soul to soul.

Al admits, “That’s the only way I know how to work, that’s what I’ve done all my life. You just write it from here.” He taps his heart. “That’s what we do every Sunday. We never write a sermon now. If you can’t preach out of here”–tapping his chest again–”you have nothing to say anyway. It’s all from the heart, this whole album, from start to finish.”

The project features the sophisticated R&B voices of singer-songwriters John Legend, Anthony Hamilton and Corinne Bailey Rae, and it was co-produced with Green by two of hip-hop’s most innovative players, drummer Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson from the Roots and keyboardist James Poyser, the go-to guy for high-profile artists ranging from Erykah Badu to Common. Add in Brooklyn’s celebrated Dap-King Horns (Sharon Jones, Amy Winehouse), guitarist Chalmers “Spanky” Alford (Mighty Clouds of Joy, Joss Stone) and bassist Adam Blackstone (Jill Scott, DJ Jazzy Jeff), among others, and you’ve got a modern soul-music dream team, fronted by the most expressive voice in the business.

Link to footage from the making of Lay It Down:
Quicktime: http://bluenote.edgeboss.net/qtime/bluenote/algreen/layitdown/60secfinal31808_stream.mov
Windows: http://bluenote.edgeboss.net/wmedia/bluenote/algreen/layitdown/algreen_60secstream.asx

2 Pistols – “She Got It” featuring T-Pain & Tay Dizm

“Girl understand we ain’t gotta hold hands / Cause this ain’t love it’s straight lust / I have you back in the morning before he wakes up“

The Video: 2 Pistol’s new video for “She Got It,” the first single off his forthcoming debut album Death Before Dishonor, features ultra-hot T-Pain and Tay Dizm. The video peeks into the life of a street thug who makes it big. From a police arrest and steamy love affair to record deals and mansions, this video hypnotizes viewers with a Southern hip-hop beat that is both poppy and dirty. Talking like a true player, 2 Pistols raps, “Girl understand we ain’t gotta hold hands / Cause this ain’t love it’s straight lus t /I have you back in the morning before he wakes up.” The Background: 2 Pistols, formerly known as Jeremy Lamont Saunders, is an 80’s baby who has kept his eye on the prize while facing many obstacles. Growing up in Florida, 2 Pistols promoted hip-hop parties and concerts in the Tampa Bay Area. A self-proclaimed hustler, 2 Pistol’s subject matter deals with his history as a drug dealer and the daily struggle of street life. He started his career when his brother encouraged him to record a song for fun that he had written. He pressed up a few copies and gave them to friends. Next thing he knew, a few weeks later at a local nightclub he heard the DJ spinning his song and his music career was officially in motion. In 2007 2 Pistols signed to Universal Motown Records Group. Streams: http://youtube.com/watch?v=f4NRnLm5Jqs For other stream formats, please contact Michelle   2 Pistols MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/2pistols 2 Pistols Official page: http://www.2pistols.com/

SheNote’s Spotlight: A&R Kay K Rosemond

http://shenotes.blogspot.com/2008/03/shenotes-spotlight-kay-k-rosemond.html

Lyonel “Kay-Kay” Rosemond

SheNote’s Spotlight had a chance to chat with Lyonel “Kay-Kay” Rosemond. Fresh off the Erykah Badu (New Amerykah in stores now) project, the Universal Motown A&R agreed to share some insight to the entertainment game as he sees it. Since joining his uncle Jimmy Henchman’s management company in 1994 and being hired by Motown as an A&R, he has gone on to work with artist such as Erykah Badu, Chico Debarge, Lil Wayne and Joe. When meeting him you won’t notice the edgy, snootiness that radiated from most industry folk. Instead, you will meet a brotha that is rooted in his Muslim faith, deeply spiritual and grounded in raising his son and spending as much time as possible with family.
I saw him in passing periodically throughout the Erykah project but haven’t had a change to sit with him until now.

SN I know you just finished the Erykah Badu project. How was that process for you?

KK It was a long process, but a master piece doesn’t get painted in one day!! Long sleepless night in the studio but it was worth it!!!

SN Who is up next? What are you currently working on?

KK Well right now I’m working on “New Amerykah” Pt. 2 –Return Of the Unk, but looking to sign this rap group named “Sa Ra”

SN Where do you feel that you have made the biggest impact in the entertainment business?

KK Well a big impact on the music business I haven’t yet made but it’s comin! I’m just trying to make good music for the people that they can listen to for years to come! No one-hit wonders, or pop corn music! Music that heals ya soul!!

SN Do you believe it is WHO you know or WHAT you know that will get you in the door as an artist? And why?

KK Well you defiantly have to know 1 or 2 people to get in the door! And you really must know a bit about the business in order to survive in this game!

SN What is your take on artist development? Does it still exist?

KK There is no more artist development and that’s why a lot of the artist we sign today don’t stick around for long! They barely know how to speak or hold an intelligent conversation! Better yet conduct a proper interview! And that’s why we are in this mess now!! It does not exist

SN What is your favorite type of artist to work with?

KK The Alternative Soul Music artist (we don’t say Neo Soul anymore) – But the Erykah Badu, Dwayne Wiggins, Chico DeBarge, De’Angelo, Joe!! They are real music makers, they all play instruments and can hold a note as well as put a song together from beginning to end, a bridge, melodies and hooks! There is no yaaaaaar tricks yaaaaar in they’re music!! That’s not real music!

SN Is there an indie artist out there right now that you think needs a deal?

KK Sa Ra, Jae Electronica, Strange Fruit, Spot, Brother Ali, Josiah Bell, D’Emile and the list goes on!!

SN You have made alot of power moves in the business. Do you have a formula?

KK Humility is the Key!! Eat a lot of humble pie, it sucks but it will always work out for you! I promise! And always put God first and he’ll make it happen for you!

SN What was your objective when you first came into the business?

KK Just to get a platinum plaque with my name on it! But when I finally got it I really wanted more! I set a goal and accomplished it. That’s what people need to do! Set goals, write it all down and put it in the universe and bring your thoughts to life! (But the real answer is: to make a change in the game, by giving the people great music).

SN So you have made your contributions to the business?

KK Yep, by giving the people great music!!!!

SN And finally, what do you want producers and indies to know about getting their foot in the door or about having longevity in the entertainment business?

KK I say it over and over again!! This business is 95% business and only 5% music, get an atty. Make sure your have a manager, and make sure if you believe in your craft spend your monies on it!! But make sure you on top of your business this is Babylon and you can easily get lost in the sauce!! The music business is the devils play ground, so be careful young people!!

Nuff said!

Peace ya’ll,

SheNotes

RAVENEL RECORDS NINA B PREPARES FOR THE RELEASE OF “THE ICON” MIX TAPE!!!!!!

Ravenel Records own Nina B is preparing to release her 6^th and highly anticipated mix-tape, “The Icon”. Nina B, whose last release, “Nina B: The Bostress” hosted by former Atlantic Records A&R Sicamore, received rave reviews amongst fans and the music industry alike. From her old school style to her lyrical flow, Nina B embodies and echo’s the sounds of hip-hop legends like Roxanne Shante, MC Lyte, and Salt n Pepa. Combine that with the swagger and dynamics of hip-hop’s new era, and what you have is a street certified industry recognized hip-hop icon in the making. “The Icon”, hosted by Hot 97’s Dee Vazquez will be released April 1^st.  “The Icon” boasts 12 songs that undeniably merge the sounds of pop music and hip-hop to perfection. Nina pays tribute to Madonna, one of pop music’s icons as she lays her versatile, one of a kind flow over some of Madonna’s most classic tracks. Nina takes it a step further, displaying her raw talent with a remake of “Material Girl”, one of Madonna’s most popular and memorable songs.  When asked about her new mix-tape and the concept of combining pop and hip-hop, Nina B explains “Madonna has always been at the top of the pop charts and has been looked upon as a musical icon since I can remember. I consider myself to be a female hip-hop icon in the making that will contribute to breaking down barriers for female artist in the music game. Being a female artist signed to Ravenel Records, a female owned independent label (Amber Ravenel) alone is a huge stepping stone to help pave the way. I also thought creatively it would be a wonderful idea to combine such dynamic genres of music as pop and hip-hop. The music world is in for a treat. The Icon is definitely not your average mix-tape!”

 “The Icon” mix-tape, which drops April 1^st, will be available for FREE download at www.remembermeninab.com.

**Click on the link below to check out the trailer for “The Icon” done by super director Scenario.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0Zs1C87Ikw.

** For bookings and additional information, please contact Ravenel Records at ravenelrecords@gmail.com.

Hip-Hop on the Rooftop Returns to Gospel Music Week

Hip-Hop on the Rooftop Returns to Gospel Music Week
The Peanut Butter and Jelly Party Reigns as GMA’s Hottest Night

On April 20th, the annual Peanut Butter & Jelly Party will light up the Nashville sky once again with Hip-Hop on the Rooftop at The Loft Nashville. This event is fast becoming the place to be at GMA Music Week.

At last year’s Peanut Butter & Jelly Party, producers, artists, media and fans partied into the night on the roof of the McKendree United Methodist Church. The showcase had people talking all week long, drawing rave reviews and praise from the music industry.

“The Peanut Butter & Jelly Party’s Hip-Hop on the Rooftop was the freshest and the most well done showcase I have ever seen,” says Jacob Henley, Vice President of Fathom Sounds. “The hip-hop community finally a vital piece of the diverse GMA musical puzzle.”

“I feel like the luckiest person alive,” says Tim Trudeau, President of Syntax Records. “I get to work with people whom I love, making music that I love, and together we get to shed light on the best hip-hop our market has to offer.”

Along with MySpace.com, Rockstar Energy Drinks, GospelDepot.com and Syntax Records, partners also include Stewart Sound, Fathom Sounds, MCOM, Litho Express, ABF U-Pack and The Loft Nashville.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. The entrance to The Loft Nashville is located just a few steps across the street from the Renaissance Hotel and Nashville Convention  center on Commerce street. Admission is free with a GMA Music Week pass.

###The Peanut Butter & Jelly Party
www.myspace.com/syntaxrecords
04/20/08 - Doors Open 7PM
Free w/ GMA Badge
Venue: The Loft Nashville
Entrance on Commerce street almost directly across from Convention center doors.

For more information about The Peanut Butter & Jelly party or Syntax Records call 619-312-4586, or email info@syntaxrecords.com, or visit www.syntaxrecords.com

For more information on GMA Music Week please call 615-242-0303, or visit www.gospelmusic.org.

GNARLS BARKLEY DOES IT AGAIN – #1 ON iTUNES!

Gnarls Barkley, the visionary partnership of artist/producer Danger Mouse and singer Cee-Lo, reached #1 on the iTunes download chart with their new LP The Odd Couple in its first week of digital release. This is a remarkable triumph, considering that it was a short sales week, and that The Odd Couple’s release date was pushed forward on short notice.

The Odd Couple appears in US retail outlets on Tuesday, March 25. The UK release date is March 31, Other international dates will be announced shortly.

Gnarls has always found success through digital channels. Their 2006 hit “Crazy” became the first song to reach #1 on the UK pop charts through downloads alone.

Last week, 4 Gnarls songs were on the iTunes top 100 songs : “Run”, “Who’s Gonna Save My Soul”, “Crazy” and “Going On”.    

PLIES ANSWERS THE CALL OF THE STREETS

Responding to popular demand, Big Gates/Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic recording artist Plies has announced plans to speed up the release of his hugely anticipated new album, “DEFINITION OF REAL.”  The collection – which features the hit single, “Bust It Baby, Part 2 (Feat. Ne-Yo)” – will now drop into stores and online retailers on June 10th.

“Bust It Baby, Part 2 (Feat. Ne-Yo)” is blowing up at Urban radio outlets nationwide, where it just bulleted its way onto the airplay top 40.  In addition, the single is currently rising towards chart status at Rhythmic.  The track’s mainstream success follows the recent underground popularity of the single’s first installment, “Bust It Baby, Part 1.” The single will go on sale this Tuesday, March 25th via all DSPs.

 “DEFINITION OF REAL” arrives hot on the heels of the Ft. Myers, Florida-bred rapper’s 2007 debut, “THE REAL TESTAMENT,” which has received RIAA gold certification.  The album – featuring the blockbuster hit singles, “Shawty (Feat. T-Pain)” and “Hypnotized (Feat. Akon)” – entered the Billboard 200 at #2 upon its release last summer and continues to run strong, coming in this week at #13 on Billboard’s “Top Rap Albums” ranking.  In addition, “THE REAL TESTAMENT” has spawned a series of smash hit ringtones, with six tracks from the album currently present on Nielsen Ringscan’s “Top 200 Mastertones” chart.

Plies is currently featured on the cover of Don Diva Magazine, heralding their partnership on the upcoming “Plies/Don Diva Prison Tour.”  Further details of Plies’ historic pairing with the “Original Street Bible” will be announced shortly.

For up-to-the-minute news and information, visit www.pliesworld.com or www.myspace.com/plies.