MTV to livestream 55 hourlong dance party (BLOG)

NEW YORK (AP) — MTV is hoping to set a world record with a marathon dance party.

The network will livestream a dance party aiming to surpass the 55-hour record set in Ireland in 2006. The dance party will be a featured part of MTV's second O Music Awards, a newfangled award show that celebrates digital music.

The party will begin Oct. 29 and run into the Oct. 31 OMAs. The first OMAs in April featured rapper Chiddy of Chiddy Bang breaking the Guinness World record for longest freestyle rap.

The second OMAs will take place in Los Angeles, with the dance party being held in a separate L.A. location.

The livestream will also promote awareness for LGBT youth issues, and urge viewers to donate to several organizations.

Police: US singer owes $420,000 in child support (BLOG)

SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts (AP) — Police say a singer known for his 1990 chart-topping love song was hauled off a Massachusetts stage and arrested on charges of owing $420,000 inunpaid child support.

Steven Bernard Hill of Las Vegas was arrested Friday night at theMassMutual Center, where he was performing on tour.

Hill performs as Stevie B and is best known for the song "Because I Love You (The Postman Song)." It reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts in late 1990.

Springfield police Sgt. John M. Delaney tells the Springfield Republican that Hill was surprised by the arrest and concerned that he might miss a weekend show in Providence, Rhode Island.

Hill is scheduled to be arraigned Monday. He couldn't be reached for comment Sunday. Police didn't know if he had an attorney.

T.I. to be released from halfway house Thursday (BLOG)

ATLANTA (AP) — Rapper T.I. is set to be released from an Atlantahalfway house after spending about 10 months in federal prison on a probation violation.

T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, was arrested in September 2010 in Los Angeles on drug charges. He was sentenced to 11 months in prison for violating the terms of the probation he received after he was convicted of federal firearms charges.

He was released from an Arkansas prison and sent to the halfway house on Aug. 31, put back in federal lock-up over a dispute withprison officials, and then returned to the halfway house Sept. 15.

Attorney Steve Sadow said he wasn't sure what time the performer would be released, and corrections officials declined comment.

Rapper Petey Pablo sentenced to 3 years for gun (BLOG)

NEW BERN, N.C. (AP) — Hip-hop artist Petey Pablo has been sentenced in North Carolina to almost three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing a stolen firearm.

The U.S. Attorney's Office says the 38-year-old rapper was sentenced Monday to 35 months behind bars in U.S. District Court in New Bern. Pablo's real name is Moses Barrett, and he's from Wake Forest, N.C.

Petey Pablo was arrested last year while attempting to clear security at Raleigh-Durham International Airport for a flight to Los Angeles. Authorities found a loaded gun in a bag that had passed through an X-ray machine.

Authorities say the investigation showed the gun had been stolen during a home burglary in Gardena, Calif., in 2005.

The rapper is best known for the songs "Raise Up" and "Freek-a-Leek."

Musician Sly Stone homeless, living in a van (BLOG)

LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - If Sly Stone ever decides to take his show on the road and tour again, at least he won't have to walk far to the van.

The Sly & the Family Stone frontman, known for such hits in the late '60s and early '70s as "Dance to the Music," "Everyday People" and "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)," is currently homeless, and living in a van in Los Angeles' rough-and-tumble Crenshaw district, according to a report co-written by Stone documentarian William Alkema for the New York Post.

According to the article, as little as four years ago, the 68-year-old musician -- born Sylvester Stewart -- lived in a lavish Napa Valley home complete with a vineyard, and had several cars. But in recent years, a drug habit (Stone has been arrested multiple times for cocaine possession) and fiscal difficulties (last year he sued his former manager, Jerry Goldstein, for $50 million, claiming that Goldstein had defrauded him) led Stone into his current situation. Not that he appears to mind.

"I like my small camper," Stone tells the Post. "I just do not want to return to a fixed home. I cannot stand being in one place. I must keep moving."

And despite it all, he's still recording music, on a laptop computer in his van -- and with reportedly hundreds of songs currently in the can, the musician is hoping that today's hit-makers will reach out and help him stage a comeback.

"I see all the guys playing those old songs," Stone says. "Let these guys know, like Lady Gaga, let me come in, just let me come in and pay me if you like it."

It might be a while before Stone gets another crack at the stage. His live performances have been exceedingly rare over the past two decades, and when he has taken the stage, the results have tended toward the shambolic -- such as his brief, bizarre appearance at last year's Coachella Music and Arts Festival.

Vesta Williams, singer of '80s R&B hits, dies at age 48 (BLOG)

Vesta Williams, the voice behind such ’80s R&B staples as“Congratulations” and “Sweet, Sweet Love,” has passed away.According to E!, she was found in a hotel room in Los Angeles. She was 48 years old.

“R.I.P. Ms. Vesta Williams,” friend Kimora Lee Simmonstweeted. “What a tremendous talent + great soul! Cuz as long as I can breathe, you’ll always be the one for me!”

Williams was born in Ohio, but made her way out to Los Angeles to find work as a musician. She spent the early part of her career doing session work with the likes of Chaka Khan and Gladys Knight before scoring a recording contract of her own. That led to the release of her 1986 debut album Vesta, which netted her a minor hit with “Once Bitten, Twice Shy.”

She followed that up with 1988′s Vesta 4 U. Her most successful release, it became a staple of contemporary R&B radio and gained Williams her biggest mainstream exposure.

The peak of Williams’ career ended with 1991′s Special, though she was still making albums — her last release came out in 2007 — and performing (this video shows her singing “Congratulations” at a jazz festival just four days ago). She will be remembered as having a unique voice that managed to be much larger than her diminutive stature.

Boyz II Men Happy about Their Influence on Justin Bieber (BLOG)

Veteran R&B group Boyz II Men recently spoke out about meeting Justin Bieber before he became a megastar and also his impression when meeting the group.

Speaking with MTV, group member Wanya Morris says: "We met him in the hotel, at the Le Montrose, in LA and the dude; he had a cast on at the time. And he stepped up and said, 'Oh my God! Boyz II Men, you're my favorite group."

He continued: "And we're like, 'Oh, okay,' and at the time, we didn't know who he was. He was a new dude, and the next thing you know, he's huge."

Wanya also touched on being a role model for Bieber and other new artists, adding: "It's also good to know we've influenced such a good artist. It's something that makes us feel we've accomplished [something and] we're doing our job, [that] a guy so young and so into his craft [is] influenced by three guys from Philadelphia that love to sing."

Bieber recently took to Twitter to praise Boyz II Men, tweeting: “2day I woke up and realized that the group that made me want to sing Boyz II Men are now on the Christmas album singing with me. Dream big.”

He added: “I used 2 listen to their music and practice the runs. That is how I learned to sing. Now I’m in the studio with them making music 2gether. I’m telling you… never say never… never stop dreaming… never give up…”



singersroom

Ryan Leslie Named Artist in Residence At Clive Davis Insitute (BLOG)

Producer/songwriter Ryan Leslie has been named the first ever Artist in Residence at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. In his new post, Mr. Leslie will interact with students for the 2011–12 academic year. He will give group lectures, critique songs and mentor students as part of the school's experiential education mandate.

“Ryan Leslie is the epitome of the creative entrepreneur and the holistic attitude we believe so firmly in at the Clive Davis Institute,” said Jeffrey Rabhan, chair of The Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. “His entire professional career has been a perfect balance between artistry and business acumen. We think someone of Ryan Leslie’s intelligence, talent, and entrepreneurial savvy will add a dynamic new dimension to the Institute and we’re excited to have him join the program.”

The Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts is the first school of its kind that offers professional business and artistic training, towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree for the music business.


singersroom

'Watch The Throne' Goes Platinum (BLOG)

Until today, the only “throne” JAY-Z and KANYE WEST were watching was the one LIL WAYNE was sitting one – but better late than never, right?

After a month of lagging behind LIL WAYNE whose ” The Carter IV” album went platinum in just one week flat, JAY-Z and KANYE WEST‘s album “Watch The Throne” is finally certified platinum. It’s not like HOV and YE’ really need the cash nor the validation that comes with going platinum, but it’s great that the two rap heavyweights can finally pop bottles and toast to the success of a highly respected collaboration album.

The fact that sales of “Watch The Throne” faltered behind ” The Carter IV” baffled fans, as WAYNE’s album was a lyrical flop and unanimously considered by critics as one of his worst projects. Conspiracy theorists even claim that Cash Money mogul and WEEZY’s mentor BIRDMAN single handedly threw down racks on racks and purchased a few thousand copies of ” The Carter IV” to boost sales. BIRDMAN adamently denies the rumor (but can we really trust the word of a rapper who’d cop an $8 million car? Probably not.)

Critics also came down on “Watch The Throne” for it’s unusal release strategy – releasing the album exclusively on iTunes first and then releasing the hard copy did more harm than good. That, coupled with the combined arrogance of the two hip-hop tastemakers one on album, turned a lot of folks off. Ultimately, we all know JIGGA MAN and YE’ have the rap game on lock and “Watch The Thone” was bound to receive a platinum plaque at some point or another. Congrats to JAY and KANYE both!



juicymagonline

Tyrese - Stay (Official Video)

As a follow up to his official single "Too Easy" featuring Ludacris (he also released "I Gotta Chick" ft. Tyga unofficially), the Fast 5 movie star just dropped his vintage R&B sounding single "Stay".

In the video, Taraji is once again his on-screen love who he constantly disappoints by putting his career before their relationship and not paying as much attention to her as he should. But when he sees she's ready to leave, he begs her to stay. And a fat canary diamond ring didn't hurt either.

About the video, Tyrese said today:

Here’s the world premiere of my video “Stay” featuring one of my best friends-- 2-time Academy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson. We had so much fun working on this. It’s been 10 years since we both made our debut on the big screen in the now cult classic Baby Boy, and now we’re getting our grown and sexy on in this “Stay” video...And about his brand new album, Ty revealed:

Here’s my “OPEN INVITATION” to you. My everything was put into this album coming November 1st. It was you who inspired me to get back in the studio and do it again. As you’ve seen from my movies, Tranformers DOTM & Fast Five-that have both now grossed over $ 1.7 Billion worldwide. Also, I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you all went out to support my now NY Times Best Selling Book “How To Get Out Of Your Own Way,” to many other great things over the last few years.

The man above has been expanding my territories into many different amazing things. But rest assured, that my FIRST and ONLY LOVE is still MUSIC. I’ve read your letters, tweets, Facebook, MySpace and emails. I’ve listened to your voice mails and more importantly, I’ve run into you in person and you’ve all wanted me to do it again. So, come 11.1.11, my new album “OPEN INVITATION” will be launched globally for you to listen and feel my heart & soul that I put into the album...

On this album I wanted to give you an “Open Invitation” to the clubs and the bedroom

Your thoughts?




theybf

Trey Songz: “I Rap Better Than Most Rappers” (BLOG, VIDEO)

R&B heartthrob Trey Songz recently spoke with our friends over at SoulCulture, and expressed his thoughts on his rapping skills. He went on record to say, “I don’t think no singer can rap better than me. I think I rap better than most rappers.”

He also talked about his love for rapping, artists blending different genres, and his ability to incorporate both rap & R&B into his music. And if you didn’t know, Trigga is a rapper-turnt-singer-turnt-rapper-again lol. But anyways, he will also be dropping his mixtapes ‘#Lemmeholdatbeat2′ and ‘Anticipation II’ on November 1st.

Real question though… Do you agree with him? Is he a better rapper than most rappers? What about a better rapper than the other singers out there?

singersroom

Musiq Soulchild - Yes (Official Video)

Musiq Soulchild raises awareness for breast cancer in a music video to support his latest single "Yes". Created "in memory of all who have lost their battle with cancer," it follows the R&B crooner as he stands by his girlfriend through her tough battle with breast cancer.

Soulchild has been appointed as a new ambassador for Susan G. Komen for the Cure Circle of Promise. Releasing the Jasmine Burke-starring music video is part of his effort to support "all beloved ones who are in the fight against breast cancer."

"Early detection is the key to winning the fight against breast cancer," he said. "Too often, black women are diagnosed in stage three and four when breast cancer is most difficult to treat. Some women are afraid to seek treatment for fear of losing their breasts or their hair. One's physical appearance is much less important than the will to live. It's time to remove the stigmas that are attached to this disease."



aceshowbiz

Throwback- Commodores - Zoom (AUDIO)

Commodores is a self-titled album released in 1977 by the Commodores. The album spent eight weeks atop the R&B/Soul Albums chart as their second album to do so, and was their first Top 5 Pop Album.

"Zoom" is one of the Commodores best known tunes despite not being released as a single in the US. It reached #38 on the UK singles chart. [2] Fergie sampled "Zoom" in her song "All That I Got (The Make-Up Song)" from the album The Dutchess.

In the UK this album was released as "Zoom" on Tamla Motown STML 12057.

John Mayer's Serious Medical Condition (BLOG, VIDEO)

John Mayer has stopped singing -- but only for the time being.

The Grammy-winning musician, 33, has been diagnosed with granuloma, an inflamed nodule near his vocal chords, he wrote on his Tumblr blog recently.

Mayer explained to fans that he has endured "several months of going week to week monitoring and hoping to correct the condition," but he's now been advised to cancel several concert engagements, including the iheartradio Music Festival in Las Vegas and an appearance with Tony Bennett in Los Angeles.

His next album Born and Raised has also accordingly been delayed as he recuperates, he said. "The record will be released next year instead of this fall or winter.

Mayer admitted his recovery time is unknown. "This is a temporary setback, though I'm not sure how long or short a period of time it will be. I’ve got the best doctors in the country looking after me and I will be singing and touring again as soon as I get the all clear," the "Waiting on the World to Change" singer wrote. "Until then I'll be spending time writing and composing more music and kicking an empty soup can around the West Village."

Jennifer Lopez - Papi (Official Video)

In her new video "Papi" a sun-kissed Jennifer Lopez is seen walkingthrough town as throngs of men literally throw themselves at her feet.

The video also features the new Fiat, for which Jennifer is now a spokesperson. When asked about Jennifer and her association with Fiat, Olivier Francois, chief marketing officer for Chrysler Group LLC, said...

“Jennifer fits perfectly with the brand not because of who she is but because of what she is –authentic, passionate, modern and a fighter determined to stand out from the rest. As you look at her career path, she embodies the Fiat philosophy, ‘Life is Best When Driven.”

Check it:



theybf

Frank Ocean - Swim Good (Official Video)

Since Frank Ocean released the visuals for his love affair-inspired track 'Novacane' back in June, fans have been anxiously awaiting an equally mesmerizing follow-up video. Thursday (Sept. 15), the Odd Future affiliate debuted the clip for 'Thinking About You' and now, he delivers the scene for 'Swim Good,' a song off his 'Nostalgia, Ultra' mixtape.

As the Nabil Elderkin-directed video commences, Frank appears with a panda bear mask on over his face, eating popcorn -- which is utterly impossible due to the mask covering his mouth -- and staring at a blazing fire. However, what leads up to that moment is both intriguing and horrifying.

frank ocean [swim good] from christopher francis ocean on Vimeo.

Before sitting in front of the blaze, the New Orleans native, decked out in a monk-like ensemble, is on a beach with a samurai sword in tow, and hops into his orange and black Lincoln town car. Ocean cruises down a winding road on a hillside then speeds into a wooded area full of narrow dirt pathways -- the man is on a mission to get somewhere, fast.

While on his way, he exits his ride to showcase his swordmanship in the middle of a clearing as images of a bombshell litter the screen. Could it be his current lover or an ex who did him dirty? Perhaps it's the latter as Frank Ocean does the unthinkable and faces his pretty lady in a room decorated with taxidermy bears, yet leaves without her. Check out what the charismatic crooner does before he takes a seat to watch his vehicle go up in flames.

boombox

Asher Roth - Last Man Standing (Official Video)

Asher Roth debuts a comic-styled music video for his new single "Last Man Standing". It opens with him waking up with bloodied face in a mansion not knowing where he was or how he came to the building. Memories then begin to rush back as he tries to recall the things that brought him down.

In his weak and confused state, a voice from within tells him that he must survive because "his enemy would only fall when faced." He takes them down one by one in swift moves before confronting other stronger enemies, the "Dark Deciders". Despite the fact that he won all those battles, he can't declare his victory before fighting the biggest foe of all, i.e himself.

"Last Man Standing" is expected to appear in Asher's studio album "Is This Too Orange?" which might come out later this year. It features Akon who becomes the "voice from within."



aceshowbiz

Lloyd - Featuring Lil Wayne & Andre 3000 - Dedication To My Ex (Miss That) (Official Video)

With Lloyd's album, King of Hearts, in stores since July, the singer returns with a brand new music video for the LP's latest single, "Dedication To My Ex (Miss That)."

In the new clip, Lloyd goes old school, bringing things back to the Motown era. He rocks with a funk-soul band in a garage, dressed in a 50s-inspired suit while ladies dance outside.

Comedian Wayne Brady narrates Lil Wayne's parts and André 3000 appears as a talking cat in the wacky visual.

King of Hearts is out now.

Big Sean Announces Dates For 'I Am Finally Famous' Tour (BLOG)

Big Sean announced Monday (September 12) dates for his upcoming "I Am Finally Famous World Tour", which will kick off in early October and travel across the U.S.

Accompanied by CyHi Da Prynce and Shayn Chrystopher, the G.O.O.D. Music recording artist will head out on a 30-city tour on October 2nd in North Carolina, hitting New York, Virginia, Ohio, Iowa, Washington, Oregon, and San Franciso before wrapping things up on November 25th at The Music Box in Los Angeles, CA.

Sean is touring in support of his debut album, titled Finally Famous, which is in stores now. The Chris Brown-assisted lead single, "My Last," has been certified RIAA gold with over 536,000 digital song downloads.

He also just released a video for his second single, the Hype Williams-directed "Marvin Gaye and Chardonnay," featuring Kanye West and Roscoe Dash .

For more info on dates, and tickets, visit UKnowBigSean.com.

10/2 – Asheville, NC – Orange Peel
10/4 – Greensboro, NC – Green Street Music
10/5 – Richmond, VA – The National
10/7 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
10/9 – New York, NY – Best Buy Theatre
10/11 – Lancaster, PA – Chameleon Club
10/12 – Pittsburgh, PA – Altar Bar
10/14 – Norfolk, VA – Old Dominion University
10/15 – New Britian, CT – Central Connecticut State University
10/24 – Clarksville, TN – Austin Peay State University
10/29 – Kalamazoo, MI – Kalamazoo State Theatre
11/1 – Cincinnati, OH – Madison Theater
11/2 – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall
11/3 – Columbia, MO – University of Missouri
11/4 – Chicago, IL – Metro
11/5 – Madison, WI – Orpheum
11/7 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
11/8 – Des Moines, IA – People’s Court
11/9 – Iowa City, IA – Blue Moose
11/10 – Omaha, NE – The Waiting Room
11/11 – Boulder, CO – Fox Theatre
11/12 – Denver, CO – The Summit
11/14 – Salt Lake City, UT – Complex
11/16 – Pullman, WA – Washington State University
11/17 – Seattle, WA – Showbox Market
11/18 – Portland, WA – Roseland Theatre
11/20 – Eugene, OR – Wow Hall
11/22 – San Francisco, CA – Regency
11/23 – Santa Ana, CA – The Galaxy
11/25 – Los Angeles, CA – The Music Box




ballerstatus

Musiq Soulchild Named New Ambassador For Susan G. Komen's 'Cure Circle of Promise' (BLOG)

R&B/Soul singer Musiq Soulchild has been announced as the new ambassador for Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Circle of Promise, a movement designed to further engage black women around the globe in the fight against breast cancer. In his new role, Musiq will raise awareness about breast cancer so that younger women know the importance of early detection and why it’s important to pay attention to their bodies.

“Early detection is the key to winning the fight against breast cancer,” said Musiq. “Too often, black women are diagnosed in stage three and four when breast cancer is most difficult to treat. Some women are afraid to seek treatment for fear of losing their breasts or their hair. One’s physical appearance is much less important than the will to live. It’s time to remove the stigmas that are attached to this disease.”

Musiq will kick off his duties in his upcoming music video for the single “Yes,” which is lifted from his latest album ‘MUSIQINTHEMAGIQ,’ by featuring a group of breast cancer survivors. In the clip (Collage above), Musiq plays the role of a man who loves and supports his girlfriend through her battle with breast cancer.

There will also be a special scene in the video that will feature a group of breast cancer survivors who show their support by wearing t-shirts, pins, and pink ribbons—items associated with Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

Along with using his music as an avenue to create awareness, Musiq will also work with Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Circle of Promise to create awareness through social media outreach, television, radio appearances and fundraisers.

“We couldn’t ask for a greater level of commitment from someone who has such a strong connection to the target audience,” said Katrina McGhee, Executive Vice President & CMO. “We are certain Musiq will both transform and save lives through his ambassadorship of this program.”

Musiq adds that this cause is near and dear to him, because his largely female fan base has been so instrumental in his success. “I care because they are at risk. They have always supported me and it’s time that I return the favor and support them. I feel the need to make an impact before breast cancer impacts them and if my music can be the vehicle, then I am happy to serve.”

R&B singer Kelly Price was announced as an official advocate for the Susan G. Komen foundation.


singersroom