Janelle Monae has been doing her thing in music and entertainment for quite some time now, and we're happy to post her latest single, Yoga, with @Jidenna. Check the video out below! The song comes from her new upcoming EP #Eephus, which is due in May for release.
(New York, NY – April 15, 2015) -- Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Kenny Lattimore has released his new album, Anatomy of a Love Song, on Sincere Soul Records/eOne Music. The album can be purchased here.
Lattimore’s first single, “Love Me Back” is currently #16 at Urban AC radio and growing. Listen to the track here.
In addition, Lattimore is confirmed for The Drop, a special event at The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles on April 20. Tickets can be purchased here.
Lattimore’s music reflects the best of all worlds as it combines the timeless sounds of traditional R&B with a unique contemporary flair to create a universal sound that transcends boundaries and appeals to audiences of all ages, races and genres. His body of work, which includes hits such as “Never Too Busy” and the Grammy nominated “For You,” has garnered two Gold-selling albums, the NAACP Image Award for Best New Artist, and nominations for Soul Train Awards and Stellar Awards.
In addition to Kanye West sampling Lattimore’s “Lately” in his song “I’m In It,” from his #1 album Yeezus, a diverse array of artists including Musiq Soulchild, Rachelle Ferrell, Ray J, Nancy Wilson, Heather B, Michael Lington and Brian Culbertson, have sought out his talents for their own projects. He performed the duet “Love Will Find A Way” with Heather Headley for Disney’s The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride. He and singer Chante Moore recorded the Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell duet “You’re All I Need To Get By,” which was selected as the theme song for the BET show The Family Crews.
“Love Me Back” can be purchased here.
(March 30, 2015 - New York, NY) -- Singer, songwriter and dancer Kat DeLuna releases her fiery new single, "Bum Bum" featuring Trey Songz today. Listen to "Bum Bum" here and purchase here. DeLuna is prepping a new full-length album that will be released later this year. Details to follow.
About her new singl, DeLuna says, "I'm so excited for the world to hear my amazing new song 'Bum Bum' with the incredible Trey Songz. This song is evidence that music transcends generations, and for that I wasnt to specially thank Sister Nancy for originating such an incredible song that left its musical imprint culturally for years to come. I hope 'Bum Bum' becomes your summer anthem!"
DeLuna is a classically trained singer, in addition to being a songwriter and energizing performer. Her debut album, 2007's Nine Lives featured the pop/dance latin-flavored, Gold-certified single “Whine Up,” featuring Jamaican reggae star Elephant Man, and catapulted Kat to international stardom.
DeLuna nabbed the Los Premios MTV Latinoamérica 2007 - MTVtr3s’s “Best New Artist Award,” and scored a Billboard Latin Music Award for “Best Club Play Track of the Year” (for “Whine Up”). She also received “The Best Urban Artist” and “The Best New Artist” Awards at the TMF Awards in 2008. DeLuna also won The Casandra Award for “New International Artist,” as well as her 2009 prestigious ALMA Award Nomination for “Female Rising Star.“
So the question on everyone’s mind is whether Jodeci was able to do it? Were they able to put together a solid LP after having been away for 20 years? The industry has changed drastically since they last released an album. Their last release was 1995’s “The Show, The After Party, The Hotel”. Their time away has made way for so many others to step in and command their territory, so to speak. It’s always been said that the longer you’re away, the easier for people to forget about you, but reality is no one has forgotten Jodeci. They made that much an impact with their catalog that fans literally have been wait; not so patiently, for a return.
So here we are, 20 years later, with The Past, The Present, The Future. Truth is, they really do have a lot to prove. You can’t help but reiterate the fact of how long it has been. Their fanbase is that much older. Regardless of how they’ve been waiting for a new album, buying power today does not equal that of 20 years ago. Yes, people are still buying and downloading, but not in their demographic. They have a major task at hand in transitioning their newly re-established brand into album sales. Realistically, that may take some time. For the most part, The Past, The Present, The Future is a solid album. Some tracks sound quite polished and perfected [“Every Moment”, “Too Hot”, “Nobody Wins"], while others sound rushed and incomplete [“Checkin For You”]. One would imagine that once everyone was back on the same page and ready to put music together, they likely jumped in head first, and perhaps rushed through the process. Timbaland provides the backdrop for “Those Things” and “Incredible”, which in itself is great because of the history he has with the fellas. The hook to “Incredible, if you listen closely, plays just a bit on S.O.S. Band’s “Tell Me If You Still Care”, without directly sampling the tune.
How The Past, The Present, The Future fares to you will depend greatly upon what your expectations were to begin with. I, for one, would have liked to see them reinvent themselves. It also would have been nice if some of the tracks dived into the things they’ve struggled with over the last two decades. Honestly, it’s more like they were trying to pick up where they left off. The content is similar, and for the most part, they’re not necessarily doing anything new. That; unfortunately, may work against them. But one thing still remains: they guys are still legends, and it’s good to see them back. All things being said, the album is still worth a listen. They are proving to the masses that despite what happens, and regardless of what struggles you endure, you can still make it through and live your dreams. Hopefully, this is the start of something that will continue to rebuild.
Ludacris jumps back in the fire with his new album, Ludaversal, and fire is what he brings. Hip-hop has been missing that heat for quite some time. Ludacris teased fans with "Burning Bridges" some weeks ago, and now Ludaversal provides us with the full arsenal.
He goes hard right out the gate with the David Banner-produced "Ludaversal Intro", spitting:
... "ain't nobody f**kin with me when it come to gettin' lyrical, murderin' a rapper and killin' beats n***a, I'm cinematic makin' everybody panic, I be bustin' like a semi-automatic, feel the heat n***a, we can battle in the Phantom in Atlanta, the Rover in Minnesota, or the Arizona streets n***a, they sayin' all these offensive lines, I snap back, this the quarterback sneak n***a..."
He shows right away that not only is he still a master at his craft, but he's stepped his game up in terms of wordplay and how he maneuvers over the beat. Ludacris has always been a master at his delivery and the way he bounces over the beat. As an intro, it should be a glimpse into what can be expected throughout the entire album, so to speak. While that isn't the case for many, ok - most albums, it actually rings true here. It's truly an uphill climb as the album progresses, from "Grass is Always Greener" and the #SykSense-produced "Call Ya Bluff", to the Big K.R.I.T. assisted "Come and See Me", and "Get Lit", which was produced by Da Internz. Monica appears on "Ocean Skies", on which Luda pays tribute to his father. That track is produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League. I highlight the producers because Ludacris enlists some of hip-hop's best storytellers in terms of production. Others providing that backdrop include DJ Toomp, Mike Will Made It, Just Blaze, and Illmind. Other artists appearing throughout the album include Usher ("Not Long"), and Miguel ("Good Lovin'"). The albums deluxe edition includes "Money", "Problems", "In My Life", and "Burning Bridges" which respectively feature Rick Ross, Ceelo Green, John Legend, and Jason Aldean. "Money" and "Problems" are probably two of the most introspective tracks offered on Ludaversal, with lyrics on "Money" like:
"Mo money mo problems, tell me what's worse, gettin' audited by the government, givin' up millions to the IRS or havin' to take a paternity test from a b***h I never met .... I'm gettin' sued by my own family member, all 'cause my dog but her, and she was the one who walked up and put her hand out, and now she got her hand out, it's driving me crazy, almost as if the s**t was planned out..."
On "Problems", which features Ceelo Green, Luda raps:
"...and people know me on a first name basis, but all they ever really want it my cash, let me borrow just a couple hundred dollars and you know that I'm a pay you back my a**..."
Overall, Ludaversal is a win for Ludacris. Ludacris stands as his 9th album (if you include his independent released Incognegro). Reality is, rappers, and artists in general, have an expiration date, and that usually arrives fairly quickly. Ludacris has stood the test of the industry's ups and downs, remaining relevant along the way. He's been with Def Jam the entire distance, which in reality is against the norm. Most artist change labels, at least once throughout their career for whatever the reason may be. Ludacris has defied the odds in so many ways.
Ludaversal is definitely an album you'll want to have in your collection. Look for the album in stores, and with online retailers Tuesday, March 31!
Rapper Big Pooh has released the much-awaited Words Paint Pictures to the masses. In stores today, the album stands as Big Pooh's debut release for #MelloMusicGroup, and features notable guest appearances from #SteveRox, #RasKass, and #EricKeith!
Most will remember Pooh from his contributions to #LittleBrother, but #WordsPaintPictures is geared to take him to the next level of hip-hop.
Check out his video below for #Augmentation! Look for #WordsPaintPictures in stores and on online retailers and distributors now!
Get ready for the the latest release from rapper Action Bronson! Mr Wonderful hits stores today!
Bronson originally signed to Warner Bros in 2012, but was ultimately transitioned to Vice Records, where he's released several Mixtapes. Bronson has built a rather strong fan base through the release of Rare Chandeliers, Saaab Stories, and Blue Chips 2! Saaab Stories, which stood as Bronson's major label debut, featured appearances from Wiz Khalifa, Prodigy. Mr Wonderful features appearances from Chauncy Sherod, Big Body Bes, Mayhem Lauren, and Chance the Rapper. The album also boasts production from Mark Ronson, The Alchemist, and Party Supplies, among others.
Look for Bronson's Mr Wonderful in stores and on online digital distributors now! For more info on Action Bronson, visit www.actionbronson.com
Jill Scott has returned, and she's bringing you the blues (in a good way, of course) with her new single, You Don't Know! Scott sings of the struggle and pain of love! The heartache and sacrifice, both of which she knows all too well. With the release of the single, Scott also released a video to accompany, which we've linked below! Check that out, and comment back with your thoughts.
NEW YORK, March 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Hip-hop pioneer, Tony Award-winning producer and multi-hyphenate entrepreneur Russell Simmons has announced the development of The Scenario, a new stage musical that will be driven by the music that defined a generation: the greatest hits from a two-decade span of hip-hop – from the "golden age" of the mid-80s to mid-90s "when it seemed that every new single reinvented the genre" (Rolling Stone), to the chart-topping artists at the turn of the millennium. Simmons, who is widely credited with ushering in a hip-hop cultural revolution with the launch of Def Jam Recordings in 1984, and creating the trailblazing Def Comedy franchise in 1989, will produce through his Los Angeles-based production company Def Pictures, alongside Tony Award-winning Broadway producer Big Block/Scott Prisand (Rock of Ages, Heathers, Gentleman's Guide To Love And Murder). The Scenariowill feature an original story written by acclaimed author and hip-hop historian Dan Charnas (The Big Payback), and aims to premiere in New York City in late 2016.
"Hip hop's explosion was fueled by a generation with an incredible hunger to discover new ways of expression," said Simmons. "These artists were always breaking the mold with new rhythms and new ideas, while at the same time telling so many important and timeless stories that over the decades have continued to remain just as relevant. This is why the music continues to strike a chord with fans worldwide. It felt like such a natural fit to weave the best of these sounds and stories into an energetic and thrilling musical that would transport audiences through one of the most innovative artistic movements of our time."
"Part of what made the Rock of Ages experience so incredible for theatregoers was the joy of hearing the most beloved songs of an era serve as the storyteller," said Scott Prisand. "Russell is the catalyst of all this extraordinary music that has already touched generations to the core around the world; we're taking those beats everyone knows and loves, and setting them into a fun original story."
Added Jake Stein, who is shepherding the project on behalf of Def Pictures and will also produce with Simmons, "These classic songs, stories and rhythms will find a new audience on the theater stage. We believe this show will be an entirely new entry point for appreciating hip hop as a transformative art that has shaped culture, fashion, music and entertainment of all forms, and we hope it will help open the door for other live theatrical experiences."
Entrepreneur, author, activist and philanthropist Russell Simmons has launched scores of groundbreaking careers and innovative enterprises in arenas as varied as music, film, television, fashion, comedy, poetry, digital platforms, theater and finance. His lifelong mission has been giving a voice to extraordinary talent and empowering underserved communities as they in turn shape the mainstream of culture.
After having produced or managed artists such as Kurtis Blow, Run DMC, Houdini and Jimmy Spicer, Simmons joined forces with producer Rick Rubin to found Def Jam Recordings. Under Simmons' leadership as Chairman, Def Jam signed acts including the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Jay Z and Kanye West. Simmons' long-running HBO series "Def Comedy Jam" helped make household names of comics including Jamie Foxx, Chris Tucker, Martin Lawrence, Bernie Mac, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart and JB Smoove. "Def Poetry Jam," also on HBO, won a Peabody Award and a Broadway version netted Simmons a Tony® Award. Simmons' numerous big-screen hits include The Nutty Professor, which grossed more than $273 million.
Simmons has written three New York Times best-selling books, including Success Through Stillness: Meditation Made Simple, which was published by Morrow in 2014. He has also launched a multitude of diverse business ventures including pop-culture website Global Grind, UniRush Financial Services, Simmons Jewelry, shoemaker Run Athletics and clothing subsidiaries Phat Farm, Argyleculture and American Classics. Most recently, he unveiled All Def Digital, a premium, multi-platform digital media company and entertainment hub, curating, developing and connecting a new generation of content creators to global fans. He also co-founded the digital marketing firm Narrative.
Dan Charnas is an acclaimed author, journalist, professor, producer and former record company executive, and is considered to be one of hip-hop's foremost historians. As part of a generation of young writers who created hip-hop journalism, Dan penned some of the first cover stories for The Source magazine, and is author of The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip-Hop (New American Library/Penguin) and the co-author of Def Jam: The First 25 Years of the Last Great Record Label (Rizzoli). Deemed "Pulitzer-worthy" by Spin and "Epic" by The Village Voice, The Big Payback received four stars from Rolling Stone, and accolades from publications including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Entertainment Weekly and The Atlantic. Dan began his music business career in the mailroom of the seminal rap label Profile Records, eventually becoming Rap A&R and Promotion Manager — working with such artists as Run-DMC, Dana Dane, Special Ed, Rob Base, Special Ed and DJ Quik. As VP of A&R and Marketing for the Rick Rubin/Warner Bros joint venture American Recordings, Dan oversaw projects including Sir Mix-A-Lot's double-platinum single "Baby Got Back" (the #2 Billboard Pop Single of 1992), DJ Kool's gold anthem "Let Me Clear My Throat," and Chino XL's acclaimed "Here To Save You All," which influenced emcees from Eminem to 50 Cent. He is currently Associate Arts Professor at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, Tisch School of the Arts at New York University; and an executive producer of the upcoming VH1 movie, "The Breaks".
THE SCENARIO is produced by Russell Simmons; Def Pictures/Jake Stein; Big Block/Scott Prisand, Scott Benson, Tom Pellegrini and Jamie Bendell; Brian Sherand Stella Bulichnikov.
We're excited to run the new video for Vagabonds by up and coming artist Joy Villa! Check that out below, and be sure to check back next year for our exclusive feature with Joy, set to run in the new issue of Urban Grandstand Digital!
New issue drops Monday, March 30, 2015!
(March 12, 2015 - New York, NY) -- Philadelphia hip hop duo OCD: Moosh & Twist has just signed a universal deal with Entertainment One Music (eOne Music). The group is currently on tour, and will play three dates at this year's SXSW festival in Austin, TX. Full dates below.
OCD: Moosh & Twist features DeQuincy "Moosh" Coleman McRae and Oliver "Twist" Feighan, both 22, who first bonded in first grade over the love of music and poetry. As independent hip-hop artists, OCD have amassed a devoted fan base which has resulted in over 100,000 mixtape downloads and over 12 million Youtube views. In 2014, OCD debuted their first EP, Living Out Loud, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart and #5 on the iTunes Hip-Hop Chart. Moosh & Twist continue to perform for their thousands of fans as headliners, performing at festivals, and opening for acts such as The White Panda, Hoodie Allen, Wale, and others.
Tour dates:
March 11 - Lawrence, KS - Granada
March 14 - Tulsa, OK - Vanguard
March 15 - Dallas, TX - The Prophet Bar
March 17 - SXSW - Austin, TX - Speakeasy on the Avenue (9:00 PM)
(1iota Studios Pop Up)
March 20 - SXSW - Austin, TX - Trinity Hall @ Old School (11:15 PM)
(Presented by Broad Street Music)
March 20 - SXSW - Austin, TX - Sledgehammer (1:00 AM)
(presented by APA)
March 27 - St. George, UT - Ridge Top Complex - Airport
April 16 - West Chester, PA - Hollinger Gymnasium @ West Chester Univ.
April 18 - Atherton, CA - Menlo College
April 20 - North Adams, MA - Mass. College of Liberal Arts
April 24 - Hackettstown, NJ - Centenary College of New Jersey
April 25 - Smithfield, RI - Springstock
May 16 - Fairless Hills, PA - Pennsbury High School East
July 3 - London, UK - Wireless Festival
NEW YORK, March 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, recording artist and entertainment icon, Snoop Dogg, released his first single "Peaches N Cream" from his upcoming album BUSH. Produced by Pharrell Williamsand featuring Charlie Wilson, Snoop gives fans an instantly danceable, grooving, feel good track. Premiering on iHeartRadio, "Peaches N Cream" will sweeten the airwaves with plays every hour on the hour from 9:00 am to 11:59 pm on all urban, rhythm, and urban ac stations on iHeartRadio.
Also accompanying the single is the eye-popping lyric video, directed by Wolf & Crow, available for viewing now. A cut above the average lyric video, fans are treated to an animated romp through colorful smoke plumes and neon clouds, Egyptian pyramids, colored sand deserts and topiaries galore.
Snoop Dogg's much-anticipated new album, BUSH, will be available via Columbia Records on May 12th and is his first album for the label. BUSH, is available for pre-order now and fans who pre-order the album get "Peaches N Cream" instantly. The album is entirely produced by Grammy Award-winner Pharrell Williams, and is a creative partnership between Doggy Style Records, i am OTHER and Columbia Records.
Stream "Peaches N Cream" here:http://smarturl.it/PeachesStream
Pre-order BUSH here: http://smarturl.it/BUSHAlbum
Watch "Peaches N Cream" lyric video here:http://smarturl.it/PeachesLyric
The historic pairing between longtime friends Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams came after multiple successful collaborations in the studio, which started over a decade ago. As noted by Snoop Dogg, the duo made a pact with each other to restore the 'missing' vibe in today's music by creating songs dedicated to a "better present and an ideal future."
Channeling retro-futuristic funk topped with a feel-good mix of R&B and pop, BUSH blossoms with "a funkadelic glow," says Snoop Dogg, "totally different than anything either of us has ever done." Anchored by Pharrell's effervescent production and Snoop's smooth vocals and delivery, the album features a number of surprise collaborations. In a recent interview with Power106 in Los Angeles, Pharrell Williamsproclaimed, "Snoop's album is better than mine."
Snoop Dogg has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide, reigning for more than two decades as one of the most recognizable giants in music. Snoop's successful incarnations within music, film & TV, his Snoop Youth Football League, fashion, brands and technology continues to set him apart as the consummate cultural icon, entrepreneur and philanthropist. His collaboration with friend and fellow-innovator Pharrell Williams and his forthcoming Columbia Records debut BUSH, is the latest offering from one of music's most prolific and revered trendsetter.
Immerse yourself in the world of BUSH with Snoop Dogg and follow BUSH on multiple platforms including:
http://facebook.com/followthebush/
http://twitter.com/followthebush/
http://instagram.com/followthebush/
http://instagram.com/snoopdogg
http://followthebush.tumblr.com
CHICAGO, March 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Chance the Rapper and Ludacris joined Internet Essentials and city and school leaders at Alcott College Prep on Tuesday afternoon to kick off the popular Get Schooled, Get Connected Spring Challenge, which is designed to help thousands of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students prepare for college.
Throughout the spring challenge, more than 112,000 CPS students will have access to free educational tools, resources and games – or "quests" – to engage with even when the school day ends. The quests include information about topics ranging from how to succeed in school and plan for your education to how to apply for college and financial aid resources. This content is delivered through an online technology platform on getschooledgetconnected.com, and it features a series of pop culture references and localized information that maintains students' interest.
"Data from the Get Schooled, Get Connected Fall Challenge shows the content not only holds students' interest, but the platform also engages and educates them about college opportunities," Alcott College Prep assistant principal Grace Moody said. "The challenge is a great tool for CPS students who want to go to college and for educators who want to help them advance."
Students may become eligible for prizes depending on the number of quests they complete and points they earn. Individual prizes include special celebrity VIP meet-and-greets, $1,000 Get Schooled scholarships, concert and sports tickets, laptops, athletic wear and gaming systems. The schools with the most student points will receive support from Internet Essentials and the CPS-affiliated Children's First Fund to enhance their classrooms and school technology.
In January, Internet Essentials provided $100,000 in support for school foundations and community-based organizations, whose participants earned the most points during the inaugural three-month challenge. Over the past 18 months, Internet Essentials has provided more than $200,000 in support throughout the Chicagoregion.
"Having home Internet access can transform a young person's life, because it opens an entire world to special programs like the Get Schooled, Get Connected Challenge," said Chance the Rapper, a graduate of Jones College Prep and recipient of Chicago's 2014 Outstanding Youth of the Year award for his community service work. "One student and one family at a time, this program will help close the digital divide by engaging and educating students throughout Chicago."
Chance the Rapper was just one of the celebrities who helped motivate and celebrate student success during the hip fall challenge. Actress and singer-songwriter Christina Milian, singer-songwriter B.o.B, MTV's Sway Calloway, White Sox executive vice president Ken Williams, Chicago Bears safety Ryan Mundy and offensive lineman Jordan Mills, Chicago Fire forward Harry Shipp, former Chicago Bears offensive lineman James "Big Cat" Williams and former Chicago Bulls forward Sidney Green also personally engaged with thousands of students during the fall initiative.
"Students need Internet access to succeed in school, and families need it to succeed economically," said Ludacris, who has gone on to become a movie and rap sensation after attending Oak Park-River Forest High School. "I went to high school in this area, so I know first-hand how important it is for students and families to have Internet access at home."
Internet Essentials is a major resource for students participating in the spring challenge. Eligible students and their families may receive affordable Internet service at home for $9.95 per month plus tax, along with an Internet-ready computer for $150 and access to free digital literacy training.
Since launching in August 2011, Internet Essentials has engaged and helped more Chicago families connect to the power of the Internet than any other city in the country. For the fourth year in a row, the Chicago metro area leads the way with more than 50,000 families benefitting, more than 200,000 low-income Chicagoans.
That is nearly 25 percent of the eligible population in Chicago that has signed up.
Overall in Illinois, 60,000 families or 240,000 individuals benefit from Internet Essentials. Nationally, Internet Essentials has connected more than 450,000 low-income families or more than 1.8 million people in just three and a half years. To put that in perspective, 1.8 million equals two-thirds of the population of the entire city of Chicago.
"It is vital for CPS students and families to stay connected beyond school hours to ensure they remain life-long learners," said Dr. Shawn Jackson, CPS Deputy Chief of Teaching and Learning.
In conjunction with Internet Essentials and the Chicago City of Learning, CPS also has launched CPS Connects, which provides students free virtual learning opportunities as well as live activities across Chicago at locations like the Museum of Science and Industry, Adler Planetarium and Lincoln Park Zoo. CPS Connects provides students with connected learning environments by linking learning in school, home and community.
About Internet Essentials
Internet Essentials is the nation's largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. It provides low-cost broadband service for $9.95 a month plus tax; the option to purchase an Internet-ready computer for under $150; and multiple options to access free digital literacy training in print, online, and in-person. A household is eligible to participate if it has at least one child eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and is located where Comcast offers Internet service. Families that enroll in the program can continue to enjoy the service as long as one child eligible to participate in the NSLP is living in the household.
For more information about Internet Essentials visit InternetEssentials.com for English and InternetBasico.com for Spanish. Educators or third-parties interested in helping to spread the word can find more information at InternetEssentials.com/partner. Parents looking to enroll in the program can call 1-855-846-8376 or for Spanish 1-855-765-6995.
Musical artist Joy Villa is preparing for the opportunity if a lifetime. After having commanded the red carpet at the 2015 Grammy Awards, Villa is now gearing up to walk at LA Fashion Week. She will be modeling yet another dress from Andre Soriano.
Andre Soriano crafted the Orange snow fence dress that had everyone chattering. One who believes in individuality, Villa enjoyed and soaked it all in. She'll now be wearing another creation by the designer for LA Fashion week.
Adding to the honor of walking in the show, Villa will also be performing her new single, Vagabonds. The single is featured on her newly released EP, "I Make the Static"!
ABOUT JOY VILLA
Who is Joy? True to the lyrics of her song "Vagabonds", Joy Villa is a singer songwriter who's never slowing down. Having lived in Hollywood, Seattle, Las Vegas, and now residing in NYC, touring extensively since 2012 to Asia, Australia the US and Europe.
Joy's favorite genre has always been rock and roll, and she considers herself lucky to be a female that looks different than the normal "Rockstar". A classic renaissance woman, she also paints, models, acts, dances, composes poetry, and writes screenplays and books.
Joy grew up with an Italian father and an African American mother, blending two cultures to create a perfect mix. This "mixed life" outpours in her musical influences, listening to everything from Frank Sinatra to Diana Ross, to Blondie and Nirvana as a child.
Joy is a natural music and theater performer, discovering her knack for the stage at the age of 5, in her first theater musical. Joy loves writing songs and has collaborated on numerous projects around the world with producers and other artists.
Joy blends alterntive rock, electro pop, and a dash of hip hop into finely written tunes that aim to motivate, inspire, and get the juices flowing n her fans. Kinky, unexpected, vibrant, spiritual, and bold, Joy Villa is a true entertainer, and feels blessed to be giving her many global fans "The Joy Villa Experience”.
(March 10, 2015 -- New York, NY) -- Singer/songwriter and actress LeToya Luckett released her new single, “Don’t Make Me Wait,” featuring T.I., today.
Listen to the "Don't Make Me Wait" here and purchase here.
Luckett is prepping her new studio album, which will be released on eOne Music later this spring. More details will be announced soon.
Additionally, she stars in VH1’s hit show Single Ladies, which will see its Season 3 debut later this month, on March 18, 2015. Luckett is also slated to appear on Mark Walhberg’s Ballers on HBO, scheduled for May/June this year.
Luckett was an original member and featured vocalist of the R&B hit group Destiny’s Child, and has sold over 25 million records and won two Grammy Awards with the group.
Her platinum 2006 solo debut LeToya featured the hit single, “Torn,” and topped the Billboard 200 Chart. Her sophomore album, Lady Love debuted at #1 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums Chart and #12 on the Billboard 200.
In addition to her successful recording career, Luckett has also become a sought-after actress. In addition to her starring role in Single Ladies, she previously starred in the films Preacher’s Kid, Killers and From Rough. LeToya has also had a recurring role on the second season of HBO’s Treme.
Up and coming rapper Fetty Wap is well on his way to superstardom. Having been working at his career for a few short years, he's already receiving accolades and praises from some of urban music's most elite, and his fan base continues to grow.
He he was recently featured in the current issue of Billboard in an article where he speaks about his rise to popularity, building his own style, and why lyrics don't matter to him right now. Check that article out right HERE!
Stay connected to Urban Grandstand Digital for more info and updates to come on Fetty Wap!
March 9, 2015 New York, NY) – Ten years after releasing his groundbreaking multi-platinum debut album The Documentary, hip hop legend The Game announces the Summer 2015 release of The Documentary 2, his highly anticipated forthcoming album on eOne Music/ Blood Money Ent./Fifth Amendment Ent.
The first single from the album is “The Soundtrack,” featuring Meek Mill. Listen to it here. Purchase the single here.
Earlier this year, on January 18th, The Game celebrated the 10th anniversary of the release of The Documentary with a concert in his hometown of LA at the Belasco Theater . Game brought out surprise guests Dr. Dre (who produced the debut album), Kendrick Lamar, Tyga, Ab-Soul, ScHoolboy Q, O.T. Genasis and Marsha Ambrosius.
Game released Blood Moon: Year of the Wolf through eOne Music/ Blood Money Ent./Fifth Amendment Ent. in 2014, and the album debuted at #1 on the R&B / Hip Hop Chart, #2 on the Independent Chart, and #7 on the Billboard 200 chart upon its release.
Arguably, The Game has single-handedly revived the West Coast hip hop scene with his 2005 debut album. He continues to be one of hip hop’s true superstars, selling over 20 million albums worldwide. With his continued rivalries and infamous and biting lyrics, Game is one of the most controversial figures in music.
Today marked the 18th anniversary since the untimely death of rapper The Notorious B.I.G.! The rapper, whose real name was Christopher Wallace, was murdered March 9, 1997, after having attended an after party hosted by Vibe Magazine & Qwest Records for the Soul Train Music Awards. At a time when most would be grieving, we aim to celebrate his legacy in hip-hop!
His second album, the Diamond-certified Life After Death, was released just two weeks after his death. The album spawned a plethora of hits, and featured a laundry list of guests, including Bone Thugs n Harmony, Lil' Kim, The Lox, Angela Winbush, Rev Run, Jay-Z, 112, and many others.
Since then, Posthumous releases have included 1999's Born Again, and 2005's Duets: The Final Chapter. A Greatest Hits album was released in 2007, and in 2009, a biopic, Notorious, was released in theaters with an accompanied soundtrack.
Even today, hip-hop fans continue to buy Wallace's music. To date, his music has sold an astonishing 17+ million copies, and those numbers continue to grow.
Cleveland is preparing for a true jam-session this week with the upcoming show from Ledisi, Raheem DeVaughn, and Leela James. The three, who all have new albums that have released in the past year, have embarked on the Intimate Truth tour that has them covering 24 cities in only 31 days.
Setting of just a week ago on February 27, the trio will be landing in Cleveland Thursday, March 12 for a show-stopping performance at the House of Blues. Ledisi will be performing tunes from her 7-album catalog, and Raheem DeVaughn will be performing a bevy of tracks from his catalog, which includes the recently released "Love Sex Passion". Leela James will be performing songs from her most recent release, "Fall For You", which released midway through 2014.
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Thursday, March 5, 2015 -
Platinum-Selling artist Drake will be hitting the silver screen this spring with what's being billed as as "special one-night concert event"! "Drake's Homecoming: The Lost Footage" will hit select Canadian Cineplex Entertainment/Landmark Movie Theaters Thursday, March 19, 2015 at 7:30pm. The showing is being presented by Front Row Centre Events, SpectiCast, Serious Ent., AMG, Rap-A-Lot Records & Young Empire Music Group.
Previously believed lost and destroyed, the footage for "DRAKE'S HOMECOMING: THE LOST FOOTAGE" was shot prior to Drake signing with Little Wayne's Young Money (Cash Money/Universal) imprint during a live, sold-out concert at Toronto's Sound Academy in 2009. After its recent rediscovery, additional production and footage was added to the concert film including interviews with Rap-a-Lot Records CEO James Princeand his son Jas Prince, who is credited with the discovery of Drake and bringing him to the attention of Little Wayne. The soundtrack includes the international smash hits, "Best I Ever Had" and "Successful."
Jas Prince, CEO of Young Empire Music Group said, "When I first listened to Drake I had no idea he was on a hit show, I just fell in love with his sound and talent – it was unique and like nothing I had ever heard before. I told him during our first conversation I would make him a star. This film documents the beginning of that journey."
Tickets for "DRAKE'S HOMECOMING: THE LOST FOOTAGE," are available now at participating Cineplex theatre box offices and online at Cineplex.com/Events.