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Drake to Hit the Silver Screen with "Lost" Concert Footage...

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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.

Alternative Hip-Hop Group The Knux Announce Upcoming Album, "Eleven"...

 

Los Angeles (March 5th, 2015) - The dynamic alternative hip-hop duo The KnuX (www.theknux.com) today announce the release of their third feature album, “ELEVEN”, through Rebel House Collective in partnership with INgrooves Music Group.The new album is set for release on April 28th, 2015. The pre-order for the new album is available now through iTunes

Recorded over eleven days at their Los Angeles studio, the new album is a ten track display of their signature sound. “We decided to return to the raw unpolished sound that we displayed on our early recordings. Basically the sound that made The KnuX,” explains Krispy of the group’s return. “With 11 we're trying to give u that feeling we promised the fans we would restore in hip-hop.”

The intense performers, who have toured with a slew of diverse artists including Common, Q-Tip, Travis Barker, The Roots,Shwayze and Lupe Fiasco, will release the new project under their new home, Rebel House Collective. The new imprint was co-founded by the group who serve as Ceo and Creative Director, respectively.

This is the latest release since their 2012 EP KTWN and first studio album since ERASER in 2011, which produced the hit single “Run” feat Kid Cudi.

The first single from the project “Mirage” is available on iTunes. 

 

HIP HOP STAR CHINX RELEASES NEW SINGLE, “DOPE HOUSE,” FEAT. JADAKISS TODAY, NEW ALBUM TO FOLLOW LATER THIS YEAR

 

(March 4, 2015 -- New York, NY) – Hip hop star and Queens native Chinx recently teamed up with fellow New Yorker Jadakiss for his new anthemic single “Dope House,” which is available on iTunes beginning today (The clean version for radio is titled "Trap House.").

The video for “Dope House” has already been picked up by music outlets everywhere. Watch here.  

Chinx says, "If you follow my music, you know I’m consistently bringing the fans quality street music independently. We started with 'I’m a Coke Boy,' then I gave you 'Feelings', followed by 'Couple Hittaz,' and now you have 'Dope House.' With my new partnership (eOne), I’m in a great space creatively, and it’s time to really play. "

Although he has created and released music for years, the release of his 2012 record “I’m A Coke Boy” featuring French Montana, created a wave that perpetuated Chinx’s popularity not only in the United States, but internationally as well, and solidified his position in the music industry.  The song quickly became a club favorite and in January 2013 Funkmaster Flex premiered “I’m A Coke Boy Remix” on Hot97 with verses from Rick Ross and Puff Daddy, which took over New York radio for the best part of the year.

Along with other members of the Coke Boys, Chinx has been a part of several projects including the Coke Boys mixtape series, with the last edition receiving rave reviews online from magazines like The Fader, XXL, Complex, Vibe, RapRadar and many more. Independently, Chinx has also dropped his own mixtape trilogy titled Cocaine Riot. The last tape, Cocaine Riot 3 dropped in early 2013 featuring artists like Juicy J, Roscoe Dash, Lil Durk, Ace Hood, DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Puff Daddy and of course the rest of his Coke Boys family including French Montana. The tape garnered heavy attention with over half a million downloads online.His most recent mixtape CR5 is now available oniTunes. 

Kenny Lattimore to Release New Album, "Anatomy of a Love Song"....

 

(New York, NY – March 4, 2015) -- Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Kenny Lattimore announces the release of his new album, Anatomy of a Love Song, on April 14, 2015 on Sincere Soul Records/eOne Music.

 
Lattimore’s first single, “Love Me Back” impacted at Urban AC radio last week and was the most added song at that format.  The song is available on iTunesbeginning today. Listen to the track 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.

Cincinnati Music Festival Line-Up Announced...

Wednesday, March 4, 2015 - The line-up has been announced for the 2015 Cincinnati Music Festival, and its nothing short of amazing!

 

The first night, Friday July 24, will jump off with sets from Maxwell, Jennifer Hudson, the mighty O'Jays, Joe, and Luke James. the second night, July 25, will include sets from Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Jill Scott, Kem, Avery Sunshine, and Mali Music! 

 

Originally known as the Ohio Valley Jazz Festival, the festival has evolved throughout the years and has featured a variety of artists each years, including such legends as Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, Gerald Levert, Patti LaBelle, and Earth, Wind, and Fire. The festival draws more than 50,000 patrons each year. 

 

Tickets go on sale this Friday! 

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New Release Tuesday: G-Unit Leading the Pack....

Tuesday, March 3, 2015 - Have you had a chance to check out some of the latest music that's been hitting? Urban Music is looking good right now, courtesy of 50 Cent & G-Unit! They dropped their highly anticipated EP, The Beast is G-Unit, today, and the album is definitely on point, even with just 6 tracks. It's definitely a sign of great things to come from the group!

 

There's also a number of new Mixtapes floating around from the likes of DJ Drama and Rocko, but we definitely want to give some shine to up and coming artist Pries! Hailing from Colorado, Pries has done an amazing job at building a solid name for himself in hip-hop! Even as a newcomer, hip-hop fans are clamoring for new material from him, based on what he's done with his series of Mixtapes. His latest, American Fairytale, definitely doesn't disappoint! You definitely need to check that out! Also, we've got some things in the works with Pries! We'll definitely be running a full review of American Fairytale, but we're working on getting a full feature with Pries in the next issue of Urban Grandstand Digital, so definitely stay tuned! 

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G-Unit - The Beast is G-Unit

Pries - American Fairytale

Pries - American Fairytale

UGDigital February Issue

Have you had the opportunity to check out the latest issue of Urban Grandstand? Why not download your copy now! Along with our cover story with Akron, Ohio's new President of the local NAACP Judi C. Hill, we also have features with the cast of the Baz Brothers' "Strength of Love" (Chandra Currelley, Paula Campbell, Maria Bazile & Dwayne Cottle), and a new monthly column with Cleveland's Nu Life Fitness owner and fitness expert Miesha Wilson! Plus, we've got our monthly regulars to keep you entertained and in the know! 

Subscribe now, or download your free issue now using any of the methods below: 

 

http://joom.ag/pIDb

 

Google Play Store App: 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.magzter.urbangrandstanddigital

 

iOS App:  

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/urban-grandstand-digital/id962665820?mt=8

 

 

Charmayne "Maxee" Maxwell Dies at 46

UPDATE: Monday, March 2, 2015. - As family, friends, and colleagues mourn the sudden death of Brownstone singer Charmayne "Maxee" Maxwell, more details have surfaced. According to reports, it seems Maxwell suffered a fall whole at home, landing on a wine glass which punctured her neck and two locations. While an autopsy has yet to be performed, police are not suspecting any foul play. 

Funeral arrangements for Maxwell are still pending as of press time.  

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Sunday, March 1, 2015 - The music world is mourning the loss of singer Charmayne “Maxee” Maxwell. Maxwell, who was 46, is most known for her role as a member of Brownstone. 

Brownstone was the marquee act signed to Michael Jackson’s imprint, MJJ Records in the mid-nineties. Together with Nicci Gilbert and Kina Cosper, Maxwell dominated the charts with two albums; From the Bottom Up and Still Climbing, before going their separate ways. The ladies reunited in 2007, first adding new member Racquel Roberts, then new member Teisha Brown in 2008. 

Details regarding Maxwell’s death are still sketchy at press time. We’ll continue to update as more information becomes available. 

Former Basketball Star Anthony Mason Dies at 48

Sunday, March 1, 2015 - Mason was admitted to NYU Langone Medical Center Feb 6 after presenting for heart troubles. He would suffer a heart attack while admitted to the facility, and was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure. . Reports then swarmed that he would potentially need a transport to survive. Mason lost his battle today, February 28, at 2:26am.

Beginning his professional career with the New Jersey Nets in 1989, Mason would go on to play 13 seasons total with 6 teams, including the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, and Milwaukee Bucks. He was most remembered for his tenure with the Knicks. 

Funeral arrangements are still pending. 

First Round Performance Lineup Revealed for 2015 Essence Fest

 

February 19, 2015 - As the 2015 Essence Fest draws closer, the first round performance lineup has been revealed. The annual festival, which is now in its 21st year and has become one of the most successful of live consumer events with more than 550,000 attendees, will take place on New Orleans, LA. 

Artists confirmed to perform at the 2015 ESSENCEFestival nighttime concerts at the Superdome include: 

  • Kendrick Lamar, Mary J Blige, India.Arie, Trombone Shorty, Floetry, Common, Erykah Badu, Kool Moe Dee, Doug E. Fresh, Mystikal, Slick Rick, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Nico & Vinz, Lianne La Havas, Elle Varner, Esperanza Spalding, SZA, Dee-1, Tonya Bond Cannon, Leon Bridges, Andra Day, Kelly Price, Raheem DeVaughn, Mali Music, Eric Roberson, Teedra Moses, Avery*Sunshine, Kindred The Family Soul, Goapele, Robert Glasper, Tweet, Jeff Bradshaw, Bilal, Tank & The Bangas and more to be announced soon. 
  • Plus Kevin Hart to headline Essence 'Now Playing' Concert, Thursday, July 2. Tickets go on-sale Wednesday, February 25. 
  • Comedians Nephew Tommy from The Steve Harvey Morning Show and Luenell to host Festival weekend.    

For information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the ESSENCE FESTIVAL, visit ESSENCE Festival www.essencefestival.com, join the Festival community: follow us on Twitter@essencefest #EssenceFest and become a fan of 2015 ESSENCE Festival on Facebook.

Rapper Vanilla Ice Arrested, Charged with Burglary

Rapper Vanilla Ice has been arrested in connection with a home burglary in Lantana, Florida. Authorities have said the burglary took place sometime between December 2014 and February 2015. 

The rapper, whose real name is Robert Van Winkle, has been renovating a home adjacent to the home where the burglary took place. Items stolen included such things as furniture, a pool heater, and bicycles, among other things. Police served a search warrant at a home considered to be "under the care and control" of Van Winkle, and several of the stolen items were recovered. The rapper was later arrested after voluntarily providing a sworn statement to authorities, and charged with Burglary and Grand Theft. 

Van Winkle, best known by his stage name Vanilla Ice, experienced his greatest success in the early nineties with hits like "Ice Ice Baby", and "Play That Funky Music". To date, he has released ten albums. His latest effort, "Ice", crafted in 2014, has yet to release.

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