Goodness, we love Lauryn Hill! Any excuse, mood, feeling – out comes her 'Miseducation' album.
Reebok Classics sat down with Lauryn to find out exactly what that album meant to her while she was making it and why it went on to become a classic.
Watch and learn!
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Beverley Knight: The Queen of British Soul
Mary J Blige is the undoubted Queen of US Soul but if you put the words ‘Queen of British Soul’ into Google, a whole list of articles pop up and they’re all about one person. And that one person is Beverley Knight.
Beverley has been around since the mid-90s and her biggest hits include Greatest Day, Get Up and Come As You Are.
For her seventh studio album, the 38-year-old has decided to give us something a little different; she has raided the British soul vaults and produced a collection of covers of her favourite songs. The album is called Soul UK and we've had it on heavy rotation for the past week.
The album showcases the broad range of her voice – from the subtle to the huge - and we think Beverley has been very clever in her choice of songs. She hasn’t crammed it full of hits so the album feels very fresh albeit with a definite 80s vibe.
At the centrepiece of the album is the timeless Omar classic There’s Nothing Like This along with songs like Say I'm Your Number One which was a big hit in its day and will now gain a new generation of fans.
We particularly love Southern Freeez - a great song for the summer. Check it out now before the sun disappears for another year. We had the pleasure of chatting with Beverley, check out the Q&A below:
Afro Boudoir: Tell us about the album?
Beverley: It’s called Soul UK. It’s me doing covers of British soul classics, the type of people who inspired me and made my path much easier. I’m celebrating their achievement because British soul is overshadowed by American soul. I want people to rediscover these great songs and great artists.
AB: How did you go about deciding which songs to cover?
Beverley: That was hard work. There are so many songs. The songs I looked at the most were those by people I had a relationship with; friends those I'd worked with or had a connection with the person or song. In that way, it became my personal version of British soul as opposed to a definitive collection.
AB: You’ve been in the business a long time. Seven albums later, what is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Beverley: You need to be patient. Don’t expect success to come quickly. Be driven. It’s hard to get people to care abut your work. You need to be talented and smart. If not, how can you be successful?
AB: Have you ever been tempted to move across to America?
Beverley: Yes and I still intend to do that. But I won’t base myself there - I’m too British, I would miss Britain too much. I really admire people like Estelle going over there and making a huge smash.
AB: What is the wackiest encounter you’ve had in your career?
Beverley: Being chased through Covent Garden by very enthusiastic, screaming Japanese fans. It was for all of ten minutes. I dived into a shop to hide from them. It is very flattering to know that your music moves people in that way – that you made an album and people love it that much.
AB: What is your analysis of the current soul scene in the UK?
Beverley: At the moment, it seems to be underground. I don’t think enough singers are being given a platform. One person to keep an eye on is Emeli Sandé who will be coming out with an album soon. Of course, the likes of Terri Walker and Kele Le Roc are still around.
AB: Social media and the internet have made the music industry vastly different from the one you entered. What are the challenges and the benefits?
Beverley: There are so many more artists around now, it's great, but you have to raise your game as there is a lot more competition. As for benefits, it's so much easier to discover new artists. It is also easier to market yourself. The digital age has changed so many things.
AB: Describe your style?
Beverley: Eclectic. I don’t always wear the same kind of thing. I’m mostly influenced by rock and roll.
Beverley has been around since the mid-90s and her biggest hits include Greatest Day, Get Up and Come As You Are.
For her seventh studio album, the 38-year-old has decided to give us something a little different; she has raided the British soul vaults and produced a collection of covers of her favourite songs. The album is called Soul UK and we've had it on heavy rotation for the past week.
The album showcases the broad range of her voice – from the subtle to the huge - and we think Beverley has been very clever in her choice of songs. She hasn’t crammed it full of hits so the album feels very fresh albeit with a definite 80s vibe.At the centrepiece of the album is the timeless Omar classic There’s Nothing Like This along with songs like Say I'm Your Number One which was a big hit in its day and will now gain a new generation of fans.
We particularly love Southern Freeez - a great song for the summer. Check it out now before the sun disappears for another year. We had the pleasure of chatting with Beverley, check out the Q&A below:
Afro Boudoir: Tell us about the album?
Beverley: It’s called Soul UK. It’s me doing covers of British soul classics, the type of people who inspired me and made my path much easier. I’m celebrating their achievement because British soul is overshadowed by American soul. I want people to rediscover these great songs and great artists.
AB: How did you go about deciding which songs to cover?
Beverley: That was hard work. There are so many songs. The songs I looked at the most were those by people I had a relationship with; friends those I'd worked with or had a connection with the person or song. In that way, it became my personal version of British soul as opposed to a definitive collection.
AB: You’ve been in the business a long time. Seven albums later, what is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Beverley: You need to be patient. Don’t expect success to come quickly. Be driven. It’s hard to get people to care abut your work. You need to be talented and smart. If not, how can you be successful?
 |
| The cover of Beverley's first album in 1995 |
Beverley: Yes and I still intend to do that. But I won’t base myself there - I’m too British, I would miss Britain too much. I really admire people like Estelle going over there and making a huge smash.
AB: What is the wackiest encounter you’ve had in your career?
Beverley: Being chased through Covent Garden by very enthusiastic, screaming Japanese fans. It was for all of ten minutes. I dived into a shop to hide from them. It is very flattering to know that your music moves people in that way – that you made an album and people love it that much.
AB: What is your analysis of the current soul scene in the UK?
Beverley: At the moment, it seems to be underground. I don’t think enough singers are being given a platform. One person to keep an eye on is Emeli Sandé who will be coming out with an album soon. Of course, the likes of Terri Walker and Kele Le Roc are still around.
AB: Social media and the internet have made the music industry vastly different from the one you entered. What are the challenges and the benefits?
Beverley: There are so many more artists around now, it's great, but you have to raise your game as there is a lot more competition. As for benefits, it's so much easier to discover new artists. It is also easier to market yourself. The digital age has changed so many things.
AB: Describe your style?
Beverley: Eclectic. I don’t always wear the same kind of thing. I’m mostly influenced by rock and roll.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Singer Rhian Benson Wipes Her 'Hands Clean'
Out of sight, out of mind, that’s the way it is supposed to be right? Not when it comes to Mobo award-winning singer-songwriter Rhian Benson. She stormed into our hearts eight years ago with her neo-soul/jazz debut effort Gold Coast. That was before the illness and ultimate loss of her mother led to her disappearance from the music scene for a number of years.
But Benson is back with second album Hands Clean which is very different from her first album, both lyrically and musically. Instead of the funky neo-soul sound, Hands Clean boasts a cool electronica sound which pushes her svelte voice right to the forefront of the album. We certainly love it and we caught up with the lady herself recently.
Afro Boudoir: Tell us about your new album 'Hands Clean'?
Rhian: I would describe it as really personal and intimate body of work. It was written sporadically over a few years and charts my emotional journey over that period.
It’s my life in a nutshell, my ups, my downs and everything in between. Lyrically it is more direct than anything I have written before which was a challenge I set myself on this album.
I think it takes a lot of courage as an artist to wear your heart on your sleeve in that way all the way through an album. The sound is also very different from my first album. I went from classic soul to funky electronica.
AB: Why the new direction?
Rhian: I think that ‘Gold Coast’ for me was the first album I had always wanted to make, it is still a beautiful and timeless collection of songs made with a lot of love.
The musicianship was awesome; Pino Palladino, James Poyser, Omar Hakim, Roy Hargrove, the list goes on! I think once you’ve made an album of such sophistication the only way to follow it up is to go back to those same musicians and do it again!
I didn’t want to do that because it had already been done. I had already made that statement and I believed there was no point in putting out a second album unless I had something new to say.
My album co-producers, Jonas Rendbo and Daniel Fridell, and I talked at length about the various directions we could go in and agreed that if we were doing a stripped down electronic sound we had to throw out all the sounds of neo-soul and jazz, that meant no Rhodes and certainly no horns.
We referenced some of the classic electronic artists that Jonas, Daniel and I all love like Bjork and DJ Shadow. We wanted the production to be sparse so that the direct, emotional lyrics would stand out and sound almost lonely. (The only exception was ‘Rewind’ which was created shortly after a Shuggie Otis listening session!!)
AB: How has the album been received so far?
Rhian: I have been pleasantly surprised at how open-minded so many of my old fans are. I think they understand the artistic evolution that led to the creation of this album.
It’s also interesting that I have been blessed with new fans as well who were attracted to the sound of ‘Hands Clean’ and are now digging into the archives to hear ‘Gold Coast’ for the first time!
AB: Is there a song on Hands Clean that you think everyone must hear & why?
Rhian: I think everyone’s got to hear ‘BE featuring Jonas’. It is the second single from the new album. It's a very uplifting song about being happy in your own skin and learning to make everyday count.
The making of the video was the most exciting video project I have ever done, it's all a bit action-adventure, new terrain for me!
AB: Who are/were your biggest music idols & how have they influenced you?
Rhian: I always loved vocalists with unusual expressive styles because you can’t help but be pulled in to each word that is sung. Sade was always a great influence mainly for that reason, I also admire her songwriting and style.
I learned about the beauty of album-crafting from artists like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Joni Mitchell. Dinah Washington, Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston are still among my favourite ‘devil may care’ vocalists of all time!!
AB: What's the most unusual thing that has happened at one of your performances or concerts?
Rhian: There’ve been a few ‘special’ moments, that’s the great thing about performing live, it’s always a unique experience and you can never predict what will happen during a show.
I remember playing a gig with Raphael Saadiq in LA a few years ago. It was the first time I wore an in-ear monitor with the remote control attached to my belt. I turned my head sharply when I was singing and out flew the ear monitor and along with it the control from my belt. It was a bit of a mess as I had to leave the stage to get another attached!
AB:Describe your style?
Rhian: I think I’m definitely one for classic styles that are easy to wear. On an off day I love the jeans and T-shirt vibe, but when I need to dress up I love to do full on glamour.
At the recent performance I did at my alma mater, The London School of Economics, I found a beautiful Jonathan Saunders full length gown that felt very glamorous on stage. I love pieces that are built to last.
AB: How can we buy the new album, Hands Clean?
Rhian: The new album is available in the UK on Amazon. The ‘BE feat. Jonas’ EP single including exclusive remixes is available on iTunes. If you’re like me and prefer physical CDs to downloads you can order direct from my website www.rhianbenson.com.
Afro Boudoir: Tell us about your new album 'Hands Clean'?
Rhian: I would describe it as really personal and intimate body of work. It was written sporadically over a few years and charts my emotional journey over that period.
It’s my life in a nutshell, my ups, my downs and everything in between. Lyrically it is more direct than anything I have written before which was a challenge I set myself on this album.
I think it takes a lot of courage as an artist to wear your heart on your sleeve in that way all the way through an album. The sound is also very different from my first album. I went from classic soul to funky electronica.
AB: Why the new direction?
Rhian: I think that ‘Gold Coast’ for me was the first album I had always wanted to make, it is still a beautiful and timeless collection of songs made with a lot of love.
The musicianship was awesome; Pino Palladino, James Poyser, Omar Hakim, Roy Hargrove, the list goes on! I think once you’ve made an album of such sophistication the only way to follow it up is to go back to those same musicians and do it again!
I didn’t want to do that because it had already been done. I had already made that statement and I believed there was no point in putting out a second album unless I had something new to say.
My album co-producers, Jonas Rendbo and Daniel Fridell, and I talked at length about the various directions we could go in and agreed that if we were doing a stripped down electronic sound we had to throw out all the sounds of neo-soul and jazz, that meant no Rhodes and certainly no horns.
We referenced some of the classic electronic artists that Jonas, Daniel and I all love like Bjork and DJ Shadow. We wanted the production to be sparse so that the direct, emotional lyrics would stand out and sound almost lonely. (The only exception was ‘Rewind’ which was created shortly after a Shuggie Otis listening session!!)
Rhian: I have been pleasantly surprised at how open-minded so many of my old fans are. I think they understand the artistic evolution that led to the creation of this album.
It’s also interesting that I have been blessed with new fans as well who were attracted to the sound of ‘Hands Clean’ and are now digging into the archives to hear ‘Gold Coast’ for the first time!
AB: Is there a song on Hands Clean that you think everyone must hear & why?
Rhian: I think everyone’s got to hear ‘BE featuring Jonas’. It is the second single from the new album. It's a very uplifting song about being happy in your own skin and learning to make everyday count.
The making of the video was the most exciting video project I have ever done, it's all a bit action-adventure, new terrain for me!
AB: Who are/were your biggest music idols & how have they influenced you?
Rhian: I always loved vocalists with unusual expressive styles because you can’t help but be pulled in to each word that is sung. Sade was always a great influence mainly for that reason, I also admire her songwriting and style.
I learned about the beauty of album-crafting from artists like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Joni Mitchell. Dinah Washington, Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston are still among my favourite ‘devil may care’ vocalists of all time!!
AB: What's the most unusual thing that has happened at one of your performances or concerts?
Rhian: There’ve been a few ‘special’ moments, that’s the great thing about performing live, it’s always a unique experience and you can never predict what will happen during a show.
I remember playing a gig with Raphael Saadiq in LA a few years ago. It was the first time I wore an in-ear monitor with the remote control attached to my belt. I turned my head sharply when I was singing and out flew the ear monitor and along with it the control from my belt. It was a bit of a mess as I had to leave the stage to get another attached!
AB:Describe your style?
Rhian: I think I’m definitely one for classic styles that are easy to wear. On an off day I love the jeans and T-shirt vibe, but when I need to dress up I love to do full on glamour.
At the recent performance I did at my alma mater, The London School of Economics, I found a beautiful Jonathan Saunders full length gown that felt very glamorous on stage. I love pieces that are built to last.
AB: How can we buy the new album, Hands Clean?
Rhian: The new album is available in the UK on Amazon. The ‘BE feat. Jonas’ EP single including exclusive remixes is available on iTunes. If you’re like me and prefer physical CDs to downloads you can order direct from my website www.rhianbenson.com.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
The Roots & John Varvatos
Menswear designer John Varvatos (fans include Common, Zac Efron and NBA star Chris Bosh) has chosen super cool group The Roots to front its Fall advertising campaign.
“I’ve been a huge fan of The Roots for years,” said Varvatos of the Philly based band that have won four Grammy’s for their jazz-influenced approach to hip-hop. “They are one of the most innovative musical forces on the planet.”
We're sure it doesn't hurt that stylistically they already look great!
A bonus from the Fall campaign was an impromptu jam on the tarmac that was captured with one camera and in one take which will be featured on the John Varvatos website from tomorrow. Looks like the relationship between fashion and music, which we highlighted in this post, continues to get stronger.
Watch The Roots for John Varvatos video here. It’s over 8 minutes long but the music is great so most definitely worth it.
 |
| Common wearing John Varvatos |
“I’ve been a huge fan of The Roots for years,” said Varvatos of the Philly based band that have won four Grammy’s for their jazz-influenced approach to hip-hop. “They are one of the most innovative musical forces on the planet.”
We're sure it doesn't hurt that stylistically they already look great!
A bonus from the Fall campaign was an impromptu jam on the tarmac that was captured with one camera and in one take which will be featured on the John Varvatos website from tomorrow. Looks like the relationship between fashion and music, which we highlighted in this post, continues to get stronger.
Watch The Roots for John Varvatos video here. It’s over 8 minutes long but the music is great so most definitely worth it.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Alicia Keys Re-releases ‘Songs in A Minor’
Can you believe it’s ten years since Alicia Keys brought out her debut album ‘Songs In A Minor’? We remember 2001 like it was yesterday!
The original multi platinum album is now available in Deluxe and Collector's Edition featuring previously unreleased ‘A Woman's Worth’ remix featuring Nas; ‘Juiciest’ mix tape version; ‘Fallin’ the Ali soundtrack version and new track ‘Typewriter’.
The Collector's Edition comes with a documentary of brand new interviews with Keys and other album collaborators reflecting on the making of ‘Songs in A Minor’. For those of you who like to keep it old school, for the first time a vinyl version of the album is also available.
Alicia said: "It's incredibly surreal for me to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of Songs In A Minor. Looking back on the journey, I'm truly moved by my fans and friends who've been with me and have supported me throughout my career. This album is possibly the most precious to me, as your first album only happens once, so Songs In A Minor will always hold a special place in my life that's filled with amazing memories. I'm so proud that the songs are still being enjoyed around the world, and I'm crazy excited to share, through the 10th Anniversary Edition, songs never heard before, and even more of my debut album with you."
The original multi platinum album is now available in Deluxe and Collector's Edition featuring previously unreleased ‘A Woman's Worth’ remix featuring Nas; ‘Juiciest’ mix tape version; ‘Fallin’ the Ali soundtrack version and new track ‘Typewriter’.
The Collector's Edition comes with a documentary of brand new interviews with Keys and other album collaborators reflecting on the making of ‘Songs in A Minor’. For those of you who like to keep it old school, for the first time a vinyl version of the album is also available.
 |
| Alicia in W Magazine wearing Alexander McQueen. |
Alicia said: "It's incredibly surreal for me to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of Songs In A Minor. Looking back on the journey, I'm truly moved by my fans and friends who've been with me and have supported me throughout my career. This album is possibly the most precious to me, as your first album only happens once, so Songs In A Minor will always hold a special place in my life that's filled with amazing memories. I'm so proud that the songs are still being enjoyed around the world, and I'm crazy excited to share, through the 10th Anniversary Edition, songs never heard before, and even more of my debut album with you."
Monday, June 27, 2011
Beyonce's New Album
Bey’s new album 4 - recorded between Spring 2009 and Spring 2010 while she took time away from the spotlight and engaged in what she describes as ‘simple things’ like listening to music – is available today.
The title of the album was due to be something else but due to pressure from her fans – a persistent lot who took to Facebook and Twitter to get her to change it – the album is simply called 4 which signifies her fourth solo offering and the day of her birth.
Watch the album's lead single ‘Run The World (Girls)’ here.
Filmed in Los Angeles and the Mojave Desert over three days in April, the Francis Lawrence-directed video has a cast of over 200 dancers, a menagerie of exotic animals and Beyonce as the leader of an army of women. In true Beyonce style there’s lots of hair whipping, gyrating and stomping.
She pulled something of a fashion coup though as is wearing pieces from just about everybody! Gareth Pugh, Roberto Cavalli, Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier. We could go on!
‘Run The World (Girls’) has had trillions of views on You Tube already and we predict the album will be in the Top 5 this weekend, maybe even number 1. At the risk of facing the wrath of the army of Beyonce’s fans, we think the tracks from 4 that were leaked on the internet were OK, not great, just OK.
Beyonce was the first woman since 1989 to headline at Glastonbury. She sang a bevy of hits including crowd pleaser Single Ladies/Put A Ring On It. Watch the video here.
The title of the album was due to be something else but due to pressure from her fans – a persistent lot who took to Facebook and Twitter to get her to change it – the album is simply called 4 which signifies her fourth solo offering and the day of her birth.
Watch the album's lead single ‘Run The World (Girls)’ here.
Filmed in Los Angeles and the Mojave Desert over three days in April, the Francis Lawrence-directed video has a cast of over 200 dancers, a menagerie of exotic animals and Beyonce as the leader of an army of women. In true Beyonce style there’s lots of hair whipping, gyrating and stomping.
She pulled something of a fashion coup though as is wearing pieces from just about everybody! Gareth Pugh, Roberto Cavalli, Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier. We could go on!
‘Run The World (Girls’) has had trillions of views on You Tube already and we predict the album will be in the Top 5 this weekend, maybe even number 1. At the risk of facing the wrath of the army of Beyonce’s fans, we think the tracks from 4 that were leaked on the internet were OK, not great, just OK.
Beyonce was the first woman since 1989 to headline at Glastonbury. She sang a bevy of hits including crowd pleaser Single Ladies/Put A Ring On It. Watch the video here.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
We Want to Go!
Really wish we lived in the US right now!
Look at this line up for just one day at the Essence Music Festival being held in New Orleans this coming July:
Friday 1st July : Usher, Charlie Wilson, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Boyz II Men, Macy Gray, Dwele, Alexander O'Neal and Cherrelle, Mint Condition, Soul Rebels Brass Band, Tank, Miguel, Noel Gourdin, Mavis Staples and Irma Thomas.
Can you imagine how great that is going to be?!
It’s gets worse (for us) – on Saturday you have Kanye West, Jill Scott and Chaka Khan and on Sunday Mary J Blige, New Edition, Trey Songz and Kelly Price. A mix of old and new school!
If you live in the States or just happen to be passing through New Orleans in July, visit www.essencemusicfestival.com for ticket information.
And when you’re putting your lighter up and swaying to the beat, think of us!
Look at this line up for just one day at the Essence Music Festival being held in New Orleans this coming July:
Friday 1st July : Usher, Charlie Wilson, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Boyz II Men, Macy Gray, Dwele, Alexander O'Neal and Cherrelle, Mint Condition, Soul Rebels Brass Band, Tank, Miguel, Noel Gourdin, Mavis Staples and Irma Thomas.
Can you imagine how great that is going to be?!
It’s gets worse (for us) – on Saturday you have Kanye West, Jill Scott and Chaka Khan and on Sunday Mary J Blige, New Edition, Trey Songz and Kelly Price. A mix of old and new school!
If you live in the States or just happen to be passing through New Orleans in July, visit www.essencemusicfestival.com for ticket information.
And when you’re putting your lighter up and swaying to the beat, think of us!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Behind the Muses: W Magazine
An interesting article in W Magazine on the relationship between music and fashion.
Featuring Esperanza Spalding & Francisco Costa of Calvin Klein, Janelle Monae & Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel, Kanye West & Rodarte and Donatella Versace and M.I.A, the article looks at how the designer found inspiration in the musician and his/her music.
 |
| Kanye West & Rodarte |
Featuring Esperanza Spalding & Francisco Costa of Calvin Klein, Janelle Monae & Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel, Kanye West & Rodarte and Donatella Versace and M.I.A, the article looks at how the designer found inspiration in the musician and his/her music.
 |
| Janelle Monae & Karl Lagerfeld |
 |
| Esperanza Spalding & Francisco Costa |
 |
| M.I.A. & Donatella Versace |
See the full spread and read the rest of the article here.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Classic Tupac Albums to be Available in Digital Form
Yesterday, Tupac Amaru Shakur, the biggest selling rap/hip-hop artist in history with more than 75 million albums sold worldwide would have celebrated his 40th birthday. On 5th July, five 2Pac albums including his first three solo albums will be issued in digital format for the first time.
Journalist Sal Manna interviewed 2Pac and wrote the press biographies for many of his albums during his lifetime. Sal penned the following tribute which until today was unpublished:
"Tupac never strayed from one message: Be somebody. No matter the obstacles, be somebody and be proud. It was a message that 2Pac represented for everyone, no matter their race, creed or colour ... In the end, too much has been made of his dying and not enough of his living. His death was the tragedy, not his life. Today, it is in his work, in his art, that 2Pac still lives."
2010 was the first year that 2Pac failed to make it onto Forbes’ list of hip-hop’s living Cash Kings. His estate also just missed earning enough to feature on Forbes’ list of top-earning dead celebs (winner was Michael Jackson who made a ridiculous $275 million last year!)
Although 2Pac sold over 75 million albums worldwide,
7 of his 11 platinum albums were released after his death and despite having over 150 unreleased songs in his arsenal, time has caught up with him and there’s not much fresh material left. That said, his estate made over
$3 million last year and the digital re-release of these classic Pac albums should boost his earnings and up his rank on Forbes’ list for next year. Life after death indeed.
Journalist Sal Manna interviewed 2Pac and wrote the press biographies for many of his albums during his lifetime. Sal penned the following tribute which until today was unpublished:
"Tupac never strayed from one message: Be somebody. No matter the obstacles, be somebody and be proud. It was a message that 2Pac represented for everyone, no matter their race, creed or colour ... In the end, too much has been made of his dying and not enough of his living. His death was the tragedy, not his life. Today, it is in his work, in his art, that 2Pac still lives."2010 was the first year that 2Pac failed to make it onto Forbes’ list of hip-hop’s living Cash Kings. His estate also just missed earning enough to feature on Forbes’ list of top-earning dead celebs (winner was Michael Jackson who made a ridiculous $275 million last year!)
Although 2Pac sold over 75 million albums worldwide,
7 of his 11 platinum albums were released after his death and despite having over 150 unreleased songs in his arsenal, time has caught up with him and there’s not much fresh material left. That said, his estate made over
$3 million last year and the digital re-release of these classic Pac albums should boost his earnings and up his rank on Forbes’ list for next year. Life after death indeed.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Delays Possible for Lauryn Hill’s Second Album
Sad face for us but happy face for her – Lauryn Hill told fans at a music festival in Detroit on Saturday that she is expecting baby number 6. Rumours were circulating the web that she was about to release her second album as she had made a few appearances at music festivals recently, but she quashed those when she told fans she was taking time off to give birth.
She had joked that she was ‘the most fertile woman in America’ when discussing the 5 children she has with Rohan Marley (is 5 really that many?) but it looks like we’ll have to wait that little bit longer for a follow up to her fantastic debut album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (which we still have on heavy rotation).
Congratulations Lauryn!
 |
| See the baby bump? |
She had joked that she was ‘the most fertile woman in America’ when discussing the 5 children she has with Rohan Marley (is 5 really that many?) but it looks like we’ll have to wait that little bit longer for a follow up to her fantastic debut album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (which we still have on heavy rotation).
Congratulations Lauryn!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Hip Hop’s High Earners
Forbes magazine released their annual list of the 20 top earners in Hip Hop last year. With combined earnings of over $220 million in the top ten alone, it’s plain to see that the global economic meltdown and the changes in the way we purchase our music (why buy an album when you can download the few tracks you actually like) did little to stifle their ability to rake in the almighty dollar.
As we reported in this post on high earning supermodels, the key to longevity is simple. Diversify! Why do one thing when you can do 5?
1. Jay Z
Shawn Carter brought home $63 million last year thanks to his album The Blueprint 3 and subsequent tour, investment in nightclub 40/40 and his stake in the New Jersey Nets basketball team. He boasted in hit Oh My God ‘What you call money, I pay more in taxes’ – he wasn’t kidding! Only our number 2 earned more than his tax bill! Still, he can’t get too big for his boots – wifey Beyonce earned more than him with $87 million.
Their joint income is just more than the GDP of Kiribati, a small island in the Pacific.
2. Diddy (or Puffy or P Diddy or whichever moniker he’s using now)
Sean John made a respectable $30 million thanks to his clothing line, Bad Boy Records and album Last Train to Paris. Movie appearances mean that figure stands to rise in 2011.
3. Akon - $21M
Senegalese-American Aliuane Thiam pulled in $21m from Konvict Clothing, his Pepsi soccer ad campaign and record label Kon Live which is home to cash cow Lady Gaga. Touring was a money spinner as will be new album Stadium Music.
4. Lil Wayne
Not even prison could stop Dwayne Carter. Before being sentenced in March he released album Rebirth, toured and made various guest appearances. Will be able to spend his $20 million soon.
5. Dr Dre
Despite not putting out any new material in 2010, Andre Young still earned $17 million from rights to classics like The Chronic, his Beats by Dr Dre headphones and executive producing Eminem’s The Recovery.
Looks like hip hop is one area that brown skinned men are successfully monopolising. And monetising!
See the full list here.
As we reported in this post on high earning supermodels, the key to longevity is simple. Diversify! Why do one thing when you can do 5?
1. Jay Z
Shawn Carter brought home $63 million last year thanks to his album The Blueprint 3 and subsequent tour, investment in nightclub 40/40 and his stake in the New Jersey Nets basketball team. He boasted in hit Oh My God ‘What you call money, I pay more in taxes’ – he wasn’t kidding! Only our number 2 earned more than his tax bill! Still, he can’t get too big for his boots – wifey Beyonce earned more than him with $87 million.
Their joint income is just more than the GDP of Kiribati, a small island in the Pacific.
2. Diddy (or Puffy or P Diddy or whichever moniker he’s using now)
Sean John made a respectable $30 million thanks to his clothing line, Bad Boy Records and album Last Train to Paris. Movie appearances mean that figure stands to rise in 2011.
3. Akon - $21M
Senegalese-American Aliuane Thiam pulled in $21m from Konvict Clothing, his Pepsi soccer ad campaign and record label Kon Live which is home to cash cow Lady Gaga. Touring was a money spinner as will be new album Stadium Music.
4. Lil Wayne
Not even prison could stop Dwayne Carter. Before being sentenced in March he released album Rebirth, toured and made various guest appearances. Will be able to spend his $20 million soon.
5. Dr Dre
Despite not putting out any new material in 2010, Andre Young still earned $17 million from rights to classics like The Chronic, his Beats by Dr Dre headphones and executive producing Eminem’s The Recovery.
Looks like hip hop is one area that brown skinned men are successfully monopolising. And monetising!
See the full list here.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Are You The Next Great Female MC?
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| An unrecognisable Lil' Kim |
Co-founder Sebastien Elkouby said: "These rappers think that the only way to compete in this industry is to sell sex. In a way, they're correct if all they're interested in is 15 minutes of fame. But what we're looking for is someone who has what it takes to make a long-term impact."
Citing Lauryn Hill
as an example, S&H is looking for an artist who has the potential to be the voice of a generation. Elkouby adds, "Regardless of Lauryn's personal struggles over the years, the bar she set when she was at her peak still applies to what a rapper can be today.” (In our humble opinion, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
is one of the best début albums we have ever heard.)We wholeheartedly agree – too many rappers, both male and female only seem to talk about sex, cash and cars - surely there are other subjects? If you are an unsigned female artist with genuine talent, visit the S&H website and click on Talent Search.
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| The beautiful and inimitable Lauryn Hill |
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Johnny Cash, God’s gonna cut you down!
I was familiar with the Blind Boys of Alabama version of God’s Gonna Cut You Down, an old traditional folk song. But when I first caught a whiff the Johnny Cash rendition in the trailer for True Grit, I said “Wow! That’s bad!”
Now, I see the song being used in a lot of commercials that have nothing to do with the lyrics of the song.
From Wikipedia
The lyrics are a warning to sinners that no matter how hard they try, they will not avoid God's judgment; in the chorus, God tells the narrator of the song to
“
Go tell that long tongue liar,
go and tell that midnight rider,tell the rambler, the gambler, the back biter,tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down.
”
You best believe that!
In any event it’s a killer song that Johnny puts his special imprint.
Now, I see the song being used in a lot of commercials that have nothing to do with the lyrics of the song.
From Wikipedia
The lyrics are a warning to sinners that no matter how hard they try, they will not avoid God's judgment; in the chorus, God tells the narrator of the song to
“
Go tell that long tongue liar,
go and tell that midnight rider,tell the rambler, the gambler, the back biter,tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down.
”
You best believe that!
In any event it’s a killer song that Johnny puts his special imprint.
Friday, March 18, 2011
One Love Peace Festival
The life and work of music icon (the word is horrendously overused but genuinely applies here) Bob Marley is to be honoured at the One Love Peace Festival at Wembley Arena on July 31st 2011. The original One Love Peace Concert was held in Kingston, Jamaica in 1978 to try to foster peace between warring factions in Kingston’s inner city areas.
Political rivals Michael Manley and Edward Seaga join hands at the original One Love concert.
The last One Love Peace Festival was held in 1991 at the now-called Linford Christie Stadium in the UK with an attendance of over 15,000 with many being turned away for health and safety reasons.
This year performers include Shaggy, Gyptian, Busta Rhymes, Ky-mani Marley, Sean Paul, John Holt (one for the Mums!) and Aswad (one for the Dads!).
Tickets start at £35 (not including booking fee) and are available now.
http://theonelovefestival.info/
Political rivals Michael Manley and Edward Seaga join hands at the original One Love concert.
The last One Love Peace Festival was held in 1991 at the now-called Linford Christie Stadium in the UK with an attendance of over 15,000 with many being turned away for health and safety reasons.
This year performers include Shaggy, Gyptian, Busta Rhymes, Ky-mani Marley, Sean Paul, John Holt (one for the Mums!) and Aswad (one for the Dads!).
Tickets start at £35 (not including booking fee) and are available now.
http://theonelovefestival.info/
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Stunning Video: Legendary Jimmy Buffett Hospitalized After Falling Off Stage
CBS News reports that singer Jimmy Buffett was rushed to the hospital after falling of stage at the end of a concert in Sydney Wednesday.Australia's Daily Telegraph reports that audience members saw the 64-year-old fall face first off the stage and hit his head.
"We were in the 10th row and it looked like he did a massive face plant after his encore and pretty much didn't get up,'' audience member Dan Bateman, 30, told the newspaper.
Another concert-goer told TMZ that Buffett appeared to be unconscious for five to ten minutes and had a large gash on his head.
Sean Fogarty, who also sat in the front row at the show, recalled to the gossip site that Buffet was doing a solo and was walking along the edge of the stage when a "a huge flash of light" appeared, making it impossible to see and what led him to fall. Fogarty says he later heard Buffet's head strike metal as he fell off stage.
More details here
Saturday, January 8, 2011
MTV’s Ones to Watch in 2011
According to MTV, these are some of the acts tipped to be big in 2011:
Willow Smith – daughter of Will and Jada, her debut single ‘Whip My Hair’ was a massive Internet hit Stateside (and an anthem for the ever growing natural hair movement in the US) which resulted in her being signed to Roc Nation (think Jay Z, Rihanna). Not bad for a 10 year old!
Labrinth – a British rapper, singer-songwriter and producer signed to Simon Cowell's Syco music label. We wonder how they’ll handle him among ‘artists’ like Westlife, Susan Boyle and Joe McElderry! He tasted success after his collaboration with Tinie Tempah on 'Pass Out' and his following #2 hit 'Frisky'. His debut album should be released later this year.
Wretch 32 - a grime MC and rapper from North London. He is part of The Movement made up of himself, Ghetto, Scorcher and Devlin. Pretty impressed that he’s sold in excess of 8,000 CDs in independent outlets alone.
Emile Sande - Aberdeen born Emeli has two top 10 singles under her belt after collaborating with Chipmunk on 'Diamond Rings' and with Wiley on 'Never Be Your Woman' (loved her on that). She releases her debut album later this year.
Willow Smith – daughter of Will and Jada, her debut single ‘Whip My Hair’ was a massive Internet hit Stateside (and an anthem for the ever growing natural hair movement in the US) which resulted in her being signed to Roc Nation (think Jay Z, Rihanna). Not bad for a 10 year old!
 | ||
| Willow Smith |
Labrinth – a British rapper, singer-songwriter and producer signed to Simon Cowell's Syco music label. We wonder how they’ll handle him among ‘artists’ like Westlife, Susan Boyle and Joe McElderry! He tasted success after his collaboration with Tinie Tempah on 'Pass Out' and his following #2 hit 'Frisky'. His debut album should be released later this year.
 |
| Labrinth |
Wretch 32 - a grime MC and rapper from North London. He is part of The Movement made up of himself, Ghetto, Scorcher and Devlin. Pretty impressed that he’s sold in excess of 8,000 CDs in independent outlets alone.
 |
| Wretch 32 |
Emile Sande - Aberdeen born Emeli has two top 10 singles under her belt after collaborating with Chipmunk on 'Diamond Rings' and with Wiley on 'Never Be Your Woman' (loved her on that). She releases her debut album later this year.
 |
| Emile Sande |
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