Snoop Dogg

admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:21:27 +0000

The offices at the top of the Capitol Records building in Hollywood are home to some of Southern California’s most awe-inspiring views. Through the circular glass that adorns the iconic edifice, you can see the plush landscapes of some of the world’s most lavish neighborhoods. But look a little farther and you can just as effortlessly peer into the working class streets that birthed gangsta rap.

It’s this dichotomous picture that provides a fitting backdrop for Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus and his new label home high atop the cylindrical landmark. As the Creative Chairman of EMI’s newly reintroduced Priority Records, Snoop will oversee a hefty catalog chock full of gangsta rap anthems (NWA, Eazy E, Master P, Ice Cube) that launched from the streets and infiltrated even the highest suites. The view also bodes well for Snoop’s first order of business in his new post: his upcoming Malice N Wonderland. After all, it’s these two very different worlds that the Doggfather pulls inspiration from for his tenth solo outing. This intersection of “malice” and “wonder” combines for an exciting listen.

“When I started to put together this record I had a lot of malice in my heart—just focusing on making hardcore gangsta music.” explains Snoop. But what’s become quite obvious to his adoring global fan base is that while Snoop stays steeped in the hood realities of his native Eastside Long Beach, he’s continued to evolve. And after delving further into this opus, Snoop knew that he also wanted to make songs that embodied more than just his gangsta. “My mood lightened and I wanted to make some music that just felt good…to me and to the ladies.”

It’s the later mindset that has already provided Snoop with another monster single: “Gangsta Luv.” Here, Snoop breezes over the song’s electro-hop synths while inviting R&B sensation The Dream and producing partner Tricky to the party. “I love combining my sound with the hottest artists,” says Snoop of The Dream (who also checks in for the Malice’s insistent “Luv Drunk”). “And I don’t have to sacrifice what I do. Even though it’s for the ladies, I know exactly how to keep it straight G, ya dig?”

Yet, Snoop easily keeps a foot deep in the hood. Producer Scoop DeVille’s clever reworking of Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock’s classic “It Takes Two” on “I Wanna Rock” sees Snoop’s smooth delivery supplying another “Jerkin” anthem. “I love to see the little homies bringing new energy to the game,” Snoops says of the youth driven So Cal dance phenomenon. “They from the same streets that I’m from, so it’s just natural.” That spirit continues on the autotuned romp “Pronto” where Snoop and his “nephew” Soulja Boy induce adrenaline pumping with a thunderous Southern style.

The energy remains maxed out on “1800.” The tequila ode’s gut thumping bass line, courtesy of the usually amped Lil Jon, keeps Snoop as the life of the party. Similarly, the Terrace Martin produced, liquor-induced jaunt that is “Upside Down” stays hyped with a clattering of hard high hats and cowbells. Here, Uncle Snoop introduces two of the West’s brightest new prospects by allowing South Central LA’s Nipsey Hussle and Compton’s Problem to let their youthful bravado bang.

Legendary producer Battlecat keeps it decidedly West Coast with the Kokane assisted “Secrets.” This G-funked, interpolation of The Romantics’ new wave ditty “Talking In Your Sleep” finds Snoop fully OG’d with neighborhood tales and warnings to lower level Gs. “That’s what I mean by ‘malice’,” explains Snoop. “No matter how many times I’ve been around the world or how many awards shows I’ve been on, there is still real shit out there in these streets. And if you don’t keep one eye on it, those dogs will jump up and try to bite your ass.”

Hence, Snoop’s “2 Minute Warning.” Jumped off with a gun click-clacking, Snoop again stakes his claim as King of the Coast and recounts the struggle to earn the position. “No Suge, no Dre, I would’ve done this regardless,” he spits.

Producer Danja’s menacing track for Malice’s initial street single broadens Snoop’s street appeal. “That’s Tha Homie,” lets Snoop solidify his lifelong “hood pass” and proves that his reach extends far outside of his own Golden State empire. “I get it in everywhere I go to,” he boasts. “They know me in every hood in the world and they love me because I always show love to them. They’re the reason why I still get behind a mic and do these tours. I want to see their faces and let them know that Snoop is still fuckin’ with them.”

While Snoop Dogg’s “Wonderland” is far from that of a John Mayer (case in point the Commodores sampled “Pimpin’ Ain’t EZ” featuring R. Kelly), it does present some slightly less hardcore fare. “Different Languages,” produced by Teddy Riley, features the powerful voice of R&B songstress Jazmine Sullivan with an earthy piano, and shows Snoop giving respect to the woman in his life. Likewise, “Special” has Brandy and Pharrell alongside feathery high hats and a soft piano riff melting in the background. The song inspires Snoop’s mack mode serving up romantic fantasies and spontaneous trips abroad. “That’s me too!” he exclaims. “I’ve shown that I can make songs dedicated to these females. I understand their struggle and that they want a man to tell them certain things. And if their man won’t, I will. Right through their speakers.” Together, the trio delivers a hit that picks up right where Snoop’s memorable single “Beautiful” left off.

It’s his natural appeal to both the hood and to Hollywood that has allowed Snoop Dogg to stay tremendously relevant through ten releases and numerous side projects. Since bursting into our collective consciousness alongside famed producer Dr. Dre on the 1992 classic The Chronic, Snoop has remained a constant force in Hip-Hop and a household name around the world.

Because of this, Snoop entered into a first-of-its kind global deal with MTV that will bring his personality to television and his music to fans. The MTV deal will aid in providing marketing and promotion for Malice N Wonderland. In addition, songs from Snoop’s impressive catalogue of hits will be released on MTV’s hot-selling Rock Band music video game platform.

As Creative Chairman of Priority, the label that helped established West Coast Rap, Snoop will help re-launch Priority and drive efforts to maximize untapped digital and branding opportunities. He will also serve as Executive Producer for a series of Priority releases commemorating the label’s 25th anniversary in 2010.

From music to movies, Twitter posts to TV shows (E!’s reality series Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood and MTV’s Dogg After Dark), Snoop Dogg remains not just at the forefront of the rap game but also at the apex of popular culture. And it’s his tales about his view from the top that ensure Malice N Wonderland will be yet another classic to add to the Chairman’s ever-growing portfolio.

Timbaland

admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:15:53 +0000

Super-producer Timbaland has stamped his indelible imprint on the music scene since the mid-1990s. His production has helped create career-defining hits for artists such as Jodeci, Aaliyah, Ginuwine, Missy Elliott, Destiny’s Child, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg and Jay-Z, among many others. Respected beyond the genres of urban and hip hop music, Timbaland, whose musical influences cross cultural lines, has also been sought by diverse superstars whose music similarly knows no boundaries, from pop star Justin Timberlake to avant-singer Bjork. Released April 3, 2007 is his second solo album, Timbaland Presents Shock Value (Blackground/Interscope/Mosley Music Group). That disc follows his producing of the majority of the tracks, including the #1 “SexyBack,” on Timberlake’s #1 charting, multiplatinum FutureSex/LoveSounds, which followed their work together on Timberlake’s previous smash, Justified.

Born Timothy Z. Mosley in Norfolk, Virginia on March 10, 1972, Timbaland, so named by Jodeci member Devante Swing after the Timberland boot, has had many reincarnations–from disc jockey DJ Tiny Tim to half of the hip hop group Timbaland & Magoo; from membership in Devante Swing’s Swing Mob crew known as Da Bassment to S.B.I. (Surrounded By Idiots), a production ensemble including Pharrell Williams, to being CEO of his own label, Mosley Music Group.

Ginuwine’s hit single “Pony” and debut LP Ginuwine…the Bachelor, produced by Timbaland, introduced a unique rhythmic style that defined the new wave of music in the ‘90s–R&B and hip hop mixed with an eclectic smorgasbord of effects held together by complex syncopated snare beats. At the same time, his partnership with high school friend Missy Elliott blossomed into a pairing that delivered Aaliyah’s double platinum One In A Million and they became one of music’s most successful production/songwriting teams. Naturally, Elliott looked to Timbaland to also define her as an artist and their work together, tracks such as “The Rain,” propelled Elliott to major stardom and critical acclaim.

Timbaland’s trademark sound has spawned numerous imitators—yet he has always remained the acknowledged originator. Not surprisingly given his talents, he started a new label in partnership with Interscope even as he delivered another three albums for Elliott, including 2005’s The Cookbook. He also launched Tweet, who debuted withSouthern Hummingbird, and produced Lil’ Kim’s “The Jump Off.” The Game relied on Tim for “Steer” and “Put You On The Game.”

Along the way he built an impressive 5,000 square foot studio in Virginia Beach where he does most of his production, and he regularly travels between that location, his Miami residence and the West Coast. In 2006 he founded a new label, again at Interscope, appropriately called Mosely Music Group (MMG). Open to all types of artists, MMG debuted with a bang: Nelly Furtado’s “Promiscuous” featuring Timbaland, which hit #1, as did her album, Loose.

Timbaland’s genre breaking has changed popular music today, and he takes pride in his success at staying ahead of the curve with his originality and experimentation. Confident and charismatic, his goal is still to blow the listener’s mind and make them move to the beat. On the personal side, this artist/producer is an avid bodybuilder committed to a strict diet and training regimen, and as serious about working out as he is about his time in the studio.

“You can accomplish anything you put your mind to if you stay persistent and disciplined,” explains the driven and dedicated Timbaland, an innovator of sound who continues to set popular tastes while adventurously expanding his musical palette.

Missy Elliot

admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:04:18 +0000

Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott (born Melissa Elliott on July 1, 1971 in Portsmouth, Virginia) is the first female hip hop superstar, known for a long series of hits including “The Rain”, “She’s A Bitch”, “Get Ur Freak On”, and “Work It”.

Elliott signed to Swing Mob as part of Sista, but the label folded before Sista could release their debut. Elliott began working with producer Timbaland, and worked on collaborations with a large number of other artists before signing to a solo deal with Elektra Records in 1996. Prior to her debut album, Elliott was the featured rap guest and producer on SWV’s “Can We” and MC Lyte’s “Cold Rock A Party,” both singles in 1996.

Her debut, released in mid-1997, was Supa Dupa Fly, which included “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”, a blockbuster hit that established Elliott as a major force in popular music. Other singles included “Beep Me 911,” which featured 702, Timbaland, and Magoo; “Hit ‘Em Wit Da Hee,” featuring rapper Mocha and Timbaland; and “Sock It 2 Me,” a decent-sized hit which featured rhymes from Da Brat and a cameos by her and Lil Kim in the Mega Man-inspired music video. The critical acceptance of Supa Dupa Fly was mixed, though generally positive; many critics commented that the album tracks were far inferior to the singles. 1997 also saw Elliott perform on Lil Kim’s girl-power anthem, a hit remix of her song, “Not Tonite”. The song’s remix also featured Da Brat, Angie Martinez, and Left Eye, in addition to Kim and Elliott; and the five women performed it at 1997’s VMAs.

In 1998, Elliott continued her successful music career by being the featured rap guest on Total’s single “Trippin’”, as well as duetting with several others in the hip-hop and R&B communities.

Elliott’s second album was just as successful as the first. Da Real World (1999, see 1999 in music) included the singles “All N My Grill,” a collaboration with Nicole and Big Boi; “Hot Boyz;” and “She’s A Bitch”. The same year, Elliott produced and contributed background vocals and some rhymes to former Spice Girl, Mel B.’s, debut single, “I Think I Want You Back”.

Elliott next released Miss E… So Addictive in (2001, see 2001 in music). That album produced the massive singles, “One Minute Man,” featuring Ludacris, Trina, and Jay-Z and “Get Ur Freak On,” as well as the less successful single, “Take Away,” which featured soulful melodies from Ginuwine and the rising star, Tweet, and whose video was made into a loving tribute for their late friend, Aaliyah. For “Get Ur Freak On”, an usual remix was also released, which combined scat-singing from Nelly Furtado with Elliott’s original rapping. The remix performed just as successfully as the original and was the version which was heard both in the Tomb Raider movie that year and on its soundtrack.

Tweet’s own debut single, “Oops (Oh My)” was released in early 2002 and went on to become a huge hit, partially due to Elliott’s guest rap on the track and Timbaland and Elliott’s funky production of the single.

Elliott’s fourth album, 2002’s Under Construction (see 2002 in music), included “Work It”, arguably Elliott’s biggest hit to date, and the successful duet with Ludacris, “Gossip Folks,” which let Elliott’s critics know what she thought of what they had to say about her, namely her amazingly rapid weight loss that had taken place during 20002. As the “Work It” video had done during 2002, “Gossip Folks” became one of the most-played music videos on MTV, MTV2, MTV Jams, and BET in 2003, and was also extremely successful on VH1 and VH1 Soul.

In the summer of 2003, Elliott was the featured rapper on Timbaland and Magoo’s long-awaited return single, “Cop That Disc”. The song became a modest hit at urban radio. Elliott’s newest singles, “Pass The Dutch” and “I’m Really Hot”, from her fifth album, This Is Not A Test! (released November 2003), both rose the urban charts. However, neither caught on at pop radio as well as her previous efforts have.

Recently, Elliott has also been featured on Wyclef Jean’s “Party To Damascus” and Ghostface Killah’s “Tush, Tush, Tush” singles, demostrating that even eight years after she first began offering production and vocal contributions to others’ music, she is still as widely recognized and respected by her peers as ever.

In 2003, Elliott dropped the “Misdemeanor” part of her name and now goes by simply “Missy Elliott”.

Mary J Blige

admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 06:54:34 +0000

There’s little, if any, denying that Mary J. Blige is one of the greatest singers of our time. The proof is in the consistent #1 albums and singles, six (6) Grammy awards, seven (7) multi-platinum records and 15-years of love from the public, critics and fellow artists. Since her 1992 debut - the modern classic What’s the 411 all the way to 2005’s stunning The Breakthrough Mary J. Blige has helped to redefine R&B, and more importantly, been an artist that uses her gift to lift spirits, touch lives and bring her heart, soul and truth to those who are willing to listen.

Mary’s eighth studio CD, Growing Pains, comes on the heels of Mary’s best-selling anthology Reflections (2006). It’s also her first CD of new material since The Breakthrough debuted at #1, selling over an astonishing 700,000 copies its first week - setting a record at that time as the best opening week for a solo R&B female artist in SoundScan history. The album’s first single, “Be Without You,” also made chart history by holding down the #1 spot on the Billboard “Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums” chart for a record breaking sixteen (16) straight weeks; making it her biggest hit, so far, of a career filled with them. In addition “Be Without You” made its way into history books when it became the longest running #1 song on the R&B chart in over 40 years. As if that wasn’t achievement enough The Breakthrough and “Be Without You” earned an astonishing eight (8) Grammy award nominations with Mary winning three (3).

Ask what fans can expect from Growing Pains and Mary J. Blige is characteristically upfront. “They’re going to get a sense of what my state of mind is and how I view the world,” she says. “And hopefully, most of all, they’re going to hear just the sincere honesty and love that I have for them. I’m always putting myself out there like, look. I love ya’ll. I got ya’ll. I’m rocking with ya’ll. So that’s what they’re going to get, that commitment. I hope they’re going to be very happy with that.”

You can hear Mary’s own happiness and strength all throughout Growing Pains. Working in partnership with some of the best in the game e.g., Tricky and Dream, Neyo and Stargate, The Neptunes, Dre and Vidal, Jazze Pha, Sean Garrett, and featuring guest appearances by Ludacris, and Usher, Growing Pains is the sound of an artist in love, in touch, in control, and not afraid to show it. More than anything Growing Pains gives you straight up Mary letting the public share her world, and delivering a message that says, Love yourself. Believe in yourself and kick negativity to the curb.

Mary makes her message loud, clear and seriously funky on the hit single “Just Fine,” produced by Jazze Pha and Tricky and written by Mary and Dream. The single makes for Mary’s eighteenth (18th) top 10 single on Billboard’s “Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs” chart tying her with Mariah Carey for the most Top 10 songs on the chart in the Neilson Music Era (from 1993). “Just Fine,” a celebration of life, gives you Mary fierce and (as the video shows) glamorous. The songs’ vibe? “Sometimes it feels like you’re having this miserable time, like all 365 days of the year are tough. But then, you get one of those days; maybe when your hair is great, or you’re not stuck in traffic; where it’s a ‘just fine’ day. At some point,” Mary laughs. “You’ve got to have one or two of those.”

The party and positivity keeps on keeping on with the rump shaking second single “Work That” - currently featured on an Apple iPod commercial. “Work That” is upbeat, strong and deals with finding the good in you. “When I meet a woman who doesn’t know what to do about her weight or her hair I always says to her ‘whatever it is that you have, make that work for you, work what you got.”‘

Mary takes her own advice on the non-stop jam “Till the Morning.” Produced by the Neptune’s and written by Pharrell, “Till The Morning” takes you way back by referencing 80’s club classics. Mary states: “It’s about whatever your ’till the morning’ is. If it’s hanging in the club all night, if it’s lying in bed with your man and enjoying him all night - that’s your ’till the morning’.”

Love’s the force behind “Roses,” another collaboration with Tricky Stewart and The Dream. Mid tempo, emotional and grown, “Roses” is about having to work to make it work, the real in relationships, and that it’s not always all roses and candy.

Relationships are also the theme on the sultry “Shake Down,” a mid-tempo duet with Usher that has the feel of those classic R& B partnerships.

Throughout Growing Pains you hear Mary pushing herself in ways she never has: especially vocally. There are jazzy inflections, girl group coquettishness, nuanced phrasing: a full range of tones and textures.

She also continues to mature in the studio: taking control of the total recording and creative process and doing so with confidence and chops. “Making records is different than when I started because now I know what I want and there’s not fifty people running the show. Now (husband/creative partner) Kendu Isaacs and I run the show. Kendu’s ear is good, my ear is good, and we’re honest with each other.”

Needless to say, when you have that type of success all eyes are on the next release. Mary keeps it all in perspective by focusing on what really matters. The journey. The growth. The love. And as always the music and the fans. “I’m still trying to heal and get better and that’s what Growing Pains represents. It’s about accepting that there’s pain that goes along with growing and change. No pain, no gain.”

Kelly Rowland

admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 06:49:25 +0000

As one third of Destiny’s Child, one of the best-selling female musical groups of all time, Kelly Rowland has brought the sound of her voice to millions of fans. She’s graced videos, been featured in magazines and performed on television and concert stages worldwide. She’s experienced #1 hits, multi-platinum albums, industry accolades, won Grammy’s and other awards, and felt the love of press and fans. And now, she’s ready to show the world another side of Kelly Rowland with the release of Simply Deep, her debut solo album, on Music World Music/Columbia Records.

Featuring songs written by Steve Kipner, Billy Mann, Solange Knowles, and Kelly Rowland and guest appearances from Nelly and Joe Budden; produced by Rich Harrison (Amerie) Robert Smith, Damon Elliott, and Rob Fusari; executive-produced by Matthew Knowles of Music World Music, Simply Deep is an exhilarating glimpse into Kelly’s heart and soul. Which was exactly her desire. “I wanted people to be able to see me as me, not just as that girl from Destiny’s Child,” Kelly says. “I wanted them to see someone who has gone through a lot of real life experiences and is so happy and so blessed. I wanted people to really see a side of me that they may not know.” To reach that goal Kelly decided to go for her solo sound in a remarkably fresh and unexpected way. Simply Deep contains stinging electric guitars and gentle acoustic six-strings, atmospheric synths and turntable scratches.

Her thoughtful lyrics tackle everything from God to love to whatever lies in between while her musical joints will make you nod your head to the groove. There’s rock ‘n’ roll, a confessional singer/song writer vibe, sultry R&B and an edgy undercurrent. Simply put, Simply Deep is not what you might expect from a member of Destiny’s Child. Which was,according to Kelly, the point: “We wanted our solo albums (each member of DC is working on individual projects) to be different from Destiny’s Child so that people wouldn’t compare them to the group’s work.

The albums are an opportunity for people to get to know our personalities. In my case, I’m sure that most of my fans didn’t realize how much I have always loved rock. In fact when I first went into the studio and told the producers I wanted a mixture of Sade with really edgy rock, they looked at me like I was crazy! And honestly, about halfway through the recording process even I was wondering if you could mix off those influences together. But it all worked out wonderfully.” Proof of which can be heard on the single “Stole.” Written and produced by Dane Deviller, Sean Hosein and Steve Kipner, “Stole” sets the tone for Simply Deep by being emotional, evocative, soulful and a typical in its subject matter and sound. A cautionary tale about life and its consequences, “Stole” affected Kelly the first time she heard it .”I loved the lyrics and the melody,” she says. “It’s such a passionate song.”

Equally passionate is “Heaven,” co-written and produced by Alonzo Jackson, who also plays drums, bass and guitar on the track. The sexy ballad, one of several co-written by Kelly, draws its inspiration from real life. “I’d never been in love and then I met someone and he made me feel like heaven,” she confesses. “This song is an expression of those feelings.” Love is also in the air on “Dilemma,” a duet with superstar rapper Nelly.

The infectious track, which burned up the radio this summer and stayed at #1 for nearly two months, takes Patti LaBelle’s hit “Love, Need and Want You,” to a funky new level, because as Kelly laughs knowingly, “we put our own stink on it.” During the video shoot, Kelly met Patti LaBelle and was thrilled when the legendary diva praised Kelly’s rendition of her hit. “I started crying,” Kelly admits, “because there’s nothing like hearing that the artist who originally did the song likes your version.” The album’s title track, “Simply Deep,” was written for Kelly by Solange Knowles, the younger sister of Kelly’s Destiny’s Child co-star, Beyonce. Solange is featured as a singer on the track and arranged the vocals. “The song is amazing!,” Kelly exclaims. “Solange is so talented and she’s so professional in the studio and the sessions were so much fun and so calm. Honestly, I thought it would be weird to work with her–because she’s like my little sister–but it was magic.” Recording her album gave Kelly a chance to shine on her own as a vocalist while exploring other facets of her talent.

In addition to arranging the vocals on several tracks, Kelly co-wrote three songs–”(Love Lives In) Strange Places,” “Heaven,” and “Make U Wanna Stay”–for the album. “I love that Beyonc? writes,” Kelly says, “and it’s something I’ve always wanted to try. When Destiny’s Child would be in the studio, I’d ask her questions.She really encouraged me and told me I could do it. I was nervous but when I was working on my album I collaborated with the other writers and they really gave me the courage and tools to put my thought on paper.”

Yet another creative outlet for Kelly is acting. She made an appearance on the sit- com “The Hughleys” and will soon make her big screen debut as “Lori” in the horror film “Freddy vs. Jason.” “Acting is great!,” Kelly enthuses. “It’s wonderful to have this opportunity. It’s a dream cometrue.” Kelly has been working to pursue her dreams since she was a little girl in Atlanta, Georgia. By the age of 4, inspired by her love of Whitney Houston, Kelly was already telling her mother that she wanted to sing. “I used to drive my mommy up the wall trying to listen out for Whitney!” Kelly laughs. “I remember getting her first album it as the first record I ever owned. I played it every day.” Kelly began singing in church though she was so young she had to stand on a chair to reach the mike. The experience of performing changed her life forever. “When I was singing I was in my own world, and everyone was looking at me,” she remembers. “I was so happy and I thought “Oh, I like this.” Kelly’s love for music blossomed after her family relocated to Houston where she became friends with Beyonce Knowles.

The two gifted teens started singing together in and, in the mid 1990s, formed Destiny’s Child. The group released its first smash single, “No, No, No” in November 1997 with the first platinum album, Destiny’s Child, following in February 1998. Destiny’s Child’s follow-up effort, 1999’s The Writing’s On the Wall was certified 8x RIAA platinum in the United States and went on to sell more than 10 million copies worldwide. The success of that album was matched when Destiny’s Child dropped the multi-platinum worldwide smash Survivor in 2001.

Ask Kelly if she’s pleased with her new album and she beams. “I remember how happy I was when we finished The Writing’s On The Wall and Survivor because each song was so great. I wanted to recapture that feeling when I made my own record and when I sat back and listened to the finished album,I felt so blessed thought, ‘Gosh, God is good’ because I was allowed to see my vision through and it all worked out so well. Yes, I’m very happy. “Simply Deep is about the full range of life and love in all its pain and joy and happiness. In it, Kelly Rowland communicates the depth and passion of her experience, sharing it all with her fans.

Grandmaster Flash

admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 06:19:38 +0000

Joseph ‘Grandmaster Flash’ Saddler was credited as being the first DJ to revolutionize the use of turntables. Created the ‘Quick Mix Theory’ involving a combination of back spinning, Phasing, double backing and cutting between turntables (scratching) Flash used duplicate copies of a record and two turntables but with a dexterous flair, he manually edited with a mixer to create the ‘Break’ (a point of isolated drum rhythm) - The ordinary playing of the record would be interrupted to overlay the break, and could be repeated by using the mixer to switch channels while the second record was spun back. This instilled Joseph with the Monika of Grandmaster Flash, which he was originally nicknamed in high school from hanging out with a friend Gordon (as in Flash Gordon). During the 30 year history of hip-hop few names crop as pure pioneers of an art form, Flash shone brightly as the definitive one.

Born in the Boogie-Down Bronx of Bajan decent, Saddler was deeply amerced in the birthing culture of hip-hop music, the areas nightlife and reggae rooted atmosphere providing him with the inspiration and love of music. He developed a strong bond with vinyl records as just a boy playing with his father’s reggae records. By the time he was a teenager he was a true scholar of electronics and engineering at school and putting it into practise with spinning records in his own unique format performing at public block parties in his neighbourhood.

Holding strong audience of local innovative DJ Kool Herc, Flash elevated his movements aspiring to take this Djing format to another level of creation. He would rearrange recorded song structure, extending the break sections by using duplicate copies of the one record and going from one turntable to the next to continue the flow of the one particular section. He would physically manipulate his wrists and elbow back and forth while holding his finger down on the edge of the record, a discovery made by associate, Theodore Livingstone. By ’71 he was inventing methods and concepts he called ‘The Quick Mix Theory’ which encompassed the technique of ‘Cutting’ which was later refined to ‘Scratching’ as well as ‘Crab Scratching’, ‘Transforming’, ‘Flaring’, ‘Doubleback’, ‘Backspinning’ and ‘Phasing’ created an element of scientific approach to the art form. Lastly the ‘Clock Theory’ was established which was a technique in finding the exact spot on the record where the break was using the naked eye rather than listening through headphones to find it. He would mark the spot with crayon and continually hit the right spot each time. Nowadays DJ turntables are complete with so many buttons to alleviate this raw practise. Clearly Flash had become the master of this and one to revolutionize Djing.

Grandmaster Flash first kicked off his elementary performing career with three brothers called The Livingstone Brothers. Mean Gene, Cordeo and Grand Wizard Theodore, (who would later become a strong force in the definitive years of hip hop) At this time they were kids enjoying the birth of this new era by breakdancing and having a good time at DJ Kool Herc’s parties at the Sedgwick Ave. Rec. Centre. In the late 1970’s Flash formed a group with Melle Mel (Melvin Glover), his brother Kid Creole (Nathaniel Glover) and Cowboy (Keith Wiggins) calling themselves Grandmaster Flash & The 3 MC’s. Later joining the group were Rahiem (Guy Todd Williams) and Scorpio AKA, Mr. Ness (Eddie Morris) which then created “Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5” made famous with their break performing at Disco Fever in The Bronx.

In 1980 they signed to Sugar Hill Records by Joe Robinson releasing several singles including ‘Freedom’ and the classic ‘The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel,’ released in 1981. This track would be regarded as the most proficient demonstration of complex turntable dexterity. Their biggest selling single was ‘The Message’ this went platinum in less than a month.

He played at the 1998 Super Bowl NFL Final half-time event. He also performed at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England in 2002 in front of Queen Elizabeth, 40,000 spectators and billions of television viewers around the world. In recogntion of his contribution to the modern music genre, Flash was awarded the Pioneer Award from Source magazine, the New Music Seminar Hall of Fame Award, the DMC Hall of Fame Award and B.E.T.’s Diamond Award. In June 2004, he was inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame with a plaque dedicated at 161st St. and the Grand Concourse, and a street named after him in New York City!. In 2005 Flash was awarded by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at Cleveland, Ohio with the Lifetime Achievement Award making them the first ever hip-hop group to receive this honour. On September 22, 2005, VH1 honored Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five for their contributions of adding social consciousness to hip hop. Flash was also honored for his contribution to DJ culture in hip hop.

Grandmaster Flash has been immortalized in the halls of fame of music across the world. One of the most well-respected innovators of music and has never stopped performing and demonstrating this skill. The original pioneer of the science of hip-hop music, Grandmaster Flash is forever the legend in the game.

Discography:

1982 The Message

1984 Greatest Messages

1985 They Said It Couldn’t Be Done

1985 Stepping Off

1985 Work Party

1986 The Source

1987 Ba-Dop-Boom-Bang

1988 On The Strength

1997 Salsoul Jam 2000

2002 The Official Adventures Of…

2002 Essential Mix: Classic Edition

2005 Mixing Bullets and Firing Joints

2007 The Essential

Gloria Gaynor

admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 06:12:51 +0000

Her name is recognized worldwide. Her voice a dynamic force. Her Grammy Award winning signature song, “I Will Survive,” an inspiration that has touched the hearts of people all over the world. This September 2002, Logic Records/BMG released the highly anticipated U.S. LP entitled “I Wish You Love.” This is Gloria Gaynor’s first worldwide release in 15 years. It will encompass 15 singles including the debut power ballad “I Never Knew” with dance remixes by Grammy veteran Hex Hector.

Gloria’s depth as an artist reach new heights in several up-tempo hits including “Just No Other Way” and “Got To Be Forever.” As an added bonus track, Gloria recorded her anthem “I Will Survive” in Spanglish, recorded live in Brazil!

In 1973, Gloria Gaynor made history as Billboard gave birth to the Disco Action Charts. “Never Can Say Good-Bye” bowed at #1 on the charts and became the first Dance Song to reach #1 status in dance music. 30 years later, Gloria Gaynor is still setting the standard. In March of 2001, her single, “Just Keep Thinkin’ About You,” topped the Billboard Dance/Club charts at #1, while her international hit “Last Night” with Giorgio Moroder debuted at #1 throughout Europe. In keeping with the theme of #1, Gloria Gaynor was the first to record an album especially for clubs, and the first to do a mega-extended dance medley party mix, releasing 12” dance singles that are now high-end collectors items.

Gloria Gaynor’s popularity has continuously flourished into the new millennium. In March, she was honored at the World Music Awards in Monte Carlo with the coveted LEGEND award presented by long time fan Prince Albert. She made a splash on Broadway in the longest running musical revue, “Smokey Joe’s Café.” FOX television series “That ‘70’s Show” and the wildly popular, “Ally McBeal” featured Gloria Gaynor as a guest star introducing her to a whole new generation of television viewers. The film industry continues to feature “I Will Survive,” on the soundtrack of more than a half dozen major motion picture releases.

The song will be featured this summer in the blockbuster release “MEN IN BLACK II”. VH-1 honored Gloria Gaynor with the number one spot during their countdown of the Top 100 Dance Records of All Time for “I Will Survive”.

Live concerts are an integral part of Gloria Gaynor. She has touched audiences in more than 80 countries with her electrifying performances. Numerous dignitaries and ambassadors from the likes of President Clinton, Princess Grace, Prince Rainer and Pope John Paul II have had the pleasure of watching Ms. Gaynor perform. The French World Cup Soccer Team appointed her as their official “Godmother” because of her inspiring, uplifting music. Gloria even made the time to write an autobiography entitled, “I Will Survive” (St. Martin’s Press) that is a revealing trip through her journey in life. She also lends her support to numerous charities ranging from the likes of The Rita Hayworth Gala for Alzheimer’s to Revlon’s Annual Walk for Life.

Whatever Gloria Gaynor sets out to accomplish you can be sure that it will have a positive transformation in the art of music and life as everything she touches is with her deep spirit. Experience this transformation with Gloria on her new globally released album on Logic Records/BMG

Stevie Wonder

admin — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 03:36:36 +0000

American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, a child prodigy who developed into one of the most creative musical figures of the late 20th century.

Blind from birth and raised in inner-city Detroit, he was a skilled musician by age eight. Renamed Little Stevie Wonder by Berry Gordy, Jr., the president of Motown Records—to whom he was introduced by Ronnie White, a member of the Miracles—Wonder made his recording debut at age 12. The soulful quality of his high-pitched singing and the frantic harmonica playing that characterized his early recordings were evident in his first hit single, “Fingertips (Part 2),” recorded during a show at Chicago’s Regal Theatre in 1963. But Wonder was much more than a freakish prepubescent imitation of Ray Charles, as audiences discovered when he demonstrated his prowess with piano, organ, harmonica, and drums. By 1964 he was no longer described as “Little,” and two years later his fervent delivery of the pounding soul of “Uptight (Everything’s Alright),” which he also had written, suggested the emergence of both an unusually compelling performer and a composer to rival Motown’s stable of skilled songwriters. (He had already cowritten, with Smokey Robinson, “The Tears of a Clown.”)

Over the next five years Wonder had hits with “I Was Made to Love Her,” “My Cherie Amour” (both cowritten with producer Henry Cosby), and “For Once in My Life,” songs that suited dancers as well as lovers. Where I’m Coming From, an album released in 1971, hinted not merely at an expanded musical range but, in its lyrics and its mood, at a new introspection. Music of My Mind (1972) made his concerns even more plain. In the interim he had been strongly influenced by Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On, the album in which his Motown stablemate moved away from the label’s “hit factory” approach to confront the divisive social issues of the day. Any anxieties Gordy may have felt about his protégé’s declaration of independence were amply calmed by the run of recordings with which Wonder obliterated the competition in the mid-1970s. Those albums produced a steady stream of classic hit songs, among them “Superstition,” “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” “Higher Ground,” “Living for the City,” “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing,” “Boogie On Reggae Woman,” “I Wish,” and “Sir Duke.”

Although still only in his mid-20s, Wonder appeared to have mastered virtually every idiom of African-American popular music and to have synthesized them all into a language of his own. His command of the new generation of electronic keyboard instruments made him a pioneer and an inspiration to rock musicians, the inventiveness of his vocal phrasing was reminiscent of the greatest jazz singers, and the depth and honesty of his emotional projection came straight from the black church music of his childhood. Such a fertile period was unlikely to last forever, and it came to an end in 1979 with a fey and overambitious extended work called Stevie Wonder’s Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants. Thereafter his recordings became sporadic and often lacked focus, although his concerts were never less than rousing. The best of his work formed a vital link between the classic rhythm-and-blues and soul performers of the 1950s and ’60s and their less commercially constrained successors. Yet, however sophisticated his music became, he was never too proud to write something as apparently slight as the romantic gem “I Just Called to Say I Love You” (1984). He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and received a Grammy Award for lifetime achievement in 2005. In 2008 the Library of Congress announced that Wonder was the recipient of its Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

Kool & The Gang

admin — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 03:34:06 +0000

Kool & The Gang has sold over 70 million albums worldwide and influenced the music of three generations. Thanks to songs like Celebration, Cherish, Jungle Boogie, Summer Madness andOpen Sesame, they’ve earned two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, 25 Top Ten R&B hits, nine Top Ten Pop hits, and 31 gold and platinum albums. Kool & The Gang has performed continuously for the past 35 years, longer than any R&B group in history. Their bulletproof funk and tough, jazzy arrangements have also made them the most sampled band of all time.

In 1964 Khalis Bayyan (AKA Ronald Bell) and his brother, Robert “Kool” Bell, joined Jersey City neighborhood friends Robert “Spike” Mickens, Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas, Ricky Westfield, George Brown, and Charles Smith to create a unique musical blend of jazz, soul and funk. At first calling themselves the Jazziacs, they went through various names – The New Dimensions, The Soul Town Band, Kool & The Flames – before settling on their moniker. Over the next several years, they solidified their musical chemistry on the rough-and-tumble East Coast music scene, supporting acts like Bill Cosby, Ritchie Havens and Richard Pryor. Their self-titled 1969 debut album introduced their signature instrumental sound and fierce horn arrangements, and spawned their first Billboard R&B charted single, Kool and the Gang.

In 1969 Kool & The Gang released their self-titled debut album. It was the introduction to a theme, music is the message, that Kool & The Gang stands by today. The instrumental album was an expression of their deep love of music. It was also an introduction to their signature sound and the fierce horn arrangements created by Khalis, Dee Tee, and Spike. Their debut album spawned their first Billboard R&B charted single Kool and the Gang and later Let The Music Take Your Mind.

In 1970, their audacious sophomore set Live At The Sex Machine peaked at #6 on Billboard’s R&B chart and yielded three hit singles: Funky Man, Who’s Gonna Take The Weight and I Want To Take You Higher. Next came The Best Of Kool & The Gang Featuring The Penguin, Kool & The Gang Live at PJ’s, Music Is The Message, and Good Times, all of which helped solidify a sound that wowed not only fans but such contemporaries as James Brown and Nina Simone.

The band’s stellar reputation grew with each album, but 1973’s gold disc Wild & Peaceful took Kool & The Gang to another level (#6 R&B, #33 Pop), spurred by the immortal party anthems Funky Stuff, Hollywood Swinging and the platinum smash Jungle Boogie.

Hits like Higher Plane (#1 R&B), the classic Summer Madness (featured on the Grammy winning movie soundtrack Rocky) and LPs Spirit of the Boogie, Love & Understanding and Open Sesame followed. The latter’s title track was featured on the top-selling movie soundtrack of all time, Saturday Night Fever, earning the group their second Grammy.

In 1979, Kool & The Gang unveiled a smooth new sound with Ladies Night. Produced by the legendary Pop/Jazz musician Eumir Deodato, it became their first platinum album. The #1 R&B title track also reached #8 at Pop. It was followed by Too Hot (#3 R&B, #5 Pop). The ’80s would see them dominate the mainstream, starting with the double platinum-selling album Celebrate (driven by the international monster hit Celebration, which spent six weeks atop the R&B chart and became a #1 Pop single). Celebration, which played as the American hostages returned from Iran, remains de rigueur at joyous occasions worldwide. The smashes Get Down On It, Take My Heart, Let’s Go Dancing, Joanna, Tonight, Misled, the #1 R&B, #2 Pop giant Cherish and the #1 R&B anthem Fresh (these last three from the multi-platinum LP Emergency) solidified the group’s international superstardom. Kool & the Gang landed global commercial endorsements, supported countless charitable causes and were the only American group to participate in Band Aid’s 1984 Do They Know It’s Christmas project for famine victims in Africa.

With the explosion of hip-hop in the ’90s, Kool & the Gang’s incredible catalog of grooves made them DJ favorites, and they were second only to R&B icon James Brown as sources of rap-music samples.

2004’s The Hits Reloaded found the band collaborating with such acolytes as Lil’ Kim, Sean Paul, Ashanti, and Blackstreet, among others. Kool & The Gang continues to perform to packed audiences of new and old fans around the world. The band re-entered the Billboard R&B chart with 2006’s Steppin’ Into Love.

Cevin Fisher

admin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:45:19 +0000

“The Way We Used to Do It,” “The Freaks Come Out,” “House is a Feeling,” “You Got Me Burning Up,” “Love You Some More” and on and on… There are very few people whose name is synonymous with the term “house anthem” …but all these tracks were created by one man… Cevin Fisher.

Does he rest on his laurels, no! Cevin continues to blaze a trail with a steady flow of productions, collaborations and amazing DJ sets.

Born in East Orange, New Jersey, Cevin Fisher has risen to become one of the World’s most respected & prolific master house producers and DJ’s. While still in his teens, a growing passion for club music propelled Cevin into the heady circles that were seeds of what we call house – Paradise Garage… Zanzibar… The Loft and more… Cevin was inspired to start DJing by watching his heroes Tony Humphries, Larry Levan and Francois K. At 16 he picked up his first gigs at loft parties and college one-offs before finally getting his first regular break as a warm-up forZanzibar resident Larry Paterson on Friday nights a year later.

After that, there was only really one place he could head for… NEW YORK CITY! Cevin went to work in the top recording studios in New York, sharpening his skills that would make him the incredible producer that he became. He soon fell into production work for Timmy Regisford of Motown Records alongside future electro-Don & mainstream producer Arthur Baker at Shakedown Studios, where he delivered remixes for Chaka Khan’s “Love You All My Lifetime” and Quincy Jones’ “I’ll Be Good To You”, both of which subsequently went to number one on the US Billboard Dance Chart.

Cevin then transitioned from working in the studio on other people’s projects to initiating his own. From 1993 to 1995 Cevin teamed up with Cliff St.-Cyr, one of originators of the NYC house scene. They created classic anthems like “House is a Feeling,” “Hands On Love,” and “Sweet in the Morning” under several monikers and all released on the legendary Hardtrax label. Seeing how huge these tracks were, Strictly Rhythm was quickly on the case, licensing and re-releasing all three to bring them to the widest audience possible. Cevin also worked with several other collaborators for tracks on Hardtrax, Nervous and other noted labels.

“During the summer of 1995, I bumped into Danny Tenaglia on 21st street. We talked for a while about our productions and I told him how I didn’t feel I was reaching my full potential. It was a heavy conversation. Danny said ‘Go out on your own, you can make it on your own!’ and sent me on my way. I got in my car and I was heading home through the midtown tunnel and saw a billboard that said ‘Find Your Own Road’ – that really hit me… and I went home inspired to create.”

That very night Cevin created “The Way We Used To” and “Check This Out” – the first tracks he released as Cevin Fisher – and the rest is history.

Cevin continued to release tracks on Maxi, Nervous, Ministry of Sound and Subversive. Cevin’s next breakout hit was “Women Beat their Men” which rocked every type of dance floor being played by everyone from Junior Vasquez to Juan Atkins to Louie Vega to Roger Sanchez. The world was now on notice that Cevin was going to be a major force for years to come.

“Music Saved My Life” came next… captivating and capturing the feelings of the dance music community. DJs across the world featured it in their record box – Sasha & Digweed, Carl Cox, David Morales, Sven Vath, Louie Vega, Danny Tenaglia and more. The track was unforgettable and Cevin was establishing himself as a consistent chart topper and hit maker. Meanwhile Cevin toured, DJing in the world’s top venues including Twilo in NYC, Ministry of Sound in London, Angel’s of Love in Italy, Groovejet Miami and on and on.

Simultaneously, his remixing skills were in high demand. He reached Billboard’s number one with his remix of Robert Miles for Arista - the legendary Clive Davis called Cevin himself about it. That same year, still committed to his original productions Cevin released the dance floor stormer “You Got Me Burning Up” also hitting number one on Billboard dance charts and making a world wide impact.

As if Cevin’s productions could not get any bigger, “The Freaks Come Out” on the UK’s Subversive label pushed him into the house music stratosphere. Eventually licensed to at least five international labels, this single alone secured his reputation as one who had truly arrived.

‘Freaks’ rocketed to the top spot on the US Billboard Club Chart and even into the UK Top 20 – an unprecedented result for a New York based DJ and producer.

Meanwhile, his time as an international DJ infused Cevin with a dance sensibility like no other - he thrived on that instant-feedback buzz only a hot club can provide, always reflecting an inherent enthusiasm for fresh live sounds into his mixes, records & sets. The music practically leaped from the turntables in an explosion of beats, big vocals, deep vibes and relentless tribal rhythms. He’s toured world many times over regularly appearing in London,Toronto, Montreal, Tokyo, Ibiza, Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, Switzerland, Greece, Taiwan, Portugal, South America, Indonesia and many, many more.

Cevin has continued his prolific production, remix and DJ work throughout the decade, releasing tracks on Defected, Star 69, Nite Grooves, Subversive, Floorplay and Big Love. In 2008 Cevin revisited his classics ‘You Got Me Burning Up!’ and ‘Freaks’ remixed by a whole new generation of current and future dance megastars including DJ Chus, Raul Rincon, Prok & Fitch, Dean Coleman, Eric Entrena, Tim Davison, Anil Chawla, Nyan Narine, Rubberman and ScottLummes. His follow-up, titled ‘The Cream Always Rises’ - welcomed Kid Massive and Nick Bridges (Bodyrox) aboard on the mixes.

This year Cevin has crashed the dance floors with ‘Deliver Me’ and ‘I’m Losing My Mind,’ collaborations he created with Paul Harris on the Big Love/Defected label. He also collaborated with Prok and Fitch releasing ‘Mundo’ on Floorplay. All of these tracks were featured on Pete Tong’s BBC one and Roger Sanchez Release Yourself radio shows and caned by the usual suspects: Steve Angelo, Erick Morillo, Danny Tenaglia, Victor Calderone, Behrouz, Tiesto, Steve Lawler and more. Cevin’s latest release is a collaboration with the legendary Heller and Farley called “We Built This House” released on the equally legendary Junior Boy’s Own label.

In 2009, Cevin toured throughout Europe and embarked on an Asian tour circuiting the Pacific, taking-in Indonesia, Korea, Bali, Kualumpor, & Japan. He DJs in the hot spots around the US and maintains a residency at Pacha NYC as well.

Indeed there are very few major stars of the decks today who wouldn’t namecheck him as a seminal influence on their own work, and he has rightfully taken his place amongst the elite of A-list international talent that continues to dominate & guide global dance culture & taste.

“My biggest inspiration comes from being immersed in music in the DJ booth and being able to express myself by sharing that feeling with fans on the dance floor. That is the ultimate high.”

SEQUENTIAL DECISIONS TWO by cevinfisher