Beyonce Covers Ebony

Beyonce covers April's issue of Ebony Magazine. In this issue, she shares who the real Beyonce is, her relationship with Jay-Z, who she is as a wife, what she does to get on Jay-Z's nerves, and about her future.  Read more about it here.

Lady Gaga's 'LoveGame' Video + 'Haus of Gaga Ecoutrement' Giveaway!

What has rhinestones, a subway car, a disco stick, a police officer, and exclusive footage of Lady Gaga wearing pants? The new "LoveGame" music video, of course! If you haven't seen it yet, check it out!

Haus of Gaga will be giving away Lady Gaga gear to ten lucky winners! Each set includes a signed copy of 'The Fame', a Lady Gaga t-shirt, lightning bolt necklace, "Poker Face" playing cards, and poster! To enter, simply sign up to the LadyGaga.com fan community at www.ladygaga.com/blog, and email a screenshot of your confirmation page or forward your confirmation email to GagaContest@gmail.com. Entries will be chosen early March, and you will be notified via email if you are a winner! 

Ron Browz talks Harlem, Big L, & more

The 'Ether Boy', Ron Browz, talks about growing up in Harlem and working with Big L

"The first beat I played [Big L] was Ebonics" - Ron Browz

Ron Browz - Homegrown (webisode)

Jumpin(Out the Window) remix ft. Forever the Sickest Kids - Ron Browz

Ron Browz is a multi-talented producer turned all-around Hip-Hop artist. Check the resume......

Jim Jones (Pop Champagne), Busta Rhymes (Arab Money), Nas (Ether), Big L (Ebonics), 50 Cent (I'll Whip Ya Head Boy), G-Unit (Straight Outta Southside), Ludacris (Blow It Out)

Ron Browz

Ether Boy - April 2009

Universal Motown

www.myspace.com/ronbrowz

Bobby Valentino - #1 Album on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Album Chart!

Bobby Valentino had a "Blu Kolla Dream" and it came true! His latest album "The Rebirth" landed at #1 this week on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Album Charts.

"Bobby made the right move in ditching the DTP crew, because this album firmly establishes him as an R&B artist, not a hip-hop one." - Mark Edwards Nero (About.com - R&B)

BEEP featuring Yung Joc (VIDEO):

Bobby Valentino - Beep (featuring Yung Joc)

J. Holiday - Video Interview + Performance

Watch this exclusive video with J. Holiday where he talks about his new album Round 2 and performs soulful renditions of "It's Yours" and "Bed".

Fresh off the heels of his Grammy nomination, J. Holiday will release his sophomore album Round 2 on March 10. You can hear the album exclusively on MySpace Music the weekend before the official release.

Michael Jackson - 2009 O2 Tour News!

This is official, and we hope that plans won't be once again canceled, since we know that all of you Michael Jackson fans out there can't wait to see him live again!

Michael Jackson is currently in serious talks with organisers to plan his comeback with up to 30 dates at the O2 arena in London.

The pop star will receive £1.5million per night to perform at the 20,000 capacity venue in Greenwich. An official announcement from AEG Live, should be made within weeks. The first performance should take place in July.

Rumors of Michael Jackson being unfit to perform have been dismissed, thus MJ should be ready to comeback on stage! Organizers in the U.S. were trying to secure a venue for MJ's comeback there, however it is said that his biggest fan base seems to lie in Europe at the moment.

Jennifer Hudson and Robin Thicke Tour!

Jennifer Hudson and Robin Thicke are going on tour together! The dates have been announced dates and begin on March 31st in Albany, New York, and will last for six weeks!

March 31 - Albany, NY @ Palace Theatre

April 2 - Newark, NJ @ New Jersey Performing Arts Center

April 3 - Philadelphia, PA @ Tower Theater

April 4 - Baltimore, MD @ Lyric Theatre

April 5 - Washington, D.C. @ DAR Constitution Hall

April 9 - Mashantucket, CT @ MGM Grand at Foxwoods

April 10 - New York, NY @ WAMU Theater at Madison Square Garden

April 12 - Norfolk, VA @ Chrysler Hall

April 15 - Atlanta, GA @ Fox Theatre

April 17 - Charlotte, NC @ Ovens Auditorium

April 18 - Greensboro, NC @ Special Events Center

April 19 - Richmond, VA @ Landmark Theater

April 23 - St Louis, MO @ Fox Theatre

April 24 - Detroit, MI @ Opera House

April 25 - Chicago, IL @ Arie Crown Theater

May 2 - Los Angeles, CA @ Nokia Theatre L.A. Live

May 3 - Oakland, CA @ Paramount Theatre

May 7 - Dallas, TX @ Nokia Theatre

May 8 - Houston, TX @ Verizon Wireless Theater

India.Arie - Good Morning America Performance

India.Arie is back with her new album "Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics", and performed "Therapy" on Good Morning America this week. Watch below the inspiration for her new album along with her live performance of "Therapy".

Kanye West VH1 Storytellers

Kanye West treated his fans to an intimate performance last week Friday, Feb. 13th, while taping an upcoming episode of VH1 Storytellers at the Sony Stages in Los Angeles. The exclusive performance “VH1 Storytellers: Kanye West” will premiere Saturday, February 28th at 9:00 PM on VH1, and will air for an hour. 

The show will include Kanye's new songs from his critically acclaimed album "808’s & Heartbreak" in addition to past hits. Kanye will give the audience a break down of his inspiration and stories behind each song he has created. Don't miss out on "Storytellers" Feb. 28th at 9p.m EST.

Prince's Oscar Party - Available on Lotusflow3r.com!

The amazing music legend, Prince is finally going to launch his new site Lotusflow3r, at least that's the rumors we are getting from contactmusic.com. Prince's Oscar party is set to be televised, he's planning on providing a film crew access to his home for his second annual post-Academy Awards bars, where he'll host and perform. 

This is very exciting news for all Prince fans out there, who can't wait to see the launch of Lotusfow3r.com!

The Academy Awards, will take place this Sunday in L.A. 

New Estelle Song - "Star"

Estelle has mentioned that she was trying different sounds her new upcoming album, and "Star" definitely shows that. This young talented UK singer has truly won the hearts of Americans and will surely continue to shine!

Listen to "Star"

What do you think of "Star"?

New J. Holiday Album "Round 2" - March 10th!

J. Holiday returns with his sophomore album "Round 2" on March 10. Check out the album cover!

Featuring production by StreetLove production/writing team members Big Reese (Mario, T.I., Andre 3000, Pink) and Jasper Cameron (Ciara, Tiffany Evans, Christina Aguilera) and collaborations with the likes of Cee-Lo and Rick Ross, Round 2 is poised to solidify Mr. Holiday's status as the commander of seductive street soul.

Round 2 is dense, deliberate, and destined for the rarified air gulped in by Back of My ‘Lac. But again, critical and commercial triumph isn’t enough for J. Holiday. He’s tackling weighty issues, another anomaly given today’s artists’ reluctance to stick their necks out. The song “Homeless,” featuring Cee-Lo, is probing social commentary. It’s also the precursor to a larger endeavor: “I’m working on a homeless awareness campaign,” he shares. 

“I’m actually in the process of starting a foundation. I’m just trying to do my part; it’s an issue I feel people don’t pay enough attention to. It’s always been in the back of my mind, and now I’m in a position to better address it. This isn’t to get any personal recognition, it’s just to show how many people this still affects. I’m coming at this not looking at myself first at all.” J. plans to appear in a TV commercial, dressed in rags and posing as an indigent on New York City’s unforgiving streets, as passersby step over him. Another admirable feather in J. Holiday’s familiar fedora, although this writer’s half-serious suggestion that the campaign’s motto be “I’m a give you a bed, bed, bed,” was laughingly dismissed.

J. Holiday has made a home in fans’ hearts and ears. In turn, his epic one-year odyssey has opened his own eyes: “Being inside the game has given me a whole different perspective. I would like to think that I’m very good at what I do, and I believe in my craft, but I still feel blessed. I have done a lot more than some very talented people who were in my position at one point in time, in the timeframe that I’ve done it. I’m still new to all this. But I can’t worry myself about what other people are doing. I know just by staying me, my music is going to stand on its own.” So too will the world stand, and applaud. 

Bobby Valentino New Album - "The Rebirth"

Bobby Valentino wants you to witness his growth and maturity as an artist and businessman with his third album, The Rebirth. In stores and online today!

"I have been blessed to be in the music industry for over 10 years, and my past endeavors have been great learning experiences. Now I have the opportunity to step out on faith and use the knowledge and experience that I have gained to take my career to the next level..." - Bobby Valentino

Buy the album on iTunes | Buy the album on Amazon.com

Tracklisting:

1. The Rebirth featuring Dottie Peoples

2. Make You The Only One

3. Hands on Me

4. My Girl

5. Butterfly Tattoo

6. Just Me & You featuring Raphael Saadiq

7. Beep featuring Yung Joc

8. 3 is the New 2

9. Make You Say

10. Be My Love

11. Dance The Night Away Interlude

12. On The Edge

13. You’re Not Alone

14. Stay With Me

15. Another Life

16. Give Me Your Heart

Bobby Valentino

The Rebirth I In Stores & Online NOW

Blu Kolla Dreams/EMI

MySpace

Ryan Leslie Self-Titled Debut Out Now!

Ryan Leslie's debut album hits the shelves!!

"What took Universal Motown so long to release this attractive body of work? That's the question R&B aficionados may find themselves asking after one listen to Leslie's much-delayed self-titled debut. With its smooth melodies ("Just Right"), fresh beats ("Diamond Girl") and effortlessly suave lyrics ("Quicksand"), the album satisfies from beginning to end." - Billboard

Purchase the album from your local music retailer or online at iTunes or AmazonMP3.

Album Tracklisting

1) Diamond Girl

2) Addiction feat Cassie & Fabolous

3) You're Fly

4) Quicksand

5) Valentine

6) Just Right

7) How It Was Supposed To Be

8) I-R-I-N-A

9) Out Of The Blue

10) Shouldn't Have To Wait

11) Wanna Be Good

12) Gibberish

*All Tracks Written & Produced By Ryan Leslie

Ryan Leslie

Self Titled Debut Album In Stores Today!

Universal Motown / NextSelection

Ryan Leslie Official site

MySpace Ryan Leslie

Motown's Greatest Hits for Free + More!

This year, Walmart is celebrating Black History Month with style! Throughout the whole month of February, Walmart.com Music is hosting a Motown 50 Catalog Sale of bestselling selling albums from legendary artists for low prices! Plus, every week a different featured track will be available as a free download. Visit Walmart.com Music to stock up on Motown's finest!

New Robin Thicke Video - "Dreamworld"

Step into the Dreamworld of Robin Thicke in the new official video!

Robin Thicke debuts a new music video to promote his latest single from Something Else entitled "Dreamworld".

"Dreamworld" is a ballad song where Robin expresses one's hope and love, singing, "I would be you/You would be me/We would be one/We would be just fine."

Elliott Yamin Debuts "Fight For Love" On AOL Music

Elliott Yamin has debuted his New Single "Fight For Love" on AOL Music.

"Fight For Love," the first single from Elliott Yamin's upcoming album of the same name, has been revealed and is streaming exclusively today on AOL Music. The forthcoming album features co-writing from the former American Idol contestant (3rd place, season 5) and heavy-hitting producers Jermaine Dupri, Stargate and more.

"Fight For Love" on AOL Music and AOL's PopEater.

 

Yamin's self-titled debut album was released in 2007 on Hickory Records and is the highest independent debut by a new artist in the history of the Billboard charts - reaching #1 on the Independent Album chart, #2 on the R&B chart and #3 on the Top 200 chart, in addition to going gold in the US and Japan.

AUDIO: Lil Wayne, Jim Jones, Maino & Jadakiss Turn Their Swag On With Soulja Boy!

What's a "Swag" record without Lil Wayne, Jim Jones, Maino, and Jadakiss?

Plus a new verse from Soulja Boy!

Turn My Swag On (Street Remix) - Soulja Boy ft. Lil Wayne, Jim Jones, Maino & Jadakiss

"Turn My Swag On" has also spawned remixes from Fabolous and Young Jeezy!

Link:
http://www.divshare.com/download/6547597-2ac

EpicTilt and Interscope have teamed up again to release an app that actually lets you kiss someone through your iPhone!

Send Your Love a Valentine from Keyshia Cole and Robin Thicke!

Send a Keyshia Cole or Robin Thicke eCard to your loved one this Valentines Day!

Let that special someone know how much they mean to you by sending them an eCard with Keyshia Cole’s “You Complete Me” playing or Robin Thicke's "The Sweetest Thing"

http://www.sendasongcard.com/keyshiacole/

Click HERE to add the eCard to your Facebook!

http://www.sendasongcard.com/robinthicke/

Click HERE to add the eCard to your Facebook!

U2 - New Album Promo on The Late Show!

U2 is getting ready to release their twelfth album "No Line On The Horizon" in Ireland on Feb. 27th, Europe Mar. 2nd, and U.S March 3rd. 

It will be available for purchase in five formats, including Standard jewel case with 24 page booklet, and Digipak format with 32 page color booklet and fold out poster. 

The band will promote their new album on the Late Show with David Letterman from March 2nd through March 6th.

Get a preview to U2's upcoming album "No Line On The Horizon":

John Legend - Performance "Everybody Knows" on Ellen!

John Legend performed his latest song "Everybody Knows" yesterday on Ellen.

Beyonce + Jennifer Hudson - NAACP Performances

Beyonce appeared as the opening act of the 2009 NAACP Image Awards, last night. She performed "Halo", the ballad song coming off her third solo studio album "I Am...Sasha Fierce". Jennifer Hudson also performed, and sang "The Impossible Dream".

This year's 2009 NAACP Image Awards were hosted by Halle Berry and Tyler Perry.  Both Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson were awarded. Beyonce won the female artist category while Husdon picked up the new artist award. 

New Jennifer Hudson Video - "If This Isn't Love"

Jennifer Hudson is back and just on time for Valentine's Day, released here new video "If This Isn't Love". 

Lady Gaga's 'Love Game' Valentine's Day E-Card

"Let's play a love game. Do you want love or do you want fame? Are you in the game?"

This year, have a Gagalicious Valentine's Day by sending a personalized e-card featuring her sexy song "Love Game" as your mood music. Check out Lady Gaga's card at SendASongCard.com by clicking here, or as a Facebook Application by clicking here!

Great news Lady Gaga fans! The CD release date of 'The Cherrytree Sessions EP' has been moved up. The eagerly anticipated release will now be available February 24th exclusively at Borders.

Grammy Awards 2009 - Videos

Here are the performances of this year's 2009 Grammy Awards, in order of appearance: 

Jennifer Hudson "You Pulled Me Through", Estelle & Kanye West "American Boy", MIA, Kanye, T.I., Jay-Z & Lil Wayne "Swagga Like Us", T.I. & Justin Timberlake "Dead & Gone", Smokey Robinson, Ne-Yo, Jamie Foxx, Duke Fakir - Four Tops Medley, Lil' Wayne & Robin Thicke "Tie My Hands". 

Alternative Cover for Keyshia Cole's 3rd VIBE Magazine Cover

New alternative cover for VIBE's first ever Style issue, featuring Keyshia Cole with her mother, Frankie!

The March 2009 issue, will be on newsstands everywhere February 17!

Watch Keyshia Cole's newest video, "You Complete Me"

New Music: Skye Taylor "Blessed" (Audio Links)

‘Blessed is an ode to the women out there who have cheating men
that just didn’t do right…. Here’s a young woman who sings with the voice
of a hip-hoppera. Skye is the cure’ - says PopMusicClub

AUDIO LINKS: Skye Taylor “Blessed,” (Siri Music)

windows media
divshare

For More Info on Skye Taylor visit her MySpace page

Ryan Leslie's message to his fans!

Ryan Leslie's debut album hits the shelves next Tuesday, February 10!!

Album Tracklisting:

1) Diamond Girl
2) Addiction feat Cassie & Fabolous
3) You're Fly
4) Quicksand
5) Valentine
6) Just Right
7) How It Was Supposed To Be
8) I-R-I-N-A
9) Out Of The Blue
10) Shouldn't Have To Wait
11) Wanna Be Good
12) Gibberish

*All Tracks Written & Produced By Ryan Leslie

Check out Ryan's message to his fans

Ryan Leslie's Album Drops from Ryan Leslie on Vimeo.

Elliott Yamin - New Website + New Album

Elliott Yamin (American Idol, season 5) has launched his first official website, in anticipation of the release of his sophomore album, out May 5 on Sony/ATV Publishing's Hickory Records.

The website is Elliott's first official site and the launch includes five exclusive new photos. Elliott's 2007 self-titled debut album was the highest independent debut by a new artist in the history of the Billboard chart, and went gold in the US and Japan.

Elliott has partnered with heavy-hitting producers Jermaine Dupri, Stargate and Josh Abraham for this highly anticipated follow-up.

Visit the Official Elliott Yamin website

Lady Gaga Releases 'Eh Eh' Music Video

Lady Gaga showcases her lighter side in the new music video for "Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)". Check it out now along with an exclusive Behind the Scenes B-Roll piece from the set of the video on AOL Music by clicking here.

"Eh Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)" Music Video Link

"Eh Eh" Behind the Scenes Video Link

Plus, The Cherrytree Sessions EP is out on iTunes now, and through Border's exclusively on CD starting March 3rd. This short but very sweet disc features stripped-down inpromptu performances of Lady Gaga's hit singles "Just Dance", "Poker Face", and "Eh Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)".

Jupiter Rising - New Video "Falling Away"

LA electropop duo Jupiter Rising will launch their first single, "Falling Away," from their upcoming sophomore album 'The Quiet Hype,' on February 10 via major digital music stores. The duo features Spencer Nezey, a talented beat-boxer who self-produced the new album, and Jessica Payo, a singer who has been fronting bands since she was 13. 'The Quiet Hype' will be out March 17 via Chime Entertainment.

The genre-defying electropop of "Falling Away" flaunts Spencer's production talents: dense layers of spacey synths, vintage keyboards and smart rhythms (in other words, headphone fodder). Together, Spencer and Jessie have a playful dynamic with their call-and-response vocals and indelible, harmonized hooks. "Falling Away" functions as a representation of Jupiter Rising as a whole: smart, insanely catchy and undeniably danceable.

The video for the song, directed by Andrew Gura (Snoop Dogg, Wyclef, Kelly Rowland) recently debuted:

Preview "Falling Away" and other songs from the new record here!

The Motown Sound: A Look Back at 50 Years of Musical Magic!

In honor of Motown's 50th Anniversary, Mark Anthony Neal, Duke University professor of African-American studies and R&B music maven, examines through this enlightening editorial why a half century later, the Motown sound is still the soundtrack of American life. Click on the link below or scroll down to read the full feature!

'Happy Birthday! Motown Turns 50', check it out here!

**Did you know? Neal’s previous essay “The Otherside” is featured in the Motown Box Set, The Complete Motown Singles, Vol. 10: 1970!

New GLC and Kanye West Song - The Big Screen

Kanye West raps along side his new artist GLC on "The Big Screen", the new single off of the True To The Game compilation in stores March '09.

TRUE TO THE GAME will also feature new tracks combining the talents of successful and prominent recording artists with new talent such as Yung Joc, Sam Chris and Big Boi, T-Pain and Tay Dizm and many more.

Participating artists for TRUE TO THE GAME want to recognize, thank and give back to their brothers and sisters who played in the Negro Baseball Leagues. These artists are literally putting their money where their mouth is and donating a heavy part of their proceeds from the album sales to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, MO. The museum proudly keeps this amazing era in sports alive and works to better the communities and the country through education, outreach, scholarships and more.

AUDIO: The Big Screen - GLC and Kanye West


Various Artists
TRUE TO THE GAME - March '09
Stadium Entertainment
http://www.truetothegamemusic.com/ www.myspace.com/truetothegamemusic

Ashford & Simpson Pen a Song for Amy Winehouse

Did you know? The heavy-weight songwriting team, Ashford & Simpson, penned Amy Winehouse's song "Tears Dry On Their Own". The single is Winehouse's second highest-charting single behind "Rehab" and the fourth consecutive top thirty hit off her 2007 smash album, 'Back to Black'.

Check out this exclusive clip from Ashford & Simpson's new DVD release, The Real Thing, explaining how they got their start in the music industry at the legendary Motown Records.

Check out the Ashford & Simpson's new embeddable widget, featuring music and exclusive videos for their latest release, The Real Thing, click here!

Stevie Wonder on Ellen Today!

Motown icon and multiple Grammy winner Stevie Wonder will be making a very special appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show tomorrow! In addition to an interview, Stevie will be performing two of his greatest hits... live! Set your alarms or program your TiVos right now because this is an event that can not be missed!!! Check your local television listings for times and channels.

Watch a preview of the show here!

Prince - New Website Lotusflow3r launched?

Dr. Funkenberry announced it officially, Prince's website was to be launched tonight, more or less around 8pm (L.A. Time). The site has changed, however it looks like there's a new preview instead of the actual site. "Colonized Mind", "Disco Jellyfish", and "Another Boy" are the current three songs playing on Lotusflow3r.

According to Dr. Funkenberry, Prince will first reveal his new website to the press. Press invitees include Steve Appleford of Rolling Stone; Benjamin Trott from Six Apart; Kat Corbett from KROQ; Danny Shea and Katherine Thomson, music and entertainment editors from The Huffington Post; Emily McKay from NME and Edna Gunderson of USA Today. Three select purple ticket winners will also join the party. Read more about it here.

It's a great start to a beautiful site, who knows new developments might come in later today, in any case one thing is for sure - Prince never disappoints.

Check out Lotusflow3r.com here!