'We are the World' track to get new life come next year

 

Almost 20 years later, the hit benefit single to bring awareness of the AIDs academic situation in Africa - 'We are the World' will breathe new life when the song undergoes a remake of sorts courtesy of modern beat producer Timbaland. The hip-hop and R&B king of the beat is going to be helming the tune much in the vein of the USA for Africa original hit 'We Are the World'.

Timbaland is calling his project and song 'The World Is Ours' and in conjunction with the YouthAIDS organization, he hopes it will become a new global anthem for AIDS awareness. Timbaland has already recruited pop singer Justin Timberlake to come on board and has Missy Elliott co-writing the song, as well as other artists, including Kiley Dean and Bubba Sparxxx, from the rapper/producers own label Beat Club Records. The single is to be recorded in early 2004 and subsequently released through Beat Club and Interscope in the spring.

"I will use the legendary model of 'We Are the World' but update it in a way that works for the trends of the music industry today," Timbaland said in a statement. "We will create an anthem with today's most talented artists to produce a song that will bring the world's attention to the AIDS pandemic."

Originally written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones, 'We are the World' was released in 1985 to raise funds to fight famine in Africa. The world's top musicians at the tim including Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Al Jarreau and others — gathered to record the song and an accompanying album that raised over $90 million for famine relief.

"The World Is Ours" will also have an accompanying DVD to be helmed by Quincy Jones' son QDIII.

- Source: soulnotes.cc

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Rapper Nelly and singer Michelle Branch robbed of $1 million in jewelry

The high profiling rapper Nelly and singer Michele Branch was robbed of over $1 million in jewelry and computer hardware from their respective hotel rooms last week while they were performing at the Radio Music Awards in Las Vegas. NV last week.

The culprit apparentely timed his daring burglary to the tee, as it took place while Nelly was actually performing on stage 'Shake Ya Tail' Feather', his hit collaboration record with fellow rappers P. Diddy and Murphy Lee. The song incidently enough won the award for Best Driving Song.

Uncharacteristically of him, Nelly decided not to wear all of his jewelry, and had left a fair share of it in his suite and the theif made off with a cool million according to reports in a 74 Coupe DeVille. Meanwhile pop singer Michelle Branch, got off a lot lighter, she had her personal computer stolen. Rumor has is that the thief rummaged through Branch's jewelry first, but having found nothing of significant value settled for her computer instead.

- Source: Soulnotes.cc

 

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Former Commodores frontman Richie splits with wife

 

When he wrote 'Endless Love' he didn't have himself in mind. Former Commoders frontman Lionel Richie and his wife of 7 years Diane are calling it splits.

In separation papers filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court, Richie and Diane Alexander, a former dancer and fashion designer cited the usual 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for their often troubled marriage's demise. The couple, who have a nine-year-old son and five-year-old daughter together got married in 1996 but initiated their affair much earlier, when Richie was still married to his first wife, Brenda Richie.

The balladeer singer was caught by Brenda during a romantic encounter with Alexander at a Beverly Hills apartment. She went ballistic and was arrested for investigation of spousal abuse, trespassing and vandalism--but the charges were later dropped. After sticking it out for another three years, she and Lionel were divorced in 1991. A publicist for the 54-year-old singer/songwriter could not be reached for comment.

Source: eonline.com

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Rhian Benson takes us all to the 'Gold Coast' on debut

 

In today's soul arena, there's not a lot to be said about singers who's beautiful, who's got the right body but can't sing a lick let alone write, produce or perform their own instruments but in the case of Rhian (pronounced Ree Ann) Benson, not only is she strikenly beautiful with the body to boot but she wrote, produce and played several instruments on her debut set 'Gold Coast' as well.

The Ghana, West African beauty grew up both in England and India as a youngster and studied at the London School of Economics and Harvard University. She was surrounded by music her whole life as her grandfather is trumpeter, her father is a guitarist and her mother is a singer. She took up the piano as a child and has been writing songs and poetry ever since.

The album itself is a beautifully well constructed piece of modern soul music from top to bottom. Reminiscence of a young Sade, Rhian is delightfully smooth in her delivery and comes up trumps on all facets of the set - very evident in the lead off single Say how I feel. The album is in stores now so do look it up and take a listen (you won't be disappointed)