Legendary rapper Slick Rick is finally set free
It's been some 17 months in waiting but rapper Slick Rick is finally able to go anywhere he pleases as he has been set free from prison.
The legendary hip-hop icon was released last Friday afternoon (November 7) from The Bradenton INS Detention Center in Florida to his lawyer, Alex Solomiany. His immediate plans were to drive to Ft. Lauderdale and fly immediately back home to the New York area to be with his wife, Mandy.
"Feels good. I look at it as a new beginning," Slick Rick said just minutes after being released from the detention center. "I had a lot of love [on the inside]. Everybody's going through their own drama, everybody's stressed out with their own cases. We all kind of bonded together to some degree."
On Halloween, a federal judge reversed a ruling that said Rick should be deported back to England, where the Bronx-raised rapper was born. Rick had been languishing in INS custody with no idea of when he might be deported or released. Even after the judge's ruling, administration errors and the possibility that the INS might appeal prevented his immediate release.
- Source: vh1.com
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Sean Paul's 'Still in love with you'
Dancehall toaster Sean Paul is climbing the charts once again with his latest effort 'Still in love with you'. The single taken from his latest 'Dutty Rock' disc features newcomer Sasha on the singing chores and finds Mr. Paul in a menacing mood.
The song originally penned and sung by Lovers Rock legendary singer Marcia Aitken will be another huge hit for the Jamaican native who's enjoying the spotlight as Jamaica's No. 1 artist in recent years surpassing the likes of Beenie Man and Shaggy. The single's available now at a record store near you - check it out
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Vital voice - Newcomer Amy Winehouse
You've probably not heard of this talented singer/songwriter to enter the music scene but you will, trust me you will. Her name is Amy Winehouse, a native of my hometown of London, England and the latest of the female 'phenomenon' to crack the UK soul scene.
Born and raised in North London (CamdemTown to be precise) she spent her teenage years locked in her bedroom, studying and perfecting what she knew from an early age would be her craft. Amy got her first guitar at 13. Her mum listened to folk music and wanted her daughter to study the natural strumming an acoustic guitar but her father became her savior as his taste was jazz oriented and the likes of Sarah Vaughn and Dinah Washington became the music of choice for her to listen to.When it came to her writing her music she won't be about the issues the others are writing about, she's down to earth.
"I wasn't there, so I can't write that," she says. "I'm young, man, and I'm a city girl. I can only write about what I've gone through. I couldn't write something that I haven't been through, because its not fair and just the experience of having gone through it, that's the whole song. To me there's no point in doing a song unless it's a challenge in every area. I don't tend to do anything unless it's a challenge. That's why I started writing songs, really - to challenge myself."Her latest single 'Stronger than Me' is torching the club scene in the UK and her remake of the James Moody classic 'Moody's Mood for Love' is truly superb. Be on the lookout for Amy, she's going to be large.
Source: mobo.com
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Toni Braxton to be replaced by DC's Michelle Williams in play
Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams will join the cast of the Broadway musical Aida, replacing singer Toni Braxton starting November 18. Braxton will give her final performance in the Disney musical at the Palace Theatre on November 16, after a four-month run.
The 23-year-old Williams, who joined Destiny's Child in 2000, said in a statement, "I think it's every performer's dream to one day be on a Broadway stage. To play Aida is a dream come true. I'm very excited for this opportunity."
Aida features a Tony Award-winning score by Elton John and Tim Rice. The musical is the story of a love triangle between Aida, a Nubian princess stolen from her country, Amneris, an Egyptian princess, and Radames, the soldier they both love. Williams noted, "Aida is a woman with such strength, and there are so many things about her that I relate to. I love this character and can't wait to truly find her within myself." Williams released her gospel-flavored solo debut album Heart to Yours last year. Her next solo effort, Do You Know? is due in January.
Source: SpotlightonR&B.com