Anita Baker inks deal with legendary label
After years of not performing, writing any material or just plain singing, the lady with the sultry voice, the lady who penned the term 'songstress' Miss Anita Baker returns to the limelight once again. In recent times, there has been rumors of her return to the fray but that was just it - just rumors but as of last week she took a step forward on the comeback trail by sign with the legendary record label Blue Note.
The President/CEO of EMI Jazz & Classics, Bruce Lundvall apparently signed her after she approached him to record for the legendary label. It's been reported that at least 2 albums are expected as part of the contract. The albums will be issued on Baker's own yet-to-be-named imprint label.
it will be the first album of new material for Baker in 10 years and she is currently in the studio as we speak working on songs for the set that will contain her usual flair for R&B, jazz and gospel. The album is tensitively set for release by the end of the year.
- - Source: billboard.com
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'American Idol' wanna-be gets a recording deal
You knew it was only a matter of time before it would happen. Recent reject of the show 'American Idol', singer William Hung has faired better than those still in the competitiion - he's got himself a recording contract.
According to the Associated Press, the young 21 year old has signed with Koch Records the very same label that's home to Chico Debarge. The singer who shining bright in his 15 minutes of fame has become a fan favourite since all caught his shall we say 'moving' version of the Ricky Martin hit 'She Bangs'.
Said President of Fuse Marc Juris - 'He may not be the next American Idol; but he's definitely a star and an inspiration for everyone who sings in the shower'. The album will have several covers including two from Ricky Martin (She bangs and Shake your Bon Bon) and Sir Elton John's Rocket Man. It is tensitively for an April 6th release.
- - Source: superherohype.com
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Usher and TLC's Chili goes their seperate ways
It seems that they were made for each other but that's not the case anymore. R&B's star cute couple Usher Raymond and Rozanda 'Chili' Thomas have gone their seperate ways.
Usher recently said that his relationship with Chilli ended because he and the TLC star had different goals and directions in life.
"She really applied a lot of pressure in the area of marriage," he revealed, adding that she said she also wanted to have kids. "But I was [saying], 'I'm getting ready to go on tour. I'm not thinking about this.' I was like, '[I'm being] forced to make a decision right now'. Usher's new CD 'Confessions' will be in stores come March 23rd with his tour to follow
- Source: reactmag.com
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Luther Vandross adds more hardware to the mantle
Neo-Soulstress Erykah Badu has a bun in the oven again but the father isn't who you'd expect it to be. According to reports, the proud pop is none other than rapper The D.O.C (who knew?). Representatives for Universal/Motown confirmed her pregnancy, but wouldn’t reveal if the legendary lyricist fathered the baby or if he maintains a long-term relationship with Badu.
As you may already know, Badu already has a 6-year-old child, her name is Seven, with Andre 3000 of OutKast. Apparently her lengthy relationship with rapper Common ended for reasons unknown. She's currently on tour with British duo Floetry.
The D.O.C. helped establish two of hip-hop’s great rap labels, Eazy E’s Ruthless Records and Dr. Dre and Suge Knight’s Death Row.
“I've written a little bit for everybody, all of the players on all of my teams. Except for Cube, I never wrote for Cube. But all the players on my team, from '87 til today, I've written for,” D.O.C. told AllHipHop.com in a previous interview.
But before ghostwriting, he was a lyricist whose talents fully manifested themselves on 1989’s No One Can Do It Better. The CD went on to exceed the platinum sales mark.
Shortly after his album was released, D.O.C. was in a tragic car crash that derailed his promising career. The accident, where he fell asleep at the wheel, crushed his voice-box causing his voice to permanently sound hoarse. He continued to perform skits and write for Death Row Records, providing a sound foundation for the hit making machine. He later released a second album, Helter Skelter, and in 2002, he released Deuce
- Source - billboard.com