Prince returns with 'Musicology' for the soul
Prince Nelson Reilly, the Purple One, his Royal Badness, the Symbol, TAFKAP (The Artist Formally Known As Prince), although there has been many aliases, the one constant that remained the same is the music and that is the driving force behind this genius of a man and musician.
Take into account that he's fought for his musical freedom with the majors and won, that he's distributed his music through his own label (NRG Records), on his terms is a testament to his beliefs that it can be done and even though he's adamant about being on a major label and constantly shows his dislikes about them, they would kill to have him on their rouster.
His brand new CD Musicology is now available for purchase and is more likely not to get much airplay on mainstream radio but you know, it will still get love from the buying public as he is 'Adored'. As per the norm with Prince, you are treated to some excellently produced tracks. Right off the off, the title track suggest some serious funk playing going on with Prince playing the guitar strings as only he can, 'Illusion, Coma, Pimp & Circumstance' follows suit in the same manner. 'A Million Ways' slows down a bit in tempo but still finds it way to notching up a smooth groove throughout for you to move to.With 12 tracks on offer, other notables include the soothing ballad 'On the Couch', 'Reflection' and my pick of the lot 'What do U want me 2 Do'. There's been talk that this is hailed as a comeback album for the maestro but don't tell him that as he recently stated in an interview with the Associated Press "I would ask people who want to call this a comeback, where they think I'm coming back from?."They (as in the critics) want to see me as having failed." Not failing is the new partnership with Sony with whom he's signed a distribution deal to release 'Musicology'.
- - Source: AP.org
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'American African Idol' to premiere in the fall
It's apparent that Americans can't get enough of the reality TV craze as a rival show to the popular 'American Idol' show makes it way to TV land in the fall.
The new show called 'America’s African Idol', (obviously gears for the African American audience) is being created for a fall debut as a spin off as such due to the allegations of racism directed at Fox’s hit show. 'Moose' Lewis, managing member of America's African Idol, LLC, recently announced the launch of the reality television show, which he said is a response to the claims of fans and even celebrities like singer Elton John.
Last month John stated, “They have great voices. The fact that they are constantly in the bottom three, and don't want to set myself up here, I find it incredibly racist." Lewis told BET.com in a statement "After reviewing reality shows being broadcast on television, I saw African-American talent not only being neglected but also somewhat mistreated, I am looking forward to seeing the multitude of talent being showcased on a fair basis."
According to Lewis, his show will also include other categories that are culturally close to the African American community. “African-American music has three separate categories Hip-Hop, Gospel, and Rhythm & Blues, I feel that not giving each of these groups their own competition put potential recording artists at an unfair advantage in seeking to further their career.” In addition to varying talent section, “America’s African Idol” will offer a youth competition for kids aged eight to 15 years old.
The prizes in the show are also culturally relevant to African Americans as well, Lewis said and includes “a cash prize of $5000.00 and a record recording contract, but also an expense paid trip for two to Africa.”
While Lewis didn’t indicate what network, he revealed that “America's African Idol" would begin airing in October 2004.
For those interested, talent auditions will begin in August 2004 in Atlanta and will continued in 31 other states across the nation. Go to AmericasAfricanIdol.com for detailed information.
- - Source: bet.com
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Freddie Jackson's interview with me - read it here
It's been almost 4 years since Freddie Jackson's last release 'Life After 30' dropped and and now we're well into the new millennium, just what has Freddie been up to the last 5 years?
Well he has a new album called 'It's your Move' that was released late last year, a new label Martland Entertainment Group, (he's no longer signed to a major) and a lead off single that's gaining steady airplay.
I recently got the opportunity to interview Freddie via phone and asked him just what he's been doing with his time the last few years, how did he handle the stardom aspect seeing that he experienced it so quickly, his favourite song he's recorded, favourite artists and what motivates him to do what he does. You can read the entire interview in the 'Interview Room' - check out what he had to say, makes for very interesting reading.
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- Source:SpotlightonR&B.com
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K. Kelly to release new album July 13th
R&B crooner R. Kelly was set to release his new album his forthcoming album, Happy People but then decided to put push it back. According to MTV.com, the singer will now release a double album, called Happy People/U Saved Me, which is scheduled for release July 13th.
In what's been a trend for the R&B singer with the double disc, it will be split into two sections, the Happy People disc will include love songs and dance music while U Saved Me will contain
inspirational songs. The first single from the set is the title track, 'Happy People', which is currently Number 13 on the national Urban AC radio chart.
In related news, R. Kelly is still facing 14 counts of child pornography in Chicago, Illinois, for allegedly videotaping a sexual encounter with an underage girl. The singer is due back in court on May 28th.