Empire State of Mind: How Jay-Z Went from Street Corner to Corner Office
Empire State of Mind tells the story behind Jay-Z’s rise to the top as told by the people who lived it with him–from classmates at Brooklyn’s George Westinghouse High School; to the childhood friend who got him into the drug trade; to the DJ who convinced him to stop dealing and focus on music. This book explains just how Jay-Z propelled himself from the bleak streets of Brooklyn to the heights of the business world.
Zack O’Malley Greenburg draws on his one-on-one interviews with hip-hop luminaries such as DJ Clark Kent, Questlove of The Roots, Damon Dash, Fred “Fab 5 Freddy” Brathwaite, MC Serch; NBA stars Jamal Crawford and Sebastian Telfair; and recording industry executives including Craig Kallman, CEO of Atlantic Records, to paint a tantalizing portrait of a very private mogul.
Empire State of Mind: How Jay-Z Went from Street Corner to Corner Office
Tina Fey ‘Bossypants’ Avail April 5th
Before there was Liz Lemon, before there was “Sarah Palin,” before there was “Weekend Update”–there was a woman with a dream. A dream that one day she would write a book about how she got here. But she had to get there first. On her way to becoming an award-winning superstar, Tina Fey struggled through some questionable haircuts, some after-school jobs, the rise of nachos as a cultural phenomenon, a normal childhood, a happy marriage and joyful motherhood. Her story must be told! Fey’s pursuit of the perfect beauty routine may actually give you laugh lines, and her depiction of her whirlwind tour of duty as the Other Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live takes you behind the scenes of a comedy event that transfixed the nation.
Lies Chelsea Handler Told Me Tour 2011
Wildly successful comedian Chelsea Handler, known for shaking up the television, literary and stand up world with her outrageous brand of comedy is at it again with the announcement of her 2011 comedy tour - LIES THAT CHELSEA HANDLER TOLD ME. The all new tour comes on the heels of her sold out 2010Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang smash tour which was extended three times, drawing more than 250,000 fans in 44 markets and grossing more than $16 million. Brad Wollack, Josh Wolf and Heather McDonald, friends and regulars on her hit show Chelsea Lately, will join Handler for the 19 date stand-up tour set to kick off on May 10th in Boston. Tickets go on sale now at Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com.
New Movie: The Lincoln Lawyer
Mickey Haller (Matthew McConaughey) is a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who operates out of the back of his Lincoln Continental sedan. Haller has spent most of his career defending garden-variety criminals, until he lands the case of a lifetime: defending a Beverly Hills playboy accused of murder. But the seemingly straightforward case suddenly develops into a deadly game of survival for Haller.
View The Lincoln Lawyer movie trailer below. In theaters March 18th.
Janet Jackson ‘True You’ in Stores Now
In stores now, Janet Jackson’s ‘True You’ reveals her struggles with self-esteem and how she found a balance in life.
“This book is about meeting those challenges that face all of us. With candor and courage, Janet shares her painful journey to loving herself. She addresses the crazy rumors that have swirled around her for most of her life, shines an intimate light on her family, and pulls us behind the velvet rope into her unforgettable career. She also shares lessons she has learned through contact with friends and fans and reveals the fitness secrets she has learned from her trainer.
Finally, her nutritionist, David Allen, unveils the wholesome, delicious recipes and lifestyle-changing tips that helped Janet get in shape—mind and spirit, heart and soul.
True You is a call to tune in to your own fundamental wisdom, to let go of the ugly comparisons, and to understand that who you are, the true you, is more than enough.”
Platinum Producer Debuts ‘Touch Down At the Super Bowl’
With the Super Bowl XLV right around the corner it’s only fitting for us to feature such a great mix of champion-like music brought to you by Super Producer Jai of Nextwun Entertainment.
‘Touch Down At the Super Bowl’ (click here to download) features 5 songs of pop, hip hop, dance, rock and r&b — our personal favorite is Sumar’s “Light My Fire.” Some of Jai’s credits include “Come To Me” by P.Diddy feat Nicole Scherzinger and T-Pain’s “Fly Away” among countless others.
David A. Arnold, ‘I’ve Never Heard of You Either!’
Comedian David A. Arnold’s latest DVD, ‘I’ve Never Heard of You Either!’ is a tribute to his 15 year career that has proven to be a true journey. In this 53 minute performance David shares his views on life, his kids and marriage. Sit back, enjoy and get to know the comedian who’s never heard of you either!
Artist Spotlight: KIMBRA
By Brian Bowers
“Interesting” was the first word I thought when the video of Kimbra began playing. A friend of mine posted a link online. She’s pretty smart and has a great taste in music, so I figured I’d give it a go. As the video started up, I was suddenly fascinated by what began to unfold and the interest continued to build.
There was something peculiar about her style, her performance, lyricism and even the way she moved. Her hands stretched before her and with dole-eyes slightly glazed, she worked magic as she conjured the music up from thin air. The song was ‘Good Intent’ live at Sing Song Studios. After the video ended, the only other word I could think of to describe this unique artist was “committed.”
Oftentimes, when listening to artists nowadays, you get a variety of extremes. Musicians are seemingly disconnected to the repetitious melodies of underwhelming music that they struggle to express, much less impress. Then of course, there are those who we find lost in wild histrionics that are bewildering and leave you wondering just what it all meant. There is something different about Kimbra and I believe she could very well be on the verge of something great as she emerges on the global music scene. So who is she?
Kimbra, is a Kiwi singer/songwriter from Melbourne and is only 20 years old. She lists Nina Simone as one of her inspirations, and I definitely see the rebellion and audacity in her that reminds me of Nina in a sense. Nothing is more exciting than witnessing an artist that has music and a performance that fully embraces and envelopes you. The art has a way of commanding you to pay attention at one moment and then gently requests it of you the next. These are the great ones that truly let go in a way that makes you want to let go too—even if for a little while.
Settle Down, the first single from her upcoming album Vows, has a catchy melody carried by an interesting vocal arrangement paired with deeply personal lyrics. Her live performance of the song at Sing Song Studios is almost better than the original, in my humble opinion. In her eyes you get to experience the intensity and passion brought to life with a live band of equally passionate musicians.
I wanna settle down
I wanna settle down
Baby there’s no need to run
I’ll love you well
I wanna settle down
It’s time to bring you down
On just one knee for now
Lets make our vows.
With such compelling lyrics, its clear Kimbra has the soul of a poet that makes for a provocative songwriter. In this way, she reminds me of Corinne Bailey Rae with a beautiful sensitivity delivered with an aggressive edge. Her vocal style is very deliberate, but it isn’t overwhelming, or pushed because it just flows. Her welcoming demeanor allows her to seamlessly blend soul, pop, accapella, jazz in way that is refreshing and clear. If you want to check her out, see the myspace page here and her youtube channel here—gotta love the digital age. Of course we could go on about this great artist, but she is one you definitely should check out for yourself. The album Vows is expected to be released early 2011.
The [R]evolution of Bilal: Airtight’s Revenge
By Brian Bowers
It’s been 9 years since Bilal Sayeed Oliver released his debut album 1st Born Second. The follow-up album Love for Sale, though regarded by many as some of his greatest work, was never officially released due to label issues and a ![DSC 0060web The [R]evolution of Bilal: <i> Airtights Revenge </i>](http://www.plugresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/DSC_0060web.jpg "The [R]evolution of Bilal: <i> Airtights Revenge </i>")
devastating leak online. On September 6, 2010 the singer officially released his second studio album via Plug Research, an independent label based in LA.
Titled Airtight’s Revenge, the album gives us characterstic Bilal with thoughtful lyrics painted on a musical canvas some have called “alternative soul.” Regardless of the genre or style Bilal is simply in his own lane and his music stands alone. To say he has changed would be to minimalize the evolution he has taken artistically. He has grown, matured and he has evolved.
Most of the production is credited to Bilal himself along with Steve McKie, Shafiq Husayn, Conley Whitfield and 88-Keys. The album is really a mélange of ‘retro’ sounds, styles and motifs fused together that create a soundscape that is wonderful and refreshing. On some of the tracks, the melodies draw from a free structure and give a sense of wandering and winding—that is meant in a good way.
A skillful songwriter and master of expression, there is a flow and vibe that makes it all cohesive both in terms of content and style. As the age old adage says, “not all who wander are lost,” and with his latest release he seems to know exactly where he wants to go artistically.
Track listing and Cover for Airtight’s Revenge
![bilal airtights revenge cov thumb 473xauto 6794 The [R]evolution of Bilal: <i> Airtights Revenge </i>](http://soulbounce.com/soul/assets_c/2010/07/bilal-airtights-revenge-cov-thumb-473xauto-6794.jpg "The [R]evolution of Bilal: <i> Airtights Revenge </i>")
1. Cake & Eat It Too 2. Restart 3. All Matter 4. Flying 5. Levels 6. Little One 7. Move On 8. Robots 9. The Dollar 10. Who Are You 11. Think It Over
Standout tracks on the album include Think It Over, Cake & Eat it Too, Little One and definitely Who Are You. On Who You Are Bilal contemplates identity, human behavior and blatantly asks the question throughout the song in a way that lingers with the listener. The artist opens the song by gently conversing with the listener:
Ever told you about the boy, who said he was a Virgo, he walked around doing every little thing he thought a Virgo does. Until he read in the paper, that he might be a Leo, so he started acting out on every little thing he thought a Leo should.
Ever the storyteller, the album certainl Dark and deeply personal, Airtight’s Revenge shows Bilal at his best. All of his work shows a vulnerability and openness that you don’t find too often in today’s complex music industry. He is Bilal, and he is Bilal unabshedly. He bares his soul shamlessly with an effortless lyricism and the conviction that strikes to the core with precision. On the whole, the album is pretty solid and is definitely a good listen for those who enjoy him as an artist and progressive music. In Airtight’s Revenge, we gain insight in to the complex but purposeful evolution of man who is a brilliant artist, but very much human in every sense of the word.
Prince Announces “Welcome 2 America” Tour
By Brian Bowers
As we have mentioned before, the final quarter is always full of big news! New albums, festivals, award show announcements and the list goes on and on.
In any case, Prince recently appeared at the Apollo Theater to announce his Welcome 2 America tour that will start this winter. Artists joining him include Janelle Monae (referred to as his favorite new artist), Maceo Parker, Mint Condition, Esperanza Spalding and Graham Central Station. Though no ‘official’ kickoff date was released, Prince did explicitly mention the tour will start on a “purple day in December.” Mysterious, yet promising!
20Ten is the last studio effort by Prince and was released this past summer in July. Refusing to release the album digitally, the famed musician opted to release it as a free covermount with magazines and newspapers across Europe. The upcoming concert series should definitely be action packed and spectacular. A musical legend joining forces with other legends and up-and-coming superstars in their own right will be nothing less than amazing.
Although the artist does not have an ‘official website’ there are a number of places you can stay update on his latest happenings. Prince.org is one place that keeps updated information. If you are hoping to catch this concert, you better be on the lookout!
