Snoop Dogg will
play at the Meteor Ireland Music Awards, slated to take place February 24 in
Dublin, Ireland. Snoop will be joined by Irish bands Bell X1 and The Thrills
at the Point Theatre. Tickets for the event are on sale now. In related news,
published reports said Snoop was warned not to use profanity at the upcoming
Brit Awards in London, where he will perform. Organizers are worried that obscenities
during his performance may offend viewers.
The nominations
for the 25th Annual Brit Awards were announced last week. The ceremony takes
place on Wednesday 9th February at Earls Court, London. The event, sponsored
by Mastercard, aims to honor the best in British and International artists.
UK rapper Dizzee Rascal was nominated for the Best British Urban Act for his
album Show Time, which was released in 2004.. Surprisingly, one of
UK’s leading female rapper Estelle wasn’t nominated for any awards, despite
enjoying commercial success with the single “1980.” Following the
footsteps of the MOBO awards last year, most hip-hop acts that have been nominated
are American artists. These include Kayne West (Best International Male and
Best International Breakthrough), Outkast (Best International Album and Best
International Group) and Eminem (Best International Male artist). Alicia Keys
and Kelis have both been voted for Best International Female. Jay-Z, Mos Def
and Nelly were all in the running for Best International Act, but failed to
get any Brit nominations. The event will be aired on Thursday 10th February,
on ITV.
North London star,
Ms Dynamite has returned on the scene with a new single titled "Judgement
Day". The singer/rapper was absent from the industry after having a son
last year. “Since everyone last saw me, I’ve been being a mum, which I’ve
really, really enjoyed,” she told the British press. “I’m really
glad that I’ve taken time out with my son. But, I’m at a stage now where’s he’s
becoming more independent, and going to nursery now. I feel totally comfortable
with coming back to work – I’m dying to get back on the stage to sing, perform
and get back out there.”
Zambian rapper
Chisenga Katongo aka C.R.I.S.I.S is preparing to make his hip-hop debut with
the release of his 20-track album Officer in Charge. The album would
make Katongo the first Zambian rapper to release a hip-hop album. Officer
in Charge includes socially conscious songs and features new artists Jon
Woo, Levins, K-Monze and Ray Grams. The 25-year-old baritone who only raps in
English, dedicated the party song "Good Foot" off the new album to
disabled people. "This to me is the most original song on my album and
very personal," Katongo said. "It is meant to send out a message of
hope, love and encouragement that those with disabilities are just like any
other person and can have fun too and the right to hope for anything."
The rapper upholds his album as a stepping stone for not only his career but
other artists in his country. "We have very good rappers in Zambia but
they are not recognized," Katongo said."I am hoping this album will
be an avenue for other rap artistes to begin realizing their dreams." Katongo
currently has a publishing deal with South Africa’s Sony Music label.