Jay-Z, Cardi B, J. Cole & More Nominated For 2022 Grammy Awards
Jay-Z, Cardi B, J. Cole, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion and more Hip Hop artists were nominated for the 2022 Grammys Awards.
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Beyonce’ Sprinkles Pixie Dust and Now Megan Thee Stallion Has Three Grammys
Watch Megan thee Stallion lose her mind after winning her first GRAMMY award.
#AHHPowerfulWomen: ASCAP Senior Vice President, Nicole George-Middleton is Truly the Woman Behind the Music
(AllHipHop Features) Since joining ASCAP in 2008, Nicole George-Middleton and her team have nurtured and signed some of the music industry’s top talent to ASCAP, including Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Mike WiLL Made-It and Fetty Wap, while increasing the organization’s Rhythm & Soul market share. She has recently been part of a senior initiative exploring ways that ASCAP Membership can best serve its members. George-Middleton created ASCAP’s Women Behind the Music series, Grammy nominees event, was honored by Billboard as a top Woman in Music in 2011 and was named one of The Network Journal’s 40 under 40 in 2013. She previously held positions at Jive Records and the Middleton Law Group, and received her J.D. at Brooklyn Law School and a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania. After distinguishing herself as a tremendously talented leader and executive, George-Middleton was recently named Senior Vice President, Membership where her role was expanded to oversee the Symphonic and Concert team. AllHipHop got a few moments of Mrs. George-Middleton’s time to talk about how she cultivates the many relationships within the music industry and growing in her role with ASCAP. AllHipHop: Explain what your job entails: Nicole George-Middleton: ASCAP is a professional performance rights organization comprised of 600,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers. We make giving and obtaining permission to perform music simple for both the creators and users of music. As Senior Vice President of Membership, I have many responsibilities, but my main responsibility is to cultivate and maintain relationships with ASCAP’s members and to support them at whatever level they’re at in their songwriting careers. My team and I are also responsible for identifying and recruiting new talent to add to ASCAP’s repertory. AllHipHop: What’s the most enjoyable part of the job and your duties: Nicole George-Middleton: I have an amazing staff who is super talented and creative. I enjoy working alongside them everyday to support and advocate for our songwriters. AllHipHop: What is the hardest part: Nicole George-Middleton: The hardest part of my job is managing expectations. AllHipHop: Who inspired you to become a leader or boss? Nicole George-Middleton: There are many people in my life who inspire(d) me, however, my mom was my first example of a true leader. She balanced home and work life and made it seem so easy. Now that I’m a mom, I know first-hand how challenging it was for her, at times. She still inspires me. AllHipHop: How do you balance work and personal life? Nicole George-Middleton: In addition to being an executive, I’m also a wife and mom. All of these things require lots of attention and can be demanding, so staying organized is key. I make “to-do” lists for everything and I maintain both a work and home calendar. AllHipHop: Please provide what it means to you to be a powerful woman and a boss in the urban music and hip-hop industry. Nicole George-Middleton: It’s flattering to be referred to as a powerful woman and a boss in this industry and it’s something that I don’t take lightly. There are lots of people who have invested in me to help me get to where I am today, and as a result, I have a responsibility to do the very best job that I can. I also have a responsibility to my children to take the opportunities afforded to me and create the strongest legacy possible for them. Lastly, I believe when you’re in a position to give back and create opportunities for other people, you have to, so I make it a point to mentor or just lend an ear to young people who aspire to work in the music industry, whenever I can. I wholeheartedly believe in the saying “to whom much is given much is required”.
Watch: Kendrick Lamar’s “Controversial” and AWESOME Grammy Performance
(AllHipHop News) Kendrick Lamar offered the most compelling performance of a sensational night at The Grammys. Lady Gaga was a close second with her rousing ode to the late Davie Bowie. Kendrick performed an incredible medley of “U,” “Alright” and “Blacker The Berry” all from his album To Pimp A Butterfly. The opus won a total of 7 Grammy Awards for the evening. The album and Grammy performance were statements about the African American experience in the United States. http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#pbid=dcc84e41db014454b08662a766057e2b&ec=trOW14MDE6gCowO43SPHW0Wdr_Ehb2Xy
Wiz Khalifa Drops The Official Video For "Raw"
A FEW WEEKS BEFORE THE GRAMMY’S, WIZ DROPS A NEW VIDEO.
YG Fans Protest In Los Angeles For Not Being Nominated For A Grammy
WAS MY KRAZY LIFE THAT GOOD OF AN ALBUM TO BE NOMINATED FOR A GRAMMY? THESE PROTESTORS THINK SO
Hip-Hop Rumors: J.Cole Goes For Eminem, Iggy, Macklemore And Justin Timberlake!
TRACK LEAKED FROM J. COLE’S NEW ALBUM CALLS OUT EMINEM, IGGY AZALEA, JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE ETC.
A Grammy Conversation: The State Of R&B
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCi572WVp9o?feature=player_embedded&w=600&h=360] [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WP-_Kn8za9c?feature=player_embedded&w=600&h=360] Last month, The Recording Academy held “A Grammy Conversation” on the current state of R&B music at the West Hollywood Soho House. Quddus hosted the evening and the conversation included five panelists: Music Journalist Gail Mitchell, singer-songwriter/producer Liv Warfield, Grammy-winning producer LaShawn Daniels, eight-time Grammy nominee Ledisi and four-time Grammy nominee Tyrese Gibson. According to HitsDailyDouble they each attributed their inspiration to classic R&B and soul artists, including James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Etta James, Donny Hathaway, Tina Turner, Sam Cooke, Jodeci and Earth Wind & Fire. The discussion included topics like: Will new R&B artists be heard? Will people take a chance on them? Will urban alternative artists find a way to bridge the gap between what was and what is? Is the playing field uneven between black and white artists? Is there a place for R&B in a singles-driven music industry and a society that has been hypnotized by EDM music? In part two of the discussion LaShawn Daniels talked about the issues within certain record labels and the disconnect between the good in an artist being creative versus what’s good and convenient for marketing. As usual, John Legend’s “All of Me” was used as an example of how labels are now often chasing records instead of putting real belief behind them. Daniels also spoke about the successful planning Motown did with their big artists as well as their up and comers. He also acknowledged Jimmy Iovine (at Interscope) for being successful with this also. Daniels basically explained the song comes first. Songstress Liv Warfield shared her story as an independent artist trying to break into the industry and her experiences with flip-flopping labels. She asked the question: Why is Sirius radio breaking so much more music than terrestrial radio and continuing to play records that FM won’t even try? Ledisi and Tyrese talked about being independent artists and how artists need to stay driven at their own musical goals and not let certain aspects of the industry divert them. Tyrese also explained why he thinks the industry is too caught up with who produced a song or who is featured on a song, while Ledisi explained her desire for today’s R&B to be more balanced between the origins and today’s new styles. Check out the clip aboves!
Beyonce Set To Join LL Cool J, Jill Scott And More For 2013 Essence Festival In New Orleans
(AllHipHop News) Less than 24 hours after taking home the Grammy Award for “Best Traditional R&B Performance,” a press release has announced Beyonce as one of the headliners for the 2013 Essence Festival set to take place in early July at New Orleans’ Superdome. Beyonce joins a lineup of acclaimed entertainers that includes LL Cool J, Jill Scott, Maxwell, New Edition, Charlie Wilson, Keyshia Cole and Brandy. A number of other performers and headliners for the music festival taking place from July 4-7 will be announced soon. Beyonce, who performed at the Super Bowl half-time show last weekend and is embarking on her upcoming “Mrs. Carter Show” world tour, will be adding a special date at New Orleans’ Superdome for the 2013 Essence Festival as a headliner. [Also Read: Hip-Hop Rumors: The Name Of Beyonce’s Upcoming Tour Is The Mrs. Carter Show ] “We are incredibly excited to welcome Beyonce back to the 2013 Essence Festival line-up. She is truly the ultimate Essence woman,” said Essence Communications President, Michelle Ebanks. “If you missed her tour de force in New Orleans, please join us this Fourth of July weekend so that you can experience it live for yourself.” She continued, “The Essence Festival features the best in music, culture, arts and entertainment—all of which Beyonce captures through her extraordinary gifts.” The upcoming performance at the 2013 Essence Festival will not be Beyonce’s first appearance as she previously headlined in 2009 and performed as a member of Destiny’s Child in 2005. In addition to all of Beyonce’s recent accolades, the singer will be world premiering her self-directed feature-length documentary, Life Is But A Dream, on HBO on February 16th. For tickets and more information to the 2013 Essence Festival visit EssenceFestival.com
Jermaine Dupri Debuts Internet Sensation, R&B Crooner Brandon Hines
Someone’s got their eyes focused on the internet, having started his own social network and even discovering talented singers via YouTube (Dondria), super producer Jermaine Dupri is now bringing internet sensation Brandon Hines to the spotlight. Does he stand above the rest? You bet. Hines appeared on the scene in 2006 with his independent debut Love Music: Fallin in Fallin Out, and then continued to post webcam YouTube videos of himself doing covers. It was in 2009 when Hines posted his cover to Maxwell’s Grammy-award winning hit “Pretty Wings”, that it caught the attention of the world, earning over one million views on YouTube. In 2010, Brandon released his second mixtape In Search Of, and the project received over 500,000 downloads. He opened up for Estelle, and toured with John Legend, and now is signed to Durpi’s label, So So Def Records. His brand new single “Yes You Are” is out now, and here’s a behind the scenes look at the visual, directed by Benny Boom. For access to downloads, check out his official website. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ox_1A9Jsdhs&w=560&h=315]
The-Dream Announces Dates For “Kill the Lights” Tours; Video For “ROC” Released
(AllHipHop News) Two-time Grammy Award-winning singer The-Dream has announced dates for his upcoming 19-city trek across the U.S. as part of his “Kill the Lights” tour. The tour, which will hit major cities such as Charlotte, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, kicks off on March 7 in Greensboro, North Carolina, and wraps up a little over a month later in Tallahassee, Florida. In addition to the tour, The-Dream, also released a new music video today (February 23) for his single “ROC,” which is featured on his upcoming fourth studio album, The Love IV: Diary Of A Madman, set for release later this year. The-Dream spoke to Billboard recently about his video shoot in Miami, saying, “I just wanted to have fun and go back to those 90s videos where it’s always like you got the camera for the first time. Like, ‘Oh sh*t! Let’s just shoot this sh*t! Let’s see what happens!’ We had a house down there for one part of it, and another part, it was this theatre that has all these old games, like the ones that you would probably know from childhood. We were walking in there just to go to a movie, and I was like, ‘Hold up… oh sh*t! This is old school! This is like Six Flags!’” [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6ia6wk_iKM&w=560&h=315] The-Dream recently worked with Rihanna on her controversial “Birthday Cake” remix featuring Chris Brown, and is said to have completed over six songs for G.O.O.D. Music artist Pusha T’s debut album scheduled to drop this fall. Check out The-Dream’s tour stops below: March 7 – Greensboro, NC – Greene Street Club March 8 – Charlotte, NC – Amos Southend March 9 – Wilmington, NC – The Soapbox March 10 – New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place March 11 – New York, NY – SOB’s March 13 – Boston, MA – Wilber Theatre March 14 – Providence, RI – Lupos March 17 – Washington, DC – The Fillmore March 18 – Baltimore, MD – Soundstage March 20 – Philadelphia, PA – TLA March 21 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues March 24 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues March 28 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues April 3 – San Diego, CA – 4th and B April 4 – Los Angeles, CA – El Rey Theatre April 6 – Las Vegas, NV – TBD April 12 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Revolution April 13 – Orlando, FL – The Beacham April 14 – Tallahassee, FL – The Coliseum
Quadruple Threat Kevin McCall’s “February XIV” Video
Rapper, singer, songwriter and producer Kevin McCall has released a video for his latest song, “February XIV”. The mostly late-at-night visual takes us into the life of McCall’s during his studio sessions, as he raps and sings throughout the track. McCall asks that couples “fight for each other” and reflects on love, dreams and heartbreak. The video is directed by Los Angeles/Bay Area director, RJ Sanchez. McCall was nominated for a Grammy in 2011 for his work on Chris Brown’s huge hit single, “deuces”. Recently, McCall has co-writing credits on R&B crooner Tank’s latest single, “Next Breath“. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYVpGvyDMb8]
Eminem’s Grammy-Winning Album “Recovery” Goes 4x Platinum
EMINEM’S ALBUM GOES 4X PLATINUM…READ WHAT HE’S UP TO NOW
Album Review: T-Pain’s “rEVOLVEr”
MR. AUTO-TUNE HIMSELF IS BACK WITH A NEW ALBUM! READ UP ON T-PAIN’s “rEVOLVEr” HERE!
Hip-Hop Rumors: Dre’s “Detox” Gets a Preview! Tupac Movie News!! Nicki Minaj’s 5-Year Plan?!
Detox Gets A Preview and Dre Prioritizes Kendrick and Slim! [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPNiCeR-8aA&w=420&h=315] By the sound of it, the track could be called “Hey Young World.” The video was captured at Encore Studios in L.A. Keep holding your breath for a full album, though… Dre recently spoke to Global Grind and told them about his decision to focus on making music with/for Kendrick Lamar and Slim the Mobster for the next few years: “As soon as I get back to Los Angeles, I am back in the studio doing my thing. I have a couple of new artists that I am excited about, Kendrick Lamar and Slim The Mobster. These are the next two artists, and these are probably my final two artists that I am going to be working with at least for the next couple of years. I am going to devote all my attention to them and make sure their sh*t comes out the way it should be.” Geez, Dre. Spread the love (and great beats) around a little more! John Singleton to Direct Tupac Biopic? After being attached to N.W.A.’s Straight Outta Compton film, there has been recent talk that director Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow, Footloose) will be taking over that gig, as John Singleton has moved on to the Tupac movie. Director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) has already left the project. Singleton is no stranger to Tupac, as he directed the rapper/actor in Poetic Justice back in ’93. Should he even be worrying about bringing the lives of Hip-Hop stars to film, or more concerned with making a good movie period? (He really hasn’t since Four Brothers or Baby Boy). Nicki Minaj on Where She’ll Be in Five Years… “I’ll have hundreds of millions of dollars. I will have put out five albums and will have an Oscar and Grammys. And I will be getting married and, a couple of years after that, will have a bun in the oven.” Nothing wrong with setting goals for yourself, but an Oscar? Really, Nicki? Keep dreaming. Rumor Quickies: -Georgetown University offers a class called “Sociology of Hip-Hop: Jay-Z.” We say…teach! -Warner Bros. is in pre-production on 42, a film about the life of Jackie Robinson. -Tyler, the Creator interviewed Nas for XXL Magazine and asked him what we have all been dying to know…his favorite cheese… “Swiss. Cheddar for the most of my life. Today, it’s Swiss.” Now that we know Nas’ cheese preferences, we can all sleep at night. -Starting next week, Beats by Dre can be purchased in different colors: black, purple, silver, orange, red, and pink. -Prepare yourselves… Die Hard 5 A Good Day to Die Hard is on the way! -American Music Awards nominees for 2011 include Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, Pitbull, Chris Brown, Kelly Rowland, Beyonce, and of course…THE THRONE.
