Striking While it's Hot: Are Artists Releasing Albums Too Fast?

By J9 of J9's MusicLife

Shortly after Kanye debuted his video for "Runaway,"  I read an article that mentioned how he had returned to music after a year long hiatus after the VMA incident.  Seriously, it's only been a year, not like he was out of sight for years.  Now, a hiatus can be appropriately applied to Lauryn Hill or D'Angelo.  A year seems to be a reasonable amount of time between albums.  However, lately I've noticed many artists, especially fairly new ones, don't even give their last album time to cool down before they drop another one.

I remember there was a time when artists would leave you in anticipation (well, maybe not like a Sade 10-year anticipation) waiting for their album to drop.  Artists would release an album, space out its singles and then end it with a tour.  Instead, some artists are dropping an album and releasing several singles in a short time frame.  To me, this shortens the life span or popularity of the album because people get tired of it faster.  Then you turn around for 10 secs and they're releasing another album. 

Whatever happened to longevity?  Is that not a concern or goal of an artist anymore?  I guess they rather strike while it's hot and get all they can out of the moment when they're on top, climbing the charts and worry about how long they'll stay there later.

Even though Sade's appearances are to the extreme, she has proven longevity and despite the 10 year gap, leaves her fans wanting more.  In the April edition of Ebony Magazine, Sade states “I’ve had my ups and downs in the years between these albums.  That’s partly why I’m able to write songs that people in some way can hear. I express feelings, real feelings.”  How can one write about their life experiences and have diverse lyrical content if you're always on the road?  Wait, maybe it's because they probably don't write their own material. . . just a thought.

Here's what I mean. . .

Trey Songz

3rd album, Ready, dropped in August 2009
Singles released:
-  I Need a Girl - April 2009
-  LOL Smiley Face - August 2009
-  I Invented Sex - October 2009
-  Say Aah - January 2010
-  Neighbors Know My Name - February 2010

He also opened for Jay-Z on his "The Blueprint 3 Tour" from October - November 2009 which further promoted his album.

4th album, Passion, Pain, & Pleasure, released September 2010
Singles released:
-  Bottoms Up - July 2010
-  Can't Be Friends - September 2010

Went back on the road to promote this album through the "Passion, Pain & Pleasure Tour" over the summer starting August 2010.

Even though it has been a year between his 2 albums, it doesn't feel that long because singles from his 2009 album were still being released the following year. This results in a 6 month lap between the last single released off his 2009 album and the first single to promo his 2010 album.

To read the entire story, click here.

In NBC Interview, Bush Calls Kanye's On-Air Insult Worst Moment of Presidency

By Nate Freeman

In anticipation of the Nov. 9 release of his memoir Decision Points, George W. Bush will sit down with Matt Lauer for a prime-time news special this Monday to talk over the experiences relayed in the book. In the excerpts released yesterday in a press release, the NBC anchor grilled the ex-head of state on the memoir's key moments — namely 9/11, the Iraq War, Hurricane Katrina, etc.

But which of these events — all of them defining disasters of this millennium — does Bush consider the worst moment of his presidency? None, actually! It seems Bush is the latest victim of the cutting disses Kanye West can sneak into his nimble, dexterous flow. The offending quip, of course, was West's assertion, on an NBC Katrina telethon, that "George Bush doesn't care about black people." Bush admits that 'Ye burned him hard.

MATT LAUER:
This from the book. “Five years later I can barely write those words without feeling disgust.” You go on. “I faced a lot of criticism as President. I didn’t like hearing people claim that I lied about Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction or cut taxes to benefit the rich. But the suggestion that I was racist because of the response to Katrina represented an all time low.”

PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH:
Yeah. I still feel that way as you read those words. I felt ‘em when I heard ‘em, felt ‘em when I wrote ‘em and I felt ‘em when I’m listening to ‘em.

Kanye has dealt with the haters before — diss tracks from the Dipset crew, Barack Obama calling him a "jackass" after he interrupted Taylor Swift — but nothing compared to the president calling his insult the lowest point of an eight-year tenure in the Oval Office. What's beef, W.?

State of Emergency: Hammer vs. Jay-Z

State of Emergency: A featured post that sheds a light on offensive acts, all in the name of music.

By ChinaBabe of J9's MusicLife

Really "King" Hammer, are you really coming for HOV?

Now I know you did a double take when you read the title or you laughed (I mean a true LOL). If you are a true hip-hop lover not only did you LOL, you also SMH.

If you don't know who MC Hammer is, click here for a bit of hip-hop history.

Well, Jay-Z happened to make mention of Hammer's financial situation or lack there of, in his latest super collaboration with Kanye West on a track called So Appalled. This track is one of many to inspire the forth coming Jay-Z/Kanye album "Watch the Throne."

*** I digressed***

Hammer took the 2 lines that referenced him...I'm sorry, I should say King Hammer was so irate about the line(s) he released a song and video Better Run Run... I'll wait...

If you opted not to waste 5 minutes of your life, here's a very brief summary:

In the video, Hammer takes a slight swipe at Kanye, using the Runaway theme. However, it is quite clear that the target is Jay-Z...from the very bad look-a-like with the Yankee hat to playing up the internet rumors of Jay and his affiliations with the illuminati (another time). At some point, Hammer makes mention of Jay selling his sold to the devil...

**Looks side ways at Hammer**

To read the full article, click here.

Kanye West's "Runaway": Reaction & Review

By J9 of J9's MusicLife

Just in case you missed it, last Saturday, October 23, Kanye West premiered his highly anticipated 35 minute video, locking down three major TV stations MTV, MTV2, and BET. This video's soundtrack was tracks from his upcoming album My Dark and Twisted Fantasy due for release on Monday, November 22, 2010.

Listen to Kanye explain the symbolism in the video:

ChinaBabe's Take:  This video is mostly a beautiful piece of abstract moving art with Selita Ebanks as the center of attraction.  I understand the phoenix represents his career and the rise from the ashes.  I even understand the dinner scene, being the "last supper" symbolizing his rebirth and renewed spirits.  There are great touches of brilliance moving toward genius throughout this short film. However, I believe that the genius will be lost to most people because of the cocky arrogance that is Kanye West. In some ways, I don't think that this production was completely necessary.  There were times where I just thought this is a bit much...but in true Kanye form, he was pleased with himself.  Kanye is beyond talented but this film will just be 35 minutes of confusion to most people...

To read the entire article, visit J9's MusicLife.

'We Are The World 25 for Haiti' Vs. The 1985 Original

By Mike Ryan

Last Friday night, during the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics, a new version of 'We Are the World' was unleashed upon, well, the world, in an effort to raise money for Hatian earthquake relief. The original song, released in 1985, raised money and awareness for humanitarian aid in Africa. That original song went on to become a powerhouse of cultural significance. The new version? The cause is clearly just, but it's significance to popular culture remains to be seen. So, we decided to make a verse by verse comparison for each artist in the original version to those in the remake and see how they match up.

New Remake

- Lionel Richie vs. Justin Bieber

Normally, we'd be a bit cynical here -- a 15-year-old teenage Canadian pop star taking over for Richie, who was riding high with 'Can't Slow Down' at the time of the original. But there is something haunting about Bieber's voice opening the song, plus Richie hand-picked Bieber to replace him. We were considering calling this a push until we also remembered Lionel was also directly involved in introducing the world to Nicole Richie.

Advantage: Bieber/2010

- Stevie Wonder vs. Jennifer Hudson

We'd be happy to hear Stevie Wonder sing the phone book, which we hear were actually quite useful back in 1985, so Hudson didn't stand much of a chance here. The Oscar-winning actress uses her "listen to my vocal range" singing voice, which reminds us of her attempt to stand out during Hollywood Week on 'American Idol.' She didn't get the memo that only Cyndi Lauper and Celine Dion were allowed to do that.

Advantage: Wonder/1985

- Paul Simon vs. Jennifer Nettles

Nettles' gritty voice hits the mark. Simon's performance was fine, but it's hard not to think that poor Paul is about to be eaten by a Sasquatch when Kenny Rogers enters the frame.

Advantage: Nettles/2010

- Kenny Rogers vs. Josh Groban

The aforementioned Sasquatch (the white shirt he's wearing doesn't help) lays down some "hey, this is important"-type vocals, while Grobin just sounds like he's singing in his ironic 'I'm F**king Ben Affleck' tone. It's now impossible to distinguish Groban's serious voice from his pretending-to-be-serious voice.

Advantage: Sasquatch/1985

- James Ingram vs. Tony Bennett

The biggest shock in this match-up is that Tony Bennett actually appears in the 2010 version. For that reason alone...

Advantage: Bennett/2010

- Tina Turner and Billy Joel vs. Mary J. Blige

Blige appears ready to attend a 'Watchmen' costume party immediately following the recording session. The interesting thing about Tina Turner, who looks ready to break into 'Private Dancer' right there (and it would have been glorious), is that she hands it off to Billy Joel. It seems an odd pairing until you remember that Turner appeared with Bryan Adams in a duet of 'It's Only Love' on his 'Reckless' album. After Adams, this duet with Joel seems a lot less odd.

Advantage: Turner and Joel/1985

- Michael Jackson vs. Michael Jackson

In the second most odd moment of the new 'We Are the World,' archive footage of Michael Jackson is used from the original -- with his sister, Janet, superimposed on to the screen. It is oddly reminiscent of Jim McMahon in 'The Superbowl Shuffle.' In 1985, Jackson was already starting to look a little different. In 2010, the 1985 version of Michael Jackson is a welcome sight.

Advantage: Jackson/2010

- Diana Ross vs. Barbra Streisand

Now this is interesting: Two dueling divas from, roughly, the same era. Ross makes no attempt to memorize the words, reading from her lyric sheet. Streisand looks way too happy to be there, even though she's probably not happy at all. If this is a true battle of divas, the winner has to be the one acting like a diva.

Advantage: Ross/1985

- Dionne Warwick vs. Miley Cyrus

Warwick, through the Psychics Friends Network, once envisioned that, someday, there would be a man who sang a country hit called 'Achy Breaky Heart.' And, she envisioned, one day, that man's daughter would some day sing her part in this tune.

Advantage: Cyrus/2010

- Willie Nelson vs. Enrique Iglesias

Nelson once sang a duet with Enrique's father Julio called 'To All the Girls I've Loved Before.' That has little to do with this comparison, but the fact that Nelson gave an honest rendition with this man's father on a song with lyrics like, "To all the girls I once caressed/And may I say I've held the best..." speaks volumes.

Advantage: Nelson/1985

- Al Jarreau vs. Jamie Foxx

Jaime Foxx has an Oscar for playing Ray Charles (hold this thought) while Al Jarreau sang the theme song to the Bruce Willis television show 'Moonlighting.'

Advantage: Jarreau/1985

- Bruce Springsteen vs. Wyclef Jean

The Boss, in all of his 'Born in the U.S.A.' glory, overdoes his part to the point where he sounds like he's passing a kidney stone. (Full disclosure: We love Springsteen, just not on this song.) Springsteen is from New Jersey; Jean is from Haiti and sings a lyric in Haitian Creole.

Advantage: Jean/2010

- Kenny Loggins vs. Adam Levine

Neither artist really stands out on their given part, though Loggins did sing the theme song to 'Caddyshack,' so...

Advantage: Loggins/1985

- Steve Perry vs. Pink

Poor Pink. It's not an easy task to take over for the Journey front man who's been immortalized in every karaoke bar in the world. Plus, Perry once sang a duet with Kenny Loggins called 'Don't Fight It' ... and Loggins sang the theme song to 'Caddyshack.'

Advantage: Perry/1985

- Daryl Hall vs. BeBe Winans

Both give soulful renditions. We can't help but think John Oates always got the worst of this Hall & Oates "duo." Name one song that Oates sang. How is this a true duo? John Oates is at the 1985 recording, so why doesn't he get to be front and center with Hall? We feel Hall was in a position to pull some strings for his "partner" and chose not to do so.

Advantage: Winans/2010

- Huey Lewis vs. Usher

Poor Lewis and Usher. They were both given the thankless role of being the warm-up act for human dynamos Cyndi Lauper and Celine Dion, respectively.

Advantage: Push

- Cyndi Lauper vs. Celine Dion

It's shocking how similar these two are in their respective videos. Shocking because, in human history, it's not often these two show up in the same sentence. Both nail the "Whoa, Whoa, whoa!" and both clinch their fists in triumph or, possibly, agony. Dion was given her own room. Lauper was perched between Lewis and Kim Carnes. The look on Carnes' face is priceless. "I have to follow, that?"

Advantage: Lauper/1985

- Kim Carnes vs. Fergie

Just like Huey Lewis and Usher, these two are only here so Lauper and Dion can catch their individual breaths and belt out one more "Yeah!"

Advantage: Lauper and Dion

- Bob Dylan vs. Lil Wayne

The biggest surprise when comparing these two versions is that Dylan and Lil Wayne sound eerily similar. But Dylan didn't need an electronic voice manipulator.

Advantage: Dylan/1985

- Ray Charles vs. LL Cool J., Will.i.am, Snoop Dog, Busta Rhymes, Swizz Beatz, Iyaz, Kanye West.

After hearing the most shocking change between the two songs, somewhere, in this studio, Jaime Foxx had to be shaking his head while thinking, "You know, this rap just isn't quite right." He was probably also thinking his version of Charles, that won him an Oscar, may have proved the better choice here.

Dish from Black Gay Gossip.com- Kanye West NOT GAY!

Kanye West Talks Gay Rumors & Acceptance
September 18th, 2009 www.blackgaygossip.comCelebrities, Culture, Entertainment, Kanye West
Putting the drama of the VMAs behind him, Kanye West sat down with Devi Dev to talk about Bloggers, fashion, his legacy and once again, gay rumors that have surrounded him. While he adamantly denied being gay, he also advocated acceptance of gay people in the Black community. “First of all what we need to get past… as Black people, especially, is the concept that gay people are bad,” he explained. “Because if people accept them, then the concept of someone being gay or being cool with someone gay wouldn’t even matter if you have acceptance. So the thing is…because they don’t have acceptance of gay people, that’s the reason why they try to use it as the thing to try to bring me down.”
Kanye then spoke proudly of the gay people in his life. “The gay people that I actually know…are so genius and bring such incredible gifts to the world,” he said. “The only gay people I know are like some of the most incredible people on the planet actually.”
Check out audio of the interview below

Kanye feeds your hunger

I didn't want to spend any time on Kanye's ill-behavior on the 2009 VMAs during Taylor Swift's acceptance speech, but Dwight called and insisted that I rant about it.

Kanye West is a grown ass man who knows right from wrong. He knows he had no business on that stage during Taylor's speech. Have we not all discerned that Kanye is an attention magnet? Look at how the media went crazy over this one small incident. It's like we can't identify anything else to talk about. The talk shows, the newspapers... Kanye's publicist can't stop the phone from ringing. Interns are running around clipping articles for his PR scrapbook. I don't even remember what else happened on the show!!! Oh that's right Janet performed. Has anyone seen Janet on TV, in the gossip rags, etc. Nope, but Kanye is getting yet another 15 minutes added to his clock. And now he mentions to Jay Leno that he needs to go away??? Right! Kanye needs a vacation before dropping his next album. He is a business man. He ain't stupid, his next album will be ultra hot and everyone who didn't know him will purchase it just to see what he says next.

Oh and not to mention, Taylor Swift is going to milk this conversation too.... Who is she again? I swear, I was clueless before the other night. Hmmm.

Kanye do your thing. You can't get that type of publicity sitting in the audience. BOLD!

Dwight’s Top 10 VMA Moments

10. Red Carpet Pre Show, can we please get some more energy on the carpet by the hosts? OMG can we get DJ Baker, B Scott, Nathan 7 Scott??? Somebody!!!!

9. Shakira and Pink wearing the same dress. Pink defiantly wore it better though.

8.Why was Solange performing during commercial break and those guys who I don’t know who they are were performing live for DJ AM.

7. Pink arriving with the NYC Fire Department!

6. Pink did an amazing performance the best of the night, clearly my one of my favorites, please just make me understand why can she show her breast; however Janet’s wardrobe malfunction was an issue?

5. Taylor Swift’s performance on the F train up to the street with the many MTV extras was soooo cute, I just want to make sure she used hand sanitizer the subway has lots of germs.

4. Kanye West rudely going on stage to announce that Beyonce’ deserved the award over Taylor Swift, when clearly Taylor had 100% of the country vote and Beyonce’ had to split the pop vote with the other nominees.

3. Beyonce giving up her moment in accepting her award for Video of the Year and allowing Taylor on stage to finish her acceptance speech. Beyonce’ is the definition of class, I know many may think that the incident should be my #1 but I think we should highlight the positive.

2. A real tribute to Michael finally happened and MTV gave it to him!!! Janet did a wonderful job and I know her brother was smiling down from heaven! Maybe MTV will support her music now as well.

1. THE VMA’S RETURNING TO NEW YORK CITY!!!!

Fly Swag and a Man Bag!

written by Deshawn Moody
The Future Media Partner Boys and Clothes Magazine

Riddle me this, riddle me that! Would you ever rock, a “man bag”? Ask Mens Style Editor, Deshawn Moody of Boys and Clothes Magazine. Nothing looks more intriguing than a piece of eye candy, hot kicks, fly swag and a man bag!

YES, Ladies and Gentleman a MAN BAG! A key essential for the trendsetting gentleman is a stylish bag. Every up and coming mogul should add one to their lifestyle. Whether you’re traveling from work to the gym or holding it down at one of the hottest spots in town, you should never leave home without it. From as early as the style icon himself, Michael Jackson, the swag of a bag has always reigned supreme. Even Kanye West emerged to the mic with a must have style blast from the past. The bag plague has begun and everyone was falling a victim.

A number of prominent designers have become apart of this addiction as well. From the classic yet regal style of King Louis Vuitton to our fathers Dolce & Gabbana was just a taste of the serum. Even Hermes had the masses calling for an alixer. The durability of the bag is the main ingredient. Add in a teaspoon of comfort and a dash of density and now your styling with swag. You know your swag is a complete start to stop and brag. So now when you’re out looking for new gear, make sure to grab a fly new bag as well.

Check out more of the latest styles at: http://www.boysandclothes.com