Category: Music

Mariah Carey becomes first to have double platinum holiday ringtone

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Released in 1994, “All I Want for Christmas is You,” is now the first seasonal ringtone to sell more than two million units.  The single, written by Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff, was a hit song on Carey’s “Merry Christmas” album.  It’s been the no. 1 holiday ringtone since 2006.

“Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ has become one of the essential musical hallmarks of the holiday season and continues to set records each year,” said Adam Block, GM/VP of Legacy Recordings, Sony Music Entertainment’s catalog division.

R. Kelly to write autobiography

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The self proclaimed “Pied Piper of R&B” is penning a memoir, which will detail his musical career, the death of his mother and the child pornography case he faced.  R. Kelly has collaborated and written songs for well-known musical artists such as Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige and Celine Dion.

“I’m writing this book as Robert, not R. Kelly,” said the 42-year-old singer. “I’m tired of being misunderstood. I will show you the tears, fears, and sweat. I will open my heart and reveal the good in my life as well as all the drama. I want to tell it like it is.”

The book will be published in 2011 by SmileyBooks, a publishing company founded by host Tavis Smiley.

“We are thrilled to be the conduit through which R. Kelly will tell his own story,” Smiley said. “He has earned the right to tell his story his own way.”

I might have to check this out.  Would you read his book?

Hear Sade’s new song ‘Soldier of Love’

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Sade is back!  Her first single,” Soldier of Love,” was just released today.  Check her website, www.sade.com to hear it. Her album is expected to drop Feb. 8.  This will be her first studio album since 2000’s “Lover’s Rock.”

So, what do you think of her new single?  I’ve only heard it once so I will listen to it a few more times before I give an opinion!

BET’s ‘Sunday Best’ holds auditions in Africa

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Gospel greats Donnie McClurkin, Kim Burrell and Kirk Franklin will audition singers Dec. 6 in Lagos, Nigeria for the third season of the BET’s series “Sunday Best.”  The overseas tryouts commemorate the one-year anniversary of the network’s launch in 30 countries in Africa.  The best performers will then compete in the United States auditions, which have not been announced.

“I’m pleased to mark BET’s one-year celebration … with this unique opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s remarkable gospel singing talent for the millions of SUNDAY BEST viewers around the world,” said Michael D. Armstrong, BET Senior Vice President and General Manager.



Kelis signs to will.i.am music group

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Best known for her “Milkshake” and being “Bossy,” Grammy-nominated singer Kelis has now set up shop with Black Eye Peas frontman’s record label, will.i.am Music Group/Interscope Records.

“Kelis represents the kind of edge that pushes all of us not just musically but stylistically as well,” will.i.am said.  “She has always opened new doors for her audience and we’re ready to walk through this next one with her.”

Her new single, “Acapella,” can be heard on her website www.iamkelis.com.  Black Eye Peas bandmates David Guetta and will.i.am. are some of the producers on her new album.

“I love that I am now a new part of the Interscope family,” Kelis said.  “2010 is around the corner and I can’t wait to put out new music and spend time with real music fans on tour again.”

Janet Jackson to kick off American Music Awards

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After a opening tribute to her late brother Michael Jackson at the MTV Video Awards, Janet Jackson is now set to kick off the American Music Awards Nov. 22. at 7 p.m. central time.

“We’re thrilled about having Janet Jackson open this year’s show,” said American Music Awards producer Larry Klein in a news release.  “She is an incredibly dynamic performer, and I think the audience will be excited to see what she has in store.”

She is also set to release a greatest hits two-CD set, “Number Ones,” before the awards show.  She will also release a new single, “Make Me.”

Rapper Shyne released from jail and deported to Belize

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After serving nearly nine years in jail for a New York nightclub shooting for which Diddy was acquitted for, rapper Shyne was deported to his native country of Belize, where his father, Dean Barrow, is currently prime minister.  The rapper was raised in the U.S. by his mother and is estranged from his father, reports MTV. Shyne’s lawyer said he would continue to fight for the rapper’s return to the States so he can resume his rap career.

VH1 Hip Honors 25th anniversary Def Jam tribute

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Public Enemy, Ja Rule, Ashanti are just some of the performers at last night’s VH1 Hip Honors.  This year, there was a tribute celebrating the 25th anniversary of Def Jam Records.  The show will air on VH1 Oct. 13.

Mary J. Blige and Method Man performed their hit, “You’re All I Need.”

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DMX performed his hit, “Party Up (Up in Here).”

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Eve served as a presenter during the show.