Kanye's new album 808's and Heartbreak is now certified platinum, thanks to last weeks sales. Within a few weeks, the album has jumped from falling out of the Top 10 range to now #5 on the Billboard 200 Album Charts. The album very well deserves to be platinum. It should've been platinum in the first week though because, in my opinion, it is that good. Kanye is definitely getting a lot of heat nowadays and people are not welcoming the new change in his music. However, you have to hand it to him. He's innovative and creative. Please, don't write off the album because it takes a few listens to appreciate it. Congrats to Kanye for selling 1 million records!
In other news, Beyonce is still enjoying the platinum sales of her album I Am....Sasha Fierce with almost 1.5 million copies sold. Keyshia Cole is approaching 500,000 copies and Jamie Foxx ended last week with about 400,000 total copies sold.
Beyonce and Ne-Yo recently performed a tribute to legendary songstress Barbra Streisand at the 2008 Kennedy Center Honors Gala at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. The show aired last night on CBS. You will start seeing Beyonce at about the 3 minute mark...It's quite an honor for the two of them to be performing at Barbara's tribute and they did a great job, of course....
Toni Braxton's new single is titled "Get Loose" and she is doing just that. "Get Loose" is an upbeat track produced by hit-maker Rodney Jerkins. The track's purpose is definitely intent on making you dance. "The Dancing with The Stars" alum is definitely channeling her experience on the hit show to her music.
Anyway, I like the track and I am indeed looking forward to her comeback. Look out for her album to drop next year. Do you think she can make a good comeback?
I love this song because, of course, it's produced by Kanye. This is actually one of my favorite Kanye West productions, no doubt. I loved when he worked with Miri Ben Ari aka The Hip-Hop Violinist too who is in the video along with Twista. She is cold on the violin. Anyway, enjoy going back through time with this one...I love the beat...
Wow. T-Pain has just signed Travis McCoy from Gym Class Heroes to his Nappy Boy Label. According to Billboard.com, T-Pain recently inked a deal which would allow him to sign artists. This news was recently announced at Lil Wayne's "I Am Music Tour."
"Nappy Boy is T-Pain's brand and umbrella label," stated T-Pain's business partner Michael Blumstein. "The label will be a full-fledged indie label with PR, promo and everything else a physical label has."
This might be a good move for T-Pain. Gym Class Heroes are pretty dope and if you've heard of them, then their music is a cross between Alternative and Hip-Hop. Adding Trav to his roster will definitely gain him some attention and dinero (money). LOL!!! Maybe this means that T-Pain and Katy Perry will collab in the future? LOL!! I mean, who knows? LOL!! What do you think about this?
Keyshia Cole has her best debut week ever with her new album A Different Me, which was released on December 16th. She sold a total of 322,000 copies and debuted at #2 on the Billboard Hot 200 Albums Chart. On the album, the singer claims that she is giving the world a sexier side of herself. Recently, Keyshia Cole stated:
"I'm moving forward and growing. This time, I wrote more about other people's situations other than my own, and I'm realizing things aren't always so bad. I haven't always felt sexy in my life, and I've never wanted to base my career on physical appearance and being sexy. I've worked hard to establish myself as a legitimate singer-songwriter. But now I'm here, and hopefully it's not a dead-end street."
I have listened to A Different Me and I probably like about half the songs on there. I mean overall, it's a pretty decent album, but I definitely like her last effort better. Congratulations to Keyshia Cole for having a strong debut, however.
The new year brings in a lot of new perspectives and resolutions for many, including Ciara. The R&B singer is busy recording her upcoming album Fantasy Ride, set for release in Spring 2009. Fantasy Ride has went from being released in 2008 to Spring of 2009, which has been confirmed to be the year that Ciara will drop the album. The exact release date of the album in unclear at this time. However, she is preparing to release a new lead single to create a buzz for the album. "Go Girl" was considered to be the buzz single for the album, but has recently been replaced by "Never Ever." The track is produced by super producer Polow Da Don and will feature rapper Young Jeezy. The single is expected to be released on January 19, 2008 and will be accompanied by a video.
Will Fantasy Ride sell well in this ever changing music industry? Her single "Go Girl" ft. T-Pain was released in 2008 and failed to have a major impact on the billboard charts. In my opinion, the song is very mediocre and definitely was a poor choice for a single. In fact, the song peaked on the Hot 100 charts for one week only at #78. She reached the #26 mark on the R&B/Hip-Hop Charts. With the failure of "Go Girl," I do not have high anticipations for her new single or album. However, with Jeezy on the track and Polow Da Don holding the production down, the song may actually be good. Fantasy Ride will present a different side of the superstar. Hopefully, these differences will win over her fans.
Beyonce is back with two more videos from her now Platinum album I Am....Sasha Fierce. The first track is titled "Diva" and the other one is titled "Halo." Both of them are hot tracks, especially "Halo." It's definitely a beautiful song and of course "Diva" is going to make you want to dance. Enjoy the videos and happy holidays!
No doubt I am a very big Aaliyah fan. "4 Page Letter" is one of my favorite songs from the superstar. Timbaland and Aaliyah made a deadly combo. I was stunned to hear about her death and really miss her music. Apparently, a movie is in the works about the singer and R&B singer Keisha Chante is supposed to play Aaliyah. R.I.P Aaliyah!! You are surely missed...
It seems that Kanye West is making plans to release his next single and it involves Rihanna. "Paranoid" is one of my favorite tracks on the album and he reportedly he is teaming up with Rihanna to re-record the track, which is expected to be released in January of 2009. Reportedly, Rihanna will re-record the hook to the song, but this is just a rumor. It hasn't been confirmed by either Kanye or Rihanna at this time.
Earlier this month, Kanye stated that he wasn't going to release any more tracks from 808's and Heartbreak for a while so that his previously released songs "Love Lockdown" and "Heartless" could "soak into culture." I think this is a good idea though, if it happens. If Kanye wants to put Rihanna on the hook, then I say get the show on the road. Make a big time video for the song with Rihanna in it and I think it will definitely help with the albums sales. The last time that I checked. the album was approaching the platinum mark, but currently is in the 700,000 to 800,000 copies range. I must say that I am loving 808's and Heartbreak. If you haven't bought the album, I must reiterate that you should and give it a thorough listen. Every time that I listen to it, I love it more and more. It definitely put the icing on the cake for the year of 2008!! You gotta respect Kanye for doing what inspires him and that makes a great album in my opinion...
Since we are nearing the new year stayondeck.com will be posting top 5's of 2008. This list is for the top 5 most over used words in 2008 songs
#5 "patron.." = I love patron it is a great drink but honestly does it really have to be referenced in 50% of the songs on the radio? I am sure the company is loving it though. They should start a label called patron music. #4 "Ayyyyyeee!!! " = ok so this isn't really a word but it doesn't need to be said or chanted any more in 2009. It seem played out to me about even before it went mainstream but I guess that is what happens when you live in Atlanta. A lot of a&r's love to here these in hooks.. #3 "ehh" = we've all heard Umbrella plenty of times already #2 "pop bottles" - how did this not get retired in 07? #1 "Shawty" - I am cool with the word it is just the most over played word of all time in 2008.. shawty this shawty that..
Keyshia Cole recently dropped her new album A Different Me this Tuesday. So far, the singer is expected to sell about 300,000 copies during the first week, which puts her in the running for the coveted top spot. Keyshia still has to contend with Jamie Foxx who also released his album this week. Also, she is still going to get competition from Beyonce aka Sasha Fierce, Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, and Kanye, who all have been doing well on the chart. I definitely think she will sell more than Jamie Foxx. I guess we will have to find out for sure next week when the results are in. So far, the reviews on her album are pretty good.
N.E.R.D or the production team The Neptunes are some of my favorite people in the industry. LOL!! They dropped their current album Seeing Sounds earlier this year and just released another single from the album titled "Sooner or Later." This track is one of my favorite tracks on the album...I would like to see "Yeah You" as a video too. This video also highlights our current economic crisis or recession...
The Dream, who's a hit songwriter is preparing for his second solo album titled Love vs. Money on February 17, 2009. Apparently, the first single for the album is going to be "Rockin That Shit." Most likely when the song hits radio, it will be titled "Rockin That Thang." The song sounds like a hit to me and think it should impact radio hard.
Have u all realized how incredible his album is yet?? or are u still listening to all the haters that cling on to artists that are just trying to luck out and get a hit.. Kanye is the real deal on all levels:
Wow! I decided to post this video because it reflects the time of the year and it's pretty cool too. Check out Brian McKnight singing "Let It Snow" with his sons. Wow! The talent definitely runs in the family. Oh, and check out his son rocking out on the guitar too. Cool video!
Recently, Beyonce's "I Am.....Sasha Fierce" Tour dates have been announced. The tour will kick off in Croatia on April 26th and end on May 31st in Belfast. The talented singer will be backed by an all-female band and promises to play some classic renditions of some of her favorite songs as well as tracks from her current album. Rumors are also flying around that Solange may also appear on tour, but that news has not been confirmed. The tour dates are as follows:
Sun 26-Apr: Zagreb, Croatia Arena Tue 28-Apr: Vienna, Austria Stadthalle Wed 29-Apr: Budapest, Hungary Arena Thu 30-Apr: Prague, Czech Republic O2 Sat 2-May: Rotterdam, Holland Ahoy Tue 5-May: Paris, France Bercy Wed 6-May: Strasbourg, France Zenith Thu 7-May: Antwerp, Belgium Sportpalais Fri 8-May: Berlin, Germany 02 Sun 10-May: Herning, Denmark MCH Arena Mon 11-May: Gothenburg, Sweden Scandinavium Wed 13-May: Stockholm, Sweden Globen Fri 15-May: Koln, Germany Arena Sat 16-May: Zurich, Switzerland Hallenstadion Mon 18-May: Lisbon, Portugal Atlantico Tue 19-May: Madrid, Spain Palacio Desportes
This week, Common released his new album "Universal Mind Control." Here he is in an interview speaking to Clinton Sparks about the album. Check it out! I am digging the album so far. I am glad The Neptunes played a big part in the production of this one...
Akon released his album Freedom last week and is definitely in promotion mode for the project. He recently interviewed with Chelsea Lately to talk about his album and more...
Here's the cover to Jasmine Sullivan's new single, "Lions, Tigers, and Bears." The video for the single will be shot on December 17th. In other Jasmine Sullivan news, the singer is celebrating her five Grammy nominations. I am so happy that she's been nominated. Her debut album Fearless was one of my favorite albums of the year. Hopefully, she will win something on Grammy night.
Esthero is undoubtedly one of my favorite artists. I discovered her by chance on Amazon a few years ago and since then, I have been hooked on her music. You may recognize "That Girl" from the I Still Know What You Did Last Summer Soundtrack. I remember hearing this song in the background of the movie and wondering who the artist was. It's a shame that her music is fairly unrecognized in mainstream. The talented Canadian's music is full of a heavenly fusion of Hip-Hop, Jazz, Trip-Hop, Alternative, Pop, Breakbeat, and Soul. She has released two full length albums commercially titled Breath From Another and Wikked Lil Girls. She eventually left Warner Brothers due to poor promotion according to her myspace. I am not sure if she is signed to another label or not, but I was recently surprised to find out that she actually played a role on Kanye's album 808's and Heartbreak. She co-wrote three tracks on the album, which are "Love Lockdown," "Street Lights," and "Robocop." I am definitely proud of her for that. She's also collaborated with Will.I.Am and even is a co-writer on Brandy's new album Human. Anyway, if you haven't heard of her, then definitely check her out!
Months ago, I heard that Ginuwine was in the studio again recording the follow-up Back II Da Basics. According to recent reports, the album is almost finished and his first single is supposed to drop sometime in January. As of yet, the album is untitled, but is expected for release in April 2009.
Ginuwine has a new deal with Notifi Records and has enlisted the help of his old buddy Timbaland on the production side. It's unclear at this moment, how big of a role that Timbaland will play on the album, but it's confirmed that Ginuwine has linked up with the producer in the studio. I am definitely excited about that. I have always wanted Ginuwine and Timbo to get back in the studio again.
Also, Timbaland is not the only big name producer on the album. Reportedly, Bryan Michael Cox, Oak, The Clutch, and Johnta Austin have contributed to the album.
I am recording an album over the holidays and going into the next year. I will be documenting the whole process! check it out and spread the word.. writing, producing, mixing, etc. myspace.com/bjabrmusic
1. "A Different Me (Intro)" 1:47 2. "Make Me Over" Polow da Don 3:05 3. "Please Don`t Stop" 4:04 4. "Erotic" 4:10 5. "You Complete Me" Ron Fair 3:51 6. "No Other" (feat. Amina Harris) 3:34 7. "Oh-Oh, Yeah-Yeah" (feat. Nas) 3:58 8. "Playa Cardz Right" (feat. Tupac) Ron Fair, Carvin & Ivan 4:53 9. "Brand New" Kanye West 4:16 10. "Trust" (with Monica) 4:13 11. "Thought You Should Know" 4:18 12. "This Is Us" 3:16 13. "Where This Love Could End Up" 2:55 14. "Beautiful Music" 3:59 15. "A Different Me (Outro)"
As you may have previously heard, this album is supposed to showcase a different side of the Keyshia. The album will be released on December 16th. Also, I found a track that Keyshia did with Lil Wayne titled, "I Love You." It's actually a remake of Mary J. Blige's song bearing the same name. I am definitely hating the cover. It sounds horrible to me. As I look at the tracklisting, it looks like the song is not on the album so maybe it was a track that was dropped from the project. I definitely like Mary's version a lot better.
For a while, I have been hearing that Michel Jackson was working with Akon on Michael's comeback album. Apparently, the two worked on a track for Akon's new album Freedom, which was released earlier this week. The track was reportedly dropped from the album's tracklisting due to being leaked over the internet and Akon is not happy about it either. He recently stated:
"Musically we were on the same level and we wanted it to be special. "We wanted it so that when people got my album, it was something that was never heard. But the leak stopped those plans."
"We will be doing more things together in the future, though." Emphasizing that Michael "is the greatest artist ever," he said, "So long as the focus is on him, people are going to ask him about the song he did with me, so then my name pops up in his interview. It works both ways."
That would've been a good opportunity for Akon to have Michael Jackson on his album. I honestly do not think Freedom will do as well as his other albums. I guess we will hear the official results soon, after the numbers are tallied for debut week.
Common recently performed his single "Universal Mind Control" on the Jay Leno Show. His album of the same name will drop next week. Lookout for my album review soon!! I am definitely excited about the album...
Oh, and the video may take a few seconds before playing, but it will eventually start within a couple of seconds....
This song comes from Amy Winehouse's debut album Frank, which was released in 2003. The track was produced by hot producer Salaam Remi and actually uses the same beat as Nas' hit song "Made You Look." Both singles were produced by Salaam Remi and he wrote "In My Bed" as well. "In My Bed" was Winehouse's third single from this Frank and one of my favorite tracks from the singer. It has a soulful vibe with a nice touch of Jazz. It reminds me a lot Roy Ayers' music. If you haven't heard of Roy Ayers, then definitely check him out. He's a dope Soul/Jazz artist from back in the 70's. Anyway, enjoy the flashback. I am definitely a big Amy Winehouse fan and love the jazz/hip-hop vibe in her music. I was raised on that kind of stuff. This video was released before all of her current troubles...
Keyshia Cole's upcoming album will arrive in stores just in time for Christmas. Her album A Different Me will be released on December 16th. A new track surfaced from the album titled "You Complete Me." All of the tracks on the album were written or co-written by the R&B superstar. Polow Da Don, Ron Fair, The Trackmasters, Kwame, and The Runners will lend their production credits to the album. According to Keyshia, the album will show the world a different, more happy side of her. "You Complete Me" exhibits what we are used to hearing from the singer, however. I am definitely excited to hear what her upcoming album has to offer listeners. Check out the track below by clicking on the link:
Akon is back with a new album "Freedom," which was released on December 2nd. In the interview, he talks about T-Pain being signed to his record label, the Trinidad incident, and more.
Beyonce just released a new album and now she is gearing up for the holidays. The other day, she performed her version of "Ave Maria" on NBC's Christmas at Rockfeller Center. She currently holds the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 charts with her song "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)," which knocks T.I from the top spot. In addition, her new album I Am....Sasha Fierce is still maintaining on the charts at #4.
Lil Wayne's stellar year has helped earn him eight Grammy Nominations this year. In fact, he leads the pack. Following behind Wayne is one of my favorite bands Coldplay with 7 nominations. Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Ne-Yo all received 6 nominations respectively. The next artist that follows behind these guys is the talented Jazmine Sullivan, who I think very much deserves a Grammy with her album Fearless, which was released this year. Jazmine recieved 5 Grammy Nominations. T.I, Jennifer Hudson, Adele, and Lupe Fiasco each received four Grammy's each.
Album of the Year Nominees are as follows: Coldplay’s Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends, Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III, Ne-Yo’s Year of the Gentleman, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss’ Raising Sand, and Radiohead's in Rainbows.
Best Rap Nominees are as follows: Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III, T.I.’s Paper Trail, Jay-Z’s American Gangster, Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool, and Nas’ Untitled.
Record of the Year Nominees are as follows: Adele’s “Chasing Pavements,” Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida,” Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love,” M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes,” and Robert Plant & Alison Krauss’ “Please Read the Letter.”
The Grammy's will take place on February 8th in Los Angeles. I am excited to see who finally takes home the prize in each category.
I have to admit, I have caught a few episodes of Colbert lately and can't believe how good he's gotten. I used to watch Dailly show and then not even be able to watch him but lately Colbert is really coming into his own. His show is at an all time comedic high. Check out this video of him referencing Kanye.. pretty funny
A solid debut for Kanye's as he quietly slides in the album of the year with 808's and Heartbreaks! Luda comes in at around 213,000.. Pretty good week for sales. If you haven't already make sure you check out the Kanye interview below because it is great one. Anyway, Britney comes out this week and my prediction will be 500,000 after that weird documentary haha.. subscribe to stayondeck.com!
Here's a recent Kanye West Press Conference held in New Zealand for his new album 808's and Heartbreak. In the video, Kanye talks about the feel of the album and how people may have to listen to it a few times to get it. I read in another one of his interviews that he is not too focused on how his current album sales, which should turn out good in the first week.
Here's a new Jay-Z joint for the new Notoriuos B.I.G movie. The track titled, "Brooklyn (Go Hard)," will be featured on the Notorious B.I.G Movie Soundtrack and is actually the first single. The track features Santogold who sounds a lot like M.I.A. Also, the track was produced by Kanye and I am loving it. The track is dope and the beat is hot too! This is definitely a good single for the movie. Check out the track below:
Exclusive 2009 New Yung Joc Single!! - Poppin featuring bobby v
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