Billboard Music Awards 2011 - Don't Know If All Girls Run The World, But Beyonce Sure Does!

Celebrated Morehouse College Glee Club Brings 100 Years of Its History To Los Angeles

Halfway through rehearsal, the basses got an earful.

"Your start is too aggressive! Like boom, boom, flap, flap, upside the head," conductor David Morrow shouted Sunday from a dark spot offstage in Club Nokia at L.A. Live. "It's not about the volume, it's about the quality."

And with that, the Morehouse College Glee Club — the world-renowned, historically black, all-male choir that has sung at the Olympics, the Super Bowl and the funeral of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. — humbly cleared their throats and gave perfection another try.

The group was to perform its 100-year celebration concert to a sold-out audience in just a few hours. Among the songs they'd rehearsed for the occasion had the lyrics: "Whatever you do, strive to do it so well that no man living and no man dead and no man yet to be born can do it better."

Judging by the way the young men locked focus on Morrow — on his hands, on his eyes, on his faintest muttering and slightest facial expression — their aim was precisely that.

With a repertoire that encompasses spirituals, adapted operas and the work of contemporary composers, the Morehouse glee club has stayed in demand year after year, performing on national and international tours. It has become the principal ambassador of Morehouse, the prestigious, historically black, all-male college in Atlanta.

Now, if only they could get people to quit comparing them to "Glee," the television hit about a group of misfit teenagers who dance and sing in a high school choir. Ever since the show started airing in 2009, audiences have expected the Morehouse group to deliver jazzy, over-the-top musical routines.

"I get asked a lot, 'Who's your choreographer?,'" Morrow said. "And I say, 'What?' We only have one number where we move."

Still, the Morehouse glee club doesn't lack style: The men wear sharp suits even on plane flights, and they walk onstage with short, brisk steps.

Then there's its tight-knit history. Since its formation in 1911, the club has had only three official directors (Morrow is the latest). Each was taught by his predecessor.

Around their Atlanta stamping grounds, the men are a high-profile bunch.

"You come to expect that each time you see them walking across campus in their full regalia, something big is about to happen," said Darnell Holcomb, president of the Greater Los Angeles chapter of the Morehouse alumni association.

Joining the choir, senior baritone Justin Shaw said, is not nearly as difficult as staying in it. There are four rehearsals a week, and the tour schedule is demanding. Some students quit within weeks of joining. Those who remain hold fast to the club's motto, which is repeated after every rehearsal: "The Morehouse College Glee Club is an eminent expression of brotherhood, a united force of dedication and commitment, and an unselfish labor of love."

"It's very much, 'no pain, no gain,'" Shaw said. "But those who commit are fully committed."

A good number of the songs they perform were born in slavery. Their writers are mostly unknown, but their messages of desperation, hope and survival continue to resonate.

Keep reading...

Favorite New Song Right Now - Bruno Mars "Just The Way You Are"

Days after he was arrested in Las Vegas on a cocaine charge Sept. 19, rising R&B singer Bruno Mars, claimed his first No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart this week.

"Just the Way You Are," which also marks his first charting single as a lead artist, rose two places to the top and ended the two-week reign of Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream," which fell to No. 4. (Mars previously went to No. 1 in May, as the featured artist on B.o.B's "Nothin' On You").

Mars, 24, was arrested early Sunday on suspicion of possessing cocaine after a suspicious bathroom attendant at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino alerted authorities. the Hawaiian native, born Peter Gene Hernandez, is scheduled to perform on Saturday Night Live when it debuts this Fall.

With an incredibly smooth, soulful voice, let's hope the young performer can leave the drugs alone (assuming it's true) and just focus on making great music!

Don't Mess With 9-Year Old Willow Smith - You Hear That Rihanna?

Willow Camille Reign Smith is the daughter of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith. Her elder brother is a fellow child actor Jaden Smith, and paternal half-sister to Trey Smith. She along with her brother are youth ambassadors for project Zambia in conjunction with the Hasbro corporation-which helps children orphaned by AIDS in Africa.

Smith presented an award at the Kid's Choice Awards. She made her acting debut in I Am Legend alongside her father. Her next film, Kit Kittredge: An American Girl, was released on July 2, 2008.

The soon to be 10-year old's first single, "Whip My Hair" leaked on September 7, 2010. As you just heard, it definitely has some kick!

Technology Has Already Changed How We Pay Bills, Read, Watch TV And Listen To Music - Are You Scared Yet???

THE FUTURE - RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW!

Stop fighting the Internet black people, resistance is futile. Digital efficiency is the new world order, so bragging about how you are not computer savvy, or how you don't "do" email or social networking just confirms your stupidity. Don't believe us?

Well, what we've listed a few things for you to consider - under the hood.

1. The Post Office: Get ready to imagine a world without the post office. They are so deeply in financial trouble that there is probably no way to sustain it long term. Email, Fed Ex, and UPS have just about wiped out the minimum revenue needed to keep the post office alive. Most of your mail every day is junk mail and bills.

2. The Check: Britain is already laying the groundwork to do away with checks by 2018. It costs the financial system billions of dollars a year to process checks. Plastic cards and online transactions will lead to the eventual demise of the check.

This plays right into the death of the post office. If you never paid your bills by mail and never received them by mail, the post office would absolutely go out of business.

3. The Newspaper: The younger generation simply doesn't read the newspaper. They certainly don't subscribe to a daily delivered print edition. That may go the way of the milkman and the laundry man.

As for reading the paper online, get ready to pay for it. The rise in mobile Internet devices and e-readers has caused all the newspaper and magazine publishers to form an alliance. They met with Apple, Amazon, and the major cell phone companies to develop a model for paid subscription services.

4. The Book: You say you will never give up the physical book that you hold in your hand and turn the literal pages. I said the same thing about downloading music from iTunes. I wanted my hard copy CD. But I quickly changed my mind when I discovered that I could get albums for half the price without ever leaving home to get the latest music.

The same thing will happen with books. You can browse a bookstore online and even read a preview chapter before you buy. The price is less than half that of a real book. And, think of the convenience once you start flicking your fingers on the screen instead of the book; you find that you are lost in the story, can't wait to see what happens next, and you forget that you're holding a gadget instead of a book.

5. The Land Line Telephone: Unless you have a large family and make a lot of local calls, you don't need it anymore. Most people keep it simply because they've always had it. But you are paying double charges for that extra service. All the cell phone companies will let you call customers using the same cell provider for no charge against your minutes.

6. Music: This is one of the saddest parts of the change story. The music industry is dying a slow death. Not just because of illegal downloading. It's the lack of innovative new music being given a chance to get to the people who like to hear it.

Greed and corruption is the problem. The record labels and the radio conglomerates are simply self-destructing. Over 40% of the music purchased today is "catalog items," meaning traditional music that the public is familiar with; older established artists. This is also true on the live concert circuit.

To explore this fascinating and disturbing topic further, check out the book "Appetite for Self-Destruction" by Steve Knopper, and the video documentary "Before the Music Dies."

7. Television: Revenues to the networks are down dramatically; not just because of the economy. People are watching TV and movies streamed from their computers. And they're playing games and doing lots of other things that take up the time that used to be spent watching TV.

Prime time shows have degenerated down to lower than the lowest common denominator. Cable rates are skyrocketing. Commercials run about every 4 minutes and 30 seconds. I say good riddance to most of it. It's time for the cable companies to be put out of our misery. Let the people choose what they want to watch online and through Netflix, or pay a dollar and rent from Redbox.

8. The "Things" That You Own: Many of the very possessions that we used to own are still in our lives, but we may not actually own them in the future. They may simply reside in "the cloud." Today your computer has a hard drive and you store your pictures, music, movies, and documents. Your software is on a CD or DVD, and you can always re-install it if need be. But all of that is changing. Apple, Microsoft, and Google are all finishing up their latest "cloud services." That means that when you turn on a computer, the Internet will be built into the operating system.

So, Windows, Google, and the Mac OS will be tied straight into the Internet. If you click an icon, it will open something in the Internet cloud. If you save something, it will be saved to the cloud. And you may pay a monthly subscription fee to the cloud provider. In this virtual world, you can access your music or your books, or your whatever from any laptop or handheld device.

That's the good news. But, will you actually own any of this "stuff" or will it all be able to disappear at any moment in a big "Poof?" Will most of the things in our lives be disposable and whimsical? It makes you want to run to the closet and pull out that photo album, grab a book from the shelf, or open up a CD case and pull out the insert.

9. Privacy: If there ever was a concept that we can look back on nostalgically, it would be privacy. It's gone. It's been gone for a long time anyway. There are cameras on the street, in most of the buildings, and even built into your computer and cell phone. You can be sure that 24/7 "They" know who you are and where you are, right down to the GPS coordinates, and the Google "Street View".

If you buy something, your habit is put into a zillion profiles, and your ads will change to reflect those habits. And "They" will try to get you to buy something else: again and again.

All we will have that can't be changed are Memories.

R&B Group H-Town Is Back - And These Brothers Can Still Blow!

By Kathy Williamson

EURweb.com Contributor

R&B music has always been soulful and arguably intensely sexual. The creativity of the ’90s music scene turned it up a notch introducing new sub-genre categories of neo-soul artists like Maxwell; the acapela sounds of Boyz2Men; and the sensuous slow jams of H-Town.

We asked H-Town’s Dalvin (G.I.) and Shazam about the ’90s R&B music, noting that nearly every male artist began taking their shirts off during their performances.



G.I. laughed and explained, “It was about connecting with the fans. Everybody just took a little bit from each other’s shows. We shared what worked.”

The story continues...

Feeling A Serious Heatwave Coming On!

Wait, We've Got A Few More!

Singer Jill Scott Sued By Black-Owned Hidden Beach Record Company

Will The Popular Singer/Actress Have To Pay Big $$$

Jill Scott was sued this morning by her longtime record label, which is accusing the multi-platinum songstress of skipping out halfway through a six-album contract and potentially owing millions of dollars in damages.

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by L.A.-based Hidden Beach Records, claims that the label and its founder, Steve McKeever, helped launch the R&B superstar's career and nurtured her into a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter but was unceremoniously dumped in October after a 10-plus year relationship.

"Hidden Beach is shocked by her decision not only because Scott has apparently chosen to leave the Hidden Beach family," the complaint reads, "but also because Scott is contractually required to deliver three more albums to Hidden Beach."

The complaint alleges causes of action for breach of contract and damages owed under California's Labor Code Sec. 2855. That statute, provides that talent cannot be bound by personal services contracts for longer than seven years.

Hidden Beach isn't disputing that Scott's deal violated the seven-year rule but the law carves out a requirement that certain recording artists who wish to terminate their lengthy deals must reimburse their labels in the amount the labels would have received under the terms of the contracts.

Since breaking onto the scene with the double-platinum selling "Who Is Jill Scott?" album in 2000, Scott's studio albums (and live albums) have generated millions in revenue. And in 2010, Scott has a new album coming out, as well as two films and some tv projects. So while Hidden Beach's alleged damages are unspecified in the complaint, under California law they could total several million dollars.

The complaint alleges McKeever, a Harvard-trained lawyer turned music mogul, paid Scott million-dollar advances when he wasn't required to, allowed her to keep merchandising revenue, paid $450,000 to fund a concert DVD that Scott later asked not be released, bought her lavish gifts and indulged her desire to slow her recording schedule to pursue an acting career (Scott has appeared in the films "Houndog," "Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?" and HBO's "No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency").

Source

Rev. Al Sharpton Takes Media To Task About Michael Jackson, Ends Up Saving A Soul!

(Terrence, right, with CA Assemblyman Mike Davis)

FIRST AME CHURCH CELEBRATES CHANGE, ONE MAN IN THE MIRROR AT A TIME

Driving up from San Diego, Terrence was a tall, lean, young black man with God on his mind. He couldn't have a picked a better morning. It was a beautiful communion Sunday at First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles, California.

As the city awakened after joining with the rest of the country celebrating barbeque, family, freedom and fireworks - all the typical things associated with the 4th of July - now was the time for a different type of commemoration.

This day was particularly special to Terrence and others as they began the official mourning, and for throngs of fans a deeper level of grieving, over the still incalculable loss of music icon Michael Jackson.


Before the 10:00 AM service, it was agreed that the controversial political and civil rights social activist Reverend Al Sharpton would say a few words on Michael Jackson’s behalf. Sharpton met with First AME Pastor John Hunter, First Lady Denise Hunter, and a host of recognized community leaders in the criminal justice, legal, political, and ecumenical arenas.

While this was unfolding, a cacophony of mainstream media outlets descended south of Interstate 10 tasked with ferreting out any additional information about the legendary talent who, even in death, has seen renewed appreciation for his extraordinary talent.

Since word spread of Jackson’s death, radio airplay for songs including “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” Pretty Young Thing” and “Remember The Time” has increased by a staggering 1,735%.

Sales of his solo albums “Thriller” and “Off The Wall” are up an unprecedented 4,000-percent, from 10,000 copies sold the week before his death to 422,000 sold for the week that ended June 28, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

And he has caused over 1 million people across the globe to salivate over the improbable chance that they, straight from the pages of Willie Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, will be so lucky as to witness a special memorial tribute at the fortress-like Staples Center, a mere four miles away from the sanctuary that just the week prior LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa chose to be sworn into his second term in office.

The purpose of Al Sharpton’s visit to the oldest black church in the Southland was to announce the commencement of a “Love Vigil” Tuesday July 7.

This would not only take place at Staples, the adjacent Nokia Theatre and First AME, but the goal was that it would spread to countless venues around the world.

In addition, efforts had already begun to have a national day of honor along with a postage stamp to recognize the King of Pop’s significant contributions to the arts.

Not that Terrence was necessary consumed by these things taking place. Wearing a simple t-shirt, black jeans and black tennis shoes, he listened as Pastor Walt “Baby” Love schooled those in attendance about Michael Jackson’s classic “Man in The Mirror” song, played during a three minute video tribute that paid homage to the award winning entertainer’s incredible journey.

Pastor Love revealed how the acclaimed gospel family “The Winans” had actually sung back-up on the track, and that noted gospel singer Pastor Andre Crouch had arranged the song that continues to give special meaning to so many.

But then the conversation at the pulpit quickly turned to more somber news, including the murder of famed former NFL Quarterback Steve McNair, along with the heart-wrenching details of a congregation member who lost four family relatives in a fatal car accident.

Before audience members could completely absorb these tragedies, uplifting news came in the form of the FAME Assistance Program gearing up to host an inaugural, full-day school initiative over the summer for 100 kids in response to the Los Angeles Unified School District’s canceling of a majority of course studies due to massive cuts in education that continue to wreak havoc on California.

Palpable among Angelenos, the frustration over the state’s continued loss of millions of dollars while lawmakers in Sacramento try to resolve a bleak situation did not deter Terrence and others who sat in their pews and received the message being delivered by Al Sharpton.

In fact many shouted Amen as the Harlem-based pastor, never at a loss for words, thanked God for another day before describing how he first met Michael Jackson when he was only thirteen in 1969. He answered critics by detailing the numerous times he had stood by the Jackson Family before chastising the despicable way the media who, according to Sharpton, was attempting to destroy, degrade, denigrate and undermine a man who has broke every record in the history books. Or as he further noted, a genius that had to “deal with a freakish situation” in life.

By not showing the proper deference and respect for a struggling African American working family from Gary, Indiana who saw their dreams materialize, who proved to be a powerful symbol in the face of racism and discrimination, who have given so much to the world, Sharpton warned that this double standard playing out, through comparisons to the passing of Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, had clear racial undertones.

Undeterred, he preached about how these global vigils would deal with the message, while the media would be reduced to dealing with the mess.

But it was Reverend Sharpton’s statements about praising God through trials, tribulations and suffering, no matter what a person is going through, that clearly resonated with the congregation and elicited the longest standing ovations among the many.

After the church erupted in a crescendo of praise and Sharpton turned to take his seat on the pulpit, Pastor John made a call to anyone in the sanctuary who was ready to surrender their life to a Higher Power.

From nowhere, Terrence emerged. The toothy young man from San Diego rose from where he had been stationed, made his way to the altar, and accepted God in his life.

Of course for many, this was all overshadowed by the press conference that immediately followed. Here is where a long row of cameras rolled, shutters flickered, and questions were lobbed with ferocity about the details surrounding the actual funeral for Michael Jackson, the current status of his three small children, and musings over whether if more diversity was seen in the mainstream media, would that cause the tone to be less jarring and astringent.

Those questions would linger. But for one person who decided to follow Michael Jackson’s call to take a look at them self, it was a service like no other.

I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways.
And no message would have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place,
Take a look at yourself and make that… CHANGE!

July 5, 2009

By Kevin Ross, President & CEO 3BAAS Media Group

The Life of Michael Jackson on Blogtalkradio's Kevin Ross Show

(Click the photo of Michael Jackson to hear the chilling 911 Emergency Call)

Kevin Ross of 3BAAS Media Group paid tribute today to Michael Jackson on his eponymous Internet radio show that featured Lee Bailey of EUR Web and Blogtalkradio CEO Alan Levy. In between the legendary singer's memorable tunes, guests turned nostalgic when talking about The King of Pop's legacy and the future of music overall.

Reggie Calloway, formerly of the group Midnight Star, was one of several callers who paid tribute to the controversial superstar know as well for his sometimes wacky behavior as for a music career spanning five decades and 19 Grammys.

Twice inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Jackson is believed to have sold close to half a billion records with such chart-topping hits such as Beat It, Billie Jean, Black or White, and of course Thriller. On his radio show, Ross erred in stating the Jackson's record sales were at 1 billion.

Speculation remains as to whether former wife and mother to two of the children Debbie Rowe will raised Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11, and Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., 12, after giving up all custody rights in exchange for money.

As to the MJ's youngest, 6 year-old Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. (affectionately referred to as "Blanket"), no word on that child's mother or the role she may want to play in the child's life at this point.

In the meantime, the autopsy on Michael Jackson's body could take up to eight weeks before conclusive results are announced. In the meantime, speculation grows over the circumstances surrounding the death of the Black man who altered his appearance to the point of being unrecognizable.

Police are looking for Jackson's doctor who administered a dose of the drug Demoral that may have caused Jackson to go into cardiac arrest.

Stay tuned folks, this is only the beginning of the circus that without question is about to unleash.

Electric Purgatory by Raymond Gayle Reveals The Struggles of Black Rockers In The Music Industry

What's Up With Chris Brown & Rihanna Acting Like Ike & Tina Turner?

Sure J-Hud Sang Great & Now Has A Grammy And Oscar,

But These Two Are The Story

Grammy day was supposed to be about Jennifer Hudson's triumphiant return. It was. it was suppose to let the world know that Whitney Houston was back in the house. It did. It was also suppose to be a glittery affair for R&B's reigning "it" couple, Chris Brown and Rihanna. Well, two outta three ain't bad!

About the time Brown was scheduled to be singing "Forever" onstage at Los Angeles' Staples Center, he was instead detained by police, being questioned for allegedly roughing up Rihanna.

Brown, 19, turned himself in at the LAPD's Wilshire station around 6:30 p.m. and was booked on suspicion of making criminal threats, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of four years. The case will now be sent to the district attorney's office and further charges could be filed. He was released from jail after posting $50,000 bail.

"He was very professional and didn't appear to have injuries," said Sgt. Bridget Pickett, adding, "He's a good looking young man."

While Brown appeared unscathed, sources tell E! News that the alleged victim was Rihanna, 20, and that she suffered visible bruises on her face during an early morning confrontation. Both in turn balked at scheduled Grammy appearances.

A spokeswoman for Brown's label declined comment and calls to his attorney, Mark Geragos, weren't immediately returned.

Meanwhile, Rihanna's publicist, Amanda Silverman, said the "Disturbia" singer "is well. Thank you for concern and support."

Per department policy, police declined to identify the alleged victim in the incident, which occurred about 12:30 a.m. in the Hancock Park area, apparently as the two were heading home from Clive Davis' annual pre-Grammy bash, where they had been all smiles.

In a statement, police say Brown and his companion "became involved in an argument. After stopping his car, Brown and the woman got out and the argument escalated. The woman suffered visible injuries and identified Brown as her attacker."

By the time officers arrived on the scene, Brown had split.

Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, decided against singing a medley of "Disturbia" and "Live Your Life" at tonight's awards. Likewise, Brown scrapped his scheduled performance of "Forever."

"We're sorry she is unable to join us this evening," said the Recording Academy. A virtually identical statement was issued for Brown's absence.

Brown and Rihanna were up for dueling Pop Collaboration With Vocals awards, Brown for his duet with Jordin Sparks on "No Air," Rihanna with Maroon 5 for "If I Never See Your Face Again." Brown was also contending for Male R&B Vocal Performance for "Take You Down." Neither Brown nor Rihanna won anything.

After the ceremony, Recording Academy President Neal Portnoy told E! News that he first learned of the situation "pretty late in the afternoon," about three hours before showtime.

"Musicians are no different than anybody else. I'm not judging. I'm sorriest that they weren't there for their moments on stage," he said, adding that he's never had to deal with replacing two segments at the last minute.

"I'm hoping that [the awards are] the story and should not be eclipsed by this part of business," Portnoy said. "I think the story is...the music that went on stage."

Backstage, Anthony Hamilton, winner of the Traditional R&B Vocal Grammy with Al Green, said his pal was pressed into emergency service "about an hour and a half before the preshow."

Green crooned "Let's Stay Together" with assists from Justin Timberlake and Keith Urban.

Asked if old-pro Green really was able to take the stage on such short notice, Hamilton suggested the R&B icon was practicing last night.

Said Hamilton, "He knew something could happen."

E! Online

LA Times' Faces to Watch 2009 Features One African American: The Talented, No-Neck Melinda Doolittle of American Idol

Doolittle Does A Lot With Solo Debut

She was the little engine that could on the sixth season of "American Idol."

But now is the time for listeners to remember that this gospel-bred former backup singer has an earth-shaking gift, one that places her beyond trends and television watchers' whims.

Doolittle might have stuck with praise and worship music or tried to update her style with hip-hop beats. Instead, she went with vintage soul, and man, does it work. Her brand new offering, "Coming Back to You" (coming out in February on Hi Fi Recordings), connects her to venerable elders like Gladys Knight and, yes, early Aretha, but instead of sounding trapped within an antique box, Doolittle comes across as vital and vibrant.

Producer Mike Mangini helped Joss Stone launch her career, and with Doolittle he's found a partner who delivers not only on technique but also with powerful emotion. The retro-soul trend has primed listeners to appreciate the warmth of live instruments and a strong voice, so Doolittle has a chance to find her place among the airbrushed pop queens of the mainstream.

-- Ann Powers, LA Times

Famed African American Record Exec Jheryl Busby Dead at 59

Historic Day That Busby Won't Be Able To Enjoy

Another music industry executive has passed away. Former President & CEO of Motown Records, Mr. Jheryl Busby, died this morning, November 4.

He was 59. Circumstances around Mr. Busby's death are unknown.

He began his career as an inventory clerk at Mattel Toys, working his way up to new-toy coordinator. Later Busby joined the legendary Memphis-based Stax Records. Eventually, Busby became head of West Coast promotion and marketing for the label.

During the early 1980s, he did promotional work for several record companies, including Casablanca, CBS, A&M, and Atlantic. Employed by MCA Records as vice-president of the black music division in 1984, Busby enjoyed phenomenal success. His promotion of such established singers as Patti LaBelle and up-and-coming acts like New Edition catapulted record sales to $50 million in the mid-1980s. When he ended his career at MCA in the late 1980s--as president of the black music division--his sector was number one in the industry in black album sales.

Mr. Busby segued to Motown Records as the company's President & CEO in 1988, where he oversaw a surge of youthful talent such as Another Bad Creation, Boyz II Men, and Johnny Gill. He was also instrumental in keeping many of the label's legendary artists such as Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross in the limelight with hit projects.

Mr. Busby was appointed head of the urban division at DreamWorks Records in 1998. He left that post in 2001. In 2004, he was named president of Def Soul Classics, a division of Def Jam Records. He would bring his rich expertise as a consultant to companies such as Hidden Beach Recordings, and a venture with producer Mike City, called Umbrella Recordings--releasing the last Carl Thomas album in 2007 and Patti LaBelle's first gospel album, "The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle."

Beyond music, Busby -- along with Janet Jackson and Magic Johnson -- was a major shareholder in the nation's first African-American-owned national bank, Founders National Bank of Los Angeles.

Urban Network.

When The Checks Stop Coming In: Music Artists Are Hurting!

Record labels are approaching another financially weak year. According to Variety, the music industry officially closed out with a total of 297.9 million albums sold for the third quarter making it already 12 percent less than the previous year. 2007 saw a total of 500.5 million in sales with over 30 percent of the records purchased stemming from the fourth quarter.

However, this year the industry would have to up that amount to over 40 percent. With a strong line-up of upcoming albums believed to drop before 2009 including releases from Kanye West, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes and possible albums from Dr. Dre, Eminem and Andre 3000, the goal may still be attainable.

Record sales are lower than ever, but boy those 100 pack of blank discs from Best Buy are selling like hot cakes. Help should be on its way with Kanye and Luda looking to drop albums this year. We would love to buy those albums, but times are so tough we might have to use one of our blank discs and go without the pretty pictures and credits on the “real album.” Sad face.

Source

R&B Soul Singer N'Dambi To Perform at The Farmers Angel City Classic 5th Quarter Concert

Go To Angel City Classic for Details!

Speaking of Dre, Whatever Happened to His Ex With The Smurf Voice, Singer Michel'le???

Remember "Something In My Heart" by Michel'le? After the jump, we find out what's the latest on girlfriend, and what famous black man in music is the daddy of her OTHER child.

Michel'le Toussaint, 38, is an R&B vocalist of mixed Louisiana Creole heritage. Known for her squeaky, child-like speaking voice, the singer was originally signed to Eazy-E's Ruthless Records. In 1989, she released Michel'le.

Her self-titled debut album was entirely produced by then boyfriend Dr. Dre. The album contained "No More Lies" and the hit singles "Nicety" and "Something in My Heart."



Michel'le sold 1.5 million copies. She is imitated and generally made fun of on Tim Dog's infamous song, "Fuck Compton". Michel'le was the featured female vocalist on World Class Wreckin' Cru's 1988 single "Turn Off the Lights".

In 1998, she released her second album "Hung Jury" but it garnered little attention and no hit records.

Following Dr. Dre’s departure from Death Row Records, Michel’le and Dr. Dre parted ways. Michel’le had one child—Marcel—with Dr. Dre. Marcel is now 17-years-old.

Papa Dre, 43, has four other children. He has two children with his ex-wife Nicole Threatt, 11-year-old son Truth and daughter Truly, seven.

Threat was formerly married to NBA player Sedale Threatt. (The now 47-year-old one-time Laker star who took Magic's spot after he announced he was HIV positive. Having spent time on lockdown for failure to pay child support, Sedale is also rumored to have as many as 14 children!!!!)

Dre is also the biological father of rapper Hood Surgeon, aka Curtis Young, with mother, Lisa Johnson, then 16, when Dre was 17.

Dre also had a son named Andre Young Jr., who died at age 20, on August 23, 2008.

The recent death of his child has dealt a devastating blow to the award winning producer who first became famous as a member of rap group NWA.

Dre is currently working on new album Detox, and is credited with discovering rap stars Enimem, 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg.

Michel'le also has another child—Bailei—with of all folks... Suge Knight.

SUGE KNIGHT AND DRE'S HAVE KIDS THAT ARE HALF BROTHERS??? (Get the latest on Marion's arrest today!!!!)

Soon after Bailei's birth, her relationship with Knight ended.

Her most recent music was contribution to the Dysfunktional Family soundtrack in 2003. She has since confirmed through several media outlets that she’s been working on new material and looking for a label for her third album.

Sly & The Family Stone Just Wants To Take You Higher!

Does Brooke Hogan think she's Black or what? Can you believe she's actually trying to sing some Sly. SMH!!!

The Isaac Hayes I Knew

By Mi-Ling Stone Poole

When I heard the news last weekend that Isaac Hayes passed away I was saddened. I don’t think people really understood who he was.

Every newscast spoke of the “Shaft” soundtrack and his portrayal of the Chef on “South Park.” But he was deeper than that.

I remember going to one of his concerts in the late ‘70’s. He was definitely a sex symbol.

His bald head and chains portrayed a strong, sexy, black man. He was soulful, confident, and even a little intimidating, at a time when Black Power was still at the forefront. I was in my late teens and I’ll never forget that concert. He commanded the stage and combined rap with his own unique style of rhythm and blues.

During the early ‘90’s, I met Isaac at a Teen Expo in Kansas City. After a brief discussion he agreed to join my speaker’s bureau. This is when I was told about all of the positive things that he was doing for children. He told me that his mission in life was to push world literacy and to encourage businesses and individuals to build global relationships with Africa, specifically, Ghana.

Later, I encouraged him to participate in an independent film called, “Ninth Street.” I was an associate producer on the project and we needed a known name to help push the film. After Isaac signed on Martin Sheen also played a small role in the film while he was in town shooting another project.

Isaac agreed to compose the soundtrack and to portray Tippytoe, the owner of a local cab company in Junction City, Kan. His presence in the film and the scoring of the soundtrack gave importance to the project and helped Kevin Willmott, an African American filmmaker make a name for himself. Willmott went on to write for the ‘70’s television series and the controversial film, C.S.A. to name a few.

I was an associate producer on the project and Isaac was willing to help out because he was interested in helping African Americans. That’s the kind of person he was. A down to earth, Memphis man with a kind spirit, nothing like the persona he portrayed.

Hayes was also a spokesman for the World Literacy Crusade. He told me his mission was to encourage young people to become literate. His grandmother had inspired him during his early years in Memphis and he credited her for his success as a composer, producer, and musician.

He told me that a proud moment for him was when he was named honorary Nigerian Chieftain and was enstooled as an African American King in Ghana. His goal was to bring economic development there.

The last time I saw Isaac was at the premier of “Ninth Street.” The event was held at the Gem Theatre in the historic 18th & Vine district in Kansas City, Missouri.

This was the Isaac that I knew. This is not the Isaac that is being talked about in the news. So I just wanted to give my two cents. To let people know that there was a deeper side to Isaac Hayes, the sex symbol, the soul man.

He was a man of compassion. A man who was eager to help a brother out! I was sorry to hear the news and my heart goes out to his family and friends. But, I will be forever grateful for his participation in our little independent film.

Mi-Ling Stone Poole is an National Association of Black Journalists member living near Oklahoma City.

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