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Home > Atlanta Music Scene > Archives > 2008 > October
October 2008
Sugarland — The Movie Trailer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The business of politicking for a CMA Award sure looks like fun, in Sugarland’s hands. SEE BELOW what the Atlanta country duo’s label sent out to voters, in hopes they’ll pick Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush in the many categories they’re up for Nov. 12 — and tell us if it’s a winner. (And if that’s not enough Sugarland fun, CLICK HERE for the CMT red carpet game where you can dress the twosome). 
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Hear Unreleased Left-Eye Here
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With recent news that the last solo project, “Eye-Legacy,” will be released from late Atlanta rapper Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes Jan. 27, two singles from the project have surfaced.
The first is “Tampered With”, featuring Wanya of Boyz II Men. Here it HERE on Windows Media Player or HERE on Real Player.
And the other one is “Legendary,” featuring 2Pac. Here that HERE on Windows Media Player or HERE on Real Player.
Afterwards, share what you think of both. And since “Eye-Legacy” will include what are being called “retooled” songs from Lopes’s “Supernova”, what did you think of that 2001 disc? The new unreleased material from Mass Appeal Entertainment/Koch also includes songs with Missy Elliott, Chamillionaire, Lil Mama, Bobby Valentino and her fellow members in TLC (with whom she is pictured in the second photo, in the center). Interested?
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Matthew Sweet — From The Road
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Today‘s Dispatch From the Road comes from the Athens-groomed, power pop favorite performing tonight at the Variety Playhouse.
Planning to go? Remember Sweet from his Athens days with Oh-OK, or Lloyd Cole? Well here’s a quick note from his iPhone, to the Atlanta Music Scene (while in Boston):
“Our tour is going wonderfully, we’ve been amazed by the turnouts of dedicated fans, and everybody seems to love the new songs too! We sell cds at the show too in case you don’t have one!:) we’re working a three guitar line-up that will blow your socks off…most of all, we now know rock as we know it is not dead by a long shot. Atlanta is my old stomping ground and we’re ready to kick out the jams there! Come on down!”
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Rate T.I.’s New Video
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A week ago tonight Atlanta rapper T.I. opened the BET Hip-Hop Awards performing “What Up, What’s Haapnin’ ” to near silence (at first) in the Atlanta Civic Center.
Perhaps it was because he wasn’t introduced. Perhaps it was because the single from his latest CD “Paper Trail” isn’t as familiar as his current (“Whatever You Like”) and recent (“Live Your Life,” featuring Rihanna) No. 1 hits.
Well BELOW is a little help with the latter — a YouTube clip of “What Up, What’s Haapnin’ ”. Tell us what you think.
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Mastodon’s upcoming album title revealed
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mastodon at Southern Tracks Studios in early September, where they were finishing up work on their upcoming 2009 follow-up to the Grammy-nominated “Blood Mountain.” From left, guitarist and vocalist Brent Hinds, drummer Brann Dailor, guitarist Bill Kelliher, touring keyboardist Rich Morris and bassist and vocalist Troy Sanders.
Atlanta rock behemoth Mastodon has a new album coming in the early part of 2009. Until today, it didn’t have a title, but the band’s label Reprise has revealed that it will be called “Crack the Skye.” We got a taste of “Crack the Skye” at Southern Tracks Studios back in September before sitting down to speak with drummer Brann Dailor (see part of that interview here). Producer Brendan O’Brien gave us a sneak preview of three of the album’s shorter tracks, and here are some first impressions:
“Quintessence”
Dailor’s drums rampage around the calm eye of a hurricane while Troy Sanders distant voice seems stranded in a choral sea. Then it all comes together for one of the band’s most memorable melodies. The song is in a constant state of flux, with new motifs around every corner. With “Quintessence,” Mastodon demonstrates, once again, a remarkable grasp of subtlety for such a powerhouse band.
“Divinations”
The rolling guitar riff recalls Led Zeppelin’s “Achilles’ Last Stand,” but the twinned guitar fills will have visions of Thin Lizzy dancing in your head. More rafter-rattling drumming from Dailor, but the best bit is the way the buzzing guitar solo fades in.
“Oblivion”
Compared with the band’s earlier work, the harmonies are brighter, the dynamics more brutal here. The overall sound of Mastodon as produced by O’Brien - who came into the studio to crank this one up - is cleaner without losing the band’s distinguishing metallic chug. The textured, cascading guitar makes this classic metal re-imagined for the new millennium.
Here is the complete track listing for the album:
“Oblivion”
“Divinations”
“Quintessence”
“The Czar”
(I) Usurper
(II) Escape
(III) Martyr
(IV) Spiral
“Ghost of Karelia”
“Crack The Skye”
“The Last Baron”
Mastodon has also been tapped as the opener for Metallica’s European tour in the summer of 2009.
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Whigs, Whigs, Everywhere We Turn
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Athens three-piece The Whigs will be featured tonight on Jimmy Kimmel Live, performing “Already Young” and “Like A Vibration”.
And in other Whigs news, Parker Gispert, Julian Dorio and Tim Deaux are joining Kings of Leon on the road, stopping at the Tabernacle Nov. 18.
Happen to miss them then, they’ll be back the following month, closing out the year Dec. 30 and 31 at the Variety Playhouse.
Think you’ll catch them tonight — and/or live? What about their CD “Mission Control” — feel like it’s gotten its due? Seen the “Like A Vibration” video? (If not, watch it HERE).
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How To Impress Ciara— According To Ciara
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO CREDIT: Naomi Kaltman/Men’s Health
PHOTO CREDIT: Naomi Kaltman/Men’s Health
PHOTO CREDIT: Frank W. Ockenfels 3/Men’s Health
Atlanta R&B singer Ciara is the featured “MH Woman” in the November issue of Men’s Health magazine, giving her the podium to offer advice on succeeding, in general, and impressing her, in particular.
Ever read or heard good advice from a celebrity?
Well here’s Ciara on:
Setting goals for herself: “When I was growing up in Atlanta, I was always striving for something. I was always setting goals and trying to be somebody.”
Her inspirations: “I take my motivation from athletes- basketball player in particular. I love LeBron James because he’s my age and full of ambition and drive. I love Michael Jordan. You can tell he chose to work hard to set himself outside the pack. There was so much pressure, but he pulled through every time. That energy motivates me.”
“The way he [David Tyree] held onto that ball that Eli Manning threw—I felt what he had inside. He wanted it that badly. When it comes to my career, there’s nothing more exciting than being successful at the highest possible level.”
What she looks for in a guy: “It’s important for a guy to be a gentleman. I like some toughness, but not too much. He has to take the time to understand who I am.”
“I like for a guy to have his own thing going on, to have strong drive and focus—because that motivates me.”
“I like to go out to dinner. I like to go to the movies. These are things that give you the opportunity to learn about a person’s tastes—what they laugh at. That says a lot.”
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Slim Scores First Solo Top 10 Single
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Just yesterday it was noted here that 112 member Daron Jones was one of the producers on R&B group Brutha’s upcoming debut.
Now it seems fellow 112 member Slim (second from left, above, with his group) is producing in his own right. The first single from his upcoming solo album “Love’s Crazy,” entitled “So Fly” (featuring fellow Atlantan Yung Joc), has cracked the Top 10 of Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs listing, at No. 8.
It is 112’s signature vocalist’s first top 10 single as a solo artist. (He had 10 top 10s as a member of 112).
Heard “So Fly” yet? (See a YouTube clip of the video BELOW). Wonder why this hometown talent isn’t getting a lot of local airplay?
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Brutha Is Back — With Record Deal And Another TV Show
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Seven months after their bow on Peachtree TV — where they were trying to win the attention of Atlanta’s Jermaine Dupri, and a record deal — the Harrell brothers are back.
And not only has the group Brutha inked that deal, with a debut due on Island Def Jam Dec. 23, but the burgeoning R&B pin-ups are scheduled to return to our living rooms on the BET reality show “Brothers to Brutha,” starting Nov. 18 after the season premier of Atlanta’s “Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is”.
Remember Anthony, Jared, Jacob, Cheyenne and Grady from the Peachtree TV show? What do you think are the chances of an R&B group succeeding these days? (They are actually the only one on the Def Jam roster. But they are getting a production assist from one-time R&B group member Daron Jones (of 112), as well as fellow Atlantan Jazze Pha). To better inform your answers to those questions, see a YouTube clip of the new video of their first single, “I Can’t Hear The Music” (featuring Fabolous) BELOW; as well as Brutha doing Boyz II Men’s “Thank You” and “Jesus Gave Me Water”.
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T.I. And Keyshia Cole Get Out The Vote Today
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta rapper T.I. (above with Ludacris facing him) and local R&B singer Keyshia Cole are scheduled to be in Philadelphia today, where they will join hip-hop mogul Jay-Z on the “Respect My Vote! Get Out The Vote” bus tour stops.
The initiative is an effort of the Hip-Hop Caucus and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network to get first-time voters, in particular, to the polls for the Nov. 4 election. The bus tour includes concerts and campuses across the country, with fellow Atlantan T-Pain, Busta Rhymes and Angela and Vanessa Simmons appearing at some of the events as well.
Today’s event starts at 3:30 at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia.
Have you attended such an event because a celebrity was there? And since this is the morning after, and millions have surely seen it now, what do you think of the BET Hip-Hop Awards taking such a political tone?
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“How I Spent My BET Hip-Hop Awards Weekend”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Birmingham, Ala. nursing student Stephanie Taylor (pictures above, left with MC Lyte in the center and her friend Kawana Richardson) won an internet contest put on by Church’s Chicken and BET, and the prize was an all-expenses trip to the BET Hip-Hop Awards— held in Atlanta Oct. 18 and airing tonight at 8 p.m. .
Happen to run into her this past wekend?
Well here’s the “diary”entry she wrote for the Atlanta Music Scene:
Hi my name is Stephanie Taylor and I got a great opportunity by winning the first BET HIP HOP AWARDS contest on the internet. As a winner they flew me out to Atlanta and paid for my hotel for three days and two nights. When I came in they had a driver pick me and my guest up and take us to the hotel. We stayed in The W hotel, which is one of the best hotels I ever stayed in. The people that work at the hotel were great and very nice to me and my guest. The BET people were wonderful and very nice to us also. They made sure we had everything we needed and made sure we did everything they promised us.
The night before the awards we went to Studio 72 in Tucker, Georgia. It was very nice and fun. They had an open bar and a mini buffet of finger food. It was very interesting and a lot was going on all at once. I almost saw J.D., but I couldn’t get close enough to him to get a picture. Then, the next day we had a BET reception with other BET workers. After that they took us to the awards on a shuttle bus. It was very busy and crowded around the [Atlanta] Civic Center. When we got to our seats I was little disappointed, but I was still happy that I was there. I knew I wasn’t going to [be] up front, but I figured I would be on the floor.
The BET HIP HOP AWARDS was great! I really enjoyed all the performances by all the artists. I hated that Katt Williams wasn’t the host, but T-Pain was a great host after all. I was very happy that my boys T.I. and Ludacris came together in their performances. It was great idea and whoever came up with it was a genius! I was happy that they were getting out to everyone that they need to go out and vote on November 4, 2008.
In all I really enjoyed myself and I hope one day I get to go again! I hope everyone one day gets to see what I saw and do what I did. I want to tell BET thank you and I loved everything they did for me. And that everyone allows hip hop to grow. And that everyone goes out and votes on November 4, 2008!!!!!!
Thanks and BARRACK YOUR VOTE!!!!!!!
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After The BET Hip-Hop Awards, The After-Parties
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Though the ceremony is over, the celebrations still linger as photo galleries continue to pop up of the many happenings surrounding last weekend’s BET Hip-Hop Awards (airing at 8 p.m. tonight).
Among the notable events:
Atlanta R&B singer Ne-Yo’s birthday party at Mason Murer Fine Art
(Here he is with Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas of TLC).
(…and Atlanta singer-songwriter Keri Hilson, who led the birthday song.) Next, Atlanta producer-artist Sean Garrett’s brunch at The Ellis on Peachtree (Here he is with recent Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductee, Keith Sweat) Were you at any of these - or other - events happening around the BET Hip-Hop Awards? Any if so, any memorable experiences? (Check back here for more pix…)
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Meiko - From The Road
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Today’s Dispatch From the Road comes from one-time Georgian Meiko, who is joining Ingrid Michaelson, Priscilla Ahn, Erin McCarley, Katie Herzig and Sonia Leigh on the Hotel Cafe Tour’s stop at the Variety Playhouse tonight.
Got your ticket? Remember Meiko from her childhood days? Well here’s the latest from the singer-songwriter:
I’m getting ready to go onstage at a club in Austin, TX, but my mind is on Georgia (I grew up in Roberta!). It’s gonna be nice to be back in Atlanta for lots of reasons:
My family is gonna be at the gig!! This will be one of the few times they’ve seen me play a real show!
I’m gonna get to eat fried chicken, mac & cheese, collard greens and corn bread, oh! and sweeeeeet tea at my favorite place, Agnes & Muriel’s (right off Piedmont Ave).
I get to meet my friends Suzy and Tony’s new baby girl!
I can’t wait. I love Atlanta — the thought alone puts me in a happy place! It’s like a spa to me: good food, fresh air, nice people, and clean water!
It’ll be a nice break from the road! Yay!
*meiko
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After The BET Hip-Hop Awards, The Video Shoots
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Taking full advantage of having much of the hip-hop universe here this past weekend for the taping of the BET Hip-Hop Awards (airing tomorrow), quite a few directors have shot videos around the metro area the past few days.
Monday Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy filmed one for his single, “Who Dat”, from his recent No. 1 CD “The Recession”. (And featuring local producer Shawty Redd).
Atlanta rapper-actor Ludacris was on set that same day for “One More Drink,” what is being billed as his second official single from his upcoming Nov. 25 release, “Theater of The Mind”.
“ATL” director Chris Robinson was behind the camera, and in addition to Atlanta rapper T-Pain (featured on the song), V-103’s Wanda Smith and fellow comedians Shawty Shawty, TK Kirkland and BET’s M.I.A. host, Katt Williams, made cameos at Cafe Noir in Castleberry Hill.
(In case you’re wondering, “Undisputed”, featuring Floyd “Money” Mayweather is the first single, according to his label. The video made its debut this week. See a YouTube clip of it BELOW. Wonder what “What Them Girls Like,” featuring Chris Brown and Sean Garrett is then?)
Finally, Florida rapper Plies (above) flew back in Tuesday afternoon to shoot “Put It On Ya” featuring newcomer vocalist Chris J. . It’s a single from his upcoming Dec. 16 CD “Da Realist”. And directors Yolande and Edwin had the artist at the airport Marriott, and then a tucked-away mansion in Fairburn.
“I try to get to Atlanta as much as possible,” Plies said. “This is as much home as anyplace else, because of the support I get here.”
Were you at any of these shoots — or happen upon one? (See photos of the Ludacris shoot HERE). Know of any others that were done or are planned this week?
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Rate the New Big Gipp Remixes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Scion is releasing an exclusive “Scion A/V Remix: Big Gipp” of Atlanta rapper Big Gipp’s (above) single “Hot” today, crafted by local DJ/producers Rob Wonder, Klever and Treasure Fingers.
Download the dance tracks HERE — and tell us what you think.
(And you can hear other Scion A/V releases HERE).
Oh yeah — are you planning to attend the Scion “Live Metro” show tonight at The Loft, with M.O.P., Connie Price & The Keystones, Percee P and DJ Haul on the turntables?
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Katt Williams and LL Cool J’s Absences — Still Unexplained
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As commercials continue to air for Thursday’s BET Hip-Hop Awards — with comedian Katt Williams (above) in them— there’s still no official reason as to why he didn’t host, and Atlanta rapper/singer T-Pain did.
On the BET site, the cable channel has a “breaking news” post from BET.com staff member Nile Ivey that Williams lost the hosting duties to T-Pain in a break-dancing competition.
And there’s even “quotes” in it from BET Executive Vice President of Entertainment, Stephen Hill, Williams and T-Pain.
Here’s Hill’s: “It was crazy. We were all out at the club Friday night; T-Pain, Katt Williams, an Emmanuel Lewis impersonator and me, fluids flowing, music all loud. Suddenly Pain, having bought us some drinks, challenged Katt to a break dancing battle. I’d seen Katt get down before so I was ready to put all my money on Mr. Williams. His pop-lock is legendary. Pain was like ‘Nah…Not money. I wanna host the show. The 2008 BET Hip-Hop Awards. Like, tomorrow.’ Katt and I looked at each other. EASY win for Mr. Williams, we thought. If Katt won, Pain would have to un-lock his hair and put it in a press-curl. Both agreed and the battle was on.”
And Williams’: “I’ve had a great time hosting the show for the last two years. I’ve been integral to establishing the show amongst all awards shows…and was looking forward to hosting this year. I never thought T-Pain would win a breakdancing battle with me. And I gotta say, I think it was a bit unfair for him to use the vocoder to give him the advantage even in a DANCE battle.!!!”
The thing is, T-Pain actually said on the red carpet — and on the show — that he was called at 4 a.m. the morning of to host.
And Media TakeOut has another take (of course) altogether, claiming he was upset after he caught his girlfriend cheating, and quit.
Meanwhile, still no official word as well as to what happened with rap veteran LL Cool J opening for Janet Jackson Sunday at Philips Arena, either. (Though he was in town the night before to present Russell Simmons with his I Am Hip-Hop Award at the BET taping.)
Were you at the BET Hip-Hop Awards — and if so, think Williams was missed? And that T-Pain was funny? (See our photo galleries from the RED CARPET and SHOW). Same question about the Jackson concert — feel like you got your money’s worth without LL? (See that gallery HERE).
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Rate The New Usher Video
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As Atlanta R&B superstar Usher’s latest CD “Here I Stand” bubbles under at the No. 98 spot on Billboard’s pop chart this week, a video for the Prince-like single “Trading Places” has surfaced.
See the YouTube clip BELOW and tell us what you think. (And are you planning to see Usher Nov. 10 at the Tabernacle? Get tickets HERE).
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R.E.M. to Reissue “Murmur” For 25th Anniversary
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The full-length debut from Athens rock icons R.E.M., “Murmur,” is being reissued in a two-CD 25th anniversary deluxe edition Nov. 25.
The bonus disc is of a previously unreleased concert at Larry’s Hideaway in Toronto three months after “Murmur” hit stores in April 1983.
“R.E.M. was a product of the record store, the library, and the college classroom colliding with the ultimate counter-culture, nerd, dance, ambiguous sex party,” “Murmur” co-producer Don Dixon writes in an essay in the deluxe edition. “They were a band in the most classic sense of the word. The perfect amalgam of The Velvet Underground and The Doors.”
Also in the package, former I.R.S. exec Jay Boberg remembers his initial reaction to Murmur: “The first crystallization of the R.E.M. sound, a beautiful noise that will never be duplicated.”
Do you remember what you thought the first time you heard “Murmur”? Happen to be at that Larry’s Hideaway show? Have a Top 5, all-time R.E.M. albums list you’d like to share?
Oh - and if you’re curious, here’s the track listing from the anniversary set:
R.E.M. Murmur deluxe edition
Disc One The Album
- Radio Free Europe
- Pilgrimage
- Laughing
- Talk About The Passion
- Moral Kiosk
- Perfect Circle
- Catapult
- Sitting Still
- 9-9
- Shaking Through
- We Walk
West Of The Fields
Disc Two Live at Larry’s Hideaway
Laughing
- Pilgrimage
- There She Goes Again
- 7 Chinese Brothers
- Talk About The Passion
- Sitting Still
- Harborcoat
- Catapult
- Gardening At Night
- 9-9
- Just A Touch
- West Of The Fields
- Radio Free Europe
- We Walk
- 1,000,000
- Carnival Of Sorts (Box Cars)
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Janet Jackson’s Triumphant Homecoming
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Soooo, Janet Jackson was really, really sick, right?
Hospitalized a few weeks back (due to what was later reported as migraine-associated vertigo), and taking so long to recover that she had to reschedule this, and other dates on her first tour in seven years, yes?
Couldn’t have been.
As the part-time Atlantan that appeared before a just-over half full Philips Arena Sunday night gave a 100% performance. A performance so well-crafted and enthusiastically-received that many in the audience appeared exhausted after spending two plus hours on their feet.
“It feel so good to be home,” an often smiling, giggly and seemingly indefatigable Jackson said. “I love you ATL!”
The superstar appeared on the stage alone and at top speed - charging through the hits that helped make her one of the biggest contemporary pop and R&B artists ever: “Pleasure Principle.” “Control.” “What Have You Done For Me Lately?”
And even when she hit the next tune, “Feedback” — from the album “Discipline,” one of three or four commercial disappointments of recent years — the crowd sang and danced to it like it was of her 1986-2001 height.
Speaking of dancing, that is one of the more remarkable things about Jackson — and her shows. Where most fans are likely to sing along to the act they paid to see’s hits; Jackson fans go the extra step — literally, pantomining every move from the MTV-annointed “Icon’s” videos in the small space between their chair and the one in front.
Choreography was apparently a top priority to Jackson as well as there were 10 dancers on stage to her three band members (including Atlanta drummer Lil John Roberts); who were set off in a corner, and mostly in the dark.
What should have been left in the shadows — if not scrapped altogether — were Jackson’s unflattering mohawk hair piece, often unfortunate, Cher-in-Vegas choices of costumes and confusing video clips between songs. But as long as she hit every move fans remembered from the “Rhythm Nation” or “Miss You Much” videos those kinds of things probably registered with the thousands as minute.
(And you know, after all of that sweating Jackson did, that pinned-up mohawk kind of made at least practical sense).
Spotted in the arena were Mayor Shirley Franklin, Atlanta entertainment mogul Tyler Perry, local Grammy winners Ciara (who has often cited Jackson as an influence) and Ne-Yo (whose vocals are a modern take on Jackson’s brother, Michael), producer Tricky (who worked on Jackson’s most recent CD, “Discipline”) and in the corner of a VIP section on the floor — on his feet and dancing too — Jackson’s longtime boyfriend Jermaine Dupri.
Were you there — and if so what was your take on the show? (See the rest of our photo gallery HERE).
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BET Hip-Hop Awards ‘08: The Afternoon After
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta producer Sean Garrett (above) hosted a private brunch Sunday at The Ellis on Peachtree, one of the few remaining activities put together to capitalize on having the BET Hip-Hop Awards in the city this weekend.
Among those enjoying made-to-order omelets, maple-glazed salmon and Moet mimosas were R&B veteran Keith Sweat, producer Jazze Pha, “Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Sheree Whitfield, designer Mychael Knight, 95.5 The Beat’s Murph Dawg and CJ, burgeoning Atlanta talent Fiona Simone and DJ Infamous on the turntables.
Garrett — also a solo act in his own right — has had success with Usher (“Yeah!”), Ciara (“Goodies”), Destiny’s Child (“Soldier”) and its most prominent solo member, Beyonce (“Upgrade U,” “Check On It”).
Were you at the brunch? Make it to any of the BET-related parties/events this past weekend?
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BET Hip-Hop Awards ‘08 Rehearsals
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO CREDIT:Rick Diamond/Getty Images For BET
“Are we too close to pyro? Can you fire — yes or no?” a woman with obviously the loudest microphone says from the center of the stage.
“OK we’re going to bleed our lines now!” a male voice announces minutes later.
And then: “I am not speaking a foreign language,” the female says again. “Answer me.”
Ahhh the sounds of the second day of rehearsals of the BET Hip-Hop Awards 2008, at the Atlanta Civic Center.
As for the sights - try this for a “Crazy World”:
Sixteen years ago Atlanta singer Dionne Farris was a signature vocalist in new, hot, Grammy-winning local hip-hop ensemble Arrested Development.
This soggy afternoon, as Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy is running through “Crazy World” (from his recent No. 1 CD “The Recession”), Farris is wailing all operatic-like in the background, as a live drum and horn section plays.
(And here’s another interesting bit of BET trivia for you: Farris’s daughter Tate was a part of Nelly’s BET Hip-Hop Awards performance last year).
“That was BIG!” Jeezy remarked as he was rushed over to another set for BET’s “Rap City”. “I wish [Farris] could do more.”
“Oh man, that was fire!” Atlanta’s Nas adds as he and Jeezy switch places on the rehearsal stage.
And no, Nas wasn’t simply remarking on the previously-mentioned pyro.
Who are you most looking forward to seeing perform on the BET Hip-Hop Awards? (Along with Jeezy and Nas, top nominee Lil Wayne, T.I., Ludacris, T-Pain, Common, MC Lyte and Yo-Yo, The Game, N.E.R.D., Rick Ross, Nelly and Plies are also scheduled to take the stage). Run into any celebrities around town yet?
(See the rest our rehearsal gallery HERE).
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Video Countdown To BET Hip Hop Awards — Day Five
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tomorrow the third annual BET Hip-Hop Awards will take place at the Atlanta Civic Center (and air four nights later on the cable channel).
But today, the final day of this weeklong video countdown here, you can pick your winner in the Alltell Wireless People’s Champ category. (Actually the one award the public can really vote on, on the BET site, or via text).
And the nominees are… in the YouTube videos BELOW:
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Jazze Pha and Polow Want You!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Aspiring performers, this could be your shot.
Peachtree TV’s new two-part special, “Welcome to Dreamland,” is holding an open casting call Monday, to choose talent for the show.
In the part-competition, part-documentary, viewers will see Atlanta producers Jazze Pha and Polow Da Don (above, with rapper Rich Boy in the middle) develop two rising stars (they hope). And both have quite the credentials: Pha was instrumental in the discovery and development of Ciara, while Da Don has crafted hits for Usher, Fergie and Chris Brown.
But back to the casting call — it will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Oct. 20 at Artist Development (1345 Boyd Ave., Suite A in Atlanta). Email dreamaudition@gmail.com for an application.
Think you’ve got what it takes to merit Jazze and Polow’s attention? Or if you don’t feel like you’re the next Ne-Yo or whomever, is this something you’d just like to watch? (It’s scheduled to premier Dec. 9 at 10 p.m., concluding Dec. 16 at 9 p.m.).
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Ciara Is Billboard’s Woman of the Year
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta Grammy winner Ciara will be honored at Billboard’s third annual Women in Music breakfast Oct. 24 in New York.
Ciara will be given the Woman of the Year award, for “success as a recording artist and leadership in embracing the changing music business.”
Deborah Harry will also be honored at the event with the Icon award; and Colbie Caillat will receive the Rising Star award.
The ceremony will take place at the renowned St. Regis Hotel.
Ten months into 2008, who do you think is the music industry’s woman of the year? Ciara? Or has there not been a single woman that’s stood out, in such a way, in your opinion?
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Video Countdown To BET Hip Hop Awards — Day Four
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This Saturday the third annual BET Hip-Hop Awards will take place at the Atlanta Civic Center (and air four nights later on the cable channel).
But today you can pick your winner in the CD of the year category.
And the nominees are… in the YouTube videos BELOW:
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Grammy Nominations Hit Prime Time Dec. 3 - Live
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For the first time, the Grammy nominations will be announced live on prime time television, Dec. 3 at 9 p.m. on CBS.
The one-hour show, broadcast from Los Angeles, will also serve as a celebration of the opening of the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live. Tickets will go on sale for the event Oct, 27 at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets and by phone at 213-480-3232; with proceeds benefiting the new museum. The presenters and performers at “The Grammy Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown to Music’s Biggest Night” will be announced later.
“Every year, millions of music fans and people around the world anticipate the announcement of our Grammy nominations, anxious to learn which artists from every genre represent the highest levels of musical excellence,” Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy — which puts on the Grammys — said in a press release. “The ability to showcase Grammy-winning artists combined with the nominations for the 51st Annual Grammy Awards represents a milestone for The Recording Academy as we begin the next decade of our important missions. And with the grand opening of the Grammy Museum — directly across from our Los Angeles home at Staples Center and now the NOKIA Theatre — we are proud to introduce the world to this extraordinary facility which will showcase our rich history, unique and classic Grammy moments, and the ongoing legacy exemplified by this very special evening of live music.”
The 51st Grammy Awards will be Feb. 8, 2009.
What Atlantans do you think should contend for the music industry’s high honor? Everywhere rapper/singer T-Pain? Perennial favorites Third Day (above) and Casting Crowns?
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Video Countdown To BET Hip Hop Awards — Day Three
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This Saturday the third annual BET Hip-Hop Awards will take place at the Atlanta Civic Center (and air four nights later on the cable channel).
But today you can pick your winner in the lyricist of the year category.
And the nominees are… in the YouTube videos BELOW:
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Janet Says “The Tour Is Still On”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As people finally stop whispering about why she was hospitalized recently (as she’s conceded it was vertigo) — and move on to the latest talk, about her reportedly splitting with longtime boyfriend Jermaine Dupri — Janet Jackson herself is telling her fans on a special phone line that “The tour is still on,” and she’ll be on stage tonight in Washington, D.C. .
If you dial 323-622-8139 — and press 1 as the message begins — there’s a greeting from Jackson where she says: “I know you guys have been hearing a lot, a lot of rumors - the tour has been canceled — none of that’s true…I’m actually rolling into D.C. right now to do my first show coming back. I feel a lot better…and it’s gonna feel good coming back…Don’t believe anything that you hear and you read.”
(Except, we guess, what you hear her say on this message).
Last night at Atlanta R&B superstar Usher’s private 30th birthday dinner, at The Mansion on Peachtree Hotel, V-103’s Miss Sophia said Dupri confirmed that Jackson will resume her “Rock Witchu” tour this evening at the Verizon Center.
But the entertainment reporter on “The Frank and Wanda Morning Show” chose not to ask about reports on MediaTakeout and EURweb of a breakup; and instead let Usher’s family (including his mother Jonnetta and visibly pregnant wife Tameka) and friends (Dupri, Monica, Bryan-Michael Cox) enjoy the celebration.
Planning to go to the show in Atlanta Sunday? Have friends that have seen her previous “Rock Witchu” date? And what about this talk that the part-time Atlantan was recovering in a local spa — happen to see her?
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Usher, Sugarland, The-Dream, Casting Crowns, Third Day nominated for American Music Awards
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Metro Atlanta got plenty of love as usual for the American Music Award nominations out today. The show itself airs on ABC November 23 with host Jimmy Kimmel. Winners will be picked by online votes via this Web site, sponsored by Atlanta’s own Coca Cola.
Usher was nominated for both top pop/rock male act (vs. Kid Rock and Chris Brown) and top R&B male act (vs. Chris Brown again and J. Holiday) Brown in both categories will be tough to beat.
The-Dream picked up a nom for “breakthrough artist” but will face stiff competition vs. Colbie Caillat, Flo Rida, Jonas Brothers and Paramore. (May as well just pen in the Jonas Brothers to win this one.)
Sugarland is up for favorite band, duo or group in country again. The duo lost of Big & Rich last year but are now up against Brooks & Dunn and Rascal Flatts. They have a solid chance of winning this year.
Casting Crowns is up again for favorite Contemporary Christian artist, a category the McDonough group won last year. But they will now be up against veteran Atlanta group Third Day as well as MercyMe.
Atlantans were shut out of the overall “artist of the year” award, which features Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Alicia Keys, the Eagles and Coldplay.
Part-time Atlantan Ne Yo was shut out of the nominations but will be performing. T.I., who won best male hip-hop artist last year, also came up blank this time around.
The full nomination list is here.
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Video Countdown To BET Hip Hop Awards — Day Two
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This Saturday the third annual BET Hip-Hop Awards will take place at the Atlanta Civic Center (and air four nights later on the cable channel).
But today you can pick your winner in the best live performer category.
And the nominees are… in the YouTube videos BELOW:
(Fair warning, some of the language is profane)
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Harry (Connick, Jr.) For The Holidays
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Swoon-worthy jazz crooner Harry Connick, Jr. & His Big Band have set a date with the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, for what’s billed as “A Holiday Celebration”.
Tickets for the Dec. 16 show go on sale Friday at www.livenation.com, www.ticketmaster.com at Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 404-249-6400. They are $55 to $100.
Ever seen one of Connick’s “holiday” celebrations — or him perform live, period? Is there a seasonal concert you have to attend each year, almost like tradition? Mannheim Steamroller, perhaps?
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Rate Your Favorite Local Amphitheatre
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO CREDIT: David Tulis/dtulis@ajc.com
PHOTO CREDIT: Robb D. Cohen/Robbsphotos.com
PHOTO CREDIT: Robb D. Cohen/Robbsphotos.com
The latest numbers are in and apparently old favorites are sprinting past spiffy and new.
Industry standard Pollstar has released this year’s third quarter tickets sales for the Top 100 Worldwide Amphitheatre venues, and Chastain Park Amphitheatre (where David Byrne is pictured, in top photo) is the highest-ranking, locally, at No. 28; Lakewood Amphitheatre (where Brad Paisley is pictured in the second photo above) is just below, at 32; and this season’s new entrant, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, (where John Mayer is pictured in the third photo above) is three spots below that, at 35.
(No other metro Atlanta amphitheatres made the ranking).
Before the (quarter-full) Mary J. Blige/Robin Thicke concert Sunday, Live Nation’s Peter Conlon gave us a quick tour of some of the improvements underway at Lakewood Amphitheatre. Visitors may have noticed things like the rod iron fence or lights in some of the trees in the food and merchandising areas. But Conlon is considering adding more seats, and opening it up like the Hollywood Bowl. And he is so personally invested in the rehab that he has added some of the furniture in his beach house and wine cellar to the now airier VIP Club area.
Have you noticed the changes at Lakewood? Been to Verizon Wireless? Think there are other local outdoor venues of note?
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Video Countdown To BET Hip Hop Awards — Day One
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This Saturday the third annual BET Hip-Hop Awards will take place at the Atlanta Civic Center (and air four nights later on the cable channel).
But today you can pick your winner in the best hip-hop video category.
And the nominees are…BELOW:
David Banner - Get Like Me Video
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Mary J. Blige In Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Maybe a third of the audience who saw Mary J. Blige months ago at Philips Arena, saw just as impactful a show Sunday night at Lakewood Amphitheatre. Where the widely-regarded Queen of Hip-Hop Soul co-headlined with hip-hop giant Jay-Z (above) in April, this time around she was the main attraction. And deservedly so. While her latest CD, “Growing Pains,” has not been a huge commercial success — and it couldn’t have been great to look out onto a crowd that was one-quarter Lakewood’s capacity — Blige arrived on the stage with a big smile on her face. She danced through the first part of the show with the spirit of the upstart she was back in 1992. She sang her signature hit “No More Drama” as if she were reliving every hurt right there on stage. And for encores “Family Affair” and “Just Fine” she was back dancing — and belting — with the heavily-female audience matching her every unabashed move in the aisles. Opening for Blige on what was billed as The Love Soul tour was Robin Thicke. And while the relative newcomer has three solo CDs to his credit (including new CD “Something Else,” the No. 3 album in the country) the most enthused response to the singer may have been to his closing takes on D’Angelo’s “Brown Sugar,“ Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” and even a bit of Lil Wayne’s “A Milli”. Were you there last night — and if so, how would you rate the concert? Surprised more people didn’t attend? And if you’ve heard it, what do you think of Blige’s “Growing Pains”?
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Rate The New Ciara Video
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta R&B singer Ciara has unveiled the video for “Go Girl” (featuring fellow Atlantan T-Pain), the first single from her upcoming third CD, “Fantasy Ride”.
Look BELOW at the YouTube post and tell us what you think:
(Oh— and for comparison purposes, we’ve included videos of “Goodies” and “Promise”; the lead-off singles for her previous two multimillion-selling albums).
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Half Off Mary J. Blige and Robin Thicke Tickets Friday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If this were a year or so ago this probably wouldn’t even be happening.
But “thank” tough economic times — coupled with the fact, probably, that the headliner’s most recent CD is nowhere on the Billboard 200 charts — and you’ve got a half price ticket sale tomorrow for the Mary J. Blige show this weekend at Lakewood Amphitheatre.
From 7 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Friday any 200 level seat (covered and uncovered) will be half the original price at any local Ticketmaster outlet, online or charge by phone at 404-249-6400.
Opening for Blige (pictured above with Jay-Z during their sold-our show at Philips Arena in March of this year) Sunday is fellow R&B singer Robin Thicke, who is currently enjoying his best sales week and highest charting album on The Billboard 200, with “Something Else”. His third studio CD debuted this week in the No. 3 position with 137,000 copies sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Already have your ticket — or planning to get one now? (Also, CLICK HERE for a blog post on how to get cheap tickets, in general). Think this is happening because of the country’s financial troubles and/or Blige’s latest CD, “Growing Pains,” not having the staying power of multimillion-selling 2005 disc, “The Breakthrough”?
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Janet Allows Tyra Backstage Today
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Before - we repeat, before — part-time Atlantan Janet Jackson started canceling/rescheduling dates on her Rock Witchu tour due to a still-undisclosed illness, she gave “The Tyra Banks Show” behind-the-scenes access, which Banks unveils today on WAGA-TV at 1 p.m. .
“I’m showing all of you things I’ve never shown anyone before,” Jackson whispers on the promo. “And only Tyra can bring it to you.”
Her Atlanta date has been postponed to Oct. 19. Already have your ticket? Think the show will happen? Has your enthusiasm heightened — or waned — with what’s gone on with this tour?
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BET Hip Hop Awards Performers Announced
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Top nominee Lil Wayne, Atlanta’s Ludacris and Young Jeezy (pictured above, together, at a rehearsal from an earlier BET Hip Hop Awards) and T-Pain, along with The Game, Common, N.E.R.D. — and get this — Lady of Rage, are on the just-announced list of artists scheduled to perform at the BET Hip Hop Awards Oct. 18 at the Atlanta Civic Center.
Jadakiss will be the “celebrity announcer” (what E-40 did last year) and our own DJ Drama will return to the turntables for the program; which will be taped to air Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. .
Now why Lady of Rage, you’re probably asking? (After all the one and only album she released was in 1997).
Well, BET is planning a tribute to female pioneers in hip-hop. Also, as previously announced, Katt Williams is back as host and Russell Simmons will receive the “I Am Hip Hop” Icon Award.
Looking forward to the awards show’s return to Atlanta? Did you watch it last year - and if so, how do you think it went?
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Rate The New Ne-Yo Video
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Guess we should just go ahead and call this Ne-Yo Wednesday.
Earlier today there was a post about the Atlanta R&B singer appearing on “The Tyra Banks Show” this afternoon; now we offer up a YouTube video for the new remix of his current Top 10 single on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop chart, “Miss Independent”. It’s called “She Got Her Own,” featuring Oscar winner Jamie Foxx and rapper Fabolous. See it BELOW - and tell us what you think.
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T.I. Has No. 1 Album AND Single
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta rapper-actor T.I. told us when his new CD was released last week that “I am doing everything I can these days to ensure success” — and today it paid off.
The official results are in from Billboard magazine, and T.I.’s latest CD “Paper Trail” has debuted atop The Billboard 200 charts; making it the No. 1 album in the country.
“Paper Trail” is his third straight No. 1 on The Billboard 200. And it is his biggest sales week ever — with a reported 568,000 copies sold in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan. It also marks the third-highest first-week sales this year. Plus it is his record label, Atlantic’s, biggest sales week since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking data in 1991.
But the good news doesn’t stop there: T.I. also broke a record on the Hot 100, where he made the largest leap to No. 1 — a record he set himself only six weeks ago. “Live Your Life” featuring Rihanna, the latest single from “Paper Trail,” jumped from 80 to 1, replacing the T.I. single “Whatever You Like”.
And since we’re talking hometown, here’s another interesting factoid for you: T.I. is the first artist to replace himself at No. 1 since Atlanta R&B superstar Usher switched out “Burn” for “Confessions Part II” in July 2004.
Are you among the hundreds of thousands who bought “Paper Trail” its first week? How would you rate it? Surprised it didn’t do the debut week numbers Lil Wayne did (a million plus)?
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Ne-Yo On “Tyra” Today
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Loccisano
Atlanta R&B singer Ne-Yo has the No. 3 album in the country (“The Year of the Gentleman”), a Grammy in his new multimillion-dollar penthouse (featured recently on VH1) and still, apparently, a few things to complain about.
At 1 p.m. today on “The Tyra Banks Show” he discusses…
The music industry: “It’s kinda sad the way the music industry is now. Back in the day it was about your talent. It was about your accomplishments. Now-a-days it’s about what celebrity you’re dating or what drug you’re doing or how many times you get arrested in a year… that’s what a lot of the press is making people pay attention to…”
The press (or more specifically, his lack of): “I’m on my third album, I won a Grammy with my second album. I’m not trying to pat myself on the back but these are a lot of really big accomplishments but you’ve never seen me on the cover of Vibe magazine.. People magazine, Rolling Stone… I’ve heard that when somebody say’s ‘Ne-Yo is a great singer, Ne-Yo is a great songwriter. There’s nothing else to say about him’ …. I’m like why is that not enough?”
And that ill-fated tour with R. Kelly (again): “This is my personal opinion - I feel the reason he kicked me off the tour is maybe he was thinking I was stealing a little bit of his shine. Which I was not trying to do. My intent was not to outshine nobody. It was nothing like that… I actually tried to go to him and thank him for letting me get on the tour and his security people shoo’d me off like I was an annoying fan…
It was a lot. You heard about the “Code Blue” thing?
Tyra: What’s “Code Blue”?
Ne-Yo: OK “Code Blue” is if R. Kelly is moving through the hallway.. if you’re in the hallway when R. Kelly is moving through the hallway you have to get out of the hallway. Get into the closest room to you and stay in that room until R. Kelly gets all the way down the hall.”
The folks at the “Tyra” show add that his “telling and fun” interview ends with him performing “Miss Independent” and “Closer”. Will you watch? Agree (or disagree) with any of his points?
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Rate The “New” Keyshia Cole (With 2Pac)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta R&B singer Keyshia Cole has “teamed up” with late rapper-actor Tupac Shakur for a new single called “Playa Cardz Right”.
It actually was on the 2006 2Pac CD “Pac’s Life,” but was never released as a single. Cole reportedly went back into the studio to update it, and plans to include it on her upcoming third album.
Hear it in the YouTube video BELOW, and tell us what you think.
(Fair warning, there is some profane language).
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CMT Declares Alan Jackson A “Giant”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO CREDIT: Robb D. Cohen/Robbsphotos.com
Last week it was Janet Jackson all week long, now look — Day 2 of more Alan Jackson news.
CMT has announced that it will honor the Newnan native (who performed in Atlanta this past weekend — see photo gallery HERE )as its next “Giant” Oct. 30 in Nashville.
The 90-minute special, “CMT Giants: Alan Jackson” will be taped in front of a live audience that night at the legendary Ryman Auditorium. George Strait, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Dierks Bentley, Lee Ann Womack and Miranda Lambert will help pay tribute to Jackson. And tickets go on sale at www.ticketmaster.com this Saturday.
Jackson — the most nominated artist in CMA history — joins Reba McEntire and Hank Williams Jr. in the two-year-old “CMT Giants” franchise. Who do you think should be next? Of Jackson’s 33 No. 1 singles, which ones do you think the featured artists would perform well - and which ones should only Jackson sing?
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Give Us Your Alan Jackson Review
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
While part-time Atlantan Janet Jackson’s scheduled “homecoming” this past weekend was postponed (until Oct. 19), Newnan’s own Alan Jackson did return to his home state Saturday, performing at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park.
Were you there? (See the rest our photo gallery HERE ). And if so, what is your take on the country superstar - and Blake Shelton and Ashton Shepherd’s — show?
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Video Countdown To Janet’s Arrival In Atlanta - Day Five
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For the fifth and final installment of this week’s video countdown to part-time Atlantan Janet Jackson’s “homecoming” Sunday at Philips Arena, a special treat.
This YouTube post is from a California stop on her Rock Witchu Tour. Fair warning: If you’re planning to go this weekend and want her “audience participation” segment to be a surprise, don’t watch. And if you press play anyway, another warning: There is some profanity at the end.
OK — Here is her live version of “Discipline”. (And Jackson fans, after you wipe the sweat from your brow, tell us how you think it rates with her earlier, well, “audience participation” moments).
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Criminal Records moving to a bigger locale
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In this day and age of downloading and dwindling CD sales, most indie record stores are closing shop as well. Not Criminal Records, the now legendary Little Five Points store. It’s moving to a location with triple the space.
The current Criminal Records, a modest 1,800-square-foot space next to Junkman’s Daughter, will shut down October 12 after a weekend of concerts, a 25 percent off sale and “general shenanigans,” as manager Shannon Mulvaney described it to me Friday.
Soon after, the new Criminal Records will open about a block away at 1154A Euclid Ave. in a spot with 5,500 square feet. All CDs and DVDs will be on the floor instead of behind the register in a glass showcase. They’ll be a stage for bands to perform. And they’ll be plenty more vinyl, a surprisingly hot growth area for the store.
Owner Eric Levin is aware he’s taking a big risk but said “we’ve always done everything with no budget, seat of our pants, on a whim. I can’t think of a better time to invest more into our future, even in dark economic times.”
Criminal Records, which still generates about 70 percent of its income from music, has become a magnet for fans of local indie rock bands. “We really try to cultivate a sense of community,” Mulvaney said. “And you won’t find that snotty record store clerk attitude.”
Moby fan Amanda Jackson of Douglasville, GA, checks out a photo taken by Moby, as Jackson visited with the musician and asked him to take a photo of anything he wanted to shoot as they chat at Criminal Records in the Little Five Points neighborhood Thursday 3/24/05. CREDIT: Kimberly Smith/AJC.
A fair share of celebs have shopped and performed there, from Bruce Springsteen to the Indigo Girls to Beck. Our favorite visit? Techno musician Moby (above) in 2005, who spent nearly three hours sipping tea one on one with 200 fans to promote his oddball cookbook “Teany Book.”
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Raphael Saadiq In Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Twenty-one years into the business (professionally), R&B singer-songwriter-musician Raphael Saadiq still performs with the vigor of a 21-year-old.
As several women in the heavily-female crowd remarked, the clean-shaven and closely-shorn Grammy winner looks about 21.
But wow, when he performed Thursday night at Sugar Hill in Underground Atlanta, that’s when it all became clear that, you know, this guy has been around a long time — crafting a catalog of often underappreciated, still-resonant, soulful hits.
The founder of groups Tony Toni Tone and Lucy Pearl was in town promoting his latest solo CD, “The Way I See It”. And while the new Motown-inspired material melded well with the more familiar, it was earlier Tony (“Anniversary” ) Lucy (“Dance Tonight”) and Saadiq (“Ask Of You,” “Still Ray”) singles that had the audience often overpowering his two capable background vocalists — and electric band — to sing along.
Were you there last night? Listened to “The Way I See It” yet?
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Video Countdown To Janet’s Arrival In Atlanta - Day Four
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After being hospitalized this week for a still-unnamed illness - though her brother Randy is reportedly saying it’s vertigo - the official word from Janet Jackson’s publicist is that she will be back on stage Saturday for her Greensboro, N.C. show.
Sooo back to the business of this week’s video countdown to the part-time Atlantan’s “homecoming” Sunday at Philips Arena. Today’s installment is a YouTube post from her site, to her fans, from the first night of the “Rock Witchu” tour, in Vancouver.
Already got your tickets? (If not, click HERE ). Ever seen Jackson before, live?
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The Modern Society — From The Road
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Today’s Dispatch From The Road comes from singer-guitarist Woody Brown of The Modern Society, the Atlanta indie-rockers performing at Smith’s Olde Bar tonight — and releasing a new CD Nov. 18 on Original Signal titled “The Beat Goes On”.
Planning to be there this evening? Are a Modern Society fan?
Well enjoy…
In America where the sun goes down…
Somewhere in between the Mexican desert, the ashy air of Los Angeles during the wild fires and the cold winter snow in Chicago, I think we became the band that we are today. Whether looking out the window of our old beat-up van or the window of an airplane as it leaves the runway, I always get the same feeling…the feeling that I might be one of the luckiest people on Earth.
I constantly come across interviews with artists that love to complain about “life on the road.” I don’t get it. Seriously, I don’t. Ok, maybe we haven’t been doing it “as long,” but I can tell you a thing or two: regardless of our old van (with a/c that decides whether to work or not independent of us) that doesn’t have the most comfortable floor to sleep on and the scummy hotels where we finally rest our heads for a few hours of the morning; whether it’s the three people-strong crowd we played to our first time in Ohio or the sold out shows at the Roxy in Atlanta…we always have the best time!
We are four best friends who make music and play it: that is our life, that is our job, and that is what we live to do.
I think perhaps the best thing about touring is meeting new people, because truthfully you never really get to see the cities you play in. Here’s a typical breakdown of our days out on the road:
Wake up around checkout time…prank Chris since he’s usually the last one to wake up. In Milwaukee once, my favorite prank was “borrowing” the maid’s vacuum cleaner and sneaking back into the dark room, turning it on and yelling, “clean room, clean room!” Also try to weasel in a shower by taking shifts packing the van slowly. This only works sometimes…generally we end up getting kicked out before we can all get clean (in fact, once the police were called…I guess four guys in tight jeans scream “dangerous tenants”)
Jump in the van; get something to eat…chips, water…maybe some fast food if you’re not completely sick of it by then
Drive
At sunset or close to it, you finally come to the next city, get to the venue, and meet the sound guy, who is usually one of the most unique groups of people you get to work with and who generally has some very good and very interesting “back in the good ole days” stories.
Load in your gear & sound check
Sit around, eat some greasy venue food
Play the show
Meet new people, party until the venue closes
Find somewhere to go locally with new friends…
Hotel or house floor sleeping is just like it sounds…weird and weirder…
When we do get the chance to hang out in a town on a day off, we take full advantage. So many great memories come to mind…on the sidewalks in the Midwest trying to convince people that down South we call corn dogs “corn horses” and watching their puzzled faces as we ask where “the best place we can buy a corn horse is…you know a hotdog on a stick wrapped in a corn saddle.” Or the first time we braved a winter in Chicago…I don’t know how, but we’ve got to come up with a way to layer under our jeans.
Not all of touring is unbelievably amazing. There are nights in the early days when you end up on a bill with a thrash metal band (think of that scene in The Blues Brothers when they’re playing in the bar behind a chain link fence and everyone’s throwing beer bottles). But all together it is the greatest time a band can have. Yes, you don’t get much rest, you’ll probably get bronchitis, you won’t make much money…in fact you’ll probably spend more at first. When you get home, however, and you’ve slept for a couple of days…being at home never feels stranger.
We’ll be touring a good bit in the Southeast in the coming months and up North this winter. Even as I type this on my laptop we’re getting ready to be in Atlanta (tonight at Smith’s Olde Bar) and North Carolina (Oct. 4 at the Asheville Rock Festival)…what greater time to be in the Southeast than the Fall???
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Video Countdown To Janet’s Arrival In Atlanta - Day Three
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Since she’s reportedly out of the hospital — and as we just said in the previous post, her longtime boyfriend Jermaine Dupri was scheduled to make a public appearance with Bow Wow — we’re going to assume Janet Jackson is fine; and just keep going with this daily video countdown to Janet Jackson’s “homecoming” (of sorts) Sunday at Philips Arena.
Below is a YouTube post from her site, to her fans, of a compilation of her performances. (A reminder, if you will, of why her Rock Witchu tour is anticipated).
Already have your ticket? (If not, go HERE ). Worried that her Atlanta date may not be happening - with her hospitalization Monday, and the rescheduling of her shows tonight and tomorrow in Boston and Philadelphia?
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Julianne Hough To Perform At Peach Drop 2009
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
October just started and we’re already talking New Year’s Eve.
“Dancing With The Stars’ ” Julianne Hough (above with Apolo Anton Ohno) has been picked to help Atlanta sing in 2009 at the 20th annual Peach Drop in Underground Atlanta. As you may know, Hough (pronounced “Huff”) is a vocalist in her own right, touring recently with country superstar Brad Paisley.
The Peach Drop activities go from Noon to 4 a.m., Dec. 31. And of course, it’s free.
Ever been to the Peach Drop before? Like Hough’s single, “That Song In My Head”?
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Bow Wow Starts “Walk Across America” Today In Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
At noon today at the CNN Center, Atlanta rapper-actor Bow Wow will begin a multi-state initiative to promote voter registration, particularly among 18 to 30 year-olds.
Billed as “Walk Across America”, the 21-year-old will actually travel by foot and bus to atleast 12 other cities, where he will visit colleges, universities and radio stations through Oct. 15.
The Atlanta music mogul that gave Bow Wow his first record deal — Jermaine Dupri (above with Bow Wow and, yes, Alicia Keys, in an obviously early shot we included, just because…) — is expected to join him at the launch of his “walk” this afternoon. And his scheduled stops include the Fulton County Government Center, the Georgia State University Student Center and Georgia Tech.
“It’s important for the youth to participate because we’re tomorrow’s leaders,” the artist said in a press release. “We need to make sure that our voices are heard and [that we] have a say in the decisions that will affect our lives and our country for years to come.”
Bow Wow - who is planning to start his Follow The Leader foundation this year - has joined forces with nonpartisan organizations Declare Yourself and Black Youth Vote on this initiative.
(For a complete itinerary for each city, go to PrinceBow.com ).
Interested in meeting up with Bow Wow at the CNN Center - or somewhere else along the way? Have you gone to one of these celebrity-led voter drives and actually registered?
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