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Home > Atlanta Music Scene > Archives > 2008 > August
August 2008
Doria Roberts — From The Road
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This Dispatch From The Road comes from Atlanta singer-songwriter Doria Roberts, who’s doing a rare, FREE, two sets at Vino Libro Sunday.
Did you catch her annual birthday show last week at Apache Café? Planning to be at Vino Libro this weekend? Are you a longtime Roberts fan?
Well the following — a glimpse at spending a majority of her year on the road —should be of particular interest:
“there’s no place like home.”
when you’re a touring musician this becomes your mantra. in the middle of a brutal five week tour, i usually find myself, like dorothy, clicking my heels and counting down the days until i can pull back the comforter on my own bed and not find someone else’s hair on the sheets. these hairs (always black, always curly) force you to face the reality night after night that your job just isn’t that glamorous. “oh, if my fans could see me now”, i’ve often chuckled to myself while climbing into sweatpants, socks and a hoodie (with the hood up and cinched around my head) so i won’t have exposed skin touching the bed i’m sleeping in. and don’t think that i’m just talking about the bad hotels.
i started using priceline about 5 years ago in an effort to save money and it has been a lifesaver. i went from staying at the days inn in ferndale, mi (a “suburb” of detroit) to residing at the elizabeth arden resort in tucson. but, again, the horrible truth is that no matter where you are staying, you are staying where hundreds before you have stayed.
now, i’m no snob (i was born and raised in trenton, nj) but i have to admit that, when i get into the really nice hotels, it is bliss and i am queen of my universe. there are bellman to help with my bags and guitars. someone to park the car in a secure lot. i am “ms. roberts” (and sometimes mr. if i’ve been driving all night and haven’t showered). a swift elevator ride and mints on the pillow. ice is fetched. the tv is turned on with a working remote and i’m able to relax in relative luxury for the three or so hours i have until soundcheck. and, while this sounds exceptional, i still have to say “relative luxury” for a reason.
you see, no matter how many stars the travel websites can legally cram next to the name of a hotel and no matter how efficient the cleaning staff is at said hotel, there will inevitably be that errant pair of men’s 2XL underwear tucked behind the toilet. the law of averages dictates this if you are on the road ten months out of the year like i am. and also like me, you will catch yourself in the mirror as you reach for the hotel phone to ask “why? why me?”. but then, in the midst of your existential pondering, you’ll realize you are using a telephone that is installed in a strange (and public) bathroom. fancy, yes. convenient, sure. but nasty all the same. blanching at the thought of having had said device on your face, you decide to take your complaint downstairs.
having just checked in, the front desk staff is cordial enough and sincerely wants to know if everything is okay with your room. but, divulging this type of thing has to be handled delicately. after all, they’re used to housing diplomats and senators at Four Star Hotel X, not indie musicians who hoard backstage snacks in the off chance they’ll run out of money before they can eat again. you want to maintain your dignity (no one should have to encounter 2XL men’s underwear…ever…anywhere…for any reason) but you also want to be classy about it.
taking a deep breath you broach the subject. you use terms like “commode” instead “toilet” and “men’s undergarments” as opposed to “ginormous boy panties”. they listen, horrified, pulling up your account, offering to move you to another room, discount your next meal (or better yet make it on the house!), send your firstborn to college. whatever it takes not to make this an international incident.
but then something happens.
they see it as clear as day on the top of your registration page: PRICELINE CLIENT. this changes things a bit. okay, a lot. suddenly, they don’t care if your room is on fire. you should be lucky they’re letting you stay there at all. now, i don’t care that i am what i‘ve coined as “priceline trash”. i love beating the hotels at their own game. paying $45 for a room that normally costs $125 a night is better than sex. yup, i said it. i have no qualms about loading up an immaculately polished brass luggage cart with my beat up cooler full of food or with recycled, greasy shopping bags from whole foods. it says clearly (defiantly), “no, i won’t be paying $15 for a bowl of oatmeal at your fancy pants restaurant. i have a week’s supply that cost me $3.50. and, yes, it’s instant and organic thank you very much. get into it.”. i’m proud of the fact that i’ve learned how to save money on the road. it allows me to stay a full time musician. i reduced my hotel expenditures by 60% the first year i used priceline. so, take that W (the hotel chain, not the president. or, well, maybe him too.)
but i digress…
the staff, suddenly not so accommodating, informs me they’ll be sending “someone” up “some time soon”. i am no longer ms. roberts when she calls housekeeping. i am merely “room 218”. she smiles a forced smile and says i can “retire” to my room and meet them there. i “smile” back and discreetly scan her name tag. anna forrester. “well, ms. forrester”, i say to myself, “try explaining to corporate why you licked my hand when i took my keys from you.” sadly, comment cards are the last bastion of revenge for the out of place, pissed on (and pissed off) poor.
back at the room, a small, stern but friendly woman named claudia has already started the process of removing the offensive sack o’ drawers from my bathroom. she is apologetic. “not my shift. new girl. so sorry.” i tell her it’s alright. that i’m used to it. she relaxes and smiles. she allows herself to look around my room and upon seeing my guitars asks me if i’m a musician. i say yes. “oh, you must be doing really well if you’re staying here! are you famous?” i confess my pricelining, she laughs heartily and says, “good for you!”.
after cleaning the bathroom in its entirety, claudia leaves. but, then, 10 minutes later, i hear a knock at my door and when i open it there is a gift basket of sorts in the hall, the kind of welcome basket a neighbor might leave if you just moved into the neighborhood. and then i suddenly remember the other mantra of the lonely, perpetual traveler: “home is wherever you are.”
in the basket i found soaps (the fancy pants kind), lotions, several sewing kits, shower caps (how did she know?!) and three bottles of water (for which the hotel will usually charge $4 a piece). a little note says “good luck! -c”. i recall her last name (lopez) and reach for the comment card on my desk. “ms. lopez”, i begin, “was an exceptional associate during my stay. much more so than that hand-licking psycho anna forrester at the front desk”. and, with that, order is restored in my tiny traveling universe.
long live the queen.
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Georgia country music on the way
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A few notes on Georgia-related country artists:
Rincon’s Billy Currington scored two No. 1 country hits with his previous album “Doin’ Something Right.” He’ll return with his third album, “Little Bit of Everything,” on Oct. 14. In a press release from his label, Mercury Nashville, Currington explains the origin of the title. “People kept asking what kind of music they’d hear on this next album, whether it was going to be R&B, pop, country or rock, and I seemed to keep saying the same thing,” said Currington. “It’s going to be a little bit of everything, I guess!” Currington recently filmed a video for latest single, “Don’t,” in downtown Nashville. That track is already available on iTunes.
Kentucky native and longtime Paulding County resident Patty Loveless has a new album coming soon, too. It’s called “Sleepless Nights,” a collection of country classics done Patty-style, including “Why Baby Why,” “Crazy Arms,” “That’s All It Took” and Webb Pierce’s wondrous 1953 No. 1 “There Stands the Glass.” “Sleepless Nights” will be released Sept. 9. This is the Grammy winner’s 19th album and her first for new label Saguaro Records. She’ll be touring this fall, too, but there’s no Atlanta date scheduled at the moment. Her closest gig so far is in Augusta, where she’ll play the Imperial Theatre on Oct. 24.
In more immediate news, Jefferson’s Brantley Gilbert (at right, photo: www.tsjmultimedia.com) is a star in the making. He’s drawing more and more fans with every show he plays and you can catch his well-honed blend of country and Southern rock at Wild Bill’s in Duluth on Friday, Aug. 29. See him now and when he’s riding high on the country charts, you can say you were there before he made it big. Wild Bill’s is at 2075 Market St. in Duluth. 678-473-1000, www.wildbillsatlanta.com.
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The Game — On Video
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Before Tuesday’s release of what is supposedly his last CD, rapper The Game talked about the making of “LAX”, and why he is calling it quits, at a listening party/luncheon at the Atlanta branch office of Universal Music.
Plus he had a few (kind) choice words for Atlanta Music Scene producer DJ Toomp, who contributed “House of Pain” to “LAX”.
See him address those particular topics on our YouTube videos below, and tell us what you think about The Game, “LAX” (if you’ve bought it yet) and the way he comes across here:
(Fair warning, the language gets rough in places).
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Peter Buck, Amy Poehler choose Merge Records faves
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Look who’s 20. It’s North Carolina-based indie pioneer Merge Records.
To celebrate, the label is bringing in some famous fans to curate a series of 14 compilations drawn from the label’s catalog. You won’t be able to buy them in stores, though. The sets, collectively called “SCORE! Merge Records: The First 20 Years.” will be available by subscription only. Check Merge’s online home for more info.
The first two volumes will be delivered in January 2009, and the tracks on those will be chosen by film director Phil Morrison (“Junebug”) and R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck. In addition to choosing the songs, the curators will get to handpick the charity that their set will benefit.
The sets will be limited to the number of subscribers who enroll between the Sept. 8 start date and the January 2009 delivery of the first two volumes.
The Chapel Hill-founded, Durham-based label has been home to artists such as Arcade Fire, Superchunk, Magnetic Fields, Spoon, Conor Oberst, American Music Club and She & Him.
The folks at Merge have recruited actress and comedian Amy Poehler, musician David Byrne, author Jonathan Lethem, artist Marcel Dzama and chef David Chang of New York’s Momofuku to curate future volumes.
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Darwin Hobbs’ — On Video
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In today’s Living story in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution , Atlanta contemporary gospel singer Darwin Hobbs discusses his new CD, “Free” and a dark chapter of his past that inspired the title track.
For the Atlanta Music Scene, he and his wife Traci shared a brighter time in their early days — when they first met, and the first time she heard him sing.
And in the second YouTube video, he reveals how he told his mother that his stepfather had sexually abused him.
Did you hear when Hobbs talked about this on CoCo Brother’s radio show? What are your impressions of the videos/stories below?
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The Lee Boys - From The Road
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The latest Dispatch From The Road comes from The Lee Boys, the Florida-based sacred steel act with metro Atlanta ties.
They’re performing for free at 99X Unplugged In The Park Sunday, with Dante Harmon and Barbeque Church.
Planning to go? Seen The Lee Boys before?
Well here’s how Chad Edwards caught us up:
Hey, there, Atlanta!
2008 has been a very busy year for the Lee Boys. From the festival circuit to elementary schools in Louisiana to Key West, Florida, we have played them all. We started out our festival run at the Suwannee Springfest in Live Oak, Florida and will end it in Live Oak in October at Magnolia Fest.
This year we will be well on our way to hitting about 50 of the major music festivals in the USA. Some of the highlights this year so far have been playing at the much-beloved New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and what is pretty wild about that is, not only was it our first Jazzfest appearance but we played 3 consecutive days, which no band from outside Louisiana has ever done before.
Other highlights were playing at the first annual Delfest in Maryland featuring Del McCoury and Vince Gill, and Bela Fleck among others. Later that night we were asked to stay and join the late night jam with Del McCoury’s band as well as The Davisson Brothers (See the video HERE ).
High Sierra Music Festival in Northern California was a blast with Marco Benevento joining us on the Hammond B-3 for both days and of course we can’t forget our two gigs at Bonnaroo this past June (look for this to be released on DVD sometime this year and check it out now HERE.
We have been so blessed this year to do have done tours and jammed on stage with Susan Tedeschi, North Mississippi All Stars, Col. Bruce Hampton, Chris Layton, Big Sam and Efren Towns, JB from The Time, Warren Haynes, Eric Krasno, Marco Benevento and Michelle Shocked. We even got to hang out with drumming legend Dennis Chambers and actor John C Reilly while in New Orleans during Jazzfest.
We have already played New York City twice in the past two months with Warren Haynes, Marco Benevento and Eric Krasno joining us to play and will be back in New York City in October with Del McCoury playing the beautiful Highline Ballroom. We have tasted wonderful BBQ in Memphis and in Kansas City, dipped our toes in the water in Key West, Florida, watched a Braves baseball game, toured the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, and frolicked in the majestic Rocky Mountains in Colorado. If I’m not mistaken we have traveled well over 60,000 miles so far this year and still have 4 months to go (we would LOVE lower gas prices).
The rest of the year is looking pretty good as well with hits at Austin City Limits Festival in September, Biker Blues and BBQ in Arkansas, Voodoo Fest in New Orleans, Magnolia Festival, and Deadwood Jam in South Dakota. We are putting together a tour with Dirty Dozen Brass Band that will tak up much of the month of October and working on a short tour with Del McCoury Band in early December.
We return to Hot’lanta this Sunday August 24th playing at Park Tavern in Piedmont Park. We always have a good time playing in Atlanta and this time our dear friend, and pedal steel player Dante Harmon and friends join us for this concert series. It is a free show, so we expect a shake and boogie because that is all you will want to do!
If that were not enough, The Lee Boys will be back in Atlanta Oct. 10 for a very special event! Roosevelt and Earl have been invited to sit in with our friends the Allman Bros. Band at Chastain Park and The Lee Boys will be hosting the official after party with Oteil Burbridge and other special guests at Smith’s Olde Bar. YEOW!!!!
You can find us online at www.leeboys.com, www.myspace.com/leeboys and we also have a YouTube page at www.youtube.com/theleeboysmusic.
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Jon McLaughlin’s Ferts, Errr - Firsts
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Since he is the FIRST artist to perform at Georgia Tech’s FERST Center For The Arts new season — tonight, to be exact — we decided to ask singer-songwriter Jon McLaughlin for three memorable FIRSTS in his life.
(That the pin-up could tell a daily newspaper, of course).
“Performing at the Oscars [earlier this year] definitely was one,” began McLaughlin, who did “So Close” from the movie “Enchanted”. “It’s such a classy night. That’s what I was most impressed by. I mean, every musician ultimately wants to win a Grammy and go to the Grammys. But you can basically go to the Grammys in a diaper. The Oscars were so classy. And to go there before I even go to the Grammys, it’s like, wow!”
“Another one was when I heard my first real recording played back to me for the first time. It was the first time I heard one of my songs (‘Giving You Reasons’) recorded in a great studio, mixed by a good mix engineer. And I was sitting at the sound board and my eyes were tearing. I had my head down though, cause there were other guys there.”
“Then there is the first show I ever played — first song I ever played at a show. It was the Living Room in Muncie, Indiana. And I opened up for my best friend. I did ‘Raining In Baltimore’ by the Counting Crowes…I don’t think I was good though, because I’ve kind of blacked the rest of it out. I don’t remember how the crowd responded.”
Do you plan to be in the crowd this evening? Remember McLaughlin on the Oscars? Have his latest CD, “OK Now”?
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Ludacris Vs. Jay-Z — You Decide
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Lil Wayne may be the best-selling rapper — make that, recording artist — this year (in terms of first week numbers), but Atlanta rap mogul Ludacris upset him in vibe.com’s Best Rapper Alive tournament.
Now the hip-hop star born Christopher Bridges (top photo) is in the Final Four. And he’s going up against “the greatest rapper alive” (according to Lil Wayne), Jay-Z (below); while Eminem matches lyrical firepower with The Game.
(The Game - believe it or not - defeated Andre “Dre” Benjamin in the previous round).
You can vote HERE through Saturday at 12 a.m. .
After that, tell us why you chose who you chose. Or do you think it’s ridiculous for these four to be in this Final Four in the first place?
(The Top Two will be announced Monday on vibe.com).
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Deerhunter drama, early digital release
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Bradford Cox of Deerhunter and Atlas Sound. Photo: Hisham Bharoocha
There was drama in Deerhunter land earlier this week.
The Atlanta psych-pop band’s frontman Bradford Cox made a boo-boo. He inadvertently gave visitors to the band’s blog access to a file of works in progress and tracks planned for a bonus disc to accompany Deerhunter’s fall release, “Microcastle.” Those files started to spread in other forums before the mistake was corrected.
At first, Cox posted an angry diatribe that he now seems to regret. It’s been removed and replaced by a new statement. “I accept my mistake,” he writes. “I apologize for my reaction, especially since it was misinterpreted so widely to be directed at fans. I appreciate and am very grateful for the fact that people want to hear my music and the music we make with deerhunter.”
He ends the post with this: “I am seriously ending all bad vibes here.”
Cox has been one of the most giving musicians around when it comes to his recordings. He regularly posts otherwise unreleased work to the blog, both from Deerhunter and his other project, Atlas Sound. It’s a treasure-trove of demos, live recordings, alternate versions and virtual singles and EPs. Many of those free files contain music just as fierce and fascinating as the critically acclaimed work that appears on official Deerhunter and Atlas Sound releases. (Cox’s expressively salty vocabulary keeps us from linking to the blog here, but you can find it easily by searching for Deerhunter or Atlas Sound.)
The biggest news in Cox’s latest post is the fact that the new “Microcastle” album, still two months away from its physical release date of Oct. 28, is now available at iTunes.
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Kenny Burns’ ‘How To’ On Getting Into Private Events
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO CREDIT: Raymond Hagans
Almost every night this week there has been — and will be — an event with a major name recording artist that, alas, you can’t buy a ticket to.
Monday it was the Joe/Algebra (second picture, above) event put on by Grown Folks Radio Cafe 102.5, for its listeners, at Sugar Hill. Tuesday there was the Samsung AT&T Summer Krush headlined by rap pin-up Nelly, at the Tabernacle. (V-103 and 95.5 The Beat were giving away tickets, or you could sign up for them at the Samsung site. See our photo gallery HERE ). Friday V-103 is hosting another one of its popular, listeners-only Soul Sessions with hip-hop legend LL Cool J.
And tonight Heineken’s annual Red Star Soul returns with Atlanta transplant Lyfe Jennings, Estelle, Bryan-Michael Cox and D-Nice on the turntables. (Plus Joi will receive the Heineken Independent Achiever Award).
But not to fret: We got Atlanta’s self-appointed “lifestyle specialist” Kenny Burns (pictured above, top picture) - also the host of tonight’s Red Star Soul — to provide a few tips on getting through the door at such “private” events.
One - “For the women, yes, use the flirting thing,” Burns advises. “I’m not saying do anything disrespectful to yourself. But nine times out of ten there’s a guy running the door. So you know, the right conversation, the right dress could be an easy ‘in’. Get your sexy on!”
Two - “For the guys, use what you’ve got too - that’s relevant. I’m not necessarily saying something monetary. I’m suggesting something like, if you work at the BMW dealership or a fly hotel, pull out the card. Ask what hotel the celebrity is using. Then say, ‘Well next year, or next time, call me’.”
Three - “And this is something not to do: You know there’s a lot of people who think they are of status. In Atlanta, everybody’s somebody! But it’s good not to try to get into something with everybody. Don’t go 100-deep, you know? Travel with as few people as possible if you’re trying to crash.”
“Oh yeah,” Burns continues, “but for the Red Star Soul, I can’t say ‘no’ to people. So just hit me up on my MySpace page. I’ve been telling people that in every city; and the Heineken people get kind of mad at me. But you know, I’m the host. And if they hit me up, I’ll let them know when I’m walking in. I promise you, at least 20 people have done it at the other Red Star Souls!”
Have you ever tried one of these “tips” and it worked? Backfired? Already on the list for the Heineken event tonight? And what about Burns — seen him on BET’s “Black Poker Stars Invitational”? (It just got picked up for a second season, he said).
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Tameka Raymond — Stylist Turned Philanthropist
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Like husband, perhaps, like wife?
Well apparently so in the case of Atlanta R&B superstar Usher and his bride Tameka Raymond.
Pickybacking on the voter registration drives Mr. Raymond has had here and in Detroit, Mrs. Raymond will incorporate that effort into her “Back To School Expo” this weekend in her native Oakland, CA.
The first annual event, at Oakland’s City Hall Aug. 24, will include a fashion show (Usher’s other half was once his stylist), a teen summit and a talent showcase. And in addition to giving school supplies to an expected 600 public school students, the Oakland Natives Give Back Fund (Raymond, Nyeisha DeWitt and Delicia “Dee Dee” Abdur-Rahim) will also welcome an unnamed “well-known recording artist”, according to the press release.
(Hmmm, wonder who THAT could be?!)
Did you attend the “I Can’t But You Can” voter registration drive here, that his New Look Foundation put on? Were you — or your kids — part of this past summer’s New Look camp? Have you ever benefited from a local musician’s foundation — or perhaps Young Jeezy, Ludacris and T.I.’s recent back-to-school giveaways in Atlanta?
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Young Jeezy and OutKast on Michael Phelps
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
First, there was a mention.
Now, there just might be a meeting.
History-making Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps’ (top picture) has told a number of media outlets that Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy (below) is in heavy rotation in his iPod.
In fact, in a New York Times article Monday, Jeezy is cited as one of the eight influences for his record-breaking eight gold medals Phelps won in Beijing. (The Jeezy single “Go Getta” - with R&B singer R. Kelly — in particular).
“Phelps and his American rival Ryan Lochte, who is also a fan of Jeezy, greet each other by saying ‘Juh,’ in homage to the rapper, a.k.a. Jay Jenkins,” the Times’ Karen Crouse writes.
Now Jeezy tells us that Phelps’ “people” have been in touch with his “people” about the two being officially introduced.
“It would be great if I could holler at Phelps,” Jeezy said during a break from his nationwide promotional tour for his upcoming CD, “The Recession”. “And it’s a compliment that that man found inspiration in the music I do for the streets over here, over there in Beijing”.
(It would also be quite the picture seeing Phelps — pride of the red, white and blue — next to Jeezy, who’s “Recession” promotional materials include a black and white-striped flag, and T-shirts with “My President Is Black” on the front.)
And Phelps’ Atlanta Music Scene inspirations doesn’t stop with Jeezy. According to Yahoo! Music Usher (“Burn”) and OutKast (“Roses”) are also on Phelps’ Top 10 playlist.
Both Andre “Dre” Benjamin and Antwan “Big Boi” Patton of OutKast (above, in their movie “Idlewild”) said they weren’t aware of that until we told the history makers in their own right. (They are the first rap group to win Grammy’s top album of the year prize).
“Ha!” a delighted Benjamin shot back in an e-mail. “That’s great to know!” added Patton.
And what OutKast songs do they think just might motivate other athletes during the rest of the Games?
No 1. “B.O.B”; 2. “Gasoline Dreams” 3. “Bust” and 4. “Git Up, Git Out,” says Patton.
“Oddly enough,’So Fresh, So Clean’ is a good one,” Benjamin replied. “Yes, [‘B.O.B.’] is another one. A rare OutKast track [on ‘Stankonia’] featuring Cee-Lo called ‘Speedballin’ is another.”
What OutKast songs have this kind of effect on you? Or are there other local acts/songs that you help you focus for competition (or just the daily work-out)?
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Mary J. Blige, Drive-By Truckers tix on sale
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mary J. Blige. Photo: Markus Klinko and Indrani.
The concert schedule for the fall keeps expanding as local promoters add more cool shows to the roster.
This week, the big news is Mary J. Blige, who’ll be coming to Lakewood Amphitheatre on Oct. 12. This show will be a little unusual, since there will be no lawn tickets, just reserved pavilion seating. The R&B diva will be joined by Robin Thicke. Tickets are $59.75-$89.75 and go on sale Saturday, Aug. 23, at 10 a.m. through Live Nation and by phone through Ticketmaster at 404-249-6400.
Also on sale Saturday through the same outlets (and the Fox Theatre box office) is a performance by comedian and host of Comedy Central’s “Root of All Evil” Lewis Black. He’s back in Atlanta at the Fox Theatre on Oct. 2. Those tickets will be $33.50-$75.
Athens’ Drive-By Truckers team up with the Hold Steady, purveyors of indie-rock-meets-classic-rock, for the “Rock and Roll Means Well” tour, which stops at the Tabernacle on Nov. 1. Those tickets are $30 general admission and go on sale Friday, Aug. 22, at 10 a.m. through Live Nation and by phone through Ticketmaster at 404-249-6400 and at all Ticketmaster outlets.
Two Variety Playhouse shows will also go on sale Friday, Aug. 22: Canadian rock band Great Big Sea (coming Oct. 28, $22.50) and pop-rock stalwart Matthew Sweet (Oct. 30, $20). Those tickets will also be available by phone through Ticketmaster at 404-249-6400, the Variety Playhouse box office and at Ticketmaster outlets.
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“Thug Motivation” Helps Michael Phelps
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
History-making swimmer Michael Phelps’ iPod playlist is getting heavy rotation in the media.
Here’s what was reported by Yahoo! Music:
The Michael Phelps’ Playlist
- “Overnight Celebrity” - Twista
- “Burn” - Usher
- “Roses” - Outkast
- “Till I Collapse” - Eminem
- “Smile” - G Unit
- “A Milli” - Lil’ Wayne
- “Hustlin” - Rick Ross
- “Hello Brooklyn 2.0” - Jay-Z (featuring Lil Wayne)
- “I Got What It Takes” - Young Jeezy
And again today, Phelps cited Jeezy — whose CDs are titled (coincidentally) “Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101,” “The Inspiration: Thug Motivation 102” — as a musical influence in the New York Times.
As you can see, Phelps enjoys a lot of Atlanta Music Scene artists (Usher, OutKast, Young Jeezy).
What songs by local acts do you think would propel an Olympian to gold the remaining days in Beijing?
OutKast’s “Bombs Over Baghdad”? Sugarland’s “We Run”? Usher’s “Yeah!”?
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Name Your Favorite Isaac Hayes Moment
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Still thinking about music pioneer Isaac Hayes — especially since this afternoon a public service for the one-time Atlantan will be held in Tennessee — and a more specific question comes to mind: What is your favorite Isaac Hayes’ sample?
Or maybe, the best use, in your opinion, of Isaac Hayes’ voice and/or music?
Was it the climactic scene in the Hughes Brothers’ movie “Dead Presidents” when Larenz Tate’s character (above, with Chris Tucker) goes to trial, and then jail, with Hayes’ “Walk On By” playing?
Perhaps the character Chef (above), on “South Park”?
Or if you have a really keen ear, the beautiful repurposing of the “Truck Turner” soundtrack for Toni Braxton’s Christmas CD, “Snowflakes”?
(Again, the memorial service will be held at Hope Presbyterian Church, 8500 Walnut Grove, in Cordova, Tenn. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. .
Also, in lieu of flowers, Hayes’ family asks that donations be sent to the Stax Music Academy in Memphis, made out to: Soulsville, 926 E. McLemore Avenue, Memphis, TN 38106. And please specify “In memory of Isaac Hayes,” they add.
And cards and condolences to Hayes’ Atlanta-based son, Isaac Hayes III can be sent to the address below:
Isaac Hayes III c/o Jo Blo Entertainment P.O. Box 18900 Atlanta, GA 31126
General condolences to the family can be sent to message@isaachayes.com).
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See Micah Stampley Perform Today - For Free
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Contemporary gospel star Micah Stampley is recording his live CD/DVD, “Ransomed,” today in Atlanta — and you’re invited.
Doors open at 6 p.m. at The Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church (2600 H.F. Shepherd Dr.) in Decatur, and is free to the public. (The phone number there is 404-243-9336).
Stampley made his bow in 2005 with “The Songbook of Micah”, the second-highest debut for a male gospel artist in Billboard magazine history.
Were you among the early Stampley fans? Planning to be there tonight?
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Rate The New Big Boi, T.I. and Slim Videos
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If it seems with each new segment of BET’s daily “106 & Park” there’s a new music video from an Atlanta act, well, no worries we’ve done the catching up for the past week, for you.
Below are the YouTube versions of the new releases from Big Boi w/Mary J. Blige (“Somethin Gotta Give”); T.I. (“Whatever You Like”) and Slim w/Shawty Lo and Yung Joc (“So Fly”).
Tell us what you think. (And maybe an even better question: Why do you suppose the T.I. song is the only one of the three getting real airplay locally?)
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Atlanta’s Lesbian Afternoon: Colored vinyl and a free freak out
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What is a Lesbian Afternoon? Well, for starters, it’s a band, or, more accurately, the name Mike Koenig uses for his performances and recordings.
Lesbian Afternoon has a new 7-inch colored vinyl single in stores. Remember colored vinyl? L.A.’s new “Three Owls Teahaus” single comes in “swirly gray marble,” blue, gold or clear. He’ll be celebrating that release with a show tonight, Aug. 14, at Star Bar (437 Moreland Ave., Little Five Points. 404-681-9018, www.starbar.net). Koenig says he expects to go on first around 10 p.m. It’s part of a night they’re calling “Freakout,” with performances by Ominous Castles, Baby Dinosaurs Vs. Extinction and the Hat Company, in addition to L.A. Best of all, it’s free.
Atlanta native Koenig began performing as L.A. just over 10 years ago, after serving time in bands such as Bob and Gong Fodder. The name originates from a time when Koenig says he was writing “a lot of surreal word collage poems … and blindly put the two words together.”
The name is open to interpretation, which Koenig says felt right for the music he was making. “I enjoyed the play on words on a number of levels — messing with people’s preconceptions would be one of them — but it was also a way to give a shout to women in music (specifically all-girl punk bands) who’d really inspired me to play drums or pick up a guitar in the first place,” Koenig writes in an e-mail. “ In the end I think it’s about keeping an open mind, having fun and not taking things too seriously.”
Lesbian Afternoon was involved in a remix album of songs by twitchy San Francisco indie-pop experimentalists Deerhoof and contributed a track to a tribute album to Athens band Of Montreal.
Koenig’s a resourceful guy who makes his own (very strange) videos. You can find several of them on YouTube and through his MySpace page.
The music is a surprisingly memorable puzzle, with pieces of the lo-fi rumble of Pavement, Grandaddy’s pastoral freakiness and My Bloody Valentine’s drone, sometimes separately, sometimes all jumbled together.
So, why did Koenig decide to go with a vinyl release instead of the more usual self-made CD release? “For one, record stores will carry it,” he writes. “Very few record stores will carry homemade CDs, which is quite sad because they’re usually inexpensive and offer something unique to the listener without that annoying barcode getting in the way. It’s curious. Records are more or less homemade as well, but offer a certain charm that tends to make everyone happy so it’s a win-win situation.”
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VH1 To Honor Atlanta’s Too Short
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta resident — and Oakland hip-hop legend — Too Short, is on this year’s list of VH1’s “Hip Hop Honors”.
The show will air Oct. 7 on VH1 and VH1 Soul at 10 p.m., with Tracy Morgan returning as host. And also on the honoree list with the artist born Todd Shaw (above, with unnamed partiers) is Cypress Hill, De La Soul, Slick Rick and Naughty By Nature.
“Now in its fifth year, the ‘VH1 Hip Hop Honors’ has come to represent the pinnacle of innovation and achievement in hip hop music,” Tom Calderone, Executive Vice President and General Manager of VH1, said in today’s press release. “This year’s five honorees are no different and are being recognized for their significant contributions to hip hop culture and for helping to elevate hip hop into a truly global phenomenon.”
And as for Too Short in particular: “Too $hort started his career in the ’80s selling 12-inch singles full of freaky tales on his own indie label in Oakland and has remained true to his raw style, in the process becoming a legend in the game while staying true to his hard core values.”
What do you think of this year’s class? Impressed by the previous four “Hip Hop Honors” awards show? (Anyone else shocked by what T-Pain sounded like without his vocoder, on last year’s program?)
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Jason Aldean To Headline CMT Tour
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Following in the footsteps of fellow Georgians Sugarland, Macon’s own Jason Aldean will lead this year’s outing of “CMT On Tour”.
And here’s the bonus: Joining him on the 20-city run will be the Academy of Country Music’s recent pick for top new group, Lady Antebellum (above); which of course includes Augustans Charles Kelley and and Dave Haywood. (Rounding out the bill is Eric Durrance).
“It is such a surreal feeling to look behind the bus and see semi trucks with my name on them,” Aldean said in a statement from CMT. “Even as this thing grows, our fans are the same young kids that have always come out to the club shows. They come to forget about school or work or whatever and have a good time, so that’s what we are going to give them!”
“CMT On Tour ’08” begins Oct. 8 at Western Carolina University, and the Georgia dates are in Savannah (Oct. 24) and Columbus (Oct. 26)
Tickets go on sale Aug. 22 and are available at cmtontour.cmt.com and ticketmaster.com.
Have you ever gone to a “CMT On Tour” show? Interested in seeing Aldean or Lady Antebellum?
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Isaac Hayes public service on Monday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You can pay your respects to one-time Atlantan — and music legend, forever — Isaac Hayes Monday in Cordova, TN. .
The 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. service will be held at Hope Presbyterian Church (8500 Walnut Grove).
With the announcement of the public service, Hayes’ family issued this statement: “We are overwhelmed with the outpouring of support and love from Isaac’s dear friends, colleagues and fans from every corner of the world, and we thank each and every one of them for their kind thoughts and prayers. While he was an iconic figure to many, to us he was husband, father and friend. We will ever miss his love, wisdom, humor and the familiar comfort of his voice.”
And in lieu of flowers, they ask that donations be sent to the Stax Music Academy in Memphis, made out to: Soulsville, 926 E. McLemore Avenue, Memphis, TN 38106. And please specify “In memory of Isaac Hayes,” they add.
Meanwhile, Sirius XM Radio has announced it will broadcast a tribute to Hayes on its Totally ’70s channel (Channel 7) tomorrow at 7 a.m. ET. (And “A Final Visit From Isaac Hayes” will be rebroadcast at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. that same day).
And again, cards and condolences to Hayes’ Atlanta-based son, Isaac Hayes III (above, with dad) can be sent to the address below:
Isaac Hayes III c/o Jo Blo Entertainment P.O. Box 18900 Atlanta, GA 31126
(Isaac III’s really interesting blog - where he is also known as the producer, Ike Dirty) can be found HERE.
General condolences to the family can be sent to message@isaachayes.com.
And of course, again, the Atlanta Music Scene blog welcomes your memories of Hayes and his music.
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Lloyd The Top Debut Of The Week
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta R&B singer Lloyd will have the top debut on the charts next week.
But in terms of sales the past seven days, it didn’t beat — what year is this again? — ABBA.
That’s right — according to the Nielsen SoundScan figures for Billboard magazine, the “Mama Mia!” soundtrack featuring Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan singing ABBA hits will top its Billboard 200 pop chart, selling 130,000 copies this past week.
Atlanta country supergroup Sugarland’s “Love On The Inside” drops from 1 to No. 3 on the Top 200, moving 91,000 copies — a 47% sales slide; while Lloyd’s “Lessons In Love” will bow at No. 7, with 51,000 units, making it the biggest seller of all of the other news CDs that debuted last Tuesday.
(Lloyd’s last CD, “Street Love”, entered the charts at No. 2, with 144,000).
Meanwhile, did you pick up “Lessons In Love” — and if so, what’s your take? Same question about the “Mama Mia!” soundtrack. Think ABBA could be coaxed into a comeback?
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Janelle Monae at Variety Playhouse
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO CREDIT: Robb D. Cohen
A little poetic license, if you will…
If Andre “Dre” Benjamin’s fans were anticipating a female (sort of) version of him, as much as they do another one of his guest rhymes on a record…
If one could imagine a whole artistic direction fashioned from his “Hey Ya!” moment…
If pop culture could get behind a beauty in a conservative, black-and-white, Elvis-like uniform as much as it can beauties in various stages of undress…
If starmakers like MTV and BET could be as courageous as Antwan “Big Boi” Patton and Sean “Diddy” Combs were in getting into record deals with her..
If commercial radio was just as fearless…
If the general commercial radio listener hadn’t been lulled into thinking soul music couldn’t be expansive enough to incorporate punk rock, new wave and maybe a little Charlie Chaplin…
If (perhaps) she snared a performance on Jimmy Kimmel (a burgeoning musical starmaker in his own right)…
If things like commercial TV, radio and video airplay, first-week sales numbers and the number of magazine covers you’re on didn’t hold so much weight…
If way, way more than the thousand or so that sold out the Variety Playhouse last night had seen the just-right, absolutely dynamic opening set she and her band put on for Gnarls Barkley…
And if exciting, interesting, talented artists simply got their due…
There would be no “ifs”, “ands” or other qualifiers about it — Atlanta’s Janelle Monae would already be a star.
Make that — a widely-known star.
Were you there Monday, and if so, what did you think? (See the rest of the photo gallery HERE ). Planning to pick up her major label debut CD “Metropolis:The Chase — Special Edition,” in stores today? And/or check her out tonight at Criminal Records?
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Sugarland’s lawyer answers suit
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Current members Jennifer Nettles (left) and Kristian Bush with former colleague Kristen Hall (center), circa 2004. Photo: Julie Dennis Brothers.
Sugarland’s lawyer has issued a statement regarding the lawsuit brought by former member Kristen Hall seeking $1.5 million.
Gary Gilbert, the Los Angeles attorney for Sugarland’s Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles, released this through the band’s label publicist:
“This lawsuit is totally baseless and without merit. Among other factual inaccuracies suggested in the complaint, it is indisputable that Ms. Hall left the group voluntarily and on her own accord. We are absolutely confident that this matter will be resolved in favor of Jennifer and Kristian.”
For the background on the lawsuit, see earlier stories here and here.
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Yung Berg On Being An Atlantan, The New Album (And Yet Again) That Apology
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Add hip-hop entrepreneur Yung Berg to the ever-growing list of Atlanta music makers.
The head of Yung Boss — whose debut CD “Look What You Made Me” hits stores tomorrow - recently bought a condo in Midtown. And while he still touts his Chicago base, “I am an Atlantan now,” he told us.
And that was just the start of our brief conversation with the hitmaker (“The Business,” “Sexy Lady”).
Here’s what else he else had to say about…
What attracted him to Atlanta: “I love the party scene,” said the recent L.A. resident. “And there is just a lot, a lot, too many beautiful girls.”
That negative comment he made about dark-skinned women: “I made a mistake and I continue to apologize…I hope people will forgive me and grow with me as a person, and an artist.”
His debut CD: “This is just a real proud moment for me. I mean, to be 22-years-old and have my own record company, already have a single like ‘Sexy Can I’ [with Ray J] that’s sold 3 million copies independently, and “The Business” up on the charts, I mean, I just hope I’m inspiring other young people to go get their dreams now.”
Planning to pick up “Look What You Made Me”? Were you bothered by that inflammatory comment he made? Are you a Yung Berg fan?
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Dallas Austin - Recording Artist? (Again?)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta music, movie and TV power Dallas Austin is apparently returning to one of the earlier entries on his resume — recording artist.
As followers of the Atlanta Music Scene may recall, the Grammy winner was once a part of LaFace Records’ short-lived act Highland Place Mobsters.
Austin has since gone on to produce one of the best-selling female groups ever (TLC), among other multimillion-sellers (Madonna, Pink, Boyz II Men, Janet Jackson); a surprise hit on the wide screen loosely based on his life (“Drumline”); as well as one of the breakthrough shows for Peachtree TV (“Drumroll: SWD”).
Well, in the past few months he has also been taking the Dallas Austin Experience to the stage, and according to a record label publicist, he will make a “surprise” appearance tonight at the sold-out Gnarls Barkley/Janelle Monae show at the Variety Playhouse.
That same publicist says Austin will have a new single titled “Exasperated” hitting radio soon. Hear it HERE — or watch the YouTube video below — and tell us what you think.
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The Atlanta Music Scene on Isaac Hayes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Keisha Jackson heard the news about Isaac Hayes’ passing and almost instinctively the Atlanta singer picked up the phone to call her mother, the legendary Millie Jackson.
You see, the two recorded an album together in 1979 called “Royal Rappin’s” — “soul as hell” Keisha declares — and that’s when she first met the soul music pioneer. “And so many memories have just come rushing back to me,” she said. “This is a helluva loss for us, for my family…And my music is rooted in what Ike, Curtis [Mayfield] and Roberta Flack have done.”
“What’s even crazier is that my mother just did a movie [about three months ago] with Ike, Bernie Mac [who also just passed this weekend] and Samuel Jackson…And there is one scene with her and Bernie — two mouth almighties going at it. So now for the two of them to die in one weekend, she was almost afraid to call Sam Jackson.
“Wow. Ike’s gone. Makes you want to get it together real quick, if you don’t.”
The legend known for “Shaft” to one generation, and “Chef” in “South Park” for another, had strong ties to Atlanta, where he lived from 1979 to 1992. His son, musician Isaac Hayes III, still lives in Smyrna. The two worked together on the “Dirty ‘N the Beest,” an online radio program recorded locally.
And Isaac III has produced recordings for local hip-hop acts Lil Scrappy and the Ying Yang Twins, among others, under the name Ike Dirty.
“He did one of the Ying Yang Twins songs, ‘Drop’,” said Atlanta producer-executive Michael “Mr. Collipark” Crooms, who discovered the Twins. “Dirty’s a talented guy. And his father, man, he might have been one of the most influential artists ever when it came to just gangster music. People sample his music all of the time to give hip-hop that hard edge. Everybody talks about how influential James Brown has been in music in general, and hip-hop in particular. But Isaac Hayes made it gangster.”
And beautiful, added Patrick “Sleepy” Brown - who as a member of Atlanta’s Organized Noize “looked to Hayes for inspiration” for their work on Grammy-winning duo OutKast’s music, and others. “He was a great influence on Organized and the Dungeon Family. Just how he arranged songs and melodies…And there was so much emotion in his music: It was sometimes angry, sometimes happy, sometimes sad, but always emotional.”
Brown got a chance to meet Hayes when Organized Noize contributed to the 2000 “Shaft” soundtrack. “It was a nice experience,” he recalled. “And of course we were proud that he liked what we did.”
Brown also concedes that Hayes also inspired his look - from the bald head, to the scruffy beard, to the wide-collared, silky shirts he often wears wide open to his navel. “Yeah, all of that is on purpose. Isaac Hayes was the man. Him, Marvin [Gaye] and Curtis [Mayfield] they were the greats. And I want people to look at me and think of those ’70s crooners. Isaac Hayes is a legend in my heart.”
And Tennessee native Joi (above) plans to pay tribute to Hayes tonight at her show at Apache Cafe, and dedicate the next Tuesday Jam at Sugar Hill in Underground Atlanta to Hayes as well.
“This is hurting my feelings,” she said Sunday evening. “When I got the news, it immediately took me to sitting Indian style in the middle of the floor, as a kid, looking at the ‘Black Moses’ album cover…It’s a sad day in music, and a sad day in history. But for me personally, I’m very, very grateful he left us with such an awesome legacy.”
Ike Dirty’s publicist told us this morning that cards and condolences can be sent to: Isaac Hayes III c/o Jo Blo Entertainment P.O. Box 18900 Atlanta, Ga. 31126
Any memories of Isaac Hayes and/or his music that you want to share here? Ever run into his family members in Atlanta?
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“The Cringe Can Not Wait To Rock Hotlanta!’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The headline above is a direct quote from John Cusimano, lead vocalist, songwriter and founder of classic rock ensemble The Cringe.
He’s also known to some as one-woman-food industry Rachel Ray’s husband, so he knows from cheesey.
And funny too, as before their performance Saturday at Smith’s Olde Bar he was game for discussing his wife, the Cringe’s last stop in Atlanta and the ends he’s gone to to beef up his burgeoning band’s audience.
“People don’t really yell out crazy things at shows because I’m her husband,” Cusimano told us. “One or twice someone may have said ‘E-V-O-O!’ - that’s Rachel’s olive oil; but that’s if they make the connection. Or they are fans of Rachel and they just come out because of that. But I think most people don’t make the connection.”
And just in case they don’t make any connection, whatsoever, Cusimano isn’t beyond bribing people hanging around into coming to see the Cringe play. “I do recall that the last time we played Smith’s, at one part during the show, I walked off the stage and down the stairs where they were having a pool tournament or something. And I offered to buy a round of drinks for anyone who came up. Literally, in the middle of the song, I’m rounding folks up. The guys in the band were like ‘Did you quit or something?’ I like to have fun, and put on a great show. Do something theatrical.”
Does that include getting his wife on the microphone when she stops in for some of the Cringe’s shows? “You know, we just did two shows that she came to, in Seattle and San Francisco,” continues Cusimano, who’s had the Cringe since he was in high school, when the then-more-punk rockers “used to actually make people cringe,” he concedes.
“But no, she didn’t come up. She’s usually front and center cheering and yelling and hooting and hollering. She’s not really a good singer. She is a great dancer. And obviously a great cook — with great taste in music. But I’m the singer in the family.”
Were you at Smith’s when Cusimano was buying the bar? Planning to see them open for Trances Arc, To Whom and Autovaughn this weekend? Ever heard their two albums — “Tipping Point” and “Scratch The Surface”?
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Lupe Fiasco In Atlanta Today
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
CREDIT: Ron Allen
Most celeb-associated, back-to school campaigns send the kids off with a new set of pencils and notebooks, not a song.
Not the Coca-Cola Refresh Your Flow Tour.
Again, obviously, the goal is to “Refresh Your Flow”. And how so? The Atlanta-based beverage empire is bringing the rather intelligent, Grammy-nominated hip-hop phenom Lupe Fiasco, and 17-year-old newcomer Karina, to the Tabernacle today for an invite-only show.
(To get tickets you can listen to Hot-107.9, be in the Boys & Girls Clubs or just the right place when Coca-Cola street teams come through).
Before his appearance, Fiasco told us how “really dope it is to rock for a large part of my fan base — which is teenagers and kids — in a club setting. Because usually when people do things for young people, they treat it kind of kiddie. But I’m rocking in the kinds of clubs I usually rock…and what’s really cool is to look out n the audience and see like half the crowd in Boys & Girls Club t-shirts. And it’s like the best and brightest. That’s fresh all around.”
And how does one of hip-hop’s most touted lyricists “refresh his flow”? “I try to do what’s left, all of the time. What the status quo is doing, what everybody’s doing, I go left of…Like recently, I stopped going on the Internet. I’ve limited my Internet interface. I just wanted to slow things down because there is way too much information out there…Doing things like that makes me feel different, and in some way will affect my music. Refresh my flow.”
As for Karina (above), the answer is apparently to come to our fair city. “I recorded most of my album there,” she told us. The first single from “First Love”— due in stores Aug. 19 — was “16 @ War,” produced by local hitmakers Tricky and The Dream.
Carlos McKinney had a hand in her latest single, “Can’t Find The Words.” (Hear it HERE ). And she also worked with Sean Garrett, the Clutch and the Knightwritaz.
“I really fell in the love with that city,” Karina said. “Most of the time I stayed at the InterContinental Hotel, so of course I went to Lenox [Square] often. I love that mall. And the Cheesecake Factory. And Waffle House”.
Despite all of that time here, today will be the first time she performs in Atlanta. But it may not be the last time you see her. She has launched an “Anything Is Possible” essay contest where girls 13 and older can submit an essay HERE explaining what that theme means to them. The winner will get to meet Karina at the 2008 Girl Scout National Convention in Indianapolis. The deadline is Sept. 30.
Have you gotten tickets to this show? Catch Lupe on Kanye West’s “Glow In The Dark” tour? (He’s STILL laughing about falling during the “Touch The Sky” encore). Planning to get “First Love”?
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Sugarland and Third Day on top
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sugarland: Kristian Bush (left) and Jennifer Nettles. Photo: Kate Powers.
In its second week of release, Sugarland’s “Love on the Inside” moves into the No. 1 position on the Billboard 200 album chart.
The Atlanta country duo’s album debuted at No. 2 last week based solely on sales of a special fan edition, released July 22 and including bonus tracks. The regular edition of the album hit stores on July 29, helping push the CD to the top. The album switches positions with last week’s No. 1, Miley Cyrus’ “Breakout.”
Sugarland isn’t the only Atlanta act in the Top 10. Christian rock outfit Third Day had its highest charting album and best sales week ever, according to Billboard. The quartet’s new album, “Revelation,” debuts at No. 6, selling 75,000 copies.
Both Sugarland and Third Day also top their respective genre album charts this week.
For more on the new Third Day album, check out our visit with the band in a local rehearsal studio here. For more on the Sugarland release, see our interview with the band’s Kristian Bush here. And the review here.
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Nelly’s Coming To Atlanta Aug. 19 — For Free
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Speaking of rapper-actor Nelly (in the last blog post here, that is), it has just been announced that he will perform a free concert here Aug. 19, at the Tabernacle.
The show is part of the second annual Samsung AT&T Summer Krush concert series, where in addition to being able to see such notables as Mariah Carey, LeAnn Rimes and the Smashing Pumpkins for nothing, the sponsor hopes to entice you into one of their interactive phone booths to try out the Samsung Blackjack II.
Local radio stations V-103 and 95.5 The Beat are giving out tickets to its listeners, but you can also sign up for them HERE.
Salivating already over the often half-naked rapper? Does it seem like it’s taking a looong time for him to put out his new CD, “Brass Knuckles” — now scheduled to hit stores the same day as this show?
(See two of the four - count ‘em, FOUR videos — he’s released of singles from “Brass” already; plus Rick Ross’s “Here I Am”, which he contributes a rather nice verse to).
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On The Video Shoot(s) with T.I.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With one (“No Matter What”, see the YouTube video above) already topping BET’s daily 106 & Park countdown — and another for “Whatever You Like” debuting tonight at 8 p.m. on BET — Atlanta rapper/actor T.I. has already been busy putting No. 3 and 4 from his upcoming CD, “Paper Trail,” in the can.
T.I. just completed shooting the videos for singles “What’s Up, What’s Haapnin’ ” and “Swing Ya Rag” in his hometown.
“What’s Up, What’s Haapnin’ ” was actually shot “all around Bankhead,” where he grew up. “We shot at my grandmamas house, all in my old hood — Cedar Avenue, Center Hill, Baker Road, Bankhead, Bowen Homes and [his establishment] Club Crucial — of course. We rode [dirt] bikes up Bankhead [Highway, now known as Metropolitan Parkway]; the Mongoose bikes like I used to ride when I was hustling, before I got to be a rapper. But we were doing something positive this time.
(Director Kai Crawford — also known as Fly Kai — adds that the concept, like the song, “is [T.I.] trying to make a point…putting a stop to the rumor that he’s not involved in the community anymore. He totally, totally proved that wrong and makes the point that that was basically coming from one source. Not the people. So in way it was a documentary of what his day’s like when he’s off. Reliving his childhood.”)
“This is more of an interior, studio performance video,” T.I. said on the set of “Swing Ya Rag”, in downtown Atlanta on Krog Street. “It’s moreso about the influence of Gucci and Louis Vuitton in the hood. Of course everybody knows how prominent Gucci and Louis is in Hollywood, but we want to show them how we add it to our swag. And how it flavors our flavor. And I’ve got a meeeann rag swag in this video.”
While we had him during his lunch break (six beef patties, six coco breads and some jerk chicken and rice for him and two of his sons, in case you were wondering), T.I. also caught the Atlanta Music Scene up on some of his other ongoing activities.
“[His clothing line] Akoo is launching October, that’s when we’ll be unveiling our baby to the world. Also, there’s the movie ‘Bone Deep’; we’ll start shooting that in September with me, Chris Brown and Idris Elba — and that’s my first film as a producer. And Sept. 30 ‘Paper Trail’ is in stores, along with Big Kuntry King (whose debut solo CD is titled “My Turn To Eat”). It’s going to be Grand Hustle day!”
And what about that talk about him also doing an album with Nelly? (See the Rap-Up story HERE ).
“We’ve had conversations about it. We have to speak again on it… I mean, we’ve recorded songs together just because we have a great relationship. But we haven’t finalized anything. I wish I could do records with a lot of people in the industry. Me, [Lil] Wayne and [Young] Jeezy have actually talked about doing a project together; because our birthdays are like all in the same week. There’s a lot I would like to do, hope to do.”
Interested in either one of these possible collaborations? What about the singles T.I. has released so far, making you anxious for “Paper Trail”?
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The Outlawz Ride Again
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Almost 12 years after legendary rapper Tupac Shakur was killed, and about the same amount of time since their big single (“Hit ‘Em Up”) with him, Atlanta-based hip-hop group Outlawz continue to be as prolific as the late superstar.
ThursdayAUG 7/SYM at 5 pm. at the FYE store at Union Station (still known to many as Shannon Mall), the foursome will be signing their new independent CD “We Want In,” which was released this week.“We’ll be reintroducing ourselves to the fans, and introducing ourselves to the people who may not know independent projects are out, because they don’t get the same TV and radio commercials that an artist signed to a major label gets,” says the Outlawz’ E.D.I. Mean.
“That’s OK though,” continues Mean — whose remaining group members are named (surely you wondered!): Kastro, Stormey and Young Noble. “Everyone has to reestablish themselves in this industry. Even Jay-Z can’t just put out a record and expect people to buy it, without laying the groundwork…The good thing is we have so many hardcore fans that have been rooting for us. That’s how we’ve put out close to 15 independent projects since Tupac (who was also a part of the Outlawz) died. People may know us best because of him, but they stay with us because of what we’ve done since he left.”
Are you among those “hardcore fans” of the Outlawz? Planning to stop by FYE tomorrow? Who do you think has carried on the 2Pac mantle best — if anyone?
(See the YouTube video for the Outlawz new single/title track, “We Want In/Hunger Pains” BELOW. And underneath that, a bonus, the video for “Hit ’Em Up”).
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Rate “The Single: Monica”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
CREDIT: Peachtree TV
Miss Sophia, the entertainment reporter on V-103’s Frank and Wanda Morning Show, said it made her cry.
Rashan Ali of Hot-107.9’s A Team Morning Show told listeners this morning she cried twice.
Did you see Peachtree TV’s one-off reality show “The Single: Monica” — about what it’s taken for the Grammy-winning Atlanta R&B singer to craft a comeback single— and if so, what did you think? (If not, a repeat is scheduled to be on tomorrow at 8 p.m.).
To those same people, how would you rate the single Atlantans Bryan-Michael Cox and Adonis came up with on the show, “Still Standing” (featuring Ludacris)? Peachtree TV has intimated that they would like to make “The Single” a series featuring other artists. Interested? And if so, with what artists?
Monica talked to the AJC about her reality show debut HERE.
CREDIT: David Graves
We were also at the private party Cox threw for her at Luckie Lounge — as you can tell from the photo above — see the rest of the gallery HERE
And see excerpts from “The Single: Monica” on the YouTube Webisode videos below:
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Luke Bryan gets piggy with it
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Luke Bryan. Photo: Capitol Nashville
One of the stars of the new Luke Bryan video is a real pig. Literally.
His name is Squigley Nelson and he’s a resident of the Show Me Safari Petting Zoo in Muskegon, Mich. Rising South Georgia-born country star Bryan and his band mates discovered the little piggy during the zoo’s swine race.
Bryan, who grew up in Leesburg about 10 miles north of Albany, gives the little critter plenty of screen time in the “Country Man” video. After all, the song includes this lyric: “I can wrestle hogs and gators with my two bare hands.” Don’t worry, there’s no pig wrestling involved in the clip.
Bryan directed the new video himself, and it’s basically a travelogue capturing the singer-songwriter and his band on the road, interacting with fans and fellow artists. One of those artists is Bryan’s labelmate Dierks Bentley, who makes a cameo appearance doing something he does often. Bentley and Bryan are shown playing a video game.
The “Country Man” video debuts on the GAC: Great American Country channel today, but you can see it online at CMT.com right here.
The “Country Man” single, meanwhile, has been rising up the country charts for several months now and it’s at No. 22 now. Maybe the video will help push it up into the Top 10. Could this fun clip help the third single match the performance of the No. 5 hit “All My Friends Say,” the first single from Bryan’s debut album, “I’ll Stay Me”? That cute little pig can’t hurt.
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The B-52s on TV and at Madison Square Garden
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The B-52s. Photo: Pieter M. van Hattem
The B-52s successful run on the True Colors tour is done, and the foursome has just returned from a European jaunt, but that’s not the last of the group’s live publicity push for recent comeback album, “Funplex.” The B-52s have a couple of pretty cool gigs coming up this week.
First, the Athens-born party band will make an appearance on Late Night With Conan O’Brien on Wednesday, Aug. 6, doing “Hot Corner” from “Funplex.”
The following night, they’ll be opening for the Police at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The show is being billed as the last-ever Police gig and it’s a benefit for New York Public Television. There’s more on the benefit gig here.
Did you see the B-52s in their latest run of shows? Did they still inspire you to dance this mess around?
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Alan Jackson Playing Encore Park Oct. 4
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s not his native Newnan, but it’s close enough.
So we’ll call Alan Jackson’s just-announced date with the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park a homecoming, of sorts.
The country music superstar — whose label recently announced has passed the 50 million mark in album sales— will perform Oct. 4, and tickets go on sale this Saturday.
Ever seen Jackson perform live? Were you at the CD/book signing he did with his wife back in April, in Newnan?
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So So Def Summerfest, Successful?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What Jermaine Dupri told us he’d like to see become an Essence Music Festival in Atlanta, certainly drew the kind of major names that headline New Orleans’ annual celebration.
But because of a shooting Friday night at Club Dreams, it also drew major — and certainly, unwanted — attention.
No suspects have been arrested yet, and the victim — a security guard —was reportedly treated for an injury to his arm, and released.
Dekalb County police spokesman Marcus Hodge told WSB-TV that some people got upset after they learned they were allegedly double-charged by security guards to enter the VIP section of the club.
Question: Why do you think people pay any amount just to stand in closer proximity to celebrities? (Usher, Diddy - being rushed out, above - Nelly, Dupri and actresses Gabrielle Union and Lisa Raye were at Dreams, the second “official” event of Dupri’s five-day-long, third annual So So Def Summerfest. He and Nelly hosted a “strip-off” Wednesday at the Body Tap, which was not listed on Dupri’s site as an “official” Summerfest activity ).
Were you at Dreams Friday night, and/or did you attend any of the Summerfest events that followed: the celebrity basketball game at Morehouse (where Dupri is pictured above, see our entire gallery HERE ), the White Party at the Woodruff Arts Center and the finale scheduled last night at the Velvet Room?
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Elvis Costello Canceled, Bow Wow Rescheduled
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What was once postponed due to the tornado in March, has now been canceled.
The April 28th Elvis Costello & the Imposters concert at the Tabernacle isn’t happening, and refunds are available at the point of purchase. For more information you can call the Tabernacle (404-659-9022) or go to livenation.com.
Another show change just announced is Atlanta rapper-actor Bow Wow’s. The “Bow Wow as Shad Moss” performance that was supposed to happen this coming Tuesday at the Tabernacle has been moved to Oct. 10. Aug. 5 tickets will be honored. Tickets are $38.50.
Disappointed about the Costello show? Still excited about Bow Wow?
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STS9 — From The Road
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Though Sound Tribe Sector 9 are now California-based jam-rockers, many of the members grew up here, and Dave Murphy says, “still feel like Atlanta’s home.” That makes them eligible to send a Dispatch From the Road in advance of their two-night stand at the Masquerade Music Park, starting tonight; and the first annual Rock Against Cancer benefit concert, which some of the STS9 members will participate in — along with Collective Efforts and Dubconscious — at Sweetwater Brewery on Sunday. Planning to go to any of the shows — or all of them? Remember any of the STS9 members when they were Atlantans? Well here’s what Murphy sent the Atlanta Music Scene: What’s up ATL! STS9 here, shoutin’ out from the road. We’re out on tour this summer with our friends Umphrey’s McGee, DJ Rootz and Kaptain Harris, and are having a great time! And, we’re really stoked to be wrapping it all up in our home town! We’ve been touring in support of our new record, Peaceblaster, and love playing the new tracks off the album. There have been a lot of amazing shows along the way - Chicago, NYC, Philly and St. Louis - but the best will be coming back to Atlanta for the shows this weekend. The crowds are always live and hype in the South, which is just the way we like it!! We rarely play ATL outside of New Year’s, so we are definitely looking forward to seeing all of our friends and family! Thanks for checking out our postcard from the road and we hope to see ya’ll at the shows!! Peace,
STS9
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George Michael at Philips Arena
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It took about 17 years, and another sweaty 40 minutes past the scheduled start time for the George Michael hit parade to pull into town.
But when it finally got going for a just-over half full Philips Arena Thursday night, it hit, it engaged, it often turned the downtown venue into a dancefloor, and you know, despite the fact that the air conditioner didn’t appear to be working the first half of the show, it was a lot of fun.
Appropriately enough, the pop superstar of the mid-to-late ’80s opened with “Waiting,” an obvious nod to the fact that Michael hadn’t been on tour in the U.S. in 17 years. And there at Philips Arena to welcome him back were especially well-groomed men — like Michael still is — and the occasional woman in the neon heels or “Choose Life” t-shirts that were especially popular at Michael’s peak, with his 1987 solo debut, “Faith.”
Curiously to some, Michael did not perform the lead-off hit from “Faith” - “I Want Your Sex”, or “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”, the breakthrough single from the group that launched him, Wham!. He told USA Today when he announced his return that he felt songs like that made the tour too much of a party.
As if Thursday night wasn’t. Though Michael did incorporate ballads into his vibrantly-staged, two hour-plus set — including “Father Figure,” “A Different Corner,” a cover of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” an enchanting, slower reworking of the Police’s “Roxanne” and of course, the encore, “Careless Whisper” — the still incredibly soulful vocalist was off his gleaming stool most of the time, leading his nine-piece band (and six background singers) through club favorites “Fastlove,” “Hard Day,” “I’m Your Man,” “Outside,” and even incorporating a little “Burn Rubber” from the R&B trio the Gap Band.
“Am I working hard enough yet?” Michael asked the crowd about 90 minutes in. Like he didn’t know the answer from all of the stomping, dancing, whooping and cell phone-waving going on.
Were you there last night — and if so, what’s your take? (See more photos from our gallery HERE ). Surprised by the turn-out (or lack of)? Hear anything (the “Roxanne” rendition, maybe?) that might re-spark interest in Michael as a recording artist?
