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Home > Atlanta Music Scene > Archives > 2008 > September
September 2008
Video Countdown To Janet’s Arrival In Atlanta - Day Two
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Assuming her Atlanta date this weekend is still happening (though she was rushed to the hospital yesterday) we will continue with our daily video countdown to part-time Atlantan Janet Jackson’s homecoming (of sorts) this Sunday at Philips Arena.
BELOW is a YouTube post of boyfriend/Atlanta music mogul Jermaine Dupri visiting one of her rehearsals.
Already got your ticket? (If not, click HERE ). Think she may be pregnant? (She did tell the Atlanta Music Scene that a baby with Dupri was “coming”. See the whole post HERE ).
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Meet And Greet Usher (For $145, Minimum)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Only three days remain for you to put in your bid HERE for the Usher Premium Seat Meet and Greet Auction.
Hadn’t heard of it?
Well you did know that Atlanta’s R&B superstar was planning an intimate, “ladies only” tour, right? Well he’s set a date in his hometown — Nov. 10 at the Tabernacle — and just in case the $101 and $126 for regular tickets is just pocket change to you, again, an auction is going on at the Ticketmaster site, where the winner gets premium seats in the downtown venue, and entry into a “meet and greet” with Usher, as well as an “exclusive” sound check party.
And last we checked, the minimum bid price was $145.
Have you thrown your name (and wallet) into the hat? Think such an opportunity would be worth it? Surprised that Usher’s even doing this? (Oh, and by the way, the promoter says all genders are actually welcome).
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“100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs” Includes 9 Atlanta Acts
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Is it better to come in at No. 99 on VH1’s “100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs” list than to not be included at all?
We’ll let Atlanta’s Lil Jon (above) & The East Side Boyz (featuring the Ying Yang Twins) ponder that ranking for “Get Low”, as we share the remainder of local acts in the “100”.
Oh - before we do that, the reason VH1 is doing this is it is part of its daily countdown this week, concluding with “VH1 Hip Hop Honors” (which actually happens Thursday, but airs Oct. 6).
OK, drumroll please for the Atlantans …
(And what’s with all of the 8’s?)
No. 1 “Fight The Power,” Public Enemy
No. 23 “B.O.B.”, OutKast (who are scheduled to be profiled on the televised countdown Thursday).
No. 48 “One Love,” Nas
No. 58 “What’s Your Fantasy,” Ludacris featuring Shawnna
No. 67 “Feel So Good,” Mase
No. 68 “What You Know,” T.I.
No. 78 “Tennessee,” Arrested Development
and again, “Get Low” at 99.
See the complete list HERE; videos for Numbers 81-100 HERE and then weigh in on where your favorites fell (or perhaps, didn’t get included at all).
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Video Countdown To Janet’s Arrival In Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In anticipation of part-time Atlantan Janet Jackson’s Rock Witchu Tour coming to Philips Arena Sunday, we’re going to post YouTube videos from her, to you, each day this week.
Watch BELOW, and let us know if you’re planning to attend.
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Smoltz, Foxworthy and Friends On Sale Friday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For charity — and undoubtedly some fun — Atlanta Brave John Smoltz and “Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader” host Jeff Foxworthy are joining forces for a Nov. 9 show at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park.
Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. at the venue box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, at www.ticketmaster.com and charge by phone at 404-249-6400.
Proceeds will benefit The John Smoltz Foundation. “I am very excited to have my friend Jeff partner with me for the show”, Smoltz said in a press release. “I love to laugh…and we want to invite everyone to come laugh with us!”
Sound like an interesting pairing? Planning to attend? Oh - and ever heard Angela Wolff (above) before? The burgeoning local country-rock singer is making what is billed as her “North Fulton debut” at this show, which she will open. Listen HERE and offer your take.
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Ciara’s “Fantasy Ride” at Six Flags
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO CREDIT: Rick Diamond
Saturday Six Flags Over Georgia’s Goliath roller coaster was rechristened — for the day — The Goliath Fantasy Ride, in honor of Atlanta Grammy winner Ciara.
(And no, it had nothing to do with the way she writhes in videos).
Instead, it was some early promotion for her third CD “Fantasy Ride”, due in December; along with a way to give three students from her local alma mater, Riverdale High School, a free day at the park.
PHOTO CREDIT: Rick Diamond
Students Ashley Clayton, Shaneka Pickering and Muoi Ung all won an essay contest, for which they were asked to write about who they admired. And believe it or not, none of them said Ciara. (Clayton and Pickering picked their moms while Ung said Martin Luther King Jr.).
PHOTO CREDIT: Rick Diamond
But before the trio got to their front row “Fantasy Ride” with the R&B singer, Ciara signed the artwork for her new “Go Girl” single for hundreds of fans who just happened to be at Six Flags. First in line were 12-year-old twins William and Warren Franklin of southwest Atlanta. “I’m the one who really likes Ciara!” Warren declared. “Especially [the single] ‘Like A Boy’!”
And as if on cue, that hit from her last CD (“Evolution”) was what was playing when Ciara hopped out of her convertible Rolls-Royce. “This is a blessing!” said the fervid coaster fan. “I mean, I used to come here religiously when I was younger. I remember when I used to have to save up money for a seasons pass — or try to get the hook-up. And now one of the rides is being changed to celebrate my album! Wow! It’s really, really cool.”
Ciara’s parent, her maternal grandparents and other members of her family joined her during her afternoon-long visit. So of course we had to ask what they thought about the “nude” shot of her on the current issue of Vibe magazine.
First, it was photoshopped — she maintains. “I had on a bikini”. And before mom and dad saw it, “I got them on the three-way to explain. And they - like they always have been - were supportive”.
Were you among those in line for an autograph at Six Flags? Heard her new single “Go Girl” with fellow Atlantan T-Pain? (If not, click HERE and give your review). Think she should be mad at Vibe?
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Tunes for Hard Times
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Photo: Phil Skinner/Staff
It might be a little soon to start singing “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” again, but times are tough. Gas is as at an all-time high (when you can find it), foreclosures are rampant, banks are falling like dominoes, the federal government is handing out emergency bailouts like candy at Halloween. Maybe we need a new hard-times soundtrack. “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” (1932) is a classic, but it’s so last Depression. And that dime won’t get you very far these days, anyway. Check out our playlist of songs for the modern economic malaise here, and tell us some of your picks.
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9/24: What’s your favorite hip hop song of all time
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
VH1 is the master of creating lists for the sake of argument (and a show that can repeated ad nauseum): best songs of the ’80s, bets metal songs, top 100 albums, top 50 most awesomely bad songs, et. al.
Now the network, once known in the 80s as the “soft rock” version of MTV, is offering up the top 100 best hip-hop songs of all time.
The network has not released the full list but the top 5 are:
1- “Fight the Power” by Public Enemy
2- “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugar Hill Gang
3- “Nuthin but a ‘G’ Thang” - Dr. Dre
4- “Walk This Way” Run DMC and Aerosmith
You can see the classic video here.
5- “The Message” - Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five.
That’s not a bad top 5. The only top 10 female act was “Push It” by Salt ‘N Pepa. Others on the list include Eminem, Jay-Z, Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Biz Markie, Black Sheep and J.J. Fad, according to the Associated Press. We don’t have the full list just yet. Next week, VH1 debuts the hourly shows, which will naturally feature talking heads from hip-hop’s past and present (as well as random folks who have nothing to do with hip hop).
We’ll post all the acts that have Atlanta ties once we get it.
What would you place in your top 5?
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‘Make History’ with Dupri and Simmons
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jermaine Dupri’s Tag Records and Russell Simmons’ Hip Hop Summit Action Network are partnering with the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education to offer five students a $10,000 grant. The grants — geared mostly toward students who attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities — will be awarded to support the best ideas for a history making career, business or project. The deadline to enter is Sept. 30. Details available at Tag Records and HSAN websites. Not a student, what’s your history-making dream?
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Widespread Panic and Gary Allan — In Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The same day Athens jam-rockers Widespread Panic will be given a Georgia Music Hall of Fame honor, Panic will be about the business of giving back.
Tickets for its Tunes For Tots fundraiser show, Oct. 19 at the Tabernacle, go on sale Saturday - online only, at Ticketmaster.com. And there will be 100 “Private VIP Cocktail Party with Widespread Panic” tickets sold, that will not only get you early admittance into the show, but hors d’oeuvres catered by Hugh Acheson of Athens’ 5&10 restaurant, open premium bar, a 2008 Tunes For Tots poster autographed by the group — and of course, that great feeling of knowing you’ve done something good. Thus far Panic’s previous Tunes’ efforts have raised some $375,000 for Georgia Public Schools music programs.
Two days later, on Monday, tickets for the Kicks Country Jam featuring Gary Allan, Joe Nichols, Eric Church and Heidi Newfield go on sale. The show is Nov. 1 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, and tickets can be purchases at all Ticketmaster outlets, the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre box office or charge by phone at 404-249-6400.
Ever been to a Tunes For Tots, or wanting to go to this one? What about to Kicks’ Country Jam? And speaking of country, did you check out Brad Paisley last night? (See our photo gallery from the show HERE .
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Walk With Shawty Low Saturday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO CREDIT: Moye Colquitt
While many might celebrate a just-announced BET Hip Hop Award nomination with champagne, Atlanta rapper Shawty Lo is taking a more charitable route.
The artist born Carlos Walker is planning to be in Saturday morning’s American Diabetes Step Out and Walk to Fight Diabetes fundraising effort, starting in Grant Park.
Shawty Lo will be team captain of the Diabetes Destroyers, an especially personal effort as the member of D4L (“Laffy Taffy”) and solo act in his own right (“They Know”) was diagnosed with diabetes in 2001.
“Basically, I was in denial at first,” Lo told us. “And I just kept on doing the same old thing, and kept getting sick. Finally my family clamped down and started helping me make the changes I needed to make…You know bad habits, like old habits, are hard to change. But I’ve stopped eating fried foods, lots of salt and pepper. [I’m] exercising. I’m living a normal life…The only thing I kind of miss is sweet Kool-Aid and all of that.”
To register to join Shawty Lo’s team, or make a donation, click HERE. Planning to participate in some fashion?
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Janet On Having A Baby With Jermaine: “It’s Coming”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Atlanta Music Scene spoke with part-time Atlantan Janet Jackson during a break in her just-launched Rock Witchu Tour, and among the many topics she discussed were:
Settling down and having kids with longtime boyfriend, Atlanta music mogul Jermaine Dupri (with her above): “At some point, it’s coming…I know he’s waiting for me. I’m the one that’s holding up the whole thing…I don’t know, I guess I’ll just have to see. But it’s coming.”
The part she likes most in the “Rock Witchu” tour: When she touches on material from her pre-“Control” days — specifically songs from her first two albums “Janet Jackson” and “Dream Street,” including “Young Love”. “That’s my favorite part of the show…People feel like I haven’t ever acknowledged those songs. It’s too bad it’s so short. It brings me so much joy.”
Her next direction musically, after “Discipline”: “Dance is my thing. I love dance. I love dance music…Certain people didn’t like the direction I took [with her last CD ‘Discipline’], within the company…[It wanted her to take] a much calmer, kind of a Sade-ish route…But to do a whole album like that, I’m not ready for that just yet…I’m still a girl who loves to dance. So it’s dance music for me.”
Jackson will bring her Rock Witchu tour to Philips Arena Oct. 5. Planning to go? (Click HERE for tickets). Think this will be her last tour? Should be her last tour?
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A Michael Stipe-Approved Artist
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO CREDIT: Cerise Leang
Michael Stipe of Athens’ rock icons R.E.M. has put his formidable stamp of approval on singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur, who is releasing new CD “Temporary People” Sept. 30.
“Jo is one of those rare writer-performers where you get the sense, whatever your belief, that something greater is being channeled through his music and voice,” Stipe told the Los Angeles Times. “Like Patti Smith, Grant Lee Phillips, Thom Yorke, he trances, and the voice, the meaning, becomes bigger than him, bigger than a few pop chords or words strung together. It touches something very deep and universal.”
(As you may recall, Arthur penned “In The Sun,” the song Stipe did with Coldplay’s Chris Martin to raise money for the Hurricane Katrina victims).
Are you a fan or Arthur (and the Lonely Astronauts, all pictured above)? Think this kind of tout will direct more attention their way? What recording artist would you like to go to for album recommendations?
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Andre “Dre” Benjamin Going Solo
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sometime in 2009, the Atlanta rapper-actor known to some as Andre 3000 will release a solo album.
Or at least that’s what the Grammy winner born Andre Benjamin told Rolling Stone.
There’s no exact release date, or title, he added; but he does have a concept.
“It should be dropping by the end of this year or early next year. [And] I’ve pretty much been working with myself,” Benjamin tells the magazine. “I’ve never really been that big on collaboration. I have a concept, and all the soundscapes are already in my head, so I just have to figure out how to get there.”
Huh? He’s “never really been that big on collaboration”?!
This is a guy who started out in a group (OutKast) and in the two years since that duo’s last CD (“Idlewild,” on which he and Antwan “Big Boi” Patton only can be heard on three songs together) he has made numerous great (“Int’l Players Anthem — I Choose You”, with UGK) and surprising (“Walk It Out” remix, by DJ Unk; “You” remix by Lloyd) featured appearances.
Have a favorite among his guest collaborations? Excited about the news of a solo album from Benjamin? (Isn’t that what “The Love Below” was?) And speaking of which, after the success of “Hey Ya!”, which one would you like more — Dre rapping or singing?
(See a YouTube video of one of Benjamin’s most recent pairings, “Green Light” with John Legend BELOW)
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Help Jermaine Dupri Pick A Winner
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Yesterday BET announced the nominees for its third annual BET Hip Hop Awards — and that it is returning to Atlanta’s Civic Center Oct. 18 to put on the ceremony. And starting today, you can have a hand in a BET Hip Hop Awards activity. Not only is the show coming back, but its “Hot 16” online contest, a joint venture with BET.com, MySpace and Atlanta hip-hop mogul Jermaine Dupri. From today through next Wednesday, users can vote on the five finalists for the challenge — on BET.com; though Dupri will pick the winner. The prize is an in-studio session with Dupri and a “VIP trip” for four to the 2008 BET Hip Hop Awards. Planning to participate? Know of any rappers on MySpace that you think merit such notice? What winners do you think Dupri has picked, recently?
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T.I. Responds To Child Support Suit
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta rapper-actor T.I. has gone on a website he endorses and is a shareholder in, streetcred.com, to respond to the lawsuit brought by the mother of two of his children for court-ordered arrangement for payments.
He and the mother, Lashon Dixon, appeared in Fulton County Superior Court last Thursday, where she said she has had trouble supporting sons Domani and Messiah (above with T.I. at a recent video shoot) with the $2000 a month T.I. gives her. Dixon says she wants a more stable stipend commensurate with the multimillion-selling Grammy winner’s success.
Now, in a statement he and attorney John Mayoue released exclusively to streetcred.com, T.I. fires back:
“A lot of deceiving information has been reported regarding my recent child support proceeding. It is unfortunate that the media has been used to manipulate the circumstances and distort the facts. Those that know me, all know that there is nothing more important to me than my children. I have always supported all of my children financially, emotionally, and spiritually. This has always been the case and I will continue to do so in the future as this is my responsibility as a parent.
To clarify the recent reports, in addition to the $2000 per month I pay in cash to Lashon Dixon, the mother of my sons Domani and Messiah, I also pay for their private schooling, medical insurance, clothing, food, gifts, birthdays and extracurricular activities. Their extra-curricular activities have included football, basketball, baseball, acting lessons, summer camp, and any other activities that they express a desire to be involved in that will contribute to them leading balanced lives and developing into well rounded individuals. I have also made an attempt to help Lashon with additional payments that have included a down payment to purchase her home, purchase of an automobile for her transportation and other financial obligations. These expenses are documented and are far in excess of the $2000 cash payment that is being paid direct to Lashon. She has chosen not to work and to live 100% from her child support receipts. This is the reason for her difficulties in making ends meet for herself.
Not only do I support my boys 100% financially, I am also committed to their emotional and spiritual growth. While I would enjoy the luxury of being present for all of my children’s activities, unfortunately the demands of my career and the need to secure my family’s financial security as well as insuring my kid’s personal growth dictates that I travel constantly and work tirelessly. Despite my hectic schedule, I make it a priority to be present for important occasions in their lives. This includes being home for their birthdays, school functions and being present at as many of their extra-curricular activities as I am able. I also am available to them at all times to provide guidance and support as a father regardless of my schedule or location. They are my first priority.
Again, there is nothing more important to me than my children. This is demonstrated by my effort to support them in every way that I can. Any reasonable person knowing the facts would conclude that all of my children’s needs are being far exceeded. My support of them in every way is documented and cannot be legitimately challenged.
I believe that it is every parent’s responsibility to provide unconditional love and support for their kids. I have made every attempt to do so for my boys. Again, I provide 100% of their financial support. I should only be judged for my actions and not Lashon’s conscience decision not to work and not to contribute to the financial support of our boys.”
What’s your take on the reports thus far? Do you think — as some radio announcers have playfully suggested — that having a No. 1 song out about buying the woman in his life “Whatever You Like” stoked this? Or is she just simply trying to get her ducks in a row before March 2009, when T.I. is expected to be sentenced to at 366 days in prison after pleading guilty to federal weapon possession charges?
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BET Hip Hop Awards Returning to Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The nominees for the third annual BET Hip Hop Awards have been announced, as well as the city it will be in — Atlanta.
The show will be Oct. 18 at the Atlanta Civic Center, and will air Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. .
The best-selling artist thus far, this year, Lil Wayne (above), leads the nominees with 12. Kanye West is up for seven and Jay-Z follows with six. And among the Atlantans up for BET Hip Hop Awards are Big Boi, Ludacris, T-Pain, Ne-Yo, Nas, Akon, Shawty Lo, Rocko, Yung Berg, V-103’s Greg Street, DJ Drama, DJ Toomp, Bangladesh, Young Jeezy, Yung Joc and yes, the man of the hour last year, T.I. .
Surprised its coming back? Did you like what you saw last year? What do you hope will be different - if anything?
As you contemplate your responses, here’s the complete list of nominees, below:
2008 BET Hip Hop Awards Nominees
Best Hip Hop Video David Banner f/ Chris Brown and Yung Joc - Get Like Me
Common - I Want You
DJ Khaled f/ Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Birdman and Rick Ross - I’m So Hood (The Remix)
Lil Wayne f/ Static - Lollipop
Snoop Dogg - Sensual Seduction
Kanye West f/ T-Pain - Good Life
Best Hip Hop Collabo
David Banner f/ Chris Brown and Yung Joc - Get Like Me
DJ Khaled f/ Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Birdman and Rick Ross - I’m So Hood (The Remix)
Flo Rida f/ T-Pain - Low
Plies f/ Ne-Yo - Bust It Baby Pt. 2
Kanye West f/ T-Pain - Good Life
Best Live Performer
Busta Rhymes
Jay-Z
Lil Wayne
T.I.
Kanye West
Lyricist of the Year
Jay-Z
Lil Wayne
Nas
T.I.
Kanye West
Video Director of the Year
Gil Green
R. Malcolm Jones
Rage
Chris Robinson
Hype Williams
Producer of the Year
Akon
Bangladesh
David Banner
J.R. Rotem
The Runners
MVP of the Year
DJ Khaled
Jay-Z
Lil Wayne
T.I.
Kanye West
Track of the Year
A Milli - Lil Wayne produced by Bangladesh
Dey Know - Shawty Lo produced by Balis Beatz
Good Life - Kanye West f/ T-Pain produced by Kanye West and DJ Toomp
Lollipop - Lil Wayne f/ Static produced by Jim Jonsin & Deezle
Roc Boys (And the Winner Is) - Jay-Z produced by Sean Combs & The Hitmen
CD of the Year
Jay-Z - American Gangster
Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III
Lupe Fiasco - Lupe Fiasco’s “The Cool”
Nas - Untitled
Kanye West - Graduation
Rookie of the Year
Ace Hood
Flo Rida
Maino
Rocko
Shawty Lo
DJ of the Year
DJ Drama
DJ Felli Fel
DJ Khaled
DJ Tony Neal
DJ Greg Street
Hustler of the Year
50 Cent
DJ Khaled
Jay-Z
Lil Wayne
P. Diddy
Alltel Wireless People’s Champ Nominees
Lil Wayne - A Milli
Lupe Fiasco f/ Matthew Santos - Superstar
Plies f/ Ne-Yo - Bust It Baby Pt. 2
Rick Ross f/ Nelly and Avery Storm - Here I Am
Young Jeezy f/ Kanye West - Put On
Yung Berg f/ Casha - The Business
Hottest Hip Hop Ringtone of the Year
Flo Rida f/ T-Pain - Low
Lil Wayne f/ Static - Lollipop
Plies f/ Ne-Yo - Bust It Baby Pt. 2
Rocko - Umma Do Me
Yung Berg f/ Casha - The Business
Best UK Hip Hop Act
Chipmunk
Dizzee Rascal
Ghetto
Giggs
Skepta
Wiley
Atlantans To Lead Britney’s December Comeback
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The comeback continues for pop pin-up Britney Spears, and it has just been announced that Atlantans will have hand in it.
Burgeoning local production team The Outsyders crafted “Womanizer,” the first single from Spears’ Dec. 2 release, “Circus”. (Appropriate, huh?)
The news of the sixth studio album and single comes just a week after Spears won her first — plus two more — MTV Video Music Awards; and registered a much-touted, but rather uneventful appearance on the show (where she’s pictured above).
Think Spears will be welcomed back by the recordbuying public like she was MTV? Ever heard of The Outsyders? Care to remember the VMA 2007 appearance that led her public unraveling? See the YouTube video BELOW
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How Was Your Musical Weekend?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hometown favorites and hot acts of various genres played over this past weekend, and we want your reviews.
PHOTO CREDIT: Mikki K. Harris/MKHARRIS@AJC.COM
Did you see Atlanta’s Indigo Girls (above) at Chastain Park Amphitheatre? (See the rest of our gallery from that show HERE).
Catch Monticello native Trisha Yearwood’s two-night stand at the Fred, Friday and Saturday?
PHOTO CREDIT: RAYMOND HAGANS
What about V-103’s For Sisters Only at the Georgia World Congress Center, Saturday and Sunday — where Atlanta rappers Ludacris (above, with fellow Atlanta Grammy winner Monica) and T.I. headlined, Atlanta R&B singer Keyshia Cole made a surprise appearance with her mom, and Oscar nominee Terrence Howard (second photo above) made his first local appearance as a singer?
Or did you get over to the more intimate International Soul Music Summit at the Atlanta Renaissance Hotel Friday and Saturday —Â which included performances, panel discussions and even more surprise appearances from such notables as Raphael Saadiq, and recent Atlanta transplant Daddy-O?
Miss all of the above, but caught something else on the Atlanta Music Scene that was worth discussing? Then do so!
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See New Dropsonic Video — Before You See Them Saturday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A day before Atlanta rockers Dropsonic return home to play the Earl a new video for their single “Going Down,” is up on their MySpace page HERE. Or you can take a look at the YouTube video BELOW. Tell us what you think — and whether you’ll be in East Atlanta to see them Saturday.
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Maxwell Resurfacing Again - In Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Seven years after his last album (“Now”), and almost three months since he shocked audiences with an unannounced appearance/performance at the BET Awards, R&B singer Maxwell is resurfacing again, Nov. 12 at the Atlanta Civic Center.
Tickets range from $39.50-$150 and go on sale today at www.livenation.com, all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 404-249-6400. Newcomer Jazmine Sullivan — who’s also scheduled to be at V-103’s For Sisters Only this weekend — will open.
Have you missed Maxwell (pictured above — when he had way more hair — during one of his last appearances in Atlanta, in 1999? What did you think of his part in the BET Awards tribute to Al Green? (See it HERE)
And if you don’t know how Sullivan — which would be a bit surprising as she has had the No. 1 single on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop chart for weeks — see a YouTube video of that hit, “Need U Bad,” BELOW:
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Young Jeezy and T.I. Have The No. 1 Album and Single in the Country
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
<This week’s Billboard magazine numbers are in and Atlanta rappers have the biggest album and single in the country.
Young Jeezy’s third disc “The Recession” (CD cover above) sold 260,000 copies its first week in stores, according to Nielsen SoundScan — and debuts atop the Billboard 200 pop chart. And for the third week in a row, T.I.’s single “Whatever You Like” is No. 1 on the publication’s Hot 100 pop chart. (As well as the Hot Digital Song chart, again).
As far as other locals on other listings go, last week’s No. 2 debut on the Gospel Album chart — Darwin Hobbs’ “Free” — remains in the Top 10 this week, at No. 9.
The Lost Trailers — which includes Atlanta resident Ryder Lee — hold a Top 10 position on the Hot Country Songs chart another week (No. 10) with “Holler Back”; and while their CD of the same name dropped out of the first 10 on the Top Country Albums chart, superstar country duo Sugarland climbed back to No. 1 there, from 2 last week. (Though they lost their Top 10 position on The Top 200 — last week, No. 8 — with its new album “Love On The Inside”.)
Atlantans moved from making up half of the Top 10 R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, to six of the 10 — T.I.’s still at No. 2 with “Whatever You Like”; T-Pain moved up three places to No. 4 with “Can’t Believe It” (featuring Lil Wayne); Young Jeezy dropped two places to No. 5 with “Put On” (featuring Kanye West); Bobby Valentino is on the No. 6 single by Lil Wayne, “Mrs. Officer”; Ne-Yo jumped seven places to No. 9 with Miss Independent”; and Keyshia Cole fell from No. 5 to No. 10 with “Heaven Sent”.
And for another week, Atlantans hold tight to 7 of the Top 10 Hot Rap Tracks: Young Jeezy’s “Put On” is at No. 1 again; T-Pain (on Lil Wayne’s “Got Money”) at No. 3; T.I.’s “Whatever You Like” at No. 5; Yung Berg’s “The Business” at No. 6; Akon’s single with Kardinal Offishall, “Dangerous”, is at No. 8; Bobby Valentino and Lil Wayne’s “Mrs. Officer” are at No. 9 and Ne-Yo (on Plies’ “Bust It Baby Part 2”) are at No. 10.
No changes in those positions.
Young Jeezy’s “The Recession” also tops the Top 10 of the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart — which Atlantans Nas (“Untitled”), last week at No. 6 and Lloyd (“Lessons In Love”), last week at No. 8, dropped out of; and Young Jeezy, again, (at No. 1) and Nas (No. 7) make up the hometown presence on the Top 10 Rap Albums chart.
Third Day’s “Revelation” fell from No. 1 to No. 3 of the Top Christian Albums (as well as from No. 1 to No. 3 of the Top Christian & Gospel Albums); but McDonough’s Casting Crowns have the No. 8 and No. 9 CDs there with “The Altar and the Door: Live” and “The Altar and the Door”.
And back to the Hot 100, still in the Top 10 with T.I. are Atlanta rapper-singer Akon (“Dangerous” with Kardinal Offishall, holding at No. 6) and Mableton’s own R&B singer-songwriter, Ne-Yo (with “Closer”, also in the same position as last week, No. 8).
Did you buy “The Recession” or any of the other best-sellers mentioned? And if so, give us your grade.
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Usher and Tameka Expecting Again?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
People.com is reporting that Atlanta R&B superstar Usher and his bride of 13 months, Tameka, are expecting their second child. “A source close to the singer,” the site says, confirmed the news. That unnamed source added that Mrs. Raymond “was spotted wearing a belly-disguising outfit during Usher’s Sept. 4 NFL kick-off concert in New York (where he is pictured in second photo, above). The dress was ‘very deceiving’ … ‘You couldn’t tell she was pregnant when she was sitting down’. ” Raymond’s record label publicists have yet to address numerous inquiries about their pregnancy; and the couple’s recent publicist on more personal matters said they no longer represent them. The Raymonds (in top photo when she was expecting) had their first child, Usher Raymond V - whom they call Cinco — Nov. 26, 2007. And that next month, when the AJC caught up with the five-time Grammy winner to discuss a partnership with the NHL, he hinted at how eager his other half was to expand their family. “My wife is very fertile,” he said with a laugh. “I think she wouldn’t mind having another one right now!” Surprised by this report? Seen Mrs. Raymond around town with a baby bump? 
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Coming To Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO CREDIT: James Minchen (L-R) Bob Kinkel, Paul O’Neill, Al Pitrelli are “Trans-Siberian Orchestra”
If yesterday’s 90-degree temperature didn’t quite say we’re on the back end of summer, then this just might do it: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra has booked a Nov. 16 date with Philips Arena.
Also known as “The Wizards of Winter,” TSO’s annual tour includes a string section, rock band, vocalists, a narrator, a laser show and — of course — a snowfall.
Tickets are $20 to $48.50 and go on sale Friday at www.livenation.com, the Philips Arena box office, www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 404-249-6400.
Ever been to a TSO show? What musical happenings signal winter’s coming to you? Those Mannheim Steamroller commercials, perhaps?
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Georgians At The CMA Music Festival
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As many still smart over Sunday’s Britney Comeback(?) disguised as MTV Video’s Music Awards, Monday’s CMA Music Festival didn’t even pretend.
It was all performances all night (instead of sandwiching a meager 8 awards in between performances) and of course, we want your take on the talent with hometown connections.
Was that your first time seeing Lady Antebellum — which includes Augustans Charles Kelley (above) and Dave Haywood —play on such a major TV stage (ABC); and how do you think they came across?
Did it seem to you like Sugarland’s (above) “All I Want To Do” got a much less enthusiastic response than, say, Rascal Flatts doing “Bob Your Head”?
And what about Newnan’s own Alan Jackson’s (above) closing set?
(Oh yeah — and if you want to weigh in on, say, Faith Hill’s hair, how co-hosts Julianne Hough, Kellie Pickler and Taylor Swift did, or just the overall package of an event filmed three months ago in Nashville, feel free).
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Atlantans At The VMAs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In the Big Britney Comeback(?) — also known as MTV’s Video Music Awards last night — there were a number of local happenings of note, and of course, we want your take.
Did you think it was funny when, early on, Jamie Foxx pointed out Atlanta rapper-actor T.I. and said “Don’t shoot me”; and made another reference to “bail money”?
(If you don’t know, T.I. pled guilty to three firearms charges in March of this year, and is facing 366 days in prison in March 2009. See his first interview since that plea, with the AJC, HERE).
What about T.I.’s performance later of his No. 1 hit in the country, “Whatever You Like” - particularly, the way it was produced? And the new song he debuted with Rihanna (with T.I. in top photo)?
The only other Atlanta resident to perform was T-Pain (above, as part of Lil Wayne’s segment). Like it?
Happen to catch Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy’s arrival in a presidential-like motorcade? Or local talents Jermaine Dupri (above), Ludacris, Ne-Yo, Ciara, Keri Hilson, Cee-Lo and T.I. with fiancee — notice the rock! - Tameka “Tiny” Cottle (second photo above) on the red carpet? (See the rest our VMA red carpet gallery HERE ).
And if we can stretch out a bit to Atlanta natives, how would you rate Kanye West’s new song, which closed the show? (See the YouTube video BELOW) (Oh - and see the rest our VMA photo gallery HERE ).
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Ciara (Nude) and Ludacris On Newsstands
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Past the Atlanta-related quote on the front of this week’s Billboard from Kid Rock — “It was a good, old-fashioned fight at the [Buford Highway] Waffle House — no guns, no knives” — on page 22, there is the cover story on local rapper-actor-entrepreneur Ludacris.
In it, the Grammy winner born Christopher Bridges discusses his Oct. 21 album release “Theater of the The Mind”; his upcoming movie appearances in “Max Payne” and “RocknRolla”; his current “Battleground Earth” reality show with rocker Tommy Lee; his new Midtown restaurant Straits; his two new websites — WeMix.com and MyGhetto.com; and the restructuring of his Atlanta-based Disturbing Tha Peace record label.
Chances are though, this pretty much straightforward, industry article, won’t garner as much attention as fellow Atlantan Ciara’s cover story in Vibe.
Make that, the cover (above).
But inside the issue hitting stands this weekend she reportedly discusses her long-rumored relationship with 50 Cent; her split with Atlanta producer Jazze Pha; the pitfalls of fame (“People are gonna say what they wanna say…They said I was a man! It doesn’t get any worse than that”); the right way to date (“Take your time to get to know somebody before you involve the physical aspect…It’s just not the way to start off. It creates confusion. When you subtract those things, it allows you to focus more on who the person is”); and the new album (“You’re gonna get more attitude, more aggressiveness — everything is intensified…You get your sensual vibe. You’re gonna get the street. You’re gonna get the hood”).
Looking forward to the next Ludacris and Ciara albums? Surprised that the woman who once sung about keeping her “Goodies” in the jar, is now doing a cover like this?
Atlantans On The Charts
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Alright Gwinnett County residents and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church members, if you run into neighbor Darwin Hobbs today, make sure you congratulate him on having the No. 2 contemporary gospel CD in the country.
This week’s Billboard magazine tabulations are in and Hobbs’ “Free” debuted at that position.
Looking across the other listings for high-ranking local talent, Atlanta rapper T.I. still has the No. 1 single in the country, “Whatever You Like”. (As well as top Hot Digital Song). And joining him in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 are Atlanta rapper-singer Akon (“Dangerous” with Kardinal Offishall, at No. 6) and Mableton’s own R&B singer-songwriter, Ne-Yo (with “Closer”, at No. 8).
The Lost Trailers — which includes Atlanta resident Ryder Lee — continue to hold a Top 10 position on the Hot Country Songs chart (No. 10) with “Holler Back”; and their CD of the same name debuted at No. 5 on the Top Country Albums chart. Three places ahead of them there is superstar country duo Sugarland, who also maintain their Top 10 position on The Top 200 — specifically, No. 8 — with its new album “Love On The Inside”.
Meanwhile Atlantans make up half of the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart — T.I. at No. 2 with “Whatever You Like”; Young Jeezy at No. 3 with “Put On” (featuring Kanye West); Keyshia Cole at No. 5 with “Heaven Sent”; T-Pain at No. 7 with “Can’t Believe It” (featuring Lil Wayne); and Yung Berg at No. 9 with “The Business” (featuring Casha).
Think that’s impressive? Atlantans are on 7 of the Top 10 Hot Rap Tracks: Young Jeezy’s “Put On” at No. 1; T-Pain (on Lil Wayne’s “Got Money”) at No. 3; T.I.’s “Whatever You Like” at No. 5; Yung Berg’s “The Business” at No. 6; Akon’s “Dangerous” at No. 8; Bobby Valentino (on Lil Wayne’s “Mrs. Officer”’) at No. 9 and Ne-Yo (on Plies’ “Bust It Baby Part 2”) at No. 10.
Nas’s “Untitled” (at No. 6) and Lloyd’s “Lessons In Love” (at No. 8) are in the Top 10 of the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart; and Nas, again, (at No. 4), V.I.C.’s “Beast” (at No. 7); and Yung Berg’s “Look What You Made Me” (at No. 8) make up the hometown presence on the Top 10 Rap Albums chart.
Finally, back to gospel and Christian music, Regina Belle’s “Love Forever Shines” (at No. 10) joins Hobbs’ “Free” in the Top 10 Gospel Albums. And Third Day’s “Revelation” remains atop the Top Christian Albums and Top Christian & Gospel Albums.
Purchase any of these best sellers - and if so, where they worth your money?
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Usher In Intimate Settings — A Good Thing?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In television, it’s referred to as “jumping the shark”.
But in music — more specifically, with one of contemporary music’s superstars — what to make of this? Atlanta’s R&B multimillion-seller Usher is reportedly planning a 15-city tour in “intimate” venues.
(Read about it HERE ).
Now when fellow arena-packing artist Justin Timberlake made such a run (performing here at the Tabernacle, before later doing Philips and Gwinnett Arenas) it was an incredible, up-close appearance; as it was very band and live-music-oriented. The name “Usher”, however, is almost synonymous with “major production”.
He explains to the Associated Press that “There’s only a few artists that can pull that off. I feel like I’ve had such a connection with my audience. This album, I felt like, was definitely the type of one that was more intimate. So what better way to get up close and personal than to make it all women?”
But with the relatively lackluster acceptance of his current CD, “Here I Stand” - currently No. 38 on the pop charts, and not certified platinum after 13 weeks, while rapper Lil Wayne is at two million in 11 weeks, and the “Mama Mia!” soundtrack is at a million in 7 — do you think he could still fill arenas? Believe this is a smart move to reenergize interest in that album? Will you be watching tomorrow when he (and country pin-up Keith Urban and Brit-pop sensation Natasha Bedingfield) perform at the National Football League’s kickoff concert?
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Ne-Yo To Appear On “Today” Show Tomorrow
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The news today is that Atlanta’s R&B singer-songwriter Ne-Yo won a $700,000 judgment after a Georgia concert promoter dropped him from a tour, and Ne-Yo sued.
(See the details HERE ).
But the news tomorrow is that he (and New Kids on The Block) will perform on “The Today Show”, an appearance the morning show had to reschedule due to Gustav coverage.
This comes as Ne-Yo gears up for the Sept. 16 release of his third CD, “Year of the Gentleman”; and is enjoying remarkable success as a songwriter (Rihanna’s “Take A Bow”; Jennifer Hudson’s “Spotlight”; and his own top 10 single “Closer”).
Where do you think he best displays his talent: With the pen? On the microphone? Or (if you happened to catch him on tour with Alicia Keys, or the more recent BET Awards) on stage? (See a YouTube video of the BET Awards 2008 performance BELOW).
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Sugarland To Close Friday’s “Stand Up To Cancer”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta country supergroup, Sugarland will join Melissa Etheridge for the finale on “Stand Up To Cancer,” the cancer research fundraiser the three major networks are broadcasting live from Los Angeles Friday.
Also scheduled to appear on the one-hour TV special are cancer survivors Lance Armstrong and Christina Applegate; Oscar winners Halle Berry, Hilary Swank, Meryl Streep and Forest Whitaker; along with network powers Katie Couric, Brian Williams and Charles Gibson.
Past pairings have worked out well for Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush, (whose current CD “Love On The Inside” remains one of Billboard’s top 10 albums in the country). Which ones have you enjoyed best: With iconic New Jersey rockers Bon Jovi? (A Grammy winner for Nettles - above with Jon Bon Jovi). With R&B superstar Beyonce? (See the YouTube video below). Or (a-hem) with one-time fellow member/current litigant Kristen Hall?
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k.d. lang Coming To Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
k.d. lang — the singer classy enough (not to mention, talented enough) - to have Tony Bennett tap her on on the shoulder to duet with him, will take the spotlight alone Oct. 23 at Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center.
Reserved seats are $54.50 and go on sale at www.livenation.com or Ticketmaster this Friday.
Other tickets up for sale Sept. 5 are rockers Buckcherry with Saving Abel at the Tabernacle Oct. 9. ($32.50 in advance, $34. 50 day of show). And Brit metal ensemble Dragonforce with Turisas and Powerglove, also at the Tabernacle, Nov. 21. ($25 in advance, $28 day of show).
And if your live music money still isn’t spent, tickets for metal band Staind’s Oct. 19 concert at Lakewood Amphitheatre go up this Saturday. ($16.50 lawn, $26.50-$42.50 reserved).
Planning to attend any of these shows? Ever seen k.d. lang live?
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Young Jeezy Tuesday (Wednesday AND Thursday) in Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“The Recession” is apparently reason to celebrate — and more — for Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy.
Today is the release of the multimillion-selling artist’s third CD, “The Recession”. (See our story in the Living section HERE ).
Tomorrow afternoon at 4 p.m. Jeezy is scheduled to make an in-store appearance at North Georgia Compact Disc in Norcross (509 Beaver Ruin Rd. 770-416-6575). And later that night there is the concert at the Tabernacle — find tickets HERE — followed by an after-party planned at the Velvet Room (3358 Chamblee Tucker Rd. 404-874-4460).
But it won’t be self-promotion, self-promotion, self-promotion all week for the admitted Barack Obama supporter, as his Atlanta record label CTE is hosting a voter registration drive from 5 p.m to 8 p.m. at Justin’s Restaurant (2200 Peachtree Rd. 404-603-5353) on Thursday.
With a Top 5 single on Billboard’s rap, and R&B/Hip-Hop charts (“Put On”), and high-profile appearances here and in New York, is there any doubt “The Recession” will debut No. 1 in the country next week? What kind of numbers do you think he’ll do? And are you planning to attend any of the Jeezy events here this week?
