Amy Winehouse’s music endures because of her voice, obviously — that sultry Billie Holiday-esque sound that could lend timelessness to lyrics that referenced Slick Rick. Her regular producers, such as Salaam Remi and Mark Ronson, imbued her classical jazz training with a pop sound that borrowed from ’60s and ’70s soul as well as contemporary garage rock and hip hop. Her image was a knowing collage of vintage looks, but while you can’t talk about Winehouse’s hair without referencing Ronnie Spector, that amalgamation of “bad girl” styles became entirely her own. She had the unique ability to cultivate originality from a self-conscious fusion of different musical designs; any traces of influences disappeared under the weight of sampling and swagger.
The gap between Winehouse’s music and her troubled personal life was never as dichotomous as people insisted; her personal demons fueled her music, and she nurtured a refreshingly rebellious persona.
The gap between Winehouse’s music and her troubled personal life was never as dichotomous as people insisted; her personal demons fueled her music, and she nurtured a refreshingly rebellious persona.
- 4/10/2024
- by Vikram Murthi
- Indiewire
Over on the official Consequence Discord server, there’s a lively community of pop-culture obsessives having all sorts of conversations. There are channels for music and film/TV fans to swap opinions abut the latest news, share their latest concert experiences, and handed out recommendations. There’s also a place where fans get to take part in events with some of their favorite artists, live on Discord; the next such exclusive experience is taking place Wednesday, September 30th at 1:30 p.m. Et, as drumming great Daru Jones is set to enter the chat!
A two-time Grammy Award winner, Jones is perhaps most recognizable as being Jack White’s man behind the kit. He’s played on each of White’s solo records, and is typically the rhythm leader at his live shows. But Jones’ resume is long outside of his collaborations with the guitarist; he’s played with Pete Rock,...
A two-time Grammy Award winner, Jones is perhaps most recognizable as being Jack White’s man behind the kit. He’s played on each of White’s solo records, and is typically the rhythm leader at his live shows. But Jones’ resume is long outside of his collaborations with the guitarist; he’s played with Pete Rock,...
- 9/20/2023
- by Consequence Staff
- Consequence - Music
Motown/UMe has unveiled a deluxe reissue of Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get It On to celebrate the album’s 50th anniversary featuring 33 bonus tracks. Stream it via Apple Music or Spotify below.
Let’s Get It On: Deluxe Edition is filled with material from the six months of sessions for the album that took place in Los Angeles in 1973. The trove of additional songs includes 18 previously unreleased demos, alternate mixes, and instrumentals. See the artwork and tracklist below.
Gaye recorded Let’s Get It On from 1970 to 1973 at studios in Detroit and Los Angeles. It was his first foray into funk, as he combined soul and doo-wop to establish himself as a sex icon and expand his mainstream appeal following his magnum opus What’s Going On. The LP ended up as his most commercially successful album on Motown, giving him more creative control at the label.
Back...
Let’s Get It On: Deluxe Edition is filled with material from the six months of sessions for the album that took place in Los Angeles in 1973. The trove of additional songs includes 18 previously unreleased demos, alternate mixes, and instrumentals. See the artwork and tracklist below.
Gaye recorded Let’s Get It On from 1970 to 1973 at studios in Detroit and Los Angeles. It was his first foray into funk, as he combined soul and doo-wop to establish himself as a sex icon and expand his mainstream appeal following his magnum opus What’s Going On. The LP ended up as his most commercially successful album on Motown, giving him more creative control at the label.
Back...
- 8/25/2023
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Music
Motown will mark the 50th anniversary of Marvin Gaye’s 1973 classic Let’s Get It On with a deluxe digital edition packed with over a dozen unreleased recordings.
Out August 25th — just a few days shy 50 years from the original LP’s August 28, 1973 release — the new digital edition includes Let’s Get It On as well as alternate takes and mixes, single versions, new remixes, and demos, some of which previously featured on the album’ 2001 reissue.
Exclusive to the 50th-anniversary reissue, however, are more recordings from Gaye’s sessions with...
Out August 25th — just a few days shy 50 years from the original LP’s August 28, 1973 release — the new digital edition includes Let’s Get It On as well as alternate takes and mixes, single versions, new remixes, and demos, some of which previously featured on the album’ 2001 reissue.
Exclusive to the 50th-anniversary reissue, however, are more recordings from Gaye’s sessions with...
- 8/9/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
2022 was, in my opinion, the year of Black women in music. Beyoncé, Lizzo, Tems and Nicki Minaj all topped the Billboard Hot 100, and the first three of those are among the top nominees at the current Grammy Awards. Sza’s long-awaited sophomore album “Sos” was one of the top stories of the year and broke streaming records. And other Black women like Sudan Archives, GloRilla and Latto were celebrated new artists. Amid all that, one Black woman achieved perhaps the hardest feat: Egot. Jennifer Hudson completed her Egot when she took home a Tony for producing the acclaimed Broadway show “A Strange Loop.” She isn’t the first Black woman to achieve Egot status — that would be Whoopi Goldberg — but she is the first Black female musician to do so and the second Black musician overall, after John Legend. Much has been said about Hudson’s first Egot award — her...
- 1/25/2023
- by Jaime Rodriguez
- Gold Derby
Updated, 1:30 Pm: Michelle Obama and rapper-actor-producer Common will appear on Let the World See, a companion docuseries to ABC’s limited series Women of the Movement, ABC News announced Wednesday. Both natives of Chicago, Obama and Common each will add their personal insights into the life and legacy of Mamie Till-Mobley, according to the network.
Let The World See chronicles Till-Mobley’s quest for justice that sparked the civil rights movement after her son Emmett Till’s brutal murder.
Previous, Dec. 2: ABC News today unveiled Let The World See, a limited docuseries produced in association with Shawn Carter’s Roc Nation, Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios, Aaron Kaplan’s Kapital Entertainment and Cobble Hill Films, which will premiere on ABC on January 6 at 10:01 p.m. Est. The companion piece to upcoming limited series Women of the Movement—also produced by Roc Nation, Westbrook Studios and Kapital Entertainment...
Let The World See chronicles Till-Mobley’s quest for justice that sparked the civil rights movement after her son Emmett Till’s brutal murder.
Previous, Dec. 2: ABC News today unveiled Let The World See, a limited docuseries produced in association with Shawn Carter’s Roc Nation, Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios, Aaron Kaplan’s Kapital Entertainment and Cobble Hill Films, which will premiere on ABC on January 6 at 10:01 p.m. Est. The companion piece to upcoming limited series Women of the Movement—also produced by Roc Nation, Westbrook Studios and Kapital Entertainment...
- 12/15/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix announced the comedy event “Death to 2021” will premiere Dec. 27.
The special tells the story of yet another dreadful year through a documentary style, mixing archival footage gathered over the year with commentary from fictitious characters played by Hugh Grant, Lucy Liu, Tracey Ullman, Samson Kayo, Joe Keery, William Jackson Harper, Stockard Channing, Cristin Milioti, Diane Morgan, Nick Mohammed and more.
In a first-look clip from the special, which you can watch below, an “average British citizen,” played by Morgan, shares her experience with online dating during the pandemic. “I got on quite well with one of them,” says the character. “We even had a cuddle.” The scene then cuts to the pair on a virtual date over Zoom, awkwardly leaning towards their computers.
“Death to 2021” is executive produced by Annabel Jones and Ben Caudell. Nick Vaughan-Smith produces, and Jack Clough and Josh Ruben direct. The special was written by Caudell.
The special tells the story of yet another dreadful year through a documentary style, mixing archival footage gathered over the year with commentary from fictitious characters played by Hugh Grant, Lucy Liu, Tracey Ullman, Samson Kayo, Joe Keery, William Jackson Harper, Stockard Channing, Cristin Milioti, Diane Morgan, Nick Mohammed and more.
In a first-look clip from the special, which you can watch below, an “average British citizen,” played by Morgan, shares her experience with online dating during the pandemic. “I got on quite well with one of them,” says the character. “We even had a cuddle.” The scene then cuts to the pair on a virtual date over Zoom, awkwardly leaning towards their computers.
“Death to 2021” is executive produced by Annabel Jones and Ben Caudell. Nick Vaughan-Smith produces, and Jack Clough and Josh Ruben direct. The special was written by Caudell.
- 12/2/2021
- by Katie Song and Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Capturing the right musical ambiance for Billie Holiday in “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” was the product of a year-and-a-half of research and planning, even before shooting began in late 2019.
“These songs don’t sound like a record from that time,” executive music producer Salaam Remi tells Variety. “They sound like you’re in the room at that time. I wanted them to sound like you were in the room, with these musicians in their 20s and 30s really jammin’. I wanted you to feel the musicians sweat as they’re playing.”
Remi, who has produced records for Amy Winehouse, Nas, Fugees and Fergie, was brought on board to produce the Billie Holiday songs that Andra Day sings throughout the film. His movie credits include “Rush Hour 3” and “Sex and the City 2.”
The Holiday classics showcased in Lee Daniels’ film include “All of Me,” “Strange Fruit,” “Solitude,...
“These songs don’t sound like a record from that time,” executive music producer Salaam Remi tells Variety. “They sound like you’re in the room at that time. I wanted them to sound like you were in the room, with these musicians in their 20s and 30s really jammin’. I wanted you to feel the musicians sweat as they’re playing.”
Remi, who has produced records for Amy Winehouse, Nas, Fugees and Fergie, was brought on board to produce the Billie Holiday songs that Andra Day sings throughout the film. His movie credits include “Rush Hour 3” and “Sex and the City 2.”
The Holiday classics showcased in Lee Daniels’ film include “All of Me,” “Strange Fruit,” “Solitude,...
- 2/26/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay and Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Variety asked some of the behind-the-scenes artists about their challenges and joys working on the year’s most prominent films.
Nicholas Becker
Sound Design, “Sound of Metal”
“The most powerful scene in terms of sound is the last one, which ironically has none at all. Usually when there’s silence in film, the convention is to put a little hiss or something to fill the void, but Darius [Marder, director] bravely wanted there to be nothing, complete emptiness. And so when Ruben removes his implant and there’s nothing, the audience finds themselves amid an orchestra of air conditioners, noisy neighbors, or their own breath. It always reminds me of John Cage’s ‘4’33”.’ It’s a powerful moment for Ruben, but also for the audience, as the sound of the real world bleeds into the world of the film, tying them together.”
Erran Baron Cohen
Composer, Co-writer of “Wuhan Flu” Song, “Borat...
Nicholas Becker
Sound Design, “Sound of Metal”
“The most powerful scene in terms of sound is the last one, which ironically has none at all. Usually when there’s silence in film, the convention is to put a little hiss or something to fill the void, but Darius [Marder, director] bravely wanted there to be nothing, complete emptiness. And so when Ruben removes his implant and there’s nothing, the audience finds themselves amid an orchestra of air conditioners, noisy neighbors, or their own breath. It always reminds me of John Cage’s ‘4’33”.’ It’s a powerful moment for Ruben, but also for the audience, as the sound of the real world bleeds into the world of the film, tying them together.”
Erran Baron Cohen
Composer, Co-writer of “Wuhan Flu” Song, “Borat...
- 12/24/2020
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
The R&b veteran Kem hasn’t released a new album since 2014: He took time away to get married, have two kids, change management, and chase a life of domesticity rarely conducive to the rigors of being a working musician. After returning from that sort of hiatus, most singers would try to keep risks to a minimum. But “Not Before You” arrives as a pleasant jolt on Kem’s latest album, Love Always Wins — a traditional ballad enlivened by unexpected, enticing choices.
The song starts with a tender acoustic guitar riff,...
The song starts with a tender acoustic guitar riff,...
- 8/24/2020
- by Elias Leight
- Rollingstone.com
Paramount Pictures on Wednesday acquired the rights to release Lee Daniels’ next film, “The United States Vs. Billie Holiday,” a biographical film that stars Andra Day as the legendary jazz singer, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
The movie follows Holiday as she’s being targeted by the Federal Department of Narcotics in an undercover sting operation led by federal agent Jimmy Fletcher, with whom she had a tumultuous affair. The film is inspired by Holiday’s life story, and “The United States Vs. Billie Holiday” examines the singer’s struggles with addiction, fame and heartbreaking love.
Endeavor Content sold the film through the Cannes virtual market after Sierra/Affinity presented a preview of the film to international buyers.
Also Read: Lee Daniels to Direct Superhero Comic 'Stealth' From 'Walking Dead' Creators at Universal
Day stars alongside Natasha Lyonne, Garrett Hedlund, Trevante Rhodes and Da’Vine Joy Randolph...
The movie follows Holiday as she’s being targeted by the Federal Department of Narcotics in an undercover sting operation led by federal agent Jimmy Fletcher, with whom she had a tumultuous affair. The film is inspired by Holiday’s life story, and “The United States Vs. Billie Holiday” examines the singer’s struggles with addiction, fame and heartbreaking love.
Endeavor Content sold the film through the Cannes virtual market after Sierra/Affinity presented a preview of the film to international buyers.
Also Read: Lee Daniels to Direct Superhero Comic 'Stealth' From 'Walking Dead' Creators at Universal
Day stars alongside Natasha Lyonne, Garrett Hedlund, Trevante Rhodes and Da’Vine Joy Randolph...
- 7/2/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Natasha Lyonne, Garrett Hedlund and Trevante Rhodes are set to join the cast of Lee Daniels’ biopic on the life of Billie Holliday starring Andra Day, it was announced Tuesday.
“The United States vs. Billie Holliday” will be Daniels’ next film, and it will go into production early next month in Montreal.
The movie follows the legendary jazz musician and singer Holliday as she’s being targeted by the Federal Department of Narcotics in an undercover sting operation led by federal agent Jimmy Fletcher, with whom she had a tumultuous affair. Inspired by her life story, “The United States vs. Billie Holliday” examines Holliday’s struggles with addiction, fame and heartbreaking love.
Also Read: Lee Daniels 'Is Right' - Jussie Smollett Will Not Return for 'Empire' Final Season, Fox Chief Says
“It is an extraordinary responsibility to tell the story of the iconic Billie Holiday. Her story is...
“The United States vs. Billie Holliday” will be Daniels’ next film, and it will go into production early next month in Montreal.
The movie follows the legendary jazz musician and singer Holliday as she’s being targeted by the Federal Department of Narcotics in an undercover sting operation led by federal agent Jimmy Fletcher, with whom she had a tumultuous affair. Inspired by her life story, “The United States vs. Billie Holliday” examines Holliday’s struggles with addiction, fame and heartbreaking love.
Also Read: Lee Daniels 'Is Right' - Jussie Smollett Will Not Return for 'Empire' Final Season, Fox Chief Says
“It is an extraordinary responsibility to tell the story of the iconic Billie Holiday. Her story is...
- 9/17/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Nas will collect unreleased tracks from his last four albums on his long-awaited new compilation, The Lost Tapes 2, out July 19th via Mass Appeal and Def Jam.
The 16-track set will feature songs made during the sessions for 2006’s Hip-Hop is Dead, 2008’s Untitled, 2012’s Life Is Good and 2018’s Nasir. The production credits feature a slew of hip-hop giants including Swizz Beatz, Pharrell, RZA, Hit-Boy, Pete Rock, the Alchemist, No I.D. and Kanye West.
Nas teased the imminent arrival of The Lost Tapes 2 on Instagram last month, while on Tuesday,...
The 16-track set will feature songs made during the sessions for 2006’s Hip-Hop is Dead, 2008’s Untitled, 2012’s Life Is Good and 2018’s Nasir. The production credits feature a slew of hip-hop giants including Swizz Beatz, Pharrell, RZA, Hit-Boy, Pete Rock, the Alchemist, No I.D. and Kanye West.
Nas teased the imminent arrival of The Lost Tapes 2 on Instagram last month, while on Tuesday,...
- 7/2/2019
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Producer Salaam Remi (Nas, Amy Winehouse) unveiled a new remix of Marvin Gaye’s “Symphony” that will appear on the upcoming release of the late soul legend’s lost album, You’re the Man, out March 29th.
Gaye recorded “Symphony” during the sessions for Let’s Get It On and it later appeared on his posthumous 1985 album, Dream of a Lifetime. For his remix, Remi boosted the orchestral elements of the original and anchored them with a dusty drum shuffle, all in the service of highlighting Gaye’s vocals as he sings,...
Gaye recorded “Symphony” during the sessions for Let’s Get It On and it later appeared on his posthumous 1985 album, Dream of a Lifetime. For his remix, Remi boosted the orchestral elements of the original and anchored them with a dusty drum shuffle, all in the service of highlighting Gaye’s vocals as he sings,...
- 3/22/2019
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Marvin Gaye’s 1972 lost album, You’re the Man, will finally be released March 29th, just days before what would’ve been the musician’s 80th birthday, April 2nd. You’re the Man was supposed to be the follow-up to Gaye’s 1971 classic, What’s Going On. Gaye recorded the tracks for the would-be record in Detroit and Los Angeles during a particularly prolific period, but none of them – save the titular single – were released at the time.
Accompanying the You’re the Man announcement is a mesmerizing new mix...
Accompanying the You’re the Man announcement is a mesmerizing new mix...
- 2/7/2019
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Roots Mc Black Thought moved from the bandstand to the main stage to perform his new song with producer Salaam Remi, “Conception,” on The Tonight Show Monday.
The performance also featured members of the Roots and a small string section, who combined to create a lush orchestral sound anchored by Remi’s bass and another unassailable Questlove drum groove. Black Thought opened the song with a soulful belt before falling easily into his stream of consciousness flow as he peeled off pensive bars like, “Once again to the well, I...
The performance also featured members of the Roots and a small string section, who combined to create a lush orchestral sound anchored by Remi’s bass and another unassailable Questlove drum groove. Black Thought opened the song with a soulful belt before falling easily into his stream of consciousness flow as he peeled off pensive bars like, “Once again to the well, I...
- 12/18/2018
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
A previously unseen Amy Winehouse concert highlights Amy Winehouse – Back to Black, an upcoming DVD/Blu-Ray documentary about the late singer’s acclaimed 2006 LP. The film, also available in digital format, is out November 2nd.
The recently unearthed live set, “An Intimate Evening in London,” documents a private show Winehouse hosted at Riverside Studios in London, England in February 2008 – on the night she won five Grammys, including Best Pop Vocal Album. The singer performed Back to Black tracks and several covers during the intimate show, which she arranged for family,...
The recently unearthed live set, “An Intimate Evening in London,” documents a private show Winehouse hosted at Riverside Studios in London, England in February 2008 – on the night she won five Grammys, including Best Pop Vocal Album. The singer performed Back to Black tracks and several covers during the intimate show, which she arranged for family,...
- 9/19/2018
- by Ryan Reed
- Rollingstone.com
Think you can stand up to the late, great Amy Winehouse‘s vocal chops?
A new contest launched by the Amy Winehouse Foundation is challenging singers to submit their own versions of the star’s Back to Black tracks to be judged by Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi — and they’ll know if you’re no good.
The competition, which, in part, pays tribute to the 10th anniversary of the Grammy-winning album’s release, will be held in conjunction with Island Records and Vevo, according to the foundation’s website. All proceeds will be donated to the foundation, which “works...
A new contest launched by the Amy Winehouse Foundation is challenging singers to submit their own versions of the star’s Back to Black tracks to be judged by Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi — and they’ll know if you’re no good.
The competition, which, in part, pays tribute to the 10th anniversary of the Grammy-winning album’s release, will be held in conjunction with Island Records and Vevo, according to the foundation’s website. All proceeds will be donated to the foundation, which “works...
- 11/1/2016
- by Lindsay Kimble
- PEOPLE.com
Years before the release of her 2003 debut album, Frank, Amy Winehouse entered a recording studio for the first time as part of Sweet 'n' Sour, a hip-hop duo she formed with friend and fellow singer Juliette Ashby. The duo started the group — which Winehouse would later call "the little, white, Jewish Salt-n-Pepa" — at age 10, constructing their own vocal melodies and verses.
A few years later, producer Alan Glass, Ashby's stepfather who had already recognized the pair's singing abilities, brought them into the studio to record three songs: "Glam Chicks," "Spinderella...
A few years later, producer Alan Glass, Ashby's stepfather who had already recognized the pair's singing abilities, brought them into the studio to record three songs: "Glam Chicks," "Spinderella...
- 10/27/2015
- Rollingstone.com
Amy
Directed by Asif Kapadia
UK, 2015
It’s rare to find an artist so thoroughly capable of translating their inner turmoil into something so ferocious and beautiful. Amy Winehouse was one such musical artist. Simply, she was a conduit for the human condition. The new documentary, Amy, attempts to use archival footage, interviews, and performance highlights to better understand the woman behind the lyrics. Unfortunately, director Asif Kapadia’s kitchen-sink approach isn’t suited for such a complicated subject. In the end, what should have been a celebration of Winehouse’s unique talent becomes a cliché-ridden obsession to explain her downfall.
By the time she died of alcohol poisoning in 2011, 27 year-old Amy Winehouse had become a walking punchline. Her emaciated appearance (due to a longstanding eating disorder) and drug-addled antics made it easy to dismiss her amazing accomplishments. But beyond the Grammy Awards and the sensational concert meltdowns, there was a truly gifted artist.
Directed by Asif Kapadia
UK, 2015
It’s rare to find an artist so thoroughly capable of translating their inner turmoil into something so ferocious and beautiful. Amy Winehouse was one such musical artist. Simply, she was a conduit for the human condition. The new documentary, Amy, attempts to use archival footage, interviews, and performance highlights to better understand the woman behind the lyrics. Unfortunately, director Asif Kapadia’s kitchen-sink approach isn’t suited for such a complicated subject. In the end, what should have been a celebration of Winehouse’s unique talent becomes a cliché-ridden obsession to explain her downfall.
By the time she died of alcohol poisoning in 2011, 27 year-old Amy Winehouse had become a walking punchline. Her emaciated appearance (due to a longstanding eating disorder) and drug-addled antics made it easy to dismiss her amazing accomplishments. But beyond the Grammy Awards and the sensational concert meltdowns, there was a truly gifted artist.
- 7/10/2015
- by J.R. Kinnard
- SoundOnSight
There’s a brief turning point in Amy, the stirring new Amy Winehouse documentary that came out this weekend, where we momentarily forget the embattled singer's fate. She's been off drugs for months, living in St. Lucia and starting to look and sound like her pre-fame self. We hear her leave cheerful voice mails to producer Salaam Remi, letting him know how elated she is to be healthy enough to get back in the studio after an extended hiatus. Amazingly, you almost start to believe she'll be fine. The illusion fades fast as soon as those closest to her — namely her father, Mitch, and manager, Raye Cosbert — talk her into doing a small comeback tour in Europe to convince all her naysayers that we haven't seen the last of her. Amy wasn’t ready. One of her best friends makes a desperate attempt to hide her passport so she can't...
- 7/6/2015
- by Dee Lockett
- Vulture
Title: Amy Reviewed by: Tami Smith, Guest Reviewer for Shockya. Grade: B+ Director: Asif Kapadia Cast: Amy Winehouse, Janis Winehouse, Mitchel Winehouse, Nick Shymansky, Blake Fielder, Juliette Ashby, Lauren Gilbert, Andrew Morris, Salaam Remi, Sam Beste, Tony Bennett, Yasin Bey Release date: July 10, 2015 During the final segment of Amy we watch a duet of Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse in a recording studio. Why would Tony bother appearing with Amy? Maybe because she was an unusual young English jazz singer and a songwriter, known for her deep vocals and eclectic mix of musical genres? Amy Winehouse applied a mix of soul, blues and reggae in her songs. She [ Read More ]
The post Amy Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Amy Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 7/5/2015
- by Harvey Karten
- ShockYa
Amy Winehouse. Amy Winehouse documentary: 'Heartbreaking' and 'impressive' In an era of disposable pop music, the songs of the late Amy Winehouse feel timeless. Her sound spans the decades: bluesy and jazzy, a little bit punk and a little bit gansta. She was an old soul belting out new school lyrics that were confessional, profane, clever, and withering. She has been compared to Billie Holiday (in more ways than one, alas) and Winehouse herself has noted Sarah Vaughn as an influence. Her phrasing could turn any note into an adventure, bending and stretching it until it made multiple emotional statements. Her voice was both propulsive and brittle with a vibrato that could pound like a jackhammer or purr like Eartha Kitt. And that's to say nothing of her signature look, the beehive hairdo, the tattoos, and the increasingly garish makeup that would eventually hide much more than facial blemishes. Unfortunately,...
- 7/1/2015
- by Mark Keizer
- Alt Film Guide
It was an incredible night at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards with amazing performances from Beyonce Knowles and Jay-z, along with Katy Perry and Lorde, just to name a few.
Hosted by the uber-talented LL Cool J, there were a plethora of winners this evening (January 26) including Macklemore and Ryan Lewis taking home the trophy for Best New Artist.
Daft Punk scored the biggest prize of the night with Album of the Year for Random Access Memories. In addition, the French electronic duo won Record of the Year with "Get Lucky" featuring Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers, along with Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Dance/Electronica Album.
Another memorable moment went to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis when Madonna and Queen Latifah joined them on stage for "Same Love," during which 34 couples tied the knot!
Check out the full list of 56th Annual Grammy Award winners below!
Record of...
Hosted by the uber-talented LL Cool J, there were a plethora of winners this evening (January 26) including Macklemore and Ryan Lewis taking home the trophy for Best New Artist.
Daft Punk scored the biggest prize of the night with Album of the Year for Random Access Memories. In addition, the French electronic duo won Record of the Year with "Get Lucky" featuring Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers, along with Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Dance/Electronica Album.
Another memorable moment went to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis when Madonna and Queen Latifah joined them on stage for "Same Love," during which 34 couples tied the knot!
Check out the full list of 56th Annual Grammy Award winners below!
Record of...
- 1/27/2014
- GossipCenter
Which music stars went home with awards at the 2014 Grammy Awards? Find out with this full winners list.
Winners in each category are bolded.
Record of the Year
"Get Lucky" -- Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers
"Radioactive" -- Imagine Dragons
"Royals" -- Lorde
"Locked Out of Heaven" -- Bruno Mars
"Blurred Lines" -- Robin Thick feat. T.I. and Pharrell
Album of the year
"The Blessed Unrest" -- Sara Bareilles
"Random Access Memories" -- Daft Punk
"Good Kid, M.A.A.D City" -- Kendrick Lamar
"The Heist" -- Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
"Red" -- Taylor Swift
Song of the year
"Just Give Me a Reason" -- Jeff Bhasker, Pink and Nate Ruess (Pink feat. Nate Ruess)
"Locked Out of Heaven" -- Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine and Bruno Mars (Bruno Mars)
"Roar" -- Lukasz Gottwald, Max Martin, Bonnie McKee, Katy Perry and Henry Walter (Katy Perry)
"Royals...
Winners in each category are bolded.
Record of the Year
"Get Lucky" -- Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers
"Radioactive" -- Imagine Dragons
"Royals" -- Lorde
"Locked Out of Heaven" -- Bruno Mars
"Blurred Lines" -- Robin Thick feat. T.I. and Pharrell
Album of the year
"The Blessed Unrest" -- Sara Bareilles
"Random Access Memories" -- Daft Punk
"Good Kid, M.A.A.D City" -- Kendrick Lamar
"The Heist" -- Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
"Red" -- Taylor Swift
Song of the year
"Just Give Me a Reason" -- Jeff Bhasker, Pink and Nate Ruess (Pink feat. Nate Ruess)
"Locked Out of Heaven" -- Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine and Bruno Mars (Bruno Mars)
"Roar" -- Lukasz Gottwald, Max Martin, Bonnie McKee, Katy Perry and Henry Walter (Katy Perry)
"Royals...
- 1/26/2014
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Salaam Remi will have a lot to celebrate about 2013 as he rings in the new year. He was recently nominated for four Grammy Awards, including one for his recent solo set “Salaam Remi One: In the Chamber,” for Best Urban Contemporary Album, plus others for his work with Miguel, Hiatus Kaiyote, and Mack Wilds. The producer, songwriter and studio instrumentalist launched his label Louder Than Life, too, for which he can hand-pick his collaborating artists. Above, you can hear just one of his recently collaborations, with Akon “One in the Chamber” (directed by Robby Starbuck). For 2014, Remi will be...
- 12/27/2013
- Hitfix
Katharine McPhee, star of NBC's Smash and 2006 American Idol runner-up, has begun recording her new studio album. The still-untitled LP will be her debut for Columbia Records and third nonholiday LP overall. It's due out later this year and, according to a press release, will feature songwriting collaborations from Linda Perry, Salaam Remi, OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder and Sia, best known for her collaborations with Flo Rida and David Guetta. Photos: From Emma Stone to Jennifer Hudson, 12 Reality Stars Turned Actors Recently, McPhee returned to Idol, where she performed OneRepublic's new hit "If I Lose Myself" alongside
read more...
read more...
- 4/24/2013
- by Chris Payne, Billboard
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
New York — Tony Bennett doesn't think Amy Winehouse's life was tragic. He believes the singer who died at age 27 lived a complete life because she was able to achieve her goal: becoming a respected musician.
"Her dream was to become famous and a beautiful singer and she accomplished that," he said Thursday night at the first annual Amy Winehouse Foundation Inspiration Awards and Gala, where he received the lifetime achievement award.
"Even though she had a short life, she had a great life because she ended up praying for the success that she wanted and it happened. This is what this night's about."
Bennett, 86, was honored at New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel, where attendees included Winehouse's father, mother and brother, her ex-boyfriend Reg Traviss, Harry Belafonte, Jennifer Hudson, Sean Lennon and producers Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi, who was also honored.
Winehouse died in 2011 from accidental alcohol poisoning. Though troubled,...
"Her dream was to become famous and a beautiful singer and she accomplished that," he said Thursday night at the first annual Amy Winehouse Foundation Inspiration Awards and Gala, where he received the lifetime achievement award.
"Even though she had a short life, she had a great life because she ended up praying for the success that she wanted and it happened. This is what this night's about."
Bennett, 86, was honored at New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel, where attendees included Winehouse's father, mother and brother, her ex-boyfriend Reg Traviss, Harry Belafonte, Jennifer Hudson, Sean Lennon and producers Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi, who was also honored.
Winehouse died in 2011 from accidental alcohol poisoning. Though troubled,...
- 3/22/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
With the fabulous extravaganza coming to an end, the 55th Annual Grammy Awards named the year’s big winners during an extremely entertaining presentation at the Staples Center on Sunday (February 10).
Taking home the top prize tonight was Mumford and Sons winning Album of the Year, while other tremendous victors included Adele, The Black Keys, and Carrie Underwood.
While viewers found out who took home the prizes of the night, they were also treated to dazzling performances from Rihanna with Bruno Mars and Sting, along with Miss Undersood, Justin Timberlake, and Taylor Swift.
In addition, Fun. cleaned up by taking home the coveted award for Song of the Year and Best New Artist.
Meanwhile, the complete list of 2013 Grammy Award Winners is as follows:
General Field
Record Of The Year
Lonely Boy - The Black Keys
Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) - Kelly Clarkson
We Are Young - Fun. featuring...
Taking home the top prize tonight was Mumford and Sons winning Album of the Year, while other tremendous victors included Adele, The Black Keys, and Carrie Underwood.
While viewers found out who took home the prizes of the night, they were also treated to dazzling performances from Rihanna with Bruno Mars and Sting, along with Miss Undersood, Justin Timberlake, and Taylor Swift.
In addition, Fun. cleaned up by taking home the coveted award for Song of the Year and Best New Artist.
Meanwhile, the complete list of 2013 Grammy Award Winners is as follows:
General Field
Record Of The Year
Lonely Boy - The Black Keys
Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) - Kelly Clarkson
We Are Young - Fun. featuring...
- 2/11/2013
- GossipCenter
The 55th Grammy Awards have arrived, and music's biggest night promises a ton of trophies, and hopefully some great live performances by today's hottest acts. Who has the best record of 2012? How about the year's best new artist? Stick with Zap2it throughout the night, as we continue updating the list of this year's winners!
All of the award categories are below, with the winners in bold.
Record of the Year"Lonely Boy" by The Black Keys"Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" by Kelly Clarkson"We Are Young" by Fun., featuring Janelle Monáe"Somebody That I Used To Know" by Gotye, featuring Kimbra"Thinkin Bout You" by Frank Ocean"We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" by Taylor Swift
Album of the Year"El Camino" by The Black Keys"Some Nights" by Fun."Babel" by Mumford & Sons"Channel Orange" by Frank Ocean"Blunderbuss" by Jack White
Song of the Year...
All of the award categories are below, with the winners in bold.
Record of the Year"Lonely Boy" by The Black Keys"Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" by Kelly Clarkson"We Are Young" by Fun., featuring Janelle Monáe"Somebody That I Used To Know" by Gotye, featuring Kimbra"Thinkin Bout You" by Frank Ocean"We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" by Taylor Swift
Album of the Year"El Camino" by The Black Keys"Some Nights" by Fun."Babel" by Mumford & Sons"Channel Orange" by Frank Ocean"Blunderbuss" by Jack White
Song of the Year...
- 2/11/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
New York -- Salaam Remi has been producing music for more than 20 years, but he says he's not mad that he's just earning the top producer nomination at the Grammy Awards.
Remi, best known for producing for Amy Winehouse, Nas and the Fugees, is nominated for non-classical producer of the year at Sunday's ceremony.
"If I never produce another record again – this is, `Ok, you've made it that far up the mountain, cool. Now you can really focus on other parts of your life,'" he said in a recent interview.
His musical resume heading to the Grammy voting period included Nas' critically acclaimed "Life is Good" album and Alicia Keys' R&B hit "Girl on Fire." He's also worked on latest albums from Miguel, Usher, Anthony Hamilton and Tamia.
Remi was named executive vice president of A&R and production at Sony Music Entertainment late last year. He...
Remi, best known for producing for Amy Winehouse, Nas and the Fugees, is nominated for non-classical producer of the year at Sunday's ceremony.
"If I never produce another record again – this is, `Ok, you've made it that far up the mountain, cool. Now you can really focus on other parts of your life,'" he said in a recent interview.
His musical resume heading to the Grammy voting period included Nas' critically acclaimed "Life is Good" album and Alicia Keys' R&B hit "Girl on Fire." He's also worked on latest albums from Miguel, Usher, Anthony Hamilton and Tamia.
Remi was named executive vice president of A&R and production at Sony Music Entertainment late last year. He...
- 2/9/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
And the winners of the 2013 Grammy Awards are ... the men. Male artists dominate the nominees in the top categories for the 55th Annual Grammy Awards, announced Wednesday night (Dec. 5).
Topping the list with six nominations each are Jay-z, Kanye West, Fun., Mumford & Sons, Frank Ocean and Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys.
Taylor Swift, whose new album "Red" won't be eligible for consideration until 2014, earned a single nod for Record of the Year with her hit breakup single "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together."
The biggest snubs are teen heartthrobs Justin Bieber and One Direction, who cleaned up at the American Music Awards, and Rihanna. The "Diamonds" singer earned a trio of nods (pop solo performance for her "Where Have You Been," rap-sung collaboration nomination with Jay-z for "Talk That Talk" and short-form music video for "We Found Love") but is Mia from the major categories.
Vying for Album...
Topping the list with six nominations each are Jay-z, Kanye West, Fun., Mumford & Sons, Frank Ocean and Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys.
Taylor Swift, whose new album "Red" won't be eligible for consideration until 2014, earned a single nod for Record of the Year with her hit breakup single "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together."
The biggest snubs are teen heartthrobs Justin Bieber and One Direction, who cleaned up at the American Music Awards, and Rihanna. The "Diamonds" singer earned a trio of nods (pop solo performance for her "Where Have You Been," rap-sung collaboration nomination with Jay-z for "Talk That Talk" and short-form music video for "We Found Love") but is Mia from the major categories.
Vying for Album...
- 12/6/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Nas has unveiled the video for his Amy Winehouse collaboration 'Cherry Wine'. The late singer's image is projected onto a wall in the promo clip, to be taken from the rapper's tenth studio album Life is Good. The track was first released back in July, and was produced by Salaam Remi, who worked with Winehouse on Back to Black and Frank. Nas first teamed up with (more)...
- 10/2/2012
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
While you’re losing it over that Frank Ocean album, another set this year can scratch that itch, and perhaps more efficiently. Miguel’s “Kaleidescope Dream” is a relevant, saucy R&B adventure that incorporates rock, funk, electronica, soul and pop not out of novelty, but guardless necessity. The 25-year-old’s second album has more pronounced arrangements, and a unique combination of producers like Jerry Wonda, Pop & Oak and even Miguel Pimentel himself, on growing hit “Adorn.” Salaam Remi -- whose fingerprints sunk into retro grooves of similarly-minded old souls like Adele and Amy Winehouse -- helmed the lush title track and searing single-in-the-making...
- 10/2/2012
- Hitfix
-- Miguel, "Kaleidoscope Dream" (ByStorm/RCA Records)
Miguel's sophomore effort "Kaleidoscope Dream" oozes sex with a bit of rock `n' roll and funk, further elevating and pushing the elasticity of R&B like other acts including Frank Ocean, the Weeknd and Jhene Aiko.
The Grammy-nominated singer had mild success with hits "Quickie" and "Sure Thing" from his 2010 debut "All I Want Is You." He's also recognized for his feature on rapper Wale's "Lotus Flower Bomb" in 2011 and his stellar three-volume Ep "Art Dealer Chic" released earlier this year.
The new album's first single "Adorn," which is No. 1 on Billboard's R&B/Hip Hop Singles chart, is a sensual, addictive jam.
The 11-track set is packed with bedroom grooves including the 808-booming "Arch & Point" and the melodious, erotic "Use Me."
Miguel proves he's a master of wordplay on "Do You ...," a mellow, hippie love ode produced by Jerry Wonda, where he...
Miguel's sophomore effort "Kaleidoscope Dream" oozes sex with a bit of rock `n' roll and funk, further elevating and pushing the elasticity of R&B like other acts including Frank Ocean, the Weeknd and Jhene Aiko.
The Grammy-nominated singer had mild success with hits "Quickie" and "Sure Thing" from his 2010 debut "All I Want Is You." He's also recognized for his feature on rapper Wale's "Lotus Flower Bomb" in 2011 and his stellar three-volume Ep "Art Dealer Chic" released earlier this year.
The new album's first single "Adorn," which is No. 1 on Billboard's R&B/Hip Hop Singles chart, is a sensual, addictive jam.
The 11-track set is packed with bedroom grooves including the 808-booming "Arch & Point" and the melodious, erotic "Use Me."
Miguel proves he's a master of wordplay on "Do You ...," a mellow, hippie love ode produced by Jerry Wonda, where he...
- 10/1/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
New York -- Singer Amy Winehouse's father says it's tough dealing with the loss of his daughter, but he's happy she is having a helpful impact on the world through the foundation named after her.
"Even after a small space in time – we're talking a year since Amy passed away – we are beginning, well, Amy is beginning, to have a positive effect on a lot of disadvantaged young people's lives," Mitch Winehouse said in an interview Friday.
Amy Winehouse died on July 23, 2011, at her London home from accidental alcohol poisoning at age 27. The Amy Winehouse Foundation was launched last year in the United Kingdom and in April in the United States.
Mitch Winehouse says he expects Monday – the one-year anniversary of Amy's death – to be difficult, but he will spend the day with family and friends. First they'll go to Amy's house for Jewish prayer and to be with the singer's fans.
"Even after a small space in time – we're talking a year since Amy passed away – we are beginning, well, Amy is beginning, to have a positive effect on a lot of disadvantaged young people's lives," Mitch Winehouse said in an interview Friday.
Amy Winehouse died on July 23, 2011, at her London home from accidental alcohol poisoning at age 27. The Amy Winehouse Foundation was launched last year in the United Kingdom and in April in the United States.
Mitch Winehouse says he expects Monday – the one-year anniversary of Amy's death – to be difficult, but he will spend the day with family and friends. First they'll go to Amy's house for Jewish prayer and to be with the singer's fans.
- 7/23/2012
- by AP/The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
-- On the cover of his 10th album, "Life Is Good," the urban troubadour known as Nas is dressed in a white suit, glumly holding his ex-wife Kelis' green wedding dress – the only thing left behind after the couple's publicly acrimonious divorce. By way of his art, Nas both washes his laundry in public and shows he has moved on.
Producers No I.D. and Salaam Remi give this very personal record an aura of nostalgia, a throwback to the golden age of hip-hop, by using classic beats. Collaborations with artist like Mary J. Blige, Rick Ross and Swizz Beatz and Nas' solos arrange themselves into a coherent necklace made of discreet gems. Old mixes with new, noir enters the flow and the lyrics are tinged with both vulnerability and brutality.
Nas is the same master wordsmith as he was when he first bowled over critics with his 1994 debut "Illmatic.
Producers No I.D. and Salaam Remi give this very personal record an aura of nostalgia, a throwback to the golden age of hip-hop, by using classic beats. Collaborations with artist like Mary J. Blige, Rick Ross and Swizz Beatz and Nas' solos arrange themselves into a coherent necklace made of discreet gems. Old mixes with new, noir enters the flow and the lyrics are tinged with both vulnerability and brutality.
Nas is the same master wordsmith as he was when he first bowled over critics with his 1994 debut "Illmatic.
- 7/16/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
It's been almost a year since Amy Winehouse's tragic death, but her music still lives on. On Tuesday, Nas released "Cherry Wine," his collaboration with Winehouse. The upbeat track came from "God, and Amy," the rapper told NME. Nas and Winehouse teamed up for a few recording sessions in 2008, one track of which, "Like Smoke," was featured on the singer's posthumously released album Lioness: Hidden Treasures. "We don't even have an explanation for how it happened," Nas said, noting that they both worked with producer Salaam Remi. "It was just magic. It just happened. It was supposed to happen. She made it happen." Nas was previously reluctant to record a...
- 7/6/2012
- E! Online
Nas' collaboration with the late Amy Winehouse has finally surfaced. The track, "Cherry Wine," premiered on BBC's Radio 1 on Tuesday night.
Produced by Salaam Remi, "Cherry Wine" will appear on the rapper's tenth studio album, Life is Good, which is slated for a July 17th release. Nas and Winehouse previously collaborated on "Like Smoke," which appeared on Winehouse's posthumous album Lioness: Hidden Treasures.
Nas recently told The Huffington Post that Life is Good was heavily influenced by the '90's. "Man, I wanted to go back into an area in music that really erupted from me," he said. "Of course, that’s the '90s era, and I focus on that, but the way I did it was, I made it for today."
Remi, Winehouse's close friend and frequent collaborator, also produced many of the tracks featured on Lioness. "I believe she has left something beyond her years. She has...
Produced by Salaam Remi, "Cherry Wine" will appear on the rapper's tenth studio album, Life is Good, which is slated for a July 17th release. Nas and Winehouse previously collaborated on "Like Smoke," which appeared on Winehouse's posthumous album Lioness: Hidden Treasures.
Nas recently told The Huffington Post that Life is Good was heavily influenced by the '90's. "Man, I wanted to go back into an area in music that really erupted from me," he said. "Of course, that’s the '90s era, and I focus on that, but the way I did it was, I made it for today."
Remi, Winehouse's close friend and frequent collaborator, also produced many of the tracks featured on Lioness. "I believe she has left something beyond her years. She has...
- 7/5/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
A new Nas track featuring vocals from Amy Winehouse has surfaced online. 'Cherry Wine', which appears on Nas's new album Life is Good, was produced by Salaam Remi, who worked with Winehouse on Back to Black and Frank. Remi introduced Nas to Winehouse and the pair recorded several tracks together, including 'Like Smoke' from her posthumous record Lioness: Hidden Treasures. Winehouse's lyrics on 'Cherry Wine' include: ''Where is he / The man who is just like me / I heard he was hiding / Somewhere I can't see. ''I'm alone / And I realise that when I get home / I want to go to my red and my cherry.'' (more)...
- 7/4/2012
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Salaam Remi compares Nas' 10th solo album to Back to Black and The Score
By Rob Markman
Nas
Photo:
Despite having more than 20 years in the game and a number of classic albums already under his belt, Nas admitted to MTV News he's "a little nervous" about completing his 10th solo album, Life is Good. Luckily, he has friends like producer Salaam Remi to reassure him.When Nas and Salaam were putting the finishing touches on the album, the rapper admitted doubt started to creep in. "At this point when we're mastering, I start to get a little nervous," Nas told MTV News on June 12. "I start thinking about those records I could've, should've, would've done that didn't make it."
Remi, who worked with God's Son on the majority of Life is Good, made it clear to Nas he has no doubts. The producer told him that the upcoming album...
By Rob Markman
Nas
Photo:
Despite having more than 20 years in the game and a number of classic albums already under his belt, Nas admitted to MTV News he's "a little nervous" about completing his 10th solo album, Life is Good. Luckily, he has friends like producer Salaam Remi to reassure him.When Nas and Salaam were putting the finishing touches on the album, the rapper admitted doubt started to creep in. "At this point when we're mastering, I start to get a little nervous," Nas told MTV News on June 12. "I start thinking about those records I could've, should've, would've done that didn't make it."
Remi, who worked with God's Son on the majority of Life is Good, made it clear to Nas he has no doubts. The producer told him that the upcoming album...
- 6/18/2012
- MTV Music News
Washington, June 14: Usher has revealed that he had been plotting a duet with Amy Winehouse in the weeks before her untimely death last summer.
The R and B singer said that he had approached her producer Salaam Remi about working with Winehouse, but wasn't able to find time to hit the studio with her.
"There was (sic) few a conversations that took place, but we never quite made it to it. I would have loved it,".
The R and B singer said that he had approached her producer Salaam Remi about working with Winehouse, but wasn't able to find time to hit the studio with her.
"There was (sic) few a conversations that took place, but we never quite made it to it. I would have loved it,".
- 6/14/2012
- by Ketali Mehta
- RealBollywood.com
Trio recorded track for Ludacris' Ludaversal album, which drops in September.
By Christina Garibaldi
Usher
Photo:
Usher was out to make a statement with his latest album, and he seems to have achieved that. On his seventh studio effort, Looking 4 Myself, the R&B star broadened his horizons, taking a chance on some new producers, which resulted in a unique — what he calls "revolutionary pop" — sound.Teaming up with DJ/producers Swedish House Mafia and Salaam Remi, Usher enriched his genre-breaking sound on this album, especially with the artistic and sultry first single, "Climax," produced by Diplo.
"I never would have imagined that me and Diplo would have created as much incredible music as we did," Usher recently told MTV News. "However, I felt like he could get it, and just ... the nights of going through the ideas and him being very humble in his approach. To be as successful...
By Christina Garibaldi
Usher
Photo:
Usher was out to make a statement with his latest album, and he seems to have achieved that. On his seventh studio effort, Looking 4 Myself, the R&B star broadened his horizons, taking a chance on some new producers, which resulted in a unique — what he calls "revolutionary pop" — sound.Teaming up with DJ/producers Swedish House Mafia and Salaam Remi, Usher enriched his genre-breaking sound on this album, especially with the artistic and sultry first single, "Climax," produced by Diplo.
"I never would have imagined that me and Diplo would have created as much incredible music as we did," Usher recently told MTV News. "However, I felt like he could get it, and just ... the nights of going through the ideas and him being very humble in his approach. To be as successful...
- 6/14/2012
- MTV Music News
'It could have been one of the most incredible records ever,' he says of his attempt to record with Winehouse.
By Gil Kaufman, with additional reporting by Christina Garibaldi
Usher
Photo: MTV News
It's one of the great R&B duets that never was. While Usher was working on his seventh studio album, Looking 4 Myself , he was determined to take fans on a musical journey and experiment with sounds he'd never explored before.
So, in addition to teaming up with Diplo for the seductive lead single, "Climax," , as well as Edm giants Swedish House Mafia, Usher said he sought out producer Salaam Remi because he was very interested in doing a song with Remi protege, Amy Winehouse, before the singer died unexpectedly died at age 27 in July 2011. "We met and we talked about it for a moment when I saw her," Usher said of a brief sit-down with the...
By Gil Kaufman, with additional reporting by Christina Garibaldi
Usher
Photo: MTV News
It's one of the great R&B duets that never was. While Usher was working on his seventh studio album, Looking 4 Myself , he was determined to take fans on a musical journey and experiment with sounds he'd never explored before.
So, in addition to teaming up with Diplo for the seductive lead single, "Climax," , as well as Edm giants Swedish House Mafia, Usher said he sought out producer Salaam Remi because he was very interested in doing a song with Remi protege, Amy Winehouse, before the singer died unexpectedly died at age 27 in July 2011. "We met and we talked about it for a moment when I saw her," Usher said of a brief sit-down with the...
- 6/13/2012
- MTV Music News
"Walking with my head down/ Counting every step/ Hoping that the next one/ Brings me closer to the man I was." So confesses Usher on the reflective title track of Looking 4 Myself, out today. Could it be that, on his seventh album in 18 years, Usher Raymond IV is suffering from an existential identity crisis? Never fear, folks: The almighty star confidently displays various sides of himself, proving that he can be all things to all people with another R&B-pop blockbuster.He's the Ibiza-ready club kid on electro thumpers like current single "Scream" and the Swedish House Mafia-produced "Euphoria" that...
- 6/12/2012
- by PEOPLE Music Critic Chuck Arnold
- PEOPLE.com
'The last three years of my life have been extremely experimental in style, lifestyle, in music and in fun,' Usher tells MTV News.
By Christina Garibaldi
Usher
Photo: MTV News
Usher's seventh studio album may be titled Looking 4 Myself, but judging from the sound of his latest effort, he's found what he's looking for. Although the musical landscape has drastically changed over the years, unlike most artists, Usher has consistently evolved with it. He takes some risks with this album, and let's face it: He's earned the right to do just that.
Usher has called his latest album's sound "revolutionary pop" and that's exactly what it is. Looking 4 Myself takes his fans on a musical journey that has the singer experimenting with different sounds and working with different producers, but at the same time sticking with what he does best — making infectious music that gets people on their feet and in the clubs.
By Christina Garibaldi
Usher
Photo: MTV News
Usher's seventh studio album may be titled Looking 4 Myself, but judging from the sound of his latest effort, he's found what he's looking for. Although the musical landscape has drastically changed over the years, unlike most artists, Usher has consistently evolved with it. He takes some risks with this album, and let's face it: He's earned the right to do just that.
Usher has called his latest album's sound "revolutionary pop" and that's exactly what it is. Looking 4 Myself takes his fans on a musical journey that has the singer experimenting with different sounds and working with different producers, but at the same time sticking with what he does best — making infectious music that gets people on their feet and in the clubs.
- 6/11/2012
- MTV Music News
Club track is second release from singer's upcoming Looking for Myself.
By John Mitchell
Usher's "Scream" cover art
Photo: RCA
With nine #1s, Usher is easily one of the most reliable hitmakers in the game, and he may have just found his next smash hit. The R&B superstar released his latest single, "Scream," on Thursday (April 26), and it has chart-topper written all over it.
The Max Martin-produced banger finds Usher in familiar territory, singing the virtues of living for the moment — just as he did on 2010's "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love," which was also helmed by Martin. With a pounding beat and a massive, swelling hook, the song returns Usher to the club after his recent foray into slow-jam territory with "Climax," the Diplo-produced first single from his forthcoming Looking for Myself.
"I see you over there, so hypnotic Thinking 'bout what I do to that...
By John Mitchell
Usher's "Scream" cover art
Photo: RCA
With nine #1s, Usher is easily one of the most reliable hitmakers in the game, and he may have just found his next smash hit. The R&B superstar released his latest single, "Scream," on Thursday (April 26), and it has chart-topper written all over it.
The Max Martin-produced banger finds Usher in familiar territory, singing the virtues of living for the moment — just as he did on 2010's "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love," which was also helmed by Martin. With a pounding beat and a massive, swelling hook, the song returns Usher to the club after his recent foray into slow-jam territory with "Climax," the Diplo-produced first single from his forthcoming Looking for Myself.
"I see you over there, so hypnotic Thinking 'bout what I do to that...
- 4/26/2012
- MTV Music News
Rapper Nas returns with his first album in four years, “Life is Good,” on July 17. Second track, “The Don,” which was produced by Da Internz, Salaam Remi and the late Heavy D, is at radio now, while fans heard an earlier track, “Nasty,” last summer. A third track, “Daughters,” (not the John Mayer song, we’re sure), goes for sale on iTunes on May 1. The video for “The Don” premieres on MTV and Vevo on Friday, April 27. [More after the jump...] “Life is Good” is the follow-up to 2008’s “Untitled,” which Nas originally intended to call “Ni****,” but changed...
- 4/24/2012
- Hitfix
God's Son sets date for 10th solo album and will drop 'The Don' video and 'Daughters' single in the coming week.
By Rob Markman
Nas
Photo: Michael Loccisano/ Getty Images
Nas is finally ready to welcome all of his fans to the good life. It's been four years since the Nasty One released his last solo album Untitled, but on July 17, the Queensbridge rap great will drop Life Is Good, his 10th solo shot.
"It's been a long time; it's been years since I released a solo studio album, so this record is everything," Nas told MTV News in March at the South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas. "This is everything that I've got to say — I guess you've got to live a little and you put that in your music, so it's coming from my life."
Since his classic 1994 debut Illmatic, Nas has stood as one of rap's premier artists.
By Rob Markman
Nas
Photo: Michael Loccisano/ Getty Images
Nas is finally ready to welcome all of his fans to the good life. It's been four years since the Nasty One released his last solo album Untitled, but on July 17, the Queensbridge rap great will drop Life Is Good, his 10th solo shot.
"It's been a long time; it's been years since I released a solo studio album, so this record is everything," Nas told MTV News in March at the South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas. "This is everything that I've got to say — I guess you've got to live a little and you put that in your music, so it's coming from my life."
Since his classic 1994 debut Illmatic, Nas has stood as one of rap's premier artists.
- 4/24/2012
- MTV Music News
Usher has confirmed the title of his new album. The singer will release Looking For Myself as his seventh studio set on June 11, following the record's trailer single 'Climax'. Usher has teamed up with producers Diplo, Rico Love, Jim Jonsin, Salaam Remi and Max Martin for the album, which follows 2010's Raymond v. Raymond. The star recently revealed that he has recorded some Ibiza club music for the collection, adding that the new album is "definitely a dance-influenced (more)...
- 4/2/2012
- by By Lewis Corner
- Digital Spy
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.