Posts Tagged ‘music news’

iN honor of Steve Job’s legacy, I began this sentence with a lower case “i.” Also, to honor Apple’s mastermind, I am briefing you on songs that you must add to your own iPods.

Thank you, Steve Jobs, for making treadmills more bearable, airplane rides more entertaining, and for giving us those iconic white headphones that serve as social barriers even when the iPod is off.

“Can’t Get Enough” is the first single from J. Cole’s debut studio release, Cole World: The Sideline Story. Definitely, it’s one of the best tracks on the album.  And if jet setting to escape the cold is how you roll, then watching J. Cole’s “Can’t Get Enough” video featuring Trey Songz will have you rushing to the nearest ticket terminal.

There’s no shortage of beautiful, voluptuous women in the vid which, coincidentally, reminds me of his Roc Nation mentor Jay Z’s “Big Pimpin.” Anxious to track Cole World’s chart performance!

T-Pain’s “5 O’Clock” featuring Lily Allen and Wiz Khalifa is a new addition to my iPod. I am not ashamed to admit that an auto-tuned, T-Pain song is on my workout playlist.

I’m pretty sure I’ve told you I love Beyonce’s latest album 4, so you should have downloaded it to your iPods months ago. But in her most recent video for song “Countdown,” B has been accused – AGAIN – of swagger jacking. Seems that every trend made popular by the mom-to-be was the brainchild of someone else’s creative genius. After watching “Countdown,” I have this to say: Anna Teresa de Keersmaeker, your swagger has been jacked.

de Keersmaeker is a Belgian choreographer, and “Countdown’s” choreography looks eerily similar identical to her pieces. A split screen showing those similarities is below as is Beyonce’s full length video. At any rate, Mrs. Carter makes rolling around the floor at 5 months (allegedly) pregnant look as effortless as only she could make it look.

I had fallen so in love with Travis Barker’s Give the Drummer Some that I kinda forgot about Blink 182.

But the band’s song, “After Midnight,” has helped rekindle my love affair with the trio. Took a while for the song to grow on me, but now, I pretty much can’t stop listening to it.

Summer 2011, your music was good to us. Here’s a final, end of summer, hot list hoorah.

Let’s face it. You WILL hear LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem” at least 10 times a day.

Channel surf your radio stations, and you’ll get the “everyday I’m shuffling,” soundbite on multiple frequencies. Even the Kia “HamStars” are shuffling to this super hot summer hit from the Gordy, uncle-nephew duo.

It’s virtually impossible to resist “Anthem’s” super contagious beat and hook. All summer, the track has dominated the charts and is one of YouTube’s most viewed videos ever. “Party Rock Anthem” = Positively Sizzling!

From “Can’t Buy Me Love” to “Yesterday,” the Beatles’ 1 compiles 27 of their #1s from the 1960s and 70s.

At the beginning of September, 1 was re-released as an exclusive-to-iTunes digital album. Congratulations, Beatles. You’ve mastered the art of getting your fans to purchase the same exact music three times. That’s pretty hot.

Four years later, “Cupid’s Chokehold” is still the band’s biggest hit, but I predict Gym Class Heroes’ newest single, “Stereo Hearts” featuring Adam Levine will give “Cupid” a fair fight. Travie McCoy has a lyrical finesse that energizes every Gym Class Heroes song. “Stereo Hearts” has summer hot list cred!

Do the names Mark Foster, Mark Pontius, and Jacob Fink ring a bell? If not, then I introduce to you indie pop band, Foster the People.

Not until I became utterly obsessed with their eerily sexy hit, “Pumped Up Kicks,” did I, myself, know who they were.

“Pumped Up Kicks” was released about a year ago, but it was in the summer of 2011 that this sleeper became a chart topper. Its provocative lyrics referencing bullets and guns paired with an MGMT-esque electropop beat make it a sultry song that needs both censorship and repeat play. Their sudden stardom has even landed them an October 8th date with Saturday Night Live. Foster the People’s hot list appeal is sizzling through to Fall!

As always, check back often for more of the latest music news and reviews from Erica Renee Davis, right here on Positively Celebrity!

September 14th would have been Amy Winehouse’s birthday, and in her memory, her “Body and Soul” duet with Tony Bennett debuted on what would have been Amy’s 28th. In our salute to Ms. Winehouse, we have the beautiful song and video here. We also look at songs from artists whose collaborations were released after their passing. Happy Birthday, Amy, and Happy Birthday to me (shameless plug…Amy and I have the SAME bday)!

Around about the same time Diddy became the Master of Music Sampling, he rocked hip hop with “It’s All About the Benjamins” remix. Released 3 months after The Notorious B.I.G.’s murder, Biggie’s finale verse provides the perfect ending to a rap classic.

Singer Natalie Cole honored her late father by remaking timeless tune, “Unforgettable,” as a duet with her dad.

Nat King Cole’s soothing voice can never be duplicated, but the daddy-daughter collaboration is a precious reminder of the late jazz singer’s lasting legacy.

Lisa Marie Presley had her own daddy daughter duo when she teamed up with Elvis in 2007 to remake his 1969 hit, “In the Ghetto.”

No matter how old the song, Michael Jackson hits have an energy that make you dance and sing as if they were newly released.

Mike’s feel-good music influenced singer, Akon, to record “Hold My Hand” in 2008. Unfortunately, the King of Pop died before the track’s release, so the song was included on Jackson’s posthumous album, Michael.

What are some of your favorite duets from artists – past and present? Comment below, and be sure to check back often for more of the latest music news and reviews from Erica Renee Davis right here on Positively Celebrity.

A songstress gets motivated, Koreans make their mark, and hip-hop’s most famous last name gets more famous.

Here’s your Summer Hot List 2011: Part Two!

Summer of Kell

If Kelly Rowland’s New Year’s resolution was to stop playing second fiddle to Beyonce,’ then I’m pleased to announced she’s successfully completed her mission.

The track, her vocals, the lyrics, and the video’s choreography are reminiscent of the hotness that was Ciara’s “Promise” back in 2006. Kelly’s hit, “Motivation,” featuring Lil Wayne is HANDS DOWN 2011’s sexiest summer single.

Unleashing her super sultry inner seductress with “Motivation,” it’s the former DC3er’s biggest solo hit.  Nothing says Here I Am like dancing your way to #1 in a trench coat and combat boots. Positively Sizzling!

Korean Pop

Billboard announced the launch of K-Pop Hot 100, a chart ranking Korea’s most popular music. So if you’ve been procrastinating on signing up for those Korean language classes, I suggest you put a rush order on your Rosetta Stone.

Since being honest is the summer’s coolest trend, I must admit that it’s only been recently that I’ve gotten acquainted with Korean pop. At best, I’ve marveled at the colorful music videos that often accompany K-pop songs but usually always muted.

Assuming you’re in the same boat as I am, learning to appreciate K-pop and its eclectic vibrance will be equally adventurous and advantageous for us all. Billboard earns Summer Hot List honors for bringing continued cultural awareness to the music industry.

Check out Sistar, the group sitting atop K-Pop Hot 100 chart!

Summertime Simmons

His dad’s group, Run-DMC, ruled the 80s, his socialite sisters dominate the fashion scene, and he – well, he’s exploding onto the music scene securing his relevance in the Simmons dynasty.

Bieber Fever is so first-part-of-this-year. Tweens and teens have a new summer love, and it’s Diggy Simmons.

You probably remember watching him as a kid on “Run’s House” or from this AT&T commercial:

Not long ago, Diggy was Vanessa and Angela’s bratty little brother, but now, the 16 year old is is maturing into a megastar.

His kid-friendly raps are upbeat and fun, and Diggy’s expanding his brand beyond music and is delving into shoe and fashion designing. Watch the video for his latest single, “Copy, Paste.” You’ll agree that Diggy Simmons is one of this summer’s hottest teen heartthrobs!

Would love to know who made it onto your 2011 Summer Hot List! Comment below, and be sure to check back often to Positively Celebrity for all the latest music news and reviews from Erica Renee Davis!

Now that we’ve all come down from our Twitter high, let’s recap last night’s VMAs using more than 140 characters!

Not to specify names (ahem, my very own sister), but there are some hardcore anti-Lady Gaga people among us. Beware because the anti-Gaga faction has as much steam behind it as do her little Monsters. And after her VMA performance last night, the chasm has officially widened.

Whether you consider Gaga’s VMA, male alter-ego submersion to be ridiculous or genius, it was certainly engaging.

Jay-Z and Kanye West’s performance of single, “Otis,” was about as uneventful and uninteresting as its video. C-. But since I love Otis Redding, used to be slightly obsessed with Jay, and respect Kanye’s music, I’ll grade it a (reluctant) B. However, Jay-Z is X months away from being a new daddy and Beyonce’ is his baby’s mama, so okaaaay…I give it an A+.

Nicki Minaj has assumed lots of roles lately; Hip Hop’s newest Princess, YMCMB Sweetheart, and the music biz’s very own life-sized cartoon character. She’s got a shiny new Moon Man to decorate her colorful world since “Super Bass” snagged the award for Best Hip Hop Video.

I tip my pink-colored wig to Katy Perry and Kanye for winning Best Collaboration for “E.T.” This confirmed that I’m not the only one who gets upset when the radio plays the original version instead of the remix. Attention Radio Stations: It’s a remix for a reason. Play it.

Whenever I start making enough money to pay someone to sing my emotions to me, Adele is so hired. She brought the house down with nothing but a microphone, a piano accompaniment, and years of raw emotion. Simply dynamic.

Full of theatrics and several minutes of aerial acrobatics, Chris Brown’s set was one of the night’s most superb performances. But did anyone else find it curious that TLC’s “Scrubs” was the song the house band performed immediately after C Breezy performed?

By the way, Jessie J and her ensemble were a positively fantastic house band! Whenever I can afford to pay a live cover band to sing the soundtrack of my life, I’m ringing Jessie J, and I will demand she bring that white chair.

I will not apologize for having a crush on Russell Brand. He was very matter-of-fact but charming and compassionate when introducing Amy Winehouse’s tribute. “Valerie” is one of my fave Amy Winehouse songs, so kudos to Bruno Mars for his excellent rendition.

The competitors didn’t stand a chance against Katy Perry’s “Firework” in the Music Video of the Year category. And using YouTube view counts as my parameter, Perry won fair and square (Bruno Mars’ YouTube views of “Grenade” were a mere 202 million, about 27 million short of Perry’s).

Leave it to MTV to ice the cake with a MONSTER of a closer by Lil Wayne. His performance, complete with animal print skinny jeans and skater kid shoes, makes it clear that “Toonchies” is a rock star trapped in a rapper’s body. Although, according to Wayne, I’m not supposed to call him Toonchies. Wonder what happens since I did.

A lot of cool moments from this year’s VMAs. What were some of your faves? Comment below and be sure to check back often for more of the latest music news and reviews from Erica Renee Davis right here on Positively Celebrity!

The music scene this summer has sizzled!  Check out a few of my favorites on my Summer Hot List 2011: Part One!

Country Hotness

Admittedly, pop-infused country music appeals to me so much more than classic country. I’ll proudly blast Sugarland or Lady A but would only be caught singing a Tammy Wynette tune at some dive bar’s karaoke night. Though Dolly Parton’s music style is less like Jennifer Nettles’ and more like old school Nashville, I must say, Ms. Dolly is on my summer hot list.

Reference “longevity” in your on-line dictionary, and the Queen of Country’s pic is there. After 40 years, Dolly is still making new music and videos!

Dolly is even hotter because of her active involvement in her philanthropic endeavors. It is positively outstanding that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library donates one free book per month to pre-school aged children until they turn 5. And the frosting on this hot little piece of country cake is that, despite her fortune, Dolly is incredibly humble. She gushed to Oprah that she prefers sleeping in her Winnebago over staying in 5 star hotels when she’s on tour.

Dolly, you’ve got my vote.

Sizzling Hot Rapping Duo

Confession: I feel pressured to love Jay-Z and Kanye West’s new Watch the Throne album because how could one not obsess over a collabo by these two?

I was reluctant at first to categorize Watch the Throne as “hot.” Jay and ‘Ye depend heavily on lyrics of wealth, power, and all things superficial as the theme of this release. But what else can you expect from music’s most infamous narcissist and from a rapper-turned-insanely powerful mogul who just happens to be married to one of the world’s most beautiful women?

When it comes to throne watching, admiring one on which these two sit is pretty freaking entertaining.

My faves on the album: “Paris,” “Gotta Have It,” and “Otis.”

Hate them or hate on them, Kanye and Jay-Z look like they’re having the time of their lives while effortlessly making chart topping music.

HOT.

Pre-Teen Prodigy

It is unbelievable to me that Jackie Evanhco’s voice is actually coming out of her 11-year-old body. I’m thiiiis closing to being convinced her parents implanted a voice box in her in a grand scheme to make Jackie the world’s most celebrated vocalist.

Or I could just accept the fact that her stardom began when she was named runner-up on America’s Got Talent. Either way, Jackie Evancho certainly has one of this summer’s hottest voices.

Her 2nd album, Dream With Me, debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 chart, and her debut album, O Holy Night, is certified platinum.

What were you doing at 11?

Which artists are on your Summer Hot List?

Like it was yesterday, I remember quite vividly falling in love with Amy Winehouse’s sound and music.

While driving through the city with a couple girlfriends, out of nowhere, one of them starts singing, “No, no, no!”  I recognized those “No’s” as the same ones I’d been skimming past whenever I heard them on the radio. Therefore, I missed the memo that a pint-sized, British misfit with pipes for days was infiltrating the music scene on both sides of the pond.

Within the hour, “Rehab” sneaked its way onto my car radio, and instead of skipping past it, I finally gave the song a chance.

Instantaneously, I became an Amy Winehouse fan.

Fast forward a few weeks, and I was walking into a record store on Hollywood Blvd to buy my very own copy of Back to Black. “Just Friends” and “You Know I’m No Good” became fast faves of mine.

Rugged truthfulness was the color of Amy’s vocals even when she sang covers like, “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.”  That same sincerity is found throughout her original music as she sings stories of love, personal struggles, and heartache.

Despite our fascination with Amy’s controversy-riddled private life, much respect goes to Ms. Winehouse for turning her turmoil into the brilliant songs that helped revive soul and R&B.

Amy Winehouse

9/14/1983 – 7/23/2011

Velvet ropes hung gingerly from metal stanchions throughout Nokia Plaza. Satellite lots bordering Staples Center transformed into gifting suites and production base camps.   And if you followed stars’ Tweets, then you know that many of them descended upon Los Angeles for the summer’s biggest awards show.

My regrets, movie and tv junkies –  this awards shindig was of course, for the athletes. With Seth Meyers hosting, the 2011 ESPYs aired last night from the Nokia Theatre at LA Live in downtown Los Angeles.

There were many highlights from the night, especially the music scene — featuring funky soul man, Raphael Saadiq, as the leader of the house band …

… and N’Sync-er turned actor, Justin Timberlake, as a presenter.

Because the worlds of music and sports are so intertwined, Positively Celebrity is celebrating this annual gathering of modern day Goliaths by saluting athletes’ major contributions to music!

Lakers megastar Kobe Bryant had humble beginnings as a rapper. Long before he donned the “24,” Bryant joined forces with R&B singer, Brian McKnight, on “Hold Me” back in 1998 (see Kobe’s rap at the 2:39 mark).

You’d have better luck winning the lottery twice than beating Carl Lewis in a foot race when he was in his prime.  Lewis left competitors in the dust during his track & field days, but his Star Spangled Banner performance at an NBA game in the early 90s left people plain confused.

Unfortunately, Carlos Arroyo’s stint with the Celtics has been uneventful, but at least his music career is seeing some success.  Last year, Arroyo released “Se Va Conmigo,” and the single made a big impression on reggaeton charts.  Check out the remix featuring Ivy Queen.

Without Michael Jordan, the movie, Space Jam, would have never existed. And without the movie, we would have never known the awesomeness that is the Space Jam soundtrack. So thank you, Michael Jordan, for making it possible to enjoy the music of Monica, Seal, and the Quad City DJs on one CD.

For more of the latest music news and reviews from Erica Renee Davis, check back often right here on Positively Celebrity.

Selena and the Scene – When the Sun Goes Down

Selena Gomez is the best thing to happen to Disney since Mickey and Minnie went public with their relationship.

Fortunately, no racy pic or pole dancing scandals have haunted this little Wizard of Waverly Place. Her secret to keeping her image squeaky clean? Cranking out albums virtually every other month. Since March 2010, Selena and the Scene have released 3 studio albums, and the most recent, When the Sun Goes Down, dropped on Tuesday.

Though Ms. Cutie Patootie declares this latest project will show a sexier Selena, I assure all you mommies and babysitters that When the Sun Goes Down is the most tween-friendly album of the year.

My favorite tracks are “Whiplash,” which former Teen Queen, Britney Spears, helped pen, and “Love You Like A Love Song.”

4

Bey named her latest masterpiece 4 to honor her favorite number, but a more fitting title for the album would be “Awesomeness.”

I was skeptical about 4’s potential after hearing Beyonce’s vibrato-heavy performance of “1+1″ during this year’s BMA’s. Then the industry swirled with reports that she and her camp were panicked because “Run The World” wasn’t charting as well as anticipated. My suspicions – for a moment –  were validated.

But nothing quells a nasty rumor like the truth. And 4 is just that.

Tracks like “Party” and “Countdown” are playful, upbeat tunes that would fit perfectly on a college student’s playlist.  In “Love on Top,” Beyonce’ wows with her signature key changes over brass and percussion accompaniments.

The album exhibits the free-spirited vibe of little sis Solange’s Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams and boasts the boldness that makes Beyonce’ untouchable.

4 is the feel good, fall in love, play on repeat, Summer album of 2011!

10 Years & Counting!

From sporting corn-rows as Ms. Keys to glamming up red carpets as Mrs. Beatz, Alicia has come quite a long way.

Her amazing vocals and incredible songwriting abilities, however, remain unchanged.

And since her legacy has been cemented with ballads, chart toppers, and countless accolades, Alicia Keys is celebrating by releasing Songs in A Minor – 10th Anniversary Edition.

A fresh-faced newbie, Alicia commanded our attention with “Fallin” back in 2001.

Her remake of Prince’s “How Come You Don’t Call Me” is another fave from the album.

The 10th Anniversary Edition has the old tracks we loved from the first release as well as previously unreleased songs and remixes.

Go to iTunes and Amazon to preview and download all of these albums!

And be sure to check back often for more of the latest music news and reviews from Erica Renee Davis right here at Positively Celebrity!