USHER 2008 album from the R&B superstar. Here I Stand is Usher's follow-up to his history-making, nine-times platinum-selling Confessions. The album tells the story of growth: triumphant, reflective, somewhat defiant and it marks a new period in Usher's life and creative expression. Here I Stand finds Usher working with some of the best producers and writers around including Polow Da Don, Jermaine Dupre, Dre & Vidal and Dream & Tricky Stewart. Features the first single 'Love In The Club'. Laface.
Bun B. With Bun B having worked with everyone in the game, this album is loaded with features from Mike Jones, Juvenile, Petty Pueblo, Lil Webbie, Pimp C, Z-Ro, Paul Wall, Slim Thug, TI, Too Short, Scarface and Mannie Fresh. Mannie Fresh, Jazzy Pha, Lil Jon and Mike Dean all did tracks so this promises to be the hottest album of the year 2008.
The Carter III Cash Money/Universal Motown Records multi-platinum artist Lil Wayne is once again taking control of the airwaves and breaking records in both with "Lollipop," the first single from his highly anticipated album Tha Carter III. This is the biggest add week that a hip-hop artist has received at Rhythm Crossover and the biggest any artist has received at Urban Radio including Beyonce and Mariah.
"Lollipop," is being well received at key radio stations across the country including: New York (Hot 97), Los Angeles (Power), Seattle (93 KUBE), Miami (99 Jamz), Philadelphia (Power 99), Atlanta (Hot 107) and Detroit (Hot 102). Lil Wayne's MySpace page received over a million unique views this week giving him the #1 Top Artist profile on the site. The video is currently in heavy rotation at MTV, MTV2, BET's Rap City and MTV Jams, where it appeared as the Jam Of The Week. The "Lollipop" video is also in medium rotation at MTV Hits and on BET's main playlist. Lil Wayne will also appear on BET's annual Spring Bling and will be only the 2nd artist in the event's history to perform for an entire episode!
Since the release of his last CD, the platinum selling Tha Cater II, Lil Wayne has guest appearances on over 70 songs for other artists including Fat Joe's 2008 Grammy nominated single "Make It Rain," DJ Khaled's "We Taking Over," and Wyclef Jeans' "Sweetest Girl." He also released a duet CD with Bryan "Birdman" Williams titled Like Father, Like Son in 2006 which was a critical and commercial success.
Mariah Carey Performer and songwriter Mariah Carey has set April 15th as the in-store date for the most eagerly anticipated album of the year, E=MC². The 11th studio album of her career, E=MC² is the follow-up to The Emancipation Of Mimi, Mariah's worldwide 10 million selling #1 album, which generated three Grammy awards (including Best Contemporary R&B Album), 2 #1 singles and countless more industry honors during its 18-month stay on the charts. The first single from E=MC² is "Touch My Body," written and produced by Mariah Carey, C. "Tricky" Stewart, and The-Dream, and blasting out worldwide on February 12th. The video for "Touch My Body" was directed by feature filmmaker Brett Ratner - Internet, cable and network premieres for the video will be announced in the weeks ahead. In addition to C. "Tricky" Stewart and The-Dream, other guest producers joining Mariah on E=MC² will include Jermaine Dupri, DJ Toomp, Stargate, Will I Am, Bryan Michael Cox, Nate "Danjahandz" Hills and James Poyser.. E=MC² is executive produced by Mariah Carey and Antonio "LA" Reid, Chairman, Island Def Jam Music Group.
Lyfe Jennings The third effort from contemporary soulster Lyfe Jennings fits the mold of his previous releases in its mixture of thoughtful, introspective themes and sleek, urban contemporary sounds. Jennings recruits friends the Underdogs and Wyclef Jean (who collaborates on the Bob Marley-influenced "Wild, Wild, Wild") to craft the general vibe of LYFE CHANCE, but it's his show through and through.
There are a few unusual instances of Jennings upping the tempo, as on the catchy jam "Old School" (which features a guest appearance from Snoop Dogg), but for the most part the disc keeps it low and in the cut, with standouts like "Keep on Dreaming" and "Never Never Land" riding sweet mid-to-downtempo grooves. Consistent throughout is Jennings' lilting, soulful croon and reflective narration, making LYFE CHANCE one of the artist's strongest discs.
Rick Ross Miami's six-foot, 300-pound rap figure known as Rick Ross embraced his city's reputation on his debut single, "Hustlin'," in 2006. While Atlanta and Houston artists were establishing their cities as Southern strongholds, Ross aimed at putting Miami back in rap's national spotlight. Ross grew up in Carol City, FL, an impoverished northern suburb of Miami. Influenced by artists like Luther Campbell and the Notorious B.I.G., Roberts formed local rap group the Carol City Cartel and began rapping in the mid-'90s. Ross ended up on Miami-based Slip-N-Side Records, the label home of Trick Daddy and Trina. During the early to mid-2000s, he became popular and well known locally through touring with Trick Daddy and guest-appearing on a few Slip-N-Slide releases, but didn't release any solo material until 2006. Once "Hustlin'" caught the ear of a few executives within the national industry, a bidding war ensued that included offers from Bad Boy CEO Sean "Diddy" Combs and The Inc. (formerly Murder Inc.) president Irv Gotti. Nonetheless, Def Jam president and veteran rapper Jay-Z signed Ross to a multi-million-dollar deal. The Miami anthem "Hustlin'" went on to receive gold status from RIAA in May 2006 and sold over a million ringtone units before the physical release of his debut album, Port of Miami. Released in August 2006, Ross' debut was Slip-N-Side's first project under the Def Jam partnership, and it went to number one on the Billboard album chart.
Keyshia Cole LAST YEAR KEYSHIA COLE ROSE TO BECOME AN R&B PHENOMENON. USA Today said Cole separates herself from the average R&B/pop diva, as she makes you feel her heartbreak without the histrionics; and People said- [Keyshia Cole] shows that she is more than just a pretender on the thrown and Rolling Stone said Cole serves up grit beyond her years. Her fans agreed, The Way It Is went PLATINUM. Keyshia’s sophomore album entitled Just Like You demonstrates that with earnest desire and dedication you can succeed; anyone can, like you!
The Dream The only positive byproduct of an industry asleep at the wheel is a dream. With over a decade of hit-making experience and a certified smash in Rihanna's #1 single, "Umbrella" Terius "The Dream" Nash is stepping from behind the scenes with a wake-up call. The Dream was born in the Bankhead section of Atlanta and his debut CD, Love Hate, is a sonic gauntlet thrown down against complacent, cookie cutter music. Propelled by the first single "Shawty is a Ten" the mastermind behind the Britney Spears and Madonna collab, "Me Against The Music" will do nothing short of redefine RnB for 2007 and beyond. The Dream has combined all of his hit-making talents for his debut, Love Me All Summer, Hate Me All Winter. Throughout his career Terius has seen people change like the weather, but in the coming months he is forecasting a 100% chance of reign. The Dream says, "It's more of what I'm giving other people. It's like the 80s, it's musical. I'm doing the `Umbrella' routine to this whole album. All of my records are singles. I don't think a record has been done this good since Thriller." Songs like the soulful "She Needs My Love" will solidify Terius' status as a triple threat, singer, writer and producer.
Alicia Keys Japanese two CD pressing of the 2007 release from the R&B/Pop diva featuring a bonus CD containing four tracks: 'Waiting For Your Love', 'Hurt So Bad', 'Superwoman' (Live) and 'No One' (Curtis Lynch Reggae Remix). As I Am is Alicia's most innovative album to date, a collection of music with no boundaries. Influenced by everything from Hip Hop to Soul to Rock to Classical music, As I Am is every bit a sense of rebellion and empowerment. Features collaborations with some of the biggest hit makers in music (Linda Perry, Jack Splash, Mark Batson, Swizz Beats and Kerry Brothers) and includes the first single 'No One.
