ENTERTAINERS

2009-10-08T15:36:00.002+07:00

AMR DIAB

Amr Diab (Amr Abd-Albaset Abd-Alaziz Diab), a new born star for his phenomenal singing talent had his first glow to life on the 11th of October 1961 in Port Said, Egypt. His father was the chairman of Marine Construction & Shipbuilding. He played a great role to igniting the early sparks of musical inspiration towards Diab's early stages in his professional music career. Amr at the age of six sang at the July 23rd Festival in Port Said, he was surprisingly rewarded with a guitar from the governor for his excellence.

Amr Diab had earned his bachelor degree in Arabic Music and graduated at the Cairo Academy of Arts in 1986.

Professionally, Amr Diab entered the musical arena and introduced his first album "Ya Taree'" (1983), integrated with the audience and gained lots of attention and success. Amr followed on producing several great albums: "Ghanny Men Albak" (1984), "Hala Hala" (1986), "Khalseen" (1987), "Mayyal" (1988), "Shawa'na" (1989) and "Matkhafesh" (1990).

Amr was chosen to perform and represent Egypt at the 5th Tournament of African Sports in 1990 where he sang in English, French and predominantly Arabic. Decisively and during the same year the star decided to invade the cinema with a role in the film "El Afareet" with Madiha Kamel. Then came his other hit albums "Habibi" (1991), "Ayyamna" (1992) and "Ya Omrena" (1993). In 1992 and 1994, Amr played two more roles in the cinema in "Ice Cream Fe Glim" and "Dehk Wele'b Wegad Wehob"--which additionally was chosen as the opening film in the Egyptian Film Festival.

Amr Diab's musical career stemmed and kept growing, aiming for musical excellence. He followed on and released the album "Weylomony" (1994). Amr Diab officially established himself as the super star of the Arab world, demarcating the launch of "Rag'een" (1995) and the popular "Nour El Ein" album (1996) which was not only a success in the Middle East but in the whole world, and "Awedony" (1998).

Amr Diab thereafter made a break through with one of his best smashing hits "Amarain" album (1999), Diab engaged with two singers during this album and produced amazing duets, one with the AlgerianFrench based Cheb Khaled song "Alby" and the second with the Greek Angela Dimitriou song "Bahebbak Aktar".

The years 2000, 2001 & 2003 witnessed the compilation of all Amr Diab's past experience put together and release of Amr Diab's most magnificent albums ever "Tamally Ma'ak" , "Aktar Wahed" and "Allem Alby", as he engraved his quality of voice singing incorporated with astonishing sense of composer and musical arrangements. Amr always favored innovation of new music, form and style. He merged the Arabian oriental theme of music and the western style of musical beats, arrangements and finalization.

Respectively, Amr Diab has achieved the World Music Awards twice, as best selling middle eastern singer in both his albums "Nour El Ain" in 1998 and "Aktar Wahed" in 2002. Also received a Platinum Award for the sales of "Nour El Ain". Visit the awards section in this site to know more about Amr's awards.

2004's summer witnessed the release of "Leily Nehary" album, Diab gave his fans what they've been longing for, a dazzling hit which blew their minds off and topped their sensations. "Leily Nehary" according to the production company "Rotana" and the fans is to be one of the most successful albums out in the market. "Kammel Kalamak" was released by December 2005 after a long anticipation from Amr's fans, according to the big sales records, the album was worth the wait! The album contains 10 tracks representing a year and half of continuous studio efforts. Amr won his 3rd World Music Awards on "Ellila de" album which has been released in July (2007).

El-Helm Biography [12 Parts] have been released on the TV Channles by the end 2008. The Biography reviewed Amr's success through his long career in addition to the international recognition and fame that uniquely Amr gained through his success.

After much anticpating, 2009 witnessed a new milestone in Amr's career, with the release of "Wayah". 12 track hits the summer to put Amr - as usual - on top of the race. Marina concert was the proven success from his fans with over 80,000 persons.

Amr Diab's domestic life is just as rewarding as his musical career, married to Zena Ashoor, his children are Nour (girl), the twin Abdu-Allah (boy) & Kenzy (girl), and Jana (girl). The father Amr Diab is a great family man, who dedicates and cherishes his time to his family.

Amr Diab's hard work and passion to creating quality music and new stylized musical techniques was his ultimate aim throughout the years. He has certainly and clearly delivered to all his multi-national fans around the globe and proved that he is one of the best Middle Eastern singers with extraordinary talent, determination, charisma and charming appearance.

2008-12-10T18:00:00.000+07:00

Rustie Lee

Rustie Lee is a television chef and actress, most famous for her appearing in the 1980s on UK morning station, TV-am.[1] She was born in Jamaica. However, she also appeared as a presenter on the second, less successful, incarnation of ITV gameshow Game for a Laugh.[citation needed]
Rustie has rarely been seen since TV-am, though she had a career as a singer.[citation needed] In summer 2004 she appeared on Living's I'm Famous and Frightened! 2, a reality show featuring a number of celebrities staying in a castle over a weekend, taking part in various challenges and looking for paranormal activity, guided by a medium. Viewers voted for their favourite and the celebrities were voted off one by one. Rustie won the series showing a keen interest in the tasks and occasional emotional involvement, giving detailed and varied accounts of how she felt at certain points.[citation needed]
In 2004 she joined the UK Independence Party [1], and was adopted as their candidate for the Wyre Forest constituency in the 2005 general election. She also appeared in the party's election broadcast[2]. On polling day she came fifth, with 1,074 votes (2.3% of the total).[3].
In 2008, Rustie joined the cast of EastEnders as Gus Smith's aunt Opal,[4] and it proved a huge hit with her fanbase following.
Rustie Lee is also a popular figure on Virgin Radio particularly on the Geoff Lloyd show. He has interviewed her on numerous occasions.[citation needed]
Rustie is also lined up with Paul Daniels and Todd Carty to play the voice of the Gatekeeper in the new updated CGI series of Wizbit, due to be aired 2008/2009.[citation needed]

2008-12-06T16:07:00.000+07:00

RAKIM

Rakim (pronounced Rah-KIM) (full name Rakim Allah, born William Michael Griffin Jr. on January 28, 1968 in Wyandanch, Long Island, New York)[1] is an American rapper and pioneer of the musical genre of hip hop, known as one half of the duo Eric B. & Rakim.

Biography

[edit] Early life
He is the nephew of American R&B singer, and actress Ruth Brown. Rakim grew up in Wyandanch, New York where he developed much of his rhyming talent. Rakim became involved in the New York hip hop scene at a young age. Eric B brought Rakim to Marley Marl’s house to record "Eric B. is President." Marley and MC Shan personally knew Eric. However, they didn't know Rakim, who was fresh out of high school at the time, was on his way to college, and left to record with Eric B.[1]
When Rakim turned 16, he joined The Nation of Gods and Earths (also known as the 5 Percent Nation), changing his name to Rakim Allah [2].

[edit] With Eric B.
In 1986, Rakim started to work with New York-based producer-DJ Eric B. The duo—known as Eric B & Rakim—is widely regarded as among the most influential and groundbreaking of hip-hop groups, due in no small part to Rakim's technical abilities. The duo’s first single, "Eric B. Is President" (#48, 1986) b/w “My Melody,” was a success and got the duo a contract with the fledgling Island Records sub-label 4th & B'way. The duo’s next single, the smash “I Know You Got Soul,” sparked early debate on the legality of unauthorized, uncredited sampling when James Brown sued to prevent the duo's use of a fragment of his music. Their first full album, Paid in Full, was released in 1987, causing a stir in the hip-hop music world due to its novel sound, approach, and subject matter.[1]

[edit] Solo career
Eric B. & Rakim broke up in 1992 after releasing 3 more albums: Follow The Leader, Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em and Don't Sweat The Technique. All Four of the duo's albums are now considered Hip Hop standards. Due to legal wrangling over royalties and his contracts with both his record label and with Eric B, Rakim did not release a solo album for another five years. He signed with his good friend at the time DeShamus "Q=BOB" Sallis of Q=BOB Records but the label folded shortly afterward. He then returned in 1997 with The 18th Letter, which included collaborations with DJ Premier and Pete Rock; released in two versions, one of which included an Eric B. & Rakim greatest hits disc titled The Book of Life. The critical reception of the album was positive, and it was certified gold. In 1999, Rakim released The Master, which received very good reviews as well.[1]
Rakim was signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment record label in 2000,[3] for work on an album tentatively titled Oh, My God. The album underwent numerous changes in artistic direction and personnel and was delayed several times. While working on the album, Rakim made guest appearances on numerous Aftermath projects, including the hit single "Addictive" by Truth Hurts, the Dr. Dre-produced "The Watcher Part 2" by Jay-Z, and Eminem's 8 Mile soundtrack. However, Rakim left the label in 2003 and Oh, My God was indefinitely shelved, a result of creative differences with Dre.[4] Rakim signed with DreamWorks Records shortly afterward, but the label closed its doors shortly after that.
Rakim also made cameos in the Juelz Santana video "Mic Check," the Timbaland & Magoo video "Cop that Disc," and the Busta Rhymes video "New York Shit." Eric B. and Rakim's classic album Paid In Full was named the greatest hip-hop album of all time by MTV. Rakim was engaged in a lawsuit with reggaeton performer R.K.M (formerly Rakim) over the use of the name "Rakim". Rakim won the rights to the name. Recently, Rakim was featured in an All-Pro Football 2K8 commercial. Rakim will be doing a collaboration album with KRS-One called The Greatest Featuring The God MC and Kris Parker.
The Seventh Seal, Rakim's long-awaited album, has had release dates several times but has never been released. [1]

[edit] Legacy
Rakim pioneered a practice previously unknown to hip-hop called internal rhyming. Prior to Rakim, hip-hop music lyricism was usually rather simple from a structural standpoint and the ideas it expressed were easy and direct. Instead of two rhyming syllables within two lines at the end of the lines, as we would find in the older hip-hop style displayed above, we have 18 rhyming syllables in just four lines. Rakim also introduced a lyrical technique known as cliffhanging and popularized the use of metaphors with multiple meanings. His songs were the first to really impart hip-hop music lyrics with a serious poetic device sensibility. [1]
Many hip-hop artists (both underground and mainstream) acknowledge a huge debt to Rakim's innovative style. He is given credit for popularizing the heavy use of internal rhymes in hip-hop—rhymes that are not necessary to the overall rhyme scheme of the verse, but occur between the endpoints of lines and stanzas, serving to increase the alliteration, assonance, and emphasis of the rhyme. He is also credited for the jazzy, heavily stylistic, seemingly effortless delivery of his lyrical content.[1]

[edit] Musical tributes
Tupac Shakur also pays homage to Rakim in a song called "Old School."
Raekwon of Wu-Tang Clan also dedicated a tribute to Rakim titled "Rakim Tribute," which was released on DaVinci Code: The Vatican Mixtape Vol. II in 2006.
50 Cent also makes a reference to Rakim on his hugely successful collaborative effort "Hate It or Love It" with The Game. Fifty rhymes, "Daddy ain't around, probably out committing felonies/my favorite rapper used to sing Ch-Check out my melody," referencing Eric B. & Rakim's classic hit ¨My Melody."
Saul Williams mentions Rakim in the song Twice The First Time, stating "not until you've listened to Rakim on a rocky mountain top have you heard hip hop" and also in the song Penny For A Thought where he says "Someone like Rakim said - 'I could quote any MC, but why should I? how would it benefit me?'"
Kurupt references Rakim on Snoop Dogg's debut album, Doggystyle. On "For All My Niggaz and Bitches," Kurupt says, "Who's jokin'? Rakim never joked, so why should I loc? now that's my idol...."
Ghostface Killah gave props to Rakim in the end of "Paisely Darts," by saying that he is better than every artist except for Rakim, referring to him as "the older god".
Eminem has also paid tribute to Rakim's style as an inspiration and references lines from My Melody in his song “I'm Back”.
Jay-Z paid tribute to Rakim in his 2007 hit “Blue Magic,” where he states: "Eighty-seven state of mind that I'm in/I'm in my prime so for that time I'm Rakim."
Killah Priest references Rakim in many of his songs. He states: "I remind you of Rakim but I'm not him".
British rapper Scroobius Pip mentions Rakim in his song "Fixed" from the album Angles, as an example of hiphop as art, in the lines "Take it back to the start/Like KRS and Rakim use passion and heart".
RZA Digi Snacks Last Track "who could master the rhythm to which rakim got"
Nas' Street Disciple album (Disc 2 Track 3) has a track titled U.B.R. (Unauthorized Biography of Rakim) where he tells a short version of Rakim's musical career and life.

[edit] Discography
Main article: Rakim discography
The 18th Letter/The Book Of Life (1997)
The Master (1999)
The Archive: Live, Lost & Found (2008)
The Seventh Seal (2008)

2008-12-05T20:20:00.000+07:00

Swizz Beatz

Kasseem Dean,[1] better known by his stage name Swizz Beatz, is an American record producer and rapper. He is the founder of the label Full Surface Records. His songs are usually very bouncy and energetic, though his early work was known to be quite minimalistic and arguably experimental—it reportedly takes him an average of only 10 to 15 minutes to complete a song. In most recent Swizz Beatz productions, (such as "Top Down") the quick uttered phrase "Swizzy" or "It's Showtime" is heard at the beginning and is accompanied by guest vocals from Swizz himself, although often uncredited.

Biography

[edit] Personal life

Swizz Beatz is half African American and half Puerto Rican and one eighth Indian. He lived in the Bronx, in New York City, where he first encountered the hip-hop world. His father was Muslim and his mother was a Christian. He relocated to Atlanta as a teenager due to having too many fights at Harry S. Truman High School, there he started to DJ parties. When his relatives became involved with the Ruff Ryders label, he began to produce tracks at the tender age of 16. Forgoing the practice of using samples, he used real instruments whenever possible and tried to accentuate the performance aspect of his music. The next five years would find him landing hit after hit and becoming more in demand with each production. In 2004, he married R&B singer Mashonda. A son, Kasseem Jr., was born in January 2007. In April 2008, the couple separated after four years of marriage. Rumors have since surfaced online suggesting Alicia Keys was involved in the break-up[2], but Swizz dismissed the rumors saying that that is far from the truth. [3]

[edit] Career

With his uncles (Chivon, Dee, and Waah Dean) involved with the Ruff Ryders label, he began to produce tracks at the age of 16. He sold his first beat at 17 which became DMX's hit single Ruff Ryders Anthem. He started working with Ruff Ryders, Roc-A-Fella Records, Elektra Records, Epic Records, Def Jam Recordings, and Bad Boy Entertainment and his career blew up from there. But it wasn't until his first solo album, 2002's Presents G.H.E.T.T.O. Stories, that he started to get notices for his production style and interesting ideas. He released two singles "Guilty" and "Bigger Business" and both had music videos.[4]
Swizz Beatz has his own record label called Full Surface which was helped developed by Cassidy and is currently working on albums by Cassidy, Jay-Z, 2 Much, 50 Cent, Drag-On, Papoose, Busta Rhymes, Ruff Ryders, Michael Jackson, Eve, T.I., Bow Wow, Eminem and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. He is also set to be recording the new album for his close friend DMX which is confirmed to be titled Walk with Me Now and You'll Fly with Me Later. It was also confirmed he will be working with Jennifer Lopez for the first time on her new album.[5]
Swizz Beatz released his first proper solo album titled "One Man Band Man" on August 21, 2007, selling a disappointing 45,000 records in its first week of release including songs such as It's Me Snitches, Money In The Bank.

On October 19, 2007, as an extension to his first solo project, Swizz Beatz launched a contest called Music Video 2.0 and The Source Magazine Presents "Share the Studio." The contest and allows unsigned/indie music artists the opportunity to compete on the Music Video 2.0 website for the chance to open for Swizz Beatz at a NYC event.
Swizz Beatz also did an interview with MTV about his next album stating he just leaked a record called "Hard Knocks" with Drag-On. It's the first offering from Beatz's upcoming follow-up to One Man Band Man.[6]
“
Everybody is expecting 'It's Me Bitches' or 'Money in the Bank', I just want to use my opportunity to get a little more serious in the artist department, as a performer and lyricist. Not giving a f--- about radio and all that. I just want to give hip-hop something that's not on the radio. A lot of the songs I got can blend in on the radio, but 'School of Hard Knocks' don't blend in with nothing on the radio. I'm already in full mode. What they want me to do? Let's get it. I'm busting shots early — bong, bong!
The title is between Life After the Party and Remember Hip-Hop," he continued. "I'm in between them. I don't even have a date on my joint. I'm just feeling out the scene.
”

[edit] Discography
Main articles: Swizz Beatz discography and Swizz Beatz production discography
Presents G.H.E.T.T.O. Stories (2002)
One Man Band Man (2007)

2008-12-04T19:49:00.000+07:00

Papoose (rapper)

Shamele Mackie, better known by his stage name Papoose (IPA: /pæˈpuːs/), is an African-American rapper.[1]

Biography

Born in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, New York. Papoose made his first attempts at rapping at the age of three. He was given his name by his grandma because of his childhood resemblance to a Native American child. Inspired by Big Daddy Kane, Notorious B.I.G., and Big L [2] he made his first recorded appearance in 1998 on Kool G Rap's Roots of Evil album.[1] The following year, he released his first single, "Thug Connection"/"Alphabetical Slaughter".[3]
After an early record deal failed, he decided to produce and sell his own mixtapes,[1] one of which he presented to DJ Kay Slay outside the offices of New York's Hot 97 after the latter's radio show there.[4] This led to Kay Slay inviting Papoose onto the air, and, impressed by his rendition of "Alphabetical Slaughter", signing him to his Streetsweepers Entertainment label. He continued to release mixtapes at a prolific rate – over a dozen between 2004 and 2006[1] – and won the Justo Mixtape Award for Best Underground Artist in 2005.[3] As of 2008, he had put out his twentieth, Build or Destroy.[citation needed]

On August 24, 2006, his official website announced that he had signed with Jive Records in a deal worth $1.5 million.[1] An album to be called The Nacirema Dream ("American" spelled backwards) was planned.[5] However, in September 2007, Kay Slay revealed that he and Papoose had left Jive, commenting that they had "almost [become] victims of A&R hell."[6]
In 2008, Papoose issued a statement saying that he and fellow rapper Remy Ma were to be married on a Yacht or Luxury yacht, but due to Ma's impending jail sentence of potentially up to 15-25 years, that the couple had changed their plans and intend to marry in prison instead.[7] Papoose planned to wed his fiance while in prison, but the wedding was called off after he attempted to smuggle a handcuffs key into prison on their wedding day in May 2008. After the incident, Papoose was barred from visiting Ma for six months.[8]

[edit] Music

One of his most notable songs is one where Papoose raps using all the letters of the alphabet in the form of alliteration entitled "Alphabetical Slaughter".
More recently he made a song called "Change Gon’ Come (50 Shots)", that talks about the Sean Bell shooting, in which an unarmed man was shot at fifty times by New York police.[9] The song concludes with a sample of fifty gunshots.
He has made appearances on songs by Nas, AZ, Common, Talib Kweli, Kool G Rap, Ghostface Killah, Busta Rhymes, Tupac Shakur (on the posthumous album Pac's Life), Chamillionaire, Hell Rell, Jadakiss, Cam'ron and Jim Jones.

[edit] Discography

[edit] Mixtapes
Art & War
Street Knowledge
The Beast from the East
Election Day
A Moment of Silence
Underground King
Sharades
Mixtape Murder
A Bootlegger's Nightmare
Bedstuy Do or Die (with Memphis Bleek)
Unfinished Business
Menace to Society Part 2
A Threat and a Promise
The Boyz in the Hood
The 1.5 Million Dollar Man
Second Place Is The First Loser
The Fourth Quarter Assassin
Internationally Known
Already a Legend
Build or Destroy

[edit] Guest appearances
Year
Song
Chart positions
Album
U.S. Hot 100
U.S. R&B
U.S. Rap
1998
"Home Sweet Funeral Home" (Kool G Rap feat. Papoose and Jinx)
–
–
–
Roots of Evil
2006
"Touch It (remix)" (Busta Rhymes feat. Mary J. Blige, Rah Digga, Missy Elliott, Lloyd Banks, Papoose & DMX)
12
3
2
The Big Bang
"Ridin' (remix)" (Chamillionaire feat. Papoose & Jae Millz)
–
–
–
The Sound of Revenge
"My Jealousy" (Cam'ron feat. Papoose, Slim Thug, All Star, Tef)
–
–
–
Single
"New Friend Request (remix)" (Gym Class Heroes feat. Papoose)
–
–
–
New Friend Request (single)
"Crowded" (Jeannie Ortega feat. Papoose)(Produced by Stargate)
93
24
–
No Place Like Brooklyn
"Where You At?" (Joe feat. Papoose)
29
12
–
Ain't Nothin' Like Me
"What's Happenin (remix)" (Juvenile feat. Papoose and Jae Millz)
–
–
–
Reality Check
"Dumpin" (2pac feat. Hussein Fatal, Papoose & Carl Thomas)
–
–
–
Pac's Life
2007
"Everything" (Addictiv feat. Papoose)
–
–
–
Everything (single)
"Special" (Jennifer Hudson feat. Papoose)
–
–
–
New
2008
"Comprehend" (Pete Rock feat. Papoose)
–
–
–
NY's Finest

[edit] Filmography
Righteous Kill (playing cameo of a rapper)

2008-12-03T23:51:00.000+07:00

Busta Rhymes

Trevor George Smith, Jr., (born May 20, 1972) better known as Busta Rhymes, is an American actor and musician of Jamaican descent. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the name Busta Rhymes (from former NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes) after watching him perform. Busta Rhymes was a member of Leaders of the New School and released two albums with the group before breaking out with a 1996 solo hit single, "Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check".

Biography

Early years

Trevor Smith was born in East Flatbush, Brooklyn to Jamaican parents Geraldine Green and Trevor Smith, Sr.^[1]^[2]^[3] When he was 12 his family moved to Uniondale, New York, a suburb in Nassau County, where he was raised and eventually met up with other artists from the growing area hip hop community. He graduated from Uniondale High School in 1991.^[4]

Smith's musical career began at the age of 17 as a member of the hip hop crew Leaders of the New School along with fellow Long Island natives Charlie Brown, Dinco D, and Cut Monitor Milo. They began recording in 1989 and released their debut album A Future Without a Past in 1991 on Elektra Records. In 1993, they released T.I.M.E. (The Inner Mind's Eye). Soon after, however, internal problems arose within the group, and the group broke up on the set of Yo! MTV Raps. Rumors persisted that Smith clashed with Charlie Brown over creative control of the group's direction.^{[citation needed]}

Soon after their debut, The Leaders of The New School became associated with the Native Tongues Posse, which led to the group's collaboration with A Tribe Called Quest on the single "Scenario." Smith's live performance of "Scenario" with A Tribe Called Quest on The Arsenio Hall Show led to a solo contract with Elektra after an A&R representative saw the program. The Leaders of the New School released their second and final album The Inner Mind's Eye (T.I.M.E.) in 1993, after which Smith began his solo career. In 1993 he had a son named T'ziah from his former girlfriend Joanne.^{[citation needed]}

Elektra years (1996-2000)

Trevor Smith's debut solo album, The Coming, was released by Elektra Records in 1996. The album was a mix of reggae and hip hop, and it included the United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK) top 10 single "Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check." It was Busta's first release on his label, Flipmode Records. The album was met with commercial and critical success and ended up going Platinum.^[5]

His follow-up, When Disaster Strikes was successful in the US and sold well overseas. The album produced two hugely popular singles and videos in America, "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See" and "Dangerous". The third single "Turn It Up/Fire It Up" reached as high as number 2 on the UK singles chart and number 10 in the U.S. The next year he released The Imperial Album as part of the Flipmode Squad, a collaborative project with rappers Rampage, Lord Have Mercy, Spliff Star, Rah Digga, and Baby Sham. It, like its predecessor, sold very well and went gold.^[5]

In 1998, Smith recorded Extinction Level Event (Final World Front), the theme of which was an assertion that the world would end in the year 2000. Its single, "Gimme Some More" – which sampled Bernard Herrmann's theme from Psycho – reached number 5 in the UK singles chart in January 1999. Smith enjoyed further transatlantic success in April when the single "What's It Gonna Be?!", featuring Janet Jackson, reached the US and UK Top 10. The album also received notice for featuring the fastest rapping Busta has yet done, on a song called "Iz They Wildin wit Us & Gettin' Rowdy wit Us?", featuring a guest appearance by Mystikal.^[5]

In 2000, after working on several movie projects, including Full Clip, with Xzibit, the remake of Shaft, Busta Rhymes released his final album for Elektra, Anarchy. In between album releases, Smith had a falling out with longtime label, Elektra Records. He rushed the album into stores and it had a thrown-together sound. Despite this, the album did moderately well, but did not sell on the level of his previous releases, due to his rush to get the album out there to end his contract with Elektra.

J/Arista/BMG (2000-2004)

After leaving Elektra, Smith signed to J Records, a new label started by recently ousted Arista Records chief and founder Clive Davis. In 2001 he released a greatest hits record alongside a new album of original work.

Continuing the Biblical theme of his previous albums, he titled his record Genesis. The album featured collaborations with Mary J. Blige, P. Diddy, Kelis, and others. Genesis was powered by the hit single with Kelis, "What It Is," and his solo hit single released in November 2001, "Break Ya Neck." The final single was the summer smash "Pass The Courvoisier Part 2," which featured Pharrell and P. Diddy. Despite the two powerful singles, this album did not sell as well as his previous releases.

In 2002, Smith released his sixth studio album It Ain't Safe No More. The album was moderately successful, with a hit song featuring Mariah Carey and the Flipmode Squad called "I Know What You Want." Another hit song was "Make It Clap", featuring Spliff Starr. The remix of "Make It Clap" featured Sean Paul. After its release, he left J Records. In 2004, he signed with Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment.

Aftermath/Interscope (2004-2008)

Busta Rhymes performing in 2006.

In November 2005, Smith cut off his trademark dreadlocks during a photo shoot in a New York barbershop owned by producer Cory Rooney. The shop is featured on an MTV show titled The Shop. "I started growing [my hair] in December '89. I was 17," he said. "I signed my [record] deal and said I ain't combing my hair no more. I don't have to." He says the haircut was symbolic of a change in his music and the new record deal.

His seventh studio album, The Big Bang, became the first #1 album of his career. The CD sold over 209,000 copies in its first week to earn the top spot on The Billboard Top 200.^[6] The album also became his highest charting album in the UK, peaking at #19 there. Some of the album was leaked on the Internet, and as a result several songs were left off the album and new ones added. The Big Bang featured more production by Dr. Dre than Smith's previous releases, as well as appearances by Raekwon and Nas. The singles that have been released from the album are, "Touch It," "I Love My Chick," featuring Kelis and Will.I.Am, "New York Sh*t," and "In The Ghetto." Smith also had a stint opening for Mariah Carey's The Adventures of Mimi Tour. Also, Smith performed with Eminem on "Touch It Remix Part 5". Others such as Jae Millz and Ne-Yo appeared as well.

Busta Rhymes was added to Projekt Revolution 2008, He joined Linkin Park, Chris Cornell, The Bravery, and Ashes Divide on the main stage. On the Revolution stage was Atreyu, 10 years, Hawthorne Heights, Armor For Sleep, and Street Drum Corps. He had to leave the tour on account of contract reasons "beyond control."

On July 17, 2008, Busta Rhymes got dropped from Interscope/Aftermath. It was reported that Busta Rhymes was dropped from Interscope due to a heated argument with Jimmy Iovine. He later confirmed that the album would be released in late September on Aftermath. www.Aftermathmusic.com contacted the general manager of Aftermath, who issued the response “Yes, it’s true. He got dropped.”^[7] It was later revealed that following his alleged acrimonious departure from the Interscope/Aftermath label he signed a new deal with Universal Motown, who will release his 8th studio album B.O.M.B. on March 10, 2009.^[8]

Legal issues

On August 20, 2006, he was arraigned for charges of third-degree assault after attacking a man who reportedly spat on his car in New York City on August 12 after the AmsterJam Music Festival on Randalls Island.^[9]

On October 24, 2006, he appeared at Manhattan Criminal Court as the district attorney's office attempted to amend previous charges against him to include weapons possession for a machete found in his car. The judge, ShawnDya Simpson, refused to add the charge and adjourned the case.^[10]^[11]

On February 20, 2007, Smith refused a plea deal offered by the prosecutors office for the assault of his former driver, Edward Hatchett. The deal would have entailed six months in jail and pleading guilty to two assaults, the attack on Hatchett, and the attack on the former fan. The dispute with Hatchett is believed to have been originated over back pay Hatchett felt he was owed. Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Becki Rowe offered Smith another option, pleading guilty to third-degree assault. The conditions of the proposed sentence would include five days of community service, two weeks of youth lectures and six months of anger management classes, as well as three years of probation. On March 18, 2008 a judge in New York City sentenced Smith to 3 years' probation, 10 days' community service, $1250 in fines (plus court costs), and to enroll in a drunken driving program.^[11]^[12]^[13]^[14]

2008-12-02T17:58:00.000+07:00

Kool & the Gang

Kool & the Gang are a highly successful American jazz/R&B/soul/funk/disco group. They originally formed in Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. in 1964. They went through several musical phases in their career, starting out with a purist jazz sound, becoming practitioners of R&B and funk, progressing to a smooth disco ensemble, and ended the successful period of their career producing pop/R&B crossovers. They have sold over 70 million albums worldwide.

History

The group's main members over the years included brothers Robert Bell (known as "Kool") on bass (born October 8, 1950, Youngstown, Ohio) and Ronald Bell on tenor saxophone (born November 1, 1951, Youngstown, Ohio); George Brown on drums (born January 5, 1949); Robert Mickens on trumpet; Dennis Thomas on alto saxophone; Claydes Charles Smith on guitar (born September 6, 1948; died June 20, 2006), and Rick Westfield on keyboards. The Bell brothers' father was an acquaintance of Thelonious Monk and the brothers were friends with Leon Thomas.

Kool & The Gang in concert at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California, June 3, 2006.
In 1964 Robert formed an instrumental band called the Jazziacs with five high school friends. They changed their name to Kool & the Gang and were signed by Gene Redd to his then new De-Lite Records in 1969.[3] They first hit the pop charts with the release of their debut eponymous album.

Though none of the three singles from the album went far on the pop charts, their R&B success was swift and massive. Several live and studio albums followed, with 1973's Wild and Peaceful breaking into the mainstream with "Jungle Boogie" and "Hollywood Swinging". Many reviews see the Gang's 1974 album Light of Worlds and 1975 album Spirit of the Boogie as the greatest achievements of the band, with the 1975 single "Summer Madness" gaining much attention. However, after the release of those albums the band abandoned deep funk-music and switched to disco. Generally, the albums released after 1975 have not received the same critical recognition as their early work.

The late 1970s saw a lull in Kool & the Gang's career that ended — after new lead singer James "J.T." Taylor joined the group — with 1979's Ladies' Night, the title track from which spawned a 25-year-long tradition of ladies' nights in New Jersey dance clubs and bars. Their only #1 hit was 1980s "Celebration", off Celebrate!, produced by Eumir Deodato. More international hits followed in the early 1980s, including "Big Fun", "Get Down on It" and "Joanna". Their 1984 album Emergency yielded four top 20 hits, including "Fresh" and "Cherish." Their chart presence stopped abruptly after the Forever album, when both Taylor and Ronald Bell (who started using the name Khalis Bayyan) left the group; both would eventually return, but the hits would not.

Kool and the Gang rose to some popularity again in 1994 after "Jungle Boogie" was featured on the soundtrack of Quentin Tarantino's well known cult classic Pulp Fiction. The band released the album "Still Kool" in 2007.

"Hollywood Swinging" was performed by Jon Arons in his dance/trombone number on "Steve Harvey's Big Time" thus earning him the title, "The Trombone Guy."
"Hollywood Swinging" was also sampled by DJ Kool in his song "Let Me Clear My Throat".
Kool & the Gang's "Summer Madness" off their 1974 album Light of Worlds has been sampled numerous times. Most notably, it was used by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince for their version of "Summertime" as well as being featured in the 1976 smash hit Rocky. More recently, Also, Live at PJ's' track "N.T" has been sampled extensively, by artists such as Boogie Down Productions, Brand Nubian, De La Soul, N.W.A and Kriss Kross.

2007-07-29T01:42:00.000+07:00

Tia AFI

NAMA Saya Theodora Meilani Setiawati, namun akrab dikenal dengan nama Tia AFI, dilahirkan di sebuah kota yang tenang. Tepatnya di Kota Solo Jawa Tengah, tanggal 7 Mei 1982 dari pasangan orang tua yang berbahagia. Ayahku bernama Bambang Sutopo (46), sedangkan ibuku tercinta bernama Rini Sudarwati (42). Kota ini tidak jauh dari Kota Yogyakarta, bila naik mobil bisa ditempuh selama satu jam setengah. Ayahku seorang penganut agama Nasrani yang sangat taat, demikian pula ibuku. Sehingga, ketika aku dilahirkan 22 tahun yang silam, sudah barang tentu saya hidup mengikuti agama keyakinan ayah dan ibuku. Bahkan sesekali dalam napasku terbiasa dengan kalimat-kalimat yang mengagungkan Tuhan. Bahkan ada yang berkumandang di sekelilingku dengan memperdengarkan lagu-lagu puja-puji terhadap Tuhan.
Sebagai anak pertama dalam keluarga, konon ekonomi keluargaku belumlah terlalu mapan. Keadaan saat itu memang serbasulit, tetapi ayah dan ibu tidak putus asa. Saat dilahirkan, ibuku tidak bisa langsung membawa pulang sang bayi yang montok dan cantik, karena tidak cukup untuk menebus biaya melahirkan di rumah sakit.Tetapi ayahku tidak kalah semangat, ia lalu meminjam uang secukupnya pada seniman kawakan Srimulat, Bu Jujuk. Atas jasa beliaulah kemudian bayi yang diberi nama lengkap Theodora Meilani Setiawati itu, bisa meninggalkan rumah sakit.Memasuki sekolah SD hingga SMP saya tumbuh sebagaimana anak kebanyakan. Ayahku yang beda keyakinan dengan ibuku meski sama-sama Nasrani, melewati hari-harinya dengan tetap saling menghormati satu sama lain. Ibu rajin ke gereja, ayahku pun demikian. Mau tidak mau, saya pun sering diajak oleh ayah atau ibu ke gereja. Di sisi lain saya tentu tumbuh di lingkungan yang kedua orang tuaku berharap kelak, dapat menjadi anak yang berguna bagi agama yang dianut oleh keluargaku. Tetapi harapan tidak berarti sebuah anjuran. Karena ternyata di dalam keluargaku, diberi kebebasan dalam memilih cita-cita di kemudian hari. Juga bebas meyakini agama yang dianut masing-masing asal bisa bertanggung jawab dengan agama yang diyakini tersebut. Sifat demokrasi yang tumbuh dalam keluargaku inilah, mempermudah langkahku dalam pencarian keyakinan yang mendektai kebenaran yang hakiki. Semua agama memang sama. Agama adalah persoalan keyakinan, yang dipercaya mampu membawa kemaslahatan. Membawa kita kearah kebaikan. Sebuah pedoman agar kita tidak tersesat. Dan persoalan ketenangan batin. Tetapi begitulah yang namanya hidayah jika sudah atas kehendak-Nya, insya Allah dijalani dengan sebaik-baiknya oleh umat yang menjalaninya. Setelah saya memeluk agama Islam, saya tidak ingin mengganti namaku, karena akan berefek pada semua identitasku yang formal seperti keterangan di rapor sekolahku. Biarlah namaku seperti yang sekarang. Toh tidak memberatkan. Suatu hari di bulan Ramadan beberapa tahun silam, ketika itu saya masih duduk di bangku SMA kelas satu. Tiba-tiba saja hatiku berdegup kencang karena kekaguman yang sangat luar biasa. Ketika senja mulai turun, saat bedug magrib bertalu dan suara azan berkumandang, berbondong-bondong orang-orang bersatu untuk berbuka puasa dan shalat Maghrib. Lalu bersama-sama pula berangkat ke masjid untuk shalat Isya dan Tarawih. Alangkah indahnya kebersamaan itu, sambil mengenakan mukena warna putih. Pikirku alangkah sucinya saat menghadap Tuhan. Lingkungan sekolahku pun ikut mendukung, teman-temanku hampir semua beragama Islam, tiba-tiba saya iri ingin menikmati kebersaman itu, yang sebelumnya tidak saya temui di agama keyakinan terdahulu. Saya ingin merasakan bagaimana puasa, bagaimana mendirikan shalat Tarawih bersama-sama. Pertama-tama saya minta dituntun teman, tetapi lama-kelamaan saya memperoleh kekuatan untuk bicara pada kedua orang tuaku. Sampai suatu hari saya sampaikan niat untuk memeluk agama Islam. Kaget juga saat niat baik itu disampaikan, terutama saya melihat reaksi ibu dan ayah. Lama mereka terdiam. Kami tanpa kata-kata. Akhirnya ibu berkata tulus, kalau kamu sudah yakin dengan pilihanmu, jangan sampai mempermainkan agama. Dan asalkan kamu menjalankannya dengan segala tanggung jawab silakan saja. Saya tahu ibu berat melepas anaknya untuk berseberangan keyakinan dengan dirinya. Mungkin ibu menyadari, di antara mereka (ayah dan ibu) saja sudah berseberangan, tetapi bisa hidup rukun. Saya seperti memperoleh setetes air dipadang pasir yang gersang. Air itu saya teguk dengan lahap, dan berdesis Allahu Akbar tanpa sadar saya bersujud, karena kedua orang tuaku ternyata merestui akan pilihan keyakinanku. Sebelumnya memang sudah saya bayangkan tidak akan sulit saya peroleh, karena kehidupan beragama dalam keluargaku sudah tampak berwarna sejak sebelum saya dilahirkan ke bumi. Maka begitu saya memperoleh izin dan tanpa ada intervensi dari pihak luar, sejak itulah saya mengucapkan dua kalimat syahadat yang dibimbing oleh seorang pemuka agama di Solo. Sejak itulah saya terus belajar sendiri dan banyak bertanya pada teman-teman sepergaulanku. Ketika saya putuskan untuk memeluk agama Islam, saya tidak dalam posisi dipengaruhi oleh siapa pun, dan tidak juga oleh pacar yang kebetulan sekarang ini sama-sama beragama Islam. Karena waktu itu saya belum bertemu Mas Endy (30). Oleh sebab itu agama dalam keluargaku sekarang ini semakin berwarna. Tetapi tetap rukun dalam tiga agama yang dianut, ada Islam, ada Katolik, dan Protestan. Sekarang dalam perjalanan keislaman saya yang masih banyak kekurangannya, tidak henti-hentinya saya selalu memohon bimbingan-Nya agar saya senantiasa diberi kekuatan untuk menjalankan agamaku dengan sepenuh hati. Puasa yang kini saya jalani di Jakarta, memang nikmat, tetapi lebih nikmat saya menjalankan puasa itu di rumah sendiri di Solo. Kalau di Solo, ibu selalu ikut bangun memasak dan membangunkan untuk sahur, padahal ibu agamanya tidak sama dengan saya. Saya terkadang rindu masakan ibu, saat-saat puasa seperti sekarang ini. Di sini di Jakarta, saya masak seadanya, banyaknya beli jadi. Dan kebanyakan pula disediakan di Indosiar untuk mengisi acara "Pondok AFI" saat sahur menjelang. Saya hanya selalu berusaha agar puasa yang saya lakukan tiap tahun meningkat kadar kualitas menjalankannya. Dan berharap dosa-dosa yang pernah diperbuat dapat diampuni Allah SWT. Amin. (Ratna DJuwita/"PR")[pikiran-rakyat.com]

2007-07-29T00:09:00.000+07:00

Davina Veronica Hariadi

Setelah Dian Sastro mengumumkan menjadi Mualaf. Diam-diam model cantik Davina juga sudah menekuninya sejak tahun 2003. Bahkah dikabarkan sudah sering mengikuti berbagai kegiatan yang bernafaskan Islami. Beberapa sumber juga mengatakan, Davina lebih khusyu menjalaninya seperti pemeluk lainnya. Tapi dikabarkan karena menjadi Mualaf Davina diprotes habis-habisan oleh keluarga besarnya.Gosip tersebut dikabarkan oleh beberapa kawan dekatnya Davina. Saat dikonfirmasikan langsung kepada model ini, Davina mengiyakan dan mengatakan memang sudah sejak tahun kemarin dirinya menjadi Mualaf. Saat didesak kenapa, Davina menjawabnya dengan sangat hati-hati. Katanya, semua itu adalah urusan dirinya dengan Tuhan. Walaupun ada yang memprotesnya. "Saya memang sudah masuk agama Islam sudah dari tahun kemarin. Tapi maaf, soal kenapa saya jadi Mualaf, saya tidak mau berkomentar karena semua itu adalah urusan saya dengan Tuhan yang diatas," papar dara kelahiran Jakarta, 20 Oktober 1978 ini.Ketika didesak soal bagaimana sampai mau menjadi Mualaf dan soal protes tanggapan keluarga besarnya. Model yang membintangi film layar lebar berjudul Sang Pialang ini mengungkapkan, sejauh pihak keluarga tidak bermasalah dan masih baik-baik saja. Bahkan tidak ada yang memprotesnya. Pasalnya, keluarga Davina adalah keluarga besar yang semuanya pemeluk agama lain yang taat."Keluarga saya tidak ada masalah kalau saya masuk ke agama lain. Soalnya keluarga saya moderat dan membebaskan anak-anaknya memilih kepercayaan sendiri saat menanjak remaja. Tapi kedua ortu saya mengharuskan kalau soal ini jangan terlalu di ekspos besar-besaran karena soal ini bukan masalah karir. Tidak ada tuh protes apapun dari keluarga saya," tuturnya menjelaskan, ditemui Rileks.com diacara peluncuran butik di Dharmawangsa Square, Jakarta, Sabtu, (07/01/2004).Model yang pernah menang Cover Girl majalah Mode, Juara III dan Juara Favorit ini juga mengungkapkan, saat di Roma Italia dirinya merasakan ada petunjuk dari Tuhan untuk menjadi Mualaf. Tapi mengelak soal menjadi Mualaf karena pacarnya. "Semuanya terjadi saat saya berada diluar negri. Saya tidak terpaksa dan juga tidak karena beberapa hal tapi memang dari hati saya pribadi menjadi Mualaf," ucapnya pamitan. [musa/foto:istimewa]MESKI waktu untuk menekuni Agama Islam selalu kalah dengan waktu dunia keartisannya, namun model cantik Davina mengaku selalu ingin menyempatkan diri belajar, meski harus dengan mencuri-curi waktu luangnya. Katanya, rencana untuk mendalami Agama dan belajar Al-Qur'an sebenarnya sudah lama, namun karena selalu mendapatkan pekerjaan sebagai model yang memakan waktu, untuk konsentrasi belajar selalu gagal.Davina adalah mu'alaf yang baru memeluk Agama Islam dua tahun lalu."Beberapa waktu lalu aku sempet memikirkan belajar intensif dengan seorang ustad. Namun karena aku selalu dapat job yang selalu memakan waktu luangku, rencana itu selalu gagal. Aku maunya, jika belajar harus konsentrasi tanpa ada pekerjaan lain. Mungkin ini cobaan kali ya?" paparnya saat ditemui di acara syukuran film yang dibintangi oleh Davina, beberapa waktu lalu di Cipete, Jakarta.Selain itu, pemilik nama lengkap Davina Veronica Hariadi mengaku sudah merasakan hidup menjadi bermakna akan kebesaran Tuhan Allah SWT. Apalagi jika selalu mengingat kejadian tragis yang pernah dialaminya. Bahkan karena kejadian itu, Davina ingin selalu pasrah kepada Tuhan. "Aku kan pernah kecelakaan mobil saat berada di Kalimantan. Padahal saat kecelakan mobil yang merenggut 3 nyawa termasuk sopir, aku sedangn tidur. Bangun-bangun aku sudah luka parah dan terbaring di rumah sakit," tuturnya.Hal itulah membuat bintang film layar lebar berjudul Luvely Luna ini semakin tahu akan kebesaran Tuhan. Katanya, walau manusia inginnya berkehendak lain, namun Tuhan punya rencana lain. Seperti apa yang telah dia alami. "Kalau aku ingat kejadian kecelakaan yang menurut aku sangat tragis itu, aku jadi berpikir, manusia tidak akan pernah tahu apa yang akan terjadi, buruk atau baik. Kalau aku mengingat hal itu, aku sepertinya mendapatkan anugerah dan merasa hidup kembali untuk yang kedua. Saat puasa ini aku jadi semakin tahu akan kebesaran Tuhan. Mungkin agar aku hidup bisa lebih baik lagi," terang cewek dengan berat berat 50 kg dan tinggi 173 cm ini. (Dari berbagai sumber)BIODATANama Lengkap : Davina Veronica HariadiPanggilan : DavinaTempat/Tgl lahir : Jakarta, 20 Oktober 1978Pekerjaan : ModelTinggi : 173 cmMusik : R&B dan JazzMotto : Life wasn't meant to be easy.Suku : Jawa-MenadoPendidikan : Universitas Pelita Harapan jurusan Public RelationPrestasi : Juara Cover Girl Mode 1996Iklan TV/Print Ad* :Shampo EmeronOBH Combi PlusMotor Dast

2007-07-26T20:55:00.000+07:00

Lidya Pratiwi

Dibalik kasus yang menimpa Lidya Pratiwi, ternyata menyisakan banyak lagi kisah. Kini, model yang pernah membintangi sinetron dan iklan ini mengikrarkan diri menjadi seorang mu'allaf. Apakah ini salah satu 'strategi'-nya, setelah dirinya tersangkut kasus pembunuhan seorang model?
"Aku sudah satu tahun masuk Islam, tapi baru kali ini orang tahu kalo aku Islam," akunya.
Lidya menambahkan, ia menjadi mu'allaf bukan gara-gara kasus pembunuhan yang menghimpitnya, tetapi karena kesadarannya sendiri, setelah menyadari kebenaran ajarannya. Bahkan, kini ia menyatakan siap untuk berjuang menegakkan keadilan.
"Aku yakin aku nggak bersalah, makanya aku ingin menyampaikan semuanya di pengadilan," akunya.
Ia berharap, kasus pembunuhan yang menyeret namanya itu akan tuntas secara hukum. "Aku masih yakin ada keadilan dan Allah akan menolongku," terangnya.
Ditambahkan LidyaL, saat ia masuk Islam, ia mengaku mendapat firasat baik yakni bermimpi Ba'itullah. Dimana kala itu, Lidya belum mengenal agama Islam.
Tatkala ditanyakan tentang arti mimpi tersebut, Lidya baru yakin dan tahu bahwa Ba'itullah adalah rumah Allah bagi umat Islam. "Aku bermimpi ka'bah sampai tiga kali, makanya saya yakin Islam adalah agama yang benar," katanya.

2007-07-19T19:56:00.000+07:00

Eve

Eve Jihan Jeffers (born November 10, 1978 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), better known as Eve or E-V-E, is a Grammy-award winning American rapper, singer, and actress. She adopted the name Gangsta in high school as part of an all-female group called EDGP (pronounced Egypt), and eventually went solo as Eve of Destruction.

Career

Eve is an actress and rapper who has sold millions of albums during her musical career. Eve's first three albums have so far already reached over 4.8 Million copies sold in the U. S. alone. She has been awarded 1 Grammy Award over the years. In 2003 Eve became the star of her own TV show, Eve, which lasted for 3 seasons. Eve has also achieved success in fashion as she started a clothing line titled "Fetish."

Music

Let There Be Eve...Ruff Ryders' First Lady
Eve's first musical interest was singing. During her early years, she sang in many choirs and even made an all-female singing group (Dope Girl Posse or D.G.P.) with a manager. This group covered songs from En Vogue and Color Me Badd. After the group's manager saw the rap group ABC, they suggested that the group raps and Eve stuck with it. She then went on to form a rapping group. After a period of working as a stripper, Eve returned to hip-hop at the encouragement of rap superstar Ma$e; she recorded "Eve of Destruction", which appeared on the soundtrack to Bulworth in 1998 (see 1998 in music). Her label, Aftermath Records, found itself in financial trouble and Eve was soon without a record contract. She had, however, befriended DMX and appeared on a remix of his hit single "Ruff Ryders Anthem" from his multi platinum selling debut album, It's Dark and Hell is Hot, along with other Ruff Ryders' compilations. Her next single, "What Ya Want", featuring Nokio of Dru Hill, didn't do so well on the charts, so she collaborated with The Roots, Blackstreet and Janet Jackson, which further expanded her fan base. Her 1999 debut, Let There Be Eve...Ruff Ryders' First Lady, was an unprecedented success, becoming the second hip-hop album by a woman to enter the Billboard 200 at #1 (the first was by Brooklyn rapper, Foxy Brown).

Scorpion

The follow-up, Scorpion, was released in 2001. Its first single, "Who's That Girl" guaranteed the rapper first international success. The second single, "Let Me Blow Ya Mind" (with Gwen Stefani of No Doubt) and produced by hip-hop genius Dr. Dre, became a pop success, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, and Scorpion eventually went platinum.
One of the record's strengths, cited in several reviews, was Eve's exploration of her singing voice in addition to her rapping skills. "I was a singer before I started rapping," Eve said in a Ruff Ryders press release, "so on this album I wanted my audience to hear more of my vocal skills." [1]

Eve-Olution

Eve's third album, Eve-Olution, was released in summer 2002 (see 2002 in music) and peaked at #6 on Billboard. In the meantime, the album's first single, "Gangsta Lovin'", with Alicia Keys, became another #2 hit. The second and final single, "Satisfaction", only saw moderate success again. Eve-Olution was a flop and became Eve's worst selling album to date. Afterwards, Eve closed out 2003 by signing to UPN for a television show about a fashion designer titled, Eve, and a feature on Mary J. Blige's single, "Not Today".
In 2005, the rapper appeared on Gwen Stefani's top ten hit "Rich Girl", which peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March. The same year, she appeared on the remix of Amerie's #8 US Hot 100/#1 US R&B single from the Hitch Soundtrack, "1 Thing".

Here I Am

Currently, Eve is working on her fourth solo album Here I Am. Those rumored to be involved with the album are Timbaland, The Neptunes, Swizz Beatz and Scott Storch. Slated to make guest appearances are Adam Levine, Shakira, and possibly Gwen Stefani.[2]
In 2007 she appeared on Kelly Rowland's single "Like This", while Punk Cabaret band, One On None, covered Eve's song "Love Is Blind".
In April 2007, Eve released her first single "Tambourine" from her new album Here I Am, which comes out September 18, 2007. The second single has been announced as Give It To You" featuring Sean Paul. This song is reggae-influenced breezy mid-tempo song. [3] Eve has stated that the third single may be a song called "All Night Long". This song is an 80s-pop influenced song that Eve sings rather than raps. [4]
"All Night Long" was produced by Pharrell and finds Eve singing, something the rapper had previously been reluctant to undertake despite persuasion from her label.
"[Pharrell] made me sing a whole song. I finally got up the nerve [but] I feel like I was bullied into it," she jokes. "But it's one of my favorite songs on the album. I was really stressed about it but it was fun to do. I consider myself somebody who can maybe hold a note on a good day. I sang hooks before, which is super easy, but I had to get out of my comfort zones."
Reggae artist Sizzla is also featured on a song and Eve is currently lining up another reggae cameo. "I listen to reggae all the time. It's always been my favorite music because of the melodies," she says. "I also listen to a lot of Brazilian music [and] a little bit of rock, so I wanted to bring all those elements, along with hip-hop." [5]
According to Eve's official site and the geffen label site, the album release date has been pushed to September 11.
ALL ABOUT ME EVE Eve appeared in XXX with Vin Diesel, both Barbershop and Barbershop 2: Back in Business with Ice Cube, The Cookout with Queen Latifah and Meagan Good, and The Woodsman with Kevin Bacon in mid 2004. She also voiced Major Jones in the video game XIII. She also voiced one of the villains of the short-lived Spiderman cartoon on MTV.
In 2003, Eve starred in the UPN television sitcom, Eve, as a fashion designer named Shelly. The show lasted three seasons until it was cancelled May 2006.

DUI arrest

On Thursday, April 26th, 2007 Eve was arrested due to suspicion of driving under the influence after she crashed her gold Maserati into a divider on Hollywood Boulevard. The crash happened at 2:45 a.m. and two other people were in the car at the time of the crash. Eve was visibly upset after getting out of the car. She was then transported to the Los Angeles County Correctional Facility and was held on $30,000 bail. She received a visit from actor Sean Penn while in jail and was let out later that morning. She was due back in court May 30, 2007. Eve has been told she must wear an alcohol-detecting ankle bracelet for 45 days after she pleaded no contest to drunk driving in a Los Angeles court. The singer/rapper must also attend 10 Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, a three-month alcohol education program and appear in court to verify that she is using the alcohol detection monitor. [6]

Discography

Albums

Let There Be Eve...Ruff Ryders' First Lady (1999) #1 U.S. (1.8 million copies sold) [Certification: 2x Platinum]
Scorpion (2001) #4 U.S. (1.4 million copies sold) [Certification: Platinum]
Eve-Olution (2002) #6 U.S. (630,000 copies sold) [Certification: Gold]
Here I Am (2007)

Singles

Year
Title
Chart Positions
Album
U.S. Hot 100
U.S. R&B/Hip-Hop
U.S. Hot Rap
UK Singles
1999
"What Ya Want" (featuring Nokio of Dru Hill)
29
9
-
-
Ruff Ryders' First Lady
"Gotta Man"
26
10
18
-
"Love Is Blind" (featuring Faith Evans)
34
11
-
-
2000
"Got It All"
88
27
13
-
Ruff Ryders' Ryde Or Die Volume II
2001
"Who's That Girl?"
47
16
5
6
Scorpion
"Let Me Blow Ya Mind" (featuring Gwen Stefani)
2
6
10
4
2002
"Gangsta Lovin'" (featuring Alicia Keys)
2
2
2
6
Eve-Olution
2003
"Satisfaction"
27
22
8
20
2007
"Tambourine" (featuring Swizz Beatz)
37
19
10
TBA
Here I Am
"Give It To You" (featuring Sean Paul)
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA

Guest appearances

Year
Title
Chart Positions
Album
U.S. Hot 100
U.S. R&B/Hip-Hop
U.S. Hot Rap
UK Singles
1999
"Boyfriend/Girlfriend" (BLACKstreet featuring Janet Jackson, Ja Rule & Eve)
47
17
17
11
Finally
1999
"You Got Me" (The Roots featuring Erykah Badu & Eve)
39
11
19
-
Things Fall Apart
"Triflin'" (Coko featuring Eve)
-
-
-
-
Hot Coko
"Can U Feel Me" (Will Smith featuring Eve)
-
-
-
-
Willenium
2000
"Hot Boyz" (Missy Elliott featuring Nas, Eve & Q-Tip
5
1
1
18
Da Real World
2002
"Caramel" (Remix) (City High featuring Eve)
18
9
-
9
City High
2003
"Not Today" (Mary J. Blige featuring Eve)
41
-
-
40
Love & Life
2005
"Rich Girl" (Gwen Stefani featuring Eve)
7
78
-
4
Love. Angel. Music. Baby.
2005
"1 Thing" (Remix) (Amerie featuring Eve)
8
1
-
4
Touch
2007
"Like This" (Kelly Rowland featuring Eve)
30
7
-
4
Ms. Kelly

[edit] Awards/Nominations
American Music Awards
2003, Favorite Female Hip-Hop Artist (Nominated)
2000, Favorite R&B/Hip-Hop New Artist (Nominated)
BET Awards
2003, Best Female Hip-Hop Artist (Nominated)
2001, Best Female Hip-Hop Artist (Winner)
BET Comedy Awards
2005, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: "Eve" (Nominated)
2004, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Box-Office Movie: Barbershop 2: Back in Business (Nominated)
Black Reel Award
2005, Best Actress Independent Film: The Woodsman (Nominated)
Grammy Awards
2006, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: "Rich Girl" w/ Gwen Stefani (Nominated)
2003, Best Female Rap Solo Performance: "Satisfaction" (Nominated)
2002, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: "Blow Ya Mind" w/ Gwen Stefani (Winner)
2002, Best Rap Album: Scoprion (Nominated)
Image Awards
2005, Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series: "Eve" (Nominated)
2004, Outstanding Music Duo or Group shared w/ Mary J. Blige (Nominated)
2003, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: Barbershop (Nominated)
Lady of Soul Awards
2001, Best Music Video: "Who's That Girl" (Nominated)
2000, Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist: "Gotta Man" (Nominated)
2000, Best R&B/Soul Female Solo Album of the Year: Let There Be Light (Nominated)
2000, Best Music Video: "Love Is Blind" (Nominated)
MTV Movie Awards
2003, Best Female Breakthrough Performance: Barbershop (Nominated)
MTV Video Music Awards
2001, Best Female Video: "Let Me Blow Ya Mind" (Winner)
2001, Viewer's Choice: "Let Me Blow Ya Mind" (Nominated)
2001, Best Hip-Hop Video: "Let Me Blow Ya Mind" (Nominated)
2000, Best Rap Video: "Love Is Blind" (Nominated)
MOBO Awards
2001, Best Hip-Hop Act (Nominated)
Soul Train Awards
2000, Best New R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist: "Gotta Man" (Nominated)
2000, Best Music Video: "Hot Boyz" (Nominated)

2007-07-17T00:34:00.000+07:00

Rini idol ( Grandfinalist Indonesian idol 2007 )

Umurnya masih terbilang muda, tetapi Rini Wulandari (17 tahun) telah menunjukan kemampuan vokal yang luar biasa. Sehingga pada penampilan terakhirnya di babak Workshop berhasil memukau pemirsa dan tentu saja dewan juri. “Wow, suatu pameran olah vokal yang luar biasa,” komentar Titi DJ. Maka nggak heran dengan suara dan kemampuan olah vokalnya ini, Rini berhasil menembus babak Spektakuler.Itulah kejutan terbesar buat Rini. Karena saat diumumkan masuk ke Spektakuler pada hari Jumat malam tanggal 27 April 2007 sekitar pukul 22.30, beberapa jam berikutnya tepat pukul 12 malam, Rini merayakan ulang tahunnya yang ke-17. Semua mengucapkan selamat pada Rini. Walaupun begitu tetap saja ada yang kurang, karena ia tidak bisa merayakan bersama orang tua tercinta. Keesokan harinya, Rini akhirnya jatuh sakit. Batuk dan radang tenggorokan membuat suaranya tiba-tiba menghilang. Untunglah, ini tidak terjadi pada saat ia harus bernyanyi. “Rasanya kayaknya mimpi, Rini bersyukur banget, senang dan bangga,” ujar finalis kelahiran 28 April 1990 ini.
Kini, Rini sudah mulai latihan untuk persiapan show Spektakuler. Semua tentu saja akan jauh berbeda bila dibandingkan dengan babak Workshop. Di babak Spektakuler nanti, ia bertekad menyanyi lebih bagus lagi. “Rini berusaha lebih maju dan lebih bagus lagi setiap setiap minggunya,” kata satu-satunya finalis yang mewakili Medan ini. Yang paling menyenangkan adalah sudah mulai persiapan rekaman membuat album. Semua benar-benar pertama kalinya buat Rini.
Padahal ketika ikut audisi Indonesian Idol, Rini tidak menyangka langkahnya akan sampai ke babak Spektakuler. “Tadinya untuk mengembangkan bakat nyanyi aja,” ujar Rini. Selain menyanyi, Rini juga hobi menari. Pengoleksi sepatu, tas dan aksesoris ini rupanya juga tipe orang yang selalu memperhatikan penampilan. “Saya juga orangnya mudah bergaul, bisa diajak curhat, dan suka membantu orang lain,” kata Rini.
Menurut Rini, waktu yang dihabiskan selama pelatihan Indonesian Idol ini memang tidak terasa. “Rasanya cepat sekali waktu berlalu,” ungkap Rini. Dan ketegangan tentu saja semakin terasa saat Result Show. Walaupun harus sedih setiap kali kehilangan teman yang terpaksa harus pulang, tapi Rini sendiri juga belum mau pulang.

2007-07-16T23:33:00.000+07:00

Ghostface Killah

Ghostface Killah, also known as Ghost Face Killer, Tony Starks, Ironman, or simply Ghostface, was born Dennis Coles on May 9, 1970 in Staten Island, New York. A rapper, he first rose to fame as a member of the hip hop collective, the Wu-Tang Clan. After the group achieved breakthrough success in the early-mid 1990s, each member was free to pursue solo careers; Ghostface's would turn out to be one of the most critically and commercially successful of the group, regardless (and perhaps due) to his loyalty to his obscure yet highly vivid lyricisms and 1970's soul sound.Coles' stage name is derived from the alias of the primary villain from Ninja Checkmate, also known as The Mystery of Chess Boxing (martial arts films had been a major influence on the group). Early in his career, he would wear a mask during performances and photo shoots; it was rumored that this was because Ghostface was wanted by the police and did not publicly remove it until his name was cleared.

Career

Ghostface Killah debuted on the opening verse of "Bring da Ruckus", the first track from the Wu-Tang Clan's critically acclaimed debut, 1993's Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). A roomate of Wu-Tang founder The RZA, Ghostface helped bring together the other seven members of the highly talented and diverse crew, and would function as executive producer on all the Wu-Tang Clan releases.

In 1995, Ghostface would guest star extensively on fellow Clan member and half-brother Raekwon's debut Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..., a seminal album that would redefine East Coast hip hop (see Mafioso rap). He also contributed songs to the Sunset Park and Don't Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood soundtracks, which would be included on his first solo LP, Ironman, in 1996. The album, which debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, had a more pronounced soul influence (particularly 1970s soul) than previous Wu-Tang releases, and Ghostface's future albums would continue this stylistic trait.
Ghostface became well-known for both his up-tempo, seemingly indecipherable stream-of-consciousness raps and, later in his career, for his emotionally charged delivery. He would however, in 1996, discover that he was diabetic, a condition that would severely weaken his health. According to "Trials of Life," a 2007 song with fellow New York rapper Prodigy (himself a sickle-cell anemic), Ghostface assumed he had been stricken by a sexually transmitted disease until he received the diabetes diagnosis. This assumption was brought on by a rapid weightloss he experienced and that he had "went raw on plenty".[3]
He would however return in 2000 with his follow-up to Ironman, Supreme Clientele, which was critically acclaimed by both hip hop enthusiasts and mainstream critics, and largely credited as reviving the waining Wu-Tang dynasty. "Cherchez LaGhost", a single off the album, became a minor club hit, and the sentimental "Child's Play" brought numerous comparisons with Slick Rick.
Ghostface wasted little time in recording his next album, the heavily R&B-influenced Bulletproof Wallets, released a year after Supreme Clientele. He had another minor club hit with "Flowers", which features guest vocals from fellow Wu-Tang members Method Man and Raekwon, although the album would not be met with disappointing sales and reviews.
Signing with Def Jam Records, Ghostface (officially, but temporarily, dropping the "Killah") released The Pretty Toney Album in April 2004. The album, while containing two RZA productions, featured none of the Clan; instead, it featured collaborations with Missy Elliott, D-Block and Jacki-O. The singles "Tush" and "Run", the collaborations with Missy and Jadakiss respectively, achieved moderate success in the clubs and charts, and the album was featured on numerous "best of the year" lists, including number nine on Pitchfork Media's.[4] Ghostface also appeared on the track "On My Knees" by UK R&B group The 411, which became a hit in the UK and Australia, and released an album titled 718 (after the Staten Island area code) with a group of his Protégés, the Theodore Unit. In November 2005, Ghostface and Theodore Unit's breakout star Trife Da God released a joint project, Put It On The Line.
In 2006, Ghostface teamed up with underground favorite MF DOOM for a still unreleased album entitled Swift & Changeable. MF DOOM also produced several songs for Ghostface's 2006 album Fishscale, which was once again attributed to "Ghostface Killah". The album debuted strongly, in the #4 position on the US Billboard 200 and at #2 on the R&B charts,[5] the rapper's most auspicious chart showing since the heyday of the Wu-Tang Clan and the release of his solo debut. The album also nearly unanimously received positive reviews. Ghostface embarked on a limited-date tour of US venues in support of the album, performing several of his concerts together with most members of the Wu-Tang Clan.
Also in 2006, Ghostface opened an online-poker room, GFK Poker. He has worked with 4Cast to produce his own action figure.[6]
In a 2007 interview, Ghostface stated that his next solo album might be a double album, and will be his first to not contain any profanity.[7]

Technique

During Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... he focused chiefly on imagery and the use of Wu-Tang's distinctive half-Five Percenter half-slang lyrics.
Ghostface is sometimes considered the least understandable lyricist of the Clan, but also as one of the best. His verses are sometimes stream of consciousness rants. He developed his style, including his storytelling ability, during his solo career and, with the aid of a hand held tape recorder, while making drug deliveries. Ghost often eschews the use of punchlines or similes for metaphors.

Jewelry and fashion

Ghostface has an eccentric collection of unique jewelry that he mentions frequently in verse and interviews. Items heavily referenced are his "eagle bracelet", a golden eagle statuette worn on his forearm (which has since been melted down), as well as the "Versace Plate" medallion. He also has an affinity for Clark's Wallabee shoes. On the cover of his debut album Ironman, he is pictured with Raekwon and Cappadonna holding several pairs of brightly colored Wallabees. Ghostface actually devised a way of dying Wallabees different, interesting colors, which were the height of fashion at the time. Ghost can be heard discussing this technique on the Cuban Linx record, where he describes dying a pair blue and cream. Often at shows, Ghostface will make a point not to remove his copious layers of clothing, despite the sweltering heat of the stage lights and venue.

Rivalries

The Notorious B.I.G.

Ghostface and Raekwon "subliminally" dissed The Notorious B.I.G. in several songs, most notably on 1995's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... skit, "Shark Niggaz (Biters)", wherein the pair make angry references to Bad Boy Records' use of cover art motif from Nas' debut (a portrait of the artist as a child) for B.I.G.'s Ready To Die album. Nas refers to this episode in his song "Last Real Nigga Alive" (from 2002's God's Son), where he confirms the tensions between Raekwon, Ghost and Biggie. On "Ice Water", also from Cuban Linx, Raekwon raps, "to top it all off, beef with White/ Pullin' bleach out, tryna throw it in my eyesight." The Notorious B.I.G., who often referred to himself as "The Black Frank White", would respond on "Kick in the Door" by saying "Fuck that, why try? Throw bleach in your eye." Despite this conflict, Biggie was a fan of the Wu-Tang Clan, collaborating with Method Man and The RZA on his first and second albums respectively and performing live with Ol' Dirty Bastard on occasion. As Method Man would say in a 2004 XXL interview, Ghostface and Raekwon "don't like anybody". Despite this, perhaps out of respect for the dead, a bonus track featuring the late B.I.G. (as well as Raekwon) was included on Ghostface's 2006 album Fishscale.

Mase

After badmouthing Wu-Tang at a concert, Bad Boy recording artist Mase had a run-in with Ghostface and his entourage at New York City club. There was a physical altercation between the two camps, and Mase was left with a broken jaw. This incident became a point of reference for various rappers, including Kanye West on "Through The Wire", and fellow Wu-Tang Killa Bee Shyheim, who witnessed the incident and referred to it in freestyle as the time "Ghostface retired Mase". In the June 2007 issue of Hip Hop Connection, Wu-Tang affiliate Cilvaringz stated that Ghostface had in fact done jail time for "beating up" Mase.

50 Cent

Ghostface also had feud with 50 Cent in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but unlike other beefs involving Fifty which are typically played out in front of the media, this was not as highly-publicized. On 50 Cent's debut record How To Rob (An Industry Nigga), in which he aims insults at many high-profile rappers and R&B singers, he threatens to rob Ghostface, Raekwon and RZA of their pointed, "funny ass rings"; he would rob Ol Dirty Bastard, "but that'd be a waste of time". Shortly after the release, Ghostface, Superb, Killa Sin and others were accused of attacking several of 50 Cent's associates at the Hot 97 radio sation; another of 50's associates named "Zoo" was robbed by a member of Killarmy. The Wu-affiliated American Cream Team recorded a diss, a song that was widely distributed on the Internet credited to the Wu-Tang Clan. A skit on 2000's Supreme Clientele, "Clyde Smith", features a low-pitched recording (of whom some believe to be Raekwon) naming 50 Cent and derisively making comments on his behavior and methods of attracting media attention through publicized "beef" with other rappers. Around this time, a 50 Cent freestyle dissing the Wu-Tang Clan began circulating; in his ad-libs at the end of the song, he derides them for their frequent use of the term "god" and the poverty of their hometown Staten Island. There have been various rumors of altercations between Ghostface and 50 Cent: one describes Fifty being thrown down a flight of stairs by Ghostface, another claims a member of 50 Cent's G-Unit, Tony Yayo, robbed Ghostface in a recording studio at gunpoint. However, none have been verified. Since 50 Cent's rise to fame, both he and Ghostface have discussed the supposed beef in interviews, both saying that nothing serious had ever happened.
In July 2007, during a Spin magazine interview with 50 Cent, Tony Yayo alleged that Ghostface did not write his critically acclaimed album Supreme Clientele, but rather long-time Ghost collaborator Superb. Along with saying Ghostface had a ghostwriter, Yayo also made statements that Wu-Tang Clan's success is over, and that their creative and lyrical music doesn't matter anymore since it does not sell to the mainstream. 50 Cent however denied the stronger allegations: "I don't know nothing about any of that. He's the writer. I'm not gonna say he ain't write it."[8]

D4L

Ghostface ridiculed the "snap" group D4L throughout his 2005 tour, mocking the "snap dance" while his DJ played their hit song "Laffy Taffy".[citation needed] Ghostface, however, neglected to do this routine when he performed in their hometown of Atlanta.[citation needed] D4L refused to respond in interviews, saying they have too much respect for Ghostface and listen to songs by him and Raekwon for inspiration.[citation needed]

Aliases and name variations

Ghost Face Killer
His original stage name, which has undergone a number of variations:
Ghostface Killer
Ghostface Killah
Ghostface
Tony Stark/Toney Starks
This is Ghostface's Wu-Gambino name, adopted on Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.. (1995), and is derived secret identity of the Marvel Comic's character Iron Man (Tony Starks).
Ironman
Ghostface identified with Tony Starks' reliance on Iron Man armor for sustaining his health, particularly while Ghost was battling diabetes.
Pretty Toney
P Tone
Starkey Love
Wally Champ
Ghostace has a love for Clark's Wallabees shoes, as well as custom dieing them different colors, evident on the cover of Ironman (1996).
Ghost Deini
Black Jesus

Discography

Albums

Album Name
Release Date
Status
Ironman
October 29, 1996
Platinum U.S.
Supreme Clientele
January 25, 2000
Gold U.S.
Bulletproof Wallets
November 13, 2001
Shaolin's Finest (a best-of collection)
August 1, 2003
The Pretty Toney Album
January 25, 2004
Put It On The Line (with Trife Da God)
November 18, 2005
100,000 U.S. Independent
Fishscale
March 28, 2006
Gold U.S.
More Fish
December 12, 2006
Gold U.S.
Hidden Darts: Special Edition
March 2007
Swift & Changeable (with MF Doom)
2007

Singles

Year
Title
Chart Positions
Album
US R&B/Hip-Hop
US Hot 100
US Hot Rap Tracks
US Hot Rap Singles
UK Singles Chart
1996
"Daytona 500" (feat. Raekwon & Cappadonna)
-
-
Chart did not exist
-
-
Ironman
1996
"All That I Got Is You" (feat. Mary J. Blige)
-
-
Chart did not exist
-
11
Ironman
2000
"Apollo Kids"
-
-
Chart did not exist
32
-
Supreme Clientele
2000
"Cherchez LaGhost" (feat. U-God)
42
98
Chart did not exist
3
-
Supreme Clientele
2001
"Never Be the Same Again" (feat. Carl Thomas & Raekwon)
65
-
-
21
-
Bulletproof Wallets
2001
"Ghost Showers"
77
-
-
11
-
Bulletproof Wallets
2003
"Guerilla Hood"
-
-
-
-
-
718
2004
"Push" (feat. Missy Elliott)
53
-
-
-
34
The Pretty Toney Album
2004
"Run" (feat. Jadakiss)
-
-
-
-
-
The Pretty Toney Album
2005
"Milk Em" (feat. Trife/Strange Fruit Project)
-
-
-
-
-
Put it on the Line
2006
"Be Easy"
91
-
-
No longer exists
-
Fishscale
2006
"Back Like That (feat. Ne-Yo)"
14
61
11
No longer exists
46
Fishscale
2006
"Summertime (feat. Beyoncé)"
No longer exists
2006
"Back Like That(remix) (feat. Ne-Yo & Kanye West)"
More Fish
2007
"Irreplacable (remix) (feat. Beyoncé)"
No longer exists

Soundtrack songs

1996: Sunset Park (performer: "Motherless Child")
1996: Don't Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood (performer: "Winter Warz")
1996: The Great White Hype (performer: "Who's the Champion")
1998: Belly (performer: "Windpipe")
1999: Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (performer: "Ice Cream")
2002: Barbershop (performer: "Love Session")
2003: Honey (performer: "Ooh Wee")
2004: Blade: Trinity (performer: "I Gotta Get Paid")
2005: Hitch (performer: "Ooh Wee")
2005: The Boondocks - Granddad's Fight (episode 1) (performer: "Guillotinz (Swordz)")
2006: WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2007 (performer: "The Champ")
2006: Entourage - Aquamom (episode 1) (performer: "Be Easy")

Appears on

1993 Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (album by the Wu-Tang Clan)
1995 "Brooklyn Zoo II" (from the Ol' Dirty Bastard album Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version)
1995 Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... (album by Raekwon)
1995 "Investigative Reports" & "4th Chamber" (from the GZA album Liquid Swords)
1995 "Right Back At You" (from the Mobb Deep album The Infamous)
1997 Wu-Tang Forever (album by the Wu-Tang Clan)
1998 "'97 Mentality" (from the Cappadonna album ""The Pillage"")
1998 "Oh Donna" (from the Cappadonna album The Pillage)
1998 "Wu Blood-Kin" (from the La the Darkman album Heist Of The Century)
1998 "Spanish Fly" & "Holocaust (Silkworm)" (from the RZA album Bobby Digital In Stereo)
1999 "Run 4 Cover" (from the Method Man & Redman album Blackout!)
1999 "The Game" (from the Pete Rock album Soul Survivor (album))
1999 "Da Connection" (from the Da Beatminerz album Brace 4 Impak)
2000 "Your Child (Kiyamma Griffin Uptempo Mix)" (from the Mary J. Blige EP Your Child: The Mixes
2000 "The Heist" (from the Busta Rhymes album Anarchy)
2000 The W (album by the Wu-Tang Clan)
2000 "Walkin' Through The Darkness" (from the album "GHOST DOG: WAY OF THE SAMURAI (SOUNDTRACK)")
2001 "Super Model" (from the Cappadonna album The Yin & The Yang)
2001 "Cream 2001" (from the DJ Clue album "The Professional, Pt. 2")
2001 Iron Flag (album by the Wu-Tang Clan)
2002 "Saviorz Day" (from the Sunz Of Man album Saviorz Day)
2002 "Silent" (from the GZA album Legend of the Liquid Sword)
2002 "Thrilla" (from the Cassius album Au Rêve)
2002 "Special Delivery Remix" (from the Bad Boy Records album We Invented The Remix Vol. 1
2003 "Fast Cars" (from the RZA album Birth Of A Prince)
2003 "Missing Watch" & "Clientele Kids" (from the Raekwon album The Lex Diamonds Story)
2003 "Ooh Wee" (from the Mark Ronson album "Here Come The Fuzz")
2003 "Thank U" (from the Mathematics album "LOVE, HELL OR RIGHT (DA COME UP)")
2004 "Afterparty" (from the Method Man album Tical 0: The Prequel)
2004 "On My Knees" (single from the 411 album Between the Sheets)
2004 "D.T.D." (from the Masta Killa album No Said Date)
2004 "Tony/Montana" (from the Cormega album Legal Hustle Vol. 1)
2004 "Face Off" (from the DJ Kay Slay album "Streetsweeper Vol. 2")
2004 "He Comes" (from the De La Soul album The Grind Date)
2004 Disciples of the 36 Chambers: Chapter 1 (album by the Wu-Tang Clan)
2004 "Live From The PJ's" (from the X-Ecutioners album Revolutions))
2005 "Milk 'Em" (from the Symbolyc One & Illmind album "The Art of One Mind")
2005 "Hideyaface" (from the Prefuse 73 album Surrounded By Silence)
2005 "The Mask" (from the Dangerdoom album The Mouse & The Mask)
2005 "Strawberries & Cream", "Real Nillaz" and "U.S.A" (from the Mathematics album The Problem)
2005 "New York" (from the AZ album A.W.O.L)
2005 "Spraypaint & Inkpens" (from DJ Green Lantern's Fort Minor mixtape Fort Minor: We Major)
2006 "Been Through" (from the M-1 album Confidential)
2006 "It's What It Is" (from the Masta Killa album Made in Brooklyn)
2006 "Weight" (from the Swollen Members album Black Magic)
2006 "2K7" (from the Dan The Automator album "Dan The Automator Presents 2K7")
2006 "Josephine" (from the Hi Tek album "Hi-Teknology 2: The Chip")
2006 "Crambodia" (from the Plastic Little (rap group) album "She's Mature")
2007 "You Know I'm No Good" (from the Amy Winehouse single "You Know I'm No Good")
2007 "Irreplaceable (Remix)" (from the Beyoncé single "Irreplaceable")
2007 "The Weeping Tiger" (from the Cilvaringz album "I")
2007 "Gain" ft Napoleon (of Wu-Syndicate) (from 2 albums, "Napoleon-Kingpin with da Inkpen" and "ORDER-Disorderly Conduct" LP

Appears on (producer)

2004 "Save me dear" & "Holla" (from the album "The Pretty Toney Album")
2006 "Big Girl" (from the album "Fishscale")
2006 "Ghost is Back" (from the album "More Fish")

Miscellaneous

Ghostface Killah appears as himself in the fighting game Def Jam Vendetta as well as its two sequels, Def Jam: Fight for NY and Def Jam: Icon.
Ghostface Killah's song "The Champ" is featured in the WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw 2007 video game.
Ghostface Killah appeared in Maxim magazine in April 2007, where he is depicted as a God-fearing family man.[9]

Filmography

1996 - Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood......Don't Be a Menace
1999 - Black and White......Himself
2002 - Hunter Dawson......Himself
2005 - Made
TV Episode "Nile Is Made Into a Rapper".....Himself
2006 - 30 Rock
TV Episode "Jack-Tor".....Himself
2007 - Human Giant
TV Episode "Lookalikes"....Himself

Videography

1996 Daytona 500
1996 All That I Got Is You
1996 Motherless Child
1996 Camay
1996 Mighty Healthy
1998 Cobra Clutch
2000 Apollo Kids
2000 Cherchez La Ghost
2001 Never Be The Same Again
2004 Run
2004 Tush
2004 Biscuits (Live)
2006 Back Like That

Appears on (video)

1994 Heaven & Hell (Raekwon)
1995 Shadowboxin'/4th Chamber (GZA)
1995 Ice Cream (Raekwon)
1995 Criminology (Raekwon)
1998 Holocaust (RZA)
2001 Stand Up (Charli Baltimore)
2001 Supermodel (Cappadonna)
2001 Knock Knock (GZA)
2002 Savior's Day (Sunz Of Man)
2002 Special Delivery (P. Diddy)
2003 Ooh Wee (Mark Ronson)
2003 Pass The Mic (Theodore Unit)
2004 Live From The PJ's (X-Ecutioners)

2007-02-23T21:43:00.000+07:00

Danny Thompson

Daniel Henry Edward 'Danny' Thompson (born 4 April 1939) is an English double bass player. He has had a long musical career playing with a large variety of other musicians, particularly Richard Thompson (no relation) and John Martyn, but including many others: at various times has for example played with Roy Orbison, Freddie and the Dreamers, Tubby Hayes, Ronnie Scott, Tom Paxton, Donovan and Kate Bush. For five years, he was a member of Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated, and he was a founding member of the British folk rock band Pentangle. Since 1987, he has also recorded four solo albums. He converted to the Muslim faith in 1990.

Biography and career

Danny Thompson was born in Teignmouth, Devon, in 1939. His father, a miner, joined the Royal Navy at the start of World War II and was lost in action whilst crewing submarines. When Thompson was aged 6, the family moved to London and he was brought up in the working-class area of Battersea. At school he excelled at football and played as a junior for Chelsea, the team he has supported ever since. Whilst at school he learnt guitar, mandolin, trumpet and trombone before settling on the double bass as his instrument of choice.

Stylistically he favours jazz. His improvisatory style is very distinctive and can usually be identified at first hearing. He routinely creates growling twangs as well as high-register figures that complement the music. He is noted for his extensive use of the bow, especially to create eerie high-pitched notes as well as thundering bass backgrounds.

While he has his own album releases, his highest profile recordings are currently with Richard Thompson e.g. Mirror Blue, The Old Kit Bag, and the concert DVD release Richard Thompson Live in Austin Texas, from the Austin City Limits series.

Like many musicians, Danny Thompson's life has featured brushes with substance abuse. During his partnership with John Martyn, their drinking and the excessive behaviour it spawned became the stuff of legend. In one incident related by Martyn, he woke up after passing out on a hotel room floor, to find himself under a rug which Thompson had nailed down, leaving only Martyn's head exposed. Thompson went about his business, eating breakfast etc., ignoring Martyn's pleas to let him loose.

Danny received a Lifetime achievement award in the 2007 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

"Victoria"

Danny Thompson's initial experience of bass playing was with a Skiffle group, with whom he played a teachest bass. In the early 1960s he bought a second-hand double bass from an old man in Battersea who let him have the instrument for £5 (despite the fact that it was worth much more than that), on the basis of his keenness to play it. He christened the instrument "Victoria" and it has remained his instrument of choice ever since. The bass was built by the Gand, a French luthier, in 1865.

In the early part of the 1980's he worked closely with documentary film-maker, Roy Deverell and composed music for two of his award-winning films about John Aspinall's pioneering work with endangered mammals.

Partial discography

Alexis Korner's Blues Inc
Red Hot From Alex (1964)
Live At The Cavern (1964)
Sky High (1966)
Blues Incorporated (1967)
I Wonder Who (1967)
A New Generation of Blues (1968)

Pentangle

The Pentangle (1968)
Sweet Child (1968)
Basket of Light (1969)
Cruel Sister (1970)
Reflection (1971)
Solomon's Seal (1972)

Danny Thompson

Whatever (1987)
Whatever Next (1989)
Elemental (1990)
Whatever’s Best (1995)
Danny Thompson & Peter Knight (1995)

Richard Thompson and Danny Thompson

Live At Crawley (1995)
Industry (1997)

Others

Danny Thompson has played on dozens of albums during his career. The following is only a small selection.

The Blind Boys of Alabama: Spirit of the Century (2001)
Kate Bush: The Dreaming (1982); Hounds Of Love (1985)
Christine Collister: The Dark Gift Of Time (1998); An Equal Love (2001)
Barbara Dickson: Don’t Think Twice (1992); Dark End Of The Street (1995)
Nick Drake: Five Leaves Left (1969)
Marvin Etzioni: Marvin The Mandolin Man (1992)
Everything But The Girl: Amplified Heart (1994)
Marianne Faithfull: North Country Maid (1966); The World Of Marianne Faithful (1970)
Davey Graham: Folk Blues & Beyond (1965); Large As Life & Twice As Natural (1968); Hat (1969); Fire In The Soul (1999)
Boo Hewerdine: Baptist Hospital (1995)
Ketama and Toumani Diabate Songhai (1988); Songhai 2 (1994)
The Incredible String Band: The 5000 Spirits (1967); Hard Rope & Silken Twine (1973)
Bert Jansch: Birthday Blues (1969); Moonshine (1972); L.A. Turnaround (1974); Avocet (1979); Sketches (1990)
Alison Moyet: Hoodoo (1991)
Cliff Richard: Congratulations (1968)
David Sylvian: Brilliant Trees (1984)
Rod Stewart: Every Picture Tells A Story (1971)
Talk Talk: Spirit of Eden (1988)
T Rex: Light Of Love (1974); Zinc Alloy & The Hidden Riders (1974)
Richard Thompson: Amnesia (1988); Mirror Blue (1994); You? Me? Us? (1996); Two Letter Words (1996); Celtschmerz (1998); Mock Tudor (1999); Semi-detached Mock Tudor (2002); The Old Kit Bag (2003); Ducknapped (2003); Live From Austin (2005)
Loudon Wainwright III: I’m Alright (1985); More Love Songs (1986); Therapy (1989)
Dawud Wharnsby Ali: Vacuous Waxing (2004)

ENTERTAINERS

2007-02-15T14:27:00.000+07:00

Mc Ren

Born and raised in Compton, California, joined up with the groundbreaking gangsta rap group N.W.A. as he finished his senior year at Dominguez High School in Compton. He contributed hard-hitting vocals on the Straight Outta Compton (1988) album and soon found himself a much more valuable member of the group after Ice Cube departed in 1989.

N.W.A. became the first hardcore rap group to gain mainstream success. However, as their album Efil4zaggin, backwards for Niggaz 4 life, reached the #1 spot on Billboard in 1991, financial conflict between Dr. Dre and Ruthless Records led to the group disbanding. Dr. Dre left to help form Death Row Records. MC Ren subsequently released his debut album with the help of Eazy-E in 1992, entitled Kizz My Black Azz. Surprisingly enough, with little commercial promotion, the album went platinum, best known for it's hit single "Final Frontier". MC Ren's next album, Life Sentence, was scrapped while converting to the Nation of Islam with guidance from his DJ, DJ Train. Shock of the Hour (1993) was released the next year containing a few singles, none left any lasting impression, album was rumoured to have gone gold and it also features the single "Mayday on the Frontline" which appeared on the film CB4.
MC Ren soon found hard times when DJ Train died in a house fire before the release of the ill-fated The Villain in Black (1996), that album also did sell relatively well for a brief period. Before leaving Ruthless Records, Ren released Ruthless For Life (1998) which proved a worthy comeback, that also sold briefly. He appeared on the posse cut "Some L.A. Niggaz" from Dre's 2001, but only spoke the intro and did not actually rap on the track.

As of 2002, Ren was working on another album. His lyrical abilities have been displayed with many guest appearances with artists from Ice Cube, Kurupt, Snoop Dogg, Paris, The D.O.C., Cypress Hill and many others. He is highly touted by his peers, such as Nas, who mentions Ren in his song Hip Hop Is Dead ("So who is in your top ten? is it MC Shan, is it MC Ren?")
In addition, MC Ren released the straight to DVD movie entitled 'Lost in The Game', released in 2004.

MC Ren's unique flow is perhaps best known for his odd choice of rhyme combinations, such as his frequent pairing of 'orange' with 'door hinge'.
His most recent work has appeared on some more politically-oriented projects such as with Public Enemy, specifically Paris' album Hard Truth Soldiers V.1 as well as on Public Enemy's album Rebirth of a Nation (2006). Paris did state however in a recent interview with Rapstation.com that "MC Ren is retired and won't be doing a full-length album as far as I know. I get at him for verses, that's about it".

New information has come to light from dubcnn.com on November 1, 2006 that MC Ren will be recording again with RBX and Big Rocc to form the group "Concrete Criminals". Word is that they are already deep into recording new material for the group.
Word is also MC Ren may be helping out with Dr. Dre and appearing on his final album Detox (album), which is due to be released September 2007.
MC Ren appeared on the VH1 Hip Hop honors talking about Eazy-E in the tribute to Eazy-E.
MC Ren will be present at the N.W.A. reunion and will write songs for the album.

Solo discography

1992 Kizz My Black Azz (Ruthless) Last RIAA certification: Platinum
1993 Shock of the hour (Ruthless) Last RIAA certification: Platinum
1996 The Villain in Black (Ruthless) Last RIAA certification: Gold
1998 Ruthless for Life (Ruthless) Last RIAA certification: Gold
2007 Renincarnated (TBA)

Appears on

1988 "Ruthless Villain" (from the Eazy-E album Eazy-Duz-It)
1988 "2 Hard Muthas" (from the Eazy-E album Eazy-Duz-It)
1988 "We Want Eazy" (from the Eazy-E album Eazy-Duz-It)
1989 "Comm. 2" (from The D.O.C. album No One Can Do It Better)
1989 "The Grand Finale" (from The D.O.C. album No One Can Do It Better)
1990 "We're All In The Same Gang" (from The West Coast Rap Allstars single)
1990 "Ren's Rhythm" (from the Capital Punishment Organization album To Hell and Black)
1990 "The Last Song" (from the Above The Law (band) album Livin' Like Hustlers)
1992 "Process Of Elimination (Untouchakickamurdaqtion)" (from the Above The Law (band) album Black Mafia Life)
1995 "Down Fa Mine" (from the Kam album Made In America)
1995 "Tha Muthaphukkin Real" (from the Eazy-E album Str8 off tha Streetz of Muthaphukkin Compton)
1996 "Killaz in the Park" (from the Above The Law (band) album Time Will Reveal)
1998 "24 Hours To Live (Remix)" (from the album Ruthless Records Presents: Decade of Game)
1998 "Stallion" (from the Yukmouth album Thugged Out: The Albulation)
1999 "Some L.A. N*ggaz" (from the Dr. Dre album 2001)
2000 "Set It Off" (from the Snoop Dogg album The Last Meal)
2000 "Chin Check" (on the N.W.A. track from the Next Friday soundtrack)
2000 "Hello" (from the Ice Cube album War & Peace - Volume 2 (The Peace Disc))
2001 "The Hardest..." (from the Kurupt album Space Boogie: Smoke Oddessey)
2001 "Southland Killers" (from the Cypress Hill album Stoned Raiders)
2001 "Legend Of Jimmy Bones" (from the Bones soundtrack)
2001 "Bangin" (from the Ms. Toi album That Girl)
2002 "2 G's from Compton" (from the King Tee album Thy Kingdom Come)
2002 "Wanna Ride" (from the Wc album The Streets)
2003 "Tha ?hit" (from The D.O.C. album Deuce (album))
2006 "Still Ain't Free (from the Paris (rapper) album Paris Presents: Hard Truth Soldiers Vol. 1)
2006 "Raw Sh*t" (from the Public Enemy album Rebirth of a Nation)
2006 "Hard Truth Soldiers" (from the Public Enemy album Rebirth of a Nation)

2007-02-07T13:26:00.000+07:00

Art Blakey

Arthur (Art) Blakey (October 11, 1919–October 16, 1990), also known as Abdullah Ibn Buhaina, was an American jazz drummer and bandleader. Along with Kenny Clarke and Max Roach, he was one of the inventors of the modern, bebop style of drumming. He was known as a powerful musician and a ferocious groover. He is undoubtedly one of the most influential jazz musicians ever; his brand of bluesy, funky hard bop was (and remains) profoundly influential on mainstream jazz. Over more than 30 years his band the Jazz Messengers included many young musicians who went on to become prominent names in jazz, including Jackie McLean, Clifford Brown, Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter, Curtis Fuller, Donald Byrd, Cedar Walton, Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, Johnny Griffin, Benny Golson, Bobby Timmons, Jymie Merritt, John Gilmore, Woody Shaw, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Gary Bartz, Keith Jarrett, Joanne Brackeen, Brian Lynch, James Williams, Mulgrew Miller, Benny Green, Donald Harrison, Terence Blanchard, and John Hicks. The band's legacy is thus not only the often exceptionally fine music it produced, but as a proving ground for several generations of jazz musicians; it is comparable only to Horace Silver's and Betty Carter's bands in this regard.

Early career

In the 1940s, Blakey was a member of bands led by Mary Lou Williams, Fletcher Henderson, and Billy Eckstine. He converted to Islam during a visit to West Africa in the late 1940s and took the name Abdullah Ibn Buhaina (which led to the nickname "Bu"). The African visit is the subject of some dispute as he was never absent from America for the length of time claimed. Some suspect the trip never took place. By the late forties and early fifties, Blakey was backing musicians such as Miles Davis, Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk — he is often considered to have been Monk's most sympathetic drummer, and he played on both Monk's first recording session as a leader (for Blue Note Records in 1947) and his final one (in London in 1971), as well as many in between.

The Jazz Messengers

The origins of the Messengers are in a series of groups led or co-led by Blakey and pianist Horace Silver, though the name was not used on the earliest of their recordings. The most celebrated of these early records (credited to "The Art Blakey Quintet"), is A Night at Birdland from February 1954, one of the earliest commercially released "live" jazz records. This featured Silver, Blakey, the young trumpeter Clifford Brown, alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson and bassist Curly Russell. The "Jazz Messengers" name was first used on a 1954 recording nominally led by Silver, with Blakey, Hank Mobley, Kenny Dorham and Doug Watkins — the same quintet would record The Jazz Messengers at the Cafe Bohemia the following year, still as a collective. Donald Byrd replaced Dorham, and the group recorded an album called simply The Jazz Messengers for Columbia Records in 1956. Blakey took over the group name when Silver left after the band's first year (taking Mobley, Byrd and Watkins with him to form a new quintet with a variety of drummers), and the band was known as "Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers" from then onwards.

Two of the group's most famous lineups featured Wayne Shorter on saxophone. The first was a quintet that existed from 1959 to 1961 and included Blakey, Shorter, Jymie Merritt, Lee Morgan, and Bobby Timmons. The second (1961–1964) was a sextet that added trombonist Curtis Fuller and replaced Morgan and Timmons with Freddie Hubbard and Cedar Walton, respectively. Shorter was the musical director of the group, and many of his original compositions such as "Lester Left Town" remained staples of Blakey's repertoire even after Shorter's departure. (Other players over the years made permanent marks on Blakey's repertoire — Timmons, composer of "Dat Dere" and "Moanin'", Golson, composer of "Along Came Betty" and "Are You Real", and, later, Bobby Watson.) Shorter's more experimental inclinations pushed the band at the time into an engagement with the 1960s "New Thing", as it was called: the influence of Coltrane's contemporary records on Impulse! is evident on Free For All (1964), often cited as the greatest document of the Shorter-era Messengers (and certainly one of the most fearsomely powerful examples of hard bop on record).

Later career

Blakey went on to record dozens of albums with a constantly changing group of Jazz Messengers — he had a policy of encouraging young musicians: as he remarked on-mike on A Night at Birdland (1954): "I'm gonna stay with the youngsters. When these get too old I'll get some younger ones. Keeps the mind active." After weathering the fusion era of the 1960s and 1970s with some difficulty (recordings from this period are less plentiful and include attempts to incorporate instruments like electric piano), Blakey's band got a shot in the arm in the late 1970s and early 1980s with the advent of neotraditionalist jazz. Wynton Marsalis was for a time the band's trumpeter and musical director, and even after Marsalis's departure Blakey's band continued as a proving ground for many so-called "Young Lion" players. He continued performing and touring with the group into the late 1980s, and he died in 1990 in New York City, leaving behind a vast legacy and approach to jazz which is still the model for countless hard-bop players.

Up to the 1960s Blakey also recorded as a sideman with many other musicians: Jimmy Smith, Herbie Nichols, Cannonball Adderley, Miles Davis, Grant Green, and Jazz Messengers graduates Lee Morgan and Hank Mobley, amongst many others. However, after the mid-1960s he mostly concentrated on his own work as a leader.
In 2005, Blakey was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Discography

For more details on this topic, see Art Blakey discography.

1954: A Night at Birdland Vol. 1 (live, billed as "The Art Blakey Quintet") (Blue Note)
1954: A Night at Birdland Vol. 2 (live, billed as "The Art Blakey Quintet") (Blue Note)
1955: At the Cafe Bohemia, Vol. 1 (live, billed as "The Jazz Messengers") (Blue Note)
1955: At the Cafe Bohemia, Vol. 2 (live, billed as "The Jazz Messengers") (Blue Note)
1956: The Jazz Messengers (Columbia)
1957: Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers with Thelonious Monk (Atlantic/Rhino)
1957: Orgy in Rhythm (Blue Note)
1958: Moanin' (Blue Note)
1958: 1958 Paris Olympia (Fontana)
1958: Des Femmes Disparaissent/Les Tricheurs (Fontana)
1959: At the Jazz Corner of the World (live) (Blue Note)
1959: Live in Stockholm 1959 (DIW)
1959: Live in Stockholm 1959 (Dragon) — recorded on the same day as the previous disc
1960: Les Liaisons Dangereuses 1960 (Fontana)
1960: The Big Beat (Blue Note)
1960: Unforgettable Lee! (Fresh Sound)
1960: A Night in Tunisia (Blue Note)
1960: More Birdland Sessions (Fresh Sound)
1960: Live in Stockholm 1960 (Dragon)
1960: Lausanne 1960 First Set (TCB)
1960: Lausanne 1960 Second Set (TCB)
1961: Roots and Herbs (Blue Note)
1961: Jazz Messengers (Impulse!)
1961: Mosaic (Blue Note)
1961: The Freedom Rider (Blue Note)
1961: The Witch Doctor (Blue Note)
1961: Buhaina's Delight (Blue Note)
1962: Three Blind Mice volumes 1 and 2 (Blue Note)
1962: Caravan (Original Jazz Classics)
1962: The African Beat (Blue Note)
1963: Ugetsu (Original Jazz Classics)
1963: A Jazz message (Impulse!)
1964: Free for All (Blue Note)
1964: Kyoto (Original Jazz Classics)
1964: Indestructible
1973: Child's Dance (Prstige)
1973: Mission Eternal (Prstige)
1973: Buhaina (Prestige)
1977: In My Prime volume 1 (Timeless)
1978: In This Korner (Concord)
1981: In Sweden (Evidence)
1981: Straight Ahead (Concord)
1982: Keystone 3 (Concord)
1984: New York Scene (Concord)
1985: Live at Kimball's (Concord)
1988: Not Yet (Soul Note)
1988: I Get a Kick out of Bu (Soul Note)
1990: Chippin' In (Timeless)

2007-02-01T17:36:00.000+07:00

Jermaine Jackson

Jermaine LaJaune Jackson, now Muhammad Abdul Aziz (born December 11, 1954), is an American Grammy Award-winning singer, bass guitarist, former member of The Jackson 5 and brother of American pop stars Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson.

Biography
Born to parents Joseph and Katherine Jackson in Gary, Indiana, Jermaine became the original lead singer of an earlier incarnation of the Jackson 5 until 1967 when younger brother Michael assisted lead vocals, but would co-lead with Michael for many years. Jermaine and his brothers signed with Motown Records in 1969. As the co-lead singer of The Jackson 5 after his brother Michael, Jermaine sang notable parts of "I Want You Back", "I'll Be There", "I Am Love", "Dancing Machine", and many other Jackson 5 songs. Like Michael, Jermaine also began a solo career concurrent to his tenure in The Jackson 5, and had a hit with the 1972 Shep and the Limelites cover "Daddy's Home".

Solo Career
When The Jackson 5 left Motown, Jermaine left the group and stayed at Motown, as he was married to Hazel Gordy, the daughter of Motown owner Berry Gordy. Jackson was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for his 1979 album Let's Get Serious. He had several Hot 100 Top 20 hits throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including "Daddy's Home" (#9), "That's How Love Goes", "Signed, Sealed, Delivered", "Isn't She Lovely", "Let's Get Serious" (written and produced by Stevie Wonder) (#9), "Let Me Tickle Your Fancy" (featuring Devo on backing vocals) (#18), "Dynamite" (#15), "Do What You Do" (#13) and "I Think It's Love" (#16). A duet with his brother Michael, "Tell Me I'm Not Dreamin'", hit #1 on the dance chart in 1984. In 1985, his duet with Pia Zadora, "When The Rain Begins To Fall", topped several singles charts in Europe. His final chart success, 1989's "Don't Take It Personal", hit #1 on the Billboard R&B Singles Chart. In 1991 he released "Word To The Badd!!". In that song he criticized his brother Michael, mainly his skin color change. Jackson can play the electric guitar, various types of bass guitars, and is known for his dancing abilities on stage. In 2006 Jermaine announced he will have an album coming out in 2007 under family record label Jesco Records called I'm Back.

Later life
In 1992, he, Margaret, and Suzanne de Passe produced The Jacksons: An American Dream, an award-winning and highly-rated miniseries about the history of The Jackson 5. Jermaine, Jr. portrayed his father as a young teenager in the miniseries.
Jermaine Jackson, who currently lives in Dubai and often resides in Bahrain, announced plans in 2006 to build an entertainment complex in Yerevan, Armenia that will see artists perform for local audiences. Jackson has told how he also plans to build a hotel, restaurant and television company as part of the venture. He has also expressed hopes of brother Michael Jackson attending the opening. During Michael's 2005 child abuse trial, Jermaine was an avid supporter of his brother. He came to Michael's defense several times on the Larry King show and appeared with Michael in court on numerous occasions.
2007 Jermain has also stated that he will be launching a new play regarding the Jackson family. It will be launching in the UK and will be completed shortly

Celebrity Big Brother
Jackson was the first housemate to enter the Celebrity Big Brother UK house in 2007. He steered clear of the controversy caused by the series, avoiding confrontation, and offering moral support to fellow housemate Shilpa Shetty against alleged bullying from fellow housemates Jade Goody, Danielle Lloyd and Jo O'Meara.
During a task in the Big Brother house, the housemates had to create a tribute band for The Jackson 5. The performance of I Want You Back, put the The Jackson 5 back in the UK charts, at number 53.
On January 28th 2007 Jermaine came in second place to Shilpa Shetty in the Big Brother final. Jermaine became a huge favourite in the UK and has won many new fans. The final 3 consisted of Dirk Benedict, Jermaine Jackson and Shilpa Shetty, the winner.

Personal life
Jermaine converted to Islam after a visit to Bahrain in the 1980s. He has given a interview about his conversion, and is a vegan.
Jermaine has been married three times and has nine children. He first married Hazel Gordy in 1973 while still in the Jackson 5. Her father, Berry Gordy, was their manager at the time at Motown Records. When brothers changed label due to creativity reasons, Jermaine left the Jackson 5 and produced many solo records under his father-in-law's label. Hazel and Jermaine had their first child Jermaine Jr. (often called Jay) in 1977. Their daughter Autumn Jackson was born in 1978.
In 1985 Jermaine had a daughter called Dawn. However, her mother was not Hazel. The couple did, however, remain together until son Jeremy Jackson was born in 1986 to a woman named Margaret Maldonado. Hazel and Jermaine divorced in 1987 after fourteen years of marriage as Jermaine expected a second child to Margaret. Jaimy Jackson was born later that same year to Hazel. Jermaine began his relationship with Margaret Maldonado in 1988. A year later in 1989 Jermaine and Margaret had son Jourdyn Jackson. The couple lived together in the Jackson family home in California (owned by brother Michael) until 1994 when they separated, having never married.
A year after separating from Margaret Maldonado, Jermaine Jackson married Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza. Alejandra had previously left and divorced brother Randy Jackson the year before - after fourteen months of marriage. They shared daughter Genevieve and twins Randy Jr and Donte. However, after the divorce, Alejandra was granted custody and the children lived with their mother and step father (Uncle Jermaine) in the same Jackson house in California. In 1996 Jermaine and Alejandra had a child of their own together - Jaffar Jackson. They had a son together in 2000 named Jermajesty before their divorce in 2004. This marriage of Randy's ex-wife was rumored to have caused a rift between the brothers. They have now, however, sorted it out as seen at brother Michael's trial.
Jermaine Jackson married his third wife Haleema Rasheed in 2004 after he permanently shifted to the Middle East. Though he resides in several estates, he doesn't live in America but merely visits his children who live with their mothers. They often visit the Jackson Family compound in the Los Angeles district of Encino.
He is currently planning a stage show based on his family to be released in UK.

2007-01-24T08:48:00.000+07:00

Q-Tip

Q-Tip (born Jonathan Davis on April 10, 1970 in Brooklyn, New York), is an American rapper, actor, and hip hop producer, and is the former leader of the group A Tribe Called Quest. He converted to Islam in the mid-1990s, and changed his name to Kamaal Ibn John Fareed. The Q in Q-Tip's stage name stands for Queens, the borough he hails from. It's also said to be a name that represents his ability to get into your ears. He also refers to himself as The Abstract and Kamaal The Abstract. He is of Navajo Indian desent.

Biography

Besides performing with his popular and successful jazz-influenced hip hop group, Tip also did production work (under his production alias The Abstract or often - along with fellow fellow Tribe member Ali Shaheed Muhammad and the late Slum Village member Jay Dee - as a part of The Ummah) for artists such as Nas ("One Love", Illmatic, 1994), Mobb Deep ("Give Up the Goods (Just Step)", "Temperature's Rising", "Drink Away The Pain"), The Infamous, 1995) and even super divas Mariah Carey ("Honey", "Butterfly" 1997) and Whitney Houston ("Fine", "Greatest Hits"). He has also made countless guest appearances, including spots on songs by Nas, Mobb Deep, Janet Jackson, Missy Elliott, Deee-Lite, The Roots, Busta Rhymes, Mos Def, Kanye West, De La Soul, Big Daddy Kane, Black Eyed Peas, DJ Shadow, Raphael Saadiq, The Chemical Brothers, R.E.M., Stanley Clarke, Andy Summers, Deee-Lite, and the Beastie Boys.

A Tribe Called Quest disbanded in 1998, after which Q-Tip pursued a solo career. His first solo singles, the pop-friendly "Vivrant Thing" and "Breathe and Stop", were far-left of anything he'd done in A Tribe Called Quest, as was his solo debut LP for Arista Records, Amplified. His 2002 follow-up, Kamaal the Abstract, although critically-acclaimed, never received official release which was cited because it did not have a commercial appeal. Now, Q-Tip is set to release a new album in the spring of 2007 entitled The Renaissance.[1]

A Tribe Called Quest reunited in 2004 and played a limited number of dates. The band was comprised of the original lineup, including Tip and occasional member Jarobi White. Early the next year, Tip signed a new solo deal with Motown Records.

Q-Tip's most recent collaborations have been those with DJ Shadow ("Enuff" from the 2006 album The Outsider, featuring Lateef the Truthspeaker); R.E.M. ("The Outsiders" from 2004's Around the Sun); and The Chemical Brothers (the single "Galvanize", from 2005's Push the Button).

He has also pursued an acting career, appearing in films such as Prison Song, Poetic Justice, and She Hate Me, as well on television as a guest on Chappelle's Show.

As of late, Q-Tip has been very active, once again happily reunited with the full line-up of A Tribe Called Quest on the 2K7 NBA Bounce Tour, and mysteriously regaining control of his previously label-owned MySpace page. He has filled the page up with demos and rarities, (some of them from "Kamaal the Abstract"), and has announced he is negotiating his masters of earlier material from his previous labels and plans to release them independently.

He currently resides in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. He's also featured on a song on Kanye West's new album, Graduation. He was recently on an overstock.com commercial.

Films

1993: Poetic Justice
2000: Disappearing Acts
2001: Prison Song
2004: She Hate Me

Discography

Albums

Solo Albums

1999: Amplified
2002: Kamaal the Abstract
2005: Open
2007: The Renaissance
With A Tribe Called Quest

1990: People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
1991: The Low End Theory
1992: Revised Quest for the Seasoned Traveller
1993: Midnight Marauders
1996: Beats, Rhymes and Life
1998: The Love Movement

Singles

1990: "Groove Is In The Heart" (Deee-Lite and Q-Tip) (US #4, UK #2)
1997: "Got 'til It's Gone" (Janet Jackson featuring Q-Tip and Joni Mitchell) (UK #6)
1998: "Body Rock" (featuring Q-Tip, Mos Def and Tash) (from the Lyricist Lounge Vol. I album)
1999: "Get Involved" (Raphael Saadiq and Q-Tip) (UK #36)
2000: "Breathe and Stop" (US #71, UK #12)
2000: "Vivrant Thing" (US #26, UK #39)
2000: "Let's Ride" (US)
2005: "Galvanize" (The Chemical Brothers featuring Q-Tip) (UK #3)
2005: "For The Nasty" (Q-Tip featuring Busta Rhymes & Pharrell)
2006: "Like That" (Black Eyed Peas featuring Q-Tip, Talib Kweli, Cee-Lo, & John Legend)
2006: "The Frog" (Sergio Mendes featuring Q-Tip and Will.I.Am)
2006: "Enuff" (DJ Shadow featuring Q-Tip and Lateef the Truth Speaker)

2007-01-24T05:56:00.000+07:00

Talib Kweli

Talib Kweli (born Talib Kweli Greene in Brooklyn, NY on October 3, 1975) is an American rapper from Brooklyn, New York. He is one of the best-known rappers in underground hip-hop, and is frequently critically acclaimed, despite not having seen significant commercial success. His name in Arabic means "seeker/student of truth"[1]. Before, he was a part-owner of Nkiru, which is Brooklyn's oldest bookstore. He also studied experimental theater at NYU.

Kweli's mother was an English professor and his father a sociology professor. As a youth, he was drawn to Afrocentric rappers, such as De La Soul and other members of the Native Tongues Posse, and soon began recording with rapper Mos Def, who he had met in high school, and producer Hi-Tek.

Talib Kweli started his rap career in a group called Mood with DJ Hi-Tek as the group's producer, Main Flow and Dante, back in Cincinnati. They had problems dealing with record labels and they never got major distribution and promotion for their only effort, an album called Doom.

Rise to popularity

Along with Mos Def (the pair were known as Black Star), Kweli achieved some mainstream success with the eponymous album Black Star (1998) on Rawkus Records. Mos Def went on to a successful solo career, and Kweli and DJ Hi-Tek (collectively known as Reflection Eternal) released the album Train of Thought in 2000, also on Rawkus.

Kweli has since released a critically acclaimed solo debut, Quality, in 2002, which received some mainstream attention thanks to the Kanye West-produced single "Get By." In 2004, he released his second solo album and final Rawkus release, The Beautiful Struggle. The album features commercial production, and Kweli's lyrics retain their powerful socio-political content.

Kweli has created his own record label, Blacksmith Records and has recently signed acclaimed female rapper Jean Grae, with rumors continuing to grow that underground veteran MF DOOM is the next artist to be picked up (Kweli also appeared on the MF DOOM/Danger Mouse collaboration The Mouse and the Mask, on the song "Old School"). He left Geffen Records and has signed with the powerful Warner Music Group.

Audio samples of Talib Kweli
"Respiration" (sample) (file info) — play in browser (beta)
From the Black Star album.
"The Blast" (sample) (file info) — play in browser (beta)
From the Train of Thought album.
"Get By" (sample) (file info) — play in browser (beta)
From the Quality album.
"Lonely People" (sample) (file info) — play in browser (beta)
From The Beautiful Mixtape.
"Flash Gordon" (sample) (file info) — play in browser (beta)
From the Right About Now album.
"Listen!!!" (sample) (file info) — play in browser (beta)
From the Eardrum album.
Problems playing the files? See media help.
He has since broken through slightly more towards the mainstream, thanks in large part to an appearance on MTV's Wild'n Out, and several performances on the comedy show Chappelle's Show with long-time collaborator Mos Def; these performances were a product of Dave Chappelle's friendship with Kweli. He also had a guest spot on friend Kanye West's widely successful debut album The College Dropout on the track "Get 'Em High". West has produced some of Kweli's songs, including his biggest commercial hit "Get By". Kweli can be seen in a commercial for the NCAA's Big Ten Conference, rapping about the league's basketball teams. He also provided the voice of the protagonist in the graffiti-themed video game Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure, released in 2006.

Current state

Kweli has two children: an older son, Amani Fele, and a younger daughter, Diyani Eshe.

Kweli has also supported the Black August Benefit Concert since its inception, and performs at the show consistently every year.

According to Blacksmith's Web site, Talib Kweli's latest solo album will not be released until January 2007. In the meantime, he has created a global gathering place for all his fans on Second Life which will feature live concert streams as well as exclusives from his new album. He recently made an announced appearance there and took questions from a number of fans.

In December, Kweli released the Blacksmith: The Movement mixtape featuring him and fellow Blacksmith talents Jean Grae and Strong Arm Steady. On New Year's Eve Kweli also released his long awaited collaboration with Madlib titled Liberation. All 9 tracks and album art were available for free download from Kweli's Myspace page and the Stones Throw Records website for the first week of 2007.

Quotes

"I started rapping because I wanted people to hear what I have to say. I want as many people to hear me as possible, and I do everything in my power to make that pop." (from rapreviews.com)

Discography

Black Star (Talib Kweli & Mos Def)

Album cover Album information

Black Star

Released: August 26, 1998
Billboard 200 chart position: #53
R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: #13
Singles: "Definition"/"Twice Inna Lifetime", "Respiration"

Reflection Eternal (with Hi-Tek)

Train of Thought

Released: October 17, 2000
Billboard 200 chart position: #17
R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: #5
Singles: "Move Somethin'"/"Good Mourning" & "The Blast"/"Down For The Count"/"Train Of Thought"

Liberation (with Madlib)

‎ Liberation
Released: December 31, 2006
Billboard 200 chart position: N/A
R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: TBC
Singles: Funny Money

Solo albums

Quality

Released: November 19, 2002
Billboard 200 chart position: #21
R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: #6
Singles: "Waitin' for the DJ"/"Guerilla Monsoon Rap", "Good To You"/"Put It In The Air", "Get By"

The Beautiful Struggle

Released: September 28, 2004
Billboard 200 chart position: #14
R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: #3
Singles: "I Try", "Never Been In Love"/"A Game"/"Black Girl Pain"

Right About Now

Released: November 22, 2005
Singles: "Flash Gordon", "Fly That Knot"

Ear Drum

Released: January 2007
Billboard 200 chart position:
R&B/Hip-Hop chart position:
Singles: "Listen!!!", "More Or Less"

Singles
Year Song U.S. Hot 100 U.S. R&B U.S. Rap Album
1998 "Definition" (Black Star) 60 31 3 Black Star
1999 "Respiration" (Black Star feat. Common) - 54 6 Black Star
2000 "Move Somethin'" (Reflection Eternal) - 32 1 Train of Thought
2001 "The Blast" (Reflection Eternal feat. Vinia Mojica) - 48 2 Train of Thought
2002 "Good to You" - 95 - Quality
2002 "Waitin' for the DJ" (feat. Bilal) - 77 - Quality
2003 "Get By" 77 29 16 Quality
2004 "I Try" (feat. Mary J. Blige) - 77 - The Beautiful Struggle
2005 "Never Been in Love" - - The Beautiful Struggle
2006 "Listen!!!" - - - Ear Drum
2007 "More Or Less" - - - Ear Drum
2007 "Country Cousins" - - - Ear Drum

Mixtapes

Top Kwelity Classics Vol. 1 (2002)
The Beautiful Mix CD (2004)
The Beautiful Mixtape Vol. 2 (2005)
Confidential Mixtape (2005)
The Guerilla Pimp Mixtape (2006, Blacksmith Records)
Brooklyn, Tennessee (2006)
Blacksmith: The Movement (2006)

Bootlegs

The Beautiful Struggle - Original Bootleg (2004, Internet)

Movies

Dave Chappelle's Block Party (2006)

2007-01-23T08:39:00.000+07:00

Michael Jackson

Michael Joseph Jackson (born August 29, 1958) is an American musician, entertainer and pop icon, whose successful music career and controversial personal life have been a part of pop culture for the last quarter-century.

Jackson began his musical career at the age of seven as the lead singer of The Jackson 5 and released his first solo recording, Got to Be There in 1971, while remaining a member of the group.[3] He began a full-fledged solo career in 1979 and formally parted with his siblings in 1984.[4] In his solo career, Jackson recorded and co-produced the best-selling album of all time, Thriller, which has worldwide sales exceeding 104 million.[5] Michael Jackson has received thirteen Grammy awards[6] and charted thirteen number-one singles in the United States.

Throughout his four-decade career, Michael Jackson has been awarded numerous honors including the World Music Award's Best-Selling Pop Male Artist of the Millennium, American Music Award's Artist of the Century Award[7] and the Bambi Award's Pop Artist of the Millennium Award.[8] He is a double-inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (once as a member of The Jackson 5 in 1997, and as a solo artist in 2001)[9] and an inductee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.[10] In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked him #35 on their list of "The Immortals", a list of artists who have had significant influence on rock and roll.[11] Raymone Bain, Jackson's PR, claims that Jackson has sold over 750 million units worldwide,[12] which would indicate that Jackson is the best-selling music artist.

From 1988 to 2005, Jackson lived on his Neverland Ranch property, on which he built an amusement park and private zoo that was frequently attended by disadvantaged and terminally ill children. Rumours of sleepover parties received disparaging media coverage after it was revealed that children frequently slept in his bed or bedroom. These first came to light when he was accused of child sexual abuse in 1993. Michael Jackson's relationship with children was brought into the spotlight again in 2003 during the TV documentary Living with Michael Jackson. This resulted in Jackson being tried, and later acquitted, of more child molestation allegations and several other charges in 2005.

Biography

1958–1980: Early life and career
Main articles: The Jackson 5 and Off the Wall

The cover to Michael Jackson's 1971's Got to Be There.Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana. He is the second-youngest brother of seven and the eighth of ten children of Joseph and Katherine Jackson. In 1966, after taking co-lead singing duties with brother Jermaine, the group's name changed from "The Jackson Brothers" to "The Jackson 5". The group played at local clubs and bars, building up a following and eventually signing a contract with Motown Records in 1968.[13] The group hit stardom, with their first four singles which charted at number-one on the Billboard Hot 100. As a solo artist, Jackson released Got to Be There and Ben in 1972. These were released as part of the Jackson 5 franchise and produced successful singles such as "Got to Be There", "Ben", and a remake of Bobby Day's "Rockin' Robin".

The group's sales declined after 1973, and the group chafed under Motown's strict refusal to allow the Jacksons creative control or input. In 1976, the group signed a new contract with CBS Records (first joining the Philadelphia International division and then Epic Records).[14] When this became apparent to Motown Records, they sued the group for breach of contract.

As a result of the legal proceedings, which were complicated further by the fact that Jermaine Jackson was married to the daughter of Motown president (Berry Gordy), the Jacksons lost the rights to use the "Jackson 5" name and logo and also Jermaine, who wanted to stay at Motown.[15] They changed their name to "The Jacksons", featuring youngest brother Randy in Jermaine's place, and continued their successful career, touring internationally and releasing six more albums between 1976 and 1984, with Jermaine eventually re-joining in 1983, making them a sextet.

In 1978, Jackson starred as the scarecrow in The Wiz with former-label mate Diana Ross playing Dorothy.[16] The songs for the musical were arranged by Quincy Jones, who established a partnership with Jackson during the film's production and agreed to produce his first solo album in four years. Off the Wall, released in 1979, was a worldwide hit, and became the first album in history to spawn four top-ten hits, including "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock with You".[3]

In January 1980, Jackson won his first awards for his solo efforts at the American Music Awards. He won "Favorite Soul/R&B Album" (for Off the Wall), "Favorite Male Soul/R&B Artist" and Favorite Soul/R&B Single (for "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough").[3] Later that month, he also won two Billboard Awards (for "Top Black Artist" and "Top Black Album").[3]

On February 27, 1980, Jackson won a Grammy Award for "Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male" (for "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough").[3]

1982–1986: The Thriller era
Main articles: Thriller (album), We Are the World, and Captain EO

The original album cover to 1982's Thriller.In November 1982, the storybook for E.T.: The Extra-terrestrial was released. It included Jackson reading the story as well as one original song ("Someone in the Dark"). The album later won a Grammy for "Best Album for Children".

In December 1982, Jackson released his second Epic album, Thriller, which became the best-selling album in music history. The album spawned seven hit singles, including "Billie Jean" (which was the first music video by a black artist to receive regular airplay on MTV), "Beat It" and the album's title track which was accompanied by a revolutionary music video. The thirteen-minute Thriller was critically acclaimed, and massive airplay lead to it being packaged with the featurette Making Michael Jackson's Thriller on VHS, where it became the best-selling music home video ever.[17] Thriller spent 37 weeks at number-one and remained on the Billboard album chart for 122 weeks. It was eventually certified 27x Platinum in the United States.[18]

Jackson with the Reagans in 1984.In 1983, whilst performing "Billie Jean" at the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever concert Jackson debuted what can be regarded as his signature move: the moonwalk.[17] In 1983, he started a sponsorship deal with Pepsi-Cola, and, as part of the deal, he agreed to star in a commercial. While filming a Pepsi commercial with his brothers in 1984, before a live audience, his hair caught on fire when a pyrotechnic effect went wrong. Jackson suffered serious burns on his scalp.[19]

In February 1984, Jackson is nominated for twelve Grammy awards and wins eight,[17] breaking the record for the most Grammy Awards won in a single year.[20] Seven were for the critically acclaimed Thriller and the other for the E.T.: The Extra-terrestrial storybook. In 1984, he also won eight American Music Awards and the "Special Award of Merit" and three MTV Video Music Awards.

After reuniting with his brothers, he then helped to write the Victory album. He then performed and starred in the Victory Tour which started on July 6, 1984 and lasted for five months.[17]

In 1985, Jackson was invited to the White House and was personally thanked by then-President Ronald Reagan at a White House ceremony for donating the song "Beat It" for use in drunk driving prevention television and radio public service announcements.[21]

Jackson continued his charity work in 1985 by co-writing, with Lionel Richie, the hit single "We Are the World". The charity single helped to raise money and awareness for the famine in East Africa and was one of the first instances where Jackson was seen as a humanitarian. The song also won a Grammy Award for "Song of the Year".[17]

Jackson in the video for "Beat It".Controversy began when Jackson purchased shares in the ATV Music Publishing (a company which owned the rights to most of the Beatles' songs), making himself the majority shareholder. This move angered close friend and songwriter Paul McCartney, who had also made a bid for the company. Ironically, it was McCartney who advised Jackson on the merits of song ownership.[22] Their creative co-writing ended after this event. Following this controversial business deal, tabloid stories of Jackson sleeping in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to stall the aging-process, and an allegation claiming Jackson attempted to purchase the bones of the Elephant Man inspired the pejorative sobriquet "Wacko Jacko". The name "Wacko Jacko" would come to be detested by Jackson.[23]

In 1986, Jackson starred in the George Lucas-produced, Francis Ford Coppola-directed 3-D film Captain EO. The film lasted 17 minutes but had costs estimated at $17 million.[24] At the time, it was the most expensive film ever produced on a per-minute basis. In the USA, the Disney theme parks hosted Captain EO. Disneyland featured the film in tomorrow-land from September 18, 1986 until April 7, 1997. It was also featured in Walt Disney World in Epcot from September 12, 1986 until July 6, 1994. Two new songs featured in the film. These were "Another Part of Me", which later appeared on Bad, and "We Are Here To Change The World", which was officially released in 2004 on the box set Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection.

1987–1990: Bad and controversies
Main articles: Bad (album) and Physical appearance of Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson in February, 1988 aged 29.In 1987, Jackson released Bad; his third album for the Epic record label, and final album with producer Quincy Jones.[17] He initially wanted to make the album 30 tracks long, but Jones cut this down to 10. According to Jones, Jackson wanted the title track to be a duet with Prince who later declined the duet. Jones said the reason given by Prince was that he thought the song would be a hit whether he was in it or not.[25]

In comparison to Thriller, Bad had lower sales but it was still a huge commercial success. It spawned seven hit singles,[17] of which five went to number-one, those being: "I Just Can't Stop Loving You", "Bad", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Man in the Mirror", and "Dirty Diana". The album went onto sell 29 million copies worldwide; the RIAA eventually certified Bad at 8x Platinum.[26] In September 1987, he embarked upon his first solo world tour, the Bad World Tour. The tour lasted sixteen months, in which Jackson performed at 123 concerts, to over 4.4 million fans worldwide. Jackson insisted on a personal bus, plane and helicopter to be available to him all at the same time.[27]

Jackson hired film director Martin Scorsese to direct the video for the album's title track.[28] When the 18-minute music video debuted on TV, it sparked a great deal of controversy as it became apparent that Jackson's appearance had changed dramatically.[29] Although Jackson's skin color was a medium-brown color for the entire duration of his youth, his skin had been becoming paler gradually since 1982, and had become a light brown color. This change became so noticeable that it gained widespread media coverage with some tabloids claiming that it was due to Jackson bleaching his skin.

Another significant reason for the change in appearance was the use of plastic surgery. Despite a number of surgeons' claims that Jackson had undergone multiple nasal surgeries as well as a forehead lift, thinned lips and cheekbone surgery,[30] Jackson wrote in his 1988 autobiography Moon Walk that he only had two rhinoplastic surgeries and the surgical creation of a cleft in his chin, while attributing puberty and diet to the noticeable change in the structure of his face.[31]

The success Jackson achieved during this period in his career led to him to be dubbed the "King of Pop",[32] a nickname which he continues to be referred to by fans.[33] There are various conflicting reports as to the origin of the nickname. According to Jackson, it was conceived by actress and long-term friend Elizabeth Taylor when she presented Jackson with an "Artist of the Decade" award in 1989, proclaiming him "the true king of pop, rock and soul." Additionally, this period saw Jackson enjoy "a level of superstardom previously known only to Elvis Presley, the Beatles and Frank Sinatra."[9]

1991–1994: Dangerous and further career
Main articles: Dangerous (album), 1993 child molestation allegations against Michael Jackson, and Michael Jackson marriages and children
In November 1991, Michael Jackson released Dangerous. The major hit from Dangerous was "Black or White". The single was accompanied by a controversial video which featured scenes of a sexual nature as well as violence and racism. The video was banned on most music-television channels until these scenes were removed.[32]

On February 10, 1992, MTV kicked off its first global sweepstakes with "My Dinner with Michael". Winners from around the world attended a dinner party hosted by Michael Jackson on the set of his music video "In the Closet". Later that year, a biopic, The Jacksons: An American Dream debuted on ABC based on the true story of the rise of The Jackson 5.

Jackson founded the "Heal the World Foundation" (named after his humanitarian single "Heal the World") in 1992. The charity organization brought underprivileged children to Jackson's Neverland Ranch, located outside Santa Ynez, California, to go on theme park rides which Jackson had built on the property after he purchased it in 1988.

In January 1993, Michael Jackson performed during the halftime show at Super Bowl XXVII. It drew one of the largest viewing audiences in the history of American television.[34]

On the Oprah Winfrey Show in 1993, Jackson claimed that the change in his skin color was due to vitiligo.[35] In the interview, Jackson stated that his skin was, at first, black with white spots which he used make-up to cover. But later, some time after Thriller, his skin became increasingly white with black spots; he then used white make-up to cover the black spots.

Oprah Winfrey speaking with Michael Jackson on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1993.Jackson was reported to be inviting or allowing children to sleepover at Neverland. This practice came under much media and public scrutiny in 1993 when allegations of child molestation were brought against Jackson by a child who had stayed with him on several occasions. That year, Jordan Chandler, the son of former Beverly Hills dentist Evan Chandler, represented by civil lawyer Larry Feldman, accused Jackson of child sexual abuse. On December 22 Jackson responded to the allegations via satellite from his Neverland compound, and claimed to be "totally innocent of any wrongdoing." On January 25, 1994, Jackson settled out of court with the accuser for an undisclosed sum, reported to be $20 million, and was not charged.[36]

After the allegations were settled in 1994, Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis Presley. Despite some comments questioning the validity of this union, Presley maintained during their marriage that they both shared a married couple's life and were sexually active.[37] They divorced less than two years later.

1995–2000: HIStory and Blood on the Dance Floor
Main articles: HIStory and Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix

Jackson in the video for "They Don't Care About Us".In June 1995, Jackson released HIStory: Past, Present And Future - Book I.[38] The first disc, HIStory Begins, was a fifteen-track greatest hits album (this disc was later released as Greatest Hits - HIStory Vol. I in 2001), while the second disc, HIStory Continues, contained fifteen new songs. The first single released from HIStory was "Scream". The single reached the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video for "Scream" is currently the most expensive music video ever made.[39] On September 7, 1995 at the MTV Video Music Awards, Jackson and sister Janet Jackson won three awards for the song "Scream", from HIStory. At the awards show, Jackson also performed a medley, "Billie Jean", "Dangerous" and "You Are Not Alone".

"They Don't Care About Us" was the fourth single released from HIStory, and caused controversy over anti-Semitic lyrics. The song contained the lyrics "Jew me, sue me" and "kick me, kike me." After significant pressure from the Jewish community, later releases changed the verse to the same-sounding "do me, sue me" and "kick me, hike me" or censored it with a thumping sound.

To promote the album, Jackson embarked on the successful HIStory World Tour.[38] On November 14, 1996, during the Australian leg of the tour, Jackson married his dermatologist's nurse Deborah Jeanne Rowe, with whom he fathered a son, Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr. (also known as "Prince"), and a daughter, Paris Katherine Jackson. Jackson and Rowe divorced in 1999. Jackson later said that Rowe wanted him to have the children as a "gift."[40] The paternity of Michael Jackson's children has been heavily debated by the public. Jackson has always maintained that his first two children were conceived naturally. However, the The Sun made two controversial claims about Jackson's parentage: first, that Jackson conceived his first child via artificial insemination using his own sperm and, second, that the second child, Paris, was conceived in and named after Paris, France, where Jackson had gone to console Rowe for his having taken her first child, and all parental rights from Rowe.

Jackson at the Brit Awards in 1996.At the 1996 Brit Awards, Jackson performed the track "Earth Song", dressed in white and surrounded by children and an actor portraying a Rabbi. In an attempt to recreate a scene from the video - where he is spreading his arms between two trees - it seemed that Jackson was making Christ-like poses whilst being lifted into the air by a crane with a wind machine blowing back his hair. Pulp lead singer Jarvis Cocker and his friend Peter Mansell mounted a stage invasion in protest. Cocker leapt onstage, pretended to expose his rear, danced and sat back down. In response to the ensuing media scrutiny of the action, Cocker responded, "My actions were a form of protest at the way Michael Jackson sees himself as some kind of Christ-like figure with the power of healing... I just ran on the stage and showed off... All I was trying to do was make a point and do something that lots of other people would have loved to have done if only they'd dared."[41] Cocker received vocal support from the British press: the March 2, 1996 edition of Melody Maker, for example, suggested Cocker should be knighted, while Noel Gallagher claimed "Jarvis Cocker is a star and he should be given MBE." Gallagher said of Jackson's behavior: "for Michael Jackson to come over to this country after what's all gone on - and I think we all know what I'm talking about here - to dress in a white robe, right, thinking he's the Messiah - I mean who does he think he is? Me?"[42]

The cover of Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix.In 1997, Jackson released an album of new material with remixes of hit singles from HIStory titled Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix.[38] The album's five original songs were named "Blood On The Dance Floor", "Is It Scary?", "Ghosts", "Superfly Sister" and "Morphine". Of the new songs, three were released globally: the title track, "Ghosts", and "Is It Scary?". The title track reached number-one in the UK. The singles "Ghosts" and "Is It Scary" were based on a film created by Jackson called "Ghosts".[43] The short film, written by Michael Jackson and Stephen King and directed by Stan Winston, features many special effects and dance moves choreographed to original music written by Michael Jackson.[44] The music video for "Ghosts" is over 35 minutes long and is currently the Worlds Longest Music Video.[45] Jackson dedicated the album to Elton John, who reportedly helped him through his addiction to painkillers, notably morphine.

In 1998 Jackson reached an out-of-court settlement with the Daily Mirror, which apologized for having described his face as "hideously disfigured and scarred." Steven Hoefflin, a high-profile Hollywood plastic surgeon alleged to have operated on Jackson's nose was, according to the press, also advising him against further surgery.[27]

2001–2003: Invincible, Berlin and Martin Bashir
Main articles: Invincible (album) and Living with Michael Jackson
In October 2001, Invincible was released[46] and debuted at number-one in thirteen countries.[34] The singles released from the album include "You Rock My World", "Cry", and "Butterflies". Jackson and 35 other artists recorded a charity benefit single entitled "What More Can I Give" which was never released. Just before the release of Invincible, Jackson informed the head of Sony Music Entertainment, Tommy Mottola, that he was not going to renew his contract;[32] the contract was about to expire in terms of supplying the label with albums of full-new material for release through Epic Records/SME. In 2002, all singles releases, video shootings and promotions concerning the Invincible album were cancelled. As a result of this, Jackson made allegations about Mottola not supporting its African American artists.[32] Jackson referred to Mottola as a "devil" and a "racist" who used black artists for his own personal gain.[32] He cited that Mottola called Jackson's colleague Irv Gotti a "fat nigger."[47][48] Sony issued a statement stating that they found the allegations strange, since Mottola was once married to biracial pop star Mariah Carey. Carey herself seemed nonchalant about Jackson's claims when asked about them by Larry King on Larry King Live.[49]

On September 7 and September 10, 2001, Jackson organised a special 30th Anniversary celebration at Madison Square Garden for his 30th year of being a solo artist. Later, the show aired on November 13, 2001.[46] It featured performances by Mýa, Usher, Whitney Houston, Billy Gilman, Shaggy, Rayvon, Rikrok, Destiny's Child, Monica, Deborah Cox, Rah Digga, Tamia, James Ingram, Gloria Estefan, 98 Degrees, Luther Vandross, Liza Minnelli, Lil' Romeo, Master P, 'N Sync, the Jacksons and Slash.[50]

In late 2002, Jackson's Heal the World Foundation had net assets of just $3,542 and reported $2,585 in expenses, mostly for "management fees." The foundation has been suspended in California since April 2002 for failing to file annual statements required of tax-exempt organizations, said John Barrett, spokesman for the state Franchise Tax Board.[51]

Michael Jackson holding his youngest son over a balcony railing.In November 2002, Jackson travelled to Berlin to accept an award for his humanitarian efforts. He was surrounded by fans outside his room at the Hotel Adlon who were chanting in approval of the singer. According to the pop star, they also called out to see his baby. In response, Jackson brought his son onto the balcony, holding him in his right arm with a towel over the baby's head, apparently to protect his identity. Jackson briefly extended the baby over the railing of the balcony. This raised concern as some perceived his actions as child endangerment. Jackson quickly returned the child to the room.

After watching media coverage of the Berlin event, a California attorney and radio talk show host, Gloria Allred, wrote a letter to California's Child Protective Services, asking for an investigation into the safety of Jackson's children. She also spoke on CNN about the subject. Child Protective Services does not make their investigations public, so it is not known whether any action was taken as a result of Allred's letter.

When a reporter asked Jackson what he thought of Allred's complaints, he remarked "Ah, tell her to go to hell."[52]

In the documentary Living with Michael Jackson, Jackson said that the media was wrong in their comments about him being irresponsible with his children, "I love my children", he explained. "I was holding my son tight. Why would I throw a baby off the balcony? That's the dumbest, stupidest story I ever heard."

In February 2003, a controversial documentary titled Living with Michael Jackson aired in the UK (on the 3rd) and in the US (on the 6th). The documentary included interviews with Jackson which included information on his private life.[53] British journalist Martin Bashir and his film crew filmed Jackson for 18 months, also capturing his controversial behavior in Berlin. One particular part of the documentary, which stirred controversy and raised a significant level of concern, showed Jackson holding hands with a then 13-year-old cancer victim Gavin Arviso, and admitting to sharing his bedroom with him (but not in the same bed) as well as sharing his bed (non-sexually) with other children. Jackson felt betrayed by Bashir and complained that the film gives a distorted picture.[54] In response to the media scrutiny, two specials were aired: Michael Jackson: The Footage You Were Never Meant to See and Michael Jackson's Private Home Movies.[55] Michael Jackson: The Footage You Were Never Meant to See which aired later in February showed uncut footage of the Living with Michael Jackson documentary. The Michael Jackson's Private Home Movies aired in April was a 2-hour special with footage of Michael Jackson's home videos and included commentary by Jackson.

In June 2003, Jackson's friend, actor Marlon Brando, signed a half-acre plot of land on his island Tetiaroa to Jackson, in gratitude for Jackson hosting a party for Brando's daughter, Nina, then aged 13.[56]

Also in 2003, Jackson announced that he was working on, Resurrection,[57] a follow-up album to Invincible. It was also revealed that Jackson had made a 'mini-movie' to promote the album. In the movie, Jackson played a man who is resurrected. In March 2003, "Xscape" was released onto the radio, with many believing that this would be the first single off Jackson's new album. The album was shelved for unknown reasons and was replaced by Number Ones.

2003–2006: Trial, acquittal and the aftermath
Main articles: People v. Jackson, Post trial lawsuits against Michael Jackson, and I Have This Dream
In November 2003, Michael Jackson and Sony Records released a compilation of his number-one hits on CD and DVD titled Number Ones. The compilation has sold over six million copies worldwide.[58] On the album's scheduled release date, while Michael Jackson was in Las Vegas filming the video for "One More Chance" (the only new song included in the Number Ones compilation), the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department searched the Neverland Ranch and issued an arrest warrant for Jackson on charges of new child molestation.[59] Jackson was accused of sexual abuse by Gavin Arviso, who appeared in the Living with Michael Jackson documentary earlier that year. The allegations later led to a trial in which Jackson was found not guilty of all charges.[60]

On December 17, 2003, there were media reports that Jackson converted to the Nation of Islam.[61] Later, in 2005, it was also reported that he built a mosque on land adjoining the Bahraini royal family's home.[62]

Jackson in 2003, during his arrest on child molestation charges.Marlon Brando informed Jackson on February 8, 2004 that the declarations made by Jordy Chandler relating to the 1993 child molestation allegations had been published on the internet site The Smoking Gun. This happened when Jackson was about to start an interview with journalist Ed Bradley for 60 Minutes. Jackson immediately left the studio and did not conduct the interview.[63] Jackson also attended Brando's memorial service in 2004 along with Sean Penn, Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty.

Also on August 6, 2004, Man In The Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story debuted on VH1 starring Flex Alexander as Michael Jackson.[64]

Rapper Eminem parodied new allegations raised against Jackson by Gavin Arviso in his music video for "Just Lose It" in 2004. The clip caused controversy and fueled Jackson to make a statement.

The People v. Jackson trial began in Santa Maria, California on January 31, 2005 and lasted until the end of May 2005.

On June 10, Jackson's PR, Raymone Bain was reportedly fired.[65] Jackson's now-defunct website cited that "MJJ Productions regretfully announces the termination of Raymone Bain and Davis, Bain and Associates. We thank you for your services." Bain later told the Associated Press that she had not been fired and that only Michael Jackson, not his production company (operated at the time by his brother, Randy Jackson), could fire her.[66] Bain continues releasing press statements and answering media enquiries on behalf of Michael Jackson, and was named general manager of the Michael Jackson Company, Inc. on June 27, 2006.[67]

On June 13, Jackson was acquitted of all ten charges, including four additional lesser ones. CNN later reported that one of the jurors, Ray Hultman, believed he had committed child sex crimes in the past but there was not enough evidence to prove it,[68] and he and another juror announced impending books on their experiences in the trial.

In September 2005, it was reported that Ray Hultman took legal action against the publisher of his book about experiences in the trial, claiming heavy portions were plagiarized from a Vanity Fair article. Hultman also stated he felt "threatened" by the jury foreman Paul Rodriguez and regretted acquitting Jackson.[69]

After being acquitted of the child molestation charges, Jackson relocated to the Gulf island of Bahrain, where he reportedly bought a house formerly owned by a Bahrain MP.[70] Jackson allegedly spent his time in the Gulf writing new music, including a charity single dedicated to the victims of Hurricane Katrina entitled, "I Have This Dream". Ciara, Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly, Keyshia Cole, James Ingram, Michael Jackson's brother Jermaine, Shanice, the Reverend Shirley Caesar and The O'Jays all reportedly lent their voices to the charity song. After many delays, the single was not released, despite being announced on September 13, 2005. At the time, Jackson's spokesperson Raymone Bain said the list included Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, James Brown and Lenny Kravitz. It later appeared that these artists were no longer participating.[71] The charity single remains unreleased.

In 2006, allegations of sexual assault were made against Jackson by a man who claims Michael Jackson molested him, intoxicated him with drugs and alcohol, and forced him to undergo unnecessary cosmetic surgery. Michael Jackson's lawyer Thomas Mesereau, who successfully defended him against allegations of child molestation in 2005, said "the charges are ridiculous on their face. They will be vigorously defended."[72]

2006–present: Visionary, Tokyo and the World Music Awards
In February 2006, Jackson's label released Visionary: The Video Singles, a box set made up of twenty of his biggest hit singles, each of which were issued individually week by week over a five-month period.[73]

The Visionary box set.An appeals court ruled on February 15, that a lower court improperly terminated Deborah Rowe's parental rights to her two children with pop star Michael Jackson, opening the door to a possible custody battle between the singer and his ex-wife.[74] The retired judge, Steven M. Lachs, acknowledged in 2004 that he failed to have state officials do an independent investigation into what was in the best interests of the children.[75][76] As of September 29, 2006, the case has reportedly been settled according to the lawyers representing each party.

On March 9, 2006, California state labor officials closed the singer's Neverland Ranch and fined him $69,000 for failure to provide employment insurance. The state "stop order" bars Jackson from "using any employee labor" until he secured required workers' compensation insurance. In addition to being fined $1,000 for each of his 69 workers, Jackson is liable for up to 10 days pay for those employees who now are no longer allowed to report to Neverland for work.[77] Thirty Neverland employees have also sued Jackson for $306,000 in unpaid wages.[78]

Soon after this payment, Jackson's spokesperson announced on March 16, 2006 that Jackson was closing his house at Neverland and had laid off some of the employees but added that reports of the closing of the entire ranch were inaccurate.[79] There have been many reports of a possible sale of Neverland, but nothing tangible has been reported yet.

Michael Jackson with his daughter Paris Katherine at Disneyland Paris, June 18, 2006.In a move named by Jackson's advisors as "refinancing," it was announced on April 14, 2006 that Jackson had struck a deal with Sony and Fortress Investments. In the deal Sony may be allowed to take control of half of Jackson's 50% stake in Sony/ATV Music Publishing (worth an estimated $1 billion) which Jackson co-owns. Jackson would be left with 25% of the catalogue, with the rest belonging to Sony.

In exchange, Sony negotiated with a loans company on behalf of Jackson. Jackson's $200m in loans were due in December 2005 and were secured on the catalogue. Jackson failed to pay and the Bank of America sold them to Fortress Investments, a company dealing in distressed loans. However, Jackson hasn't as yet sold any of the remainder of his stake. The possible purchase by Sony of 25% of Sony/ATV Music Publishing is a conditional option; it is assumed the singer will try to avoid having to sell part of the catalogue of songs including material by other artists such as Bob Dylan and Destiny's Child. As another part of the deal Jackson was given a new $300 million loan, and a lower interest rate on the old loan to match the original Bank of America rate. When the loan was sold to Fortress Investments they increased the interest rate to 20%.[80] None of the details are officially confirmed. An advisor to Jackson, however, did publicly announce he had "restructured his finances with the assistance of Sony."[81]

On April 18, 2006, Michael Jackson signed a management deal with English music producer Guy Holmes. Holmes is the recently appointed CEO of Two Seas Records, with whom Jackson has signed a recording contract for one album. The album is set for a fall 2007 release.[82]

On May 27, 2006, Michael Jackson accepted a Legend Award at MTV Japan's VMA Awards in Tokyo. It was his first major public appearance since being found not guilty in his child molestation trial almost a year earlier. The award honors his influence and impact on music videos in the last 25 years. Following the award ceremony, Jackson also made an appearance on SMAPxSMAP.[83]

In 2006, F. Marc Schaffel, a former associate of Jackson, filed a suit for millions of dollars allegedly owed to him after working with Jackson on an unreleased charity record named "What More Can I Give" and documentaries. Florida businessman Alvin Malnik, who had advised Jackson, appeared in court and stated that Jackson appeared to be bewildered by financial matters. Schaffel claimed to have made frequent loans to the singer totaling between $7 million and $10 million. Schaffel had received an urgent plea from Jackson for $1 million so that Jackson could buy jewelry for Elizabeth Taylor so that she would agree to sign a release for her involvement in a Fox special.[84]

These court proceedings also brought to light unsuccessful projects planned with the actor Marlon Brando, including a dual interview at the actor's private island near Tahiti, and a DVD on acting.[84] Brando's son Miko Brando, a long time bodyguard and assistant to Jackson stated "The last time my father left his house to go anywhere, to spend any kind of time... was with Michael Jackson." "He loved it... [He] had a 24-hour chef, 24-hour security, 24-hour help, 24-hour kitchen, 24-hour maid service."[85]

Michael Jackson with his children, Paris Katherine (center) and Prince Michael II (right) at Disneyland Paris, June 18, 2006.On July 14, 2006, the jury awarded Schaffel $900,000 of the original $3.8 million he sued Jackson for, which Schaffel later reduced to $1.6 million, and finally to $1.4 million.[86] The jury also awarded Jackson $200,000 plus interest of the $660,000 that Jackson claimed he was owed by Schaffel. The trial revealed that Schaffel had been dismissed after Jackson learned of his past work as a director of gay pornography. Schaffel claimed that Jackson "once wanted him to go to Brazil to find boys for him to adopt. He later modified that statement to "children" to expand Jackson's family."[87] Jackson's lawyer Thomas Mundell said that he had never heard the allegation during the pre-trial investigation and that "it was an effort to smear Mr Jackson with a remark that could be interpreted to hurt him in light of the case against him last year."[88]

On July 31, 2006, a federal judge allowed a $48 million claim against Jackson and one of Jackson's trusts for unpaid fees and breach of contract. All parties were ordered to reappear in court in September.[89]

On November 2 and November 3, 2006, Access Hollywood aired a special Michael Jackson in Ireland which showed Jackson and will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas in the process of recording Jackson's new album.[90]

Michael Jackson performing "We are the World" at the 2006 World Music Awards.On November 14, 2006, Sony officially released the Visionary box set.[91] He also visited the London office of the Guinness World Records. There, he received eight awards: "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time", "Youngest Vocalist to Top the US Singles Charts" (at the age of 11 as part of the Jackson Five), "First Vocalist to Enter the US Singles Chart at Number One" (for "You Are Not Alone"), "First Entertainer to Earn More Than 100 million Dollars in a Year", "Highest Paid Entertainer of All Time" ($125 in 1989), "First Entertainer to Sell More Than 100 Million Albums Outside the US", "Most Weeks at the Top of the US Albums Chart" (for the album Thriller) and "Most Successful Music Video" (for the music video Thriller).[92]

On November 15, 2006, Michael Jackson received the Diamond Award, for selling over 100 million albums, at the World Music Awards. This was his second public appearance at an awards show since the trial of 2005.[93] Despite substantial publicity prior to the event,[94][95][96] he did not perform "Thriller", limiting his performance to "one verse and one chorus" of "We are the World".[97] Coverage of the event noted that Jackson "looked uncomfortable at times" and called the appearance "an unhappy return to the London stage."[98] According to the head of public relations for the World Music Awards (Julius Just), the sound was cut due to a noise curfew. Officials at Earl's Court, the arena where the event was held, have said that this was not the case and that they had "accommodated the show and the show's organisers by obtaining an extension to our licence in order to allow the show to run to eleven o'clock."[99]

On December 30, 2006, more than 8000 people including family, friends and fans of James Brown watched as several artists, including Jackson, paid tribute to the 'Godfather of Soul'.[100] Reverend Al Sharpton, who was close to Brown, delivered his sermon at the funeral, in which he stated that in the last conversation he had with Brown, he had said that artists like Jackson needed to continue to make positive music for all people.[100]

In the third quarter of 2007, Jackson is expected to release a comeback album. There have been reports of collaborations with will.i.am (of The Black Eyed Peas),[101] Teddy Riley,[102], DJ Whoo Kid,[102] Akon[101] , Chris Brown and 50 Cent.[101] Initially, it was thought that the Bahraini-based label Two Seas would release the album, but, in September 2006, it was made apparent that Jackson and Two Seas were no longer affiliated with each other.[103] Consequently, Jackson formed The Michael Jackson Company which will oversee both his finances and the release of his new album.[103] There may also be plans for a world tour to support the album.[104]

Discography

Main articles: Michael Jackson album discography and Michael Jackson singles discography
Studio albums
Motown releases
1971: Got to Be There
1972: Ben
1973: Music and Me
1975: Forever, Michael
Epic releases
1979: Off the Wall
1982: Thriller
1987: Bad
1991: Dangerous
1995: HIStory
1997: Blood on the Dance Floor
2001: Invincible
The Michael Jackson Company release
2007: TBA

Number-one singles

US number-one singles

1972: "Ben"
1979: "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough"
1980: "Rock with You"
1983: "Billie Jean"
1983: "Beat It"
1983: "Say Say Say" (with Paul McCartney)
1987: "I Just Can't Stop Loving You"
1987: "Bad"
1987: "The Way You Make Me Feel"
1988: "Man in the Mirror"
1988: "Dirty Diana"
1991: "Black or White"
1995: "You Are Not Alone"
UK number-one singles
1981: "One Day in Your Life"
1983: "Billie Jean"
1987: "I Just Can't Stop Loving You"
1991: "Black or White"
1995: "You Are Not Alone"
1995: "Earth Song"
1997: "Blood on the Dance Floor"

Filmography

Main article: Michael Jackson filmography
Notable music videos
1983: "Billie Jean"
1983: "Beat It"
1983: "Thriller"
1987: "Bad"
1987: "The Way You Make Me Feel"
1988: "Smooth Criminal"
1989: "Leave Me Alone"
1991: "Black or White"
1992: "Remember the Time"
1995: "Scream"
1995: "Earth Song"
1997: "Blood on the Dance Floor"
2001: "You Rock My World"
Films
1978: The Wiz
1986: Captain EO
1988: Moonwalker
1997: Ghosts
2004: Men in Black II (Cameo appearance)
2004: Miss Cast Away (Cameo appearance)
Videos/DVDs
1988: Moonwalker
1993: Dangerous - The Short Films
1995: Video Greatest Hits - HIStory
1997: HIStory on Film, Volume II
2003: Number Ones
2004: The One
2005: Live In Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour

Television

The Jacksons TV Show was an animated series that first aired on June 16, 1976 and last aired on March 9, 1977. It starred Jackie, Tito, Marlon, Michael, Randy, Rebbie, LaToya, and Janet Jackson.[105]
The Simpsons, Season 3 Episode 1, "Stark Raving Dad". The episode first aired on September 19, 1991. He was credited as John Jay Smith.[106]
Video games
Michael Jackson's Moonwalker is an arcade game that was ported to the Sega Mega Drive/Sega Genesis and Sega Master System and various 8-bit home computers, including the Amiga, which sported more levels and better graphics.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 features sampled noises from Jackson and his instrument players who worked for him at the time. Due to his 1993 scandal some songs written by him were removed; however the original game still contains some content from him and his team although Jackson is uncredited. New Sega PC "retro" versions do not contain any of the material from Jackson or his team.
Space Channel 5 for the Sega Dreamcast featured Michael Jackson in the later levels.
Space Channel 5: Part 2, a dance game for the PlayStation 2 and Sega Dreamcast also featured Michael Jackson in the later levels.
Ready 2 Rumble Round 2 is a fighting game for the PlayStation 2 and Sega Dreamcast featuring Michael Jackson as a hidden character.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City for the PS2, PC, and Xbox includes two songs by Michael Jackson: "Billie Jean" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'".

Music samples

"Beat It" (file info) — play in browser (beta)
from Thriller (1982)
"Ben" (file info) — play in browser (beta)
from Ben (1972)
"Billie Jean" (file info) — play in browser (beta)
from Thriller (1982)
"Black or White" (file info) — play in browser (beta)
from Dangerous (1991)
"Blood on the Dance Floor" (file info) — play in browser (beta)
from Blood on the Dance Floor (1997)
"Don't Stop Til You Get Enough" (file info) — play in browser (beta)
from Off The Wall (1979)
"Jam" (file info) — play in browser (beta)
from Dangerous (1991)
"Man in The Mirror" (file info) — play in browser (beta)
from Bad (1987)
"Somebody's Watching Me" (file info) — play in browser (beta)
from Rockwell's Somebody's Watching Me (1984)
"We've Had Enough" (file info) — play in browser (beta)
from Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection (2004)
"You Are Not Alone" (file info) — play in browser (beta)
from HIStory (1995)
"You Rock My World" (2001) (file info) — play in browser (beta)
from Invincible (2001)

2007-01-21T20:15:00.000+07:00

Rakim

Rakim (full name Rakim Allah, born William Michael Griffin Jr, January 28, 1966, in Wyandanch, Long Island, New York) is an African-American rapper. His new rapping style which was smooth, seemingly effortless, and had remarkably complex rhyming schemes involving internal-rhymes and metaphors.

Biography

The nephew of R&B star Ruth Brown, Rakim became involved in the New York hip hop scene at a young age. He became a Muslim, taking the name Rakim Allah, in 1984. Rakim's impact on Hip Hop was so impressive that it helped him top more free 'Greatest MC' Polls than any other MC.

Eric B. & Rakim

In 1985 he formed a musical partnership. Eric B. and Rakim subsequently became one of the most well-known and influential groups to emerge from hip hop's so-called "Golden Age" (1986-1993), with many of their tracks becoming hip hop classics, including "Follow The Leader", "Paid In Full", "Eric B Is President", "Microphone Fiend", and "Don't Sweat the Technique". Prior to Rakim's arrival on the scene, hip hop rhyming still exhibited strong ties to rapping's roots in improvisatory toasting, in very regular meter and rhyme scheme (Run DMC, Kurtis Blow, and others), with simple lyrics and a steady and heavily prounounced rhythm. Rakim, in contrast, says he tried to model his flow after the saxophone's instrumentation in a jazz song. The All Music Guide's Steve Huey wrote in the early 2000s that "Rakim's flow is smooth and liquid, inflected with jazz rhythms and carried off with an effortless cool that makes it sound as though he's not even breaking a sweat. He raised the bar for MC technique higher than it had ever been."[1] Rakim's use of metaphor and elaborate phrasing (in contrast to previous hip hop's relatively simple lyricism) was also extremely influential, with Pitchfork Media critic Jess Harvell writing in 2005 that "Rakim's innovation was applying a patina of intellectual detachment to rap's most sacred cause: talking shit about how you're a better rapper than everyone else. He was the supreme exponent of rapping-about-rapping." However beneath this surface of subject matter there frequently was some deeper metaphorical message. In general for example, Rakim as a rapper represented the spitirtual or moral teacher, the audience that was to be entertained were his students and the rappers he lyrically disposed of represented those who were willfully opposed to the path of wisdom (life wisdom). "Scientists try to solve the context, Philosopher's are wondering what's next. Pieces are took to last who observe them, They couldn't absorb them, they didn't deserve them; my ideas are only for the audience's ears, for my opponents it might take years" -Rakim, Don't Sweat The technique (1991). On the violent streets of New York city in the 1980's and early 90's, many rappers saw fit to include messages of moral education in their music and Rakim was at the forefront of this movement, employing both literal and figurative language in his lyrics to that end.[2]

Solo career

Eric B. & Rakim broke up in 1992 after releasing four albums. Due to legal wrangling over royalties and his contracts with both his record label and with Eric B, Rakim did not release a solo album for another five years. He returned in 1997 with The 18th Letter, which included collaborations with DJ Premier and Pete Rock; released in two versions, one of which included an Eric B. & Rakim greatest hits disc titled The Book of Life, the album was fairly well-received critically and was certified gold. In 1999, Rakim released The Master, which was considerably less successful than its predecessor, failing to crack the Top 50 on Billboard's album chart and receiving mixed reviews.

Rakim was signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment record label in the early 2000s, for work on an album tentatively titled Oh My God. The album underwent numerous changes in artistic direction and personnel and was delayed several times. While working on the album, Rakim made guest appearances on numerous Aftermath projects, including the hit single "Addictive" by Truth Hurts, the Dr. Dre-produced "The Watcher Part 2" by Jay-Z, and Eminem's 8 Mile soundtrack. However Rakim left the label in 2003 and Oh My God was indefinitely shelved, a result of creative differences with Dre.[3]

On April 27, 2004, Rakim was arrested regarding an outstanding paternity matter from 2001. The rapper said he was unaware of the warrant, but he agreed to pay $2,000 in child support for his 14 year-old son. He was released the next day but because of the warrant, that night's Wu-Tang Clan performance (opening for Ghostface) at the Roseland Ballroom was canceled.

Rakim claimed to be working on a new album in 2004[4] but as of 2006, it has not been released. Recent rumors have claimed that he is planning to sign to Talib Kweli's label, fueled by their collaboration on the track "Getting Up Anthem Part 1". While nothing came of the rumors, Ra has stated he is still considering the label as distribution.

In 2006, Rakim claimed to be currently working on a new album, scheduled to be released this year, titled The Seventh Seal based on the passage in the Book of Revelations. According to Rakim, he is taking the seventh seal and "making it relevant to hip hop and life itself."[5] As of now, no official news on what label is handling the distribution for the album. At his November 25, 2006 concert at BB Kings, Rakim announced that he will be releasing the first single from his upcoming album in January, 2007 to be followed by the release of the new album in February.[6]

Rakim also announced that he will be embarking on a 22-date national tour starting in mid-August.[7]

In March 2007 Chinga Chang Records will release "Offical Joints" with new music from Rakim and other NYC rappers.

Legacy

Many hip hop/rap artists (both underground and mainstream) acknowledge a huge debt to Rakim's innovative style; one of his more prominent fans include Nas, who dedicated a song to Rakim, "U.B.R. (Unauthorized Biography of Rakim)", on his album, Street's Disciple.

Rakim also made cameos in the Juelz Santana video "Mic Check", the Timbaland & Magoo video "Cop That Disc" and the Busta Rhymes video "New York Shit". Eric B. and Rakim's classic album Paid In Full was named the greatest hip hop album of all time by MTV.

Discography

Albums
Solo:

The 18th Letter/The Book Of Life (2CD) (1997) (Gold)
The Master (1999)
The Seventh Seal (Ra Records 2007)
With Eric B:

Paid in Full (1987) (Platinum)
Follow the Leader (1988) (Gold)
Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em (1990) (Gold)
Don't Sweat The Technique (1992)
Mixtapes:

J-Love - Legends Vol.1 (2004)

Also appears on

"Friends" (with Jody Watley) (1989)
"Contribution" (with Mica Paris) (1991)
"Heat It Up" (from the soundtrack to the film Gunmen) (1993)
"Shades of Black" (from the Pump Ya Fist: Hip-Hop Inspired by the Black Panthers album) (1995)
"Hoodlum" (with Mobb Deep and Big Noyd) (1997)
"Off The Hook" (with Jody Watley) (1998)
"Metaforce" (with Art of Noise) (1999)
"Concrete Jungle" (with Bob Marley) (1999) (Chant Down Babylon)
"The Militia II" (with Gang Starr and WC) (1999)
"I'll Buss 'Em U Punish 'Em" (with Canibus) (2000)
"I Am" (G-Dep featuring Kool G Rap and Rakim (2001) (Child of the Ghetto)
"After U Die" (with Dr. Dre) (Dretox) (2005)
"Addictive" (with Truth Hurts) (2002)
"R.A.K.I.M." (from the 8 Mile soundtrack) (2002)
"The Watcher 2" (Jay-Z featuring Dr. Dre, Rakim, and Truth Hurts) (2002) (The Blueprint 2: The Gift & the Curse)
"Streets Of New York" (with Alicia Keys and Nas) (The Diary of Alicia Keys) (2003)
"Getting Up Anthem" (with Talib Kweli) (2005) Recites the hook of "You Know The Deal"

2007-01-17T06:55:00.000+07:00

Outlandish

Background information

Birth name Stanley Vernal Howse
Origin Cleveland, Ohio

Genre(s) Rap

Years active 1993–present

Label(s) Def Jam, F.B.I., KOCH Records, Mo Thug, Full Surface Records

(2005 - present) Interscope Records
(2006 - present) Flesh-n-Bone is the stage name of Stanley Vernell Howse, an American rapper in the rap group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 10, 1974 (see [1]).

He is the older brother of Layzie Bone and the cousin of Wish Bone. As an original member of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, he was known for his quick-tongued rhymes. At the time of Faces of Death release, Flesh was not a part of the group, explaining his absence from the album. Flesh was barely featured on E. 1999 Eternal and Art of War because he never signed to Ruthless Records with the rest of the group. However, he was heavily featured on BTNHResurrection, appearing on 14 out of 15 tracks. He is currently in prison for threatening his neighbor with an AK-47. He is expected to be released on parole in 2008, but some of his unreleased vocals will appear on Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's new album Strength and Loyalty.

He also has four children.

Discography

Album Name Release Date Status U.S. Status Worldwide Billboard 200
T.H.U.G.S. Trues Humbly United Gatherin' Souls November 19, 1996 Platinum #23
From Cleveland 2 Cali 1999
5th Dog Let Loose October 10, 2000 Gold #98

Outlandish

Isam Bachiri, Waqas Ali Qadri, Lenny Martinez

Country Denmark

Years active 1997 – present
Genres hip-hop
Labels Sony-BMG
Members Waqas Ali Qadri
Isam Bachiri
Lenny Martinez

Website(s) http://www.outlandmoro.com/

Outlandish is a Danish hip-hop group based in Denmark. Formed in 1997, they consist of Isam Bachiri Azouaoui (born in Denmark and of Moroccan background), Waqas Ali Qadri (born in Denmark and of Pakistani background), and Lenny Martinez (from Honduras). All three members are religious, with Isam and Waqas being devout Muslims, and Lenny being Catholic. The band members lived in Brøndby Strand.

History

Outlandish's R&B/Hip-hop/Rap/soul music takes influences from their various backgrounds (Moroccan,Amazigh, Indo-Pakistani, and Latin music), and although their songs are primarily in English, they usually feature lyrics in Spanish, Urdu, Danish, and Arabic. All these influences make the music of Outlandish somewhat unique and this is easy to notice from the variety of genres covered in their albums. Outlandish often include themes about Islam and contemporary issues facing young Muslims in the west in their music, and sometimes their songs define an urban nasheed-like unique genre.

Their single "Pacific To Pacific" was in connection with an Amnesty International charity event. Next came the single "Saturday Night", a song that was later to be included on the soundtrack for the Danish movie Pizza King. These singles were the prelude to their first album Outland's Official (2000) which was however only released in Denmark. The hit song "Walou" was later included on their second album Bread and Barrels of Water.

Singles from their even more successful second album Bread And Barrels Of Water (2003) made the most impact on the music charts. Hit singles included "Aicha" (first made famous by Khaled) which made it to number one in Germany and received a lot of airplay across many Asian countries. The video to "Aicha" also won a best music video award. "Guantanamo" also made a strong impression on the European charts. An old Urdu chorus running through "Peelo" made it a smash hit amongst Indians and Pakistanis living in the West.

Closer than Veins (2005) is Outlandish's much anticipated third album. The first single was "Look Into My Eyes". The song's lyrics are based on a poem by Gihad Ali expressing the plight of those suffering from America’s foreign policy with regards to Israel and Palestine. This album showcased the group's more mature outlook compared to their previous works. Apart from "Look Into My Eyes", and "I've seen" that laments the plight of Muslim peoples across the world and the fall of the islamic Caliphate, tracks such as Just Me and Una Palabra give a rare insight into the life in Europe today as seen through the eyes of a second generation immigrant, whereas "Nothing Left To Do" perhaps the most daring and compelling track on the album boldly tackles the still taboo ridden issue of a young muslim man catching HIV "Warm smile – long blond hair/Pretty green eyes and skin damned fair/For sure lucky to get with a girl like that/Couldn’t pass this chance no matter what...Pretty woman though, not all she seemed/Soon grim reality and not a dream/Wasn’t the first certainly not her last/Moment of weakness, became victim of her past."

Where Outlandish wrote all tracks on their first two albums Closer than Veins marked a departure in this respect particularly on the socially and politically heavy side the group has called in lyrical reinforcements. "Look Into My Eyes" is principally written by Gihad Ali, whereas "Just Me", "Una Palabra" and "Nothing Left To Do" are principally written by Omar Shah, who has also written Isam Bachiri's lyrics on "Try Not To Cry".

The album features a track ("I've Seen") with Sami Yusuf (a popular Muslim musician / nasheed artist). Outlandish have contributed to a track on Sami Yusuf's recent album My Ummah (2005) called "Try Not To Cry", and Waqas Ali Qadri also features on the nasheed boy-band 786's "Meditate" from their album Straight Path (2005). Such collaborations between artists are becoming increasingly popular in the Muslim music world. Other Danish music contemporaries who have occasionally collaborated with Outlandish include Majid and Burhan G.

Outlandish performed a live percussion version of "Look Into My Eyes" live performance Video at the "Islamophobia" conference held in Copenhagen, Denmark in May 2006 which was hosted by the "Islam Channel" and included many theological & political speakers and community leaders. Their club thumping single "Kom Igen" is featured on EA's FIFA 2007.

Outlandish have recently revealed on their MySpace site details of two new (bonus) tracks "In Good Hands" and "Angels Lower Their Wings" on the deluxe version of their current album "Closer Than Veins". They were the only Danish act performing at the European MTV Awards 2006, where they also won the price for 'Best Danish Act'. Recently the group has also perfomed at the annual Reviving the Islamic Spirit conference in Toronto Canada, lending further credit to the theory that they are becoming more of an "Islamic Band"

Civil rights

Danmarks Radio (DR - The Danish Broadcasting Services) made a fury when they on behalf of demands from Outlandish censored the broadcaster’s annual Christmas show because the popular group didn’t want to perform alongside a female singer with bare shoulders. The censorship by DR was even brought in to the Danish parliament.

More about the incident in Danish.

Discography

Albums

Outland's Official - (2000)
Bread And Barrels Of Water - (2003)
Beats, Rhymes & Life - (2004) - Collaborative album with many artists including The Fugees, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan & Junoon
Closer Than Veins - (2005)

Non-album singles

"Belly Dance"
"Man binder os på mund og hånd"
"Pacific To Pacific" - in connection with an Amnesty International
"Saturday Night" from "Pizza King" OST

Album singles

Outland's Official (2000)

"Intro"
"Mano A Mano" (feat. Majid)
"Wherever"
"The Bond Between Us"
"Come On"
"CPH Moro" (feat. Majid & Creative)
"Love Joint"
"Stick ´Em Up"
"ILL Kebab"
"Renovadores" (feat. Majid, Acorn & Jokeren)
"Heads To The Sky"
Songs originally on "outlands Official" Repeated on "Bread and Barrels of Water"

"Walou"Video
"Fatima’s Hand" (feat. Majid)

Bread & Barrels of Water (2003)

"Introduction"
"Guantanamo" - # 1 DK Video
"Peelo"
"Walou"Video
"Aicha" # 1 GERVideo
"Gritty"
"Interlude"
"If Only"
"Fatima’s Hand" (feat. Majid)
"El Moro" (feat. Majid)
"Eyes Never Dry"
"A Donkey Named Cheetah" (feat. Majid)
"Dirty Dirty East"
"Life is A Loom"

Beats, Rhymes & Life (2004) (collaborative album)

"Walou (Rishi Rich Remix)" (Outlandish)
"Vocab" (The Fugees)
"Respect" (Alliance Ethnik feat. Vinia Mojica)
"Past, Present, Future" (Majid)
"Chan Chan" (Company Segundo)
"Ya Rayah" (Rachid Taha)
"Sohniye" (Juggy D)
"Dil Se/ Satrangi Re" (Sonu Nigam & Kavita Krishnamurthy)
"Aicha (Proper Pak Remix)" (Outlandish)
"We Are" (DJ Jazzy Jeff feat. Cy Young & Raheem)
"Inshallah" (Goodie Mob)
"Min Tid" (Petter Alexis)
"Quien Me Tienda La Mano Al Pas" (Pablo Milanes)
"La Maza" (Mercedes Sosa)
"Sweet Pain" (Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan')
"Ghoom" (Junoon)

Closer Than Veins (2005)

"Introspective"
"Any Given Time"
"Look Into my Eyes" Video
"Just Me"
"Kom Igen" (feat. U$O, ADL & Salah Edin)Video
"Nothing Left to do"
"Beyond Words" (feat. Burhan G)
"Words Stuck to Heart"
"Reggada" (feat. Taibi & Dany Raï)
"Callin’ U"
"Sakeena"
"I’ve Seen" (feat. Sami Yusuf)
"Una Palabra" (feat. Majid)
"I Only Ask Of God" Video
"Appreciatin'"
"In Good Hands" - Bonus Track on deluxe album version
"Angels Lower Their Wings" - Bonus Track on deluxe album version

Music videos

"Aicha"Video
"Walou"Video
"Guantanamo"Video
"Look Into my Eyes" Video
"Kom Igen" Video (Featuring U$O, and originally swedish rapper ADL and Salah Edin although they are not featured in the video)
"I Only Ask Of God"Video

2007-01-17T06:43:00.000+07:00

Flesh-n-Bone

Background information

Birth name Stanley Vernal Howse
Origin Cleveland, Ohio

Genre(s) Rap

Years active 1993–present

Label(s) Def Jam, F.B.I., KOCH Records, Mo Thug, Full Surface Records

(2005 - present) Interscope Records
(2006 - present) Flesh-n-Bone is the stage name of Stanley Vernell Howse, an American rapper in the rap group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 10, 1974 (see [1]).

He is the older brother of Layzie Bone and the cousin of Wish Bone. As an original member of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, he was known for his quick-tongued rhymes. At the time of Faces of Death release, Flesh was not a part of the group, explaining his absence from the album. Flesh was barely featured on E. 1999 Eternal and Art of War because he never signed to Ruthless Records with the rest of the group. However, he was heavily featured on BTNHResurrection, appearing on 14 out of 15 tracks. He is currently in prison for threatening his neighbor with an AK-47. He is expected to be released on parole in 2008, but some of his unreleased vocals will appear on Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's new album Strength and Loyalty.

He also has four children.

Discography

Album Name Release Date Status U.S. Status Worldwide Billboard 200
T.H.U.G.S. Trues Humbly United Gatherin' Souls November 19, 1996 Platinum #23
From Cleveland 2 Cali 1999
5th Dog Let Loose October 10, 2000 Gold #98

2007-01-15T22:42:00.000+07:00

Brother Ali

Biography

Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Ali moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota at age 15 where he became involved in the local hiphop scene. He's signed to Rhymesayers Entertainment, a hiphop record label founded by Brent Sayers, Musab S'ad Ali, Derek Turner, Anthony Davis, and Slug, the frontman of Minnesota rap group Atmosphere, with whom Ali has become fast friends.

Ali is an albino and although his appearance made him the brunt of bullying in high school [1] (his response is chronicled on the track "Win Some, Lose Some"), he has come to be unabashedly proud of his distinctive features, celebrating it in a track called "Forrest Whitaker", where he called on "anyone out there who's a little different" to stand up and exult in who they are, rather than stay ashamed.

Though he initially produced his own material (his cassette tape-only "Rites of Passage" EP (2000) was self-produced), Brother Ali has since turned to Ant (Anthony Davis), Rhymesayers Entertainment's in-house producer, to produce his most recent albums, Shadows on the Sun and the Champion EP. Ant's style is funk- and soul-inflected, often matching the gravitas of Ali's rhymes.

Brother Ali tours with his DJ, BK One, occasionally his hype man Toki Wright, and has opened for Rakim, Kid Capri, and Brand Nubian, among others. His second LP, The Undisputed Truth, is due out on March 6, 2007.

Brother Ali will be on tour with Rakim and Kid Capri for at least 14 dates starting September 12, 2006.

Discography
Rites of Passage (2000)
Shadows on the Sun (2003)
The Champion EP (2004)
The Undisputed Truth (2007)

2007-01-15T22:40:00.000+07:00

Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan (born November 2, 1965, is a prominent Bollywood actor and producer.

Background

Shah Rukh Khan was born to Muslim parents of Pathan origin, Taj Mohammed Khan and Lateef Fatima,[1] and was born and raised in New Delhi. His family came from Kissa Kahani Bazaar in Peshawar, before the Partition of India.[2] Khan attended St. Columba's School and later the Hansraj College (1985-1988) to earn an Honours degree in Economics. He later studied for a Masters Degree in Mass Communications at Jamia Millia Islamia University. He is married to Gauri Khan and they have two children, son Aryan and daughter Suhana.

Career

Shah Rukh started his career in 1988 by appearing on various television series such as the war drama series Fauji playing the role of Commando Abhimanyu Rai.[3] He then played a minor role in the serial Circus (1989)[4] which depicted the life of circus performers. That same year he had a minor role in the TV film In Which Annie Gives it Those Ones. After the death of his parents Khan moved to Mumbai for a fresh start despite a self-admitted lack of talent.[5] He then made his Bollywood film debut in Deewana (1992), where he starred opposite the late actress Divya Bharti.

As Raj in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)He got critical acclaim for his performances in Baazigar and Darr (1993), in which he played anti-hero and obsessive-lover roles respectively. In 1995 he starred in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge which was a critical and commercial success[6] and has has entered its twelfth year in Mumbai theaters, grossing nearly twelve billion rupees in all.[7]

After this, Khan frequently collaborated with directors Yash Chopra and Karan Johar and starred in several of their successful films in the romantic genre including Dil to Pagal Hai (1997), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Mohabbatein (2000), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) and Veer-Zaara (2004). Khan also won critical praise for his performances in Anjaam (1994), Dil Se (1998), Hey Ram (2000), Swades (2004), and Paheli (2005) which were not as successful commercially.

Khan also produces films and co-owns Dreamz Unlimited, a film production company, with Juhi Chawla and director Aziz Mirza. The first two of the films he produced and starred in, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani (2000) and Asoka (2001) were box office failures.[2] [3]. His third film as a producer and star Chalte Chalte (2003) was a hit. [4] In 2004 another of his production houses, Red Chillies Entertainment, produced Main Hoon Na [5] which was his second hit from his production houses. He then produced and starred in Paheli (2005), which was India's selection for the Academy Awards (foreign films category) but did not win. That same year he also co-produced the film Kaal with Karan Johar and performed an item number for the film with Malaika Arora Khan.

Nasreen Munni Kabir, the noted British filmmaker, produced a two-part documentary on Shah Rukh, "The Inner and Outer World of Shah Rukh Khan" (2005). Featuring his 2004 Temptations concert tour, the film contrasted Khan's inner world of family and daily life with the outer world of his work.

In 2006 he again teamed up with Karan Johar for the multi-starrer Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna which has been very successful in India and overseas. He also played the title role in the hit movie Don, a remake of the 1978 film Don.

In 2007 Khan will take over from Amitabh Bachchan as the host of the game show Kaun Banega Crorepati, the Indian version of Who wants to be a millionaire?.[8] Also in 2007, Shahrukh Khan Will Star in Farah Khans Om Shanti Om and Shimt Amins Chak De India

Awards and nominations

Khan has been nominated for 13 Filmfare Best Actor awards [6] - six of which he won - the most recent being in 2005 for Swades where he played the role of an Indian-American NASA engineer whose life is transformed by his encounters in rural India.

On National Geographic Cover February 2005

Filmfare Awards

2004 - Winner Best Actor for Swades
2004 - Nominated Best Actor for Main Hoon Na
2004 - Nominated Best Actor for Veer Zaara
2004 - Winner Filmfare Power Award
2003 - Nominated Best Actor for Kal Ho Naa Ho
2003 - Winner Filmfare Power Award (along with Amitabh Bachchan)
2002 - Winner Best Actor for Devdas
2002 - Winner Filmfare Special Award Swiss Consulate Trophy
2001 - Nominated Best Actor for Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
2000 - Winner Best Actor Critics' Choice for Mohabbatein
2000 - Nominated Best Actor for Mohabbatein
1999 - Nominated Best Comedian for Baadshah
1998 - Winner Best Actor for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
1998 - Nominated Best Performance In Negative Role for Duplicate
1997 - Winner Best Actor for Dil To Pagal Hai
1997 - Nominated Best Actor for Yes Boss
1995 - Winner Best Actor for Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
1994 - Winner Best Performance In Negative Role for Anjaam
1993 - Winner Best Actor for Baazigar
1993 - Nominated Best Actor for Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa
1993 - Winner Best Performer Critics' Choice for Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa
1993 - Nominated Best Performance In Negative Role for Darr
1992 - Winner Best Debut/Newcomer for Deewana

Other Awards

He has won ten Rupa Cinegoers Awards, six Star Screen Videocon Awards, six Sansui Viewers Choice Movie Awards, four Zee Cine Awards, four People's Choice Movie Awards, three IIFA Awards, three Zee Gold Bollywood Awards, two AFJA Awards, one Aashirwad Award, one Disney Kids Channel Award, one MTV Immies Indian Music Excellence Awards, and one Sports World Film Award.

National Honors

2005 - Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award from the Government of India
2002 - Rajiv Gandhi Award for Excellence in the Field of Entertainment
1997 - Best Indian Citizen Award

Trivia

Although Khan is known more for playing romantic roles, he has played a villain in 5 of his movies which are; Baazigar, Anjaam, Darr, Duplicate and Don - The Chase Begins Again.
Khan suffers from constant back pain. [9]
Khan loves computer games and hi-tech gadgets.[citation needed]
In 2006 one of his security guards was shot dead by another of his security guards.[10]
He is also known as King Khan.
Khan performed a sex scene for the film Maya Memsaab with Deepa Sahi.
Khan is two awards short of matching Dilip Kumar's record for most Filmfare Best Actor awards. He has won six Filmfare Best Actor in 16 years.
A grenade was thrown during his concert in Sri Lanka, killing two people.[11]
His son Aryan appeared in a scene in his film Kabhi Kushi Kabhie Gham playing a younger Khan.
Although his birth name is spelled Shahrukh, he prefers and signs his name Shah Rukh.[citation needed]
Khan is 5 foot 8 inches tall. [12]
Khan was awarded the 'Sword of Honor' award for Best Student during his time at St. Columba's school, New Delhi.
TIME magazine described Khan as probably the most recognizable actor in the world with an audience of 3.6 billion.[5]
On Jan 10, 2007, Shah Rukh Khan was featured against Amitabh Bacchan in the "Celebrity Feud" segment of popular comedy show Steven Colbert Report and won it because of his dancing skills [13]