Lil’ Wayne

Beneath Low

Friday, July 3rd, 2009

Lil Wayne

New York-based writer, publicist, and activist April Silver says she continues to get feedback about a piece she wrote in response to this performance by Lil’ Wayne and Drake at the BET Awards 2009. Director Byron Hurt also responded, and wrote the following to BET’s Debra Lee on June 29:

“Sunday night’s BET Awards show was a disgrace. It’s sad and unfortunate that your network, owned by Viacom, continues to crank out mediocrity and perpetuate negative stereotypes of black men, women, and children. Although you likely received high ratings for the awards show, there is no honor in reinforcing the status quo’s opinion of black people. Your tribute to Michael Jackson and the overall show had its great moments, however, BET failed to deliver a solid, quality show. Rather than “raising the bar” and presenting African-Americans as a creative, proud, dignified people, BET lowered the bar for the entire world to see. The BET Awards drew a huge audience to watch a tribute to Michael Jackson, but left millions of viewers feeling disappointed, embarrassed, and reduced to classic stereotypes.

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Music News You Can Use: Praiseworthy Artists vs. The Not-So Legit

Thursday, January 29th, 2009

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Now that’s what I call soulBeyonce will be performing alongside soulful singers Al Green, Maxwell, and CeCe Winans at the 15th annual Essence Music Festival. The ceremony, which takes place July 3-5 in New Orleans, is also known for its inspirational emphasis on black empowerment, and will feature additional appearances from John Legend, Ne-Yo, and En Vogue. There will also be a gospel tribute to legendary pastor and well-known entrepreneur TD Jakes.

Lil Wayne and rock music a good idea? … That will be for you to judge, as the rap phenom has announced his release of a rock album, tentatively scheduled to drop on April 7. Miami producers Infamous and Drew Correa are expected to be working with Weezy for most of the songs, and his latest song “Prom Queen” will be released via MySpace. Wayne has told Billboard in the past that he learned how to play guitar. Really?

Kanye’s got somethin’ to say to Fiddy’s beef … By complimenting him? West says that he is a big fan of 50 Cent, and is disappointed (at most) at the “iconic” NY rapper’s rambunctious wordplay. We reported on 50’s diss last week, and because of West’s reaction, I am fully convinced that these MCs have officially wrung the towel dry on rap feuds. Face it, 2Pac and Biggie were clearly better at it.

RIP Billy P. … Legendary southern rockers Lynard Skynard have lost pianist Billy Powell Wednesday night at his home near Jacksonville, FL. The band are canceling upcoming shows and have directed fans for more updates through their Web site. Powell, who survived a fatal plane crash with his band mates in 1977, was 56.

Music News You Can Use: Pop Tarts and Humiliating Music Hilarity

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009

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Doubt no longer … After weeks of rumors and hints, Gwen Stefani and the dudes from No Doubt have officially announced that they are reuniting with a summer tour, with Paramore as their “Special Guests,” if they can call them that. While most fans think of the pop-punkers as noobs to the scene, some No Doubt diehards aren’t afraid to say that the kids will probably garner more sales than Gwen and company. Tickets to be on sale soon.

I’ll give you something ridiculous to ponder over … Katy Perry and celibacy? Well, at least that what she says. After a surprisingly short-lived relationship with Gym Class Heroes’ frontman Travis McCoy, the pseudo girl-kisser says that the only lip-locking this year will be with her cat, Kitty Purry (clever one). When MTV asked about her breakup with Travie, she took the opportunity to talk about her tour instead. Looks like homeboy got the short end of the stick this time around.

50 beefs it up … 50 Cent is giving Weezy and West a verbal run for their money, hitting them with disses on interviews and live performances. While promoting his new album Before I Self Destruct, 50 called into a radio station, dissing Lil’ Wayne as a “junkie” and calling Kanye’s latest an “R&B album.” Cough, publicity feud, cough.

Let’s talk about a real rapper … Actor Joaquin Phoenix is “embarking on a new path as a rapper,” as part of a documentary whipped up by Casey Affleck. The film will be focused on Phoenix’s new career, along with another actor and friend who, too, have decided to drop their day jobs for a more…street credible one? The album, according to Billboard, will be produced by Sean Combs.

No, really, where’s the real music? … In other, more substantial music news, Metallica, Run-DMC, and Jeff Beck are a few musicians who will be inducted into the 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Other notable artists include Fifties R&B vocal group Little Anthony and Sixties soul singer Bobby Womack. Run-DMC will be performing at the April 4th ceremony for the first time since Jam Master Jay’s death seven years ago.

Music News You Can Use: New Year, Same Ol’ Hype

Thursday, January 15th, 2009

Who’s performing at the Grammys? No surprise here… As if the ‘08 hype wasn’t enough for them, the headlining acts for this year’s Grammy Awards include the Jonas Brothers, Lil’ Wayne, Coldplay, and Kenny Chesney. The ceremony, which has been bitterly dissed in the past in Kanye-esque fashion, will be airing live from Los Angeles on CBS February 8th.

Speaking of which, West in the nude, anyone?… In an effort to pull another empty publicity stunt, Kanye wants to decrease his fan base by posing naked but only after working out for two months. West says in a Vibe interview that having less fans provides more “freedom,” and by revealing his all, he will be breaking “every rule and mentality of hip-hop, of black culture, of American culture.” Just like every (sampled) hit you’ve had, Kanye?

Your iTunes gift cards may be worth more, maybe… Apple Inc. has announced that most songs available on iTunes will go for 69 cents a track, 30 cents cheaper than years past. But the new price comes with more than one catch: songs that are deemed “popular” will be marked up for $1.29, while other songs will be bundled with exclusives and videos, resulted in a hiked price overall. Hmm, your mind games aren’t fooling us, Mr. Jobs (we still send you our best).

Something smells a little Phishy… After an accidental leakage through concert promoter Live Nation, popular jam band Phish have confirmed that they are reuniting for a summer tour, their first in five years. The tour starts June 4 at Wantagh, NY, and ends June 21 at East Troy, WI. Tickets go on sale to the public January 30 at 10 a.m. ET.

Music News You Can Use: Year Ends in Legal Woes

Thursday, December 18th, 2008

Akon Did It! He admits…. Rapper Akon pleaded guilty to harrassment when he threw a fan off the stage during a concert in upstate New York last year. The incident, which was caught on tape and posted on YouTube, occurred after the fan, Anthony Smith, threw an object on the stage. The singer shook hands with Anthony and his parents after entering his plea. But don’t expect any jailtime for Akon—he’s covered after doing 65 hours of community service and paying a $250 fine.

A Lawsuit for Weezy F. Baby… Lil Wayne is facing a lawsuit that accuses him of copyright infrigement for his song “I Feel Like Dying.” The song samples Karma Ann Swanepoel’s “Once,” but the federal suit says that his record label, Cash Money, failed to negotiate a license to use the song. Weezy’s lawyers have asked for an extension to turn over documents requested by Urband & Lazer Music Publishing.

Live Nation in Trouble, By Black Sabbath…. Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi is suing Live Nation for selling merchandise with the band’s logo after their contract expired. The concert ticket company is accused of selling over 100 items with the band’s “likeness, name and logo.” Iommi is asking for three times the amount of the sales and the halt of Black Sabbath product sales.

Leaker of Chinese Democracy Pleads Guilty… The blogger who leaked nine out of the 14 songs from Guns n’ Roses’  long-awaited album has admitted to posting the songs on his Web site Antiquiet. Kevin Cogill, who initially pleaded not guilty to federal copyright violation, agreed to changing his plea after requesting probation only. Still, Cogill might face a year in prison, probation, and a fine.