Category Archives: News/Events

New Album “Bridges” by singer-songwriter Joe NOW AVAILABLE

The eleventh studio album “Bridges” by Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Joe arrives in stores today. Described as a therapeutic retrospect, “Bridges” takes a look into the multi-talented singer, songwriter-producer’s outlook on life’s relationship endeavors and where they have taken him. Derek “DOA” Allen (Tyrese, Wale, Smokey Norful), Edrick Miles (Trey Songz, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne), Gerald Isaac (Mary J. Blige, Mario, Angie Stone) and Taj Jackson (Ne-Yo, Monica, Janet Jackson) are among the producers and songwriters. Album collaborations include Kelly Rowland and 50 Cent.

On BRIDGES, Joe again brings to the forefront the elegant simplicity and amazing vocals that have made him one of music’s most accomplished and popular singers with a strong foothold in today’s R&B music. Songs like “Sex Ain’t A Weapon,” with its strong shuffle beat reminiscent of Marvin Gaye, keeps you grooving on the subject matter of the women who choose to hold back or deprive their man of lovin.’ A Queen B should never hold back the honey…not later but sooner girl you’ll hear the rumor that other fish been swimming around in your sea.”

Then there’s the powerful and thought-provoking ballad “If You Lose Her.” The song positions Joe as a spokesman encouraging guys or the gambling man to think about the consequence of neglect through their own selfish pleasures, placing them at the very cusp of losing a good woman. If you lose her, there’ll be a hole in your soul, no grave deep enough to bury the pain….Other songs include the future ladies anthem “First Lady,” “The Rest Will Follow,” the party driven “Take It To The House,” “Blame Her Broken Heart On Me,” and the eloquent soul-stirring ballad “Till The Rope Gives Way.

Joe, who has collaborated with some of today’s most contemporary artists, will be on a national and international tour in support of BRIDGES. He will perform his hit single, “Love & Sex Pt. 2,” in addition to his other hit songs that include: “All The Things (Your Man Won’t Do),” “All That I Am,” “No One Comes Close,” “Love Scene,” and “I Wanna Know.”

Tracklisting:
1. Future Teller
2. Dilemma
3. Do a Little Dance
4. If You Lose Her
5. Sex Ain’t a Weapon
6. Love & Sex, Pt. 2 feat. Kelly Rowland
7. Blame Her Broken Heart on Me
8. First Lady
9. Take It 2 The House
10. Till the Rope Gives Way
11. The Rest Will Follow
12. Mary Jane (Remix) feat 50 Cent
13. Bridges
14. Love Sex Hollywood
15. For Love
16. Love Undefeated

Mike Epps Late Night Comedy Tour Leaves Chicago Winded

By Sommer Thornton

Photos by Dan Locke

Mike Epps rolled his successful Late Night Comedy Tour into Chicago for two shows at the Arie Crown Theater April 19. Fans packed the theater for grown & sexy late laughs. The show featured Mike Epps and two opening acts. One of the openers was Chicago native, Kenny Howell. Howell got the audience warmed up quickly with his stories of his childhood growing up in the Robert Taylor projects. Howell was felt by the entire audience, many who are very familiar with growing up in the 80’s on the West side of Chi-town. The crowd was gasping when Howell joked about ex-cons working in the kitchen in Church’s Chicken, and about the dos and don’ts of receiving fellatio without messing up a woman’s hair.

Mike Epps, best known for movies like Sparkle, Next Friday, and his hosting of Shaquille O’Neal’s comedy shows hit the stage a little before midnight getting right into what he does best, making fun of people. Epps joked that some audience members were taking unauthorized photos with prepaid “Boost mobile phones”. Epps even paused the show to threaten a nearby press photographer saying, “If I find out you’re not in my camp, we’re f-in you up.” Mike Epps spared no punches talking about many of his celebrity friends and frenemies like rapper Rick Ross, Miley Cyrus, R. Kelly’s lisp, and even Bernie Mac. Epps had nothing but nice things to say about the late comedian, even sharing some of Mac’s invaluable advice to him.

One part that was absolutely hilarious was when Epps touched on the controversy with his daughter, who publically called him a deadbeat dad. While Epps said he loved his daughter dearly, he joked that her mother coerced her to publically condemn him, and that he himself is to blame for getting a mechanic pregnant in the first place. Epps joked that back-in-the-day; he slept with any woman that wanted him, which was most times women he wouldn’t look twice at now.

This was one of the funniest comedy shows I’ve seen this year. Mike Epps kept the crowd roaring non-stop. And he brings his funny friends along for the ride. With a successful career in stand-up under his belt along with a few serious roles in big films; Epps proves that he not just a punchline, but a versatile and very funny entertainer.

Budweiser Made in America” Music Festival Expands In 2014

Shawn “JAY Z” Carter, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino, Budweiser and United Way of Greater Los Angeles are bringing the spirit of “Budweiser Made In America,”to Los Angeles during the 2014 Labor Day weekend. The two-day music festival began in Philadelphia on Labor Day weekend 2012 to benefit United Way of Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey and United Way of Lancaster County, and this year will deliver twice the amount of music. Live Nation will produce both the Philadelphia and Los Angeles two-day music festivals, delivering must-see performances on both coasts. Details and lineups for both festival locations will be announced at a later date.

“Budweiser Made In America” will be the first American festival to run simultaneously on both coasts. Performances from both “Budweiser Made In America” sites will be available for fans to view with live-streaming.

With the addition of the west coast festival, JAY Z, Live Nation, Budweiser and United Way are committed to improving lives and strengthening local communities in Los Angeles County. United Way will invest the funds raised to ensure more people have the opportunity to reach their potential–through quality schools, good jobs and stable housing. The “Budweiser Made In America” Festival provides the perfect crescendo to summer and coincides with the culmination of “Summer of Success,” a multi-pronged approach by Mayor Garcetti to advance youth during the school break by providing them jobs, learning opportunities, and extended programming at City of Los Angeles parks and recreational facilities.

Budweiser, JAY Z and this festival embody the American spirit and enhance the ongoing partnership between the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, and the City of Los Angeles.

The Philadelphia site will benefit United Ways in Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey and Lancaster County, Penn. The primary goal of this music festival is to have a positive impact on the communities involved. As a result, the money invested into these communities will positively impact the education, income and health of the most vulnerable and needy citizens in these regions.

As a result of last year’s “Budweiser Made In America” Festival, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey is investing $300,000 in education and talent development initiatives to enhance cradle-to-career education that ensures all students graduate high school college–and career-ready and equips individuals with the job skills and training they need to secure work that provides a family-sustaining income.

The festival also enabled United Way of Lancaster County to invest an additional $100,000 in programs and services that support learning success across the education continuum.

WHEN:

Labor Day Weekend 2014, Aug. 30-31

WHERE:

The Los Angeles “Budweiser Made In America” Festival will take place on Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles. The Philadelphia festival site will remain on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

TICKET PURCHASE:

2 Day Early Bird presale tickets are available now at www.livenation.com

2 Day Early Bird tickets for Philadelphia are $99.50 and Los Angeles are $125.

Additional on sale information will be announced.

ONGOING FESTIVAL INFORMATION:

The festivals site, www.madeinamericafest.com will be updated with general information.

Tamar Braxton, K. Michelle And Wale Among Performers For Soul Train Awards 2013

Jennifer Hudson , Tamar Braxton , Smokey Robinson , K. Michelle, Ron Isley , Wale, Eric Benet , Candice Glover , Kem, Chrisette Michele, Bobby Caldwell and Joss Stone will be hitting the stage as performers for SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2013. This year’s show pays homage to the soul soundtrack of the 90’s, allowing fans to reminisce on a decade of influential black cinema and music. Charged with keeping the party going throughout the night are Grammy Award winning producers 1500 or Nothin’ and legendary keyboardist Greg Phillinganes who have both been tapped as music directors for the show. As previously announced, comedian and actor Anthony Anderson will host the event in Las Vegas on November 8th, which will air on CENTRIC and BET, December 1, 2013 at 8PM ET/PT.

“We are gearing up for a big show this year, and the performers set to take the stage are just the beginning of what’s to come. I hope everyone is ready because Centric is bringing the party to Las Vegascome November 8th,” said Paxton Baker, General Manager and Executive Vice President, CENTRIC. “We are forever grateful for the involvement of so many amazing performers and their loyalty to the Soul Train and Centric brands. Music is the core of Centric’s DNA and our diverse roster of new talent and legendary artists display our continued commitment to providing quality programming for soul music lovers.”

For the first time, SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2013 will be held at the Orleans Arena, one of the nation’s leading mid-size arenas. Also marking a first for the award show is the addition of a second stage, which will feature a rotating mix of celebrity DJs. Hip-hop sensation Kendrick Lamar leads this year’s nominations with six nominations across multiple categories, including: Best New Artist, Album of the Year and Song of the Year. Tied with five nominations each are Miguel, Justin Timberlake, Robin Thicke,Chris Brown, Tamar Braxton and Janelle Monae.

Tamar Braxton Invites Everyone To Her First Christmas Album “Winter Loverland” Nov. 11th

Tamar Braxton wants listeners everywhere to join her inWinter Loverland . Her very first Christmas Album, Winter Loverland , is available for pre-order at amazon.com and arrives in stores and through online retailers November 11 via Streamline/Epic Records.

Preserving the season’s spirit, she takes a few timeless holiday tunes such as “Santa Baby” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” for a spin, adding her very own panache to each. Meanwhile, the real gift arrives in the form of brand new original festive anthems, namely “She Can Have You” and “No Gift”, from Braxton. Each song captures the spirit of the season, while showcasing her inimitable style. Get ready to un-wrap the year’s most soulful Christmas jams on Winter Loverland .

In addition, the singer, songwriter, television producer, and actress has just been announced has a performer at the 2013 Soul Train Awards. The ceremony tapes on November 8, 2013 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV and airs on CENTRIC and BET December 1, 2013 at 9pm ET/PT.

The songstress is up for awards including “Best New Artist” and “The Chaka Khan Best R&B/Soul Female Artist”. Meanwhile, her breakout single, “Love & War”, stands nominated for “Song of the Year”, “Video of the Year”, and “The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award”. The nominations round out a phenomenal year for the artist as she has cemented her status as one of R&B’s leading ladies.

Recently, her debut album Love and War hit #2 on the Billboard Top 200 upon release, making for the year’s highest debut from a female R&B artist. Meanwhile, it also topped the Billboard Top R&B Albums Chart and iTunes Top R&B Albums Chart. Press acclaim also showered the release. Vibe described the record as “Emotional and amazing”, while ARTISTdirect.com called it “everything a classic R&B record should be and so much more”. After gracing the cover of Ebony Magazine, she celebrated the album’s release with performances on Good Morning America, Live With Kelly & Michael, and Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.

Tamar is also seeing continued success with her hit series Tamar & Vince currently airing at 9pm on WE tv; and this fall, Tamar and her sister are back with the dramatic and highly anticipated season 3 conclusion of Braxton Family Values. Sparks continue to fly amongst this sassy, outspoken and tight-knit group of women all striving for stardom while loving, laughing and feuding as only sisters can.

Spend this Christmas with Tamar Braxton in Winter Loverland .

Winter Loverland  Tracklisting
1.       Sleigh Ride
2.       Santa Baby
3.       Santa Claus is Coming to Town
4.       No Gift
5.       Away In A Manger / Little Drummer Boy
6.       Merry Christmas Darling
7.       The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)
8.       She Can Have You
9.       Silent Night
10.    Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

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VH1 “You Oughta Know” Music Discovery Franchise To Debut First Concert on Nov. 21st

For the first time ever, VH1 will bring some of its “You Oughta Know” artists together on one stage for an unforgettable night of music. Since its launch in 2005, VH1’s “You Oughta Know” franchise has introduced promising new artists on the rise and served as a barometer for what and who’s hot in music today. Premiering on Thursday, November 21 at 9:00 pm*, VH1’s “You Oughta Know” current roster artists HAIM , JOHNNYSWIM and Lorde join franchise alums, Ed Sheeran , Emeli Sane , Matt Nathanson and The Lumineers at the inaugural “You Oughta Know In Concert” from New York City’s legendary Roseland Ballroom.

Hosted by VH1’s resident music expert Jim Shearer , with additional appearances by celebrity presenters, this festival-style concert event will feature performances by each artist, including never-before-seen collaborations and covers. Viewers will also get an inside look at the artists’ personal lives and careers through VH1 original short film profiles that will showcase exactly what and why ” You Oughta Know ” about each of the performers.

Fans can watch the taping of the concert, live as it’s happening, only at YOKconcert.VH1.com on November 11. The live stream will be available on desktop, mobile and tablet devices, and in the VH1 App, and will feature behind-the-scenes coverage, as well as full sets from the performers. The full show and exclusive performances will be available for on demand viewing in the VH1 app and on VH1.com on November 21.

Many “You Oughta Know” artists have gone on to win industry awards and accolades including “Best New Artist” Grammy Awards and nominations. In addition to the “You Oughta Know” alumni performing on the show, this highly acclaimed franchise has helped break artists such as Adele, Amy Winehouse, Bruno Mars, Mumford & Sons, Foster The People, The Civil Wars, Gotye and many, many more.

For more information about the show, visit YOKconcert.VH1.com , “Like” VH1 on Facebook and follow @VH1 on Twitter and use the hashtag #YOKconcert to talk about the show.

“12 Years a Slave” Director Steve McQueen, And Actress Lupita Nyong’o To Be Honored At The Hollywood Film Awards

Carlos de Abreu, founder and executive producer of the 17th Annual Hollywood Film Awards, announce that Fox Searchlight’s “12 Years a Slave” director, Steve McQueen will be honored with the “Hollywood Breakout Director Award,” and actress Lupita Nyong’o will receive the “New Hollywood Award” for her great performance. The awards will be bestowed at the Hollywood Film Awards Gala Ceremony on Monday evening, October 21, 2013 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.

“We look forward to celebrating this exceptionally talented director and actress for their outstanding work and creative vision,” said de Abreu.

Steve McQueen is a British artist and filmmaker. In 2008, McQueen’s critically acclaimed first feature HUNGER won the Camera d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival among countless other international prizes. He followed with 2011’s incendiary film experience, SHAME, a provocative drama about addiction and secrecy in the modern world. The film received numerous accolades and awards with McQueen winning the CinemAvvenire Award and FIPRESCI Prize at the Venice Film Festival as well as nominations from BAFTA, the British Independent Film Awards, the London Film Festival, Evening Standard British Film Awards and the Independent Spirit Awards.

In 1996, McQueen was the recipient of an ICA Futures Award, in 1998 he won a DAAD artist’s scholarship to Berlin and in 1999 – besides exhibiting at the ICA and at the Kunsthalle in Zürich – he also won the Turner Prize. McQueen has exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Musee d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, Documenta (2002 and 2007) and at the 53rd Venice Biennale in 2009 where he represented Britain. His work is held in museum collections around the world including Tate, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Centre Pompidou.

In 2003, he was appointed Official War Artist for the Iraq war by the Imperial War Museum and subsequently produced the poignant and controversial project Queen and Country, which commemorated the deaths of British soldiers who died in the Iraq War by presenting their portraits as a sheet of stamps. In 2002, he was awarded the OBE and the CBE in 2011.

Born in London in 1969, McQueen lives and works in Amsterdam and London.

This winter, Lupita Nyong’o will co-star alongside Liam Neeson, Michelle Dockery and Julianne Moore in the thriller NON-STOP. This film is slated for a February 28, 2014 release by Universal Pictures.

The Kenyan actress is also a filmmaker, having served as the creator, director, editor, and producer of the award-winning feature-length documentary, IN MY GENES. The documentary follows eight individual Kenyans who have one thing in common: they were born with albinism, a genetic condition that causes a lack of pigmentation. In many parts of Africa, including Kenya, it is a condition that marginalizes, stigmatizes, and even endangers those who have it. Though highly visible in a society that is predominantly black, the reality of living with albinism is invisible to most. Through her intimate portraits, Nyong’o enables us see their challenges, humanity, and everyday triumphs.

A graduate of the Yale School of Drama’s acting program, Nyong’o’s stage credits include playing ‘Perdita’ in The Winter’s Tale (Yale Repertory Theater), ‘Sonya’ in Uncle Vanya, ‘Katherine’ in The Taming of the Shrew, as well as being in the original production of Michael Mitnick’s Elijah.

12 YEARS A SLAVE has won over audiences and critics alike at the Telluride and Toronto Film Festivals, as well as received the “People’s Choice Audience Award” at Toronto this year. The film is based on an incredible true story of one man’s fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States,Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender) as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) forever alters his life.

Black Milk Releases Track List and Full Artwork for No Poison No Paradise

Rapper/producer Black Milk released the official track list for his upcoming album No Poison No Paradise today, along with the full album artwork (inside and out) and a video that goes inside the cover artist Joonbug‘s sketchbook. Check out the track list and artwork below, and pre-order No Poison No Paradise on iTunes or FatBeats. The album drops on October 15th.

Black Milk will also embark on his No Poison No Paradise Tour with Quelle and DJ Sober later this month, kicking off September 20th in Dallas, TX and running 28 dates before wrapping up on October 24th in Washington, DC. Check out the dates below.

No Poison No Paradise Track List:
1- Interpret Sabotage ft. Mel
2- Deion’s House
3- Codes and Cab Fare ft. Black Thought
4- Ghetto DEMF ft. Quelle Chris
5- Sonny Jr. (Dreams) ft. Robert Glasper & Dwele
6- Sunday’s Best
7- Monday’s Worst
8- Perfected On Puritan Ave.
9- Dismal
10- Parallels ft. Ab
11- X Chords
12- Black Sabbath
13- Money Bags (Paradise) ft. Tone Trezure

Black Milk is a producer and rapper born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. As one of the most-celebrated auteurs of his generation of hip hop artists, he has conditioned fans and critics to always expect the unexpected each time he releases new music.

Few producers have earned the notoriety and respect he has as a musician, and when that is coupled with commanding talent as an emcee, it’s no surprise that his solo releases are met with exalted anticipation. He has been making music professionally since 2004 and has collaborated with many noted artists including Slum Village, J Dilla, Elzhi, Phat Kat, Frank-N-Dank, Lloyd Banks, Canibus, Pharoahe Monch, and Jack White of The White Stripes. In 2010 he released Album of the Year, which perfectly captured his soulful, jazzy style. He is currently putting the finishing touches on his new album, No Poison No Paradise, due out October 15th via Fat Beats/Computer Ugly.

Tour Dates:

To purchase tickets: http://blackmilk.biz/shows/
Sep. 20 – Dallas, TX @ Dada
Sep. 21 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sister Bar
Sep. 22 – Las Vegas, NV @ Beauty Bar
Sep. 25 – Fresno, CA @ Fulton 55
Sep. 27 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echoplex
Sep. 28 – San Francisco, CA @ Brick & Mortar
Sep. 29 – San Jose, CA @ Pagoda
Oct. 1 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Velvet Jones
Oct. 2 – Phoenix, AZ @ Red Owl
Oct. 5 – Austin, TX @ Red 7
Oct. 6 – Houston, TX @ Fitzgerald’s
Oct. 7 – New Orleans, LA @ Hi Ho Lounge
Oct. 9 – New York, NY @ Santos Party House
Oct. 10 – Providence, RI @ Fete
Oct. 11 – Boston, MA @ Middle East
Oct. 12 – Burlington, VT @ Signal Lounge
Oct. 13 – Montreal, CANDA @ Cabaret Underworld
Oct. 14 – Ottawa, CANADA TX @ Ritual
Oct. 15 – Toronto, CANADA @ Mod Club
Oct. 16 – Detroit, MI @ St. Andrew’s
Oct. 17 – Toledo, OH @ Frankies
Oct. 18 – St. Louis, MO @ Blank Space
Oct. 19 – Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
Oct. 20 – Iowa City, IA @ Gabe’s
Oct. 21 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
Oct. 22 – Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
Oct. 23 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Smiling Moose
Oct. 24 – Washington, DC @ Liv

Madonna Announces Art For Freedom Grants Program

Madonna has announced a grants program in coordination with Art For Freedom, the global digital initiative designed to fuel free speech, to address, respond and protest persecution around the world.

Madonna kicked off Art For Freedom on September 24, 2013 by posting Secretprojectrevolution, a 17-minute video she created with Steven Klein. The film – ‘a call to action’ – originally premiered on Vice and remains downloadable on Bit Torrent. Artists are encouraged to submit their own work on artforfreedom.com in the form of video, music, poetry or photography to express their personal meaning of freedom and revolution.

As part of the Art For Freedom initiative, Madonna has launched a grants program to support individuals and organizations working to advance social justice. Over the course of the next year she will select one artist each month whose creative expression helps fight oppression, intolerance and complacency. Madonna will award $10,000 to a nonprofit organization or project of the winning artist’s choice. All projects must be focused on a social justice issue and exemplify the values of Art For Freedom.

Madonna will select the winning submission each month with the help of a guest curator beginning with Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

“I want to help give a creative voice to those who have been silenced and denied their human rights. Art for Freedom is a platform that gives artists a chance to define freedom through their art. We have already received many incredible submissions. I am inviting all people to express their thoughts on the subject of freedom whether it’s describing specific persecution they have experienced, sharing how their rights have been violated and / or sharing their ideas creatively regarding fighting injustice,” commented Madonna.

Art For Freedom, launched in partnership with Vice, received over 1000 submissions in the first 48 hours of its inception. These submissions and the ones that follow will become part of the Art For Freedom platform and will be eligible for the Arts For Freedom grants program. Contributors can join the project by uploading original artwork at www.artforfreedom.com or tagging original posts #artforfreedom.

ONE® Condoms launches partnership with R&B artist The Weeknd

Since his debut in 2011, R&B artist The Weeknd has emerged as one of the hottest new artists on the music scene. This fall, when loyal fans pack concert venues on his 34-date tour, they’ll be treated to more than The Weeknd’s emotionally powerful lyrics and sounds, thanks to an innovative new partnership with ONE® Condoms.

ONE, the leading specialty brand of premium condoms in North America, today announced customized condoms featuring tour logos and artwork from The Weeknd’s latest album, “Kiss Land.” The condoms will be distributed as giveaways at various venues on the tour.

“With performances known for sexy mood and vibe, The Weeknd embodies the hip, edgy, artistic character of our customers,” said Davin Wedel, founder and CEO of ONE. “His music evokes a passion and intimacy that perfectly complement the sensuality of ONE products.”

ONE has made support for visual and performing artists a centerpiece of its brand. The company has a long history of partnering with musicians through its Listen to ONE campaign, working with artists to promote safer sex and distribute free condoms at performances. ONE is also active in Lifebeat, a leading music industry HIV/AIDS awareness organization.

The “Kiss Land” tour kicked off earlier this month and will cross the United States and Canada before wrapping up in England in November. The Weeknd promoted the new album and tour with a performance on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” The Canadian R&B artist, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, had his Kiss Land album debut at #2 on the Billboard 200, and was recently nominated as “MTV’s Artist to Watch” at the 2013 Video Music Awards.