Jazmine Sullivan - 10 seconds
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Who Will Rise To the Occasion?? Kanye, Rhianna, Taylor or Nicki
One of the most competitive seasons in the music business is coming up in the latter part of the year with the 4th Quarter album releases. It is a time thats usually set aside by labels for established artists who they expect to induce heavy sales with the upcoming holiday season.
With heavy hitters such as Kanye West who is set to drop his highly anticipated album on Nov. 23rd, is expected to sell about 400,000 out of the 750,000 units being shipped out.
Rhianna will be releasing LOUD on Nov. 16th and expected to see about 200,000 in first-week sales of the 500,000 being shipped out.
Artists such as Rhianna and Black-Eyed Peas [who drops they're album in December] are expecting the same first week sales as Rhianna and who along with her, are considered to be large digital artists meaning that they sell more more of their hit singles rather than their actual albums online through sites such as Itunes, therefore they have less units being shipped out.
My favorite Barbie, Nicki Minaj's highly anticipated PINK FRIDAY will be dropping on Nov. 23rd alongside competition from Mr. West, will be shipping out 300,ooo units and expecting 125,000 in first-week sales. The buzz is all around this album, Nicki dropped 'Right Through Me' about a week ago, the track is slated to be on the upcoming album. Unfortunately, Roman Zolansky doesn't make an appearance on this track but is still killing it with her 'Bottoms Up' verse with a new remix featuring Busta Rhymes thats HOT FIRE MON!
>>>DOWNLOAD: Nicki Minaj - Right Through Me
The biggest sellers though are expected to be Taylor Swift who is shipping out a massive 1.7 million copies of Speak is expecting first-week sales of 750,000 and Susan Boyle who sold over 3.8 million copies of her debut album last year and sold 500,000 copies a week for 5 WEEKS STRAIGHT. Expectations of the release are considerably high recognizing her previous success although her upcoming release is a Christmas album which don't usually become huge sellers.
Rhi-Rhi Going In!
Rihanna back with her beautiful album cover which she released to her fans via Facebook & Twitter. I'm digging the red locks...although i'm not sure if this depicts a bright future for our Princess of Pop. I'm hoping for a decent dancehall 'Pon de Replay' knock-off that makes me want to 'tell da DJ to turn de music up!' Her first single off the anticipated album is entitled 'Who's That Chick' [downloadable after the jump!] Album is expected to drop November 16th.
>>>DOWNNLOAD: Rhianna - Who's that Chick
[bmo]
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Catching up with Kison
Kison. "how to say my name. It's pronounced KEE-SON. Not KAI-SON. Key like unlocking a door." Kison states.
So many words come to mind when I think of this artist. Spunky, Funny, dedicated and lastly, but not least, TALENTED. Her voice (if you have not already heard it) is amazing. She has soul and she isn't afraid to show it. I myself have only had the chance to catch one performance of Kison's and I was blown away. She has amazing stage presents and her overall feel is just cool, calm and collected. She's a small town girl with a huge dream. She moved to Minneapolis from a small Minnesota town and has never forgotten where she comes from.
I caught up with Kison and asked her a few questions about her inspirations, drive and her future. She's a writer, a singer, and soon to be self proclaimed basketball star. A huge fan of prince she stated "I would DIE to collab with Prince. Hands down." I think she is right on her way to becoming one of the greats. read on.
Who is Kison?
Ahem! Is this thing on? I'm a Minnesota grown singer/songwriter just trying to make my mark in our state and in the industry. I'm a goofball and tend to surround myself with the like. I like to think I am a humble person, but at the same time, I am fully confident in my ability- which to some comes off as cocky. I prefer to let my music speak for itself. And I like wine.
Who is youre biggest inspiration?
OH my. Inspirations. Maria Williams Kennedy, my voice coach and the reason I'm classically trained in vocal music. I'm grateful to her everyday. Rahki, MPLS native who produced my first album. He is an incredible talent and has worked so hard for years to be in the position he's in out in LA. My big brother Brad who had the biggest collection of hip hop/R&B tapes of any 12 year old Up North farm boy I know. I first heard R&B because of him. Also, Ray Charles, Alicia Keys, Etta James, Jay-Z, Prince, Teena Maria, Coldplay, a number of local musicians. This could go on forever!
Where do you look to spark ideas during the writing process?
The writing process is...terrifying, sexy, exhausting and liberating. When I actually sit down to write I'm usually super nervous, and by the end of the song I don't know how the hell I got there! A conversation, a sentence, a stranger, a fight...all grounds for a song. Basically any1 in my life needs to know they could be thrown in there at any time. Hahaha no names I swear. Sometimes it's the melody first, other times it's lyrics first...wow, ok I get it. There's no method to the madness.
What is one of your favorite tracks you have ever done.
OK, THIS is hard. "Believe" is dope because in the first verse I talk about every doubt/question people might have about me, and in the second verse I go back and answer them in order. The breakdown pays homage to Prince and Rahki was not playing when he made the beat!! I have some new material I'd love to talk about, but I'll wait for interview #2.
What keeps you going to keep doing this? and what amps you before a show?
I keep doing this simply because I love it. It's not for the money, obviously haha but I hope that comes soon. I love being on stage, I love making my family/friends who have supported me for years proud. I love to apply what I've learned. It's awesome. I keep a tight circle and we always say a prayer before hitting the stage. It's not hard to stay amped with them around.
What is some advice you would give to discouraged artists out there trying to start their music career? What to look out for, where to start?
My advice would be don't think you can jump into this without training and hard work. My dose of real is that not everyone is qualified to be an "artist", "singer", "rapper", "producer". It sort of bothers me that it's become a trend. Overnight success takes 10 years. If you are serious about it, perform as often as possible. Write everyday, sing everyday, nurture your connections, study the greats. Become so good at what you do that you can't be denied. These are things I still have to tell myself everyday. I wanted to jump right into music after high school but my parents wanted me to get my degree also, so I did. I spend 8 hours a day away from music to be able to pay the bills and keep my dream alive. It's a struggle, but you have to be willing to put the work in.
What is next for Kison?
Right now I'm working on my second album! Grateful to have Paul 'PC' Collier as executive producer He's a very talented, hilarious, soulful person and that comes out in his music. I have a few other dope local producers on board, as well as a track from NY producer 88-Keys. I've grown a lot as a writer and a singer since my first album so you can expect a much different sound.
As unique & amazing as your voice, How do you explain your sound?
Oooh nice transition into this question. My sound is soulful, classical, pop, jazz. Oh wait, was I supposed to pick one? I honestly think I'm all of them but soulful best describes me. It's no secret I am judged on arrival. Lol, let's be real. Blonde haired, blue eyed white girl- Kison Gaga right? Wrong, but I happen to like it when people expect nothing. It's a great feeling winning someone over with a song, a high note, a cold line...I have a good range, a strong voice. I prefer my live sound over studio sound.
Anything else you want people to know about Kison, that they might not already know?
Yes, people should know my hoop skills are coming back and need to be respected. Give me another month and I'll be ready. (What?! I'm just serious.) Also, when in doubt, order the wings. I have a sweet show with a live band backing me at the Maplewood Theatre on 10.16 Only $5 cover. Another show 10.21 @ Barfly with some SICK acoustic/hip hop/R&B acts.
Be sure to pre order your tickets for Kison's up comin show at BarFly in downtown Minneapolis. Click the jump for ticket information and Download Kison's new song "Lovin it". Kison is currently working on new tracks, so stay tuned!
>>>TICKET INFO: Afton Shows
>>>DOWNLOAD: Kison - Lovin it
WWW.ARTISTECARD.COM
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Lil Wayne Ft. Drake – Gonorrhea (Tags)
WEEZY'S FULL TRACK LIST AND FEATURES:
1. “Gonorrhea” feat. Drake
2. “Hold Up” feat. T-Streets
3. “With You” feat. Drake
4. “I Am Not a Human Being”
5. “I’m Single” feat. Drake
6. “What’s Wrong With Them” feat. Nicki Minaj
7. “Right Above It” feat. Drake
8. “Popular” feat. Lil Twist
9. “That Ain’t Me” feat. Jay Sean
10. “Bill Gates”
11. “YM Banger” feat. Jae Millz, Gudda Gudda, and Tyga
12. “YM Salute” feat. Lil Twist, Lil Chuckee, Gudda Gudda, Jae Millz, and Nicki Minaj
While nothing is exactly wrong with the tracklist, that wasn’t all the info which needs to be shared in regards to the project. Here’s what else you need to know.
* The first 10 tracks will be available on the digital version
* In reality, there will be 13 tracks. Tracks 11 and 12 you see in addition to Gudda and Weezy’s “Willy Wonka” song that dropped earlier this year. These three will be found on the physical copy of the CD.
I Am Not A Human Being is scheduled to crash land on Earth September 27th.
>>>>DOWNLOAD: Lil Wayne Ft. Drake – Gonorrhea (Tags)
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