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Archive for February, 2010
IOTW opinion!
Hillary Gove: “We Are the World” – Untouchable?
If you happened to watch the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics then you most likely caught the premiere of the remake of “We Are the World”. While some think that re-recording the 25 year old hit was the right idea with the right outcome, many think that it should have been left alone – or as Jay-Z put it, the original is simply “untouchable.”
I will admit that when I saw the video for the first time I thought the song had been completely butchered and absolutely agreed that the original should not have been touched. If you have ever listened to or have seen the original “We Are the Word”, what you hear and see are music legends and icons throughout the 7 minute video. So to say I was slightly disappointed and confused to see none other than Justin Bieber opening such an important song would be an understatement. I continued to watch uncomfortably as Miley Cyrus belted out a solo within seconds of a clear shot of Gladys Knight only singing in the chorus. The whole concept just seemed wrong.
However, after replaying the video a few times and really taking into account why it was re-recorded, I realized that the choice of participants was brilliant – they captured all ends of the spectrum, from newcomer Justin Bieber, to hip-hop sensations Lil’ Wayne and Snoop, to music legend Tony Bennett. We’re in a new generation of music and in order to appeal to all ages and a variety of genres, new approaches were necessary to ensure this project would be as successful as the original – hopefully raising a significant amount of money for Haiti. This was by far the best way to approach the challenge of even slightly measuring up to the success of the original version.
I definitely agree that there are some songs that have had an incredible impact, not only in the industry but also in society, and should not be touched, as nothing will ever compare to the original. Artistically and musically, WATW is certainly one of these songs, but for the purpose behind re-recording this song, I believe this was in fact the best outcome.
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Talk To Me Tuesday
What makes you feel connected to an artist? Is it the lyrics to their songs, the music behind the lyrics, the shows on their tour, their personal stories? MAE wants to know what connects you to these talented individuals.
“Talk To Me Tuesday”
MAE wants to know what draws you to our artists. Are you an R&B Fan? Hiphop? Are you currently following Memphis Bleek, Noel Gourdin, Lisa Lisa, Left Eye or Suzanna Lubrano? What sites do you prefer? Facebook? Myspace? Twitter?
Hear From MAE Interns!
Zenova King: What’s Next?
This spring I’m interning with Mass Appeal Entertainment for a second time and I love it. I’m also interning for Hot 97 Boston, doing my best to learn as much as possible. With three months left before graduation I’m torn with mixed emotions. Excited and nervous about what my future has in store for me. Will I move back to the Bronx? Reside in Boston or take the leap to Los Angeles. Questions I haven’t answered but thought long about. I’ve learned to cope with the notion that all my plans might not follow through but I will do my best to make sure I make things happen for myself.
May 9th, 2010- graduation date
ILL Wednesday Facts
Before you master your skill you must acknowledge the greats before you. For the month of February Mass Appeal Ent and Memphis Bleek will provide you with historical facts about African- American men and women who’ve paved the way. So get ready to be schooled ppl!
ILL Wednesday Fact
1926– Black History Month originated by Carter Godwin Woodson as Negro History Week. The Month of February is chosen in honor of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, who were both born in February.
1955– Chuck Berry the Godfather of “Rock n Roll” released his first single, “Maybellene”, making Berry the first Black to be listed in the top ten on the Billboard chart.
1956– Icon Nat King Cole becomes the first African American to host a national televised variety program, The Nat King Cole Show.
1958– Ella Fitgerald became the first African American women to win a Grammy Award.
1958– Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is founded and becomes the foremost dance interpreter of the African American experience.
Women’s Month
The public celebration of women’s history in this country began in 1978 as “Women’s History Week” in Sonoma County, California. The week including March 8, International Women’s Day, was selected. In 1981, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Rep. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) co-sponsored a joint Congressional resolution proclaiming a national Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress expanded the celebration to a month, and March was declared Women’s History Month.
1999- Hill was nominated 10 times for a Grammy Award, becoming the first woman ever to be nominated 10 times in one year: Hill won five Grammys including Album of the Year (beating Madonna’s critically acclaimed Ray of Light, Best R&B Album, Best R&B Song, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, and Best New Artist. Hill set a new record in the industry, becoming the first woman to win five Grammys in one night. Between 1998 and 1999, Hill earned $25 million from record sales and touring.
2005– At the 05′ Grammy Awards Gwen Stefani was nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance,and at the next year’s awards, Stefani received five nominations for Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Best Pop Vocal Album, and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
2000– Erykah Badu released “Love of My Life” ft Common, it was on the Brown Sugar soundtrack. “Love of My Life” hit #9 on the pop charts, topped the R&B listings, and Badu was awarded her fourth Grammy for the song in 2003. Badu released her fifth studio album, New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) on March 30, 2010.
Memphis Bleek Requests
‘Still Ill’ is the first official single from Memphis Bleek’s forthcoming album “The Process”. This refreshing New York Hiphop track is produced by Canei Finch (T.I. “Live Your Life”, Maino “All The Above”, etc…) and will be available world-wide on 2/23/10.
For Video, Phone, or In-Person Interview Requests please send an email to Rochelle@massappealmusic.com. Please put your request type in the subject line.
If you are a Radio, Mixtape, and/or Club DJ and have requests for Clean, Dirty, and Instrumentals, please send an email to Rochelle@massappealmusic.com. Please be sure to include your website link(s) in the email, as MP3’s are only being sent to DJ’s at this time.
Still Ill (Explicit)
Still Ill (Radio Edit)
Memphis Bleek Online:
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Industry Question: Are Music Downloads Hurting or Supporting Artist?
It is incredibly effective for labels to work with blogs and provide the public with an exclusive first listen to new tracks off of upcoming albums. As a consumer, what exactly are you looking for when searching for and receiving this content? Where do you draw the line on what supports the artist and what could be hurting the artist when music downloads are made available to the public?
First Listen – new track from Bleek!!
This is the first single off Memphis Bleek’s forthcoming album “The Process”! We hope you like the track! It has an awesome new school/old school feel… Enjoy!! Leave comments and share if you like it!
Massive Appeal:BTS at Mass Appeal Entertainment 