Langfield Entertainment
424 Yonge Street, Suite 301, Toronto,
ON M5B 2H3
(416) 677-5883
langfieldent@rogers.com
http://members.rogers.com/langfieldent
NEWSLETTER
Updated: March 13, 2003
The
smell of a Stanley Cup victory is in the air, partially due to Doug
Gilmour's return to Toronto! Can
they pull it off? We'll see! This week’s highlights include the
scoop on the new hip hop drama being filmed in Toronto, Platinum, a
recap of last week's Funk 'n Soul Showcase and a message of
encouragement. Events include another exciting Kayte Burgess showcase and
the FLOWtown to Motown showcase presented by Toronto’s own FLOW
93.5. Industry news includes a new website with free legal
advice, an article from GetSigned.com with respect to which music
styles an unsigned artist should pursue in order to get signed, and music news
on Queen Latifah, Anita Baker, Brian McKnight, Lil' Kim and Buck
65. Industry news includes info on a new book by Gary
Hardwick. Tidbits includes updates on Christopher Wallace Memorial
Foundation (Notorious B.I.G.), Denzel Washington, Rosa Parks, an
announcement from Atlantic Records, news on 3LW, Mul-ty, Alice Walker
and Kobe Bryant - - and much, much more!
For those of you who have already or are considering to book events and/or
features in my newsletter, I have a fee structure which is in full effect. For more information, CLICK HERE!
This newsletter is designed to welcome all the new members, give
you some updated entertainment-related news and provide you with our upcoming
event listings. To be removed from this email distribution,
please CLICK HERE! Welcome to those who are
new members. Want your events listed by date? Check out EVENTS.
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Platinum Takes On
Canadian Flavour
Joining the heavy hitting cast of Platinum in a recurring role is
Toronto’s Maestro in the character of Pharos, a successful hip hop
artist on the record label that Jackson (Jason George)
and Grady Ellis (Sticky Fingaz) built.
Also in a recurring role in Platinum in the character of Devon is Lyriq
Bent. Gracing the full time cast is
Bishop! Look for this new hip
hop drama to hit your television set on April 14th for its premiere
on UPN.
As
printed in a previous newsletter (February 20th), Platinum (produced
by is a family saga which revolves around a pair
of brothers and record industry moguls Jackson (Jason George) and Grady Ellis
(Sticky Fingaz) who are the archetype of rags-to-riches success after building
their own record label from the ground up. Clawing their way up from the
streets, the brothers have created a successful record company in the
high-stakes hip-hop music business. Though they are deeply trusting of and
dependent upon one another, the brothers approach business in starkly
contrasting fashions. The series is
set in New York (but shot in TORONTO!) against the backdrop of the glamorous
youth-driven, hip-hop lifestyle - a cutthroat and sometimes dangerous business
notorious for its flashy stars with money to burn and ruthless record
executives who stop at nothing to make it big. Standing by the brothers' side
is their childhood friend and chief counsel, David Weitz (Steven Pasquale);
Jackson's wife, Monica Ellis (Lalanya Masters); and the Ellis brothers' younger
sister Jade Ellis (Davetta Sherwood).
PLATINUM
is a production of American Zoetrope Television and The Greenblatt Janollari
Studio, in association with CBS Productions. John Ridley ("Three
Kings"), who co-created the series with Sofia Coppola ("The Virgin
Suicides"), wrote the teleplay and is executive producer along with Francis
Ford Coppola, Sofia Coppola and Maira Suro, as well as Robert
Greenblatt and David Janollari ("Six Feet Under," ONE ON
ONE). Kevin Bray ("All About the Benjamins") is a producer.
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Funk
‘n Soul Lives!
Not to take away from the previous episodes of Funk ‘n Soul but I felt that the
one held last Friday at Revival had elements of magic! Soular was unbelievably tight thanks to
musical director, Sandy Mamane. The
percussion section was in full tilt with veterans Davide
and David!! Hard core! And the singers, well! Let me tell you something about our Alana
Bridgewater. Her voice could bring
people to their knees and make you question the meaning of life! That’s right – she took us to church! Props to Alana for putting the F and S in
Funk ‘n Soul! And Neil Donell always
kicks sass on the funky tunes of the 70’s featured in these showcases – a real
talent! Everyone represented that night
with vocalists Dione Taylor, Julie
Crochetiere, Jason Jackson and
Kaybe gracing the stage
with their renditions of music from this special era. Congrats to Chris Bennett who is the coordinator of these special
nights – we could use more of them!
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Motivational
Note: Don't listen to haters
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
- by Jewel Diamond Taylor, Jewel@DoNotGiveUp.net
Some people will tell you that you're no good or that you'll never make
it. Don't
listen to the haters. Look in the mirror and see the person that has been
through some things and made it anyway. Hold your head up high. Don't allow anyone to defeat you, delay you,
discourage you or diminish your worth. Some people are just insecure and can't
handle the glare of your light. You have a right to enjoy success, happiness,
peace and love. Remember that and never
let someone rain on your parade. _________________________________________________________________________________
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Kayte
Burgess Showcase – Wednesday, March 19
Kayte’s last showcase at Holy Joe’s was OFF THE HOOK!! Be sure to come and listen to an extremely
tight band with star vocals by Kayte Burgess.
No kidding – this was a very hot show featuring Kayte’s newest material from her soon to be released CD! The talented Syreeta
Neal will be opening for Kayte so you get two sweet talents in one night! Kayte is just
about to release the first single entitled “Wanna” featuring Michie Mee off
her debut album. This is a hot track
and you’ll want to call your favourite radio station to request it! Come and
check Kayte out – you won’t be disappointed!!
Wednesday, March 19
Kayte Burgess Showcase
Holy Joes (above Reverb)
651 Queen Street W.
10:30 pm
$5.00
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From Flowtown To Motown – Thursday,
March 20
THIS IS ONE NOT TO BE MISSED! Featuring the Motown classics of such artists as Stevie Wonder, The Supremes,
Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye and more! Performed by Canadian
urban sensations: Sugar Prince, Londa Larmond,
Natasha Waterman and cast members from The Lion King. Hosted by FLOW 93.5's Kenny Robinson. If
you win tix to this, you automatically go into the draw to party with Snow and
Sean Paul in Jamaica at sprung 03!!
Thursday, March 20
FROM FLOWTOWN TO MOTOWN
A Tribute to the Legends of Soul Music
Phoenix Concert Theatre
410 Sherbourne
8:00 pm
Tickets:
$10 in advance, $15 at the door
Available
at the FLOW studios, 211 Yonge St., 4th floor
For
more hook-ups … all you have to do is click on http://www.flow935.com/inTheFlow/promotions/promotions.htm
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Tuesday, March 11, 2003
BLACKSTREET Level II
BUJU BANTON Friends For Life (VP)
DES'REE Dream Soldier (Epic)
ERYKAH BADU Worldwide Underground (EP)
FUNKSTAR DELUXE Blinded By The Light (CD single)
KILLER MIKE Monster (Sony)
SOUNDTRACK Bringing Down The House
VARIOUS ARTISTS Master T's Urban Vibes (Virgin)
WAYNE WONDER No Holding Back
(VP)
Tuesday, March 18, 2003
ICE CUBE The
Predator (Remastered) (Capitol)
ICE CUBE Lethal
Injection (Remastered) (Capitol)
KELLY PRICE Priceless (Def
Jam)
PAT BENATAR Classic Masters
(Capitol)
WAYNE WONDER No Letting Go (CD
Single) (Capitol)
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New Website with Free Legal Advice
MusicLaw.ca is brought to you by the music lawyers at Cassels Brock. Their mandate is to keep
Canadian's music community informed and connected by providing free and easy
access to relevant legal and business information, and facilitating broader
industry access for promising talent.
We're open to suggestions for the expansion and improvement of this
site. If you have comments or suggestions, praise or criticism, please let us know. Sections include A&R, Articles, News,
Events and Links to name a few. Keep
posted to this new site with consistent and updated legal news for Canadian
artists.
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Which Music Styles An Unsigned Artist
Should Pursue In Order to Get Signed
Excerpt from www.getsigned.com - Greg Simms Jr.
“I'm A Cross Between Nelly and Led
Zeppelin......”
Now that Teen Pop music seems to be out of the way for the moment and Rap-Rock
is oh so 2001, all you up and comers must be wondering what the next big sound
will be. Right? Will Hip Hop and R&B continue to grow? Will Pop music just
morph with some other styles? Will straight-up Rock ever make a comeback?
Thoughts like these go through the minds of everybody in the industry,
not just emerging artists like yourself. From artists to executives, everybody
wants to know what genre of music is going to "blow up" next. In this
column, I'll speculate on what music styles seem to be on the verge of taking
off and what styles are old news (from a radio and consumer point of view). As
you'll see, while some styles come and go (remember Acid Jazz?), some never go
out of fashion and consistently crank out young superstars year after year.
1. Hip Hop. Right now, there aren't a lot of different types of Hip Hop on
commercial radio. Almost every rapper in the game is based on two guys' sound
and style--Tupac and Biggie Smalls (even Eminem owes a huge debt to Tupac).
You're either one or the other. Maybe somebody a little bit different might
slip through the cracks every once in a while---Nelly comes to mind. But, it's
a thug, thug world in Hip Hop. And it doesn't look like it's going to change
any time soon--not with these guys selling millions and millions of records. If
you are interested in getting into the rap game, know what you're getting into.
If you are an alternative rapper (Common, The Roots) you may have a
chance--don't get discouraged. One genre of Hip Hop I've seen steadily grow in
popularity is Gospel Hip Hop. There hasn't been that one Gospel MC that's
broken through the mainstream, yet. Who knows? Maybe that artist could be you?
2. Pop music. Hmmm. Pop right now is going through a big change. It hasn't died
just yet like so many critics have said (or wanted). Teen Pop, however, is
dead. A boy band couldn't get arrested on MTV nowadays. But Pop Rock is getting
big (read: genre-changing diva, Pink). Singer-songwriter Pop is emerging again.
Vanessa Carlton, Michelle Branch, John Mayer are prime examples. Hyper-Pop, the
type of music that was popular in the late '90s, is going by the wayside, but
middle of the road is doing quite well. If any of you up and comers sing Pop music
without doing too many dance steps, you got a good shot at a career right now.
That's right, lose the dance steps. By the way, two of the most popular members
of their respective boy bands, Justin Timberlake and Nick Carter, are releasing
solo albums before the year is out. Watch them closely to see how they do.
Right now, there seems to be a lack of Pop performers with a "voice".
There's no new Mariah Carey, no new Whitney Houston, no new Christina. Any of
you guys (and gals) out there with some serious pipes may have a serious shot
at stardom right now if you can belt. The demand for good singers and great
songs never goes away--remember that. And Pop music, for that matter, never
really goes away, either. It just shows up in different forms. It's cyclical.
Teen Pop may be dead right now, but it WILL be back in a few years. Mark my
word on that. So all you 8 and 9 year-old future teen kings and queens take
notice....your day will come!
3. Contemporary R&B. This is one genre that hasn't wavered in popularity in
over 15 years. Countless stars have come from contemporary R&B, and still
do. There are all kinds of R&B singers: Dapper, thug, sensitive,
alternative. If any of you superstars are interested in a career in R&B
singing, it seems to be wide open. There are a lot of "pretty boy"
male singers (Mario) and "come hither" women (Ashanti) in Urban
music, but that's not the norm. The best way to get your foot in the R&B
door is: have a good voice, get some stage presence, and exude a certain amount
of charisma/confidence/sexuality.
Neo-Soul, a genre which includes singers like D'Angelo, India.Arie, and Musiq
is an emerging mini-genre within R&B. It's becoming profitable, and critics
seem to love it right now. Even R&B singers who aren't African-American can
make a dent in this genre (read: Britain's Craig David and Canada's smooth
Motown-signed, and white, recording artist Remy Shand).
Oh, and if you can write good lyrics, you may have a much needed extra selling
point. The industry needs a new Babyface right about now!
4. Rock 'n Roll. Weird. There's a civil war going on within Rock 'n Roll. The
critics have begun to anoint a slew of new bands as "saviours" of the
genre. Problem is, this has more to do with an open disdain for Rap-Rock than
actual deserved accolades.
Meanwhile, the Rap-Rock guys are still doing their thing--and if you're
still doing it, just follow your heart. Push the limits of the genre and you'll
come out a star.
Rock radio is in a limbo of sorts. They don't know whether to make room for the
Strokes or Linkin Park. The funny thing is, Rap Rock outsells Retro-Rock
completely. As much as critics praise the Strokes for their retro
"brilliance", the kids still go nuts for Limp Bizkit. If you are a
rocker trying to get a deal, my advice to you would be to wait it out, but keep
it real and stay true to your heart. Keep writing good songs. Period. Rock
needs leaders, not followers. Seriously, is there really a difference between
Incubus, Default or Hoobastank? No. It's weird, but I don't even think Miss
Cleo can see how Rock music's going to turn out over the next year or two!
There are exceptions to these two kinds of Rock schools. Guys like Nickelback
and Matchbox Twenty do Pop Rock, which is pretty lucrative. This kind of Rock
isn't popular with the critics, but the fans love it. If you got a strong
ability to withstand "sellout" criticism, you could dabble in this
genre. Take a critic's cheers or jeers with a grain of salt. The critics don't
pay your bills. The fans do. If you write songs for critics, you'll be broke.
Follow your heart but listen to your fans.
Moving forward, this column isn't meant to discourage any of you from pursuing
a recording contract. It's meant to give you an idea of what is occurring in
different genres of music right now, August 2002. I hope that you guys (and
gals) go out, get signed, and make things better for your respective genres.
Radio is going through a transition at this moment and things are in-flux. See
where the industry is going, practice your craft, record your work, and
then...STRIKE!
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All
Hail To The Queen
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
- by Karu F. Daniels (New York, NY)
What can we say? The RU Report kicks off its special “Women’s Herstory
Month” series with phenomenal woman: Queen Latifah. Why not? Sure we featured
her exclusively during Christmas week when her spectacular film work in the
movie musical “Chicago,” made its way to the public, to rave reviews and
critical acclaim. But that was before she actually made “herstory.” In January of this year, The Queen, born Dana
Elaine Owens, joined fellow "Chicago" stars Catherine
Zeta-Jones and Renee Zellweger in the Oscar race by officially being nominated
in the Best Supporting Actress category for her role as Matron Mama Morton in
the Rob Marshall-directed film. “It’s
pretty intense. It’s pretty high,” she says of the feeling of being nominated.
“I wasn’t expecting that call. I wasn’t like sitting in front of the TV and
waiting for the announcement. I was coming off one of hell of a weekend at the
NBA All-Star game. I was recovering on the way back from all the parties and
the game and everything. I was up all night watching the first season of “Good
Times” on the tour bus on the way back home…I was drowsy when I got home,
and just got under my covers when the phone rang. It was my partner Sha-Kim
[Compere], and he was like “Yo, we got the nomination”, and I was like “What
nomination?” He said “The Oscar nomination”, and I was like “No way.” So I just
went jumping and running around the house and screaming and woke up my best
friend. She was the other side of the house and my assistant was downstairs
sleeping and I dived on top on her and woke her up. I said “Yo, we got it.” So
it was pretty exhilarating. I was shocked.”
And what a feeling it should’ve been. Queen Latifah joins Hollywood A-lister Will
Smith as the only rap artists (or ‘former,’ depending on who you talk to) to be
nominated for such a prestigious Hollywood honour, and her nod also adds to a
very short list of fellow African American women, which includes Oscar winners Whoopi
Goldberg (“Ghost”) and Hattie McDaniel (“Gone With The Wind”),
and nominees such as Ethel Waters (“Pinky”), Bea Richards (“Guess
Who’s Coming To Dinner”), Alfre Woodard (“Cross Creek”), Oprah
Winfrey (“The Color Purple”) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (“Secrets
& Lies”), amongst a few others.
Forever the realist and a forthright Black woman, the New Jersey-bred bad girl
wasn’t very optimistic about getting the nomination considering the history of
the Academy. “They’re getting hip in their old age at 75. They’re getting
sharp,” she shares of her feelings of the academy. During the initial press
campaigning for “Chicago,” buzzers were buzzing about The Queen getting
a nod. She was diplomatically dismissive. And for good reason, too. Her
thinking hasn’t changed, however. “I haven’t really evaluated all my thinking.
I think still we live in a country that judges people by the color of their
skin, unfortunately,” she reveals.
“That’s always going to play a part in various elements of human life in
America. But, I thought the movie was great and I’m just glad that everybody
got a nomination. I thought Richard [Gere] should have been nominated as well.
I really think he did and Oscar worthy performance.” Nominated for thirteen Academy Awards, “Chicago” has
become a monumental tour-de-force that has translated from its place as a best
seller on the Broadway boards to a bonafide Hollywood hit machine. To date, the
film has grossed over $100 million at the domestic box-office.
To put it in nutshell, “Chicago” wipes the floor clean with last year’s
big Hollywood musical “Moulin Rouge.”
“I’m just glad the movie was recognized in the way that it was and
everyone from wardrobe to editing to sound editing to screenwriting got
recognized,” Queen Latifah continues. “It’s not just about the actors all the
time. Rob [Marshall] and I were on the phone and asking ourselves if we could
believe this. It’s a disbelief that everyone is recognizing what we already
thought was special.” But with the
light comes the dark.
I’m no handsome, dread-locked “New York Times” critic, but I do know a
good movie when I see one. And I know a bad one, too.
Perfect segue for Queen Latifah’s first major leading role in “Bringing Down
The House,” which also stars funnyman Steve Martin and opens nationwide
this weekend.
The TV commercials for the film set moviegoers up to think it’s hysterical
humorous fare. But at the private “all-media” screening held in the big apple
earlier this week, the movie’s racially insensitive subject matter (i.e.;
Caucasian women making references to “hearing Negro,” singing “old Negro
spirituals” and talking of giving the Black hired help the “scraps after
dinner”) drew harsh reactions from the audience. I, myself, was fit to be tied
during some scenes and contemplated walking out. But let’s not fault The Queen
for working the Hollywood machine. Both
living Oscar winning African-American women --Halle Berry and Whoopi Goldberg--
have also done questionable, critically panned work. Just think about celluloid
clunkers such as “Jumping Jack Flash,” “Fatal Beauty,” “B.A.P.S.” and “Bulworth.”
The same can also be said about some of their white counterparts.
“There’s good and bad in everyone and let’s laugh at it,” The Queen, who serves
as executive producer of the Disney film, says of “Bringing Down The House.”
“Let’s make fun of it all.” “People
still might get offended,” she adds. “There’s always that possibility. You
can’t please everyone all the time. We are willing to take chance with it. We
think that it’s a comedy and it’s meant to be laughed at and not taken too
seriously anyway. It’s almost like you have to give the audience permission to
go to the movies and laugh. Just go watch it and laugh because it’s funny as
hell. I’m willing to bet on the fact that you will laugh if you go and see it.
The chances are that you will laugh more than be upset or angry about it. You
sort of roll the dice with it anyway. So, I’m rolling the dice.” Now Hear Ye, Hear Ye!
Looking ahead to the Oscars, which air on March 23, Queen Latifah isn’t getting
all caught up in the “drag.” “Picking out a dress is the stylist’s job,” she
continues. “You should let her do all the running around and leg work and I
just look at pictures and I tell her how I want to feel and what I want to wear
in terms of my level of comfort and colors and things like that. I’m not really
taking on the stress of that whole thing. I’ve been working and doing other
things. I haven’t had time to get totally caught up in it because I handling
business with this film and things down the road. I let them (the stylists) do
the stressing and I just say yes or no.”
A viable pitchwoman for such popular labels as Lane Bryant and Cover
Girl Cosmetics, Queen Latifah is in a class all her own. But she’s still the
bold and brazen Jersey girl that we first fell in love with in 1989 with her
groundbreaking hip-hop album.
“I could wear whatever I want to wear. If I see something fly enough … I will
wear it. … As far as the big names, who doesn’t like to wear a million dollars
worth of jewels? Imagine walking with four or five million dollars worth of
jewels and a bodyguard, who doesn’t care about you, but as long as the jewels
don’t stolen, will be by your side all night. It’s definitely an avalanche
right now. Everyone’s calling, and trying to dress me up, which is a good
thing, because they know whom they are addressing. Some of them are calling
just because I’m full-figured and they want to show what they can do in my size
range. So, that’s kind of cool. That’s the important part of it. You got to
know how make a girl look good. I’m just looking forward to that basket. Once
you get over the shock of being nominated and then joining the Academy, which
means I get free tapes next year, and I get that basket with all those goodies.
I performed on the Oscars before and I got a basket full of stuff and it took me
a good hour to get through all the things in it. It was just so much. There
were tickets to fabulous places, spa treatments, hair products, and jewellery,
and watches, and clocks, and scarves, and I wasn’t even a winner and even
nominated at the time. I can’t wait to see what’s in the basket this year. It’s
always fun.” The Queen has spoken.
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Anita Baker back in
action in Atlantic City
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
- by Gerald A. Radford
After taking a long hiatus to spend much deserved time with her family,
songstress, Anita Baker, graced the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City Saturday evening
with a "one night only" performance that was off the Richter scale!
Ms. Baker's sultry vocal stylings were in full effect as she crooned many of
the songs that earned her a permanent spot in the book of R&B divas. Her
music could easily be classified as "timeless" as not a day has gone
by [since her departure] that her sweet voice hasn't been heard over the
airwaves.
The surprisingly diverse audience that attended the show displayed overwhelming
adoration and extreme gratitude for this messenger of love's return to the
stage. In return, Mrs. Baker's only objective was to gratify her fans, as she
belted out tunes from her personal list of songs as well as acknowledging
requests from the many adoring fans that stood mesmerized at the foot of the
stage where she performed. As a demonstration of her graciousness, she even
took time out to request a seat change for a couple [whom had seats close to
the speakers] that she felt would be bothered by the volume. The chemistry
between this class act and her audience could be likened to a reuniting of long
lost loves, as both received each other with arms open wide. The old adage,
"absence makes the heart grow fonder" (to which must be added
"and the vocals stronger") seems to be apropos in this case.
This performance exuded quality and professionalism, as the songstress
seamlessly delivered vocals that seemed to exceed the quality of the original
recordings while directing each of the musicians AND the dynamic background
vocalists to the end of perfect synchronization. She was in full control of
both her voice and the stage!
This was most assuredly the hottest ticket in town and if she happens to
schedule a date at a venue near you, make it a priority to see this show!
Gerald A. Radford (gerald.radford@urbanjamz.com) is the President/CEO of Urban
Jamz Productions (www.urbanjamz.com) in Atlanta. Their primary focus is to
provide a platform [in the form of live acoustic showcases] for aspiring
artists in a compelling environment.
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Brian McKnight Makes A
"U Turn"
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
Multi-platinum singer/songwriter Brian McKnight is off to a great start with
the launch of his upcoming album "U Turn." The resounding first single, "Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda,"
is the #1 most added song at Urban Adult radio for the second week in a row.
"Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda" is a sweeping, soulful song that's
reminiscent of McKnight's most popular ballads. The "Shoulda ... " music video is a poignant drama
featuring the sultry actress Vivica A. Fox.
U-Turn, set for release on March 25th, features an impressive line-up with
cameo appearances by Nelly, Carl Thomas, Tyrese, Kirk Franklin, and other
heavy-hitters. The album features a more eclectic McKnight as he glides
effortlessly from slow soulful ballads to up-tempo hip-hop tracks. Standout songs include "All Night
Long," a collaboration with hip-hop heavyweight Nelly, and the title song
"U-Turn," with the infectious delivery of Fabolous. McKnight also
shines on "Good Enough," where he trades polished verses with R&B
artists Joe, Carl Thomas, Tyrese, and Tank, and the musical prayer "One of
the One's Who Did," with gospel singer Kirk Franklin. The multi-platinum-selling McKnight is
credited with creating his own distinctive genre of contemporary soul and
R&B. Amassing numerous awards (American Music, Blockbuster, NAACP Image
Award, Soul Train) and nominations (Emmy, Grammy, MTV Music Video) McKnight has
made a mark in the industry as a singer, songwriter, musician, and as a
producer with over 15 million records sold worldwide. McKnight is currently preparing to launch a special promotional
tour in support of Women's History Month in March. Cities on the tour include:
Raleigh, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York and more.
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All
Hail The Queen: Lil' Kim reclaims her throne
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
- by Tõnya Lewis
Last Tuesday evening around 8:15 I made my way to one of the most
anticipated parties of the year. It was cold outside but everyone could feel
the heat because one of the "hottest" names in Hip-Hop was making her
re-emergence into the game. I anxiously walked up 38th street to a new hot spot
called The Lobby with my invite in hand and was completely overtaken by the
Hollywood like reception outside of the club.
Attendees lined the streets along with the paparazzi, the police, fans
and those who wanted to know what was going on. I quickly took my place in line
and got prepared to party in celebration of the Queen's latest release LaBella
Mafia. For all those who have been asleep for several years I am not talking
about Queen Elizabeth, I’m talking about the Queen B ... none other than Lil'
Kim.
Since the death of the Notorious BIG there has been speculation that Lil' Kim
could not do it again. For years rumours have circulated throughout the
industry that Biggie wrote all of Kim’s rhymes and without him she was finished.
Her first project after his death -- Notorious K.I.M. -- did little to silence
the rumours. Although The Notorious K.I.M. went to sell over a million records,
it hardly met our expectations. Okay, there were a few good tracks on that
album but I think the album just added fuel to the notion that Kim could not do
it without Biggie.
Also, I think we all had a BIG problem with her new image as this blond haired,
blue eyed Ghetto Barbie doll. YUCK! This was not the KIM we were used to and
this was not the KIM we wanted. The word was out, if Lil Kim did not come hard
on her next album she would be finished. Now don’t get me wrong, when I say
finished I am in no way implying that her career would be over. On the
contrary. Kim has already solidified herself as a global ICON, a fashion plate
and an actress. So when I say Kim would be finished, I don’t mean her career.
I'm talking about her street credibility. She probably would have gone on to
record other albums, but she definitely would have lost her core fan base, THE
STREETS!
The pressure was on, Eve clearly took over the throne, she brought it hard with
ALL of her releases and Trina has the Dirty south on lock. Now all of the
attention is on Lil Kim. Can she reclaim her throne? All Hail the Queen! Lil' Kim brought it hard and has reclaimed
the Hip-Hop throne. Her latest set La Bella Mafia is probably Kim’s best work
to date. The Source Magazine gave the album 41/2 Mic’s and stated that,
"It is an exceptional piece of work." (I must agree.) The first single
off the album is a club banger entitled "The Jump Off" that is sure
to please. There is one line in the song when Kim raps, "I can make a
sprite can disappear in my mouth" -- I said to my self She
backkkkkkkkkkkk. This is classic Kim ... it’s dirty but I love it, I love it, I
LOVE IT. (Okay I’m calm now.) So I
attended the album release party and it was packed. Ed Lover, Craig Mack, Mobb
Deep and Prodigy were just a few of the celebrities I spotted. About the 11th
hour Kim made her entrance into the club Draped in a White Fox looking
fabulous.
I must say that little Kim has come a long way from the raunchy Brooklyn girl
who made history with that squatted pose over the mouth of a sailor. She has
really blossomed and has finally come into her own. Lil Kim wears an air of
confidence that she didn’t have with her last project: like yeah try to touch
this. So Eve, Trina and Foxy move over, because the Queen has come back to
reclaim her thrown. Lil' Kim’s
album LaBella Mafia is in stores now. For more on Lil' Kim log on to
www.lilkim.com
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Buck 65 Flips the Urban Music Script
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com - by Tamara
Smith [simplymagic@rogers.com]
Juno nominated artist Buck 65 is in a class all his own. His unique style of
music defies classification. Though technically hip-hop due to the presence of
rhymes, samples and turntables, Buck 65's music is clearly different from the
current form of hip-hop dominating the scene. His most recent release,
"Square," has been nominated as Best Alternative Album of the Year -
obviously following debate over just what genre to classify the album as. Buck 65 (a.k.a.: Rick Terfry; Johnny
Rockwell; MC Stinkin' Rich) is no stranger to the game. He's been active on the
underground for 15 years, releasing five full-length albums, two EPs, two
12" singles and one full-length cassette. In 2002, Buck 65 was signed to
Warner Music Canada. Later that year, he released "Square," the final
chapter to his Language Arts series. Warner also re-released the remaining
Language Arts albums including: "Language Arts"; "Vortex";
"Man Overboard"; "Weirdo Magnet"; and "Synethesia."
Acting as artist, producer and DJ, Buck 65 blends his brand of
storytelling with innovative, yet graceful production, sampling and
turntablism. The album is produced in the mix-tape style of his other albums,
blending songs into one seemingly continuous track. "Square" is
comprised of four tracks, each around 16 minutes in length (furthering the
'square' theme'). Buck 65 represents
the essence of indie hip-hop with beats that validate the artistic nature of
the sampling process and lyrics inspired by a terminal case of honesty inspired
by growing up in small-town Nova Scotia. He also has a degree in Biology and
the ability to speak some of 6-7 languages on top of being able to fix a bike
or radio, or install an air conditioner if need be. You won't hear violent or
degrading lyrics from him, because it just wouldn't be real. The industry has taken note of Buck 65's
groundbreaking style. The distinct sounding album has garnered positive reviews
from numerous sources including Entertainment Weekly, The Source and Village
Voice. His album is selling well internationally and was recently released in
Australia, France and the United Kingdom. All that's left to question of this
talented artist is if his style becomes the way of the future for hip-hop or is
simply reminiscent of the genre's less commercial days. In any event,
"Square" is a breath of fresh air in these days of repetitive beats
and colorless lyrics.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Sex
All Day, Every Day: That’s the premise of a new novel by director-writer, Gary
Hardwick
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com - by Renee
Simms
Gary Hardwick is the pentultimate modern artist, working in multiple medias and
genres as a novelist, screenwriter and director. Hardwick is the person who
wrote and directed the hit movie “The Brothers.” He also directed “Deliver Us
from Eva” starring LL Cool J and Gabrielle Union and he’s written several
thrillers including “Cold Medina,” “Double Dead,” Supreme Justice” and “Color of
Justice.” So
what else could this busy Hollywood-type want on his plate? To write science
fiction novels, of course, and to self-publish them under the pseudonym “A.A.
Clifford.” “I didn’t want to confuse
[my thriller] readership with the bigger readership that I’m trying to get with
the Clifford books,” Hardwick explains.
The first novel by Clifford is “Sex Life” which Hardwick says is “a futuristic
novel sort of like ‘Minority Report.’”
“Sex Life” is set in 2268 in a utopian New York, now called First City.
There is no crime, poverty, pollution or AIDS. But there is one disease that
anyone can succumb to and the only way to avoid that is to have sex five times
a day. Hardwick says that he wanted to
take the notion of idealized sex and to turn that onto its head. “Human beings have made a connection
between love and sex or emotion and sex and the book severs that connection”,
he says.
In other words, would you really want some if you had to have it thirty-five
times a week? “The ultimate question
is ‘How important is [sex] to you and to the world?” Hardwick says.
It took Hardwick four years to write “Sex Life” and he says that he enjoyed
trying to imagine this future society. The more he imagined, the more answers
he would get, like the fact that information would replace physical intimacy.
Since everyone is physically intimate in First City, adultery is not a crime
but sharing information like your name or history with someone’s spouse is
criminal. “It’s really about the
meaning of life,” Hardwick says, It’s not so much about sex as it is about life
... We find that human intelligence, and not sex, is what is important.” It’s an interesting concept -- so
interesting that the writer had a hard time finding a publisher. In response he
started his own publishing company, Hard Books, to distribute the novel. Hardwick, who had published several books
when he attempted to sell “Sex Life,” attributes his difficulty in finding a
publisher for this one to the fact that book publishers like to ghettoize black
writers. They want all black writers to pen the girlfriend/relationship books
that are so popular.
“The African-American audience has a hunger for a lot more than that,” Hardwick
says. He’s encouraged by the response
he’s gotten from black readers whom he says love the book, his wife
included. “[My wife] thought I’d lost
my mind when I first started writing it but then she started to read it and
couldn’t put it down.” Other projects
for Hardwick include a screenplay, “Whitebread” that’s at New Line Cinema, a
script, “Radio” about the day in the life of an urban radio crew and lots more.
Like we said, he’s a busy man.
“African-Americans are the fastest growing segment of the book-buying
population,” Hardwick explains.
And since his website says that “Sex Life” is the first in a trilogy, you can
bet that Hardwick plans to tap into the growing black readership in the very
near future. For more information
about the book or tour (he's in Detroit tonight) visit www.hardbooks.com.
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_________________________________________________________________________________
Mothers
Of Slain Artists To Be Honoured
In an effort to bring some sort of positive out of the darkness surrounding the
deaths of some of Hip-Hop and R&B's favourite performers, Tuesday night in
NYC, the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation hosted an event dubbed B.I.G.
Night Out. The
foundation is headed by Violetta Wallace, mother of slain rapper Christopher
"Notorious B.I.G." Wallace.
The event presented the mother's of Jam Master Jay, Tupac Shakur,
Aaliyah, Big Pun, Lisa Lopes, Freaky Tah and Big L with B.I.G. Heart Awards. The festivities were open to the public,
but the tickets were a bit pricey. Tickets sold for $250 each. All proceeds will go to the foundation,
which provides scholarships, books, computers and other learning tools to
children’s education. A variety of
celebs were expected to be on hand to pay tribute to the mothers. Be on the
look out for Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, Jay-Z, Wyclef Jean, Faith Evans
and the surviving members of Run-DMC.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Mr.
Washington cleans up at the Image Awards
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
Although the 2002 movie “Brown Sugar” had the most nominations -- eight -- at
this year’s 34th annual NAACP Image Awards, actor-director Denzel Washington
ended up the big winner at the event.
Washington won the most awards while “Brown
Sugar” went home with nothing. Denzel
won best actor for his role in “John Q,” best supporting actor for his role in
“Antwone Fisher” and as the director and producer of “Fisher,” he accepted that
movie’s award for best picture. Angela
Bassett won two awards, best TV actress for her portrayal of Rosa Parks in
“The Rosa Parks Story” and best movie actress for her role in “Sunshine
State.” Halle Berry won best
supporting actress for her role in the James Bond movie “Die Another Day.” The awards show took place on Saturday at
the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles and will be broadcast by Fox this
Thursday, March 13.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Rosa
Parks Gives Up Her Seat... at the NAACP Image Awards
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
Proving that you’re never too old to protest, 90 year old civil rights pioneer
Rosa Parks chose to stay at home instead of attending Saturday’s NAACP Image
Awards. Parks’ friend, Elaine Steele, explained Parks’ absence in a
letter. “We
with many others do not understand the endorsement the NAACP gave to the
hurtful jokes in the movie ‘Barbershop,’ about America’s civil rights leaders,”
the letter stated. In “Barbershop,”
Cedric the Entertainer played an elder barber who joked about Rev. Jesse
Jackson, Dr. Martin Luther King and said that Parks’ act of refusing to give up
her seat only got attention because she worked for the NAACP. Those lines
angered some black folk. Despite the
controversy, “Barbershop” was nominated for five image awards and Cedric hosted
the awards show. “Barbershop” lost in
all five categories. CBS’ “The Rosa Parks Story” won both of its nominations
for best TV movie and best TV movie actress (Angela Bassett.) “I’m going to speak with [Mrs. Parks] this
week, I hope,” NAACP president Kweisi Mfume said backstage. “I hope to talk to her soon. She’s a grand
lady and a wonderful member of this association ... I don’t think there’s a
rift at all.”
_________________________________________________________________________________
Roc-A-Fella
Hit-Making Duo Headed To Atlantic Records
Excerpt from www.971jamz.com
Kyambo "Hip Hop" Joshua and Gee Roberson, two of the key players in
Roc-A Fella Records successful run, have accepted positions as vice-presidents
of A&R for urban music at Atlantic Records. In addition to working with
Atlantic's existing roster, the duo will create and sign acts to their own
imprint. Atlantic co-president Craig
Kallman shared his thoughts in a statement, "Hip Hop and Gee are here to
do what they do best--to discover and nurture new talent, while at the same
time helping to expand the playing field for our established and developing
urban artists." Joshua and
Roberson, while serving as A&Rs at Roc-A-Fella, worked on projects that
have sold more than 25 million units, including several albums by Jay-Z, Cam'ron, Beenie Sigel, and Memphis Bleek. The duo also has two of the hottest
producer's in rap music, Just Blaze and Kanye West, signed to their production
company. In addition, the duo recently inked a deal with EA Sports to provide
all of the music for the NBA Live 2003 videogame.
_________________________________________________________________________________
3LW:
The New Edition ... Or Should We Say Addition?
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
2LW is now 3LW once again. 15-year-old Jessica "J"
Benson of Severn, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, DC has been selected as the
new member of Nine Lives Entertainment trio 3LW after an exhaustive nationwide
search. Benson
beat out hundreds of other hopefuls to join founding members Kiely Williams, 16
and Adrienne Bailon, 19, to round out the platinum selling girl group. At a recent Coca-Cola event in LA, Keily
told us "J" was just what the group was looking for. "Her confidence was a big thing, a
beautiful voice, and an incredible dancer; she has the whole package and a cool
vibe." "J" was
discovered at the final audition in DC following open calls in New York, Los
Angeles, and Atlanta. She made her public debut as the new third member at the
Soul Train Music Awards last weekend.
Benson will continue to attend her public high school and will travel to
New York to do press and prepare for the group's summer tour.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Universal
Records Releases Mul-Ty's Made For Love: 'Mul-ty' means diverse
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com - Freelance Associates / Eunice Moseley, President/freeassoc3@aol.com
Mul-ty means diverse," says Mul-ty, newest male R&B
singer on Universal Records (look similar to anyone we know up here in
Toronto?). "My father was a pastor so we didn't have BET coming up. We had
old school." This soul singer's
musical heroes are Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding, which gives you an idea of his
sound. In fact he says his CD player had Marvin and Johnny Taylor in it at the time
of this interview. "Made for Love" tells [in a nutshell] that Mul-ty
is all about "love music."
"I realize the power of music," Mul-ty says. Power is what you will find on his debut
release in "Welcome To My World," the soft and tender "All That
I've Got," and the first single "Looking for Love." This 22-year-old single soul singer would
like a lady who is honest and open, which he admits is hard to find these days. Check out his one track “Looking for Love”
at http://www.mul-ty.net/main.html.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Alice
Walker Arrested: Author of “The Color Purple” jailed in DC
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
Famed writer Alice Walker and others were arrested Saturday in a march to the
White House to protest war. As the US government moves to the brink of war with Iraq, the
number of anti-war protests are growing.
On Saturday, Walker was one of approximately 5,000 protesters gathered
in Washington, DC for a demonstration organized by feminist anti-war group Code
Pink. The novelist and 25 others were
arrested when they crossed a police line across from the White House. Author Maxine Hong Kingston, who wrote “The
Woman Warrior” was also arrested.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Kobe
In The 10,000 Club: He’s the youngest player in there, too
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
Last week, new papa and 24 year-old LA Laker Kobe Bryant became the youngest
player in NBA history to reach 10,000 career points. The milestone occurred during
the Lakers’ 97-95 victory over Indiana. Bryant scored 20 points in that game
and Shaquille O’Neal had 26. Bryant
hit the 10,000 mark at a year younger than NBA great Bob McAdoo.
Adwatch - Sprite - "Motivation" featuring Kobe Bryant **** (Four
Stars)
Sprite continues to demonstrate how to effectively market Kobe
Bryant in a way that Adidas could never quite figure out…by letting the real
Kobe stand-up. Sprite has quenched Kobe's thirst for marketability and by
positioning him as a fiercely driven competitor who loves the game of
basketball while exhibiting supreme confidence and charisma. Sound like anyone
you know? In this latest spot, which is quite Jordanesque, Kobe is seen getting
his work out on as the camera pans to various newspaper derogatory headlines
pasted on the wall, including references to Kobe's infamous "Air Ball"
in the playoffs years ago and making the leap from high school for the pros.
Throughout the ad, which is reminiscent of Michael Jordan's "Challenge
Me" spot, Kobe's voice introspectively says "for everyone who said I
wasn't old enough…" and "for everyone who said I wasn't good
enough…" To that, Kobe responds by saying, "I have one thing to say
to you…Thanks." Kobe concludes by asking "What's my thirst?" and
answers with "Proving them wrong." The timing couldn't be better as
Kobe is currently proving all of his critics wrong en route to an MVP-type of
season. This spot also builds upon Sprite's highly visible Kobe ad featuring
Jermaine Dupri's "Welcome To Atlanta" track which debuted during
All-Star Weekend and featured an introspective Kobe, again, working out
rigorously and replies to the question of how he got his ticket to Atlanta by
saying "I paid for it." Kobe's endorsement is clearly paying off for
Sprite who has established Nike/Jordan equity from its relationship with its
star endorser and an emotional connection with urban consumers.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
THURSDAY, MARCH 13
Diversity at Our Doorstep screenings
Rainbow Cinemas, Fairview Mall
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tickets are available on a first come, first-served basis.
For ticket information, email info@reelworld.ca
FRIDAY, MARCH 14
Diversity at Our Doorstep screenings
Rainbow Cinemas, Fairview Mall
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tickets are available on a first come, first-served basis.
For ticket information, email info@reelworld.ca
EVENT PROFILE: Diversity
at Our Doorstep is a special pre-launch to ReelWorld Film Festival, which hits the
screens April 2 to 6, 2003. Aimed at high school students, the series is meant
to build recognition and awareness about the stories that connect our lives,
and the power of the human spirit. Thanks to the generous support of Rainbow Cinemas and Alliance Atlantis, Diversity
at Our Doorstep will showcase Phillip Noyce’s award-winning feature, Rabbit Proof Fence, the true
story of three aboriginal girls taken from their mother and forced to adapt to
a strange new world. By the sheer force of their will, they escape and struggle
to return home across 1500 miles of treacherous terrain. Their only hope: a
rabbit-proof fence that guides them. The film has screened to rave reviews at
festival around the world and won the Audience Choice Award at Edinburgh
International Film Festival and Aspen Film Festival. It was also nominated for
a Golden Globe. Following
each screening an interactive Q&A session is planned to encourage youth
participation and increase awareness of the opportunities that exist in
Hollywood North for the filmmakers of tomorrow.
_________________________________________________________________________________
THURSDAY,
MARCH 13
PEPPA SEED MOTOWN REVIVAL
Indian Motorcycle
355 King Street
10:30 pm
NO COVER
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring
Divine Earth Essence, Joel Joseph, Rohan Staton, Roger Williams, Deryck Roche
_________________________________________________________________________________
SUNDAY,
MARCH 16
SOULAR
College Street Bar
574 College Street (at Manning)
10:30 pm
$5.00
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring
Dione Taylor, Sandy Mamane, Davide Direnzo, Justin Abedin, Dafydd Hughes and
David French.
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MONDAY,
MARCH 17
VIP JAM WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
Revival Bar
783 College Street (at Shaw)
10:00 pm
NO COVER
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring Rich
Brown, David Williams and Shamakah Ali with various local artists.
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TUESDAY,
MARCH 18
JAM SESSION
Lava Lounge
507 College Street (west of Bathurst)
10:30 pm
NO COVER
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring
Divine Earth Essence, Calvin Beale, Michael Shand, Joe Bowden, Thomas Reynolds
and various local artists.
_________________________________________________________________________________
WEDNESDAY, MARCH
19
Kayte Burgess Showcase
Holy Joes (above Reverb)
651 Queen Street W.
10:30 pm
$5.00
EVENT PROFILE: Kayte’s last showcase at Holy Joe’s was OFF THE HOOK!! Be sure to come and listen to an extremely
tight band with star vocals by Kayte Burgess.
No kidding – this was a very hot show featuring Kayte’s newest material from her soon to be released
CD! The talented Syreeta Neal
will be opening for Kayte so you get two sweet talents in one night! Kayte is just
about to release the first single entitled “Wanna” featuring Michie Mee off
her debut album. This is a hot track
and you’ll want to call your favourite radio station to request it! Come and
check Kayte out – you won’t be disappointed!!
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THURSDAY, MARCH 20
FROM FLOWTOWN TO MOTOWN
A Tribute to the Legends of Soul Music
Phoenix Concert Theatre
410 Sherbourne
8:00 pm
Tickets:
$10 in advance, $15 at the door
Available
at the FLOW studios, 211 Yonge St., 4th floor
For
more hook-ups … all you have to do is click on http://www.flow935.com/inTheFlow/promotions/promotions.htm
EVENT PROFILE:
THIS IS ONE NOT TO BE MISSED! Featuring the Motown
classics of such artists as Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye and more! Performed by Canadian urban sensations: Sugar Prince, Londa Larmond, Natasha Waterman and cast members from The
Lion King. Hosted by FLOW 93.5's
Kenny Robinson. If
you win tix to this, you automatically go into the draw to party with Snow and
Sean Paul in Jamaica at sprung 03!!
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THURSDAY,
MARCH 20
PEPPA SEED MOTOWN REVIVAL
Indian Motorcycle
355 King Street
10:30 pm
NO COVER
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring
Divine Earth Essence, Joel Joseph, Rohan Staton, Roger Williams, Deryck Roche
_________________________________________________________________________________
SUNDAY,
MARCH 23
SOULAR
College Street Bar
574 College Street (at Manning)
10:30 pm
$5.00
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring
Dione Taylor, Sandy Mamane, Davide Direnzo, Justin Abedin, Dafydd Hughes and
David French.
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