MUSIC NEWS: WEST & WINEHOUSE TO LEAD GRAMMY’S / AVANT INKS DEAL WITH CAPITOL / CHART NEWS

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Looks like for 2008’s Grammy’s, Kanye West and the troubled Amy Winehouse will lead the pack with multiple nominations. Kanye’s Graduation album, after much publicity and marketing, beat out 50 Cent’s Curtis, and released three huge singles (”Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” and the anthem, “Stronger” and party favorite, “Good Life”). The critically acclaimed disc had the year’s biggest debut, selling nearly 1 million copies in its first week, an amazing feat during the industry’s current struggles.

Although Winehouse has been in the media recently for her erratic behavior and alleged substance abuse, Grammy hopefuls are thinking that Amy’s nominations this year will take the heat off of her personal life, and put focus back onto her music. Here’s what Grammy award winning singer/songwriter Ne-Yo and Grammy-winning producer John Shanks had to say:

“Amy Winehouse is incredible. I think she should have got a little more positive recognition,” said singer-songwriter Ne-Yo. Grammy-winning producer John Shanks called Winehouse’s album Back to Black, which included the telling hit “Rehab,” “an important record.”

“I don’t think her troubles are really going to hurt her. I think the sound of that album made an impact,” Shanks added.

Other Grammy nominees include Beyonce, for top single of the year with her R&B acoustic jam, “Irreplaceable,” Fergie, who’s debut album The Dutchess rolled out a few #1 singles, as well as Rihanna, who broke as a crossover artist this year with her smash, “Umbrella.” I think the show should be pretty interesting this year, considering all the music that’s been pouring out. Let’s hope ‘08 is just as good a year.

Recording artist Avant has released four albums on Geffen Records, but has recently signed a new deal with Capitol, which is home to former Destiny’s Child member, LeToya Luckett, as well as the last label that Faith Evan released her latest record, The First Lady.

“They’ve shown that they’re dedicated to push their resources for my projects,” says the Cleveland native. “I look forward to a long lasting relationship with many, many hit records.”

Avant is busy recording his currently untitled project, which is set to be released in the summer of 2008. The set will feature production from Rodney Jerkins and DJ Smurf, among others. A single will be released in March. Meanwhile, Avant will tour with the male trio, TGT, which consists of Tank, Ginuwine and Tyrese and will star in the play “Love in the Nick of Tyme,” featuring Morris Chestnut.

Looks like hip hop and R&B are still ruling the Billboard Hot 100! Right on! Alicia Keys still holds the #1 single spot, with her smash hit, “No One.” Like I said, I couldn’t stand the song at first, but now I am absolutely loving it. Her third studio album, As I Am is also #2 on the albums chart, and broke a record for biggest female debut numbers.

Holding the #2 on the Hot 100 is Chris Brown and T-Pain with their club banger, “Kiss Kiss,” from his sophomore set, Exclusive, which seems to be a favorite these days. Timbaland and his Mosley Music Group signees, OneRepublic hold the #3 spot with the crossover ballad, “Apologize” from Timbaland’s Shock Value (the band also features “Apologize” on their debut album, Dreaming Out Loud, which was released a couple of weeks ago).

Also in the top 10 are Flo-Rida with his popular radio buzzer, “Low,” which peaked at #4. Kanye and T-Pain take the #7 spot with “Good Life,” while “Soulja Boy (Crank That)” still staying strong on the chart at #8, with Rihanna and Ne-Yo not to far behind, grabbing the #9 spot. Big ups to black music! We’re definitely doing our thing.