With the launch of Polow Da Don’s Zone 4 label comes I15, named after the interstate that connects Las Vegas to Los Angeles. The members of the group consist of two singers and one rapper, Castro native of Las Vegas, Das, native of Chicago and Flash of Compton, who fashion themselves as the self-proclaimed “male TLC.” Their first single, “Lost In Love” features super-producer and rapper, Polow Da Don, who is slowly building up his Zone 4 empire with artist like Rich Boy and Keri Hilson.
An Atlanta native, The Dreamer is on the forefront and cutting edge of today’s hip hop music. He has shared stages with the likes of Lupe Fiasco, and worked with some classic Atlanta musical icons. With the snap music crazy slowly dying down, Dreamer is sneaking up and grabbing the industry by the neck with his edgy sound and flavor. That’s not to say that it’s completely different from anything that anyone else has done, but Dreamer has managed to take sounds of the past, put his own spin on them and make them all his own.
On his LP, Perishable Fame Presents The Dreamer, Dreamer draws inspirations from everyone from OutKast and Goodie Mob, to old school 90’s Kilo. It’s a good mix of funky, high-energy electronica-influenced music to just kick-back Caddy-riding.
The UK’s multiple award-winning artist Estelle is back with ‘Shine’ - her new album, set for release in February 2008. She is the first artist signed by John Legend, to his new ‘Homeschool Records’ label. The singer/rapper/producer is highly respected and loved across the pond and it’s about time she gets some shine in the U.S. Estelle’s new album features collaborations with Wyclef Jean, will.i.am (he produced “Wait A Minute”), Swizz Beats, Mark Ronson and Kanye West, as well as a stand out duet with John Legend.
John Legend & Estelle
“I have known John for a while now…We worked on my first album ‘18th Day’ before he was signed. He featured on ‘Hey Girl’, played piano on ‘Free’, and appeared in the video. As I went to do my second album I asked him to help exec-produce it. As I progressed with it, I left my label and he said he’d sign me… and here we are today! We always make great songs together. While I like and listen to a lot of musicians - there aren’t many that I respect on a level to help me write songs or upgrade/push me as an artist… but John is one of them.”
John Legend continues: “I’m thrilled to be a part of Estelle’s career. This album is truly an accomplishment. She will be one of the most of exciting breakthrough talents of 2008. Mark my words.”
This song has been on heavy rotation since I got it last week. I Love it! For more info on Estelle, make sure you check out her myspace page.
Meet Jaiden. This New York based singer/songwriter has reportedly toured with Diddy, Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill and John Legend, just to name a few. He is also writing on the new projects for Usher and Janet Jackson. According to his myspace page, Jaiden wants to emerge from the background and let his star shine.
Jaiden’s style pays homage to host of legendary influences and the singer makes sure to tell you that he is serious about his craft. “When I wasn’t singing, I was writing, and when I wasn’t writing I was playing the piano”. Gotta love that. Check out his song, “Forget About U” (produced by Jazz) and leave your 2 cents.
Creating a large buzz for themselves in the Atlanta area (you can’t help but go somewhere here and see a Thunderkatz sticker on a lamp post, or random mailbox), the Thunderkatz are ready to take themselves nationwide, inking a new deal with Irv Gotti’s The Inc. Fusing hip hop, pop, funk, rock and dance music, the Thunderkatz are all about having fun and sending out a message. “Cupid Baby” is the first single and has garnered some radio play in a few pop markets.
But they look just like the Black Eyed Peas? you might say. Well, the difference is, the Thunderkatz are an actual band, complete with guitarist, bassist, keyboard player and drummer. And their live performance energy is crazy, garnering them many first place awards at nation music conferences. So, with all the comparisons, the Katz ask you not to judge a book by it’s cover. ‘Cause they’ve got plenty in store for you.
When Angel passed this girl along to me to hear the music, I was very intrigued. At first by her pictures and then when I got into some of the tracks, I was really liking what I heard. Cherri V is well on her way to becoming the next sensation in the UK. Her music is a great blend of Rock, Pop, and R&B.
In 2006, Cherri was a member of the girl group Trinity Stone and they were signed to Sony/BMG. The group soon disbanded, but Cherri was fortunate enough to travel to many places across the globe and learn about the industry, allowing her to discover where she could now hold a spot in it. Right now, she’s recording her album at her own pace and is gaining as much performance exposure in the UK as possible.
Attributing much of his inspiration to Brian McKnight, Babyface, Boys II Men, Jodeci, Color Me Badd, and many of the other R&B heartthrobs of the early 90’s, DC Yeager, a native of Youngstown, Ohio, has a sound that is very familiar to any of those artists who were just mentioned. Something about his tone and even the production on the Ne-Yo-featured “Let Me Know” just takes me straight back to the 90’s. The arrangement, the lyrics - everything about it to me sounds like one of the songs I’d be listening to at a young age in my older sister’s room. I think that’s what people are going to be going for in the new wave of music, even with content: a sound and subject matter more reminiscent of a lighter time in music. When R&B was just about getting to know someone, and just grooving.
