Featured Artist of the Week: September

SayWhatNews featured artist of the week is Sweden’s very own singing sensation September. This club/pop/R&B singer has been taking the dance music genre by storm. Petra Marklund began calling herself September back when she was just 18 and about the time her music career began to take off with hit single after hit single. September has been on Billboards Hot Dance Airplay Top 10 twice. With her up-beat tempo and mesmerizing voice September has a way of making you hit the dance floor. Her single “Cry For You” is the song that caught my ear. (click on picture to watch video) September Myspace

Whitney Houston's So Called New Album Cover is a FAKE!!!

The new Whitney Houston album cover is a total fake. Arista Records rep. is denying reports that have been circling the web. “Ms. Houston is still recording and we look forward to unveiling new music along with the official album cover in due time.”

Sources believe that this so called album cover was created by a fan. I am not sure why people believed this picture depicting Whitney in a swimsuit that has a plunging neckline with a long wavy weave. I know Whitney is recovering and all but my girl still has a sense of style. She would never be seen looking like that.

Here is the original photo which shows Naomi Campbell so it is clear the photo is a photo shop creation.

John Legend Expands Tour

John Legend expands his Worldwide Tour and adds on more dates. The 2nd leg of the tour will begin Jan 12 – Feb. 7th of 2009. Estelle will open during the second North American leg of the tour ‘Evolver’. Estelle was the first artist signed to Legends music label Home School Records.

The World Tour will kick off November 19th in Minneapolis.

John Legends Tour Dates: November 2008

19 - Minneapolis, MN - Northrop Auditorium

20, 21 - Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre

24 - East Lansing, MI - Wharton Center for Performing Arts

26 - Detroit, MI - Masonic Temple Theatre

28 - Toronto, Ontario - Roy Thompson Hall

29 - Montclair, NJ - Wellmont Theatre

December 2008

1 - Montclair, NJ - Wellmont Theatre

2 - Boston, MA - Orpheum Theatre

4 - University Park, PA - Bryce Theatre @ Penn State

5 - Philadelphia, PA - Tower Theater

6 - Fairfield, CT - Fairfield University/Alumni Hall

8 - Baltimore, MD - Lyric Theatre

9 - Washington, DC - Constitution Hall

10 - Greenville, SC - Peace Center

12 - Charlotte, NC - Ovens Auditorium

13 - Durham, NC - Durham Performing Arts Center

January 2009

12 - Oakland, CA - Paramount Theatre

13 - Universal City, CA - Gibson Amphitheatre

16 - La Jolla, CA - RIMAC Arena

22 - Dallas, TX - Nokia Theatre @ Grand Prairie

23 - Austin, TX - Bass Concert Hall

24 - Houston, TX - Verizon Wireless Theater

26 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium

28 - Orlando, FL - Bob Carr Performing Arts Center

29 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall

30 - Miami, FL - The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater

February 2009

3 - Atlanta, GA - Fox Theatre

5 - New York, NY - Radio City Music Hall

6 - Mashantucket, CT - MGM Grand Theater @ MGM Foxwoods

7 - Atlantic City, NJ - Borgata Events Center

Aretha Franklin is the Greatest Singer of all Time

Aretha Franklin the Queen of Soul has been named the ‘Greatest Singer of all Time’ by Rolling Stone Magazine. Here is the top 10 out of 100:

1) Aretha Franklin 2) Ray Charles 3) Elvis Presley 4) Sam Cooke 5) John Lennon 6) Marvin Gaye 7) Bob Dylan 8) Otis Redding 9) Stevie Wonder 10) James Brown

Rihanna Cancels Show For Security Reasons

Rihanna cancelled last night’s show in Indonesia because of concerns over her safety. The Hip-Hop/R&B Diva cancelled the sold out show to a crowd of 6,000 in the capital Jakarta after a travel advisory to citizens in Indonesia came out after the weekend executions of 3 Islamic militants convicted in the 2002 Bali bombings.

Win A Music Contract With T-Pain

Mega Producer/Hip-Hop star T-Pain has teamed up with Our Stage to find the next Hip-Hop/R&B super star. Pain wants any unsigned artists interested to submit their music on Our Stage’s website for a chance to record a single with him. The winner will have their song distributed through T-Pain’s online label Nappy Boy Digital.

For the complete contest rules go to: www.ourstage.com/go/tpain

(click on photo for contest info)

Deborah Cox Big Return After 6 Years

Platinum recording artist Deborah Cox finally returns to the music scene after 6 years since last album. In an interview Cox discusses the last 6 years. She gave birth to 2 kids, starred on Broadway in Aida and toured with Cyndi Lauper on the True Colors Tour.

"I decided to take some time off and have a family, smell the flowers ... enjoy life," said Cox, who releases 'The Promise' on Nov. 11. "I've been on this musical roller coaster for almost 15 years.

"Since the first album, it's been nonstop traveling and doing so much. I felt like I was missing out on so much -- missing out on family functions, relatives passing on, weddings, births. A lot has happened over the past 15 years in my life and I really needed to take some time to just enjoy it myself."

Featured Artist of the Week: Daniel D.

photo: daniel d myspace

SayWhatNews featured artist of the week is Daniel D. The Christian/R&B/Hip-Hop violinist has a gift to translate today’s popular song into a classical piece that is timeless. Daniel’s talent makes you appreciate the violin which is an instrument that has been lost in translation in today’s music industry due to the popularity of creating tunes via the computer. Keep your eye on this artist because he is sure to make his way to the top.

Daniel D. Website Daniel D. Myspace

Maroon 5 Gets Help From Hip-Hop's Finest

Maroon 5 recruits some of Hip-Hop’s finest to work on their latest album “Call and Response”. The new album features remixes of Maroon 5’s songs interpreted by David Banner, Pharell, Swizz Beatz and others.

"I've always found it really interesting that a group of people looking at the same painting can all see different things," says Maroon 5 front-man Adam Levine. "That was the idea behind this record-to take a few of our songs and have them interpreted by some of our favorite artists. We were really blown away by what they came up with."

The album is set to be released December 9th.

Old School Flashback of the Week: DJ Quik

SayWhatNews old school flashback of the week is DJ Quik’s “Tonite”. I remember when this song would come on in the club; everyone would throw their hands up in the air, yell out “this is the song” and continue to get their dance on. Quik’s songs had away to make you forget about your worries and just be in the moment.

DJ Quik was one of the West Coast gangsta rappers in the early 90’s that crossed over to mainstream radio with his light yet funk-a-licious beats. His singles “Tonite” and “Born and Raised in Compton” went platinum in addition to having 3 albums going gold. Quik later put his own music career on hold to become one of today’s most wanted beat makers/producer.

Mariah Carey's Hit Single From 1993 Is Back On The Charts

Mariah Carey’s 1993 hit single “Hero” debuted at #1 on UK’s singles chart the other day after it was covered for charity by the 2008 finalist on the TV talent series The X Factor.

There is nothing better than a vintage Mariah Carey song. Her songs are timeless, they never age.

Pubilc Enemy and Others Get Inducted Into Long Island Music Hall of Fame

Public Enemy and other artists from Long Island were inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame Thursday night. Others inducted were: LL Cool J, Pat Benatar and Marvin Hamlisch.

Def Jam VP Commits Suicide

Def Jam VP Shakir Stewart commits suicide Saturday in Atlanta. Cobb County Police spokesperson Cassie Reece told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that Stewart’s body was discovered in the bathroom of his home around 4pm. According to reports he was found with a self-inflicted gun shot wound and was pronounced dead after arriving at the hospital.

Stewart was promoted back in June to Executive VP after the resignation of Jay-Z. He was J’s replacement.

Stewart was credited for signing Rick Ross, Young Jeezy and new comer Karina Pasian.

Former Member of Pretty Ricky Moves On

Pleasure P. a.k.a Marcus Cooper the former member of the R&B/Hip-Hop group Pretty Ricky is gearing up to release his debut solo album “The Introduction of Marcus Cooper”.

Marcus has decided to drop the sexual surname because he has matured since his days bumping and grinding with Pretty Ricky. “I’m in my own lane musically. I’m all grown up now, my music is classier and I tell you exactly how it is”, said Cooper

The fans are most definitely feeling Coop's own new personal sound by calling his new single “Did You Wrong” good gangsta love.

Click on picture to view Marcus Cooper new video for “Did You Wrong”

Do We Know The Real Reason Why 112 Broke Up?

In an interview with Eurweb, Mike Keith a former member of the platinum recording group 112 spoke candidly about the real reason the group broke up. He tells how the group disbanded because an un-named member of the group stole money from him.

“I had to leave because a certain member stole my publishing check”, said Keith. He goes on to say that “the situation boils down to simply money and something like that I can’t forgive.”

Money is always the end of things and usually the middle of a fight. It’s sad that such a talented group ended because someone got greedy.

*Mike Keith is 4th from the left

Featured Artist of the Week: Fairgreen

photo: fairgreen myspace

SayWhatNews featured artist of the week is Fairgreen, a Christian/Pop/Rock band. Fairgreen’s sound is fresh, crisp and full of guitar riffs that make you feel the vibes through your speakers. The band not only is getting radio play, they were ranked #1 on MySpace as the top unsigned Christian Band. Fairgreen’s solid smooth Pop/Rock beats are causing a buzz and creating a stir among music lovers.

Fairgreen’s mission is to entertain and provide a since of hope and encouragement with their music. The guys want to continue to walk in their faith and spread the word about Jesus and how great he is. Now that’s what I am talking about, give praise where praise is due.

Meet the band:

Frank - Guitar & vocals

Jody – Guitar & vocals

Brian – Guitar & vocals

John – Bass

Kenny - Drums

Fairgreen MySpace

The Remix of Johnny Cash

Some of the songs of the great country singer Johnny Cash will soon have a new Hip-Hop/ Dance swing to it. Snoop Dogg, DJ Quik, Teddy Riley and Pete Rock are some of the artist and producers who will be part of the project “Johnny Cash Remixed”; a collection of songs re-interpreted by some of today’s Hip-Hop and Dance artists.

Billboard Reports:

Pete Rock takes on Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues," while Snoop contributes a remake of the Cash's classic "I Walk the Line" with production from his new beat squad QDT, comprised of Teddy Riley and DJ Quik. "If you take your time and listen to it, country music is very similar to rap," Snoop said. "Johnny Cash is the one who stood out to me. I love his style, his swag, and the songs he made." Cash's son John Carter Cash, the project's executive producer, says the album's concept is something his father would have enjoyed.

"Dad would have loved this remix record. While it stays true to the original recordings, this CD touches on the undiscovered ground," Cash, Jr. explained. "This is what my father was about; staying true to tradition while creating groundbreaking new music."

Swiss Beatz To Be Honored At Gala

Hip-Hop extraordinaire Swiss Beatz is set to be honored this evening at the gala for The Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation. The annual gala known as the “Break Through Ball” is honoring Beatz for his accomplishments in helping different cancer organizations. Beatz has spent time visiting sick children and performed at different events to help bring awareness to the cause. Swiss Beatz will be awarded the Break Through Sprit Award.

The Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation raise funds for research and treatment.

Old School Flashback of the Week: Jon B.'s Someone To Love

(click on pic to see video)

SayWhatNews old school flashback of the week is Jon B.’s song “Someone To Love” featuring Babyface. There are not too many artists who can perform a duet with Babyface and compliment his voice. Jon B. did just that, he was able to hold his own and then some by making “Someone To Love” one of the most played slow songs of the mid 1990’s.

I had this song set to replay a many of nights just relaxing at home while listening to music. "Someone To Love" is one of those songs that you could relate to. We have all been there one time or another and felt that we could not love again after a bad heart-break and than boom, that special person comes out of no where and helps you to believe in love again.

Jon B. just recently ended his deal with Sanctuary Records and Edmonds Music Group after 11 years. “Its time to move on’, said Jon B. on his website.

Babyface signed Jon B. to his label back in 1994 and from there Jon B. became one of the best known male voices of R&B. With 4 studio albums and currently in the studio working on #5, Jon B. still has that special magic to make you want to move and groove to his songs.

Is Danity Kane Down To Only Two Members?

Has Danity Kane lost another member? The rumors are swirling about that Shannon Bex has left the group because she is just “tired of all the drama”. If Bex has left the group, this comes following the removal of Aubrey O’Day and D. Woods by Diddy on the season finale of Making the Band 4.

MTV.com reports that they contacted Atlantic Records to find out if the rumor was true but they have yet to comment on the issue. Atlantic Records did say that the rumors of Bad Boy’s solo artist Cassie joining DK are not true.

6 Years Later A New Solo Album From The Late Left Eye

A new solo album from the late Hip-Hop Rapper Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes is set to be released. The collection of her unreleased work will hit the stores on November 11th.

Left Eye was killed in a tragic car crash 6 years ago in Honduras. Her death shocked the Hip-Hop community.

Left Eye was the third member of the famous R&B/Hip-Hop group TLC who created a lot of buzz with their unique creative style/sound. Left Eye brought the Hip-Hop flava to the all girl group. With her somewhat squeaky voice and creative rhyme technique, Lopes became adorned by millions of fans. She could rap with the best and stand out on her own. No one could bring it like Left Eye could. The Hip-Hop world isn’t the same without her. R.I.P.