Featured Artist of the Week: Lexie Hofer

SayWhatNews featured artist of the week is Lexie Hofer, a new country singer that has the it factor for great success. Lexie's sound is a unique blend of Country/Pop with a Folk-quality. She has the sweetness and song writing talent like Taylor Swift. A all American girl with Country swagg.

Here is a cool video of behind the scenes with Lexie during her photo-shoot:

SWN had the pleasure interviewing with Lexie Hofer, here is a snippet:

SayWhatNews: Your musical influences are Stevie Nicks and Taylor Swift. Tell us why these two particular great artists influenced you as an artist?

Lexie: Stevie is an amazing artist to me because she always writes from such a deep place and she has always stayed true to herself, which I admire. I have learned to write my music from that same deep place because magic can happen there. I love Taylor Swift because she is the ultimate role model. I hope to be that great of a role model for people.

SayWhatNews: Lexie, your sound is Pop/Country infused with a Folk-like quality. What sets you apart from other artists with a similar sound?

Lexie: I come about music from such a deep perspective that not a lot of other artists do. My voice is also very unique because it can be clear, but yet edgy. The songs I write are also a cool balance of clean and edgy that no other artist has.

SayWhatNews: Your music catalog already has some great hits like, “Strange Weather”, “A Secret I Can’t Keep” and “Writing On the Wall”. Why do you feel your music has a reoccurring theme of sad love, happy love and being love sick?

Lexie: I think it is because love is such a relatable subject to people and it’s so fun to write about! Read entire interview here

Emily King Joins Maroon 5 European Tour

Emily King is joining Maroon 5 on their European Tour. The R&B singer just recently announced the news to her fans that she will be the opening act for the group whose song "Moves Like Jagger" has been on the Top 10 of Billboards 100 charts for weeks.

Here is what she had to say:

"I'm joining Maroon 5 on tour!

Maroon 5 has invited me to open for them on their Scandinavian/European tour starting Wednesday of this week! The dates are below. You can follow my new tour blog on Tumblr

where I'll be posting sights, sounds, and updates along the way!

Nov 30th: Helsinki, Finland | Dec 2nd: Copenhagen, Denmark

Dec 3rd: Hamburg, Germany | Dec 4th: Berlin, Germany

Dec 6th: Munich, Germany | Dec 7th: Zurich, Switzerland

Dec 10th: Rome, Italy | Dec 11th: Milan, Italy

Dec 13th: Vienna, Austria (details at www.Maroon5.com)

Also check out Emily King's new song "Down"

SayWhatNews inerviewed Emily a while back check out the interview here

Digable Planets Back & Going On Tour

The Grammy award winning jazz-rap fusion hipsters are back:Digable Planets announced that all three original MC’s will reunite in 2012 for a tour that will remind audiences why Digable Planets are “Cool Like Dat.” The group will be touring with Juno Award-winning support, UGO Crew.

Will keep you posted once more Tour details are revealed, but until then lets get old school and jam to "Cool Like Dat":

Katharine McPhee Covers Christina Aguilera's Song Beautiful

American Idol alum Katharine McPhee covers Christina Aguilera's hit song "Beautiful" for a promotional clip for upcoming NBC show SMASH.

At first I thought oh no but Katharine actually did a great job. Her vocals were on point and she did make the song her own.

Mariah Carey Gets Sexy For Justin Bieber Video

Mariah Carey gets sexy for Justin Bieber's video. The multi-platinum selling artist got all dolled up in a sexy Mrs. Claus outfit for the very much anticipated "All I Want For Christmas" video starring JB and Mariah.

Lil' Mo Makes New Music

Singer Lil' Mo is back with new music. The singer whose vocals helped several Hip-Hop songs go platinum in the late 90's and early 00's is back and talking about her new album "P.S. I Love Me":

Here are some of the songs:

Hip-Hop Friday Presents: Ja Rule "Put It On Me"

Hip-Hop Friday presents: Ja Rule "Put It On Me". This song helped put Ja Rule on the main stream map. He already had some success from dropping lyrics on Jay-Z's hit song "Can I Get A What What" but it was only after his second album was released with this single "Put It On Me" remix dropped, Ja Rule became a household name.

The single went on to have great success and even shined the spot-light on Lil' Mo whose vocals were featured on the track along with female rapper Vita.

The song was hot from 2000-2001:

On U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peaked at #8

On U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks Peaked at #2

On U.S. Billboard Hot Rap Singles Peaked at #11

Featured Artist of the week: TRAEDONYA!

SayWhatNews featured artist of the week is the New Age Funk Bride of Hip-Hop, TRAEDONYA! With her funk infused soul sound this Diva is bringing back the sound that made Grace Jones, Chaka Khan and many others music stars. The sound maybe some what familiar but TRAEDONYA! is most definitely making it her own.

Take a listen to her latest single 'Another Lie':

SayWhatNews had the pleasure speaking with TRAEDONYA here is a excerpt of the interview:

SayWhatNews: Your music has been said to sound like a blend of the Mary Jane Girls and Chaka Khan. In your own words tells about your sound/music.

TRAEDONYA!: The TRAEDONYA! “Sound” consists of many things. My travels and what I’ve learned along my musical journey through living all over the place, shows through my music. I incorporate my many different loves in my music. I love all different types of music and that’s what comes through in my sound. I can’t be put in a box musically. I’m a musical peacock, many colors.

SayWhatNews: TRAEDONYA! , your single, “I’ll Give 2 U” has landed in the top 10 Indonesian Charts. How does it feel knowing music lovers are feeling your music around the world?

TRAEDONYA!: It feels great, especially when I get to travel and meet people in their locale that love them some TRAEDONYA! , it’s awesome! That was a surprise to me as far as the Indonesian chart goes, the song was in the charts for six weeks. Read entire interview here

90's Group Color Me Badd Gets New Record Deal

Color Me Badd a group from the 90's are back on the music scene with a new record deal. Johnny Wright (Justin Timberlake,Jonas Brothers, Ciara) & WEG sign the original Hip-Hop Doo-Wop Group of the 90's, “Color me Badd”.

With over 20 million in sales worldwide and 5 Grammy nominations the trio is back and ready to make new music.

Press release:

This vocal quartet formed as high school students in Oklahoma City before relocating to New York. They proved adept at both churning dance tunes and sincere ballads. Signing to Giant Records, they broke through in 1991 with their performance of "I Wanna Sex You Up" on the soundtrack of New Jack City.

Released as a single, the song topped the R&B charts, went Top Five pop, and enjoyed double-platinum sales. They followed it with the gold-selling "I Adore Mi Amor," which hit #1 on both the pop and R&B charts. The singles set the stage for the first Color Me Badd album, C.M.B., which sold over three million copies and spawned the gold-selling number one pop hit "All 4 Love" as well as the Top 20 singles "Thinkin' Back" and "Slow Motion." Color Me Badd's next single was another movie soundtrack song, "Forever Love" from Mo' Money, their sixth consecutive single to reach the Top 20. They finished 1992 second only to Boyz II Men as the top pop singles act of the year.

After slating fans' thirst for a new album with the remix collection Young, Gifted and Badd - The Remixes, the group issued their second album of new material, Time and Chance, in November 1993. It featured two Top 20 pop singles, the title track (which also made the R&B Top Ten) and "Choose," and went gold. Now & Forever gave Color Me Badd a Top 20 pop single in "The Earth, the Sun, the Rain".

New album coming 2012

Joe is Back with New Album The Good,The Bad, The Sexy

R&B singer Joe is back with an new album 'The Good, The Bad, The Sexy'. His first single,'Losing' off his new album has been making noise and fans like it. Here is the video:

Joe has been one of those under-rated artists who just seem to never get the real stardom they deserved. 17 years in the music industry, Joe has 7 Grammy nominations and has sold over 10 million CD's world wide.

Joe's vocal ability is amazing. He has one of those voices that measures up to some of the greatest male singers like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross and Teddy Pendergrass.

Here is two of my favorite Joe hits:

Who is Kimbra

SayWhatNews ask who is Kimbra? Kimbra is an New Zealand artist whose music sound is a blend of alternative, jazz and soul. Her sound puts you in mind of artists like Florence & The Machine. Kimbra has a unique it factor about her that makes you want to see and hear more.

FACTS: Kimbra's debut album Vows was released August 29, 2011 in New Zealand and September 2nd in Australia. In its first week of release the album charted at #3 in New Zealand and #5 in Australia. In its second week of release the album rose to a peak of #4 on the ARIA Charts.

Immediately when I heard her single 'Settle Down' I became a fan. The vocals and arrangements are amazing and a must listen. Kimbra's sound is refreshing and memorable.

Jason Derulo Video Premiere: Breathing

Platinum selling artist, Jason Derulo has released the 3rd official video from his album “Future History”. The video for "Breathing" features x-ray images of the inside of Jason's chest and pulsating images of Jason dancing. I guess this how they want the viewer to feel the impact of how the girl keeps Jason breathing/alive.

Check it out:

Melanie Fiona Video Premiere: 4AM

Melanie Fiona is doing her thing again with the video premiere of her hit single, "4AM". The video directed by Colin Tilley is simple yet beautiful. It tells the story of the song perfectly with each video scene.

Rico Love produced the track "4AM" which is off her new album "The MF Life" which hits stores on Dec. 6.

WATCH & ENJOY:

Melanie sits at home while her man parties until the wee hours of the morning. She has to wonder....what's he doing at 4am?

Johnny Gill's Big Return to Music After 16 Years

Johnny Gill's big return to the music scene after 16 years sounds like the soul singer hasn't missed a beat. With his new single 'In the Mood' Gill brings back that 90's R&B music that is classically smooth and sexy. Johnny Gills voice hasn't aged at all, he still sounds amazing and is able to mesmerize us.

PRESS RELEASE:

It’s been 16 years since award winning, R&B legend Johnny Gill released a solo album but next month the wait is over as Gill will release his new single, “In The Mood” the first track from his forthcoming recording on independent powerhouse Notifi Records.

Written by Gill, Ralph Stacey and Dave Young who has composed hits for Faith Evans, Toni Braxton and Mary J. Blige, In The Mood keeps Gill sounding as contemporary as Usher, Ne-Yo and today’s other chart topping R&B stars. The smooth, laid back vibe of the song fits perfectly on all radio formats yet reminds his fans that he is still one of the best, most powerful vocalist around.

In The Mood is the first look into Gill’s forthcoming album Still Winning set for release this fall featuring production by Grammy Award Winning Producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Bryan Michael Cox and Wyclef Jean. Troy Taylor who signed Trey Songz and executive produced his CD’s is also a producer on the album.

Khago Video Premiere for 'If This Is Not Love'

Dancehall artist Khago premiered the video for his hit single 'If This Is Not Love'. The song was produced by NotNice.

The video features couples spending special quality time together. Watch and enjoy:

Keri Hilson Attacked On Stage By Fan

After wrapping up her performance in Paris and saying thanks to her fans, Keri Hilson was attacked on stage. A male fan ran up on stage and attempted to grab, grope and kiss Keri. The singer was shocked but pulled it together to continue saying good night but than someone threw a water bottle on stage that made Hilson mad.

Justin Bieber's All I Want for Christmas Ft. Mariah Carey

Justin Bieber's version of Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas' has leaked and is all over the internet. Everyone has been waiting to hear JB's version of Mariah's hit Xmas song.

Nothing really changed except for Justin's vocals being added to certain parts. The song sounds great and even JB was able to belt out those high Mariah Carey notes.

Listen and enjoy:

JB had this to say about his duet with Mariah:

“The new version’s really cool. It starts out with a Disney kind of opening and then she starts the song and I come in during the second verse.”

Monica Gets Better & Better w/ 'Until Its Gone' Video

Monica's music keeps getting better and better. The R&B singer is back with a new single 'Until It's Gone' and new album 'New Life'.

Monica has been busy this past year getting married, pregnant with 3rd child (first baby w/ husband) and new album due out December 13th.

The video is a mini movie which stars stars “Soul Food” actress Malinda Williams who gets into a heated argument with her husband played by actor Brian White. While arguing they have a car crash which leaves the wife in serious condition.

Watch & Enjoy:

Britney Spears Wins Most Outrageous Tweet MTV Music Award

Britney Spears has been awarded the Most Outrageous Tweet Award from MTV. Here is her tweet that sealed the deal according to MTV:

@DJPaulyD Hope you enjoyed your dance! Was tough getting my legs around that big blowout.

Here is the video of the lap dance that was behind the Tweet:

Kreayshawn Addresses Gangsta Boo's Diss

Kreyshawn addresses Gangsta Boo's diss calling her a "wigger".

Recap: Tennessee rapper Gangsta Boo disses Kreyshawn during her appearance on "RapFix Live".

Shortly after Boo's appearance on the live stream, Kreayshawn took to Twitter, sending out a few questionable tweets that had many fans thinking it was a dig at the rapper Gangsta Boo.

Krey tweets: "Hahahah lonely hungry b&*ch don't deserve a mention. my local news caster got more followers then on you. Go play with ya kids hoe!"

She followed that up with another tweet: "Hope them shirts you selling at least paying your rent! Happy I can contribute."

MTV said the tweets seemed to be a reaction to Gangsta Boo, who showed off her shirt on Wednesday's show. On Friday (October 28), Kreayshawn was back on Twitter clearing the air, with a tweet to the Memphis MC." @GangstaBooQOM I wasn't talkin bout you. You know how the media be. [Sh--] you was one my fav. female rappers! You can say what you want," she wrote.

Kreay insisted those tweets weren't directed at Gangsta Boo when MTV News spoke to her on Friday afternoon.

"I was just like kind of shocked because I'm a fan of Gangsta Boo and as a female, she was one of the females in the game that inspired me to rap," she said of the comments made about her on "RapFix Live." When I heard it I was like, 'What? Gangsta Boo? This sucks.' To hear that from somebody that inspired me.

[The tweets] didn't even have anything to do with her. I already spoke to her about it," the Bay Area MC added. "The thing I tweeted wasn't even about her. It was on some whole other person. We ended up talking to each other. ... We worked everything out. There ain't no problems."

Gangsta Boo also let her fans know any beef has been settled. "PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE STOP ALL THIS KREAYSHWAN AND BOO S--- GOOD GOD HOW BOUT THEM BRAVES???? ITS NO BEEF FOR CHRIST SAKES. Just got off the phone w/ @KREAYSHAWN & I DID snap a lil bit in interviews but she took it like a G & she Luvs BAPS & she is not a 'wiggy,' " she tweeted.

"New respect 4 her because she did not take it to heart & she got at me letting me know she was not talking abt me so HEY MEDIA :) BYE MEDIA," Lady Boo added.

Now that the two performers have smoothed things over, Kreayshawn said she totally respects Boo's opinion. "From the outside looking in, everyone has the option to their own opinion," she said. "That's why I wasn't mad at her. I was just like, 'Oh, this sucks.' She can have her opinion, but we talked about it and it's all good."

source: MTV

Check Out Monet's New Album

Monet has released a new album called 'Life Size Mirror'. The latest project is said to be a bold revealing statement about how profoundly life's journey has touched the artist. From what I have heard of the album it sounds like a great CD to have in your collection.

Check out 'Life Size Mirror' featuring Angela Johnson:

Here is what the press release had to say about the album:

LIFESIZE MIRROR promises to be rich with what we expect from Monet. However some surprising alternative twists to her sound abound. There is more orchestration in the arrangements, and the addition of violin, cello, trumpet and soprano sax on various cuts are welcome. Her reggae dub influence is present on, “Ever Want.” Then there’s the Monet that many are definitely familiar with in “Hold me Sweetly,” a quivering ode to desire that Monet admittedly calls baby making music.

Other cuts from this effort seem to convey odes of promise, hope, inspiration and transformation like “Walk with Me,” and “It’s Your Life,” which is an anthem to one being a master of one’s own destiny. Jeff Smith (Family Stand), violinist Tarrah Reynolds, keyboardist Nick Rolfe, vocalists Tricia Angus, Saundra Williams, Martha Redbone, and Abby Dobson, are all contributors to LIFESIZEMIRROR. The producers of the project include Steve Wallace, Angela Johnson, Sijii, Prez, Jesse Fischer (Soul Cycle),Ticklah and Ethan White (Tortured Soul).

'Life Size Mirror' was released by the Purpose Music Group through Nia Distribution and is available now.

Keyshia Cole Reveals New Music On Ustream

Keyshia Cole revealed two new songs on Ustream. The R&B singer is releasing her fifth studio album called “Woman to Woman” sometime next year and wanted to give her fans a sneak listen to 2 new songs and a little more.

Video streaming by Ustream

Cold Play & JoJo Both Cover Rihanna Songs

Coldplay covered Rihanna's hit 'We Found Love'. The group played the song as part of BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge series in the UK. Coldplay also teamed up with Rihanna for "Princess of China" - a standout track on their brand new album, Mylo Xyloto

JoJo does a cool acoustic cover of Rihanna's 'What's My Name'.