Pandora Going Out of Business? (For Real This Time...Maybe)

The RIAA is really really trying to fuck music lovers over. Remember when that was ironic?

http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/pandora_on_the_verge_of_closing_shop.php

Big Changes for Hip Hop?

While most are focusing on the negative aspects of Don Imus's comments a few days ago, there are some who are using the controversy as a ray of light and hope. Hope that change will come. Don Imus (wisely?) turned the harsh eyes of criticism towards Hip-hop culture when he stated that the double standard wasn't fair. He complained that he couldn't call women hoes, but Snoop Dogg can. Is he lying? I don't think so. Oprah Winfrey started a mutli-part special, the "Town Hall" meeting sparked by Imus's comments. Part 2, which aired on Tuesday, April 17th, gave the hip-hop industry a chance to respond. Unfortunately, I was in my car as it was airing and I haven't gotten a chance to see it. I do know for a fact, though, that hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons was there, along with Kevin Liles, Common, and others.

If you don't know (and you should know), Russell Simmons formed Def Jam Recordings along with Rick Rubin in Rubin's dorm at NYE. This was back before my birth so I won't speak too much on it. Do keep in mind, however, that some of hip-hop's most prolific MCs have called Def Jam home at some point or another from LL Cool J (who is currently recording his 13th LP under the label) to EPMD and everyone who ever inked a deal with Roc-A-Fella. Kevin Liles is likewise a legend in the industry. He's had a role in the success of a lot of our favorite artists like T.I. and Jay-Z among others. He's not vice president of Warner music group. I think.

Anyway, if you didn't get to check it out earlier today, use your illegal online search skills to find the episode and watch it.

In related news, Russell Simmons has called a closed door meeting of his own including some of the industry's most powerful execs and artists.

R. Kelly

He's really giving it to the fans isn't he? The Pied Piper just set up a hotline where you can preview songs off his next album. The number is 312-278-3965. Ironically, the first track is called "Blow it UP". Blow that phone line up if you're a true Kelly fan. Once again, brought to you by me, Tatiana.

Music history is now. Open your ears up.

For Your Sonic Pleasure

DJ Khaled feat. T.I., Akon, Fat Joe, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne & Baby

Go white boy

I'm Sick of Hearing Urban Artists Say...

"I've poured my heart & soul into this album" (so what the hell were you doing on the previous albums? Bullshitting me?)

"This album is the real me." (same question)

"I'm about to change the game." (don't count your chickens...)

"I feel like I'm Tupac or Biggie." (nigga please!)

"I don't care about album sales. I make music for the people." (what the hell are you doign on a major label then?)

"This album is gonna be a classic" (again with the chickens...)

"Basically the label didn't do their job as far as promotions go." (why you so lazy???)

New Music Biz Trend?

It's been a while since we've seen any true collaborations where two semi-rivaling artists get together and make a good song. In urban music that is. (No, all the compilation hip-hop remixes don't count. They're not even in the studio together). And by rival, I don't mean "beefin'". I just mean two artists w/ the same core fan base. Brandy & Monica "The Boy is Mine". Whitney and Mariah "When You Believe". Yes, I'm showing my age (or lack thereof) by only naming '90s collabos, but what do I look like commenting on music from before my time?

Last week, we got the first whiffs of the Beyoncé and Shakira partnership on "Beautiful Liar". I'm sure most of you wouldn't say that they have the same exact core audience, but you can't deny they're both heavyweights seeking the championship in the That's-One-Sexy-Mutha-Fucka circuit. While that song isn't even finished climbing the charts to the top (where it will eventually fall in the next few weeks, mark my words), Omarion goes and recruits Usher for his "Ice Box" remix. I know right? I was like...what happened to Da Brat? This one is a much closer match. While Usher's last album shot him up beyond superstar sex symbol status and into we're-gonna-be-tellin-our-grandchildren-about-him calibur, there's no denying that Omarion is probably the true heir to the Usher Jr. throne. (Sorry Chris.)

That being said, who's next? Jay-Z is on a Nas track. Can we hear Fantasia and J. Hud throw 4.5 minutes of sonic ecstacy our way? Fergie and Nelly Furtado? Keyshia Cole and Mary J. Blige (a hoodrat's anthem)? Bow Wow and Li'l Romeo? Okay I just wanted to make you say "what the fuck???" on that last one. On that note, I'm out of here. Look out for the next classic collabo.


History-making music is now. Keep your ears open.