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LL Cool J to Host Grammys |
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Written by Robert aka 'RB'
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Wednesday, 18 January 2012 11:03 |
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 Hip hop rap artist-turned actor LL Cool J, aka James Todd Smith; is set to host the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. LL Cool J will be the first official host of the annual music awards event in seven years.
"I'm thrilled to be part of Music's Biggest Night," said LL Cool J in a statement. "I will always have fond memories of my first Grammys Awards and to now be hosting the Grammy show, in the company of so many other incredible artists, is a dream come true."
The 54th Annual Grammy Awards air February 12th on CBS.
See more on the Grammys HERE |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 January 2012 11:04 |
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Written by Staff
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Wednesday, 18 January 2012 04:08 |
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 On January 22, 2012, "Under African Skies," the new Joe Berlinger-directed documentary chronicling the creation and lasting influence of Paul Simon's groundbreaking Graceland, will debut at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, kicking off a year's long celebration commemorating the 25th anniversary of Simon's musical and cultural achievement.
Following its Sundance premiere, "Under African Skies," one of the year's most eagerly anticipated documentaries, is slated for international film festival screenings and a limited theatrical run as well as airings on A&E.
The story of the making of Graceland, and the controversy created when Simon went to South Africa to record with local artists, is told in "Under African Skies," the new full-length documentary from two-time Emmy and Peabody Award winning filmmaker Joe Berlinger ("Brother's Keeper," "Metallica: Some Kind of Monster," the West Memphis Three/"Paradise Lost" trilogy) and [email protected] and A&E IndieFilms.
Coming this spring, Legacy Recordings will release a Graceland 25th anniversary commemorative edition deluxe collector's box set as well as a special two-disc set, each featuring the original album with bonus tracks and the director's cut of "Under African Skies."
"Under African Skies" travels with Paul Simon back to South Africa 25 years after his first visit. Simon revisits the making of the record, surveying from the vantage of history the turbulence and controversy surrounding the album's genesis. His artistic decision to collaborate with African musicians created a new world musical fusion, combining American and African musical idioms while igniting an intense political crossfire, with Paul Simon accused of breaking the UN cultural boycott of South Africa designed to end the Apartheid regime.
The universal appeal of the music of Graceland proved more powerful and enduring than the political hotbed attending its creation. In 1986, the album sold 14 million copies worldwide, and received universal praise from critics around the globe. Simon and the members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo performed on Saturday Night Live and appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone.
By January of 1987, "You Can Call Me Al" was everywhere and Graceland won Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards in 1987. Then, in an unprecedented carryover, the album garnered the Grammy for Song of the Year with its title track in 1988. The album generated three hit singles and kept Paul Simon and the Graceland tour on the road for five years.
In the film, Simon provides a fresh and revelatory perspective on the album while gathering the record's original musicians for a transcendental Graceland concert reunion. "Under African Skies" features interviews with key anti-apartheid activists of the time and such musical legends as Quincy Jones, Harry Belafonte, Paul McCartney, David Byrne and Peter Gabriel.
For more info click HERE |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 January 2012 04:19 |
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Tampa Bay Rap Group Splitta Squad |
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Written by Robert aka 'RB'
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Wednesday, 18 January 2012 04:42 |
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 Tampa Bay rap group Splitta Squad explodes on the scene with their latest offering. This time Splitta Squad blesses the masses with the motivationally charged official remix video to their blazing single, “Superstar.”
The official remix to “Superstar” features famed Florida rappers Lil Kee (Buss It Wide Open) and Famous Kid Brick (I’m On It.) The song was produced by M. Brell. The video, which was shot on location in Tampa, was directed by videographer Jeff Osbourne. The “Superstar Remix Video” was released Monday, January 16, 2012, in memorandum of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“We felt like it was a good idea to remix Superstar with two popular Florida based rappers. We’re all from the same area with one common dream-to be a superstar. What better way than to release the Remix on Martin Luther King Day? He has played a role in inspiring us to believe in our dreams,” states Splitta Squad artist Great.
Over the last year, Splitta Squad has been preparing for the release of their forthcoming album, “The Re-Creation.” It will epitomize a more modern day approach to feel-good music. Since 2004, this has been the goal of Splitter Records/Splitta Squad.
With the growing success of their crossover smash single, “Superstar,” the rest of album should be full of hits,” says Julia Beverly - Ozone Magazine.
When most people think of Splitter Records/Splitta Squad, they automatically think of Tampa Tony, previously Splitter Record’s main priority. Tampa Tony’s success was renowned for being the only rapper from Tampa reaching outside the limits of the music industry. Splitter Records has been able to successfully brand itself by putting out merchandise such as: Da Splitta (selling 40,000+ & featured in High Times Magazine), Bobble Heads, and even their own line of DS Sneakers.
Not only were they able to brand themselves, Splitter Records was also able to maintain a great fan base with southern classics such as “Keep Jukin,” “She Lies,” “Bobblehead,” “Can’t Juke Without Me,” and most noted Trick Daddy’s “J.O.D.D.,” which features Tampa Tony and Khia. “J.O.D.D.” was featured in the movies – Into The Blue & 40 Year Old Virgin as well as the video game – Midnight Club 3 – Dub City.
Due to the unfortunate circumstances of Tampa Tony, the label has been forced to redirect its focus. Splitter Records has now introduced Great Things Ent. & Da Splitta Squad, which consists of rappers Great & Chuck, whom have been with the label since day one. They have ultimately become a true product of what Florida has to offer and are well on their way to becoming the next major thing out of the their market.
Check 'em out HERE |
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SOPA and PIPA and why they are problems |
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Written by Staff
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Tuesday, 17 January 2012 14:55 |
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SOPA (and PIPA) are two hot news topics right now and for a good reason. There are a lot of rhetoric about the pros and, mostly, cons of both. Up front both look like simple ideas of trying to stop piracy and rogue websites that deal in malware. However, when we take a closer look, the problems begin to arise.
SOPA stands for the 'Stop Online Piracy Act' a new bill that would allow the US government to block Americans from visiting websites through DNS blocking. Now why would the US government do that? If they believe the page is dealing in piracy or even encourages it, the site can be blocked. What's more is that only the domain (www.domain.com) would be blocked and not the actual IP address (192.94.X.X) of the web server, which, simply means that you could still get to pirated content if you knew the IP address of the machine where it sits. The main supporters of this bill include the MPAA, the Recording Industry Association of America, and the US Chamber of Commerce.
Source: http://www.examiner.com |
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 January 2012 14:59 |
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New York City based DJ and winner of two Justos Mixtape Awards, DJ Sure Shot recently launched the free mixtape downloads site Dopebox.net. The site features free mixtapes from DJs in a range of genres including: hip hop, R&B, reggae, afrobeat, indie rock, house and jazz, among others. According to Shot, new mixtapes are added to the site weekly.