Yes world. It is true. Two of the hottest female artists in the business are working on a callabo. Alicia Keys and Beyonce made a track called "Put It In A Love Song" that is to be placed on Alicia Keys' upcoming album, "The Element of Freedom." Keys said that the song was made out of "pure fun and [was] completely organic."
Keys also said that when the two were in the studio together, the energy and connection they had is what made the song flow even better. She also believed that fate is what created the opportunity for the two to make the record being that they both have busy schedules. It just so happened that Beyonce was in town the same days Alicia planned to record the song!
J Records plans to release "The Element of Freedom" in stores December 15, 2009. It seems as if Keys is ending the year with her inspiring voice on Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" and beginning the new one with an anticipated album exposing her expertise.
(check out more about the collaboration on http://www.bet.com/Music/news/msc_aliciatalksbeyoncecollaboration_12.03.09.htm)
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Jay-Z's Empire State of Mind-- Part 3: The Producer
It could be concluded that Jay-Z has built himself a personal empire-- his music being unparallel to many in his generation, his business accomplishments untouchable, and just when you thought he was through, he openly brought his ideas into the production realm.
And I'm not just talking about producing hits for Kanye West and the Neptunes, I'm talking about getting his hands into Broadway productions. Along with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett, the artist signed on to be a co-producer for the Broadway musical entitled "Fela," which tells the story of Nigerian afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Appreciating the art of Fela's music, Jay-Z was happy to come aboard and take part in the idea. And with his image and popularity, it can be certain that many will go and check it out, which will expand the recognition of Fela's music.
Jay-Z is brilliant. Period. End of discussion. What rapper do you know has been able to accomplish such goals as himself? Going from rags to riches, I guess the New York native has that empire state of mind and the belief that with a little effort, anything's possible.
And I'm not just talking about producing hits for Kanye West and the Neptunes, I'm talking about getting his hands into Broadway productions. Along with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett, the artist signed on to be a co-producer for the Broadway musical entitled "Fela," which tells the story of Nigerian afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Appreciating the art of Fela's music, Jay-Z was happy to come aboard and take part in the idea. And with his image and popularity, it can be certain that many will go and check it out, which will expand the recognition of Fela's music.
Jay-Z is brilliant. Period. End of discussion. What rapper do you know has been able to accomplish such goals as himself? Going from rags to riches, I guess the New York native has that empire state of mind and the belief that with a little effort, anything's possible.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Jay-Z's Empire State of Mind-- Part 2: The Businessman
For the majority, we have come to know Jay-Z for his musical talents... but what about Jay-Z the "Businessman?"
After a brief retirement period around 2004, Jay-Z accepted the role to become the president of Def Jam records, which was a tremendous accomplishment for the rapper. It was then that he became one for the few African Americans to have such a position at a major record label. And with a focused state of mind, Jay-Z was able to snatch artists such as Young Jeezy, Rihanna, Bobby Valentino, and Tierra Mari within a short time.
In the apparel arena, Jay-Z is known for his signature Rocawear urban gear. The clothing line was founded in 1999 by Jay-Z, Damon Dash, and Kareem "Biggs" Burke and has been in the forefront of the urban apparel ever since. Currently, the line makes over $700 million in retail sales annually.
And if those numbers are too big to imagine, the "Businessman" even owns a nice spot called the 40/40 Club and owns part of a professional basketball team, the New Jersey Nets.
As you can see, Jay-Z is not just a face to be seen performing or a voice to be heard rapping; he has become a sucessful entreprenuer and is continuuing to live out his dream.
After a brief retirement period around 2004, Jay-Z accepted the role to become the president of Def Jam records, which was a tremendous accomplishment for the rapper. It was then that he became one for the few African Americans to have such a position at a major record label. And with a focused state of mind, Jay-Z was able to snatch artists such as Young Jeezy, Rihanna, Bobby Valentino, and Tierra Mari within a short time.
In the apparel arena, Jay-Z is known for his signature Rocawear urban gear. The clothing line was founded in 1999 by Jay-Z, Damon Dash, and Kareem "Biggs" Burke and has been in the forefront of the urban apparel ever since. Currently, the line makes over $700 million in retail sales annually.
And if those numbers are too big to imagine, the "Businessman" even owns a nice spot called the 40/40 Club and owns part of a professional basketball team, the New Jersey Nets.
As you can see, Jay-Z is not just a face to be seen performing or a voice to be heard rapping; he has become a sucessful entreprenuer and is continuuing to live out his dream.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Jay-Z's Empire State of Mind--Part 1: '09 Music
As we take a look back on the influential music that has been brought to the airwaves this year, it could be said that Jay-Z has definitely left his lyrical imprints. So, musically, what has the hip/hop world rocking?
With the release of his third chapter of "The Blueprint" sequence, the once retired artist has been feeding fans with some of the hottest music of the year. Selling 43,000 copies in it's first week, the album features tops artists like Rihanna, Kanye West and Alicia Keys. And two of his singles, "Run this Town" (featuring Kanye West and Rihanna) and "Empire State of Mind" (featuring Alicia Keys) have recreated a blend of old school and new school rap that's refreshing to listen to. Moreover, the two songs have led to big appearances for the artist this year at the BET Awards, the EMAs, MTV VMAs, AMAs, the World Series, and on Jay Leno to name a few.
As an artist, the reputation that the Jay-Z has made for himself speaks loudly. From the time the hip/hop mogul enters the stage to the time he leaves it, you can only expect to hear amazing beats, lyrics, and enthusiatic yells from a pumped up crowd.
With the release of his third chapter of "The Blueprint" sequence, the once retired artist has been feeding fans with some of the hottest music of the year. Selling 43,000 copies in it's first week, the album features tops artists like Rihanna, Kanye West and Alicia Keys. And two of his singles, "Run this Town" (featuring Kanye West and Rihanna) and "Empire State of Mind" (featuring Alicia Keys) have recreated a blend of old school and new school rap that's refreshing to listen to. Moreover, the two songs have led to big appearances for the artist this year at the BET Awards, the EMAs, MTV VMAs, AMAs, the World Series, and on Jay Leno to name a few.
As an artist, the reputation that the Jay-Z has made for himself speaks loudly. From the time the hip/hop mogul enters the stage to the time he leaves it, you can only expect to hear amazing beats, lyrics, and enthusiatic yells from a pumped up crowd.
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