Got Magna Carta Holy Grail?!?!

About a month or so ago, I did a post about rapper/entrepreneur, Shawn “Jay Z” Carter, where he ventured out to different entities in the entertainment industry. Since then, Mr. Jay Z himself has continued on with his legacy in the hip-hop game with his new album, “Magna Carta Holy Grail.” Jay Z and RocNation signed a $20 million contract with Samsung, where they allowed their consumers to download an app with the entire album for free. This resulted in an estimated 1.2 million people downloading the app. I was one of those people as well. It took me a while to even download the album because I guess so many people were downloading it. It was well worth the wait though, because it is one of my favorite albums for 2013.

It has been a week since Jay Z’s album has been out, and it has charted at No. 1, with 527,000 copies. This is Jay Z’s 13^th album that has been recorded on the top Billboard’s Chart. Jay Z is one of few artists who have achieved this level of success. The Beatles is in line with Jay Z, as they hold 19 No. 1 hits.  Not only did he hit No. 1 in the US Billboard Charts, but also “Magna Carta Holy Grail,” was the No. 1 album in the United Kingdom. This was the first time that his album had been No. 1 in the UK. 

Just recently, the app went under investigation due to privacy issues. While creating the app, according to the Electronic Privacy Information Center, Samsung did not mention that it would be gathering personal information from the users, such as their age, call history, location, Facebook, and Twitter log in information. Samsung combated that the users only had to provide the information if they wanted to receive additional marketing advertisement.

Mr. Shawn “Jay Z” Carter continues to change the entertainment industry. He has opened up many doors for many artists and record labels. Who would have thought of such thing? Not to say, that it is not the first time that free albums or music has been given away. Artists such as Prince, Radiohead, Bjork, and Gwilynm Gold have done something similar in the past. Jay Z and Samsung just approached it slightly different. I am interested as to see how different artists and records labels are going to try and compete with this idea and create something even bigger and better for the future. Jay Z is currently on tour with Justin Timberlake, so be sure to check them two out at a city near you.

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The Musical Genius: Singer/Songwriter/Producer

As you viewers can see, I love music and the message it portrays. Rhythm and blues (R&B) is one of my favorite genres of music. I am not picky though when it comes to listening to different music. As long as the song has a good beat and lyrics, then I’m willing to listen to it. I enjoy everything from R&B, Rap, Jazz, Rock, Pop, Country, Gospel, and the list goes on. The artists singing the song keeps me going, but I have always been interested in the musical genius behind it all, the songwriter and producer.  You’d be surprised by some of the people who have written and produced some of your favorite hits. Interestingly enough, quite a few of the songwriters and producers have ventured out into the spotlight and started their career as an artist.

Terius Youngdell Nash aka The-Dream launched his career as a songwriter and producer shortly after high school. He has written and produced tracks for popular artists such as B2K, Britney Spears, Madonna, Mariah Carey, and Beyonce. His work of art has charted the Billboard Records in the music industry. After finding his success as a songwriter and producer, he went on to establishing himself as R&B artist. By the end the year 2007, singer/songwriter/producer, The-Dream released his first album, Love/Hate. As of now, The-Dream is still writing and producing hit songs of other artists, as well as himself. Next week he will be releasing his fourth album, IV Play , so be sure to check it out!

About a month ago, I discovered this new artist by the name of Eric Bellinger , who had released one of his singles. Little did I know, he had been in the music industry for a while and has worked with some well-respected artists. Prior to Eric entering the industry, he had given up a football scholarship to University of Southern California. I guess his passion and heart was really in music. As a former member the band AKNU (A Kind Never Understanding) that did not do too well, he started to develop his craft and explore other options. Since then, he has written and produced songs for Grammy winning artists such as Chris Brown and Usher. He has also had the pleasure of working with Tank, Justin Bieber, and Ne-Yo. As a new singer/songwriter/producer in the music industry, I think he is doing pretty well for himself. He has released three mixtapes, Born II Sing Vol. 3, and it has some pretty good material on there.

There are plenty more artists involved in the industry who has achieved much success by writing and producing tracks. Like I mentioned earlier, you would be shocked by who has written some of your favorite artists material. A lot of the different artists who write and produce for others sound can be heard in their music. So the next time you’re listening to song, do some research and see who is the musical genius behind the music. 

Images: 

http://www.ourstage.com/blog/2011/6/15/get-lyrical-tips-for-aspiring-songwriters

http://www.chartattack.com/listen/2013/04/09/listen-the-dream-iv-play/

http://dailyhiphopworld.com/2013/04/13/new-music-eric-bellinger-asap-lyrics/

Related Topics: http://www.oprah.com/oprahradio/SingerSongwriter-Ne-Yo

http://www.mtv.com/artists/sean-garrett/

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Usher Raymond and Justin Bieber sued for $10,000,000?!?!

R&B superstar Usher Raymond and his protégé Justin Bieber are being sued for alleged copyright infringement for the hit song "Somebody To Love." Artist Devin Copeland and his team are suing them for $10,000,000. Usher is an 8 time winning Grammy artist, who has sold millions of albums, since he has been in the music industry at a very young age. He is now one of the judges on the hit show, The Voice. On the other hand, we have Justin Bieber who is on track to follow the same footsteps his mentor has shown him. He was discovered at a young age, while posting videos on YouTube. It was then that Usher’s team discovered this future pop star. Since Justin Bieber’s career has launched, he has been quite successful.

 It was until this past week when Pop sensation Justin Bieber and R&B Artist Usher got hit with the big whammy! The hit song "Somebody To Love" that featured both artists was not so original. Artist Devin Copeland aka De Rico claims that he wrote a song with the same title and similar lyrics. This was back in 2010 when all this news sparked up.

Copeland started taking all the necessary steps to pursue a lawsuit against Justin Bieber and Usher.  In order for Copeland to prove this was a case of copyright infringement, he must have evidence that the opposing party had access to the content and that they were similar. Both songs have been compared heavily and there are some similarities. According to Devin Copeland, he had conversed with Usher’s mom and they expressed an interest in his album. They wanted him to do some touring with Usher and re-record the album. It just so happens that one of the tracks on there was titled "Somebody To Love." After that conversation, Copeland never heard from Usher’s mom or anyone from Usher’s team.

Neither Usher nor Justin Bieber has responded to these allegations concerning the lawsuit. It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out in the end. Although the song is Justin Bieber’s, I don’t think that the lawsuit should be pushed heavily towards him. Usher seemed to have played a big role in this case. It is just a matter of time until we know the results. Check out the remix to "Somebody To Love" below.

Similar topics: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2310351/Will-Chris-Brown-accused-stealing-house-track-Lets-Go.html

Image: http://0.tqn.com/d/jewelry/1/0/L/x/Usher-Bieber.jpg

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOI4OF7iIr4

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Bye bye Vibe Magazine?!?!

How do you prefer to read a magazine or book? Are you more traditional and prefer the physical book or have you’ve gotten into the trend of reading them on tablets? Me personally, I’m still old school. I like to actually feel the book and smell it. I cannot stare at a screen and read it as if it was a book. Times have changed and reading material is being distributed digitally. Hip Hop’s music and entertainment Vibe magazine may have to deal with this in the near future.

Vibe Magazine was created by the great Quincy Jones and Time Warner, Inc. It was established 21 years ago in 1992. This magazine featured news and entertainment from the lasted R&B and Hip-Hop artists. The magazine was originally named Volume, until the co-founding editor changed the name to Vibe. Vibe Magazine has achieved much success, it featured artist such as Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Aaliyah, Lil Wayne, T.I., and Rihanna. It was the year 2009, when the company suffered and had to close its publication. Founder Quincy Jones felt as if the company could operate online. With help from some private investors, Vibe magazine was re-established and they acquired other magazine titles under their company. They have managed to reach 1.4 millions visitors a month.

As of Thursday, April 25, 2013, SpinMedia bought Vibe magazine and they re looking to take it into a new direction. SpinMedia was originally named Buzz Media, but after it acquired Spin last summer, the name quickly changed. SpinMedia has consumed a lot of different entities of the past years. With more the 40 different titles, SpinMedia has taken these companies and tried to improve their image. After they bought out Buzz Media, they decided to due away with its print content and focus on its online platform. They were able to achieve much success by doing this. The site’s traffic has doubled.

CEO, Steve Hansen plans are similar to Vibe magazine. Later on this year, he plans on getting rid of Vibe’s print publication and increasing its online presence. As a more traditional reader, I don’t know how to feel about this. I much prefer to hold a book, but at the same time I’ll read one on my tablet. I just hope that Vibe does not look some its subscribers, because there are people out there who strictly prefer to read a physical book. 

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From a Mic to a Tie

When Jay-Z is not spitting a few bars in the studio or on the stage, he is handling business in his suit and tie. Mr. Shawn Carter is the co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records and the founder of Roc Nation Entertainment. Roc Nation has managed artists such as J. Cole, Willow Smith, Wale, and Rihanna. Jay-Z has achieved much success during his career as a rapper and now as a businessman. Not too long ago, Jay-Z launched his sports agency under Roc Nation. He will join Creative Artists Agency to represent different athletes. Mr. Carter has recruited New York Yankees second baseman, Robinson Cano as part of his roster. “At this point in my career, I am ready to tak Cano.

e a more active role in my endeavors both on and off the field,” said

Jay- Z has also joined forces with one of the largest music company in the industry, Universal Music Group (UMG). Roc-A-Fella Records will act as anJay-Z responded.

independent label under UMG. After four years, he left his home of Sony Records where Roc-A-Fella Records was apart of the company. This is a great opportunity for Jay-Z and his artists that are signed on his label. This deal was described as very competitive and all major record companies wanted to have Jay-Z’s label under their company. Luckily Universal Music Group was able to come out on top. “This agreement presents a unique opportunity for Roc Nation’s artists -- being able to continue to operate as an independent label with the strength, power and reach of the best major,” responded Jay-Z.
           As a celebrity, it is important to be versatile and not limit yourself to just your craft as a singer, rapper, actor, dancer, etc. Venture out to different business entities and make a difference. Many famous people have been successful in owning their own business. It is a great back up plan when your career does not go as planned. I am excited to see how this agreement plays out with both companies. I think it’s going to help grow the brand of Roc Nation, because UMG is a pretty big deal in the entertainment industry. 

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Thrifting

 What is fashion? Do you define it by the clothing’s name brand, the person wearing it, how they are wearing it, or some popular trend? All of those examples can be used to describe what fashion is, but I believe that fashion is becoming less about the brand name. My reasoning for this is because lately ‘thrifting’ has become so popular. Thrifting is when consumers shop at resale shops, flea markets, or garage sales in their local neighborhood or perhaps online to create a very fashionable look. Thrift shops are becoming popular and a number of locations have increased by 7% over the year 2012. You can find very unique, vintage, stylish, and affordable clothing, shoes, accessories, etc. at these stores.  You can find anything from a nice button up, to a bow tie, ladies handbag, to a crystal chandelier. Some things I do not think should be purchased at a resale shop, but it is all in what you prefer.

You will find some high-end name brands when you are browsing around at these shops, but it is not all about the name. It is about how you style the outfit and make everything correspond with each other from head to toe. Actress Jada Pinkett Smith & her daughterWillow Smith were spotted shopping at a local thrift store.  As you can see that not only do regular people shop at these shops, but you could catch your favorite singer, actor/actress, or rapper shopping there too. Artist Macklemore & Ryan Lewis made a song and video talking about his adventures at different resale stores and was interviewed about it later by GQ Magazine.

Back to my question about what is fashion. I think fashion is how a person expresses themselves through their clothes, shoes, and accessories, regardless of the brand and how much it costs. I have been to thrifts stores and retail stores to shop and it is truly the best of both world. I personally like shopping at thrift stores because of the uniqueness and vintage clothing they offer. I also do not have to worry about John Doe having on the same outfit as me.  You really cannot knock it until you try it, because you would be surprised by what you will find in there. 

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Did JT bring sexy back?!?!

         Justin Timberlake (JT) returns to the music scene after a 6-year hiatus. He premiered his song “Suit & Tie,” featuring Jay-Z on January 14, 2013.  His junior album The 20/20 Experience, will be released on March 19, 2013. This was a genius collaboration and a strong come back for Mr. Timberlake. During his time off, JT decided to focus on other things outside of his music career. He wanted to develop himself as an artist and explore different ventures. He pursued his acting career and starred in Bad Teacher and Friends With Benefits, just to name a few titles. He also produced and wrote songs for various artists.

Justin Timberlake has been in the entertainment industry since he was a child. At the age of 12, he was a part of The Mickey Mouse Club, where celebrities Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, JC Chasez, and Ryan Gosling assisted him. Not to mention, when he and his fellow ‘mouseketeer’ JC Chasez joined together with three other members to form the late great boy band of the 90’s, called N’Sync. This group went on to selling out arenas, platinum selling albums, and making the teenage girls go crazy over them! As one of the lead singers of the group, JT and the other members decided to go their separate ways and work on individual projects. Timberlake went on to release two albums entitled Justified and FutureSex/LoveSounds, which debuted at #1 and #2 on the Billboard 200 chart.

        Timberlake has been very successful since he has established himself as an artist in the industry. He is in the makings of becoming a legend in the industry as far as I am concerned. JT has explored various roles in the entertainment field; he is a singer, dancer, actor, producer, songwriter, and a businessman. His claim to fame did not just happen over night; it took patience, hard work, and dedication to get to where he is. His arrival has been highly anticipated due to his disappearance from the music scene. I think he has set the tone with his new single. He will be featured in a documentary that will discuss what he has been up to for the past couple of years. Justin Timberlake will also be performing at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 10, 2013. Be sure to check out his future projects to see if he has brought sexy back once again!

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