Wednesday 30 December 2009

Top Fives For 2009


2009 was a very big year for music! After numerous conversations with friends, family, celebrities and fellow bloggers we compiled a list of some of our favourite musical moments.


DRUMROLL PLEASE...


Top five Hip Hop:


5. Wale- Attention Deficit


4. Ghostface Killah- Ghostdini: The Wizard Of Poetry In Emerald City


3. Fabolous- Loso's Way


2. Rick Ross- Deeper Than Rap


1. Jay-Z- Blueprint 3




Top five RnB:


5. Musiq- On My Radio (actual release date was Dec 08)


4. Ryan Leslie- Transition (Deluxe Edition)


3. Eric Roberson- Music Fan First


2. Maxwell- BLACKsummers' Night


1. Trey Songz- Ready



Top 5 Mixtapes:


5. Raheem Devaughn- Art Of Noise


4. 50 Cent- War Angel/Forever King


3. Nicki Minaj- Beam Me Up Scotty


2. Lil Wayne- No Ceilings


1. Trey Songz- Anticipation

(*Unofficial entry 'Drake- So Far Gone')


So what do you think? Did we miss anyone out? Should we have left anyone out? Let us know...

Monday 28 December 2009

NEW FLAVA: Tribal Magz - Tribal Man Skank

Peep the video for the underground smash hit Tribal Man Skank by Tribal Magz.



The orginal heavy hitting funky house beat has been reworked to give it an electro type vibe and well...... it works, very well!

What do you think? Tribal Man Skank is out on the 25th January from all major digital outlets.

Thursday 24 December 2009

NEW FLAVA: Amerie ft Fabolous "More Than Love"

Check out Amerie's new single "More Than Love" featuring the chipped tooth, sweet boy, Fabolous. The new single is taken from the 'In Love & War' album, that still seems to be dwindling in the charts somewhere.

Admittedly, I wasn't crazy about the track but after a few more listens, it's actually beginning to grow on me. Although, I still contend that Amerie's fashion sense out weighs her singing ability any day!

Take a listen and tell us what you think?



RVB

Wednesday 23 December 2009

MOVIE TRAILER: 'Sex And The City 2'



Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha will be back on the big screens sometime in May 2010 for 'Sex And The City 2'. No doubt this film will be huge!

Jay-Z's 'Empire State Of Mind' is used as the theme song in the trailer.......we like!

Tuesday 22 December 2009

NEWS: T.I. Released Early From Prison



The 'Dead and Gone' rapper, real name Clifford Harris has been released early from prison early after serving  nearly 7 months out of his one year and one day prison sentence after pleading guilty to three charges of possesing illegal weapons.

At least he'll get to spend Christmas with his family! Now that he's out, I wonder how long it will take before he marries Tiny??

NEW FLAVA (VIDEO): Jay-Z ft Mr Hudson - 'Young Forever'



The brand new video for Jay-Z's song, 'Young Forever', featuring the UK's very own, Mr Hudson. A very plain and simple, black and white video, with clips from Jay's sold out concert at London's Alexandra Palace

Monday 21 December 2009

NEW FLAVA (VIDEO): Kano - 'More Than One Way'



A new track from one of the best MCs, Kano. This track is just a winter warmer, to get you ready for Kano's forthcoming currently untitled album, which is due out in Spring 2010.

What do you think of the track and the video?

NEWS: Rage Against The Machine Beat Joe McElderry To Christmas #1



Rage Against The Machine have beaten Simon Cowell and the X Factor to be the Christmas number one!


‘Killing In The Name’, which was first released in 1992, topped the #1 spot on the charts after two fans from Essex started an enthusiastic online Facebook. They beat this years' X Factor winner and fellow label mate, Joe McElderry's cover of Miley Cyrus’s ‘The Climb’ by more than 50,000 sales to reach the summit of the UK singles chart.

This will definitely go down in history!

R.I.P Brittany Murphy




The actress most commonly known for her role in 'Clueless' and '8 Mile', Brittany Murphy, has sadly passed away after going into cardiac arrest on Sunday morning. TMZ was first to break the devastating news of the 32 year old's death, however there have been speculative rumours that the actress's recent dramatic weightloss was a clear indication that she was unwell.

Like many other celebrity deaths this year i.e Michael Jackson, I'm sure the rumours will be coming in thick and fast. However; here at Social Writers, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the friends, family and fans of Brittany Murphy.

R.I.P

Source: TMZ
RVB

NEW FLAVA (AUDIO): Usher ft Nicki Minaj - 'Little Freak'

Another day...another leaked track on the internet. 'Little Freak' is one of the songs that's meant to be featured on Usher's up-coming new album, 'Raymond vs. Raymond'. The track features rapper Nicki Minaj, who seems to be making an appearance on a lot of tracks at the moment.



What do you think of the song?

Friday 18 December 2009

UK TOUR ALERT: 50 Cent (March 2010)



Your boy Fiddy aka 50 Cent will be in the UK next year March for his 'Before I Self Destruct' tour on the following dates:

19th March 2010 – LG Arena, Birmingham
20th March 2010 – Wembley Arena, London
25th March 2010 – MEN Arena, Manchester


Tickets went on sale today, Friday 18th December 2009, and are available through www.ticketmaster.co.uk and the 24-Hour hotline: 0844 277 4321

Will you be going??

NEW FLAVA (VIDEO): Rihanna ft Young Jeezy - 'Hard'



Check out Rihanna's new video for her new single 'Hard'.
What do you think of the video?

Thursday 17 December 2009

New Movie: Brooklyn's Finest

'Brooklyn's Finest' is the new movie directed by Antoine Fuqua, staring Don Cheadle, Wesley Snipes,Richard Gere and Ethan Hawke. The movie is centred around three cops who find themselves at the same deadly location despite leading different career paths. It hits the big screen on 5th March, stateside though official UK release dates are yet to be confirmed.

With such an elitist cast, you can't go wrong..check out the trailer!



RVB

NEW FLAVA (VIDEO): DaVinChe ft Cleo Sol - 'Hero'




Brand new video and track from one of the top UK producers, DaVinChe. DaVinChe is currently working on his highly anticipated debut album 'Open Minded' due out in early 2010.

NEW FLAVA (AUDIO): Lil Wayne ft Nicki Minaj - 'Knockout'



The cough medicine drinking rapper Lil Wayne has teamed up with his Cash Money female rapper Nicki Minaj on the track 'Knockout'.

Lil Wayne ft Nicki Minja | Knockout



The rock song is exactly what you should be expecting from Lil Wayne's forthcoming album 'Rebirth' which will now be released in February.

Are you feeling Weezy's new musical style?

NEW FLAVA (AUDIO): Alicia Keys ft Raekwon, CNN and Style P - 'Empire State Of Mind Part 2 [Remix]'




I'm not sure about the rest of you, but I just can't get enough of any version of 'Empire State Of Mind'!

Rappers Raekwon, CNN and Styles P help out Alicia Keys on the remix to her own version of 'Empire State Of Mind (Part 2)'

Alicia Keys ft Raekwon, CNN and Styles P | Empire State Of Mind (Part 2) [Remix]


Wednesday 16 December 2009

NEWS: Diddy Gets His Own Wax Figure At Madame Tussauds

Like many before him, Mr 'Take That, Take That' unveilled he wax figure of himself yesterday at Madame Tussauds yesterday in NYC.



Why does Diddy deserve his own wax figure? Well according to Madame Tussauds "Mr. Combs forever changed the entertainment industry by catapulting the music and style of urban youth culture into American mainstream and creating what is considered by experts to be one of the most important forces in the entertainment industry today. He is also a celebrated fashion designer, actor, humanitarian and critically acclaimed producer, writer, arranger and Broadway star.”

NEW FLAVA (VIDEO): Leona Lewis - 'I See You'



'I See You' is the theme song for the new movie 'Avatar' sung by songstress Leona Lewis. The song has already received a nomination for Best Original Song at the forthcoming Global Globes.

Tuesday 15 December 2009

VIDEO: Robin Thicke & Nicki Minaj Perform On 106&Park



106&Park got a live performance of Robin Thicke's new single, 'Shaking It For Daddy', featuring new female rapper Nicki Minaj. We at Social Writers like Nicki Minaj and feel she'll definitely blow up in 2010. Do you like the way she raps?

Check out the way host Terrence is watching Nicki.........

Monday 14 December 2009

EP ALERT: Driis - 'High Class Problems'

 
Driis, the musical alter ego of A-list actor Idris Elba is set to release his first EP entitled 'High Class Problems Vol 1' in February 2010 on his label, Hevlar Recordings. The much anticipated, hip hop tinged album will drop late 2010 and will feature tracks such as 'Best I Can', 'Please Be True' and his new single 'Private Garden'.

Idris is mostly recognised through his role on the hit US TV show, The Wire and has demonstrated Oscar credentials in movies like American Gangster and the up and coming blockbuster, Thor.

Social Writers were lucky enough to witness Driis play a DJ set not so long ago where his passion for music was as clear as day and with a single that, by the way doesn't sound half bad, Driis' sudden musical direction actually makes sense.


Check out Driis' new single and tell us what you think?
RVB

NEW FLAVA (VIDEO): Juelz Santana ft Chris Brown - 'Back To The Crib'



"She said I look like I taste good and she wanna eat me alive" - Yep Juelz is looking might fine in this video, so is Chris Brown. A typical video, but the track is quite good too- this collaboration works!

VIDEO: Alexandra Burke x JLS X Factor Finale Performance



Last night Joe McElderry won the X Factor, leaving Olly Murs as the runner-up. Last years' X Factor winner Alexandra Burke and runners-up, JLS, performed a medley of their latest singles that have been released.

Sunday 13 December 2009

NEW FLAVA (VIDEO): Alexandra Burke - 'Broken Heels'



Alexandra Burke has released the video for her third single 'Broken Heels'. With an 'okay' video concept, do you see this single storming the charts?

Thursday 10 December 2009

When Social Writers Met.......Ryan Leslie [VIDEO INTERVIEW]

When R Les was in London he kicked it with the Social Writers team where he spoke about his musical career, P Diddy and of course, Cassie.

Last Night In London: Alicia Keys' Album Launch


Last night SocialWriters were invited to the Alicia Keys album launch, in association with W Hotels, which took place last night at luxurious Aqua. Miss Keys gave an intimate mini show to 400+ people including JLS, Lemar, The Saturdays, Chipmunk, Alesha Dixon, Paloma Faith, Daniel Merriweather, Sabrina Washington plus many more.

The 12 time Grammy award winner performed three tracks off of her new album 'Element Of Freedom': 'Empire State Of Mind (Part 2)', 'Doesn't Mean Anything' and her new single 'Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart'. She also performed classics such as 'You Don't Know My Name' and 'If I Aint Got You' and 'No One'.

'Element Of Freedom' is out in the UK December 14th


Click underneath for some video footage of Miss Keys' performance and some more photos

R Kelly To Release Memoir



The Piped Piper of RnB, R Kelly, is set to release a memoir about his roller-coaster ride of life.

In the memoir, R Kelly will detail the agony of losing his mother, whom he adored. He will reveal how he came up with such inspiring ballads as the iconic "I Believe I Can Fly" and "You Are Not Alone," which became a No. 1 hit for Michael Jackson. He will also discuss the six-year legal ordeal that nearly ruined his life, but finally ended in vindication when he was found innocent of child pornography charges in 2008.

"I'm tired of being misunderstood. I will show you the tears, fears, and sweat. I will open my heart and reveal the good in my life as well as all the drama. I want to tell it like it is." says Kelly.

This sounds like it will be a good read......it will be released early 2011

Wednesday 9 December 2009

NEW FLAVA (VIDEOS): Mary J Blige & Mariah Carey

Two of the biggest divas have released new music videos for their forthcoming singles

Mariah Carey | H.A.T.E.U.





Mary J Blige | I Am


NEW FLAVA (VIDEO): Timbaland ft Drake - 'Say Something'

NEW FLAVA (VIDEO): 50 Cent - 'Do You Think About Me'



The video for 50's new single, 'Do You Think About Me' stars his one-time girlfriend, Vivica Fox, plus rapper Joe Budden's ex, Tahiry and actress Tamala Jones. Seems like 50 is on a roll with all these famous women playing roles in his music videos.

NEW FLAVA : Young Money : Bedrock



YM are looking more solidified now and less of a freak show you might see at the circus.

'We are Young Money' hits the shelves December 21st, Christmas gift anyone?

Tuesday 8 December 2009

NEW FLAVA (AUDIO): Sade - 'Soldier Of Love'



After a bit of a hiatus, Sade is back with her new single, 'Soldier Of Love', which will be taken of off her forthcoming album of the same name.

'Soldier Of Love' the album, will be released worldwide February 8th and is Sade's first album since her multi-platinum album 'Lovers Rock' in 2000.

Sade | Soldier Of Love




In other news, Drake is apparently pushing back the release date for his album again, as he wants Sade to feature on it. More on that collaboration soon.

Music Acts To Look Out For in 2010

Yesterday the BBC released their annual longlist of the best rising stars for BBC Sound of 2010, and MTV also released their list of ten music acts that people should look out for in 2010.
Here's the music acts they both chose:

BBC Sound of 2010
Daisy Dares You, Devlin, Giggs, Rox, Delphic, Everything Everything, The Drums, Hurts, Gold Panda, Marina and The Diamonds, Ellie Goulding, Jay Orbison, Owl City, Stornoway and Two Door Cinema Club.

Click here to find out more about BBC's choices


MTV
Tinie Tempah, Ke$ha, Justin Bieber, Delphic, Ellie Goulding, Marina and The Diamonds, Drake, The Drums and Owl City

Click to read about MTV's choices

We at SocialWriters have also compiled a list of music acts we think you should look out for in 2010.....

Clement Marfo + The Frontline
When describing the UK band, Clement Marfo & the The Frontline, words like, charisma and energy come to mind. In what the industry sees as tough times where acts are struggling to sing live, Marfo and The Frontline rock through shows with an eclectic set whilst 'Champion and Champagne Lifestyle' remains the pick of their tracks.




Ke$ha
After appearing on Flo Rida's hit 'Right Round' we knew she'd be someone to look out for. The American singer has since released her debut single, 'Tik Tok' that has received a lot of airplay both here in Europe and Stateside. We have a feeling she'll be a huge success (especially if she has Flo Rida on one of her tracks)




 Drake
Over the last 5-6 months we have become a bit bored of Drake. Don’t get us wrong, we still rate the Canadian rapper, but we think he may have left it too long to release his full-length album, especially after the major success of the ‘So Far Gone’ mixtape. Like others in the past ,(see Canibus for proof), we will have to see if he lives up to the hype! We honestly hope he does.





Dionne Bromfield
At the tender age of 13, Dionne Bromfield is one to watch! Backed by her famous god-mother, Amy Winehouse, Dionne released her debut album, 'Introducing Dionne Bromfield', in October which displays the young singer's love for vintage soul music. The only way is up for the beautiful teenager who is set to make a big impact on soul music.

NEW FLAVA (VIDEO): Young Money ft Lloyd - 'Bedrock'



Lil Wayne, Tyga, Drake, Millz and Nicki Minaj of Young Money have teamed up with Lloyd on their single, 'Bedrock'.

NEW FLAVA (VIDEO): Trey Songz - 'One Love'



Yesterday Trey Songz premiered the video for his new song, One Love, on his Facebook page.

Are you feeling this video?

Monday 7 December 2009

New Movie: Death At A Funeral

Peep the trailer for this new black comedy starring some heavy hitters, that includes Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, Tracy Morgan and my man Kevin Hart *No Bruno*.


The movie is a remake of the British film that came out in 2007 of the same name. It will be released on the 4th June 2010 in the UK, but a lot early via Ms Chin in your local barber/hairdressers. What do you think???


Friday 4 December 2009

Twitter Files: Diddy Tweets "I miss you baby! Come back to me!"

Those of you that keep up with celebrity gossip will know that Mr "Take That, Take That' aka Sean Combs is supposedly seeing his artist Cassie.

Today he tweeted the following on his Twitter page @iamdiddy:

"I miss you baby! Come back to me!"

Now we can't help but wonder which 'baby' he's talking about...as there's a handful of women it could well be. Let's take a look at some of them...

'Baby' #1 - Cassie
The ex model - turned trophy case of Diddy  singer, started off as an artist on Diddy's Bad Boy Records. The two allegedly are an item, but every time they are spotted together, not at an event, Diddy runs away.


'Baby' #2 - Aubrey O'Day

Aubrey was part of the Bad Boy Records girl group Danity Kane that Diddy put together on his reality TV show, 'Making The Band'. The two were allegedly seeing each other, but those rumours were squashed after Diddy kicked her out of the band.



'Baby' #3 - Kim Porter
Kim was the on/off girlfriend of Diddy for ten years and is also the mother to three of Diddy's children, Christian, twins D'Lila-Star and Jessie-James, and to Diddy's (step) son Quincy. Diddy had said Kim deserved to be a married woman, but he just wasn't ready for marriage. She left him in 2007 after he impreganated another woman, Sarah Champman, after the birth of the twins.


'Baby' #4 - Jennifer Lopez

The latin singer/dancer/actress and Diddy made a cute couple, didn't they? Most of us thought they would get married and live happily ever after - wrong! In December 1999, both were partying in a club, with rapper Shyne, when gunfire broke out. Diddy and Shyne were arrested and JLo dropped Diddy nicely.....she couldn't ruin her good girl rep' for him. JLo is now married to fellow Latino Marc with twins of her own.




Of course there's a string of other women that could be the 'baby' he's talking about such as Misa Hylton-Brim, Diddy's 'first love' and mother to his son Justin, Sarah Chapman who is the mother to his daughter Chance, British Sienna Miller, supermodel Naomi Campbell, ex video-vixen'Superhead' Karrine Stefans, Alicia Douvall.....oh there's just too many others to mention. But we doubt any of these are 'baby'!

Or maybe Diddy has a new 'baby' that we haven't spotted yet....hmmmmmm

Album Info: Lil' Wayne - 'Rebirth'



We've all been hearing about this album for quite some time now......

Following the success of 'The Carter III', Lil' Wayne is back with his new album, 'Rebirth', will is due to drop on December 21st worldwide. 'Rebirth' features guest appearances from Eminem, Kevin Rudolf and Nicki Minaj

Official Track Listing

American Star feat Shanell aka SNL

Prom Queen feat Shanell aka SNL

Ground Zero

Da Da Da

Paradice

Get A Life

On Fire

Drop The World feat Eminem

Runnin feat Shanell aka SNL

One Way Trip feat Kevin Rudolf

Knockout feat Nicki Minaj

The Price is Wrong

Happy Birthday Hova

Today rapper Jay-Z turns 40 years old.



Happy Birthday Hova!


Here's a fitting track for the New York rapper





NEW FLAVA (VIDEO): Jay Sean ft Sean Paul & Lil' Jon - 'Do You Remember'



Here's the second single from Jay Sean's album, 'All Or Nothing'. The collaboration is unusual, do you think it works?

Thursday 3 December 2009

NEW FLAVA (VIDEO): DJ Khaled ft Usher, Drake, Young Jeezy and Rick Ross



There's one thing about DJ Khaled.....he knows how to put a collaboation together.

Drake & Chris Brown - The VIBE Magazine Relaunch Issue

Vibe Magazine have officially relaunched with two covers.......



'R U Still Down' with Chris Brown? Or do you think Drake, the 'Unstoppable', has the better cover?


NEWS: Beyonce Leads The Grammy Nominations



Queen B has been nominated for ten awards for next years' Grammy Awards to be held at The Staples Centre on January 31st 2010, in Los Angeles.

She will go head-to-head with teen idol, Taylor Swift, who's up for eight nominations, in the 'Album Of The Year', 'Record Of The Year', 'Song Of The Year' and 'Best Female Pop Vocal Performance' categories.

For a list of the major nominess, click here

Wednesday 2 December 2009

Tiger Woods: Can You Say 'HALF'


Tiger, Tiger, Tiger, you've been a silly boy haven't you?

Since the story broke last week that Tiger Woods had a car accident outside of his Miami home the industry has been buzzing with stories that all is not well in the Woods (excuse the pun...).

The official statement realeased stated that Tiger, after having a 'disagreement' with his wife Elin Nordegren over allegations he had a fling with New York club hostess Rachael Uchitel, left his home and crashed in to a fire hydrant and lamppost for which he was fined $99 dollars with no further action to be taken. If that wasn't enough LA cocktail waitress Jaimee Grubbs came out of the woodworks to confess that she had had a nearly three year long affair with woods.

With all these side-pieces creeping out Woods released a statement today via his website www.tigerwoods.com. In the statement he says...


"I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect. I am dealing with my behaviour and personal failings behind closed doors with my family. Those feelings should be shared by us alone"

and...

"Whatever regrets I have about letting my family down have been shared with and felt by us alone. I have given this a lot of reflection and thought and I believe that there is a point at which I must stick to that principle even though it's difficult. I will strive to be a better person and the husband and father that my family deserves. For all of those who have supported me over the years, I offer my profound apology."


The one thing I noticed from his statement is that he doesn't directly admit any 'getting it in' with side-pieces, but there is definitely more to come from this story! If T Dubya did get a 'hole in one' elsewhere his life is about to drastically change and so is his bank balance!

I wonder which part of his make-up he'll blame for this? Stay tuned...

NEWS: Jay-Z To Sue Over Rihanna's 'Umbrella'



According to TMZ.com A tea house in Alabama is going to be sued by Jay-Z over Rihanna's hit 'Umbrella' and other publishers of the following songs:

- Mary Jane by Rick James

- Erotica by Madonna

- Rock With You by Michael Jackson

The tea house was caught playing these songs illegally after a sting operation was undertaken by the music royalties enforcement company, ASCAP.

Jay-Z isn't the first artist to sue a small business, Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi and Gwen Stefani have all done the same.

Tuesday 1 December 2009

Album Review: R Kelly- 'Untitled'


Forget the rumours, videos and scandal, Kells is back doing what he does best... Making GOOD music!!

'Untitled' is the new long player from the RnB King (yeah, I said it...) R Kelly and it is well worth the wait. After his last album 'Double Up' which I think disappointed many loyal fans and then the 'hood accepted' 12 Play 4th Quarter mixtape (which he should have released), I think we were owed a strong return from the 'R'.

The first single from the album 'No.1' ft. the beautiful Keri Hilson let us know that Kelly was back to doing what he does best and that's making grown folk music about love, sex and freakin'. Despite his past legal troubles, you have to respect the fact that Kells still put out quality music that won back those who turned their backs on him.

Much like his past albums, the sex element is still ever present but is a lot more grown and sexy this time around. The 15 track long player has a nice blend of tales, bragging and self reflection that allows you to appreciate the songs and not feel bombarded by male bravado and constant talk of cars and money.

Now, if I were you I would you skip past 'Crazy Night' and start with 'Exit' which is a piano driven track about hollerin' at the baddest chick in the club and heading home. As I mentioned before 12 Play 4th Quarter should have been released but Kells compensates by putting two of the better tracks ( 'Go Low' & 'Whole Lotta Kisses') on Untitled. This is followed by R Kelly circa 96-97 with 'Echo' where he gets his yodel on to represent the sounds he will have his lady making in the bedroom.

Standout tracks on this album would definitely have to be:

'Be My #2'  which is a classic throwback to Kelly's steppin' days.

'Religious' showcases a more mature content about having that special lady by your side. It's the kind of song you'd play for your first dance at your wedding, it is also schedulded to be the next single.

Last but definitely not least, 'Elsewhere' and RnB posse joint 'Pregnant' ft. Tyrese, Robin Thicke and The Dream. 'Elsewhere' is a must hear for all the ageing players and 'Pregnant' shows that Kelly doesn't mind sharing the limelight with those who more than likely came up listening to his music.

Overall Kells doesn't disappoint with his 9th opus in an illustrious and sometimes turbulent sixteen year career. There has been an emergence of new and younger battlers for the throne, but Kells just about holds on to the crown!

If he had put 'Come At The Same Time' from 12 Play 4th Quarter on and completely left off 'I Love The DJ' I would have given him a solid 5/5, but he didn't so he gets a 4.

Just a little something for Kells to think about though... Trey Songz is creeping up on ya!
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