*Highlights* - Are You READY?!

LOOK OUT for the long awaited 3rd Trey Songz album titled READY coming out AUGUST 31st. It's not too late to pre-order it on Trey Songz' website! There are several packages on the website with various combinations of goodies to go with READY. OOO boy are they GOODIES! Rather yummy goodies too! LOL ;) Check it out! Take a look at the track list and get a little taste for the album at Amazon.com.


Five of the seventeen tracks have already been released either on the radio or his free download-only album, Anticipation, that I previously reviewed. LOL ;) was leaked but it seems to be a hit on the radio despite foiled plans of marketing the song! Definitely a great follow up to In Ya Phone. Both are ringtone and summer ready. The other 12 little snippets are emotional and mental teases. SWOON worthy from every angle whether you're looking for the sexy player that wants to put it on you or for the sensitive lover that appreciates and misses every part of who you are. Swoon? Yes. Definitely swoon.

Even without me fawning over him 24/7, Trey Songz proves himself again and again to everyone that he is a great singer songwriter. There is no need for the slash because he not either or, rather he is both. He displays on this album immense maturity in both arenas. You also get to experience both tried & true, seasoned producers and up and coming younger producers that all come to the table with a touch of the classics and an arsenal of fresh new sounds for a marriage of audio pleasures that titillate both the fans and the general market. You should definitely check out his album which is out a day earlier than planned to make the Grammy nomination deadline. I forsee a golden phonograph on his mantel very soon.

Are you READY for it?

How psyched I am about this album:


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Looking Ahead

Lots of new/upcoming films that I'm very intrigued by...here's a look:



Avatar:

See more funny videos and Entertainment Videos at Today's Big Thing.

Story: An injured Marine named Jake Sully travels to a forest-like planet named Pandora to recieve a new body: that of a human-Na'vi (Pandora's inhabitants) hybrid. The Na'vi are blue with tails and stand about 9 feet tall. They are considered primitive but, unbeknownst to humans, are actually more advanced. The Na'vi's land is being encroached upon by the humans and Jake, in his quest for a healthy body, has unwittingly become a part of that. War ensues...

This movie is touted to be the future of movies: effortlessly combining 3D graphics and new filming techniques. I can't wait until it comes out!

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Another film, Inglorious Basterds, has been making headway lately as an interesting differing view of the discord between the Nazi's and the Jews... it is Tarantino's vision of what should have occurred...

He has even somehow managed to make a lovable Nazi character... interesting...

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

Tarantino is a bit of a genius...the film centers (so it seems) around a premiere of a Nazi propaganda film set to inspire the soldiers. The trailer for this film has actually been released (Viral Marketing at its finest!) and is garnering much hype (and discontent...):

Looking forward to finding some time to catch these...if you get 'em first shoot me a review in the comments!

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On the LOOKout - Rapper "G." talks with The RGC

I don't really have a "day job," just a trilogy. I am at once a lyricist, an attorney, and a professor. My career is not triforcated like this out of financial necessity, but out of desire. I love making music, I love practicing law, and I love teaching university students.

Self-proclaimed as "the voice of the Black Collegian," the rapper "G." is truly a unique artist with a one-of-a-kind blend of intellect, lyrical mastery, social awareness, and business acumen. Rap moguls like P. Diddy, Jay-Z, and 50 cent all achieved their international renown with similar mixes of these talents. Depending on how he plays his cards, G. could also rise and become a dominant force in the game, whether behind the pen, in front of the mic, or both.


We at the RGC had the pleasure of learning a great deal about this complicated and dynamic lyricist. We asked the questions and here's your chance to learn everything you want to know about the Ivy League educated, JD and Masters degree holding, university professor, and beyond ambitious rapper.  I hope you ate your breakfast because school is about to begin!

The RGC:  So who is "G?"

G.: First of all, it's "G." always with the period, never without. The name is a shortened version of my first name, "Giovanni." It's just something I've always been called as a child to avoid the interesting ways people chose to pronounce "Giovanni." As I grew older, the letter "G" took on a place of prominence in hip-hop. Originally meaning "gangster," but now to be a "G" simply means to be at the top of your game. I've been pleasantly surprised to find no other hip-hop artist has chosen the single letter to represent them. One problem I didn't anticipate, however, it's darn hard to Google me!

The RGC: When did you start rapping? And when did you decide that this was something you wanted to pursue?

G.: I wrote my first rap song in 8th grade. I think it was called "Yes, I'm Fresh," to the best of my memory :-). My first on stage appearance was my Junior year on the campus at Arizona State, where I had recently transferred from FAMU (long story). That was also the first year I was on the radio; I didn't have any recorded material, I just went down the the station and spit a freestyle. Perhaps this was around the time I decided to make a career out of writing and performing music, but I also knew it would not be my only career.



The RGC: Where do you get your material from? What inspires you to write?

G.: When I sit down to write a song, it's usually because I have something I want to say. Art is more than just what's on the surface. So I have to start with the reason, the purpose, the soul. I then put on a production track, count the beats per measure (you often hear rappers referring to "trying to catch the beat,"; if you were to count the beats per measure ahead of time, the beat would have never gotten away from you in the first place). Finally, I pace the studio until the lyrics begin to come to me. This part I have difficulty explaining. I'm not quite sure from where the lyrics come. Often I listen back to a completed work - sometimes years later - and am surprised myself by a double entendre or an obscure reference that brings the song new meaning. I am forced to conclude that my artistic brain and my academic brain are wholly separate, and the two rarely communicate. When giving a lecture about my own music, I must sit down and analyze my music not as the author but as a scholar, like any other.

The RGC: Okay, well who are some of your biggest hip-hop/music inspirations?

G.: Of course I have to start with the classics: Bob Marley, 2Pac, Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder, KRS-One, John Coltrane & perhaps most important my parents, Dr. & Mrs. James Turner. Soulja Slim's life and death also had a huge impact on my music; I'm sure that's true with all New Orleans emcees. And I'd be remissed if I didn't give props to Ohene for polishing the raw diamond he found back in 2003. Some names from which you might be surprised to hear a rapper drawing inspiration: Sarah McLachlan, Sarah Vaughn, Nella Larsen, Jacques Derrida, Emily Dickinson, & Dr. Bill Cosby.

The RGC: Talk about eclectic! It's great though that you don't limit the sources from which you pull energy and study. What our blog appreciates most about you, G., is your scholarly yet aggressive approach to your music. Also, you really aren't taking any prisoners with your lyrics. Case and point - your song, "Penicide." You expressed a lot of frustration with the present state of rap. What do you see as the biggest problem with the rap game nowadays?

G.: If I had to choose one that gives me the greatest pause, it is settling for mediocrity, not striving to reach your full potential. It seems to me that far too many people are so afraid of failure, they reach only for a lesser, much more achievable version of their dreams. We have far too many MBAs staying in management, never to start their own company; too many English and Literature MAs/PhDs toiling away at correcting the writing of their students instead of writing books of their own; and yes, too many hip-hop artists just following what their A&R deemed to be the current trend, in a desperate attempt to avoid being dropped from the label - few dare to set trends of their own (what's really sad is some indie artists are their own A&R, and they still do this).

The RGC: Well let's turn the lens inwards. We all acknowledge your remarkable talent but what do you see as your greatest strengths and weaknesses as a rapper?

G.: My greatest strengths would have to include songwriting, depth, and creativity. I take great pride in meticulously scripting each word... I also cover a broad range of topics. As I discussed earlier, I want to invite many more people to the hip-hop table than had been previously. A hip-hop song can be about something more than wealth, poverty, crime, sex, governmental injustice, and the art of emceeing itself. Not that these topics aren't important, but they are not the only important topics.

If I had to admit to a weakness, it would probably be that I have a difficult time relating to my fans. It is rare that I receive the feedback that a fan saw themselves in a song I wrote. There are exceptions. A lot people were drawn to "Fallen" from Legend of the Chancellor because they too felt so beaten down by life's pressures, they questioned whether to even go on. And others count "Superstar's Voicemail" as their favorite song from American Scholar because I have articulated what they wished to say to the love interest in their lives. However, [my fans find themselves appreciating many of my songs without seeing themselves in [them]. I think this relationship works. Some of my favorite songs are about the struggles of a child of a single parent - Diana Ross' "Love Child" or Goapele's "Childhood Drama" - even though I grew up with both my parents.

The RGC: What do you bring to rap that is uniquely different?

G.: To avoid giving a cliched answer to this question, indulge me while I give specific examples of what I have added to the hip-hop history books. On my first album The Chancellor (later rereleased under the title Legend of the Chancellor, if you stumble upon both, get the rerelease, the mastering was redone with updated technology), I wrote a song entitled "String Theory." That song blends hip-hop, science fact, and science fiction. I wrote this song to break way outside the mold of what is considered fair game in hip-hop. When picturing a typical hip-hop fan, few envision mathematics doctoral students. My father is a mathematician; many of his students listen to hip-hop, but they never thought they could blend the two together. This was my invitation to them to have a seat at the hip-hop table - next to the poet, to the left of the injustice protester, and directly across from the ex-felon looking to change his/her life around... On my current album, American Scholar, the song "Hunger" is another example... of how I venture out into uncharted waters. I find many socially unconscious hip-hop songs attempt to wrestle topics so big, they cannot possibly cover the breath of the issue. "Hunger," on the other hand, is specifically about teenagers - 16, 17 years old - who are living in poverty and cannot get enough to eat. They are now faced with the prospect of soon being a woman or a man and having to take care of themselves. Now this issue seems much smaller than World hunger in general. It is easier to say, "Ahhh, I understand. And there is something we can do. We need to insure these students find their way into college. We need to get them scholarships that cover all expenses and include the summers. They can then matriculate into a fruitful career, and - unsaddled with student loan debt - reach back and care for the family members back home." It was difficult to stay so narrowly focused, but I have yet to hear any fan or critic say the art suffered because of it.

The RGC: What is your chief goal regarding your rap career?

G.: My chief goal is getting people to break free of definitions and stereotypes. We are quick to say "that's not hip-hop" or "quit acting white." But the truly great people in history never let others put them in a clearly labeled box. Dr. King didn't let others tell him what "Christian" means, Obama doesn't let others tell him what "Progressive Politics" is, and I definitely do not let others tell me what hip-hop is. Shout out RAHM Nation: Ohene, Random, Greg Soundz, DN3. Make sure you pick up both of those albums: American Scholar and Legend of the Chancellor. And keep reading The RGC, I love this blog! (please leave a comment, let us know you're out there)

The RGC: Thanks for the shout out, haha, and for answering all of these questions! On a final note, are you working on any new projects?

G.: I'm currently touring the Southeast promoting the current project, American Scholar. The new single, "Things to Remember" (my attempt to explain to women why men don't always show their emotions) is getting some good feedback. You can download it from iTunes or Amazon.com. And if you follow me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/G504) and catch me in a good mood, I just might post a free download link to it. The next album is called Metalanguage. I can't even begin to explain what this album is about. If you are a student of Nietzsche or Barthes, you probably already know a little bit about Metalanguage, and this will be a bold undertaking. This album is very important to me, so it'll take a while. I started it last year, perhaps it will be ready next summer. There is also a certain someone I really, really, really want to be a part of this album. Contracts haven't been signed yet, so I can't say who, but she knows who she is ;-). In the meantime, enjoy American Scholar and Legend of The Chancellor.

The RGC: Again, thanks so much, G., for doing this interview with us. Keep "doing you" - educating us, haha - and good things will happen. Much respect.

For you readers, here are some links to G.'s different Internet pages. Check him out!

www.rahmnation.org - RAHM Nation Recordings, LLC's homepage
www.myspace.com/504g - ADD G.
www.twitter.com/G504 - Follow G.
www.cdbaby.com/gtunes3 - Buy G.
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*Highlights* - O The Anticipation!!!

So of course every time Trey Songz releases something, I'm super hype. Take that for what you will...


Trey Songz released ANTICIPATION last night on his blog See Further Than I Am. I encourage reading what he has to say about it before downloading so, I'm not giving you the direct link to the download. Read his post and get the link yourself. It's like asking a child to eat the icing before the cake. You can't go wrong and it's a smile with every bite. RAWR!

Very honestly, even taking away my absolute adoration for Trey, this most recent free download-only mixtape is fantastic. On UStream last night after the release, Trey Songz said that this album is one that is true to what he and his producer, Troy Taylor, do and what they want to do without having to deal with record label politics and antics. If this is how he wants it done, I'm going to say that Atlantic Records needs to start listening up and loosen up on that choke chain because when you let real artists' minds to roam free, you get real art.

There was not ONE track on that album that I needed to replay to give a second chance because every track was BAM BAM BAM! The beats are great. The lyrics are excellent. The voice, smoooooth. The delivery of all three in the same package, bong BONG! SUBLIME. Crazy props to everyone that worked on this album. Get at the liner notes and show them love.

Some of these tracks, you can really hear the return to great R&B. It is coming back. Yo Side Of The Bed, definitely for the fans of ballads from the 90s. Hearing the guitar whine really brings you back even if you didn't appreciate that kind of music then. Listen to the lyrics. Beautiful, personal, and universal. Don't tell me you don't feel it. If you want a newer sound, She Ain't My Gurl featuring another talented young cat, Sammie. (Remember him? He's baaaack and grown) The song taps into the new kind of issues of the heart. That side piece love. Of course, what's a Trey Songz album without the cut songs. There are plenty of those. I've been bumpin' to Trey's falsetto in You Belong to Me for a few weeks now and I still love it. But On Top is one that has got me going right now. Trey has that extra something to make it sound like a personal affair every time the track plays.

I played through the WHOLE album 3 times before I realized it was 4am and I should PROBABLY get to bed (not like that was a bad idea after hours of playing Trey Songz....mmm yes). When was the last time you heard an entire album that is this good?

I can't wait until Ready drops on August 4th. "Can't help but wait," right?

Enjoy yourself with ANTICIPATION!!!

Join me and other fans on UStream with Songbook Entertainment's CEO, Troy Taylor, tonight at 10pm EST to discuss this album. All are welcome!

Let me know what you think of the album!

My love for this album:

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*Highlights* - On the LOOKout: The "Ready" Jarell Perry

The music industry has been shaken by the death of Michael Jackson. People of all ages are analyzing the legend's life in an attempt to understand what made him so successful, so international, so inspiring. Well, any Michael Jackson fan knows that his strengths were numerous and talent incomparable, but one essential ingredient to his success was Drive, the Drive to be the best and understand the business.

Recently, I've come across two artists who, although in the early stages of their careers, are truly showing they have, in abundance, the same crucial ingredient as MJ. For that reason alone, their chances of gaining the public's ear and attention are far greater than most.  Artist # 1 is...

Jarell Perry
A 2009 graduate of UCLA, Jarell Perry has an undeniably smooth voice that can definitely entrance audiences. There's a reason he was selected to sing the national anthem in front of thousands for UCLA's '09 graduation ceremony. Let's not dwell on the vocals however, because, while they are remarkable, what really draws attention to Jarell is how professional he is at just 22 years old and ready to be propelled into the spotlight.



The mark of a successful artist is determination and poise, and Jarell has both. Throughout his four years in college, Jarell took advantage of the California music scene, performing often at local campus and community venues, and building a solid fan base. He also successfully launched a great YouTube channel, MySpace, and personal website/blog that give his fans updates on his journey to stardom and musical appearances.

Furthermore, Jarell Perry is swiftly becoming a masterful songwriter who succeeds in bringing new perspectives and expression to the old concepts of love and relationships. One creative lyric that caught my ear came from Jarell's song "Got Me Open" featuring the rapper "Miggz": "I was ice cold, and I didn't even see it. Still you stuck around, melted me down, to a human being."

Some tracks you should definitely check out are "Indestructible," "Change Your Mind," "Back Together," and "Miracle." Nearly every one of his tracks could make the Billboard top charts with the right production finishing; solid production is one of the few things that some of Jarell's tracks lack. The only other advice to offer Jarell is to diversify the melodic lines he explores in his songs; that way his songs won't end up sounding "familiar" and will always showcase their creative originality. Even still, Jarell is constantly writing new material and exhibits a true desire to continue learning and growing in his craft.

To put it frankly, Jarell Perry has "it" together! With over a dozen studio recordings available for download already, this young singer/songwriter is prepared with both talent and product to take on the industry and claim his spot. He is not waiting around for some "dream manager" to take the reins of his career. No, Jarell has assembled his own team and is trailblazing a direct route to the national stage all on his own. Chances are industry professionals are already taking note of Jarell's firm grasp on personal marketing and branding, so it may not be long before we start hearing his tunes on our radios.



MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jarellperrymusic

How confident am I that Jarell will have a significant breakthrough soon?
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*Highlights* - Ryan Leslie Artist Spotlight

Ryan Leslie - singer, producer, songwriter, video director. 

Even if you don't know the name, you probably know the music.  His tracks, including "Diamond Girl" and "Addiction," have blown up on the charts these past few years, and from 2007 onwards he's become a steady contender and contributor in the R&B, Hip Hop music scene.

His music style is very engineering-based, often with little vocal showcasing. Ryan actually produced the 2006 track "Me & U" for his artist, protege, and possible girlfriend, Cassie. As a champion of true singers, I don't usually gravitate towards over-produced artists, so in the past I haven't paid much attention to the Leslie camp.  In all honesty, I did not warm up to Ryan Leslie in the slightest until the "Addiction" release.  While "Addiction" is very much in the "Cassie vein," being purely a studio-crafted product, it has some addictive qualities and made me finally take notice of this guy's songwriting talent.

So why an artist spotlight?  Watch this:
 

This stripped down version of the two songs "Diamond Girl" and "How it was supposed to be" really showcases Ryan's musicality.  I've always known that his music is heavily 50s influenced,  and finally that inspiration is shining through his songs.  You've probably also noticed that Ryan has a coarse, soothing, and rich vocal quality which really lends itself to the old school vibe.  My recommendation is that he move away from his typically digital wall of sound in favor of the more classic feel.  

What really drew me into Ryan Leslie recently was his 2009 BET music award nomination for best Male R&B artist of the year.  I did my research and found some really interesting information about the singer.

Did you know that Ryan Leslie scored a perfect 1600 on his SATs, was accepted into Harvard at age 15, and graduated at age 19 with a degree in Government (concentration in Political Science and Macroeconomics)?  While in college, he was placed on academic probation 3 times, possibly because he started spending too much time in the studio developing what would become his career.  After graduating, Ryan persuaded his family to take out a $15,000 loan so that he could construct his own studio. Fortunately, after years of work and talent development, he is finally reaping the rewards of his family's investment. 

The more I listen to Ryan Leslie's music, the more I like it and respect him.  Give it a few more months and Ryan a few more good song releases and we all might become fans.

How enthusiastic I am about Ryan Leslie's musical evolution:

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My Baby Trey

So I waited allllll night last night for this little bit of heaven.

GENESIS!!! Trey Songz's beginnings. This is a 20 track download-only album that Trey Songz and Troy Taylor (Songbook Entertainment) put out last night. You get to hear what Trey sounded like at 17! Some tracks, I'm guessing are demo tracks. Some are ones that didn't make it on the debut album, Gotta Make It. Let me tell you, Atlantic Records slept on some of these gems.

Anyway, if you liked old school jams (apparently old school now means early 90s, think Boyz II Men) then you'll like the beats on these tracks. The lyrics are young and fresh. You wouldn't expect anything less from a 17 year-old.

Trey has some rap tracks on there as well! Not the snippet like at the beginning of Wonder Woman from his sophomore album, Trey Day. Whole songs. He raps. Period. He's a rapper with a voice. He's made that claim before but he proves it with this prequel album.

I enjoy his maturity in his lyrics now. But this is summer! Time for some summertime fresh sounds!

Read his story and get the FREE download at his blog, See Further Than I Am.

We see you, Trey! He loves his fans, and judging from twitter, we love him right back! LOL ;)

GO HAM!!!

Next to look out for, his Anticipation album! Also download-only. It comes out before his 3rd album, Ready, rescheduled for later AUGUST 4, 2009! Read more...

*Highlights* - LOL ;)

NEW MUSIC!!!

Just leaked! HOURS old

LOL ;) - Trey Songz feat. Gucci Mane and Soulja Boy

you heard it here! This is even better than In Ya Phone!!!



If you wanna download it yourself because you RECOGNIZE the summer heat in this track... SMASH HERE

Don't worry. This was legally leaked. Some fool leaked an unfinished one so Troy Taylor (Songbook Entertainment) and Trey Songz are putting the real deal out for all the fans

GO HAM!!!!

How geeked I am about this track:

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*Highlights* - On the LOOKout: Music's Rising Stars

Mishal Moore, Young Ivy, Vaughn Anthony - Do these names ring a bell? If not, they probably will by the end of this year. Be on the LOOkout:

Mishal Moore

This Florida native turned NY/NJ resident is best described as a true original. While her vocal stylings could possibly be likened to a fusion between Jill Scott's soul power and Billie Holiday's delicate simplicity, Mishal Moore has developed a sound all her own. Her lyrics are pensive. Her passion, evident. Her talent, overflowing.

If you've been waiting for the revival of real music, Mishal may be your savior, as she is gearing up for a late June release of her new single, "Oh Lord." Click Here to view her MySpace and hear some track samples. With musical inspirations spanning across all genres, Mishal's songs have a vivacity and sincerity reminiscent of 60s & 70s era classic tunes. Assisted by mega-talented, funk-inspired producer Kenny Dope, Mishal is quickly approaching her time to shine, and her style is GOING to inspire future artists.

Mishal Moore has been featured on numerous Mix tape albums and recorded a few EPs of her own in the past. 2009, however, could and should be her year. She's got stellar everything: team, talent, material, appeal, and personality. Be on the lookout for this emerging star - Mishal Moore.

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mishalmmoore

Vaughn Anthony

With tracks like "Yell" and "In Your Shoes" that are sure to blow up, Vaughn is proving to the world that talent runs in the Stephens family. He's heard all the comments about his strikingly similar sound to John Legend, but Vaughn embraces the noise and casually defers to the fact that they both have the same genetics. Yes, he may be John Legend's little brother, but this guy is first and foremost a singer!



On Thursday, May 14, 2009, Vaughn Anthony was officially introduced to the music scene with a showcase performance at S.O.B.'s in NY. His vocal prowess was in full effect and he left industry executives with an indelible impression.

Whereas brother John Legend embraces a GQ style, Vaughn's is simply "urban" and a bit more accessible. He has wide appeal because of his at once soulful, hip hop, church, unapologetic, and smooth vocal quality. He honestly cannot be completely categorized, and that could work very well for Mr. Vaughn Anthony. Visit Vaughn's MySpace page to see a list of touring dates and listen to tracks from his recently released EP, "Mr. Everything." To say the least, Vaughn Anthony's songs are refreshing and...good. Period.

*Vaughn Anthony, like British sensation Estelle, is signed to John Legend's "Homeschool Records" label.

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/vaughnanthony1

Young Ivy

Tunisian roots, raised in Sweden and the Cali Bay area, ...oh, and he's Ivy League educated. Young Ivy may not sound like the typical rapper, because in fact, he is not! Young Ivy's approach to the game is educated, raw, relentless, and unglamorous.



Sure, he's been wracking up female fans in colleges across America, but it's his lyrics that go hard. He's out to make you rock your head, get in a zone, and drop some knowledge on today's one-hit wonder rap scene. From bangers like "Turn Heads" to his chart climbing "Shirt Off" track, Young Ivy is just doing it - INTERNATIONALLY.

He's teamed up with very talented Swedish producers and come up with an international vibe & style that is sure to be well received. Young Ivy is calling his latest musical evolution "Euro-trash" because of its heavy beat, house music, trance feel. While it definitely has an international/European vibe, trash has never sounded this good. Ivy is unconventional, lyrically charming and beyond creative.

Young Ivy loves Hip Hop. True Hip Hop fans are already discovering and falling in love with Young Ivy.

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/youngivy

This new class of music artists is coming in strong and definitely gets high marks:

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