Waka Waka - This Time For Africa 2010 World Cup Official Song

Shakira and South Africa's Freshlyground teamed up to make an incredible song infused with afro-Colombian rhythm, soca and overall African sound. Waka Waka - This Time For Africa delivers the energy and excitement that will ensue the 2010 World Cup hosted in South Africa. The video features some emotional and incredible moments in football - World Cup history.

Nneka - Amazing Artist from Nigeria

I had the great opportunity of seeing Nneka at Joe's Pub a couple of weeks ago (yeah, I know I'm late) and she was phenomenal. Half Nigerian and half German, the girl has soul and heart and depth. Real music. Nneka's EP, The Uncomfortable Truth is available now courtesy of Decon Records. Nneka pours out some actionable words and verbs that really get you thinking and truly move you. "The Uncomfortable Truth," "Hearbeat," "Africans" all really powerful songs with great sounds, reggae, hip hop and soul infused. Get a taste of the performance I witnessed at Joe's Pub below.

Melanie Fiona - "It Kills Me" Video

I absolutely love this song and the video really captures the dramatics and depth of the record. Check it out. Melanie Fiona is the issh for real!

Q-tip and Norah Jones - "I Feel Better"

Really dope new vid from Q-tip and Norah Jones. I love the visual artistry and the way Tip names all the hip hop greats. Check it out..

Wyclef Rocks it Out for Haiti at Green Space

At a private press event in lower Manhattan, earlier this month at the Green Space, Wyclef and Timberland (boots) announced their partnership in donating $2 from every boot sold to people in Haiti. T-shirts designed by kids from Haiti for Wyclef's Yele Haiti non-profit organization will also be sold in all Timberland stores and outlets with proceeds going to the organization. Wyclef rocked it out in a meaningful way and truly turned the place into a party. Check out more pics on my Flickr page.

Maxwell Performs "Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder) at MSG

Here's the video post I promised to give you a taste of the Maxwell experience at MSG Monday.

Maxwell at Madison Square Garden

I was fortunate enough to witness Maxwell's first time performing at Madison Square Garden arena and the show was absolutely AMAZING! Chrisette Michele and Common warmed up the crowd as openers. When Maxwell came out the crowd was up and ready. He got us grooving to "Dance Wit Me," shaking his hips like whooo! The best concert I have ever been too. I didn't realize how close I would be. He performed hits "Fortunate," "This Woman's Work," "Pretty Wings" among many others. The lights draped him and the band in red as he performed "Bad Habits" and "Til The Cops Come Knockin'." Panties were thrown and given to Maxwell on the stage...he wiped his forehead with a black lace panty threw a white panty over the mic and got down on his knees. It was an extremely sexy and entertaining show. Maxwell got moves and acrobatics like no other. The man glided through the stage threw the mic stand with mic up and down rolled back to the floor and everything! Check out my Flickr page for some amazing photos.

I must say the highlight of the show was first that I touched his hand and second the last performance of the night. So Maxwell performs "Pretty Wings" and feather shaped white confetti comes down..everyone claps and cheers, he goes towards the back of the stage and the lights come down and people begin leaving. However, I know that there is more to come and so do many others as we scream and cheer and yell "encore." After a couple minutes, Maxwell comes out and says "Did y'all hear what happened?" We're all confused and say "no, what happened?" And he says "For real, y'all don't know what happened? Nah, stop playin'...y'all don't know what happened?" We're still confused..then he sings.."It happened the moment...when you were revealed..it was a dream that you should not have been..." We start clapping while he sings acapella then the band comes in and we all go CRAZY singing along. Maxwell had the time of his life and so did we. Check for the "Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)" performance clip to be posted soon.

Marina & The Diamonds - "I am Not a Robot (Penguins Prison Remix)"

Marina & The Diamonds - the new left of pop act from the U.K. Listen to "I am Not A Robot (Penguins Prison Remix)" Check out the original "I am Not A Robot" below. I'm diggin' the remix more, but you decide..

Maxwell - "Bad Habits" New Video!

Joe, Chico DeBarge and Ginuwine at Summerstage!

Joe was amazing Sunday - a truly talented performer. He swooned the ladies with "Majic," "I Wanna Know," and "More & More" among many others. Chico DeBarge did his thing and Ginuwine gave us quite the hip hop show. Check out the photos on my Flickr page. The MJ tribute at the end was fantastic and Ginuwine moved just like Michael. A wonderful show and I will definitely be purchasing the new Joe album, Signature and I suggest you all do the same.

Free Download - Nyle "Capstone EP"

Nyle just released his new EP dubbed Capstone. Download Capstone now. I love "Livin in the Shade." Check my boy Nyle out!

Ne-Yo Launches U.K. Office

Ne-Yo's production and artist development/management and company, Compound Entertainment is opening up a branch in the U.K. The business is set to look for "U.K. talent in all its forms - artists, songwriters, whatever's out there." The venture will also service music publishing rights. The first British act signed to Compound Entertainment is R&B boy band, FDM who has a record deal with Geffen Records. "Compound is co-managing the group and co-executive producing its forthcoming album. Compound Entertainment was founded by Ne-Yo and his manager/business partner Reynell "Tango" Hay, who run the company as joint-CEOs. Ne-Yo said the U.K. arm was likely to be its only international office for the foreseeable future."

For more information check out Billboard.biz

New Remix iPhone App - Romplr

Moderati has created an iPhone app that allows users to create their own remixes of available songs, the service is called Romplr. Once your personalized remix is created, you can share it via Facebook connect, email or on Romplr.com, a site the company is aiming to turn into an interactive music community. The first artist to provide music for remixing on Romplr is Soulja Boy, who's made "Turn My Swag On," "Crank That," and "Hey You There" available. In addition, Soulja Boy has provided seven other music samples that can be used as raw material.

"The new, $5 Romplr application allows you to remix three songs by the artist Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em. Basically, you pick one of Soulja Boy’s tracks then use the controls to tweak the bass, drums, vocals and other sonic elements for a remixed version." - BeatCrave.com

I always knew there was a huge opportunity in the music business for selling all the ProTools tracks for fans to manipulate and customize they way they want. Unfortunately, once again the record labels missed this opportunity and has allowed a technology company to cash in on it. Though it may not be too late for them if they move quickly.

The One & Only Michael Jackson - The King of Pop

Today the King of Pop has passed away but he will forever be remembered. No one can come close to the iconic worldwide superstar of Michael Jackson. He has influenced and inspired so many and it is so sad that we will not be able to see and hear more from him. Michael Jackson was in preparation for a tour in the UK, a new album and a full comeback, but to the disappointment of the world we will never be able to see him perform live again or hear his new music. May Michael Jackson rest in peace and we pour out our condolences to his family and friends. The music business will never see another artist like Michael Jackson and he will always be the stellar performer and artist that all others will look up to.

Mos Def Releases His Album on a T-shirt

Mos Def in connection with Invisible DJ and LnA clothing have launched the first ever "Music Tee" for Mos Def's latest album, The Ecstatic. The t-shirt has the album artwork printed on the front and the tracklist on the back. The tag has a code which you can enter online for the digital version of the album. Other artists due to release "Music Tees" are Santigold and Miike Snow also from the Downtown Records camp. What better way to integrate apparel and music which are the cornerstones of the hip hop lifestyle? For more details on this story, check out Pitchfork.com.

Beyonce Concert at Madison Square Garden

Beyonce was amazing at MSG on Sunday and Monday - the realization of a true superstar. Jay-Z made an appearance and dropped his verse on "Crazy in Love." Beyonce went through a few outfits and lots of booty shaking moves. She was also hoisted up in the air and flowing over the crowd. Beyonce makes sure to give her fans a real show and a great experience. For more photos, visit my Flickr page.

Maxwell - "Bad Habits"

Download Maxwell's second single, "Bad Habits" off his upcoming album, BLACKsummers'night. Video featuring Kerry Washington to follow...

The Demise of the Grand Record Store

Everything must go and it has...this past weekend I am sad to say that the Virgin Megastore in Union Square has officially shutdown. New York no longer has a flagship record store and this is truly the demise of the grand record shop. What was great about Virgin, is that it was a cool spot to browse and preview some albums, perhaps pick up one or two CD's and spark up a conversation with music lovers. But all that is no more.

Dozens of smaller record stores are still open in New York, and at least 2,000 independent shops exist around the country, according to the Almighty Institute of Music Retail, a market research company. Many of those independents have banded together to promote events like Record Store Day, which had its second anniversary in April. They are also promoting Vinyl Saturday on June 20, which will feature specially produced records by artists like Wilco and Modest Mouse to draw customers.

Looks like Best Buy and iTunes it is. Check out the NY Times for more.

Hot 97's Summer Jam 2009

Summer Jam 2009 was my first summer jam ever. Hot 97 delivered again this year with a slew of artists both upcoming and established. The-Dream, Day 26, T-Pain, Elephant Man, Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, Mavado (So Special), Young Jeezy and many more all came to the stage and showed love at Giant Stadium this past Sunday. I especially enjoyed Mary J Blige's performance, heartfelt, energy driven as always and her sound was on point with a fantastic band supporting her. It was so awesome when she started singing "You're All I Need" and Method Man came out and did his part! Then in the middle of her set Redman came through and performed with Meth...I was waiting for the whole Wu to come out but to no avail.

Nonetheless, I was still pleasantly surprised with a performance by Jay-Z delivering "Death of Autotune" - Blueprint 3 coming. The whole stadium went crazy of course. My boy Drake also came by surprise and performed "Best I Ever Had" - I wish he could've done more. All in all it was a good show but was disappointed with the Dip-set not going hard at the end.

The Recording Academy and T-Mobile Sidekick Present Estelle and LL

Estelle was lovely last Thursday at Terminal 5, performing all my favorite songs - "Magnificent," "Come Over," and "No Substitute Love" with a rocking live band! She was graceful to share the stage with some attendees to groove it out. Check out additional pictures via Flickr.
LL Cool J was absolutely phenomenal! So much energy, I was bopping my head and dancing like crazy to "Rock the Bells," "Doin' It," "Don't Call It a Comeback," "Momma Said Knock You Out!" and "Around the Way Girl." My first time seeing LL perform live and I was very impressed with his performance...excellent delivery and crowd interaction. Next time we'll have to see LL and Estelle share the stage...their names just sound so good together..