Album Review: Lil' Wayne - Tha Carter III

Here's the Rolling Stone album review that broke Lil Wayne to the mainstream as "The Greatest Rapper Alive".

Rating: 4 1/2 Stars out of 5

OK, it's true: he really is the best rapper alive. Lil Wayne made that claim on his last official CD, in 2005, and since then, he's unleashed an astonishing torrent of mixtapes, leaks and guest appearances to back up the boast. So his long-anticipated "legit" album follow-up feels a bit gratuitous. Still, Tha Carter III is useful as an exclamation point. It establishes beyond a doubt that the zeitgeist in 2008 belongs to one artist: a dreadlocked dadaist poet from New Orleans with a bad weed habit and a voice like a bullfrog. As Wayne croaks in the woozy "3Peat," "Get on my level/You can't get on my level/You will need a space shuttle/Or a ladder that's forever."



Wayne has taken the task of album-making seriously: This isn't a mixtape, it's a suite of songs, paced and sequenced for maxaqimum impact. He's collected sleek, powerful beats from top producers (Kanye West, Swizz Beatz), enlisted A-list guest stars (Jay-Z, T-Pain) and served up a range of textures and moods, from the elegiac Hurricane Katrina protest "Tie My Hands" to the bubblegum bumper "Lollipop," in which Weezy has a laugh at selling out by creating the most outrageously pumped-up sellout single in history. Thematically, Carter III is a victory lap. In the hilarious "Dr Carter," he boasts about resuscitating hip-hop: "As I put the light down his throat/I can only see flow/His blood's starting to flow/His lungs starting to grow."

As usual, Wayne's tumbling freestyle rhymes are full of imagination and surprise, but his voice itself is half the fun. He shouts, gasps, tries a Caribbean patois, sings snatches of "Umbrella" and "Irreplaceable," and impersonates E.T. He loves that brother-from-another-planet stuff —"I am a Martian," he raps —but it's clear he's also thinking about his worldly legacy. The album cover links Carter III to Biggie's Ready to Die and Nas' Illmatic, and he makes no bones about coveting a spot in hip-hop's pantheon. "Next time you mention Pac, Biggie or Jay-Z/Don't forget Weezy Baby," he advises on "Mr Carter." It's sound advice. (Jody Rosen)

Album Review: Adele - 19

In honor of the upcoming Grammy Awards--and so you can get better acquainted with why the nominees are nominees-- we're posting a few album reviews for your reading pleasure.



Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Like fellow crooners Amy Winehouse and Kate Nash, Adele Adkins polished her skills at the Brit School in south London — as good a finishing academy as American Idol. Her debut, which topped the British charts earlier this year, lacks the bad-girl brio of those grads, but it shows off a vocal instrument that smokes the competition.

Check out "Cold Shoulder," a lover's blues, produced by Winehouse's secret weapon, Mark Ronson: Over swirling strings and a snare pattern borrowed from James Brown's "Funky Drummer," Adele reads her man the riot act with a mix of Memphis-soul-mama swoops and cockney-street-punk stops. "Melt My Heart to Stone" and "Tired," co-written with veteran U.K. hit-maker Eg White, are retro-modern R&B exercises with similar charm. On more sparsely arranged numbers, though — including a measured cover of Bob Dylan's unlikely pop standard "Make You Feel My Love" — her marvelous technique can become cloying, and the boilerplate verses on her originals don't help. Here's hoping the girl's storytelling will one day be as interesting as her phrasing. (Will Hermes)

[Via Rollingstone.com]

Superstar Lineup For 51st Anuual Grammy Awards Announced

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Jan. 29, 2009) — U2, Kid Rock, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, and Rihanna are the latest performers announced for the 51st Annual GRAMMY® Awards. They join previously announced performers Kenny Chesney, Coldplay, Jennifer Hudson, Jonas Brothers, Lil Wayne, Paul McCartney (with special guest drummer Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters), Katy Perry, Radiohead, T.I. and Justin Timberlake, Carrie Underwood, and Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, T.I. and Kanye West in a special performance of their hit single "Swagga Like Us." Actor Simon Baker (CBS' "The Mentalist"), actor/musician Jack Black, current three-time GRAMMY nominee Duffy, current nominee Josh Groban, three-time GRAMMY-winning jazz musician and current nominee Charlie Haden, actor Samuel L. Jackson and Academy Award®-winning actress and current GRAMMY nominee Gwyneth Paltrow will appear as presenters.

The music industry's premier event will take place live on Sunday, Feb. 8, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in HDTV and 5.1 Surround Sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

[Via Grammy.com]

Hot Deals - Bonus Time at Musician's Friend

Hey, Rockstar! Is this YOUR year--the year you've resolved to make things happen? If so, Musician's Friend wants to throw some money your way to help you start up that band you've been fantasizing about your entire life. Earn Up to $150 in Bonus Bucks at Musician's Friend from now until February 3rd! You'll be able to buy the guitar and the amp. Rock out!

Ting Tings Video Premiere

Straight from the MTV studios, here's the premiere of Ting Tings' brand new video,
"That's Not My Name". Watch. Discuss. Enjoy.

Should Britney be Banned?

The ever-controversial Britney Spears is in hot water again. This time, she's getting flack from The Parents Television Council for her latest single, "If U Seek Amy" . The nonprofit organization is urging radio stations not to broadcast the song because they believe it "would violate the broadcast indecency law" if aired between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

PTC president, Tim Winter, had a few things to say about Britney's new single. "Saying the title phrase quickly out loud produces a sound akin to spelling out the F-word," he said. "There is no misinterpreting the lyrics to this song, and it's certainly not about a girl named Amy."

But the controversy isn't stopping U.S. radio from playing "If You Seek Amy." Six Top 40 stations have the song in rotation this week, enough to place the track at No. 92 on the Billboard Pop 100 chart. Listen to the song here to hear what all the controversy's about. Do you agree with the Parents' Television Council? Should radio ban Britney?

Via Dailytimes.com

Should American Idol Hang Up The Mic?

Though last Tuesday's American Idol premiere saw a 10% slide in viewership from last season's opener, for the first time in five seasons, the second episode has gone up in the ratings.

Sources claim, Wednesday's episode grew 1% in adults 18-49, which is big news considering that the second episodes of the seasons have been dropping in ratings, notably, since 2004.
Wednesday's show also retained 99% of its 2008 audience.
Could the addition of a new judge, Kara DioGuardi, have helped Idol's ratings? Time will tell.

Calling All Artists!

The upcoming ma World Conference will be an event of unprecedented opportunity, marking the beginning of a new era for Market America. This year, Vice President of Internet Marketing Steve Ashley will be talking about an exciting, new music platform that will be launched after ma World Conference! This new facet of our recently launched music channel, maMyWorld, will allow unsigned and independent music artists to sell their own music on the MyWorld Portal. It will also offer professional services to help emerging artists break through to the mainstream. This includes the opportunity to work one-on-one with Grammy Award-nominated producers!
In honor and support of Market America's emerging talent, we're calling on all music artists within the Market America community for the chance to perform at the ma World Conference in Miami, Fla. this Feb., and at the ma International Convention in Greensboro, N.C. this Aug. We're looking for fresh talent in all genres and musical styles. This is a wonderful opportunity for unsigned and independent artists to gain some serious exposure at two major, sold-out events averaging over 23,000 attendees!

Interested? Here's what we'll need from you.

1. Set up an artist profile in maChatterbox.
2. Upload your music video/talent performance and/or provide a link to your music on your Chatterboard.
3. Send a message to Chatterbox user maTalent asking our talent scout to check out your music.

All entries for ma World Conference consideration should be submitted by Monday, Jan. 26 before midnight, EST. We will be accepting entries after the 26th for potential International Convention performers. If you are applying for ma World Conference, please specify whether you'll be attending the event in your message.

See you at ma World Conference!

Beyonce Scores Big Gig!

Tonight will mark a historic presidential inauguration, and Beyonce Knowles has been invited to take part in history. She will be performing Barack and Michelle Obama's first dance song on inauguration night! Word on the streets is that she'll be singing "At Last" by Etta James. Congratulations, B! (and O too, naturally.)

Let Mozart Play

The Deal: MusiciansFriend.com now carries the EVH Wolfgang Guitar. Are you ready to rock like Mozart? Then ick-up one of these classics and get to strummin'. Right now, you can save $75 off on your purchase as well at MusiciansFriend.com.

The Details: Visit MusiciansFriend.com and enter coupon code MF23 at checkout to savwe $75 off your purchase. This offer expires 1/31/09.

The Naked Truth About Kanye West

You can't teach an old dog new tricks--Kanye West is proof of that! In the February issue of Vibe — the only cover story he's done to promote 808s & Heartbreak — the Grammy winner showcases his still-existent, self-absorbed love for...well...himself.


[photo via mtv.com]

Here's an excerpt from some of Ye's "enlightening" convo with VIBE. "I made a decision. I wanna make popular music, but I want less fans," he told writer Sean Fennessey when asked if he was comfortable with fame. "I want the freedom of having less fans. It's like the freedom of having less money. If you have less money, you have less responsibility. It's like Björk. If she wanted to pose naked, you'd be like, 'Oh, that's Björk.' But if I wanted to pose naked, people would draw all type of things into it. I definitely feel like, in the next however many years, if I work out for two months, that I'll pose naked. I break every rule and mentality of hip-hop, of black culture, of American culture."

Ummm...okay. Kanye wants to pose naked now!? We can't help but question his motives. Does he want to pose naked for "artistic" reasons, or for the attention that will come along with it?

Kanye concluded the interview by praising himself (yet again). "I believe I am the greatest entertainer of this generation. I go neck-and-neck on Jay-Z and [Lil] Wayne as far as who's the best lyricist. Jay-Z has longevity."

And there you have it-- from us! Let's hear from you. What do you think of Kanye's latest antics?

[story via mtv.com]

Phish Announces Summer Tour Dates

Phish Phans take note: Three months after announcing their long-anticipated reunion with a trio of shows March 6-8 at Virginia's Hampton Coliseum; Phish has unveiled a summer tour itinerary!

The quartet has scheduled 10 dates so far, kicking things off with a two-night stand June 4 and 5 at Jones Beach on Long Island...No word yet on any West Coast dates.

Phishheads are also guessing that the weeklong gap between dates in early June means that the boys will take time out from their road show to be one of the headliners at the Bonaroo Music and Arts Festival, taking place June 11-14 in Manchester, Tenn.

Here's the complete rundown of Phish's summer tour:



• June 4: Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, N.Y. • June 5: Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, N.Y. • June 6: Comcast Center, Mansfield, Mass. • June 7: Susquehanna Bank Center, Camden, N.J. • June 9: Asheville Civic Center, Asheville, N.C. • June 16: Fox Theatre, St. Louis, Mo. • June 18: Post Gazette Pavilion, Burgettstown, Pa. • June 19: Verizon Wireless Music Center, Noblesville, Ind. • June 20: Alpine Valley, East Troy, Wis. • June 21: Alpine Valley, East Troy, Wis.

[via yahoo music]

Billboard's List of Top Songs... Ever!

Would you be able to guess the Top 10 songs of all time? Would you believe that Elvis or The Beatles aren’t even in the top 5!? And how’s this for a surprise? Chubby Checker’s “The Twist” nabbed the #1 spot according to Billboard, who recently put together a list comprised of the Top 10, #1 songs in the 50 years of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.




The Billboard Hot 100 chart measures airplay and sales information in determining the nation’s most popular songs. To determine the most popular song of the Hot 100 era, Billboard used a formula to determine the top song—not always relying on weeks at #1 since the data hasn’t always been reported that way.

Check out the rest of the list for a few more surprises:

10. Toni Braxton - “Un-break My Heart”
9. Mariah Carey - “We Belong Together”
8. The Beatles - “Hey Jude”
7. Debby Boone - “You Light Up My Life”
6. Olivia Newton John - “Let’s Get Physical”
5. Los Del Rio - “Macarena”
4. Lee Ann Rimes - “How Do I Live”
3. Bobby Darin - “Mack the Knife”
2. Santana featuring Rob Thomas - “Smooth”
1. Chubby Checker - “The Twist”

Kelly Clarkson Sheds Rocker Image, Embraces Inner Pop Diva

[Image via popeater.com]

Check out Kelly Clarkson's just released album art for her highly anticipated new single, "My Life Would Suck Without You". Clarkson's new record, due on March 17, will be her first release since 2007's "My December," and by the look of it; the album will be a far cry from "My December's" dark, rocker chick aesthetic.

We think the American Idol alum is a true talent, and we're excited to hear the new material. What do you think of Clarkson's new look?

Rap's Roots Found in, er, Scotland?

A new report claims that rap's roots can be traced all the way back to the almighty homeland of hip-hop--Scotland.

That's right, folks--Scotland!

Professor Ferenc Szasz of The University of New Mexico argues that so-called rap battles, where two or more performers trade elaborate insults, derive from the ancient Caledonian art of "flyting". According to the theory, Scottish slave owners took the tradition with them to the United States, where it was adopted and developed by slaves, emerging many years later as rap.

"The Scots have a lengthy tradition of flyting - intense verbal jousting, often laced with vulgarity, that is similar to the dozens that one finds among contemporary inner-city African-American youth. "Both cultures accord high marks to satire. The skilled use of satire takes this verbal jousting to its ultimate level - one step short of a fist fight," he said.

Professor Szasz cites an American civil war poem, printed in the New York Vanity Fair magazine on November 9, 1861, as the first recorded example of the battles being used in the United States.

[Photo via Wanderlust Photography]
[Via Telegraph.co.uk]