Music

NEW music from some of the hottest music artists in the industry!  Enjoy!

Usher ft. Jay-Z & Ester Dean – “Hot Toddy”

Teairra Mari ft. Mavado – “Coins”

Ne-Yo – “Laying Around”  

Kid Cudi – “Mojo So Dope”

Nicki Minaj – “Ice Cream Man”

Wale – “The Eyes of the Tiger”

Wale – “Ambitious Girl”

Ja Rule – “Man Down”

Nelly – “Just a Dream”

Nina Sky ft. Kidz In The Hall – “Only You (Take Me Away)”

Trey Songz – “Easy On Ourselves”

Jermaine Dupri – “I Heard Um Say”

Monday, July 27, indie record label Champ Camp Music, hosted its much anticipated mixtape release party, “Born on the Finish Line,” at MF Sushi in Buckhead Atlanta.

The free event, hosted by Grammy award winning producer D. Smith, was packed with awe-struck fans who jumped at the opportunity to mix and mingle with Champ Camp artists Lords and Lady, Hard County, Tha Daredevil, Bobbi Heart and Billy Lenox.

Atlanta’s who’s who turned out for the event as well, including celebrity stylist Kithe Brewster, Panel Coordinator and General Manager of the A3C Hip-Hop Festival, Tom White and upcoming artist Nate Walka.  A few even flew in for the event, including Los Angeles music supervisor Steve Collins.

After a rousing performance by the Champ Camp Music family, guests and fans partied the night away at the posh location and enjoyed drinks and the exceptional sounds of Born on the Finish Line, which has officially been released and is available for download at Champ Camp Music.

Pictured below:

Images shot by Amber Johnson (ADillatheGenius) of EyeQ Photography

NEW music from our favorite music artists making comebacks this year!  Enjoy!

Lauryn Hill – “Repercussions”

Fabolous – “Lights Out (I Don’t See Nobody)”

Public Enemy – “Say It Like It Really Is”

Dru Hill – “Shut It Down”

Nelly – “Tippin’ in the Club”

Marques Houston – “Operator”

Ne-Yo – “Hurt Me”

Ice Cube – “Drink The Kool-Aid”

Petey Pablo – “Go”

Jay Sean ft. Nicki Minaj – “2012”

Fat Joe ft. R. Kelly – “How Did We Get Here”

Usher ft. Bun B – “Get In My Car”

Calvin Richardson – “You’re So Amazing”

Enjoy new music from Jazmine Sullivan, Bruno Mars, Eric Benet, Mario, Young Jeezy and many more!

Jazmine Sullivan ft. Fat Joe – Holding You Down (Goin’ In Circles) Remix

Eric Benet – Sometimes I Cry

Young Jeezy ft. Lil Jon – Jizzle

Bruno Mars – Just The Way You Are

Trey Songz – I Want You

Shareefa ft. Raheem DeVaughn – Ya Love

Gucci Mane – Street Cred

Mario – Backstage Pass

Mario – Tappin’ Out

Chris & Neef (formerly the Young Gunz) – We Back

Rich Boy ft. Drake & Lloyd – To The Floor

John Legend & The Roots ft. Melanie Fiona & Common – Wake Up Everybody

The Recording Academy has revised its controversial rule concerning which music artists are eligible for their illustrious and coveted Best New Artist trophy.  Last year, the academy was lampooned by many after hitmaker Lady Gaga was deemed “ineligible” for the prize because she had been nominated for a Grammy previously; the same fate cost Kid Cudi a nomination as well.

However, this year, they have amended the rule slightly.  Now “new artists” can still qualify for the Best New Artist category if they have NOT previously WON a Grammy in another category.  With that new change, suddenly current superstar Drake jumps to the top of the potential nominee list, even after his nods last year in 2 Rap categories for “Best I Ever Had.” 

This rule had previously affected superstars like Beyonce (who won Grammys with group Destiny’s Child prior to becoming a solo smash). 

This looks to be great news for a category that continues to be looked at quizzically.  Is Drake technically still considered a “new” artist?  I don’t think so…but we’ve had recent winners like Shelby Lynne in 2005 who won the award after she had released several albums prior to her win.  All this could mean is that Drake could walk away with even more Grammy metal now that he qualifies.

Trump – This Week’s Winners

Ace- Chris Brown’s Michael Jackson tribute at the BET Awards.  Long considered an industry pariah after Rihanna-gate, Brown seemed like yesterday’s news when it came to awards shows and never seemed to be a contender for a spot on the performance schedule.  All of that went soaring out of the window when BET tapped him to do an official tribute to his idol, the late King of Pop.  Introduced by MJ’s big brother Jermaine, Brown glided and hopped around the stage with great ease; but it was his attempt at singing “Man in the Mirror”  that had him emotional and in overwrought state, capturing viewers’ hearts all over again.  Welcome back, Chris!

King - Rap isn’t as dead as the industry predicted.  Eminem scored the #1 debut on the Billboard 200 Albums chart this week with Recovery, selling almost 800,000 copies.  Last week’s top debut, Drake’s Thank Me Later, hung in there at #2.  With Em scoring the biggest first week sales of any artist in almost two years, and new albums on the horizon from Big Boi, Young Jeezy and Nicki Minaj, rap appears to be back at the forefront of the music industry.

Queen – Jennifer Hudson.  The Academy Award winning actress and Grammy winning songstress finally opened up about the horrific deaths of her mother, brother and nephew on the latest installment of VH1’s Behind the Music.   The newly svelte leading lady says she was “pretty much secluded” and had lost herself.  However, after taking some time for herself, she’s now back on top of her game, playing Mommy to a new son, scoring an endorsement deal with Weight Watchers (hence her new, slim body) and gearing up to play Nelson Mandela’s infamous ex, Winnie Mandela in a biopic due next year. 

Jack- Elena Kagan.  The new Supreme Court Justice nominee came out swinging this week for her confirmation hearings, teetering between hilarious and super serious.  She handled herself with great ease while fielding tough questions centered around her supposed barring of the military from recruiting students during her tenure at Harvard University and her seeming lack of experience as a judge.  Cheers to her for handling it with grace, intelligence and patience.

10 -  Twilight: Eclipse.  Whether you’re Team Edward or Team Jacob, moviegoers turned out in droves for midnight showings of this much anticipated film, shooting it to $30 million from midnight showings alone!  Toy Story 3 may have to watch out – this could be the biggest grossing film of the summer.

Trick – This Week’s Losers

5- Venus Williams.  After leaping back up the rankings to sit comfortably behind her top ranked sister Serena, it looked like Venus was ready to dominate the tennis scene once again, especially at her beloved Wimbledon where she’s won the title 5 times, appearing in 8 of the last 10 finals.  Well, it was not to be.  She crashed out in the quarterfinals to unheralded Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova.  Now, retirement rumors are dogging the 30 year old elder sister of tennis’ First Family.  Can she pull her act together this summer and make a strong run at the US Open?

4 – Supermodel Naomi Campbell.  Campbell can’t catch a break.  Now after a year of dogging court officials, she’s been called to testify in a major case against former Liberian President Charles Taylor.  Taylor has been accused of possessing and selling conflict diamonds and the prosecution feels that Campbell’s testimony will help their case greatly.  Unfortunately for her, she’s officially been summoned and has no other choice but to take the stand.  Models in the Court Room?  Could be a good idea for a new reality series! 

3 - Miley Cyrus.  The supposed “Teen Queen” couldn’t score her previous album’s top debuts, as Eminem stole that title from her.  To make matters worse, the album barely sold over 100,000 copies, a steep decline from her previous Hannah Montana efforts.  Maybe if she started establishing her own identity and refrained from the “reinvention” of recycled traits of the Britney/Christina era, she may be able to score some more sales.  Just a thought….

2 - John Edwards.  The former presidential hopeful was back in the news again this week, with his estranged wife touting the paperback release of her best selling novel that detailed his tawdry affair with Rielle Hunter and his former ”right hand man” Andrew Young (aka the fall guy for the whole love child plot) explicitly detailing how maniacal and dishonest he could be.  Edwards’ once spotless reputation is now officially ruined and it looks like he’ll be attempting to live down his mega mistakes for the remainder of his life.  

Joker -  BP. With Hurricane Alex gearing up to tear through Texas, the oil spill recovery effort took a major blow landing BP in the joker spot for a second week in a row.

Back in 1998, every person imaginable had purchased a (legal) copy of the definitive R&B album of that decade, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.  Scoring 10 Grammy nominations (winning 5 of them, including Album of the Year and Best New Artist), Hill was at the top of the music industry with artists from any and every genre battling to collaborate with her on their own respective albums.  Well, after that mega success hit, something happened and Hill seemed to be overwhelmed by all of the sudden attention being showered upon her.  Sure, she had had incredible success as a part of the beloved hip-hop group The Fugees but she had 2 other people to share those accolades with – this new spotlight was glaringly bright and awkwardly omnipresent.  So she walked away, rarely appearing at industry events and increasing her family (she now has 4 children in addition to her son Zion). 

MTV convinced her to come back for their popular Unplugged series and that gave us a double CD of a stripped down, super soulful Hill who spoke about world issues, heartbreak and strength.  However, that reprieve was shortlived as was the comeback Fugees album that began production shortly after their reunion on the BET awards in 2005.  However, Hill now seems prepared to make a full fledged comeback to the world that has so much love for her.

According to an interview with NPR’s Zoe Chance, Hill says “there were a number of different reasons” why she walked away from the game.  She says, “the support system I needed was not necessarily in place.   There were things about myself, personal-growth things, that I had to go through in order to feel like it was worth it.”  When pressed to ask if she would consider a full-on return to music, Hill responded with “I have five children.  The youngest is two now, so she’s old enough that I can leave her for a period of time and know she’s going to be OK…and I think it’s just time.  I’m starting to get excited again.”

As an avid fan, I’m starting to get excited again just writing this article.  Hill has been touring this summer as a part of the Rock The Bells tour.

NEW leaked music from John Legend, The Roots, Juvenile, B.o.B. Rick Ross & many more!  Enjoy!

Young Jeezy ft. Drake – Lose My Mind (remix)

John Legend & The Roots – Our Generation

Pharrell – Prettiest Girls

Shareefa ft. Rick Ross – By My Side

Juvenile ft. B.o.B – Headbanger

Jazmine Sullivan – Holdin’ You Down

Robin Thicke – My Life

U.C.B. ft. Wale – Diana

Andre 3000 – All Together Now

G-Unit – I’m Where The Dope At

Jae Millz – It’s On

Bun B. ft. T-Pain – Trillionaire

Free download of Estelle Darlings & DJ Trauma’s Mixtape #ialmostmadeamixtape here!

Preview Dwele’s ENTIRE Album W.ANTS W.ORLD W.OMEN here!

Preview The Dream’s Album Love King here!

As XI forges ahead as an international movement, we have already set out to bring you the newest faces this side of the Atlantic.  Now, we are branching out and featuring an artist who is putting an entire nation on his back.  He goes by the moniker Blackfox and representing the nation of Trinidad and Tobago is not an easy task, but he is up for the challenge.  Already receiving notoriety in Trinidad and radio airplay, Blackfox is well on his way of becoming an international star.

Introducing Blackfox…

XI: Who is Blackfox? How did you get that name? A creative style rapper with no equal in his style. Man, I’m so different from the everyday hip hop MC’s because of my in-depth cultural difference.  I was given the name Blackfox while I lived in Trinidad, (because) everyone said my sly demeanor and I always found a way to talk myself out of any situation.

XI: Where are you from? Where do you currently reside? Born in Trinidad and Tobago.  Moved to Germantown – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania when I was 14-years-old.  Truth is, I don’t have a definite place that I reside because I’m currently in Baghdad, Iraq but stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia.

XI: Tell us about how it was growing up and living in Trinidad and the USA? How is/was it different? Well, Trinidad as the brochures and millions of magazines tell it we’re known for just Carnival, but it’s not so. Our culture is so diverse that spans from Indians to Blacks to Chinese people so our country is definitely a melting pot of different ethnicities. Difference is definitely the culture, living in the USA is definitely a culture shock. In Trinidad, there is only a handful of jobs and opportunities for individuals, the USA has many opportunities for people and educational benefits. (You’ll) always get a chance to make it just gotta put your mind to it.

XI: When and how did you get into music? Tell us about your love for music? Started when I was like 9 or 10-years-old, listening to my mother every morning walking around singing Folk and Calypso music.  It was always something I could look forward to regardless of how down I was. Man, music gives you a chance to get away from your average thinking and write experiences, therefore music is my life. I love all types of music, (but) never really got into the heavy metal though. (Laughs)

XI: What’s your personal style/sound? Are you a reggae, hip-hop, soca, or rap artist or do you blend these different styles to get your own personal sound? Got a raspy voice with a melodic delivery, integrating my Caribbean accent into rap making it unique. I consider myself a hip hop artist though but I’m also ready to integrate some soca to rap I think that will be a sound that has never been heard and music is (suppose) to be different.

XI: When did you decide that music would be your chosen career path? During an impromptu freestyle at Germantown High School led to my perseverance to contribute to the hip hop music culture.

XI: When you turned 18, you decided to join the US Army instead, why did you divert from your chosen career path if music was what you really wanted to do? Got into some legal problems and noticing that I needed a quick way out of Philly for a while.  I thought at the time the best choice for me was joining the U.S. Military and putting my musical aspirations on a hold.

XI: Are you currently in the military now? If so, how do you balance the two: music and military life? Yes, I’m still in the military.  It’s very hard but if you want something bad enough you got to make sacrifices.  So what I did was established a portable studio that I currently used even though I’m in the war zone.

XI: What job(s) have you held/hold in the military now? What is your ranking? Medals/Awards? Well, I’m (going to) try to break it down for you… I’m a 13 Bravo (Field Artillery). I’m currently a Howitzer Section Chief.  The rank of Staff Sergeant is my current rank and I have the following awards : 4 Army Commendation Medals, 5 Army Achievement Medals, 2 Good Conduct Medals and 1 Combat Action Badge and a lot more.

XI: Tell us briefly about your experience fighting in Iraq. Has this experience changed your life? What other experiences have been life-changing for you? Well, I been deployed to Iraq for 3 different tours each time my mission has been different, the first time I served as an Howitzer Cannoneer, second time as a Squad Leader in a Combat Patrol Unit, (and the) third time which is my current status as a Squad Leader of a Security Detachment Platoon for the Baghdad Operations Center.  Man, the military changes your life in a lot of ways, (but) the most important is changing a young man from Philly to a proud man with a strong sense of sacrifice. (Though) I think my most life-changing experience happened last year when my lil brother Kion Williams died in a vehicle accident; he was always the one telling me not to give up on dreams. I wish he could of have the chance to know how much his faith in me resulted into me finally pursuing my God given talent.

XI: How has the military shaped you as a music artist? A lot actually because since I’ve been in the Army I think I met the most talented artists which are still unknown to the world. But hopefully with me opening the flood gates the rest should follow.

XI: You are currently working on your debut mixtape, what do you want listeners to learn about Blackfox and his music from this upcoming mixtape? What is your music’s message? Yes, I’m currently working on my solo debut mixtape entitled THE DIARY OF A MAD BLACKFOX. The release date is still to be announced due to my current deployment status but I can guarantee that it will be in the later half of the year. Man, on this mixtape they will definitely be wowed by the unique style and accent, got like two songs on there that will be featured by upcoming reggae artist TEFF from Philly and some production by Tuchpoint Productions. Trying to bring a variety of different art forms to the mixtape by recruiting some artists from different parts of the map. My message is simple, anybody could rep a hood but how many can put a nation on their back.

XI: What is Black Fox’s musical appeal to mass audiences? I think the appeal comes from me being different and talking about a story from a place people are not really aware of.  Showing that no matter where you from or born at you can always have a unique contribution to the hip hop culture.

XI: How has the reception to you and your music been in Trinidad? It’s been crazy, I did a couple of telephonic interviews to radio stations down there and the welcome was beautiful. I also released my first single “Blowing Stacks” featuring upcoming rapper KPee, which is off the upcoming mixtape to the radio DJ’s in Trinidad first. The streets there have embraced me with a Prince welcome begging for more releases ASAP.

XI: Has your music been well-received in the US yet? Do you plan to crossover into the US music industry and internationally? Yes, it has but I’m currently battling trying to get my single played on a lot more radio stations while battling in Iraq. Definitely want to be identified as a contender in the U.S. music industry and internationally.

XI: Who are your influences? Nas, Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z of course and Jadakiss because of his punch for punch wordplay, got to love Beanie Sigel the Mayor of Philly, a lot of international artists like Free Buju Banton, Machel Montano – soca star at its finest, and Bunji Garlin from Trinidad.

XI: Which of your peers have influenced you that you admire? Which of these peers have you collaborated with in the past or would you like to collaborate with in the future? Man, it’s actually a lot but to name a few of my peers that I greatly admire one of them is new reggae sensation TEFF, who I’m currently working with cooking up something crazy.  The other is also a career soldier like myself KPee who is featured on my breakout single “Blowing Stacks” and “Viben.”

XI: What established artists do you dream of working with in the future? Too easy…Man, of course anyone from Young Money cause they got an All-Star lineup, also would like to work with Akon I really admire his work and what he has done for his country. Trey Songz, how can you not say he don’t have the R&B game locked and sewed up. Young Jeezy, dude told his story in his own way and the dude stupid underated, yo. T.I., his presence on any track is felt. The mixtape killer himself, Gucci Mane definitely, he’d put his own swag on the track. Fabolous a track with him will be straight fire! It’s a lot more, but last but not least for now would be Mavado cause he is the Caribbean reggae champ right now.

XI: What do you do when you are not making music? How do you relax? Chill with my daughter and try to spend as much time as possible with her, I relax sipping on something foreign, can’t give away that secret yet. (Laughs)

XI: What other special or hidden talents do you possess? Do these special talents play a part in how you make your music? Another talent I possess is I can actually write poems and that’s what I think makes it so easy for me to write music.

XI: Who is Blaine Williams – the man behind Blackfox? How do the two differ or are they one in the same? Man, Blaine Williams is a loving father and husband, a stellar military soldier, and a multi-cultured individual with a musical alter ego which is Blackfox. They both got one ultimate goal — musical success and domination. The difference I will say is Blaine Williams is the professional soldier that he has to be on-duty and Blackfox is the REAL me.

XI: Lastly, if you were on world tour with one of the biggest music artists in the world…what 3 items would you pack in your suitcase? (3 items can be ANYTHING, but you can only choose 3) Firstly, my microphone so I’m ready to record anywhere anytime, then I gotta have my Blackberry which contains most my material, and last but not least a picture of my daughter.

XI: Any last words? To the readers and the rest of the world I’m so ready to get this popping and show what I’m capable of and I think my first mixtape is going to show that. Given the chance I’m definitely going to raise the bar by adding crazy lyrical content and swag to beats in a way that hasn’t been done. To my people from Trinidad, definitely going to represent the nation the right way and Philly thanks for mentoring an animal.

As you can see Blackfox is a man that has come into his own. Once a kid with aspirations of being an international hip hop rapper, Blackfox has become a man determined to live out his dreams.  And although he maybe serving overseas in Iraq, Blackfox’s tenacity to pursue what many may have thought couldn’t be possible has become a reality for him.  Blackfox has a sly demeanor, smooth delivery, and undeniable swag that cannot be ignored. So, citXIns, listen up…take heed of who this cunning rapper is, or he just may take you by storm.

You can listen to audio for “Blowing Stacks” and “Viben” by Blackfox below. 

For more information about Blackfox, visit www.reverbnation.com/blackfox25 and www.youtube.com/triniblaine1.

“Blowing Stacks”

“Viben”

10 is an important age.  It’s when your eyes start to open to the world around you…you want to dally with the “adult” world…you begin to question childish things…you begin to acquire your role models…you outgrow cartoons…you want to stay up a little longer…basically,  you start going through the motions.

The 10th edition of the BET Awards fit the bill perfectly as it showcased a range of emotions, performances, thoughts and issues with our community.  In order to truly make this usually trashy affair classy, they sought out royalty herself – in the form of Academy Award nominated songstress/former emcee Queen Latifah who fit in perfectly with the awards atmosphere.  She was competent and comedic, effervescent and effective (and who had to love her opening monologue when she reminded us who paved the way for the Lil Kims, Nicki Minajs and Trinas of today).  The Queen ruled!

BET decided to do something different this year by highlighting unsung community heroes in tidbits that were introduced by young talent such as Keke Palmer (whose growing into quite the young lady).  These people are the ones OUR network should be profiling and represented a big step in the right direction.  I must also say that some of the shows that were being promoted, especially the documentary on women and hip-hop, appears to suggest that BET is becoming…conscious!  WHAT!  It only took them….oh, a decade!

The R&B and hip hop world seemed to be ready to crown new royalty, annointing Drake and Nicki Minaj as the new Best Male & Female Hip Hop artists, passing on the usual suspects like Jay-Z, Lil Kim and Trina.  Trey Songz reigned as Best Male R&B Artist, trumping the likes of Usher and Maxwell.  Industry stalwarts didn’t go home completely emptyhanded however, as Beyonce (noticeably absent) got Video of the Year for “Video Phone” and Alicia Keys scored Best Female R&B Artist.  Songz performed as well, minutes after a career reviving showcase by El DeBarge.

As has become typical of the BET Awards, there were some notable duets: Monica performing a “Everything to Me/Silly” rendition with the original artist Denise Williams who inspired Monica’s hit song, Drake hitting the stage with Young Jeezy, the gospel showcase that seemingly shook the rafters (featuring Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, Kirk Franklin, and Karen Clark Sheard), Alicia Keys and gospel giant Kim Burrell, and Eminem joining Keyshia Cole with B.O.B. I will express my disappointment that B.O.B. opted out of using the song “Airplanes” original female artist – Hayley Williams of Paramore.  It appeared to send the wrong message that an artist outside of the R&B/hip hop realm couldn’t be welcome on our stage…but that’s a whole other story.

There was the white-hot tribute to Prince, intermingling the vocal stylings of ingenues like Janelle Monae and Esperanza Spalding with Grammy giants Patti LaBelle (who just kills everything she touches….this woman always manages to amaze me) and Alicia Keys (who has to be called the Queen of the Night…how many PREGNANT women do you know who will grind on top of a piano, strut in mega tall stilettos and tickle the ivories like her fingers were born with a piano attached to them?)

However, the night represented what BET has come to be for many artists – a shelter in a time of storm, a career re-igniter when white America has seemingly counted us out, a reprive just before it looked like the fat lady was about to sing.  Kanye West, still reeling from the MTV/Taylor Swift fiasco, was absolutely mesmerizing as the show’s opener – how ironic that he was one of the most moving artists but we never even SAW HIS FACE!!  Practically hidden in silhouette amidst a mountain top backdrop and dramatic lighting, Mr. West belted out his new single “Power” like he had never pulled a disappearing act.  Welcome home, Kanye.

And finally Chris Brown got his chance at true redemption.  Many in the industry were whispering about the planned Michael Jackson tribute and who would be a part of it.  BET kept it simple: Jermaine Jackson thanked fans for their support and introduced “him”.  “Him” of course was Brown who practically melted across the stage as he re-enacted some of the King’s most iconic moves, including the Moonwalk.  Attempting to close his career-redefining performance, Brown was too emotional to sing Jackson’s “Man In The Mirror”…oh the irony as he finally realized he did that performance to remind the world – and himself – that he is still a genius on the dancefloor.  I’m sure everyone will be buzzing today about what his performance means – but instead of dissecting it, let’s take it for what it is – a raw, emotional and touching performance to the man he considered his idol.  Welcome back, Chris.

The tributes to Haiti and the entertainers we lost this past year were an excellent touch and I nodded violently in agreement with John Legend’s (who accepted the Humanitarian Award) universal call to service.  To whom much is given, much is required and Mr. Legend is living proof that he continues to give back to the underprivileged, the forgotten and the miscast.

10 years is a long way to come and BET proved that, despite some questionable past contrivances and controversies, we can rise to the occasion like only a united, strong black people can.  If this was redefining what black star power is, I cannot wait to see the 11th edition.

What were your favorite moments?  What performance ranked highest in your opinion?  Please feel free to share your thoughts!