HRS News

John Legend ft. Andre 3000

Check out John Legend’s newest track “Green Light” featuring Andre 3000 of Outkast from his new album due in October.  Listen Now!

http://www.myspace.com/johnlegend

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Barack Obama, is a fan of some rap music but he recently voiced a concern many hip-hop lovers have been discussing for years.

“I am troubled sometimes by the misogyny and materialism of a lot of rap lyrics,” the Democratic presidential contender said in an interview with Rolling Stone, “but I think the genius of the art form has shifted the culture and helped to desegregate music.”

He also gave a shout out to Russell Simmons and Jay-Z as “great talents and great businessmen.”

“It would be nice if I could have my daughters listen to their music without me worrying that they were getting bad images of themselves,” he added.

The interview, in this week’s magazine, also sees him discuss the artists found on his iPod which include Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones and more.

In related news, Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am recently said in a separate Rolling Stone interview he created “Yes We Can,” the award-winning, star-studded video ode to Obama, for the sake of the kiddies.

“Children say, ‘I wanna be like 50 Cent, I wanna be like Kanye West,’” he opined. “Shouldn’t they say, ‘I wanna be like Barack Obama?’”

More with will.i.am on the story behind the creation of the “Yes We Can” video

If you’re going to be in Chicago sometime between July 18-20, take some time to check out great live music at the annual Pitchfork Music Fest. Taking place in Chicago’s Union Park, the fest will feature a diverse slate of acts including Public Enemy, Ghostface & Raekwon, and Dizzee Rascal along with a number of alternative rock and pop acts. Chicago Innerview will dedicate their entire July issue to complete coverage of the event, so you can either get an offline copy at a location near you, or check out the festival breakdown online.

List of acts:

Day One: Public Enemy, Sebadoh, Mission of Burma

Day Two, 12:30—3:00: Caribou, Jay Reatard, Titus Andronicus, A Hawk & A Hacksaw, Boban & Marko Markovic Orkestar
Day Two, 2:20—5:20: Dizzee Rascal, Fleet Foxes, Fuck Buttons, The Ruby Suns, Icy Demons
Day Two, 5:00—8:00: !!!, The Hold Steady, Elf Power, Vampire Weekend, Extra Golden
Day Two, 7:30—10:00: Animal Collective, Jarvis Cocker, No Age, Atlas Sound

Day Three, 12:30—3:00: Mahjongg, The Dirty Projectors, High Places, Boris, Times New Viking
Day Three, 2:20—5:20: The Apples in Stereo, Les Savy Fav, HEALTH, King Khan & the Shrines, El Guincho
Day Three, 5:00—8:00: Spiritualized, Ghostface & Raekwon, M. Ward, The Dodos, Occidental Brothers Dance Band International
Day Three, 7:30—10:00: Spoon, Dinosaur Jr., Bon Iver, Cut Copy

There were many great R&B/Soul album releases this month including the latest from “neo-soul” (not so new at this point) crooner Dwele.

Dwele’s Sketches Of A Man is being deemed a potential classic by old and new fans and sees him writing, producing, arranging and playing all instruments on nearly all of the tracks. “With my music I try to touch on things that everyone can relate to, Dwele says. “Things like, being a musician and trying to find the balance between work and love.” Listen to Sketches of A Man.

We’ve also got a release from our spotlighted artist Hil St. Soul who recently took the time to talk to us about the emotions behind the music of Black Rose. “For me music is a catharsis,” lead vocalist, Hilary Mwelwa told us. “it’s therapeutic. You go through so much in life. We all experience ups and downs.”

Also new are sets from rock/soul legend Solomon Burke, Anthony David, Ashanti, Lalah Hathaway, and even seminal Brazilian artist Sergio Mendes who again teams with contemporary hip-hop/R&B/pop artists.

Get the entire list of June R&B/Soul album releases…

Also check out the list of June Rap/Hiphop album releases.

Top 10 Rap/Hip-hop releases

Top 10 R&B/Soul releases

Congrats to the winner of last week’s giveaway.

Folks, we’re taking the week off for the 4th of July holiday, so check back next Monday for our next giveaway.

Fans of classic hip-hop:

Don’t forget rap veteran LL Cool J will drop his 13th and final album August 5. Exit 13 features LL’s current single “Rockin with the G.O.A.T.” Just in case you haven’t seen it yet, the video’s below.

NEW VIDEO: LL Cool J - “Rockin with the G.O.A.T.”

Will Smith thinks he’d make a good Obama since they both have big ears. Shocker.

CNN

The second studio album from G Unit, T.O.S.: Terminate On Sight, is due to drop July 1, right now fans can hear the album at www.gunit.tv.

Originally scheduled for a release earlier this month, the features the singles “Rider Pt. 2″ and “I Like The Way She Do It.” The album also boasts production from Polow Da Don, Jake One, and Swizz Beatz

http://www.myspace.com/gunit

“The Insider” has obtained papers related to the custody of Kimora and Russell’s two young daughters.
Kimora Lee has obtained sole legal and physical custody of Ming, 8, and Aoki, 5. Russell gets visitation with the girls for one week every eighth week with additional summer vacation and holiday time. Kimora won the legal authority to make all decisions regarding the kids’ health, education and welfare.

Read entire article on the Insider

Jill Scott’s engagement ring was just one on the observations at last night’s BET Awards in Los Angeles. Her drummer, Lil John Roberts is reportedly the lucky man.

Kanye West and UGK lead the winners for the night with two awards each.

Barack Obama buzz swept through the BET Awards.

Reverend Al Green gave a ridiculous performance of his classics “Let’s Stay Together” and “Love and Happiness” and was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Don’t forget to check out his new album.

That was Maxwell who joined Scott to tribute Green. Remember him?

Finally, who can deny the power of Alicia Keys performing with 90s artists TLC, En Vogue and SWV? WOW.

Watch before BET takes it away:


LIST OF WINNERS:
* Best Female R&B Artist: Alicia Keys
* Best Male R&B Artist: Chris Brown
* Best Group: UGK
* Best Gospel Artist: Marvin Sapp
* Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Missy Elliott
* Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Kanye West
* Video of the Year: UGK featuring Outkast, “International Player’s Anthem (I Choose You)”
* Best Video Director: Erykah Badu and Mr. Roboto
* Best Actress: Halle Berry
* Best Actor: Denzel Washington
* Female Athlete of the Year: Candace Parker
* Male Athlete of the Year: Kobe Bryant
* Best Collaboration: Kanye West featuring T-Pain, “Good Life”
* Viewers’ Choice Award: Lil Wayne featuring Static, “Lollipop”
* BET J Award: Raheem DeVaughn
* Best New Artist: The-Dream
* Lifetime Achievement Award: Al Green