Archive for August 21st, 2006

08.21
06

News Bits: Ray Charles + Count Basie, Snoop Drops “Hot” DVD, Tower Records Bites The Dust

by West ·

Ray CharlesThe late soul legend Ray Charles will be paired with the late swing maestro Count Basie and his legendary orchestra for a CD cobbled together from never-released 70s recordings. Offered by Starbucks, the set, Ray Sings, Basie Swings, will bring the two acts together ala Natalie and Nat King Cole style.

Snoop Dogg will treat fans to a live concert via the magic of DVD. Filmed and recorded live in Belgium, “Drop It Like It’s Hot” will contain 21 tracks of the Doggfather’s biggest hits. The set’s already a hit in Europe where it dropped earlier this year and will be available in the States October 10.

You can get snippets of the DVD at www.TitanTunes.com.

MTV reports that Outkast and A Tribe Called Quest may collaborate on a DJ  Drama Gangsta Grillz mixtape featuring rare tracks and never-relased material. The Atlanta superduo may also appear on Phife Dawg’s solo Songs in the Key of Phife.

And finally, the era of the CD continues to die as Tower Records is now officially bankrupt and up for sale. The CD retailer will be protected under Chapter 11 bankruptcy while it looks for a buyer.