Eminem's Recovery Featuring "Not Afraid" featuring "Not Afraid" Shady/Aftermath/Interscope Records
Yesterday Detroit Rap legend Eminem took to the Sirius Radio air waves to return to the Hip Hop game wit a vengeance. His Shade 45 Sirius station played his band new single, “Not Afraid” from his forthcoming seventh studio album, Recovery. The song was produced by Boi 1da, the producer probably best known for Drake’s “Best I Ever Had” and “Forever” by Drake Featuring Kanye West, Lil’ Wayne and Eminem. It has only been a year since the release of his last album, Relapse, but if “Not Afraid” is an indication of anything Em is in the middle of musically reinventing himself.
While Relapse was full of the “Slim Shady” style animated humor and bizarre song concepts, his new album, Recovery appears to be Eminem going back to a more honest song writing style that gave him the critical acclaim during his peak with the movie, 8 Mile . “Not Afraid” is an up lifting song that shows Em growing as a person and artist. He discusses his need to face his demons without the bitterness or a chip on his shoulder that has appeared in past records. The song’s lyrics also find Em admiting that Relapse was not up to his standards. He also says things that indicate that he is finally off all kinds of drug use including even marijuana . He also appears to have more confidence in himself than he has had in many years. This song is truly a step in the right direction for Eminem to allow himself to graduate to more of a mature hip hop entertainer that can continue to present a timeless quality.
Eninem’s Recovery is due June 22, 2010 via Shady/Aftermath/Interscope Records. Eminem has said in interviews on Sirius Radio that the album is “more emotionally driven” than his previous album which was “just Rap records.” Producers on the album will include, Just Blaze, Mr. Porter, Boi 1da and Eminem himself. It will feature guest appearnaces from Drake, Lil’ Wayne, Royce Da 5”9”, Cashis and LLoyd Banks.
New Production Group "The Y's" (Justin Timberlake, Rob Knox & James Fauntleroy II)
Jamie Foxx has not taken time to slow down since the massive success of his hit with T-Pain, “Blame It.” After having one of the most played songs of 2009 and a string of hit movies, Jamie Foxx is certainly feeling like a winner. It is with that in mind that Jamie hooked up with another one of the hottest singer/actors out there, Justin Timberlake for his new song “Winner.” The song is another key milestone in the discography of the work of production trio, “The Y’s”. As their unique name comes up in this post, they probably sound like a new production group on the screne, but they are in fact the exact opposite of rookies in the game!
The Y’s is actually a production group headed up by singer/song writer/producer Justin Timberlake and two other producer/song writers formerly associated with The Underdogs, Rob Knox and James Fauntleroy II. All three of these guys came together naturally when they all continued to network throughout the business. It all began when Justin Timberlake of *N Sync was branching out on his own for his debut solo album Justified. While most of that album was produced by The Neptunes and Timbaland, the two slow songs were produced by Brian McKnight and production group The Underdogs. It was durring the sessions for Justified when Timberlake’s relationship with The Underdogs began. They came up with a handful of songs, one of which made the album, “Still On My Brain,” another that was later sold to Justin Guarini of American Idol fame for his debut album called, “Thinking Of You.”
Justin Timberlake
“Still On My Brain”
(Produced By The Underdogs)
(Jive Records)
As mentioned in previous posts, The Underdogs are a production group that was formed around the songwriting and production of Harvey Mason Jr. and Damon Thomas. The production group had a rotation of various song writers and producers that would contribute to various songs under the Underdogs name. The full list of personel imcluded the following people .
Harvey Mason, Jr.
Damon Thomas
Steven Russell
Saint Nick
Rob Knox
James Fauntleroy II
Tiffany Fred
Erik Griggs
Kevin Randolph
David Stewart
Tank
with on occasion, Eric Dawkins
Tony Dixon
Mischke
Separately, Timberlake and The ‘Dogs grew as songwriters and producers. The Underdogs started up under Babyface and Rodney Jerkins. It was under Babyface’s wing that they got noticed as co-writers of such hits like Drue Hill’s “These Are The Times” and Pink’s “Most Girls.” Away from Babyface they first got noticed for their production for Tyrease, B2k, Beyonce, Chris Brown, Jojo and many others. During their time with the Underdogs, members of the Y’s Robin “Rob Knox” Tadross and James Fauntleroy II, are probably best known for their writing and producing for Chris Brown. Examples of this include “Superhuman” featuring Keri Hilson, “Take You Down” and “No Air” w/Jordin Sparks.
Chris Brown Featuring Keri Hilson
“Superhuman”
(Produced By The Underdogs)
(Jive Records/ZLG)
Chris Brown
“Take You Down”
(Produced By The Underdogs)
(Jive Records/ZLG)
Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown
“No Air”
(Produced By The Underdogs)
(19/Jive Records/JLG)
Pop/R&B superstar Justin Timberlake has been developing also as a songwriter and producer for many years. He first began his song writing with *N Sync group member, JC Chasez notably on their Christmas tune, “Merry Chrismas, Happy Holidays”. (Veit Renn/JC CHASEZ/Justin Timberlake/Vincent Degiorgio)
He continued to grow as a writer, and was responsible for co-writing and/or producing seven songs on *N Sync’s Celebrity album. This includes “Gone” (w/Wade Robson) and “Girlfriend” .(w/Chad Hugo & Pharrell Williams aka The Neptunes) It was those two songs that allowed Justin to spearhead *N Sync into the R&B/Soul genre. It sparked his relationship with The Neptunes that would blossom into them taking JT under their wing , as they produced 9 songs on his solo debut.
*N Sync
“Gone”
(Produced By Justin Timberlake/Wade Robson)
(Jive Records)
*N Sync
“Girlfriend”
(Produced By The Neptunes)
(Jive Records)
Justin Timberlake Featuring Clipse
“Like I Love You”
(Produced By The Neptunes)
(Jive Records)
JT’’s new R&B direction sparked his friendship with Timbaland on his first album and grew on his second solo album. In 2006 Justin’s production and writing skills were very sharp. He not only co-wote, but also co-produced nearly every song on album number 2 with the likes of Timbaland, Danja and Will I Am.
Justin Timberlake Featuring Timbaland
“Sexyback”
(Produced By Timbaland, Danja & Justin Timberlake)
(Jive Records/ZLG)
Justin Timberlake Featuring T.I.
“My Love”
(Produced By Timbaland, Danja & Justin Timberlake)
(Jive Records/ZLG)
It was after the critical acclaim and commercial success of Timberlake’s second album, FutureSex/LoveSound, that made him popular as not only an artist, but also as one of the most sought after song writer/producers for other artists. Many artist went to both Timbaland and Timberlake to help them achieve their balance of critical growth with commercial potential. In some ways it was in fact Justin’s growth as a producer that allowed his producer Timbaland to reinvent his sound with his artists like Keri Hilson and Nelly Furtado. In recent years he has written and/or co-produced songs for the likes of Madonna, Rihanna, Macy Gray, Reba Macentire, Duran Duran, and even former Audioslave front-man, Chris Cornell.
Duran Duran
“Falling Down”
(Produced By Justin Timberlake)
(Epic Records)
Rihanna Featuring Justin Timberlake
“Rehab”
(Produced By Timbaland & Justin Timberlake)
(SRP/Def Jam Records/IDJMG)
Chris Cornell Featuring Justin Timberlake
“Take Me Alive”
(Produced By Timbaland, Jim Beanz & Justin Timberlake)
(Mosley Music Group/Interscope Records)
After developing his sound as a producer both with and away from Timbaland, It was then when Justin got together with Knox and Fauntleroy as “The Y’s.” Most of The Y’s early work started on the debut album of Esmee Denters’, Outta Here. This was the first release from Justin’s label, Tennman and Interscope Records. (Not IN USA). Away from from Esmee’s project, most people would probably know The Y’s production work on T.I.’s, “Dead And Gone”. in which Justin is also a featured performer. They also produced 2 songs on Ciara’s Fantasy Ride album, including, “Love Sex Magic” also featuring Timberlake.
The hit streak for the Ys is going to continue with yet another, “Winner.” As previously mentioned, singer and actor, Jamie Foxx has enlisted the help of the trio to write and produce his next hit, “Winner.” Although it was not originally intended to, the song also features Timberlake on vocals, after an excited Jamie Foxx asked JT to appear along side him after hearing the demo. The song is the breakout single from his forthcoming album, Body , From J. Records. It is currently being used as the theme of this year’s NBA Playoffs.
Rebel Rock Entertainment/Grand Hustle/Atlantic recording artist B.o.B has announced a flurry of activity surrounding the upcoming release of his hugely anticipated debut album. “B.o.B PRESENTS: THE ADVENTURES OF BOBBY RAY” – which includes the #1 hit single, “Nothin’ On You (Feat. Bruno Mars)” – arrives in stores and at all online retailers on April 27th.
“Nothin’ On You” is currently the #1 single in the country, according to Billboard’s “Hot 100,” marking B.o.B as the 4th solo male artist to top the tally with a debut single since October 2009. The track – which is also standing tall at #1 on iTunes’s “Top Singles” chart – is exploding at multi-format radio outlets nationwide. “Nothin’ On You” is #1 on Billboard’s “Rhythmic Airplay” chart – the fastest rising debut track since Drake’s 2009 smash, “Best I Ever Had” – while also drawing top 5 airplay at both Urban and CHR/Top 40 outlets.
“Airplanes (Feat. Hayley Williams of Paramore),” the recently released next single from “B.o.B PRESENTS: THE ADVENTURES OF BOBBY RAY,” is following hot on the heels of “Nothin’ On You,” debuting this week at #12 on Billboard’s “Hot 100” while also standing strong as the #2 best-seller on iTunes’ “Top Singles” chart. What’s more, the track’s superstar-packed sequel, “Airplanes, Part II (Feat. Eminem & Hayley Williams),” is streaming now at B.o.B’s own www.bobatl.com <http://www.bobatl.com/> .
An additional new album track – “Bet I (Feat. T.I. and Playboy Tre)” – has just gone on sale at the iTunes Store, where it has proven an instant hip-hop hit. A sure bet to join “Nothin’ On You” and “Airplanes” on next week’s “Hot 100,” the track has already burst into the Top 10 on iTunes’ “Top Hip Hop/Rap Songs” chart (which is currently topped by “Nothin’ On You” and “Airplanes” respectively).
“B.o.B PRESENTS: THE ADVENTURES OF BOBBY RAY” is now available for pre-order at B.o.B’s official website, www.bobatl.com <http://www.bobatl.com/> . An array of packages are on offer, with exclusive extras including immediate MP3 downloads of both “Nothin’ On You” and “Satellite”, as well as a bonus track on release date; a “Haterz Everywhere” t-shirt; a limited edition B.o.B poster (signed for the first 100 orders); the “Nothin’ On You” video; a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the upcoming “Bet I” video; and a private post-release webchat with B.o.B himself. In addition, www.bobatl.com <http://www.bobatl.com/> is jam-packed with tons of exclusive tracks, videos and user-generated features.
“B.o.B PRESENTS: THE ADVENTURES OF BOBBY RAY” will premiere this weekend via an exclusive MySpace listening party at B.o.B’s official MySpace page, www.myspace.com/bobatl <http://www.myspace.com/bobatl> , slated for Saturday, April 24th and Sunday, April 25th. The rapper has already proven an online phenom, with over 24 million total plays at MySpace alone.
Having spent much of last year sharing stages with such like-minded artists as Asher Roth, Kid Cudi, and Shwayze, B.o.B is currently heralding the release of “B.o.B PRESENTS: THE ADVENTURES OF BOBBY RAY” by supporting 1st & 15th/Atlantic labelmate Lupe Fiasco’s “Steppin Laser Tour.” The dates – many of which are already long sold out – continue through early May. B.o.B also performed at this past weekend’s Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in Indio, California – the first of a series of eagerly awaited festival appearances that also includes the upcoming Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival as well as Lollapalooza (see attached itinerary).
Born Bobby Ray Simmons, B.o.B has been a familiar face on TV in recent months with breakout performances at BET’s Rip The Runway and MTV’s annual Spring Break festivities. The ATL-based rapper/musician/producer was named last week’s “MTV P.U.S.H. (Play Until Someone Hears) Artist Of The Week,” with over 100 promotional spots airing across all MTV platforms. What’s more, he performed on the nationally syndicated The Ellen DeGeneres Show earlier this week, with further appearances slated for the May 12th episode of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! as well as the nationally syndicated The Wendy Williams Show – check local listings for complete details.
One of hip-hop’s most inventive and exciting young artists, B.o.B has quickly drawn a bounty of rapturous critical applause. In its 2010 “Faces To Watch” feature, Billboard celebrated the rapper’s “versatility,” declaring that he “recalls both OutKast’s Big Boi and crooner Raheem DeVaughn and may be the first rapper to play the guitar well.” XXL – which named B.o.B among its “10 Freshmen of 2009” – called him “ready for stardom,” while John Ivey, program director at Los Angeles’ influential KIIS-FM, told Entertainment Weekly that the multi-talented MC is his pick for “next big thing,” explaining that “a lot of hip-hop guys are just rappers, but (B.o.B) plays guitar and just kills it.”
Furthermore, Smooth celebrated B.o.B’s “virtuosic talent” and “lyrical directness,” while Ozone called him “one of the most anticipated newcomers in the game.” Nylon hailed B.o.B as a leading figure of “a new generation of hip-hop upstarts” and the Wall Street Journal concurred, praising the MC for “testing the genre’s conventions.” Additional profiles have appeared in such publications as Complex and Paste, which included B.o.B in its “The Best of What’s Next ‘09” round-up.
“B.o.B PRESENTS: THE ADVENTURES OF BOBBY RAY” sees the resourceful rapper producing the majority of the album by himself, while also playing multiple musical instruments, including piano, trumpet and French horn. In addition, B.o.B is joined by a star-studded line-up of surprising special guests, including Hayley Williams of Paramore, T.I., Eminem, Janelle Monáe, Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo, Playboy Tre, and Lupe Fiasco. Endlessly inventive tracks such as “5th Dimension” and “Magic” offer a funky and fascinating journey into a gifted new talent’s far-reaching imagination.
“I just want to show people that there are endless possibilities of what you can do,” B.o.B says. “You don’t just have to be a rapper, you don’t just have to be a trapper; you can be anything you want to be and whatever you do, just love it and it will show.”
For up-to-the-minute news and information, please visit www.bobatl.com <http://www.bobatl.com> , www.myspace.com/bobatl <http://www.myspace.com/bobatl> , or www.twitter.com/bobatl <http://www.twitter.com/bobatl> .
(TOUR ITINERARY ATTACHED)
B.o.B
ON TOUR 2010
All Dates w/Lupe Fiasco’s “Steppin Laser Tour” Except *
APRIL
23 Charlotte, NC UNC
26 Houston, TX House of Blues
27 Dallas, TX House of Blues
29 Denver, CO Ogden Theatre
MAY
1 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
2 Los Angeles, CA House of Blues
5 San Francisco, CA Regency Ballroom
6 Portland, OR Roseland Theater
7 Seattle, WA Showbox SoDo
JUNE
11 Manchester, TN Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival *
As several sources in music media have already reported, Guru of the Hip Hop duo Gangstarr passed away. The genre leader was greatly weakened by a heart attack that reportedly placed him into a coma This past February. Unfortunately, his health continued to take a turn for the worse, leaving him hospitalized until he died from cancer complications on April 19th.
His friend and producer Solar said the following in a statement,
“Guru has passed away yesterday after a long battle with cancer.
Guru suffered from the malicious illness for over a year and after numerous special treatments under the supervision of medical specialists failed, the legendary MC succumbed to the disease.”
In interest of ensuring that you are all informed on this highly involved story, Clizbeats has decided to outsource coverage to Sway of MTV News. Sway had a personal relationship with Guru, and provides great context to the significance of his career and Gang Starr in a way that we would could not. We were just kids during much of Guru’s career, and were unfortunately never able to build a professional relationship with him or Gang Starr. His loss is felt greatly by everyone associated with Clizbeats. What he was as an artist and a person was just legendary. We wish the best for his family and friends durring this trying time.
Sway of MTV News Speaks About The Life And Death Of Guru From Gang Star
Courtesy of MTV News
Please enjoy the video that first introduced Matt & Craig of Clizbeats to Gang Starr when they released their, Moment Of Truth album in 1998.
Tommy Page's "Paintings In My Mind" album 1990 Sire/Warner Bros. Records
Clizbeats.com congratulates our friend and supporter, Tommy Page on his 20th anniversary of reaching the top of the Pop Charts with, “I’ll Be Your Everything” this week. Since then Tommy remains a force behind the scenes at his label Warner Bros, and Reprise Records. He has been influential in radio promotion and has even gotten to sign some stars himself! Take a listen to Clizbeats’ exclusive chat with him about his success!
Craig and Matt Clizbe of Clizbeats were absolutely delighted to have an unexpected visit to their home state of Delaware by Philippine singing sensation Charice!!! Out of all the talented performers they met, she easily ranks near the top. Standing 4 feet ‘11 inches tall, Charice humbly walks in to the studio’s of Delaware pop station WSTW FM where all the local music related press was gathered to hear her. In a room of people 2 and 3 times her age, Charice politely bowed to everyone she met, and quietly let her record sell her up to the room of professionals. Her reputation of being discovered by Oprah producers on Youtube preceding, there was an eagerness to hear what she was work with. With that said, there was no way to be able to anticipate the kind of magic that was in store. As soon as the play button was pressed, Charice opened her pint-sized mouth, and proceed to shake the room with what has to be one of biggest new voices in music history!
The guys consider it a true honor that to be able to meet Charice. Her talent exceeds that of many in the music industry, and her humble and down to earth spirt is an example for us all. God has truly blessed her. Learn all about her in the video below.
Charice: A Star Is Born
Want More? Check out her brand new first single below.
While Craig & Matt were away in New York recently with Bad Boy Records, our friends Robin Thicke and Paula Patton welcomed their first child into the world. Julian Fuego, was born on Tuesday, 4/6/2010 in Los Angeles. Thicke’s reps tell us that “Mother, father and son are all doing well,”
Clizbeats.com and Craig & Matt Clizbe send out sincere well wishes to the entire Thicke family who has always shown Clizbeats nothing but love and support! Hope you are doing well Robin and Paula! Robin we hope to run into you on thr road again soon! Enjoy being a daddy!
Clizbeats.com heads Craig & Matt Clizbe had a really memorable night in Philly last night hanging with a Walt Disney Animation legend! Worlds collided when the music bloggers attended the philadelphia screening of the new Disney documentary, “Waking Sleeping Beauty”. The duo was unexpectedly joined by the film’s producer, Peter Schneider! While Mr. Schneider had the whole room fighting for his attention, he was kind enough to pose for a picture and talk for a bit with. It was a very exciting night for two brothers that grew up loving everything Disney! Just wanted to share it with the Clizbeats.com audience. check out the trailer to his wonderful film below!
Glen Power from international Pop/Rock band, The Script called into Clizbeats to chat about a little bit of everything involved with the making of the band! ! Take a few minutes to learn the story of the guys who came together unexpectedly, only to become one of the biggest forces in Pop music around the world. This is without a doubt a very unique and candid conversation, as Glen tells us all, “The Unwritten Story of The Script!!”
As it was emphasized through the performance of a Broadway version of Green Day’s “21 Guns” during last months Grammy’s, American Idiot, the famed concept album from Green Day will in fact be making a run as a Theatrical play. What none of us were able to anticipate however, was what impressing “The nicest guy in Hollywood” would have on it. Reports have been exploding across the web all day, that Tom Hanks is currently in the process of enlisting his production company, Playtone Productions to transform the still budding musical into a full length feature film. When it comes to film concepts, Hanks is a man after the Clizbeats heart! In addition to American Idiot, his musically oriented filmography includes 1996′ “That Thing You Do”, a story of a home town band’s rise to fame as 1960’s Rock & Roll Stars. Playtone’s proven ability of good music themed story telling, success of interpreting musicals through their production of “Momma Mia”, and Hanks’ overall instincts for good films, shows great promise for the record breaking album turned feature. This is truly exciting!
In celebration of all hype recently surrounding American Idiot,Reprise Records & Warner Brothers Records has specifically permitted Clizbeats.com to publish a promotional studio recording of the American Idiot single “21 Guns” Performed by Green Day and the Musical’s cast. It is an amazing version. We are proud to Bring it to you. We will keep you up to date as new information about the musical develops.
Announcing the upgraded Clizbeats.com, our online magazine for hit music lovers. We will continue to add new interviews and articles along with some of our older ones. Please visit often. We appreciate your continued support and we thank you for caring about what we do from the bottom of our hearts! More...
Craig and Matt Clizbe, Co-founders, Clizbeats Productions, Inc.
Atlanta Hip Hop sensation B.O.B. aka Bobby Ray checked in with Craig & Matt of Clizbeats.com! Bob told them about how his love for all types of different music, especially Rock has made him one of the most creative new voices in Hip Hop today. Hear all about the adventure of Bobby Ray!
Check Out B.O.B.’s [...]
Clizbeats.com congratulates our friend and supporter, Tommy Page on his 20th anniversary of reaching the top of the Pop Charts with, “I’ll Be Your Everything” this week. Since then Tommy remains a force behind the scenes at his label Warner Bros, and Reprise Records. He has been influential in radio promotion and has even gotten to sign some [...]
Clizbeats.com is proud to present an exclusive world wide premiere of The Elevated Mixtape The Remix by Clizbeats Featured Artist and the latest addition to the Bad Boy family, Jeremy Greene!
Everything about this kid’s story has turned out to be the American dream, and he has the combination of a singing talent and hustlers heart [...]
Glen Power from international Pop/Rock band, The Script called into Clizbeats to chat about a little bit of everything involved with the making of the band! ! Take a few minutes to learn the story of the guys who came together unexpectedly, only to become one of the biggest forces in Pop music around the world. This [...]
Take a listen to a preview of Clizbeats’ upcoming interview with Cash Money/Universal Republic recording artist/producer, Kevin Rudolf! In this clip you will hear Kevin discusses Lil’ Wayne’s incarceration, and the music we will hear from Wayne in 2010 despite his absence from Cash Money Records!
(Not playing? Click here )
Audio Feature Credits
Host Matt Clizbe
Interviewers Craig [...]
As we mentioned in an article post from back in June, Clizbeats Featured artist Asher Roth is making his return to the game with his second album, The Septette Tree that is now preparing for release. This time he trades in the college loving party anthem s for a more progressive unity oriented mind. You [...]
The much anticipated MTV Unplugged performance from B.O.B. is now live courtesy of MTV and MTV.com. Take a look at some of the stripped down performances of some of the favorites from his album B.O.B. Presents The Adventures Of Bobby Ray. The set features collaborations on stage with the likes of Robin Thicke, Janelle Monae [...]
Yes Its true, after over a year of being his very successful Island Def Jam label mate, Justin Bieber has had his dream of working with Kanye West come true. West’s remix of Bieber’s song “Runaway Love” made its way online yesterday. Bieber’s vocals are the originals from My World 2.0 , while Kanye puts his [...]
Guitar legend in Rock and Pop music, Carlos Santana is returning to the music biz strong with his eleventh solo album, Guitar Heaven: Santana Performs the Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time. The set is exactly what the title implies it to be, a collection of 13 cover songs of some major guitar driven tunes. [...]
“Not That Far Away” is the title track of Jennette’s EP that has been released digitally and is now available on iTunes. Jennette co-wrote three of the four tracks on the EP including the title track which she wrote with Rachel Proctor and Blair Daly. All of the tracks were produced by Paul Worley (Lady [...]
