After burning up the clubs for many a year, Afrobeats are finally roaring their way into the mainstream.
And with the likes of Tiwa Savage leading the way, next up is Kanye West‘s Nigerian protegee D’Banj.
A staple on the music scene of his homeland, the rapper was snapped up by Ye’s GOOD Music imprint last year, and has today unveiled the video for his first mainstream release ‘Oliver Twist’.
Armed with many an African ism (see: “gari”, “omotola”), the uptempo sees the rising star fuse the West with West Africa, blending up a banger of a track.
Hit ‘Play’ on the clip above (which features cameos from West, label mate Big Sean and Sugababe Keisha Buchanan) and let us know what you think!
Congratulations are most certainly in order for Alexandra Burke.
For, in what can only prove her worth as a commercial act, her latest single ‘Elephant‘ has debuted at #3 on the UK singles chart, and #1 in the country’s dance chart.
Leaving the glitz & glam at home, Mary J. Blige enjoyed a relaxing afternoon on Miami Beach this weekend looking almost unrecognizable. Soaking up the sun with good company and drinks…we can’t think of a better way to spend the weekend, can you?
The diva is currently on the promo trail promoting her latest single ‘Why’, lifted from ‘My Life II… The Journey Continues (Act 1)’ featuring Rick Ross.
See more shots of Hip-Hop Soul’s reigning queen after the jump and sound-off below.
With careers spanning almost two decades, Beyonce and Jay Z have overseen the careers of what are now- accomplished pop staples.
From helping Solangelaunch her debut LP back in 2002, to signing and ultimately ‘creating‘ Rihanna as we know her today, Jay Z along with Ms.’Countdown‘ know a thing or two about spotting and supporting fresh new acts.
Now, ‘Party‘ star Rita Ora has dished on the pair with GQ, ahead of the release of her debut album.
Her latest LP may be a ‘Teenage Dream’, but last night- at BBC’s ‘Let’s Dance For Sports Relief’, Katy Perry‘s vocals were nothing short of nightmarish, performing her new single ‘Part Of Me‘.
Channeling gal pal Rihanna by way of her singing, peep her performance (at your own risk) below…
The journey of a top-flight Gospel act isn’t drama free. Just ask sister duo Mary Mary.
Set to star in their own WE tv reality series, aptly christened ‘Mary Mary’, the pair tell of why they are each others’ best friend and harshest critic in this newly released teaser.
Peep these snaps of The Carter‘s, on their way to New York’s Nobu last night.
Snapped on their way in and then leaving the restaurant, their sighting comes weeks before Beyonce‘s latest single ‘End Of Time‘ is released in the UK, and days after Jay Z rocked the SXSW Festhere.
Mary J. Blige‘s 2002 smash ‘No More Drama’ serves as this week’s From The Vault pick.
Lifted from the 2001 blockbuster album of the same name as its second offering, ‘Drama’ peaked at #15 on the US Hot 100 and on the lower tier of the Top 10 on the UK Charts at #9.
And while Blige boasts higher chartings with other releases, the stirring cut stands as one of the most well knowned cut from the Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul.
Helmed by the ever-so-creative dynamo duo of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, the heartfelt track is built around a sample of classical piece ‘Nadia’s Theme’, the very same song used as the theme from never-ending American soap opera ‘The Young and The Restless’.
And while such sample was sourced from fantasy, the song’s lyrical narrative was akin to the happenings in Mary’s wold. Indeed, ‘Drama’ represented a turning point in her life; she would reveal that it marks the first time she would let go of the pain in her life and finally allow herself to be happy or at least seek for happiness. For the music world at large, the song -for a period of time- served as an unofficial response of sorts to the September 11th calamity which rocked the free world to its core.
The track’s accompanying video (which sees cameos from Mariah Carey and Diddy) does a great job of capturing the song’s embedded passion and raw emotion through an array of storylines. All of which relay different “strands” of drama folk face.
Through her stellar career Ms. Blige-Isaacs has experienced many peaks and troughs, yet has always stayed true to her colours musically and morally. A practice which has cultivated her a level of respect from her peers, critics, and fans, which can be neither shaken nor stirred. True talent can, and often will, win.
Model turned media mogul Tyra Banks looked all sorts of fierce as she arrived at the Endometriosis Foundations of America’s 4th Annual Blossom Ball last night.
Reminding the masses of why she is who she is, the 38 year old turned heads at the Black Tie gala, which was held at the New York Library.
Peep more pics via our friends over at The YBF below…
