R.I.P. MICHEAL JACKSON

Singer, songwriter. Jackson was born August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, to an African-American working-class family. His father, Joseph Jackson, had been a guitarist but had put aside his musical aspirations to provide for his family as a crane operator. Believing his sons had talent, he molded them into a musical group in the early 1960s. At first, the Jackson Family performers consisted of Michael's older brothers Tito, Jermaine, and Jackie. Michael joined his siblings when he was five, and emerged as the group's lead vocalist. He showed remarkable range and depth for such a young performer, impressing audiences with his ability to convey complex emotions. Older brother Marlon also became a member of the group, which evolved into the Jackson 5.

Behind the scenes, Joseph Jackson pushed his sons to succeed. He was also reportedly known to become violent with them. Michael and his brothers spent endless hours rehearsing and polishing up their act. At first, the Jackson 5 played local gigs and built a strong following. They recorded one single on their own, "Big Boy" with the b-side "You've Changed," but it failed to generate much interest.

The Jackson 5 moved on to working an opening act for such R&B artists as Gladys Knight and the Pips, James Brown, and Sam and Dave. Many of these performers were signed to the legendary Motown record label, and it has been reported that Gladys Knight may have been the one to tell Motown founder Berry Gordy about the Jackson 5. Impressed by the group, Gordy signed them to his label in 1968.

Relocating to Los Angeles, Michael and his brothers started work on their music and dancing with their father as their manager. They lived with Gordy and also with Supremes singer Diana Ross when they first arrived there. In August 1969, the Jackson 5 was introduced to the music industry at a special event, and later served as the opening act for the Supremes. Their first album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5, hit the charts in December of that year. It's first single, "I Want You Back," hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in January 1970.

More chart-topping singles quickly followed, such as "ABC," "The Love You Save," and "I'll Be There." At the age of 13, Jackson launched a solo career in addition to his work with the Jackson 5. He made the charts in 1971 with "Got to Be There" from the album of the same name. His 1972 album, Ben, featured the eponymous ballad about a rat. The song became Jackson's first solo No. 1 single.

For several years, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 maintained a busy tour and recording schedule, under the supervision of Berry Gordy and his Motown staff. Gordy wrote many of the songs recorded by the group and by Michael Jackson as a solo artist. The group became so popular that they even had their own self-titled cartoon show, which ran from 1971 to 1973.

Despite Jackson's individual achievements and the group's great success, there was trouble between the Jacksons and their record company. Tensions mounted between Gordy and Joseph Jackson over the management of his children's careers, and their level of participation in making their music. The Jacksons wanted more control over their recordings, which led to most of the Jacksons breaking ties with Motown in 1975. Jermaine Jackson remained with the label and continued to pursue a solo career, having previously released several albums none of which had matched the success of his younger brother Michael.

SOME TIME WITH: ROCK THE BELLS 2009 ARTISTS
Salutations everybody this is Quentin M. Milroe, here to inform you, the reader, about the great time I had at Rock the Bells. In the midst of all the artists there (there were two stages) I got a chance to talk to a few folks. Some are up and comers, others are legends. So here is the rundown of individuals I spoke with along with their credentials.



NECRO: An individual whose one of the mainstays of the underground hip hop scene, it was an honor to talk to someone who clearly is one of the hardest working dudes in Hip Hop. His latest album entitled Death Rap is in stores now.

Quentin M. Milroe: What's good man. First of all how has Rock the Bells been treating you?

Necro: Mad love mad love.

Quentin M. Milroe: That's good man, real good. For years you've been on it with the rhymes and the boards too. You nasty on the boards! Just wanted to know do you have musical inspirations or favorite producers?

Necro: DJ Premier, Marley Marl, Pete Rock, Large Professor, you know.

Quentin M. Milroe: Yes sir, you named the kingpins right there. Yeah man so what you got going on right now?

Necro: Well I can't announce that yet.

Quentin M. Milroe: Oh okay that's cool. One last question. Who are some of your favorite live artists? Of all the live shows you ever been too, who are three of your favorites?

Necro: Live artists? Um, Slayer and Metallica.

Quentin M. Milroe: Oh okay yeah they go hard. Thank you for your time.





MICKEY FACTZ: A newcomer to the world of Hip Hop, Bronx native Mickey Factz has made quite an impact in a short amount of time. Gaining buzz with his series free mixtapes entitled The Leak, aswell his amazing freestyles all over the internet and an appearance on Rap City, Mickey Factz is making quite a name for himself.


Quentin M. Milroe: First of all how you doin' right now?

Mickey Factz: Good man, enjoying life, last year I was broke, this year I'm at Rock the Bells.

Quentin M. Milroe: Yeah man. I saw you on Rap City how was that?

Mickey Factz: Yeah that was with KRS. Yeah that was something I dreamed off for a very long time. Somebody I looked up too, withholding a legacy that's been started, is something I'm proud of.

Quentin M. Milroe: Cool cool. Is this your first time in Chicago?

Mickey Factz: Naw it's like my third or fourth time out here.

Quentin M. Milroe: How you like it?

Mickey Factz: Well, for the first time in a long time, I came out here and it's straight hot.

Quentin M. Milroe: Yeah, it's straight up sun today. Straight downsouth heat.

Mickey Factz: Yeah it's all good though it's all good.

Quentin M. Milroe: You got anything coming out, like any albums or anything like that?

Mickey Factz: Album's supposed to be droppin' later on this year, plus I got something going on with EA sports, I can't really speak too much about it...

Quentin M. Milroe: Right right.

Mickey Factz: It's gonna be crazy, comin' out probably October or November.

Quentin M. Milroe: Okay cool. Who are your three favorite live artists.

Mickey Factz: Chanel Monet, BOB...

Quentin M. Milroe: Aw yeah I saw BOB last year at Rock the Bells.

Mickey Factz: And I gotta say myself. If I had a band it would even be crazier, but I put on a pretty good live show.





KRS-ONE: What can I say about this man. He really does not need an introduction. MC, producer, author, over 20 years in the game, credentials for weeks, this is my interview with the icon, the legend, KRS-ONE.

KRS-ONE: Alright so what you sayin'?

Quentin M. Milroe: First of all man, it's an honor for me to do this interview.

KRS-ONE: No doubt.

Quentin M. Milroe: I've been liking you since I started listening to rap. Just two quick questions. First of all, where were you when you heard about Michael Jackson passing?

KRS-ONE: I was here, I was here in Chicago, I was on my way up to Chicago, on I-80West and the news came in. You know and anytime someone of popular stature, respect, and love even, passses, it's that hit, boom! Oh shit. What was that? You know you never thought Michael, death you know has no respect of people, kind of puts things into perspective.

Quentin M. Milroe: True indeed. You been in Chicago for a lot, and your live show is the best. What kind of preparation do you use?

KRS-ONE: Well you gotta use the right words, with your energy and stuff. I don't really ever go out there, I'm there now.

Quentin M. Milroe: Okay.

KRS-ONE: You know what it's like to give you a prime example, look at you hand, okay. Look at your palm, when you make a fist where does the palm go? Palm is still here but, it's gone, it's a fist. When you open your hand, where does the fist go? It's still here, but now you're with the palm, extended open hand, you're pointing, etc. But the fist is still here, you just chosen to manifest a certain thing. When I go on stage, right now, I'm on stage right now. I purposely stood there so the front row could see the side of my face. They're already getting prepped now, KRS is in their DNA, in the memory. So I just stand there first and communicate from the side of my head first. I'm rockin' the party right now, from the time the flyer comes, with my name on the flyer, you get hit in your head, 'oh shit', now when I come out there I use that energy to get the crowd stupid!

Quentin M. Milroe: Okay last question. The book, Temple of Hip Hop...

KRS: Gospel of Hip Hop is the book, available in September it's an 800 page book on the spiritual living of Hip Hop, uh it's too many people in urban areas that love God, that love spirituality. But are not apart of any specific church, temple, mosque, syangouge or any denomination, but they love God they love philosophical thought, and they want to be around people who are not afraid or ashamed to discuss...oh gotta go Buckshot's getting ready to go on, Temple of Hip Hop is like a think tank who could think beyond music, Hip Hop spiritual based. We're here today, you can go to...(KRS gets called to the stage) okay I gotta go.

Quentin M. Milroe: Thanks!






BILLY DANZE OF MOP

One half of the legendary rap duo MOP (along with Li'l Fame), Billy Danze has been in the game a little over 15 years. Known for their hardcore deliveries and energetic live shows, MOP are definitely Hip Hop mainstays. I had the privilege to have a few words with Billy Danze.

Quentin M. Milroe: First of all, how has Rock the Bells been treating you?

Billy Danze: Aw great, I mean this is first time we actually been on the bill, one of the guys that put us on is a good friend of ours. Main thing right now is that we're in Chi-town and Chi-town shows us tremendous love. And I am happy as fuck. And if I get another cold beer, I'll probably be lookin' for an apartment.

Quentin M. Milroe: Right right. Yeah man, that's good. You and Fame got anything new coming out?

Billy Danze: Well another MOP album coming out, after that my solo, Fame solo; first drop of the MOP album will be out soon.

Quentin M. Milroe: Okay cool cool. Oh one last question. Who are your favorite live performers?

Billy Danze: Bustah Rhymes, KRS-One, and I would have to say Cypress Hill.

Quentin M. Milroe: 'Ppreciate it man. Best luck on all your endeavors, peace.



GZA:
As part of the legendary and iconic Wu-Tang Clan, the GZA has truly made his presence felt on both solo and group outings. He's been doing his thing for quite a while now, and it was a great honor to talk to this legendary lyricist.

Quentin M. Milroe: First question I wanna ask you, how has Rock the Bells been treating you so far?

GZA: It's only been about two hours since I been here...

Quentin M. Milroe: True indeed.

GZA: It's only been about two hours but it's aiight, they gave me a few drinks, couple bottles of water, a beer or two, backstage passes.

Quentin M. Milroe: Cool. In terms of live shows/performances, you put on one of the best. I just need your opinion on something, who you think are three artists or groups that put on a great live show besides Wu-Tang.

GZA: As far as Hip Hop?

Quentin M. Milroe: Hip hop, or any other type of music.

GZA: You know I listen to more music than attend shows I actually haven't had a chance to see a lot of shows. We usually get there late or get there when it's time to perform.

Quentin M. Milroe: Right.

GZA: So I really can't say since we tend to miss a lot of performances, but I will say that KRS-One gives a good performance since I seen him over the years. I mean it's plenty artists out there that put a lot into their show, some that probably don't put that much time; enough to even practice or write down the songs they're gonna do. I can't really say.

Quentin M. Milroe: Like I say, that's great. One last question though. You're one of the best lyricists ever to hold the mic, but, besides yourself, who are your favorite lyricists?

GZA: GZA, Genius and Allah Justice. Naw, but I have some many I can't really start naming.

Quentin M. Milroe: Cool cool I understand. Really appreciate this.

KANYE'S NEW KICKS!

As we previously reported, Kanye recently confirmed to he was designing new Louis Vuitton shoes when a paparazzi member caught him coming out of a Louis Vuitton store. Now Kanye is giving everyone a sneak peak at "one of six designs" he did for "Louie."







LUDACRIS GOES HD!

Ludacris has teamed up with Monster Cable to re-release his new album, Theater Of The Mind, this time in high-definition stereo surround sound. Mixed by Monster's head honcho Noel Lee, the album reportedly will make listeners feel as if they are in the studio with Luda.

Don't get too hyped, in order to truely listen in HD, you will need at least a surround sound system. Monster also plans to make the CD compatible with Dolby so fans can experience the new HD in their headphones.

Luda's standard-D version of "Theater Of The Mind" is close to reaching gold-status. To date the 7th album from cris' has sold over 470,000 copies in only six weeks. The High-D version of Luda's new album should hit stores next month.



JERMAINE DUPRI GETS DROPPED FROM ISLAND RECORDS!

Jermaine Dupri has been booted out of his President spot over at Island Records Ubran Music, according to AHH. JD held the position for less than two years where he oversaw the label's entire urban music operations, reporting directly to the label chairman Antonio "L.A." reid and Steve Bartells (President of Island Music and COO of the Island Def Jam Music Group).

Jermaine has had other problems lately. Back in August, it was reported that he closed his Atlanta restaurant [more here]. Jermaine Dupri says he closed "Cafe Dupri" because “The economy has changed dramatically and people just aren’t eating out as much anymore."

In related news, Jermaine Dupri recently appeared on Bow Wow's new single "Roc The Mic". The new video for the single features JD and Bow Wow hitting the road in a classic car, so make sure you watch it now!





NOTORIOUS K.I.M.

Biggie's mom is upset over the relationship Notorious had with Lil Kim. In a recent interview, Mrs Wallace is upset at how BIG treated Kim saying “I would love to speak to Lil’ Kim, because I need to ask more about this love relationship because I really didn’t like the way he treated her and I’m praying that that’s not it,” she continued. “Only she can answer those questions. She’s a sweet girl and I didn’t think she deserved to be treated the way he treated her, if that’s the case.”

Lil Kim recently announced she didn't approve of the way she was portrayed in the new "Notorious" film. Talking about Big's mom and Faith Evans, Kim said “I’m very disappointed in Faith,” she added. “There’s nothing Faith or Ms. Wallace could do to stop me from reppin’ B.I.G. all day. I’m gonna always do that … It’s time for Ms. Wallace to be exposed.”



WEEZY FLIPS FROM RAP TO ROCK & ROLL!

Lil Wayne is reportedly working on a complete Rock album and Canadian rapper Drake says he's on it. "Wayne's coming out with a new album, it's a rock album," Drake told MuchMusic, continuing "a complete rock album. I have a song on there." Wayne will join Kanye West as artists who put out albums in a complete different genre. "It’s something different in just that whole 808's and Hearbreaks, just throwing individuals off," Drake says.

Drake recently signed a management deal with Kyambo "Hip Hop" Joshua (who manages Kanye) and Cortez Bryant (who manages Lil Wayne). Drake will be joining Lil Wayne (along with T-Pain, Keri Hilson, Keyshia Cole and other) on the 'I Am Music' tour when it hits Canada.



VIDEO VIXENS GET TV SHOW ON E!

E! has given the green light to a new series called "," that will focus on the women in rap music videos, better known as video vixens. The 30-minute show (being pushed as a "docu-soap") centers around aspiring and established female actresses who work for an agency that casts them into videos.

"Candy Girls" will air on Sunday nights at 10:30 following the premeire of the third season of 'Keeping Up WIth The Kardashians." E! ordered 8 episodes of the series that E! says "In order to reach the career pinnacle of appearing in 'A-list' music videos and gain access to the world of superstars, private jets and exclusive parties, you need to be able to play the game as well as you look."



WEEZY & CLEF HELP ESPN ROCK THE SUPERBOWL!

Lil Wayne and Wyclef Jean will help ESPN kick off their "Big Weekend" event during Super Bowl weekend. Wyclef will perform for the ESPN "The Magazine's NEXT" party on January 30th at 9 PM next to DJ Samantha Ronson (better known as the girl f*cking Lindsay Lohan) on the 1s & 2s. Sean Kingston will rock a free concert the next day, titled the "NEXT Day Tailgate" from around noon to 5pm joined by the University of South Florida Marching Band.

Lil Wayne, who already blogs for ESPN, will be reporting from the event's red carpet. Weezy recently appeared on ESPN's "Sportaphile" [watch here] show where he took on Skip Bayless in a debate over sports. Check out Lil Wayne's three-part appearance on ESPN.





JIM JONES THE NEW VP OF URBAN A&R OF KOCH RECORDS!

Friday, Koch Records announced the addition of Jim Jones to its executive team. Earning the position of Vice President of Urban A&R, Jones will oversee the signing and development of new talent on the label’s urban roster. Boasting the title of largest independent record label in the United States, Koch Records hopes to gain even more clout with the appointment of the Dipset rapper.

Jones said, “It feels good to know that the hard work has been recognized by the same people that have helped me get to this point in my career. They recognize that I'm not only an artist but a person that can smell talent and be able to mold a superstar.”
Previously, in 2005 through 2007, Jim Jones held an executive job at Atlantic Records, before both parties agreed to cease the relationship over a year ago.
In addition to his selection as VP of A&R, Jones is also prepping for the release of his album Pray IV Reign, dropping next month.



KANYE WEST POSES NUDE!

After pushing the boundaries of what is considered “Hip Hop” with his latest album, "808s & Heartbreak", Kanye West wants to push the boundaries of what’s considered acceptable. The rapper/producer now wants to bare it all in a nude photo shoot.
Before Kanye takes it off for the camera, however, he wants to make sure he’s pleasing to the eye.
"I definitely feel, like, in the next however many years, if I work out for two months, that I'll pose naked,” West told Vibe.
West adds that he’s not necessarily looking for attention, but wants to challenge American and black culture norms.
“I break every rule and mentality of hip-hop, of black culture, of American culture.”
Though a potential nude spread from West would challenge norms, the star also knows it would dominate the headlines—more so than other celebrities who have done the same thing.
"If [Bjork] wanted to pose naked, you'd (public and media) be like, 'Oh, that's Bjork.' But if I wanted to pose naked, people would draw all type of things into it.”
If Kanye goes through with the photos, the Chicago representer will be following in the footsteps of several rappers. Big Daddy Kane jumped off the trend, posing with Madonna and Naomi Campbell.
Ice-T followed suit several years



DR.DRE PISSED WITH SONG LEAK!

To add to the pressure on Dr. Dre with his highly anticipated album Detox expected to be released this year, earlier this week a track titled, “Could Have Been You” was leaked.
The song was recorded during the Detox sessions and it was believed the song was meant to be on the album. Although Dre’s camp has not commented on the issues but sources state the legendary producer was not pleased with the un-mixed and un-mastered version hitting the net.
“Could Have Been You” featured R. Kelly, 50 Cent and Slim the Mobster discussing a troubled unsuccessful relationship with a girl.
On the hook Kelly sings, "The reason why you didn't get picked, 'cause you got your nose up your ass smelling your shit/ But tonight you met your match, 'cause I be smelling my shit too/ Now how you like that?"
50 opens the song chanting “It’s the D, R, E” and goes on to explain his own problems with woman.
Although the song was leaked, due to the quality and the respect for Dre most websites have pulled it or did not post the track altogether. A song called “Crack A Bottle” by 50, Eminem and Dre was also released this week yet it is still unclear if this is a track for Detox or Eminem’s new project Relapse.
No release date has been set for either album but Relapse is expected to be released this spring with Dre’s long awaited album following.



DEATH ROW RECORDS FINALLY DEAD!

After years of turbulence, Death Row Records is again being put on the auction block due to a Chapter 11 proceeding.
Founded by Suge Knight and Dr. Dre in 1991, Death Row Records filed for Chapter 11 protection in 2006, and only months later a bankruptcy trustee was ordered to take over the label. After being taken over by the bankruptcy trustee, Death Row Records received several bids but all of them fell through.
With the upcoming auction set for January 15, co-founder of Death Row Records, Lydia Harris spoke with Billboard regarding the label's recent misfortunes and why bidders have shied away from purchasing the label.

"Everybody wants to hide behind the fear of Suge Knight--the fear is something they are latching on to--but all them still do business with him," Harris told Billboard. "At the end of the day, he's still living, he made people a lot of money and opened doors for a lot of them. It isn't about them being scared. That's what people need to realize. These people still deal with Suge everyday. It's the money. It's the greed."
In 2005, Harris received a $105 million settlement after battling Knight for a share of the label she says she and her now incarcerated husband Michael "Harry-O" Harris helped launch.
Bidders have also expressed concern over the monetary value of the label as well; Koch Records backed out of a bid for Death Row two years ago, because it did not believe that the company was worth the $25 million bid they placed.
The auction on January 15 will include a large number of Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg recordings that were not included in the previous auction.

Jay-Z Mashes Up With Radiohead

Jay-Z was recently combined with Radiohead to create the "Jaydiohead" album. The new album from DJ Minty Fresh Beats combines Jay-Z's "Black" and "American Gangster" albums with multiple albums from Radiohead.
In related news, Jay-Z was also recently combined with Coldplay to create the top mixtape of 2007 titled "Viva La Hova." Other mash-up's from Jigga include the "White" album (Jay-Z combined with The Beatles) and the official album "Collision Course," a mash up with Linkin Park. You can download the new "Jaydiohead" mixtape at jaydiohead.com



50 Cent & Busta Rhymes

50 Cent and Busta Rhymes, Vodka and Cognac

50 Cent and Busta Rhymes have made recent deals between the rappers management company, Viloator Management, and Drinks Americas will have the rappers market a Leyrat Cognac and Sparkling Vodka brands.

Drinks Americas previously signed a deal with Dr Dre to help develop and market a series of premium alcolhol and non-alcoholic beverages, marking the first equal partnership between a music and beverage company. In August, Drinks Americas revealed it would introduce Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Cognac plus a sparkling vodka around the release of Dr Dre's highly anticipated Detox album.

Kanye West's New Louis Vuitton Shoe



Kanye gave a sneak peak of his new Louis Vuitton sneakers to the paparazzi recently. Kanye was spotted leaving a Louis Vuitton store by TMZ cameras and said "I was just showing them my new Louis. I can't show you too much of that, though. These aren't coming out until June." [watch here] Kanye already has a rumored shoe coming out through Nike.

Kanye also commented on his infamous incident with the paparazzi at the LAX airport saying "That airport thing didn't really happen," he jokingly confessed. "It was an optical allusion. That didn't really happen." [watch here] Kanye says he will be focusing on "clothes" in 2009. As previously reported, Kanye stated he plans to step away from music to become a fashion intern.




DMX Home Foreclosed

No it's not more legal trouble, but it isn't good news. DMX's home in Cave Creek, Arizona has been foreclosed. SWAT team raids destroyed the carpets and left windows and doors blown out allowing things to be stollen. "I think people showed up, walked the house and took what they wanted," says Andrew Wheeler, who is in charge of selling the home. The things left at the house were thrown into the pool, leaving the only sign of DMX being an old magazine cover hanging out of a car window.

According to the realtor, the quad-motorcycles DMX was often seen riding on the property, were stolen, along with almost everything else, leaving behind a damaged shell of a once-glamorous home. X paid around $600,000 for the house in 2003 and the bank set the sale price for $429,000. DMX is currently in jail, waiting to be sentenced on animal cruelty, theft and drug convictions.


Dre's Son Died Of Accidental Drug Overdose

Dr Dre's son died of an accidental drug overdose. A toxicology report shows that Andre R. Young Jr. died of "morphine and heroin intoxication" according to Ed Winter, assistant chief of the Los Angeles County coroner's office.

As previously reported, Dre's 20 year-old son was found dead in August at the family's Woodland Hills home. Young's mother found him dead at 10:24 a.m on August 23rd. An initial autopsy was completed a few days later but the results were delayed pending the outcome of a "gamut of tests, including toxicology," Winter said.

A publicist for Dr Dre, Lori Earl, stated "Dr. Dre is mourning the loss of his son. Please respect his family's grief and privacy at this time."


Lil Wayne Talks Acting, Says There Is No One Like Him

Lil Wayne plans on acting more. In a new interview the New Orleans rapper talks about his role in the upcoming movie "Hurricane Season." Co-Starring Forest Whitaker, Isaiah Washinton and fellow rapper Bow Wow, "Hurricane Season' is the true story of a Lousianna basketball team during the Katrina hurricane.

Weezy goes on to talk about recording his "Lollipop" hit, recording with T-Pain and even where he was at when he heard Barack Obama was elected. "I just feel like I'm different," Wayne says, "theres not anyone that does what I do, you don't have anyone to compare it to." Weezy finishes by saying "therefore everytime it comes out, it's new, because no one else does it."




Beyonce Starts 09 At Number One

Beyonce will kick off 2009 with her fourth week at number one. Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" sold another 382,000 downloads last week, up more than 157%. T.I. dropped one spot to number 3 with his Rihanna-backed "Live Your Life" song, while Kanye stays at number 4 with "Heartless."

Beyonce, T.I. and Kanye's other singles ("If I Were A Boy" , "Love Lockdown" and "Whatever You Like") round out the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Beyonce's new album "I Am... Sasha Fierce" was 2008's 10th highest selling album with just over 1.46 million copies sold.