GNARLS BARKLEY TO APPEAR IN NYC MAY 22

On Monday, May 22, prankster producer Danger Mouse and Atlanta soul powerhouse Cee-Lo will make their first joint appearance in New York City, representing the entity commonly known as Gnarls Barkley. Already one of the most talked-about releases of 2006, Gnarls Barkley's full-length debut St. Elsewhere contains the international smash "Crazy," which recently became the first track to reach #1 in the United Kingdom through downloads alone. Famous for his controversial experimental LP The Grey Album as well as collaborations with MF DOOM, Jemini and the cast of Adult Swim, Danger Mouse lends Gnarls Barkley some of his most resolute, imaginative tracks yet. Cee-Lo, the wild card in the respected Atlanta hip hop group Goodie Mob, spills his complex soul with the passion of the gospel greats and the creativity of a post-millennial Prince or Marvin Gaye. Together, they are invigorating and psychedelicizing the world, and New York will not be left out.

Gnarls Barkley will appear at Webster Hall, at 125 E. 11th St. (between 3rd and 4th Avenues).

This show is 18+. Tickets are available from the Mercury Lounge Box Office, www.ticketweb.com <http://www.ticketweb.com/> and 866-468-7619. Tickets for this performance go on sale Wednesday April 26, at 12noon EST.

Visit www.bowerypresents.com for additional details.

I can say whatever I want about: Mariah Carey

Welcome to the first installment of, I can say whatever I want about:

I was at home one night thinking about my chances of sitting down to interview today's A-List mega-stars, and came to this conclusion; I don't have a snowball's chance in hell of sitting down for an in-depth conversation with an artist like a Mariah Carey, a Celine Dion or a Jay-Z.

Why, you ask? Because if I got a job with Rolling Stone tomarrow, do you know how many writer's would have seniority over me? There's no way in the world that they'll give their power story to a newbie. Oh, and plus I'm not an ass kisser... Ask my ex-girlfriend, she'll tell you all about me.

So speaking of one of the A-listers, I'd like to talk about Ms. Mariah "Diva #1" Carey. And since I can say whatever I want about this talented songbird, I shall do just that.

1. First of all, I enjoyed the Tommy Mottola version of Mariah Carey so much better than the "We Belong Together" version. Back then, Mariah was known for singing songs that her fans wouldn't dare try to sing along with her on. You had to have serious vocal skills if you were going to choose a Mariah song at the Karaoke bar. Nowadays, thanks to her latest "bouncing ball hits" now even you can sing along with Ms. Carey, guaranteed.

2. Somewhere along the line, Mariah got a lil' thick (picture on the left). I can't front, I'm liking the thicker, more volumptuous Mariah. In the video for "Vision of Love", Mariah looked like she was a steak sandwich or two short of fitting a size zero (picture on the right). I'm glad that she's able to eat steak sandwiches now. Mmmm, mmmm, good Mariah...

3. Mariah really needs to be more of a team player, than a dictator. As of late, Mariah has been indirectly lashing out at her staff members for many reasons like Mariah finding grammatical errors in her acceptance speeches (on air) for instance. Mariah has made a few crude remarks that were immediately followed by, "I'm just kidding," to catch herself. The supreme diva complex is in full effect for the duration of Mariah's career. So prepare to bow down, like that poor hotel staff who wasn't worthy enough to look Mariah in the face, so they were forced to turn around. Tisk, tisk...

4. For Mariah to had hit rock bottom after a fantasy-like beginning to her career, you would think that she'd be the most humbled and thankful person in the business. If you taped any of the previous awards ceremonies (which I don't believe anyone has), just take a look at Mariah's face as she holds an award in her hands. You can see the 3 year old child in her eyes jumping around and saying, "I'm the winner, and you're not." People, don't get it confused. You may think that she is so overjoyed because just a few years back, she was casted away by the entire music industry; so in some way this success was supposed to be vindication for that exile. This look that she gives is the look of arrogance. You can't win and succeed as much as Mariah has done in the 90's and believe that not one drop of it has gone to her pretty head.

The highest of highs can create the lowest of lows. Imagine going from having fans who cried due to not being able to handle their emotions when they are in your presence, to having fans who don't even want an autographed bra that you just took off and signed right there on the spot. Maybe it's us... maybe it's the American audience that builds up our stars to bring them down like a house made out of Uno cards. When somebody pays you 29 million dollars to leave, you can't feel any more unwanted than at that moment. So with that being said, I can understand why Mariah is now the ultimate diva. When you feel like you are all that you got, it's hard to trust anybody else with your emotions/feelings. When you are the center of attention one day, then people stop caring about you the next, breakdowns are just an issue away.

5. Listen to Mariah talk... I don't know if it is just me, but isn't she sounding more and more like Wendy Williams these days? Eerie...

The phone rings...

Deshair: Hello.

Mariah's Publicist: Hello, is this Deshair?

Deshair: Yes, this is he.

Mariah's Publicist: Well, my name is ********* and I'm calling on behalf of Mariah Carey.

Deshair: Wow, that's cool.

Mariah's Publicist: I just got finished reading your interview with Jagged Edge, and I loved how you helped to bring them to an even brighter light with such an impactful story. I'd love it if you can do that for Mariah, as well.

Deshair: For real?

Mariah's Publicist: Yes, for real... let's setup an in-person for Thursday. Is that good for you...

Deshair: Yes, that's great. Well if Mariah doesn't mind my latest blog about her.

Mariah's Publicist: Your latest blog... (the publicist pulls up my blog to skim over the content)

She hung up the phone on me... what more can I say? Well other than, I can say whatever I want about whoever I want... and I'm out

LL Cool J: Why did you listen to JD?

Dear Mr. Smith:

First and Foremost, I'd like to personally "Thank You" for giving to me the first rap song that I have memorized (Bad). I had lost my voice on a few occasions trying to match your energy and b-boy poses... yes, my hat was like a sharks' fin as well.

It is safe to say that there will never be another artist in hip-hop history who will be able to match your accomplishments through longevity, staying ahead of the creative curve and keeping a strong hold on all of our girlfriends for the past 20 years.

You were ahead of your time for your entire career. Just think about it Mr. Smith; hundreds of thousands of emcees have come and gone during your emaculant run, yet you have found a way to not only still be standing, but to be standing in a league of your own. There are Hip-hop historians out there that won't even place you in their top 10 lists of the greatest emcees of all time. It's crazy, because this culture is all about raising the bar, being unique and setting your own trends. Who else has done it longer and more consistently than you have?

Whenever there was signs that pointed towards you putting out another album, people waited patiently to hear your first single. Mega-hits like Bad, Mama Said Knock You Out, Hey Lover, Luv U Better and Headsprung defined the success that was yet to come when their respected albums hit the shelves. But LL, I have to know one thing...

Why in the hell did you listen to Jermaine Dupri?

I've previously read an interview where a cocky JD spoke about his studio session with you. About how he wanted you to use your, "Going Back To Cali," flow for what is now the worse opening single that you've released to usher in a new album, Control Myself. Mr. So So Def, talked about how you didn't think that using that flow would be a good idea, but he still swayed you into doing so. With that one decision, you went from 20+ years of innovation, where you were the one who blazed your own trail, to having to battle for space on a road that was traveled far too often.

Selling 116,000 copies in your first week isn't bad; but it was below average going back to your past 5 album release weeks. JD may have had it right with penciling in "Confessions" for Usher to sing about and giving Mariah the ultimate sing-along classic with her career saving hit, We Belong Together, but he totally struck out with the production of Control Myself.

I hope that you have a few rabbits up your sleeve for your next single, because this duet with Jennifer Lopez, wasn't much to lose control over.

Your longtime fan,


Deshair

A Letter from your Colleague...

How are you feeling as of late? I'm feeling pretty good at the moment; a bit tired but good. When the easiest thing to do is to follow a path that was already left for me, I often choose to blaze my own trail, blindfolded.

At this point in my LIFE, all that I want to be is successful. I want to feel proud when it comes to my accomplishments. I want to look myself in the eyes and feel that I've left everything that I had out their on the field of diligence. At the moment that I've taken my last step, I want to still have enough energy and enough spirit to crawl the rest of the way.

I hope that you have asked the same of yourself this past week. I hope that you took the opportunity to seize the moment; to bridge the gap between your dreams and your reality. Now more than ever, it is up to all of us to defy the odds; to stand strong; to not just think of ourselves. Tears are best desolved on the shoulder of someone that you care about and vise versa. You are not alone; we are in this together.

Ladies: Keep pressing forward with every breath that you take and every step that you make. Demand the respect that you know that you deserve in this male dominated workforce. Your untapped strength is unmatched.

Gentlemen: Don't forget that with every decision that you make, there will always be a bigger picture attached to that decision. There are young misguided men out there that need someone to look up to. It is your duty, not to let them down.

Just remember to never give up on your dreams, because your dreams will never give up on you... stay strong and motivated

Press Release: Voices from the Frontline

CROSSCHECK RECORDS ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF
VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINE

HIP HOP CD FEATURING
ALL ORIGINAL MATERIAL
FROM MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN
CURRENTLY SERVING IN IRAQ

A Portion Of The Proceeds From Every CD Will Go To Benefit
Non-Profit Organization ‘Operation AC’
To Provide Soldiers In Iraq With Non-Combat Necessities


Crosscheck Records announces the April 25, 2006 release of Voices From the Frontline, an album of all original material from US military personnel currently serving in Iraq. Featuring twelve musical tracks and twelve spoken word vignettes recorded by men and women on active duty, the CD offers an insider’s view into the often difficult, emotional, and unblinking reality of life for American troops stationed in Iraq. Crosscheck Records has teamed up with the non-profit organization Operation AC to donate a portion of the proceeds from Voices From The Frontline in order to supply soldiers with non-combat supplies.

Moved by the film Last Letters From Home, a documentary about troops that were killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Voices From the Frontline producer Joel Spielman was inspired to search out additional accounts of men and women in combat. What he found was an entire subculture of rappers in Iraq. It quickly became apparent that hip hop had evolved into the voice of this war, giving soldiers the opportunity to express their feelings on a level not formerly seen. The CD features some of the most talented and charismatic freestyle rappers that are currently serving.

Spielman found that soldiers on base and on the streets of Iraq frequently turned to freestyling poetry rhymes to pass the time and relieve stress. Rapping organically evolved from a way to entertain into an integral outlet for expressing feelings such as grief, frustration, confusion, loneliness and pride. One artist, Prophet, who also acts as a semi- narrator throughout the CD, tells a story about being out on a convoy in which a fellow soldier dies and returning to camp not knowing how to deal with it. He and a friend start rhyming, spitting the words and emotions out as fast as they could, explaining that it was “the only way to extinguish the pain you felt.”

Voices From the Frontline tells the stories of several soldiers in their own words. In the opening track, “First Time,” rappers Mike Watts and Quentin Givens matter-of-factly ask the question at the core of every soldier facing deployment: “Will I come back alive or will I come back dead?” The soldiers speak about keeping it together to get the job done, letters home to loved ones, saluting those who lost their lives, the close calls dealing with IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices), the support of their families, the fight to stay alive, the guilt of not seeing a child grow up, the inner conflict and loyalty they feel. In “Condolence,” a performer who goes by the name Amp writes a letter to a woman apologizing for his role in her loss he asks God “if there’s a spot for me in heaven, could you give it to her?”

The female perspective from the frontline comes from Kisha Pollard and Mischelle Johnston. In “Girl at War,” Kisha speaks about what it’s like to be a woman doing her military job and earning the respect of her fellow soldiers. “And you look at me up ‘n down cause you’re thinking I’m weak, ‘til you see me in Iraq and I’m patrolling the streets.” She brings up the fact that she can get shot “just as well as a boy.” “Desert Vacation” is one of two R&B songs on the album, written and sung by Mischelle Johnston who finds herself a “bird in a cage waiting for my ticket out.” She sings about the frustration of events turning out differently than she expected.

Overall, the men and women on Voices From the Frontline aren’t using their art to make a statement for or against the war. They just want to be heard, their experiences shared. These are their stories and their expression of what it is like to fight, to work, to live, and to cope with life on the frontlines in Iraq. It is clear that they appreciate life despite their daily struggles, the overwhelming challenges, and the loss of fellow soldiers. Through it all, they manage to find the strength and courage that it takes to do what they do.

A portion of the proceeds from every purchase of Voices From the Frontline will go to Operation AC which is responsible for sending our U.S. troops any non-combat items they may need such as boots, socks, gloves, and morale raising items such as Christmas trees. The non-profit organization also sponsors an “adopt a soldier” program to bring civilians into the effort. It is their mission to make life as safe and easy as possible for U.S. soldiers and Marines during deployment. Please visit www.operationac.com to learn more.

My Interview with Bubba Sparxxx

The Liberation of Bubba Sparxxx
By: Will “Deshair” Foskey, WBG

Currently, up 10 spots on the Hot 100 (31-21), Ms. New Booty by the Georgia native, Bubba Sparxxx is gaining unbelievable steam with an estimated break into the Top 10 in two more weeks. But while everyone who knew of the country slanging MC is still scratching their heads wondering, “From what rock did Bubba come back from under”, Sparxxx had so much pain that he wanted to get off of his chest; he was in dire need of having a tremendous weight lifted from off of his heart.

The road to his soon to be released album, “The Charm” which is slated to drop on April 4th, was a dirt road full of bumps and unbalanced levels of gravel. If you really want to know what rock that Bubba was symbolically under, he will tell you in his own words. From his friendship with super-producer Timbaland to some of his personal heartaches that still weighs heavy on his southern soul to this day, Bubba places it all on the line in this exclusive. The topics that we’ve discussed go as follows:

Hip Hop is God
Looking back on the disappointment of his sophomore release, Deliverance
Two Peas in a Pod
A loss that was too hard for Bubba to bare
Talking about his new album, The Charm
Purple Ribbon Tour in the works: I be on It!!!

Enjoy this exclusive in any order you choose…

Hip Hop is God

I’m, “The General of the New South.” I’m at the forefront of everything that the New South embodies. I’m a white kid, from a dirt road, that is completely submerged in the Hip Hop Culture. I eat, sleep and fucking breathe this shit man… it’s God to me. Tell me, what other than religion has united so many people from different walks of life and ethnicities together, like Hip Hop has on a worldwide scale. All kinds of people who wouldn’t fuck with each other are brought together through Hip Hop. I just think that it is so godly…

Looking back on the disappointment of his sophomore release, Deliverance

I didn’t cope. The shit was painful, man. We poured so much into that fucking record, man. I can’t put it into words how much we poured into that fucking record. We bled for that record, we died for that record. But in the end, we knew that it was either going to be feast or famine. We knew that we were either going to have tremendous success or none at all. We knew that we were either going to sell 4,000,000 or 400,000, and we ended up selling 400,000. I can’t listen to that record; I don’t like listening to that record. You know, like I put out Ms. New Booty, which is a side of me that I have shown before. I’ve had songs about the strip clubs and the chicks on my first and second album. I just didn’t put one out as a single. I’ve had songs like Ms. New Booty… Ugly was an up-tempo club banger. Now people are like, “why did you abandon the Deliverance route, how could you do that?” Because it fucking lost me my job, that’s why… period. I’m always going to carry a piece of Deliverance with me, and I’m always going to make substance filled music. But I’m never going to get… over-extended on one… what made Deliverance so special was the fact that it was a concept record, with a united theme all the way through; that was its failure, too. That’s what I know The Charm lacks. I know that its’ not as wonderful of a composition of songs that flow together harmoniously like Deliverance was. But it is a collection of diverse songs that different people will like. As far as coping with it, I still haven’t coped with it.

I sat up so many nights pondering through all of that shit (thinking about what Deliverance could have been, and the mark that it could have made on his career). But you can do that from now until the cows come home. But when shit happens, just wipe your ass and get off the toilet, that’s what my daddy used to say.

Two Peas in a Pod

Normally, for me it always starts with a beat. That’s one of the most important things that I’ve learned from Timbaland. Is that at the end of the day, your voice is another instrument in the music. So my lyrics must come from the track; the sounds, the tempo, the rhythm, everything. From there I come up with a song title. I love to make the song titles interesting. I hate titling a song with the same name that has been done 5 or 6 times before. From there, I come up with the hook and I just plug in the verses. Writing verses have never been hard for me.

We are still cool. I can’t say that our relationship is what it once was, because I used to talk to Timbaland at least 20-30 minutes a day, everyday for 3 years. But he is still there for me, and I am still there for him. There is a lot of pain associated with Beat Club, with the second album especially… I know that it hurts him to think about the whole situation, like it hurts me. It’s deep with us, because it’s not like we didn’t work hard. If you fuck up a situation because you know that you didn’t work hard, and that there are a lot of things that you didn’t do, as far as the effort that you put in, that’s one thing. But to know that you made great music, and that you did everything you possibly could by the book, it’s tough man. There ain’t never going to be any problems between me and Tim… we just went through too much together. Sometimes a relationship can be built on tribulations or on happiness. Our relationship was built on tribulations, things that we endured together, that’s why it’s going to be more lasting.

A loss that was too hard for Bubba to bare

Me and my girl, we just lost a baby. She was about 4 months pregnant, and it happened about a few weeks ago. It was very unexpected. We went to the doctor for a routine check-up, and we learned that the baby’s heart just stopped beating. It was the realest thing in my life that I’ve been through. And I’m still going through it. It’s been on my mind real heavy lately. *I paused the conversation to ask Bubba if he wanted me to still use this information for the article, because I felt his pain, and I know how hard going through a situation like this could be… he replied* If this can help anybody who has gone through it or can relate to it, I hope that it helps. All kinds of crazy things go through your mind; you blame yourself, my girl blamed herself, but it’s not your fault. One out of every five pregnancies is a miscarriage (20%). A lot of people don’t know that. You just have to keep trying. It’s just so hard. You just gotta’ look it in the eyes, face it and deal with it. I got a friend up here in New York that just lost twins. You just never think about that. I was just so focused on the responsibilities of when the baby gets here; I gotta’ make sure that I hold it down. I didn’t even think about that possibility. Anyway…

Talking about his new album, The Charm

I had two other firm titles for the album. The first one that I came up with was, “Live Beginning”, as in the opposite of, “Dead End.” The reason why I decided against that was because after Deliverance, I just decided to never go over anybody’s head again. It’s like at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how powerful your message is if nobody understands what the fuck you’re talking about. Then I was going to call it, “Space Mountain”. But I decided against that, as well. Now it’s The Charm. I feel like I cracked the code on this one. The third time is going to be the charm.

I never ever stirred up the female world as much as I have with Ms. New Booty. We got the http://www.msnewbooty.com/ going on, and the women are going ape-shit about it. I just performed the song for a radio show in Memphis the other night, and it was just pandemonium. It’s just amazing to me. I went from performing shows in front of a thousand people with Ugly. The Deliverance route was totally different; it was like festivals, colleges, Spring Bling type shit. Then to look at me 4 years later, I pick back up with New Booty, and I’m back in the hood like I never left. It’s just interesting to me. There are a lot of loyal folks out there. Hood people are loyal people… once they fuck with you; they will always fuck with you. The Pop audience is a lot more fickle.

I feel that I have a 400,000 strong fan base; that if I take a shit in the box, they will give me the benefit of the doubt. There is still plenty on The Charm for them. If you just really loved Deliverance, if it was me that you loved on that album, not the musical backdrop, but if it was me that you loved, then there is plenty for them to love on this album. I don’t have any banjos, harmonicas or fiddles on The Charm, but I have songs with the same type of subject matter. It’s just balance… that’s what I should have named this album… balance. It was the balance between the Ugly moment that fucking got me rich, and the Deliverance moment that was critically acclaimed, but nearly put me in the poor house.

Purple Ribbon Tour in the works: I be on It!!!

We’re trying to put together a Purple Ribbon Tour; me, Sleepy Brown, Big Boi, Killer Mike, etc. We got a real nice roster. It would be nice if we can get Andre 3000 down with us. We’re going to make it happen, regardless. Just me, Killer, Big, and Sleepy would be huge. I can’t wait to get out there…

My interview with Juicy J of Three 6 Mafia after their Groundbreaking Academy Awards Victory...

The Movement Continues: Why you should be proud of Three 6 Mafia
By Will “Deshair” Foskey, WBG

Academy Award Winners, Three 6 Mafia – sounds good doesn’t it? Well at least to me, it does. If it doesn’t sound good to you, maybe you should question yourself for a moment; especially if you’re a minority in this country.

I know, it shouldn’t be that serious, but personally I am tired of reading about people who disapproved of their victory, due to the title and content of their winning song, “It’s hard out there for a Pimp.” We have African-American actors, covering their head in shame of the victory, like every role in a movie they’ve played were golden ones; as if they weren’t a pimp, a drug dealer, crooked cop, or any other role that may have demeaned them, but they still stuck up for during their careers. If it is art in your case, why isn’t it art in their case? It’s down-right hilarious to the point that it sickens me. Whether you approve or disapprove, the support system should have still been in effect, because their struggle is your struggle as well.

When the Academy Award Winning, Three 6 Mafia t-shirts are printed, I will be the first in line to buy and wear one, because another step has been made in leveling the playing field. What do I mean, you ask? The next time you glance at the awards ceremony, I want you to look into the crowd. Take a close look at the filling of the seats. With every year that passes, I am finally seeing progress. You see, I don’t watch the Academy Award ceremony for the glitz and glamour. I take a glance at the show for the same reason that most African-Americans do – to see how we are represented as a people. History was made on stage that night and all people could think about was how they would be perceived because of the content of the performance. I stood up in my living room and applauded, because another barrier came down before my eyes.

When I looked into the crowd that night, I thought about the seats and who are now filling them. I looked into that crowd and saw Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith, Oprah Winfrey, Jamie Foxx, Queen Latifah, Don Cheadle, Samuel L. Jackson, Morgan Freeman, Ludacris, (next year) Three 6 Mafia, and a small list of other African-Americans to smile upon in accomplishment. Slowly but surely the numbers are rising, so if you can’t feel good about that, Juicy J will pray for you.

So Juicy, where will you place your Oscar when you get home?

Juicy J: I will be framing it, and I will be placing it over at my momma’s house.

It’s been a few days since the monumental performance and victory. Describe how it felt to be recognized and congratulated for your accomplishment.

Juicy J: It was amazing. We’ve received nothing but love from everybody. Everybody has been calling and congratulating me. It’s just been tremendous, man. It’s a blessing, because throughout our career, we were never nominated for any other award. To finally be nominated for an award, for it to be an Oscar and for us to win was overwhelming.

Other than anyone who was there for the ceremony who congratulated you, who was the first person that you contacted or was contacted by after you left the stage with your trophy?

Juicy J: I called my mom and my dad. I was like, “Hey, we did it!”

Why was Three 6 Mafia winning this prestigious award, good for Hip Hop music?

Juicy J: It shows that Hip Hop is here to stay and that it is still taking over. It shows the power of our music and how it transcends boundaries. Winning an Oscar is proof of that.

Do you feel any type of way about the people who are already trying to discredit you for your victory, saying that it was an upset?

Juicy J: Everybody is entitled to their opinions. People should look at this victory as an accomplishment of a group from the “Dirty South” who has survived it all. We wrote this song specifically for the movie. The director talked to us about the vision within the story. This is true talent and I feel that people should congratulate us for our talents instead of saying that it was an upset. But what I’m going to do is pray for those people.

Did you sit back and think about what it will mean to have the title of “Academy Award Winner” attached to your name for the rest of your career?

Juicy J: Man, it’s just amazing and it’s a blessing because we never got nominated for anything and now we’re Academy Award Winners. For the rest of our lives we’ll have that title. Even when we die, we will be called, “Academy Award Winners.” That sounds wonderful right there.

The last time we conversed, you talked about your movie projects that you have in the works or already completed. Did you already put an order in for stickers that read, “From the Academy Award Winning group – Three 6 Mafia?”

Juicy J: Nah, but we will definitely get on that. That would be important because the people who don’t already know about our career before this moment, they’ll be able to look at our past work and say, “Those are the guys who just won the Oscar.” We’re going to repackage everything from our albums to t-shirts.

It’s a tradition that previous winners get invited to the next awards ceremony. For next years’ ceremony, will you be sitting in your reserved seats wearing the traditional black suit and tie for the ceremony?

Juicy J: Yes, I will be there; I got to be there! I will walk down that red carpet and enjoy every moment of it. I’m going to probably bring my momma with me this time; man it is going to be crazy. I’m going to try to bring my whole family with me if I can.

If you can put into words what this moment meant to not only your group, but Memphis, and Rap music, what would you like to leave our readers with?

Juicy J: This moment was a beautiful blessing from God. Dreams do come true. If you put in the hard work, you will be rewarded. I feel that this victory has opened up many eyes, especially within the Academy. We really appreciate this blessing…

Luke and Q Press Release

It’s one thing for J Records to boast about how great LUKE & Q are, but here’s what some of today’s hottest recording stars have to say about them…
“The younger generation hasn't witnessed such an authentic soulful sound from a male group since Dru Hill or Jodeci. They are a total package.” ~Beyonce~
“I haven’t seen a combination of singers this hot since Jodeci. They’re bringing a style, a texture and an energy that’s needed right now.” ~Tyrese~
“I think that Luke & Q are the real deal!” ~Usher~
“I couldn’t compare Luke & Q to anyone if I wanted to. They’re definitely raising the bar and bringing a new vibe to R&B music. Soon, others will be comparing themselves to Luke & Q.” ~Ruben Studdard~
Luke & QJ RecordsAlbum In Stores Summer 2006Official Site: http://www.lukeandq.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lukeandq
'MY TURN' AUDIO

QUICKTIME
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REAL AUDIO
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http://media.bmgonline.com/jrecords.com/various/audio/LukeQ-MyTurn_MID.ram
http://media.bmgonline.com/jrecords.com/various/audio/LukeQ-MyTurn_LO.ram

About Luke & QWith a bold, urban edge and rich, dynamic vocals, the duo Luke & Q are poised to bring the soul back to music, with an uniqueness that’s distinctively their own. As natives of the musical haven New Orleans, Luke & Q proudly represent the soulful charm and depth of their city. Gospel, blues, jazz, country, and hip-hop have all played a profound role in their diverse musical upbringing. One half of the duo is Luke Boyd, a vocal powerhouse with fire and intensity stemming from his upbringing in New Orleans’ tough downtown neighborhood known as the 7th Ward. His raw, bad-boy appeal and strong vocals carry a passion reminiscent of some his musical influences, such as Jodeci, H-Town and R. Kelly. Quinten Spears makes up the other half of the duo. Simply known as Q, this velvety-smooth tenor brings a suave, yet street vibe. Raised in the equally rough 3rd Ward area of uptown New Orleans, Q is an unique mix of old-school cool and new-school pizzazz, with musical influences from Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake and Usher. Though raised in opposite sides of town, Luke & Q’s love for music would inevitably bring them together as members of their high school marching band. They formed an instant friendship and joined forces with another band member to create a musical group named “Upskale.” They sang at many local events, including the renowned Bayou Classic and quickly became a local sensation. The citizens of New Orleans knew they had something special and it would be just a matter of time before the rest of the world would know as well. A chance meeting backstage at a Tyrese concert would allow “Upskale” to showcase their amazing vocals to Tyrese and his management team. They made such a great impression that they were brought out to Los Angeles and began singing background vocals for Tyrese on television appearances and shows throughout the United States and Europe. The trio was then downsized to a duo, hence the birth of Luke & Q. Soon-after, Luke & Q sang for music giant Clive Davis and were immediately signed to J Records by way of Underdog Entertainment. Underdog producers Damon Thomas and Harvey Mason, Jr. had established themselves as hitmakers, writing and producing for Mariah Carey, Luther Vandross, Toni Braxton and a host of others. With Luke & Q, The Underdogs dug deep into their rich vault of sounds to compliment their vocal talents and created a definitive style. In addition to working with one of the hottest production teams in music, Luke & Q have shared the stage with Beyonce, Usher and Mario and were also featured in the Destiny’s Child smash music video “Soldier.” With sexy, soulful ballads and hard-hitting up-tempos, Luke & Q are destined to make an impact. As two uniquely different pieces that fit together brilliantly, they are real singers on a real mission to revive true R&B music with a hip-hop feel.

April 10, 2006

It is Monday... my day to organize and analyze the week ahead of me. Yes, I was crazy with the emails once again. Still trying to land an interview opportunity with DMX. It's a hard task trying to get time with the Dog Man... I just want to sit down with him and talk about his music and his struggles with Asthma; I honestly don't care about his troubles outside of music. I would like to celebrate the musician, instead. I'd feel the same way if I had the chance to interview Michael Jackson. They can try to take everything away from Michael, but you can't take away "The Thriller".

I've been busy picking a lot of my friends up from their stressed out phases. Instant messaging, emailing, verbal conversations; whatever it takes to help them through the darkest of clouds that may overshadow them.

I was given some great news today... my God sister is getting married in October. I am so happy for her. She has been through so much drama and pain in her past. It's nice to see that she has found someone who truly loves her, and that shows love to my neice as well.

Excerpts from my interview with Urban Literature Newcomer, Miasha

Check out a small taste of my conversation with Miasha. If you are in need of the shock of your life, buy her novel debut, "Secret Society", in stores now...

What has inspired you to become a writer?

There are a few people beside my family and close friends. Karen E. Quinones Miller was a total inspiration to me. She’s a best-selling author who spoke at my graduation back in 2003. Her story about how she came up was the final spark that I needed to follow my present path. I knew that after graduation, being an author was something that I wanted to do. When you’re in college you pick your major and then you have a career goal. I always knew that I wanted to write, but at that point I was thinking about magazines or ad campaigns. After I heard Karen speak, it kind of put me in my place, so to speak. Ever since I was young I wanted to be an author, but as I took classes I pushed it to the side. Her words were a wake up call that told me that I needed to be an author. Being an author is what I’m here for.

What are your writing aspirations?

I always wanted to write screenplays. The reason why I went to Temple University in the first place was because I wanted to work in film. So I started out in my freshman year taking film courses. My classes were based around directing, producing and writing scripts. That’s one thing that I definitely want to get into. I am a writer… period.

I read Urban-fiction, self help books, magazines, etc. Besides that, I also read books on business that pertains to what I’m involved in. I’m reading books on Real Estate. I also want to start a Water Ice business in Georgia.

Excerpts from my interview with Producer, Jim Jonsin

For those who don't know much about Jim Jonsin, here are some clips from my interview with him. If you enjoyed Jamie Foxx's lead single, "Unpredictable", Jim Jonsin was the producer for that Smash hit...

Every producer has a different answer for the job specifications of what they do… how does Jim Jonsin define the word producer?

I define the job specifications of a producer as artist development, taking a track from nothing and building a unique idea for it. I don’t just make beats to hand out to the artists, I really like to work with them. Although I do end up just sending out beats depending on schedules, I prefer to be in the studio, coming up with the concept, all the way down to the mix. Arranging for different instruments to be placed on tracks, and assigning different writers to work on those tracks. It’s all about place the right people together to make it a song, instead of just placing a rapper or a singer on a track and hope that they have what it takes to make it happen. I like to follow through with my work.

What do you think is the biggest misconception of what a producer does?

A lot of people just think that producers are beat-makers. That we just sit at a drum machine with a keyboard, make a beat and get rich off it. It’s not about that at all. It takes a dedicated person to be in the studio at all times of the day, consistently, to baby-sit the song creation. Although some records may happen in a flash, there are records that you really got to work. You might have to work 4 or 5 different choruses or guitar lines until you come up with the right melody. People just think that you can go out there and get a Motif (Popular Keyboard) and then they can just bang out beats like a Jim Jonsin. It’s not that easy, although I don’t want to discourage anyone, so please go out there and get that Motif, because this is a beautiful job to have for the hardest of workers out there.

If you would like to read more of this interview, stop back through... and as it is posted online and printed, I will document it on this blog...

Stay strong and motivated

Usher, Go bye-bye? Say hello to Ne-Yo...

I don't know if you noticed it or not, but with the rise of Def Jam artist, Ne-Yo, hasn't it felt like Usher is back? If you listen closely to some of Ne-Yo's vocal runs, it's plain to see that there is some influences from Usher, dibbed and dabbed within his ranges.

If you heard, "Back like that", the new single from Wu-Tang Marathon-man, Ghostface Killah, without a reference to who actually sung the vocals, it's clear that you'd think that Usher was back. Well hey, if you're going to mirror a successful artist, Usher is the one to mirror.


If you get the chance, go to www.mtv.com and search for Ne-Yo's TRL performance of, "So Sick." The moves seem so familiar. I felt like I was watching the "U Got it Bad" choreography that was used in the Usher video that co-starred his so-called ex, Chili of TLC.



If we take it a step futher, all Urban Pop stars have taken a few moves and vocal works from the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. So if the familiarity of what's going on with Ne-Yo is true, does that make him R&B son (brother to Usher and Justin Timberlake), or the grandson (Son of Usher) of Michael.

Whatever the case may be, if you want to be a success in any industry, you don't have to reinvent the wheel... damn, if you think that Michael Jackson invented the "Moonwalk", you got another thing coming...

April 6, 2006

Yes, another day has passed... I feel like I am going to wake up one morning, and I'm going to be an email :)

I've sent out so many emails today that Hotmail told me that I reached my daily limit. Isn't that something. Handling business can be tough on the fingers but it's worth it.

I really wanted to sit down with P!nk for an interview for www.Vibe.com, but her publicist told me that Vibe isn't quite P!nk's audience. I mean, I could have swore that P!nk was originally signed to LaFace (Mainly an Urban Label, L.A. Reid and Babyface). Well after basically being told that she'd get back to me, I realized that the interview wasn't going to happen. Hey, what can I do?

I'm still learning how to truly place my day on a page... I haven't written a journal in so long, so give me some time to get accustomed to this new responsibility of mine...

Stay strong and motivated

April 5, 2006

Today was the regular usual day until I went up to NYC to see the artist, Pink, in concert... after waiting for 3 hours on 28th street in line, Pink made the wait worth it. I actually felt like I cheated her out of money by not having to pay to get in, because she was amazing. I got a few guitar picks from the lead guitarist, because he saw me playing my air guitar to his moves. Oh, did I forget to say that I was front row, left stage? Wow... I am tired... I could tell you more, but I'm tired :)

April 4, 2006

I would like to say that today was unbelievable, but it was pretty much normal. I worked my 8 to 4, did a little bit of shopping; for somebody else :) and now I'm back online trying to keep up with my email intake.

I have an interview lined up with Christina Millian as of today. I'm still thinking about what angle I'm going to take in the questioning. But this interview will be a great opportunity for me to expand my horizons as a writer, more into the Pop side of things.

I'm ready to expand and grow... I'm also ready to get paid as many times as I possibly can this year. Being successful can be described in so many ways and this year; 100 paychecks will do me just fine...

What will make this a successful year for you?