Tamar Braxton Invites Everyone To Her First Christmas Album “Winter Loverland” Nov. 11th

Tamar Braxton wants listeners everywhere to join her inWinter Loverland . Her very first Christmas Album, Winter Loverland , is available for pre-order at amazon.com and arrives in stores and through online retailers November 11 via Streamline/Epic Records.

Preserving the season’s spirit, she takes a few timeless holiday tunes such as “Santa Baby” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” for a spin, adding her very own panache to each. Meanwhile, the real gift arrives in the form of brand new original festive anthems, namely “She Can Have You” and “No Gift”, from Braxton. Each song captures the spirit of the season, while showcasing her inimitable style. Get ready to un-wrap the year’s most soulful Christmas jams on Winter Loverland .

In addition, the singer, songwriter, television producer, and actress has just been announced has a performer at the 2013 Soul Train Awards. The ceremony tapes on November 8, 2013 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV and airs on CENTRIC and BET December 1, 2013 at 9pm ET/PT.

The songstress is up for awards including “Best New Artist” and “The Chaka Khan Best R&B/Soul Female Artist”. Meanwhile, her breakout single, “Love & War”, stands nominated for “Song of the Year”, “Video of the Year”, and “The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award”. The nominations round out a phenomenal year for the artist as she has cemented her status as one of R&B’s leading ladies.

Recently, her debut album Love and War hit #2 on the Billboard Top 200 upon release, making for the year’s highest debut from a female R&B artist. Meanwhile, it also topped the Billboard Top R&B Albums Chart and iTunes Top R&B Albums Chart. Press acclaim also showered the release. Vibe described the record as “Emotional and amazing”, while ARTISTdirect.com called it “everything a classic R&B record should be and so much more”. After gracing the cover of Ebony Magazine, she celebrated the album’s release with performances on Good Morning America, Live With Kelly & Michael, and Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.

Tamar is also seeing continued success with her hit series Tamar & Vince currently airing at 9pm on WE tv; and this fall, Tamar and her sister are back with the dramatic and highly anticipated season 3 conclusion of Braxton Family Values. Sparks continue to fly amongst this sassy, outspoken and tight-knit group of women all striving for stardom while loving, laughing and feuding as only sisters can.

Spend this Christmas with Tamar Braxton in Winter Loverland .

Winter Loverland  Tracklisting
1.       Sleigh Ride
2.       Santa Baby
3.       Santa Claus is Coming to Town
4.       No Gift
5.       Away In A Manger / Little Drummer Boy
6.       Merry Christmas Darling
7.       The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)
8.       She Can Have You
9.       Silent Night
10.    Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

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VH1 “You Oughta Know” Music Discovery Franchise To Debut First Concert on Nov. 21st

For the first time ever, VH1 will bring some of its “You Oughta Know” artists together on one stage for an unforgettable night of music. Since its launch in 2005, VH1’s “You Oughta Know” franchise has introduced promising new artists on the rise and served as a barometer for what and who’s hot in music today. Premiering on Thursday, November 21 at 9:00 pm*, VH1’s “You Oughta Know” current roster artists HAIM , JOHNNYSWIM and Lorde join franchise alums, Ed Sheeran , Emeli Sane , Matt Nathanson and The Lumineers at the inaugural “You Oughta Know In Concert” from New York City’s legendary Roseland Ballroom.

Hosted by VH1’s resident music expert Jim Shearer , with additional appearances by celebrity presenters, this festival-style concert event will feature performances by each artist, including never-before-seen collaborations and covers. Viewers will also get an inside look at the artists’ personal lives and careers through VH1 original short film profiles that will showcase exactly what and why ” You Oughta Know ” about each of the performers.

Fans can watch the taping of the concert, live as it’s happening, only at YOKconcert.VH1.com on November 11. The live stream will be available on desktop, mobile and tablet devices, and in the VH1 App, and will feature behind-the-scenes coverage, as well as full sets from the performers. The full show and exclusive performances will be available for on demand viewing in the VH1 app and on VH1.com on November 21.

Many “You Oughta Know” artists have gone on to win industry awards and accolades including “Best New Artist” Grammy Awards and nominations. In addition to the “You Oughta Know” alumni performing on the show, this highly acclaimed franchise has helped break artists such as Adele, Amy Winehouse, Bruno Mars, Mumford & Sons, Foster The People, The Civil Wars, Gotye and many, many more.

For more information about the show, visit YOKconcert.VH1.com , “Like” VH1 on Facebook and follow @VH1 on Twitter and use the hashtag #YOKconcert to talk about the show.

“12 Years a Slave” Director Steve McQueen, And Actress Lupita Nyong’o To Be Honored At The Hollywood Film Awards

Carlos de Abreu, founder and executive producer of the 17th Annual Hollywood Film Awards, announce that Fox Searchlight’s “12 Years a Slave” director, Steve McQueen will be honored with the “Hollywood Breakout Director Award,” and actress Lupita Nyong’o will receive the “New Hollywood Award” for her great performance. The awards will be bestowed at the Hollywood Film Awards Gala Ceremony on Monday evening, October 21, 2013 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.

“We look forward to celebrating this exceptionally talented director and actress for their outstanding work and creative vision,” said de Abreu.

Steve McQueen is a British artist and filmmaker. In 2008, McQueen’s critically acclaimed first feature HUNGER won the Camera d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival among countless other international prizes. He followed with 2011’s incendiary film experience, SHAME, a provocative drama about addiction and secrecy in the modern world. The film received numerous accolades and awards with McQueen winning the CinemAvvenire Award and FIPRESCI Prize at the Venice Film Festival as well as nominations from BAFTA, the British Independent Film Awards, the London Film Festival, Evening Standard British Film Awards and the Independent Spirit Awards.

In 1996, McQueen was the recipient of an ICA Futures Award, in 1998 he won a DAAD artist’s scholarship to Berlin and in 1999 – besides exhibiting at the ICA and at the Kunsthalle in Zürich – he also won the Turner Prize. McQueen has exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Musee d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, Documenta (2002 and 2007) and at the 53rd Venice Biennale in 2009 where he represented Britain. His work is held in museum collections around the world including Tate, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Centre Pompidou.

In 2003, he was appointed Official War Artist for the Iraq war by the Imperial War Museum and subsequently produced the poignant and controversial project Queen and Country, which commemorated the deaths of British soldiers who died in the Iraq War by presenting their portraits as a sheet of stamps. In 2002, he was awarded the OBE and the CBE in 2011.

Born in London in 1969, McQueen lives and works in Amsterdam and London.

This winter, Lupita Nyong’o will co-star alongside Liam Neeson, Michelle Dockery and Julianne Moore in the thriller NON-STOP. This film is slated for a February 28, 2014 release by Universal Pictures.

The Kenyan actress is also a filmmaker, having served as the creator, director, editor, and producer of the award-winning feature-length documentary, IN MY GENES. The documentary follows eight individual Kenyans who have one thing in common: they were born with albinism, a genetic condition that causes a lack of pigmentation. In many parts of Africa, including Kenya, it is a condition that marginalizes, stigmatizes, and even endangers those who have it. Though highly visible in a society that is predominantly black, the reality of living with albinism is invisible to most. Through her intimate portraits, Nyong’o enables us see their challenges, humanity, and everyday triumphs.

A graduate of the Yale School of Drama’s acting program, Nyong’o’s stage credits include playing ‘Perdita’ in The Winter’s Tale (Yale Repertory Theater), ‘Sonya’ in Uncle Vanya, ‘Katherine’ in The Taming of the Shrew, as well as being in the original production of Michael Mitnick’s Elijah.

12 YEARS A SLAVE has won over audiences and critics alike at the Telluride and Toronto Film Festivals, as well as received the “People’s Choice Audience Award” at Toronto this year. The film is based on an incredible true story of one man’s fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States,Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender) as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) forever alters his life.

Black Milk Releases Track List and Full Artwork for No Poison No Paradise

Rapper/producer Black Milk released the official track list for his upcoming album No Poison No Paradise today, along with the full album artwork (inside and out) and a video that goes inside the cover artist Joonbug‘s sketchbook. Check out the track list and artwork below, and pre-order No Poison No Paradise on iTunes or FatBeats. The album drops on October 15th.

Black Milk will also embark on his No Poison No Paradise Tour with Quelle and DJ Sober later this month, kicking off September 20th in Dallas, TX and running 28 dates before wrapping up on October 24th in Washington, DC. Check out the dates below.

No Poison No Paradise Track List:
1- Interpret Sabotage ft. Mel
2- Deion’s House
3- Codes and Cab Fare ft. Black Thought
4- Ghetto DEMF ft. Quelle Chris
5- Sonny Jr. (Dreams) ft. Robert Glasper & Dwele
6- Sunday’s Best
7- Monday’s Worst
8- Perfected On Puritan Ave.
9- Dismal
10- Parallels ft. Ab
11- X Chords
12- Black Sabbath
13- Money Bags (Paradise) ft. Tone Trezure

Black Milk is a producer and rapper born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. As one of the most-celebrated auteurs of his generation of hip hop artists, he has conditioned fans and critics to always expect the unexpected each time he releases new music.

Few producers have earned the notoriety and respect he has as a musician, and when that is coupled with commanding talent as an emcee, it’s no surprise that his solo releases are met with exalted anticipation. He has been making music professionally since 2004 and has collaborated with many noted artists including Slum Village, J Dilla, Elzhi, Phat Kat, Frank-N-Dank, Lloyd Banks, Canibus, Pharoahe Monch, and Jack White of The White Stripes. In 2010 he released Album of the Year, which perfectly captured his soulful, jazzy style. He is currently putting the finishing touches on his new album, No Poison No Paradise, due out October 15th via Fat Beats/Computer Ugly.

Tour Dates:

To purchase tickets: http://blackmilk.biz/shows/
Sep. 20 – Dallas, TX @ Dada
Sep. 21 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sister Bar
Sep. 22 – Las Vegas, NV @ Beauty Bar
Sep. 25 – Fresno, CA @ Fulton 55
Sep. 27 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echoplex
Sep. 28 – San Francisco, CA @ Brick & Mortar
Sep. 29 – San Jose, CA @ Pagoda
Oct. 1 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Velvet Jones
Oct. 2 – Phoenix, AZ @ Red Owl
Oct. 5 – Austin, TX @ Red 7
Oct. 6 – Houston, TX @ Fitzgerald’s
Oct. 7 – New Orleans, LA @ Hi Ho Lounge
Oct. 9 – New York, NY @ Santos Party House
Oct. 10 – Providence, RI @ Fete
Oct. 11 – Boston, MA @ Middle East
Oct. 12 – Burlington, VT @ Signal Lounge
Oct. 13 – Montreal, CANDA @ Cabaret Underworld
Oct. 14 – Ottawa, CANADA TX @ Ritual
Oct. 15 – Toronto, CANADA @ Mod Club
Oct. 16 – Detroit, MI @ St. Andrew’s
Oct. 17 – Toledo, OH @ Frankies
Oct. 18 – St. Louis, MO @ Blank Space
Oct. 19 – Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
Oct. 20 – Iowa City, IA @ Gabe’s
Oct. 21 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
Oct. 22 – Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
Oct. 23 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Smiling Moose
Oct. 24 – Washington, DC @ Liv

Madonna Announces Art For Freedom Grants Program

Madonna has announced a grants program in coordination with Art For Freedom, the global digital initiative designed to fuel free speech, to address, respond and protest persecution around the world.

Madonna kicked off Art For Freedom on September 24, 2013 by posting Secretprojectrevolution, a 17-minute video she created with Steven Klein. The film – ‘a call to action’ – originally premiered on Vice and remains downloadable on Bit Torrent. Artists are encouraged to submit their own work on artforfreedom.com in the form of video, music, poetry or photography to express their personal meaning of freedom and revolution.

As part of the Art For Freedom initiative, Madonna has launched a grants program to support individuals and organizations working to advance social justice. Over the course of the next year she will select one artist each month whose creative expression helps fight oppression, intolerance and complacency. Madonna will award $10,000 to a nonprofit organization or project of the winning artist’s choice. All projects must be focused on a social justice issue and exemplify the values of Art For Freedom.

Madonna will select the winning submission each month with the help of a guest curator beginning with Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

“I want to help give a creative voice to those who have been silenced and denied their human rights. Art for Freedom is a platform that gives artists a chance to define freedom through their art. We have already received many incredible submissions. I am inviting all people to express their thoughts on the subject of freedom whether it’s describing specific persecution they have experienced, sharing how their rights have been violated and / or sharing their ideas creatively regarding fighting injustice,” commented Madonna.

Art For Freedom, launched in partnership with Vice, received over 1000 submissions in the first 48 hours of its inception. These submissions and the ones that follow will become part of the Art For Freedom platform and will be eligible for the Arts For Freedom grants program. Contributors can join the project by uploading original artwork at www.artforfreedom.com or tagging original posts #artforfreedom.

ONE® Condoms launches partnership with R&B artist The Weeknd

Since his debut in 2011, R&B artist The Weeknd has emerged as one of the hottest new artists on the music scene. This fall, when loyal fans pack concert venues on his 34-date tour, they’ll be treated to more than The Weeknd’s emotionally powerful lyrics and sounds, thanks to an innovative new partnership with ONE® Condoms.

ONE, the leading specialty brand of premium condoms in North America, today announced customized condoms featuring tour logos and artwork from The Weeknd’s latest album, “Kiss Land.” The condoms will be distributed as giveaways at various venues on the tour.

“With performances known for sexy mood and vibe, The Weeknd embodies the hip, edgy, artistic character of our customers,” said Davin Wedel, founder and CEO of ONE. “His music evokes a passion and intimacy that perfectly complement the sensuality of ONE products.”

ONE has made support for visual and performing artists a centerpiece of its brand. The company has a long history of partnering with musicians through its Listen to ONE campaign, working with artists to promote safer sex and distribute free condoms at performances. ONE is also active in Lifebeat, a leading music industry HIV/AIDS awareness organization.

The “Kiss Land” tour kicked off earlier this month and will cross the United States and Canada before wrapping up in England in November. The Weeknd promoted the new album and tour with a performance on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” The Canadian R&B artist, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, had his Kiss Land album debut at #2 on the Billboard 200, and was recently nominated as “MTV’s Artist to Watch” at the 2013 Video Music Awards.

Pete Rock & Camp Lo Present ’80 Blocks From Tiffany’s Pt. II’

“80 Blocks from Tiffany’s” is a project named after a popular documentary directed by Gary Weis in 1979 that reflected the days of early Bronx gang life. The project is solely produced by legendary producer Pete Rock and lyrically mastered by the Bronx Dynamite Duo Camp Lo; an together they form the group “80 Blocks from Tiffany’s”.

Pete Rock and Camp Lo keep Hip-Hop genuine with the “80 Blocks from Tiffany’s Pt. II” project. The venture started in 2008 after working on the underground hit “On Smash” for Styles P. This is when the trio decided to revive Hip-Hop’s heartbeat and pay tribute to the birthplace of the genre. The group’s initial release entitled, “80 Blocks from Tiffany’s,” was successfully launched in 2011 and used Pete Rock’s previous music catalog to set the tone for Camp Lo by providing authentic beats, with a distinctive soulful, jazzier style than what he is typically known for.

“80 Blocks from Tiffany’s Part II” reintroduces the vintage art of sampling and soul of rap music that has made Hip-Hop commercially relevant, making this mixtape an instant classic. Never before has revered producer Pete Rock released free music, especially of this caliber. “80 Blocks from Tiffany’s Pt. II” features all new original tracks from Pete Rock and as Pete states “teaming up with Camp Lo contributed to making the project authentic, explicit, and shocking.”

“80 Blocks from Tiffany’s Pt. II” was released on 7-30-2013 exclusively by Datpiff.com and contains features from Mac Miller, Ab-Soul (TDE), Talib Kweli, Uncle Murda and M.O.P. All tracks were originally laid down at Pete Rock’s pre- production studio with engineer Dave Dar and mixed and mastered at Da Man Production Studio in NYC. The mixtape will be sonically superior than what currently exists in the mixtape market and combined with these features will reconfirm the revival of the 90’s boom-bap sound.

80 Blocks from Tiffany’s Part II Track Listing:

1. Intro

2. Ladies and Gentlemen (introducing 80 Blocks) f/ Talib Kweli

3. Starlight Glitz

4. Clean Getaway f/ Uncle Murda

5. No Uniform f/ M.O.P. and Pete Rock

6. Lets Toast

7. Megan Good f/ Mac Miller

https://soundcloud.com/agentcbw7/megan-good-ft-mac-miller/s-62lJI

8. 80 Blocks Party

9. Don’t Ya Just Love It f/ Ab-Soul

10. Y’all Not Ready

11. Rocking With The Best

12. You Never Seen A City Like (The Bronx)

13. Supa Fly Shit

14. 80 Block’s From Tiffany’s

15. Bionic

16. Mafungo

17. No Hook f/ Pete Rock

18. Love Traps f/ Tyler Woods

19. Glitter and Gold

20. 99 Bottles

21. Dream Journey f/ Geechi Suede

22. 4 The OG’s

23. Pot of Butta

24. Can I Get A ……

25. Outro

Kid Cudi’s The Cud Life Tour Hits Chicago September 20th

Two time Grammy Award winning rapper and actor KID CUDI will bring his The Cud Life Tour to Chicago’s UIC Pavilion on September 20^th. Joining Kid Cudi is Odd Future head-honcho, producer, and rapper TYLER, THE CREATOR, and critically acclaimed rising talent LOGIC.

With two Grammys and over 10 million Facebook followers, Kid Cudi is showing no signs of slowing down. His latest album, INDICUD, is out now, and features the singles “Just What I Am,” “Immortal,” and “Girls.” The album was released on Kanye West’s GOOD Music Imprint, and debuted at #2 in the US. The album features cameos by Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, RZA, Too Short, Haim, and Michael Bolton.

Tyler, the Creator got his first taste of fame when The Los Angeles Times ran a “teen on the street”-type story on the then 16-year-old skateboarding enthusiast, who was also interested in music and fashion. In 2007 he began making music with Odd Future‘s core members — Earl Sweatshirt,Left Brain, and Hodgy Beats — and by the summer of 2010 their bizarre, surreal, and filthy material had earned them a loyal following. It was during that year that a video Tylerdirected for the Odd Future track “French” took off, topping a million views by December and drawing attention to the slew of crew-related mixtapes that followed, including Tyler‘s own, Bastard. He was also signed to the XL label in 2010 for a one-album deal. When Tyler‘s XL album Goblin arrived in 2011, it became the first Odd Future-related product to be released through the usual music industry channels.Wolf followed in 2013, with Left Brain and Frank Ocean returning as guests.

Logic is an American rapper. He was born and raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland. He has amassed a large internet following and is a member of the RattPack, his group of friends that he works with. Logic has released four official mixtapes, with the most recent being the critically acclaimed Young Sinatra: Welcome to Forever. He is currently signed with Visionary Music Group and Def Jam Recordings.

Tickets for this show are available at Clubtix.com.

Hiero Day Music Festival in Oakland

Legendary independent artist collective Hieroglyphics Imperium are teaming up with Oakland-based Linden Street Brewery to present the Second Annual Hiero Day block party on Monday, September 2, 2013 (Labor Day) from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Linden Street Brewery, located at the Port of Oakland. Hiero Day is a free all day music festival that features live performances by the legendary Hieroglyphics and other special guests, local merchandise vendors, food trucks, and interactive activities for all ages. Hiero Day celebrates and showcases the Bay

Hiero Day was created in 2012 with the purpose of celebrating Oakland, supporting local businesses, empowering communities, and highlighting the Bay Area’s internationally recognized independent Hip-Hop culture. Showcasing independent and emerging artists who live and work in the Bay Area, the festival will remain free and accessible to all, thanks to the generous support of sponsors. After the success of last year’s inaugural event, Oakland’s Mayor Jean Quan will declare September 3, 2013 as “Hiero Day” in the City of Oakland. This year’s festival holds particular significance to the local music community, as it lands on the 20th anniversary of the release of the highly influential and groundbreaking album, ’93 ‘Til Infinity by Bay Area underground legends, Souls of Mischief. At Hiero Day 2013, the Hieroglyphics will perform hits from previous albums, including the infamous ’93 ‘Til Infinity, Full Circle, and songs from their new album The Kitchen, released Tuesday, July 16, 2013.

Visit www.hieroday.com for more information and updates on performances, sponsors, vendors, and activities. Watch footage of Hiero Day 2012 and hear Kanye, Sway Calloway, Davey D, and Radio Rahim wax poetic about Hiero’s legacy on music, culture, and fashion here: http://youtu.be/yuZ9NacZ-z4

Founded in 1997 in Oakland, California, Hiero Imperium Records was founded by artists Del The Funky Homosapien, Casual, Pep Love, Domino, and the group Souls of Mischief, consisting of members A-Plus, Opio, Phesto and Tajai. After releasing albums on several major labels, the collective established their own independent Hieroglyphics Imperium label, website, and merch company in 1997, and are credited as creating the blueprint for independent rap labels. Few other rap collectives have withstood the test of time and are still considered as vibrant, respected, and talented as when they first stepped on the scene 20+ years ago. They are also credited as being one of the first hip hop groups to work with skate, snow, and surf companies . Created by Del the Funky Homosapien, their “third eye logo” is considered the third most recognized music logo according to Rolling Stone Magazine, and has been seen tattooed on dozens of fans all over the world. 2013 marks the 20 year anniversary of Souls of Mischief’s seminal ’93 ‘Til Infinity album, which will be celebrated at the 2nd annual Hiero Day block party festival on September 2nd, 2013 in Oakland, California.

Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” Breaks Record For Highest Radio Audience Ever

Robin Thicke ‘s ubiquitous new single “BlurredLines,” featuring T.I. & Pharrel sl, continues its full-scale domination of the airwaves this summer, having broken the record for the highest radio audience ever recorded. As of this week, the track has reached more than 242.65 million listeners, breaking the previous record of 188.8 million. This achievement follows on the heels of the track breaking the record for biggest-single week downloads so far this year when it racked up more than 428,000 during the week ending June 23rd.

A bonafide phenomenon, “Blurred Lines” is No. 1 for a third week in a row at Pop Radio and for a fourth week in a row at the Rhythmic radio format. It has spent seven consecutive weeks at No. 1 Billboard‘s Hot 100 (Thicke’s first appearance atop the chart), surpassing Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ “Thrift Shop” for the longest stretch at No. 1 so far this year. The track has also reached No. 1 in 80 countries around the world. “Blurred Lines” has been certified 3x-platinum with more than 3.5 million in sales to date. The eye-catching video, directed by Diane Martel, has racked up more than 104 million views on YouTube.

The song is the title track to Thicke’s upcoming new album, which will be released by Star Trak/Interscope Records on July 30th. The album will be sold as a standard 11-song package, a deluxe package that features three bonus tracks, and as a special deluxe edition, which includes the three bonus tracks plus two remixes.