Music2Nite

Prince - Welcome 2 Canada Tour

2011-10-29T17:58:00.000-04:00

It was officially announced yesterday that Prince and the NPG will be touring accross Canada in November and December. Finally, after 9 years, Prince will return to Canada! Being a huge Prince myself, this was about the best news I could hear yesterday. I personally, look forward to going to one of the Toronto concerts, I can't wait and still can't believe that it's actually going to happen. All I have to do is take the subway, go right downtown Toronto and I'll see Prince perform, how great is that! The last time and only time I saw Prince in concert was in London, in 2007. It was quite difficult getting there, but after two flights and 8 hours of traveling, I was finally able to see him. This time though I'm going for the VIP tickets, this is going to be a night to remember!

Welcome 2 Canada tour dates:

November 25 – Toronto, ON – Air Canada Centre – ON SALE: Nov 4 @ 10am

November 26 – Toronto, ON – Air Canada Centre – ON SALE: Nov 4 @ 10am

November 30 – Halifax, NS – Metro Center – ON SALE: Nov 5 @ 9am

December 02 – Montreal, PQ – Bell Centre – ON SALE: Nov 5 @ 10am

December 03 – Ottawa, ON – Scotiabank Place – ON SALE: Nov 4 @ 11am

December 05 – London, ON – John Labatt Centre – ON SALE: Nov 4 @ 10am

December 08 – Winnipeg, MB – MTS Center – ON SALE: Nov 4 @ 10am

December 11 – Saskatoon, SK – Credit Union Center – ON SALE: Nov 4 @ 10am

December 13 – Edmonton, AB – Rexall Place – ON SALE: Nov 4 @ 10am

December 16 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena – ON SALE: Nov 4 @ 10am

December 17 – Victoria, BC – Save on Center – ON SALE: Nov 4 @ 10am

Purchase your tickets on Ticketmaster

I wonder who the opening acts and special guests will be, any guesses anyone?

Nick Ashford Passes Away

2011-08-23T07:00:00.001-04:00

Nick Ashford, who with Valerie Simpson, his songwriting partner and later wife, wrote some of Motown’s biggest hits, like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough“ and “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing,” and later recorded their own hits and toured as a duo, died Monday at a hospital in New York City. He was 70 and lived in Manhattan.

Nick Ashford had throat cancer and was undergoing treatment, but the cause of his death was not immediately known. His death was announced by Liz Rosenberg, a friend who is a longtime music publicist.

One of the primary songwriting and producing teams of Motown, Ashford & Simpson specialized in romantic duets of the most dramatic kind, professing the power of true love and the comforts of sweet talk. In “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” from 1967, their first of several hits for Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, lovers in close harmony proclaim their determination that “no wind, no rain, no winter’s cold, can stop me, baby,” but also make cuter promises: “If you’re ever in trouble, I’ll be there on the double.”

Gaye and Terrell also sang the duo’s songs “Your Precious Love,” “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” and “You’re All I Need to Get By.” Diana Ross sang their “Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand,” and when she rerecorded “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough“ in 1970, it became the former Supreme’s first No. 1 hit as a solo artist.

“They had magic, and that’s what creates those wonderful hits, that magic,” Verdine White of Earth, Wind and Fire told The Associated Press after learning of his friend’s death. “Without those songs, those artists wouldn’t have been able to go to the next level.”

Ashford & Simpson wrote for virtually every major act on the label, including Gladys Knight and the Pips (“Didn’t You Know You’d Have to Cry Sometime”) and Smokey Robinson and the Miracles (“Who’s Gonna Take the Blame”).

While writing for Motown, Ashford & Simpson nursed a desire to perform, which Berry Gordy Jr., the founder and patriarch of the label, discouraged. They left the label in 1973 and married in 1974.

Ashford & Simpson’s initial collaborations sold poorly, but by the late ‘70s, songs like “Don’t Cost You Nothing,” “It Seems to Hang On” and “Found a Cure” became hits on the R&B charts. Their biggest hit as a solo act was “Solid,” which reached No. 12 on the pop chart and No. 1 on the R&B chart in 1984.

They also continued to write hits for other people. “I’m Every Woman“ was a hit for Chaka Khan in 1978, and later for Whitney Houston on the soundtrack to the 1992 film “The Bodyguard.” In 1996, they opened the Sugar Bar on West 72nd Street in Manhattan, where they often presided over open mic nights. Recently, they received a songwriting credit on Amy Winehouse’s song “Tears Dry on Their Own,” which contains a sample from “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

Besides his wife, Mr. Ashford is survived by two daughters, Nicole and Asia; his brothers Paul, Albert and Frank; and his mother, Alice Ashford.

Andy Allo and Prince Pay Tribute to Amy Winehouse

2011-07-24T17:36:00.001-04:00

In a tribute to Amy Winehouse, Andy Allo and Prince have recorded an accoustic version of "Love Is A Losing Game". It's a beautiful piece and such a respectful way of showing their love and appreciation for our beloved Amy Winehouse.

Prince, Andy Allo, and the rest of the NPG will be performing at the Melkweg in Amsterdam tonight. The impromptu show will start in half an hour, perhaps Andy and Prince will sing a live tribute for Amy Winehouse. It would certainly be a beautiful gesture...

The Tragic Loss of Amy Winehouse

2011-07-24T17:22:00.001-04:00

Music fans the world over are mourning the tragic death of Amy Winehouse, who died Saturday at theage of 27. She joins the tragic club of the 27 with Jim Morrison, Jimmy Hendrix, Kurt Cobain and Janis Joplin.

Amy Winehouse came to fame in 2006 with the album "Back to Black," whose blend of jazz, soul, rock and classic pop was a global hit. It won five Grammys and made Winehouse - with her black beehive hairdo and old-fashioned sailor tattoos - one of music's most recognizable stars. But her personal life, with its drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders and destructive relationships, soon took over her career.

Police confirmed that a 27-year-old female was pronounced dead at the home in Camden Square northern London; the cause of death was not immediately known. London Ambulance Services said Winehouse had died before the two ambulance crews it sent arrived at the scene.

Amy Winehouse's father, Mitch Winehouse, had arrived in New York this weekend to prepare for his U.S. performing debut Monday night at the Blue Note jazz club, but upon receiving news of his daughter's death was heading back home to London to be with his family, his publicist Don Lucoff said.

She was last publicly seen on at a London concert on Wednesday when she joined her goddaughter Dionne Bromfield on stage. In that impromptu appearance, Winehouse danced with Bromfield and encouraged the audience to buy her album, before leaving the stage.

"I didn't go out looking to be famous," Winehouse told the Associated Press when "Back to Black" was released. "I'm just a musician." But in the end, the music was overshadowed by fame, and by Winehouse's demons. Tabloids lapped up the erratic stage appearances, drunken fights, stints in hospital and rehab clinics. Performances became shambling, stumbling train wrecks, watched around the world on the Internet.

Released in Britain in the fall of 2006, "Back to Black" brought Winehouse global fame. Working with producers Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi and soul-funk group the Dap-Kings, Winehouse fused soul, jazz, doo-wop and, above all, a love of the girl-groups of the early 1960s with lyrical tales of romantic obsession and emotional excess.

"Back to Black" was released in the United States in March 2007, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in March 2008 and spending 78 total weeks on the chart. The album has sold 2.3 million to-date, according to Nielsen SoundScan and went on to win five Grammy awards, including song and record of the year for "Rehab," her single which peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 2007 and has sold 1.7 million downloads. "Rehab" biggest at adult alternative radio, peaking at No. 7 on Billboard's Triple A airplay chart in 2007; it also rose to No. 13 on Pop Songs and No. 14 on Adult Pop Songs.

Amy Winehouse will be greatly missed, it always seemed that it was only a matter of time until she would get her act back together. Let's all remember her for the tremeandous talent that she was...

New Sade Video - Love Is Found

2011-07-10T16:56:00.001-04:00

Currently on an extensive world tour with supporting act John Legend, legendary British R&B group Sade has released a performance video of their latest single "Love Is Found".

In the captivating black-and-white video, which appears to have been filmed during their current tour, enigmatic frontwoman Sade Adu dances in silhouette with a male figure, while her band backs her up, shrouded in shadow. Engaging in a seductive dance with the dancer, before taking the dark stage, Sade suddenly appears in the spotlight, dressed in black, swaying her hips to the moody, rocking track, as male dancers continue to move on a white screen in the background.

The previously-unreleased song was taken from Sade's new two-disc compilation album 'The Ultimate Collection,' which was released on May 3, debuting at No. 7 on Billboard's Hot 200.

The Sade Live tour is currently traveling across North America, and continuing on through September, before returning to Europe.

Alicia Keys Launches YouTube Fan Promotion

2011-06-26T17:56:00.000-04:00

Alicia's been reliving her iconic careerwith the intimate "Key'sMoments" posts. Now she wants YOU to join the "songs in A minor" 10thanniversary celebration! Alicia is asking fans to upload cover songs, dance routines, testimonials and more. Show Alicia what "songs in A minor" means to you!

Watch Alicia's video announcement below and post yourvideo response today!

Originally released in June 2001, songs in A minor sold more than 11million albums worldwide and earned Keys with her first five, of 14total, Grammy® Awards including Best New Artist, Best Song of theYear for "Fallin," and Best R&B Album.

Keys will commemorate the 10th Anniversary of her debut by performing anintimate concert for her fans at New York City's historic BeaconTheatre on June 30. The show, titled "Piano & I: A One Night Only Event With Alicia Keys," will feature Keys accompanied only by her piano.

Songs In A Minor - 10th Anniversary Edition (Deluxe Edition)

Songs In A Minor - 10th Anniversary Edition (Collectors Edition) (2CD/1DVD)

Michael Jackson - Two Years Have Passed...

2011-06-25T16:31:00.000-04:00

Michael Jackson tragically died two years ago on Saturday due to a prescription drug overdose. Time has passed, but his untimely death still resonates in the hearts of his fans.

Beginning in his childhood with his brothers in the Jackson Five, Michael Jackson's talent stood out and quickly captured the ears and hearts of music lovers worldwide. Striking out on his own, he began a decade of unparalleled success, selling tens of millions of albums as he redefined what music and entertainment could be.

"Thriller" is THE album that most captures the beginning of the high arc of fame of Michael Jackson. Produced by the legendary Quincy Jones, the 1982 album would go on to become the greatest selling record of all time with a reported 65 to 110 million copies being sold. Michael Jackson still continued to work with his brothers – now named The Jacksons – and became a touring and recording machine. Big budget videos and lavish tours followed, thus growing Michael Jackson’s fame to unprecedented heights.

Many artists in the music industry have sampled Michael Jackson's music. These include Nas, De La Soul, Q-Tip and Snoop Dogg. Producers still chop vocal samples and grooves from the deep archives of Jackson’s recorded material. Singers such as Usher and Chris Brown count Jackson as a heavy influence and it certainly shows with their acrobatic dance moves and electrifying live performances. Michael also has recorded with Jay-Z and The Notorious B.I.G.

Today, let's celebrate Michael's life and remember all the amazing contributions he gave to the music industry!

Michael Jackson - Wanna Be Startin Something Live by mjsuperfan

The E-Family and Sheila E. Perform at The Hague Jazz!

2011-06-19T20:27:00.000-04:00

There was lots to enjoy on the second day of The Hague Jazz, Sheila E, Angie Stone, Gino Vannelli, and Aloe Blacc were all there to perform!

The E-Family feat. Sheila E, Angie Stone, Aloe Blacc & The Grand Scheme were the most popular acts. As the tents filled up very quickly, fans quickly forgot about the bad weather outside with such a line-up of talented artists!

The E-Family gave a great show of latin jazz music and Sheila E stood behind the drums and timbales. The show became a great party and later on Sheila E performed "The Glamourous Life" and "Love Bizarre". The show lasted one and a half hour, a true delight for everyone who could make it!

Check out some of the show of The E-Family feat. Sheila E

Happy Birthday Tupac Shakur

2011-06-16T22:20:00.000-04:00

Today marks Tupac Shakur's 40th birthday, to celebrate his life Erykah Badu and Mike Epps are are hosting a special evening in his honor in Atlanta.

2pac.com is celebrating with two major announcements.

First: The official 2pac youtube channel is (finally) starting to carry music videos! Today, they've launched with a classic: 2 of America’s Most Wanted featuring our boy Snoop. More will be added in the coming weeks. In addition, 2pac's mother also speaks about Tupac and how she misses him, and the plans 2pac had for the future.

Second: Universal Music will be bringing more 2pac music to itunes. On July 5th, five 2Pac albums (Interscope/UMe), including his first three solo albums, will be issued in the digital format for the first time:

2Pacalypse Now, his 1991 debut album which will mark its 20th anniversary on November 12, 2011, includes “Brenda’s Got A Baby,” “Trapped” and “If My Homie Calls.”

Strictly For My N.I.G.G.A.Z., his 1993 platinum album featuring “Holler If You Hear Me,” “I Get Around,” “Keep Ya Head Up” and “Papa’z Song.”

Thug Life – Volume 1, originally released in 1994 from his group that also included Big Syke, Macadoshis, Mopreme and The Rated R, with “Bury Me A G,” “Cradle To The Grave,” “Pour Out A Little Liquor,” “How Long Will They Mourn Me?” and “Str8 Ballin’.”

Me Against The World, the triple platinum 1995 smash that debuted #1 and was Grammy nominated for Best Rap Album, with “Dear Mama” (also Grammy nominated), “So Many Tears” and “Temptations.”

R U Still Down?, the posthumous, two-disc, quadruple platinum 1997 album (in its explicit version), featuring “Do For Love” and “I Wonder If Heaven Got A Ghetto.”

Stevie Wonder Inducted into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame

2011-06-14T13:42:00.000-04:00

Stevie Wonder and friends including Melanie Fiona, Raphael Saadiq, Yolanda Adams, Take 6, Chic Corea, Paul Shaffer, Doug E. Fresh, Kim Burrell, Sherri Shephard, Tony Bennett and others appeared at this special evening. The legendary singer, songwriter and composer was inducted into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame. The Apollo also honored Revlon with the Corporate Award and Reginald Van Lee with the Percy E. Sutton Civic Leadership Award.

The Gala Benefit Concert and Awards Ceremony brought together the best and brightest in business and entertainment in support of the non-profit Theater’s remarkable legacy and its current initiatives for emerging artists and community and educational programs in New York City and beyond. The concert was followed by the Apollo Supper Club - a festive tent party with buffet and dancing. Stevie Wonder and Celebrity DJ: D-Nice treated their late night party goers with an impromptu jam-fest that lasted for 30 minutes!

The Apollo Legends Hall of Fame features renowned musicians, artists, and entertainers whose path to fame began at the Apollo. Stevie Wonder joins a distinguished roster of past inductees including Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, James Brown, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Little Richard, and Ella Fitzgerald. Each Apollo Legends Hall of Fame Inductee is honored with a plaque on the Apollo Walk of Fame, installed under the Theater’s iconic marquee.

Prince to play Montreal Jazz Fest June 24 and 25

2011-06-13T21:12:00.000-04:00

10 years after doing a concert at Place des Arts’ Salle Wilfrid Pelletier, the one and only Prince will be back at the Montreal Jazz Fest for two midnight shows, June 24 and 25 at Metropolis.

From what we hear, these will be crazy sexy dance parties – all hits, no obscure jams.

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, June 14, at noon. They will be available from L’Astral (Maison du Festival Rio Tinto Alcan, 305, Ste. Catherine Street W.), from Métropolis (59 Ste. Catherine St. E.), or from Admission and Ticketmaster (admission.com and ticketmaster.com, 1 855 790‑1245).

Alicia Keys - Extended Preview of 10th Anniversary "songs in A minor" Documentary

2011-06-09T12:08:00.002-04:00

Alicia Keys recently revealed a preview of her 10th Anniversary "songs in AMinor" documentary.

Now onlyweeks away until the June 28th release of her special 10th Anniversary Deluxe and Collector’s edition of her groundbreaking debut album songs in A minor, the international superstar unveilsthe extended six minute trailer.

This documentary is an up-close and behind the scenes account on the making of Alicia Keys’ first album specifically created for this release with brand new interviews with Keys and other album collaborators.

Alicia is counting down the 10 years since "songs in A minor!"

Through June, visit www.aliciakeys.comevery weekday for videos and personal messages from Alicia. 2001-2003are now available!

Originally released in June 2001, songs in A minor sold more than11 million albums worldwide and earned Keys with her first five, of 14total, Grammy® Awards including Best New Artist, Best Song of the Year for "Fallin," and Best R&B Album.

Keys will commemorate the 10th Anniversary of her debut by performing an intimate concert for her fans at New York City's historic Beacon Theatre on June 30. The show, titled "Piano & I: A One Night Only Event With Alicia Keys," willfeature Keys accompanied only by her piano.

For more information, details and updates, visit
www.aliciakeys.com
www.facebook.com/aliciakeys
www.twitter.com/aliciakeys

Prince and the NPG Say Thank You

2011-06-07T20:37:00.001-04:00

I'd like to say thank you to Prince and the NPG for their tremendous dedication to their music, incredible performances, and love. Happy 7th of June Prince, this will always be a special day to all the purple people out here!

Jill Scott Summer Block Party and Album YouTube Preview

2011-06-04T12:07:00.000-04:00

Jill Scott will bring her forthcoming fourth album, "The Light of the Sun," on the road this summer with the Jill Scott Summer Block Party, which kicks off July 28 in New York.

The tour will feature Anthony Hamilton and Mint Condition as opening acts, while DJ Jazzy Jeff has signed on to provide beats and Doug E. Fresh will serve as the tour's official host.

Tickets to Jill Scott's Summer Block Party can be purchased along with a pre-order of "The Light of the Sun" on June 17 through both LiveNation.com and MissJillScott.com.

Speaking of "The Light of the Sun", listen to selections from the new Jill Scott album "The Light of the Sun." Preview "So In Love" and hear Jill and co-producer JR Hutson talk about the making of the track.

Jill Scott Summer Block Party Tour Dates:

July 28: New York, N.Y.
July 30: Detroit, Mich.
July 31: Chicago, Ill.
Aug. 3: Cleveland, Ohio
Aug. 4: St. Louis, Mo.
Aug. 6: Philadelphia, Pa.
Aug. 7: Washington, D.C.
Aug. 10: Los Angeles, Calif.
Aug. 14: Oakland, Calif.
Aug. 17: Memphis, Tenn.
Aug. 19: Atlanta, Ga.
Aug. 21: Virginia Beach, Va.
Aug. 23: Raleigh, N.C.
Aug. 24: Charlotte, N.C.
Aug. 27: Dallas, Tex.
Aug. 28: Houston, Tex.

Watch the 4th Annual Roots Picnic Live Online

2011-06-04T11:08:00.000-04:00

This Saturday, June 4, is the fourth annual Roots Picnic at Festival Pier at Penn's Landing. WXPN, along with Okayplayer, will be streaming the main stage performances starting at 1 p.m. ET.

Performers include The Roots, Wiz Khalifa, Nas (backed by The Roots), Esperanza Spalding (backed by The Roots), Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros, Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, The Dismemberment Plan, and Little Dragon.

The broadcast will be hosted by Bruce Warren and Mike Vasilikos, and will feature live performances from the main stage (as well as interviews with some of the bands who are performing on the second stage). Philly's own DJ Afrodjiak will join me and Bruce during the webcast to cover all of the festivities and chat with artists throughout the day. DJ Afrodjiak is the producer and music director of the popular event series.

Watch the Annual Roots Picnic LIVE

The Lineup (music starts at 1 p.m. ET, set times TBD):

Little Dragon

The Dismemberment Plan

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Esperanza Spalding w/ The Roots

Wiz Khalifa

Nas w/ The Roots

Erykah Badu Releases New Video - Out My Mind, Just In Time

2011-05-29T13:24:00.000-04:00

Erykah Badu officially released her latest video for "Out My Mind, Just In Time" on Friday at 3:33 p.m. Central Time via Twitter.

Shot on a grainy black and white film, Badu, wearing a white night gown, dances interpretively around a low-lit set -- almost as if she's putting on a one-woman stage act. She glides around smoothly, sometimes standing, sometimes laying down. Her dress flows with her movements, somehow adding even more melancholy to the yearning song.

It's simple and perfect, it's very commendable how Erykah Badu always manages to surprise and impress her audiance. Watch the video below.

OUT MY MIND JUST IN TIME from Creative Control on Vimeo.

Lenny Kravitz Music and Movie News

2011-05-27T21:49:00.000-04:00

Lenny Kravitz was recently cast in the highly anticipated adaptation of "The Hunger Games". He will be playing the character called Cinna.

This week, it was officially announced that his next album "Black and White America" will be released on August 30th. Its lead single "Stand" will be out on June 6th.

In addition to his dates opening for U2, Kravitz has plotted a number of promotional stops, hitting the "Today" show on Sept. 2nd, "Fallon" on Sept. 1st and "Letterman" on release day, Aug. 30th.

"Black and White" is his first album in three years, and a first for Atlantic/Roadrunner. It includes a whopping 16 tracks, which were recorded in the Bahamas and Paris.

Dates for the European Tour have been released on Lenny Kravitz' official site, make sure to check it out.

George Michael - Set to Perform at Keep a Child Alive Charity Event

2011-05-27T21:36:00.000-04:00

George Michael and Alicia Keys are set to perform at the Keep a Child Alive Black Ball event at London's Roundhouse on June 15th. an upcoming charity concert in London. The event will be hosted by Alicia and Mark Ronson.

In a statement, Alicia, 30, said: "I've been a fan of George Michael for as long I can remember. He is a legend and an inspiration. His work raising awareness and funds for those suffering with the HIV virus has spanned three decades."

"I'm honoured that George has lent his voice to our KCA cause and I'm so excited that he's singing for us at the Black Ball in London. It is going to be an amazing night!"

Other performers at the fundraiser include Tinie Tempah and Paloma Faith.

This might be a question @GeorgeMichael will ask on his Twitter account, which song do you think he should perform during the event?

The Miles Davis Festival Takes Place in St. Louis

2011-05-27T21:11:00.000-04:00

The estate of Miles Davis will team up this summer and fall with several St. Louis area organizations and venues to present the Miles Davis Festival, a series of concerts, exhibits and celebrations of Davis' musical legacy that organizers hope will become an annual event.

In a news conference held on Thursday - the 85th anniversary of Davis' birth - at BB's Jazz, Blues and Soups, producer Deborah Granger of the Miles Davis Festival and Miles Davis Properties LLC outlined plans for the festival, which will include:

* A series of jazz concerts beginning in July featuring young musicians from East St. Louis and St. Louis, presented in conjunction with the Nu-Art Series at the Metropolitan Gallery, 2396 Locust St., and at BB's, Jazz, Blues and Soups, 700 S. Broadway;

* Monthly outdoor performances at the Grand Marais golf course in Centreville, IL;

* Photo and art exhibits of Davis and "Friends of Miles," provided by the Sony/Legacy record label and displayed at the Metropolitan Gallery and the Sheldon Art Galleries;

* A giveaway of a free copy of The Genius of Miles Davis, the lavish box-set-of-box-sets that presents the complete body of work Davis recorded for Columbia Records between 1955-1985; and

* A "premier event" in honor of Davis in September at the Sheldon Concert Hall.

Granger said a complete schedule of events and artists was in the works and will be made public soon. Davis' estate also is planning similar celebrations for New York City and Los Angeles, she said.

Erykah Badu To Headline Tupac's 40th Birthday Celebration

2011-05-19T19:36:00.000-04:00

Erykah Badu will be headlining a benefit concert in honor of the 40th birthday of Tupac Shakur in Atlanta on June 16. Tickets for the event can be purchased here.

Erykah Badu will be joined by jazz legend Roy Ayers, West Coast rap pioneer Too Short and southern hip-hop heroes Bun B, 8-Ball & MJG and several more, in celebration of the life of one of hip-hop's fallen icons, who was gunned down on Sept. 13, 1996, at the age of 25.

Hosted by Tupac's mother, political activist Afeni Shakur, and comedian Mike Epps, the third annual Tupac birthday celebration will take place at the Atlanta Symphony Hall, where, in addition to the musical performances, actress Jasmine Guy will dedicate a special video tribute to Tupac, with music provided by DJ Drama.

"I am greatly honored to have been invited by Afeni Shakur to celebrate her son's 40th birthday," Erykah Badu said in a statement about the benefit. "I do not take this honor for granted."

June 16 was officially proclaimed "Tupac Day" in Dekalb County, at last year's benefit, which featured performances by Bun B, Rick Ross and Too Short.

Tupac's 40th birthday celebration takes place on June 16, at 8PM, at the Atlanta Symphony Hall. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation for the Arts in Stone Mountain, Ga.

The Parliament-Funkadelic Mothership Lands at the Smithsonian!

2011-05-19T19:24:00.000-04:00

The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History will feature 1970’s funk band Parliament Funkadelic’s Mothership as a permanent piece of its music exhibition when it open its door in 2015.

First appearing in 1977, the smoke-spewing stage prop quickly became an emblem of the band’s eclectic spirit and a symbol of the post civil rights imagination shared among black America.

Dwandalyn R. Reece, The Smithsonian’s curator of music and performing arts spoke of its symbolism:

“With large iconic objects like this, we can tap into . . . themes of movement and liberation that are a constant in African-American culture. The Mothership as this mode of transport really fits into this musical trope in African American culture about travel and transit.”

“I’m about to cry!” Parliament-Funkadelic frontman George Clinton told the Washington Post from his home in Tallahassee on Wednesday. “They’re taking the Mothership! They’re shipping it out! . . . But I’m glad it’s going to have a nice home there.”

Other relics of African American music history to be featured include James Brown’s stage costumes and Louis Armstrong’s trumpet.

LIVE PRINCE CONCERT AT THE FORUM TONIGHT ON KJLH!

2011-05-14T00:25:00.001-04:00

KJLH has exclusively received the right to live stream Prince's concert tonight at The Forum, it's about to start, don't miss out!!!

KJLH 102.3FM

Tune in now it's about to start soon! Time to have a purple party!

Here are the first 23 minutes of the concert!

May13LaForum by Mr.Wizard

Prince - Forum Concert News and 2 Shows Tonight at The Troubadour!

2011-05-13T23:34:00.000-04:00

It's official, tickets are now on sale for Prince's next few 21 Nite Stand Shows at The Forum. There will be shows this Friday and Saturday. Other dates include May 27th, 28th, and 29th. This is a great opportunity for fans who need a little more time to organize themselves to come and see Prince in L.A!

Tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster or Livenation.

CONCERTS UPDATE: MORE DATES!
Save Mart Center in Fresno on May 18, HP Pavillion in San Jose on May 19 and 21. Tickets will be on sale tomorrow, May 14 at 12:00pm PST!

Prince will also be performing TONIGHT at The Troubadour! There will be TWO shows and there are very specific rules on how to get tickets and how to enter and remain in the venue. Click here to purchase tickets.

Janelle Monae Inspired to Write a Film Script

2011-05-11T11:31:00.000-04:00

Janelle Monae has expressed her interest into broadening her horizons in the entertainment biz by considering to write the script of a movie. She describes her highly successful recent album "The ARchAndroid (Suits II and III)" as an "emotion-picture experience" and revealed that she loves acting and writing film scripts.

"It would have to be the one I haven’t written yet as part of the Emotion Picture Production Company," says Monae. "It will be about how I see the world and what I find interesting about life. That will be my favorite movie, but it hasn’t been written yet." That's a great idea, it's actually what Woody Allen usually does with his own movies, write about something you know.

Janelle Monae shares how Lauryn Hill was an inspiration for her while growing up.

“I was about seven years old, and I just thought she was speaking from so many angles – she tied in love, her love for hip-hop, and it was the first time I saw a black woman who was absolutely cheering to listen to, putting an album together that was classic, and that every young girl should listen to,” she added.

Janelle Monae is currently on her "Hooligans in Wondaland" tour with Bruno Mars:

Weds 5-11 @ Fillmore Miami Beach, FL
Tues 5-17 @ Verizon Theatre at Grand Prarie Grand Prarie, TX
Weds 5-18 @ Reliant Arena Houston, TX
Fri 5-20 @ Jubliee CityFest Montgomery, AL
Sun 5-22 @ Caesars Windsor Windsor, ON
Tues 5-24 @ Eagles Ballroom Milwaukee, WI
Weds 5-25 @ Roy Wilkins Auditorium St. Paul, MN
Fri 5-27 @ Aragon Ballroom Chicago, IL
Sat 5-28 @ Uptown Theatre Kansas City, MO
Sun 5-29 @ 1st Bank Center Broomfield, CO
Mon 5-30 @ McKay Events Center Oren, UT
Thurs 6-2 @ WAMU Theater @ Qwest Field Seattle, WA
Fri 6-3 @ Rogers Arena Vancouver, BC
Sat 6-4 @ Roseland Theatre Portland, OR
Tues 6-7 @ Grand Sierra Resort & Casino Reno, NV
Weds 6-8 @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium San Francisco, CA
Fri 6-10 @ Spotlight 29 Casino Coachella, CA
Sat 6-11 @ San Diego County Fair Del Mar, CA
Sun 6-12 @ Gibson Amphitheatre Universal City, CA
Weds 6-15 @ Comerica Theatre Phoenix, AZ

Raphael Saadiq Talks and Performs on Tavis Smiley

2011-05-11T10:08:00.000-04:00

Raphael Saadiq released his much anticipated new album "Stone Rollin" yesterday. For this occasion, he dropped by Tavis Smiley for an interview and a performance of "Good Man" and "Stone Rollin".

During the interview, Saadiq talked about how the classic rhythm & blues vibe of the LP is not just a response to the popularity of his Motown-inspired project The Way I See It but a natural extension of the vibe he’s been putting down all along, even since his Tony Toni Tone days.

Raphael Saadiq is giving away a free download of his single Stone Rollin' here.

Watch the full episode. See more Tavis Smiley.