Keith Murphy
Songwriter Claude Kelly Takes R&B to the Next Level
Claude Kelly is used to receiving accolades for his work with some of the biggest pop acts in the business. Indeed, the in-demand songwriter has written hits for Kelly Clarkson ('My Life Would Suck Without You'), the late Michael Jackson ('Hold My Hand') and Bruno Mars ('Grenade') and recently collaborated with Britney Spears ('Gasoline') for the pop star's upcoming 'Femme Fatale' album...
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Wiz Khalifa Promises ‘Roll Up’ Not About Weed, Praises Cassie
Look around. From magazine covers to television, you can't miss Wiz Khalifa. Indeed, the burgeoning Pittsburgh MC, who has become a household name after enjoying a No. 1 hit with his smoked-out, hometown anthem 'Black and Yellow,' is getting used to his newfound fame as an omnipresent hip-hop force...
Raphael Saadiq Readies ‘Stone Rollin'; Jams With Mary J. Blige
Robyn Beck, AFP / Getty Images
Just call Raphael Saadiq analog man. The Grammy-winning singer/songwriter is finally set to release his throwback project 'Stone Rollin'," an album that mines the spirit, instrumentation and sound of the late '50s and '60s soul music scenes...
Mack 10 Revives Hoo Bangin'; Signs Glasses Malone, Xzibit & Richie Rich
The current narrative when it comes to West Coast hip-hop is that it is in need of a serious recharge. But as the South continues its musical and cultural dominance in the rap landscape, there's another Cali-visionary joining the ranks of platinum Compton spitter the Game and West Coast rap icon Snoop Dogg to bring his region back to the rhyming forefront...
Juicy J Talks New Three 6 Mafia ‘Laws of Power’ Project
Fifteen years have passed since Three 6 Mafia released their first album 'Mystic Stylez.' That hip-hop era seems light years away from today's Downloading Age, dominated by acts like Lil Wayne, Rick Ross and Nicki Minaj. Which is why Juicy J, one of the founding members of the controversial and groundbreaking Memphis act, is shocked at the current interest his group has been garnering amongst youn
Busta Rhymes Talks New Album; Eyes Nicki Minaj Collaboration
When it comes to hip-hop, Busta Rhymes has literally seen and done it all. The Brooklyn-born MC, who made his musical introduction in 1991 with the influential underground rhyme group Leaders of the New School, has witnessed (and at times collaborated in) the rise of the influential Native Tongues crew; experienced Death Row Records' rule over the rap industry; saw New York's return to glory with
Wiz Khalifa Only Channels Good Vibes in Stardom and Ladies
Wiz Khalifa is having the best time of his life. In between logging studio sessions with such hip-hop icons as Snoop Dogg, performing at the NFL's AFC Championship and currently having one of the top pop songs in the country with 'Black and Yellow,' the smoked-out Pittsburg spitter is enjoying all the spoils of success...
Akon Reinventing Himself With Upcoming Album ‘Stadium’
Akon is literally a man on the run. In between working on his upcoming release 'Stadium,' touring, his myriad of outside collaborations, and gearing up for Lady Gaga's upcoming buzz-heavy 'Born This Way' set, it's a miracle that the singer/songwriter/producer has time to sleep...
Brandy Disses Euro-Pop, Talks New Album
It seems like everyone is jumping on the Euro-pop train these days. With one turn of your radio dial you can hear everyone from Usher ('DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love Again') and Chris Brown ('Yeah 3x') to Rihanna ('S&M') latching on the synth-heavy global dance craze that is currently dominating the charts. Bu...
Lil Twist and Justin Bieber Mixtape Still in the Works
Lil Twist is Young Money's youngest artist. He's been signed to Lil Wayne's hip-hop collective for five years, and now, at 18, he's looking to be recognized as more than a kid rapper. Twist is set to drop his debut album, 'Don't Get It Twisted,' later this year, but he has also been in the studio with another artist who is making a transition from kiddie act to young adult performer...