Black Music Month

Black Music Notes September 3

9/4/08: Lil' Wayne / Michael Phelps
Fresh off his historic performance at this summer's Beijing Olympic Games, gold medal winning swimmer Michael Phelps is set to host the season premiere of 'Saturday Night Live' on September 13. The 34th season of the long-running sketch comedy series will not only be laced with gold but also platinum. Joining Phelps for the coveted opener will be none other than 2008's best-selling rapper Lil Wayne, who will serve as the show's musical guest.


9/4/08: Deitrick Haddon
Gospel singer-songwriter Deitrick Haddon released his latest Zomba Gospel release this week, entitled 'Revealed.' The project features production from some of the best producers in the industry including Dre & Vidal, Warryn Campbell, Tim & Bob, and Percy Bady. The set has already yielded one of the hottest R&B/Gospel anthems of 2008 in 'Love Him Like I Do' featuring Ruben Studdard and Mary Mary. 'Revealed' also contains 'The Word,' 'I'm Alive,' 'Reveal My Heart,' and Deitrick's personal story of triumph on 'Soul Survivor.' With the album being so diverse Haddon believes Gospel music can be "just as big as rock and fill stadiums around the world." "Our music has to reach beyond our religious beliefs to connect on a greater level. I wanted to speak to everybody."


9/4/08: Mavis Staple
Legendary soul-gospel singer Mavis Staple is looking forward to participating in this year's election. Not only is she expected to vote on November 4, but she will also release her 12th solo album 'Mavis Staples Live: Hope At The Hideout.' The political driven project is filled with freedom / protest songs inspired by the current presidential race. In addition, the Chicago native has something in common with Democratic nominee Barack Obama, who attended the same church as Staple. The 13-track opus features the new single 'We Shall Not Be Moved.'


9/4/08: Rick Ross / Trina / Trick Daddy
Slip-N-Slide Records, the #1 independent label in South Florida, is looking to expand their imprint into different genres such as Pop, R&B, and Rock with open casting calls. The auditions will take place throughout the country and will be apart of the labels 'The Next Big Super Star' talent showcase which is expected to air as a TV special in the future. So far the label has released critically acclaimed albums from the likes of Trick Daddy, Trina, Rick Ross, and Plies. Having such a talented roster will usher in 'Slip-N-Slide Greatest Hits' compilation set to hit stores at the top of 2009. "We will continue to spread our wings by forming sub-labels under Slip-N-Slide Records and offer support to artists who would like to start their own record labels," CEO Ted Lucas said.


9/4/08: LL Cool J / Richie Sambora
With his current single 'Baby' from the forthcoming album 'Exit 13' in heavy rotation throughout media outlets, LL Cool J is planning to add an edgier twist to the track. The man ladies call Cool James has hooked up with none other than Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora for a rock-edge remix. "We creatively put our heads together," LL explained. "I told him I wanted that talk box. 'Slippery When Wet' by Bon Jovi's is one of my favorite albums. I thought the talk box on a couple of the songs was incredible, 'Livin' on a Prayer' especially. So, I got Richie to do it on the 'Baby' remix. It sounds crazy. Then he did some vocals, and he did some guitar solos ... so it's good." The track is currently available through iTunes. 'Exit 13' hit stores September 9.


9/4/08: Yolanda Adams
"The First Annual Save Africa's Children Music Festival" is sure to debut with a bang! Not only are several celebrity presenters tapped to appear at the all-star extravaganza, various award-winning recording artist will take the stage. Yolanda Adams, Pieces of a Dream , Kirk Whalum + 3 Generations of Whalums, Doc Powell are among the many artist taking part in the September 26 event at Los Angeles' West Angeles Cathedral. All proceeds will benefit orphan children in Africa.


9/4/08: The Game / Young Buck
Former G-Unit members The Game and Young Buck have finally let bygones be bygones. The two MCs officially put their differences beside themselves and reunited on stage recently at Game's New York City album release party. Buck appeared on stage handing the California native a diamond encrusted watch. Throughout the entire celebration the two took various verbal shots at their former boss 50 Cent. And the reunion doesn't stop there. Game and Young Buck are also schedule to perform at this year's Tennessee Music Conference and Hip-Hop Awards taking place September 6.



9/4/08: Diamond
Following her previous chart topping success with Crime Mob, who released the hit singles 'Knuck If You Buck" and the certified gold single 'Rock Yo Hips,' female MC Diamond recently signed a solo deal with Warner Bros. Records Inc. The multilayer deal will consist of the label. tying in various endorsements, which include TV and film opportunities leading up to her debut solo album expected to drop in 2009. "I'm so excited about my new solo deal with Warner- it's been a long time coming," she said. "It's important for me to give my fans the Diamond they already know, but to also give them something new from me! I hope to work with a few of my favorite people in the industry, from Timbaland to T-Pain on my new album, so there's definitely going to be a few surprises in store!"


9/4/08: DMX
Despite facing all his legal woes, DMX (born Earl Simmons) still seems to have his mind on his money. The rapper is currently shopping around a series based on his recent court ordeals. The show tentatively titled, 'DMX: This Life of Mine' will feature the MC going through the stages of avoiding prison time for a number of his charges including animal cruelty charges, theft, and possession of drug paraphernalia to name a few. "In many ways, my life has been an open book," DMX (born Earl Simmons) told Allhiphop.com. "[But] I haven't always been the one writing the story. With this show; however, people will get to see and hear with their own eyes and ears what really goes on in my life and I think they'll come to understand me a little bit better with each episode."


9/4/08: Wyclef Jean / Venus Williams
One of today's best marketing schemes seems to be pairing up a popular musician with a popular athlete. Enter Grammy Award-winning musician/producer Wyclef Jean, who has written and recorded a new song titled, 'Venus (I'm Ready),' inspired by tennis champion Venus Williams. The song is expected to be used as Williams' theme song during the 2008 US Open tennis tournament which ends September 7. In addition to the newly produced song, the two paired up for an upcoming episode for the Sundance Channel television series 'Iconoclasts.' "I was so happy to meet Wyclef and work with him on our 'Iconoclasts' episode but not even in my wildest imagination, did I expect that such a beautiful song would be one of the outcomes from meeting Wyclef," the Olympic gold medalist said. "He is an amazing human being and it is truly an honor for me to be recognized in such a wonderful way by such a gifted musician and exceptional person." The Venus Williams, Wyclef Jean episode of 'Iconoclasts' is scheduled to premiere November 13 at 10PM ET on the Sundance Channel.