Watch as superstar Akon gives you an exclusive look at the recording process of his latest album ‘Freedom’, in stores now
Busta Rhymes in the studio with Diddy talking smack to T-Pain and Akon about their verses on the “Arab Money Remix”
“Arab Money Remix” features Diddy, Ron Browz, Swizz Beatz, Akon, T-Pain, and Lil Wayne!:
Check out the music video for “I’m So Paid”, the hot collaboration from Akon starring Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy! Akon’s new album ‘Freedom’ hits stores on December 2.
AKON ft LIL WAYNE & YOUNG JEEZY - I’M SO PAID- NEW MUSIC VIDEO!
And here it is:
Freedom I In Stores & Online On December 2, 2008
Konvict Muzik/Universal Motown
www.myspace.com/akon
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Watch Akon create his blazin’ new collabo ‘I’m So Paid’ featuring Lil Wayne!
Sometimes it is where you’re from and not where you’re at. Tami Chynn, seated in Akon’s Atlanta studio is a long way from her hometown of Kingston, Jamaica, the place where she experienced her first foray into singing and dancing, initially for family and friends then later for screaming fans.
At first glance it’s clear to see that Tami Chynn is indeed one of a kind – a pop princess who emerged from one of the grittiest, male dominated music scenes – Jamaica’s dancehall. “My influences are very eclectic. If you browsed my iPod you’d get confused, but it all works really,” says Tami. As she prepares to release PRIMADONNA, her major label debut on SRC/Universal Records, Miss Chynn’s main focus is making music that inspires girls everywhere and of all ages. Tami succeeds in doing just that by singing fun, empowering, sexy, and at times sentimental lyrics over the platinum RedOne/Konvict sound. Her songs move you in the emotional and physical sense of the word, as this album is sure to keep you on the dance floor.
Ironically, as she prepares introduce her new material to the world and embark on her debut performance with Akon, she returns to the place where she first found inspiration to be a star. At the age of fourteen, Tami Chynn moved to London where she spent the next three years absorbing the culture and sights while attending school for performing arts. It was during this time Tami realized that her dream of becoming an artist could in fact be her reality, and when she returned to Jamaica she set out to establish her “roots.” Taking lessons from Jamaican artists such as Beenie Man, Sean Paul and Lady Saw, all of whom she’s collaborated with in the past, Tami realized early on the importance of catering to her core audience before spreading abroad. Soon after the release of her first video, “Rock U,” Jamaica was all abuzz with talk of this fresh new female artist who’s hot sound was rivaled by her even hotter look.
“Frozen” audio streams:
Once she had everyone’s attention, Tami Chynn earned her respect as someone to watch, keeping herself current by appearing on the hottest ‘riddims’ with many of the young successful artists out of Jamaica. While her underground hits such as “Touch Me,” “I’d Like to Know,” and “Show Me Now,” were gaining popularity Tami released an independent album led by the single “Hyperventilating” featuring popular reggae group T.O.K.
Although she was knee deep in the Reggae scene there was always something different about Chynn’s approach to music. Her diverse influences have always given her a more worldly sound. Looking to artists such as Beyonce, Madonna and Gwen Stefani, Tami Chynn has always understood the importance of being an artist who’s able to reinvent herself in new genres. “I think Jamaica expected this of me because my music was always dancehall with influences from pop, hip-hop and even rock and roll,” says Tami.
Though she’s not quite sure what to label her music and even suggests “we put the CD in a couple different sections in the store,” Tami Chynn does know how to make hits. She was first introduced to Akon in early 2007 through SRC label CEO, Steve Rifkind. The two later linked up along with Akon’s producing partner RedOne, and the chemistry was evident, as they breezed through the album in “about two weeks.” Banging out songs such as “Frozen” featuring Akon, “We Don’t Mess,” a diva anthem, and the trance-like “Hypnotico” Tami Chynn feels like this album represents a new sound coming from Jamaica that showcases its ever-evolving musical culture. Showing that she can still make popular music you can dance to without losing her message, Tami walks a fine line – always in her favorite pair of stilettos. On tracks such as “Killa Love Song” and “This Must Be Love” Chynn slows it down to demonstrate her vocal range and “channel her inner Sade.” However, don’t expect her to take it slow anytime soon. She’s already back in the studio recording for upcoming collaborations and other songs she may simply release exclusively for fans at home in Jamaica.
She might be “Frozen” over the sliding energetic keys on the destined for dance floor Konvict/RedOne hit, but Tami Chynn is far from being cold. The heat emanating from this soon-to-be pop princess is about to be felt worldwide.
More from Tami:
Tami Chynn official site:
and on MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/tamichynn
and YouTube:
If you don’t know about R. City check it: R. City is a duo of brothers from the Virgin Islands who are based out of ATL. Their style is crazy- a mix of Hip-Hop, Reggae & R&B. They’ve written for Busta Rhymes, Akon, Usher, Nicole from the Pussycat Dolls and more. They are signed to Akon’s Kon Live/Interscope.
They also hopped on the remix of T.I.’s “I Ain’t Scared” and added their own swag to it (You know how they do!!) Check it out:
http://www.zshare.net/audio/12323510c29f9543/
Brand New Audio!: “Come On In” By Sean Garrett Featuring Plies and Akon
Sean Garrett wants more! Your favorite artist’s favorite songwriter-producer–behind #1 hits such as Beyoncé’s “Check On It,” Fergie’s “London Bridge,” Nelly’s “Grillz,” Chris Brown’s “Run It!,” Ciara’s “Goodies,” and Usher’s “Yeah!”–takes center stage with his debut album, Turbo 919 (Bet I Penned It/Interscope Records).
“I love when people hear a hit and know I wrote and produced it but I love being on stage too,” says Garrett. “Performing my songs, what’s in my heart, that’s been my dream since I was a kid. Creating that excitement in people with music is a remarkable high, and nothing replaces it, not drugs or sex. I’ve been planning for this my entire life.”
Led by the first single, the sexy, hook-filled “Grippin’” featuring Ludacris, the electrifying and groundbreaking Turbo 919 also boasts contributions from Pharrell, Akon, Lil Wayne, Stargate, Rodney Jerkins, Bloodshy, and others. But it is the four-time Grammy Award nominated Garrett, nicknamed “The Pen” by Jay-Z, who is the star.
From the ‘laid-back-summer-vibe of “Girlfriend Ringtone,” to the romantically-inspired “Lay Up Under Me,” Garrett manages to capture a wide range of emotions and eclectic pop and R&B sounds from track to track. Whether it’s the electronic fuzz of “What You Doin’” or the dance-driven “Pretty Girls,” Garrett’s Turbo 919 is a fast and smooth, old school, yet cool ride that crosses musical genres that many artists dare to intertwine.
The can’t-get-the-chorus-out-of-my-head “Why Am I In Love With You,” and the techno-influenced title track, “Turbo 919″ are both supercharged with heart-thumping baselines and synthesized harmonies that listeners across the globe can jam to. Turbo 919 is definitely an album for the world; with songs like the heart-felt ballad “People,” a modern-day “We Are The World,” the message captured is one that the all walks of life can relate to. Throughout Turbo 919, Garrett consistently delivers music that resonates the soul while shaking up the dance floor.
“I don’t sound like anyone else,” says the soulful, velvet-voiced artist. “These songs feel and sound like me. I don’t hold onto the past; keeping songs meant for other artists. I don’t fit their molds, and I don’t want to redo what’s already been done. I love what’s new and fresh and exciting. I’m a trendsetter, not a follower. I want people to say, ‘That shit is crazy!’ I like to lead and I lead by being me.”
Who Garrett is explains why he has become that rare songwriter who has changed the music scene, garnered both commercial and critical acclaim, and earned the respect of a Who’s Who list of music artists. He epitomizes bringing together the urban and pop worlds, the edgy and the smooth.
Born in Atlanta, South Side, Garrett moved with his family to Europe when he was four years old. His father was in the U.S. military and they never stayed long in one place, transferring between Army bases across Germany and England. “American urban life flows in my veins,” he says, “but living in Europe gave me an opportunity to see things from a different point of view, including when it comes to pop and dance music.”
Performing in talent shows (”I thought I was Michael Jackson,” he says with a smile) led to a recording contract with Ariola/BMG at age 17. A few years later, having returned to the States, he was about to sign with Warner Bros. but its black music department was axed, killing the deal. Frustrated, Garrett stepped off the roller coaster, graduated from college (an A.A. degree in business from the University of Maryland’s program in Germany), and took a lucrative job as a mortgage broker in South Carolina.
He soon realized, however, that the uncreative environment wasn’t for him. He began writing songs again, recorded a few, and friendly radio program directors played them. Impressed, music industry folks said he should write for other performers. But Garrett insisted he was an artist, not a songwriter.
After moving back to Atlanta, his mother Rita, who had encouraged his music career, passed away. “Deep inside, I found the strength that I always knew I had but never used. I had a choice: I could give up, or keep moving and make something of myself.” He started shopping for a publishing deal.
In 2003, L.A. Reid signed him as a songwriter and Garrett’s ballad “I Don’t Want To Hurt You” was placed with Motown crooner Latif. Then came “Yeah!” from Usher featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris. “Yeah!” hit #1 R&B/Hip-Hop, remained at the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 consecutive weeks, and was named BMI’s 2005 Urban Song Of The Year.
An avalanche of other #1s has followed, among them “Goodies” from Ciara featuring Petey Pablo (#1 Pop and R&B/Hip-Hop), “Ring The Alarm” from Beyoncé (#1 Dance), “Like This” from Kelly Rowland featuring Eve (#1 Dance), “Buttons” from The Pussycat Dolls featuring Snoop Dogg (#1 Dance), “Dimelo” from Enrique Iglesias (#1 Latin), “London Bridge” from Fergie (#1 Pop), and the Dance #1s “Lose My Breath” and “Soldier” from Destiny’s Child.
In early 2006, Garrett notched a phenomenal feat when for two straight weeks his name was on each of the top three songs on the Billboard Hot 100: “Grillz” by Nelly featuring Paul Wall, Ali and Gipp (also #1 Rap); “Check On It” by Beyoncé featuring Slim Thug (also #1 Dance), and “Run It!” by Chris Brown featuring Juelz Santana (also #1 R&B/Hip-Hop), respectively. Not surprisingly, Garrett was ranked the #1 Pop and #2 R&B Songwriter Of The Year by Billboard, and honored as co-Songwriter Of The Year by BMI.
“I’m so fortunate and blessed, and I appreciate my success,” he says. “I had to earn my stripes. If you’re not legit, you don’t stay around for long. I still learn from people who were in this business before me, people like Lionel Richie. I don’t negate them because they’re Old School. I take notes, put them in my back pocket, and use them to understand what’s going on. The bottom line is that you can have the finest chicks and a billion dollars but what matters most is what’s in your heart.”
Garrett has had tracks recorded by artists as varied as Richie and Gwen Stefani, Janet Jackson and Santana, DMX and Jennifer Holliday, Britney Spears and Jay–Z, Puffy and The Pussycat Dolls’ Nicole Scherzinger, plus LL Cool J, Keyshia Cole, Joe, Monica, Fantasia, and many others. He has also collaborated on Top 10s for Mary J. Blige, Ricky Martin, Jamie Foxx, and 112. In 2008 alone, he has been linked to current or forthcoming projects from Whitney Houston, Raven-Symoné, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Ashlee Simpson, Michelle Williams, and Vanessa Hudgens.
Musically innovative and unpredictable, Garrett often is asked about any new record that hits, “Did you do that?” “That’s great even if I didn’t,” he says. “It means they know I’m liable to do anything. ‘Yeah!’ was out of the box for Usher, ‘Ring The Alarm’ was very risky for Beyoncé, and at the same time I did Nelly’s ‘Grillz.’ Now I’m doing for myself what I do for other artists. Turbo 919 is just as diverse: ‘Grippin” is street Atlanta but the title track is mainstream American pop. I want people to say, ‘I don’t know where he’s taking me but I want to get in that car.’”
Garrett is firmly at the wheel. Like any artist worth listening to, he has a definite point of view. “I love life and I love people; I don’t like dark spirits or negative vibes. I’m all positive, all love, all happiness, because that’s what is in my heart. When someone hears my songs, whether they’re in a club or getting up in the morning to go to work, I want them to feel good about life. To me, songs are messages; they are energy, feelings, and emotions.”
Unafraid of stretching the musical boundaries of pop and urban, Garrett is equally fearless of lyrical limits, as he proves on the album’s “Come On In.” “I can get away with saying almost anything because with my voice it still comes off sweet. The point is that you can be a real man and still be passionate and sensitive. You may look like an action figure but sometimes you should talk to a woman like she wants. My point is that a man can be romantic and emotional and still be tough as nails.”
With Turbo 919 as his vehicle, the famously prolific and hard-working Garrett is a man on the go.
“I have this saying: ‘While your guns are raising, my guns are blazing.’ Some people think I’m too focused, too serious. But I know that in the blink of an eye it can all be taken away. I don’t want to be 10 years down the road saying, ‘Damn, I should have done an album.’ You only go through life once; you might as well do it the best you can.”
For Sean Garrett, the song is everything–and life is about finally having an album to call
As Ashanti preps her 4th studio album “The Declaration” set to hit shelves June 3rd, she releases a new single “Body on Me” featuring Nelly & Akon (produced by Akon). Check out the official album tracklist for “The Declaration” below and the new single.
and..
Check out Ashanti’s Gotchagram and send to your friends: http://www.thewaythatiloveyou.com
“Body on Me” featuring Nelly & Akon:
90 second streams:
MOV
“The Declaration” Album Tracklist:
1. Intro
2. The Way That I Love You
3. Your Gonna Miss Me
4. So Over You
5. Struggle
6. Girlfriend
7. Things You Make Me Do feat. Robin Thicke
8. In These Streets
9. Good Good
10. Body On Me feat. Nelly & Akon
11. Mother
12. Shine
13. The Declaration
PLAY
