In Monday's Daily Rap Alicia Keys outselling Celine Dion, Lanye West breaksdown on stage on Paris, R Kellys publicist resigns and 50 Cent to perform in India.Erykah Badu gears up for 2008The eccentric and somewhat eclectic artist from Texas, Ms Erykah Badu will be feeding fans music for their soul when she releases her new album next year. Badu who last released an album back in 2003 is looking to release her tentatively titled KahBa in February. The first single off the album 'Honey" was leaked to the internet this month and was produced by Ninth Wonder. Erykah Badu worked with names such as Sa-Ra and MadLib on this project and the late great J Dilla and hopes that the project takes people to another 'dimension'. Just like the title which she admits might change as time moves on, Badu admits I always come up with a lot of sh*t because it has to mean something to me."Alicia Keys outselling Celine DionTwo of musics most famed females released albums this week, Alicia Keys and Celine Dion. Numbers so far are hinting that Alicia Keys has surpassed Dion allegedly selling 160,000 on the first day it hit shelves in America. As I am is the artists fourth album and if she gets the number one spot when soundscan results are finalized it will be her fourth time achieving the number one spot on the Billboard Charts in the first week.Kanye breaks down on stage in Paris
Rapper Kanye West launched his European tour this weekend only a week after the unexpected death of his Mother Dr. Donda West. Kanye broke down on stage while performing his track Hey Mama. He left the stage for 15 minutes and then came out to perform Stronger, encouraged by thousands of fans. There was a warrant of arrest out for the plastic surgeon who carried out the procedures on Dr. West but it has been canceled. Dr Jan Adams is at the center of excessive controversy surrounding malpractice after the 8 hour breast reduction and tummy tuck operation he performed, from both former clients and The Board of Plastic Surgeons.
Concert in front of Washington memorial
A concert was held over the weekend in front of the Washington Memorial in DC to protest about Hate Crimes and Police Brutality in the US. M1 of the politically driven duo Dead Prez performed at the event along with other bands and artists. "As the war in Iraq rages on, we are clear that there is a war here at home, against youth of color, the violence against young people of color and the unequal treatment under the law compiles us to act, resist, and organize, we must seize the time," said the Reverend Lennox Yearwood Jr., President of the Hip Hop Caucus. The Hip-Hop Caucus is an organization founded to "provide a comprehensive agenda for the Progressive and Hip Hop communities both domestically and abroad. The Hip Hop Caucus mission is to foster political and social change from the bottom up, by organizing and mobilizing young people around issues of war, poverty, racial injustice, and the environment."
Def Jam presents Vol 1
The most notorious Hip-Hop label in the world has decided to bring together some of the biggest names on its roster. Songs from Methodman, Rihanna, Ne-Yo and Nas to name just a few will feature on the album which is made up of unreleased tracks. The album will hit shelves on Dec 18th just in time for Christmas. Below is the track listing for Def Jam Sessions Vol 1 "The N...," Nas "Where Y'all At," Nas "I Shine, You Shine," Fabolous "Chirp Back," Fabolous "That's What It Does," Ne-Yo "Spotlight," Ne-Yo "OD," Method Man "F**k Da Security," Redman "Let's Go," Redman "Haunted," Rihanna "Cry," Rihanna "Wreck," Bobby Valentino "Let's Go," Bobby Valentino
R Kellys publicist Resigns
After 14 years of representing the highly publicized multi platinum selling singer, Regina Daniels has resigned from her role as publicist. Ms. Kelly who issued a statement confirming her disassociation with Kelly also confirmed that her husband, music retailer George Daniels is no longer working with Kelly. The reason for the split was reported as differences that could not be rectified and in her statement Ms Daniels said "Without change, progress is impossible."
John Legend talks new album
Having delivered to fans two award winning albums, singer sensation John Legend is getting ready to work on his third album. As yet untitled, Legend has already been working in the studio with Black Eyed Peas man will.i.am and is set to work with Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes and of course label boss and friend Kanye West. The album is scheduled for a Summer release but in the mean time he is keeping busy working alongside Estelle, the English singer who is releasing her sophomore album Shine in the spring on Legends Homeschool Records.
50 Cent to perform in India
Rapper Curtis Jackson who is currently on a world tour will be performing in India in front of a 5000 plus audience. The concert which is to take place at Mumbai is has also attracted the attention of some pretty big names in Bollyhood. This is the rappers first time performing in the country and he has hinted that he might like to go back at some stage and shoot a music video there.
Melanie Cornish