Ol Dirty Bastard collapses and dies at the age of 35
Outrageous - yes, funny most of the time - definitely, knowing what to expect next - a challenge without a doubt but this is as shocking to hear as the person himself. Rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard, collapsed and died inside a recording studio over the weekend (Nov. 13). He was 35. ODB, whose real name was Russell Jones, had complained of chest pains before collapsing at the Manhattan studio, according to a statement from his label, Roc-A-Fella Records.
Jones, who was also had the aliases Dirt McGirt and Big Baby Jesus, was a founding member of larger than life rap group the Wu-Tang Clan in the early 1990s. With his sometimes unusual, flair for the offbeat, unorthodox delivery, one might ont have picked him to have a successful solo career but he did and had several hit singles, including 'Shimmy Shimmy Ya' and 'Got Your Money'.
- Although success came to him easily, he was also flirting with the law just as easily, constantly getting himself in trouble, mostly for drug possession. At the Grammy awards in 1998, supposedly upset that he lost out to P. Diddy in the Rap category, he crashed the stage and hijacked a microphone from singer Shawn Colvin as she accepted an award. Later that year, he was wounded in a shooting during a robbery in his apartment.
He was sentenced to two to four years in prison for drug possession plus two concurrent years for escaping from a rehab clinic in 2001. He was released two years later and was immediately signed to Roc-A-Fella, for which he'd been at work on a new album.
"To the public he was known as Ol' Dirty Bastard but to me he was known as Rusty," his mother, Cherry Jones, said in a statement. "The kindest most generous soul on earth. I appreciate all of the support and prayers that I have received. Russell was more then a rapper he was a loving father, brother, uncle and most of all son."
"All of us in the Roc-A-Fella family are shocked and saddened by the sudden and tragic death of our brother and friend, Russell Jones, Ol' Dirty Bastard," said Roc-A-Fella CEO Damon Dash. "Russell inspired all of us with his spirit, wit and tremendous heart. He will be missed dearly, and our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go out to his wonderful family. The world has lost a great talent, but we mourn the loss of our friend."
source: billboard.com
__________________________________________________________________
Usher cleans up at the American Music Awards
Continuing on with his most successful year ever, Usher adds more trophies to his mantle as he claimed 4 more awards at the 32nd annual American Music Awards last night.
The ceremony was held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The 26-year-old entertainer won favorite male pop/rock artist and favorite male soul/R&B artist the show was televised on ABC. His album 'Confessions' took album of the year honors in both pop/rock and soul/R&B categories.Said the singer backstage "This is the one of the greatest days of my career, it's a good look for 2004."
Following in a close second on the night was OutKast who won three awards for 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below -- including Favorite Pop/Rock Band, Duo or Group; Rap/Hip-Hop Band Duo or Group and Rap/Hip-Hop album. Sheryl Crow and Toby Keith both ended up with two awards apiece.
Alicia Keys was named favorite female soul/R&B female artist and country newcomer Gretchen Wilson shock everyone by beating out rapper Kanye West and rockers Maroon 5 for the Breakthrough Award, presented to the Outstanding New Artist of the year.
- Source: mtv.com
__________________________________________________________________
Mariah's new set due out in March of next year
Mariah is back with a new set that's due on next year. The album called 'The Emancipation of Mimi' is apparently etched with a distinct flavour in hip-hop so reports Billboard for whom the album was previewed for. Carey it seems has offered less vocal high notes than on recent efforts, proving that less can indeed be more.
Due out March 29 (via Island Def Jam), the lead off single from hte album will be 'Say Something', produced by the Neptunes and featuring Snoop Dogg and is due to hit U.S. radio outlets in early January.
Carey who's been alongtime supporter of club remixes, has commissioned the services of old friend and former remixer David Morales, Peter Rauhofer and former Pound Boys member David C. to remix 'Say Something'Other album tracks previewed for Billboard include the JD produced 'Get Your Number', which samples Imagination's classic early-'80s hit, 'Just an Illusion' as well as 'Shake You Off' also produced by JD
Carey handled the bulk of the writing on 'The Emancipation of Mimi' and also produced the ballad 'Mine Again'. The album also features contributions from producer Kanye West and rappers Nelly and Twista.
- Source: billboard.com
Ashanti's new set smells as sweet as a 'Rose'__________________________________________________________________
The lovely and sexy soul songstress Ashanti will release her third album, "Concrete Rose," come next month (Dec. 7 to be precise via the Inc./Def Jam). The lead off single called 'Only U' went to radio last week and also debuted on billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart at number 30.
Although a track list was not available at deadline, labelmates Ja Rule and Lloyd are confirmed to make guest appearances plus a host of others which has yet to be named.
She's been busy since releasing her sophomore set 'Chapter II' she recently did a guest spot on Ja Rule's single 'Wonderful', and also appears with R. Kelly in the accompanying video.
Beyond music, Ashanti will make her feature film debut alongside Samuel L. Jackson in 'Coach Carter', which opens Jan. 14. She will also play Dorothy in an ABC production of "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz," scheduled to run in May.
- Source: spotlightonR&B.com