Commercial #Pop Stars Skyrocket –Jan16

By: Lyndsay Brown

So the music news this past week has been exciting for both fans, the Pop artists alike. Keep reading to find out the details on: Adele, Alessia Cara, Rihanna, Sia, and Coldplay outlined in this article.

Firstly, it was reported that Adele was the first person to hit a billion views for her official music video “Hello” a hit single from her new album “25” (sold 15 million copies in two months worldwide in 2015) on YouTube in such a short time period. Congrats to Adele!

New Pop star Alessia Cara from Brampton, Ontario hit a major milestone of having her first Top 40 song for her hit song “Here”, while taking her debut album “Know It All” on her  first major tour…

Super star, Rihanna, unexpectedly released her album “ANTI” on Jan. 28, 2016 shortly after dropping “Work” ft. Drake via Tidal; within 15 hours had 1 million downloads beating Adele’s “25”number of downloads in that amount of time, which is a major feet; by the next day it was reported that “ANTI” was the first album to go platinum in roughly 24 hours’ time!! Although, not surprising as Rihanna’s “BBHMM” official music video broke YouTube records in about the same amount of time in 2015…the world loves RIRi.

Next, big release was Sia’s new album “This Is Acting” released at 12am sharp on Jan. 29, 2016, labeled #1 in 50 counties within a few hours her downloads beat Rihanna’s downloads for “ANTI” in less than 15 hours, as well as Adele’s!! Out of all the songs that were not released prior to “This Is Acting” album release, I really love the song “House On Fire”; kinda sounds like the beat was inspired by the “The Cup Song” made popular by YouTuber’s ‘challenge’ on YouTube; what do you think, plus how ‘bout her funky song “Sweet Design”, what sample do you think was used on that song? Leave a comment below.

Lastly, Coldplay released “Hymn For The Weekend” official music video on Jan. 29, 2016 which features Pop Queen Beyoncé; most of the video seem to be shot in India a very colorful culture accenting the pick me up, happy song. Beyoncé wears traditional women’s garments fully decked out in jewels, and finest materials- of course. Watch the video below:  

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Kanye West, “G.O.O.D Friday” & “Swish” 

By: Lyndsay Brown

If you don’t know…now you know! 

Kanye West has been steadily in the headlines the past several months. The headlines range in all sorts of directions, case and point: teases album release is looming, the success of his fashion show, his big announcement of running for President in the next next elections (2020), naming Pusha-T President of his G.O.O.D Music Label, welcoming his son Saint into the world, and co-writing + co-producing with Sia on her song “Reaper”.  For most the biggest news is the album.

To ease the requests for more information about his album Kanye West finally gave us the name of the album “Swish”, and a release date to look forward to which is Feb. 11, 2016! Still the world wants more from Genius: Producer/Song Writer/Rapper, and now acknowledged fashion guru…

What’s a better time to bless the masses with music than on “G.O.O.D Friday” (every Friday)? So far he released: “FACTS”, “No More Parties In L.A.” ft. Kendrick Lamar, and “Real Friends” on Soundcloud. This week a remix for “Black Skinhead” with Miley Cyrus & Travis Scott was “leaked” online.  On Friday 22, 2016 we learned that Kanye is working with Swizz Beatz in the studio!! Folks are sitting on the edge of their seats, as we near February...YEE.

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Big Sean and his Humanities  #HealFlintKids 

By: Lyndsay Brown

Updated: Feb. 5, 2016

Big Sean is becoming known for his Humanitarian tendencies. The newest project he has decided to take on is the Flint, Michigan water crisis; project titled: Heal Flint Kids. Flint has been in a state of emergency as high levels of lead among other poisons have been found in the water.  The major concern to the public in Flint, and now internationally, is that lead can have devastating effects on children. Big Sean started a fundraising project to contribute to the long term effects, and medical treatments that will be required for the youth of Flint. The fact of the matter here is: at this time the water is not drinkable, and Flint is known to be mainly made up of low income communities who may not be able to afford water filters, and most notably medical attention.  

Big Sean has donated 10 thousand dollars to get his incentive of helping the children of Flint off to a great start. You can help too by donating at Crowd Rise Here.

UPDATE: 

Big Sean & DJ Mustard set the goal to raise 50k for "Heal Flint Kids" initiative, and have reached that goal plus of about 58k!! if you would like to donate please use this link here.

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Classified New Album “greatful’ & Approaching Tour #Canada

By: Lyndsay Brown

Updated: Feb. 13, 2016

Canadian Hip-Hop artist Classified just released his new album “greatful” on Jan. 15, 2016. The album is upbeat something everyone can listen, and relate to.  You can stream, and/or buy the album at all the usual streaming sites; I personally listen to the album on Spotify.

There isn’t a song I didn’t like; how exciting (lol). OG Snoop Dog is featured on track #2 “No Pressure”, additionally Classified released a comical music video to go with the song; you can watch it on YouTube. On this album Classified often says things that a lot of people wouldn’t say in public, an example:  funky styled honestly fun song “Having Kids Is Easy”; HA, love it!! Emotional is “Work Away” featuring David Myles as he explains the pains of being away from family. Continuing, seems to be able to see the ‘real’ in the artists he features, especially on “Never Stop The Show” with Snak the Ripper & Slug; side note being: Snak The Ripper a Vancouver artists just had a very public beef with Madchild who “accidentally and regrettably(?)" dissed Snak The Ripper, and got theoretically crushed by fans (Eek)!?! Moving on, another track that’s hard not to mention, given the ‘street aspect’ of Hip-Hop, and its too commonly used word: “snitch”, Classified addresses this 'issue' on “It’s Hard To Understand”.  

This album is completely awesome, go check it out, so you can sing along in concert as Classified kicks off his tour in two weeks’ time with Vancouver native SonReal & Toronto’s own JD Era.

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Busy Signal New Song #DWLY & Feature on #RideAlong2 

By: Lyndsay Brown

Seems like Busy Signal, Turf Music Entertainment boss lives in the studio when he isn’t on tour, because he is preparing to release more new music to keep the wave of his worldwide buzz going.  Consistently dabbing in all sorts of genres mixed with Dancehall, looks like this trend will continue in 2016. Busy Signal newest song coined “DWLY” (Produced By Turf Music Entertainment) has a familiar sample reborn by a popular artist from North America who will go unnamed for now; lips zipped! Even though the sample is of the same origin the overall electric use of sound and subject of the two songs are completely different. Everyone knows Busy Signal loves the gyal dem, but here he is professing his love for one girl in particular. This song is destined to be a radio/club hit…wait for it…

Plus, in other news, you may know that Busy Signal is one of the artists on the song “WATCH OUT FOR THIS (BUMAYE)” which is featured on the soundtrack for the movie “Ride Along 2”!!

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DJ 2 Kind Presents: Mersey 2 Jersey [Explicit], #UK/USA Compilation

By: Lyndsay Brown

More music news, from Big Condo Records based in Liverpool, UK and their team. Royzy Rothschild, Rosh, Felcon, DBoii, Junior Thomson where selected of all the artists in Liverpool by DJ 2 Kind (Hip-Hop DJ from Liverpool) to produce a compilation in collaboration with Philadelphia Rapper Rich Quick!  While on tour in the UK Rich Quick linked up with DJ 2 Kind to make three songs with the lineup of Liverpool own MC's. The track list is as follows:

Snow Tyres [Explicit] - Rich Mfn Quick & Royzy Rothschild

My Way [Explicit] – Rich Mfn Quick, D Boii & Junior Thompson

Save the World [Explicit] – Rich Mfn Quick, Rosh & Felcon

You can purchase the compilation on Amazon. All three tracks are well produced, and have different variations of Hip-Hop mixed with Rich Quick Jersey style on each.   “My Way” could play in the clubs, and on radio. “Save the World” has an uplifting beat, topped with Rap lyrics about saving the world. Rich Quick & Royzy Rothschild made a music video for their track “Snow Tyres” (released on YouTube Dec. 12, 2015), watch below: 

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FEATURED MUSIC VIDEO >> CHOP-Z "SOUNDBWOY KILLING" PT1 #Toronto 

Story By: Lyndsay Brown 

CHOP-Z new music video is soo Toronto. It was shot down town Toronto mostly at the Nathan Phillips Square with the big Toronto sign in the background. The creativity that comes from Chop-Z is always amazing; in this video he had animated symbols to match the lyrics, and it all syncs with the speed of the wording. My fav line is: "I got more tracks than the Pan Am Games, since Canada is my home, i'll pine the girls, made of pine-cones, and getting high, in no fly zones, they gonna open up like the Sky Dome". Check it out, also visit his website at: http://chop-zmusic.com stay tuned for his EP to drop Feb. 15, 2016 called "Free Formed". 

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R.I.P Rene Angelil 

By: Lyndsay Brown

The commercial music industry has now had two huge music models pass away from Cancer entering 2016. First there was the death of David Bowie Actor/Singer/Song Writer/Producer/Artist on Jan. 10^th 2016, and now the most recent news, the death of Rene Angelil Canadian born French Pop Singer, and Manager of Canadian Pop starlit Celine Dion on Jan. 14^th 2016. Rene Angelil was not just Celine Dion’s manager he was her husband, and the father of her three kids.

As the story is told Rene Angelil found and nurtured the talent of Celine Dion; really one of the greatest story’s told in music and in love. Most celeb relationships that are or have been in the public eye have gotten nasty publicity for: drug use, tales of adultery, with quick starts and even faster endings. I don’t remember anything dramatic becoming headlines about Rene & Celine. Only slightly covered drama free story was of the age gap between the two love birds; Rene is about 26 years older than Celine. None the less one of the most in love unbreakable bonds in entertainment. In interviews Celine Dion spoke of her husband Rene with such compassion and unconditional love. Condolences go out to Celine Dion and family in this difficult time.

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Music Legend David Bowie Highlights

By: Lyndsay Brown

Music legend, David Bowie pasted away (as many may already know) on Jan. 10, 2016 as he suffered from Liver Cancer. I feel the need to express how David Bowie as an actor and musician touched my life. I also want to expose his strength, and passion he exhibited during his battle with Cancer as he completed a new album, and music videos before his departure from earth.  After David Bowie’s bad news broke, I watched some tribute videos etc. and noticed some interesting aspects about David Bowie that I did not know prior. Below are my David Bowie highlights.

David Bowie is a household name especially for the “older” crowd, I know about David Bowie’s music from my elementary years while my parents and/or older sister listened to his music during parties. Also, a fun fact about me is one of my favorite childhood movies was Labyrinth with David Bowie.  David Bowie was an actor before he made it big in music. Although, music is what most people remember him for.

The fight with Cancer did not stop his artistic ambitions…One thing about Cancer is that if you’re losing your battle with it medical professionals can guess-ta-mate the amount of time you have left on earth; that must have been the case with David Bowie (but, I don’t actually know). It seems like in his last stretch of life he really wanted to leave his mark again in the most fascinating way…by leaving his fans a new album titled “Blackstar” and music videos for “Lazarus”, and nine minute long “Blackstar”. The album was released on David’s birthday on Jan. 8, 2016 two days before his passing. The music video for “Lazarus” released on DavidBowieVEVO Jan. 7, 2016 shows images of him in bed saying “look up here, I’m in heaven” thus giving the impression he knew his time was limited; a powerful example of his work ethic, and stimulating character. These releases make me think; I would have loved to ask him why he covered his unique eyes in the last two videos.

Some of the things you may not know that David Bowie said in past interviews, and to which may have created change in the music industry are: Did you know that David Bowie put MTV on the proverbial ‘hot seat’, by questioning their lack of broadcasting music by Black musicians (he didn’t think this was justifiable!)? Did you know that David Bowie loved to make jokes? Did you know that he didn’t like to go to award shows if the award shows policy was to give away the award in an absence (he didn’t feel the award was sincere!)? Finally did you know that David Bowie made music in almost every genre, and was sampled in Hip-Hop? The above noted, widens my respect for him as an all-around great guy, and blessing to the evolution of the music industry as a whole.  Salute R.I.P.

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ARRA, SINGER/SONG WRITER/DANCER/ACTRESS #NewYork 

By: Lyndsay Brown

Today I’m excited to write about “quintuple threat” ARRA a very enthusiastic talented young lady from New York who is only 15 years old that has a dream to make music people truly enjoy. Her voice is amazing. ARRA is working on her debut album, and just shot her fourth music video for the song “Ghost” (Jan. 2016, not released yet). A Natural talent, combined with a portfolio to prove it ARRA ready to bring it.  

ARRA started her musical ventures at church (age 7); as she became a teenager she decided to expand her vocals from Gospel, Opera to R&B, Pop, and even wants to show the Trill side of her personality! In the past two years ARRA has built a collection of professionally produced songs, and three music videos; pretty remarkable given her age.

The songs:  “Trill”, “I'd Me”, “Believe” released 2013, and “Talk To Me”, “Ghost”, “I Don't Wanna”, and “Almost Not Single” were released 2014/2015! Her strategy has been to put out a little bit at a time; about year after the songs came out, the music video followed: “I’m So Trill” was released 2014, “Id Me”, & “Believe” was uploaded to her Youtube channel  ARRAVEVO in 2015. Further, you can buy her music on iTunes, and stream on Reverbnation & SoundCloud.

After listening to her music you may wonder if she gets training/coaching outside of church, and the answer is: yes!  ARRA prefects her: singing/dancing/song writing, and even acting talents with professional coaches, and choreographer’s for example. To top it off she has been in the company of folks such as: DJ Envy, Vinny (Naughty By Nature), and Coco Jones. After several years of hard work, she is really ready to shine 2016. Catch ARRA perform "I Don't Wanna" & "Ghost" live at her next show: Elmhurst, NY on Feb. 28, 2016!!

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DNAMILLA Mixtape “FOAMPOSITS & TRUE RELIGION” #NewYork

By: Lyndsay Brown

Euro Saldana Owner/Executive Chair and beat-maker of LIVEONEEIGHT Entertainment from New York reached out to get some feedback on his artist DNAMILLA, and his new Mixtape “FOAMPOSITS & TRUE RELIGION”. The team has been working on new releases. The roll out will come fast within the next four months of 2016. A lot of people can say this and that on a mixtape, but I had the privilege to view a new video for track #7 (soon to be released) seeing the look in DNAMILLA’s eyes, seems like he serious ‘bout what he’s sayin’…

DNAMILLA- “FOAMPOSITS & TRUE RELIGION” is a “Parental Advisory” type Hardcore Hip-Hop mixtape; they definitely don’t ‘pussy foot around’, and keep it all the way G. I’d say that over all the effort is innovative with: catchy choruses, bangin’ beats, mildly edging on Trap, with interesting metaphors. 

First track “Nighter” goes hard setting the tone for a heavy Rap mixtape in short it’s about showing no ‘chicken head’ love; just an in and out type deal (which is a common theme throughout the project). Track #2 “DNAMILLA PROD By: #4ALARMBLA3” is a beat (and even though the beat is sick) it offsets the initial tone set by track #1, because you’re there just waiting for the lyrics to kick in. I think the instrumental should have been placed maybe at the end of the mixtape as an outro. Continuing,  #3 “Do My Thing” Hardcore Rap with heavy bass, up-tempo Trap beat has a punch line that made me giggle ‘cause it made me think of someone: “and your baby mother mouth is like an incubator” (haaaaa). #5 “Bruce Wayne” is a song that shows confidence, and bragging rights; the chorus goes like this: “bitch I think I’m Bruce Wayne, vigil ante on the track, got  loose brain, press a button on the coop, watch the roof change, bitch I think I’m Bruce Wayne”. Track #8 “Getting Chicken” metaphor is an American term, it’s street real: “Can’t talk now, I’m on a mission so leave a message, I’m getting chicken, time to Re call that intermission, need to clear the block, call that intuition”… “they getting chicken and they profiling”. Last track ima mention is: #10 “Live My Life” has the same DNAMILLA intensity with an upbeat positive feel compared to the prior lyrical over tone,  the sound/lyrical content is that of a variety of urban styles can relate to in my opinion.

Go check the mixtape on DatPiff here ....  don’t forget to leave some feedback for DNAMILLA!!

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HOOKEDUPB MAG 2015 YEAR END SPECIAL!! 

STARDATPRINCETV PRESENTS HOOKEDUPB MAG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS:

Recorded Interviews: Lyndsay Brown @ www.hookedupbmag.com 

Video Edits: StarDatPrinceTV (YouTube) 

Beat By: Ill-It Beatz @ www.ill-it.com 

SEE ARCHIVES 'MonthYear' FOR ALL FEATURES @ www.hookedupbmag.com 

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