Nina Sky not happy with their label
Mar 15, 2010 Album, Hip Hop, R&B, Record Label
It looks like the musical duo is not very happy with their label, Polo Grounds, for not releasing their first album. This is what the two sisters of Nina Sky, Nicole and Natalie Albino, said about the matter on twitter: “Starting a new campaign today..Nina Sky Doesn’t Play Polo’ .. For MONTHS we’ve had a complete album, ready for release. Y’ALL wanna know what’s REALLY goin on? Nothing + that’s the problem. We released 2 videos and singles without support from our label. All good.. Stayed positive… After months of no movement we asked to be released + still nothing. No acknowledment from the President of out label Bryan Leach..” Here’s the very interesting part: Bryan Leach is the name of the record label’s president and the album Nina Sky is trying to release is called “Starting Today”. If only the label were making some sort of secret profit from not releasing their album, that would just make all of this circle of irony perfect… but sadly, that is probably not the case. Still it is a very good coincidence of name.
Tags: Album, Hip Hop, Nina Sky, Polo Grounds, R&B
Suge Knight Can’t Be Black Balled
Jun 4, 2009 Music, Record Label, Suge Knight
If Suge Knight wants his record company to be called Blackball Records, he can name it Blackball Records. That’s if someone else doesn’t have the name already. The original owners of Black Ball Records, note the slight difference in spelling, have fired off a cease and desist letter to the music mogul, politely pointing out his copyright infringement. Black Ball claims that Suge has been using the name since 2008 and that both sides have tried to reach a settlement to no avail. Suge’s camp says they filed for copyright in 2006 but dropped it earlier this year. The original Black Ball Records people say they’ve had it since 2002.
Tags: Blackball, Copyright Infringement, Music, Record Company, Suge Knight, Trademark
Jay-Z soon to be unstoppable:
May 29, 2009 Jay-Z, Record Label
The rapper is apparently negotiating a deal with WMG/Atlantic about making his own record label. Supposedly this deal will make him virtually unstoppable. A source said the following about Jay-Z’s expansion plans: “Jay’s deal with Live Nation is massive. But if he were to cut a deal with WMG/Atlantic, he’d make even more headlines. Jay-Z, Lyor Cohen and Kevin Liles are all brand names. They’re the industry’s heavy hitters, and the combination would bring them a lot of attention. They would be unstoppable. Jay himself is the most successful rapper-turned-businessman out there.” Maybe this is why so many have not been able to perform lately… Jay-Z probably hired some voodoo people to put a halt to their activities while he makes his big break. Still, I am puzzled: what kind of a rapper is Jay-Z anyway if he doesn’t have his own record label yet?
Tags: Hip Hop, Jay-Z, Kevin Liles, Lyor Cohen, WMG/Atlantic
Jay-Z Leaves Def Jam
May 27, 2009 CD, Def Jam, Jay-Z, Record Label
It’s official – Jay-Z has left his long time label, Def Jam Records. The rapper confirmed the news that he’s left the record company which he’s been so involved with for the past several years. Jay-Z says that his time at Def Jam has been “a unique and fulfilling experience.” The rapper did not give the real reason as to why he chose to leave though. However, Jay-Z still owes Def Jam one more record. You better be expecting a “Best Of” CD to be coming out soon under Jay-Z’s name. It will probably have some previously unreleased tracks on there but unlikely to have something new from the rapper.
Tags: Best Of, Def Jam Records, Jay-Z, Label, Rapper
Record label drops Kelly Rowland
Mar 31, 2009 Destiny’s Child, Kelly Rowland, Record Label
Columbia bosses have decided to part ways with former Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland. This news comes merely 2 months post Kelly Rowland firing her manager Mathew Knowles who is singer Beyonce Knowles father.
This is really strange because both of her 1st two solo albums sold in excess of four million copies but according to a British tabloid Columbia bosses have dumped her because they fear she is “no longer commercially viable.”
It is more of a ‘we do not have the budget’ to produce music because the economic melt down is starting to create greater ripples in the entertainment industry and while profits are dipping cost remain high so its really like taking greater risk with potentially chances that cost might not be recovered.
At the same time Kelly Rowland is incredibly talented no doubt about that so music companies would sign her as soon as she can strike a comfortable deal. Keep on doing your thing Kelly they can’t stop u Columbia must b crazy don’t, really leaves me miffed that those guys see how fine she is?? Must be blinded but Kelly is a gr8 singer n a good person n she’s real sexy.
Tags: Destiny’s Child, Kelly Rowland, Record Label
Timbaland Lawsuit
Mar 27, 2009 Record Label, Timbaland
Timbaland is going after his record label Blackground Records claiming that they didn’t say anything when he first decided to make his move from performer to producer and things are now getting ugly. In a lawsuit filed earlier this week in Federal District court, the big shot producer claims he just got too successful as a producer and the record label couldn’t contain its jealousy and hostility for him. Timbaland alleges that Blackground went on a McCarthy-esque search and destroy campaign, contacting various record labels and giving them a million reasons why they shouldn’t hire Timbaland to produce songs. Timbaland wants out of his contract and unspecified damages.
Tags: Timbaland
Beyonce’s Cadillac Records
Dec 9, 2008 Beyonce, Record Label
Beyonce was looking glamorous on the red carpet in a back Dolce & Gabbana dress with puff sleeves for the premiere of her new movie ‘Cadillac Records’ which was held at The Egyptian Theater this past Monday in Hollywood. The 27-year old singer and actress finished off her outfit with a glitzy belt and Brian Atwood heels. Beyonce portrays singer Etta James in the drama musical which comes out December 5. ‘Cadillac Records’ explores the 1950s musical era, chronicling the life of the influential Chicago-based record company executive Leonard Chess and the singers who recorded for Chess Records. It sounds like a great movie to me.
Tags: Beyonce
Def Jam Successor Found Dead
Nov 5, 2008 Jay-Z, Record Label
Shakir Stewart, the man who took Jay-Z’s place as head Vice President of Def Jam Records was found dead this past weekend in his Georgia home. Stewart was best known for signing artists such as Rick Ross and Young Jeezy. He stepped in Jay-Z’s shoes shortly after he stepped down from the job last December. The cause of death is still under investigation but several rumors are going around that he committed suicide but nothing is confirmed. However, a Cobb County Police Detective says that Stewart was taken to an Atlanta hospital after suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his Marietta, Georgia home.
Tags: Jay-Z, Shakir Stewart
Lil Wayne to be Big in 2008
Jun 15, 2008 Lil Wayne, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Rapper, Record Label, Records Sale
Most industry insiders are saying that Madonna or Mariah Carey would be the top-selling album of the year. However, some think that it’s not the case. Some people are saying that both divas will get beat for biggest sales of the year by rapper Lil Wayne. It turns out that his album was helped out by all the internet leaks of his songs. Industry experts are saying that it’s the most effective free publicity. Lil Wayne’s ‘Tha Carter III’ came out on Tuesday so exact numbers are yet to come in but his label estimates that the album will sell around 850,000 to 950,000 on its first week. If that is the case, he’s a shoe-in.
Label Not Promoting Janet Jackson
Jun 13, 2008 Album, Album Review, New Single, Record Label
Apparently the record label doesn’t have much faith in Janet’s latest album Discipline. Unfortunately for Janet, that means they’ve stopped promotion on the album, which means it’s pretty much going to flop.
Janet says, “We started off with [the single] Feedback and the label and myself haven’t quite seen eye to eye since the Feedback single so they’ve kind of basically stopped all promotion. I’m trying to figure out a way to say this, but just to say it and to be quite honest, they just stopped all promotion whatsoever on the album, so I don’t think you’re going to hear another single off the album.”
Sucks for her.
Wino Label
May 2, 2008 Album, Amy Winehouse, Record Label, Soul Music
Rumors are going around that Amy Winehouse is about to leave her current label after her next album so she can get her own label up and running. Wino was supposedly influenced to go into the label thing by Alex Haynes, the guy who she was rumored to have an affair with and is also her manager’s assistant. A source told UK’s Sun “For the first time in her career, Amy is beginning to have her head turned by the cash she can make.” The source also says that Wino wants to sign her friends Remi Nicole and Tyler James and have control over her own finances. If this is true, it will likely end in disaster. Amy can barely take care of herself. How will she take care of a business?
Jay-Z to launch $100m label?
Mar 21, 2008 Jay-Z, Rapper, Record Label
Jay-Z wants $100 million to launch his own record label.
The hip-hop mogul, who recently quit his role as president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Def Jam Recordings, is reportedly asking music labels for the mammoth investment for new project Carter Music Group, but has so far seen his demands dismissed.
A source told the New York Post newspaper: ‘Jay-Z is asking for way too much. He wants a label to give him $100 million for the Carter Music Group and provide for overhead, development and digital investment. It’s crazy. He wants the label to basically be his venture capital fund – but unlike a venture capital, they won’t get 50 per cent.’
A venture capital fund involves the investment of money into smaller companies, which are often thought to carry more risk.
A representative for the ’99 Problems’ rapper branded the reports nothing more than ‘rumours’. Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, left Def Jam late last year amid claims he wasn’t making enough money.
Last year, Jay-Z was named the second highest earning musician in the world by business bible Forbes magazine, with annual earnings of $83 million. His other business interests include owning a series of 40/40 sports bars across the US, and a stake in the New Jersey Nets basketball team.
Jay-Z’s Next Comeback
Feb 9, 2008 Hip Hop, Jay-Z, R&B, Record Label
Jay-Z has retired from hip hop and came out of retirement about three times already. He’s also just retired from the record exec racket a few months ago. But as his track record goes, he’s coming out of retirement from that too.
Rush & Molloy report that the rap mogul could be on his way back to starting his own label again. This time, with a guy who used to be his rival. He and Lyor Cohen of Warner Music are in talks about putting together the Carter Music Group which is a reference to Jay-Z’s real name of Shawn Carter.
Making the Band 4
Jan 20, 2008 Diddy, MTV, Making the Band 4, Record Label, TV Show
Making the Band 4: Season 2 is about to take to the airwaves on Monday, January 28th at 10PM ET/PT on MTV. I’m confused. It’s number 4 but it’s season 2. Why isn’t it 5 or 6?
Anyway, Danity Kane, Donnie and the new band (Robert, Willie, Qwanell, Brian Andrews and Mike) will all be living under the same roof in the second season of the so-called reality show. they will all be albums under the Bad Boy record label at the same time. Diddy wants to see who will finish first. That’s a lot of work on his plate if you ask me.
Jay-Z Steps Down
Dec 28, 2007 Jay-Z, Money, R&B, Rapper, Record Label, Records Sale
It’s been swirling around the rumor mill for a while now and it has finally been proven to be true. Rapper/entrepreneur Jay-Z is stepping down as president/CEO of Def Jam Records after 3 years with the label.
Jay-Z announced it on Christmas eve saying “It’s really about trying to invest in the future, trying to invest in maybe coming up with a new model. Because going in hard making records with artists and throwing those records into a system that’s flawed is not exciting for me. It’s not the music; people ingest music the same way. It’s just that the model of selling CDs has changed. So doing things the typical way is not in the best interests of anyone and not exciting for me. My whole thing is, how do we invest in the future? If everyone is committed to doing that, then I’m sure there’s a deal to be made.”
Bow Wow Gets Hospitalized
Dec 11, 2007 Bow Wow, Celebrity, Chris Brown, Concert Tour, Music, Music Artists, Performance, Photography, Rap Music, Record Label, Sean Kingston, Singers, Soulja Boy
Rapper Lil Bow Wow, oh wait, I meant Bow Wow. He’s not so little anymore. Anyway, the rapper was rushed to a Cincinnati hospital on Thursday night after he came from a performance there.
His record label issued a statement saying that the 20-year old rapper is suffering from ‘stress and exhaustion’. They also said that while his tour with Chris Brown, Sean Kingston and Soulja Boy prepares to take the stage in Chicago, he won’t be able to make it. The Sony rep does say that “He loves them and will be sure to come back to Chicago soon!”
Britney Spears Almost Gets Replaced
Dec 5, 2007 Britney Spears, Celebrity, Hollywood, Music, Music Artists, Music Videos, New Single, Performance, Pop Music, Record Label, Samantha Jade, Singers, Song
Britney Spears is quickly getting known as someone who likes to bail and she almost bailed on her music video shoot for ‘Piece of Me’. That is, until her record label planned to use the dancers and location for her video for a younger rising star.
Page Six is reporting that the pop wreck was supposed to show up at Social Hollywood to shoot her new video but was hours late. When it looked like she was going to be a no-show, Jive decided to refit the set for another act’s video shoot – Samantha Jade’s ‘Eyes on Me’. When Brit got wind of what was going on, the Post says that she finally showed up – twelve hours past call time.
Radiohead’s Free Album
Nov 11, 2007 Album, Internet, Music, Music Artists, Music Bands, Pop Music, Radiohead, Record Label, Records Sale, Rock, Singers, Songs Download
Radiohead isn’t signed to any major record label right now but in the end, it works out for the best. The band decided to release their album via the internet and letting fans pay whatever they wanted for it.
On average, more than 6 out of 10 people who downloaded their new album ‘In Rainbows’ downloaded it for free. Of the people that decided to pay even just a bit for it, the average price paid was around $6. Close to 1.2 million people downloaded the album and if you’re quick with the numbers, that’s a total of $2.736 million.
It may not be as much had they released the album normally but when you take away the money they would have to fork over to a record label, they’d probably make even less than that. It’s a very smart move on their part.
Jennifer Lopez Pisses Off Her Label
Nov 1, 2007 Album, Jennifer Lopez, Money, Music, Music Artists, New Single, Photography, Record Label, Records Sale, Rumor, Singers, Song
Jennifer Lopez is pissing off her record label because she is way too expensive to take care of and doesn’t really make any money for the label. “She costs too much money and doesn’t sell enough,” says a source. “Her last album cover alone cost $60,000 in hair and makeup, lighting, photographers, re-touching, etc. The video budget was in the neighborhood of $300,000.” Since she’s married with Anthony, her carrier is down, she sell all in Spanish, a flop with “como ama una mujer”, flops with Latinos film….. She can really thank P Diddy!!! She is and always has been a mediocre singer. I admire a husband that would encourage his successful wife to step out of her comfort zone and take on new challenges, weather she succeeds or not. She hasn’t changed with the times. The consumer wants an artist to evolve. Her “Brave” album would have done well in the late ’90s, but not anymore. Just doesn’t cut it.
Oasis Gives
Oct 12, 2007 Music Artists, Music Bands, Oasis, Pop Music, Record Label, Records Sale, Rock, Rumor, Songs Download, Tickets Sale
Radiohead’s experiment of letting the fans download their new album for free has proven to be a success when their website topped the chart of music websites. Now, some of the music industry’s biggest names are following in their footsteps.
Jamiroquai and Oasis are not contracted to a record label much like Radiohead. They are also rumored to be considering on following Radiohead’s actions. Oasis has already announced that their next single will be available for download for a mere 99 pence. The Charlatans are also offering their next album for free if they visit the site of radio station XFM. Madness is considering giving away its next album for free as well.
With rapidly declining CD sales and increasing download sales but still the same wide fanbase, the performers who choose to give away their music are expected to make money from sales of concert tickets and other merchandise.