Veteran Chicago rapper Common revisits his musical past on May 25th with the release of Go! Common Classics. The 13-song opus is a retrospective of some of Common’s most popular songs from the past decade, including the fabled Ice Cube diss track, “The Bitch In Yoo.”

Go! Common Classics consists of songs from Common’s MCA/Geffen albums Like Water For Chocolate (“The Light”); Electric Circus (“Come Close” featuring Mary J. Blige); Be (“The Corner” featuring The Last Poets, “Testify,” and “Go!”); Finding Forever (“The People,” “Southside” featuring Kanye West, “I Want You,” and “Drivin’ Me Wild” featuring Lily Allen); and Universal Mind Control (“Universal Mind Control”).

In addition, Go! Common Classics includes a new Queen Latifah featured track, “Next Time (Just Right Version),” from the upcoming movie Just Wright, which co-stars Common and Latifah, and hits screens Friday May 14th. Despite Common’s major motion picture activities, he is expected to release an album later this year. 

  Track Listing:

  1. The Light

  2. Universal Mind Control (UMC)

  3. Next Time (Just Wright Version) featuring Queen Latifah

  4. Go!

  5. Come Close featuring Mary J. Blige

  6. I Want You

  7. The Corner featuring The Last Poets

  8. Love Of My Life (An Ode To Hip Hop) Erykah Badu featuring Common

  9. Testify

  10. The People

  11. Drivin’ Me Wild featuring Lily Allen

  12. Southside featuring Kanye West

  13. The B**** In Yoo

Chicago rapper Rhymefest has finally been granted the green light to release his sophomore album El Che, scheduled to drop June 8th on dN|Be Entertainment.

El Che, an EMI distributed project, is the follow up to his debut album Blue Collar, and features production from Scram Jones, S1, BKS, and Terry Hunter. The upcoming 16-track LP also includes guest appearances from notable artists such as Little Brother, Saigon, Glen Lewis, as well as his “Windy City” brethren Twone Gabz.

Despite numerous set backs to his sophomore effort (El Che was originally scheduled for a March 18th release date), Rhymefest and his new indie label—dN|Be Entertainment—asserts that the new date is final: “Of course I was weary when the distribution company sprung a new release date on me.  But to guarantee that all of the fans that have been patiently waiting for El Che to drop get to purchase this album, I have to let EMI do its thing with the shipments.”

To help promote and build momentum for the release of El Che, dN|Be Entertainment is using digital and online strategies for fans to connect and interact with Rhymefest through his website ElCheTheMovement.com.

Rhymefest won a Grammy for co-writing “Jesus Walks” with Kanye West.

Newly partnered labels, Bad Boy Records and Interscope Records, have formally announced the signing of rapper Red Café.

With the success of his current single, “I’m Ill” featuring Fabolous (produced by Boi-1da [Drake: "Best I Ever Had," "Forever," and "Over"]; [Eminem: "Not Afraid"]) in rotation, the Brooklyn emcee is now preparing for the release of his debut album Red October, which will be co-executive produced by Sean “Diddy” Combs and Akon.

“I’m so excited. I’ve got the best of both worlds,” stated Red Cafe. “Diddy representing the streets and Akon bringing a worldly perspective to the project.”

“I can officially announce the signing of Red Cafe to the Bad Boy/Interscope family. Red’s lyrical skill and passion is unique,” says Diddy. “Red’s raw talent brings a new sound and fresh perspective from the streets. I look forward to him sharing his talent with the world.”

Erykah Badu is hitting the road this spring to promote her new album, New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh, and has rescheduled some of the show dates for her upcoming Out My Mind, Just In Time tour. The first leg of the tour begins its run starting May 28th at Constitution Hall (Washington, DC) and concludes June 24th at The Pearl Concert Theater (Las Vegas, NV), and will consists of performances at various North American amphitheaters and concerts halls.

The Out My Mind, Just In Time tour, produced by CD Enterprises, will feature numerous opening acts playing select dates, including Janelle Monae, Bilal, N.E.R.D, “?uestlove (Ahmir Thompson) from The Roots, as well as new additions to the lineup—Lupe Fiasco and B.O.B.

Badu is also scheduled to perform at the Lollapalooza summer festival and will participate in the revamped Lilith Fair tour for seven U.S. and Canadian dates. In addition, Badu will be a featured guest at Maxwell’s upcoming concerts being held on June 11th at Phillips Arena (Atlanta, GA) and June 26th at Madison Square Garden (New York, NY).

ERYKAH BADU 2010 OUT MY MIND, JUST IN TIME U.S. TOUR DATES

May 28        Washington, D.C.                                Constitution Hall (w/ N.E.R.D., Janelle Monae)

 May 29        Washington, D.C.                                Constitution Hall (w/ N.E.R.D.)

 May 30        Baltimore, MD                                      Pier Six Pavilion (w/ N.E.R.D., Janelle Monae)

June 2            Chicago, IL                                          Chicago Theater  (w/ N.E.R.D., Janelle Monae)

June 3            Chicago, IL                                          Chicago Theater (w/ N.E.R.D., Janelle Monae)      

June 4            Detroit, MI                                           Chene Park (w/ N.E.R.D., Janelle Monae)

June 6            Boston, MA                                          Orpheum Theatre (w/ Janelle Monae)

June 7            New York, NY                                      Roseland Ballroom (w/ ?uestlove, Janelle Monae)

June 8            Philadelphia, PA                               Tower Theater (w/ Bilal, Janelle Monae)

June 10        Memphis, TN                                       Orpheum Theatre (w/ Janelle Monae)

June 13        Houston, TX                                         Verizon Wireless Theater (w/ Janelle Monae)

June 14        Dallas, TX                                             Nokia Theatre (w/ B.o.B., Janelle Monae)

June 16        Denver, CO                                            The Fillmore Auditorium (w/ Janelle Monae)

June 18        Oakland, CA                                         Paramount Theatre (w/ Janelle Monae)

June 19        Saratoga, CA                                         The Mountain Winery

June 20        Los Angeles, CA                                  Greek Theater (w/ Janelle Monae, Lupe Fiasco)

June 22        San Diego, CA                                      Humphreys Concerts by the Bay (w/ Janelle Monae)

June 23        Phoenix, AZ                                          Marquee Theatre (w/ Janelle Monae)

June 24        Las Vegas, NV                                      The Pearl Concert Theater

TOUR DATES WITH MAXWELL

June 11        Atlanta, GA                                            Phillips Arena

June 26        New York, NY                                       Madison Square Garden

LILITH FAIR & FESTIVALS

June 27        Calgary, AB                                           MaMahon Stadium (Lilith Fair)

June 28        Edmonton, AB                                     Northlands Spectrum (Lilith Fair)

June 30        Vancouver, BC                                     Pitt Meadows Airport (Lilith Fair)

July 2            Portland, OR                                        Sleep Country Amphitheatre (Lilith Fair)

July 3            George, WA                                          The Gorge Amphitheatre (Lilith Fair)

August 4        Raleigh, NC                                        Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion (Lilith Fair)

August 6        Richmond, VA                                   Kanawah Plaza (Fridays at Sunset Festival)

August 7        Columbia, MD                                   Merriweather Post Pavilion

August 8        Chicago, IL                                        Grant Park, Hutchinson Field (Lollapalooza)

August 11        Tampa, FL                                        Ford Amphitheatre (Lilith Fair)      

Sylvia Rhone, President of Universal Motown Records, has announced the appointment of Pat Monaco as the Executive Vice President & General Manager of the label, which is a division of Universal Music Group. Formerly, Mr. Monaco served as Executive Vice President of Sales & Field Marketing for Universal Motown Republic Group.

Mr. Monaco expressed his appreciation for his new role by saying, “I am grateful to Mel Lewinter (Chairman, Universal Motown Republic Group) and Sylvia for their continued confidence and trust in me as I enter this next phase of my career.” Mr. Monaco also adds, “I believe that Universal Motown is poised to take great strides as an industry leader and I am privileged to be part of the new leadership tasked to keep us in the forefront.”

“Pat has a breadth of experience and a depth of knowledge that truly sets him apart,” said Ms. Rhone. “With extensive experience and a background that encompasses both the creative and business spheres, he is ideally suited for the post of General Manager. Since joining Universal Motown ten years ago, Pat has taken the lead in exploring new business models and dramatically strengthening our artists’ presence across multiple platforms. He is a consummate music man with strong leadership capabilities who has earned enormous respect throughout the industry. I join the entire Universal Motown family in congratulating him on this much-deserved promotion.”

Prior to joining Universal, Mr. Monaco served as General Manager of Island Records. He has worked in numerous senior positions with Island Records and PolyGram Distribution, as well as having served as President/Owner of Landmark Distributors.

  

Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Kelis has inked a deal with Interscope Records, announcing that she is releasing her next album via will.i.am Music Group.

“I love that I am now a new part of the Interscope family. 2010 is around the corner and I can’t wait to put out new music and spend time with real music fans on tour again,” says Kelis.

Commenting on his newest signing, will.i.am says, “Kelis represents the kind of edge that pushes all of us not just musically but stylistically as well. She has always opened new doors for her audience and we’re ready to walk through this next one with her.”

Interscope Geffen A&M Records Chairman, Jimmy Iovine, adds, “Kelis is a true artist and we’re so excited to start this new chapter in her musical life.”

Kelis’ new album will include production from will.i.am and David Guetta, who produced the Black Eyed Peas’ Grammy-nominated hit, “I Got A Feeling.” Other producers on Kelis’ upcoming project are Free School, Boyz Noize, Burnz and DJ Ammo.

Kelis’ new record “Acapella” (produced by Guetta), can be heard here.

Catherine Brewton, Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations at Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), has announced the promotion of Wardell Malloy to Senior Director of Writer/Publisher Relations.

“Wardell is passionately involved in New York’s urban music scene and has enhanced BMI’s visibility in the urban community through his relationships with industry leaders,” commented Brewton. “He continues to show great leadership in all creative aspects of his job and manages to always identify great new talent.”

In Malloy’s new role, he will continue to sign and work with a multitude of talent (songwriters, publishers, and producers) in the genres of urban and gospel music. Some of Malloy’s signings have included Claude Kelly (Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears); Donald Lawrence (The Clark Sisters, Tri-City Singers, Mary J Blige); Trey Songz; Chris Brown; Kevin Cossom (Keri Hilson, Rick Ross); Mario; Frankie Storm (Rihanna, Enrique Iglesias); Makeba Riddick (Beyonce, Rihanna, T.I.); and Kierra Sheard.

As Sr. Director of Writer/Publisher Relations, Malloy will remain active in overseeing the performing rights organization’s creative and educational programs such as the Know Them Now Showcase, Conversation With, and BMI Urban Sampler. In addition, Malloy will continue coordinating BMI’s annual Urban Awards gala, as well as serving as a co-producer of the annual gospel awards show, Trailblazers of Gospel Music, which airs on The Gospel Channel.

Prior to the promotion, Malloy held the title of Director of Writer/Publisher Relations. He is based out of BMI’s New York office and reports directly to Brewton.

On October 29th, R&B crooner Eric Benet will hit the road for his 19-city “Sexy Soul Tour,” beginning in Houston, Texas at the Verizon Wireless Theatre. Other acts joining Benet on tour are Mint Condition and Ledisi.

Last year, Benet collaborated with his longtime production partner Demonte Posey for his fourth studio album, Love and Life, released via Friday/Reprise Records.

Sexy Soul Tour Dates Below:

 October 29                        Houston, TX                  Verizon Wireless

October 31                         Atlanta, GA                     Fox Theatre

November 1                      Charlotte, NC                   Ovens Auditorium

November 5                      Cincinnati, OH               Music Hall

November 6                     Cleveland, OH                  Palace Theatre

November 7                     Detroit, MI                        Masonic Temple Theatre

November 8                     Milwaukee, WI                Riverside Theatre

November 12                   Minneapolis, MN            State Theatre

November 13                   Chicago, IL                        Arie Crown

November 19                   New York, NY                  Beacon Theatre

November 20                  Philadelphia, PA             Academy Of Music

November 21                   Norfolk, VA                       Chrysler Theatre

December 3                     St. Louis, MO                     The Pageant

December 4                    Kansas City, MO                The Midland

December 5                    Memphis, TN                      Orpheum Theatre

December 6                    Dallas, TX                            Nokia Theatre

In honor of the legendary pop icon, Michael Jackson, who died tragically on June 25th, Universal Motown Records is releasing Michael Jackson: The Remix Suite on October 20th.

The project is a tribute CD comprised of a collection of top producers commissioned to remix 12 of their favorite songs from the Jackson 5’s catalogue during the Motown era, including popular tunes by the group such as “ABC and “Dancing Machine,” as well as more obscure records like “Maria” and “Skywriter.”

“It’s no secret that Michael Jackson’s phenomenal talent inspired countless entertainers,” says Universal Motown President Sylvia Rhone. “But his music also inspired many of today’s finest producers. That’s why we thought it would be exciting to invite them to put their own unique spin on his work.”

Enlisted on the project are top-notch producers such as Akon, Polow (Da Don), The Neptunes, Stargate, Dallas Austin, Salaam Remi, and Mark Hoppus (Blink-182), just to name a few.

“We jumped at the opportunity to be involved with this project because Michael is a legend who influenced our entire career and redefined the world of music,” says Pharrell Williams (of The Neptunes), who remixed “Never Can Say Goodbye.”

Producer Salaam Remi, who has worked with Nas, The Fugees, and Amy Winehouse (amongst others), remixed the classic “ABC” by adding a reggae vibe to the song. Commenting on the new version, Remi says he “imagined the Jackson’s taking a trip to Jamaica in the early ’70s with a Jamaican band playing behind them.”

For Polow (Da Don), the challenge he faced in re-creating “Dancing Machine” was “to mix what the Jacksons had done in 1974 with today’s music to create something new that sounds just as good now as it did back in the day.”

The release of Michael Jackson: The Remix Suite follows the model of Universal Motown’s bi-weekly four-part digital suite series, which started online on August 25th until it ended on October 6th.