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.

Atlantic Records Group Chairman/CEO Craig Kallman and Chairman/COO Julie Greenwald have announced the promotion of Kevin Weaver as Vice President of the iconic label. 

In his new position, Weaver is responsible for overseeing the creation and placement of music and artists affiliated with Atlantic Records in all visual media formats, including film, television, and video games. Furthermore, Weaver is also in charge of developing and overseeing soundtrack projects, strategic alliances, licensing opportunities, and marketing initiatives. 

“Kevin has long been at the leading edge of exploring fantastic new avenues for our artists and their music. In the process, he has developed great relationships with the film, TV, and gaming communities, while at the same time expanding his A&R and creative responsibilities. Craig and I are very pleased to announce this much-deserved promotion.” 

“After a decade and a half with the Atlantic family, I am more energized than ever by the innovative company I am privileged to work for, and by the exciting new opportunities that are continually opening up for our artists,” said Kevin Weaver. “I want to thank Craig and Julie for their passionate commitment to the music, their visionary approach to the business, and their great support over the years.”

Prior to being named Vice President of Atlantic Records Group, Weaver recently launched a music publishing co-venture with Atlantic, where he signed and developed new artists, such as Sofi Bonde, who he also secured a multiple rights (360°) deal with Atlantic, as well as a co-publishing deal with the label and Warner/Chappell. Bonde has had his songs featured on various television programs, including Melrose Place, 90210, The Vampire Diaries, The Beautiful Life, and The Hills, amongst others. 

Most recently, Weaver was the Senior Vice President of the Atlantic Records Group. He started his career with the company in 1994.

Music executive “L.A.” Reid and EMI Music Publishing have partnered to form the L.A. Reid Music Publishing Company, a joint venture created to sign new songwriters.

As part of the deal, L.A. Reid Music Publishing Company will provide EMI Music Publishing with exclusive services as a music publishing talent finder, responsible for discovering and signing new and established songwriters to publishing deals.

“Throughout my career in music, I’ve been devoted to the songwriter’s craft first, last and always,” Reid said. “I consider the business of publishing to be the heart and soul of the industry. This unique new association with EMI Music Publishing affords me the opportunity to indulge a passion for the two creative cornerstones of my life: artists and their music,” says Reid.

Big Jon Platt, President of West Coast Creative for EMI Music Publishing, brokered the the global agreement between Reid and the publishing giant, and says, “LA’s track record speaks for itself. He’s discovered some of the most enduring talents of the last twenty years, and his hit rate with songwriters and recording artists alike is phenomenal. I’ve worked closely with “L.A.” for many years and I’m now looking forward to taking the partnership to the next level.”

Previously, Reid formed Hitco Publishing Group (1996), a joint venture with Windswept Music. Some of Hitco’s signings included: Beyoncé Knowles (“Independent Women,” “Survivor,” “Bootylicious”); Sean Garrett (“Grillz,” “Check On It,” “Run It!”); Kevin “Shek’spere” Briggs (“No Scrubs,” “Bills, Bills, Bills,” “Pop Ya Collar”); and Gordon Chambers (“I Apologize,” “If You Love Me,” “No More Rain”).

During his three decades in the music industry, Reid has discovered, signed and developed some of music’s top selling songwriters and artists (Toni Braxton, TLC, Usher, OutKast, Avril Lavigne, Pink, Ne-Yo, Young Jeezy, The-Dream, and Rihanna).

In 2004, Reid was appointed Chairman of Island Def Jam Music Group, following his tenure as president and CEO of Arista Records. Prior to his duties at the latter label, Reid co-founded Atlanta based LaFace Records in 1989 with Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds. 

      

R. Kelly, the self-declared “King of R&B” is set to release his tenth studio album, Untitled (Jive Records) on October 13th. In support of the new album, Kelly is scheduled to headline the “Ladies Make Some Noise!” tour beginning in Mashantucket, CT on October 8th.

Setting the tone for Kelly’s Untitled album is the lead single, “Number One,” which features R&B songbird Keri Hilson. Three weeks ago “Number One” was the #1 most added record at urban radio, and is currently the #1 most added record in the rhythm/crossover format.

For the new record, Kelly decided to make some creative changes, collaborating with a group of new, up-and-coming producers including Infinity, Lil Ronnie, and Chris Henderson; as well as venturing to Atlanta to record some material, as Kelly has previously recorded almost exclusively in Chicago.

To build momentum for his return, Kelly put out a Gangsta Grillz special edition mixtape, The ‘Demo’ Tape, presented by DJ Drama and DJ Skee, consisting of four exclusive songs, such as “Supa Man,” featuring OJ Da Juiceman, in addition to remixing a number of popular songs, including “Best I Ever Had” (Drake) and “Birthday Sex” (Jeremih).

With The ‘Demo’ Tape being his first mixtape, Kelly decided to take a different approach with how consumers received his music. “I wanted to go back to the streets and connect directly to my fans. The love I have received is amazing and this is for them,” he says.

A prolific songwriter who has collaborated with and written for superstars such as Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Pussycat Dolls, Usher, and Celine Dion, to name a few, Kelly has recently penned “I Look To You” for Whitney Houston’s highly anticipated upcoming album.

“Ladies Make Some Noise!” tour dates are listed below:

Date                              City 

October 8                       Mashantucket, CT
 

October 9                       Boston, MA
 

October 10                      Albany, NY
 

October 11                      Baltimore, MD
 

October 13                     Philadelphia, PA
 

October 15                      Newark, NJ
 

October 16                      New York, NY
 

October 18                      Pittsburgh, PA
 

October 20                     Cincinnati, OH
 

October 22                      Atlanta, GA
 

October 23                      Chattanooga, TN
 

October 24                      Charleston, SC
 

October 25                      Augusta, GA
 

October 27                      Birmingham, AL
 

October 29                      Dallas, TX
 

October 30                      Houston, TX
 

October 31                      New Orleans, LA
 

November 1                    Memphis, TN
 

November 5                   Los Angeles, CA
 

November 6                   Las Vegas, NV
 

November 7                    Oakland, CA
 

November 12                 Indianapolis, IN
 

November 14                  Detroit, MI
 

November 15                  Milwaukee, WI
 

November 17                  Chicago, IL
 

November 20                 Louisville, KY
 

November 21                 Charlotte, NC
 

November 22                Greensboro, NC
 

November 24                 Washington, D.C.
 

November 27                 Jacksonville, FL
 

November 28                 Miami, FL
 

November 29                 Tampa, FL
 

December 4                   Norfolk, VA
 

December 5                   Richmond, VA

December 6                   Cleveland, OH
 

December 8                   St. Louis, MO

Houston emcee Lil’ Flip is returning with another studio album entitled, Respect Me, released by indie label High Powered Entertainment and distributed by E1 Entertainment (formerly Koch). The record hits retailers online and in stores on September 29th. 

Respect Me is a 15 track set, produced by John Silva (Keyshia Cole, Lil Wayne, E-40, Daz Dillinger and more). The 1st single off the new album is “Da #1 Fly Boy.” In addition, other tracks included on Lil’ Flip’s new album is the title track “Respect Me,” “Shawty Wanna Thugg,” “Swangaz on Bentleys,” “2 Steppin,” “I Got To Be,” and “I’m Back.”

“The thing about this album is that it’s so reflective of me, my music, life and lifestyle,” says Lil’ Flip. “Trust me, everything I rap about is based on truth. So when I rhyme dirty style about the Bentleys, the clubs, the platinum, the girls, my life’s lessons or whatever, it’s not bragging, it’s just fact.”

Known for the teen-anthem “You’re A Jerk,” Los Angeles, California based rap duo New Boyz (Legacy & Ben J) are scheduled to release their 13-track debut album Skinny Jeanz & A Mic on September 15, 2009 via Asylum/Warner Bros. Records.

The popularity of “You’re A Jerk,” which is supported by a “jerkin’” dance, has catapulted the 17-year old teenagers from Myspace notoriety to national exposure.

The record has also inspired a movement amongst the teenage demographic. Variations of the dance have been recorded and uploaded by fans to the web.

“The Jerk community is a viral community, garnering over 50 million views without advertising,” says Shariff Hassan, co-producer of the Skinny Jeans: The Movement documentary series.  “And because of technology, this movement also marks the first time that youth culture has an international audience instantly.”

“People think we only do jerk music, but we do a whole lot of everything,” says Legacy. “The album’s about the typical teenage life.”

Worldwide cognac brand Hennessy has announced a four-city tour for its fourth annual Hennessy Artistry series. The event will be curated and headlined by rapper/actor Common, along with hip-hop band The Roots, who will also serve as the house band.

Each night, the event will feature performances from a variety of artists, including emerging talent, as well as high-profile special guests.

“Hennessy is the master of blending, and Artistry, is all about artistic blends of music genre, culture and style. The lineup is coming together nicely. The Roots and I are really collaborating to create a musical blend of talent that will do Artistry justice. We are planning some surprises as well, it should be quite an experience and I am thrilled to be a part of it,” says Common.

Hennessy Senior Vice President Andy Glaser stated, “Our vision is for each event to be a blend of musical, artistic, and cultural experiences that give our brand’s fans a once in a lifetime experience—a memorable legacy that will remain synonymous with Hennessy.”

Since its inception, The Hennessy Artistry series has featured a myriad of talent, both local and mainstream (Kanye West, LL Cool J, and Ne-Yo [curator of 2007 series]).

In the past 12 months, the event has taken place in various regions of the world such as Stuttgart, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Hanoi.

Below is the four-city tour schedule:

The Shrine in Chicago                                  SEPTEMBER 12

The Velvet Room in Atlanta                         SEPTEMBER 19

The Corinthian in Houston                          OCTOBER 3

“HALO” in New York at Terminal 5             OCTOBER 7

   

Teairra Mari, former “first lady of Roc-A-Fella,” has announced her return on October 20, 2009 with the release of her sophomore album, At That Point.

Now signed to Warner Bros. Records, Mari released her first official single “Cause A Scene” (featuring Flo Rida), in early July (she released the Pleasure P assisted promotional single, “Hunt 4 U,” back in January). 

On “Diamonds,” Mari reconnects with her one-time Roc-A-Fella labelmate Kanye West. Other collaborators on At That Point include Rick Ross and Nicky Minaj.

In addition, Mari received production from The Clutch, The Underdogs, The Runners, Danja, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Ron “Neff-U” Feemstar, DJ Clue, Polow Da Don, Tank, and Rico Love.

In 2004, Mari joined Roc-A-Fella Records as the first artist Jay-Z signed as president of Def Jam Records, later pairing up with her boss on the single “Make Her Feel Good,” which appeared on her debut album Roc-A-Fella Records Presents: Teairra Mari.

Mari is scheduled to appear alongside actor Jackie Long in the upcoming film “Doorman.”

 

Rap veteran, Guru, along with his partner Solar, are scheduled to release their latest collaboration, Guru 8.0 Lost & Found, May 19th via 7 Grand Records.

Although Guru and Solar have had success in the past with their Jazzmatazz series, the former Gangstarr emcee sets the record straight about the direction of the new album. “This is not hip-hop jazz,” explains Guru. “This is straight up hip-hop elevated to a higher plateau, so it shouldn’t be compared to the Jazzmatazz series. The jazzier side is a part of who I am as an entertainer, but doesn’t define who I am as an artist or as a lyricist.”

Despite the inclusion of United Kingdom soul-singer Omar on the song “Ride,” Guru 8.0 Lost and Found, will mostly feature artists on the 7 Grand roster, including K. Born, Highpower, and Doo Wop. The album also includes the tracks “Best Of My Years” and “Fast Lane,” which were inspired by the sounds of vintage and southern hip-hop, respectively.

In addition, Solar, who normally handles production duties, will make his debut as an emcee on the song “After Time.”