Urban music’s most anticipated and intriguing new artist, Novel, is offering a glimpse into his storied debut ‘The Audiobiography’, due out on March 24th, 2009. Last Tuesday, November 25th, he digitally released his EP I Am…(Future Black President). With I Am… – 5 full-length songs available digitally everywhere including iTunes, Amazon.com, etc. – Novel introduces his unique rapped/sung poetics to the world.

Watch I Am video:

Novel on amazon.com

Novel amazon.co.uk

The titular buzz single featuring Talib Kweli, Ben Folds, and Spree Wilson is rife with Novel’s heartfelt lyrics: “I’m the sun, I’m light/I’m much more than the bling or the shine off your ice/ I’m as free as a spirit, I’m as fly as a bird/ I’m whatever I wanna be as long as I am heard” and “I’m a product of the ghetto, my father’s boy/ a brother to my sister, my mother’s pride and joy.” Look for the accompanying video to “I Am” on YouTube and splayed elsewhere on the internet.

Also on the EP is “Wild West,” which displays Novel’s standout singing and rapping side-by-side. Though uncannily gifted, Novel is no duplicitous double-talker. His inspiring lyrics are no good-news gimmick.

In fact, he’s started the website FutureBlackPresident.com to echo the uplift. The site is a portal for himself and visitors to offer words of encouragement for this generation and beyond.

While Novel may be new to listeners, his words and work aren’t. He’s long been penning and producing for other artists, including Alicia Keys, Kelis, India.Arie, and Joss Stone. The I Am… EP, however, is the world’s first taste of his own voice. Amazingly, Novel’s efforts don’t stop with words on a page: Novel writes, produces and arranges. The aforementioned Audiobiography is entirely his, save a few collaborations with Dallas Austin, producer No I.D., and Krucial Keys. And speaking of the Keys team, Novel is fresh off a domestic tour with Alicia. He’s now performing at college campuses nationwide, in preparation for his New York showcase come January of 2009.

Novel is a fresh new page, the next chapter in music’s ongoing epic.

Novel MySpace
Novel Official Website

“Unstoppable” – Alicia Keys
“An amazing talent” – Leona Lewis
“The potential to be greater than what we have in the business” – Talib Kweli
“Lyrical genius” – Joell Ortiz
“The most unbelievably talented artist, writer and producer of our time” – Dallas Austin

Like the glowing blurbs slathered on the cover of a New York Times best-seller, advance praise for Rowdy/Capitol debut artist NOVEL is rolling in from collaborators and peers.

To ride the groundswell, rapper/singer/songwriter/producer Novel is hitting the road months ahead of the February 2009 release of his first album, THE AUDIOBIOGRAPHY… His intent? To prove what the insiders already know – that he is destined to be one of the major names of this or any year.

Watch Novel video – he talks about the upcoming album:

THE AUDIOBIOGRAPHY… was written, performed and produced entirely by Novel. Collaborations come from Dallas Austin, hit producer No I.D., Robin Thicke, DJ Toomp and Tony Reyes.

Novel’s first digital single “I Am,” featuring Ben Folds, Talib Kweli and Spree Wilson, releases on October 7, 2008; an album sampler follows soon thereafter. Also expect video footage from the tour on Novel’s web pages.

NOVEL, born Alonzo Stevenson, boasts a bloodline that can only be termed stellar: he is grandson of the immortal soul singer/Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Solomon Burke, and son of the Motown songwriter, producer and A&R executive Mickey Stevenson. But these legends become mere back story figures in the tale of a self-made man and talent. Born in Los Angeles, Novel and his mother crisscrossed the country. He cites his time in Philadelphia as a turning point; there, the music of Donny Hathaway and Nina Simone among others spurred his songwriting.

During one sojourn across the States, a call to an industry ally – now Novel’s manager – led to a chance meeting with impresario Dallas Austin, who mentored Novel as an all-around talent. Under Dallas’ tutelage, the singer/rapper would add lofty production and songwriting credits to his resume: India.Arie, Alicia Keys, Kelis, Joss Stone.

Skip to the present and Novel’s sung/rapped lyrics, at once deeply personal and satisfyingly literate, now sit atop his own arrangements and production. Novel is on the cusp of a major breakthrough, having engrossed today’s musical luminaries and innovators. Fans likewise won’t be able to put down THE AUDIOBIOGRAPHY…

Alicia Keys / Novel September 2008 Tour Dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

9/12 – Foxwoods Casino – Mashantucket, CT
9/13 – Horseshoe Casino – Hammond, IN
9/14 – Proctor & Gamble Hall – Cincinnati, OH
9/17 – Wells Fargo Theatre – Denver, CO
9/18 – Abravenel Hall – Salt Lake City, UT
9/20 – WAMU Theater – Seattle, WA
9/21 & 22 – Orpheaum – Vancouver, BC, CAN
9/26 – Santa Barbara Bowl – Santa Barbara, CA
9/27 – Dodge Theatre – Phoenix, AZ
9/28 – Anselmo Valencia Ampitheater – Tuscon, AZ

Get the first read on Novel here:

Novel Official Website
MySpace

Valentine’s Day is nearly here! Show that special someone just how much you care with R&B Lovesongs 2008, set for UK release on 28th January 2008 on Sony BMG. R&B Lovesongs 2008 is an album packed full of the most powerful, romantic and meaningful songs of the past decade.

This is THE one stop shop for all the biggest down tempo R&B tracks of recent times, led by the massive No. 1 hit “Umbrella” from the delectable Rihanna.

There really is something for everyone, including huge number ones from Timbaland (“Give It To Me”) and Usher (“You Make Me Wanna”) and Sugababes (“About You Now”). If that isn’t enough to entice you the romantic collection also features love classics from Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross and Christina Aguilera.

As it says on the front of the album this is “The very best of R&B love Songs 2008″.

Tracklist:

CD 1

1. Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z – Umbrella
2. Amy Winehouse – Tears Dry On Their Own
3. Fergie – Big Girls Don’t Cry
4. Christina Aguilera – Beautiful
5. Justin Timberlake – LoveStoned/I Think She Knows
6. Akon – Don’t Matter
7. Amerie – Take Control
8. Mario – How Do I Breathe
9. Usher – You Make Me Wanna…
10. Nelly – Hot in Herre
11. Ralph Tresvant – Sensitivity
12. Angie Stone – I Wanna Thank Ya
10. Lumidee – Never Leave You – Uh Ooh, Uh Oooh!
14. Solange – White Picket Dreams
15. Chris Brown featuring T-Pain – Kiss Kiss
16. Cassidy featuring R. Kelly – Hotel
17. R. Kelly featuring T.I. & T-Pain – I’m A Flirt Remix
18. John Legend – Ordinary People
19. Luther Vandross – Stop To Love
20. Michael Jackson – Rock With You

CD 2

1. Alicia Keys – No One
2. Timbaland Featuring Justin Timberlake & Nelly Furtado – Give It To Me
3. Gwen Stefani Featuring Akon – The Sweet Escape
4. Sugababes – About You Now
5. Ne-Yo – Because Of You
6. Jennifer Lopez – Baby I Love U!
7. Beyonce – Crazy In Love
8. The Game – Dreams
9. Mary Jane Girls – All Night Long
10. The Black Eyed Peas – Let’s Get It Started
11. Kelly Rowland – Can’t Nobody
12. Brownstone – If You Love Me
13. Taio Cruz – I Just Wanna Know
14. Shakira – Underneath Your Clothes
15. SWV – Right Here
16. Robin Thicke – Lost Without U
17. Ashanti – Only U
18. The Pussycat Dolls feat. will.i.am – Beep
19. Marvin Gaye – My Love Is Waiting
20. Mary J Blige – Family Affair

R&B Lovesongs 2008 on Amazon.co.uk

R&B Love Songs [Import] on Amazon.com

Singles release dates and information could change!

Go to the bands and artists official websites for the latest release dates, news and information.

5th November

Aim – Birchwood (EP)
Animal Collective – Fireworks (10″)
The Answering Machine – Lightbulbs (7″)
Bedouin Soundclash – St Andrews
Boy Kill Boy – No Conversation
The Brightlights – Inspired By (7″)[Limited]
Calvin Harris – Colours (12″)
Cinematic Orchestra – To Build A Home (7″)
The Cloud Room – Hey Now Now (7″)[Limited]
Craig David – Hot Stuff
David Gray – You’re The World To Me
Dude N Nem – Watch My Feet
Eight Legs – These Grey Days
Elvis Presley – In The Ghetto
Frightened Rabbit – Be Less Rude (7″)
Jape – Floating
Justice – D.A.N.C.E.
Kanye West feat T-Pain – Good Life
Killers – Tranquilize (7″) [Limited]
King Creosote – Home In A Sentence
Laura Critchley – What Do We Do
Mitchell Brothers – Michael Jackson
The National – Apartment Story
Nelly Furtado – Do It
Nicole Scherzinger – Baby Love
One eskimO – Hometime
Palladium – High Five
Paul McCartney – Ever Past Present
Proclaimers – Whole Wide World
Revolt – Call It What You Want (We Call It War)
Seal – Amazing
Shitdisco – I Know Kung Fu (7″ + 12″)
Smith 6079 – Kill Romeo
Stonebridge feat Kenny Thomas – You Don’t Know
These New Puritans – Colours / Numbers (7″) [Limited]
Tracey Thorn – Grand Canyon (12″)
Wet Wet Wet – Too Many People
Whitest Boy Alive – Burning (7″)
Wideboys feat Clare Evers – Bomb The Secret

12th November

Alicia Keys – No One
Angus & Julia Stone – The Beast (EP)
Asobi Seksu – Strawberries
Beirut – A Sunday Smile
Ben’s Brother – Carry On
Bi-Polar Baby – Suicide Girl
Bloc Party – Flux
Christina Aguilera – Oh Mother
Chromeo – Bonafied Lovin’ (7″)
Darren B – Stand By You
Darren Hayes – Me Myself & I
Darren Hayes – Who Would Have Thought (7″) [Limited]
Delays – Love Made Visible (EP) [Limited]
Dizzee Rascal – Flex
Duran Duran – Falling Down
Elektrons – Classic Cliche
Elvis Presley – You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me
Fergie – Clumsy / Fergalicious
Glasvegas – Daddy’s Gone (7″) [Limited]
Grace – Stand Still
Hard-Fi – Can’t Get Along (Without You)
hellogoodbye – Oh It Is Love
Jill Scott – Hate On Me
Jim Noir – All Right (EP) (7″) [Limited]
Kaiser Chiefs – Love’s Not A Competition (But I’m Winning) (7″) [Limited] (Only available from kaiserchiefs.co.uk)
Kid Carpet – The Kid’s Back (7″)
Kissaway Trail – 61
Kylie Minogue – 2 Hearts
Lee Hazlewood – Boots
Linkin Park – Shadow Of The Day
Look See Proof – Local Hero
Lupen Crook & The Murderbirds – Matthew’s Magpie (7″)
Maths Class – Emporio Laser / Cushion Glamour
Maximo Park – Karaoke Plays
Metronomy – Radio Ladio (7″)
Michael Buble – Lost
My Chemical Romance – Mama
Nickelback – Rockstar
Patrick And Eugene – I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor (7″)
Phil Campbell – Cold Engines
Pigeon Detectives – I Found Out
Rihanna feat Ne-Yo – Hate That I Love You
Runrig & The Tartan Army – Loch Lomond
Se:Sa feat Sharon Phillips – Like This Like That
The Shaky Hands – The Sleepless
Shayan Italia – Reflection
Shy Child – Drop The Phone
Sia – Day Too Soon
Slaves To Gravity – Meantime
Splittr – All Alone
St Vincent – Jesus Saves I Spend
Vincent Vincent & The Villains – On My Own
The Whip – Sister Siam (7″)
Within Temptation – All I Need
Wolfmen – Cecilie

19th November

Athlete – Tokyo
BC Camplight – Suffer For Two
The Daniels – Lights
DJ Jean – Sexy Lady
Doug Walker – The Mystery
Elle S’Appelle – Little Flame (7″) [Limited]
Elvis Presley – Always On My Mind
Estelle – Wait A Minute (Just A Touch)
Final Fantasy – Hey Dad
Gallows feat Lethal Bizzle – Staring At The Rudebois
The Go Team – The Wrath Of Marcie
Helen Boulding – Breathe
Helen Love – It’s My Club
J Holiday – Bed
Johnny Flynn – The Box
Justin Timberlake & Beyonce – Until The End Of Time
kd Lang – I Dream Of Spring
KT Tunstall – Saving My Face
Lauren Rose – I Go To The Beach
Make Model – The Was
Maroon 5 – Won’t Go Home Without You
Mules – This Is Your Life (7″)
Operator Please – Leave It Alone
Passenger – Table For One
Reverend & The Makers – Open Your Window
Richard Fleeshman – Coming Down
Riz MC – People Like People
Rumble Strips – Time
Shayne Ward – Breathless
Songbirds – The Weatherman
Spice Girls – Headlines (Friendship Never Ends)
Stalkers – Yesterday Is No Tomorrow
Stateless – Bloodstream
The Sugars – Way To My Heart
T2 feat Jodie – Heartbroken
Terra Naomi – Up Here
Trembling Blue Stars – Beautiful Blank / Say Goodbye To The Sea II (7″)
Trembling Blue Stars – Exploring The Shadows (EP)
Wyclef Jean feat Akon and Lil Wayne – Sweetest Girl
Xcerts – Just Go Home (7″)

26th November

Alison Moyet – A Guy Like You
Bodyrox feat Luciana – What Planet You On?
Bonde Do Role – Marina Gasolina
Che’Nelle – I Fell In Love With The DJ
Circuits – City Of Lights / Before Its Over
Deerhoof – Matchbook Seeks Maniac (7″) [Limited]
Editors – The Racing Rats
Electrelane – In Berlin
Elvis Presley – An American Trilogy
Emma Pollock – Paper & Glue
Foals – Balloons
Foo Fighters – Long Road To Ruin
Girls Aloud – Call The Shots
Good Shoes – Small Town Girl
Ian Hunter – When The World Was Round
Jay Sean – Ride It
Joey Nightmare – Was Young Once
Katie Melua – Mary Pickford (Used To Eat Roses)
Mark Brown feat Elena Kats-Chernin – The Journey Continues
Middleman – Good To Be Back
Neon Neon – Raquel
Paramore – Crush Crush Crush
Pendulum – Granite
Peter Gelderblom – Waiting 4
Plain White T’s – Hate (I Really Don’t Like You)
Queens Of The Stone Age – Make It Wit Chu (7″) [Limited]
The Rapture – The Sound (12″)
Remi Nicole – Rock N Roll
Rilo Kiley – Breakin’ Up
Roll Deep – Racist People
Rosalita – Manga Girl
RyanDan – High
Sean Kingston – Me Love
Silversun Pickups – Lovers
Simian Mobile Disco – Hustler
The Twang – Push The Ghosts
Thomas Bromley – Need You So Bad / Nothing To Do Or Say
Todd Terry Allstars – Get Down
Uniting Nations – Do It Yourself
Will I Am – One More Chance
Young Galaxy – Outside The City

If you have any queries please contact manickangaroo at havenforum.co.uk

Alicia Keys has once again come up with the goods with her new video for hit single, “No One”. The single is off of her third studio album, ‘As I Am,’ set for release on November 13th, 2007 on J Records. ‘As I Am’ features collaborations with John Mayer, Linda Perry, Floetry’s Marsha Ambrosius and Timbaland.

Ever since a friend handed me her debut CD, ‘Songs in A Minor’ and I heard “Fallin’” for the first time, back in 2001, I knew we were on to something good – and it seems Alicia Keys has just been getting better as the years go on. On stage she’s grown from being the girl with braids, sitting behind the piano to a now more glamorous woman who can dance and “work” the stage more comfortably.

It’s too bad that Britney Spears walked away with the most publicity after the 2007 Video Music Awards. After watching Alicia Keys at the VMAs, it’s amazing that this talented singer and performer wasn’t all the rage after the show. Luckily, though, there’s still plenty of time to savor a fine performance, like a fine wine. Maybe in the long run, it’s best that Alicia’s hype is more subtle.

Watch Alicia Keys perform “No One” at the VMAs

When I was growing up, Irene Cara and Donna Summer were two of my favorite singers to sing along with. Alicia Keys has captured that feeling with “No One” along with a current and modern vibe. Since her voice naturally sounds the way it does, there’s no need for the flamboyant “trills” that have become the norm for so many singers. The video for “No One” is a new window into the world of Ms. Keys and it’s great to see true talent once again, hitting the airwaves.

Watch Alicia Keys – “No One” video (debuted on BET):

Track Listing for ‘As I Am’:

1. As I Am (Intro)
2. Go Ahead
3. Superwoman
4. No One
5. Like You’ll Never See Me Again
6. Lesson Learned (featuring and co-written by John Mayer)
7. Wreckless Love
8. The Thing About Love
9. Teenage Love Affair
10. I Need You
11. Where Do We Go From Here
12. Prelude To A Kiss
13. Tell You Something (Nana’s Reprise)
14. Sure Looks Good To Me

“No One” video link

Alicia Keys Official Website
Alicia Keys on Myspace

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Djin Djin is Angelique Kidjo’s latest album which was released in May 2007. The album was produced by Tony Visconti (T. Rex, David Bowie, Boomtown Rats, Morrissey) and includes guest artists Carlos Santana, Branford Marsalis, Josh Groban, Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel, Joss Stone, Malian husband-and-wife team Amadou and Mariam and Ziggy Marley.

Learn more about Angelique Kidjo:

Watch Angelique Kidjo EPK video with the making of Djin Djin

1. Ae Ae
2. Djin Djin featuring Alicia Keys and Branford Marsalis
3. Gimme Shelter featuring Joss Stone
4. Salala featuring Peter Gabriel
5. Senamou (C’est L’amour) featuring Amadou and Mariam
6. Pearls featuring Josh Groban and Carlos Santana
7. Sedjedo featuring Ziggy Marley
8. Papa
9. Arouna
10. Awan N’La
11. Emma
12. Mama Golo Papa
13. Lonlon (Ravel’s Bolero)

Djin Djin by Angelique Kidjo on Amazon.com

Live Earth South Africa lineup is set to include Angelique Kidjo, Baaba Maal, Danny K, Joss Stone, The Parlotones, The Soweto Gospel Choir, UB40, Vusi Mahlasela and Zola.

Angelique Kidjo 2007 tour dates:

*Dates could be added or changed! Go to Angelique Kidjo’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

June 22 2007 Utah Arts Festival – Library Square Salt Lake City, Utah
June 23 2007 Jazz Aspen Aspen, Colorado
June 24 2007 KTAO Solar Center Taos, New Mexico
June 26 2007 Santa Fe Brewing Company Santa Fe, New Mexico
June 28 2007 Le Spectrum Montreal, Canada
July 2 2007 Zeitmusikfestival Freiburg, Germany
July 3 2007 Vestfold International Festival Horten, Norway
July 4 2007 Tollhaus Karlsruhe, Germany
July 7 2007 SOS Festival / Live Earth Johannesburg, South Africa
July 10 2007 Festival Latino Americano Milan, Italy
July 12 2007 Jazz Open Stuttgart, Germany
July 14 2007 CBS Early Show New York, New York
July 17 2007 Bi-Lo Center Greenville, South Carolina
July 18 2007 Charlotte Bobcats Arena Charlotte, North Carolina
July 20 2007 Scope Arena Norfolk, Virginia
July 21 2007 Boardwalk Hall Atlantic City, New Jersey
July 24 2007 Continental Airlines Arena East Rutherford, New Jersey
July 25 2007 Nassau Coliseum Uniondale, New York
July 27 2007 Verizon Wireless Manchester, New Hampshire
July 28 2007 Pepsi Arena Albany, New York
July 30 2007 Mohegan Sun Uncassville, Connecticut
July 31 2007 Wachovia Arena Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
August 3 2007 Giant Center Hershey, Pennsylvania
August 4 2007 Mellon Arena Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
August 5 2007 Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center Westhampton Beach, New York
August 6 2007 Washington Park Ampitheater Albany, New York
August 7 2007 Bradely Center Milwaukee, Wisconsin
August 8 2007 Resch Arena Green Bay, Wisconsin
August 10 2007 Xcel Center St Paul, Minnesota
August 12 2007 Summerstage New York, New York
August 14 2007 Rexcell Arena Edmonton, Canada, Alberta
August 15 2007 Pengrowth Saddledome Calgary, Alberta
August 17 2007 GM Place Vancouver, British Columbia
August 18 2007 Key Arena Seattle, Washington
August 21 2007 The Idaho Center Boise, Idaho
August 22 2007 Rose Garden Arena Portland, Oregon
August 24 2007 Stockton Arena Stockton, California
August 25 2007 The Honda Center Anaheim, California
August 28 2007 Delta Center Salt Lake City, Utah
August 29 2007 Pepsi Center Denver, Colorado
August 31 2007 Qwest Center Omaha, Nebraska

Angelique Kidjo is a Special Representative for UNICEF

More information about Live Earth
Information about Live Earth on Band Weblogs
Angelique Kidjo on Myspace
Angelique Kidjo Official Website