For Those Who Can't Sleep On Hip Hop
When it comes to the pinnacle of entertainment, Mr. O'Shea Jackson, better known as Ice Cube to the world, arrived quite a while ago. As a performer, he's transcended from Hip Hop legend to movie star, all while maintaining credibility in both worlds. As an entertainment entrepreneur, he's successfully conquered the music, film, and now television industries. Counting the "Friday" and "Barbershop" movies, "Are We There Yet" is his third franchise film. This time, he's delivered one of his popular major motion picture properties to TV. The family-oriented sitcom stars Terry Crews (known best as Chris Rock's father on "Everybody ...
Insomniac Magazine recently participated in an interview with Julian Lennon to discuss his new release and a brand new company called theRevolution LLC. Lennon and music industry professionals Michael Birch (sold Bebo to AOL for $850 million) and Todd Meaghe (created the first 50/50 artist music store) started the company as a new approach to releasing music and working with artists. The company scouts talent, and then helps set up these artists with their own businesses. The company assists the artists with a variety of business endeavors including: finance, development, digital and physical distribution, promotion, and other important aspects ...
Get your single or album covered in Insomniac. Within the review we will include your artwork and a link to your site. Only $19.99 for your single or $49.99 for your album. Album review Single review Why pay for a review? This guarantees that your release is reviewed within InsomniacMagazine.com. Insomniac has been online since the later ‘90s. (Note: we always reserve the right to refuse coverage of any release that we decide is not appropriate for the site. If this were to happen, we will of course refund the amount paid.) Back to the question at hand: Why pay for a review? ...
WITH A FRESH START, STYLES P READIES "SUPER" NEW ALBUM By Khalid Strickland a.k.a. Dirty Angel The streets may now rejoice... When I first interviewed Styles P, around this same time last year coincidentally, the self-proclaimed “hardest rapper out” wasn’t in the best of moods. Although Styles’ sophomore album, “Time is Money”, was set to be released on Interscope Records, the moment was bittersweet. That’s because his excellent solo debut album, “A Gangster and a Gentleman”, had been released four years earlier in 2002. With the airtight singles like “Good Times” and “The Life” (featuring Pharaoh Monch) getting burn on the airwaves, Styles ...
Although Charlie Murphy has appeared in countless films since the late ‘80s, there’s no getting around that most fans started to really get to know him during and after his appearances on The Dave Chappelle Show. Charlie’s skits, some based on his telling of real-life encounters with celebrities while he worked security in the early days of his younger brother’s career, have become larger than the show itself. Plays of some of Charlie’s segments on Chappelle’s show have exceeded the million-view mark on Youtube.com. There are very few people who follow pop culture that haven’t heard the words “I’m ...
Sharon Jones is one of the most inspirational artists on the show circuit. It’s not just her soulful voice, nor is it her hard and heavy dancing on stage, nor her soothing retro sounds that are reminiscent of class acts such as ‘60’s female groups The Shirelles, The Marvelettes, The Dixie Cups, and others, that makes her such a powerful inspiration. Even Jones’ uncanny, pure energy and movements, that seem to be channeled from the late James Brown, don't make her such a rousing figure. The inspiration is her story: A struggling singer who worked at a state prison as ...
Aston "FamilyMan" Barrett, the bassist for the legendary Wailers is responsible for the basslines and other creative elements on many of Bob Marley and the Wailers' classic songs. We discuss his thoughts about why Bob Marley and The Wailers' music continues to resonate with fans decades after its creation. He also discusses his thoughts on current state of music, and how he met and started working with Bob Marley. Yvad, the Wailers' Band's new vocalist shares his views on the power of Bob Marley and the Wailers' music. Whether you're a musician or an artist, if you aspire to have a ...
KILLAH PRIEST: AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME WITH LATEST "OFFERING" By Khalid Strickland a.k.a. Dirty Angel Brooklyn wins again. After their legendary movement avalanched hip-hop’s landscape, the Wu-Tang Clan assisted a lion’s share of rappers who have gained notoriety on their own merit. Killah Priest, hailing from Bed-Stuy Brooklyn, is one of these alumni. Priest (as he prefers being called now) made his memorable debut in 1994 on “6 Feet Deep”, the first LP by The Gravediggaz (a group spearheaded by Wu-Tang Clan leader The RZA). In 1995, he appeared on two classic Wu-Tang solo albums: “Liquid Swords” by The GZA and ...
Place your music-related press release on InsomniacMagazine.com for only $19.99. With this service you can include one image in your music based press release and two links to your website, social networking page, or link promotional downloads on your site. The press release submitted cannot exceed 500 words and will include your heading as the title of the post on InsomniacMagazine.com. Press releases will contain a note stating that they have been sponsored by contributor. Insomniac Magazine has been online for well over a decade and features interviews and coverage including some of the biggest names in music, entertainment, and media. ...
Merry Miller is an extraordinary artist and businesswoman. Don’t take my word for it, she was named in Crain's New York Business magazine “40 Under 40” issue. She is the former Executive Vice President of Programming at the Learning Annex, and instrumental in building the organization’s revenue from $3 million to $100 million in three years. During that time, she coordinated visits from the who’s who of business and entertainment. She’s coordinated visits from some of the biggest leaders in the business, from Donald Trump to Russell Simmons. If that’s not impressive enough, Elle magazine named her one of the ...
In a day and age of commodity artists who are forgotten shortly after a year or so of a radio hit, and in an environment where hit artists of yesteryear are remembered only by those who were raised on their sounds, it is rare to find an artist who continues to resonate with new and old audiences decades after launching their career. Teena Marie stepped on the scene in ’79 and continues to touch music fans with her amazingly soulful voice. Not only has her music swept her fans off of their feet for years, but she has also influenced new ...
In 1992, Speech, along with his group Arrested Development, went on to receive countless accolades including two Grammy Awards and being named Band of the Year by Rolling Stone Magazine for the ground breaking “3 Years, 5 Months, and 2 Days in the Life of…” The album launched the band into stardom with constant video and radio rotation for their hit "Tennessee," and later for singles "People Everyday" and "Mr. Wendal." The funky and soulful blend of Hip Hop and R&B delivered socially conscious music in a manner that was palatable to the masses. Despite being adorned with admiration by ...
If you haven’t listened to Ving’s over the top rant while promoting his new movie, it’s an interesting listen. Aspiring entertainment industry newbies take note- He doesn’t break character. What better way to promote a movie about man-eating fish?
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Insomniac Magazine recently participated in an interview with Julian Lennon to discuss his new release and a brand new company called theRevolution LLC. Lennon and music industry professionals Michael Birch (sold Bebo to AOL for $850 million) and Todd Meaghe (created the first 50/50 artist music store) started the company as a new approach to releasing music and working with artists. The company scouts talent, and then helps set up these artists with their own businesses. The company assists the artists with a variety of business endeavors including: finance, development, digital and physical distribution, promotion, and other important aspects of their careers.
In this first segment, Julian talks about this new approach to the music industry.
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This song is a birthday song to myself. At the same time it goes out to Griff and brothers who cross the half century mark age wise. The dizzy whirl of society today has trained people into robots and consumers thinking that we celebrate younger age not the rite of graceful passage into knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. While I overstand I’m not asking for anyone to buy into anything especially not this record … I got away from that notion 20 years ago. I’m not asking or begging any DJ or VJ to play this song. Introduction of the digital option by PE 11 years ago was for the freedom of art and artists from the pressure of business people who altered this into a “thing’ to sell. We want people to ‘get’ our music not necessarily reach down and purchase , especially in this time.
I long have stressed that rap music keep its originality if not its integrity. It’s not about myself getting old just older … I have always maintained this independent state of mind. [click to continue…]
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Bea Lesaca recently wrote an article on her thoughts of best collabs in Hip Hop for 2010 (so far). This made me think, what would some dream collabs in Hip Hop look like? My only rule- at least one person in the collab has to be an emcee. Yes, some of these can never happen. Well, here’s my list: [click to continue…]
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(images courtesty of Faiya.net)
Part of your eclectic background is in modeling, can you talk about little bit about that industry?
I began pursuing modeling primarily as a way to get into the acting industry. Acting, along with music, is one of my life long passions. Once I entered modeling, however, I put my all into it. I began doing extra work in music videos for artists like Ricky Martin, Thalia, Mario Vasquez, etc. It’s very humbling to work 16-hour days only to get fed crackers and carrots…but you do what you gotta do to get to the right people and ultimately to the next level. After I gained more insight through more work and auditions, I began to take big steps in the right direction. By the time I stopped modeling to transition towards my music, I had already done an XBOX 360 campaign ad, runway shows, a CORBIS Lifestyle shoot, and the cover of New York Magazine’s 1st Annual Sex Issue. I gained a lot of valuable experience and contacts that carried over seamlessly into my music career.
How has the modeling business helped you prepare or transition into being a Hip Hop performer?
Modeling definitely molded me into a stronger performer. I have done plenty of plays and had lots of acting experience as a child, but modeling taught me how to work a crowd and generate a reaction. When you have to walk a runway and sell a product in literally 50 steps or less, you are forced to put ALL of your energy into every move you make. It’s not just about the walk, but more how you bring attention to the product (shoes, jeans…or in my case now…music). Eye contact is essential because it makes the experience personal to every single viewer. Most importantly though is confidence. Confidence commands attention and respect, and modeling has helped me to remain mindful of this when it comes to anything regarding my music. [click to continue…]
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