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Born: Harlem, New York… on his way to Hollywood…

Rapper, mad music scientist and Sonic The Hedgehog are just a few of the adjectives used to describe Charles Hamilton. With his self-produced mixtape Outside Looking hosted by Green Lantern he has been praised by the likes of Pharrell and Eminem, Kanye West, Andre 3000 and Timbaland. Iovine’s newest signee, Charles Hamilton produces and writes all his own music and plays multiple instruments at the tender age of 20.

If you are a hip-hop head then this post is for you. Charles Hamilton is slowly emerging as one of the more notable undeground artist. As an artist he’s talented, no arguement there. But people in the industry are still not sure about him. He is a great rapper with a sick flow, but can he sell records and connect to a broad audience?

Check his site: www.iamnotcharleshamilton.com

I sometimes have a hard time figuring out whether fashion or music has helped me enjoy life even more. Is it that favorite Marvin Gaye record my grandmother use to play while I was a child? Or is it that hot summer in 1997 when i got my first pair of Chuck Taylor Converse? Both have changed my life in its own way… the two landscapes always connect back to each other if you ask me.

When fashion trends are made, they are made to be followed. When music is made it is made to be played over and over again. So since I couldn’t quite figure out which one is more important to society as a whole, I took to the streets of my nation’s capital, Washington DC, and did a fun questionnaire that I made up in 10 minutes… lol.

I gave my questionnaire to 10 random people - a lawyer, a business man, a fashion student, a homeless person, a McDonald’s worker, a nurse, an artist, a hustler, a 13 year old… and my mom!

1. Q: A FREE CONCERT or a SHOPPING SPREE?

A: 60% SHOPPING, 40% CONCERT

2. Q: Burn your CD COLLECTION or burn YOUR SHOE COLLECTION?

A: 70% CD, 30% SHOES

3. Q: MICHAEL JACKSON or MICHAEL JACKSON’S GLOVE?

A: 95% GLOVE, 5% MICHAEL

4. Q: Dinner with COCO CHANEL or dinner with ELVIS?

A. 50% COCO, 50% ELVIS

5. Q: IPOD or DESIGNER BAG?

A. 97% IPOD, 3% BAG

6. Q: AMERICAN IDOL or AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL?

A. 60% AI, 40% ANTM

7. Q: GREASE or BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S?

A. 90% GREASE, 10% BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S

…………………………………………………………………………

From these results it is still hard to determine what people really care more about. Everyone is split in half.

Anyway I had so much fun walking the streets of DC doing this questionnaire…

Thank you to all the participants who I promised would remain anonymous, except my MOM :)

Energy can sometimes leave a band that’s been around a fair while, but that isn’t the case for one of the greatest bands of all time - AC/DC. They still have it. With a new fan base, as well as dedicated fans from the very beginning, their winter gigs are sure to be a sell out.

Don’t miss the Rock N Roll Train! choo*! choo*!

The video is awsmazing! Check it out on YouTube.

I think some people take life too seriously. Whenever you feel like letting go just blast this on your iPod. I’m sure you will shake all those negative vibes off. NERD knows how to make the crowd go wow and I have had the pleasure to see these guys live. When I say amazing - I mean A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

Here’s s a vid of NERD playing live at the 2008 Bape Show.

SPAZZZZZZZZZZZ!

Rapper Wale from Washington DC has just signed with Interscope. He is the next best thing in hip-hop with a debut album to be released Spring 2009. His mix-tapes are wonderful and I often listen to his music when I need that signal of hope. Jay-Z, Mark Ronson and Lily Allen have already worked with him and with production on his debut album by Kanye West we are sure to be in for a treat.

People - just watch the video and remember this artist!

(interview by Hip-Hop Official)

The mastermind of our times, Kanye West, has just released his second single from the highly anticipated album 808 and Heartbreaks. Heartless describes a woman in a relationship that has broken a man’s heart and doesn’t seem to be affected by it at all.

The animation is amazing and even shows a glimpse of Mister West California house. Kanye took to his blog and stated: “This video was rotoscoped, we recorded real people and then had 65 animators in Hong Kong draw over every cell.”

Kanye has also said that his album should not be under a “hip-hop/RnB” genre when it hits shelves. He said: “It should be under “pop-art” or whatever catergory Pink Floyd is in.”

The album is slated for a November 24 release.

Well let’s start off with the fact that they all have chart topping singles out right now…

You know record labels want to make few extra coins this holiday season - with the economic crisis in America taking away a lot of business profit. So Island Def Jam is making a bold move - they are moving the release date forward of The Killers’ Day & Age, Ludacris’ Theater of the Mind and Kanye West’s 808s & Heartbreak.

The albums were scheduled for release in both physical and digital formats on Tuesday November 25th, but they will now be seeing a Monday the 24th date.

Many fans are excited about the new early releases, but the question is: will it make any difference?

Kanye West’s Love Lockdown hit #3 on the Hot 100, The Killers’ Human scored #6 on Billboard’s Modern Rock, and Ludacris’ One More Drink with T-Pain is a still #34 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop. I’m grabbing all 3…

A few friends at school told me to look up The Cab so now I want to say a big thak you to those guys because The Cab beyond amazing. Definitely an artist to watch…

Here they are performing ‘Bounce’ live at the House of Blues in New Orleans, and by the sound of things at the end of the night there was a couple of sore throats and deaf ears… enjoy :)

One word. No description needed.

TALENT.

“I’m not a Business man..im a BUSINESS mannnnnnnnn”- Jay-Z

The Blueprint 3 is the eleventh album by American rapper Jay-Z. This will be his last album with record label Def Jam before he begins recording with Live Nation - when he will become his own boss. Production will be done by Kanye West and producer Timbaland. I’ve been a Hova fan since Reasonable Doubt (best album he ever released) so I’m more then excited to see what Mr Carter will stir up this time.

His first released single Jockin’ Jay-Z is already a big radio hit in the US and is blasting on everyone’s iPod.

Catch this YouTube clip of the new song which he premiered in NewYork City at Kanye’s Glow In The Dark show.

Since I started blogging on music.virgin.com I get alot of messages on my MySpace about what I should post about and what artists to watch for. I also get emails from several people who visit our blog and they asked me why there aren’t any rap music reviews. Okay folks I have read your emails and I agree that music is all about diversity.

American rapper T.I. will be releasing his album on September 30, 2008. The album’s title, Paper Trail, comes from T.I.’s decision to write down all of his lyrics on paper. About 50 tracks have been recorded during production, including a collaboration with Fall Out Boy on a track called ‘Out in the Cold’.

Special guest appearances include Justin Timberlake, Rihanna,Usher, John Legend, Lil Wayne and Swizz Beats. Production from Kanye West and Just Blaze has been confirmed as well.

Critics are calling Paper Trail T.I.’s best work thus far. I’ve already have heard the album and I’m giving it 5 stars - it’s amazing!

Check out his MySpace.

Santogold, an American songwriter, producer and singer, cannot be easily categorised. I really enjoy her music and her style can’t be put into words. She straddles indie rock, dub, new wave, punk rock, psychedelic rock, art rock, electronic, synthpop… But she has been compared to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and M.I.A. and has said that she is inspired by 1980s pop music also citing Blondie, Grace Jones and James Brown as influences.

She’ll be supporting Coldplay for most of the stops on the North American leg of their tour. I think thats more then a big deal eh?

Whatever your sound taste is I’m sure she can accommodate you in some way… that’s why I’m naming her as an artist to watch…

“I changed my album to November something cause I finished the album and I felt like it, I want yall to hear it as soon as possible.” - Kanye West

I woke up this morning to see this on Kanye West’s blog. My hands shook in excitement!

After originally being scheduled for a December 16th release date, hip-hop superstar Kanye West is now planning to drop his highly anticipated fourth studio album, 808s & Heartbreak a month early.

I’m so excited for this album and I can’t wait to give you a review on it. Me and my good friend Shade F. are going to the CD signing…

But for the meantime check out his new single Love Lockdown.

Unless you live under a rock… Miss Jackson has effected your iPod in some kind of way!

Janet Jackson kicked off her new Rock With U tour in Vancouver on Wednesday. ‘It is a reminder that she is a trend-setter in her own right, a true diva, and a marvelous performer,’ says the critic for the Vancouver Sun. Reviews have been amazing and this tour is being called the highlight of this fall. With Madonna and Janet making a tour comeback which one are you most excited to see?

Check back later for a review of Madonna’s tour this November…

Here is the set list for Janet Jackson’s tour:Pleasure Principle
Control<—-NefWest Favorite!
What Have You Done For Me Lately
Feedback
You Want This
Alright
Miss You Much
Rhythm Nation - Interlude
Never Letchu Go
Come Back To Me
Let’s Wait Awhile
Again
So Excited
So Much Betta
Nasty
All Nite (Don’t Stop)
Rock With U
Together Again
Young Love
Say You Do
Don’t Stand Another Chance
Doesn’t Really Matter
Escapade
Love Will Never Do (Without You)
When I Think Of You
All For You
Got ‘Til It’s Gone
Call On Me
That’s The Way Love Goes
I Get Lonely
Funny How Time Flies (When You’re Having Fun)
Any Time, Any Place
Discipline
Black Cat
If
Rhythm Nation
Luv
Runaway

Check out Urban Mixer’s Flickr photostream for more Janet Jackson photos from Vancouver

Taz Arnold is a fashion icon, designer, producer and artist…

I was lucky enough to have a quick message exchange with him on MySpace, I was so excited. So I thought I should give him a ashout on my blog…

He is one third of the group Sa-Ra, which is a hip-hop group from Los Angeles, California.

Their sound is very unique and is respected by many of today’s big names. They have worked with the likes of Kanye West and Andre 3000. His MySpace is pretty captivating… check out his picture with Mister Karl Lagerfield!

Check out ti$a’s Vote Obama which Taz made in hope to help sway young voters to go out and vote. Right now in the United States the Presidential title is up for grabs and liek me, Taz is a big supporter of the Democratic nominee Barack Obama.

Be on the look out for more great things to come from this industry icon!

Here’s a quick update:

Conde Nast Media Group announced today the following updates regarding New York Fashion Week’s most star-studded event:

Mary J Blige joins the line up and will duet with Usher. There will be further awesome duets from Fergie and Ludacris as well as Alicia Keys and Santana…

Presenters will include Jessica Alba, Mischa Barton, Teri Hatcher, LeAnn Rhimes, Denis Leary, Sean “Diddy” Combs, 50 Cent, Sean Lennon, Irina Lazareanu, Tyra Banks, Emily Proctor, Kimora lee Simmons, Michael Kors, Francisco Costa, Tommy Hilfiger and Max Azria.

The most important part of the entire concert: a portion of the proceeds from this year’s Fashion Rocks will go towards Keep A Child Alive (KCA). KCA is working to help overcome the AIDS crisis in Africa and the developing world. Check their website for more info.

The show will be hosted by Jeremey Piven from TV show Entourage and, as well as those promised dutes, will include performances from AeroSmith, Avril Lavigne, Carrie Underwood, Chad Kroger,  Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Maroon 5 and Martina McBride.

The concert will be at Radio City Music Hall on September 6 and will be on TV the following night on CBS.

Check back for my review on the performances!

See anna - back from the fjälls’ Flickr photostream for more Mary J Blige photos

Once again I was browsing MySpace and found a VERY unique group by the name of Steed Lord. M.E.G.A, Kali, Demo and A.C. Banana$ make up the unique group from Iceland. Their sound is very electro/house/crunk/techno.
Check them out: http://www.myspace.com/steedlord

Leave feedback…

I wanna first start off by saying thank you for all the support. Thanx treadmillin.com and lateboots.com for linking music.virgin.com! And to all my friends who stay up countless nights voting for me… I LOVE YOU!

My friends JD, Malcolm and Kyle are definitely making a name for themselves in the Maryland, D.C. and Virginia area. These young fellas not only have their own clothing line, H*E*S*B, but they also have a successful blog. Everyone knows them in the DMV. I call them the “local celebs”…lol. They are attending college, becoming young businessmen and they are always focussed and confident in everything they do.

As I was browsing MySpace I noticed that they their music taste is outstanding - from hip-hop to acoustic. Music isn’t just lyrics and a beat - it can also be fashion. I believe fashion speaks through the type of music you listen to. H*E*S*B’s inspiration comes from all different aspects of life and their designs are amazing. I only see big things in there future and I wish them nothing but success and my gratitude goes out to them for all the support that they are giving me and this website.

Check them out! www.hesb.blogspot.com

Who knows you might even be wearing there clothes one day ;-)

I’m a big fashionista. So I must let everyone around the world know about Kesh. Kesh is an emerging fashion designer in London in her 20s and has done everything. She is a fashion designer / stylist / magazine editor / model/ DJ and one of my idols.

Kesh’s designs have been worn by artists like Mariah Carey, Lupe Fiasco, Big Daddy Kane and many more. The UK grime scene loves her vintage clothing.

She has also dressed M.I.A while on her tour. Her risky crazy patterns and neon colors are sure to make you stand out in any dull crowd. I love her 80s inspired rope chains and body fitting dresses.

Coolest thing about her? She’s close friends with Dizzee Rascal.

Check out Kesh’s MySpace

Not only am I a huge Madonna fan. I’m a little bit obsessed with the woman. Madonna has just embarked on her worldwide Sticky & Sweet tour. So you can only imagine what her show will bring to us fans. Of course I will be there - at Philadelphia on November 19…

Her tour kicked off this week in Cardiff, Wales (despite keeping her audience waiting for ages), and will make stops in most major European markets throughout September before heading Stateside for an October 3 show at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The Sticky & Sweet show will hit venues throughout North America — including shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden as well as in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami — before heading down to Mexico and South America later in the year.

How excited am I? Check back this Fall for pictures and my review of the concert…

See Paul McDee’s Flickr photostream for more Madonna photos from her Cardiff gig