Drew

Queen + Adam Lambert Join Forces For A Summer Arena Tour (via PR Newswire)
– Brian May, Roger Taylor + Adam Lambert Kick Off North American Tour On Thursday, June 19 In Chicago – – Tickets On Sale Beginning Friday, March 14 Through The Live Nation Mobile App & At Livenation.com – Download image Queen + Adam Lambert Announce…

Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos Music Amenity Program Celebrates Evolving Sounds and Musical Diversity (via PR Newswire)
Tracks. Vo. 10 Features Playlists Curated by Capitol Records, Red Light Management and SESAC Latina Hard Rock International. (PRNewsFoto/Hard Rock International) ORLANDO, Fla., March 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos – with locations…

Music Choice Announces 2014 DJ Residency on Dance/EDM Music Channel (via PRWeb)
Vice Takeover Kicks Off Inaugural Program March 1st Vice Takeovers Air Saturday’s in March on Music Choice VICE stated: “Excited to share my music with the world through Music Choice. I was honored when the network approached me to launch their Weekend…

Hip Hop Legends Concert Set for March 15th in Queens, NY (via SBWire)
Overdrive Productions and Resorts World Casino New York will present the “Legends of Hip Hop Concert Volume 1” on March 15th. Diehard hip hop fans will see legends Naughty By Nature, Kurtis Blow, DJ Kool, Black Sheep, DJ Marley Marl and DJ Skribble…

Rihanna clashes with reporter at Chanel catwalk show (via ITN)
Subscribe to TheShowbiz411! http://bit.ly/1dXOPuV A reporter got on the wrong side of Rihanna as the star supported BFF Cara Delevingne at a Chanel catwalk show in Paris. The singer was leaving the show when a reporter approached her with a microphone…

Oscars Fashion: 86th Academy Awards (via Los Angeles Times Video)
Talk about the best and worst Oscar-night fashions with designer Nick Verreos and Times fashion writer Adam Tschorn.

The Oscars in 2 minutes (via PostTV – The Washington Post)
From red carpet falls to rising stars, the 2014 Academy Awards hosted by Ellen DeGeneres was a night to remember. CONNECT WITH POSTTV: Subscribe ⺠http://www.youtube.com/user/WashingtonPost PostTV.com ⺠http://www.washingtonpost.com/posttv/ Twitter…

Ultimate Guide to Miami (via Urbasm)
Miami is a bizarre place – not quite the United States, but not quite Latin America. There’s so much glitz, glamour and bare skin, you’ll hardly recognize that you’re sweating your balls off. That being said, Miami is an incredibly expansive…

Columbia Records and Legacy Recordings Set to Release A MATTER OF TRUST–THE BRIDGE TO RUSSIA, Billy Joel’s Historic 1987 Russian Tour Revisited on DVD/Blu-ray Concert Film, 2CD Live Album and Deluxe Box Set (via PR Newswire)
Deluxe Edition includes First DVD/Blu-ray Release of Billy Joel’s 1987 Leningrad and Moscow Concerts, 2CD Expanded Russian Concert Album and SHOWTIME® Documentary Film, directed by Four-Time Emmy-Winner Jim Brown Available Tuesday, May 20, 2014 Billy…

Flat Fitty Luxury Headwear Introduces Collabs with Sway; DJ Drama and More (via PRWeb)
Flat Fitty Luxury Headwear Introduces Collabs with Sway; DJ Drama and More; SMS Audio, Invisible Bully, PSD Partner for Project MVMNT Trade Show Carlsbad, CA (PRWEB) February 13, 2014 Coming off last year’s promotional boom, Flat Fitty Luxury Headwear…

[repostus]Hip Hop Fashion Trends: What’s Hot for 2014? (via The Los Angeles Fashion)
For several years hip hop fashion has been one of the most defining trends in style. The music, the clothes, the hairstyles and the attitude all combine to create an indelible personal look. Just like any trend, however, this particular style changes…

[repostus]The Cultural Epidemic of Hip Hop (via Urbasm)
Hip hop music started as early as the 70′s in New York City. Back in the day, block parties had DJ’s which played popular music, especially funk and soul at the time. The DJ’s would live mix songs with two turntables and isolate short percussive…

[repostus]Brit Awards 2014: Pharrell Williams on his love for the ladies (via ITN)
Subscribe to TheShowbiz411! http://bit.ly/1dXOPuV We’ve found someone who loves women more than Harry Styles. At the Brit Awards in London Pharrell Williams told us just how much he loved the ladies. Report by Andrea Lilly. Like us on Facebook: http…

JANBOELO Catwalk show at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Amsterdam:
Photo’s by Team Peter Stigter
Styling: Maarten Spruyt
Chef de Cabine Hair: Tommy Hagen for L’oréal Professionnel
Chef de Cabine Make-up: Mascha Meyer (House of Orange)

WOMEN
The typical JANBOELO woman is not always easy to fathom, yet she always attracts attention. All eyes are on her as soon as she enters the room, but only the lucky ones know who she really is. Leather is the foundation from which the designer works, as in every JANBOELO collection. Pants, shirts, skirts and dresses are combined with garments of viscose, wool and cotton. The silhouette is slim in combination with oversized; think of tight skirts with a maxi shirt and a huge parka. By wearing different, various layers and fabrics JANBOELO plays with the body, creating new body shapes this winter.

MEN
The JANBOELO man is sexy as hell, this time with a more bohemian feel to it than we are used to though. Here high quality leather also has a key role in jackets, shirts and pants. A cotton shirt is worn casually with tight leather pants and a peacoat with gold crocodile print over it. Leather is also found as a detail on classic wool suits or as the must have accessory this winter, oversized leather scarfs soft as butter.

ABOUT JAN BOELO
Jan Boelo Drenth graduated at the Utrecht School of Art in 2010, after which he immediately began his own label JANBOELO. During his studies he gained experience through various traineeships at, among others, Paul Schulten, Jan Taminiau and Balmain (Paris). Working for and with other designers made him realize he wanted to create his own vision through a label of his own.

Rock ‘n roll, simplicity and clean lines characterize JANBOELO’s style. High-quality clothing made with the utmost attention to detail.

What was once dubbed “gay people’s music,” house/dance music is the signature sound for mainstream America as top artists and performers incorporate its high, synth tempos, deep bass, heavy drums, syncopated melodies and funky rhythms into hits that are driving pop-culture. From hip-hop to pop and R&B, dance music is raking in millions for artists and DJ’s. Everybody is getting paid, and the fans are only getting bigger as many are crossing over to experience the hype. No one would know that more than the EC Twins who not only have been credited “for the boom in Electronic Music in the U.S.A.,” but they have had many successes including a remix for super-duo LMFAO (“Champagne Showers”) and the resurgence of 90s Dance star CeCe Peniston, who was at the top of her game with smash hits like “Finally,” “We Got A Love Thang” and Keep On Walkin.”
 When you experience an EC Twins set, their deejaying skills and selections are rivaled only by their own personas. And to top it off, “you don’t often see doubles in the DJ booth. Not just DJ’s and producers, they are trendsetters with an attitude and style many would interpret as bitchie. But when you get to know them, you would realize that the attitude comes from self-determination and years of struggles. They’ve had to prove themselves over and over again. Life didn’t come easy, they were poor and finally crawled their way to success. So why should anyone else get off lightly?!
 Now that they’ve reached a pinnacle of success, the Twins know that keeping that success takes constant practice, re-inventing themselves and staying way ahead of the “trolls,” as they would put it. So, “I chose to give them a cover feature because they were two good-looking twins who were not only talented, but they know what struggling means and have talent to back-up the B.S. that constantly try to rival true artistry.”
Most people can explain explicitly what their love or passion is for why they do what they do. For example, a dancer could say “when I dance, I transcend into my own state of euphoria.” What experience do you feel when you’re at the height of your game (artistry)?
Honestly, we’re just relieved that we don’t live in the projects anymore and are finally doing what we love for a living instead of the dead end jobs that have been our only alternative. Our 2 most identifiable emotions are infinite gratitude to the fans for making everything we do possible and fear that we could end up back where we came from.
How would you describe your style of deejaying?
High Energy, Emotional, improvisational and interactive.
So how’s the love life? What’s your type? What peaks your interest?
It’s hard to decipher a real connection from a potential DJ groupie or a gold digger nowadays, so it’s safest to love the music first and the personal stuff is way down on the list of priorities for us. House music is our bitch. We do like exotic brunettes though… Different races are interesting to us!
If you weren’t getting paid to DJ or create music, would you still do it?
Yes of course, we’ve done this our whole lives and only recently made a career out of it. Music has a very cathartic effect on us, it helps to heal old wounds or find reason in them. Everyone loves music, but we love it with a passion that is reserved for only the true obsessives. After Eye Candy (our club night) we had a period of time out of the scene, trying to get legal immigration status in the USA, we lost everything in the process and became homeless. We still managed to produce a track thanks to friends and practiced in one way or another every single day.
We know that sometimes entertainers create a persona that’s not their true self… What are the elements that make up who you are and is the persona and you as a person one within the same?
It’s a good question. The truth is The EC Twins and Marc & Allister Blackham are the same people, but in private Marc & Allister are very low key. The EC Twins are like our evil quadruplets, they just come to life the minute the music starts. It’s not a conscious decision, once the beat starts, something inside shifts gear and those two lunatics take over. It’s not a choice; it’s not a created persona. It’s probably a symptom of schizophrenia.
Were there ever a time when you doubted who you are or what you wanted before your current successes?
Everyone doubts themselves; every single person has their own Demons. Because of our personal journey and our humble beginnings, our insecurities are probably exaggerated a million times more than other artists. But that’s why we work so hard and why we connect so personally with our fans and appreciate our careers and what house music has given us. It’s the reason why we approach every performance as if it is our last. Our whole lives we’ve dreamed of being involved in the music industry, we never decided to be DJ’s; that part was organic, but now it’s here and we don’t ever want to do anything else. This is everything to us.
What is your most memorable experience while deejaying at nightclubs and events?
 For us the memories all began whilst running our first ever club nights Eye Candy in Edinburgh. They shaped our understanding of the entire industry from an artistic perspective and from a business perspective, so they’ll always be cherished. Other than that, the connections with the crowd that can’t be tracked down to one moment or even one night are all fond memories. It’s like a universal connection between us and all these beautiful strangers, some of whom don’t even speak the same language, yet somehow through the music you connect on a deeper level. That’s the memory that we fall asleep to every night, which wakes us up every morning. It’s much more fundamental than one particular superficial moment, it can happen whilst playing to 100 people or 100,000. It’s the same feeling that leads to the same memory; a feeling of unity. We live and die for that sh*t.
Of all the acts you’ve worked with… who can you say was or is the most enlightening as far as artistry is concerned?
It wouldn’t be fair to pick one, because we’re surrounded by so many talented artists right now, with diverse and inspiring personalities. Paul Oakenfold and Dirty Vegas were the first big boys to reach out to us and it’s nice to have friends like Dimitry Vegas and Like Mike too, because we’re in a similar peer group. Other than that, look to the answer to your next question for all the great artists we’re currently collaborating with.
Tell us about your upcoming projects?
Our next release is an EC Twins remix on Ultra Music for Black Boots “Sex Cult” and we’ve been through a huge period of collaborations recently. A few things are coming up with some of our personal favorite, underrated producers that we managed to stalk down to work with us. Projects with Bass Kleph, Dmitry KO, Plastik Funk, Reece Low, Darrigo and so many more are in the works. We’re in the zone right now! It used to take us a month to finish a track, whereas right now we can bang one out every day. We’re really excited for our 2014 releases.
What is your perception of the progression of dance and electronic music in North America? Where do you see it in the next 5 or 10 years?
It has become the biggest cultural shift in modern times. The current electronic music scene is “Flower Power” for the ‘Millennials’ and it’s not going anywhere any time soon. The kids are all in to it and will carry it in to their adulthood, so it’s a long, fun ride ahead. We’ve been credited with playing a big part in the US growth that has led to the global phenomenon and we intend to play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter. In terms of the sound, we see a shift in to real songs right now, but it really won’t matter. Good music is good music and we’ll be at the forefront until our last breath.
Remixes and nightclub appearances are the bread and butter for any DJ. And successful remixes help build a DJ’s status, provide more work and opportunities. Which of your projects would you say was the most successful (in overhaul experience), and what was the most important lesson learned from that project?
There are three different projects and three different lessons: One, “Little White Doves” – Dirty Vegas (EC Twins & Remy Le Duc Remix) – The Success: It’s still the cult classic for die hard EC Twins fans. Lesson Learned: A big room progressive track won’t get relevant exposure on a deep house label. Two, “You’ve Never Seen” – EC Twins & CeCe Peniston – The Success: It introduced us to a global audience and garnered respect from Hardwell, Tiesto, Chuckie, Snader Van Doorn and more. Lesson learned: Have a follow up ready to go! And three, “Set The World On Fire” (Groove Cruise Anthem) – EC Twins & Kalendr Feat. Koko Laroo – The Success: This record is still growing and finding an audience and is being added to radio station playlists every day. Lesson learned: It’s great to put stuff out on your own label, but the exposure from a big label is always helpful if you can get a chance.
What are your top 7 party venues and why?
 We like the Marquee in Las Vegas because it started the “Electronic Music Only” policy in Vegas clubs. Create in LA is our current favorite venue in our hometown. Of course Eye Candy in Scotland because it was our baby and saved us from a life spent living in the projects and working in a dead end job. We like Tommorrowland in Belgium because it represented hard in Europe. We like Osheaga Festival in Montreal because of the fact that it’s a fresh indie festival with room for huge growth, Hard Rock in San Diego because we’ve spent so many pivotal dates playing there (including Halloween and New Year Eve) and anywhere we play in the future because we’ve only just begun our journey.
If you could mentor any young man or woman out there wanting to get into the music business, what are five things you would tell him/her to look out for?
If we’ve noticed one mistake from a lot of our colleagues whose careers had not lasted as long as ours, it’s trying too hard to please the critics. One minute they’re smashing big rooms with their sounds, the next they’re in a back room playing “Afro Latin Tech” or some sh*t because the trolls got into their heads and turned them into snobs. Not that there’s anything up with “Afro Latin Tech” if it’s in your heart, there’s something up with changing what’s in your heart to please a bunch of tossers. F#ck the critics and f#ck the experts. Go out there, work really hard, don’t feel entitled to anything, be unarguably great at what you do, hold your head high and please yourself. Don’t apologize for doing what you love. The crowd will speak with their attendance and the trolls will hop on board when you’re a big success because they’re f#cking sheep’s beneath it all. Beware the trolls!

Connect with the EC Twins:
Twitter: @ectwins
Factbook: ectwinsmusic
Instagram: @ectwins
Web: http://www.ectwinsmusic.com

 
Interview By Patrick Kelly
Twitter: @PrettyboyPK
 

Everybody in hip hop knows who Big Tigger is and if they don’t know, they’ve been sleeping under a rock for the past 15 years. Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan was the host way back when “Rap City: Tha Basement” brought us the hottest hip-hop artists who were relevant at the time. Tigger was and is a staple at BET (the only national African American cable network), hosting shows like BET’s number one music show “106 and Park,” “BET Style,” “BET Uncut,” and most recently the “BET Awards 2012 Post Show.” Tigger has also had a wealth of successes as a host and DJ in radio and syndication, from deejaying at WPGC (95.5) in Washington, D.C. and 92 Q in Baltimore, Md. to Power 105.1 (New York’s Hip-Hop & R&B Station) and now V103, “The People’s Station,” in Atlanta, Ga.
Being from B-More (Baltimore), I remembered how Tigger use to rock at WPGC and 92 Q. Working at two of the top radio stations in the region, man the brother use to pull out all the stops. I remembered one night I was listening to one of his mixes and I kid you not. This kat was hitting so hard, I pulled my little blue, 1987 Toyota Camry to the side of the road, got out and started dancing my ass off, on the side of the road. Lol!
I’ve had an affinity for Tigger since then, but the deal was sealed when I and the crew met him during Ne-Yo’s Malibu Red event in the “A” (Atlanta) last summer. You know sometimes kats get a bit fake when they’re in the spot-light. But you could tell this brother was genuine. He didn’t know who we were, yet he still gave us the time of day. He was cool, real down-to-earth and just funny as hell. And that is why I gave Big Tigger the cover; not because he’s Big Tigger (well, a little bit), but because at the end of the day he still remains true to who he is, and he ain’t bad on the eyes. You know we can’t have no “mitch” on the cover.
Now, I had the opportunity to interview him personally and just to bullet-point without giving up all the details… I asked him to give me five things he would tell an artist to look out for if they’re trying to get into the biz and he said, “Get a good lawyer/manager cuz these dudes is shady!” Now that’s all five things right there. Lol! It’s that real?! My interpretation is that no matter what, at the end of the day it’s about getting and keeping your business tight; nothing else matters. And it’s true… some of these dude’s and chicks out here are wicked as hell. You gotta “keep ya game up!”
So during the interview, Tigger talked about the type of woman he likes; of course we had to get that in for the ladies and those haters out there. He also talked about his passion and love for his work, his style of deejaying, his most memorable experience as a DJ, his favorite nightclubs and what he’s got coming up for 2014.
Most people can explain explicitly what their love or passion is for why they do what they do. For example, a dancer could say “when I dance, I transcend into my own state of euphoria.” What experience do you feel when you’re at the height of your game (artistry)?
There’s no better feeling than when you’re in the zone and whatever you say or play puts other people into their zone! Whether I’m Deejaying or hosting, it’s amazing to know whatever you do made an impact in someone’s daily life!
How would you describe your style of deejaying? 
In one word, flexible! I can spin at clubs, at NBA games, bah mitzvahs, on air, or at a wedding. I can mix old school hip hop and r&b, pop, EDM, trap music altogether and nobody will be mad at it. I can turn-up in the club, or keep it sexy!
So how’s the love life? What’s your type? What peaks your interest?
Love life is awesome! A woman of class, intelligence, drive, goals, inner and outer beauty, and a humorous/silly side to her are all desired qualities in a woman. Love a woman who is flexible and able to turn-up in hood environments and also navigate at corporate events as well. Add in “lady in the street and a freak in the bed” and you have perfection!
If you weren’t getting paid to DJ or create music; would you still do it?
I would. I’ve been deejaying since age 15! I don’t get paid for my podcasts but I love doing them. I’ve done 49 FREE podcasts (available on iTunes) in the last 2 years, and 2.9 million downloads later and I’m still excited every time I drop a new one!
We know that sometimes entertainers create a persona that’s not their true self… What are the elements that make up who you are and is the persona and you as a person one within the same?
I’ve actually been blessed to be very successful while just being myself. Big Tigger is the more outgoing side of me, but it’s definitely still the real me. I’m actually kind of quiet when not out in public.
Were there ever a time when you doubted who you are or what you wanted before your current successes?
I never doubted who I was. I still have doubts about the future from time to time about everything. It’s human nature.
What is your most memorable experience while deejaying at nightclubs and events?
 I opened for Kid Capri at the NBA Players official ball when All-Star was in D.C. with Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Dr. J, and others in the building and I smashed! It was dope to have Magic Johnson come up to me and say “boy you was rocking!” Also, back in the days when No Limit was crazy, I Deejayed a homecoming party in Virginia State and when I dropped “Make Me Say Uhhhhh” after about three other No Limit joints, the illest fight broke out cuz people got too damn hyped!! They almost threw a dude off the 2nd floor!
Of all the acts you’ve worked with… who can you say was or is the most enlightening as far as artistry is concerned?
Haven’t Deejayed for many artists, but recorded, shot a video, and performed on tour with R. Kelly! Amazing to watch him work on four songs at one time!
Tell us about your upcoming projects?
I’m re-launching my website BigTigger.com and started my new foundation the Big Tigger Foundation! The Big Tigger Celebrity Classic starts in June 2014, and this time it’s in Atlanta, for its 10th year! I am the new official DJ of the Atlanta Hawks and I have some other things in development, but can’t let that out yet!
What is your perception of the progression of dance and electronic music in North America? Where do you see it in the next five or 10 years?
EDM is HUGE! I’m good at it but wish I was exceptional at it… I see DJ’s spinning in front of 10,000 to 30,000 in stadiums and wish I could get down like that. If I applied myself I could get to that level but I’m not passionate about it like Hip Hop & R&B! I think it’s here to stay but will evolve as it already has with Trap-House, etc…
Remixes and nightclub appearances are the bread and butter for any DJ. And successful remixes help build a DJ’s status, provide more work and opportunities. Which of your projects would you say was the most successful (in overhaul experience), and what was the most important lesson learned from that project?
I would say the 5 years I spent as DJ for the Washington Wizards! It gave me exposure to different groups of people and corporations! That exposure allowed me to spin for the Redskins, Maryland Terps, Kentucky Wildcats, Macy’s, and others… Corporate checks are awesome!
What are your top 7 party venues?
In no specific order: Reign in Atlanta, Bamboo in Miami, Park in DC, Beamers/Prive in Dallas, LIV in Miami, Dream in Miami, and Rehab in Vegas.
If you could mentor any young man or woman out there wanting to get into the music business, what are five things you would tell him/her to look out for?
Get a good lawyer/manager cuz these dudes is shady!

Connect with Big Tigger:
Twitter: @BigTiggerShow
Facebook: BigTiggerShow
Instagram: @BigTiggerShow
Podomatic: BigTiggerShow

 
Interview By Patrick Kelly
Twitter: @PrettyboyPK
Photo By: Insana Collins
 

[repostus]Kevin Hart and Regina Hall: ‘About’… those panties (via Fox News Channel)
Stars on romance, relationships and underwear issues on the set of ‘About Last Night’

[repostus]How Single Ladies Can Make the Most of Their Valentine’s Night Out (via ModernLifeBlogs)
Whenever Valentine’s day comes rolling by, there is this mixed feeling of trepidation, especially if you are single at this time. Aside from the ribbing you get from family and friends, you would have to contend with all heart decors and the lovey…