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A new report from Android Police shares the first specific details about the long-rumored YouTube-branded streaming music service from Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), indicating key differences from other streaming services. According to the report, the subscription-based service will be called YouTube Music Key and will offer more than 20 million songs and videos that have been curated…
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The continuing turmoil in Ferguson, Missouri, has opened up a much-needed dialogue about race in America, but apparently not all Americans think so. In a national survey released Monday by the Pew Research Center, […]

The Grammy-nominated rock group, Alabama Shakes, headlined Mercedes Benz Evolution Tour in Atlanta last Thursday evening (Aug 7). Held at the swagged-out 200 Peachtree venue in Downtown, Atlanta, Alabama Shakes performed to an intimate group of 300 or so social media fans and special guests, with a much-anticipated performance that rallied the crowd as lead singer Brittany Howard belted out soulful, bluesy riffs and howls.

Only the second stop on a nine-city tour, Mercedes Benz went all out in an effort to promote their 2015 GLA-Class. As you entered the venue, guests walked the black carpet to photographers snapping candid shots ported to iPad portals, accessible by email. The venue was very posh and decked out like a concert at the music awards, only smaller. Guests were treated to an open bar and free products by vendors vying to entice and appease them. Trendy and stylish silk-screened tanks and tee’s boasting a Pink Dolphin, and the Mercedes brand logo were a part of the swag give-a-way.

Opening acts The Deslondes, and Clear Plastic Masks played 20-minute sets to a semi-hyped crowd all too eager to see Alabama Shakes, who delivered a roaring opening performance. Brittany Howard did her thing and the band’s in-tune synergy set the stage for what became an hour or so long performance of riveting proportions. Singing favorites from their 2012 debut album “Boys & Girls,” including “Hold On,” “I Ain’t the Same” and “You Ain’t Alone,” the crowd was in a frenzy. Howard performed some new songs from their upcoming sophomore album – out 2015, and her father even got a shout-out, as he watched the performance from the second-floor balcony.

Eager to speak with the bands on their upcoming projects, we hope to feature exclusive interviews with The Deslondes, Young The Giant, Mayer Hawthorne, Clear Plastic Mask and Alabama Shakes in the next print issue and digital editions.

Article By Patrick Kelly
Photography By Stephen Williams
Special thanks to Taylor Gowdy, Eric K Thomas and Stephen Williams

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Dee 1 Turned Down A Cash Money Contract
Dee-1, New Orleans rapper who just released his Free Lunch & Sallie Mae mixtape, is still letting the ink dry on his recently announced that he signed toRCA Records… To the public’s surprise, during a telling interview with Dr. Boyce Watkins, Dee-1 revealed prior to finding solace with RCA, he actually turned down an offer from Cash Money Records.

“[Cash Money CEO] Slim reached out, and me and Slim were talking back and forth for several months. They were trying to sign me to Cash Money,” said Dee. “He flew me to Miami, put me in a studio where they do all their recording, it’s crazy…It didn’t feel right in spirit, it just didn’t. I couldn’t put my finger on it. It’s not like they weren’t gonna offer me money, of course they were gonna offer me money. Of course I’m not a millionaire. It would have been like, ‘This is cool, I could probably do some good with this.’ I never make decisions based on money. I could take a $100 bill and tear it up and then it’s worthless. You can’t do that with your integrity.”

Full interview: Watch Video

Dee 1 Releases ‘O.D. On Life’ feat. Stalley
After receiving an amazing response to Free Lunch And Sallie Mae, Dee-1enlisted the aid of Maybach Music Group’s Stalley to remix the critically-acclaimed, “O.D. On Life”. Dee-1 and Stalley first crossed paths while on Lupe Fiasco‘s Tetuso & Youth Preview Tour, so it was only a matter of time before the rappers capitalized on their friendship and came together on a song. The record is called “O.D. On Life”, was prod by Jaymison Beverly, and mixted by Mixed By Stiv. Listen, below.

Connect with Dee1:

http://www.twitter.com/dee1music
http://www.dee1music.com
facebook.com/dee1music
instagram.com/dee1music

MC WAR The Official Sport of Rap Battling has just announced Atlanta’s own DJ Holiday and comedian Jack Thriller as the latest additions to the New World Order 2 Keith Murray Vs Fredro Starr event, slated for September 28, 2014. Jack Thriller, known for his “So Disrespectful” podcasts on YouTube and his hilarious videos on Thisis50.com, will lend his comedic talent as a commentator for the highly anticipated rap battle. DJ Holiday, one of ATL’s most influential DJ’s will be on the 1’s and 2’s for that evening. Check out the latest trash talking video between battlers Keith Murray and Fredro Starr, below.

VH1 “You Oughta Know” winner, Russell Taylor, speaks on new album “War of Hearts”…

W hat inspires your artistry? Is there a legendary figure you resemble?

I am inspired by many things and many people. The […]

Q&A with Australian DJ Alex Preston on his latest release with DJ G-Wizard…

What made you decide to rework “Weapon,” from its original mix?

It has always been one of my favorite tracks that I made over the past couple of years, and it has always worked in my DJ sets. G-Wiz loved the original as well so we wanted to make an updated and fresh version to play out.

What changes were made to the track and how did you and DJ G-Wizard come to a compromise on the final 2014 remix?

The main changes were to the drop and some of the breakdown sounds which were a bit dated. It is something we had never done before (freshening up an old track), so we thought it would be a fun idea. It worked so well that it really became the foundation for how some of our future collabs will sound.

How did you all get together?

I’ve know G-Wizard for a couple of years now. I use to support him when I was a young DJ, and he has always been one of my favorite Australian DJ’s, so when he was like, “let’s get in the Studio,” I was like, “SHIT YEAH!” Lol.

“Weapon” is released on your own vanity label Preston. What was the deciding factor, to start a label?

I love making music, and I love the business side of the industry too, so it really made sense to start a label. It allows me to have an outlet for my music and also help aspiring artists as well. I love it!

Give our audience a little peepshow into Alex’s world? Who are you? What are you about? What’s your taste in women (if I’m not presumptuous)?

Who Am I? I am 28-years-old, grew up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, I have two dogs (Scooby Doo & Baxter), I enjoy a good glass of red wine, and I have been known to talk in my sleep.

What am I about? I am all about working hard to achieve what I want to achieve and also I love spending time with my family.

My taste in Women? I have a very lovely girlfriend who has put up with my obsession with making music for nearly four years now! She is awesome and has always been very supportive of me, so I would have to say she definitely defines my taste in women!

What is one thing your fans do not already know about you?

I once got suspended from school for flashing my ass at a teacher.

What gets you up in the morning? What inspires your music?

Making music gets me up… Well, several cups of coffee get me up, then it’s onto making music. Everything inspires my music, but more often than not, my mood will define what music I make.

Who are some of your inspirations?

All time inspirations would be Jimi Hendrix, Daft Punk, Axwell, Nicky Romero, Hardwell, Eric Prydz and my dad.
If you could advise someone (artist or DJ) coming up in the biz, what would you tell them and why?

Don’t take no for an answer, just keep persisting and working hard. Hard work + Persistence = Results!

Other than the new release, what’s next for DJ Alex Preston?

I am really looking forward heading to Europe later this year for ADE and to catch up with some peeps over there.

Do you have any shout-outs?

Shout out to my mum!

Q&A with ABC’s “Risingstar” Contestant,  Shameia Crawford…

So Shameia, you’ve been singing all your life. What is the drive and inspiration that keeps you going, in such a tough and complicated industry?

When you have a gift inside that is much bigger than you… the mission is to get it to the world in the best and most effective way! My belief in myself and my gift have kept me going!

You are a part of the auditioning process with the new ABC “Rising Star” TV show. How did that all come together for you?

In January, I ran across a casting website and “Rising Star” was on the list being casted. I went to the website and checked it out! I submitted a cover video from last year and I kinda forgot about it. This pass April, I got a call to audition for the executive producers. A month later I kept getting calls. Finally, they told me I was coming to LA. I audition amongst 50 or more contestants and made it to the top 30! Now I am here performing for the world!

What was the feeling like, when the producers said you were chosen to audition on live TV, in front of millions?

I cried “alligator tears.” I am getting emotional thinking about it! I have a constant prayer in life! I’ve prayed for this! I’ve prepared for this! It is my time to make it, and I deserve this! I feel blessed for this opportunity!

Those of us who knows you, say your audition is in the bag. What do you say about that?

I am grateful that so many believe in my abilities! I am a hard worker! I am a student to music… and I am always learning and growing! Those who say I’ve got it in the bag, that is just motivation to get it in the bag! Haa!

Who have been your greatest supports?

My parents, husband, church families, close friends and specific family members! They consistently appreciate my gift and get excited for small and big accomplishments

When you get a recording contract, will you still be a gospel and inspirational artist or will that change?

I will always stay true to my roots, writing and leading praise and worship. However, my genre has changed in a couple of years. I call my music “life” music, and my genre is Industrial Soul (a mix of r&b/soul, gospel, and pop music).

Who would you like to collaborate with, on any upcoming projects?

One Republic for sure, R Kelly, Usher, and Mali Music for right now! I am sure I’ll be introduced to other artists and creators I will love to collaborate on projects.

If you could say one inspiring thing to young girls out there, what would that be?

I have so much more than one thing to say. First, keep God first at all times, work hard at everything you do, discover your passions, and learn and master several trades, so you always have money. Save your money. Connect with Shameia at http://www.twitter.com/Shameiamusic.

Luckie Losers takes on Los Angeles. Luckie Losers was an official sponsor for Trea Day’s Annual Pre-Espy Beauty and the Beast SWAG Lounge. Owner Rashad Baker had great meetings with celebrity stylists in which you will be seeing his brand in upcoming magazine shoots, music videos, movies, and on your favorite celebrity. Luckie Losers represents those who were stereotyped and discriminated against because of their cultural differences, financial status, and or personal beliefs, but used it as motivation to pursue their dreams and create their own lane to success. Luckie Losers stands behind the belief that we control whether or not we reach the heights that we want to reach and not what society tells us we can. Luckie Losers apparel is inspired by our everyday life, what we see and what we have experienced growing up. From the 90’s gangsta rap, baggy clothes, Saturday morning Tom and Jerry cartoons, Super Mario Bros video games, and rushing home to watch Power Rangers after school, all the way up to the present where social media is everything, skinny jeans are in, reality TV has taken over TV, and gangsta rappers have turned into pop artist. To get your Luckie Losers gear visit their website at http://www.luckielosers.com and follow them on twitter, facebook, instagram, and pinterest @LuckieLosers. -The MeMe Agency