Happy Birthday: Diana Ross, Steven Tyler & Teddy Pendergrass

Diana Ross (born March 26, 1944) is a singer and actress who served as lead singer of the Motown group The Supremes during the 1960s. After leaving the group in 1970, Ross began a solo career that included successful ventures into film and Broadway. She received a Best Actress Academy Award nomination for her 1972 role as Billie Holiday in Lady Sings the Blues, for which she won a Golden Globe award. She won 8 awards American Music Awards, garnered twelve Grammy Award nominations, and won a Tony Award for her one-woman show, An Evening with Diana Ross, in 1977. With a career total 18 #1 records, Diana Ross is considered the most successful female recording artist of the 20th century.

Other films Ross would later star in include Mahogany, The Wiz (a remake of The Wizard of Oz), Out of Darkness, and Double Platinum.



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Steven Tyler (born March 26, 1948) is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, and the frontman and lead singer of the Boston-based rock band Aerosmith, in which he also plays the harmonica, and occasional piano and percussion. He is also known as the "Demon of Screamin'" and is equally known for his on-stage acrobatics. During his high-energy performances, he usually dresses in bright, colorful outfits with his trademark scarves hanging from his microphone stand. In the 1970s, Tyler rose to prominence as the frontman of Aerosmith, which released such milestone hard rock albums as Toys In The Attic and Rocks.

Aerosmith rose to prominence again when Tyler and Perry appeared on Run–D.M.C.'s cover of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" in 1986, a track that combined elements of hip-hop and rock, that broke down the barriers between the two genres, broke rap into the mainstream, and introduced Aerosmith to a new generation. The track hit #4 on the charts and launched a famous music video that saw heavy rotation.



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Theodore DeReese "Teddy" Pendergrass (March 26, 1950 – January 13, 2010) was an R&B/Soul singer and songwriter. Pendergrass first rose to fame as lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes in the 1970s before a successful solo career at the end of the decade. In 1982, he was severely injured in an auto accident in Philadelphia, resulting in his being paralyzed from the waist down. After his injury, the affable entertainer founded the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance, a foundation that helps those with spinal cord injuries. Pendergrass commemorated 25 years of living after his spinal cord injury with star filled event, Teddy 25 - A Celebration of Life at Philadelphia's Kimmel Center. His last performance was on a PBS special at Atlantic City's Borgata Casino in November 2008.

In 1977, Pendergrass released his self-titled album, which went platinum on the strength of the disco hit, "I Don't Love You Anymore". Its follow-up single, "The Whole Town's Laughing At Me", became a top 20 R&B hit. It was quickly followed by Life Is a Song Worth Singing, in 1978. That album was even more successful with its singles including "Only You" and "Close the Door". The disco single, "Get Up, Get Down, Get Funky, Get Loose" was popular in dance clubs. 1979 brought two successes, Teddy and the live release, Live Coast to Coast. Hits off Teddy included "Come and Go With Me" and "Turn Off the Lights". His 1980 album, TP, included his signature song, "Love TKO" and the Ashford & Simpson composition, "Is It Still Good to You". Between 1977 and 1981, Pendergrass landed five consecutive platinum albums, which was a then-record setting number for a rhythm and blues artist.

Pendergrass' popularity became massive at the end of 1977. With sold-out audiences packing his shows, Pendergrass' manager soon noticed that a huge number of his audience consisted of women of all races. They made up a plan for Pendergrass' next tour to have it with just female audiences only, starting a trend that continues today called "women's only concerts". With five platinum albums and two gold albums, Pendergrass was the leading R&B male artist of his day usurping competition including closest rivals Marvin Gaye and Barry White. In 1980, the Isley Brothers released "Don't Say Goodnight (It's Time for Love)" to compete with Pendergrass' "Turn Off the Lights", which sensed Pendergrass' influence on the quiet storm format of black music.

Gridlok & Prolix: Tru Born Playa (feat. MC Fats)

Los Angeles based Drum n Bass producer and dj Gridlok has teamed up with UK producer Prolix and the legendary veteran MC Fats to release "Tru Born Playa" (b/w "Got To Roll"), the biggest DnB tune of the year so far. This is an example of getting back to the basics of classic DnB and making a killer tune to rock the massives of people around the globe. I'm sure this one is getting plenty of reloads (same as a "forward", "rewind" or "pull up"). Enjoy!

Happy Birthday: MC Zulu, Frank Zwee & Buscrates

Massive respect to some new friends of mine who are doing great by contributing to the world of music.

Panamanian born MC Zulu is taking the world by storm with his ruff and tuff dancehall reggae style vocals laced over techno-soca and other forms of electronic music.



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Houston based Frank Zwee is the guitarist and vocalist for world band D.R.U.M. (Divine Rhythm United Motion), ZWEE and Skyblue 72. He adds an excellent mix of rock and blues style pickin' into the mix.



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Pittsburgh native Buscrates, who's a DJ and Future Soul and Hip-Hop producer for the Futuristic Soul Society, as well as the Buscrates 16 Bit Ensemble.

Happy Birthday: Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin & Elton John

Multi Grammy Award winning singer and composer Chaka Khan (born March 23, 1953), got her start with the Baby Sitters, then was frontwoman for the funk band Rufus in the 1970's. She later embarked on a solo career that proved very successful. Her hits as a solo artist and with Rufus are "Tell Me Something Good", "Sweet Thing", "Ain't Nobody", "I'm Every Woman", "I Feel for You" and "Through the Fire".



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A salute to the undisputed Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin (born March 25, 1942). Although known for her Soul recordings, Franklin is adept at azz, Blues, R&B, and gospel music. Rolling Stone magazine ranked her atop its list of The Greatest Singers of All Time.

Franklin is one of the most honored artists by the Grammy Awards, with 18 competitive Grammys and two honorary Grammys. She has 20 #1 singles on the Billboard R&B Singles Chart and two #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100: "Respect" (1967) and "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" (1987), a duet with George Michael. Since 1961, she has scored a total of 45 Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. She also has the most million-selling singles of any female artist (14). Between 1967 and 1982 she had 10 #1 R&B albums---more than any other female artist.



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Sir Elton John (born March 25, 1947), the English pianist, singer/songwriter and composer, has sold more than 250 million records, making him one of the most successful artists of all time. His single "Candle in the Wind 1997" has sold over 33 million copies worldwide, and is the best selling single in Billboard history. He has more than 50 Top 40 hits, including seven consecutive No. 1 US albums, 56 Top 40 singles, 16 Top 10, four No. 2 hits, and nine No. 1 hits. He has won six Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award and a Tony Award. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked him Number 49 on its list of the 100 greatest artists of all time.

John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. He has been heavily involved in the fight against AIDS since the late 1980s, and was knighted in 1998.

I'm A DJ Now (Video)

This past weekend, I celebrated 35 years of professional service in the art of DJing. So far to date, I have played in 10 countries and 29 states. This comes from countless hours of practice, music selection and digging for good tunes to present to the masses, even if they aren't familiar. I also have experience as both a music and stage producer. None of this came overnight or simply because I bought some easy to do product. Nor did I just sit back and wait for the next Top 40 list to appear on iTunes to download and play to an audience. Most of all, it was never about women and drinks. I do it for the love, yet I do want to get payed fairly to help take care of my family because of my experience, hard work and time put into my craft.

A couple of hours ago, my homie DJ Artistic posted this kool video on Facebook that breaks down the difference between real DJ's who work on their craft versus some people who buy software, download the latest top 40 and expect to get women and drinks, while at the same time charging a lower price to club owners for their inexperience and lack of knowledge. This, in turn, pushes experienced DJ's out of jobs simply because so many club owners don't want to pay what an experienced DJ is really worth.

Sit back and pay attention to this clever and oh so true dialog which hit's the nail on the head as to how DJ's who have paid dues feel.

R.I.P. Nate Dogg

Nathaniel Dwayne Hale
(August 19, 1969 – March 15, 2011)
Singer/rapper Nate Dogg has passed away from congestive heart failure moments ago in Long Beach, California. Nate Dogg made his debut on Dr. Dre's The Chronic after being heard on a 213 demo, a group that consisted of Nate, Snoop Dogg and Warren G. Nate would go on to record many tracks on Death Row Records with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound, 2pac, as well as other collaborations with rappers from across the country.

As of 2004, Nate Dogg has featured in and contributed to over 40 chart singles. He will be greatly missed, but will live on through his music. Rest In Paradise Nate!

Dezaray Dawn: Hide Away Remix

Here's another classic case of the saying "the best things in life are free". Ultimate thanks to Dezaray Dawn for sending out a reminder on Twitter that this hot track is available as a gift. Although this did drop some time back on her Chameleon EP, it's still fresh for the upcoming summer with what I call "one drop funk", done in perfect execution by Pittsburgh producer Buscrates 16-Bit Ensemble. Both are part of the Futuristic Soul Society (FSS), along with Iman Williams, Porsche Smith and VELBEN. In my opinion FSS will be the next collective force to be reckoned with on the music scene like The Foreign Exchange. Now's your chance to dance. Enjoy!



Previous Post: Dezaray Dawn - Chameleon EP

DJ Kool Emdee: Soul Blendz 6

One of my latest Soul/NuSoul/Future Soul mixes that's available for a limited time as a FREE download. Get it while you can. Enjoy!



Tracklisting:

01. Deborah Jordan - What You See
02. JR-PH7 ft. Olivier DaySoul & Sean Price - Persuasion
03. Krystal Hardwick - The (w)Ho
04. Wildcookie - Heroine
05. Freddie Jaochim - My Sweet Baby
06. Carlitta Durand & Vaughn Garcia - Official (AppleJac's Meccaficial Remix)
07. Iman Williams ft. Porche Smith - Float Away
08. Kissey Asplund - Rat Race (Up & Down)
09. Marvin Gaye - Anger (Jeremy Sol Edit)
10. Ben Westbeech - Slowly
11. Soul Cycle ft. Mavis Swan Poole - I Can't Help It
12. Andreya Triana - Far Closer (Tokimonsta Remix)
13. H.I.S.D. - Rockin' a.k.a. Space Up
14. Kan Sano - Element of Notice
15. KING - The Story
16. Maddslinky ft. Tawiah - Further Away
17. Ethan Goldhammer - Maxin'
18. Darien Brockington - I Need You (KRTS Remix)

Mixed by DJ Kool Emdee @ Record Realm

Happy Birthday: Krystal Hardwick

Big happy birthday shout out to my long time friend and 80's baby, Krystal Hardwick. Wishing much success, good health and a long prosperous music career. Now, it's time to delight your ears and soul with her lovely voice. Enjoy!

Go to Krystal Hardwick Facebook Fan Page and click LIKE!

Modestep: Feel Good

I recently got a copy of the 2011 UKF Dubstep compilation with new music from Modestep, a live Dubstep band from the UK. This tune is currently tearing up the airwaves and clubs alike. Check out the official video below. Enjoy!

Modestep.co.uk

Krystal Hardwick: The Tale of Two Fish

I first met Krystal Hardwick a few years back on the Metro after she asked what was I listening to on my headphones. We had a short convo on music and I gave her a couple of mixed CD's that I did. To fast forward to more recently, I was told by her that by me giving her that music, it changed her whole perspective on how she views music.

To go back in time again, she told me about her becoming a singer and displaying her talent in several European countries. I was quite impressed. What was far more impressive is the fact that she has an amazing silky voice that made me melt upon my first time hearing her angelic tone.

On February 1, 2011 she released two tracks from her debut titled The Tale of Two Fish which is a clever reflection of her zodiac sign. Thankfully, i'm glad this project is finally being released because I was patiently awaiting after hearing a few demo tracks.

Below is "The (w)Ho", a tune about the woes of a cheating mate, yet the production is light and upbeat. "The (w)Ho" was produced by GUYNAMITE (Guynamite EP 1 & 2, Born In '82 EP) of the UK.

Pre-order the album at Krystal Hardwick: The Tale of Two Fish

KING: The Story

I was on Twitter a few minutes ago to catch a tweet by Phonte of The Foreign Exchange about this AMAZING group from Los Angeles called KING. What I heard made my mouth drop and I fell in love quickly. THIS is how music should be done. And to get the backing of an established talented artist to help you with publicity, you have to be pretty gifted. And gifted they are.

The trio consists of twins Amber & Paris, and good friend Anita. You owe it to your ears and soul to purchase The Story EP on iTunes. You'll be surprised at the price. Download and ENJOY!

WeAreKING.com

Follow them on Twitter: @wearekingmusic