VIP EXCLUSIVE: K-Drew Talks Justin Timberlake, Adam Levine and “Free”

KDrew is a fiercely talented singer/songwriter/producer who instantly reminded me of Adam Levine and Justin Timberlake when I heard him sing. But, he does have his own style to bring to the industry. The guy recently put together his debut EP, “Free” and made it available as a free download. In addition to “Free”, KDrew will release SIX more self-produced EPs on the first of every month through the month of May! Saweet! Celebrity VIP Lounge sat down with KDrew to discuss his background, music, the Justin Timberlake comparisons and more.

DANITY (DD): So excited to chat with you KDrew and I know a lot of my fabulous VIP ladies will be thrilled to get to know you a little bit better.

KDREW: I’m excited as well and really appreciate the time!

DD: SO tell me a little bit about how you grew up, where you grew up and what inspired you to pursue a career in music?

KDREW: I grew up in Howell, NJ in a house surrounded by music. My dad DJ’d and was in a few bands. So growing up, music was pretty much all I knew besides sports. Career wise it was just the passion I had for music that made me wanna peruse a career in it. My dad always told me, “if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

DD: Who or what inspires you musically?

KDREW: What’s cool about the way I work is that I can be anywhere when inspiration hits and I can break out my laptop and just start working right then and there. A lot of times being on the road, I’ll get a coffee from starbucks and get all hyped up then I’ll just start working right in the shoppe. It’s funny because people around me are working on thesis papers or reading and I’m sitting there jamming out on my headphones. It’s a lot of fun.

DD: You have been a busy guy. While you hear of many peeps putting out a mix tape, you are putting out SEVEN. Why seven?

KDREW: Nowadays there’s so much content out there where it’s easy for your stuff to go unheard. People are putting out new music every single second. So I feel like putting that much material out there will at least keep the movement going. Plus my fans have been waiting very patiently for original releases. So they really deserve it!

DD: So not only do you write, record and produce, you also co-founded Indie Music Group, your very own label. First of all it is refreshing to see more talented individuals like you entering the music business rather than the manufactured studio artists. What is your favorite part of the industry, the behind the scenes or being front and center (performing)?

KDREW: It’s everything really. You sign up for all that stuff when you take on the roll that I’m taking on. I really love every aspect of what I do. If there was one thing tho it’d have to be making the music. It’s the root of what everything revolves around in the business. Without music there would be no music industry.

DD: Of all of the songs you have created, what is your favorite and why?

KDREW: I really don’t have a favorite. A lot of time and passion goes into each and every song. They’re like my children lol. So to pick a favorite is just way too hard!

DD: What was the last concert you attended?

KDREW: The last concert I attended was Chris Browns F.A.M.E tour. I really don’t have a ton of time to go to concerts but whenever I get a chance I try to catch one here and there.

DD: After the release of all of the mix tapes, what are your plans? Any touring in the near future?

KDREW: It’s definitely going to be touring. I also have a couple other tricks up my sleeve but everyone is just gonna have to wait and see what they are!

DD: What has been the biggest challenge for you thus far in your musical journey?

KDREW: It’s gotta be just doing everything yourself. IMG (Indie Music Group) has no help from any labels or anything of that nature. So every step we take is in the shoes that we made ourselves. Sometimes things don’t work out the way we plan and we could have been working on that particular thing for months. But as a team and company you have to be strong and continue to move forward.

DD: Many are comparing you to the likes of Justin Timberlake and Adam Levine, what do you have to bring to the industry that these guys haven’t already brought?

KDREW: I’m bringing music that comes solely from me. I don’t have any grammy winning producers or grammy winning engineers working on my music. It’s just me, my laptop and home studio. So hopefully I bring a little light to the industry for artists that are being held back because they don’t have someone pressing record or playing them a track. I hope they feel empowered to get up and go learn it all so they can be who they want to be!

Check out KDrew’s Facebook here.

Randy Travis Arrested for Public Intoxication (MUG SHOT)

Country singer Randy Travis was arrested this morning for public intoxication.

According to TMZ,

cops observed Randy sitting in a black car with no lights on just after midnight Monday. When they approached the vehicle, they couldn’t help but notice Randy reeked of booze.

The arresting officer says Randy tried to explain the fight with his girlfriend … but “Mr. Travis’ speech was slurred and I was beginning to have a hard time understanding what he was saying.”

Randy made an awkward stumbling exit from the vehicle — as most drunk people do, and that’s when the officer hooked him up and placed him under arrest for public intoxication.

Bam…just like that. I don’t understand why these celebrity fools get themselves liquored up and then decide they are going to go sit behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Isn’t that how it always happens? Geez dude, lay off the booze. It doesn’t solve problems man.

Since his release from jail, Travis issued the following statement, “I apologize for what resulted following an evening of celebrating the Super Bowl. I’m committed to being responsible and accountable, and apologize for my actions.”

I’m not sure what is worse the shiz eating smirk that needs to be wiped off his face or that curly mop top that needs a good dye job.

Superbowl Wrap-Up: Bacardi’s 150th Anniversary party with Lupe Fiasco, LMFAO, Gym Class Heroes PHOTOS

On February 4th, 2012, Rolling Stone magazine celebrated BACARDÍ’S 150th Anniversary. It was a star-studded event that had some major celebrities stopping by to party.

American rapper Lupe Fiasco and rock bands LMFAO, Cobra Starship and Gym Class Heroes performed at the event, while guests enjoyed a celebration that truly demonstrates why BACARDÍ has become synonymous with hosting world-renowned parties, with many high-profile attendees and high energy performances.

And of course, there was some boozing going on with guests sampling some pretty legendary BACARDI rum cocktails.

Other celebrities in attendance included: Ryan Phillippe, Minka Kelly, Gloria Estefan, Alex Rodriguez and more. Check out the photos we got from the event above.

I’m guessing there were a whole lot of party rockers getting their rock on at THAT party!

Shufflin’!

Brandy and Monica Release New Duet “It All Belongs To Me”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brandy and Monica have released their new duet “It All Belongs To Me,” today and the world is going crazy! The collaboration, produced by Rico Love, features the women kicking out their men with nothing on the soulful song, which will appear on both of their upcoming albums. This is the duo’s first song since 1998 when they dropped their famous duet, “The Boy Is Mine.”

“It’s a very soulful R&B song with pop sensibilities,” Love told Rap-Up.com. “I wanted to make sure I made it a classic R&B record, but I definitely wanted to make sure that it had enough appeal to cross over and become a Top 40 record.” Brandy added, “This business is all about competition. They forgot about what is the most important, which is two talents coming together. It’s just great to come back and do something with [Monica]. This is definitely a blessing.”

Listen to the song below!

Brandy & Monica Release New Duet 

I remember being a kid and going crazy every time “The Boy Is Mine” came on the radio! To hear them together again is great! I think that their voices really compliment each other, and it’s great to see them back together on this song! It’s an amazing jam, and I see it climbing the charts fast.

Photo Via Rap-Up

QOD: Adam Lambert talks “f**k you” songs on new album

“There are songs on the album about me rebelling against society and saying, ‘F**k you, I’ll do what I want’. ‘Cuckoo’ is about me acknowledging I’m insane and celebrating that fact. And ‘Shady’ is a sleazy, disco funk about cruising for sex, so it will be interesting to see how Middle America interprets that.”

Adam Lambert, on his collection of “f**k you” songs on his new album

Image via Getty Images

Kelly Clarkson Belts Out National Anthem for Superbowl

Kelly Clarkson took on the National Anthem before last night’s Superbowl game between the NY Giants and the New England Patriots.

Kelly looked fierce, fab and classy wearing a LBD on top a mini blue and white stage at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. What better person to belt out the Anthem than the season one American Idol winner? Alongside her was a full marching band and crowd of children. Clarkson nailed each note and didn’t show any signs of nervousness, despite what she posted on her WhoSay account before her performance.

Clarkson posted on Friday, “Just finished rehearsing the anthem in Indy … wow, I’m actually really nervous about singing at the Super Bowl ha! Here’s hoping I nail it and don’t screw it up!”

And that she can be proud of because girlfriend was on point! Let me also add that Kelly’s new hairstyle is bangin’!

Check out a clip from Clarkson’s rendition of the National Anthem below.

Get More: Music News

Image via Getty Images

Check out Eric Turner’s Angels and Stars video featuring Lupe Fiasco, Tinie Tempah!

Eric Turner has released his official music video for his single “Angels & Stars” and it is a hot one, peeps. The street art inspired video also stars rappers Lupe Fiasco and Tinie Tempah (who are featured on the track), and was shot in Los Angeles by director P.R. Brown (Skylar Grey, John Mayer, Alicia Keys).

Best known for his work with Tinie Tempah on the platinum single “Written In The Stars” and Lupe Fiasco on the anthemic “Break The Chain,” singer-songwriter Eric Turner’s upcoming debut album is due on Capitol Records in mid-2012.

Check out the hotness below!

Paul Van Dyk premieres Verano featuring Austin Leeds

His album Evolution isn’t out until March 20th, but Paul Van Dyk has released a new single called “Verano” to tie us over until then.

Evolution is Van Dyk’s (PvD) first major album since 2007’s In Between and his sixth studio album overall. This is the product of the Berlin-based electronic dance music producer and performer’s months of studio time, and far more time spent on the road traveling the globe.

The backbone of the album was built while performing and composing in front of live audiences worldwide and its connecting threads build upon decades of watching the electronic dance music scene grow and change.

Verano features the fabulous Austin Leeds and is available for FREE via download here.

Of “Verano” PvD says, “There’s a sunny Miami bass vibe to it and I’m coming more from the darker, Berlin underground side, and when we work together you find both sides there, but not in a separate way. It belongs together.”

In case you are in the following cities, you can go check out Paul Van Dyk in a more intimate setting:

2/8 – Chicago @ The Mid
2/9 – NYC @ Pacha
2/10 – San Francisco @ Ruby Skye
2/11 – Los Angeles @ Avalon
3/24 – Miami @ Ice Palace (Winter Music Conference)

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, February 7 at noon ET.

Drake Drops “Practice” Video

Drake has officially released the official video for his song “Practice,” featured on his sophomore album, Take Care. The song samples Juvenile’s “Back That Thang Up.” For the visual, Drake recruits curvaceous model (Drake loves women with a nice derriere) , Kyra Chaos, to “back that thang up” in front of her mirror. And that, ladies and gents, is the entire video. This girl dancing in front of the mirror. Can we say disappointment?! But don’t let my opinion turn you off. Check out the video below!

Practice from OctobersVeryOwn on Vimeo.

There is absolutely nothing that irks me more than when a hot song is accompanied by a terrible video. And that’s what this was. Drake doesn’t even show up until the end of the video, and that was about 2 seconds. Mr. Graham, I KNOW that Lil Wayne keeps you paid over there with Young Money, and you yourself are a pretty creative artist. So with money and creativity on your side, a girl in front of the mirror was the best you could come up with?! Plus she was offbeat anyway.

For any girls that think they can dance better than this to “Practice,” which I’m sure is half the nation, Drake is calling you to prove it!  Send your moves to October’s Very Own!

Madonna to Recession: Suck it!

This is what Vadge had to say about her skyrocketing ticket prices for her upcoming tour…

“So start saving your pennies now. People spend $300 on crazy things all the time, things like handbags. So work all year, scrape the money together, and come to my show. I’m worth it.

Let’s see…

I’ve seen Madonna twice in concert ten years ago. I paid a bit over 100 bucks for nearly front row tickets and each show was great. She gives good show. I will give that trick that.

However?

I saw Stevie Nicks that same summer, Sade as well and I will say that they are also just as good live (if not better because they are actually SINGING) and their tickets were also in the same range.

Fast forward over ten years later and none of THEM are charging $300 for their shows?

And why is that?

Because they write their OWN songs completely, so they don’t have 17 other writers to pay, 20 dancers to thrust their crotch at every other song, or 9 handlers on standby to babysit her teen man or inject silicone into her new face.

EPIC FAIL!

(that being said, I will go see her again if I can!)

Quote of the Day: Steven Tyler

“I don’t know [why people complained]. As I said before, I put emphasis on, ‘In the land of the free’ and I went up. Oddly enough I hit the note so I don’t know what they are talking about. I emphasised ‘free’ which was for freedom. It was well thought out prior to. I wasn’t messing with American tradition.”

Steven Tyler, on his highly criticized rendition of the National Anthem

Brandy: Wedding Bells?

It looks like the R&B singer has finally got her man. According to Star Magazine, Brandy is soon to tie the knot to music producer Ryan Presson. The two were recently spotted together in Las Vegas over New Year’s. The two have been together for two years and a wedding is in the immediate future.

We wish Brandy all the luck in the world with this latest producer. She certainly has not had luck with them in the past. Brandy’s first marriage to a producer ended in divorce shortly after the birth of their child. The pregnancy instantly changed her pop image as a good girl. Think Britney Spears but with more melanin and vocal talent. Since her divorce, Brandy has been running around after a check man for years. We know that Thea money has dried up! Don’t be embarassed!

It is a recession!

Britney Spears teams up with Hasbro for Twister Dance Game

After her whirlwind come back year and successful Femme Fatale World Tour, many have been wondering what Britney Spears will do next? Sure she’s been on a break from touring, but that doesn’t stop Brit from working!

Well today, the Twitter-verse is abuzz following a tweet by Britney announcing her new partnership with Hasbro on their new game, Twister Dance. The pop princess created an exclusive Twister remix of “Till the World Ends” for the game, which also includes music from Ke$ha and Willow Smith.

Between planning a wedding to fiance Jason Trawick, filming her rumored guest spot on an upcoming episode of “Modern Family” and playing mom to two adorable tots, we wonder how she has the time to do it all! We doubt Britney will take too long of a break for fun and games, and bet she’ll be back to work on her next album soon!

I cannot wait to try this game. Gorl, I’ll be rocking this one out with Cheetos in hand.

The game will be out this fall and retails for $34.99.

Nick Carter to do GMA interview!

Nick Carter will be on Good Morning America (GMA) tomorrow to talk about his sister Leslie’s unexpected death. We will have the video here once we get our hands on it.

Even though we still don’t know the cause of Carter’s death and won’t for more than a month, her funeral preparations are underway.

ABCNews.com is reporting that Leslie will be buried next week in western New York. Chautauqua County coroner Richard Mackowiak said that

Carter’s cause of death will be determined after he receives toxicology reports in four to six weeks. Her family will decide whether or not to release her cause of death publicly. Mackowiak said Carter’s autopsy took place Wednesday morning and “as far as I’m aware, there was nothing unusual.” She was released from the coroner’s office yesterday and is now at a funeral home in Mayville, NY.

Both Nick and Aaron Carter released statements regarding their sister’s death and Nick announced that he would continue on with his nationwide tour in honor of Leslie.

Quote of the Day: Nick Jonas

“It’s been a great season of sort of really finding some independence and doing my own thing. I can walk the street here in New York; I wear a hat, a scarf and a big jacket and I’m usually fine. There are moments when it becomes more interesting than others, and I should probably have somebody with me just to help. The fans who do approach me are so supportive and excited for me to be in this show.”

Nick Jonas, on being able to walk through NYC without getting hassled by fans or paparazzi

Image via Getty Images

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