Music News: ‘Rated R’ – The Wait Is Finally Over!!

IN STORES NOW!!! 

The countdown to the most anticipated album of the year is finally over. Rated R, has officially been released TODAY on Def Jam Records.
 
At 12:00AM Tuesday, November 3rd, Rated R and it’s smash, lead single “Russian Roulette” went on sale at the iTunes Music Store. Fans who pre-ordered the album received “Russian Roulette,” instantly. Included in the iTunes edition of Rated R were special, exclusive director’s cuts of the videos for “Russian Roulette” and “Wait Your Turn,” both helmed by acclaimed director Anthony Mandler.
 
Just as Rihanna started the countdown to her album launch and debuted her first single on her website, the “Wait Your Turn” video which had premiered, November 3rd exclusively at Rihannanow.com.

“Russian Roulette” has already exploded on radio stations across the country, with literally hundreds of stations coming in early to add the powerful, haunting ballad into rotation. “Russian Roulette” has garnered more than 20 million in audience nationwide, in just it’s first official add week. The “Russian Roulette” video premiered on November 13th on 20/20. Where she had an Exclusive Interview with Diane Sawyer on ABC primetime. 

Rihanna is Glamour Magazine's Women of the Year

Rihanna continued her media blitz with a stunning photo spread for the cover of Glamour Magazine’s prestigious “Women Of The Year,” which have already hit newsstands nationwide. She and Glamour’s other honorees were feted with a special event in New York City on Monday, November 9th. On that same day, Rihanna made a special appearance on MTV’s “The Alexa Chung Show.”

The track listing for Rated R is as follows:
1. Mad House
2. Wait Your Turn
3. Hard featuring Jeezy
4. Stupid In Love
5. ROCKSTAR 101 featuring Slash
6. Russian Roulette
7. Fire Bomb
8. Rude Boy
9. Photographs featuring will.i.am
10. G4L
11. Te Amo
12. Cold Case Love  
13. The Last Song  

MORE PHOTOS BELOW….

Source: Island Def Jam

Hip-Hop News: Eminem Talks New D12 Album

After a several year-long hiatus, Eminem has finally returned to satiate the thirst of his deprived fans with not one, but two albums—Relapse, which is in stores now, and Relapse 2 which is slated for release in late 2009.

His latest appearance was on BET’s Rap City with Big Tigger reposted by Rap Radar, where not only did he discuss his drug addictions and his multiple relapses, but he also confirmed that D12 will be releasing a third studio album:  “…as far as the future of D12, we’re gonna be back in the studio soon.” He said that he felt his music now is the same as it would have been if Proof had still been around, because, “…I think that this is what Proof always wanted, you know, [for] me to go crazy again.”

With the murder of Proof, Eminem lost his original hype man, mentor and best friend but these days, you see fellow D12 member, Mr. Porter (formerly known as Kon Artis) on stage providing ad libs and hyping the crowd up in his place. Although he’s been focusing more on honing his skills as a producer than a lyricist, Mr. Porter shows that he hasn’t fallen off during the Rap City freestyle segment towards the end of the show along with Em and Tigger.

Despite many trials and tribulations faced by the “three-headed monster” (Eminem’s relapses, Dr. Dre’s loss of his son and G-Unit woes), Em says that he feels that they are still the most powerful dynasty in all of Hip Hop. This will certainly be tested very soon, as the world is expecting Relapse 2, Detox and Before I Self Destruct to drop within the year.

Although Eminem mainly talks about his multiple drug relapses that have occurred, his album Relapse is actually a double entender for his first drug relapse as well as the relapse of the Slim Shady persona, who is prominent throughout many of the tracks on the album. Relapse 2, due out later this year, is expected to follow the same concept.

Special Props to HipHopDX for the info via email

Music News: Raheem DeVaughn’s Free Mixtape

Self-proclaimed R&B hippie Neo-Soul Rock Star, Raheem DeVaughn, released his newest album on Monday (today), The Art of Noise. Taking inspiration from Barack Obama‘s inaugural message of reaching out during tough economic times, DeVaughn‘s mixtape is available free for download [here].

“These are difficult times we are living in and everyone is affected, directly or indirectly,” DeVaughn said in a statement. “We all know someone that has lost a job, a house, or simply struggling just to make ends meet. If we all do a little, no one has to do a lot.”

Although the 15 track mix CD project will be released through his newly launched record label, 368 Music Group, DeVaughn has expressed his belief that the entertainment industry has a responsibility to give something back to the fans.

“This current climate that we live in, affects me too. If my fans lose their jobs and their homes, and can’t put food on the table, they definitely cannot buy my music. They should not have to make that choice. Many of my fans tell me that they love me and I’ve always said that I love them back. This is my way of showing them that love. I want to show love to my fans by giving them the Raheem DeVaughn music that they want.”

Having already released two albums under Jive Records, DeVaughn has been recognized for his smooth, soulful sound, and strong conscious messages, earning him two Grammy nominations and critical acclaim.

The Art of Noise is a prelude to his third album, The Love and War of MasterPeace, due out later this year.

Special Props to HipHopDX for the info via email