.::Updated July 8, 2008::.

CONNIE TALBOT SETS SAIL TO CONQUER AMERICA

Britain’s Connie Talbot, the 7 year-old international phenomenon has over 44 million viewings on YouTube and was discovered on the popular TV show, Britain’s Got Talent, featuring judge Simon Cowell of American Idol fame. Connie knocked Madonna from the number one position on the UK charts, and her debut album, Over The Rainbow, went gold in three weeks. Connie Talbot is set to release Over The Rainbow in the United States on September 30 on AAO Music/Reality.

In 2007, an aspiring singer stepped onto the soundstage of England’s enormously popular TV program Britain’s Got Talent, flashed an adorable gap-toothed smile and instantly won the heart of the notoriously crusty Simon Cowell–yes, that Simon Cowell–as well as the British viewing public. In just a couple of minutes, a true star had been born.

In the past year that young lady has become an international phenomenon, with millions of YouTube views, glowing media coverage and a best-selling album–a feat made all the more remarkable by the fact that Connie Talbot is all of 7 years old.

Over the Rainbow, Connie Talbot’s debut album, went gold in the U.K. in three weeks, and is set for release in the United States on September 30th by AAO Music/Reality. Now it’s America’s turn to experience Conniemania!

“We’re looking forward to working with Connie and her family,” said AAO chairman Peter Kuys. “She’s a happy, charming, innocent child with an exceptional talent. We’re an artist and people-driven label where she will fit right in.”

Over the Rainbow is, of course, named after the timeless classic from The Wizard of Oz, and it was with the album’s title song that Connie first dazzled British audiences. Cowell, one of the three judges of Britain’s Got Talent–the same role he so famously performs on American Idol–was left uncharacteristically speechless, declaring Connie’s pure, angelic rendition “fantastic” and commending her for her “pitch-perfect” vocal on the Judy Garland standard.

Although she ultimately came in second place in the British contest, word of Connie’s prodigious talent spread rapidly. Asian music fans, in particular, went wild for her–Over the Rainbow became a platinum album reaching the number one spot in Taiwan, South Korea and Hong Kong and came close to that in Singapore. When Connie toured Asia following the release of the album there, she was received with wild enthusiasm.

But that has been par for the course since she first appeared in front of audiences. The British newspaper Express & Star, covering one of Connie’s U.K. concert performances, reported, “Police had to calm frantic crowds as they clamored to get into a special tent to get a glimpse of Britain’s Got Talent TV star Connie Talbot… police threatened to stop last night’s show unless the crowds could be brought under control.”

The story of Connie Talbot’s meteoric rise is “fantastic” in itself. Connie, in her own words, had been “singing since I could talk,” but when she auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent her family was only looking for something fun to do that day. The euphoric response by viewers and judges alike quickly catapulted the pint-sized songstress into the spotlight. As of this writing, videos of Connie have been watched more than 44 million times on YouTube. On July 16, she will have the honor of performing at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund Annual Gala Dinner, in London.

Over the Rainbow, produced and mixed by Simon Hill and Rob May, was recorded last fall in an aunt’s spare bedroom so that Connie, who lives in the town of Streetly in West Midlands, would not lose valuable school time. The album is filled with Connie’s stirring interpretations of such classics as “I Will Always Love You,” “Imagine,” “Ben,” “My Favorite Things” and “What a Wonderful World,” even a cover of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds.”

“I’m really looking forward to coming to America to do some singing, meet new people, and make some new friends!” said Connie when asked about her impending introduction across the Atlantic.

And America is certainly looking forward to meeting her. Already, Connie Talbot’s recordings have sold in large quantities as imports; she’s got many fans in the United States without having sung a lick here, and a definite buzz is in the air: Plans are in the works for the young star to sing duets with major American artists, and to appear on some of the States’ most popular entertainment TV programs.

The future is limitless for this talented, delightful young singer, who has already come so far in the year since her debut. Just how far? Well, where that space in her mouth used to be, now there are two beautiful new front teeth!

JOHN DENVER - LIVE IN THE U.S.S.R. VIDEO

DENVER PERFORMS "IT'S ABOUT TIME"

Live in the USSR features John performing solo and holding his audiences spell-bound as only he and few others could do. He was without doubt one of the greatest live performers ever. Here he holds his audience by the power of his voice, his guitar and his performance. Check out the video below to see what all the talk is about.

H.N.I.C PT. 2 - THE VIDEO COLLECTION IN STORES JULY 8TH

On July 8th, Prodigy, AAO Music in association with Voxonic Music will release a DVD companion to Prodigy’s new album entitled H.N.I.C. PT. 2:  THE VIDEO COLLECTION  which features a collection of never-before-seen videos for EVERY song on the album and video exclusives for “The Dough,” “Get Trapped,” and “Represent Me,” (songs which were not included on the original album version).  Also featured is the video for “Dirty New Yorker,” featuring Havoc from the Grand Theft Auto IV game and soundtrack.

Alchemist gave a little insight into Prodigy’s urgency to completing a video for every song, “In the few months before he went in, he didn’t do too much recording. He was more in video mode.  Seemed like he was just shooting a new video everyday. He was more like, “Let me get this video shot,” and before he knew it, he’d filmed a video for every song.  Up until the last day, he was filming. That was dope!”

Dan The Man (50 Cent “The Massacre DVD,” Prodigy “Return Of The Mack) who filmed and produced the videos for H.N.I.C. Pt. 2’s “The Life,” “Power Is People,” “ABC,” and “Sleep When I’m Dead,” explains that the video collection enables people to experience the music visually instead of just through listening. “Prodigy has always been ahead of other hip-hop artist when it comes to using technology and he wanted a visual way to connect with his fans directly.” He adds, “P was working really hard before he went in, so it was really imperative for us to get as much done as possible because of our time constraints.  For ‘The Life,’ we used a really different technology.  We shot most of the video on green screen and then superimposed his image on a series of photographs taken around the city using a time freezing machine. If you look at the video for ‘The Life,” you’ll see Prodigy over what looks like frozen moments in time.  In the ‘ABC’ video, we utilized a night-vision adapter technology that allows you to film high-definition images using night vision. The irony of ‘Power Is People’ video is in its art imitates life quality because the video was filmed in Queens Correctional Facility.  At times it was surreal looking through the lens and seeing P walking alone through the halls of the facility knowing that he would soon find himself in one.” 

Produced by The Alchemist and Havoc, the album is released on Voxonic Music in association with AAO/Reality.  Peter Kuys, chairman of AAO “"Prodigy is such a great dark storyteller, that the concept of allowing people the visual images for all his H.N.I.C. Pt 2 songs, was an overwhelming opportunity in this ever increasing visual world." Arie Deutsch adds, “Prodigy has left us with such an incredible album and the visuals just accentuate the music artistically.”  

While H.N.I.C. Pt. 2  (currently in-stores) enjoys high positioning on the Billboard Sales Charts:  Billboard Top 40 Album Sales Chart #36; Billboard’s Rap/Hip-Hop Sales Chart at #3 (preceded only by Mariah Carey and Ric Ross); the single for “the Life,” debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Single Sales Chart.  

H.N.I.C. Pt. 2 : The Video Collection reaches retail shelves and website etailers June 8th.  

PRODIGY SONG "THE LIFE" IS THE #1 SELLING SINGLE IN THE COUNTRY

FIRST TIME ENTRY AT THE TOP OF THE CHARTS FOR LEGENDARY MOBB DEEP RAPPER

For the first time ever and in the same week the long awaited solo album H.N.I.C. Pt. 2 from Prodigy was released, the first single “The Life”, reached the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 Single Sales Chart.  This is a first for Prodigy, one half of the platinum-selling duo Mobb Deep, who has made several appearances as part of the duo on the Hot 100 Singles Sales Chart, but never on his own.  The single rose above Janet Jackson, High School Musical 2, Nine Inch Nails and Bizzy Bone to secure the #1 spot.

Prodigy, one half of the platinum-selling duo Mobb Deep, said, “Thanks everybody for their support and for the love!  This album is really powerful.  There’s a lot of deep songs on there that’s gonna really mean something to the world. It’s not your everyday rap album; I’m not your everyday rapper.  This album is special.”  Arie Deutsch president of Voxonic Music adds, "Prodigy’s entire album is a masterpiece and we’re excited that ‘The Life’ has broadened his reach beyond underground hip-hop heads.  The fans have spoken and this is just the beginning!" 

The new album H.N.I.C. Pt. 2 returns “P” to the more edgy real life street tales that have been Mobb Deep’s signature for nearly a decade. Produced by The Alchemist and Havoc, the album is released on Voxonic Music in association with AAO/Reality.

H.N.I.C. PT. 2 FROM MOBB DEEP'S PRODIGY IS OFFICIALLY RELEASED

Prodigy’s long awaited solo album H.N.I.C. Pt. 2 hits the street and retail shelves today.  The album release comes on the heels of AAO Music/Voxonic Music announcing that “The Life,” the first radio single from the album debuted at #7 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Single Sales Chart. The news of the single surprised the many guests at Prodigy’s NY press day and listening party.

That wasn’t the only surprise of the evening!  With a simple press of the button, Prodigy himself was there, well not in the flesh, but his voice boomed throughout the studios with a very personal message thanking fans and his team for their hard work. Among the statements was an explanation of the album’s title which has brewed as much controversy as the “Because I Said So,” blogs that have been running on Vibe.com and HNIC2.com.

While the mood at the press day was emotional for most of the artists attending (Twin Gambino, Cormega, Nyce Da Future, Un Pacino) and producers (Havoc, Alchemist, Sid Roams, Apex, and Steve Sola) who contributed to Prodigy’s solo project.  There was an upbeat air of festivity as if everyone attending was celebrating for Prodigy who has begun serving his sentence.  “We feel very honored and confident to be the gatekeepers of P’s career while he is absent.  The release of H.N.I.C. Pt. 2 is only the beginning,” shared Peter Kuys, chairman of AAO Music.  Repeatedly through the night they were asked when Prodigy was coming home and optimistically the answer from all was “soon!”

His extended Mobb Deep family joined throngs of media people and video outlets for a special listening session complete with interviews for his new album H.N.I.C. Pt. 2. The singles were distributed to radio people in attendance along with video shows who are all excited about the momentum that the single is receiving.  So far WWPR (New York), WUSL (Philadelphia), WZMX (Hartford), WERQ (Baltimore), WOWI (Norfolk) and XM Satellite’s RAW channel and Music Choice have all started playing “The Life.” The video for “The Life,” premiered on BET Rap City with Mobb Deep partner, Havoc and long-time producer The Alchemist, joining host Nelly to introduce the new video.  Another track from the H.N.I.C. Pt. 2 sessions “Dirty New Yorker” will be featured on the Grand Theft Auto IV game and soundtrack (to be released April 29^th) with a video for the song included on the album as a bonus.  Guest received as a parting gift, the complete H.N.I.C. Pt. 2 album, ‘Free P’ T-Shirts, and Sansa’s new FUZE player. Prodigy is the first Urban artist to be featured in the Sansa advertising campaign for SanDisk’s ShopSansa.com online retail store.

H.N.I.C. Pt. 2 returns “P” to the more edgy real life street tales that have been Mobb Deep’s signature for nearly a decade.  Produced by The Alchemist, Havoc, Sid Roams and more, the album will be released April 22, 2008 on Voxonic Music in association with AAO/Reality.

Reviews from the press have been stellar as well with quotes from the following:

Vibe Magazine - "Prodigy's topics, from government corruption to police brutality and slain comrades, are ripped from the headlines…Prodigy’s physical self may be incarcerated, but his music has never sounded freer.”

XXL Magazine - "A hard hittin’ follow-up to his solo debut.”

Source Magazine - "H.N.I.C. Pt. 2 is some of P’s best work in a while.”

Spin Magazine - "Completely gripping!”

Complex Magazine - "It’s colder than 99% of the sh*t out there, so go pick it up!”

PRODIGY SONG FEATURED ON GRAND THEFT AUTO 4 SOUNDTRACK

“Dirty New Yorker” one of the songs from the H.N.I.C. Pt. 2 sessions will be featured on the Grand Theft Auto IV game and soundtrack.  Prodigy removed the song, featuring Mobb Deep member Havoc, from the H.N.I.C. Pt. 2 album so “Dirty New Yorker” could be placed on the latest game in the Grand Theft Auto franchise.  The video for “Dirty New Yorker” has been added to H.N.I.C. Pt. 2 as a bonus feature on the album. 

Prodigy, one of hip hop’s legendary lyricists said “I am proud to be able to provide a lyrical picture which defines the grittiness and lawlessness in Liberty City, the latest city exposed in the Grand Theft Auto franchise.  My music provides a harsh reality to the surroundings the game portrays.” 

The new album H.N.I.C. Pt. 2 returns “P” to the more edgy real life street tales that have been Mobb Deep’s signature for nearly a decade. Produced by The Alchemist and Havoc, the album is released on Voxonic Music in association with AAO/Reality

H.N.I.C. Part 2 will be released on April 22, 2008.  Grand Theft Auto IV will be released on April 29, 2008.

PRODIGY TO SPEARHEAD URBAN TV CAMPAIGNWITH SHOPSANSA.COM, THE OFFICIAL SANSA ONLINE ETAIL STORE POWERED BY SANDISK

Campaign Will Cross Promote Prodigy’s Highly Anticipated Album H.N.I.C. Part 2

Prodigy, one half of the hip-hop’s legendary platinum selling duo, Mobb Deep, has agreed to be the first Urban artist to be featured in the Sansa advertising campaign for Sandisk’s ShopSansa.com online etail store.  The television campaign will feature the legendary hip hop artist’s latest release H.N.I.C. Part 2 and cross promote the exciting new Sansa FUZE.  The television commercials featuring Prodigy and promoting the ShopSansa.com store will be featured on MTV, BET, VH1 and many other Comcast cable networks. 

Prodigy, one of hip-hop’s most prolific lyricists said “I am excited to be working with Sansa, a  creation and ShopSansa.com. The Sansa brand is known for being a leader in digital entertainment and producing cutting edge products.  I am proud to be associated with ShopSansa.com.”  Peter Kuys, Chairman of AAO Music adds “Prodigy has a real connection to the Sansa products and to ShopSansa.com.  As an artist, providing music is a big part of his life and is Prodigy’s motivation and inspiration.”

 The new album, H.N.I.C. Part 2, returns “P” to the more edgy real life street tales that have been Mobb Deep’s signature for nearly a decade.   Alchemist and Havoc will produce a bulk of the album along with several other hot up-n-coming producers.  The album is being released by VOXONIC MUSIC & AAO Music /Reality. 

KY-MANI MARLEY TO APPEAR ON TWO NATIONALLY TELEVISED SHOWS NEXT WEEK

Musical artist, actor and reality TV star Ky-Mani Marley continues his press campaign for his latest album Radio.  Ky-Mani will appear on two nationally televised programs the week of March 10. 

On Monday March 10, Ky-Mani will appear on NBC/Telemundo’s show called “The Shuffle”.  The show will air at 5:00 PM (EST).  “The Shuffle” is a hip, fresh look what's going on in the world of music and mun2. Hosted by resident VJ Pico, the show is shot from the Telemundo studios in Miami.

On Thursday March 13 Fox’s Happy Hour with Cody Willard and Rebecca Gomez welcomes Ky-Mani for a one on one interview.  Fox’s “Happy Hour” is described as a new breed of news show, where a younger version of "Regis and Kelly" meets "Cheers" with the breeziness of "Entourage."  “Happy Hour” will air at 5:00 PM (EST) on Thursday, March 13.

The album also remains firmly ensconced in the Top 5 of the Billboard Top Reggae Albums chart 23 weeks after debuting at #1. Ironically, Ky-Mani has been trading chart positions with both his father and brother Stephen, further proving the strength and artistic variety within the formidable Marley family musical legacy as he comes into his own on Radio.

Marley not only boasts broad-based musical appeal but also has been making his multimedia mark as a critically-acclaimed actor in a number of independent films while debuting last fall as a TV star in his own reality series on BET J, “Living the Life of Marley.” The show, which follows Ky-Mani as he recorded Radio and now promotes the album, has been picked up for a second season by the cable channel.

UR CHICAGO FEATURES PRODIGY IN MAGAZINE

UR Chicago is the monthly magazine in Chicago for music lovers and trendsetters alike.  This month the magazine sat down with Prodigy to discuss the release of his solo album H.N.I.C. Part 2.

Prodigy's album H.N.I.C. Part 2 is scheduled to release on April 8.  This highly anticipated album features many of P's friends and is already being called the record of 2008.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE STORY

KY-MANI MARLEY JOINS REST OF THE MARLEY CLAN TO HONOR FATHER BOB MARLEY

Rising star Ky-Mani Marley will appear for the first time in Jamaica alongside the other musical members of the Marley family on Saturday, February 23 at the Africa Unite/Smile Jamaica concert in Ocho Rios, Jamaica celebrating the 63rd birthday of international music superstar Bob Marley, Ky-Mani’s father. Sharing the bill with Ky-Mani are Ziggy Marley, The Melody Makers, Stephen Marley, Damian Marley and the I-Threes and other local and international artists. Following the show in Jamaica, Ky-Mani will also play on March 1 at his hometown of Miami’s 15th Annual Caribbean Fest with his brother Stephen Marley at the Bayfront Amphitheater.

Since the release of his third album Radio last fall, Ky-Mani Marley has firmly established his own identity while taking his father’s musical legacy into greater realms, won new fans opening the Van Halen with David Lee Roth tour, and proven himself a break-out artist in radio play and sales within such multiple genres as pop/rock, reggae, hip-hop and world music. As Amazon.com raves, the album “…is definitely his best effort yet. Coming from such a musical family you would think it would difficult to stand out. But Ky-Mani rises to the top with radio friendly hits such as “One Time”, “The March”, “Royal Vibes” and “The Conversation”. Ky-Mani delivers an album full of musical talent, brilliant beats and roots reggae, yet keeps the spiritual torch burning. Ky-Mani is definitely keeping the Marley music magic alive.  This CD is a must have for every music collection.”

Radio remains firmly lodged after 21 weeks in the Top 5 of the Billboard Top Reggae Albums chart alongside albums by Ky-Mani¹s father and brother Stephen Marley, and his latest single “The March” is #11 on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales charts, thanks to enjoying airplay on a range of commercial and non-commercial radio formats, and recently reentered the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart.

PRODIGY SPEAKS WITH G4TV
DISCUSSES H.N.I.C. PART 2, 50 CENT & G-UNIT

Prodigy sits down with G4's program Freestyle 101.  In the interview Prodigy discusses his future, the release of his new album and wants to set an example for others. Click the link below to watch the interview.

Prodigy's album H.N.I.C. Part 2 is scheduled to release on April 8.  This highly anticipated album features many of P's friends and is already being called the record of 2008.

Click here to watch G4TV's Fresstyle 101

PRODIGY ALBUM SET FOR RELEASE ON APRIL 8th

Prodigy's highly anticipated solo project titled H.N.I.C. Part 2 will be released on April 8th.  Early reviews proclaim this album to be one of the hottest records in 2008. Prodigy has enlisted the help of The Alchemist and Havoc to help produce this groundbreaking record.

The release of H.N.I.C. Part 2 is bittersweet as Prodigy prepares to to serve a 3 1/2 year sentence which is scheduled for mid February.

Prodigy will be holding a send off concert/party on February 6th at B.B. King's in New York City.  The show will feature many special guests and Prodigy will perform selections from H.N.I.C. Part 2.

AAO MUSIC ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF PRODIGY'S NEW SOLO PROJECT TITLED
H.N.I.C. PART 2

Prodigy, one half of the hip-hop’s legendary platinum selling duo,  Mobb Deep, announced the release of his second solo album, H.N.I.C. Part 2,  in March 2008, to be released world-wide on Voxonic Music in partnership with AAO Music/Reality. The announcement comes at a bittersweet time as Prodigy is preparing to start serving a 3 ½ year bid which begins early January 2008.

The new album will be Prodigy’s second official solo album.  H.N.I.C. Part 2 returns “P” to the more edgy real life street tales that have been Mobb Deep’s signature for nearly a decade.   Alchemist and Havoc will produce a bulk of the album along with several other hot  up-n-coming producers. 

A unique web site has been created at www.hnic2.com through which Prodigy will be able to blog with fans using the Voxonic technology.  A world premiere of the controversial video for the first single, “ABC,” can be viewed online at www.hnic2.com along with an exclusive interview with New York HOT 97 Radio personality, Angie Martinez.  In this insightful interview Prodigy reveals his thoughts about the recent conviction and his impending sentence.  To view visit  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR2FQ5PaAe4.

KY-MANI MARLEY MARCHES ON SINGLES CHART

Confirms 2008 Dates on Van Halen Tour with David Lee Roth

 In the week Ky-Mani Marley was confirmed to return as the special guest on the 2008 leg of the hugely successful Van Halen Reunion tour with David Lee Roth; Marley’s anthemic song "The March" broke into the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Sales Charts - debuting at an astounding #19.  “The March” the second single off his album Radio, outperformed songs by 50 Cent, Beyonce and Jay-Z to name a few.

 “The March,” is currently performed by Ky-Mani at every Van Halen show to great response.  The song puts his message out to the world and continues on 30 years later from his father's Exodus in a still troubled world.

 USA Today, reporting from the opening show on the tour reports that Marley "incurred favor with the crowd by opening his half hour set with 'Roots, Rock, Reggae' and finishing with 'No Woman, No Cry,' two songs from his late father Bob Marley's repertoire. However, he flashed his own charismatic side by enthralling the crowd with 'The March,' a hip-hop/reggae hybrid song from his new album, Radio, that juxtaposed the war in Iraq with street violence."

 “The March” is being released to mainstream radio in early 2008 as well as a video release with a powerful message.   Ky-Mani's album Radio is currently on a number of radio and Billboard music charts including the mainstream Rhythmic Radio chart at Mediabase where it entered the top 200 this week.