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Paris Hilton Signs to Cash Money Records
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Industry News, Dance, Electronic, Pop
Paris Hilton has signed to Cash Money record label.
The 32-year-old heiress - who released her debut album Paris in 2006 - will release a house music album later this year and has already recorded a single with Lil Wayne.
"Welcome@ParisHilton to tha Family. RichgangRichgirl. YMCMB (sic)," Cash Money's Birdman tweeted.
Paris replied, "@BIRDMAN5STAR Thanks BO$$! Happy to be a part of the family. (sic)." She also posted a link to a YouTube video, writing, "Love this song I recorded with @LilTunechi. Love Lil Wayne, he is so amazing! Can't wait for our new song! (sic)."
(FYI - You can also follow Albumista on Twitter.)
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Prince Signs New Record Deal
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Industry News, Pop, R&B / Soul
Prince has signed a new record deal that will also help promote upcoming talent.
The "Purple Rain" hitmaker - who famously changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol in a row over musical rights with former label Warner - will allow Kobalt Music Group to market and distribute his future work, but won't lose control of his rights. Prince, 54, will also have the opportunity to provide artist development and recording services for Kobalt's newly-signed artists.
"This new venture gives Prince the flexibility and freedom he's always sought in a label partner. We're providing a high level of diverse services that will be particularly customized to his vision for each release, allowing the world to experience more music from Prince and his creative community," Kobalt President Richard Sanders said in a statement.
Traditional labels often take ownership or part-ownership of an artist's material and decide how it is used, but Kobalt - which was established in 2000 - launched an artist and label services division last year, allowing their talent to maintain ownership of their work and control over when, how and where they will release music.
Solange Knowles Launching Record Label
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Industry News, Hip-Hop & Rap, Pop, R&B / Soul
Solange Knowles is launching her own record label. The singer has taken inspiration from her big sister Beyonce's husband Jay-Z by setting up her own label Saint Records under Sony's umbrella, allowing her to release her own music with complete creative freedom as well as promoting other artists.
Solange announced the news on Twitter, posting, "Big news day for me! Wasn't ready to announce, but since false info is spreading I will gladly do so:) Supppppperr EXCITED! Super stoked to announce I've started my own label,SAINT RECORDS,where I'll be releasing my music & other projects distributed through SONY! Through Saint Records I will have 100% creative/artistic control & continue to passionately pursue my footing in this new musical movement. (sic)"
Solange, 26, previously switched from major label Universal to go independent with her 2012 EP True, which was released via Terrible Records, co-run by Grizzly Bear's Chris Taylor. She decided to make the news of her new business venture public after hearing rumors she was supposedly signing to Columbia records, which is owned by Sony.
Click to continue reading Solange Knowles Launching Record Label
Daft Punk breaks Spotify records, tops charts with Get Lucky [Listen Now!]
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Industry News, The Charts, Upcoming Releases, Dance, New Releases, Sales
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In the few days since "Get Lucky" was released by Daft Punk, the track has gone on to hit #1 in the UK and France, and is right near #1 in the US as well. Even more interesting, "Get Lucky" now holds the record for the "biggest streaming day for a single track" on Spotify in the US and UK regions.
The upcoming Daft Punk album, Random Access Memories, is set to be released on May 21st. It'll be the first from the group in 8 years, with the exception of the 2007 live album and the Tron: Legacy soundtrack. Get a listen to "Get Lucky" below!
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| The Hollywood Reporter
Twitter #Music service launches on web and iPhone
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Industry News, iTunes

The rumored Twitter Music service has become a reality, launching this morning. Twitter #music seems to be a natural step for the service, which sees hundreds of millions of users regularly discussing music on the service, as well as a bunch of popular musicians as well. Twitter #music aims to help you find music you'll like, based on your Twitter activity. You can access #music through a web browser, and there's also a new dedicated #music iOS app that lets you easily view and listen to music that's popular and trending on Twitter, undiscovered artists, music that it knows you like, and a #NowPlaying area that shows what others are listening to.
One important note here is that Twitter #music isn't a streaming music service. Instead, it's a layer that allows you to access your Rdio, Spotify, and iTunes tracks, using Twitter #music as your navigation mechanism. You simply connect your accounts to #music, and you are all set. The iOS app is slick, and we hear the Android version will be on its way soon. You can download Twitter #music for iPhone now.
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| Twitter #music
Frank Ocean is being sued over his track "Lost." The singer, his record label Def Jam, and producer Malay are being sued by songwriter Micah Otano, who claims the song is too similar to his composition "Daylight."
Micah filed a lawsuit in California last week, seeking compensation for back royalties and damages. In the suit he claims he wrote the track "Daylight" with Malay, which the producer then copied for "Lost."
The track was the fourth single from Frank's breakthrough Channel Orange debut album in the US, which was won a Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album earlier this year.
Frank has also recently said he is hard at work on the follow up to his highly acclaimed debut and already has a concept and a number of songs ready: "I'm 10, 11 songs into this next thing. It's another cohesive thing bordering on a concept album again. At the end of Channel Orange there's "Golden Girl" and I kind of want to extend that feeling into the next record."
Ne-Yo Signs Artist During Gig
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Concerts / Tours, Industry News, Performances, Hip-Hop & Rap, R&B / Soul
Ne-Yo surprised new artist Sonna Rele by signing her to Motown Records Thursday night.
The "Closer" star invited the London-born singer - whom he discovered on Facebook - on stage with him at Under the Bridge venue in Chelsea where he offered her to opportunity to join the iconic label, which has been home to Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and the Temptations.
Speaking about Ne-Yo - who is Vice President of A& R at Motown - Sonna exclusively told BANG Showbiz, "I have a lot of respect for him, he's an amazing artist, an amazing songwriter. I feel like I've got a really good team around me where I can kind of grow as a songwriter and an artist. I'm smiling from ear-to-ear right now. I'm really, really excited."
The 25- year old has already worked with Fugees star Wyclef Jean and music producer Dallas Austin, who between them have worked with likes of Michael Jackson, Madonna, TLC, Boys II Men and Gwen Stefani.
Click to continue reading Ne-Yo Signs Artist During Gig
The Killers’ Record Company Revenge
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Awards, Editorials, Industry News, Pop, Rock
The Killers were turned down by every major record label in the US.
The "Somebody Told Me" band found it hard to get a deal in their home country at the start of their career, but a good review and radio play in Britain helped kick started their career.
"Every major label in America turned us down, then we got a glowing review in NME magazine and every single one of those labels offered us a record deal. So I will always be thankful to the NME," frontman Brandon Flowers said.
The band were awarded the Best International Band trophy at the recent NME Awards, and said they were amazed to be at the ceremony alongside their hero, guitar player Johnny Marr. Referencing two of Johnny's bands, Brandon added to NME magazine, "It's a big honor just to be here with Johnny Marr. I mean have you ever heard Electronic? But The Smiths were a staple for so many of us that were in that room. It's incredible, the influence they had."
Kanye West: My Image Causes Bias
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Gossip, Industry News, Hip-Hop & Rap
Kanye West thinks that his relationship with Kim Kardashian biases people against his rapping.
The "Stronger" hitmaker - who is expecting his first child with the reality TV star - is unhappy MTV's Hip-Hop Brain Trust voted him the seventh Hottest MC in the Game and he feels his ranking would've been higher if it were based solely on his music skills.
"Yeah, number seven bothers me. To me, I feel like in order for them to put me as number seven, they had to bring up things they didn't like. They didn't like the Cruel Summer album, and I'm like, 'That's just [a] compilation.' I don't know, it's definitely not based on a body of work. It possibly could just be like overall rap-MC-swag. What happens is, with these types of things... They don't like 'Givenchy Kanye,' they don't like Kanye in a kilt, they don't like Kanye in a relationship."
However, the "All of the Lights" star doesn't believe he deserved top spot on the list, as he still thinks the world's best rapper is Lil Wayne.
Click to continue reading Kanye West: My Image Causes Bias
Timbaland Signs with Jay-Z
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Collaborations, Industry News, Upcoming Releases, Hip-Hop & Rap

Timbaland has signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation label. The rapper and producer - who has worked on tracks for Missy Elliott, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Rowland and a host of other stars - has signed with Jay's label, which is also home to Rita Ora and Alexis Jordan.
Jay posted a picture of them together on his Life + Times blog, with a caption reading, "We would like to welcome Timbaland to the Roc Nation family!"
Click to continue reading Timbaland Signs with Jay-Z
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