G-Magazine Now

MUSIC VIDEO: "On To The Next One" by Jay-Z (featuring Swizz Beatz)

Rap icon Jay-Z released another music video to support his album The Blueprint 3.  Titled "On To The Next One," featuring Swizz Beatz in one of Jay-Z's hottest.  By the way, is that Beyonce dancing in the video?   Whoever it is, that chick with the Lady Gaga-inspired look dances like Beyonce.

Enjoy!

RANKED: 50 Greatest #1 R&B/Hip-Hop Hits Of 2000-2009

This decade in music saw a healthy competition for the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B/Hip-Hop across all sub-genres of urban music.  From pop divas to R&B crooners and east coast emcees to southern-slanged rappers and in between, over 100 songs topped the aforementioned charts in urban music.  G-Magazine Now compiled a list of the 50 top-charting singles that changed the game, made lasting impressions upon listeners and deserved their spot at the top.  Check out the list below.

    

50. "I Remember" by Keyshia Cole (2007)

49. "A Milli" by Lil' Wayne (2008)

48. "So Sick" by Ne-Yo (2006)

47. "Foolish" by Ashani (2002)

46. "So Gone" by Monica (2003)

45. "Try Again" by Aaliyah (featuring Timbaland) (2000)

44. "I'm Real (remix)" by Jennifer Lopez (featuring Ja Rule) (2001)

43. "Oops (Oh My)" Tweet (featuring Missy Elliott) (2002)

42. "All For You" by Janet Jackson (2001)

41. "Always On Time" by Ja Rule (featuring Ashanti) (2002)

 

40. "Bootylicious" by Destiny's Child (2001)

39. "Love Of My Life (An Ode To Hip-Hop)" by Erykah Badu (featuring Common) (2002)

38. "Low" by Flo-Rida (featuring T-Pain) (2008)

37. "He Wasn't Man Enough" by Toni Braxton (2000)

36. "Say My Name" by Destiny's Child (2000)

35. "Live Your Life by T.I. (featuring Rihanna) (2008)

34. "SexyBack" by Justin Timberlake (featuring Timbaland) (2006)

33. "S.O.S. (Rescue Me)" by Rihanna (2006)

32. "You Don't Know My Name" by Alicia Keys (2003)

31. "Let's Get Married" by Jagged Edge (2000)

 

30. "Need U Bad" by Jazmine Sullivan (2008)

29. "I Wish" by Carl Thomas (2000)

28. "Hollaback Girl" by Gwen Stefani (2005)

27. "Bag Lady" by Erykah Badu (2000)

26. "Stronger" by Kanye West (2007)

25. "Ms. Jackson" by OutKast (2000)

24. "Blame It" by Jamie Foxx (featuring T-Pain) (2009)

23. "Boom Boom Pow" by Black Eyed Peas (2009)

22. "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" by Beyoncé (2008)

21. "Irreplaceable" by Beyoncé (2007)

    

G-Magazine Now's Gifts For Celebrities

G-Magazine Now has created its own Christmas gift exchange party - celebrity edition.  G-Magazine Now has pulled the names of the following celebrities and has decided to give them gifts that come straight from the heart.

Jermaine Jackson: a bald fade (haircut); nicknames for his children

The Kardashians: talent; lady-like etiquette

Ray J: singing voice; attention

Tiger Woods: a Black woman, HIV test, an endorsement for Trojan condoms

Mariah Carey: maturity (in fashion and song selections)

Beyonce Knowles: honesty; real choreography; 18-month vacation from the entertainment industry 

Jay-Z: children (by Beyonce or a jump-off)

Rihanna: stage presence; a fashion line

Buffie The Body, Deelishus and other hip-hop video and magazine whores: gym membership; butt reduction; self esteem; class; self-respect

R. Kelly: female dates over the age of 25

Lil' Wayne (and all his baby mommas): HIV test and condoms

Lil' Wayne: drug rehab

Wendy Williams: a breast reduction

Sarah Palin: White Trash of the Decade trophy

Amy Winehouse: a bath, rabies shot, two-year rehab stint

Lady Gaga: corporate business attire

Whitney Houston: her old singing voice (circa 1987)

RANKED: 15 Hottest R&B & Hip-Hop Albums Of 2009

 

While many R&B and hip-hop albums were released in 2009, only a small handful made impressionable reactions from critics and fans.  While some artists experimented with new sounds and deep, personal lyrics, other perfected their genre in singing and composition.  Comprising of the finest in R&B, hip-hop and reggae, check out G-Magazine Now's top 15 albums of 2009.

 

15. Imperial Blaze by Sean Paul

a strong collection of the hottest sounds of dancehall reggae

14. Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel by Mariah Carey

a unapologetically youthful, edgier version of her classic 1997 Honey album

13. Love Vs. Money by The-Dream

a very polished, smooth southern R&B sophomore effort with hood love

12. The Ecstatic by Mos Def

an uncompromising east coast-flavored hip-hop album with one great rhyme after another

11. Man On The Moon: The End Of Day by Kid Cudi

one of the finest album debuts with Kanye West-inspired tracks and diverse subjects

 

10. Testimony: Vol: 2, Love & Politics by India.Arie

self-indulgent, self-loving, self-affirming and self-teaching collect of tunes at its best

 

9. Rated R by Rihanna

a genuine self-reflective work with an in-your-face, bad ass mentality

 

8. Turn Me Loose by Ledisi

once an underground R&B diva, now a commercially soulful starlet with even more sass

 

7. The Blueprint 3 by Jay-Z

the hip-hop king's outstanding thesis on why he deserves keeping the crown

MUSIC VIDEO: "Forever Young" by Jay-Z (featuring Mr. Hudson)

Rap king Jay-Z releases another music video from The Blueprint 3 album titled "Forever Young" featuring British hip-pop singer Mr. Hudson.  The video, shot in black and white with additional concert footage, capture very vivid images of children living life so innocently and with lots of fun.  It is a great video.

Enjoy!

RANKED: Top 15 R&B and Hip-Hop Music Artists Of 2009

 

2009 brought the most interesting mix in urban music we have seen in years.  As R&B music fans anticipated a comeback for real soul music coming to the forefront, the hopes were met with return of R&B/pop diva Whitney Houston and soulful crooner Maxwell having albums flying off the shelves.  Even the passing of R&B/pop legend Michael Jackson demonstrated to music fans worldwide the importance of creating timeless music that remains relevant beyond its shelf life.  Pop superstar Beyonce may have positioned herself into icon status with the groundbreaking music video "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)."  Additionally, emerging artists Trey Songz, Chrisette Michele and Ne-Yo seen the best year in music both critically and commercially and new acts Jasmine Sullivan, Jennifer Hudson and Keri Hilson made impressive debuts.  

In hip-hop music, the rise of newcomers Drake and Gucci Mane showed that fans could not get enough of their guest appearances and their own hits.  Hitmaking rapper Kanye West changed the game of hip-hop with an entire auto-tune album which met with mixed results by critics despite its best seller status.  Veterans Jay-Z, Eminem, Ludacris and T.I. prolonged their staying power with chart-busting anthems and club bangers.  

With all the diversity in urban music in 2009, what music artist reigned supreme?  Check out G-Magazine Now's Top 15 Music Artists of 2009.

15. Chrisette Michele

R&B singer Chrisette Michele built a nice following of fans amongst hip-hop's elite before her debut album was released in 2007.  After shining on appearances on records by Jay-Z, Nas and The Game, Michele caught the attention of new fans of the buying public who loved her bluesy, raspy, wailing voice.  Though her debut sold moderately, anticipation built when the sophomore album Epiphany arrived in stores.  With the hot single "Epiphany" going to the top 20 of the R&B charts, great promotional tour and winning reviews from critics, the album made the biggest shock of 2009 by taking the #1 position in its debut week over Ciara's Evolution album, which was widely predicted to outsell Michele.

14. Jazmine Sullivan

1. After a strong impression with her debut single "Need U Bad" on the R&B charts in 2008, R&B songstress Jazmine Sullivan kept the momentum going in 2009 with the follow-up single "Bust Yo Windows."  Though the top five R&B tune was considered controversial and silly, that did not deter Sullivan from capturing many nominations as a new artist on several award shows including the Grammys.  Jazmine released three more singles "Dream Big," "Lions, Tigers & Bears" and "In Love With Another Man," which became a soundtrack single to the gay cult film Noah's Arc: Jumping The Broom and the buzz single to her debut before "Bad" was released.

13. Keyshia Cole

Following the monstrous success of her sophomore album effort Just Like You, R&B starlet Keyshia Cole rushed her third album A Different Me to take over 2009. It led with the moderate hit "Playa Cardz" right with the late great rapper 2Pac.  Soon, Cole followed up with two more top 10 R&B hits "You Complete Me" and the powerful duet "Trust" with embattled R&B diva Monica.  "Trust" created much anticipation for new Monica material while creating a buzz for another great R&B ballad single for Ms. Cole.  Unfortunately, a fourth single, allegedly "This Is Us", was scrapped due to the singer's pregnancy.  Wouldn't it be nice to see Ms. Cole's child become a musical force to reckon 20 years from now?

12. Lil' Wayne

Though he did not need an album promote to keep his strong momentum continuing from the surprising success from his 2008 Tha Carter III album, New Orleans emcee Lil' Wayne became the guest rapper du jour to those who needed extra promotion on their singles and albums.  The list contained artists from all genres including Madonna, Shakira, Keri Hilson, Amerie, Drake, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes and Chris Brown.  From the A-listers to the newest acts, everyone needed a touch of Lil' Wayne in their music.

11. Ne-Yo

Fresh off his multiple Grammy nominations for his groundbreaking Year Of The Gentleman album, Ne-Yo delivered two additional hit singles with "Miss Independent" and "Mad."  His relevance in urban and pop music appeal made him a sought after guest singer on hits by rap heavyweights 50 Cent and Flo-Rida and on Keri Hilson's #1 hit single "Knock You Down."  2009 became the year in R&B/Hip-Hopfeaturing Ne-Yo.

   

10. Rihanna

Urban/pop superstar Rihanna began 2009 with a worldwide #1 "Live Your Life."  With T.I. as the lead artist of that hit, it was Rihanna's feature that pushed it to the top of the charts worldwide.  She also released "Rehab," the final single from her multi-platinum Good Girl Gone Bad album, which became a modest hit that featured Justin Timberlake.  A violent incident involving her famous ex-lover Chris Brown quieted her for months until her guest appearance on Jay-Z's "Run This Town" to which her touch made it become a worldwide hit.  The release of her controversial hit single "Russian Roulette" and the R&B hit "Hard" made the anticipation of her new album Rated R very high with her best debut sales week ever in most countries.

9. Kanye West

2009 became the most controversial year for critically-acclaimed rapper Kanye West.  His choice in relationships and posse friends have been under scrutiny, though not as much as his music.  His latest album 808's & Heartbreak drew mixed reaction from criticism due to his departure from rapping and using the often-mocked AutoTunes in singing every song.  The criticism did not prevent West in earning near chart-topping hits "Love Lockdown" and "Heartless."  West also spiced up more hits as a guest rapper on chart toppers "Knock You Down" by Keri Hilson, "Run This Town" by Jay-Z and "Forever" by Drake.  Being a great scene stealer for better or worse, Kanye's appearance on Beyonce's "Ego" drew more praises than its original song version and music video.

Whitney, Mariah, Beyonce, Keri and Lady Gaga Dominate VH-1's Top 40 Videos Of 2009

 

Today, music cable station VH-1 unveiled its list of the top 40 music videos of 2009, and unsurprisingly, our favorite music divas were included on this list.  Can you guess who earned the coveted #1 position?  You might be surprised as it is a toss up between two pop divas who ruled the pop singles charts this year.  Check out the following stars whose videos made the countdown.

34. "Mllion Dollar Bill" by Whitney Houston

32. "Happy" by Leona Lewis

30. "Obsessed" by Mariah Carey

29. "Run This Town" by Jay-Z, Kanye West & Rihanna

27. "Knock You Down" by Keri HIlson (featuring Kanye West & Ne-Yo)

24. "Paparazzi" by Lady Gaga

21. "Halo" by Beyonce

Tina Knowles Finally Divorces Matthew

Outside of Beyonce and Jay-Z and Will and Jada [Smith], Matthew and Tina Knowles, also known as the parents of singers Beyonce and Solange, have been the golden couple in urban music.  As the people who managed Beyonce's career to astronomical heights, this couple seemed like an unbreakable team...until now.  The couple, who has been married for 29 years, will be headed to divorce with more than $100 million at stake.

Check out this online court document below, courtesy of Bossip.com.  Tina filed for divorce in November.  To many insiders, this comes as no surprise since their joint sightings have been far fewer in the past couple years due to allegations of Matthews' philandering ways and use of drugs.

 

Whether their divorce becomes finalized or postponed, the Knowles' family will most likely continue their success as a unit.

ALBUM REVIEW: "Sex Therapy: The Experience" by Robin Thicke

 

Blue-eyed soul crooner Robin Thicke embarks on his most adventurous effort in his musical career with his fourth studio album Sex Therapy: The Session.  Though the album boasts a handful of cameos with artists ranging from Jay-Z and Snoop Dogg to Jazmine Sullivan and Estelle, Thicke holds his own in his voyage through all the stages of the pleasure of sex.  Some of these could be the reason why he has such a spicy marriage with his beautiful wife Paula Patton.  Though every song is solid throughout Sex Therapy, the surprise lies in with the club-friendly "Shakin' It For Daddy" with an unlikely pairing with up-and-coming female rapper Nicki Minaj.  Who knew Thicke can really get down like that?

 

Play "Meiple" (featuring Jay-Z)

Play "Million Dolla Baby" (featuring Jazmine Sullivan)

Play "Mona Lisa"

Play "Shakin' It 4 Daddy" (featuring Nicki Minaj)

Play "Mrs. Sexy"

Play "Rollacoasta" (featuring Estelle)

Play "Start With A Kiss"

G-LINKED: Real Housewives Of Atlanta Might Dump NeNe & Kim

The third season of the Atlanta Housewives could reveal some major shifts in the new season, including new cast members. Pop the top for the details.

According to a source, NeNe Leakes and Kim Zolciak are demanding more money to appear on the show. Apparently, Bravo is unwilling to pay more and the producers are fed up with their extravagant requests. We hear the network is quietly making plans to move on without the two ladies.

They have been interviewing some major Atlanta prospects and want to move forward with adding a sixth housewife or replacing Kim and NeNe. Returning will be Kandi, Lisa, and Sheree who was rumored to be leaving the show. On a side note, Tameka Foster was in talks to join the cast but all the ladies said they would walk if she was added.

At least they all agreed on something.

Source: Bossip

• Privacy Advocates Slam Facebook Change (Yahoo!)
• Chris Brown Rates Celebrity Females (Necole Bitchie)
• President Obama Accepts Nobel Peace Prize (The Hollywood Gossip)
• Erykah Badu Previews New Album In New York City (The Rap-Up)
• Dallas Mavericks Player Accused Of Hate Crime (Rod 2.0)
• Pamela Anderson Promotes The Big Penis Book (D-Listed)
• Meet The Real Songwriter Of "Empire State Of Mind" (Billboard)

Check Out The 2010 Grammy Nominees Led by Beyoncé , Taylor Swift, Maxwell and Lady Gaga

 

Check out the nominees for the 2010 Grammy Awards.  With an astounding 10 nominations, R&B diva Beyoncé is sure to be a big winner from the success of her I Am...Sasha Fierce.  It is of no surprise that country-pop darling Taylor Swift would be a leading nominee also.  Being the biggest album seller of the year, Taylor is up for eight nominations, competing in the top three categories alongside Beyonce.

Other multiple nominees include R&B crooner Maxwell, pop superstar Lady Gaga, Chicago rapper Kanye West and hip-pop group the Black Eyed Peas.  Surprisingly, R&B divas Whitney Houston, Brandy and Mariah Carey are snubbed, while R&B's worst male performer Trey Songz and Marcus P have at least two nominations apiece.

Check out this list of nominations.  I have chosen my picks on who deserves the win in bold and green fonts.  Who would you pick as winners?

Album Of The Year

I Am…Sasha Fierce (Beyoncé)
The E.N.D. (the Black Eyed Peas)
The Fame (Lady Gaga)
Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King (Dave Matthews Band)
Fearless (Taylor Swift)

Record Of The Year

"Halo" (Beyoncé)
"I Gotta Feeling" (the Black Eyed Peas)
"Use Somebody" (Kings Of Leon)
"Poker Face" (Lady Gaga)
"You Belong With Me" (Taylor Swift)

Song Of The Year

"Poker Face," Lady Gaga & RedOne, songwriters (Lady Gaga)
"Pretty Wings," Hod David & Musze, songwriters (Maxwell)
"Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)," Thaddis Harrell, Beyoncé Knowles, Terius Nash & Christopher Stewart, songwriters (Beyoncé)
"Use Somebody, "Caleb Followill, Jared Followill, Matthew Followill & Nathan Followill, songwriters (Kings Of Leon)
"You Belong With Me," Liz Rose & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)

Best New Artist

Zac Brown Band
Keri Hilson
MGMT
Silversun Pickups
The Ting Tings

Best Female R&B Vocal Performance

"Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" by Beyoncé
"It Kills Me" by Melanie Fiona
"That Was Then" by Lalah Hathaway
"Goin' Thru Changes" by Ledisi
"Lions, Tigers & Bears" by Jazmine Sullivan

Best Male R&B Vocal Performance

"The Point Of It All" by Anthony Hamilton
"Pretty Wings" by Maxwell
"Sobeautiful" by Musiq Soulchild
"Under" by Pleasure P
"There Goes My Baby" by Charlie Wilson

Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals

"Blame It" by Jamie Foxx & T-Pain
"Chocolate High" by India.Arie & Musiq Soulchild
"Ifuleave" by Musiq Soulchild & Mary J. Blige
"Higher Ground" by Robert Randolph & The Clark Sisters
"Love Has Finally Come At Last" by Calvin Richardson & Ann Nesby

Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance

"At Last" by Beyoncé
"Soul Music" by Anthony Hamilton
"Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" by Boney James & Quinn
"Sow Love" by Ann Nesby
"Woman Gotta Have It" by Calvin Richardson

Best Urban/Alternative Performance

"Daykeeper" by The Foreign Exchange
"All Matter" by Robert Glasper & Bilal
"Pearls" by India.Arie & Dobet Gnahore
"A Tale Of Two" by Eric Roberson, Ben O'Neill & Michelle Thompson
"Blend" by Tonex

Best R&B Song

"Blame It" James T. Brown, John Conte, Jr., Jamie Foxx, Christopher Henderson, Brandon R. Melanchon, Breyon Prescott, T-Pain & Nathan L. Walker, songwriters (Jamie Foxx & T-Pain)
"Lions, Tigers & Bears" Salaam Remi & Jazmine Sullivan, songwriters (Jazmine Sullivan)
"Pretty Wings" Hod David & Musze, songwriters (Maxwell)
"Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" Thaddis Harrell, Beyoncé Knowles, Terius Nash & Christopher Stewart, songwriters (Beyoncé)
"Under" D. Babbs, L. Bereal, M. Cooper, A. Dixon, J. Franklin, T. Jones, R. New & K. Stephens, songwriters (Pleasure P)

Best R&B Album

The Point Of It All (Anthony Hamilton)
Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics (India.Arie)
Turn Me Loose (Ledisi)
Blacksummers' Night (Maxwell)
Uncle Charlie (Charlie Wilson)

Best Contemporary R&B Album

I Am... Sasha Fierce (Beyoncé)
Intuition (Jamie Foxx)
The Introduction Of Marcus Cooper (Pleasure P)
Ready (Trey Songz)
Thr33 Ringz (T-Pain)

Best Rap Solo Performance

"Best I Ever Had" by Drake
"Beautiful" by Eminem
"D.O.A. (Death Of Auto-Tune)" by Jay-Z
"Day 'N' Nite" by Kid Cudi
"Casa Bey" by Mos Def

Jay-Z & Diddy Coupled Up In Hotel Suite???

 

Should we be surprised that rappers Jay-Z and Diddy are friends "with benefits" on the down low?  Absolutely not.  Each has their own set of allegations of homosexual activities for years.  Therefore, this newsbit from the New York Post should ring as no surprise to anyone.

The party still isn't over for Sean "Diddy" Combs, who threw a lavish bash to celebrate his 40th birthday last week. A few nights later, Diddy and Jay-Z checked out CV Lounge's private couples room, which owner Matthew Isaacs rents out for $5,000 a night. The space is outfitted with padded walls and a couch, eight ounces of beluga caviar and a magnum of champagne. There don't seem to be specific rules on what can go on in there, but sources say Diddy and Jay-Z "relaxed and shared a drink while listening to the music."

Source: New York Post

So what do you make of this?  Doesn't this sound suspicious?

American Music Awards 2009 Performances: Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige & Janet Jackson

Jay-Z & Alicia Keys - "Empire State Of Mind"

Mary J. Blige - "I Am"

Janet Jackson - Hits Medley

Alicia Keys Duets With Mariah Carey, Beyonce and Jay-Z On New Album

 

R&B songstress Alicia Keys has unveiled the tracklisting of her upcoming The Element Of Freedom album, and the guest appearances look very impressive.  Only a true A-list musician would only duet with other A-list talent, impressive underground artists or artists signed to their own management.  Obviously, people cannot wait to hear the results from the songs with Beyonce, Mariah Carey and Jay-Z.

Perhaps the next album will include duets with Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Usher, Rihanna, Lauryn Hill, John Legend, Black Eyed Peas and Whitney Houston.  We could only dream.

Check out the song list below from The Element Of Freedom: 

1. "The Element of Freedom (Intro)"
2. "Love is Blind"
3. "Doesn't Mean Anything"
4. "Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart"
5. "Wait Til They See My Smile"
6. "That's How Strong My Love Is"
7. "Unthinkable (I'm Ready)"
8. "Love is My Disease"
9. "Like the Sea"
10. "Put It In a Love Song" (featuring Beyoncé)
11. "This Bed"
12. "Distance and Time"
13. "More than Just Friends" (duet with Mariah Carey)
14. "How It Feels to Fly"
15. "Empire State of Mind (Part II)" (featuring Jay-Z)

Jay-Z, Will & Jada Pinkett-Smith Invest Money On 'Fela!'

 

by Monica Herrera | Billboard magazine

Jay-Z, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith have officially signed on as co-producers of Fela!, a new musical about Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti opening November 23 on Broadway. The news confirms weeks of speculation that the three would back the show.

 
Although a rep for Fela! did not say how large of an investment the celebrities are making, their endorsement alone gives Fela!'s profile a significant boost just a week before its premiere. "There's going to be an enormous incentive for people to investigate Fela when they know that Jay-Z and Will Smith are all rabid fans," Rikki Stein, Kuti's former co-manager and the executor of his estate, recently told Billboard. "It's a sign that the underground is moving overground."
 
Fela! will help find a larger audience for Kuti, who pioneered Afrobeat from the sounds of James Brown and West African high-life music, became a political icon in his native Nigeria and earned the admiration of everyone from Paul McCartney to the Brazilian singer Gilberto Gil before dying in 1997. Stein plans to capitalize on this exposure to cement his legacy as one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.
 
"I have an abiding regret that Fela never achieved the recognition he deserved during his lifetime," Stein says. "We have a long row to hoe in terms of general knowledge and acceptance."
 
In addition to greenlighting Fela!, Kuti's estate has licensed his catalog to the newly revived Knitting Factory Records. The well-timed deal will result in the reissue of Kuti's complete catalog -- 45 albums -- during the next 12 years.
 
"The industry always talks about who the next big legacy artist will be," says Ian Wheeler, label manager of Knitting Factory Records. "It should have been Fela years ago. We're really trying to bring a new audience around the world, and particularly in the U.S., to his music."
 
Up first is the October 27 release The Best of the Black President, a compilation of Kuti's best-known material. The set is being sold at previews of Fela! and at Felabrations, a series of Afrobeat DJ parties organized by Knitting Factory Records and its marketing partner, Giant Step.
 
"We're a conduit for raising awareness of Afrobeat," says DJ Rich Medina, who founded the Kuti tribute party Jump N' Funk in 2001 and headlined four of 18 Felabrations nationwide. "It's a way of helping the cause."
 
"The first thing we're doing is galvanizing the core base of Fela fans," Giant Step founder/CEO Maurice Bernstein says, "then using the messaging to make him relevant in a universal way. You can live in Detroit and understand what [the famous Kuti saying] 'Music is the weapon' means, just like you would Bob Marley's 'One Love' or Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On?' "
 
The first batch of reissues, to be distributed by Sony RED, arrive February 2, 2010: The '69 Los Angeles Sessions, Live With Ginger Baker, London Scene/Shakara, Rodoforofo Fight, Open & Close/Afrodisiac and Gentleman/Confusion. It's not only the first time Kuti's early London recordings with Koola Loobitos will be reissued but also the debut of his catalog on vinyl, which Knitting Factory hopes will attract a new generation of music collectors who listen to African-influenced bands like Vampire Weekend.
 
"Every day there are traces of new people discovering Fela's music," Wheeler says. "But there has never been a swell of activity around him like this."