Day26 - Making the Band 4 - Got Me Going |First Single|

Episode 7 Preview

2008-03-06T07:38:00.000-08:00

Are You the Girl We're Looking for?

2008-03-04T13:21:00.000-08:00

Day26 on Savvy Television

2008-03-04T13:17:00.002-08:00

"Any Day"

2008-03-04T13:17:00.001-08:00

"Over Now"

2008-03-04T13:15:00.000-08:00

Songs From the Show Episode 6

2008-03-04T11:44:00.000-08:00

Day 26 "Exclusive"
Scene: The guys sing for Diddy and Ankrah in the Miami house.
Swizz Beatz "It's Me Snitches"
Scene: Opening shot of Miami and Diddy speaks to the viewers.
- Music Video
Day 26 "Got Me Goin"
Scene: Diddy calls in his team of producers and writers to discuss the game plan for Day 26.
Donnie "I Don't Care"
Scene: Diddy calls in his team of producers and writers to discuss the game plan for Donnie.
Danity Kane "Damaged"
Scene: Diddy calls in his team of producers and writers to discuss the game plan for Danity Kane.
Lloyd "Get It Shawty"
Scene: Diddy wraps up the meeting with the producers and writers.
- Music Video
Danity Kane "Poetry (instrumental)"
Scene: Danity Kane meets with Jim Beans to tighten up their song and go over new tracks.
Day 26 "Are We In This"
Scene: Day 26 work on a new song in the recording studio.
Day 26 "I'm The Reason"
Scene: Aubrey, Dawn and Day 26 listen to the track in the studio.
Baby Bash feat. T Pain "Cyclone"
Scene: Danity Kane, Day 26 and Donnie go out clubbing.
- Music Video
Pussy Cat Dolls "Wait A Minute"
Scene: Danity Kane, Day 26 and Donnie go out clubbing.
Saliva "Your Disease"
Scene: The cast works out with Marco in the morning.
- Music Video
Dem Franchize Boyz "Ridin Rims"
Scene: >Diddy arrives at the Miami house.
- Music Video
Run DMC "Runs House"
Scene: Act opens to Diddy speaking to the viewers.
Fall Out Boy "The Take Over, The Breaks Over"
Scene: Transition from the house to the recording studio.
- Music Video
Day 26 "Don't Fight The Feeling"
Scene: Day 26 work on a new song in the recording studio.
Rick Ross "Speedin'"
Scene: Diddy enters the studio to sit down for a discussion with Danity Kane.
- Music Video
Danity Kane "Right Now"
Scene: The girls sing to the boys and prepare to throw cake in their faces.
Danity Kane "Bad Girl"
Scene: Danity Kane works on their new track in the studio.
Donnie "Beautiful Escape"
Scene: Donnie works on his new song in the studio until he is interrupted.

Episode 6 Pictures

2008-03-04T11:38:00.000-08:00

Episode 6 Summary

2008-03-04T11:37:00.000-08:00

It's getting down to crunch time! Tracks are being laid out rapid-fire and the albums are almost ready to become platinum. Everything is finally coming together...for almost everyone. Donnie keeps getting skimped on studio time and is falling far behind on track numbers. Even though Diddy compliments Donnie on his vocal improvement, Donnie worries that he won't be able to pull his album together on time. The final straw falls while Donnie, who finally managed to snag a couple minutes in the studio to record Beautiful Escape, gets the boot so Day 26 can do some work, instead. Donnie confides his worries to Aubrey, who encourages him to talk with the producers.

The next day, Diddy sets up a meeting in the studio between Donnie and Seven (music producer). Seven's unconventional habits and the smoke-filled studio strike up a good vibe, and Donnie gets excited about a new track But Diddy puts a damper on Donnie's good mood, telling him he doesn't think the track is a good fit for his album.

Meanwhile, Q is trying to bring romance into his and Dawn's 'just buddies' relationship. Aundrea tries to convince Dawn to give in and give Q a chance, but Dawn makes the excuse that she doesn't want anyone to get hurt. This outwardly tough girl gives everyone a glimpse at her vulnerable side later that night when vocal coach, Ankh Rah, pays a visit. The girls take turns singing for Anhk Rah, but when Dawn's turn comes, she can't make the connection that Ankh Rah tries to coax from her. He wants her to let everyone else in on what she's feeling, but she keeps her emotions bottled up. Q, standing just out of sight, sees Dawn shed a tear. Later that night, Q sits down with Dawn at the piano and helps her let her emotions out through music.

Luckily, events take a positive turn the next day. Donnie and Seven work off their positive vibe on the track, and record a song that everyone is happy and impressed with. Dawn, after a flirty game of mini-golf with Q, takes Aundrea's advice and gives Q a sweet smooch. Maybe Dawn can let her emotions carry her away, after all.

Updates 2/28

2008-02-28T12:29:00.000-08:00

I updated a lot of stuff. Use the navigation on the right hand side or just scroll down to see what i have added. Enjoy!

Promo Tour Dates - from Brian

2008-02-28T12:15:00.000-08:00

DAY26 Tracklisting

2008-02-28T12:09:00.001-08:00

From: Badboyblog

I was just sent the tracklisting for Day 26's self titled debut album, along with the tracklisting for the iTunes and Target exclusive versions. These tracklistings may not be absolutely final, but they should be pretty close. Here is the regular version of the album:

1. "I'm The Reason"
2. "Got Me Going"
3. "In My Bed"
4. "Silly Love"
5. "Come With Me"
6. "Co Star"
7. "Come In (My Door's Open)"
8. "Are We In This Together"
9. "What It Feels Like"
10. "Since You've Been Gone"
11. "If It Wasn't For You"
12. "Don't Fight The Feeling"
13. "Ain't Going"
14. "Exclusive (No Excuses)"

The tracklisting given for the iTunes exclusive version is exactly the same, except that it features three mentions of "Got Me Going". Besides one of them being the actual track, I will take a reasonable guess here and say that one of those is the video for the song. What's the other one? Who knows, it could be some sort of remix or it could just be a placeholder for an iTunes exclusive track yet to be picked.

The tracklisting for the Target exclusive version is the same except that there is a new track called "Just Should've Told You".

CTV.CA Interview w/ Brian

2008-02-28T12:07:00.000-08:00

"Our sound is very reminiscent of what was going on in the '90s in R&B music," says Brian. "It's real singing. It's got real emotion behind everything right down to the last word." But like any apt pupils, the boys also credit much of their newfound sound to Diddy himself.

"Diddy's a cool cat, but he's also a perfectionist," says Qwanell. "He'll push you until you want to cry. Everybody needs someone like that in their lives. Even if you think you're great he'll push to make you better. That's why I admire him."

Mary Brown - Song Writer

2008-02-28T12:05:00.000-08:00

One of the most talented songwriter/producer/singers in the industry is ready to take the tint off the windows and let people see who is really driving the car that keeps pumping those hits down the street. His name is A.D. You may know him as Adonis. In 1997 Adonis moved back to Atlanta after leaving college in only his first year. With big dreams and gigantic aspirations he started a group who would later become one of Atlanta's premier unsigned groups. Under the leadership of then and still current manager Kirk Woods of The Woodland Ent. Group, Adonis began to take his love of writing songs more seriuosly. After the group disbanded in 2000, Kirk set up a chance meeting with BadBoy Publishing. Adonis didnt have any songs recorded so they offered to fly him to New York to meet with Sean Combs aka P.Diddy. In order to secure a spot on the prestigous Hitmen Squad, Adonis had to write a song on the spot for Diddy in 15 minutes. Adonis not knowing what he was writing for put his pen to work. Diddy loved the song so much he put it on the project he was workin on at the time......Jennifer Lopezs' J.LO album. Garnering Adonis his first placement. 6 yrs and 145 song releases later, Adonis has now become a Grammy Award winning Songwriter/producer who is responsible for hits on some of your favorite artist from P.Diddy(I NEED A GIRL pt.I & II) to Usher (MY BOO) to Mariah Carey (SO LONELY) to Beyonce (SUMMERTIME) to Marques Houston (CIRCLE) to Ciara (AND I) to Chris Brown (SAY GOODBYE) Sammie (COME WITH ME) and many many more..... With now 3 Grammy's under his belt and 7 nominations for 2004's smash hit " MY BOO" and for his participation in "The Emancipation Of MiMi" ( the Twista and Mariah duet ), Adonis is going after the fourth. He recently crafted songs for Nicole (of the Pussy Cat Dolls), Enrique Iglesias, Omarion, Gwen Stefani, Mario, Cherish, Ciara (EVOLUTION), Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown (EXCLUSIVE), Fantasia, and JoJo. One of the busiest writer/producers in the game, Adonis sold 72 songs last year alone He definitely is proud of his most recent accomplishment of setting a record four wins over two years for one song in the heralded ASCAP AWARDS ( songwriter and producer awards ) for the song " MY BOO". Workin along side young music impresarios Bryan Cox and Kendrick "WYLDCARD" Dean, the guys called themselves "THE MARATHON MEN" Selling over 65 million records with his writing contributions, He is turning his concentration to producing his own acts...."If you got it I want it" he says....LETS GET IT....TRC 2007

Adonis - Producer, Song Writer

2008-02-28T12:02:00.000-08:00

Jim Beanz - Producer, Song writer, Record Producer

2008-02-28T11:59:00.000-08:00

Jim Beanz is a vocal producer, song writer, musician, singer and record producer from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, now working out of Philadelphia, signed to Timbaland Productions and Sunset Entertainment Group. He got his start working under the tutelage of Jazz from the hit R&B group, Dru Hill, when he was an artist in the R&B group "Tre Sons". Even then, Jim shined as an up and coming producer, working with local Baltimore and Harrisburg artists. He often slept on the floors of studios in order to stay on his grind. Currently he is working alongside Timbaland as a vocal producer and more recently, even as song producer.

Pictures from Episode 5

2008-02-28T11:54:00.000-08:00

Pictures from Episode 4

2008-02-28T11:22:00.000-08:00

Episode 4 Preview

2008-02-13T14:51:00.001-08:00

Episode 3 Recap

2008-02-13T11:30:00.000-08:00

Songs: Silly Love & Danger (contest song)
Hot Spots: SIR Studios, Wachovia Spectrum
Producers: Conrad Dimanche

Conrad Dimanche - Producer

2008-02-13T11:21:00.001-08:00

Recite the name Conrad Dimanche with as much clarity as fresh clear water. “Rad” the tag that the dynamic music industry often addresses him by, runs the music executive game with the same flame as the Bad Boy foundation that he hails from. Rad, officially titled as the Senior Director of A&R for Bad Boy Entertainment, pounds the talent in a constant development arena like the platinum selling albums that he has produced for from a management perspective. Nothing about Conrad Dimanche implies that he was an overnight success since he first broke into the music industry in the early 90’s. Years of hard work, persistence, sacrifice, and commitment has undoubtedly brought him to where he is today.

From a young age, Conrad Dimanche always had a strong business sense working in his mother’s hair salon cutting hair and assisting her with business. At the age of 18, he managed and owned a barbershop. Being so young and inexperienced, Conrad’s barbershop certainly had its ups and downs but he was fiercely determined to make it work. In an effort to promote the business, Conrad began throwing parties at a local club where he hired D-life to DJ. Conrad proceeded to manage DJ D-Life and would persistently get gigs for him. As time went on he gradually picked up a few artists, while still running the barbershop. Conrad began to have aspirations that expanded beyond the walls of his small business. He realized that “you can’t be a player if you’re not fully in the game” so he decided to put all his time and energy into the music industry.

Conrad was so anxious to immerse himself in the music business that he started out as an unpaid intern at Bad Boy Entertainment. He had a grueling work schedule of 18 hour a day, 7 days a week. His work ethic and commitment was not in vain as he was eventually offered the position of production assistant, later to be promoted to production coordinator. Two years later Conrad was laid off and during that time he aggressively worked on building his own management company, Big Bang Entertainment. He managed Nashiem Myrick a Grammy award winning producer.

After being laid off, Conrad Dimanche was able to return and at this time he was given the title of “A&R Director” for Bad Boy Entertainment. He since has worked on more than 20 albums to date, including the chart shattering NOTORIOUS BIGGIE albums “Duets the Final Chapter” and “Born Again”, CARL THOMAS, P. DIDDY, 8 BALL AND MJG, LOON, B5, BAD BOYS 2 SOUNDTRACK, BLACK ROB and many more.

Conrad’s diligent work and ability to build strong relationships with others in the industry have propelled the success that he has today. He remains one of the most focused individuals by insisting that you should never, “get caught up in the glamour of the game, stay focused and always strive for perfection.” This attitude serves as proof that Conrad Dimanche’s promising future and desire for growth will undoubtedly catapult him to an even greater plateau of achievement.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

2008-02-13T11:16:00.000-08:00

The first Club was founded in 1860 by several women in Hartford, Conn., who believed that boys who roamed the streets should have a positive alternative. It was for boys only, and soon other communities in New England decided that such places would be good for their young men. In 1906, 53 independent Boys' Clubs, as they were known then, came together in Boston to form a national organization, the Federated Boys' Clubs, and in 1931 they became Boys Clubs of America. In 1956, the group was chartered by Congress. To reflect its increased service to young women, the organization became Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 1990. In 1996, Roxanne Spillett, current president of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, was appointed to head the organization.

2006 marked the national organization's centennial; 4,000 Club professionals, local board volunteers and national staff celebrated this anniversary.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America has more than 4,000 autonomous local Clubs which are affiliates of the national organization. Clubs serve some 4.8 million young people – generally between the ages of 6 and 18 – through membership and community outreach, and are located in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and on U.S. military bases in America and around the world. Professional Club staff total some 49,000 worldwide.

Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington, a former Club member, has been the spokesperson for Boys & Girls Clubs of America since 1993. [1]

In its latest "Philanthropy 400" report, The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked Boys & Girls Clubs of America number one among youth organizations for the 13th consecutive year, and number 12 among all nonprofit organizations.

Wachovia Spectrum

2008-02-13T11:14:00.000-08:00

The Wachovia Spectrum (formerly known as the Spectrum (1967-1994), CoreStates Spectrum (1994-1998) and First Union Spectrum (1998-2003) is an indoor arena located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Completed in 1967, it seats 18,136 for basketball and 17,380 for ice hockey, arena American football, indoor soccer, and indoor lacrosse.

A statue of Sylvester Stallone, depicting him in his famous role of Philadelphia boxer Rocky Balboa, stood for many years in front of the main (Pattison Avenue) entrance of the Spectrum which had been represented in the movie to be the site of Rocky's first and second fights with Apollo Creed. (The arena in which the fight sequences were actually filmed was the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena.) The statue was removed several times over the years to be used in the filming of sequels to the original film. In September, 2006, however, it was given a permanent new home in an area near the base of the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art not far from where it had appeared in a spot on the plaza at the top of the Museum's steps in the film Rocky III.

More Pictures from TRL

2008-02-11T09:47:00.000-08:00

I had to post these, thanks to (credit to LA.EX on DRO)

Album Cover - Large

2008-02-11T09:46:00.000-08:00

Dont forget, MTB4 is on tonight, dont miss it!

Episode 3 Preview

2008-02-11T08:15:00.000-08:00

Wendy Williams Interview

2008-02-10T08:17:00.000-08:00

coutersy of thegrapejuice.net
here

Episode 2 Highlights

2008-02-07T08:17:00.000-08:00

Tonights episode was pretty good. The whole church thing really got to me.... especially Roberts piece. They revealed some new songs:
Come with Me - Produced by Kwame, written by Tiffany Starr
Favorite Girl - Produced by Mike Winans
Wasn't for You (?) Produced by (?)

On TRL, they showed us the cover to their self titled album "Day 26" in stores March 11th

Episode 2 Preview

2008-02-06T08:19:00.000-08:00

Dont forget episode 2 is on tonight, you can catch a preview here.

Got Me Going & Single Cover

2008-02-05T08:21:00.000-08:00

The guys hit up MTV's TRL on Tuesday to promote the season premier. Here you can see them and part of the audience doing the Soulja Boy dance. Big Mike was missing unfortunately due to an illness.
Got Me Going will be the first single for the guys, above is the album cover. Not bad.

Episode 1 Highlights

2008-02-05T08:20:00.000-08:00

You can check out an episode recap here. In episode one, we got a glimpse of the Producers the bands will be working with. You can get some more information on them in the navigation to the right

--->

MTV also put up some screen shots from the episode. Enjoy.

Icons

2008-02-04T08:21:00.000-08:00

Will the guys of Making the Band 4 be music industry icons? only time will tell. Until then, feel free to download these icons and use them as avatars or whatever you wish.

Songs From the Show: Episode 3

2008-02-02T12:26:00.001-08:00

Day 26 "Co-Star"
Scene: Brian and Robert sing in the recording studio.
Soulja Boy "Yahhh!"
Scene: Diddy speaks to the viewers.
- Music Video
Day 26 "Silly Love"
Scene: Day 26 sings "Silly Love" in the studio.
Donnie "I Don't Care"
Scene: Donnie sings his song "I Don't Care" in the recording studio.
Danity Kane "Is Anybody Listening"
Scene: The girls work in the recording studio.
Jim Jones "Emotionless"
Scene: Diddy walks into the studio to meet with the cast and listen to their work.
Romeo IX "POW"
Scene: Diddy plays a new track for the group that they will be competing for.
King Juju "Hit Em With A One"
Scene: Danity Kane and Day 26 work on their battle track in the studio.
Danity Kane "The Chase"
Scene: Danity Kane works on their battle track.
Day 26 "Danger"
Scene: Day 26 works on their battle track.
Bow Wow "Fresh Azimiz"
Scene: Diddy talks to the viewers.
- Music Video
Danity Kane "Show Stopper"
Scene: Danity Kane performs for the Boys and Girls Club in Philly.
- Music Video
Danity Kane "Handle Me"
Scene: >Danity Kane performs for the Boys and Girls Club in Philly.
Day 26 "Exclusive"
Scene: Day 26 and Donnie perform for the Boys and Girls Club in Philly.

Songs From the Show: Episode 4

2008-02-02T12:26:00.000-08:00

Kia Shine "So Krispy"
Scene: Diddy speaks to the viewers.
Molly Jensen "Make You Crazy"
Scene: Donnie asks Aubrey out on a date.
Tim Cullen "Be Mine"
Scene: Donnie and Aubrey leave for their dinner date.
Day 26 "Got Me Goin"
Scene: Aubrey and Donnie toast and talk on their date.
Danity Kane "Damaged"
Scene: Aubrey spots Donnie with another girl, not long after their own date.
Rhianna "Shut Up And Drive"
Scene: The cast lands in Miami.
- Music Video
Webbie "Independent"
Scene: The cast arrives in awe of the new Miami house.
- Music Video
Fort Minor "Remember The Name"
Scene: Ankrah arrives at the Miami mansion to check in with the Donnie and Day 26.
- Music Video
Shannon Bex "Free"
Scene: Shannon sings for Diddy.
D. Woods "Everything Must Change"
Scene: D. Woods sings for Diddy.
Aundrea Fimbres "Never Felt This Way"
Scene: Aundrea sings for Diddy.
Dawn Richards "God Is"
Scene: Dawn sings for Diddy.
Aubrey O'Day "It Hurt So Bad"
Scene: >Aubrey sings for Diddy.
Day 26 "Exclusive"
Scene: Day 26 and Donnie perform for Diddy and Ankrah.

Songs From the Show: Episode 2

2008-02-02T12:25:00.000-08:00

Day 26 "Co-Star"
Scene: Brian sings in the recording studio.
Kovas "Say What"
Scene: Both of the bands plus Donnie are in the club dancing.
Soulja Boy "Let Me Get Em"
Scene: Diddy speaks to the viewers.
Day 26 "Silly Love"
Scene: The guys sing "Silly Love" in the studio.
Donnie "I Don't Care"
Scene: Donnie continues to work on his new track.
Danity Kane "Poetry"
Scene: The girls get to work on "Poetry" in the studio.
Day 26 "Come With Me"
Scene: Robert begins to get frustrated in the studio.
Young Buck "Get Buck"
Scene: Brian and Will talk about Robert and his diva-like behavior.
- Music Video
XL Productions "Compton Rock"
Scene: Day 26 take to the streets and run into several fans.
Day 26 "Exclusive"
Scene: The guys sing accapella for their fans in the streets of NYC.
Keisha Cole "I Remember"
Scene: Montage of New York City images.
Kanary Diamonds "Could It Be Destiny"
Scene: Q. compliments Dawn on their first date.
The Lavs "Make A New Song"
Scene: The end of Q. and Dawn's dinner date.
Day 26 "My Favorite Girl"
Scene: Day 26 works with producer, Mike Winans, on a new track.
Birdman "100 Million"
Scene: Danity Kane work on their new song in the studio.
- Music Video
Robert "I Won't Complain"
Scene: Roberts sings in front of the cast at church.
Day 26 "If It Wasn't For You"
Scene: The members of Day 26 arrive at the studio and get down to business.
Danity Kane "The Chase"
Scene: The girls work on their battle track for the competition with the boys.

Songs From the Show: Episode 1

2008-02-02T12:22:00.000-08:00

Danity Kane "Show Stopper"
Scene: Danity Kane was talking about their success.
- Music Video
Aksent "The Bomb"
Scene: Day 26 arriving in New York City.
Day 26 "Exclusive"
Scene: Day 26 was settling into their new penthouse.
Danity Kane "One Shot"
Scene: Danity Kane arrives on the scene in NYC.
Karmela "I'm A Lady"
Scene: Danity Kane was on their way to meet up with Diddy.
Kanary Diamonds "I Rock"
Scene: Danity Kane arrives at Bad Boy to sit down with Diddy.
Viva G "Front To The Back"
Scene: The members of Danity Kane are summoned to Diddy's office.
Kovas "Say What"
Scene: The guys pick up the girls in a limo to go hit up the clubs.
Lady Black Diamond "You Like My Style"
Scene: The guys arrive at Danity Kane's hotel to pick them up.
Al Sheez "Make You Sweat"
Scene: Danity Kane and Day 26 exit the limo to enter the club.
Danity Kane "Is Anybody Listening"
Scene: Danity Kane work on their new song in the studio.
Day 26 "Co-Star"
Scene: The guys continue to cut their track in the studio.
Donnie "I Don't Care"
Scene: Donnie is in the studio working on his new song.

Le Parker Meridien Hotel - Hot Spot

2008-02-01T09:43:00.000-08:00

In Season 2, Ep. 1. The guys picked up Danity Kane from the Le Parker Meridien to enjoy a night on the town.

Reviews on the Le Parker Meridien Hotel:
An airy three-story atrium ushers guests off New York City's fashionable Fifty-Seventh Street and into the friendly confines of Le Parker Meridien. There they discover a hip assemblage of upscale furnishings, modern art, and innovative restaurants that proves uptown doesn't have to be uptight.

But it's the top-notch facilities that elevate the Parker to a higher level, drawing international CEOs and celebs who could afford to stay anywhere.

Walk into the Parker Meridien and you might breathe a sigh of relief—the hotel's cool, vast lobby, with its vaulted ceilings and abundant natural light, makes for a refreshing change from the honking horns of West 57th Street.

Flatotel - Hot Spot

2008-02-01T09:42:00.000-08:00

In Season 2, Ep 1, the guys stayed at the Flatotel.

Flatotel Hotels are a chain of apartment-style luxury hotels. The flagship Flatotel is located on West 152nd Street in Upper Manhattan, and opened in 1985. [1] The Flatotel brand has expanded to other urban and vacation hotspots, such as Paris, [2] Montreal, [3] and Costa del Sol. [4] The girls on the first cycle of the reality TV series America's Next Top Model were housed at the Manhattan Flatotel.

Flatotel is currently involved with the Pajama Program, a not-for-profit which donates sleepwear and books to foster children awaiting permanent homes. [5] People who book with the Pajama Program package during the holiday season will have part of their hotel bill donated to the Pajama Program as well as other child welfare and anti-domestic violence programs in New York City.

The 40/40 Club - Hot Spots

2008-02-01T09:41:00.000-08:00

The 40/40 Club is a chain of All-American sports bars and lounges owned by hip-hop mogul Jay-Z and partners Desiree Gonzalez and Juan Perez. The name is borrowed from the baseball term used to denote the exclusive group of Major League Baseball players who have achieved the rare individual feat of recording 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season.

On June 18, 2003, the first 40/40 Club opened in New York City; the Atlantic City location opened on October 25, 2005. The third 40/40 Club located inside Palazzo, an extension of the Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas; the grand opening was held December 30, 2007. Locations in Tokyo and Macau are scheduled to open in 2008.

The club is known for its live music, celebrity patrons, and sports memorabilia. The club rose to notoriety when Jay-Z referenced his investment in his 2003 song "Dirt off Your Shoulder" with the line "Now you chillin with a boss bitch of course, SC on the sleeve at the 40/40 club ESPN on the screen". The video for the Swizz Beatz produced Memphis Bleek single "Like That" was filmed at the club's New York location.

Source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_40/40_Club

Love Fellowship Tabernacle - Hot Spots

2008-02-01T09:40:00.000-08:00

Hezekiah Walker is a Grammy Award-winning gospel music artist and pastor of prominent Brooklyn, New York megachurch Love Fellowship Tabernacle.

Walker has released several albums on Benson Records and Verity Records as Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir.

In 2001, Hezekiah & The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir were nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Best Gospel Artist, Traditional on the strength of the album Love Is Live! The group has won Grammy Awards for Best Gospel Album By Choir Or Chorus twice: once for Live in Atlanta at Morehouse College (1994), and once for Love Is Live! (2001).

Separate from The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir, Walker's LFT Church Choir released an album entitled Recorded Live At Love Fellowship Tabernacle in 1998. LFT Church Choir was more youthful and hip-hop leaning ensemble than its predecessor and its album hit the Top 5 of Billboard's Gospel Chart^[3] and was nominated for a Grammy A

Fika Expresso Bar - Hot Spot

2008-02-01T09:39:00.000-08:00

FIKA espresso bar
41 w 58th Street
New York
NY 10019
212.832.0022

HOURS
Mon-Fri, 7-7
Saturday, 9-6
Sunday, 10-5

FIKA [fee:ka] = Swedish verb that roughly translates into “take a coffee break”

Welcome to FIKA, a new Swedish espresso bar introducing a whole new concept in New York and banning the thought of one more non-satisfactory cup of coffee.

You might not be aware of this, but Swedes are among the heaviest coffee consumers on the planet. Anyone who's ever been part of a coffee break in Sweden will tell you that it is somehwhat of a social institution - a very comfortable way of socializing over wonderful things like caffeine and sugar - both in and outside the workplace.

Fika saw daylight thanks to Lars and David, two Swedish guys with an endless passion for the finer things in life. Our ambition is to bring that same passion to each and every New Yorker, and introduce a Swedish lifestyle and appreciation of world class coffee, excellent food and chocolate to die for.

Everything we sell is created on the premises, from nothing but the finest produces, and made with a great portion of heart and soul. Simply because at FIKA we believe each coffee break and every single meal should be an experience out of the ordinary.

FIKA also doubles as an art gallery; a venue for Swedish artists and photographers to show their work while you sip on your cappuccino. Come have a look, and find info on the artists displayed!

Experience FIKA and our love for what we do either by visiting our espresso bar, having us cater your special event, or by letting us deliver your breakfast and lunch orders directly to you for your convenience.

Pazza Notte - Hot Spot

2008-02-01T09:37:00.001-08:00

Dawn and Q's first date was at a little restaurant called the Pazza Notte in NYC.

Donnie J. Klang aka "Donnie J" - Artist

2008-02-01T09:37:00.000-08:00

Donnie, (born Donald Joseph Klang on January 23, 1985 in Brooklyn, New York) professionally known as Donnie J, is a music producer, singer, model, television actor, dancer, and performer. He is most well known as a contestant MTV's Making the Band 4. He was awarded his own solo contract by Diddy instead of a spot in the group.

Donnie is currently on MTV's Making the Band 4, which premieres new episodes every Monday nights at 10 P.M. Donnie quickly impressed choreographer Laurie Ann Gibson at the New York City Making the Band auditions, when she commented on the poor dancing capabilites, stating, "I don't even believe this is the N.Y. I'm a little disgusted right now... but I'm not mad at the white boy, though." At the New York City auditions, he also impressed Diddy's "Dream Team" with his charisma when Laurie Ann Gibson asked Donnie to strike a pose. However, he seems to doubt himself a bit when he says, "My singing and my dancing definitely both need work. I think something that's helped me get through it is my presence... my performance." Also, when performing for vocal coach, Ankh Ra Amenhetep, he stated, "I was very nervous about the notes I'm singing... am I going to hit this next note? In one episode of Making the Band 4, the boys had less than a day to learn a dance routine before elimination night. Diddy told 2 people in his performing group to join the "Maybe can dance" section, and Donnie made a comment stating, "Really?" in disbelief that he can't dance. In the end, Diddy allowed him to stay in the house due to his unique voice, but warned him, "Don't ever let that happen again." Donnie responded, "I'm sorry. It will never happen again," in complete relief. Some fans of the show were shocked and some impressed at this scene of the episode, due to the reception from previous episodes that Donnie is extremely sweet and respectful, always thinking of others and being raised right by his mother. Viewers and supporters were definitely nervous at elimination time at that episode, worried Donnie might be leaving home early. He seems to have a large amount of female fans and supporters, possibly due to his body fit for a model, and the way he is perceived on the show. Sunday, August 26, 2007 Diddy chose his 5 man group which included Robert, Qwanell, Willie, Brian A, and Mike. Donnie had come in first place with the most votes followed by Willie, and Mike. Even though he didn't make the band he was offered a solo artist contract with Bad Boy Ent. Some say that it is because of his good looks, nice demeanor, and that brief moment in which he stood up to Diddy that locked him in as the fan favorite.

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, but later moving to Long Island at the age of 12, Donnie developed a passion for performing. He had many attractions as a young man. Later on, from his dad's second marriage, he gained a step family including three sisters and many new cousins. He sang in a pop and R&B group during his years at Island Trees High School in Levittown, New York, before graduating in 2003. Donnie has worked labor jobs for ten hours a day, yet for most of his life, he's made the most of it, stating, "I've gotten the best of both worlds."

He is attending Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York for a major in business degree and minor in music. Donnie decided to take a semester off of college to pursue his music career and went on tour with his group. Not very long after he returned to Hofstra University, the chance came for Making the Band 4, and he again took time off college, saying, "I could go to school and be a businessman, but I'd be sitting there daydreaming about this, so why not take the chance?"

Source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donnie_J._Klang

Danity Kane - Artist

2008-02-01T09:36:00.000-08:00

Danity Kane is an American R&B girl group signed to Bad Boy Records. Formed on the third installment of the Making the Band series, the quintet consists of Shannon Bex, Aundrea Fimbres, Aubrey O'Day, Dawn Richard, and Wanita "D. Woods" Woodgette.

In 2004, rapper "Sean "Diddy" Combs" returned with Making the Band 3, this time searching for the next female supergroup. With the help of choreographer Laurie Ann Gibson, vocal coach Doc Holiday and talent manager Johnny Wright, he set out on a multi city search, subsequently finding 20 young singers. While seven girls remained, Diddy grew more and more unhappy with the level of talent throughout the season, and eventually decided not to form a band. He did however give a reprieve to three contestants who he felt deserved another chance (including Aubrey O'Day and Aundrea Fimbres) who all continued on to the following season.

Afterwards Diddy once again sent his team across the country to audition new girls for the group. Finally eighteen girls were chosen and moved into a loft in New York City. After weeks of dance and singing lessons, promotional appearances, and a performance in front of 20,000 at a Backstreet Boys concert at Nissan Pavilion in Bristow, VA, eleven girls remained. The finalists were sent home for three months, told to polish up, and return for the final stretch in December 2005.

On the second season's finale on Thursday, December 8, 2005, five of the eleven were chosen: Aundrea Fimbres, Aubrey O'Day, Dawn Angelique Richard, Shannon Bex, and Wanita "D. Woods" Woodgette. The final five members of the group in place, Making the Band 3 tracked the development and struggles of the new band - from then on known as Danity Kane (a name, taken from a female anime superhero conceived by Dawn).

After months of recording the band's debut album, Danity Kane, was released to mixed reviews on August 22, 2006 in the United States. Produced by Timbaland, Scott Storch, Rodney Jerkins, Mario Winans and Ryan Leslie among others, the album sold over 90,000 copies in the first day of release, and over 234,000 in the first week of release.^[1] It eventually debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, knocking veteran Christina Aguilera's Back to Basics from the top spot and out-selling hip-hop duo OutKast.^[1] The album received a platinum certification from the RIAA in November 2006.^[2]

The album's lead and title single "Show Stopper", produced by Jim Jonsin, was serviced to radio on August 4, 2006 and subsequently debuted at number 17 on Billboard's Hot 100; it however peaked at number 8 on that particular chart.^[3] Outside the United States, the song became a top 30 success in Germany and Lithuania. The selection for the album's second single, Bryan Michael Cox produced "Ride for You," was influenced by a fan poll that went around through e-mails, MySpace, and the group's official web site. The music video for the song premiered on MTV's Total Request Live on December 5, 2006, the same day the band released a self-penned holiday song "Home for Christmas".^[4]

During early February 2007 to May 2007 Danity Kane performed as an opening act, along with the Pussycat Dolls, on Christina Aguilera's Back To Basics Tour. In the meantime the band intensified work on their second album, which was initially scheduled for a late 2007 release, but eventually pushed back to 2008.^[5]^[5]

In the summer of 2007, speculation by fans and the media circled the internet and entertainment news outlets concerning the possibility of Danity Kane splitting up. The rumors were fueled by quotes taken out of context (most notably when Aubrey O'Day was questioned by TMZ^[6] about her relationship to the successful pop girl group the Pussycat Dolls and their television show Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll^[7]) and by work the group members have done outside of Danity Kane since the release of their debut album. Wanita "D. Woods" Woodgette's association with another girl group, The Girl's Club, was specifically cited as adding credibility to break-up rumors. Additionally, reports of solo careers and of new groups forming from various combinations of members of the group were rampant. Over the course of these rumors, the members of Danity Kane often published personal online responses to the break-up speculation.^[8]^[9]^[10]^[11] It was not until July 25, 2007 that Danity Kane released an official statement on their group MySpace page stating that they were still together and working on their second album.

These rumors were specifically addressed in the first episode of Making the Band 4 where Diddy questioned Aubrey O'Day's commitment to the group after the band's hiatus.

While making several solo appearances on other artist's albums during fall 2007, the band also recorded a song entitled "2 of You," which is said to be featured on the soundtrack with of the movie, Step Up 2, to be released in February 2008.^[12] Danity Kane will also appear on the second season of Making the Band 4 which debuts January 28, 2008 on MTV, wherein the band, singer Donnie J and the contestants from MTB live and record their albums together.

On January 18, 2008 Atlantic Records launched a poll through their website to decide which of two songs would be Danity Kane's lead single off their second studio album that will be released March 2008, the two new songs were "Pretty Boy" and "Damaged". The winner of the poll was "Damaged" and it will be officially released as a single on January 29th on iTunes and other legal music downloading sites. ^[13]

Danity Kane's sophomore album is set for a March release and a possible title for the album is, Welcome to the Dollhouse

Source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danity_Kane

Laurie Ann Gibson Biography

2008-02-01T09:35:00.000-08:00

Laurie Ann Gibson is a hip-hop choreographer best known for her work on MTV's Making the Band series. She was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, and later became a "Fly Girl" on In Living Color. She choreographed the film Honey, and has worked with artists such as Diddy, JoJo, and Brandy.

She has worked with music video director Bille Woodruff.

Ankh Ra Biography

2008-02-01T09:34:00.000-08:00

ANKH RA IS A MUSICAL/VOCAL DIRECTOR, COMPOSER, PRODUCER, PERFORMER, VOCAL INSTRUCTOR/COACH, AND EDUCATOR, WHO IS COMMITTED AND DEDICATED TO UTILIZING HIS TALENTS AND THE ARTS AS A VEHICLE FOR TRAINING, EMPOWERMENT, HEALING AND TRANSFORMATION. Ankh Ra Amenhetep is one of the official talent judges and the season’s vocal coach for MTV’S “Making The Band-4” featuring the King of Hip-Hop/R&B P Diddy. The nation-wide twelve-city talent search has culminated in motivating and inspiring the artistic dreams of over three thousand young male participating contestants. On the road, Mr. Ankh Ra, as he is affectionately called, realized he had a great opportunity to positively touch the artistic souls of all the young men that he was auditioning. “This is possibly the first major audition for most of these young men” he said a local Memphis magazine interview. “And it is my intention to be an encouraging and supportive force to inspire them to continue on their artistic journey.” He also realized that many of the young singers needed a lot of vocal work and development, which made it very clear the desperate need of a national campaign for the artistic development of today’s youth. Coming into the New York City “Making The Band” Finals, offered Ankh Ra the opportunity to work intensely with the 58 singers who were competing for the twenty spots on the show. It was a gratifying experience for Ankh Ra as well as a tremendous learning experience for the young contestants involved. Please stay tune, as the succeeding episodes will reveal which contestants actually win the honor of “Making The Band”. For the last thirty years, Ankh Ra Amenhetep has musically worked with thousands of children, teenagers, and adults. Whether he is working with major recording artists or beginning vocal students, his goals are always to empower, inspire, transform and to create a harmonious space where people can grow musically and reach their highest potential. His dedication and commitment to personal and artistic empowerment and development has earned him numerous awards including: the Father Figure Award, the Shield Community Contribution Award, the Champion of Youth Award, and the Special Community Service Award. In 2006, Ankh Ra returned as Theater Arts Director and musical director for Mind-Builder’s Positive Youth Troupe. From 1989 to 1999 he served as the musical/vocal director for the Mind-Builder’s Positive Youth Troupe, where he musically directed, musically scored and vocally coached and arranged six PYT musical theater productions. These productions toured the New York City school system, colleges, libraries, community centers and corrections facilities. Mr. Amenhetep has also musically and vocally directed and composed music for various other NYC organizations including: New York City Department of Education, New York State Education Department, the New York City Parks Department, City Kids Foundation, Nite-Star Theater, Community Works, All Saint’s Catholic Church & School, Graham-Windham Services for Youth, The Bronx Creative Arts For Youth and the Area Cooperative Educational Services in New Haven, CT. As a songwriter and ASCAP member, Ankh Ra was awarded the ASCAP Popular Award for Songwriters and the prestigious Abe Olman Scholarship Award for Songwriters. He was also chosen, out of thousands of songwriters, to participate in the ASCAP Pop and R&B songwriting workshops and received an honorable mention certificate in the John Lennon songwriting contest. His commercial recording credits include: “I Do Me Too,” - a St. Johns Divine CD project; “Time Warner Children Story Series,” “The Drummer Path,” an instrumental & vocal project, “Possibility”- a solo CD single; “Wisdom” and ‘Deep Inside My Soul” world wide dance music releases. His 2001 CD releases include; “I Am SomDONOTBLOCKOURADSebody” a NYC High School music & poetry project and “Spark a Genius,” a conscious hip hop/rap project. His 2002 releases include: “Rhythm Nation” a CD project of positive and motivating songs for the NYC Department of Education; “Everything We Go Through” a NYC High School music & poetry project and “Higher Consciousness” a conscious R&B /hip hop/spoken/rap project, which features Ankh Ra as solo artist. His 2003 releases include: “Twenty Years of Love,” a mini CD, “Everybody Loves Kwanzaa,” a cultural release, “Shout It Out,” “Why War” two anti-war club releases and “You Got The Power,” an inspirational dance release. No doubt Ankh Ra Amenhetep has accomplished much more than the most and his journey has only just begun. Well respected and sought after in the music community, his spirit, honesty and dedication to his craft can only go on to soar higher and higher. This chapter includes his story on Making the Band 4, stay tuned for the next chapter of even more unlimited possibilities…

"Slam" Biography

2008-02-01T09:33:00.000-08:00

Multi Platinum Producer and Bad Boy A&R Slam’s credits include but not limited to, DIDDY’S Press Play album: Diddy featuring artists such as Keisha Cole’s..1 Hit Single, “LAST NIGHT”, Christina Aguilera’s “TELL ME”, Nicole Scherzinger’s “COME TO ME” and most recently returned from a 13-city Casting Tour of MTV’s Making The Band 4!

Tiffany Starr Biography

2008-02-01T09:32:00.001-08:00

Imagination led by an uncompromising dream, breathes life into the lyrical sound of Tiffany Starr. Born in the small town of Lincoln, Massachusetts Tiffany found at a young age that her writing talents were impressive to say the least. She excelled quickly and was offered a rare opportunity by Boston College to attend creative writing classes while still juggling her high school schedule. Coming from a town of conservation land and winding roads, Tiffany Starr then moved to New York City and began classes at New York University. While studying Journalism, Mass Communications, and English she began a freshman year internship with now Grammy award winners Kanye West and John Legend. Thus begins Tiffany Starr’s thorough motivation to pursue a career in music. “To make a career out of something I love to do, let alone something so creative as songwriting is the most fulfilling feeling,” she says. She nicknames her portfolio of songs “Journey of A Pisces” as her work is a complete lyrical persona of life and it’s lessons. Determined to follow her destiny she currently works in New York City writing everything from R&B to Pop/Rock melodies. Her unique sounds are paired with a contagious smile and compassionate heart; because without intellect and drive this female wouldn’t be able to change the game.

Kwame Biography

2008-02-01T09:32:00.000-08:00

As a child, Holland was mentored by Stevie Wonder, Lionel Hampton, and Abdullah Ibrahim who were family friends.

He was sixteen when he released his self-produced debut album, Kwamé the Boy Genius Featuring A New Beginning in 1989. A New Beginning was his backing band and Kwamé was one of the rare rappers at the time to use a live band. The album spawned the singles "The Man We All Know and Love" and "The Rhythm". The accompanying music videos featured a polka-dot motif in the costumes and production design. This was to become Kwamé's trademark and started a hip hop fashion trend as fans began wearing polka-dotted clothing. In 1990, his second album A Day in the Life: A Pokadelick Adventure was released. It was a concept album about a day in the life of a high school student. The album spawned the hit single "Ownlee Eue".

In 1992, he released his third album Nastee. Now 18, Kwamé tried an image change by discarding the polka-dots and writing more sexually-charged lyrics in contrast to his previously playful, intellectual persona. The title track was a minor hit but the album quickly fell from the charts. His fourth album, 1994's Incognito failed to chart and Kwamé was dropped from his record label. That same year, Kwamé became a punch line in The Notorious B.I.G.'s popular song "Unbelievable":

The lyric was a major blow to Kwamé's esteem and career as he suddenly became an object of ridicule in the hip-hop community.^[2] But in 2002, Kwamé reemerged as a music producer named "K-1 Million". He worked for many artists such as LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige and Dru Hill. In 2004, he had a major success as the co-producer (with Eminem) of Lloyd Banks' smash hit song "On Fire". He continues to work steadily as a producer with his current artists Beyond Belief and Profit and has since returned to using his real name.

He holds music workshops for children and has worked with various youth organizations including the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation.

Joe Biography

2008-02-01T09:31:00.000-08:00

Early life and career

An accomplished vocalist of smooth and sultry R&B productions with occasional Hip-Hop beats, Joe's extensive background in gospel music has allowed him to produce his albums as well as sing on them. A native of Georgia, Joe later moved to Opelika, AL; since he was the son of two preachers, he spent much time in church singing, playing guitar, and even directing the choir. Influenced early on by gospel stars like the Winans, Commissioned, and Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Joe grew to love soul legends Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye plus contemporary stars Bobby Brown and Keith Sweat.

1990s

Joe graduated from high school and continued to sing and write music while working at occasional temporary jobs. Finally, he traveled to New Jersey, hoping to make connections in the music industry. While working at a gospel record store and continuing his music education through a local church, he met producer Vincent Herbert and recorded a three-song demo tape. He signed to Polygram and in 1993 released his album debut, Everything. Joe also appeared on the soundtrack to Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood. Joe signed to Jive Records for his 1997 album, All That I Am. This proved to be his breakthrough album, reaching #13 on the. Billboard 200 album charts and number 4 on the R&B charts. The hit singles from this album included the Top 5 R&B/Top 20 pop hit "All the Things Your Man Won't Do", the Top 5 R&B/Top 40 pop hit "Don't Wanna Be a Player", produced by Rodney Jerkins, and "The Love Scene". "Don't Wanna Be a Player", produced by Rodney Jerkins, was also featured on the Booty Call soundtrack, helping its success. All That I Am eventually went platinum in the US.^{[citation needed]} Joe remixed a duet by Barry White and Tina Turner called "Never in Your Dreams" and wrote and produced debut albums by Ideal and Déjà Groove in the late 1990s. Joe also sang on the remix of Big Punisher's "Still Not a Player", which interpolated Joe's "Don't Wanna Be a Player".

Joe appeared on the track "Thank God I Found You" with Mariah Carey which appeared on her Rainbow album. This song was released as the second single and came a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. This track also became a hit internationally, helping to raise Joe's profile in other parts of the world.

2000s

Joe released his third album, My Name Is Joe, in 2000, which became his most successful album, reaching the top of the R&B album charts and #2 on the Billboard 200, eventually selling more than three million copies.^{[citation needed]} This album was also his first to make an impression outside the US. It featured the Top 5 R&B and pop hit lead single "I Wanna Know", which also reached the top 40 in the UK and Australia. The second single released was "Treat Her Like A Lady", which enjoyed moderate success. The third single, the Roy "Royalty" Hamilton & Teddy Riley-produced "Stutter", was #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B/Hip-Hop Tracks chart, and part of the Top 10 in the UK and top 20 in Australia. Mystikal appeared on the remix of the single, which sampled The Pharcyde's 1992 hit "Passin' Me By", which in turn samples Quincy Jones' Summer in the City.

The Better Days album was released in 2001, reaching #32 on the Billboard 200 and #4 on the R&B chart. It featured two singles, "Lets Stay Home Tonight", which reached #18 on the US R&B chart, and "What If A Woman".

In 2002, Joe did another collaboration with Mariah Carey, which Joe join the vocals from Kelly Price and Mariah Carey which is the remix of the first single "Through the Rain" from Carey's album Charmbracelet.

Joe recruited high profile guests for the And Then ... album released in late 2003. R. Kelly wrote the track "More and More", which was supposed to be on his Loveland album. G-Unit features on "Ride Wit U". The singles from the And Then ... album included the Top 20 R&B hit "More and More", "Ride Wit U", and "Priceless". A Double A-sided single "More and More" and "Ride Wit U" made the Australian top 40 in July 2004. And Then ... reached #26 on the US album charts and #4 on the R&B charts.

Joe's new album, Ain't Nothin' Like Me, is produced by Tim & Bob, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, The Underdogs, Cool & Dre, Timbaland, Bryan Michael Cox, The Smith Brothers (aka the BEATSMITHz), and Sean Garrett. The album will feature guest appearances by Nas, Fabolous, Chamillionaire, Papoose, Young Buck and Tony Yayo. The album is to be released on 24 April 2007 according to Joe's official website. The first single will be "Where You At", written by Sean Garrett and produced by Tim & Bob featuring rapper Papoose. The video for the single has already been shot by music video director Billie Woodruff. The video for "If I Was Your Man", Joe's second single, has been shot and premiered across the Internet and television.

And as of 2007, he will be on the new season of Making the Band (4) which he is going to be a current judge.

Michael Bivins Biography

2008-02-01T09:30:00.000-08:00

Michael Lamont Bivins, aka Biv, (born August 10, 1968 in Boston, Massachusetts) is the founder and member of the R&B group New Edition and the hip hop group Bell Biv DeVoe. Not only does he perform in both groups, but he also discovers, manages, and produces for other acts, most notably Another Bad Creation, MC Brains, Boyz II Men, and 702, all of which who were signed to his Motown distributed label Biv 10 Records, prior to him discovering them. He serves as the music entrepreneur and A&R man of both of his own acts.

Bivins can also be credited as the person who gave Left Eye from TLC her name. He approached her back in 1991 and told her one of her eyes is more noticeable then the other, so he then began calling her Left Eye as a joke, but she retained the nickname to her death.

Bivins had a minor role in the film Friday After Next, and guest-starred as a DJ on the pseudo-radio station CSR 103.9 in the hit video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Most recently, he made an appearance in the basketball film Crossover as a character known as Heart Attack. He is also in charge of Artist Development for Making the Band 4.

Mario Winans Biography

2008-02-01T09:29:00.000-08:00

Mario Winans is an American R&B and gospel music producer, writer, and singer. He is best known as an artist for his 2004 top five album in the UK and the U.S., Hurt No More, and his top five smash single, "I Don't Wanna Know".

Mario Winans was born on the 27th of August in Orangeburg, South Carolina but grew up in Detroit. He is a member of gospel music's most notable family The Winans by marriage as he is the son of Bishop Ronald E. Brown and Vickie Winans (NOTE: Bishop Ronald E. Brown was her first husband, but Mario took the Winans last name after her marriage to Marvin Winans).

Winans started out learning music in school learning piano, keyboards, and drums. His mother Vicki Winans bought him a roomful of recording equipment, and he learned the function of every piece of equipment. He started producing gospel groups straight out of high school and soon accumulated credits for Fred Hammond, The Anointed, and the Clark Sisters as well as various Winans family member albums.

In the mid-1990s, he signed a production deal with Dallas Austin's Rowdy Records.(Tim&Bob had introduced) His breakthrough came with credits on the tracks "I Can't Sleep Baby" and "You Remind Me Of Something" on R. Kelly's R. Kelly album in 1995. Work with Pebbles and 98 Degrees soon followed.

Winans released his debut album Story of my Heart on Motown in 1997. While the song "Don't Know" reached the U.S. R&B top 50, the album failed to chart.

Soon after, Winans teamed up with P. Diddy and his Bad Boy roster. His first work with Bad Boy was playing drums on "Come With Me" in 1998 by Diddy and Jimmy Page, based on the classic Led Zeppelin song "Kashmir" from their 1975 album Physical Graffiti.

Over the past few years, Winans has racked a sizeable list of production credits for Bad Boy artists including Diddy, The Notorious B.I.G., Lil' Kim, Faith Evans, Loon, Black Rob, and 112. He has also worked with notable artists outside Bad Boy including Destiny's Child, Mary J. Blige, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, Tamia, and Brian McKnight.

Winans co-wrote the 2-part song "I Need a Girl" with P. Diddy and appeared on the "Pt. 2" version with Loon, Ginuwine, and Diddy, which became a hit recording in 2002. He also produced the Bad Boy remix compilation We Invented The Remix in 2002.

Winans recorded his second album Hurt No More in 2001, 2002, and 2003 in between his busy schedule working with other artists. The album is based on stories of love and betrayal.

The first single "I Don't Wanna Know" was based on a sample of the Fugees' 1996 hit single "Ready Or Not", which itself was based on a slowed-down sample of the instrumental track "Boadicea" by Enya from her 1987 self-titled album. Enya and her representatives became annoyed since Winans did not seek her approval for the sample, as he was unaware that the Fugees sample he had used had itself been a sample. So, a compromise was reached to credit the single as "Mario Winans featuring P. Diddy and Enya". [1]. The song features a rap by P. Diddy and radio programmers and club DJs started playing the track when it started appearing on mixtapes. The song was released as the single in early 2004 and became a worldwide hit going to #1 in Germany and on the rhythmic top 40 radio chart in the United States; to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, on the U.S. R&B/Hip-Hop singles chart, and on the world internet download charts; and to #3 on a composite world R&B chart (based on the R&B charts in the U.S., UK, Germany, France, and Australia) and on both the Australian and Norwegian singles charts. It also reached the top ten on a composite European singles chart.

Hurt No More was released on April 20, 2004 in the U.S. and, by early June 2004, had reached #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, #2 on the Billboard 200, and #3 on the UK's album chart.

The album's second single, "Never Really Was", used a sample of the orchestrated beginning of Madonna's 1986 hit, "Papa Don't Preach", as its background music. However, the song failed to chart in America.

Currently Winans appears on Diddy's new album, Press Play producing, writing and singing on "Through The Pain (She Told Me)" and the new single "Last Night" with Keyshia Cole. "Last Night" was originally intended for his own album, which he has apparently been recording for release in 2007. "Put Ya Arm Around Me" is the only confirmed track, it is possibly the first single. Most recently Winans produced Fat Joe's new hit single "I Won't Tell" featuring J. Holiday.

Source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Winans

Bryan Michael Cox Biography

2008-02-01T09:28:00.000-08:00

Bryan-Michael Cox (born December 1, 1977) is an award winning American songwriter and record producer.

He is a songwriter and producer. He has co-written and co-produced singles including: Mariah Carey's "Shake It Off"; Fantasia's "Only One U"; Danity Kane's "Ride For You"; LeToya's "Obvious"; Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You"; Toni Braxton's "Trippin' (That's the Way Love Works)"; Usher's "Confessions, Pt. 2", and Kelly Rowland's "Bad Habit". Cox has been professionally producing since 1998, receiving his first formal credit on 1999's "Get Gone" by the R&B Houston-based group Ideal.

Cox was born in Miami and grew up in Houston, Texas, where he attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. While in the eleventh grade he met and was mentored by Greg Curtis (who produced and co-wrote Keyshia Cole’s 2006 hit, "Love"). From Curtis, who had a studio in Houston, Cox learned the basic foundation of creating songs, including production, using audio equipment, recording, as well as structuring and writing songs.

During his senior year, he was joined at the school by freshmen Beyoncé Knowles and her former Destiny's Child group member LeToya Luckett. His friendship with Beyoncé and her belief in his talent resulted in his first “real” recording session, which consisted of doing three demo songs for the group then known only as “Destiny.” Although the songs were never officially released, Cox expressed that the session led him to truly know he wanted to be a professional music producer.

In 1997, he moved to Atlanta to attend Clark Atlanta University (CAU), where he majored in music. However, his ultimate reason for the move was to break into the music industry. He pursued opportunities within the music industry. Based on information from a campus flyer, he sought out and obtained an unpaid internship with the Noontime production company, in order to obtain experience and opportunities.^[2] His hard work paid off as his affiliation with Noontime led to him working with Jagged Edge, which resulted in him meeting Jermaine Dupri. Cox’s relationship with Dupri soon had him producing and writing for Nivea, Monica, Da Brat and Lil' Bow Wow. Although Cox has since co-written and co-produced an extensive body of work (including Hot 100 #1 hits such as Carey’s “Don’t Forget About Us” in addition to Usher’s “Burn,” “Confessions, Pt. 2” and “U Got It Bad”) and won two Grammy awards (for work on albums by Carey and Usher), Mary J. Blige’s “Be Without You” marked his first Hot 100 Top 5 hit without Dupri.

Cox has teamed with Christopher Hicks of Noontime to establish the imprint Beatfactory, LLC. In addition to LeToya, its list of artists includes male singer Q. Amey, Bella (a trio of females), and Dirty Rose (a male quartet). Cox also produces for his own Black Baby, Inc. Stating that he's a "vocalist by nature", he is considering recording his own solo project. In the meanwhile, he’s worked on or is working on projects for artists such as Whitney Houston, Fantasia, Omarion, Mýa, Avant, Amerie, Musiq, Claudette Ortiz (formerly of City High), Johnta Austin, Fergie of The Black Eyed Peas, Jessica Simpson, Marques Houston, Toni Braxton, Nicole Scherzinger (of the Pussycat Dolls) and Atlantic's Erica Rivera.^[3]

He has also worked with Olivia, Frankie J, Faith Evans and Eric West. He has begun working on forthcoming projects by Brandy, Monica, Mariah Carey, Keyshia Cole, Kelly Rowland, Trey Songz, Amerie, Mario, Tevin Campbell, Joe, Whitney Houston, Ashanti, Antonella Barba,Chris Brown, Celine Dion, Sureshot, Bryan Abrams of Color Me Badd and Britney Spears.

Source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_Michael_Cox

About the Show

2008-02-01T09:27:00.001-08:00

Season one
Diddy begins his search for an all-male super group. This all-male band is widely believed to be the new version of 112, New Edition, or *NSYNC, as reported earlier in the season. The season began on June 18, 2007 at 9:00 p.m. The band was finally made on August 26, 2007, which consists of five black males in their early to mid 20's. A site called, Bad Boy Blog, had recently released an article that was posted on September 18, 2007 stating that the group had just released a single called, "I Want You Exclusive," along with various audio clips for people to listen to this song. This single will be released online on October 2, 2007. Also another single featuring world known pop artist Kip Small Jr will be released.

Episode	Information
1	A panel of judges travel across the country to find 58 men with the most potential of being in a successful mens performing group. Diddy picks 20 men and eliminates the other 38. 'There is a song that is used in this episode that the guys have to dance to in able to learn their choreography. 'The name of the theme song for Making the Band 4 is "I Want You Exclusive" written by Brian Cox, one of the judges on the show.'
2	The men are split up into five groups of four and choose a song to perform for Diddy and the other judges. During an intense work out session, Dyshon gets sick and is taken to the hospital. Mike is chastised by Diddy for his lack of commitment to getting in shape, while Dan is praised for hiring a personal trainer and losing 16 lbs since the first audition. Also, Chris is told from Diddy that he is in fact the weakest singer. During a vocal session, the guys open up to each other and learns, Chris grandfather passed away and he never had the chance to say goodbye and that his grandfather would have been proud of his accomplishments. Also we learn Dan is in love and Donnie has a soulful passion in his music, which he describes as "strong love".
3	Diddy gives the contestants a grueling series of tasks to take place around New York, including buying cheesecake, that must be completed as a team. The majority of the contestants complete most of the tasks, earning Diddy's congratulations. After their performances, an impressed Diddy decides to cut only four of the guys rather than ten, including men who did not participate in the tasks and men who failed to perform well.
4	Diddy surprises the contestants by revealing he will continue searching for new talent, namely four new performers. Eleven applicants impress Diddy and his team, earning a spot on the team. The new contestants are given a tour of the house, where the establish competitors are caught napping. Angered at their lack of motivation, Diddy initiates a competition on the spot to determine who will remain on the show. The end result is the release of a few originals.
5	The guys get off to a rocky start, as the old guys don't trust the new guys right away. They soon "warm up" to each other as they engage in a 5 mile run issued by Diddy. Robert's girlfriends calls and conversation ends in a hostile break-up. Michael loses an amazing 11 pounds at a workout session and seems to be keeping it off with his eating habits. Ankh Ra splits the boys into groups and has them perform a song for him, and later Diddy. The main conflict is Robert losing rehearsal time due to spending an hour mending his relationship on the phone. Diddy is stumped at elimination and does not cut anyone due to the excellent performances, to the surprise of all. He then turns the tables and chooses Dan, Donnie, Robert, Dyshon, DeAngelo,and Willie to choose who goes. Only two guys, not surprisingly, both new leave, Jeremic and Devin.
6	The guys are tested in a series of physical tests including basketball and boxing. Jonathan has a hard time keeping up with the rest during the "losers' run", only to get his nose busted from his "brother" Qwanell. During a difficult dance routine with Laurie Ann, Jonathan realizes that maybe joining this competition wasn't his calling. So during their routine, he tells his fellow members that he will no longer be continuing on with them on their journey.While dancing solo, Julius hears a pop. He is taken to the hospital and told he has a sprained ligament. At eliminations, Donnie questions Diddy's decision on putting him in the "can't dance group", but surprisingly makes the cut. Diddy gets upset when he has to make his cut because he realizes that Laurie Ann didn't follow his orders to have the guys rehearse all weekend instead of just for eight hours the day of the cut. In the end, Diddy cuts a total of five guys: Armando, Dan, Andrae, Eric, and Curtiss. There are 12 guys left.
7	It's almost the finale, and this episode, the guys are being tested on their dancing, singing, and overall performance-- the total package. The boys get a new choreographer named Jamal, and they seem to like him better than Laurie Ann because he actually breaks the dance steps down slowly until each guy gets it. Julius is still frustrated about his leg injury, because there is an upcoming elimination that will include dancing, and he is forced to sit in the dance studio while the other guys learn new choreography. Donnie is also stressed about his dancing because last week Diddy stated that he can't dance at all, but Jamal says it's just in his head; don't let what other people say about white boys get to your head, and he appreciates the support from his new dance coach. He later then receives dance tips from Qwanell and Carlos, which seems to have helped him boost his confidence immensely. We learn Carlos's fiancee is pregnant, but he later receives news that their baby might be born with down syndrome. As the guys get ready for elimination night, Donnie puts on an outfit, asking one of the other guys if this outfit made him look more of a dancer. They go to Spotlight to perform for Diddy, who will be basing tonight's information on dancing, singing, performance, improvement, determination, and their past weeks here in New York. Carlos's group is first to perform, and Diddy quickly stops the dancing performance and asks the group to sing again because he doesn't think Carlos gave his best. They dance again, and he still doesn't look satisfied. Carlos can't balance his personal problems with the competition, even though he says he wants this more than anything. When Julius's group performs their dance routine, Julius is having trouble with the dance because he hasn't practiced nearly enough as his group members, and Diddy again asks his group to redo it. When Donnie performs his choreography with his group, he states that he believes what Diddy said was just a test, because if Diddy thought he couldn't dance at all, why wouldn't he have just cut him right away? He believes Diddy did it to get him to work twice as hard as his band mates, and wants to prove him better than the guys that already left and the guys still here. Diddy seems to like his group's performance, especially Big Mike because he looks like he's enjoying dancing for Diddy. When it is time to individually perform vocally, Carlos and Julius both struggle; Diddy asked Carlos if he even knew the words of the song, and Julius began to fumble more and more as he performed. In the end, only Julius and Carlos were cut. The guys were then told to go home for two months and come back looking like superstars. Choice of Group (when looking over head shots, in episode 7) Diddy tells each judge to pick their group. This is the result: Bivins: Robert, Willie, Michael, Brian A Cox (producer): Robert, Brian A, Willie, Donnie Slam: Robert, Brian A.,Jeremy, Qwanell Ankh Ra (Vocal coach): Robert, Brian A.,Jeremy, Qwanell Jamal (choreographer): Brian A, Willie, Donnie, Qwanell Tallied Votes: Robert - 4 Brian A. - 5 Willie - 3 Qwanell - 3 Donnie - 3 Jeremy - 2 Michael - 1
8	After all the contestants arrive back from their long break at home they are immediately reunited together at the airport with all 10 members. DeAngelo comes back with his braces fully removed, and Mike "Big Mike" comes back with a brand new look and in much better shape. The guys reveal what they did over their break as some reveal they performed, worked on their voices, and took dance classes. The guys meet back up in the same park where they are informed that they will be performing at the Beacon Theater where they will open up for New Edition in front of a sold out crowd. The guys go to meet Ankah to practice their songs and work on their voices and are put into 2 groups. One group is called 5th City and the second group is called Flo. The guys are introduced at the concert by Slam and immediately the show begins. After the performance the groups are rated by the crowd with the crowd cheering the loudest for Flo. The remaining 10 people receive information that they will receive makeovers and be featured in a Sean John photo shoot. After the photo shoot the guys leave to meet Diddy for the final cut. Diddy and his entourage meet in a room to deliberate on people who could possibly make the band and he reveals his feelings towards certain people and his ideas, until he tells the camera man to turn the camera off. At the finial meeting place where the guys meet Diddy who has surprisingly arrived before them are told to stand in line against the wall. Diddy begins by calling people out and making them stand in line and sending people back and forth rearranging the group until he calls for music. He tells them to sing. After all the guys sing they are immediately shocked by Diddys walking out of the room without saying anything. The episode comes to a close with a message from Diddy telling everyone he needs help deciding who the group should be. He encouraged all viewers to log onto the MTV website and vote for their favorite finalist, with the results to be revealed on the live finale.
9	On the live finale, the finalists performed a snippet of "If It Isn't Love" and a ballad version of their theme song "I Want You Exclusive". Yung Joc performed and Danity Kane made a special appearance. Dyshon was the first to leave, followed by Brian Harris. Afterwards the band was finally made and Robert, Willie, Qwanell, Brian Andrews, and Mike were called to be in the band. Donnie, who came in first, followed by Willie and Mike in the voting ballots, was offered a solo artist contract on the Bad Boy label by Diddy because he showed such persistence throughout the show.

Season two
Diddy announced at the end of the Season 4 live finale that there will be another season of Making The Band that will show the Season 4 winners and Donnie's debut albums along with Danity Kane's second album coming together. He also said that there will be a "Making The Band" tour with Danity Kane, the Season 4 winners and Donnie. Danity Kane and Making The Band 4 Winners will all move into the same house and record their new albums and get to know each other a lot more. This will be Danity Kane's second album and Making The Band 4 Winners' Debut. The new season is scheduled to air on January 28, 2008 according to the official Making the Band 4 MySpace. The season will be centered around the competition in which who will release their album first in the first half of the season, followed by drama in the later half of the season according to the trailer currently playing to promote the season. Leading up to the premiere of season 2, a snippet of a song called "Together" produced by Bryan Michael Cox recently leaked onto the internet. The Making The Band 4 boys have a song out called "Got Me Going" (lead single off their upcoming album). Danity Kane has a confirmed lead single called "Damaged". Fans voted between it and another song, "Pretty Boy". Donnie J. Klang also has out a song called "So Beautiful". Both "Damaged" and "Got Me Going" will be released to all digital music stores January 29.

Furthermore, the band finally has name called, the 826 Boys, according to various sources. Their official website and myspace site will be launched anytime soon.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Making_The_Band

About the Band

2008-02-01T09:25:00.000-08:00

Bad Boy Records has announced the upcoming release of "Exclusive (No Excuses)," the eagerly anticipated debut single from the finalists featured on the hit MTV series, Making The Band 4. The track - produced by multiple Grammy Award-winner Bryan Michael Cox (Usher, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey) - will be available at all digital services beginning next Tuesday, October 2nd.

"Exclusive (No Excuses)" introduces Brian Andrews, Mike McCluney, Qwanell Mosley (aka "Q"), Robert Curry, and Willie Taylor - the five talented performers chosen by Bad Boy CEO Diddy and MTV viewers around the world on the blockbuster Making The Band 4 finale last month. The single also includes the live ballad version of "Exclusive (No Excuses)," performed by the as-yet-unnamed quintet and additional MTB4 finalist Donnie Klang on the series' final episode. The gifted young Klang did not make the new group's final line-up, but was offered a surprise solo contract by Diddy, stunning and delighting MTB4 fans everywhere. All six finalists are currently in the studio, hard at work on debut albums scheduled for release in 2008.

MTV's live season finale of Making The Band 4 proved to be one of the summer's biggest successes, reaching over 5.1 million viewers upon its initial broadcast on Sunday, August 26th. The show was the most watched telecast for the night across all of television, even surpassing the broadcast networks. In addition, the entire season of Making The Band 4 was MTV.com's top show on Sundays and Mondays, as viewers went online to check out the exclusive "After Show," read recaps, see special photo slideshows, and more. The day following the live finale event, MTV.com logged nearly 1 million streams of the Making The Band 4 broadcast.

For additional info, see Cast Bio & Myspace links

Cast Bio & Myspace Links

2008-02-01T09:23:00.000-08:00

	Big Mikes McCluney Myspace Page Michael used to assemble cars and teach dance classes, but all that is in his past now that he won a spot in Diddy's all-male supergroup during season 1 of Making the Band 4. Michael has a beautiful voice, loads of confidence and a brand-new look. Raised on rich Southern cooking, he struggled with his weight throughout the Making the Band 4 competition, but by the end he slimmed down and got a makeover. Convinced that his newfound success will put him in a position to help others, Michael's ready to get to work on the band's debut album.
	Willie Taylor Myspace Page Although the Chicago music scene is small, Willie made a living as a singer, songwriter and arranger before being asked to join Diddy's all-male supergroup during Making the Band 4. While living in New York City during season 1, Willie desperately missed his girlfriend and son, but he kept going so that he could be a role model for his child. Even though Willie's been burned by the music industry before, he knows that things will be different this time around since he has Diddy on his side. Now he's determined to hunker down and help his band make the best album they can.
	Brian Andrews Myspace Page Brian's come a long way from making ends meet by working at a doggie daycare, having earned one of the coveted spots in Diddy's all-male supergroup during season 1 of Making the Band 4. Married with two small children, Brian cares deeply for his family and hopes his newfound success will help make all their dreams come true. A talented singer, Brian's greatest weakness is his temper, which often leads to heated confrontations. Will he be able to keep his attitude in check as he and his bandmates begin working on their debut album?
	Robert Curry Myspace Page In his hometown, Robert has a reputation as a gifted performer, and he definitely had the confidence and swagger that Diddy was looking for during season 1 of Making the Band 4. After proving he could work well with others, Robert was chosen to join Diddy's all-male supergroup. Robert's voice is so unique that Diddy says it gives him chills every time he hears it. Despite his love for music, Robert has some personal issues that sometimes interfere with his professional life. Will he be able to put his problems on the back burner and focus solely on making the band's debut album?
	Qwanell Mosley Myspace Page After much thought, Qwanell decided to give up a scholarship to Firetown College to appear on season 1 of Making the Band 4 -- and what a smart choice it turned out to be! Although he was nervous about auditioning in front of Diddy, Qwanell's singing and dancing skills scored him a spot in the band. Since his father passed away when he was only four, Qwanell relied on his mother and grandmother for support throughout his life. Now he hopes to repay them by becoming the star he always knew he could be.