Drake White sings 'Girl In Pieces' acoustically at The George Jones Museum in Nashville, Tennessee for the Country Rebel George Jones Sessions, a "Tribute To The Possum."
Monthly Archives: October 2018
And the Winner Is…
I’m not giving you a spoiler alert, because the AMAs were days ago and if you don’t know who won by now, you haven’t been on the internet. So.
By far, the big country winner of the night was Kane Brown. He beat out superstars Luke Bryan and Thomas Rhett for Favorite Country Male. He came out ahead of Thomas Rhett and Luke Combs for Favorite Country Album. And he also won Favorite Country Song for “Heaven,” edging out Dan + Shay’s “Tequila” and FGL and Bebe Rexha’s “Meant To Be.”
Here’s his acceptance speech for Favorite Country Male (and the good news is, he did NOT pass out).
His fiancée Katelyn Jae wasn’t with him – she was home watching on TV, but when his name was announced. Check out her reaction on Instagram here.
Carrie Underwood got her sixth AMA for Favorite Female Country Artist, in fact, she’s won that one every year since 2014. Check out her acceptance speech here.
Later, on social media, she says she got caught up in the excitement and the emotions and felt like her speech made no sense, and she left out half of what she wanted to say, so she finished here!
Not surprisingly, Florida Georgia Line took home the win for Favorite Country Duo or Group. Check out their red carpet interview with Jessie James Decker – and their STYLE.
Only one all-genre category included country artists. Florida Georgia Line and Maren Morris were both up for Collaboration of the Year for their projects with Bebe Rexha and Zedd, respectively. Neither won, but as they say, it’s an honor just to be nominated, right?
CeeLo lends support to Taylor Swift
While President Trump’s opinion of the newly outspoken-on-politics Taylor Swift (well, at least her music) has recently diminished by a whopping 25%, the superstar singer continues to get support from within the entertainment community. Over the weekend, Swift took to social media and gave a lucid, well-articulated explanation of why she chose now to break her political silence and to let the world know she was endorsing Democratic candidates in the upcoming mid-term elections in her home state of Tennessee. Fellow pop-star (and sometimes nemesis) Katy Perry and actor Josh Brolin are among the celebrities who publicly supported Swift’s sentiment. The growing list of Swift supporters can now add one Mr. CeeLo Green.
Green weighed in on Monday from his hometown of Atlanta, where the musical renaissance man is taking a break from his recording and touring to hang out with his son Kingston and new artist, Echelon, to discuss politics. The legendary performer said he likes that Swift has decided to get vocal.
“Kudos to Taylor Swift for owning up to her opinion and lending her influence and support to someone that she deems worthy,” the veteran MC applauded. “I have to respect that. It’s quite difficult because we’re bound by our opinions, our public opinions. IT can be picked apart. There’s no way to give politics poetic justice. It’s a conversation that only requires plain English. Just speak to the facts. Know your enemy, know your opposition and then know thy self and be true to thy self.”
Swift was the big winner last night at the American Music Awards. Not only did she open up the show with a performance, but she also took home Artist of the Year, Tour of the Year Favorite Female Artist, Pop/Rock and Favorite Album/ Pop Rock for Reputation.
CeeLo Green commends Taylor Swift for voicing her political opinion and talks about the lack of poetic justice in politics.
The multi-time Grammy Award winner voiced support for Nashville's newly outspoken songstress.
Moshpit Memoirs: Slipknot
I don’t know if it’s due to the season of Halloween masks, but the band Slipknot has been on my mind as of late. Perhaps it’s also because their 20 year anniversary is coming up and frontman Corey Taylor recently revealed that he's begun lyric writing for a new Slipknot album. Whatever it is, I feels like the right time to look back at all the Slipknot live shows that I’ve survived and conquered.
Ozzfest June 30, 2001 in San Bernardino:
A pinnacle of metal concerts, in my opinion. Metal exuberance filled the Glen Helen Blockbuster Pavilion (that’s right, Blockbuster!) as metalheads bounced between the main stage and second stages. I vividly remember approaching the main stage with the sad knowledge that Drowning Pool’s last minute cancellation would prevent my own personal “let the bodies hit the floor” moment. But my frown quickly turned into upside down into a snarl as nine jumpsuited figures hit the stage. It was if a blinding light of metal fury was cast over the audience, cranking the mood from from eight to eleven. As the first notes rang out, I was actually nervous as opening acts Linkin Park, Papa Roach, and Nonpoint hadn’t quite warmed us up properly for such a heavy onslaught. It was like the metal equivalent of going from Kenny G to Slayer, you get what I’m saying?
As the show raged on, I witnessed a deranged clown smashing a trashcan with a bat, a gas masked DJ jumping from the stage-support into the audience, a long nosed gimp… you know what, I'll stop myself there. Suffice to say, it was the kind of that left me with a natural high and a ring in my heart (and ears) that started my love for a band I knew nothing about. I guess If you wanted to make it more poetic, that was the day I went from a young man to a maggot.
Ozzfest July 31, 2004 in San Bernardino:
I returned to the now-called "Hyundai Pavilion," rocking the sweetest of Superjoint Ritual shirts that I won from a local rock radio booth. My friends were anchored to the main stage line up, but I had my eyes glued to that second stage. With the likes of Darkest Hour, DevilDriver, Unearth, Every Time I Die, Lacuna Coil, Atreyu, and Lamb of God… it was a veritable who’s who of amazing talent that would fight for my love on my “most played” on my IPod mini.
There was, however, one band that I was looking forward to the most. Dawning new masks and new black outfits, Slipknot hit the stage with a whole new level of polish. The insanity and crazy stage antics were still there, but it was different now, somehow even more pure and focused. At that point it was less of an embodiment of emotion and noise, and more like a singular drumline hellbent on unifying the audience with its music. And, sure, maybe I lost my left shoe in the pit, but it was well goddamn worth it for that experience!
And you can be that the mosh was unreal when “Before I Forget” dropped.
Mayhem Festival July 16, 2008 in Chula Vista:
Okay, this is one of the shows I actually wished was back in San Bernardino, because Chula Vista’s amphitheater was terrible. From the parking lot of horror to making me miss most of the side stage performances, to the staff frisking me three times because I was apparently the "most suspicious guy there.” However, for that night... I let it all slide.
After watching Five Finger Death Punch at the properly branded Jägermeister Stage, I took to my lawn seat watched the main stage as megaband after megaband came and went. To be fair the sound was great, but we felt so disconnected way in the back. This raised a serious question: would Slipknot suffer from this same effect? Will we not have the Slipknot experience if we were not front and center?! Will I ever remember why I thought it was a good idea to wear my dress shirt to a metal festival??!! All I knew at that moment was Slipknot was hitting the stage next and I wished I could be closer.
The sound cue goes off and the band hits the stage. Now brandishing newer, more morbid-er masks and a more military aesthetic to their black uniforms, they kicked off the proceedings. From a set list of ranging from big hits and deep dive charms, this performance blew away the prior disappointments. My bud and I headbanged in the back as “Psychosocial” blasted its way through the audience, giving us the biggest pop when we saw the turntablist, Sid Wilson, crawled on stage while having 2 broken ankles.
Ozzfest June 30, 2001 in San Bernardino:
A pinnacle of metal concerts, in my opinion. Metal exuberance filled the Glen Helen Blockbuster Pavilion (that’s right, Blockbuster!) as metalheads bounced between the main stage and second stages. I vividly remember approaching the main stage with the sad knowledge that Drowning Pool’s last minute cancellation would prevent my own personal “let the bodies hit the floor” moment. But my frown quickly turned into upside down into a snarl as nine jumpsuited figures hit the stage. It was if a blinding light of metal fury was cast over the audience, cranking the mood from from eight to eleven. As the first notes rang out, I was actually nervous as opening acts Linkin Park, Papa Roach, and Nonpoint hadn’t quite warmed us up properly for such a heavy onslaught. It was like the metal equivalent of going from Kenny G to Slayer, you get what I’m saying?
As the show raged on, I witnessed a deranged clown smashing a trashcan with a bat, a gas masked DJ jumping from the stage-support into the audience, a long nosed gimp… you know what, I'll stop myself there. Suffice to say, it was the kind of that left me with a natural high and a ring in my heart (and ears) that started my love for a band I knew nothing about. I guess If you wanted to make it more poetic, that was the day I went from a young man to a maggot.
Ozzfest July 31, 2004 in San Bernardino:
I returned to the now-called "Hyundai Pavilion," rocking the sweetest of Superjoint Ritual shirts that I won from a local rock radio booth. My friends were anchored to the main stage line up, but I had my eyes glued to that second stage. With the likes of Darkest Hour, DevilDriver, Unearth, Every Time I Die, Lacuna Coil, Atreyu, and Lamb of God… it was a veritable who’s who of amazing talent that would fight for my love on my “most played” on my IPod mini.
There was, however, one band that I was looking forward to the most. Dawning new masks and new black outfits, Slipknot hit the stage with a whole new level of polish. The insanity and crazy stage antics were still there, but it was different now, somehow even more pure and focused. At that point it was less of an embodiment of emotion and noise, and more like a singular drumline hellbent on unifying the audience with its music. And, sure, maybe I lost my left shoe in the pit, but it was well goddamn worth it for that experience!
And you can be that the mosh was unreal when “Before I Forget” dropped.
Mayhem Festival July 16, 2008 in Chula Vista:
Okay, this is one of the shows I actually wished was back in San Bernardino, because Chula Vista’s amphitheater was terrible. From the parking lot of horror to making me miss most of the side stage performances, to the staff frisking me three times because I was apparently the "most suspicious guy there.” However, for that night... I let it all slide.
After watching Five Finger Death Punch at the properly branded Jägermeister Stage, I took to my lawn seat watched the main stage as megaband after megaband came and went. To be fair the sound was great, but we felt so disconnected way in the back. This raised a serious question: would Slipknot suffer from this same effect? Will we not have the Slipknot experience if we were not front and center?! Will I ever remember why I thought it was a good idea to wear my dress shirt to a metal festival??!! All I knew at that moment was Slipknot was hitting the stage next and I wished I could be closer.
The sound cue goes off and the band hits the stage. Now brandishing newer, more morbid-er masks and a more military aesthetic to their black uniforms, they kicked off the proceedings. From a set list of ranging from big hits and deep dive charms, this performance blew away the prior disappointments. My bud and I headbanged in the back as “Psychosocial” blasted its way through the audience, giving us the biggest pop when we saw the turntablist, Sid Wilson, crawled on stage while having 2 broken ankles.
After that show, I had an epiphany: my love of the band was not just from their music and “crazy live” antics, it was also from the artistry and dedication they bring to the fans at every show making you feel a part of it, no matter if you are in the front or in the back.
Knotfest October 25, 2014 in San Bernardino:
Back at the now "San Manuel Amphitheater," enjoying the array of mass talent that Slipknot brought to its self-branded festival. It was so refreshing to go to a metal festival that had such a huge lineup and had things to do at any time. It was like they created a festival that catered to the twisted minds of their fans by bringing upside down ferris wheel, a thunderdome, food trucks with appropriate names like “Grill Em All” and having lots of fire. The spectacle of this fest engulfed all who came and brought their senses to an overload, much like Sipknot's music. As day turned to night, it was time for the final act to hit the stage.
Slipknot came on to an roaring crowd that had been fueled by the day devoted to stimulation and anticipation, waiting to hear the band that brought this festival to life. As I stood in the center in audience, the pit beginning in motion, I noticed some younger kids in the crowd. They reminded me that at one point I was just like them, wide eyed to the spectacle of the insane Slipknot live show. Having aged 13 years during the course of this journey just as I did, Slipknot might not be setting themselves on fire or smashing their heads into the audience at this point, but you can believe that still brought every ounce of the same intensity that I first witnessed in 2001. And that, my friends, is what will keep bringing me (and those kids) back to witness Slipknot over and over again.
Knotfest October 25, 2014 in San Bernardino:
Back at the now "San Manuel Amphitheater," enjoying the array of mass talent that Slipknot brought to its self-branded festival. It was so refreshing to go to a metal festival that had such a huge lineup and had things to do at any time. It was like they created a festival that catered to the twisted minds of their fans by bringing upside down ferris wheel, a thunderdome, food trucks with appropriate names like “Grill Em All” and having lots of fire. The spectacle of this fest engulfed all who came and brought their senses to an overload, much like Sipknot's music. As day turned to night, it was time for the final act to hit the stage.
Slipknot came on to an roaring crowd that had been fueled by the day devoted to stimulation and anticipation, waiting to hear the band that brought this festival to life. As I stood in the center in audience, the pit beginning in motion, I noticed some younger kids in the crowd. They reminded me that at one point I was just like them, wide eyed to the spectacle of the insane Slipknot live show. Having aged 13 years during the course of this journey just as I did, Slipknot might not be setting themselves on fire or smashing their heads into the audience at this point, but you can believe that still brought every ounce of the same intensity that I first witnessed in 2001. And that, my friends, is what will keep bringing me (and those kids) back to witness Slipknot over and over again.
Taylor Swift, Cardi B, XXXtentacion Rock The AMAs
Last’s night’s American Music Awards might as well been called “Ladies Night.” Women dominated the proceedings by taking home awards and delivering jaw-dropping performances. One specific jaw belonged to Taran Killam of “Saturday Night Live” and “Wild N Out” fame, whose mouth agape reaction to Cardi B’s “I Like It" performance has made the internet rounds. But it was Cardi B who stole the night, as the Bronx native hit the podium three times to collect awards for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Song (“Bodak Yellow”), Favorite Soul/ R&B Song (Bruno Mars’ “Finesse” remix) and Favorite Rap/ Hip-Hop Artist. Beyond the trophies, it was Cardi's colorful, cultural and instantly iconic performance that turned the entire Microsoft Theater into Carnaval in Cuba meets Fordham Road in the Bronx.
Taylor Swift, fresh off of taking her first-ever public political stance, focused on music for the night as she lead off the broadcast with her single “I Did Something Bad.” There’s no more ironic song title for the proud Tennessean song bird, as it was all good for her. Even Donald Trump, who says he likes her music “25% less” since her Sunday politically charmed Instagram post, would have a hard time hating on Swift as she continued her reign winning the AMA’s top honor, Artist of the Year. Less forgiving of Switft may be the BeyHive, which likely had to take a double shot of Dusse to calm their nerves as Swift also was awarded Tour of the Year, beating out such notables the Beyonce and Jay-Z stadium extravaganza “On The Run II” and Bruno Mars’ “24 K Magic World Tour.” While that victory may have been a shocker, it was no surprise that Swift got Favorite Female Artist, Pop/Rock and that her Reputation LP was awarded Favorite Album/ Pop Rock. Swift’s wins saw her surpass Whitney Houston as the most decorated female ever at the AMAs.
While Swift stayed away from any heavy statements, AMA host Tracee Ellis Ross was declarative in words and in her audaciously beautiful garments. The star of “Black-Ish” wore clothes made by black designers from the legendary Dapper Dan to CD Greene. The most outspoken of her night’s wardrobe changes was the simply stated but powerful “I Am A Voter” tee shirt.
Ciara had the biggest assist of the night, bringing her longtime friend Missy Elliott out for “Level Up.” CiCi and her dancers wowed with premiere choreography. Jennifer Lopez’s “Limitless” performance concentrated more on her vocals than her traditionally pristine dancing, but she still had flair, as did the timeless Mariah Carey who debuted a new song “With You.” Everyone is talking about how Carey barley moved while singing, but she did have a gaggle of dancers, some of whom emerged from her pink dress.
Other highlights included Newjack Ella Mae, walking from the crowd to the stage during “Booed Up,” and Gladys Knight delivered an ultimate diva move by descending from Heaven to grace us all as she paid tribute to her friend Aretha Franklin. The 74 year-old was backed by nothing but perennial all-stars, Ledisi, Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winas and Mary Mary. With a picture of a smiling Franklin angelically posted in the back of the stage, the Knight-led contingency erupted with a forceful and emotional medley of Gospel records that were stirringly soulful.
And of of course, one of the night’s most poignant moments occurred when XXXTentacion’s mom Cleopatra Bernard appeared onstage to accept her son’s posthumous win for Favorite Soul/ R&B album. “I’m so nervous, you guys,” said Bernard, who also was present to accept her son’s award Saturday at the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Miami. “I am honored to accept this award on behalf of my son. I would like to thank the AMAs, his fans, and to everyone who made this possible. Thank you guys so much. I appreciate it.”
Click here for the full list of winners from the American Music Awards.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Music_Awards_of_2018
And of of course, one of the night’s most poignant moments occurred when XXXTentacion’s mom Cleopatra Bernard appeared onstage to accept her son’s posthumous win for Favorite Soul/ R&B album. “I’m so nervous, you guys,” said Bernard, who also was present to accept her son’s award Saturday at the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Miami. “I am honored to accept this award on behalf of my son. I would like to thank the AMAs, his fans, and to everyone who made this possible. Thank you guys so much. I appreciate it.”
Click here for the full list of winners from the American Music Awards.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Music_Awards_of_2018
T.I.: DNA
T.I. just dropped his new album, so dive deep into the music that made him.
Go On Tour With Panic! At The Disco!
Brendon Urie takes us behind the scenes of week 6 of the Pray For The Wicked tour – everything from drumming in a unicorn onesie, to lip syncing to Steve Winwood, to interacting with fans. Get a look at what it’s like to be on the road with Panic!
And don’t forget, they’re bringing a Queen tribute to Tuesday night’s American Music Awards! Get psyched for the 2018 AMAs with The Slacker 20 here: https://www.slacker.com/station/the-twenty-amas
Mannie Fresh Says He and Lil Wayne Have 11 More Songs In Stash That Will be Released
Fresh talks about working on Tha Carter V and his multi-decade partnership with Wayne
Mannie Fresh Says He and Lil Wayne Have 11 More Songs In Stash That Will be Released
Some things just sound right and make you feel that all is right in the hip-hop universe. Lil Wayne and Mannie Fresh working together is one of those things. The energetic MC and charismatic DJ have made for one of music's best tandems during two-plus decades, creating major hits and influencing culture. While obviously the two have branched out since their Cash Money heyday, it was still special to see Fresh listed as producer on the recently released blockbuster, Tha Carter V. The Mannie-helmed “Start This Shit Off Right” and “Perfect Strangers” were two bullseye-hits on the 23 song LP.
Last night in Atlanta, Fresh performed a DJ set right before Wayne hit the stage as headliner at A3C, spinning Cash Money classics and hits from notables including Wayne and Notorious B.I.G. The producer/ DJ said he’s not surprised Wayne has had longevity on top of the game.
“I always felt homie was gonna hold his own,” Mannie told us backstage after his set. “Big ups to him for always answering the phone no matter what was going on. I can I always say my dude — low point for me, low point for him [or] when we was up— always answered the phone. Before I knew Wayne, I knew his dad. His das was always like ‘this dude got star qualities.’ When I met him, he was right. First one there, last one to leave. It’s still that way. When we worked on Tha Carter [V], people don’t know we got like 13 songs, we dumbed it down to two. And we did that in three days. So the chemistry is still there, still crazy. Dude was like, 'let this ride and you can put those out.' The world will get to hear Mannie Fresh/ Carter. It’ll be ‘The Fresh File.’”
Fresh is currently crafting a solo LP and one of the MCs he most wants to work with is Kool G. Rap.
Tha Carter, hit with major velocity since it’s release two weeks ago. It went gold in just a few days after being streamed around half a billion times it’s first week out (the second highest in history). The opus, Wayne’s latest in the series that started 14 years ago also debuted number one on the Billboard charts.