Jay-Z – Empire State Of Mind video featuring Alicia Keys

Directed by Hype Williams.

Alicia Keys – Doesn’t Mean Anything video

**WORLD PREMIER**

The official video for the first single from Alicia Keys forthcoming album The Element Of Freedom scheduled for release on December 1st.

Directed by P.R. Brown

Alicia Keys – Doesn’t Mean Anything video (Teaser)

Teaser for upcoming music video for “Doesn’t Mean Anything” by Alicia Keys, video directed by P.R. Brown, coming soon to OnSMASH!

Alicia Keys & Jack White – Another Way To Die video from the Quantum of Solace 007 movie theme, Yahoo world premiere

Even before 16-year-old Karina Pasian signed to Def Jam records, the stellar singer was already making a name for herself. From her winning performance on Star Search in 2003 to singing at the White House last June during Black Music Month, this New York City chanteuse has been paying her professional dues since she was a toddler.

“I’ve been singing and playing piano since I was three,” says Karina. “My babysitter had a piano, and she started teaching me how to play. It wasn’t until a year later that I began getting professional lessons.” While some have been quick to compare Karina Pasian to other performers including Aaliyah, Alicia Keys and Mariah Carey, one listen to her self-assured debut disc is evidence enough that she is destined for success.

Karina remembers the first time she sang in front of an audience. “I sang Céline Dion’s ‘My Heart Will Go On’ at a talent show. I was kind of nervous, but the audience loved it.”

From that point, there was no denying that music would be her life. A few years later, after using the Prince-penned ballad “How Come U Don’t Call” for an audition, Karina Pasian was cast on a revamped version of Star Search. “That was such a wonderful experience,” says Karina, who won the first round of the competition with a rousing version of the Jackson Five classic “I’ll Be There.”

Working with an array of songwriters, producers and artists that include The Dream, Tricky Stewart, Gordon Chambers, Chris Brown, Carlos McKinnney, Lil Mama and others, Karina proves to be a breath of fresh soul. “I’ve recorded over 70 songs in the last two years,” Karina says. “It was a period of real growth for me as I learned to focus and stay consistent.”

Karina Pasian’s godfather, famed producer and businessman Quincy Jones, has also been a guardian angel for the young singer. In addition to giving her advice, the maestro included her in the “We Are the Future” charity concert in 2006. Considering the talents Jones has worked with, from Frank Sinatra and Sarah Vaughan to Michael Jackson and Tamia, she is in good company. “I know I’m blessed to have someone like Quincy in my corner,” she says.

A fan who embraces all forms of music, from the stylish Black pop of Brandy to old school jazz greats, Karina performed the standard “Misty” when she was at the White House last year. “Emilio Estefan, who has been a friend of my family for years, helped to put the show together, and invited me to be a part of it,” says Karina. “Later, my brother told me that I was the first Dominican to play at the White House, and that made me very proud.”

Studying music and voice at High School for the Professional Performing Arts, the Washington Heights native was more than prepared for any challenges that arose in the studio. “I was blessed to have some pretty amazing teachers who prepared me well,” she says sweetly. Refusing to fall into any cliché, Karina Pasian has recorded an album that is a reflection of her age and independent point of view.

Karina Pasian’s song “Sixteen” is a song of independence and admiration. “Ain’t no daddy’s where I’m from, its just mad mothers…why am I disrespected by someone I should call brother,” she sings in a pristine voice. “I wanted to do a song about what teenager girls go through in urban areas. It’s not cool that boys think they’re being cute when they say nasty stuff to us on the street.” Written and produced by The Dream and Tricky Stewart, best known for their work with Rihanna’s “Umbrella” and Madonna’s “Me Against the Music,” the song “Sixteen” reminds one of vintage Brill Building girls like the Crystals or Little Eva with an electro-groove.

Another The Dream and Tricky Stewart track that will leave fans breathless is “Baby Baby,” an uptempo song that is destined to be a dancefloor scorcher. “Though this is a fun song, it’s not just a party song,” says Karina “It’s about guys who simply see young women as sex objects, but I refuse to be that girl.” Indeed, like Aretha Franklin, she simply wants some respect. Sharing the mic with rapper Lil Mama (”Lip Gloss” & “Shawty Get Loose”), the two young stars connected in the studio. “Lil Mama was so cool, but it was her confidence in the booth that was really exciting.”

Produced and written by Carlos McKinney, the sing-songy “Can’t Find the Words” embraces elements of jazz and pop while simultaneously creating a whimsical track that sounds like nothing else of the radio. Additionally, Karina’s favorite song “Winner,” which highlights her elegant piano (her light touch on the keyboard reminds one of Erroll Garner) playing, is laidback and uplifting.

A beautiful young woman with more musical moxy than most sixteen year olds, Karina Pasian has constructed one of the finest debut discs in years. Melancholic and truthful, funky and real, blissful and bold, Karina’s album is the sound of a better tomorrow.

ALICIA KEYS TEAMS UP WITH MYSPACE TO HELP FIND THE MULTI-GRAMMY AWARD WINNER A NEW BACKGROUND SINGER

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS MAY 5

Eleven-time Grammy award winner Alicia Keys is looking to find a new background singer through her MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/aliciakeys). The lucky winner will get a chance to tour with her as part of the worldwide Lexus Presents Alicia Keys As I Am tour.

People interested are asked to submit a 30 second or longer video of them singing an original song acapella to Alicia Keys’ Myspace page. Qualifications include being a female between the ages 21-30 with R&B/Soul singing experience. Contestant must also have a valid passport, and must be physically fit and able to dance. Deadline for submissions is May 5. A winner will be selected around May 15.

Ignited by her first two hit singles “No One” and “Like You’ll Never See Me Again,” Keys’ internationally-acclaimed third studio album As I Am (MBK/J Records), has sold over 5 million copies worldwide since its November 2007 release. The disc has claimed the #1 spot for several non-consecutive weeks on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart and the single “No One,” earned Keys two Grammy Awards for Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Additionally, Keys received four awards at the NAACP Image Awards and was honored at the first annual BET Honors ceremony.

About MySpace
MySpace, a unit of Fox Interactive Media Inc., is the premier lifestyle portal for connecting with friends, discovering popular culture, and making a positive impact on the world. By integrating web profiles, blogs, instant messaging, e-mail, music streaming, music videos, photo galleries, classified listings, events, groups, college communities, and member forums, MySpace has created a connected community. As the first ranked web domain in terms of page views (*), MySpace is the most widely-used and highly regarded site of its kind and is committed to providing the highest quality member experience. MySpace will continue to innovate with new features that allow its members to express their creativity and share their lives, both online and off. MySpace’s international network includes localized community sites in the United States, France, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Switzerland, Austria, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand, Japan, Sweden, Latin America, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Brazil and the United Kingdom. Fox Interactive Media is a division of News Corp. (NYSE:NWS) (NYSE:NWS.A) (ASX:NWS) (ASX:NWSLV).

Alicia Keys – Teenage Love Affair video

Karina Pasian covers Destiny’s Child & Rihann

Karian Pasian – Debut album – June 2008

About Karina Pasian

Even before 16-year-old Karina Pasian signed to Def Jam records, the stellar singer was already making a name for herself. From her winning performance on Star Search in 2003 to singing at the White House last June during Black Music Month, this New York City chanteuse has been paying her professional dues since she was a toddler.

“I’ve been singing and playing piano since I was three,” says Karina. “My babysitter had a piano, and she started teaching me how to play. It wasn’t until a year later that I began getting professional lessons.” While some have been quick to compare Karina Pasian to other performers including Aaliyah, Alicia Keys and Mariah Carey, one listen to her self-assured debut disc is evidence enough that she is destined for success.

Karina remembers the first time she sang in front of an audience. “I sang Céline Dion’s ‘My Heart Will Go On’ at a talent show. I was kind of nervous, but the audience loved it.”

From that point, there was no denying that music would be her life. A few years later, after using the Prince-penned ballad “How Come U Don’t Call” for an audition, Karina Pasian was cast on a revamped version of Star Search. “That was such a wonderful experience,” says Karina, who won the first round of the competition with a rousing version of the Jackson Five classic “I’ll Be There.”

Working with an array of songwriters, producers and artists that include The Dream, Tricky Stewart, Gordon Chambers, Chris Brown, Carlos McKinnney, Lil Mama and others, Karina proves to be a breath of fresh soul. “I’ve recorded over 70 songs in the last two years,” Karina says. “It was a period of real growth for me as I learned to focus and stay consistent.”

Karina Pasian’s godfather, famed producer and businessman Quincy Jones, has also been a guardian angel for the young singer. In addition to giving her advice, the maestro included her in the “We Are the Future” charity concert in 2006. Considering the talents Jones has worked with, from Frank Sinatra and Sarah Vaughan to Michael Jackson and Tamia, she is in good company. “I know I’m blessed to have someone like Quincy in my corner,” she says.

A fan who embraces all forms of music, from the stylish Black pop of Brandy to old school jazz greats, Karina performed the standard “Misty” when she was at the White House last year. “Emilio Estefan, who has been a friend of my family for years, helped to put the show together, and invited me to be a part of it,” says Karina. “Later, my brother told me that I was the first Dominican to play at the White House, and that made me very proud.”

Studying music and voice at High School for the Professional Performing Arts, the Washington Heights native was more than prepared for any challenges that arose in the studio. “I was blessed to have some pretty amazing teachers who prepared me well,” she says sweetly. Refusing to fall into any cliché, Karina Pasian has recorded an album that is a reflection of her age and independent point of view.

Karina Pasian’s song “Sixteen” is a song of independence and admiration. “Ain’t no daddy’s where I’m from, its just mad mothers…why am I disrespected by someone I should call brother,” she sings in a pristine voice. “I wanted to do a song about what teenager girls go through in urban areas. It’s not cool that boys think they’re being cute when they say nasty stuff to us on the street.” Written and produced by The Dream and Tricky Stewart, best known for their work with Rihanna’s “Umbrella” and Madonna’s “Me Against the Music,” the song “Sixteen” reminds one of vintage Brill Building girls like the Crystals or Little Eva with an electro-groove.

Another The Dream and Tricky Stewart track that will leave fans breathless is “Baby Baby,” an uptempo song that is destined to be a dancefloor scorcher. “Though this is a fun song, it’s not just a party song,” says Karina “It’s about guys who simply see young women as sex objects, but I refuse to be that girl.” Indeed, like Aretha Franklin, she simply wants some respect. Sharing the mic with rapper Lil Mama (“Lip Gloss” & “Shawty Get Loose”), the two young stars connected in the studio. “Lil Mama was so cool, but it was her confidence in the booth that was really exciting.”

Produced and written by Carlos McKinney, the sing-songy “Can’t Find the Words” embraces elements of jazz and pop while simultaneously creating a whimsical track that sounds like nothing else of the radio. Additionally, Karina’s favorite song “Winner,” which highlights her elegant piano (her light touch on the keyboard reminds one of Erroll Garner) playing, is laidback and uplifting.

A beautiful young woman with more musical moxy than most sixteen year olds, Karina Pasian has constructed one of the finest debut discs in years. Melancholic and truthful, funky and real, blissful and bold, Karina’s album is the sound of a better tomorrow.

Tuesday April 29th S.O.B.’s Presents: VAN HUNT

On Tuesday, April 29th, S.O.B.’s presents Grammy award-winning R&B singer Van Hunt for a rare solo performance. Van Hunt first hit the mainstream music scene with a self-titled album that The New York Times described it as “the perfect soundtrack for any seduction”. S.O.B.’s has long been New York’s premier venue for R&B and neo-soul, having served as the launch pad for the careers of such stars as John Legend, Erykah Badu and Raheem DeVaughn and the venue continues to present the best that the soulful genre has to offer with this performance by the incomparable Van Hunt.

Van Hunt is originally from the Midwest and the influence of Motown and the influences of that era are immediately recognizable when talking about his music. Van Hunt grew up with a soundtrack of classic soul and contemporary R&B as the backdrop and eagerly immersed himself in the tones and moods of it all. He sets himself apart from a lot of other R&B acts today by being a skilled multi-instrumentalist who is also a prolific songwriter. Hunt has toured and appeared on stage with acts such as Kanye West, Alicia Keys & Coldplay to name a few.

On Tuesday, April 29th, Van Hunt comes to S.O.B.’s for a rare solo performance that the audience is sure to remember.

I rarely purchase CD’s, let that be known. Do I download material? Rarely. But, because of MVRemix I receive all I’d want to

hear. There was only one exception, I didn’t receive this. After being familiar with Alicia’s previous material, I couldn’t help but be intrigued to hear what Alicia would come along with for her sophmore effort.

Being of the opposite sex, Alicia’s material is easy to enjoy, but not personally appropriate to sing along to. To help accentuate her material, Alicia is very direct in her feelings. She uses “he” rather than “you” and so, as a male fan, I don’t find myself singing along too much. However, I do enjoy listening to her sing.

Seldomly do I hear a singer so captivating that I have to listen. Alicia comes under one of those seldom experiences. Her voice and passion are exceptionally conveyed through her music.

Enlisting some larger producers (Timbaland and Kanye West for example), Alicia helps put forth a signature sound. The contemporary feel that she presents with “Harlems Nocturne” and “Karma” are as enveloping as “If I Ain’t Got You” and “You Don’t Know My Name.” The feel she presents can’t help but make the listener smile.

The album’s best track comes in the form of the title track; “Diary” featuring none other than Tony Toni Tone. The quiet and soft piano which introduces the song weaves its way through the entire piece and sits beautifully beneath Alicia and Tony Toni Tone. The content is strong and well written.

In essence, “The Diary Of Alicia Keys” is a perfectly enjoyable sophmore album. I wish more artists were on the same level as Ms. Keys in terms of singing talent and content.

Alicia Keys – The Diary Of… review