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

Make sure you check out her official first single:
Karina Pasian – Sixteen At War

Karian Pasian – Debut album – June 2008 – Def Jam
http://www.myspace.com/karinapasianmusic

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.

JORDIN SPARKS TAPPED AS THE OPENING ACT FOR THE ALICIA KEYS “AS I AM” TOUR

Sparks Nabs “Outstanding New Artist” Award At NAACP Image Awards Ceremony

19 Entertainment/Jive Records artist, Jordin Sparks, who recently performed the national anthem to an audience of nearly 100 million viewers at Super Bowl XLII, will be the opening act on the upcoming and highly anticipated Alicia Keys “As I Am” tour. The 18-year old star, who just won the Outstanding New Artist award at the 39th NAACP Image Awards, will kick-off the tour on April 19th in Hampton, VA.

Since the release of her critically-acclaimed eponymous debut, Jordin’s first platinum-certified single, “Tattoo,” shot up the charts and has resided in the Top 10 of Billboard’s Pop 100 Airplay singles chart for close to two months; currently the song holds the #7 slot for the second week in a row. Additionally, Sparks’ second single “No Air,” a poignant duet with label mate Chris Brown, is shaping up to be a smash hit; “No Air” is already receiving major radio support across the country and is in the Top 20 on Billboard’s Pop 100, Pop 100 Airplay and Hot Digital singles charts. The “No Air” video, directed by famed director Chris Robinson, will debut on national video outlets late February.

Jordin Sparks, a native of Phoenix, Arizona and daughter of former-NFL player Phillippi Sparks, rose to fame last year when she became the youngest contestant ever to win American Idol. She has gone to win over critics receiving glowing accolades from the press including Rolling Stone, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly and more touting her indisputable talent.

Sparks will open for Alicia Keys through-out the entire 30-date tour, which is scheduled to end in New York on June 18th.

On-sale dates will be announced locally in each market and show dates are as follows:

DATE CITY VENUE
April-19 Hampton, VA Hampton Coliseum
April-20 Philadelphia,PA Liacouras Center
April-22 Pittsburgh, PA Petersen Events Center
April-24 Chicago, IL Allstate Arena
April-26 Columbus, OH Value City Arena at Schottenstein Ctr
April-27 St Louis, MO Scottrade Center
April-30 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
May-1 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
May-5 Los Angeles, CA TBA
May-7 San Diego, CA San Diego Sports Arena
May-9 Las Vegas, NV MGM Garden Arena
May-10 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion at San Jose
May-12 Phoenix, AZ Jobing.com Arena
May-14 Dallas, TX Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie
May-18 Houston, TX Toyota Center
May-22 New Orleans New Orleans Arena
May-24 Tampa, FL St. Pete Times Forum
May-25 Miami, FL American Airlines Arena
May-28 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
May-30 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum
May-31 Cincinnati, OH U.S. Bank Arena
Jun-3 Detroit, MI Joe Louis Arena
Jun-5 Cleveland, OH Wolstein Center at Cleveland State
Jun-6 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre
Jun-8 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
Jun-11 Boston, MA TD Bank North Garden
Jun-13 Washington D.C. Verizon Center
Jun-15 Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Arena
Jun-17 Newark, NJ Prudential Center
Jun-18 New York, NY Madison Square Garden

Currently, Jordin Sparks is scheduled to perform at the upcoming NBA All-Star Game on February 15th.

SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT LAUNCHES PLATINUM MUSICPASS

Digital Album Cards Deliver High Quality Files That Are Compatible With All MP3 Players

Roll Out Begins On January 15th With 37 Titles At Launch, Including Current Releases From Superstar Artists

Retailers Participating In Launch To Include Best Buy, Target, Trans World stores (Coconuts, FYE, Wherehouse, & Spec’s), Fred’s and Winn-Dixie In The U.S.

MusicPass To Debut At Five Retailers Across Canada In Late January

New York, NY – Monday, January 7, 2008 — SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT today announced the launch of Platinum MusicPass, a series of digital album cards that enable consumers to download full-length albums, and in many cases special bonus content, in the form of high-quality MP3 files. The first 37 titles in the series, which represent musical genres ranging from Rock and Pop to R&B and Country, will debut on January 15th, 2008 and by the end of the month will be available at 4,500 retail outlets across the United States. In Canada, MusicPass will debut in late January of 2008.

“The introduction of MusicPass is an important part of SONY BMG’s ongoing campaign to bring its artists’ music to fans in new and innovative ways, and to develop compelling new business models,” commented Thomas Hesse, President, Global Digital Business & U.S. Sales, SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT. “The MP3 files delivered through MusicPass play on computers, as well as on all MP3 players, including iPods. This makes them a simple, easy to use solution that will appeal to fans who already access their music on the Internet, as well as to consumers who are just getting into the digital realm. The cards themselves are high-quality collectibles featuring artist images and album information. They’re a great choice whether you’re buying for yourself, or as a gift for occasions ranging from a birthday to Valentine’s Day.”

According to the 2007 American Express Gift Card Survey, Americans plan to spend 25% of their total gift spending on gift cards, up from 13% in 2005. 61% of shoppers said they were planning to purchase at least one gift card, and on average intended to purchase a total of six cards.

In the United States, MusicPass cards will be available at Best Buy, Target, and Fred’s on January 15th, with Trans World stores (Coconuts, FYE, Wherehouse, & Spec’s) and Winn-Dixie rolling out the cards by the end of January.

In Canada, participating retailers include Best Buy, CD Plus, Future Shop, Shoppers Drug Mart and Wal-Mart. In addition, HMV will launch MusicPass in Canada during the first calendar quarter of 2008.

“We see MusicPass as a great way to bring digital music to the physical retail space,” Mr. Hesse added. “We believe it will have strong appeal for a broad range of consumers, and that it will ultimately expand both the digital and physical markets for music. As we begin the roll out of this impressive new product we are extremely encouraged by the high levels of enthusiasm that MusicPass has generated among our artists and launch partners, and we look forward to making music fans across the U.S. and Canada a part of the MusicPass experience.”

“We’re happy to be participating in the launch of a new physical format of digital music for retail,” commented Jennifer Johnston Schaidler, Vice President, Music, Best Buy. “Physical products like this will be another way for Best Buy to deliver music and entertainment to our customers in a manner that suits their needs whether it is an impulse purchase, gift, or great collectible. Digital music doesn’t need to be restricted to online environments. We look forward to learning how physical products can help grow the digital marketplace.”

Rich Romano, Prepaid Card Sales Manager, Winn-Dixie, commented, “We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with SONY BMG to launch this initiative. An extensive list of titles and bonus material from superstar artists makes this offering unlike any other in the marketplace; it gives our customers the opportunity to purchase new release albums while they do their grocery shopping.”

SONY BMG is offering Platinum MusicPass cards at leading national retailers through a technology and distribution relationship with InComm, the nation’s largest marketing and technology provider for gift and music cards and other prepaid products.

“We are excited to be working with SONY BMG on Platinum MusicPass,” commented Brooks Smith, InComm President and CEO, “We believe people want a physical product as part of their music purchase, and these cards speak directly to that desire — they have great graphics and a quality look and feel that will make them highly collectible. We look forward to working with SONY BMG as we roll out this exciting new product line.”

The cards will be priced at a suggested list retail price (slrp) of $12.99 which will include the complete digital album plus bonus material or, in the case of compilations, extensive track listings.In order get the content from their MusicPass cards consumers scratch the back of their card to unveil their pin number. They then visit MusicPass.com to download their music files and bonus material.

Two of the albums included in the initial offering — Celine Dion’s Taking Chances and Kenny Chesney’s Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates — will be made available both as regularly priced Platinum MusicPass Cards, and in special slrp $19.99 versions through which consumers will receive the complete album and bonus material, plus the choice of one additional album from that same artist’s rich catalog of recordings.

The initial slate of Platinum MusicPass titles is as follows:

Platinum MusicPass Albums with Bonus Material (slrp $12.99):

Alejandro Fernandez, Viento A Favor
Alicia Keys, As I Am
Avril Lavigne, The Best Damn Thing
Backstreet Boys, UnBreakable
Barry Manilow, The Greatest Songs of the Seventies
Bob Dylan, Dylan
Boys Like Girls, Boys Like Girls
Brad Paisley, 5th Gear
Britney Spears, Blackout
Brooks & Dunn, Cowboy Town
Bruce Springsteen, Magic
Calle 13, Residente o Visitante
Camila, Todo Cambio
Carrie Underwood, Carnival Ride
Casting Crowns, The Altar and The Door
Celine Dion, Taking Chances
Chris Brown, Exclusive
Daughtry, Daughtry
Elvis Presley, Elvis 30 #1 Hits
Jennifer Lopez, Brave
John Mayer, Continuum
Kenny Chesney, Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates
Martina McBride, Waking Up Laughing
P!nk, I’m Not Dead
Santana, Ultimate Santana
Sara Bareilles, Little Voice
Sean Kingston, Sean Kingston
The Fray, How To Save A Life
Three Days Grace, One-X
Tony Bennett, Duets

Platinum MusicPass Compilations (slrp $12.99)

Various, 70’s POP HITS
Various, ROCK OF THE 70’s
Various, SENSATIONAL 60’s
Various, COUNTRY GOLD: THE 90’s
Various, 80’s POP HITS
Various, CLASSIC ROCK
Various, Everlasting Love

Expanded MusicPass Titles (slrp $19.99 versions which include the complete album, bonus material, plus choice of one additional album from that same artist’s rich catalog of recordings.)

Kenny Chesney, Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates
Celine Dion, Taking Chances

THE “WAIT” IS OVER FOR TREY SONGZ; “CAN’T HELP BUT WAIT” SHOOTS TO #1 AT URBAN MAINSTREAM; R&B’S PRINCE OF VIRGINIA LIGHTS IT UP AT RADIO AND TV, AS NEW HOLIDAY JAM DROPS AT THE iTUNES STORE

“Can’t Help But Wait,” the new single from Songbook Entertainment/Atlantic recording artist Trey Songz, has leapt to the top of the Urban Mainstream chart, beating out such superstars as Alicia Keys, Chris Brown, and Kayne West. The newly crowned #1 track is the second hit single taken from Trey’s breakthrough sophomore album, “TREY DAY,” released this past October.

Along with its amazing success at radio, “Can’t Help But Wait” is now poised to enter the top 10 on Billboard’s “Hot 100.” In addition, the track’s companion video – co-starring actor Jackie Long (ATL, Idlewild) – is currently in major rotation at BET, BETJ, MTV Jams, VH1 Soul, Music Choice, and Nickelodeon’s The N.

The Stargate-produced “Can’t Help But Wait” is also lighting things up online, with total streams at Trey’s MySpace page – www.myspace.com/treysongz — now exceeding 3 million. Furthermore, the “Can’t Help But Wait” video can now be viewed on over 45 different online sites, including AOLMusic.com, Alloy.com, XXLMag.com, and Trey’s own YouTube site, www.youtube.com/TreySongzVideos.

As if all that weren’t enough, an exclusive remix of “Can’t Help But Wait” featuring the one-and-only Plies will be included on the soundtrack to the eagerly anticipated Step Up 2 The Streets, arriving in theatres nationwide on February 14th.

Finally, Trey’s original holiday jam, “Keep Me Warm (On Christmas),” is now available via iTunes. The digital-only single – sure to become a seasonal favorite – was co-written by Songz and his longtime collaborator, Songbook Entertainment founder Troy Taylor (Pretty Ricky, Tyrese).

* * * * *

“TREY DAY” made a stunning chart debut this fall, entering Billboard’s “Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums” tally at #2, while also exploding onto the Billboard 200 at #11. The album – which includes the hit single, “Wonder Woman” – sees Songz teaming up with a stunning selection of studio superstars, including Songbook Entertainment founder Troy Taylor (Pretty Ricky, Tyrese), Danja (Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtado), Bryan Michael Cox (Danity Kane, Mary J. Blige), the Runners (Young Jeezy, Trick Daddy) Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis (Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige), Dre & Vidal (Usher, Chris Brown), Bei Maejor (Bun B, Chris Brown), Eric Hudson (Omarion, Joe, John Legend), and the one-and-only R. Kelly. Furthermore, “TREY DAY” includes guest shots by such hip-hop luminaries as Jim Jones and UGK’s Bun B, as well as A&R direction by former Dru Hill member, Tamir “Nokio” Ruffin. The album’s Executive Producers are Troy Taylor, Delante Murphy, and Kevin Liles. The Co-Executive Producer is Trey Songz.

The 22-year-old singer has celebrated “TREY DAY” with TV appearances throughout 2007, including live performances on BET’s 106 & Park and It’s Showtime At The Apollo, not to mention a featured spot on BET’s annual Rip The Runway extravaganza, modeling fashion created by some of today’s hottest designers. Trey – aka “the Prince of Virginia” – was also among the VA-based artists showcased on MTV2’s My Block, alongside such like-minded musicians as Timbaland, Pharell, and the Clipse.

What’s more, Songz has been profiled in a variety of national publications, highlighted by cover features in Right On!, Floss, and an upcoming issue of Black Beat. Other recent magazine appearances include Sister 2 Sister, WordUp!, SBH, Blackmen, XXL Presents Hip-Hop Soul, Giant, Hype Hair, and Rap Fanatic.

* * * * *

Hailed by the late, great Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun as “among the most promising R&B artists we have had on Atlantic since we started the company 60 years ago,” Trey Songz first burst to the forefront of modern urban music in 2005 with his critically acclaimed debut, “I GOTTA MAKE IT.” The album featured the breakout single, “Gotta Make It,” featuring the one-and-only Twista, who then invited Songz to join him on his top 20 smash, “Girl Tonite.” Other high-profile collaborations followed for Trey, including featured appearances on tracks by a wide range of artists, spanning hip-hop heroes like Trick Daddy, Yung Joc, Paul Wall, Saigon, and Obie Trice; soca star Kevin Lyttle; and the sadly departed R&B/soul legend, Gerald Levert.

Alicia Keys “As I Am” debuts at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 with over 742,000 units sold!!

Alicia Album

Biggest debut in J Records and RCA Music history!
This is the highest debut by a female since 2004!
2nd biggest debut over the past two years on the Billboard chart !
“As I Am” is breaking digital records at iTunes!
Most ever digital album sales for a female artist!
Alicia Keys is the highest selling female artist to debut with 58,539 units sold in the first week!

“No One” is #1 on the digital track sales chart with 205,533 scans
“No One” is #1 on the Urban Mainstream chart for 5 weeks straight!
#1 R&B Overall Album
#1 R&B Core album with 152,089 scanned
#1 indy/small chain stores
#1 album retailers
#1 mass & non-trad albums
#1 digital album sales with 60,900
#1 video at BET for 4 weeks!

“As I Am” is the #1 selling album in every region of the country
“As I Am” ranks #1 in 80 DMAs across the country
Top 10 Major market #1 sales DMAs include:
New York – 84,833
Los Angeles – 58,565
Washington, DC – 33,866
Atlanta – 32,170
Philadelphia – 29,611
Chicago – 27,872
San Francisco – 23,697
Baltimore – 16,306
Houston – 15,358
Detroit – 14,205

“Diary of Alicia Keys” jumps from #25 to #10 on the Top catalog R&B overall albums chart!
Top 3 at Rhythm for 3 weeks straight!
Breaks into to the Top 10 on the Top 40 with the #9 slot this week!
Gold ringtone and Gold digital single!
“Like You’ll Never See Me Again” is already Top 20 at Urban Mainstream with over 27 Million in audience.
Alicia also holds down the #10 slot at BET’s 106 & Park countdown!

Here’s a video for another track off Ms. Keys’ new album, As I Am. Word to Mr. Com Sense, who cameos.

Alicia Keys – No One video

MULTI-PLATINUM, NINE-TIME GRAMMY AWARD WINNER ALICIA KEYS SET TO RELEASE “AS I AM” WORLDWIDE ON NOVEMBER 13

THIRD STUDIO ALBUM FEATURES COLLABORATIONS WITH KERRY “KRUCIAL” BROTHERS, LINDA PERRY, JOHN MAYER, SWIZZ BEATZ AND MORE

Nine-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys returns with her long-awaited third studio album, As I Am, set for a worldwide release on November 13 on J Records. Within 10 hours of being serviced to radio, Alicia’s first single, “No One,” became one of the fastest-moving and highest-charting single on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. This also marks the highest first single debut for a female artist in 2007 on the R&B Monitor’s Urban Mainstream chart!

Check out the video for the second single “Like You’ll Never See Me Again”

Quicktime Player – Windows Media

Check out, Like You’ll Never See Me Again, from her upcoming album, As I Am.

Quicktime – Windows Media

MULTI-PLATINUM, NINE-TIME GRAMMY AWARD WINNER ALICIA KEYS SET TO RELEASE “AS I AM” WORLDWIDE ON NOVEMBER 13

THIRD STUDIO ALBUM FEATURES COLLABORATIONS WITH KERRY “KRUCIAL” BROTHERS, LINDA PERRY, JOHN MAYER, SWIZZ BEATZ AND MORE

Nine-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys returns with her long-awaited third studio album, As I Am, set for a worldwide release on November 13 on J Records. Within 10 hours of being serviced to radio, Alicia first single, “No One,” became one of the fastest moving and highest charting single on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. This also marks the highest first single debut for a female artist in 2007 on the R&B Monitor’s Urban Mainstream chart!

Also, check out the video for the 1st single “No One” below:

Alicia Keys – No One video