Hot Off The Presses: Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Trick Daddy, Jay-Z, R. Kelly & More
Published: Thursday - November 4, 2004
Words by BallerStatus News Staff
Eminem (Photo: Interscope)
Due to a high demand and fear of massive bootlegging, Eminem's fourth solo album, Encore, has been pushed up to November 12. The album will be released in two versions: one being a collector's edition featuring special packaging and a free ringtone. "This is something we have been anticipating," said Steve Berman, Interscope Geffen A&M head of sales and marketing. "Once we had all of our pieces together we started a discussion as to whether Encore should come early. We knew there would be a tremendous demand for this album. On our end, we were ready... we just had to press the button on the date." ... Also, in an attempt to beat bootleggers and internet leaks, Snoop Dogg'sR&G: Rhythm & Gangsta The Masterpiece has been pushed up to November 16. ...
Trick Daddy is having the best-selling start in his career, as the rapper's latest album, Thug Matrimony: Married To The Streets, enters Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums at no. 2. The album's success is fueled by the lead single, "Let's Go," which samples Ozzy Osbourne's immortal "Crazy Train." Thug Matrimony is the first release of Atlantic's groundbreaking Joint Chiefs campaign, which heralds the release of anticipated albums from five of hip-hop's biggest superstars. Following Trick Daddy, new collections are now on deck from Twista, Fabolous (11/9), T.I. (11/30), and Fat Joe (March 2005). ...
By now, the bizarre melee that went down at Jay-Z and R Kelly's Best Of Both Worlds tour stop at Madison Square Garden has spread (see "Jay-Z & R. Kelly's Best Of Both Worlds Tour Falls Apart"). With the tour seeming to fall apart under everyone's nose, Jay-Z has regrouped and will continue on the road after R. Kelly's abrupt departure from their tour together. The rapper now plans to complete the tour, now titled Jay-Z and Friends, and announced that Friday's date at American Airlines Arena in Miami will go on as scheduled with appearances from P. Diddy, Mary J. Blige and other special guests. ...
Hip-hop vet Biz Markie is planning the release of a talking alarm clock. The clock will be a 12" mini version of the large-and-in-charge rapper, seated on a crate behind turntables, and has Biz reciting phrases like "turn the party out" and "you caught the vapors." The clock is due in stores November 15. ...
LL Cool J and super model Tyra Banks will be hosting the second annual Vibe Awards. Among artists receiving awards, Dr. Dre will be honored with the Vibe Legend Award for his lifetime contributions to the world of hip-hop music. As a part of the tribute, Dre's artist The Game will be performing. The show is set to air November 16 on UPN. ...
The highly entertaining "Surreal Life" reality show has announced its next celebrity cast. Among those cast are Da Brat, former WWE wrestler Chyna, pop-rocker Jane Wiedlin (The Go-Gos), Christopher Knight ("The Brady Bunch"), Verne "Mini Me" Troyer ("Austin Powers"), model Marcus Schenkenberg and Adrianne Curry from "America's Next Top Model." The new season is set to air on January 9. ...
Editorials & Columns Soulstice From France Blog #3: Day 4 Embarking on a 9-show winter tour in Europe, one of my goals was just making it through the tour without getting sick. ... full story
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