Interviewing celebrities, breaking national stories, blogging daily, and offering candid commentary on pop culture is just a small sample of what he does. Ralphie Aversa is the relentless, tireless, non-stop-always-go host and executive producer of “The Ralphie Radio Show.”
Check out his links above, and his blog below - and thanks for swinging through!
40 is the new 30, not the new 28. According to this report on MSNBC, you should probably be mindful of: - Smoking tobacco - Not eating enough fruits and vegtables - Drinking too much alcohol (men: more than 3 per day; women: more than 2) - Getting less than two hours of physical activity per week
Apparently one and a half years and a record that only sold 100,000 copies can change the way you feel about someone. Just ask singer Brandy Norwood, who revealed on television Sunday evening that her and long-time producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins aren’t on great terms.
During the latest installment of “Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business” on VH1 – Brandy’s little brother announces that he plans on working with Jerkins for his forthcoming LP. That does not sit well with big sis.
“You are talented, you can sing your ass off,” lectured Brandy to her younger sibling. “And to me, Rodney Jerkins better give you his best work because he did not give me his best work on Human.”
Human was the last album Brandy released. It only sold about 100,000 units – compared to her first project with Jerkins, the 1998 Never Say Never, certified five times Platinum. --- Check out this clip from Sunday's episode of "Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business" on VH1:
Now listen to this clip of Brandy speaking about "Darkchild" in an October 2008 interview on "The Ralphie Radio Show":
--- “He better bring it on this album,” continued the songstress to Ray J – in a board room of the family’s new office space. “Or you tell him to kick rocks with an open toe shoe.”
Ouch, what a far cry from October 2008. A few months before Human dropped, Brandy called in to “The Ralphie Radio Show” and I asked her about the reunion with Jerkins.
“Rodney is a great guy. When we get together, he always finds a way to bring out the best in me,” she said during our conversation. “He’s hungry, you know? And I think he really wants to make an impact and inspire people with his music and, I think you always win when you want to do it from that place.”
I took it a step further – asking if her latest voyage in to the studio with Jerkins felt like her first – when such hits as “The Boy Is Mine” and “What About Us?” were hatched.
“It did feel the same way this time,” she replied. “You know working with him this go around felt like the old Brandy and Rodney. And that’s such a great feeling, I didn’t remember what that felt like. So, to have that feeling again and to be right at home with him and the rest of the 'Darkchild' camp was just truly refreshing and a blessing.”
Brandy and Jerkins later appeared on camera together and attempted to talk things through - with the singer even placing some of the blame off the producer and on to Epic Records. Still, what gives? Did Brandy embellish the beef to make good TV, or was she flat out lying 18 months ago on “The RRS”?
I learned the difference first hand between the tabloids in the States and across the pond on Saturday. The British boy-band JLS joined “The Ralphie Radio Show” – and were quick to correct me when I cited a report that I read in The Mirror that the fellas hung out with Jay-Z and KanYe West in Los Angeles.
“It’s good that you ask, because we can squash (the rumors),” replied Marvin Humes, who called in to “The RRS” from the UK just a few months ago. “The Jay-Z connection has come from back home.”
Both Jay and JLS performed and won at The Brit Awards, which is similar to the Grammys. After the show, the “Empire State of Mind” emcee congratulated the boys at an after party by sending a bottle of champagne over to their table… of course, each person received their own bottle.
As for Mr. West, JB Gill revealed JLS has yet to rub elbows or receive gifts from him. The initial report also claimed the boys were introduced to both rappers by former Sugababes member Keisha Buchanan, also incorrect. --- Download the interview
--- While we were speaking about what they did not do – Humes noted that they have yet to meet with J.R. Rotem, the man who produced “Everybody In Love” (along with half of everything else you hear on the radio these days). Yes, Aston Merrygold was photographed at Burger King but no, he never made it to In-N-Out Burger.
The guys did try Pinkberry for their first time - Oritsé Williams insisted he is addicted. Also while in L.A., the band wrote some new material for a forthcoming LP. Humes said that they worked with some big producers, including Toby Gad (Beyoncé’s “If I Were A Boy”).
JLS has also now encountered both the paparazzi in the UK and in the US. So, who’s more aggressive?
“We’re cool with both,” insisted Gill. “I’d say probably a bit more aggressive in the UK, obviously because we’re more known. But you know what, the paparazzi, they do their job and they help us – yunno, they give us press and they let people out there know what we’re doing.”
TMZ's Dax says Tiger Woods' first mistress, Rachel Uchitel, is looking for love and hoping cameras are there to capture it all. Catch Dax on TMZ TV, local listings here.
Lights Over Paris front man Robb, a.k.a., "TaLLLLL", checked in to "The Ralphie Radio Show" to chat about the band's new EP, debut single co-produced by Kevin Rudolf, and what the band stands for - music and otherwise. Part 1: "Turn Off The Lights"
Sure T-Pain and Akon sang about it, but now The Wingman breaks down the intricacies of hitting on the bartender. Visit The Wingman on MySpace, Facebook, & Twitter.
Turns out new artists Mike Posner and Iyaz have a couple things in common. Both attended four-year schools here in the States. And both used Dell laptops to record vocals and launch their respective careers.
“But it sounds crispy, doesn’t it?” Posner asked on Tuesday, referring to the track “Cooler Than Me.’ Oh yeah, both artists have also joined “The Ralphie Radio Show” as a guest. And yes, “crispy, “clean”, “clear”, you could insert a number of adjectives to describe how good it sounds all considering. Posner wrote and recorded the track in his Duke University dorm room, inspired by the women he encountered at the school.
“I can’t tell you like after the song came out like how many girls from my past came out of the woodwork and were like ‘I know this song is about me,’” recalled the emcee. “It’s like, ‘Ugh, you’re so vain. It’s not about you. But, now that you’re saying that, it kinda is.’”
Despite his disdain for some of the women on campus, Posner credits the Blue Devil student body’s support in launching his career to its current point. And although he wouldn’t divulge on the existence of any form of hazing, the artist even admits that his fraternity, Sigma Nu, also played a big role. --- Download the interview
Mike Posner is poised to explode on to the scene with his mixtape anthem, "Cooler Than Me" - an ode to the types of women he typically encountered on the campus of Duke University. The Duke graduate also spoke on the school's basketball championship and his forthcoming appearance on this year's Vans Warped Tour. Download Posner's mixtapes for free at mikeposner.com. --- “I told my brothers to help me spread (my music),” he said. “Within’ a matter of months, the people in my fraternity had helped me create a nationwide fan base and now, I’m living my dreams because of them.”
Matter of fact, Posner is so busy that he can’t even find the time to collaborate with the likes of Flo-Rida and T.I. for the rappers’ respective forthcoming albums. The Michigan-born artist is currently working on his debut LP. He wouldn’t release the title to “The RRS” but did reveal that he's looking at a September release and that there would be no features with other artists.
“All Posner, all hits!” he joked. “I don’t need to trick people in to liking my stuff.”
Certainly a unique perspective, but then again – how many emcees do you know entering the game with a degree from Duke?
I'll stand by what I said on-air: "TiK ToK" is not conducive to a live performance with all of the autotune and vocal effects. That being said, in my opinion, Ke$ha still did a great job on "Saturday Night Live" and deserves props for adding parts in the beginning and bridge so that she could showcase her vocal skills. I really feel the people lashing out against her didn't like the song in the first place.
Is Mayday Parade lead singer Derek Sanders surprised that YouTube removed the band’s music video for “Kids In Love”? He can’t believe it even made it on to the site in the first place.
“I’ve never heard of a video on YouTube that had any kind of nudity, and there’s definitely a whole lot of nudity throughout the video,” said Sanders in an interview that aired Monday on “The Ralphie Radio Show.” “I was surprised it was up as long as it was.”
YouTube removed the video after too many users flagged it as inappropriate. To the view the piece, the site required you were logged in and over the age of 18. Still, a parental advisory ran before the beginning. Dailymotion still hosts the video, and fans of Mayday have been uploading it to other video sharing sites as well, such as Vimeo. --- Download the interview Anywhere But Here is in stores now. --- The video is a departure from your typical “boy-meets-girl” treatment. Instead, the clip documents teenagers falling in and out of love. From road trips to every type of sex you can imagine, it can all be seen, uncensored and unfiltered, throughout the video. Its honesty has sparked some conversation centered on the band, but Sanders doesn’t seem to mind, deeming the controversy “cool.”
“It’ll be like a video that no one else has seen before, and we kind of like that aspect of it,” Sanders said of the band’s thinking before choosing to shoot the clip. “We were like, ‘Let’s go for something different, and this just seems like very cool and very real.”
Sanders and Mayday Parade will be performing the track all summer long, as the band heads out again on Vans Warped Tour, Mayday’s fourth trek on the festival.
ALL ACCESS covers "The RRS" coverage of Ryan Cabrera/Audrina Patridge MTV NEWS AUSTRALIA cites "The RRS" in report on Ryan/Audrina FOX 56 NEWS AT 10 features story broken locally on "The RRS" of Justin Bieber fan
If people compared Orianthi’s style to Kelly Clarkson after “According To You” – they’re definitely saying something after hearing the singer/guitarist’s next single, “Shut Up and Kiss Me.”
“Yeah, that’s an awesome thing, she’s so talented,” Ori said of the comparison. “This song is a fun song; it’s got a guitar solo in it once again.” --- Download the interview
--- The showcasing of her guitar skills is far from a coincidence – the Australian-born artist hopes to inspire other kids, especially women, to pick up their own axe and play.
“Lyrically, it’s empowered, just like ‘According To You’, but it’s kind of sassy,” explained Orianthi.
But she quickly clarified that the song’s edge isn’t exactly a reflection of her.
“Yeah pretty much (me) with the volume turned up,” Orianthi said when describing the song. “That’s what you do for the song, you know, have fun with it.”
Orianthi spoke about a private show she played recently at Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, but she didn’t say much.
“It was a private event for some people there,” replied the singer/guitarist when I asked her about the performance. “I mean, it’s an amazing place, incredible place… played for an hour, we had a great time.”
The artist, full name Orianthi Panagaris, wouldn’t divulge any other information about the show. Jackson chose Orianthi to play guitar on his “This Is It” tour before passing away last June. Shortly after his death, the guitarist burst on to the scene, releasing her debut LP Believe, and scoring a radio hit with “According To You.” She planned to launch a solo career before the King of Pop passed. --- Download the interview
Orianthi also spoke about her Greek heritage, plus she responded to recent comments on "The RRS" by Train's Pat Monahan, who is a fan of her work. --- “When he passed, we were just so sad and, (the concert crew) was like a family, yunno?” she said. “Definitely mixed feelings last night, I go in (to Neverland Ranch) to play a show and you can just see that Michael created it and it was his little sanctuary and just incredible.”
Orianthi will be playing many more shows throughout the year. In addition to various dates for radio promo, she finds herself back in Australia soon, supporting John Mayer.
“It would be really cool to get a chance to jam,” said Ori. “He’s just a great musician.”
Panagaris met Mayer twice, the first being at Michael Jackson’s memorial inside the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Both encounters were brief.
Orianthi’s latest single, “Shut Up and Kiss Me”, is impacting radio stations now.
MTV cameos, opening for Lady GaGa, making the rounds on last year’s Vans Warped Tour… you really can’t blame The White Tie Affair for wanting to take a little refuge from the regimen of pop music. The band relented to Chicago for family time and Los Angeles for writing time. Now it seems, it’s once again go time for Chris Wallace and his crew. TWTA premiered a new single on its MySpace page Tuesday, “You Look Better When I’m Drunk.” Before Wallace heads back on the road with his fellow Chicagoans for radio promo, he called in to “The Ralphie Radio Show.”
“I wish I could actually hear you play (the new single) on the radio,” remarked Wallace. The song spun later in the evening on the “Daily Download” segment, and yes, I did remind the lead singer that “The RRS” streams online. “That would be my – ding, ding – first time hearing it.”
Coincidentally, “The Ralphie Radio Show” played “Candle (Sick and Tired)” before any other show on-air as well. So if it’s possible to be someone’s first, twice… well, looks like we’ve accomplished that. --- Download the interview
Check out the new single on TWTA's MySpace page! --- All kidding aside, it’s refreshing that despite all of the success, the novelty hearing his own band’s tune on the radio hasn’t worn on Wallace. The latest track is very mainstream friendly, heavy on production in vocal effects laced with synthesizers and a thumping beat.
“I thought of the idea years ago,” said the front man. “It’s like, everything’s a little bit better when you’re drinking and when you’re partying and stuff like that.”
Wallace noted the track’s theme is quite relatable.
“You get a phone number at a bar, or club or something, just out, and you go home and look ‘em up on Facebook or something like that, and you’re like, ‘Ooh! Alright…’” he joked. “Seemed like a lot better idea when I was drinking.”
Hopefully for Wallace, the idea to create a song from such experiences will translate well with audiences – sober or not.
She was introduced to Justin Bieber initially by “Kidd Kraddick In The Morning” on 97 BHT. Little did 14 year-old Alex Buchinski know that she would later be introduced to Justin, literally, by his manager Scooter Braun.
This isn’t your average meet-and-greet tale.
Buchinski is a 97 BHT listener and Archbald, Pa. resident. Like many of her peers, she loves “The Bieber.” Matter of fact, she wasn’t satisfied by just professing her admiration by missing two days of school to see Justin perform inside The Mall at Steamtown. Nor did winning passes to check out Bieber on “Good Morning America” satisfy her, um, sorry – Bieber Fever.
Nope, instead Alex wanted to see her favorite artist on “Saturday Night Live.” Step one: take to Twitter.
“I was just sending (links, comments) out there, like I didn’t send it to ‘Saturday Night Live’ or NBC or anyone like that,” explained Buchinski on “The Ralphie Radio Show” – a radio show that Bieber has been interviewed on twice. “I was just sending it out there, trying to get more followers to support the idea, and it worked.”
In no time, Buchinski found herself in the center of a viral marketing campaign to land Bieber on “SNL.” Alex’s account, “BieberOnSNL”, has close to 10,000 followers. Bieber himself has “at replied” – or mentioned Alex’s name in a Twitter update, on three different occasions. Yet, Buchinski still has no idea how Bieber or his team figured out that she was one of the forces behind it. --- Download the interview
--- “He ‘tweeted’ me back, like 6, 7 weeks ago, saying that he was going to be on ‘Saturday Night Live’ April 10,” she said. “I don’t know how he found out that I helped him.”
But Justin did, and offered Alex four VIP tickets to check out his performance the following afternoon. Bieber taped an edition of “Walmart Soundcheck” at the Highland Ballroom in New York City. The teenager made the trip to the concrete jungle with her parents and younger sister. Her father, Chris, didn’t know what to expect when he arrived. But upon stepping foot in the front door of the venue, the dad was immediately taken aback.
“We went out there, and I thought it was gonna be just a run-of-the-mill kind of thing,” Mr. Buchinski admitted. “But I went to the door and I said ‘I’m looking for Scooter.’ He was right there, and he took me right in.”
Bieber’s manager immediately handed over wristbands for VIP access for the family of four. Then, Braun took them all backstage, to meet Justin and the band in their dressing room.
“It was phenomenal,” Alex’s dad said. “(Braun) was really, unbelievable. He even gave me his e-mail address to keep in touch; I mean he was a fabulous guy.”
But the VIP experience didn’t end there. During the taping, Bieber performed “One Less Lonely Girl.” Let’s just say, the only girl that did not feel lonely in the crowd was Alex, who spent the duration of the song literally just a few feet away from the pint-sized pop star.
“He sang ‘One Less Lonely Girl’ to me on stage, in front of like, hundreds of screaming girls,” recalled Buchinski. “It was just amazing.”
“Walmart Soundcheck” featuring Justin Bieber will premiere on May 15 online and throughout Walmart stores across the country.
The wait is almost over for legions of Goo Goo Dolls fans everywhere: the Buffalo, NY band completed its ninth studio LP, for real this time.
“I’m going to New York tomorrow to do the mastering, so I guess it’s finished,” revealed lead singer John Rzeznik. The front man along with fellow founding band mate Robby Takac sat down on “The Ralphie Radio Show” Sunday afternoon. Takac added that he’s heard a June release is planned, but is unaware of an official date. The LP is entitled, Something for the Rest of Us.
Even though the band has sold over nine million albums in the states alone, the standard for a successful LP hasn’t changed too much.
“I think at this point it’s one of those things where, you just have to be satisfied with the work that you did, and hope that you craft it into something that you’re proud of,” said Rzeznik. He then reaffirmed his first statement, but added, “That’s fine, but it would be really nice if it sold a bunch of copies. That always helps. If it gets on the radio… but, we’ll see what happens.” --- Download the interview
--- Yes, the music landscape has changed quite a bit since the ’96 release of Let Love In. In an interview last September with The Buffalo News, Takac noted that radio isn’t “there the way they were before.” Certainly the influence of the medium has decreased a little, but Rzeznik feels the airplay can still play an instrumental role in the band’s success moving forward.
“Even if you don’t sell a lot of records, getting played on the radio, yunno, keeps your touring business going and then you get out and play, make a living on the road.”
When I caught up with The Goo Goo Dolls, the band was in the midst of doing exactly that. The Goos extended the current tour to over 40 dates, playing mostly smaller, theater-type venues. Rzeznik confirmed that after the LP’s release, summer dates at primarily outdoor venues will be announced.
Coincidentally enough, my third concert ever found me sitting on the lawn of Artpark in Lewiston, NY watching The Goo Goo Dolls – right before Dizzy Up the Girl hit stores, in August of 1998. If I need another reason to head back home and visit the parents, Rzeznik did confirm that the show for the nearby Darien Lake Performing Arts Center is already booked.
14 year-old Alex Buchinski created a Twitter account called "BieberOnSNL." The Archbald, Pa. native helped teen star Justin Bieber land on "Saturday Night Live." Bieber repaid Alex by giving her four tickets to his private performance the next day for Walmart Soundcheck. She shared her story on "The RRS." The full interview will air Tuesday at 7 p.m.
In an exclusive interview on "The Ralphie Radio Show" after his performance Sunday evening at Marywood University, Ryan Cabrera revealed that he is still dating "The Hills" cast member Audrina Patridge. "You know how the media is, they'll take whatever they want and have a hay-day with it," replied Cabrera after I brought up stories that emerged from the couple's trip to Las Vegas over the past week. Various sources cited the two headed to "Splitsville" after both were seen in public without the other. "I think people use that stuff as entertainment, but they should also know that it's just a bunch of crap."
Cabrera chuckled when I mentioned that watching this upcoming season of the MTV reality show would have been awkward if the two were in fact broken up. The singer is featured in the trailer for the final run of episodes, set to premiere Tuesday, April 27. After mentioning that he likes to keep his personal life just that, I asked him if he was not single, to which he answered, "Me? No, I'm not." --- Listen to the full interview below:
--- The couple created quite a stir on the campus of Marywood, a small Catholic school in Scranton, Pa. with an enrollment just over 3,000. Cabrera is in the midst of about 15 hand-selected dates, as he prepares for his return to a major record label. After selling over two million copies of Take It All Away, and about a half million with You Stand Watching, Cabrera left his trademark spiky hair and deal with Atlantic Records behind. In 2008 he released The Moon Under Water, an independent project that only moved 15,000 units. Now after a couple years of touring and writing, the singer seems poised to jump back on the radio airwaves and sales charts. He even brought back the spikes, ditching his long hair and mustache.
"The last record was just kind of like a darker period, where I was just trying to rebel against my record label," admitted Cabrera. "I think (the new release) will be a lot more like the Take It All Away record." Don't worry, if you're wondering what Cabrera's latest project will sound like, you won't have to wait too long: Ryan revealed that the first single from his forthcoming LP could hit radio as soon as this summer, with a 2011 release planned for the entire album.
Cabrera did say this album would not be released independently, although declined to say which record label he would land with, only noting that he is still in talks "different labels."
It started with a random idea hatched during class to score attention for YouTube videos. It’s safe to say that 22 year-old friends Ryan Leander and Michael Wekall have accomplished that, and by the time their mission is complete, YouTube hits might not be the only thing they have to show for their work. Leander and Wekall created AHugFromTaylorSwift.com. The goal is just that – be hugged by singer Taylor Swift. Yes, Swift knows of the website, and is offering challenges to the students via her own YouTube account. After completing the first task of helping senior citizens across the street, the duo will premiere a video that incorporates the number 13 in to good deeds. Leander told me on “The Ralphie Radio Show” that they’ll upload the clip on April 13. Yes, 13 is Taylor’s lucky number.
“We never saw it getting this big,” remarked Leander, who called in to “The RRS” from Alabama. Wekall is a student at Auburn University, while Ryan takes on-line courses. “It’s definitely hard to concentrate with school and this going on and just like a whole other separate life that you have to keep going.” --- Download the interview
--- Leander said that they keep in touch with a middle man who works with Taylor Swift, although he would not reveal the man’s identity or job title. It was this person that discovered Leander and Wekall on-line and alerted Swift. Apparently the songstress was flattered, and now the story is gaining national attention. Although their mission is now transforming in to a feel-good tale, Leander admits they were a little afraid of coming off as creepy.
“That was one of our major fears because I’m sure she gets a lot of that stuff,” said Leander. “We’re just two average guys, just wanting to have fun.”
But when will the fun come to a head, with a hug from Taylor? Leander has no idea.
“Your guess is as good as ours,” he replied. “Hopefully there won’t be too many (challenges), we’re both trying to graduate and get some jobs.”
In this day and age, that task might even be harder than scoring a hug from Grammy-award winning superstar. The students will surely find out soon enough.
TMZ's Dax chatted on "The Ralphie Radio Show" about Tiger Woods' comeback at The Masters, including the premiere of a new Nike commercial and a prankster from above. The Nike commercial
As successful as Rob Thomas is, both on his own accord and as the lead singer of Matchbox Twenty, he still isn’t too cool for a “geek out” moment when interacting with fellow musicians. Take the recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for example, which Thomas performed at.
“The day after the awards, Jann Wenner, the founder of Rolling Stone, called me and told me that he was hanging at a party the night before and Bruce Springsteen was talking about my performance and how much he liked it,” recalled Thomas. “And I wet myself.”
Given his genuine excitement level, you might think the Matchbox Twenty front man was only half-kidding. But all kidding aside, Thomas stays true to his art by embracing his inner-fan.
“I think if you stop being a fan of music, you should get out of the business,” he bluntly stated. “If you think you’re above it, then you don’t get it.” ---
Part 1: Ralphie's 2nd Concert Ever, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Radio Promo
Part 2:Mad Season, Someday EP, New Matchbox Twenty LP
--- Thomas doesn’t feel above it, and totally gets it – his actions speak for themselves. I caught up with the Grammy winner amidst a radio promo tour of mid-major markets. Yes, even after selling more than 80 million albums between Matchbox, solo works, and collaborations with the likes of Santana and Jagger – the singer/songwriter still makes the rounds, performing acoustic music sets for small groups of listeners who win access to the events.
“Radio promo for me is, hanging out with some of my best friends in the world, you know, traveling around the country, playing music for people,” he explained. “It’s what I do for a living, so to me yeah, it’s a really good time.”
Thomas latest project is his second studio LP, Cradlesong, along with a four-song EP, Someday. This summer he’ll embark on a “Storytellers”-type tour, playing venues ranging from 400 to 3,000 seats and performing acoustically while chatting about the songs and his career in between riffs. Then this fall, he’ll begin to work full-time with the rest of Matchbox on the band’s fifth studio album.
Teen idols - they come, they go. Justin Bieber is here, and won't be leaving in the immediate future. Steve Pond from TheWrap.com wrote a great piece on five lessons he can learn from other teen idols of yester-year. Check out the full article here.
97 BHT, Atlantic Records, The Mall At Steamtown, and F.Y.E. proudly presented Matchbox Twenty front man and Grammy award winner Rob Thomas, with an intimate, acoustic performance at the 97 BHT studios.
Lil Wayne's overcome much adversity during his rise from a Cash Money Millionaire to a musical pioneer. I suppose it shouldn't come as a shock then that while he serves a year-long jail sentance for a weapons possession charge, he launched a new website. weezythanxyou.com is a blog-driven site that looks as if it will feature fan mail Wayne receives while incarcerated, along with his response - and random musings. The site also features the address to write Weezy in prison, along with a countdown til his release.
Dr. Robert Melillo called in to "The RRS" on Friday to shed more light on "World Autism Awareness Day." Dr. Melillo authored the book, Disconnected Kids.
Earlier today I had the pleasure of contributing to "Celebrity Court Radio", a new radio show hosted by Attorney Elizabeth Kelley on News Talk 1420 AM WHK in Cleveland, OH. Ms. Kelly and I spoke about the investigation in to the death of actor Corey Haim, and about the trials and tribulations of Lindsay Lohan and her parents - Michael and Dina. Part 1: Corey Haim
It’s possible that the respect between artists Drake and Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em may grow from a musical collaboration to a full-out tour.
“The summer Soulja Boy hittin’ his first headlining tour,” said fellow SOD Money Gang artist JBar on “The Ralphie Radio Show” Thursday. “They gettin’ the other acts together right now… I heard Drake, that’s the only name I’ve heard so far.”
Drizzy first paid Soulja a compliment last June on “The RRS,” anointing the rapper, “the smartest artist of our generation, period.”
““Whether it’s him, whether it’s his team around him, whoever has the thoughts to do the things he does, is genius,” said Drake. Soulja Boy would later download the interview from “The RRS” blog and upload it to his own YouTube account.
Later that summer, on opening night of the America’s Most Wanted Music Festival, Soulja returned the praise while speaking with me on his tour bus. --- Part 1: The Making of "Daze"
Part 2: DJ Woogie, Twitter, Soulja Boy's Summer Tour
--- “Drake is a real dude. Most rappers, they don’t like to give the other rappers props,” Soulja Boy said in July. “He showed me my respect. Drake is a good artist.”
JBar says it’s possible, and that they’re looking in to it at the moment.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta-emcee is on his own tour, promoting the first single from his self-titled, debut LP, “Daze.” JBar wrote the track while in a state of reflection on Soulja Boy’s tour bus – everyone else aboard was sleeping.
“After I wrote the song, I didn’t tell anybody I wrote it,” he revealed, noting he originally penned the track in December 2008. “I didn’t let nobody hear it until I got back home on Christmas Eve and I had recorded it.”
While hanging out in the studio, he played the demo for the producer of the beat, SuperCed. Once the producer heard JBar sing the hook, he immediately asked the rapper to hop in the booth and cut it. JBar took it to Soulja on Christmas – who also fell in love with the song on the first listen. The head of SOD Money Gang laid down his verse, and JBar had his first single.
“I didn’t really think it was gonna be a song, like a single,” JBar explained when asked why he initially didn’t tell anyone about it. “I thought it was just some song I was writing… turned out to be more than that.”
TMZ calls her the pilgrim mistress - yes the media uncovered Rachel Uchitel's exploits with Tiger Woods before any of the other alleged affairs. Now according to TMZ's Dax, Uchitel won't be saying a word, for 10 million different reasons. Catch Dax on TMZ TV, local listings here.
After speaking with rapper Flo Rida for a little over ten minutes on “The Ralphie Radio Show” Wednesday, the only certain thing is that most of what the emcee accomplishes is rooted, no pun intended, in uncertainty.
“I’m just a guy who works at the spur of the moment,” explained Flo, real name Tramar Dillard. “I’m very spontaneous when creating, so you never know.”
So I’ll save you the suspense now: if you’re wondering who Flo Rida will be collaborating with on his third LP, well I don’t know, and given that the track listing isn’t set in stone, he wouldn’t let on. He revealed the record is “three or four” songs away from completion.
Flo did link up again with T-Pain for “Zoosk Girl”, which his camp is calling a “teaser single” for the album, which yes, does carry a title: The Only 1. Will this new record contain samples and elements from older songs – with a new twist by the “Low” and “Right Round” rapper? See above. --- Download the interview --- Speaking of “Right Round”, Flo also doesn’t know if the new LP will feature another collab with Ke$ha, who sang the hook of the first single on R.O.O.T.S. before she became known for brushing her teeth with a bottle of Jack. But, the Florida-born artist offers nothing but high praises for the pop star.
“Most definitely (I’m) excited, happy for her,” said Flo. “She’s blessed to have her own situation, so shout out to Ke$ha.”
Flo Rida didn’t rule out another track with her, adding that he wouldn’t mind teaming up again.
It seems that if the emcee plans anything ahead of time, it’s his charity work. Flo founded “Big Dreams For Kids” about a year ago. The rapper returns to the projects in Carol City, Florida to donate time and money through appearances and events – one which would be held this weekend. Flo took a break from planning the function in his office to chat on “The RRS.”
“I was inspired by different people coming to my projects and giving their word on how you could become successful if you sacrifice, put God first, and everything,” he explained. “You know I’m always staying positive, and I’m working.”
He may love bringing that sense of uncertainty to the studio, but clearly Flo Rida’s accomplishments thus far are due to his priorities, which certainly are in order.
Parents, did you know you could give your baby cavities through the sharing of saliva? Kissing, sharing food... according to this article from MSNBC.com, be mindful of it!
I’m sure it’s happened to you at some point or another: you have tickets to a big show, but you can’t attend because you’re stuck at work. Even celebrities fall victim to this... enter Adam Levine.
Paul McCartney played the Hollywood Bowl last night, and the Maroon 5 lead singer scored tickets. But, according to the singer’s Twitter update, Levine was stuck in the studio. You could only imagine what he was working on there if it warranted passing up Sir Paul.
Anyways, Levine followed that up with, “If you love Sir Paul as much as I do. Meet me at the chevron on the corner of la brea and sunset. Tickets await. Hurry.”
You’re a little skeptical of meeting up with Maroon 5’s front man at a gas station on Sunset Boulevard? Please, don’t be.
“P.S. I'm dead serious. He goes on in twenty minutes at the Hollywood bowl...,” tweeted Levine. “Let me reiterate this is not a hoax. Whoever gets there let me know and we will come make the hand-off.”
He later specified that the winner would be required to sing one non-Beatles McCartney tune. Less than an hour after his initial Twitter update, Levine gave away his tickets. “Just handed over the tickets to a lovely young lady,” he said via Twitter. “The giveaway is over...she seemed so happy!!!”
Certainly that lovely young lady has a story for the ages… but I still want to know what Levine was working on. Maroon 5’s next album is untitled, and scheduled for a June release.
In an interview that aired Monday on “The Ralphie Radio Show” – the band Train confirmed that they’ll hit the road this summer with John Mayer.
“I think we might be back (in Northeast PA), with John,” confirmed lead singer Pat Monahan. “I think we’re gonna do a handful of dates with him in this part of the country. We’re really excited about that.”
The tour revelation is just another chapter in the on-going saga of the San Francisco trio’s comeback. After a three year hiatus – Train released Save Me San Francisco last year. “C.S.I. New York” featured the band along with the single, “Hey, Soul Sister.” Radio picked up on it soon after – and now the Train is traveling the country again, selling out theaters, with plans yonder.
“Radio really did everything for us,” Monahan said. “C.S.I. kinda took it to a different place.” --- Download the inteview
--- But the group is embracing both traditional media and social networking sites, such as Twitter. Train revealed that all three members update the official Twitter page, while guitarist Jimmy Stafford noted that such things are now a necessity.
“It’s a different world now,” Stafford said. “People buy their music on-line, and it’s a whole new way for us to stay in touch with our fans.”
The comeback brings a group of fresh fans from a new generation or music lovers and artists, alike. Recently in an interview with MTV News, Orianthi counted herself as one of those Train supporters.
“That’s really cool – you know what I think is happening is we’re all kind of fans of each other these days,” remarked Monahan. “We want each other to do well. Orianthi is an amazing talent, and were psyched for her too. So yunno instead of, ‘Hey man, she’s taking up my space on the CD case,’ it’s like, ‘Let’s do something together!’”
So who knows, maybe a Train/Orianthi collaboration is right around the corner? But, surely Train doesn’t have to worry about Orianthi taking their space on a compact disc case… now iPod space – that could be a different story.
The bands were managed by the same company, recorded with the same label, and fell under the same genre of pop-rock filling mainstream radio. So maybe it’s only right that Boys Like Girls front-man Martin Johnson shed some light on the recent break-up of Metro Station.
“Trace (Cyrus) kicked every member out of the band,” replied Johnson, referring to Miley’s older brother and Metro Station’s lead singer, after I asked him about the alleged break-up. “That’s all I have to say about that.”
Rumors began circulating of Metro Station’s demise following the cancellation of a college date at Towson University. Cyrus along with Mason Musso later announced the band would be placed on an “indefinite hiatus.” Soon after, Cyrus announced via his Twitter page that he would still release music with a new band.
Johnson, along with BLG band mates John Keefe and Brian Donahue, called in to “The Ralphie Radio Show” last week. The Boston-based quartet (Paul DiGiovanni was not on the line) was in Los Angeles, amidst a flurry of promotion for the latest single from Love Drunk called “Heart Heart Heartbreak.” --- Download the inteview
Ralphie with Martin and Paul from Boys Like Girls, Nov. 2009
--- “We cashed in our one auto-tune card,” joked Johnson about the vocal effects heard on the new single. Boys Like Girls filmed the music video for the song on the West Coast. The group also appeared at the Kids Choice Awards, stopped by Seventeen Magazine, and performed on “Lopez Tonight.” Donahue noted the experience on the new George Lopez show differed from the band’s other late night TV cameos.
“It’s so relaxed,” said the bassist. “By the green room, George has Astroturf… it’s set-up like a putting green. You can work on your short game before you go on TV.”
Who knows when the guys will have any time for golf. The band is prepping for another promo run, and then "The Bamboozle Road Show." The tour includes Good Charlotte and Third Eye Blind. If any date on BLG’s calendar is circled, it would be June 27 – when the tour hits the Comcast Center near Boston. Keefe grew up in Mansfield, MA – the actual town of the venue. He didn’t have to join a band to grace the stage there either.
“I graduated on that stage,” the drummer reminisced. “My first show there, I saw David Bowie and Nine Inch Nails. That will always be a big thing for me.”
TMZ's Dax checked in to chat about footage TMZ obtained of Tiger Woods practicing for The Masters. TMZ also reported later in the evening that Tiger recently shot a new commercial for Nike.
You heard it on-air, and yes, it's true: Chris Rock could read your eulogy. Equally morbid and hilarious. Click through here for more. The release of the movie was pushed up to April 16.
College Candy posted an article describing the three easiest methods of obtaining a free drink or four at a local watering hole near you... - Bachelorette Party - 21st Birthday - Bad Break Up
97 BHT did it again - another priceless experience with your favorite artists!
Train performed on Friday, March 26 at The Lackawanna County Electric City Trolley Station & Museum located on the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, powered by Tobyhanna Federal Credit Union, Columbia Records, and 97 BHT!
