Epic/Legacy Recordings to drop 25th Anniversary of "Thriller"

Epic/Legacy Recordings proudly celebrates the 25th anniversary of Michael Jackson\'s Thriller, the world's biggest-selling album of all time, with a newly expanded deluxe edition of the phenomenal record-breaking pop culture touchstone, available in the U.S. on Tuesday, February 12, 2008. The album will be available worldwide the week of February 11, 2008.

The Michael Jackson Thriller 25th anniversary celebration kicks off in December 2007 with the release of a new single and continues throughout 2008 with a multi-faceted global marketing campaign featuring high-profile television, radio and online events around the world.

The Thriller - 25th Anniversary Edition will include the original album in its entirety as well as eight bonus tracks and a DVD featuring Michael Jackson's groundbreaking short films from Thriller ("Thriller," "Beat It," and "Billie Jean") and the artist's Emmy-nominated breakout performance of "Billie Jean" from the legendary "Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever" television special (first broadcast on NBC on May 16, 1983).

The newly expanded version of Thriller premieres five tracks previously unreleased in any form: a new Kanye West remix of "Billie Jean"; a new 2008 version of "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" with Akon and will.i.am; will.i.am remixes of "The Girl Is Mine" and "P.Y.T."; and "For All Time," a rare unreleased cut from the original Thriller recording sessions, newly mixed and mastered by Michael Jackson.

Additional bonus material on the Thriller - 25th Anniversary Edition includes "Someone In The Dark," "Carousel," and Michael Jackson's original demo recording of "Billie Jean."

The deluxe Thriller - 25th Anniversary Edition packaging contains a personal greeting from Michael Jackson to his fans penned exclusively for this special release.

Originally released in the US 25 years ago on November 30, 1982 by Epic Records, Thriller, Michael Jackson's sixth solo album and second with producer Quincy Jones, rocketed the former child-star lead singer for the Jackson 5 into the stratosphere of international superstardom. Introducing the "robot" and the "moonwalk" into the international lexicon of clubland dance moves via the pulsing sounds of Thriller, Michael Jackson revolutionized all aspects of mainstream pop culture -- from radio airwaves to the newly emerging art form of music videos -- becoming the world's most popular entertainer in the process.

The original Thriller spent an astounding 80 consecutive weeks in the American Top 10, 37 of those at #1. Seven of the album's original nine tracks became Top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 while Individual singles from Thriller reached #1 chart positions in the US, the UK, France, Italy, Australia, Denmark, Belgium, South Africa, Spain, Ireland, New Zealand and Canada.

Thriller made history as the first and only record to be America's top-selling album two years running (1983 and 1984).

Thriller has been certified 27x platinum by the RIAA, giving it Double Diamond Award status in the US. In addition, the album has achieved Diamond or Multi-Platinum status in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. In 1985, the Guinness Book of Records named Thriller the Best Selling Album of All Time, an achievement which remains unsurpassed to this day.

In February 1984, Michael Jackson held a record-breaking 12 Grammy nominations, going on to win eight, which stands as the record for most Grammy Awards to be won by anyone in a single year. Seven of Michael's Grammys that year were for Thriller: Album of the Year; Record of the Year ("Beat It"); Best Male Pop Vocal Performance ("Thriller"); Best Engineered Recording, Non-Classical (Thriller); Best Male Rock Vocal Performance ("Beat It"); Best Male R&B Vocal Performance ("Billie Jean"); Best R&B Song ("Billie Jean"). (Michael's eighth Grammy that year was in the Best Recording For Children - Single or Album, Musical or Spoken category for "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial"). That same year, Michael Jackson took home eight American Music Awards and three MTV Video Music Awards. The following year, "The Making of Michael Jackson's Thriller" took home the Best Video Album trophy at the 27th Annual Grammy Awards.

Named the "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time" by the Guinness World Records, Michael Jackson is among the most highly acclaimed and influential artists in pop culture. He was named the World Music Award's Best-Selling Pop Male Artist of the Millennium and received the American Music Award's Artist of the Century Award. He has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice: in 1997 as a member of the Jackson 5 and as a solo artist in 2001.

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Badnews interviews Ky-Mani Marley!

Posted at 12/08/2007 01:28:00 AM

What’s the deal world, its your boy boy Badnews, and I got a chance to talk to the one and only Mr. Ky-Mani Marley and yes it was a good interview if I say so myself ha. but seriously check out my interview with him, we talked about his hot video “One Time” which is one of the best songs of ’07, to the shady record labels that think that their slick, but just sit back and check this interview out. Shout out to Brett, thank you for putting up with my hounding and of course a special shout out to Hip Hop legend PIMP C your personality and your music will be sorely missed. Now I give you the interview. Enjoy!



Badnews: Mr. Marley how are you doing?

Ky-Mani Marley: I’m doing very good how are you?

Badnews: I’m doing well. We were suppose to talk a couple weeks ago but I knew you had some trouble but were here now.

Ky-Mani Marley: Yes we are.

Badnews: OK lets get stared. You were nominated for a grammy five years ago for your first album “Many More Roads”, did you feel like you had to step it up more for this album? And did your record company tell you to step it up?

Ky-Mani Marley: Well that was my second album, but its always a record company’s job to tell you to do better and to compete with other artists but as for me I always tell myself to step it up you know… I don’t compete with anyone but me. I try to always better myself as well as my music.

Badnews: Well whatever your doing its good. Now you have a hot single out right now named “One time” and it’s a crazy song.

Ky-Mani Marley: Thank you…

Badnews: (Laughs) Its true it’s a great song. You have the video out to it that’s inspired by the classic movie “Carlito’s Way”. What made you go with that concept?

Ky-Mani Marley: It wasn’t my idea for the concept, it was brought to me by Gil Green , he felt that the theme captured the essence of the song and I agreed too, so we shot it and it looked great.

Badnews: It was a great video for real, probably the best this year.

Ky –Mani Marley: Thank you for that.

Badnews: I’m serious I’m not playing (Laughs). You were born in Falmouth, Jamaica correct?

Ky-Mani Marley: Right, right…

Badnews: Then you moved to Miami at the age of nine, did you notice a musical culture shock between the two cities?

Ky –Mani Marley: Definitely. In Miami it was more hip hop and Jamaica was more reggae (Laughs) In the part where I lived in Miami the block was full of Jamaicans it was like my home away from home. Even though I was in Miami where I lived, it had that home vibe to it and the music played a part in it you know?

Badnews: Ok I see. Now your very first album was titled “ Like father , like son” and it was an album that was made up of cover songs from your father Bob Marley would you say that this is your most personal album to date?

Ky-Mani Marley: Nah, this is not my most personal album, it was the record companies idea to release that album, they released it behind my back and I couldn’t do anything about it.

Badnews: Oh wow. Did you feel that was this was a snake move on the record labels part?

Ky Mani Marley: Definitely. I had no idea the record was until a couple years ago, and I said to myself “what the (mumble) was this man?” I still give recognition to my father though, I cover his songs at my concerts and show him love, but that’s about it. I wouldn’t release an album with just me covering my fathers songs I am a different artist, I speak on what happened in my life that’s where I’m most comfortable at.

Badnews: That’s foul on their part but at least we know the truth now. What was it like growing up Marley? Were you treated like royalty--

Ky Mani Marley: No, no, no. I certainly wasn’t treated like royalty, you know? I wasn’t given any opportunities based strictly on the fact I was Bob Marley’s son. I was poor. My family struggled you know? I was raised in the city where people suffered I was a Marley kid but it didn’t make any difference I came to this country when I was nine years old and I stayed in a two-bedroom apartment with nine people living in it. So being a Marley didn’t help us out any (Laughs).

Badnews: Well that’s what’s up. That’s what makes you a true artist. You’re lyrics are real.

Ky –Mani Marley: Thank you, I speak from the heart. My rhymes are not made up, they are real. They paint a picture of the hood.

Badnews: Now of course music runs through your family your brothers had hit songs in the last three to four years, do you ever give each other pointers or advice?

Ky-Mani Marley: No I just do me, we stay real close cause were brothers and talk about music or whatever is happening in our lives, but as far as my music I just do me.

Badnews: Now your mother was a table tennis champion. Do you play table tennis your self, or played any sports?

Ky-Mani Marley: Yes I play table tennis. In high school I played football but at the end of the day I was doing music. I enjoy music more.

Badnews: Now your also an actor, you’ve been in a lot of movies the notable one was “Shottas”. Which do you enjoy more acting or rapping?

Ky-Mani Marley: Music is my first choice. I can express myself with my music better than I can acting out a character. Music I can express my true self and I can speak on more about me. I like acting a lot but music will always come before acting.

Badnews: Now you have your album out titled “Radio” its in stores right now, what’s going to be the next single?

Ky-Many Marley: Its going to be “Hustla” it has a good vibe to it, nice bounce and the flow is great. What do you think should be the next single?

Badnews: (Pauses) I would have to say “Hustla” too.

Ky-Mani Marley: (Laughs) Why?

Badnews: It’s a good song and it’s a great follow up to One Time. And if the video gets done right, Hustla will be a great conclusion to One Time. I want to know what happens to you. (Laughs)

Ky-Mani Marley: (Laughs) Ok well Hustla will be the next single.

Badnews: Ok good. Those were all the questions I really had I know we don’t have a lot of time to talk, but thank you for taking time out to talk to me I appreciate it a lot.

Ky-Mani Marley: Oh no thank you.

Badnews: Do you have any shout outs for anyone?

Ky-Mani Marley: Just shout out to everybody and all the Hustlas….

Badnews: That’s what’s up well thank you once again and good luck with your career.

Ky-Mani Marley: Thank you.

Much respect to Ky-Mani Marley for giving up his time to do this interviw with BadNews and the HHR crew. Remember, show some love to these Ky-Mani and check for his new single "Hustler" from his latest album "Radio" that's in stores now. Ya heard! Peace!!

Source: BadNews - Writer for HipHopRuckus

-If you have any questions or comments for Badnews, hit him up by E-mail, MySpace or AIM (TimbNews)

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Tommy Hilfiger launches new denim store in NYC

Posted at 12/08/2007 01:22:00 AM

Just wanted to give you the heads up that the first Hilfiger Denim store in the U.S., in SoHo, New York City, opened for business yesterday (12.7.07) . The fall/winter ‘07 Hilfiger Denim collection – the first ever available in America – includes three premium women’s and men’s lines ranging in price from $98 to $175. (Past collections have sold throughout Europe since 2000.)

Located at 500 Broadway (between Spring and Broome Streets) the store is themed around and inspired by the Mod revival of the ‘70s. Décor highlights include:

* Tom Dixon mirror balls

* Eero Aarnio bubble chairs

* Vintage posters

* Image-casting, custom-designed LED chandelier

* Hollywood-lighted cabinetry

* Library walls

* State-of-the-art DJ booth and sound system

Other merchandise available at Hilfiger Denim includes western shirts, cricket sweaters, baseball polos, t-shirts and other basics, as well as some vintage items. A special line of selvedge denim, priced at $250 per item, includes, for a limited time, a number of items signed by Tommy, at $375.

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Friday, December 07, 2007   MUSIC |  VIDEOS |  INTERVIEWS  | NEW ARTIST  | HOME

Manny Faces "New Year's Eve Auld Lang Syne Flip" Remix (Audio)

Posted at 12/07/2007 06:09:00 AM

It's that time of year...

For all you DJs who are gonna be rockin' at the stroke of 12 midnight... For all you radio heads needing music for your New Year's Eve commercials... The Manny Faces New Year's Eve Auld Lang Syne Flip Remix Track is back!! It's attached. Enjoy it. And from me to you all, who this year have helped me get a little bit more known, a little bit better, a little bit more love, a little bit more hope...

"New Year's Eve Auld Lang Syne Flip" Remix (click to listen)

Thank you.

Happy holidays.

-Manny

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Thursday, December 06, 2007   MUSIC |  VIDEOS |  INTERVIEWS  | NEW ARTIST  | HOME

Kevin Frazier to host 2008 Urban Wheel Awards

Posted at 12/06/2007 08:50:00 PM

On January 15, at the famed Fox Theatre in Detroit "Entertainment Tonight" anchor Kevin Frazier, will co-host one of the auto industry's biggest events--The 12th Annual Urban Wheel Awards (UWA). Considered the Academy Awards of the car industry whose theme this year is Fashion, Stars and Cars, Mr. Frazier joins actress Rosie Perez as co-hosts this year.

The UWA honors pioneering automotive Industry leaders who transcend the mainstream and embrace diversity to create products and services that appeal to a larger customer base. This star-studded, fashion-conscious, car-savvy audience will be treated to an evening extravaganza the likes of which they have never before experienced. This is the only awards forum that recognizes the top African American, Asian and Latino executives in the automotive and ancillary industries. There will be top-notch entertainment, industry leaders and Hollywood stars presenting the UWA awards to the winners in the 12 categories. Surrounded by the ambiance of the Fox theatre, known for the numerous stars that have graced its stage, the UWA is an event like none other.

So it is only fitting that Mr., Frazier will co-host the festivities for 2008. Well-known as not only the weekend anchor of one of the most popular entertainment shows on television, "Entertainment Tonight," Mr. Frazier also worked as an anchor at Fox Sports Net and later at ESPN, where he hosted "Sports Center" as well as a range of NBA-themes programming (including NBA Fast break and NBA Shoot around).

"Kevin Frazier is one of the most visible journalists in the entertainment business and we are delighted to have him join us for the 12th Annual Urban Wheel Awards," says Randi Payton, President and CEO of On Wheels, Inc., which has been presenting the UWA for the past 11 years. "The Urban Wheel Awards is the only event that brings together the worlds of the entertainment and automotive industries," says Mr. Frazier. "And I am looking forward to co-hosting this year--it's going to be an exciting event."

The 12th Annual Urban Wheel Awards will be presented during Press Week in conjunction with the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The 12th Annual Urban Wheel Awards are coming to Detroit at the Fox theatre on January 15, 2008 starting at 4PM.

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Remix! Jay-Z's American Gangster Mashup by Beirut (Audio)

Posted at 12/06/2007 04:17:00 AM

Exclusive Audio
Word up everybody, I got some good heat for you all. I'd like you to listen to this great new album remix of Jay-Z's "American Gangster" album called "Beirut
Gangster: The Re-Mixtape" by up n coming producer Beirut out of Los Angeles, California. So take a chance and listen to each track and tell me what you think. I personally like the mashups! After you listen to the tracks, go to Beiruts official myspace page (www.myspace.com/beirut) to check out the other projects that he's presently working on. Enjoy!!

"Beirut
Gangster: The Re-Mixtape" Tracks (click to listen)
01. 01 Intro

02. Pray

03. American Dreamin'

04. Hello Brooklyn 2.0

05. No Hook

06. Roc Boys

07. Sweet

08. I Know

09. Party Life

10. Ignorant Sh*t

11. Say Hello

12. Success

13. Fallin'

14. Blue Magic

15. American Gangster

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Wednesday, December 05, 2007   MUSIC |  VIDEOS |  INTERVIEWS  | NEW ARTIST  | HOME

Gucci Mane "Drink It Straight" feat. Trey Songz + Bonus (Audio)

Posted at 12/05/2007 09:57:00 PM

Exclusive Audio
Hey dog, I'm bout to be out for the night but before I hit the strip, I'd like you to check out some new tracks from my neezo, Gucci Mane, called "Drink It Straight" featuring Trey Songz. Dope stuff on the flip side of thangs, check out this bonus track called "16 Fever". Trap shit folk and remember his new album "Back to the TrackHouse" comes out on December 11th. Yeaaahhhhhhwwwww..Ughhh!!

"Drink It Straight" (click to listen)

"16 Fever" (click to listen)

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DuckDown Records signs huge deal with YouTube

Posted at 12/05/2007 09:50:00 PM

On the wake of announcing its music licensing agreement with ESPN a few weeks ago, Duck Down Records continues attacking the Cable TV programming world by inking a deal with the History Channel’s “Gangland Series”. In addition the label has signed a deal with YOUTUBE, joining their exclusive list of partnered clients, which will include their very own Duck Down Records channel.

Duck Down’s deal with The History Channel’s “Gangland Series” will include Black Moon and Boot Camp Clik’s own Buckshot, commissioned through Man Made Music, creating the original theme and promo music for the History Channel’s popular show “Gangland.” . Produced by Dirty Elegance, Buckshot was recruited to create a brief intro that would set the tone for the show’s gang related theme. Alternative versions were then created from Buckshot’s original piece; including one performed by Ice-T.

YOUTUBE has extended its exclusive list of partnered clients to include Duck Down Record's Channel. A content partnership representative contacted the label after seeing an increase in activity on their videos. The new partnership allows Duck Down to highly customize its page, upload larger video files, and receive video placement throughout YOUTUBE's featured playlists. Dru Ha, Co-Owner of Duck Down Records had this to say about the partnership: "I believe 5 years from now we're going to look back on Sites like YOUTUBE, MYSPACE, AllHipHop, HipHopGame, HipHopDX, etc and view them as marketing revolutions within the Music Industry. A few years ago (during our Triple Threat campaign) we were phasing videos out, because there were so few outlets for them to air, that it did not justify the expense. Today, we again have a reason to make videos, and while national TV networks like MTV and BET may not offer us coverage, YOUTUBE allows us to put our visuals in front of millions of people. It definitely levels the playing field and gives us a voice. In addition to our traditional music videos we've used the platform to air behind the scenes footage, comedy skits, concert clips and day in the life pieces that our fans are eager to see. I mean Sean Price has his own episode of MTV Cribs and Punk'd on the Duck Down /YOUTUBE Channel."

The Partnership with YOUTUBE comes at a perfect time as Duck Down prepares for the release of 9th Wonder and Buckshot's upcoming album, "The Formula," (March 2008). 9th and Buck have already filmed the video to the lead single “NO DOUBT” which stars Charlie Murphy in a series of short skits. Behind the scenes footage from the upcoming albums from Kidz In The Hall, “The In Crowd,” and Buckshot and 9th Wonder’s “Formula” are being planned to air on the channel in conjunction with the release.

View Duck Down's Channel Here and check out the making of 9th Wonder and Buckshot’s “NO DOUBT” Video featuring Charlie Murphy (Directed by Dru Ha