Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie are planning a massive 25th anniversary re-recording of "We Are the World." In the wake of the Haiti Disaster, the timing couldn't be better, sadly enough.The duo is summoning lots and lots of talent from Grammy weekend to stay an extra night - Monday Feb. 1 - and come to the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. There, they will celebrate a quarter century since Ken Kragen, Richie and Michael Jackson organized the original "We Are the World" with Jones.
This time the artists invited include Usher, Natalie Cole, and John Legend. But you can bet that more names will be added shortly and that all the Grammy nominees and participants will be asked to come as well. Grammy producer Ken Ehrlich will produce the event, which will then be turned into a video and single just like it was in 1985. Don't be surprised if Wyclef Jean joins in, along with Sting, Fergie, Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake and other distinctive voices.
It's hoped that as in 1985, everyone will "leave their egos at the door." Can this remake be as legendary as the original?
Crown Royal sponsored The "Wear Your Crown" Freestyle Cipher for "I dO Music" October. The winner was a young brother by the name of Ray_EL. We caught up with the versatile one to find out how he makes music happen.
Ray-EL
How long have you been rhyming?
My first rhyme was in 1st grade "My name is Ray-Ray and I don't Play Play" HaHa. My older siblings will probably never let me forget it. I'm almost 20 so that's about 15 years if you want to count that; but I've been rhyming with intent for 7.
Who are your influences?
(In no particualar order) Mos Def, Hov, Snoop, Biggie, KRS-ONE, Nas, Method Man, RedMan, Luda's 'Word of Mouth", 3 stax and I cant forget Busta Rhymes, oldest bro put me up on that in kindergarten (WooHah!! Got You All in Check).
Do you have any projects currently out?
NO, I'm working on one now for no later than Jan 1. I'm doing most of the tracks on it, with a couple guests (I am also a producer, a songwriter and arranger). I've recently been working on getting songs and beats placed on albums and mixtapes while sharpening my skill set when it comes to engineering.
How did you get involved with the "IdOMusic" program?
I was a performer at The Art Institute of Atlanta 9/11 tribute and Showcase hosted by Grammy U and when I saw the shirts everywhere it pretty much clicked that I should be going to it. I spoke with Oz Banga, Cookie and a couple others and gathered that it would definitely be a great vibe and a strong networking tool.
What do you most like about the "IdOMusic" program?
You never know WHO you'll meet! The setting makes it easy to connect with hardworking people of all the trades that go into bringing out a great musical product; from graphic designers to engineers.
If you could say one thing to the artists, producers, songwriters, and musicians that haven't gotten involved with "IdOMusic yet, what would it be?
...GO!!!! Also, if I don't meet you feel free to e-mail me, RayEL@RayELMusic.com (My site is being designed courtesy of 'VisualSmack. Check them out!)
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Ok, thats two things; the second being something that I learned at IdOMusic: EXCHANGE!
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If you came to I dO MUSIC this past month you heard Jonathan Leonard and others talk about copyright infringement. Last year Lil Wayne fell victim to the same situation. A lawsuit was filed implying he didn't secure permission to sample folk singer Karma-Ann Swanepoel's song "Once" on his track "I Feel Like Dying."
Wayne's lawyers filed a lawsuit against Rebel Rock Productions Inc. who were responsible for obtaining any necessary licensing agreements. They haven't responded to the claims and contact number has been disconnected.
Last month, a federal magistrate ordered rapper Lil Wayne to turn over financial records for his Grammy-winning album, "Tha Carter III," to Urband & Lazar Music Publishing, which published "Once."
"I Feel Like Dying" isn't a track on "Tha Carter III," but a lawyer for Urband & Lazar argues that Lil Wayne promoted the album by singing that song in concert and allowing fans to download it for free on his Web site.
Understand no matter how hot your song is, if it catches fire you better be ready to control the flames.
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