Friday, December 31, 2010

Who is DeAndre Cortez Way?

Who is DeAndre Cortez Way? , The rap and entertainment world knows him by his stage name Soulja Boy. Soulja Boy is an American rapper and record producer.
In September 2007, his single "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The single was initially self-published on the Internet, and it became a number-one hit in the United States for seven non-consecutive weeks starting in September 2007.[3]
Despite his commercial success, his music has been the subject of ridicule from his peers and critics.[4][5]

To check out Soulja Boy "Music Videos" click her

 

 

 

Early life

DeAndre Way was born July 28, 1990 in Chicago and moved to Atlanta at age six,[6] where he became interested in rap music.[7] At age 14, he moved to Batesville, Mississippi, with his father, who provided a recording studio for Way to explore his musical ambitions.[6]

Music career

Career beginnings and souljaboytellem.com (2005–2008)


Way founded the record label "Stacks on Deck Entertainment" in 2004. While Way was signed under Interscope and Collipark Music, he claimed that his label had distribution deals with Interscope, Universal Records, and Koch.[8]
In November 2005, Way posted his songs on the website SoundClick. Following positive reviews on the site, he then established his own web pages on YouTube and MySpace.[9][10] In March 2007, he recorded "Crank That" and released his first independent album Unsigned & Still Major: Da Album Before da Album, followed by a low-budget video filmed demonstrating the "Crank That" dance. By the end of May 2007, "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" received its first airplay and Way met with Mr. Collipark to sign a deal with Interscope Records.
On August 12, 2007, the song appeared on the Emmy-award winning HBO series Entourage, and by September 1, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot RingMasters charts.[11] Way's major label debut album Souljaboytellem.com, which was reportedly recorded using just the demo version of FL Studio,[7][12] was released in the United States on October 2,[13] peaking at #4 on both the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts.[14] On December 9, 2007, Way was sued by William Lyons (a.k.a. Souljah Boy of Mo Thugs Family) who claims he first created the stage name "Souljah Boy".[15]
For the 50th Grammy Awards, Way was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song with "Crank That (Soulja Boy)". He lost to Kanye West's and T-Pain's "Good Life".
Souljaboytellem.com received a favorable review from Allmusic,[13] but received mainly negative reviews from other sources such as Entertainment Weekly.[16] Several reviewers credited Soulja Boy with spearheading a new trend in hip-hop, while speculating he will likely be a one-hit wonder.[17][18][19]

iSouljaBoyTellem (2008–2009)

In June 2008, on DJ Cisco's Urban Legend mixtape, Ice-T criticized Way for "killing hip-hop"

and his song "Crank That"

  for being "garbage" compared to the works of other hip-hop artists such as Rakim, Das EFX, Big Daddy Kane and Ice Cube. One of the comments in the exchange was when Ice-T told Way to "eat a dick".[20] The two then traded numerous videos back and forth over the Internet. These videos included a cartoon and video of Ice-T dancing on Way's behalf and an apology, but reiteration of his feelings that Way's music "sucks", on Ice-T's behalf.[21] Rapper Kanye West defended Way by arguing that the younger artist created a new, original work for hip-hop, thus keeping the authentic meaning of the music.[22]
The follow-up to souljaboytellem.com, iSouljaBoyTellem, was released on December 16, 2008, to negative critical reception.[23] The first single from the album, "Bird Walk", peaked at number 40 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and the top 20 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart. "Kiss Me Thru the Phone", with Sammie, followed, peaking at #3 on the Hot 100 and #1 on the Hot Rap Tracks charts.[24]

The DeAndre Way (2009–present)

The DeAndre Way[25] is Way's third studio album, released on November 30, 2010. Way has stated that the album is intended to be his most personal and successful album thus far. When speaking on possible collaborations, he stated he wished to work with artists such as Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, and Kanye West,[26] Eminem,[27] among others. The album was originally called "The DeAndre Way" but was changed in early 2010 to Dre, however it was changed back to The DeAndre Way in July 2010.
The lead single from the album, "POW", was released in January 2009 but failed to garner success and was dubbed a promo single. The official lead single from the album, "Pretty Boy Swag", was released in June 2010. The single has reached number thirty-four on the Billboard Hot 100, number six on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number five on the Billboard Rap Songs chart.[28] The album's second single was due to be "Digital", then "Speakers Going Hammer", but "Blowing Me Kisses" was released on August 31, 2010 as the second single instead.[29] Soulja Boy was to be part of the Summerbeatz tour held in Australia alongside Flo Rida, Jay Sean and Travie McCoy in November 2010, but in lieu of his current album release date and a new tour, Soulja Society, Soulja Boy had declined the offer.

Musical style

Critics and hip hop figures such as Method Man[30] have cited Soulja Boy as artistically typical of contemporary rap trends such as writing for the lucrative ringtone market, and the ascendence of "Southern hip hop", emphasizing catchy music that discards rap's traditional emphasis on message.[31][32] Soulja Boy identifies his goal as making upbeat, party-themed music that avoids the negative, violent image that he sees in most hip-hop.[31][32]
Despite this, his music has been banned from some school dances for sexual, violent content or innuendo. However, he has denied these claims.[33] In the original YouTube video for "Shootout", Soulja Boy demonstrates his dance while holding a handgun in each hand and pretending to shoot into the audience.[34]

Personal life

On December 30, 2008, Way was robbed and assaulted in his home. Initial reports indicated that the robbers were six masked men with AK-47s and pistols but on December 31, 2008, video clips surfaced on the Internet of two masked men claiming sole credit for the crime.[35] Soulja Boy described the incident to MTV News a month later: He had come home very late at night after attending an album release party and was recording songs with friends when the robbers came in pointing their guns.[36]
On October 7, 2009, Way was arrested on one count of obstruction, a misdemeanor, for running from police when he'd been ordered to stop. The rapper was released on $550 bond.[37]

Discography

Studio albums


 Souljaboytellem.com (2007)










 iSouljaBoyTellem (2008)









The DeAndre Way (2010)



  
 
Awards and nominations
  • BET Hip-Hop Awards
    • 2007: Best Hip-Hop Dance (Won)
  • Grammy Awards
    • 2008: Best Rap Song: "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" (Nominated)
  • Ozone Awards
    • 2007: Patiently Waiting: Mississippi (Won)
    • 2008: Best Breakthrough Artist (Nominated)
    • 2008: TJ's DJ's Tastemaker Award (Nominated)
  • Teen Choice Awards
    • 2009: Choice Music: Rap Artist (Nominated)
    • 2009: Choice Music: R&B Track for "Kiss Me Thru the Phone" (Nominated)
    • 2009: Choice Music: Hook Up for "Kiss Me Thru the Phone"
    • 2009: Choice Music: Artist (Nominated)

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Who is Tim Lambesis?

Who is Tim Lambesis? The Heavy Metal Music world knows him as an American musician. Lambesis is best known as the founding member, lead vocalist of American metalcore band As I Lay Dying. He also has a solo/side project in tribute to actor Arnold Schwarzenegger where he performs all the required instruments, the project is known as Austrian Death Machine. He has also played guitar for Society's Finest and Point of Recognition.
Lambesis is notable for his screamed vocals which are influenced by such bands as In Flames, Living Sacrifice and At the Gates.

To see  As I Lay Dying " Music Videos"  click here


Personal life

Lambesis was born October 21, 1980, he is part Greek. A Christian, his lyrics are personal, expanding from relationships, to life's struggles. Lambesis recently received a "rocking Jesus" tattoo by artist Hannah Aitchison on the television show LA Ink. Tim is the third of four brothers. He was born in Scottsdale, Arizona but moved to San Diego when he was at about the age of seven. All of his brothers live in Scottsdale. His parents own their own company in Carlsbad, CA. Lambesis once worked for his parents for a short while before starting As I Lay Dying. His height is 6'3". Lambesis is married and has a young son, whom he adopted from Ethiopia. His name is Biruk Lambesis

 Production

Lambesis has produced all of As I Lay Dying's albums, two Sworn Enemy albums, The Beginning of the End  and Maniacal, as well as the War of Ages album, Arise and Conquer, Impending Doom's The Serpent Servant, Chelsea Grin's Desolation of Eden and his own solo project Austrian Death Machine. He as well recorded and produced Zao's Awake? album. He is the partial owner of Lambesis Studios.

 Discography

 Performance

With As I Lay Dying
With Point of Recognition
  • Day of Defeat - (2002)
With Sworn Enemy
Austrian Death Machine

 Records produced


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Thursday, December 30, 2010

Who is Jesse Hughes?

Who is Jesse Hughes? The heavy metal world knows hims as "The Devil". He  is an American musician from Greenville, South Carolina. Hughes is known for his role as frontman of the California-based rock band, Eagles of Death Metal. He cites Little Richard as his biggest musical influence and inspiration.


 Early life

Hughes was born September 24 1972 At age 7, Hughes' mother, Jo Ellen, moved him to Palm Desert, California. In high school, Hughes became friends with Josh Homme (later of Kyuss and Queens of the Stone Age). They became good friends after Josh Homme stopped a bully from picking on Hughes. Hughes graduated from the Greenville Technical College with a degree in journalism and worked as manager of a Video Depot in the Palm Desert for several years.

 Politics

Hughes worked as a speechwriter and activist for the Republican Party. He worked for former Congressman Sonny Bono. He remains a devoted Republican, and has called President Barack Obama a "communist". In an interview with Altitude TV, Hughes said, regarding the 2008 presidential election, "I would never vote for Obama. Not in a million years." He called Obama a "talking head" who has behind him a machine that "understands the sophistication of media." He added: "I want my money and my guns. And I don't want anyone to tell me what to do. I don't like people who offer me free lunch, or all-you-can-drink lemonade, because nine times out of 10 you vote for them and they give you a glass and pour a little bit in the bottom and go, 'That's all you can drink.' "
Hughes is a registered member of the National Rifle Association, but claims not to hunt for he believes it isn't fair - "I don't like hunting animals because they can't shoot back.".

 Eagles of Death Metal

Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme formed Eagles of Death Metal in 1998. Hughes credits Homme with saving his life, claiming that during the recording of the second Eagles of Death Metal album Death By Sexy, he fell into serious drug addiction and that Homme not only drove him to rehab, but paid for it as well.

 Pseudonyms

Hughes is known to go by many different nicknames, including "J. Devil" (or simply "The Devil") as well as "Boots Electric" ("Boots" for short) and "Fabulous Weapon" (both of which were band names used by Hughes' father). In an interview Hughes revealed that his band mate Josh Homme gave him "The Devil" nickname when he was thirteen. "I used to get picked on a lot by Karl Doyle" says Hughes, "And when I would get picked on severely, or if it really made a point to me, I would get vengeance, but I would get vengeance in the way that I could, which was mostly clever and all consuming. Joshua once witnessed me in the moment I was about to enact vengeance upon someone, and he just said, 'You're the fucking devil dude,' and it stuck."

 Other works

Jesse is one of the characters in the book Sex Tips from Rock Stars by Paul Miles to be published by Omnibus Press in July 2010.

Musical equipment


Hughes is currently endorsed by Maton guitars and Orange amplifiers.
  • Maton MS500 Electric
  • Maton BB1200 Electric
  • Maton EAJ85 Jumbo Acoustic
  • Yamaha AES1500
  • Orange Rockerverb 50w combo
  • Laney Amplifer

 Selected discography

Year Band or artist Album
1998 The Desert Sessions
Volumes 3 & 4
2002 Fatso Jetson
Cruel & Delicious
2004 Eagles of Death Metal
Peace, Love, Death Metal
As a solo artist
A Pair of Queens
2005 Queens of the Stone Age
Lullabies to Paralyze
2006 Eagles of Death Metal Death by Sexy
2008
Heart On
TBA As solo artist Fabulous Weapon

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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Who is Kerry King?

Who is Kerry Ray King? The Heavy Metal world know him as Kerry King. King  is an American guitarist, best known as the rhythm and lead guitarist and one of the founding members of American thrash metal band Slayer.


 Biography

King was born June 3, 1964 in Los Angeles, California. His father was an aircraft parts inspector, and his mother was an employee of a telephone company. When he was a teenager, Kerry moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he learned how to play guitar from a local man Dana Dawley. He divorced once; his current wife is Ayesha King, he also has a daughter named Shyanne Kymberlee King from his first marriage. In 1981 King was trying out for the position as a guitarist in a band. After the session was over Jeff Hanneman approached him and the two began playing Iron Maiden and Judas Priest songs with the session drummer. Hanneman mentioned "Why don’t we start our OWN band?” [Laughs] I was like, “…Fuck yeah!" King once had long hair, but then shaved his head when he started balding. His bald head, spiked wristband, long beard and extensive tattoo work (which covers his hands, arms and head) are his trademarks, to such a degree that Blender included a tour of his body ink.
King's acronym, KFK, was revealed to mean "Kerry Fuckin' King" in the January 2007 Issue of Guitar World.

Feuds

King has had well-publicized disagreements with several of his contemporaries, including a long-standing feud with Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, who attempted to persuade King to leave the "posers," "lame spikes," and "eyeliner" of Slayer behind and focus on Megadeth. Recently in GuitarWorld.com's Dear Guitar Hero, King "admires him to this day" as a guitarist, even though he considers Mustaine a "hypocrite".
In 2009 Slayer co-headlined a small, four show Canadian tour alongside Megadeth In January 2010 Dave Mustaine and Kerry King hung out in a TGI Friday together for 45 minutes in Temecula, California, getting to know each other again. Many suggest that the long feud between King and Mustaine has dropped off for good.
Another feud is with Machine Head frontman Robb Flynn, who claims that King started "talking shit about us out of nowhere." King labeled Machine Head as “sell-outs” after the release of their 2001 album Supercharger. King continued to criticize the band stating "They're responsible for rap-metal", "they fooled me into thinking they're metal", "'they have no integrity left.". Flynn has since noted that King has "finally squashed the beef". Another indication the feud is over are some comments King made referencing a proposed tour between the "Big Four" Thrash Metal bands; King suggested that Machine Head be included instead of Anthrax
In 2006, Slayer's producer Rick Rubin lent production to Metallica's then-untitled Death Magnetic album, instead of Slayer for their album Christ Illusion. King deemed this action a "slap in the fucking face," labeling Metallica as a "sinking ship."
During an interview on drummers, King stated that Soulfly drummer Joe Nunez could not join Slayer because "his mother wouldn't let him", that Adrian Erlandsson "hits his drums like a fag", and that Raymond Herrera of Fear Factory "has no hands" in regard to his drumming abilities.

 Guest appearances

In addition to appearing on Slayer's albums, he has also made several guest appearances as lead guitarist. While lending production to 1986’s Reign in Blood, Rick Rubin was also helming production of the Beastie Boys debut album Licensed to Ill. Rubin felt the track "No Sleep till Brooklyn" needed a guitar solo, so he offered King several hundred dollars to lay down the part. King has since commented that his playing ability "certainly wasn’t that of a virtuoso". "No Sleep till Brooklyn", whose title was a spoof on Motörhead’s 1981 live album No Sleep 'til Hammersmith, was originally intended to feature King being knocked offstage by a gorilla in its music video though King refused. King replied, "If there’s gonna be anyone knocking anyone offstage, it’ll be me knocking the gorilla", which is what subsequently happened. King has reminisced that he thought the Beastie Boys were cool, although never having heard any of their music at the time. On Licensed to Ill, King also played the guitar solo on the song "Fight For Your Right (To Party)".
King contributed a lead guitar outro part to Pantera’s song "Goddamn Electric", which appeared on the 2000 album Reinventing the Steel. King’s rig was set up in Pantera’s bathroom backstage just after Ozzfest in Dallas, as the group still didn't have their own dressing room on top of not appearing on the festival bill. After King had finished the first take, Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell ran in and yelled "DON’T LET HIM DO IT AGAIN!" King tried again with the hope he would find a superior rendition, though the first take was used.
King also contributed lead guitar solos to the following songs: "Disorder" with rapper Ice-T (from the 1992 album Judgment Night), Rob Zombie’s "Dead Girl Superstar" (from the 2001 album The Sinister Urge), Hatebreed’s "Final Prayer" (from the March 2002 album Perseverance) and Sum 41’s "What We're All About (The Original Version)", (from the June 2002 released Spider-Man movie soundtrack), "Witchkrieg" by Swedish thrash metal band Witchery.
Kerry King, who is a big wrestling fan, was the guest announcer for the match between Supreme and Kronus, the finals match of the death match tournament at the XPW event "Baptized in blood" on June 20, 2000. He was however announced by regular announcer Kris Kloss as the "lead singer of Slayer", which King immediately corrected by yelling "It's guitar" as soon as he was given the microphone. He entered the ring to the sounds of the Slayer song "Angel of Death" from the album Reign in Blood.
King has also made several guest appearances in Marilyn Manson's "Rape Of The World" tour, joining the band to play classic tracks such as "Little Horn", "1996" and "Irresponsible Hate Anthem". Many fans noticed elements of King's own style used on these occasions.

 Equipment

Guitars

Kerry King has been a major endorsee of B.C. Rich guitars for many years. He is best known for playing his signature model guitars (many are all maple with ebony fingerboards), with EMG pickups, Fernandes Sustainer Systems, and Dunlop strings.
When performing live and in studio recordings, King favors neck-thru guitars.
King's guitars:

 Amplifiers and cabinets

Throughout Slayer's career, King has used mainly the same equipment. He has been an endorser of Marshall amplifiers since the 1980s. Today, King uses his signature amplifier, through 4x12 cabinets with Celestion G12K-100 and Vintage 30 speakers.

 Effects

To avoid problems with pedals being damaged during live performances, King keeps his effect pedals in a rack along with his amplifiers and rack effects. He controls them through a pedalboard onstage. The pedal controller allows him to change between different effect pedals and amplifiers.
  • Shure UHF Wireless System
  • Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro floorboard
  • Eventide H3000S Harmonizer
  • MXR Smart Gate Pro
  • Radial Tonebone Trimode Classic Tube Distortion

 Accessories

For the 6 string
For the 7 string
  • EMG 81-7 in bridge position
  • EMG 707 in neck position
    • After Dimebag Darrell was killed, King, a good friend of Darrell's, received a guitar designed by Dimebag and built by Dean Guitars. The guitar is silver gun metal and shaped like a Razorback V with black tribal designs in a finish reminiscent of King's tattoos. Despite a long-standing endorsement deal, BC Rich has offered to allow Kerry to play this guitar onstage in light of the sentimental value the guitar possesses.
    • On early recordings, King used a DiMarzio Mega Drive humbucker in the bridge position of his guitars.
    • King's first custom 7 string Wartribe (finished in red and black) featured a Floyd Rose tremolo and custom DiMarzio pickups due to 7 string Kahler bridges not yet being made and EMG not yet having a seven string version of the 81.

 Snakes

Like Slash, Kerry is a long time and noted snake breeder, and is known to pop up at Southern California reptile events and pet shops with little or no notice. He currently specializes in carpet pythons. Kerry's snakes were recently shown in an interview with Blender.com.Kerry King's Obsessions: Snakes! Kerry King also participated in online chat discussions at the popular reptile web site kingsnake.com in 2005 and again in 2008 and then a podcast interview in  2009.

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Who is George Foreman?

Who is George Foreman? The world knows him as Big George Forman born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, as a legendary boxer, entrepr...