"Umbrella" was the biggest hit of the summer, but its appeal may be a bit young for the typical Grammy voter. Rock bands have done well in the past decade, with Santana, U2, Coldplay and Green Day all winning this award. But Foo Fighters' "The Pretender" was considerably harder-edged than those other bands' winning entries. "Rehab" blends an autobiographical storyline, a dash of humor and an irresistible beat. And, like the Dixie Chicks' "Not Ready To Make Nice" (last year's winner for Record and Song of the Year), it turns a central issue in the artist's life into art. But it cuts uncomfortably close to home. If Winehouse had overcome her dependency issues, it would stand a better chance. This is the third Record of the Year nomination for both Beyonce and Timberlake, who have proven their durability and versatility. Beyonce's song was a bigger hit (10 weeks at #1, compared to just one week for Timberlake). And the female empowerment angle may help it with women voters. (Kanye West's "Stronger" would have been a strong challenger, but West's camp didn't enter it in the Record of the Year process. They instead entered his follow-up, "Good Life"-an appealing work, but hardly the creative and commercial powerhouse that "Stronger" was.) The pick: Beyonce
Check out the exclusive videos section. Click on Beyoncé's face to see her cry about how excited she was to work with Tina and click on Tina's face to see how much respect she has for Beyoncé! GREAT videos!!
So So Def prodigy is 2008 go-to songwriter for A-list divas: Cri$tyle aka “the ink” pens four tracks on Carey’s E=MC2
So So Def/EMI signed songwriter Cri$tyle aka “the ink” is the latest to join a short list of creative geniuses guaranteed to deliver a Billboard single. Cri$tyle penned Mariah Carey’s 2008 comeback single ‘Touch My Body’ alongside super-producer C.Tricky Stewart. The mid-tempo track exudes sex appeal and captures Mariah’s signature sound, while adding just the right amount of hip hop flavor.
“Cri$tyle is in one word….phenomenal, “Carey says of her newfound muse. “I’m so glad Jermaine hooked us up. I know all the songs we’ve written together are going to be stonewinners–smash hit grooves.”
In addition to the single, ‘Touch My Body’, Cri$tle penned, ‘Cruise Control’ produced by Jermaine Dupri and ‘Love You Long Time’ produced by DJ Toomp and ‘HEAT’ produced by Will I. Am on Carey’s spring 2008 release E=MC2.
Since signing with Jermaine Dupri’s Dieniahmar publishing last year, the twenty-four year old has interpreted the tracks of producers such as Dre, Rodney Jerkins and Jermaine Dupri into forgettable melodies for A-list divas such as Janet, Mariah, Jennifer Lopez and Natasha Bedingfield. Currently Cri$tle is in the studio with R&B darling Brandy and powerhouse diva Beyonce.
“It’s her time. 2008 belongs to Cri$tyle,” says mentor / friend Jermaine Dupri. The singer turned songwriter says the last year has been the equivalent of living a dream. “It’s a blessing, but music has been my drug of choice for as long as I can remember,” Cri$tyle admits.
‘Touch my Body’ made its radio debut Tuesday, February 12th to rave reviews. Cri$tyle also has the current singles on teen sensation Tiffany Evans and international superstar Natasha Bedingfield.
Beyonce is still talking about her memorable performance with Tina Turner at last weekend's Grammy Awards ceremony. And that includes the 68-year-old legend's sleek set of pins! "You can't compare my legs to Tina's - no!" Beyonce told Extra. "Tina's legs at 68 look better than mine at 26." "I was beyond nervous. I was so nervous I couldn't even hide it," she added about her performance. "So I just had to scream and jump up and down." And despite the fact that Beyonce has sold millions of records and won a multitude of awards, her mum Tina Knowles has her own advice for what keeps her daughter grounded. "Smack 'em around every once in a while," she joked. "No, not really. I'm not an expert on it - I just did a lot of praying." Extra spoke to Tina and Beyonce as they prepared to unveil their new autumn line from their House of Dereon fashion label. "We have hosiery, we have lingerie, our bags are sick and our shoes are crazy," smiled Beyonce.
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