50 Cent

Curtis James Jackson, or more frequently known as 50 Cent, Fifty, or Fiddy, is one of the most prominent and successful rap musicians of the current decade. Though he has had a strong �underground� following in New York for some time, he rose suddenly to widespread recognition with the release of his first major album, "Get Rich Quick or Die Tryin��, in 2003.



50 Cent was born on July 6th, 1975 in South Jamaica, Queens, in and has lived in New York his whole life. His father left the family when he was still a baby, and his mother was shot dead during a drug deal when he was only 8, so 50 Cent he was raised primarily by his grandparents.



With dreams of becoming a heavyweight boxer, 50 cent instead became involved in the illicit drug trade as a teenager. He was arrested a couple of times for felony drug charges, but was able to avoid doing serious prison time by serving 7 months in an incarceration �boot camp�.



50 Cent began his rapping career studying under Jay Master Jay from Run DMC, signing on with his label in the late 1990�s. He then went on to sign on with Colombia Records in 2000 and recorded his first full length album, "Power of the Dollar". Unfortunately, in May of 2000, 50 Cent was shot three times in a drive-by style shooting. It is widely stated that he was shot nine times, though this is an exaggeration; he was shot at nine times and hit three times. Though not critically wounded, the incident won him enough attention to scare Colombia Records into dropping his deal without ever releasing the album.



After meeting with fellow rap stars Eminem and Dr. Dre, 50 Cent signed on with Eminem�s label Aftermath/Shady & Interscope. With Eminem and Dr. Dre�s backing, 50 Cent released his first major album, �Get Rich Quick or Die Tryin��, in 2003. The album was an enormous success, going nearly platinum in the first week, breaking records for the most units ever sold in a first week. In March of 2005, 50 Cent released his 2nd album, �The Massacre�, which has also been highly successful.



50 Cent now has his own record label, �G-Unit Records�. With the endorsement of popular rappers like Eminem and Dr. Dre, a large underground following, and the actual experience of having been involved in the kinds of violent crimes that are the subject of his music, 50 Cent is already an icon in the rap music industry and will likely remain as such for years to come.



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Aaliyah

Aaliyah Haughton was an iconic American R&B singer, model, actress and dancer. She is best known for the numerous hit albums she recorded, her modeling work with Tommy Hilfiger, and for her starring roles in the movies "Romeo Must Die" (2000), and "Queen of the Damned" (2001). She died in a tragic plane accident on August 25th of 2001.



Aaliyah Dana Haughton was born in Brooklyn on January 16th, 1979, to parents Michael and Diane Haughton. She spent most of her childhood growing up in Detroit, Michigan, and attended performing arts schools at a young age. In 1993, she signed on with her uncle, Barry Hankerson�s label and released her first album, "Age Ain�t Nothing but a Number". To date, her first album has sold two million copies in the United States, and five million worldwide.



In something of a tabloid scandal, it was leaked to the press in 1994 that Aaliyah and R. Kelly, who had co-produced her first album, had been married. Aaliyah was 15 at the time, and had apparently claimed to be 18 so that the marriage could commence legally. Neither Aaliyah or R. Kelly ever confirmed that they had indeed been married, and any marriage they did have was promptly annulled.



Aaliyah released a second album in 1996, "One in a Million", which went double platinum in sales within its first year. The album was mostly written and produced by Missy Elliot and Tim Mosley.



With the attention she gathered from the major success of her second album, Aaliyah caught the eye of Tommy Hilfiger, and was signed on as a model. Over the next few years she would do a series of modeling campaigns and advertisements with Hilfiger, and made several guest appearances on the albums of other singers such as Missy Elliot and Timbaland (Tim Mosely).



In 1997 Aaliyah appeared on the soundtrack for the Disney remake of Anastasia, and performed the song in the Oscars that year having been nominated for an award. She also appeared on the Doctor Doolittle soundtrack of 1998, her song from that movie becoming a large success. In 2000 she began her acting career starring along side Jet Li in "Romeo Must Die", and followed it up with Stuart Townsend in 2001�s "Queen of the Damned".



While working on the production of "Queen of the Damned", Aaliyah recorded her third album, self-titled "Aaliyah". When it was released in July of 2001 and went gold within a month.



After filming a music video in the Bahamas, Aaliyah boarded a small Cessna airplane with the destination of Miami. Unfortunately, the plane crashed into a dense forest shortly after taking off and everyone on board was killed. It was later revealed that the plane was dangerously overloaded and the pilot had drugs and alcohol in his system. It was also reported that the pilot had faked his flying hours in order to get his license.



Though no longer with us, Aaliyah made a tremendous impact of the R&B world, and her albums are still popular around the world today.



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Danielia Cotton

Music review - Danielia Cotton

I can recall several times in my life when I heard a song on the radio for the first time from a new artist and said to myself, "That's a hit." or "They're going to be huge." I did it with Joss Stone, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Smashmouth, etc. Now, I'm no producer or talent scout(maybe I should be?) but I've got a pretty good track record. I've heard enough great music by great musicians that never "made it" to know that it isn't just the music that gets you to the big time.



It's luck. It's timing. It's the one big break. Unfortunately, sometimes you have to know someone on the inside.



All that being said, I'd like to direct your listening ears to Danielia Cotton. I listen regularly to a podcast called Bandana Blues that features great blues music, commentary and interviews with artists. I'll be doing a music podcast review in the upcoming days. On their last podcast, they featured a song called "Devil In Disguise" by Danielia Cotton and let me tell you, it absolutely blew me away. The song has power and raw emotion and her voice just rips through it and sends chills down my spine. I later found out that she also plays the guitar. Now I can't stop listening to her self titled EP and full album release, "Small White Town".



In the music and voice I hear touches of Janis Joplin, Black Crowes, Lenny Kravitz and Melissa Etheridge.



The Philadelphia Daily Local News says,

"Her music has the swagger of 'Let it Bleed' era Rolling Stones. Her singing has the raw emotional power of Janis Joplin. Her songwriting places her among the top new musical storytellers."



Essence Magazine said,

�She sings with raw intensity, ranging from beautifully tender to howling, not even caring if her powerful voice cracks�this Jersey girl who names Led Zeppelin and Tina Turner as influences confirms that rock is Black Music too.�



World Cafe Live also chimes in,

"What if Janis Joplin was Black and beautiful? Because Black isn�t always soul, blues, or gospel. Listening to Danielia Cotton, you�re bound to believe: Black is rock and roll."



From her bio she says that her early influences were AC/DC, Judas Priest and Todd Rundgren. She also mentions her mother who was a gifted jazz singer and the gospel music at church as influences. She's played all the big local clubs in NYC and has shared the stage with Living Color, Sister Hazel and others. Her debut album, "Small White Town" is aptly titled. She grew up in rural Hopewell, NJ. She ended up being the only one of 7 black kids in her high school.



Her big break is coming, that I know.



If you like Rock and Blues, you have got to give her a listen. You will be impressed. I'll stake my talent searching reputation on it!



"You're the devil in disguise and the last thing you're gonna see is my-my-my backside."

Electric Guitar Buying Guide

Are you new to guitars and ready to make your first electric guitar purchase? Are you a seasoned player who owns several guitars and you find yourself adding to your guitar collection? No matter which category you find yourself in, getting the most from your instrument purchase is very important. It is also important to understand the types of electric guitars available.



The choices include:



1. Solid Body Electric Guitars

2. Hollow Body Electric Guitars

3. Semi Hollow Body Electric Guitars

4. Acoustic/Electric Guitars

5. Pedal Steel Guitars

6. Hawaiian Style Lap Guitars



Guitars, and particularly electric guitars are not created equal. There are many brands of electric guitars to choose from. Making the right choice when purchasing a guitar will depend on some basic factors, including:

1. Evaluate your particular situation.

2. Determine the specific application for using the guitar.



For example, if you are a beginner, there is little reason to consider investing several thousands of dollars into a pro level guitar such as a custom Les Paul or a Paul Reed Smith. Another example regarding a specific application would be if you are a traveling musician. Traveling guitarists may want to consider a slightly less expensive guitar to take on the road while saving their finest instrument for a studio environment. Regardless of your situation or the application, the bottom line is there are several factors to consider. Understanding your position as a potential guitar buyer will help you make the right decision and ensure that you make an informed purchase.



Here are 5 tips to help you in choosing the right electric guitar.

Tip 1. Evaluate your level of commitment to the instrument and the art of music.



Before you choose your electric guitar be sure you understand the level of commitment that you are prepared to invest into the instrument. Electric guitars can be expensive and understanding the level of dedication you plan to invest in the instrument should play a vital role in choosing your guitar.

Tip 2. Identify your particular application for the instrument.



If you are a beginner and just learning to play the instrument, your application will be quite different from an intermediate or advanced guitarist who is adding to their collection. Determine your particular situation and application for the guitar you will purchase. Consider whether or not you will be keeping the instrument at home or frequently traveling with it. For example, if you plan to keep the instrument at home for recreational use, you may want to consider including a less expensive case for the guitar. Road cases can be costly and will not be necessary if you do not travel with the guitar.

Tip 3. Identify your budget and include patience regarding your guitar purchase.



Many aspiring guitarists have wandered into the local music store only to be overwhelmed by the vast choices and different price ranges of guitars. As with any purchase, pre-planning and understanding your budget is critical. Prices for electric guitars range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. If you are serious about playing the guitar, selecting your instrument will be one of the most important decisions you make. Be sure to take ample time during this stage of the process. Patience is more than a virtue when selecting your guitar.

Tip 4. Consult a professional to get tips on guitar quality and performance.



It is a good idea to take the time to visit several musical instrument dealers in your area. Retail guitar shops will be more than happy to help you understand what to look for when buying an electric guitar. Get several opinions if you are new to guitars. Most guitar outlets will have seasoned players on staff who will be happy to impart their experience and wisdom. Ask questions. Find out what you need to consider when selecting an electric guitar. Getting several opinions in this area will shed light on the overall picture and will be very beneficial information when it comes time to buy.

Tip 5. Include additional items and training resources to help you get started playing the guitar.



Once you have made the right guitar purchase, be sure to have additional items on hand that will be vital to the process of learning. You will need an extra set of guitar strings, some extra picks, a tuner and a stand for your guitar. It is also very important to purchase some beginner books that include chord charts, guitar tab and chord progression exercises. You can also find free guitar lesson videos on the web at Riff TV.com. Riff TV.com is an online guitarist community that provides free membership, free guitar lesson videos, chord progression exercises, scale exercises, scale charts, basic key/chord overviews and more. If you are a beginner guitarist and need free resources, training guides and tools, Riff TV.com is available and can be your virtual classroom. Be sure to stop by today and sign-up for a free membership.



Learning to play the electric guitar is fun and exciting. There are few things in life that will provide the relaxation and feeling of accomplishment you can experience by becoming proficient with guitar chords, guitar tabs and guitar chord progressions. Applying the knowledge you gain from the right learning resources to your favorite style of music is very rewarding. Carefully select your electric guitar.

Use your practice time wisely by taking advantage of great guitar resources such as Riff TV.com. Be sure to practice to develop skill, musical knowledge and basic music theory concepts. Apply what you learn on a daily basis and you will be amazed at the progress you will make with your new electric guitar.



About The Author

A. Wielder is a host and instructor at Riff TV.com. He is a guitarist and a guitar enthusiast. He is also a studio musician and producer. He has produced several CD's and radio

programs featuring his original music.

Ashanti

Ashanti is an American R&B singer and actress who came into the spotlight during the early 2000s. She has released four char topping albums, has appeared on several television shows, and more recently has begun appearing in movies, such as "Bride and Prejudice" (2004), and "Coach Carter" (2005).



Ashanti was born on October 13th, 1980, in Glen Cove, in the Long Island area of New York. Her full name is Ashanti Shequoyia Douglas, though she uses her first name only professionally. Her father is a mix of Chinese and African American, while her mother is a Dominican African American blend. The results have worked out very well for Ashanti, she has a kind of exotic and rare beauty that is unique to her. Her mother was a dance instructor and her father a skilled singer; her stunning good looks and family background for performance made Ashanti an almost certain success in the entertainment industry.



Ashanti�s sang in gospel choirs from the age of six, and honed her vocals throughout her childhood. Before she was even in high school she had danced at Carnegie Hall, and a played a role in the Disney TV movie "Polly".



In 2001, Ashanti caught more attention when she appeared as background vocalist in Vita�s remake of the Madonna song "Justify My Love", and in Big Pun�s single "How We Roll". Then in 2002 she was featured in Ja Rule�s "Always On Time" and Fat Joe�s "What�s Luv?", which were both enormous hits and brought Ashanti a lot of recognition. At one time during the year, these two songs were at the number one and number two slots on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.



Ashanti�s new found fame landed her a deal with the label Murder Inc. and she released her first album, self titled "Ashanti" in 2002. The album went gold in a week, and platinum many times over in the months to come. She won numerous awards for her work on the album, including a Grammy, and was without a doubt the hottest new female artist for the year.



Ashanti has released three albums since then, "Chapter II" in 2003, "Concrete Rose" in 2004, and "Can�t Stop" in 2005, though "Can�t Stop" was actually recorded in 1997. All of these follow ups have been very successful, but none have matched the sales she gathered on her debut album.



Ashanti made several television appearances starting in 2003 with a cameo on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", and on "First Date". Her first film role came with the �Bollywood� movie "Bride and Prejudice". The movie role she is best known for came in 2005 with �Coach Carter� where she acted along with Samuel L. Jackson. She is scheduled to star in a 2006 movie, "John Tucker Must Die".



With many talents, a beautiful voice and amazing good looks, hopefully we�ll all be seeing plenty more of Ashanti in the years to come.



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Guitar Hand Positions

Guitar hand positions vary according to technique and choice of music. But the generalities remain the same. Here are a few tips for using:



The Right Hand or Picking Hand



1. Experiment with different types and thicknesses of picks. General rule is to choose a thicker pick for a mellow sound and a thinner one for treble sounds. Most players prefer a medium pick.



2. Avoid too much arching of the wrist.



3. Avoid any kind of anchor that restricts freedom of motion. A little bit of an anchor for certain sounds or picking is acceptable but for the most part keep it loose and flexible.



Left Hand or Fretting Hand



1. Fingers should be arched and knuckles bent



2. The fingers should move straight up and down on the strings, like little hammers, at a right angle to the fretboard.



3. Lift the fingers just high enough to clear the strings, too high is wasted motion.



4. The thumb should ride approximately at the center of the back of the neck. Try to maintain a consistent relationship with the second finger.



Both Hands Working Harmoniously



The left and right hands must work in perfect unison. If the pick attacks first and the finger follows, you�ll hear two sounds which isn�t your goal. If the finger attacks first and the pick follows, again two sounds, still not acceptable.



You must pick and finger the note at exactly the same time. To reach that goal, play very slowly when you start to practice the scales or anything you like to play. Concentrating only on picking and fingering that note at the same time. Remember we�re not looking for speed when just beginning your musical adventure � but technique that�s vitally important in early stages of the music game.



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Avril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne is a Canadian singer and songwriter, known for her �goth� and �punk� disposition. To date she has released two albums, both of which have ranked high on charts around the world, and have yielded numerous very popular singles in the �pop� genre of music.



Avril was born on September 27th, 1984 in Belleville, Ontario, Canada to parents John and Judy Lavigne. She spent most her childhood growing up in Napanee and early on took an interest to singing and music. She sang in a church choir, and taught herself to play guitar.



Her initial interest was in country music, and she was �discovered� by a management organization while singing a country cover at a bookstore in Kingston, Ontario. She was invited to perform at a New York City studio, where she was overheard by Anotonio �LA� Reid, a representative of Arista Records.



At just sixteen years old, she signed on with Arista Records and began work on her first album. After moving to LA and enlisting the help of the songwriting team �The Matrix� to co-write her album, the album itself was released in June of 2002. Went to the top of the charts in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, and to the number two spot in the United States. It sold over four million copies within the first six months, and over 15 million copies worldwide within the first year and a half.



Her Canadian roots and rough, cynical image led many in the media to liken her to fellow Canadian performer Alanis Morisette. She won the title �Best New Artist� at the MTV Music Awards of 2002, four Juno Awards, a World Music Award, and was nominated for eight Grammys.



Avril Lavigne followed up her debut album with �Under My Skin� in May of 2004. It hit the number one position on charts across the world, including the United States. Avril reported to have had more artistic control in her sophomore album, and that she was able to express herself more freely. The music definitely has a matured quality to it, showing her growth since her sudden exposure to audiences around the world.



Rumors have been abound about a third album to be released in 2006, though Avril has been reported saying that she wants to take a break and enjoy her life a while first.



Whether or not her music is your cup of tea, Avril Lavigne is a talented young rock/pop artist that is destined to make an impact on pop performers to come.



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