Music Archives - Page 26 of 56

Eric “88Fingaz” Parham is the Modern Day Music Producer to the Stars

Music Observer Staff on December 14, 2022

Establishing a respectable name in the music industry necessitates a lot of hard work, self-sacrifice, and genuine musical talent. And talent can only be highlighted with the help of a gifted music producer who brings out the best in an artist. One such music producer is Eric “88Fingaz” Parham, who is now hailed as a music producer to the stars as a result of his exceptional work with various artists. Not only is he helping them come up with beautiful songs, but he is also instrumental in launching them to stardom.

When it comes to music, no one is as passionate as 88Fingaz. He has been around long enough to see several generations of gifted music artists become highly successful. He knows what keeps music fans hooked, what excites them, keeps them coming back for more, and what kind of music artist will make them stay. To say that 88Fingaz is a veteran music producer is just about right, as he has seen how the music business evolved throughout the years. Without question, he is an asset that has kept the music industry exciting over the past years.

His most recent work involves collaborating with Darius “Deezle” Harrison to co-produce LALoveTheBoss’ project. LALoveTheBoss is one of the most influential artists in the industry today who is a popular actress, influencer, fitness motivator, and entrepreneur. Her single “Get Money,” released last October, was produced by no other than 88Fingaz and Jazze Pha. Darius “Deezle” Harrison was an executive producer in LaLoveTheBoss’ recent single. The three-time Grammy Award winner also produced Lil Wayne’s single “Lollipop,” co-produced Chris Brown’s single, “Time For Love,” and co-authored Drake’s single, “In My Feelings.”

“Get Money” has become such a hit song that 88Fingaz and Bossmade records CEO ALEASE Garrett recently confirmed that the single will go national over the radio come January 2023. The single is expected to top music charts worldwide in the next few months as it continues to generate praise from music fans.

The upcoming year is also expected to be quite a remarkable journey for 88Fingaz as he is teaming up with Jamari Harcum, who invited him on board the Chaka Kahn project. Harcum is the Project Manager for Universal Music Group.

Additionally, 88Fingaz is slated to have a project with RSVP, an emerging R&B group made up of Ray J, Sammie, Bobby V, and Pleasure P. 88Fingaz will be working closely with Deezle as his production partner.

After spending many years of his career helping emerging artists get recognized for their music, 88Fingaz feels his time has come to also showcase his gifts. According to the music producer, he is currently working on various projects, including music for films. He is also very proud to share that he is collaborating with this generation’s most underrated yet hottest writers and collaborating with various producers at the same time.

Having amassed a lot of achievements over the years, which include lining in #1 on iTunes, #1 on Amazon, and #1 on Digital Radio Tracker Charts, 88Fingaz’s works can be expected to hit the charts once again in the near future.

10 Artists Who are Taking Rap to the Next Level

Music Observer Staff on December 12, 2022

Many artists have pushed the boundaries of music over the years, especially in rap. Today, the genre is no longer just limited to the music scene but is a lifestyle and culture that many individuals across the globe embraced as a way of life. Much of this is attributed to the many rappers in the industry who have paved the way for those who came after them. Here’s a list of rap icons who pushed the genre forward and inspired generations of budding artists.

1. Jay-Z

Shawn Corey Carter, known to most as Jay-Z, is a professional musician, rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. He founded the Manhattan-based talent and entertainment agency Roc Nation, which hosts a stellar community of top-level artists.

Jay-Z played an instrumental role in the rap industry. In fact, many have called him one of the time’s most influential hip-hop artists. His songs, performances, and reputation have become an icon for many other rappers to aspire towards.

IG Handle: @jayzz_official

2. Daniel Thomas

Daniel StrongWalker Thomas is a Boston-based producer and executive producer. He worked with Nataanii Means the son of legendary American Indian Movement leader Russel Means on a track called “I Remain” and produced the controversial track “Light Em Up,” featuring artist Nicademus of the Delaware Nation and SavGod of the Comanche people.

As the director of the American Indian Movement support chapter AIM NE Woodlands, Daniel uses his music to bring awareness to the reality of the American Indian. He commits a good portion of his profit to the organization’s cause.

IG Handle: @StrongWalker360

3. Foxy brown

Foxy Brown is an American rapper who signed with Def Jam in 1996. Her debut album Ill Na Na made waves across the music industry, becoming a platinum record with seven million copies sold worldwide.

Foxy’s second album reached the top of the Billboard 200, making her the second female artist to top the chart after Lauryn Hill. She also won a Grammy award for her song “Na Na Be Like.”

IG Handle: @foxybrown

4. Mic Geronimo

Mic Geronimo is a rapper widely known for his work with artists like Jay-Z, Ja Rule, DMX, Puff Daddy, and many more. He was part of the creation of “Nothin’ Move but the Money,” one of the most iconic rap songs of the century. In addition, he was acquainted with Irv Gotti of Murder Inc. Gotti, who helped him record his first single entitled “Shit’s Real,” which became a classic underground music hit.

IG Handle: @micgeronimo

5. Lupe Fiasco

Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, known professionally as Lupe Fiasco, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, and entrepreneur who is recognized as a hip-hop icon. His big break came in 2006 when he released his first album Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor, which gained him firm traction in the industry from then on. Lupe Fiasco is also the frontman of the rock band Japanese Cartoon.

IG Handle: @lupefiasco

6. Mr. Hudson

Benjamin Hudson McIldowie, professionally known as Mr. Hudson, is a musician from Birmingham, England.

He started his career in 2006 as the lead singer of the music group Mr. Hudson and the Library. In 2008, he embarked on his solo career and signed with Kanye West’s GOOD Music label. At present, Mr. Hudson writes songs and produces professionally, apart from his performance work.

IG Handle: @mrhudson

7. Curtis Mayfield

Curtis Mayfield was an American singer and songwriter. He was a pillar in the musical movements that became the foundation of Soul and Afro-American music. He was part of The Impressions, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame during the civil rights movement in the 1950s to 1960s.

Mayfield’s songs became some of the most socially impactful tracks, sparking a culture of creating music that spread awareness about prevalent social issues.

IG Handle: @curtislmayfield

8. Memphis Bleek

Memphis Bleek started as a protégé of fellow New York-based rapper and performer Jay-Z. He was one of the foundational artists behind tracks like “Round Here,” “My Mind Right,” “Like That,” “Infatuated,” and many others.

Later on, Memphis Bleek started his own label called Get Low Records in 1998. In 2016, he moved on to create Warehouse Music Group. The artist has four albums, with two later becoming certified Gold albums.

IG Handle: @memphisbleek

9. Beanie Sigel

Dwight Equan Grant, also called Beanie Sigel, is an American rapper from South Philadelphia. He worked alongside Jay-Z and Roc-A-Fella Records, creating top tracks that gained a strong following and massive momentum.

Beanie Sigel’s first album, The Truth, would become a commercial success, selling 155,000 copies in its first week alone. He also produced one top-five track on the Billboard 500, a song entitled “Anything.”

IG Handle: @beaniesigelsp

10. Otis Redding

Considered one of the greatest singers in history, Otis Ray Redding Jr.’s influence on Soul, R&B, and Hip-hop is unmistakable. He released his debut album, Pain in My Heart, in 1964 and achieved his first major hit with his single “Respect” the following year.

Over the years, Redding released successful albums and singles, becoming one of the most popular soul artists of the time. He died tragically in a plane crash on December 10, 1967, at 26.

IG Handle: @otisredding

Sponsored Post

United Market Launches Distribution Powered by Vydia

Music Observer Staff on December 12, 2022

United Market has already proven itself to be groundbreaking technology, causing a major shift within the music industry. Co-founded by Grammy-winning producer Mike WiLL Made-It, United Market serves as a tech-enabled A&R for both producers and artists. Their track record speaks for itself as they were responsible for the production behind some of the biggest songs from 2022.

If the game-changing collaboration software they offered wasn’t enough, they now provide distribution powered by Vydia. This is their latest step to empower music producers and artists worldwide. The two companies alignment was a match made in Heaven, as they are giving music producers and artists the best opportunity to achieve success.

“Vydia’s vision of giving artists and producers the power to take control of their career aligns with what we’re doing. Technology is taking over the music industry and what we are building here at United Market is one step closer to empowering musicians worldwide,” said co-founder Mike WiLL Made-It.

Now, partnered with United Market, they will also help musicians on the platform succeed– allowing members to collect royalties anywhere their music is streamed. Vydia has partnered up with and helped launch labels with some of the top artists and execs in the world, such as Russ, Snoop Dogg, and Post Malone’s manager Dre London. With such a star-studded lineup, Vydia has some of the best offerings to artists and producers to collect their royalties from all monetizable platforms.

United Market is also an invite-only platform and has amassed over ten thousand members in less than a year, and the waitlist for their revolutionary 2.0 version keeps growing. Artists and producers are flocking to the platform by the thousands to gain access to life-changing placement and sync opportunities, and the chance to collaborate with musicians globally to get more records done.

But what does this partnership mean for United Market’s members? Well, for starters, artists and producers that distribute their music through the United Market will retain 100% of their masters! At a time when musicians are constantly giving up equity in their work, they have a chance to own their masters and earn more money distributing through the United Market. United Market works closely with some of the top sports organizations in the world and some of the largest music labels. So, members who distribute through United Market will also have opportunities to have their songs played at local sporting events, private events, and more. Thus allowing members to have more chances than ever to succeed in the music industry.

By distributing with United Market, members get playlist pitching, sync opportunities, brand partnerships, and access to top production talent. United Market takes distributing a step further by helping musicians increase their revenue. Through the partnerships, members will also be able to collect royalties from all DSPs, qualify for advances, and get their music added to YouTube’s creator hub for use in videos.

Combining a distribution powerhouse with the #1 collaborative platform for musicians sounds too good to be true. But for United Market members, this offering is real, and this is the next step United Market is taking to give them the recipe for success.

This Vydia partnership comes as another announcement from the United Market team as they’re currently invite only. Apply to join the United Market’s global network and gain exclusive industry opportunities.

Stevie Nicks Honors Late Fleetwood Mac Member Christian McVie

Music Observer Staff on December 12, 2022

On Wednesday, Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie died. She was 79. Now, bandmate Stevie Nicks mourns her death.

The 74-year-old took to social media to share a handwritten letter. In the note, she honors her friend and musical partner of multiple decades.

“A few hours ago, I was told that my best friend in the whole world since the first day of 1975 had passed away,” Nicks said. “I didn’t even know she was ill until late Saturday night.”

According to Nicks, since knowing that McVie was sick, she had contemplated Haim’s lyrics to “Hallelujah.” The song constitutes a friend that grieves the loss of another.

“I thought I might possibly get to sing it to her, and so, I’m singing it to her now,” she elaborated.

Nicks continued: “See you on the other side, my love. Don’t forget me.”

McVie’s family broke the news of the musician’s death on Wednesday morning. She died at a hospital in England following “a short illness.”

McVie boosted her career as a crucial member of Fleetwood Mac. In 1970, she joined the band after tying the know with the band’s bassist John McVie.

McVie Contributions

A few years into the ’70s, Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham entered the picture. Together, they released albums that turned into smash hits. It includes their self-titled album in 1975, Rumours in 1977, and Tusk in 1979.

McVie’s contributions to the band were pivotal factors in their success. She played the keyboard, often sang as lead, and served as the band’s most profuse songwriter. Notably, she wrote “Everywhere,” “Don’t Stop,” and “Little Lies.”

Fleetwood Mac’s members honored McVie as “truly one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure” in a joint statement.

Additionally, another bandmate Mick Fleetwood paid tribute to McVie on social media.

He stated: “Part of my heart has flown away today.”

“This is a day where my dear sweet friend Christian McVie has taken to flight,” he stated. “And left us earthbound folks to listen with bated breath to the sounds of that ‘song bird’… reminding one and all that live is all around us to reach for and touch in this precious life that is gifted to us.”

Fleetwood Mac

Guitarist Peter Green, drummer Fleetwood, and guitarist Jeremy Spencer founded the band. John then joined the band for their debut album. And in 1968, Danny Kirwan entered the group as a third guitarist.

Fleetwood Mac topped the charts in the UK with “Albatross.” Other hits like “Oh Well,” “Man of the World,” and “The Green Manalishi” contributed to their success.

However, during the early 1970s, all three guitarists left the band one by one. That’s when guitarists Bob Welch, Bob Weston, and vocalist Dave Walker entered the picture.

But Welch, Weston, and Walker also exited the band by 1974. They had no male lead vocalist or a guitarist. So, Fleetwood scouted studios in Los Angeles and found Buckingham and Nicks.

He then tapped Buckingham to be in the band. She agreed with the condition that Nicks could join too.

Jennifer Lopez Reveals Newest Album This is Me… Now

Music Observer Staff on December 12, 2022

Jennifer Lopez revealed her latest album after nine years. The album is titled This is Me… Now. Furthermore, it is set to drop sometime in 2023.

The title serves as a play on her third studio LP, This is me… Then. It commemorates its 20th anniversary today.

Moreover, JLo announced the tracklist for the latest album. You can find it below.

This is Me… Now contains 13 songs. In addition, it includes a song called “Dear Ban pt. II” – perhaps a follow-up of her track in 2002 titled “Dear Ben” about her now-husband Ben Affleck.

During her announcement on social media, Lopez posted a clip in which her This is Me… Then album cover transformed into a today-old photoshoot of her posing. So it may perhaps be the new album cover.

In 2014, she released her album, A.K.A. Afterward, she only dropped standalone singles such as “Dinero,” starring Cardi B and DJ Khaled and “Us,” featuring Skrillex. Moreover, she teamed up with Maluma and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Two years previously, JLo sang at the Halftime Show of the 2020 Super Bowl alongside Shakira. Additionally, she performed at the inauguration of Joe Biden, sang in tribute to Motown in 2019 at the Grammys, and bagged the Video Vanguard Award at the MTV VMAs 2018.

Aside from her career as a musician, Lopez buzzed like a bee in the film industry, acting in several movies for the past few years. It includes Hustlers, Marry Me, and Second Act.

In addition, in 2019, she hosted a Saturday Night Live episode – the third time in her career. She received a seat in TIME’s yearly roster of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2018.

This is Me… Now

01 – This is Me… Now

02 – To Be Yours

03 – Mad in Love

04 – Can’t Get Enough

05 – Rebound

06 – not. going. anywhere.

07 – Dear Ben pt. II

08 – Hummingbird

09 – Hearts and Flowers

10 – Broken Like Me

11 – This Time Around

12 – Midnight Trip to Vegas

13 – Greatest Love Story Never Told

JLo

Now Mrs. Affleck, the star started appearing in the sketch comedy TV show In Living Color in 1991 as a Fly Girl dancer. Her first leading role in 1997’s Selena earned her the title of the first Hispanic actress to gather more than $1 million for a movie.

Afterward, she starred in films such as 1997’s Anaconda and 1998’s Out of Sight. After that, she worked her way to establish herself as the highest-paid Hispanic actress in Hollywood.

In 1999, Lopez began her music career with her debut studio album On the 6 (1999). She aided in the propelling of the Latin pop movement in American music.

After she released her second studio album J.Lo and her film, The Wedding Planner, in 2001, she bagged the title of the first woman to rank number one on the charts and in cinemas in the same week.

J to the L-o! The Remixes, her 2002 release, became the first remix album in history to open on top of the US Billboard 200. Within that year, she dropped This is Me… Then and portrayed a role in Maid in Manhattan.

From there, everything fell into place.

Our Violet Room’s Ode to Tim and Danny Release Is a Hauntingly Tender Halloween-Themed Folk EP

Music Observer Staff on December 9, 2022

Matthew Birch has released his Halloween-themed EP, Ode to Tim and Danny. The project, produced by Our Violet Room, includes three songs, “Oz,” “Waltz,” and “The Bird Song,” and is inspired by Matthew Birch’s love for Tim Burton and Danny Elfman. Matthew is a huge fan of their work and combined their styles to create a timeless EP with a cinematic vibe to give the listener the feel of Halloween.

“Oz” and “Waltz” are indie-haunting tracks that leave you with an eerie feeling fit for the Halloween season, while “The Bird Song” is a hunting indie-folk cinematic song/score with a Halloween/autumn theme that feels straight out of a Danny Elfman movie. Ode to Tim and Danny is available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify, SoundCloud, and Apple music.

Matthew Birch’s unique music style, evident in the EP, helped cement his spot in the indie music scene, attracting massive attention and praise. His music is indie with a cinematic twist. He creates thoughtful, well-made emotional art that inspires the listener and enhances a film’s story and emotion.

Matthew looks at every song as a little movie score. He believes each track has a special story to tell, and as such, strives to write music that heightens the emotion, creating an aural mood for each scene. His music has been featured on top films and TV shows worldwide, including FreeForm’s Good Trouble series and Magnolia feature film, which was his first placement. Three of Matthew’s songs were used in the movie that came from a personal connection.

Matthew’s journey to the top hasn’t been easy. His licensing deals came from a lot of hard work, rejection, and continued belief in music. When he started writing music, Matthew believed he had it all, and it was hard to come to terms with the truth. He reached out to a producer he loved to see if she wanted to work with him. But the note he got back was not what he wanted to hear at the time.

The note said he was just not ready and needed to work more on his craft. For the longest time, Matthew thought he was pretty good at his work, and having someone tell him that it needed work was a hard pill to swallow. But he wasn’t ready to surrender his passion. He went back to the drawing board, started playing any open mic he could, and practiced writing better melodies and lyrics. After two years, Matthew sent his music back to the same producer, and she said, “Yes.”

Matthew now works with Synchaudi, which sends out his songs to all the TV shows and companies they partner with and then looks for songs that will fit their narrative. Matthew’s music and sound have been compared to that of Bob Dylan, Coldplay, Hans Zimmer, Sufjan Stevens, and Bon Iver for its lush atmosphere, emotional and timeless lyrics, and cinematic arrangements.

As Matthew and the band prepare for their next project, their goal is to continue creating beautiful and thoughtful music that will warm and inspire listeners’ hearts. Matthew is also looking to have more of his songs on TV and in movies.

Jazz Artist and Music Producer Mileisy M. Releases Fresh New Sound, “Pass Out Then Alive,” from Despair to Hope

Music Observer Staff on December 7, 2022

Collaboration is all the rage, and the talented artist, music producer, and music video director Mileisy M. proves it and is giving to the world once again a beautiful creative record and music video “Pass Out Then Alive” with the intention of renewing people’s hopes in their life journeys during the most difficult times. For Mileisy M. as the core creative director through all the phases of production, she went all out to own it and deliver a powerful story that the audience can connect with which tells her own story as well as featuring some renowned artists who have been a part of her musical journey in different ways over the years including her mentor Regina Carter, Martha Mooke, an electro-acoustic violinist, viola player and Yamaha Resident Artist from New York, the talented dancers from the Joffrey Ballet School NYC, and special guest artist African-French singer and rapper Jonas Pako also featured in the video, all people whom the artist connected with along the way.

Mileisy M. is bang on trend, as the violin is enjoying a bit of a moment when backed with hip-hop, pop, and R&B styles. Not for the first time the talented jazz violinist, music producer and video director once again has shown to the music world the caliber of her gifted skills as she continues her quest to dominate and stay at the top of the music scene. Prominent figures from the music industry describe her playing as fresh, energetic and modern, not to mention genre-defying. It has elements of jazz, hip-hop and trap beat but refuses to be classified specifically. If your experience of the violin is limited to classical music, country fiddle or folk dancing, “Pass Out Then Alive” music production by Mileisy M. will open your ears to the possibilities of the violin in other genres.

Among her discography the artist has recently released songs tinged with Spanish and Cuban musical styles including “Nosotros”,which was featured and reviewed by Daily Music Roll magazine (https://magazine.dailymusicroll.com/2022/08/#page/18). It is important to highlight that “Nosotros” is the first track on which Mileisy appears singing for the first time.

Mileisy has worked with many well known names, including Grammy winners Arturo O’Farill and bass player John Benitez. Creatively varied, she enjoys mixing new and unexpected influences into her pieces and intends to keep listeners alert for different genres and sounds. Why be at home with one sound when you can build in several? In addition, she is able to exercise more control over how she is portrayed in her songs and music videos, by taking part in the production and directing process. Variety is the spice of life, and having been given a second chance, Mileisy M. doesn’t intend to waste a moment of it.

Core Artistry at Its Finest. Not just an Enthralling Performer but a Master Music Storyteller

An artist’s quality is measured by the quality of their art. It is pleasing to see Mileisy M. offer fine artistry through her core abilities. Mileisy M. replicates her past outstanding musical deliveries in the music production of “Pass Out Then Alive,” as she draws inspiration from one of her personal life experiences of surviving a car crash. The multi-layered visuals are reflective of the tune’s meaning. The artist’s near-fatal car crash is represented as a battle between good and evil, life and death, the forces of light and darkness. The crash is portrayed at the start of the video and interpreted by the musicians and dancers who follow. It is clear that the artist considers God chose for her on that day and intends her to make something extraordinary of her musical gift now.

The music video is a timeline of the situation around the crash, starting out with the crash itself, then her recovery, interspersed with shots of her and some of her guest stars playing and singing in various locations on the roads near the scene of the accident and her recovery.

She weaves storytelling into music and puts all of her talent on display in this new record to inspire hope and encourage her audience to never lose hope and keep working to overcome their challenges during those difficult times in life. The artist achieved her creative goals with this music video and hopes to communicate a message that the world understands and can relate with.

From Despair Comes Hope

A car wreckage was not enough to stop Mileisy M. ‘s creative process and musical ideas in her tracks. She forged ahead and overcame one of the most difficult times of her life to become the embodiment of talent and shining light that many music heads love to listen to today. She tells her story of surviving a car crash through this song and shares how she overcame despair and started nursing bright hopes instead. She was left unconscious after the accident and took a great deal of time to recover from her injuries as she was unable to walk or play her beloved violin. However, she survived and got back up on her feet. She took the second chance that was offered to her and ran with it to achieve her dreams.

Making the World Beautiful with Her Talents

Being a talented violinist isn’t where it ends for Mileisy M. She takes it several notches higher as she does music production, music recording, music performance, video director and the music business as a whole. Mileisy M.’s level of versatility is her strongest suit as she ensures the world gets the best of music mastery, mixing and production. She uses the music to portray a story in her own way and delivers it to strike the right chords with her audience.

An Artist Par Excellence

As an artist, Mileisy M. believes that every creation should have a goal and purpose. Having worked with notable names like Grammy winners Arturo O’Farill, bass player John Benitez and many others, she has refined herself into an artist who sets a purpose for every project and works hard to fulfill that purpose. She has also drawn influence from other artists and performers from various genres like Jean LucPonty, Didier Lockwood, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Karol G., Alicia Keys, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, music producers Paul Epworth, Lillian McMurry, Rick Rubin, Berry Gordy, Mike Dean, Ovy on the Drums, Linda Perry (singer and music producer), Robert John “Mutt” Lange (songwriter and record producer), Brian Eno(music producer, ambient music, electronic music, pop, rock), and MissyElliot (hip hop music producer).

Mileisy M. Offers a new and contemporary yet genre-defying approach to her music and she exhibits all that in her music releases of late. Enjoy “Pass Out Then Alive” on YouTube and follow Mileisy M. on Instagram.Mileisy M. @globalmaster_performance

You can also follow and connect with the artist through these music digital platforms

Mileisy M. (Youtube Official Artist Channel)

youtube.com/@mileisym.officialchannel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChh0JO0cFVBCEjD1jUYtUqw

Apple Artist

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mileisy-m/1611368636

Link tree

https://linktr.ee/Mileisy.M

Daniel StrongWalker Thomas Continues to Protect the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Through Activism & Music

Music Observer Staff on December 7, 2022

More than just a source of entertainment, music has its way of telling stories that are designed to move others. While most musicians use songs as a medium for self-expression, a select few individuals wield the power of music to stand as a voice of the unheard and underrepresented. They set out to catalyze change, spark action, and create a legacy that ripples throughout the years. One such influential personality who is taking advantage of the power of music for the greater good is Daniel StrongWalker Thomas.

In his case, Daniel’s strong desire to fight for the rights of the indigenous people has empowered him to take a stand. Despite the hardships that come with representing the minority, this go-getter is determined to transcend limitations, break barriers, and defy the odds. For this reason, he has started delving deep into music to further cement his purpose across the country and the world.

On a mission to expand the horizons of his visionary purpose, Daniel StrongWalker Thomas emerges as both a producer and executive producer in the music realm. His recent works include a collaboration with Nataanii Means, the son of the highly acclaimed American Indian Movement leader, Russell Means. Through Daniel’s unparalleled knack for music and Means’s passion for his craft, the duo is bound to spark transformation for the indigenous people’s community.

“The title track, ‘I Remain,’ talks about the story of American Indians and our struggle to reclaim our lands,” shared StrongWalker. “‘I Remain’ is dedicated to empowering indigenous peoples in our challenging quest of bouncing back and fighting for what is ours,” he added.

Daniel StrongWalker Thomas has been a staunch advocate for the rights of the indigenous peoples since time immemorial. As a citizen of the Delaware Nation Lenni Lenape, his spirit of service can be traced back to his ancestors, who have served the community for generations. From Jack & Willie Thomas, who served as Chief, to his grandfather, Art Thomas, StrongWalker comes from a line of noble individuals who continued the fight to keep the community alive. Now, he is a hereditary chief with a strong dedication to serving the American Indians

“Being the Chief means that I am the first to volunteer for my people. I am honored to carry on this line of servant leadership. However, the accomplishments of my ancestors are theirs. Thus, I aim to create a legacy that goes beyond what I have inherited from them,” he shared.

Aside from venturing into the music space, Daniel StrongWalker Thomas is currently representing his community to combat Corporations Posing as American Indian Nations or CPAIN. He seeks to protect his people from this phenomenon in order to combat misappropriations done by corporations. He also serves as Director American Indian Movement NE Woodlands.

“Why does Canada have a law that says it is illegal to pretend you’re indigenous when you’re not? Why does Canada understand this, but here in America, the Delaware Nation is not receiving the same courtesy?” StrongWalker asked. Through his initiatives as leader of the community, he aims to utilize all available resources, including music, to protect the rights of indigenous peoples across the country and the world.

Rockstar Turns Down GTA Film Deal, Featuring Eminem

Music Observer Staff on December 5, 2022

Rockstar Games rejected the chance to release a Grand Theft Auto movie with Eminem, according to a new podcast.

Games industry expert Kirk Ewing, a friend of GTA developers Sam and Dan Houser, said a Hollywood agent approached him about the deal. He also said the agent offered the brothers $5 million for the rights to a film starring the artist, which will be directed by Top Gun’s Tony Scott.

But in an interview with a BBC podcast, Kirk said Sam Houser told the agent they were “not interested.”

Kirk worked with Rockstar when the company released his game State of Emergency.

As per Kirk, the Housers were talking about film links during a time when GTA 3 was a huge success. The company originally launched the game on the PlayStation in 2001.

Additionally, the groundbreaking title paved the way for the rest of the series and the imitators to follow.

That same year, Eminem released the highly successful Marshall Mathers LP. Also, he had just finished filming his role in 8 Mile. The film is inspired by his early rapping.

GTA Offer

In an interview with Bugzy Malone’s Grandest Game, Kirk tracked down Sam Houser at a hotel. They both stayed up late at night to talk about the potential GTA film.

“I think at that point it was still in Sam’s mind that it might be something that he wanted to do,” Kirk stated. “He said, ‘Kirk, we’ve got Eminem to star, and it’s a Tony Scott film. $5 million on the nose. Are you interested?’”

Furthermore, he phoned Sam and relayed the message.

“And I phoned up Sam and said, ‘Listen to this. They want Eminem in the Grand Theft Auto movie and Tony Scott to direct,’” he recounted. “And he said: ‘Not interested.’”

And as far as Kirk can remember, that was the last time the two brothers talked about bringing GTA to the big screen.

“They realized that the media franchise that they had was bigger than any movie that was going on at the time,” Kirk added.

Cultural Movement

GTA has come a long way in becoming a cultural movement. Additionally, in 2018, it was awarded the title of the all-time most profitable entertainment product. And that includes record-breaking films such as Avatar.

But this year, the studio eventually confirmed that GTA VI is in the works. Furthermore, Rockstar’s recommended players could participate by 2024 or 2025. It also said a leak of an early sneak peek in September won’t impact the plans for the title.

While fans never saw a Grand Theft Auto film, high-profile actors have hinted interest in joining the wide range of voice casts for GTA 3’s sequels.

Samuel Jackson, Ray Liotta, and comedians Ricky Gervais and Frankie Boyle participated in various editions of the series. Moreover, Eminem appeared on the game’s soundtrack as a guest star.

Mariah Carey’s Twins Performed ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ with Her

Music Observer Staff on December 5, 2022

The widely-known party official-unofficial Queen of Christmas graced Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade debut with family.

Pop superstar Mariah Carey appeared on the yearly NBC broadcast for a song number. She sang her famous holiday hit “All I Want for Christmas is You” at the end of the event. Furthermore, it happened ahead of Santa Claus’ sleigh arriving at 34th Street in Manhattan.

The singer wore what seemed to be an embezzled umbrella, a crystalized crown, and a pink gown. Carey performed her signature song with dancers dressing as toy soldiers surrounding her.

During the song number, two gift boxes edging her opened to show her 11-year-old twins, Moroccan and Monroe. And the two danced with her for the rest of the song.

At the end of the performance, NBC showed a humorously short clip of Santa taking up the rear. And if it’s still not an indication of her royalty of the holiday season, we don’t know what is.

While Carey is pop culture’s premier patron of Yuletide happiness, the US Trademark Trial and Appeal Board in recent times decided that the singer can’t possess ownership of the official “Queen of Christmas” name.

Previously, EW reported Elizabeth Chan, a Christmas recording artist, legally contested Carey’s trial to trademark the title on top of her move to trademark “Princess Christmas” and “QOC.”

Carey is expected to appear on the CBS TV special Merry Christmas to All on December 20.

The Carey Twins

Monroe and Moroccan are Carey’s kids with ex-husband Nick Cannon.

Even with their divorce, the two support each other and their children. They affectionately call the twins “dem kids.”

“They’re a lot, but they give me so much love in return. I wouldn’t be the same person without them,” Carey said in an interview with PEOPLE. “I think Nick and I have done pretty well in co-parenting, staying friends with each other so that we can talk.”

Both also said they are training their kids to be humble.

“I want my kids to understand that every child isn’t as fortunate as they are,” Cannon shared with PEOPLE in 2012.

Furthermore, in 2019, Carey said a thing along the same lines. “It’s hard, but I try to keep them grounded, so they don’t think everything is just handed to them.”

However, having well-known parents has its advantages. Monroe and Moroccan previously waled on red carpets, went on yacht vacations, and even appeared in a music video.

During all those, the twins remained tight-knitted to each other.

“They love each other and are best friends. But they’ll do things without each other,” Carey said in 2018. “I just hope they maintain that for the rest of their lives. There’s nothing like the bond that they share.”

And the siblings are visibly having fun. In an Instagram post in September 2022, Carey shared photos of herself, along with Moroccan and Monroe posing before roller coasters at the Ohio amusement park Cedar Point.

“Had the best time at @cedarpoint!” Carey captioned the photo. “Never again with the heels though! 😂”