Ms. Drama TV

Urban music’s top creators shared the stage August 26 at BMI’s Urban Awards at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood. The annual event celebrates the songwriters, producers and music publishers of the past year’s most-performed r&b, rap and hip-hop songs in the BMI repertoire. BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and Catherine Brewton, Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Atlanta, hosted the 2011 BMI Urban Awards.

Here’s the list of all the winners, including Snoop Dogg receiving the BMI Icon award. More pictures from the event after the break.

2011 BMI Urban Music Awards

BMI Icon
SNOOP DOGG

Urban Songwriter of the Year
DRAKE
“Bedrock”
“Find Your Love”
“I Invented Sex”
“Money To Blow”
“Over”
“Say Something”
“Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready)”

Urban Song of the Year
“NOTHIN’ ON YOU”
B.o.B featuring Bruno Mars

Urban Publisher of the Year
UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING GROUP
“Airplanes”
“Bedrock”
“Bottoms Up”
“Deuces”
“Hot Tottie”
“How Low”
“Love the Way You Lie”
“My Chick Bad”
“Not Afraid”
“Nothin’ On You”
“Papers”
“Sex Therapy”
“Your Love”

Urban Producer of the Year
LEXUS “LEX LUGER” LEWIS

Top Urban Producers
POLOW DA DON
DANIEL “KANE BEATZ” JOHNSON
R. KELLY
KANYE WEST

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Publishing company, Activision recently announced that Kanye West will headline this year’s Call of Duty XP event on September 2^nd and 3^rd in Los Angeles.

CEO of Activision Publishing, Eric Hirshberg told HipHopDX:

“We’re pulling out all the stops. We promised our attendees and fans around the world a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the first Call of Duty XP, so we’re thrilled to have Kanye on board.”

Tickets are currently available for online purchase for $150. 100% of the proceeds are to benefit The Call of Duty Endowment (CODE), a non-profit organization that aids U.S. Military Veterans in finding employment.

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Ciara hypnotized the Maliboom Boom crowd last night with an awe inspiring stage performance at the Radio Maliboom Boom Station Invasion Concert in NYC.

As the 5th stop in her nationwide tour to promote Malibu Rum, Ciara was the culminating act to a Caribbean inspired night. The night showcased the best of the Caribbean offering a waterfront ambience that highlighted Carnival dancers with Malibu inspired attire, a Tiki Bar mixing the most delicious Malibu concoctions, a photo station, a specialized DJ Scratch Academy booth to create your own summer mix and a seemingly never ending Barbeque.

Before the main show took place, guests enjoyed a perfected music mix by the legendary DJ Skribble as they sipped on Malibu drinks including the “literal” version of Liquid Sunshine:

Liquid Sunshine
1 ½ parts Malibu®
1 part pineapple juice
1 part orange juice
Splash of club soda

Build over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with an orange slice.

To continue with MSDTV’s Radio Maliboom Boom’s Concert experience – plus video and photos of Ciara, continue after the break:

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This past weekend, Toronto hosted the 2nd annual OVO Festival headlined by Young Money’s Drake, featuring guest appearances by Rick Ross, The Weeknd, Lil Wayne, J. Cole, Nas and more.

On Sunday, July 31st, Drake shut down the Molson Ampitheater in his hometown of Toronto, performing for a sold out crowd.  Drizzy shared the stage with a host of guests, but the most memorable  would be his stage collaboration with legendary singer/songwriter Stevie Wonder.  Aside from showing off his new tattoo (looks like the Egyptian Owl represented in the OVO symbol O__o), Drake did a brief freestyle with the legend on stage for a packed crowd – a definite gem to witness firsthand; in addition to the amazing list of performers for the festival.  Needless to say, the show was an indefinite success…better start saving for next year!

Check out highlights from the show here:

Look for pictures from the show after the break!

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Last night, electro influenced hip-hop duo Ninjasonik hosted their mixtape and video release party at Millenium Films theatre in NYC’s Lower East Side – celebrating their street release, No Swords Or Masks;  in addition to premiering their music video for the single, “MoshPit”.

The creative team, comprised entirely of two energetic souls -frontman, Telli and Jah-Jah, reportedly took to some unconventional ways at filming their music video.   A revisited version of the 1979 hit thriller, The Warriors, “MoshPit” was filmed on-location in various parts of Brooklyn and lower Manhattan, with no official permits, crew, or special props.  The pair simply relied on fans of Ninjasonik to form their own crews, and filmed the video.  Easy.

The venue provided a theater setting for those anxious to catch the premiere of the music video, as well as an open space wide enough for those interested in vibing & dancing to the sounds of No Swords Or Masks.  The crowd was as eclectic as the pair’s music, rocking out in a celebratory mood to the music of a live DJ; set with visuals from the original “Warriors” film on a back-drop screen, up until the debut of “MoshPit”.

No Swords Or Masks (featuring contributions from Theophilus London, and Cobra Starship) is available for download now!  The mixtape is the prelude to their forthcoming sophomore full length album Peter Pan Syndrome scheduled to drop in early 2012!

Check out pictures from the event after the break:

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Atlanta-based rapper Alley Boy hosted an exclusive listening party in order to commemorate the second installment of his mixtape series entitled, Definition of F*ck Sh*t Pt. 2.  The event was held at Engine Audio Room studios, a world-class facility which catered to a select group of people including, bloggers, photographers, artists, and industry executives.

The venue was tailored for a small, intimate setting that accommodated all those in attendance with a delicate supply of appetizers and an open bar.  In the meantime, Alley Boy graciously provided interviews and a brief meet-and-greet a top the studio’s balcony which provided for a glamorous view of downtown Manhattan.   In addition to listening to cuts from the mixtape, the artist took some time to thank all those who came out to support, (including fellow rapper, French Montana), as well as, blessing one lucky raffle winner with a pair of “Beats by Dr. Dre” headphones.

Hosted by mixtape powerhouse The Empire, Definition of F*ck Sh*t 2 reflects Alley Boy’s roots from his hometown, Atlanta, GA; a 21-track  playlist that gives you a healthy dose of the dirty south. Set with his own “country-boy” flow, but also intertwined with features from a handful of other artists, including, Young Jeezy, Yo Gotti, Jim Jones, Big K.R.I.T., and more.

Definition of F*ck Sh*t 2 available for download here!

Check out pictures from the event after the break:

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Ms. Drama TV was on the scene last night for BMI’s 3^rd Annual, “Know Them Now,” showcase in Manhattan featuring, Island Def Jam recording artist, K’LA, Interscope recording artist, Timothy Bloom, and Jive recording artist, WISH. The private event was co-hosted by Mike Muse, Chairman/CEO/Co-Founder of Muse Recordings, and Actress/Photographer, Chenoa Maxwell.

The night began with two opening performances from BMI’s, “Know Them Now,” video contestants as they battled it out for the chance to be a finalist and the grand prizewinner. Guest judges included, Leotis Clyburn, Anthony “T.A.” Tate, and DJ WILL from New York’s Power 105.1. After a creative battle, the contest winner ended up being three siblings from Palo Alto, Calif., known as Live and Direct. DJ WILL offered his thoughts on the lively trio, expressing that, “they had a lot of energy” which essentially allowed the group to capture first place.

While the night showcased talent from all three featured “Know Them Now” acts, the real show stopper of the evening was Jive’s Records new signee, WISH. The Baltimore bred beauty started her start in music at the tender age of 7, singing for her local church choir. From there she took part in a girl group that attained some success – but her true break came just 3 years ago when she decided to part ways and go solo.

In November of 2010, her career “wish” came true, as she signed a recording contract with Jive Records. With full swaggered confidence, WISH performed, “Suga Daddy” and “Feel Your Beat” for last night’s onlookers. Take a sneak peek at my one-on-one interview with the talented WISH:

Who has influenced you musically? Beyonce, Britney Spears, Cee Lo Green, Queen and the Beatles.

Who’s music are you currently listening to? Frank Ocean – I think he’s great.

If given the opportunity, what artist would you love to team up with? Cee Lo Green – I think he’s genius.

Your hit, “Suga Daddy,” was Motown inspired, what other sounds can we look forward to hearing from you in the future? Expect to hear a little bit of pop, a little R&B, Old-School…It’s one big melting pot.

In light of tonight’s event presented by BMI, why should we “know you now?” Well, you should know me now before we really get started!

WISH is currently promoting, “The Wish Tape.” Download your copy today at www.wishishere.com.

Look for more pictures from last night after the break:

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Last night, Lower East Side’s Tokyo-based streetwear shop, Rocksmith hosted an exclusive listening session for Shaun Boothe’s forthcoming street release, “Waiting Room.” (Rightfully named as Boothe genuinely expressed to his audience, “I’ve been ‘waiting’ for this moment all my life.”) And of course, MSDTV was on the scene to capture it all, but the real contributor was Mr. Boothe himself, in which he endured a 10-hour train ride from his home base in Toronto just to make it to the event! Those in attendance foretasted a handful of tracks off, “Waiting Room,” including, “Do It For Yourself,” feat. Kim Davis, “Let Me Go,” feat. Lykke Li, “Phone Sex” and “1 2 3,” feat. STS. The compilation is slated for official release this month.

Look for more pictures after the break:

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Ms. Drama TV was on the scene moments ago for the Reebok “Reethym of Lite” launch party in New York presented by Reekbok Classics and Swizz Beatz.

The private event held a packed house of media professionals and celebrities who not only enjoyed the Reebok inspired Hennessy drinks, but the innovate Reebok Classic displays spread throughout the venue.

A few of the celebrity notables that attended the event included Gayle King, Busta Rhymes, Alicia Keys, Diddy, Cassie, Chrisette Michelle, Red Cafe, and a rumored Jay-Z (who unfortunately did not hit the stage) and wife Beyonce.

A snippet of the show is after the break where Swizz gave the crowd a high energy performance as well as showcased the world premier of his “Reethym of Life” campaign which features his International Party music video.

Photos and Video after the jump:

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MSDTV was on the scene last night at The Singers Lounge Showcase Monday Summer Series presented by SAVVY/The Samsung Experience. Hosted by American Idol’s Anwar Robinson, special guests, R&B/Soul Diva, Meli’sa Morgan and Grammy-Award Winning Singer/Songwriter, Gordon Chambers were the true thrill of the evening.

Having penned tracks for more than 75 eminent recording artists, including Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, Beyoncé Knowles and Trey Songz (the list goes on), Chambers credits his family, stating, “I am so grateful for my parents and the childhood they gave me.” Growing up, Chambers’ father, an avid cricket player, held an extensive R&B/Soul and Jazz record collection, from the great Isaac Hayes to the iconic, Miles Davis. However, it wasn’t until Chambers was interning at Essence Magazine, a monthly piece for African-American women, that he got his first big break in the business – while interviewing Queen Latifah, she accredited his line of questioning and the two hit it off from there. Chambers said, “I was just being myself and she [Queen Latifah] tapped into my essence as an artist.” As told by the “Renaissance Man” himself, it wasn’t until the greatest singer of the 20^th Century, Whitney Houston suggested, “I think you ought to do what I do baby,” for that light bulb to switch on. Chambers third studio album, “Sincere,” is slated for release next month.

As for the beauteous and remarkable, Meli’sa Morgan, she stated it all started for her while, “singing in the living room.” Yet, it wasn’t until the ripe age of 16 that Morgan recognized she was on her way to fame, as she toured for a year around Canada and did a demo shoot for the Actress/Dancer, Debbie Allen. But, before Morgan climbed the charts as a solo artist with her first hit, a rendition of Prince’s, “Do Me Baby,” she was a background singer. “Well, I did sing for Chaka and then she said, ‘Don’t do that no more,’” Morgan said giggling of her strong(er) vocals. Morgan’s live performance of, “Fool’s Paradise,” and “Do Me Baby,” had the whole venue jiving. Morgan and Chambers even sang a spontaneous, unrehearsed duet together, “Love Changes.”

Look for more pictures after the break:

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