Logo

Yesterday after news of Teddy Riley's daughter Taja Riley's claim that her father physically abused her - with a Rock Band guitar no less, everyone took to twitter to discuss the latest dirt.  Everyone including Taja, Teddy, and apparently Teddy's girlfriend, who may or may not be at the root of the dispute between the producer/singer and his daughter.

Seriously people, get it together.

Remember the days when the media had to make start rumors or create blatant lies and parade them around as the truth to get "juicy news"?  Now, celebrities are taking the "do-it-yourself" approach and openly sharing their drama.

Singer, songwriter and producer Donell Jones is a brand that doesn’t need a formal introduction. Donell has been streaming through our radio airwaves for well-over a decade. He’s consistently given us amazing hit after hit. Back from a three-year hiatus, Mr. Jones has returned to grace our eardrums (once again) with soulful ballads and primrose serenades. His recent release “The Lost Files” is a compilation that contains an appealing flurry of previously unheard melodies. Donell has also been hammering away in the studio completing a new LP that is scheduled to be released in early 2010. The distinguished and laid back R&B singer took some time out of his busy schedule to speak with EardrumKrushez:

EDK: So Mr. Jones, tell us more about your label Candyman Records.

DL: Well, it’s something that I wanted to do since the beginning. [I never really got the push that I deserved while at LaFace, Arista and Jive]. I always felt if I had my own label that I would go all out. When I got the chance I jumped at it.

EDK: The forthcoming album is currently “untitled”. What can the fansexpect?

DJ: The album is all new material from beginning to end! It’s going to be a smash! I’ve been off the scene for about three years, so I’ve had a lot of time to sit back and go through a lot of situations. I’ve got a lot to talk about on this next record. [This particular album is really soulful love album]. My fans have been waiting and they will get exactly what they’ve been waiting for.

EDK: All of your albums have contained simply awesome music. How is this album going to compare to previous releases?

DJ: [I’ve grown as a producer and as a writer, so it’s going to be the same yet better.] One thing I will never do [though] is change my musical style. [I’ve approached it as if every song from beginning to end could be a single].

EDK: What’s the secret to being consistent and making music that peoplewanttohear?

DJ: Staying true to myself. Most of the songs I write are based on personal experiences. I feel like if somebody out there can relate to what I’m saying then they can appreciate what I do.

EDK: Currently, R&B songs are no longer about love. It’s all about partying and sex. R&B singers act like rappers. What’s your take on this?

DJ: I feel like these younger cats today want to be R&B thugs. A lot of those guys are talented; it’s just the song choices. [Love is what’s missing in today’s music]. [If they tackle more of the things people can relate too, these guys could have fans forever]. I don’t think a lot of the music being played today will be played 15 years from now.

EDK: You’ve worked with many artists from Usher to Madonna. Is there any one in particular that you still desire to collabo with?

DJ: Definitely. Two people: Faith and Mary J. I think that they are both incredible and have distinctive voices that command the crowd. You can feel the emotion behind [their music]. I love those two girls.

EDK: What advice do you give to artists who are new to the industry or those who just want to stay consistent?

DJ: [Stick to whatever style they are coming with it and don’t try to copy somebody else]. Make good music that people can feel and get some emotion from. [That’s what I do].

EDK: Thank you for your time and your contribution to the music world. We appreciate you staying consistent and original. Good quality music is what the music game needs.

DJ: I appreciate it man. Thanks for having me. No doubt.

Donell’s latest release “The Lost Files” can be found on www.Amazon.com, www.iTunes.com or on any online music stores. You can follow him on at www.twitter.com/donelljones96 or www.facebook.com/donelljones96. Videos and latest music updates can be found at www.myspace.com/donelljones and on www.youtube.com/donelljonestv.

Album: Jeremih by Jeremih
Release Date: June 30, 2009
Number of Tracks: 12 + 1 Bonus Track
Number of Tracks worth listening to: 10
Rating: 5 of 5

Every since "Birthday Sex" hit in the airwaves earlier this year, fans have been dying to hear more from IDJ artist Jeremih. The question on everyone's mind: Is this a one-hit wonder or did a 19 year old guy out of Chicago seriously just light a fire under the R&B scene? While many of his peers rushed to the studio to create different versions of his debut single, he took to answering that question, and released "Imma Star (Everywhere We Are)", a track released soley to send a message. The message: You are witnessing the birth of an R&B star.

The hottest track on the album is as predicted, "Birthday Sex", the Mick Schultz-produced track just never gets old, and Jeremih's voice sends chills to all the right places. Other standouts are: "Raindrops", a sex-fueled track for the other 364 days that you dont have a birthday. "Break Up to Make Up", which is set to be the third released track, will have you singing along to the catchy chorus in no time. "Hatin' On Me" and "My Ride", songs that flow along the same vein as "Imma Star", should also get a replay. It's hard to describe who he sounds like (voice wise), but what sells you is how Jeremih on every track sounds like he fully believes every word. It's that believability that will make the ladies love "My Sunshine", a ballad where he sings about the pain he feels thinking about a lover that has passed away. Island Def Jam showed alot of trust in Mick Schultz by allowing him to produce the entire debut album of their R&B golden child, and he does not disappoint showcasing an impressive range.

Overall: Jeremih justifies his hype. You will be hard pressed to find a track you dont like. However, dont let the first couple of tracks fool you, this is not a "bedroom album".

Question: Why does everyone else seem to be able to pull off the-Dream's style with more success than him? (No, I'm not hating on the-Dream...check the record sales)

Okay, technically this song isn't new (its about 10 days old), but I cant get it out of my head, and its so good, that I feel obligated to share it, old or not. If you are not a Ryan Leslie fan, the only excuse you can have is that you haven't heard him yet! Should you be one of those people not-in-the-know, please get familiar with dude, he is insanely talented. I am also posting video below of 2 of his songs I became obsessed with in the past, and the audio to a new joint entitled, "My Gift To The Game". Leave a comment below!