Author Archives: PlatinumVoicePR

[VIDEO]Rexx Life Raj – “Bad Bad Bad”

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Rexx Life Raj Kicks Off 2021 With “Bad Bad Bad” Video

Rexx Life Raj

Rapper Rexx Life Raj kicks off the year with a new video for California Poppy 2 EP standout track “Bad Bad Bad.” The video showcases Raj’s lively and exuberant personality and sees the Pigeons and Planes Best New Artist in a hazmat suit playing a three on three basketball game, walking around his hometown, the Bay Area, and having a picnic in the park.

“Bad Bad Bad” also has the honor of being a part of ESPNmusic (@espnmusic) and the NBA on ESPN’s (@nbaonespn) featured commercial soundtrack. The song will be featured prominently throughout all NBA programming on ESPN and ABC, along with flagship shows Sportscenter and First Take.

California Poppy 2 saw Raj offering thoughtful commentary on what it means to be a Black man in America with his masterful flow and slick wordplay. Raj transitions from hilarious anecdotes and clever bullshit to heartfelt gems about relationships, and self-reflection, often making him both teacher and class clown on the same record. Produced by Kyle Betty (Raj’s in house producer) and ReeceBeats (G-Eazy, Kehlani) and mixed by Alex Tumay (Young Thug, Travis Scott), California Poppy 2 also featured industry luminaries like Juvenile and British rapper Kojey Radical.

Other singles from California Poppy 2 include “Freak” ft. Juvenile (an NPR Music Staff Top Pick), “State of Mind” (“sunny single” – Uproxx), “Tesla in a Pandemic” (“introspective instrumental that sounds as smooth as the Tesla” – Hot New Hip Hop) and “Canvas” (“will untether you from the day-to-day realities” – KUTX).

Stay tuned for more music from Raj this year.

VH1’s “Basketball Wives” Set to Take Over Tuesday Nights

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Season Premiere airs on Tuesday, February 9th at 8PM ET/PT

VH1 announced its fan-favorite series “Basketball Wives” will make its highly-anticipated return on Tuesday, February 9th at 8PM ET/PT. This season the wives’ sisterhood is tested like never before as they adjust to the pandemic while balancing life’s ups and downs, unresolved relationships and the fight against social injustices.

Series veterans and fresh newcomers include:

· Shaunie relocates to Houston, TX to be closer to her kids, but still hopes she can find a way to bring peace to the group when they’re all together.

· Malaysia believes it is time to teach her children about police brutality and how to handle a situation with an officer.

· In addition to starting new ventures, Jackie is determined to bring all the ladies together again…or so she thinks.

· Evelyn is preparing to move into a new home but still having trouble getting through the emotional year of 2020.

· Despite going through a messy breakup, Jennifer is mentally in a new place but a new attitude doesn’t always mean her past won’t test her.

· Kristen is lending her voice to the Black Lives Matter movement and fighting social injustices.

· OG is back and optimistic about the future with this group of ladies.

· Feby returns with a new man but a major thorn from her ex-boyfriend’s past threatens to challenge her place within the circle.

· After over 11 years with her famous basketball player ex, newcomer Liza Morales is ready to begin a new chapter.

· Sisters and entrepreneurs Nia and Noria Dorsey also bring their Memphis energy and spicy personalities to the group.

Join the conversation using #BasketballWives and follow the official Basketball Wives accounts on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook and subscribe to the VH1 YouTube channel.

VH1’s “Basketball Wives” is executive produced by Truly Original, Shed Media and VH1. Shaunie O’Neal also serves as Executive Producer.

VanJess Announce New EP ‘Homegrown’

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Out January 29 On Keep Cool/RCA Records

Nigerian-American sister duo VanJess announce their new EP ‘Homegrown.’ Slated for release on Keep Cool/RCA Records on January 29, the nine-song collection is the official follow up to their 2018 debut album ‘Silk Canvas,’ which Pitchfork called “a captivating fusion of 1990s R&B with contemporary electronic touches.”

‘Homegrown’ hosts a robust group of collaborators, including Grammy-nominated producer KAYTRANADA, neo-soul group Phony PPL and Pomo, whose producer credits include Mac Miller’s ‘Swimming,’ Anderson Paak’s ‘Ventura’ and HONNE’s ‘No Song Without You.’ As a whole, VanJess continues along their upward trajectory on ‘Homegrown,” creating a cohesive, well-rounded project that reaches new sonic heights elevated by remarkable visuals.

VANJESS

PRE-SAVE ‘HOMEGROWN’ HERE

Out today is VanJess’ new single “Curious.” The song lays out a diverting game of cat and mouse, as the ladies’ sultry “come hither” verses play off Jimi Tents and Garren’s accounts of passion and chemistry. Together, the vocal talents of each act ricochet off a bouncing beat produced by Jay Kurzweil (GoldLink, SZA).

In addition to “Curious,” singles like “Come Over,” “Slow Down” and “High & Dry” give a promising glimpse at what’s to come with ‘Homegrown.’ With a driving bass and drums that could soundtrack any bedroom disco, “Come Over” showcases VanJess’ perfected harmonies. Meanwhile, “High & Dry,” which LADYGUNN describes as a “sensual and laid-back vibe with intoxicating backing beats,” is a sensual invitation of a song, buoyed by VanJess’ stylish vocals and cheeky wordplay.

At the end of 2020, the ladies released a live rendition of “Slow Down” as a part of the eponymous “Homegrown Sessions,” which has also produced live versions of “Come Over” and “High & Dry.” Surrounded by clouds and looking as angelic as ever, VanJess takes viewers to heaven on “Slow Down” live. The song itself is a sweet, slow jam with swirls of R&B grooves and simmering undertones. VanJess’ on-point harmonies are accentuated by a brassy saxophone line and romantic production from Snakehips & Jonah Christian.

SOURCE SHORE FIRE MEDIA

Rap Artist Ludacris Trades the Studio for the Kitchen in discovery+ Special “Luda Can’t Cook”

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Chris “Ludacris” Bridges is a hip-hop icon, accomplished actor and successful restaurateur who is passionate about food – but he knows he “can’t cook a lick.” In the one-hour discovery+ special Luda Can’t Cook, from record breaking producer Will Packer, Ludacris gets schooled in the kitchen by James Beard Award-nominated Chef Meherwan Irani to up his culinary game with international flavors and techniques. Indian cuisine is one of Luda’s favorites and Chef Irani gives him a master class in the foundations, from layering spices to frying and braising and making curry. Then in a test of his newly acquired culinary skills, he cooks and serves a menu of Indian dishes Ludacris-style to a room of VIPS, including his mom Roberta. Luda Can’t Cook begins streaming on Thursday, February 25th, exclusively on discovery+. The series is produced for discovery+ by executive producers Packer and Kelly Smith from Will Packer Media and Matt Kelly and Mike Sorenson from Anomaly Entertainment.

“I absolutely love food and have always appreciated the art of cooking, but I can’t lie – I have no idea what I’m doing in the kitchen,” said Ludacris. “I’m on a mission to change that and master one cuisine at a time – it’s going to be delicious.”

“The juxtaposition of a uniquely talented mega star like Luda against a backdrop that he has no real knowledge or skill set in makes for some highly entertaining shenanigans!” said Will Packer.

The career of the multitalented Chris “Ludacris” Bridges can best be described as remarkable. As a recording artist, he has sold more than 24 million albums worldwide. With an unrivaled match of lyrical acumen, wit, and imagery, Ludacris has solidified himself as one of music’s premier entertainers. His versatility and artistic complexity also enabled him to make a seamless transition to acting, including the starring role of “Tej” in the box office phenomenon Fast & Furious franchise. A consummate businessman, Ludacris is also enjoying success outside of entertainment. He is a restaurateur and owns Chicken-n-Beer in Atlanta and his philanthropic endeavors include the educational platform Kid Nation and The Ludacris Foundation, which focuses on helping youth in his hometown Atlanta.

Viewers can follow #LudaCantCook for exclusive sneak peeks of Ludacris’ journey into the kitchen. Fans wanting more can visit DiscoveryPlus.com and follow along on social for more about the show.

discovery+ is the definitive non-fiction, real life subscription streaming service. The new service will launch with a landmark partnership with Verizon that gives their customers with select plans 12 months of discovery+ on Verizon. At launch in the U.S., discovery+ will have the largest-ever content offering of any new streaming service, featuring a wide range of exclusive, original series across popular, passion verticals in which Discovery brands have a leadership position, including lifestyle and relationships; home and food; true crime; paranormal; adventure and natural history; as well as science, tech and the environment, and a slate of high-quality documentaries. discovery+ will offer more than 55,000 episodes all in one place, with over 2,500 current and classic shows from Discovery’s iconic portfolio of networks, including HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, OWN, Travel Channel, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet. For more about discovery+, click here.

Led by Hollywood producer Will Packer, Will Packer Media is a first-of-its-kind production and branded content company focused on the New American Mainstream audience. In partnership with Discovery, Inc. and Universal Pictures, the company produces episodic scripted and unscripted series across television and digital platforms, compelling content for brand clients, and short-form digital content for millennial audiences. Will Packer’s films have earned more than $1 billion, with ten opening at number one at the box office.

NEW ANIMATED DIGITAL SERIES ‘RAP THERAPY’ TO DELVE INTO RAP ARTISTS’ STRUGGLES WITH MENTAL HEALTH

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Artists including Krept & Konan, Ms. Banks and D Double share their experiences in this empowering new series

RAP THERAPY

E4 is to present a new short form animated series, aimed at teenagers, that sees some of the UK’s leading MC’s, rappers and lyricists talk openly about mental health and the things that have impacted them, from grief and body image to trauma. The series will also reimagine science-based mindfulness techniques to help young people improve their wellbeing.

Across the five episode series produced by Mother’s Best Child & TOAD, viewers will be taken on an absorbing visual journey where they’ll be offered tips and methods to help cope with their mental health struggles, all backed by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation.

All episodes will drop on the 18th January and will be available to watch for free on All 4, Channel 4’s on demand streaming service.

Rap Therapy is supported by the government funded Young Audiences Content Fund which is managed by the BFI and supports the creation of distinctive, high-quality content for audiences up to the age of 18.

EPISODES

Episode 1: Trauma
Rap star Konan talks candidly about the violent loss of his step-father and how he has coped with the trauma that has come from it.

Episode 2: Mindful Breathing
Singer Ray BLK uses her soothing voice to guide you through a mindful breathing exercise, designed to help ease feelings of anxiety and stress.

Episode 3: Grief
Rapper Krept opens up about losing his cousin, and fellow rapper, Cadet in a car crash, and how he has tried to process the grief.

Episode 4: Body Image
Rapper and singer Ms. Banks focuses on body image by taking us back to her school days where she was the tallest in her class. She explains that practicing positive affirmations and self-love have helped her to be comfortable with who she is.

Episode 5: Sleep
Bad habits before bed can often be the reason that we don’t get the sleep we need. In this episode, legendary Grime star, D Double uses his distinctive flow to guide us off into the land of nod.

MICA PARIS TO GUEST HOST DOCUMENTARY SERIES ON GREATEST HITS RADIO THIS MONTH

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Greatest Hits Radio is launching a new 3-part music series called ‘Soul Food Songs’, guest presented by British Soul legend Mica Paris MBE

Greatest Hits Radio will aim to banish the January blues as it celebrates the songs that lift our spirits the most. Exploring what makes an uplifting Soul anthem and how music helps our physical and mental health, the series will culminate in a Top 200 Countdown of the Greatest Soul Food Songs, as voted for by listeners. Alongside Mica, contributors including Tony Hadley, Dr Amir Khan, Jaki Graham, Omar, Paul McKenna and Ainsley Harriott will also take part in the series which airs from Wednesday 13th January at 7pm, with weekly repeats Sundays at 9pm.

MICA PARIS

Mica Paris whose new album ‘Gospel’ is out now said about the series, “In tough times like these, we’re all looking for something to change our mood for the better. Join me and a few friends as we share some of the most uplifting musical masterpieces to feed your soul and get us through the month ahead.”

Andy Ashton, Network Content Director for Greatest Hits Radio said “As the home of the ‘Good Times’, our listeners know that in a January like no other, they can still find a place to feel uplifted. Playing some of most joyous songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s, we can’t wait for Mica to join the Greatest Hits Radio line-up this month and share her ultimate positivity playlist”.

The series has been produced by Want Some Media. Senior Producer Dave Vitty said “We’re delighted to be working with Greatest Hits Radio again and can’t wait to get these shows with Mica Paris on the air. With another lockdown underway and a challenging few weeks and months ahead, a bit of feel good positivity from Mica mixed with an absolutely knock out soundtrack, is exactly what we all need to soothe our mind, body and soul.”

Greatest Hits Radio welcomed Jenny Powell and Debbie Mac to the station line-up this month, joining a brilliant roster of presenters including Simon Mayo, Mark Goodier, Janice Long, Paul Gambaccini and Pat Sharp. Providing a playlist of the biggest songs of the 70s, 80s and 90s, Greatest Hits Radio is now available in even more areas of the country than before. Watch the TV ad here.

Listen to the station on FM, DAB digital radio, on your smart speaker, mobile device or online at greatesthitsradio.co.uk

SOURCE BAUER MEDIA

Sony/ATV Signs Jamie Cullum to Worldwide Deal

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Sony/ATV Music Publishing UK announced it has signed award-winning singer, songwriter, jazz musician, and radio broadcaster Jamie Cullum

Jamie Cullum is one of the UK’s top jazz artists/songwriters, known for crafting hit songs across genres and collaborating with prominent talent including Paul McCartney, Pharrell, Kendrick Lamar, Lang Lang, and Clint Eastwood. Jamie’s signing is an exciting return to the company after signing his first-ever publishing deal with EMI eighteen years ago.

Recently, Cullum released a brand-new album, The Pianoman at Christmas, which was recorded at London’s famous Abbey Road studios and features ten original songs played by 57 of Britain’s best musicians. Jamie said, “I’m so proud to have signed with Sony/ATV and to be rejoining a team I first started working within 2003 at the very beginning of my professional career.

Whilst I have had a long and interesting journey as a songwriter, I do feel like I’m entering a new phase in the body of work I’m creating. I know and respect the team at Sony/ATV and I’m excited to explore with them the possibilities of where we can use my songs not only within my own recorded output but also for other artists and in film, theatre, computer games, and beyond.”

Sony/ATV UK President, Co-Managing Director David Ventura and Co-Managing Director Tim Major said, “Jamie is a class act in every way – as a songwriter, a musician, a voice and as a person. We’re absolutely thrilled that he has chosen to work with us on this exciting next phase of his career.”

Fran Malyan, Sony/ATV Catalogue, said, “I’ve worked with Jamie from the beginning of his amazing career so I’m more than thrilled that he’s returning to his original home. His new album is a masterpiece full of brand-new songs that sound like standards.”

Cullum broke into the mainstream with his album Twentysomething in 2003, which earned him international success and made him the fastest-selling British jazz artist in history. It also earned Cullum his first Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Since then, Jamie has earned continued success with various albums including Catching Tales, The Pursuit, Interlude, Momentum, and his 2019 album Taller.

Cullum has received numerous top awards and nominations throughout his music career, including a 2020 Ivor-Novello award for “Age of Anxiety,” which won Best Song Musically and Lyrically, two BRIT awards for Best Male Artist and Best Live Act, a Grammy award, and several Grammy nominations. Cullum has also received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song for “Gran Torino,” which was a collaboration between him and Clint Eastwood.

SOURCE: SONY/ATV MUSIC PUBLISHING

VH1 Expands Monday Nights with Relationship-Themed Special “Love & Hip Hop: It’s a Love Thing”

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And New Limited Series “VH1 Family Reunion: Love & Hip Hop Edition”

VH1 today announced it is expanding its Monday night lineup with a relationship-themed special and new limited series. Love & Hip Hop: It’s a Love Thing kicks things off on Monday, February 1 at 8pm ET/PT, followed by VH1 Family Reunion: Love & Hip Hop Edition airing on Monday, February 8 at 8pm ET/PT.

Love & Hip Hop: It’s a Love Thing premieres Monday, February 1 at 8PM ET/PT

· Love & Hip Hop: It’s a Love Thing is a couples only, sexy date night hosted by Chris and Vanessa Spencer. The one-hour special brings together beloved couples from Love & Hip Hop and beyond with a cast that includes Brooke Valentine and Marcus Black, Remy Ma and Papoose, Tami Roman and Reggie Youngblood, Yung Joc and Kendra Robinson detailing how they first met and what makes their relationship tick. Premiering Monday, February 1st at 8PM ET/PT, Love & Hip Hop: It’s a Love Thing takes a trip down the aisle revisiting the most epic Love & Hip Hop relationships, steamiest moments and most over-the-top weddings and proposals to date.

VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: It’s a Love Thing is produced by Mona Scott-Young, Stephanie R. Gayle, Michael Lang and Robyn Nish for Monami Productions. Sitarah Pendelton-Eaglin and Phakiso Collins are Executive Producers for VH1.

VH1 Family Reunion: Love & Hip Hop Edition premieres Monday, February 8 at 8PM ET/PT

· For the first time ever, cast members from all four Love & Hip Hop cities will come together in person for VH1’s new limited series Family Reunion: Love & Hip Hop Edition. With 2020 being a year of turmoil for the community, fan-favorites unite for an outrageous action-packed gathering to celebrate #BlackJoy and resilience while creating new traditions. Premiering Monday, February 8th at 8PM ET/PT, the six-part series will touch on relevant topics including hip-hop, marriage and divorce, healing broken families, entrepreneurship and the BLM movement. The cast includes Love & Hip Hop’s Apryl Jones, Bambi, Erica Dixon, Fizz, Joy Young, Judy Harris (Mendeecees’ mom), Karlie Redd, Momma Dee, Mendeecees, Ray J, Paris Phillips, Scrappy, Trick Daddy, Trina, Sierra Gates, Yandy Smith-Harris and Yung Joc with special appearances by Tamika D. Mallory, social justice leader and co-founder of social justice organization Until Freedom, and hip-hop artist and activist Mysonne.

· Production company: MTV Entertainment Studios

· VH1’s Family Reunion: Love & Hip Hop Edition is executive produced by Sitarah Pendelton-Eaglin, Phakiso Collins, James Knox and Jubba Seyyid for VH1.

· Episode count: 6

Join the conversation using #LHHLoveThing + #LHHFamReunion and follow the official Love & Hip Hop accounts on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.

SOURCE VH-1

YouTube Originals Reveals Premiere Date for New Docuseries “Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil”

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RAW LOOK AT LOVATO’S RESILIENT JOURNEY LAUNCHES MARCH 23

YouTube Originals today announced the first details for “Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil,” a powerful four-part documentary event from Director Michael D. Ratner. The first two episodes of the docuseries will premiere for free Tuesday, March 23rd only on Demi Lovato’s YouTube Channel, with new episodes to be released weekly on each of the next two Tuesdays.

“It’s been two years since I came face-to-face with the darkest point in my life, and now I’m ready to share my story with the world. For the first time, you’ll be able to see my chronicle of struggle and ongoing healing from my point of view. I’m grateful that I was able to take this journey to face my past head-on and finally share it with the world,” said Demi Lovato.

“We are excited to continue sharing Demi’s brave story,” said Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content, YouTube. “YouTube Originals is committed to telling real stories about the complexities of life and for Demi to use our global platform to open up about this chapter is something we are very proud of.”

“Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil” is an honest look back at some of the most trying times in Lovato’s life as she unearths her prior traumas and discovers the importance of her physical, emotional, and mental health. For the first time, Lovato will open up about every aspect that led to her nearly fatal overdose in 2018, and her awakenings in the aftermath as viewers are granted unprecedented access to the superstar’s personal and musical journey over the past three years, including footage from when the initial production for this project began during Lovato’s 2018 Tell Me You Love Me World Tour. The docuseries is a follow up to her wildly popular 2017 YouTube Originals documentary “Simply Complicated,” which now has more than 35M views on YouTube.

“Demi’s willingness to explore the darkest elements of her life is going to leave the audience with a complete understanding of everything she’s been through and ultimately where she is going. Demi stands for empowerment, and this documentary is going to answer the many questions that have been out there – providing a real window into the life of one of the biggest stars in the world, who is simply a human being,” says Director and Executive Producer Michael D. Ratner.

“Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil” is directed and executive produced by Michael D. Ratner, and produced by Ratner’s OBB Pictures and SB Projects. Scott Ratner, Kfir Goldberg and Miranda Sherman also serve as executive producers for OBB Pictures. Scooter Braun, Allison Kaye and Scott Manson executive produce for SB Projects. Co-executive producers on the project are Andy Mininger and Arlen Konopaki for OBB Pictures, Jen McDaniels, Scott Marcus and James Shin for SB Projects, and Hannah Lux Davis. Marc Ambrose serves as producer.

Susanne Daniels is Global Head of Original Content for YouTube. Alex Piper, Head of Unscripted for YouTube Originals, and Cara Casey, Development Lead for YouTube Originals, will oversee the project for the global platform.

“Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil” continues YouTube’s commitment to bringing timely content to fans around the world including recent hits such as “Justin Bieber: Next Chapter,” a follow up to the record-breaking series, “Justin Bieber: Seasons”; “Hello 2021,” a five-part global New Year’s Eve celebration; “David Blaine Ascension,” which redefined magic once again when the world needed an uplifting distraction; “This Is Paris,” a documentary exploring the events that shaped the woman and iconic character she created; “Defying Gravity: The Untold Story of Women’s Gymnastics,” a documentary series that explores what it takes to be an Elite gymnast; Emmy-winning family series, “Create Together #WithMe,” hosted by Joseph Gordon-Levitt; and two installments of “The Creator Games Presented by MrBeast,” plus a slate of new content through the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund aimed to amplify Black voices amidst the ongoing racial justice movement: “Bear Witness, Take Action 2” hosted by Common and Keke Palmer; “Resist” from Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors; and “HBCU Homecoming 2020: Meet Me On The Yard” hosted by 2 Chainz and La La Anthony.

BET+ TRUE CRIME HIT SERIES AMERICAN GANGSTER: TRAP QUEENS RETURNS FOR ITS SECOND SEASON TONIGHT

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Narrated by Female Hip Hop Icon Lil’ Kim, “American Gangster: Trap Queens” explores the rise, fall, and redemption of America’s most notorious female criminals

 BET+ announces the return of its hit unscripted series AMERICAN GANGSTER: TRAP QUEENS ­– a true crime series detailing the criminal chronicles of some of America’s most notorious female gangsters. Narrated by female hip hop icon Kimberly Jones a.k.a. Lil’ Kim, season two presents new and fascinating true stories of fierce and savvy women who hustled hard and solidified their place in the game, however illicit their means may have been. BET+ will release the first five episodes of AMERICAN GANGSTER: TRAP QUEENS S2 on Thursday, January 14.

Watch and share American Gangster: Trap Queens Season 2 Trailer: