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MUSIC BITS: Janet’s LP title; Trice album; Rhymefest joins Tribe; Sizzla LP; Turner’s anniversary; Peas for Kyi; Three 6 inks with Warner; Lloyd on Sho'Nuff.
*Janet Jackson has decided to change the title of her upcoming album from "20 Years Old" to "20 Y.O." at the suggestion of fans participating in an album cover design contest the singer is holding on Yahoo! Music. When several fans submitted designs with covers that read "20 Y.O." instead of "20 Years Old," Janet got the hint and decided to officially change the title. The CD hits stores on Sept. 26.
*Obie Trice’s sophomore album, “Second Round’s on Me,” has a new release date of Aug. 15 via Eminem's Shady Records imprint. The set’s arrival, which was pushed back from May 30, will feature tracks with 50 Cent, Trey Songz, Trick Trick and Nate Dogg. Producers for the album include Eminem, Jonathan "JR" Rotem and Akon, who laced the first single, “Snitch.” The cut "Wanna Know," featuring a Van Halen sample, has already been featured on HBO's "Entourage."
*Rapper Rhymefest will join A Tribe Called Quest on the bill for the second annual 2K Sports Bounce tour, which begins Sept. 1 in Detroit and will run through Oct. 1 in Sayreville, N.J. At venues, fans will have the opportunity to sample various 2K videogames. For the full tour itinerary, visit www.2KSports.com.
*Dancehall star Sizzla will drop his new album "The Overstanding" on Oct. 3 via Damon Dash Music Group. Sizzla emerged during the latter half of the '90s, and quickly became one of the leaders of the modern dancehall movement. Along with Buju Banton and Capleton, he helped lead dancehall back to the musical and spiritual influence of roots reggae, favoring organic productions and heavily Rastafarian subject matter.
*The New York Post is reporting that Tina Turner and her boyfriend, German record exec Erwin Bach, were scheduled to celebrate their 20-year anniversary with a party Tuesday night in Zurich, Switzerland. Dress code was reportedly "black-and-white chic casual."
*The Black Eyed Peas have launched a freedom campaign for jailed Nobel Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of Burma's vibrant democracy and human rights movement. With large images of Aung San Suu Kyi (pronounced: Aung Sawn Sue Chee) posted on stage, The Peas dedicated their song "Where is the Love" to the imprisoned Burmese leader during a concert Monday in Bangkok, Thailand. The performance will also be simulcast into Burma where she is under house arrest and the government forbids democratic messages to its populous. With the aid of uncensored satellite technology, this will be only the second time the Burmese people will be able to watch part of an international music concert in which musicians speak about Aung San Suu Kyi.
*Three 6 Mafia's Hypnotize Minds Productions (HMP) has signed a distribution deal with Warner Bros. for a reported $30 million, reports Allhiphop.com. The pact calls for Warner Bros. to market, promote and distribute new HMP artists as well as collaborate on movies and video games. In turn, Hypnotize Minds will produce for Warner Bros. artists.
*Atlantic Records has signed Atlanta-based R&B vocalist and songwriter Lloyd to a long-term, exclusive worldwide recording contract through a pact with Jazze Pha’s Sho'Nuff Records. Lloyd is currently at work on his Sho'Nuff/Atlantic debut, while his new single, "You," is building airplay momentum at radio. "When surrounded by greatness, you're destined for it," said Lloyd in a statement. "Not only am I now in the company of my peers at Atlantic Records -- with the likes of T.I., Gnarls Barkley, Juvenile, Lupe Fiasco, Trey Songz and so many others -- but through Henry 'Noonie' Lee and Jazze Pha's Sho'Nuff, I'm also presented with the opportunity to create my own legacy with my company, Young Goldie Productions. We will make history.”
