PRINCE is set to release his latest work via Jay Z's streaming platform Tidal next month. The artist has defended the controversial service (which has been the object of much criticism since its inception) claiming that it assists artists in properly owning the art they create and also helps to ensure that all of the people involved in the recording and performing process receive their dues.
Prince, of course, was rightfully banging that particular drum decades ago, publicly stating that artists were slaves to record companies. You may remember he even took to scrawling the word 'slave' on his cheek for publicity photographs.
The album is titled HITNRUN and will be available from September 7. You will of course need a Tidal subscription to hear it, although whether it will remain solely on the platform remains to be seen.
WHAT'S UP DOC
DR DRE'S first album in 15 years looks like being a huge international success. Compton is selling very impressively and the Los Angeles rapper and producer looks set to stand proudly at the forefront of hip hop once again.
The man is legendary when it comes to making rap records and was of course a leading figure in the seminal hip hop act NWA.
The album is consistently strong throughout and as well as Dre's unquestionable production dexterity and rap prowess being on show, other celebrated stars pop up to lend a helping hand – long-term cohorts Snoop Dogg and Eminem add their inimitable twists and turns while Kendrick Lamar and Dre's old NWA colleague Ice Cube also step up.
HAIM MAN UP
HAIM have been moonlighting as remixers. The Californian family band were asked to remix Tame Impala's Cause I'm a Man and because Tame Impala are one of their favourite acts, the sisters jumped at the chance.
It's a trippy, blissed-out version which also features new vocals from Haim themselves ... which is a pretty significant and fresh spin on the art of remixing.
BRIDGING THE GAP
BON Jovi release a new album on August 21 entitled Burning Bridges. However, the record is a compilation of unreleased or until now unfinished songs from previous album sessions and contains a collection of tunes that Jon Bon had knocking around in his attic.
It is not a full-scale album release – the band are planning that for 2016 – and is more to be viewed as a contractually obliged release. There are a couple of new songs on board as well such as the single We Don't Run.
Burning Bridges is also the first Bon Jovi release without guitarist Richie Sambora.
