Chamber music
LENNY Kravitz is back! The swaggering superstar returns with a new single called The Chamber.
It's a mixture of rock and dance with a huge chorus and as usual Lenny has played all the instruments. According to the man himself his latest material came together incredibly easily and the resulting album was recorded and mixed in super quick time.
Lenny's last record was the sparkling Black and White America which appeared in 2011 and since then he has of course been concentrating on his acting career - one notable performance featured in the movie The Butler. That new album is called Strut and is released in September with an extensive tour in support of the record currently being planned.
Holler to Pac them in
THE broadway musical celebrating the life and work of Tupac Shakur has been very well received by fans and critics alike. The deceased rapper was a leading light in hip hop and inspired a multitude of artists with his lyrical prowess and ability to cleverly slide a cultural and social commentary into beautifully crafted urban grooves. The musical is called Holler If You Hear Me and has attracted some high-profile attendees... such as Madonna who raved about the show on its opening night. If the New York residency continues to fare well, Holler If You Hear Me will be presented in other US cities as well as London. Listening to the tracks performed by the actors, though, does sound a little strange to say the least. Like thespian West End versions of Gangsta Rap.
Jack back with Jam?
IT LOOKS like we can expect some new material soon from Janet Jackson. She has reportedly been working with some of the industry's top producers and rumour is that she is ensuring her new songs are her best to date. No official release date has been set but the project would appear to be well under way, with Janet enlisting her long-time collaborator Jimmy Jam to help rekindle her old magic. The recording sessions have been conducted in a very hush hush manner as the artist is anxious to find the right sound before committing to any schedule. Word is that JJ has asked for security men to guard the studio doors so that no one hears even the slightest bass line or drum loop and so that the risk of any internet leakage can also be minimised.