http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/growing-success-of-rascal-flatts.html http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/growing-success-of-rascal-flatts.html Mon, 10 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0500
The group’s next album, Melt, would peak at #5 on the U.S. albums charts and #1 on the U.S. country albums charts. Rascal Flatts, next two albums, Feels Like Today and Me and My Gang, both debuted at #1 on both the U.S. general and country music charts.

In 2003, the Rascal Flatts would find themselves waist deep in controversy, stemming from their controversial music video for “I Melt”, off of their Melt album. Some fans objected to the music video, which contained brief nudity of model Christina Auria in some sensual scenes with group member, Rooney.

While such a music video would hardly cause a stir on MTV or VH1, being showcased on the more conservative CMT and Great American Country music channels, the video inevitably brought the group much notoriety. The Melt album would garner the Rascal Flatts their first No. 1 country single, “These Days”.

In 2005, the group performed their hit single Bless the Broken Road live with contestant Carrie Underwood, on the popular television program American Idol. That same song was nominated for three Grammy awards including Song of the Year, Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and Best Country Song. The group would take home the Grammy award for Best Country Song.



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Freelance writter covering the music industry

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/red-hot-chili-peppers-hold-the-most-no.-1-modern-rock-hits.html http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/red-hot-chili-peppers-hold-the-most-no.-1-modern-rock-hits.html Mon, 10 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0500
The band was originally formed for what was going to be a one-time performance in 1983, but would later land a record deal with EMI. 1987’s The Uplift Mofo Party Plan was the group’s first album to enter the Billboard Top 200, but it was not until the band moved to Warner Brothers Records did the group achieve major success. In 1991, the band released their fifth album, Blood Sugar Sex Magik, which would go on to sell seven million copies in the U.S. A year after its debut, the album still managed to climb to the #3 spot on the U.S. album charts. The band would win a Grammy award for Best Hard Rock Performance with Vocal in 1992 for the album’s single, Give it Away.

Dave Navarro made his first appearance with the band at Woodstock 1994 and would again appear on the band’s album One Hot Minute, released in 1995. The album turned out to be another commercial success, achieving double-platinum status in the U.S. and selling five million copies outside the U.S. The band would later part ways with Navarro in 1998. That same year, the band would come out with another album, Californication, which went on to become an even bigger success than Blood Sugar Sex Magik. The album climbed to #3 in U.S. album charts and several of its songs became major hits, including: the Grammy award-winning Scar Tissue, Otherside, Californication, Around the World, Road Trippin, and Parallel Universe.

In 2001, the band released By The Way, which entered the charts at #2 and produced hit singles, including: By The Way, The Zephyr Song, Can’t Stop, Dosed, and Universally Speaking. The group would later release their Greatest Hits album and also their first ever live album, Live in Hyde Park. In May 2006, the band released their ninth studio album, Stadium Arcadium. The 28-track double album garnered the band their first ever chart topper, debuting at #1 on U.S. album charts and remaining there for two weeks.



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Freelance writter covering the music industry

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/shakiras-combination-of-rock-and-latin-sounds-is-a-worldwide-smash.html http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/shakiras-combination-of-rock-and-latin-sounds-is-a-worldwide-smash.html Mon, 10 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0500
His confidence in her ultimately led to a record deal with the company. At the young age of 13, Shakira released her debut album, Magia (Magic), recorded with Sony Colombia in 1991. The album, which lacked recording and production cohesion, failed to sell over one thousand copies. Released in 1993, Shakira’s second album, Peligro (Danger) did not fare much better. It was at this time, Shakira decided to take a break from recording and graduate from high school.

In 1995, Shakira returned to the music scene with the album Pies Descalzos (Bare Feet), which solidified her commercial success by selling over 5 million copies worldwide. Upon releasing a remix version of the album, The Remixes, Shakira met with Emilio Estefan, Jr., who wound up working as an executive producer on Shakira's fourth studio album, ¿Dónde Están Los Ladrones? (Where Are the Thieves?).

The album, which combined rock and Latin sounds, produced hit singles including, Ciega Sordomuda (Blind Deaf-Mute), Moscas En La Casa (Flies In The House), No Creo (I Don't Believe), Inevitable (Inevitable), Tú (You), Si Te Vas (If You Leave), Octavo Día (Eighth Day) and the worldwide success Ojos Así (Eyes Like That). The cumulative effect of such hit singles allowed the album to sell over 7 million copies worldwide. Shakira would later release her first live album, Shakira MTV Unplugged, which was comprised of singles from ¿Dónde Están Los Ladrones? (¿Where Are The Thieves?).

In 2001, Shakira started work on a crossover album to the English language. Teaming up with Gloria Estefan, Shakira wrote and recorded English versions of the singles from ¿Dónde Están Los Ladrones? and new songs were also added to create Shakira’s first U.S. album, Laundry Service. Though some critics claimed her grasp of the English language was not yet firm enough, it did not prevent Laundry Service from becoming a commercial success. Laundry Service would eventually go on to sell more than 13 million CDs worldwide, thanks to such hits as Whenever, Wherever, Underneath Your Clothes, Te Dejo Madrid (I Leave You Madrid), Objection (Tango), and The One. Such hit tracks helped establish Shakira's musical presence in mainstream America.

Shakira’s next album, Fijación Oral Vol. 1, released on June 6, 2005 in Europe and on June 7, 2005 in North America, was also a commercial success. The album debuted at #1 in Spain and #4 on the U.S. Billboard 200, which remains the best-selling Spanish first-week sales album. The album’s lead single La Tortua, would climb to #1 in Spain and #23 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. On November 29, 2005, Shakira would release her second English album, Oral Fixation Vol. 2, which includes the hit single, Hips Don’t Lie, a single that would climb to #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The album was re-released on March 28, 2006. Shakira is currently engaged to the son of former president of Argentina, Fernando de la Rua.



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Freelance writter, covering the music industry

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/snoop-dogg-the-dogg-father.html http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/snoop-dogg-the-dogg-father.html Mon, 10 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0500
In his early years, as a member of a local Crips gang in Long Beach, Snoop Dogg was in and out of jail. In his desire to make something of himself, he began making homemade rap tapes with his cousin Nate Dogg and best friend Warren G, stepbrother of Dr. Dre.

Snoop Dogg would eventually collaborate with Dr. Dre on his debut-solo album, The Chronic. Snoop Dogg’s contributions to the album garnered him much exposure and undoubtedly helped propel his debut album, Doggystyle, to enter U.S. music charts at #1. The album is noted as being the first debut album ever to top the charts.

Snoop Dogg’s second album, Tha Doggfather, released in November 1996, did not achieve the same commercial success as his debut album, partly due to the fading of gangsta rap’s popularity, which stemmed from the death of Snoop’s friend, Tupak Shakur and the racketeering indictment of Death Row co-founder Suge Knight.

Since then, Snoop Dogg released several more albums, including Da Game Is to Be Sold Not to Be Told, No Limit Top Dogg, The Last Meal, Paid the Cost to Be da Bo$$, R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta) The Masterpiece, all of which have gone platinum (over 1 million units sold). Snoop Dogg’s next album, The Blue Carpet Treatment, is scheduled to be released in 2006.



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Freelance writter, covering the music industry

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/sweet-home-alabama-one-of-the-greatest-conservative-rock-songs.html http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/sweet-home-alabama-one-of-the-greatest-conservative-rock-songs.html Mon, 10 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s hit song makes references to the songs “Southern Man” and “Alabama” by Neil Young, defending Young’s statements in those song’s lyrics regarding the South’s racism in their historical treatment of black people. Despite popular belief, there was no rivalry or feud between the artist-- more so the opposite, in mutual respect for each other.

In addition to the songs defense of the south, the song contains some controversial political references, mainly a verse in the song that possibly references segregationist George Wallace. Whether or not the true intent of the verse by the song’s writers was to support racism has been debated on both sides of the argument. The National Review ranked the song number four on its list of 50 greatest conservative rock songs in May of 2006.

Sweet Home Alabama remains a staple on Classic rock radio stations as well as other forms of media and pop culture. Movies that included the song on its sound track include 2003’s remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Con Air – starring Nicholas Cage, rapper Eminem’s movie 8 Mile, Forrest Gump starring Tom Hanks, the Paramount Pictures action movie Sahara, comedy Joe Dirt, and The Girl Next Door starring Elisha Cuthbert. The song name was even used for the title of a movie starring Reece Witherspoon.




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freelance writter, covering the music industry

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/u2s-sweeping-sound-has-been-recognized-all-over-the-world.html http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/u2s-sweeping-sound-has-been-recognized-all-over-the-world.html Mon, 10 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Six of U2 albums were #1 in the U.S., and the band has won more Grammy Awards than any living or past recording artists, with 22 under their belt. In its April 2004 issue, Rolling Stone magazine, named U2 in its 50 “greatest rock & roll artists of all time” and in the following year, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. Arguably, one of the most successful bands of all time, the band continues to top music charts and sell out stadiums and arenas all around the globe.

U2 was initially formed in Dublin, Ireland in the fall of 1976. Mullen, Jr., posted a notice on his secondary school’s bulletin board seeking musicians to form a new band. Seven boys would attend the band’s first ever practice, but only Mullen, Jr., Clayton, Evans, and Hewson would be left by the time the band was performing at a talent show in Limerick, Ireland on March 17, 1978. The band won the top prize at the top show and impressed Jackie Hayden, one of the judges for the show, who also worked for CBS Records. Hayden would provide the band with studio time to record their first demo. Before releasing their first single, the band went through multiple band names, starting with The Larry Mullen Band, then changed it to Feedback, and then to The Hype, and then finally settled on U2. Under the CBS label, U2 would release their first two singles in the Irish market. Neither singles generated much attention from audiences and critics.

In March of 1980, U2 signed with Island Records and released their first international single “11 O’ Clock Tick Tock,” and their first album, Boy. The album included their first hit single, “I Will Follow.” The album, along with the band’s first tour outside of Ireland and the U.K., were well received amongst music critics and their fans. In the following year, U2 released October, an album that exhibited strong spiritual, Christian overtones. In 1983, U2 released their third album, War, which included the band’s first international hit single, “New Year’s Day”. The song would peak at the #10 position on UK charts and climb just under the top 50 on US music charts. MTV placed the “New Year’s Day” music video into heavy rotation, which helped introduce mainstream America to U2. From that point on, performing at sold-out concerts in Europe and the U.S. was nothing out of the norm.

In 1984, U2 released The Unforgettable Fire, which included hit single, “Pride (In the Name of Love).” The album contained a new sound from the band that was more atmospheric, effects-driven, and symphonic. The single, about civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., would penetrate the U.S. Top 40 and U.K. Top 5. The album also included “Bad,” a song that would go on to become a fan favorite, particular at live concerts. In 1987, the band released The Joshua Tree, which would debut at #1 on UK charts and also peak at #1 on U.S. charts. The album, which included hit single “Where the Streets Have No Name” and #1 hit singles “With or Without You,” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” would go on to win the coveted Grammy Award for Album of the Year. The album to date, has sold an estimated 25 million copies. Later that year, U2 was featured on the cover of Time magazine, with the headline reading, “Rock’s Hottest Ticket”. The band’s Joshua Tree Tour was a commercial success, as the band consistently played in front of sold out arenas and stadiums. In 1988, U2 released a double album entitled Rattle and Hum. The album, which featured tracks performed with Bob Dylan and B.B. King was well received by fans, but with lukewarm reviews from music critics. In the following year, U2 announced they would take some time off from touring.

In 1991, the band reentered the music scene with the release of Achtung Baby, which included smash hit single, “One”. The album was well received by both fans and critics. To date, it has sold over 17 million copies. In 1993, U2 released Zooropa, an album that infused techno style and electronic effects to U2’s traditional alternative guitar rock sound. The album, which included tracks, “Zooropa,” “Stay (Faraway, So Close!)” and “The Wanderer,” featuring country and rock legend, Johnny Cash, expanded the band’s reach and sustained their popularity going into the 90s and beyond.

In 1997, the band released Pop, an album that would debut at #1 in 28 countries. The album was also noted for mixing elements of popular 90s techno with traditional US alternative guitar rock. Critics were mixed on the album, which despite being an early commercial success, has lifetime sales that are among the lowest in U2’s catalogue. On September 20, 2007, U2 would set a new European record at that time for the largest attendance at a concert for a single band, thanks to the 150,000 Italians that went to see them at the “Campovolo” in Reggio Emilia. In 1999, U2 released All That You Can’t Leave Behind, which included several hit singles, such as: “Beautiful Day,” “Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out of” and “Elevation”. In 2001, the band would highlight the halftime show of Super Bowl XXXVI, set in New Orleans, Louisiana.

In November 2004, U2 released How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, which would debut at #1 in 32 countries. The album, featuring hit singles “Vertigo” and “Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own” would sell an estimated 840,000 copies in the U.S. in its first week, a record for the band. U2 would go on to make a huge splash at the 2005-2006 Grammy Awards, taking home five Grammy’s including: Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, Best Rock Song, and Best Rock Album.

U2 is also well-known for their active participation in the cause for human rights, particularly in Africa. Most recently they have been encouraging fans and the general public to take part in the ONE campaign, even taking time during their concerts to talk about the cause. Frontman Bono was named as one of TIME magazine’s Persons of the Year in December of 2005 for his participation in worldwide humanitarian efforts. Their most recent album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, has sparked a hugely popular worldwide tour. Recent singles include “One” with Mary J. Blige, “All Because of You,” “City of Blinding Lights,” and “Vertigo.” U2 has gone on record to intimate a new album to be released in late 2006 or in 2007.



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Freelance writter, covering the music industry

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/young-jeezys-creating-a-buzz-in-the-entertainment-world.html http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/young-jeezys-creating-a-buzz-in-the-entertainment-world.html Mon, 10 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0500
He is often referred to as the “Snowman” by himself and others. This nickname is said to be related to his prior job as a cocaine dealer, though Young Jeezy says that it is just his alter ego. This nickname inspired Jeezy to produce his own t-shirt line with a simple picture of a snowman with an angry face. While the t-shirts have grown in popularity, some high schools have banned the shirts because of the drug connotation undertones.

Young Jeezy has had a couple run-ins with the law. In 2005, Jeezy was charged for not making timely payments of child support for his ex-girlfriend’s child. In March 2006, Jeezy was put under arrest on two counts of carrying a concealed firearm without a permit. However, the charges were later dropped in May. Jeezy also allegedly has ties to a criminal group known as The Black Mafia Family. The FBI is currently investigating the group for organized crime and their relations with another gang, the Crips. Jeezy, though acknowledging his ties to the group, is not known to be under direct investigation.

Jeezy has vocalized his disdain of commercialism and has tried to keep himself from becoming too commercial in order to maintain his street credibility. In June 2005, as part of Boyz N Da Hood, the group’s self-titled album debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. A month later, on July 26, 2005, Jeezy would release a solo album under Def Jam entitled, Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101. The album would debut at #2 on the charts, selling 172,000 copies in its first week.

Jeezy has appeared in many popular hip-hop songs in 2005 and has collaborated with artists such as Akon, Gucci Mane, Christina Milian, Jay-Z, and Fat Joe. His song with the latter two, “Go Crazy,” popularized Jeezy. Jeezy has his own record label called Corperate Thugz Entertainment (CTE), with several up and coming artists already singed on including himself, Slick Pulla, Lil Will, Bloodraw, and a group that goes by U.S.D.A. Jeezy is reportedly dating R&B singer Keyshia Cole. Jeezy reportedly plans to record a mix tape, Best of Both Hoods, with rapper Juelz Santana.




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Freelance writter, covering the music industry

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/rapper-turned-actor-ludacris-widespread-popularity.html http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/rapper-turned-actor-ludacris-widespread-popularity.html Mon, 10 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Ludacris entered the music industry as a DJ and radio personality, as Chris Lova Lova on Hot 97.5, a popular urban radio station in Atlanta, Georgia. He made his first record contribution on “Phat Rabbit,” a track from Timbaland’s 1998 album, Tim’s Bio: Life from the Bassment. In 1999, Ludacris would independently release his debut album, Incognegro. Through, independent music distributor, Southern Music Distribution, he sold over 50,000 copies of the album.

In the following year of 2000, Scarface would sign Ludacris to Def Jam Recordings and would create a new imprint, Def Jam South, which would center on Ludacris as its foundation. Later that year in October, Ludacris would release his first album with a major record label, Back for the First Time. The album was a commercial success, peaking at #4 on U.S. music charts and selling over 3 million copies, thanks to its hit singles, “Southern Hospitality” and “What’s Your Fantasy”. In late 2001, Ludacris released another album, Word Of Mouf, with controversial lead single, “Rollout (My Business).” The album would peak at #3 on U.S. music charts and sell over 3 million copies. In 2002, Ludacris would tour around the country with Papa Roach.

In the fall of 2003, Ludacris released a new album, Chicken & Beer, which would debut at the top of U.S. music charts. Some of the album’s most popular singles include “P-Poppin,” “Splash Waterfalls,” and “Stand Up,” a single produced by Kanye West that would become Ludacris’ biggest hit to date. In the winter of 2004, Ludacris released his fifth studio album, The Red Light District, which would debut at the top of the Billboard charts. The album’s hit singles include “Get Back” and “The Number One Spot”. Also, in 2004, Ludacris won his first Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration with Usher and Lil Jon for their hit single, “Yeah”.

Beyond rapping, Ludacris has stepped foot in Hollywood, starring in the Oscar Award-winning film Crash and also starred in 2 Fast 2 Furious, and Hustle & Flow. He has also started his own foundation, The Ludacris Foundation, which he found with Chaka Zula. The organization assists in motivating young middle and high school students in the realm of creative arts. Ludacris has a much anticipated album, entitled Release Therapy, scheduled to hit stores in September 2006.



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Freelance writter, covering the music industry

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/kanye-west-witty-wrap-outspoken-political-views-made-him-a-commercial-success.html http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/kanye-west-witty-wrap-outspoken-political-views-made-him-a-commercial-success.html Mon, 10 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0500
West had always wanted to venture into a solo rapping career but found difficulty in finding a label that would support him, mostly due to the lack of a “street” appearance. After persevering through many rejections, West finally found a supporter in Jay-Z who signed him to his Roc-A-Fella music label. On October 23, 2002, West was involved in a serious car crash, which left his jaw fractured in three places.

West’s near death experience inspired his first single, “Through the Wire,” which West recorded with his mouth still wired shut due to his shattered jaw. The track would become the lead single for his debut album under Roc-a-Fella Records, The College Dropout, released in February of 2004. West next single off the album, “Jesus Walks” would go on to become a hit and gained West much recognition from both critics and the hip-hop community. West would take home three Grammy Awards in 2005 for Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song for “Jesus Walks”, and Best R&B Song for co-writing Alicia Keys’ “You Don’t Know My Name”.

On August 30, 2005, West released his sophomore album, Late Registration, which debuted at the top of U.S. music charts and stayed there for 2 weeks. The album, thanks to hit singles “Diamonds from Sierra Leone” and “Gold Digger”, was a huge commercial success, selling over 904,000 copies in its first week. The album also received eight Grammy Award nominations, including Album of the Year and Best Rap Album. West would go on to win Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song for “Jesus Walks” and Best Rap Solo Performance for “Gold Digger”.

Since coming into the spotlight, West has been involved in multiple controversies surrounding his outspoken political views and over-confident demeanor. For instance, at the 2004 American Music Awards, upon losing to Gretchen Wilson for the Best New Artist award, West went on a rant proclaiming, “I was the best new artist this year,” and “I got 10 Grammy nominations, and won three – even if I should have won all 10”.

West’s most controversial event came on September 2, 2005. During a televised benefit concert for Hurricane Katrina victims, West deviated from his prepared script and denounced both the American media and Bush’s response to the crisis. West would conclude his version of the script by stating, “George Bush doesn’t care about black people.” West’s controversial comments, particularly his last one on the nationally televised event, placed him in the national spotlight and spurred many debates on their validity.

West is founder of GOOD Music, a record label he founded in 2004 that has already released two platinum albums, John Legend’s Get Lifted and Common’s Be. In mid-to-late 2006, West plans to release his new clothing line, Pastelle Clothing. West is currently rumored to be working on tracks for Jay-Z, Ciara, SA-RA, Keyshia Cole, Consequence, and GLC. West has already announced the titles for his upcoming third and fourth albums, Graduation and A Good Ass Job, respectively.





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Freelance writter, covering the music industry

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/tupacs-hailed-as-one-of-the-greates-rapper.html http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/music/tupacs-hailed-as-one-of-the-greates-rapper.html Mon, 10 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0500
When he was about 17-years old, 2Pac and his family moved to California, which is where he would reside the rest of his life. His debut album, 2Pacalypse Now, was widely praised when it was released in November of 1991. The rapper faced multiple law suits and experienced legal battles throughout his career. On November 30, 1994, 2Pac was shot five times the day before he was to plead guilty to a sexual assault accusation. 2Pac would later accuse Puff Daddy (now known as Diddy) and Notorious B.I.G. of setting him up after immediately seeing them after he was shot. This led to 2Pac becoming increasingly suspicious that his attack was premeditated. This was the precursor to the East Coast – West Coast feud.

On December 1, 1994, 2Pac rolled into the courthouse in a wheelchair and was found guilty of sexual abuse. He was sentenced to four years in prison. 2Pac served eleven months in prison before being bailed out by Marion “Suge” Knight, CEO of Death Row Records. In return, 2Pac released three records under the Death Row Records label, with his fifth album, All Eyez on Me, counting as two albums given that it was a double disc album. In February 1995, 2Pac began serving his prison sentence. Soon afterwards, he released Me Against the World, which would debut at the top of the charts. 2Pac is to this day, the only artist to have an album at #1 on the charts, while being behind bars.

During his lifetime, 2Pac released six albums (in chronological order): 2Pacalypse Now, Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z., Thug Life: Thug Life Vol. 1, Me Against the World, All Eyez on Me, and The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory. Four out of the six aforementioned albums would achieve platinum status, with two settling for gold status. Seven posthumously studio albums were released (in chronological order): R U Still Down? (Remember Me), Greatest Hits, Still I Rise, Until the End of Time, Better Dayz, Tupac: Resurrection (Original Soundtrack), Loyal to the Game. Each album would achieve platinum status. Some of 2Pac’s most popular hit singles include: “Brenda’s Got A Baby,” “Keep Ya Head Up,” “I Get Around”, “Dear Mama,” “California Love,” “How Do U Want It” and “Changes”.

On September 7, 1996, 2Pac was shot four times in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas. He died six days later of respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. Since his death many posthumous albums have been released under Tupac’s name. Many theories have been made as to who killed the rapper, including accusations against the Crips, law enforcement officials, and his former friend and fellow rapper Notorious B.I.G., who was murdered about six months later. During his lifetime, 2Pac released five albums and played roles in several films, including Poetic Justice, Above the Rim, Bullet, and Gang Related.


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Freelance writter, covering the music industry

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>