1.
Max Payne (film)
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Max Payne is a 2008 Canadian-American neo-noir action thriller film based on the video game series of the same name developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by Rockstar Games. It was written by Beau Thorne and directed by John Moore, the film stars Mark Wahlberg in the title role as Max Payne, Mila Kunis as Mona Sax, Ludacris as Jim Bravura, and Beau Bridges as BB Hensley. The film revolves around revenge, centering on a journey through New York Citys criminal underworld, as he investigates the deaths of his wife. Filming took place between March and May 2008, extensive visual effects were used in many scenes throughout the film. Max Payne was released on October 16,2008 in Australia, reviews in the U. S. were mostly negative for the lack of character development and originality among numerous differences from the video game on which it is based. Despite the negative reviews, the film was able to take the top spot in the box office in its opening weekend, Max Payne was released for home video on January 20,2009. Detective Max Payne is a veteran in the Cold Case Unit of the New York City Police Department. He is consumed with investigating and finding the murderer of his wife Michelle, Maxs snitch, Trevor, supplies information that leads Max to three drug addicts in an empty train station. They attempt to rob Max in a bathroom, instead, Max interrogates one of them about his family’s murder, while one of the drug addicts runs away he is attacked by shadowy, winged man-creatures and is hit by a train. At Trevors apartment, Max meets Natasha Sax, who gets into an argument with her sister, when Natasha storms off, Max searches for her in the back where partiers are using the drug Valkyr. Max is silently confronted by Jack Lupino, but Natasha takes Max back to the party, Max notices Natasha’s tattoos and wants information about them, so he invites her back to his apartment. However, when Natasha tries to seduce Max, she makes comments about his wife. Natasha leaves through an alley, and is attacked by the shadow creatures. The next morning Natasha is found dead, and Maxs wallet is discovered at the crime scene, Max becomes the prime suspect in the case, with his old partner, Alex Balder, taking part in the investigation. Alex notices the tattoo on Natashas arm is similar to one found in the file of Maxs wife. Alex tries to contact Max, but getting no response, he leaves for Maxs apartment. When Max arrives home, he finds the door ajar and his place a mess, Alex lies dead inside, and as Max investigates, he is knocked unconscious from behind. Max wakes up in a hospital with his trusted friend BB Hensley, his fathers partner in the NYPD
Max Payne (film)
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Theatrical release poster
2.
Champaign, Illinois
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Champaign is a city in Champaign County, Illinois, United States. The city is 135 miles south of Chicago,124 miles west of Indianapolis, Indiana, the United States Census Bureau estimates the city was home to 84,513 people as of July 1,2014. Champaign is the tenth-most populous city in Illinois, and the states fourth-most populous city outside of the Chicago metropolitan area, Champaign is notable for sharing the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign with its sister city of Urbana. Champaign is also the home of Parkland College which serves about 18,000 students during the academic year. Due to the university and a number of well known technology startup companies, it is referred to as the hub, or a significant landmark. Champaign houses offices for Abbott, Archer Daniels Midland, Caterpillar, Deere & Company, Dow Chemical Company, IBM, State Farm, and Intel all of which are Fortune 500 companies, and for Sony. Champaign was founded in 1855, when the Illinois Central Railroad laid its rail track two miles west of downtown Urbana, originally called West Urbana, it was renamed Champaign when it acquired a city charter in 1860. Both the city and county name were derived from Champaign County, during February 1969, Carl Perkins joined with Bob Dylan to write the song Champaign, Illinois, which Perkins released on his album On Top. The two Champaign, Illinois songs are not similar to other, except that Bob Dylan was involved in both of them. On September 22,1985, Champaign hosted the first Farm Aid concert at the University of Illinois Memorial Stadium, the concert drew a crowd of 80,000 people and raised over $7 million for American family farmers. In 2005, Champaign-Urbana was the location of the National Science Olympiad Tournament, the city also hosts the state Science Olympiad competition every year. The University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign once again hosted the National competition on May 20–22,2010, in 2013, Champaign was rated fifth best place in the United States for a healthy work-life balance. According to the 2010 census, Champaign has an area of 22.457 square miles. Champaign is located on high ground, providing sources to the Kaskaskia River to the west. Downtown Champaign drains into Boneyard Creek, which feeds the Saline Branch of the Salt Fork Vermilion River, Champaign shares a border with the neighboring city of Urbana, together they are home to the University of Illinois. Champaign, Urbana, and the village of Savoy form the Champaign-Urbana Metropolitan Area also known as Champaign-Urbana. It may also be known as the Twin Cities or Chambana. The following diagram represents localities within a 35 miles radius of Champaign, the city has a humid continental climate, typical of the Midwestern United States, with hot summers and cold, moderately snowy winters
Champaign, Illinois
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Neil Street in downtown Champaign at night
Champaign, Illinois
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The
Cattle Bank building is the oldest surviving building in Champaign, constructed in 1858.
Champaign, Illinois
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The
Illini Union at the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The university is the city's top employer.
Champaign, Illinois
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A panorama facing south on Neil Street of Downtown Champaign in November 2013
3.
U.S.
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Forty-eight of the fifty states and the federal district are contiguous and located in North America between Canada and Mexico. The state of Alaska is in the northwest corner of North America, bordered by Canada to the east, the state of Hawaii is an archipelago in the mid-Pacific Ocean. The U. S. territories are scattered about the Pacific Ocean, the geography, climate and wildlife of the country are extremely diverse. At 3.8 million square miles and with over 324 million people, the United States is the worlds third- or fourth-largest country by area, third-largest by land area. It is one of the worlds most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations, paleo-Indians migrated from Asia to the North American mainland at least 15,000 years ago. European colonization began in the 16th century, the United States emerged from 13 British colonies along the East Coast. Numerous disputes between Great Britain and the following the Seven Years War led to the American Revolution. On July 4,1776, during the course of the American Revolutionary War, the war ended in 1783 with recognition of the independence of the United States by Great Britain, representing the first successful war of independence against a European power. The current constitution was adopted in 1788, after the Articles of Confederation, the first ten amendments, collectively named the Bill of Rights, were ratified in 1791 and designed to guarantee many fundamental civil liberties. During the second half of the 19th century, the American Civil War led to the end of slavery in the country. By the end of century, the United States extended into the Pacific Ocean. The Spanish–American War and World War I confirmed the status as a global military power. The end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 left the United States as the sole superpower. The U. S. is a member of the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Organization of American States. The United States is a developed country, with the worlds largest economy by nominal GDP. It ranks highly in several measures of performance, including average wage, human development, per capita GDP. While the U. S. economy is considered post-industrial, characterized by the dominance of services and knowledge economy, the United States is a prominent political and cultural force internationally, and a leader in scientific research and technological innovations. In 1507, the German cartographer Martin Waldseemüller produced a map on which he named the lands of the Western Hemisphere America after the Italian explorer and cartographer Amerigo Vespucci
U.S.
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Native Americans meeting with Europeans, 1764
U.S.
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Flag
U.S.
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The signing of the
Mayflower Compact, 1620.
U.S.
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The
Declaration of Independence: the
Committee of Five presenting their draft to the
Second Continental Congress in 1776
4.
Atlanta, Georgia
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Atlanta is the capital of and the most populous city in the U. S. state of Georgia, with an estimated 2015 population of 463,878. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, home to 5,710,795 people, Atlanta is the county seat of Fulton County, and a small portion of the city extends eastward into DeKalb County. In 1837, Atlanta was founded at the intersection of two lines, and the city rose from the ashes of the American Civil War to become a national center of commerce. Atlantas economy is considered diverse, with dominant sectors that include logistics, professional and business services, media operations, Atlanta has topographic features that include rolling hills and dense tree coverage. Revitalization of Atlantas neighborhoods, initially spurred by the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, has intensified in the 21st century, altering the demographics, politics. Prior to the arrival of European settlers in north Georgia, Creek Indians inhabited the area, standing Peachtree, a Creek village located where Peachtree Creek flows into the Chattahoochee River, was the closest Indian settlement to what is now Atlanta. As part of the removal of Native Americans from northern Georgia from 1802 to 1825, the Creek ceded the area in 1821. In 1836, the Georgia General Assembly voted to build the Western, the initial route was to run southward from Chattanooga to a terminus east of the Chattahoochee River, which would then be linked to Savannah. After engineers surveyed various possible locations for the terminus, the zero milepost was driven into the ground in what is now Five Points. A year later, the area around the milepost had developed into a settlement, first known as Terminus, and later as Thrasherville after a merchant who built homes. By 1842, the town had six buildings and 30 residents and was renamed Marthasville to honor the Governors daughter, later, J. Edgar Thomson, Chief Engineer of the Georgia Railroad, suggested the town be renamed Atlantica-Pacifica, which was shortened to Atlanta. The residents approved, and the town was incorporated as Atlanta on December 29,1847, by 1860, Atlantas population had grown to 9,554. During the American Civil War, the nexus of multiple railroads in Atlanta made the city a hub for the distribution of military supplies, in 1864, the Union Army moved southward following the capture of Chattanooga and began its invasion of north Georgia. On the next day, Mayor James Calhoun surrendered Atlanta to the Union Army, on November 11,1864, Sherman prepared for the Union Armys March to the Sea by ordering Atlanta to be burned to the ground, sparing only the citys churches and hospitals. After the Civil War ended in 1865, Atlanta was gradually rebuilt, due to the citys superior rail transportation network, the state capital was moved from Milledgeville to Atlanta in 1868. In the 1880 Census, Atlanta surpassed Savannah as Georgias largest city, by 1885, the founding of the Georgia School of Technology and the citys black colleges had established Atlanta as a center for higher education. In 1895, Atlanta hosted the Cotton States and International Exposition, during the first decades of the 20th century, Atlanta experienced a period of unprecedented growth. In three decades time, Atlantas population tripled as the city expanded to include nearby streetcar suburbs
Atlanta, Georgia
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From top to bottom left to right: Atlanta skyline seen from
Buckhead, the
Fox Theatre, the
Georgia State Capitol,
Centennial Olympic Park,
Millennium Gate, the
Canopy Walk, the
Georgia Aquarium,
The Phoenix statue, and the
Midtown skyline
Atlanta, Georgia
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Marietta Street, 1864
Atlanta, Georgia
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Atlanta in ruins during the Civil War, 1864
Atlanta, Georgia
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In 1907, Peachtree Street, the main street of Atlanta, was busy with streetcars and automobiles.
5.
Georgia State University
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Georgia State University is a public research university in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1913, it is one of the University System of Georgias four research universities, Georgia State University offers more than 250 undergraduate and graduate degree programs spread across eight academic colleges with around 3,500 faculty members. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, approximately 27% of the student population is considered part-time while 73% of the population is considered full-time. The university is one of only four Georgia universities classified as a Research University/Very High Activity, the university has a full-time faculty count of 1,142, with 69 percent of those faculty members either tenured or on tenure track. GSU has two libraries, University library and Law library, which hold over 4.3 million volumes combined, the university has an economic impact on the Atlanta economy of more than $1.4 billion annually. Initially intended as a school, Georgia State University was established in 1913 as the Georgia School of Technologys Evening School of Commerce. During this time, the school was divided into two divisions, Georgia Evening College, and Atlanta Junior College, in September 1947, the school became affiliated with the University of Georgia and was named the Atlanta Division of the University of Georgia. The school was removed from the University of Georgia in 1955. In 1961, other programs at the school had grown enough that the name was shortened to Georgia State College. It became Georgia State University in 1969, in 1995, the Georgia Board of Regents accorded Georgia State research university status, joining the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Georgia, and Augusta University. The first African-American student enrolled at Georgia State in 1962, a year after the integration of the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech. Annette Lucille Hall was a Lithonia social studies teacher who enrolled in the course of the Institute on Americanism and Communism, a course required for all Georgia social studies teachers. The Peachtree Road Race, was started in 1970 by Georgia State cross country coach and dean of men Tim Singleton, the second year, he created the first valuable collectible T-shirt. Over its 100-plus year history, Georgia States growth has required the acquisition and construction of space to suit its needs. In addition, a plaza and walkway system was constructed to connect these buildings with each other over Decatur Street. Georgia States first move into the Fairlie-Poplar district was the acquisition and renovation of the Standard Building, the Haas-Howell Building, and the Rialto Theater in 1996. The Standard and Haas-Howell buildings house classrooms, offices, and practice spaces for the School of Music, and the Rialto is home to GSUs Jazz Studies program and an 833-seat theater. In 1998, the Student Center was expanded toward Gilmer Street and provided a new 400-seat auditorium and space for exhibitions, a new Student Recreation Center opened on the corner of Piedmont Avenue and Gilmer Street in 2001
Georgia State University
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View of (from L-R) the Sports Arena and Library South on Decatur Street
Georgia State University
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Georgia State University
Georgia State University
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A Georgia State police vehicle on campus in
Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia State University
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Rialto Center
6.
Hip hop music
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It developed as part of hip hop culture, a subculture defined by four key stylistic elements, MCing/rapping, DJing/scratching with turntables, break dancing, and graffiti writing. Other elements include sampling beats or bass lines from records, while often used to refer solely to rapping, hip hop more properly denotes the practice of the entire subculture. Hip hops early evolution occurred as sampling technology and drum machines became available and affordable. Turntablist techniques such as scratching and beatmatching developed along with the breaks and Jamaican toasting, rapping developed as a vocal style in which the artist speaks or chants along rhythmically with an instrumental or synthesized beat. The Sugarhill Gangs 1979 song Rappers Delight is widely regarded to be the first hip hop record to gain popularity in the mainstream. The 1980s marked the diversification of hip hop as the genre developed more complex styles, prior to the 1980s, hip hop music was largely confined within the United States. However, during the 1980s, it began to spread to scenes in dozens of countries. New school hip hop was the wave of hip hop music, originating in 1983–84 with the early records of Run-D. M. C. The Golden age hip hop period was a period between the mid-1980s and the early 1990s. Notable artists from this era include the Juice Crew, Public Enemy, & Rakim, Boogie Down Productions and KRS-One, EPMD, Slick Rick, Beastie Boys, Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, Ultramagnetic MCs, De La Soul, and A Tribe Called Quest. Gangsta rap is a subgenre of hip hop that often focuses on the violent lifestyles, in the West Coast hip hop style, G-funk dominated mainstream hip hop for several years during the 1990s. I. G. In the 1990s, hip hop began to diversify with other regional styles emerging, such as Southern rap, at the same time, hip hop continued to be assimilated into other genres of popular music, examples being Neo soul and nu metal. Hip hop became a pop music genre in the mid-1990s. The popularity of hip hop music continued through the 2000s, with hip hop influences also increasingly finding their way into mainstream pop, the United States also saw the success of regional styles such as crunk, a Southern genre that emphasized the beats and music more than the lyrics. Starting in 2005, sales of hip hop music in the United States began to severely wane, during the mid-2000s, alternative hip hop secured a place in the mainstream, due in part to the crossover success of artists such as OutKast and Kanye West. Creation of the hip hop is often credited to Keith Cowboy, rapper with Grandmaster Flash. However, Lovebug Starski, Keith Cowboy, and DJ Hollywood used the term when the music was known as disco rap. Cowboy later worked the hip hop cadence into a part of his stage performance, the first use of the term in print was in The Village Voice, by Steven Hager, later author of a 1984 history of hip hop
Hip hop music
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1520 Sedgwick Avenue, the Bronx, a venue used by Kool Herc that is often considered the birthplace of hip hop in 1973
Hip hop music
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DJ Kool Herc, recognized as one of the earliest hip hop artists
Hip hop music
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Grandmaster Flash
Hip hop music
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Afrika Bambaataa (left)
7.
Disturbing tha Peace
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Disturbing tha Peace is an American record label founded by Christopher Ludacris Bridges, his manager Chaka Zulu and Zulus brother Jeff Dixon. Today it operates as a subsidiary of Def Jam, a division of Universal Music Group, Disturbing tha Peace was founded in 2000 by Christopher Ludacris Bridges, manager Chaka Zulu, and Zulus brother Jeff Dixon. Incorporating all aspects of A&R Guidance, Marketing/Publicity, Promotions, Creative Sponsorship Opportunities, Touring and Performance set-up and that same year the label released Ludacris independent album Incognegro which it sold more than 50,000 copies that Ludacris sold himself out of the trunk of his car. The album was certified 2x Platinum becoming Ludacris best-selling album to date with sales of over 3,616,000 copies in the United States, as of July,2009. In 2003 the label released the soundtrack to the movie 2 Fast 2 Furious it spawned three hit singles Act a Fool, Pick Up the Phone, and Pump It Up. That same year the label home to St. Louis rapper Chingy who released his platinum debut album Jackpot on the label. After a dispute over royalties, Chingy abruptly left the label, in late 2003 the label released Ludacris third album Chicken-n-Beer his first to reach number one on the Billboard 200. Chicken -n- Beer brought with it another series of hits, including the Hot 100 number-one, Kanye West produced Stand Up and number-six Splash Waterfalls. In 2004 the label released Shawnnas debut album Worth tha Weight it spawned two singles Shake Dat Shit and Weight a Minute the album has sold 380,000 copies to date and that same year the label released I-20s debut album. The album spawned two singles Fightin in the Club and Break Bread, in 2005, the label released Valentinos self-titled debut album Bobby Valentino. A Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart-topper, it spawned three singles Slow Down, Tell Me and My Angel, the sultry Slow Down announced the singers rebirth as a DTP member in early 2005 and soon became a BET and radio favorite. As the ballad was landing on numerous schools prom ballots, the album spawned two singles Georgia and Gettin Some, the album was certified Gold. In 2006 the label released Shawnnas second album Block Music the album immediately follows Gettin Some a highlight from the second Disturbing tha Peace album, the second single was Damn featuring Smoke of Field Mob. The album has so far sold over 240,000 copies in the U. S and that same year Field Mob released third album and their first under the label Light Poles and Pine Trees. It spawned one single the Jazze Pha produced song So What featuring Ciara. This has become the duos most successful hit to date, climbing to #10 on the US Billboard Hot 100, the album itself achieved #1 on the US Billboard Top Rap Albums and #7 on the US Billboard 200. It has sold over 200,000 copies, the albums success has been at least partially attributed to better promotion of the group by DTP than that at their previous label, MCA Records. In late 2006 the label released Ludacris Grammy Award-winning fifth album Release Therapy an introspective album on which he vowed that he would be more seriously than in the past
Disturbing tha Peace
–
Disturbing tha Peace
8.
Def Jam Recordings
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Def Jam Recordings is an American record label, focused predominantly on hip hop and urban music, owned by Universal Music Group. In the UK, the takes on the name Def Jam UK and is operated through Virgin EMI, while in Japan. The label distributes various record labels, including Kanye Wests GOOD Music, Ludacris Disturbing Tha Peace, Def Jam was founded by Rick Rubin in his dormitory in Weinstein Hall at New York University and its first release was a single by his punk-rock group Hose. Russell Simmons joined Rubin shortly after they were introduced to other, according to one story. Another cites DJ Jazzy Jay as their connector, Rubin has said he met Simmons on the TV show, Graffiti Rock and recognized him then as the face of hip hop, He was five years older than me, and he was already established in the music business. And I had no experience whatsoever, the first single released with the Def Jam Recordings logo was T La Rock & Jazzy Jays Its Yours. The first releases with Def Jam Recordings catalog numbers were LL Cool Js I Need a Beat, the singles sold well, eventually leading to a distribution deal with CBS Records through Columbia Records the following year. A few years later, Russell Simmons and Lyor Cohen started a label called Rush Associated Labels to handle Def Jam. RAL became the home to Nice & Smooth and EPMD after both acts were acquired due to the folding of their former label Sleeping Bag Records, other acts under the RAL umbrella included Redman, Onyx, Flatlinerz, Domino, Warren G and Jayo Felony. As the decade drew to a close, the label signed Public Enemy, Lyor Cohen became president of Def Jam/RAL in 1988, after winning a power struggle with Rubin, who would shortly thereafter leave the company to form Def American Recordings. Rubin would take Slayer with him to Def American in its initial stages, by 1992, despite recent multi-platinum selling releases from Public Enemy, and EPMD, Def Jam ran into severe financial troubles and was faced with folding. However, in 1994, PolyGram purchased Sonys 50% stake in Def Jam Recordings — subsequently bringing the label into its fold, following PolyGrams purchase, Def Jam distributed the Violator Records-signed artist Warren Gs Regulate. G Funk Era album, which went triple platinum and brought much-needed revenue to Def Jam through its distribution deal with Violator, PolyGram acquired an additional 10% in Def Jam Recordings in 1996, further strengthening its ownership of Def Jam. Shortly thereafter, Rush Associated Labels was renamed Def Jam Music Group, the label remained profitable as its veteran star LL Cool J released his successful album Mr. Smith in 1995. The label later signed Foxy Brown, whose debut album Ill Na Na became a seller in 1997. In 1998, PolyGram was purchased by Seagram and merged with the MCA family of labels and it then purchased the remaining interest of Def Jam Recordings from Russell Simmons for a reported $100 million. UMG merged 14+ record labels including, Def Jam, Island Records, despite the formation of IDJMG, the Def Jam, Mercury, and Island labels continued to operate as separate imprints underneath the bigger umbrella. Lyor Cohen was appointed co-president of IDJMG, and Kevin Liles succeeded him as president of Def Jam, Def Soul also issued recordings by Musiq, Montell Jordan, Case,112, Patti LaBelle, and Christina Milian
Def Jam Recordings
–
Def Jam Recordings
9.
Lil Jon
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Jonathan Smith, better known by his stage name Lil Jon, is an American record producer, rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, DJ and actor from Atlanta, Georgia. He was the frontman of the group Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz, which he formed in 1997, after going solo, he released a new album in 2010 titled Crunk Rock. He was featured on Celebrity Apprentice during its 11th and 13th seasons, born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Smith graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in Atlanta. After working as a DJ for Atlanta night clubs, he worked for So So Def Recordings between 1993 and 2000, Smith took the stage name Lil Jon and formed musical group Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz, with rappers Big Sam and Lil Bo. The group signed to the Atlanta-based Mirror Image Records and were distributed by Ichiban Records, in 1997, Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz debuted with Get Crunk, Who U Wit, Da Album. It included singles Who U Wit. and Shawty Freak a Lil Sumthin, both singles charted on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at No.70 and No. In 2000, Jon started up his own label, BME Recordings and he released his breakthrough album titled We Still Crunk. Among the tracks on that project was the hit single I Like Those Girls, Lil Jon was talked about as the new guy by street team people in the markets where he was attracting his biggest audiences – namely Atlanta, St. Louis, Memphis and Dallas. Bryan Leach, A&R at TVT, went to one of Lil Jons Atlanta shows and was blown away by its immense energy. Leach told HitQuarters, It was like early Beastie Boys, when they had the energy of a group but they were rapping. Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz signed to TVT Records in 2001 and debuted there with Put Yo Hood Up, the groups first nationally played single was Bia Bia, which featured rappers Ludacris, Too Short, Big Kapp, and Chyna Whyte. Bia Bia peaked at No.97 on the Billboard Hot 100, in 2002, the group released Kings of Crunk. I Dont Give A. was its first single, it featured Mystikal and Krayzie Bone and peaked at No.50 on the R&B chart. What U Gon Do peaked at No.22 on the Hot 100, No.13 on the R&B chart, Lil Jon has also produced many hit urban singles. From 2003 to 2005, while still with The East Side Boyz, Lil Jon produced hits such as Salt Shaker by Ying Yang Twins, Yeah. By Usher, Freek-a-Leek by Petey Pablo, Shorty Wanna Ride by Young Buck, Shake That Monkey by Too Short, Girlfight by Brooke Valentine, during that same year he produced a song called Go to Church for Ice Cube. In 2006, Lil Jon severed his negotiation with record label TVT and he vowed never to record for TVT Records again, alleging that TVT owner Steve Gottlieb was shortchanging him. He also began recording a music album, Crunk Rock
Lil Jon
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Lil Jon in 2007.
10.
Usher (singer)
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Usher Raymond IV is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. Born in Dallas, Texas but raised and lived in Chattanooga, Tennessee until moving to Atlanta, at the age of 12, his mother put him in local singing competitions, before catching the attention of a music A&R from LaFace Records. In 1994 he released his debut album, Usher. 8701 produced the number-one singles U Remind Me and U Got It Bad and it sold 8 million copies worldwide and won his first two Grammy Awards as Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2002 and 2003. Confessions established him as one of the musical artists of the 2000s decade. Bolstered by its four consecutive Billboard Hot 100 number one singles, Burn, Confessions Part II, and My Boo, it has been certified Diamond by the RIAA. Here I Stand and Raymond v. Raymond, debuted atop of the Billboard 200, the EP, Versus, also produced the Hot 100 top-five single DJ Got Us Fallin in Love. Looking 4 Myself, also debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart, Raymond v. Raymond and Looking 4 Myself received Grammy Awards for R&B singles There Goes My Baby and Climax. Hard II Love peaked at five of the Billboard 200 albums chart. Usher has sold 23.8 million albums and 38.2 million digital songs in the United States, to date, his worldwide sales stand at 43 million albums and 75 million records overall, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Usher has won awards and accolades including 18 Billboard Music Awards and 8 Grammy Awards. Billboard also placed him at number 6 on their list of Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years, Usher has attained 9 US Hot 100 number-one singles. Considered an icon and sex symbol, he was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, in 2008, he started his own record label Raymond-Braun Media Group, a joint venture with talent manager Scooter Braun that includes Canadian singer Justin Bieber. Usher was born in Dallas, Texas, the son of Jonetta Patton, from Tennessee, Usher spent the majority of his young life in Chattanooga, his father left the family when Usher was a year old. Usher grew up with his mother, then-stepfather, and half-brother, while in Atlanta, Usher attended North Springs High School. At age 10, Usher joined an R&B local quintet called the NuBeginnings, Usher recorded 10 songs with the group in 1991, and the ensuing album, Nubeginning Featuring Usher Raymond IV, was only made available regionally and by mail order. However, Patton took him out because, according to her, the album was re-released nationally in April 2002 by Hip-O Records. At age 13, Usher would meet A. J, alexander at local talent show in Atlanta
Usher (singer)
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Usher during the Division 1 launch party, 2010
Usher (singer)
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Usher arriving in
Miami, Florida, to attend the 2004
MTV Video Music Awards
Usher (singer)
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Usher performing with
Stevie Wonder and
Shakira at the
We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial
Usher (singer)
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Usher performing in 2010
11.
Ciara
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Ciara Princess Wilson, known mononymously as Ciara, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and actress. It was at this time Ciara was noticed for her songwriting, in 2002, Ciara met music producer Jazze Pha. With his help, she signed a deal with LaFace Records. In 2004, Ciara released her studio album Goodies, which spawned three hit singles, Goodies,1,2 Step, and Oh. The album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. She released her studio album, Ciara, The Evolution, in 2006 which spawned the hit singles Get Up, Promise. The album reached number one in the U. S. and was certified platinum and her third studio album, Fantasy Ride, released in 2009, was considerably less successful than Ciaras first two albums. However, it produced the international top-ten single Love Sex Magic featuring Justin Timberlake, the following year, Ciara released her fourth studio album Basic Instinct, which was met with low sales and continued a downward trend in her commercial performance. In 2011, she signed a new deal with Epic Records. In 2015, Ciara released her sixth album Jackie, which included the singles I Bet, the album debuted at number 17 on the Billboard 200 and sold 19,000 copies, which made it her lowest first-week album sales to date. Ciara has also transitioned into acting in 2006 she made her film debut it All Youve Got, followed by Mama, I Want to Sing. in 2013, Ciara had a recurring role in the US TV series, The Game. Since making her debut in 2004, Ciara has attained eight Billboard Hot 100 top-ten singles. She has also earned awards and accolades, including three BET Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, three MOBO Awards, and one Grammy Award. To date, Ciara has sold over 23 million records worldwide, Ciara was born in Austin, Texas on October 25,1985, the only child of Jackie Harris and Carlton Harris. An army brat, she grew up in Germany, New York, Utah, California, Arizona and she was named after the Revlon fragrance Ciara which was introduced in 1973 and is still sold today. During her teens, Ciara and her family moved to Atlanta, in her mid-teens, Ciara formed the all-girl group Hearsay with two of her friends. The group recorded demos, but as time went on, they began to have differences, despite this setback, Ciara was still determined to reach her goal and signed a publishing deal as a songwriter. Her first success was the song, Got Me Waiting for R&B singer Fantasia Barrinos debut album and it was when she was writing songs that she met music producer, Jazze Pha, whom she called her music soulmate
Ciara
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Ciara
Ciara
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Ciara performing during her debut tour
Ciara: Live in Concert in November 2006
Ciara
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Ciara 2009
Ciara
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Ciara has cited
Michael Jackson as one of her biggest influences.
12.
Bobby V
–
Bobby Wilson better known by his stage name Bobby V is an American singer, songwriter and actor. He has charted three No.1 albums on Billboards U. S, vs first major single, Slow Down produced by Grammy Award winners Tim & Bob, charted No.1 on Billboards U. S. Top R&B Chart and peaked at No.8 on Billboards Hot 100 chart, the single was certified Gold by the RIAA. His second single, Anonymous, was produced and featured a guest appearance from Grammy Award-winning artist Timbaland, Bobby V was born Bobby Wilson on February 27 in Mississippi. He later moved to Atlanta, Georgia, growing up, V listened to Michael Jackson, Tony. Marvin Gaye, Jodeci, and The Isley Brothers and those were the artists that inspired him to become a R&B singer. V entered the scene in 1996 as a member of the R&B youth quartet Mista, at this time using his real name. New teen-age R&B group, Mista, releases first record, under the production of Organized Noize, the group released their self-titled debut album, which produced the hit single Blackberry Molasses. However, the album did not follow in the success and despite a second album being produced by Tim & Bob. Due to management issues the group split in 1997, Bobby later enrolled at Clark Atlanta University majoring in Mass Communications. While in school, Bobby V continued to record in his time in hopes of one day returning to the stage. Bobby Valentino was released in the spring of 2005 through Island Def Jam, also in 2005, he joined Bow Wow, Omarion, Marques Houston, B5 and Pretty Ricky on the Scream Tour IV. After the success of Slow Down, he released a second single, the albums third and final single, My Angel, was released in the fall of 2005, however it gained little popularity. Gearing up for the release of his 2007 sophomore effort Special Occasion and his second single, Anonymous featuring Timbaland, was released on April 9,2007. Overall, the received positive reviews from critics and audiences. He later returned to his appearing on the debut episode of MTVs Once Upon A Prom. In early 2008 V confirmed that he was no longer signed to either Def Jam or Disturbing The Peace during an interview with DJBooth. net, although business ties have been severed, V maintains positive relationships with CEO Chaka Zulu, Ludacris and the Disturbing tha Peace/Def Jam staff. In April 2008, Come with Me was released through digital outlets, in July 2008, three months after being dropped from Def Jam Recordings and leaving Disturbing tha Peace Records, V signed a new deal with EMI, which will house his imprint Blu Kolla Dreams
Bobby V
–
Bobby V performing in
Southeast Missouri State University during the Xi Gamma chapter of
Alpha Phi Alpha 's Miss Black and Gold Pageant, 2006.
Bobby V
–
Bobby V performing at a concert in 2007.
13.
2 Chainz
–
Tauheed Epps, known professionally as 2 Chainz, is a Grammy award-winning American rapper from College Park, Georgia. He initially gained recognition for being one-half of the Southern hip hop duo Playaz Circle, alongside his friend and fellow rapper. They are perhaps best known for being signed to fellow Georgia-based rapper Ludacris Disturbing tha Peace label, in February 2012, Epps signed a solo record deal with Def Jam Records, an imprint of Universal Music Group. The following August, he released his studio album Based on a T. R. U. II, Me Time was released on September 11,2013 and it was supported by the singles Feds Watching and Used 2. 2 Chainz was born Tauheed Epps in College Park, Georgia and he attended North Clayton High School, where he played basketball and graduated second in his class. While in high school, he dealt marijuana and was arrested for cocaine possession when he was 15 years old. He later attended Alabama State University on a scholarship, and played on its team for the 1996–97 season. Theres a lot of stuff on there, to the point that every time I try to fix one thing, something else comes out. In fact, he attended Alabama State for his freshman year only, I got into some trouble, went somewhere else, and came back. But I graduated, and that’s that, Epps formed the hip hop duo Playaz Circle in College Park, Georgia in 1997, with his high school friend Earl Conyers, while Epps adopted Tity Boi as his moniker. After taking interest in Playaz Circle, Ludacris began to record songs with the group. Ludacris soon became one of the rappers in the Southern United States. After hearing of their situation, Ludacris requested of Epps that the duo join his newly formed record label Disturbing Tha Peace, Epps agreed to sign, although Conyers did not officially join the label until his mother regained her health, a year after the initial signing. Their debut album Supply & Demand, was released on October 30,2007, the lead single and their debut single, Duffle Bag Boy, became an urban hit single. The song features Lil Wayne, and was performed by the duo at the BET Hip Hop Awards, the duo released their second studio album Flight 360, The Takeoff, on September 29,2009. In January 2010, Playaz Circle filmed a video for their single Big Dawg featuring Lil Wayne. Shortly afterwards, Epps left Disturbing tha Peace, a move he claimed was taken in order to advance his career, although Ludacris was initially reluctant to allow Epps to leave the label, he eventually accepted the decision
2 Chainz
–
2 Chainz in May 2014
2 Chainz
14.
Mary J. Blige
–
Mary Jane Blige is an American singer, songwriter, model, record producer and actress. My Life, in particular, is considered among the greatest albums ever recorded according to Rolling Stone, Time, for her part in combining hip hop and soul in the early 1990s and its subsequent commercial success, Blige received the Legends Award at the World Music Awards. Blige made Time magazines Time 100 list of individuals around the world in 2007. As of 2013, Blige has sold more than 50 million albums and 25 million singles worldwide, Billboard ranked Blige as the most successful female R&B artist of the past 25 years. The magazine also lists her 2006 song Be Without You as the top R&B song of the 2000s, in 2011, VH1 ranked Blige as the 80th greatest artist of all time. Moreover, she is ranked number 100 on the list of 100 greatest singers of all time by Rolling Stone magazine, in 2012, VH1 ranked Blige at number 9 in The 100 Greatest Women in Music. Blige also earned high remarks for her work in film and she starred in the 2009 Tyler Perry box-office hit I Can Do Bad All By Myself and played a role in the film Rock of Ages. She received a Golden Globe Award nomination for her contribution to the film The Help. In partnership with the Home Shopping Network and Carols Daughter, Blige released her My Life perfume, the perfume broke HSN records by selling 65,000 bottles during its premiere. The scent went on to win two FiFi Awards, including the Fragrance Sales Breakthrough award, in 2017, she stars in the period drama film Mudbound directed by Dee Rees. Blige spent her years in Richmond Hill, Georgia, where she sang in a Pentecostal church. Blige later moved to Schlobohm Houses in Yonkers, New York, immediately north of New York City, Blige dropped out of high school in her junior year. Pursuing a musical career, Blige spent a period of time in a Yonkers band named Pride with band drummer Eddie DAprile. In early 1988, she recorded a cover of Anita Bakers Caught Up in the Rapture at a recording booth in the Galleria Mall in White Plains. Her mothers boyfriend at the later played the cassette for Jeff Redd. Redd sent it to the president and CEO of the label, Harrell met with Blige and in 1989 she was signed to the label, becoming the companys youngest and first female artist. After being signed to Uptown Records, Blige began working with record producer Puff Daddy and he became the executive producer and produced a majority of the album. Derived from Bliges past occupation as a 4-1-1 operator, it was also an indication by Blige of being the real deal, the music was described as revelatory on a frequent basis
Mary J. Blige
–
Blige in January 2010
Mary J. Blige
–
Blige in
Hamburg, Germany 2000
Mary J. Blige
–
Blige performing in July 2007.
Mary J. Blige
–
Blige performing at Bumbershoot in September 2010.
15.
Jeremih
–
Jeremih Felton, better known by the stage name Jeremih, is an American singer, songwriter, rapper and record producer from Chicago, Illinois. In 2009, he signed a deal with Def Jam Recordings. Jeremihs commercial debut single, Birthday Sex, peaked at four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. His self-titled debut album reached number six on the US Billboard 200 chart, Jeremihs success continued with the release of his second album, All About You, led by the single Down on Me, which also reached the top five of the Billboard Hot 100. In 2014, his single Dont Tell Em became his third top-ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100, after multiple delays, Jeremih released his third studio album, Late Nights in 2015. He announced that he is working on a joint album with PartyNextDoor called Late Night Party and he is also working on his fourth studio album, Later That Night. He learned to play instruments by ear without being able to read notes or having any sort of classical training. Jeremih attended Morgan Park High School, where he was part of the band as well as a Latin jazz band. In addition to being a musician, Felton was a good student. His strong overachieving academic performance enabled him to skip his senior year and he graduated at the age of 16 and enrolled at the University of Illinois as well as Parkland College in Urbana-Champaign. He was interested in the science program at his mothers suggestion as a safe career choice. After spending a semester at the university studying engineering science, he wanted to change his education to something more true to his musical passions and he transferred to Columbia College Chicago art school in 2007 to pursue a degree in music business. Having graduated from school at an early age, he said in an interview that he found himself getting in a lot of trouble while attending the college. He eventually plans on returning to college to earn his degree as well as becoming a youth advocate for higher education. After performing a tribute for Ray Charles at one of the talent shows, he received positive feedback and realized his vocal ability. While attending Columbia College Chicago, Jeremih collaborated with record producer Mick Schultz, together, they recorded a song entitled My Ride. Jeremih received guidance from his cousin Day26 group member, Willie Taylor, in February 2009, Jeremih met with Def Jam CEO Russell Simmons and executive vice president of A&R Karen Kwak. After performing for the two, Jeremih signed a contract with Def Jam that same day
Jeremih
–
Jeremih, Beverly Hills, California on June 25, 2015
Jeremih
–
Jeremih with
Julie Moran at the
2009 American Music Awards
16.
Actor
–
Anyone who meets the eligibility requirements may apply for aid, which could vary from medical assistance, paying rent, or finding employment. Heros benefits are not meant to be a permanent crutch for needy creators, any granted aid is kept confidential. The Hero Initiative has two boards of directors, the Executive Board and the Fund Disbursement Board, former board members include founders Pat McCallum, editor-in-chief of Wizard Magazine, and Mike Richardson, publisher and founder of Dark Horse Comics. They are George Pérez, Roy Thomas, Charlie Novinskie, Dennis ONeil, John Romita Sr. the charity is currently supported by Dark Horse Comics, Dynamic Forces, Image Comics, Marvel Entertainment, Top Cow Productions, and Wizard Entertainment. The Hero Initiative utilizes many methods of fundraising, foremost is their annual art auction, auctioning donated original comics art-work at fan conventions. Year-long, they sell donated art and special edition comics at conventions, artists, writers, and publishers are invited to donate work, and fans are invited to donate money directly to the fund. ACTOR also sells a green Excelsior, wrist-band similar in design to the Livestrong wristband. The Hero Initiative was formerly known as A Commitment to Our Roots, or ACTOR, while the original name of the organization reflected the charitys goal, the acronym that resulted, ACTOR, more often confused people unfamiliar with the organization. 2006, George Pérez, John Romita, Sr.2007, Joe Kubert 2008, Nick Cardy 2009, Neal Adams 2010, Walt Simonson 2011, Stan Lee 2012, John Romita, Jr. The award recognizes one person in each year who demonstrates particular generosity and integrity in support of the overall comic book community. It debuted at the 2010 Harvey Awards ceremony held at the Baltimore Comic-Con
Actor
–
The Hero Initiative
Actor
17.
Screen Actors Guild Awards
–
The statuette given, a nude male figure holding both a mask of comedy and a mask of tragedy, is called The Actor. It is 16 inches tall, weighs over 12 pounds, is cast in solid bronze, SAG Awards have been one of the major awards events in Hollywood since 1995. It is considered an indicator of success at the Academy Awards, the awards have been telecast since 1998 on TNT, and since 2007 have been simulcast on TBS. The inaugural SAG Awards aired live on February 25,1995 from Universal Studios Stage 12, the second SAG awards aired live from the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, while subsequent awards have been held at the Shrine Exposition Center
Screen Actors Guild Awards
–
Trophy of the award
18.
MTV Video Music Awards
–
An MTV Video Music Award is an award presented by the cable channel MTV to honor the best in the music video medium. By 2001, the VMA had become a coveted award, the statue given to winners is an astronaut on the moon, one of the earliest representations of MTV, and colloquially called a moonman. The statue is now made by New York firm, Society Awards, since the 2006 ceremony, viewers are able to vote for their favorite videos in all general categories by visiting MTVs website. The first VMA ceremony was held in 1984 at New York Citys Radio City Music Hall, the ceremonies are normally held in either New York City or Los Angeles. However, the ceremonies have also hosted in Miami and Las Vegas. 1984, At the first MTV Video Music Awards in 1984, Madonna performed her hit Like a Virgin wearing a combination bustier/wedding gown, during the performance, she rolled around on the floor, revealing lacy stockings and a garter. Cyndi Lauper spoke in Exorcist-esque gibberish to explain the VMA rules right before winning the Best Female video for Girls Just Want to Have Fun, David Bowie and The Beatles were rewarded with the first ever Video Vanguard Awards for their work in pioneering the music video. 1988, At the 1988 Video Music Awards Michael Jackson appeared for the first time, a pre-recorded live performance of Bad was shown. He was also awarded the Video Vanguard Award, paula Abdul was nominated for six awards, picking up four wins. She performed a medley of her singles Straight Up, Cold Hearted. When Madonna won the Viewers Choice Award for her Like a Prayer video, the tone that the commercial sought to convey sharply contrasted with the music video. When Pepsi executives saw the video, they yanked the advertisement after only two airings, in an attempt to dissociate themselves from Madonna. She also gave one of the most memorable performances of her hit Express Yourself, the performance consisted of both a dramatic 18th-century reinterpretation of Vogue as well as her dramatically becorseted breasts. His video Thriller influenced and changed music videos into what it is like today, a conflict between Poisons Bret Michaels and C. C. DeVille culminated in a fistfight at the Video Music Awards in 1991, deVille was fired and replaced by Pennsylvanian guitarist Richie Kotzen. Paul Reubens had his first public appearance following an arrest for lewd-conduct earlier that year, taking the stage in costume as Pee-wee Herman, he received a standing ovation, after which he asked the audience, Heard any good jokes lately. Prince & The New Power Generation performed their sexually charged song Gett Off on a Caligula-esque set and his trousers were parodied numerous times throughout the following year, on In Living Color & even on the next years VMAs by Howard Stern. It also marked the last TV appearance of Kiss with Eric Carr,1992, In the 1992 show, MTV requested Nirvana perform Smells Like Teen Spirit, while the band itself had indicated it preferred to play new songs Rape Me and tourettes
MTV Video Music Awards
–
The 1983-1984 Video of the Year "Moonman" award.
MTV Video Music Awards
–
Radio City Music Hall, site of 11 VMAs, including the
first
MTV Video Music Awards
–
Madonna has won 20 VMAs, the most for any artist.
MTV Video Music Awards
–
West taking the microphone from Swift at the
2009 MTV Video Music Awards.
19.
Grammy Award
–
A Grammy Award, or Grammy, is an honor awarded by The Recording Academy to recognize outstanding achievement in the mainly English-language music industry. The annual presentation ceremony features performances by prominent artists, and the presentation of awards that have a more popular interest. It shares recognition of the industry as that of the other performance awards such as the Emmy Awards, the Tony Awards. The first Grammy Awards ceremony was held on May 4,1959, to honor, following the 2011 ceremony, The Academy overhauled many Grammy Award categories for 2012. The 59th Grammy Awards, honoring the best achievements from October 2015 to September 2016, was held on February 12,2017, the Grammys had their origin in the Hollywood Walk of Fame project in the 1950s. The music executives decided to rectify this by creating a given by their industry similar to the Oscars. This was the beginning of the National Academy of Recording Arts, after it was decided to create such an award, there was still a question of what to call it, one working title was the Eddie, to honor the inventor of the phonograph, Thomas Edison. They finally settled on using the name of the invention of Emile Berliner, the gramophone, for the awards, the number of awards given grew and fluctuated over the years with categories added and removed, at one time reaching over 100. The second Grammy Awards, also held in 1959, was the first ceremony to be televised, the gold-plated trophies, each depicting a gilded gramophone, are made and assembled by hand by Billings Artworks in Ridgway, Colorado. In 1990 the original Grammy design was revamped, changing the traditional soft lead for a stronger alloy less prone to damage, Billings developed a zinc alloy named grammium, which is trademarked. The trophies with the name engraved on them are not available until after the award announcements. By February 2009,7,578 Grammy trophies had been awarded, the General Field are four awards which are not restricted by genre. Album of the Year is awarded to the performer and the team of a full album if other than the performer. Record of the Year is awarded to the performer and the team of a single song if other than the performer. Song of the Year is awarded to the writer/composer of a single song, Best New Artist is awarded to a promising breakthrough performer who releases, during the Eligibility Year, the first recording that establishes the public identity of that artist. The only two artists to win all four of these awards are Christopher Cross, who won all four in 1980, and Adele, who won the Best New Artist award in 2009 and the other three in 2012 and 2017. Other awards are given for performance and production in specific genres, as well as for other such as artwork. Special awards are given for longer-lasting contributions to the music industry, the many other Grammy trophies are presented in a pre-telecast Premiere Ceremony earlier in the afternoon before the Grammy Awards telecast
Grammy Award
–
Grammy Awards
Grammy Award
20.
Atlanta
–
Atlanta is the capital of and the most populous city in the U. S. state of Georgia, with an estimated 2015 population of 463,878. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, home to 5,710,795 people, Atlanta is the county seat of Fulton County, and a small portion of the city extends eastward into DeKalb County. In 1837, Atlanta was founded at the intersection of two lines, and the city rose from the ashes of the American Civil War to become a national center of commerce. Atlantas economy is considered diverse, with dominant sectors that include logistics, professional and business services, media operations, Atlanta has topographic features that include rolling hills and dense tree coverage. Revitalization of Atlantas neighborhoods, initially spurred by the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, has intensified in the 21st century, altering the demographics, politics. Prior to the arrival of European settlers in north Georgia, Creek Indians inhabited the area, standing Peachtree, a Creek village located where Peachtree Creek flows into the Chattahoochee River, was the closest Indian settlement to what is now Atlanta. As part of the removal of Native Americans from northern Georgia from 1802 to 1825, the Creek ceded the area in 1821. In 1836, the Georgia General Assembly voted to build the Western, the initial route was to run southward from Chattanooga to a terminus east of the Chattahoochee River, which would then be linked to Savannah. After engineers surveyed various possible locations for the terminus, the zero milepost was driven into the ground in what is now Five Points. A year later, the area around the milepost had developed into a settlement, first known as Terminus, and later as Thrasherville after a merchant who built homes. By 1842, the town had six buildings and 30 residents and was renamed Marthasville to honor the Governors daughter, later, J. Edgar Thomson, Chief Engineer of the Georgia Railroad, suggested the town be renamed Atlantica-Pacifica, which was shortened to Atlanta. The residents approved, and the town was incorporated as Atlanta on December 29,1847, by 1860, Atlantas population had grown to 9,554. During the American Civil War, the nexus of multiple railroads in Atlanta made the city a hub for the distribution of military supplies, in 1864, the Union Army moved southward following the capture of Chattanooga and began its invasion of north Georgia. On the next day, Mayor James Calhoun surrendered Atlanta to the Union Army, on November 11,1864, Sherman prepared for the Union Armys March to the Sea by ordering Atlanta to be burned to the ground, sparing only the citys churches and hospitals. After the Civil War ended in 1865, Atlanta was gradually rebuilt, due to the citys superior rail transportation network, the state capital was moved from Milledgeville to Atlanta in 1868. In the 1880 Census, Atlanta surpassed Savannah as Georgias largest city, by 1885, the founding of the Georgia School of Technology and the citys black colleges had established Atlanta as a center for higher education. In 1895, Atlanta hosted the Cotton States and International Exposition, during the first decades of the 20th century, Atlanta experienced a period of unprecedented growth. In three decades time, Atlantas population tripled as the city expanded to include nearby streetcar suburbs
Atlanta
–
From top to bottom left to right: Atlanta skyline seen from
Buckhead, the
Fox Theatre, the
Georgia State Capitol,
Centennial Olympic Park,
Millennium Gate, the
Canopy Walk, the
Georgia Aquarium,
The Phoenix statue, and the
Midtown skyline
Atlanta
–
Marietta Street, 1864
Atlanta
–
Atlanta in ruins during the Civil War, 1864
Atlanta
–
In 1907, Peachtree Street, the main street of Atlanta, was busy with streetcars and automobiles.
21.
Big Boi
–
His work in the duo has produced six studio albums. Big Bois solo debut Sir Lucious Left Foot, The Son of Chico Dusty was released in July 2010 to respectable sales, in 2012, he released his second solo album, Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors. Patton was born and spent the first half of his childhood in Savannah, Georgia, eventually he decided to pursue his interest in music at Tri-Cities High School, a visual and performing arts Magnet school. He had a strong interest in hip hop music, and met André3000 Benjamin while attending Tri Cities High School in the early-1990s, the two eventually joined forces as Outkast and signed with LaFace Records. Patton has often used his lyrics to criticize the problems that plague both the African American community and the world, an example is 2003s War, a scathing attack on the Bush administration and the War on Terror. Another example is 2008s Sumthins Gotta Give with Mary J. Blige talking about the state of America, after four increasingly successful albums as a duo, the members of Outkast chose to make two solo albums, and release them as a double album under the Outkast name. André3000 released The Love Below and Big Boi Speakerboxxx, the two albums were packaged together as Speakerboxxx/The Love Below in 2003. Speakerboxxx featured a similar to Outkasts previous efforts, while The Love Below explored more offbeat territory. One song from album was released in September 2003 as a single. Pattons choice was the single The Way You Move, featuring Sleepy Brown and it was originally supported by urban radio, but then crossed over to pop charts and became almost as big a pop hit as Benjamins Hey Ya. The Way You Move supplanted Hey Ya. as the #1 song on the US pop charts, the second single from Big Bois side of the album was Ghetto Musick, which featured both members of Outkast and a sample from Patti LaBelles Love, Need and Want You. In 2005, Big Boi released an album, Got Purp. Vol 2, in conjunction with the Purple Ribbon All-Stars on November 22 through Purple Ribbon Records, the first single from the album was Kryptonite, which reached 35 on the Billboard Hot 100. Patton was also featured on the song International Players Anthem, the first single from UGKs album Underground Kingz, in 2007, after the sixth album under the Outkast name, Idlewild, Big Boi announced plans to release a full-fledged solo album. While he had released a solo album in Speakerboxxx, it still was technically under the Outkast name. The album was to be titled Sir Lucious Left Foot, The Son of Chico Dusty, the albums first promotional single, Royal Flush, was released in 2007, and featured Raekwon and André3000. The first official single was Shutterbugg featuring Cutty and the second Follow Us featuring Vonnegutt, the album was released internationally on July 5. Guest artists include alternative urban songstress Janelle Monáe, Big Bois own new group Vonnegutt, Sir Lucious Left Foot, The Son of Chico Dusty received general acclaim from most music critics, earning praise for its inventive sound, varied musical style, and Big Bois lyricism
Big Boi
–
Big Boi performing in 2006 in Atlanta, Georgia
Big Boi
–
Big Boi at Counterpoint Festival 2012
22.
OutKast
–
Outkast is an American hip hop duo formed in 1991, in East Point, Atlanta, Georgia, composed of Atlanta-based rappers André André3000 Benjamin and Antwan Big Boi Patton. Benjamin and Patton formed the group as high school students in 1991, OutKast released their debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik in 1994, which gained popularity after the single Players Ball reached number one on the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks chart. With successive releases including ATLiens and Aquemini, the duo developed their sound, experimenting with a variety of styles. In 2000, Outkast released the critically acclaimed Stankonia, which included the singles Ms. Jackson, in 2003, the duo released the double album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, which featured the number one singles Hey Ya. and The Way You Move. The album would win the Grammy Award for Album of the Year and was certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America. Outkast next released the soundtrack for the 2006 musical film Idlewild, in 2007, the duo went on hiatus and both members have since pursued solo careers. In 2014, Outkast reunited to celebrate their 20th anniversary by performing at more than 40 festivals worldwide in 2014, the duo is one of the most successful hip-hop groups of all time, having received six Grammy Awards. Between six studio albums and a greatest hits release, Outkast has sold over 25 million records, meanwhile, they have garnered widespread critical acclaim, with publications such as Rolling Stone and Pitchfork Media listing albums such as Aquemini and Stankonia among the best of their era. Benjamin and Patton met in 1991 at the Lenox Square shopping mall when they were sixteen years old. The two lived in the East Point section of Atlanta and attended Tri-Cities High School, an arts based academy, during school, Benjamin and Patton participated in rap battles in the cafeteria. Benjamins parents were divorced and he was living with his father, meanwhile, Patton had to move with his four brothers and six sisters from Savannah to Atlanta. Benjamin and Patton eventually teamed up and were pursued by Organized Noize, OutKast, Organized Noize, and schoolmates Goodie Mob formed the nucleus of the Dungeon Family organization. During the holiday season of 1993, they released their first single, the songs funky style, much of it accomplished with live instrumentation, was a hit with audiences. Players Ball hit number-one on the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks chart, Players Ball also topped the R&B charts for six weeks. Their debut album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, was issued on April 26,1994 and this initial effort is credited with laying the foundation for southern hip hop and is considered a classic by many. Every track on Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik was produced by Organized Noize and featured members of the Dungeon Family. Follow-up singles included the track and Git Up Git Out. OutKast won Best New Rap Group at the Source Awards in 1995, in the same year, the group contributed Benz or a Beamer to the popular New Jersey Drive soundtrack
OutKast
–
OutKast performing live at the
Area:One music festival in 2001
OutKast
–
André 3000 and Big Boi met as teenagers at Atlanta's
Lenox Square shopping center (pictured).
OutKast
–
Big Boi performing in 2006 in Atlanta.
OutKast
–
Outkast headlining at
Governors Ball Music Festival.
23.
Disc jockey
–
A disc jockey is a person who mixes different sources of pre-existing recorded music as it is playing, usually for a live audience in a nightclub or dance club or via broadcasting. DJs typically perform for an audience in a nightclub or dance club or a TV, radio broadcast audience, or in the 2010s. DJs also create mixes, remixes and tracks that are recorded for later sale, in hip hop music, DJs may create beats, using percussion breaks, basslines and other musical content sampled from pre-existing records. In hip hop, rappers and MCs use these beats to rap over, DJs use equipment that can play at least two sources of recorded music simultaneously and mix them together. This allows the DJ to create seamless transitions between recordings and develop unique mixes of songs, DJ equipment, notably the specialized DJ mixer, a small audio mixer with a crossfader and cue functions. The crossfader enables the DJ to blend or transition from one song to another, the cue knobs or switches allow the DJ to preview a source of recorded music in headphones before playing it for the live club or broadcast audience. Previewing the music in headphones helps the DJ pick the track they want to play. DJs may also use a microphone to speak to the audience, effects such as reverb to create sound effects, drum machines. The title DJ is also used by DJs in front of their real names or adopted pseudonyms or stage names as a title to denote their profession. Some DJs focus on creating a mix of songs for the club dancers or radio audience. Other DJs use turntablism techniques such as scratching, in which the DJ or turntablist manipulates the record player turntable to create new sounds. In many types of DJing, including club DJing and radio/TV DJing, there are several types of disc jockey. Radio DJs or radio personalities introduce and play music that is broadcast on AM, FM, club DJs select and play music in bars, nightclubs or discothèques, or at parties, raves, or even in stadiums. Mobile DJs travel with portable sound systems and play recorded music at a variety of events. Some mobile DJs also serve as the master of ceremonies at weddings or other events, directing the attention of attendees, there are also many competitions for DJs that specialize in different turntablism techniques, such as mixing, hip hop music-style scratching or other kinds of techniques. Other types of DJ use musical performance techniques that allow them to be categorized as performing musicians, hip hop DJs and are also often songwriters or music producers who use turntablism and sampling to create backing instrumentals for new tracks. In reggae, the DJ is a vocalist who raps, toasts, chants or chats over pre-recorded rhythm tracks, the individual who helps the DJ by selecting tracks or records to be played is called the selector. Many electronica artists and producers who work as DJs often perform music by combining turntablism with keyboards, digital musical instruments
Disc jockey
–
A DJ performing at an event
Disc jockey
–
Technics 1200 MK2, Technics 1210 MK2, and Pioneer DJM-500 shown in a common DJ configuration
Disc jockey
–
A DJ at Sundance Film Festival 2003
Disc jockey
–
A young woman plays a gramophone in an air raid shelter in north London (1940).
24.
Southern Hospitality (song)
–
Southern Hospitality is the second single released off Ludacriss album Back for the First Time, released in 2000. It was composed by The Neptunes, the song debuted at #86 on the Billboard Hot 100 on January 20,2001, reached the Top 40 at #38 on February 10,2001, and peaked at #23 on March 24. The official music video for the song was directed by Jeremy Rall, the video features cameo appearances by Lil Jon, Scarface and Too Short. Southern Hospitality peaked at number 5 on the Billboard rap chart, on the Billboard Hot 100, it reached number 23
Southern Hospitality (song)
–
"Southern Hospitality"
25.
Word of Mouf
–
Word of Mouf is the second studio album by American rapper Ludacris, it was released on November 27,2001, by Disturbing tha Peace and Def Jam South. It contains the singles, Rollout, Area Codes, Move Bitch, however, he felt that amid all of these various team-ups you do lose a little bit of the sincere, personal edge that had characterized much of Ludacris debut. Even his skits are funny enough that they could serve as the foundation for a comedy album. for sales of over 3 million copies. As of July 2014, the album has sold over 3,674,000 copies in the United States to date. This is Ludacris best selling album and it was nominated at the 45th Grammy Awards for Best Rap Album, but lost to The Eminem Show. All tracks are co-written by Christopher Bridges Coming 2 America Requiem,9, From the New World, 4th movement by Antonín Dvořák Rollout Yay Boy by Africando Area Codes Do It by B. T. Express Growing Pains I Forgot To Be Your Lover by William Bell Welcome to Atlanta Five Minutes of Funk by Whodini Do it baby by The Miracles
Word of Mouf
–
Word of Mouf
26.
Chicken-n-Beer
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Chicken-n-Beer is the third studio album by American rapper Ludacris. It was released on October 7,2003, by Disturbing tha Peace, the albums production took place from 2002 to 2003, and it was handled by several record producers, including DJ Nasty & LVM, Kanye West, Mo B. Dick, DJ Paul, Juicy J and Ludacris himself and this Southern hip hop album, Chicken-n-Beer is musically similar to Ludacris previous work, with his use of a fast, highly versatile flow. Some of the songs on the album take a political overtone and it was supported by four singles that were released from the album, two of which – Stand Up and Splash Waterfalls – became Ludacris first to peak in the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Ludacris frequently employs a fast paced flow on Chicken-n-Beer, whilst often suffusing the words he raps with humorous punchlines, writing for BBC Music, Lewis Dene noted Ludacris to typically incorporate lightning-quick phrasing, cutting wit and reference points a plenty into his lyrics. Many of the songs on Chicken-n-Beer are of a sexual nature. Club, to the material recorded by the likes of the hip hop group 2 Live Crew, Rabin further observed that Ludacris addresses such topics with irreverent glee, despite describing these themes well-worn and clichéd. Ludacris attacks political commentator Bill OReilly, who specifically criticized Ludacris for the content of his lyrics, blow It Out and Screwed Up contain direct references to OReilly and his comments, as well as observations on the difficulties of fame. In its second week, Chicken-n-Beer fell to number 2, selling 194,000 copies, representing an overall decrease of 55%. The album spent five weeks inside the top ten of the chart, selling 936,000 copies in that time, it went on to spend a total of 45 weeks on the chart. On June 18,2004, the album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America for shipments of 2,000,000 copies within the United States. Unlike Ludacris previous releases, Chicken-n-Beer achieved reasonable success outside the United States. It became Ludacris first album to chart in Australia, where it debuted and peaked at number 98, then exited the chart after a single week. In Ireland, the album debuted and peaked at number 71 on the Irish Albums Chart, before exiting the chart the week, to date. It also became Ludacris most commercially successful album in Germany, appearing at number 87 on the German Albums Chart in the week in which it charted. Upon its release, Chicken-n-Beer received generally positive reviews music critics. He varies his flows with such dexterity and has so much musicality in his tones that his mouth truly seems like an instrument. Ludacris is an outsize character – hes Mr. Fantastic from the Fantastic Four, perhaps a Southern Busta Rhymes, finds him part of the hip-hop establishment
Chicken-n-Beer
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Chicken-n-Beer
27.
The Red Light District
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The Red Light District is the fourth studio album from Def Jam recording artist Ludacris. The album was released on December 7,2004 through Disturbing tha Peace and Def Jam Recordings and it debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 album chart with 322,000 copies sold in its first week. The albums title refers to a district in Amsterdam where prostitution is common and this was the last album that saw Ludacris wearing his once signature cornrows. The album has sold over 2.1 million copies to date, number One Spot Soul Bossa Nova by Quincy Jones Get Back Interpolation from “Fuck You Tonight” by Notorious B. I. G
The Red Light District
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The Red Light District
28.
Release Therapy
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Release Therapy is the fifth studio album by American hip hop recording artist Ludacris. It was released on September 26,2006, under Disturbing tha Peace, Release Therapy won the Best Rap Album award for the 2007 Grammy Awards. Ludacris also shaved his cornrows off for a new caesar haircut. He said with a new album that was different than his four albums, there would be a new haircut. Ludacris released a mixtape called Pre-Release Therapy with DJ Green Lantern, unlike the previous albums released by Ludacris, Release Therapy has a more mature and serious approach to the music. It is also Ludacriss darkest album to date, both in mood and subject matter, the different approach Ludacris took with Release Therapy has caused many listeners and fans to debate on whether the album is Ludacriss best or worst. Ludacris also stated that his new album will be somewhat like a tape on CD, the way were going to try to format the record is you have your Release side and your Therapy side, he said. Everybody knows the Release side would be War With God, Tell It Like It Is, I have a record called Slap. Just getting everything off my chest, the Therapy side would be feel-good — a song like Woozy with R. Kelly on it is therapeutic. Some womens therapy is getting out, going to the club, the first single, Money Maker, which was produced by and features Pharrell, was released to U. S. radio outlets on July 17,2006. It was a success making number 1 on various charts through the U. S. These charts included the Billboard Hot 100, the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot Rap Tracks, the second single is Grew Up a Screw Up, featuring Young Jeezy. The single dispels rumors that Ludacris and Young Jeezy are having beef with each other, the third single is Runaway Love, featuring Mary J. Blige. It peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, the album debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200, chart selling over 309,000 copies in the first week, making it Ludacris third number one album in a row. To date, the album has sold about 1.3 million copies, list of Billboard 200 number-one albums of 2006
Release Therapy
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Release Therapy
