This week, Suite903’s making an upgrade to the most presidential suite of web addresses: TheFADER.com. All the sweet stuff you’ve come to enjoy, from exclusive interviews, video footage and our signature insights on today and yesterday’s soul bearers, will soon be available in a sleek column form. Until then, to check out the rest of this post, click here.

“Funny how time flies for Tabi Bonney. Around this time last year, the Washington, DC rep was one to watch on the Paid Dues stage at Rock the Bells 2009. He was solo, showing how down-to-earth he is in the flesh, as he demonstrates through his introspective songs like this one, “Nuthin But A Hero.” Who knew the zeitgeist gods were also pulling the strings for this video featuring familiar faces from RTB ‘09? MURS who hosted the side-stage events makes a cameo, along with The Knux (Rah Almillio and Krispy Kream) who were on last year’s bill. Nice way to come full circle.”

Taylor McFerrin’s three track preview is a sample of what we can expect on his full-length release, but it’s also a peek at what the multi-faceted producer can do. Give him a style and he can run with it. “Place In My Heart” as original as it is for its hypnotic spiral of singer Ryat’s vocals, there’s a wurlitzer chord buried underneath that sounds like a nod to Stevie Wonder’s “All I Do.” Then beyond the vertigo of all the instruments he plays himself, the third teaser in the mix dives into some UK dubstep, another sign of his worldly appeal which has been recognized by Benji B and Gilles Peterson. What will he do next? If there’s a way to randomly tool with Bobby McFerrin’s (no relation?) one-hit wonder, then we’ll be happy too.

Taylor McFerrin – Track Preview from EARLY RISER by Taylor McFerrin

Are you obsessed with the Jersey Shore? It’s hard not to be especially when MTV’s cash cow is the reigning all-you-can-eat cultural phenomenon that anyone can gorge themself on—including random celebrity interest on the rise, along with Hal Linton’s. During a recent stop before doing a New York show, Hal crashes at a hotel in what seems to be an area of New Jersey. The feeling of being a fish out of water came to life when he made an odd discovery, or rather, had a rude awakening sorts similar to the weekly epiphanies the Jersey Shore cast gets when they’re in Miami, [expletive].

Each week Cyrus Kyle Langhorne weighs-in on hot button topics with his sharp commentary. This week’s subject: Nick Cannon.

Wow, funked up, right? (laugh) Honestly, I apologize to any of the lasting Nick Cannon fans out there but after a week filled with “statements” and concluding with Mariah Carey coming forward to speak on her alleged pregnancy… come on, I “had” to drop a few bars on this silliness. Now just from an editorial piece-perspective (or would it be a blogger perspective?), I must ask for your “understanding” of what I am about to say. Granted, for legal purposes (if any) I will say, “THIS IS SATIRE AT ITS WORST” but just keep in mind my motto, “I keeps it real, son.” OK? Got me? Word?

Mariah Carey is pregnant and Nick Cannon is not even close to being the father. If I were a real betting man, I would have bet the house on the New York Yankees last post-season and then my own collection of Booty Talk DVDs that Eminem is more likely to get Carey knocked up than her boy-toy Cannon. Seriously.

I have plenty of theories but let’s keep things short and simple. After months of speculation with Carey dropping out of a role in an upcoming Tyler Perry flick and recent shots of her sporting a mini-Homer Simpson bump in the rump stomach, Mr. Carey (Nick Cannon) actually went on to his radio show to give the 4-1-1 on what is going dowwwn with his wife. With more yippity yap than fact-i-ty fact, Cannon used a whole bunch of run-on sentences to basically say he will not confirm/deny the rumors but that it is his wife’s decision to speak on the matter.

…

……

……….

Word, Nicky? (laugh) Well, it did not take but a mere 48 hours or so before Carey actually came out via a statement addressing the matter…. is she pregnant? Is it all hype? Mariah, what it do????

“I appreciate everyone’s well wishes. But I am very superstitious. When the time is right, everyone will know.”

(laugh) Yup, pretty plain and simple, no? Even though I would love to scream out, “liar, ‘liar” on my Jim Carrey tip while saucing it up with pants on fire just to say she is using this all for attention purposes. I have to admit it, Carey is pregnant and it is not with Nick Cannon’s kid.

Look, you want the truth, fine, I know you can handle it…we are living in times when it is more common to discover some of the biggest anti-gay conservative politicians coming out about being homosexuals and even bigger cover-ups with these married senators/governors/mayors who are weekly clients to your typical Bunny Ranch spots, so do not catch feelings or ponder my accusations with a suspicious grin, OK? Cannon cannot be Carey’s baby’s daddy…no way, Jose.

For Carey to actually allow Cannon to impregnate her would mean she would actually have to be in love with him. Strike One.

For Carey to actually allow Cannon to impregnate her would mean he would have to make way more $$$ than her. Strike Two.

For Carey to actually allow Cannon to impregnate her would mean she would have to swallow the fact her husband is less respected than Nick Jr. stars. Strike Three.

Nothing against Cannon, but Carey is clearly a cuckoo-bird. The short-lived relationship with Eminem, shucks, even Jay-Z called her crazy on a few records in the past. How about her out-of-the-blue marriage to Cannon? NO ONE saw it coming. (laugh)

Can you even imagine how these two met? Seriously. And please, do not let Wikipedia fool you, if I learned anything from Wag the Dog, it is surely things are never as the appear… no matter “who” says what.

At the end of the day, Carey went the super sperm route which is getting some “secret” sperm of a Pulitzer Prize winner, maybe a swab of DNA from Denzel Washington or maybe even Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant or LeBron James. Take their “goods,” plant them in your body and then proceed to go back in your memory banks to what mommy/daddy told you about where babies come from… poof! Newborn baby in about 6-7 months if you ask me.

Now, we have already established my insistence that Cannon is NO WAY going to be, or is, the father, right? Let us briefly take it up a notch. Not only do I believe he is not Daddy Carey, but I actually believe he co-signed the whole ordeal, signing on the dotted line and everything. As coldblooded as it may sound, I really believe Cannon is all about keeping Carey happy. Sure, he has his own radio show, youth and a “wife” most fellas dreamed about roughly two decades ago… but unless you can maintain this woman in your life, well, shucks, you will likely be kicked out to the curb.

You ever see the Dave Chappelle episode where the big homie gets “news” of impregnating Oprah Winfrey? (laugh) I look at this as the same situation. Do not take the light-hearted but loud-mouthed Cannon for granted. He may seem like a sucker but pweease beeewieeve, he knows how to play his cards. Carey is past 40 years-old and wanted to create some type of foundation before she actually hit 4-0…. which is why, I believe, she did some recruiting and found the perfect candidate in Cannon around 2008 and has kept the wheels turning ever since.

He has validity just based off his marriage and Carey is looked at as being where she is “supposed” to be, family-wise, for her age, minus a few years with the pregnancy.

Is it all down hill with Cannon secretly not being the kid’s dad? Not at all. Shucks, how many stepfathers are there in the world today? Plenty. Only time will tell at this point but one has to wonder: how much longer before the plug gets pulled and the next marital stunt is introduced? “Secret affairs?” “Leaked sex tape?” “Ustream announcement @ 8 PM?”

We shall see…

Last Friday, producer Alex Da Kid celebrated his birthday, ringing in a year’s worth of huge accomplishments. He’s been on top of every major chart: Billboard, iTunes and of course your favorite rapper’s wish list of beatmakers for his recent hot streak crafting anthemic tracks for Eminem and Rihanna’s “Love the Way You Lie” to Nicki Minaj’s “Massive Attack.” Overnight success like his is rare. Transplanting himself from London to New York and immediately finding his sound in the mainstream, he’s truly a musical anomaly. But his gift actually keeps on giving with Nicki Minaj being nominated as Best New Artist at next Sunday’s MTV VMA Awards. Watch Alex Da Kid recap his timeline of fame after the jump.

The headline predicting the forecast of events in Hal Linton’s recent path to superstardom reads like Al Roker invaded your inner voice. Nothing that scary should happen, not even if the heavy winds and downpours continue during Hal’s travels on Budweiser’s annual Superfest. Rain, pssh, nothing is stopping the long-standing tour now rolling into a new year in the two decades its alumni (Michael Jackson and TLC) sold out arenas like it was nobody’s business. Making a dent with a pretty small setup for his set, Linton has no shame in being the most modest act on the bill anchored by Jaheim, Anthony Hamilton and Raheem DeVaughn. In Linton’s Suite903 exclusive blog he makes light of the elements with wisecracks. Who knew?! R&B singers with a funny bone, uh check that, sense of humor. Check back next week for the next stop in Hal Linton’s exclusive Road Report.

HAL LINTON’S SCHEDULE ON BUDWEISER’S SUPERFEST TOUR 2010

8/26/10 St. Louis, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
8/27/10 Chicago, IL Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island
8/28/10 Detroit, MI Joe Louis Arena
8/29/10 Philadelphia, PA Susquehanna Bank Center
9/2/10 Memphis, TN Fedex Forum Arena
9/3/10 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena
9/4/10 Houston, TX Reliant Center
9/5/10 Dallas, TX Superpages.com Center

Each week Cyrus Kyle Langhorne weighs-in on hot button topics with his sharp commentary. This week’s subject: Fantasia.

Before I go into this full launch, please understand, I have NO FULL details on this whole Fantasia meets a sex tape and presses record story. Even though I am going to go forward with this post as though I was secretly in the closet getting my Quagmire (Family Guy, dun duns) on with Chris holding the sound muffler-looking thing next to me, let’s be clear: I am going off a couple of E! News reports and some blogs which would even make PerezHilton(.com) look like the Internet’s new Peter Jennings (R.I.P).

Sex tape, smesh tape, what is the big “friggin” problem people? Have we not learned anything from Kim Kardashian and Ray J or at the very least what my posts suggest? Sex in 2010 is O-K, not K-O’d. Yada mean? From exposed vagina flaps to shock, jaw-dropping exclamation points from seeing the most tiny of R&B singers packing more meat (Insert: Pause, No Homo, am I missing any others?) than your dad’s most favorited porn site’s male “actor.” Umm, SEX IS GREAT! But to make it an even bigger occasion, “leaked SEX TAPES ARE GRREEEAAT!” on my Tony the Tiger tip.

Look, long story short, Fantasia was hospitalized after allegedly having a break-down when it turned out a (married) fella she was bumping and grinding with (No Young Dro, pimpin’) had plans to put out a sex tape of them. More or less, the rumor mills said she had a panic attack and went pill-crazy (think Eminem-chainsaw-The Source-2000 cover) to the point where she had to get rushed to a hospital and keep bloggers up all-night wondering whether or not to type the “R.I.P.” blog in their drafts.

Anyway, she got out, no confirmation on the speculation (or so I recall) and here we are wondering what is going on in her head. Look, there is literally nothing wrong with sex and tapes and funk it, sex with married men/women. Shucks, when you think about it, her situation almost appeared like a hit single heading into the third quarter and/or a deleted scene from R. Kelly’s Trapped in the Closet. I really hate to break it to any Fantasia fans but her buzz is not on and popping, sorry.

When you think about it, homegirl is really just keeping an occasional presence in the online sphere just off the strength of reality television. If I recall correctly, she was penciled in to the notorious VH1 network as another staple opportunity to turn out a profit by taking fans into her life. (I guess the love/sex life scenes were edited out, huh?). So even though she can sing the mess out of a record, imagining her dominating the Grammy’s on an Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga or Beyoncé tip is quite unrealistic at this point, chea?

So GO FOR IT! As I mentioned before, has anyone taken notes on how to up your profile by putting out a GOOD (although Ray J’s man power was a bit too lengthy… pause once again) sex tape much like we all experienced from Kim Kardashian and Ray-Ray? Seriously. You all cannot tell me The Matrix’s daughter Montana Fishburne is the “only” person who took note and decided to stack her cookies up before they crumbled, right?

Cassie’s vaj is a Google Search away. Rihanna’s two’s are two left clicks and a “paste” option away from going up as desktop wallpaper. If you really want to be technical, Beyoncé’s upskirt is scattered on a few “secret” blogs here and there, so the idea of in-explicit material from R&B singers being non-existent through the Internet is no more a joke than Bill O’Reilly listening to Ludacris’ “Move, B*tch” during his night jogs, right?

So okay, maybe a “sex tape” is a bit more different than a beautiful Kim Kardashian (who already looks like a porn star) spreading her legs open and definitely nothing close to a still shot of a somewhat blurry (but clear to errry fella on the Internet) Cassie nether region, but nonetheless, at the sake of keeping her bills paid for, why not let the sex tape go through and get the Internet heating up?

Think about it… (and who is to say this will not happen?) the sex tape drops:

Phone calls ring non-stop. From TheFader(.com) and Suite903(.com) trying to get exclusive statements to begging and pleading from network news channels trying to score a sit-down with Fantasia to explain what all this is about (while in all reality, BET News and E! News may be the biggest networks trying to do a sit-down upon the initial release of the video… sad but true) Her response? Press releases and the typical statements let the Internet build up even more, streaming of the tape goes errrywhere. Legal action takes place on behalf of Fantasia’s camp and then, of course, someone like a Barbra Walters will get inspired and try to snag her. Or wait, what about the ever-warm Oprah Winfrey? Shucks, I imagine she would offer the opportunity to address affairs, sex tapes and errything else in-between with Fantasia all within an hour segment, INCLUDING COMMERCIALS.

This of course would lead to new motivation on her next album, the anticipation of fans and “new” followers to see what is going on with this singer—> sex tape star, along with ratings from her VH1 show going through the roof. I laugh at how simplistic my suggestions may seem but in all honesty, sometimes life is like a box of chocolates except in this “industry,” most people know what they are going to get, and when I tell you in 2010, leaks of new albums, music, etc. are no longer coming from the hackers or fans or record labels but the artists themselves, it goes to show you things must change and innovation must be taken seriously. Innovation to someone like Fantasia could easily help boost up her image, right?

Regardless of what happens, no person would ever wish harm to anybody, but sometimes you have to really consider the extreme outcomes of any situation. If you ask me, R. Kelly is probably already thinking about putting out another “leaked” tape just to get his sales up. Sure, these tactics are pretty unfair to the authentic artist who still believes music is all about heart, but I say all of this to bring up one good –> great point: when has it ever “really” been just about the music?

Fantasia Island: The Sex Tape, coming soon?

ABOUT FULL CRATE

“Full Crate has studied classical piano since the age of 5 and also started dj-ing at a young age. For the last couple of years he has been composing and producing music for different projects, vocalists and mc’s.
In January 2010 he released ‘Conversations With Her’ EP (Vinyl + Digi) together with the vocalist Mar. After different international shows and gigs he is now focusing on releasing the new HiHatClub together with FS Green and at the same time working on the full length album with Mar..”

Tracklist for Suite903 Podcast 012: Mixed by Full Crate

1. Fink, “Naked for Life”
2. Milk & Honey, “Touch”
4. Lizz Fields , “I Gotta Go” (DJ Spinna Mix)
5. Peter Hadar, “First Sight”
6. AC Lewis, “Tickles (Domu Dub/Instrumental)”
7. D’Angelo, vs.Simbad, “Devilz Pie”
8DJ Spinna, “Love is Sold” f. Abdul Shyllon
9. Glenn Lewis, “Sorry” (Probe DMS, Mash)
10. Marschmellows , ” Soulpower ” ( Jazzanova, Straight Dub Remix)
11. Vikter Duplaix , “That Night ” (with Jazzanova)
12. Heavy, “She Who Knows”

Download: Suite903 Podcast 012

Download: Suite903 Podcast 012 (m4a version, chapters supported)

INTERVIEW AND STORY BY HELEN MARIE

SHOWTIME: Starting promptly at 8PM Dwele steps onto the B.B. King Blues Club stage for a glimpse of his new album W.ants, W.orld, W.omen.

Tapping into his hip-hop roots he goes right into his upbeat “I Want.” While bringing a urban-rhythmic vibe that the crowd adores, he performs “Dodgin’ Your Phone” with the help of his three-piece band and two background singers. As we are introduced to his alter ego persona in “Wants,” Dwele tells us he wants to make music that 20 years from now will make you “remember that summer of 2010.” “There are times when you need someone, I will be by your side,” he says, and suddenly the audience is filled with sweet memories as Dwele serenades us with “Open Your Eyes.”

“I’m trying to make that feel good music y’all,” Dwele continues. As he takes a seat behind the keys to sing a song for the ladies in the smooth, seductive fashion that is his signature. His two background singers then compliment his show perfect with solos of some great R&B hits of the ’90s! “A lot of ya’ll don’t know that I’m the king of pickup lines,” he claims, sharing a few witty ones then goes into “Find Our Love.” The audience goes wild. Dwele gave a great performance that led up perfectly to the lady of the hour, Lalah Hathaway.

Rocking a black, shimmery top, dark jeans, barefoot, with a crown full of beautiful locs, Lalah arrives and we are anxious because every second of her relentless stage show is intense! The weather this time of year is already right to hear Lalah beaming about “Summertime.” Her sultry side steamed up on “Breath” doing exactly as it should—take our breath away. Giving us a taste of her new upcoming album tentatively dropping next spring, Lalah sings, “I Will Always Love You” and we are spellbound.

Lalah’s career came full circle resurrecting “Coming Back” from her self-titled debut. The audience’s response with a standing ovation showed they were riding with her for over 20 years, or at least for the memorable night. Her legacy continued, as did her father’s, the great Donny Hathaway who she gave honor to in her passionate version of his “Forever, For Always For Love.” Naturally Hathaway’s daughter was gifted with a refreshing ability to represent the talent and passion being the product of a creative combination of good genes and the hard work needed to build them into last week’s spectacle. I was in awe. Before I knew it, the electric guitarist and drummer began to jam out and give us a show! Guiding us through time Lalah and her background singer follow up with one of the most soulful Michael Jackson renditions I’ve heard! Singing and scatting in perfect symmetry, they did a beautiful tribute.

EXTRA CREDIT

I really like your new project. It’s definitely unique as well, what inspired the concept?

Dwele: Well I was thinking one day about how much I like Gucci and other nice things and sometimes I wish that I could talk about those things in my music, so I decided to create the “Want” [part] about my alter ego. That’s where I let myself be free to talk about the things I wouldn’t usually sing about. “World” is what I call my “audio time capsule” of the world as I see it today. It’s more about political/social issues. The “Women” section of the album is about relationships and love. Of course I had to make that music for the ladies!

Well, of course! I noticed on “Dodging Your Phone Calls” you said some will say, “This dude’s supposed to be making baby making music.” Do you ever feel restricted from doing hip-hop because of the expectations to do R&B?

Dwele: Well that’s why “wants” was so fun to do. It gave me a chance to rap again on a project and give my supporters a taste of my love for hip-hop. Hopefully they like it and I do look forward to doing other projects in the future that show my other sides. At some point I want to put out some house, rock and more hip-hop too.

Is it difficult sometimes to balance Dwele as the artist from Dwele the man?

Dwele: No. I have to say that I am the same way on stage as I am any other time. I just like to have fun. I think I do a nice job of keeping in touch with my fans, they can find me on Twitter too @therealdwele.

So what would you say is the biggest sacrifice you’ve made so far in your career?

Dwele: Sleep. I must say that I LOVE sleep and when I get a day off I like to sleep all day!

LOL Word. Ok well at this point are there any countries or cities you look forward to performing in?

Dwele: Yeah, South Africa.

You and Lalah Hathaway are on the B.B. Kings bill, wow. Any other collabo’s or shows you look forward to or have already enjoyed?

Dwele: Really too many to say. I really enjoyed working with David Banner, Raheem Devaughn, DJ Quik, Monica Blaire, Lloyd Dwayne and it was good to work with Slum village of course, as always.

Do you have any other passions that we can look to know about soon?

Dwele: I am really working on getting into videos, editing and that whole side of production now.

I can’t wait to see that. So I’m going to just ask you few quick questions before I let you go get ready for the show. Just say whatever first comes to mind.

Dwele: OK

When you write: paper and pen or laptop?

Dwele: Paper and pen.

Late night picker-upper: coffee or tea?

Dwele: Tea

Your mode of transportation: driving or flying?

Dwele: Flying.

If you could evoke the essence of any one artist from the past in your music, who would it be?

Dwele: Marvin Gaye. He wrote music that changed the world and inspired the people.

This remix is like a good red wine that starts off slow with low acidity and explodes in the back of your mouth with the hearty aftertaste. Based on Kanye’s new outlook on life this simile seems appropriate. Kanye just goes off his entire rocker, beasting over Swizz sampling Snap! until it is exactly as the producer says: “all burnt up already.” A few weeks ago interweb-riots started when Kanye proclaimed Swizz Beatz one of the greatest producers of all time within the five minutes he was listening to a song by him. Swizz on the other hand is making quite a case for his title. We could’ve went without the Big Brother appearance but someone had to say that Taylor Swift line. Kanye was too busy co-signing the great Nicki Minaj.

Download: Kanye West f. Jay-Z, “Power” Remix

[The FADER]