JumpinJack AJ

While a new solo album is in the works, it looks like there will be no more OutKast...at least for now... http://www.bet.com/news/celebrities/2014/10/03/andre-benjamin-on-outkast-that-ship-has-sailed.html?cid=socialMusicCeleb_20141003_32800836 Andre Benjamin on OutKast: 'That Ship Has Sailed' The rapper and actor talks limitations in music and portraying Jimi Hendrix. By Clay Cane Posted: 10/03/2014 08:45 AM EDT Andre Benjamin might be quiet on the music front, but the OutKast frontman is garnering rave reviews for his portrayal of the late, great Jimi Hendrix in the biopic All Is by My Side. The late guitar god changed the landscape of rock music, but his journey was cut short when he died at the age of 27. Written and directed by Oscar winner John Ridley, who penned the screenplay for 12 Years a Slave, the film examines the life of the “Purple Haze” singer before he became a star. Here, Benjamin talks to BET.com about becoming Hendrix, the future of OutKast and fame in 2014. How has playing Jimi Hendrix changed you? Not much, to be honest. People have asked that question, "Has it given you anything?" I've learned a couple of more chords — that's about it. Really, it was just a great experience. I can't say I took a lot away from it. I can't say I took away some big, life-changing thing. Jimi Hendrix is one of the first Black artists to be accused of not being Black enough — and even to this day, Hendrix isn't as embraced by the Black community. Why do you think there is a disconnect? It's funny you say that...I have no idea. Even to this day, most Black people don't like distorted guitars. If it is a sweet tone, they can deal with that but something about the distortion that kind of throws Black people off a lot. Depending on who you are, some Black people...I love it, [but] the majority of Black people, it's kind of like a dissonant sound that does not work in some kind of way. Jimi Hendrix appeared to be uncomfortable with fame. I get the sense you are, too. Yeah, it's odd...I think it's a personality thing, too. I think some people are built for it. I know friends, I know entertainers, they are just outgoing. They love it because that's their personality. I think it's how you grow up. I grew up an only child. I wasn't the cool kid in school. Once I got the attention...that energy coming to you, it kind of throws you off, especially in this day and age. It's so intense. The whole industry is built on people following you around and taking pictures or people trying to film you or people trying to TMZ you. It has become a biting industry. It's not good for people. I don't think it's good for entertainers. I don't think it's good for the whole music industry at all because it changes whatever you do. Imagine if TMZ would've been around in Hendrix's day... I don't think a lot of people would have made it. I really don't. I don't think we would've got a lot of things that we got. People act differently when they know they are being watched. What do you think Jimi Hendrix would’ve thought of OutKast? I think he would've thought we were interesting. I don't know if he would've liked us, I have no idea. I would hope he would've liked it, but maybe we would've been too down to earth for him. Is OutKast a chapter in your life that is now closed or do you see yourself going back to that? It's not up to me to close chapters because I'm not God or anything like that. But I can say, as the human side of me, I can say that that ship has sailed because I've done that before and I know how I am as a musician, as a person. I'm excited about new things. I think chemistry is really important. We were OutKast because of the chemistry, because of the excitement for wanting to be in the studio, because of the excitement of wanting to see what we could make. You just get to a point where you want to move on and see what's the next thing. It doesn't mean a confrontation thing at all; it's just a growth thing. Some bands last forever because they're still in it; they're still excited about the chemistry. They are still excited about each other. I'm just personally looking for something else. I think it's harder for Black artists to do something totally different. Miley Cyrus can do it, Taylor Swift can do it. Except for Tina Turner, I can't think of many Black artists who were able to totally try something new and be embraced. Do you feel that way? I do. I think Black people, we want comfort. I think we want to stay comfortable with stuff; we don't like a lot of changes. We just don't and I can understand that but I'm not here to please people in that way. I would hope somebody enjoys what we're doing, but I'm not really upset. I think I'm blessed that I've had success as a young guy. So now, if I sell 50,000 albums or whatever project, as long as I love what I'm doing, I'm fine with that because I've already had a career at this point. If I could sell a couple albums and a couple people come to the show, I could be surfing and help some more people come up in the industry — that's cool with me. If Jimi Hendrix lived, where do you think his career would've gone? It's hard to say because it's hard to go through a lot of ages. The Isley Brothers have probably done it the best; Aretha Franklin has done it in her own way. But, in the end, you have to kind of conform. But a lot of these non-conforming artists, I don't know if they would last because you get left behind if you don't conform. It's kind of hard. Was it hard as an artist and actor to not have the Hendrix family support for the film? It wasn't hard at all. I think it would've been cool if we could've had support from the family. Only in a kind of spirit way to know that they were happy and smiling on board. But from day one, [with] the script that was written, it never required any of that. It probably would've been cool to end the movie on a Hendrix song that people know, but I think [not having their support] was the biggest blessing for us because it forced us to make a different kind of movie. It forced us to get into this part of Hendrix that people don't get to see on YouTube.

I just realized something. He doesn't do these random performances to hold us over....he does them to hold himself over. There WILL be new music.

PRINCE - Clouds Art Official Cage (2014) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AkCJcVf6vo If you peep the video, you have to get though the silly intro.

LILY ALLEN - Insincerely Yours Sheezus (2014) I love this song. Even if you don't expect to like this song, you can probably groove to this beat.

I agree on the name. Plus, as a new artist who already created a buzz with Ayah, it makes no sense.to drop that name. The stuff I initially heard under "Merna" was much more experimental compared to her R&B/Soul stuff she did with Jeff, so it kinda made sense, but the videos give us the impression she's going back to her original style.

Merna (formally knows as Ayah from her work with DJ Jazzy Jeff) has a new album coming out in about a month. She should have somewhat of a following on his forum, so here are a few videos she put together to set the vibe for her upcoming album. You'll see a nod to Jeff in the third video. This is wear poetry meets life, meets soul. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_DtYPv-co http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYTzKVtV8jU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_vLJYfyFyQ

I used to listen to this non-stop before L+F was released.

I think it's because Hip-Hop is a modern art form. I guess rock is too, but Hip-Hop is even more fresh. We're still figuring out where it goes and how it lasts. It's shelf date is pretty short for most artists in terms of commercial success and commercial success is unfortunately looked up on as over all success. It's look at as a young boy's game because the younger generation seem to be the only ones likely to get success...which is why we have no leaders on the charts. I feel that we are in a time where a handful of the legends keep pressing on and touring. I'm hoping it creates a new thinking.

It looks like he's had a change of heart. It's all good news, but he doesn't mention new OutKast music. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://thesource.com/2014/09/26/andre-3000-just-to-be-clear-theres-no-retirement/ Andre 3000: “Just To Be Clear, There’s No Retirement” Andre 3000 has done quite a few interviews lately. And, by quite a few, we mean 3, which is a lot for the classically introverted one-half of Outkast. After opening up for an emotional interview with The New York Times and sitting down with Ellen Degeneres, Andre 3000 finds himself on the cover of Billboard magazine, where he opens up about his solo career, Outkast, and his future in Hollywood. It’s been a very hectic year for Andre, who has spent the majority of 2014 in a place he rarely finds himself, and is admittedly uncomfortable in: the forefront. He and his partner-in-rhyme, Big Boi, have performed at nearly every major music festival across the nation and the border, ranging from Coachella and Governor’s Ball to Drake‘s OVO Fest. We haven’t been granted access to Andre’s full interview, but Billboard did provide a few excerpts which you can read below. Solo Album While there’s one in the works, he’s not rushing it: “I haven’t even started on [it],” says Benjamin. “I’ve got to find something I’m excited about.” More Movies “I do read scripts,” he says. “But I have to be excited about it to really fully throw myself into it. The older I get, I don’t know what my decisions will be. I may start just taking roles just to support myself, just kind of keep busy.” He’s Turned Down $100,000 Guest Verses A rare Andre 3000 guest verse, which goes for at least $100,000, isn’t a guaranteed thing: “[in some cases] I had to call them back and say, ‘I’m sorry, I couldn’t come up with nothing cool.’” We’d probably beg to differ. Retirement “To be clear, there’s no retirement,” Benjamin says of his rap career. Which, obviously, is a relief.

I know I've seen the Club MTV performance before...not sure about the one at the Apollo. One thing I love about these performances is hearing FP deliver the lines. Some of the comedy that's over 20 years sold is funny again hearing him deliver it slightly differently. I love what Jeff does with the music right before the second verse. in the Apollo performance. Their interaction and Jeff doing those voices is hilarious. The Apollo audience appears to be pretty tame, but they definitely show love to the dancers and at the very end of the performance. When you compare the performances, FP is clearly more comfortable and free on a larger stage...lol

I've been trying to keep up with the videos online, as I don't have TV. This is the perfect opportunity for him. He's always had a natural gift for dancing, though we've all seen it for the sake of comedy most of the time. I also love the story of FP getting clearance for "Jiggy." That's exactly what the people want to see! Genius.

I love that song! Creative and fun lyrics. Plus the production sounds like something off of A Tribe Called Quest's 'The Love Movement.' THIS is the reason I visit this page, I wanna revisit some classic and be introduced to music I've never heard. I don't even read the posts that don't have a video or song included. MUSIQ SOULCHILD + SYLEENA JOHNSON - Feel The Fire 9INE (2013) Not necessarily everything I hoped this album would be, but I think it's important to revisit music...

DIGITAL UNDERGROUND w/ BLACK SPOOKS - Fool Get A Clue Future Rhythm (1996) One of my fav albums of '96.

http://www.today.com/entertainment/whitney-houstons-first-live-album-set-november-release-1D80148690 Clive Davis to release Whitney Houston's first live album: 'This is her legacy' TODAY staff Clive Davis, the five-time Grammy winner credited with discovering Whitney Houston in the early 1980s, will release her first-ever live album nearly three years after the death of the legendary singer. "She was without question the greatest vocalist in the world," Davis told TODAY's Hoda Kotb during a special visit Tuesday to announce the release of "Whitney Houston Live: Her Greatest Performances," which will be out Nov. 10 as a CD and DVD. "There was no one like her," he added. The release will feature 16 live songs on CD and 19 performances on DVD. Memorable tracks will include "You Give Good Love" in a 1985 "Tonight Show" appearance; "The Star Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XXV in 1991; and "I Will Always Love You" at The Concert for a New South Africa in 1994. The cover to the posthumous live release by Whitney Houston. Davis, who was often present for her "incredible live performances," said "it was a marvel that she was as powerful and as incredible as she was. But bittersweet that she died too young." Houston died on Feb. 11, 2012, at age 48. Whitney Houston, 1963-2012 Kevin Winter Born into a musical family, the singer's stunning voice wowed many, but drug use, erratic behavior and a tumultuous marriage ravaged her image. The release comes with the blessing of Houston's family, including her mother Cissy, who Davis said helped him assemble the tracks. "This is her legacy," Davis said of Houston.

LOL! Such a great time in music and JJ+FP's history. I'm wondering if any of those "Will 2K" singles cracked anyone in the head...LOL

I can't remember the last time I was this hyped for a new artist!!

I don't mind the song, but I'm hoping it's a filler track. I have mixed feelings about the video. I like that it's simple. I miss music videos that don't have costumes, make up, special effects. I like that it's just a straight video to a song. However, there isn't anything unique or special about it. It's better than "Ratchet" was for the original version of Authentic, but this song definitely isn't going to be added to any LL mixes I make.

I feel like he'll definitely do cameos after 40, but I think it'll take inspiration to commit to full albums. He seems so far from music most of the time. If you've read recent interviews about the OutKast reunion, he was kinda reluctant to do it.

LL just dropped a couple of verses on a remix of Tinashe's (R&B's sexiest legit newcomer) "2 On." While it's lyrically nothing groundbreaking, it's dope and something to nod your head to in the car. Plus, the reworking of Dr. Dre's "G Thang " sounds NICE!

Check out this video with Snoop Dogg and Shawn Stockman (of Boyz II Men) giving JJ+FP crazy props and talking about their impact during the 80's. They talk about them early in the video, but the whole thing is actually very interesting and funny.

My thought exactly. FP wouldn't promise something like this to Jeff if it wasn't going to happen. At this place in his music career and where music stands, it makes more sense to do a JJ+FP album than a Will Smith album. All 80's, 90's, and some 2000's artists that are still making music aren't doing it for the mainstream (other than LL Cool J and Emininem...because he can). All the Drake/Future nonsense is so far from FP's style, that it's hard to see him trying to compete like he always has. Regardless, if he's working with Jazzy, we know the sound and the essence of the music will be correct. If he does end up doing another Will Smith album, the frame work will be properly set during that time with Jazzy.

This is big deal...great thing are going to come out of this!!

Well, I can't say I respect his reason for considering this. Age ain't nothing but a number...and saying you love terrible commercial rappers like Lil' Wayne, Drake, and Future shows a truly twisted look at the music game. http://www.centrictv.com/music/articles/2014/09/03/andre-3000-to-retire-next-year.html Andre 3000 To Retire Next Year? The 39-year-old rapper set to bow out after he turns 40 Justin Dwayne Joseph Posted: 09/03/2014 10:34 AM EDT Filed Under Andre 3000 Music News Antwan Patton Big Boi Outkast Big Boi Andre 3000 is considering retiring from the rap game next year after he turns 40. "I remember, at like 25, saying, 'I don't want to be a 40-year-old rapper,'" he told the New York Times. "I'm 39 now, and I'm still standing by that. I'm such a fan that I don't want to infiltrate it with old blood." The Outkast star, born Andre Benjamin, also revealed that he recruits his teenage son Seven (his son with singer Erykah Badu), to critique his verses because he is no longer confident about what will resonate with young music listeners. "I struggle with the verses. I don't sit around and write raps, I just don't. Now the only time I'm really inspired to write raps is if an artist that I enjoy invites me to their party. So if Future calls and says, 'Hey man, I want you to do this,' I don't want to let Future down. I don't want to let Lil Wayne or Drake down, because I love them ... My son, he's 16. Him and his buddies, they'll be in the car, and I'll say, 'Hey, what do you think about this verse?' That's my gauge at this point. I don't have the pulse. Part of art is knowing when not to put paint on. And when to change your medium." Benjamin, who recently reunited with his Outkast bandmate Antwan "Big Boi" Patton for a series of shows this past summer, will most likely mark his retirement with a new album.

MARKY MARK + ONE LOVE - Irie Vibe Fear Soundtrack (Unreleased) (1996)

HA HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!! It's comin.'