Blogamole › Alicia Keys

By Larry Yepez Jr.

If you haven’t heard of JBalvin yet, remember the name, because you will be hearing quite a bit from this Colombian music phenomenon. The talented Colombian is on a mission to conquer the world! JBalvin just signed an international recording contract with EMI/Capitol Latin, which is putting Balvin on its roster of artists. The record company also named him Ambassador of the Latin Urban Movement , putting him in the perfect path to achieve his global dream.

Balvin came onto the music scene in Colombia with fresh beats and seductive lyrics that instantly captivated audiences. His music videos have surpassed 35 million views on YouTube and he's on the verge of reaching two million followers in Twitter and Facebook.

Balvin gained notice Latin America when he was given the highest industry awards in Colombia. He got 3 SAYCO Awards (Sociedad de Autores y Compositores de Colombia) for the song Sin Compromiso in the categories of National Songwriter, Urban Song and Most Voted. He also got several Shock Awards and this year is nominated in the most prestigious categories: Artist or Group of the Year, Best Song on Radio and Best Urban Artist or Group. A Shock Award represents the highest level of recognition an artist can receive in Colombia.

A couple of weeks ago Balvin got a Gold Record for the sales on his album REAL. Balvin is the first Colombian Urban Artist to ever get this honor! So at the top of his game, Tr3s had a one on one with Balvin and here is what he had to say:

Tr3s:  You just signed a contract with Capitol/EMI, that's a pretty big deal! How are you taking this in?

JBalvin: I’m very happy with this honor. There's a lot of responsibility with this title of Ambassador of the Latin Urban Movement. But I'm excited about what's to come. The idea we had was to globalize the JBalvin image and after several meetings at different record labels, I can say like my song, "EMI me cautivó". I saw that we had the same vision  as to the direction I want to take my career.

I see a lot of work ahead of us with this alliance. I have been 9 years as an independent artist with a lot of discipline and now I am part of the EMI roster,  I am very happy to be part of this family.

Tr3s: What do you plan to achieve through this deal both in the U.S. and in the rest of the world?

JBalvin: I want to be part of the new school of great artists of the Urban Genre!

Tr3s: Starting your career you were compared to Daddy Yankee and recently you mentioned that you wanted to be the Jay Z of Latin Urban Music. What’s this all about?

JBalvin: Every artist has his Muse, and I have always been a fan of Daddy Yankee and also have always admired Jay Z. These artists show strong character and a lot of discipline and I like that, I like for people to see that in myself as well, I think these characteristics make strong artists.

Tr3s: Which other artists would you like to do collaborations with?

JBalvin: Whew.. We'd probably be here all afternoon if I told you all of them, but just to name a few, I'd love to work with Drake, Jay Z, Alicia Keys, Daddy Yankee and Bruno Mars.

Balvin's new production will show his versatility as he dares to mix up rhythms like reggae, salsa, rap, bachata and electronica without losing his essence nor abandoning the genre that put him on the map. He did give the scoop that he will be doing a duet with Don Omar and a collaboration with Zion y Lennox.

Check out JBalvin as our featured artists on this month's Descubre & Download!

Tags Alicia Keys, Blogger: Larry Yepez Jr, Bruno Mars, Capitol Latin/EMI Music, Daddy Yankee, Descubre & Download, Don Omar, drake, JayZ, jBalvin, SAYCO Awards, zion y lennox

By Simone Hilliard

Not only is Alicia Keys giving a surprise performance at New York City's Joe's Pub Tuesday (June 28) to celebrate the re-release of her multi-platinum five-time Grammy award winning debut album Songs In A Minor, but the talented mami is also adding a new title to her ever-growing repertoire, Broadway Producer.

Keys joins the likes of Jay-Z and Bono who have also taken their talents to the great white way; Hov co-producing 2009's "Fela!" and Bono producing the score for the often plagued production of 2011's "Spiderman."

Alicia will co-produce "Stick Fly," Lydia R. Diamond's account of an affluent African-American family's weekend at their Martha's Vineyard home. The premise of the play reads,

"The adult sons, aspiring novelist Kent and golden boy plastic surgeon Flip, have each brought their respective ladies (one black and one white) to meet the parents. Food, drink and Trivial Pursuit tangle with class, race and identity politics in this contemporary comedy of manners."

On why she chose to get involved with Broadway production, Keys admitted that she is passionate about "Stick Fly" because it "portrays black America in a way that we don't often get to see in entertainment".

The 30-year-old singer/ songwriter continued in a statement:

"This is a story that everybody can relate to. I know it will touch all audiences who will find a piece of themselves somewhere inside this house."

"Stick Fly," which has already played and received critical acclaim in Chicago, Boston and D.C., will open on Broadway at the Lyceum Theatre in December, with previews beginning on November 18.

Will you attend? Sound off in the comments, or @MTV3.

Tags Alicia Keys, Bono, Broadway, Fela!, Grammy, Jay Z, Songs in a Minor, Spiderman, Stick Fly

By Simone Hilliard

A slew of designers, models, stylists, journalists, make-up artists and fashionistas descended on NYC's Lincoln Center this week for the premiere of the hottest fall and spring runway collections.

But New York Fashion Week isn't just a collection of fashion shows. It's the who's who event of the fashion world. While our favorite designers unveiled their latest avant-garde looks, we compiled a list of celebrities lucky (or stylish) enough to land front-row seats to each show. Here are a few of Tr3s' favorite celebs fashionable enough to sit front and center:

Vanessa Hudgens: The Beastly star was seen at Tibi, Jeremy Scott, Marchesa, Marc Jacobs, Yigal Azrouel and Diesel Black Gold.

Chicago emcee Kanye West may have skipped the Grammys, but Yeezy made sure to attend the Rodarte, Jeremy Scott and Alexander Wang shows.

Super Bowl performer Fergie attended shows featuring modern (and eccentric) classics, including Ana Sui, Marc Jacobs and Diane Von Furstenberg.

Voto Latino co-founder Rosario Dawson was spotted at G-Star Raw and Tommy Hilfiger, obviously continuing her style of relaxed denim and clean lines.

R&B beauty Keri Hilson, who was only able to attend the last two days of fashion week, had a perfect view at both Anna Sui and Diesel Black Gold.

New York native Kat DeLuna made it out to Rebecca Minkoff, where she ran into Philly's own Eve, who was also seen at Marchesa.

New mom Alicia Keys took an evening off of baby duty to enjoy Alexander Wang and Altuzarra.

Did we miss anyone? Add to our list in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 2011 Fashion Week, Alexander Wang, Alicia Keys, Altuzarra, Anna Sui, Diane Von Furstenberg, Diesel Black Gold, Eve, Fergie, G-Star Raw, Grammys, Jeremy Scott, Kanye West, Kat DeLuna, keri hilson, Marc Jacobs, Marchesa, Rebecca Minkoff, Rodarte, Rosario Dawson, Super Bowl, Tibi, Tommy Hilfiger, Vanessa Hudgens, Yigal Azrouel

Tags Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga, Usher

For months now, Kanye West has been giving fans a taste of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy through his G.O.O.D. Friday initiative, but for Rihanna, he rolled out his entire album — a move that had just as much to do with their friendship as it did with convincing her to jump on a track.

Image : Film Magic

Rihanna told MTV News at Sunday's EMAs:

"[Kanye] actually played his album to me, like, three months ago, and 'All of the Lights,' that was one of my favorite songs. So when he asked me to come up to the studio at 2 o'clock in the morning, I had to, because I loved it, I knew it was that song."

Rihanna, of course, lent her vocals to the hook of Yeezy's popular "All of the Lights," which also features contributions from a bevy of artists including Alicia Keys, John Legend, The-Dream, Fergie, Kid Cudi, Elton John, Ryan Leslie, Charlie Wilson, Tony Williams and La Roux's Elly Jackson.

The track — which is featured prominently in Ye's "Runaway" film — leaked last week to rave reviews, joining a number of other tracks from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy that have debuted before the album's release. Of course, West fans received a special surprise on Tuesday (November 9) when the album leaked in its entirety, much to Yeezy's chagrin we're sure.

The album, due November 22, will feature five different covers, which West unveiled last week during a Ustream broadcast.

Have you listened to "All of the Lights" or My Beatiful Dark Twisted Fantasy? Sound off on the album in the comments, or @MTV3.

Tags Alicia Keys, Elton John, EMAs, Fergie, John Legend, Kanye West, Kid Cudi, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Rihanna, Ryan Leslie, The-Dream

Chelsea Clinton wasn't the only new celebrity bride this weekend: Contrats, Alicia Keys! The 29-year-old singer and Swizz Beatz made it official in a private ceremony on Saturday (July 31) by the Mediterranean Sea.

Team Blogamole was surprised (or were we?) when the couple announced their engagement and the baby news in May. On a very spiritual tip, Keys' rep confirmed the nuptials were conducted by the couple's friend, Dr. Deepak Chopra. Nice!

The pregnant bride looked glamourous in an ivory silk gown by Vera Wang and carried a bouquet of purple flowers, while her hubby wore a tuxedo by Tom Ford.

Beatz shared his joy via Twitter on Saturday: "Wowwwwwwwwww," Beatz wrote.

He later posted, "It's a brand new day I feel like Nas and Diddy song love y'all and blessing!"

Source: [CBS News]

What do you think about Alicia's wedding? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Alicia Keys, Chisme, Gossip, latin, photo, Photos, Swizz Beatz, Tr3s, Wedding

By Simone Hilliard

ELLE Magazine celebrated their first-ever "Women in Music" event last night (June 9) at New York City's Highline Ballroom with live performances by Kelis, Patti LaBelle and The Like.

While Kelis and The Like were scheduled performers, Patti was a surprise guest. However, LaBelle seemed just as surprised as party-goers! Her impromptu performance drove fans to the stage, but the original Lady Marmalade confused the lyrics to her well known song and ended her performance by thanking Vogue, not ELLE!

Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images


Kelis saved the day by opening her set with a remix to "Milkshake" mashed with Madonna's "Holiday", and continued with "Trick Me" and her new song "Acapella" off her upcoming fifth studio album Flesh Tone.

Photo via Jerritt Clark/WireImage


In addition to Kelis and The Like, other performers honored in the July issue are Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Ke$ha, Christina Aguilera and more.

Editor-In-Chief Robbie Myers weighed in on the first "Women in Music" event:

"ELLE has always been a huge advocate of strong, talented, and powerful women and has consistently covered music throughout all sections of the magazine. I am thrilled to finally bring the Women In Music portfolio to life in what is to become a yearly event."

On how Elle chose their honorees, Myers continued:

"They all have a look, and they all express different things with their look. It's where performance and art and fashion come together."

Hip Hop emcee Fabolous and R&B star Cassie were on hand to help the mag celebrate, as was fashion designer Catherine Malandrino.

Tr3s Comunidad, what do you think of Elle's honorees? Which Women in Music inspire you most? Let us know below or @MTV3!

Tags Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Elle Magazine, Ke$ha, Kelis, Patti LaBelle, Photos, Rihanna, The Like, Women In Music

By Sharmaine Jones

There are two things sure to unite people: good music and competitive sports! The FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert delivered on half of that equation today (June 10) and will be sure to provide the latter on Friday (June 11), beginning at 10 AM ET on ESPN2!

The worlds biggest stars, including Juanes, Shakira, The Black Eyed Peas, and Alicia Keys filled the 40,000-seat Orlando Stadium in Soweto/Johannesburg, South Africa, giving once in a lifetime performances.

The concert respectfully began with an introduction speech by the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, and FIFA President, Sepp Blatter. Both addressed the fact that this is the first World Cup played on African soil and that the program is dedicated to “1 Goal Education For All”, a campaign using the power of futbol to provide a lasting educational impact.

Then, they exited the stage and the party began!

First up: The Black Eyed Peas. The band didn't disappoint with their futuristic, whimsical costumes and powerhouse set. Hit songs “Where is the Love” and “Meet me Halfway” carried the trio as they stood around for most of their time on stage, but they seemed to gain momentum during “I Gotta a Feeling,” when they seemed to get their second wind. We must admit, we couldn't help wondering if they were able to valet their spaceship outside of the venue!

Read more...

Tags 2010 World Cup, Alicia Keys, Black Eyed Peas, Concert, FIFA, Juanes, recap, Shakira, show

By Sugey Palomares

Although pregnancy rumors were swirling since April, Alicia Keys recently confirmed that she is in fact expecting her first child with partner Swizz Beatz. According People.com, the low-key couple are also engaged to be married!

Alicia performing with tummy bump on May 8th

The "If I Ain't Got You" singer is set to wed in a private ceremony later on this year. Besides sharing the baby and wedding news, Alicia Keys performed at a charity Black Ball event for "Keep A Child Alive" in London yesterday (May 27). Congrats on the great news!

Sources: [People, NME]

Is Alicia's pregnancy a surprise to you? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Alicia Keys, Chisme, Gossip, Latin Music, MTV, Musica Latina, Tr3s

With conflict over immigration spreading across the nation, the timing for Alicia Keys' new video couldn't be better. In "Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)," racial strife rears it's ugly head, giving viewers an inside look on what it feels like to be discriminated against.

The video premiered today (May 12) on BET's "106 & Park" and Vevo, taking viewers to a small Southern town where color lines challenge relationships.

We have the video and the latest on Alicia Keys, after the jump! Read more...

Tags Alicia Keys, Premiere, racial tension, SB 1070, Un-thinkable (I'm Ready), Video