Here we are again with a compelling live performance by Florence + the Machine singing "Cosmic Love" on the David Letterman Show. First off, who conjures up that kind of arrangement? Secondly, please understand that most late night talk show hosts don't just give out compliments to the live music guests. David especially keeps it real. They've learned how to speak around their negative thoughts and still make the guest(s) feel at home. "What a machine?" is what David said to the band while clapping his hands in their direction. Look out for this band! They have a following now, but I think it's about to swell significantly.

Hurry and watch these before they get snatched down!

This video was shot very much from an audience perspective, however I think Florence killed it. Her voice transcends like few other singers out today. I love this song in particular as my previous post illustrates HERE. SUPPORT TRUE TALENT!!!

- uhkeem

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Posted by Akim Bryant at 08:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

DETROIT | Wed Dec 8, 2010 3:30pm EST

DETROIT (Reuters) - Soul singer Aretha Franklin, who recently underwent surgery for an undisclosed health issue, was reported to be suffering from pancreatic cancer, the Detroit News said on its web site.

Publicists for the 68-year-old singer, who has canceled all her appearances through May 2011, could not immediately be reached for comment.

The Detroit News report on Wednesday cited a source familiar with the situation for the cancer diagnosis, an illness which the report pointed out has a poor prognosis.

Separately, the Fox television station in Detroit reported the same diagnosis for the "Queen of Soul," citing a close relative as the source. The report said she was doing "OK."

After the surgery, Franklin released a statement December 2 that she had undergone "highly successful surgery" but did not disclose the nature of her illness.

The legendary singer of 1960s hits like "Chain of Fools" and "Respect" had continued a busy schedule of touring and recording until late October.

In January 2009, she sang at the inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama.

(Writing by Andrew Stern, editing by Greg McCune)

Posted by rickyday at 03:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

We're gonna take UPL to a whole new level for 2011 and all the hard work to make that happen is going on right now. Hard work isn't as boring as it sounds though. What is essentially work can and should be fun as well. Yesterday I spent some quality time at SST Studios in Weehawken, New Jersey with the hot young singer-songwriter Nikko and the very talented Trey Lorenz and production duo OneMind talking collaboration, interviews, new music and more!

The music previewed for us was very exciting, creatively interesting and yet still true to Trey's roots as a true vocalist. Look out for some great new music from Trey in the near future, not to mention the exclusive interview, images and more coming to UPL.

(Ricky Day, Dan of One Mind Prod., Trey Lorenz, Nikko, seated Will aka Sounskeezy of One Mind Prod.)

(Dan of One Mind Prod., Trey Lorenz, Nikko, Trey's manager, Kemett Timms, seated Will aka Sounskeezy of One Mind Prod.)

Posted by rickyday at 05:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's official, after years of wrangling, rumors, corporate ill will and trademark lawsuits. Apple Corps (The Beatles owned entity) and EMI (The Beatles Record company) have closed a deal with Apple to sell Beatles songs in itunes. The image above is a screen shot of the iTunes store just moments ago. A press statement is expected from Apple within a few minutes and we'll keep you posted.

Posted by rickyday at 09:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's here at last the most anticipated music video of the year, Willow Smith's Ray Kay directed clip for her viral single "Whip My Hair" Tell us what you think.

Posted by rickyday at 04:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

As promised Urban Pop Life (UPL) is about to undergo an upgrade. The upgrade will include a design tweak, new features and new contributors to bring you fresh perspectives on the worlds of art, fashion, music, pop culture and more!

Today I have the pleasure of announcing the first of these new contributors, my dear friend and esteemed colleague Akim Bryant. Akim joins UPL to focus on all things music including multiple genres (R&B, pop, rock, soul), live music events, reviews and more.

Born and raised in Newark, N.J., Akim Bryant received his B.A. in Communication from William Paterson University in Wayne, N.J. Akim is an entertainment/media professional with over 10 years of work experience as a music programmer (radio & video) for Music Choice. Most recently, Akim decided it was time to change careers and left his job at Music Choice. Music and writing have always been his two passions in life so he has chosen now to pursue a successful career in journalism. Akim has on several occasions served as a contributor to GIANT magazine and SoulTracks. He has also written artist biographies for Lola Davis (singer/dancer), Julian Keyz (singer/songwriter/producer) and Margo Thunder (legendary singer/songwriter).

Attention publicists, promotion companies, etc. to contact Akim directly reach out to him at akim.bryant2@gmail.com. Of course you can still reach out to me directly as well during the transition. I'm excited to have such a talented and connected writer join our team. It's gonna be fiyah yawl!

Please join me in welcoming Akim to the UPL family.

Stay tuned for announcements about additional contributors coming soon. It's gonna be a great new season of POP.

Posted by rickyday at 12:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's right here, right now...the new Sade single 'Soldier of Love'

For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

Posted by rickyday at 09:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Kelis shout out to UPL from Ricky Day on Vimeo.

Shhhhhh can you keep a secret? I can't say how, but I can say i heard a new Kelis joint tonight and it is FIYAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by rickyday at 09:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Koko Dozo will be releasing their first EP for the Red Star Label this March! They'll be serving up the funkiest nastiest music they've ever done!!!!!!

Koko Dozo will be working with the amazing Marty Thau, who has an inspiration to them. Without him, you'd have never witnessed the New York Dolls, Suicide and many many other legendary artists who are the very fibers of Downtown NY music. This music shaped the trajectory Koko Dozo, and are a huge influence on Koko Dozo. It is a veritable dream come true to be able to work with the impresario and genius responsible for giving that music to the world. Needless to say, they will be serving up the very best funky post-disco madness that they can possibly offer!!!

So stay tuned y'all! It's a comin! It's a comin!

SPACE IS THE FACE!!!

Amy D. and Polarity 1/KOKO DOZO returns!!!!

Posted by rickyday at 02:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)