Remembering Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Two years ago, the world received major shock when they discovered Michael Jackson was dead. While he was not a hip hop artist, Jackson has been very influential to all aspects of music. Throughout his lengthy career, Michael Jackson has worked with nearly every genre.

Michael Jackson's history in the music industry goes without saying. As a member of The Jackson 5ive, as a child, he helped keep Motown Records on top. Later in his career, as an adult, he helped Jive and Epic Records of Sony make records that still exist, sales-wise.

Many consider Jackson's 1982 release, Thriller, to be the greatest album of all-time. Selling 25 million copies in the United States, alone, it is the highest-selling, by far. Today, Hip Hop Vibe is going to take a trip dowm memory lane, featuring videos and interviews of Jackson, along with the regular dose of music videos, new songs, articles, and interviews.

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Jim Jones projected to sell 18,000 copies First Week with "Capo"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Before he was a rapper, Jim Jones was noted for his savvy business skills. He helped negotiate the deal that landed Diplomat Records a deal with Roc-A-Fella Records. This deal resulted in Cam'ron taking home a platinum plaque. Soon, Jim Jones decided he also wanted to rap.

Jones released his first three albums on Koch Records (now E1) and his third album, Hustler's P.O.M.E., made him famous. While he was a recoding artist for Koch, Jim Jones was also an A&R for the major label, Sony Records. Soon, Jones deicded the next major artist he would land was himself.

But, following an unsuccessful release with Sony, Jim Jones decided to complete his contract with E1 Music. Currently, Jones is promoting his final E1 album, Capo. Following the release of Capo, the next album from Jim Jones will be released through Interscope Records. But, his current album is projected to sell between 15,000 and 18,000 copies in its first week.

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