Claude Kelly has written for everyone from Michael Jackson to Kelly Clarkson. Rap-Up TV caught up with the multi-platinum songwriter at the BMI Pop Awards, where he spoke about his latest work with two of pop’s biggest stars, Jessie J and Britney Spears.
Kelly has been in the lab with the British singer cooking up more hits for her sophomore album. “Jessie is doing something that right now would probably be unheard of in that she’s not apologizing for big vocals,” said Kelly, who penned “Price Tag” and “Domino.” “It’s a lot of big vocals, a lot of vocal tricks, but still huge pop choruses. She’s colorful and over the top so you’re gonna have that still.”
The almost is “98 percent done,” and she has been working with the same collaborators from her first album including Dr. Luke and Ammo. The first single, “Wild” featuring Big Sean and Dizzee Rascal, was co-written by Kelly.
He has also been brainstorming ideas for Britney Spears’ upcoming album with producers Danja and Ammo. “When I write for her, I kinda ignore the directions,” said Kelly, who co-wrote Spears’ 2008 hit “Circus.” “I just write what I think is a great pop song, and I’ve been lucky that she’s taken it two albums now.”
Following his performance on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” earlier in the week, J. Cole brought his music overseas during his set at BBC Radio 1′s Big Weekend in London. The Fayetteville MC served up hits from his 2011 debut and his Miguel-assisted single “Power Trip” off his forthcoming album Born Sinner, due June 18.
He recently debuted the third episode in his “Born Sinner” profile series starring his friend Ibrahim “IB” Hamad.
In addition to TLC, Born Sinner is set to feature other guests, but the only rapping on the album will come courtesy of Cole.
ScHoolboy Q serves up the soundtrack to your weekend with “Hell of a Night,” a new club record which premiered during the NBA Playoffs on TNT last night. The TDE rapper lives it up like there’s no tomorrow over the haunting beat, produced by DJ Dahi. Get out your seat and jam to this.
Meek Mill declares his elite status on the braggadocio-fueled “Levels.” The Maybach Music MC boasts about his money, cars, and women on the rattling street record, produced by Cardo Got Wings.
“Little ni**a, we don’t rock the same clothes, f**k the same hos, ’cause there’s levels to this shit,” he spits.
His mixtape Dreamchasers 3 was supposed to drop this month, but it has been delayed.
Vinny Guadagnino invited Lil Wayne into his living room on the premiere of MTV’s “The Show with Vinny.” On last night’s episode, the “Jersey Shore” star welcomed A$AP Rocky to his family’s New Jersey house for an Italian dinner.
After meeting Vinny’s family and snacking on bruschetta, the Harlem rapper stepped into his garage for an interview. While chilling on a sofa, he discussed the A$AP movement, living in a shelter, and the definition of A$AP.
His mother came in to bring them food and a gracious A$AP asked for ketchup.
“Let me warn you about black people. We eat a lot and we love hot sauce and ketchup,” he told her.
He was also introduced to Vinny’s crazy Uncle Nino and sat at the dinner table as his mother served a meal.
A$AP invited Vinny and his family over to his house, but next time A$AP’s mom will be cooking.
Stafford Brothers party with Lil Wayne, Christina Milian, and a kangaroo in the video for their dance-floor anthem “Hello.” The “Dip It Low” singer slides through the Australian duo’s house party, where she meets one of the brothers. After flirting with him, she sees him making out with another girl, but what if she never said hello?
Set the weekend off right with the Cash Money crew.
Dawn Richard sails into Memorial Day weekend with “Row (Safe to Shore),” a new song produced by Knotch and Magnificent. The Goldenheart singer, who is currently in the studio working on her sophomore album Blackheart, effortlessly navigates the calm waters. Enjoy the smooth ride.
He enlisted Missy Elliott for his debut, and now J. Cole is calling on another iconic act for Born Sinner. The Roc Nation rapper has collaborated with TLC on his sophomore album.
