Upfront/Konvict/SRC/Universal Motown multi-platinum selling artist, producer and entrepreneur, Akon, announced today that his third album - ‘Freedom’ - will be available on slotMusic™, a new form of DRM-free MP3 music on a microSD card beginning Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008 - the same date his album will be released digitally and on CD.

Akon on amazon.com

Akon on amazon.co.uk

The new slotMusic card will give fans a chance to enjoy Akon’s album in a variety of ways and on a host of devices - from their microSD-enabled mobile phones to their computers and MP3 players.

Going beyond the original thirteen songs that are on the CD version of the album, the slotMusic Freedom card will carry a mini-documentary video on Akon’s life and influences, the new video for “Right Now (Na Na Na),” and exclusive hi-res images and songs including fellow SRC artist Tami Chynn’s debut single “Frozen” featuring Akon.

“When I went into the studio to put together ‘Freedom’, I focused on making more than just a collection of songs; I made an album that tells a story from the first track to the last,” said Akon. “To me, slotMusic is the return of the album in all its glory, but updated for today’s mobile world.”

Steve Rifkind, Chairman of SRC Records and SRC Marketing, who was instrumental in establishing the slotMusic and Akon partnership stated “SRC has always offered its artists the freedom to share their music through new technology. slotMusic will allow Akon’s fans to listen to his new record on their phones, MP3 players and PCs that support the microSD format,” he added.

“The release of Freedom on the slotMusic card is a chance for me to give my fans a full entertainment experience using devices they already have in hand,” added Akon.

slotMusic is an innovative physical format for music with a pre-existing install base for DRM-free music. The plug-and-play slotMusic card eliminates the compatibility questions and the hassles of managing files, downloading here, transferring there by offering music in a physical format that is simple to use, works well with many different devices.

The near ubiquity of microSD slots makes slotMusic cards the ultimate format for creating a true portable music experience. SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), inventor of the microSD format, is leading the technology development and standardization behind slotMusic.

To preorder Akon’s slotMusic card and for more information please visit:

slotMusic Official Website

About Akon
An internationally recognized Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum selling artist, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Akon is one of the most influential voices in music today. In addition to having two multi-platinum albums, 21 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 and over 145 guest appearances with artists such as Michael Jackson and Gwen Stefani to his credit, Akon is the only artist to ever accomplish the feat of holding both the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 charts twice.

In addition to the anticipated December 2nd release of his third album Freedom, 2009 is shaping up to be the biggest year of Akon’s career as the Konvict CEO is prepping releases for T-Pain, Lady Gaga, Kardinal Offishal, Flipsyde Dolla and Colby O’Donis. His fashion line, Konvict Clothing is set to launch in January with an upscale line, aptly named Aliuane, is set for release in the Fall. Finally, Konfidence Foundation, the charity Akon has personally funded for four years, has teamed up with songwriter/philanthropist Peter Buffett to launch Is There Something I Can Do?, a Google of sorts for charitable foundations.

Akon Official Website
Akon MySpace

Mello Tha Guddaman (back left) & Skooda Chose (back right) of Twista’s G.M.G.

GWHH is back with another exclusive interview with 2 members of Twista’s Get Money Gang: Mello Tha Guddamann & Skooda Chose! They were just part of a compilation album from G.M.G. that was released on November 11th called, Who’$ Got Next, and they took the time out to talk to us about a little more about themselves, the album, hip hop, Chicago, and our future president: Barack Obama! Peep the transcript below as well as the goodies below, including a BUY link for the album, Who’$ Got Next! Enjoy!

GWHH: Can you guys explain what singles you got comin’ up on the G.M.G. album, Who’$ Got Next, which is available everywhere NOW?

Mello: Well, I got that “Ridah” joint comin’ up, poppin’ off from the compilation. It’s been gettin’ crazy love out here in Chicago and a few other radio stations. We’re gonna have a couple other joints on there, but basically my end of the compilation - I’m bringing me, different sitatuions that I go through. It basically is what it is. Who’$ Got Next is lettin’ the poeple know what’s going down in Chicago, the talent that Twista’s got that he’s presentin. He’s got some artists on his label that he’s puttin’ out there and he wants his fans to decide who’s got next!

Skooda: On my end, I got the “U Feelin’ Me” single, released through the internet the other day, 10,000 hits and it’s on BET and MTV now. I’m just bringing the lyrical side to the table, the bars that you wanna hear. The rewind factor, man. That’s what Skooda bring, you dig?

GWHH: How do you guys feel about the state of hip hop today and how do you feel that each of you can contribute to the progression of hip hop in Chicago and in the genre as a whole?

Mello: It’s more of a business man. People tryin’ to pay their bills. But at the end of the day, it’s still about the struggle, tryin to get out the hood, talkin’ about what they go through. It’s still about that passion man and overcoming your adversity in life. That’s what hip hop is about. Gettin’ outta the hood man, then people hear their story. Everyone got their own way of tellin’ their story whether it’s in New York, down south, or wherever. I dont think hip hop.. I think it has grown actually. It’s gone global and there’s more money out there for everyone.

Skooda: Well first off, hip hop is not dead. Hip hop is gonna always be alive because there’s always someone out there w/ a different sotry that’s gonna have somethin’ else to say. Hip hop ain’t dead, it’s just different. Like I say, Obama the president, anything’s possible. Shit happens like that, you know. It is what it is. And we bringin’ that new school! We got our own way of thinking, our own lifestyles that we basically talkin’ about, you know what I’m sayin? I’m pretty sure someone out there feelin’ it or else we wouldn’t be in the position that we’re in, if we wasn’t talkin’ about nothin’.

GWHH: You know, you guys are from Chicago. How has each of your upbringing and experiences in the city have developed you as an artist as well as a person?

Mello: It made me… If I ain’t been what I been through then I wouldn’t be the person I am today. As far as the lyrics and the things I put in my stories man. It made me more of an exprienced person and an artist. We been doin’ all the cars, all the chicks, all that man, so I look at the game from a different point of view. I’m more of a mature artist for my age and that puts me ahead of a lot of MCs. My experiences made me who I am, comin’ up from K-Town, West Side. I been shot at like 10 times, that was last year! I just got that killer instinct. Everything in life, music or whatever. I’m ready.

Skooda: Well I’m human, you know what I’m sayin? I go through what everybody else goes through. It helps me as a person, I don’t feel like it helps me because it is what it is. It’s life. I can talk about stuff that I’ve done and it helps me with my music. You can’t like music if you got nothin to talk about. You can’t play basketball without a ball in your hand. I feel like bein’ through what I been through and witnessin’ what I’ve witnessed it helps me a lot with my music. As far as an artist, it helps me a lot but as a person, it is what it is, just like with everyone else.

GWHH: Mello, I was wondering if you can enlighten us and the readers about what you feel separates you from the rest? In your bio, it says you rap and sing, can you talk about that a little more?

Mello: I do me, you know? I rap and I sing. I’m versatile. I can write, I can write for ya. I do all that too. With me, I just do me man. Whatever I feel like when I’m poppin’ in the studio. I say what I want. I’ma do me. If you’re not a fan of me, Support me. I don’t care. That’s my thing, I don’t care. I’ma say what I feel. If I feel “fuck you” then I’ll say “fuck you!”. You prolly said before or done before. Keepin’ it 100 percent you know. And they be like, “damn, I feel it!”, you know what I’m sayin? I’m keepin’ it poppin’ and keepin’ it real.

GWHH: Skooda, what is it about Skooda Chose that’s gonna separate you from the rest of the pack in hip hop and more specifically, could you describe more about your style of “fly gangsterism”?

Skooda: Oh, you know all the chicks want that dude on the block who’s fly all the time, but gangsta at the same time. Keep them distinguished it’s all about how you do things, you know. Like that character in that movie, like that Robert DeNiro, like that Denzel man. Like the Jay-Z/T.I. mixture with the swag and the lyrics. It’s just bein’ you tho, bein’ a distinguished gentleman, man, how you handle your business. It’s how you handle it and handlin’ it right. It’s about lookin’ good while you’re doin it too. As far as what I’m bringin’ on the table, you know, once you listen. It’s all on the blogs I sound different than everyone out there man. It’s somethin’ you never heard of comin’ from Chicago. The blogs tellin’ you. Homie the truth, bar for bar. My style, I’m unique at that. Just bein’ real metaphorical with the words and then makin’ hits at the same time. It’s goin’ to be craziness.

GWHH: Yeah, right now Chicago is the place to be. It’s where the unique talent is comin’ from. And that stretches beyond music to the big news of the week with Barack Obama becoming the first black president in the United States! And I wanted to know what that means to you guys and what you think that means for the country?

Mello: I mean, first off, I’m happy man. Just to be alive and part of this history that was made because you got people like Jesse Jackson; hHe took it real hard because he was up when King was doin’ his thing. To see that man, it’s great. Whatever else happened in the future, as long as I was part of that, as long as I can say that I was part of history that I saw a black president. You know, I wasn’t fully payin’ attention to a lotta stuff what he was campaigning about, but the key points that I did hear, he really connected to me and..

Skooda: I’m happy also man. It’s history in the making. Obama man, that’s once in a lifetime man. You witness somethin’ like that, it’s about time. Long overdue, for all the poeple who died, ancestors, grandmas who been through all the harsh treatment, man. It’s like, man… I don’t know how to explain it, but it’s rewarding, you know what I’m sayin? To see him elected, I really didn’t think it was possible at first, but it shows you man, if you believe you can achieve.

GWHH: Yep, that’s what he’s gonna inspire.

Mello: Yeah, I’m happy for the dude, hopefully he can get in there and get shit straight. You know, there’s a lotta stuff you needa fix in there. By him gowin up, strugglin a lil’ bit too, I got a feelin’ he gon make it right, you know what I’m sayin’?

GWHH: Alright, that’s the truth. Any last shoutouts or plugs to let the people know?

Mello: November 11th. Who’$ Got Next! Next best thing since Obama man! Make sure ya’ll go get that! If you wanna get a taste what’s goin’ on before, hit me on the myspace.com/mellothaguddaman or myspace.com/twista. Get it poppin’!

Skooda: Yeah, like he said, November 11th! Get that Who’$ Got Next. If you want a taste about what’s on that, hit me on myspace.com/skoodachosethetruth as well or Google me or YouTube me!

Skooda Chose “I Don’t Know”

FULL, CDQ *Tibs Fav.™

BUY: Twista Presents G.M.G. - Who’$ Got Next [iTunes]

~ Sgt. Tibs

1)You recently played Saturday Night Live. What was that like? Did you get to hang out or get any one on one time with Josh Brolin or any of the castmembers?

SNL was ridiculous !! It was so surreal and exciting. We don’t get the show at home in the U.K but I’ve seen a few episodes here and there on youtube. It was such a moment, ill remember it forever.
Everyone was so nice, I got to see a lot of josh brolin. I’m a huge goonies fan!

2)I remember seeing you for the first time on Lily Allen’s talk show, and she was quite taken with you. Any possibility of a duet of some kind?

I love lily! I’d never rule out a duet with her, I think she’s fabulous!

3)I understand you’re coming for another round of US tour dates early next year. Any idea of who you might be playing with?

Well the tour is my own, its a headline tour! I’ve been offered quite a few supporting slots but at the moment I want to get out and sing to my fans. Hopefully later on ill still have the opportunity to go on
the road with someone else.

4)You seem to be more comfortable with ’stripped-back’ peformances than some of your soul contemporaries. Do you like a big production or do you prefer having a stage with just you and a guitar?

I like any kind of gig. I like big ones with my full band because they’re dramatic and more show like. But I also love smaller intimate shows because you can see everyone and talk to everyone. So either or,
so long as I get to sing I really don’t mind!

5)What would we find playing on 8 year old Adele’s home stereo?

Spice Girls, East 17, Spice Girls, Spice Girls, Spice Girls…

6)What current artists are really exciting you?

Santogold, Sam Sparro and Laura Marling!

7)Wildest/most memorable gig?

I did a show in paris in july. It was one of the best shows ever. But after I’d finished, the audience wanted more. I’d sung ALL of my songs plus covers, so had nothing else to give. They started a riot
literally. It was hilarious!

8)What stage are you at with the new album? Any idea when it might be coming out?

I’m starting to get back into the mode of writing, but as of yet nothing I’ve written is particularly grabbing me. I don’t have a deadline with it. I definitely won’t be releasing anything I’m not
happy with and that isn’t a step up from 19.

9)Tell us something about yourself we can’t find on Google

I’m the biggest reality tv fan!!

Adele will return to the states this January:

Jan 14 Somerville Theatre Somerville, Massachusetts
Jan 16 Theater of the Living Arts Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Jan 17 9:30 Club WASHINGTON, Washington DC
Jan 19 Park West Chicago, Illinois
Jan 20 Fitzgerald Theatre Saint Paul, Minnesota
Jan 22 Bluebird Theater Denver, Colorado
Jan 23 Murray Theatre Salt Lake City, Utah
Jan 26 Neumos Crystal Ball Reading Room Seattle, Washington
Jan 27 Wonder Ballroom Portland, Oregon
Jan 29 The Fillmore *UPGRADED TO WARFIELD THEATRE* San Francisco, California
Jan 30 Avalon *UPGRADED TO THE WILTERN* Los Angeles, California

http://www.myspace.com/adelelondon
Buy 19

- Sean

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I’ma go on the record right now with this. Homosexuals are probably not gonna like this album. I don’t want your faggot money any goddamn way. I don’t like it [homosexuality]. Carry that shit somewhere else.

Well, ever the intrepid reporter, I did a quick straw poll of the queers on my Google Chat list. None of the three who responded had ever heard of Trick Trick. So it looks like he doesn't have anything to worry about! Not only are gay people not buying your record, they don't know who the fuck you are.

Trick Trick doesn't seem to worry about being called a bigot. Hey, he can't help it that every time he turns on the TV, he's assaulted by "sissy shit!" He's pretty much forced to fight back with lyrics about shooting gays in the head with AK-47s (good thing those are legal now!). As Trick Trick sees it, "I address that issue. I address it hard as hell."

I'm tempted to add that those who seem most personally offended by homosexuality tend to be the same people who...well, you know.

And finally, though I don't particularly enjoy Trick Trick, I do feel a little bit afraid of him. Apparently, his debut album features a nasty rant about "dyke bitches" Ellen DeGeneres and Rosie O'Donnell, in which Trick seems keen on sending "a scud missile right through their fucking cruise ship." (Seriously, Trick? All because they don't wanna sleep with you?) I mean, does he understand what kind of following DeGeneres has? Mess with her and you mess with every housewife in America. Thankfully, they haven't heard of Trick Trick, either.

I used to love going to metaphysical bookstores. I’d walk in knowing that the book I needed to read would pop out at me and say BUY ME. There is a terrific one here. I went in and browsed. Nothing jumped out. I guess I’ve lost my enthusiasm for metaphysics and religion.

I feel that I’ve done my homework, so that when I die, I will be ready if there IS life after death, and if there isn’t, no matter.

I used to hate it when I would ask my father about some spiritual truth and he would answer: “it’s a mystery.” Now that phrase is my core belief.

The arrogance of faith is increasingly something I have a hard time dealing with. Just as one has a hard time changing dentists or barbers or operating systems, changing one’s belief systems rarely occurs, so what is the point of arguing about religion?

The word “marriage” is so drenched with religious entitlement, I was skeptical when Mark Leno told me he was going to go to war over that word so that gays and lesbians could marry.

The problem is that church and state are dangerously entwined in this activity. Even though traditional marriage has a secular and sacred component — the licence (secular), and the church ceremony — religionists insist that marriage can ONLY be a sacred act, governed by what is written in the infallible bible. How can you argue with faith? You can’t. God said it in the bible so it must be true.

As I watched thousands of queers in SF angrily walk to protest Prop.8, I kept wondering why we have to fight over a religious status (marriage) rather than inventing a new word or status, devoid of any religious baggage. I bet that if Prop 8 were worded differently it would have passed.

Instead of buying any spiritual books I bought “The World in Six Songs” by Daniel Levitin. I realized that composers are indeed ministers or priests, but, thank dog, without any words to screw up people. The message goes right to the heart, and if it doesn’t you turn it off. Music never promises eternal life or imposes crazy rules. Each person gravitates to the music they like, and there is no going to hell if you have different tastes. And, thank God, there is NO musical bible.