Jamie Foxx appears in...
NO ID: Godfather of Chicago R&B Still On Top

He possesses what may be the most ironic name in contemporary pop. Over the course of a career spanning nearly 20 years, producer No I.D. has collaborated with some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B, including Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Jamie Foxx and more. Dubbed “The Godfather of Chicago R&B”—a reference to his pioneering early work with…
Drake Delivers

This is Drake’s year. Descending on the U.S. from Toronto, the singer-rapper offers more than stellar mixtapes: He just might be the poster boy for the changing face of the music business. Aubrey Drake Graham, 22, is the son of a drummer, Dennis; one of his uncles, Larry, is the founder of Graham Central Station. In 2001, Aubrey began starring on the teen drama Degrassi: The Next…
BMI Mourns the Passing of Michael Jackson

An artistic and cultural tour de force whose gifts demanded the spotlight, Michael Jackson was equally potent behind the scenes. He received numerous BMI Awards recognizing his prolific career as a songwriter, the raw power of which will continue to influence generations of music makers. “BMI mourns the passing of Michael Jackson. A BMI Icon, he was one of the greatest entertainers of our era. His songwriting…
BMI Hosts “Business of Urban Music” Release Party

On February 6 in New York, BMI hosted the book release party for “This Business of Urban Music: A Practical Guide to Achieving Success in the Industry, from Gospel to Funk to R&B to Hip-Hop,” written by entertainment attorney James L. Walker. Walker’s book, touted as a guide to the urban entertainment industry, focuses on the fundamentals of entertainment law from an urban music perspective. “If you are a songwriter…
BMI & Los Angeles Times Announce 2nd Annual ‘How I Wrote The Song’ Panel
Marquee Lineup Includes Rodney Jerkins, Chris Daughtry, Mos Def, Ben Moody, Polow Da Don, Anthony Hamilton and Brian Howes BMI will pair with the Los Angeles Times to present the second annual “How I Wrote the Song” panel Saturday, February 9, from 1p.m. until 3p.m., at the Key Club…
Polow Da Don

He might have one of the oddest names in the business, but Polow Da Don has quickly built a career that guarantees his moniker won’t be easily forgotten. Emerging as the next hot super-producer, Polow began racking up credits in 2004, working on tracks by Mya and Will Smith. In 2005 he produced “DJ Play a Love Song” by Jamie Foxx…
BMI Urban Stars Ride to the Top of Soul Train Nominations
The best of BMI's urban music stars topped the list of nominees for the 21st Annual Soul Train Music Awards, which honor the biggest acts of soul, r&b and hip-hop. The awards, determined by a panel of radio programmers, artists and retailers, will be handed out March 10 in Pasadena, Calif., at a ceremony co-hosted by singers LeToya and Omarion. Chris Brown John Legend…
Chili Peppers Lead BMI’s Red Hot Grammy Nominees
The Red Hot Chili Peppers continue their red hot streak, picking up an impressive six nominations for the 49th Annual Grammy Awards. Nominations were announced Dec. 7 at a press conference held at the Music Box @ Fonda in Hollywood; Grammys will be handed out Feb. 11, 2007, at Staples Center in Los Angeles and broadcast live on CBS from 8-11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). …
Black Eyed Peas Lead AMA Winners
Hip-hop quartet the Black Eyed Peas led the list of BMI winners at the American Music Awards held last night (11/21) at the Shrine Auditorium in L.A. The band accepted a total of three statuettes, two for Favorite Group in both the rap/hip-hop and soul/rhythm and blues categories, as well as the Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album award for their multi-platinum release Monkey Business.
Mr. Collipark

Mr. Collipark is one of the most promising young entrepreneurs to have emerged out of the hip-hop industry. He’s not only a multi-platinum producer for artists such as the Ying Yang Twins, Mike Jones and Jamie Foxx, but he’s also a successful solo artist. Michael Crooms, Collipark’s real name, moved to Atlanta at the age of five and grew up to become one of…
