March’s Top Artists and Ringtones
Top Artists:
1. Lil Wayne – Having been featured on more artists’ records in the last two years than any other artist in the game, Lil Wayne’s been a lil busy. He ain’t so “lil”, though, when you consider that an MTV poll named him Hottest MC, GQ named him one of its Men of the Year, and Blender magazine named him Best Rock Star Alive.
2. Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em – He is among the youngest of the new generation of rap stars, and there is still some debate as to whether he will lead a new movement in rap, or will spiral into obscurity following the wild success of his first single, ‘Crank That,’ which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
3. Eminem – Some folks are demanding that Marshall Mathers give his “ghetto pass” back, after he parodied Michael Jackson. But c’mon – Eminem very well might be the most prolific and successful atirist we have living today. If you’re famous, just accept the fact that Eminem is going to make fun of you. That, or stop being famous.
4. Rihanna – She brought her own unique musical stylings from her home country of Barbados, and she’s made good use of them here. With a string of hits and a body that would make just about anyone envious, she’s one hot item. As a side note: some idiot called her the “next Britney Spears.” We don’t think so.
5. Keri Hilson – Keri Hilson’s first single dropped in ’08, but she’d already been making hits for years. Oh you didn’t know? She’s been writing hits for artists like Ludacris for years, as well as appearing in videos for Ne-Yo and Nelly. Though she had made a name for herself as an arranger and background vocalist, in 2008, Hilson decided to stop creating great songs for others and start doing her own. Her popular singles included “Return the Favor” (with Timbaland), as well as “Energy” and “Turnin’ Me On” (with Lil’ Wayne), both of which charted on Billboard Top 100.
6. 50 Cent - You know his story: Former drug dealer from Jamaica, Queens. Shot 9 times. Discovered by Dr. Dre and Eminem. Recorded the ultimate club banger, “In Da Club.” Got rich and might die trying to spend it all. 50 has built an empire by establishing interests with Reebok, Vitamin Water, movies, video games, Right Guard deodorant, condoms, and even his own book publishing company, G-Unit Books. Mentored by Jam Master J of Run D.M.C. , 50 released his mainstream debut Get Rich or Die Tryin’ in 2003. It debuted at #1 and the lead single, “In Da Club” broke the record for most listened to radio song in its first week. “21 Questions” (with Nate Dogg) and “P.I.M.P. (Remix)” (with G-Unit and Snoop Dogg) followed. The Massacre followed and sold 1.3 million copies in its first four days, one of the fastest selling albums of all time. 50 became the first solo artist to have 3 singles in the Billboard top 5 in the same week, with “Candy Shop”, “Disco Inferno”, and “How We Do.” Curtis was released in 2007 and debuted at #2, behind Kanye West’s Graduation. “Ayo Technology” (with Justin Timberlake) was featured on this album. As famous for his beefs as for his music, 50 has feuded with several hip hip and rap artists including Fat Joe, Rick Ross, Nas, Jadakiss, The Game, Cam’ron, Lil’ Wayne, and many more.
7. Akon – Raised in Senegal, Africa, R&B sensation Akon rose to fame in 2004 following the release of “Locked Up” from his debut album Trouble. His second album, Konvicted, earned a Grammy Award nomination for the single “Smack That,” but the #1 hit “Don’t Matter”.
8. Ne-Yo – This half-African-American, half-Chinese-American, in addition to writing songs for Rihanna, Beyonce, Whitney Houston, Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, and Celine Dion, has also had a string of hits himself.
9. The All-American Rejects -While they may be called The All-American Rejects, they’ve been accepted by most of America. Their first self-titled album is certified platinum, driven by the single, “Swing, Swing” which was heard all over the radio and in film in 2002. The Rejects doubled their success in ’05 with their second album, Move Along, which went double platinum. Songs like “Dirty Little Secret”, “Move Along”, and “It Ends Tonight” were featured in everything from video games to reality shows to sports games. Tyson Ritter and the boys were pop culture staples. Three years later, their third studio album, and one of the most anticipated of the year, When the World Comes Down, was released. “Give You Hell” was the first single released, and the most successful AAR song to date, peaking in the Billboard Top 10. “Mona Lisa (When the World Comes Down)”, “Breakin’”, and “Another Heart Calls” are also featured on the album.
10. Taylor Swift – How does one break into the country music scene? Apparently one way is to write a song named after another country music star. That’s what Taylor Swift did with the song ‘Tim McGraw.’ Not to be a one hit wonder, though, Swift has followed up her self-titled debut album with sophomore album, Fearless, that debuted at the number one spot on the Billboard 200.
March Top Ringtones:
1. Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em – Kiss Me Thru The Phone
2. Eminem – Crack A Bottle (feat. Dr. Dre and 50 Cent)
3. Keri Hilson – Turnin Me On [Lil Wayne Verse]
4. The All-American Rejects – Gives You Hell
5. Bobby Valentino feat. Yung Joc – Beep
6. Yung LA – Ain’t I (feat. Young Dro and T.I.)
7. Rihanna – Disturbia
8. Ne-Yo – Mad
9. Lady Gaga – Poker Face
10. The-Dream – Rockin’ That Thang
