July’s Top Artists and Ringtones
Top Artists:
1. Eminem – As infamous as he is famous, Eminem (a.k. Slim Shady a.k.a Marshall Mathers) is one of the most influential MCs ever. Em put Detroit Rock City back on the map in 1999 with the release of the triple platinum The Slim Shady LP. Featuring heavy production by Dr. Dre and singles “Guilty Conscience”, “’97 Bonnie and Clyde”, and “My Name Is”, this album introduced the world to Eminem’s lyrical skill and his controversial style. The Marshall Mathers LP followed in 2000 and broke records set by Snoop Dogg for fastest selling hip hop album and Britney Spears for fastest selling album by a solo artist. Marshall insulted several celebrities, including Christina Aguilera and NSYNC, in “The Real Slim Shady.” Other songs include “The Way I Am” and “Stan”, featuring a Dido sample and often voted as 1 of the best rap songs ever. The Eminem Show became Eminem’s third straight album to win the Grammy for best rap album, driven by singles “White America”, “Without Me”, and “Cleanin’ Out My Closet.” Encore, another platinum album, dropped in 2004 and features “Mockingbird”, “Just Lose It”, and “Mosh.” In 2009, Eminem ended his 5 year hiatus from rap and hip hop with the release of new songs “Crack a Bottle” (with Dr. Dre and 50 Cent) and “We Made You,” the video which again parodied several celebrities such as Bret Michaels and Amy Winehouse. Marshall also is an actor, appearing in 8 Mile and lending his voice to 50 Cent’s video game.
2. Lil’ Wayne – Lil’ Wayne, a.k.a. Weezy F. Baby, has always refused to be ignored. At age 11, he was signed to Cash Money Records after repeatedly leaving freestyle voice messages with Bryan “Baby” Williams, a.k.a Birdman. He would go on to form the southern rap supergroup, The Hot Boys, which also featured Juvenile. In 2004, Weezy dropped his 4th solo album, Tha Carter. It sold over one million copies, driven largely by the hit, “Go DJ.” A year later, Tha Carter II was released. Featuring several strong songs including “Fireman”, “Hustler Music”, and “Grown Man”, it debuted at #2 on the Billboard top 200 chart. 2008’s Tha Carter III sold over one million copies in its first week, the first to do so since 50 Cent’s The Massacre in 2005, and included “Lollipop” and “A Milli”, both of which went to #1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart, as well as “Got Money” with T-Pain and “Mrs. Officer” with Bobby Valentino. In 2009, Wayne surprised everyone by debuting his own rock songs, like “Prom Queen” and “Hot Revolver.” As if he’s not busy enough with his own work, Wayne has also worked with almost everyone in the rap hip hop world, including Jay Z, Swizz Beatz, Chamillionaire, Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, and Kanye West to name a few. He’s also branched out to pop and R&B, working with Destiny’s Child, Keri Hilson, and Kevin Rudolf.
3. Jeremih – His single Birthday Sex hit the top of the Flycell Charts in June, fallingonly one spot for July. This up and coming artist is one to watch in the future.
4. Mariah Carey – When she burst on the scene in 1990, there was no mistaking that VOICE. Mariah Carey can probably shatter glass, but thankfully she uses her range and talent to make music for us instead – a steady stream of soulful tunes that, despite some bumps along the way.
5. Drake – Drake has the number one downloaded song in July. Will he hold onto the spot in August?
6. Black Eyed Peas – Believe it or not, the Black Eyed Peas have been together since 1988 when Will.i.am and apl.de.ap first joined forces in a break dancing crew, where they regularly performed at parties. In 1995, the name Black Eyed Peas was first used and only a few years later their songs started to appear on movie soundtracks and the debut album Behind the Front was released. Their second album featured the hit “Request Line” with Macy Gray.
7. Jackson 5
8. Keri Hilson – Keri Hilson has been rockin’ your world, and you don’t even know it. The songstress with the hit single “Turnin’ Me On ”, featuring mega superstar Lil’ Wayne has been writing her own songs since age 12, but spent most of the 2000’s turnin’ out hits for artists like Ludacris and The Pussy Cat Dolls and showing off her model looks in videos with Nelly Furtado, Ne-Yo and Nelly. After being featured all over Timbaland’s solo release, Keri stepped into the spotlight with her own recently released album, In a Perfect World. Along with the hit single, it also includes “Energy” and “Return the Favor.”
9. 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.
10. Twista – Still holding it down as the number 3 most downloaded song in July with “Wetter.”
Top Ringtones:
1. “Best I Ever Had” by Drake
2. “Birthday Sex” by Jeremih
3. “Wetter” by Twista
4. “Knock You Down” by Keri Hilson
5. “Beautiful” by Eminem
6. “Obsessed” by Mariah Carey
7. “ Boom Boom Pow ” by Black Eyed Peas
8. “Day N Nite” by Kid Cudi
9. “Throw It In The Bag” by Fabolous
10. “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas
![Kanye West](http://www.flycell.com/script/preview/preview-fs-cover-optimize.php?filename=15-76946_795_1.jpg&o=778033&t=ringtone&s=795&h=176&w=176&defaultImage=large")
Kanye West
The Killers