Saturday June, 13th, 2009 Alistair Records & Chanj Hit Urban Network
Urban Network
Memphis, TN
Friday June, 12th, 2009 Alistair Records & Chanj Hit Urban Network
Urban Network
Memphis, TN
Friday June, 12th, 2009 Chanj Performs at Concert for Returning New Jersey National Guard Troops
Mill Hill Park
Trenton, NJ http://www.trenton-downtown.com/tdablog/
Friday June, 5th, 2009 Chanj Announces Release of New Single "It's The Worst"
Chanj Performs at Apollo Theater 75th Anniversary
April 29, 2009
by Trill Chris
Tony Neal & The Core Dj’s just wrapped up a highly successful weekend in Atlanta after putting on its 10th annual Retreat. The W Hotel in downtown played host for the event, which was filled with lots of information and networking opportunities for up and coming artists & dj’s alike.
The retreat, which lasted from Friday (April 24) thru Sunday, went very smoothly for the most part, minus the bus delays to Justin’s Restaurant (due to downtown road construction) and the move of the CTE artist showcase to the Loft.
The conferences/panels were no different than any other conference, such as the TJ’s Dj’s conferences, but beneficial to those who have never attended a conference before. Industry veteran Wendy Day was one of many industry insiders for the “In The Know” panel, which provided tips and keys to success in the hip-hop industry, as well as very useful information on how to keep your ass out of trouble with the IRS!
Saturday’s stand-out event was the Bad Boy listening party at Justin’s Restaraunt in Buckhead, which featured a delicious looking buffet (but they closed it down before we were able to get any food!). Cassie was among the first of the Bad Boy crew to make an appearance – and I must say, she’s as fine as ever, even with the half shaved head! A Bad Boy event would be nothing without Diddy, and sure enough he came through, along with the hot new artist Red Café – who is now a part of the Bad Boy roster! Diddy gave a great speech to all of the DJ’s at the event [watch here] and even debuted a hot new song from the Bad Boy family – which features OJ Da Juiceman of all people! [listen here]
Each night concluded with a club event that was followed by an after-party for the late night owls. KeepItTrill did not attend any of these events, but we did attend the Core Dj’s Award Ceremony at Club Dreamz on Sunday.
The Sunday event at Dreamz was a memorable night as many of Atlanta’s hip-hop legends were awarded with the “Jam Master Jay” award. Among the Atlanta recipients were Killer Mike, Pastor Troy, Goodie Mob, Jagged Edge and Bone Crusher, as well as producers Shawty B, Shawty Redd & Polow Da Don. Other award winners included L.A. Reid, whose sons accepted the award on his behalf and an award for the late Shakir Stewart, which was followed by a moment of silence. Shakir passed away late last year and was the V.P. at Def Jam, who replaced Jay-Z after his departure. R.I.P.!
The night also included various performances by many up-and-coming artists, as well as the awarded Atlanta legends Pastor Troy & Bone Crusher. Among the standout performances were Block Life, who performed their hit song “17.5”, which features Shawty Lo & E-40 on the official remix. Rookie R&B singer Chanj (Alistair Records) shut everything down as the final act before the headliners of the night came out. His voice was strong, lyrics were amazing and his stage presence/performance was on point. When we spoke with him in the media room on Saturday, he vowed to bring back real R&B… like Keith Sweat & Teddy Riley. After watching him perform, he definitely backed up those claims.
The headliners of the night included Teddy Riley & Blackstreet, who announced that Blackstreet would be reuniting! They performed many of their hits – including “Don’t Leave Me,” “No Diggity” [watch here] & the song that arguably started modern club music: “Rump Shaker.” It was the first time the entire group had been on stage together in many YEARS, making it a very memorable night. Big ups to Tony Neal for putting this one together!
Overall the entire weekend was a great success. Aside from the groupies who flocked to the several artists who came through, and the self proclaimed “media” who got in the way of real media outlets, I would definitely attend this event again.
April 25, 2009, 12:14 PM
NEWLY FORMED ALISTAIR RECORDS USHERS IN A "TIME FOR CHANJ"
The newly formed record label Alistair Records has just announced the signing of its first R&B recording artist Chanj. Chanj, (pronounced change) is Alistair’s premier artist. His debut album Time For Chanj, is scheduled for release later this year. Chanj hails from Plainfield, NJ and is a 4-time “Showtime At The Apollo” grand-prize winner. After performing his rendition of Floetry’s hit song, “Say Yes,” the singer cemented himself as a crowd favorite and became an instant YouTube sensation. After winning the Apollo Theater, he was asked to perform at the theater’s 75th Anniversary, which led to an appearance on CBS Sunday Morning Show.
The infectious lead single, “Maybe” produced by Dre & Vidal (Usher, Mariah Carey, Jill Scott) will be hitting radio airwaves soon, and serves as a memorable mid-tempo groove with a repetitive call out hook. The newcomer simply states, “Things are about to change…for me and for music. I am using my gift to craft a new release that speaks for and from the heart of a young man, his emotions and his insights.”
To listen to Chanj is to take a soulful journey through the eyes of a young man that has been exposed to and influenced by a mix of generations and musical genres including R&B, Pop, Hip Hop, and Classic Soul. Before landing his deal with Alistair Records, Chanj started a buzz by channeling his ability to masterfully interpret and deliver legendary and popular hit songs and has received much notoriety for his performances. His gift is his effortless connection to the audiences that he entertains. Chanj’s enchanting voice and distinctive delivery has had a profound effect on many industry giants and impacts music lovers, both young and old.
The special quality about the movement surrounding Chanj is that it is all word of mouth. After performing at the popular R&B Live showcase in LA, he quickly gained a grassroots buzz that has already captivated and engaged a celebrity and musical-elite following, such as Teddy Riley, who exclaimed — “Chanj is the truth! I haven’t heard or worked with a voice like his in years.” Teddy Riley was so impressed with Chanj’s talent, he decided to take him under his wing throughout the entire recording process. Teddy has not only produced several songs on the album, he has also extended his voice and veteran industry influence to the rise of Chanj.
Chanj has also received early support from music and Hollywood heavyweights, such as: Jamie Foxx & The Foxxhole radio show, Suzanne DePasse, Taraji P. Henson, Morris Chestnut, and aforementioned super producers Dre & Vidal, who stated — “Chanj is like a breath of fresh air... finally a singer with a voice that is limitless.” Recently, Chanj was summoned to perform a tribute for Motown Founder, Berry Gordy, in celebration of Motown’s 50th Anniversary, and has opened for Grammy-Award winning rapper and actor Common. Chanj has also been chosen to headline and launch Emoda.com’s Spring 09’ Campaign for their popular clothing website and brand.
With very few substantive male artists on the contemporary music scene today, the vocal-styling's of singer/songwriter Chanj will undoubtedly hit the airwaves with a breath of fresh air and uncompromised creativity. With all that’s going on in the music industry right now, it is definitely Time For Chanj.
He may be all of 22, but the Plainfield-born R&B singer known as Chanj is up to speed on the city’s rich music history.
“I know that this is the home of Parliament and Funkadelic,” Chanj said by phone earlier this week. “What’s funny is my aunt and uncle [who were singers growing up] were really close to those bands. Music has always been a base in my household and in my family as well.”
Chanj — pronounced change and spelled with “nj” at the end in honor of his home state — gives credit to a New Jersey Performing Arts Center program that he participated in at Plainfield High School for helping him sharpen his skills.
“It was great because we were able to utilize the theater more often, the auditorium more often and the dance studios more often,” he said. “It was just another way of being creative while being at school, so I didn’t have to always depend on going to the different programs I was going to on the weekends.”
Chanj’s career took a big step forward when he participated in the Showtime at the Apollo competition.
“At first, I didn’t want to do it,” he said. “I was really nervous performing in front of the Apollo stage because the audience is so brutal – they just come there to boo.”
In 2007, he performed the Floetry song “Say Yes” in three untelevised Showtime competitions (finishing first, second and third, respectively) before performing the same song last year on the televised version.
Chanj has recorded his own rendition of “Say Yes” (with producer Teddy Riley) for his still-in-progress album for Alistair Records. Meanwhile, he will open for Common on Friday night at the Deck at Harbor Pointe in Essington, Pa. (not far from Philadelphia International Airport).
The concert is a WRDW-FM Lyrical Lounge event, and tickets are available by listening to the station and calling at the appropriate time. Click here for more information.
February 26, 2009
Chanj is leading a change in music - 16:28 — Whitney Teal
Chanj (pronounced change) is an R&B newcomer with growing popularity. He’s already something of a YouTube star and his forthcoming LP already features collaborations with industry heavyweights like Lil Ronnie (producer of “Same Girl”). No small feat for a homegrown singer without major label backing, but it's all in a day's work for the guy who's determined to bring Chanj's changes to the music industry.He’s recently become the debut artist on a newly formed independent label, Alistair Records. He couldn't be happier, telling us that "[With me] being an independent artist, they're willing to take some chances, they're willing to take a little bit more opportunity to make my vision come to pass and kind of connect to what I have to do to be really, really successful in this industry."Though no stranger to the recording industry (he’s released two albums before, 2005’s Subject II Chanj and 2007’s No Longer I), he’s excited to share his brand of music to the world. He describes his songs as “really R&B, Soul.” Adding that his album is “going to make you feel good.” Chanj’s album, currently untitled, is due this summer and features tracks from hit-maker producer Teddy Riley, among others. Chanj told us that he and Teddy “connected. He saw my vision, he loved my voice and he was excited to work. [Recording with him] was a lot of fun and he’s really put me underneath his wing and help get me knowledge in this business.” Marsha Ambrosius of Floetry was similarly impressed, allowing the Floetry fan to re-record their hit “Say Yes,” and even added vocals to the song. She also wrote another song on the album, “Give It All.”And, just in case you were wondering, Chanj’s voice is the real thing. Just check out this YouTube of the young crooner belting out “Say Yes.”
February 8, 2009
R&B/Hip-Hop Briefs:
Grammy Week, Guru, Chanj By: Gail Mitchell, L.A.
-Several urban music-themed events will be held during
Grammy Week (Feb. 2-8.):
The inaugural MyHangSuite Brunch (Feb. 7, noon-3 p.m.) will feature
performances by 2008 Grammy nominees Heavy D, Janelle Monae and Wayna featuring Kokayi at the O Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Hosted by KCRW DJ and MyHangSuite co-creator Garth Trinidad, the event also boasts acts J*Davey, Res and a special guest DJ set by Macy Gray. Ticket proceeds will benefit rapper Common’s urban youth charity, the Common Ground Foundation.
Songwriters Ne-Yo, Chris “Tricky” Stewart, Johnta Austin and Manuel Seal will share their creative philosophies on “ASCAP Presents … The Hitmakers Panel” (Feb. 7, 1 p.m. —3 p.m.). The free session will be held at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA, moderated by Billboard senior correspondent Gail Mitchell.
T-Pain, will.i.am (Black Eyed Peas), Chad Hugo (Neptunes), Makeba Riddick, Keri Hilson and surprise guests will also discuss the art of songwriting during BMI’s “How I Wrote That Song” (Feb. 7, 1 p.m.—3 p.m.). BMI VP Catherine Brewton will lead the discussion at the Key Club in Los Angeles.
-Sax man Boney James gets romantic on “Send One Your Love” (Concord Records, Feb. 3). The 10-track mixes original James compositions with covers of songs by Stevie Wonder, Barry White and the Stylistics. James Taylor’s “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight” is the lead single, featuring new R&B singer Quinn.
-Veteran MC Guru (GangStarr) and his frequent collaborator, producer Solar, will release their latest project, “Guru 8.0 Lost & Found,” on March 24 through 7 Grand Records. In addition to featuring 7 Grand artists K. Born, Highpower and Doo Wop as well as U.K. soul singer Omar, the CD marks Solar’s first appearance as an MC.
-Leela James is currently wrapping up her debut album on Shanachie. “Let’s Do It Again”—due out in April—finds James paying tribute to such personal influences as Angela Bofil, the Staple Singers, the Rolling Stones and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bobby Womack. James was formerly signed to Warner Bros.
-Songwriter/producer Teddy Riley and singer/actor Jamie Foxx are in the studio working with new R&B singer Chanj. Signed to Los Angeles-based label Alistair Records, Chanj is a three-time winner of “Showtime at the Apollo.” A first single is expected in April/May.
January 28, 2009
Apollo Theater Kicks Off Its 75th Season
Yesterday, the Apollo Theater celebrated its 75th birthday week by announcing special programming for the upcoming season. Besides its cornerstone Amateur Night at the Apollo on Wednesday nights (tonight's Amateur Night will be a birthday celebration with the first 750 tickets going for just $7.50), a big year is planned, full of concerts, panels, collaborations with other cultural institutions and a revival of a beloved musical.....Read more
R&B signer Chanj, whose rendition of "A Change is Gonna Come" brought down the house.
(Photograph by Katie Sokoler/Gothamist)
January 28, 2009
Apollo Theatre Celebrates 75 Years By: Dontré L. Conerly
Kicking off its new season and celebrating its 75th birthday, the iconic Apollo Theatre—“where legends are made, stars are born”—unveiled its anniversary programming, designed to illuminate the influence the theatre has had on Black culture and entertainment since it opened its doors to African Americans. Now recognized as a global landmark, instrumental in showcasing the talents of legendary Black stars, it’s hard to believe that the famous theatre was first conceived as a burlesque theatre, in 1914, which did not allow African-Americans in the audience....Read more
January 27, 2009
Apollo 75th Anniversary Season Announcement
& Press Conference
(R-L) Music sensation Chanj, CEO of the Apollo Theater Foundation Jonelle Procope, musician Chuck Jackson, singer Dionne Warwick, and Dancer Savion Glover attend the Apollo's 75th anniversary season announcement and press conference at the Apollo Theatre on January 27, 2009 in New York City. (
(Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images North America)
January 26, 2009
Celebration at the Apollo tonight
The 75th Anniversary Season Kick-Off and Press Conference was held last night at Harlem’s World Famous Apollo Theatre. This was an exclusive invite only event. Celebs in attendance included Chuck Jackson, Dionne Warwick, Tap Dancer Savion Glover, Singer “Chanj”, and of course members of the Board of the Foundation of Apollo.
Tonight Apollo is open to the public in celebration of it’s 75th year anniversary! Performances include:
Ron Browz who will be performing his single “Jumping out the Window” after Amateur Night.
The first 75 people to buy tickets will only spend $7.50!
Chanj (pronounced change) is an R&B newcomer with growing popularity. He’s already something of a YouTube star and his forthcoming LP already features collaborations with industry heavyweights like Lil Ronnie (producer of “Same Girl”). No small feat for a homegrown singer without major label backing, but it's all in a day's work for the guy who's determined to bring Chanj's changes to the music industry.He’s recently become the debut artist on a newly formed independent label, Alistair Records. He couldn't be happier, telling us that "[With me] being an independent artist, they're willing to take some chances, they're willing to take a little bit more opportunity to make my vision come to pass and kind of connect to what I have to do to be really, really successful in this industry."Though no stranger to the recording industry (he’s released two albums before, 2005’s Subject II Chanj and 2007’s No Longer I), he’s excited to share his brand of music to the world. He describes his songs as “really R&B, Soul.” Adding that his album is “going to make you feel good.” Chanj’s album, currently untitled, is due this summer and features tracks from hit-maker producer Teddy Riley, among others. Chanj told us that he and Teddy “connected. He saw my vision, he loved my voice and he was excited to work. [Recording with him] was a lot of fun and he’s really put me underneath his wing and help get me knowledge in this business.” Marsha Ambrosius of Floetry was similarly impressed, allowing the Floetry fan to re-record their hit “Say Yes,” and even added vocals to the song. She also wrote another song on the album, “Give It All.”And, just in case you were wondering, Chanj’s voice is the real thing. Just check out this YouTube of the young crooner belting out “Say Yes.”
R&B sensation Chanj will perform tonight at 7 o'clock at the vMic It Up Club along with Newark Public School students. 
