For those of you that have been following my frequent updates, you know that I’ve been having a blast in the studio over the past few weeks working on everyone’s projects from Mary J. Blige to Fabolous. How do these collaborations happen? This video will give you an idea. Every year at the Grammy’s there is a radio room that houses DJs from stations all across the country. Artists that are in town for the awards visit this room and often exchange information, encouragement and details about their new projects:
Shout out to all of the stations and all of the artists in this vid (Krys Ivory, Keri Hilson, Musiq, Boyz II Men, Tay Zonday, Chrisette Michelle, David Banner, Christina Milian). Thanks to all of you as well. It’s because of your support that I was able to attend the radio room this year. Here’s to making Grammy worthy music in 2009 and beyond!
Last month I visited Shade 45 Radio and announced that I’d be “launching the most unprecedented on-line campaign anyone has ever seen in history”:
I’ve watched labels and artists take advantage of the blueprint that I laid out in 2005 on ns4life.com and I’m happy to see that some have enjoyed incredible success with that model. Somehow, no-one’s been able to do it like we do it at NextSelection…you know, daily video updates from the artist. I stress DAILY, VIDEO, and ARTIST. That’s why I’m back to do it the way it’s supposed to be done.
I’ve read all the comments around the blogosphere (good and critical) of my album cover (shot by my friend Armen Djerrahian) and I say – it’s about the MUSIC. I know what I like – and if you like music that makes you feel good, I’m sure you’ll get into my album and into this right here:
When you watch the video again, make sure you look for the following NextSelection friends and family (in order of appearance): Zina Star, Rich Dollaz, Joy Leslie, Steven Galgano, Evan Rogers, Steve Graham, Brandon Fletcher, Willie Caba, Mike Norris, the top of Ed Woods’ head, Shiv Pandya, Yamill Vallecillo, Fabrizio Brienza (blurry on the couch), Noémie Lenoir, Jose “Jaq” Quezada, Debbie Weinberg, & Daytona Jones.
…And on my album cover – shout out to Corey Shapiro for the vintage Ray-Ban frames, Lyndon Mackenzie @ Reiss for the v-neck, Roger Hinds (my tailor in Boston) for the jeans, Dean & Dan Caten (as well as Rigo Lora and Anna Voorhees) of DSquared2 for the chain. Frida Giannini from Gucci…though I’ve yet to meet you, I respect what you’re doing at Gucci so I’m rockin’ your belt.
Looking for more? New to the Ryan Leslie experience? Make sure to check out the About Me and About My Site sections. Want to stay in touch? Put your info in my BlackBerry. Want a “Diamond Girl” tee? Get one in my store. Stay tuned and God bless!
Although you can check out my site as much as you like without signing in, signing in unlocks extra functionality and allows me get to know you better. I use Facebook Connect so you don't have to create another profile/password here and so I can attach a real person to your comments and interaction with my blog.
16662 of my friends & family have connected to my site via Facebook Connect.
