2005

N.E.R.D., the band formed by blockbuster producers the Neptunes, have broken up, frontman Pharrell Williams announced in a BBC Radio 1 interview over the weekend. Pharrell emphasized that he and production partner Chad Hugo will continue their work as the Neptunes.

“N.E.R.D. is dead,” said Pharrell. “I don’t agree with the management at Virgin Records, so we’re done.” He explained that he and Hugo will “still do what we do in the studio” and remain on good terms with third N.E.R.D. member and childhood friend Shay. “I’m not here to slander or throw dirt,” Pharrell continued. “I’m just not happy, so therefore N.E.R.D. is expired.” Virgin declined to comment.

Rock/hip-hop trio N.E.R.D., or No One Ever Really Dies, released their debut album, In Search of…, in 2002. The record’s two singles, “Lapdance” and “Rock Star,” were modest hits and had videos in heavy rotation on MTV. (“Lapdance” was helped by its late-night clip featuring a roomful of nearly naked women.) The follow-up, Fly or Die, debuted at Number Six on the Billboard album chart upon its release last March.

Pharrell left open the possibility that new N.E.R.D. tracks might be released in the future, but through less formal channels. “Perhaps we’ll do some music for our fans and leak it on the Internet or something,” he said. “Who knows?”

The Neptunes collaborated with Mariah Carey on her upcoming album and currently have projects scheduled with Mary J. Blige and Omarion. It is unclear whether Pharrell, who was recently featured as a vocalist on Snoop Dogg’s hit “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” will pursue solo recordings in the future.

Source rollingstone.com.

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Angelique Kidjo, along with her husband, Jean Hebrail, Kidjo penned 13 original songs in a variety of indigenous Caribbean styles, including salsa, calypso, meringue and ska on her latest release – Oyaya! The album was produced by Steve Berlin (Los Lobos, String Cheese Incident) Kidjo sings the numbers in English, French and African languages Yoruba and Fon.

Look for Kidjo performing in select U.S. cities this May, before returning to Europe for more dates abroad. Current confirmed U.S. tour dates include:

Sun May 08 – LebanonNH Lebanon Opera House
Tue May 10 – Philadelphia PA World Caf

Among the efforts to save landmark New York punk venue CBGB is a collection of limited-edition treats from Gotham candy store Chocolate Bar. The confectioner is introducing the $25 CBGBs Punk Rock Box, a 16-piece truffle collection that includes a postage-paid petition to save CBGB, a steel logo keychain and a collection of CBGB stickers.

For the budget-minded yet concerned punk, there are $3 CBGB Retro Bars wrapped in a limited-edition CBGB keepsake package that includes the postage-paid petition. Both items will be available in May, but can be pre-ordered through the store’s Web site or by calling 800-481-2462. All proceeds will benefit the club’s campaign to keep its doors open.

CBGB owner Hilly Kristal is embroiled in a dispute with the non-profit Bowery Residents’ Committee, which owns the club’s East Village building and operates a homeless shelter above it. In addition to back rent, Kristal’s negotiations with the BRC to extend his lease past its August expiration have stalled over the subject of a substantial rent increase.

Source billboard.com.