Some of our favorite artists are releasing new music.
Read what they had to say on the red carpet for the 2015 Clive Davis Gala.
MC Lyte
What are you working on?
I’m working on a new record. It’s done actually. It’ll be out in April, I’m excited about it, I think you might have heard two songs already one is “Ball” with Lil’ Mama and the other one is “Dear John” with Common. And so I’ve got other folks on the record – Mario, Kenny Lattimore, Faith Evans, Coko from SWV. Hopefully I’m not forgetting anybody, I’ve got some newcomers- 10Beats, AV, Stan. It’s a great album.
What sets it apart from your other works. Why is it special?
Well it’s been many many years since my last record and it’s sort of like a merge between new and true. New meaning the sounds of hip hop today and true meaning the sounds of hip hop yesterday.
Aloe Blacc
How excited are you to be at The Grammys?
I’m excited to potentially win a Grammy. Hopefully, but if I don’t, it’s all good because the category is filled with really talented musicians that all deserve to win anyway.
What’s your next project?
I’m working on my next album really soon. Right after Grammys, I’ll be in the studio writing songs. I’ve got an album also already ready to go but I haven’t put it out. It’s a hip hop album with my man DJ Exile. We haven’t put out an album for a long time, so I’m looking forward to getting back into hip hop.
Tell me about the project with DJ Exile?
Well for years we’ve had a group called Emanon and we just haven’t released anything. Exile went on to produce for G-Unit and I’ve kinda just flirted with the rhymes over the years. Now I’m getting back to it and we’ve got some songs that I think are really really strong. We’re not trying to compete in the market place we’re just trying to put out good art.
Neil Portnow is the president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
What are you excited for at The Grammys?
Three and half hours of the greatest live music concert on the planet and we’re going to deliver that and we’re very proud and excited of what’s coming.
What makes Clive Davis so special?
Well Clive’s been an icon in the business for decades. He’s one of the finest record men, an iconic record man who’s brought some of the greatest talent to our public and he’s a friend, he’s a mentor, I’ve worked with him and we’re really proud we’ve partnered on this party.
What did you think about Kanye and Paul McCartney collaborating?
The beauty of music is that it’s a universal language and at the Grammys we’ve been doing these unique pairings and Grammy moments for years, so we think to some degree we’ve helped to create an environment where they want to do that and they look forward to doing that and I’m delighted that they did.
India.Arie
Tell me why it was important to come support Clive tonight and be part of the celebration?
I mean this is the industry that I’m in and this is one of the nights when everything is the leading edge of what’s new and what’s good and fresh and I always want to be there for that. It only happens once a year so I want to come when I can.
And who are you excited to see at The Grammys?
Sam Smith of course like everyone else. He’s not performing I don’t think, but I want to see Stevie Wonder. Always.
What do you love about Stevie?
That’s a whole other conversation. But I just was touring with him last year, I was on the “Songs Of The Key Of Life Tour.” He’s my favorite music in the world.
Check out some of your favorite stars walking the red carpet at the event:
