All That's FAB » Ryan Leslie

Fabulous Friday Music Review: Fab Tunes 4 Your iTunes

Ian Jarrell — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:13:36 +0000

ATF loves music and we know you all do too. Our Ipods stay loaded with all the hottest tracks. Here are a few new songs from some of our favorite artist…You know we keep you up on the new ish that hist the internet this week. With albums coming out soon, tracks are leaking left and right…Hope you enjoy!

R. Les – I Choose U

Toni Braxton – Woman

Check out some more tunes after the jump from 50 Cent, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, and Ester Dean

50 Cent – Crime Wave

Ne-Yo – Sometimes

Chris Brown – Crawl

Ester Dean – Yeah Right

Ryan Leslie Woos “Mystery” Woman with Transition + Upcoming Concert in NYC

Tini — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:49:24 +0000

It feels like Ryan Leslie JUST came out with an album (because, yes, we still have Ryan Leslie on repeat in the Ipod). But in less than a month (November 3rd), he’ll be dropping his sophomore album, “Transition”.

Showingout.com attended the listening session and said:

The album focuses almost entirely on Leslie (with the exception of a cameo from Clipse’s Pusha T on “Something That I Like”). Inspired by a tale of courtship, Leslie put his pen to the pad and crafted an electro-brushed R&B record that takes the listener on his journey of wooing this mysterious gal.

HipHopDX gave us some scoop on how Ryan Leslie came up with some tracks for Transition. And surprise, surprise, they were brought on by a woman:

Leslie explained key bits on Transition, starting with his initial meeting with his mystery woman during a rehearsal for his showcase at New York’s SOB’s earlier this year. Upon meeting her, he says, a melody came into his head that he couldn’t shake. That melody later became one of the album’s key tracks “Something That I Like.” In an effort to woo her, Leslie became absorbed in her varied musical tastes, leading to his creating the guitar heavy “Without You I’d Be Nothing.’ ‘We had a small challenge,’ he explained. ‘She had a boyfriend’.”

Check out the album track listing and more info on Leslie’s upcoming concert after the jump.

“Transition” Tracklisting

1. Never Gonna Break Up
2. Something That I Like (feat. Pusha T)
3. Zodiac
4. Is It Real Love
5. Sunday Night
6. You’re Not My Girl
7. To The Top
8. Nothing
9. Guardian Angel
10. All My Love
11. I Choose You

Ryan Leslie will also be performing LIVE at Nokia Theatre on Friday, November 6th. You can purchase your tickets here.

Gucci + Mary J Blige Party Brings Out Fab Celebs

Tini — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:25:26 +0000

Many celebs were in attendance for the Gucci Cocktail Party For Ffawn held at the Gucci store on fifth Ave earlier this week. From Lebron James and his beautiful wife, to Ryan Leslie, Alicia Keys, Donald Trump, and Serena Williams, everyone who is somebody was definitely in the building.

The cocktail party was held to benefit Mary J. Blige’s charity, Foundation For the Advancement of Women Now.

More photos and a video of June Ambrose going absolutely buck wild after the jump…

Fab Female: Krys Ivory

Ian Jarrell — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:17:57 +0000

R&B music has a new girl on the block, that has already caught the eye of, not only us, but of R&B powerhouse, Ryan Leslie as well. Krys Ivory is a young church girl that made her way to the R&B/Pop world like a lot of talented singers with the same background, but the thing that makes Krys so different is the fact that she has survived the ultimate battle, Cancer. Check out more about this talented and inspirational woman after the jump…

ATF: Now tell us a little bit about your start in the music game?

Krys Ivory: Well I grew up singing in my church at my dad’s homeless ministry. But I was 11 years old when I got my real taste in the music game when I joined a gospel group called “All Gods Children“. We got this great opportunity to sing back up for Barbara Streisand for an event and it forever changed my life. After meeting Barbara I knew that singing was the profession for me. No doubt about it (laughs)

ATF: We are curious, so tell us more about you background in music?

KI: I grew up singing in a black Baptist church called Mount Zion in Inglewood, CA where my father was the deacon. Then after that church was no longer there my father began to pastor his own homeless ministry in Hollywood. He would have me sing for the homeless every Sunday. The people who attended my father’s service were so humbled and grateful for my shared gift. It touched me in a major way. Besides the fact that my dad is also vocally inclined, He has a Motown background from when he worked for Motown Records in the late 60’s and early 70’s. So I was practically was born into it!

ATF: So how did you go from little ole church girl to getting in the hands of Ryan Leslie?

KI: I met Ryan Leslie because his business partner Rasheed Richmond hit me up on MySpace after hearing my music and offered me a chance to record a demo for him. I did of course and the first song we cut “Next 2 Ya” ended up being my single, it all happened super fast.

ATF: After doing so research on you, I heard that you had to recently deal with cancer. Let’s talk about that experience.

KI: Yeah well I was just about to get signed with Ryan Leslie; he was going to take me overseas with my project. I was so ready to go! But life brought me to a HAULT and I was diagnosed with Hodgekins Lymphoma. I had to stop and focus on my health. I lost my hair during the process from the chemo, but I gained so much more internally. God got me through it! And Ryan Leslie still signed me!

ATF: How has going through that tragic experience affected your music and outlook on life?

KI: It has made me a whole lot more spiritually sensitive! My music speaks a whole lot more honestly now. I don’t regret my battle.

ATF: This a questions that we can’t avoid. You are going to be compared to Cassie a lot because of linking up with Ryan, how are you going to deal with that?

KI: It doesn’t bother me, it won’t be an issue for long because I feel people will quickly see that we are both two different type of artist.

ATF: Do you think NextSelection was the right place for you to go, being that Ryan Leslie is an artist himself?

KI: It’s an emotional roller coaster ride in this industry but I am always completely honest with myself. There will always be a conflict within a label. I respect Ryan’s grind as an artist as he does mine, but I’ve learned that it’s in my power to make things happen regardless of where I am signed. I just feel so blessed that I have an amazing team! Rich Dollaz and KLPR Group. I can’t forget Danni Rouge and Allie Marquee my stylist. I will never give up or stop!

ATF: Describe your music to us…

KI: Imagine Teena Marie, Mary J. Blige, and Beyonce had a love child…That is what I’m aiming for my album to sound like! (laughs). My music can have a nice melodic groove to it. I feel like my vocals makes people wanna chill out. Or at least that’s what I am aiming for.

ATF: What separates you from other pop singers?

KI: I’m not compromising my integrity as a woman to rise to the top. My music needs to speak for itself.
ATF: How did you come up with your name, if it isn’t your birth name?

KI: Krys (pronounced Chris) is short for Krys-tina…And Ivory is who I am. I’m a strong and precious commodity to come by.

ATF: That was cute.

KI: Yeah I think so too (laughs)

ATF: What are you bringing to the music game, that we have no seen before?

KI: I want to be an inspiration to people musically and spiritually. When young girls look at me I want them to say “If she can do it, so can I.” YES YOU CAN! (laughs)

What Artist…

What artist level of success do you hope to attain? Beyonce

What artist record do you wish you would have recorded? “Big Yellow Taxi” – Joni Mitchell

What artist style would you compare to yours? Keri Hilson recently…my single doesn’t reflect that, but my album definitely does.

What artist keeps you grinding?

Beyonce! She’s a hard working PERFECTIONIST. And I love it.

What artist do you dream to collab with? Kanye West please holla at your girl. You’re a beast.

Check out more Info on Krys Ivory:

Twitter: @KrysIvory

www.KrysIvory.com

Interview Conducted by Ian Jarrell

Video: Jazmine Sullivan Performs @ Summerstage

Aura — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:11:27 +0000

For those that didn’t get a chance to make it out to the free Central Park Summerstage concert this past weekend, check out Jazmine Sullivan bringing the house DOWN, as only she knows how to do. This girl can blow!

Bonus: We have video of Ryan Leslie performing “How Its Supposed to Be” when you read the rest

The BET Awards 2009 Nominee Announcements

admin — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:20:27 +0000

Keri Hilson, Jamie Foxx, Soulja Boy, NERD, Ryan Leslie and The Dream attended the award announcements at the BET studios in NYC yesterday. Beyonce, Rihanna, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne are also on the long list of nominees. Jamie Foxx is all set to host the event which will include performances by Beyonce, Maxwell and Ne-Yo. The BET Awards 2009 airs live from The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on June 28th at 8pm EST/PST. Flicks and the full list of nominees after the jump.

Jamie Foxx & Stephen Hill

NERD

THE NOMINEES

Video of the Year

Beyoncé – “If I Were a Boy”
Beyoncé – “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)”
Jamie Foxx f/ T-Pain – “Blame It”
T.I. f/ Rihanna – “Live Your Life”
Kanye West – “Heartless”

Best Male R&B Artist

The-Dream
Jamie Foxx
Ryan Leslie
Ne-Yo
T-Pain

Best Female R&B Artist

Beyoncé
Keyshia Cole
Keri Hilson
Jennifer Hudson
Jazmine Sullivan

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist

Lil Wayne

Rick Ross

T.I.

Kanye West

Young Jeezy

Best Female Hip-Hop Artist

Lil Mama
M.I.A.
Trina

Best Group

Day26
GS Boyz
N.E.R.D.
The Roots
Three 6 Mafia

Best New Artist

Keri Hilson
Kid Cudi
Ryan Leslie
M.I.A.
Jazmine Sullivan

Viewer’s Choice

Beyoncé – “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)”
Keri Hilson f/ Lil Wayne – “Turnin’ Me On”
Lil Wayne – “A Milli”
Soulja Boy Tell’em f/ Sammie – “Kiss Me Thru the Phone”
T.I. f/ Rihanna – “Live Your Life”
T-Pain f/ Lil Wayne – “Can’t Believe It”
Kanye West – “Love Lockdown”

Best Collaboration

Jamie Foxx f/ T-Pain – “Blame It”
Keri Hilson f/ Lil Wayne – “Turnin’ Me On”
Jim Jones f/ Ron Browz and Juelz Santana - “Pop Champagne”
T.I. f/ Rihanna – “Live Your Life”
Yung L.A. f/ Young Dro and T.I. – “Ain’t I”

Video Director of the Year

Benny Boom
Rik Cordero
Gil Green
Chris Robinson
Hype Williams

BET J Award

Musiq Soulchild
Raphael Saadiq
Seal
Solange
Jazmine Sullivan

Best Gospel Artist

Regina Belle
Shirley Caesar

Mary Mary

Smokie Norful

Trin-I-Tee 5:7

Events: DJ Reach Presents Ryan Leslie’s After Party

Ian Jarrell — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:10:51 +0000

Last night, Martine and I attended Ryan Leslie’s after party @ Greenhouse in Tribeca. The event, which was hosted by an ATF buddy, DJ Reach, was mad cute and swanky. It appeared to be more of a mixed crowd, which is usually good, and drinks and music were on point. You can read more of the recap and view more pictures after the jump…

The singer/songwriter has been performing a lot recently to promote his new self-titled album, Ryan Leslie. His shows have even been selling out, but I wish his album was doing the same. His project is pretty dope, and I suggest everyone take a listen. He is a really talented guy, you can’t even hate on his creativity. He also did do a little performance during the party, and you can’t deny his songs are hot.

When he emerged at the party, he walked in with an crazy large entourage, which consisted of Tyson Beckford. I didn’t even know these two were kicking it together. I also couldn’t believe that Tyson was actually that short, but he does look exactly the same in person, as he does in his photos…

There were a lot of notable people at the party, but I guess they are so important that I don’t even know who they are. The main person I noticed was this chick named Debbie Weinberg, who was all over Ryan Leslie during the party. She was definitely making sure she got her camera time. After looking her up, I discovered that she has appeared in Italian Vogue, and more. Ryan stays with a model chick. Where is Chanel Iman?

Overall the party was pretty cool. The venue was amazing and so chic, and I so have to attend something else there. Greenhouse just appears to be so exclusive. Like if you know about it, you are suppose to be there. View more pics from the event below:

Ryan Leslie Brings Out Usher and More at S.O.B.’s

Aura — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:12:35 +0000

Last night, while I was resting in the comfort of my home while recovering from Fab Life Tuesdays, apparently all of New York, and then some, made it out to S.O.B.s to see Ryan Leslie perform. We heard he did an excellent job, as usual, and brought out Usher to do a couple of hits as well. Maybe this appearance will take some of the heat off of Usher that he received from this video.

Others spotted in the building included Jazmine Sullivan, Raheem Devaughn, Nina Sky, Outasight, Kenny Burns, and Hot 97’s Miss Info and Angie Martinez. In case you missed it, check out our interview with Ryan Leslie HERE.

Video of the performance with Usher and more pics after the jump.

Pics: Johnny Nunez

Spotted: Chanel Iman, Dame Dash & More at Plumm

Aura — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 05:48:54 +0000

Supermodel, Chanel Iman, and Dame Dash’s son, Boogie, and hosted a Valentine’s Day/Fashion Week celebration at Plumm this past Saturday. (Are these two even old enough to get into the club?)

Dame Dash, Ryan Leslie, and others showed up in support. We all know that word on the street is that Ryan Leslie and Chanel Iman are an item, so its not surprising that he came through. They’ve been seen out and about together a number of times. Looks like we missed a fab party!

Thanks to Dwane of Diamond Headz clothing for the invite.

Plumm is located at:

246 W 14th St
New York, NY 10011

Ryan Leslie Speaks About his Album!

Tini — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:22:37 +0000

Ryan Leslie’s Debut Album hits stores next Tuesday. I know everyone’s probably tempted to do the usual and download the album, but Ryan is one of the few truely talented artists today, so you should definitely support and buy it. Check out the album track listing and a video for his fans after the jump..

1) Diamond Girl
2) Addiction feat Cassie & Fabolous
3) You’re Fly
4) Quicksand
5) Valentine
6) Just Right
7) How It Was Supposed To Be
8.) I-R-I-N-A
9) Out Of The Blue
10) Shouldn’t Have To Wait
11) Wanna Be Good
12) Gibberish

Ryan Leslie’s Album Drops from Ryan Leslie on Vimeo