Genre Hoppin’: Set to release his major label debut “Troubadour” on February 24th, Somalian born rapper K’naan has an all star cast helping on the album with appearances from Mos Def, Damian Marley, Maroon 5, and on his latest single “If Rap Gets Jealous”, which features Kirk Hammett of Metallica. K’naan has stated that his “main objective is good art,” and if his single w/ Hammett is any indication of his upcoming album, America and the rest of the world may have a rap artist with some real messages dethrone Kanye and Lil’ Wayne as the voice of this generation.

Unsigned New York rockers Vaeda have been hard at work on new tracks. Progressing from the work on their 2006 album, “State of Nature”, this trio has coined their own excellent power ballad with “Breathe” and a strong rocker with “Vultures”. Look for an EP or album to come out from these guys in the coming months.

Soulful singer/songwriter Jared Lee has just signed a publishing deal with Chrysalis Music Group (Outkast, Gnarls Barkley, Kylie Minogue) and is busy making some new music at the moment. Check out “Hold You Down” which would feel at home on any Top 40 station.

Aussies: An Australian band worth a listen is Birds of Tokyo which features singer of successful Australian hard rock band Karnivool.
19 Year old singer, and Australian Idol runner-up Jessica Mauboy is topping the Australian iTunes charts with her single, “Burn” which has the dance/pop feel of many of the top digital sellers here in the states.

Quick Picks:

Green River Ordinance – “Come On” – A Capitol signing that soccer moms and Matchbox Twenty fans could fall for.

Tom Gabel – “Random Hearts” – Against Me! front man with a knack for infectious hooks.

The Veer Union – “Over Me” - Universal has another rock band with more power ballads…Oh, and they’re Canadian.

Hockey – “Too Fake” – just signed to Capitol.

Dead Confederate – “The Rat”

Soundcheck is written by Dallas Osborn who currently attends San Francisco State University and works on the Live 105 (KITS) Action Team.

Check out this video from the band Pistol Youth. They took some cues from Weezer of course and The debut EPÂ “Smiling can backfire” was recorded largely over the internet from various locations.

• Fox’s “American Idol” scored the biggest numbers Tuesday, as the audience drifted away from the inaugural coverage. According to Nielsen, “American Idol” dominated Tuesday’s opening hour with an 8.9 rating/22 share in adults 18-49 and 22.4 million viewers overall. (Variety)

• We all know that Apple has been skirting around Steve Jobs health issues, thus, the SEC is now investigating Apple’s recent disclosures about the health of Jobs. “The Securities and Exchange Commission is thought to be responding to pressure from investors infuriated by the technology group’s surprise about-face on the seriousness of the illness affecting Mr Jobs.” (Times Online)

• Metallica lead the class of this year’s “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” inductees. “What about the possibility of reuniting with bassist Jason Newsted, who was in the band from 1986 until 2001? “There’s been an invite put out, no doubt,” Hetfield revealed. “We want everyone to celebrate — everyone who’s been a part of it. Jason has been a big part of that. You don’t want to see the drama of a… unfortunately, Blondie or [Sex] Pistols or Van Halen.” It’s ridiculous. This is Metallica’s moment — along with others — but let’s celebrate. Let’s forget the crap.” As for what bassist Cliff Burton, who died in a tour bus accident in 1986, would have felt about the Rock Hall invite, Hetfield said, “I would like to think that Cliff would love this.” (Rolling Stone)

The Record Life is 21 year old Jakob Johnson. He recently completed his debut album, “Into The Sea Of Something Big”. The album was produced by The Pharmacy and Lee Miles and mixed by Brad Gilderman. The band plays Jan 30th at the Troubadour with Thriving Ivory and Barcelona.

• Our favorite track is Not The Same.

• Management is Thomas Scriven and Danny Ostrow from Total Assault.

• Are musicians turning into writers? Apparently so! Quincy Jones, the Grammy Award-winning producer and composer, is following the lead of U2 frontman Bono by becoming a guest columnist in the Tribune Newspapers which includes the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. Newspapers are turning to guest celebrities to help thwart the advertising slump as more people are feeling to the internet for news. (Reuters)

• U2’s new track “Get On Your Boots” can be streamed here which comes off their new album “No Line on the Horizon”. The band’s upcoming twelfth album No Line on the Horizon, completed in December 2008, is to be released on March 2nd 2009.

• Advertising has been soft for radio stations, hence, Clear Channel is cutting 1,850 jobs, a 9% reduction in the total workforce. Chief Executive Mark Mays told employees that the company is facing an “unprecedented time of distress.” (Yahoo)

• Once Again, Taylor Swift has the #1 record followed by Beyonce and Nickelback. Lady Gaga’s ‘Just Dance’ is the #1 digital single which has sold over 2 million copies.