He’s a billionaire straight outta Compton — or so Dr. Dre says, anyway.

A video shot by R&B artist Tyrese Gibson seems to confirm that Apple is buying up Beats Electronics. Beats’ founder is rapper and entrepreneur Dr. Dre (Andre Young), and he’s pointing right at the lens in Gibson’s video.

The first billionaire in hip hop right here from the motherf—-n West Coast,” Dre announces.

The Financial Times first reported Thursday that Apple is closing in on a $3.2 billion purchase of the high-end headphones and streaming music service. Representatives from Apple and Beats declined comment.

In the video, Gibson was hanging out with Dre and friends, holding the camera in selfie mode, when Gibson said the deal was official.

Check out the new music video of Never Gonna Stop by indie rock group Mind The Gap featuring Quan. The song was made specifically for the docudrama Generation Iron, narrated by Mickey Rourke. The band released an EP in February which can be streamed here, our favorite is Hero.
Contact: gc@mtgsound.com, stefan.karrer@milanrecords.com

Buzz Track: I Like It

TEAM* has becomes a kings favorite after listening to “I Like It“. The band released 2 EP’s and 4 singles, the latest EP ‘Good Morning, Bad Day’ was just released on May 6th which was produced by Will Pugh (Cartel). TEAM* was recently featured on a national Verizon ad (Come to my House) and will be playing select dates with Third Eye Blind and Jimmy Eat World this month. The band falls between fun. and Young The Giant.
Contact: jr@thespacecamper.com

Kings favorite Ashley Allen who we named a top 8 emerging artist released a video for the single Body Say No, Heart Say Yes. The title track comes off Ashley’s recently released EP, which was co-written and co- produced by Cash Cash (All Time Low, Cobra Starship, Bebe Rehxa. Ashley just came off the High School Nation Tour with Drake Bell and Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas. Check out Ashley’s full Kings profile here.
Contact: lizalee.mgmt@gmail.com

Wendy Starland discovered and developed Lady Gaga, which resulted in her signing the major label record and publishing deals that led Gaga to becoming the Multi-Grammy winning icon we know today. Wendy and Lady Gaga have written songs together over the years while also helping to develop Gaga’s creative and marketing strategy. Starland herself made her mark as an artist being named VH1’s “Best Emerging Artist” and was honored by the Songwriters Hall Of Fame. Kings of A&R sat down with Starland and discussed her current and future projects.

When did you first discover that you wanted a career in music?

I was pulled up on stage by James Brown’s saxophone player, Maceo Parker, during one of his concerts and scatted on his stage for 20 minutes. After I was done, Maceo’s bass player got down on one knee as if he were proposing, took a string off of his bass guitar and coiled it up around my ring finger. He hushed the crowd and said into the microphone, “Wendy you have a gift from God. You must devote your life to using this gift or else you will deprive the world of something so special.” I got the chills. It was written up in the newspapers the next day. I made the decision in that moment to switch my focus from painting to music forever.

You’re involved in all aspects of music including songwriting, producing, composing, and as a solo artist. Do you have a particular strength?

I’d say my greatest strength is in my ability to be versatile. Authentically. I’ve collaborated with artists that truly run the gammut: from members of the Wu Tang Clan and Capone, to Moby, Lady Gaga, and opening for artists such as Sheryl Crow, Jack White, and Chris Shiflett of the Foo Fighters, etc. I was also released on a Universal compilation that included Norah Jones and Feist, so I’ve written and produced several songs in that genre as well. I’ve been exposed to most musical genres and have learned how to tackle them effectively. CONTINUE READING