I first met Ike Turner back in 2001, while I was orchestrating DVD deals. I was looking to land a deal including an Ike and Tina Turner performance, so I got his number from my pimp buddy, Rex. Rex was good friends with Ronnie Turner, Ike’s son. I called Ike, but he didn’t answer, so I left a message. Ike later told me that after he listened to my voice message, he decided that I sounded like a genuine person. That’s the only reason why Ike said he returned my phone call.

Before I met him in person, Ike sent two young ladies to my home to meet with me. He did this to find out if I proved to be a trustworthy person. The two ladies would later return to Ike (with good news, in my favor), and confirm that I was in fact cool. Not long after, Ike and I hooked up. We ended up becoming so cool with one another, that Ike even told me “I wish my son’s were like you”.

After we wrapped the Ike and Tina Turner DVD deal, we stayed in touch. We’d vibe off each other’s music. One day, Ike said to me, “You got good music and I like your rapp’in but you look like a singer man…you should try singing.” He later introduced me to BLUES music, and asked me if I liked it. To tell you the truth, I wasn’t into it. But out of respect for Ike, I listened. “Let’s record an album together,” Ike said. “I’m working on a new album and I want you to be on it.” I was so shocked – I was like, “Yeah let’s do it!” And, before I knew it, we were recording an album together. That album later landed Ike his last Grammy. (more…)

I’m in the studio, doing my due diligence, to make my latest one of-a-kind project, stand apart from the rest. Now, I’m getting word that Jay Z, and Jack White (from “White Stripes”), and other known rappers like Q-Tip, Pharoahe Monch (working with the “Black Keys”), they’re also working on a rock album. Oh… How can I forget Sticky Finger’s, and his partner Fredro Starr are also doing the same. This begs me to ask the question… Are black artists going back to rock music? That may be the case. (more…)