robin thicke
#SPOTTED: DJ CASSIDY IN TORONTO FOR “PARADISE ROYALE”
He’s been hand-picked by the likes of Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Oprah, Naomi Campbell and Justin Timberlake. After four years in the making, DJ Cassidy is set to make an explosive debut with his first Album Paradise Royale, set tentatively for a release in May. The star-studded Affair features collaborations with 22 of the most influencial Musicians of the Disco Era and a roster of Guest Vocalists which will have you asking, “Like, how?!?”. Mary J. Blige, Estelle, R. Kelly, Cee-Lo, John Legend, Kelly Rowland, Passion Pit and so many more lend their talents in a way you’ve never quite heard them before!
DJ Cassidy dons a stylish fedora and a large brooch with the letter “C”, a signature look which matches his level of musical sophistication. We learn he is very hands-on with his approach, humbled by the opportunity to give musical direction to many of his Heroes on his upcoming Disc. He also incorporates a Live Band to his Act when performing live, as he currently opens on tour for Robin Thicke.
“The first step was I sat down and made a Playlist of my favourite 25 songs of that Era (1978-1982)”, says the eloquent New Yorker says to an intimate Audience of Tastemakers at Toronto’s Drake Hotel, “How do I make my songs feel like these Songs?”. He adds, “I made a list of every Musician who ever worked on these Songs – the Drummer, the Guitar Player, the Horn Player and so on. I made 25 lists and what I saw was the same names repeated over and over and over.”. “To achieve my mission, I had to go to the source – so for the past four years, I reunited 22 of the most legendary Musicians to recreate their sound”. He then went-on to premiere four unheard Tracks from his Album.
I was floored by the John Legend and Estelle Track When The Stars Come Out. I try convincing DJ Cassidy this needs to be his Followup Single as we exchange a hug, him telling me he saw me grooving from the stage as he measured reactions from the Crowd. Current Single, Calling All Hearts featuring the vocals of Robin Thicke and Jessie J. Disco Era heavyweights Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Larry Dunn of Earth, Wind & Fire. Mega-Producer Nile Rodgers even brings out the same guitar we hear on Chic‘s Good Times and Madonna‘s Material Girl. But back to When The Stars Come Out, the Track is like nectar to the ears. “I normally call my own shots, but ultimately I trust the Label to decide what’s best”, he says about whichever Track next will see a release.
DJ Cassidy‘s Soulful Funk revival (please do not use the word “Disco“) could well define the Sound of 2014, reconnecting his Generation of Hip-Hop-obsessed Music Listeners to what he calls “the most universal Dance Music of all time”. The Crowd in attendance is delighted by infectious Passion Pit Collabo So Long Baby, a true mark of his ability as a Producer, making them sound convincingly soulful; there is big potential there for a Crossover Hit.
Noticing an R. Kelly Collaboration sequenced late on his Playlist projected onto the screen, the Audience begged for him to play the Track, Make the World Go Round, and they certainly are not left disappointed, greeting it with loud cheers and claps. The Track is a result of multiple flights and sessions with the controversial Singer/Songwriter. It rates among his best work.
I ask DJ Cassidy whom he wishes to collaborate with still. “I submitted a list of 30 Vocalists and immediately got to work with 10 of my top picks”, he reveals. “Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake and Miguel I hope can be on the next Album.”. Well, at this rate, it sure doesn’t seem impossible – wouldn’t you agree?
See our Snap:
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Sony Music)
#NEWMUSIC: DJ CASSIDY FT. ROBIN THICKE & JESSIE J – “CALLING ALL HEARTS”
Chances are if you love early Spice Girls, you’ll love the care-free, high-energy Disco on DJ Cassidy ft. Robin Thicke & Jessie J‘s catchy new Single, Calling All Hearts. The festive Dance Number is exactly the spirit boost we need amidst this never-ending winter!
Spice Girls aside though, the Track is dripping in authenticity of the Era to whcih it pays tribute. Iconic Nile Rodgers, who by the way is Toronto-bound for Canadian Music Week and Earth, Wind & Fire Vocalist Philip Bailey team-up on this Collaboration and the results are magical!
The Mastermind behind the Track is New York’s DJ Cassidy, hand-picked by Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z for their Legends of the Summer Tour. Did I mentioned that Oprah and President Obama also have requested his musical talents too?
Check it out below:
Download Calling All Our Hearts here.
(Photo/video credit: Sony Music)
#EDITORSNOTE: MR. WILL’S 2013 TOP TENS!
It was a memorable year indeed! Join me as I recall some of 2013’s brightest moments in Celebrity, Film and Music with a Toronto twist! As a true Connoisseur of Pop Culture, I certainly was spoiled with several delights this year on all three fronts. Toronto witnessed what could well be the strongest years this City ever has seen in terms of Star Power. Also, as an experienced Digital Photographer of sorts, I am sharing some of my favourite Snaps taken around the City this year too. If you’re a #NOFILTER kinda Guy or Gal, I apologize! A few of them are Horse-related, spending many of my weekends at scenic Woodbine Racetrack, my fave Place since Childhood to escape and recharge from the City. Come Wongsters, let us walk down this luminous Memory Lane together!
TOP TEN SONGS OF 2013
2013 was solid for Pop Music and I was thrilled to hear a return to great, strong melodies. What a year it was for Miley Cyrus who not only wowed us with We Can’t Stop, but slayed us hard with Wrecking Ball! Coming in like a Wrecking Ball she managed to turn all eyes her way in a year which saw Albums released from some Marquee names like Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and more. Lana Del Rey put us in a state of euphoria this Spring with her chilling Ballad for The Great Gatsby, Young & Beautiful. Flawless and timeless. Mariah Carey and Miguel provided much of the Soundtrack for my early Summer with their gorgeous Collabo #Beautiful, while Robin Thicke undisputedly had the Song of Summer 2013 with Blurred Lines. His Album of the same name easily is my favourite Disc of 2013.
1. Miley Cyrus – Wrecking Ball
2. Lana Del Rey – Young & Beautitul
3. Mariah Carey ft. Miguel – #Beautiful
4. Justin Timberlake – Mirrors
5. Miley Cyrus – We Can’t Stop
6. Robin Thicke ft. Pharrell & T.I. – Blurred Lines
7. Capital Cities – Safe and Sound
8. Katy Perry – Roar
9. Icona Pop – I Love It
10. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Same Love
Miley Cyrus – Wrecking Ball
TOP TEN FILMS OF 2013
I don’t recall a year in recent memory where the Films were quite as strong as this year. It is as if Filmmakers have studied critiques, knew precisely what to avoid and owned it. Time after time I’d make it out to the morning Media Screenings and just when I thought I’d seen my favourite Film of 2013, another would come along and usurp the throne. In all, AIDS Drama Dallas Buyers Club would leave the strongest imprint with Jared Leto touching the core of my soul with his phenomenal performance. 12 Years a Slave left me shaken and speechless and made it really tough to decide a Fave. Saving Mr. Banks truly affected and inspired me, moving me to tears and I could never forget Cate Blanchett‘s empathic portrayal of a Woman battling her own demons in Woody Allen‘s Blue Jasmine. And yes, I really loved Spring Breakers. James Franco is just on another level.
1. Dallas Buyers Club
2. 12 Years a Slave
3. American Hustle
4. Blue Jasmine
5. Saving Mr. Banks
6. Gravity
7. 42
8. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
9. Enough Said
10. Spring Breakers
Watch the Trailer for Dallas Buyers Club below:
TOP CELEBRITY MOMENTS
It was a good bloody amazing year. My experience in New York City seeing the Met Gala is unforgettable, as a revolving door of Celebrities came my direction. I didn’t even know which way to go or who to ask first for a Photo! TIFF ’13 brought me several amazing memories finally getting to meeting one of my favourite Actresses, Nicole Kidman – not to mention getting to meeting personal Heroes Seth McFarlane, Jim Carrey, Mike Myers, Baz Luhrmann and several more throughout the year. My ultimate Highlight however was finally after 15 tries, getting my Lady Gaga moment in November!
As seen top to bottom, left to right in the above Collage are:
Supermodel Cara Delevingne, Shoe Visionary Christian Louboutin, Actress Mia Wasikowska, Actor Jesse Eisenberg, Actor Kit Harington, Astronaut Chris Hadfield, Singer/Songwriter Lorde, Singer/Songwriter Robin Thicke, Television Personality/Actress Kelly Ripa, Domestic Goddess Martha Stewart.
Director Baz Luhrmann, Actress Emma Thompson, Singer/Actress Ariana Grande, Actress Léa Seydoux, Actress Adèle Exarchopoulos, Actress Toni Collette, Singer/Songwriter Lady Gaga, Singer Kylie Minogue, Actress Nicole Kidman, Actress/Singer Selena Gomez.
Writer/Actor Mike Myers, Comedian, Writer/Actor Seth MacFarlane, Writer/Actor Seth Meyers, Writer/Actor Jim Carrey, Actress Dakota Fanning, Actress Taylor Schilling, Singer/Songwriter/Fashion Mogul Pharrell, Television Personality/Actress Rosie O’Donnell, Kentucky Derby-winning Jockey Joel Rosario, Breeders Cup Classic-winning Jockey/Actor Gary Stevens.
Spice Girl/Actress Mel B., Actor Armie Hammer, Actress Kerry Washington, Actor Sam Rockwell, Actor Nicholas Hoult, Actor Tom Hiddleston, Actor Adam Driver, Actor Josh Brolin, Actor Daniel Radcliffe, Actress Dakota Fanning, Actor Sam Claflin, Actress Jena Malone.
TOP SNAPS
And now the ten best Photos of 2013 snapped through my lenses (Samsung Galaxy S2, Samsung Galaxy S4 and Olympus E-PL5):
I truly am blessed and can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store for us here in this sight-filled City of Tastemakers!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#NEWMUSIC: DJ EARWORM’S “UNITED STATE OF POP 2013 (LIVING THE FANTASY)”
It was a great year for Pop Music in 2013. DJ Earworm recaps it best and in what is becoming an annual Pop Tradition, the San Francisco-based Mash-up Artist has just unveiled his United State of Pop 2013 Megamix. And he never disappoints! Although a bit less energetic and a bit darker than previous year’s, this is definitely among his best.
The Mix includes Billboard Magazine‘s Year-End Top 25 Songs and this year we have:
Avicii feat. Aloe Blacc – Wake Me Up
Bruno Mars – When I Was Your Man
Capital Cities – Safe & Sound
Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams – Get Lucky
Eminem feat. Rihanna – The Monster
Florida Georgia Line feat. Nelly – Cruise
Imagine Dragons – Radioactive
Imagine Dragons – Demons
Jay-Z feat. Justin Timberlake – Holy Grail
Justin Timberlake – Mirrors
Justin Timberlake feat. Jay-Z – Suit & Tie
Katy Perry – Roar
Lady Gaga – Applause
Lorde – Royals
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton – Can’t Hold Us
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Wanz – Thrift Shop
Miley Cyrus – Wrecking Ball
Miley Cyrus – We Can’t Stop
OneRepublic – Counting Stars
P!nk feat. Nate Ruess – Just Give Me A Reason
Rihanna – Stay
Robin Thicke feat. Pharrell & T.I. – Blurred Lines
Swedish House Mafia feat. John Martin – Don’t You Worry Child
Taylor Swift – I Knew You Were Trouble
Will.I.Am feat. Britney Spears – Scream And Shout
Check it out in full below:
#AMAs: TAYLOR SWIFT LEADS THE WAY AT 2013 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS
Held at Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, the American Music Awards brought-out the biggest names in Music! And when we say big, we mean huge! The likes of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, One Direction, Rihanna, Lady Antebellum, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Hudson, Ke$ha, Imagine Dragons and several, several more. Pitbull had the distinction of hosting the Awards this year. Created in 1973 by Dick Clark, the Awards give Music Lovers and the general Public a chance the decide who wins.
Taylor Swift was the night’s big Winner, winning her 14th AMA tonight including the coveted Artist of the Year Award, her third time winning the Title. Earlier in the evening, she won Favourite Album, Country and Favourite Female Artist, Country.
Lady Gaga ft. R. Kelly wowed audiences with a Marilyn Monroe and JFK-inspired rendition of Do What U Want, while Miley Cyrus had the Audience oddly-mesmerized with her Wrecking Ball Performance with a Space Kitten and Lasers projected behind her. On the verge of a Comeback, TLC had Lil Mama join them onstage for a delivery of their Hit Waterfalls. Is this perhaps a sign of things to come? She certainly fits the voided “L” in TLC.
Much of the Talent looked highly presentable, opting for flattering cuts and proper coverage. The Winners on the Carpet included Miley Cyrus who wore a sophisticated white Versus Versace Pantsuit, Katy Perry who looked cute in an Oscar de la Renta Dress with polka dots and roses – veering more and more towards the demure of late, while Swift looked super-cute in a sparkly and leggy gold Julien MacDonald Mini-Dress. A golden-tanned Nicole Richie was stunning in a hip-revealing, white Emilio Pucci Dress, while Lady Gaga was the clear winner in a violet Versace number, arriving on a white costume horse, navigated by scantily clad men.
At the young age of 25, Rihanna had the distinction of winning the first-ever AMA Icon Award, presented to her by her Mother, Monica. The Mother told her celebrated Daughter, “Tonight I applaud and admire you for being so strong, so positive, so humble and so focussed. I mean it’s amazing how you manage to take good from all your experiences.”.
Below are this year’s Winners:
Favorite Male Artist, Pop/Rock
Justin Timberlake
Favorite Female Artist, Soul/R&B
Rihanna
Favorite Album, Country
Taylor Swift/Red
Favorite Album, Rap/Hip-Hop
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis/The Heist
Favorite Artist, Alternative Rock
Imagine Dragons
Favorite Artist, Latin
Marc Anthony
Favorite Album, Pop/Rock
One Direction/Take Me Home
New Artist of the Year
Ariana Grande
Favorite Male Artist, Soul/R&B
Justin Timberlake
Single of the Year
Cruise by Florida Georgia Line, featuring Nelly
Artist of the Year
Taylor Swift
Favorite Band, Duo or Group, Pop/Rock
One Direction
Favorite Male Artist, Country
Luke Bryan
Favorite Female Artist, Country
Taylor Swift
Favorite Artist, Rap/Hip-Hop
Jay Z
Lil Wayne
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Favorite Album, Soul/R&B
Justin Timberlake/The 20/20 Experience
Favorite Artist, Electronic Dance Music
Avicii
See some of the best Performances from the Evening:
A Great Big World ft. Christina Aguilera – Say Something
Lady Gaga ft. R. Kelly – Do What U Want
Miley Cyrus – Wrecking Ball
Rihanna – Diamonds
Katy Perry – Unconditionally
TLC ft. Lil Mama – Waterfalls
Visit the official American Music Awards Website here.
The Grammy Awards are set to take place Sunday, February 9, 2014.
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
#SPOTTED: PHARRELL IN TORONTO FOR BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB X HOLT RENFREW
Rapper, Singer-Songwriter, Mega-Producer, Fashion Mogul and Entrepreneur Pharrell is in Toronto today to promote his Billionaire Boys Club Fashion Line’s 10th Anniversary via a Pop-Up Shop at High Fashion Retailer, Holt Renfrew. Available exclusively at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre location, the Shop is curated by Pharrell himself and features installations of some of his most coveted items, including those 2005 Louis Vuitton “Millionaire” Sunglasses we all wanted so bad. The Shop also features exclusive Holt Renfrew x BBC Sweaters and T-Shirts for Men and Women.
Pharrell appears today at Holt Renfrew – Yorkdale Shopping Centre between 2-3 PM in Q&A, hosted by CTV‘s eTalk Personality Tanya Kim and you too can see him in-person as he discusses his Career, Life and of course, Fashion.
I had the pleasure of spotting Pharrell earlier and in perhaps one of the most “chillaxed” vibes I’ve ever witnessed, his amazingly-nice Bodyguard asked, “What do you want?”. Gesturing for a Photo, he replied “A Photo? Alright. That won’t be a problem.”. Moments later, Pharrell kindly came out with his Entourage and threw a Handsign for the Camera as he posed in his Sunglasses and Fedora. Definitely one of my most highly-sought-after Photos-with a Celebrity. Ever. The Hitmaker responsible for Summer 2013 Smashes Blurred Lines and Get Lucky, is amazing and a real Example.
See our Snap:
We spotted Pharrell‘s Blurred Lines Collaborator Robin Thicke this Summer in Toronto too. More on that here.
You must watch deadmau5‘s Coffee Run Video with Pharrell, as the new Icons filmed their Chat in the former’s Car during his visit here. They go on about Cars, Tim Hortons’, Technology and more:
“Like” Billionaire Boys Club on Facebook here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Billionaire Boys Club)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO KISS 92.5 WHAM BAM FEATURING ROBIN THICKE & AVRIL LAVIGNE!
Mr. Will Wong and Sony Music Canada are thrilled to give Readers a chance to attend one of this Summer’s hottest Events, the KISS 92.5 WHAM BAM! We all know how much I love KISS 92.5, Avril Lavigne and Robin Thicke! Lavigne and Thicke will be co-headlining this year’s Show which features also Shawn Desman, Classified, Nikki Williams and also Set It Off Live with Mocha & DJ Clymaxxx.
Proceeds from Ticket Sales go to Red Cross in aid of Calgary Flood Relief efforts.
The Show starts 5:00 PM at Toronto’s Molson Amphitheatre. It’s not too late to get tickets here still!
This Contest runs only for a few hours, so hurry! To enter, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Share this Post right away with your Friends to increase your chances, or Re-Tweet the below:
http://www.mrwillwong.com/kiss925whambam @MRWILLW wants us to #win Tickets to tomorrow’s #KISSWHAMBAM featuring #AvrilLavigne and #RobinThicke!
Have you checked out Lavigne‘s awesome new Video for Rock N Roll? Watch here.
Good luck.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#NEWMUSIC: ROBIN THICKE – “GIVE IT 2 U (FT. KENDRICK LAMAR & 2 CHAINZ)”
Cheerleaders. Cotton Candy Dress. Sushi Signs. Ass Floats. Mini Trucks. Twerking. Remy Martin. Jumbo Caviar & Champagne. Even his adorable Son Julian Fuego makes a Cameo too dressed like Daddy! Robin Thicke‘s eagerly-awaited Follow-up to the 2013’s Song of the Summer Blurred Lines, Give it 2 U (ft. Kendrick Lamar & 2 Chainz) is all of the above!
After astronomical success with their last Video Collaboration, Diane Martel teams-up with Thicke once again here and what amounts is loads of cute, sexy and unapologetically objectifying fun. This definitely is Thicke’s year having simultaneously ruled the Singles and Album Charts both north and south of the Border and he’s never been more in his element than right now.
Watch the Video for Give it 2 U below:
We had the pleasure of meeting Thicke just last week here in Toronto. More on that here.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Music)
#SPOTTED: ROBIN THICKE IN TORONTO FOR “BLURRED LINES” | SIGNED PIC GIVEAWAY
If there was one Person I absolutely had to meet this year, without question I would say it is Robin Thicke! For years I’ve enjoyed his Music but no one can deny that this is his year, breaking Airplay records (242.6 million Listeners to be exact) with his Single Blurred Lines, the Song which would define singlehandedly the Summer of 2013.
The R&B Star’s Canadian connections are deeply-rooted. Like his Father, Actor/Singer/Songwriter Alan Thicke, he also holds dual American-Canadian citizenship and the Proud Pop actually accompanied him on his Toronto Press Tour today. Thicke‘s sixth Studio Disc, Blurred Lines released just last week, went on to become his first ever release to reach the summit of the Billboard Hot 200 Albums Chart. And he is going all out in terms of promotion to ensure we all know how great an Album it is (it really is amazing – read my Review here)!
In addition to visiting CHUM-FM earlier today, Thicke arrived fashionably late with a three-vehicle Entourage to his KISS 92.5 Interview on The Roz & Mocha Show, where both Rogers Media Staffers and Fans awaited with eagerness for his arrival. Looking devastatingly handsome in his Aviators and Blazer, he was absolutely amazing – promising to spend a moment with his Fans on his way out. And he delivered of course – cool, calm and collected! Even his Father was generous to stop and pose for Fans, while younger Brother Carter got a glimpse of what greatness his future could hold, being a part a Family with a firmly-planted place in the World of Entertainment. Did you know that the Father and Son Duo partnered in writing the Track Ain’t No Hat 4 That on the Disc?
In case you missed Thicke, do not fret. His two-day visit to Toronto includes several stop-offs including appearances on CITY‘s Breakfast Television tomorrow, Global Television‘s The Morning Show, an appearance also on CBC‘s Q Radio with Jian Ghomeshi later this week, plus also an intimate performance tonight at an undisclosed location. Basically, he’s running the City this week and we know we want it (!).
Thicke was super-thoughtful to sign a Photo for my Readers. If you want it (I know you want it!), head on over to Mr. Will Wong on Facebook and click “like” on this Post to enter! All are welcome to enter. Double ballots if you share the Post on Facebook! Good luck.
See our Snap below:
Order Blurred Lines on iTunes here!
Thicke headlines the KISS 92.5 WHAM BAM on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at Molson Amphitheatre. More details here!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#NEWMUSIC: ROBIN THICKE’S “BLURRED LINES” DEBUTS AT #1
Persistence pays. That is all! Success has been a long time coming for Robin Thicke, who finally debuts atop the Nielsen-SoundScan Album Charts this week with his sixth Studio Disc, Blurred Lines! The Album tops the charts both north and south of the Border, selling 177k copies in the U.S. and 13k copies in Canada.
Another reason to celebrate of course is that Thicke‘s Single, the Titular Track from his Disc, has topped the Canadian SoundScan Digital Songs Chart for an eleventh consecutive week! Paula Patton, who of course is married to him, also celebrated this weekend seeing her latest, 2 Guns, go on to reach number one at the North American Box Office!
Thicke plays the KISS 92.5 WHAM BAM in Toronto at Molson Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 31, 2013. More details on that here.
In case you haven’t picked-up Thicke‘s Blurred Lines yet, this is the Album of the Year! Read my Review here.
(Photo credit: Universal Music)