The War Child and O2 hook-up which will host a sting of Britsih talent at Shepherd's Bush Emipre on 16 February was sold out in just 13 minutes.   Follwing that night's Brit Awards, a lucky 2,000 fans will see will see performances from the likes of La Roux, Kasabian and a host of other bristish acts yet to be confirmed, plus DJ sets from Calvin Harris and Zane Lowe   The charity event- in aid of the plight of children in war-torn countries - follows suit from last year as War Child's post-Brit party.    "War Childs work is absolutely vital. Simple!, " said Kasabian. "It will be an inspirationa night all round."   Limited VIP tickets are still available from £250, visit viptickets@warchild.org.uk. All proceeds go to charity.

Roadblock is on the cards tomorrow evening when Souls of Mischief hit Covent Garden's Carhartt store for a  live PA. Coming all the way from Oakland, California, this is a Monday evening you don't want to miss out on. The quartet, who have their fifth studio album Montezuma's Revenge, dropping in February 2010 have worked with legendary producer Prince Paul - well known for work with Erykah Badu - and will be performing tracks from their new record from 7:30pm. As members of the Hierglyphics Crew, the alternative Hip-Hop group will be embark on a world tour, with plans to touch down in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Bulgaria and several places in the US. The event will be hosted by Mystro. DJs Mr Thing and Charlee Brown will also be spinning some tunes.

    Maxwell last night delivered a passionate and mind-blowing performance at the sold-out HMV Hammersmith Apollo. Without any support act to warm up the crowd and without further ado Maxwell hit the stage in perfect timing - not even a nano-second late. Along with his fully-fledged jazz band and backing vocalist, he got the BLACKsummers'night show started on Sumthin’ Sumthin’ from his debut Urban Hang Suite. From then on it was screaming girls galore! The fellas were apparently there under duress but according to Maxwell, he set them up nicely because “they know what their getting after the show”.   After an 11 year hiatus, YES, 11 YEARS!! since he last performed in the UK, what was most pleasurable to watch was his sheer fascination and utter disbelief at the warm reception that he received. Clearly humbled and happy to be back, performing on stage – this obviously edged him on to give one of the smoothest soul performances known to man.    Dressed in a three piece suit and rid of his trademark afro, Maxwell was the epitome of a perfect gentle man. Oozing with sex appeal he delivered most of the tracks from his current fourth studio album BLACKsummers’ night. Lead single Pretty Wings ...

Peep the long awaited new video from Alicia Keys for her debut single Doesn't Mean Anything, lifted off of her upcoming fourth studio album, set for UK release on November 30. As what's becoming customary for most of her video's, the feature of a beautifully crafted grand piano takes centre stage. The song however, is a strong lead single. Of the album Ms. Keys said: "It will take you on a natural high."  

Here's a small clip of Rihanna on a shoot for the artwork of her upcoming fouth studio album. The session was shot in Berlin, Germany, also the supposed location for her next video. I hope that's faux fur she's wearing. Rihanna's certainly the chief of the 80's throwback fashion that's made a quick comeback. I have yet to see her in an outfit without huge shoulder pads.  

Following the mass success of her first single Do You Mind, Kyla is back with a knockout club track titled Daydreaming, produced by Crazy Cousinz. Check out the video below.  Daydreaming is undoubtedly going to be one of this summer's biggest blasters. Both the single and video give the music scene a refreshing uplift.   Daydreaming is OUT NOW on Defenders L.O.S.    

    Industry folks need to make way for Eslam Jawaad, an impressive yet unexpected rap lyricist to break through into the Hip Hop scene. Not your typical Hop Hop apologue, Lebanese-born Eslam was once an associated member of the Lebanese mafia until an ill-fated deal took a turn for the worst but in retrospect may have been the twist of fate that Eslam needed. Having been in London since 2003,he's now crafted and mastered his debut album The Mammoth Tusk - named after the said deal which involved the transportation of a mammoth tusk after a Siberian excavation. Precisely well-rounded his album offers his perspective and firt hand encounters of anti-Middle Eastern disposition as well as uplifting and catchy ear pleasers exemplified with his latest single Star Spangled Banner - a male-humoured sing-a-long track with a bit of a country western back drop. The rest of the album features the likes of Wu-Tang Clan's RZA, Hip Hop veterans De La Soul and Aftermath producer Focus. Music industry insiders are already showing Eslam some love. Having already toured with Britpop-band Blur's mastermind Damon Albarn and Hip Hop super group Wu-Tang Clan, he's well on his way to establishing himself on the music circuit.   Check out the video to Star Spangled Banner below.   You can also click the following link to download the track ...

Gang Starr lyricist Guru will be making an appearence at Covent Garden's King Apparel clothing store this July 15 to show case his new single Divine Rule. The US rapper/producer who recently appeared as a judge on BET's 106 & Park Freestyle Friday's is in the UK to promote his latest album Lost & Found. He'll be in-store from 6pm so get down there early if you want anything signed, 'cause as always events courtesy of Vision Promotions will cause serious road block. Guru will be doing a one-off performance so don't miss out. Also performing on the night will be Skandal, Reps, DJ Mr. Thing and DJ Charlee Brown. Check out the flyer below for more details. Guru's album 8.O: Lost & Found  is available now. CLICK HERE to purchase.  

  Kanye West has teamed up with fellow Chicago native Malik Yusef to release the first album off of Kanye's very own label G.O.O.D music. The album comes in the form of a double disc record, aptly titled Good Morning, Good Night (Dusk/Dawn). The first single Magic Man is taken from the Dusk half of the album; it featrues the suave John Legend and Common.  The quartet really compliment eachother on this track; like a modern day Rat Pack with a nocturnal spin. Prepare to be blown away by the winds of Chicago's finest verbal technician. As a spoken word artist and a concious rap supremo Malik Yusef has really hit a home run on this one.   The rest of the album features an impressive contribution from the likes of Jennifer Hudson, Paul Wall, Adam Levine (Maroon 5), Michelle Williams (Destiny's Child), KRS1,Raheem Davaughn and Twista. Check out the youtube link below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY4k_BQkAQA Good Morning, Goodnight hits UK stores this Monday, 8 June. BUY IT!! Also available to purchase from play.com: http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/9751579/G-O-O-D-Morning-G-O-O-D-Night-Dusk/Product.html

  She's the new addition to the music scene and much excitement surrounding her debut single Give It To Me Right  has already had all the radio stations and music whizz's windswepped. Chicago raised Melanie Fiona is about to release her debut album The Bridge which she has described as "an album the bridges the gap" between different walks of life and "encompasses many different genre's of music".   From what I've heard so far, this will be an impressive first album. She's got a raw talent that's refreshingly natural and unruffled. KNOWSIES has managed to grab a snippet of one of the songs that's going to be on the final cut of the album. Check out Sad Songs below, a suprisingly uplifting song with a mellow reggae back drop. This tracks got a very summer vibe to it...not a sad song at all.   Melanie Fiona_ Sad Songs   If you haven't seen it already, here's the video to Give It To Me Right, written and produced by Andrea Martin   For more on Melanie Fiona check out her MySpace page at www.myspace.com/melaniefiona or her website www.melaniefiona.com