Alicia Keys and Jay-Z will perform during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards it was announced today (September 10). The pair will perform the single “Empire State of Mind” from Jay-Z’s new album The Blueprint 3. Eminem will also make an appearance during the awards ceremony, which will also feature presenters like 50 Cent, Jennifer Lopez, Tracy Morgan, Nelly Furtado, Ne-Yo, Shakira and Tracy Morgan. Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Green day, Taylor Swift and Pink will be featured performers during the ceremonies, which will be hosted by Russell Brand and air live from New York on Sunday, September 13 at 9:00 PM.
Rapper Kid Cudi will lend support to a benefit concert in support of HIV/AIDS awareness this weekend in New York. On Saturday (September 12), Kid Cudi will take to the stage with DJ Clinton Sparks and Phoenix as part of a benefit concert for LIFEbeat, The Music Industry Fights AIDS. Tickets for the he all-ages event range from $40 – $150. In addition to performances by Kid Cudi and company, patrons will have the chance to play the highly anticipated video game Beatles: Rock Band. All proceeds benefit LIFEbeat. For more information visit LIFEbeat.org.
The DMC World DJ Championship competition will take place this weekend at the Indig02 Arena in London. On September 11 – 12, competitors from over 30 countries will compete in the Battle For Supremacy, including London’s hometown champion, DJ Rasp. In addition to the battles, DJ Yoda will celebrate DMC’s 25th anniversary with an AV performance detailing the 25-year-history of the legendary competition. Ticket prices to attend the DMC World DJ Championship cost £15 for a one day ticket and £20 for a two day pass. ====
Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA will hit the United Kingdom and Ireland this September to promote his upcoming book The Tao of Wu. The rapper execute the nine-date “Tao of the Wu Tour” from September 29-October 10 with Frukwan of The Gravediggaz, System of a Down bassist Shavo Odajian and Kinetic 9. The Tao of the Wu follows RZA’s 2005 book, Wu-Tang Manual. In The Tao of Wu, RZA recounts his personal journey to a spiritual awaking utilizing Hip-Hop music, kung-fu and various religions.
Tour dates are listed below:
Liverpool O2 Academy – September 29 October: London Matter – October 3 York Duchess – October 5 Birmingham Rainbow Warehouse – October 6 Leeds Stylus – October 7 Dublin Button Factory – October 8Bristol O2 Academy – October 9 Oxford O2 Academy -October 10