Following up on last year’s US breakthrough album TSOL, Canadian MC Shad is following up today with his first iTunes Session. Recorded live at Metalworks in Toronto, the EP features six tracks, including new versions of previously released songs in addition to the much anticipated studio debut of his renowned YouTube a capella “The One In Front of The Garage”. In commemoration of the new single, Shad and Dallas Green (of Canadian post-hardcore titans Alexisonfire) are hosting an online remix contest for their recent single “Live Forever”. Additionally, Shad will be touring the US with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis this April, full dates below.

Shad & Dallas Green Remix Contest
http://www.indabamusic.com/opportunities/shad-and-dallas

Shad’s New “Keep Shining” Video:

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TOUR DATES
4/13 Allston – Brighton Music Hall
4/14 South Burlington – Higher Ground
4/16 New York – Webster Hall
4/17 Philly – Kungfu Necktie
4/28 Fort Collins – Aggie Theatre
4/29 Denver – Bluebird Theatre
4/20 Boulder – Fox Theatre
*(all dates with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis)

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Fashawn, Buff 1 and Scheme have collaborated on “Theme Music” from the Closed Sessions project. DJ Babu produced the song from the ATX titled CD that was recorded last year in Austin, Texas. The CD and mini documentary will be released on March 15th. Listen to it here.

On the heels of his highly successful US tour this January & February, Bay Area indie rap stalwart Lyrics Born has answered popular demand and added an additional run of dates to his already rigorous itinerary. The shows he’s played in support of 2010’s acclaimed As U Were album so far have been a veritable marathon of irresistible dance grooves and virtuoso vocal delivery. Losing none of the momentum from the initial leg of the tour, which saw LB playing across the mountain, midwest, & northeast regions, the newly confirmed dates fill in the gaps along the east coast and across the south with more dates to be announced in coming weeks. Full tour dates are listed below.

In the persistent pursuit of keeping things fresh and new, he has enlisted the talents of Skins & Needles, the Bay Area duo comprised of DJ Zeph (Oakland Faders) and drummer Max MacVeety (Crown City Rockers), as his backing band for the coming shows. Regarded as one of the greatest performers in the history of the game, Lyrics Born is putting on some of the best performances of his career. These select appearances will prove no exception.

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TOUR DATES (MORE DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON):

Feb 26 – Los Angeles, CA – El Cid (hosting only)
Mar 5 – Taos, NM – Martini Tree
Mar 19 – Denver, CO – The Fillmore (special guest of Galactic)
Mar 30 – Philadelphia, PA – The Blockley
Mar 31 – Baltimore, MD – 8×10
Apr 1 – Blacksburg, VA – Awful Arthurs
Apr 2 – Asheville, NC – Pisgah Brewery
Apr 4 – Orlando, FL – The Social
Apr 5 – Tallahassee, FL – Engine Room
Apr 6 – Jacksonville, FL – Jack Rabbits
Apr 7 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
Apr 8 – Hunstville, AL – Crossroads
Apr 9 – Jackson, MS – Martin’s
Apr 11 – New Orleans, LA – One Eyed Jacks
Apr 12 – Birmingham, AL – Zydeco
Apr 13 – Nashville, TN – Exit/Inn
Apr 14 – St. Louis, MO – 2720
Apr 15 – Oxford, MS – Proud Larry’s
Apr 16 – Little Rock, AR – Sticky Finger

*Mar 30 – Apr 14 w/ Skins & Needles

NEW YORK—February 23, 2011—BET’s hit singing competition SUNDAY BEST returns for a fourth season of hand-clapping and soul-stirring gospel singing as contestants will vie for the title of SUNDAY BEST. Hosted by gospel legend Kirk Franklin, this season welcomes back judges Pastor Donnie McClurkin and award-winning siblings Erica and Tina Campbell of Mary Mary.

Thousands of hopefuls showed up in Dallas where auditions kicked off February 19. Next, hopefuls in Los Angeles will have their chance to shine at West Angeles Cathedral on March 5. Auditions conclude in Atlanta on March 12. SUNDAY BEST season four auditions will be open to contestants age 18 and older who have government issued forms of identification. Doors to the venue will open at 7:00 a.m. and will close at 1:00 p.m.

SUNDAY BEST season four will tape the stage portion of the show in Atlanta.

2011 SUNDAY BEST AUDITION INFORMATION FOR LOS ANGELES:

LOS ANGELES
When: March 5, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: West Angeles Cathedral
3600 Crenshaw Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90016

For up-to-the-minute information, footage and photos on SUNDAY BEST, please visit www.bet.com/sundaybest