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Uncharted Territory By ETWire Editor

Frankie J., singer In an industry that categorizes everything, it’s easy to see how it would take a recording artist awhile to find his or her true musical direction but this journey may be one of Frankie J.’s smartest moves-a move that could set him apart from other mainstream artists. At a time in music when many R&B singers are struggling to keep up with hip-hop’s massive domination, Frankie’s third album “Priceless” emerges as a sincere R&B effort.
Although he takes risks with this album, songs like, “Still” and the title track, “Priceless,” show that the “Un Nuevo Dia” singer hasn’t forgotten his roots in ballads or other types of music. He even makes a pit stop to a land of rhythmic drums and Spanish guitars with the song “Dance,” a light club song with repeatable lyrics. For all his dabbling, Frankie expresses cultural comfort and urban confidence-yet who wouldn’t with the likes of Bryan Michael Cox (Jagged Edge producer), Slim from 112 and Bone Thugs N Harmony as back-up.

Perhaps the most prominent songs are “Never Let You Down” and “If He Can’t Be.” “Never,” featuring Krazie Bone and Layzie Bone, has just enough hip-hop to maintain urban appeal without overwhelming the mainstream audience, while “If,” the song that samples Billy Idol’s “Eyes Without A Face,” is a definitive single contender for the pop stations.
“Priceless” can serve as a steady transitional album for Frankie J. Rather it immediately helps the singer cross into urban territory or not, it may eventually open the door to an R&B future.

A Moment With…Scott E. Leemon By ETWire Editor

Entertainment Wire caught up with Scott E. Leemon, a criminal defense attorney who has successfully represented the who’s who in hip-hop music (i.e. 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, and Tony Yayo). He recently acquired a dismissal of all charges against Jay Jenkins (a/k/a Young Jeezy) in a multiple Possession of Weapons matter in South Beach, Florida. Here’s what he had to say about his clients and the number one piece of advice he would give recording artists.
Entertainment Wire: Who was your first celebrity client?
Scott E. Leemon: Tony Yayo, but I represented alleged high-ranking members of organized crime before and they were treated like celebrities.
ETW: Why did you decide to start representing hip-hop artists?
S.E.L: Because the opportunity came and I realized I was really good at it. I have had great success with all of my hip-hop clients, ranging from Young Buck to Young Jeezy to Lloyd Banks. It’s fun and challenging.

ETW: So far, which has been your hardest case with an artist? Why?
S.E.L: Young Buck. He was charged with the stabbing at the Vibe Awards and everyone had him guilty before we started. The incident was on national television and played over and over. But as I stated that night, “Pictures may be deceiving!"

ETW: Name one misconception people have about your clients.
S.E.L: Every artist I have come in contact with has been such a nice guy. These guys are all real people.

ETW: What type of advice would you give to aspiring artists in regards to staying out of trouble?
S.E.L: The same advice I give all my clients, watch your entourage. Most of the time they are the people causing all the problems--they get the artist in trouble for their stupidity.