Ryan Book

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  • Biggest Contracts in Music History: Jay Z, Lil Wayne, Michael Jackson and More

    Stevie Wonder struck it rich 40 years ago on this day when he signed what was, at that point in history, the most lucrative music contract ever: $13 million for seven years and seven albums for Motown/Tamla Records. Granted, things have gotten bigger in the four decades since—both in terms of payouts and inflation rates. Here are the five biggest contracts signed in music history, not adjusted for inflation. Understand that many of these deals won't ever be surpassed due to the increasingly smaller likelihood that a performer or band will sign for such lengthy periods. Jay Z, Lil Wayne and more cash in.

  • 50 Cent Is Doing OK Financially, According to Court Documents

    Rapper 50 Cent shocked the world when he filed for bankruptcy following the lawsuit regarding his sex tape commentary regarding Rick Ross' ex, Lastonia Leviston. The court ruled that he owed a total of $7 million to the victim, a total he promptly claimed he didn't have. Those claims have come into question after Buzzfeed acquired the legal documents where the rapper described his personal assets.

  • Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood and The Faces Reuniting for Rock 'n' Horsepower Show

    The Faces—a group featuring Rod Stewart and The Rolling Stones' Ronnie Wood—have finally figured out a legitimate reunion date, after years of cancelled plans and false alarms. The band's remaining members will join together for a gig at this year's Rock 'n' Horsepower concert in Surrey. It's not too surprising a gig, as Stewart and drummer Kenney Jones have organized the event for the last three years. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Prostate Cancer UK charity.

  • Billy Joel Plays Last Concert at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum

    Billy Joel played at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Tuesday night for the 32nd time, and perhaps this concert is the most relevant, as it's the last show to be played at the venue before it's closed for major renovations. The pianist and pop star opened his set with "Movin' Out" as a tribute to the closing of the famed venue.

  • Björk Cancels European Festival Dates at Pitchfork, La Route Du Rock, More

    A familiar bit of news, unfortunately, for Björk fans, as the Icelandic alternative star has cancelled several tour dates due to a scheduling issue. Among the dates cancelled are some rather major performances however, including the Pitchfork Music Festival Paris, La Route Du Rock and Iceland Airwaves in her homeland.

  • Photo Recap of Lollapalooza 2015: A$AP Rocky, Sam Smith, Charli XCX and More

    Lollapalloza packs about as much variety into a music festival as possible, ranging from Paul McCartney to The Weeknd, from Metallica to Bassnectar on the headlining stages. The rainbow of colors on display onstage makes for a photographer's paradise, and Music Times was among the publications that sent our shutterbugs to gather images from the party. Writer Ryan Book tried his best not to look out of place in the photo pit over the weekend.

  • Back of The Billboards: 'Blacked Out' by Moonshine Bandits

    Society always celebrates the records that top the Billboard 200 album chart. Back of The Billboards is a Music Times weekly segment that looks at the opposite end: the new record that finished closest to the back of the Billboard 200 for the previous week. We hope to give a fighting chance to the bands you haven't heard of. This week we look at 'Blacked Out,' the new album from Moonshine Bandits, a duo that's been carrying the "hick-hop" flag for longer that many realize.

  • Two Killed by Gunfire at OVO Fest After-Party Hosted by Drake

    The music at Drake's annual OVO Fest was pretty excellent, but like with many other music festivals, incidents off the stage have distracted from the main event. Two people were killed and another three were in critical condition following a shooting at the festival's official after party.

  • Jill Scott Tops Slow Billboard 200, Taylor Swift Spends 40 Weeks in Top 10

    Jill Scott took advantage of a slower (if more competitive) week of album sales, coming in at no. 1 on the Billboard 200 for the second time in a row with her album 'Woman.' Although she can be please with the second no. 1 record in her career, the 62,000 equivalent copies she sold of her new set is less than half of what 'The Light Of The Sun' sold in its first week during 2011. 'Woman' marks the first no. 1 for a solo female performer in nearly five months.
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