In this edition of iPod Stars: Oscar-winning rapper Juicy J from Three 6 Mafia, Joey McIntyre from Boston Public and Dancing With the Stars, and Joey Medina from Los Angeles-based band (and iLounge favorite) The Tender Box.
Three 6 Mafia’s Juicy J
As a founding member of Memphis, Tennesee’s Three 6 Mafia, Juicy J (real name: Jordan Houston) has risen from releasing underground rap tapes to making history as a member of the first African-American hip-hop group to win an Oscar for Best Song, and the first to perform at the Academy Awards. Though arguably best known for the award-winning song It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp (from the movie Hustle & Flow), the newer track Stay Fly (featuring Young Buck, 8 Ball & MJG) is the group’s most popular song on iTunes, and an iLounge favorite. We caught up with Juicy J for a quick Q&A this week, during production of his new MTV reality show Adventures in Hollywood.
iLounge: How many iPods are in your house, and which is/are your favorites?
Juicy J: Six iPods in the house. The 80 Gig is Juicy J’s favorite.
iLounge: What are some of your favorite songs on your iPod?
Juicy J: Artists Juicy j likes are Isaac Hayes, Al Green, and Mark Hays.
iLounge: You have seen a lot of changes in the music industry since your career began in the early ‘90’s. How do you feel about digital music?
Juicy J: Digital music is great as along as the artist gets the credit on [Nielsen’s music industry sales tracking service] SoundScan for it.
iLounge: Your music is featured in the iTunes Store.
Does that exposure introduce your music to a different audience?
Juicy J: Yes, because iTunes is an Internet music service that appeals to fans of all types of music. People who may not know Three 6 Mafia can sample our music and purchase what they like.
iLounge: What should we expect from your new reality show on MTV?
Juicy J: The show has some of the funniest stuff in it you have ever seen in your life!
Dancing With the Stars’ Joey McIntyre
Today known as much for his acting as his singing and dancing, Joey McIntyre’s well-received appearences on Boston Public and Dancing With the Stars introduced the former New Kids on the Block member to new generations of fans. With his fifth studio album (Talk to Me) set for release later this month – part of his catalog is on iTunes – and his role in a live Dancing With the Stars Tour set to start on the 19th, McIntyre is a busy man. He took time out to tell iLounge how he uses his iPod and the iTunes Store.
iLounge: Your music can be downloaded through the iTunes Store. How do you feel about digital music?
Joey: I buy 90% of my music digitally. I love it. I think there is still something special about having a CD in your hand and having the art work and the liner notes to check out, but I believe we will find out ways to bring that personalized interactive feel to digital music. I have never downloaded a song I haven’t paid for. I agree with some that file sharing is part of getting your music out there, but I think it should be up to the artist to give it for free.
iLounge: Which iPod is your favorite model, and why?
Joey: Mine is about 3 years old… and its 40 somethin’ or other. [Editor’s Note: It’s most likely a third- or fourth-generation 40GB iPod.] I like it because it works and it plays music.
iLounge: What are some of the highlights of your iPod’s music library?
Joey: Frank Sinatra, De La Soul, Elton John, The Beatles, and Stan Getz.
iLounge: You are going on tour with Dancing With The Stars. Have you found a way to incorporate the iPod into your dancing?
Joey: It’s always good to listen down and “walk through” the routine in your own world on the dance floor.
iLounge: What are some accessories you’ll carry along while you’re on tour?
Joey: I am behind the times on that one… Now I know what I want for Christmas!
The Tender Box’s Joey Medina
Fusing dance club sensibilities with 1990s New Wave rock, L.A.-based band The Tender Box is one of iLounge’s favorite up-and-comers: a catchy riff from its debut single Mister Sister was picked up by Chevrolet for use in a Canadian truck commercial, and its full album The Score is actually good enough to bear repeat listenings from beginning to end. You can hear tracks on Tender Box’s MySpace page or through the iTunes Store. We spoke with the band’s lead vocalist Joey Medina following their fall tour with the Goo Goo Dolls.
iLounge: Your album, The Score, has been very popular with the staff at iLounge. What are some of the highlights of your iPod’s music library?
Joey: Thanks! Great to know our music is being heard.
