If it’s out there, I will find you!

Jessie on Twitter and YouTube.

Christopher John on Twitter and YouTube.

Broadway on Twitter and YouTube.

• Midem hogged the headlines this week, though softer attendance spoke to continued macroeconomic and industry problems.  A major focus was monetization, and European mobile and online companies posted some encouraging - though still modest – figures.  A fresh format, a continued file-sharing debate, and a number of newer entrants also grabbed attention.
• The DIY debate stirred by Tommy Boy Silverman continued.
• After winning a huge reduction in penalty, Jammie Thomas rejected a $25,000 settlement offer from the RIAA.  That spells more courtroom drama ahead.
• Apple unveiled its long-awaited iPad.  Earlier in the week, the company revealedanother smashing quarter.
• Hope for Haiti Now became the first digital-only album to top the charts.
• Verizon denied that any of its subscribers are being disconnected for infringing activity.
• On the numbers front, MySpace Music claimed 180 million playlists.  Spotifyshowed 100 million.

At the 5th annual ASCAP I Create Music EXPO, music legends Quincy Jones and Bill Withers and music superstar John Mayer will lead the list of speakers. You do not need to be an ASCAP member to register and benefit from:

• Celebrity Q & As
• Master Classes
• Songwriting & Composing Workshops
• Publisher & Business Panels
• One-on-One Sessions
• DIY Career Building Workshops
• Showcases & Performances
• Attendee Song Feedback Panels
• Networking Opportunities
• State-of-the-Art Tech Demos
• Leading Music Industry Exhibitors

More info in the event here… Follow ASCAP on Twitter: @ASCAP

Follow Greg on Twitter: @g_ro

Pharrell Williams was a keynote speaker this year at the world’s largest music industry trade fair in Cannes, France – MIDEM. Billboard Magazine’s Producer of The Decade speaks on management, having the right team of people around you, dreams, hard work, and his online platform to display talent artst.com. Inspirational.

Hewlett Packard has show interest in music before, drafting major artists like JAY-Z, Pharrell Williams, Gwen Stefani, Fergie to sell their consumer laptops. HP is venturing out into music partnering with a mobile music start-up Omnifone, Ltd to offer a subscription music service in 10 European countries. [source]

Benny Cassette’s video ‘Bang Bang’ is on MTV U as of today. The beat is made with sounds Benny sampled at a basketball game. It features Grayson Boucher aka The Professor – a member of the And 1’s street basketball team. Please vote for him in this week’s best freshmen video.

As a record producer from Sacramento, Cozmo has been making waves in the hip hop world for the last 12 years. Starting out in the local Bay area scene as a performer and beat maker, and growing out to be a respected and reputable record producer for underground and mainstream acts. Besides making music with Ron Artest for ESPN and the NBA, Cozmo has been credited as a producer for the following acts: Trina, Jim Jones, Devin The Dude, Bun B, Scarface, Nipsey Hussle & The Game, Brisco, San Quinn, Hell Rell, B.G., and Ya Boy.

Connect with Cozmo on Twitter: @cozmobeats

Bryan-Michael Cox and SESAC will host their 6th Annual Pre-Grammy Brunch during the 2010 Grammy Weekend in Beverly Hills, California.  The annual brunch, also sponsored by Devotion Vodka and TheCashFlow.com, will honor Swizz Beatz for his achievements and milestones within the music industry over the course of his career.

Read more… Follow Swizz Beatz on Twitter: @therealSwizzz

Erykah Badu announced part 2 in her New Amerykah trilogy. Return of the Ankh features contributions from some of the most talented, groundbreaking, underground producers and engineers in the hip-hop game, including Grammy winners 9th Wonder and James Poyser, eclectic soul singer Bilal, and the late J Dilla. “We used a lot of analog instruments—harps, strings, drums, piano, and even a Theremin—to give the album that sonic feel,” said Badu. “There’s a strong undercurrent of bottom, a rumbling to these songs that feels good to me. It feels like a hug.”

1.      “20 Feet Tall”
Produced by Erykah Badu and 9th Wonder.

2.      “Window Seat”
Produced by Erykah Badu and James Poyser. Featuring Ahmir “?uestove” Thompson (drums), Stephen “Thundercat” Bruner (bass), James Poyser (keys), Kirsten Agnesta (harp).

3.      “Agitation”
Produced by Erykah Badu and Shafiq Husayn of SA-RA Creative Partners.

4.      “Get Money”
Produced by Erykah Badu and Karieem Riggins (drums), Stephen “Thundercat” Bruner (bass), James Poyser (keys), Tommy Trajlio (guitar), Mike “Chav” Chavarria (mooger fooger). Contains an interpolation of “Can’t Turn Me Away,” by Sylvia Strippling.

5.      “Don’t Be Long”
Produced by Erykah Badu and Taarak.

6.      “Love”
Produced by Erykah Badu and J Dilla.

7.      “Umm Hmm”
Produced by Erykah Badu and Madlib.

8.      “Fall in Love”
Produced by Erykah Badu and Karieem Riggins. Contains a sample of “Intimate Friends” by Eddie Kendricks.

9.      “Incense” (Instrumental)
Produced by Erykah Badu and Madlib featuring Kirsten Agnesta (harp).

10.  “Out My Mind Just in Time (Part 1) (Undercover Over-Lover)”
Produced by Erykah Badu featuring James Poyser (keys).

11.  “Out My Mind Just in Time (Part 2)”
Produced by Erykah Badu and Georgia Ann Muldrow.

Bonus Web-Only Track: “Jump In The Air,” featuring Lil’ Wayne and Bilal
Produced by Erykah Badu, RC Williams and Jahborn. Contains an interpolation of “Hydraulic Pump” by Parliament Funkadelic.

Click here to be directed to the press release… Follow Erykah Badu on Twitter: @FATBELLYBELLA

Erykah Badu photographed by Timothy Saccenti