Elope (album) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search This article contains information about a scheduled or expected future album. The content may change as the album release approaches and more information becomes available. Elope Studio album by Christina Milian Released Late summer/fall 2009[1] Recorded 2007–2009 Genre R&B, Hip-Hop, Urban Pop Label MySpace / Interscope / Radio Killa Records Producer The-Dream, Tricky Stewart, L.O.S. Da Maestro, Madd Scientist Christina Milian chronology Best Of (2006) Elope (2009) Singles from Elope "Us Against the World" Released: October 6, 2008 Elope is the up-coming fourth studio album by American R&B and pop singer Christina Milian, scheduled to be released in late summer or fall 2009. The album will be Milian's first release since her departure from Def Jam Records in 2006 and signing to MySpace Records/Interscope in 2008. During album production at the beginning of 2009, Milian signed a joint-deal with The-Dream's label Radio Killa Records. The album was originally titled Dream in Color;[2] however, Milian changed the title to Elope because the album was "about taking responsibility for yourself and making your own decisions".[3] The album's first single, ballad "Us Against the World", was written by Milian and produced by Madd Scientist. The second single will be a duet with The-Dream called "Supersonic". Contents [hide] 1 Production 1.1 Background and record label 1.2 Recording 2 Concept 2.1 Title 2.2 Music and lyrics 3 Singles 4 Recorded tracks 5 References [edit] Production [edit] Background and record label Four weeks after the release of her previous album, So Amazin' (2006), Milian's representative confirmed that she had left Def Jam. Both parties said that they decided to end their relationship due to "creative differences", and that it was "a mutual decision".[4] Despite this, various publications reported that low album sales were the main factor in Milian being dropped from the label.[4][5] Milian believed that she was dropped as a budget cut, and that Def Jam wanted to spend more money on label mate Rihanna. She revealed, "It was embarrassing. It was a week after my album [So Amazin'] got put out. I would be in my room a lot of the time crying by myself."[6] Following her departure from Def Jam, Milian was unsure if she wanted to continue her music career. At a club, she encountered her childhood idol Janet Jackson, who remarked, "Girl, do not let them stop you. I'm a fan and you make good music". Milian said that this event encouraged her to begin working on a new album.[6] Before signing with a label, Milian began writing songs for the album whenever she became inspired.[7] The singer co-wrote several songs, which she felt built her self-esteem. Milian co-wrote or wrote most of the album's songs, and wanted to get her "vocals and music right... I wanted to be clear with the lyrics instead of just a bunch of mumble jumbo with a hot beat."[8] Milian stated that she was "moving on to better things and new things", and although she had received numerous offers, she was "pretty sure I know where I'm going". The singer wanted a slower process for the album, and said that it would be a "mixture of everything I've done".[7] In September 2008, Milian confirmed that she had signed with Myspace Records. Milian explained her decision by saying that she was "over the traditional approach, especially with all of the changes in the music industry", and that the world had become very "digital-driven". The singer said that although a traditional record label could support her with more money, an independent situation better suited her as a non-traditional artist. Milian said when Myspace Records first approached her for a record deal, she was hesitant, but agreed to met with the company. She found she could be "more real and one-on-one", and do her own thing without being told what to do.[9] [edit] Recording Milian began recording songs for a new album in 2008, some of which took place before signing with Myspace Records.[7][10] Milian collaborated in the studio with Cool & Dre, J. R. Rotem, The Runners, Danja,[11] Madd Scientist, T-Pain, Jim Jonsin and Toby Gad.[10] After recording songs during the summer with the aforementioned producers, Milian took a break from music and started filming Bring It On: Fight to the Finish. When Milian returned to music, she concentrated on her single "Us Against the World", and shot its music video. Since then, Milian said that she became "a little bit more meticulous with what I feel deserved to be on the album", and resumed recording.[9] In 2009, Milian began working with The-Dream and Tricky Stewart, with additional collaboration with L.O.S. Da Maestro.[3] Milian's collaboration with The-Dream led to her signing a joint-deal with Radio Killa Records. This meant that the album would be released as a Radio Killa, Interscope and MySpace combination. Milian was comfortable working with the The-Dream and Tricky because they understood the opposite sex. She said the songs were "from the eyes of a woman and the mind of a woman. I don't know how they understand that, but somehow they do. It's mature but at the same time it's so relatable to any girl."[12] The-Dream said that when he was building his label, he went looking for Milian because he believed she was a talented singer.[13] Milian revealed that aside from "Us Against the World", The-Dream and Tricky Stewart would be producing all the songs on her album. Milian said that they were writing songs that "females are going to be with and they're definitely gonna understand. It's taking on a new approach since the beginning of the year."[9] Milian felt that Madd Scientist "brought the best out of me" while producing "Us Against the World", and "was really able to do some amazing things with my vocals". When Milian began recording with The-Dream and Stewart, she found the songs they produced together was "'that extra fire that Christina needed'. And these are songs that I always wanted to put out, but never had the opportunity to do before."[8] In December 2008, Milian confirmed that Kanye West would appear on a track called "Diamonds";[14] however, Milian later gave the track to singer Teairra Mari for her album At That Point.[15] In April 2009, Milian and The-Dream held a listening party of the album for Interscope Records' executives, including chairman Jimmy Iovine. Milian received a standing ovation after the playing tracks for the executives.[16] The-Dream produced track "Zipper" has since leaked to the internet.[17] [edit] Concept [edit] Title Milian was featured on the cover of Rap-Up's 2008 Winter issue, in which she announced that the album's title was Dream in Color.[3] Milian compared the title to Dorothy Gale's journey in The Wizard of Oz, "she was living this black and white life and next thing you know this tornado sweeps her off to the land of Oz. As she goes down the yellow brick road she learned so many life lessons. So when I was thinking about all these songs and how I am as a person [...] I just think that part of life is by dreaming. I think that this album is the colorful life of Christina Milian on her way to see the Wizard."[8] In March 2009, Milian said that although she loved the title Dream in Color, she had retitled the album Elope because "a lot has changed". Milian stated, "the definition of elope is to run away secretly with one's beloved. This next album is about taking responsibility for yourself and making your own decisions. That is why I am changing the album title to Elope. That one word says a whole lot."[3] [edit] Music and lyrics In the early production of the album, Milian described Elope's genre as "pop-urban-international",[18] and "very feminine, strong and independent".[10] Milian later said that she was excited because the album was not based on any single genre. The singer felt that radio had changed, and although in the past urban stations would not play pop songs, music had evolved and all genres had found a common bond. Milian said that the genre of the album did not matter, because "at the end of the day it's all about music".[8] Compared to her previous album, Milian says that Elope has "a fresher more feminine touch to it". During the production of So Amazin', Milian was dealing with her break-up with Nick Cannon, which was reflected in the songs' lyrics. For Elope, Milian believes that she has managed to write records about real things she has gone through in the last two years.[19] Milian wanted Elope to "step [her] game up in every way possible". She said that she had matured as a woman from her previous album, and knew what she wanted. Milan felt that growing up she could be indecisive, whereas as her newest records expressed her honesty in what she wanted and liked. Milian said that being a Latina, there was a "fiery side that comes with me", and wanted her songs to be edgy, sexy and passionate. She wanted to find happiness and portray it in her songs. Milian described "Us Against The World" as a ride-or-die type of record, explaining it means "that I know you will always have my back and we're here to fight together. Sometimes life is a battle and it depends on who are you gonna have around you. Are they gonna turn on you and start fighting against you, or are they gonna be right next to you and help pull you up and make your stronger?"[9] [edit] Singles The album's first single, "Us Against the World", was written by Milian and produced by Madd Scientist. The single, described as a "cinematic power ballad", premiered via MySpace on October 6, 2008, and was made available by digital download the next day. There is controversy over which song will be the second single. The-Dream initially said that "Zipper" was the second single but then later told MTV that a new song called "I'm a Cheat" had been selected instead.[20] However, recently Milian confirmed to Latina that the second single would actually be a duet with The-Dream called "Supersonic". Milian described it as "super sexy, like an 'I got this, you got that' kinda vibe",[21] with a summer release date.[1] [edit] Recorded tracks "Us Against the World"[10] (produced by Madd Scientist) "Supersonic" (featuring The-Dream)[21] (produced by The Dream, Tricky Stewart) "Stay"[10] (produced by TBC) "Blissful" (featuring Rick Ross)[22] (produced by Cool & Dre) "Zipper" (produced by The Dream, Tricky Stewart) "I'm a Cheat"[20] (produced by The Dream) "Elope"[23] (produced by TBC) "Punch You In Your Sleep"[8] (produced by The Dream, Tricky Stewart) "Tug of War"[10] (produced by TBC) [edit] References ^ a b "Christina Milian Elope Album Listening". Rap-Up. April 8, 2009. http://www.rap-up.com/2009/04/08/christina-milian-elope-album-listening/. Retrieved on 2009-04-09. ^ Oh, Eunice (December 21, 2008). "Nick Cannon's Ex 'Shocked' When He Married Mariah". People. http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20247790,00.html. Retrieved on December 22, 2008. ^ a b c d "Christina Milian Changes Album Title to Elope". Rap-Up. 2009-03-02. http://www.rap-up.com/2009/03/02/christina-milian-changes-album-title-to-elope/. Retrieved on 2009-04-09. ^ a b "Island Def Jam Axes Its Milian Dollar Baby". Daily News. 2006-06-12. http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2006/06/12/2006-06-12_island_def_jam_axes_its_milian_dollar_ba.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-03. ^ Fields, Curt (2006-06-30). "TheScene Shows to Catch". The Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/29/AR2006062900846_pf.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-20. ^ a b Jones, Anthony (2008-12-18). "Christina Milian Says She Was Dropped From Def Jam Because Of Rihanna, Surprised By Ex Nick Cannon's Marriage To Mariah". AHN. http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7013455697. Retrieved on 2009-04-11. ^ a b c "Christina Milian Looking For Fresh Start". MTV. 2006-08-03. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1537803/20060803/milian_christina.jhtml. Retrieved on 2008-07-23. ^ a b c d e ByrWoo. "AOM: Christina Milian!". UrbanBridgez.com. http://www.urbanbridgez.com/aom.php. Retrieved on 2009-04-11. ^ a b c d Olivari, Gerald (March 30, 2009). "Interviews... Christina Milian". BlackVibes.com. http://www.blackvibes.com/features/news/story.asp?newsid=1631. Retrieved on 2009-04-21. ^ a b c d e f Concepcion, Mariel (September 19, 2008). "Exclusive: Milian Signs With MySpace Records". Billboard. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003852976. Retrieved on 2008-09-20. ^ "For The Record: Quick News On Madonna, Michelle Williams, James Blunt, Foxy Brown, Ice Cube & More". MTV. 2007-02-27. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1553364/20070227/foxy_brown.jhtml. Retrieved on 2008-07-30. ^ Washington, Jessica. "Christina Milian Signs with The-Dream's Radio Killa Records". Rap-Up. http://www.rap-up.com/2009/02/17/christina-milian-signs-with-the-dreams-radio-killa-records/. Retrieved on 2009-02-17. ^ Miller, Brian (March 9, 2009). "The-Dream Defends His Girl Christina Milian". RapRadar.com. http://www.rapradar.com/qa/the-dream.html. Retrieved on 2009-03-14. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (December 12, 2008). "Christina Milian Says Collaborating With Kanye West Was 'Easy Breezy'". MTV. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1601195/20081211/milian_christina.jhtml. Retrieved on 13 December 2008. ^ "Teairra Mari Inherits Christina Milian's "Diamonds"". Rap-Up. April 14, 2009. http://www.rap-up.com/2009/04/14/teairra-mari-inherits-christina-milians-diamonds/. Retrieved on 2009-04-14. ^ "Christina Milian Elope Album Listening". Rap-Up. April 8, 2009. http://www.rap-up.com/2009/04/08/christina-milian-elope-album-listening/. Retrieved on 2009-04-17. ^ "New Music: Christina Milian - "Zipper"". Rap-Up. April 17, 2009. http://www.rap-up.com/2009/04/17/new-music-christina-milian-zipper/. Retrieved on 2009-04-19. ^ Washington, Jessica (September 16, 2008). "Exclusive: Christina Milian Enlists Kanye West, Pitbull For New Album". Rap-Up. http://www.rap-up.com/2008/09/16/exclusive-christina-milian-enlists-kanye-west-pitbull-for-new-album/. Retrieved on 2008-09-18. ^ "Top Nine for 944 with Christina Milian". 944 Magazine. http://www.944.com/articles/top-nine-for-944-with-christina-milian/. Retrieved on 14 January 2009. ^ a b Reid, Shaheem (March 13, 2009). "The-Dream Wants To Record An Album With Kanye West". MTV. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1606921/20090312/the_dream_rap.jhtml. Retrieved on 2009-03-14. ^ a b San Miguel, Celia (March 27, 2009). "Christina Milian: "I'm Not Thirsty For Attention!"". Latina. http://www.latina.com/entertainment/celebrity/christina-milian-im-not-thirsty-attention. Retrieved on 2009-03-28. ^ "Christina Milian Hustles with Rick Ross". Rap-Up. February 24, 2009. http://www.rap-up.com/2009/02/24/christina-milian-hustles-with-rick-ross/. Retrieved on 2009-02-27. ^ "Christina Milian Denies Engagement Rumors". Rap-Up. March 14, 2009. http://www.rap-up.com/2009/03/14/christina-milian-denies-engagement-rumors/. Retrieved on 2009-04-11. [hide]v • d • eChristina Milian Studio albums Christina Milian · It's About Time · So Amazin' · Elope Other albums Best Of Singles "AM to PM" · "When You Look at Me" · "Get Away" · "Dip It Low" · "Whatever U Want" · "Say I" · "Us Against the World" Other singles "Between Me and You" · "It's All Gravy" Related articles Discography Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elope_(album)" Categories: Upcoming albums | 2009 albums | Albums produced by Danja | Albums produced by Cool & Dre | Albums produced by J.R. Rotem | Albums produced by Jim Jonsin | Albums produced by Toby Gad | Albums produced by Tricky Stewart | Christina Milian albums