(Courtesy of Billboard.com)

Beyonce' is one of the most recognizable female pop artist of our generation. However, the focus of today's topic will highlight her business side. I will illustrate the top four smartest digital marketing moves made by Beyonce'. These moves will focus on the recent release of her self-titled new album, "Beyonce."

(Courtesy of spin.com)

Just for fun, we will illustrate her remarkable digital marketing achievements by using some of her most memorable musical titles.

(Courtesy of Healthshire.com)

 "Crazy In Love"

Fan's are "Crazy in Love" with Beyonce and she know's it. She completely understands her influence on her fans, but more importantly, she knows her target audience. With the industry trends constantly changing to a more digital platform, Beyonce did something that had not been dared before. She literally released a whole album with solely the help of digital marketing. She revolutionized the music industry by taking advantage of the technology and the current media trends.

(Courtesy of Vimeo)

"Upgrade You"

Beyonce spent years "Upgrading" her online visibility. She utilized every single social media network to push her image, brand, and music. Her social network connection created a unique experience  with fans and allowed her to personally engage her fans on a different level. Not to mention her sold out world-wide tour, documentary, and popular music snippets played a significant role. 

(Courtesy of Alothmanblog.com)

"Run the World"

Beyonce's exclusive deal with iTunes controlled distribution and created a sense of urgency. Think about it, how many artist can say they caused a world-wide shock simply by releasing their album? Beyonce can! Let me tell you why! Beyonce's album was released strictly on iTunes first. In fact, to get the new content on her album, the consumer had to buy the exclusive videos that came with the music.  Furthermore, with the album only being sold through iTunes, fans could only go to one place to buy her exclusive released content. With iTunes being accessible from any smartphone, laptop, or computer, fans could  literally buy the album and watch the videos that came with the music instantly. She literally controlled the way the "World" received her new content. 

(Courtesy of Thecouchsessions.com)

"Drunk in Love"

Last, but not least,  moving visuals are more appealing then ads. This important lesson was the key to Beyonce's success. She had fans" Drunk in Love" simply by mesmerizing them with her own visual digital promotion. Literally she created a buzz on social networks by the exclusive promotional video she released on her Instagram. Check it out below...

Beyonce literally announced her music via Instagram and caused a riot on all the blogs, social networks, and television shows. She literally revolutionized the way music and cd's are now being released.

So, the lesson you can learn from the Queen B goes as followed...

1. Know your Target Audience
2. Upgrade all major Social Networks
3. Create Urgency and control Distribution
4. Captivate Your Audience with Visual Appeal

These top 4 lessons are the new digital marketing rules for musical artist.

References:
http://simplymeasured.com/blog/2013/12/17/5-things-brands-can-learn-from-beyonce/

http://blogs.gartner.com/jennifer-polk/the-media-the-medium-and-visual-storytelling-what-digital-marketers-can-learn-from-beyonce/

http://instagram.com/p/h2YFO6Pw1d

"Artist Spotlight" artist Emeli Sande is an English born Scottish recording artist and songwriter. She is a new up and coming artist with a very soulful and smooth voice. I first found out about Sande when I was walking around Best Buy and her song was playing all over the T.V in the home theater section. Ever since I have been a fan of her powerful and uplifting songs.

She first became known to the public when she was featured on the song "diamond rings" by rapper chipmunk. She then became recognized by the one and only Simon Cowell, who said that she was "his favorite songwriter at the minute". Sande has written for a number of other artists including Alicia Keys, Cher Lloyd, Susan Boyle, Rihanna, Leona Lewis and Tinie Tempah. 

In 2010 she signed with EMI Music Publishing and later announced that Virgin Records had given her a record deal. In August of 2011, she released her first solo single "heaven". Since then she has had three #1 singles across the UK and Ireland. Her debut album "Our Version of Events" spent 7 consecutive weeks at #1 and became the best selling album of 2012 in the UK with over $1million in sales. 

Sande got the incredible opportunity to perform at both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics. In May she preformed at the white house as one of the featuring artists at the award ceremony when President Obama presented Carole King with the Library of Congress Gershwin Medal. She is set to release her 2nd studio album in the summer of 2014. If your looking for a new soul artist and like the sounds of India Arie and Erykah Badu then Emeli Sande is the artist for you!!! Check out some of her songs below:

website: http://us.emelisande.com

twitter:@emelisande

instagram:http://web.stagram.com/n/emelisande/

Okay folks, who's ready for some more new music cause I know I am! This week we have songs from a few known artists The Weekend and Miguel and an up and coming artist Sebastian Mikael. All of theses songs are ready to be rocked through your speakers.

The Weekend

This Canadian recording artist and record producer is out doing himself again and again. In 2012 he released a compilation album "Trilogy" made up of remastered versions of songs from his mixtapes along with three new songs. Since then he has released his first official album called "kiss land" (keep an eye open for the album review coming soon). The latest single "live for" featuring drake is amazing. With a slow yet somewhat up-tempo beat with a combination of the Weekend's higher pitched voice and Drake's flow, "live for" is a hit! Check it out below:

Miguel
After his first album "All I want is you" became a sleeper hit that got his name out there. This American recording artist, sing-songwriter and producer is back with vengeance with his 2nd album "Kaleidoscope Dreams". It debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 list. His new single "How many drinks" is a great new slow jam, and is truly and honest pick up line. The beat just makes you want to get up and dance and then go home with that one. check out this new slow jam below:

Sebastian Mikael

Last but not least is newcomer Sebastian Mikael. This Sweden born, classically trained singer- songwriter is on his way to becoming a superstar. He is very good at meshing the elements of rock, R&B, pop and electronic music into one project. His single "last night" is bound to be a hit. He has a very smooth voice that kind of reminds me of Chris Brown. This single features rap sensation Wale. This collaboration must happen again if you ask me. Be sure to check out this up and coming stars single below:

Keep rocking out to these jams until next week's new releases!!!

If you are looking for some R&B greatness from some phenomenal male vocalist, than the Three Kings album is for you. The album takes you back to what the entertainment industry is missing today, pure talent!

The Three Kings album was created by the new trio TGT, which was assembled with three very well known R&B soloist who came together in 2007 to make an exciting new male group. The group includes Tyrese, Ginuwine, and Tank. All three men have had tremendous success as solo artist, but now they have come together to bring R&B back.

However, if you are unfamiliar with the three legendary R&B singers of the 90s, let me update you.

To begin, lets start with artist, Tyrese Gibson.

The Texas native started his career modeling for major designers such as Tommy Hilfiger and Guess. Fortunately, his passion for music led him to catching the eye of RCA Records who signed the artist in 1998. Since 1998, Tyrese has been on a roll. He has created six albums and has made it to Platinum Success. He currently is very active in film. In fact, his most notable movie performance is his signature character Rome, from the Fast and Furious franchise.

Tyrese continues to make waves with his music, acting, modeling, and now his new group TGT. Check out some of his well known hit songs such as "Sweet Lady" "How You Going to Act Like That", and "Signs of Love Making."

Next, we have Ginuwine.

The D.C. Native to date is one of the 90s Top R&B male singers. His success came from a multitude of hit songs one after the other. His most notable accomplishments came from songs such as "Pony,""So Anxious," "So Different," and "In Those Jeans." His first single "Pony" put the artist on a fast track to success. He has worked with artist such as Missy Elliot, Aaliyah, and Timberland just to name a few. He currently produces and has found his voice in the new TGT group.

Last but not least, we have Tank.

Tank is not only an accomplished singer but a well respect songwriter. His pen has created hits for his fellow group members and other artists such as Aaliyah, Marques Houston, Monica, Dave Hollister, Jamie Foxx, Chris Brown, and a lot of other phenomenal R&B talents. He has released five solo albums, two would become certified Gold. His most notable song which landed him in the Top 10 on the billboard charts was his 90s powerhouse song, "Maybe I Deserve."Tank definitely brings the strong vocals to the TGT album with his captivating fast riffs and runs.

Now that we are up to date with the members of the group, lets talk more about this Three Kings Album. The CD has 17 tracks filled with ballads, mid tempo melodies, and catchy songs. The one thing the CD does lack is upbeat songs. However, with the high sexualized lyrics and smooth harmonies, the CD is sure to make female listeners weak in the knees. The CD will even give some guys pointers in the love department. Their lead singles are "Sex Never Felt Better" and "I Need" which gives that throwback R&B feel. The CD is a definite necessity if you need to get a date into the bedroom.

Strengths
Vocals are amazing, pure R&B, and a very smooth type of CD.

Weaknesses 
The songs start sounding very similar after hearing the CD for a while. The CD's focus is mostly on sex & love. The CD needs to have more of a diverse sound. An upbeat song every now and then would help carry a stronger cd.

Favorite Songs on the Album
1.Take it Wrong
4. I Need
11.Explode
13.OMG

The CD is a must buy and I give the CD a 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.

Check out their lead single "Sex Never Felt Better." Also preview the album here.