By Brandon Eiges and Patrice Mardo, Californian editors
Almost every year, local radio station Wild 94.9 puts on a show. But not just any show.
The WildJam concert has been an annual event that has teens and young adults around the Bay Area calling into the San Francisco-based radio station every hour.
The WildJam has been known to gather a lineup of radio’s current and popular artists, easily capturing impressive hype from local Bay Area hip-hop fans eager to see some of their favorite artists performing under one roof.
This year is no different. Four of the hottest artists on the charts right now are doing it big at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California on Thursday.
Far East Movement
The phenomenon that brought you “Like a G6” is one of the most anticipated artists on the lineup.
Having a song hit No. 1 on radio and listening to their tracks featured in numerous TV shows and films before dropping an album, it’s hard to imagine the recently surfaced Far East Movement was a name well known before it even hit mainstream.
The Far East Movement, or nicknamed FM, originated from a group of Southern California high schoolers who began their musical journey simply out of the love of music and driving passion.
Inspired by hip hop artists such as Kanye West, FM strives to not only bring great music but incredible energy to their audiences.
With musical styles of a generous blend of hypnotic electronic beats and modern hip hop, FM brings a fresh take on music.
After graduating high school, FM decided to take their music more seriously and began to perform around their local Los Angeles, whether it be at benefit concerts or clubs.
Releasing radio hits such as “Girls on the Dancefloor” and “Like a G6,” FM promoted a new era of club music.
With high-energy performances and catchy tracks, FM was quickly signed by Cherrytree Records and released their first album, “Free Wired,” this fall. The album captures the same energy as their party tracks, but also embodies some surprisingly slower paced tunes such as their current radio hit, “Rocketeer.”
Bruno Mars
Up and coming artist Peter Gene Hernandez, more popularly known as Bruno Mars, is performing as well.
The singer and song writer has also been known for working with Travie McCoy, Sean Kingston and Flo-Rida.
With his first appearance in Far East Movement’s “3D” track, the young artist has since gained nothing but fame.
However, according to him, “It’s not an overnight success.”
Growing up in Hawaii, Bruno Mars was nurtured at a young age by his musically talented family and the culture of Hawaii.
“Hawaii is basically in the middle of the world, so you’re exposed to every type of music out there,” Mars says on his Web site, www.brunomars.com.
Upon graduating high school, Bruno Mars left his hometown of Honolulu and took on L. A. in hopes of being one of the lucky ones to make it big.
After B.o.B’s “Nothin” on You” and Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire,” it seems that Bruno Mars truly made it big.
Releasing his first album, “Doo-Wops & Hooligans” last October, he proved to be talented even on his own, producing hit singles such as “Grenade.” Bruno Mars’ music has even been featured in a recent episode of the popular TV show, “Glee.”
In his debut hit single, “Just the Way You Are,” he gained more popularity from youthful fans, especially women. With his sensual voice and smooth lyrics, it should come to no surprise.
Drake
The Canadian-born, Aubrey ‘Drake’ Graham, has been putting out singles that have fans going crazy over the past two years, and he is one of the biggest performers on the planet right now.
Drake’s first big hit “Best I ever Had” went platinum and peaked as high as second on the Billboard Top 200 in 2009.
Since then, ‘Drizzy’ has had multiple collaborations that have topped the charts, such as “Successful” featuring Trey Songz and Lil Wayne, “Forever” featuring Kanye West, Eminem and Wayne, and more recently, “Fancy” featuring T.I. and producer Swizz Beatz.
Drake is currently signed to Lil Wayne’s record label, Young Money Entertainment, and released his new album “Thank Me Later” in June.
Chris Brown
Since 2005, Chris Brown has been moving his way through the Billboard 200, earning 11 songs that have hit the Top 10.
Brown’s first single, “Run It” featuring Juelz Santana, topped the Billboard Hot 100, making him the first male artist to have his debut single top the charts since 1995.
“Kiss, Kiss” featuring T-Pain, “With You” and “Forever” have been his most notable chart toppers. Brown is not just a singer though.
His dance moves have also been powering him through music videos, concerts and movies.
Most influenced by the late Michael Jackson, Brown always tries to throw MJ a little shout out in every one of his performances in a lyric, dance move or sound effect.
After his recent issue with his ex-girlfriend, Rihanna, Brown attempts to reclaim his stand in the music industry with his new album “F.A.M.E.”, which is headlined by hit single “Yeah 3x,” but has not been given a release date yet.
For more WildJam concert and ticket information, visit www.Wild949.com.
