Heaven (Jay Z song)

"Heaven" is a song recorded by American rapper Jay-Z from his twelfth studio album Magna Carta Holy Grail (2013) featuring American recording artist Justin Timberlake. The song was written by Jay-Z, The-Dream, members of R.E.M., Adrian Younge, Timbaland, and Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon while the production was handled by the latter two. During the song, Jay-Z touches on subjects of religious allegory and an interrogation of organized religion. The song has since peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles.

Background

On "Heaven", Jay-Z questions the meaning of religion and once again shoots down rumors that he is part of the secret organization Illuminati. He explained the song in a promotional video for Samsung saying,

The song indulges in religious allegory, and is one of the few songs on Magna Carta Holy Grail that touch upon existential and spiritual themes. Throughout the song he ponders faith, superstition and free thinking.

The songs features Jay-Z rapping a lyric of rock band, R.E.M.'s 1991 single "Losing My Religion". Following the album's release, former frontman of R.E.M. Michael Stipe told NME that he's "thrilled" and it was a "great honor", that Jay-Z included the lyrics in one of his songs.

Heaven (Los Lonely Boys song)

"Heaven" is the title of a popular song from 2004 by the American Tejano/Chicano rock band Los Lonely Boys. The song was written by brothers Henry, Jojo and Ringo Garza, who comprise the foundation of the band, and it appears on their multi-platinum self-titled album.

Reception

Released as a single in mid-2004, "Heaven" reached the Top 40 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at 16 in August. Later that year, the song began a sixteen week run at number 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in October. It was also a minor hit at country radio, where it peaked at number 46.

AllMusic reviewer Thom Jurek describes the song as "infectious" and draws comparisons to the music of Freddie King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Los Lobos. He states that "Heaven" is "a single in the old sense of the word: killer hook, easy groove, a slippery but unmistakable bridge with a beautiful vocal to boot -- all coming in under four minutes."

Awards

The success of "Heaven" led to two Grammy Award nominations and one win for the band at the 47th Grammy Awards, held in early 2005. The song won in the category Best Pop Performance by a Duo group, while Los Lonely Boys were nominated in the category Best New Artist, losing out to Maroon 5.

Heaven (BeBe & CeCe Winans album)

Heaven is the third album released by brother and sister duo BeBe & CeCe Winans and their second released on Capitol Records. It was number one on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart.

Smooth jazz musician Lonnie Liston Smith covered the title song from his 1990 album, Love Goddess

Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams, featuring fellow singer Carl Thomas also covered the title song in the closing track from her 2002 solo debut, Heart to Yours.

Track listing

Charts

Singles

References

Ria (singer)

Ria is a New Zealand R&B/pop singer. She is best known for her singles Over You and All My Ladies. She attended Auckland Girls Grammar School.

RIA started performing at a young age before progressing in her teens to leading an all-girl band "Vivah" to becoming winners of the national Smokefree Pacifica Beats in 2007. RIA is a graduate from the Music & Audio Institute of NZ (MAINZ) and singing tutor at the Otara Music Centre (OMAC).

Discography

Singles

References

RIA (restaurant)

RIA was an American restaurant which held two Michelin Stars as of early 2012. It reportedly closed July 27, 2012

The restaurant was located in the Waldorf Astoria Chicago in Chicago, Illinois.

The chef was Danny Grant and he, and his team, served a French styled kitchen.

References

RIA (Red de Innovación y Aprendizaje)

The RIA (Red de Innovación y Aprendizaje), or Leaning and Innovation Network, is a group of education centers that offer members of underserved communities in Mexico access to computers, the Internet and quality education. The RIA is overseen by Fundación Proacceso, a Mexico-based non-profit organization focused on using technology as a tool for education.

Background

The first RIA center was inaugurated on May 18, 2009, and since then over 68,000 users have registered at its ten centers. Thirty-two new RIA centers will open by the end of January 2011, bringing the network to a total of 42 centers.

The RIA offers courses on basic computer and Internet skills, English, finding work through the Internet, math and science workshops for children, personal finance and more. Students can also obtain their high school, bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the RIA through the Institute of Online education. Courses are taught by qualified facilitators, many of whom are residents of the local communities that the RIA targets.