Given the repeated remakes of 1984's "Do They Know It's Christmas?," it's a little surprising that no one has remade "We Are the World" until now. The song was originally written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, who performed the song along with an all-star cast of musicians, including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon and Diana Ross, among many others.
Now, 25 years later, a group of high-profile musicians are assembling to record a cover of the song. As with the original, all of the profits will be donated to charity; rather than African famine relief, however, this project will aim to assist the earthquake-stricken people of Haiti.
The new version of "We Are the World" features 81 different performers. Among the most noteworthy contributors are Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Brian Wilson, Usher and actor Vince Vaughn. Wyclef Jean was also in attendance, which isn't surprising, given the fact that the Haitian-born singer has already campaigned to raise funds for the cause as part of his Yéle Haiti Foundation.
Read an extensive list of participants over at MTV.
Lil Wayne spoke with MTV about the star-studded recording session, revealing that he delivered the lines originally sung by Bob Dylan. Weezy gushed, "My attitude coming out is I feel blessed and I feel like I've done something today, and that's always a good day."
He also expressed insecurity at his contribution, admitting, "I don't know how to sing. I approached it the best way I know how." Of course, Dylan doesn't really know how to sing either, so it's a natural fit.
The soon-to-be-incarcerted rapper went on to add, "I think it's amazing what's been done for Haiti... but I also think it's amazing what hasn't been done for New Orleans."
Judging by this comment, it sounds like Weezy got to talking with Kanye West during the recording session.
The song and its accompanying video will debut on February 12 as part of NBC's coverage of the 2010 Olympic Games opening ceremony.
Now, 25 years later, a group of high-profile musicians are assembling to record a cover of the song. As with the original, all of the profits will be donated to charity; rather than African famine relief, however, this project will aim to assist the earthquake-stricken people of Haiti.
The new version of "We Are the World" features 81 different performers. Among the most noteworthy contributors are Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Brian Wilson, Usher and actor Vince Vaughn. Wyclef Jean was also in attendance, which isn't surprising, given the fact that the Haitian-born singer has already campaigned to raise funds for the cause as part of his Yéle Haiti Foundation.
Read an extensive list of participants over at MTV.
Lil Wayne spoke with MTV about the star-studded recording session, revealing that he delivered the lines originally sung by Bob Dylan. Weezy gushed, "My attitude coming out is I feel blessed and I feel like I've done something today, and that's always a good day."
He also expressed insecurity at his contribution, admitting, "I don't know how to sing. I approached it the best way I know how." Of course, Dylan doesn't really know how to sing either, so it's a natural fit.
The soon-to-be-incarcerted rapper went on to add, "I think it's amazing what's been done for Haiti... but I also think it's amazing what hasn't been done for New Orleans."
Judging by this comment, it sounds like Weezy got to talking with Kanye West during the recording session.
The song and its accompanying video will debut on February 12 as part of NBC's coverage of the 2010 Olympic Games opening ceremony.
