RELATED POSTS:

American Idol Music Director Honoring Motown At Carnegie Hall

Lenny Williams On Being Sampled By Young Jeezy

Meleni was previously signed to Columbia Records but has now taken her career in her own hands, developing a sound that isn’t coming from the cookie cutter R&B mainstream formula.

One of the standouts on the 10–track album is “Grace Jonesin” which pays tribute to the vibrant Jamaican singer with a vintage R&B tune, that harks back to the days of the late, great Etta James.

“Liquid Stars” is an acoustic guitar and violin driven ballad that shows the bittersweet side of love. “The Palm Of Your Hands” is an electronic influenced track that brings a cool vibe with an 80s feel. Meleni outdoes Alicia Keys on the song that Meleni wrote for Keys, “Love Is My Disease.” The track “Only A Fool” is a moving piano ballad that has definite crossover appeal.

The live instruments and various styles create a nice gumbo of musical influences which highlight Meleni’s songwriting chops and distinct emotional voice. Smith has worked with Fugees and Nas producer, Salaam Remi, and she manages to hold her own among the great female artists he worked with such as Lauryn Hill and the late Amy Winehouse.

Listen To “My Heart In Focus” on Soundcloud

Buy “My Heart In Focus” on iTunes

Check out Wale’s comments in the video below, and get more of his Columbus visit at MyColumbusPower.com.

RELATED POSTS:

The “Maybach Music” Voice Reveals Herself [PHOTOS]

DJ Webstar, Wale & Dorrough Want You To “Drop That A**” [NEW MUSIC]

Check Out Gordon Chambers On Facebook

Cop The Album On iTunes

Since Eric Roberson didn’t obtain fame quickly, he developed into the outstanding recording artist and performer he is today. In addition, he had plenty of time to make sure he was making music for the right reasons.

Making music was initially something Eric did for fun, but his fans demanded that he take it seriously. Eric admits that it has taken a toll on his social life, but when he’s onstage, there’s no doubt that he loves entertaining.

Roberson recently rocked a packed Highline Ballroom in New York City. He kept his audience engaged for over an hour with a variety of sounds and a charismatic personality. Roberson showed his range by performing a set that included the Go-Go classic “Da Butt” by E.U., a touch of reggae, and a cover of “Tender Love” by the Force MDs. The bulk of his show featured songs of his own, like “Can I Borrow You” and “Pretty Girl.”

Some artists have to rely on gimmicks, but Eric has a body of really good music to lean on. If every R&B artist had Eric’s dedication and passion for their artistry, and the ability not to take themselves too seriously, this genre wouldn’t experience dry spells as it has in the past.

Mister Nice Guy, Eric Roberson’s first album release on someone else’s dime, is now available. If he’s new to you, you’ll understand why Eric Roberson is the present and future of R&B after you listen. And then you’ll wonder why you hadn’t heard of him sooner.

RELATED POSTS:

Eric Roberson Raises Awareness About Breast Cancer In New Video

AUDIO: Eric Roberson’s Swine Flu Freestyle

RELATED POSTS:

Celebrities Who’ve Given Their Braids The Fade! [PHOTOS]

Was Alicia Keys Sexier Single? [PHOTOS]

Patti LaBelle To Ledisi, “If Only You Knew” You Can’t Wear Sweats In Public

Picture this: You are a singer signed to label that houses artists like Beyonce and John Legend. On your debut, they pair you with successful producers and musicians like Raphael Saadiq and Salaam Remi and you have a smash single, “The River.” Sound too good to be true? If you’re Noel Gourdin, it was.

Although he has a chart topping R&B single, fans recognized the song and not the singer with a silky tenor and crisp falsetto. I caught up with Noel to talk about his new album Fresh: The Drefinition, the camaraderie of R&B musicians, and his favorite female vocalists in the game.

Fresh:The Definition is your second album out. How is it different from your first?

I’d have to say it’s a lot more live instrumentation this time around. From the drums to the bass guitar and grand piano and horns. It was just something I really wanted to have apart of this album. I really wanted to do it on the first album, After My Time, with Sony. But this time I wanted to make an earnest effort to get that pure production value into it. I wanted it to be reminiscent of  classic soul music. Another thing was being able to have more creative freedom. There was a more tight knit group of writers for this project. There were five including myself. I feel this album is more me.

How did your personal trials and tribulations between your two albums add to the musicality of the new album?

After leaving Sony, I did have a rough patch. I went into a depression. I fell out of touch with God and stopped praying. I even fell out of touch with my family for a large part of time. For people who know me, that’s not me. I’m very family oriented. They had an intervention for me where they told me, “You have to pick yourself up, get back in the studio, and start writing again.” But being able to get back on the horse was a big step for me. Overcoming depression and being able to do what I felt was true to the album made me feel good. Those trials have contributed to my growth, not only as an artist, but as a man. This album allowed me to put the rejuvenated spirit I had into my music. The title is Fresh: The Definition because I wanted this to be a fresh start for my career and life.

You seem to have a genuine love for soul/R&B music. What are your thoughts on the condition it’s in now? The Gramm

ys are cutting out a lot of awards for you guys and the feeling of soul music isn’t what it used to be. How do you feel about that?

It’s disheartening. All the music getting love and the spotlight is like that electronic style. A lot of the  lyrics aren’t particularly for young kids. I don’t want my nieces and nephews listening to most of the stuff that’s on the radio. I can only speak for myself, but I’m sure other artists in my genre feel the same way. We make music, for the most part, that’s clean. A vast majority of people can listen to our music. It’s respectful and tasteful. We, as R&B singers, have a tough challenge. It’s going to take a movement. It’s not up to one artist or one fan. We have to band together and keep this music alive because it is so important. A lot of people say it’s purely entertainment, but it’s not. When you have people back in the sixties and seventies whose records started baby booms. That’s not entertainment, that’s a way of life. The music from that time will never die and it’s kind of scary to think of what our kids are going to be listening to 25 years down the line.

You spoke of artists needing to band together in order to keep the music alive. What is the camaraderie like between R&B artists?

For the most part, people I’ve run into have been great. Running into people on the road like Eric Benet, Anthony David, Rahsaan Patterson has been really good. The camaraderie between most artists is great. You know, you have a select few who I choose not to be around too much. [laughs] I think this music is bigger than that–bigger than the egos. I think we can get past all of that and band together more to get soul music where it needs to be.

Your first single from the album is “Beautiful.” That record contains a positive message towards women. How do you feel about the objectification and the hypersexualization of women in videos and in the industry as a whole?

I think it starts with the self respect type of thing. It’s not right to treat a woman a certain way based on what she’s wearing and all of that, but it’s a self respect issue. If they continue to allow themselves to be objectified, it will continue to happen. It is what it is. Sex sells. It really does. Personally, I will not jeopardize the integrity of my music and artistry. Like I said before, I want to be respectful and tasteful. I want my grand mama to be able to enjoy my work. So it’s very important to me to not be condescending or disrespectful to women in my music. I still feel self respect is the main issue because there are some records out there with the rudest lyrics towards women and women are out there reciting all the words, putting themselves down.

Because you make clean music is it harder to get played on a mainstream hip hop/R&B radio station?

It’s tough. “Beautiful” was number three on the Adult Contemporary charts. I’ve come to realize I’m not a hip hop/R&B radio type of artist. I’m more of a classic soul and today’s R&B type of guy. Should a record like “Beautiful” be played on a hip hop/R&B type station? Yes, because it’s got a positive message. However, the positivity of the music isn’t accepted as much as everything else. But I’ll just continue to make music that I feel from the heart and soul. I just hope things will get better.

What was it like having your debut single, “The River” become a big song and sort of overshadow you as a person and artist?

I made it a conscious effort to bridge the gap between the my first album and second album. I wanted to let people know that was me singing “The River” because when I go and do shows and sound check “The River,” people are always like, “Oh, that’s him?! He’s the guy that sings that?!” [laughs] So I’ve run into Anthony Hamilton and Jaheim on the road and they have both said, “Noel, a lot of people think that I’m the one that sings ‘The River.’” I always reply, “Damn man, you trying to take the hits!” That’s our running joke.

Personally, I like Fresh: The Definition more so than After My Time. Conceptually, it felt like After My Time was more about a young man trying to find his way in love and relationships. Fresh: The Definition is more the man finding that type of love he’s been searching for and not accepting anything less.

Exactly. You are absolutely right. It definitely shows growth, not only as an artist but as a man. That was the vision we had when we sat down with the writers and talked about the project. It was great to have that come to fruition.

When I told some of my female friends I was interviewing you, they were like, “His voice just makes me want to fall in love.” They said other things I won’t be repeating. Just know it’s all good stuff. [laughs] But which female vocalists have that effect on you?

[laughs] Jazmine Sullivan. Just the conviction she sings with is incredible. I know she’s taking a little hiatus, but I’m hoping she comes back. The game needs voices and talents like her. Lalah Hathaway has an incredible voice. Ledisi’s voice is amazing. She has a classic feel to her voice which I love. Gladys Knight’s voice is crazy. She’s still got it. It just blows you away. Also, I’d have to say Miss Jill Scott and Faith Evans. Those voices are from the heart and soul. You know they’re doing the right thing with their lives by the way they make people feel.

Speaking of Jazmine Sullivan, right when she went on  her hiatus she said she always told herself she would stop performing when it stopped being fun. Obviously, she’s stopped doing music for the time being. What advice would you give her to help her rediscover her love for music?

I understand what she means. It’ a personal thing. I just think she is so talented. The legacy she will leave is already impactful, even if she never makes another record. Imagine how much more impactful her legacy would be like if she came back. We need her. She’s one of the front runners leading soul music. The industry needs her. Our genre needs her back. I believe she will come back because this music is her passion and I think being away from it is going to eat right through her. I’m waiting on her next project, whenever it comes, because it’s going to be special. Come on back, Jazmine!

Related Posts:

Patti LaBelle Names Ledisi As Her Successor

Chrisette Michele to Charlie Wilson, “If You Don’t Tell Us, Who Will?”

Marsha Ambrosius & Miguel Reveal Their First Jobs [VIDEO]

Watch more Face-To-Face Episodes  below!

Charlie Wilson “Still Doing It Big”

Chrisette Michele, Charlie Wilson Talk “Grown & Sexy”

Charlie Wilson, Chrisette Michele Talk Breaking into the Music Industry

RELATED POSTS:

Marsha Ambrosius On “Far Away” Video: “I Wanted To Tell The Story That Wouldn’t Be Told”

Marsha Ambrosius “Lose Myself” (Lauryn Hill Cover) [AUDIO]

Miguel Performs “Sure Thing” On Jay Leno [VIDEO]

The Playlist Week 7:

Check Out These Joints Too

Top 5 Jay-Z R&B Guest Appearances

Ghostface To Do R&B Album??



“It’s great for people able to take your music home with you with the records but the most important part is getting on the stage in front of people,” says the New York native who now resides in North Carolina. “People wanna come out to see a bananas show and as an artist that is the reward. You lay down and record these tracks [but]  at the end of the day you’re face to face with the people who love your music. The performing part for me is what it’s all about. Being on stage is what keeps me going.”

After relocating  Lizh took a job doing bookkeeping and tax preparation and various office jobs. But the Latin poet (her parents are from the Dominican Republic), who has been performing since she was fifteen, has now dedicated herself to singing full time. “Plan B is for when you wanna fail,” she says.

With her live show getting much deserved attention she is ready to finish her album and take it out on the road.  TheUrbanDaily got Lizh to share a little bit about her influences and what inspired some of her music.

Her Start…
Well as far when I started singing that happened at a very young age. I realized I could do this for a career was when I was 15 and by then I had already been taking lessons and it had kind of evolved.  As soon as school finished I moved down to north Carolina, put together a band and it’s been non step ever since.

Her influences…
My influences vary because I admire different musicians for different reasons. Growing up Selena was a really big thing for me because her stage presence is unmatchable she can concur any stage with beautiful energy. I guess I really love lyric heavy musicians. I love Cee Lo and {blank} I love classic rock and blues. It’s very difficult to pin it all down.
Songs that best reflect your style or influence
I  love a good pop tune. The Beatles were very pop but they were really great songs. As they progressed and grew as a band they got artistic and abstract. Those songs are as equally as brilliant. It’s kind of difficult to pick a song of mine that I feel truly reflects all aspects because that is always changing.

Performance at the Showcase
I sung “Bent” and “Succubus” which is a perfect example of both pop and art, because bent is very kind of straight forward no mystery, just right there on the table. “Succubus” is an original spoken piece, so it’s very  theatrical.  Kinda the two different [sides] of Lizh.
Stage show and presence
I’ve been performing on stage a long time and in school I did a lot of musical theater. I think more than anything that is probably the biggest thing in my history that most influences my live stage show. The music on your CD is one thing but when you bring it on stage that brings the theatrical aspect to it.

Check out more about Lizh on Facebook and Reverbnation.

RELATED POSTS:

HOT 107.9’s Hurricane Dave Has Valuable Advice For Unsigned Artists

One Minute To Shine Winner Saskya Sky Donating Prize To Yele Haiti

Sugar Tongue Slim Literally Pimped The Game

FROM OUR PARTNERS…

The Top 30 Love Songs By Black Grammy Winners

Sammie Lee Bush, Jr. was born on March 1, 1987 in Boynton Beach, Fla and at the age of seven, Sammie’s family moved from Delray Beach, Fla. to Miami and attended Charles Drew Elementary where he was in the magnet program. In addition to academics, Sammie was also in chorus. With a voice beyond his age, Wanda Williams, the chorus instructor, invited Sammie to join an all male group called “Wonder 3.” The group never progressed which lead to Sammie appearing on The Apollo as a solo act at the age of 12. Sammie made it to the final round and was discovered by Joyce Irby, former co-lead vocalist of the 1980s all-girl group “Klymaxx” and became his manager.

She introduced him to grammy award winning producer Dallas Austin in the summer of 1999. Austin signed 12-year-old Sammie to Freeworld Entertainment label under Capitol Records. Within three months, Sammie recorded and released Platinum-selling album entitled “From the Bottom to the Top,” which included two Top 10 hits, “I Like It” and “Crazy Things I Do.” After a successful debut, Sammie took a break from music to continue his education. Seems that R&B singer Sammie need some space.

Sammie took a break from recording to fill in the blanks for the readers of TheUrbanDaily.

The beginning

I started singing in the church with my family, my Mother and sister both have beautiful voices. I think my sister may be doper than myself, I guess it’s in my blood. I was raised listening to Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Usher.  I was shy as a kid but loved singing in front of a crowd of hundreds of thousands of people.

Starting out at 12

I got signed when I was 12 years old. I performed at the Apollo theater in New York City and was discovered by Joyce Irby and Dallas Austin, which was a blessing. Since the age of 8 this is something I decided I wanted to do professionally and four years later my dreams came true. I was happy to be doing something that I genuinely enjoyed doing, it was effortless for me. I enjoyed getting the love from the girls and all the fans. I was humbled by it.

The Pressure of being a child Star

When I was working my first project “From The Bottom To The Top” which went certified platinum when I was 13, there was no pressure for me. I was so young and wasn’t business oriented, I didn’t have a clue of the position I was in until I got older and looked back on my accomplishments. I think the pressure comes now for myself, the Bow Wows or the Omarions and even Mario who came in the game at a young age to reinvent ourselves and remain relevant.

Taking time off

Success happened so fast for me and my entire life changed. I was still in public school so I would be in school Monday through Wednesday and Thursday through Sunday. I would tour around the world and doing that for two years it became frustrating trying to live up to the star status and keeping up with a sense of normalcy when your at home. There was also a disagreement between an individual and my management at the time that somehow could not be resolved. That caused the stop on the Sammie project. It was a combination of wanting to maintain a normal life and a disagreement that had nothing to do with me.

Being the underdog and having to prove himself

I think everything matters and anytime you re-introduce yourself to the world you have to prove yourself. If you take a look at acts who once sold 150,000 the first week are now selling 20,000.  I don’t think you can ever get comfortable because you went platinum, you should work harder and out do yourself every time because there is always someone there to take your spot. I do feel like I have to prove myself but that just who I am. I have always been the underdog so I’m never content and I went platinum at a time when they said a child act couldn’t do it.

Usher being a big influence & his fav artist

Usher is definitely my favorite artist and I watched Usher grow up from a boy to a man and have a long career since he started in the game at 13. I feel Usher has set the blueprint to follow on having longevity. I remember during “Here I Stand” when he got married and had kids things got rough for him but he still bounced back with this project.  I feel he showed us that even if you have a set back there is a chance you can bounce back.

Sammie Youth Foundation

That’s my baby, we about to celebrate our one year anniversary. The Sammie youth foundation is where I go into different schools in the community and speak to the kids on education and music and it changed my life. I would like to thank Josh and Mr. Mitchell for putting that together and making my dreams come true. I wanted to touch the kids life by leaving them with something positive and letting them know that there is hope.

Bullying & Haters

I have been speaking out against bullying and haters at a few high schools. I feel like the bullying and hating is at an all time high. I have been trying to get the message across that you don’t have to put others down because of your own insecurities. I always say Haters are fans that have issues expressing themselves.

Blogs and Press

I feel people have the right to their own opinion and with the Internet being so powerful it’s easy to sit on a computer and voice your opinion and say negative comments, you just have to deal with it. I been dealing with it since I was 12 years old and it just helps me get better. If the media say you gone flop, create a hit record and win. As long as you are winning haters are gonna talk.

Real R&B

Usher made a statement in VIBE magazine that I was humbled by.  He stated that we are in a dying industry so he supports the Sammies, Chris Browns and Trey Songz. I think it’s up to our generation to do timeless music and connect with the people. I think the problem with our generation is, we are not concentrating on the lyrics of the song any more but just a catchy hook and beat. It’s what the executives are force feeding us.

Signing with Interscope records

When I came back in 2006 I reunited with Dallas Austin on Rowdy. My situation over there was independent and when I was released in 2008, I felt I needed the machine behind me. I just started working real hard. The single “Kiss Me Through The Phone” with Soulja Boy took over the world for the summer 2009 and executives started looking at Sammie again. I had options like Atlantic, Warner and Def Jam that I didn’t have in a long time. I chose Interscope because I thought it would be a good home for me.

New Album “Coming of Age” & Collaborations

The sound will be Sammie. I co-wrote my sophomore album. I am not just a singer but a writer. I also do my own vocal arrangements. I took my vocals to another level. I’m still a student of the game, I take something from everyone I work with. “Coming Of Age” is a solid album that you will be able to listen to track 1 to the end. The album will be coming soon, we’re just looking for that record that is gone reach the masses. I’m going in with Rick Ross, being originally from Miami I love the buzz that Ross got going on out there. I also reached out to the beautiful Nicki Minaj and did a song with her that was basically about her. I did a island influenced record with Akon as well and the rest is just me.

“It Just A Mixtape” 1 and 2

You can go download IJAM1 on Prince Sammie.com, if you have not already done so. I feel like you got to flood the fans with quality music because sometime people get lost in the shuffle of the industry being so over saturated. You go away for just six months and that can happen. You have to give the fans something they can sit on until the official project release. When I notice I can get 200-300k downloads on a mixtape in a short amount of time I said this is my thing. Its funny because there are artist who have millions of followers and sell 30k so there has to be a disconnect somewhere so you have to figure out where the disconnect is. I have already been working on “Is Just a Mixtape 2″ I just started working on track 2 before talking to you, “It’s Just A Mixtape 2″ will be coming soon.

DOWNLOAD “IT’S JUST A MIXTAPE” 1 & 2 @ PRINCESAMMIE.COM

RELATED POSTS:

Sammie “Round 2″ [NEW MUSIC]

Sammie Is All The Way Grown Up With His New Single “Slow”

Ludacris Brings The Stars Out For Celebrity B-Ball Game

Unfortunately the duo went their separate ways in 2006 and they are now each pursuing solo careers. After a hiatus Natalie is back with her first solo album, Floetic Soul being released on Shanachi Entertainment. The first single “Forever” features Musiq Soulchild and was everything we’ve come to expect from the symmetry of spoken word and blues that made Floetry so appealing.

With her new album out today TheUrbanDaily.com was granted and exclusive preview of the album and interview with Natalie to discuss her inspirations, what she thinks of Marsha’s new music and if there is any chance that they will ever work together again.

Interview by Jazzy F.

“My approach to the manifestation of “Floetic Soul”, has simply been to get out the way and go beyond my comfort zone, making sure to challenge any limitations that I may have placed on myself over time” – Natalie Stewart

TUD: What inspired The single “Forever”?

Natalie “The Floacist”: Forever was inspired by my life, my husband and son. It’s about the unification that comes from a relationship. My husband has been there with me since the beginning of my journey which is why I needed a male perspective. I needed Musiq Soulchild because of the tone and sincerity in his voice.

TUD: As a writer where do you get you inspiration from?

Natalie “The Floacist”: I am always writing, I am not only a recording artist. I write to understand the world. I am inspired to write by everything that is going on around me, by simply existing. I love to write plays, short stories and journal entries.

TUD: What made you decide to finally release a solo project and what was the direction?

Natalie “The Floacist”: I would have been totally at peace if I did not release a solo album. I wanted to share my energy with the fans and let them know that one can deal with such change like the break up of Floetry. I had no pressure in recording the album, I removed all limitations that I put on myself.

TUD: How do feel about the state of the Neo Soul genre?

Natalie “The Floacist”: I have a lot to say about that. I think some of us were naive when the genre was created, a lot of us didn’t want to be referred to as Neo Soul. It was almost like a catch 22. It’s important to belong and have an identity. I feel Neo Soul was more than a genre but a service to humanity. In this generation Hip hop has become mainstream and Neo Soul artist began to feel pressured into feeling if they are down with the mainstream. I was comfortable with a genre that created music that was for the soul. Neo Soul is an important and young genre and still needs some growing and it is very important for us to join together and continue to build it. Neo Soul serves as big a purpose. You can play it around your children and can be played years from now.

“I think Floetry was a stepping stone for her but Floetry is exactly what I wanted to do.”

TUD: You have only three artists featured on “Floetic Soul”, What about these artist made you choose them for your debut solo album?

Natalie “The Floacist”: The features are honored. I chose artists that I believe in what they say. Every artist has a choice in what you write and what you perform. Raheem Devauhn, Musiq Soulchild’s first album is still one of my favorites. The delivery, the swagga on that album is so fly.  And Lalah Hathaway and the legacy— I can’t speak higher of what she has done over the years.

TUD:  What is the relationship like between you and Marsha now?

Natalie “The Floacist”: We haven’t spoken in years. I learn about what Marsha is doing form the internet and interviews. When I fired [our] manager in 2006 Marsha stopped communicating with me. Marsha needed to release herself from the base of which she came here. Sometimes you have to understand things change. I have known Marsha since I was 11 years old and knew Marsha always wanted to do mainstream R&B hip hop music. I think Floetry was a stepping stone for her but Floetry is exactly what I wanted to do. I don’t think Marsha felt she was being real with Floetry, I think she feels she is being real now. I have always known Marsha wanted to do R&B mainstream music. Floetry was so great because of the magic of two different people creating at the same time and what made it so great it what made it end.

TUD: Have you heard any of Marsha’s new music, and if so what do you think?

Natalie “The Floacist”: I have because people sent it to me.  Hearing the music I understand why Floetry broke up. I understand Marsha would have to be solo to deliver the message in the current music she is creating, it isn’t Floetic. I don’t really have a thought in that sense on someone’s expression, she is doing what she wants to do.

TUD: Will there be a Floetry Reunion in the future?

Natalie “The Floacist”: The doors of Floetry is always open for my sister. I will remain loyal to the type of message I want to give so we would have to be on the same page.

TUD: What do you think about the music industry in 2010?

Natalie “The Floacist”: The music industry reflects people. The industry is a module it’s not a living breathing being. 10 years ago I would have told you what people need to do but as a mature adult I am very much into being the difference. I like to make the music I like to listen to more-so than expecting some one to do it for me or getting upset with someone about using the opportunity to do what they want to do. If there are changes to be made it will have to start with the people.

TUD: Will you be touring after the release of “Floetic Soul”?

Natalie “The Floacist”: Oh Yeah. I am a performance artist, I am a live artist. I make an album to send an invitation to come out and see it live. My tour dates will be posted on my facebook and reverbnation pages (Search The_Floacist). I will be on the road starting from Feb until the rest of the year of 2011.

TUD: Who inspired you growing up?

Natalie “The Floacist”: I had a calling in my spirit. I was writing books since I was eight years old and selling them in my school. My mother and my Grandmother are my external inspiration, they were iconic to me. I am a big reader and study of history and time, which made me look at the importance of music. I studied performing arts and theater before i got the musical stage. I like to see people happy and well and I always like to offer something to help manifest that.

TUD: Will The Floacist continue to put out solo music?

Natalie “The Floacist”: Great question. My husband and I were talking about that last night. I think so, I do know I will do it because I respect my audience and when I am away it will only be because I am studying my craft to bring the best for my audience.

RELATED POSTS:

Natalie ‘The Floacist’ Stewart, “Forever”[DAILY DOWNLOAD]

FREE DOWNLOAD: Marsha Ambrosius “Yours Sincerely” EP

“Four Women” F/ Jill Scott, Ledisi, Marsha Ambrosius And Kelly Price [VIDEO]

Does Ne-Yo prefer money, power and fame over love? Is he trying to beat out Stevie Wonder’s Grammy count? And why is he ‘bored’? Find the answers to these burning questions in The Frequency News one-on-one with ‘The Gentleman’ himself.

“The underlying question on this album is money, power and fame vs. love. Weigh it out on the Libra scale. Which will you choose? It’s a moral question. I want people to question their lives. I’m showing them the pros and cons of both sides.”

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW

RELATED POSTS:

VIDEO: Ne-Yo Clears Up Gay Rumors!

Ne-Yo Wants None Of Chris Brown’s Beef

If you need a fix of classic R&B our friend DJ Just Dizle of Gurt Muzik has put together a mix that had this whole office jumping. Check out the tracklist and download link below.

Download Here: http://bit.ly/jd-timelessrnb1

Tracklist:

1.Newbirth – It’s Been A Longtime
2.Something For The People – My Love Is The Shit
3.Stevie Wonder – Visions
4.Ginuwine – I’ll Do Anything/I’m Sorry
5.Teddy Pendergrass – Love T.K.O.
6.xscape – Who Can I Run To (Mr. Dupri Remix)
7.Diana Ross – Love Hangover
8.Monica – The First Night
9.Earth Wind & Fire – Can’t Hide Love
10.Raheem Devaughn – Guess Who Loves You More
11.Tha Truth! ft Redman – Everyday
12.Eddie Kendricks – Intimate Friends
13.Sparkle – Time To Move On
14.Sweet Sable – Old Time Sake
15.Alicia Keys – Unbreakable
16.Jaheim ft Jadakiss – Everytime I Think About Her
17.The Lost Generation – The Sly, Slick, And The Wicked
18.Marvin Gaye & Tammy Terrell – If This World Were Mine
19.Tweet – Turn Da Lights Off
20.Monifah ft AZ – I Miss You (Come Back Home) (Remix)
21.War – Slippin Into Darkness
22.Jack Bruce – Born To Be Blue
23.Omar – There Is Nothing Like This (In The Park Mix)
24.Floetry – Floetic
25.Babyface ft LL Cool J – This Is For The Lover In You
26.Shalamar – This Is For The Lover In You
27.Bob James – Storm King
28.New Edition – Hit Me Off
29.Luther Vandross – Don’t You Know That?
30.112 ft Ma$e – Love Me
31.Ohio Players – Pride and Vanity
32.Mary J. Blige ft Grand Puba – What’s The 411
33.Jakob Magnusson – Burlesque In Barcelona
34.Jonell – Round & Round
35.DeBarge – All This Love
36.Angie Stone – I Wanna Thank Ya
37.The Soul Searchers – Ashley’s Roachclip
38.Lloyd ft Lil Wayne – Girls Around The World
39.James Brown – Papa Don’t Take No Mess
40.Janet Jackson – That’s The Way Love Goes
41.Soul For Real – Every Little Thing I Do
42.The Gap Band – Outstanding
43.Faze-O – Riding High
44.Whitehead Bros. – Forget I Was A ‘G’ (Remix)
45.Blackbyrds – Dreaming About You
46.Zhane – Crush
47.The Meters – Oh, Calcutta
48.Amerie – 1 Thing
49.George McCrae – I Get Lifted
50.Guy – Dancin’
51.Lafayette Afro Rock Band – Darkest Light
52.Wreckx-N-Effect – Rump Shaker
53.Mohawks – The Champ
54.Guy – Groove Me
55.Cheryl Lynn – Encore
56.Blackgirl – 90′s Girl (Encore Extended Alternate Remix)
57.Sly & The Family Stone – I Want To Thank You
58.Janet Jackson – Rhythm Nation

RELATED POSTS:

J.Period Talks Pete Rock And Remixes At DJ Hero 2 Launch

With a title like Airtight’s Revenge it’s a given that Bilal’s first album in nine years is going to be a departure from the norm. But even though I’ve accepted that the brother breathes his own brand of oxygen (his producer Steve McKie insists he isn’t crazy) I still wonder if he’s simply just f*cking with us.

For the most part Airtight’s Revenge is wonderfully unpredictable and will most likely take more than a few cursory listens to fully absorb it, (much like Badu’s Momma’s Gun). It has all of the wonderfully moody soul but is clearly outgrowing the “neo” prefix (which itself is bordering on obsolete ten years later.)

However, in the midst of  the melancholy “Flying” I was forced to succumb to an unexpected  fit of laughter.  While telling the story of a street walker/stripper that suffers a career ending injury Bilal employs the same comedic timing that made songs like “Sometimes” such a treasure.

“He had her walking the town, selling her ass/they was making money til she broke her back one daaay/ …How you do that?…”

Here is where the genius begins. He immediately acknowledges the Scooby-Doo face from hearing that a stripper broke her back. How?? Where they do that at?

“Upside down on a pole when you’re smokin crack...”

My laughter was intense and sincere. Startling even. Ask the people on the train around me. The involuntary visual of a stripper hanging upside down on the pole with a crack pipe then falling to the floor took me back to a place that I had only visited with Chappelle, Rock and Katt. The tragedy of a woman selling her body to support a drug habit was completely lost on me. I was in tears. And it was only made worse as the song continued…

“Somebody yelled from the back/ ‘Somebody get this hoe up off the floor...’

Again, this is not a funny occurrence per se but the way it’s presented is the stuff of stand-up gold. The funniest 60 seconds in R&B concludes with a pep talk from her pimp:

“You know how it is/you can’t do shit when you’re injuuured, and these hoes out here get younger every daaay/That’s when he laid down his hat/never even noticed that he didn’t come back…”

It takes a special kind of talent to go from Dr. Phil to Donald Goines in one song but that is what makes Bilal so damn good. Welcome back.

RELATED POSTS:

Meet Bilal’s Producer Steve McKie

Bilal: I Wanted To Quit Making Music!

Bilal & The Miguel Atwood-Ferguson Ensemble “Someday We’ll All Be Free”

Jazmine Sullivan sings about relationships and heartbreak but how does she deal with stress in real life? With the recent news of Fantasia and the media scrutiny of her relationship with a married man that led to her attempted suicide Jazmine talks about how she copes with fame and how she isn’t so quick to resort to busting windows in her upcoming album.

Spotted at KYSDC.com

RELATED:

Jazmine Sullivan Takes It Back To “House Party” In New Video

Jazmine Sullivan & Mary J. Blige “Holding You Down (Goin’ In Circles)” Remix

So does divorce make your music better? Usher has teamed up with Jay-Z once again for this track from his upcoming EP, Versus. The sonic spiked cold remedy is produced by Powlow Da Don with additional vocals from Ester Dean. We hear Ciara is supposed to appear on the finished version.

I think the beat knocks but I think Jay is taking those illuminati rumors to heart:

“I was born a god/
I made myself a king/
which means I downgraded to a human being/”

RELATED:Usher Shows His Lil’ Freak At Concert & Brings Out C. Breezy

RELATED:Diddy Exposed 15-Year-Old Usher To Parties, Drugs And Orgies

jump — 1. to spring free from the ground, to move suddenly or involuntarily. 2. a form of R&B music that places emphasis on strong rhythm, exciting solo work especially by saxophones, and vocals in a shout-blues manner.

R & B (rhythm & blues) – a kind of music developed by African-Americans that combines blues and jazz, characterized by a strong backbeat and repeated variations on syncopated instrumental phrases.

R&B was originally defined as the specifically African-American pop music of its day.  Jerry Wexler, who was later to help shape the sound of soul music as the producer of Aretha Franklin, was a writer for Billboard magazine in 1949. That year he coined the term R&B, as a name for the magazine’s black music chart.  “Rhythm and Blues” replaced the term “race music”, which records intended for distribution in African-American communities had been called since the early days of sound recording.  With the big band swing era coming to a close at the end of World War II, many of the big dance bands turned to be-bop, a new approach to improvisation that many people found inscrutable and undanceable.  During the Second World War, the mass migration from the South of African-Americans headed to work in Northern defense industries brought with them a taste for rural blues.  Both country and city blues began to fuse with riff-based remnants of big-band jazz and led to an alternative to bop that was both highly danceable and hugely popular, called “jump.” Another form of R&B was primarily vocal, with instrument backing varying from full orchestra to none at all.  Usually performed by a group, the style employed close harmonies and was nearly always performed in a subdued and medium-to-slow tempo.  The influence of the African-American church was evident, the lead voice tended to the upper register and often performed over the wordless chords of the other voices or engaged them in call-and-response.  Groups like the Ink Spots exemplified this style, which was a direct precursor to doo-wop.

Louis Jordan’s Tympany Five was one of the most popular groups of the R & B era, and the beat and personality of Jordan’s horn-driven combo set the stage for rock and roll before there was even a name for it.  When big bands were all the rage, Jordan outsold them all with a small combo, as most rock musicians later did. He was one of the first to join electric guitar and bass with horns, and his over-the-beat spoken monologues are a prototype of rap music.  Chuck Berry, Little Richard and other first generation rock and rollers  — who were often also R&B artists themselves — included Louis Jordan among their most important influences.
The music that DJ Alan Freed first called ”rock and roll” on his Cleveland radio show in 1952 was actually R&B.  All of the artists who performed at Freed’s 1952 Moondog Coronation Ball, identified as the first rock and roll concert, were R&B artists.  “Rock and roll” was a term that had existed in African-American venacular since the turn of the 20th Century as a euphemism for sex.  The term had cropped up in numerous blues, jazz and R&B hits from the Twenties through the Fifties, and Freed latched onto the term to identify the music he played on his wildly popular and influential radio show, perhaps perversely to disguise the music’s black origins to his growing white audience even as he imitated black DJs in his jive-laced on-the-air patter.

Early rock and roll hits were often faithful imitations of, or actual R&B songs recorded by white performers, like Bill Haley & the Comets’ Number Seven pop remake of Big Joe Turner’s Number One R&B hit, “Shake, Rattle & Roll.”  The crossover success of black music on the pop charts by groups like the Dominoes, Moonglows and Orioles in the Forties and Fifties did not inspire a warm welcome to black artists on white record labels and pop radio playlists, but instead prompted white artists to raid the R&B charts for material — The McGuire Sisters’ 1955 remake of the Moonglows’ “Sincerely” being a prime example.  The Moonglows’ R&B hit reached Number One in December, 1954, and had begun an assent on the pop charts when the McGuire Sisters’ version was released in January, 1955.  The McGuire Sisters’ version topped the pop chart for ten weeks while the Moonglows’ original version made a slow climb to Number 20, at that time an almost unbelievable success for black artists on the pop charts. Pat Boone’s early career was based almost entirely on recording bloodless but commercially successful versions of R&B hits, like Fats Domino’s “Ain’t That a Shame,” and Little Richard’s “Tutti Fruiti” and “”Long Tall Sally.”   Elvis Presley, the crowned “King of Rock and Roll,” found early success with songs previously recorded by black artists, like Junior Parker’s “Mystery Train” and Big Mama Thornton’s 1953 hit “Hound Dog.”  Elvis embodied the fulfillment of record producer and Sun Records owner Sam Phillips’ dream of a white artist who could sing with “the sound and feel of a black man.”

– Meredith Rutledge for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

RELATED: Blacks & Blues: Songs Of Struggle

RELATED: Hip-Hop: The Song Of The Streets

The distinctively voiced Macy Gray talks to SoulCulture TV about how she chose her stage name, her desire to record jazz and rock albums, being a jazz vocalist and her new album, The Sellout – out on June 21st via Universal.

“This was a very liberating record for me. On my last album [Big, 2007] I was a bit guided – everybody was in my ear telling me what I should do next and who I should work with,” she admits of her previous release.

In Macy’s own words, The Sellout album title refers to “How I failed at conformity at conforming and how I failed at fitting in – like I have my whole life.”

Check out these exclusives from TheUrbanDaily.com!

HUMOR: Diddy Offers Rick Ross’s Beard To Help Clean Up Oil Spill

Drinks With DJ Enuff: Biggie Gave Me His First Album On Cassette

Top 5 Hip-Hop Punch Outs

Would Charles Hamilton Go Back To Interscope Records?

Beyonce’s Songwriter Rico Love: “The Music Business Is Like High School”

I think Drake started something with this ” sweatpants hair tied chilling with no makeup thats when your the prettiest  hope that you don’t take it wrong” stuff!

Check out the video and Mario killing the vocals:

“Dancing With The Stars” Judge Hates On Ochocinco

It’s international Woman’s day and Woman’s history month. While the media like to focus on a lot of the songs that are negative to women there are many that uplift females too here are some of them.

10. Tupac Keep Your Head Up

9. Mary J. Blige Natural Woman

8. Maxwell Woman’s Work

7. Bob Marley No Woman No Cry

6. Chaka Khan I’m Every Woman

5. Queen Latifah U.N.I.T.Y.

4. Karyn White Superwoman

3. Destiny’s Child Independent Woman

2. Queen Latifah Ladies First

1. Aretha Franklin Respect

Check Out These Joints Too

VIDEO: Trina Names Her Favorite Female MCs

Female MC Gets Support From MC Lyte

How many people sampled this “Summer Madness Live” break this year? Anyway, Amerie and Fabolous get into some winter madness in this clip for “More Than Love.”

PREVIOUSLY: Behind The Scenes Of “More Than Love”

RELATED:

How To Make Amerie Blush

In Addition to the June 30th release of Wu-Tang’s Chamber Music album, Ghostface has stayed on his grind-hiphopdx.com is reporting that he will be releasing an R&B album! For everyone nervous about Ghost going T-Pain on his new tracks, hiphopdx clarifies that:

The R&B portion of the disc will come from other artists. In this case, expect notable R&B acts to join Ghost as he flows over soulful tracks, according to an MTV interview with Lenny Santiago, Vice President of A&R at Def Jam:

“The new album is called The Wizard of Poetry,” Santiago told MTV. “It is an R&B album. When I say that, this is what I mean: Ghostface usually raps over melodic, soulful R&B tracks. This time, we came around and I had him rhyme over the same type of tracks, but we matched him with great R&B stars. John Legend is on there. Raheem DeVaughn is on there. Estelle is on there. Musiq Soulchild is on there. Lloyd is on there. We just paired him up. It’s the same Ghost, the same gritty host, the same Ghost that talks to the ladies in that soulful voice along with R&B hooks.”

hiphopdx also mentions Ghost’s upcoming The Footprint of Hip Hop Tour with Method Man and Redman-click here for tour dates and to read the whole article! 

Watch Whoo Kid Interview Drake!

Incubus Covers Prince On New Album??

In the first episode of her new VIDEO BLOG, the great DJ TT Torrez, from Richmond, VA’s iPower92.1sat down with R&B songstress JAZMINE SULLIVAN. In the interview she discusses some of the obstacles she faced at the start of her career.

What do you think of her style? Let us know in the comments!

Check out TUD’s own tribute to Marvin Gaye here.

Combining a blend of R&B, pop and jazz, Stacye Branché placed her own brand of music, alternative soul on the map with her CD – I Believe. But as her fan base has grown from the States to Europe, check out her behind-the-scenes look at her calendar photo shoot.

Be sure to check out more from this upcoming starlet at her site – StacyeBranche.com.