Thursday, December 18, 2014

Floetry Reunites in London



VoiceOnline.com:
NEO-SOUL duo Floetry surprised fans with a surprise performance in London's Clapham Grand last night (Dec 16). 

The Grammy-nominated group, comprised of singer Marsha Ambrosius and spoken word artist, Natalie Stewart, disbanded in 2007 and have been pursuing solo ventures since, but on the London-leg of her Friends and Lovers tour, Ambrosius brought her former bandmate on stage to rapturous applause. 

Together, the pair, both born in south London, performed a number of hits from their back catalogue, including Say Yes and Floetic. 

Ambrosius, who now resides in America, had been teasing fans on social media for some time, hinting that "special guests" would be joining her on stage. 

"LONDON TOWN!!! Only a few days away!!! Clapham Grand December 16th Full band + special guests!!! You don't want to miss it!!! #FriendsAndLovers," she wrote on Instagram last week. 

A number of fans took to Twitter when the surprise, in the form of Stewart, was revealed. Posting a video on Instagram, @misslalareport wrote: "#thenthishappened #Floetry B***H WHAT JUST HAPPENED??!! #theytogetheragain" 

In an interview with The Voice last month, Stewart said the band's split was anything but acrimonious. 

“In 2010, I had lots of songs inside of me, but I never wanted to be, and I was never attempting to be a solo artist. 

“I become a solo artist because of Marsha going solo. It was nothing I was trying to do,” she said. 

She added: "I never left Floetry. I didn’t go solo. I didn’t break from the group. Marsha went solo, she left the group. 

 “I’m still in the floetic realm. I never left it.”

WBLS FM 107.5 Interviews Aretha Franklin

Teedra Moses Releases New EP ‘California Vibes’!


Teedra Moses - "California Vibes" EP

New 5-track EP from R&B vet Teedra Moses.

Mary J. Blige on R&B: "I Was Beginning to Feel Stuck" + Talks 'The London Sessions'

Tiffany Evans Performs New Single "Baby Don't Go"

Lil Fizz On His Years-Long Friendships w/ Jhene Aiko & Mila J

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Ne-Yo - "Coming With You"


Ne-Yo - "Coming With You"

New album drops next month.

Alicia Keys - "Somewhere In The City"


Alicia Keys - "Somewhere In The City"

It's all about love and unity on this new single from Alicia Keys.

Kevin Ross Talks Glade "This is My Wish" Camoaign, "Dialogue in the Grey" EP, Touring with Maxwell

K. Michelle Opens Up On Idris Elba Relationship

Rihanna Named Creative Director for Puma


TMZ.com:
Rihanna just got a huge gig with Puma -- and aside from maybe Puma stockholders ... no one is more excited about this than the fastest man in the world.

First, RiRi's gig -- she's been named creative director of Puma ... and a company rep says she'll not only work on designs, but also serve as a brand ambassador. She celebrated her new job by posting pics in some Puma kicks.

Now, the good stuff -- Puma's other big spokesman is, of course, Usain Bolt ... and we know the Olympic sprinter's been jonesin' to hookup with Rihanna because he told TMZ Sports about his crush last year.

We're guessing Usain's on the phone to Puma brass right now with all kinds of new promo ideas.

Jennifer Lopez Stuns In ‘Self’ Magazine






ThatGrapeJuice.com:

The fine, fresh, fierce 45-year-old appears on the cover of Self Magazine‘s newest issue and showcases her toned and honed physique.

Currently gearing up for televised return to American Idol next month, the issue arrives on the heels of news that the diva is cooking up her eleventh studio album with hitmaker Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins.

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Strictly R&B: In The News 11/23/14

Ex-‘R&B Diva’ Nicci Gilbert’s New Docu-Series, ‘From the Bottom Up’

Lifetime's Aaliyah Biopic 'The Princess of R&B' a Hit (Sort Of)

R&B Star Jeremih Says He's Holding His Own Career Back

R&B Singer-Songwriter Kem Holds To Tradition With Love, Faith And A Little Risk

Fantasia Logs Studio Time with R. Kelly: "This Man Is Teaching Me So Much"

Dawn Robinson Boycotts, Shades En Vogue Christmas Special

Jordin Sparks To Release New Mixtape Titled…’Bye Felicia’

Azekel - "Chronophobia"


Azekel - "Chronophobia"

London producer/singer releases "Chronophobia" single, a bass-heavy follow up to July’s "New Romance."

Adrian Marcel Admits To Being Weak Around Women And Wearing His Emotions On His Sleeve

Teyana Taylor Is So Grateful She Didnt Do The Aaliyah Biopic

Earth, Wind & Fire's Verdine White Reacts to Jimmy Ruffin Death

Elle Varner: I Got Into Clive Davis NYU Program at Just 16

Friday, November 21, 2014

Friday Night Throwback: Aretha Franklin Performs "Chain Of Fools" Live (1968)



Written by legendary songwriter Don Covay, the 1967-released "Chain of Fools" would reach the top of both the R&B and pop charts and win Franklin a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

Mila J: I Would Pose Naked, But It Wouldn't Just Be for Money

Beyonce - "Ring Off"


Beyonce - "Ring Off"

New single is clearly an ode to Bey's mom Tina and the recent public humiliation she suffered in lieu of her ex-husband Mathew's well-known affairs.

Quincy Jones Honored at Ebony Magazine's Power 100 Gala

Jazmine Sullivan Focuses On Loving Herself, Not Her Size

Jimmy Ruffin, Motown Legend, Dies at 78


People.com:
Jimmy Ruffin, the Motown singer whose hits include "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" and "Hold on to My Love," died Monday in a Las Vegas hospital. He was 78.

Philicia Ruffin and Jimmy Lee Ruffin Jr., the late singer's children, confirmed Wednesday that Ruffin had died. There were no details about the cause of death.

Ruffin was the older brother of Temptations lead singer David Ruffin, who died in 1991 at age 50.

"Jimmy Ruffin was a rare type of man who left his mark on the music industry. My family in its entirety is extremely upset over his death. He will truly be missed," a statement from Philicia Ruffin and the Ruffin family said. "We will treasure the many fond and wonderful memories we all have of him."

Singer Rod Stewart learned of Ruffin's death in Las Vegas, where he was doing a show, his spokesperson said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press. "RIP, Jimmy. Heaven has never sounded so sweet," Stewart said.

Jimmy Lee Ruffin was born on May 7, 1936, in Collinsville, Mississippi. He was signed to Berry Gordy's Motown Records, and had a string of hits in the 1960s, including "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted," which became a Top 10 pop hit.

He had continued success with songs such as "I've Passed This Way Before" and "Gonna Give Her All the Love I've Got," but Ruffin marked a comeback in 1980 with his second Top 10 hit, "Hold on to My Love." The song was produced by Robin Gibb, the Bee Gees member who died in 2012.

Ruffin worked with his brother David in the 1970s on the album I Am My Brother's Keeper. Ruffin also lived in England for many years.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Greta Prince - "Forever"


Greta Prince - "Forever"

New single from ESSENCE R&B Star winner.

Chris Brown feat. Kid Ink - "Love Me No More"


Chris Brown feat. Kid Ink - "Love Me No More"

Duo behind hit singles "Show Me" and "Main Chick" (the remix) join forces once more today for an new collaboration.

XXL Interviews August Alsina, Talks Recent Hospital Stay and Working with Usher

Sylvie Chibiliti - "Available To You"


Sylvie Chibiliti - "Available To You"

Brand new song from Zambian songstress.

SZA - "Sobriety"


Sza - "Sobriety"

SZA will be joining Jhené Aiko on the “Enter the Void Tour” which kicks off on December 2 in Washington, D.C.

Dominique Toney - "We Are"



From her upcoming album A Love Like Ours.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Strictly R&B: In The News 11/16/14

Ciara and Future’s Son Zahir Set to Appear in Mommy’s Music Video

Mariah Carey Brings Dem Babies On Stage: 10 Adorable Instagram Moments

Alicia Keys Offers Advice On Successfully Blending Families

Teairra Mari Shocked At Ray J’s Take On Their Relationship

Lifetime’s Aaliyah Biopic Proves The Haters Right

'Don't Tell 'Em,' But Lorde Covered Chicago R&B Singer Jeremih's Latest Hit

9 Facts Lifetime's Aaliyah Movie Actually Got Right

Rihanna Performs "Stay" and "Diamonds" @ The Concert For Valor 2014

Nicole Scherzinger Talks Getting Personal on New Album "Big Fat Lie"

Usher - "Clueless"


Usher - "Clueless"

Ush teams up with General Mills and Walmart to give his cereal-eating fans a treat. When you buy a specially-marked box of Honey Nut Cheerios at Walmart you’ll find a download code to get a brand new song.

Jay Sean - "All I Want"


Jay Sean - "All I Want"

Follows the previously released "Tears in the Ocean," both set to appear on his upcoming mixtape, Mistress II, available for free download on November 18 via his website.

Ky-Mani Marley: I Made Millions on Shottas Despite Bootlegging

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Trey Songz Talks Supporting Chris Brown Through His Legal Woes

SisQo: I was Rich, So I Don't Know What Teen Parenting Drama Is

Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins Is Re-Recording "The Boy Is Mine" With Jessie J And Ariana Grande


TheFader.com:
2015 will mark Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins' 20th year in the industry, and the legendary producer and songwriter plans to ring it in with a special bundle of new material and re-imaginations of classics from his catalog. In a sit down with HITS Daily Double, Jerkins divulged that he's tapped Ariana Grande and Jessie J to recreate Brandy and Monica's 1998 duet "The Boy Is Mine," as well as Sam Smith for Whitney Houston's "It's Not Right But It's Okay." This is not Smith's first swing at Whitney– earlier this year the former FADER cover star performed a downtempo, mournful cover of "How Will I Know" for SiriusXM. But Jerkins assured that this will be special. "Sam told me ["It's Not Right But It's Okay"] made him want to sing. When I asked him if he'd be a part of this project he was like, 'No one else can do that song but me!'" he said. "Sam's the truth. He has a great heart and he's genuine. His music speaks for who he is."

Teyana Taylor Is So Grateful She Didnt Do The Aaliyah Biopic

Clive Davis on Whitney Houston's New Album, Interview on the "Tom Joyner Morning Show"

Omarion feat. Chrs Brown And Jhene AIko - "'Post To Be"





From Omarion's forthcoming album Sex Playlist and produced by DJ Mustard.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Beyoncé Confirms "BEYONCÉ: The Platinum Edition" Will Be Released Later This Month



RELATED: Beyoncé Confirms "BEYONCÉ: The Platinum Edition" Will Be Released Later This Month

K. Michelle - "Love 'Em All"



Off her sophomore album Anybody Want To Buy A Heart?

Download Willow Smith's New EP "3" & Freewheeling Single "Cares"





Willow - "3"


Willow celebrates her 14th birthday with the release of this new EP.

Spice feat. Vybz Kartel - "Conjugal Visit"



Sequel to their 2009 hit "Romping Shop", set to feature on Spice's December 2014 EP, So Mi Like It.

Rihanna Graces the Cover of Elle Magazine


NYDailyNews.com:
Turns out Rihanna and Christian Grey would be a match made in heaven.

In Rihanna’s cover story in the December issue of Elle magazine, on newsstands Nov. 18, the pop star is asked, “What’s the sexiest thing a man has ever said to you?”

Her response won’t exactly make her the cover girl for the feminist movement.

“Any man that tells me what to do is sexy!,” the 26-year-old singer said.

As the millions of “Fifty Shades of Grey” fans would agree, there is something hot about a domineering guy in the bedroom.

But considering the shadow of the 2009 attack she endured at the hands of then-boyfriend Chris Brown, it’s surprising to hear Rihanna talk so enthusiastically about being dominated by a guy.

Then again, Rihanna told Elle she’s an old-fashioned girl at heart. When asked what she would be if she wasn’t a singer, Rihanna replied, “A wife.”
RELATED:  Rihanna Makes Triumphant Return to Instagram After Six-Month Hiatus

Dionne Warwick on Whitney Houston: "She Was the Little Girl I Never Had" and Talks New Album

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Strictly R&B: In The News 11/2/14


Janet Jackson Makes First Public Appearance In Over a Year

Tinashe Just Might Be the Next. Big. Thing.

Mariah Carey Shares Behind The Scenes Pics From ‘The Elusive Chanteuse Show’

Rihanna Is Back On Instagram!

T-Pain Performing Without Auto-Tune Is “Weird as Hell” and Amazin

Michael Jackson Prosecutor Tom Sneddon Dead 

Shanice, Flex Alexander Thank Family for Keeping Them Grounded

Luke James and the Power of Music: GQ - Moment of Arrival



Raised in New Orleans, Luke James always felt music was in his bones. Now he's one of the best emerging R&B performers in the industry. The rising singer-songwriter leads us through his new hometown of L.A., where he finds constant inspiration. His next goal? Becoming an icon

Syleena Johnson Talks Chapter 6 Album, Creating Her Best Work and Moving On Without R. Kelly

Trey Songz Interview With The Breakfast Club PowerHouse 105.1

Hot 97 (New York) Interviews Chris Brown

Friday, October 24, 2014

Mary J. Blige - "Right Now"



Pre-order Mary’s new album “The London Sessions” (out December 2nd) and get “Right Now" instantly.

TLC's Ex-Manager Pebbles Files $40M Lawsuit Against Viacom over TLC Biopic


TMZ.com:
TLC's ex-manager is a conniving, dishonest businesswoman who hoodwinked 3 innocent girls -- that's how it looked in a TV movie about the group ... and the ex-manager is now gunning for justice.

Perri "Pebbles" Reid claims in a new lawsuit ... the TV flick, "CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story" assassinated her character by portraying her as a liar and a cheat, when actually she invested her time and money as TLC's manager and created one of the best-selling female groups of all time.

Pebbles says the film falsely depicts her as pressuring Chilli to get an abortion ... pushing T-Boz to put the group ahead of her health ... and doling out a measly $25/wk for the girls.

Reid says the film -- which first aired a year ago and several times since -- destroyed her reputation, and she's suing for $40 million.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Kiki Rowe – "Trust Issues"





Produced by DJ Mustard, new album drops 10/28.

Fantine - "Reservation For Two"



Emilio Estefan's new electro-soul artist Fantine debuts music video for her single "Reservation For Two."

Mélat - "Move Me"



Indie Texas-based singer drops visuals for "Move Me" track, which can be on her collaboration project with Delicious Vinyl producer Jansport J.

Boyz II Men - "Losing Sleep"



Album Collide dropping soon.

Goapele - "Strong As Glass"


Goapele - "Strong As Glass"

After releasing her hot single "Hey Boy" this summer, Goapele slows down a bit with the moody new single "Strong As Glass" from her forthcoming album of the same name.

Hear Corinne Bailey Rae's Breezy Cover of Paul McCartney's 'Bluebird'

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Paula Abdul Talks Starring In New Breast Cancer Video

Next - "Leaving With Me"





No more RL, but Tweet and T-Low want to show you that they can handle carrying on the Next brand with this new single.

Paloma Ford feat. Meek Mill – "Let Me See"





Meek Mill returns a favor and jumps on the latest single from rising L.A. singer Paloma Ford's “Let Me See”. Ford guested on Mill's own “I Don’t Know” back in May.

PartyNextDoor – "Sex On The Beach"


PartyNextDoor – "Sex On The Beach"

Drake's most recent signee PartyNextDoor's second mixtape just leaked. This is the intro track.

Maejor Ali feat. Trey Songz and Kid Ink - "Me And My Team (Explicit)"



New single, video directed by G. Visuals and features Trey Songz.

Tameka "Tiny" Cottle and BFF Shekinah @ The Wendy Williams Show

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Strictly R&B: In The News 10/19/14

Keyshia Cole Collects Third No. 1 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums

Credit Jacob Blickenstaff for The New York Times 

Judge: Son of late R&B Star Teddy Pendergrass Not Entitled to Dad’s Estate

‘Sexually Enlightened R&B Song’ is the Most Honest Music Video Ever

Sorry, Beyoncé, But Marsha Ambrosius' Friends & Lovers Offers R&B's Real Sexual Liberation

'American Idol' Alum Joanne Borgella Dies at 32

Teairra Mari Struggles to Perform Onstage