Kevin McCall - "Sincerely, Kevin" Mixtape
V-Day-released, double mixtape from Kevin teaches about the ins and outs surrounding love.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Kevin McCall - "Sincerely, Kevin" Mixtape
Kevin McCall - "Sincerely, Kevin" Mixtape
V-Day-released, double mixtape from Kevin teaches about the ins and outs surrounding love.
Friday, February 27, 2015
Friday Night Throwback: Jodeci - “Come And Talk To Me”
With Jodeci set to soon drop their first album in 20 years, it's only right that this week's Friday Night Throwback features one of the legendary group's many great hits: 1991's "Come And Talk To Me". Written, produced and arranged by Al. B. Sure and Jodeci member DeVante Swing, the 4th single from their debut album Forever My Lady, would serve as the group's third number one R&B hit and had enough staying power to top the R&B year-end chart for 1992.
Jodeci - "Every Moment"
Video directed by Hype Williams. Jodeci's new album, The Past, The Present, The Future, their first in over 15 years, will arrive on March 31st.
4EY - "Scoot Ova"
4EY - "Scoot Ova"
Debut single from rising Pop/R&B group 4EY, look out for their debut album 4EVER to be released in June.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Tinashe feat. Iggy Azalea - "All Hands On Deck (remix)"
Tinashe feat. Iggy Azalea - "All Hands On Deck (remix)"
Remix to Tinashe's noteworthy good-girl-gone-bad anthem.
Isa - "You & I"
Indie artist out of NYC, be on the lookout for her Mirrors Volume I debut album due out this fall.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Keyshia Cole: Daniel & I Are Starting Over As Friends
Bay area songstress Keyshia Cole recently attended the premiere of her new reality show, "All In," with estranged hubby Daniel Gibson, leading many to believe the couple were back on track. During a Q&A session at the event, Cole admits that being out and about with her ex is "awkward," but says it's reality and that she wants her fans to know the truth. As of now, they are rebuilding their relationship as friends, and while that doesn't necessarily mean they'll be renewing their wedding vows, it could be a move in the right direction.
Cole also spoke about why she chose to do another reality show and explained her current relationship with her sister, a relationship that has suffered over the years due to fame, confusion and misunderstandings. Peep the clip above to see what else the soulful singer had to say.
Rihanna - "Towards The Sun"
Rihanna - "Towards The Sun"
Solo contribution
from Rihanna to DreamWorks film HOME soundtrack, she's starring in as the voice of the animated character Tip.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Monday, February 23, 2015
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Adrian Marcel - "Liar"
From his forthcoming mixtape, Weak After Next Reloaded, which drops next month.
Friday, February 20, 2015
Friday Night Throwback: The Gap Band Performs "Outstanding"
Written by member Raymond Calhoun with the lead performed by co-member Charlie Wilson, The Gap Band's 1982 hit single "Outstanding" would become one of their signature songs after reaching the number one spot on the U.S. R&B Singles Chart in February 1983 and peaking at number fifty-one on the Hot 100.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Jordan Bratton feat. Fabolous - "Danger"
Newbie Jordan Bratton takes a unique approach to minimalism in his new music video for “Danger.”
Jesse Boykins III - "Our Tonight Is Mine"
Off his Love Apparatus (Deluxe Edition) album, available on iTunes now.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Kenny Lattimore – "Love Me Back"
First single since 2013 for Mr. Lattimore and apparently he's got the Valentines spirit.
Monday, February 16, 2015
TeeFLii X DJ Carisma - "VDay" (EP)
After just dropping his debut album Starr, South Central Los Angeles crooner TeeFLii gives the fans more with this 3-single EP collab w/ DJ Carisma..
Jessica Mauboy - "The Day Before I Met You"
This new single "The Day Before I Met You" is taken from Mauboy's album Beautiful: Platinum Edition out now:
Natalie La Rose feat. Jeremih - "Somebody"
Smooth, dance tune inspired by the late, great Whitney Houston is also the debut single from Dutch artist Natalie La Rose.
August Alsina feat. Lil Wayne - "Kissin' On My Tattoos" (remix)
August Alsina feat. Lil Wayne - "Kissin' On My Tattoos"
A couple of New Orleans stars rep together as August re-charges his Testimony cut “Kissin’ On My Tattoos”.
Trey Songz - "Slow Motion"
A Valentine's weekend gift from the always on point Mr. Songz. Now available on iTunes.
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Strictly R&B: In The News 2/15/15
The Stacks: Billie Holiday: Jazz’s Aching Songbird
Keyshia Cole Nabs New BET Docu-series
Azealia Banks Just Sparked Another Twitter Beef, But Erykah Badu Isn’t Having It
R&B Divas: LA are Back – New Cast Member BRAVE Is Turning Heads
Trey Songz Announces Album Re-Release – ‘Trigga: Reloaded’
Janelle Monáe The Mogul: Inks Record Label Joint Venture Deal With Epic
R&B Singers Serenade at Valentine's Day Concert
5 Questions: Blanche Eden
One listen to Blanche Eden's (formally Jennifer Michelle) new EP "Beautiful Again" will have you blown away by her powerful, sultry tones and appreciation for love (hence the choice to release her latest venture yesterday on Valentines Day). With tracks like “Give It To Me″ and “Only Words” aptly demonstrating the singer's endearing and seductive sound, the Brooklyn, NY native, who has been performing on stage since she was 8, is catching fire with fans of R&B’s more eclectic musings. Along with being known for her strong voice and appreciation of different music genres, the R&B singer is a professional photographer. StrictlyR&B.com spoke with the multi-talented artist on the inspiration behind her music, her new EP and future career plans.
STRICTLYR&B.com: How did you get into music?
BLANCHE EDEN: I have always had a serious love for music, both of my parents loved music and were ALWAYS playing music in the house growing up. I always had a special connection with RnB music in particular, and always enjoyed the lyrics and melodies more than anything else. I didn't and still don't play instruments, but have always wanted to take lessons. Growing up, my mom enrolled me in ballet school, it was her dream for me I guess, but I wasn't as crazy about it. I did not pursue it far into my teens and adulthood. In high school I was athletic, making the cheerleading squad for 2 years and the Drama Club as well. ln my junior and senior years of H.S. I co-starred in my first H.S. musical 'Guys and Dolls' and starred in H.S. musical 'Grease'. Those were the first times I sang in front of others, I was nervous as hell, but I still wanted to keep singing! I knew that I loved entertaining others and seeing the expressions on their faces, those are priceless to me. The musicals were just the beginning of my musical journey. I soon pursued college and my studies were a priority at the time, hindering my further exposure to performing musically, but not for long.
STRICTLYR&B.com: How did growing up in Brooklyn effect your musical tastes and style?
BLANCHE EDEN: Oh Brooklyn! I am so proud to be born and raised there. I was exposed to so much culture, variety of people and lifestyles. So many great and successful artists are from Brooklyn. It was challenging, but exciting growing up in such a diverse borough, seeing, hearing, and doing so much so early in life. Fortunately different cultures listen to different music and my exposure to Reggae, Soca, etc. was born. Many, if not all of my close friends are from the West Indies, this exposure just infused my love for music more. I don't say it enough, but Reggae music has had a huge impact on my musical style and writing.
STRICTLYR&B.com: Talk about your latest EP, “Beautiful Again”.
BLANCHE EDEN: I am very much in love with it! I know others will be too. It is my 2nd EP and more intense and mature than the first. It couldn't have come at a better time in my life and hopefully others' lives. It covers a lot in 7 songs, but that's how I like to deliver. I like to mix it up and sing about everything. People who have been following my music can see that! This EP is special and I truly believe it will impact my fans more than any of my other songs in the past.
STRICTLYR&B.com: I know you have the “Beautiful Again” album available for preview on your Web site, blancheeden.com. How has social media impacted your solo career?
BLANCHE EDEN: I have actually made the entire 'Beautiful Again' EP available for free download as of the release date 2.14.15, along with my other music. Social media has had a huge impact on my solo career, as well as other indie artists. It enhances my 'Independent' title, allowing me to contact my fans directly whether it be via Tweet or email. It allows me to see what my fans like and what they want more of from me. Even label artists are using Sound Cloud to their advantage. It is helping me reach milestones I could not reach before. Without social media there would be no 'Independent' artist in this day and age.
STRICTLYR&B.com: I like your cover of Rihanna’s “Diamonds”, what made you choose to do a cover of that song?
BLANCHE EDEN: Thank you! I enjoyed that entire Rihanna album very much, 'Diamonds' being one of my favorite tracks off of it! I am a Rihanna fan too. I still remember how I felt when I first heard that one song, and that was special to me. Not so much the song, but the feelings it gave me. I wanted to experience that feeling again, so what better way than to cover it? I was able to feel that feeling of freedom and aloofness I felt when I first heard it. When you hear a song over and over that feeling slowly fades, but recording it brought it back.
STRICTLYR&B.com: What do
you want people to get from the album and what are your future plans?
BLANCHE EDEN: I want people to feel--feel happy, sad, sexy, pretty, angry, even challenged. I experience all of the above when I am making the music so I would only expect those reactions form others, anything else is a plus. Music is supposed to change you and take you away to places in your mind and your life you have never been before. Even if its just for a little while, but I'd prefer a lifetime! My plans? Well to make more music, collaborate with other artists, and build my fan base by performing, doing interviews and music videos.
BLANCHE EDEN: I want people to feel--feel happy, sad, sexy, pretty, angry, even challenged. I experience all of the above when I am making the music so I would only expect those reactions form others, anything else is a plus. Music is supposed to change you and take you away to places in your mind and your life you have never been before. Even if its just for a little while, but I'd prefer a lifetime! My plans? Well to make more music, collaborate with other artists, and build my fan base by performing, doing interviews and music videos.
Photo provided by Blanche Eden.
Ledisi - "Rock With You (Acoustic)"
Fresh off her acting gig as Gospel great Mahalia Jackson in the film Selma, Ledisi puts out the visuals for the acoustic version of her "Rock With You" single.
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Friday, February 13, 2015
Friday Night Throwback: After 7 - "Baby I'm For Real"
Marvin Gaye and a sample of Bloodstone's '73 single "Natural High" would serve as the cornerstone of this 1992 hit single from After 7. The ballad, originally written and recorded by Gaye (and his first wife Anna) and later released by Motown background group The Originals in 1969 (reaching number one on the Billboard Top Black Singles chart), would be covered by a handful of artists through the years with After 7 issuing it as their first release from their Takin' My Time album.. Their version would peak at No. 5 on the R&B charts.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Treasure Davis feat. Kid Ink – "Simple"
First female artist/songwriter signed to Mark Pitts’ ByStorm Entertainment/RCA Records releases this quirky banger guest-starring Kid Ink.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Sevyn Streeter feat. Chris Brown – "Don’t Kill The Fun"
Sevyn Streeter and Chris Brown have the best night ever in their suitably wild “Don't Kill The Fun” video, which was also directed by Breezy.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Rayven Justice – "Nobody"
Bay Area native Rayven Justice continues to prove himself as an R&B artist to watch with this new single "Nobody"
Rihanna feat. Kanye West & Paul McCartney - "FourFiveSeconds"
This collaboration with Kanye West and The Beatles Paul McCartney, premiered on RihannaNow.com.
Monday, February 9, 2015
Epic feat. B. Simms - "Hold On (En Vogue Cover)"
New school rendition of the En Vogue classic from R&B/Pop girl group Epic.
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Strictly R&B: In The News 2/8/15
Adrienne Bailon Is Engaged To Roc Nation Executive Lenny Santiago VIDEO
Don Covay, Performer and Writer of R&B Hits, Dies at 78
Ledisi Snubbed By Grammys – Should Beyonce Have Bowed Out?
Dionne Warwick Hospitalized After Showering Accident As Cousin Bobbi Kristina Remains In Coma
S2S Exclusive: Bobby V & His 10 Year Anniversary Tour
Usher Earns 13th No. 1 On Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Chris Brown Feeling Good After Completion of Community Service Hours; Escapes More Trouble
K. Michelle Slams Rapper Uncle Murda, Clears Up Nicki Minaj 'Beef'
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Friday, February 6, 2015
Friday Night Throwback: DeBarge - "Rhythm Of The Night"
Released in early 1985 and written by Diane Warren, "Rhythm of the Night would become DeBarge's biggest hit. The single, whose release coincided with the release of the Motown film The Last Dragon, reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100, number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, number one on the US adult contemporary chart, and number four in the UK singles chart - their only major hit single in the UK - going gold and boosting similar success for its parent album of the same name.
Beyonce - "Crazy In Love (remix)"
HuffPo.com:
Boots' remix of Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love" from the "Fifty Shades of Grey" soundtrack leaked online Thursday, meaning the Beyhive can listen to their queen all weekend long. This version of the song was teased by Beyoncé herself last July. The soundtrack is out in an official capacity on Feb. 10; "Fifty Shades of Grey" arrives on Feb. 13.Beyoncé - "Crazy in Love (2014 Remix)"