THERNBNME

NEW HEAT: Fantasia ft/ Kelly Rowland & Missy Elliott "Without Me"

2013-04-16T08:08:00.001-05:00

Have you heard this new jam from Fantasia "Without Me"? If not, you're missing out. The song from her forthcoming album. Side Effects of You, features Kelly Rowland and Missy Elliot.

I love the beat and vibe of this record. Not sure why this wasn't the first single released, but hopefully it's the next. Her new album comes out April 23rd. From the snippets that I've heard so far, it sounds like a banger. Will definitely be copping it!

Song of the Day: Mint Condition "You Don't Have To Hurt No More"

2013-04-16T08:08:00.000-05:00

Legendary band Mint Condition released this slow jam as the second single of one of their top-selling albums, Definition of a Band back in 1997. One of my favs by them (so hard to choose), this song was written by then band member, Keri Lewis.

They are currently on tour and I CANNOT WAIT to finally see them live after all these years!!! Like it was stated during their TvOne Unsung documentary, they are the last great R&B band that we have. It's amazing and phenomenal that they stayed together all these years. Love them!

Happy Birthday Sade!

2013-01-16T01:22:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday to singer-songwriter Sade Adu! The Nigerian-born beauty turns 54 today. She continues to swoon audiences with her smooth, sultry vocals and has a catalog of timeless music that NEVER gets old. She hasn't released any music since her top-selling 2010 Soldier of Love album, but hopefully she will in the near future.

Song of the Day: Teena Marie "Out on A Limb"

2013-01-04T13:40:00.002-06:00

This is one of my favorite jams from the late Teena "Lady T" Marie. The song is from her 1984 album, Starchild. Sadly, Lady T, passed the day after Christmas over two years ago at 54. Her daughter, Alia Rose, stated that her mom's final album will be released this year. The album is entitled Beautiful and is to be released on January 15th.

Boyz II Men To Perform New Show In Vegas

2013-01-04T13:28:00.000-06:00

Popular 90's R&B group, Boyz II Men, will begin a 78 weekend Vegas show starting in March...

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The R&B group Boyz II Men is headed to Las Vegas.

The 1990s slow-jammers announced a headlining residency Thursday. They will perform weekend shows at the Terry Fator Theatre at The Mirage starting March 1.

Organizers say the show will feature the band’s biggest hits, including the 1991 smash “Motownphilly,” as well as some surprises.

Boyz II Men has won four Grammys and claims the title of most successful male R&B group in history.

The trio is best known for its ballads and a cappella stylings, and for the slow jams “I’ll Make Love To You” and “One Sweet Day.”

They will perform 78 weekend shows through the end of the year. Tickets are on sale now starting at $40. (Associated Press)

Boyz II Men was honored last year with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Good to see them still singing. Congrats to them!

Rihanna Who? Beyonce Inks $50 Million Deal With Pepsi

2012-12-10T10:14:00.001-06:00

If Beyonce hasn't proven that she's Queen by now, she just solidified her place on the throne by inking a $50 million deal with Pepsi...
From Huffington Post...

Beyonce has signed a $50 million deal with Pepsi, The New York Times reports. The agreement includes traditional promotional appearances and a new commercial, but also the beverage company's investment in a number of the singer's creative projects.

Pepsi's move is in line with a trend toward content creation as advertisers seek new inroads into the music business and labels' marketing budgets continue to decline. Red Bull -- through its Red Bull Music Academy and Red Bull Media House -- has been funding original content for some time now, as have Scion and Converse.

Beyonce will appear in a new TV spot for Pepsi, a brand she has been involved with since 2002. Her previous ads have included Britney Spears, P!NK, Jennifer Lopez and David Beckham. She's also performing at the Super Bowl halftime show, which is sponsored by Pepsi. Source

Beyonce will also appear on a limited edition of Pepsi cans. Her next album is expected to be released sometime in 2013 after the Super Bowl appearance.

Love hearing about women in the music business making boss moves. Get it Bey!

See Also: Best Super Bowl Half-Time Show: Madonna, Prince or Michael Jackson?

VIDEO: Emelie Sandé - "Clown"

2012-12-07T00:01:00.004-06:00

British singing sensation, Emeli Sandé dropped a new video today, "Clown" from her top selling debut album, Our Version of Events. Despite the recent Grammy snub, she continues doing what she does best which is putting out great music. See the video after the break!

Here's what Emelie she had to say about the meaning of "Clown":

This is about the industry and the struggle to get into it. But I was also thinking about Jeremy Kyle’s show a lot when I wrote that – how we kind of laugh at these people on our TV screens who are desperate enough to go on and talk about their problems.

It was written very quickly – in two or three hours. I wanted it to be defiant... I’m going to be your clown, but I’ll still have the guts to put myself out there. Source

Although her album has been certified platinum 3x over in the U.K., her album sales have yet to measure up in the US. She gained a more international appeal after the Summer 2012 Olympics but folks are still sleeping. Recently, she announced her first U.S. tour and will be kicking it off January 12, 2013 in Atlanta! I will definitely be in the building!

THROWBACK: Pebbles "Giving You The Benefit" [VIDEO]

2012-12-06T13:12:00.001-06:00

Today's throwback video features eighties/nineties artist, Pebbles. "Giving You The Benefit" was a number-one single from her second album, Always in 1990. It is, to date, one of the biggest singles of her career.

New Music: Tamar Braxton "Love and War" [AUDIO]

2012-12-06T12:49:00.004-06:00

Don't call her diva Toni Braxton's little sister or music mogul, Vincent Herbert's wife. Tamar Braxton is proving that she's a star in her own right. Newly signed to Interscope Records, "Love and War" is the lead single from her undated upcoming album release and has been all the buzz on Twitter today.

The beginning of the song does have a classic Toni Braxton vibe, but homegirl makes this song all her own. Her success as the reality star of WEtv's Braxton Family Values and Tamar & Vince has given her a whole new audience of fans who were unfamiliar with her previously. Looking forward to hearing new music from Tamar!

See Also: New Heat: Toni Braxton "I Heart You" Video

55th Grammy Award Nominations--Luke James, SWV, and Tamia Get Nods!

2012-12-06T12:00:00.002-06:00

For those of you that did not get a chance to tune into the 55th Grammy Awards nominations show last night, below is the list of the R&B categories. The show was held in Nashville, TN last night and featured an array of performers while hosted by rapper/actor LL Cool J and country star, Taylor Swift. For the complete list of nominees, go here.

Best R&B Performance
Thank You - Estelle
Gonna Be Alright (f.t.b.) - Robert Glasper Experiment featuring Ledisi
I Want You - Luke James
Adorn - Miguel
Climax - Usher

Best Traditional R&B Performance
Lately - Anita Baker
Love On Top - Beyoncé
Wrong Side Of A Love Song - Melanie Fiona
Real Good Hands - Gregory Porter
If Only You Knew - SWV

Best R&B Song
Adorn - Miguel Pimentel, songwriter (Miguel)
Beautiful Surprise - Tamia Hill, Claude Kelly & Salaam Remi, songwriters (Tamia)
Heart Attack - Benjamin Levin, Rico Love & Tremaine Neverson, songwriters (Trey Songz)
Pray For Me - Antonio Dixon, Kenny Edmonds, Anthony Hamilton & Patrick "jque" Smith, songwriters (Anthony Hamilton)
Refill - Darhyl "dj" Camper, Elle Varner & Andrew "pop" Wansel, songwriters (Elle Varner)

Best Urban Contemporary Album
Fortune - Chris Brown
Kaleidoscope Dream - Miguel
Channel Orange - Frank Ocean

Best R&B Album
Black Radio - Robert Glasper Experiment
Back To Love - Anthony Hamilton
Write Me Back - R. Kelly
Beautiful Surprise - Tamia
Open Invitation - Tyrese

Let me just say that I love/hate this list of nominees at the same damn time. It's clearly a popularity contest based on some of the categories and a lot of great artists and songs are not even listed. Faith Evans, Goapele, Emelie Sande, Eric Benet, Keyshia Cole and Jill Scott are not among the nominees listed. Also, why is Beyonce's "Love On Top" listed under "Traditional" R&B Performance? I loved the infectious song, but it's more pop-ish than anything. That slot should have been Mint Condition's "Believe in Us", but what's a Grammy show without Beyonce?

What really hurts a lot of major and indie R&B singers is radio airplay. R&B is not a dominant force on the airwaves like it was during the 90s and before, so there is not a big budget for them. This is a new generation of R&B listeners and stations are simply giving the people what they want. Unless you have at least one rapper on your song, you can hang it up for receiving any type of promo, marketing or radio airtime. Brandy had a Top 10 record with "Put It Down" featuring Chris Brown and did a helluva lot promoting, but it still didn't work as far as a Grammy is concerned. Everything must have the label "Hip Hop and R&B" to even be recognized. Or you could write an open letter on Tumblr right before your album gets released, and presto! Billboard chart magic!

But on a more positive note, I noticed the Best Urban Contemporary Album category is back, which is good. Miguel was also tapped for "Song of the Year" and deserves it. He put out a good project and is reaping the rewards. Seeing Luke James and Elle Varner (although I hate "Refill") on the list is refreshing. You already know I'm rooting for my girl, Anita Baker. And Tamia and SWV got a nomination? Yaasss!!!

I am glad to see that R&B made a comeback in a major way this year. A lot of the categories seem rather contradictory to me, but you have to take the good and the bad. I don't think the Grammy's will ever get it right completely, but at least it's not a throwaway category anymore. Perhaps, I shouldn't be so disappointed. I mean, Brian McKnight's mid-life crisis smash hit, "If You're Ready To Learn" could've been nominated. Then we would've really had some problems, lol.

Congrats to all the nominees! To those who did not get a nod, let this be more motivation to you and keep making great music!

BY: AMARIAH TYLER

Song of the Day: Freddie Jackson "At Christmas"

2012-12-06T10:05:00.000-06:00

Keeping up with the Christmas theme, I decided to post another holiday favorite. I abolutely love "At Christmas" by 80s R&B singer, Freddie Jackson. He sings of giving, sharing, and family--what the holidays are all about during Christmas.

This song was featured on This Christmas with Freddie Jackson in 1998. If you don't have this album in your collection, go out and cop it now. Enjoy!

Flashback: Anita Baker Performs "Frosty's Ray (Frosty The Snowman)" on Tony Danza Show

2012-12-05T09:40:00.000-06:00

Only the illustrious Anita Baker could take a simple traditional song like "Frosty's Rag (Frosty the Snowman)" and sang the song like she's on Broadway. From the scats to the riffs, she knows how to make a song her own! She visited the Tony Danza Show to promote her 2005 Christmas release, Christmas Fantasy.

I forgot Tony even had a show. I used to have a crush on him when he starred in Who's The Boss? (and yes, I had a lot of childhood crushes. Clearly, he was enamoured by Ms. Baker because he was just grinnin' and skinnin' after she finished singing, lol. If you don't have Christmas Fantasy in your holiday music collection, you are definitely missing out!

VIDEO: Boyz II Men "Let It Snow"

2012-12-05T09:15:00.001-06:00

This Christmas classic needs no introduction. The lead track from Boyz II Men's 1993 holiday album, Christmas Interpretations, "Let It Snow" is a classic that can be heard everywhere during this time of year. The song features then Motown label-mate, Brian McKnight, as well.

I was about five or six when this album came out. As one of my favorite R&B male groups of all time, I love hearing their harmonious voices singing Christmas classics and a few then-unknown, but now classics of their own. Most of which, were written by Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight. The whole album can be played from start to finish, but some of my favorites are "Let It Snow", "You're Not Alone", "Cold, December Nights", "Why Christmas" and "Who Would've Thought?"

Thanks R&B Haven for the video!

New Music: Alicia Keys ft/ Maxwell "Fire We Make"

2012-12-04T17:37:00.001-06:00

"Fire We Make" is from Alicia Keys fifth studio album, Girl On Fire. Collectively, the album is a good listen. However, as soon as I pressed play on #7, I could tell this one was going to be on repeat! Alicia went back to her cornrow rocking days in the studio, because her and Maxwell did the damn thing with this song right here! As soon as I saw Maxwell's name while listening to Girl on Fire, I thought, "Awwww shiet!"

It's not an official single yet, but if Alicia's team was smart, they would release it ASAP because "New Day" and "Girl on Fire" just ain't cutting it. "Brand New Me" and "Not Even The King" are good tracks, but "Fire We Make" is how babies are made. It has that Luther-Sade-D'Angelo feel to it. Plus, it's a love duet and this is the cuddling and love season so it makes sense.

I'm glad to see that R&B duets are making a comeback. Between Avant & Keke Wyatt reuniting and Eric Benet and Faith Evans' new joint, things are looking up. Listen below!

See Also: R&B Group Silk Returns with New Single "Home for Christmas"

Eric Benet & Faith Evans "Christmas Without You"

2012-12-04T16:57:00.000-06:00

There's nothing I love more than Soul/R&B Christmas music, and two of my favorite singers, Eric Benet and Faith Evans did not fail to disappoint. The mid-tempo "Christmas Without You" talks about being without the one you love on Christmas. Take a listen and leave a comment on what you think.

Song of the Day: The Jackson 5 "Give Love On Christmas Day"

2012-12-04T16:54:00.002-06:00

Originally recorded by The Jackson 5, this holiday classic from their Christmas album is a favorite that can be heard on radios and in stores everywhere during this time of the year. This song has been covered by The Temptations, New Edition, and Johnny Gill. Even though I love their versions too, nothing ever compares to the original.

Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and more Inducted into R&B Hall of Fame

2012-10-24T08:32:00.000-05:00

The official opening of the R&B Hall of Fame Museum was announced last week. They plan to honor artists, producers, and others who have contributed to the genre's success. The legendary Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin are among the 23 inductees for the Class of 2013. Check out who else made the list after the break!

R&B Hall of Fame 2013 Inductees

The Dramatics
The Supremes
Aretha Franklin
Jackie Wilson
The Miracles
The Temptations
The Chilites
James Brown
The O'Jays
Whitney Houston
Michael Jackson
Ray Charles
Edwin Starr
Gerald Levert
Levert
Otis Redding, Jr.
the Chambers Brothers
The Four Tops
The Dazz Band
Bootsy Collins
Sounds of Unity (S.O.U.L)
The Imperial Wonders
The Impressions
The Manhattans
Johnnie Taylor
Sly, Slick & Wicked
The Edsels
The Clovers
The Hesitations
Ruby and The Romantics
The Marvelettes
Billy Stewart

Other notable figures that will be inducted are Alan Free, Dick Clark, Don Cornelius, Donnie Simpson, and Al Sharpton. If you are unfamiliar with any of the names listed above, I would advise you to visit the R&B Hall of Fame website and educate yourself.

Although some of the artists listed above have passed on, I think that it's great that they are honoring the R&B pioneers who helped shape and influence the music that we have today. The induction ceremony will take place on May 5, 2013 in Cleveland Ohio.

See Also: Soul Train Flash Mob in Times Square!

New Artist Shine: Alexis Nicole "Wait For Me"

2012-10-24T08:07:00.001-05:00

Although I am an old-school Soul/R&B junkie/enthusiast, I do on occasion like to give newer R&B artists shine. Alexis Nicole is an artist that I found out about through Twitter. Her latest single, "Wait For Me" was all the buzz, so I decided to take a listen and was pleasantly surprised. Produced by Trei Sly, this song "can be the soundtrack of many love stories. Sometimes, you may have to wait on the one you want until they can actually be that for you.his song," according to Alexis. Check it out for yourself below.

I liked the song on first listen, although I think her smooth, smoky vocals are too heavy for this record. However, the production intertwines nicely with her voice to make this an easy listen. After listening to this song, I went to her website to find more of her music. I really liked her previous singles, "Cold World" and "Love's A Game". They really showcase her vocal range and ability a lot more in my opinion. She has a great look and sound and I look forward to hearing more from her.

What do you think of "Wait For Me"? Leave a comment and follow Alexis Nicole on Twitter!

R&B Group Silk Returns With New Single "Home For Christmas"

2012-10-23T22:20:00.001-05:00

If you're a big fan of Soul/R&B Christmas music like I am, then you'll be delighted to know that 90s R&B group, Silk, has released their new single "Home For Christmas" just in time for the holidays! Check out the preview after the break.

The soulful quintet, whose last album was released in 2006, also supposedly has a new album coming out slated for 2013. They had also released their first holiday album, Gift From Silk, the year prior. According to Wikipedia, the album's title will be called, The Reunion. I'm not sure how true this is, but it'll be great to see music from an R&B male group as talented as Silk again. "Lose Control", "Meeting in My Bedroom" and "Freak Me" are still my jams!

I'm excited about this single because I was just thinking about new music for my Christmas playlist this year. Download and purchase "Home For Christmas" here. Support R&B!

Emelie Sande Announces 2013 U.S. Tour Dates!

2012-10-23T21:42:00.001-05:00

The U.S. tour dates for U.K. singing sensation Emelie Sande were announced this week and I couldn't be more excited. After selling over 600,000 copies of her debut album, Our Version of Events, she is one of the biggest selling stars this years overseas. However, her star has not shone as brightly over here in the United States. But that's all going to change when she tours the States next year. See what cities she's going to be visiting after the break!

Emeli Sande's 2013 US Tour Dates:

Jan 12 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse

Jan 14 - Washington DC - Howard Theatre

Jan 15 - Boston, MA - Paradise

Jan 17 - New York, NY - Webster Hall

Jan 18 - Pittsburgh, PA - Mr. Small's

Jan 19 - Philadelphia, PA - Theatre of Living Arts

Jan 21 - Pontiac, MI - Pike Room

Jan 22 - Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall

Jan 23 - Minneapolis, MN - Varsity Theater

Feb 1 - Seattle, WA - Crocodile

Feb 2 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir

Feb 4 - San Francisco, CA - Independent

Feb 6 - Los Angeles, CA - El Rey

Feb 7 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues

I absolutely cannot WAIT to see her live! I became a fan after I heard "My Kind of Love" for the first time and I am ecstatic that she is finally coming here. Based on what I've seen of her live performances on TV and YouTube, I know she's going to put on a great show. Purchase your tickets here!

THROWBACK: Dru Hill "These Are The Times" [VIDEO]

2012-10-18T09:10:00.001-05:00

I was a middle schooler, in 1998, when this throwback jam came out. I was a HUGE fan of Dru Hill, although at first I thought they were a wannabe Jodeci when they hit the scene. However, they won me over with their first album and I was a die-hard fan by the second one!

I really liked this video because of the whole Man In The Iron Mask concept taken from the book and movie that starred Leonardo Di Caprio during that time. I also loved it that Lark Voorhies, from one of my all-time favorite shows, Saved By The Bell, was the heroine. It was interesting, yet classy, and complemented the song well.

Most memorable line: "Tear you up in little pieces/Swallow you like Reese's Pieces/C'mon, girl you know I need you!"

Song of the Day: Hi-Five "I Like The Way (Kissing Game)

2012-10-18T08:48:00.001-05:00

I absolutely LOVED this song growing up! Produced by super-producer Teddy Riley, this song from their self-titled debut album went #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. Other marginal hits from them included She's Playing Hard To Get, Can't Wait Another Minute and Just Can't Handle It.

I was saddened to read about the death of lead singer, Tony Thompson, 2007. I had a little crush on him as a kid much like other little girls. The sweet innocence of this song reminds me of a time when R&B singers could sing about love and relationships without everything being so vulgar and crass. It also reminds me of a time when R&B male groups were in full effect—Troop, Boyz II Men, Shai, New Edition, ABC, Tony Toni Tone!, H-Town, and more. Though their success was short lived, I Like The Way (The Kissing Game)still gets airplay and is always rocking on my playlist. Enjoy!

Brandy Visits The Breakfast Club and Talks New 'Two-Eleven' Album

2012-10-15T18:05:00.001-05:00

Brandy "B-Rocka" Norwood visited The Breakfast Club at Power 105.1 to promote her new album, Two Eleven, which hits stores and iTunes tomorrow. The album has been hailed as her comeback album and features production from Rico Love, Warryn Campbell, Mario Winans, Bangladesh and more! Released through RCA Records and Chameleon Entertainment, the 14-track album features the Chris Brown collab "Put It Down", "Let It Go", "No Such Thing As Too Late" and my favorite, "Wildest Dreams." Watch the video after the break!

The title of her sixth studio album, Two Eleven, stems from Brandy's birth date and is also the date of the passing of good friend/mentor, the late Whitney Houston. Her pairing with Monica earlier this year with their long-awaited duo, "It All Belongs To Me" put Brandy back in the spotlight. But it was her collaboration with Chris Brown that returned her to the top of the charts. After a five year hiatus after her last album Human in 2008, it's good to see Brandy back. Go out and cop the album tomorrow. Support R&B!

THROWBACK: Keke Wyatt: "Put Your Hands On Me" [VIDEO]

2012-10-09T08:12:00.000-05:00

If you watch the show R&B Divas on TVOne, then you've seen R&B singer, Keke Wyatt, share her story concerning her previous marriage to her abusive ex-husband. She has been famously known for stabbing her ex-husband in self-defense during a domestic dispute. (The charges were later dropped.)
Since then, Keke has been trying to repair her image and rebuild her career. She is also a spokesperson for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV).

I had never seen this video for before a few days ago. I like how Keke didn't let what happened to her, break her. Instead, she turned it into her testimony. I'm not sure why this video did not get as much promotion as it should have, but I am glad that she used her situation as a way to help other women. On the show, you can definitely see growth in her as an artist and as a woman who has been through trauma and difficulties. You can hear more from her and the other divas on Faith Evans' new release, R&B Divas.

SONG OF THE DAY: Glover Washington, Jr. & Bill Withers "Just The Two of Us"

2012-10-08T23:15:00.000-05:00

It's no secret that I'm an old school music head. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, old school R&B music. "Just The Two of Us" is one of my absolute favorite songs. It's a soul and jazz classic and what you call timeless music. Sung and co-written by Bill Withers, the song originally appeared on saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr.'s 1981 album, Winelight, the song went on to win a Grammy for Best R&B Song. "Just The Two of Us" has also been covered and sampled by artists like Regina Belle and Will Smith. Enjoy!