Friday, September 30, 2011

New Joint: "The Rest Of Our Lives" (Tyrese & Melanie Fiona)


Another duet version of Tyrese's "The Rest Of Our Lives" has just hit the net and this one features the vocals of Melanie Fiona in place of Brandy's. While it's not clear which version will make the final cut, It might be possible that Melanie might feature her version of the Tyrese track on her forthcoming effort "The MF Life," while he may opt for the Brandy version for his forthcoming LP "Open Invitation." Either way it ends up, take a listen below to Tyrese and Melanie Fiona croon away on "The Rest Of Our Lives" and Enjoy!


Live Video of the Day: "Share My Life" (Kem)


Watch Kem perform his single "Share My Life" live from his Intimacy Tour that took place this past spring. Lifted from his stop at the Fox Theater in his hometown of Detroit, Kem croons this smooth jazz ballad with a phenomenal backing from his band. Take a few to watch it below and Enjoy!



Song of the Day: "Brown Skin" (India.Arie)


"Brown Skin" - India.Arie
  • Writers: India.Arie, Carlos "6 July" Broady, Shannon Sanders
  • Producer: Carlos "6 July" Broady
  • Record Label: Motown Records
  • "Brown Skin" was released in 2001.
  • It reached #39 on Billboard's  Hop R&B/Hip-Hop Songs

New Joint: "The Rest Of Our Lives" (Tyrese & Brandy)


While a rough version of "The Rest Of Our Lives" featuring a solo Tyrese hit the net a while ago, a final duet version featuring Brandy has just hit the net and the two exchange smooth and sensual verses. From my first listen I could already tell this was a banger and instead of just talking about bringing R&B back to its roots, Tyrese is showing us with some of the material that has already hit the net. With that said, take a listen below and lookout for his forthcoming album "Open Invitation" when it drops November 1st.


New Video: "So Into You" (Ledisi)


Ledisi has just released the video for the joint "So Into You," which is lifted from her current new album "Pieces Of Me." Though not official serviced to radio yet, "So Into You" is definitely a fan favorite and the accompanying visual matches the sentiments of the sensual and seductive song perfectly. Watch it all go down below and if you don't have Ledisi's latest album "Pieces Of Me," you are truly missing something special!


Second Listen: "Love Me Still" (Chaka Khan)


Back in 1995, Chaka Khan recorded her underrated smooth jam "Love Me Still," for the "Clockers," soundtrack. While the song has garnered more popularity since it's been released for Chaka fans, casual listeners have missed out on this emotional ballad that Chaka Khan sings ever so smoothly. Take a second listen to "Love Me Still," below and Enjoy!


Album in the Works: "My Life II: The Journey Continues" (Mary J. Blige)


Mary J. Blige is putting the finishing touches on her forthcoming tenth album "My Life II: The Journey Continues and while the first official single "25/8" has been taking off the charts, Mary has already lined up her second single and it will be the Rico Love and Jim Jonsin produced joint  "Mr. Wrong." While the album is still slated for a November 21st release date, more and more information is started to hit the net about the album and Love has professed that he produced five tracks for the sequel to the landmark  1994 album  "My Life.

In addition, it is rumored that Mary is slated to film the video for "Mr. Wrong" today and finish up the video for "25/8" next week.

New Joint: "Best Seller" (Frank Ocean)


Frank Ocean has been busy working on his forthcoming debut album and while no information has hit the net about it or the major release of his mixtape, more and more new joints have hit the net. With that said, "Best Seller" has dropped and this mid-tempo is a solid offering from the crooner. While it's not clear if this is a demo that Ocean recorded for another artist or possibly from his project, it's nice to hear a continued flow of new music from Frank. With that said, take a listen below and Enjoy!


Interview: JoJo


Rap-Up TV recently caught up with JoJo and during part one of their exclusive interview with the songstress, she talks about why she chose “Disaster” as her first single, the concept for the video, what producers she has worked with for the forthcoming album,  and her favorite song off of "Jumping Trains." While the album has been pushed back to 2012 to build more buzz, it hasn't stopped JoJo from promoting her "return" to music. With that said, watch the interview go down below!


New Video: "Alone" (MirImage)


Group on the rise MirImage have just recently released the official visual for their slow jam "Alone." Though I am not too familiar with the duo, "Alone" is a solid effort and I am interested to see what the group's subsequent releases will look like. While the song is nothing new, these two vocally have something to offer. Watch the video go down below and get more acquainted with MirImage.


Thursday, September 29, 2011

Live Video of the Day: "Shark In The Water" (VV Brown)


One of my favorite joints to hit the US last year was VV Brown's "Shark In The Water." Lifted from "Traveling Like The Light," "Shark In The Water" helped break Brown in the US and since touring with Maroon 5, she's been busy working on a followup. With that said, watch VV Brown performing "Shark In The Water" from Late Night with David Letterman and Enjoy!


Song of the Day: "Golden" (Chrisette Michele)


"Golden" - Chrisette Michele
  • Writers and Producers: Chrisette Payne and Joseph Smart
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Featuring on Chrisette Michele's 2007 "I Am"

New Video: "Someone Like You" (Adele)


After topping the charts here in the US and the UK, Adele has finally released a video for her emotional   piano ballad "Someone Like You." Shot in black and white, the official video is a stunning addition to the song and offers a nice view of London.


Live Audio: "Amazing Grace" (Aretha Franklin)


Back in 1972, Aretha Franklin released her career defining live gospel album "Amazing Grace." Recorded at her New Bethel Baptist Church, Franklin let into numerous spirited renditions of Gospel hymns though her rendition of the title track"Amazing Grace" proves to be the definitive version of this famous hymn. With that said take a listen bellow to her phenomenal vocal performance of "Amazing Grace" and Enjoy!


Amazing Cover: "Tainted Love" (Bilal)


As a part of Billboard.com's Mashup Mondays series, Philly's "Soul Sista" singer stopped by their offices to offer up his own interpretation and cover of the Soft Cell 80s jam "Tainted Love." Check it out below and enjoy Bilal's smooth and soulful tenor on the joint!

Second Listen: "'Cause I Love You" (Lenny Williams)


In 1978, Lenny Williams released his album "Spark Of Love," which featured his most iconic song to date "'Cause I Love You." While this is a known classic for the older folks, some younger soul fans might remiss of this classic soul love ballad. With that in mind, take a second or first listen to this amazing cut. Listen below to "'Cause I Love You" and Enjoy!


New Joint: "I Want You" (Luke James)


I've been listening to Luke James' new joint "I Want You" and I checked if I blogged about it and it looks like I haven't. While this isn't a new joint per say, it seems as if it hasn't gotten the attention that Luke deserves from his writing and vocal talents. With a strong falsetto and pen, Luke James is definitely an artist on the rise and when his debut album "Made of Love"  I am sure a lot of people will be talking about him. While a lot of new artists either lack vocal depth or material, Luke James seems to be bringing it hard in both departments. With that said, take a listen below to "I Want You" and Enjoy!


Behind the Scenes: "Road to the Roxy" (Mateo)


Mateo is gearing up for a co-headlining show with Dawn Richard of "Danity Kane" and Diddy Dirty Money fame at Hollywood's "Roxy" and to prep for the show he is dropping several behind the scenes video diaries to build anticipation for the show. With that said, peep Mateo informing fans about the show as well as giving a glimpse of him recording for his forthcoming project.


Interview: Lil Mo


It's been a minute since Lil Mo has came out with some new music, but the songstress is coming back  with her forthcoming album "P.S. I Love Me" which is dropping November 1st. With that said, she opened up recently to Singersroom where she talks about the creation of the album, her new single "I Love Me" featuring Tweet, her friendship and working with Tweet, the state of R&B, having her own radio show, and so much more. Peep the interview below and lookout for her forthcoming album this November.


New Joint: "I Messed Up" (Emanny featuring Joe Budden)


NYC singer/songwriter Emanny has just dropped a new mid-tempo joint entitled "I Messed Up." Featuring a verse from Joe Budden, the song is a solid mid-tempo that is definitely radio friendly. With that said take a listen below to "I Messed Up" and Enjoy!


Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Amazing Cover: "Silky Soul" (Musiq Soulchild)


Back in 2009, Musiq Soulchild covered the Frankie Beverly and Maze classic "Silky Soul," which was off of the tribute album "Silky Soul Music... An All-star Tribute To Maze F/ Frankie Beverly." Lifted as the first single from the project, Musiq definitely did his thing on this joint and you should check it out for sure below!


Live Video of the Day: "Day Dreams" (Raphael Saadiq)


Several months ago Raphael Saadiq stopped by The Tonight Show with Jay Leno to perform "Day Dreams," which is off of his current album "Stone Rollin'." As always, his performance was electrifying and the country/rock jam that is "Day Dreams" is a great song from the album that deserves a listen. With that said, watch his performance below and Enjoy!


Song of the Day: "Step in the Name of Love" (R. Kelly)


"Step in the Name of Love" - R. Kelly
  • Writer and Producer: R. Kelly
  • Record Label: Jive Records
  • Released in 2003 from "Chocolate Factory."
  • Peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks

Second Listen: "Superwoman" (Karyn White)


Back in 1988 Karyn White's 1988 breakout single "Superwoman" dropped and it helped propel her into 80s stardom.  Lifted from her self-titled debut album "Karyn White," White croons about the loss of her love on this LA Reid, Babyface, and Daryl Simmons produced cut. For some of the young-ins this might be a first listen, but either way, it's a strong song that one should be familiar with. Take a first or second listen below and Enjoy!


Live Audio: "Open My Heart" (Yolanda Adams)


Yolanda Adams released a live album entitled "The Experience" back in 2001 and one of the standout tracks from her live album was the nearly 8 minute gospel opus of "Open My Heart," where Adams testifies through this soulful performance. Yolanda clearly has one of the best voices in the industry today hands down and you can take a listen below to enjoy her spirited performance!


Interview: Melanie Fiona


YouKnowIGotSoul.com recently caught up with Melanie Fiona and during their interview the songstress covered a variety of topics including a third single being released from "The MF Life" before it's release, reflecting back on her Gold debut album "The Bridge," possibly working with Tyrese, and so much more. With that said, check out the interview below as well as the detailed summary of the itnerview that YouKnowIGotSoul.

 Over the years, many Canadian artists have found success in the United States with their music to the point where this country claims them just like they are one of their own. Toronto native Melanie Fiona had dreams of making a career in music, but it took her leaving her home and coming to the U.S. for her to become an international star with the release of her debut "The Bridge". After the album went on to become Gold, Melanie finds herself not only as one of the brightest young talents in r&b, but also one who has been heavily requested by her peers to work with. Had she remained in Canada, one would have to wonder if all of this would be possible. Now, as she prepares to release her sophomore album "The MF Life", Melanie Fiona looks to shine even brighter while continuing to put Canada on the map. In this exclusive interview following her performance at Summer Stage in New York City, we talk about what to expect on the album, growth she's experienced since her debut, her current single "4 AM", Tyrese reaching out to her for a collaboration, coming to the US to find success, and covering other artists' material.

New Joint: "System Love Urban" (Mateo)


I've been a fan of Mateo's since his days with Myspace Records and while the crooner is still an artist on the rise in a lot of people's books, I think he is about to change that with some of the stuff he is cooking up with Kerry "Krucial" Brothers. While we let you take a listen to a new joint from him last week, it seems another new joint from Mateo has hit the net and this time it is the upbeat dance infused "System Love Urban." While I am not a big fan on dance numbers, I can appreciate Mateo testing out different sonic waters. With that said, check it out below and Enjoy!


Live Clip: "Sure Thing" (Miguel)


This past weekend, BET aired the televised pre-recorded UNCF special "An Evening Of Stars," which is an annual event designed to help raise money for the United Negro College Fund. One of the stars there was of course Miguel who performed an energetic and vocally pleasing rendition of his hit sensual single "Sure Thing." With that peep the performance go down below and Enjoy! (If the video doesn't work Click Here)


Remix: "Shake It Out" (Florence & The Machine and The Weeknd)


The official remix to Florence & The Machine's new joint "Shake It Out" has just recently hit the net and the remixed joint is an addictive take on "Shake It Out" and The Weeknd of course adds his swagger to the track. With that said, take a listen below to the official remix to "Shake It Out" and Enjoy!


New Joint: "Do It All Again" (Monica)


Monica has been busy putting the finishing touches on her forthcoming album "New Life," which is slated for a November 23rd release. With that said, another potential new joint from the project has hit the net and this time it is the smooth mid-tempo joint "Do It All Again." This song is a solid number for Monica and really lets her croon it away. Take a listen below and Enjoy!


Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Live Video of the Day: "Yes" (Musiq Soulchild)


Musiq Soulchild did his thing at UNCF's 33rd "An Evening Of Stars" telecast where he performed his inspiring second single "Yes," which is lifted from his latest sixth studio album "MusiqInTheMagiq." The heartwarming ballad is a perfect showcase of Musiq's vocal prowess and he did his thing in the subsequent video. Watch it go down below and Enjoy! (Click Here if there are problems with the video)


Album in the Works: "Glassheart" (Leona Lewis)


While Leona Lewis' forthcoming third album "Glassheart" was expected to drop just in time for the holiday shopping season of 2011, it looks as though she and her team have decided to push back the album since she recently tweeted about being "inspired" and heading back into the studio to perfect her forthcoming album.
  "Just wanted to update everyone on the album! I'm feeling so inspired right now and have decided to continue recording...I have a collection of songs that I'm so in love with and I know there's more to be born so it means the album will come early next year."
Though Lewis is claiming inspiration for the push back reason, it would also appear evident that since the lead single "Collide" didn't perform as she and her label expected that a reworking of material was in order to create the best album possible for Leona. With that said, lookout for a new album at the top of the year and a possible new single before the end of the year.

Song of the Day: "Notebook" (Chrisette Michele)


"Notebook" - Chrisette Michele
  • Writers and Producers: Claude Kelly & Chuck Harmony
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Featured on 2009's "Epiphany"

Live Clip: "So Blessed" (Jill Scott)


Jill Scott shut it down at UNCF's 33rd Annual "An Evening Of Stars" benefit telecast and offered up an empowering rendition of her joint "So Blessed," which is featured on Scott's latest "The Light of the Sun." During her performance Scott cooed away about her blessings and even gave a shout out to Temple which was her undergraduate institution of higher learner, though she wasn't able to finish. Peep her smooth performance below and if you don't have it, go out and pick up a copy of Jill's "The Light of the Sun!" (Click Here if there are issues with the video)


Second Listen: "You Need Me I Don't Need You" (Ed Sheeran)


Though Ed Sheeran's debut album "+" hasn't been released yet in the States, it recently debuted at #1 over in the UK and the "artist on the rise" is really making a name for himself at the tender age of 20. Though I have hope that some US record label will realize the brilliance of Ed Sheeran and bring him to the States come 2012, "You Need Me I Don't Need You" is one of those joints that proves the potentially that Sheeran has and if his music is given the platform to shine 2012 will be his year like 2011 has been Adele's. With that said, take a first or second  listen to his upbeat joint "You Need Me I Don't Need You" and Enjoy!


New Video: "Stay Too Long" (Plan B)


I had the opportunity to check out Plan B live when he opened for Adele during the first leg of her "Adele Live" tour and while I was suspect on some of the joints he played, he offers up a great and energetic live show which will have you on your feet regardless if you've heard of him and his music before or not. With that said, check out his latest video for his joint "Stay Too Long" which is some compiled tour footage from his latest trek "The Defamation of Strickland Banks tour." Watch it go down below and Enjoy!


Live Clip: "Pieces Of Me" (Ledisi)


This past Sunday, BET aired the telecast of "UNCF: An Evening Of Stars" and one of those stars was four-time Grammy nominee Ledisi who performed the title track and lead single from her latest album "Pieces Of Me." During her performance Ledisi of course let her voice take centerstage and the songstress really makes it look so easy as she flawlessly moved up and down her extensive vocal register. With that said, check out her phenomenal and sublime performance below of "Pieces Of Me," and if you haven't gotten your tickets to see her this Fall go to ticketmaster ASAP to see her on her first headlining tour! (Click Here if the video is unresponsive)


Interview: JoJo


andPOP.com recently caught up with JoJo for their "Small Talk" series and during the interview JoJo talked to about growing up quickly after being signed at the age of 12, why she entitled her forthcoming album "Jumping Trains,"  transitioning from being a girl to a young woman,  and so much more. Peep the interview go down below and lookout for "Jumping Trains" at the top of 2012.








New Joint: "One Up For Love" (Boyz II Men)


As the release of their forthcoming effort "Twenty" looms closer, Boyz II Men have released another new joint and this time it is the mid-tempo banger "One Up For Love." Featuring some heavy drum and guitar instrumentation, "One Up For Love," is a solid joint and hopefully it will get the single treatment from this album as this is definitely a contemporary song that doesn't age the group at all. Take a listen below and enjoy!