Live Video of the Day: "Closer" (Goapele)

Goapele appeared on the Russell Peters Christmas Special last year and performed a sublime rendition of the single that started it out for her "Closer." With that said, you can peep Goapele coo out an amazing version of her classic hit single "Closer" below and Enjoy!

Interview: Claude Kelly

ThisIsRnB's last interview installment with Claude Kelly finds the multiple Grammy nominated songwriter opening up about his drive to always "chase the chills." Peep the last installment of their interview below!

Song of the Day: "Tell Me It's Real" (K-Ci & JoJo)

"Tell Me It's Real" - K-Ci & JoJo

• Writers: Rory Bennett Rory and Joel Hailey
• Record Label: MCA
• Released in 1999 from "It's Real"
• Peaked at #2 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and US R&B/Hip-Hop Songs

Live Clip: "Without You" (Mariah Carey)

Mariah Carey took to the Tyrolean Alps in Ischgl, Austria earlier today to perform a rousing set and during her performance Carey belted out a soulful rendition of her classic "Without You." Showcasing to fans and audience members that her voice is still in great shape, Mariah offered a sublime rendition of "Without You" and you can peep it go down below!

Live Clip: "Charlene" (Anthony Hamilton)

Back in August, Anthony Hamilton took to the stage of the Gibson Amphitheater in LA to share the stage with Mint Condition and Jill Scott on her tour "Jill Scott Block Party." I was fortunate enough to be in the audience that night and Hamilton really tore it up especially on his joint "Charlene." With that said, watch this live clip of his performance below and Enjoy!

Second Listen: "Dreaming of You" (Selena)

It's been a minute since I've listened to some Selena and while her tragic death will never be forgotten, I believe her music has been forgotten by some and it's a shame. Selena was just on the cusp of worldwide stardom and one can only image how high her star would've rose. With that said, take a first or second listen to her ballad "Dreaming of You" below and Enjoy!

Amazing Cover: "Use Somebody" (Craig David)

Though Craig David has been away from the spotlight for a minute, the crooner's smooth and soulful vocals have been missed by many. While a number of popular artists rely on autotune and crafty studio techniques, Craig David is the real deal. With that said, take a listen below to his phenomenal cover of the Kings of Leon smash hit "Use Somebody." Lifted from his BBC 1 Xtra Live Lounge performance, Craig David strips his cover down and croons it out perfectly. Listen below and Enjoy!

Live Audio: "No Strings" (Mayer Hawthorne)

Mayer Hawthorne released his sophomore album "How Do You Do" in October and one of my favorite joints from the set is the the mid-tempo thumper "No Strings." Released as the set's lead single, the song gain some traction, though not enough in my opinion. With that said, Hawthorne even recorded a live version of the joint  for Stone Throws "Direct to Disc #1" and you can listen below to his live performance of this solid mid-tempo.

New Joint: "Truth (Sets Free)" (Truth Hurts feat. Beanie Sigel)

It's been a minute since we've heard new music from Truth Hurts, but the songstress is back with a new joint entitled "Truth (Sets Free)," which features an appearance from Beanie Sigel. Take a listen below and Enjoy!

Live Video of the Day: "Will It Go Round In Circles" (Billy Preston)

Billy Preston is such an underrated musician and artists and after watching his "Unsung" profile tonight, I truly realized the depths of his talents. With that said, take a few minutes to watch Billy performing his classic it "Will It Go Round In Circles"below from a 1971 performance and Enjoy!

Amazing Cover: "You Make Me Feel Brand New" (Boyz II Men)

Back in 2004, Boyz II Men released a covers album entitled "Throwback, Vol. 1" and one of the many gems from the overlooked project was the trio's take on The Stylistics' "You Make Me Feel Brand New." The Philly Boyz reinterpret this classic joint while still infecting it with what we as listeners have come to know and love about the Boyz II Men sounds. With that said, take a listen below to their take on "You Make Me Feel Brand New" and Enjoy!

Song of the Day: "Close the Door" (Teddy Pendergrass)

"Close the Door" - Teddy Pendergrass

• Writers and Producers: Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff
• Record Label: Philadelphia International Records
• Released in 1978 gtom "Life Is a Song Worth Singing"
• Peaked at #1 on the R&B Charts

Live Clip: "Hear My Call" (Jill Scott)

Jill Scott took to the Vh1 Divas Celebrate Soul stage last year performed a hair-raising and highly emotional performance of her ballad "Hear My Call," which is lifted from her recent release "The Light of the Sun." What is so special about Jill is her ability to emote and transcend the typical barriers of a performance. Jill is able to really connect with you through the screen and with her powerful pipes and emotional disposition, Jill places herself in a league of her own. Watch her sublime performance of "Hear My Call" below and Enjoy!

New Video: "Black Heart" (StooShe)

While it seems as though the UK group formate is regaining momentum in the industry, one group is above the rest in my opinion and its StooShe who not only all have different funky styles but some killer vocals. After I heard their acoustic cover of Ed Sheeran's "Lego House" several weeks ago, I knew these ladies were the real deal. With that sai, the trio have now released an official video for their latest joint "Black Heart." With that said, peep their new video below as well as an a cappella rendition of their new single.





A Cappella

Second Listen: "Let Me Be Your Angel" (Tiffany Evans)

Straight off of her Star Search win, Tiffany Evans signed to Columbia records and released her debut single, a cover of Stacey Lattisaw's "Let Me Be Your Angel." Though her self-titled debut EP "Tiffany Evans,"  was never released, "Let Me Be Your Angel" was a powerhouse performance from the then young songstress and nowa more mature Tiffany is hard at work on her forthcoming sophomore effort. With that said, take a first or second listen below to Tiffany's take of "Let Me Be Your Angel" and Enjoy!

A Cappella: "Whenever You're Around" (JoJo)

JoJo covered  Jill Scott's "Whenever You're Around" awhile back, which is off of Scott's third album "The Real Thing: Words and Sounds, Vol. 3", on youtube. It's clear from the video that JoJo's already impressive vocals continue to improve as she grows older and I would argue that this is one of her finest vocal performances to date. Taking on a Jill Scott song is no joke and JoJo really does her thing on this a cappella version of Scott's song. Check it out below and Enjoy!

Live Audio: "A Change Is Gonna Come" (Patti LaBelle)

At UNCF's 30th Anniversary "An Evening of Stars" Tribute, Patti LaBelle was the legend being honored and at the end of a wonderful tribute, Patti got up and belted out a phenomenal version of "A Change Is Gonna Come." While the TV version shows Patti accepting her award and then going into a spirited rendition of this classic, you never get to see and hear the entire song. Therefore, take a listen to this live audio that was captured the night of the original Tribute  back in 2008 that allows you to hear the entire version that Ms. LaBelle laid down that night. Listen below and Enjoy!

Mixtape: "Art Dealer Chic Vol. 3" (Miguel)

Miguel's third and final installment of the "Art Dealer Chic" mixtape collection was just recently released and fans of the first two volumes should be just at home with volume three. Clearly drawing heavily from Prince, "Art Dealer Chic Vol. 3" is a solid conclusion to the experimental series and I look forward to hearing what impact this artistic move will have on Miguel's forthcoming sophomore album. Take a listen below to "Art Dealer Chic Vol. 3" and Enjoy!

Single Cover: "Let It Go" (Alexandra Burke)

While I still hold out hope that Burke will make her way stateside in the coming months, the songstress' focus seems to be solely on her native UK as she has just released the single cover for her latest joint "Let It Go." Slated to hit UK iTunes  on May 27th, Burke has already released the single and visual for her second single from her June 4th sophomore effort "Heartbreak on Hold." Peep the cover above and take a listen below to her latest hit single below.

Live Video of the Day: "Why Does It Hurt So Bad" (Whitney Houston)

As we continue to honor the legacy of Whitney Houston aka The Voice, there are thousands of sublime performances from her repertoire that we can grab from to represent her legacy. With that said, one live performance that stands out in my mind as a representation of what a lot of us are feeling right now is Whitney's emotional performance of her hit single "Why Does It Hurt So Bad" from the MTV Movie Awards back in 1996. Watch her powerful performance below and RIP to The Voice!

Song of the Day: "Shine" (Luther Vandross)

"Shine" - Luther Vandross

• Writers: James Harris III, Terry Lewis, Bernard Edwards, & Nile Rodgers
• Record Label: J/Epic/Legacy Recordings
• Released in 2006 from "The Ultimate Luther Vandross"
• Peaked at #31 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
• Originally recorded for the soundtrack to the movie "The Fighting Temptations," but failed to make the final cut.

Amazing Cover: "A Change Is Gonna Come" (Bilal)

A few years ago Bilal performed a rousing rendition of the Sam Cooke classic "A Change Is Gonna Come." While I am not certain where or when this performance took place, what is clear is that Bilal performed a sublime rendition of "A Change Is Gonna Come" with the assistance of a phenomenal orchestra and band. Watch his amazing cover below and Enjoy!

Live Audio: "God Is Love"/ "What's Going On" (Marvin Gaye)

Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" album remains my all time favorite album to ever be released and "God Is Love," from "What's Going On" is one of the numerous slept on masterpieces from this opus. With that said, take a listen to this live audio of Marvin performing both the title track "What's Going On" as well as "God Is Love" from his final tour back in 1983. Listen below and Enjoy!

Live Clip: "Believe" (Jennifer Hudson)

While Jennifer Hudson is currently going through a hard moment in her life as the trial for the murder of her family is currently underway, I thought it would be fitting to remember Jennifer Hudson's amazing rendition of the Brooks & Dunn classic "Believe." Jennifer infects the song with only the passion and vocal fervor that she can and thus resulting in many in attendance tearing up with her emotionally poignant cover. Lifted from "ACM Presents: Brooks and Dunn The Last Rodeo," you can tell that the country music duo really took her rendition to heart and hopefully you will to. With that said, watch it below as we all keep Jennifer Hudson and her family in our hearts and prayers.

Second Listen: "Everything I Do" (Beyonce featuring Bilal)

Back in 2003 "The Fighting Temptations" film was released and the accompanying soundtrack gained critical praise for the vocal stylings of Beyonce and the cast. With that said, one of the standouts from the soundtrack was the Beyonce and Bilal duet "Everything I Do." While the song was briefly showcased in the film, the song is a solid effort that shows of the phenomenal vocal stylings of both Beyonce and Bilal. Take a second listen below to "Everything I Do" and Enjoy!

Mixtape: "Late Night Viewing" (David Stewart)

David Stewart released his debut music video for "Lay On The Bonnet" yesterday and just a few hours after unearthing the visual, Steward released his mixtape "Late Night Viewing." Features appearances from Wretch 32, Ed Sheeran, Example and Yasmin, "Late Night Viewing" is a solid debut effort from Stewart and if you can click here to get redirected to his free mixtape. 


Tracklisting

1. Late Night Viewing
2. Lay On The Bonnet
3. Scream More
4. Blood Rush
5. Incredible featuring Yasmin
6. Red Light
7. Woman In Lust featuring Wretch 32
8. Run The World featuring Example
9 Heaven featuring Ed Sheeran
10. Breath Slow

Project in the Works: "Sparkle" (Whitney Houston & Jordin Sparks)

The first official movie poster for the "Sparkle" remake starring American Idol winner Jordin Sparks and the late Whitney Houston has just recently been released been released. While the film isn't slated for release until August 17th, the trailer and now official movie poster are out and only time will tell if Oscar buzz might surrond Houston for her forthcoming return to the silver screen.

Amazing Cover: "Hometown Glory" (Ed Sheeran)

Proclaimed by some as the male version of Adele, Ed Sheeran has taken one of Adele's classic gems and given his own spin. Written by Adele in just ten minutes, the song is one of my favorite (if not favorite) songs within Adele's discography and Ed's take on "Hometown Glory" is a solid rendition. Watch Ed's amazing cover of "Hometown Glory" below and Enjoy!

Live Video of the Day: "Cry Baby" (Cee-Lo Green)

Cee-Lo released "Cry Baby" as the fifth single from his solo LP "The Lady Killer" and when the crooner released the joint last fall, Cee-Lo stopped by "The Jonathan Ross Show" to perform the cut. With that said, watch Cee-Lo croon out a solid rendition of "Cry Baby" below and Enjoy!

New Video: "Lay On The Bonnet" (David Stewart)

Artist on the rise David Stewart has just recently released an official visual for his debut single "Lay On The Bonnet," which is lifted from the singer/songwriter's debut mixtape "Late Night Viewing. Though I am not too familiar with David Stewart, he has some solid vocals and "Lay On The Bonnet" is a nice mid-tempo jam with a great accompanying visual. Get to know David Stewart a bit better by catching his debut visual below and Enjoy!

Song of the Day: "Pretty Wings" (Maxwell)

"Pretty Wings" - Maxwell

• Writers and Producers: Maxwell and Hod Davis
• Record Label: Columbia 
• Released in 2009 from "BLACKsummers'night"
• Peaked at #1 on U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
• Won a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance

New Joint: "Not Even The King" (Alicia Keys)

At this year's MTV Upfronts, Alicia Keys took to the stage at the Beacon Theater to perform for those gathered. During her performance, Alicia Keys performing a stirring rendition of a new song "Not Even The King," which might be featured on the songstress' forthcoming fifth studio LP. With that said, take a listen to the somber ballad "Not Even The King" and Enjoy!

Mixtape: "Why Hello World" (Misha B)

If you're like me, you've been eagerly awaiting some material from Misha B ever since she stole the show on this past season's "The X Factor UK." With that said, Misha B has just released her debut mixtape "Why Hello World" in an effort to tide fans over until her debut album is released. Peep the tracklisting below, a stream of the mixtape and if you like what you hear, click here to download a free copy of "Why Hello World."

Tracklisting:
1. Why Hello World Misha B Intro
2. Misha B – Big Dreaming
3. Weeknd ft Drake – Crew Love (Can’t You See Refix)
4. TLC – Unpretty Original / Misha B Cover (Cut)
5. Beyonce – Run the World (Stylus Refix)
6. Misha B – Last Forever
7. Misha B – Home Run
8. Adele – Rolling in the Deep (Classic Hip Hop Blend)/Misha B Cover
9. Usher – Climax
10. Lil Wayne ft Bruno Mars – Mirror Original / Misha B Cover
11. Outro

New Video: "Go Get It" (Mary Mary)

I don't know about you, but I've been watching Mary Mary's new reality show on WE and it has really shed a new light gospel duo. While I have always been a casual listener of the duo's music, their show has really allowed us to get to know the women behind the Grammy-winning group and has made me not only respect these women more but like who they are behind the scenes and in-front of the microphone. With that said, Mary Mary is back with a new video for their lead single "Go Get It," which is lifted from their forthcoming album "Go Get It," which hits stores May 8th. Watch it below and Enjoy!

Remix: "Rolling In The Deep (Jay Dabhi's Classic Hip Hop Blend) " (Adele)

I may be a bit late on this remix of Adele's Grammy-winning #1 hit "Rolling In The Deep," but Jay Dabhi's Classic Hip Hop Blend remix breaths new life into Adele's massive hit. With that said, take a listen below to "Rolling In The Deep (Jay Dabhi's Classic Hip Hop Blend)" and Enjoy!

Behind the Scenes: "The Road She's Traveled" (Melody Thornton)

Melody Thornton is back with another installment of "The Road She's Traveled" and in this episode of the behind the scenes feature, Melody gives us a look at her preparation for her forthcoming video shoot for her rendition of  "Bulletproof." Peep the behind the scenes feature below and Enjoy!

Second Listen: "The Chokin' Kind" (Joe Simon)

Back in 1969, Joe Simon released the Harlan Howard penned "The Chokin' Kind," which would go onto earn Joe his first #1 hit on the Billboard Hot Black Singles charts as well as a Grammy Award in 1970 for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Peaking at a #13 on the Billboard Hot 100,  "The Chokin' Kind" would become Joe Simon's first top 20 hit on the Hot 100 charts, and was one of a string of hits Joe had during the late 1960s. Take a first or second listen below to Joe's "The Chokin' Kind" and Enjoy!

New Joint: "Scream" (Usher)

While Usher is currently topping the charts with "Climax," the crooner has recently released the audio to his forthcoming second single "Scream." Lifted from "Looking for Myself," which is due out on June 12th, "Scream" is another Euro-pop influenced joint from the R&B singer and you can take a listen below!

After Midnight: Erykah Badu

Noted artist Steven Lopez's painted a phenomenal portoirt of Erykah Badu as a part of his "After Midnight" series. With that said, peep his artistic process go down below and Enjoy!

Live Video of the Day: "Reasons" (Earth, Wind and Fire)

Earth, Wind and Fire have a lot of jams and classics, but "Reasons" to me is one of those top ten joints from EWF that just will never get old. With that said, peep EWF's sublime performance with Philip Bailey taking the lead from this 1999 live performance below and Enjoy!

New Joint: "Put It Down" (Brandy featuring Chris Brown)

Brandy released the lead single "Put It Down" from her forthcoming LP "Two Eleven" earlier today with the assistance of Chris Brown. The Bangladesh and Sean Garrett written and produced joint "Put It Down" is an interesting mid-tempo that brings back Brandy to the airwaves after her recent return via her duet with Monica. With that said, take a listen below to "Put It Down" below and Enjoy!

Song of the Day: "The Tracks of My Tears" (The Miracles)

"The Tracks of My Tears" - The Miracles

• Writers: William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr., Warren Moore, Marvin Tarplin
• Producer: Smokey Robinson
• Record Label: Tamla
• Released in 1965 from "Going to a Go-Go"
• Peaked at #2 hit on the R&B singles chart, and  #16 on the Billboard Hot 100

Amazing Cover: "Use Somebody" (Loick Essien)

I haven't heard much from artist on the rise Loick Essien in a minute, but towards the end of last year, the crooner dropped a solid cover of the Kings of Leon joint "Use Somebody." While I think he overdid it on the vocal runs a bit, he offers up a nice take on "Use Somebody" and he definitely has some vocal chops on him. Watch his cover below and Enjoy!

Live Audio: "Rolling In The Deep" (Misha B)

Last Year on "The X Factor UK," Misha B was clearly the standout contestant from the show and in my opinion one of the only genuine and unique talents from that season's show. With that said, her rendition of Adele's "Rolling In The Deep" stays in rotation for me as she took Adele's Grammy winning hit to another level and made it more into an urban anthem. Take a listen below to this live audio rip of her performance and Enjoy!

New Video: "If You Didn't Go" (Kendra Morris)

Though I am not too familiar with Kendra Morris, I recently came across her joint "If You Didn't Go," and it's accompanying visual. Reminiscent of some throwback soul, I look forward to hearing more from this budding songstress and you can take a listen below as well as watch her new visual for "If You Didn't Go."