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R&B singer Brandy is back with a video for “Put It Down”, her much-hyped single featuring a rapping Chris Brown that is receiving heavy buzz after dropping just a few months ago. Looks like Brandy is ready to be at the top of the music scene again. Can she do it? Peep the video: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta5VCZMnvmg&w=640&h=360]
Trey Songz has been keeping it a little on the humble and lovey-dovey side with his songs lately. Nothing wrong with that. BUT, it’s good to see that he hasn’t lost his “Trigga” edge. Check out his latest – a video for the track, “Hail Mary”. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzKbV4taC64&w=640&h=360]
Drake’s been quoted for the last few years, claiming he’s working on something with Aaliyah. Well, now, it looks like he meant every word. Here’s “Enough Said” by Aaliyah, featuring Drake. [soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/55289795″ params=”show_comments=true&auto_play=false&color=ff7700″ width=”100%” height=”81″ iframe=”false” /]
VIDEO: “PERFECTLY IMPERFECT” ELLE VARNER DISHES ON HER NEW ALBUM WITH ALLHIPHOP.COM
Just a few months ago, when we coined singer August Alsina as “R&B’s new thug“, we knew his attitude, persona, and voice would attract a fanbase, and even tastemakers, within the music industry – and he has. In his latest song and video, Alsina taps Lloyd for the “Sucka” remix, of which the original appears on his April-released mixtape, The Product. The video opens up with a yet-to-be released track (which we can’t wait to hear), and gives us a better visual of what the song is about as Alsina croons: “You’re not in love you’re just a ‘sucka’”, to the men and women who are being led to believe they are, in fact, in love, but are just being played.” [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=210uhyyEJr0&w=853&h=480] Nineteen-year-old Alsina has been picking up steam since the release of his first official mixtape, The Product, and if the crooner stays true to his unique sound (and swagger), he may just become a mainstay in the world of R&B. We hope Alsina learns a thing or two from music legend R. Kelly, who, in a recent MTV interview, gave advice to young singers aiming for longevity, stating: “Stay true and respectful to music and to the ones that inspired you to do what you do.” Check out our most recent interview with August Alsina, here.
In a well-lit penthouse studio overlooking the skyscrapers of New York City, R&B singer Dwele held a listening session to offer industry insiders a taste of his fifth studio album, Greater Than One. As champagne traveled around the room, Dwele introduced the album track-by-track, while also mixing and mingling with the crowd, managing to explain motivations behind certain picks on the LP. Dwele keeps the momentum going with Greater Than One, sporting the classic neo-soul sound and feel that made him a talent to watch in the first place. What makes Dwele one of the best at what he does is that he stays true to what he does well, and his loyal fans have remained at his side all along the journey. It’s soul music – and singing about love never hurt anybody. In 2007, Dwele appeared on Kanye West’s Graduation hit, “Flashing Lights”, and fans again were seduced by the smooth sounds of this crooner. Though he mentioned during the evening that he’d love to collaborate with Kanye again, nothing has been set in stone. His new album, however, features appearances from Raheem DeVaughn on “What You Gotta Do”, along the “first daughter of soul,” Lalah Hathaway. It’s not the first time DeVaughn and Dwele collaborated, as he lent his vocals on 2010’s “Dim The Lights”, a fan favorite, which is what brought them back to the studio again. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ueAMsUrakE&w=853&h=480] As the night progressed, tracks were played without many introductions, as Dwele became entrapped in the moment of attention, and industry attendees chatted, laughed, and enjoyed the complimentary open bar provided by Red Bull. There’s a track titled “Obey”, where Dwele admits, “I haven’t read the book, but someone listened to this song and said it reminded them of 50 Shades of Grey“. At least here, you don’t have to read the book to enjoy the song – “Obey” is the audio book report. The takeaway is that Dwele’s “Old School” sensibilities and musicianship are sorely needed on the modern, R&B scene these days. Thankfully, his Greater Than One is set for release on August 28.
On track to releasing his fifth studio album, Chapter V, R&B ladies man Trey Songz just personally released a video of himself on tour in Cannes, France, singing Drake’s “The Motto”. Take a look at Trey Songz in his latest video for “Simply Amazing” below: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foZLo_sSnkk&w=853&h=480] Trey Songz’s Chapter V hits stores and online August 21.
On July 31, futuristic R&B crooner Miguel will be releasing his new album in three parts, starting with the digital EP, Kaleidoscope Dream: Water. Water, Air, and Fire are all three parts of his latest mixtape series, the latter being the culmination album. The second release Kaleidoscope Dream: Air, is set to hit iTunes on September 11. The album is set to hit stores and iTunes October 2. In a recent interview, Miguel reveals, “I believe dreams represent the purest form of fantasy we unleash through our subconscious. They represent the truest freedom we can experience. Totally unrepressed and totally creative.” Producers on Kaleidoscope Dream: Water include “All I Want is You” collaborator Salaam Remi, Pop & Oak, Jerry Wonda, and more. Watch the video for “Adorn” below – the full version appears on the album: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vxjn7R_TU0o&w=853&h=480]
It’s not every day you get a chance to audition in front of music executives and get offered a deal on the spot. But that’s the story of 19-year-old singer and songwriter, Deon Young. In 2011, Young reached out to fans outside of his hometown of Harlem, New York, when he released his For The Love mixtape. It got the attention of Sylvia Rhone, and music mogul L.A. Reid, landing Young a spot as the latest artist to sign to Rhone’s label. Considered on more of the edgy side of R&B, like his counterparts Trey Songz, Lloyd, and even August Alsina, Young is putting his faith in Epic Records and now stepping out to claim his territory with a cover song and video for “Drank In My Cup” – check it out below: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7TA0IQmCng&w=853&h=480] Young is currently working on his full-length debut album. Find out more at www.deonforever.com.
The latest Maybach Music Group signee Omarion opens up about signing with Maybach Music, what it means for him, and he also gives his candid opinion on Frank Ocean’s much talked about Tumblr post. Check out the video below: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygfjUYOu6Mk&w=853&h=480] “There’s a certain level of equality in this business that a lot of people don’t get,” Omarion shared. “A lot of people feel not equal to the person that’s in the forefront, and Ross is not like that. He wants to see us all capture our dreams. That’s something that I really admire.” Ready for the new “Maybach O?”
Toronto-bred soul-singer NvS is all about expressing love through her music, and with her latest video for “Between My Thighs”, she does just that. Already the winner of Best New Artist at the Canadian Radio Awards, NvS is now signed to Bystorm Entertainment, a powerhouse label boasting as the home to artists including J. Cole and Hip-Hop legend, Notorious B.I.G. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vkYapBAMWM&w=853&h=480] Now working on her debut album, NvS tapped the producer that helped make 50 Cent a household name, Midi Mafia. She’s not stopping there, though. As executive producer, she’s also enlisted the help of legendary hit-making producer, Teddy Riley. What’s your take on “Between My Thighs”? Are you excited for NvS’ debut?
Tank and Tyrese, two-thirds of TGT (Tank, Ginuwine & Tyrese), recently spoke to fellow R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn about their album, where Tank revealed, “We’re about 12 songs [in]!” Tyrese assures us there will be no special appearances on the album, and even gives his thoughts on today’s R&B, and the overuse of special guests: “They over-saturate it with appearances. Is it an album, or is it a mixtape? And then you got 30 different producers working on the album. The spirit and the inconsistency is all over the place. We’re working with two producers on the whole album, including T (Tank).” [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDyK2zzmpY0&w=853&h=480] The trio first appeared together on a remix of Tank’s single “Please Don’t Go”. Tyrese also releases details on the book he and Rev Run are co-authoring, titled Manology, set for a 2013 release. Are you checking for TGT?
There’s a new jack on the horizon – pun intended – and based on the six-track mixtape, Alex Jacke recently released, this soul singer is in a league of his own. Playful, truth-filled lyrics, solid production, an undoubtedly unique vocal ability, and a great story, Jacke proves he has the potential to cement his name into the minds of music lovers worldwide with D.F.M, amassing audiences the size of Usher Raymond’s stadium tours. When you listen to Jacke’s music, it all makes sense. In 2010, Alex Jacke left Morehouse College during his junior year, and hopped on a plane to Los Angeles to begin working on something he believed in more than anything else – his music. He linked up with Laney Stewart (brother of Tricky Stewart, hitmaker and producer for many of The-Dream’s most popular tracks), who executive produced the project. LISTEN: “One Thing” [soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/52471213″ params=”show_comments=true&auto_play=false&color=ff7700″ width=”100%” height=”81″ iframe=”false” /] In May, the Los Angeles-bred singer released his lead single, “One Thing”, and it even landed in the Music section. It spread like wildfire on social networks like Twitter and Tumblr. And though Jacke is relatively unknown, the singer has managed to build a following of loyal and influential fans who invest in and share his music. LISTEN: “Enjoy The Ride” [soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/52471216″ params=”show_comments=true&auto_play=false&color=ff7700″ width=”100%” height=”81″ iframe=”false” /] R&B mainstays like Usher and R. Kelly have made their mark. That’s clear. The later years of the 2000s have ushered in new kinds of voices like Ne-Yo, and even exact duplicates, but when it comes to Jacke, we understand this is new talent. This is something worth keeping an eye on. Quite simply, he’s good at what he does. LISTEN: “Days Of Our Lives” [soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/52471219″ params=”show_comments=true&auto_play=false&color=ff7700″ width=”100%” height=”81″ iframe=”false” /] In “Days of Our Lives”, Jacke proves he can play in the park with the rest of the big kids. In this fast-paced, uptempo track, his voice powers through the beat, and he’s able to showcase something many others in his genre fail to do – sound good on a dance track. The tape boasts three more tracks we won’t review here, but if you want to see what all the fuss is about, you’ve got to hear the rest for yourself. While he has his own projects, Jacke also spends time writing and crafting tracks for other artists, including Jesse McCartney and “X Factor” winner, Melanie Amaro. Though it fared really well for Kanye West, let’s hope this college dropout keeps the momentum going. We need him to. The world needs him to. Download Alex Jacke’s D.F.M HERE. D.F.M Tracklist Talk Sexy (Skit) One Thing Callin For You Nobody’s Perfect Enjoy The Ride All She Wrote Cheers (Skit) Days Of Our Lives
R. Kelly is maybe the only singer of his generation and genre, from the ’90s, who still makes music – and still gets heard. Check out the Pied Piper in his latest video for “Feelin’ Single”. Sounds like something from the Chocolate Factory album – but it’s actually a new cut from his latest album, Write Me Back. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCsvHarRSd4&w=853&h=480] Though it’s also reminiscent of 2010’s Love Letter, Kelly takes another risk with this one. Who can touch this musical genius who’s constantly reinventing himself and his music?
R&B singer Ray Lavender is hard at work on his debut album, releasing something new, it seems, every week. Now, he’s back with “Hustla”, a Hip-Hop and R&B-infused record that’s still smooth enough to get the ladies to listen. Check out the audio for “Hustla” below: [soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/52296480″ params=”auto_play=false&show_artwork=true&color=ff7700″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] And, here’s the latest visual – a video for Ray Lavender’s “We Love”: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUhR4ye4V6o&w=853&h=480]
R&B singer and former Floetry member, Marsha Ambrosius, is back on the grind – and in the studio – working on her sophomore solo follow-up to 2011’s Late Nights & Early Mornings. Ambrosius’ solo album debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, with 96,400 copies sold in the first week, and yielded two well-received singles, “Hope She Cheats On You (With A Basketball Player)” and the popular “Far Away”. Check out a video performance of her new song, “Friends and Lovers”. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzLHvwZfLig&w=853&h=480] She just oozes soul, doesn’t she?
A few weeks back, Trey Songz released the second single off his album “2 Reasons”, and it caught a lot of flack as he used the “B” word. Unlike rappers, R&B guys just can’t seem to get away with that. Now, he’s back with “Dive In”, which lets us know Trey Songz hasn’t totally lost it. It sounds a lot like “Panty Droppa”, a song that appears on Trey’s third album, Ready, one of Songz’ most successful albums. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7U71YOBCGI&w=853&h=480] Chapter V hits stores August 21.
IS FRANK OCEAN’S GAY ANNOUNCEMENT A PRESS STUNT?
True fans will remember Glenn Lewis from his 2001 jam, “Don’t You Forget It”, and since then, he’s been on a serious hiatus. (Although, we did love him covering himself on “This Love” on Marsha Ambrosius’ mixtape). With no real explanation for his absence (other than perhaps a finicky industry or janky deal), Lewis has resurfaced and is now working on his sophomore album, Moment of Truth, slated for an early 2013 release on the legendary Ruffhouse Records/EMI. In a newly released photo, Lewis is seen working with recent Grammy-winner Melanie Fiona on new material. In the picture, don’t they look like a couple? We might be going too far. “Melanie Fiona is one of the top five best female vocalists in the game. I feel particularly honored she chose to work with me on my new project,” said Glenn Lewis in a statement to AllHipHop.com. “She’s a personal favorite person in this world to me. She’s a star in every sense of the word.” While we wait for what’s sure to be a hit collabo between the two, let’s take a look back at Lewis’ cover of “This Love” with Ambrosius, along with a throwback reason for why fans first fell in love with Lewis a decade ago: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34tB2Vgh1yw] [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc4mRi7W2Ls&w=640&h=480]
R&B singer Miguel has released a full version of his very popular single “Adorn”, a song that appears on Art Dealer Chic Vol 1. Between February and April of this year, Miguel has released a trilogy of mixtapes titled “Art Dealer Chic”. Miguel has sure found a way to stand out. And, that’s what it’s all about. [soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/50548577″ params=”auto_play=false&show_artwork=true&color=ff7700″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] What do you think about the extra minute?
