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@KareemTaylor, Author at AllHipHop - Page 6 of 12

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Kareem Taylor

VIDEO: Berklee’s Standout Songstress Erin Barra Is Good On “Good Man”

By: @KareemTaylorCategory: Alternatives

Erin Barra’s an instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer. And, though it may sound like pop at first listen, Barra’s sound has been able to blend soul rock and electronica into a mixture that all audiences will enjoy. Check out the video for Barra’s single, “Good Man”, below: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJxpTca8ie8&w=853&h=480] The video takes you on a journey exploring everything from power dynamics and gender roles to the complicated idea of how and why people love each other. We like it!

Singer Ray Lavender Keeps It Straight Classy in “We Love” Video

By: @KareemTaylorCategory: Alternatives

Looks like someone is actually doing some “real R&B” these days, as the latest song and video, “We Love”, from singer Ray Lavender includes crooning, dramatic rhythm, and beat and a sound reminiscent of something someone would’ve done in the ’90s. Since his departure from Akon’s record label, Kon Live, Lavender took time off to regroup and organize a new team. These days, he’s independently working on his new album with his Global Artists Music Group imprint. The first single off the album Tequila fared well, but hasn’t picked up enough steam for Lavender to sit down and take a break just yet. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUhR4ye4V6o&w=853&h=480] Dude can sing, and “We Love” is proving to be a great way to showcase his talent. We just hope he finds his winning sound – something that will make him stand out, and something that will entice people to say “Hmm. Who is this Ray Lavender guy everyone’s talking about?”

And Still She Rises: Jennifer Hudson to Star in “Smash” on NBC

By: @KareemTaylorCategory: Alternatives

Grammy and Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson is coming to the small screen this fall in NBC’s second season of the hit show, “Smash”. “American Idol” is dishing out the stars, as this decision will bring two former contestants into the show – Hudson and the show’s protagonist, Katherine McPhee. Executive producer Steven Spielberg supports the addition, saying: “First Dreamgirls, now ‘Smash’. I have no doubt Jennifer will continue to deliver even more inspiration to the audience responsible for giving us a second season on NBC. It’s wonderful to be reunited with her at DreamWorks Television and NBC.” [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9qtRcHJVI8&w=853&h=480] SOURCE

"It's (Not) Over Now": R&B Group 112 Reunites This Summer on "For the Fans" Tour

By: @KareemTaylorCategory: Alternatives

Though members Slim and Q Parker have been attempting solo careers, the entire group, including Daron and Mike, have come back together in the “For The Fans” tour. The group enjoyed ’90s hits including “Only You (Bad Boy Remix)” and “Cupid”. Their popularity skyrocketed in the early 2000s with “It’s Over Now” and the ever-popular “Peaches & Cream”. The tour is open and is still adding dates. Confirmed dates are: June 23 – House of Blues with Faith Evans, Atlantic City, NJ July 14 – Chene Park Amphitheater with Jagged Edge, Dru Hill and Da Brat, Detroit, MI September 8 – ShoWare Center with Blackstreet and Faith Evans, Kent, WA September 15 – Koka Booth Amphitheater, Cary, NC [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynMnPGmhsG0&w=853&h=480]

MIXTAPE: San Diego's New Hero Young Lyxx [BGA] Releases "California Dreamin Vol. 1"

By: @KareemTaylorCategory: Breeding Ground

Photo credit: Asha Belk San Diego’s own Young Lyxx has released his latest mixtape, California Dreamin Vol. 1. Lyxx revealed to AllHipHop.com in a recent interview: “Honestly, I feel blessed to be putting on for my city and being able to share my experiences with a world of people who actually want to hear it.” We also had the chance to catch up with the San Diego native on his growing up on the West Coast, why he chose to rap, and how he ended up shooting one of his most popular videos at Polow Da Don’s house. Peep the full interview here. Download California Dreamin Vol. 1 here. View the tracklist and artwork below:

Dawn Richard Shines (Sans Diddy-Dirty Money) in "Automatic"

By: @KareemTaylorCategory: Alternatives

Still on the rise in her independent movement, singer Dawn Richard has just released a video for her second single off Armor On today, “Automatic”. Since her departure from Bad Boy Records and Diddy-Dirty Money, Richard has been touring across the country and enjoying the ride. In an interview earlier this month with AllHipHop.com, Richard shed light on the meaning behind the phrase “Armor On.” “When I say Armor On, I’m speaking of the reason why I need to guard my heart in the first place. I always quote Daphne Guinness because she’s my all-time favorite,” Richard told AllHipHop.com. “I went out to the world, and I realized it wasn’t friendly and we needed armor. And this is reality. We come into this world so naïve. I’m not telling people not to come into it. I’m choosing to tell people to armor up, suit up, and go out into this battle called life and conquer it. I think that’s me loving literature from the old days,” she added. Check the video for “Automatic” below and be on the lookout for Dawn Richard’s Golden Hearts debut: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fECWtBGjgoo&w=853&h=480]

Mary J. Blige's Protege Starshell Releases "Birthday Girl"; Is It Any Good?

By: @KareemTaylorCategory: Alternatives

Mary J. Blige’s signee, Starshell, is carving our her own lane in “Birthday Girl”, the first single off of her upcoming debut Liberation. In 2008, Starshell came to the industry’s attention when she co-penned Kanye West’s “Love Lockdown”, a song that appeared on his 808’s & Heartbreaks effort. Are you feeling Starshell? (And doesn’t she look like Beyonce’s doppelganger in that album cover pic?) [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fzsy74LkxTY&w=853&h=480]

VIDEO: Kelly Rowland Is Our New Crush In "Summer Dreaming"

By: @KareemTaylorCategory: Alternatives

The solo-soaring one-third from Destiny’s Child, Kelly Rowland, is back with the first release since appearing on Trey Songz’ latest “Heart Attack”, with a song more on the uptempo dance side called “Summer Dreaming”. In the video, Kelly Rowland has never looked better! She’s focused, having fun, and enjoying the best parts of summer! “Summer Dreaming”, the song and video, are for a Bacardi Rum commercial – check it out below: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNe6_xlDsWg&w=853&h=480]

Usher Proves He Can Still Dance in "Scream" Video

By: @KareemTaylorCategory: Alternatives

Seven-time Grammy winner Usher Raymond is back with a video for his latest single “Scream”, a cut off the album “Looking 4 Myself”, released this past Tuesday. Check out the video below. (By the way, did you know Usher has a new song with A$AP Rocky? That’s a surprising combo. Just saying.) [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnjqNHB1bKw&w=853&h=480]

VIDEO: Trey Songz Gives Us A Sneak Peek of "2 Reasons" Featuring T.I.

By: @KareemTaylorCategory: Alternatives

Trey Songz has returned with a sneak peak to his video for “2 Reasons”, a teaser for the official video he will premiere tonight on BET’s 106 & Park. In this song, it seems like Trigga is trying to recapture his “Say Ahh” and “Bottoms Up” momentum, by releasing this uptempo jam. Though not as clever as the aforementioned, “2 Reasons” serves up a party anthem for anyone who’s looking to have a good time. We hope Trey’s angels like it, too. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhDFkh5TGZk&w=853&h=480] Trey Songz’ Chapter V hits stores and online on August 21.

19-Year-Old "Promise Ring" Singer Tiffany Evans Releases New Music; Married and Expecting First Child

By: @KareemTaylorCategory: Alternatives

Tiffany Evans has been flying under the radar since 2008, when she released her self-titled debut album with the Ciara-assisted first single, “Promise Ring”. Though it didn’t quite catch on, Evans has continued on, and she’s not a ‘kid’ anymore, sort of. Now, the 19-year-old is back with “If You Love Me”, a song that really showcases the young songstress’ vocals. With the new song, she’s also revealed in a recent interview, she’s already been married for two years, and she and her husband are now expecting their first child. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpEQPjwXFrs&w=640&h=480] When asked if she has a celebrity crush, the teen revealed: “Well… might I say, I don’t have a celebrity crush considering I’m married! ][laughs] No one knows. I’ve been married for two years. He is the love of my life, and I love him very much. His name is Lorenzo. He’s a really a cool guy, and we’re expecting something else as well – our first child together. I am six months pregnant.” It seems as if the world can’t handle such young vocalists like her singing mature songs – so Tiffany might need to link up with Justin Bieber, you know, in the meantime. Maybe not. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfOUkUFrVDQ&w=853&h=480] Grab “If You Love Me” on iTunes here.

Frank Ocean Releases 10-Minute Song, "Pyramids", Plus Announces New Tour Dates!

By: @KareemTaylorCategory: Alternatives

Just hours after releasing a snippet of “Pyramids”, Ocean follows up with the official version of the 10-minute track. Accompanied by the release of this new song is a tour schedule that includes trips to Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York, among eleven other cities. Check out “Pyramids” and see Ocean’s tour dates below: [soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/49080453″ params=”auto_play=false&show_artwork=true&color=ff7700″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Tour Schedule

Beyonce' Tour Opener Luke James Flexes His Vocals on "Mo' Better Blues"

By: @KareemTaylorCategory: Alternatives

R&B singer Luke James, who recently opened up for Beyonce’ during her three-day Memorial Day weekend concerts in Atlantic City, has just released a video for his song “Mo’ Better Blues”. There’s no doubt about it – Luke James is likely to be the next hot commodity. With a strong, yet soothing voice, this Def Jam-signee might be one event away from becoming a household name. Check out James’ “Mo Better Blues” video below: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h5NdW6cYY0&w=853&h=480]

Gary Clark Jr. Performs in New York, Brings Out Swizz Beatz, Leo DiCaprio and More!

By: @KareemTaylorCategory: Alternatives

Known for his thrilling live performances, guitarist Gary Clark, Jr., recently held a show in New York at The Darby hosted by Q-Tip and ?uestlove and presented by Puma and Grey Goose. Clark has attracted fans from the likes of Leonardo Dicaprio, Pharell Williams, Swizz Beatz, Mike Kaiser, Andre Harrell, Estelle, Tyran “Ty Ty” Smith, Ali Muhammed of Tribe Called Quest, Ryan Leslie, Andrew Keegan, Zoe Saldana, Maxwell, Gabe Saptora of Cobra Starship, and many more, who were all in attendance at his showcase. Check the some event video from Gary Clark Jr. in NYC below: [vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/43566475 w=500&h=281] WMG – Gary Clark Jr. Event from TNYCinema on Vimeo. Photos:

Video: Kenny Lattimore Is Back & Dude Sounds Better Than Ever in "Find A Way"

By: @KareemTaylorCategory: Alternatives

Most remembered for his ’90’s#### “For You”, and a host of others if you’re a true fan, Kenny Lattimore is back on the scene with the latest video for “Find A Way”. He hasn’t lost a vocal – at all. Looks like his wife, R&B singer Chante Moore, is giving Kenny something to croon about. Just saying. Check the video for “Find A Way” below: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrmlZb9iwTY&w=853&h=480]