Miguel, SWV, Coi Leray, Jodeci & More To Perform At Televised Juneteenth Celebration
The Roots member Questlove is one of the musical directors for the event.
Featured Videos
EXCLUSIVE: SWV Explains Why They Avoid Airing Out Their Dirty Laundry Unlike Xscape
SWV’s Coko, LeLee and Taj discussed why they keep their issues in-house unlike Xscape, the trio’s castmates on a new Bravo reality show.
Jodeci Announces “Summer Block Party Tour” With SWV & Dru Hill
DeVanté, Dalvin, K-Ci, and JoJo get set to crisscross North America.
‘SWV & Xscape: Queens Of R&B’ Docuseries Headed To Bravo
Watch the trailer for the forthcoming show.
Verzuz Announces SWV Vs Xscape Matchup
“R&B queens unite.”
Bryson Tiller Returns With “Inhale” Music Video
The RCA recording artist leans heavily on ‘Waiting to Exhale’ for his latest single.
The 20th Anniversary 2014 Essence Festival Brings Out The Stars! Prince and More Headline
Photo Credit: Maya Washington Essence hit it big again this year for their 20th anniversary. The Essence Festival’s 20th anniversary set a record for annual attendance, with more than 550,000 participants celebrating four days of R&B music, community, and black culture between the New Orleans’ convention center and the Mercedes Benz Superdome. The festival attracted 10,000 more people than the 2013 festival that was closed out by a sold out Beyonce encore performance. Essence Communications Inc. president Michelle Ebanks said she woke up to a great sense of pride following the 2014 Essence Festival celebration. Over 80 musical performances highlighted by Prince, Lionel Richie, Charlie Wilson, Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, The Roots and more highlighted the festival. The convention center also hosted more than 150 speakers addressing everything from solutions to crime and violence to growing entrepreneurs. Some of our AllHipHop team volunteered with 200 young girls and boys that participated in the #YesWeCode initiative that Prince partnered with over the weekend. The initiative targets low opportunity children and teaches them how to code and create their own apps that can change the community. Essence executives thanked Mayor Mitch Landrieu for the city’s ongoing partnership. Both the city and Essence stated that they are committed to locking the festival into a new deal. Thursday night Trey Songz, Nas, Jazmine Sullivan and more kicked off the Essence Festival weekend! Photo credit: Josh Brasted/Getty Images Photo credit: Erika Goldring/Getty Images R&B crooner Trey wooed the ladies as usual with his vocals, solid band, and handsome looks. His lead guitarist led some amazing solos as well. Songz, eager to please, came out of his t-shirt at last for his female fans. Rapper Nas, Thursday’s headliner, performed an entertaining set as fans helped him celebrate the 20th anniversary of his debut album Illmatic. He remarked that he loved ESSENCE for recognizing the influence of Hip Hop. Jazmine Sullivan sang her entire heart out running through a couple of her hits that reminded fans why they fell in love with the Philly native in the first place. Friday night belonged to LEGEND PRINCE! Prince brought the house down as he performed hit after hit after hit during his 24 song set. Halfway into his set he stated, “That was just he sound check.” and “Do you know how many hits I have?” Prince delivered an electrifying performance then left the stage abruptly. Just as fans wondered and worried it could be over, they joined forces to chant “Purple Rain, Purple Rain.” The singer then returned to the stage to close out with his 1984 hit “Purple Rain.” The main stage also turned into a funk royalty jam when Prince and Nile Rodgers teamed up to cover David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance.” 90s R&B legends SWV held down the Superlounge on Friday performing hits like “Right Here (Human Nature). SWV is one the world’s top selling female R&B groups of all time, and over the weekend they reminded fans why! [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhjRO_cFiFE&w=600&h=315] Photo credit: Josh Brasted/Getty Images The Queen of R&B and Hip Hop soul, Mary J. Blige brought down the house from main stage on Saturday, performing all of her classic hits including “Real Love”, “You Remind Me”, “Not Gon’ Cry”, “I’m Going Down” and more. Blige rocked the dome with effortless precision. Fans were out of their seats dancing and singing during the entire set. Blige represented nearly all of her 12 albums found in her discography this night. The powerfully raw singer closed with her hit “Family Affair.” Fans rocked and jammed all the way out of the Superdome. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy7QxrXN-bM&w=600&h=315] 90′s R&B crooner Tevin Campbell hit the stage of the Superlounge performing his hits “Can We Talk”, “Always in My Heart”, and “SHHH (Break It Down).” Campbell proved that he “still has it” in two ways: vocals, and the fact that he packed out the entire room of the Superlounge. When he began singing crowd favorite, “Can We Talk” he asked the audience to let him sing his song, and for them to come in on the hook. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQNY0vpVd5s&w=600&h=315] [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aesK3dz_UzY&w=600&h=315] 90s favorite, R&B quartet 112, held down the Superlounge Saturday bringing the heat as they performed some of their most classic dance tracks like “It’s Over Now.” [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbML76GZWY8&w=600&h=315] Photo credit: Josh Brasted/Getty Images Marsha Ambrosius killed the Ford Super Lounge performing her hit song “Late Nights/Early Mornings” while mashing it up with a cover of Prince’s “Sex On Fire” as well as her new song “Friends and Lovers.” [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEIjYulaz7o&w=600&h=315] Photo credit: Josh Brasted/Getty Images Philly’s own Jill Scott opened her set with her song “Gimme”. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKPngKVumyU&w=600&h=315] Photo credit: Josh Brasted/FilmMagic Sunday Uncle Charlie Wilson and Lionel Richie held down the main stage in classic legend form. Uncle Charlie showed fans once again that he is a true performer. The music industry’s famous uncle is 61 but you wouldn’t know it from the way he shows up and shows out every time he hits the Essence main stage. At one point Wilson and crew hit the stage to perform in suits embellished with LED lights. Wilson’s energy level had fans in awe. It seemed as if the dancers had to keep up with him. 61 is the new 20. Uncle Charlie brought the crowd to the dance floor, to the bedroom, and to church. Photo credit: Josh Brasted/FilmMagic Lionel Richie had a nice set, although it was tough to follow Charlie Wilson. His band gave some pretty solid guitar solos. Richie proceeded to give a nice run of Commodores favorites that were ultimately the highlight of the show. Richie pleased the crowd with “Zoom,” “Brick House” and “Hello” as well. Photo credit: Erika Goldring/Getty Images Erykah Badu also helped Essence Festival celebrate their 20th anniversary by performing her hits like “On & On” and “Next Life Time.” The neo-soul chanteuse boomed with the backing of her live band and even kicked a freestyle for fans. After jokingly saying goodnight to her fans, the soul […]
Havok Jones Ft Young Thug "Who You"
The quadruple force that is Havok Jones, uniquely comprised of Kea Aleis, MaiDai, Aire B. and Neiko, has just released their debut single “Who You” featuring Young Thug. While the Southern bells introduced the Jones side of their split demeanors with multiple renditions of ’90s girl groups songs including, Xscape‘s “Who Can I Run To,” and SWV‘s “Rain” both apart of their homage-based EP entitled “The Re-Dedication” to be released on Tuesday, June 24, 2014, they’ve unleashed the Havok with assistance from Atlanta’s emerging rap star, Young Thug. Turn up the bass and check out the single below!
Havok Jones Talks R&B and the Return of Groups with AllHipHop
Southern songbirds Havok Jones, are the new face in R&B. Uniquely comprised of Kea Aleis, MaiDai, Aire B. and Neiko, the group has released their first single “Who Can I Run To,” a remake of the ‘90s super group Xscape’s chart-topping single, off their ’90s R&B homage-based EP. The group stated that they are so thankful and excited for the opportunity to honor the women who influenced them by creating an entire project dedicated to their great music. “There are so many groups who inspired us and we want to start our careers by showing our appreciation, because without them there would be no us.” The group is scheduled to tribute SWV, TLC, 702, Xscape, and Destiny’s Child at their Inaugural Homage event June 3, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia. AllHipHop caught up with Havok Jones to discuss the state of R&B, paying homage, the return of R&B groups, and more. Check out the interview below. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mKpFGmqFdk&w=560&h=315]
Funk Fest 2014 Hits Atlanta
Funk Fest 2014 hit Atlanta this past weekend in celebration of its 20th anniversary. The concert series made its second stop in Atlanta to celebrate with a two-day concert at Wolf Creek Amphitheater. The festival attracts music enthusiasts from across the U.S. You never know who will be backstage either! The Atlanta Funk Fest showcased legendary artists such as The Isley Brothers, Goodie Mob, Monica, Doug E. Fresh, SWV, Musiq Soulchild, Slick Rick, and Head of State. Although it was chilly outside the legendary artists brought the heat while kicking off the spring outdoor concert season! The Isley Brothers known for their performances and iconic hits brought the house down as they closed with classics like “Between The Sheets” and “Shout”. AllHipHop was there to capture all of the action! Check out our recap below. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qchYEEIR0k8&w=600&h=315]
Hip-Hop Rumors: Lee Lee From SWV and Charlamagne Set up on a Date For Cameras?
Lee Lee and Charlamagne the God set up on a date more for TV than love.
Miguel, Elle Varner & SWV Perform @ Gig-It Event (VIDEO)
Miguel, Elle Varner & SWV Perform @ Gig-It Event
SWV “Love Unconditionally”
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SWV’s Album Sampler Reminds Us of When People Actually Sang
Famed R&B girl group SWV is back, and they haven’t missed a step! They recently released an album sampler, that gives a glimpse into their first album since 1997, I Missed Us. Coko, Lelee, and Taj make up SWV (Sisters With Voices). And there’s no need for Auto-Tune here. For old and new fans alike, this is sure to please your ears, as the group reunites with the same stellar sound that made us fall in love back on their 1992 debut It’s About Time. The album went multi-platinum and spawned a string of Top 10 R&B hits, including “I’m So Into You”, “Right Here”, “Weak” and “You’re Always On My Mind”. [soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/41540503″ iframe=”true” /] It’s not everyday that a successful R&B girl group from the ’90s reunites, releases music, and it actually sounds like quality material. Let’s enjoy this moment, please. What do you think about their latest sound? I Missed Us is available everywhere on April 17.
S.O.B.’s Follows SXSW Event With Month-Long “I Love S.O.B.’s” Music Fest
(AllHipHop News) Following a star-studded showing at this year’s SXSW festival, which included performances by Miguel, Machine Gun Kelly, Slaughterhouse, and 2 Chainz, who brought out Kanye West for a surprise set, S.O.B.’s continues its 30 year anniversary with the month long “I Love S.O.B.’s” music festival. As part of the celebration, the Manhattan venue is issuing badges to the festival, currently on sale for $100, which will allow attendees access to all live shows at S.O.B.’s for the entire month of April. S.O.B.’s is partnering with their long-time talent booking and marketing team, Noizy Cricket!!, and April’s performance lineup includes Obie Trice, Stalley, Hopsin, Schoolboy Q , the return of SWV, Shabazz Palaces, and Casey Veggies. More shows are to be announced, and the list of presenters and partners include The Source, The Fader, Roc Nation, AllHipHop.com, Youheardthatnew, 2DopeBoyz, SKEE.TV, OGPR Marketing & Public Relations, Heineken, KISS FM, and Hot 97. “Since S.O.B.’s brought New York to Austin for SXSW for the first leg of our 30 year anniversary celebration,” says Le’Roy Benros, founder of Noizy Cricket!!, “we felt it was only right to do something at home to give back to the patrons who have made that 30 years so successful. We are officially declaring April to be “I Love S.O.B.’s” month.” “I Love S.O.B.’s” badges can be purchased via www.ticketweb.com or at the S.O.B.’s box office. For more information, visit www.sobs.com or www.noizycricket.com.
SWV: The Sisters With Voices Gear Up For A New Tour
After a 15-year hiatus from the studio, one of the most successful R&B groups from the ’90s is back with a new album and a new tour to match. SWV (Sisters with Voices) are set to release their new album, I Miss Us on April 17 and have already seen their first single “CoSign” hit #15 on the charts. The Grammy nominated group will kick off their tour next week on the Tom Joyner Cruise on March 24 before getting to the Fresh Music Festival Memorial Day weekend. They will join other artists like K-Ci & JoJo, Guy, and Keith Sweat on a multi-city tour that will wrap up in August. Below are a list of SWV tour dates: 3/24 – 3/ 27 – Tom Joyner Cruise 3/29 – St. Louis, MO w/ New Edition (Radio One 95.5 B-day Bash) Scottrade Center 4/7 – Hampton, VA – Hampton Convocation Center 5/5 – Miami, FL – Funk Fest 5/18- Atlanta, GA w/New Edition – Funk Fest, Wolf Creek Amphitheater (FRESH MUSIC FESTIVAL TOUR W/ KC & JOJO, KEITH SWEAT) 5/25 – Lafayette, LA Cajun Dome 5/26 – Houston, TX Reliant Arena 5/27 – Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum TBA – Philadelphia, PA Liacourous, Center 6/8 – Bridgeport, CT Webster Bank Arena 6/16 – Charleston, SC N. Charleston Coliseum 6/29 – Augusta, Ga James Brown Arena 6/30 – Raleigh, NC RBC Center (*** not part of the Fresh Music Festival tour) 7/6 – New Orleans, LA Essence Music Festival performance*** 7/13 – Jacksonville, FL Veterans Memorial Arena *** 7/14 – Mobile, AL Mobile Civic Center *** 7/21 – Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Arena *** 7/28 – Richmond, VA Richmond Coliseum 8/4 – Macon, GA Macon Complex
Behind-The-Scenes of SWV’s Video for New “Co-sign” Single
SWV, the Grammy-nominated R&B group known for their ’90s hits “Right Here” and “Weak”, have returned with a behind-the-scenes video for their brand new single, “Co-Sign”. It’s been 15 years since SWV’s 3x platinum-selling debut, “It’s About Time”, and they appear to have the same youthful, energetic voices they had when they debuted. The visual, directed by Israel Jacobs with AllHipHop.com right on set, takes place in Atlanta, Georgia, and shows us that all three original members have returned to give us new music. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OOy8fXszbc] SWV’s fifth studio album, I Miss Us. is scheduled for a April 7 release. Get “Co-Sign” on iTunes HERE.
SWV In Studio With Jazze Pha; Planning New Album
(AllHipHop News) Popular 90s R&B group SWV has announced they are working on a new album titled I Missed Us, which is due for release in April eOne Music/Mass Appeal Entertainment. The women are in the studio with producer Jazze Pha and Brian M. Cox, who are both contributing production to the album. The first single from the album is titled “Co-Sign,” which was produced by Lamb. “It’s a great feeling to be back recording together again! Something special always happens when we come together,” the ladies said in a joint statement issued today (January 23). SWV, which consists of group members Coko, Lelee and Taj, released their debut album It’s About Time in 1992. That album alone consisted of hit singles like “I’m So Into You, “Right Here,” “Downtown,” “Weak” and “You’re Always On My Mind.” I Missed Us will be released April 10, 2012 on eOne Music/Mass Appeal Entertainment.
