For years, fans and critics alike have doubted Alicia Keys’ vocal chops… and rightfully so. Onlookers have witnessed Alicia scream notes throughout some of her live showings. Many barked claims that the decorated songstress’ voice had deteriorated, and she was forced to rely on her classical piano-playing prowess and skillful background singers as a crutch during live performances.
Last year, in celebration of songs in A minor’s tenth anniversary, Keys held an intimate showcase featuring only her trusty piano. Though it streamed online, “Piano and I” went relatively unnoticed and the masses failed to recognize the homecomingof her powerhouse vocals of yesteryear. Read More →
Ludacris dropped off his new single at Atlanta’ V-103 (via Hostal Malure). It’s titled “Representing” and features R&B siren, Kelly Rowland. The record is steamy and sensual, much like the Chris Brown-assisted “Wet the Bed.” Read More →
Last year, hip-hop virtuoso, T.I., and his lovely wife Tiny (Tameka Cottle) welcomed cameras into their Atlanta home on VH1′s T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle for a comedy-filled glimpse at his domestic life. The hit show was picked up for a second season, which will focus a lot more on the show’s title; showcasing the various “hustles” of Tip, his wife and kids.
After settling from the high of his debut, Finally Famous, Big Sean is ready to go at it once again-prepping a mixtape, a spot on G.O.O.D. music’s Cruel Summer and a sophomore LP. The mixtape, titled Detroit, is said to be truer to the 24-year old’s sound…much like his forthcoming album.
Look below for a preview of the mixtape, as well as details on his sophomore set… Read More →
Alicia Keys may be a “Girl On Fire,” but she exposes an androgynous edge on the single cover. The song is the lead single and title track from her forthcoming fifth studio album. Prior to the album’s November 27th release date, Keys will perform the ‘empowering record’ at the MTV VMAs. The audio is scheduled to be released on September 4th.
What are your thoughts on Alicia’s “Girl On Fire” single cover?
Mary J. Blige, Angela Bassett and Ruby Dee will chronicle the lives of two philanthropic mavens, who fought alongside their heralded husbands for human rights. These women, Betty Shabazz, wife of Malcolm X and Coretta Scott-King, wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., were equally heroic-balancing social activism and their duties as single mothers. Familiar with a large portion of their lives, Ruby Dee will recount their tales as narrator of the made-for-television film.
Ironically, Bassett portrayed the role of Shabazz twice; in the 1992 Spike Lee film, Malcolm X, alongside Denzel Washington and again in MarionVan Peeble’s 1995 film, Panther. Without a doubt, it’s a story that needs to be heard.
Melanie Fiona teams up with luxury automaker Infiniti to present the official video for her rock-tinged, exuberant record, “Watch Me Work.” Previously, an empowering viral video was released in support of The MF Life cut. Watch below as Mel channels her inner rock star. Read More →
Joey Crack enlisted the “genius” of Kanye West for “Pride N Joy”, the second single from his upcoming, yet-titled album. Today saw the release of its accompanying visual which was earlier revealed to include cameos from West, Ashanti, Yasiin Bey (Mos Def), Miguel, Roscoe Dash, Jadakiss and Busta Rhymes.
