Listen to Ashan's NeoSoul Rhythms Pick
"Butterfly"
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Unfortunate Passing: Vesta Williams
The untimely and mysterious death of Vesta Williams has left her family, friends and fans wondering what happened, and prescription pills are being cited as the cause. According to TMZ, there were many empty bottles in the hotel room where her body was discovered on Thursday (September 22nd).
Vesta Williams was actually 53 years-old, in contrast to her reported 'industry' age of 48. Vesta was best known for her hit “Congratulations.”
It has not yet been determined if Vesta’s death was suicide or an accident, and it is not being treated as a homicide.
With no conclusive details, her death continues to be shrouded by mystery and speculation.
According to the Urbandaily.com:
Vesta is reported to have checked into the hotel with an unidentified man, who is now missing. However death is being investigated as an accident or suicide, not a homicide.
Let's remember her music and remember her well at NeoSoul Rhythms Radio. RIP.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
The Leak: Eric Roberson's "Picture Perfect"
"Picture Perfect" by ERIC ROBERSON featuring PHONTE
from Eric's upcoming album " MR NICE GUY"
Click to Listen!
The Leak: Goapele's New Single "Play"
This groundbreaking single is from her DECON Records debut
"Break Of Dawn"
In Stores, on itunes.com, and amazon.com October 25th, 2011
Single available on itunes.com and amazon.com August 27th, 2011
"Break Of Dawn"
In Stores, on itunes.com, and amazon.com October 25th, 2011
Single available on itunes.com and amazon.com August 27th, 2011
Click & Listen!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Nick Ashford of Ashford & Simpson Dies from Throat Cancer at 70
Nick Ashford, one-half of the legendary Motown songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson that penned elegant, soulful classics for the likes of Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye and funk hits for Chaka Khan and others, died Monday at age 70, his former publicist said.
Ashford, who along with wife Valerie Simpson wrote some of Motown’s biggest hits, died in a New York City hospital, said Liz Rosenberg, who also was Ashford’s longtime friend. He had been suffering from throat cancer and had undergone radiation treatment, she said.
Though they had some of their greatest success at Motown with classics like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Reach Out And Touch Somebody’s Hand” by Ross and “You’re All I Need To Get By” by Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Ashford & Simpson also created classics for others, like the anthem “I’m Every Woman” by Khan (and later remade by Whitney Houston).
Ashford and Simpson’s relationship stretched more than four decades. They met in 1964 in a New York City church; Ashford, a South Carolina native, had come to the city to pursue a dance career. Simpson was a music student, and after connecting with her, they decided to start to write songs together.
Ashford, who along with wife Valerie Simpson wrote some of Motown’s biggest hits, died in a New York City hospital, said Liz Rosenberg, who also was Ashford’s longtime friend. He had been suffering from throat cancer and had undergone radiation treatment, she said.
Though they had some of their greatest success at Motown with classics like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Reach Out And Touch Somebody’s Hand” by Ross and “You’re All I Need To Get By” by Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Ashford & Simpson also created classics for others, like the anthem “I’m Every Woman” by Khan (and later remade by Whitney Houston).
Ashford and Simpson’s relationship stretched more than four decades. They met in 1964 in a New York City church; Ashford, a South Carolina native, had come to the city to pursue a dance career. Simpson was a music student, and after connecting with her, they decided to start to write songs together.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Really? D’Angelo Back in the Studio
Reclusive R&B singer D’Angelo looks to be back at work on his long awaited third album.According to Billboard.com, a studio session took place in New York late last night with two longtime D’Angelo collaborators, Roots drummer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and bassist Pino Palladino, as well as producer/engineer Russell Elevado, according to posts from Questlove on Twitter.
“Most people use midnight as a time to sleep. others are working on their 11 year followup. this of course being hour number one,” tweeted the drummer.
The album, which was at one point provisionally titled “James River,” is being eyed for release before the end of the year through J Records, according to a Billboard source.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Jill Scott is Number 1!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Erykah Badu Channels ‘Lo Down Loretta Brown’ for First Mixtape
The neo-soul star, famously ticketed last year for her “Window Seat” video strip tease on a public street, will release her first-ever mixtape next month using the name “DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown,” a persona she introduced in Dallas at the PM Lounge last December.
Loretta returned to the DJ booth Friday in Los Angeles for the “Black Girls Rock and Soul Tour” at the Key Club, as well as at a BET Award’s pre-show dinner the night after. She said her mixtape project will “melt any DJ’s face off.”
Until then, she’ll next be seen as one of the headlining acts on this year’s Rock the Bells Festival where she will be performing her debut album ‘Baduizm” in its entirety.
The festival kicks off Aug. 20 in Los Angeles and wraps Sept. 10 in Boston.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Jennifer Hudson’s Video for ‘No One Gonna Love You’
Jennifer Hudson sports lingerie to show off her diminishing frame in the video for her second single, “No One Gonna Love You.” (Wow, she has lost even more weight!)
In the clip, J-Hud picks up after her boyfriend and gets all gussied up for their anniversary date, only to be stood up.
In the clip, J-Hud picks up after her boyfriend and gets all gussied up for their anniversary date, only to be stood up.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Cee-Lo Rocks ‘Bright Lights, Bigger City’ on ‘The Voice’
Conjuring the big band era of the 40s, Cee Lo Green threw on white suit and finger-wave wig to perform his soul-drenched new single, “Bright Lights, Bigger City” last night on “The Voice.”
Released on March 27, the song comes from his third studio album, “The Lady Killer.” Although it’s had some chart success in Europe, is has yet to break big in the U.S.
This NBC performance could help. Watch below:
Released on March 27, the song comes from his third studio album, “The Lady Killer.” Although it’s had some chart success in Europe, is has yet to break big in the U.S.
This NBC performance could help. Watch below:
Buju Banton Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison
Despite pleas for leniency from family members, fans and supporters, a federal judge sentenced Grammy-winning reggae singer Buju Banton on Thursday to ten years in prison for conspiring to set up a cocaine deal.
Banton was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and using a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking offense, reports the AP.
The judge did throw out a gun charge, lowering Banton’s sentence from 15 years to 10. Mark Myrie (Buju), 37, father of 15 children, was also ordered to serve five years of probation following his release from prison.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Legend Gil Scott Heron Dies
He was 62, and the cause of death was not immediately stated. Scott-Heron was known to be HIV positive and had struggled with drug addiction throughout a large part of his life.
Chicago-born, the iconoclast was named after his father, Gilbert Heron, a Jamaican football (soccer) player who had settled in America and was signed by Glasgow's Celtic FC, earning the nickname "The Black Arrow."
"The Revolution" was released when he was only 18, and within five years he had also recorded three albums and published two novels and a book of poetry. Among his other nicknames was "The People's Poet."
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Next Mary J. Blige Album: A Sequel to 1994’s ‘My Life’
“My Life II, The Journey Continues,” the R&B star’s tenth studio album, is scheduled to drop on Sept. 20 and feature production from Kanye West, Danja, Swizz Beatz and Stargate, the singer announced Monday.
“From me to you, “My Life II” … our journey together continues in this life. It’s a gift to be able to relate and identify with my fans at all times,” says Blige, who recorded the album in New York and Los Angeles, according to Billboard. “This album is a reflection of the times and lives of people all around me.”
The album’s first single, “Someone to Love Me (Naked)” featuring Diddy and Lil Wayne, is currently at No. 66 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The music video for the track will officially premiere tonight on VEVO, but the clip already leaked online today.
Released in 1994, “My Life” featured hit singles like “Be Happy” and “Mary Jane (All Night Long)” and was nominated for Best R&B Album at the Grammys. The album has sold 2.8 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
R. Kelly Writing a Book About His ‘Misunderstood’ Life
“I’m writing this book as Robert, not R. Kelly,” he said.
Kels has endured so much throughout his career to scandals, cases, divorce, and even beef. But he has continued to live life and make music the best he knows how.
“I’m tired of being misunderstood. I will show you the tears, fears, and sweat. I will open my heart and reveal the good in my life as well as all the drama. I want to tell it like it is.”
Co-written with David Ritz, “Soulacoaster” has been described as “part memoir, part keepsake, promising his fans an intimate and unforgettable ride.”
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Is Hip-Hop Feminism Alive in 2011?
By: Akoto Ofori-Atta
Joan Morgan coined the phrase back in 1999, but what does hip-hop feminism look like today? Is it Queen Latifah? Nicki Minaj? Or the 10-year-old girl calling out Lil Wayne?
In 1992 Dr. Dre released his single "Bitches Ain't Sh--," complete with a chorus that emphatically reduces women to nothing but "hoes and tricks."
In 1996 Akinyele famously sang "Put It In Your Mouth," a song that flooded radio airwaves and clubs across the country.
Fast-forward to 2003, and Nelly releases a video for his single "Tip Drill," in which he famously slides a credit card between the cheeks of a video vixen's bottom. And then there was, of course, the Don Imus incident, when he justified his "nappy-headed ho" comment by arguing that black men regularly call their women out of their names in hip-hop songs.
There is no shortage of these cringe-inducing moments that have made women question their relationship to hip-hop. But these moments don't go completely uncontested. From Queen Latifah's "U.N.I.T.Y." ("Who you callin' a bitch?") to a 10-year-old's heartfelt plea to Lil Wayne urging him to speak highly of women, hip-hop feminism has almost always been just as audible as the crass catcalls. While one might be hard-pressed to find a song of the "Put It In Your Mouth" variety in heavy rotation today, hip-hop feminists still have a job to do in railing against a male-dominated culture.
Hip-hop feminists are like other feminists in that they advocate for gender equality. Where they part ways from other feminist groups is that they operate in and identify as part of hip-hop culture, as expressed in their choices in music, dance, art and politics.
Read the rest of this interesting feature at:
http://www.theroot.com/views/hip-hop-feminism?page=0,0
Mel B. Reportedly Pregnant with Third Child
The 35-year-old – who already has 12-year-old Phoenix Chi from a previous relationship and three-year-old Angel Iris with Eddie Murphy – is said to be thrilled with the news.
“We’re really excited. We wouldn’t have planned and waited for four yours to have a baby if we weren’t really excited about it and ready for it. Even though you can never really be truly ready,” says Mel.
Just last week, Mel – who along with Victoria Beckham and Emma Bunton is the third Spice Girl to currently be expecting – revealed she planned to be pregnant by the end of 2011 because she “loves” having kids.
Poor Chris Brown: Hitting Bottom Again!
Chris Brown went on a violent rampage backstage at “Good Morning America” because host Robin Roberts kept asking him questions about his beating of Rihanna.
According to TMZ, the blonde crooner smashed a window and stormed out of the New York studios without a shirt.
During the interview Brown kept trying to steer the questions toward his album, but Roberts held her ground, insisting on discussing the legal issues surrounding his assault case.
According to TMZ, Brown erupted backstage, “storming into his dressing room and screaming so loud the people in hair and makeup became alarmed and called security.
As part of his probation, Brown completed anger management and is required to obey all laws.
UPDATE: Brown tweeted, “I’m so over people bringing this past s**t up!!! Yet we praise Charlie sheen and other celebs for there bulls**t.”
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
Esperanza Spalding Gets ‘A LOT of Advice’ from Prince
The musician had mentioned that one of her mentors is none other than Prince. Us Magazine caught up with her to discuss their relationship and his influence on her music.
“Prince is a very kind and intelligent person,” she said. “We hit it off as friends at the same time we started jamming together, so his advice has always been musician to musician as well as from one friend to another.
“He gives me A LOT of sound advice about navigating through the business side of music, and he’s always my critical listener when I have a new musical idea. And that’s not even mentioning his musical genius which is of course a continual source of inspiration.”
Saturday, March 5, 2011
NeoSoul Rhythms 117
NeoSoul Rhythms 117
1. This is how I feel - Amp Fiddler
2. Amadoda - Black Coffee Remix/ ft. Bucie
3. Amorous - Jesse Boykins III
4. Far Away - Marsha Ambrosius
5. Walking - Mary, Mary
6. I Understand - Dwele
7. INI - Amel Larrieux
8. Swept Away - The Roots
9. Bonita Applebaum - Tribe Called Quest
10. Gwebindlala - Culoe de Song/ ft. Thandiswa
Charlie Wilson, B.o.B., Cee-Lo Booked for Beale Street Music Fest
The 35th annual festival will be held April 29 to May 1 at a scenic park along the Mississippi River. It’s part of the month-long Memphis in May celebration, which includes a world barbecue championship.
Other artists on the roster include Ke$ha, John Mellencamp, Stone Temple Pilots, Godsmack, The Flaming Lips, Buckcherry, Mumford & Sons, Jason Mraz, MGMT, Lucinda Williams, Cake and Everclear.
Jerry Lee Lewis, Kirk Whalum, Lucero, Al Kapone and other Memphis-related performers are scheduled to appear.
Reported by Eurweb.
Da Brat: ‘Every Female In Prison Wanted Me’
“Every female in prison wanted me … all of them wish they could have gotten these goodies,” she told the website.
Da Brat just completed a three year prison stint for attacking a waitress with a bottle in 2007. In her first post-jail interview with Vibe magazine, Brat said she was visited by her sister Lisa Raye, Katt Williams, Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon.
She told TMZ, “Jermaine Dupri sent me the most money … and Omar Epps and his wife looked out. ”
Brat is currently on house arrest for the next 3 to 6 months — but says the first thing she plans on doing when she can leave her home is “making it rain at a club.”
Reported by Eurweb.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The Verdict is in: Michael Baisden Suit
In the lawsuit, Baisden claimed damages from past conduct of I’m Ready Productions and Image Entertainment for the unauthorized distribution of DVD’s based on two of his best-selling novels The Maintenance Man and Men Cry in the Dark.
I’m Ready Productions filed a counterclaim against Baisden seeking compensation related to a movie based on one of Baisden’s best-sellers that Baisden had originally planned to write and produce. In the end, neither Baisden nor the defendants were awarded monetary damages. “I have mixed feelings about the case.
On the one hand I am ecstatic that my copyrighted rights have been returned to me to allow me to proceed with upcoming movie and TV projects without continued interference from Image and I'm Ready Productions,” said Michael Baisden.
The Urban Buzz.
Return of the Dating Game
In a spin off from the ‘70's & ‘80's Dating Game Show, Williams plays the role of the announcer for the “G-Connection.” Warren G is the host while model Brittany Dailey plays the bachelorette and Snoop takes on three comical characters, himself, the unemployed Reggie, and a poet named Greg. This is a fresh new hip look for the pre-paid carrier Metro PCS who’s gained serious market share over the past five years against rival Boost Mobile. Look for the commercials to air this week.
From the Urban Buzz.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
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