Before They Were Stars: Xscape on BET's Teen Summit

Before they were stars, nineties R&B group, Xscape, was just another group of female singers trying to make their own lane in the music industry. I found a rare appearance of them on BET's Teen Summit show from the 90s. (That was back in the day when BET actually promoted real artists and real music. Hard to believe right?) The famed quartet was originally a quintet with members Kandi Burruss, Tameka "Tiny" Cottle,  LaTocha Scott, Tamika Scott, and Tamera Coggins. Coggins left the group before their debut album was released. Known for their hits such as "Understanding", "Feels So Good", "Who Can I Run To" and "My Little Secret", the group is one of the most memorable female groups from the 90s. Check out their performance of En Vogue's "Hold On" after the break!

New Music: H-Town "I Appreciate U"

I was browsing the net when I ran across this song from 90s R&B group, H-Town called "I Appreciate U". A couple of months ago they released the song, "#1 Friend (Internet Love)" ft Kiotti. Members Solomon "Shazam" Conner and Darryl "GI" Jackson are continuing the H-Town legacy after the loss sad and untimely death of  Shazam's brother and third member, Kevin "Dino" Connor.

Not sure if this is their new single or not, but I like it better than that #1 Friend joint. Still not that original H-Town sound that I grew up loving. Judge for yourself.




See also: Bump of Stomp: H-Town "1 Friend (Internet Love" ft. Kiotti

Song of the Day: Isley Brothers "For The Love of You"

Aaaaaww yeah! As soon as you hear the first seconds of this song, you can't help but sway from side to side. If you don't have "For The Love of You (Part 1 & 2)" on your romantic songs playlist somewhere, you are clearly losing. This 1975 classic  takes you back to the quiet storm days--before the "Hip Hop & R&B" music that we have out now.

"For The Love of You" has been sampled and covered by multiple artists that has included Whitney Houston, Regina Belle, Tupac, Boyz II Men, and Joss Stone. It has also appeared in numerous TV shows, movies, and commercials and is considered a R&B favorite by many. Enjoy!

Whitney Houston Voice Shines In "Sparkle"

Before her untimely death, Whitney Houston was producing and starring in the remake of 1976 movie, Sparkle, with American-Idol famed singer Jordin Sparks. Here's a clip of the behind the scenes look of Houston singing "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" on the set of the movie that's set to be in theaters in August 2012.

I agree that it is sad that she passed before this movie was released. Her voice still sounds amazing although many people believed that she had lost her angelic voice years ago. Can't wait to see the movie!

See also: Whitney Houston Returns to the Big Screen in Sparkle

Hilarious Whitney Houston Moments! [VIDEO]

We've all been mourned and shed tears over the recent heartbreaking death of singer/actress/producer Whitney Houston. Millions of people around the world watched Houston's funeral on Sunday.  However, there's a time to cry and time to mourn, but also a time to laugh and to be joyful. To help, I've posted this video of hilarious Whtiney moments that I found on the world's television aka YouTube. Check out rare footage of the singer laughing, making jokes, and being silly with friends and family after the break!

Song of The Day: Vanessa Williams "Dreamin"

This was and probably always will be one of my favorite records by singer/actress Vanessa Williams. "Dreamin" was released in 1988 and was from her debut album, The Right Stuff. It also became Williams first #1 hit on the R&B charts.  I can remember my mom playing this song in the car before dropping me off at the daycare on her way to work.

New Video: SWV "Co-Sign"

The Sisters With Voices are back! Here's the new video for their latest single, "Co-Sign" from their upcoming album, I Missed Us, to be released April 10th. After a long hiatus, the beautiful ladies sound like they haven't missed a beat with their amazing vocals combined with the dope production on this track. Check out the video below!

See also: SWV Releasing New Album

Is Musiq Soulchild Leaving Music?

According to Singersroom Musiq announced in an interview that he's taking a hiatus from recording as an artist and will be focusing more on writing and producing. More after the break...

Tank Announces New Album Title + "Next Breath" Video Trailer

Tank, aka the General of R&B, sat down with Vibe Vixen's Mireya Hernandez to discuss his upcoming album and reveals his new album title is "This Is How I Feel." He explains why he changed the title from "Savior", his upcoming tour "Couples Retreat", and talks about singer Whitney Houston. Check out the interview footage and the video trailer for his latest single, "Next Breath", after the break!

New Music: Usher "Climax" [AUDIO]

Usher's back with a new single that he released on Valentine's Day entitled, "Climax". He sings this R&B jam in a falsetto over producer Diplo's dope intertwining of synthesizers and proves that he can still make that baby-making music.  Take a listen below.

I think it sounds pretty good. I guess Usher decided to jump on the falsetto wave also to prove that The Dream, Robin Thicke, Lloyd and The Weeknd aren't only cats who can woo the ladies with that El Debarge magic! No album release date has been released, but we'll keep you posted.

New Video: Tyrese "Nothing On You"

Tyrese has released the video to his latest single, "Nothing On You", from his Open Invitation album. The Matt Alozon directed video features the beautiful and ageless Chilli (from TLC) as his leading lady. Watch the video after the break!

Al B Sure, El Debarge, Luther Ingram & Barry White Perform "Secret Garden" Live at Soul Train Awards (1991)

I ran across this vintage video on YouTube of the R&B singers Al B. Sure!, Luther Ingram, El Debarge, and Barry White singing their classic hit "Secret Garden" at the 1991 Soul Train Awards. This song was a smash hit off of Quincy Jones 1989 album release, Back on the Block, and is the epitome of sensual seduction. The album earned Jones seven Grammys including Album of the Year. Check their performance out after the break!

Song of the Day: Troop 'I Will Always Love You"

I was trying to think of a song to post in honor of Valentine's Day and couldn't think of a particular one since there are so many! For some reason this hit by 80s R&B group, Troop, came to me.  I loved this song and there whole Attitude album along with their other hits "Spread My Wings" and their cover of The Jackson's "All I Do I Think of You." This song takes you back to that puppy and high school love. Listen and enjoy!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Chaka Khan Blasts Clive Davis for Partying after Whitney Houston's Death

On Saturday evening the world was shocked by the tragic and shocking death of singer Whitney Houston. She was pronouced dead that evening and was on her way to mentor Clive Davis' annual Pre-Grammy party that was hosted at the same hotel that she died in. After learning about Whitney's death, it was rumored that the famed event would be cancelled. The party went on as expected as stars walked the red carpet, many claiming that Whitney would have wanted the show to go on. Fortunately, every one didn't agree and singer Chaka Khan is one of them...

Top 25 Freakiest Songs: R&B Edition!

We've comprised a list of the Top 25 freakiest R&B songs. See what songs made the list after the break!

Grammy Fail: Singer Vesta Williams Forgotten!

During the 54th Grammys that aired on Sunday night, the usual "In Memoriam" photo presentation to include all of the singers, songwriters, producers, and musicians who died over the past year was shown. There was one, more like a couple of problems: They TOTALLY left the late singer Vesta Williams out!

Throwback: Eric Benet ft/ Tamia - Spend My Life With You

This one goes out to all the couples who will be celebrating their love tomorrow on Valentine's Day. The Grammy-nominated song remains a favorite among couples and is often used in weddings. This song is one of my all-time favorite duets. It was released towards the end of the 90s and was the last of the R&B classics that we remember from back when. Don't you miss love songs like this?

Jennifer Hudson Sings Tribute to Whitney Houston During Grammys

Last night everyone waited hours for the tribute to singer Whitney Houston during the 54th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony since she had died unexpectantly the night before. With only 24 hours to come up with a tribute to honor "The Voice", Jennifer Hudson sang "I Will Always Love You" for millions of viewers and those in the Grammy's audience to honor Whitney Houston. Chaka Khan, who was also slated to perform, said that she would not perform since she was still grieving. Jennifer did not sing the song all the way through due to her emotions getting the best of her, which was understandable. Read more and watch her performance.

54th Annual Grammy R&B Wins 2012

I was actually excited about the Grammys this year. Even before the untimely and shocking passing of Whitney Houston. And even though they had cut out some of the R&B categories. I was excited to see well-established artists like El Debarge, Kelly Price, Ledisi, Stokely (Mint Condition), Betty Wright, Eric Benet, Charlie Wilson and Raphael Saadiq nominated for Grammys. Needless to say, the R&B awards given were quite surprising. with the outcome of the awards. Check out the list of nominees and winners after the break...

Blue-Eyed Soul: Adele Wins Big at the Grammys 2012!

British soul singer, Adele, won six Grammy awards last night at the 54th Grammy Awards. Her wins included the coveted Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.

Open Letter: "Dear Whitney..."

I took the news of Whitney Houston's death pretty hard and decided to write out my thoughts in a letter dedicated to the recently passed songstress. It's kind of raw and without a lot of formalities...just what was on my heart at the time. Check it out after the break...

Diana Ross Accepts Lifetime Achievement Award at Special Merit Awards

She's been nominated 12 times for a Grammy, but Diana Ross finally received one today for her contribution to the music industry and her impact on the world after 50+ years of music. Her acceptance of the award was bittersweet with the recent and shocking news of singer Whitney Houston's death. She said while accepting her award, that her greatest lifetime achievement were her five children, who were onstage with her to accept the award. Congrats to Ms. Ross!

See also: Diana "The Boss" Ross to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award

Breaking News: Whitney Houston Dead at 48

It's been reported that singer Whitney Houston died today at 48. She leaves behind a daughter, Bobbi Kristina,  and a host of family, friends and fans. I'm too sad to write much else right now. Let's keep her and her family in our prayers.

Song of The Day!

The Bad Boys of R&B aka Jodeci won the hearts of girls and women everywhere with this #1 title track of their debut album, Forever My Lady. Guys were dedicating this songs to their crushes, girlfriends, and wives back in 1991. The album went on to sell over 3 million albums and spun three #1 hits.

Diana "The Boss" Ross to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award

It will be her first Grammy, but it will be well-deserved and looong overdue. Diana Ross, the highest-selling female act of all time, will be honored by the Grammys on Saturday and will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to the music industry and the world...

Throwback: Anita Baker on Video Soul!

I absolutely LOVE Anita Baker! Her voice is magnificently amazing! and she's so graceful and classy. She belts out those notes effortlessly. Unlike most singers today, there was no need for her to have her body hanging out in order to sell records. The eight-time Grammy winner just SANG. Check out this video of her performing "i Apologize" live on BET's Video Soul back in 1994.

I had the pleasure of going to see her live a couple of years ago, and that was the best concert I have EVER been to. She performed all of her hits and even did an encore! Loved it!

Eric Benet "Real Love" [VIDEO]

Silky R&B crooner, Eric Benet, has a new video out for his single, "Real Love." Check it out after the break!

New Video: Karyn White "Sista, Sista"

Karyn White has finally released the video to her comeback single, "Sista, Sista." Check it out after the break!

New Music: Brandy & Monica "It's All Belongs To Me"

Singers Brandy and Monica released their long awaited reunion song today entitled, "It All Belongs To Me." The song was produced by Rico Love and is a follow-up to their Grammy-award winning "The Boy Is Mine." It's also a single that will be featured from both of their upcoming albums. The ladies, who have married and become mothers, are more mature and it shows in the lyrics and feel of the song. Take a listen after the break...

Best Super Bowl Half-Time Show: Madonna, Prince, or Michael Jackson?

By: @AmariahSTyler

If you were one of the 111.3 million viewers who were tuned into Super Bowl XLVI Sunday night, you saw 53 year-old pop legend, Madonna, perform this year's half-time show. Her grand entrance, complete with sexy muscled gladiators, a black and gold stage, dancers, majorettes and  appearances by some of today's biggest stars (Cee-Lo, Nicki Minaj, LMFAO, and MIA) caused many to say that this is one of the best half-time shows they've seen...

Bump or Stomp: R. Kelly "Share My Love"

R. Kelly's has released a new single "Share My Love" from his upcoming Write Me Back album--the follow up to his 2010's Love Letter album. Check it out after the jump...

Happy Birthday Bob Marley!

Happy Birthday to Bob Marley! Born in Bob Marley was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician who was known for his hits such as "No Woman, No Cry", "I Shot the Sheriff", "Jamming", "One Love, and "Redemption. He was only 36 years old when he died in 1981 He would have been 67 on today.

"Is This Love" is one of my favorites by him. Check it out after the break.

Soul Train Flash Mob in Times Square!

Soul Train fans pay tribute to creator/founder, Don Cornelius, at Times Square in New York on Saturday. Don Cornelius died last week of a self-inflicted gun shot wound. Watch the video after the jump!

Song of The Day!

This is a classic song by rock & pop legend, Prince and the New Power Generation. Although this was the lowest charting song from the 1992 album, Love Symbol, it's one of my favorites. This is one of those songs that makes you go, damn! It's one of those rare slow jams that really showcases his diverse singing/performance styles.  I actually had never seen the video until today, so I'm tripping off Prince's finger waves (gotta love the 90s). Prince is such a diva and I love it lol. Enjoy!

VH1 To Air Soul Train Documentary in Honor of Don Cornelius

Yesterday the music world was saddened by the news of Soul Train creator and founder Don Cornelius' shocking death. Fans and family alike mourned the death of the man who changed the music industry with his legendary show, Soul Train. VH1 will air a special documentary in honor of Don Cornelius called Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America on Friday, February 3rd at 10 pm. Tune in!

Source

VIDEO: Tyrese "Nothing On You" Official Trailer

The official video trailer for Tyrese's latest single, "Nothing On You" was released a few days ago. The video features TLC member Chilli as the starlet. Peep the video after the jump...

D'Angelo Returns in Paris! [VIDEO]

I wasn't going to post on this since every blog out there has been saturated with this concert footage of soul singer D'Angelo performing his signature hit, "How Does It Feel". But why not? Glad to see him back. Now if we can just get another album, I would be ECSTATIC!

WAY BACK WHEN: JACKSON 5 ON SOUL TRAIN

I know many of you are still saddened by the news of Soul Train creator Don Cornelius. So to lighten the mood, here's a throwback video of the Jackson 5 performing their #1 hit "I Want You Back" on Soul Train in 1972. I don't see how you could be considered "uncool" fashion-wise back then. Everyone was sporting psychedelic colors back then. And to keep your hair simple, just fro it out lol. Enjoy!

RIP Don Cornelius ~ September 27, 1936 - February 1, 2012

It's been a week since I've been able to post due to some personal reasons, and it saddens me that my first piece is on the passing of Soul Train's creator and founder, Don Cornelius. He was found dead today at the age of 75...