NEW HEAT: Toni Braxton "I Heart You" [VIDEO]

R&B sensation Toni Braxton is back with some heat! Hot on the promo trail for her forthcoming album, Heartstrings & Synagogue Vibes, she has finally released the video for her lead single, "I Heart You." Check it out after the break!

Chaka Khan, Kelly Price, Eric Benet & More Honor Trayvon Martin "Super Life" PSA [VIDEO]

Singer Chaka Khan along with Kelly Price, Eric Benet and more have released a tribute PSA "Super Life" in honor of  the slain teenager,Trayvon Martin. Unless you've been living in a cave, you know all about Trayvon Martin--the black teenager who was killed by the gun of the white/hispanic racist and murderer George Zimmerman. Trayvon Martin, 17, was walking around his father's neighborhood, when Zimmerman (the acclaimed neighborhood watchman) followed and shot him dead with his 9mm pistol. Trayvon Martin was only carrying a bag of Skittles and a Arizona Iced Tea. Check out the video and more on my thoughts after the break...

Song of The Day: Kut Klose "I Like"

I know y'all remember this jam right here! Kut Klose is one of my favorite female R&B groups from the 90s. I know I say that about a lot of groups, but we had sooo many talented groups to listen to back in the day. "I Like" is one of their most-known singles from their only album, Surrender, that was released in 1995 and is an R&B classic. "I Like" sampled Patrice Rushen's "Remind Me" and was their only single to become a Top-40 hit. This sexy song is definitely on my list of favorite bedroom jams.

We haven't heard much from the trio since their feature on Keith Sweat's "Twisted" in 1996. They are supposedly working on a new album and released the single, "Let It Ring" via iTunes in 2010. Hopefully we'll be hearing new music from Athena, Tabitha, and Lavonn soon. I'm still playing Surrender like it just came out lol. Here's a more recent pic of the gorgeous trio below.

Kenny Lattimore is Making RnB Cool Again With "Find A Way"

R&B singer Kenny Lattimore is back with a brand new single from his upcoming album, Back 2Cool, entitled "Find A Way." Back 2 Cool will be released on his new independent label SincereSoul Records and will be the first project from the label. Check out the single and more after the break...

Aretha Franklin Celebrates Her 70th Birthday & Reunites with Clive Davis

The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, 70, celebrated her birthday this past weekend and announced that she's reuniting with former mentor, record executive Clive Davis.

During the soul star's party at the luxurious Helmsley Park Lane Hotel in New York on Saturday night, Franklin announced in a brief interview that she had signed a new contract with Sony Music Entertainment, where Davis serves as Chief Creative Officer. Davis signed Franklin to Arista Records during her career slump in the Eighties, a move that reinvigorated her career and helped to define his.

"I have re-signed with Clive Davis, so I’m recording with Clive again," she explained, continuing that the pair would meet within the next month to decide what material they would include. Source

Aretha Franklin made headlines last year with her engagement announcement and renouncement to Willie Wilkerson. The couple still seems to be on good terms although there seems to be no wedding in sight.

I'm pretty sure Chaka Khan and others are somewhere shaking their heads at this very moment in light of this recent news. Chaka was very outspoken against Clive Davis for continuing the Grammy party this year despite Whitney Houston's dead body still upstairs in the same hotel. She was also a no-show at the televised funeral.

Throwback: Jade "Don't Walk Away" [VIDEO]

Remember during the nineties when there were a plethora of R&B female groups? From En Vogue to Brownstone, Xscape to Total, and  Zhane to Changing Faces? There was definitely girl power going on back in the day, but somehow a lot of these groups disappeared, like Jade for instance. Consisting of members Joi Marshall, Di Reed, and Tonya Kelly,  they burst on the scene in 1992 with "I Wanna Love You" that became popular courtesy of the Class Act soundtrack. They followed up with their biggest hit  "Don't Walk Away" from their debut album, Jade To The Max. The single reached #2 on the R&B charts and eventually went gold. They continued to put out a few more R&B jams and sold over 1.5 million albums, but like many other groups from the nineties, they eventually faded to black.

"Don't Walk Away" is still my jam! That first album, This video is sooo "90s" with everything from doo-doo braids, Jodeci boots, and plaid over-sized shirts. I loved these ladies because they could all sing. "Looking For Mr. Do Right" still gets heavy play from me as well. Songs like these make me miss the nineties. So much good R&B was being released back then. Don't you agree?

Toni Braxton Announces New Album Title "Heartstrings & Synagogue Vibes"

Singer Toni Braxton announced the title of her forthcoming album yesterday. The title is Heartstrings & Synagogue Vibes. It is set to be released in May and will be Braxton's eighth studio album, the last being her album Pulse in 2010. She is quoted as saying that this album will make you want to dance.

She just wrapped up the production of  her new single, "I Heart You" and will be premiering that soon. If you haven't heard it, click here.

El Debarge Arrested Again for Drug Possession: He Needs Your Prayers Not Your Judgment

This news saddens me. Singer/songwriter/composer El Debarge has been arrested for drug possession for the umpteenth time. Read more on the story and my thoughts after the break...

Way Back When: Mariah Carey's First Live Performance on The Arsineo Hall Show! [VIDEO]

Before she became Mariah Carey the Diva, she was a just another gifted singer trying to achieve superstardom with the release of the critically acclaimed debut album, Mariah Carey, in 1990. Check out her first live performance on The Arsineo Hall Show after the break!

Song of The Day: Stevie Wonder "I Go Sailing"

I was six years in old in 1991 when Spike Lee's Jungle Fever was released, but I remember the impact of the soundtrack recorded by Stevie Wonder released through Motown. Most likely because I awoke almost every morning for weeks (courtesy of my dad) to the sounds of Wonder's hits "Gotta Have You", "These Three Words", and of course "I Go Sailing". I can still remember hearing the chorus to "Gotta Have You" in my dreams lol. That was during the last days of vinyl, middle ages of cassettes, and earlier years of CDs.

The 22-time Grammy-Award winning singer/songwriter had achieved prior success for recording the soundtrack to the movie, The Woman In Red, which earning him an Academy Award for Best Original Song for his song "I Just Called To Say I Love You". Although, he did not receive one for this album, it was #1 on the R&B charts when it was released for two weeks and is easily listed as one of my favorite soundtracks of all time. I'll be posting my complete list soon, but in the meantime, take a moment to listen and enjoy this melodic classic.

Beyonce Returns To The Stage Post-Blue Ivy + RnB Links

Singer Beyonce Knowles-Carter will return to the stage Memorial Day weekend for the first time since the birth of her daughter, Blue Ivy. Beyonce will grace the stage in Atlantic City, New Jersey at the Oviation Hall for three nights from Friday, May 25th through Sunday, May 27th. Tickets for the shows go on sale April 26th at 10 a.m.

The Dream: Blacks Can't Do Soul Records Anymore [Singersroom]

Video: Esperanza Spalding - Radio Song [ThisIsRnB]

What The Game's Been Missing: Lady Lyricists [Soul Bounce]

Monica Unveils "New Life" Album Cover [I Am Not A Celebrity Ass Kisser]

Letoya Luckett New Album In The Works [RnB Music Blog]

Melanie Fiona Releases Second LP "The MF Life"

Grammy-Award winning singer, Melanie Fiona's album The MF Life drops tomorrow in stores and online. The album features the hit, "4 AM" in addition to her latest duet with John Legend, "L.O.V.E.". If you're unfamiliar with her music, she's most known for her singles, "It Kills Me", "Give It To Me Right" and her duet with Cee-Lo Green on the Grammy-winning song, "Fool For You."  Her second LP has been pushed back numerous times, but the wait is over for her fans. Check out the behind the scenes documentary of The MF Life after the break.

Song of the Day: Phyllis Hyman "Living In Confusion"

I loved listening to the late singer/actress Phyllis Hyman's sultry voice as a kid despite a lot of her songs sounded sad, especially in her later albums. "Living In Confusion" is from her best-selling album, Prime of My Life, released in 1991. This album was her biggest to date and also spun other hits such as "Don't Wanna Change The World" and "When You Get Right Down To It". She is also known for her duets with Norman Connors particularly their rendition of "Betcha, By Golly Wow".

New Video: Lil' Mo ft/ Tweet "I Love Me"

Singer Lil' Mo returns with a video to her latest single, "I Love Me" off of her recent album, P.S. I Love Me, which was released in November 2011. The song/video features her longtime friend and songbird, Tweet. Lil' Mo, who has not released an album since 2007, is most known for her hits "Superwoman Pt. II" and "4 Ever" both of which feature rapper Fabolous in addition to her guest collaborations. Check out the video below.

Brandy & Monica Discuss Past Beef, Whitney Houston, Kim Kardashian and New Albums with The Breakfast Club [VIDEO]

Singers Brandy and Monica are continuing their promo trail for their latest single, "It Belongs To Me" and stopped by Power 105 FM's The Breakfast Club this morning. The ladies discussed their publicized past beef with one another, the impact of Whitney Houston's death, twitter drama, stalkers, Ray-J, Kim Kardashian and their upcoming albums. Watch parts 1 & 2 of their interviews below.

Tamia Speaks on "Beautiful Surprise", Marriage to Grant Hill & Basketball Wives

Canadian R&B starlet Tamia spoke with The Huffington Post recently concerning her latest single, "Beautiful Surprise", her marriage to NBA player Grant Hill, and her views on the popular television reality series Basketball Wives...

Song of the Day: Case "Touch Me, Tease Me" ft/ Foxy Brown

You can't be a fan of R&B if you don't remember this jam by R&B singer, Case. His career took off with this hot single from the Nutty Professor soundtrack and from his self-titled debut album release in 1996. This was definitely a club banger (I was only 10 at the time but my older cousins said it was) and is nestled safely on a lot of fans top lovemaking songs.

"Touch Me, Tease Me" features Mary J. Blige on the background vocals and rapper Foxy Brown. The single reached #4 on the R&B charts and #14 on the Hot 100. This was definitely from the last golden era of R&B and is helped usher in what is now called Hip Hip & R&B era.  Enjoy

New Video: Ashanti "The Woman You Love" ft Busta Rhymes

Singer Ashanti premiered the video to her latest single, "The Woman You Love", yesterday from her forthcoming album Braveheart. The "futuristic" video features Busta Rhymes and actor Marcus Patrick. Her new album drops April 17th. Watch the video after the break.

SWV Performs "Co-Sign" LIVE! [VIDEO]

SWV stopped by VH1 today to perform their latest single, "Co-Sign" from their forthcoming I Missed Us album. The ladies look look and sound amazing! I'm in love with this song and listen to it every morning on my morning jog. They've definitely been missed. Can't wait to hear the new album which drops on April 17th. If you haven't seen the video, check it out here.

Song of the Day: Zhane "Sending My Love"

Zhane (pronouced Jay-Nay) is one of my favorite 90's female R&B duos. They burst on the scene in 1993 with their hit single, "Hey, Mr. DJ". They released their debut album, Pronouced Jay-Nay, the following year in '94 and other Top 40 hits such as "Groove Thang" and "Sending My Love". The group's last album, Saturday Night, was released in 1997 and we haven't heard from them since. I still play that first album like it just came out. Their ballads that went unreleased on the album are some of my favorites.

Zhane stood out because they were wearing their hair natural before the whole "go natural" wave that we see popular now came about. After the 70's and the blaxploitation era ended, women weren't wearing their hair in fros and surely not in low fades. The women of Zhane were trendsetters before Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, or India.Arie. They were rocking naturals before the who "Neo-Soul" classification came about. Their beauty and talent was before it's time, but it's great to see their influence today.

See Also: Song of the Day: Patrice Rushen "Remind Me"

New Artist Shine: John Michael "Sophisticated Lady"

Although I'm  a huge fan of old school R&B (specifially pre-2000 R&B), I like discovering new music from indie and undiscovered artists. I was checking out one of my favorite sites for new music when I stumbled across John Michael and decided to click on his video for "Sophisticated Lady" which I immediately loved...

Robin Thicke Honors Whitney Houston on Ellen

Falsetto crooner, Robin Thicke, has been everywhere promoting his latest album, Love After War. He stopped by Ellen last week and performed a tribute to the late Whitney Houston with his classical/acoustic version of "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)". I think it was absolutely selfless and beautiful of him to do so. Check it out below.

In Case You Missed It: Oprah's Interview with Bobbi Kristina [VIDEO]

Oprah Winfrey captured the first interview with the lateWhitney Houston's daughter, Bobbi Kristina, on her TV special, Oprah's Next Chapter, her new prime-time series which premiered tonight on OWN. Whitney Houston's brother, Gary Houston, along with her sister-in-law, Patricia Houston, also spoke to Oprah about the singer's passing. Check the video after the break...

Toni Braxton Releases New Single "I Heart You" [AUDIO]

Toni Braxton has released a new single from her forthcoming seventh studio album today entitled, "I Heart You". I guess she's been listening to her sister Tamar because her new sound sounds nothing like "Doo-wop-pop-pop".

Pro Motion is proud to premiere the new dance floor stomper by the legendary Toni Braxton. I Heart You was both written and produced by Braxton, as a gift to fans worldwide. She says… 

“When I wrote this song I was thinking about the feeling you get when you walk into a club and you hear the melody..you feel the beat and you just know it’s going to be a good night..”  

A good night, indeed. Toni perfectly encapsulates the feeling of longing for a lover who wants to be with another, all over a thumping club beat. The diva is back! Listen to I Heart You below, and download the single edit for free. Source

I like the single. It took a little bit to get used to since it doesn't have that classic Toni sound, but I could definitely see this doing well, if marketed and promoted right. Good to hear some new music from the diva. Can't wait for the album's release this summer!

WE TV's Braxton Family Values Renewed for a Third Season

It's been announced that WE tv's Braxton Family Values is renewed for a third season. I don't know about you all, but this has become one of my favorite shows on TV. I love the singing, comradarie, and drama that goes on with Toni, Trina, Traci, Tamar, Towanda, and Mama Evelyn. Peep an interview of Wendy Williams and the sisters backstage at the reunion show, courtesty of Hip Hollywood, discussing the second and third season after the break...

SWV "I Missed Us" Album Cover + Tracklisting

The Sisters With Voices better known as SWV are indeed ready to release their forthcoming album, "I Missed Us" on April 17th.

New Video: Usher "Climax"

Usher has released the video to his latest hit, "Climax". He's proving that he still has it with this intense sexy video. The first few seconds of the song has this techno-Chris Brown-feel to it, but it gets better as it goes on. Check out the vid after the break...

THROWBACK: Peabo Bryson "Can You Stop The Rain" (VIDEO)

I was listening to Peabo Bryson's Greatest Hits earlier (don't ask me why) and came across this oldie but goodie. Probably because it's actually raining outside. But I love this song along with other hits such as "Feel The Fire", "If Ever You're In My Arms Again", and "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love" with Roberta Flack.

Although he hasn't released any music since 2007, many of his ballads are still considered RnB classics. Pure grown folks music! Listen and enjoy!

Etta James & Lionel Richie To Be Inducted Into Apollo Theater's Hall of Fame

The late singer Etta James and singer/producer/writer Lionel Richie are both being inducted into the legendary Apollo Theater's Hall of Fame this summer. Read more after the break...

Video: Brandy & Monica "It All Belongs To Me"

The much anticipated video of Brandy and Monica's 2012 duet, "It All Belongs To Me", premiered yesterday. The ladies are all grown up now and instead of fighting over a man, they're teaming up to kick him to the curb. Check it out after the break...

New Aaliyah Album Coming Soon...

It's been reported that a new Aaliyah album is in the works. There has not been any new music released from the late R&B singer whose life tragically ended in a plane crash since her final album in 2001. More on the story after the break...

New Music: Tamia "Beautiful Surprise"

Yaaasss! Tamia is back with new single, "Beautiful Surprise"! The Canadian songbird will be releasing her fifth studio album entitled Beautiful Surprise later this year on her on label, Plus 1 Music Group. Produced by Salaam Remi and co-written by Claude Kelly, this beautiful ballad is exactly what R&B has been missing.  The Canadian songstress is most known for her hits "So Into You", "You Put a Move On My Heart", "Stranger in My House" and "Officially Missing You". Her lovely vocals and the combination of lyrics proclaiming her love for man is a breath of fresh air to R&B. Be on the lookout for the video featuring her husband, Grant Hill, as the love interest. Welcome back Tamia!

Brandy Titles Album in Honor of Whitney Houston & Her Birthday

Brandy has finally titled her upcoming sixth studio album release, "Two Eleven (2/11)" in honor of her friend/mentor the late (that still looks weird) Whitney Houston...

Whitney Houston on the April Cover of Essence Magazine

The late singer, Whitney Houston, graces the cover of the April issue of Essence magazine next month as a tribute to her and her many accomplishments. More on the beautiful songstress after the break...

Throwback: Refugee Camp Allstars ft/ Lauryn Hill "The Sweetest Thing" [VIDEO]

Man, I miss Lauryn Hill! After her award-winning debut album, Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, she totally left us hanging. This song was on the Love Jones soundtrack album is considered a neo-soul, love song classic. I've always know it as Lauryn Hill's song, but technically she was only featured. The Refugee Camp Allstars featured rappers Pras and John Forte who you hear in the background.

RnB News: Karyn White To Be Featured on TV One's "Life After"

'Superwoman' R&B singer Karyn White is definitely on the comeback trail. In addition to her new video for her latest single, "Sista, Sista", she is going to be featured on an upcoming episode of TV One's hit series Life After. For those of you who aren't familiar with Life After, it's a show that answers the question "What ever happened to...?" in reference to some of your favorite singers, athletes, comedians, etc. So far there have been features from New Jack Swing heartthrob Christopher Williams, Christopher 'Play' Martin, Ginuwine, Jackee Harry (227, Sister Sister), A.J. Johnson (House Party, Baby Boy) and others. Much like Unsung, but it stretches a little farther than just singers and musicians.

See also: New Video: Karyn White "Sista, Sista"

I think it's great that Karyn White is going to be featured. Her last album was released in 1994 and she took a break from singing to raise her daughter. She is definitely one of favorite female vocalists from the eighties and nineties. "Romantic", "The Way You Love Me", "Can I Stay With You" and "Love Saw It" still get heavy earplay with me so I'll definitely be tuning in!

New Video: Tank "Next Breath"

A few weeks ago, R&B singer/songwriter Tank dropped a teaser video for his latest single "Next Breath" and now the video is finally here. Check it out after the break!