Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and more Inducted into R&B Hall of Fame

The official opening of the R&B Hall of Fame Museum was announced last week. They plan to honor artists, producers, and others who have contributed to the genre's success. The legendary Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin are among the 23 inductees for the Class of 2013. Check out who else made the list after the break!

New Artist Shine: Alexis Nicole "Wait For Me"

Although I am an old-school Soul/R&B junkie/enthusiast, I do on occasion like to give newer R&B artists shine. Alexis Nicole is an artist that I found out about through Twitter. Her latest single, "Wait For Me" was all the buzz, so I decided to take a listen and was pleasantly surprised. Produced by Trei Sly, this song "can be the soundtrack of many love stories. Sometimes, you may have to wait on the one you want until they can actually be that for you.his song," according to Alexis. Check it out for yourself below.

I liked the song on first listen, although I think her smooth, smoky vocals are too heavy for this record. However, the production intertwines nicely with her voice to make this an easy listen. After listening to this song, I went to her website to find more of her music. I really liked her previous singles, "Cold World" and "Love's A Game". They really showcase her vocal range and ability a lot more in my opinion. She has a great look and sound and I look forward to hearing more from  her.

What do you think of "Wait For Me"? Leave a comment and follow Alexis Nicole on Twitter!

R&B Group Silk Returns With New Single "Home For Christmas"

If you're a big fan of Soul/R&B Christmas music like I am, then you'll be delighted to know that 90s R&B group, Silk, has released their new single "Home For Christmas" just in time for the holidays! Check out the preview after the break.

Emelie Sande Announces 2013 U.S. Tour Dates!

The U.S. tour dates for U.K. singing sensation Emelie Sande were announced this week and I couldn't be more excited. After selling over 600,000 copies of her debut album, Our Version of Events, she is one of the biggest selling stars this years overseas. However, her star has not shone as brightly over here in the United States. But that's all going to change when she tours the States next year. See what cities she's going to be visiting after the break!

THROWBACK: Dru Hill "These Are The Times" [VIDEO]

I was a middle schooler, in 1998, when this throwback jam came out. I was a HUGE fan of Dru Hill, although at first I thought they were a wannabe Jodeci when they hit the scene. However, they won me over with their first album and I was a die-hard fan by the second one!

I really liked this video because of the whole Man In The Iron Mask concept taken from the book and movie that starred Leonardo Di Caprio during that time. I also loved it that Lark Voorhies, from one of my all-time favorite shows, Saved By The Bell, was the heroine. It was interesting, yet classy, and complemented the song well.

Most memorable line: "Tear you up in little pieces/Swallow you like Reese's Pieces/C'mon, girl you know I need you!"

Song of the Day: Hi-Five "I Like The Way (Kissing Game)

I absolutely LOVED this song growing up! Produced by super-producer Teddy Riley, this song from their self-titled debut album went #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. Other marginal hits from them included She's Playing Hard To Get, Can't Wait Another Minute and Just Can't Handle It.

I was saddened to read about the death of lead singer, Tony Thompson, 2007. I had a little crush on him as a kid much like other little girls. The sweet innocence of this song reminds me of a time when R&B singers could sing about love and relationships without everything being so vulgar and crass. It also reminds me of a time when R&B male groups were in full effect—Troop, Boyz II Men, Shai, New Edition, ABC, Tony Toni Tone!, H-Town, and more. Though their success was short lived, I Like The Way (The Kissing Game)still gets airplay and is always rocking on my playlist. Enjoy!

Brandy Visits The Breakfast Club and Talks New 'Two-Eleven' Album

Brandy "B-Rocka" Norwood visited The Breakfast Club at Power 105.1 to promote her new album, Two Eleven, which hits stores and iTunes tomorrow. The album has been hailed as her comeback album and features production from Rico Love, Warryn Campbell, Mario Winans, Bangladesh and more!  Released through RCA Records and Chameleon Entertainment, the 14-track album features the Chris Brown collab "Put It Down", "Let It Go", "No Such Thing As Too Late" and my favorite, "Wildest Dreams." Watch the video after the break!

THROWBACK: Keke Wyatt: "Put Your Hands On Me" [VIDEO]

If you watch the show R&B Divas on TVOne, then you've seen R&B singer, Keke Wyatt, share her story concerning her previous marriage to her abusive ex-husband. She has been famously known for stabbing her ex-husband in self-defense during a domestic dispute. (The charges were later dropped.)
Since then, Keke has been trying to repair her image and rebuild her career. She is also a spokesperson for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV).

I had never seen this video for before a few days ago. I like how Keke didn't let what happened to her, break her. Instead, she turned it into her testimony. I'm not sure why this video did not get as much promotion as it should have, but I am glad that she used her situation as a way to help other women. On the show, you can definitely see growth in her as an artist and as a woman who has been through trauma and difficulties. You can hear more from her and the other divas on Faith Evans' new release, R&B Divas.

SONG OF THE DAY: Glover Washington, Jr. & Bill Withers "Just The Two of Us"

It's no secret that I'm an old school music head. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, old school R&B music. "Just The Two of Us" is one of my absolute favorite songs. It's a soul and jazz classic and what you call timeless music.  Sung and co-written by Bill Withers, the song originally appeared on saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr.'s 1981 album, Winelight, the song went on to win a Grammy for Best R&B Song. "Just The Two of Us" has also been covered and sampled by artists like Regina Belle and Will Smith. Enjoy!

New Music: Vivian Green "When Can I See You Again"

Vivian Green released her new single from her new album,Green Room, which hit stores today. On "When Can I See You Again", the "Emotional Rollercoaster" singer sings about the woes of having a long distance relationship and wanting to be with her man. I actually think this is a great record for her. I can relate because I've been there before myself. It didn't work out, but that's for another day.

I really hope Vivian does well album sales-wise. Honestly, this album flew under the radar for me because there was absolutely no buzz or anticipation for it. That "Still Here" song didn't really grab my attention like this one does. But that's just my opinion. What do you think about it?

Listen to Vivian Green's Green Room in its entirety here. Go out and buy a copy or two. Support R&B!

New Heat: Brandy "No Such Thing As Too Late" [AUDIO]

Brandy is really putting in work with this upcoming album! From live performances to radio shows, I haven't seen this much excitement and anticipation for her since the early 00s. Her single, "Put It Down" featuring Chris Brown is now a Top Ten hit (her first in over ten years) which is a good look for her. Her new album, Two-Eleven, will be released on October 16th on Chameleon/RCA records.

I was really feeling that "Wildest Dreams record" and I like this one as well. I really want Brandy to win. I just hope she doesn't stop promoting her album the way Monica did with hers. (Yeah, I almost forgot she released an album this year also). Speaking of Monica, I did notice that "It All Belongs To Me" is not on the tracklist for Two-Eleven. Interesting.

Anyway, what do you think of the song? Hot or not?

Song of The Day: Emelie Sande "My Kind of Love"

I love, love, love this girl! Hailing from the U.K., this young woman is taking the charts by storm! Having already sold over 600, 000 copies (only second behind Adele in 2012 U.K. sales) of her debut album, Our Version of Events, she was also the voice of the recent 2012 Summer Olympics. Even Adele has sang her praises. Although, she is a top artist/songwriter over in the U.K., she has yet to sore to the top of the U.S. charts. However, I feel that's only a matter of time.

"My Kind of Love" is my absolute favorite song of hers. From the opening piano intro until her last soulful note, this song right here was an instant hit for me.  In an era of bubblegum music and artists who are use gimmicks to become and remain relevant, I found hope in Emelie Sande. If you haven't checked out Our Version of Events you must not be a fan of real music. The album is dope from beginning to end. Check out the song and video below.

VIDEO: Karyn White "Unbreakable"

R&B singer Karyn White sings about being "Unbreakable" in her latest video. This video was released in July, so I'm somewhat late. However, I'm glad to see her still doing her thang after all these years. She still looks and sounds great! If you haven't copped her new album, Carpe Diem, you're missing out!

VIDEO: It's Official! Tyrese, Ginuwine & Tank form Supergroup 'TGT'

There have been rumors and talks for years of R&B singers Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank combining their talents and forming a supergroup. Unofficially started in 2007, the group was all talk until the re-announcement at the 2012 BET Awards this past summer. Although individually successful with millions of albums sold between them, the trio recently signed a deal with Atlantic Records and they are now performing as TGT. With influences like the O'Jays and LSG (Gerald Levert, Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill), these singers, who have nicknamed themselves the "R&B Avengers" plan to take R&B back to what it used to be. Check out the video of their official signing after the break...

Avant & Keke Wyatt Put the Love Back in R&B with "You & I"

Now THIS is what I am talking about!!! We haven't really heard any R&B duets like this since the early 00s and who other to bring it back than Avant and Keke Wyatt? With R&B hits like "Nothing In This World" and their beautiful cover of Rene & Angela's "My First Love", the duo have team up again with this beautiful release.

You can now catch Keke on the TvOne's R&B Divas along with Faith Evans, Nicci Gilbert (lead singer from Brownstone), Monifah and Syleena Johnson. Avant reportedly is releasing a new album next year in 2013. If this single is any indication of what his new album will sound like, I can't wait! Feels good hearing singers singing about love again. Just what the R&B game has been missing.

What do you think of "You and I"?

New Album Releases: Faith Evans "R&B Divas" and Miguel's "Kaleidoscope Dreams"

Veteran R&B singer Faith Evans and the seemingly overnight new R&B sensation, Miguel both have new albums in stores today.  The success of the hit TVOne reality series, R&B Divas, coincides the release of Faith's new album with the same name, featuring her co-stars Monifah, Syleena Johnson, Keke Wyatt, and Nicci Gilbert along with Kelly Price, Fantasia, and Gilbert's mom, Helene "Mom" Gilbert. The proceeds from the album will benefit a charity in honor of Evans' close friend and mentor, the late Whitney Houston. The show follows the lives of the singers' lives and shows how they deal with balancing life, family, and reviving their careers. Although I wasn't too crazy about that "Dumb" single that Faith recently released, I love that "Tears of Joy" record. Faith hasn't released an album since 2010 and it's great to hear from some of my favorite R&B female artists. Excited to see how well this project does. I'm sure Whitney would be proud.

I didn't want to like the "Adorn" song. Perhaps because people were hyping it before I had a chance to listen to it. You know how can wear out a song before it's even marinated yet. But gradually my reluctant foot tapping changed to me singing along with Miguel at the top of my lungs while getting ready for work. (Don't act like I'm the only one!) Since his 2010 debut album, All I Want Is You, he has released music steadily online before his smash breakout #1 single, "Adorn "off new sophomore release, Kaleidoscope Dream, that drops today. I gave the album a listen yesterday, and I give it two thumbs up! Most artists have a hard time outdoing their debut albums and getting over their sophomore slump, but I think Miguel can only go higher from this point in his career. Definitely the most deserving, highly anticipated album of the year.

I love what R&B artists are doing right now.  Now go out and support both artists!

Song of the Day: Kevon Edmonds "24/7"

OMG...do you remember this song??? I was in 8th grade when this song was released in 1999 and I LOVED it immediately. It had been a while since Kevon Edmonds had been on the scene since his After 7 days and he came in with a bang. I remember trying listening to this song on the radio and would stop everything I was doing and sing along, thinking about the special love I'd have in my life someday. Also that was during the days when the BOX (remember that)? was still around lol.

He followed up this single with "No Love" and didn't release any more music until perhaps a couple of years ago, which failed to make an impact in this age of bubblegum music. He is still one of my favorite male singers and I hope to hear new music from him soon. This song will forever hold sweet memories for me. Enjoy!

Been So Long...

Hello everyone! It's been a few months since I've posted anything. There were some personal matters that I had going on and just wasn't feeling it.  It got to the point where I wasn't writing anything. I also got away from my reason for starting this blog in the first place. Originally, I started it to celebrate old school R&B artists and their music. R&B (not Hip Hop & R&B) is not a celebrated genre of music anymore. Heck, even the Billboard charts hardly recognize pure R&B anymore. I missed those songs that made you feel good and evoked all sorts of emotions like love and happiness--that "Awwww yeah!" feeling that you get when you're favorite oldie came on. I began focusing more on keeping up with the latest news and what other sites were posting than what I really wanted to focus on--the music.