55th Grammy Award Nominations--Luke James, SWV, and Tamia Get Nods!

For those of you that did not get a chance to tune into the 55th Grammy Awards nominations show last night, below is the list of the R&B categories. The show was held in Nashville, TN last night and featured an array of performers while hosted by rapper/actor LL Cool J and country star, Taylor Swift.  For the complete list of nominees, go here.

Best R&B Performance
Thank You - Estelle
Gonna Be Alright (f.t.b.) - Robert Glasper Experiment featuring Ledisi
I Want You - Luke James
Adorn - Miguel
Climax - Usher

Best Traditional R&B Performance
Lately - Anita Baker
Love On Top - Beyoncé
Wrong Side Of A Love Song - Melanie Fiona
Real Good Hands - Gregory Porter
If Only You Knew - SWV

Best R&B Song
Adorn - Miguel Pimentel, songwriter (Miguel)
Beautiful Surprise - Tamia Hill, Claude Kelly & Salaam Remi, songwriters (Tamia)
Heart Attack - Benjamin Levin, Rico Love & Tremaine Neverson, songwriters (Trey Songz)
Pray For Me - Antonio Dixon, Kenny Edmonds, Anthony Hamilton & Patrick "jque" Smith, songwriters (Anthony Hamilton)
Refill - Darhyl "dj" Camper, Elle Varner & Andrew "pop" Wansel, songwriters (Elle Varner)

Best Urban Contemporary Album
Fortune - Chris Brown
Kaleidoscope Dream - Miguel
Channel Orange - Frank Ocean

Best R&B Album
Black Radio - Robert Glasper Experiment
Back To Love - Anthony Hamilton
Write Me Back - R. Kelly
Beautiful Surprise - Tamia
Open Invitation - Tyrese

Eric Benet & Faith Evans "Christmas Without You"

There's nothing I love more than Soul/R&B Christmas music, and two of my favorite singers, Eric Benet and Faith Evans did not fail to disappoint. The mid-tempo "Christmas Without You" talks about being without the one you love on Christmas. Take a listen and leave a comment on what you think.

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!

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!

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.

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"?

Maxwell Announces 6-Day Summer Tour--Will Perform ALL Albums

Singer Maxwell has announced a six-day concert tour this summer where he will perform ALL of his albums in their entirety during the show...

SWV Performs on Wendy Williams + Taj Addresses Divorce Rumors [VIDEO]

I actually got a chance to catch Wendy Williams' show today and was surprised that the R&B trio SWV would be performing. To further promote their anticipated album, I Missed Us, which drops today in stores, the ladies performed their lead single, "Co-Sign" along with their classic hit "Anything" by request of Wendy.

Y'all already know how messy Wendy is so she asked the elephant in the room question of Taj concerning the status of her marriage to ex-NFL player Eddie George. (Click here if you missed that drama) I caught that "Oh, sh-t" look that Coco had on her face lol, but Taj answered professionally by saying, "I'm so glad you asked that question. I am happy to say that we are very happily married." Watch a clip of their performance after the break.

Usher' Reveals Official Album Title & Release Date of New Album

R&B veteran Usher's new album is dropping on June 12th through RCA Records. Although there were rumors that the album would be entitled The Shantertence (whatever the hell that is), Usher squashed those rumors by announcing the album title to be Looking For Myself. This will be his seventh album and will be produced by Rico Love, Salaam Remi, Diplo, Jim Jonson and more.

He released the video for his single, "Climax" a few weeks ago to mixed reviews. I think it's a pretty cool song to start with. However, one of Usher's biggest dance rivals and label mates, Chris Brown, is also releasing a new album and just dropped some heat such as "See Through" that even I had to give him his props on. I guess we'll just have to see who comes out on top.

If you haven't seen the video for "Climax", go here. Will you be copping Usher's "Looking For Myself"?

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!

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?

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]

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.

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.

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...

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 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!