Multi-Award Winning Singer-Songwriter and American Idol Winner RUBEN STUDDARD Announces The Release of His First-Ever Christmas Project, "MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY" EP (November 1st)

Multi-award winning singer-songwriter and American Idol Winner, R&B Crooner, RUBEN STUDDARD, has announced his upcoming first-ever Christmas project, "MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY,"

"MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY", marks Ruben Studdard's first-ever Christmas project. The five-song EP is introduced to the masses via the title track, "My Favorite Holiday." The lead single, will arrive at your preferred streaming/download platform on Friday, October 25th and the full EP, "My Favorite Holiday", will stream down your chimney on Friday, November 1st. The project will be released under Ruben Studdard's new partnership with Origins|Hitmaker Music Group. Ruben just stopped by The Terrell Show to share the exclusive news about the "My Favorite Holiday" Christmas EP.

“I have always wanted to do a Christmas project and for some reason, it was always put on the back burner. Then about two years ago, my friend, Producer and M/D John Jackson and I decided to start on the music and allow for it to land wherever, when we finished. So, two years of off and on, and we now have this EP,” mentions Ruben Studdard. “The process of recording the project was fun, but also very nostalgic. I grew up singing a lot of these tunes and it always makes me feel happy to remember holiday memories of old,” he adds.

The lead single, "My Favorite Holiday" was written by Ruben Studdard, Romel Gibson and John Jackson and produced by John Jackson. "The song is pretty self explanatory, Christmas has forever and will always be my favorite holiday. We sat out to describe the feeling and the love that the Holiday season invokes," shares Ruben.

RUBEN STUDDARD STOPS BY THE TERRELL SHOW

(AUDIO LINK) "MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY" by RUBEN STUDDARD

(PRE-ORDER LINK) "MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY" EP by RUBEN STUDDARD

"MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY" EP (Track Listing)

1. MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY

2. ONE LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE

3. SILENT NIGHT

4. AT CHRISTMAS TIME

5. AWAY IN A MANGER

LEGENDARY & ICONIC SINGER FRANKIE BEVERLY HAS DIED…

The world is in mourning; yet again, with the passing of legendary and iconic singer Frankie Beverly. Discovered by the late Marvin Gaye, Beverly; whose actual name was Howard Stanley Beverly, began releasing music as the lead singer of Maze in 1970.

Beverly’s death was confirmed by family via a posting on social media platform Instagram. Posted just an hour ago as of press time, more than 19.000 have already viewed and posted comments of respect and condolences.

Frankie Beverly and Maze have had numerous hits and classics throughout the past six decades; including “Before I Let Go”, “Joy And Pain”, “Happy Feelin’s”, and “Back In Stride”. They’ve been recognized several times over the last 15 years, beginning in 2006 with the Rhythm And Blues Foundation Pioneer Awards for Individual Artist, then in 2010 with the Trumpet Awards. They later were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2012 BET Awards, and an NAACP Image Award in 2024.

Visit the Instagram profile @frankiebeverlyandmaze to read the full statement released by family. As always, we will report any updates as they are made available.

Rapper Rich Homie Quan Dead At 34…

Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2024 - Atlanta, GA -

The entertainment world is in utter shock as news spreads of Atlanta rapper Rich Homie Quan passing away today. He was 34.

Initially thought to be a rumor, news began circulating this morning via social media platform X (formerly Twitter). While full and official details have not been released as of press time, the news has been firmed as true.

We extend our prayers and condolences to family, friends, and fans across the world.

Stay tuned for more details as they become available.

Get ready for the release of 'Sticky', the new single from the talented and award-winning pop artist 'Yassie'….

Nashville's Pop star, Yassie, continues to reign in the genre with her latest single, "Sticky," set to release on September 6th across all streaming platforms. The track is a vibrant homage to the classic R&B/Pop sound of the late '80s and early '90s. Yassie's distinctive southern flair offers a taste of the leisurely, romantic vibes that have become her trademark. Her confident delivery of lyrics will make you smile and groove along with her. Experience the video promo for "Sticky" and immerse yourself in the track's charm.

"Sticky" provides a preview of Yassie's highly anticipated album "Reflection," set for release in late September 2024. It's poised to be a groundbreaking project that captures the spirit of Nashville's eclectic music scene and is expected to make a significant impression on its audience.

Yassie's journey from the heartbreak of losing her mother to cancer at a young age to her rise to fame in the music industry is nothing short of remarkable. Her chart-topping single "Vibe With Me" has been played on radio stations nationwide and even in the UK, including 100.3 R&B in Raleigh, NC, 93.9 The Dream in Las Vegas, Choice 107 in Columbia, SC, Dominion Global Radio in Houston, TX, Easy R&B in London, England, Jammin 103.9 in Little Rock, AR, Love 101 in Indianapolis, IN, Magic 93.3 in Denver, CO, Majic 102.3 in Dallas, TX, Pure Sounds Radio in Chicago, IL, Quiet Storm 95.7 in Savannah, GA, and Z102 in Columbus, GA.Yassie's dulcet tones have captivated new listeners everywhere. Her success led to more than twenty performances in the summer of 2023, including singing the national anthem for the Memphis Grizzlies' G League team, The Memphis Hustle, and earning multiple awards and nominations, solidifying her status as a pop music sensation. 

The anticipated release of "Sticky" and the forthcoming album "Reflections" mark Yassie's further expansion into musical creativity. Her artistic voyage transcends musical limits, placing her creative evolution in the spotlight. Her single "Vibe With Me" gained recognition by featuring in several films on Tubi and Peacock throughout 2023-2024. Looking ahead to 2025, Yassie aims to showcase her versatility by venturing into acting.

Yassie is also preparing for the eagerly awaited release of her second single, 'Trippin,' from her album 'Reflection,' which is scheduled for release on September 28th. This coincides with her interview on 'Perspectives with Alana McLaughlin,' set to air on the Fox 17 WZTV network, as well as on My30 and The CW Nashville. To stay updated on all her latest activities, be sure to follow her on Instagram at @Yassie_Official.

HOUSTON RAPPER ‘BEATKING’ DEAD AT 39 …

The hip-hop industry is in mourning; yet again, with the passing of Houston rapper Beatking. According to reports, the rapper has succumbed to a pulmonary embolism.

Beatking; whose real name was Justin Riley, was said to have fainted during a “morning takeover” with Radio One / Urban One, at which point he was rushed to a nearby hospital.

Certainly well-known and revered throughout the state of Texas, Beatking has also collaborated with the likes of Juicy J, Ludacris, and 2Chainz. His music has dominated club playlists for the greater part of the last decade or more.

He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing. We here at U.G. Digital Media & Publishings send our heartfelt condolences and immense love to family, friends, and fans across the world.

ACTRESS ERICA ASH PASSES AWAY AT THE AGE OF 46 …

The entertainment world is mourning the sudden passing of actress Erica Ash. Known mostly for her roles in “Survivor’s Remorse”, “In Contempt”, and “Real Husbands of Hollywood”, Ash was an undeniable force in the acting world.

As of press time; no word has been provided on her cause of death. Of course, we’ll stayed on top of this story and keep everyone as up to date as possible.

We at U.G. Digital Media & Publishings, and U.G. Digital Magazine extend our deepest condolences to fans, friends, and family of Erica Ash!

UB40 IS BACK WITH A NEW ALBUM, “UB45” AND A 21-CITY US TOUR CELEBRATING THEIR 45-YEAR LEGACY…

The last few years have been marked “the age of the comeback “, and 2024 appears to be no different. Pop band UB40 is making their welcomed comeback to the music scene with the upcoming release of UB45!

“UB45” is a 14-song celebration of the past, present, and future of the band. The collection includes new recordings alongside several classic UB40 songs reimagined to celebrate the anniversary of the formation of the group way back in 1978.

The first single from the new album, “Gimme Some Kinda Sign” breathes new life into the 60’s classic originally recorded by Brenton Woods. Combining the band’s insouciant grooves, a breezy melody and trademark effervescence, “Gimme Some Kind a Sign” is a bona fide triumph. Lead vocalist Matt Doylesuggested it to Robin Campbell, unaware that it had been sitting on his wish list since the Labour of Love (1983) album days four decades ago.

“Gimme Some Kinda Sign” is the first single from the band’s upcoming album “UB45”. The album releases globally on Friday April 19th, via the SRG-ILS label imprint. “UB45” is available for pre-orders now; https://fanlink.to/ub45.

(MUSIC VIDEO) "GIMME SOME KINDA SIGN" by UB40

UB45 ALBUM TRACKLISTING::
1. Home
2. Food for Thought
3. King
4. Champion
5. Tyler
6. Trouble
7. Red Red Wine
8. Fool Me Once
9. Cherry Oh Baby
10. Say Nothing
11. Sing Our Own Song
12. Gimme Some Kinda Sign
13. Kingston Town
14. Hope She'll Be Happier

“UB45” is also a featured release on Record Store Day (April 20) in the United States and United Kingdom. This exclusive pressing on bright yellow vinyl also includes a 12-page booklet with exclusives photos and full liner notes from the band.

UB40 is supporting the new album with a massive world-wide tour which includes 21 dates in North America. Maxi Priest, Inner Circle, Third World and Big Mountain to join on select dates. https://ub40.global/tour/

July 2 New York, NY
July 3 Boston, MA
July 5 Ledyard, CT
July 6 Charlestown, WV
July 7 Selbyville, DE
July 10 Bergen, NJ
July 11 Niagra Falls, ON
July 12 Flint, MI
July 13 Davenport, IA
July 19 Park City, UT
July 21 Tacoma, WA
July 25 Saratoga, CA
July 26 Cabazon, CA
July 27 Primm, NV
Aug 2 Santa Ynez, CA
Aug 3 Chandler, AZ
Aug 5 Santa Fe, NM
Aug 8 Clearwater, FL
Aug 9 Pompano, FL
Aug 10 St Augustine, FL
Aug 11 Melbourne, FL

CONNECT WITH UB40:
Website: www.ub40.global.com
Instagram: @UB40Official
X:@UB40Offical
Facebook: /Ub40Official

Black Owned Entertainment Channel UBCTV Joins FreeCast’s Lineup

NEW YORK CITY, NY— UBCTV, one of the top Black Owned Television Networks worldwide has inked a deal to join Freecast, one of the world’s largest Free Ad Supported Television (FAST) platforms. The UBCTV Network is an urban lifestyle content channel, featuring a wide variety of both curated and original programming, ranging from sports and music programming to entertainment and talk shows. Viewers can find us on Channel #3844 in the Channel Section under TV categories and featured in the BLK section of the Channel Guide as well as on Freecast.com mobile.

The partnership with the platform that has over 700 free streaming channels, and aggregates over half a million on-demand movies and TV episodes from ad-supported, subscription, and pay-per-view sources, will give UBCTV 24 hour programming, where they will air all of the new shows that the platform has added to the network.

UBCTV's current line up will include: UBC Fiscal Fitness, Rucker Park Basketball, UBC Independent Music Videos, Style and Beauty Cafe, Its A Ant Jones World, If These Walls Could Talk, National Sounds Of Gospel TV, City Vines, This Week Africa, Culturally Lit Africa, Grindhard TV, UBC Wellness, Triverity Talk, Body By Alexis, The Final Round, Live From The Next Sound Studio, Global Women's Basketball, and Mr. Jay V Comedy Show.

Tracy West, FreeCast’s Executive Vice President of Digital Content, discussed the channel “We’re excited to welcome UBCTV to our platform. It’s a channel that serves and speaks to urban communities across the country, and provides our users access to another high quality channel for free. Each one of our hundreds of channels helps our service stand as a no-cost alternative to those big cable bundles.”

• Peggy Dodson, UBCTV’s CEO says, “What better platform for UBCTV to roll out its 24-hour channel than Freecast? It’s one of the most innovative companies in the industry and UBCTV fits in well. I am excited about growing and expanding our audience and reach on Freecast.”

Additionally, UBCTV, has unveiled their new Urban Shopping Experience. The Shoppers Showcase program, modeled on the long-running QVC home-shopping show allows, interested brands to self-promote their goods and services to audiences that can make live purchases in real time. It’s a great way for designers, brands, and purveyors of high-quality wares to reach new customers from all over the world!

Cross-promotion will be a prominent feature of the Urban Shopping Experience and Shoppers Showcase. Look for Fashion Week-style shows, virtual and live pop-ups, special events, and other exclusive, original urban content. Peggy Dodson, founder and CEO of UBCTV, says of the new venture, “I am so excited about this! Wow, it has taken a few years to get this in place. With the rollout of UBCTV, it will put Urban Shopping in a great position for immediate growth and that is exciting.” To further support the new platform, UBCTV is partnering with Smart Card Marketing Systems, (OTCQB: SMKG) a Canada-based industry leader in specialized industry e-Commerce, Cloud and Mobility Marketplaces and Applications delivering White-Label and Private-Label solutions to the global PayTech, FinTech and Blockchain markets. Max Barone, Smart Card CEO, enthusiastically welcomed the partnership, saying, “It is exciting to work and collaborate with Peggy and UBCTV Network. She is doing great things and we are happy to be part of her initiatives as she shakes up the scene. It's been quite the transformation for UBCTV and we are happy to be part of the puzzle."

UBCTV continues to march forward as the premier urban entertainment network in today’s marketplace, making major strides that mark the platform as an industry leader. UBCTV reaches over 10 million viewers via Glewed TV, expanding its scope across multiple streaming platforms such as Apple TV, Roku, and Fire TV and now available on the 24 hour platform Freecast. Soon, people around the globe will have access to a wide-ranging experience second to none in the online entertainment world. UBCTV has also rolled out UB Social, a network-related social media platform that brings viewers, content creators, network stars and sponsors. You can also follow all the newest content and happenings at UBCTV here. Check out the Urban Home Shopping Network at their new site here.

THE QUEEN! THE ICON! THE LEGEND, CHAKA KHAN SIGNS EXCLUSIVE DEAL WITH Srg/ils, prepS new music for summer…..

Cleveland, OH - May 19, 2022 … OK, faithful readers, y’all know I’m falling out of my seat with excitement on this story!! The Queen, The Legend, Chaka Khan has joined in collaboration with SRG/ILS to release new music this summer!

The SRG/ILS group is honored to announce a new collaboration with one of the most iconic and recognizable voices in American music, Chaka Khan! A singer, songwriter, actor, and activist, Chaka Khan is one of the world’s most gifted and celebrated musicians the world has ever known. Impacting almost every popular musical genre and having sold an estimated 70 million records, Chaka Khan has influenced generations of recording artists.

“Chaka Khan is a beacon of light in our industry. Her spirit and her vocals soar. It is a pleasure working with her on this next chapter and we got a hot record here.” – Claude Villani, Founder and CEO of The SRG/ILS Group.

“I am very proud to be with The SRG/ILS Group, a company that is run by a real musician who understands the needs of artists that have been overlooked for years.” Chaka Khan

Her legendary career jump started when Stevie Wonder penned the now classic “Tell Me Something Good” for Chaka when she was lead singer of the R&B, Funk band Rufus in 1974. Both the song and the album, Rags To Rufus, topped the charts, were certified Gold and won the Grammy that year for Best R&B Vocal Performance.

After six albums with Rufus nearly all of which went Gold or Platinum, in 1978 Chaka Khan started her solo career releasing the all-time classic “I’m Every Woman” (Ashford and Simpson). Produced by iconic songwriter, arranger, producer, and executive Arif Mardin, the single and the album, Chaka, cemented Chaka Kahn as a force that was about to take over popular music.

After incredible success both solo and collaborative, in 1984 Chaka released the iconic album I Feel For You. The title track, a cover of a Prince song, was a gigantic pop hit on the radio and MTV and earned Chaka her second Grammy Award as a solo artist for Best R&B Vocal Performance. Alongside being a top selling chart topper, the song made history by being the first R&B song to feature a rap which was performed by Grand Master Melle Mel. That kind of forward thinking always kept Chaka Khan one step ahead of and praised by her peers. The late, great Miles Davis often said, “She [Chaka] sings like my horn.” And the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin said, “[Chaka] is a one- of- a -kind, premier vocalist.”

Alongside the hit albums and singles, Chaka Khan has appeared on stage and screen in such standout productions as The Blue Brothers movie, The Color Purple on Broadway, and Signed, Sealed, and Delivered a musical based on the music of her friend Stevie Wonder.

In 2022 the 10-time Grammy Award winner is about to chart a new path on all fronts of her record-breaking career. Chaka is continuing her hit making and chart-topping ways as she wraps up production of new music that is both contemporary and every bit classic Chaka Khan.