Archived News & Features — Urban Grandstand Digital™

@iamkrayziebone & #BizzyBone Join for Joint Album...

Following more than twenty years in music, Krayzie Bone and Bizzy Bone have finally joined forces for a long-awaited joint album. Fans alike have anticipated the album for much of the group's career. Titled "New Waves", the album is set to drop in June.  

 

Check out the lead single, "Coming Home" below, which features guest vocals from Stephen Marley.  

@Iamkrayziebone Talks "New Waves", "Notorious Thugs", & More with Ebro in the Morning....

FullSizeRender.jpg

Krayzie Bome recently dropped in on Ebro in the Morning to discuss his new joint album with Bizzy Bone. Joined also by manager Steve Lobel, he also reminisced about he and his fellow Bone Thugs members creating Notorious Thugs with The Notorious B.I.G., and talked about their infamous bus ride, first to California, then back to Cleveland, and finally back to California in their pursuit of hip-hop success. 

 

Check the video clip out below for the full interview! 

TLC Officially Back with New Single, "Way Back", featuring @snoopdogg

IMG_3223.JPG

The ladies of #TLC are back with their new single, Way Back, featuring Snoop Dogg! It's a hot new west coast vibe for the ladies, and it's definitely next level for T-Boz & Chilli. "Way Back" stands as the lead single to their final album, which is due in stores this June. Take a listen to the track below, and be sure to comment with your thoughts! 

 

 

[NEWS] 2Pac Biopic 'All Eyez On Me' Closer to Airing, @BET Releases Extended Trailer...

IMG_2807.JPG

Fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of the upcoming 2Pac Biopic, 'All Eyez on Me'. Finally, as June air date has been set, and BET has released an extended trailer for the film chronically the final years of the slain hip-hop luminary.

Take a few moments and watch the trailer below!

 

http://www.bet.com/content/bet/music/2017/04/07/tupac-all-eyez-on-me-trailer.html

 

@rickyrozay Shines as #Woodies Host, Releases New Album as Show Ends....

Rick Ross | MTV Woodies | Photo Credit: Getty Images, Courtesy of MTV

It was a night to remember for those who were in Austin, TX SXSW and The MTV Woodies. D.R.A.M. opened the night alongside by Lil' Yachty. They were the perfect intro for Rick Ross, who served as the event's host for the night. Ross shined in his role as master of ceremonies, as the night rolled on with several artists winning coveted Woodie awards, and many more offering arousing performances to keep the crowd on their feet. 

 

Ross is dominating the spotlight this week, as he released his highly anticipated album, Rather You than Me, as the event ended last night. The album is now available in stores worldwide, and with all digital retailers. 

For more on The MTV Woodie Awards, visit www.mtv.com/woodies

Scroll below to check out some of the nights hottest performances!!!

JIDENNA: HELICOPTERS

DESIIGNER: OUTLETS

D.R.A.M.: CHA CHA

@thegreatkhalid Wins Big at The MTV Woodies....

New artist Khalid hit it big tonight at the MTV Woodies! Hailing straight out of El Paso, TX, the up and coming R&B artist is well on his way to superstardom, as his debut album, American Teen, landed in the top 10 this past week on the infamous Billboard 200. 

Tonight, he received further vindication in the name of a coveted award, the MTV Woodie to Watch award. Watch below as he hits the stage to perform!

You can also catch the full show by logging into your cable providers at www.mtv.com/woodies

RECAP: The MTV Woodies | SXSW

The night is done, and another amazing event has jumped off in the name of SXSW (South by Southwest) The MTV Woodies. Hosted annually in Austin, Texas, The MTV Woodies serves as the ultimate vehicle for urban music's brightest emerging talent.

The leading entertainment network pulled no stops in this year's show, as it featured guest host and performer Rick Ross, who coincidentally released his anticipated new album when it was all said and done, plus performances from the likes of Young M,A,, Bibi Bourelly, D.R.A.M., Jidenna, and a host of others. 

Winners for the night included Khalid, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Ed Sheeran, & The Chainsmokers. You can head on over to www.mtv.com/woodies for the full rundown. 

Take a look below at this exclusive recap performance from D.R.A.M., courtesy of MTV!

 

@MTV Woodies Set to Take Flight Tonight in Austin, TX...

IMG_2285.JPG
Lil' Yachty at rehearsals for MTV Woodies; 📸credit: Getty Images

Lil' Yachty at rehearsals for MTV Woodies; 📸credit: Getty Images

​Tonight will be an event to remember here in Austin, Texas! The annual SXSW Festivals are kicking off tonight, and the roster is something you've revered by any music lover. The artists have all been here and prepping since yesterday, and they're geared up to make the night pretty special. The event kicks off at 7pm sharp with performances by urban music luminaries Big Baby D.R.A.M., Lil Yachty, Young M.A., Bibi Bourelly, MUNA, and PVRIS. That's ink the beginning. The main event features host Ricky Rozay himself, along with more from D.R.A.M. And Lil Yachty, plus added performances from Jidenna, Khalid, Starley, and Desiigner.

 A$AP Rocky, MTV's Gabby Wilson, & A$AP Ferg at MTV Woodies Pre-Party; 📸credit: Getty Images

 A$AP Rocky, MTV's Gabby Wilson, & A$AP Ferg at MTV Woodies Pre-Party; 📸credit: Getty Images

​We're just as excited as everyone about tonight's extravaganza. It's definitely something epic for music, and by all means it forwards the culture tremendously. We'll have a full viewable stream up tonight following the festivities, courtesy of MTV!

The “MTV Woodies” is a yearly event that spotlights an eclectic roster of emerging artists across musical genres. The 2016 line-up boasted Anderson.Paak & The Free Nationals, A$AP Ferg, BØRNS, The Chainsmokers, CHVRCHES, Jack Garratt, Jidenna, Kehlani and Lukas Graham. Past “MTV Woodies” performers include Wiz Khalifa, Twenty One Pilots, Sam Smith, Iggy Azalea, Steve Aoki, Foo Fighters, Odd Future, The 1975, Childish Gambino, Santigoldand Mac Miller.

@Trakksounds New Song, '11:15', Recruits @DevinTheDude, @KirkoBangz, & @Nekoveli ...

IMG_2237.PNG

In-demand Houston producer Trakksounds presents a hot new track entitled “11:15” featuringDevin The Dude, Kirko Bangs and Neko. Putting an amusing twist on the TLC classic “Creep,” the versatile producer reimagines the sexy late night rendezvous from a man’s perspective. The soulful jam is the second release from Trakksounds’ forthcoming albumThe Other Sidewhich includes artist features by Scarface, A$AP Ferg,Devin The Dude, Kevin Gates,Dizzy Wright,Starlito, Maxo Kream, Scotty ATL, Xavier Wolf, Kirko Bangz and many others. Full tracklist included below.


“I grew up listening to TLC and am a huge fan. I’ve been wanting to flip the Creep sample and put out a fresh male perspective on it,” explains Trakksounds. “So I linked up with my co-producers Roc N Mayne in LA and we just vibed out on it in the lab. I needed it to be the same soulful feel so I presented it to Devin who I knew would deliver the hook perfectly. And of course Neko’s wicked pen never disappoints and Kirko sealed it up with his swag.”

 LISTEN TO "11:15" ON SOUNDCLOUD


11:15” follows lead single “Once Upon A Time” which paired a long-awaited collaboration with Scarface and Starlito. Praising its dark piano laden production as “fantastic,” XXL was proud to exclusively premiere his first single last month.  Meanwhile HotNewHipHop gave a nod to the “spooky production provided by Trakksounds” and encouraged readers to become familiar with the Houston producer who’s “working with some of the hottest artists in the game right now.” 


LISTEN TO "ONCE UPON A TIME" ON SOUNDCLOUD

Fans can catch Trakksounds in the mix at SXSW this Wednesday March 15th. He will be at the Palm Door performing at the Welcome To Tha South Showcase alongside Peewee Longway, Maxo Kream, Starlito, Ralo, Sonny Digital and more.


To celebrate his new album, Trakksounds will host a hometown album release party on April 1st at Houston’s Warehouse Live with not-to-be-missed performances from Starlito, Don Trip, Scotty ATL and many other special guests. 

See track listing below... 

1. Intro                     

2. Once Upon A Time (Ft. Starlito, Scarface, Kam Franklin)

3. Priorities (Ft. GT Garza, Roosh Williams, Doeman)

4. Feel Alive (Ft. T2 The Ghetto Hippie, Dizzy Wright)

5. Fireflies (Ft. Fat Dollies)

6. Issues (Ft. Constantine)

7. Active (Ft. Maxo Kream, Xavier Wulf)

8. Can't Explain It (Ft. Scotty ATL, Rizzoo Rizzoo, OranJuiceJones II)

9. 11:15 (Ft. Devin The Dude, Kirko Bangz, Neko)

10. No Doubt About It (Ft. Railey Rose)

11. Never Tipsy (Ft. Killa Kyleon, ASAP Ferg, & Maxo Kream)

12. Known Fact (Ft. Scotty ATL)

13. B.M.W. (Ft. Ye Ali)

14. Ringing (TrakkSounds Remix) (Ft. Kevin Gates & Killa Kyleon)

15. Tomorrow Never Comes ft. Kam Franklin, Heartbeatz & Neko

 

 

[VIDEO] DREA LOVE [ @drea_love2 ]: FEELING MYSELF

FullSizeRender.jpg

After burning the internet up with 80,000 views of her last video, "Came to Party", Drew Love is back with a new single and video to heat up the party. "Feeling Myself" has a banging vibe, and takes us on a stroll down the sandy beaches of Jamaica. Check out the visual below: 

 

[AUDIO] AMI MILLER ( @amimilleromg ): NOT TRIPPIN

IMG_2004.JPG

Ami Miller is one of the hottest names to hit the game, and judging by her latest ammunition, the fiery "Not Trippin", she going to be here a long time. Check it out below... 

 

For more info on Ami, visit her official website at www.ouchgirlami.com, and via Instagram & Twitter @amimilleromg

 

 

[NEWS] @Raesremmurd & @Madsonik REMIX "BLACK BEATLES"...

IMG_1863.JPG

February 22, 2017 – Today, EarDrummer Records and Interscope Records recording duo Rae Sremmurd partners with Electronic Arts for an exclusive preview to their official remix of the #1 single “Black Beatles.” Produced by Madsonik and executive produced by Mike WiLL Made-It, the hard-hitting remix turns up for EA’s biggest first person shooter game Battlefield 1.  With new lyrics set to the dawn of all-out warfare, the fresh new version gives a nod to heroic military soldiers. The exclusive trailer previews the epic multiplayer arms race with high-octane dogfights, obliterating battleships, twisting through the trenches of in your face warfare. Watch the preview below...

​The “Black Beatles” remix will be available for purchase this Friday February 24 on iTunes.

[NEWS] @iamjgforreal & @richthekid PREMIERE "BIRDS IN LA"...

IMG_1834.JPG

Tampa based artist JG premieres his brand new music video “Birds In LA” featuring Atlanta rapper Rich The Kid.  Produced by No Gen, JG doesn’t just rap about getting at girls on the percolating “Birds in LA,” but the newcomer also throws down his gauntlet to declare his residence in the hip-hop community. Directed by Miles Cable the music video set in the reflective overlook of the ominous Los Angeles skyline. The single is a first look into JG’s upcoming debut EP, 3 Feet From Gold, due out later this year on independent Field of Dreams Entertainment.


JG explains, “I want to get across that I’m in this bitch now.  I’m here to stay.  For this song, I’m constantly inspired by everything.  Grimey bitches. Instagram hoes. Fake ass rappers. Fuck boys.  Haters.  My Past.  My future. My son. My family. All that is motivation to me. I just want people to feel something when they hear the record.  Whether they hear it and get pissed off or hear it and get hyped up, it doesn’t matter to me… as long as it elicits some type of emotion for them.”

Rich was really cool,” JG says about collaborating with the rapper known for his popular mixtapes.  JG connected with Rich the Kid and Caskey through his engineer.  “He came to the studio, laid the shit down and killed it for the visual as well.”

Check out the visual below! 

 

[MAGAZINE] NEW ISSUE AVAILABLE, URBAN GRANDSTAND DIGITAL MAGAZINE

We're excited to announce the release of our latest issue, boasting our cover artist OJ da Juiceman. He's built an amazing career on the independent circuit, and continues to flourish with each new release. He details his story in this new issue. We're also excited to feature a partial tribute to The Notorious B.I.G. commemorating the 20th anniversary of the release, Life After Death. We top that tribute off with a rousing featuring with DMC of the legendary, iconic group Run DMC, who discusses the making of 'My Downfall". The fun doesn't stop there, as we have exclusives with Meelah Williams, Sean Baker, The Baz Brothers, Gospel sensation Latice Crawford, The Baylor Project, Mark Whitfield, Cleveland Playwright Philly Weeden, and an amazing story of how a desire to follow passion led a Clevelander to launching what has become the city's biggest internet radio sensation. This issue is definitely packing the heat. Visit the magazine section in our navigation to get your digital copy or subscription now!

"I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO" DIRECTOR, RAOUL PECK, REACTS TO OSCAR NOMINATION FOR "BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE"...

IMG_1173.JPG

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the official nominations for the 89th Academy Awards®. I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO, a bold new documentary inspired by legendary writer, James Baldwin, created by master filmmaker, Raoul Peck and narrated by Hollywood A-lister, Samuel L. Jackson, moves one step closer to winning an Oscar for "Best Documentary Feature!"

Following the announcement, the film's director, Raoul Peck, shared his thoughts on winning a nomination:

"I'm grateful and joyful to be nominated for I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO. All of our partners and the entire team are joining me to thank the Academy members who participated in the vote of this incredibly humbling nomination. We would like to thank especially the James Baldwin Estate and Gloria Karefa-Smart, James Baldwin's sister. Baldwin had developed a clear narrative about America's historical denial and irrational relationship with race and articulated it freely in the media during his lifetime. I'm not sure this kind of raw and profound expression would be tolerated today -even though it is more than ever necessary. I want to congratulate the other nominees who have made amazing films, most of whom are dear friends. Thank you."

"I Am Not Your Negro" hits theaters nationwide February 3, 2017. For a complete listing of nominees, visit the official Oscars website at www.oscar.com

Click below to view the official documentary trailer! 

[NEWS] JANELLE MONÁE, AMBASSADOR ANDREW YOUNG, AND MORE PARTICIPATE IN ATLANTA SCREENING OF "I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO" AT MOREHOUSE COLLEGE...

IMG_1148.PNG

ATLANTA (January 24, 2017) Last night, musical superstar and social critic/activist, Janelle Monáecivil rights icon, Ambassador Andrew Young, and more engaged with students, press and influencers at a private screening of the new James Baldwin documentary, I Am Not Your Negro, presented by Liquid Soul for Magnolia Pictures.

The documentary which releases to theaters, February 3rd, has been nominated for an Oscar Award and a NAACP Image Award for best documentary in the Documentary (Feature) categories.

Famed visual artist and scholar, Fahamu Pecou, wearing a University Of Baldwin long sleeve tee, kicked off the evening introducing artist/activist Janelle Monáe who recited a moving excerpt from Baldwin’s "Notes Of A Native Son," setting an empowering tone for the screening.

Just before her presentation, she shared a special connection that she and her labelmates at Wondaland Records, have with James Baldwin. "@Wondaland Arts Society and I had the honor of hosting a gut wrenching and TIMELY documentary about our hero James Baldwin. It was an honor to screen a documentary about one of the greatest American writers, JAMES BALDWIN!" At the end of the screening, the audience rose to their feet and the film received a standing ovation.

IMG_1150.JPG

The final highlight of the evening is an intriguing talkback panel discussion moderated by Morehouse Cinema, Television and Emerging Media Studies (CTEMS) Director, Dr. Stephane Dunn which featured Ambassador Andrew Young; Clark Atlanta University African American Studies Professor, Dr. Daniel Black; Morehouse College Asst. Professor of English, Dr. Francine Allen, Georgia Equality Field Organizer, Rob Woods and artist/activist, Fahamu Pecou. The discussion explored race relations - past and present, the impact of James Baldwin during the civil rights movement and now, the relevance of the documentary to the social issues of today, concluding with thoughts on where we should go from “here.” Civil Rights icon, Ambassador Andrew Jackson Young, Jr. gave the students a first-hand perspective sharing on the civil rights movements and marches then compared to now.

Other notable guests attending were: Egypt Sherrod (HGTV’s “Flipping Virgins”); DJ FaDelf (Celebrity DJ, Author and Motivational Speaker); Jack A. Daniels (Psychotherapist, 5x Bestselling Author and Host of FYI’s “Black Love”); Marshawn Evans (Author, NBC’s “The Apprentice”); Christopher Hicks (Director, Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment); (Founder, Hat-titude Big Hat Brunch) and many more!

I Am Not Your Negro opens nationwide on Friday, February 3!

ABOUT I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO

In 1979, James Baldwin wrote a letter to his literary agent describing his next project, Remember This House. The book was to be a revolutionary, personal account of the lives and successive assassinations of three of his close friends—Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. At the time of Baldwin’s death in 1987, he left behind only thirty completed pages of this manuscript.

Now, in his incendiary new documentary, master filmmaker Raoul Peck envisions the book James Baldwin never finished. The result is a radical, up-to-the-minute examination of race in America, using Baldwin’s original words and flood of rich archival material. I Am Not Your Negro is a journey into black history that connects the past of the Civil Rights movement to the present of #BlackLivesMatter. It is a film that questions black representation in Hollywood and beyond. And, ultimately, by confronting the deeper connections between the lives and assassination of these three leaders, Baldwin and Peck have produced a work that challenges the very definition of what America stands for.

[NEWS] Gospel Recording Artist @LaticeCrawford Receives Her First Stellar Gospel Music Award Nomination for Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year...

Latice Crawford; 📸 Anthony Artis

Latice Crawford; 📸 Anthony Artis

 (New York, NY – January 17, 2016) -- Gospel recording artist Latice Crawford receives her first Stellar Gospel Music Awards nomination for Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year. “I am humbled and honored to receive this nomination,” says Crawford. “Sharing this project has meant so much to me and to know that it has made an impact with my supporters and in the industry is truly encouraging. To God be the Glory.” The 31st Annual Gospel Music Awards will be held at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV on Saturday, March 25th, 2017.

Crawford’s nominated project, Diary of a Church Girl, debuted at No. 15 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart. Her new single, “Choose Me” is currently at gospel radio. “‘Choose Me’ is a song about our human need and desire to be accepted,” says Crawford. “We live in a society that focuses so much on pointing out flaws, imperfections, and then using them as the basis for declaring each other as not good enough—not good enough to receive love, a job, and even respect. God’s acceptance is just the opposite. There are countless stories of God extending His grace to men and women who didn’t quite fit in and then using them to do magnificent things—Moses, Esther, David, Joseph, and Jesus. God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.”

In addition to Crawford’s upcoming appearance at the 31st Stellar Gospel Music Awards Weekend, she will make appearances at the TCM 2017 Empowerment Convention in Atlanta, GA (Friday, March 3); Martin Crosswinds in Washington, DC (Saturday, March 18); Club His-Hop in Las Vegas, NV (Thursday, March 23), and other appearances to be announced in the coming weeks.Crawford’s BET performance will air on Joyful Noiseon Sunday, March 5 at 9:00 a.m. ET/8:00 a.m. CT. She is also a regular contributor for the Huffington Post.

Best known as the second runner-up of Season 2 of BET’s Sunday Best, Crawford presents Diary of a Church Girl as the follow-up to her 2014 debut self-titled album, which entered on four Billboard charts and peaked at No. 12 on the Gospel Albums chart. Diary of a Church Girl is written by Crawford and produced by Bruce Robinson (Alexis Speight, The Showers, Justin Bieber, and Brittany Spears).

Walking Dead Actress, @SonequaMG, Cast As Lead In Next Star Trek Series

Star Trek Discovery - CBS

Star Trek Discovery - CBS

Sonequa Martin-Green has been cast as the series lead in Star Trek Discovery. Set 10 years prior to Captain Kirk's voyage on the Enterprise, 'Discovery' seeks to reinvigorate the Star Trek franchise  on television and launch CBS' streaming services next summer. Producers acknowledged looking for a woman of color. They were inspired, at least partly, by Nichelle Nichols from the iconic original series who played lieutenant Uhora, and the first African-American astronaut Mae Jemison.

Astronaut Mae Jemison - NASA

Astronaut Mae Jemison - NASA

We still don't know much about the premise of the new series, but CBS seems to be reaching out to a much larger and diverse audience with Discovery's recent casting. Michelle Yeoh, from 'Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon' fame and more, has also been cast as a captain in the series. Discovery will additionally feature the first openly gay main character. Check out UGD and Deviant Theory for more info as it comes in.

Lieutenant Uhura from Star Trek The Original Series - Paramount/CBS

Lieutenant Uhura from Star Trek The Original Series - Paramount/CBS

[Sports] New NFL Partnership With MEAC & SWAC Geared at Strengthening Pathways for HBCU Students...

IMG_0387.PNG

 The NFL has launched an enhanced partnership with MEAC and SWAC aimed at increasing career opportunities for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The first annual NFL Careers in Football Forum will be held Friday, December 16th 1pm EST at The Omni Hotel, 100 CNN Center NW, Atlanta GA 30303

 

The NFL Careers In Football Forum is a part of the NFL’s broader partnership with the MEAC and SWAC to increase opportunities for ethnic minorities interested in pursuing careers in professional football administration. 
The career conference, one of The Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl's ancillary events, brings together students interested in sports management and entry-level athletic department administrators from MEAC and SWAC colleges and universities to explore potential careers in professional football administration and to network with industry leaders.

The forum includes lectures and panel discussions with NFL leadership and club executives, resume and skill-building workshops, a behind-the-scenes look into football operations at The Celebration Bowl offering students unique opportunities to work with the event operations team on game day.

The below panelists are scheduled to participate:

Troy Vincent, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations 


Rich McKay, Atlanta Falcons President 


Kevin Warren, Minnesota Vikings Chief Operating Officer 


Sashi Brown, Cleveland Browns Executive Vice President of Football Operations 


Ted Crews, Kansas City Chiefs Vice President of Communications 


Tony Wyllie, Washington Redskins Senior Vice President of Communications

Continuing the tradition of honoring NFL Legends at Super Bowl, the NFL will recognize Hall Of Fame players who attended HBCUs in a special way at Super Bowl

List of Pro Football Hall of Fame-HBCU players

Grambling State
Willie Brown, Defensive Back
Buck Buchanan, Defensive Tackle
Willie Davis, Defensive End
Charlie Joiner, Receiver

Morgan State
Roosevelt Brown, Offensive Line
Len Ford, Defensive End
LeRoy Kelly, Running Back
Willie Lanier, Linebacker

Jackson State
Lem Barney, Defensive Back
Walter Payton, Running Back
Jackie Slater, Offensive Tackle

South Carolina State
Harry Carson, Linebacker
Deacon Jones, Defensive End
Marion Motley, Running Back

Mississippi Valley State
Jerry Rice, Receiver
Deacon Jones, Linebacker

Southern University
Mel Blount, Defensive Back
Aeneas Williams, Defensive Back

Tennessee State
Richard Dent, Defensive End
Claude Humphrey, Defensive End

Alabama A&M
John Stallworth, Receiver

Bethune-Cookman
Larry Little, Offensive Guard

Bishop
Emmitt Thomas, Defensive Back

Florida A&M
Bob Hayes, Receiver

Fort Valley State
Rayfield Wright, Defensive Back

Maryland State/UMES
Art Shell, Offensive Guard

North Carolina A&T
Elvin Bethea, Linebacker

Prairie View A&M
Ken Houston, Defensive Back

Savannah State
Shannon Sharpe, Tight End

Texas Southern
Michael Strahan, Defensive End

[NEWS] Multi-Genre Songtress Alyson WilliamsReleases First-Ever Christmas Song

Photo Credit: Nu Vybe  

Photo Credit: Nu Vybe  

Celebrating over 25 years in music and entertainment, multi-genre songtress Alyson Williams releases her first Christmas single, “Happy Holiday” and her first recording in ten years. Written by Williams and produced with longtime collaborator Herb Middleton, the single also features acclaimed saxophonist Dean James. “I’ve always wanted to do a Christmas album, but was never able to record it,” says Williams. “With all the acrimony, vitriol, and hateful messaging during this Election season, we decided to release a single for the holiday and follow-up with an album next year,” explains Williams. She was inspired to write “Happy Holiday” on Election Night, Tuesday, November 8th.

 “After an extremely rough night of watching and waiting with the rest of the world, I realized that before I dozed off to sleep I had to compose a song,” says Williams. During that night, she heard the gentle voice of her mentor, Dr. Maya Angelou saying ‘Baby, use your words, find my words,’ which prompted her to use excerpts of Dr. Maya Angelou’s poem, ‘Amazing Peace’ in the spoken word portion of ‘Happy Holiday.’ “When I looked closely at the lyrics, I realized that I had written a song that had all of the makings of a modern day holiday classic.” With “Happy Holiday,” Williams’ R&B and jazzy vocals reflect the traditional sounds of a Christmas classic: Gathered round the table family is everything/Jingle bells familiar smells all the things the season brings/Shiny lights red, green, blue and white Moma’s sweet potato pie/These are the things the holiday brings, things that make your spirit sing.“In a world full of turmoil and strife, true beauty will always find a way to rise above and show us a ray of hope,” Williams continues. “We must all spread love throughout this holiday season and beyond and continue to be inspired. What the world needs now is love, peace, and understanding. I feel doubly blessed to be able to see the creative process work in real time.”

 

Take a Listen: “Happy Holiday”

https://soundcloud.com/nuvyberecords/happy-holiday-alyson-williams-feat-dean-james

 

Itunes

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/happy-holiday-feat.-dean-james/id1179758169?i=1179758217

 

Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Holiday-feat-Dean-James/dp/B01MSR1LJQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1480687674&sr=1-3-mp3-albums-bar-strip-0&keywords=alyson+williams