[ARTIST] Regina Belle

Regina Belle (born July 17, 1963) is an American singer-songwriter from Englewood, New Jersey. At a young age she began performing at Englewood's Mount Calvary Baptist Church. She was introduced to the Manhattans by New York radio DJ Vaughn Harper and began working as their opening act. She recorded the 1986 duet, “Where Did We Go Wrong,” with the group which helped to attract the attention of Columbia Records. They eventually signed her to a record deal. 

In 1987, she released her debut album, “All By Myself.” It included her first hits “So Many Tears” and “Show Me the Way.” Her follow-up album, “Stay with Me,” was then released in 1989. 

Belle recorded a duet in 1991 with Johnny Mathis, “Better Together,” which appeared on his album “Better Together: The Duet Album.” Continuing her tradition of duets, Belle teamed up with Peabo Bryson for the songs “I Can't Imagine,” “Without You” and “A Whole New World,” which was the featured pop single from the soundtrack to the 1992 Disney movie “Aladdin.” The song hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart and won the Grammy Award in 1993 for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal as well as the Academy Award for Best Song in later that year. 

Also in 1993, Belle released her platinum selling third album, “Passion.” The album featured the Disney hit “A Whole New World,” “Dream In Color” and “If I Could, “which reached # 9 on the Billboard R&B chart. Belle released “Reachin' Back” in 1995 followed by “Believe in Me” in 1998.

In 2001, Regina Belle's cover of “Just the Two of Us” from the tribute album “To Grover, With Love” made a surprising return to the Billboard charts, and within months Belle would sign with the jazz oriented independent label Peak-Concord Jazz. That same year she released the album “This Is Regina!, “which featured the R&B hit single, “Ooh Boy.” Belle also known for her hits "Make It Like It Was" and Baby Come To Me" is a must sing for her fans.

In 2004, she released a jazz standard album, “Lazy Afternoon,” which was produced by George Duke. The album included covers of the Isley Brothers' “For the Love of You” and Tony Bennett's “If I Ruled the World.” In 2007, she collaborated with smooth jazz saxophonist Paul Taylor, co-writing and singing on his album, “Ladies Choice.” Belle released her debut gospel album, “Love Forever Shines,” in 2008 via Walker Davis Records The 14-track collection featured guests Melvin Williams (of the Williams Brothers) and Shirley Murdock. 

In 2009 Belle suffered a Brain Tumor and under went 2 surgeries that left her deaf in one ear.Belle Faith was tested and she stood on God's word that she would be healed.

Belle in June 2012 released her Testimony album ," HIGHER", Regina Belle has a simple but powerful message. “I pray that each listener has an experience. My whole objective in doing this record is to bring people into the presence of God. Some of us don’t always get there through the preached word. The music is only second to that, but I want to be able to know that I did my job and if you don’t have words to say, then use my words. If you don’t have a voice, then use my voice. If you don’t have the music or the setting, use mine. I believe that my music helps people get to a special place.” That place is a closer walk with God, one that is sweeter, deeper, richer and HIGHER!

 

For more info on Regina Belle, visit:

 

www.reginabelle.org

[ARTIST] Faith Evans

Faith Renée Evans is a multi-platinum Grammy Award winning recording artist, songwriter, arranger and record producer.  Faith is also a New York Times best-selling author, an entrepreneur, a TV executive producer and most importantly — a mother.  With so many hats to be worn, it is undeniable that Faith has a little something for everyone.  Through what has been an equally rewarding and trying career, ask her how she’s come this far and she’ll simply reply, “FAITH.”

With a music career spanning over two decades, Faith has released eight studio albums, with over 18 million albums sold and spawning over 30 singles.  Faith has also performed on 20+ soundtracks and a host of guest appearances during her career.  Faith Evans is a seven-time Grammy nominee; winning “Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group” in 1998 for “I’ll Be Missing You,” an homage to her late husband and hip-hop legend Notorious B.I.G.

Faith has three Platinum-certified albums under her belt, including: “Faith” (1995), “Keep The Faith” (1998) and “Faithfully” (2001); the Gold-certified “The First Lady” (2005), and the holiday staple, “A Faithful Christmas” (2005).  In 2008, Faith penned her New York Times Best Selling Book, “Keep the Faith: A Memoir” with Aliya King, which won the 2009 African American Literary Award in the “Best Biography/Memoir” category.  The memoir is currently available in hardback, paperback and in e-book format at most major retailers.  In 2010, Faith released her first independent album through her music imprint Prolific Music Group and E1 Music, titled “Something About Faith”.  The lead single “Gone Already” was nominated for “Best Female R&B Vocal Performance” for the 2011 Grammy Awards.  In August 2012, Faith co-created, executive produced and starred in an original reality series, “R&B Divas”, which became cable network TV One’s most watched original premiere in the history of the network and later released a compilation album of the same name.  The “R&B Divas” album earned Faith her seventh Grammy nomination for “Best R&B Album” for the 2014 Grammy Awards.

In November 2014, Faith released her eighth studio album, “Incomparable”, on Prolific Music Group, with distribution through BMG Chrysalis.  “Incomparable” reached number 17 on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart and number 27 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.  “Incomparable” includes the lead single “I Deserve It” featuring Missy Elliott and Sharaya J and the follow up second single “Make Love”, featuring Keke Wyatt, is currently climbing up the Urban AC radio airplay charts.  The album also includes guest features from Problem, B. Slade & Karen Clark-Sheard and production by Mike City, Chucky Thompson, MyGuyMars and Brian Morgan.

[ARTIST] Vivian Green

Green released her debut album, A Love Story, in 2002. The album was certified Gold and featured the hits "Emotional Rollercoaster" and “Fanatic.” She followed it up with her sophomore album, in 2005, Vivian, which featured the hit singles, “Gotta Go, Gotta Leave (Tired)” and "I Like it But I Don’t Need It." Green sold close to 800,000 between the two releases. Ms. Green also has a well-earned reputation as a riveting live performer, and has shared stages with such artists as Maxwell, Teena Marie, Betty Wright, Chaka Khan, Q-Tip, Anthony Hamilton, and Common.

Vivian portrayed Billie Holiday in the Cole Porter biopic Delovely, and appeared in the ABC series “American Dreams” as Brenda Holloway, and performed Holloway’s classic Motown song “Every Little Bit Hurts.”

She also wrote "Dear God" for Boyz II Men for their platinum-selling album Evolution and wrote the music for David E. Talbert's popular all-star stage play Love in the Nick of Tyme, which debuted in 2007.

 

For more info, follow Vivian on Twitter at:

http://www.twitter.com/iamviviangreen

[ARTIST] DJ Quik

Six years after his last solo studio release, Hip-Hop icon and platinum recording artist DJ Quik is back. The Compton, California native returns with his eighth solo studio album on 4/20 with The Book Of David. As a nod to his birth-name, David Blake, this latest release is a candid and insightful project.

Mixing Quik's legendary beat crafting with his well known gangsta bravado, The Book Of David is a raw representation of Quik as both an evolved recording artist and the mind of the man behind the music, David Blake. The album is entirely produced by DJ Quik and features memorable cameos from Bun B, Ice Cube, Kurupt, Dwele, Suga Free, Jon B, Bizzy Bone and others.

“The whole idea behind this project was not just to make another rap album,” says DJ Quik. “I wanted to focus on the overall musical performance process…not just the rapping part. It’s a smart album, it’s everything I wanted it to be.”  

The Book Of David is as multi-faceted as the illustrious creator. Every track provides another gripping chapter to Quik's prolific discography. The album’s lead single, “Luv of My Life” featuring Gift Reynolds, is already garnering heavy spins from top regional radio stations, including Los Angeles’ Power 106, San Francisco’s KMEL, Seattle’s KUBE, Phoenix’s KKFR and more. 

Given that his skills are just as precise now as they were two decades ago, Quik's music remains relevant and essential. The Book Of David is yet another fine addition to the catalogue of an immensely gifted artist. 

[ARTIST] Young Buck

These days being a rapper in the industry has been very challenging. Not only do you have to have the lyrical flow, but you have to be versatile, creative, and energetic on the stage. All the women should want you and all the men have to want to be you. In this industry your swagger and talent has to be on point. When you combine everything they should be the perfect ingredients for a successful rap star. This is exactly what former G-Unit and Cashville member Young Buck brings to the hip-hop industry. 

Young Buck was born March 15, 1981 as David Darnell Brown in Nashville, TN. He grew up hard, living with his single mother, sister and cousins in Nashville, also known to Buck as Cashville, Ten-A-Key. At the young age of 14, David took to the streets of Cashville selling drugs to make a way to survive. At the same time he discovered a new hobby: rapping, which soon became a major focus in the young hustler's life. The Nashville hip-hop scene was just beginning to pop and Buck wanted to be apart of it any way possible. 

By 1997 Buck gained the attention of the then blossoming and recently known empire, Cash Money Records. The new rapper spent the next four years on and off with Cash Money before aligning with the label's biggest star, Juvenile, who left to build his own company, UTP Records. 

Buck spent most of 2001 on the road with UTP hustling and making a name for himself around the country. During a New York visit, UTP recorded with Sha Money XL and local rapper 50 Cent, who had created quite a buzz for himself and his G-Unit crew. 50 really liked Young Buck’s style and by 2002 Buck was signed to G-Unit/Interscope Records. Soon after G-Unit released the crew's double platinum Beg For Mercy album, which showcased plenty of Buck's Southern swag and mellow but aggressive flow, that helped put Cashville on the map. 

In 2004 Buck dropped the platinum-plus selling Straight Outta Cashville, only about ten years after he first put his hands on the mic. Buck says, "I was blessed to get the success that I got on that album." The rapper says, "It really was good material, but it wasn't the best Buck material." 

With about a two-year break, Young Buck released his second debut album March 27, 2007. Buck the World debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with sales of 141,083 in the first week. 

Since the release of Buck’s second album he's had a couple of controversies. The biggest controversy is the highly publicized beef with rapper 50 Cent. After numerous rumors of a "beef" within G-Unit, 50 Cent officially kicked Young Buck out of the group, in 2008. He later assured that he was still signed with the label. There were many slandering songs that arose on the internet from both camps with Young Buck also appearing in a music video of former rival The Game. 

After all of this, 50 Cent then leaked a taped phone conversation between himself and Young Buck, which showed one of the true reasons for the falling out. Young Buck later stated the conversation took place over a year before the leak. The two camps have since released a multitude of songs against each other, with the feud settling down by 2009, with Young Buck stating he's been working on his latest album. 

Even though Buck hasn’t released an album since 2007 and he has been through some drama. He has overcome all of the negativity and is working hard to push out his next mixtape. Buck’s new mixtape is entitled BACK ON MY BUCK SHIT 2 and it is going to be the hottest thing to hit the streets from this talented artist. 

Young Buck has recently spoke about his new song “Gotta Love It” which addresses his relationship status with 50 Cent. This new mixtape really showcases Young Buck’s talent and his versatility. He has really grown over the years and is ready to show everyone what else he has to offer. 

And as far as what Young Buck feels, he says, “If you not a fan of Buck, then just pay attention 'cause at this point, I feel like I'm more focused than I've ever been in my career...I'm good people, I'm doing what you should be doing and that's surviving...Coming to a 'hood near you. Back On My Buck Sh*t." (Southern Smoke TV).” 

Get ready for the new and improved rap star because he is coming back stronger and hotter than ever. You can get the mixtape now at www.iamyoungbuck.com 

YOUNG BUCK, CASHVILLE RECORDS IN THE BUILDIN'

[ARTIST] Alani Skye

Growing up, Alani was constantly surrounded by music. She always looked forward to being backstage and watching her mother perform with her band. As she got older, her mother began to bring her on stage. Alani embraced the comfort of the stage and now it is her turn to be in the spotlight.
As early as age 7, Alani Skye began to write songs and would entertain her family with her talents. Like most young aspiring singers, she joined the children’s choir at church. The desires to be an artist led her to record her first song by 13. Soon after that, she and a few friends formed an all-girl group called “Set It Off”. During high school, she moved to Florida and continued worked to expand her career.

 

Alani knew that it was important to write and record as she tried to figure out who she would be as a solo artist. Unfortunately upon return to Syracuse, things took a turn for the worst. Surrounded by death and violence, Alani found herself caught up within her environment. And although her trouble and pain led her to dark place in life, she found her solace in music and never stop believing in her calling.
Growing up, like most young singers, Alani Skye was influenced by some of the greats such as: Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, and the late Aaliyah, but the one she admired the most was Mary J Blige. Alani could identify with the message within the queen of Hip Hop Soul and her music and the personal transformation throughout the years.

 

Alani Skye is primed to bring her talents to an audience that is hungry for the return of great music. With the renewed success of Ms. Jennifer Hudson and the talented Tamar Braxton, Alani Skye will be a shining star of today’s new generation of music. 
Remember, believing in yourself is all it takes..... There is no need to remind ALANI.... SKY IS THE LIMIT....

[ARTIST] Wiz Khalifa

“Being out in front of people and just being ‘The Man’” might sound like a vague and ridiculous dream to have, but for Cameron Thomaz it might be the most appropriate thought to cross any mind. Better known as Wiz Khalifa, the son of two military parents has always had his eye on being a new standard by which cool is measured. Rapping since the third grade and starting to record music at 14 was probably a step in the right direction. The next best move? Inking a deal to Rostrum Records after a meeting with Benjy Grinberg.

Fresh out of high school, it was time to either sink or swim. In 2005 Wiz released his first mixtape, “Prince of the City: Welcome to Pistolvania.” The mixtape was quickly accepted by the local scene and began to gain buzz outside of Pittsburgh. With that excitement growing by the day, it was the perfect time for a proper commercial album. Wiz soon dropped “Show and Prove,” which Okayplayer.com claimed was “arguably the best album of the year.” The accolades began piling up and Khalifa was receiving significant co-signs from XXL, Rolling Stone, and VIBE, alike. A deal with Warner Bros. Records soon followed.

Any other 20-year-old probably would’ve let all this hype go to their heads, but not Wiz. As focused as ever, Wiz only saw this praise as an opportunity to work harder. In 2007, with the help of famed mixtape DJ, Green Lantern, Wiz released “Grow Season,” which was soon followed by “Prince of The City 2.” The sequel to “Prince of The City” would soon out grow its predecessor so much so that the demand for Khalifa’s music was greater than ever.

Unfortunately, the relationship between Khalifa and Warner Bros. dissolved, and once again, Wiz found himself as an independent artist. Typically a huge roadblock for any artist, Wiz refused to allow the lack of a major label deal to slow down his momentum. He and his Rostrum team hit the ground running in 2009 and released three highly acclaimed mixtapes: “Flight School,” “How Fly,” a collaborative mixtape with New Orleans rapper Curren$y, and “Burn After Rolling.” The album “Deal Or No Deal” followed in the Fall and debuted at the top of the iTunes “Hip-Hop” chart, and has remained in the top 50 to date.

In the months following, both his fanbase (known as the “Taylor Gang”) and the anticipation for his new mixtape grew daily. Once Wiz dropped “Kush & Orange Juice” in early 2010, it was clear that he had established himself as one of the rap-game’s brightest young stars to watch. With an unprecedented amount of downloads, not to mention both the top search on Google as well as the number one trending topic on Twitter, it seemed as if the entire nation was on board with the “Taylor Gang” movement. Many said that the release of “Kush & Orange Juice” placed Wiz as the valedictorian of his “XXL Freshmen 10” class and kicked open the doors he and his team were looking to walk through.

Fast forward a few months, and together Wiz and Rostrum Records proudly announced that these doors were those of Atlantic Records, the new home to Wiz Khalifa. Following this huge milestone in his career, Wiz soon embarked on a stint on the famed “Rock The Bells” tour alongside such legends as Lauryn Hill and Snoop Dogg, immediately followed by his nation-wide headlining tour, appropriately dubbed the “Waken Baken Tour.” After receiving co-signs from a multitude of rap veterans, including Rick Ross and Diddy, and humbly rejecting Drake’s offer to join his recent tour, it became evident that Wiz also established himself as a prominent staple online with over 3,000,000 friends on Facebook, and over 1,000,000 fans following him on Twitter. With the video for his first Atlantic Records release, “Black & Yellow,” getting an astonishing 30 million views on YouTube, there is no question about it: Wiz Khalifa’s debut album is bound to be something great.

[ARTIST] 2Pac

While he was most famous for his rap career, but was also a gifted actor, poet and a thoughtful while outspoken advocate for the poor and the overlooked in America. During his life, he produced an immense amount of artistic work, which included albums, major Hollywood feature films, and published works. He was most prolific in the music industry, selling over 75 million albums. Tupac’s unapologetic lyrics were relevant, important, and reflective of the hard lives led by many. His music earned attention and respect through a poetic style that embraced street vocabulary while being innovative and he is still considered by many to be one of the biggest influences on modern hip hop.



Tupac’s career has earned him 6 Grammy nominations and three MTV Video Music Award nominations. Shakur was honoured by the American Music Awards as the Favourite Hiphop Artist in 1997.



Born on June 16 1971 in New York City, Shakur’s parents were both members of the Black Panther Party whose militant style and provocative ideologies for civil rights would come to influence Tuapc’s music. At an early age, Tuapc’s love for performance and the arts began to show, as he began acting at age 13 and later enrolled in the Baltimore School of the Arts before dropping out at 17. Shakur broke into the music business with rap group Digital Underground as a back-up dancer and roadie. Eventually Shakur released his first solo album in ’91, 2pacalypse Now. Now sporting the stage name 2pac, Shakur’s music career began to grow as his second album, Strickly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z included 2 top 20 pop chart tracks: I Get Around and Keep Ya Head Up.



Shakur’s legal battles began after he established his rap career. In the early nineties Shakur faced a wrongful death suit which settled out of court, accusations of assaulting police officers where charges were ultimately dropped, and even an incident where Shakur sustained 5 gunshot wounds from unknown assailants. In 1995 Tupac was sentenced one-and-a-half to four-and-a-half years in prison for sexual assault. However, not even prison could slow the success of Shakur’s career.



While incarcerated Tupac’s latest album, Me Against the World, was number one in the pop charts and would later go double platinum. Shakur become the first artist to reach number one in the pop chart while serving a prison sentence. Making the most of his time in jail, Tupac became an passionate reader. Among his favourites were the works of Niccolò Machiavelli, an italian Renaissance writer whose works were in part the foundation for western political science. Shakur’s appreciation of his work inspired the nickname: Makaveli.



After serving only 8 months of his sentence, Tupac was out on parole thanks to a 1.4 million dollar bond paid by Suge Knight, CEO of Death Row records. Now signed on Death Row records, Shakur went on to create All Eyez on Me, which featured hits How Do You Want It and California Love.



Tupac’s life was cut short in September of 1996 when Shakur became the victim of a drive-by shooting while his car waited on a red light. Inspite surviving the surgery that followed, Shakur was pronounced dead almost a week after the attack.



Even today, Tupac’s musical influence is wide-spread from the library of congress where his song Dear Mama was added in 2010 to the national registry, to artists like 11 time Grammy winner Eminem who in an interview with MTV said:



“He made you feel like you knew him. I think that honestly, Tupac was the greatest songwriter that ever lived. He made it seem so easy. The emotion was there, and feeling, and everything he was trying to describe. You saw a picture that he was trying to paint.”



Tupac leaves a legacy of honestly and passion in his songs. Respected by many, Tupac has become an inspiration for artists and a standard in rap music.

[ARTIST] The Notorious B.I.G.

Hailed by many as the greatest MC of all time, the Notorious B.I.G. was Bad Boy's flagship artist. From his early verses on Craig Mack's "Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)" and "Real Love" by Mary J. Blige, it was clear to the hip-hop world that a new king had been crowned. Biggie solidified his position with his classic 1994 debut album, "READY TO DIE." Through the combination of Sean Combs' powerful production and B.I.G.'s vivid rhymes, the disc brought Bad Boy Records to the forefront of East Coast hip-hop and went to sell over four million copies. 

Tragically, this superstar's life was cut short on March 9, 1997, when he fell victim to a shooting. Released just two weeks later, the double album "LIFE AFTER DEATH" instantly confirmed Biggie's status as a modern musical giant. Universally considered to be among the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, "LIFE AFTER DEATH" went on to sell more than 10 million copies worldwide, fueled by B.I.G.'s timeless lyricism and such chart-topping singles as the classic "Mo Money, Mo Problems." Since his passing, B.I.G.'s legacy been kept alive via such posthumous releases as 1999's double platinum "BORN AGAIN" and 2005's "DUETS: THE FINAL CHAPTER." More significantly, he lives on through his profound influence on modern hip-hop. A prolific poet of the streets, a charismatic performer, and an honest, impassioned storyteller, the Notorious B.I.G. remains a true superstar to this very day...

[ARTIST] Outkast

Genius: somebody with exceptional ability, especially somebody whose intellectual or creative achievements gain worldwide recognition.


There's an old proverb about genius that says “talent does what it can, genius does what it must.” In the world of the corporate-controlled, media-driven, trend-following music industry – where record labels pump out cookie-cutter music by the baker's dozens – it is rare that you come across mainstream hip-hop artists who are willing to push the envelope by daring to go creatively where few artist are willing to go. Most artists would rather stick to the carefully prepared scripts that brought them gold and platinum the first time. Hence why so many of today's contemporary hip-hop records tend to sound alike.  

For the past nine years the Atlanta-based super duo, OutKast, has been consistently pushing hip-hop's envelope by expanding its musical boundaries with every album they release. Their unique blend of jazz, blues, soul, rock and world music along with some good old-fashioned hip-hop laced with their Southern sensibilities has constantly set the world on its ear. And none of their albums have ever sounded alike.  

OutKast started their luminous career in 1994 when their classic hit, "Player’s Ball," became an unlikely single on LaFace Records’ Christmas album, a label traditionally known for its suave R&B music. The reaction to the record persuaded Antonio “L.A.” Reid (LaFace President, CEO and co-owner) to sign the young duo as the label's first hip-hop act. Their spectacular debut LP Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, with its sparse samples and live instrumentation reminiscent of the golden era of 70s soul, sold one million copies and help to lay a solid foundation for the current explosion of Southern hip-hop.  

With their sophomore LP, ATLiens, Big Boi (née: Antwan Patton) and Dré (née: André Benjamin) showed the world that the South really did have something to say, and 1.5 million people were listening to ‘Kast's trunk-rattling funk, gleaned from the spirit of Sly Stone, Mandrill, and George Clinton. In addition to their incredible commercial success, critics were praising both Dré and Big Boi for their silky southern flows and clever lyrics celebrating everything from “Growing Old” to the “Wheelz of Steel.” The record cemented the duo's position as one of the few groups on the cutting edge of hip-hop.  

After the release of their third LP, Aquemini, the “two dope boys in a Cadillac” reached a major plateau in their career. Declared a “hip-hop classic” by several hip-hop publications including the Source and Rap Pages, Aquemini blended elements of 70s soul, funk, jazz and reggae with hip-hop to create a record that opened 3 million people up to new musical possibilities for the genre. To this day Aquemini remains one of the quintessential records in hip-hop.  

On Stankonia, OutKast pushed the envelope even further by revisiting the spirit of George Clinton, Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Hazel, dipping millions of listeners into some good old-fashioned psychedelic hip-hop funk. Once again, OutKast garnered rave reviews with their latest studio offering and, true to form, picked up a couple of million fans along the way. The record sold a whopping five million units worldwide.  

For their fifth effort the two decided to take a break and release a greatest hits album, Big Boi and Dre Present…OutKast, as a retrospective for the new fans who just got hip to OutKast. The record contained three new songs, one of which, "The Whole World," earned them a coveted Grammy Award for Best Rap Song by a duo or group. Now with their sixth release, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, André 3000 and Big Boi have taken a bold step forward by releasing an unprecedented dual CD containing their own individual musical statements, thus giving fans a glimpse into the creative minds of each member.  

On The Love Below, André 3000 uses a musical canvas compiled of funk, rock, techno and straight-ahead jazz to explore the nexus between love and lust. It is perhaps the most intensely personal statement he has ever made musical or otherwise.  

“[The Love Below] started as four or five songs that I was doing at home,” says André 3000. “I had these songs and I was starting to see a theme. And maybe it was the way I was writing them or the mood I was in, but they were all revolving around relationships. And so I said ‘hey, maybe I should do this side project,’ which will be all singing because I hadn't really wrote any rhymes for it yet. So what I said was ‘okay, I'll do this side project and put it out and this will be like a soundtrack to an independent film project that I'll do called ‘She Lives in my Lap’ but we decided that that title was too risqué for a movie. So we changed it to The Love Below."

While the independent film project never materialized, the movie did serve as a springboard for Dré’s continued exploration and experimentation with various forms of music. In addition, the budding musician moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting and finish working on the album.  

The Love Below opens with Dré crooning in a sweet falsetto – much in the tradition of Phillip Bailey or Prince – on "Love Hater," a swinging jazz track that would make jazz balladeers like Jimmy Scott and Joe Williams very proud. For a taste of the funk, Dré drops intoxicating jams like "Happy Valentine's Day," a hi-energy joint centered on a rhythmic guitar lick and a thunderous bass line that recalls the heyday of Parliament/Funkadelic, and "Behold a Lady," an up-tempo song that revolves around a space age techno-funk beat. 

The single "She Lives in My Lap," featuring actress Rosario Dawson, is a scintillating track celebrating the love that lives below the belt. However, just when you think that you've got the hang of where André 3000 is coming from musically, he takes you on yet another side street of his musical repertoire by giving you pleasantly surprising songs like "Hey Ya," a funky jam that sounds like a cross between the Beatles and the classic Motown sound of the early 60s. "Roses," a song that chastises gold diggers and groupies, is another song that falls into this category. Built around a slinky, funky groove and a classic rhythm with a near perfect backbeat, "Roses" also features Big Boi flowing milky smooth, combining complex lyrics with internal rhymes that will keep rap fans hitting rewind more than once. Dré slows down the pace with romantic songs like "Prototype," an ethereal funk ballad that celebrates 3000's perfect woman, and the smoldering ballad "Pink and Blue," which celebrates the May/December romance between a younger man and an older woman. Each of the songs gives the listener a little vignette that actually helps frame the overall plot of the film script that will ultimately become the movie, The Love Below.  

"[The Love Below] is about this guy who doesn't believe in settling down. He never felt like he's gonna get married," explains André. "And one day Cupid shoots him in the club. He falls in love with this girl who he has one nightstand with. If you listen to the album, you can hear the story a little bit. Like the song ‘Roses’ is about this girl name Caroline. She's beautiful, but she has a stank attitude. ‘Pink & Blue’ is about this lady named Ms. Pinkerton. She's an older lady that this character dealt with, so every song deals with a different character in the movie." 

In addition to handling all of the production and vocal duties on The Love Below, Dré plays a great deal of the instruments on the record, including the keyboards and the majority of the drums programming (except for "Roses," which was done by Dojo 5). Dré can also be heard playing guitar on almost every song, with the exception of "Love Hater." The Love Below proves that André 3000 is one of the most gifted musicians that his generation has produced.  

While his “partner-in-rhyme” shows off his musical diversity, Big Boi opts to showcase his lyrical prowess on his solo effort, Speakerboxx. Big Boi does this by paying homage to the foundation of Southern hip-hop: the Roland 808 bass.  

"Basically, Speakerboxxx is my voice to the world," says Big Boi. "The name has two meanings; the first one comes from the larynx, the voice box. The second was that I wanted to deal with a lot of Southern music on this one. You know we like that bass, which resonates at the low end of the speaker." 

Speakerboxxx opens up with a thunderous intro filled with rumbling 808 bass and segues into the rapid-fire ode to bass “Ghetto Musick.” “Ghetto Musick” has a break-neck speed that would cripple the average MC's flow, but Big Boi floats on this complex rhythm like a butterfly soaring over a roaring river. "Tomb of Boom" brings more of that trunk-rattling bass-laden funk that OutKast is known for. “With that cut right there, I just wanted something that had the hardest, wickedest sounding bass with a real simple track, with some hard ass MCs on there. I had to go get Concrete from right off the label because they was some of the hardest sounding MCs that I know. Then I got Big Gipp because he is my brother in hardness. And Ludacris is another cat outta the “A” who was hard because I really just wanted straight “A-Town MCs” on this one. I'm really into MCing, and I'm just trying to come up with some shit that they ain't never heard before." Anchored around a tight bass line, a hard 808 kick and a crashing hi-hat, "Tomb of Boom" induces a head-nodding trance that harks back to the golden age of hip-hop.

[ARTIST] Jay-Z

Since 1996, 19-time Grammy award winner, Shawn "JAY Z" Carter has
dominated an evolution in popular culture. Between multiple businesses and accolades spanning the recording industry to global investment leaders such as Warren Buffett, JAY Z personifies the "American Dream."

Carter served as President and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, where he fostered the careers of international stars Rihanna, Kanye West and many others before entering into a partnership with Live Nation, forming the entertainment company, Roc Nation. In 2009, his release Blueprint 3 became his 11th # 1 album debut securing the record for most #1 albums by any solo artist. 2012 saw JAY Z launching his annual MADE IN AMERICA festival, a 2-day event held in Philadelphia.

In April 2013, Carter, the majority owner of the 40/40 sports clubs, announced Roc Nation Sports, home to three-time NBA scoring champion and 2014 NBA MVP, Oklahoma City Thunder's, Kevin Durant, All-Star Seattle Mariner, Robinson Cano and first round draft pick, Notre Dame all-time high scorer, Skylar Diggins, of the Tulsa Shock. 2013 also saw the release of JAY Z's 13th # 1 album debut with "Magna Carta... Holy Grail," a sold-out stadium tour with Justin Timberlake and the sold out worldwide "MAGNA CARTER WORLD TOUR." 

So far, 2014 has seen the expansion of Carter’s MADE IN AMERICA festival to Los Angeles, the nation-wide sold out stadium run “ON THE RUN Tour: Beyonce and JAY Z” along with an HBO special and Roc Nation Sports adding boxing promotion to its arsenal.

Shawn "JAY Z” Carter continues his philanthropic work through Shawn Carter Foundation. The Foundation, founded in 2002, is dedicated to helping individuals facing socio-economic hardships further their education, encouraging them to tap into their potential. Shawn Carter Scholars are studying at over 100 institutions of higher learning throughout the nation.

[ARTIST] Gangsta Boo

Gangsta Boo was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. An anomaly within the generally misogynist late-'90s Dirty South rap scene, Gangsta Boo won substantial acclaim among audiences without sacrificing her pride. As the sole female & an original member of Memphis, TN, hardcore rap group Three 6 Mafia, she had held her own; it wasn't until her debut album, though, that she really started garnering an unprecedented amount of attention.

Her first solo album, Enquiring Minds, was released in 1998 and reached number fifteen on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number 46 on the Billboard 200. Enquiring Minds found Gangsta Boo confronting the lyrical issues that hardcore female rappers such as Lil' Kim have to address: sexual politics, money hungry stereotypes, proving that a female can be hardcore, and so on. Enquiring Minds spawned the national anthem "Where Dem Dollas At!?" and helped to build the national stage for the Memphis music scene that was about to come.

After the success of Enquiring Minds, she played a critical role in the multi-platinum success of Three 6 Mafia's When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1
in 2000. She left the group following the release of their album When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1.

Her 2001 album, Both Worlds *69, reached number eight on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart and number 29 on the Billboard 200. It featured the hit singles "Love Don't Live (U Abandoned Me)" and "Can I Get Paid (Stripper's Anthem)."

Her third album, Enquiring Minds II: Soap Opera, released in 2003, peaked at number 53 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart and 24 on the Top Independent Albums. The album spawned the street hit "Sippin & Spinnin'" and the remix with Bun B has turned into a staple in her music catalog. Boo released the album under her new record label "Crazy Lady Entertainment." The album was also the first teaming of her and producer Drumma Boy whom have since created a musical bond.

Gangsta Boo has also been collaborating with many artists in the rap industry over the past several years. She was featured on Lil Jon & The Eastside boy's 2004 multi-platinum smash "Crunk Juice" on the underground hit "Da Blow." She was featured on OutKast's 2000album, "Stankonia." Ludacris' 2005 album "Disturbing The Peace." Pastor Troy's 2007 "Tool Muziq," plus countless others that you can find on Google. She also teamed up with Nick Scarfo for the Prophet Posse reunion and been featured on their last three albums, "The Return, Pt. 1," "The Return: Part 2 Belly of The Beast," and "Hood U.S.A."

She also has released several mixtapes over the past few years including, "Street Ringers: Volumes 1 & 2," "Still Gangsta: The Memphis Queen Is Back," & "Gangsta Rock."

Gangsta Boo has just released a new digital single to iTunes and Amazon called "Miss.Com."

She also released the "Miss.Com" mixtape in December of 2010, and it is available for free download at Livemixtapes.com

[ARTIST] Rich Boy

Life as the hottest rapper in the sleepy city of Mobile, Ala., comes with its perks. Nobody bats an eye when you drive your Escalade on the sidewalk so you wont be late getting to the club. And they dont notice when you illegally park your vehicle in between two police cars once you arrive. See, you can do things like that when your earth-trembling single, D-Boyz, is blazing local radio. 

But for Maurice Rich Boy Richards, 21, the ultimate goal isnt hometown VIP treatment its widespread acceptance. Out here, Im a ghetto star, he says.But Im focused on the bigger picture. 

Music hasnt always been so heavy on the rappers mind.As a student at Alabamas Tuskegee University, Rich Boy majored in mechanical engineering. Then Rich, who occasionally dabbled in music, dropped out of school and fully committed himself to producing. School wasnt for me, and I knew I could make it doing music, he says with a shrug. But trying to go the Kanye West route brought out family differences. My mother was supportive, but my grandfather thought it was a terrible idea. He didnt understand that type of thing. 

Rich Boy set out to prove himself by making beats and applying his gangster twang to them. Soon his hometown radio stations started spinning his indie track Cold as Ice. Then he had a chance encounter in early 2003 with Polow, a member of Atlanta rap group Jim Crow. Impressed with Richs material, Polow flew Rich to ATL and nurtured him into a full-time MC. By November of that year, Rich had inked a deal with Interscope and was soon recording with the likes of Mannie Fresh, resulting in his as-yet-untitled debut. 

Reminiscent of vintage Cash Money, the albums Fresh-produced first single, D-Boyz, is Richs attempt to put the Souths other A on the hip hop map. With a country-fried flow and buoyant beats tailor-made for any strip club, Rich Boy has all the makings of a modern-day hot boy. Even Fresh admits to a bit of dj vu when working with him. It rekindles that old feeling, he says. Ive been waiting for that to come along. An artist like Rich is a breath of fresh air. 

Still, Rich is a long way from enjoying even the fringe benefits of hip hops platinum club. Im on a label with Eminem and 50 Cent, Ive gotta grind to make my stuff standout, he says. Until then, small-town perks will have to do.

[ARTIST] Maxwell

In an age of immediacy the idea of waiting sounds hopelessly outdated. But that said, there is something to be said about anticipation. Such is the case with Maxwell’s new album. Yes, after an extended hiatus the sexy ambassador of soul has returned with a brand new look and a fresh yet deliciously vintage sound. The same artist who brought us classic songs like “Sumthin’ Sumthin’,” “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)” and “Lifetime” (not to mention the unforgettably ethereal cover of Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work”) is back with a challenging, mature, sensual, courageous and emotionally open album entitled, BLACKsummers’night. BLACKsummers’night, the first installment of a trilogy, is a collection well worth the wait.

His fourth studio album and first in eight years, BLACKsummers’night is the sound of an artist taking the commitment to his craft and the conversation with his audience that much further. Needless to say, it is a conversation that’s been overdue; but as the soft-spoken, multi-platinum artist sees it, in order to come back it was necessary to step away. “I wanted to return to ‘what was the promise?’” Maxwell offers. “What did my music and creativity speak of to people? For me, coming back to that promise was kind of where my heart was really gravitating towards. I didn’t intentionally step away from all of it, but I just wanted to…live my life a little bit, and then be able to make music with that pure experience again.”

He might have been out of the spotlight, but Maxwell along with long time collaborator and friend Hod David, had begun crafting BLACKsummers’night several years ago. The album is the first installment of a trilogy entitled BLACKSUMMERS’NIGHT. BLACK is a much darker but soulful compilation, SUMMERS’ leans more toward the gospel side and NIGHT is more a cool collection of slow jams. By late 2008, the process of polishing and shaping the album was full on. Though having much of his creative team on board, Maxwell still approached the creative process with extreme caution and the painstaking meticulousness of a true genius. “Every time I’d get in the studio it would be like am I trying to outdo this last record? I just wanted to make a really good record.” Of course, what Maxwell’s notoriously modest character failed to warn was that what he was creating was more than “good” but rather (like his other projects) a timeless piece of work.

Composed of nine indelible songs BLACKsummers’night finds Maxwell exploring life with a bold and purposeful sensuality unmistakably his own. Opening with a delicate hint of wistful chimes, the first single, “Pretty Wings,” is nostalgic, (“your face will be the reason I smile”) and yet undeniably passionate. “It’s about the last relationship I had,” Maxwell describes. “How you meet the person of your dreams but at the wrong time. She was a serious muse and the song is a testament to what I wanted to say and say, to her.” “I can be a bit emotionally handicapped” he elucidates, “but through music, I can say what I want to.” Another of the album’s more persuasive songs is “Stop the World.” A rhythmic rush of desire, Maxwell describes “Stop the World” as “having corporal relations.” “That’s what I call having sex…” he unabashedly reveals “…and that’s stopping the world.” …Mhmmm.

Equally personal is “Fistful of Tears.” Pushed along by a sturdy and incessant piano, Maxwell, shifting from those oh so recognizable falsettos and baritones, rides the melody like a man both possessed by and resigned to his feelings. “It’s kind of about wanting to leave the industry and a relationship, but then realizing that I should give it a last try. Don’t let it go.” Then there’s the jazz thumping “Cold.” Peppered by a funked up horn section and wrapped in a moist honey soaked groove, this fun, head bopping track finds Maxwell asking the eternal lovers question, “why do you like me like you do?” It’s very sexy stuff.

On June 24th Maxwell galvanized an unsuspecting audience at the 2008 BET Awards with a live rendition of Al Green’s classic song, “Simply Beautiful.” It would be his first live performance in seven years. Without his signature afro or silk mono-chromatic suit, it was hard to tell if this six-foot tall body was merely a mirage or indeed the man that for so many years had left legions of devoted fans wanting more. But after uttering the first gentle lyric (“If I gave you my love…”) everyone remembered and so did Maxwell. The unforgettable performance became one of the most talked about in 2008. It left each audience member (regular folk and superstar celebrities alike) rejoicing that unquestionably authentic soul sound that was denied to them for far too long. Overwhelmed and inspired by the ecstatically warm response, Maxwell decided to boldly hit the road, with no album, nor concrete plan to follow. Less than two months later the artist announced the launch of his much speculated 2008 BLACKSUMMERS’NIGHT tour. Maxwell initiated the tour with his first concert at South Africa’s Macufe Music Festival. Maxwell sold out 10,000 seats and was given honorary South African citizenship. The show, which aired on “BET’s Access Granted,” was not only his first concert (as well as on-air interview) in seven years; it was his first show ever in South Africa.

In the U.S., all 144,000 tickets for the tour sold out within minutes of their on-sale date. An overwhelming demand for Maxwell caused the original 26-date tour to be extended to 33 dates. He performed in all the major cities including New York; selling out the renowned Radio City Music Hall and uptown New York’s 3,000 seat theater, The United Palace. New York Times writer Jon Caramanica asserts, “Maxwell has something that his emulators lack: complexity…some of the most potent moments [at Radio City] came in the pregnant spaces between notes, with Maxwell managing to hold a feeling even with his mouth shut.”

For Maxwell the opportunity to get back on stage and receive such an enormous response, especially without an album to support, was revelatory and further inspired him to complete his oft delayed album. “That experience is something for which I am beyond grateful. To be able to take a risk and to have that genuine interest from people is so rare. It actually made making this record even more precious. It was that pure energy. It was like, ‘oh, this is why I do it.’ It’s because people care about real music and they’ll wait for you.”

In 1996, a then 23-year old Brooklyn born phenomenon took the music world by storm with his debut, Urban Hang Suite. (He signed to Columbia Records at the tender age of 21, already having composed more than 300 songs before signing on to the major label.) The critically acclaimed CD received a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album and went on to achieve double platinum status. Maxwell’s MTV: Unplugged (1997) achieved gold status with his live rendition of “This Woman’s Work.” He was heralded as the future of soul music and proved his staying power when he followed up with 1998’s platinum seller Embrya. In 1999 Maxwell’s single, “Fortunate” (off of the LIFE soundtrack) became Billboard magazine’s number one hit of the year. Maxwell’s third album, Now (2001) debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart; selling 300,000 copies its maiden week and eventually also reaching double platinum status. The album was appropriately described by Entertainment Weekly as “A velvetined gauntlet thrown at the feet of today’s bling-bling-obsessed R&B pack.”

To hear Maxwell explain it, as much as his fans were waiting for him, he was waiting for them-and in the process of finding himself. “Sometimes I can’t believe I do this because you’re living your life. Going to the corner store, taking out the garbage and the next thing you know you’re on stage at Radio City Music Hall. It’s such a humbling thing and you’d think it would make my ego go out of control but I feel humility. Like this is why I need to do this. It’s not about your ego. It’s about celebrating your opportunity and the blessing to work and the joy you can possibly bring to people. That’s how it all resonated with me.”

A constant throughout BLACKsummers’night is its live and often raw sound. The entire album was recorded with an extraordinary live ten-piece band. He is taking it back to when a solo genius artist offered music that was close to perfection. No synthesizers, no duets. Just Maxwell bare and in the flesh ready to give old fans and new ones a sensory experience that he never fails to bring.

[ARTIST] K Camp

In the fast-paced world of rap music, some artists are lucky enough to have opportunities fall into their lap and blow up instantly. Then you have the ones who have to toil behind-the-scenes before they finally get their chance to shine. K Camp, the man behind the hit singles “Money Baby” and “Cut Her Off” can relate to being a little bit of both.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin but raised on Atlanta’s northside, K Camp is no stranger to making hit records. He formally introduced himself to the city’s rap scene by performing at open mic competitions alongside the likes of Waka Flocka Flame, Roscoe Dash, Travis Porter and few other future stars. His first local hit, “Party All Night,” came out just as songs like Waka’s “Oh Let’s Do It” and Dash’s “All The Way Turnt Up” were starting to blow. Unfortunately, his did not make it past the state limits.

“I made that song right after I left college,” says the former University of West Georgia student. “I don’t like being told what to do, I like to make decisions for myself. So I chose to leave and chase my dream. If you’re not chasing a dream, what are you doing? That one shot let me know I was doing the right thing.”

One year later, K Camp found himself involved with another hit, Mykko Montana’s 2012 club smash, “Do It.” Camp sang and wrote the infectious hook and even engineered the song. But, he failed to get proper recognition for his contribution and barely appeared in the song’s music video.

“When that happened, people thought I was gonna be done for, again,” he says. “But the grind speaks for itself.”

In 2013, Camp became the talk of the town (and the country) again with his smash, “Money Baby” featuring Kwony Cash. The Big Fruit-produced track started off as a freestyle initially, and was intended to be a filler track for his mixtape. But the catchy beat and infectious hook turned the song into another win for the young hit maker. 2014 ushered in a new era for Camp as he signed with Interscope Records.  His club anthem “Cut Her Off” has made so many waves that industry vets like 2 Chainz came calling to hop on the remix.

The EP, In Due Time, releases digitally on 4/22. It not only speaks to the timing of K Camp’s undeniable rise, but is also an effort to show the world that he is a complete artist and not just a party anthem machine. “I like to party alot, but I want people to know that I’m capable of making good music period,” says K Camp. “When they see what I really bring to the table, they will be amazed.”

K Camp promises that the EP, backed by production from Nash Beats, Big Fruit, and Bobby Kritical will give listeners a true picture of his musical abilities. Citing everyone from Lil Wayne to the Temptations as his inspirations and influences, In Due Time showcases K Camp’s ability to craft songs that can resonate in the club, car and crib.

“I want the world to hear me and what I have to offer,” says the former high school hoops star. “People will relate to what I’m talking about because I keep it 100 in all of my records and speak what’s going on. I’m just trying to be innovative out here.”

[ARTIST] TRINKIE STARR

Born in Santa Fe New Mexico, USA, Trinkie Starr’s passion for music began from a young age having grown up in a musical home, she was introduced to many genres of music and various instruments. She began singing in the church choir when she was twelve years old, having to get special permission from the leaders, as she was the first twelve year old to ask to be in the choir. (Setting the trend for other girls her age to be in the choir as well). Captivated by the guitar, Trinkie Starr’s father began giving her guitar lessons hence; her infinite love for song writing was born. At age fourteen, two of her originals were put in the church hymnal and she began singing her roots based songs as a soloist in church. In keeping with faith-based missions, as a young teen, she led various women’s bands, and pre-teen youth bands. It was then she wrote “like a Child” and her Spanish/English single that would be sung in various churches across America, “You’re all I’m Living For”. Trinkie Starr’s gift and versatility soon became apparent as she participated in, and had leading roles in theatrical productions as well as participation in bands from every genre; Roots/Reggae, Rock, R&B, Soul, Hip Hop, Country, Inspirational Praise and Worship, Contemporary, Rap, Spanish, Disco and oldies.  

Trinkie’s “for such a time as this period”, began in 2008 when through her dear friend, she took her first trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica, and was in the studio with “Charlie Brown” where she recorded a remix of her “Take Our Time” single which was previously recorded on an R&B rhythm at Broken Toy Records, with her long time friend Charles D III, but it would be in sweet Jamaica that she would find her heart and an increase of musical creativity and rejuvenation.  

Taking more trips to Jamaica in 2009, Trinkie spent her time writing and producing her own lyrics and melodies, and created her entertainment company; TRINKSTAR ENTERPRISES.  

2010 brought CP Pedro of Spanish Town Jamaica into Trinkie’s musical life. Particularly liking her song “Joy Comes In The Morning”, he sent her one of his rhythms (riddims) that would later be transformed into a masterpiece that Trinkie named “I’m Free”. Her lyrical composition and presentation, together with CP’s has touched people’s hearts all around the globe. During this time, she drew the attention of “The Sprints Oldies Show and Dance Band” and was immediately drafted as their front singer, performing some of the greatest hits ever released on American soil, such as “Do You Love Me” (The Contours), “Shout” (Isley Brothers), “Heatwave” (Linda Ronstadt), “I’m Your Puppet” (James & Bobby Purify), “Mony-Mony” (Tommy James and The Shondells), “La Bamba” (Richie Valens), “Some Kind of Wonderful” (Grand Funk), “Respect” (Aretha Franklin), and many others.


She then wrote “jumpin On Clouds” and “Island Love” – Other collaborative works with young producer, Mateo Edwards, (Mateo Beatz) mixed by the incredible Bill Palmer. She was then blessed to write and voice on one of Jah Screw’s house mix tune that she named “Come On and Dance with me”. Some of the Collaborative works include the smash hit “FIRE” (FYAH) with the talented Alliance (ANG) artist Patexx, on Jammy James (Jam 2) “Action Riddim”, “Love You Forever” with the singing sensation Meekie Melody on Pink Panther’s “Silent Hill Riddim”, and “Color of Love” on Mister Kali & B-Dubs “Brighter Smile Riddim” a Dread I Arts and Ceremony Studios production. She also had the unique opportunity to be the Spanish voice on “The Volcano Trumpet”, Qshan Deya’s conscious hit song “Start Today”. The summer of 2012 brought Trinkie Starr and Mister Kali, together yet again to record the hit “Summertime Anthem”. 

In late 2012, Trinkie had the opportunity to be in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and record with big talent artist Echo T of Busweh Productions, master engineer/artist Oriel, and Caiman Studios – to have collaborative reggae/dancehall releases coming 2014 and 2015. The popular song “Take You There” (released in March of 2013), and soon to release collab with Trinkie Starr and “Oriel” entitled “Gimme di Winne” is sure to “mash” up the place. - Also her acoustic song “You Bring Me Joy” to be released in early 2015.  

Trinkie Starr’s Island Love tour 2013 took her to sweet Jamaica where Dancehall Zone and Bad People Entertainment invited her to perform for the event XXXTACY, in Portmore Jamaica. She also visited her beloved “SUNCITY RADIO” family and re-recorded her previously recorded “Dance With Me” as a re-mix at the Sun City Studios, deciding to do a re-mix was a must after she performed it at “Artist Wednesday’s” (at H’2, sponsored by Kamau JaJa), and the tune kept getting “pullup” (played again and again). As a result, the remix entitled “Dance With Me” (Jamaican Yaadie) came into existence. Trinkie Starr was blessed to perform at “Jungle Fire” sponsored by Suncity Radio & Izrel Di Cotton Pikka, and it was a good look with major forwards. Trinkie also had the rare opportunity to sing her acapella “Birthday Song” for Phillip Fraser at his Earthstrong Party. Then the road took her to Kingston Jamaica, where she collaborated with her longtime “Breddren” Rseenal D Artillary at Iyah Gift’s “One Heart” studio with Makonnen Blake-Hanna at the engineering controls, the musical chemistry and positivity was no less than incredible and the new universal hit “Hush Mama” was created, as well as the “Hush Mama” video, newly released.  

As well as “Hush Mama”, Trinkie Starr’s new works include “Yaad Wine” a Jan Bigs Production, “ StarrDust” a single exclusively created for Trinkie Starr by Engineer and rising artist Jovi Dipree on the Trinkie Starr Riddim, “Bright Lights” Produced by Elemtree Riddims for Fireball Edutainment, mixed and mastered by Sj Firewayne of Echo 1 Sound, “Love Me From Far”, a Hardlife Productionz and Trinkstar Enterprises Production, “Bless You Up” on Firewayne of Echo 1 Productions, “World Love Riddim”. With Trinkie also currently building her own riddims in Trinkstar Enterprises studio and working on her acoustic, LP album of psalms and songs of love, she continues to blaze her creativity.

Trinkie Starr’s electrifying voice, intensifying beauty, and gentle humility, have brought her international attention that has her music playing on local and international radio stations across the world, such as Bess FM Kingston Jamaica, 104.9 Suncity Radio Portmore Jamaica, Krushyaad Radio Jamaica, Fame 95 Jamaica, Zip Fm Jamaica, Hot 102 Barbados, Irie FM Jamaica, 107.5 FM New York, 96.3 FM Boston, Madvibezradio Montreal Canada, Reggaewave England, Blue 102.9 Santa Fe New Mexico, Energy 106 Winnipeg Canada, Flow 93.5 FM, Padare Radio Zimbabwe, Afrozim Radio Africa, 933 The Beat Jamz Florida, DestineMedia England Reggae4us England, Vybezrus radio England, 88.1 WPEB Philadelphia, Shyrick Dancehall Radio St. Louis, Globallinkz Radio, and many many more.

Trinkie Starr – A queen – A musical genius – a singer – a musician – A minstrel – A great lover and performer of the arts – with such gracious accomplishments, and versatility, there are no boundaries, limits nor barriers, for Trinkie Starr. Her tenacity and her desire to provoke love, healing, dancing, joy and change through her music, have gained the love and respect of many.

Trinkstar Enterprises on behalf of Trinkie Starr® would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the individual DJ’s/Presenters/Radio Stations, who continually support her music. To all friends and mentors globally who have been a constant encouragement in Trinkie Starr’s life, Thank You. To Trinkie’s family, parents, son, and sisters, who have encouraged, supported and followed every step in this journey. Most importantly - Ever thankful to The Almighty Heavenly Father, I AM THAT I AM, who has commissioned this gift of song.  

 

Blessed Love to all, around the globe who continue to believe in the positive power of music!!

[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).

[THE STAGE] SOULMate: A True Love Story (Review)

📸 Phillyweeden.com

📸 Phillyweeden.com

It took a few years of hard work, but finally, local Playwright Philly Weeden is reaping the reward. That reward is pretty indeed, as the world is realizing the star talent this brother has. Tonight's showing of his hit stageplay SOULMate is evidence in itself. The venue has sold out, and the audience is eager as ever for a great show.

 

Starring Taral Hicks, Alvin Frazier, Archie Berwick, Tiffany Allison, and Makeda Grier, the storyline takes you through the lives of two hopeless romantics who by textbook standards should never end up together. Sabrina is like many other high school girls... popular, beautiful, and intelligent, while William is as geeky as they come [picture Steve Urkel]. Despite their differences, they ultimately learn they have much more in common than any would know, and they forge ahead in life as one.

 

Their lives aren't without demons, however. William has dreamed of a life with wife and kids, and Sabrina wants with every fiber of her being to give him that, but her daunting past has ultimately prevented that. The secret she's kept for so many years has finally caught up with her, and threatens to rip apart the only family she knows! The audience gets to see firsthand how they work through the devastating blows of life to triumph in the end. The story takes you through their lives, from teenagers to their final years. Their true love is evidenced in the way they regularly reminisce about the high school letter that William nervously wrote, pouring his heart and soul out about how he dreamed of life with Sabrina. That very letter surfaces many times throughout the storyline, right down to their final moments together. They were right by each others' side through the worst, and the best times.

 

📸 U.G. Digital Media & Publishing

📸 U.G. Digital Media & Publishing

To some, this story may be no different than that of other plays and scripts, but SOULMate is amazing not only in the story it tells, but the cast as well. From Sabrina (Taral Hicks) and William (Alvin Frazier) to Sabrina's best friend, her cousin, their uncle Ralph and Pretty Tony, you instantly see the work that each individual has personally invested. The humor is side-splitting at times, and you immediately fall in love with the characters throughout.

 

📸 Phillyweeden.com

📸 Phillyweeden.com

To say we're impressed with Philly Weeden is quite the understatement. It's not just with SOULMate. It's his entire life story, and the triumph he's made in pursuing his love. This story, sided with all the other amazing scripts he's produced and delivered to the world, has been perfected in every way possible. We're thrilled to have had the opportunity to witness the magic of everyone involved, and know that this is just the beginning of his life lighting of the universe.

 

Catch the next showing of SOULMate February 25 in Atlanta, Ga! We're thrilled to say we'll definitely be there cheering this crew on!

 

Also, for more on Philly Weeden, catch a video playback of our recent conversation with Philly Weeden at www.urbancityradiostation.com, and a new cover story in the latest edition of Cleveland's Triumph Magazine. 

[STAGE LIFE] The Coffee Shop (1/7/17, Houston, TX)

FullSizeRender.jpg

​Having featured Shaneisha Dodson in the pages of U.G. Digital multiple times, I felt like I had an idea of what to expect with her touring production, The Coffee Shop, but I must say I was blown away when finally seeing the show for myself. After a cross-country drive, I was ready to see a good show, and I'm happy to say I got so much more.

Photo: Cast, The Coffee Shop

Photo: Cast, The Coffee Shop

The Coffee Shop played in the Houston, Texas area this past weekend, and it was most definitely a night to remember. Set in, well, a coffee shop, and centered around the often untold story of rape, you'll see first hand how the effects can tear a family apart, and how love can ultimately piece it all back together. Of course you get all the laughter and shenanigans that go on in today's coffee shops. The cast absolutely laid out all the stops and guaranteed a good time. The simplicity of the production made it all the better for the audience, who flooded the auditorium with cheers and laughter throughout the show.

📷 Photo credit: Black Girlz Productions

📷 Photo credit: Black Girlz Productions

Dodson herself is an up and coming playwright who is strongly forging her way through an industry that can tear you apart if you haven’t done your homework. It takes so much to put on a great production, let alone assembling the appropriate cast of actors and actresses. There's so much more required to make it all work seamlessly. One hiccup can send the entire project into a tailspin and shut it all down. So isn't the case here, though. The show was amazing, and Dodson shows great promise as a playwright.

The Coffee Shop is set to hit Arkansas March 25, 2016. Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coffee-shop-stageplay-tickets-27742204681

[MUSIC] THE @BAYLORPROJECT: BRIDGING JAZZ & SOUL

The world of music is in for an amazing treat with the upcoming debut from the soulful Jazz duet, The Baylor Project. Even as a new addition to today’s musical landscape, their history will absolutely blow you away in many aspects. They would come together more than fifteen years ago, their history from there would be cemented in more than one way; musically, and through matrimony. Beyond their personal love for each other, their musical union is fueled but the strength they both carried on their own in the industry, and that strength has grown tremendously since then. Jean had spent her former years as one-half of the powerful, groundbreaking duet Zhane, while Marcus was already a world-class drummer who had been playing all his life. His experiences of playing with many Jazz greats like Cassandra Wilson, George Benson, and Regina Carter only supplement the musical union. Together, they would become a magical and untouchable force in music. They’re range and versatility is undeniable, which will be the very thing that sets them apart from the crowd. Even while they join the ranks of a number of other married couples in music, their legacy will undoubtedly be lasting. 

Take a moment to their video below from their forthcoming album, “The Journey”, via YouTube below, and make sure you pre-order on iTunes. The album will officially be available February 2017!