This Is Why He's Hot!

The talented Ryan Leslie demonstrates what makes him hot! Check out his additional production on Lil Wayne's current smash 'Lollipop'.

NeYo - Closer Video

After the humiliating mug shot that done the rounds recently, NeYo's back with a video for his new single 'Closer'. The video's OK, but my only slight criticism is when will he stop begging it from Michael Jackson?! Like I understand him being influenced by Jacko, who isn't? But does it mean that every video has to be blatant rip off? Anyway away from that NeYo's forthcoming album 'Year Of The Gentleman' is due out 23rd June 2008. Check the video below.

The 1Xtra RnB Show With G Child

Your weekly dose of upfront RnB is served once again with brand spanking new music from Usher, Beyonce & Lil Wayne (all on the same track!) Mya, Slim (112), Tierra Marie (Ex princess of the ROC) plus loads more.

You can replay the latest show for the next 5 days online via www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/gchild or listen to the show live every Friday from midnight.

1Xtra available on DAB Radio, Sky 0137, Freeview 701 & Virgin 907.

Here's a full run down of what was played.

Usher - Love In This Club (Reavers Remix) (Sony/BMG)
Young Steff - Body That (Atlantic)
Mya - Give It Up (Interscope)
Beyonce - Beautiful Nightmare (Columbia)
Donnie Klang ft P Diddy - Take You There (Bad Boy)
Elephant Man ft Mario Winans - Back That Thing On Me (Bad Boy)
Ray J Ft Game - Where You At (Rawkus)
Slim ft Young Joc - So Fly (Bad Boy)
Lloyd ft Lil Wayne - Girls Around The World (Universal)
Tierra Marie - No No No (Interscope)
Nelly ft Fergie - Party People (Universal)
Latoya Luckett ft Bun B - Swagger (Capitol)
Jarvis Ft Ludacris- Pretty Girl - (DTP)
The Dream ft Sheek Louch - Fast Car Remix (Def Jam)
Ne Yo - Closer (Def Jam)
Girlicious - Like Me (Geffen)
Lloyd - Love Spaceship (Universal)
Usher ft Beyonce & Lil Wayne - Love In This Club Remix (Sony/BMG)
LeaLea Jones - Oh My - (CDR)
Natalia - Perfect Day (Upper 11)
Tiao Cruz - She's Like A Star (Universal)
Mariah Carey ft Jay Z, JD - Bye Bye (Universal)
Feli Fel ft Kanye West, J.D & Fabolous - Finer Things Def Jam)
Jazmine Sullivan - Need You Bad (J Records)
Sheya - Dream Come True (CDR)
Cynthia Mare ft Craig - The Diet Song (CDR)
Lloyd ft Ludacris- Holw We Do It (Around My Way) (Universal)
Cheri Dennis - Spaced Out - (Bad Boy)
Charlie Wilson / Timbaland / Britney Spears - Super Sexy The Way I Are / Gimme More Remix (G Child Refix)
Chris Brown - Picture Perfect (Sony BMG)
The Dream - Ditch That (Def Jam)
Jaymes Madison - Room Service (CDR)
Sabrina Washington - Take It To The Top (CDR)

Time To Reflex

I was just thinking to myself, damn we are almost half way through 2008 already and its is shaping up to be a very healthy year for RnB. Usher album on the way, Mariah just dropped another classic album. Personally Im really impressed and proud of how UK RnB is sounded this year. Artists like LeaLea Jones, Natalia, EC, Sheya, LKP just to name a few have all made some wicked contributions to the scene so its only right we keep supporting them and spread their music out there. There's some interesting acts from the states coming through like Young Steff, The Dream, Jarvis and others that I'm taking an interest in. Have a listen to this Jarvis track called 'Pretty Girl' he's signed to Ludacris's label 'DTP' and I think this has hit record written all over it!

Leona Lewis Meets Tyra Banks

Im so happy for Leona, she really is flying the flag for UK music in a big way. Check out her interview with American chat show queen Tyra Banks from last week Thursday.

Part 1


Part 2

Omarion's A Free Agent

This is the harsh reality of the music game, yeah you might make a few good singles in your career but if your album don't sell them units your ass is getting dropped! Which is now the position of the former B2K lead singer Omarion. Personally I really liked his last album '21' and with 'Entourage' & 'Icebox' both being strong singles I thought that might help sell the album, even over here, but I guess not. Maybe he needs a European sounding track from Stargate to help him out, I mean damn its worked for everyone else...

Mary J Blige & Jay Z Share Their Secrets

Now this an interesting interview with Mary J & Jigga baring all on the secrets to global success.

Usher - Here I Am (Album Cover)

So this is how the the new Usher album cover will look on the CD racks once its released on May 26th. Of course we are all looking forward to hearing the album and of course we will compare it to his 9x platinum album 'Confessions' which is going to be hard to top. Will be interesting to see what happens.

The 1Xtra RnB Show With G Child

After a one week power break, Im now back in action bringing you the best in up tempo, RnB club bangers! Here's what was played on the show...

Nelly ft Fergie - Party People (Universal)
Donnie Klang - Take You There (Bad Boy)
Lloyd ft Ludacris - How We Do It In The A (Universal)
Latoya - Swagger (Capitol)
Young Steff- Body That (Richcraft)
Usher ft Ludacris - Dat Girl Right There (Sony BMG)
Ne Yo - Closer (Def Jam )
Sabrina Washington - Take It To Da Top (CDR)
Mary J Blige - Just Fine (Geffen)
Cheri Dennis - Spaced Out (Bad Boy)
Craig David ft Ryan Leslie - 6 Of One Thing (Atlantic)
Ray J ft The Game - Where You At (Knockout)
Chris Brown - Wall To Wall (Sony )
Chris Brown vs Soulja Boy G Child (refix)
Chris Brown ft T pain Kiss Kiss (Sony)
Shareefa ft Ludacris - I Need A Boss (DTP)
Nelly Furtado ft Timbaland & Justin Timberlake - Give It To Me (G Child Refix)
T Pain- Buy You A Drank / This Is Why I'm Hot - (G Child Refix)
Janet Jackson / Britney Spears - Feedback (Mercury) (G Child Refix)
Cynthia Mare ft Craig - The Diet Song (CDR)
Charlie Wilson / Timbaland / Britney Spears - Super Sexy The Way I Are / Give Me More Remix (G Child Refix)
Missy Elliot Ft Ciara & Jay Z - Ching A Ling (Atlantic)
Lloyd ft lil Wayne - Girls Around The World (Sho' nuff)
Mariah Carey - I'm That Chick - (Island/ Def Jam)
Jaymes Madison – Room Service (White)
The Dream – Ditch That (Def Jam)
Janet Jackson - Luv - (Island)
Ciara - Can't Leave Me Alone – (La face)
Estelle ft Kanye West - American Boy (HomeSchool)
Beyonce - Beautiful Nightmare (Columbia)
Lloyd - Get It Shawty (Universal)
Usher - Love In The Club (Reavers remix) (Sony BMG)
Snoop Dogg Ft Chris Brown - Sensual Seduction (Geffen / Sony BMG)
Robin Thicke – Wanna Love You Girl (Interscope)

Listen to this show online here

Young Steff - Body That (Nexus Remix)

Young Steff is without a doubt an artist worth keeping a look out for. He was discovered and signed by super producer Rich Harrison and now has record deal with Atlantic Records. I didn't really feel his debut track "Put That On Everything" but this next one "Body That" is pure heat! Unfortunately I don't have a video, release date or any of that kind of information for you at the moment but I'm on the look out - detective G Child over and out.

Young Steff - Body That

Wish You Was Here!

Currently I'm sitting on the beach with my laptop and a crushed ice cocktail with the sun blazing down on me. How's the weather in the UK? :-)

OK I wont rub it in too much... Right better go, I feel like a dip in the pool...

Ryan Leslie Responds To The Diamond Girl Video

Ryan Leslie has given his fans his verdict on the Diamond Girl Video in a MySpace bulletin:



This the edit of the video that premiered on BET's 106 & Park on Friday, April 4th. Since it's my channel, I added some sound design to the version that aired.

As I posted in my previous video, I had a huge vision for this video to feel like a live television performance that gave tribute to a James Brown piece I saw on the Ed Sullivan show.

I saved up my money and had the EXACT same stage built that James performed on. I then hired a band to cut the live version. After that, I worked with everyone on the stage to have that throwback vibe. I paid to shoot the performance on a blue screen with the intention of having the set of the Ed Sullivan show digitally recreated behind me. My label disagreed.

They felt that the live version felt too much like a remix.

They also felt that we needed to rush on the video so the final edit came back without the digital stage - just changed the blue to black and added some lights, and cutaway graphics of diamonds.

My original treatment called for the video to be set in the late 60's just like James Brown's performance. I wanted to have families huddled around the television watching this performance like they used to back then.

When I got to LA to shoot, the entire set was modern and a piece of me died. My vision was compromised. Rather than be an ungrateful artist, I stayed and gave my best performance.

The video that's airing is really only a partial representation of my artistic vision.

Here are a few of the audio edits I've made that are featured in the vid that you're seeing:

* First, I had someone come to the studio and say the following dialogue in French:

"Ryan. Wait for me. I'm not even ready! I can't believe you're gonna leave me here...You're driving me crazy - I can't do this anymore. Ryan - if you leave - we're finished! YOU SPENT $3000 ON A DRESS - don't you wanna see me in it?? Oh..ok - fine... GO! Amuse yourself with the girls at your show!! And if you think I'll be here when you get back - THINK AGAIN!!"

* Second, I convinced Evan to do the voice-over of my manager.

* Third, I re-cut my dialogue from the beginning and added the sound of running water to enhance the vibe of our bathroom conversation.

* Fourth, I added the sound of the door opening before the video starts.

* Added a few horn stabs to parts of the performance when I'm gesturing to the band to "hit me".

* Put some applause at the end of the performance scene.

* Added the sound of screaming girls, running feet, more screaming girls and the car door closing.

The lesson I learned here is that when you have a strong creative vision - do everything in your power to see it through. I am very thankful that I have a video on TV. Many artists are still striving for that milestone. Regardless, this experience encouraged me to shoot another video as well as an 11 minute short film based on "Diamond Girl".

I will not stop.

R

Currently listening to Mariah Carey - Migrate

Words by Jonny G

Dwele Live In Birmingham Review

On Sunday night, my DJ partner Mr.Smoove and I got the chance to see one of our favourite artists, Dwele, live in our home town of Birmingham.

Now if you've never heard of Dwele before you'll be hearing his slick vocals lacing Kanye West's new single 'Flashing Lights'. He's periously featured on such tracks as Slum Village's 'tainted', Platinum Pied Pipers cover of the Bobby Caldwell classic 'open your eyes', Common's 'The People' and the recent head nodder, Pryslezz' 'More than a love song'. He has 2 albums currently under his belt (3 if you include the brief release of Rize) - The fantastic 2003 release 'Subject' and the equally brilliant 2005 release 'Some Kinda...'. The forthcoming installment - which is currently untitled - is sceduled for June this year.

The night kicked off just after 9:00 with Birmingham Mob DJ, DJ E Double D warming up the crowd with a fantastic soulful set ranging from Marvin Gaye to Common to Ryan Leslie to Musiq Soulchild.

Dwele hit the stage at 11:00 and kicked off the show with a number of tracks from the 'Some Kinda...' album, including 'flapjacks' and bust into his version of Snoop Dogg's 'Sensual Seduction' which was heavy!! but he his ear monitor was causing a lot of feedback, so he pretty much put the concert on hold, beatboxing and humming a melody for his band to play and he fixed the problem with his earpiece during their introductions/solo's. With all of this going on, Dwele figured there was no point in carrying on with his setlist and through a bit of role play with the crowd turned the show into a radio request show! Dwele would play the radio host/DJ and would get the crowd to "call in" and request what tunes they wanted to hear! After performing 'A.N.G.E.L' and 'I think I love you' one of the callers requested 'I'm cheatin' - which is set to be the lead single for his new album - Dwele joked with the crowd about how we've got a hold of the single and then went on to perform another track set for the new album. He finished off his set with the classic 'Find A way' and for the encore, kicked his band off and performed 'kick out of you' solo on the keys and then brought the band back on to finish off with 'The Truth' (which we'd been shouting for all night!!).

Dwele was absolutely fantastic! His interaction with the crowd had us all involved all night, inbetween songs he'd have some role play on the go or talk to the crowd to introduce the next tracks and he was vocally on point the whole of the night! Dwele was fantastic!

After the performance DJ E double D came back on with some up beat tracks and broken beat. Track of the night goes to Fyza (who was in the house!). Her tune complicated had 4 pull up requests! Check her out on myspace to realise why - http://www. myspace. com/flyza

Dwele came out for a meet and greet and we got a photo op with Dwele and up and coming Birmingham sensation Rachel Moulden - http://www. myspace. com/rachelmoulden - while it was only brief it was an honour to meet the dude.

We had an absolutely fantastic night! Dwele was brilliant and this was a real experience seeing him live! Next time Dwele is in town, this is one concert you shouldn't miss!

I just wanna shout out DJ E Double D for playing a fantastic set and getting the crowd hyped, Fyza for being really cool with us, her tune 'complicated' is hot and you've really gotta check it out! The amazingly talented Rachel Moulden, it was a real pleasure meeting u and believe me your turns coming soon - all you soul heads don't sleep on her!! Not forgetting my boy Mr.Smoove for rolling with me!

Until next time....Jonny G signing out!

Currently listening to: Drake feat Dwele & Little Brother - Don't you have a man

Reviewed by Jonny G

You Gotta Love It!

Nelly & Fergie have teamed up to bring us a club banger called "Party People" and boy I'm loving this tune! Instantly I thought yep this is my kinda thing, its edgy, catchy, energetic & perfect for the clubs... Although I'm not a massive Fergie fan I have to say the girl has done good on a few tracks like "Glamourous" & "Clumsy" which I think are both modern day Pop/RnB classics, yeah I said it!

Check out their video below.

At Last, Ryan Leslie's - Diamond Girl Video

Damn its been a long time coming, but thankfully its finally here. Diamond Girl has been bubbling on the underground RnB scene since late August 07 but with the help of some nice remixes including a banger featuring our very own Craig David the momentum has kept going. I have to say though I was expecting more from the video and I'm not sure how the die hard Ryan Leslie fans will feel about it. Have a look for yourself.

Brand New Usher Video!

Well my man Jonny G gave you the snippit and now here's the full length video for Usher's first single "Love In The Club " from he's upcoming album "Here I Stand" due out May 27th.

There's quite a lot of cameo's in the video so see if you can spot them all!

Usher -Love In The Club (Snippit Video)

The soon to be hit single 'Love In The Club' has been blowing up airwaves for a while now and here's a teaser of the video set to hit a TV screen near you soon.

On another note, Usher's 5th studio album 'Here I Stand' has been pushed FORWARD!! Scheduled to be released early June it's been pushed forward to May 27th! I can't wait to check the full album, you know it's gonna be BIG!



Currently listening to: Charlie Wilson ft. Snoop Dogg - Let It Out

Peace Jonny G

New Music - Donnie Klang Ft P Diddy - Take You There

Former contestant on P Diddy's "Making The Band 4" Donnie Klang has a new new track floating around the internet called "Take You There" and I really like it. Donnie never made the final band but I bet you any money he lasts longer than Day26 and at least he has a deal with Bad Boy Records. I don't mean to jinx them but I just aint convinced by their music. This track for me is far more instant and way more catchy then Day26's "Got Me Going". Have a listen and see what you think for yourself.

1Xtra Live Pics

Last weekend 1Xtra staged the biggest black music event of the year with an event called 1Xtra Live. Performing on the night was Akon, Kelly Rowland, Chris Brown, Lupe Fiasco, Craig David, Estelle, Jay Sean, Wiley, & Taio Cruz. What an event! What a night!

Check out my photos from the night.

Estelle live on stage


Hey don't bother me dude, Im trying to concentrate!


South London legends Rampage up in the place.


The 1Xtra family. (from top left DJ B, Me, DJ Cameo, Tina, DJ Target, Twin B & Treble T)


1Xtra Bad Bwoys ina di place! Trevor Nelson, me & DJ Semtex.


For more pictures from the night and various clubs I play at go to my Flickr page.

Tracklistings For My RnB Show On BBC Radio 1Xtra

If its hot, cutting edge, up-tempo RnB your looking for then look no further than my RnB show on BBC Radio 1Xtra every Friday night from midnight till 2am or you can listen to show online for 7 days after the broadcast HERE This is what I played on last Fridays show.

Kelis ft Will.I.Am - Weekend (Virgn)
Lloyd vs Ciara – Get It Shawty / Like A Boy (G Child Remix)
Sabrina Washington – Take It To The Top (Misa Mix) (CDR)
Timbaland ft Keri Hilson Vs Mavado - The Way I Are/ Weh Dem A Do (G Child Remix)
Ciara ft 50 Cent – Leave Em Alone (Reavers Remix)
Lloyd ft Lil Wayne – Girls All Around The World (Motown)
Cheri Dennis – Act Like You Know (Bad Boy)
The Dream – Ditch That (Def Jam)
J Status - I’m Ready (CDR)
Taio Cruz – Come On Girl (Universal)
Mariah Carey ft The Dream & Rick Ross - Touch My Body (Remix) (Universal)
EC – All I See (White)
Chris Brown – Wall To Wall (J)
Usher – Make It Rain (Sony)
Donnie Klang – Take Me There (Bad Boy)
Missy Elliot ft Ciara & Jay-Z – Ching-a-Ling (Remix) (Elektra)
Mary J Blige – Til The Morning (MCA)
Nina Sky – Secrets (Universal)
Cheri Dennis – Portrait of Life (Bad Boy)
Chris Brown - Kiss Kiss (1Xtra Live)
Charlie Wilson ft Snoop Dogg – Let It Out (Geffen)
Janet Jackson vs Britney Spears – Feedback/Gimme More (G Child Refix)
Day 26 ft Fat Joe & Rick Ross – Got Me Going (Remix) (Bad Boy)
Usher ft Young Jeezy – Love In This Club (Reavers Remix)
Sean Garrett ft Ludacris – Grippin (Interscope)
LeaLea Jones – Oh My (White)
Lloyd - Love Spaceship (Universal)
El Rae – Body To Body (Aftershock)
Usher ft Ludacris – Dat Girl Right There (Sony)
Sheya – Dream Come True (White)
Nelly ft Fergie – Party People (Universal)

Big Rave in Birmingham This Saturday

Trust me if your looking for a big rave to go to this Saturday 5th April, then make sure you get yourself down to the legendary Que Club in Birmingham's city centre for the return of the mighty Harmony! The theme of the event is Bassline vs Old School Garage with sets from the big, dutty stinkin Heartless Crew back to back with Birmingham's very own MC Bassman, can't wait for that. There is also an RnB arena where I'll be spinning some big club bangerz!!!

Check out the advert below.

Day26 - Got Me Going

So the finished product of P Diddy's "Making The Band 4" series are now fully loaded with their first music video for the single "Got Me Going" Personally I think this track is pretty weak and sounds well generic! Even with Fat Joe and Rick Ross blessing the remix it still aint grabbing me. Thats just my humble opinion. Im still trying to get used to their name - "Day26" aint really cutting it! Check out the video and see what you think.

My First Blogging Rant!

I'm not one to moan but I have to on this occasion I'm left with no choice... This is cos my flight to Newcastle was delayed for over 3 hours which peed me off, but thats not it... On the way back it was even worst my flight was delayed for 4 HOURS yep four long boring hours. While being trapped in Newcastle airport, I went from playing wack arcade games that I would never normally play, I ate some food that I wouldn't normally eat, I even looked in shops that I would never shop in! Man it was depressing, and I'm gonna complain, again something I don't normally do! At least one thing good came out of it, I brought myself a new sick digital camera! Before I go I would like to big up everyone that came to Blue nightclub in Newcastle last night, especially LKP, Jay Rockwell & and my homie Mimi A (and possie)

Tracklistings For My RnB Show Last Night On BBC Radio 1Xtra

Listen online and hear 2 hrs of the very best in RnB (club style) via the BBC iPlayer www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/gchild Last night I blazed new music from Mariah, Cheri Dennis, E C, LeaLea Jones, Keri Hilson and 2 big massive tunes from Lloyd.

Trey Songz ft Lil Wayne – I Cant Help But Wait Remix (Atlantic)
Ryan Leslie ft Craig David & Mims – Diamond Girl Remix (Universal)
Usher ft Ludacris – Dat Girl Right There (SonyBMG)
Lloyd ft Ludacris – How We Do It (Motown)
Chris Brown ft Lil Wayne – Gimme What You Got (SonyBMG)
Janet Jackson vs Britney Spears Refix (White)
Taio Cruz – Come On Girl (Universal)
Snoop – Sensual Seduction (Geffen)
Kylie Minogue ft MIMS – All I See (Parlophone)
Shareefa ft Jadakiss – On Fire (Def Jam)
EC ft Final Element – All I See (Cisum Entertainment)
El Rae – Body 2 Body (Aftershock)
Lloyd – Love Spaceship (Motown)
Usher – Make It Rain (La Face)
Jaymes Madison – Room Service (White)
The Dream – Ditch That (Def Jam)
Cheri Dennis – Act Like You Know (Bad Boy)
Shea – Dream Come True
Sirens – Club La La (Kitchenware)
Ciara ft Lil Jon – That’s Right (Sony)
Sean Paul – Temperature Refix (G Child Exclusive)
Beenie Man – Row Like a Boat Refix (Vocal) / Timbaland ft Nelly Furtardo & Timberlake – Give It to Me (Instrumental) (G Child Refix)
Nicole Wray - If I Was Your Girlfriend (Kopa Riddim refix)
Lloyd ft Missy Elliot - Get It Shawty (Motown)
Lloyd ft Lil Wayne – Girls All Around The World (Motown)
LeaLea Jones – Oh My
Estelle ft Kanye West – American Boy (Atlantic)
Mariah Carey ft The Dream – Touch My Body Remix (Def Jam)
DJ Felli Fel ft Kanye West, JD, Fabulous & Ne-Yo – Finer Things (Def Jam)
Timbaland ft Keri Hilson – Get It Girl (Interscope)
T-Pain – Church (Jive)
Nicole Scherzinger ft TI – Whatever You Like (Interscope)
Ciara ft 50 Cent – Can’t Leave You Alone (Remix) (Sony)
Lloyd ft Lil Wayne – Girls All Around The World (Motown)

More UK RnB Heat!

Like I've been saying recently the UK RnB scene is looking like its going to have a strong 2008. I think last year wasn't that great and 2006 was very strong! Another name to keep an eye out for is E C whose vocals you may remember from Soundboy Entertainment's smash single "Never Wanna Say Goodbye". Well he's back with a hot new single called "All I C" have a listen below.

These Are My Confessions (In The Words Of Ray J)

About a year ago Ray J done the sly, sneaky move and leaked his own sex tape (He said he never leaked it, but I reckon he did!!!) Anyway now the dust has settled Ray J explains to Tyra Banks about the whole situation!

New Big Tune From Lloyd And Lil Wayne!

Now this is what I call a tune! Played it twice on my radio show, had to be done - proper heavy! LLoyd has some serious heat floating about from his new forthcoming album "Sexual Education" Have a listen to this big tune below.

Lloyd Ft Lil Wayne - Girls Around The world

UK Soul Spotlight - Ewing

Listening to Ewing's EP is like a spray of cold water on a hot sultry day: at first it's a surprise but then you feel refreshed. A talented musician with an INDY award behind him as released an EP that indeed is soulfully refreshing. Ewing showcases a broad vocal range and musically it's a great listen. This is not an RnB EP dressed up as neo-soul – this is the real deal.

It took me a while to get into his sound; but something that grows on you, tends to stick in your head. He reminds me of artists that were not concerned with constantly sounding perfect, but really let go within their music, and I believe Ewing achieves this. This guy is a story teller, and his song writing skills are fantastic.

I have Now on replay – the bonus track on the EP, and the live session that follows just proves that this guy knows how to perform. Holding On is another track to look out for; it makes you feel positive just listening to it.

One blurb goes on to describe this Scottish talent as " …a modern day Marvin Gaye…". Definitely keep a look out for Ewing in the future!

Review by WordSmith


For more information on Ewing and to purchase his ep click here.

Sheya - Dream Come True Video

As I've mentioned before Sheya is an artist set to make major moves this year, with momentum of her new single "Dream Come True" building a big buzz on the underground UK RnB scene, the video is now on the MTV Base feature "Spanking New Music" so look out for it on ya big screen. For now check it out below.



For more info check out her MySpace

UK Soul Podcast

The latest UK Soul Podcast featuring interviews with Terri Walker, Abanah and L-Marie is now avaialble. You can listen to the new podcast by visiting the podcast section of our MySpace page. The podcast is also available for download at http://www.clickcaster.com/uksoul.

For further information on all the artists please visit:

Terri Walker - MySpace

Abanah - MySpace

L-Marie - MySpace

Boys II Men gig review - Birmingham Symphony Hall

Wow, so after all the drama of moving house ended with it all falling through 2 hours before I was set to sign the contract, I'm back at last!!

I've seen Boys II Men twice before. The first time was at the Hammersmith Palais 2 years ago which was a really nice intimate gig, then the second time at the Hammersmith Apollo with Joe and Brian McKnight.

This time was the first time they've ever come to Birmingham and it was in the mighty Symphony Hall. For all of you who've never been there before, as the name suggests, it's usually used for classical shows and was designed to give the best sound quality you could possibly get for a building that size!

Tickets sold out for this gig incredibly fast and I was lucky enough to get tickets, although I was in the nosebleed section!

While it wasn't really reported anywhere, the support act was Anthony David, best known for his cover of Level 42's 'There's something about you' which you might have heard on 1xtra or seen on MTV Base before. He has 2 albums out, '3 chords and the truth' and 'The Red Clay Chronicle's. Anthony came on at about quarter to 8 and performed a number of tracks from both albums, guitar in hand. The crowd - a mostly pop crowd - while quiet, seemed to really enjoy a few tracks, especially 'there's something about u' and his cover of Bill Withers - Lovely Day at the end. Anthony was on for about half an hour and then went out the back to sign copies of his album on the merchandise stand (I bought my second copy of Red Clay Chronicles and got it signed, expect to see my interview with Anthony David online in the next week or so).

I was really impressed with the stage setup. They had a small box stage, candles all around and a big video screen in the middle with a live band behind (which we never saw).
Boys II Men came on at about quarter to 9 and performed:

Motownphilly
Music
On bended knee remix - original
4 Seasons of Lonelinessx
Tracks of my tears
Just my Imagination
Money
Reach out I'll be there
Please Don't Go
Colour of love
Water Runs Dry
I'll make love to you (during which they gave roses out to the crowd)
A song for Mama
End of the Road

The Encore was Motownphilly again.

During each track they had the video playing on the main screen which was a really cool effect, did a little dance routine and 90% of the tracks were live instruments which really added to the experience as this was the first time I'd seen them with live instruments.

The only real downside is Shawn Stockman struggled with a few of the high notes which I've noticed in previous concerts too. He's still an amazing singer though! Shawn really kept the crowd entertained in-between songs too. There was also a lack of a warmup DJ, instead there was an old school CD on repeat which was a shame.

Wanya Morris is an absolute beast on the mic, he was belting out note after note and really is one of the best live singers I've ever heard!

If you can make any of the remaining shows (and if they aren't sold out) you really need to experience Boys II Men live. It really is one of the best concerts you will ever see! Don't miss your chance to see these legends of R&B!

Up next....Dwele at the Drum in Birmingham on 29th March!

Currently listening to Anthony David - There's something about you

The 1Xtra RnB Show With G Child

Once again another big 1Xtra RnB Show for you to go online and listen back to. I played new music from Timbaland's artist - Keri Hilson plus hot new UK RnB from Sheya and that proper big tune from LeaLea Jones.

Listen back HERE

Check out the full tracklistings below

Cherish ft Young Joc – Killa (Virgin)
Janet Jackson – Feedback (Def Jam)
Janet Vs Britney - Gimme Feedback (G Child Refix)
Taio Cruz – Come On Girl (Universal)
Snoop Dogg – Sensual Seduction (Geffen)
Chris Brown – Picture Perfect (J)
Bow Wow ft Omarion – Hey Baby (Sony BMG)
Missy Elliottft Ciara & Jay Z - Ching A Ling (Atlantic)
El Rae - Body To Body (Flash Inc)
Usher ft Ludacris – That Girl Right There (Sony BMG)
Sheya – Dream Come True (CDR)
TheDream - Ditch That (Def Jam)
Keri Hilson – Get It Girl (Mosely Music Group)
Cheri Dennis – Spaced Out (Atlantic)
Lloyd ft Ludacris - How We Do In The A (Sho Nuff)
Nicole Scherzinger ft T.I - Whatever You Like (Interscope)
Bow Wow & Omarion Ft Cassidy & Soulja Boy - Girlfriend (Remix)
Chris Brown ft T Pain - Kiss Kiss
Chris Brown vs Soulja Boy - Crank That ( G Child Refix)
Trey Songz ft Lil Wayne - Cant Help But Wait (Remix)
Mary J Blige Ft Lil Wayne - Just Fine (Swiss Beatz Remix)
Charlie Wilsonft T.Pain – Super Sexy (J)
Aynzi Jones – Had Enough (CDR)
Teedra Moses ft Jadakiss – You’ll Never Find (TVT)
LeaLea Jones – Oh My (CDR)
Dele – Ex (Skyone Productions)
Gemma Fox – Voicemail (Fox Ents)
Cheri Dennis – Portrait Of Love (Atlantic)
Mariah Carey – Touch My Body (Def Jam)

BET UK Launch Party

Over the weekend American TV network BET launched their brand new UK station at Cafe De Paris in London's West End with a special performance from the one and only Alicia Keys. Of course there were loads of celebs and key industry figures in the place, check out some pics from the event.

Musiq Soulchild up in the house!


Soulja Boy makes an appearance. Thanks to Hella for putting her big finger in the way!


UK RnB Legend Omar


This is my Nottingham lil sis Natasha aka Hella, watch out for her music industry insiders DVD coming soon.


Overall it was a heavy event, I'm actually watching BET right now and I have to say this American Gangster programme is proper interesting. Look up a guy called Tookie Williams, big time gangster/nobel peace prize winner.

BET is on air now via Sky Channel 209

Rihanna & Chris Brown Get Married!

Im not one to gossip and yes I did exaggerate in the title, (they aint really married) but its all apart of the fun! Last week I wrote about the pair spending time together in Barbados to celebrate Rihanna's 20th birthday this week they have been seen hanging out looking kinda intimate in Jamaica! I think they look good together.

Its Looking Good For UK RnB!

Another track from the UK RnB scene that I'm feeling right now is from a young lady hailing from South London called Sheya. The track was emailed across to me a few weeks ago and I've been blazing it on my radio show every since. This is the kind of UK RnB we need more of, stuff you can dance to in a club. Have listen to the track below and see what you think.

Sheya - "Dream Come True"


Check out her MySpace page HERE

Mariah - Touch My Body Video

Well here we go the all important video for M C's first single "Touch My Body" and damn what can I say, do I need to act like a nerd to get a shot at being face to face with Mariah at her crib?! I wasn't expecting a nerd to get the lead male role in this video, but hey I guess this just adds to another standard Mariah video. As much as I love Mariah, her videos are a bit poo poo I think.

See what you think for yourself.

Estelle's New Video

Gone are the days where Estelle was rapping on the underground and releasing mixtapes. She's now with John Legend on Homeschool/Atlantic Records working with such artists as Will I Am and Kanye West who features in her fantastic new video "American Boy".

I really hope this project works - just think of the doors it will open for other underground black music artists. We really should get behind Estelle and give her our full support!

New UK Artist To Look Out For

Today I was checking out MySpace in search of some decent UK RnB and guess what??? I've found someone really hot who's music I can't stop listening to! Soul and RnB influenced singer/songwriter Lealea Jones has been a familiar face in the music scene from her early days in HipHop/Funk band the Hipopratives before embarking on an exciting solo career which has taken her around the World. Still only 21 years old already she has shared the stage with heavy weight artists including Jay-Z, Beyonce and Amy Winehouse at some of London’s top venues Earls Court, the Jazz Café and Mean Fiddler.

Check out her heavy tune - "Oh My"


If you like what you hear, hit LeaLea up on her official MySpace

UK Soul Spotlight -Dele

A new talent emerging from the UK goes by the name of Dele with his debut single "Ex" getting airplay on major radio stations such as BBC 1Xtra. Dele has almost finished his album titled "Coming 2 Age" which will hopefully be finalised and released before the end of the year. We have an exclusive snippet of Dele's "Ex" video which will soon be getting play on MTV Base and Channel U.

For more information on Dele please visit his MySpace page



Reviewed by GN Villa

UK Soul Spotlight - Omar

Omar is probably one of the most recognised names on the UK RnB/Soul scene. Some will know him from his latest album release "Sing (If You Want It)" but most will know him from his previous 5 albums and career since the early 90's. As some of you will know Omar was a featured artist on UK Soul over the month of December with his track titled "Sing (If You Want It)". DJ Dodge who is well known from the world famous MTV's Lick Parties and also as a producer recently flipped "Sing (If You Want It)" and made Omar re-record the vocals. This track features the fantastic Terri Walker and Kele Le Roc and can be viewed below on the remixed video.



Reviewed by GN Villa