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.
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
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.
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!
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
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
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
What a personality in a voice! Tawiah's EP In Jodi's Bedroom shows off a talent that is wholesome and UK to the core. Its not all about vocals, add her individual style and she definitely stands out. Its funky fresh, meets soulful with a twist of the independent streak that we in the UK are proud of.
Like other artists, Tawiah doesn't hide her accent whilst she sings, and you get a sense of her self in the music. If you want something fun, listen to Another One; classic 80s beat that would make Cameo proud!
A wicked mix of electric sound, chill-out acoustics and playground antics; "Oh my god witness the fitness!" just made me smile when I heard it as the intro for Boy From Da Endz. There is something to suit most tastes: Every Step (my personal favourite) has a different vibe that would appeal to those who like indie or acoustic/soft rock, but she still has that soulful edge in its midst.
Tawiah is fun: that is what she encapsulates for me. And she's adventurous with her sound. I look forward to hearing some more from her in the future!
Tawiah's ep "In Jodie's Bedroom" is now available from Amazon. You can also watch Tawiah's recent performance at BBC Introducing Night below.
Review by WordSmith
I don't have much to say about Cassie apart from I know she is working on her new album and she has a track called "Is It You" which is taken from the soundtrack "Step Up 2 (The Streets)" due out in March. I have to say its good to know her modeling career is still going well, check out her photo shoot for GQ Magazine and the video for her new track. 
Rihanna celebrated her 20th birthday yesterday and her home country Barbados have decided to have an official "Rihanna Day" every year on the 21st of February! Chris Brown is also jetting off to Barbados to celebrate with her by singing a special acapella version of "Umbrella" to her. This is also adding to the rumors that the pair are now an item. Wow!
Check out her recent performance at the Brit Awards last night.
Yes I know this is not an RnB track and yes I also know this track is a little cheddar cheesy, but yes you guessed it, I like it. I heard a poor quality version of this track ages ago and it's stuck in my mind ever since! Well the decision has been made and this track will officially become a single from Shaggy's latest album "Intoxication" Check out the Hype Williams directed video for "What's Love"
You may or may not know that RnB super star Usher signed a boy group to his label "US Records" a while back called One Chance which is made up of Courtney, Rob, Jon & Michael. Now to cut a long story short these guys have failed several times to create a decent buzz within the industry and with fans, but that might all change in the near future as Usher and Clive Davis plan to re- launch their struggling careers. The idea is to release their track "U Can't (Resist It)" and hope that it connects with the audience. Check out the track below.
Due to popular demand, I'm uploading my Janet Vs Britney refix. The only catch is I'm uploading it to yousendit which means its first come first served because the link will expire after 7 days, so if you wanna be one of the few people with an exclusive in your playing out selection, MP3 player or what ever else your into, get downloading now!
Download the exclusive Refix HERE
Once again its on and popping! The 1Xtra RnB show bringing you the cutting sounds of RnB. Listen back now to hear brand new music from big players in the game like – Mariah, Usher and new artists like – Sean Garret & Sheya…
Click HERE to listen back to the show!
Janet Jackson – Feedback (Mecury) G Child (Refix)
Janet Ft Ciara – Feedback (Remix)
Chris Brown - Picture Perfect (J)
Cheri Dennis - Spaced Out (Bad Boy)
Taio Cruz – Come on Girl (4th & Broadway)
Dream - Ditch That (Def Jam)
Lloyd ft Ludacris – How We Do In The A (CDR)
Trey Songz ft Mr Vegas – Can’t Help But Wait Remix (Atlantic)
Trey Songz ft Lil Wayne – Can’t Help But Wait Remix (Alantic)
Usher ft Young Jeezy – Make Love In The Club (CDR)
Usher ft Ludacris – That Girl Right There (CDR)
Cherish - Killer (Capitol)
Craig David ft Ryan Leslie -6 Of 1 Thing (Remix)
Charlie Wilson / Timbaland / Britney Spears - Super Sexy / The Way I Are / Give Me More remix (G Child Refix)
Mary J Blige ft Swiss Beats / Lil Wayne – Just Fine Remix (Geffen)
Sheya ft Young Pro – Dream Come True – (CDR)
May7even – Hands Up (CDR)
Sirens – Club La La Remix (CDR)
Missy Elliot Feat Ciara & Jay Z - Ching A Ling (Remix) (Goldmind/Atlantic)
Mariah Carey – Touch My Body (Def Jam)
Natasha Bedingfield ft Lil Wayne Sean Kingston – Love Like This (Sony BMG)
Sean Garrett ft Ludacris – Grippin’ On The Bed (Interscope)
Tyrese Ft Ludacris – Coming To See You – (J)
Snoop Dogg – Sensual Seduction (Geffen)
Gemma Fox – Voicemail (CDR)
Janet Jackson – Luv (Mecury)
Nicole Scherzinger ft T.I - Whatever You Like (Interscope)
T-Pain - Church (Konvict Muzik/Jive Records)
Bow Wow & Omarion – Hey Baby (Jump Off) (Sony BMG)
Watch My Feet – Dude n Them (TVT)
Rhianna - Don’t Stop The Music -1Xtra Bassline Remix (CDR)
Chris Brown ft Nelly – Kiss Kiss (J)
Wylie – Wearing My Rolex –
Estelle ft Kanye West - American Boy – (Homeschool)
This guy cant do anything with out it being all over net almost instantly! This time the multi talented musician has recorded a studio video for a possible forthcoming album track - "Valentine". As always the quality of this track is very high and no doubt it will stick in your head for weeks on end like most R Les tunes do...
Like most people I also feel sorry for Amy Winehouse, I sincerely hope she makes it through rehab and finds more happiness in her life. Now I'm not one to kick someone when their down but I've just watched this mock interview done by Canadian VJ - Leah Miller which is cleverly put together as if she was really interviewing Amy. This is proper funny! I will say though, if your a big fan of Amy and it upsets you when people take the pee out of her - don't watch this!
The 2008 Grammy awards were held lastnight. Last year I posted up a list of the nominee's and the results are:
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
(For a solo vocal performance. Singles or Tracks only.)
Winner: Alicia Keys - No One
Best Male R&B Vocal Performance
(For a solo vocal performance. Singles or Tracks only.)
Winner: Prince - Future Baby Mama
Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals
(For duo, group or collaborative performances, with vocals. Singles or Tracks only.)
Winner: Chaka Khan Featuring Mary J. Blige - Disrespectful
Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance
(For solo, duo, group or collaborative performances, with vocals. Singles or Tracks only.)
Winner: Gerald Levert - In My Songs
Best Urban/Alternative Performance
(For solo, duo, group or collaborative performances, with vocals. Singles or Tracks only.)
Winner: Lupe Fiasco Featuring Jill Scott - Daydreamin'
Best R&B Song
(A Songwriter(s) Award. For Song Eligibility Guidelines see Category #3. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.)
Winner: Alicia Keys - No One
Best R&B Album
(For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.)
Winner: Chaka Khan - Funk This
Best Contemporary R&B Album
(For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.)
Winner: Ne-Yo - Because of you
Check out a few performances from the night
Amy Winehouse - No Good/Rehab
Tina Turner & Beyonce
Kanye West - Stronger/ Dear Mama
Firstly shouts to my collegue GNVilla who predicted nearly all of the results in my original predictions post!
Secondly did anyone cop that Chaka Khan album? Two awards and I haven't heard it yet. Time to order my copy I think!
So in the RnB categories with 2 awards Alicia Keys has done extremely well but personally while I did really like 'No One', I felt that Chrisette Michelle's track was better and in the writing category I'd have given it to Musiq Soulchild.
All in all though its been a solid year in the R&B categories! Leave your feedback in the comments section! Who do you think deserved to win? Are you pleased with the results?
Currently listening to: Bugz in the Attic - The remixes (album)
Written by Jonny G
Its about time we had some new music from Keri, I used blazed her joint "Hand's & Feet" on my radio show every week for months - Sick tune! And I'm sure you know vocals from Timbaland's club banger "The Way I Are" Anyway I've just found out that she has a new single called "Return The Favor" due out in April! Keri also has an album coming out later this year called "In A Perfect World" and thats coming out through Timbaland's "Mosley Music Group" Well Timbo's the man with the golden touch right now so the music should be hot. I'll fill you in with more info when I get it.
For now check out this video of Keri alongside Rich Boy and Polow Da Don performing "Good Things"
The long awaited return of Whitney Houston is getting closer, she's currently in LA just ahead of the 50th annual Grammy Awards which takes place tomorrow and the word is she might perform some new material from her new album which is apparently due out in April 08. I'd love to be at this year's Grammy's, I'm really looking forward to Tina Turner & Beyonce's performance, that's going to be hot.
The 1Xtra Show with G Child, blessing you with big new tunes from Usher, Janet, Tyrese, Sean Garret and Natasha Beddingfield (You gotta hear that one). Don't forget to check out my latest Refixes as well!
Listen back HERE
Mary J Blige ft Lil Wayne – Just Fine Swiss Beatz remix (Geffen)
Cheri Dennis – Portrait of Love (Bad Boy)
Justin Timberlake ft Missy Elliot - Sexy Back remix (Jive)
Chris Brown - Picture Perfect (J)
Laura Izibor – From My Heart To Yours (Atlantic)
Nicole Scherzinger Ft T.I - Whatever You Like (Interscope)
T-Pain - Church (Konvict Muzik/Jive Records)
Charlie Wilson / Timbaland / Britney Spears - Super Sexy / The Way I Are / Give Me More remix (G Child Refix )
Cheri Dennis- Spaced Out (Bad Boy)
Missy Elliot Feat Ciara & Jay Z - Ching A Ling (Remix) (Goldmind/Atlantic)
Bow Wow & Omarion – Hey Baby (Jump Off) (Sony BMG)
The Dream- Ditch That (Def Jam)
Taio Cruz – Come On Girl (Island Records)
Janet Jackson-Feedback (Mercury)
Natasha Bedingfield – Lil Wayne Sean Kingston – Love like This (Sony BMG)
May7even – Hands Up (CDR)
Usher ft Young Jeezy – Make Love In The Club (CDR)
Ryan Leslie Feat Craig David & Mims- Diamond Girl (Remix)
Mary J Blige- Till The Morning (Geffen)
Snoop Dogg – Sensual Seduction (Geffen)
Sean Garret Ft Ludacris – Grippin On The Bed (CDR)
Corey Latif Williams – Fix That
The Dream-Falsetto (Def Jam)
Bow Wow and Omarion – Can’t Get Tired Of Me (Sony BMG)
Tyrese ft Ludacris – Coming To See You (CDR)
R Kelly Ft Kanye West -Flashing Lights (Remix)
Janet Jackson- Luv (Mercury)
Keyshia Cole Ft Too Short – Didn’t I Tell You – (Interscope)
Latoya Luckett Ft Bun B – Swagger – (Capitol)
Ciara Ft Lil Jon – That’s Right – (La Face)
Timbaland Ft Keri Hilson – The Way I Are (G Child Refix) (Interscope)
Sean Paul Vs Masters At Work – Temperature / Work G Child) (Atlantic)
Lloyd Ft Missy Elliott – Get It Shawty - (Universal)
Right then what can I say about the new Missy video for "Ching A Ling" Well first of all I'm feeling the track more than the video... I kinda expect some real creative stuff from a Missy video and this one aint that. I don't wanna slate her but I'm not really feeling it, maybe when I see it in 3D that might change my opinion. I reckon she should of stayed making tracks with Timbaland, imagine her and him making a track now - fire!
Missy has made some classic video's in her time, my favorite is "One Minute Man" check it out below.
Now I like to think of myself as a modern type dude thats up for a little something different, but when I seen Fantasia's new hair style I nearly spat the drink out of my mouth! Bloody hell what the hell is that all about... Apparently its all in aid of the Grammy Awards which is taking place tomorrow evening, lets hope she don't have to go on stage in front of the millions of people who will be watching the event.
On 1st February UKSoul.org celebrated its 1st birthday by providing a showcase of UK talent for their guest! Now how nice is that?
So there I am, sitting nice and comfortably on the huge sofas with my drink in hand, waiting for the show to start. This gave me ample time to check out my surroundings. For those of you not familiar with the Hobgoblin, this pub/bar is based in Islington, just down the road from Angel tube station. The venue itself is very welcoming with its plush, comfy sofas, bare-grain wood tables and cheaper than average drinks. The atmosphere was on the right side of mellow: people were waiting for the show to start, but there was a general buzz of anticipation. The DJ, Paul Aaaron selected some impressive classics for us all to jam to, as we waited for the first artist to take the stage.
First up was Jae P – a rapper/emcee from North London, who has supported Akon on tour. He opened the showcase with his track 'Wonderful Dream' which had a nice flow, creative lyrics and a catchy hook. Next, he performed his first single due for release from his album: 'Unsigned and Hungry: vol.1' (out March 2008). Entitled, 'You Don't Even Know My Name', it's a tune for anyone that has ever had a crush! A great track, especially for the summer months. Also look out for a wicked fusion track that combines Indy acoustics and Jae P's hip hop style in 'Good Morning'.
Jae P proves that UK hip hop is still producing talented artists: his use of flow and rhythm give his lyrics shape and he has clarity to his voice, as I heard when he performed a capella.
Up next was soul singer Sante, who although seemed a little nervous, nevertheless, performed well. Sante possesses a sweet voice, which was better revealed on her slower, sexier track 'Tonight'.
Her vocals chop and change between rough and smooth like sea. Sante has a sultry quality her voice and the audience were receptive to her lyrics.
Third on the bill was Jamie Lewis: the birthday boy came with entourage in tow to perform on his special day. Accompanied by beat-boxer MC Zani – more on him in a bit! He sang two original tracks; 'Slowly Getting Nowhere' and 'Vibin Me' and did a cover of Musiq Soulchild's 'Girlfriend'.
'Slowly Getting Nowhere' has an excellent backing track, and many people will relate to the lyrics. 'Vibin Me' was a more upbeat song. His style is more commercial, better suited to popular RnB. Jamie Lewis is smooth, there's no doubt about that. He has that 'ladies man aura' about him.
Here I have to mention MC Zani who tore the place up with his freestyle beatboxing! What an amazing talent to have! He gave us some Timberland classics: Justin Timberlake's 'My Love', Genuine's 'Pony' and Aaliayh's 'Are You That Somebody?' And it was just him, no backing track, no music, just his voice, singing and all! Fantastic interlude to the show!
Last but not least was Kyra Simone: petite with a mega watt smile. And what a voice! So much better live, because you get to experience the nuances of her voice, which has an awesome range and power. Kyra Simone has tight control over her instrument: rapidly changing her tone and pitch, along with the personality behind the voice. She was accompanied on acoustic guitar by Super Soul Brotha Del, and her backing singers Jason Jermaine and Andrae Bentley were fantastic.
For our listening pleasure, she performed 'He Is my God' and 'Let's Just Be Friends' and 'Cup of Coffee' and then she hit us with a jazz lounge version of Janet Jackson's 'Any Time, Any Place'.
Ms Simone reminds be of a mix between Dawn Robinson and a female Raphael Saadiq. Expect big things from little Ms Kyra Simone.
A very enjoyable night on the whole, and something that I think should be made a regular thing if possible. Live music, home-grown talent and pleasant atmosphere – what more could you ask for on a Friday night?
Big thanks go to UKSoul.org family for bringing us an evening of soulful entertainment. Also to Paul Aaaron, Groove Lineage and the Hobgoblin for hosting the event.
Review By WordSmith (http://www.myspace.com/ladywordsmith)
PODCAST:
UK Soul's very own Steven McIntosh recently went out on location to interview two up and coming singers called Kyra Simone and Emarah about their forthcoming projects, their opinions on the current music scene and much more. To listen to the interview and download it please visit the UK Soul's Clickcaster page at http://www.clickcaster.com/uksoul.
Jermaine and Mariah have been making music together for over ten years so the chemistry between them is tight, have a look and see what happens when Jermaine stops by Mariah's in house studio. I'm really excited about her new album even more since I heard 80% of it!
25 years on since the release of the biggest selling album of all time "Thriller" from the king of music Michael Jackson has now been re-released, with remixes from Kanye West, Akon & Will.I.Am. Check out the video below of Will.I.Am talking to the main producer behind the album Quincy Jones, this is very very interesting.
Its all about Alicia Keys in the UK this month, you can see her perform in the following cites on these dates-
Monday 25 Feb - SECC (Glasgow)
Tuesday 26th Feb - MEN Arena (Manchester)
Thursday 28th Feb - NIA (Birmingham)
Friday 29th Feb ) O2 Arena (London)
You can purchase tickets here
Here's a taste of what you can expect if you see Alicia live, check out her performance at the recent Super Bowl XL II
You may or may not feel the same as me but I actually like Fergie, only as a solo artist mind you. "Glamourous" was one of my favorite club tunes last year and I really like hearing "Clumsy" on the radio (bit scared to play it on my own show) For me it was her joining The Black Eyed Peas so late in their career and then doing all them cheesy hooks and her over doing in all the videos. Anyway she's currently in Australia on tour with the legendary pop group the Police.
Here's a couple of pictures from Fergie and the Police performing "Don't Stand So Close To Me" at Members Equity Stadium in Perth on Sunday Feb 3rd 2008.
Big up to DJ Semtex for the exclusive pics
We done did it again! Listen back to the 1Xtra RnB show with yours truly to hear brand music from Ryan Leslie Ft Craig David, Tyra B Ft Soulja Boy, UK talent - Sheya, Janet and of course loads more. Listen back HERE
Missy Elliot Feat Ciara & Jay Z- Ching A Ling (Remix) (Goldmind/Atlantic)
Usher Feat Ludarcris- Dat Girl Right There (White)
Darron Brown-Fuel
Chris Brown- Picture Perfect (J)
Tyra B Fear Soulja Boy-Get It Poppin (Asylum, Warner Bros)
The Dream- Ditch That (Def Jam)
Mary J Blige –Just Fine (Swizz Beats Remix)
Britney Spears/Janet Jackson -Gimme More/ Feedback (G Child Refix)
Janet Jackson- Luv (Mercury)
Janet Jackson-Feedback (Mercury)
Cheri Dennis- Portrait Of Love (Bad Boy)
Justin Timberlake ft Missy Elliot - Sexy Back (Jive)
Snoop Dogg – Sensual Seduction (Geffen)
Craig David Feat Ryan Leslie-6 Of 1 Thing (Remix)
Ryan Leslie Feat Craig David & Mims- Diamond Girl (Remix) Exclusive
Bow Wow, Omarion, Soulja Boy & Cassidy – Hey Baby (Sony BMG)
The Dream-Falsetto (Def Jam)
Tyrese Feat Ludacris- Come To See Me
Alicia Keys- Live You'll Never See Me Again (J)
Mary J Blige- Till The Morning (Geffen)
Kanye West Feat R Kelly-Flashing Lights (Remix)
Black Buddafly –Flashing Lights (White)
T-Pain-Church (Konvict Muzik/Jive Records)
Uncle Charlie Wilson Feat T Pain- Super Sexy
Jill Scott- Hate On Me (Soul Channel Remix)
Cheri Dennis- Spaced Out (Bad Boy)
