Sunday, March 31, 2013

Remix: "Golden remake(ma" (Jill Scott)


Jill Scott's "Golden" has received the remix treatment numerous times and I just recently re-stubbled upon Jamel Kimbrough's remix entitled "Golden remake(ma." With that said, take a listen below to his remake/remix of Scott's classic "Golden" and Enjoy!


Live Video of the Day: "Nothing's Real But Love" (Rebecca Ferguson)


X-Factor UK finalist Rebecca Ferguson has been making a name for herself in the UK for the past few years  with the release of her debut album Heaven, and while she is currently working on a followup to her sublime LP, I thought we would take it back to the lead single from her debut set. With that said, the lead single from the effort is her solid joint "Nothing's Real But Love," which allows Rebecca's voice to take center stage. Watch her perform a sublime rendition from The Graham Norton Show below and Enjoy!


Song of the Day: "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" (The Temptations)


"Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" - The Temptations
  • Writers: Norman Whitfield & Barrett Strong
  • Producer: Norman Whitfield
  • Record Label:  Motown
  • Released in 1972 from "All Directions"
  • Peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and $5 on the Hot Black Singles chart.
  • Won a 1973 Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Group & Best R&B Song

Second Listen: "Any Time, Any Place" (Janet Jackson)


** Reposting this because I've been jamming yet again to this brillant Janet joint!**

Janet Jackson's "Any Time, Any Place" has been gaining a lot of reinterest as Kendrick Lamar's hit single "Poetic Justice" riffs off of this sublime Janet Jackson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis crafted banger. Released as the fifth single from Janet., "Any Time, Any Place" would go onto peak at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and top the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. With that said, take a first, or hopefully second listen to "Any Time, Any Place" below and Enjoy!


New Joint: "Breathe" (DB2)


Came across this new joint from artist-on-the-rise DB2 yesterday and the Queens, NY born singer/songwriter/producer/engineer/composer offers up a solid smooth joint in the form of the Felix Snow produced "Alt R&B" joint "Breathe." Potentially lifted from DB2's forthcoming solo project, you can take a listen to it below and if you like what you hear, cop the free download while supplies last!


Rare Performance: "A Change Is Gonna Come" (Patti LaBelle)


During UNCF's 2009 An Evening of Stars which honored Patti LaBelle that year, the Grammy-winning songstress took to the stage at the end to accept the honor and was begged by the audience to perform a little something after the festive evening. Always ready at a moment's notice, Patti LaBelle went into a spirited rendition of the Sam Cooke classic "A Change Is Gonna Come" with the assistance of Ricky Minor and his band. Watch Patti's impromptu rendition of "A Change Is Gonna Come" below and Enjoy!


Cut: "Your Heart's Not Safe" (Liam Bailey)


Back in 2010, Bailey released two EPs; 2am Rough Tracks and So Down, Cold on Amy Winehouse's Lioness Records. Recorded entirely by Bailey on his guitar, his debut EP 2am Rough Tracks was released on 23 September 2010, following the recording some weeks before. Featuring "Your Heart's Not Safe", "I'd Rather Go Blind" and "Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want," Bailey's soulful vocals took centerstage on his sublime raw EP. With that said, you can listen below to one of the three brillant cuts from the piece entitled "Your Heart's Not Safe."


Saturday, March 30, 2013

Remix: "Can You Hear Me Now?" (Brandy feat. French Montana)


While a third single from Brandy's latest release Two Eleven has not been released yet, her Rico Love produced joint "Can You Hear Me Now" has received the remix treatment with the assistance of French Montana. With that said, take a listen to the French Montana assisted "Can You Hear Me Now?" below and Enjoy!



Live Video of the Day: "In My Mind" (Heather Headley)


I've always been a fan of Heather Headley since I saw her in The Lion King back in the day and while she is currently shutting it down in the West End in The Bodyguard Musical,  I wanted to take it back to Headley's sublime performance of her hit single"In My Mind." Lifted from her co-headlining tour with Anthony Hamilton from back in the mid-2000s, you can watch her phenomenal performance of "In My Mind" below!


Song of the Day: "You and I (We Can Conquer the World)" (Stevie Wonder)


"You and I (We Can Conquer the World)" - Stevie Wonder
  • Writer and Producer: Stevie Wonder
  • Record Label: Tamla
  • Featured on 1972's Talking Book

Rare Performance: "Anytime You Need A Friend" (Mariah Carey)


Back in 1993, Mariah Carey released her future diamond-certified album Music Box and to help promote the album, Carey held an intimate performance at Proctor's Theater and performed her future fourth single "Anytime You Need A Friend." While the song peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100, it is an often forgotten about Carey classic and this rare performance of a younger Mariah Carey cooing it out is on point to say the least. With that said, watch her powerful performance of "Anytime You Need A Friend" below and Enjoy!


Cut: "Love, Love, Love" (Donny Hathaway)


Donny Hathaway's last studio album 1973's Extension of a Man offered up some of the best material from the famed crooner and one of the cuts from his classic LP has to be "Love, Love, Love." Sampled by Jay-Z for his hit "Girls, Girls, Girls," "Love, Love, Love" was released as the lead single from Extension of a Man, but is often forgotten as one of the gems from his discography. With that said, take a listen to "Love, Love, Love" below and Enjoy!


A Cappella: "The Greatest Love of All" (B.Slade)


B.Slade aka Tonéx is one of the most underrated artists currently in the game and while he hasn't gotten hist just dues in terms of his talent, that hasn't stopped him from sharing her anointed gift and back in 2011, B.Slade performed a riveting rendition of the Whitney Houston classic and George Benson original "The Greatest Love of All." With that said, watch his powerful a cappella performance of "The Greatest Love of All" below and Enjoy!


Second Listen: "Weak" (SWV)


While SWV has officially returned to the music scene last year with the release of their highly anticipated "comeback" LP I Missed Us, I thought it would be nice to remember one of their iconic joints from the 1990s, "Weak." Released back in 1993 from the trio's debut album It's About Time, "Weak" would go onto top both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts for 2 weeks. With that said, take a second listen below to "Weak" and Enjoy!


Live Audio: "Amazing Grace" (Whitney Houston)


Whitney Houston's rendition of "Amazing Grace" during "The Bodyguard Tour" is one of the numerous sublime performances that The Voice performed during the apex of her career. With that said, below you will find a recording of Ms. Whitney Houston performing a spirited rendition of the gospel hymn from her last performance of "The Bodyguard Tour" in the US from NYC's famed Radio City Music Hall back in 1994. Houston thanks the fans for coming and talks about taking a break from the business for a while before launching into a vocally riveting performance at 2:16, Whitney proves as she always did why she was considered The Voice. Listen below to her sublime rendition of "Amazing Grace" and Enjoy!


Amazing Cover: "Four Women" (Kelly Price, Marsha Ambrosius, Jill Scott & Ledisi)


Back in 2010 during BET's Black Girls Rock, Kelly Price, Marsha Ambrosius, Jill Scott and Ledisi joined forces to perform a riveting rendition of the Nina Simone classic "Four Women." While it has been over two-and-a-half years since their riveting performance, this quartet's powerful rendition of "Four Women" still seems as if they gathered on that stage just a few days ago in my mind. Either way you feel, watch their powerful performance of "Four Women" below and Enjoy!


Live Clip: "Where Would I Be (The Question)" (Kindred The Family Soul)


Back in May of 2007, Philadelphia's own  Kindred The Family Soul performing "Where Would I Be (The Question)" at the Robin Hood Dell East.  The song which was lifted from Kindred's sophomore album In This Life Together, is a perfect joint to showcase the couple's talented vocal skills. Watch the duo's smooth performance below and Enjoy!


Friday, March 29, 2013

Rare Performance: "Devil In Me" (Natalie Duncan)


When I heard Natalie Duncan back in 2011, I was blown away by her distinct and sublime vocals in addition to her lyrical content and piano skills. With that said, ThatGrapeJuice caught up with Natalie back in 2012 and got her to perform her stunning joint "Devil In Me" on "The Splash." Peep her aw inspiring performance below and lookout if you like what you hear, click here to be redirected to her official website to download her free EP "The Sky Is Falling- Live from the studio."


Live Video of the Day: "Let's Groove" (Earth, Wind, and Fire)


Earth, Wind, and Fire have hits and classic for days and though I have not had the opportunity to catch the legendary group live yet, I can't wait to see these funky cats get down on stage one day soon.  With that said, "Let's Groove" is always one of my favorite EWF joints and the band got down to this classic a few years ago during a live dvd recording. Check out their performance of this classic two-step jam below and Enjoy!



Song of the Day: "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)" (The Temptations)


"Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)" - The Temptations
  • Writers: Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong
  • Producer: Norman Whitfield
  • Record Label: Gordy
  • Released in 1971 from "Sky's the Limit"
  • Peaked at #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Best Selling Soul Singles


Cut: "Superwoman" (Karyn White)


Back in 1988 Karyn White's 1988 breakout single "Superwoman" dropped and it helped propel her into 80s stardom.  Lifted from her self-titled debut album Karyn White, White croons about the loss of her love on this LA Reid, Babyface, and Daryl Simmons produced cut. For some of the young-ins this might be a first listen, but either way, it's a strong song that one should be familiar with. With that said, take a listen to this sublime cut from White below and Enjoy!


Remix: "I Been On" (Beyoncé feat.Bun B, Z-RO, Scarface, Willie D, Slim Thug, & Lil Keke)


Beyoncé's teaser joint "I Been On" has received the official Houston remix in the form of Bun B, Z-RO, Scarface, Willie D, Slim Thug, & Lil Keke assisted rendition. H-town stands all the way up on this remix right here for "I Been On" and you can take a listen to it below!


Live Clip: "Never Would Have Made It"/ "You Are My Friend" (Patti LaBelle)


Several years ago Patti LaBelle took to Montclair, NJ for a one off concert and during her phenomenal set, the Phoenix of Philadelphia took to a sublime medley of the Marvin Sapp hit "Never Would Have Made It" and her own classic "You Are My Friend." With that said, watch a live clip of Ms. Patti LaBelle belting out this spirited medley and Enjoy!


Live Audio: "Turn Me Loose (Unplugged)" (Ledisi)


Ledisi's sublime unplugged rendition of "Turn Me Loose," which is featured on the deluxe limited edition of her latest Pieces Of Me is one of the greatest gems that not a lot of people have been put onto. Words honestly can't describe how happy I am to hear this live unplugged rendition of "Turn Me Loose," every time it comes up during my playlists and hopefully this is only a taste of a potential live project of sorts. Either way it turns out, I am just glad I have a legit unplugged recording of her saning instead of the bootleg youtube rips I've done in the past. Take a listen below to "Turn Me Loose (Unplugged)" and for this alone, picking up a copy of her deluxe limited edition of Pieces Of Me would be in your best interest!


Second Listen: "Love Will Find a Way" (Kenny Lattimore & Heather Headley)


Originally recorded for and released from Disney's The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride, "Love Will Find a Way," eventually found it onto Kenny Lattimore's 1998 album From The Soul Of Man where it gain even more visibility. With that said, this duet with Heather Headley is a rather forgotten musical gem and it's worth a second listen below!


Interview: Bridget Kelly


Rap-UpTV recently caught up with Roc Nation's own Bridget Kelly and during a brief interview with the famed singer-songwriter, Bridget opened up about her upcoming debut album, advice from Jay-Z, and winning her first Grammy Award for her work on Kelly Clarkson's Stronger LP. Peep the interview below and lookout for her debut album later this year!


New Video: "That's Alright" (Laura Mvula)


Laura Mvula's debut album Sing To The Moon has literally been on repeat for me since I purchased it a few weeks ago and now the official video for the set's latest single "That's Alright" has just hit the net. A thumping mid-tempo with a message, the video for "That's Alright" engages with colorism and is shot phenomenally well with the different colors of the house and clothing that Laura wears throughout the video. Peep the official video for "That's Alright" below and Enjoy!


Thursday, March 28, 2013

Live Video of the Day: "Distant Lover" (Marvin Gaye)


On July 7th, 1980 at the 14th Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, Marvin Gaye performed one of his most enthralling sets ever to be captured on tape. Released later that year Marvin Gaye - Live in Montreux 1980, was a live then VHS which showed the soul legend barring all of his emotions on stage. With that said, watch this live performance of Marvin Gaye crooning out a phenomenal version of his classic "Distant Love." Watch and Enjoy!

TV Rewind: "Braxton Family Values" S3 Ep. 3


The Braxton sisters were back at it again earlier this evening on their hit WeTV reality show and during tonight's episode of Braxton Family Values, Tamar is still in full swing promo for her single "Love & War," Toni tributes Barry Manilow, Trina and Towanda open up about their personal lives, Tamar shoots her video for "Love & War,"  the sisters have a family therapy session, and a whole lot more. Watch episode three of the third season of Braxton Family Values below and Enjoy!


Song of the Day: "Knockin'" (Ledisi)


"Knockin'" - Ledisi
  • Writers and Producers: Ledisi Young, Adam Deitch, and Eric Krasno
  • Record Label: Verve
  • Featured on 2009's "Turn Me Loose"


Playback: "You Need Me, I Don't Need You" (Ed Sheeran)




While Ed Sheeran is currently on tour with Taylor Swift as a part of her Red Tour, I wanted to take it back to the original song from his debut album + that caught my attention back in 2011. Entitled "You Need Me, I Don't Need You," this thumping joint from the ginger crooner immediately caught my ear and while it appears as though promo for + here in the US have halted as Ed is currently working on his sophomore followup, "You Need Me, I Don't Need You" is one of those pulsing joints that just gets you going. Take a playback to "You Need Me, I Don't Need You" below and Enjoy!


Live Audio: "The Way" (Jill Scott)


Back in 2008, Jill Scott released her second live audio LP Live In Paris and the first cut off of the album is the reworked thumping "The Way." Though originally a smooth mid-tempo joint, Scott and her band infect some funk and rock into this classic. With that said, take a listen below to her live take on "The Way" and Enjoy!


Cut: "Never Felt This Way" (Brian McKnight)


Back in 1992, Brian McKnight released his self-titled LP Brian McKnight and one of the cuts lifted from his sublime debut has to be track seven aka "Never Felt This Way." With that said, I first became acquainted with this sublime ballad through Alicia Keys' amazing cover on her debut LP and thankfully I check out the original by McKnight. With that said, take a listen below to this sublime cut "Never Felt This Way" below and Enjoy!


Live Clip: "In The Morning" (Ledisi)


In honor of such a tremendous vocalist's birthday today, please enjoy this powerful video of Ledisi performing her late night cut "In The Morning." Taken from a recording of her 2008 Essence Music Festival set, Ledisi coos, croons, belts, sangs, and does so much more in the span of just ten minutes. A one of a kind talent, Ledisi is always giving "church in a juke joint," and  never fails to impress. Watch this powerful clip below and Enjoy!


Second Listen: "If You Think You're Lonely Now" (Bobby Womack)


Back in 1981 Bobby Womack released his classic hit  "If You Think You're Lonely Now" from his album "The Poet. Eventually peaking at  #3 on the Hot Soul Singles chart, "If You Think You're Lonely Now" is Womack's most known hit and was even name dropped by Mariah Carey in her smash hit single "We Belong Together." With that said, take a second listen below to Womack's "If You Think You're Lonely Now" below and Enjoy!


Amazing Cover: "Chelsea Hotel No 2" (Lana Del Rey)


While I was not familiar with Leonard Cohen's "Chelsea Hotel No 2," which is lifted from his 1974 New Skin of the Old Cermony album earlier today, Lana Del Rey released an official video for her new cover of "Chelsea Hotel No 2." While she is currently working on her followup to her sophomore LP Born to Die, I am sure her cover of "Chelsea Hotel No 2" will tide some of her fans over until her third album is released. Take a listen below and watch her official video to her solid cover of "Chelsea Hotel No 2"  and Enjoy!


Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Live Clip: "Hero" (Fantasia)


Grammy winner and American Idol season 3 winner Fantasia was a part of the BMI Urban Awards' tribute to the newly minted American Idol judge and legendary vocalist Mariah Carey last year and  although Fantasia's vocals differ from Carey's melisma filled soprano, 'Tasia let it loose on "Hero" and turned it into a testament towards the end of the song. Peep her sublime rendition of "Hero" below as we celebrate Mariah Carey's birthday aka anniversary!




Live Video of the Day: "Yellow Gold" (Andy Allo)


Billboard recently caught up with Andy Allo and during their time together, Andy performed a solid rendition of her joint "Yellow Gold," which is lifted form her sublime sophomore album Superconductor. Watch her riveting performance of "Yellow Gold" below and if you don't have her album Superconductor, it's worth a purchase!

Song of the Day: "Never Too Much" (Luther Vandross)


"Never Too Much" - Luther Vandross
  • Writer: Luther Vandross
  • Producer: Luther Vandross
  • Released in 1981 from "Never Too Much"
  • Peaked at #33 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Billboard's Hot Soul Singles 
  • Nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1982

Interview: Andy Allo


Billboard recently caught up with Andy Allo and the rising singer-songwriter opened up about her music listening upbringing, working with Prince, being an independent artist, wanting her music to make an impact, and so much more. Watch her interview below and get to know Andy Allo a bit better.


New Video: "Forever" (Donell Jones)


Donell Jones is back with an official video for his lead single "Forever." Lifted from his forthcoming June 18th E1 Music "comeback" album Forever,  the all-white video is directed by G-Visuals and is a solid visual to accompany his rising single "Forever." Watch Donell's official video for "Forever" below and Enjoy!



Live Audio: "I Have Nothing" (Whitney Houston)


Whitney Houston's "The Bodyguard World Tour" offered up some of, if not the best live vocal performances known to modern man and thanks to the power of the Internet we can continue to enjoy her hair-raising vocal performances. With that said, during her "The Bodyguard World Tour," Whitney performed her show-stopping "I Have Nothing" every night to sold-out crowds and as you can tell from her performance in Philadelphia, the audience was in aw before Houston even hit the bridge of her iconic hit. Take a listen below and Enjoy!


Set: "Live Radio City Music Hall" (Luther Vandross)


I am a certified Lutherite and in celebration of my birthday, you know I had let a little Luther Vandross grace our ears. Luther Vandross is the ultimate male vocalist to ever grace the microphone in my opinion and after listening to this live audio set, you would be foolish not to agree. Luther has always been a singer's singer and to me his live material was always better then his recorded albums due to the fact that his live albums always let him show off his phenomenal vocal prowess. With that said, take a listen below to Luther's sublime set from his Live Radio City Music Hall album and Enjoy!