Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Song of the Day: "You" (Raheem DeVaughn)


"You" - Raheem DeVaughn
  • Writers and Producers: DeVaughn & Hunt
  • Record Label: 1228/Jive/Zomba
  • Released in 2006 from The Love Experience
  • Peaked at #18 on the Hot Adult R&B charts



Amazing Cover: "I Know You Won't (Unplugged)" (Kelly Clarkson)


Kelly Clarkson's Vh1 Unplugged episode aired during her 2011 promotional tour for her latest album Stronger and during her set, Kelly opted to perform fellow American Idol winner Carrie Underwood's ballad "I Know You Won't" and transformed the country tinged ballad more into a torch blues ballad.

With that said, I've been holding out for Clarkson to release her own version for awhile now, but since this hasn't materialized yet, you'll just have to settle for re-watching Kelly's sublime cover below!

Second Listen: "I Could Fall In Love" (Selena)


One of the most tragic events to impact music in the past 20 years in my opinion was the tragic passing of Selena twenty years ago today. While she was just on the verge of global crossover success, Selena was sadly taken away from us all too early.

With that said, take a second listen below to the first single, "I Could Fall In Love," from Selena's sixth and final LP Dreaming of You below as we remember her on this tragic day.

New Joint: "Yoga" (Janelle Monáe ft. Jideena)


Janelle Monáe's Wondaland Records is off to a great start with the buzz rising about the group's forthcoming EP Eephus due out this May. Led off by Jideena's "Classic Man," the set's second offering "Yoga," which is led by Janelle Monáe and features Jideena, is even better than "Classic Man" in my opinion.

While the date of Eephus's release is unclear, the set will feature joints from all of Wondaland's artists including Roman GianArthur, Alex Belle and Isis Valentino of St. Beauty, Jidenna, Nate Wonder and Chuck Lighting of Deep Cotton and more.

With that said, take a listen below to Janelle Monáe's banger "Yoga" and Enjoy!

Mashup: "All I Want (Runaway Pt. II)" (Jhené Aiko, The Weeknd, Frank Ocean)


Producer JayBeatz is back again with another dope mashup and this time it comes in the form of "All I Want (Runaway Pt. II)," which features Alternative R&B Favorites Jhené Aiko, The Weeknd, and Frank Ocean.

Mixing Jhené Aiko's "Living Room Flow" with The Weeknd's "Where You Belong," and Frank Ocean's "Pink Matter," "All I Want (Runaway Pt. II)" gives us a glimpse of what a collaboration between these three music heavyweights could sound like.

With that said, take a listen below to "All I Want (Runaway Pt. II)" and cop the free download while supplies last!

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Amazing Cover: "One In A Million" (Keshia Chanté)


Back in 2011 as a tribute to the late singer Aaliyah, Keshia Chanté covered one of Aaliyah's iconic jams to honor ten years since to tragic passing of Aaliyah.

While Keshia had been rumored for years to be portraying Aaliyah in a biopic, she clearly was not involved in the Aaliyah Lifetime biopic that was almost universally panned by critics and fans. Hopefully if/when Aaliyah gets a feature film treatment, Keshia has a eerie resemblance to Aaliyah in my opinion will get the change to portray her.

Either way you might feel about the Lifetime Aaliyah biopic, peep Keshia Canté's sublime cover of "One In A Million" below!

Cut: "Your Love's Supreme" (Chanté Moore)


Back in 1994, Chanté Moore released her sophomore album A Love Supreme and while none of the songs made a splash on the Billboard Hot 100, one of my favorite joints from Chanté is featured on said album.

While most people will recall Chanté's biggest hit, "Chanté's Got a Man" from her third studio album, I'll always remember Chanté for "Your Love's Supreme." With that said, take a listen below to Chanté Moore's cut "Your Love's Supreme" and Enjoy!

Second Listen: "Suitcase" (Emeli Sandé)


While Emeli Sandé is currently hard at work on her forthcoming sophomore album which will follow her breakthrough debut Our Version of Events, I thought it would be nice to revisit one of my favorite joints from the set "Suitcase."

For some reason "Suitcase" came into my mind earlier today while I was watching some TV and I immediately revisited this sublime joint from Emeli. While it never received the single's treatment, it really is one of my top five favorite joints from Our Version of Events and hopefully will receive more attention as her career continues.

With that said, take a first or second listen below to "Suitcase" and Enjoy!

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Song of the Day: "So Into You" (Ledisi)


"So Into You" - Ledisi
  • Composers: Rex Rideout, Ledisi Young & Darrell Crooks
  • Record Label: Verve Forecast
  • Released in 2011 from Pieces Of Me



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 almost five 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: "My Funny Valentine" (Ledisi)


It's Ledisi's birthday today, and I thought wouldn't it be a great way to kick off her birthday by watching her powerhouse performance of "My Funny Valentine" from a few years ago? (Which is one of my favorite performances of Ledisi I've ever seen, definitely top 10 if not top 5)

With that said, Ledisi's rendition of the jazz standard "My Funny Valentine" from "Soul of Rogers" a few years back is the perfect gem from her live collection vault to help honor Valentine's Day as her vocals on this icon joint are aw inspiring each and every time I revisit it. Watch Ledisi knock this song out of the universe below and Enjoy!

Friday, March 27, 2015

Second Listen: "Can't Let Go" (Mariah Carey)


Back in 1991, Mariah Carey released her sophomore album Emotions and the second single from her album was the powerhouse ballad "Can't Let Go," which would go onto peak at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Written by Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff, "Can't Let Go" is one of those hits that sometimes gets forgotten amongst Mariah's discography that is brimming over with #1s.

With that say, as we celebrate Mariah Carey's "anniversary" aka birthday, I thought it would be nice to revisit this gem below.

Live Audio: "Don’t Explain" (Mariah Carey)


I've been telling people for years that I would love for Mariah Carey to do a jazz album because her tone and vocal abilities could really create an artistic moment that I think we've all been hungry for these past few years, not just from her, but music in general.

With that said, Mariah Carey kicked off The Elusive Chanteuse Show at Tokyo’s Makuhair Messe Arena back in October of 2014 and during an impromptu moment, Mariah decided to cover the Billie Holiday classic "Don’t Explain" in all its glory.

Luckily for us, one of her fans recorded the live vocal performance from Mariah and you can take a listen to it below as we celebrate Mariah's birthday today!

Song of the Day: "All in Love Is Fair" (Stevie Wonder)


"All in Love Is Fair" - Stevie Wonder
  • Writer: Stevie Wonder
  • Producer: Stevie Wonder
  • Record Label: Tamla
  • Featured on 1973's Innervisions 



Thursday, March 26, 2015

Live Audio: "Someday We'll Be Together" (Diana Ross & The Supremes)


Though Diana Ross has never been known to possess a powerhouse voice, she has one of pop music's most iconic and recognizable voice with her cooing soprano and during The Supremes' farewell performance in Las Vegas in 1970, Diana Ross and The Supremes performing a touching rendition of their classic "Someday We'll Be Together".

With that said, take a listen below to this sublime live audio of "Someday We'll Be Together" from the iconic girl group from Detroit and Enjoy!

Second Listen: "Missing You" (Diana Ross)


Diana Ross's discography of hits is so vast that it'd be impossible to encompass all of her solo glory and The Supreme years in just one day. With that said, "Missing You" was the third 45 release from her album Swept Away, the song was written, composed, and produced by Lionel Richie as a tribute to Marvin Gaye, who had died earlier that year.

Ross and Gaye were lifelong friends and label mates, having both joined Motown in 1961, and recorded a duet album together, Diana & Marvin, in 1973, later recording two more duets in 1978. Gaye appeared at Ross' 1982 Brussels concert while Gaye was living in Belgium, recording the Midnight Love album.

The song was built during conversations about Gaye shared by Ross and Richie, who came up with a song shortly after the conversations. Released in late 1984, the song became Diana's last major hit on the US pop singles chart, hitting the Top 10 in the spring of 1985 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also her last song to reach number one on the Hot Black Singles chart.

Cut: "Remember Me" (Diana Ross)


Back in 1970, Diana Ross recorded and released the Ashford & Simpson written and produced joint "Remember Me" and while the song would go onto become her third top forty pop hit within a year peaking at #16 on the Pop charts and even becoming a top ten hit (peaking at #10) on the Soul charts, this is an often forgotten joint from Ross' vast discography.

With that said, take a listen below to this "cut" from Ms. Ross that would lead her 1971 album Surrender below and Enjoy!

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Live Video of the Day: "Oh Me, Oh My (I'm a Fool for You)" (Aretha Franklin)


Back in 1973, Aretha Franklin appeared on Soul Train and during her time on the show, she performed a stirring rendition of "Oh Me, Oh My (I'm a Fool for You)." Lifted from Franklin's 1972 album Young, Gifted and Black, her cover of the Lulu original is more pleasing to my ears and of course when the Queen of Soul performs live, she takes it to another level.

With that said, watch Ms. Franklin's sublime live rendition of "Oh Me, Oh My (I'm a Fool for You)" after the jump and Enjoy!

Song of the Day: "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" (Aretha Franklin)


"Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" - Aretha Franklin
  • Writers: Chips Moman & Dan Penn
  • Producer: Jerry Wexler
  • Record Label: Atlantic Records
  • Released in 1967 from Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
  • Peaked at #37 on the Billboard Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart
  • Ranked #476 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time



Second Listen: "Angel" (Aretha Franklin)


My favorite song from the Queen of Soul's recorded discography has to be the somber ballad her sister Carolyn penned for her entitled "Angel."

Released in 1973 from Hey Now Hey (The Other Side of the Sky), "Angel" was produced by both Aretha Franklin and Quincy Jones and while it proved to be a hit topping the R&B charts for two weeks and going Gold, it seems as if it's a lesser known hit to some fans and doesn't garner the same attention as some of her more classic material.

With that said, take a first or second listen below to the Queen of Soul's "Angel" as we celebrate her birthday and Enjoy!

Live Audio: "Dr. Feelgood (Love Is a Serious Business)" (Aretha Franklin)


There is nothing better then hearing a live recording of The Queen of Soul during her golden era and as we celebrate her 73rd birthday, I thought we could revisit one of my favorite live performances from her.

With that said, take a listen to Ms. Franklin getting down on her classic "Dr. Feelgood [Love Is A Serious Business]." This nearly 8 minute opus is full of classic Franklin wails and runs that will have you feeling real good.

Therefore, spend a few minutes below listening to the Queen of Soul's sublime live rendition of "Dr. Feelgood [Love Is A Serious Business]" and Enjoy!

Rare Recording: "Someday We'll All Be Free" (Aretha Franklin)


I posted this rare recording of Aretha Franklin's sublime cover of the Donny Hathaway classic "Someday We'll All Be Free" a few weeks ago and as we continue to celebrate the Queen of Soul's 72nd birthday, I thought I might as well repost it.

Back in 1992, Spike Lee released the biopic Malcolm X about the legendary civil rights activist Malcolm X and the Denzel Washington-starring film also featured a powerful soundtrack that was anchored in my opinion by Aretha Franklin's riveting rendition of the Donny Hathaway classic "Someday We'll All Be Free."

Originally featured on Donny's Extension of a Man album, Aretha Franklin's rare rendition of this classic cut from the Malcolm X official soundtrack features a gospel testament at the beginning of the song and is one of those rare recordings that not enough people are familiar with in my opinion.

With that said, take a few minutes this Sunday morning and listen to the Queen of Soul, Ms. Aretha Franklin's sublime rendition of Donny Hathaway's "Someday We'll All Be Free" below and Enjoy!

Amazing Cover: "Nessun Dorma" (Aretha Franklin)


As we honor Aretha Franklin's 73rd birthday today, I wanted to revisit this riveting and groundbreaking performance from the Queen of Soul.

This performance is why Aretha Franklin has transcended to become the Empress of Music. On a moments notice, she performed this amazing cover in a different key then she had performed it nights before.

In addition, The Queen went on stage without practicing, warming up, or having enough time to fully comprehend what she was doing. This simply, is what legend are made.

Take a few minutes and watch Aretha Franklin's riveting rendition of "Nessun Dorma" below and Enjoy!

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Rare Recording: "Love Me Still" (Chaka Khan)


To celebrate Chaka Khan's birthday yesterday, I thought that it would be nice to listen to this rare rerecording of Chaka Khan's "Love Me Still." Lifted from an album called Rare Request v2 back in 2001, Chaka rerecorded her classic slow jam "Love Me Still" and my uncle and I always shared a love and adoration for Chaka Khan.

This different versions finds a much deeper tone in Khans voice and a different ending towards the song. Also the addition of strings to the instrumentation really bring another side to this track. Catch a listen to this rare recording of "Love Me Still" below and Enjoy!

Song of the Day: "Do You Love What You Feel" (Rufus & Chaka Khan)


"Do You Love What You Feel" - Rufus and Chaka Khan
  • Writer: Hawk Wolinski
  • Producer: Quincy Jones
  • Record Label: ABC
  • Released in 1979 from Masterjam
  • Peaked at #30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Hot Soul Singles chart



Cut: "One Of These Mornings" (Moby ft. Patti LaBelle)


Came across this joint earlier today on a playlist and though I would bring it back for another cut listen. Back in 2006, the Miami Vice Original Motion Picture Soundtrack was released accompanying the film adaptation of the hit TV show.

With that said, one of the standout joints from the soundtrack has to be the Moby and Patti LaBelle collaboration which finds Ms. LaBelle's vocals front and center surrounded by some impressive instrumentation from Moby. With that said, take a listen after the jump to their joint "One Of These Mornings" from the Miami Vice soundtrack and Enjoy!

Monday, March 23, 2015

Song of the Day: "What Cha' Gonna Do With My Lovin" (Stephanie Mills)


"What Cha' Gonna Do With My Lovin" - Stephanie Mills
  • Writers: Reggie Lucas & James Mtume
  • Producers: James Mtume & Reggie Lucas
  • Record Label: 20th Century-Fox Records
  • Released in 1979 from What Cha' Gonna Do with My Lovin'
  • Peaked at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #8 on the Hot Soul Singles chart



Live Audio: "Open My Heart" (Yolanda Adams)


Yolanda Adams released a live album entitled The Experience back in 2001 and one of the standout tracks from her live album was the nearly 8 minute gospel opus of "Open My Heart," where Adams testifies through this soulful performance.

Originally lifted as the first single from Yolanda's Mountain High...Valley Low, it became her first #1 single on the Billboard Gospel charts and even peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles & Tracks chart.

With that said, Yolanda clearly has one of the best voices in the industry today hands down and you can take a listen below to enjoy her spirited performance!

Second Listen: "I Remember" (Keyshia Cole)


Back in 2007, Keyshia Cole released her sophomore album Just Like You and the second single from the platinum-selling set was her powerful ballad "I Remember" which she co-wrote with producer Greg Curtis.

Officially released from the set that December, "I Remember" would climb the charts to #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs as well as #24 on the Billboard Hot 100. With that said, as Keyshia has released a follow-up to "I Remember" in the form of "Remember (Part 2)," I thought it would be nice to revisit the original.

Therefore, take a second listen below to "I Remember" from Keyshia Cole and Enjoy!

Amazing Cover: "Let's Stay Together" (Tina Turner)


Ahead of Tina Turner's fifth studio album 1984's Private Dancer, she released the set's lead single "Let's Stay Together," in 1983. A cover of the Al Green classic, Tina Turner's sublime rendition would go onto peak at #26 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the US Dance chart.

With that said, take a listen after the jump to Tina Turner's sublime rendition of "Let's Stay Together" and Enjoy!

Cut: "Mo Better" (Raheem DeVaughn)


Back in 2008, Raheem DeVaughn released his sophomore album Love Behind the Melody and one of the cuts from his album was the nearly 8 minute smooth joint "Mo Better."

Though it never received the single's treatment, "Mo Better" is one of those joints that true fans of Raheem's known about and truly enjoy.

With that said, take a listen to Raheem's cut "Mo Better" below and Enjoy!

Remix: "My Everything (Ahmed's Ballad Remix)" (Lalah Hathaway)


Lalah Hathaway's latest studio album 2011's Where It All Begins was a solid effort from the famed songstress and during the release of her album, she held a remix contest and Ahmed Sirour crafted a beautiful remix to her uptempo joint "My Everything."

Opting to slow the pace down a bit on "My Everything (Ahmed's Ballad Remix)," this ballad remix of Lalah's joint "My Everything" really allows her vocals and the words to take center stage in a way that wasn't accomplished in my opinion on the original.

Why this didn't win the remix competition is unbeknownst to me, but this is a dope remix that warrants several listens and the free download that Ahmed has generously provided for casual listeners. With that said, take a listen below to "My Everything (Ahmed's Ballad Remix)" and Enjoy!

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Song of the Day: "Move On Up" (Curtis Mayfield)


"Move On Up" - Curtis Mayfield
  • Writer: Curtis Mayfield 
  • Producer: Curtis Mayfield
  • Record Label: Curtom
  • Released in 1970 from Curtis
  • Peaked at #12 on the UK Singles Chart



Second Listen: "Emotional Rollercoaster" (Vivian Green)


Back in 2002, Vivian Green released her debut album A Love Story. Having previously served as one of Jill Scott's original background singers, Green took the the charts herself with her lead single "Emotional Rollercoaster," which would go on to become Vivian's biggest hit to date peaking at #13 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.

The song even crossed over and became her first and thus far only top 40 hit on the Hot 100 peaking at #39. With that said, you can relive Green's poignant smooth jam "Emotional Rollercoaster," after the jump and Enjoy!

Cut: "Shirk" (Me'Shell Ndegeocello)


One of my fiends Jon reintroduced me to the sublime work of Me'Shell Ndegeocello last week and one of her cuts that he insisted I listen to was her powerful song "Shirk," which was featured on her 2007 album The World Has Made Me the Man of My Dreams.

An artistic genius who hasn't been given her just dues, Me'Shell Ndegeocello is one of those artists that really strikes you to your core if you open up and receive her honest lyrics and voice. With that said, take a listen below to her cut "Shirk" and Enjoy!

Remix: "Love Hangover (DiFrankz' Sweet Chill Out Remix)" (Diana Ross)


Though Diana Ross has yet to win a competitive Grammy, the iconic Diva was honored back in 2012 with a Lifetime Achievement Grammy. While Ms. Ross was monumental in the changing the musical landscape, it is a bit shocking that she never won a Grammy Award with the Supremes or as a solo artist.

Either way you feel, DiFrankz released a sublime smooth remix of Diana's 1976 Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit "Love Hangover" in the form of "Love Hangover (DiFrankz' Sweet Chill Out Remix)." Take a listen below to this standout remix and Enjoy!

Saturday, March 21, 2015

TV Rewind: "Mary Mary" Season 4 Episode 3


Earlier this week on We TV, the third episode of season four's Mary Mary Tina and Teddy renew their vows to one another and Erica contemplates missing the ceremony for a major solo opportunity in NYC.

In addition Mitchell is back and hopes to work with Tina on her solo project while attempting to stir up some drama with Erica. With that said, peep the latest episode of Mary Mary below and Enjoy!

Live Video of the Day: "Honeymoon Avenue" (Ariana Grande)


Ariana Grande has been selling out arena after arena here in the States with her The Honeymoon Tour it it should really come as no surprise why as the four octave vocal phenom has been impressing her fans not only with her aw-inspiring vocals but elaborate staging and dance moves.

Even though the staging and dancing are great, what separates Ariana from her peers is her sheer vocal abilities as a singer as there hasn't been a pop singer in quite some time to come along with quite as much vocal power and control as Ms. Grande.

With that said, one of the highlights from her set is her sublime rendition of her joint "Honeymoon Avenue," which inspired the tour's name and is one of my favorite songs from her growing discography. Peep Ariana's performance of "Honeymoon Avenue" below and Enjoy!

Song of the Day: "Halfcrazy" (Musiq Soulchild)


"Halfcrazy" - Musiq Soulchild
  • Writers and Producers: Taalib Johnson, Ivan Barias, Carvin Haggins, Francis Lai
  • Record Label: Def Soul/ Def Jam
  • Released in 2002 from Justlisen
  • Peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 & #2 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart



Second Listen: "I Wish" (Carl Thomas)


Back in 2000 Carl Thomas released his #1 R&B hit single "I Wish" off of his debut album Emotional. Peaking at the summit of the Billboard R&B charts back in 2000, the song stayed atop the chart for six straight weeks and would go onto become Thomas' signature hit.

With that said, take a second listen below to Carol Thomas' "I Wish" and Enjoy!

New Joint: "Wonder Woman" (LION BABE)


Rising NYC  duo LION BABE (singer/songwriter Jillian Hervey (Vanessa Williams' daughter) and instrumentalist/producer Lucas Goodman) are back with their first new taste of music in 2015 with their Pharrell produced "Wonder Woman."

Premiering earlier this week in the UK, "Wonder Woman" is the duo's official followup to their self-titled EP which featured their buzzing singles "Jump Hi," "Jungle Lady" and "Treat Me Like Fire."

With that said, take a listen below to "Wonder Woman" which even features Pharrell providing some background vocals below and lookout for their debut album later this year.

Friday, March 20, 2015

Song of the Day: "Love and War" (Tamar Braxton)


"Love and War" - Tamar Braxton
  • Writers: Tamar Braxton, LaShawn Daniels, Makeba Riddick
  • Producers: DJ Camper
  • Record Label: Epic Records
  • Release in 2012 from Love & War
  • Peaked at #57 on the Billboard Hot 100 & #13 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart 



Amazing Cover: "Try A Little Tenderness" (Amber Riley)


With the series finale of FOX's Glee slated for tonight, I thought it would be appropriate to revisit one of Amber Riley's amazing covers from her time on FOX's Glee, where she was sadly underutilized.

I haven't heard an Amber Riley cover I haven't liked and if nothing, her time on Glee proved that Amber is definitely one of the most gifted vocalists currently in the industry and hopefully we will hear some original music from Ms. Riley before the end of 2014.

Amber's voice is so soulful and powerful that she garners attention whenever she covers a record. With that said, below you will find Amber's amazing cover of the Otis Redding classic "Try A Little Tenderness." Though several artists have remade this song in the past few years, Amber's is my favorite by far. Her gospel soaked pipes fit perfectly for the song.

Listen below and Enjoy!

Live Clip: "Summertime/Call You Right Back" (Rachelle Ferrell & Ledisi)


I am going to see Ledisi tonight during her The Intimate Truth Tour and in advance of the wonderful show that I know it will turn out to be, I thought it would be nice to watch one of my favorite performances from her that includes the brilliant Rachelle Ferrell.

With that said, during one of Rachelle Ferrell's shows a few years ago, Ledisi was attending and Rachelle brought her on stage to exchange some brilliant scats and runs during "Summertime," which then moved into a totally ad-libed song "Call You Right Back."

Watch it all go down below and Enjoy!

New Joint: "living room flow" (Jhené Aiko)


Yesterday, Jhené Aiko released a new joint "living room flow" to her official Soundcloud. While it's unclear if this is an outtake from her recording of her debut album Souled Out or featured on a forthcoming project, "living room flow" is another solid joint from the GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter.

Produced by the Fisticuffs and written by Jhené, it's the perfect mellow groove to move right into your weekend before spring officially kicks off here in the States. With that said, take a listen below to "living room flow" and Enjoy!

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Remix: "Breathe (SevnthWonder Bootleg)" (Toni Braxton)


A few years ago, a friend of my Tarica sent me this sublime remix by Sevnth Wonder in the form of "Breathe (SevnthWonder Bootleg)" last night and I've been jamming to it in rotation ever since. Sampling Toni's vocals from "Breathe Again," Sevnth Wonder infuses an upbeat tempo and pitches Toni's vocals in a way that really create a new masterpiece in my book.

Therefore, take a listen below to "Breathe (SevnthWonder Bootleg)" and if you like what you hear, cop the free download while supplies last!

Second Listen: "Rhythm of the Night" (DeBarge)


Back in 1985. DeBarge released what would become their biggest hit to date entitled "Rhythm of the Night" and I don't know about you, but this classic is still in rotation for me.

Written by Diane Warren, "Rhythm of the Night" would go onto peak at #1 on Hot Black Singles as well as #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Take a second listen after the jump and Enjoy!

Amazing Cover: "Something" (Lauryn Hill)


In honor of the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ U.S. debut performance, Lauryn Hill  took to CBS's Late Show with David Letterman this past February to pay tribute to the Fab Four with a sublime performance and cover of the groups Abbey Road classic "Something."

While Ms. Hill has winding down her tour, hopefully 2015 proves to be the year for the long awaited followup to Lauryn Hill's 1998 classic album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Either way it turns up, it's great to see the eight-time Grammy winner, back out there performing.

With that said, watch Lauryn Hill's performance of "Something" below as we celebrate The Beatles and their incredible legacy in music.

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Cut: "With You" (Marsha Ambrosius)


While Marsha Ambrosius just recently released her sophomore solo LP Friends & Lovers, I can't help but recall her brilliant debut album Late Nights & Early Mornings that featured her breakout single "Far Away."

While "Far Away" increased Marsha's visibility, she had quite a few cuts on her album that were worthy of her grown and sexy album title and one of them was her Alicia Keys co-written joint "With You." Featured as the second track on Late Nights & Early Mornings, this should be a staple on some Quiet Storm playlists in my opinion and on some of your own "late night" grown-and-sexy playlists.

With that said, take a listen after the jump to Marsha's cut "With You" and hopefully you've checked out her sophomore LP Friends & Lovers which is in stores now!